bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Vital@Work Study. The systematic development of a lifestyle intervention to improve older workers' vitality and the design of a randomised controlled trial evaluating this intervention
Authors: Strijk Jorien E , Proper Karin I , van der Beek Allard J , van Mechelen Willem
Published: November 2009

Background

A major contributor of early exit from work is a decline in health with increasing age. As healthy lifestyle choices contribute to better health outcomes, an intervention aimed at an improved lifestyle is considered a potentially effective tool to keep older workers healthy and vital, and thereby to prolong labour participation.

Methods

Using the Intervention Mapping (IM) protocol, a lifestyle intervention was developed based on information obtained from 1) literature, 2) a short lifestyle questionnaire aimed at indentifying the lifestyle behaviours among the target group, and 3) focusgroup (FG) interviews among 36 older workers (aged 45+ years) aimed at identifying: a) key determinants of lifestyle behaviour, b) a definition of vitality, and c) ideas about how vitality can be improved by lifestyle.

The main lifestyle problems identified were: insufficient levels of physical activity and insufficient intake of fruit and vegetables. Using information from both literature and FG interviews, vitality consists of a mental and a physical component. The interviewees suggested to improve the mental component of vitality by means of relaxation exercises (e.g. yoga); physical vitality could be improved by aerobic endurance exercise and strength training.

The lifestyle intervention (6 months) consists of three visits to a Personal Vitality Coach (PVC) combined with a Vitality Exercise Programme (VEP). The VEP consists of: 1) once a week a guided yoga group session aimed at relaxation exercises, 2) once a week a guided aerobic workout group session aimed at improving aerobic fitness and increasing muscle strength, and 3) older workers will be asked to perform once a week for at least 45 minutes vigorous physical activity without face-to-face instructions (e.g. fitness). Moreover, free fruit will be offered at the group sessions of the VEP. The lifestyle intervention will be evaluated in a RCT among older workers of two major academic hospitals in the Netherlands. At baseline, after 6 and 12 months, measurements (primary: lifestyle and vitality, and secondary: work-engagement and productivity) will take place.

Discussion

The lifestyle programme is developed specifically tailored to the needs of the older workers and which is aimed at improving their vitality.

Trial registration

NTR1240
Functional phosphoproteomic profiling of phosphorylation sites in membrane fractions of salt-stressed Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Hsu Jue-Liang , Wang Lan-Yu , Wang Shu-Ying , Lin Ching-Huang , Ho Kuo-Chieh , Shi Fong-Ku , Chang Ing-Feng
Published: November 2009

Background

Under conditions of salt stress, plants respond by initiating phosphorylation cascades. Many key phosphorylation events occur at the membrane. However, to date only limited sites have been identified that are phosphorylated in response to salt stress in plants.

Results

Membrane fractions from three-day and 200 mM salt-treated Arabidopsis suspension plants were isolated, followed by protease shaving and enrichment using Zirconium ion-charged magnetic beads, and tandem mass spectrometry analyses. From this isolation, 18 phosphorylation sites from 15Arabidopsisproteins were identified. A unique phosphorylation site in 14-3-3-interacting protein AHA1 was predominately identified in 200 mM salt-treated plants. We also identified some phosphorylation sites in aquaporins. A doubly phosphorylated peptide of PIP2;1 as well as a phosphopeptide containing a single phosphorylation site (Ser-283) and a phosphopeptide containing another site (Ser-286) of aquaporin PIP2;4 were identified respectively. These two sites appeared to be novel of which were not reported before. In addition, quantitative analyses of protein phosphorylation with either label-free or stable-isotope labeling were also employed in this study. The results indicated that level of phosphopeptides on five membrane proteins such as AHA1, STP1, Patellin-2, probable inactive receptor kinase (At3g02880), and probable purine permease 18 showed at least two-fold increase in comparison to control in response to 200 mM salt-stress.

Conclusion

In this study, we successfully identified novel salt stress-responsive protein phosphorylation sites from membrane isolates of abiotic-stressed plants by membrane shaving followed by Zr4+-IMAC enrichment. The identified phosphorylation sites can be important in the salt stress response in plants.
Comparative analysis of Panicum streak virus and Maize streak virus diversity, recombination patterns and phylogeography
Authors: Varsani Arvind , Monjane Aderito L , Donaldson Lara , Oluwafemi Sunday , Zinga Innocent , Komba Ephrem K , Plakoutene Didier , Mandakombo Noella , Mboukoulida Joseph , Semballa Silla , Briddon Rob W , Markham Peter G , Lett Jean-Michel , Lefeuvre Pierre , Rybicki Edward P , Martin Darren P
Published: November 2009

Background

Panicum streak virus (PanSV; Family Geminiviridae; Genus Mastrevirus) is a close relative of Maize streak virus (MSV), the most serious viral threat to maize production in Africa. PanSV and MSV have the same leafhopper vector species, largely overlapping natural host ranges and similar geographical distributions across Africa and its associated Indian Ocean Islands. Unlike MSV, however, PanSV has no known economic relevance.

Results

Here we report on 16 new PanSV full genome sequences sampled throughout Africa and use these together with others in public databases to reveal that PanSV and MSV populations in general share very similar patterns of genetic exchange and geographically structured diversity. A potentially important difference between the species, however, is that the movement of MSV strains throughout Africa is apparently less constrained than that of PanSV strains. Interestingly the MSV-A strain which causes maize streak disease is apparently the most mobile of all the PanSV and MSV strains investigated.

Conclusion

We therefore hypothesize that the generally increased mobility of MSV relative to other closely related species such as PanSV, may have been an important evolutionary step in the eventual emergence of MSV-A as a serious agricultural pathogen.

The GenBank accession numbers for the sequences reported in this paper are GQ415386-GQ415401
FSL-1, a bacterial-derived toll-like receptor 2/6 agonist, enhances resistance to experimental HSV-2 infection
Authors: Rose William A , McGowin Chris L , Pyles Richard B
Published: November 2009

Background

Herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) is a leading cause of genital ulceration that can predispose individuals to an increased risk of acquiring other sexually transmitted infections. There are no approved HSV-2 vaccines and current suppressive therapies require daily compound administration that does not prevent all recurrences. A promising experimental strategy is the use of toll-like receptor (TLR) agonists to induce an innate immune response that provides resistance to HSV-2 infection. Previous studies showed that anti-herpetic activity varied based on origin of the agonists and activation of different TLR indicating that activity likely occurs through elaboration of a specific innate immune response. To test the hypothesis, we evaluated the ability of a bacterial-derived TLR2/6 agonist (FSL-1) to increase resistance to experimental genital HSV-2 infection.

Methods

Vaginal application of FSL-1 at selected doses and times was evaluated to identify potential increased resistance to genital HSV-2 infection in the mouse model. The FSL-1 induced cytokine profile was quantified using kinetically collected vaginal lavages. Additionally, cytokine elaboration and organ weights were evaluated after single or multiple FSL-1 doses to establish a preliminary safety profile. Human vaginal EC cultures were used to confirm the mouse model outcomes.

Results

The results showed that vaginally-applied FSL-1 created an environment resistant to a 25-fold higher HSV-2 challenge dose. Mechanistically, vaginal FSL-1 application led to transient elaboration of cytokines linked to anti-herpetic innate immune responses. No gross local or peripheral immunotoxicity was observed even after multiple dosing. FSL-1 also created an anti-herpetic environment in cultures of human vaginal epithelial cells (EC).

Conclusion

The results showed, for the first time, that the bacterial-derived TLR2/6 agonist FSL-1 induced significant resistance to HSV-2 infection when applied in mice or human vaginal EC cultures. Cytokine evaluation illustrated that anti-herpetic activity correlated with induction of a specific profile. The identified anti-herpetic profile provides an invaluable resource for the future design of novel compounds to reduce genital HSV-2 transmission and improves understanding of the complex innate immune response to potential pathogens elicited by the vaginal mucosa.
Pediatric chylolymphatic mesenteric cyst - a separate entity from cystic lymphangioma: a case series
Authors: Rattan Kamal Nayan , Nair Vimoj J , Pathak Manish , Kumar Sanjay
Published: November 2009

Introduction

Chylolymphatic mesenteric cysts are rare entities with variable presentations and this has surgical implications in the pediatric age group.

Case presentation

We carried out a retrospective analysis of the clinical and histopathological records of pediatric patients diagnosed and treated for chylolymphatic mesenteric cysts at our institute from 1998 to 2008. Eight patients met the histopathological criteria of chylolymphatic mesenteric cyst. These patients were in the age range 18 months to 10 years with a mean age of 4.5 years. Of these eight patients, four presented with an abdominal lump, and two each with abdominal pain and acute intestinal obstruction. On clinical examination, five out of the eight patients had a palpable abdominal mass. Laparotomy and complete excision of the cyst along with the involved gut was performed in all patients. There were no postoperative complications or any recurrence during the follow-up period which ranged from 4 months to 8 years.

Conclusion

Although very rare, chylolymphatic mesenteric cyst should be kept in mind as one of the differential diagnoses of cystic masses of the abdomen including cystic lymphangioma. Ultrasonography and computed tomography suggest the diagnosis but histopathological examination is required for confirmation. Complete excision of the cyst yields excellent results.
Human herpes virus 8 replication during disseminated tuberculosis in a man with human immunodeficiency virus: a case report
Authors: Inoubli Sarra , Toutous-Trellu Laurence , Cathomas Gieri , Oksenhendler Eric , Hirschel Bernard , El Amari Emmanuelle Boffi
Published: November 2009

Introduction

Human herpes virus 8 (HHV-8) is mainly responsible for the development of Kaposi's sarcoma and multicentric Castleman's disease in immunocompromised patients with untreated human immunodeficiency virus. Positive viral loads have been described in cases of Kaposi's sarcoma and multicentric Castleman's disease, with higher values found in the latter. We describe the case of a patient with HIV in whom a high level of HHV-8 replication was detected and who contracted an opportunistic disease other than multicentric Castleman's disease or Kaposi's sarcoma.

Case presentation

A 25-year-old man of West African origin with HIV complained of asthenia, weight loss, fever, and abdominal pain. Physical examination revealed that the patient had adenopathies and hepatosplenomegaly, but no skin or mucosal lesions were seen. Our first presumptive diagnosis was disseminated tuberculosis. However, since the cultures (sputum, bronchoalveolar lavage, blood, urine and lymph node biopsies) for mycobacteria were negative, the diagnosis was expanded to include multicentric Castleman's disease which was supported by high HHV-8 viral loads in the patient's blood: 196,000 copies/ml in whole blood, 39,400 copies/ml in plasma and 260 copies/10E5 in peripheral blood mononuclear cells. However, the histology and positive polymerase chain reaction assay for Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex of a second lymph node biopsy enabled us to conclude that the patient had disseminated tuberculosis and we started the patient on antituberculosis treatment.

We analyzed the HHV-8 deoxyribonucleic acid in two other plasma samples (one from six months earlier and the other was 10 days after the positive test) and both yielded negative results. A search for latent and lytic HHV-8 antibodies confirmed that the patient was seropositive for HHV-8 before this episode.

Conclusion

We describe the case of a patient with HIV who tested positive for asymptomatic HHV-8 replication during an opportunistic disease suggestive of multicentric Castleman's disease. The initial analysis was nullified by the diagnosis of a disease that was unrelated to HHV-8. This case report underlines the need to clarify the full clinical meaning and implication of a positive HHV-8 viral load in patients with AIDS. The diagnosis of multicentric Castleman's disease needs to be studied further to determine its sensitivity and specificity. Finally, when faced with the dilemma of urgently starting chemotherapy on a patient whose condition is deteriorating and whose clinical presentation suggests multicentric Castleman's disease, high HHV-8 viral loads should be interpreted with caution and histological analysis of lymph nodes or liver biopsies should be obtained first.
Congenital hydrocephalus in an Egyptian baby with trisomy 18: a case report
Authors: Metwalley Kotb A , Farghalley Hekma S , Abd-Elsayed Alaa A
Published: November 2009

Introduction

Trisomy 18 is the second most common autosomal trisomy after Down syndrome (trisomy 21). A variety of anomalies of the central nervous system are observed in cases of trisomy 18. The association between trisomy 18 and congenital hydrocephalus is very rare.

Case presentation

A 4-month-old male Egyptian baby boy was referred to Assiut University hospital for evaluation of his large-sized head. The initial clinical examination revealed facial dysmorphism including a prominent wide forehead, wide anterior fontanel, bushy eyebrows, synophrosis, small palpebral fissures, ocular hypertelorism, high arched palate, depressed nasal bridge, low-set ears, micrognathia, bilateral clenched hands with over lapping fingers, rocker-bottom feet and penile hypospadius. A computed tomography scan of the patient's head showed a dilatation of all the ventricular systems of the brain that suggested hydrocephalus. A chromosome analysis of his peripheral blood confirmed a trisomy of chromosome 18 (47, XX+18). The hydrocephalus was treated with a ventriculoperitoneal shunt because of the abnormal increase in his head circumference. He was discharged home on nasogastric feeds at the age of 5 months. Despite the advice of the medical team, his parents did not bring him for further follow up. He died at the age of 7 months due to a sudden cardiorespiratory arrest at home.

Conclusion

Microcephaly is not mandatory for the diagnosis of trisomy 18 syndrome because some cases of trisomy 18 can be associated with other anomalies of the central nervous system, including hydrocephalus. There is no proven explanation for this association, and the management of hydrocephalus in such a situation is not different from the usual course of management.
Insights in to the pathogenesis of axial spondyloarthropathy based on gene expression profiles
Authors: Sharma Srilakshmi M , Choi Dongseok , Planck Stephen R , Harrington Christina A , Austin Carrie R , Lewis Jinnell A , Diebel Tessa N , Martin Tammy M , Smith Justine R , Rosenbaum James T
Published: November 2009

Introduction

Axial spondyloarthropathy (SpA) is a group of inflammatory diseases, with ankylosing spondylitis as the prototype. SpA affects the axial skeleton, entheses, joints and, at times, the eyes. This study tested the hypothesis that SpA is characterized by a distinct pattern of gene expression in peripheral blood of affected individuals compared with healthy controls.

Methods

High-density, human GeneChip® probe arrays were used to profile mRNA of peripheral blood cells from 18 subjects with SpA and 25 normal individuals. Samples were processed as two separate sets at different times (11 SpA + 12 control subjects in primary set (Set 1); 7 SpA+ 13 control subjects in the validation set (Set 2)). Blood samples were taken at a time when patients were not receiving systemic immunomodulatory therapy. Differential expression was defined as a 1.5-fold change with a q value < 5%. Gene ontology and pathway information were also studied.

Results

Signals from 134 probe sets (representing 95 known and 12 unknown gene transcripts) were consistently different from controls in both Sets 1 and 2. Included among these were transcripts for a group of 20 genes, such as interleukin-1 (IL-1) receptors 1 and 2, Nod-like receptor family, pyrin domain containing 2 (NLRP2), secretory leukocyte peptidase inhibitor (SLPI), secreted protein acidic and rich in cysteine (SPARC), and triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells 1 (TREM-1) that are clearly related to the immune or inflammatory response and a group of 4 transcripts that have a strong role in bone remodeling.

Conclusions

Our observations are the first to implicate SPARC, SLPI, and NLRP2, a component of the innate immune system, in the pathogenesis of SpA. Our results also indicate a possible role for IL-1 and its receptors in SpA. In accord with the bone pathology component of SpA, we also found that expression levels of transcripts reflecting bone remodeling factors are also distinguishable in peripheral blood from patients with SpA versus controls. These results confirm some previously identified biomarkers implicated in the pathogenesis of SpA and also point to novel mediators in this disease.
Altered serotonin physiology in human breast cancers favors paradoxical growth and cell survival
Authors: Pai Vaibhav P , Marshall Aaron M , Hernandez Laura L , Buckley Arthur R , Horseman Nelson D
Published: November 2009

Introduction

The breast microenvironment can either retard or accelerate the events associated with progression of latent cancers. However, the actions of local physiological mediators in the context of breast cancers are poorly understood. Serotonin (5-HT) is a critical local regulator of epithelial homeostasis in the breast and other organs. Herein, we report complex alterations in the intrinsic mammary gland serotonin system of human breast cancers.

Methods

Serotonin biosynthetic capacity was analyzed in human breast tumor tissue microarrays using immunohistochemistry for tryptophan hydroxylase 1 (TPH1). Serotonin receptors (5-HT1-7) were analyzed in human breast tumors using the Oncomine database. Serotonin receptor expression, signal transduction, and 5-HT effects on breast cancer cell phenotype were compared in non-transformed and transformed human breast cells.

Results

In the context of the normal mammary gland, 5-HT acts as a physiological regulator of lactation and involution, in part by favoring growth arrest and cell death. This tightly regulated 5-HT system is subverted in multiple ways in human breast cancers. Specifically, TPH1 expression undergoes a non-linear change during progression, with increased expression during malignant progression. Correspondingly, the tightly regulated pattern of 5-HT receptors becomes dysregulated in human breast cancer cells, resulting in both ectopic expression of some isoforms and suppression of others. The receptor expression change is accompanied by altered downstream signaling of 5-HT receptors in human breast cancer cells, resulting in resistance to 5-HT-induced apoptosis, and stimulated proliferation.

Conclusions

Our data constitutes the first report of direct involvement of 5-HT in human breast cancer. Increased 5-HT biosynthetic capacity accompanied by multiple changes in 5-HT receptor expression and signaling favor malignant progression of human breast cancer cells (for example, stimulated proliferation, inappropriate cell survival). This occurs through uncoupling of serotonin from the homeostatic regulatory mechanisms of the normal mammary epithelium. The findings open a new avenue for identification of diagnostic and prognostic markers, and valuable new therapeutic targets for managing breast cancer.
Mutations of E3 Ubiquitin Ligase Cbl Family Members Constitute a Novel Common Pathogenic Lesion in Myeloid Malignancies
Authors: Makishima Hideki , Cazzolli Heather , Szpurka Hadrian , Dunbar Andrew , Tiu Ramon , Huh Jungwon , Muramatsu Hideki , O'Keefe Christine , Hsi Eric , Paquette Ronald L. , Kojima Seiji , List Alan F. , Sekeres Mikkael A. , McDevitt Michael A. , Maciejewski Jaroslaw P.
Published: November 2009

Purpose

Acquired somatic uniparental disomy (UPD) is commonly observed in myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS), myelodysplastic/myeloproliferative neoplasms (MDS/MPN), or secondary acute myelogenous leukemia (sAML) and may point toward genes harboring mutations. Recurrent UPD11q led to identification of homozygous mutations in c-Cbl, an E3 ubiquitin ligase involved in attenuation of proliferative signals transduced by activated receptor tyrosine kinases. We examined the role and frequency of Cbl gene family mutations in MPN and related conditions.

Methods

We applied high-density SNP-A karyotyping to identify loss of heterozygosity of 11q in 442 patients with MDS, MDS/MPN, MPN, sAML evolved from these conditions, and primary AML. We sequenced c-Cbl, Cbl-b, and Cbl-c in patients with or without corresponding UPD or deletions and correlated mutational status with clinical features and outcomes.

Results

We identified c-Cbl mutations in 5% and 9% of patients with chronic myelomonocytic leukemia (CMML) and sAML, and also in CML blast crisis and juvenile myelomonocytic leukemia (JMML). Most mutations were homozygous and affected c-Cbl; mutations in Cbl-b were also found in patients with similar clinical features. Patients with Cbl family mutations showed poor prognosis, with a median survival of 5 months. Pathomorphologic features included monocytosis, monocytoid blasts, aberrant expression of phosphoSTAT5, and c-kit overexpression. Serial studies showed acquisition of c-Cbl mutations during malignant evolution.

Conclusion

Mutations in the Cbl family RING finger domain or linker sequence constitute important pathogenic lesions associated with not only preleukemic CMML, JMML, and other MPN, but also progression to AML, suggesting that impairment of degradation of activated tyrosine kinases constitutes an important cancer mechanism.
Aortic Stiffness Increases Upon Receipt of Anthracycline Chemotherapy
Authors: Chaosuwannakit Narumol , D'Agostino Ralph , Hamilton Craig A. , Lane Kimberly S. , Ntim William O. , Lawrence Julia , Melin Susan A. , Ellis Leslie R. , Torti Frank M. , Little William C. , Hundley W. Gregory
Published: November 2009

Purpose

Cancer survivors exposed to anthracyclines experience an increased risk of cardiovascular (CV) events. We hypothesized that anthracycline use may increase aortic stiffness, a known predictor of CV events.

Patients and Methods

We performed a prospective, case-control study involving 53 patients: 40 individuals who received an anthracycline for the treatment of breast cancer, lymphoma, or leukemia (cases), and 13 age- and sex-matched controls. Each participant underwent phase-contrast cardiovascular magnetic resonance measures of pulse wave velocity (PWV) and aortic distensibility (AoD) in the thoracic aorta at baseline, and 4 months after initiation of chemotherapy. Four one-way analyses of covariance models were fit in which factors known to influence thoracic aortic stiffness were included as covariates in the models.

Results

At the 4-month follow-up visit, aortic stiffness remained similar to baseline in the control participants. However, in the participants receiving anthracyclines, aortic stiffness increased markedly (relative to baseline), as evidenced by a decrease in AoD (P < .0001) and an increase in PWV (P < .0001). These changes in aortic stiffness persisted after accounting for age, sex, cardiac output, administered cardioactive medications, and underlying clinical conditions known to influence aortic stiffness, such as hypertension or diabetes (P < .0001).

Conclusion

A significant increase in aortic stiffness occurs within 4 months of exposure to an anthracycline which was not seen in an untreated control group. These results indicate that previously regarded cardiotoxic cancer therapy adversely increases thoracic aortic stiffness, a known independent predictor of adverse cardiovascular events.
MGMT Promoter Methylation Is Prognostic but Not Predictive for Outcome to Adjuvant PCV Chemotherapy in Anaplastic Oligodendroglial Tumors: A Report From EORTC Brain Tumor Group Study 26951
Authors: van den Bent Martin J. , Dubbink Hendrikus J. , Sanson Marc , van der Lee-Haarloo Cathleen R. , Hegi Monika , Jeuken Judith W.M. , Ibdaih Ahmed , Brandes Alba A. , Taphoorn Martin J.B. , Frenay Marc , Lacombe Denis , Gorlia Thierry , Dinjens Winand N.M. , Kros Johan M.
Published: November 2009

Purpose

O6-methylguanine-methyltransferase (MGMT) promoter methylation has been shown to predict survival of patients with glioblastomas if temozolomide is added to radiotherapy (RT). It is unknown if MGMT promoter methylation is also predictive to outcome to RT followed by adjuvant procarbazine, lomustine, and vincristine (PCV) chemotherapy in patients with anaplastic oligodendroglial tumors (AOT).

Patients and Methods

In the European Organisation for the Research and Treatment of Cancer study 26951, 368 patients with AOT were randomly assigned to either RT alone or to RT followed by adjuvant PCV. From 165 patients of this study, formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tumor tissue was available for MGMT promoter methylation analysis. This was investigated with methylation specific multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification.

Results

In 152 cases, an MGMT result was obtained, in 121 (80%) cases MGMT promoter methylation was observed. Methylation strongly correlated with combined loss of chromosome 1p and 19q loss (P = .00043). In multivariate analysis, MGMT promoter methylation, 1p/19q codeletion, tumor necrosis, and extent of resection were independent prognostic factors. The prognostic significance of MGMT promoter methylation was equally strong in the RT arm and the RT/PCV arm for both progression-free survival and overall survival. In tumors diagnosed at central pathology review as glioblastoma, no prognostic effect of MGMT promoter methylation was observed.

Conclusion

In this study, on patients with AOT MGMT promoter methylation was of prognostic significance and did not have predictive significance for outcome to adjuvant PCV chemotherapy. The biologic effect of MGMT promoter methylation or pathogenetic features associated with MGMT promoter methylation may be different for AOT compared with glioblastoma.
Androgen-Induced Rhox Homeobox Genes Modulate the Expression of AR-Regulated Genes
Authors: Hu Zhiying , Dandekar Dineshkumar , O'Shaughnessy Peter J. , De Gendt Karel , Verhoeven Guido , Wilkinson Miles F.
Published: November 2009

Rhox5, the founding member of the reproductive homeobox on the X chromosome (Rhox) gene cluster, encodes a homeodomain-containing transcription factor that is selectively expressed in Sertoli cells, where it promotes the survival of male germ cells. To identify Rhox5-regulated genes, we generated 15P-1 Sertoli cell clones expressing physiological levels of Rhox5 from a stably transfected expression vector. Microarray analysis identified many genes altered in expression in response to Rhox5, including those encoding proteins controlling cell cycle regulation, apoptosis, metabolism, and cell-cell interactions. Fifteen of these Rhox5-regulated genes were chosen for further analysis. Analysis of Rhox5-null male mice indicated that at least nine of these are Rhox5-regulated in the testes in vivo. Many of them have distinct postnatal expression patterns and are regulated by Rhox5 at different postnatal time points. Most of them are expressed in Sertoli cells, indicating that they are candidates to be directly regulated by Rhox5. Transfection analysis with expression vectors encoding different mouse and human Rhox family members revealed that the regulatory response of a subset of these Rhox5-regulated genes is both conserved and redundant. Given that Rhox5 depends on androgen receptor (AR) for expression in Sertoli cells, we examined whether some Rhox5-regulated genes are also regulated by AR. We provide several lines of evidence that this is the case, leading us to propose that RHOX5 serves as a key intermediate transcription factor that directs some of the actions of AR in the testes.
Robust design of a novel three-axis fine stage for precision positioning in lithography
Authors: Lee D-J , Kim K , Lee K-N , Choi H G , Park N-C , Park Y-P , Lee M G
Published: November 2009

The precision positioning system for semiconductor lithography requires a robust structural design to obtain enough control bandwidth and an efficient actuator with fast access time. In this article, a three-axis stage is proposed as a fine stage of a dual stage for the precision positioning. Its actuators are voice coil motors (VCMs) whose coil windings are mounted on the coarse stage and its magnets are on the fine stage. Between the fine and coarse stages, there is no mechanical connection but only magnetic coupling. The eight pairs of magnets and four coil windings are arrayed symmetrically. The three-axis stage's dynamic characteristics are improved by enhancing the actuating force and modifying its own structure using finite-element analysis in order to meet its requirements of high bandwidth and large forces. The actuating force is strengthened by modifying each VCM's magnetic circuit. The structure is designed to be robust by using design of experiment (DOE) as well. The modified stage is verified to have enough dynamic characteristics through experiments.
Nucleation and subsequent cavitation in a hydraulic oil poppet valve
Authors: Washio S , Kikui S , Takahashi S
Published: November 2009

If bubble nuclei are the cause of cavitation, how are they initially produced? According to what Washio et al. have found out so far, there are two possible ways for cavitation nuclei to be generated in liquid flows: separation of flow and a relative motion between solids contacting in liquid. The present article intends to reinforce that assertion by observing the cavitation occurring in an oil hydraulic poppet valve.

At a certain flowrate, a microscopic cavity suddenly emerged on the valve seat where the flow separated. As the flowrate increased, the cavity developed extending circumferentially on the seat and discharged bubbles by splitting. A collision of the poppet with the valve seat also caused the generation of a cavity. As the poppet was away from the seat after the collision, the cavity shrunk leaving behind a bubble.

Cavities generated on the seat by flow separation regularly repeated a process of growth and shrinkage accompanied by bubble discharge, which induced flow pulsation and consequently vibration of the poppet supported by a spring as well. Moreover, these cavities brought about so-called ‘choking’ in the poppet—seat constriction and acted to increase the pressure loss there by narrowing its cross-section.
An investigation into oil—gas two-phase leakage flow through micro gaps in oil-injected compressors
Authors: Xin D , Feng J , Jia X , Peng X
Published: November 2009

This article presents the investigation on the oil—gas two-phase leakage flow through the micro gaps in oil-injected compressors and provides a new way of investigating the internal leakage process in the compressors. The oil—gas leakage rates were measured through the micro gaps of various gap sizes, the volume ratios of oil to gas, and pressure differences/ratios; and the flow patterns reflecting the flow characteristics were observed by using a high-speed video. The experimental results showed that the leakage flowrate was significantly related to the flow patterns in the gap, which were similar to those found in the existing literature and agreed well with the predicted ones by the Weber number. The gas leakage flowrate through the gap increased rapidly with the increased pressure ratio until the pressure ratio reached the critical pressure ratio, which ranged from 1.8 to 2.7. At the critical pressure ratio, the flow pattern transition from churn flow to annular flow occurred, resulting in gas leakage driven by a different sealing mechanism. As the volume ratio of oil to gas increased by 0.5 per cent, the gas leakage flowrate decreased by 77 per cent.
Elastic follow-up and relaxation of residual stresses
Authors: Smith D J , McFadden J , Hadidimoud S , Smith A J , Stormonth-Darling A J , Aziz A A
Published: November 2009

A series of experiments were undertaken using a multiple bar assembly to measure elastic follow-up and relaxation of an initial residual stress. A test rig was designed to permit different levels of elastic follow-up to occur. The general features of the experimental results confirmed predictions provided by simple models. The most reliable measure of elastic follow-up was obtained by measuring the relaxation of the initial residual stress. The rate of relaxation of the residual stress is found to be proportional to the elastic follow-up factor.
Finite-element modelling and updating of laser spot weld joints in a top-hat structure for dynamic analysis
Authors: Husain N A , Khodaparast H H , Snaylam A , James S , Dearden G , Ouyang H
Published: November 2009

Spot welds made by resistance spot welding are used extensively in automotive engineering. However, owing to increasing demands in the use of advanced and lightweight materials, laser welding has become a popular alternative for producing spot welds. Because of the complexity and uncertainties of laser welds and thus formed structures, the finite-element (FE) modelling of the welds for dynamic analysis is a research issue. This article first outlines some of the existing modelling works of spot welds. Then, a hat-plate structure used for this study is described and its FE representations are explained. The welds are modelled using CWELD elements in MSC/NASTRAN and their feasibility for representing laser spot welds is investigated. Numerical results for the initial FE model differ considerably from that of their experimental counterparts; hence, a model updating procedure is carried out to minimize the discrepancy between the two sets of results. In this work, the updating is posed as an optimization problem and is performed using the structural optimization capability (SOL 200) in MSC/NASTRAN. Two stages of updating are conducted, that is (a) updating FE models of individual components and (b) updating an FE model of the welded structure. Crucial steps in updating are explained. It is found that by selecting the right updating parameters, the CWELD element can be used to represent laser spot welds with good accuracy.
Investigation of the diffluence mechanism of an aluminium alloy ring under compression
Authors: Li F , Li J H , Chu G N , Liu X J
Published: November 2009

In order to study the mechanism of diffluence behaviour of an aluminium alloy ring under compression, the finite-element model simulations with different deformation conditions are carried out in this study. The plastic-forming mechanics are investigated based on the Lode parameter and the second invariant of the deviator stress J2. Based on the numerical results, the effect of deformation conditions on the diffluence behaviour of the aluminium alloy ring is evaluated. It is shown that with an increase in the height—diameter ratio and the flow of metal towards the internal hole decreases, the hard deform zones expand and the diffluence surface shifts towards the left; with an increase in the friction factor and internal pressure, the flow of metal towards the hole increases, the diffluence surface shifts towards the right, and the strain in the plastic area changes from single compression to three coexisting modes.
Robotic and artificial intelligence for keyhole neurosurgery: The ROBOCAST project, a multi-modal autonomous path planner
Authors: De Momi E , Ferrigno G
Published: November 2009

The robot and sensors integration for computer-assisted surgery and therapy (ROBOCAST) project (FP7-ICT-2007-215190) is co-funded by the European Union within the Seventh Framework Programme in the field of information and communication technologies. The ROBOCAST project focuses on robot- and artificial-intelligence-assisted keyhole neurosurgery (tumour biopsy and local drug delivery along straight or turning paths). The goal of this project is to assist surgeons with a robotic system controlled by an intelligent high-level controller (HLC) able to gather and integrate information from the surgeon, from diagnostic images, and from an array of on-field sensors. The HLC integrates pre-operative and intra-operative diagnostics data and measurements, intelligence augmentation, multiple-robot dexterity, and multiple sensory inputs in a closed-loop cooperating scheme including a smart interface for improved haptic immersion and integration. This paper, after the overall architecture description, focuses on the intelligent trajectory planner based on risk estimation and human criticism. The current status of development is reported, and first tests on the planner are shown by using a real image stack and risk descriptor phantom. The advantages of using a fuzzy risk description are given by the possibility of upgrading the knowledge on-field without the intervention of a knowledge engineer.
Using ‘subcement’ to simulate the long-term fatigue response of cemented femoral stems in a cadaver model: Could a novel preclinical screening test have caught the Exeter matt problem?
Authors: Race A , Miller M A , Mann K A
Published: November 2009

Previously, cement was formulated with degraded fatigue properties (subcement) to simulate long-term fatigue in short-term cadaver tests. The present study determined the efficacy of subcement in a ‘preclinical’ test of a design change with known clinical consequences: the ‘polished’-to-‘matt’ transition of the Exeter stem (revision rates for polished stems were twice those for matt stems). Contemporary stems were bead blasted to give Ra = 1 μm (matt finish). Matt and polished stems were compared in cadaver pairs under stair-climbing loads (three pairs of size 1; three pairs of size 3). Stem micromotion was monitored during loading. Post-test transverse sections were examined for cement damage. Cyclic retroversion decreased for polished stems but increased for matt stems ( p<0.0001). The implant size had a substantial effect; retroversion of (larger) size-3 stems was half that of size-1 stems, and polished size-3 stems subsided 2.5 times more than the others. Cement damage measures were similar and open through-cracks occurred around both stems of two pairs. Stem retroversion within the mantle resulted in stem—cement gaps of 50—150 μm. Combining information on cyclic motion, cracks, and gaps, it was concluded that this test ‘predicted’ higher revision rates for matt stems (it also implied that polished size-3 stems might be superior to size-1 stems).
Influence of microscopic surface asperities on the wear of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene in a knee prosthesis
Authors: Cho C-H , Murakami T , Sawae Y
Published: November 2009

The wear of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) in knee and hip prostheses is one of the major factors restricting the longevity of these implants. A number of microscopic scratches caused by various factors were observed on the metallic femoral components of the retrieved knee prostheses with an anatomical design. It appears that microscopic surface asperities caused by this surface damage contribute to increasing and/or accelerating the wear of the UHMWPE tibial insert. In this study, in the first step, microscopic observations and surface roughness measurements of several retrieved metallic femoral components were performed in order to produce simplified two-dimensional (2D) finite-element method (FEM) models of a microscopic surface asperity using roughness parameters. Next, a three-dimensional (3D) microscopic surface profile measurement of the damaged surface of a retrieved metallic femoral component and the reproduction of the femoral component surface were performed in order to produce 3D FEM models of a microscopic surface asperity based on actual measurement data. 2D and 3D elastoplastic contact analyses between a metallic microscopic surface asperity and UHMWPE were also performed in order to investigate the mechanical state and microscopic wear of UHMWPE caused by a metallic microscopic surface asperity. The analytical findings of this study suggest that the aspect ratio, shape ratio, and indentation depth of the microscopic surface asperity have significant influence on increasing and/or accelerating the wear of UHMWPE. Higher aspect ratios, shape ratios, and indentation depths cause higher contact stresses and plastic strains in UHMWPE.
The effect of load application rate on the biomechanics of synthetic femurs
Authors: Zdero R , Shah S , Mosli M , Schemitsch E H
Published: November 2009

Biomechanical investigations are increasingly using commercially available synthetic femurs as surrogates for human cadaveric femurs. However, the rate of force application in testing these artificial femurs appears to be chosen arbitrarily without much consideration to their visco-elastic time-dependent nature. The aim of this study, therefore, was to examine the effect of loading rate on the mechanical behaviour of synthetic femurs. Ten left, medium, fourth-generation composite femurs (Model 3403, Pacific Research Laboratories, Vashon, WA, USA) were fixed distally into cement-filled steel cubic chambers for mounting into a mechanical tester. In randomized order, each of the ten femurs was loaded at rates of 1, 2.5, 5, 7.5, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, and 60 mm/min to obtain axial, lateral, and torsional stiffness. Axial stiffness showed an aggregate average value of 1742.7 ± 174.7 N/mm with a high linear correlation with loading rate ( R2 = 0.80). Lateral stiffness yielded an aggregate average value of 56.9 ± 10.2 N/mm and was linearly correlated with loading rate ( R2 = 0.85). Torsional stiffness demonstrated an aggregate average value of 176.9 ± 14.5 N/mm with a strong linear correlation with loading rate ( R2 = 0.59). Despite the high correlations between stiffness and speed, practically this resulted in an overall average difference between the lowest and highest stiffness of only 4 per cent. Moreover, no statistical comparisons between loading rates for axial, lateral, or torsional test modes showed differences ( p ≤ 0.843). Future biomechanical investigators utilizing these synthetic femurs need not be concerned with loading rate effects over the range tested presently. This is the first study in the literature to perform such an assessment.
Ultrafast Dynamics in Aprotic Molecular Liquids: A Femtosecond Raman-Induced Kerr Effect Spectroscopic Study
Authors: Shirota Hideaki , Fujisawa Tomotsumi , Fukazawa Hiroki , Nishikawa Keiko
Published: November 2009

We have studied the ultrafast dynamics of forty aprotic molecular liquids by femtosecond optical heterodyne-detected Raman-induced Kerr effect spectroscopy. Some physical properties such as shear viscosity, density, and surface tension of the molecular liquids have also been measured. From the Fourier transform Kerr spectra in the frequency range of about 0–200 cm−1, we have found that the first moment of the low-frequency intermolecular vibrational spectrum is moderately correlated with the root of the value of surface tension divided by density. This fact indicates that the microscopic intermolecular interaction is related to the macroscopic physical property of intermolecular force in molecular liquids. On the other hand, a correlation between the first moment of the intermolecular vibrational spectrum and the interaction energy of two identical molecules is almost nonexistent. The difference between the two relations suggests that the many-body interaction effect takes a hand in the intermolecular vibrational dynamics in molecular liquids. We have also found that the shapes of the broad low-frequency vibrational spectra for aromatic molecular liquids show a clearer bimodal feature than those for non-aromatic molecular liquids. Picosecond Kerr transients for most of the molecular liquids are non-exponential. The slowest relaxation time is qualitatively explained by the Stokes–Einstein–Debye model.
Data-Based Stochastic Approach to Absolute Asymmetric Synthesis by Autocatalysis
Authors: Barabás Béla , Caglioti Luciano , Micskei Károly , Pályi Gyula
Published: November 2009

Statistical distribution of enantiomeric excesses obtained by two sets of parallel experiments of absolute asymmetric synthesis by asymmetric autocatalysis was analyzed. It has been found that experimental data give an excellent fit to a bimodal β distribution formula, where the components are in a golden section ratio. The parameters of this higher order β distribution were found by computer-simulated Pólya urn model experiments. The urn model experiments indicate that the Soai-autocatalysis might operate by three concerted cooperating catalytic cycles. These results may provide also a general model of asymmetric autocatalysis.
Effect of Fluorous Tags on Glycosylation of Saccharide Primers in Animal Cells
Authors: Kasuya Maria Carmelita Z , Tojino Mami , Nakano Shinya , Mizuno Mamoru , Hatanaka Kenichi
Published: November 2009

A series of fluorous-tagged saccharide primers with different contents of fluorous atoms was synthesized and introduced into mouse melanoma B16 cells. The primers did not affect cell morphology and viability at a concentration of 50 µM. The numerous fluorine atoms did not pose a steric barrier to primer assimilation into cells and did not affect cellular-enzyme-catalyzed glycosylation. The lactoside primers were sialylated to afford GM3-type oligosaccharide. On the other hand, the GlcNAc primers were galactosylated to afford a lactosamine derivative that was further sialylated by cellular enzymes to afford a sialylated lactosamine.
Synthesis and Optical Properties, Including Two-Photon Absorption Cross-Sections, of Differentially Functionalized Starburst-Type π-Conjugated Molecules
Authors: Kobayashi Kenji , Kita Yuto , Shigeiwa Motoyuki , Imamura Satoru , Maeda Shuuichi
Published: November 2009

Differentially functionalized hexakis( p-substituted-phenylethynyl)benzene and hexakis[4-( p-substituted-styryl)phenylethynyl]benzene derivatives with various (D6h, D3h, D2h, and C2v) symmetries were synthesized by Sonogashira cross-coupling reactions. The optical properties of this starburst-type π-conjugated system were investigated. Among them, hexakis[4-( p-dioctylaminostyryl)phenylethynyl]benzene (5) showed the largest two-photon absorption cross-section of δ = 818 GM at 800 nm, which was determined by open aperture Z-scan with 120 fs laser pulses in toluene solution.
Discovery of New Chlorinated Briaranes from Junceella fragilis
Authors: Sung Ping-Jyun , Wang Su-Hui , Chiang Michael Y , Su Yin-Di , Chang Yu-Chia , Hu Wan-Ping , Tai Chen-Yu , Liu Chih-Yang
Published: November 2009

Four briarane-type diterpenoids, including two new chlorinated metabolites, fragilides F (1) and G (2), along with two known compounds, junceellonoid D (3) and juncin Z (4), were isolated from the gorgonian coral Junceella fragilis. The structures of new briaranes 1 and 2 were elucidated by spectral data analysis and the absolute configuration of 1 was directly determined by a single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. The relationships between proton chemical shifts and conformations of the methylenecyclohexane ring in briaranes possessing a C-11/20 carbon–carbon double bond are described. Briarane 4 was found to exhibit significant cytotoxicity toward the CCRF-CEM tumor cells.