Cell Biological Responses after Shiga Toxin-1 Exposure to Primary Human Glomerular Microvascular Endothelial Cells from Pediatric and Adult Origin

Hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) is characterized by a triad of symptoms consisting of hemolytic anemia, thrombocytopenia and acute renal failure. The most common form of HUS is caused by an infection with Shiga toxin (Stx) producing Escherichia coli bacteria (STEC-HUS), and the kidneys are the major organs affected. The development of HUS after an infection with Stx occurs most frequently in children under the age of 5 years. However, the cause for the higher incidence of STEC-HUS in children compared to adults is still not well understood. Human glomerular microvascular endothelial cells (HGMVECs) isolated and cultured from pediatric and adult kidney tissue were investigated with respect to Stx binding and different cellular responses. Shiga toxin-1 (Stx-1) inhibited protein synthesis in both pediatric and adult HGMVECs in a dose-dependent manner at basal conditions. The preincubation of pediatric and adult HGMVECs for 24 hrs with TNFα resulted in increased Stx binding to the cell surface and a 20–40% increase in protein synthesis inhibition in both age groups. A decreased proliferation of cells was found when a bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) assay was performed. A trend towards a delay in endothelial wound closure was visible when pediatric and adult HGMVECs were incubated with Stx-1. Although minor differences between pediatric HGMVECs and adult HGMVECs were found in the assays applied in this study, no significant differences were observed. In conclusion, we have demonstrated that in vitro primary HGMVECs isolated from pediatric and adult kidneys do not significantly differ in their cell biological responses to Stx-1.     

Internal medulla of hair revealed by scanning electron microscopy

The standard scanning electron microscope method for examining surface structure using the secondary electron mode has unexpectedly revealed the internal ladder-type medulla of some animal hairs.     

Shall I Tell You Where I Live and Who I Am? Factors Influencing the Behavioral Intention to Disclose Personal Data for Online Government Transactions

The success of an online transaction with a government organization depends on citizen's willingness to share personal data relevant for the transaction. However, disclosing personal data online is oftentimes considered risky. It has been substantiated in a number of empirical studies that perceptions of the risks involved in sharing personal data in the virtual environment could hinder Internet users from engaging in online transactions that require the disclosure of personal data. Results of a large-scale online survey with 2,202 Dutch Internet users reveal that trust in government organizations is a very important determinant of personal data disclosure intention among users with and without e-government experience. Low perceptions of risks, high expectations of the benefits of e-government services, and strong beliefs in the adequacy of legal protection mechanisms could also positively influence users' intention to share personal data for e-government services. The negative relation between trust and risk perceptions is also established, as citizens' trust in government organizations could reduce perceptions of the risks involved in disclosing personal data online.     

Evaluating Outcomes of Rehabilitation for Severe Mental Illness.

Improving the quality of life of individuals with severe mental illness has been the focus of considerable research. With advances in treatments for severe mental illness, particularly in psychiatric rehabilitation, evaluating outcomes has become increasingly important. Given the complex and multidimensional nature of severe mental illness, outcome evaluation of psychiatric rehabilitation is particularly difficult. This article addresses issues in evaluating psychiatric rehabilitation outcomes, including key outcome domains, selection of methods and measures, and meaningful use of results. Continuing conceptual and methodological issues are discussed. Also, future directions are explored, including evaluating multidimensional treatment effects and interactions and building an integrated understanding of all of the outcomes involved in psychiatric rehabilitation. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Evaluating cell wall structure and composition of developing cotton fibers using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and thermogravimetric analysis

Universal attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared (UATR‐FTIR) spectroscopy and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) were used to investigate the structural changes of cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) fibers as a function of developmental programming. The presence of noncellulosic compounds (wax, protein, hemicelluloses, pectic substances, amino acids, etc.) was evident from FTIR spectra of fibers at 10, 14, 17, and 20 dpa (day postanthesis). The vibration corresponding to the noncellulosic compounds disappeared at 36 dpa. Furthermore, independent TGA analysis supported the results obtained with FTIR, showing that the transition from primary cell wall synthesis to secondary cell wall synthesis occurs at or around 20 dpa. This study is the first to report on the use of the UATR‐FTIR and TGA to elucidate structural changes during cotton fiber development. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008     

On the Basic Extraction Properties of a Phenyl Trifluoromethyl Sulfone-Based GANEX System Containing CyMe4-BTBP and TBP

A Grouped ActiNide EXtraction (GANEX) process for the extraction of actinides from used nuclear fuel for transmutation purposes has been investigated. The studied solvent consists of phenyl trifluoromethyl sulfone (FS-13), CyMe₄-BTBP, and TBP, a combination that has previously shown promising results. The time to reach extraction equilibrium for the system has been found to be less than 20 min. A 2:1 complex has been found between CyMe₄-BTBP and americium(III) or curium(III), whereas plutonium(IV) and CyMe₄-BTBP create a 1:1 complex. The extraction of fission product is low in the system.     

Design of a Base-Board for arrays of closely packed Multi-Anode Photo-Multipliers

We describe the design of a Base-Board to house Multi-Anode Photo-Multipliers for use in large-area arrays of light sensors. The goals, the design, the results of tests on the prototypes and future developments are presented.