bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Non‐Structural Protein 3A for Differentiation of Foot‐and‐Mouth Disease Infected and Vaccinated Animals in Haryana (India)
Authors: Kumar N. , Sharma R. , Kakker N. K. 
Published: October 2007

SummaryThere are severe international trade restrictions on foot‐and‐mouth disease (FMD) affected areas. Because of endemic nature of FMD, India started FMD control programme (FMD‐CP) using mass vaccination in selected states including Haryana (year 2003). Although no significant incidence of the disease was reported after launching FMD‐CP in the state but in order to participate in international trade of animal and animal products, veterinary authorities have to prove that there is no FMD virus (FMDV) circulation in the animal population, for which it is necessary to differentiate the FMD infected and vaccinated animals. For this purpose, an in‐house indirect ELISA utilizing baculovirus‐expressed FMDV non‐structural protein (NSP) 3A was used to find evidence for virus circulation (prevalence of anti‐NSP 3A‐specific antibodies) by examining serum samples that were collected either before start of FMD‐CP or after completion of third phase (Pre‐4th) of vaccination in Haryana (India). A significant reduction (P < 0.01) in prevalence of anti‐NSP 3A‐specific antibodies (possibly carriers) was observed 2 years after launching FMD‐CP in Haryana. However, in cattle the percentage of animals with anti‐NSP 3A‐specific antibodies was found to be significantly higher (P < 0.01) than buffalo, both before (P < 0.01) and after (P < 0.01) launching FMD‐CP in the state. The findings of this study suggest that use of FMDV vaccine in cattle and buffaloes in endemic areas reduces virus circulation (carriers) in the vaccinated herds and that the current 3ANSP‐ELISA can be successfully used to monitor the FMDV circulation in endemic areas.
Human leukocyte antigen DR status and clinical features in Japanese patients with type 1 autoimmune hepatitis
Authors: Miyake Yasuhiro , Iwasaki Yoshiaki , Takaki Akinobu , Onishi Toru , Okamoto Ryoichi , Takaguchi Kouichi , Ikeda Hiroshi , Makino Yasuhiro , Kobashi Haruhiko , Sakaguchi Kohsaku , Shiratori Yasushi 
Published: October 2007

Aim:  Human leukocyte antigen (HLA) DR status affects the clinical features of autoimmune hepatitis. In Caucasians, patients with DR3 have poorer outcomes. In Japan, the relationship between HLA DR status and clinical features has yet to be fully examined.Methods:  We investigated 79 patients with type 1 autoimmune hepatitis who underwent liver biopsy and were screened for HLA DR status by the polymerase chain reaction sequence specific oligonucleotide hybridization method.Results:  Fifty‐five patients had DR4 and 23 had DR2. Thirteen patients had both DR2 and DR4. None had DR3. Of patients aged <30 years, 70% did not have DR4. A tendency toward higher serum levels of immunoglobulin G was seen in patients with DR4 compared to those without, while patients with neither DR2 nor DR4 had lower serum levels of immunoglobulin G than those with only DR2 and those with only DR4. Patients with DR2 had a lower frequency of concurrentautoimmune disease. Concurrence of thyroid disease was seen only in patients with DR4. The cumulative incidental rate of the normalization of serum alanine aminotransferase levels within six months after the introduction of corticosteroid treatment was not associated with HLA DR status.Conclusion:  HLA DR status is considered to affect the clinical features of Japanese patients with type 1 autoimmune hepatitis. Japanese patients with DR2 may have different clinical features from others. In addition, diagnoses of type 1 autoimmune hepatitis should be made carefully in Japanese patients with neither DR2 nor DR4 and in those aged <30 years.
Ethical and policy issues relating to progenitor-cell-based strategies for prevention of atherosclerosis
Authors: Liao S M , Goldschmidt P J , Sugarman J 
Published: October 2007

Objective:To examine important ethical and societal issues relating to the use of progenitor-cell-based strategies for disease prevention, particularly atherosclerosis.Background:Several nascent lines of evidence suggest the feasibility of using progenitor cells to reverse the health consequence of atherosclerosis. Such potential uses of progenitor cells are scientifically exciting, yet they raise important ethical and societal issues.Method:The Working Group on Ethics of Progenitor Cell-based Strategies for Disease Prevention met to discuss the relevant issues. Several drafts of a report were then circulated to the entire Working Group for comments until a consensus was reached.Results:Scientific evidence suggests the appropriateness of using progenitor-cell-based strategies for some rare conditions involving atherosclerosis, but additional preclinical data are needed for other, more prevalent conditions before human trials begin. All such trials raise a set of ethical issues, especially since trials aimed at prevention rather than treatment may involve persons who do not yet have disease but will be exposed to the risks of interventions. In addition, enrolment in prevention trials may be hazardous and harmful if participants erroneously believe experimental interventions will necessarily prevent disease. Finally, given the high prevalence of atherosclerosis, there are some important public policy implications of taking such an approach to prevention, including the sources of progenitor cells for such interventions as well as the allocation of health resources.Conclusion:Potential uses of progenitor-cell-based strategies for preventing atherosclerosis must be considered in the context of a range of social and ethical issues.
REAL-TIME, ON-LINE MONITORING OF DRINKING WATER FOR WATERBORNE PATHOGEN CONTAMINATION WARNING
Authors: ADAMS JOHN A. , MCCARTY DAVID 
Published: October 2007

The increasing value of safe, purified water in today's global environment presents many challenges for improving water purification processes while accelerating water quality monitoring technologies. These challenges include: escalating worldwide security threats, increasing demands by consumers and regulatory agencies for higher water quality standards, and proliferation of contamination events. A major concern in protecting water purity is the detection and control of harmful microorganisms in water sources, treatment, and distribution. Due to the length of time for standard laboratory methods to yield results, typically 24-72 hours, current analytical techniques have not been able to reliably detect microorganisms in real time and provide an immediate warning of biological contamination. Through years of research and development, an emerging technology called MALS (multi-angle light scattering) can now achieve on line, real time detection and classification of microorganisms in water. The method utilizes a laser beam focused into a slip-stream of water and the light scattered by microorganisms generates unique patterns. These “bio-optical signatures” are instantaneously captured by photodetectors, matched against catalogue profiles in an on-board data base, and subsequently classified within minutes of detection. The system can then immediately alert personnel to the contamination event while extracting a water sample for further confirmation.
Social and economic justice, human rights and peace
Authors: Lundy Colleen , van Wormer Katherine 
Published: October 2007

English Social work in Canada and the USA shares a common heritage in the commitment to advancing social and economic justice. Today the capitalist global market and increasing militarization affect social work in both nations. This paper discusses these challenges and presents a vision for social work as a human rights profession. French Au Canada et aux É tats-Unis, le travail social partage l’héritage d’un engagement à faire évoluer la justice sociale et économique. Aujourd’hui, la mondialisation du marché capitaliste et la militarisation croissante ont un impact sur le travail social dans les deux pays. Cette étude se penche sur ces enjeux et formule une vision du travail social en le considérant comme une profession liée aux droits de la personne. Spanish El trabajo social en Canadá y los Estados Unidos comparte una herencia común en su compromiso de avanzar hacia la justicia social y económica. Actualmente, el mercado global capitalista y la creciente militarización impacta al trabajo social en ambas naciones. Este trabajo discute estos retos y presenta una visión para el trabajo social como profesión de los derechos humanos.
Walking between worlds
Authors: Marais Lorraine , Marais Lizelle C. 
Published: October 2007

English Findings of a research study are offered, which explored the interface between indigenous and industrial culture from the perception of indigenous people from South Africa and New Mexico, USA. Adaptability and resilience are confirmed, as are confusion and threats to indigenous ways of life. French Cette étude livre les résultats d’une recherche visant à explorer l’interface entre la culture autochtone et la culture industrielle à partir du point de vue des peuples autochtone de l’Afrique du Sud, du Nouveau-Mexique (É tas-Unis d’Amérique). Les notions d’adaptation et de résilience y sont confirmées, de même que sont soulevées la confusion et les menaces à l’endroit des modes de vie autochtone. Spanish Se presentan los hallazgos de una investigación que explora la junción entre la cultura indígena y la industrial, a partir de la percepción de indígenas de Sud Africa y Nuevo México, en los Estados Unidos de América. Se confirman la adaptabilidad y la resistencia, lo que supone confusión y amenaza para el estilo de vida indígena.
Comparison of aluminium and stainless steel built-in-storage solar water heater
Authors: Asif M. , Currie J. , Muneer T. 
Published: October 2007

This article provides the results and findings of an experimental work undertaken in Pakistan that aimed to compare the performance of stainless steel and aluminium make built-in-storage solar waters. The experimental work undertaken as part of this project included design and development of the 2 solar water heaters as well as their operation and data collation over a period of 2 months. The results of the experimental work have been rigorously analysed to present detailed ecological and financial accounts of the two heaters. The results indicate that the aluminium heater performs better than the stainless steel heater in every respect. The average annual daily energy output from stainless steel and aluminium heaters is calculated to be 2.3 kWh and 2.9 kWh giving respective efficiencies of 47% and 61%. It has been shown that over the life cycle of 20 years, the stainless steel and the aluminium solar water heaters are capable of respectively producing 16.5 MWh and 21.3 MWh of energy. For industrial applications, the monetary payback period for the stainless steel and aluminium heaters has been found to be equivalent to 3.9 years and 1.4 years, respectively. It has also been shown that over the life time the stainless steel and aluminium solar water heaters are capable of respectively saving as much as 1.9 and 2.5 tonnes of Carbon per m2 aperture area. Practical applications: Renewable energy is one of the prominent solutions to address the emerging energy and environmental challenges. Solar water heating is amongst the fastest growing renewable technologies in the world. The article provides a detailed account of the technical and economical parameters of the built-in-storage type of solar water heaters. The findings of the work would be of great interest for researchers, professionals such as building services engineers and architects, and entrepreneurs. The article also finds its significance as the UK has decided to promote low-carbon housing and solar water heating can be an ideal technology in achieving any such goals.
The optimisation of a thermal dual probe instrument for the measurement of the moisture content of building envelopes
Authors: Ye Z. , Tirovic M. , Davies M. , Baker PH , Phillipson M. , Galbraith GH , McLean R.C. 
Published: October 2007

A thermal dual-probe offers significant potential benefits over existing methods for making moisture measurements in building envelopes. Previous numerical modelling work by the authors has proven the basic validity of this approach. This paper deals with the further development of the dual-probe design and the associated experimental work. Firstly, the results of design optimisation, using two and 3D Finite Element models, are detailed. Secondly, the extensive experimental work undertaken to complement the modelling work is described. The measured data obtained from the thermal dual-probes was compared with the results of the series of gravimetric analyses. Close agreement between the two methods was obtained. This work clearly indicates that the thermal dual-probe is capable of accurate, in situ moisture measurements in building envelopes. Practical application: There is a pressing need for the development of a suitable instrument capable of reliable in situ moisture measurements in building envelopes. Techniques are available to the building industry for such moisture measurements but all exhibit deficiencies in at least one critical area — for example, electrical resistance based techniques are potentially susceptible to errors related to the presence of salts within the material to be measured. A `thermal dual-probe' based technique offers significant potential benefits over existing methods. It would appear to be especially well suited, for example, to monitoring the drying out of buildings post-flood.
Superior Achilles Tendon Microcirculation in Tendinopathy among Symptomatic Female versus Male Patients
Authors: Knobloch Karsten , Schreibmueller Louisa , Meller Rupert , Busch Kay H. , Spies Marcus , Vogt Peter M. 
Published: October 2007

Background Higher estrogen levels in women seem to play a role regarding an increased ligament and tendon injury rate among women. However, gender differences of tendon microcirculation have not yet been reported. Hypothesis Female patients suffering Achilles tendinopathy have worse tendon and paratendon microcirculation than symptomatic male patients. Study Design Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 2. Methods A total of 139 Achilles tendinopathy patients (58 women, 81 men) were analyzed according to their gender for tendon and paratendon microcirculation by mapping at 12 positions (4 tendons, 8 paratendons) in each limb. Tendon and paratendon capillary blood flow, oxygen saturation, and postcapillary venous filling pressures were measured at 2-mm and 8-mm tissue depths. Results Symptomatic women had similarly elevated tendon capillary blood flow as men at 4 Achilles tendon positions. However, distal medial (83 ± 40 vs 105 ± 74, P < .05) and lateral (98 ± 49 vs 121 ± 74) paratendon capillary blood flow were significantly lower among men. Symptomatic female patients had superior tendon and paratendon oxygen saturation at 11 of 12 positions ( P < .05) as well as reduced postcapillary venous filling pressures at the proximal midportion tendon (55 ± 17 vs 63 ± 20, P < .05) and paratendon (69 ± 19 vs 77 ± 26) location. Pain level was not different between female (5.3 ± 2.2) and male patients (5.4 ± 2, P = .864). Female patients had significantly higher Foot and Ankle Outcome Sports Scores (71 ± 22 vs 64 ± 23 in the men, P = .041), while 4 out of 5 other Foot and Ankle Outcome Score items were not different. Conclusion Symptomatic female patients have similarly elevated tendon capillary blood flow compared with symptomatic male patients suffering Achilles tendinopathy, but superior tendon and paratendon oxygen saturations and reduced postcapillary venous filling pressures indicate better tendon and paratendon Achilles tendon microcirculation in women.
Design and Implementation of a Cooperative Enterprise Selection Mechanism for Allied Concurrent Engineering Environment
Authors: Chen Yuh-Jen , Chen Yuh-Min , Wang Chin-Bin , Chu Hui-Chuan 
Published: October 2007

Allied concurrent engineering (ACE), which combines the concepts of virtual enterprise (VE) and concurrent engineering (CE), is a highly promising business strategy for enterprises in facing global competition. ACE is designed to integrate the activities, resources, information, and organization of enterprises via enterprise alliances, thus minimizing cost, increasing competitiveness, and achieving rapid response to customer expectations. However, success of ACE depends on effective and close cooperation among allied enterprises. Selecting cooperative partners in the context of ACE thus becomes pivotal in enhancing the efficiency of ACE. This study designs and implements a cooperative enterprise selection mechanism for ACE environment. In designing this mechanism, the model and evaluation indicators for selecting cooperative enterprises for ACE are first established. Subsequently, the evaluation indicators with fuzzy semantics are quantified as the weight value via FAHP (Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process) and made into a hierarchical structure. The TOPSIS (Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution) technique is then applied to evaluate suitable cooperative enterprises, ultimately select the best cooperative enterprise and consequently increase the cooperation effectiveness of allied enterprises. Finally, an illustrative example is presented and the system is implemented to demonstrate the feasibility of the proposed approach.
The culture of arts journalists
Authors: Harries Gemma , Wahl-Jorgensen Karin 
Published: October 2007

This article examines the self-image of arts journalists, or journalists who work in the criticism and coverage of theater, classical music, opera and dance. It is based on interviews with 20 arts journalists in the United Kingdom, including classical music DJs, arts reviewers, arts reporters, and arts and music editors for print and broadcast media. This occupational group within journalism is worthy of study because of its distinctive professional and cultural role: while arts journalists share aspects of their professional cultures with other newsworkers, their work is intrinsically linked to the project of improving `public appreciation of the arts'. Our argument is that while many arts journalists see themselves as part of the larger professional category of `journalists', they also lay claim to an arts exceptionalism, insofar as they suggest that: (1) the ideal arts journalist is better and more extensively qualified than a conventional news reporter; (2) arts journalism is qualitatively different from news journalism; and (3) arts journalism has the responsibility of communicating the transformative nature of the arts. Drawing on such a discourse, arts journalists take on a crusading role, and describe their work as infused by a passion which is otherwise frowned upon within journalism. We also demonstrate how, within the specialist group of arts journalists, there are distinctive subcultures of freelance critics, arts reporters, and arts editors — professional categories which greatly influence these newsworkers' self-understandings.
Hand hygiene compliance: universally better post-contact than pre-contact in healthcare workers in the UK and Australia
Authors: Bahal A. , Karamchandani D. , Fraise A.P. , McLaws M.L. 
Published: October 2007

Objective: To establish whether post-patient contact hand hygiene practice is universally higher than pre-patient contact in two highly resourced countries. Methods: Observations of medical and nursing staffs' hand hygiene compliance were made by the same observers in two different hospitals in Sydney and Birmingham, in both intensive care units (ICU) and surgical wards, using a standardised data collection tool. Results: Hand hygiene rates pre- and post-patient contact were low for both nurses and doctors in Sydney and Birmingham, with the exception of Sydney ICU doctors (pre-contact 74.8% and post-contact 75.7%, p=0.868). Post-contact compliance was low but significantly better than pre-contact in Sydney ICU nurses (41.3% versus 59.6% p<0.0001), surgical ward nurses (14.9% versus 29.6%, p=0.0019) and Sydney surgeons (10.2% versus 30.2%, p<0.0001). Post-contact compliance rates were low but higher than pre-contact in Birmingham ICU nurses (33.1% versus 52.2%, p=0.0011) and doctors (29.3% versus 70.1%, p<0.0001) but not in the Birmingham surgical ward (nurses: 42.6% versus 43.4%, p=0.89; surgeons: 39.6% versus 48.4%, p=0.187). Handwashing on removal of gloves was extremely low (1.7% to 16.6%), regardless of city, specialties or clinical staff. Conclusion: The pattern of post-contact compliance and non-compliance associated with glove use strongly suggests hand hygiene practice in both countries is primarily self-protective rather than a patient safety centred practice.
An immune escape screen reveals Cdc42 as regulator of cancer susceptibility to lymphocyte-mediated tumor suppression
Authors: Marques Celio A. , Hähnel Patricia S. , Wölfel Catherine , Thaler Sonja , Huber Christoph , Theobald Matthias , Schuler Martin 
Published: October 2007

Abstract
Adoptive cellular immunotherapy inducing a graft-versus-tumor (GVT) effect is the therapeutic mainstay of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (ASCT) for high-risk leukemias. Autologous immunotherapies using vaccines or adoptive transfer of ex vivo–manipulated lymphocytes are clinically explored in patients with various cancer entities. Main reason for failure of ASCT and cancer immunotherapy is progression of the underlying malignancy, which is more prevalent in patients with advanced disease. Elucidating the molecular mechanisms contributing to immune escape will help to develop strategies for the improvement of immunologic cancer treatment. To this end, we have undertaken functional screening and expression cloning of factors mediating resistance to antigen-specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs). We have identified Cdc42, a GTPase regulating actin dynamics and growth factor signaling that is highly expressed in invasive cancers, as determinator of cancer cell susceptibility to antigen-specific CTLs in vitro and adoptively transferred immune effectors in vivo. Cdc42 prevents CTL-induced apoptosis via mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling and posttranscriptional stabilization of Bcl-2. Pharmacologic inhibition of MAPK/extracellular signal–regulated kinase (ERK) kinase (MEK) overcomes Cdc42-mediated immunoresistance and activation of Bcl-2 in vivo. In conclusion, Cdc42 signaling contributes to immune escape of cancer. Targeting Cdc42 may improve the efficacy of cancer immunotherapies.
Deletion of 3 residues from the C-terminus of MCFD2 affects binding to ERGIC-53 and causes combined factor V and factor VIII deficiency
Authors: Nyfeler Beat , Kamiya Yukiko , Boehlen Françoise , Yamamoto Kazuo , Kato Koichi , de Moerloose Philippe , Hauri Hans-Peter , Neerman-Arbez Marguerite 
Published: October 2007

AbstractCombined factor V and factor VIII deficiency (F5F8D) is a rare, autosomal recessive coagulation disorder. F5F8D is genetically linked to mutations in the transmembrane lectin ERGIC-53 and its soluble interaction partner MCFD2. The ERGIC-53/MCFD2 protein complex functions as transport receptor of coagulation factors V and VIII by mediating their export from the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). Here, we studied a F5F8D patient who was found to be a compound heterozygote for 2 novel mutations in MCFD2: a large deletion of 8.4 kb eliminating the 5′UTR of the gene and a nonsense mutation resulting in the deletion of only 3 amino acids (ΔSLQ) from the C-terminus of MCFD2. Biochemical and structural analysis of the ΔSLQ mutant demonstrated impaired binding to ERGIC-53 due to modification of the 3-dimensional structure of MCFD2. Our results highlight the importance of the ERGIC-53/MCFD2 protein interaction for the efficient secretion of coagulation factors V and VIII.