bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
New User Facility for Environmental Sensing
Authors: Tyler Scott , Selker John 
Published: December 2009

Hydrologic instrumentation is undergoing a transformative shift in its ability to concurrently measure scales from centimeters to kilometers [e.g., Selker et al., 2006]. To rapidly distribute and incorporate these advances in the Earth and hydrologic sciences, the U.S. National Science Foundation's Earth Sciences Instrumentation and Facilities Program launched in September 2009 a community‐accessible instrument facility for distributed temperature sensing (DTS) and wireless networked environmental sensing.DTS systems for the facility use laser‐induced Raman backscatter (spectrally shifted scattered light whose intensity can be related to the thermal state of the optical fiber) to measure the distribution of temperatures along fiber‐optic cables up to 30 kilometers long. The DTS systems can measure temperatures along fiber‐optic cable with spatial resolution of less than 1 meter and with temperature resolution of ±0.01°C. In contrast to “single point in space” measurements of environmental temperatures or “single point in time” remote sensing of temperatures, DTS provides the opportunity to continuously monitor temperatures of air, water, soil, or snow at high spatial and temporal frequency without the need for a large network of measurement systems.
A Crash Course in Science Radio Reporting
Authors: Schielke Erika 
Published: December 2009

This past summer, 5 weeks after defending my doctoral dissertation, I traded my lab bench and field sampling gear for a radio reporter's recorder and a microphone, and I headed west. As a graduate student at Yale University in New Haven, Conn., I had seen great science going on all around me, but the public was unaware of most of it. Having dabbled in science writing while finishing my Ph.D. in ecology and evolutionary biology, I was looking for ways to gain more experience in science communication and even had been considering pursuing a career in science reporting.Then a remarkable opportunity opened up that took me to Greeley, Colo., covering science stories at KUNC, a National Public Radio affiliate, for 10 weeks this past summer.
Superatom spectroscopy and the electronic state correlation between elements and isoelectronic molecular counterparts
Authors: Peppernick Samuel J. , Gunaratne K.D. Dasitha , Castleman A.W. 
Published: December 2009

Detailed in the present investigation are results pertaining to the photoelectron spectroscopy of negatively charged atomic ions and their isoelectronic molecular counterparts. Experiments utilizing the photoelectron imaging technique are performed on the negative ions of the group 10 noble metal block (i.e. Ni
-
, Pd
-
, and Pt
-
) of the periodic table at a photon energy of 2.33 eV (532 nm). The accessible electronic transitions, term energies, and orbital angular momentum components of the bound electronic states in the atom are then compared with photoelectron images collected for isoelectronic early transition metal heterogeneous diatomic molecules, M-X
-
(M = Ti,Zr,W; X = O or C). A superposition principle connecting the spectroscopy between the atomic and molecular species is observed, wherein the electronic structure of the diatomic is observed to mimic that present in the isoelectronic atom. The molecular ions studied in this work, TiO
-
, ZrO
-
, and WC
-
can then be interpreted as possessing superatomic electronic structures reminiscent of the isoelectronic elements appearing on the periodic table, thereby quantifying the superatom concept.
Crystal structure analysis reveals
Pseudomonas
PilY1 as an essential calcium-dependent regulator of bacterial surface motility
Authors: Orans Jillian , Johnson Michael D. L. , Coggan Kimberly A. , Sperlazza Justin R. , Heiniger Ryan W. , Wolfgang Matthew C. , Redinbo Matthew R. 
Published: December 2009

Several bacterial pathogens require the “twitching” motility produced by filamentous type IV pili (T4P) to establish and maintain human infections. Two cytoplasmic ATPases function as an oscillatory motor that powers twitching motility via cycles of pilus extension and retraction. The regulation of this motor, however, has remained a mystery. We present the 2.1 Å resolution crystal structure of the
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
pilus-biogenesis factor PilY1, and identify a single site on this protein required for bacterial translocation. The structure reveals a modified β-propeller fold and a distinct EF-hand-like calcium-binding site conserved in pathogens with retractile T4P. We show that preventing calcium binding by PilY1 using either an exogenous calcium chelator or mutation of a single residue disrupts
Pseudomonas
twitching motility by eliminating surface pili. In contrast, placing a lysine in this site to mimic the charge of a bound calcium interferes with motility in the opposite manner—by producing an abundance of nonfunctional surface pili. Our data indicate that calcium binding and release by the unique loop identified in the PilY1 crystal structure controls the opposing forces of pilus extension and retraction. Thus, PilY1 is an essential, calcium-dependent regulator of bacterial twitching motility.
Barriers to Hepatitis B Vaccine Coverage among Healthcare Workers in the Republic of Georgia: An International Perspective
Authors: Topuridze M. , Butsashvili M. , Kamkamidze G. , Kajaia M. , Morse D. , McNutt L. A. 
Published: December 2009

Background.While the Republic of Georgia has a high prevalence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection (3.4% of blood donors tested positive for HBV surface antigen [HBsAg]), relatively few healthcare workers (HCWs) are thought to be immunized.Objective.To measure rates of HBV vaccination coverage and identify predictors of vaccine acceptance among HCWs.Design.Cross-sectional survey.Methods.A study was conducted among full-time physicians and nurses at 2 large hospitals. Self-administered questionnaires included questions about demographic characteristics, HBV vaccine status, willingness to recommend vaccination to other HCWs, and barriers to vaccination. Laboratory tests were conducted for identification of HBsAg and antibody to hepatitis B core antigen.Results.A total of 297 (91%) of 325 randomly selected HCWs provided information for the study (124 physicians and 173 nurses). The rate of HBV vaccination coverage was 12%, and 54% of respondents indicated that they would recommend vaccination to other HCWs. Perception of vaccine safety was identified as the most important predictor for acceptance (prevalence ratio [PR] 3.3 [95% confidence ratio {CI}, 1.2-8.9]) and for willingness to recommend HBV vaccination to other HCWs (PR, 5.5 [95% CI, 3.1-9.4]). Vaccinated HCWs were more likely to recommend vaccination to other healthcare personnel (PR, 1.7 [95% CI, 1.5-2.1]), as were those younger than 40 years of age (PR, 6.0 [95% CI, 2.8-12.6]). Multivariate analyses identified 2 additional factors associated with vaccine acceptance and willingness to recommend vaccination: the hospital at which the HCW was employed and the perception of risk of infection for HCWs.Conclusion.Georgia plans a major HBV vaccination campaign for HCWs in 2009. The campaign's success will depend on addressing vaccine safety concerns identified in this study and educating HCWs about risk factors for infection and benefits of immunization.
Expanding Roles of Healthcare Epidemiology and Infection Control in Spite of Limited Resources and Compensation
Authors: Wright Sharon B. , Ostrowsky Belinda , Fishman Neil , Deloney Valerie M. , Mermel Leonard , Perl Trish M. 
Published: December 2009

Objective.Data on the resources and staff compensation of hospital epidemiology and infection control (HEIC) departments are limited and do not reflect current roles and responsibilities, including the public reporting of healthcare-associated infections. This study aimed to obtain information to assist HEIC professionals in negotiating resources.Methods.A 28-question electronic survey was sent via e-mail to all Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America (SHEA) members in October 2006 with the use of enterprise feedback management solution software. The survey responses were analyzed using Microsoft Excel.Results.Responses were received from 526 (42%) of 1,255 SHEA members. Of the respondents, 84% were doctors of medicine (MDs) or doctors of osteopathy (DOs), 6% were registered nurses, and 21% had a master of public health or master of science degree. Sixty-two percent were male (median age range, 50-59 years). Their practice locations varied across the United States and internationally. Two-thirds of respondents practiced in a hospital setting, and 63% were the primary or associate hospital epidemiologist. Although 91% provided HEIC services, only 65% were specifically compensated. In cases of antimicrobial management, patient safety, employee health, and emergency preparedness, 75%-80% of respondents provided expertise but were compensated in less than 25% of cases. Of the US-based MD and DO respondents, the median range of earnings was $151,000-$200,000, regardless of their region (respondents selected salary ranges instead of specifying their exact salaries). Staffing levels varied: the median number of physician full-time equivalents (FTEs) was 1.0 (range, 1-5); only about 25% of respondents had 3 or more infection control practitioner FTEs.Conclusions.Most professionals working in HEIC have had additional training and provide a wide, growing range of services. In general, only traditional HEIC work is compensated and at levels much less than the time dedicated to those services. Most HEIC departments are understaffed. These data are essential to advocate for needed funding and resources as the roles of HEIC departments expand.
Plasma lipoproteins are important components of the immune system
Authors: Han Runlin 
Published: December 2009

ABSTRACTPlasma lipoproteins (VLDL, LDL, Lp[a] and HDL) function primarily in lipid transport among tissues and organs. However, cumulative evidence suggests that lipoproteins may also prevent bacterial, viral and parasitic infections and are therefore a component of innate immunity. Lipoproteins can also detoxify lipopolysaccharide and lipoteichoic acid. Infections can induce oxidation of LDL, and oxLDL in turn plays important anti‐infective roles and protects against endotoxin‐induced tissue damage. There is also evidence that apo(a) is protective against pathogens. Taken together, the evidence suggests that it might be valuable to introduce the concept that plasma lipoproteins belong in the realm of host immune response.
Influence of the prodrugs 5‐fluorocytosine and CPT‐11 on ovarian cancer cells using genetically engineered stem cells: tumor‐tropic potential and inhibition of ovarian cancer cell growth
Authors: Kim Ki‐Yon , Kim Seung U. , Leung Peter C. K. , Jeung Eui‐Bae , Choi Kyung‐Chul 
Published: December 2009

Recent studies have shown that genetically engineered stem cells (GESTECs) to produce suicide enzymes that convert non‐toxic prodrugs to toxic metabolites selectively migrate toward tumor sites and reduce tumor growth. In the present study, we evaluated whether these GESTECs were capable of migrating to human ovarian cancer cells and examined the potential therapeutic efficacy of the gene‐directed enzyme prodrug therapy against ovarian cancer cellsin vitro. The expression of cytosine deaminase (CD) or carboxyl esterase (CE) mRNA of GESTECs was confirmed by RT‐PCR. A modified transwell migration assay was performed to determine the migratory capacity of GESTECs to ovarian cancer cells. GESTECs (HB1.F3.CD or HB1.F3.CE cells) engineered to express a suicide gene (CD or CE) selectively migrated toward ovarian cancer cells. A [3H] thymidine incorporation assay was conducted to measure the proliferative index. Treatment of human epithelial ovarian cancer cell line (SKOV‐3, an ovarian adenocarcinoma derived from the ascites of an ovarian cancer patient) with the prodrugs 5‐fluorocytosine (5‐FC) or camptothecin‐11 (CPT‐11) in the presence of HB1.F3.CD or HB1.F3.CE cells resulted in the inhibition of ovarian cancer cell growth. Based on the data presented herein, we suggest that GESTECs expressing CD/CE may have a potent advantage to selectively treat ovarian cancers.(Cancer Sci2010; 101: 955–962)
Frequent transcriptional inactivation of Kallikrein 10 gene by CpG island hypermethylation in non‐small cell lung cancer
Authors: Zhang Youwei , Song Haizhu , Miao Yufeng , Wang Rui , Chen Longbang 
Published: December 2009

The role of Kallikrein 10 gene (KLK10) in non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) remains largely unknown. We determined the frequency and functional significance of KLK10 hypermethylation in NSCLC. The mRNA expression and methylation status of KLK10 in 78 pairs NSCLC specimens was explored. The biological effects of KLK10 were analyzed by transfection. The results showed that, KLK10 was significantly downregulated in NSCLC (57.7%, 45/78) as compared to non‐cancer samples (P = 0.010). CpG island hypermethylation of KLK10 was detected in 46.2% (36/78) NSCLC tissues and was closely correlated with loss of transcript (P < 0.001). KLK10 methylation was associated with advanced stage (P = 0.013) and lymph metastasis (P = 0.015). Furthermore, demethylation treatment restored the expression of KLK10 in two lung adencarcinoma cell lines (A549, SPC‐A1). Forced expression of KLK10 in A549 and SPC‐A1 remarkably suppressed cells proliferation, migration in vitro and oncogenicity in vivo. Additionally, methylated KLK10 was detected in 38.7% (30/78) of plasma samples from cancer patients but rare in cancer‐free controls (P < 0.001). In conclusion, KLK10 acts as a functional tumor suppressor gene in NSCLC, epigenetic inactivation of KLK10 is a common event contributing to NSCLC pathogenesis and may be used as a potential biomarker.(Cancer Sci 2010; 101: 934–940)
Girding for migratory cues: roles of the Akt substrate Girdin in cancer progression and angiogenesis
Authors: Weng Liang , Enomoto Atsushi , Ishida‐Takagishi Maki , Asai Naoya , Takahashi Masahide 
Published: December 2009

Cell migration is a fundamental aspect of a multitude of physiological and pathological processes, including embryonic development, inflammation, angiogenesis, and cancer progression. A variety of proteins are essential for cell migration, but context‐specific signaling pathways and promigratory proteins must now be identified for our understanding of cancer biology to continue to advance. In this review, we focus on the emerging roles of Girdin (also designated KIAA1212, APE, GIV, and HkRP1), a novel component of the phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase (PI3‐K)/Akt signaling pathway that is a core‐signaling transduction pathway in cancer progression. Girdin is expressed in some types of cancer cells and immature endothelial cells, and is therefore at the crossroads of multiple intracellular processes, including reorganization of the actin cytoskeleton, endocytosis, and modulation of Akt activity, which ultimately lead to cancer invasion and angiogenesis. It also acts as a nonreceptor guanine nucleotide exchange factor (GEF) for Gαi proteins. A significant observation is that Girdin, although vital for cancer progression and postnatal vascular remodelling, is dispensable for cell migratory events during embryonic development. These findings suggest that Girdin and its interacting proteins are potential pharmaceutical targets for cancer therapies and pathological anigiogenesis, including tumor angiogenesis.(Cancer Sci 2010; 101: 836–842)
The cell death machinery governed by the p53 tumor suppressor in response to DNA damage
Authors: Yoshida Kiyotsugu , Miki Yoshio 
Published: December 2009

The cellular response to genotoxic stress that damages DNA includes cell cycle arrest, activation of DNA repair, and in the event of irreparable damage, induction of apoptosis. However, the signals that determine cell fate, that is, survival or apoptosis, are largely unclear. The tumor suppressor p53 has been implicated in many important cellular processes, including regulation of apoptotic cell death. When cells encounter genotoxic stress, certain sensors for DNA lesions eventually stabilize and activate p53. Subsequently, p53 exerts its tumor suppressor function by transactivating numerous target genes. Active p53 is subjected to a complex and diverse array of covalent post‐translational modifications, which selectively influence the expression of p53 target genes. In this regard, the molecular basis for how p53 induces apoptosis has been extensively studied; however, the relative contribution of each downstream effecter is still to be explored. Moreover, little is known about precise mechanisms by which modified p53 is capable of apoptosis induction. A thorough understanding for the whole picture of p53 modification in apoptosis will be extremely valuable in the development of highly effective and specific therapies for caner patients. This review is focused on the current views regarding the regulation of cell fate by p53 in the apoptotic response to DNA damage.(Cancer Sci 2010; 101: 831–835)
Clinical and economic outcomes in a population‐based European cohort of 948 ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease patients by Markov analysis
Authors: ODES S. , VARDI H. , FRIGER M. , ESSER D. , WOLTERS F. , MOUM B. , WATERS H. , ELKJAER M. , BERNKLEV T. , TSIANOS E. , O’MORAIN C. , STOCKBRÜGGER R. , MUNKHOLM P. , LANGHOLZ E. 
Published: December 2009

Aliment Pharmacol Ther 31, 735–744SummaryBackground Forecasting clinical and economic outcomes in ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn’s disease (CD) patients is complex, but necessary.Aims To determine: the frequency of treatment‐classified clinical states; the probability of transition between states; and the economic outcomes.Methods Newly diagnosed UC and CD patients, allocated into seven clinical states by medical and surgical treatments recorded in serial 3‐month cycles, underwent Markov analysis.Results Over 10 years, 630 UC and 318 CD patients had 22,823 and 11 871 cycles. The most frequent clinical outcomes were medical/surgical remission (medication‐free) and mild disease (on 5‐aminosalicylates, antibiotics, topical corticosteroids), comprising 28% and 62% of UC cycles and 24% and 51% of CD cycles respectively. The probability of drug‐response in patients receiving systemic corticosteroids/immunomodulators was 0.74 in UC, 0.66 in CD. Both diseases had similar likelihood of persistent drug‐dependency or drug‐refractoriness. Surgery was more probable in CD, 0.20, than UC, 0.08. In terms of economic outcomes, surgery was costlier in UC per cycle, but the outlay over 10 years was greater in CD. Drug‐refractory UC and CD cases engendered high costs in the cohort.Conclusions Most patients on 5‐aminosalicylates, corticosteroids and immunomodulators had favourable clinical and economic outcomes over 10 years. Drug‐refractory and surgical patients exhibited greater long‐term expenses.
Blunting effect of hypoxia on the proliferation and differentiation of human primary and rat L6 myoblasts is not counteracted by Epo
Authors: Launay T. , Hagström L. , Lottin‐Divoux S. , Marchant D. , Quidu P. , Favret F. , Duvallet A. , Darribère T. , Richalet J. P. , Beaudry M. 
Published: December 2009

AbstractObjectives:  The aim of this study was to evaluate whether hypoxia and/or erythropoietin would be able to modulate proliferation/differentiation processes of rat and human myoblasts.Materials and methods:  Rat L6 and primary human myoblasts were grown in 21% or 1% O2 in the presence or absence of recombinant human erythropoietin (RhEpo). Presence of erythropoietin receptors (EpoR) was assayed using RT‐PCR and Western blotting techniques. Cell proliferation was evaluated by determining the doubling time and kinetics of cultures by counting cells. Cell differentiation was analysed by determining myogenic fusion index using antibodies against the myosin heavy chain. Expression of myogenin and myosin heavy chain (MHC) proteins were evaluated using the Western blotting technique.Results:  After 96 h culture in growth medium for 2.5 and 9 h, doubling time of L6 and human primary myoblasts respectively, had increased in 1% O2 conditions (P < 0.01). Kinetics of culture showed alteration in proliferation at 72 h in L6 myoblast cultures and at 4 days in human primary myoblasts. The myogenic fusion index had reduced by 30% in L6 myoblasts and by 20% in human myoblasts (P < 0.01). Expression of myogenin and MHC had reduced by around 50%. Despite presence of EpoR mRNA and protein, RhEpo did not counteract the effects of hypoxia either in L6 cells or in human myoblasts.Conclusions:  The data show that exposure to hypoxic conditions (1% O2) of rat and human myoblasts altered their proliferation and differentiation processes. They also show that Epo is not an efficient growth factor to counteract this deleterious effect.
Development of the Child's Challenging Behaviour Scale (CCBS) for mothers of school‐aged children with disabilities
Authors: Bourke‐Taylor H. , Law M. , Howie L. , Pallant J. F. 
Published: December 2009

AbstractBackground  Caring for a child with a disability can be especially difficult when the child exhibits challenging behaviours. Childhood disability often calls for the mother to be conscientious, capable and organized to meet the child's health and developmental needs. Mothers are known to feel particularly stressed when their child also behaves in ways that are difficult to manage. In these circumstances maternal mental health may be compromised and mothers therefore need more support. The Child's Challenging Behaviour Scale (CCBS) is an 11‐item scale that measures a mother's report of challenging behaviours exhibited by their child with disability, that are associated with compromised maternal mental health and caregiving difficulties. This paper describes the initial development and psychometric evaluation of the CCBS.Methods  A mixed methodology instrument design model was used to develop the CCBS. A qualitative study generated items, and quantitative data were collected from 152 mothers of a child with a disability.Results  The CCBS showed excellent internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha = 0.89) and factor analysis supported its unidimensionality. Construct validity was supported by correlations with the PedsQL Psychosocial Health Summary Score (rho =−0.51) and cooperation taking medication (rho = 0.40). There were significant differences in CCBS scores between groups of children with and without either autism or psychiatric conditions. The CCBS showed moderate correlations with self‐reported health status; the mother's sense of empowerment (rho =−0.44); and family cohesion (rho =−0.30). Mothers with a mental health condition recorded significantly higher CCBS scores.Conclusions  The CCBS is a brief, psychometrically sound instrument that provides clinicians with a new tool that measures a mother's rating of their child's behaviours that are challenging and associated with reduced maternal well‐being. The CCBS assists professionals to identify mothers and family situations who may be in need of more support and interventions.
The continuum of growth hormone–IGF‐I axis defects causing short stature: diagnostic and therapeutic challenges
Authors: Savage Martin O. , Burren Christine P. , Rosenfeld Ron G. 
Published: December 2009

SummaryThe growth hormone (GH)–IGF‐I axis is essential for normal foetal and childhood growth. Defects at different sites in the axis frequently result in short stature which may compromise adult height. We describe a continuum of clinically relevant abnormalities from GH deficiency through to GH resistance and discuss the implementation and interpretation of investigations. We consider appropriate therapy for patients with abnormal auxology and subnormal adult height prognosis, highlighting new data to clarify therapeutic choices leading to optimal clinical outcome.