bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Neutrophil function and cytokine‐specific signaling in chronic neutrophilic leukemia
Authors: UEMURA Y. , TAGUCHI T. , KUBOTA T. , SAITO T. , BANDOBASHI K. , YOKOYAMA A.
Published: January 2008

We diagnosed an 86‐year‐old woman with chronic neutrophilic leukemia (CNL) because she showed sustained leukocytosis dominated by mature neutrophils, hepatosplenomegaly, high neutrophilic alkaline phosphatase score, absence of the Ph chromosome, low serum level of granulocyte colony‐stimulating factor (G‐CSF) and granulocyte‐macrophage colony‐stimulating factor (GM‐CSF), and no evidence of leukemoid reaction. We found that the extent of stimulation of her neutrophil functions by G‐CSF and GM‐CSF was greatly reduced compared to healthy donars neutrophils. We showed that CNL neutrophils have intact expression of granulocyte colony‐stimulating factor receptor (G‐CSFR) and granulocyte‐macrophage colony‐stimulating factor receptor (GM‐CSFR). This suggests that failure of enhancement by G‐CSF and GM‐CSF in CNL neutrophil functions might be due to disturbances in the intracellular domains of G‐CSFR and GM‐CSFR, regardless of external cytokine stimulation. However, the patient’s neutrophils did not show any mutations in the G‐CSFR and GM‐CSFR intracellular critical regions. We also showed that stat3 and mitogen‐activated protein kinase activation by G‐CSF or GM‐CSF in the patient’s neutrophils were significantly lower than those in healthy donor neutrophils. These results suggest that deficiency of CNL neutrophil function might be due to insufficiency of some inflammatory cytokine‐specific signaling. Hence, we are the first to show that CNL neutrophils have partially insufficiency in some cytokine‐specific signaling. Further studies are needed to elucidate the signal transduction pathways relating to functional defects in CNL neutrophils.
Multiple root resorption as a presenting sign of Paget's disease of bone
Authors: Monteiro M. , Rout J.
Published: February 2008

Paget's disease is a chronic disorder of bone remodelling of uncertain aetiology. Its craniofacial manifestions may be the first indicators of disease. We present an unusual case of Paget's disease presenting with significant external root resorption. The oral manifestions and radiological features of Paget's disease as well as the implications for surgery in the mouth are discussed.
Mathematical Models for 3D Analysis of Rotary Steering BHA Under Small Deflection
Authors: Zifeng Li , Jingyuan Li
Published: February 2008

A new type of rotary steering stabilizer used in a common rotary bottom hole assembly (BHA) to control well path was developed. In order for design and use of this kind of BHA, mathematical models were proposed for 3D mechanical analysis of rotary steering BHA with small deflection. The mathematical models include (1) differential equations; (2) boundary conditions of drill bit, stabilizer, diameter change, tangent point, and bore hole wall; (3) methods for calculating lateral forces and deflection angles of the bit; and (4) models for determining navigation ability and navigation parameters. As an example, a given rotary steering BHA was studied.
Distributed Generation (DG) and the American Electric Utility System: What is Stopping It?
Authors: Sovacool Benjamin K.
Published: February 2008

Despite the immense environmental, technical, and financial promise of distributed generation (DG) technologies, they still constitute a very small percentage of electricity capacity in the United States. This manuscript answers the apparently paradoxical question: Why do technologies that offer such impressive benefits also find the least use? Going beyond technical explanations of problems related to system control, higher capital costs, and environmental compliance, this paper focuses on sociotechnical barriers related to utility preferences, business practices, regulatory bias, and consumer values. The approach helps us understand the glossing over of DG technologies, and identifies the impediments that policymakers must overcome if they are to find wider use.
A GeoWall with Physics and Astronomy Applications
Authors: Dukes Phillip , Bruton Dan
Published: February 2008

A GeoWall is a passive stereoscopic projection system that can be used by students, teachers, and researchers for visualization of the structure and dynamics of three-dimensional systems and data. The type of system described here adequately provides 3-D visualization in natural color for large or small groups of viewers. The name “GeoWall” derives from its initial development to visualize data in the geosciences.1 An early GeoWall system was developed by Paul Morin at the electronic visualization laboratory at the University of Minnesota and was applied in an introductory geology course in spring of 2001. Since that time, several stereoscopic media, which are applicable to introductory-level physics and astronomy classes, have been developed and released into the public domain. In addition to the GeoWall's application in the classroom, there is considerable value in its use as part of a general science outreach program. In this paper we briefly describe the theory of operation of stereoscopic projection and the basic necessary components of a GeoWall system. Then we briefly describe how we are using a GeoWall as an instructional tool for the classroom and informal astronomy education and in research. Finally, we list sources for several of the free software media in physics and astronomy available for use with a GeoWall system.
Colossal Positive and Negative Thermal Expansion in the Framework Material Ag
3
[Co(CN)
6
]
Authors: Goodwin Andrew L. , Calleja Mark , Conterio Michael J. , Dove Martin T. , Evans John S. O. , Keen David A. , Peters Lars , Tucker Matthew G.
Published: February 2008

We show that silver(I) hexacyanocobaltate(III), Ag
3
[Co(CN)
6
], exhibits positive and negative thermal expansion an order of magnitude greater than that seen in other crystalline materials. This framework material expands along one set of directions at a rate comparable to the most weakly bound solids known. By flexing like lattice fencing, the framework couples this to a contraction along a perpendicular direction. This gives negative thermal expansion that is 14 times larger than in ZrW
2
O
8
. Density functional theory calculations quantify both the low energy associated with this flexibility and the role of argentophilic (Ag
+
...Ag
+
) interactions. This study illustrates how the mechanical properties of a van der Waals solid might be engineered into a rigid, useable framework.
Multidrug-Resistant
Escherichia fergusonii
: a Case of Acute Cystitis
Authors: Savini Vincenzo , Catavitello Chiara , Talia Marzia , Manna Assunta , Pompetti Franca , Favaro Marco , Fontana Carla , Febbo Fabio , Balbinot Andrea , Di Berardino Fabio , Di Bonaventura Giovanni , Di Zacomo Silvia , Esattore Francesca , D'Antonio Domenico
Published: February 2008

We report a case in which
Escherichia fergusonii
, an emerging pathogen in various types of infections, was associated with cystitis in a 52-year-old woman. The offending strain was found to be multidrug resistant. Despite in vitro activity, beta-lactam treatment failed because of a lack of patient compliance with therapy. The work confirms the pathogenic potential of
E. fergusonii
.
MicroRNA Profile of Marek's Disease Virus-Transformed T-Cell Line MSB-1: Predominance of Virus-Encoded MicroRNAs
Authors: Yao Yongxiu , Zhao Yuguang , Xu Hongtao , Smith Lorraine P. , Lawrie Charles H. , Watson Michael , Nair Venugopal
Published: February 2008

Research over the last few years has demonstrated the increasing role of microRNAs (miRNAs) as major regulators of gene expression in diverse cellular processes and diseases. Several viruses, particularly herpesviruses, also use the miRNA pathway of gene regulation by encoding their own miRNAs. Marek's disease (MD) is a widespread lymphomatous neoplastic disease of poultry caused by the highly contagious Marek's disease virus type 1 (MDV-1). Recent studies using virus-infected chicken embryo fibroblasts have identified at least eight miRNAs that map to the R
L
/R
S
region of the MDV genome. Since MDV is a lymphotropic virus that induces T-cell lymphomas, analysis of the miRNA profile in T-cell lymphoma would be more relevant for examining their role in oncogenesis. We determined the viral and host miRNAs expressed in MSB-1, a lymphoblastoid cell line established from an MDV-induced lymphoma of the spleen. In this paper, we report the identification of 13 MDV-1-encoded miRNAs (12 by direct cloning and 1 by Northern blotting) from MSB-1 cells. These miRNAs, five of which are novel MDV-1 miRNAs, map to the Meq and latency-associated transcript regions of the MDV genome. Furthermore, we show that miRNAs encoded by MDV-1 and the coinfected MDV-2 accounted for >60% of the 5,099 sequences of the MSB-1 “miRNAome.” Several chicken miRNAs, some of which are known to be associated with cancer, were also cloned from MSB-1 cells. High levels of expression of MDV-1-encoded miRNAs and potentially oncogenic host miRNAs suggest that miRNAs may have major roles in MDV pathogenesis and neoplastic transformation.
Balancing urgency, age and quality of life in organ allocation decisions—what would you do?: a survey
Authors: Stahl J E , Tramontano A C , Swan J S , Cohen B J
Published: January 2008

Purpose:

Explore public attitudes towards the trade-offs between justice and medical outcome inherent in organ allocation decisions.

Background:

The US Task Force on Organ Transplantation recommended that considerations of justice, autonomy and medical outcome be part of all organ allocation decisions. Justice in this context may be modeled as a function of three types of need, related to age, clinical urgency, and quality of life.

Methods:

A web-based survey was conducted in which respondents were asked to choose between two hypothetical patients who differed in clinical urgency (time to death <1 year), age, pretransplant and post-transplant quality of life, and life expectancy.

Results:

A pool of 1600 people were notified via email about the survey; 623 (39%) responded. Respondents preferred giving organs to younger people up to an age difference of <15.4 years (SD 18) and more clinically urgent people up to a difference in urgency of <2.54 months (SD 3). Priority varied with the quality of life of the worst-off patient and the relative status of the patients. If both had worse than average quality of life, respondents preferred the better-off patient. When both had better than average quality of life, they preferred the worse-off patient. In analysis according to age versus clinical urgency, the older the patient, the more urgency needed to receive priority. In quality of life versus clinical urgency, the better the control’s quality of life, the more urgency the competing patient required. The worse the patient’s post-transplant outcome, the more urgency needed to receive priority.

Conclusions:

It appears that clinical urgency is only one of many factors influencing attitudes about allocation decisions and that respondents may invoke different principles of fairness depending the relative clinical status of patients.
Physicians’ confidence in discussing do not resuscitate orders with patients and surrogates
Authors: Sulmasy D P , Sood J R , Ury W A
Published: January 2008

Purpose:

Physicians are often reluctant to discuss “Do Not Resuscitate” (DNR) orders with patients. Although perceived self-efficacy (confidence) is a known prerequisite for behavioural change, little is understood about the confidence of physicians regarding DNR discussions.

Subjects and methods:

A survey of 217 internal medicine attendings and 132 housestaff at two teaching hospitals about their attitudes and confidence regarding DNR discussions.

Results:

Participants were significantly less confident about their ability to discuss DNR orders than to discuss consent for medical procedures (p<0.001), and this was true for both attendings (p = 0.002) and housestaff (p<0.001). In a multivariate logistic model of confidence regarding DNR discussions, women were less confident than men (OR = 0.52, CI = 0.29 to 0.92); house officers were less confident than attendings (OR = 0.35, CI = 0.20 to 0.61), those who were less confident of their ability to discuss medical procedures were less confident discussing DNR (OR = 0.12, CI = 0.06 to 0.25), and those who found talking to patients about DNR orders very difficult reported less confidence than those who did not (OR = 0.06, CI = 0.02 to 0.16).

Conclusion:

We conclude that physicians’ confidence regarding DNR discussions is low compared with their confidence regarding other medical discussions and that confidence varies by sex and perceived difficulty of the task. Efforts to improve DNR discussions should explore the need to tailor educational interventions to fit these characteristics.
Achieving safe drinking water — risk management based on experience and reality
Authors: Rizak Samantha , Hrudey Steve E.
Published: January 2008

Over recent years there have been a number of high profile water quality incidents in the developed world that have drawn attention to the safety of our drinking water supplies and how we are managing our systems. An analysis of these and other waterborne disease outbreaks reveals some important themes about the underlying causes of outbreak failures and some broader issues about the role of drinking water quality monitoring for the protection of public health. Experience has shown that waterborne disease outbreaks in affluent countries almost universally demonstrate that the outbreaks were eminently preventable and, in most circumstances, the solutions for assuring safety from the risks of drinking water are not complex and rely not so much on implementing stringent water quality standards, as on improved system management and operation. Given these themes, assuring drinking water safety requires a commitment to a comprehensive approach to risk management, one that focuses on prevention and better measures of control extending from catchment and source protection through to the consumer. There is a growing international consensus moving towards this strategy for assuring safe drinking water, which provides the prospects of making water even more safe than it currently is most places in the developed world.
Carbon dynamics in lakes of the boreal forest under a changing climate
Authors: Benoy Glenn , Cash Kevin , McCauley Edward , Wrona Frederick
Published: January 2008

Water-covered lands comprise approximately 30% of the total area of the world’s boreal forest biome. Most of these lands are peatlands (i.e., bogs and fens), which store over half of the total carbon in the biome. Because climate warming threatens to alter the carbon stocks of peatlands, much attention has been devoted to understanding the climatic and hydrologic conditions that affect peatland biogeochemistry. However, there are other aquatic systems that are widespread in the boreal forest that also process and store carbon, including lakes and ponds. Although non-peatland aquatic systems cover a much smaller portion of the boreal landscape, they still contain approximately 15% of the total carbon pool for the biome, much of it stored as either profundal or littoral sediments. Further, the carbon dynamics of boreal lakes are dynamically coupled to watershed processes. Excepting major disturbances to boreal catchments, such as forest fires and forest harvest, surface waters are the only locations of net loss of carbon to the atmosphere. Our objectives are to review what is known about factors that affect lake ecosystem carbon dynamics in the boreal forest and to identify areas of study that we deem to be profitable for forecasting the impacts of climate change on carbon pools and flux rates. We primarily focus on the boreal forest of North America, but recognize that our findings may also be relevant for boreal areas of Fennoscandia and Russia. The following research priorities are identified: (i) estimation of carbon pools in profundal and littoral sediments across the boreal forest, (ii) warming experiments that include quantification of ecosystem carbon dynamics in addition to measuring changes to aquatic food web structure, (iii) whole system experiments to understand the hydrologic and biogeochemical conditions by which allochthonous carbon is integrated into aquatic food webs, especially in the context of increased nutrient concentrations associated with a warmer, and possibly drier, climate, as forecast for the southern boreal forest, (iv) watershed-scale assessment of carbon budgets for lakes that straddle transitional zones between the boreal forest and prairie-parkland, temperate forest or tundra, to detect evidence of ecosystem migration, and (v) integration of lacustrine carbon pools and flux rates into carbon budgets at scales that range from local watersheds to the boreal forest biome.
Input and decay of coarse woody debris in coniferous stands in western Oregon and Washington
Authors: Sollins Phillip
Published: February 2008

At 10 locations in Oregon and Washington, tree mortality resulted in dry-matter transfer of 1.5–4.5 Mg•ha−1•year−1 of boles and branches to the forest floor and 0.3–1.3 Mg•ha−1•year−1 of large-diameter roots directly to the mineral soil. The first value is about the same as that reported for leaf fall in similar stands; the second value generally is smaller than that reported for fine root turnover. Results are based on measurements by the U.S. Forest Service spanning 16–46 years and areas as large as 42 ha. Values based on intervals < 10 years were highly variable and potentially misleading.At an old-growth Douglas-fir stand in Washington, fallen boles accounted for 81 Mg/ha, standing dead for 54 Mg/ha. Density of fallen boles averaged from 0.14 to 0.27 g/cm3 depending on decay state. Values were lower than some previously reported because (1) our sample included small-diameter fallen boles that tend to decay rapidly, and (2) we measured density with techniques that minimized compaction and shrinkage.The decay rate at the old-growth stand, calculated indirectly by dividing bole mortality (megagrams per hectare per year) by the amount (megagrams per hectare) of fallen and standing dead woody material, was 0.028 year−1. This rate, three to five times those previously calculated directly from change in density alone, was almost identical to values calculated elsewhere from change in both volume and density. Decay rates based on change in density alone include only respired and leached material and exclude the large amount of material lost in fragmentation. This study shows the value of permanent plots, undisturbed by salvage logging, for retrospective studies of decomposition, nutrient cycling, and productivity.
Attraction during flight of scolytids and other bark- and wood-dwelling beetles to volatiles from fresh and stored spruce wood
Authors: Lindelöw Åke , Risberg Birger , Sjödin Kristina
Published: February 2008

Attraction of scolytids and other bark- and wood-dwelling beetles to volatile constituents of Norway spruce (Piceaabies (L.) Karst.) was studied in field experiments in central Sweden. The volatiles were released from chips of newly cut spruce stems as well as from stems stored over winter. These host materials were kept in cylinders covered on both ends with fine nylon mesh. Attracted insects were caught in barrier traps. The composition of volatile constituents of wood samples was determined using gas chromatography. Hylurgopspalliatus (Gyll.), Hylastescunicularius Er., Ipstypographus (L.) (Scolytidae), and Glischrochilusquadripunctatus (L.) (Nitidulidae) were particularly attracted to stored spruce wood. Trypodendronlineatum (Oliv.) (Scolytidae) and Pityophagusferrugineus (L.) (Nitidulidae) were only attracted to stored wood. There were indications that Tomicuspiniperda (L.) and Hylastesbrunneus Er. (Scolytidae) preferred fresh wood. Chemical analyses revealed that during storage ethanol and acetaldehyde increased considerably in two out of the five examined tree stems.
Molecular Basis of Plant Architecture
Authors: Wang Yonghong , Li Jiayang
Published: February 2008

Higher plants display a variety of architectures that are defined by the degree of branching, internodal elongation, and shoot determinancy. Studies on the model plants of Arabidopsis thaliana and tomato and on crop plants such as rice and maize have greatly strengthened our understanding on the molecular genetic bases of plant architecture, one of the hottest areas in plant developmental biology. The identification of mutants that are defective in plant architecture and characterization of the corresponding and related genes will eventually enable us to elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying plant architecture. The achievements made so far in studying plant architecture have already allowed us to pave a way for optimizing the plant architecture of crops by molecular design and improving grain productivity.
Roots, Nitrogen Transformations, and Ecosystem Services
Authors: Jackson Louise E. , Burger Martin , Cavagnaro Timothy R.
Published: February 2008

This review considers some of the mechanistic processes that involve roots in the soil nitrogen (N) cycle, and their implications for the ecological functions that retain N within ecosystems: 1) root signaling pathways for N transport systems, and feedback inhibition, especially for NO3− uptake; 2) dependence on the mycorrhizal and Rhizobium/legume symbioses and their tradeoffs for N acquisition; 3) soil factors that influence the supply of NH4+ and NO3− to roots and soil microbes; and 4) rhizosphere processes that increase N cycling and retention, such as priming effects and interactions with the soil food web. By integrating information on these plant-microbe-soil N processes across scales and disciplinary boundaries, we propose ideas for better manipulating ecological functions and processes by which the environment provides for human needs, i.e., ecosystem services. Emphasis is placed on agricultural systems, effects of N deposition in natural ecosystems, and ecosystem responses to elevated CO2 concentrations. This shows the need for multiscale approaches to increase human dependence on a biologically based N supply.
PPARs and the kidney in metabolic syndrome
Authors: Ruan Xiongzhong , Zheng Feng , Guan Youfei
Published: January 2008

The metabolic syndrome (MetS) is defined by a set of metabolic risk factors, including insulin resistance, central obesity, dyslipidemia, hyperglycemia, and hypertension for type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Although both retrospective and prospective clinical studies have revealed that MetS is associated with chronic renal disease, even with a nondiabetic cause, the cellular and molecular mechanisms in this association remain largely uncharacterized. Recently, increasing evidence suggests that peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs), a subgroup of the nuclear hormone receptor superfamily of ligand-activated transcription factors, may play an important role in the pathogenesis of MetS. All three members of the PPAR nuclear receptor subfamily, PPARα, -β/δ, and -γ, are critical in regulating insulin sensitivity, adipogenesis, lipid metabolism, inflammation, and blood pressure. PPARs have also been implicated in many renal pathophysiological conditions, including diabetic nephropathy and glomerulosclerosis. Ligands for PPARs such as hypolipidemic PPARα activators, and antidiabetic thiazolidinedione PPARγ agonists affect not only diverse aspects of MetS but also renal disease progression. Emerging data suggest that PPARs may be potential therapeutic targets for MetS and its related renal complications. This review focuses on current knowledge of the role of PPARs in MetS and discusses the potential therapeutic utility of PPAR modulators in the treatment of kidney diseases associated with MetS.
Tubuloglomerular feedback and renin secretion in NTPDase1/CD39-deficient mice
Authors: Oppermann Mona , Friedman David J. , Faulhaber-Walter Robert , Mizel Diane , Castrop Hayo , Enjyoji Keiichi , Robson Simon C. , Schnermann Jurgen
Published: February 2008

Studies in mice with null mutations of adenosine 1 receptor or ecto-5′-nucleotidase genes suggest a critical role of adenosine and its precursor 5′-AMP in tubulovascular signaling. To assess whether the source of juxtaglomerular nucleotides can be traced back to ATP dephosphorylation, experiments were performed in mice with a deficiency in NTPDase1/CD39, an ecto-ATPase catalyzing the formation of AMP from ATP and ADP. Urine osmolarity and glomerular filtration rate (GFR) were indistinguishable between NTPDase1/CD39−/− and wild-type (WT) mice. Maximum tubuloglomerular feedback (TGF) responses, as determined by proximal tubular stop flow pressure measurements, were reduced in NTPDase1/CD39−/− mice compared with controls (4.2 ± 0.9 vs. 10.5 ± 1.2 mmHg, respectively; P = 0.0002). Residual TGF responses gradually diminished after repeated changes in tubular perfusion flow averaging 2.9 ± 0.9 (on response) and 3.5 ± 1.1 (off response) mmHg after the second and 2.2 ± 0.5 (on response) and 1.5 ± 0.8 (off response) mmHg after the third challenge, whereas no fading of TGF responsiveness was observed in WT mice. Macula densa-dependent and pressure-dependent inhibition of renin secretion, as assessed by acute salt loading and phenylephrine injection, respectively, were intact in NTPDase1/CD39-deficient mice. In summary, NTPDase1/CD39-deficient mice showed a markedly compromised TGF regulation of GFR. These data support the concept of an extracellular dephosphorylation cascade during tubular-vascular signal transmission in the juxtaglomerular apparatus that is initiated by a regulated release of ATP from macula densa cells and results in adenosine-mediated afferent arteriole constriction.
Multi-Digit Control of Contact Forces During Rotation of a Hand-Held Object
Authors: Winges Sara A. , Eonta Stephanie E. , Soechting John F. , Flanders Martha
Published: January 2008

Rotation of an object held with three fingers is produced by modulation of force amplitude and direction at one or more contact points. Changes in the moment arm through which these forces act can also contribute to the modulation of the rotational moment. Therefore force amplitude and direction as well as the center of pressure on each contact surface must be carefully coordinated to produce a rotation. Because there is not a single solution, this study sought to describe consistent strategies for simple position-to-position rotations in the pitch, roll, and yaw axes. Force amplitude and direction, and center of pressure on the contact surfaces (and thus the moment arm), were measured as human subjects rotated a 420 g force-transducer instrumented object, grasped with the thumb, index and ring fingers (average movement time: 500 ms). Electromyographic (EMG) activity was recorded from five intrinsic and three extrinsic hand muscles and two wrist muscles. Principal components analysis of force and EMG revealed just two main temporal patterns: the main one followed rotational position and the secondary one had a time course that resembled that of rotational velocity. Although the task could have been accomplished by dynamic modulation of the activity of wrist muscles alone, these two main dynamic EMG patterns were seen in intrinsic hand muscles as well. In contrast to previous reports of shifting in time of the phasic activity bursts of various muscles, in this task, all EMG records were well described by just two temporal patterns, resembling the position and velocity traces.
Transforming Growth Factor-β1 Promotes Matrix Metalloproteinase-9–Mediated Oral Cancer Invasion through Snail Expression
Authors: Sun Limin , Diamond Michelle E. , Ottaviano Adam J. , Joseph Mathew J. , Ananthanarayan Vijayalakshmi , Munshi Hidayatullah G.
Published: January 2008

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), which is the most common malignancy of the oral cavity, is often associated with local and regional invasion. Increased expression of matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) is correlated with invasive behavior of OSCC. Because transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1) is up-regulated in OSCC tumors, we examined the relationship between TGF-β1 signaling and MMP-9 in human OSCC specimens. Evaluation of human specimens showed that tumors with enhanced TGF-β1 signaling also showed increased MMP-9 expression. Because the transcription factor Snail has been determined to be a key mediator of TGF-β1 signaling, we evaluated the role of Snail in TGF-β1–mediated MMP-9 expression. Initially, we examined the extent to which TGF-β1 regulated Snail expression in oral keratinocytes and in OSCC cell lines. TGF-β1 enhanced Snail expression in a majority of the cell lines examined, with the largest induction of Snail detected in UMSCC1 cells. Interestingly, overexpression of Snail in UMSCC1 cells enhanced MMP-9 and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 protein levels. Despite the increase in the tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 protein, there was a net increase in the pericellular proteolytic activity as shown by enhanced MMP-9–dependent Matrigel invasion. Moreover, Snail-specific siRNA blocked TGF-β1–induced MMP-9 expression and Matrigel invasion. In addition, Snail increased Ets-1 levels and Ets-1–specific siRNA blocked both Snail- and TGF-β1–mediated MMP-9 expression and Matrigel invasion. Thus, these data show that Snail functions as a molecular mediator of TGF-β1–regulated MMP-9 expression by increasing Ets-1 and thereby contributing to oral cancer progression. (Mol Cancer Res 2008;6(1):10–20)
Esophageal Granular Cell Tumor and Eosinophilic Esophagitis: Two Interesting Entities Identified in the Same Patient
Authors: Lucendo Alfredo J. , De Rezende Livia , Martín-Plaza Jesús , Larrauri Javier
Published: February 2008

We illustrate the case of a 41-year-old male with allergic manifestations since childhood. He sought medical attention for intermittent, progressive dysphagia from which he had been suffering for a number of years, having felt the sensation of a retrosternal lump and a self-limited obstruction to the passage of food. Endoscopy detected a submucosal tumor in the upper third of the esophagus, which was typified, via biopsy, as a granular cell tumor with benign characteristics and probably responsible for the symptoms. Two years later, the patient sought medical attention once again as these symptoms had not abated, hence digestive endoscopy was repeated. This revealed stenosis of the junction between the middle and lower thirds of the organ which had not been detected previously but was passable under gentle pressure. Eosinophilic esophagitis was detected after biopsies were taken. Esophageal manometry identified a motor disorder affecting the esophageal body. Following three months of treatment using fluticasone propionate applied topically, the symptoms went into remission, esophageal stenosis disappeared and the esophageal biopsies returned to normal. This is the first documented case of the link between granular cell tumors and Eosinophilic esophagitis, two different disorders which could cause dysphagia in young patients.
Amicrobial Pustulosis of the Folds Associated with Auto-Immune Disorders
Authors: Antille C. , Frei M. , Sorg O. , Tran C. , Kaya G. , Masouyé I. , Fontao L. , Prins C. , Saurat J.-H.
Published: January 2008

A new entity was described by Crickx et al. in 1991, associating amicrobial pustulosis of the folds with systemic lupus erythematosus in young females. It is proposed to regroup this entity under the name of ‘neutrophilic cutaneous lupus’. We report a case of a 13-year-old girl with a pustular eruption of the cutaneous folds and scalp associated with undetermined connective tissue disease. We performed a screening for the expression of 174 cytokines in the pustules and compared it with other pustular diseases (acne flare, acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis, pustulosis of Sneddon and Wilkinson). Matrix metalloproteinase 9 and Siglec-5 (CD170) were highly expressed in all types of pustules and reflect high neutrophil density. Amicrobial pustulosis of the folds was characterized by a higher expression of interleukin (IL) 1α, IL-2 receptor α, macrophage colony-stimulating factor, insulin-like growth factor binding protein 1, brain-derived neurotrophic factor, tumour necrosis factor (TNF) α and a lower expression of CD14, IL-1β, IL-12, soluble TNF receptors I and II, growth-regulated oncogene α, fibroblast growth factor 4 and vascular endothelial growth factor as compared to the controls.
Habituation of the Auditory Startle Response in Cervical Dystonia and Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Putzki Norman , Graf Karoline , Stude Philipp , Diener Hans-Christoph , Maschke Matthias
Published: January 2008

The auditory startle response (ASR) is a brainstem reflex elicited by an unexpected acoustic stimulus. In focal dystonia (FD), the excitability of brainstem neurons is abnormally enhanced. To identify a possible impact of this pathology on the processing of acoustic stimuli, we studied the habituation of the ASR in patients (n = 11) with FD and compared the findings to those of patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD; n = 11) and controls (n = 11). Latencies in FD patients did not differ from those of controls but were delayed in PD patients compared to controls (p < 0.0001). Habituation was normal at the orbicularis oculi muscles but reduced at the sternocleidomastoid muscles in FD (p = 0.005). Habituation in PD was comparable to controls. Normal latencies and sequence activation indicate intact neural pathways mediating the ASR in FD. Impaired habituation of the ASR points towards a reduced inhibition of acoustic stimuli in FD.
Seasonal Variation in Pre-Eclamptic Rate and Its Association with the Ambient Temperature and Humidity in Early Pregnancy
Authors: Tam Wing Hung , Sahota Daljit S. , Lau Tze Kin , Li Chi Yin , Fung Tak Yuen
Published: January 2008

Aims: To determine any relationship between ambient temperatures adjusted for humidity at conception and the occurrence of pre-eclampsia. Methods: The subjects were singleton primiparae delivered in a Teaching Hospital between 1995 and 2002. We studied the odds of developing pre-eclampsia across months and investigated the association between the pre-eclamptic rates based on the months of conception and the mean monthly heat index. Results: A total of 245 (1.6%) women were diagnosed pre-eclampsia and eclampsia during the study period. There was a significant association between the seasons of conception and rate of pre-eclampsia (logistic regression Wald χ2 = 9.2, p = 0.03). Conceptions during summer had a higher risk of pre-eclampsia than those during autumn (2.3 vs. 1.6%, OR 1.7, 95% CI 1.2–2.5). Women who conceived in June had the highest risk of developing pre-eclampsia (OR 2.8, 95% CI 1.5–5.2) while women who conceived in October had the lowest after adjusting for age. A 2-month time lag was observed between the peak pre-eclamptic rate in women who conceived in June and the peak heat index in August. Conclusion: Singleton primiparous women who conceived in summer and had a longer exposure to higher ambient temperature were at a greater risk of pre-eclampsia.
Reevaluation of Human Leukocyte Antigen DR-DQ Haplotype and Genotype in Type 1 Diabetes in the Japanese Population
Authors: Katahira Masahito , Ishiguro Toshiaki , Segawa Satoko , Kuzuya-Nagao Kaoru , Hara Iwao , Nishisaki Tsuneo
Published: February 2008

Aim: This study aims at clarifying the human leukocyte antigen haplotypes and genotypes conferring susceptibility or resistance to type 1 diabetes in the Japanese population. Methods: The frequencies of human leukocyte antigen DR-DQ haplotypes and genotypes were compared between 83 type 1 diabetic patients, except for fulminant type 1 diabetes, and control subjects in the Japanese population. The patients were divided by onset age into four groups (ages 5–14, 15–29, 30–49, and 50–71 years); the haplotype frequency was compared between each group. Results: The frequencies of DRB1*0405-DQB1*0401 (DR4), DRB1*0802-DQB1*0302 (DR8), DRB1*0901-DQB1*0303 (DR9), and DRB1*1302-DQB1* 0604 (DR13) haplotypes were significantly higher in the patients than in the control subjects. The frequencies of DRB1* 1501-DQB1*0602 and DRB1*1502-DQB1*0601 haplotypes were significantly lower in the patients than in the controls. The frequencies of DR4/8, DR4/13, DR9/9, and DR9/13 genotypes were significantly higher in the patients than in the control subjects. The DR13 haplotype was the most frequent haplotype in the age group 30–49 years, whereas the other haplotypes but DR13 were the most frequent in the other age groups. Conclusion: DR4, DR8, DR9, and DR13 haplotypes confer susceptibility to type 1 diabetes in Japanese patients.
Efficacy of Intravenous Alfacalcidol in the Treatment of Secondary Hyperparathyroidism in Patients on Hemodialysis
Authors: González M.T. , Torregrosa J.V. , Colomé E. , Mendia A. , Pavesi M.
Published: February 2008

Background: Secondary hyperparathyroidism remains a serious problem in hemodialysis patients. The therapy of renal osteodystrophy is mainly based on lowering phosphate levels and administering vitamin D3 metabolites and calcimimetic agents. Methods: An observational, prospective, multicenter study was made to evaluate the efficacy of alfacalcidol in 185 chronic hemodialysis patients with secondary hyperparathyroidism (i-PTH >150 pg/ml). Patients with a Ca×P product >70 were excluded. Intermittent therapy with intravenous alfacalcidol was observed for 6 months. Results: The mean dose of alfacalcidol per week was 3.63 ± 1.71 µg. Patients previously treated with vitamin D3 metabolites needed higher doses of alfacalcidol (4.0 ± 1.7 vs. 3.2 ± 1.6; p = 0.01). Only 50.8% of the patients had received vitamin D3 metabolites prior to the start of the study and at baseline they had higher i-PTH levels (600.3 ± 360.5 vs. 489.9 ± 292.6, p = 0.02). i-PTH levels decreased from 546 ± 332.6 to 332.4 ± 274.5 pg/ml (p < 0.001). 60.5% of the patients had i-PTH < 300 pg/ml at the last observation. Serum calcium increased (9.4 ± 0.8 to 9.97 ± 1.0 mg/l, p < 0.001). Conclusion: Alfacalcidol reduced the levels of i-PTH and produced a slight increase in serum calcium and phosphate levels. In mild or moderate hyperparathyroidism the doses needed were lower than in severe hyperparathyroidism.
The 1976/77 Austral Summer Climate Transition Effects on the Atmospheric Circulation and Climate in Southern South America
Authors: Agosta Eduardo A. , Compagnucci Rosa H.
Published: January 2008

Previous works suggest that more El Niño–like conditions can be expected over the South American (SA) climate and atmospheric circulation because of the similarity of the predominately warm conditions in the sea surface temperature (SST) over the central-equatorial Pacific after the 1976/77 summer with those of the SSTs during El Niño events. Here, the summer (October to March) low-level atmospheric circulation over southern SA is studied in order to determine the specific changes that can be related with the global climate transition 1976/77. The rotated principal component analysis is applied to the daily 850-hPa geopotential height fields from the NCEP–NCAR reanalysis I for the periods before and after 1976/77. The second and third principal patterns reveal changes both in the order of explained variances and in some of their spatial features. They can be associated with an expansion of the subtropical South Atlantic anticyclone over SA and lower midlatitude cyclone activity after the 1976/77 summer. The latter is partly associated with the actual tendency toward the positive phase of the southern annular mode. The main patterns can even explain some changes in the observed precipitation over subtropical central-west Argentina as well as for other subtropical regions. Different inhomogeneity tests applied to the atmospheric circulation climatology support the changes. Results suggest that the atmospheric circulation change could be somewhat unique (not observed in the twentieth century) and, thus, it could not be thoroughly ascribed to the El Niño–like variability.
Relationships between Arctic Sea Ice and Clouds during Autumn
Authors: Schweiger Axel J. , Lindsay Ron W. , Vavrus Steve , Francis Jennifer A.
Published: February 2008

The connection between sea ice variability and cloud cover over the Arctic seas during autumn is investigated by analyzing the 40-yr ECMWF Re-Analysis (ERA-40) products and the Television and Infrared Observation Satellite (TIROS) Operational Vertical Sounder (TOVS) Polar Pathfinder satellite datasets. It is found that cloud cover variability near the sea ice margins is strongly linked to sea ice variability. Sea ice retreat is linked to a decrease in low-level cloud amount and a simultaneous increase in midlevel clouds. This pattern is apparent in both data sources. Changes in cloud cover can be explained by changes in the atmospheric temperature structure and an increase in near-surface temperatures resulting from the removal of sea ice. The subsequent decrease in static stability and deepening of the atmospheric boundary layer apparently contribute to the rise in cloud level. The radiative effect of this change is relatively small, as the direct radiative effects of cloud cover changes are compensated for by changes in the temperature and humidity profiles associated with varying ice conditions.
Influences of Atlantic Climate Change on the Tropical Pacific via the Central American Isthmus*
Authors: Xie Shang-Ping , Okumura Yuko , Miyama Toru , Timmermann Axel
Published: January 2008

Recent global coupled model experiments suggest that the atmospheric bridge across Central America is a key conduit for Atlantic climate change to affect the tropical Pacific. A high-resolution regional ocean–atmosphere model (ROAM) of the eastern tropical Pacific is used to investigate key processes of this conduit by examining the response to a sea surface temperature (SST) cooling over the North Atlantic. The Atlantic cooling increases sea level pressure, driving northeasterly wind anomalies across the Isthmus of Panama year-round. While the atmospheric response is most pronounced during boreal summer/fall when the tropical North Atlantic is warm and conducive to deep convection, the Pacific SST response is strongest in winter/spring when the climatological northeast trade winds prevail across the isthmus. During winter, the northeasterly cross-isthmus winds intensify in response to the Atlantic cooling, reducing the SST in the Gulf of Panama by cold and dry advection from the Atlantic and by enhancing surface turbulent heat flux and mixing. This Gulf of Panama cooling reaches the equator and is amplified by the Bjerknes feedback during boreal spring. The equatorial anomalies of SST and zonal winds dissipate quickly in early summer as the seasonal development of the cold tongue increases the stratification of the atmospheric boundary layer and shields the surface from the Atlantic influence that propagates into the Pacific as tropospheric Rossby waves. The climatological winds over the far eastern Pacific warm pool turn southwesterly in summer/fall, superimposed on which the anomalous northesterlies induce a weak SST warming there.

The ROAM results are compared with global model water-hosing runs to shed light on intermodel consistency and differences in response to the shutdown of the Atlantic meridional overturning circulation. Implications for interpreting paleoclimate changes such as Heinrich events are discussed. The results presented here also aid in understanding phenomena in the present climate such as the Central American midsummer drought and Atlantic multidecadal oscillation.
Impact of Subsurface Temperature Variability on Surface Air Temperature Variability: An AGCM Study
Authors: Mahanama Sarith P. P. , Koster Randal D. , Reichle Rolf H. , Suarez Max J.
Published: January 2008

Anomalous atmospheric conditions can lead to surface temperature anomalies, which in turn can lead to temperature anomalies in the subsurface soil. The subsurface soil temperature (and the associated ground heat content) has significant memory—the dissipation of a temperature anomaly may take weeks to months—and thus subsurface soil temperature may contribute to the low-frequency variability of energy and water variables elsewhere in the system. The memory may even provide some skill to subseasonal and seasonal forecasts.

This study uses three long-term AGCM experiments to isolate the contribution of subsurface soil temperature variability to variability elsewhere in the climate system. The first experiment consists of a standard ensemble of Atmospheric Model Intercomparison Project (AMIP)-type simulations in which the subsurface soil temperature variable is allowed to interact with the rest of the system. In the second experiment, the coupling of the subsurface soil temperature to the rest of the climate system is disabled; that is, at each grid cell, the local climatological seasonal cycle of subsurface soil temperature (as determined from the first experiment) is prescribed. Finally, a climatological seasonal cycle of sea surface temperature (SST) is prescribed in the third experiment. Together, the three experiments allow the isolation of the contributions of variable SSTs, interactive subsurface soil temperature, and chaotic atmospheric dynamics to meteorological variability. The results show that allowing an interactive subsurface soil temperature does, indeed, significantly increase surface air temperature variability and memory in most regions. In many regions, however, the impact is negligible, particularly during boreal summer.
Predictability Associated with the Downstream Impacts of the Extratropical Transition of Tropical Cyclones: Case Studies
Authors: Anwender Doris , Harr Patrick A. , Jones Sarah C.
Published: January 2008

The extratropical transition (ET) of tropical cyclones often has a negative impact on the predictability of the atmospheric situation both around the ET event and farther downstream. The predictability of five ET cases of different intensities in the North Atlantic and the western North Pacific is investigated using the ECMWF ensemble prediction system. The variability in the ensemble members is regarded as a measure of the predictability. Plumes of forecast uncertainty spread downstream of each ET event. Initialization times closer to the ET events yield higher predictability of the downstream flow independent of forecast lead time.

Principal component analysis and fuzzy clustering is used to assess the variability in the ensemble members and to identify groupings of the members that contribute in a similar way to the variability patterns. Applying the method to the potential temperature on the dynamic tropopause reveals a characteristic variability pattern in all five cases that is closely related to the synoptic patterns of the ET events. Clusters that contribute in a similar manner to the variability patterns exhibit similar ET developments in the different cases. A probability can be assigned to a given group based on the number of members in the group. The number of clusters decreases with shorter forecast intervals and the difference between the clusters becomes less marked. This indicates an increase of predictability.

The usefulness of ensemble prediction is highlighted in the weak ET cases in that a low probability is assigned to the erroneous deterministic forecasts.
An Unusual Hailstorm on 24 June 2006 in Boulder, Colorado. Part II: Low-Density Growth of Hail
Authors: Knight Charles A. , Schlatter Paul T. , Schlatter Thomas W.
Published: January 2008

The 24 June 2006 Boulder hailstorm produced very heavy precipitation including disklike hailstones that grew with low density. These disklike hailstones, 4–5 cm in diameter, are unusual, and some of them appear to have accumulated graupel while aloft. A large amount of very fine-grained slush was left on the ground along with the hail. The hail and the great amount of slush suggest that most of the hydrometeor growth in the cloud was by low- or very-low-density riming. Consistent with that, the radar data suggest that the storm updraft had substantially depleted liquid water content. There is evidence that low-density hydrometeor growth within storms may be considerably more frequent than is commonly suspected.