bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Thermoablation of colorectal liver metastasis
Authors: Kulaylat Mahmoud N. , Gibbs John F.
Published: May 2010

Thermoablation is a local therapy that is effective in in situ destruction of colorectal liver metastasis while preserving surrounding normal liver tissue. It is less invasive compared to surgery, easy to use, and can be repeated. The therapy provides local control of unresectable disease and is an alternative therapy for small resectable lesions in patients with insufficient hepatic reserve after resection or coexistent comorbid conditions. It can artificially increase the resection margin thus increasing the number of patient candidate for resection. When used in conjunction with liver resection it clears the liver of multiple lesions that are surgically inaccessible or unresectable. Main limitations of the treatment are local recurrence of the disease, treatment‐related complications, and questionable impact on patient. Outcome of therapy can be improved when used as part of multimodality treatment. J. Surg. Oncol. 2010; 101:699‐705. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Ulcerative colitis and cancer
Authors: Kulaylat Mahmoud N. , Dayton Merril T.
Published: May 2010

Patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) are at an increased risk for the development of colorectal cancer (CRC). Unlike sporadic CRC, the cancer in UC patients arises from a focal or multifocal dysplastic mucosa in areas of inflammation. The clinical features of UC‐associated cancer are similar to those found in patients with hereditary non‐polyposis colorectal cancer. As with other varieties of CRC, UC‐associated cancer exhibits a variety of genetic and molecular changes/abnormalities. These abnormalities are however clustered in areas of mucosae with histological abnormalities. The magnitude and timing of these changes are however significantly different. Surveillance and identification of patients at risk for cancer are a challenging problem. J. Surg. Oncol. 2010; 101:706‐712. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
NMR assignment and characterization of proton exchange of the ellagitannin granatin B
Authors: Steinmetz Wayne E.
Published: May 2010

Granatin B, a complex ellagitannin extracted from pomegranate fruit, has two equilibrating isomers, form a and form b. A full ensemble of proton and carbon‐13 NMR methods over a wide range of temperature enabled a complete assignment of the more abundant isomer and showed it to be form b. This result is based on the NMR data for granatin alone and agrees with the previous determinations which were based on a combination of chemical methods and a partial assignment of the NMR spectra. The new NMR spectra also yield exchange rates for the hydroxyl protons as a function of temperature. A molecular model involving hydrogen bonding provides an explanation for the exchange data. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Repeatability of ultrasonographic median nerve measures
Authors: Impink Bradley G. , Gagnon Dany , Collinger Jennifer L. , Boninger Michael L.
Published: May 2010

In this study we investigated the reliability of ultrasound in measuring median nerve characteristics including cross‐sectional area (CSA), flattening ratio (FR), swelling ratio (SR), and mean grayscale. Generalizability theory was used to assess inter‐ and intrarater reliability using the dependability coefficient (ϕ), normalized standard error of measurement, and normalized minimum detectable change (MDCNORM) for multiple study design protocols. Interrater reliability was generally moderate. Intrarater reliability was mostly good (ϕ > 0.876) when using a single image, captured on one occasion, and being read once. Intrarater MDCNORM ranged from 3.8% to 6.2% for all CSA measures and SR. Using multiple images and/or readings at multiple occasions did not appreciably improve reliability measures. Ultrasound is a reliable tool for measuring median nerve characteristics. We recommend that a single evaluator capture all images for protocols aimed at quantifying median nerve ultrasound measures. We believe an appropriately designed protocol can utilize ultrasound to accurately assess changes in median nerve characteristics after activity. Muscle Nerve, 2010
Performance of seismically loaded shearwalls on nonlinear shallow foundations
Authors: Raychowdhury Prishati , Hutchinson Tara C.
Published: May 2010

If utilized, the energy dissipative capability of seismically loaded shallow foundations due to inelastic behavior can result in more economic design, provided the consequences, such as excessive deformations are accounted for. In this article, a Beam‐on‐Nonlinear‐Winkler‐Foundation (BNWF) model is used to assess the performance of shearwall‐foundation systems with different attributes, when subjected to ground motions of varied hazard levels. The numerical study indicates that the force and drift demands to the shearwall reduce significantly, when nonlinear foundation behavior is realized, while permanent settlement is well below the permissible limit. These results support the concept of shallow foundation capacity mobilization in future design. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Nuclear STK15 expression is associated with aggressive behaviour of oral carcinoma cells in vivo and in vitro
Authors: Kao Shou‐Yen , Chen Yu‐Ping , Tu Hsi‐Feng , Liu Chung‐Ji , Yu Ann‐How , Wu Cheng‐Hsien , Chang Kuo‐Wei
Published: May 2010

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers worldwide. Chromosome 20q is a hotspot for gene amplification in OSCC and the serine/threonine kinase STK15 (also named Aurora‐A) maps to 20q13. The amplification and over‐expression of STK15 is common in neoplasia but the functional and clinical impact of STK15 in OSCC remains poorly understood. STK15 copy number is amplified in 12% of OSCCs and nuclear STK15 protein expression increases with tumour progression. In vivo elevated nuclear STK15 protein expression is significantly associated with the worse prognosis of OSCC patients. The combination of high nuclear STK15 and Ki‐67 expression has a 2.55‐fold hazard for cancer‐associated mortality. In vitro knockdown of STK15 reduced the oncogenic phenotypes of OECM‐1 cells. Injection of lentivirus carrying shRNA vectors against STK15 significantly reduced the growth of SAS xenografts on nude mice. Knockdown of STK15 also induced autophagy and apoptosis of OSCC cells. Our data provide evidence that STK15 is oncogenic for OSCC and that its nuclear expression is a predictor of clinical behaviour. Knockdown of STK15 could be a potential therapeutic option in OSCC and other tumours. Copyright © 2010 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Validated front contact grid simulation for GaAs solar cells under concentrated sunlight
Authors: Steiner Marc , Philipps Simon P. , Hermle Martin , Bett Andreas W. , Dimroth Frank
Published: May 2010

In a common approach, the electric behavior of a solar cell is modeled by dividing it into smaller sub‐circuits and solving the resulting network by a circuit simulator. In this paper detailed network simulations are presented for a GaAs single‐junction solar cell. All resistive losses and losses influencing the diode saturation currents, such as recombination in the depletion region or at the perimeter are taken into account. With this model the maximum power point of a solar cell can be calculated for one‐sun and for higher illumination intensities. The results were validated experimentally using suitable test structures. This includes solar cell devices with varying dimensions, grid finger spacing and lengths. An excellent agreement between theoretical and experimental results was obtained. The network simulation model allows determining the optimum size and concentration ratio at which a solar cell operates at its maximum efficiency. In the case of a GaAs single‐junction solar cell this global efficiency maximum was found for an area of 1 mm2and at a concentration ratio of 450 suns. Under these conditions the largest loss mechanisms are the finger shading with 36.1% and the emitter resistance losses with 21.5% of the total power losses. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Substituent effects of N‐alkyl groups on thermally induced polymerization behavior of 1,3‐benzoxazines
Authors: Sudo Atsushi , Du Long‐Chao , Hirayama Shoji , Endo Takeshi
Published: May 2010

Thermally induced polymerizations of a series of 1,3‐benzoxazines with a variety of substituents on the nitrogen atom were investigated in detail, particularly in the following three aspects of the polymerization: (1) N‐alkyl‐1,3‐benzoxazines are much more reactive than N‐phenyl‐1,3‐benzoxazine. (2) The polymerization rate depended on the bulkiness of the N‐substituent. The bulkier the substituent was, the slower the polymerization was. (3) The polymerizations accompanied weight loss due to the elimination of the corresponding imine (R‐N = CH2), and its extent became larger when R was more bulky. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 48: 2777–2782, 2010
Water‐soluble, thermoresponsive, hyperbranched copolymers based on PEG‐methacrylates: Synthesis, characterization, and LCST behavior
Authors: Luzon Mario , Boyer Cyrille , Peinado Carmen , Corrales Teresa , Whittaker Michael , Tao Lei , Davis Thomas P.
Published: May 2010

A series of water‐soluble thermoresponsive hyperbranched copoly(oligoethylene glycol)s were synthesized by copolymerization of di(ethylene glycol) methacrylate (DEG‐MA) and oligo(ethylene glycol) methacrylate (OEG‐MA, Mw = 475 g/mol), with ethylene glycol dimethacrylate (EGD‐MA) used as the crosslinker, via reversible addition fragmentation chain transfer polymerization. Polymers were characterized by size exclusion chromatography and nuclear magnetic resonance analyses. According to the monomer composition, that is, the ratio of OEG‐MA: DEG‐MA: EGD‐MA, the lower critical solution temperature (LCST) could be tuned from 25 °C to 90 °C. The thermoresponsive properties of these hyperbranched copolymers were studied carefully and compared with their linear analogs. It was found that molecular architecture influences thermoresponsive behavior, with a decrease of around 5–10 °C in the LCST of the hyperbranched polymers compared with the LCST of linear chains. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 48: 2783–2792, 2010
The effects of abstractable hydrogen in radical photopolymerization of maleate/vinyl ether monomers studied with EPR and photo‐RTIR
Authors: Haraldsson Tommy , Johansson Mats , Hult Anders
Published: May 2010

In this contribution, the influence of abstractable hydrogen on the kinetics of photopolymerized vinyl ether/maleate monomer formulations is reported. The effects of chain transfer on the polymerization rate were studied with photo real‐time Infra Red (IR) for formulations composed of equimolar amounts of diethyl maleate (DEMA) and three different vinyl ethers; methyl hexyl vinyl ether where the abstractable hydrogens adjacent to the vinyl functionality have been replaced with methyl groups, ethyl hexyl vinyl ether (EHVE) which has two easily abstractable α‐hydrogens and triethylene glycol methyl vinyl ether (TEGMVE), which has several abstractable hydrogens. Four conclusions are drawn from these studies: (i) the vinyl ether/maleate kinetics differs significantly from the classical expression Rp = KI0.5, with recorded exponential factors of 0.84 ± 0.04 in the absence of easily abstractable hydrogens; (ii) the presence of abstractable hydrogens significantly changes the kinetics of vinyl ether/maleate polymerizations with recorded exponential factors of 0.55 ± 0.04 for EHVE/DEMA and 0.70 ± 0.04 for TEGMVE/DEMA; (iii) the presence of easily abstractable hydrogens leads to a preferential consumption of maleates; and (iv) electron paramagnetic resonance studies show that vinyloxy‐like radicals constitute the majority of the radicals in the systems with easily abstractable hydrogens. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 48: 2810–2816, 2010
A mixed cyclodextrin‐biphenyl thermotropic liquid crystal: Synthesis, liquid‐crystalline properties, and supramolecular organization
Authors: Chen Li , Hu Tian‐Hui , Xie He‐Lou , Zhang Hai‐Liang
Published: May 2010

A well‐defined structure liquid crystal heptakis [6‐deoxy‐6‐(1‐H‐1,2,3‐triazol‐4‐yl)(methyl)6‐(4‐methoxybiphenyl‐4′‐yloxy) hexanoyl]‐β‐cyclodextrin (H6B‐β‐CD) was synthesized from propargyl 6‐(4‐methoxybiphenyl‐4′‐yloxy) hexanoate (P6B) and heptakis (6‐deoxy‐6‐azido)‐β‐cyclodextrin ((N3)7‐β‐CD) by click reaction. The chemical structure of H6B‐β‐CD was confirmed by 1H NMR, FTIR, and MALDI‐TOF MS. The thermal stability of the compound was investigated by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The liquid crystalline behavior was studied by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), polarizing optical microcopy (POM), and wide‐angle X‐ray diffraction (WAXD) measurement. These investigations have shown that the supramolecular structure of H6B‐β‐CD are consisted of a large scale ordered lamellar structure and a small scale ordered structure (SmE) at low temperature region. As the temperature increases, the small scale structure becomes disordered relatively in the first instance, from smectic E to smectic A. Then, the lamellar structure collapses and nematic phase and isotropic phase are observed in sequence. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 48: 2838–2845, 2010
The EORTC cancer outpatient satisfaction with care questionnaire in ambulatory radiotherapy: EORTC OUT‐PATSAT35 RT. Validation study for Spanish patients
Authors: Arraras Juan Ignacio , Rico Mikel , Vila Meritxell , Chicata Volker , Asin Gemma , Martinez Maite , Hernandez Berta , Arias Fernando , Martinez Enrique
Published: May 2010

Objectives: The EORTC OUT‐PATSAT35 RT questionnaire evaluates the satisfaction with care (SC) expressed by cancer outpatients treated with radiotherapy. In this study we assess the psychometric properties of the OUT‐PATSAT35 RT when applied to a sample of Spanish patients.

Methods: A total of 100 patients with different tumor sites completed the EORTC core questionnaire, QLQ‐C30, the OUT‐PATSAT35 RT, the Oberst patients' perception of care quality and satisfaction scale (OS) and the item on intention to recommend the hospital (IR). Psychometric evaluation of the structure, reliability and validity of the questionnaire was conducted.

Results: Multitrait‐scaling analysis showed that 33 out of 34 item–scale correlation coefficients met the standards for convergent validity and that many of them met the standards for discriminant validity. Cronbach's coefficients were good (0.70–0.97) for all scales except environment.

Correlations between the areas of the QLQ‐C30 and OUT‐PATSAT35 RT were generally low (<0.40). Correlations between the OS and the IR were moderate with the EORTC OUT‐PATSAT35 RT. Areas whose contents were more related had higher correlation coefficients (>0.50), and vice versa (<0.20).

Patients with higher scores on the OS and the IR, patients who had more visits to the doctor and patients who had a better performance status showed higher SC levels in 12, 8 and 1 OUT‐PATSAT35 RT areas, respectively.

Conclusions: The OUT‐PATSAT35 RT appears to be a reliable and valid instrument when applied to a sample of Spanish cancer patients. These results are in line with those of the validation study conducted by the authors of the questionnaire. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Growth and characterization of free‐standing zinc‐blende GaN layers and substrates
Authors: Novikov S. V. , Foxon C. T. , Kent A. J.
Published: May 2010

We have investigated the growth of bulk, free‐standing zinc‐blende (cubic) GaN layers by plasma‐assisted molecular beam epitaxy (PA‐MBE). The PA‐MBE technique was used for bulk crystal growth and GaN layers up to 100 µm in thickness were produced. We have established that the best structural properties of free‐standing zinc‐blende GaN can be achieved with initiation under Ga‐rich conditions, but without Ga droplet formation. The procedure to produce free‐standing bulk zinc‐blende substrates from thick GaN layers grown on GaAs substrates has been developed. We have demonstrated the scalability of the process by growing free‐standing GaN layers up to 3 in. in diameter. Growth of free‐standing bulk GaN layers has allowed us to refine the values for the basic parameters of zinc‐blende GaN. We have demonstrated also that the PA‐MBE process we have developed has allowed us to achieve free‐standing AlxGa1−xN wafers.
Single‐Centre Experience of Radiation Exposure in Acute Surgical Patients: Assessment of Therapeutic Impact and Future Recommendations
Authors: Fitzmaurice Gerard J. , Brown Robin , Cranley Brian , Conlon Enda F. , Todd R. Alan J. , O’Donnell Mark E.
Published: May 2010

Background

Radiological investigations have become a key adjunct in patient management and consequently radiation exposure to patients is increasing. The study objectives were to examine the use of radiological investigations in the management of acute surgical patients and to assess whether a guideline‐based radiation exposure risk/benefit analysis can aid in the choice of radiological investigation used.

Methods

A prospective observational study was completed over a 12‐week period from April to July 2008 for all acute surgical admissions. Data recorded included demographics, clinical presentation, differential diagnosis, investigations, surgical interventions, and final clinical outcome. The use of radiological investigative modalities as an adjunct to clinical assessment was then evaluated against The Royal College of Radiologists (RCR) guidelines.

Results

A total of 380 acute surgical admissions (M = 174, F = 185, children = 21) were assessed during the study period. Seven hundred thirty‐four radiological investigations were performed with a mean of 1.93 investigations per patient. Based on the RCR guidelines, 680 (92.6%) radiological investigations were warranted and included 142 CT scans (19.3%), 129 chest X‐rays (17.6%), and 85 abdominal X‐rays (11.6%). Clinically, radiological imaging complemented surgical management in 326 patients (85.8%) and the management plan remained unchanged for the remaining 54 patients (14.2%). This accounted for an average radiation dose of 4.18 millisievert (mSv) per patient or 626 days of background radiation exposure. CT imaging was responsible for the majority of the radiation exposure, with a total of 1310 mSv (82.6%) of the total radiation exposure being attributed to CT imaging in 20.8% of acute admissions. Subgroup analysis demonstrated that 92.8% of the CT scans performed were appropriate.

Conclusion

Radiation exposure was generally low for the majority of acute surgical admissions. However, it is recommended that CT imaging requests be evaluated carefully, particularly for patients with clinically confirmed pathologies and in younger women.
Interference of host plant morphology and phenology and their correlation with abundance patterns of the leaf galling sawfly Pontania proxima
Authors: Kehl Alexandra , Rambold Gerhard
Published: May 2010

The host taxon preference of Pontania proxima (Serville 1823) (Tenthredinidae, Hymenoptera) was investigated by observing densities of galls on previously genotypically and phenotypically characterized clones representing three taxa of a hybrid complex, i.e., Salix alba, Salix × rubens, and Salix fragilis. Gall densities among these three taxa were observed by using two experimental designs: (1) an indoor experiment in a greenhouse flight cage, and (2) an outdoor experiment on a plantation of cuttings. Subsequently, observed gall densities were related with selected, characteristic phenotypical properties of the host plants. In the indoor experiment, S. fragilis was clearly preferred by P. proxima, while in the outdoor experiment, S. × rubens revealed the highest gall densities. The factor “foliation start” was excluded in the indoor experiment, but best explained the preference of S. × rubens in the outdoor experiment. The results of a linear regression model affirmed on the one hand that morphological properties should be expected as relevant signals during the host plant selection process of P. proxima. On the other hand, it was shown that other phenotypical factors such as foliation start in spring contribute to an interference of factors being relevant for host plant selectivity. The earlier foliation start of the morphological intermediate S. × rubens in the outdoor experiment shifts resource availability towards that taxon at an early oviposition phase of P. proxima and therefore entails a different gall distribution pattern with a preference for the hybrid under natural conditions.
Cobalamin status in children
Authors: Bjørke‐Monsen Anne‐Lise , Ueland Per Magne
Published: May 2010

Cobalamin and the metabolic markers methylmalonic acid and total homocysteine undergo marked changes during childhood. In breastfed infants a metabolic profile indicative of cobalamin deficiency is common. Symptoms of cobalamin deficiency in children differ with age, presenting a continuum from subtle developmental delay to life‐threatening clinical conditions. The symptoms may be difficult to detect, particularly in infants, and there tends to be a diagnostic delay of several months in this age group. Several reports show that even moderate deficiency in children may be harmful, and long‐term consequences of neurological deterioration may persist after cobalamin deficiency has been treated. Given the crucial role of cobalamin for normal growth and development, possible widespread infantile deficiency needs attention. Cobalamin deficiency should be considered a differential diagnosis in children with subtle symptoms, and strategies to prevent cobalamin deficiency in mothers and children should be addressed.
Proximal Carpal Row Dislocation: A Case Report
Authors: Capo John T. , Armbruster Edward J. , Hashem Jenifer
Published: May 2010

Carpal dislocations commonly occur as the result of high-energy axial loading of the forearm with the wrist extended. There exists several variants of carpal dislocations with the most commonly observed being those about the lunate. Perilunate dislocations and fracture dislocations were first characterized by Mayfield in 1980 and represent a spectrum of traumatic carpal dislocation beginning radial and progressing to the ulnar side of the wrist (Mayfield et al. J Hand Surg [Am] 5:226–241, 1980). The path of energy takes a predictable pattern around the lunate from the scapho-lunate ligament, into the mid-carpal joint and then to the luno-triquetral joint. The final stage is volar dislocation of the lunate into the carpal canal. These complex fracture dislocations are unstable and require operative fixation through open reduction and with internal fixation (Herzberg et al. J Hand Surg [Am] 18:768–779, 1993; Adkison and Chapman Clin Orthop Rel Res 164:199–207, 1982). Other types of carpal dislocations have been described; however, these are much less frequently encountered (Green and O'Brien Clin Orthop Rel Res 149:55–72, 1980; Irwin et al. J Hand Surg [Br] 20B:746–749, 1995; Rosado J Bone Joint Surg 48B:504–506, 1966). These also include mid-carpal instability and longitudinal (axial) instability and have been described extensively in the literature (Norbeck et al. J Hand Surg 12A:509–514, 1987; Primiano and Reef J Bone Joint Surg 56A:328–332, 1974; Garcia-Elias et al. J Hand Surg 14A:446–457, 1989; Taleisnik Hand Clinics 3:51–68, 1987). Carpal instabilities can be characterized as dissociative which disrupt joints within a carpal row, or as non-dissociative which have dislocations or subluxations between carpal rows (Dobyns and Cooney 1998). We report a case of complex carpal injury non-dissociative involving dislocation of the entire proximal carpal row volarly. To our knowledge such a variation of complex carpal dislocation has not been reported. This injury represents yet another possible variant encountered when treating high-energy injuries to the wrist.
Protein structure prediction with the 3D-HP side-chain model using a master–slave parallel genetic algorithm
Authors: Benítez César Manuel Vargas , Lopes Heitor Silvério
Published: May 2010

This work presents a master-slave parallel genetic algorithm for the protein folding problem, using the 3D-HP side-chain model (3D-HP-SC). This model is sparsely studied in the literature, although more expressive than other lattice models. The fitness function proposed includes information not only about the free-energy of the conformation, but also compactness of the side-chains. Since there is no benchmark available to date for this model, a set of 15 sequences was used, based on a simpler model. Results show that the parallel GA achieved a good level of efficiency and obtained biologically coherent results, suggesting the adequacy of the methodology. Future work will include new biologically-inspired genetic operators and more experiments to create new benchmarks.
Angebote zur Suchtprävention für Migranten
Authors: Bisson Susanne , Gerken Ute , Salman Ramazan , Krauth Christian , Machleidt Wielant , Walter Ulla
Published: May 2010

Einleitung

An der Medizinischen Hochschule Hannover wurde von 2004 bis 2008 das vom Bundesministerium für Bildung und Forschung geförderte Projekt „Effektivität des Zugangsweges über muttersprachliche Präventionsberater zur Optimierung des Gesundheitsverhaltens von Migranten“ durchgeführt. In Kooperation mit dem Ethno-Medizinischen Zentrum e.V., Hannover (EMZ) wurden vier Zugangswege zur Gewinnung von Teilnehmern an russisch- und türkischsprachigen Informationsveranstaltungen zu Suchtprävention untersucht.
The nutrition transition in Barbados: trends in macronutrient supply from 1961 to 2003
Authors: Sheehy T. , Sharma S.
Published: May 2010

Barbados has been experiencing increasing rates of obesity and chronic non-communicable diseases characteristic of a country in nutrition transition. However, few studies have been carried out on how precisely the diet has changed in recent decades. Our aim was to analyse the FAO food balance sheets for Barbados from 1961 to 2003 in order to characterise the changes that have taken place in the macronutrient supply of the country during that period. Annual food balance sheets were downloaded from the FAOSTAT database, and per capita supply for twelve commodity groupings was analysed for energy and macronutrient levels using WISP dietary analysis software (Tinuviel Software, Llanfechell, Anglesey, UK). The food supply in 2003 provided over 2500 kJ (about 600 kcal) more energy per capita per d than it did in 1961. Energy from carbohydrate as a percentage of total energy has fallen from 70 % in 1961 to 57 % in 2003 and is now at the lower end of WHO recommendations. Energy from fat as a percentage of total energy increased from 19 % to 28 % and now lies at the upper end of WHO recommendations. Sugars, at over 17 % of dietary energy, are well above the upper limit set by the WHO. Despite having methodological limitations associated with the use of food balance statistics, our data suggest that these imbalances need to be addressed as a matter of priority in order to try to reverse the incidence of nutrition-related chronic diseases that are projected to cause increasing disability and premature death in the country in the coming years.
High-speed digital imaging laryngoscopy of the neoglottis following supracricoid laryngectomy with cricohyoidoepiglottopexy
Authors: Hayashi S , Hirose H , Tayama N , Imagawa H , Nakayama M , Seino Y , Okamoto M , Kimura M , Nito T
Published: May 2010

Objectives:

This study aimed to analyse vocal performance and to investigate the nature of the neoglottal sound source in patients who had undergone supracricoid laryngectomy with cricohyoidoepiglottopexy, using a high-speed digital imaging system.

Methods:

High-speed digital imaging analysis of neoglottal kinetics was performed in two patients who had undergone supracricoid laryngectomy with cricohyoidoepiglottopexy; laryngotopography, inverse filtering analysis and multiline kymography were also undertaken.

Results:

In case one, laryngotopography demonstrated two vibrating areas: one matched with the primary (i.e. fundamental) frequency (75 Hz) and the other with the secondary frequency (150 Hz) at the neoglottis. In case two, laryngotopography showed two vibrating areas matched with the fundamental frequency (172 Hz) at the neoglottis. The interaction between the two areas was considered to be the sound source in both patients. The waveform of the estimated volume flow at the neoglottis, obtained by inverse filtering analysis, corresponded well to the neoglottal vibration patterns derived by multiline kymography. These findings indicated that the specific sites identified at the neoglottis by the present method were likely to be the sound source in each patient.

Conclusions:

High-speed digital imaging analysis is effective in locating the sites responsible for voice production in patients who have undergone supracricoid laryngectomy with cricohyoidoepiglottopexy. This is the first study to clearly identify the neoglottal sound source in such patients, using a high-speed digital imaging system.
Faeces, FACS, and functional assays – preparation of Isospora suis oocyst antigen and representative controls for immunoassays
Authors: WORLICZEK H. L. , RUTTKOWSKI B. , JOACHIM A. , SAALMÜLLER A. , GERNER W.
Published: May 2010

Highly purified antigen and appropriate controls are essential for antigen-specific immunoassays. In the case of Isospora suis, the causative agent of neonatal porcine coccidiosis, the only current source of antigen is oocysts isolated from faeces. The aim of this study was to develop a procedure for high-grade purification of I. suis oocysts from piglet faeces to obtain both antigen and representative controls suitable for in vitro re-stimulation of lymphocytes. This was achieved by use of filtration, density-gradient centrifugation and fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS). The feasibility for immunological studies was demonstrated with IFN-γ ELISPOT assays after in vitro re-stimulation of lymphocytes from previously infected swine using the obtained antigen. The developed method allowed the production of highly purified antigen and representative controls from faeces with an oocyst recovery rate of 14%. Regarding the application of the obtained material it could be shown that lymphocytes from I. suis-infected pigs react in an antigen-specific manner in terms of an in vitro recall response by the production of IFN-γ. This demonstrates the suitability of the developed method for the production of antigen and controls for sensitive immunological readout systems. Moreover, the detected specific IFN-γ response encourages further functional studies on the cellular immune response to I. suis.
The Bible and Israeli Identity
Authors: Shapira Anita
Published: May 2010

ldquo;In our two thousand years of exile, we have not totally lost our creativity, but the sheen of the Bible dulled in exile, as did the sheen of the Jewish people. Only with the renewal of the homeland and Hebrew independence have we been able to reassess the Bible in its true, full light,” Israel's first Prime Minister, David Ben-Gurion, wrote in 1953. This statement illustrates several core attitudes of the Jewish national renaissance movement towards the Bible. Ben-Gurion depicted a direct relationship between the state of the Jewish people and the status of the Bible: The two rose and fell together. His words are reminiscent of philosopher Martin Buber, Revisionist leader Zeءev Jabotinsky, and others, all of whom postulated a symbiotic relationship between the Jewish people and the land of Israel: “Just as the Jewish people need the land to live a full life, so the land needs the Jewish people to be complete” wrote Buber. The Bible, according to Ben-Gurion, was the third component of the Jewish “holy trinity” of people, land, and book. It served as testimony of Jewish national life in the land of Israel in former times, as a blueprint for reestablishing this way of life, as proof of a glorious past and promise for the future. It nurtured a national romanticism and both inspired and buttressed universal ideas; it was the bedrock of myth and epos, of earthliness and valor, and also of a system of ethics and faith that rein in and restrain muscle and brawn. It was paradoxical proof of both Jewish uniqueness and Jewish similitude, “like all the nations” (I Samuel 8:5); “materialism” and “spirituality”; historical continuity and historical severance between the people and the land.
Human meningitis from Streptococcus equi subsp. zooepidemicus acquired as zoonoses
Authors: MINCES L. R. , BROWN P. J. , VELDKAMP P. J.
Published: May 2010

Streptococcus equi subsp. zooepidemicus rarely causes meningitis in humans by contact with domestic animals or their unpasteurized products. In this paper we reviewed the literature pertaining to the epidemiological and clinical aspects relating to this infection on previously reported cases of human disease. Additionally, the case of a 51-year-old female who acquired meningitis with this organism after contact with a horse is described. This patient was successfully treated with ceftriaxone, yet penicillin remains the treatment of choice. This aetiological agent should be considered in the proper epidemiological context.
The role of pulmonary intravascular macrophages in porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus infection
Authors: Thanawongnuwech Roongroje , Halbur Patrick G. , Thacker Eileen L.
Published: May 2010

The objective of this article is to summarize the current state of knowledge of the complex interaction of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) and porcine pulmonary intravascular macrophages (PIMs). PIMs play an important role in pulmonary surveillance, and in the past few years we have investigated their role in PRRSV infection. PRRSV antigens and nucleic acids have been demonstrated in PIMs bothin vitroandin vivo. Examination of cultured PIMs infected with PRRSV revealed the accumulation of viral particles in the smooth-walled vesicles. PRRSV-infected PIMsin vitroyielded a virus titer similar to pulmonary alveolar macrophages. PRRSV infection induces either apoptosis or cell lysis of PIMs. Thein vitrobactericidal activity of PRRSV-infected PIMs is significantly decreased. Phagocytic activity of PIMs, as measured by pulmonary copper clearance, is significantly decreased in PRRSV-infected pigs. This evidence supports the hypothesis that PRRSV-induced damage to PIMs results in increased susceptibility to bacteremic diseases. Recent studies with PRRSV andStreptococcus suiscoinfection confirmed that PRRSV predisposes pigs toS. suisinfection and bacteremia. These results could explain the increase in bacterial respiratory diseases and septicemias observed in PRRSV-infected pigs.
A comprehensive review of goat pox and sheep pox and their diagnosis
Authors: Rao T. V. S. , Bandyopadhyay S. K.
Published: May 2010

Sheep and goats occupy a premier place in the livestock industry and contribute significantly to the world economy. Their populations are threatened by a number of health hazards, among the most notable of which are goat pox and sheep pox. These diseases inflict substantial losses in terms of reduced productivity and lower quality of wool and leather. They pose a major obstacle to the intensive rearing of sheep and goats and considerably hamper international trade. A comprehensive knowledge of goat pox and sheep pox would help in the diagnosis, prevention and control as well as the management of these diseases in a proper and effective manner. Although the two diseases are easily identified from the clinical signs and host species affected, laboratory tests are needed for confirmation. A battery of simple but highly efficient diagnostic methods and reagents is available for goat pox and sheep pox. However, the best way to control these diseases is the prophylactic immunization of all susceptible animals with a potent and efficacious vaccine, especially in areas where these diseases are endemic.
Macrophysical and optical properties of midlatitude cirrus clouds from four ground‐based lidars and collocated CALIOP observations
Authors: Dupont J.‐C. , Haeffelin M. , Morille Y. , Noël V. , Keckhut P. , Winker D. , Comstock J. , Chervet P. , Roblin A.
Published: May 2010

Ground‐based lidar and Cloud‐Aerosol Lidar with Orthogonal Polarization (CALIOP) data sets gathered over four midlatitude sites, two U.S. and two French sites, are used to evaluate the consistency of cloud macrophysical and optical property climatologies that can be derived by such data sets. The consistency in average cloud height (both base and top height) between the CALIOP and ground data sets ranges from −0.4 km to +0.5 km. The cloud geometrical thickness distributions vary significantly between the different data sets, due in part to the original vertical resolutions of the lidar profiles. Average cloud geometrical thicknesses vary from 1.2 to 1.9 km, i.e., by more than 50%. Cloud optical thickness distributions in subvisible, semitransparent, and moderate intervals differ by more than 50% between ground‐ and space‐based data sets. The cirrus clouds with optical thickness below 0.1 (not included in historical cloud climatologies) represent 30–50% of the nonopaque cirrus class. An important part of this work consists in quantifying the different possible causes of discrepancies between CALIOP and surface lidar. The differences in average cloud base altitude between ground and CALIOP data sets can be attributed to (1) irregular sampling of seasonal variations in the ground‐based data, (2) day‐night differences in detection capabilities by CALIOP, and (3) the restriction to situations without low‐level clouds in ground‐based data. Cloud geometrical thicknesses are not affected by irregular sampling of seasonal variations in the ground‐based data but by the day‐night differences in detection capabilities of CALIOP and by the restriction to situations without low‐level clouds in ground‐based data.
Water isotope ratio (δ2H and δ18O) measurements in atmospheric moisture using an optical feedback cavity enhanced absorption laser spectrometer
Authors: Iannone Rosario Q. , Romanini Daniele , Cattani Olivier , Meijer Harro A. J. , Kerstel Erik R. Th.
Published: May 2010

Water vapor isotopes represent an innovative and excellent tool for understanding complex mechanisms in the atmospheric water cycle over different time scales, and they can be used for a variety of applications in the fields of paleoclimatology, hydrology, oceanography, and ecology. We use an ultrasensitive near‐infrared spectrometer, originally designed for use on airborne platforms in the upper troposphere and lower stratosphere, to measure the water deuterium and oxygen‐18 isotope ratios in situ, in ground‐level tropospheric moisture, with a high temporal resolution (from 300 s down to less than 1 s). We present some examples of continuous monitoring of near‐surface atmospheric moisture, demonstrating that our infrared laser spectrometer could be used successfully to record high‐concentration atmospheric water vapor mixing ratios in continuous time series, with a data coverage of ∼90%, interrupted only for daily calibration to two isotope ratio mass spectrometry–calibrated local water standards. The atmospheric data show that the water vapor isotopic composition exhibits a high variability that can be related to weather conditions, especially to changes in relative humidity. Besides, the results suggest that observed spatial and temporal variations of the stable isotope content of atmospheric water vapor are strongly related to water vapor transport in the atmosphere.
Bioscreening of phage display antibody library and expression of a humanized single‐chain variable fragment antibody against human connective tissue growth factor (CTGF/CCN2)
Authors: Wu Guoqiu , Fan Xiaobo , Wu Hongbin , Liu Naifeng , Li Xiaofang , Gou Lixia , Nie Yu , Zhao Rui , Xi Tao
Published: May 2010

Excessive expression of CTGF (connective tissue growth factor)/CCN2 has been observed in many fibrotic diseases. The inhibition of the CTGF/CCN2 by antibody has been shown to be clinically useful for the management of fibrosis. A phage display humanized single‐chain Fv antibody library was screened using CTGF/C (CTGF/CCN2 C‐terminal domain) as the target. A phage ELISA was performed after four rounds of biopanning, and ten positive clones were further evaluated by ELISA and were chosen for DNA sequencing. The DNA encoding scFv (single‐chain variable fragment) containing a full‐length variable domain fragment of heavy chain and light chain of human immunoglobulin was inserted into pET‐32(a)+ vector, and the fusion protein (TrxA–scFv) containing a thrombin cleavage site was expressed mainly in soluble form. The scFv was obtained by purified fusion protein digested with thrombin and then separated from the fusion partner TrxA by gel‐filtration chromatography. An immunological assay showed that the purified scFv reacted with CTGF/CCN2 in a concentration‐dependent manner. The result of the cell migration assay demonstrated that the scFv at 100 ng/ml could effectively inhibit the migration of HUVEC (human umbilical‐vein endothelial cells) caused by CTGF/C. The number of migratory cells was significantly decreased as compared with the negative control (1062±92 versus 3269±288, P<0.001) and the inhibition rate was 90.5%.
Identification of a novel UDP-sugar pyrophosphorylase with a broad substrate specificity in Trypanosoma cruzi
Authors: Yang Ting , Bar-Peled Maor
Published: May 2010

The diverse types of glycoconjugates synthesized by trypanosomatid parasites are unique compared with the host cells. These glycans are required for the parasite survival, invasion or evasion of the host immune system. Synthesis of those glycoconjugates requires a constant supply of nucleotide-sugars (NDP-sugars), yet little is known about how these NDP-sugars are made and supplied. In the present paper, we report a functional gene from Trypanosoma cruzi that encodes a nucleotidyltransferase, which is capable of transforming different types of sugar 1-phosphates and NTP into NDP-sugars. In the forward reaction, the enzyme catalyses the formation of UDP-glucose, UDP-galactose, UDP-xylose and UDP-glucuronic acid, from their respective monosaccharide 1-phosphates in the presence of UTP. The enzyme could also convert glucose 1-phosphate and TTP into TDP-glucose, albeit at lower efficiency. The enzyme requires bivalent ions (Mg2+ or Mn2+) for its activity and is highly active between pH 6.5 and pH 8.0, and at 30–42 °C. The apparent Km values for the forward reaction were 177 μM (glucose 1-phosphate) and 28.4 μM (UTP) respectively. The identification of this unusual parasite enzyme with such broad substrate specificities suggests an alternative pathway that might play an essential role for nucleotide-sugar biosynthesis and for the regulation of the NDP-sugar pool in the parasite.
Malaria, Plasmodium falciparum and its apicoplast
Authors: Kalanon Ming , McFadden Geoffrey I.
Published: May 2010

Malaria, which is caused by species of the parasite genus Plasmodium, remains a major global health problem. A vestigial plastid homologous with the chloroplasts of plants and algae was discovered in malaria and related parasites from the phylum Apicomplexa and has radically changed our view of the evolutionary origins of these disease-causing protists. We now recognize that this large group of parasites had a photosynthetic ancestry and were converted into parasitism early in the evolution of animals. Apicomplexans have probably been parasitizing the animal kingdom for more than 500 million years. The relic plastid persists in most apicomplexans and is an essential component. Perturbation of apicoplast function or inheritance results in parasite death, making the organelle a promising target for chemotherapy. Plastids, including those of malaria parasites, are essentially reduced endosymbiotic bacteria living inside a eukaryotic host. This means that plastids have bacterial-type metabolic pathways and housekeeping processes, all of which are vulnerable to antibacterial compounds. Indeed, many antibacterials kill malaria parasites by blocking essential processes in the plastid. Furthermore, a range of herbicides that target plastid metabolism of undesired plants are also parasiticidal, making them potential new leads for antimalarial drugs. In the present review, we examine the evolutionary origins of the malaria parasite's plastid by endosymbiosis and outline the recent findings on how the organelle imports nuclear-encoded proteins through a set of translocation machineries in the membranes that bound the organelle.
Probing cytoplasmic organization and the actin cytoskeleton of plant cells with optical tweezers
Authors: Ketelaar Tijs , van der Honing Hannie S. , Emons Anne Mie C.
Published: May 2010

In interphase plant cells, the actin cytoskeleton is essential for intracellular transport and organization. To fully understand how the actin cytoskeleton functions as the structural basis for cytoplasmic organization, both molecular and physical aspects of the actin organization have to be considered. In the present review, we discuss literature that gives an insight into how cytoplasmic organization is achieved and in which actin-binding proteins have been identified that play a role in this process. We discuss how physical properties of the actin cytoskeleton in the cytoplasm of live plant cells, such as deformability and elasticity, can be probed by using optical tweezers. This technique allows non-invasive manipulation of cytoplasmic organization. Optical tweezers, integrated in a confocal microscope, can be used to manipulate cytoplasmic organization while studying actin dynamics. By combining this with mutant studies and drug applications, insight can be obtained about how the physical properties of the actin cytoskeleton, and thus the cytoplasmic organization, are influenced by different cellular processes.
Surface loss probabilities of H and N radicals on different materials in afterglow plasmas employing H2 and N2 mixture gases
Authors: Moon Chang Sung , Takeda Keigo , Takashima Seigo , Sekine Makoto , Setsuhara Yuichi , Shiratani Masaharu , Hori Masaru
Published: May 2010

Surface loss probabilities of hydrogen (H) and nitrogen (N) radicals on different wall materials in H2/N2 mixture plasmas have been investigated by employing vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) absorption spectroscopy with a high pressure microdischarge hollow cathode lamp as a light source. The surface loss probability of a radical was calculated by using the lifetime obtained from the decay curve of the radical density in afterglow plasmas. The surface loss probabilities on different walls in the H2/N2 mixture plasmas were higher than those in a pure H2 or N2 plasma. The behaviors of species such as ions and VUV photons as a function of the gas mixture ratio were measured to investigate those influences on plasma-surface interactions. In addition, changes on the surface exposed to the plasma were analyzed by x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Quantitative measurements of surface loss probabilities of radicals on various wall materials are expected to be crucially important in achieving good understanding of the interaction between the surface and the plasma.
Charge transport properties of water dispersible multiwall carbon nanotube-polyaniline composites
Authors: Sangeeth C. S. Suchand , Jiménez Pablo , Benito Ana M. , Maser Wolfgang K. , Menon Reghu
Published: May 2010

The transmission electron microscopy images of in situ prepared multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) and polyaniline (PANI) composites show that nanotubes are well dispersed in aqueous medium, and the nanofibers of PANI facilitate intertube transport. Although low temperature transport indicates variable range hopping (VRH) mechanism, the dc and ac conductivity become temperature independent as the MWNT content increases. The onset frequency for the increase in conductivity is observed to be strongly dependent on the MWNT weight percent, and the ac conductivity can be scaled onto a master curve. The negative magnetoresistance is attributed to the forward interference scattering mechanism in VRH transport.