bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Immunological pattern alteration in shoe, hide, and leather industry workers exposed to hexavalent chromium
Authors: Mignini Fiorenzo , Tomassoni Daniele , Traini Enea , Vitali Mario , Scuri Stefania , Baldoni Emilia , Grappasonni Iolanda , Cocchioni Mario 
Published: December 2008

AbstractObjective. The aim of this work was to assess the effects of hexavalent chromium [Cr(VI)] on shoe, leather, and hide industry workers, based on the assumption that Cr(VI) can behave as an environmental immunological “stressor.” Methods. The immunological patterns of 84 male subjects were studied in relation to Cr(VI) hematic and urinary levels. Cr(VI) was measured through atomic absorption. Lymphocyte subsets, mitogen‐mediated lymphocyte‐proliferation, cytokine levels, and natural killer (NK) cytotoxic activity were also assayed. Results. The urinary levels of the total amount of Cr(VI) were significantly higher in a subgroup of exposed subjects (group B) than in the control or in the lower exposed (group A). In group B, Cr(VI) caused a decrease in the density of glucocorticoid receptors (GR) on peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) and a increase of IL‐6. Cr(VI) did not modify NK‐mediated cytotoxicity, the plasmatic levels of inflammatory cytokines and related soluble receptors, and prostaglandin levels, while it tended to increase lymphocyte sensitivity to mitogens and the production of immunomodulant cytokines (IFN‐γ, IL‐4, and IL‐2). The experimental addition of Cr(VI) to the in vitro lymphocyte culture determined a significant inhibition of phagocytosis percentage, index, and killing percentage. These effects were neutralized by exogenous IFN‐γ. Conclusion. Cr(VI) could represent an environmental immunological stressor whose effects can be evaluated through laboratory surveys. The lymphocyte mitogen‐induced proliferation, GR receptor on PBMC, and IL‐6 plasma levels may represent a discriminating element between Cr(VI)‐induced stress and other kinds of stress. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol, 2009.
Towards life long learning: three models for ubiquitous applications
Authors: Holzinger Andreas , Nischelwitzer Alexander , Friedl Silvia , Hu Bo 
Published: December 2008

AbstractIn this paper, we present three experimental proof‐of‐concepts: first, we demonstrate a ubiquitous computing framework (UCF), which is a network of interacting technologies that support humans ubiquitously. We then present practical work based on this UCF framework: TalkingPoints, which was originally developed for use at trading fairs in order to identify each participant and companyviatransponder and provide specific information during and after use. Finally, we propose GARFID, a concept for using advanced technologies for teaching young children. The main outcome of this research is that the concept of UCF raises a lot of possibilities, which can bring value and benefits for end‐users. When one follows the working‐is‐learning paradigm, it can be seen that the implementation of this type of technology can support life long learning (LLL), thereby providing evidence that technology can benefit everybody and make life easier. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Physical and Electrical Performance of Vapor–Solid Grown ZnO Straight Nanowires
Authors: Li JY , Li H 
Published: December 2008

Abstract
Physical and electrical properties of wurtzitic ZnO straight nanowires grown via a vapor–solid mechanism were investigated. Raman spectrum shows four first-order phonon frequencies and a second-order Raman frequency of the ZnO nanowires. Electrical and photoconductive performance of individual ZnO straight nanowire devices was studied. The results indicate that the nanowires reported here are n-type semi-conductors and UV light sensitive, and a desirable candidate for fabricating UV light nanosensors and other applications.
Unusual location for Castleman's disease
Authors: Rao H G , Street I , Capper R 
Published: December 2008

AbstractObjective:We present the first reported case of persistent, posterior triangle lymphadenopathy in a child, caused by Castleman's disease.Case report:A seven-year-old boy presented with a painless swelling in the posterior triangle of his left neck, with no compression of the surrounding structures. A histological diagnosis of Castleman's disease was made. Eventual treatment was by complete excision. At six-month follow up, there were no signs of recurrence.Conclusion:The causes of persistent cervical lymphadenopathy in children are many. Most are not significant, but some are life-threatening. Castleman's disease should be considered as a possible diagnosis in persistent childhood lymphadenopathy.
Divine hiddenness and belief de re
Authors: CORDRY BENJAMIN S. 
Published: December 2008

AbstractIn this paper I argue that Poston and Dougherty's attempt to undermine the problem of divine hiddenness by using the notion of belief de re is problematic at best. They hold that individuals who appear to be unbelievers (because they are de dicto unbelievers) may actually be de re believers. I construct a set of conditions on ascribing belief de re to show that it is prima facie implausible to claim that seemingly inculpable and apparent unbelievers are really de re believers. Thus, while it is indeed possible that a de dicto unbeliever is a de re believer, it is unlikely that this has sufficiently general application to actual individuals to alleviate the problem of divine hiddenness.
Religion and Social Welfare in the Lebanon: Treating the Causes or Symptoms of Poverty?
Authors: JAWAD RANA 
Published: December 2008

AbstractThis article achieves two objectives. It introduces new insights to current thinking on social policy in the Middle East based on a case study of religious welfare in Lebanon. This in turn provides an analysis of how faith-based welfare may connect to social policy more broadly. Focusing on how five of the most prominent Lebanese Muslim and Christian welfare organisations engage with poverty reduction, the article draws attention to the moral dimension of social policy-making. This is illustrated by an analysis of how the Lebanese faith-based organisations (FBOs) define the objects of their interventions and, subsequently, how appropriately they respond to the causes of social problems. The analysis also includes a review of the FBOs' evaluation of their services. The overall argument of the article comments on the extent to which social welfare in Lebanon has scope to act beyond short-term, instrumental or politicised goals. It argues that human need, the ‘social case’ and poverty are three core concepts which determine the design of social interventions, but they also serve to confuse the definition of the object of social policy. The argument concludes that needs interpretation by welfare service providers in Lebanon is the site of deep contention in the policy-making process, since the lack of clarity in defining the object of policies can hamper the effectiveness of services. This means that while the social action undertaken by FBOs in Lebanon is more complex than the private or corporate charity initiatives known in the British or North American faith-based contexts, religious welfare programmes in Lebanon are more focused on palliative in-kind services.
Object Alternation in Alcohol Dependent Patients without Amnesic Syndrome
Authors: Brokate Barbara , Bernsdorff Karin , Braamhorst Wouter , Eling Paul , Hildebrandt Helmut 
Published: December 2008

Several studies indicate that the frontal cortex is sensitive to the toxic effects of alcohol. Recent studies of our group revealed an impairment of alcohol dependent subjects in object alternation. One major problem of these studies is that they all used object alternation embedded in a spatial presentation and with two spatially arranged response buttons: a left and a right hand response key. The deficit in alternation tasks may be due to problems in processing these spatial features. We investigated 24 detoxified alcohol dependent patients, who were in a long term treatment program, and 28 control subjects matched for intelligence and age, using a new object alternation paradigm avoiding confounding of spatial effects. The results indicate that object alternation is impaired in long term alcohol dependent patients without amnesic syndrome, even when no differential spatial response is afforded. We suggest that internal control on a cognitive level, as well as on a behavioral level, may be a fundamental problem in addiction and might be related to ventromedial and orbitofrontal dysfunction.
Time-resolved FTIR study of CO recombination with horseradish peroxidase
Authors: Maréchal Amandine , Ingledew W. John , Rich Peter R. 
Published: December 2008

Vibrational changes associated with CO recombination to ferrous horseradish peroxidase were investigated by rapid-scan FTIR (Fourier-transform IR) spectroscopy in the 1200–2200 cm−1 range. At pH 6.0, two conformers of bound CO are present that appear as negative bands at 1905 and 1934 cm−1 in photolysis spectra. Their recombination rate constants are identical, confirming that they arise from two substates of bound CO that are in rapid thermal equilibrium, rather than from heterogeneous protein sites. A smaller positive band at 2134 cm−1 also appears on photolysis and decays with the same rate constant, indicative of an intraprotein geminate site involved in recombination or, possibly, a weak-affinity surface CO-binding site. Other signals arising from protein and haem in the 1700–1200 cm−1 range can also be time-resolved with similar kinetics.
Cytochrome c6A: discovery, structure and properties responsible for its low haem redox potential
Authors: Worrall Jonathan A.R. , Luisi Ben F. , Schlarb-Ridley Beatrix G. , Bendall Derek S. , Howe Christopher J. 
Published: December 2008

Cytochrome c6A is a unique dithio-cytochrome of green algae and plants. It has a very similar core structure to that of bacterial and algal cytochromes c6, but is unable to fulfil the same function of transferring electrons from cytochrome f to Photosystem I. A key feature of cytochrome c6A is that its haem midpoint potential is more than 200 mV below that of cytochrome c6 (Em≈+340 mV) despite both cytochromes having histidine and methionine residues as axial haem-iron ligands. One salient difference between the haem pockets is that a valine residue in cytochrome c6A replaces a highly conserved glutamine residue in cytochrome c6. This difference has been probed using site-directed mutagenesis, X-ray crystallography and protein film voltammetry studies. It has been found that the stereochemistry of the glutamine residue within the haem pocket has a destabilizing effect and is responsible for tuning the haem's midpoint potential by over 100 mV. This large effect may have contributed to the evolution of a new biological function for cytochrome c6A.
Iron and the translation of the amyloid precursor protein (APP) and ferritin mRNAs: riboregulation against neural oxidative damage in Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Rogers Jack T. , Bush Ashley I. , Cho Hyan-Hee , Smith Deborah H. , Thomson Andrew M. , Friedlich Avi L. , Lahiri Debomoy K. , Leedman Peter J. , Huang Xudong , Cahill Catherine M. 
Published: December 2008

The essential metals iron, zinc and copper deposit near the Aβ (amyloid β-peptide) plaques in the brain cortex of AD (Alzheimer's disease) patients. Plaque-associated iron and zinc are in neurotoxic excess at 1 mM concentrations. APP (amyloid precursor protein) is a single transmembrane metalloprotein cleaved to generate the 40–42-amino-acid Aβs, which exhibit metal-catalysed neurotoxicity. In health, ubiquitous APP is cleaved in a non-amyloidogenic pathway within its Aβ domain to release the neuroprotective APP ectodomain, APP(s). To adapt and counteract metal-catalysed oxidative stress, as during reperfusion from stroke, iron and cytokines induce the translation of both APP and ferritin (an iron storage protein) by similar mechanisms. We reported that APP was regulated at the translational level by active IL (interleukin)-1 (IL-1-responsive acute box) and IRE (iron-responsive element) RNA stem–loops in the 5′ untranslated region of APP mRNA. The APP IRE is homologous with the canonical IRE RNA stem–loop that binds the iron regulatory proteins (IRP1 and IRP2) to control intracellular iron homoeostasis by modulating ferritin mRNA translation and transferrin receptor mRNA stability. The APP IRE interacts with IRP1 (cytoplasmic cis-aconitase), whereas the canonical H-ferritin IRE RNA stem–loop binds to IRP2 in neural cell lines, and in human brain cortex tissue and in human blood lysates. The same constellation of RNA-binding proteins [IRP1/IRP2/poly(C) binding protein] control ferritin and APP translation with implications for the biology of metals in AD.
Patterns of evolutionary conservation in the nesprin genes highlight probable functionally important protein domains and isoforms
Authors: Simpson Jennifer G. , Roberts Roland G. 
Published: December 2008

The nesprins [also known as SYNEs (synaptic nuclear envelope proteins)] are a family of type II transmembrane proteins implicated in the tethering of membrane-bound organelles and in the genetic aetiology of cerebellar ataxia and Emery–Dreifuss muscular dystrophy. They are characterized by a common structure of an SR (spectrin repeat) rod domain and a C-terminal transmembrane KLS (klarsicht)/KASH [klarsicht/ANC-1 (anchorage 1)/SYNE homology] domain which interacts with SUN [Sad1p/UNC (uncoordinated)-84] proteins in the nuclear envelope; most nesprins also have N-terminal actin-binding CH (calponin homology) domains. The genes encoding the three vertebrate nesprins (five in bony fish) and the small transmembrane actin-binding protein calmin are related to each other by ancient duplications and rearrangements. In the present paper, we collate sequence data for nesprins and calmins across the vertebrate clade and use these to study evolutionary constraints acting on their genes. We show that the rod domains of the larger nesprins are composed almost entirely of unbroken SR-like structures (74 in nesprin-1 and 56 in nesprin-2) and that these range from poorly conserved purely structural elements to highly conserved regions with a presumed protein–protein interaction function. The analysis suggests several interesting regions for future study. We also assess the evolutionary and EST (expressed sequence tag) expression support for nesprin isoforms, both known and novel; our findings suggest that substantial reassessment is required.
Nosocomial Outbreak of Infection With Multidrug-ResistantAcinetobacter baumanniiin a Medical Center in Taiwan
Authors: Chang Hui-Lan , Tang Chih-Hsin , Hsu Yuan-Man , Wan Lei , Chang Ya-Fen , Lin Chiung-Tsung , Tseng Yao-Ru , Lin Ying-Ju , Sheu Jim Jinn-Chyuan , Lin Cheng-Wen , Chang Yun-Chieh , Ho Mao-Wang , Lin Chia-Der , Ho Cheng-Mao , Lai Chih-Ho 
Published: December 2008

Objective.To investigate a nosocomial outbreak of infection with multidrug-resistant (MDR)Acinetobacter baumanniiin the intensive care units at China Medical University Hospital in Taiwan.Design.Prospective outbreak investigation.Setting.Three intensive care units in a 2,000-bed university hospital in Taichung, Taiwan.Methods.Thirty-eight stable patients in 3 intensive care units, all of whom had undergone an invasive procedure, were enrolled in our study. Ninety-fourA. baumanniistrains were isolated from the patients or the environment in the 3 intensive care units, during the period from January 1 through December 31, 2006. We characterizedA. baumanniiisolates by use of repetitive extragenic palindromic–polymerase chain reaction (REP-PCR) and random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) fingerprinting. The clinical characteristics of the source patients and the environment were noted.Results.All of the clinical isolates were determined to belong to the same epidemic strain of MDRA. baumanniiby the use of antimicrobial susceptibility tests, REP-PCR, and RAPD fingerprinting. All patients involved in the infection outbreak had undergone an invasive procedure. The outbreak strain was also isolated from the environment and the equipment in the intensive care units. Moreover, an environmental survey of one of the intensive care units found that both the patients and the environment harbored the same outbreak strain.Conclusion.The outbreak strain ofA. baumanniimight have been transmitted among medical staff and administration equipment. Routine and aggressive environmental and equipment disinfection is essential for preventing recurrent outbreaks of nosocomial infection with MDRA. baumannii.
Effects of psychosocial group rehabilitation on social functioning, loneliness and well‐being of lonely, older people: randomized controlled trial
Authors: Routasalo Pirkko E. , Tilvis Reijo S. , Kautiainen Hannu , Pitkala Kalsu H. 
Published: December 2008

AbstractTitle.  Effects of psychosocial group rehabilitation on social functioning, loneliness and well‐being of lonely, older people: randomized controlled trial. Aim.  This paper is a report of a study to explore the effects of psychosocial group nursing intervention on older people’s feelings of loneliness, social activity and psychological well‐being.Background.  Older people’s loneliness is associated with low quality of life, and impaired health, increased use of health and social services and increased mortality. Previous intervention studies have achieved quite modest results.Method.  A randomized controlled trial was conducted between 2003 and 2006 using a group intervention aimed at empowering older people, and promoting peer support and social integration. A total of 235 people (>74 years) suffering from loneliness met 12 times with professional leaders in groups. The UCLA Loneliness Scale and Lubben’s Social Network Scale were used at entry, after 3 and 6 months. Psychological well‐being was charted using a six‐dimensional questionnaire at baseline and 12 months later.Findings.  A statistically significantly larger proportion of intervention group participants had found new friends during the follow‐up year (45% vs. 32%, P = 0·048), and 40% of intervention group participants continued their group meetings for 1 year. However, no differences were found in loneliness or social networks between the groups. Psychological well‐being score improved statistically significantly in the intervention groups [+0·11, 95% confidence interval (CI): +0·04 to +0·13], compared with the controls (+0·01, 95% CI: −0·05 to +0·07, P = 0·045). Feeling needed was statistically significantly more common in the intervention groups (66%) than in controls (49%, P = 0·019).Conclusion.  New sensitive measurements of loneliness and social isolation are needed to measure fluctuations in feelings of loneliness and in social isolation.
Plasma and Follicular Fluid Fatty Acid Profiles in Dairy Cows
Authors: Renaville B , Bacciu N , Comin A , Motta M , Poli I , Vanini G , Prandi A 
Published: December 2008

ContentsComposition of follicular fluid to which the preovulatory follicle is exposed may be one of the major factors determining subsequent fertility, as fatty acids are a precursor of hormones involved in dominance, ovulation and atresia mechanisms. The objective of this paper is to observe fatty acid profiles in various lipid classes according to estrogenic activity of follicles. For each of the 18 cows, we analysed plasma and follicular fluid fatty acid profiles of phospholipids, non‐esterified fatty acid (NEFA), cholesteryl esters and triglycerides fractions. Follicles were classified as active (ratio oestrogen to progesterone E2/P4 > 1) and inactive (E2/P4 < 1). For seven cows, we get both types of follicles, six had only one active follicle and five cows had only one inactive follicle. The NEFA profile for palmitic acid, stearic acid, oleic acid, linoleic acid, C20:3n6, arachidonic acid and docosapentaenoic acid (DPA; p < 0.001) is different between inactive and active follicles and plasma. Compared with active follicular fluid and plasma, follicular fluid of inactive follicles showed lower stearic acid, higher oleic acid, arachidonic acid and DPA (p < 0.05) in phospholipids. No significant differences were observed in the cholesteryl ester fraction, which is composted mainly of linoleic acid. Triglyceride concentrations were too low to get reliable results. This study suggests that follicles have a specific fatty acid metabolism depending on oestrogen activity.
Novel single nucleotide polymorphism of the VEGF gene as a risk predictor for gastroduodenal ulcers
Authors: Kim Yong Seok , Park Sang Woon , Kim Min Ho , Jang Eun Jeong , Park Ju Sang , Park Sang Jong , Baik Hyun Wook , Chung Gregory , Hahm Ki Baik 
Published: December 2008

AbstractBackground and Aim:  The gastroduodenal ulcer (GDU) mostly develops on the lesser curvature side of stomach and the anterior wall of duodenal bulb, irrespective of the etiologies including Helicobacter pylori infection, non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs, alcohol, etc. However, a clear explanation as to why ulcers are prevalent in these areas has still not been given. The current study was designed to evaluate whether the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) polymorphism could predict susceptibility to GDU through deranged angiogenic activities.Methods:  A large scale case‐control study based on known single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) of VEGF and another case control study based on the novel SNP of VEGF was performed through the SNP‐IT assay using the SNP stream 25 k system. A site‐directed mutagenesis and functional assay was executed to document the biological effect of a novel VEGF SNP on angiogenesis.Results:  Even though the case‐control study between non‐ulcer dyspepsia (NUD) and gastric ulcer (GU) patients was done in 10 SNP of the VEGF gene including −2488C/T, −634G/C, −7C/T, 3436G/C, 6112C/A, 6894C/T, 9374G/A, 9812C/T, 13128C/T, and 13553C/T, the analysis showed no statistically significant association between NUD and GU. Denaturing high‐performance liquid chromatography analysis could identify two novel SNP of the VEGF gene, −1780T/C and IVS‐99 G/C, among which −1780T/C showed a very strong association between NUD and GDU, presenting with OR = 2.93 on codominant analysis (P < 0.001), OR = 8.62 on dominant analysis (P < 0.001), and OR = 3.21 on recessive analysis (P < 0.001). The promoter assay using a site‐directed mutagenesis and in vitro angiogenesis assay showed repressed transcription of the VEGF gene in gastric epithelial cells and defective tube formation in endothelial cells, both transfected with a plasmid containing −1780C/C mutant of VEGF gene.Conclusion:  The novel VEGF polymorphism −1780T/C could significantly predict the predisposition to GDU after the exposure to etiologic risks, based on defective angiogenic activity.