bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of biofumigation with volatiles from Muscodor albus on the viability of Tilletia spp. teliospores
Authors: Goates Blair J. , Mercier Julien 
Published: March 2009

Volatile organic compounds produced by the fungus Muscodor albus inhibit or kill numerous fungi. The effect of these volatiles was tested on dormant and physiologically active teliospores of the smut fungi Tilletia horrida , Tilletia indica , and Tilletia tritici , which cause kernel smut of rice, Karnal bunt of wheat, and common bunt of wheat, respectively. Reactivated rye grain culture of M. albus was used to fumigate dormant teliospores in dry Petri dishes and physiologically active teliospores on water agar for up to 5 days at 22 °C. Teliospores of all 3 species were incapable of germination when fumigated on agar for 5 days. When T. tritici on agar was fumigated only during the initial 48 h of incubation, viability was reduced by 73%–99%. Fumigation of dry loose teliospores of T. tritici caused a 69%–97% loss in viability, whereas teliospores within intact sori were not affected. Dormant teliospores of T. horrida and T. indica were not affected by M. albus volatiles. It appears that M. albus has potential as a seed or soil treatment for controlling seedling-infecting smuts where infection is initiated by germinating teliospores prior to seedling emergence. The volatiles were not effective for postharvest control of teliospores under conditions used in these experiments.
In vivo associations of Escherichia coli NarJ with a peptide of the first 50 residues of nitrate reductase catalytic subunit NarG
Authors: Li Haiming , Turner Raymond J. 
Published: March 2009

The catalytic subunit of many Escherichia coli redox enzymes bares a twin-arginine translocation (Tat)-dependent signal peptide in its precursor, which directs the redox enzyme complex to this Sec-independent pathway. NarG of the E. coli nitrate reductase NarGHI complex possesses a vestige twin-arginine motif at its N terminus. During the cofactor insertion, and assembly and folding of the NarG–NarH complex, a chaperone protein, NarJ, is thought to interact with the N terminus and an unknown second site of NarG. Our previous in vitro study provided evidence that NarJ’s role shows some Tat system dependence. In this work, we investigated the associations of NarJ with a peptide of the first 50 residues of NarG (NarG50) in living cells. Two approaches were used: the Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) based on yellow fluorescent protein – cyan fluorescent protein (YFP–CFP) and the bimolecular fluorescence complementation (BiFC). Compared with the wild-type (WT) E. coli cotransformants expressing both NarJ–YFP and NarG50–CFP, tat gene mutants gave an apparent FRET efficiency (Eapp) that was on the order of 25%–40% lower. These experiments implied a Tat system dependency of the in vivo associations between NarJ and the NarG50 peptide. In the BiFC assay, a 4-fold lower specific fluorescence intensity was observed for the E. coli WT cotransformants expressing both NarJ–Yc and NarG50–Yn than for its tat mutants, again suggesting a Tat dependence of the interactions. Fluorescence microscopy showed a “dot”/unipolar distribution of the reassembled YFP–NarJ:NarG50 both in WT and tat mutants, demonstrating a distinct localization of the interaction. Thus, although the degree of the interaction shows Tat dependence, the cell localization is less so. Taken together, these data further support that NarJ’s activity on NarG may be assisted by the Tat system.
Comparison of anorexia, lethargy, and fever induced by bacterial and viral mimetics in rats
Authors: Hopwood Nicola , Maswanganyi Tlangelani , Harden Lois M. 
Published: March 2009

Although it has been established that some acute phase responses present differently depending on whether a virus or bacteria activates the innate immune system, it has not yet been established whether fever and sickness behaviors, such as anorexia and lethargy, present differently. We therefore investigated the effects of administering lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and polyinosinic : polycytidylic acid (poly I:C) on body temperature, food intake, body mass, and activity (cage activity and wheel running). Male Sprague–Dawley rats were randomly assigned to receive an intraperitoneal injection of one of LPS (75 µg/kg or 250 µg/kg), poly I:C (3000 µg/kg or 4000 µg/kg), or saline. Administration of LPS or poly I:C induced fever, anorexia, and lethargy. Although voluntary wheel running and cage activity were both significantly reduced after administration of LPS or poly I:C, they were not affected equally. Indeed voluntary wheel running was decreased on average by approximately 30% more than cage activity regardless of the dose or type of mimetic administered. Our results indicate that poly I:C is less effective at inducing anorexia, lethargy, and fever in rats than is LPS, and that avoidance of exercise in animals and humans during infection is likely to be a more prominent feature of illness than is avoidance of routine daily activity.
A pilot study of self-regulation informed goal setting in people with traumatic brain injury
Authors: McPherson Kathryn M , Kayes Nicola , Weatherall Mark ,   on behalf of all members of the Goals-SR Research Group
Published: March 2009

Objective: To determine the acceptability and clinical application of two recently developed goal-setting interventions (Goal Management Training and Identity Oriented Goal Training) in people with traumatic brain injury. Design: A three parallel group, randomized controlled pilot study. Setting: Inpatient and community rehabilitation facilities. Subjects: Thirty-four people with moderate to severe traumatic brain injury (Goal Management Training, n = 12; Identity Oriented Goal Training, n = 10; usual care, n = 12) and their rehabilitation clinicians. Interventions: For both Goal Management Training and Identity Oriented Goal Training participants met face to face with their key worker weekly over a period of 6—8 weeks, during which time the key worker worked to engage them in goal setting and goal performance using the strategy prescribed by their group allocation. Usual care was provided to the other participants. Main measures: Largely qualitative using observation, individual interviews and focus groups. Participants also completed a Goal Attainment Scale at baseline, post intervention and at three months follow-up. Results: Both approaches were acceptable to the majority of participants with many reporting improved mood and goal attainment. Clinicians found working in a different way with patients both challenging and rewarding, with both experimental approaches enhancing a focus on the person's own goals. Identity Oriented Goal Training seemed particularly helpful in engaging people in the goal-setting process while Goal Management Training appeared particularly helpful in providing a structured framework for error prevention in attempting goal performance. Conclusion: These theoretically informed approaches to goal setting showed promise but were time intensive and at times difficult for practitioners to utilize.
Areas of consensus and controversy about goal setting in rehabilitation: a conference report
Authors: Playford E Diane , Siegert Richard , Levack William , Freeman Jennifer 
Published: March 2009

Objective: To consider clinical issues surrounding goal setting in neurological rehabilitation, and to identify priorities for future research. Participants: Twenty-four rehabilitation professionals were invited to attend because they had taught or published on the topic of goal setting. In addition two patient groups were represented. Evidence: (1) The results of a systematic literature review, (2) presentations given during the two-day conference by investigators working within the field of goal setting, (3) questions and statements from conference attendees during open discussion, (4) a report initially formulated by a panel composed of four of the conference attendees, and then circulated to all attendees for comment, (5) views of the conference attendees gathered using a modified Delphi technique. Consensus: There were significant areas of consensus about goal setting. The Delphi studies highlighted and confirmed these areas of general agreement with consensus that goal setting is a core component of the rehabilitation process, and that goals should be specific, ambitious, relevant and time limited, with incremental steps that lead to progressive achievement. It was also agreed that that goal setting has a major impact on the relationship between patient and professional, with the availability of professional time and expertise being key to the success of the process. Controversy: Areas in which there was more controversy centred on the evaluation of goal achievement and the benefits of ambitious rather than achievable goals. The need for patient-centred goal setting was recognized, although it was felt at times that there were conflicts that prevented this being attainable.
Alterations in Knee Joint Laxity During the Menstrual Cycle in Healthy Women Leads to Increases in Joint Loads During Selected Athletic Movements
Authors: Park Sang-Kyoon , Stefanyshyn Darren J. , Ramage Barbara , Hart David A. , Ronsky Janet L. 
Published: March 2009

Background It has been speculated that the hormonal cycle may be correlated with higher incidence of ACL injury in female athletes, but results have been very contradictory. Hypothesis Knee joint loads are influenced by knee joint laxity (KJL) during the menstrual cycle. Study Design Controlled laboratory study. Methods Serum samples and KJL were assessed at the follicular, ovulation, and luteal phases in 26 women. Knee joint mechanics (angle, moment, and impulse) were measured and compared at the same intervals. Each of the 26 subjects had a value for knee laxity at each of the 3 phases of their cycle, and these were ordered and designated low, medium, and high for that subject. Knee joint mechanics were then compared between low, medium, and high laxity. Results No significant differences in knee joint mechanics were found across the menstrual cycle (no phase effect). However, an increase in KJL was associated with higher knee joint loads during movement (laxity effect). A 1.3-mm increase in KJL resulted in an increase of approximately 30% in adduction impulse in a cutting maneuver, an increase of approximately 20% in knee adduction moment, and a 20% to 45% increase in external rotation loads during a jumping and stopping task ( P < .05). Conclusion Changes in KJL during the menstrual cycle do change knee joint loading during movements. Clinical Relevance Our findings will be beneficial for researchers in the development of more effective ACL injury prevention programs.
Towards a `Foxification' of 24-hour news channels in Britain?
Authors: Cushion Stephen , Lewis Justin 
Published: March 2009

Drawing on three media content analyses between 2004 and 2007, we examine the differences in news coverage between BBC News 24 (a public service broadcasting channel) and Sky News (a commercial provider). We explore this longitudinal data in the context of recent claims that 24-hour news channels in the UK are succumbing to the kind of decline in news standards exemplified by the Fox network in the USA. While there are some signs of `Foxifixation', the existing public service regulations in UK broadcasting and the presence of a full-blown public service broadcaster like the BBC act as a break on `Foxification' in commercial providers like Sky. Although Fox and Sky are both Murdoch channels, Sky conforms to some of the expectations of public service broadcasting in a way that Fox does not.
The PI3K-Akt-mTOR pathway regulates Aβ oligomer induced neuronal cell cycle events
Authors: Bhaskar Kiran , Miller Megan , Chludzinski Alexandra , Herrup Karl , Zagorski Michael , Lamb Bruce T 
Published: March 2009

Abstract
Accumulating evidence suggests that neurons prone to degeneration in Alzheimer's Disease (AD) exhibit evidence of re-entry into an aberrant mitotic cell cycle. Our laboratory recently demonstrated that, in a genomic amyloid precursor protein (APP) mouse model of AD (R1.40), neuronal cell cycle events (CCEs) occur in the absence of beta-amyloid (Aβ) deposition and are still dependent upon the amyloidogenic processing of the amyloid precursor protein (APP). These data suggested that soluble Aβ species might play a direct role in the induction of neuronal CCEs. Here, we show that exposure of non-transgenic primary cortical neurons to Aβ oligomers, but not monomers or fibrils, results in the retraction of neuronal processes, and induction of CCEs in a concentration dependent manner. Retraction of neuronal processes correlated with the induction of CCEs and the Aβ monomer or Aβ fibrils showed only minimal effects. In addition, we provide evidence that induction of neuronal CCEs are autonomous to primary neurons cultured from the R1.40 mice. Finally, our results also demonstrate that Aβ oligomer treated neurons exhibit elevated levels of activated Akt and mTOR (mammalian Target Of Rapamycin) and that PI3K, Akt or mTOR inhibitors blocked Aβ oligomer-induced neuronal CCEs. Taken together, these results demonstrate that Aβ oligomer-based induction of neuronal CCEs involve the PI3K-Akt-mTOR pathway.
Incidental carcinoma of the prostate gland presenting with initial manifestation of disseminated intravascular coagulopathy (dic) in a middle aged man: a case report
Authors: Salako Ayo Abdulkadir , Arowolo Olukayode Adeolu , Omonisi Emmanuel Abidemi , Adisa Adewale Oluseye , Titiloye Nicholas Akinwale , Adelusola Kayode 
Published: March 2009

Abstract

Background
Incidental carcinoma of the prostate gland is a common clinical problem among elderly males but this malignancy presenting initially with features of Disseminated Intravascular Coagulopathy (DIC) in the African blacks is rare. Disseminateded intravascular coagulathy is the most frequent coagulation disorder in patients with prostate cancer, However DIC as a first manifestation of prostate cancer is unusual.

Case report
This paper reports a case of a 56 year old Nigerian civil servant who presented initially with clinical features of DIC characterised by bleeding from multilple orifices but was subsequently diagnosed at autopsy to be infiltrating adenocarcinoma of the prostate.

Conclusion
This rare case of DIC should be considered especially in elderly men when no other cause can be found for coagulopathy.
Marked increase of procalcitonin after the administration of anti-thymocyte globulin in patients before hematopoietic stem cell transplantation does not indicate sepsis: a prospective study
Authors: Brodska Helena , Drabek Tomas , Malickova Karin , Kazda Antonin , Vitek Antonin , Zima Tomas , Markova Marketa 
Published: March 2009

Abstract
Introduction
Procalcitonin (PCT) and C-reactive protein (CRP) are established markers of infection in the general population. In contrast, several studies reported falsely increased PCT levels in patients receiving T-cell antibodies. We evaluated the validity of these markers in patients scheduled for hemopoietic stem cell transplantation receiving anti-thymocyte globulin (ATG) during conditioning. We also assessed renal and liver functions and their relationship to PCT and CRP changes.

Methods
Twenty-six patients without clinical signs of infection were prospectively studied. ATG was administered in up to three doses over the course of 5 days. PCT, CRP, white blood cell (WBC) count, urea, creatinine, glomerular filtration rate, bilirubin, alanin amino-transferase (ALT), and gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) were assessed daily during ATG administration. Pharyngeal, nose, and rectal swabs and urine samples were cultured twice weekly. Blood cultures were obtained if clinical symptoms of infection were present.

Results
Baseline (BL) levels of both PCT and CRP before ATG administration were normal. WBC count decreased after ATG administration (P = 0.005). One day after ATG administration, both PCT and CRP levels increased significantly, returning to BL levels on day 4. Microbiological results were clinically unremarkable. There was no interrelationship between PCT levels and BL markers of renal or liver functions (P > 0.05 for all comparisons). Bilirubin and GGT were increased on days 2 to 5 and ALT was increased on day 3 (P < 0.05 versus BL). No difference in renal functions was observed. Three patients developed bacterial infection on days 7 to 11 with different dynamics of PCT and CRP. There was no association between the number of ATG doses and PCT levels or between the risk of developing infection and previous PCT levels.

Conclusions
ATG triggered a marked early surge in PCT and CRP followed by a steady decrease over the course of 3 days. The dynamics of both PCT and CRP were similar and were not associated with infection. PCT levels were independent of renal and liver functions and were not predictive of further infectious complications. A direct effect of ATG on T lymphocytes could be the underlying mechanism. Hepatotoxic effect could be a contributing factor. Neither PCT nor CRP is a useful marker that can identify infection in patients receiving ATG.
Durable Long-Term Remission With Chemotherapy Alone for Stage II to IV Laryngeal Cancer
Authors: Holsinger F. Christopher , Kies Merrill S. , Diaz Eduardo M. , Gillenwater Ann M. , Lewin Jan S. , Ginsberg Lawrence E. , Glisson Bonnie S. , Garden Adam S. , Ark Nebil , Lin Heather Y. , Lee J. Jack , El-Naggar Adel K. , Ki Hong Waun , Shin Dong M. , Khuri Fadlo R. 
Published: March 2009

Purpose For patients with stage II to IV laryngeal cancer, radiation therapy (RT) either alone or with concurrent chemotherapy provides the highest rate of organ preservation but can be associated with functional impairment. Thus, we studied the use of induction chemotherapy with or without conservation laryngeal surgery (CLS). Our objectives were to study the sensitivity of laryngeal cancer to platinum-based chemotherapy alone and to highlight the efficacy of CLS in this setting. Patients and Methods Thirty-one previously untreated patients with laryngeal cancer (T2-4, N0-1, M0), who were resectable with CLS, were enrolled. Patients received three to four cycles of paclitaxel, ifosfamide, and cisplatin (TIP) chemotherapy, and response was assessed histologically. Patients with partial response (PR) proceeded to CLS. Patients achieving pathologic complete response (pCR) received an additional three cycles of TIP and no other treatment. Results Thirty patients were assessable for response. With TIP chemotherapy alone, 11 patients (37%) achieved pCR, 10 of whom (33%) remain alive with durable disease remission and no evidence of recurrence over a median follow-up time of 5 years. Nineteen patients (63%) treated with TIP alone achieved PR. The overall laryngeal preservation (LP) rate was 83%, and only five patients (16%) required postoperative RT. No patient required a gastrostomy tube or tracheotomy. Conclusion Chemotherapy alone in selected patients with T2-4, N0-1 laryngeal cancer can provide durable disease remission at 5 years. For patients with PR, CLS provides a high rate of LP. This prospective study suggests that chemotherapy alone may cure selected patients with laryngeal cancer, warranting further prospective investigation.
Pro-Inflammatory Cytokines TNF-Related Weak Inducer of Apoptosis (TWEAK) and TNFα Induce the Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase (MAPK)-Dependent Expression of Sclerostin in Human Osteoblasts
Authors: Vincent Cristina , Findlay David M , Welldon Katie J , Wijenayaka Asiri R , Zheng Timothy S , Haynes David R , Fazzalari Nicola L , Evdokiou Andreas , Atkins Gerald J 
Published: March 2009

Abstract
We have recently shown that TNF-related weak inducer of apoptosis (TWEAK) is a mediator of inflammatory bone remodeling. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of TWEAK in modulating human osteoblast activity, and how TWEAK and TNFα might interact in this context. Recombinant TWEAK and TNF were both mitogenic for human primary osteoblasts (NHBC). TWEAK dose- and time-dependently regulated the expression of the osteoblast transcription factors RUNX2 and osterix. TWEAK inhibited in vitro mineralization and downregulated the expression of osteogenesis-associated genes. Significantly, TWEAK and TWEAK/TNF induced the expression of the osteoblast differentiation inhibitor and SOST gene product, sclerostin. Sclerostin induction was mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) dependent. The SOST mRNA levels induced by TWEAK were equivalent to or exceeded those seen in steady-state human bone, and the TWEAK/TNF induction of SOST mRNA was recapitulated in fresh cancellous bone explants. TWEAK-induced sclerostin expression was observed in immature osteoblastic cells, both in cycling (Ki67+) primary NHBC and in the cell lines MC3T3-E1 and MG-63, as well as in human osteocyte-like cells and in the osteocyte cell line, MLO-Y4. Treatment of NHBC with recombinant human sclerostin mimicked the effects of TWEAK to suppress RUNX2 and osteocalcin (OCN). TWEAK, TNF, and sclerostin treatment of NHBC similarly altered levels of phosphorylated and total GSK3β and active and total levels of β-catenin, implying that the Wnt signaling pathway was affected by all three stimuli. Sclerostin also rapidly activated ERK-1/2 MAPK signaling, indicating the involvement of additional signaling pathways. Together, our findings suggest that TWEAK, alone and with TNF, can regulate osteoblast function, at least in part by inducing sclerostin expression. Our results also suggest new roles and modes of action for sclerostin.
Tribute to Professor Michael Gibbins
Authors: Jamal Karim 
Published: March 2009

ABSTRACTOn May 2‐3, 2008, the Alberta School of Business and the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Alberta (ICAA) sponsored a dinner and a one‐day research workshop in Professor Michael Gibbins's honor. At the dinner on May 2, three presentations were made on the contribution of Professor Gibbins to accounting education, research, and the profession. At the research workshop on May 3, three research papers were presented, a panel discussed professional judgment issues in accounting and auditing, and a CFO gave a luncheon speech on the new financial presentation project of the Financial Accounting Standards Board. The dinner and symposium attracted participants from across Canada, the United States, Australia, and Singapore, which is not surprising given Professor Gibbins's global reputation. This paper summarizes the presentations and discussion that took place during the May 2 dinner and May 3 research workshop.
Dolmetschen für den öffentlichen Bereich in der Schweiz
Authors: Hofer Gertrud 
Published: March 2009

AbstractIm Laufe des 20. Jahrhunderts hat aufgrund der Migration die Viersprachigkeit in der Schweiz der Vielsprachigkeit Platz gemacht. Die Sprachpalette hat sich laufend verändert und vergrössert. Damit ist auch der Bedarf an Dolmetschleistungen um ein Vielfaches gestiegen. In erster Linie sind Behörden, Gerichte, Krankenhäuser, psychiatrische Kliniken und Schulen auf Dolmetschende angewiesen. Ein grosser Anteil dieser Verdolmetschungen betrifft Sprachen, für die es keine anerkannte Dolmetschausbildung gibt.Migrant/innen dolmetschen zwar in den verschiedenen Institutionen, sind sich aber ihrer Rolle als Dolmetschende häufig nicht bewusst und kennen die Dolmetsch- und Notizentechniken nicht. Überdies haben sie oft ungenügende Kompetenzen in einer der Sprachen und beherrschen die Syntax und/oder die Terminologie nicht im erforderlichen Mass, und zudem haben viele keinen Zugang zu den komplexen fachlichen Inhalten der verschiedenen Bereiche im Rechts-, Gesundheits- oder Bildungswesen. Aus diesen Gründen ist die Qualität der Dolmetschleistungen oft mangelhaft, weshalb es zu Beanstandungen oder zum Abbruch von Gesprächen und Verhandlungen kommt.Diese Migrationsflüsse der Gegenwart führen in der Schweiz wie auch in zahlreichen anderen Ländern zu Kommunikationsproblemen, zu deren Lösung die Institute für Übersetzen und Dolmetschen einen wesentlichen Beitrag leisten können. So besteht seit wenigen Jahren im Kanton Zürich ein dreistufiges Programm für Behördenund Gerichtsdolmetscher/innen.