bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Flexible Workers, Gender, and Contending Strategies for Confronting the Crisis of Labor in Chile
Authors: Leiva Fernando 
Published: May 2012

Two decades after the transition to a civilian-elected regime, Chilean labor remains unable to stem its downward spiral. Declining unionization rates, shrinking average size of unions, wage increases below productivity gains, increased female labor force participation in low-wage and low-status jobs, and a dwindling number of workers participating in collective bargaining all attest to the paltry benefits obtained so far by workers and trade unionists from Chile’s acclaimed negotiated transition to democracy. The triumph of the right-wing billionaire Sebastián Piñera in the January 2010 presidential elections heralds a renewed capitalist offensive against the working class in that the government promises to attack weak economic growth rates and declining labor productivity with increased labor flexibility, further privatization, and the dissemination of a “culture of entrepreneurship” among Chile’s poor. To overcome its crisis, Chilean labor must enact a paradigm shift involving at the very least the incorporation of a gendered perspective. This would allow labor leaders to recognize that women’s paid and unpaid labor has become central to the continued expansion of the current regime of capitalist accumulation and that this reality must be placed at the core of more effective organizing strategies. Dos décadas desde que ocurre la transición a un régimen electo por civiles, el sindicalismo chileno permanece incapaz de frenar su espiral hacia abajo. El decline del nivel de sindicalización, el encogimiento del tamaño del promedio de los sindicatos, las alzas en el trabajo asalariado por debajo del avance en la productividad, el incremento de mano de obra femenil en trabajos de mal pago y de estatus bajo, y un disminuyo en el numero de trabajadores participantes en negociación colectiva, todos atestiguan cuan ínfimos han sido los beneficios que se han obtenido hasta la fecha por trabajadores y sindicalistas de la aclamada transición negociada hacia le democracia en Chile. El triunfo del multimillonario derechista Sebastián Piñera en las elecciones de enero de 2010 anuncia el recrudecimiento de la ofensiva capitalista en contra de la clase obrera en lo que el gobierno promete en atacar bajas tazas de crecimiento económico y el decline en la productividad laboral con aumentos en la flexibilidad, mas privatización y la difusión de una “cultura empresarial” entre los pobres en Chile. Para superar su crisis el laborismo chileno debe poner en marcha un cambio en el paradigma que por lo menos incorpora una perspectiva de género. Esto permitiría al liderazgo laboral reconocer que el trabajo pagado y no pagado que hace la mujer se ha vuelto central en la expansión continua del actual régimen de acumulación capitalista y que esta realidad tiene que ponerse en la base de las mas efectivas estrategias de organización.
Patient perspectives on participation in the ENABLE II randomized controlled trial of a concurrent oncology palliative care intervention: Benefits and burdens
Authors: Maloney Cristine , Lyons Kathleen Doyle , Li Zhongze , Hegel Mark , Ahles Tim A , Bakitas Marie 
Published: May 2012

Background: ENABLE (Educate, Nurture, Advise Before Life Ends) II was one of the first randomized controlled trials (RCTs) examining the effects of a concurrent oncology palliative care intervention on quality of life, mood, and symptom control for advanced cancer patients and their caregivers. However, little is known about how participants experience early palliative care and the benefits and burdens of participating in a palliative care clinical trial. Aim: To gain a deeper understanding of participants’ perspectives of the intervention and palliative care trial participation. Design: A qualitative descriptive study using thematic analysis to determine benefits and burdens of a new palliative care intervention and trial participation. Setting/participants: Of the 72 participants who were alive when the study commenced, 53 agreed to complete an in-depth, semi-structured interview regarding the ENABLE II intervention and clinical trial participation. Results: Participants’ perceptions of intervention benefits were represented by four themes: enhanced problem-solving skills, better coping, feeling empowered, and feeling supported or reassured. Three themes related to trial participation: helping future patients and contributing to science, gaining insight through completion of questionnaires, and trial/intervention aspects to improve. Conclusions: The benefits of the intervention and the positive aspects of trial participation outweighed trial “burdens”. This study raises additional important questions relevant to future trial design and intervention development: when should a palliative care intervention be initiated and what aspects of self-care and healthy living should be offered in addition to palliative content for advanced cancer patients when they are feeling well?
Synthesis and biocompatibility properties of polyester containing various diacid based on isosorbide
Authors: Park Hyung-Seok , Gong Myoung-Seon , Knowles Jonathan C 
Published: May 2012

Biocompatible polyesters were prepared from isosorbide, various aliphatic diacid via a simple non-solvent polycondensation with a low toxicity catalyst. The successful synthesis of the polyesters was confirmed by gel permeation chromatography, 1H-nuclear magnetic resonance and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopes, and differential scanning calorimetry. The degradation tests were performed at 37°C in phosphate buffer solution (approximately pH 7.3). The in vitro cytocompatibility test results following culture of osteoblasts on the polymer surface showed that relative cell number on poly(isosorbide sebacate) and poly(isosorbide adipate) films after 5 days of culture on polymer films proliferated at least as well as those on a culture plate.
Effect of resorcinol-based chain extenders chemical structure on the enhanced properties of polyurethane elastomers
Authors: Oprea Stefan 
Published: May 2012

Two series of polyurethane elastomers with resorcinol derivatives in the polymer backbone were synthesized by chain extending isocyanate end-capped prepolymers with resorcinol, 2,4-dihydroxybenzaldehyde or 1-(2,4-dihydroxyphenyl)-hexanone-(1). Chain extenders are differentiated from each other by the structure of the side chain attached to the resorcinol rings. Isocyanate-terminated prepolymers were obtained from poly(1,4-butylene adipate) diol and 4,4′-diphenylmethane diisocyanate. These polyurethane elastomers were characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, thermo-gravimetric analysis, differential scanning calorimetry, and mechanical measurements. The effects of the chemical structure of resorcinol-derivative chain extenders on the properties of polyurethane elastomers were investigated. A significant increase in maximum stress–strain properties and in thermal stability was observed for the samples with free carbonyl in the side chain of the resorcinol ring. All the polymers showed 5% weight losses above 300 °C and glass transition temperature values in the range of −39 and −23 °C. The aim was to enhance the mechanical properties and thermal behavior by varying the chemical structure of the resorcinol moieties from the hard segment domain, without transform phenolic OH groups in aliphatic OH groups.
Inhibition of PAI-1 induces neutrophil-driven neoangiogenesis and promotes tissue regeneration via production of angiocrine factors in mice
Authors: Tashiro Yoshihiko , Nishida Chiemi , Sato-Kusubata Kaori , Ohki-Koizumi Makiko , Ishihara Makoto , Sato Aki , Gritli Ismael , Komiyama Hiromitsu , Sato Yayoi , Dan Takashi , Miyata Toshio , Okumura Ko , Tomiki Yuichi , Sakamoto Kazuhiro , Nakauchi Hiromitsu , Heissig Beate , Hattori Koichi 
Published: May 2012

Abstract
Plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1), an endogenous inhibitor of a major fibrinolytic factor, tissue-type plasminogen activator, can both promote and inhibit angiogenesis. However, the physiologic role and the precise mechanisms underlying the angiogenic effects of PAI-1 remain unclear. In the present study, we report that pharmacologic inhibition of PAI-1 promoted angiogenesis and prevented tissue necrosis in a mouse model of hind-limb ischemia. Improved tissue regeneration was due to an expansion of circulating and tissue-resident granulocyte-1 marker (Gr-1+) neutrophils and to increased release of the angiogenic factor VEGF-A, the hematopoietic growth factor kit ligand, and G-CSF. Immunohistochemical analysis indicated increased amounts of fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF-2) in ischemic gastrocnemius muscle tissues of PAI-1 inhibitor-treated animals. Ab neutralization and genetic knockout studies indicated that both the improved tissue regeneration and the increase in circulating and ischemic tissue-resident Gr-1+ neutrophils depended on the activation of tissue-type plasminogen activator and matrix metalloproteinase-9 and on VEGF-A and FGF-2. These results suggest that pharmacologic PAI-1 inhibition activates the proangiogenic FGF-2 and VEGF-A pathways, which orchestrates neutrophil-driven angiogenesis and induces cell-driven revascularization and is therefore a potential therapy for ischemic diseases.
Impact of immune modulation with in vivo T-cell depletion and myleoablative total body irradiation conditioning on outcomes after unrelated donor transplantation for childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Authors: Veys Paul , Wynn Robert F. , Ahn Kwang Woo , Samarasinghe Sujith , He Wensheng , Bonney Denise , Craddock John , Cornish Jacqueline , Davies Stella M. , Dvorak Christopher C. , Duerst Reggie E. , Gross Thomas G. , Kapoor Neena , Kitko Carrie , Krance Robert A. , Leung Wing , Lewis Victor A. , Steward Colin , Wagner John E. , Carpenter Paul A. , Eapen Mary 
Published: May 2012

AbstractTo determine whether in vivo T-cell depletion, which lowers GVHD, abrogates the antileukemic benefits of myeloablative total body irradiation–based conditioning and unrelated donor transplantation, in the present study, we analyzed 715 children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Patients were grouped for analysis according to whether conditioning included antithymocyte globulin (ATG; n = 191) or alemtuzumab (n = 132) and no in vivo T-cell depletion (n = 392). The median follow-up time was 3.5 years for the ATG group and 5 years for the alemtuzumab and T cell–replete groups. Using Cox regression analysis, we compared transplantation outcomes between groups. Compared with no T-cell depletion, grade 2-4 acute and chronic GVHD rates were significantly lower after in vivo T-cell depletion with ATG (relative risk [RR] = 0.66; P = .005 and RR = 0.55; P < .0001, respectively) or alemtuzumab (RR = 0.09; P < .003 and RR = 0.21; P < .0001, respectively). Despite lower GVHD rates after in vivo T-cell depletion, nonrelapse mortality, relapse, overall survival, and leukemia-free survival (LFS) did not differ significantly among the treatment groups. The 3-year probabilities of LFS after ATG-containing, alemtuzumab-containing, and T cell–replete transplantations were 43%, 49%, and 46%, respectively. These data suggest that in vivo T-cell depletion lowers GVHD without compromising LFS among children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia who are undergoing unrelated donor transplantation with myeloablative total body irradiation–based regimens.
Improving the performance of true single molecule sequencing for ancient DNA
Authors: Ginolhac Aurelien , Vilstrup Julia , Stenderup Jesper , Rasmussen Morten , Stiller Mathias , Shapiro Beth , Zazula Grant , Froese Duane , Steinmann Kathleen E , Thompson John F , AL-Rasheid Khaled AS , Gilbert Thomas MP , Willerslev Eske , Orlando Ludovic 
Published: May 2012

AbstractBackgroundSecond-generation sequencing technologies have revolutionized our ability to recover genetic information from the past, allowing the characterization of the first complete genomes from past individuals and extinct species. Recently, third generation Helicos sequencing platforms, which perform true Single-Molecule DNA Sequencing (tSMS), have shown great potential for sequencing DNA molecules from Pleistocene fossils. Here, we aim at improving even further the performance of tSMS for ancient DNA by testing two novel tSMS template preparation methods for Pleistocene bone fossils, namely oligonucleotide spiking and treatment with DNA phosphatase.ResultsWe found that a significantly larger fraction of the horse genome could be covered following oligonucleotide spiking however not reproducibly and at the cost of extra post-sequencing filtering procedures and skewed %GC content. In contrast, we showed that treating ancient DNA extracts with DNA phosphatase improved the amount of endogenous sequence information recovered per sequencing channel by up to 3.3-fold, while still providing molecular signatures of endogenous ancient DNA damage, including cytosine deamination and fragmentation by depurination. Additionally, we confirmed the existence of molecular preservation niches in large bone crystals from which DNA could be preferentially extracted.ConclusionsWe propose DNA phosphatase treatment as a mechanism to increase sequence coverage of ancient genomes when using Helicos tSMS as a sequencing platform. Together with mild denaturation temperatures that favor access to endogenous ancient templates over modern DNA contaminants, this simple preparation procedure can improve overall Helicos tSMS performance when damaged DNA templates are targeted.
RND type efflux pump system MexAB-OprM of pseudomonas aeruginosa selects bacterial languages, 3-oxo-acyl-homoserine lactones, for cell-to-cell communication
Authors: Minagawa Shu , Inami Hiroyuki , Kato Tomohisa , Sawada Shinji , Yasuki Tatsuya , Miyairi Shinichi , Horikawa Manabu , Okuda Jun , Gotoh Naomasa 
Published: May 2012

Abstract

Background
Bacteria release a wide variety of small molecules including cell- to- cell signaling compounds. Gram-negative bacteria use a variety of self-produced autoinducers such as acylated homoserine lactones (acyl- HSLs) as signal compounds for quorum sensing (QS) within and between bacterial species. QS plays a significant role in the pathogenesis of infectious diseases and in beneficial symbiosis by responding to acyl- HSLs in Pseudomonas aeruginosa. It is considered that the selection of bacterial languages is necessary to regulate gene expression and thus it leads to the regulation of virulence and provides a growth advantage in several environments. In this study, we hypothesized that RND-type efflux pump system MexAB- OprM of P. aeruginosa might function in the selection of acyl- HSLs, and we provide evidence to support this hypothesis.

Results
Loss of MexAB- OprM due to deletion of mexB caused increases in QS responses, as shown by the expression of gfp located downstream of the lasB promoter and LasB elastase activity, which is regulated by a LasR- 3- oxo- C12- HSL complex. Either complementation with a plasmid containing wild- type mexB or the addition of a LasR- specific inhibitor, patulin, repressed these high responses to 3- oxo- acyl- HSLs. Furthermore, it was shown that the acyl- HSLs- dependent response of P. aeruginosa was affected by the inhibition of MexB transport activity and the mexB mutant. The P. aeruginosa MexAB- OprM deletion mutant showed a strong QS response to 3- oxo- C10- HSL produced by Vibrio anguillarum in a bacterial cross- talk experiment.

Conclusion
This work demonstrated that MexAB- OprM does not control the binding of LasR to 3-oxo-Cn-HSLs but rather accessibility of non-cognate acyl-HSLs to LasR in P. aeruginosa. MexAB- OprM not only influences multidrug resistance, but also selects acyl- HSLs and regulates QS in P. aeruginosa. The results demonstrate a new QS regulation mechanism via the efflux system MexAB- OprM in P. aeruginosa.
Epidemiological characteristics and societal burden of varicella zoster virus in the Netherlands
Authors: Pierik Jorien GJ , Gumbs Pearl D , Fortanier Sander AC , Van Steenwijk Pauline CE , Postma Maarten J 
Published: May 2012

AbstractBackgroundVaricella and herpes zoster are both caused by varicella zoster virus (VZV) infection or reactivation and may lead to complications associated with a (severe) societal burden. Because the epidemiology of VZV-related diseases in the Netherlands remains largely unknown or incomplete, the main objective of this study was to study the primary care incidence, associated complications and health care resource use.MethodsWe investigated the incidence of VZV complications in the Dutch general practitioner (GP) practices and pharmacies in a retrospective population-based cohort study (2004–2008) based on longitudinal GP data including free text fields, hospital referral and discharge letters from approximately 165,000 patients.ResultsThe average annual incidence of varicella GP-consultations was 51.5 per 10,000 (95% CI 44.4-58.7) overall; 465.5 per 10,000 for 0–1 year-olds; 610.8 per 10,000 for 1–4 year-olds; 153.5 per 10,000 for 5–9 year-olds; 8,3 per 10,000 for >10 year olds. When only ICPC coded diagnoses were analyzed the incidence was 27% lower. The proportion of complications among varicella patients was 34.9%. Most frequently complications were upper respiratory tract infections. Almost half of the varicella patients received medication. The referral rate based on GP consultations was 1.7%. The average annual incidence of herpes zoster GP-consultations was 47.5 per 10,000 (95% CI 40.6-54.4). The incidence increased with age; 32.8 per 10,000 for <60 year-olds; 93.1 per 10,000 for 60–64 year-olds and 113.2 per 10,000 for >65 year olds. When estimating herpes zoster incidence only on ICPC coded information, the incidence was 28% lower. The complication rate of herpes zoster was 32.9%. Post herpetic neuralgia was seen most often. Of patients diagnosed with herpes zoster 67.8% received medication. The referral rate based on GP consultations was 3.5%.ConclusionsFor varicella the highest incidence of GP-consultations was found in 1–4 year-olds, for herpes zoster in the >65 years olds. The occurrence of complications was not age-dependent but varies per complication. When estimating incidence of VZV-related diseases in primary care, based on diagnostic codes only, one should be aware of a gross underestimation of the incidence. Our analysis may have important implications for the outcomes of upcoming cost-effectiveness analyses on VZV vaccination.
Paralemmin-1 is over-expressed in estrogen-receptor positive breast cancers
Authors: Turk Casey M , Fagan-Solis Katerina D , Williams Kristin E , Gozgit Joseph M , Smith-Schneider Sallie , Marconi Sharon A , Otis Christopher N , Crisi Giovanna M , Anderton Douglas L , Kilimann Manfred W , Arcaro Kathleen F 
Published: May 2012

Abstract

Background
Paralemmin-1 is a phosphoprotein lipid-anchored to the cytoplasmic face of membranes where it functions in membrane dynamics, maintenance of cell shape, and process formation. Expression of paralemmin-1 and its major splice variant (Δ exon 8) as well as the extent of posttranslational modifications are tissue- and development-specific. Paralemmin-1 expression in normal breast and breast cancer tissue has not been described previously.

Results
Paralemmin-1 mRNA and protein expression was evaluated in ten breast cell lines, 26 primary tumors, and 10 reduction mammoplasty (RM) tissues using real time RT-PCR. Paralemmin-1 splice variants were assessed in tumor and RM tissues using a series of primers and RT-PCR. Paralemmin-1 protein expression was examined in cell lines using Western Blots and in 31 ductal carcinomas in situ, 65 infiltrating ductal carcinomas, and 40 RM tissues using immunohistochemistry. Paralemmin-1 mRNA levels were higher in breast cancers than in RM tissue and estrogen receptor (ER)-positive tumors had higher transcript levels than ER-negative tumors. The Δ exon 8 splice variant was detected more frequently in tumor than in RM tissues. Protein expression was consistent with mRNA results showing higher paralemmin-1 expression in ER-positive tumors.

Conclusions
The differential expression of paralemmin-1 in a subset of breast cancers suggests the existence of variation in membrane dynamics that may be exploited to improve diagnosis or provide a therapeutic target.
The prototype foamy virus protease is active independently of the integrase domain
Authors: Spannaus Ralf , Hartl Maximilian J , Wöhrl Birgitta M , Rethwilm Axel , Bodem Jochen 
Published: May 2012

Abstract

Background
Recently, contradictory results on foamy virus protease activity were published. While our own results indicated that protease activity is regulated by the viral RNA, others suggested that the integrase is involved in the regulation of the protease.

Results
To solve this discrepancy we performed additional experiments showing that the protease-reverse transcriptase (PR-RT) exhibits protease activity in vitro and in vivo, which is independent of the integrase domain. In contrast, Pol incorporation, and therefore PR activity in the viral context, is dependent on the integrase domain. To further analyse the regulation of the protease, we incorporated Pol in viruses by expressing a GagPol fusion protein, which supported near wild-type like infectivity. A GagPR-RT fusion, lacking the integrase domain, also resulted in wild-type like Gag processing, indicating that the integrase is dispensable for viral Gag maturation. Furthermore, we demonstrate with a trans-complementation assays that the PR in the context of the PR-RT protein supports in trans both, viral maturation and infectivity.

Conclusion
We provide evidence that the FV integrase is required for Pol encapsidation and that the FV PR activity is integrase independent. We show that an active PR can be encapsidated in trans as a GagPR-RT fusion protein.
Sensory nerve action potentials and sensory perception in women with arthritis of the hand
Authors: Calder Kristina M , Martin Alison , Lydiate Jessica , MacDermid Joy C , Galea Victoria , MacIntyre Norma J 
Published: May 2012

Abstract

Background
Arthritis of the hand can limit a person’s ability to perform daily activities. Whether or not sensory deficits contribute to the disability in this population remains unknown. The primary purpose of this study was to determine if women with osteoarthritis (OA) or rheumatoid arthritis (RA) of the hand have sensory impairments.

Methods
Sensory function in the dominant hand of women with hand OA or RA and healthy women was evaluated by measuring sensory nerve action potentials (SNAPs) from the median, ulnar and radial nerves, sensory mapping (SM), and vibratory and current perception thresholds (VPT and CPT, respectively) of the second and fifth digits.

Results
All SNAP amplitudes were significantly lower for the hand OA and hand RA groups compared with the healthy group (p < 0.05). No group differences were found for SNAP conduction velocities, SM, VPT, and CPT.

Discussion
We propose, based on these findings, that women with hand OA or RA may have axonal loss of sensory fibers in the median, ulnar and radial nerves. Less apparent were losses in conduction speed or sensory perception.