bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Direct electrochemical analyses of human cytochromes b5 with a mutated heme pocket showed a good correlation between their midpoint and half wave potentials
Authors: Aono Tomomi , Sakamoto Yoichi , Miura Masahiro , Takeuchi Fusako , Hori Hiroshi , Tsubaki Motonari 
Published: December 2010

Abstract

Background
Cytochrome b
5 performs central roles in various biological electron transfer reactions, where difference in the redox potential of two reactant proteins provides the driving force. Redox potentials of cytochromes b
5 span a very wide range of ~400 mV, in which surface charge and hydrophobicity around the heme moiety are proposed to have crucial roles based on previous site-directed mutagenesis analyses.

Methods
Effects of mutations at conserved hydrophobic amino acid residues consisting of the heme pocket of cytochrome b
5 were analyzed by EPR and electrochemical methods. Cyclic voltammetry of the heme-binding domain of human cytochrome b
5 (HLMWb
5) and its site-directed mutants was conducted using a gold electrode pre-treated with β-mercarptopropionic acid by inclusion of positively-charged poly-L-lysine. On the other hand, static midpoint potentials were measured under a similar condition.

Results
Titration of HLMWb
5 with poly-L-lysine indicated that half-wave potential up-shifted to -19.5 mV when the concentration reached to form a complex. On the other hand, midpoint potentials of -3.2 and +16.5 mV were obtained for HLMWb
5 in the absence and presence of poly-L-lysine, respectively, by a spectroscopic electrochemical titration, suggesting that positive charges introduced by binding of poly-L-lysine around an exposed heme propionate resulted in a positive shift of the potential. Analyses on the five site-specific mutants showed a good correlation between the half-wave and the midpoint potentials, in which the former were 16~32 mV more negative than the latter, suggesting that both binding of poly-L-lysine and hydrophobicity around the heme moiety regulate the overall redox potentials.

Conclusions
Present study showed that simultaneous measurements of the midpoint and the half-wave potentials could be a good evaluating methodology for the analyses of static and dynamic redox properties of various hemoproteins including cytochrome b
5. The potentials might be modulated by a gross conformational change in the tertiary structure, by a slight change in the local structure, or by a change in the hydrophobicity around the heme moiety as found for the interaction with poly-L-lysine. Therefore, the system consisting of cytochrome b
5 and its partner proteins or peptides might be a good paradigm for studying the biological electron transfer reactions.
Regional characterization of energy metabolism in the brain of normal and MPTP-intoxicated mice using new markers of glucose and phosphate transport
Authors: Lagrue Emmanuelle , Abe Hiroyuki , Lavanya Madakasira , Touhami Jawida , Bodard Sylvie , Chalon Sylvie , Battini Jean-Luc , Sitbon Marc , Castelnau Pierre 
Published: December 2010

AbstractThe gibbon ape leukemia virus (GALV), the amphotropic murine leukemia virus (AMLV) and the human T-cell leukemia virus (HTLV) are retroviruses that specifically bind nutrient transporters with their envelope glycoproteins (Env) when entering host cells. Here, we used tagged ligands derived from GALV, AMLV, and HTLV Env to monitor the distribution of their cognate receptors, the inorganic phosphate transporters PiT1 and PiT2, and the glucose transporter GLUT1, respectively, in basal conditions and after acute energy deficiency. For this purpose, we monitored changes in the distribution of PiT1, PiT2 and GLUT1 in the cerebellum, the frontal cortex, the corpus callosum, the striatum and the substantia nigra (SN) of C57/BL6 mice after administration of 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6 tetrahydropyridinium (MPTP), a mitochondrial complex I inhibitor which induces neuronal degeneration in the striato-nigral network.The PiT1 ligand stained oligodendrocytes in the corpus callosum and showed a reticular pattern in the SN. The PiT2 ligand stained particularly the cerebellar Purkinje cells, while GLUT1 labelling was mainly observed throughout the cortex, basal ganglia and cerebellar gray matter. Interestingly, unlike GLUT1 and PiT2 distributions which did not appear to be modified by MPTP intoxication, PiT1 immunostaining seemed to be more extended in the SN. The plausible reasons for this change following acute energy stress are discussed.These new ligands therefore constitute new metabolic markers which should help to unravel cellular adaptations to a wide variety of normal and pathologic conditions and to determine the role of specific nutrient transporters in tissue homeostasis.
Feasibility and impact of providing feedback to vaccinating medical clinics: evaluating a public health intervention
Authors: Brousseau Nicholas , Sauvageau Chantal , Ouakki Manale , Audet Diane , Kiely Marilou , Couture Colette , Paré Alain , Deceuninck Geneviève 
Published: December 2010

Abstract

Background
Vaccine coverage (VC) at a given age is a widely-used indicator for measuring the performance of vaccination programs. However, there is increasing data suggesting that measuring delays in administering vaccines complements the measure of VC. Providing feedback to vaccinators is recognized as an effective strategy for improving vaccine coverage, but its implementation has not been widely documented in Canada. The objective of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of providing personalized feedback to vaccinators and its impact on vaccination delays (VD).

Methods
In April and May 2008, a one-hour personalized feedback session was provided to health professionals in vaccinating medical clinics in the Quebec City region. VD for vaccines administered at two and twelve months of age were presented. Data from the regional vaccination registry were analysed for participating clinics. Two 12-month periods before and after the intervention were compared, namely from April 1st, 2007 to March 31st, 2008 and from June 1st, 2008 to May 31st, 2009.

Results
Ten medical clinics out of the twelve approached (83%), representing more than 2500 vaccinated children, participated in the project. Preparing and conducting the feedback involved 20 hours of work and expenses of $1000 per clinic. Based on a delay of one month, 94% of first doses of DTaP-Polio-Hib and 77% of meningococcal vaccine doses respected the vaccination schedule both before and after the intervention. Following the feedback, respect of the vaccination schedule increased for vaccines planned at 12 months for the four clinics that had modified their vaccination practices related to multiple injections (depending on the clinic, VD decreased by 24.4%, 32.0%, 40.2% and 44.6% respectively, p < 0.001 for all comparisons).

Conclusions
The present study shows that it is feasible to provide personalized feedback to vaccinating clinics. While it may have encouraged positive changes in practice concerning multiple injections, this intervention on its own did not impact vaccination delays of the clinics visited. It is possible that feedback integrated into other types of effective interventions and sustained over time may have more impact on VD.
Sports chiropractic management at the World Ice Hockey Championships
Authors: Julian Chris , Hoskins Wayne , Vitiello Andrew L 
Published: December 2010

Abstract

Background

Ice hockey is an international sport. Injuries occur in a full body fashion, to a number of tissues, commonly through body contact. There is a lack of literature documenting the scope of sports chiropractic practice. Thus, it was the aim to document the type, scope and severity of conditions presenting to, and the treatment provided by, the New Zealand team chiropractor acting as a primary health provider for the duration of the 2007 World Ice Hockey Championships.

Methods

All conditions presenting were recorded. Diagnosis was recorded along with clinical parameters of injury: injury type, severity, mechanism and whether referral or advanced imaging was required. All treatment provided was continuously recorded, including information on the number of treatments required and the reason, duration, type and location of treatment.

Results

Players presented for diagnosis of injury 50 times. Muscle (34%), joint (24%) and tendon injuries (18%) were most common. Players presented with a new injury 76% of the time. Most injuries had been present for less than one week (84%), with 53% occurring through a contact mechanism. Injuries were common at training and match locations. Only two injuries required the player to stop playing or training, both of which were referred for advanced imaging. During the study, 134 treatment consultations were rendered to 45 player injuries. Eighty per-cent of injuries were managed with four or less treatments. Three quarters of treatment was provided at training locations with treatment duration predominantly being between 11-15 minutes (71%) and 16-20 minutes (27%). Most treatment delivered was passive in nature (71%) although combination active and passive care was provided (27%). Treatment typically involved joint (81%) and soft tissue based therapies (81%) and was delivered in a full body manner.

Conclusions

This study documented the injury profile of ice hockey at an international level of competition. It documented the conditions presenting to a chiropractor for diagnosis and the treatment provided. Treatment was consistent with that recommended for chiropractic management of athletic injuries. This documentation of sports chiropractic scope of practice fills a void in the literature and assists in determining a role for sports chiropractors as primary health providers or in multidisciplinary sports management teams.
Understanding the Two Components of Risk Attitudes: An Experimental Analysis
Authors: Qiu Jianying , Steiger Eva-Maria 
Published: December 2010

Cumulative prospect theory introduced the weighting of probabilities as an additional component to capture risk attitudes. However, this addition would be a less significant challenge to expected utility theory (EU) if utility curvature and probability weighting showed strong positive correlation. In that case the utility curvature in EU alone, although not properly describing risky behavior in general, would still capture most of the variance of individual risk aversion. This study provides experimental evidence that such a strong and positive correlation does not exist. Although most individuals exhibit concave utility and convex probability weighting, the two components show no strong positive correlation. This paper was accepted by Peter Wakker, decision analysis.
Carbon Capture by Fossil Fuel Power Plants: An Economic Analysis
Authors: İşlegen Özge , Reichelstein Stefan 
Published: December 2010

For fossil fuel power plants to be built in the future, carbon capture and storage (CCS) technologies offer the potential for significant reductions in carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. We examine the break-even value for CCS adoptions, that is, the critical value in the charge for CO2 emissions that would justify investment in CCS capabilities. Our analysis takes explicitly into account that the supply of electricity at the wholesale level (generation) is organized competitively in some U.S. jurisdictions, whereas in others a regulated utility provides integrated generation and distribution services. For either market structure, we find that emissions charges near $30 per tonne of CO2 would be the break-even value for adopting CCS capabilities at new coal-fired power plants. The corresponding break-even values for natural gas plants are substantially higher, near $60 per tonne. Our break-even estimates serve as a basis for projecting the change in electricity prices once carbon emissions become costly. CCS capabilities effectively put an upper bound on the increase in electricity prices resulting from carbon regulations, and we estimate this bound to be near 30% at the retail level for both coal and natural gas plants. In contrast to the competitive power supply scenario, however, these price increases materialize only gradually for a regulated utility. The delay in price adjustments reflects that for regulated firms the basis for setting product prices is historical cost, rather than current cost. This paper was accepted by Gérard P. Cachon, accounting.
Structure and Ion Transport Pathways in 0.45Li2O-(0.55-x)P2O5-xB2O3 Glasses
Authors: Thieu Tho Duc , Prasada Rao R. , Adams Stefan 
Published: December 2010

AbstractLithium borophosphate glasses 0.45Li2O-(0.55-x)P2O5-xB2O3 (where 0 ≤ x ≤ 0.40) were investigated focusing on the influence of cation mobility changes due to mixed glass former effect. It was found that glass transition temperature (Tg) increases and molar volume decreases with B2O3 addition. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) spectra showed that besides P-O-P, B-O-B and P=O, P-O-, B-O- bond peaks, an intermediate O1s peak due to P-O-B bonds emerges in glasses with B2O3 contents x ≥ 0.15. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations for the same systems have been performed with an optimized potential, fitted to match bond lengths, coordination numbers and ionic conductivity (σdc). Structural effects on ion transport as the origin of the mixed glass former effect can be quantified by applying the bond valence analysis (BV) approach to the equilibrated MD trajectories.
Karachaganak Well Construction Performance Optimisation
Authors: Coates P.. , Jack W.. 
Published: December 2010

Abstract
The Karachaganak field in North West Kazakhstan presents numerous challenges for well construction; these include a complex sour carbonate reservoir overlaid by three salt domes, highly stressed lithology, demanding well depths and directional profiles. The deployment of additional drilling rigs, extreme climate variation, shift rotation and continuity of key personnel added further complexity.
To address these challenges and improve well construction efficiency a Performance Optimisation Team was formed. The objective was to embed a performance culture that realised consistent top quartile wells and provide process sustainability.
This paper details the methodologies employed including well design change, application of new technologies, cost effective solutions and the implementation of a rigorous learning process and culture.
The process utilised Performance Coaches based at the rig site in specially constructed cabins incorporating a meeting room equipped with projector and computer equipment. This enabled focussed onsite pre and post phase meetings. Lessons learned were entered into a master database, reviewed by the office based operations team and categorised into programme or process changes, technology applications or best practice checklist updates. Best practice checklists were introduced as a quick, easy to use format for pre-phase meetings to ensure that lessons learned and best practice were clearly identified. Challenge sessions were set up with specialist personnel to identify improvements in specific areas. Other advances included the implementation of a new drilling fluid system, drill string design, BHA and drill bit optimisation, rotary steerable systems and LWD technology including formation pressure testing and magnetic resonance imaging. A drilling support centre was also installed to stream real time data from the rig site and provide a collaborative working environment for the rig teams.
The results demonstrated a continuous improvement with 7 out of 9 wells drilled within top quartile during 2009.
“They put you on your toes”: Physical Therapists' Perceived Benefits from and Barriers to Supervising Students in the Clinical Setting
Authors: Davies Robyn , Hanna Elizabeth , Cott Cheryl 
Published: December 2010

Purpose: To identify the perceived benefits of and barriers to clinical supervision of physical therapy (PT) students. Method: In this qualitative descriptive study, three focus groups and six key-informant interviews were conducted with clinical physical therapists or administrators working in acute care, orthopaedic rehabilitation, or complex continuing care. Data were coded and analyzed for common ideas using a constant comparison approach. Results: Perceived barriers to supervising students tended to be extrinsic: time and space constraints, challenging or difficult students, and decreased autonomy or flexibility for the clinical physical therapists. Benefits tended to be intrinsic: teaching provided personal gratification by promoting reflective practice and exposing clinical educators to current knowledge. The culture of different health care institutions was an important factor in therapists' perceptions of student supervision. Conclusions: Despite different disciplines and models of supervision, there is considerable synchronicity in the issues reported by physical therapists and other disciplines. Embedding the value of clinical teaching in the institution, along with strong communication links among academic partners, institutions, and potential clinical faculty, may mitigate barriers and increase the commitment and satisfaction of teaching staff.
Perceptions of Physiotherapy Best Practice in Total Knee Arthroplasty in Hospital Outpatient Settings
Authors: Majumdar Sampa Samanta , Luccisano Mary , Evans Cathy 
Published: December 2010

Purpose: The primary purpose of this study was to examine experienced physiotherapists' perceptions of best practices for patients following total knee arthroplasty (TKA) in publicly funded outpatient hospital settings in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). The secondary objective was to identify the facilitators of and barriers to implementing best practices in the subacute phase of rehabilitation. Methods: A qualitative, descriptive, focused ethnographic approach was used to explore physiotherapists' perceptions of best practices for patients with TKA. In-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted with expert physiotherapists acting as key informants. A snowball sampling method was used to recruit physiotherapists in the GTA. Interviews were conducted in person by two of the investigators. Results: Physiotherapists from seven acute-care hospitals in the GTA participated in the study. Analysis of the 140 pages of transcripts from the interviews with 10 physiotherapists revealed that participants perceived best practices as encompassing the adoption of a client-centred approach; inter-professional collaboration; aggressive rehabilitation for patients who are unsuccessful in achieving their outcomes; the use of relevant outcome measures; and consideration of the impact of scarce resources on care. Conclusions: The findings of this study highlight physiotherapists' perceived best practices for patients with TKA and the unique contribution that hospital-based outpatient physiotherapy can make to patients' rehabilitation.
Les universitaires et leurs statuts depuis 1968
Authors: Merindol Jean-Yves 
Published: December 2010

Résumé La démocratisation de l’enseignement supérieur en France a conduit, entre 1960 et 1970, à un vif développement des corps d’assistants et de maîtres-assistants, situations universitaires auxiliaires. Après 1968 et le vote de la loi Faure permettant la constitution d’universités autonomes, les statuts des personnels ont fréquemment évolué. Ces modifications résultent à la fois de conflits sociaux, par exemple autour de la situation des assistants ou des vacataires entre 1968 et 1983 ; de conceptions variées, voire opposées, des politiques universitaires ; des changements dans les pratiques professionnelles amenant à aborder de nouvelles questions. On analyse ici les rapports, les réformes et contre-réformes, et les compromis autour desquels se sont bâtis les dispositifs actuels. Sur une cinquantaine d’années, de 1960 à nos jours, les tendances majeures, autour desquelles la gauche et la droite politiques ont fini par converger, sont : la simplification de la typologie des corps universitaires en deux grandes catégories, l’articulation de plus en forte avec les études doctorales qui ont suivi des évolutions liées à celles des statuts, l’importance de la tension entre l’autonomie de chaque universitaire et celle de chaque université. On retrouve, à travers le dernier point, des débats importants au moment des grandes lois universitaires de la fin du XIX e siècle.
L'agronomie, science de l'agriculture ?
Authors: Hubert Bernard 
Published: December 2010

Résumé L’agriculture est un domaine considéré comme stratégique par la plupart des pays, et si les récentes menaces d’émeutes de la faim ne manquent pas de le rappeler, la plupart des pays industrialisés en ont fait un objet de politiques publiques assez fortement affirmées, en particulier depuis la dernière moitié du XX e siècle, avec ce qu’on appelle la « modernisation » de l’agriculture. La recherche agronomique a été très impliquée dans les dispositifs étatiques mis au service de cette rationalisation d’un secteur d’activité, en complément de la formation, de l’appui technique et de l’organisation des producteurs. Ainsi l’agronomie, en tant que domaine scientifique, est très engagée dans les missions que lui confie l’État de transformation des modes de production agricole, et, partant, des paysanneries et des sociétés rurales. Après une période de développement technologique fondée sur l’augmentation de la productivité de la terre et du travail, l’amélioration génétique et le recours à des intrants divers, qui a conduit à la concentration et à la spécialisation des exploitations agricoles, l’agronomie est confrontée à l’émergence des questions environnementales et des interrogations sur la qualité de l’alimentation et ses conséquences en termes de santé publique. Saura-t-elle sortir des lock in technologiques constitués par les chemins pris depuis une cinquantaine d’années pour se refonder sur des paradigmes différents et plus soucieux des systèmes écologiques, des consommateurs et des travailleurs agricoles ? Cette question se pose désormais en France comme au niveau international, dans un monde questionné par la sécurité alimentaire et l’état de la planète à l’horizon des cinquante prochaines années.
Protective Roles of CX3CR1-Mediated Signals in Toxin A-Induced Enteritis through the Induction of Heme Oxygenase-1 Expression
Authors: Inui Masanori , Ishida Yuko , Kimura Akihiko , Kuninaka Yumi , Mukaida Naofumi , Kondo Toshikazu 
Published: December 2010

AbstractThe injection of Clostridium difficile toxin A into the ileal loops caused fluid accumulation with the destruction of intestinal epithelial structure and the recruitment of neutrophils and macrophages. Concomitantly, intraileal gene expression of CX3CL1/fractalkine (FKN) and its receptor, CX3CR1, was enhanced. When treated with toxin A in a similar manner, CX3CR1-deficient (CX3CR1−/−) mice exhibited exaggerated fluid accumulation, histopathological alterations, and neutrophil recruitment, but not macrophage infiltration. Mice reconstituted with CX3CR1−/− mouse-derived bone marrow cells exhibited exacerbated toxin A-induced enteritis, indicating that the lack of the CX3CR1 gene for hematopoietic cells aggravated toxin A-induced enteritis. A heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) inhibitor, tin-protoporphyrin-IX, markedly increased fluid accumulation in toxin A-treated wild-type mice, indicating the protective roles of HO-1 in this situation. HO-1 expression was detected mainly in F4/80-positive cells expressing CX3CR1, and CX3CR1−/− mice failed to increase HO-1 expression after toxin A treatment. Moreover, CX3CL1/FKN induced HO-1 gene expression by isolated lamina propria-derived macrophages or a mouse macrophage cell line, RAW264.7, through the activation of the ERK signal pathway. Thus, CX3CL1/FKN could induce CX3CR1-expressing macrophages to express HO-1, thereby ameliorating toxin A-induced enteritis.