bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Y chromosome losses are exceedingly rare in prostate cancer and unrelated to patient age
Authors: Stahl Phillip R. , Kilgué Adisa , Tennstedt Pierre , Minner Sarah , Krohn Antje , Simon Ronald , Krause Geeske V. , Izbicki Jakob , Graefen Markus , Sauter Guido , Schlomm Thorsten , Wilczak Waldemar
Published: September 2011

BACKGROUND

Loss of the Y chromosome is a frequently reported chromosomal abnormality in many tumor types. This study was undertaken to investigate the frequency of Y chromosome losses and this chromosomal abnormality might play a potential role in prostate cancer.

METHODS

A preexisting prostate cancer tissue microarray (TMA) containing samples of 3,261 patients treated by radical prostatectomy with clinical follow‐up data was used in this study. TMA sections were analyzed by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) using a dual labeling probe for the centromeres of the X and Y chromosome.

RESULTS

Unequivocal losses of the Y chromosome were seen in only 12 of 2,053 analyzable cases. No significant associations were found between Y loss and patient age, pT stage, and the risk of PSA recurrence. Interestingly, in our study the presence of Y losses was significantly associated with high Gleason grade (P = 0.0034).

CONCLUSIONS

Loss of the Y chromosome is a rare event in prostate cancer. Y losses occur in much higher rates in most other cancer types. For this reason, we suggest that the expression of at least one Y chromosome gene is essential for prostate epithelial cells and it is possible that such a gene could represent a suitable target for future therapy of prostate cancer. Prostate 72:898–903, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Comparison of device models for organic solar cells: Band‐to‐band vs. tail states recombination
Authors: Soldera Marcos , Taretto Kurt , Kirchartz Thomas
Published: September 2011

The efficiency‐limiting recombination mechanism in bulk‐heterojunction (BHJ) solar cells is a current topic of investigation and debate in organic photovoltaics. In this work, we simulate state‐of‐the‐art BHJ solar cells using two different models. The first model takes into account band‐to‐band recombination and field dependent carrier generation. The second model assumes a Shockley–Read–Hall (SRH) recombination mechanism via tail states and field independent carrier generation. Additionally, we include in both cases optical modelling and, thus, position‐dependent exciton generation and non‐ideal exciton collection. We explore both recombination mechanisms by fitting light and dark current–voltage (JV) characteristics of BHJ cells of five materials: P3HT, MDMO‐PPV, MEH‐PPV, PCDTBT and PF10TBT, all blended with fullerene derivatives. We show that although main device parameters such as short circuit current, open circuit voltage, fill factor and ideality factor are accurately reproduced by both Langevin and tail recombination, only tail recombination reproduces also the ideality factor of dark characteristics accurately. Nevertheless, the model with SRH recombination via tail states needs the inclusion of external circuitry to account for the heavy shunt present in all the blends, except P3HT:PCBM, when illuminated. Finally, we propose a means to find analytical expressions for the short circuit current by assuming a linear relation between the recombination rate and the concentration of free minority carriers. The model reproduces experimental data of P3HT cells at various thickness values using realistic parameters for this material.

magnified image

Dark JV measurement (circles) of a PCDTBT:PC70BM solar cell (Park et al., Nature Photon. 3, 297 (2009) [1]), the fit with the model including recombination via tail states (solid line) and the fit with the model reported by (Koster et al., Phys. Rev. B 72, 085205 (2005) [2]) that includes bimolecular band‐to‐band recombination and charge transfer state (CTS) dissociation. The inset shows the JV curves under white light.
Common Responses in Gene Expression by Ephedra herba in Brain and Heart of Mouse
Authors: Kim Bu‐Yeo , Cao Li Hua , Kim Jong Yeol
Published: September 2011

The physiological activities of Ephedra herba have been investigated extensively, particularly in the cardiovascular and cerebrovascular systems. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying the effects of Ephedra herba on the brain and heart have yet to be thoroughly elucidated at the whole genome level. Therefore, the present study focused on the identification of the regulatory pattern of gene expression occurring in response to Ephedra herba, using microarray assays in three mouse organs – namely, the brain, heart and liver. Interestingly, the brain and heart exhibited a similar reciprocal pattern of gene expression during the early stages after the administration of Ephedra herba, whereas the liver evidenced a different gene expression profile. Moreover, pathways analysis showed that genes regulated reciprocally by Ephedra herba were associated with neural disease‐related functions, such as the Parkinson's disease pathway, in both the brain and the heart. Promoter sequence analysis demonstrated that reciprocally regulated genes could be classified into subgroups on the basis of the similarity of their transcription factor binding sequences, in which temporally up‐regulated genes were clustered as distinctive subgroups. In conclusion, the brain and heart responded commonly to Ephedra herba with a temporally reciprocal pattern of gene expression. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Estimation of optimal gravity wave parameters for climate models using data assimilation
Authors: Pulido M. , Polavarapu S. , Shepherd T. G. , Thuburn J.
Published: September 2011

There is a current need to constrain the parameters of gravity wave drag (GWD) schemes in climate models using observational information instead of tuning them subjectively. In this work, an inverse technique is developed using data assimilation principles to estimate gravity wave parameters. Because most GWD schemes assume instantaneous vertical propagation of gravity waves within a column, observations in a single column can be used to formulate a one‐dimensional assimilation problem to estimate the unknown parameters. We define a cost function that measures the differences between the unresolved drag inferred from observations (referred to here as the ‘observed’ GWD) and the GWD calculated with a parametrisation scheme. The geometry of the cost function presents some difficulties, including multiple minima and ill‐conditioning because of the non‐independence of the gravity wave parameters. To overcome these difficulties we propose a genetic algorithm to minimize the cost function, which provides a robust parameter estimation over a broad range of prescribed ‘true’ parameters. When real experiments using an independent estimate of the ‘observed’ GWD are performed, physically unrealistic values of the parameters can result due to the non‐independence of the parameters. However, by constraining one of the parameters to lie within a physically realistic range, this degeneracy is broken and the other parameters are also found to lie within physically realistic ranges. This argues for the essential physical self‐consistency of the gravity wave scheme. A much better fit to the observed GWD at high latitudes is obtained when the parameters are allowed to vary with latitude. However, a close fit can be obtained either in the upper or the lower part of the profiles, but not in both at the same time. This result is a consequence of assuming an isotropic launch spectrum. The changes of sign in the GWD found in the tropical lower stratosphere, which are associated with part of the quasi‐biennial oscillation forcing, cannot be captured by the parametrisation with optimal parameters. Copyright © 2011 Royal Meteorological Society and Crown in the right of Canada.
Novel physically adapted STO##‐3G basis sets. Efficiency for prediction of second‐order electric and magnetic properties of aromatic hydrocarbons
Authors: Voronkov E. , Rossikhin V. , Okovytyy S. , Shatckih A. , Bolshakov V. , Leszczynski J.
Published: September 2011

Efficient scheme for construction of physically justified STO##‐3Gel and STO##‐3Gmag basis sets has been proposed. It is based upon the analysis of analytical form of the first‐order correction functions to unperturbed STO basis sets under the perturbation by electric or magnetic fields. The test calculations of polarizability, magnetic susceptibility and chemical shifts performed for a series of aromatic compounds within the developed basis set in the framework of Hartree‐Fock and Density Functional Theory (DFT) approaches show good agreement of the predicted properties with experiments. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2011
Robot‐assisted partial and total splenectomy
Authors: Giulianotti Pier C. , Buchs Nicolas C. , Addeo Pietro , Ayloo Subhashini , Bianco Francesco M.
Published: September 2011

Background

The interest of robotics in performing partial and total splenectomy is poorly reported so far. We report herein our experience.

Methods

From November 2001 to November 2009, 24 consecutive robotic splenectomies were performed by the same surgeon. All data were prospectively collected and reviewed retrospectively.

Results

Twelve men and 12 women with a median age of 48 years underwent a robotic splenectomy, three of which were partial splenectomies. The indications were: ABO incompatibility for kidney transplantation (n = 7), haematological disease (n = 7) and miscellaneous pathologies (n = 10). Mean operative time was 199 ± 65 min. Median blood loss was 75 (range 5–300) ml. There was one intraoperative complication and two conversions. The postoperative morbidity was 8.3% with no mortality. Median hospital stay was 5.5 days.

Conclusions

This series reports the safety and feasibility of robotic partial and total splenectomy. Its use as an alternative to the standard laparoscopic approach is particularly beneficial in more challenging cases. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Procedure rework: a dynamic process with implications for the “rework cycle” and “disaster dynamics”
Authors: Owens Brandon D. , Leveson Nancy G. , Hoffman Jeffrey A.
Published: September 2011

Archetypal dynamic structures link the behaviors of the diverse systems of interest to system dynamics modelers. In this article, dynamic behaviors of Procedure Rework processes—used in system operations to update procedures as they are invalidated by changes in the system state and its environment—are linked to two archetypal structures: the “rework cycle” and “disaster dynamics”. A case study focused on procedure rework in Space Shuttle Mission Control and involving the development of simulation models of procedure rework calibrated with data from five Space Shuttle missions is presented. A detrimental effect in the process—the rework propagation end‐of‐mission effect—is identified and linked to three general aspects of rework (rework time horizons, propagation of rework beyond the time horizons, and events forcing timely completion of all remaining rework) that may be improved upon in this and other rework processes. Furthermore, the effect's causes are characterized as examples of endogenous causal mechanisms for disaster dynamics. Copyright © 2011 System Dynamics Society.
The virtues of organizational integrity
Authors: Young Robert B.
Published: September 2011

Structural and ethical forms of integrity are described, related to three archetypes of colleges and universities, and connected to the integrity of student affairs practice.
Integrity in student affairs organizations
Authors: Baird Leonard
Published: September 2011

Student affairs administrators need to create an environment that protects student welfare, and they need to develop the skills to deal with external and internal challenges to the integrity of higher education.
Deformability design of high‐performance concrete beams
Authors: Ho Johnny Ching Ming
Published: September 2011

The use of high‐performance materials (HPMs) such as high‐strength concrete (HSC) and high‐strength steel (HSS) is becoming more popular in the construction of beams and columns of tall buildings. These HPMs not only increase the stiffness and decrease the strength‐to‐weight ratio, but also provide a more sustainable construction method by minimising the construction materials needed. However, HSC and HSS are more brittle than normal‐strength concrete and steel, respectively. Therefore, it will adversely affect the deformability of concrete beams. To evaluate the pros and cons of adopting HPM in beam design, the author will investigate the flexural strength and deformability of concrete beams made of HPMs. The deformability in this study is expressed in normalised rotation capacity and investigated by a parametric study using nonlinear moment–curvature analysis taking into account the degree of reinforcement, confining pressure, concrete and steel yield strength. From the results, it is evident that the deformability of concrete beams increases as the degree of reinforcement decreases or confining pressure increases. However, the effects of concrete and steel yield strength depend on other factors. For practical design purpose, charts and formulas are produced for designing high‐performance concrete beams to meet with specified flexural strength and deformability requirement. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Riboswitch structure in the ligand‐free state
Authors: Liberman Joseph A. , Wedekind Joseph E.
Published: September 2011

Molecular investigations of riboswitches bound to small‐molecule effectors have produced a wealth of information on how these molecules achieve high affinity and specificity for a target ligand. X‐ray crystal structures have been determined for the ligand‐free state for representatives of the preQ1‐I, S‐adenosylmethionine I, lysine, and glycine aptamer classes. These structures in conjunction with complimentary techniques, such as in‐line probing, NMR spectroscopy, Förster resonance energy transfer, small‐angle scattering, and computational simulations, have demonstrated that riboswitches adopt multiple conformations in the absence of ligand. Despite a number of investigations that support ligand‐dependent folding, mounting evidence suggests that free‐state riboswitches interact with their effectors in the sub‐populations of largely prefolded states as embodied by the principle of conformational selection, which has been documented extensively for protein‐mediated ligand interactions. Fundamental riboswitch investigations of the bound and free states have advanced our understanding of RNA folding, ligand recognition, and how these factors culminate in communication between an aptamer and its expression platform. An understanding of these topics is essential to comprehend riboswitch gene regulation at the molecular level, which has already provided a basis to understand the mechanism of action of natural antimicrobials. WIREs RNA 2012, 3:369–384. doi: 10.1002/wrna.114.

This article is categorized under:

RNA Structure and Dynamics > Influence of RNA Structure in Biological Systems

Regulatory RNAs/RNAi/Riboswitches > Riboswitches

RNA Interactions with Proteins and Other Molecules > Small Molecule–RNA Interactions
NOTE ABOUT LINDELÖF Σ-SPACES υX
Authors: KA̧KOL J. , LÓPEZ-PELLICER M.
Published: September 2011

The paper deals with the following problem: characterize Tichonov spaces X whose realcompactification υX is a Lindelöf Σ-space. There are many situations (both in topology and functional analysis) where Lindelöf Σ (even K-analytic) spaces υX appear. For example, if E is a locally convex space in the class 𝔊 in sense of Cascales and Orihuela (𝔊 includes among others (LM ) -spaces and (DF ) -spaces), then υ(E′,σ(E′,E)) is K-analytic and E is web-bounded. This provides a general fact (due to Cascales–Kakol–Saxon): if E∈𝔊, then σ(E′,E) is K-analytic if and only if σ(E′,E) is Lindelöf. We prove a corresponding result for spaces Cp (X) of continuous real-valued maps on X endowed with the pointwise topology: υX is a Lindelöf Σ-space if and only if X is strongly web-bounding if and only if Cp (X) is web-bounded. Hence the weak* dual of Cp (X) is a Lindelöf Σ-space if and only if Cp (X) is web-bounded and has countable tightness. Applications are provided. For example, every E∈𝔊 is covered by a family {Aα :α∈Ω} of bounded sets for some nonempty set Ω⊂ℕℕ.
The History of Canadian Immunity from Seizure Legislation
Authors: Getz Daniel
Published: September 2011

Perhaps surprisingly, a number of Canadian jurisdictions have been at the cutting edge of legal exemptions from seizure or attachment processes for artworks on loan. Starting with the curious case of Hermitage treasures displayed in Winnipeg in the mid-1970s and using other intriguing examples, this article traces the historical origins of Canadian legislation with particular regard to the international context. The current state of the law in Canada is summarized and compared to that of other international jurisdictions.
AN ATOMIC DECOMPOSITION FOR HARDY SPACES ASSOCIATED TO SCHRÖDINGER OPERATORS
Authors: SONG LIANG , TAN CHAOQIANG , YAN LIXIN
Published: September 2011

LetL=−Δ+Vbe a Schrödinger operator on ℝnwhereVis a nonnegative function in the spaceL1loc(ℝn) of locally integrable functions on ℝn. In this paper we provide an atomic decomposition for the Hardy spaceH1L(ℝn) associated toLin terms of the maximal function characterization. We then adapt our argument to give an atomic decomposition for the Hardy spaceH1L(ℝn×ℝn) on product domains.
Structural Responses of Surfac-Mounted Piezoelectric Curved Beams
Authors: Wang R.-T.
Published: September 2011

The formulation of one Timoshenko curved beam on which a pair of piezoelectric segments bonded is presented. The analytical-transfer matrix method is adopted to study structural responses of the surface-mounted actuation curved beam induced by an external force at the tip of the beam and by an applied voltage on the actuator. The effects of length, location and thickness of the piezoelectric pair on the structural responses of the entire curved beam are investigated.
Numerical Study of Mach Reflection and Detonation by Using a Second-Order CE/SE Method
Authors: Zhang Deliang , Liang S.-M.
Published: September 2011

An improved method of space-time conservation element and solution element (CE/SE) is developed to solve the equations of conservation laws in fluid dynamics. The present method substantially differs in both concept and methodology from the traditional CE/SE method. In this paper the improved second-order CE/SE method is presented in a hexahedral grid. Furthermore, the present CE/SE method was successfully applied to solve the interaction problem of shock waves and detonation. Several numerical examples were also given. Numerical results have compared with the results of experiments and other computational methods. The compared results have shown a good agreement. The improved CE/SE method has higher accuracy and becomes a more prospective scheme.
On the Efficiency of Analyzing 3D Anisotropic, Transversely Isotropic, and Isotropic Bodies in BEM
Authors: Shiah Y. C. , Sun W. X.
Published: September 2011

Due to a lack of closed-form solutions for three dimensional anisotropic bodies, the computational burden of evaluating the fundamental solutions in the boundary element method (BEM) has been a research focus over the years. In engineering practice, transversely isotropic material has gained popularity in the use of composites. As a degenerate case of the generally anisotropic material, transverse isotropy still needs to be treated separately to ease the computations. This paper aims to investigate the computational efficiency of the BEM implementations for 3D anisotropic, transversely isotropic, and isotropic bodies. For evaluating the fundamental solutions of 3D anisotropy, the explicit formulations reported in [1,2] are implemented. For treating transversely isotropic materials, numerous closed form solutions have been reported in the literature. For the present study, the formulations presented by Pan and Chou [3] are particularly employed. At the end, a numerical example is presented to compare the computational efficiency of the three cases and to demonstrate how the CPU time varies with the number of meshes.
Estimated carboxylic acid ester hydrolysis rate constants for food and beverage aroma compounds
Authors: Rayne Sierra , Forest Kaya
Published: September 2011

Aroma compounds in the Flavornet database were screened for potentially hydrolyzable carboxylic acid ester functionalities. Of the 738 aroma compounds listed in this database, 140 molecules contain carboxylic acid ester groups that may be amenable to hydrolysis in various food and beverage products. Acid- (k~A~) and base- (k~B~) catalyzed and neutral (k~N~) hydrolysis rate constants in pure water at 25°C were estimated for these aroma compounds. Where available, good agreement between theoretical and experimental hydrolytic half-lives was obtained at various pH values. Wide ranges and broad frequency distributions for k~A~, k~B~, and k~N~ are expected among the various hydrolyzable aroma compounds, with estimated k~A~ ranging from 3.7 × 10^-8^ to 4.7 × 10^-4^ M^-1^ s^-1^, estimated k~B~ ranging from 4.3 × 10^-4^ to 43 M^-1^ s^-1^, and estimated k~N~ ranging from 4.2 × 10^-17^ to 7.6 × 10^-9^ M^-1^ s^-1^. The resulting hydrolytic half-lives also range widely, from 10 days to 370 years at pH 2.8, 18 days to 4,900 years at pH 4.0, 1.8 days to 470 years at pH 7.0, and 26 minutes to 5.1 years at pH 9.0. The findings presented herein attest to the importance of considering abiotic hydrolysis and matrix pH when modeling the evolution of sensory characteristics for foods and beverages with carboxylic acid ester based aroma compounds.
Enhancement of nanovoid formation in annealed amorphous Al2O3 including W
Authors: Nakamura R. , Ishimaru M. , Hirata A. , Sato K. , Tane M. , Kimizuka H. , Shudo T. , Konno T. J. , Nakajima H.
Published: September 2011

The effect of W on the nanovoid formation in annealed amorphous Al2O3 was studied by transmission electron microscopy and molecular dynamics simulations. A comparison of the void formation behavior in electron-beam deposited Al2O3 (without W) and resistance-heating deposited Al2O3 (with 10 at. % W) revealed that W enhances the formation and growth of nanovoids. An analysis of the pair distribution function (PDF) in both types of amorphous Al2O3 showed that the introduction of W into amorphous Al2O3 brings about a significant change in the amorphous structure. Furthermore, it was found by high-angle annular dark-field scanning transmission electron microscopy (HAADF-STEM) that sub-nm sized W clusters exist in as-deposited Al2O3 prepared by resistance-heating and then dissolve in the amorphous matrix with annealing. The combination of PDF analysis and HAADF-STEM observation provides evidence that the enhancement of void formation originates in the heterogeneous short-range atomic configurations induced by the addition of W.
Room temperature single-mode terahertz sources based on intracavity difference-frequency generation in quantum cascade lasers
Authors: Lu Q. Y. , Bandyopadhyay N. , Slivken S. , Bai Y. , Razeghi M.
Published: September 2011

We demonstrate room temperature single-mode THz emission at 4 THz based on intracavity difference-frequency generation from mid-infrared dual-wavelength quantum cascade lasers. An integrated dual-period distributed feedback grating is defined on the cap layer to purify both mid-infrared pumping wavelengths and in turn the THz spectra. Single mode operation of the pumping wavelengths results in a single-mode THz operation with a narrow linewidth of 6.6 GHz. A maximum THz power of 8.5 μW with a power conversion efficiency of 10 μW/W2 is obtained at room temperature.
A novel non-imaging optics based Raman spectroscopy device for transdermal blood analyte measurement
Authors: Kong Chae-Ryon , Barman Ishan , Dingari Narahara Chari , Kang Jeon Woong , Galindo Luis , Dasari Ramachandra R. , Feld Michael S.
Published: September 2011

Due to its high chemical specificity, Raman spectroscopy has been considered to be a promising technique for non-invasive disease diagnosis. However, during Raman excitation, less than one out of a million photons undergo spontaneous Raman scattering and such weakness in Raman scattered light often require highly efficient collection of Raman scattered light for the analysis of biological tissues. We present a novel non-imaging optics based portable Raman spectroscopy instrument designed for enhanced light collection. While the instrument was demonstrated on transdermal blood glucose measurement, it can also be used for detection of other clinically relevant blood analytes such as creatinine, urea and cholesterol, as well as other tissue diagnosis applications. For enhanced light collection, a non-imaging optical element called compound hyperbolic concentrator (CHC) converts the wide angular range of scattered photons (numerical aperture (NA) of 1.0) from the tissue into a limited range of angles accommodated by the acceptance angles of the collection system (e.g., an optical fiber with NA of 0.22). A CHC enables collimation of scattered light directions to within extremely narrow range of angles while also maintaining practical physical dimensions. Such a design allows for the development of a very efficient and compact spectroscopy system for analyzing highly scattering biological tissues. Using the CHC-based portable Raman instrument in a clinical research setting, we demonstrate successful transdermal blood glucose predictions in human subjects undergoing oral glucose tolerance tests.
Marine spatial planning: achieving and evaluating integration
Authors: Portman Michelle E.
Published: September 2011

Portman, M. E. 2011. Marine spatial planning: achieving and evaluating integration. – ICES Journal of Marine Science, 68: 2191–2200. Coastal states and nations are conducting marine spatial planning (MSP) at an ever-increasing pace. Some MSP efforts are aimed at planning areas at a subnational level, whereas others extend as far as 200 nautical miles from shore, within national exclusive economic zones. For planning of all types, but especially for planning in the marine realm, integration has become a sought-after norm now that traditional sectoral, single-issue management has not succeeded. Fisheries collapse, threats to marine biodiversity, and global climate change all support the case for greater integration in marine resource management and policy. The designation of boundaries can be related to the level of cross-sector and cross-jurisdictional integration achieved by MSP. The importance of scale and scope for MSP initiatives is examined, relating these aspects of plans and/or programmes to the levels of integration achieved, and a framework is suggested for evaluation. MSP initiatives in Portugal, the UK, and the USA serve as potential case studies for use of the framework.
When mothers make sons sexy: maternal effects contribute to the increased sexual attractiveness of extra-pair offspring
Authors: Tschirren Barbara , Postma Erik , Rutstein Alison N. , Griffith Simon C.
Published: September 2011

Quality differences between offspring sired by the social and by an extra-pair partner are usually assumed to have a genetic basis, reflecting genetic benefits of female extra-pair mate choice. In the zebra finch (Taeniopygia guttata), we identified a colour ornament that is under sexual selection and appears to have a heritable basis. Hence, by engaging in extra-pair copulations with highly ornamented males, females could, in theory, obtain genes for increased offspring attractiveness. Indeed, sons sired by extra-pair partners had larger ornaments, seemingly supporting the genetic benefit hypothesis. Yet, when comparing ornament size of the social and extra-pair partners, there was no difference. Hence, the observed differences most likely had an environmental basis, mediated, for example, via differential maternal investment of resources into the eggs fertilized by extra-pair and social partners. Such maternal effects may (at least partly) be mediated by egg size, which we found to be associated with mean ornament expression in sons. Our results are consistent with the idea that maternal effects can shape sexual selection by altering the genotype–phenotype relationship for ornamentation. They also caution against automatically attributing greater offspring attractiveness or viability to an extra-pair mate's superior genetic quality, as without controlling for differential maternal investment we may significantly overestimate the role of genetic benefits in the evolution of extra-pair mating behaviour.
Transcriptome Response to Embolism Formation in Stems of Populus trichocarpa Provides Insight into Signaling and the Biology of Refilling
Authors: Secchi Francesca , Gilbert Matthew E. , Zwieniecki Maciej A.
Published: September 2011

The mechanism of embolism repair in transpiring plants is still not understood, despite significant scientific effort. The refilling process is crucial to maintaining stem transport capacity and ensuring survival for plants experiencing dynamic changes in water stress. Refilling air-filled xylem vessels requires an energy and water source that can only be provided by adjacent living parenchyma cells. Here, we report an analysis of the transcriptome response of xylem parenchyma cells after embolism formation in Populus trichocarpa trees. Genes encoding aquaporins, ion transporters, and carbohydrate metabolic pathways were up-regulated, and there was a significant reduction in the expression of genes responding to oxidative stress. Thus, a novel view of the plant response to embolism emerges that suggests a role for oxygen in embolized vessels as a signal triggering xylem refilling and for the activity of cation transport as having a significant role in the generation of the energy gradient necessary to heal embolized vessels. These findings redefine current hypotheses surrounding the refilling phenomenon and provide insight into the complexity of the biological response to the seemingly simple physical event of xylem embolism formation.
Genetic structure and diversity of Japanese kokanee Oncorhynchus nerka stocks as revealed by microsatellite and mitochondrial DNA markers
Authors: Yamamoto S. , Kitamura S. , Sakano H. , Morita K.
Published: September 2011

Genetic structure and diversity of nine Japanese kokanee (landlocked) Oncorhynchus nerka stocks and anadromous O. nerka from the North Pacific and the Canadian Lake Cultus population were examined using microsatellite and mitochondrial DNA. Sequence analyses of the cytochrome b region of mtDNA for Japanese kokanee O. nerka stocks on Honshu and Hokkaido islands revealed that most Japanese stocks were monomorphic of one major haplotype, which was also dominant in the Lake Cultus population and anadromous O. nerka in the North Pacific. Assignment tests using microsatellite DNA revealed that there was no clear‐cut population structure in Japanese kokanee O. nerka stocks.
Case of insulin edema occurring during intensive insulin therapy after bone marrow transplantation
Authors: SUGIYAMA Akiko , TAKEUCHI Satoshi , FUKAGAWA Shuji , MOROI Yoichi , YOSHIMOTO Goichi , MIYAMOTO Toshihiro , AKASHI Koichi , FURUE Masutaka
Published: September 2011

A 50‐year‐old female patient, who had had a long‐term history of myelodysplastic syndrome and type II diabetes mellitus, had developed acute myelogenous leukemia and received allogeneic bone marrow transplantation (BMT). She was being treated with tacrolimus, methotrexate and prednisolone for prophylaxis and treatment of graft‐versus‐host disease, and with intensive insulin therapy for better glycemic control. The patient suddenly developed marked leg edema at 27 days after starting intensive insulin therapy (on day 40 after BMT) without coexistence or exacerbation of apparent causes such as renal failure, cardiac dysfunction or leg thrombosis around the onset of leg edema. Interestingly, the leg edema regressed soon after daytime hyperglycemia and intensive insulin therapy were performed. Histopathological examination revealed slight dermal edema and small bullae with little inflammatory infiltration but no signs of autoimmune blistering diseases or vasculitis. These findings indicate that the present case may be considered a form of so‐called insulin edema occurring during intensive insulin therapy after BMT.
The glycine reuptake inhibitor Org24598 and acamprosate reduce ethanol intake in the rat; tolerance development to acamprosate but not to Org24598
Authors: Lidö Helga H. , Marston Hugh , Ericson Mia , Söderpalm Bo
Published: September 2011

Extracellular glycine modulates accumbal dopamine levels as well as ethanol‐induced dopamine overflow. Glycine availability is also crucial for regulating alcohol consumption and the glycine transporter 1 (GlyT‐1) inhibitor Org25935 robustly decreases alcohol intake in rats. To explore whether the alcohol‐intake reducing effect of Org25935 is substance bound, we examined the effect of a different selective GlyT‐1 inhibitor, Org24598, on ethanol consumption in rats and compared the effect with that of acamprosate, a drug currently in clinical use. We studied the effects of daily Org24598 and acamprosate injections on male Wistar rats with ∼60% ethanol preference in a limited access two bottle free‐choice model for 12 days, followed by alcohol deprivation for 14 days before a second test period of 10 days. Finally, rats underwent in vivo microdialysis where dopamine, glycine, taurine and β‐alanine in n. accumbens were measured. Org24598 profoundly reduced ethanol intake and the effect remained throughout both treatment periods. Acamprosate promptly reduced ethanol intake, but on the third day tolerance developed to this effect and acamprosate failed to influence alcohol consumption during the second test period. Neither Org24598 nor acamprosate reduced water intake. Following the drinking study, the Org24598 group displayed higher basal accumbal dopamine levels compared with acamprosate and vehicle groups. Both Org24598 and acamprosate reduced the ethanol‐induced dopamine response in n. accumbens. The study demonstrates a robust anti‐alcohol intake effect of the GlyT‐1 inhibitor Org24598, supporting the new concept that GlyT‐1 inhibition reduces ethanol consumption. GlyT‐1 inhibition may represent a new treatment principle for alcoholism that is superior to acamprosate.
Analgesia and sedation of mechanically ventilated patients – a national survey of clinical practice
Authors: WØIEN H. , STUBHAUG A. , BJØRK I. T.
Published: September 2011

Background

The importance of balanced sedation and pain treatment in intensive care units (ICUs) is evident, but regimes and use of medication differ widely. Previous surveys have focused on the use of various medications and regimes. What has not been explored is the process by which nurses and physicians assess patients’ needs and work together toward a defined level of sedation and pain for the ICU patient. The purpose of the study was to determine the use of protocols and medications for sedation and analgesia in Norwegian ICUs and the degree of cooperation between nurses and physicians in using them.

Methods

A national survey was conducted in autumn 2007, using postal self‐administered questionnaires.

Results

Written pain treatment and sedation protocols were not routinely used in Norwegian ICUs; however, half of the departments titrated sedation according to a scoring system, most commonly the Motor Activity Assessment Score. The most commonly used sedatives were propofol and midazolam, while fentanyl and morphine were the most used analgesics. The majority of respondents were concerned about the side effects of sedation and analgesics, leading to circulatory instability and delayed awakening. Nurses and physicians agreed upon the main indications for sedation: patient tolerance for ventilation, tolerance for medical and nursing interventions, and patient symptoms.

Conclusions

Potential factors which may improve sedation and pain management of mechanically ventilated patients in Norwegian ICUs are more systematic assessments of pain and sedation, and the use of written protocols. Strategies which reduce side effects should be addressed.
Population structure of the Yersinia pseudotuberculosis complex according to multilocus sequence typing
Authors: Laukkanen‐Ninios Riikka , Didelot Xavier , Jolley Keith A. , Morelli Giovanna , Sangal Vartul , Kristo Paula , Brehony Carina , Imori Priscilla F. M. , Fukushima Hiroshi , Siitonen Anja , Tseneva Galina , Voskressenskaya Ekaterina , Falcao Juliana P. , Korkeala Hannu , Maiden Martin C. J. , Mazzoni Camila , Carniel Elisabeth , Skurnik Mikael , Achtman Mark
Published: September 2011

Multilocus sequence analysis of 417 strains of Yersinia pseudotuberculosis revealed that it is a complex of four populations, three of which have been previously assigned species status [Y. pseudotuberculosis sensu stricto (s.s.), Yersinia pestis and Yersinia similis] and a fourth population, which we refer to as the Korean group, which may be in the process of speciation. We detected clear signs of recombination within Y. pseudotuberculosis s.s. as well as imports from Y. similis and the Korean group. The sources of genetic diversification within Y. pseudotuberculosis s.s. were approximately equally divided between recombination and mutation, whereas recombination has not yet been demonstrated in Y. pestis, which is also much more genetically monomorphic than is Y. pseudotuberculosis s.s. Most Y. pseudotuberculosis s.s. belong to a diffuse group of sequence types lacking clear population structure, although this species contains a melibiose‐negative clade that is present globally in domesticated animals. Yersinia  similis corresponds to the previously identified Y. pseudotuberculosis genetic type G4, which is probably not pathogenic because it lacks the virulence factors that are typical for Y. pseudotuberculosis s.s. In contrast, Y. pseudotuberculosis s.s., the Korean group and Y. pestis can all cause disease in humans.
The role of surgery in high‐risk localised prostate cancer
Authors: Gnanapragasam Vincent J. , Mason Malcolm D. , Shaw Greg L. , Neal David E.
Published: September 2011

The optimal management of high‐risk localised prostate cancer is a major challenge for urologists and oncologists. It is clear that multimodal therapy including radical local treatment is needed in these men to achieve the best outcomes.

External beam radiotherapy (EBRT) is an essential component of therapy either as a primary or adjuvant treatment. However, the role of radical prostatectomy (RP) is more controversial. Both methods are currently valid therapy options.

There have been many individual studies of EBRT and RP in high‐risk disease, but no good quality large prospective randomized trials.

In EBRT, combination with neoadjuvant plus long‐term adjuvant androgen‐deprivation therapy (ADT) has been conclusively shown to improve outcomes and is widely considered the standard of care.

However, the role of RP has achieved recent prominence with several important studies. Published data from prospective randomized trials in patients after RP have shown that in men with adverse pathological features at surgery, the addition of adjuvant RT improves biochemical‐free and progression‐free survival.

More recently, studies from large‐volume centres comparing EBRT and RP have provided intriguing suggestions of better outcomes with RP as the primary treatment.

An important question therefore, is which of the two methods provides the best outcome in men with localised high‐risk disease. Crucially, does the combination of RP and selective adjuvant EBRT provide clinically significant better outcomes compared with EBRT alone?

In this review we discuss the current evidence for the role of RP for high‐risk localised prostate cancer and define the parameters and urgent need for a prospective trial to test the role of surgery for this group of patients.
Radiopacity of intracerebral hemorrhage correlates with perihemorrhagic edema
Authors: Wagner I. , Volbers B. , Hilz M. J. , Schwab S. , Doerfler A. , Staykov D.
Published: September 2011

Background:  Experimental evidence indicates that iron plays a key role in edema formation after intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). We investigated the relationship between ICH radiopacity on CT as a marker of hematoma iron content and perihemorrhagic edema (PHE) after ICH.

Methods:  We retrospectively investigated patients with spontaneous lobar and ganglionic supratentorial ICH who received follow‐up CT scans during the first 7 days after symptom onset (d1, d2–4, d5–7). Measurements of ICH and edema volumes were taken using a semiautomatic threshold‐based volumetric algorithm. Radiopacity of the blood clot was determined using the mean Hounsfield unit (HU) count of the ICH.

Results:  A total of 117 patients aged 71.92 ± 11.55 years with spontaneous ICH (34.63 ± 32.44 ml) were included in the analysis. Mean ICH radiopacity was 59.7 ± 3.4 HU. We found significantly larger relative PHE at d2–4 (1.7 ± 0.9 vs. 1.3 ± 0.8; P = 0.032) and d5–7 (2.0 ± 1.3 vs. 1.3 ± 0.9; P = 0.007) and larger peak relative PHE (2.3 ± 1.6 vs. 1.6 ± 1.1; P = 0.006) in patients with ICH radiopacity >60 HU (n = 59), as compared to patients with ICH radiopacity <60 HU (n = 58).

Conclusions:  Higher ICH radiopacity, reflecting higher in vivo hematoma iron content, is associated with more PHE after ICH.
A single nucleotide polymorphism rs9468925 of MHC region is associated with clinical features of generalized vitiligo in Chinese Han population
Authors: Liu Jianlan , Tang HuaYang , Zuo XianBo , Liang Bo , Wang PeiGuang , Sun LiangDan , Yang Sen , Zhang XueJun
Published: September 2011

Background  Vitiligo has been found to be associated with different HLA antigens in different ethnic groups. In our previous genome‐wide association study (GWAS), we identified independent association signal of rs9468925 (P = 2.21 × 10−33, OR = 0.74) within HLA‐C‐HLA‐B region.

Objectives  To explore the association between rs9468925 polymorphism within MHC and the clinical features of generalized vitiligo.

Methods  The study, using 5566 cases and 6462 controls from previous GWA study investigated the single and combined (GA + GG) genotypic distribution of rs9468925 in subsets of vitiligo patients having different clinical features. We performed a QTL analysis (quantitative trait locus) for age of onset with genotype of rs9468925.

Results  The GA + GG genotypic distribution of SNP rs9468925 tested with an additive model was found to be significantly different in subgroups of patients of >20 vs. <20 years old (genotypic P = 2.57 × 10−4, combined P = 3.0 × 10−3, OR = 0.77, 95% CI: 0.64–0.92), and in patients with different clinical subtypes of vitiligo (genotypic P = 0.03, combined P = 5.0 × 10−3). However, there was no statistical significance for familial history, halo nevi involvement and autoimmune disease involvement.

Conclusions  Allele G of rs9468925 on HLA‐C‐HLA‐B may be associated with a higher risk of vitiligo. Our study showed a significant genotypic variation between patients with age of onset ≤20 years and age of onset >20 years. Obvious clinical differences of generalized vitiligo related to genotypic variation found in the Chinese Han population were confirmed in this study.
Universal and targeted computerised cognitive behavioural therapy (Think, Feel, Do) for emotional health in schools: results from two exploratory studies
Authors: Attwood Megan , Meadows Sara , Stallard Paul , Richardson Thomas
Published: September 2011

Background:  Computerised Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (cCBT) offers the potential to make evidence based interventions more available and accessible for children and young people. Research is currently limited and proof of concept studies are required to explore the viability and possible therapeutic benefits of cCBT as a universal or targeted intervention in schools.

Method:  In Study 1, cCBT was provided as a universal intervention to 13 participants who were assigned to either group cCBT or a matched computer gaming condition. In Study 2, cCBT was provided as a targeted intervention by trained school nurses to 12 participants with mild or moderate emotional problems.

Results:  Both studies found cCBT to result in immediate post intervention benefits and feedback about the programme was very positive.

Conclusion:  This study provides proof of concept that cCBT provided as a universal or targeted emotional health intervention in schools is viable and may result in immediate therapeutic benefits. These findings are limited by the small sample size and absence of follow‐up but suggest that more methodologically robust evaluations should be pursued.
Activated lymphocytes and high liver expression of IFN‐γ are associated with fulminant hepatic failure in patients
Authors: dos Santos Damião C. M. , Neves Patricia C. C. , Azeredo Elzinandes L. , Pelajo‐Machado Marcelo , Martinho José Manoel S. G. , Pacheco‐Moreira Lúcio F. , Araújo Cristina C. V. , Cruz Oswaldo Gonçalves , de Oliveira Jaqueline Mendes , Pinto Marcelo Alves
Published: September 2011

Background & Aims

To study immunological mechanisms of fulminant hepatic failure (FHF) derived from extensive liver lesions, 14 patients with FHF induced by different aetiologies were investigated by observance of both lymphocyte phenotyping and cytokine levels.

Methods

Five patients bearing benign acute hepatitis B (AHB) and seven healthy liver donors (HC) were used as controls. Samples of liver and blood from both FHF patients and HC were obtained during transplantation procedures. Plasma levels of IL‐1β, IL‐4, IL‐6, IL‐8, IL‐10, IFN‐γ, TNF‐α, MCP‐1, RANTES and MIP‐1α were quantified using a multiplex immunoassay. Cell characterization was carried out by flow cytometry. IFN‐γ staining was performed on liver sections using immunofluorescence methods.

Results

An increase of peripheral frequency of natural killer (NK) cells expressing early activation markers (CD69, HLA‐DR and CD38) and adhesion molecule CD44 was observed in FHF patients. Elevated frequency of T lymphocytes CD4+ and CD8+ expressing CD38 and adhesion molecules CD29 and CD44 was also observed in FHF. Additionally, an increase of natural killer T cells (NKT) was detected in FHF patients. High plasma cytokine levels were not statistically different between FHF and AHB patients. In comparison to HC, a strong liver expression of IFN‐γ was detected in FHF patients. The increased frequency of CD4+CD44+ and IL‐8 cytokine was found in patients with poor prognosis.

Conclusions

These findings indicate the involvement of NK and NKT cells as well as T lymphocytes CD4+ and CD8+ in the inflammatory process inducing FHF, confirmed by the high hepatic expression of IFN‐γ.
The Covariation of Antisocial Behavior and Substance Use in Adolescence: A Behavioral Genetic Perspective
Authors: MAdams Tom , Rowe Richard , Rijsdijk Fruhling , Maughan, Barbara , Eley Thalia C.
Published: September 2011

Multivariate genetic studies have revealed genetic correlations between antisocial behavior (ASB) and substance use (SU). However, ASB is heterogeneous, and it remains unclear whether all forms are similarly related to SU. The present study examines links between cannabis use, alcohol consumption, and aggressive and delinquent forms of ASB using a behavioral genetic approach. Participants were 1,688 adolescents (482 monozygotic twins, 852 dizygotic twins, and 354 nontwin siblings) aged 15–23 years old (M = 16.91), sampled from the community in the U.K. Multivariate model fitting revealed that the genetic components of alcohol consumption and cannabis use correlated with those of both aggression (.21 and .49, respectively) and delinquency (.35 and .69, respectively). Results suggest that both aggression and delinquency have genetic effects in common with alcohol consumption and cannabis use.