bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of luteinizing hormone on the steroidogenic pathway in prostate cancer
Authors: Pinski Jacek , Xiong Shigang , Wang Qingcai , Stanczyk Frank , Hawes Debra , Liu Stephen V.
Published: November 2010

BACKGROUND

Recent data has shown that prostate cancer (PCA) cells are capable of producing testosterone directly from cholesterol, which may contribute to the development of castration resistance. While up‐regulation of steroidogenic enzymes has been previously described during castration‐resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) progression, regulation of this process is poorly defined. These data examine the role of luteinizing hormone (LH) in the regulation of steroidogenic machinery in PCA cells.

METHODS

PCA cell lines LNCaP, C4‐2B, and 22RV1 were exposed to LH. Gene expression was quantified using real‐time PCR and protein expression was characterized with standard Western blot analysis. Steroid analysis was performed using radioimmunoassay (RIA). Cell viability was measured using an MTS viability assay.

RESULTS

Androgen‐sensitive (LNCaP) and ‐independent PCA cells (C4‐2B and 22RV1) express both mRNA and protein for LH and LH receptor (LHR). Exposure of these cells to LH for 4 hr increased the expression of several steroidogenic genes. Exposure for 10 days resulted in the increase of additional genes. At both time points, the upregulation of these genes was dose‐dependent. This was mirrored by an increase in the expression of several key steroidogenic enzymes, including StAR, CYB5B, CYP11A, and 3βHSD. LH stimulated the production of progesterone and testosterone in LNCaP cells as measured by RIA. We have also demonstrated that treatment of LNCaP cells with LH enhanced their viability.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data show that LH‐mediated activation of LHR significantly up‐regulates the expression of genes and enzymes required for steroidogenesis and increases steroid production in PCA cells. Prostate 71:892–898, 2011. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Prognostic and predictive value of intact and cleaved forms of the urokinase plasminogen activator receptor in metastatic prostate cancer
Authors: Almasi Charlotte E. , Brasso Klaus , Iversen Peter , Pappot Helle , Høyer‐Hansen Gunilla , Danø Keld , Christensen Ib J.
Published: November 2010

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this study was to investigate the prognostic value of different forms of the urokinase receptor, uPAR, in serum from prostate cancer (PC) patients.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The uPAR forms were measured in samples from 131 metastatic PC patients. These constituted a subset of patients included in a randomized clinical trial of treatment with total androgen blockade (TAB) versus polyestradiol phosphate (PEP). Pre‐treatment serum levels of intact uPAR (uPAR(I–III)), intact plus cleaved uPAR (uPAR(I–III) + uPAR(II–III)) and domain I (uPAR(I)) were measured using time‐resolved fluorescence immunoassays (TR‐FIAs).

RESULTS

High serum levels of each of the uPAR forms were significantly associated with short overall survival (OS). The prognostic impact was strongest in the TAB treated patients with all uPAR forms being statistically significant. In multivariate analysis, uPAR(I–III) + uPAR(II–III) was an independent prognostic factor in TAB treated patients (HR = 5.2, 95% confidence interval (CI): 2.5–10.6, P < 0.0001) but not in PEP treated patients (P = 0.40). In the entire study population, OS was similar in the two treatment groups. The survival analysis showed significant interactions between treatment modality and the level of either uPAR(I–III) or uPAR(I–III) + uPAR(II–III). High levels of uPAR(I–III) + uPAR(II–III) were found to be predictive of effect of PEP versus TAB treatment. Patients with uPAR(I–III) + uPAR(II–III) levels above the median had significantly longer OS (median difference 11.3 months), if treated with PEP rather than with TAB (HR = 1.8, 95% CI:1.1–3.1, P = 0.03).

CONCLUSION

uPAR forms are significantly associated with OS. High uPAR(I–III) + uPAR(II–III) predicts longer OS in patients treated with PEP compared to TAB. uPAR forms are promising prognostic and predictive markers in PC. Prostate 71:899–907, 2011. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Control of poly(A) tail length
Authors: Eckmann Christian R. , Rammelt Christiane , Wahle Elmar
Published: November 2010

Poly(A) tails have long been known as stable 3′ modifications of eukaryotic mRNAs, added during nuclear pre‐mRNA processing. It is now appreciated that this modification is much more diverse: A whole new family of poly(A) polymerases has been discovered, and poly(A) tails occur as transient destabilizing additions to a wide range of different RNA substrates. We review the field from the perspective of poly(A) tail length. Length control is important because (1) poly(A) tail shortening from a defined starting point acts as a timer of mRNA stability, (2) changes in poly(A) tail length are used for the purpose of translational regulation, and (3) length may be the key feature distinguishing between the stabilizing poly(A) tails of mRNAs and the destabilizing oligo(A) tails of different unstable RNAs. The mechanism of length control during nuclear processing of pre‐mRNAs is relatively well understood and is based on the changes in the processivity of poly(A) polymerase induced by two RNA‐binding proteins. Developmentally regulated poly(A) tail extension also generates defined tails; however, although many of the proteins responsible are known, the reaction is not understood mechanistically. Finally, destabilizing oligoadenylation does not appear to have inherent length control. Rather, average tail length results from the balance between polyadenylation and deadenylation. WIREs RNA 2011 2 348–361 DOI: 10.1002/wrna.56

This article is categorized under:

RNA Processing > 3' End Processing

RNA Turnover and Surveillance > Turnover/Surveillance Mechanisms
Zur numerischen Auflösung linearer Gleichungssysteme nach dem Matrizenverfahren von Banachiewicz Herrn Prof. Dr. A: Walther zum 50. Geburtstag
Authors: Zurmühl Rudolf
Published: November 2010

Es wird ein bisher wenig bekanntes allgemein anwendbares Verfahren zur Auflösung linearer Gleichungssysteme beschrieben, welches durch Kombination des Matrizenkalküls mit den in der Rechenmaschine gelegenen Möglichkeiten einer Rechnungsabkürzung zu einer wesentlichen Herabsetzung des Arbeits‐ und Schreibaufwandes gegenüber den sonst üblichen Methoden führt. Zum Verfahren werden ein Rechenschema mit eingebauten Summenproben sowie bestimmte Regeln der praktischen Maschinenrechnung angegeben und durch ein Zahlenbeispiel erläutert. Das Verfahren eignet sich gleicherweise zur Berechnung der Koeffizientendeterminante und der Kehrmatrix, und es vereinfacht sich wesentlich bei symmetrischem Koeffizientenschema.
Iterationsverfahren für komplexe Nullstellen algebraischer Gleichungen
Authors: Collatz L.
Published: November 2010

Es wird ein Iterationsverfahren beschrieben, welches bei einer beliebigen Wurzel einer algebraischen Gleichung mit reellen oder Komplexen Koeffizienten konvergiert, sofern man über einige, noch frei wählbare Größen passend verfügt and welches häufig rascher als das Newtonsche Verfahren Näherungswerte für komplexe Nullstellen liefert, oft sogar für mehrere komplexe Nullstellen zugleich.
Influence of the Integration Steps on the Results of Numerical Simulations for a System with Friction
Authors: Klepp H. J.
Published: November 2010

Die nichtlineare Differentialgleichung eines Mehrkörpersystems mit reibungsbehafteten Bindungen wird betrachtet. Mit numerischer Simulation werden stationäre und nichtstationäre Bewegungszustände bestimmt. Der Einfluß der Integrationsschritte auf die Parameter der Bewegungen wird untersucht. Auf Periodenvervielfachung und auf irreguläres Verhalten, hervorgerufen durch nichtadäquate Integrationsschritte, wird hingewiesen.
On the Numerical Solution of Semilinear Parabolic Problems in Multicomponent Structures with Volterra Operators in the Transmission Conditions and in the Boundary Conditions
Authors: Kačur J. , van Keer R.
Published: November 2010

Diese Arbeit beschäftigt sich mit einem Rothe‐Galerkin‐Finite‐Elemente‐Verfahren für eine Klasse parabolischer Probleme in Verbundmaterialien. An den internen Rändern dürfen sowohl die co‐normale Ableitung (Wärmefluß) als auch die unbekannte Funktion (Temperatur) unstetig sein. Es werden recht allgemeine Sprünge gestattet, wie sie etwa in Form von Volterra‐Operatoren ausgedrückt werden können, die auf der unbekannten der beiden Seiten der Grenzflächen erklärt sind. Sowohl die Leitungsmatrizen als auch die Quellterme können von der Unbekannten abhängen. Schließlich dürfen auch die natürlichen Randbedingungen Volterra‐Operatoren enthalten. Derart unvollständige thermische Kontaktprobleme treten z. B. bei der Modellierung von Wärmeleitungsproblemen in Gebäuden auf. Siehe etwa [5] und [10].
Contact of a Plate and an Elastic Body
Authors: Ang D. D. , Vy L. K.
Published: November 2010

In der vorliegenden Arbeit wird das Problem des Kontaktes zwischen einer Platte und einem elastischen Körper betrachtet, wobei die Platte am elastischen Körper bleibt. Das Problem wurde in [1] untersucht, wobei die Autoren die Boussinesq‐Lösung verwendeten, um die Verrückungen der Randpunkte der elastischen Grundlage darzustellen, die in ihrem Fall ein homogener elastischer Halbraum war. Wir verwenden hier für unsere Modellierung die z. B. in [8] gegebene lineare Elastizitätstheorie. Der Kontakt zwischen der Platte und dem elastischen Körper wird hier durch eine Signorini‐Bedingung gesteuert und somit kann das Problem auf eine eventuell nicht‐koerzitive Variationsungleichung reduziert werden. Wir befassen uns hier mit der Existenz und Eindeutigkeit einer Lösung dieser Ungleichung. Außerdem geben wir eine Finite‐Elemente‐Approximation dieser Lösung.
Dynamics of Nonholonomic Systems
Authors: Mladenova C.
Published: November 2010

The present paper considers Hamel's equations of motion for nonholonomic systems in terms o] pseudo‐coordinates and gives an efficient method (for definiteness it is called Hamel's method) for obtaining the reaction forces. The group of the nonholonomic operators is defined and its group structural constants are given. On the basis of the geometrical language it is outlined how the equations of motions are simplified when the system dynamics is considered in the tangent space of the configurational manifold.
Zur mathematischen Beschreibung eines Halbleiterinjektionslasers
Authors: Föurste J.
Published: November 2010

Zur mathematischen Beschreibung eines Halbleiterinjektionslasers wird ein System partieller Differentialgleichungen vorgeschlagen, das aus den Maxwellschen Gleichungen und der Ladungsträgerbilanz in der aktiven Zone besteht. Es zeigt sich, daβ man für dieses System ein vernünftig gestelltes Rand‐Anfangswertproblem formulieren kann.
A Simplified Spectral Analysis of some Numerical Methods in Fluid Dynamics
Authors: Delfs J. , Rozhdestvensky B. L.
Published: November 2010

Most of the schemes used in simulations of transition to turbulence are based on spectral methods. Useful tools of the mathematical investigation of their numerical stability and accuracy have been published in English only recently [1]. Such an investigation may be rather complicated especially for those schemes which use different temporal discretization for different terms in the Navier‐Stokes equations (semi‐implicit schemes). In this paper we propose a considerably simplified version of such an investigation.
Eigenwertschranken für das Problem der frei schwingenden rechteckigen Platte und Untersuchungen zum Ausweichphänomen
Authors: Henninc  , Behnke  , Mertins U.
Published: November 2010

In der vorliegenden Arbeit werden sehr genaue Einschließungsintervalle für die Schwingungsfrequenzen rechteckiger freier Platten berechnet. Das bekannte Rayleigh‐Ritz‐Verfahren zur Berechnung oberer Schranken wird zur Berechnung unterer Schranken kombiniert mil einem von F. GOERISCH vorgeschlagenen Verfahren, das eine Methode von N. J. Lehmann verallgemeinert. Die Theorie für diese Vorgehensweise wird hergeleitet. Numerische Ergebnisse werden unter Einsatz einer objektorientierten Programmiersprache bestimmt. Dies ermöglicht eine Diskretisierung ohne jede „analytische Rechnung”︁ Werden die Eigenwertnäherungen in Abhängigkeit des Seitenverhältnisses der Plane aufgetragen, ergibt sich ein Kurven ausweichen. Es wird gezeigt, daß dieses Phänomen nicht von Approximationstechniken hervorgerufen wird.
On a Control Problem for Memory Kernels in Heat Conduction
Authors: Unger Friedmar , Wolfersdorf Lothar Von
Published: November 2010

Es wird ein Identifikationsproblem für memory‐Kerne betrachtet, die bei der Beschreibung des Wärmestromes in einem Stab aus Material mit thermischem Gedächtnis auftreten. Die zugehörige lineare Integrodifferentialgleichung für die Temperatur enthält ein Paar von unbekannten zeitabhängigen Faltungstermen. Diese werden bestimmt als Lösungen eines optimalen Steuerproblems vom least‐squares‐Typ, wobei zusätzliche Daten benutzt werden, die durch Temperaturmessungen in festen Punkten des Stabes über ein endliches Zeitintervall gewonnen werden. Es werden Optimalitätsbedingungen für die memory‐Kerne und ein numerisches Beispiel zu deren Berechnung angegeben.
Instabilities of Ideal Fluids and Related Topics: Plenary Lecture, presented at the Annual GAMM Conference, Braunschweig 1994
Authors: Lifschitz A.
Published: November 2010

Wir beschreiben ein Verfahren zur Stabilitätsanalyse von dreidimensionalen, nicht notwendig stationären Strömungen idealer Flüssigkeiten. In unserem Verfahren kommen Ideen aus der geometrischen Optik zur Anwendung. Anders als bei Methoden, in denen das Spektrum eines linearisierten Operators oder die Energiefunktion des Systems betrachtet wird, ist unser Verfahren speziell darauf ausgerichtet, die Instabilität beliebiger Strömungen gegenüber Störungen mit kurzer Wellenlänge zu studieren (ähnlich den von Rayleigh and Taylor untersuchten zentrifugalen Instabilitäten). Im vorliegenden Artikel benutzen wir unsere Methode, um die Stabilität von Strömungen inkompressibler Flüssigkeiten, nichtrelativistisch‐adiabatischer Flüssigkeiten sowie relativistisch‐adiabatischer Flüssigkeiten zu untersuchen. Insbesondere studieren wir die Stabilität von Wirbelringen. Wir weisen nach, daß Wirbelringe im generischen Fall instabil sind.
The Spinning Top: A Complementary Approach
Authors: Tabarrok B. , Tong X. , Rimrott F. P. J.
Published: November 2010

In der Dynamik werden die Bewegungsgleichungen eines mechanischen Systems oft aus den Lagrangeschen Gleichungen in Form verallgemeinerter Koordinaten abgeleitet. Aus der Sicht der Variationsrechnung ergeben sich diese Gleichungen als Extremalbedingungen aus dem Hamilton‐Prinzip. Es existiert aber auch ein alternativer Ansatz für die Ableitung der Bewegungsgleichungen aus einer komplementären Form des Hamilton‐Prinzips in Form verallgemeinerter Impulse. Der komplementäre Ansatz wurde für die lineare Schwingungsanalyse verwendet. In dieser Studie wird der komplementäre Ansatz auf die Starrkörperdynamik ausgedehnt, bei der sich aus Zentrifugalkraft und Corioliskraft ergebende kinematische Größen in den Gleichgewichtsbedingungen auftreten. Es wird eine Anwendung der komplementären Formulierung vorgeschlagen und zur Illustration das klassische Spielzeugkreiselproblem analysiert. Dabei wird die Stabilität einiger typischer Bewegungen des Kreisels wie etwa der aufrechte schwere Kreisel und die Präzessionsbewegung diskutiert.
The Problem of Lateral Buckling of Cantilever Plates
Authors: Reissner E.
Published: November 2010

Eine zweidimensionale Formulierung des Problems der Kippstabilität im Rahmen der Theorie schubweicher Platten dient als die Basis einer Ableitung eines eindimensionalen Randwertproblems für verallgemeinerte Versionen des Problems im Sinne der Resultate, die mil den Namen Euler, Michell, Prandtl und Timoshenko verbunden sind.

Es wird weiterhin gezeigt, daß diese eindimensionale Formulierung im allgemeinen auf ein System zehnter Ordnung führt. Wenn man Schubstarrheit in der Querrichtung annimmt, geht die Ordnung von zehn auf acht herunter. Eine weitere Reduzierung von acht auf sechs findet statt, wenn Vlasovs Differentialbiegungssteife vernachlässigt wird. Für eine orthotrope Platte mit Querkraftbelastung läßt sich das Problem mil Hilfe von „ersten Integralen”︁ auf ein System vierter bzs. zweiter Ordnung reduzieren. Die Annahme von Schubstarrheit in der Längsrichtung reduziert das Problem zweiter Ordnung weiterhin auf die klassische Michell‐Prandtl‐Formulierung.
The Geometry of Constrained Motion
Authors: Udwadia F. E. , Kalaba R. E.
Published: November 2010

Die Arbeit bringt eine geometrische Interpretation der expliziten Bewegungsgleichungen für mechanische Systeme mil Zwangsbedingungen. Dies führt zu einem geometrischen Prinzip der analytischen Mechanik.
Discontinuity Waves in a Periodic Layered Medium
Authors: Herrmann K. P. , Wesolowski Z.
Published: November 2010

Es wird eine räumlich periodische Struktur, bestehend aus einer großen Anzahl von homogenen elastischen Schichten mit unterschiedlichen Dicken, Dichten und elastischen Materialkonstanten, betrachtet. Die Schichten sollen an den Materialgrenzflächen perfekten Kontakt aufweisen. Es wird angenommen, daß eine anfängliche statische Verschiebung Wellen innerhalb dieser Struktur erzeugt. Das Ziel der Arbeit besteht in der Berechnung aufeinanderfolgender Positionen der Wellenfronten, wobei letztere unterschiedlichen Ausbreitungsmoden zugeordnet sind.
Three‐Dimensional Flow Simulation on High‐Performance Computers
Authors: Schulz H. , Greim R. , Volgmann W.
Published: November 2010

Die vorliegende Arbeit beschreibt eine numerische Methode zur Berechnung dreidimensionaler, stationärer, inkompressibler, reibungsbehafteter Strömungen. Die Erhaltungsgleichungen für Masse und Impuls und die Gleichungen des k, ϵ‐Turbulenzmodells werden mit einem Finite‐Volumen‐Verfahren auf nicht‐orthogonalen, konturangepaßten Netzen gelöst. Es werden kartesische Geschwindigkeitskomponenten benutzt und die Variablen im Zellmittelpunkt abgespeichert. Der SIMPLE‐Algorithmus wird verwendet, um den Druck zu berechnen und die Massenerhaltung zu gewährleisten. Der Rechencode ist weitestgehend vektorisierbar, um eine optimale Rechenleistung auf modernen Vektorrechnern zu erzielen. Ergebnisse laminarer und turbulenter Strömungsrechnungen in 90°‐Krümmern mit kreisförmigen und quadratischen Querschnitten sowie im Leitrad eines hydrodynamischen Drehmomentwandlers werden vorgestellt.
Diametrical Inclusion Disk for Zn
Authors: Trajković M. , Petković L. J. D. , Petković M. S.
Published: November 2010

In dieser Arbeit geben wir die Lösung eines offenen Problems an, das in der Konstruktion der bestmöglichen zirkularen Einschließungsapproximation D für die komplexwertige Menge besteht, die man unter den Transformationen z → zn einer gegebenen Kreisscheibe Z erhält. Der Durchmesser der Einschließungsscheibe D ist gleich dem Durchmesser des abgebildeten Gebietes Zn = {zn:z ϵ Z}.
Computation of Integrals over the Half‐Line Involving Products of Bessel Functions, with Application to Microwave Transmission Lines
Authors: Ikonomou M. , Köhler P. , Jacob A. F.
Published: November 2010

Wir betrachten die numerische Berechnung von Integralen der Form . Derartige Integrale treten z. B. bei der Charakterisierung von planaren Leitungen im Mikrowellenbereich auf, wenn das Galerkin‐Verfahren im Spektralbereich angewendet wird. Wenn die Funktion f nur langsam abklingt, ist, wegen der Überlagerung unterschiedlicher Oszillationen, die effiziente Berechnung derartiger Integrale mit Standardmethoden kaum möglich. Die hier dargestellte Methode besteht darin, die Bessel‐Funktionen durch asymptotische Entwicklungen zu ersetzen und den Integrationsweg ins Komplexe abzuändern. Anschließend werden Gauss‐Laguerre‐Quadraturformeln angewendet. Auf diese Weise ist es möglich, mit einer kleinen Anzahl von Auswertungen der Funktion f diese Integrale mit hoher Genauigkeit zu berechnen.
Limiting Case for the Motion of a Rigid Body About a Fixed Point in the Newtonian Force Field
Authors: El‐Barki F. A. , Ismail A. I.
Published: November 2010

In der vorliegenden Arbeit wird die Bewegung eines festen Körpers um einen festen Punkt in einem zentralen Newtonschen Kraftfeld betrachtet. Es wird angenommen, daß das Massenzentrum des Körpers nicht notwendig mit dem festen Punkt zusammenfällt und daß dessen Trägheitsellipsoid beliebig ist. In die Betrachtung wird mit einbezogen, daß der Körper eine hinreichend große Anfangswinkelgeschwindigkeit (r0) um die kleine oder die große Hauptachse des Trägheitsellipsoids hat und daß der Parameter (l/r0) klein ist. Die Bewegungsgleichungen und deren verfügbare erste Integrale werden auf ein quasilineares autonomes System mit zwei Freiheitsgraden und mit einem ersten Integral reduziert. Es werden die Methode von Poincaré [1] und deren Modifikationen [2] und [3] angewendet, um periodische Lösungen für das erhaltene autonome System in dem Falle zu konstruieren, wenn zwei Frequenzen des erzeugenden Systems verschieden, aber kommensurabel sind (mit Ausnahme von w = 1/2, 1, 2). Wir beschränken uns darauf, solche Lösungen und die Ausdrücke für die Eulerschen Winkel für den Grenzfall γ ≈ 0 zu bestimmen. Schließlich wird ein Runge‐Kutta‐Verfahren der Ordnung 4 [4] angewendet, um die numerischen Lösungen des autonomen Systems zu untersuchen. Danach werden graphische Darstellungen sowohl für die numerische als auch für die analytische Lösung gewonnen. Ein Vergleich zwischen ihnen zeigt, daß die Ergebnisse weitgehend zusammenfallen und die Abweichungen sehr klein sind.
Book Reviews
Authors: Scrib Ch. J.
Published: November 2010

Alexander, D. S.: A History of Complex Dynamics. From Schröder to Fatou and Julia. Braunschweig/Wiesbaden, Friedr. Vieweg & Sohn 1994. VIII, 165 pp., DM 58.—. ISBN 3–528–06520–6 (Aspects of Mathematics 24).
On the Hemivariational Inequality Approach to Nonconvex Constrained Problems in the Theory of von Kármán Plates
Authors: Goeleven D.
Published: November 2010

In dieser Arbeit werden nichtkonvexe Randwertprobleme behandelt, die im Rahmen der von Kármánschen Plattentheorie zu Hemivariationsungleichungen führen.
Prosthetic Hemi-Arthroplasty for Post-Traumatic Articular Cartilage Loss in the Proximal Interphalangeal Joint
Authors: Henry Mark
Published: November 2010

This article discusses the indications, contraindications, and technique for proximal interphalangeal joint prosthetic hemi-arthroplasty in the setting of sub-acute or chronic post-traumatic articular cartilage loss. Two case examples are provided: one for replacement of the head of the proximal phalanx, the other for replacement of the base of the middle phalanx. This procedure serves as a recently available alternative to fusion, silicone total joint replacement, total joint arthroplasty with unlinked surface replacements, volar plate arthroplasty, hemi-condylar osteochondral autograft reconstruction, or free vascularized joint transfer.
Review: The influence of informal social support on risk and prognosis in spinal pain: A systematic review
Authors: Campbelll Paul , Wynne‐Jones Gwenllian , Dunn Kate M
Published: November 2010

Spinal pain is very common and has considerable consequences for the individual (e.g. loss of employment, disability) as well as increased health care costs. It is now widely accepted that biological, psychological and social factors impact on spinal pain outcomes. The majority of research on social factors has been employment related, with little attention to the influence of informal social support (e.g. families, friends, social groups). The aim of this review is to investigate whether informal social support is associated with the occurrence and prognosis of spinal pain. Prognosis was considered in a broad sense within the biopsychosocial model inclusive of factors such as pain, function, general and psychological health. A systematic search of eight databases was conducted to search for studies who report findings on informal social support in populations with nonspecific spinal pain (i.e. no defined cause). Seventeen articles were identified and a best evidence synthesis was carried out on the data extracted from the studies. Results show that for cross‐sectional designs there was inconclusive evidence of a relationship between social support and pain but moderate evidence of a relationship between social support and patient psychological outcome related to prognosis. Evidence of social support as a factor for risk of occurrence was inconclusive with three studies reporting no significant associations with the remaining two studies reporting weak associations. Evidence of an effect of social support and prognosis revealed inconsistent findings. The variation in findings may reflect ongoing difficulties surrounding the conceptualisation and measurement of informal social support.
ON SUMS OF FIBONACCI NUMBERS MODULOp
Authors: GARCÍA VICTOR C. , LUCA FLORIAN , JANITZIO MEJÍA HUGUET V.
Published: November 2010

Here, we show that for most primesp, every residue class modulopcan be represented as a sum of 32 Fibonacci numbers.
Global advances in weed management
Authors: GRESSEL J.
Published: November 2010

Weeds have been controlled so successfully by herbicides, subsequently supplemented by transgenic herbicide-resistant crops, that past intractable problems have been ignored and new ones are evolving. However, industry-led discovery of new herbicide targets is now lacking and weed science as a discipline is contracting globally. This paper describes novel technologies for dealing with major problems, including: better understanding of weed biology coupled with genomics; novel herbicide-resistant crops as well as engineered weed-competing crops; multi-target herbicides; and enhanced biocontrol agents. Together, these approaches may comprise the components of future integrated packages to slow down the evolution of new weed problems.
Electrocardiogram screening of deaf children for long QT syndrome: are we following UK national guidelines?
Authors: Kang S L , Jackson C , Kelsall W
Published: November 2010

Introduction:

Jervell–Lange-Nielsen syndrome is characterised by congenital deafness and a long QT interval on electrocardiography.

Aim:

(1) To survey UK national practice regarding electrocardiography screening of deaf children referred to cochlear implant centres, performed to evaluate for prolonged QT interval as recommended by national guidelines, and (2) to review local practice.

Methods:

Data were collected via a questionnaire sent to all UK cochlear implant centres, and via review of the medical records of a local cochlear implant centre database.

Results:

Eight (42 per cent) of the 19 cochlear implant centres surveyed performed electrocardiographic screening. Thirteen cases of long QT syndrome were reported in seven centres, with two related deaths. In our local cochlear implant centre, 14 (7.1 per cent) of 193 children had abnormal electrocardiograms; one definite long QT syndrome case and 13 borderline cases were identified.

Conclusion:

Despite clear national guidelines for electrocardiographic screening of deaf children, there is wide variation in practice. Our local practice of performing investigations, including electrocardiography, during magnetic resonance imaging sedation has been very successful. Electrocardiograms should be reviewed by trained clinicians, and corrected QT intervals should be calculated manually.
Genetic resources in Trifolium and their utilization in plant breeding
Authors: Abberton Michael T. , Thomas Ian
Published: November 2010

Clovers (Trifoliumspecies) are a large and widespread genus of legumes. Recent work supports the Mediterranean origin of the genus in the Early Miocene period, and centres of diversity for clovers occur in the Eastern Mediterranean, East Africa and South America. A number of clovers are of agricultural importance as forage species in grassland agriculture around the world, particularly in temperate areas. White clover (Trifolium repensL.) is the most important legume of grazed pastures, and red clover (T. pratense) is widely cut and conserved as a winter feed. We consider the current state of collected resources in clovers, which have been collated in the most important databases. These are European Internet Search Catalogue (EURISCO), germplasm resources information network and system-wide information network for genetic resources together with the collection held at AgResearch, New Zealand. In total, collections have been made of 204 species with 48 species having more than 100 accessions in these databases. As expected, the majority of accessions are of the agriculturally important species. The geographical origin of collected material is outlined and, for the major species, accessions are broken down according to their status, e.g. wild population, breeders' lines. We then describe some of the ways in which genetic resources of white and red clovers and their relatives have been used in the breeding of these species. These include introgression of stress tolerance traits, targetting improvements in resource use efficiency and increasing seed yield.
Vertical transport of anthropogenic mercury in the ocean
Authors: Strode Sarah , Jaeglé Lyatt , Emerson Steven
Published: November 2010

We investigate the vertical transport of mercury (Hg) within the ocean using a simple box diffusion model to represent vertical water transport coupled with a particulate Hg flux. The particulate flux assumes that the Hg content of marine particles is proportional to the Hg concentration of surface waters via a sorption equilibrium constant, Kd. The model is forced with the observed factor of 3 increase in atmospheric Hg deposition over the industrial era. The modeled vertical profile of oceanic Hg shows a subsurface maximum at ∼500 m depth due to remineralization of Hg bound to sinking organic particles, consistent with observations. Model results indicate that surface (top 100 m) concentrations of Hg have increased by 150% since preindustrial times. Over the past 150 years, 280 Mmol of anthropogenic Hg have accumulated in the ocean, representing a 18% increase in the total oceanic Hg content. We find that 36% of the anthropogenic Hg occurs in the top 400 m and only 7% occurs below 1500 m. Over the industrial era, we find that 14% of cumulative anthropogenic emissions have accumulated in the ocean. Our model results show that half of the accumulation of anthropogenic Hg in the ocean is due to sinking on particulates. A sensitivity analysis indicates that the model results are most dependent on the value of Kd.
Ash and sulfur dioxide in the 2008 eruptions of Okmok and Kasatochi: Insights from high spectral resolution satellite measurements
Authors: Prata A. J. , Gangale G. , Clarisse L. , Karagulian F.
Published: November 2010

Ash particles and sulfur dioxide gas are two significant components of volcanic clouds that are important because of their effects on the atmosphere. Several different satellite instruments are capable of delivering quantitative measurements of ash and SO2, but few can provide simultaneous assessments. High‐spectral resolution (ν/Δν ∼ 1200) infrared satellite data from the Atmospheric Infrared Sounder (AIRS) are utilized to detect volcanic ash within the 8–12 μm window region, and at the same time exploit the 4.0 μm and 7.3 μm bands of SO2 to detect SO2 at two different heights. The purpose is to study the interaction between gas and particles in dispersing volcanic clouds, and investigate the circumstances when the gas‐rich and ash‐rich parts of the plume are collocated and when they separate. Simultaneous retrievals of ash and SO2 in the eruption clouds from Okmok and Kasatochi suggest that the two components were transported together for at least the first 3 days after the initial injection. Later (several days) transport is difficult to infer because of the lack of sensitivity of the ash algorithm to thin, dispersing ash clouds. For Kasatochi and Okmok, AIRS measured maximum masses of approximately 1.21 ± 0.01 Tg and 0.29 ± 0.01 Tg of SO2, and 0.31 ± 0.03 Tg and 0.07 ± 0.03 Tg of fine ash (1 μm < radii < 10 μm), respectively. The retrieval schemes described here are capable of detecting the distribution of SO2 simultaneously with estimates of ash concentrations from the same satellite instrument and represent an important improvement for observations of multispecies dispersing volcanic clouds. Analyses of other volcanic eruptions show that SO2 and ash do not always travel together. Consequently, it is concluded that for dispersing volcanic clouds it is vital to be able to detect both SO2‐rich and ash‐rich clouds simultaneously in order to diagnose their effect on the atmosphere and the aviation hazard.
Time‐averaged paleomagnetic field at the equator: Complete data and results from the Galapagos Islands, Ecuador
Authors: Gromme Sherman , Mankinen Edward A. , Prévot Michel
Published: November 2010

We present here the complete paleomagnetic laboratory results from a collection of approximately 1500 oriented cores from all 16 of the Galapagos Islands, Ecuador, collected by Allan Cox in 1964–1965 but nearly all previously unpublished. The islands are located in the eastern Pacific Ocean within 1.4° of latitude from the equator and range in age from historically erupted to 3 Ma, mostly determined by published K‐Ar and 3He isotopic dating. The number of sites collected on each island ranges from 1 to 28, for a total of 186. After combining duplicate site mean directions, 149 are used for an overall mean direction and 8 represent excursions and one reversal path. Divided by geomagnetic polarity chron, 110 site means are Brunhes or Jaramillo (normal polarity), 27 are Matuyama (reversed polarity), and 12 are Gauss (both polarities). We have completed the magnetic cleaning that was commenced in the late 1960s. Secondary (mostly viscous) magnetizations were nearly all removed by alternating field demagnetization at 10 mT. We have used the so‐called blanket cleaning method, generally at 10 mT. All sites were in basalt flows and gave good paleomagnetic results; none was rejected in toto, and only a few core specimens were magnetically unsatisfactory. Nearly all sites had eight independently oriented cores, and within‐site angular standard deviations of directions range from 1° to 8°. We used both Fisher and Bingham statistics to analyze the data and found that many of the direction populations are strongly elongate along the paleomagnetic meridian, while the corresponding virtual pole (VGP) populations are essentially circularly distributed. The paleomagnetic poles, calculated as the means of VGPs, are as follows: Brunhes and Jaramillo, north latitude = 86.9°, east longitude = 245.1°, and 95% confidence radius A95 = 1.9°; Matuyama, latitude = 87.2°, longitude = 158.2°, and A95 = 3.8°; Gauss, latitude = 83.0°, longitude = 204.7°, and A95 = 7.0°. These paleomagnetic poles do not differ significantly from one another, but the Brunhes and Jaramillo combined pole is significantly near‐sided with respect to the Galapagos, as is the overall mean pole, which is at latitude = 87.1° and longitude = 227.6°, with A95 = 1.7°. Omitting the excursion and reversal path data, the overall angular standard deviation of VGPs is 11.7° with lower and upper 95% confidence limits of 10.8° and 12.7°, respectively, in good agreement with previously published values for near‐equatorial sampling latitudes.
Can oceanic submesoscale processes be observed with satellite altimetry?
Authors: Chavanne Cédric P. , Klein Patrice
Published: November 2010

High‐resolution (2 km and hourly) observations of surface currents from High‐Frequency Radars are analyzed in terms of sea level anomalies (SLA) and compared with data from two satellite altimeter ground tracks. Purpose is to investigate whether ocean submesoscale processes can be observed with satellite altimetry. Our results highlight two major problems that must be overcome before being able to resolve submesoscale processes with altimetry: (i) signal contamination from high‐frequency motions and in particular from incoherent internal tides (near‐inertial oscillations have no effect on SLA), and (ii) measurement noise which prevents the computation of accurate cross‐track currents on scales (10 km). The latter may be overcome by future satellite altimeter missions, but the former will require taking into account the effect of mesoscale variability on internal tide propagation in regions where internal tides are significant.
Organic and inorganic aerosol compositions in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, during the cold winter of 2007 to 2008: Dicarboxylic acids, ketocarboxylic acids, and α‐dicarbonyls
Authors: Jung Jinsang , Tsatsral Batmunkh , Kim Young J. , Kawamura Kimitaka
Published: November 2010

To investigate the distributions and sources of water‐soluble organic acids in the Mongolian atmosphere, aerosol samples (PM2.5, n = 34) were collected at an urban site (47.92°N, 106.90°E, ∼1300 m above sea level) in Ulaanbaatar, the capital of Mongolia, during the cold winter. The samples were analyzed for water‐soluble dicarboxylic acids (C2–C12) and related compounds (ketocarboxylic acids and α‐dicarbonyls), as well as organic carbon (OC), elemental carbon, water‐soluble OC, and inorganic ions. Distributions of dicarboxylic acids and related compounds were characterized by a predominance of terephthalic acid (tPh; 130 ± 51 ng m−3, 19% of total detected organic acids) followed by oxalic (107 ± 28 ng m−3, 15%), succinic (63 ± 20 ng m−3, 9%), glyoxylic (55 ± 18 ng m−3, 8%), and phthalic (54 ± 27 ng m−3, 8%) acids. Predominance of terephthalic acid, which has not been reported previously in atmospheric aerosols, was mainly due to uncontrolled burning of plastic bottles and bags in home stoves for heating and waste incineration during the cold winter. This study demonstrated that most of the air pollutants were directly emitted from local sources such as heat and power plants, home stoves, and automobiles. Development of an inversion layer (<700 m above ground level) over the basin of Ulaanbaatar accelerated the accumulation of pollutants, causing severe haze episodes during the winter season.
Volume change reconstruction of Swiss glaciers from length change data
Authors: Lüthi Martin P. , Bauder Andreas , Funk Martin
Published: November 2010

A novel method to reconstruct glacier volume changes from a measured length record is presented and tested for 13 glaciers in the Swiss Alps. The response of a glacier to changes in climate is modeled with a two‐parameter dynamical system in the variables “length” and “volume”. Driven by a history of equilibrium line altitude (ELA), the model yields variations of glacier length and volume. A dynamically equivalent simple model (DESM) is determined for each glacier by matching modeled and measured length changes. The volume changes predicted with the DESM agree well with measurements for 12 glaciers, whereas agreement is poor for one glacier with topographic breaks in the terminus area. For all glaciers, which are located in different climate regions, the length and volume changes are reproduced with the same ELA history. This agreement shows that the macroscopic glacier response to the climate history is well correlated over a whole mountain range. Modeling the future evolution of the glaciers under a constant present‐day climate reveals that fast‐reacting glaciers are close to equilibrium, whereas length and volume of the large valley glaciers would be reduced during the next century by an amount similar to the volume lost during the last 150 years.
Disseminated Nocardia asteroides and coinfection with Trichophyton rubrum in a renal transplant recipient
Authors: Azap A. , Arslan H. , Ergin F. , Karakayali H. , Haberal M.
Published: November 2010

Abstract: Disseminated Nocardia infection has a high mortality and morbidity rate in solid organ transplant recipients, even when appropriate antibiotics are given. In this report a renal transplant recipient is described, who developed disseminated Nocardia asteroides infection with lung, eye, and brain involvement, in addition to coinfection with Trichophyton rubrum.
The incidence of invasive aspergillosis among solid organ transplant recipients and implications for prophylaxis in lung transplants
Authors: Minari A. , Husni R. , Avery R.K. , Longworth D.L. , DeCamp M. , Bertin M. , Schilz R. , Smedira N. , Haug M.T. , Mehta A. , Gordon S.M.
Published: November 2010

Abstract: Background. Invasive aspergillosis (IA) is associated with significant morbidity and mortality in solid organ transplant recipients but data on the incidence rates stratified by type of solid organ are limited. Objective. To describe the attack rates and incidence of IA in solid organ transplant recipients, and the impact of universal Aspergillus prophylaxis (aerosolized amphotericin B or oral itraconazole) in lung transplant recipients. Patients. The 2046 patients who received solid organ transplants at the Cleveland Clinic Foundation from January 1990 through 1999 were studied. Methods. Cases were ascertained through computerized records of microbiology, cytology, and pathology reports. Definite IA was defined as a positive culture and pathology showing septate hyphae. Probable IA was clinical disease and either a positive culture or histopathology. Disseminated IA was defined as involvement of two or more noncontiguous anatomic sites. Results. We identified 33 cases of IA (28% disseminated) in 2046 patients (attack rate = 1.6%) for an incidence of 4.8 cases per 1000 patient‐years (33 cases/6813 pt‐years). Both the attack and the incidence rates were significantly higher for lung transplant recipients vs. other transplant recipients: lung 12.8% (24 cases/188 patients) or 40.5 cases/1000‐pt year vs. heart 0.4% (3/686) or 1.4 per 1000‐pt year vs. liver 0.7% (3/439) or 2.1 per 1000‐pt year vs. renal 0.4% (3/733) or 1.2 per 1000‐pt year (P < 0.01). The incidence of IA was highest during the first year after transplantation for all categories, but cases occurred after the first year of transplantation only in lung transplant recipients. The attack rate of IA in lung transplant recipients was significantly lower after institution of routine Aspergillus prophylaxis (4.9% vs. 18.2%, P < 0.05). Conclusions. The highest incidence and attack rate of invasive aspergillosis among solid organ transplant recipients occurs in lung transplant recipients and supports the routine use of Aspergillus prophylaxis for at least one year after transplantation in this group.
Impaired phagocyte respiratory burst responses to opportunistic fungal pathogens in transplant recipients: in vitro effect of r‐metHuG‐CSF (Filgrastim)
Authors: Pursell K. , Verral S. , Daraiesh F. , Shrestha N. , Skariah A. , Hasan E. , Pitrak D.
Published: November 2010

Abstract: Phagocyte respiratory burst capacity in response to pathogenic fungi and the in vitro effects of granulocyte colony‐stimulating factor (G‐CSF) were examined in 15 normal volunteers and 39 transplant recipients (4 autologous and 4 allogeneic bone marrow, 3 heart, 10 liver, 8 lung, and 10 kidney). Chemiluminescence was measured for reaction mixtures of diluted whole blood, opsonized fungi, and luminol, with and without in vitro incubation with r‐metHuG‐CSF (Filgrastim). Transplant patients exhibited significantly impaired respiratory burst responses to conidia and yeast compared with controls, but this was reversed with Filgrastim. Responses to hyphae were low for both groups, and G‐CSF had little or no effect. There was excellent correlation between responses to fungi and responses to opsonized zymosan. In vitro respiratory burst capacity is impaired in transplant recipients. This may predict susceptibility to invasive fungal infections. G‐CSF can reverse impaired phagocyte function and is of potential benefit in the prevention and/or treatment of fungal infection in transplant patients.
Burkholderia urinary tract infection after renal transplantation
Authors: Li F.K. , Chan K.W. , Chan T.M. , Lai K.N.
Published: November 2010

Abstract: Urinary tract infection is a common complication after renal transplantation. The etiologies are diverse and the bacterial agents may sometimes be acquired during the hospital stay. We report a patient who developed Burkholderia cepacia urinary tract infection after renal transplantation. The bacteria showed in vivo resistance to all of the available antibiotics. A graft nephrectomy was eventually required to clear the infection. The consequence of some fastidious infection may be catastrophic and early recognition and treatment is necessary to optimize the treatment.
Systemic nocardiosis following allogeneic bone marrow transplantation
Authors: Daly A.S. , McGeer A. , Lipton J.H.
Published: November 2010

Abstract: Five cases of systemic Nocardia infection were diagnosed among 301 allogeneic bone marrow transplant recipients. A sixth case included in this report received her transplant at another institution. The cumulative annual incidence rate of this infection was 1.75%. All patients had been treated previously for acute graft‐versus‐host disease (GVHD). At the time of diagnosis of systemic Nocardia infection, a median of 198 (range 148–1121) days after transplantation, all patients had extensive chronic GVHD and were taking 2 to 3 immunosuppressive medications. Prior to diagnosis of Nocardia infection patients had experienced multiple opportunistic infections, including infections with Mycobacterium avium‐intracellulare, Pneumocystis carinii, and cytomegalovirus antigenemia. Treatment with trimethoprim‐sulfamethoxazole (TMP‐SMX), ceftriaxone, or carbapenem antibiotics resulted in a median survival of 219 days from the time of diagnosis and an actuarial 1‐year survival of 40%. All patients who received more than 2 weeks of therapy were cured of their infections. Notably, 5/6 patients in this cohort were unable to take TMP‐SMX because of myelosuppression. In comparison with randomly selected control patients, the use of pentamidine for prevention of P. carinii infection was associated with a marginal increase in the risk of Nocardia infection. We postulate that the use of TMP‐SMX may be of benefit in the prophylaxis of infections other than P. carinii in patients with chronic GVHD.
Mycobacterial infection after renal transplantation in a Western population
Authors: Vandermarliere A. , Audenhove A. Van , Peetermans W.E. , Vanrenterghem Y. , Maes B.
Published: November 2010

Abstract:  Mycobacterial infection is a serious opportunistic infection in renal transplant recipients. The incidence is higher in developing than in developed Western countries. This study is a single‐centre retrospective review of the records of 2502 renal transplant recipients in Belgium. Fourteen cases of mycobacterial infection (9 Mycobacterium tuberculosis and 5 atypical mycobacterial infection) were diagnosed. The time interval between transplantation and diagnosis was 64 ± 80 months (mean ± SD, range 5–188) for M. tuberculosis and 92 ± 75 months (range 14–209) for atypical mycobacterial infection. The localisation of M. tuberculosis was pulmonary/pleural in 67% and extrapulmonary in 33%. The atypical mycobacterial infections were located in skin, tendons, and joints. Eight patients received IV prednisolone pulse therapy for acute rejection long before the time of mycobacterial infection. The initial antimycobacterial therapy consisted of a combination of isoniazid, rifampicin, and ethambutol in all patients. In patients with M. tuberculosis infection, a good response to antimycobacterial therapy was obtained. In patients with atypical mycobacterial infection, initial treatment was successful in 3 out of 5 patients, in 1 patient recurrence was diagnosed and in another patient, who is still under treatment at present, the initial treatment was adjusted after identification of the atypical mycobacterium and its antibiogram.

The incidence of mycobacterial infection after renal transplantation did not increase with newer immunosuppressive therapy. The major risk factor is the total dose of corticosteroids. All patients responded well without major reductions in immunosuppressive therapy. Chemoprophylaxis for high‐risk patients still is recommended.