bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
New Zircon U‐Pb Geochronology of the Post‐kinematic Granitic Plutons in the Diancang Shan Metamorphic Massif along the Ailao Shan‐Red River Shear Zone and Its Geological Implications
Authors: Shuyun CAO , Junlai LIU , LEISS Bernd , Chunqiang ZHAO
Published: December 2010

The Ailao Shan‐Red River fault zone is the boundary between the Yangtze block to the northeast and the Indochina block to the southwest. It is an important tectonic zone due to its role in the southeastward extrusion of the Indochina block during and subsequent to the Indian‐Eurasian collision. Diancang Shan (DCS) high‐grade metamorphic complex, located at the northwest extension along the Ailao Shan‐Red River (ASRR) shear zone, is a representative metamorphic complex of the ASRR tectonic belt. Structural and microstructural analysis of sheared rocks in the high‐grade metamorphic rocks reveals that they are coherent with solid‐state high‐temperature ductile deformation, which is attributed to left‐lateral shearing along the ASRR shear zone. New LA‐ICP‐MS zircon U‐Pb geochronological and microstructural studies of the post‐kinematic granitic plutons provide a straightforward time constraint on the termination ductile left‐lateral shearing and exhumation of the metamorphic massif in the ASRR shear zone. It is suggested that the left‐lateral shearing along the ASRR shear zone ended at ca. 21 Ma at relative lower‐temperature or decreasing temperature conditions. During or after the emplacement of the young dikes at ca. 21 Ma, rapid brittle deformation event occurred, which makes the DCS massif start fast uplift/exhumation and cooling to a shallow crustal level.
LA‐ICP‐MS Zircon U‐Pb Geochronology and Petrology of the Muchang Alkali Granite, Zhenkang County, Western Yunnan Province, China
Authors: Lin YE , Wei GAO , Zengtao CHENG , Yulong YANG , Yan TAO
Published: December 2010

The Muchang composite intrusion is located about 14 km southeast of the Fengwei town and south of the Baoshan‐Zhenkang block. The rift‐related intrusion consists of the early‐stage riebeckite nordmarkite in the east and west sides and the discontinuous marginal zone, the late‐stage main body of dominant riebeckite granite, and minor aegirine granite. Studies on petrological geochemistry and LA‐ICP‐MS zircon U‐Pb dating of the late‐stage riebeckite granite, origin and evolution of the Muchang alkali granite and the relationship between the granite and the associated skarn‐type Luziyuan Pb‐Zn deposit are discussed in this paper. The results show that the Muchang alkali granites belong to A‐type granites, which are characterized by enrichment in Al2O3, SiO2, total alkali and Fe, depletion in MgO and CaO contents with high FeOT/MgO ratios. The REE concentrations are relatively high, exhibiting highly fractionated LREE patterns with significantly Eu negative anomaly. The Muchang granites are obviously enriched in lithophile elements (e.g., Rb, K, U and Th) and high field strength elements (e.g., Zr, Hf, Nb, Y and Ga) with high 10000×Ga/Al ratios and depleted in Sr, Ba, Ti, Cr and Ni, which are similar to those of the A‐type granites and quite different from those of S‐type and I‐type granites. The LA‐ICP‐MS zircon dating results of the Muchang granite gave a weighted mean age of 266.2±5.4 Ma (2σ), suggesting that they were formed in the stage of extension at the end of post‐collision at Middle Permian and the consumption of Paleo‐Tethys ocean took place before 266 Ma. It is suggested that the unexposed intermediate‐acid intrusive rocks in the Luziyuan ore district, which is the “sister” rocks material of the Muchang granites and related closely to Luziyuan Pb‐Zn mineralization, were the product of Middle Permian.
Reply to Sober and Waters
Authors: OKASHA SAMIR
Published: December 2010

Elliott Sober and Ken Waters both raise interesting and difficult challenges for various aspects of the position I set out in Evolution and the Levels of the Selection. I am grateful to them for their penetrating criticisms of my work, and find myself in agreement with many of their points.
Evaluation of Four Commercial Systems for the Diagnosis of Epstein-Barr Virus Primary Infections
Authors: de Ory Fernando , Guisasola María Eulalia , Sanz Juan Carlos , García-Bermejo Isabel
Published: December 2010

To compare the performance of four diagnostic commercial systems for Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) serology (for IgM and IgG virus capsid antigen [VCA] and EBV nuclear antigen [EBNA] antibodies), a collection of 125 samples from clinically suspected infectious mononucleosis cases was studied. Indirect immunofluorescence (IIF) for VCA IgM and IgG antibodies and anticomplement immunofluorescence for EBNA antibodies (Meridian Bioscience Inc.) were used as reference methods. By these methods, the cases were classified EBV primary infection (presence of IgM to VCA or IgG to VCA in the absence of EBNA antibodies;n= 82), EBV past infection (presence of VCA IgG and EBNA antibodies in the absence of VCA IgM;n= 26), or no infection (negative for the three markers;n= 17). The following systems were tested: two chemiluminescent immunoassays (CLIAs; the Liason [CLIA-L; DiaSorin] and the Immulite 2000 [CLIA-I; Siemens]), immunofiltration (IF; All.Diag), and an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA; DiaSorin). In the IgM assays, sensitivities ranged from 67.1% (ELISA) to 92.2% (CLIA-L) and specificities ranged from 93.8% (CLIA-L) to 100% (IF). In the VCA IgG assays, sensitivities varied from 79.4% (IF) to 94.4% (CLIA-I) and specificities varied from 94.4% (IF and CLIA-L) to 100% (CLIA-I and ELISA). In EBNA assays, sensitivities ranged from 78.1% (IF) to 93.8% (CLIA-I) and specificities ranged from 32.3% (CLIA-L) to 91.4% (IF). In relation to EBV profiles, the corresponding figures for sensitivity (in detecting primary infection) for IF, CLIA-L, CLIA-I, and ELISA were 92.7%, 93.8%, 89%, and 89.6%, respectively, and those for specificity (to exclude primary recent infection) were 90.7%, 94.6%, 97.7%, and 95.2%, respectively. Although there were limitations in some individual markers, especially CLIA-L for EBNA IgG, the systems evaluated appear to be useful for diagnosis of EBV infection.
Performance of the Aptima High-Risk Human Papillomavirus mRNA Assay in a Referral Population in Comparison with Hybrid Capture 2 and Cytology
Authors: Clad Andreas , Reuschenbach Miriam , Weinschenk Johanna , Grote Ruth , Rahmsdorf Janina , Freudenberg Nikolaus
Published: December 2010

This study compared the Aptima human papillomavirus (HPV) (AHPV; Gen-Probe Incorporated) assay, which detects E6/E7 mRNA from 14 high-risk types, the Hybrid Capture 2 HPV DNA (HC2; Qiagen Incorporated) test, and repeat cytology for their ability to detect high-grade cervical lesions (cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 2+ [CIN2+]) in women referred to colposcopy due to an abnormal Papanicolaou (Pap) smear. A total of 424 clinical specimens, stored in liquid-based cytology (LBC) vials at room temperature for up to 3 years, were tested by repeat cytology, the AHPV assay, and the HC2 test. Assay results were compared to each other and to histology results. The overall agreement between the AHPV assay and the HC2 test was 88.4%. The sensitivity (specificity) of cytology, the HC2 test, and the AHPV assay for the detection of CIN2+ was 84.9% (66.3%), 91.3% (61.0%), and 91.7% (75.0%) and for the detection of CIN3+ was 93.9% (54.4%), 95.7% (46.0%), and 98.2% (56.3%), respectively. Of the disease-positive specimens containing high-risk HPV (HR HPV) DNA as determined by Linear Array (Roche Diagnostics), the AHPV assay missed 3 CIN2 and 1 microfocal CIN3 specimen, while the HC2 test missed 6 CIN2, 4 CIN3, and 1 cervical carcinoma specimen. The AHPV assay had a sensitivity similar to but a specificity significantly higher (
P
< 0.0001) than the HC2 test for the detection of CIN2+. The AHPV assay was significantly more sensitive (
P
= 0.0041) and significantly more specific (
P
= 0.0163) than cytology for the detection of disease (CIN2+).
Rapid Detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis Complex and Rifampin Resistance in Smear-Negative Clinical Samples by Use of an Integrated Real-Time PCR Method
Authors: Moure Raquel , Muñoz Laura , Torres Miriam , Santin Miguel , Martín Rogelio , Alcaide Fernando
Published: December 2010

Sixty-four of 85 (75.3%) smear-negative respiratory (
n
= 78) and nonrespiratory (
n
= 7) samples with positive cultures of
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
complex (MTC) were detected by the GeneXpert system using the Xpert MTB/RIF assay (GX). In addition, GX found
rpoB
mutations in all six of the rifampin-resistant strains detected. The test was negative in 20 culture-negative and 20 nontuberculous culture-positive samples (100% specificity). GX offers high potential for the diagnosis of tuberculosis due to its capacity for direct detection of MTC, its rapidity, and its simplicity.
Current Molecular Epidemiology of Lassa Virus in Nigeria
Authors: Ehichioya Deborah U. , Hass Meike , Becker-Ziaja Beate , Ehimuan Jacqueline , Asogun Danny A. , Fichet-Calvet Elisabeth , Kleinsteuber Katja , Lelke Michaela , ter Meulen Jan , Akpede George O. , Omilabu Sunday A. , Günther Stephan , Ölschläger Stephan
Published: December 2010

Recent Lassa virus strains from Nigeria were completely or partially sequenced. Phylogenetic analysis revealed the predominance of lineage II and III strains, the existence of a previously undescribed (sub)lineage in Nigeria, and the directional spread of virus in the southern part of the country. The Bayesian analysis also provided estimates for divergence times within the Lassa virus clade.
Population Modeling of Influenza A/H1N1 Virus Kinetics and Symptom Dynamics
Authors: Canini Laetitia , Carrat Fabrice
Published: December 2010

Influenza virus kinetics (VK) is used as a surrogate of infectiousness, while the natural history of influenza is described by symptom dynamics (SD). We used an original virus kinetics/symptom dynamics (VKSD) model to characterize human influenza virus infection and illness, based on a population approach. We combined structural equations and a statistical model to describe intra- and interindividual variability. The structural equations described influenza based on the target epithelial cells, the virus, the innate host response, and systemic symptoms. The model was fitted to individual VK and SD data obtained from 44 volunteers experimentally challenged with influenza A/H1N1 virus. Infection and illness parameters were calculated from best-fitted model estimates. We predicted that the cytokine level and NK cell activity would peak at days 2.2 and 4.2 after inoculation, respectively. Infectiousness, measured as the area under the VK curve above a viral titer threshold, lasted between 7.0 and 1.3 days and was 15 times lower in participants without systemic symptoms than in those with systemic symptoms (
P
< 0.001). The latent period, defined as the time between inoculation and infectiousness, varied from 0.7 to 1.9 days. The incubation period, defined as the time from inoculation to first symptoms, varied from 1.0 to 2.4 days. Our approach extends previous work by including the innate response and providing realistic estimates of infection and illness parameters, taking into account the strong interindividual variability. This approach could help to optimize studies of influenza VK and SD and to predict the effect of antivirals on infectiousness and symptoms.
The Vaccinia Virus Complement Control Protein Modulates Adaptive Immune Responses during Infection
Authors: Girgis Natasha M. , DeHaven Brian C. , Xiao Yuhong , Alexander Edward , Viner Kendra M. , Isaacs Stuart N.
Published: December 2010

Complement activation is an important component of the innate immune response against viral infection and also shapes adaptive immune responses. Despite compelling evidence that complement activation enhances T cell and antibody (Ab) responses during viral infection, it is unknown whether inhibition of complement by pathogens alters these responses. Vaccinia virus (VACV) modulates complement activation by encoding a complement regulatory protein called the vaccinia virus complement control protein (VCP). Although VCP has been described as a virulence factor, the mechanisms by which VCP enhances VACV pathogenesis have not been fully defined. Since complement is necessary for optimal adaptive immune responses to several viruses, we hypothesized that VCP contributes to pathogenesis by modulating anti-VACV T cell and Ab responses. In this study, we used an intradermal model of VACV infection to compare pathogenesis of wild-type virus (vv-VCPwt) and a virus lacking VCP (vv-VCPko). vv-VCPko formed smaller lesions in wild-type mice but not in complement-deficient mice. Attenuation of vv-VCPko correlated with increased accumulation of T cells at the site of infection, enhanced neutralizing antibody responses, and reduced viral titers. Importantly, depleting CD8+T cells together with CD4+T cells, which also eliminated T helper cell-dependent Ab responses, restored vv-VCPko to wild-type levels of virulence. These results suggest that VCP contributes to virulence by dampening both antibody and T cell responses. This work provides insight into how modulation of complement by poxviruses contributes to virulence and demonstrates that a pathogen-encoded complement regulatory protein can modulate adaptive immunity.
Structural Comparison of HIV-1 Envelope Spikes with and without the V1/V2 Loop
Authors: Hu Guiqing , Liu Jun , Taylor Kenneth A. , Roux Kenneth H.
Published: December 2010

We have used cryoelectron tomography of vitreous-ice-embedded HIV-1 virions to compare the envelope (Env) spikes of a wild-type strain with those of a mutant strain in which the V1/V2 loop has been deleted. Deletion of V1/V2 results in a spike with far more structural heterogeneity than is observed in the wild type, likely reflecting greatly enhanced gp120 protomer flexibility. A major difference between the two forms is a pronounced loss of mass from the “peak” of the native Env spike. The apparent loss of contact among three gp120 protomers likely accounts for the more open structure, heterogeneity in configuration, and previous observations that broadly neutralizing epitopes and reactive sites on other structural elements are more exposed in such constructs.
Growth Inhibition of HeLa Cells Is a Conserved Feature of High-Risk Human Papillomavirus E8^E2C Proteins and Can Also Be Achieved by an Artificial Repressor Protein
Authors: Fertey Jasmin , Hurst José , Straub Elke , Schenker Astrid , Iftner Thomas , Stubenrauch Frank
Published: December 2010

Infections with certain human papillomaviruses (HPV), such as type 16 (HPV16), 18, or 31, are a necessary risk factor for the development of cervical cancer. Transcript analyses of several HPV revealed that the viral E2 gene encodes both the E2 regulator protein and the E8∧E2C protein, which differ in their amino termini. Up to now, functional studies have focused on HPV31 E8∧E2C and demonstrated that it is a potent repressor of viral transcription and replication. However, recent analyses of HPV16 genomes have suggested that E8∧E2C proteins may differ in their activities. Therefore, we performed a comparative analysis of E8∧E2C proteins of HPV16, -18, and -31. All E8∧E2C proteins potently inhibited HPV E6/E7 oncogene promoters, and also displayed long-distance transcriptional-repression activities. Furthermore, the expression of all E8∧E2C proteins inhibited the growth of HeLa cells. Expression of E8∧E2C proteins rapidly increased the protein levels of the E6 and E7 targets p53 and p21, consistent with the repression of the endogenous HPV18 E6/E7 promoter. All E8∧E2C proteins induced G
1
arrest more efficiently than E2 proteins and activated senescence markers. Furthermore, we demonstrate that the 31E8 domain can be functionally replaced by the KRAB repression domain derived from KOX1. The KRAB-E2C fusion protein possesses long-distance transcriptional-repression activity and inhibits the growth of HeLa cells comparably to E8∧E2C. Taken together, our results suggest that the E8∧E2C proteins of HPV16, -18, and -31 are highly conserved transcriptional repressors that inhibit the growth of HeLa cells by repression of E6/E7 transcription but do not have proapoptotic activities.
Multiple Interactions between the ESCRT Machinery and Arrestin-Related Proteins: Implications for PPXY-Dependent Budding
Authors: Rauch Susanne , Martin-Serrano Juan
Published: December 2010

Late domains are short peptide sequences encoded by enveloped viruses to promote the final separation of the nascent virus from the infected cell. These amino acid motifs facilitate viral egress by interacting with components of the ESCRT (endosomal sorting complex required for transport) machinery, ultimately leading to membrane scission by recruiting ESCRT-III to the site of viral budding. PPXY late (L) domains present in viruses such as murine leukemia virus (MLV) or human T-cell leukemia virus type 1 (HTLV-1) access the ESCRT pathway via interaction with HECT ubiquitin ligases (WWP1, WWP2, and Itch). However, the mechanism of ESCRT-III recruitment in this context remains elusive. In this study, we tested the
a
rrestin-
r
elated
t
rafficking (ART) proteins, namely, ARRDC1 (arrestin domain-containing protein 1) to ARRDC4 and TXNIP (thioredoxin-interacting protein), for their ability to function as adaptors between HECT ubiquitin ligases and the core ESCRT machinery in PPXY-dependent budding. We present several lines of evidence in support of such a role: ARTs interact with HECT ubiquitin ligases, and they also exhibit multiple interactions with components of the ESCRT pathway, namely, ALIX and Tsg101, and perhaps with an as yet unidentified factor. Additionally, the ARTs can be recruited to the site of viral budding, and their overexpression results in a PPXY-specific inhibition of MLV budding. Lastly, we show that WWP1 changes the ubiquitination status of ARRDC1, suggesting that the ARTs may provide a platform for ubiquitination in PPXY-dependent budding. Taken together, our results support a model whereby ARTs are involved in PPXY-mediated budding by interacting with HECT ubiquitin ligases and providing several alternative routes for ESCRT-III recruitment.
THE EXTENDED FOURIER PSEUDOSPECTRAL TIME-DOMAIN (PSTD) METHOD FOR FLUID MEDIA WITH DISCONTINUOUS PROPERTIES
Authors: HORNIKX MAARTEN , WAXLER ROGER
Published: December 2010

The Fourier pseudospectral time-domain (PSTD) method is an attractive method to efficiently model wave propagation through a weakly inhomogeneous fluid medium. The method fails, however, for fluid media with discontinuous properties. This failure is due to the well known Gibbs phenomenon which arises when Fourier transforming a discontinuous function. The extended Fourier PSTD method developed here can accurately and efficiently model wave propagation through weakly inhomogeneous fluid media with discontinuities in the media properties. Rather than using Fourier transforms to calculate the spatial derivatives in the wave equation, the method developed here uses a generalized eigenfunction expansion for which no Gibbs phenomenon arises. Two approaches to solving the resulting time-domain problem are explored and the accuracy of the method is demonstrated. Finally, results from an example calculation of transmission through the water-air interface are shown.
FAST MULTIPOLE BOUNDARY ELEMENT METHOD FOR LOW-FREQUENCY ACOUSTIC PROBLEMS BASED ON A VARIETY OF FORMULATIONS
Authors: YASUDA YOSUKE , OSHIMA TAKUYA , SAKUMA TETSUYA , GUNAWAN ARIEF , MASUMOTO TAKAYUKI
Published: December 2010

The fast multipole boundary element method (FMBEM), which is an efficient BEM that uses the fast multipole method (FMM), is known to suffer from instability at low frequencies when the well-known high-frequency diagonal form is employed. In the present paper, various formulations for a low-frequency FMBEM (LF-FMBEM), which is based on the original multipole expansion theory, are discussed; the LF-FMBEM can be used to prevent the low-frequency instability. Concrete computational procedures for singular, hypersingular, Burton-Miller, indirect (dual BEM), and mixed formulations are described in detail. The computational accuracy and efficiency of the LF-FMBEM are validated by performing numerical experiments and carrying out a formal estimation of the efficiency. Moreover, practically appropriate settings for numerical items such as truncation numbers for multipole/local expansion coefficients and the lowest level of the hierarchical cell structure used in the FMM are investigated; the differences in the efficiency of the LF-FMBEM when different types of formulations are used are also discussed.
ACOUSTIC PROPAGATION IN AN UNCERTAIN WAVEGUIDE ENVIRONMENT USING STOCHASTIC BASIS EXPANSIONS
Authors: KHINE YU YU , CREAMER DENNIS B. , FINETTE STEVEN
Published: December 2010

A generalization of acoustic propagation in an uncertain ocean waveguide environment is described using a probabilistic formulation in terms of stochastic basis expansions. The problem is studied in the context of wave propagation in random media, where environmental uncertainty and its interaction with the acoustic field are described by stochastic, rather than deterministic parameters and fields. This representation, constructed explicitly in terms of Karhunen-Loève (KL) and polynomial chaos (PC) expansions, leads to coupled differential equations for the expansion coefficients from which the stochastic acoustic field can be obtained as a random process. The equations are solved in the narrow-angle parabolic approximation using a split-step method to compute moments of the random acoustic field at any point in the waveguide. Results are compared with Monte-Carlo computations of the acoustic field in the same environment to study the convergence of the truncated stochastic basis expansion representing the acoustic field. The rate of convergence of the truncated chaos expansion was found to be dependent on the particular moment computed. For the first and second moments corresponding to the mean field and the field intensity, convergence was achieved rapidly, only requiring low order expansions. Another second moment, the acoustic spatial coherence, converged more slowly due to the relative phase information that, in this formulation, is described by polynomial approximation. While stochastic basis expansions show promise for the development of compact representations of the acoustic field in the presence of environmental uncertainty, accelerated convergence schemes will be needed to allow for practical applications.
An Examination of the Underpricing of H-Share IPOs in Hong Kong
Authors: Chong Terence Tai-Leung , Yuan Shuo , Yan Isabel Kit-Ming
Published: December 2010

The main purpose of this paper is to study the empirical determinants of the underpricing of H-share initial public offerings (IPOs) during the 1993–2003 period. A special characteristic of H-shares is that they are shares of companies incorporated in China, but are also listed abroad. Our estimates indicate that the average IPO underpricing level of H-shares was about 16.8%. We find that the conventional explanations for the worldwide IPO underpricing are not adequate in explaining the underpricing level of H-shares. Some new factors that are important in explaining the underpricing phenomenon in H-shares are identified. We show that the degree of IPO underpricing is positively associated with market conditions prior to issuance. It is also negatively related to the range of the issuing prices as well as to the growth rate of historical profits. In addition, it is found that firms cross-listed in Hong Kong and America have higher underpricing levels.
SILICON CARBIDE NANOWIRES FROM POLYVINYL ALCOHOL/SILICA ELECTROSPUN NANOFIBERS
Authors: DELAVARI H. H. , KOKABI M.
Published: December 2010

The catalyst-free synthesis of silicon carbide (SiC) nanowires was carried out from polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)/silica electrospun nanofibers at high temperature. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), and thermogravimetery analysis (TGA) were employed to study morphology and formation of SiC nanowires. Based on the TGA analysis, the carbon yield was increased when inert gas flow rate and heating rate decreased and polymeric nanofibers has been stabilized. The XRD and TEM results showed that the produced nanowires were crystalline β- SiC and rather homogeneous in thickness with an average diameter around 50 to 70 nm and a length of more than 10 μm. Finally, a possible growth mechanism of β- SiC nanowire based on a vapor–solid (VS) mechanism was proposed.
PREPARATION OF NiO NANOPARTICLES ON THE SILICA SURFACE BY ADSORPTION PHASE SYNTHESIS AND ITS REGULATION ON MORPHOLOGY OF NiO PARTICLES
Authors: WANG TING , JIANG XIN , WU LI-GUANG , LIU FEI
Published: December 2010

NiO nanoparticles were prepared on the silica surface by adsorption phase synthesis. The adsorption and preparation experiments of different reactants were designed to select suitable reactants for the synthesis of NiO particles. Using X-ray Diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analyses the differences in morphology and grain size of NiO particles prepared under various conditions were characterized. When the quantity of Ni(NO3)2 exceeded 2.0 mmol, the conglomeration of NiO particles became obvious. While the temperature increased from 0 to 40°C, the elevation of reaction rate and supersaturation in the adsorption layer resulted in appearance of NiO particles with smaller size. When the temperature exceeded 40°C, the attenuation of the adsorption layer led to the appearance of the blank silica without NiO particles.
Activation of group VI phospholipase A2 isoforms in cardiac endothelial cells
Authors: Sharma Janhavi , Turk John , Mancuso David J. , Sims Harold F. , Gross Richard W. , McHowat Jane
Published: December 2010

The endothelium comprises a cellular barrier between the circulation and tissues. We have previously shown that activation of protease-activated receptor 1 (PAR-1) and PAR-2 on the surface of human coronary artery endothelial cells by tryptase or thrombin increases group VIA phospholipase A2 (iPLA2β) activity and results in production of multiple phospholipid-derived inflammatory metabolites. We isolated cardiac endothelial cells from hearts of iPLA2β-knockout (iPLA2β-KO) and wild-type (WT) mice and measured arachidonic acid (AA), prostaglandin I2 (PGI2), and platelet-activating factor (PAF) production in response to PAR stimulation. Thrombin (0.1 IU/ml) or tryptase (20 ng/ml) stimulation of WT endothelial cells rapidly increased AA and PGI2 release and increased PAF production. Selective inhibition of iPLA2β with ( S)-bromoenol lactone (5 μM, 10 min) completely inhibited thrombin- and tryptase-stimulated responses. Thrombin or tryptase stimulation of iPLA2β-KO endothelial cells did not result in significant PAF production and inhibited AA and PGI2 release. Stimulation of cardiac endothelial cells from group VIB (iPLA2γ)-KO mice increased PAF production to levels similar to those of WT cells but significantly attenuated PGI2 release. These results indicate that cardiac endothelial cell PAF production is dependent on iPLA2β activation and that both iPLA2β and iPLA2γ may be involved in PGI2 release.
The dynamics of somatic input processing in spinal motoneurons in vivo
Authors: Mitchell Cassie S. , Lee Robert H.
Published: December 2010

Uncovering how motoneurons utilize their voltage-sensitive conductances to systematically respond to a variety of inputs is paramount to understanding synaptic integration. In this study, we examine the input dynamics and frequency-dependent characteristics of active conductances in motoneurons as viewed from the soma in the decerebrate cat. We evaluated the somatic response of the motoneuron by superimposing a voltage sinus sweep (a sine wave in which frequency increases with time, which is often referred to as a zap or chirp) at a subset of membrane holding potentials during discontinuous, single-electrode, somatic voltage-clamp. Results from both experimental and modeling data indicate that ionic conductances can respond to a wide variety of input dynamics. Notably, it appears that there is a divergence between low input conductance type S and high input conductance type FF motoneurons in their response to input frequency. Type S motoneurons generate a larger response to lower frequency input dynamics (compared with their response to higher frequencies), whereas type FF generate a larger response to higher input frequency dynamics. Functionally, these results may indicate that motoneurons on the lower end of the motor pool (i.e., recruited first) may favor steady inputs, whereas motoneurons at the higher end (i.e., recruited later) may favor input transients in producing action potentials.
Peripheral T-Cell Lymphoma: Review and Updates of Current Management Strategies
Authors: Tang Tiffany , Tay Kevin , Quek Richard , Tao Miriam , Tan Soo Yong , Tan Leonard , Lim Soon Thye
Published: December 2010

The classification of T-cell and natural-killer- (NK-) cell lymphomas has been updated in the 4th edition of the World Health Organization (WHO) classification of tumors of the haematopoietic and lymphoid tissue published in 2008. Based on recent epidemiological studies, NK-cell lymphomas occur almost exclusively in Asia and South America, although T-cell lymphomas appear to occur in the East as commonly as in the West. Due to the low prevalence of this disease, diagnosis and optimal treatment of patients have not been studied prospectively in large randomized trials. Nevertheless, there has been development in the understanding of T-cell lymphomas and how they should be managed; FDG-PET emerges as an increasingly important tool in diagnosis, gene-expression signatures may aid with prognostication in the future, and novel therapies are currently being studied to improve outcomes in T-cell lymphomas. More work, however, needs to be done, and international collaboration will be pertinent to deriving meaningful results from future clinical studies.
The Efficacy of Dandelion Root Extract in Inducing Apoptosis in Drug‐Resistant Human Melanoma Cells
Authors: Chatterjee S. J. , Ovadje P. , Mousa M. , Hamm C. , Pandey S.
Published: December 2010

Notoriously chemoresistant melanoma has become the most prevalent form of cancer for the 25–29 North American age demographic. Standard treatment after early detection involves surgical excision (recurrence is possible), and metastatic melanoma is refractory to immuno‐, radio‐, and most harmful chemotherapies. Various natural compounds have shown efficacy in killing different cancers, albeit not always specifically. In this study, we show that dandelion root extract (DRE) specifically and effectively induces apoptosis in human melanoma cells without inducing toxicity in noncancerous cells. Characteristic apoptotic morphology of nuclear condensation and phosphatidylserine flipping to the outer leaflet of the plasma membrane of A375 human melanoma cells was observed within 48 hours. DRE‐induced apoptosis activates caspase‐8 in A375 cells early on, demonstrating employment of an extrinsic apoptotic pathway to kill A375 cells. Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) generated from DRE‐treated isolated mitochondria indicates that natural compounds in DRE can also directly target mitochondria. Interestingly, the relatively resistant G361 human melanoma cell line responded to DRE when combined with the metabolism interfering antitype II diabetic drug metformin. Therefore, treatment with this common, yet potent extract of natural compounds has proven novel in specifically inducing apoptosis in chemoresistant melanoma, without toxicity to healthy cells.
Characterization of a Low Pathogenic Avian Influenza Virus (H6N1) Isolated from Turkeys
Authors: Shkoda I. , Lapin E. , Rosenbluth E. , Perk S. , Geva Z. , Inbar A. , Davidson I.
Published: December 2010

An avian influenza virus (AIV), A/turkey/Israel/09 subtype H6N1, was isolated from turkey poults exhibiting typical pathology associated with AIV infection. The virus was characterized by RT-PCR using AIV subtype-specific primers and by the haemagglutination inhibition test using AIV subtype-specific antisera. The virus has an intravenous pathogenicity index of 0 and possessed a nucleotide sequence at the cleavage site of the hemagglutinin gene, PQIETR*GLF, associated with avian influenza viruses of low pathogenicity. Unlike the two previous H6N2 isolates originating from domestic ducks and mallard, the A/turkey/Israel/09 (H6N1) was isolated from turkeys. The gene sequences of the A/turkey/Israel/09 (H6N1) virus show divergence from the former Israeli H6 isolates.
Surmounting Chemotherapy and Radioresistance in Chondrosarcoma: Molecular Mechanisms and Therapeutic Targets
Authors: Onishi Anne C. , Hincker Alexander M. , Lee Francis Y.
Published: December 2010

Chondrosarcoma, a primary malignancy of bone, has eluded successful treatment with modern chemotherapeutic and radiation regimens. To date, surgical resection of these tumors remains the only curative treatment offered to patients with this diagnosis. Understanding and exploring the nature of chemotherapy and radiation resistance in chondrosarcoma could lead to new molecular targets and more directed therapy for these notoriously difficult-to-treat tumors. Here we review the most current hypotheses regarding the molecular mechanisms mediating chemotherapy and radiation resistance and the future direction of chondrosarcoma therapy research.
Numerical Solutions for a Model of Tissue Invasion and Migration of Tumour Cells
Authors: Kolev M. , Zubik-Kowal B.
Published: December 2010

The goal of this paper is to construct a new algorithm for the numerical simulations of the evolution of tumour invasion and metastasis.
By means of mathematical model equations and their numerical solutions we investigate how cancer cells can produce and secrete matrix
degradative enzymes, degrade extracellular matrix, and invade due to diffusion and haptotactic migration. For the numerical simulations
of the interactions between the tumour cells and the surrounding tissue, we apply numerical approximations, which are spectrally accurate
and based on small amounts of grid‐points. Our numerical experiments illustrate the metastatic ability of tumour cells.
Pesticide Use and Self-Reported Symptoms of Acute Pesticide Poisoning among Aquatic Farmers in Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Authors: Jensen Hanne Klith , Konradsen Flemming , Jørs Erik , Petersen Jørgen Holm , Dalsgaard Anders
Published: December 2010

Organophosphates and carbamates (OPs/CMs) are known for their acetylcholinesterase inhibiting character. A cross-sectional study of pesticide handling practices and self-perceived symptoms of acute pesticide poisoning was conducted using questionnaire-based interviews with 89 pesticide sprayers in Boeung Cheung Ek (BCE) Lake, Phnom Penh, Cambodia. The study showed that 50% of the pesticides used belonged to WHO class I + II and personal protection among the farmers were inadequate. A majority of the farmers (88%) had experienced symptoms of acute pesticide poisoning, and this was significantly associated with the number of hours spent spraying with OPs/CMs (OR = 1.14, CI 95%: 1.02–1.28). The higher educated farmers reduced their risk of poisoning by 55% for each extra personal protective measure they adapted (OR = 0.45, CI 95%: 0.22–0.91). These findings suggest that improving safe pesticide management practices among the farmers and enforcing the effective banning of the most toxic pesticides will considerably reduce the number of acute pesticide poisoning episodes.
System of General Variational Inequalities Involving Different Nonlinear Operators Related to Fixed Point Problems and Its Applications
Authors: Inchan Issara , Petrot Narin
Published: December 2010

By using the projection methods, we suggest and analyze the iterative schemes for finding the approximation solvability of a system of general variational inequalities involving different nonlinear operators in the framework of Hilbert spaces. Moreover, such solutions are also fixed points of a Lipschitz mapping. Some interesting cases and examples of applying the main results are discussed and showed. The results presented in this paper are more general and include many previously known results as special cases.
Iterative Methods for Family of Strictly Pseudocontractive Mappings and System of Generalized Mixed Equilibrium Problems and Variational Inequality Problems
Authors: Shehu Yekini
Published: December 2010

We introduce a new iterative scheme by hybrid method for finding a common element of the set of common fixed points of infinite family of "Equation missing"-strictly pseudocontractive mappings and the set of common solutions to a system of generalized mixed equilibrium problems and the set of solutions to a variational inequality problem in a real Hilbert space. We then prove strong convergence of the scheme to a common element of the three above described sets. We give an application of our results. Our results extend important recent results from the current literature.
Feasibility and Accuracy of Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy in Clinically Node Negative Patients after Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy for Breast Cancer – A Systematic Review and Metaanalysis.
Authors: Tan V. , Lee S. , Goh B. , Chung A. , Sebastian M. , Yong W. , Wong W.
Published: December 2010

BackgroundThe sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) has become an accepted alternative to the axillary lymph node dissection (ALND) for pathologic evaluation of the axillary lymph node status in patients with early breast cancer and a clinically negative axilla. Patients with a negative sentinel lymph node are spared the ALND and its associated morbidities.Currently, there is insufficient evidence to recommend the use of SLNB in patients who have received neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC), and treatment of the axilla after neoadjuvant chemotherapy is an ALND.The use of neoadjuvant chemotherapy is increasing, and NAC has been shown to downstage both the primary tumour and axillary lymph nodes. Potentially, an additional proportion of patients who are node negative after NAC may be spared a full ALND and its attendant morbidities.AimsTo determine the feasibility and accuracy of SLNB in patients who have a clinically negative axilla after neoadjuvant chemotherapy for breast cancer.MethodsA systematic review of the English literature of SLNB in patients who have had neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) was conducted and meta analyses performed. Studies selected had an identifiable group of patients with breast cancer who received neoadjuvant chemotherapy and were clinically node negative. These patients had a SLNB prior to the standard ALND regardless of outcome of the SLNB.ResultsTen studies that met the eligibility criteria were identified. A total of 449 patients were studied. Pooled analysis using the fixed effects model was used to calculate successful identification rate and accuracy parameters. The summary rate of identification of SLN was 94% [95% CI: 91.6% – 96.7%]. The pooled sensitivity of SLNB after NAC was 93% [95% CI: 88.5% – 96.8%] and the false negative rate 7.0% [95% CI: 3.2% – 11.5%].ConclusionSLNB in patients with a clinically node negative axilla after neoadjuvant chemotherapy is feasible and accurate.

Citation Information: Cancer Res 2009;69(24 Suppl):Abstract nr 1013.
Level III Lymph Node Involvement Cannot Be Predicted Following Positive Sentinel Node Biopsy.
Authors: Romano E. , Absar M. , Kirwan C. , Wilson M. , Pritchard S. , Barr L. , Baildam A. , Bundred N.
Published: December 2010

Background: Radiotherapy is a treatment alternative to axillary node clearance following a positive sentinel node biopsy. However level III lymph nodes are not usually treated with current axillary radiotherapy protocols, raising the concern of inadequate treatment.Methods: A retrospective review of 636 patients undergoing sentinel node biopsy for breast cancer, following normal axillary ultrasound, to identify factors predicting for level III involvement.Results:In total 115 (18% of 636 women undergoing sentinel node biopsy had node involvement. Subsequent axillary node clearance in these patients identified 50% with further axillary node involvement. Further lymph node involvement was not predicted by standard pathological factors (oestrogen/progesterone/Her 2 neu receptor status/tumour size/grade). The Memorial Sloane Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC) breast nomogram for additional node metastases had limited clinical utility. The mean (range) score to predict node involvement in node positive patients was 22% (4-95%) and node negative patients was 13% (5-33%) (p=0.01). 11% of patients had metastatic disease in level III nodes at surgery. Level III involvement was not predicted by routine clinicopathological factors, and although the MSKCC breast nomogram gave higher scores for the prediction of patients with subsequent level III involvement (level III positive: 32% (6-95%); negative: 14% (4-69%)), it was not discriminatory.Conclusion: Neither the MSKCC breast nomogram or standard clinicopathological factors predict for level III node involvement following positive sentinel node biopsy. Level III axillary node clearance must therefore be recommended as the gold standard for positive axillary disease to avoid the risk of undertreating 11% of patients.

Citation Information: Cancer Res 2009;69(24 Suppl):Abstract nr 1015.
Can Axillary Lymphadenectomy Be Avoided in any Case of Sentinel Node Metastasis?
Authors: Giménez-Climent M. , Merck B. , Martínez- Alzamora N. , Fliquete Peris M. , Martínez-Carsí C. , Almenar-Medina S. , Bayón A. , Llopis-Martínez F. , Sancho M. , Ruíz A. , Vázquez-Albadalejo C.
Published: December 2010

INTRODUCTION: Axillary lymphadenectomy is the gold standard for sentinel node metastasis (SN). Metastasis rate of non – sentinel node (NSN) is related to tumor and SN metastasis sizes. In over 50% of cases of SN metastasis, the SN is the only node with neoplasm involvement. We have studied the variables that are known to influence most on SN metastasis (tumor size) and on NSN metastasis (size of the SN metastasis) with the aim to find out a subgroup of patients in whom axillary lymphadenectomy could be avoided despite of SN involvement.OBJECTIVE: To determine if lymphadenectomy is necessary in all patients with SN metastasis.MATERIAL AND METHOD: A sequential and prospectively maintained database was retrospectively searched, for patients staged with SN biopsy for breast carcinoma. We have reviewed 1285 consecutive breast cancer patients treated between December 1998 and April 2009, average age: 55 ± 12.5 years. SN localization was performed with isotopic (34%) or combined technique (66%). SN biopsy was associated to breast conserving technique in 79.8% of cases. The histopathologic study of SN consisted of serial sectioning, H&E and immunohistochemical (IHC) staining.Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS version 15.0 (SPSS Inc, Chicago, Ill). Comparisons of NSN tumoral infiltration among groups (negative SN, isolated tumoral cells (ITC) and SN micrometastasis) related to tumoral size were assessed by univariate analysis with contingency tables and χ2 test. Multivariate analysis was performed using a binary logistic regression model.RESULTS: Identification rate was of 95.8%. SN metastasis was detected in 418 patients, axillary lymphadenectomy was the treatment in 384 cases. The SN was the only metastatic lymph node in 276 patients (71.9%), whereas more involved nodes were found in 108 patients (28.1%). On multivariate analysis, the variables independently associated to SN metastasis were: age (p=0.005), tumor size (p<0.005) and lymphovascular infiltration (LVI) (p=0,005) and the size of the SN metastasis was an independent factor (p=0.005) related to NSN metastasis.In all the 150 cases where the tumor size was ≤ 10 mm, there was no significant difference in NSN involvement between the three forms of SN (negative, micrometastasis, ITC) (p=0,132).CONCLUSIONS: SN metastasis was associated to younger age, large tumor size and LVI. NSN metastasis, in case of SN involvement, is related to the extent of the SN metastasis. In tumors ≤ 10mm where a micrometastasis is found in the SN, axillary lymphadenectomy could be omitted, due to the insignificant difference related to NSN involvement.

Citation Information: Cancer Res 2009;69(24 Suppl):Abstract nr 1027.
The Influence of Mammaplasty in Axillary Lymphatic Drainage Patterns and Sentinel Lymph Node Detection.
Authors: Soler C. , Bouteille C. , Mignotte H. , Steiner A. , Gremillet E. , Geissler B.
Published: December 2010

Introduction: Controlateral mammaplasty is often necessary during the procedure of breast reconstruction after mastectomy.However the impact of this kind of surgery on axillary lymphatic drainage and sentinel node (SN) detection remains controversial. The American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) as published a guideline in 2005 and recommended that SN biopsy should not be performed in patients with previous mammplasty or axillary surgery.However, because of insufficient evidence and lack of scientific studies, mammaplasty cannot be considered as an absolute contraindication for SN biopsy procedure. Therefore, the same panellists of the ASCO guideline suggested that a preliminary lymphoscintigraphy (LSG) could be done when considering a SN biopsy in patients with previous mammaplasty, with the objective of verifying the integrity of the mammary gland and axillary nodes.The aim of our study was to evaluate the lymphatic patterns and SN detection rates after mammaplasty by using lymphoSPECT-CT (LS).Methods: ten patients who underwent mammaplasty were evaluated by LSG immediately after intradermal periareolar injections of 99mTc -labelled sulphur colloid (NanoCIS*) at two time points: before mammaplasty (Pre-LS) and between 40 to 60 days after mammaplasty (Post- LS).Results: all breasts drained primarily to the axillary SN. The binomial test did not show statistical difference in lymphatic drainage patterns between Pre-LSG and Post-LSG.The average number of hot SN was 1.28 in Pre-LS, 1.14 in Post-LS.The localisation of hot SN was evaluated by:- antero-posterior distance was estimated in centimeter from SN region to dorsal vertebrae spine center-SN's coronal position was compared to grill rib.The preservation of axillary lymphatic drainage after mammaplasty was allowed for SN detection in all studied breasts and the localisation of the sentinel node was the same after surgery than before.Conclusion: after evaluating the impact of the previous mammaplasty surgery on the accuracy of SLN biopsy, we observed that this kind of surgery did not significantly affects the accuracy of lymphatic mapping and that it may be possible to propose sentinel node biopsy after mammaplasty.

Citation Information: Cancer Res 2009;69(24 Suppl):Abstract nr 1028.