bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Plasma Adiponectin Levels and Endometrial Cancer Risk in Pre- and Postmenopausal Women
Authors: Cust Anne E. , Kaaks Rudolf , Friedenreich Christine , Bonnet Fabrice , Laville Martine , Lukanova Annekatrin , Rinaldi Sabina , Dossus Laure , Slimani Nadia , Lundin Eva , Tjønneland Anne , Olsen Anja , Overvad Kim , Clavel-Chapelon Françoise , Mesrine Sylvie , Joulin Virginie , Linseisen Jakob , Rohrmann Sabine , Pischon Tobias , Boeing Heiner , Trichopoulos Dimitrios , Trichopoulou Antonia , Benetou Vassiliki , Palli Domenico , Berrino Franco , Tumino Rosario , Sacerdote Carlotta , Mattiello Amalia , Quirós J. Ramón , Mendez Michelle A. , Sánchez María-José , Larrañaga Nerea , Tormo M. J. , Ardanaz Eva , Bueno-de-Mesquita H. Bas , Peeters Petra H. M. , van Gils Carla H. , Khaw Kay-Tee , Bingham Sheila , Allen Naomi , Key Tim , Jenab Mazda , Riboli Elio
Published: October 2006

Background: Adiponectin, an adipocytokine secreted by adipose tissue, is decreased in obesity, insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, and polycystic ovary syndrome, all of which are well-established risk factors for endometrial cancer.

Methods: We conducted a case-control study nested within the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition to examine the relation between prediagnostic plasma adiponectin levels and endometrial cancer risk. Among pre- and postmenopausal women who were not currently using exogenous hormones, 284 women developed incident endometrial cancer during an average of 5.1 yr of follow-up. Using risk set sampling, 548 control subjects were selected, matched on center, age, menopausal status, phase of menstrual cycle, time of blood draw, and fasting status. Conditional logistic regression models were used to estimate relative risks and 95% confidence intervals.

Results: Adiponectin levels were inversely associated with endometrial cancer risk [body mass index-adjusted relative risk for the top vs. bottom quartile = 0.56 (95% confidence interval 0.36–0.86), Ptrend = 0.006]. There was evidence of a stronger inverse association among obese women than among nonobese women (Pheterogeneity = 0.03). The inverse association also appeared stronger for women who were postmenopausal or perimenopausal than premenopausal at baseline, but this was not statistically significantly heterogeneous (Pheterogeneity = 0.51). The association remained statistically significant after separate adjustment for other obesity-related physiological risk factors such as C-peptide, IGF binding protein-1, IGF binding protein-2, SHBG, estrone, or free testosterone but only marginally statistically significant after simultaneous adjustment for these factors.

Conclusions: High circulating adiponectin levels are associated with reduced endometrial cancer risk, largely independent of other obesity-related risk factors.
Junctional expression of the prion protein PrPC by brain endothelial cells: a role in trans-endothelial migration of human monocytes
Authors: Viegas Pedro , Chaverot Nathalie , Enslen Hervé , Perrière Nicolas , Couraud Pierre-Olivier , Cazaubon Sylvie
Published: October 2006

The conversion of prion protein (PrPC) to its protease-resistant isoform is involved in the pathogenesis of prion diseases. Although PrPC is highly expressed in neurons and other cell types, its physiological function still remains elusive. Here, we describe how we evaluated its expression, subcellular localization and putative function in brain endothelial cells, which constitute the blood-brain barrier. We detected its expression in microvascular endothelium in mouse brain sections and at intercellular junctions of freshly isolated brain microvessels and cultured brain endothelial cells of mouse, rat and human origin. PrPC co-localized with the adhesion molecule platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule-1 (PECAM-1); moreover, both PrPC and PECAM-1 were present in raft membrane microdomains. Using mixed cultures of wild-type and PrPC-deficient mouse brain endothelial cells, we observed that PrPC accumulation at cell-cell contacts was probably dependent on homophilic interactions between adjacent cells. Moreover, we report that anti-PrPC antibodies unexpectedly inhibited transmigration of U937 human monocytic cells as well as freshly isolated monocytes through human brain endothelial cells. Significant inhibition was observed with various anti-PrPC antibodies or blocking anti-PECAM-1 antibodies as control. Our results strongly support the conclusion that PrPC is expressed by brain endothelium as a junctional protein that is involved in the trans-endothelial migration of monocytes.
DNA damage responses in progeroid syndromes arise from defective maturation of prelamin A
Authors: Liu Yiyong , Rusinol Antonio , Sinensky Michael , Wang Youjie , Zou Yue
Published: October 2006

The genetic diseases Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome (HGPS) and restrictive dermopathy (RD) arise from accumulation of farnesylated prelamin A because of defects in the lamin A maturation pathway. Both of these diseases exhibit symptoms that can be viewed as accelerated aging. The mechanism by which accumulation of farnesylated prelamin A leads to these accelerated aging phenotypes is not understood. Here we present evidence that in HGPS and RD fibroblasts, DNA damage checkpoints are persistently activated because of the compromise in genomic integrity. Inactivation of checkpoint kinases Ataxia-telangiectasia-mutated (ATM) and ATR (ATM- and Rad3-related) in these patient cells can partially overcome their early replication arrest. Treatment of patient cells with a protein farnesyltransferase inhibitor (FTI) did not result in reduction of DNA double-strand breaks and damage checkpoint signaling, although the treatment significantly reversed the aberrant shape of their nuclei. This suggests that DNA damage accumulation and aberrant nuclear morphology are independent phenotypes arising from prelamin A accumulation in these progeroid syndromes. Since DNA damage accumulation is an important contributor to the symptoms of HGPS, our results call into question the possibility of treatment of HGPS with FTIs alone.
Cellular uptake of fatty acids driven by the ER-localized acyl-CoA synthetase FATP4
Authors: Milger Katrin , Herrmann Thomas , Becker Christiane , Gotthardt Daniel , Zickwolf Jelena , Ehehalt Robert , Watkins Paul A. , Stremmel Wolfgang , Füllekrug Joachim
Published: October 2006

Long-chain fatty acids are important metabolites for the generation of energy and the biosynthesis of lipids. The molecular mechanism of their cellular uptake has remained controversial. The fatty acid transport protein (FATP) family has been named according to its proposed function in mediating this process at the plasma membrane. Here, we show that FATP4 is in fact localized to the endoplasmic reticulum and not the plasma membrane as reported previously. Quantitative analysis confirms the positive correlation between expression of FATP4 and uptake of fatty acids. However, this is dependent on the enzymatic activity of FATP4, catalyzing the esterification of fatty acids with CoA. Monitoring fatty acid uptake at the single-cell level demonstrates that the ER localization of FATP4 is sufficient to drive transport of fatty acids. Expression of a mitochondrial acyl-CoA synthetase also enhances fatty acid uptake, suggesting a general relevance for this mechanism. Our results imply that cellular uptake of fatty acids can be regulated by intracellular acyl-CoA synthetases. We propose that the enzyme FATP4 drives fatty acid uptake indirectly by esterification. It is not a transporter protein involved in fatty acid translocation at the plasma membrane.
From railway dynamics to wheel/rail contact mechanics, an approach for the modelling of the wheel/rail contact: Elasto-plastic response of the railhead
Authors: Busquet M , Chollet H , Baillet L , Dagorn C , Ayasse J B , Berthier Y
Published: October 2006

This wheel/rail contact study presents a combination of two complementary mechanical fields: railway dynamics and tribology. The first one gives an estimation of the contact forces between wheels and rails because of the movements of the bodies. The multi-body representation is combined with a contact model describing the pressure field at the interface, including the tangential stresses and the sliding hypothesis on discretized patches between wheel and rail. These values are then used as the inputs to finite-element models developed to investigate the rail elasto-plastic response to the action of a rolling wheel. Predicted plastic distortions are compared with those observed on sites.
Vertical vehicle-track coupling element
Authors: Lou P , Zeng Q-Y
Published: October 2006

A finite element-based vehicle-track coupling element for analysing the vertical dynamic response of the railway track under a moving train is proposed in this paper. The multi-body vehicle model used has ten degrees of freedom and consists of four wheelsets, rigid bodies, and a two-stage suspension. The track structure is modelled with two layers and includes rails, rail fastenings, sleepers, ballast, and subgrade. The equations of motion for the coupling element are derived in matrix form using the energy method.

This element can be used to analyse the dynamic response of the coupling system with a moving train on a railway track on subgrade and can also analyse the response with a train running over a railway bridge. Two examples to illustrate the use of the element are given in the paper.
Relating track geometry to vehicle performance using neural network approach
Authors: Li D , Meddah A , Hass K , Kalay S
Published: October 2006

As part of a research that led to the development of the performance-based track geometry (PBTG) inspection technology, the Transportation Technology Center, Inc., Pueblo, CO, USA, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Association of American Railroads, has developed a technique relating track geometry to vehicle performance, real-time. This technique is based on the neural network (NN) approach, an emerging powerful tool in recognizing complex patterns and non-linear relationships between many inputs and an output, such as the relationship between track geometry and vehicle response. On the basis of this technique, many NNs have been developed (trained) from actual vehicle/track interaction test results. For a given vehicle type, the trained NNs directly relate three-dimensional track geometry and vehicle operating speed to vehicle performance. The effects of other track conditions such as lubrication, rail profile, and track stiffness are indirectly considered on the basis of their statistical distributions from test results. Because the PBTG inspection is intended to optimize the track geometry maintenance, the vehicle types selected for testing to date were the ones most sensitive to track geometry (in North America, these are the tank car, covered hopper car, and coal gondola car). However, more NNs for other vehicle types can be easily trained on the basis of the NN technique developed using actual vehicle performance and track geometry test results.
Measurement of train traction characteristics
Authors: Radosavljevic A
Published: October 2006

This paper describes an attempt to develop empirical equations that could be used to estimate some traction characteristics of a generic type of train and vehicles that are in use in Serbia and Montenegro. As the running resistance of present freight trains in Serbia and Montenegro has not been investigated, the Serbian Railways and the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the Institute of Transportation CIP, took the initiative to investigate this matter. Miscellaneous formulas of running resistance used in Serbia and Montenegro and other countries gave considerably different results when they were applied to a mixed freight train of the same consist. So, they could not be considered reliable for the average mixed freight train in use at the JZ (Serbian Railways). The well-known method of least squares is used to determine the function and correlation coefficients that best represent experimental measurements and are applied to experimental data. All calculations are conducted on the basis of the data received during test runs. The traction characteristics are measured by pulling: that is, by measuring the tractive effort at the draw bar between locomotive and dynamometer car, and by determining the coefficients by means of the least squares method. On the basis of several experimental runs, the basic traction characteristics are determined and compared with that generated by modern formulas.
Finite-element analysis of discretely supported rail subjected to multiple moving concentrated forces
Authors: Lou P , Zhong X-G , Tang J-F , Zeng Q-Y
Published: October 2006

On the basis of the cubic Hermitian polynomials being used as the shape functions of a rail element and the conditions of equilibrium of forces acting in the vertical direction and of bending moment, this article presents a method for calculating the sectional force (i.e. shear force and bending moment) of discretely supported rail subjected to multiple moving concentrated forces. The correctness of the present method is illustrated by a comparison with the analytical solution. Two numerical examples are chosen to investigate the effects of the length of rail element, the stiffness and damping coefficients of railpad, and the speed of moving force on the responses of rail. The numerical results show that the length of a rail element may be adopted as two times sleeper space; the effect of the stiffness and damping coefficients of railpad on the responses of rail is significant; however, the effect of the speed of moving force on the responses of rail with smooth surface is not significant.
Thermal imaging of railways to identify track sections prone to buckling
Authors: Chapman L , Thornes J E , White S P
Published: October 2006

A technique is described to measure the spatial variation of rail temperatures with a view to highlighting sections of railway track prone to buckling in extreme temperatures. Thermal maps of a section of test track were produced by equipping a personnel carrier with a thermal imager and global positioning system (GPS). Temperature readings were taken using the rusted web (side) of the rail so that emissivity could be assumed constant. The results indicate that much of the spatial variation in daytime rail temperature can be explained by shading effects, with exposed sections of track on embankments being consistently the warmest and, therefore, the most prone to buckling. It is envisaged that the technique could be used to forecast the problem areas and will ultimately provide useful verification data for spatial modelling studies.
Simpler method for volatile medium pump mechanical seals
Authors: Peng X. D. , Xie Y. B. , Gu Y. Q.
Published: October 2006

Mechanical face seals operating with volatile media, such as liquid ammonia, hot water, and light hydrocarbons, generally fail as a result of phase state instability of the fluid film between the two faces. Therefore, determining face temperature and identifying phase states and phase state stability of such a face seal are very important. In this article, correlations for calculating thermophysical properties of typical single volatile process media in petrochemical plants are presented. Taking a parallel face seal as the model, a simpler method is given for determining average face temperature Tf and fluid film pressure coefficient Km which can be used as criteria for identifying phase states and phase state stability of such a seal. On the basis of the criteria and the curves relating Km to Tf, a new idea is proposed for monitoring the phase states of the fluid film between the two faces. Taking the face seals of liquid ammonia and hot water pumps as examples, the calculation results of average face temperature are in excellent agreement with the test results on-site.
Porous pivoted slider bearings lubricated with a couple stress fluid
Authors: Ahmad N , Singh J. P.
Published: October 2006

A theoretical model of a porous pivoted slider bearing lubricated with a couple stress fluid has been considered in this study. The expression for load capacity has been obtained in terms of a couple stress parameter and a permeability parameter. The authors study graphically the dependence of load on these parameters and discuss the possibility of minimizing them to achieve a possible increase in load capacity.
Finite-volume solution of the compressible Reynolds equation: Linear and non-linear analysis of gas bearings
Authors: Arghir M , Lez S Le , Frene J
Published: October 2006

The present work deals with several aspects of the finite-volume numerical solution of the Reynolds equation for a compressible fluid. First, the upwind procedure used for stabilizing the solution is given a new interpretation. It is shown next how film thickness discontinuities can be handled in a mathematically correct way and finally, the finite-volume numerical solution is presented for unstructured grids. After validating these numerical aspects, the static and dynamic characteristics of cylindrical hydrodynamic and externally pressurized hybrid gas bearings are presented. The dynamic coefficients are obtained by using both a small perturbation and a non-linear approach.
Effects of magnetic tape substrate thickness on lateral tape motion, magnetic performance, and durability
Authors: Hayes T. G. , Bhushan B
Published: October 2006

The ever increasing demand for greater storage capacity is prompting the development of thinner data storage tapes. As tapes are made thinner than ever, it brings magnetic and physical durability into question. Today's tapes are approximately 9.0 μm thick with next generation tapes being 7.0 μm thick and thinner tapes are in development. These thinner tapes damage more easily, especially near the edges, creating problems as debris from damaged areas finds its way into the head to tape interface. The objective of the current study is to determine the effects a thinner substrate has on a tape's magnetic and tribological performance. Root-mean-square head output and dropouts were monitored to provide a metric of magnetic performance, whereas lateral tape motion was monitored using a dual edge probe methodology to monitor the tracking quality. Coefficient of friction was monitored to gauge the tribological performance. Changes in tape edge quality were quantified using optical microscopy as a measure of physical durability. Thinner tapes have less lateral tape motion, a higher coefficient of friction, and a greater tendency to produce debris. Although thinner tapes are not better in every way, the transition to thinner tape presents no formidable challenges.
Experimental investigation into the capabilities of acoustic emission for the detection of shaft-to-seal rubbing in large power generation turbines: A case study
Authors: Leahy M , Mba D , Cooper P , Montgomery A , Owen D
Published: October 2006

An experimental investigation was undertaken in order to assess the potential of the acoustic emission (AE) technology for the detection of seal-to-rotor rubbing in steam turbines. Rubbing was induced at various axial locations along a 4.5 ton test rotor rotating at 3000 r/min and supported by 7 in (178 mm) journal bearings. This article examines the capabilities of bearing-mounted AE transducers for the detection of seal-to-rotor rubbing. It was concluded that the AE technology can detect simulated rubs from the hydrodynamic bearings.
Bicycle helmet design
Authors: Mills N J , Gilchrist A
Published: October 2006

Finite-element analysis (FEA) was used to consider the improvement of bicycle helmet performance, in oblique impacts with the road. The events, predicted by FEA, were described and the peak head accelerations interpreted in terms of a simplified model. FEA shows that thicker foam liners of lower compressive yield stress can protect the head against linear acceleration in 150 J impacts. The peak rotational acceleration of the head was shown to be only slightly affected by the friction coefficient on the road and, in general, to be insufficient to cause serious diffuse brain injuries. Improved protection of the forehead and temple was investigated; this required extending the liner downwards at the sides and front, and the inclusion of an oblique impact test in the BSEN 1078 standard.
The influence of impact vibration modes and frequencies on cricket bat performance
Authors: Brooks R , Mather J S B , Knowles S
Published: October 2006

The performance or hitting power of a number of cricket bats has been compared by measuring the absorption of impact vibration energy along the length of their blades. The measurements lead to the characterization of the position and size of the nodal sweet spot, i.e. impact area giving high performance, in addition to the identification of areas of poor performance on the blade. For the range of bats tested, the sweet spot position varies from 140 to 170 mm from the blade tip and its length varies from 130 to 160 mm. The results show that the blade profile, i.e. mass distribution, has an influence on the sweet spot characteristics, although small notches or cutouts have limited effect. Heavier bats are also shown to absorb less energy, and hence perform better, than lightweight bats. The development of a simplified discontinuous beam model has shown that the frequencies of vibration of a bat can be controlled by altering the stiffness and/or mass of the blade or handle. In particular, it has been shown that the use of a lightweight, high stiffness handle, possibly manufactured from advanced composites, could raise the third bending mode natural frequency out of the excitation range of a cricket ball-bat impact. Such a bat would show a significant performance improvement over current designs. The energy absorption procedure described in this paper offers designers a quantitative approach for optimizing the design of cricket bats and other sports equipment.
Design and use of an instrumented curling brush
Authors: Buckingham M-P , Marmo B A , Blackford J R
Published: October 2006

The design and manufacture of an instrumented curling brush, sweep ergometer, has provided the first quantitative analysis of sweeping in the Olympic sport of curling. Sweeping is a method by which curlers alter the trajectory of curling stones and can provide the difference between winning and losing in a target-based sport where centimetre scale variations are vitally important. Two design phases led to the development of the wireless sweep ergometer that is able to measure an athlete's performance unencumbered. The ergometer measures the vertical and horizontal forces, and acceleration of the brush head in two axes. Graphical output can be used to analyse player technique, strength, and rate of fatigue. The ergometer provides an outstanding tool for both skill and consistency coaching and will help in team selection and match tactics.
Measurement of hand loads and the centre of percussion of cricket bats
Authors: Fisher S , Vogwell J , Ansell M P
Published: October 2006

Experimental procedures for the measurement of hand loads and the centre of percussion (COP) of cricket bats are described. Five commercial cricket bats were evaluated to demonstrate differences in static and dynamic performance characteristics. A standard bat was compared with three bats, incorporating different scallop shapes in the back of the bat and a fifth bat with two slots in the bat back containing honeycomb inserts. All the bats possessed the same external dimensions. Three clamping configurations were employed for measuring bat performance. Bat stiffness was measured using rigid mechanical clamps. Hand loads were measured with load transducers positioned in rigid clamps, in a hand simulator, and attached to the hands of human subjects. The COP for the five bats was measured in a hand simulator, which closely simulated hand loads.

Bat and handle deflections for the five bats varied considerably, and in some instances, bat deflections were slightly non-linear. Hand loads were measured for one commercial bat subjected to ball impacts in rigidly clamped, simulator clamped and hand-held conditions. Simulator clamping closely mimicked the pattern of hand-held loads, but loads were approximately ten times higher in the hand simulator. The COPs for all five bats were evaluated by measuring loads in the hand simulator. A common COP located at 0.18 m from the bat end was deduced but simulated hand loads varied considerably. Bat geometry was seen to influence the static and dynamic responses of the five commercial bats.
Virtual modelling of a prosthetic foot to improve footwear testing
Authors: Mara G E , Harland A R , Mitchell S R
Published: October 2006

The footwear industry is continually producing more technically engineered shoes, therefore, it is necessary to improve existing laboratory footwear tests using simplistic rigid stamps to something more realistic. The aim of this article is to investigate the possibility of reverse engineering a standard commercially available component accurately enough to produce constructive results in a finite-element analysis (FEA). A prosthetic foot was chosen as it is commercially available and is more representative of a real foot. Information on its geometry and material properties were gathered using a non-destructive method. X-ray images and three-dimensional laser scanning were used to capture the dimensions of the internal and external geometries, whereas the vickers microhardness test and volume and mass calculations were used along with the Cambridge Engineering Selector software to identify material properties. To validate the finite-element prosthetic foot, a vertical heel compression and a forefoot flexibility laboratory test were conducted and mimicked in an FEA software package. Good and fair agreements were found in the two tests, respectively. It is concluded that a non-destructive approach to reverse engineer a standard component is an effective method of improving the realism of existing footwear tests both in reality and in finite-element situations.
Frictional heat generated by sweeping in curling and its effect on ice friction
Authors: Marmo B A , Farrow I S , Buckingham M-P , Blackford J R
Published: October 2006

In the sport of curling, players sweep the ice in the front of curling stones to increase the distance that the projectiles slide. Their vigorous sweeping raises the surface temperature of the ice, thereby reducing its coefficient of friction. The change in ice temperature is dependent on the velocity that curlers sweep the ice, the downward force they apply, and the pattern that is swept. The forces and velocities applied by Olympic level curlers were recorded with an instrumented brush. Laboratory-based rubbing experiments were conducted to determine the temperature rise in ice from sweeping. A numerical model was developed on the basis of the recorded sweeping profiles and laboratory-based rubbing experiments. The model was used to compare the thermal effects of two popular sweeping styles and shows that a conventional low attack angle style is the most efficient.
Synthesis of Y2O3 Nanocrystals and the Effect of Nanocrystalline Y2O3 Supports on Ni/Y2O3 Catalysts for Oxidative Steam Reforming of Ethanol
Authors: Sun Gebiao , Hidajat Kus , Kawi Sibudjing
Published: October 2006

Y2O3 nanocrystals of tunable morphology and size have been successfully synthesized; the mobility of surface oxygen species on Y2O3 nanocrystals is found, for the first time, to increase with the decrease of the crystal size and to significantly affect the catalytic performances of Ni/Y2O3 catalysts for oxidative steam reforming of ethanol.
Dimension of Poly(2-methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine) in Aqueous Solutions with Various Ionic Strength
Authors: Matsuda Yasuhiro , Kobayashi Motoyasu , Annaka Masahiko , Ishihara Kazuhiko , Takahara Atsushi
Published: October 2006

The dimension and intermolecular interaction of poly(2-methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine) (PMPC) in aqueous solutions with various ionic strength was investigated with static and dynamic light scattering. Although PMPC is a polyelectrolyte, its dimension and intermolecular interaction did not change in the aqueous solution of NaCl at 0–0.5 M.
The precursor tRNA 3′-CCA interaction with Escherichia coli RNase P RNA is essential for catalysis by RNase P in vivo
Authors: Wegscheid Barbara , Hartmann Roland K.
Published: October 2006

The L15 region of Escherichia coli RNase P RNA forms two Watson–Crick base pairs with precursor tRNA 3′-CCA termini (G292-C75 and G293-C74). Here, we analyzed the phenotypes associated with disruption of the G292-C75 or G293-C74 pair in vivo. Mutant RNase P RNA alleles (rnpBC292 and rnpBC293) caused severe growth defects in the E. coli rnpB mutant strain DW2 and abolished growth in the newly constructed mutant strain BW, in which chromosomal rnpB expression strictly depended on the presence of arabinose. An isosteric C293-G74 base pair, but not a C292-G75 pair, fully restored catalytic performance in vivo, as shown for processing of precursor 4.5S RNA. This demonstrates that the base identity of G292, but not G293, contributes to the catalytic process in vivo. Activity assays with mutant RNase P holoenzymes assembled in vivo or in vitro revealed that the C292/293 mutations cause a severe functional defect at low Mg2+ concentrations (2 mM), which we infer to be on the level of catalytically important Mg2+ recruitment. At 4.5 mM Mg2+, activity of mutant relative to the wild-type holoenzyme, was decreased only about twofold, but 13- to 24-fold at 2 mM Mg2+. Moreover, our findings make it unlikely that the C292/293 phenotypes include significant contributions from defects in protein binding, substrate affinity, or RNA degradation. However, native PAGE experiments revealed nonidentical RNA folding equilibria for the wild-type versus mutant RNase P RNAs, in a buffer- and preincubation-dependent manner. Thus, we cannot exclude that altered folding of the mutant RNAs may have also contributed to their in vivo defect.
The ultrastructural diagnosis of tumors of the head and neck
Authors: Wheelis Roger F. , Hammar Samuel P. , Yarington C. Thomas
Published: October 2006

Electron microscopy has proved to be a valuable diagnostic tool in surgical pathology. As shown in three illustrative cases, the procedure is most useful in accurately classifying light microscopically diagnosed undifferentiated tumors of the head and neck, and is also helpful in predicting the origin of cervical lymph node metastasis in occult cancer. It also serves to quality control diagnoses made by light microscopy.

All surgical specimens are fixed in a fixative that gives adequate ultrastructural preservation and allows retrieval and examination by electron microscopy, if indicated. Recent technical improvements have resulted in a turn‐around time of less than two days, thus making diagnostic electron microscopy clinically useful. The ultrastructural examination of undifferentiated tumors has a high diagnostic yield, often obviating additional diagnostic procedures and exploratory surgery. The correct diagnosis results in appropriate therapy and accurate assessment of prognosis.
A retrospective study of traumatic tympanic membrane perforations in a clinical practice
Authors: Griffin Warren L.
Published: October 2006

A retrospective study of 227 traumatic tympanic membrane perforations was made. These perforations were treated in a clinical practice of otolaryngology between January 1969 and July 1977. The following conclusions were supported by the data obtained:

Larger perforations are less likely to heal spontaneously.

Lightning and molten metal injuries are less likely to heal spontaneously.

Final healing and hearing results are good regardless of the mode of therapy employed.

Spontaneous healing gives better results than early surgical intervention.

Infection adversely affects healing in traumatic perforations.

Based on information delineated in the paper, a logical plan of treatment for traumatic perforations is presented.
Medullary carcinoma of the thyroid as a laryngeal problem
Authors: Thinakkal Ramakrishnan , Cabel Gilbert , Borkenhagen Robert
Published: October 2006

A neuroendocrine secreting tumor, initially presenting as a laryngeal problem, is reported. Subglottic biopsy, first interpreted as paraganglioma, was finally diagnosed as medullary carcinoma of the thyroid.

The complex testing required to arrive at an accurate diagnosis of this uncommon thyroid malignancy is discussed. The sparse occurrence of the neoplasm in the laryngologic field, as well as the necessity for differentiating it from other neuroendocrine tumors, bear consideration.
Clinical trial of diaminodiphenylsulfone (dds) in nasal and nasopharyngeal rhinosporidiosis
Authors: Nair Krishnan K.
Published: October 2006

Rhinosporidiosis is a fairly common problem for the Otolaryngologist in many parts of the world, because of its prompt recurrence after surgical excision. Though not a fatal disease, it inflicts various kinds of social and economic strain on the patients and their families.

No medical treatment has been found to be effective in controlling rhinosporidiosis. Such drugs as griseofulvin and amphotericin have been tried without much benefit. In this clinical trial with dapsone on 32 patients, 20 patients (71.4%) did not have recurrence in a three year period and none of them needed surgery in that period. Thirty‐two patients were used as controls, and 93% of them needed surgery for recurrent rhinosporidiosis in the same three year period.

Dapsone (diaminodiphenylsulfone) is a relatively safe drug to use, and no major side effects were noticed in this trial.
Dermoid cysts of the floor of the mouth and lateral neck
Authors: Leveque Hubert , Saraceno Carmelo A. , Tang Chik‐Kwun , Blanchard Cyrus L.
Published: October 2006

Dermoid cysts of the floor of the mouth and submandibular area represent an unusual clinical entity. We present three such cases and review their clinical presentation and pathologic classification. This study stresses the importance of recognizing and excising any tract leading from such cysts to the midline mandible or hyoid, in order to avoid a recurrence, since these tracts may be epithelialized.
The screening value of monothermal caloric tests
Authors: Becker Gary D.
Published: October 2006

A valid screening caloric test should decrease examination time, increase patient comfort and maintain a high degree of sensitivity in predicting bithermal (BT) caloric results. This prospective study of 362 consecutive electronystagmograms (ENG) compared right/left (R/L) difference results obtained using monothermal (MT) warm and cold irrigations alone with that of the (combined) BT test. Comparing MT warm and cold irrigations, false negative (normal MT but abnormal BT test) results were obtained in 14% and 25% of irrigations, while false positive (abnormal MT but normal BT test) information was obtained in 22% and 15% of irrigations, respectively. False negative MT tests preclude detection of the abnormal BT test, while false positive tests require unnecessary completion of the BT caloric irrigations. This lack of diagnostic sensitivity limits the usefulness of the MT irrigation as a screening test.
Current State of Community Pharmacy in Japan: Practice, Research, and Future Opportunities or Challenges
Authors: Yamamura Shigeo , Yamamoto Nobuo , Oide Sentato , Kitazawa Shikifumi
Published: October 2006

Objective:

To describe the activities related to pharmaceutical care and research in community pharmacies in Japan.

Findings:

Japan is an aging society; the proportion of elderly people aged at least 65 years was 19.9% in 2005 and is expected to rise to 26.0% by 2015. This increase will result in ballooning healthcare costs. To curb the huge and rapidly increasing expenditure on medical treatment, many structural reforms have been undertaken in Japan. The healthcare services in community pharmacies will also undergo reforms to meet social needs and patient/customer requirements. In 2006, the undergraduate pharmacy program offered by universities was changed to a 6 year program, including 6 months of clinical training in both hospitals and community pharmacies. This change should provide an opportunity for community pharmacists and academics to communicate with each other, and we anticipate that it will further the research in community pharmacies. Accreditation programs will also improve the level of health care.

Discussion:

The healthcare system should undergo reforms to address the problems related to Japan's low birth rate and the needs of an aging population. Such reforms are also required to ensure a healthy aging society and should not have adverse effects on socially vulnerable children and the elderly. Pharmacists should contribute to the development of a healthcare system for an aging society by providing appropriate pharmaceutical care. Since a large number of prescriptions are dispensed through community pharmacies, pharmacists have a greater opportunity to improve health care. In addition, pharmacist associations are encouraging their members to actively participate in home medical care services. An effective community healthcare program should reduce the need for institutional care.

Conclusions:

Although Japanese pharmacists are not fully capable of providing pharmaceutical care at this stage, they will play a crucial role in ensuring a healthy aging society in the future, particularly in the community setting.
Diminished Response to Recombinant Factor Vila in a Patient with Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura
Authors: Baxter Melissa S , Schroeder Walter S , Cheng Yijun , Bernstein Zale P
Published: October 2006

Objective:

To describe the hypotheses that may explain a diminished hemostatic response in a patient receiving multiple doses of recombinant coagulation factor Vila (rFVIIa) for off-label treatment of bleeding events.

Case Summary:

A 70-year-old female with a significant history of idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) was admitted for coronary artery bypass grafting surgery. The patient developed thrombocytopenia and persistent hemorrhage postoperatively that was refractory to conventional therapy for ITP. She experienced an initial hemostatic response to rFVIIa after receiving 3 doses. During her second trial of rFVIIa a few days later, the duration of hemostatic effect was approximately half that of the first. The patient then received rFVIIa almost daily over the following 9 days to which she remained unresponsive, ultimately resulting in death. All doses in this patient were 9.6 mg (101 μg/kg), except the last, which was 4.8 mg (50.5 μg/kg).

Discussion:

Several hypotheses may explain this patient's resistance to rFVIIa therapy. Two involve depletion of platelets or coagulation factors essential for rFVIIa efficacy. Another involves development of an antibody to rFVIIa. The last involves acidemia, which may interfere with the pharmacologic effect of rFVIIa.

Conclusions:

The combination of persistent thrombocytopenia and exhaustion of coagulation factors is the likely cause leading to resistance to rFVIIa therapy in this patient.
The Legal Status of Medical Marijuana
Authors: Seamon Matthew J
Published: October 2006

Objective:

To review the legal status of medical marijuana in the US.

Data Sources:

Relevant publications were located using LexisNexis (1982–October 2006), WestLaw (1996–October 2006), BNA Health Law Reporter (1996–October 2006), MEDLINE (1996–October 2006), EMBASE (1980–October 2006), International Pharmaceutical Abstracts (1970–October 2006), and an Internet search targeting government sites using the key words medical marijuana.

Study Selection and Data Extraction:

Federal and state medical marijuana laws were examined. Relevant cannabinoid-based drug products were reviewed. Federal and State Supreme Court and Appeal level cases involving medical marijuana were evaluated.

Data Synthesis:

Marijuana is regulated as a Schedule I controlled substance and its use is prohibited under federal law. Dronabinol and nabilone are synthetic cannabinoids approved by the Food and Drug Administration and Sativex is a cannabis-based extract being evaluated in Phase III trials. The federal government sponsors a single patient compassionate use Investigational New Drug Application program providing medical marijuana for a small number of patients. Eleven states permit marijuana use for medical purposes and one state provides a defense of medical necessity. Employers do not have to provide workplace accommodations for employees using medical marijuana and can terminate them at will. Healthcare providers have First Amendment constitutional protections that allow them to discuss marijuana with patients.

Conclusions:

Until the Supreme Court rules directly on the constitutionality of state medical marijuana laws, a conflict remains. Marijuana use remains illegal under federal law and states assume their medical marijuana laws to be constitutional.
Is perfectionism related to pre‐existing and future insomnia? A prospective study
Authors: Jansson‐Fröjmark Markus , Linton Steven J.
Published: October 2006

Objective The purpose of this study was to examine the role of perfectionism to pre‐existing and future insomnia.

Methods Based on a random sample from the general population (N=3,600), 1,936 participants filled out a baseline and 1‐year follow‐up survey on perfectionism (concern over mistakes and personal standards), emotional distress and insomnia.

Results The results from sequential logistic regression analyses showed that concern over mistakes was significantly related to pre‐existing and future insomnia. When emotional distress was accounted for, none of the perfectionism subscales contributed significantly in explaining pre‐existing and future insomnia.

Conclusions The results indicate that though perfectionism seems to be related to both pre‐existing and future insomnia, its role seems relatively weak.
New Method for Measuring Static Segregation of Self-Consolidating Concrete
Authors: Shen L , Struble L , Lange D
Published: October 2006

To study self-consolidating concrete it is important to be able to characterize segregation resistance. In this paper, a segregation probe is introduced as a simple and fast method for testing static segregation of fresh concrete. The results of the segregation probe tests were verified using image analysis. A mechanics analysis was used to estimate the forces acting on the segregation probe and explain why the thickness of a paste/mortar layer at the surface of the concrete can be measured. Finally, use of the probe to determine robustness is presented.
Test Method to Evaluate Bruising During Impacts to Apples and Compare Cushioning Materials
Authors: Jarimopas B. , Sayasoonthorn S. , Singh S. P. , Singh Jagjit
Published: October 2006

Developing simplified and accurate test methods to quantify and compare performance of impact levels to sensitive produce is a challenge. Despite a variety of packaging options available today, bruising damage is commonplace for post-harvest apples throughout the supply chain. The major sources of bruising are compression, impact, or vibration forces. Understanding where these forces occur can help reduce this type of mechanical damage to apples. The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact characteristics of foam net and corrugated board when applied as wrapping for individual apples. Two grades (count numbers 80 and 100) of “Fuji” cultivar apples imported to Thailand from China were studied. A simple ballistic pendulum test device was developed to measure bruise volume to impact energy relationship. A linear relationship for both types of apples was observed. Bruise volume occurrence probability and impact energy relationship fitted by linear regression were created for cushioned and bare apples. Absorbed energy of various cushioning materials was also calculated under compressive forces.
Genetic and Physiological Evidence That Oligodendrocyte Gap Junctions Contribute to Spatial Buffering of Potassium Released during Neuronal Activity
Authors: Menichella Daniela M. , Majdan Marta , Awatramani Rajeshwar , Goodenough Daniel A. , Sirkowski Erich , Scherer Steven S. , Paul David L.
Published: October 2006

Mice lacking the K+channel Kir4.1 or both connexin32 (Cx32) and Cx47 exhibit myelin-associated vacuoles, raising the possibility that oligodendrocytes, and the connexins they express, contribute to recycling the K+evolved during neuronal activity. To study this possibility, we first examined the effect of neuronal activity on the appearance of vacuoles in mice lacking both Cx32 and Cx47. The size and number of myelin vacuoles was dramatically increased when axonal activity was increased, by either a natural stimulus (eye opening) or pharmacological treatment. Conversely, myelin vacuoles were dramatically reduced when axonal activity was suppressed. Second, we used genetic complementation to test for a relationship between the function of Kir4.1 and oligodendrocyte connexins. In aCx32-null background, haploinsufficiency of either Cx47 or Kir4.1 did not affect myelin, but double heterozygotes developed vacuoles, consistent with the idea that oligodendrocyte connexins and Kir4.1 function in a common pathway. Together, these results implicate oligodendrocytes and their connexins as having critical roles in the buffering of K+released during neuronal activity.
Hes6 Inhibits Astrocyte Differentiation and Promotes Neurogenesis through Different Mechanisms
Authors: Jhas Sumit , Ciura Sorana , Belanger-Jasmin Stephanie , Dong Zhifeng , Llamosas Estelle , Theriault Francesca M. , Joachim Kerline , Tang Yeman , Liu Lauren , Liu Jisheng , Stifani Stefano
Published: October 2006

The mechanisms regulating the generation of cell diversity in the mammalian cerebral cortex are beginning to be elucidated. In that regard, Hairy/Enhancer of split (Hes) 1 and 5 are basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) factors that inhibit the differentiation of pluripotent cortical progenitors into neurons. In contrast, a related Hes family member termed Hes6 promotes neurogenesis. It is shown here that knockdown of endogenous Hes6 causes supernumerary cortical progenitors to differentiate into cells that exhibit an astrocytic morphology and express the astrocyte marker protein GFAP. Conversely, exogenous Hes6 expression in cortical progenitors inhibits astrocyte differentiation. The negative effect of Hes6 on astrocyte differentiation is independent of its ability to promote neuronal differentiation. We also show that neither its proneuronal nor its anti-gliogenic functions appear to depend on Hes6 ability to bind to DNA via the basic arm of its bHLH domain. Both of these activities require Hes6 to be localized to nuclei, but only its anti-gliogenic function depends on two short peptides, LNHLL and WRPW, that are conserved in all Hes6 proteins. These findings suggest that Hes6 is an important regulator of the neurogenic phase of cortical development by promoting the neuronal fate while suppressing astrocyte differentiation. They suggest further that separate molecular mechanisms underlie the proneuronal and anti-gliogenic activities of Hes6 in cortical progenitor cells.