bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bond-graph-based fault detection and isolation for hybrid system models
Authors: Borutzky Wolfgang
Published: May 2012

For the case when the abstraction of instantaneous state transitions is adopted, this paper proposes to start fault detection and isolation in an engineering system from a single time-invariant causality bond graph representation of a hybrid model. To that end, the paper picks up on a long-known proposal to model switching devices by a transformer modulated by a Boolean variable and a resistor in fixed conductance causality accounting for its ON resistance. Bond graph representations of hybrid system models developed in this way have been used so far mainly for the purpose of simulation. The paper shows that they can well constitute an approach to the bond-graph-based quantitative fault detection and isolation of hybrid models. Advantages are that the standard sequential causality assignment procedure can be a used without modification. A single set of analytical redundancy relations valid for all physically feasible system modes can be (automatically) derived from the bond graph. Stiff model equations due to small values of the ON resistance in the switch model may be avoided by symbolic reformulation of equations and letting the ON resistance of some switches tend to zero, turning them into ideal switches.

First, for two examples considered in the literature, it is shown that the approach proposed in this paper can produce the same analytical redundancy relations as were obtained from a hybrid bond graph with controlled junctions and the use of a sequential causality assignment procedure especially for fault detection and isolation purpose. Moreover, the usefulness of the proposed approach is illustrated in two case studies by its application to standard switching circuits extensively used in power electronic systems and by simulation of some fault scenarios. The approach, however, is not confined to the fault detection and isolation of such systems. Analytically validated simulation results obtained by means of the program Scilab give confidence in the approach.
Transnational negotiations and the Europeanization of industrial relations: Potential and obstacles
Authors: da Costa Isabel , Pulignano Valeria , Rehfeldt Udo , Telljohann Volker
Published: May 2012

The increasing number of transnational agreements signed in recent years at the EU-company level suggests a form of Europeanization of industrial relations, as these agreements constitute a formal recognition of social dialogue across national borders. However, empirical results based on a multi-level research about the experiences with these agreements in the metal sector offer a more complex picture. The strategies of the actors at European, national and local levels, and more importantly the degree and type of their coordination, are crucial to understanding the processes and mechanisms which encourage or prevent the emergence of cross-national negotiations at company level.
Exploring the Overlap Between Offending and Victimization Within Intimate Partner Violence in Bosnia and Herzegovina
Authors: Muftić Lisa R. , Deljkić Irma
Published: May 2012

Over the past five decades two parallel bodies of literature have emerged; one examines intimate partner violence (IPV), the other examines the overlap between victimization and offending. Until recently, these two bodies of literature had yet to intersect. The current study provides an exploratory investigation into the overlap between victimization and offending within IPV with a Bosnian adult sample. Utilizing self-report data, 200 Bosnian adults were classified into one of four distinct groups: nonviolent (no history of IPV victimization and/or IPV perpetration), victims (history of IPV victimization only), offenders (history of IPV perpetration only), and victim–offenders (history of IPV victimization and IPV perpetration). Over half of the sample (54%) indicated no prior experiences with IPV within their intimate relationships (current or past). For individuals who characterized their intimate relationships as volatile, analyses indicated that more individuals were involved in mutually violent (having experienced both victimization and perpetration) relationships than solely exclusive behaviors (having experienced only victimization or engaged in perpetration but not both). Moreover, a series of bivariate and multivariate analyses revealed important demographic and behavioral differences between the groupings. Policy implications, as well as suggestions for future research, are presented.
Genetic Polymorphisms of HO-1 and COX-1 Are Associated With Aspirin Resistance Defined by Light Transmittance Aggregation in Chinese Han Patients
Authors: Li Xiao-li , Cao Jian , Fan Li , Wang Qiang , Ye Ling , Cui Chun-Ping , Wang Ya-Zhen , Liu Lin , Li Bin , Wu Ruo-jun , Zhou Feng-chun , Zhang Jun-hong
Published: May 2012

Background:

Cyclooxygenase 1 ( COX-1), COX-2, and HO-1 are involved in the process of aspirin’s effect. The genetic susceptibility of these enzymes to aspirin resistance (AR) is unclear. Methods: A total of 431 patients took aspirin. Using arachidonic acid-induced light transmittance aggregation combined with adenosine diphosphate-induced light transmittance aggregation, 36 participants served for AR, 164 participants for semi-AR, and 231 participants for aspirin sensitivity (AS). The AR with 9 single-nucleotide polymorphism in COX-1, COX-2, and HO-1 genes was investigated.

Results:

COX-1 rs1330344 (−1676A>G) is associated with AR. G-Allele carriers significantly increased the risk of AR. For patients with AS as control, P is .02 (odds ratio [OR] = 1.77, confidence interval [CI]: 1.07-2.92). For patients with semi-AR as control, P is .05. HO-1 rs2071746 (−413A>T) is associated with AR. T-Allele carriers significantly increased the risk of AR. For patients with AS as control, P is .04 (OR = 1.70, CI: 1.02-2.79). For patients with semi-AR as control, P is .05 (OR = 1.68, CI: 1.00-2.80).

Conclusion:

rs2071746 in HO-1 gene, rs1330344 in COX-1 gene contribute to AR.
The concreteness effect and the bilingual lexicon: The impact of visual stimuli attachment on meaning recall of abstract L2 words
Authors: Farley Andrew P. , Ramonda Kris , Liu Xun
Published: May 2012

According to the Dual-Coding Theory (Paivio & Desrochers, 1980), words that are associated with rich visual imagery are more easily learned than abstract words due to what is termed the concreteness effect (Altarriba & Bauer, 2004; de Groot, 1992, de Groot et al., 1994; ter Doest & Semin, 2005). The present study examined the effects of attaching visual imagery to abstract words through use of a meaning recall test. Eighty-seven American university students of first-year Spanish participated in the study. Participants were placed in either picture or non-picture groups and were given a treatment of 12 abstract and 12 concrete words. The treatment included three input phases lasting approximately 17 minutes. The posttest and delayed posttest involved a meaning recall test to measure receptive knowledge in which participants were supplied the L2 lexical item and asked to write the L1 translation. The results indicated that participants in the abstract picture group outperformed those in the abstract non-picture group on both posttest and delayed posttest; however, no such effect was found for concrete words. Findings suggest that meaning recall of abstract words can be facilitated by usage of metaphorical, emotive, or symbolic imagery.
The role of angiotensin receptor blockers in reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease
Authors: Abramov Dmitry , Carson Peter E
Published: May 2012

New approaches to the definition and treatment of hypertension have increased emphasis on reducing overall cardiovascular risk and on targeting the underlying mechanisms of cardiovascular disease. During the past several decades, renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system (RAAS) activation has emerged as an important factor in the pathophysiology of endothelial dysfunction and cardiovascular disease (CVD). Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs) have well-established efficacy for treating CVD, but their use may be limited by intolerable side effects, such as cough and angioedema. Angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs), a different class of RAAS inhibitors, are considered a viable alternative to ACEIs. Clinical trials have further elucidated the role of ARBs in CVD. This article reviews the mechanism of action of ARBs and selected clinical trials of ARBs in CVD.
Differences between mainstream and sidestream tobacco smoke extracts and nicotine in the activation and aggregation of platelets subjected to cardiovascular conditions in diabetes
Authors: Yin Wei , Rubenstein David A
Published: May 2012

Mainstream and sidestream tobacco smoke extracts have been shown to increase platelet activation directly. Furthermore, advanced glycation end products, which are present in the diabetic vasculature, have also been shown to enhance platelet activity. However, the combined effects of these two risk factors on platelet functions remain unclear. Platelets were exposed to tobacco extracts concurrently with advanced glycation end products. Timed samples were removed to assess the extent of platelet activity. The presence of smoke extracts enhanced platelet activity as compared to control conditions, this was especially prevalent for sidestream extracts. With the addition of irreversibly glycated albumin, there was an additive effect, further enhancing platelet responses. This was at least partially regulated by α-granule release and CD41 expression. The combination of cardiovascular risk factors can significantly enhance platelet activation and aggregation, and therefore it is possible to accelerate cardiovascular diseases through the interactions of multiple cardiovascular risk factors.
In Order to Stay Relevant
Authors: Stolz Ingo
Published: May 2012

The Problem.

Empirical evidence shows that corporations struggle with managing their progressive societal involvement in a global and transparent marketplace. The field of organization development (OD) has so far mostly neglected to acknowledge these struggles, despite being ideally positioned for developing the missing corporate citizenship (CC) management capacity of corporations. This is problematic, as OD fails to address a problem that has detrimental effects on both corporate functioning and society, therewith also defaulting on an opportunity to position itself as continuously relevant in the future.

The Solution.

This article offers solutions to these problems by argumentatively aligning OD and CC. Thereby, the article discusses how the field of OD can start tackling the issue of CC.

The Stakeholders.

Seven stakeholders groups are identified for which the application of OD expertise is particularly promising: senior managers, internal CC officers, line managers, corporate learning officers, OD professionals and change agents independently driving CC, external OD consultants, and OD and management educators.
Societal HRD and Societal Competitive Advantage
Authors: Griffiths David A. , Koukpaki Serge
Published: May 2012

The Problem.

The problem surfaced here is the development of societal competitive advantage and, in particular, the development of human resources; the awareness of this dynamic will allow human resource development (HRD) professionals to better understand the need for engagement with education providers in developing and protecting their future competitive advantage.

The Solution.

This article uses the Kingdom of Bahrain and its transition from an economy built on natural resources to a knowledge-based economy, as a lens for enquiry. The solution signposts a need for engagement between organizations and higher education institutions (HEIs) to lift the future competitive advantage of the country and the organizations that transact within its borders.

The Stakeholders.

The article emphasizes that success relies on cooperation between a triumvirate of stakeholders, including industry/enterprise, policy makers, and education institutions.
Theorizing Comparative Human Resource Development
Authors: Wang Greg G. , Sun Judy Y.
Published: May 2012

This article advocates a formal language approach for human resource development (HRD) theory building. To this end, it develops a theoretical framework for comparative HRD (CHRD) within the form of a formal language system. Through a review of existing HRD literature in comparative research, We generalize the research into three axioms of CHRD expressed to offer insight for future research in comparative realms with each axiom focusing on a particular comparative facet. Combining the axioms, we formally provide a definition of CHRD. We further derive implications for future HRD research and address related challenges in existing CHRD research.
A Feminist’s Work Is Never Done
Authors: Pierce Jennifer L.
Published: May 2012

An interview with Joan Acker, professor emeritus at the University of Oregon. Acker’s work has been on the cutting edge of feminist scholarship for more than 35 years. Acker talks about such topics as her theoretical training, welfare reform, feminist sociology, and her informal campaign to end football.
Got Power?
Authors: Williams Christine
Published: May 2012

Sociologist Christine Williams reflects on how she, as a feminist professor, advises her students to get power.
Duplex Evaluation Following Femoropopliteal Angioplasty and Stenting: Criteria and Utility of Surveillance
Authors: Baril Donald T. , Marone Luke K.
Published: May 2012

Surveillance following lower extremity bypass, carotid endarterectomy, and endovascular aortic aneurysm repair has become the standard of care at most institutions. Conversely, surveillance following lower extremity endovascular interventions is performed somewhat sporadically in part because the duplex criteria for recurrent stenoses have been ill defined. It appears that duplex surveillance after peripheral endovascular interventions, as with conventional bypass, is beneficial in identifying recurrent lesions which may preclude failure and occlusion. In-stent stenosis following superficial femoral artery angioplasty and stenting can be predicted by both peak systolic velocity and velocity ratio data as measured by duplex ultrasound. Duplex criteria have been defined to determine both ≥50% in-stent stenosis and ≥80% in-stent stenosis. Although not yet well studied, it appears that applying these criteria during routine surveillance may assist in preventing failure of endovascular interventions.
The meaning of life prognosis disclosure for Japanese cancer patients: a qualitative study of patients’ narratives
Authors: Sato Rika Sakuma , Beppu Hirokuni , Iba Noriko , Sawada Akiko
Published: May 2012

Objective: Recently, disclosure of cancer diagnosis is common in Japan, but significant variability in patient preference of prognostic disclosure poses difficult questions for doctors. The aim of this study was to understand the reasons for wanting or not wanting to know life prognosis and how the information was interpreted and utilized by the patients.

Methods: The study was based on narrative interviews with 42 women with breast cancer and 49 men with prostate cancer, in varying stages. A qualitative and interpretive approach was taken, combining thematic analysis with constant comparison.

Results: While some of the participants voluntarily asked for prognosis to prepare themselves for the end of life, others were shocked by unexpected and unilateral disclosure. Some obtained prognostic information from books and websites. Some preferred to remain unaware of life prognosis, partly because they feared it would become a self-fulfilling prophecy.

Discussion: The major problem underlying the practice of prognostic disclosure is the absence of mutual understanding of how such information will be utilized. These findings affirm that it should be used to empower patients to participate in the decision-making process.
SLC35D3 delivery from megakaryocyte early endosomes is required for platelet dense granule biogenesis and is differentially defective in Hermansky-Pudlak syndrome models
Authors: Meng Ronghua , Wang Yuhuan , Yao Yu , Zhang Zhe , Harper Dawn C. , Heijnen Harry F. G. , Sitaram Anand , Li Wei , Raposo Graça , Weiss Mitchell J. , Poncz Mortimer , Marks Michael S.
Published: May 2012

Platelet dense granules are members of a family of tissue-specific, lysosome-related organelles that also includes melanosomes in melanocytes. Contents released from dense granules after platelet activation promote coagulation and hemostasis, and dense granule defects such as those seen in Hermansky-Pudlak syndrome (HPS) cause excessive bleeding, but little is known about how dense granules form in megakaryocytes (MKs). In the present study, we used SLC35D3, mutation of which causes a dense granule defect in mice, to show that early endosomes play a direct role in dense granule biogenesis. We show that SLC35D3 expression is up-regulated during mouse MK differentiation and is enriched in platelets. Using immunofluorescence and immunoelectron microscopy and subcellular fractionation in megakaryocytoid cells, we show that epitope-tagged and endogenous SLC35D3 localize predominantly to early endosomes but not to dense granule precursors. Nevertheless, SLC35D3 is depleted in mouse platelets from 2 of 3 HPS models and, when expressed ectopically in melanocytes, SLC35D3 localizes to melanosomes in a manner requiring a HPS-associated protein complex that functions from early endosomal transport intermediates. We conclude that SLC35D3 is either delivered to nascent dense granules from contiguous early endosomes as MKs mature or functions in dense granule biogenesis directly from early endosomes, suggesting that dense granules originate from early endosomes in MKs.
APELIN promotes hematopoiesis from human embryonic stem cells
Authors: Yu Qing C. , Hirst Claire E. , Costa Magdaline , Ng Elizabeth S. , Schiesser Jacqueline V. , Gertow Karin , Stanley Edouard G. , Elefanty Andrew G.
Published: May 2012

Transcriptional profiling of differentiating human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) revealed that MIXL1-positive mesodermal precursors were enriched for transcripts encoding the G-protein–coupled APELIN receptor (APLNR). APLNR-positive cells, identified by binding of the fluoresceinated peptide ligand, APELIN (APLN), or an anti-APLNR mAb, were found in both posterior mesoderm and anterior mesendoderm populations and were enriched in hemangioblast colony-forming cells (Bl-CFC). The addition of APLN peptide to the media enhanced the growth of embryoid bodies (EBs), increased the expression of hematoendothelial genes in differentiating hESCs, and increased the frequency of Bl-CFCs by up to 10-fold. Furthermore, APLN peptide also synergized with VEGF to promote the growth of hESC-derived endothelial cells. These studies identified APLN as a novel growth factor for hESC-derived hematopoietic and endothelial cells.
How I treat polycythemia vera
Authors: Passamonti Francesco
Published: May 2012

Polycythemia vera (PV) is a clonal disorder characterized by unwarranted production of red blood cells. In the majority of cases, PV is driven by oncogenic mutations that constitutively activate the JAK-STAT signal transduction pathway, such as JAK2 V617F, or exon 12 mutations or LNK mutations. Diagnosis of PV is based on the WHO criteria. Diagnosis of post-PV myelofibrosis is established according to the International Working Group for Myeloproliferative Neoplasms Research and Treatment criteria. Different clinical presentations of PV are discussed. Prognostication of PV is tailored to the most frequent complication during follow-up, namely, thrombosis. Age older than 60 years and prior history of thrombosis are the 2 main risk factors for disease stratification. Correlations are emerging between leukocytosis, JAK2(V617F) mutation, BM fibrosis, and different outcomes of PV, which need to be confirmed in prospective studies. In my practice, hydroxyurea is still the “gold standard” when cytoreduction is needed, even though pegylated IFN-alfa-2a and ruxolitinib might be useful in particular settings. Results of phase 1 or 2 studies concerning these latter agents should however be confirmed by the ongoing randomized phase 3 clinical trials. In this paper, I discuss the main problems encountered in daily clinical practice with PV patients regarding diagnosis, prognostication, and therapy.
Pivotal role of plasmacytoid dendritic cells in inflammation and NK-cell responses after TLR9 triggering in mice
Authors: Guillerey Camille , Mouriès Juliette , Polo Giulia , Doyen Noelle , Law Helen K. W. , Chan Susan , Kastner Philippe , Leclerc Claude , Dadaglio Gilles
Published: May 2012

The physiologic role played by plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs) in the induction of innate responses and inflammation in response to pathogen signaling is not well understood. Here, we describe a new mouse model lacking pDCs and establish that pDCs are essential for the in vivo induction of NK-cell activity in response to Toll-like receptor 9 (TLR9) triggering. Furthermore, we provide the first evidence that pDCs are critical for the systemic production of a wide variety of chemokines in response to TLR9 activation. Consequently, we observed a profound alteration in monocyte, macrophage, neutrophil, and NK-cell recruitment at the site of inflammation in the absence of pDCs in response to CpG-Dotap and stimulation by microbial pathogens, such as Leishmania major, Escherichia coli, and Mycobacterium bovis. This study, which is based on the development of a constitutively pDC-deficient mouse model, highlights the pivotal role played by pDCs in the induction of innate immune responses and inflammation after TLR9 triggering.
Circulating DNA and myeloperoxidase indicate disease activity in patients with thrombotic microangiopathies
Authors: Fuchs Tobias A. , Kremer Hovinga Johanna A. , Schatzberg Daphne , Wagner Denisa D. , Lämmle Bernhard
Published: May 2012

Thrombotic microangiopathies (TMAs) are a group of life-threatening disorders characterized by thrombocytopenia, fragmentation of erythrocytes, and ischemic organ damage. Genetic disorders, autoimmune disease, and cancer are risk factors for TMAs, but an additional, unknown trigger is needed to bring about acute disease. Recent studies suggest that DNA and histones are released during inflammation or infection and stimulate coagulation, thrombosis, thrombocytopenia, and organ damage in mice. We show that extracellular DNA and histones as well as markers of neutrophils are present in acute TMAs. Analysis of plasma from TMA patients of different clinical categories revealed elevated levels of DNA-histone complexes and myeloperoxidase (MPO) from neutrophil granules as well as S100A8/A9, a heterocomplex abundant in neutrophil cytosol. During therapy of thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura, a subtype of TMAs often associated with severe ADAMTS13 (a disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin type 1 motifs, member 13) deficiency, plasma DNA and MPO were inversely correlated with platelet counts, and their levels indicated amelioration or exacerbation of the disease. ADAMTS13 deficiency together with increased levels of plasma DNA and MPO were characteristic for acute thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura. A minor infection often precedes acute TMA and extracellular DNA and histones released during the inflammatory response could provide the second hit, which precipitates acute TMA in patients with pre-existing risk factors.
Brentuximab vedotin enables successful reduced-intensity allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation in patients with relapsed or refractory Hodgkin lymphoma
Authors: Chen Robert , Palmer Joycelynne M. , Thomas Sandra H. , Tsai Ni-Chun , Farol Len , Nademanee Auayporn , Forman Stephen J. , Gopal Ajay K.
Published: May 2012

Brentuximab vedotin induces an overall response rate of 75% in patients with relapsed/refractory Hodgkin lymphoma, but its impact on future allogeneic transplantation (allo-HCT) is not known. We retrospectively examined the records of 18 patients with relapsed/refractory Hodgkin lymphoma who were treated on brentuximab vedotin clinical trials to evaluate the efficacy and safety of subsequent reduced-intensity allo-HCT. Seventeen patients had previous autologous transplant; 6 were in complete remission, and 8 were in partial remission before allo-HCT with 12 grafts from unrelated or mismatched donors. The 1-year overall survival was 100%, progression-free survival was 92.3%, and nonrelapse mortality was 0% (median follow-up, 14 months). The incidence of acute GVHD was 27.8% and chronic GVHD was 56.3%. Brentuximab vedotin before reduced-intensity allo-HCT does not appear to adversely affect engraftment, GVHD, or survival and may provide sufficient disease control to enable reduced-intensity allo-HCT.
Natural product-likeness score revisited: an open-source, open-data implementation
Authors: Vanii Jayaseelan Kalai , Moreno Pablo , Truszkowski Andreas , Ertl Peter , Steinbeck Christoph
Published: May 2012

Background

Natural product-likeness of a molecule, i.e. similarity of this molecule to the structure space covered by natural products, is a useful criterion in screening compound libraries and in designing new lead compounds. A closed source implementation of a natural product-likeness score, that finds its application in virtual screening, library design and compound selection, has been previously reported by one of us. In this note, we report an open-source and open-data re-implementation of this scoring system, illustrate its efficiency in ranking small molecules for natural product likeness and discuss its potential applications.

Results

The Natural-Product-Likeness scoring system is implemented as Taverna 2.2 workflows, and is available under Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported License athttp://www.myexperiment.org/packs/183.html. It is also available for download as executable standalone java package fromhttp://sourceforge.net/projects/np-likeness/under Academic Free License.

Conclusions

Our open-source, open-data Natural-Product-Likeness scoring system can be used as a filter for metabolites in Computer Assisted Structure Elucidation or to select natural-product-like molecules from molecular libraries for the use as leads in drug discovery.
RNA-seq analysis of differential gene expression in liver from lactating dairy cows divergent in negative energy balance
Authors: McCabe Matthew , Waters Sinéad , Morris Dermot , Kenny David , Lynn David , Creevey Chris
Published: May 2012

Background

The liver is central to most economically important metabolic processes in cattle. However, the changes in expression of genes that drive these processes remain incompletely characterised. RNA-seq is the new gold standard for whole transcriptome analysis but so far there are no reports of its application to analysis of differential gene expression in cattle liver. We used RNA-seq to study differences in expression profiles of hepatic genes and their associated pathways in individual cattle in either mild negative energy balance (MNEB) or severe negative energy balance (SNEB). NEB is an imbalance between energy intake and energy requirements for lactation and body maintenance. This aberrant metabolic state affects high-yielding dairy cows after calving and is of considerable economic importance because of its negative impact on fertility and health in dairy herds. Analysis of changes in hepatic gene expression in SNEB animals will increase our understanding of NEB and contribute to the development of strategies to circumvent it.

Results

RNA-seq analysis was carried out on total RNA from liver from early post partum Holstein Friesian cows in MNEB (n = 5) and SNEB (n = 6). 12,833 genes were deemed to be expressed (>4 reads per gene per animal), 413 of which were shown to be statistically significantly differentially expressed (SDE) at a false discovery rate (FDR) of 0.1% and 200 of which were SDE (FDR of 0.1%) with a ≥2-fold change between MNEB and SNEB animals. GOseq/KEGG pathway analysis showed that SDE genes with ≥2- fold change were associated (P<0.05) with 9 KEGG pathways. Seven of these pathways were related to fatty acid metabolism and unexpectedly included ‘Steroid hormone biosynthesis’, a process which mainly occurs in the reproductive organs rather than the liver.

Conclusions

RNA-seq analysis showed that the major changes at the level of transcription in the liver of SNEB cows were related to fat metabolism. 'Steroid hormone biosynthesis', a process that normally occurs in reproductive tissue, was significantly associated with changes in gene expression in the liver of SNEB cows. Changes in gene expression were found in this pathway that have not been previously been identified in SNEB cows.
Exploring the plant-associated bacterial communities in Medicago sativa L
Authors: Pini Francesco , Frascella Arcangela , Santopolo Luisa , Bazzicalupo Marco , Biondi Emanuele G , Scotti Carla , Mengoni Alessio
Published: May 2012

Background

Plant-associated bacterial communities caught the attention of several investigators which study the relationships between plants and soil and the potential application of selected bacterial species in crop improvement and protection. Medicago sativa L. is a legume crop of high economic importance as forage in temperate areas and one of the most popular model plants for investigations on the symbiosis with nitrogen fixing rhizobia (mainly belonging to the alphaproteobacterial species Sinorhizobium meliloti). However, despite its importance, no studies have been carried out looking at the total bacterial community associated with the plant. In this work we explored for the first time the total bacterial community associated with M. sativa plants grown in mesocosms conditions, looking at a wide taxonomic spectrum, from the class to the single species (S. meliloti) level.

Results

Results, obtained by using Terminal-Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (T-RFLP) analysis, quantitative PCR and sequencing of 16 S rRNA gene libraries, showed a high taxonomic diversity as well as a dominance by members of the class Alphaproteobacteria in plant tissues. Within Alphaproteobacteria the families Sphingomonadaceae and Methylobacteriaceae were abundant inside plant tissues, while soil Alphaproteobacteria were represented by the families of Hyphomicrobiaceae, Methylocystaceae, Bradyirhizobiaceae and Caulobacteraceae. At the single species level, we were able to detect the presence of S. meliloti populations in aerial tissues, nodules and soil. An analysis of population diversity on nodules and soil showed a relatively low sharing of haplotypes (30-40%) between the two environments and between replicate mesocosms, suggesting drift as main force shaping S. meliloti population at least in this system.

Conclusions

In this work we shed some light on the bacterial communities associated with M. sativa plants, showing that Alphaproteobacteria may constitute an important part of biodiversity in this system, which includes also the well known symbiont S. meliloti. Interestingly, this last species was also found in plant aerial part, by applying cultivation-independent protocols, and a genetic diversity analysis suggested that population structure could be strongly influenced by random drift.
Predictors and outcome of patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome caused by miliary tuberculosis: a retrospective study in Chongqing, China
Authors: Deng Wang , Yu Min , Ma Hilary , Hu Liang An , Chen Gang , Wang Yong , Deng Jia , Li ChangYi , Tong Jin , Wang Dao Xin
Published: May 2012

Background

Miliary tuberculosis (TB) is an uncommon cause of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) with a high mortality. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the clinical characteristics, predictors and outcome of patients with ARDS caused by miliary TB.

Methods

A retrospective study was conducted among patients with a diagnosis of ARDS with miliary TB in four hospitals from 2006 to 2010. Medical records and laboratory examinations of these patients were taken during the first 24 h of admission.

Results

Eighty-five patients with miliary TB developed ARDS, 45 of whom survived (52.9%). The median age was 36.6 ± 12.5 years with 38 males (44.7%). Diabetes mellitus (DM) was the most common underlying disease (18.8%).ICU mortality was 47.1%. The time from admission to anti-tuberculosis therapy was 4.5 ± 2.0 days. Mean duration of mechanical ventilation was 8.5 ± 3.0 days in all patients. Duration of time to diagnosis, time from diagnosis to mechanical ventilation, and time to anti-tuberculosis therapy were significantly shorter in survivors than those in non-survivors. Diabetes mellitus (OR 5.431, 95%CI 1.471-20.049; P = 0.005), ALT (70-100U/L, OR 10.029, 95%CI 2.764-36.389; P = 0.001), AST (>94U/L,OR 8.034, 95%CI 2.200-29.341; P = 0.002), D-dimer (>1.6mg/L, OR 3.167, 95%CI 0.896-11.187; P = 0.042), hemoglobin (<90g/L, OR 14.824, 95%CI 3.713-59.179; P = 0.001), albumin (<25g/L, OR 15.896, 95%CI 3.975-63.566; P = 0.001) were independent predictors of ARDS development in the setting of miliary TB.

Conclusions

Accurate diagnosis, early initiation of anti-tuberculosis therapy and mechanical ventilation are important for the outcome of patients with ARDS caused by miliary TB. DM, ALT, AST, D-dimer, hemoglobin, and albumin are independent predictors of ARDS development in patients with miliary TB.
Predictors for length of hospital stay in patients with community-acquired Pneumonia: Results from a Swiss Multicenter study
Authors: Suter-Widmer Isabelle , Christ-Crain Mirjam , Zimmerli Werner , Albrich Werner , Mueller Beat , Schuetz Philipp ,   For the ProHOSP Study Group
Published: May 2012

Background

Length of hospital stay (LOS) in patients with community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) is variable and directly related to medical costs. Accurate estimation of LOS on admission and during follow-up may result in earlier and more efficient discharge strategies.

Methods

This is a prospective multicenter study including patients in emergency departments of 6 tertiary care hospitals in Switzerland between October 2006 and March 2008. Medical history, clinical data at presentation and health care insurance class were collected. We calculated univariate and multivariate cox regression models to assess the association of different characteristics with LOS. In a split sample analysis, we created two LOS prediction rules, first including only admission data, and second including also additional inpatient information.

Results

The mean LOS in the 875 included CAP patients was 9.8 days (95%CI 9.3-10.4). Older age, respiratory rate >20 pm, nursing home residence, chronic pulmonary disease, diabetes, multilobar CAP and the pneumonia severity index class were independently associated with longer LOS in the admission prediction model. When also considering follow-up information, low albumin levels, ICU transfer and development of CAP-associated complications were additional independent risk factors for prolonged LOS. Both weighted clinical prediction rules based on these factors showed a high separation of patients in Kaplan Meier Curves (p logrank <0.001 and <0.001) and a good calibration when comparing predicted and observed results.

Conclusions

Within this study we identified different baseline and follow-up characteristics to be strong and independent predictors for LOS. If validated in future studies, these factors may help to optimize discharge strategies and thus shorten LOS in CAP patients.
Childhood brain tumours and use of mobile phones: comparison of a case–control study with incidence data
Authors: Aydin Denis , Feychting Maria , Schüz Joachim , Röösli Martin ,   CEFALO study team
Published: May 2012

The first case–control study on mobile phone use and brain tumour risk among children and adolescents (CEFALO study) has recently been published. In a commentary published in Environmental Health, Söderqvist and colleagues argued that CEFALO suggests an increased brain tumour risk in relation to wireless phone use. In this article, we respond and show why consistency checks of case–control study results with observed time trends of incidence rates are essential, given the well described limitations of case–control studies and the steep increase of mobile phone use among children and adolescents during the last decade. There is no plausible explanation of how a notably increased risk from use of wireless phones would correspond to the relatively stable incidence time trends for brain tumours among children and adolescents observed in the Nordic countries. Nevertheless, an increased risk restricted to heavy mobile phone use, to very early life exposure, or to rare subtypes of brain tumours may be compatible with stable incidence trends at this time and thus further monitoring of childhood brain tumour incidence rate time trends is warranted.
Translation and validation of the EORTC brain cancer module (EORTC QLQ-BN20) for use in Iran
Authors: Khoshnevisan Alireza , Yekaninejad Mir Saeed , Ardakani Shahab Kamali , Pakpour Amir H , Mardani Azam , Aaronson Neil K
Published: May 2012

Background

The aim of this study was to translate the EORTC quality of life questionnaire for brain cancer, the QLQ-BN20, into Persian, and to evaluate its psychometric properties when used among brain cancer patients in Iran.

Methods

A standard backward and forward translation procedure was used to generate the Persian language version of the QLQ-BN20. The QLQ-BN20 was administered together with the QLQ-C30 to 194 patients diagnosed with primary brain cancer. Multitrait scaling and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) were used to evaluate the hypothesized scale structure of the questionnaire. Internal consistency reliability was estimated with Cronbach’s alpha. The ability of the QLQ-BN20 to distinguish between patient subgroups formed on the basis of performance status and cognitive status was evaluated, as was the responsiveness of the questionnaire to changes in performance status over time.

Results

Multitrait scaling and CFA results confirmed the hypothesized scale structure. The measurement model was consistent across men and women. Internal consistency reliability of the multi-item scales ranged from 0.74 to 0.89. The QLQ-BN20 distinguished clearly between patients with relatively good versus poor performance and cognitive status, and changes in scores over time reflected changes observed in performance status ratings.

Conclusions

These results support the validity and reliability of the QLQ-BN20 for use among Iranian patients diagnosed with primary brain cancer. Future studies should examine the psychometrics of the questionnaire when used in patients with brain metastasis.
Involvement of CD11b integrin in the alteration of metabolic factors after phorbol ester stimulation of human myeloid leukemia cells
Authors: Mandel Katharina , Otte Anna , Hass Ralf
Published: May 2012

Previous work has demonstrated that phorbol ester (TPA)-induced adherence of human U937 myeloid leukemia cells can be blocked upon down-modulation of the β2-integrin CD11b after stable transfection of U937 cells with a pMTH1 vector-containing the CD11b gene in antisense orientation (asCD11b-U937) [Otte et al., (2011)]. In the present study, alterations in metabolism-associated factors, particularly intra- and extracellular proteases were investigated. A measurement of telomerase activity in the leukemic cells revealed continuously decreasing telomere adducts within 72 h of TPA treatment in pMTH1-U937 cells. In contrast, telomerase activity sustained in asCD11b-U937 upon TPA-induced differentiation. Flow cytometric analysis confirmed unchanged CD11b levels in TPA-induced asCD11b-U937 in contrast to elevated levels in pMTH1-U937 whereby the expression of other β2-integrins including CD11a, CD11c and CD18 was increased in both populations after TPA treatment. Moreover, adherent pMTH1-U937 demonstrated the expression of monocytic differentiation markers including F4-80 and CD14 and an increased MIP-1α production which remained at low or undetectable in TPA-induced asCD11b-U937. These effects indicated an altered response of the different cell populations to the TPA-induced differentiation process. Indeed, Western blot analysis revealed differences in the expression levels of intracellular metabolic factors including MnSOD and p97/VCP and after measurement of 20 S proteasomal proteolytic activity. In addition, increased levels of extracellular metabolic factors including the matrix metalloproteinases MMP-1, MMP-7 and MMP-9 were observed in pMTH1-U937 cells in contrast to unaltered levels in asCD11b-U937 cells.
Staged reduction of neglected transscaphoid perilunate fracture dislocation: A report of 16 cases
Authors: Garg Bhavuk , Goyal Tarun , Kotwal Prakash P
Published: May 2012

Background

Transscaphoid perilunate fracture dislocation is a rare injury and can be easily missed at the initial treatment. Once ignored, late reduction is not possible and needs extensive dissection. An alternative treatment such as proximal row carpectomy may be required for neglected injuries, but surgical outcome is not as good as that of an early reduction. We aim to present an alternative technique of staged reduction and fixation in patients of neglected transscaphoid perilunate dislocations and study its outcome.

Material & Methods

16 cases (14 males & 2 females) with neglected transscaphoid perilunate fracture dislocation (> 3 month old) were treated with staged reduction. Mean duration between injury and surgery was 4.5 months. In first stage an external fixator was applied across the wrist and distraction was done at 1 mm/day. Second surgery was done through dorsal approach and we were able to reduce all the fractures & dislocations. Herbert screws and K wires were used for fixation.

Results

The mean duration between two surgeries was 2.4 weeks (range 2–4 weeks). 9 cases had excellent results, 5 had good result. Two patients developed reflex sympathetic dystrophy and had fair results.

Conclusion

Staged reduction should be considered for neglected transscaphoid perilunate dislocations. If properly executed, a good functional pain free range of motion is the usual outcome.
A specialized ODE integrator for the efficient computation of parameter sensitivities
Authors: Gonnet Pedro , Dimopoulos Sotiris , Widmer Lukas , Stelling Jörg
Published: May 2012

Background

Dynamic mathematical models in the form of systems of ordinary differential equations (ODEs) play an important role in systems biology. For any sufficiently complex model, the speed and accuracy of solving the ODEs by numerical integration is critical. This applies especially to systems identification problems where the parameter sensitivities must be integrated alongside the system variables. Although several very good general purpose ODE solvers exist, few of them compute the parameter sensitivities automatically.

Results

We present a novel integration algorithm that is based on second derivatives and contains other unique features such as improved error estimates. These features allow the integrator to take larger time steps than other methods. In practical applications, i.e. systems biology models of different sizes and behaviors, the method competes well with established integrators in solving the system equations, and it outperforms them significantly when local parameter sensitivities are evaluated. For ease-of-use, the solver is embedded in a framework that automatically generates the integrator input from an SBML description of the system of interest.

Conclusions

For future applications, comparatively ‘cheap’ parameter sensitivities will enable advances in solving large, otherwise computationally expensive parameter estimation and optimization problems. More generally, we argue that substantially better computational performance can be achieved by exploiting characteristics specific to the problem domain; elements of our methods such as the error estimation could find broader use in other, more general numerical algorithms.
Spinosad: a biorational mosquito larvicide for use in car tires in southern Mexico
Authors: Marina Carlos F , Bond J Guillermo , Muñoz José , Valle Javier , Chirino Nelva , Williams Trevor
Published: May 2012

Background

Car tires are important habitats for mosquito development because of the high density populations they can harbor and their presence in urban settings. Water in experimental tires was treated with one of three insecticides or an untreated control. Aquatic invertebrates were sampled at weekly intervals. Eggs, larval and pupal samples were laboratory-reared to estimate seasonal fluctuations in Aedes aegypti and Ae. albopictus abundance.

Results

Spinosad treatments at 1 or 5 ppm (mg a.i./liter) provided 6–8 weeks of effective control of Ae. aegypti, Ae. albopictus, Culex quinquefasiatus and Cx. coronator larvae, both in the dry season and the rainy season when mosquito populations increased markedly in southern Mexico. Spinosad continued to provide partial control of larvae for several weeks after initial recolonization of treated tires. The larvicidal performance of VectoBac 12AS (Bacillus thuringiensis var. israelensis) was relatively poor with one week of complete control of Aedes spp. larvae and no discernible control of Culex spp., whereas the duration of larvicidal activity of 1% temephos mineral-based granules was intermediate between those of VectoBac and spinosad treatments. Populations of chironomids, ostracods and Toxorhynchites theobaldi were generally reduced in spinosad and temephos treatments, but were similar in control and VectoBac treatments.

Conclusion

The present study is the first to report spinosad as an effective larvicide against Cx. coronator, which is currently invading the southern United States. These results substantiate the use of spinosad as a highly effective mosquito larvicide, even in habitats such as unused car tires that can represent prolific sources of adult mosquitoes.
Robust spinal neuroinflammation mediates mechanical allodynia in Walker 256 induced bone cancer rats
Authors: Mao-Ying Qi-Liang , Wang Xiao-Wei , Yang Chang-Jiang , Li Xiu , Mi Wen-Li , Wu Gen-Cheng , Wang Yan-Qing
Published: May 2012

It has been reported that remarkable and sustained activation of astrocytes and/or microglia occurs in cancer induced pain (CIP), which is different from neuropathic and inflammatory pain. The present study was designed to investigate the role of spinal Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) induced glial neuroinflammation in cancer induced pain using a modified rat model of bone cancer. The rat model of CIP consisted of unilateral intra-tibial injection with Walker 256 mammary gland carcinoma. Nine days after Walker 256 inoculation, a robust activation of both astrocytes and microglia in bilateral spinal dorsal horn was observed together with significant bilateral mechanical allodynia. This neuroinflammation was characterized by enhanced immunostaining of both glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP, astrocyte marker) and OX-42 (microglia marker), and an elevated level of IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α mRNA. I.t. administration of fluorocitrate (an inhibitor of glial metabolism, 1 nmol) or minocycline (an inhibitor of microglia, 100 μg) has significant anti-allodynic effects on day 12 after Walker 256 inoculation. Naloxone (a nonstereoselective TLR4 signaling blocker, 60 μg, i.t.) also significantly alleviated mechanical allodynia and simultaneously blocked the increased inflammatory cytokine mRNA. The results suggested that spinal TLR4 might play an important role in the sustained glial activation that critically contributed to the robust and sustained spinal neuroinflammation in CIP. This result could potentially help clinicians and researchers to better understand the mechanism of complicated cancer pain.
Providing Care for Cancer Survivors in Integrated Health Care Delivery Systems: Practices, Challenges, and Research Opportunities
Authors: Chubak Jessica , Tuzzio Leah , Hsu Clarissa , Alfano Catherine M. , Rabin Borsika A. , Hornbrook Mark C. , Spegman Adele , Von Worley Ann , Williams Andrew , Nekhlyudov Larissa
Published: May 2012

Exploratory study suggests an awareness of cancer survivorship care in integrated health care delivery systems, although approaches to providing such care vary across systems.