bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Increased number and function of FoxP3 regulatory T cells during experimental arthritis
Authors: Monte Kristen , Wilson Christina , Shih Fei F. 
Published: November 2008

AbstractObjectiveCD4+CD25+FoxP3+ regulatory T (Treg) cells are critical regulators of autoimmunity. Yet the number of Treg cells is paradoxically increased in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients, and Treg cells show variable activity in human studies. The objective of this study was to characterize the expansion and function of Treg cells during the initiation and progression of experimental arthritis.MethodsTo unequivocally identify Treg cells, we crossed FoxP3gfp mice with K/BxN mice to generate arthritic mice in which Treg cells express green fluorescence protein. We examined the expansion and function of Treg cells and effector T (Teff) cells during different stages of arthritis, using flow cytometry and cell proliferation analyses.ResultsIn K/BxN mice, thymic selection of KRN T cells resulted in an enrichment of forkhead box P3 (FoxP3)–positive Treg cells. Treg cell numbers increased during arthritis, with significant increases in spleens and draining lymph nodes, indicating selective tropism to sites of disease. In contrast to the in vitro unresponsiveness of Treg cells when cultured alone, substantial proportions of Treg cells proliferated in both nonarthritic and arthritic mice. However, they also underwent greater apoptosis, thereby maintaining equilibrium with Teff cells. Similarly, enhanced Treg cell–suppressive activity during arthritis was offset by greater resistance by their Teff cell counterparts and antigen‐presenting cells.ConclusionIn this well‐established model of RA, the interplay of Teff cells and Treg cells in K/BxN mice recapitulated many features of the human disease. We demonstrated an ordered expansion of Treg cells during arthritis and dynamic changes in Treg cell and Teff cell functions. By elucidating factors that govern Treg cell and Teff cell development in K/BxNgfp mice, we will gain insight into the pathophysiology of and develop novel therapeutics for human RA.
Antifibroblast antibodies in systemic sclerosis induce fibroblasts to produce profibrotic chemokines, with partial exploitation of toll‐like receptor 4
Authors: Fineschi Serena , Goffin Laurence , Rezzonico Roger , Cozzi Franco , Dayer Jean‐Michel , Meroni Pier Luigi , Chizzolini Carlo 
Published: November 2008

AbstractObjectivePrevious studies have revealed the presence of IgG antifibroblast antibodies (AFAs) capable of binding to the surface of fibroblasts in systemic sclerosis (SSc) sera. Since chemokines may directly or indirectly affect the development of fibrosis, this study was undertaken to investigate the production of chemokines induced by AFAs in fibroblasts, and to characterize the signaling pathways and surface molecules involved.MethodsAFA‐positive and AFA‐negative IgG were tested on fibroblasts. Chemokine messenger RNA expression was screened by microarray and quantitative reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction. Production of CCL2, CXCL8, and CXCL10 proteins was assessed by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. Pharmacologic inhibitors were used to study signal transduction, with results assessed by Western blotting and immunofluorescence analysis. Fibroblasts with defective expression of Toll‐like receptors (TLRs) and anti‐TLR monoclonal antibodies (mAb) were used to assess AFA specificity.ResultsIn human fibroblasts, AFA‐positive IgG induced the preferential transcription of chemokines with profibrotic and proangiogenic potential, including, but not exclusively, CCL2, CXCL1, CXCL8, CKLF, and ECGF1, which were distinctly different from those induced by interferon‐γ. Levels of CCL2 and CXCL8 proteins were increased in AFA‐stimulated fibroblast culture supernatants. AFA binding to fibroblasts resulted in concomitant activation of ERK‐1/2, c‐Jun, and NF‐κB. CCL2 production was sensitive to inhibition of both proteasome and JNK, while CXCL8 production was sensitive only to inhibition of proteasome. AFAs failed to up‐regulate CCL2 expression in TLR‐4–deficient fibroblasts but not in TLR‐6– or TLR‐2–deficient fibroblasts. Moreover, anti–TLR‐4 mAb, but not anti–TLR‐2 mAb, partially inhibited the production of CCL2 induced by AFAs in human fibroblasts.ConclusionAutoantibodies that bind to the surface of fibroblasts may contribute to the pathogenesis of SSc by up‐regulating the fibroblast production of profibrotic and proangiogenic chemokines, in a proteasome‐ and TLR‐4–dependent manner.
A survey of bioengineering research in Canada‐2007
Authors: Daugulis Andrew J. 
Published: December 2008

AbstractResearch activity in bioengineering at Canadian universities has been surveyed. Details were provided by chemical engineering departments in response to a common request for information on activities by individual researchers and for key publications. The information provided has been grouped by topics within the broad theme of “Bioengineering,” and contributions from individual departments have been summarized within these topics. Although many aspects of bioengineering research are being pursued in Canada, it would appear as though environmental biotechnology, biomaterials, and tissue/cell culture are the most active areas under investigation.
Simpler noninstrumented batch and semicontinuous cultures provide mammalian cell kinetic data comparable to continuous and perfusion cultures
Authors: Henry Olivier , Kwok Ezra , Piret James M. 
Published: December 2008

AbstractPerfusion culture optimization in multiple noninstrumented small‐scale flasks allows reduced expense and time associated with process development. These cultures normally use a different process mode because at small scales it is not practical to retain the cells for medium perfusion. In this work, the kinetics of growth, nutrient consumption, metabolite, and product formation were compared in spinner cultures operated in batch, semicontinuous, chemostat, and perfusion modes. Fed‐batch was also included to provide an added comparison. Using logistic fitting for more reliable specific rate estimates in transient conditions, the growth phase of batch cultures predicted similar kinetics to fed‐batch and continuous processes. For daily medium exchange rates up to 50%, the semicontinuous mode also predicted the perfusion process kinetics. Differences between the chemostat and semicontinuous culture results were only observed at higher exchange rates with the greatest daily culture perturbation. Overall, the batch or semicontinuous cultures were shown to readily provide results similar to the far more complex to operate chemostat or perfusion cultures.
Change detection of gravel mining on riverbeds from the multi‐temporal and high‐spatial‐resolution formosat‐2 imagery
Authors: Liu Cheng‐Chien , Shieh Chjeng‐Lun , Wu Chiao‐An , Shieh Ming‐Lin 
Published: December 2008

AbstractGravel mining from river channels is conducted in many countries around the world, yet ground‐based monitoring of these activities requires considerable manpower and is not very effective. Therefore, innovative and effective approaches to monitoring gravel mining are urgently required. Deployed as a high spatial resolution sensor in a daily revisit orbit, Formosat‐2 has proved to be an ideal satellite for site surveillance. Using one known event of gravel mining in the Tseng‐Wen River, Taiwan, between March 2004 and March 2005, we analysed nine Formosat‐2 images taken during this period to summarize three characteristics of gravel mining in the images. Based on these characteristics, a standard procedure for processing Formosat‐2 imagery to detect gravel mining is proposed. This procedure is validated against ground truthing collected by an unmanned helicopter flying at low altitude. The evolution of this gravel‐mining event in the Tseng‐Wen River is described by processing all historical Formosat‐2 imagery using the proposed procedure. This standard procedure has been successfully incorporated into the Formosat‐2 automatic image processing system and has been used to monitor gravel mining on a daily‐basis. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Compulsive buying: a field study of mood variability during acquisition episodes
Authors: Kellett Stephen , Totterdell Peter 
Published: December 2008

AbstractEmpirical investigations of mood variability during actual and ‘real time’ shopping episodes are absent from the compulsive-buying (CB) literature. A field experiment was therefore conducted with a participant meeting desired clinical and research requirements for identifying CB and a control subject for comparison purposes. Each participant went on four shopping trips and rated various parameters of mood and self-perception prior to, during and after each shopping trip. Each phase (i.e. pre-shop, shop and post-shop) lasted for 1.5 h, with ratings of mood and self-evaluation taken every 10 min. Results indicate that, although shopping was a guilty pleasure for the CB participant, there were more similarities than differences apparent in terms of mood and self-evaluation between the CB and control participant. The CB participant experienced significant levels of self-dislike during the shopping episodes. In terms of the comparisons between the pre-, during and post-shopping phases, the first 40 minutes of actual shopping seemed to be particularly arousing/exciting for the CB participant. The study is discussed in terms of key methodological requirements for increased validity and reliability in studying CB phenomena and the range of indicated possible cognitive and behavioural interventions.
A strategic approach to managing a downturn
Authors: Goodridge Mark 
Published: November 2008

PurposeThis paper seeks to examine how organizations can not only survive the effects of a downturn by taking a strategic approach, but also use this opportunity to emerge from uncertain times leaner, fitter and better able to adapt to new market conditions. The paper includes contributions from Mark Goodridge, CEO, Louise Earle, Jane‐Catherine Hartshorn, Martyn Sakol and Mike Thackray, all at ER Consultants, which specializes in organization behavior change.Design/methodology/approachThie paper draws on research and the experience of ER Consultants in the field to examine how organizations can successfully deal with a downturn and positively approach a reorganization situation.FindingsThe secret is not to fall into the trap of knee‐jerk reorganization. Reorganization can be a wonderful way of creating an illusion of progress while producing only confusion, inefficiency and demoralization. This is not to deny that change is sometimes necessary – it is just that organizations need to be strategic and choose the right architecture. Successful reorganizations require trust that is built on respect and timely communication, as well as energized leaders and strategic responses that eliminate actions based on panic. Successful high performance organizations get through tough times by avoiding laying people off, cutting funding or reducing investment in core parts of the business unless it is absolutely necessary. Instead they are innovative about retaining talent in order to gain competitive advantage when market conditions improve and create an energizing environment.Originality/valueIn a credit crunch environment it can be all too easy for external factors and concerns to drain the positive energy that forms the powerhouse of a successful organization. As recent research has demonstrated, leadership energy can be directly linked to customer satisfaction, absenteeism, turnover, employee energy levels and, therefore, bottom‐line results. The ability to boost energy in the workplace provides significant competitive advantage by helping to retain and motivate staff.
Principles for successful aCRM in organizations
Authors: Ranjan Jayanthi , Bhatnagar Vishal 
Published: November 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to propose the important principles for successful CRM analytics (aCRM) in organizations.Design/methodology/approachThe paper employs the approach of identifying the major critical business information needed for aCRM in organizations. The approach to identify the critical business is based on the cross‐pollination of information related to aCRM. Analyzing aCRM from the hybrid blends of business sources provides a clear understanding in a more realist dimension.FindingsThe paper finds that knowing what to capture is fundamental to business alignment of aCRM in a typical business environment.Practical implicationsThe successful implementation of the principles of aCRM will help organizations to measure the effectiveness of their direct marketing activities.Originality/valueThe chosen research strategy was to survey aCRM in organizations that are being incorporated worldwide and analyze their content, looking for similarities and complementarities in their nature of business strategies. First, the paper identified existing aCRM systems, examining available listings of aCRM systems in organizations, and expanding them through Internet searches. The paper then collected detailed information on aCRM systems, and examined the descriptions, nature of organizations, their business strategies, their view on business values etc.
Determinants of EFL achievement among Arab college‐bound learners
Authors: Ghaith Ghazi , Diab Hassan 
Published: November 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to determine the degree of interrelatedness and the role of a number of context‐specific factors in the English language proficiency development of Arab college‐bound learners. These factors include: language class risk‐taking, sociability, discomfort, motivation, and attitude toward class.Design/methodology/approachThe study employed a one‐group pretest‐posttest experimental design. In total, 67 (n=67) male English as a foreign language college‐bound learners participated in the study. All participants took general English language proficiency pretests and posttests in order to determine the effect size of improvement in their language proficiency after an intensive treatment of 200 contact hours. The calculated effect sizes of improvement were correlated with learners' scores on the factors under study as measured by a modified version of the Ely classroom climate measure. In addition, Pearson product‐moment correlation coefficients were computed and a step‐wise multiple regression analysis was run in order to determine the degree of interrelatedness among the variables under study and to determine their extent of their role in the effect size of the proficiency gains of the participants.FindingsThe findings indicated that language class sociability is positively related to students' motivation to learn and to a positive class attitude. Conversely, language class risk‐taking was found to be negatively related to class discomfort which in turn was negatively related to student motivation to learn. The findings also indicated that none of the affective variables under study predicted the effect size of the proficiency gains realized by learners.Research limitations/implicationsThe findings of this study suggest that language acquisition is a complex process determined by interaction among a number of learner‐related and contextual factors. Furthermore, the findings suggest that motivation for learning is related to learners' affective feelings and may impact their class participation. A limitation of the study is that it employed a one‐group experimental design and, as such, there was no control or comparison group.Practical implicationsUsing humanistic/affective methods of teaching could decrease students' feelings of class discomfort and increase their motivation and class sociability.Originality/valueThe study provides insights into the language acquisition process of Arab college‐bound learners based on empirical evidence.
Human Papillomavirus E7 Protein Deregulates Mitosis via an Association with Nuclear Mitotic Apparatus Protein 1
Authors: Nguyen Christine L. , Münger Karl 
Published: December 2008

ABSTRACT
We previously observed that high-risk human papillomavirus type 16 (HPV16) E7 expression leads to the delocalization of dynein from mitotic spindles (C. L. Nguyen, M. E. McLaughlin-Drubin, and K. Munger, Cancer Res. 68:8715-8722, 2008). Here, we show that HPV16 E7 associates with nuclear mitotic apparatus protein 1 (NuMA) and that NuMA binding and the ability to induce dynein delocalization map to similar carboxyl-terminal sequences of E7. Additionally, we show that the delocalization of dynein from mitotic spindles by HPV16 E7 and the interaction between HPV16 E7 and NuMA correlate with the induction of defects in chromosome alignment during prometaphase even in cells with normal centrosome numbers. Furthermore, low-risk HPV6b and HPV11 E7s also associate with NuMA and also induce a similar mitotic defect. It is possible that the disruption of mitotic events by HPV E7, via targeting of the NuMA/dynein complex and potentially other NuMA-containing complexes, contributes to viral maintenance and propagation potentially through abrogating the differentiation program of the infected epithelium. Furthermore, in concert with activities specific to high-risk HPV E6 and E7, such as the inactivation of the p53 and pRB tumor suppressors, respectively, the disruption of the NuMA/dynein network may result in mitotic errors that would make an infected cell more prone to the accumulation of aneuploidy even in the absence of supernumerary centrosomes.
Variants within theMMP3gene are associated with Achilles tendinopathy: possible interaction with theCOL5A1gene
Authors: Raleigh S M , van der Merwe L , Ribbans W J , Smith R K W , Schwellnus M P , Collins M 
Published: November 2008

Objectives:Sequence variation within theCOL5A1andTNCgenes are known to associate with Achilles tendinopathy. The primary aim of this case-control genetic association study was to investigate whether variants within the matrix metalloproteinase 3 (MMP3) gene also contributed to both Achilles tendinopathy and Achilles tendon rupture in a Caucasian population. A secondary aim was to establish whether variants within theMMP3gene interacted with theCOL5A1rs12722 variant to raise risk of these pathologies.Methods:114 subjects with symptoms of Achilles tendon pathology and 98 healthy controls were genotyped forMMP3variants rs679620, rs591058 and rs650108.Results:As single markers, significant associations were found between the GG genotype of rs679620 (OR = 2.5, 95% CI 1.2 to 4.90, p = 0.010), the CC genotype of rs591058 (OR = 2.3, 95% CI 1.1 to 4.50, p = 0.023) and the AA genotype of rs650108 (OR = 4.9, 95% CI 1.0 to 24.1, p = 0.043) and risk of Achilles tendinopathy. The ATG haplotype (rs679620, rs591058, and rs650108) was under-represented in the tendinopathy group when compared to the control group (41% vs 53%, p = 0.038). Finally, the G allele of rs679620 and the T allele ofCOL5A1rs12722 significantly interacted to raise risk of AT (p = 0.006). No associations were found between any of theMMP3markers and Achilles tendon rupture.Conclusion:Variants within theMMP3gene are associated with Achilles tendinopathy. Furthermore, theMMP3gene variant rs679620 and theCOL5A1marker rs12722 interact to modify the risk of tendinopathy. These data further support a genetic contribution to a common sports related injury.
Interleukin-24 overcomes temozolomide resistance and enhances cell death by down-regulation ofO6-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase in human melanoma cells
Authors: Zheng Mingzhong , Bocangel Dora , Ramesh Rajagopal , Ekmekcioglu Suhendan , Poindexter Nancy , Grimm Elizabeth A. , Chada Sunil 
Published: December 2008

AbstractMelanoma is the most malignant of skin cancers, highly resistant to chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Temozolomide, a promising new derivative of dacarbazine, is currently being tested for treatment of metastatic melanoma. Resistance to alkylating agents such as temozolomide correlates with increased expression of DNA repair protein O6-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase (MGMT). Interleukin-24 (IL-24; mda-7) is a tumor suppressor cytokine that selectively inhibits tumor cell growth by inducing apoptosis and cell cycle arrest in melanoma cell lines and solid tumors. This tumor-selective activity has been observed in multiple preclinical animal models and in clinical trials. In this study, we analyzed the ability of Ad-IL-24 and its protein product, IL-24, to overcome temozolomide resistance in human melanoma cells. We have shown that Ad-IL-24 via exogenous IL-24 protein induces combinatorial synergy of temozolomide-induced cell killing in temozolomide-resistant melanoma cells by inhibition of MGMT. Neutralizing antibodies against IL-24 or its receptors significantly blocked the apoptotic activity of IL-24 + MGMT treatment. We show that accumulation of functional p53 is essential for IL-24-induced down-regulation of MGMT. Using either MGMT small interfering RNA, p53 small interfering RNA, or a p53 dominant-negative mutant to block MGMT protein expression resulted in increased sensitization to temozolomide. However, MGMT blockade in combination with IL-24 + temozolomide resulted in loss of combinatorial synergy, indicating that MGMT expression is required for the reversal of temozolomide resistance in melanoma cells. This study shows that IL-24 can play a significant role in overcoming temozolomide resistance and that the clinical efficacy of temozolomide may be improved by using a biochemotherapy combination with IL-24. [Mol Cancer Ther 2008;7(12):3842–51]
Studying Torah as a Reality Check: A Close Reading of a Midrash
Authors: Hashkes Hannah 
Published: November 2008

AbstractThis paper describes the practice of rabbinic Torah-Study in Pragmatist epistemological terms. Pragmatists describe the quest for knowledge as a process in which we interpret our experiences and thereby construct an idea of our reality. This description creates or generates a tension between the constructive aspect of the knowledge quest and the idea of an independent reality. The paper argues that Pragmatism shares this tension, as well as the hermeneutical and pragmatic method for overcoming it, with the rabbinic concept of "Torah Study." This association is illustrated through a close reading of a Midrash on the first verse of the Biblical "Woman of Valor" song.
The Early Albertus Magnus and his Arabic Sources on the Theory of the Soul
Authors: Hasse Dag Nikolaus 
Published: November 2008

AbstractAlbertus Magnus favours the Aristotelian definition of the soul as the first actuality or perfection of a natural body having life potentially. But he interprets Aristotle's vocabulary in a way that it becomes compatible with the separability of the soul from the body. The term “perfectio” is understood as referring to the soul's activity only, not to its essence. The term “forma” is avoided as inadequate for defining the soul's essence. The soul is understood as a substance which exists independently of its actions and its body. The article shows that Albertus' terminological decisions continue a tradition reaching from the Greek commentators, and John Philoponos in particular, to Avicenna. Albertus' position on another important issue is also influenced by Arabic sources. His defense of the unity of the soul's vegetative, animal and rational parts rests on arguments from Avicenna and Averroes. It is shown that Averroes' position on the problem is not clearcut: he advocates the unity thesis, but also teaches the plurality of the generic and individual forms in man. This double stance is visible in the Latin reception of Averroes' works, and also in Albertus, who presents Averroes both as supporter and opponent of the plurality thesis.