bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Distribution of Fluorescent Dyes Dissolved in Ternary Mixed Solvent in a Microchannel under Laminar Flow Conditions
Authors: Murakami Mari , Jinno Naoya , Hashimoto Masahiko , Tsukagoshi Kazuhiko
Published: February 2010

We observed chromatographic separation in an open capillary tube with a water–hydrophilic–hydrophobic organic mixture carrier solution. The separation is thought to be based on the tube radial distrubution of aqueous and organic carrier solvents in the capillary tube. In this study, in order to obtain information concerning the solvent distribution, we delivered a carrier solution containing fluorescent dyes into a microchannel (100 µm in width × 40 µm in depth) and monitored the tube radial distribution of the dyes using a fluorescence microscope. When an organic solvent-rich carrier solution (water–acetonitrile–ethyl acetate; 3:8:4 volume ratio) containing perylene and Eosin Y was fed into the channel, perylene and Eosin Y were distributed around the center and near the inner wall of the microchannel, respectively. This observation consists with the specific solvent distribution proposed for the chromatography system.
Why Do Management Practices Differ across Firms and Countries?
Authors: Bloom Nicholas , Van Reenen John
Published: February 2010

Economists have long puzzled over the astounding differences in productivity between firms and countries. In this paper, we present evidence on a possible explanation for persistent differences in productivity at the firm and the national level—namely, that such differences largely reflect variations in management practices. We have, over the last decade, undertaken a large survey research program to systematically measure management practices across firms, industries, and countries. Our survey approach focuses on aspects of management like systematic performance monitoring, setting appropriate targets, and providing incentives for good performance. We explain how we measure management; identify some basic patterns in our data; then turn to the question of why management practices vary so much across firms and nations. What we find is a combination of imperfectly competitive markets, family ownership of firms, regulations restricting management practices, and informational barriers allow bad management to persist.
Physical restraint of medical inpatients: unravelling the red tape
Authors: Behrman Sophie , Dunn Michael
Published: February 2010

Restraint has recently become an important legal and clinical issue in England and Wales with the introduction of the Mental Capacity Act 2005 and the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards introduced by the Mental Health Act 2007. The requirements of these two new pieces of legislation are complex, and therefore pose major challenges to the provision of high quality and patient-centred care, support and treatment in a range of health and social care settings. In this paper, the legal and ethical aspects of physical restraint in an acute medical care environment are considered, and practical guidance is provided to individuals adopting methods of restraint to care for general hospital patients. Aspects of the Introduction below are written in the first person to reflect the personal experiences of the lead author.
Secondary Sex Ratio in Multiple Births
Authors: Fellman Johan , Eriksson Aldur W.
Published: February 2010

Attempts have been made to identify factors influencing the sex ratio at birth (number of males per 100 females). Statistical analyses have shown that comparisons between sex ratios demand large data sets. The secondary sex ratio has been believed to vary inversely with the frequency of prenatal losses. This hypothesis suggests that the ratio is highest among singletons, medium among twins and lowest among triplets. Birth data in Sweden for the period 1869–2004 showed that among live births the secondary sex ratio was on average 105.9 among singletons, 103.2 among twins and 99.1 among triplets. The secondary sex ratio among stillbirths for both singletons and twins started at a high level, around 130, in the 1860s, but approached live birth values in the 1990s. This trend is associated with the decrease and convergence of stillbirth rates among males and females. For detailed studies, we considered data for Sweden in 1869–1878 and in 1901–1967. Marital status or place of residence (urban or rural) had no marked influence on the secondary sex ratio among twins. For triplets, the sex ratio showed large random fluctuations and was on average low. During the period 1901–1967, 20 quadruplet, two quintuplet and one sextuplet set were registered. The sex ratio was low, around 92.0.
A Twin-Singleton Comparison of Developmental Trajectories of Externalizing and Internalizing Problems in 6- to 12-Year-Old Children
Authors: Robbers Sylvana C. C. , Bartels Meike , van Oort Floor V. A. , van Beijsterveldt C. E. M. (Toos) , van der Ende Jan , Verhulst Frank C. , Boomsma Dorret I. , Huizink Anja C.
Published: February 2010

Research on twin-singleton differences in externalizing and internalizing problems in childhood is largely cross-sectional and yields contrasting results. The goal of this study was to compare developmental trajectories of externalizing and internalizing problems in 6- to 12-year-old twins and singletons. Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) maternal reports of externalizing and internalizing problems were obtained for a sample of 9651 twins from the Netherlands Twin Register and for a representative general population sample of 1351 singletons. Latent growth modeling was applied to estimate growth curves for twins and singletons. Twin-singleton differences in the intercepts and slopes of the growth curves were examined. The developmental trajectories of externalizing problems showed a linear decrease over time, and were not significantly different for twins and singletons. Internalizing problems seem to develop similarly for twins and singletons up to age 9. After this age twins' internalizing symptoms start to decrease in comparison to those of singletons, resulting in less internalizing problems than singletons by the age of 12 years. Our findings confirm the generalizability of twin studies to singleton populations with regard to externalizing problems in middle and late childhood. The generalizability of studies on internalizing problems in early adolescence in twin samples should be addressed with care. Twinship may be a protective factor in the development of internalizing problems during early adolescence.
Effect of Variations in Practice of ASTM D7522 Standard Pull-Off Test for FRP-Concrete Interfaces
Authors: Eveslage Troy , Aidoo John , Harries Kent A. , Bro William
Published: February 2010

The recently promulgated ASTM D7522 Standard Test Method for Pull-Off Strength for FRP Bonded to Concrete Substrate provides a method for quality control and acceptance testing of fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) systems adhesively bonded to a concrete substrate. In the process of developing ASTM D7522, a number of comments and questions were received—some were incorporated as best practices and some were tabled, requiring further investigation. The present study addresses the latter issues and thereby directs future amendments of the ASTM D7522 standard method. Specifically, this study addresses the effects of specimen shape, the effects of variation in specimen cut depth, methods of cutting square specimens, and the impact of retesting specimens that do not fail during their initial test. It is shown that square specimens should be permitted although their results may not be directly compared with round specimens and they may have some other practical considerations affecting their use. Additionally, it is shown that cutting too deeply into the concrete substrate results in lower values of pull-off strength.
Structure Prediction-Driven Genetics in Saccharomyces cerevisiae Identifies an Interface Between the t-RPA Proteins Stn1 and Ten1
Authors: Paschini Margherita , Mandell Edward K , Lundblad Victoria
Published: February 2010

In Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Cdc13, Stn1, and Ten1 are essential for both chromosome capping and telomere length homeostasis. These three proteins have been proposed to perform their roles at chromosome termini as a telomere-dedicated t-RPA complex, on the basis of several parallels with the conventional RPA complex. In this study, we have used several approaches to test whether a predicted α-helix in the N-terminal domain of the S. cerevisiae Stn1 protein is required for formation of the proposed t-RPA complex, in a manner analogous to the comparable helix in Rpa2. Analysis of a panel of Rpa2–OBStn1 chimeras indicates that whether a chimeric protein contains the Rpa2 or Stn1 version of this α-helix dictates its ability to function in place of Rpa2 or Stn1, respectively. In addition, mutations introduced into a hydrophobic surface of the predicted Stn1 α-helix eliminated association with Ten1. Strikingly, allele-specific suppression of a stn1 mutation in this helix (stn1–L164D) by a ten1 mutation (ten1–D138Y) resulted in a restored Stn1–Ten1 interaction, supporting the identification of a Stn1–Ten1 interface. We conclude that Stn1 interacts with Ten1 through an α-helix, in a manner analogous to the interaction between the comparable subunits of the RPA complex.
Akril alapú szöveti expanderek sebészeti felhasználhatóságának vizsgálatar
Authors: Varga János , Janovák László , Varga Erika , Erős Gábor , Dékány Imre , Kemény Lajos
Published: February 2010

Absztrakt

Bevezetés: Az akrilamid (AAm), akrilsav (AAc) és N-izopropil-akrilamid (NIPAAm) felhasználásával előállított hidrogélek in vitro igen kedvező duzzadási tulajdonságokat mutatnak, melyeket a gélek összetételével is befolyásolni lehet. Célkitűzésünk az volt, hogy megvizsgáljuk az akril alapú hidrogélek in vivo viselkedését és potenciális szerepüket a sebészetben. Anyag és módszer: Kísérleteink során altatásban henger alakú hidrogéleket ültettünk patkányok bőre alá. Az 1. csoportban (n 6) AAm expandert alkalmaztunk, a 2. csoportban (n = 6) AAc hidrogélt implantáltunk, a 3. csoportban (n = 6) pedig NIPAAm expandert ültettünk be. A műtét után az állatokat 18 napig observáltuk, az expanderek átmérőjét és hosszát naponta mértük. Eltávolítás után meghatároztuk a hidrogélek nedves tömegét és reológiai tulajdonságait, az állatok bőréből és az expandereket körülvevő kapszulákból pedig szövetmintát vettünk. Eredmények: Az expanderek két hét alatt elérték tágulásuk maximumát. Az implantált hidrogélek tömege számottevően növekedett. A NIPAAm polimerek tartották meg a legjobban beültetés előtti alakjukat. A szövettani vizsgálat súlyos szövetkárosodást tárt fel AAc expander beültetése esetén, a másik két csoportban egészséges bőrt nyertünk. Következtetés: A vizsgált hidrogélek közül a NIPAAm tűnik a legalkalmasabbnak sebészeti felhasználásra.
Tension stiffening in concrete beams. Part 2: member analysis
Authors: Lam J. Y. K. , Ng P. L. , Kwan A. K. H.
Published: February 2010

Based on finite-element analysis of cracked reinforced concrete beams, a tensile stress block was proposed in part 1 of this paper. Here, the proposed tensile stress block is contrasted with existing ones developed by others to provide an overall review. The proposed tensile stress block is then applied to a section analysis of beams to evaluate the moment–curvature curves of typical beam sections. The section analysis results are compared with available experimental results and empirical curves given in design codes to demonstrate the validity of the tensile stress block. Subsequently, the proposed tensile stress block is applied to member analysis by first dividing the beam member into short segments and then applying section analysis to each segment to evaluate the load–deflection curves of typical beam members. The member analysis results are checked against finite-element analysis results and available experimental results to fine-tune the tensile stress block and verify the accuracy of the fine-tuned tensile stress block. Such member analysis could be extended to multi-level analysis of frame structures for their full-range load–deflection behaviour at the elastic, post-crack and post-peak states.
Design of a simple steel truss
Authors: Heyman J.
Published: February 2010

If it can be assured that the compression members of a truss will not buckle, then a design to sustain a given loading can be made at once, without a full ‘classical' analysis (such an analysis is, however, needed to estimate elastic stiffness). The buckling of a member may lead to overall collapse of a structure, and certain precautions can be taken against such catastrophic behaviour. Whatever tools of analysis are used, the ‘actual' state of a hyperstatic structure cannot be calculated – it results from unknown defects during manufacture and unknown movements imposed by the environment in which the structure is supported.
LDHC: The Ultimate Testis‐Specific Gene
Authors: Goldberg Erwin , Eddy Edward M. , Duan Chongwen , Odet Fanny
Published: February 2010

ABSTRACT: Lactate dehydrogenase C (LDHC) was, to the best of our knowledge, the first testis‐specific isozyme discovered in male germ cells. In fact, this was accomplished shortly before “isozymes or isoenzymes” became a field of study. LDHC was detected initially in human spermatozoa and spermatogenic cells of the testes by gel electrophoresis. Immunohistochemistry was used to localize LDHC first in early‐pachytene primary spermatocytes, with an apparent increase in quantity after meiosis, to its final localization in and on the principal piece of the sperm tail. After several decades of biologic, biochemical, and genetic investigations, we now know that the lactate dehydrogenase isozymes are ubiquitous in vertebrates, developmentally regulated, tissue and cell specific, and multifunctional. Here, we will review the history of LDHC and the work that demonstrates clearly that it is required for sperm to accomplish their ultimate goal, fertilization.
Study of Mass-loss in the Planetary Nebula NGC 1514
Authors: Aryal B , Mishra A , Weinberger R
Published: February 2010

The planetary nebula NGC 1514 is found to reside within giant dust structures which may represent fossil records of its progenitor's transition from spherically symmetric to bipolar mass loss. The transition from spherically symmetric Asymptotic Giant Branch (AGB) mass loss to aspherical Planetary Nebulae (PNe) is an intriguing problem of stellar astrophysics. On 12 μm maps of the Infrared Astronomical Satellite (IRAS) we detected a huge (2.6pc) roundish emission nebula around the evolved PN NGC 1514. On 100 and 60 μm IRAS maps we additionally found two giant (1-2 pc) bipolar dust emission structures centered on NGC 1514. The total mass of all these structures is 2.2 ± 1.4 solar mases. We argue that NGC 1514 and its dusty surroundings represent the preserved history of the main mass loss phases of a star of intermediate initial mass. Key words: Interstellar medium; Infrared astronomy; Planetary nebula; Stars; Asymptotic giant branch DOI: 10.3126/sw.v5i5.2647 Scientific World, Vol. 5, No. 5, July 2007 6-9
Successful Regeneration and Characterization of Anther Derived Rice Hybrid Plants from O. Sativa L. X O. Rufipogon Griff.
Authors: Sah Bindeshwar Prasad , Niroula Raj Kumar
Published: February 2010

Doubled haploid regenerated through anther culture of wide cross rice hybrids is one of the potential tools to produce various useful genetic and cytogenetic stocks for molecular studies. In this study, an interspecific hybrid derived from Oryza sativa and O. rufipogon was subjected to anther culture with the aim to regenerate doubled haploid population for their characterization. A total of 21 green and 31 albino plants were obtained from 1904 anthers of O. sativa cv. Himali x O. rufipogon. Six types of androclonal variants were identified based on morphology and panicle characteristics of regenerated plants. Among 21 plants, only six were found diploid with partially fertility. Despite the sterility and preponderance of wild traits, some of the plants showed useful traits such as increased in panicle and spikelet length, reduced shattering and awning, and large size anther as in O. rufipogon. Two of the regenerants were superior for panicle related traits over either parent. The genotyping study using SSR markers also revealed the substantial variation among regenerants. At least three allelic variants were recorded among individual plants based on our preliminary study. The regenerated doubled haploid plants showed large amount of useful variation both at phenotype and molecular level and they can be exploited to enrich the current rice gene pool. Key words: Anther culturability; Albino; Androclon; Calli; Meiosis; SSR marker. DOI: 10.3126/sw.v5i5.2649 Scientific World, Vol. 5, No. 5, July 2007 14-18
Culture of Embryo with a Segment of Ovary Improved Germination and Crossability of Distant Hybrids in Indica Rice
Authors: Sah Bindeshwar Prasad , Niroula Raj Kumar , Bimb Hari Prasad
Published: February 2010

Distant hybridization in the genus Oryza is realized as an efficient Biotechnological tool for plant breeding work to introgress useful gene/s from diverse array of wild relatives into cultivated rice. This study was carried out to improve the germination frequency of hybrid embryo to enhance the crossability between O. sativa sub spp. indica and wild species. Three cultivars of indica rice viz. IR 64, Radha 4 and IR 69618 - CMS A line (cytoplasmic male sterile A line) were pollinated with the pollen of O. latifolia, O. minuta and O. officinalis. Hybrid caryopsis containing embryos were rescued at tenth day of pollination. In vitro germination frequency of rescued embryos were compared by culturing embryo alone and embryo with a bit of ovary during 2005-06 at Biotechnology Unit, Khumaltar, Lalitpur, Nepal. Culture was maintained at 25±1°C under dark until germination and there after continuous light. In majority of the cross combinations, the germination frequencies were found to be higher when embryo excised and cultured with small portion of ovary. This technique yielded up to 100 per cent germination which were later employed to study the crossability between species. Depending upon the cultivars of O. sativa, the frequencies of crossability varied from 0.53 to 3.08 per cent with highest for Radha 4/O. minuta. A total of 38 hybrid plants were successfully produced from 88 cultured embryos isolated from 2644 pollinated florets. Inclusion of a bit of ovary along with embryo in in vitro culture was found to be an effective method not only to improve the germination frequency of hybrid embryo, but also to increase the crossability between cultivars of cultivated rice and their distant relatives. Key words: Embryo rescue; Interspecific hybrid; Oryza sativa; Wild species; O. latifolia; O. minuta; O. officinalis. DOI: 10.3126/sw.v5i5.2655 Scientific World, Vol. 5, No. 5, July 2007 46-50
Trans Fat Information on Food Labels: Consumer Use and Interpretation
Authors: Ellis Sonya , Glanville N. Theresa
Published: February 2010

Purpose: Consumers’ use and interpretation of trans fat information on food labels were explored.

Methods: Consumers completed an interviewer-administered questionnaire in one of three grocery stores selected purposively to represent geographical location. Data analysis involved examining the relationship of age, gender, grocery shopping habits, household size, and source of nutrition information with awareness, use, and interpretation of trans fat information.

Results: Ninety-eight percent (n=239) of participants were aware of trans fat, and most knew of the relationship between trans fat intake and cardiovascular disease. Although the majority of shoppers were aware of the “0 trans fat” nutrition claim on food packages (95%), they were more likely to use the Nutrition Facts panel (60%) to reduce trans fat intake. Men and consumers under age 40 were least likely to be aware of food label information. While most consumers (75%) correctly interpreted the “0 trans fat” nutrition claim and thought foods with this claim could be healthy choices (64%), only 51% purchased these foods to reduce trans fat intake.

Conclusions: Nutrition professionals should target messages to reduce trans fat intake at men and consumers under age 40. While general knowledge was good, further education is required to help consumers interpret trans fat information.
Superoxide Enhances the Antitumor Combination of AdMnSOD Plus BCNU in Breast Cancer
Authors: Sun Wenqing G. , Weydert Christine J. , Zhang Yuping , Yu Lei , Liu Jingru , Spitz Douglas R. , Cullen Joseph J. , Oberley Larry W.
Published: February 2010

Overexpression of manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD) can sensitize a variety of cancer cell lines to many anticancer drugs. Recent work has shown that cancer cells can be sensitized to cell killing by raising peroxide levels through increased manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD) when combined with inhibition of peroxide removal. Here we utilize the mechanistic property of one such anticancer drug, BCNU, which inhibits glutathione reductase (GR), compromising the glutathione peroxidase system thereby inhibiting peroxide removal. The purpose of this study was to determine if anticancer modalities known to produce superoxide radicals can increase the antitumor effect of MnSOD overexpression when combined with BCNU. To enhance MnSOD, an adenoviral construct containing the cDNA for MnSOD (AdMnSOD) was introduced into human breast cancer cell line, ZR-75-1. AdMnSOD infection alone did not alter cell killing, however when GR was inhibited with either BCNU or siRNA, cytotoxicity increased. Futhermore, when the AdMnSOD + BCNU treatment was combined with agents that enhance steady-state levels of superoxide (TNF-α, antimycin, adriamycin, photosensitizers, and ionizing radiation), both cell cytotoxicity and intracellular peroxide levels increased. These results suggest that the anticancer effect of AdMnSOD combined with BCNU can be enhanced by agents that increase generation of superoxide.
Assessing the Vulnerability of Eco-Environmental Health to Climate Change
Authors: Tong Shilu , Mather Peter , Fitzgerald Gerry , McRae David , Verrall Ken , Walker Dylan
Published: February 2010

There is an urgent need to assess the vulnerability of eco-environmental health to climate change. This paper aims to provide an overview of current research, to identify knowledge gaps, and to propose future research needs in this challenging area. Evidence shows that climate change is affecting and will, in the future, have more (mostly adverse) impacts on ecosystems. Ecosystem degradation, particularly the decline of the life support systems, will undoubtedly affect human health and wellbeing. Therefore, it is important to develop a framework to assess the vulnerability of eco-environmental health to climate change, and to identify appropriate adaptation strategies to minimize the impact of climate change.
Associations of Occupational Tasks with Knee and Hip Osteoarthritis: The Johnston County Osteoarthritis Project
Authors: ALLEN KELLI D. , CHEN JIU-CHIUAN , CALLAHAN LEIGH F. , GOLIGHTLY YVONNE M. , HELMICK CHARLES G. , RENNER JORDAN B. , JORDAN JOANNE M.
Published: February 2010

Objective.

This cross-sectional study examined associations of occupational tasks with radiographic and symptomatic osteoarthritis (OA) in a community-based sample.

Methods.

Participants from the Johnston County Osteoarthritis Project (n = 2729) self-reported the frequency of performing 10 specific occupational tasks at the longest job ever held (never/seldom/sometimes vs often/always) and lifetime exposure to jobs that required spending > 50% of their time doing 5 specific tasks or lifting 22, 44, or 110 pounds 10 times weekly. Multivariable logistic regression models examined associations of each occupational task separately with radiographic and symptomatic knee and hip OA, controlling for age, race, gender, body mass index, prior knee or hip injury, and smoking.

Results.

Radiographic hip and knee OA were not significantly associated with any occupational tasks, but several occupational tasks were associated with increased odds of both symptomatic knee and hip OA: lifting > 10 pounds, crawling, and doing heavy work while standing (OR 1.4–2.1). More occupational walking and standing and less sitting were also associated with symptomatic knee OA, and more bending/twisting/reaching was associated with symptomatic hip OA. Exposure to a greater number of physically demanding occupational tasks at the longest job was associated with greater odds of both symptomatic knee and hip OA.

Conclusion.

Our results confirm an association of physically demanding occupational tasks with both symptomatic knee and hip OA, including several specific activities that increased the odds of OA in both joint groups. These tasks represent possibilities for identifying and targeting at-risk individuals with preventive interventions.
La Sociología de la familia en España: Pasado, presente y futuro
Authors: Iglesias de Ussel Julio
Published: February 2010

La historia de la Sociología de la familia española es la historia de una frustración. Desde finales del siglo XIX se dieron toda suerte de condiciones adecuadas para poder consolidar esta especialidad y, sin embargo, ha tenido que atravesar serias dificultades y tardar casi un siglo en encontrar un espacio firme dentro de las ciencias sociales…
De la pasión íntima (In The Mood for Love) a las pasiones cotidianas (Yi-Yi): dos ejemplos de transmutación discursiva en las nuevas cinematografías de Extremo Oriente
Authors: Gómez Tarín Francisco Javier
Published: February 2010

Acostumbrados como estamos a la penetración discursiva de la industria cinematográfica hollywoodiense, la escasez de productos que nos llegan desde Oriente no parece poner en entredicho nuestros conceptos ni códigos; ítem más, en cuanto que esos pocos materiales se acercan a pantallas minoritarias y son visionados por sectores limitados de la población. Nadie se llame a engaño, el control de los medios de distribución y exhibición por parte de grandes multinacionales ligadas al imperio americano es cada día más férreo y, evidentemente, el gigante defiende su producto y lo rentabiliza tanto económica como ideológicamente. Pero las cuotas de mercado no son tan favorables al cine dominante en Extremo Oriente (no mantiene su hegemonía mundial por ser la industria que más artefactos fílmicos lanza al mercado y, desde luego, tampoco por su calidad)...
Musulmanes y cristianos: La imposibilidad de una convivencia
Authors: Cortés Peña Antonio Luis
Published: February 2010

Uno de los hitos fundamentales de la Historia de España fue, sin duda, la guerra sostenida por los Reyes Católicos para la incorporación del reino de Granada al conjunto de territorios que formaban su Monarquía. Calificar de hito fundamental para nuestra historia tal acontecimiento no supone exageración historiográfica alguna dada la importancia derivada del mismo. Su trascendencia estuvo determinada no sólo por el hecho en sí, sino, además, por las múltiples consecuencias de todo orden, interno y externo, que se derivaron para la evolución posterior de la política hispánica.…
San Millán de la Cogolla. Ida y Vuelta de Diez Siglos de Castellano
Authors: Martín Municio Ángel
Published: February 2010

Es del todo obvio que las cosas, cada cosa, no son sino valores. No hay una realidad única e invariable. De forma que, al acercarnos a cada una de ellas con distintas apreciaciones, obtendremos, en lugar de una sola cosa, una colección de cosas diferentes. Para un labriego tradicional, la tierra era simplemente, hasta no hace mucho tiempo, una siembra, unos surcos y una mies; le preocupaban los abonos, y las lluvias; y soñaba con la cosechadora mecánica. Al cabo de no demasiados años, se cuida hoy de sacar a la tierra varias cosechas con semillas transgénicas y un clima a la medida.…
Single Coronary Artery: Right Coronary Artery Originated From Middle of Left Anterior Descending Artery in a Patient With Severe Mitral Regurgitation
Authors: Meric Murat , Demircan Sabri , Pinar Mesut , Yuksel Serkan
Published: February 2010

The single coronary artery is a benign and very rare coronary artery abnormality. Anomalous origin of the right coronary artery originating from the left anterior descending artery has been reported previously in just a few cases. In this article, we presented a patient with an anomalous origin of the right coronary artery from the midportion of the left anterior descending artery. The anomalous coronary artery was discovered incidentally during a coronary angiography performed prior to mitral valve surgery. Copyright © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Radiation monotherapy as regional treatment for lymph node‐positive Merkel cell carcinoma
Authors: Fang L. Christine , Lemos Bianca , Douglas James , Iyer Jayasri , Nghiem Paul
Published: February 2010

BACKGROUND:

Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is an aggressive cutaneous malignancy with a high risk of lymph node involvement. To the authors' knowledge, few data have been published to date regarding the optimal regional therapy for lymph node‐positive patients. This cohort study was performed to analyze the outcomes of patients with lymph node‐positive MCC treated with lymph node irradiation as definitive therapy compared with completion lymphadenectomy (CLND).

METHODS:

Fifty patients with lymph node involvement of MCC at presentation and adequate follow‐up data were included in this analysis. Forty‐three of these patients were enrolled and followed prospectively. Twenty‐six patients presented with microscopic lymph node disease, and 24 patients presented with palpable lymph node involvement.

RESULTS:

Regional control for patients with microscopically involved lymph nodes was 100% regardless of treatment modality—definitive lymph node irradiation (n = 19) or CLND ± radiotherapy (n = 7) with median follow‐up of 18 months. Patients with clinically positive lymph nodes had 2‐year regional recurrence‐free survival rate of 78% and 73% in the definitive lymph node irradiation (n = 9) and CLND ± radiotherapy (n = 15) groups, respectively (P = .8) with a median follow‐up of 16 months.

CONCLUSIONS:

To the best of the authors' knowledge, the current study is the largest series published to date of radiation monotherapy as regional treatment for lymph node‐positive MCC. Lymph node irradiation alone to positive regional lymph nodes was found to confer an excellent regional control rate that was comparable to CLND for both microscopic and palpable lymph node disease. There was no difference noted with regard to overall survival. Given their similar efficacy, the choice between these lymph node therapies may be based on the clinical scenario and anticipated side effect profiles. Cancer 2010. © 2010 American Cancer Society.
Antineoplastic therapy use in patients with advanced cancer admitted to an acute palliative care unit at a comprehensive cancer center
Authors: Hui David , Elsayem Ahmed , Li Zhijun , De La Cruz Maxine , Palmer J. Lynn , Bruera Eduardo
Published: February 2010

BACKGROUND:

Cancer patients admitted to a palliative care unit generally have a poor prognosis. The role of antineoplastic therapy (ANT) in these patients remains controversial. In the current study, the authors examined the frequency and predictors associated with ANT use in hospitalized patients who required admission to an acute palliative care unit (APCU).

METHODS:

Included in the study were all 2604 patients admitted over a 5‐year period to a 12‐bed APCU located within a National Cancer Institute comprehensive cancer center, in which patients had access to both palliative care and ANT. Institutional databases were used to retrospectively retrieve data regarding patient demographics, cancer diagnosis, ANT use, length of hospital stay, and survival from time of admission.

RESULTS:

The median hospital stay was 11 days, and the median survival was 22 days. During hospitalization, 435 patients (17%) received ANT, including chemotherapy (N = 297; 11%), hormonal agents (N = 54; 2%), and targeted therapy (N = 155; 6%). No significant change in the frequency of ANT use was detected over the 5‐year period. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that younger age, specific cancer diagnoses, and longer admissions were independently associated with ANT use.

CONCLUSIONS:

The use of ANT during hospitalization that included an APCU stay was limited to a small percentage of patients and did not increase over time. ANT use was associated with younger age, specific cancer diagnoses, and longer admissions. The APCU facilitates simultaneous care for patients receiving ANT. Cancer 2010. © 2010 American Cancer Society.
Neurodevelopmental expression and localization of the cellular prion protein in the central nervous system of the mouse
Authors: Benvegnù Stefano , Poggiolini Ilaria , Legname Giuseppe
Published: February 2010

Transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSEs) are neurodegenerative disorders caused by PrPSc, or prion, an abnormally folded form of the cellular prion protein (PrPC). The abundant expression of PrPC in the central nervous system (CNS) is a requirement for prion replication, yet despite years of intensive research the physiological function of PrPC still remains unclear. Several routes of investigation point out a potential role for PrPC in axon growth and neuronal development. Thus, we undertook a detailed analysis of the spatial and temporal expression of PrPC during mouse CNS development. Our findings show regional differences of the expression of PrP, with some specific white matter structures showing the earliest and highest expression of PrPC. Indeed, all these regions are part of the thalamolimbic neurocircuitry, suggesting a potential role of PrPC in the development and functioning of this specific brain system. J. Comp. Neurol. 518:1879–1891, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A Highly Convergent Synthesis of Myristoyl‐carba(dethia)‐coenzyme A
Authors: Tautz Lutz , Rétey Janos
Published: February 2010

Co‐translational myristoylation of the N‐terminal glycine residues of diverse signalling proteins is required for membrane attachment and proper function of these molecules. The transfer of myristate from myristoyl‐coenzyme A (myr‐CoA) is catalysed by the enzyme N‐myristoyltransferase (Nmt). Nmt has been implicated in a number of human diseases, including cancer and epilepsy, as well as in pathogenic mechanisms such as fungal and virus infections, including HIV and hepatitis B. Rational design has led to the development of potent competitive inhibitors, including several non‐hydrolysable acyl‐CoA substrate analogues. Linear synthetic strategies, following the route of the original CoA synthesis, however, generate such analogues in very low overall yields that typically are not sufficient for in vivo studies. Herewe present a new, highly convergent synthesis of myristoyl‐carba(dethia)‐coenzyme A (1) that allows this substrate analogue to be obtained in a yield 11 times higher than that of the reported linear synthesis. In addition, enzymatic cleavage of the adenosine‐2′,3′‐cyclophosphate in the last step of the synthesis proved to be an efficient way to obtain the isomerically pure 3′‐phosphate 1 free of the 2′‐phosphate 13.
Combining poly (methacrylic acid‐co‐ethylene glycol dimethacrylate) monolith microextraction and octadecyl phosphonic acid‐modified zirconia‐coated CEC with field‐enhanced sample injection for analysis of antidepressants in human plasma and urine
Authors: Wei Fang , Fan Jin , Zheng Ming‐Ming , Feng Yu‐Qi
Published: February 2010

A method based on poly (methacrylic acid‐co‐ethylene glycol dimethacrylate) monolith microextraction and octadecylphosphonic acid‐modified zirconia‐coated CEC followed by field‐enhanced sample injection preconcentration technique was proposed for sensitive CE‐UV analysis of six antidepressants (doxepin, clozapine, imipramine, paroxetine, fluoxetine and chlorimipramine) in human plasma and urine. A poly(methacrylic acid‐co‐ethylene glycol dimethacrylate) monolithic capillary column was introduced for the extraction of antidepressants from urine and plasma samples. The hydrophobic main chains and acidic pendant groups of the monolithic column make it a superior material for extraction of basic analytes from aqueous matrix. After extraction, the desorption solvent, which normally provided an excellent medium to ensure direct compatibility for field‐enhanced sample injection in CE, was analyzed by CE directly. By the use of alkylphosphonate‐modified zirconia‐coated CEC for separation of the basic compounds of antidepressants, high separation efficiency and resolution were achieved because that both hydrophobic interaction between analytes and alkylphosphonate‐modified zirconia coat and electrophoretic effect work on the separation of antidepressants. The best separation was achieved using a buffer composed of 0.3 M ammonium acetate (adjusted to pH 4.5 with 1 M acetic acid) and 35% ACN v/v, with a temperature and voltage of 20°C and 20 kV, respectively. By applying both preconcentration procedures, LODs of 11.4–51.5 and 3.7–17.0 μg/L were achieved for the six antidepressants in human plasma and urine, respectively. Excellent method of reproducibility was found over a linear range of 50–5000 μg/L in plasma and urine sample.
Internal flow numerical simulation of a cross‐flow fan in refrigerant operating condition using user‐defined functions
Authors: Xue Yongfei , Gan Jiaye , Wang Jiabing , Wu Keqi
Published: February 2010

In the paper, a cross‐flow fan in refrigerant operating condition is systematically simulated using user‐defined functions. Three‐dimensional simulations are acquired with Navier–Stokes equations coupled with k–ε turbulence model, and internal flow characteristics of an indoor split‐type air conditioner are obtained, which is mainly composed of cross‐flow fan and heat exchanger. It has systematically been simulated in the isothermal flow condition that the performance of cross‐flow fan may be reduced easily with dry or humid air, and in the refrigerant operating condition in which user‐defined functions are applied to the humid air, considered as a mixture of dry air and vapor. A density‐modulated function is adopted to deal with the condensation of the vapor at the heat‐transfer region approximately. The results show flow mechanism of the two gas‐phase flow, including phase‐vary process. The distribution of the parameters is not uniform at the inlet of the machine, the intensity and position of pressure and velocity vary along the axial direction of the fan, the distribution of vapor volume fraction and turbulent intensity in heat‐transfer region is obtained, and the external characteristic data of the indoor machine are obtained and analyzed. Compared with the experimental data, the calculated characteristic curves and designed parameters are on target. © British Crown Copyright 2010/MOD. Reproduced with permission. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Optimal transcranial magnetic stimulation coil placement for targeting the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex using novel magnetic resonance image‐guided neuronavigation
Authors: Rusjan Pablo M. , Barr Mera S. , Farzan Faranak , Arenovich Tamara , Maller Jerome J. , Fitzgerald Paul B. , Daskalakis Zafiris J.
Published: February 2010

The dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) has been implicated in the pathophysiology of several psychiatric illnesses including major depressive disorder and schizophrenia. In this regard, the DLPFC has been targeted in repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) studies as a form of treatment to those patients who are resistant to medications. The ‘5‐cm method’ and the ‘10‐20 method’ for positioning the transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) coil over DLPFC have been scrutinised due to poor targeting accuracies attributed to inter‐subject variability. We evaluated the accuracy of such methods to localise the DLPFC on the scalp in 15 healthy subjects and compared them with our novel neuronavigational method, which first estimates the DLPFC position in the cortex based on a standard template and then determines the most appropriate position on the scalp in which to place the TMS coil. Our neuronavigational method yielded a scalp position for the left DLPFC between electrodes F3 and F5 in standard space and was closest to electrode F5 in individual space. Further, we found that there was significantly less inter‐subject variability using our neuronavigational method for localising the DLPFC on the scalp compared with the ‘5‐cm method’ and the ‘10‐20 method’. Our findings also suggest that the ‘10‐20 method’ is superior to the ‘5‐cm method’ in reducing inter‐subject variability and that electrode F5 should be the stimulation location of choice when MRI co‐registration is not available. Hum Brain Mapp, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Prognostic relevance of global histone H3 lysine 4 (H3K4) methylation in renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Ellinger Jörg , Kahl Philip , Mertens Claudia , Rogenhofer Sebastian , Hauser Stefan , Hartmann Wolfgang , Bastian Patrick J. , Büttner Reinhard , Müller Stefan C. , von Ruecker Alexander
Published: February 2010

Epigenetic alterations play an important role in carcinogenesis. Recent studies suggested that global histone modifications are predictors of cancer recurrence in various tumor entities. Our study was performed to evaluate histone H3 lysine 4 mono‐methyl (H3K4me1), ‐di‐methyl (H3K4me2) and ‐trimethyl (H3K4me3) patterns in renal cell carcinoma (RCC) using a tissue microarray with 193 RCC (including 142 clear cell, 31 papillary, 10 chromophobe and 10 sarcomatoid RCC) and 10 oncocytoma specimens: H3K4me3 staining was more intense in papillary RCC, whereas H3K4me1 and H3K4me2 were similar in the diverse RCC subtypes. H3K4me2 and H3K4me3 levels were increased in oncocytoma. H3K4me1‐3 levels were inversely correlated with Fuhrman grading, pT stage, lymph node involvement and distant metastasis. Progression‐free survival and cancer‐specific survival were shorter in patients with low levels of H3K4me1‐3 in the univariate analysis, but we did not observe a significant correlation of a single modification in a multivariate model, which also included the established prognostic parameters TNM‐stage and Fuhrman grade. In comparison, the H3K4me score, which combined staining levels of the H3K4 modifications, was an independent predictor of RCC progression‐free survival. Our study on H3K4 methylation supports the concept of global histone modifications as potential cancer prognosis markers.
MUC12 mRNA expression is an independent marker of prognosis in stage II and stage III colorectal cancer
Authors: Matsuyama Takatoshi , Ishikawa Toshiaki , Mogushi Kaoru , Yoshida Tsuyoshi , Iida Satoru , Uetake Hiroyuki , Mizushima Hiroshi , Tanaka Hiroshi , Sugihara Kenichi
Published: February 2010

Distant metastasis is the major cause of death in colorectal cancer (CRC) patients. To identify genes influencing the prognosis of patients with CRC, we compared gene expression in primary tumors with and without distant metastasis using an oligonucleotide microarray. We also examined the expression of the candidate gene in 100 CRC patients by quantitative real‐time reverse transcription PCR and studied the relationship between its expression and the prognosis of patients with CRC. As a result, we identified MUC12 as a candidate gene involved in metastasis processes by microarray analysis. Quantitative real‐time reverse transcription PCR showed that MUC12 expression was significantly lower in cancer tissues than in adjacent normal tissues (p < 0.001). In Stages II and III CRC, patients with low expression showed worse disease‐free survival (p = 0.020). Multivariate analysis disclosed that MUC12 expression status was an independent prognostic factor in Stages II and III CRC (relative risk, 8.236; 95% confidence interval, 1.702–39.849 p = 0.009). Our study revealed the prognostic value of MUC12 expression in CRC patients. Moreover, our result suggests MUC12 expression is a possible candidate gene for assessing postoperative adjuvant therapy for CRC patients.
Parallel transmit and receive technology in high‐field magnetic resonance neuroimaging
Authors: Webb Andrew G. , Collins Christopher M.
Published: February 2010

The major radiofrequency engineering challenges of high‐field MR neuroimaging are as follows: (1) to produce a strong, homogeneous transmit B1 field, while remaining within regulatory guidelines for tissue power deposition and (2) to receive the signal with the maximum signal‐to‐noise and the greatest flexibility in terms of utilizing the benefits of parallel imaging. Borrowing from developments in electromagnetic hyperthermia, the first challenge has been met by the use of transmit arrays, in which the input power to each element of the array can be varied in terms of magnitude and phase. Optimization of these parameters, as well as the form of the applied RF pulse, leads to very homogeneous B1 fields throughout the brain. The design of large receive arrays, using impedance‐mismatched preamplifiers and geometrical overlap for interelement isolation, has resulted in significant sensitivity improvements as well as large acceleration factors in parallel imaging. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Imaging Syst Technol, 20, 2–13, 2010
Stimulation of glucocorticoid‐induced tumor necrosis factor receptor family‐related protein ligand (GITRL) induces inflammatory activation of microglia in culture
Authors: Hwang Heehong , Lee Shinrye , Lee Won‐Ha , Lee Ho‐Jae , Suk Kyoungho
Published: February 2010

Glucocorticoid‐induced tumor necrosis factor receptor family‐related protein ligand (GITRL) is a member of the tumor necrosis factor superfamily (TNFSF) and is known to act as a costimulator in the immune system by binding to GITR. GITRL is expressed in endothelial cells, dendritic cells, macrophages, and B cells, but it is not known whether GITRL is expressed in brain microglia cells. Here, we investigated the expression of GITR and GITRL and their potential role in microglia cells. Using BV‐2 mouse microglia cells and mouse primary microglia cultures, we have demonstrated that 1) both GITR and GITRL are expressed in microglia cells; 2) stimulation of GITRL induces inflammatory activation of microglia on the basis of production of nitric oxide (NO) and expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase, cyclooxygenase‐2, CD40, and matrix metalloproteinase‐9; 3) GITRL‐mediated microglial NO production partially depends on p38 MAPK, JNK, and nuclear factor‐κB pathways; and 4) GITRL stimulation also induces microglia cell death. These results indicate that GITR and GITRL are functionally expressed on brain microglia and that the stimulation of GITRL can induce inflammatory activation of microglia. The GITR/GITRL system may play an important role in neuroinflammation. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.