bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Learning Opportunities in a Department-Wide Crisis Simulation: Bridging the International/National Divide
Authors: Zaino Jeanne S. , Mulligan Tricia 
Published: June 2009

ABSTRACTWhen designed and executed properly, role-playing simulations go a long way to enhance student learning. Typically, however, simulations are divided along subfields. Most exercises, whether based on real or fictitious events, either place students in various roles within a country or have them represent the international interests of one country among others. In an effort to bridge this divide and answer recent calls to internationalize the curriculum, we have designed and implemented a department-wide crisis simulation. The article demonstrates that students engaged in a large-scale, department-wide simulation gain a greater appreciation and understanding of political processes and variables including negotiation, the opportunities and constraints of institutional design, identity, and strategic thinking.
Learning through Publishing The Pi Sigma Alpha Undergraduate Journal of Politics
Authors: Bauer Benjamin J. , Ogás Whitney C. , Shakir Omar R. , Oxley Zoe M. , Clawson Rosalee A. 
Published: June 2009

ABSTRACTPublishing a research journal can be a rewarding and useful learning experience for undergraduate students. Drawing upon our experiences with The Pi Sigma Alpha Undergraduate Journal of Politics, we describe the benefits of producing a peer-reviewed journal. Among the benefits we highlight are gains in political science knowledge, increased understanding of research methodologies, refinement of writing and debating skills, and development of interpersonal skills. We close with a call for professors to encourage their students to submit papers to the journal.
Getting the Most from Pi Sigma Alpha Chapters: Exploring the Chapter Activity Grant Program and its Multiplier Effects
Authors: Alexander Robert M. 
Published: June 2009

ABSTRACTThe political science honor society, Pi Sigma Alpha, has chapters in nearly 700 institutions across the United States. The organization sponsors many programs that can contribute a great deal to students of political science; however, many students are unaware of these opportunities. This article encourages chapter advisors to make use of these programs. My chapter's experience suggests many benefits can occur to those who take advantage of the opportunities presented through Pi Sigma Alpha.
Correction for patient sway in radiographic biplanar imaging for three-dimensional reconstruction of the spine: in vitro study of a new method
Authors: Legaye J. , Saunier P. , Dumas R. , Vallee C. 
Published: June 2009

Background: Three-dimensional (3D) reconstructions of the spine in the upright position are classically obtained using two-dimensional, non-simultaneous radiographic imaging. However, a subject's sway between exposures induces inaccuracy in the 3D reconstructions. Purpose: To evaluate the impact of patient sway between successive radiographic exposures, and to test if 3D reconstruction accuracy can be improved by a corrective method with simultaneous Moiré–X-ray imaging. Material and Methods: Using a calibrated deformable phantom perceptible by both techniques (Moiré and X-ray), the 3D positional and rotational vertebral data from 3D reconstructions with and without the corrective procedure were compared to the corresponding data of computed tomography (CT) scans, considered as a reference. All were expressed in the global axis system, as defined by the Scoliosis Research Society. Results: When a sagittal sway of 10° occurred between successive biplanar X-rays, the accuracy of the 3D reconstruction without correction was 8.8 mm for the anteroposterior vertebral locations and 6.4° for the sagittal orientations. When the corrective method was applied, the accuracy was improved to 1.3 mm and 1.5°, respectively. Conclusion: 3D accuracy improved significantly by using the corrective method, whatever the subject's sway. This technique is reliable for clinical appraisal of the spine, if the subject's sway does not exceed 10°. For greater sway, improvement persists, but a risk of lack of accuracy exists.
Computerised CBT self‐help for depression in Higher Education: Reflections on a pilot
Authors: Mitchell Nicky 
Published: June 2009

AbstractAims: This study comprised the second phase of a small‐scale exploration of the viability of a computerised CBT intervention for depression within the context of a Higher Education counselling service. Method: The program ‘Beating the Blues’™ (BtB) was offered to students experiencing depression, with measurement of uptake, attrition, satisfaction and effectiveness of the program. Results: Outcomes were calculated alone and in combination with those found in Phase One (previously presented in this journal), to enable a whole study report. In Phase Two, 15 students commenced BtB. The low completion rate in the intended academic year of the study led to extension over a further term. Seven participants completed the programme in Phase Two, a rate of 46.7%; 27 students used the programme over the entire study, with 63% completion. In both phases depression scores fell significantly following completion of the programme; anxiety scores fell significantly for Phase Two completers. User feedback was mixed. Clinical implications and conclusions: Many students have a comparatively short wait for a psychological service which may reduce interest in a computerised self‐help intervention and may help explain the low uptake. It is suggested that whilst CCBT is acceptable and effective for some depressed students, the number of sufficiently interested students, together with reported satisfaction from the intervention, was too small to warrant current inclusion of BtB within our service, particularly given its cost implications. Suggestions for further CCBT‐related investigations within this setting are made.
Modelling seasonal and annual variation in size at functional maturity in the European lobster (Homarus gammarus) from self-sampling data
Authors: Laurans Martial , Fifas Spyros , Demaneche Sébastien , Brérette Stéphane , Debec Olivier 
Published: June 2009

Abstract
Laurans, M., Fifas, S., Demaneche, S., Brérette, S., and Debec, O. 2009. Modelling seasonal and annual variation in size at functional maturity in the European lobster (Homarus gammarus) from self-sampling data. – ICES Journal of Marine Science, 66: 1892–1898. Fishers from Le Croisic (France) measure all the lobsters (Homarus gammarus) they capture, indicating their sex and whether the females are ovigerous or non-ovigerous. Between 2003 and 2006 and mainly between April and September, 16 884 lobsters were measured in this manner. These self-sampled data were used to study catchability and functional maturity of lobsters. The sex ratio was 50%, and catchability did not change if a female was ovigerous or non-ovigerous. With the help of a logistic function, a relationship was established between body size and the proportion of ovigerous females. For the study area, 100% of the females were mature upon reaching a carapace length (CL) of 115 mm, and the proportion of ovigerous females reached 70% each year. The L50 value evolved over a CL of 103–106 mm. From the size when 100% of the females matured (115 mm), there was a larger proportion of ovigerous females than in other studies carried out in more northern European areas.
Reproductive ecology of the invasive whelk Rapana venosa Valenciennes, 1846, in the southeastern Black Sea (Gastropoda: Muricidae)
Authors: Sağlam Hacer , Düzgüneş Ertuğ , Öğüt Hamdi 
Published: June 2009

Abstract
Sağlam, H., Düzgüneş, E., and Öğüt, H. 2009. Reproductive ecology of the invasive whelk Rapana venosa Valenciennes, 1846, in the southeastern Black Sea (Gastropoda: Muricidae). – ICES Journal of Marine Science, 66: 1865–1867. The reproductive ecology of the invasive whelk Rapana venosa Valenciennes, 1846 (Gastropoda: Muricidae) was examined in Surmene, southeastern Black Sea, Turkey, using monthly samples of individuals collected by dredging from November 1999 to October 2000. The observed sex ratio (F:M) was 1:1.6; mean shell length at sexual maturity was 40 mm. Changes in the ovary and testis indices indicated that spawning mainly occurred between June and early August in the southeastern Black Sea.
RNA Interference Targeted to the Conserved Dimerization Initiation Site (DIS) of HIV-1 Restricts Virus Escape Mutation
Authors: Sugiyama Ryuichi , Habu Yuichiro , Ohnari Aki , Miyano-Kurosaki Naoko , Takaku Hiroshi 
Published: June 2009

AbstractShort hairpin RNAs (shRNA) targeting viral or cellular genes can effectively inhibit human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) replication. This inhibition, however, may induce mutations in the targeted gene, leading to rapid escape from the shRNA-induced inhibition. We generated a lymphoid cell line that stably expressed a 19-bp shRNA targeting a well-conserved dimerization initiation site (DIS) of HIV-1, which strongly inhibited viral replication, thereby delaying virus escape. Furthermore, treatment of HIV-1 infection with DIS- and vif-shRNA combination therapy resulted in superior anti-viral responses compared to vif-shRNA monotherapy. Continuous challenge with HIV-1, however, generated virus mutants that could overcome the RNA interference restriction. Such anti-genes may be promising tools for HIV-1 gene therapy for HIV/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome.
A critical role of Sonic Hedgehog signaling in maintaining the tumorigenicity of neuroblastoma cells
Authors: Mao Ling , Xia Yuan‐Peng , Zhou Yu‐Nan , Dai Ruo‐Lian , Yang Xue , Duan Shu‐Jie , Qiao Xian , Mei Yuan‐Wu , Hu Bo , Cui Hongjuan 
Published: June 2009

Accumulated evidence suggests a major role for the activation of the Sonic Hedgehog (SHH) signaling pathway in the development of neural crest stem cells that give rise to the sympathetic nervous system. We therefore investigated the involvement of SHH signaling in the pathogenesis of neuroblastoma, a common childhood malignant tumor of the sympathetic nervous system. Human neuroblastoma cell lines and a majority of primary neuroblastoma specimens showed high‐level expression of the pathway targets and components, indicating persistent activation of the SHH pathway. All of the neuroblastoma cell lines we examined expressed significant levels of SHH ligand, suggesting an autocrine, ligand‐dependent activation of the SHH pathway in neuroblastoma cells. Inhibition of SHH signaling by cyclopamine induced apoptosis and blocked proliferation in all major types of neuroblastoma cells, and abrogated the tumorigenicity of neuroblastoma cells. Moreover, the knockdown of GLI2 in neuroblastoma BE (2)‐C and SK‐N‐DZ cell lines resulted in the inhibition of colony formation. Our study has revealed a molecular mechanism for the persistent activation of the SHH pathway which promotes the development of neuroblastoma, and suggests a new approach for the treatment of this childhood malignant tumor. (Cancer Sci 2009; 100: 1848–1855)
Intraperitoneal administration of paclitaxel solubilized with poly(2‐methacryloxyethyl phosphorylcholine‐co n‐butyl methacrylate) for peritoneal dissemination of gastric cancer
Authors: Soma Daisuke , Kitayama Joji , Konno Tomohiro , Ishihara Kazuhiko , Yamada Jun , Kamei Takao , Ishigami Hironori , Kaisaki Shoichi , Nagawa Hirokazu 
Published: June 2009

Intraperitoneal (i.p.) administration of paclitaxel (PTX) is a hopeful therapeutic strategy for peritoneal malignancy. Intravenously (i.v.) injected nanoparticle anticancer drugs are known to be retained in the blood stream for a long time and favorably extravasated from vessels into the interstitium of tumor tissue. In this study, we evaluated the effect of i.p. injection of PTX (PTX‐30W), which was prepared by solubulization with water‐soluble amphiphilic polymer composed of PMB‐30W, a co‐polymer of 2‐methacryloxyethyl phosphorylcholineand n‐butyl methacrylate, for peritoneal dissemination of gastric cancer. In a peritoneal metastasis model with transfer of MKN45P in nude mice, the effct of i.p. administration of PTX‐30W was compared with conventional PTX dissolved in Cremophor EL (PTX‐Cre). The drug accumulation in peritoneal nodules was evaluated with intratumor PTX concentration and fluorescence microscopic observation. PTX‐30W reduced the number of metastatic nodules and tumor volume significantly more than did conventional PTX dissolved in Cremophor EL (PTX‐Cre), and prolonged the survival time (P < 0.05). PTX concentration in disseminated tumors measured by HPLC was higher in the PTX‐30W than in the PTX‐Cre group up to 24 h after i.p. injection. Oregon green–conjugated PTX‐30W, i.p. administered, preferentially accumulated in relatively hypovascular areas in the peripheral part of disseminated nodules, which was significantly greater than the accumulation of PTX‐Cre. I.p. administration of PTX‐30W may be a promising strategy for peritoneal dissemination, due to its superior characteristics to accumulate in peritoneal lesions. (Cancer Sci 2009; 100: 1979–1985)
Relationships between rust resistance genes at the M locus in flax
Authors: LAWRENCE GREGORY J. , ANDERSON PETER A. , DODDS PETER N. , ELLIS JEFFREY G. 
Published: June 2009

SUMMARYGenes at the M locus in flax (Linum usitatissimum) that confer resistance to flax rust (Melampsora lini) occur in complex haplotypes containing up to 15 related genes or gene fragments. We have cloned two additional functional resistance genes at this locus, M1 and M3, by transposon tagging and candidate gene approaches, and investigated the genetic relationships between four genes (M, M1, M3 and M4) by recombination analysis. M1 and M3, like M, are members of the nucleotide binding site, leucine‐rich repeat (NBS‐LRR) family. Comparisons of the predicted M1 and M3 amino acid sequences with M and L6 reveal that: (i) M1 contains four additional LRRs, probably as a result of an unequal crossover event between duplicated regions; (ii) M1 shares large segments of exact identity with M and M3, indicative of intragenic recombination events; and (iii) a large number of amino acid differences are scattered throughout the M, M1 and M3 proteins. Recombination analysis (here and in previous studies) has revealed that M readily recombines with M1, M3 and M4, whereas these three genes fail to recombine despite large family sizes (>5800) in two test‐cross families, suggesting that they may occupy allelic positions in the gene cluster. Several restriction fragment length polymorphism markers within or near the M locus were mapped with respect to seven crossover events between M and M1. The results of this and previous studies provide evidence of structural differences between: (i) homoeologous loci in the different genomes of flax; (ii) different haplotypes at the M locus; (iii) different resistance genes in the M group; and (iv) the flanking regions downstream of M locus resistance genes.
Effect of the urotensin‐II receptor antagonist palosuran on secretion of and sensitivity to insulin in patients with Type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Sidharta Patricia N. , Rave Klaus , Heinemann Lutz , Chiossi Eleonora , Krähenbühl Stephan , Dingemanse Jasper 
Published: June 2009

WHAT IS ALREADY KNOWN ABOUT THIS SUBJECT • Urotensin‐II (U‐II) is one of the most potent vasoconstrictors identified thus far.• Although differences in both U‐II blood levels and U‐II receptor (UT‐receptor) expression have been observed in patients with cardiovascular and cardiorenal disease, the precise function in humans has not been elucidated.• U‐II and its receptor have been reported to be involved in glucose metabolism and insulin resistance, which can lead to the development of Type 2 diabetes mellitus.• In rat models of diabetes, palosuran, a selective, potent antagonist of the human UT‐receptor, improved several disease markers. WHAT THIS STUDY ADDS • In this study in diabetic patients, the effects of palosuran on insulin secretion and sensitivity were investigated using a hyperglycaemic glucose clamp and a meal tolerance test and daily glucose levels were also studied.• Although no obvious beneficial effect of palosuran in this patient population was observed, the study contributes to providing more insight inro the human U‐II/UT‐receptor system.AIMSTo investigate the effects of palosuran, a nonpeptidic, potent and selective antagonist of the urotensin‐II receptor, on insulin and glucose regulation in 20 diet‐treated patients with Type 2 diabetes mellitus in a double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, randomized, crossover, proof‐of‐concept study.METHODSAfter 4 weeks' oral treatment with 125 mg palosuran or placebo b.i.d., effects on insulin secretion and sensitivity and blood glucose levels were assessed by means of a hyperglycaemic glucose clamp, meal tolerance test, homeostasis model assessment‐insulin resistance score, and daily self‐monitoring of blood glucose. Plasma concentrations of palosuran were determined for 12 h on the last day of intake.RESULTSPalosuran did not affect second‐phase insulin response (primary end‐point) during the hyperglycaemic glucose clamp in comparison with placebo [paired difference of −1.8 µU ml−1, 95% confidence interval (CI) −7.8, 4.2]. Likewise, no effects of palosuran were detected on the first‐phase insulin response, or on insulin secretion and blood glucose levels during the meal tolerance test or on homeostasis model assessment‐insulin resistance score. No clinically significant effects on daily blood glucose profiles were observed during the study. Geometric mean Cmax and AUCτ (95% CI) and median tmax (range) in this patient population were 180 ng ml−1 (125, 260), 581 ng·h ml−1 (422, 800) and 3.0 h (0.67, 4.3), respectively.CONCLUSIONSThe results of this study indicate that antagonism of the urotensin‐II system does not influence insulin secretion or sensitivity or daily blood glucose levels in diet‐treated patients with Type 2 diabetes.
Application of array‐based whole genome scanning technologies as a cytogenetic tool in haematological malignancies
Authors: Maciejewski Jaroslaw P. , Tiu Ramon V. , O’Keefe Christine 
Published: June 2009

SummaryKaryotypic analysis provides useful diagnostic information in many haematological malignancies. However, standard metaphase cytogenetics has technical limitations that result in the underestimation of the degree of chromosomal changes. Array‐based technologies can be used for karyotyping and can supplant some of the shortcomings of metaphase cytogenetics, and include single nucleotide polymorphism arrays (SNP‐A) and comparative genomic hybridization arrays (CGH‐A). Array‐based cytogenetic tools do not rely on cell division, have superb resolution for unbalanced lesions and allow for the detection of copy number‐neutral loss of heterozygosity, a type of lesion not seen with metaphase cytogenetics. Moreover, genomic array analysis is automated and results can be objectively and systematically analysed using biostatistical algorithms. As a potential advantage over genomic approaches, metaphase cytogenetics can detect balanced chromosomal defects and resolves clonal mosaicism. Initial studies performed in various haematological malignancies indicate the potential of SNP‐A‐based karyotyping as a useful clinical cytogenetic detection tool. The current effort is aimed at developing rational diagnostic algorithms for the detection of somatic defects and the establishment of clinical correlations for novel SNP‐A‐detected chromosomal defects, including acquired somatic uniparental disomy. SNP‐A can complement metaphase karyotyping and will probably play an important role in clinical cytogenetic diagnostics.
‘Cannibalism’ (cell phagocytosis) does not differentiate reactive renal tubular cells from urothelial carcinoma cells
Authors: Ohsaki H. , Haba R. , Matsunaga T. , Nakamura M. , Kiyomoto H. , Hirakawa E. 
Published: June 2009

Objective:  Cannibalism of one cell by another in voided urine cytology has been considered a cytological feature for differentiating urothelial carcinoma (UC) from benign lesions. Recently, however, we observed cannibalism in voided urine obtained from patients with renal glomerular disease (RGD). The purpose of this study was to determine the cytomorphological and immunocytochemical characteristics of cannibalism in voided urine from RGD.Methods:  Seventy cytology specimens of voided urine were examined and the findings were compared with the histological findings. In addition, we compared the cytomorphological and immunocytochemical differences in cannibalism found in RGD and cases of UC selected as showing cannabilism.Results:  Cannibalism in voided urine was found in three (5.5%) of 55 RGD cases. The finding was measured as (1+) < 5 cells, (2+) 5–20 cells, and (3+) > 20 cells and was (1+) in all three RGD cases, compared with 6.7%, 60% and 33.3% respectively in 15 UC cases. Differences in low cellularity cases (1+) and moderate to high cellularity cases (2+ or 3+) were statistically significant between RGD (3 and 0) and UC (1 and 14) (P=0.005). The maximum diameter of cannibalized cells in RGD was 24.3–33.0 μm (mean 29.8 μm) versus 18.0–30.4 μm (mean 23.3 μm) in UC (P=0.004). Necrosis and isomorphic erythrocytes were absent in RGD, but were found in 46.7% and 86.7%, respectively, of UC cases (P=0.245 and P=0.012). Dysmorphic erythrocytes were identified in all three cases with RGD and 13.3% of UC (P=0.012). Vimentin reactivity was found in all cases with cannibalism in RGD, but never in UC (P=0.001).Conclusions:  Our results demonstrated that cannibalism in voided urine is present not only in UC but also in RGD. Furthermore, we showed that cellularity of cannibalism, vimentin reactivity and background differed significantly and can be used for differential diagnosis between the two groups.
Fatty acids as metabolic mediators in innate immunity
Authors: Kopp A. , Gross P. , Falk W. , Bala M. , Weigert J. , Buechler C. , Neumeier M. , Schölmerich J. , Schäffler A. 
Published: June 2009

AbstractBackground  Increasing data support the hypothesis of a local and systemic crosstalk between adipocytes and monocytes mediated by fatty acids. The aim of this study was to characterize the immunomodulatory effects of a large panel of fatty acids on cytokines and chemokines in monocytic THP‐1 cells and primary human monocytes. We tested whether anti‐inflammatory fatty acids are able to inhibit the binding of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to its receptor, toll‐like receptor/MD‐2 (TLR4/MD‐2).Materials and methods  Resistin, monocyte chemoattractant protein‐1 (MCP‐1) and tumour necrosis factor (TNF) were measured by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. Proteins were analysed by Western blot. A designed Flag‐tagged TLR4/MD‐2 fusion protein (LPS trap) was used to investigate the effect of fatty acids on binding of LPS to its receptor. In 30 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D), the correlation of serum triglyceride levels with LPS‐induced monocyte activation was analysed.Results  Eleven fatty acids investigated exerted differential effects on the monocytic release of cytokines and chemokines. Eicosapentaenoic acid had potent anti‐inflammatory effects on human primary monocytes and THP‐1 cells; 100 and 200 μM eicosapentaenoic acid dose‐dependently inhibited LPS binding to the LPS trap. LPS‐induced release of monocytic MCP‐1 and TNF was significantly and positively correlated with serum triglyceride levels in 30 patients with T2D.Conclusions  Monocytic activation is differentially regulated by fatty acids and depends on triglyceride levels in T2D. The main finding of the present study shows that eicosapentaenoic acid inhibits the specific binding of LPS to TLR4/MD‐2. Eicosapentaenoic acid represents a new anti‐inflammatory LPS‐antagonist.