bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Documenting hurricane impacts on coral reefs using two‐dimensional video‐mosaic technology
Authors: Gleason Arthur C. R. , Lirman Diego , Williams Dana , Gracias Nuno R. , Gintert Brooke E. , Madjidi Hossein , Pamela Reid R. , Chris Boynton G. , Negahdaripour Shahriar , Miller Margaret , Kramer Philip
Published: February 2007

Four hurricanes impacted the reefs of Florida in 2005. In this study, we evaluate the combined impacts of hurricanes Dennis, Katrina, Rita, and Wilma on a population of Acropora palmata using a newly developed video‐mosaic methodology that provides a high‐resolution, spatially accurate landscape view of the reef benthos. Storm damage to A. palmata was surprisingly limited; only 2 out of 19 colonies were removed from the study plot at Molasses Reef. The net tissue losses for those colonies that remained were only 10% and mean diameter of colonies decreased slightly from 88.4 to 79.6 cm. In contrast, the damage to the reef framework was more severe, and a large section (6 m in diameter) was dislodged, overturned, and transported to the bottom of the reef spur. The data presented here show that two‐dimensional video‐mosaic technology is well‐suited to assess the impacts of physical disturbance on coral reefs and can be used to complement existing survey methodologies.
Inheritance of siliqua locule number and seed coat colour in Brassica juncea
Authors: Choudhary B. R. , Solanki Z. S.
Published: February 2007

The inheritance of siliqua locule number and seed coat colour in Brassica juncea was investigated, using three lines each of tetralocular brown seeded and bilocular yellow seeded. Three crosses of tetralocular brown seeded × bilocular yellow seeded lines were attempted and their F1, F2 and backcross generations were examined for segregation of these two traits. Brown seed colour and bilocular siliqua characters were found to be dominant over yellow seed and tetralocular siliqua, respectively. Chi‐square tests indicated that each trait is controlled by different sets of duplicate pairs of genes. Bilocular siliquae or brown seeds can result from the presence of either of two dominant alleles, whereas tetralocular siliquae or yellow seeds are produced when alleles at both loci are recessive. A joint segregation analysis of F2 data indicated that the genes governing siliqua locule number and seed colour were inherited independently.
Analysis of sub‐populations of rapid‐cycling Brassica rapa following recurrent bi‐directional selection for cotyledon size
Authors: Tel‐Zur N. , Goldman I. L.
Published: February 2007

Recurrent selection programmes use one or just a few selection criteria, however other indirect traits may be unpredictably changed in a population. This study was conducted to determine the indirect effects of 10 cycles of bi‐directional recurrent selection for cotyledon size in the model system of rapid‐cycling Brassica rapa. Eight sub‐populations (four large‐ and four small‐cotyledon sizes) were phenotypically and cytologically evaluated. Each sub‐population was measured by five phenotypic traits. Ploidy and pollen viability were studied and compared with the initial population. Total weight was significantly different in broad and bottleneck‐1 sub‐populations. Total cell number exhibited statistically significant differences in broad and bottleneck‐1 sub‐populations, while cell number per unit area exhibited statistically significant differences in broad, bottleneck‐2 and bottleneck‐3 sub‐populations. Decreases in pollen viability in comparison with the base population were observed in three sub‐populations. Among the eight sub‐populations studied, the most significant phenotypic differences were observed within broad sub‐populations. Based on the above, it is possible that bi‐directional recurrent selection for cotyledon size may have been a result of indirect selection for two processes, endoreduplication and cell division.
Haplotype structure around the nud locus in barley and its association with resistance to leaf stripe (Pyrenophora graminea)
Authors: Barabaschi D. , Campani L. , Francia E. , Toubia‐Rahme H. , Valè G. P. , Gianinetti A. , Delogu G. , Stanca A. M. , Pecchioni N.
Published: February 2007

The naked/hulled kernel trait is controlled in barley by a single gene called nud, on chromosome 7H. The first aim of this work was use bulked segregant analysis to find, new PCR‐based markers linked to nud for marker‐assisted selection (MAS). A new SCAR marker (sJ14) was developed, which is useful for introgressing the naked trait. This, and three other SCARs, were placed on the ‘Proctor’ × ‘Nudinka’ map to detail a 0.9‐cM fragment tagging nud. In order to evaluate the haplotypes around the nud locus, a phenotypically differentiated collection of naked/hulled genotypes was characterized by means of the above markers. Eight different marker haplotypes were found in the breeding germplasm, and a new allele for the marker sKT7 was found. The same barley collection has been surveyed for resistance/susceptibility to leaf stripe (Pyrenophora graminea), in order to investigate any possible association between this and other traits. The naked/hulled seed trait was not associated with resistance/susceptibility to the fungus.
CD5‐positive mucosa‐associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma of ocular adnexal origin: Usefulness of fluorescence in situ hybridization for distinction between mantle cell lymphoma and MALT lymphoma
Authors: Tasaki Kazuhiro , Shichishima Akiko , Furuta Minoru , Yoshida Sayaka , Nakamura Naoya , Abe Masafumi
Published: February 2007

Extranodal marginal zone B‐cell lymphoma of mucosa‐associated lymphoid tissue type (MALT lymphoma) usually lacks CD5 expression. Herein is described two cases of CD5‐positive MALT lymphoma of ocular adnexal origin. The differential diagnosis between CD5‐positive MALT lymphoma and mantle cell lymphoma (MCL), notably cyclin D1‐negative MCL, was difficult because both cases consisted histologically of small to medium‐sized cells with diffuse or vaguely nodular growth pattern, and the neoplastic cells were positive for CD5 and negative for cyclin D1. Somatic mutation analysis of the immunoglobulin heavy chain variable region (VH) gene in case 1 found a relatively higher mutation frequency (5.0%), which was not definitive to rule out MCL. Interphase fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) on paraffin‐embedded section using IgH/cyclin D1 (CCND1) probe showed that in both cases there was no molecular evidence of t(11;14), finally leading to the diagnosis of CD5‐positive MALT lymphoma. Although the present two patients had no recurrence over 34 months after initial diagnosis, careful observation is needed because the clinicopathological significance of MALT lymphoma with this rare phenotype remains obscure.
Gastric T‐cell lymphoma with cytotoxic phenotype
Authors: Sugita Shintaro , Iijima Tatsuo , Furuya Shuichiro , Kano Junko , Yanaka Akinori , Ohta Keiichiro , Kojima Hiroshi , Noguchi Masayuki
Published: February 2007

Primary gastric lymphoma usually originates from B cells of mucosa‐associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) infected with Helicobacter pylori. When T‐cell lymphomas develop in the stomach, they usually occur in association with infection by human T‐lymphotropic virus type 1 and gastric involvement of adult T‐cell leukemia. Reported herein is a unique and informative case of gastric peripheral T‐cell lymphoma with a cytotoxic phenotype that histologically mimicked, and had to be carefully distinguished from, MALT‐type B‐cell lymphoma. The patient, a 73‐year‐old woman, underwent a gastric endoscopy examination, and the histological findings suggested MALT‐type gastric lymphoma. Analysis of the immunoglobulin heavy chain (IgH) gene and T cell receptor γ (TCRγ) gene revealed monoclonal rearrangement of the TCRγ gene. The tumor cells exhibited mild atypia and immunoreactivity with anti‐CD3, anti‐CD8, anti‐T‐cell intracellular antigen‐1, antigranzyme B and antiperforin antibodies, but not with anti‐CD20, anti‐CD10, and anti‐CD79a antibodies. The case was finally diagnosed as gastric T‐cell lymphoma with cytotoxic phenotype, and this was confirmed after surgical resection. In cases such as this, small biopsy specimens from the stomach should be examined carefully for low grade B‐cell‐type malignant lymphoma (MALT lymphoma), because sometimes the proliferating B cells can hide the truly malignant T cells, and rearrangement analysis is useful for diagnosing T‐cell malignancy.
Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma presenting with systemic arterial embolism
Authors: Sentani Kazuhiro , Nakanishi Yukihiro , Ojima Hidenori , Hamaguchi Tetsuya , Shimoda Tadakazu
Published: February 2007

Acute arterial occlusion as a result of embolization from a malignant tumor is rare and infrequently reported. Recently a 70‐year‐old man initially presented with acute arterial occlusion of the left lower limb. He underwent embolectomy, and embolus was diagnosed as a squamous cell carcinoma histologically. Subsequent upper gastrointestinal endoscopy showed superficial esophageal cancer in the thoracic esophagus. Although scheduled to undergo chemotherapy, he died of acute pneumonia on the 81st day from onset. Autopsy showed superficial esophageal cancer, measuring 1.5 cm in diameter, and widespread tumor extension into arterial vessels such as the left femoral artery, the superior mesenteric artery, bilateral intrapulmonary arteries and veins such as bilateral brachiocephalic vein to the supra vena cava, despite small tumor size and shallow tumor invasion depth of the submucosal layer. This case is particularly interesting because the cancer manifested as arterial cancer embolism.
Importance of drought on the distribution of the birds nest fern, Asplenium nidus, in the canopy of a lowland tropical rainforest in north‐eastern Australia
Authors: FREIBERG MARTIN , TURTON STEPHEN M.
Published: February 2007

Abstract  The birds nest fern, Asplenium nidus, contributes greatly to the epiphytic biomass in the canopies of both south‐east Asia and tropical north Queensland rainforests. It is generally believed that their abundance and their capacity to store water is an important feature for habitat fragmentation in the canopy. We investigated the microclimate of A. nidus and the effects of severe drought periods on the A. nidus population over a 20‐year period, hypothesizing that water availability is the most important factor controlling the population under drought conditions. One of two neighbouring A. nidus plants of the same size and age was irrigated artificially before, during and after a significant dry period in 2000. By monitoring the microclimate within and around both ferns we were able to estimate that four continuous weeks of rainless weather completely dried out the accumulated humus of the non‐irrigated A. nidus fern. Prolonged dry periods were shown to kill the roots of A. nidus, which attach the fern to the bark and eventually the affected A. nidus on verticals stems fell to the ground. Periods longer than 8 weeks may even kill adult plants sitting in more protected branch forks. Analysis of the whole A. nidus population within the 1‐ha Canopy Crane plot and the determination of the morphological age of all plants enabled an evaluation of the historical development of the population. The oldest plant originated in 1985, just 1 year after the longest recorded drought for the site. We suspect that the 1984 drought killed every A. nidus plant within the study plot. Years with low recruitment coincide with years with long drought periods.
The impact of consumption of fruit by vertebrate and invertebrate frugivores on the germination success of an Australian rainforest seed
Authors: RADER ROMINA , KROCKENBERGER ANDREW
Published: February 2007

Abstract  The consumption of fruits by vertebrates and invertebrates can be both advantageous or detrimental to the survival of the seeds they contain. This study investigated the effect of fruit size and consumption of fruit pulp by rodents and beetles on the germination of the seeds of Acmena graveolens, a tropical rainforest canopy tree found in northern Australia. As fruit size increased, germination success and the amount of pulp remaining on the fruits was greater. When beetles were absent, germination success was highest when most of the pulp was removed by rodents, suggesting that they removed an inhibitor of germination. When beetles were present, germination success did not differ significantly across pulp categories, so beetles apparently enhanced germination in seeds with little pulp initially removed, possibly by further removal of fruit pulp. In this study, both rodents and beetles enhanced germination success of A. graveolens seeds by consumption of fruit pulp. Acting as facilitators of germination is a relatively unusual role for both these frugivores that are generally considered to act as seed predators or (in the case of rodents) dispersers.
Acquisition of early words from single‐word and sentential contexts
Authors: Trehub Sandra E. , Shenfield Tali
Published: February 2007

Toddlers 15 and 18 months of age were exposed to audiovisual recordings of two novel words paired with novel toys. The words were presented in familiar sentence frames or in isolation. Linguistic context had a greater effect on younger than on older infants. Specifically, 15‐month‐old boys exhibited successful learning only in the context of single words, and 15‐month‐old girls did so only for words presented in sentences. Older infants acquired the new words from both contexts, and they learned more rapidly than younger infants. Receptive and expressive vocabulary made no independent contribution to performance.
Now I see it but you don't: 14‐month‐olds can represent another person's visual perspective
Authors: Sodian Beate , Thoermer Claudia , Metz Ulrike
Published: February 2007

Twelve‐ and 14‐month‐old infants’ ability to represent another person's visual perspective (Level‐1 visual perspective taking) was studied in a looking‐time paradigm. Fourteen‐month‐olds looked longer at a person reaching for and grasping a new object when the old goal‐object was visible than when it was invisible to the person (but visible to the infant). These findings are consistent with the interpretation that infants ‘rationalized’ the person's reach for a new object when the old goal‐object was out of sight. Twelve‐month‐olds did not distinguish between test conditions. The present findings are consistent with recent research on infants’ developing understanding of seeing.
Assimilation and Exclusion of Foreign Trained Engineers in Canada: Inside a Professional Regulatory Organization
Authors: Girard Erik R , Bauder Harald
Published: February 2007

Professional labour markets in Ontario, Canada, are culturally regulated to the disadvantage of foreign‐born and foreign‐trained immigrant practitioners. In this paper we draw on Pierre Bourdieu's concepts of institutionalized cultural capital and habitus to examine processes of distinction between foreign and Canadian‐trained professionals. Based on fieldwork investigating Ontario's professional engineering regulatory system as a case study, we interpret institutionalized cultural familiarity in the licensing criteria enforced by regulatory bodies as processes of distinction that undermine immigrants' access to the engineering profession relative to Canadian‐born and Canadian‐trained applicants. In addition to assessing the value of non‐Canadian credentials, regulatory bodies attempt to reproduce the social and cultural integrity of the professional membership by requiring applicants to internalize cultural norms specific to the profession as it is practiced in Canada. Licensing procedures can thus facilitate the cultural exclusion of immigrant practitioners
Conceptualizing and Measuring the Optimal Experience of the eLearning Environment*
Authors: Davis Robert , Wong Don
Published: February 2007

Online learning (eLearning) has become a global phenomenon as many organizations and educational institutions worldwide have entered the field in an attempt to enhance the students' experience of learning. While numerous studies have focused on the effectiveness and benefits of eLearning, few have focused on understanding and measuring the user experience and relating this to the actual student usage of the eLearning system. This study addresses this gap by conceptualizing and measuring the eLearners' experience from two integrated perspectives: (1) the learners' affective perceptions using the flow model and (2) the learners' technology acceptance using the Technology Acceptance Model. The integrated perspective proposes that the users' acceptance and the affective responses toward a particular system are two important factors in determining the users' intentional and actual behaviors, which in turn, influence user participation and engagement with the system. The data was collected in 2004 directly from 964 students using a Web‐based eLearning system called CECIL (http://www.cecil.edu) at the University of Auckland. The conclusions drawn from the results of the study using a structural equation model support the use of the integrated model for investigating eLearner behavior. The research implications of our findings are discussed.
Subepidermal Calcified Nodule in a 7‐Month‐Old Boy
Authors: Xu Yaohui , Petronic‐Rosic Vesna , Stein Sarah L.
Published: February 2007

A 7–month‐old healthy white boy presented for evaluation of a papule on his right ear. His mother reported a small cut‐like lesion at this site shortly after birth that had gradually grown over time. The patient was born full term via repeat cesarean section. On physical examination, located on the right superior helix, there was a 5–6 mm, pink, firm papule with a rough scaly surface and peripheral erythema (Figure 1). The lesion was shave excised and sent for histologic analysis. Microscopic examination revealed a defect of the epidermis with underlying fibrin deposits (Figure 2). Subjacent to the ulcer, there was chondroid tissue, granulation tissue with prominent vascularity, and an extensive amount of amorphous calcified material throughout the dermis extending to the base of the specimen (Figure 3). The clinical and pathologic findings were consistent with a subepidermal calcified nodule (SCN), an uncommon idiopathic calcinosis. The lesion was surgically removed with good results.

A small, pink, firm papule with a rough scaly surface and peripheral erythema located on the right superior helix of a 7‐month‐old boy.

image

Hemotoxylineosin stain revealed a defect of the epidermis with underlying fibrin deposits (original magnification,×20).

image

Subjacent to the ulcer, there was chondroid tissue, granulation tissue with prominent vascularity, and an extensive amount of amorphous calcified material throughout the dermis extending to the base of the specimen (hemotoxylineosin stain; original magnification, ×100).

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Dermatomyositis With Panniculitis
Authors: Carneiro Sueli , Alvim Giselle , Resende Patricia , Sousa Maria Auxiliadora Jeunon , Cuzzi Tullia , Ramos‐e‐Silva Marcia
Published: February 2007

Case 1. A 23‐year‐old white housewife presented with an erythematous violaceous rash on her face, neck, chest, and limbs, particularly over the dorsum of the hands and fingers; diffuse alopecia; and an inability to climb stairs and get up from a low seat. The clinical examination showed red to violaceous well‐demarcated plaques on sun‐exposed areas on the dorsum of the fingers and hands, with periungual erythema and telangiectasia; facial erythema; and heliotrope rash. There was also symmetric involvement of proximal muscles of the limbs. Laboratory examination showed hypergammaglobulinemia, elevated serum aspartate aminotransferase, and serum alanine aminotransferase; normal activities of creatinokinase, lactate dehydrogenase, and aldolase; an antinuclear antibody titer of 1:40 with a speckled pattern; negative anti‐DNA and anti‐Scl70; and normal serum complement levels (C3, C4, and CH50). Urinalysis results were within normal limits. Skin biopsy histopathology showed hyperkeratosis, edema of the upper epidermis, scattered inflammatory infiltrate, and focal accumulation of mucin in the form of acid mucopolysaccharides. Deep asymptomatic nodules on the inner upper limbs appeared later. Histopathology of these lesions showed focal areas of lobular panniculitis in the subcutaneous tissue, with lymphoplasmocytic inflammatory infiltrate without vasculitis (Figure 1 and Figure 2). Case 2. A 29‐year‐old white housewife presented with an erythematous violaceous rash on her face, neck, chest, and lower extremities. Clinical examination showed red to violaceous well‐demarcated aching plaques on the internal surface of the thighs and tips of the fingers; periungual erythema and digital petechiae; Raynaud's phenomenon; and bilateral ulnar and cervical enlarged lymph nodes. Laboratory examination showed elevated serum aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, creatinokinase, lactate dehydrogenase, and aldolase; negative venereal disease research test results; an antinuclear antibody titer of 1:1024 with speckled pattern; negative anti‐DNA and anti‐Scl70; and normal serum complement levels (C3, C4, and CH50). Urinalysis results were within normal limits. Histopathology of the deep asymptomatic nodule on the inner left thigh showed lobular panniculitis with a scattered inflammatory infiltrate and diffuse fat necrosis, in addition to calcium deposition between the lipocytes and microcysts without vasculitis (Figure 3).

Focal areas of lobular panniculitis in the subcutaneous tissue with lymphoplasmocytic inflammatory infiltrate without vasculitis; hemotoxylin and eosin stain; original magnification ×100.

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Lobular panniculitis in the subcutaneous tissue with a scattered inflammatory infiltrate and diffuse fat necrosis, in addition to calcium deposition between the lipocytes and microcysts without vasculitis; hemotoxylin and eosin stain; original magnification ×400.

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γδ T cells: novel initiators of adaptive immunity
Authors: Moser Bernhard , Eberl Matthias
Published: February 2007

Summary:  In this review, we discuss the potential role of human γδ T cells in the control of adaptive immunity. Our latest findings emerged as a consequence of our working hypothesis, which predicts a close relationship between the migration control in leukocytes and their function in immune processes as diverse as hematopoiesis, initiation of adaptive immunity, and immune surveillance in peripheral tissues. Leukocyte migration control is defined by the combination of migration and adhesion receptors on their surface and the tissue distribution of the corresponding ligands. According to our hypothesis, leukocytes featuring migration receptors for homing to lymph nodes (LNs) will also display activities that preferentially take place within LNs. Following this line of thought, by showing LN‐homing properties in a subset of human γδ T cells, we speculated that γδ T cells influence the initiation of T‐ and B‐cell responses. Here, we summarize our recent data, showing that LN‐homing γδ T cells have potent antigen‐presenting cell characteristics. This unexpected finding is discussed with regards to microbial sensing by human γδ T cells and a possible role for these cells in anti‐microbial immunity.
Histomorphometric and Mechanical Evaluation of the Bone‐Tissue Response to Implants Prepared with Different Orientation of Surface Topography
Authors: Hallgren Carin , Sawase Takashi , Örtengren Ulf , Wennerberg Ann
Published: February 2007

Background: Several studies have shown that in soft tissue, the orientation of surface topography affects cell response. However, the response of hard tissue to the orientation is not fully understood.

Purpose: This study was undertaken to determine how orientation of the microstructure of implant surfaces influences bone healing.

Materials and Methods: Forty cylindrical implants were prepared with a dominant orientation of the microstructure (20 with a horizontal orientation and 20 with a vertical orientation) and investigated in vivo. Three methods for surface topographic characterization were used to investigate the topography in different resolution levels.

Results: Topographic analysis showed that a clear orientation was achieved at the implant surface, and a rougher surface structure was found on the vertically oriented grooves than on the horizontal ones. The implants were inserted in the tibia of 10 New Zealand White rabbits. Pull‐out tests and histomorphometric analyses of ground‐sections were made after 12 weeks of healing. The pull‐out test showed a higher mean value for the vertically grooved implants, but the difference was not significant. Histomorphometric analyses showed no statistically significant differences between the horizontally and the vertically grooved implants when measuring bone‐to‐implant contact or amount of bone area around the implant.

Conclusions: No advantages could be found for either the horizontal or vertical orientation compared with each other, but further studies are needed in which implant roughness should be similar between the different topographies.
Application of Oxygen Ion Implantation to Titanium Surfaces: Effects on Surface Characteristics, Corrosion Resistance, and Bone Response
Authors: Sawase Takashi , Wennerberg Ann , Baba Koumei , Tsuboi Yoichi , Sennerby Lars , Johansson Carina B. , Albrektsson Tomas
Published: February 2007

Background: The surface oxide layer of titanium plays a decisive role in determining biocompatibility. However, there are some reports demonstrating that the natural oxide film may not be sufficiently protective in the aggressive biologic environment.

Purpose: The goal of this study was to examine the effectiveness of a thick oxide layer on corrosion resistance in vitro and the bone formation around titanium implants in vivo.

Materials and Methods: A plasma source ion implantation (PSII) method was used to increase the thickness of the surface oxide layer. Several instruments were employed to confirm the surface properties before and after the surface modification. Potentiodynamic polarization measurements in a phosphate‐buffered saline (PBS) solution were carried out to investigate corrosion resistance in vitro. Bone formation around this surface‐modified specimen was examined in a rabbit model and assessed in histomorphometry.

Results: Improved corrosion resistance was demonstrated by the potentiodynamic polarization measurements. Light microscopic histomorphometry showed that all implants were in contact with bone and had some proportion of bone within the threads at 4 weeks; however, there were no significant differences compared with as‐machined controls.

Conclusions: The results indicate that in spite of improved corrosion resistance in vitro, a thick oxide layer fabricated with the PSII method does not influence early bone formation around titanium implants in vivo.
Transglobalism of Self‐exiled Hindus: The Case of Australia
Authors: Bilimoria Purushottama
Published: February 2007

Hindu diaspora is now a global phenomenon, from the early immigrant experience as coolie labourers through the transnational movement of professional Hindus/Indians to many corners of the globe. In this paper, I intend to contextualize Hindu diaspora experience in Australia in the broader theoretical thinking on transnational migration, globalization and heterogeneity. One concern is to understand how distinctive is the religious diaspora experience of Hindus in Australia from those of the international South Asia diaspora. Much literature on South Asians in the West neglect religion, while recent studies disclose the considerable prominence of religion in various communities, especially in comparison with the secularizing tendencies typical of many white societies.
Effect of Bolt Tightness on the Behavior of Composite Joints
Authors: Nassar Sayed A. , Virupaksha Vinayshankar L. , Ganeshmurthy Saravanan
Published: February 2007

This study provides an experimental and analytical investigation of the behavior of a double bolted single lap shear composite joint. Various scenarios of bolt tightness are considered for composite-to-composite and composite-to-aluminum bolted joints. Progressive damage analysis is provided for the composite coupons in two regions; namely, the surface under bolt heads and near the contact with the shank of the bolt; the damage analysis is performed using an optical microscope. Four tightening configurations are used in the testing of each double bolted joint. These configurations permit each of the two bolts to be either tight or loose. The analytical part of the study utilizes a 3-D finite element model that simulates the bolt tightness and the multilayered composite coupons. The experimental and finite element results are correlated.
Finite Element and Neural Network Modeling of Viscoelastic Annular Extrusion
Authors: Huang Han-Xiong , Miao Yan-Sheng
Published: February 2007

Plastics blow molding has grown rapidly for the past couple of decades. Annular parison extrusion is a critical stage in extrusion blow molding. In this work, numerical simulations on the parison extrusion were performed using finite element (FE) method and the Kaye-Bernstein-Kearsley-Zapas type constitutive equation. A total of 100 simulations was carried out by changing the extrusion die inclination angle, die gap, and parison length. Then a backpropagation artificial neural network (ANN) was proposed as a tool for modeling the parison extrusion using the numerical simulation results. The network architecture determination and the training process of the ANN model were discussed. The predictive ability of the ANN model was examined through several sets of FE simulation results different from those utilized in the training stage. The effects of the die inclination angle, die gap, and parison length on the parison swells can be predicted using the ANN model. The results showed that the die gap has a smaller effect on the diameter swell but a greater effect on the thickness swell. Both diameter and thickness swells increase as the die inclination angle increases. The hybrid method combining the FE and ANN can shorten the time for the predictions drastically and help search out the processing conditions and/or die geometric parameters to obtain optimal parison thickness distributions.
An Investigation of Stresses Induced by Temperature Variation in Integrated Circuit Molding Process
Authors: Lin Zone-Ching , Chen Chang-Cheng
Published: February 2007

A molding model is established in this study based on a real integrated circuit for simulating the molding process. This paper presents both the temperature distribution and the thermal stress field of the molding model while the simulation proceeded along the molding time. In addition, the concept of strain energy density is incorporated under the acquisition of thermal stress field of the molding model in order to analyze possible positions of the onset of yield or damage in the molding model. The simulation results also include the extent of deformation in the package body. The results provide references to the subsequent process for determining whether the strips were affected by such deformation while being loaded in the magazine after the molding process. Besides, the displacement of internal lead position could also be derived through the simulation for reference in the design of bonding wire length. The results derived in this paper help in the constructive estimations of the molding design in the integrated packaging process and help designers to avoid the defect caused by the thermal effect during the molding process.
The DEAD-Box RNA Helicase Dbp5 Functions in Translation Termination
Authors: Gross Thomas , Siepmann Anja , Sturm Dorotheé , Windgassen Merle , Scarcelli John J. , Seedorf Matthias , Cole Charles N. , Krebber Heike
Published: February 2007

In eukaryotes, termination of messenger RNA (mRNA) translation is mediated by the release factors eRF1 and eRF3. Using
Saccharomyces cerevisiae
as a model organism, we have identified a member of the DEAD-box protein (DBP) family, the DEAD-box RNA helicase and mRNA export factor Dbp5, as a player in translation termination. Dbp5 interacts genetically with both release factors and the polyadenlyate-binding protein Pab1. A physical interaction was specifically detected with eRF1. Moreover, we show that the helicase activity of Dbp5 is required for efficient stop-codon recognition, and intact Dbp5 is essential for recruitment of eRF3 into termination complexes. Therefore, Dbp5 controls the eRF3-eRF1 interaction and thus eRF3-mediated downstream events.
Detection of Hepatitis E Virus-Specific Immunoglobulin A in Patients Infected with Hepatitis E Virus Genotype 1 or 3
Authors: Herremans M. , Duizer E. , Jusic E. , Koopmans M. P. G.
Published: February 2007

Currently, diagnosis of acute hepatitis E virus (HEV) in patients is primarily based on anti-HEV immunoglobulin M (IgM) detection. However, several investigations suggest the use of HEV-specific IgA for diagnosing acute HEV infections. We evaluated two commercially available assays, an IgA enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) (Diacheck) and an adapted immunoblot protocol (Mikrogen) for IgA detection and compared the performance in genotype 1- and 3-infected patients. The specificity of the IgA assays was high, with no positive reactions in a control group of 18 acute hepatitis patients who were negative for HEV. The sensitivity calculated in nine PCR-positive type 1-infected patients was 100% in both assays but was clearly lower in genotype 3-infected patients (
n
= 14), with sensitivities of only 67% and 57% for the ELISA and immunoblot assay, respectively. The lower IgA responses detected in genotype 3-infected patients could be caused by the use of only the genotype 1 and 2 antigens in the serological assays. Interestingly in two patients with possible infection through blood transfusion no response or intermediate IgA responses were detected, and this might confirm the parenteral route of transmission. In both the type 1- and type 3-infected patients both the IgA and IgM responses disappeared simultaneously. We conclude that IgA detection is of limited value for the serodiagnosis of acute HEV cases, particularly with genotype 3.
Hetero-Vancomycin-Intermediate Methicillin-Resistant
Staphylococcus aureus
Isolate from a Medical Center in Las Cruces, New Mexico
Authors: Delgado Alejandro , Riordan James T. , Lamichhane-Khadka Reena , Winnett David C. , Jimenez Jennifer , Robinson Kim , O'Brien Frances G. , Cantore Stephanie A. , Gustafson John E.
Published: February 2007

A survey of 152 methicillin-resistant
Staphylococcus aureus
(MRSA) strains from medical centers in Las Cruces, NM, and El Paso, TX, revealed the presence of
spa
types 2 and 24 (clone USA100) and
spa
type 1 (clone USA300-0114). Las Cruces MRSA displayed relatively high vancomycin MICs, and one hetero-vancomycin-intermediate
S. aureus
strain was identified.
A NOVEL GLOBAL EXPONENTIAL STABILITY RESULT FOR DISCRETE-TIME CELLULAR NEURAL NETWORKS WITH VARIABLE DELAYS
Authors: ZHANG QIANG , WEI XIAOPENG , XU JIN
Published: February 2007

Global exponential stability is considered for a class of discrete-time cellular neural networks with variable delays. By employing a discrete Halanay inequality, a new result is presented ensuring global exponential stability of the unique equilibrium point of the networks. The result extends and improves the earlier publications due to the fact that it removes some restrictions on the delay. An example is given to illustrate the effectiveness of the global exponential stability condition provided here.
The Dietary Charred Meat Carcinogen 2-Amino-1-Methyl-6-Phenylimidazo[4,5-b]Pyridine Acts as Both a Tumor Initiator and Promoter in the Rat Ventral Prostate
Authors: Nakai Yasutomo , Nelson William G. , De Marzo Angelo M.
Published: February 2007

Exposure of Fisher344 rats to 2-amino-1-methyl-6-phenylimidazo[4,5-b]pyridine (PhIP), a heterocyclic amine in cooked meat, causes cancer in the rat ventral prostate, while sparing the dorsolateral and anterior lobes. Uncovering the molecular mechanisms of the lobe specificity of PhIP-induced rat prostate cancer may provide clues to the pathogenesis of human prostate cancer, which is also lobe selective. We examined the prostate and other organs for mutation frequencies using transgenic Fisher344 rats (Big Blue rats) after PhIP treatment. After PhIP treatment for as early as 4 weeks, the colon, spleen, seminal vesicles, and all lobes of the prostate had significantly elevated mutation frequencies compared with the saline-treated control group, and the differences became even greater after 8 weeks. G:C → T:A transversions were the predominant type of mutation. After 8 weeks of treatment with PhIP, the Ki-67 index was increased (P < 0.001) in the ventral prostate, but not in the dorsolateral or anterior prostate. An increase in the number of stromal mast cells and macrophages was seen in the ventral prostate, but not in the other prostatic lobes. The apoptotic index also increased in the ventral lobe only. The increased proliferation and cell death in response to PhIP indicates that in addition to PhIP acting as an “initiator” of cancer, PhIP is also acting like an organ- and lobe-specific tumor “promoter.” The prostate lobe-specific infiltration of mast cells and macrophages in response to PhIP suggests a potential new mechanism by which this dietary compound can increase cancer risk—by prompting inflammation. [Cancer Res 2007;67(3):1378–84]
Novel compounds with antiproliferative activity against imatinib-resistant cell lines
Authors: Lerma Enrica I. , Nguyen Viet-Anh , Wang Tao , Tipping Alex , Melo Junia V. , Kufe Donald , Austin David J. , Deisseroth Albert
Published: February 2007

Chronic myelogenous leukemia is caused by the Bcr-Abl hybrid gene that encodes the p210Bcr-Abl chimeric oncoprotein. Although it reduces the total body burden of leukemia cells, the use of imatinib mesylate as a single agent may be accompanied by the evolution of resistance due mainly to the acquisition of point mutations. Imatinib has been combined with drugs that inhibit both the active and the inactive states of the p210Bcr-Abl kinase. These combinations have reduced but not completely eliminated the rate at which point mutations are acquired in the p210Bcr-Abl kinase. Thus, it is important to identify additional new inhibitors of the p210Bcr-Abl kinase. One possible method to prevent evolution of resistance is to simultaneously use multiple kinase inhibitors each with a different mechanism of action. To identify such a new class of inhibitors that could suppress the growth of chronic myelogenous leukemia cells and prevent the evolution of cells that are resistant to imatinib, we screened two low-complexity libraries of compounds based on planar and linear scaffolds. These libraries were screened using a cell-based assay for molecules that suppress p210Bcr-Abl–dependent cell growth. The application of this method resulted in the isolation of two new classes of drugs, both of which inhibited imatinib-resistant cells in the low micromolar range. Some of these drugs were potent inhibitors not only of Abl tyrosine kinase but also of the Src, Lyn, and Fyn tyrosine kinases. [Mol Cancer Ther 2007;6(2):655–66]
Thrombin Activatable Fibrinolysis Inhibitor Activation Peptide Shows Association With All Major Subtypes of Ischemic Stroke and With TAFI Gene Variation
Authors: Ladenvall Claes , Gils Ann , Jood Katarina , Blomstrand Christian , Declerck Paul J. , Jern Christina
Published: February 2007

Objective—Thrombin activatable fibrinolysis inhibitor (TAFI) attenuates fibrinolysis. The aim of the present study was to investigate the possible association between TAFI and overall ischemic stroke and ischemic stroke subtypes.

Methods and Results—The Sahlgrenska Academy Study on Ischemic Stroke (SAHLSIS) comprises 600 cases (18 to 69 years) and 600 matched population controls. Stroke subtype was defined by the Trial of Org 10172 in Acute Stroke Treatment (TOAST) classification. TAFI was investigated at the protein level, by analyzing plasma levels of intact TAFI and released activation peptide [AP], and at the genetic level, by genotyping a selection of eleven single nucleotide polymorphisms. After adjustment for traditional risk factors, both TAFI measurements showed association with overall ischemic stroke (AP: odds ratio, 2.22; 95% confidence interval, 1.89 to 2.61; intact TAFI: odds ratio, 1.21; 95% confidence interval, 1.06 to 1.38; for 1-SD increase in AP and intact TAFI, respectively). AP showed associations with all 4 major subtypes of ischemic stroke and intact TAFI to large vessel disease and cryptogenic stroke. TAFI genotypes and haplotypes showed significant associations with both TAFI measurements. In contrast, no association was observed between genetic variants and overall ischemic stroke.

Conclusion—TAFI levels show independent association with overall ischemic stroke. This association is stronger for released AP than for intact TAFI, and for released AP, it is present in all ischemic stroke subtypes.
Nonbone Marrow-Derived Circulating Progenitor Cells Contribute to Postnatal Neovascularization Following Tissue Ischemia
Authors: Aicher Alexandra , Rentsch Markus , Sasaki Ken-ichiro , Ellwart Joachim W. , Fändrich Fred , Siebert Reiner , Cooke John P. , Dimmeler Stefanie , Heeschen Christopher
Published: February 2007

Circulating progenitor cells home to sites of postnatal neovascularization and differentiate into endothelial cells but questions remain regarding the source of these cells. Indeed, a recent study suggests that nonbone marrow-derived cells may be even more important than bone marrow-derived cells in the setting of transplant arteriosclerosis. Thus, we aimed to thoroughly investigate the contribution of nonbone marrow-derived progenitor cells for neovascularization. We exclusively identified nonbone marrow-derived progenitor cells by combining a parabiosis model with reverse bone marrow transplantation followed by hindlimb ischemia. In this model, nonbone marrow-derived circulating progenitor cells attributed for 74±13% of the circulating progenitor cells that incorporated into the ischemic hindlimb. Increasing evidence suggests that organs such as small intestine and liver contain a considerable number of tissue resident progenitor cells and, thus, represent putative sources for nonbone marrow-derived progenitors. To track organ-derived progenitors, we transplanted sex-mismatched small intestine or liver, respectively, into rats followed by induction of hindlimb ischemia. These experiments show that organ-derived progenitor cells are contributing to postnatal vasculogenesis (intestine: 4.7±3.7%; liver: 6.3±2.2%). Based on the subsequent observation that liver-derived nonhematopoietic c-kit
+
CD45
−
progenitors are mobilized on induction of hindlimb ischemia, we prospectively isolated and intravenously infused these progenitors from murine livers. The isolated cells demonstrated a marked capacity for enhancing neovascularization and restoring blood flow to the ischemic hindlimb (no cells: 26.4±4.8% of normal blood flow; c-kit
+
CD45
−
cells: 67.0±8.0% of normal flow;
P
<0.01). In conclusion, we find that nonbone marrow-derived c-kit
+
CD45
−
progenitors contribute to postnatal neovascularization to an extent that is similar to that of bone marrow-derived progenitor cells. Intestine and liver represent a rich source for mobilized tissue-residing progenitor cells.
Fully Nonlinear Statistics of Wave Crest Elevation Calculated Using a Spectral Response Surface Method: Applications to Unidirectional Sea States
Authors: Gibson R. S. , Swan C. , Tromans P. S.
Published: February 2007

This paper concerns the calculation of the probability of exceedance of wave crest elevation. The statistics have been calculated for broadbanded, unidirectional, deep-water sea states by incorporating a fully nonlinear wave model into a spectral response surface method. This is a novel approach to the calculation of statistics and, as all of the calculations are performed in the probability domain, avoids the need for long time-domain simulations. Furthermore, in contrast to theoretical distributions, the broadbanded, fully nonlinear nature of the sea state can be considered. The results have been compared with those of fully nonlinear time-domain simulations and are shown to be in good agreement. The results indicate that in unidirectional seas the crest elevations of the largest waves can be much higher than would be predicted by linear or second-order theory. Hence, the occurrence of locally long crested sea states offers a possible explanation for the formation of freak or rogue waves.
Phenomenology of delirium
Authors: Meagher David J. , Moran Maria , Raju Bangaru , Gibbons Dympna , Donnelly Sinead , Saunders Jean , Trzepacz Paula T.
Published: February 2007

Background

Delirium phenomenology is understudied.

Aims

To investigate the relationship between cognitive and non-cognitive
delirium symptoms and test the primacy of inattention in delirium.

Method

People with delirium (n=100) were assessed using the
Delirium Rating Scale-Revised-98(DRS-R98)and Cognitive Test for Delirium
(CTD).

Results

Sleep-wake cycle abnormalities and inattention were most frequent, while
disorientation was the least frequent cognitive deficit. Patients with
psychosis had either perceptual disturbances or delusions but not both.
Neither delusions nor hallucinations were associated with cognitive
impairments. Inattention was associated with severity of other cognitive
disturbances but not with non-cognitive items. CTD comprehension
correlated most closely with non-cognitive features of delirium.

Conclusions

Delirium phenomenology is consistent with broad dysfunction of higher
cortical centres, characterised in particular by inattention and
sleep-wake cycle disturbance. Attention and comprehension together are
the cognitive items that best account for the syndrome of delirium.
Psychosis in delirium differs from that in functional psychoses.
Follice-Stimulating Hormone Receptor Forms Oligomers and Shows Evidence of Carboxyl-Terminal Proteolytic Processing
Authors: Thomas Richard M. , Nechamen Cheryl A. , Mazurkiewicz Joseph E. , Muda Marco , Palmer Stephen , Dias James A.
Published: February 2007

FSH receptor (FSHR), a member of the G protein-coupled receptor superfamily, is present in the plasma membrane of ovarian granulosa cells and testicular Sertoli cells. FSH regulates normal ovarian follicle development and spermatogenesis through FSHR. The extracellular domain of FSHR is a weakly associated homodimer in the recently solved crystal structure of FSH in complex with the extracellular domain of FSHR. However, there is currently no biochemical data that demonstrate that FSHR exists as a dimer or higher-order oligomer in cell membranes. A fluorescence resonance energy transfer assay was used to determine whether full-length native FSHR is an oligomer. FSHR-specific monoclonal antibody or Fab fragments, labeled with two different fluorophores, allowed the study of nontagged receptor in situ. Unoccupied FSHR exhibited strong fluorescence resonance energy transfer profiles in situ. Complementary coimmunoprecipitation experiments of myc- or FLAG-tagged FSHR indicated that FSHR forms oligomers early in receptor biosynthesis. No effect of FSH treatment was observed. Thus, immature forms of FSHR, not yet fully processed, were observed to coimmunoprecipitate. An unexpected observation was made that the C-terminal epitope tags are removed from FSHR before arrival at the cell surface. These results provide the first evidence for oligomers of full-length FSHR in situ and for C-terminal proteolytic processing of FSHR and that both events take place during biosynthesis. This may explain how heterozygous mutations in the FSHR gene that affect receptor trafficking may be ameliorated by oligomer formation.