bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Edit Distance with Block Deletions
Authors: Shapira Dana , Storer James A.
Published: March 2011

Several variants of the edit distance problem with block deletions are considered. Polynomial time optimal algorithms are presented for the edit distance with block deletions allowing character insertions and character moves, but without block moves. We show that the edit distance with block moves and block deletions is NP-complete (Nondeterministic Polynomial time problems in which any given solution to such problem can be verified in polynomial time, and any NP problem can be converted into it in polynomial time), and that it can be reduced to the problem of non-recursive block moves and block deletions within a constant factor.
Genetic Alterations in Glioma
Authors: Bralten Linda B. C. , French Pim J.
Published: March 2011

Gliomas are the most common type of primary brain tumor and have a dismal prognosis. Understanding the genetic alterations that drive glioma formation and progression may help improve patient prognosis by identification of novel treatment targets. Recently, two major studies have performed in-depth mutation analysis of glioblastomas (the most common and aggressive subtype of glioma). This systematic approach revealed three major pathways that are affected in glioblastomas: The receptor tyrosine kinase signaling pathway, the TP53 pathway and the pRB pathway. Apart from frequent mutations in the IDH1/2 gene, much less is known about the causal genetic changes of grade II and III (anaplastic) gliomas. Exceptions include TP53 mutations and fusion genes involving the BRAF gene in astrocytic and pilocytic glioma subtypes, respectively. In this review, we provide an update on all common events involved in the initiation and/or progression across the different subtypes of glioma and provide future directions for research into the genetic changes.
Latest Developments in Numerical Wind Synopsis Prediction Using the RIAM-COMPACT® CFD Model—Design Wind Speed Evaluation and Wind Risk (Terrain-Induced Turbulence) Diagnostics in Japan
Authors: Uchida Takanori , Ohya Yuji
Published: March 2011

Because a significant portion of the topography in Japan is characterized by steep, complex terrain, which results in a complex spatial distribution of wind speed, great care is necessary for selecting a site for the construction of Wind Turbine Generators (WTGs). We have developed a CFD model for unsteady flow called Research Institute for Applied Mechanics, Kyushu University, COMputational Prediction of Airflow over Complex Terrain (RIAM-COMPACT®). The RIAM-COMPACT® CFD model is based on Large-Eddy Simulation (LES) technique. The computational domain of RIAM-COMPACT® can extend from several meters to several kilometers, and RIAM-COMPACT® can predict airflow and gas diffusion over complex terrains with high accuracy. First, the present paper proposes a technique for evaluating the deployment location of WTGs. Next, wind simulation of an actual wind farm was executed using the high resolution elevation data. As a result, an appropriate point and an inappropriate point for locating WTGs were shown based on the numerical results obtained. This cause was found to be a topographical irregularity in front of WTGs.
Importance of the Long-Chain Fatty Acid Beta-Hydroxylating Cytochrome P450 Enzyme YbdT for Lipopeptide Biosynthesis in Bacillus subtilis Strain OKB105
Authors: Youssef Noha H. , Wofford Neil , McInerney Michael J.
Published: March 2011

Bacillus species produce extracellular, surface-active lipopeptides such as surfactin that have wide applications in industry and medicine. The steps involved in the synthesis of 3-hydroxyacyl-coenzyme A (CoA) substrates needed for surfactin biosynthesis are not understood. Cell-free extracts of Bacillus subtilis strain OKB105 synthesized lipopeptide biosurfactants in presence of L-amino acids, myristic acid, coenzyme A, ATP, and H2O2, which suggested that 3-hydroxylation occurs prior to CoA ligation of the long chain fatty acids (LCFAs). We hypothesized that YbdT, a cytochrome P450 enzyme known to beta-hydroxylate LCFAs, functions to form 3-hydroxy fatty acids for lipopeptide biosynthesis. An in-frame mutation of ybdT was constructed and the resulting mutant strain (NHY1) produced predominantly non-hydroxylated lipopeptide with diminished biosurfactant and beta-hemolytic activities. Mass spectrometry showed that 95.6% of the fatty acids in the NHY1 biosurfactant were non-hydroxylated compared to only ~61% in the OKB105 biosurfactant. Cell-free extracts of the NHY1 synthesized surfactin containing 3-hydroxymyristic acid from 3-hydroxymyristoyl-CoA at a specific activity similar to that of the wild type (17 ± 2 versus 17.4 ± 6 ng biosurfactant min−1·ng·protein−1, respectively). These results showed that the mutation did not affect any function needed to synthesize surfactin once the 3-hydroxyacyl-CoA substrate was formed and that YbdT functions to supply 3-hydroxy fatty acid for surfactin biosynthesis. The fact that YbdT is a peroxidase could explain why biosurfactant production is rarely observed in anaerobically grown Bacillus species. Manipulation of LCFA specificity of YbdT could provide a new route to produce biosurfactants with activities tailored to specific functions.
Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of 4-Aroyl-6,7,8-Trimethoxyquinolines as a Novel Class of Anticancer Agents
Authors: Hsieh Cheng-Chih , Lee Hsueh-Yun , Nien Chih-Ying , Kuo Ching-Chuan , Chang Chi-Yen , Chang Jang-Yang , Liou Jing-Ping
Published: March 2011

A series of 2-aroyl and 2-aryl-5,6,7-trimethoxyquinoline and 4-aroyl-6,7,8-trimethoxyquinoline combretastatin analogs were synthesized and evaluated for their potential anticancer activity. The 4-aroylquinoline 11 inhibited the growth of the human cancer cells lines KB, HT-29, and MKN45, as well as the three human resistant cancer cell lines KB-vin10, KB-S15, and KB-7D, with IC50 values of 217, 327, 239, 246, 213, and 252 nM, respectively.
Application of V2O5/WO3/TiO2 for Resistive-Type SO2 Sensors
Authors: Izu Noriya , Hagen Gunter , Schönauer Daniela , Röder-Roith Ulla , Moos Ralf
Published: March 2011

A study on the application of V2O5/WO3/TiO2 (VWT) as the sensitive material for resistive-type SO2 sensor was conducted, based on the fact that VWT is a well-known catalyst material for good selective catalytic nitrogen oxide reduction with a proven excellent durability in exhaust gases. The sensors fabricated in this study are planar ones with interdigitated electrodes of Au or Pt. The vanadium content of the utilized VWT is 1.5 or 3.0 wt%. The resistance of VWT decreases with an increasing SO2 concentration in the range from 20 ppm to 5,000 ppm. The best sensor response to SO2 occurs at 400 °C using Au electrodes. The sensor response value is independent on the amount of added vanadium but dependent on the electrode materials at 400 °C. These results are discussed and a sensing mechanism is discussed.
Gas-to-Particle Conversion in Surface Discharge Nonthermal Plasmas and Its Implications for Atmospheric Chemistry
Authors: Kim Hyun-Ha , Ogata Atsushi
Published: March 2011

This paper presents some experimental data on gas-to-particle conversion of benzene using nonthermal plasma (NTP) technology and discusses the possibility of its technical application in atmospheric chemistry. Aerosol measurement using a differential mobility analyzer (DMA) revealed that the parts of benzene molecules were converted into a nanometer-sized aerosol. Aerosol formation was found to be highly related with the missing part in carbon balance. Scanning electron microscopy analysis showed that the aerosols formed in synthetic humid air are the collection of nanoparticles. The carbonyl band (C=O) was found to be an important chemical constituent in the aerosol. The potential of the NTP as an accelerated test tool in studying secondary organic aerosol (SOA) formation from VOCs will be also addressed.
Haemoglobin and Anaemia in the Smart Study
Authors:   the INSIGHT SMART Study Group, Mocroft Amanda , Lifson Alan R , Touloumi Giota , Neuhaus Jacqueline , Fox Zoe , Palfreeman Adrian , Vjecha Michael J , Hodder Sally , De Wit Stephane , Lundgren Jens D , Phillips Andrew N
Published: March 2011

Background

Data from randomized trials on the development of anaemia after interruption of therapy are not well-described.

Methods

A total of 2,248 patients from the SMART study were included. We used Cox proportional hazards models to investigate development of new (≤12 mg/dl for females and ≤14 mg/dl for males) or worsening (≤8 mg/dl if anaemic at randomization) anaemia and Poisson regression analyses to explore the relationship between anaemia and the development of AIDS, death or non-AIDS events.

Results

Overall, 759 patients developed new or worsening anaemia: 420/1,106 (38.0%) in the drug conservation (DC) arm and 339/1127 (30.1%) in the viral suppression (VS) arm ( P<0.0001). At 4 months after randomization, patients in the DC arm had a significantly increased risk of developing new or worsening anaemia (adjusted relative hazard 1.56, 95% CI 1.28–1.89). Currently anaemic patients had an increased incidence of AIDS (adjusted incidence rate ratio [IRR] 2.31, 95% CI 1.34–3.98), death (adjusted IRR 2.19, 95% CI 1.23–3.87) and non-AIDS events (adjusted IRR 2.98, 95% CI 2.01–4.40) compared to non-anaemic patients.

Conclusions

Patients who interrupted combination anti-retroviral therapy had a higher risk of new or worsening anaemia. Anaemic patients had a higher incidence of AIDS, non-AIDS defining events or deaths, possibly due to deteriorating health and subclinical disease.
Divergencia genética en especies crípticas de agua subterránea: primeras secuencias COI obtenidas de la familia Bathynellidae (Crustacea, Syncarida, Bathynellacea)
Authors: Camacho A. I. , Dorda B. A. , Rey I.
Published: March 2011

La biodiversidad de la fauna de las aguas subterráneas sigue siendo poco conocida. Los estudios de diversidad biológica de las aguas subterráneas se ven negativamente afectados por la inaccesibilidad del hábitat y la crisis taxonómica. El objetivo de este trabajo es estudiar los niveles de divergencia genética de poblaciones de Bathynellacea, un pequeño grupo de crustáceos que viven exclusivamente en las aguas subterráneas, para evaluar la extensión de la especiación críptica en clados morfológicamente constreñidos. Las secuencias parciales de citocromo oxidasa I (COI) se han obtenido, por primera vez, de varios ejemplares de la familia Bathynellidae. Los ejemplares analizados del género Vejdovskybathynella proceden de seis poblaciones, morfológicamente asignables a una única especie, de uno de los sistemas kársticos más grandes de España (110 km de galerías topografiadas). El análisis de datos moleculares demuestra la presencia de tres unidades con elevada divergencia genética, dos de ellas posiblemente correspondientes a nuevas especies sin describir. Los resultados de este estudio proporcionan los primeros datos moleculares que permiten complementar el conocimiento morfológico para abordar estudios filogenéticos que ayuden a resolver las relaciones de parentesco de las especies de diferentes géneros de la familia Bathynellidae. Podemos concluir que el escenario evolutivo de este grupo de crustáceos subterráneos no se puede revelar sólo con información morfológica debido a la presencia de linajes muy antiguos de especies crípticas que parecen salir a la luz sólo con datos moleculares como los obtenidos en este trabajo.
Gravity anomalies of strike limited listric fault sources with analytically defined fault planes and arbitrary density contrast variations with depth
Authors: Chakravarthi V.
Published: March 2011

A method to compute the theoretical gravity anomalies of strike limited listric fault sources is presented along with a relevant computer code, GRLSTRCFLT. The fault plane of a listric fault structure is described with a polynomial function of arbitrary degree. Further, the density contrast within the structure is presumed to be varying randomly with depth comprehending the geological settings where the detached downthrown block of a fault structure is assumed consisting of both high and low density formations. The expression for the gravity anomaly to realize forward modelling is derived in the space domain using both analytical and numerical approaches. The validity and efficacy of the method is demonstrated with a set of synthetic fault models. The gravity anomaly computed at two selected offsets across the fault structure in either case reveals the fact that the magnitude of the anomaly is dependent on the offset of the profile.
Both miR-17-5p and miR-20a Alleviate Suppressive Potential of Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cells by Modulating STAT3 Expression
Authors: Zhang Miaomiao , Liu Qiaofei , Mi Siping , Liang Xue , Zhang Zhiqian , Su Xiaomin , Liu Jinyi , Chen Yingying , Wang Mengmeng , Zhang Yuan , Guo Fenghua , Zhang Zhujun , Yang Rongcun
Published: March 2011

Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) were one of the major components of the immune suppressive network. STAT3 has an important role in regulating the suppressive potential of MDSCs. In this study, we found that the expression of STAT3 could be modulated by both miR-17-5p and miR-20a. The transfection of miR-17-5p or miR-20a remarkably reduces the expression of reactive oxygen species and the production of H2O2, which are regulated by STAT3. MDSCs transfected with miR-17-5p or miR-20a are less able to suppress Ag-specific CD4 and CD8 T cells. Importantly, both miR-17-5p and miR-20a alleviate the suppressive function of MDSCs in vivo. The expression of miR-17-5p and miR-20a in tumor-associated MDSCs was found to be lower than in Gr1+CD11b+ cells isolated from the spleens of disease-free mice. Tumor-associated factor downregulates the expression of both miR-17-5p and miR-20a. The modulation of miR-17-5p and miR-20a expression may be important for the process by which patients with a tumor can overcome the immune tolerance mediated by MDSCs. Our results suggest that miR-17-5p and miR-20a could potentially be used for immunotherapy against diseases, especially cancer, by blocking STAT3 expression.
A Mechanism for TCR Sharing between T Cell Subsets and Individuals Revealed by Pyrosequencing
Authors: Venturi Vanessa , Quigley Máire F. , Greenaway Hui Yee , Ng Pauline C. , Ende Zachary S. , McIntosh Tina , Asher Tedi E. , Almeida Jorge R. , Levy Samuel , Price David A. , Davenport Miles P. , Douek Daniel C.
Published: March 2011

The human naive T cell repertoire is the repository of a vast array of TCRs. However, the factors that shape their hierarchical distribution and relationship with the memory repertoire remain poorly understood. In this study, we used polychromatic flow cytometry to isolate highly pure memory and naive CD8+ T cells, stringently defined with multiple phenotypic markers, and used deep sequencing to characterize corresponding portions of their respective TCR repertoires from four individuals. The extent of interindividual TCR sharing and the overlap between the memory and naive compartments within individuals were determined by TCR clonotype frequencies, such that higher-frequency clonotypes were more commonly shared between compartments and individuals. TCR clonotype frequencies were, in turn, predicted by the efficiency of their production during V(D)J recombination. Thus, convergent recombination shapes the TCR repertoire of the memory and naive T cell pools, as well as their interrelationship within and between individuals.
Requirements for Eomesodermin and Promyelocytic Leukemia Zinc Finger in the Development of Innate-Like CD8+ T Cells
Authors: Gordon Scott M. , Carty Shannon A. , Kim Jiyeon S. , Zou Tao , Smith-Garvin Jennifer , Alonzo Eric S. , Haimm Ethan , Sant’Angelo Derek B. , Koretzky Gary A. , Reiner Steven L. , Jordan Martha S.
Published: March 2011

Conventional and nonconventional T cell development occur in the thymus. Nonconventional thymocytes that bear characteristics typically associated with innate immune cells are termed innate-like lymphocytes (ILLs). Mice harboring a tyrosine to phenylalanine mutation in the adaptor protein Src homology 2 domain-containing leukocyte protein of 76 kDa at residue 145 (Y145F mice) develop an expanded population of CD8+CD122+CD44+ ILLs, typified by expression of the T-box transcription factor eomesodermin. Y145F mice also have an expanded population of γδ T cells that produce copious amounts of IL-4 via a mechanism that is dependent on the BTB-ZF transcription factor promyelocytic leukemia zinc finger. Using mice with T cell-specific deletion of Eomes, we demonstrate that this transcription factor is required for CD8+ ILL development in Y145F as well as wild-type mice. Moreover, we show that promyelocytic leukemia zinc finger and IL-4 are also required for the generation of this ILL population. Taken together, these data shed light on the cell-intrinsic and cell-extrinsic factors that drive CD8+ ILL differentiation.
Regulation of Senescence in Cancer and Aging
Authors: Kong Yahui , Cui Hang , Ramkumar Charusheila , Zhang Hong
Published: March 2011

Senescence is regarded as a physiological response of cells to stress, including telomere dysfunction, aberrant oncogenic activation, DNA damage, and oxidative stress. This stress response has an antagonistically pleiotropic effect to organisms: beneficial as a tumor suppressor, but detrimental by contributing to aging. The emergence of senescence as an effective tumor suppression mechanism is highlighted by recent demonstration that senescence prevents proliferation of cells at risk of neoplastic transformation. Consequently, induction of senescence is recognized as a potential treatment of cancer. Substantial evidence also suggests that senescence plays an important role in aging, particularly in aging of stem cells. In this paper, we will discuss the molecular regulation of senescence its role in cancer and aging. The potential utility of senescence in cancer therapeutics will also be discussed.
Genericity of Representations of p-Adic Sp2n and Local Langlands Parameters
Authors: Liu Baiying
Published: March 2011

Let G be the F-rational points of the symplectic group Sp2n, where F is a non-Archimedean local field of characteristic 0. Cogdell, Kim, Piatetski-Shapiro, and Shahidi constructed local Lang- lands functorial lifting from irreducible generic representations of G to irreducible representations of GL2n+1(F). Jiang and Soudry constructed the descent map from irreducible supercuspidal repre- sentations of GL2n+1(F) to those of G, showing that the local Langlands functorial lifting from the irreducible supercuspidal generic representations is surjective. In this paper, based on above results, using the same descent method of studying SO2n+1 as Jiang and Soudry, we will show the rest of local Langlands functorial lifting is also surjective, and for any local Langlands parameter , we construct a representation such that and ¾ have the same twisted local factors. As one application, we prove the G-case of a conjecture of Gross-Prasad and Rallis, that is, a local Langlands parameter is generic, i.e., the representation attached to is generic, if and only if the adjoint L-function of is holomorphic at s = 1. As another application, we prove for each Arthur parameter , and the corresponding local Langlands parameter , the representation attached to is generic if and only if is tempered.
La formación de telespectadores críticos en educación secundaria
Authors: Aguaded Gómez José Ignacio , Díaz Gómez Rocío
Published: March 2011

Reflexionar sobre el fenómeno televisivo en la sociedad actual es cada vez más una necesidad urgente, dada la influencia cuantitativa y cualitativa que genera este medio en sol estilos de vida y formas de comportamiento de la ciudadanía. Centenares son los estudios e investigaciones que se han ido realizando en diferentes esferas y en los más recónditos países sobre este medio de comunicación. Sin embargo, en pocas ocasiones esos trabajos han trascendido a la población en general y especialmente han tenido una especial incidencia en las formas de consumo que la sociedad ha ido canalizando en el uso del medio televisivo. Educar para adquirir «competencia televisiva» se convierte así en un reto social y eje central de esta investigación, concretada a través de una propuesta concreta de programa didáctico para «enseñar a ver la televisión», dirigido a alumnos de educación secundaria. Se posiciona así este trabajo en el diseño y desarrollo de materiales curriculares que permitan a los docentes trabajar con sus alumnos para adquirir esa necesaria «competencia televisiva» para «ver» de forma crítica y creativa la televisión.
La información cinematográfica en el diario sevillano El Liberal, en 1929
Authors: Pérez Rufí José Patricio
Published: March 2011

El siguiente artículo analiza la relación de la prensa local sevillana en el año 1929 con la exhibición cinematográfica. La celebración de la Exposición Iberoamericana sevillana, como evento masivo con una intención divulgativa y propagandística que se servirá por vez primera del cinematógrafo, y el tránsito al sonoro determinan una presencia notable del medio audiovisual en la sociedad y la cultura sevillana del momento. La prensa es utilizada como medio de transmisión de información y de creación de demanda de consumo por los empresarios de una industria cultural, el cine, plenamente consolidada a pesar de su juventud. Atenderemos a los datos ofrecidos a través del diario El Liberal de Sevilla durante el año de la celebración de la Exposición Iberoamericana a fin de determinar la relevancia de la exhibición cinematográfica en el desarrollo cultural de la ciudad.
Modos de intervención de los padres en el conflicto que supone el consumo de pantallas
Authors: Gabelas Barroso José Antonio , Lazo Carmen Marta
Published: March 2011

Las nuevas pantallas (Internet, videoconsolas y teléfonos móviles), junto con la tradicional televisión, constituyen un agente de socialización de primer orden para los niños, adolescentes y jóvenes. Ante el potencial que presentan estos soportes como fuente de contenidos, es acertado que nos preguntemos si los usuarios con edades más tempranas cuentan o no con guías que les ayuden a establecer un consumo equilibrado y sano.  En el presente artículo, exponemos los principales resultados obtenidos en una investigación cuyo objetivo se fundamenta en conocer el tipo de control que ejercen los padres y madres respecto al consumo de las diferentes pantallas que llevan a cabo sus hijos, así como en analizar los motivos por los que las actuales generaciones crecen entretenidos, informados o formados, en su convivencia asidua con estos medios, afinando en las particularidades y funciones en el uso de cada uno de ellos. El grado de preocupación de los contenidos que el hijo pueda manejar o la frecuencia con la que establecen límites de tiempo en la utilización de cada pantalla son cuestiones centrales en el ámbito de las mediaciones con las que cuentan los menores en el contexto del hogar a través de sus padres, importantes referentes en el consumo.
Las redes sociales trastocan los modelos de los medios de comunicación tradicionales
Authors: Campos Freire Francisco
Published: March 2011

El rápido y exitoso debut en los dos o tres últimos años de las llamadas redes sociales ha encendido las alarmas en los medios de comunicación tradicionales. El nuevo fenómeno de las redes sociales suma audiencias millonarias, incrementa su publicidad, logra la personalización de los usuarios y rompe con algunas de las barreras de las viejas organizaciones mediáticas. Este nuevo medio de comunicación se cuela ya en las pantallas de millones de internautas como una de las principales fuentes de entretenimiento e información. Esta investigación analiza la estructura de once redes sociales globales, que distribuyen contenidos en español y otros idiomas, frente a 30 ediciones electrónicas de los principales periódicos de España. Se trata de comprobar si las llamadas redes sociales son una nueva oferta de mediación, relación, negocio y contenidos postmediáticos que se asemeja más a los medios audiovisuales que a la prensa.
El reportaje multimedia como género del periodismo digital actual. Acercamiento a sus rasgos formales y de contenido
Authors: Marrero Santana Liliam
Published: March 2011

La investigación se inserta en la corriente de estudios sobre el mensaje y se corresponde con las líneas de investigación de la Facultad de Comunicación de la Universidad de La Habana, específicamente en el área de los géneros ciberperiodísticos ante el impacto de las Tecnologías de la Información y la Comunicación (TICs). Constituye una aproximación al reportaje multimedia como género del periodismo digital actual, a partir del análisis de los rasgos –formales y de contenido– del reportaje tradicional, y sus posibles modificaciones en función de los rasgos de la comunicación en red –hipertextualidad, multimedialidad e interactividad– que distinguen al periodismo para y con Internet. La investigación, de carácter comunicológico y empírico-descriptivo, se sustenta en un estudio de casos múltiple e inclusivo, con predominio de la perspectiva metodológica cualitativa. El análisis de contenido –técnica principal– se complementa con otras técnicas como las entrevistas a expertos, para indagar en las características del reportaje multimedia, los puntos de continuidad que presenta respecto al reportaje tradicional y aquellos elementos que configuran pautas de renovación.
Supracricoid Partial Laryngectomy: The Second Coming
Authors: Hazarika Biswajyoti
Published: March 2011

Early cancer of the larynx can be addressed by single modality treatment (surgery or radiotherapy) while advanced cancer larynx is addressed with multimodality treatment—surgery (total laryngectomy) + postoperative RT or concurrent chemotherapy + radiotherapy. But there is a subset of population with carcinoma larynx in whom single modality treatment with radiotherapy or conventional partial laryngectomy may not be sufficient while total laryngectomy with postoperative radiotherapy may be overkill. In this subset of population supracricoid partial laryngectomy is the perfect answer which bridges the gap between partial laryngectomy and total laryngectomy. In addition to utilizing this procedure in the post-RT residual disease scenario the upfront performance of SCPL can also avoid adjuvant RT in many instances. Supracricoid partial laryngectomy is an organ preservation procedure in the true sense that it can achieve an oncological safe margin and also provide a high quality of life.
Chemoradiation for Laryngeal Cancer: Present Scenario
Authors: Gore Adwaita , Dwiwedi Pushkal , Dhabhar Boman , Saikia Tapan K
Published: March 2011

The management of locally advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the larynx is complex. Data from recent clinical trials have refined the use of existing therapies, such as radiation therapy and chemotherapy, and providing new treatment options, such as cetuximab. Selecting the most appropriate treatment for an individual patient requires a multidisciplinary approach and careful assessment of the relative advantages and disadvantages of each treatment approach. Chemoradiation is more effective than conventional radiation therapy, but also more toxic. Cetuximab plus radiation therapy is more effective than radiation alone and does not substantially increase radiation-related toxicity. Multimodality approach for laryngeal cancer has shown better organ preservation rates and survival. Ideally, multidisciplinary teams should weigh all these factors when making individual treatment decisions. Data from current trials will help further optimize multimodality treatment for Laryngeal Cancer.
Rehabilitation after Total Laryngectomy
Authors: Hakeem Arsheed Hussain , Hakeem Imtiyaz Hussain , Garg Anubha
Published: March 2011

Comprehensive rehabilitation after total laryngectomy is more than just restoration of the voice alone. Due to central position in the upper aerodigestive tract, its removal requires rehabilitation of all three ‘systems’ depending on respiratory airflow, i.e. Voice, Pulmonary and Olfactory functions. Rehabilitation of speech takes preference, but pulmonary and olfactory rehabilitation require multidisciplinary team effort in order to achieve optimal results and good quality of life.
Oncological Outcome of Transoral Laser Surgery in Laryngeal Carcinomas
Authors: Sadick H , Hörmann K
Published: March 2011

The principles of treatment of laryngeal carcinoma have undergone changes over the last few years and can be very complex with early (I-II) and advanced (III-IV) stage diseases to be differentiated. Recent emphasis is on organ preservation and laryngeal function. Transoral CO2laser surgery has become a standard surgical procedure not only in early stage I and II laryngeal carcinomas but also in advanced stage III cases in combination with postoperative adjuvante radiochemotherapy. This retrospective study reflects the role of transoral laser surgery as a single or multimodality treatment regime with neck dissection and postoperative radiochemotherapy in laryngeal carcinomas.

From January 1997 to February 2007, 239 patients (215 men and 24 women; mean age 61 years) were examined with laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (stage I-IV). 220 out of these 239 patients underwent transoral laser surgery, depending on their tumor stage either as a single or as a multimodality treatment regimen in combination with bilateral neck dissection and postoperative radio-chemotherapy. Thirteen patients underwent a transcervical tumor resection, 5 patients underwent radiochemotherapy alone and one patient refused a treatment of his tumor disease. Median follow-up time was 60 months.

The 5-year overall survival rate of the 220 patients who were treated with laser surgery was 86%. The 5-year recurrence-free survival rate was 69.5%. After laser surgical interventions, postoperative complications occurred in 16%.

The oncological outcome of transoral laser surgery as a single mode in early laryngeal carcinomas or in combination with bilateral neck dissection and postoperative adjuvant radiochemotherapy in advanced tumor stages is satisfying if clean surgical tumor margins (R0) can be reached. If tumor-free margins cannot be achieved (R1and R2resection) and transoral revision is not possible, transcervical procedures (total or partial laryngectomy) must be considered.
CO2 Laser Surgery for Early Laryngeal and Hypopharyngeal Cancer
Authors: Tubachi Jagadish , Kannan R , Hakeem Arsheed Hussain , Mehta Marzi , Pradhan Sultan A
Published: March 2011

Recent years have seen paradigm shift in the treatment of early laryngeal tumors towards microscopic CO2laser resection because of excellent oncologic and functional results. The coupling of the carbon dioxide (CO2) laser to the operating microscope has greatly simplified, even revolutionized, microlaryngoscopic surgery. Focus is now not just on oncological outcome but also on preservation of vocal function. This results in a continuous conflict between the need to remove tissue for oncological stability and the need to preserve tissue for optimal vocal function.
Malignant Transformation of Nonirradiated Recurrent Juvenile Laryngeal Papillomatosis
Authors: Tubachi Jagadish , Hakeem Arsheed Hussain , Kumar Rajay Ramesh , Pawar Satish
Published: March 2011

Very few cases of spontaneous malignant transformation of nonirradiated recurrent juvenile laryngeal papillomatosis (JLP) have been reported in literature. We document a case of invasive laryngeal carcinoma arising in pre-existing juvenile laryngeal papillomatosis. After multiple CO2Laser resections, a 29-year-old female, non-smoker, who had never received radiation therapy, developed a florid exophytic transglottic squamous cell carcinoma. Therefore, regular extensive biopsies and careful histopathological examination are required in cases of JLP. We also emphasize the need to maintain a high index of suspicion for malignant transformation in long standing cases.
Improvement of ozone forecast over Beijing based on ensemble Kalman filter with simultaneous adjustment of initial conditions and emissions
Authors: Tang X. , Zhu J. , Wang Z. F. , Gbaguidi A.
Published: March 2011

Abstract. We performed ozone data assimilation by simultaneously adjusting the ozone initial conditions, precursor initial conditions and emissions based on the Ensemble Kalman Filter (EnKF) and assessed its impacts on ozone modeling and forecasting in Beijing and nearby regions. A high-resolution regional air quality model and a newly established regional monitoring network covering Beijing and its surrounding areas were employed. At each assimilation cycle, the forecast error covariance was sampled from a set of forecast ensembles that were generated by perturbing ozone precursor initial conditions, emissions, photolysis rates and deposition velocity. A model-error module and a local analysis scheme have been introduced to reduce the impact of filter divergence and spurious correlation that accompanied with EnKF. The results showed significant improvement of 1-hour ozone forecast in Beijing and its surrounding areas through separately adjusting ozone initial conditions, precursor initial conditions and emissions with ozone observations. However, adjustment of precursor initial conditions and emissions had minor effect on the 1-hour ozone forecast in suburban area. The best ozone forecast skill was obtained through jointly adjusting ozone initial conditions, NOx and VOC initial conditions and emissions. The root mean square errors of 1-hour ozone forecast at urban sites and suburban sites decreased by 54% and 59% respectively compared with those in free run. Furthermore, the specific impacts of observations from urban and suburban sites on ozone data assimilation were evaluated by implementing sensitivity experiments. Both urban and suburban sites were found to be very important for the improvement of regional ozone forecast. The importance of observational data at urban sites was particularly highlighted through its role in constraining the uncertainty of precursor initial conditions and emission rates. Further improvement of regional ozone forecast might therefore be expected with more routine regional air pollution monitoring stations.
Results and recommendations from an intercomparison of six Hygroscopicity-TDMA systems
Authors: Massling A. , Niedermeier N. , Hennig T. , Fors E. O. , Swietlicki E. , Ehn M. , Hämeri K. , Villani P. , Laj P. , Good N. , McFiggans G. , Wiedensohler A.
Published: March 2011

Abstract. The performance of six custom-built Hygrocopicity-Tandem Differential Mobility Analyser (H-TDMA) systems was investigated in the frame of an international calibration and intercomparison workshop held in Leipzig, February 2006. The goal of the workshop was to harmonise H-TDMA measurements and develop recommendations for atmospheric measurements and their data evaluation. The H-TDMA systems were compared in terms of the sizing of dry particles, relative humidity (RH) uncertainty, and consistency in determination of number fractions of different hygroscopic particle groups. The experiments were performed in an air-conditioned laboratory using ammonium sulphate particles or an external mixture of ammonium sulphate and soot particles. The sizing of dry particles of the six H-TDMA systems was within 0.2 to 4.2% of the selected particle diameter depending on investigated size and individual system. Measurements of ammonium sulphate aerosol found deviations equivalent to 4.5% RH from the set point of 90% RH compared to results from previous experiments in the literature. Evaluation of the number fraction of particles within the clearly separated growth factor modes of a laboratory generated externally mixed aerosol was done. The data from the H-TDMAs was analysed with a single fitting routine to investigate differences caused by the different data evaluation procedures used for each H-TDMA. The differences between the H-TDMAs were reduced from +12/−13% to +8/−6% when the same analysis routine was applied. We conclude that a common data evaluation procedure to determine number fractions of externally mixed aerosols will improve the comparability of H-TDMA measurements. It is recommended to ensure proper calibration of all flow, temperature and RH sensors in the systems. It is most important to thermally insulate the aerosol humidification unit and the second DMA and to monitor these temperatures to an accuracy of 0.2 °C. For the correct determination of external mixtures, it is necessary to take into account size-dependent losses due to diffusion in the plumbing between the DMAs and in the aerosol humidification unit.
First observations of global and seasonal terrestrial chlorophyll fluorescence from space
Authors: Joiner J. , Yoshida Y. , Vasilkov A. P. , Yoshida Y. , Corp L. A. , Middleton E. M.
Published: March 2011

Abstract. Remote sensing of terrestrial vegetation fluorescence from space is of interest because it can potentially provide global coverage of the functional status of vegetation. For example, fluorescence observations may provide a means to detect vegetation stress before chlorophyll reductions take place. Although there have been many measurements of fluorescence from ground- and airborne-based instruments, there has been scant information available from satellites. In this work, we use high-spectral resolution data from the Thermal And Near-infrared Sensor for carbon Observation – Fourier Transform Spectrometer (TANSO-FTS) on the Japanese Greenhouse gases Observing SATellite (GOSAT) that is in a sun-synchronous orbit with an equator crossing time near 13:00 LT. We use filling-in of the potassium (K) I solar Fraunhofer line near 770 nm to derive chlorophyll fluorescence and related parameters such as the fluorescence yield at that wavelength. We map these parameters globally for two months (July and December 2009) and show a full seasonal cycle for several different locations, including two in the Amazonia region. We also compare the derived fluorescence information with that provided by the MODIS Enhanced Vegetation Index (EVI). These comparisons show that for several areas these two indices exhibit different seasonality and/or relative intensity variations, and that changes in fluorescence frequently lead those seen in the EVI for those regions. The derived fluorescence therefore provides information that is related to, but independent of the reflectance.
Short-term natural δ13C variations in pools and fluxes in a beech forest: the transfer of isotopic signal from recent photosynthates to soil respired CO2
Authors: Gavrichkova O. , Proietti S. , Moscatello S. , Portarena S. , Battistelli A. , Matteucci G. , Brugnoli E.
Published: March 2011

Abstract. The fate of photosynthetic products within the plant-soil continuum determines how long the reduced carbon resides within the ecosystem and when it returns back to the atmosphere in the form of respiratory CO2. We have tested the possibility of measuring natural variation in δ13C to disentangle potential times needed to transfer carbohydrates produced by photosynthesis down to roots and, in general, to belowground up to its further release in the form of soil respiration into the atmosphere in a beech (Fagus sylvatica) forest. For these purposes we have measured the variation in stable carbon and oxygen isotope compositions in plant material and in soil respired CO2 every three hours for three consequent days. Possible steps and different signs of post-photosynthetic fractionation during carbon translocation were also identified. A 12 h-periodicity was observed for variation in δ13C in soluble sugars in the top crown leaves and it can be explained by starch day/night dynamics in synthesis and breakdown and by stomatal limitations under elevated vapour pressure deficits. Photosynthetic products were transported down the trunk and mixed with older carbon pools, therefore causing the dampening of the δ13C signal variation. The strongest periodicity of 24 h was found in δ13C in soil respiration indicating changes in root contribution to the total CO2 efflux. Nevertheless, it was possible to identify the speed of carbon translocation through the plant-soil continuum. A period of 24 h was needed to transfer the C assimilated by photosynthesis from the top crown leaves to the tree trunk at breast height and additional 3 h for further respiration of that C by roots and soil microorganisms and its to subsequent diffusion back to the atmosphere.
The need for complementary hydraulic analysis in post-restoration monitoring of river restoration projects
Authors: Endreny T. A. , Soulman M. M.
Published: March 2011

Abstract. River restoration design methods are incrementally improved by studying and learning from monitoring data in previous projects. In this paper, we report post-restoration monitoring data for a Natural Channel Design (NCD) restoration project along 1600 m (10 channel wavelengths) of the Batavia Kill in the Catskill Mountains, NY, implemented in 2001 and 2002. The NCD project used a reference-reach to determine channel form, empirical relations between the project site and reference site bankfull dimensions to size channel geometry, and hydraulic and sediment computations to test channel capacity and sediment stability. In addition 12 cross-vanes and 48 j-hook vanes used in NCD for river training were installed to protect against bank erosion and maintain scour pools for fish habitat. Changes in pool depths were monitored with surveys from 2002–2004, and then after the channel-altering April 2005 flood. Aggradation in pools was attributed to cross-vane arms not concentrating flow in the center of the channel, which subsequently caused flow splitting and 4 partial point bar avulsions during the 2005 flood. Hydrodynamic simulation at the 18 m3s−1 bankfull flow suggested avulsions occurred where vanes allowed erosive bank scour to initiate the avulsion cut, and once the flow was split, the diminished in-channel flow caused more aggradation in the pools. In this project post-restoration monitoring had detected aggradation and considered it a problem. The lesson for the larger river restoration community is monitoring protocol should include complementary hydraulic and sediment analysis to comprehend potential consequences and develop preventative maintenance. River restoration and monitoring teams should be trained in robust hydraulic and sediment analytical methods that help them extend project restoration goals.
Visual Function and Subjective Quality of Life in Chinese Cataract Patients after Implantation with Aspheric Intraocular Lenses
Authors: Fang Yanwen , Lu Yi , Wu Xinhua , Miao Aizhu , Luo Yi
Published: March 2011

Purpose.

To evaluate and compare the objective and subjective visual function after implantation of 2 aspheric intraocular lenses (IOLs) in Chinese cataract patients.

Methods.

Forty-one eyes of 28 patients with cataract were randomly assigned to receive either the MC X11 ASP IOL or the AcrySof IQ IOL. Three months postoperatively, best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), contrast sensitivity, wavefront aberrations, and subjective visual quality were measured. The degree of posterior capsule opacification (PCO) was recorded at last follow-up.

Results.

Postoperative mean monocular BCVA was 0.05±0.13 logMAR in the MC X11 group and 0.05±0.08 logMAR in the IQ group. There was no significant difference in visual acuity, contrast sensitivity, subjective visual quality, and degree of PCO between the 2 groups. For a 6-mm pupil diameter, the mean spherical aberration (Z40) was 0.075±0.076 μm in the MC X11 group and 0.056±0.111 μm in the IQ group. However, 45.5% and 57.9% of the eyes in the MC X11 and IQ groups had values >0.10 μm, respectively. The mean RMS values of the high-order aberrations were similar between the 2 groups except the higher fifth- and sixth-order aberrations, which were significantly higher in the MC X11 group.

Conclusions.

Both IOLs provided similar and good visual outcomes. However, the data suggest that the amount of negative spherical aberration generated by current available aspheric IOLs might not be optimal for Chinese eyes.
Cell Biological Analysis of DT40 Knockout Cell Lines for Cell‐Cycle Genes
Authors: Suzuki Aussie , Fukagawa Tatsuo
Published: March 2011

DT40 is a chicken B cell line that has been widely used as a model for gene functional studies because the high level of homologous recombination in DT40 cells allows targeted disruption of a gene of interest. While our laboratory uses DT40 cells to understand kinetochore assembly and function, the approach is applicable to functional studies of other genes that are required for cell cycle progression. Protocols are presented for the creation of knockout cells and subsequent cell biological analyses for characterizing the phenotypes of these cells. Curr. Protoc. Cell Biol. 50:8.7.1‐8.7.17. © 2011 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
COS‐1 Cells as Packaging Host for Production of Lentiviruses
Authors: MacKenzie Crystal J. , Shioda Toshi
Published: March 2011

We present a protocol for in vitro production of recombinant lentiviruses using COS‐1 African green monkey kidney epithelial cells and HEK293T human embryonic kidney epithelial cells as packaging cells. COS‐1 and HEK293T express SV40 large T antigen, amplifying transfected circular plasmids harboring SV40 replication origin. Support protocols for evaluation of transfection efficiency by in situ β‐galactosidase enzyme activity assay and titer of infection‐capable virions are also provided. Advantages of using COS‐1 packaging cells over the standard HEK293T cells for contamination‐sensitive applications or automated processing are discussed. Curr. Protoc. Cell Biol. 50:26.7.1‐26.7.15. © 2011 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
β‐globin gene cluster haplotypes in sickle cell patients from Panamá
Authors: Rusanova Iryna , Cossio Gladys , Moreno Bélgica , Javier Perea F. , De Borace Rosaura G. , Perea Mauricio , Escames Germaine , Acuña‐Castroviejo Darío
Published: March 2011

Objective: To analyze the frequency of the haplotypes of β‐globin gene cluster in randomly selected patients withsickle cell disease (SCD), attended in the Children's Hospital of Panama.

Methods: Five polymorphic sites in the β‐globin gene cluster were analyzed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) followed by restriction digestion and agarose gel electrophoresis in a total of 100 patients, including 95 homozygous for HbS (sickle cell anemia) and 5 compound heterozygotes for HbS and HbC genes (HbSC disease).

Results: The Bantu haplotype was predominant with a frequency of 51%, followed by the Benin (30%), Senegal (8.5%), and Cameroon (4%); other haplotypes were also identified. Genotype was CAR/CAR in 39 patients, BEN/BEN in 22, SEN/SEN in 6, CAM/CAM in 4, ARB/ARB in 1, CAR/BEN in 15, CAR/SEN in 5, CAR/Hp5 in 3, CAR/Hp1 in 1, BEN/Hp11 in 1, Atp Hp1/Hp1 in 2, and Atp Hp5/Hp5 in 1 individual. Hemoglobin concentrations, hematocrit, and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration values did not differ among homozygous forms of haplotypes. The mean HbF in all patients was 15.39 ± 1.21, whereas SEN/SEN patients had higher HbF than BEN/BEN patients (24.26 ± 4.18 vs. 13.17 ± 2.39, respectively, P < 0.05). The percentage of reticulocytes was highest in BEN/BEN and CAR/CAR, and it was associated with worst prognosis.

Conclusion: The results show the presence of common βS haplotypes in Panama; the prevalence of African origin, and the similarity in the Panamanian and Colombian distribution of haplotypes. Am. J. Hum. Biol. 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.