bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identification of arginine- and lysine-methylation in the proteome of Saccharomyces cerevisiae and its functional implications
Authors: Pang Chi Nam Ignatius , Gasteiger Elisabeth , Wilkins Marc R
Published: February 2010

Background

The methylation of eukaryotic proteins has been proposed to be widespread, but this has not been conclusively shown to date. In this study, we examined 36,854 previously generated peptide mass spectra from 2,607Saccharomyces cerevisiaeproteins for the presence of arginine and lysine methylation. This was done using the FindMod tool and 5 filters that took advantage of the high number of replicate analysis per protein and the presence of overlapping peptides.

Results

A total of 83 high-confidence lysine and arginine methylation sites were found in 66 proteins. Motif analysis revealed many methylated sites were associated with MK,RGG/RXG/RGX or WXXXRmotifs. Functionally, methylated proteins were significantly enriched for protein translation, ribosomal biogenesis and assembly and organellar organisation and were predominantly found in the cytoplasm and ribosome. Intriguingly, methylated proteins were seen to have significantly longer half-life than proteins for which no methylation was found. Some 43% of methylated lysine sites were predicted to be amenable to ubiquitination, suggesting methyl-lysine might block the action of ubiquitin ligase.

Conclusions

This study suggests protein methylation to be quite widespread, albeit associated with specific functions. Large-scale tandem mass spectroscopy analyses will help to further confirm the modifications reported here.
Efficacy of Lactic Acid Bacteria (LAB) supplement in management of constipation among nursing home residents
Authors: An Hyang Mi , Baek Eun Hye , Jang Seok , Lee Do Kyung , Kim Mi Jin , Kim Jung Rae , Lee Kang Oh , Park Jong Gi , Ha Nam Joo
Published: February 2010

Background

Constipation is a significant problem in the elderly, specifically nursing home and/or extended-care facility residents are reported to suffer from constipation. Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) are beneficial probiotic organisms that contribute to improved nutrition, microbial balance, and immuno-enhancement of the intestinal tract, as well as diarrhea and constipation effect. The objective of this study was to investigate the efficacy of this LAB supplement in the management of nursing home residents.

Methods

Nineteen subjects (8M, 11F; mean age 77.1 ± 10.1) suffering with chronic constipation were assigned to receive LAB (3.0 × 1011CFU/g) twice (to be taken 30 minutes after breakfast and dinner) a day for 2 weeks in November 2008. Subjects draw up a questionnaire on defecation habits (frequency of defecation, amount and state of stool), and we collected fecal samples from the subjects both before entering and after ending the trial, to investigate LAB levels and inhibition of harmful enzyme activities. Results were tested with SAS and Student's t-test.

Results

Analysis of questionnaire showed that there was an increase in the frequency of defecation and amount of stool excreted in defecation habit after LAB treatment, but there were no significant changes. And it also affects the intestinal environment, through significantly increase (p< 0.05) fecal LAB levels. In addition, tryptophanase and urease among harmful enzyme activities of intestinal microflora were significantly decreased (p< 0.05) after LAB treatment.

Conclusion

LAB, when added to the standard treatment regimen for nursing home residents with chronic constipation, increased defecation habit such as frequency of defecation, amount and state of stool. So, it may be used as functional probiotics to improve human health by helping to prevent constipation.
Helicobacter pylori-induced activation of β-catenin involves low density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 6 and Dishevelled
Authors: Gnad Thorsten , Feoktistova Maria , Leverkus Martin , Lendeckel Uwe , Naumann Michael
Published: February 2010

Background

The human microbial pathogenHelicobacter pyloriresides in the stomach of about fifty percent of the world's population and represents a risk factor for chronic gastritis, peptic ulcers and, in rare cases, gastric cancer. Alterations of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway have been described in almost every human cancer disease, due to the regulation of target genes being involved in cell cycle control, differentiation, cell migration or stem cell control. Our study aimed to elucidate the role of proximal Wnt signaling components low density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 6 (LRP6) and Dishevelled (Dvl) in the activation of β-catenin early after infection of gastric epithelial cells withH. pylori.

Results

Infection of gastric epithelial NCI-N87 cells withH. pyloriinduces rapid phosphorylation of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway co-receptor LRP6 independent of the cytotoxin-associated gene A (CagA) or vacuolating cytotoxin A (VacA). However, bacteria lacking a functional type 4 secretion system (T4SS) failed to induce LRP6 phosphorylation. Further, we identified proteins of the Dvl family, namely Dvl2 and Dvl3, which are involved in LRP6 phosphorylation.H. pylori-induced nuclear accumulation of β-catenin and its transcriptional activation, and expression of Wnt target genes are strongly reduced in stable knockdown cell lines deficient for LRP6, Dvl2 or Dvl3.

Conclusion

We analysed theH. pylori-induced activation of Wnt-signaling factors and demonstrate for the first time that the canonical Wnt-signaling proteins LRP6 and Dvl2 and Dvl3 are involved in the regulation of β-catenin.
Ceramide and ceramide 1-phosphate in health and disease
Authors: Arana Lide , Gangoiti Patricia , Ouro Alberto , Trueba Miguel , Gómez-Muñoz Antonio
Published: February 2010

Sphingolipids are essential components of cell membranes, and many of them regulate vital cell functions. In particular, ceramide plays crucial roles in cell signaling processes. Two major actions of ceramides are the promotion of cell cycle arrest and the induction of apoptosis. Phosphorylation of ceramide produces ceramide 1-phosphate (C1P), which has opposite effects to ceramide. C1P is mitogenic and has prosurvival properties. In addition, C1P is an important mediator of inflammatory responses, an action that takes place through stimulation of cytosolic phospholipase A2, and the subsequent release of arachidonic acid and prostaglandin formation. All of the former actions are thought to be mediated by intracellularly generated C1P. However, the recent observation that C1P stimulates macrophage chemotaxis implicates specific plasma membrane receptors that are coupled to Gi proteins. Hence, it can be concluded that C1P has dual actions in cells, as it can act as an intracellular second messenger to promote cell survival, or as an extracellular receptor agonist to stimulate cell migration.
Differential genome-wide gene expression profiling of bovine largest and second-largest follicles: identification of genes associated with growth of dominant follicles
Authors: Hayashi Ken-Go , Ushizawa Koichi , Hosoe Misa , Takahashi Toru
Published: February 2010

Background

Bovine follicular development is regulated by numerous molecular mechanisms and biological pathways. In this study, we tried to identify differentially expressed genes between largest (F1) and second-largest follicles (F2), and classify them by global gene expression profiling using a combination of microarray and quantitative real-time PCR (QPCR) analysis. The follicular status of F1 and F2 were further evaluated in terms of healthy and atretic conditions by investigating mRNA localization of identified genes.

Methods

Global gene expression profiles of F1 (10.7 +/- 0.7 mm) and F2 (7.8 +/- 0.2 mm) were analyzed by hierarchical cluster analysis and expression profiles of 16 representative genes were confirmed by QPCR analysis. In addition, localization of six identified transcripts was investigated in healthy and atretic follicles using in situ hybridization. The healthy or atretic condition of examined follicles was classified by progesterone and estradiol concentrations in follicular fluid.

Results

Hierarchical cluster analysis of microarray data classified the follicles into two clusters. Cluster A was composed of only F2 and was characterized by high expression of 31 genes including IGFBP5, whereas cluster B contained only F1 and predominantly expressed 45 genes including CYP19 and FSHR. QPCR analysis confirmed AMH, CYP19, FSHR, GPX3, PlGF, PLA2G1B, SCD and TRB2 were greater in F1 than F2, while CCL2, GADD45A, IGFBP5, PLAUR, SELP, SPP1, TIMP1 and TSP2 were greater in F2 than in F1. In situ hybridization showed that AMH and CYP19 were detected in granulosa cells (GC) of healthy as well as atretic follicles. PlGF was localized in GC and in the theca layer (TL) of healthy follicles. IGFBP5 was detected in both GC and TL of atretic follicles. GADD45A and TSP2 were localized in both GC and TL of atretic follicles, whereas healthy follicles expressed them only in GC.

Conclusion

We demonstrated that global gene expression profiling of F1 and F2 clearly reflected a difference in their follicular status. Expression of stage-specific genes in follicles may be closely associated with their growth or atresia. Several genes identified in this study will provide intriguing candidates for the determination of follicular growth.
A case report of pseudoprogression followed by complete remission after proton-beam irradiation for a low-grade glioma in a teenager: the value of dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI
Authors: Meyzer Candice , Dhermain Frédéric , Ducreux Denis , Habrand Jean-Louis , Varlet Pascale , Sainte-Rose Christian , Dufour Christelle , Grill Jacques
Published: February 2010

A fourteen years-old boy was treated post-operatively with proton therapy for a recurrent low-grade oligodendroglioma located in the tectal region. Six months after the end of irradiation (RT), a new enhancing lesion appeared within the radiation fields. To differentiate disease progression from radiation-induced changes, dynamic susceptibility contrast-enhanced (DSCE) MRI was used with a T2* sequence to study perfusion and permeability characteristics simultaneously. Typically, the lesion showed hypoperfusion and hyperpermeability compared to the controlateral normal brain. Without additional treatment but a short course of steroids, the image disappeared over a six months period allowing us to conclude for a pseudo-progression. The patient is alive in complete remission more than 2 years post-RT.
A comparison between methods that discriminate fluid content in unconsolidated sandstone reservoirs
Authors: Zhou Zhengyun , Hilterman Fred J.
Published: February 2010

Three seismic attributes commonly used to predict pore fluid and lithology are the fluid factor [Formula: see text], Poisson impedance (PI), and lambda-rho [Formula: see text]. We evaluated the pore-fluid sensitivity of these attributes with both well-log and seismic data in Tertiary unconsolidated sediments from the Gulf of Mexico where sand and shale are the only expected lithologies. While the sensitivity of one attribute versus another to discriminate pore fluid is often debated in the literature, the sensitivities of the three attributes are not independent but can be traced back to the fluid factor, which is a function of the P- and S-wave normal-incident reflection coefficients. Interestingly, the fluid factor, which is a reflectivity attribute, at the top of a hydrocarbon-saturated reservoir, is basically independent of the shale properties above the reservoir. It is a function of the brine and hydrocarbon impedances of the reservoir. The next attribute, Poisson impedance, is thenequal to the fluid factor times the sum of the brine and hydrocarbon impedances. Finally, the lambda-rho attribute is equal to the Poisson impedance multiplied by the same impedance sum. Essentially, the same scale factor differentiates these attributes, which does not significantly affect the sensitivity of the attributes. PI is the basis of the sensitivity for these attributes. As a means of testing their sensitivity for predicting pore fluid, we generated the three attributes along with their statistical distributions for different pore fluids for 183 reservoirs. The well-log statistical descriptions were then used to calibrate the seismic amplitude in a 3D survey to reflectivity values, thus allowing pore-fluid classification schemes based on Bayes’ decision rules. In essence, seismic-amplitude quantification was based on regional statistics rather than individual wells within the 3D seismic survey to delineate the portions of the reservoir that were saturated with oil, gas, or brine.
3D direct current resistivity modeling with unstructured mesh by adaptive finite-element method
Authors: Ren Zhengyong , Tang Jingtian
Published: February 2010

A new adaptive finite-element method for solving 3D direct-current resistivity modeling problems is presented. The method begins with an initial coarse mesh, which is then adaptively refined wherever a gradient-recovery-based a posteriori error estimator indicates that refinement is necessary. Then the problem is solved again on the new grid. The alternating solution and refinement steps continue until a given error criterion is satisfied. The method is demonstrated on two synthetic resistivity models with known analytical solutions, so the errors can be quantified. The applicability of the numerical method is illustrated on a 2D homogeneous model with a topographic valley. Numerical results show that this method is efficient and accurate for geometrically complex situations.
Growth Activation Alone Is Not Sufficient to Cause Metastatic Thyroid Cancer in a Mouse Model of Follicular Thyroid Carcinoma
Authors: Lu Changxue , Zhao Li , Ying Hao , Willingham Mark C. , Cheng Sheue-yann
Published: February 2010

TSH is the major stimulator of thyrocyte proliferation, but its role in thyroid carcinogenesis remains unclear. To address this question, we used a mouse model of follicular thyroid carcinoma (FTC) (TRβPV/PV mice). These mice, harboring a dominantly negative mutation (PV) of the thyroid hormone-β receptor (TRβ), exhibit increased serum thyroid hormone and elevated TSH. To eliminate TSH growth-stimulating effect, TRβPV/PV mice were crossed with TSH receptor gene knockout (TSHR−/−) mice. Wild-type siblings of TRβPV/PV mice were treated with an antithyroid agent, propylthiouracil, to elevate serum TSH for evaluating long-term TSH effect (WT-PTU mice). Thyroids from TRβPV/PVTSHR−/− showed impaired growth with no occurrence of FTC. Both WT-PTU and TRβPV/PV mice displayed enlarged thyroids, but only TRβPV/PV mice developed metastatic FTC. Molecular analyses indicate that PV acted, via multiple mechanisms, to activate the integrins-Src-focal adhesion kinase-p38 MAPK pathway and affect cytoskeletal restructuring to increase tumor cell migration and invasion. Thus, growth stimulated by TSH is a prerequisite but not sufficient for metastatic cancer to occur. Additional genetic alterations (such as PV), destined to alter focal adhesion and migration capacities, are required to empower hyperplastic follicular cells to invade and metastasize. These in vivo findings provide new insights in understanding carcinogenesis of the human thyroid.
Estrogen Negative Feedback on Gonadotropin Secretion: Evidence for a Direct Pituitary Effect in Women
Authors: Shaw N. D. , Histed S. N. , Srouji S. S. , Yang J. , Lee H. , Hall J. E.
Published: February 2010

Context: Studies in humans and animals indicate that estrogen negative feedback occurs at the level of the hypothalamus, but it is unclear whether estrogen also exerts an inhibitory effect directly at the pituitary.

Objectives: The aim of the study was to determine whether estrogen has a direct negative feedback effect at the pituitary and whether this varies with aging.

Design and Setting: A GnRH antagonist and graded doses of GnRH were used to isolate pituitary responsiveness before and after estrogen administration in Clinical Research Center studies at an academic medical center.

Subjects: Subjects were healthy postmenopausal women aged 48–56 yr (n = 8) or 70–75 yr (n= 8).

Interventions: A suppressive dose of the NAL-GLU GnRH antagonist was administered, followed by graded doses of GnRH before and after 1 month of estrogen administration.

Results: LH and FSH responses to GnRH decreased after estrogen administration (P = 0.01 and P = 0.0001, respectively). The ratio of FSH to LH amplitudes decreased in response to estrogen (P = 0.04) indicating a greater sensitivity of FSH than LH to inhibition by estrogen. The inhibitory effect of estrogen on FSH was attenuated with aging (P = 0.02), but was maintained for LH (P = 0.4).

Conclusions: Studies that control for endogenous GnRH and estradiol demonstrate a direct pituitary site of estrogen negative feedback on LH and FSH responsiveness to GnRH in women. The effect of estrogen on FSH responsiveness is greater than on LH and is attenuated with aging. These studies indicate that estrogen negative feedback occurs directly at the pituitary and contributes to the differential regulation of FSH and LH secretion.
Sex Hormone-Binding Globulin as an Independent Determinant of Cortical Bone Status in Men at the Age of Peak Bone Mass
Authors: Vanbillemont Griet , Lapauw Bruno , Bogaert Veerle , Goemaere Stefan , Zmierczak Hans-Georg , Taes Youri , Kaufman Jean-Marc
Published: February 2010

Context: Sex steroids are important determinants of the skeletal development, growth, and maintenance after achievement of peak bone mass. A large fraction of these hormones are bound by SHBG, and previous studies have shown that SHBG could be a determinant of bone characteristics.

Objective: We investigated associations of serum SHBG levels with cortical and trabecular bone characteristics in young healthy men.

Design and Settings: A total of 677 healthy male siblings aged 25–45 yr were recruited in a cross-sectional, population-based study.

Main Outcomes: Areal bone parameters were assessed using dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry. Cortical bone parameters at the tibia and radius and trabecular vBMD at the radius were assessed using peripheral quantitative computed tomography. Serum testosterone, estradiol, and SHBG levels were measured using immunoassays.

Results: Regression models including age, height, and weight showed that SHBG levels were positively associated with bone area at the hip and the whole body, but not with areal bone mineral density (BMD). Higher SHBG levels were associated with a larger cortical bone area and periosteal and endosteal circumferences at both the tibia and the radius, whereas trabecular volumetric BMD at the radius was negatively associated with SHBG levels. Associations persisted after adjustment for (free) sex steroid levels. No associations were found with cortical volumetric BMD or cortical thickness.

Conclusion: In this population of healthy adult men at the age of peak bone mass, SHBG levels were positively associated with cortical bone size, independently from sex-steroid levels. This suggests a possible independent role of SHBG in the determination of adult bone size.
Establishing the optimal and efficient capacity re-allocation plans for enhancing the long-term competitiveness of a semiconductor product — a long-term trend viewpoint
Authors: Chen T
Published: February 2010

Yield is undoubtedly the most critical factor to the competitiveness of a product in a semiconductor manufacturing factory. Therefore, evaluating the competitiveness of a product with its yield is a reasonable idea. For this purpose, Chen's approach is extended in this study to evaluate the long-term competitiveness of a product based on its yield learning model from a new viewpoint — the trend in the mid-term competitiveness. Subsequently, to enhance the long-term competitiveness of a product, a non-linear programming approach is proposed to optimize the effects of capacity re-allocation. A practical example is used to demonstrate the proposed methodology. Experimental results show that with an additional capacity of 16 780 wafers per month, the long-term competitiveness of the product is maximized. Also, the most efficient way is to allocate 14 500 more wafers per month to the product. These results are helpful in making capacity re-allocation decisions.
Analysis and modelling by finite element method of the equal channel angular extrusion pressure
Authors: Luri R , Luis Pérez C J
Published: February 2010

Equal channel angular extrusion (ECAE) is a process used to impart severe plastic deformation within the material billet. This has a great deal of interest because of the improvement achieved in the mechanical properties of the material to be processed. In this study, a finite element method (FEM) analysis has been used in order to find out how the geometrical parameters of the ECAE dies and the part affect the punch force. This is important in order to predict the force required to perform the process accurately. By solving several finite element models with different geometries, a mathematical model for the extrusion pressure was obtained, and it has been possible to study the influence of the geometry on the processing force. From this, a better die design can be made.

FEM modelling has been validated by comparison with experimental results. This comparison has shown a good agreement between both of them (a difference lower than 8 per cent). Moreover, the error obtained with an analytical analysis based on the upper bound method has been determined by comparison of analytical and FEM results. This has shown that the difference between analytical and FEM results was less than 9 per cent.
Optimization of the friction-stir-welding process and tool parameters to attain a maximum tensile strength of AA7075–T6 aluminium alloy
Authors: Rajakumar S , Muralidharan C , Balasubramanian V
Published: February 2010

High-strength, precipitation-hardening AA7075 alloy is used extensively in aircraft primary structures. The friction-stir-welding (FSW) process is an emerging solid-state joining process in which the material that is being welded does not melt and recast. The FSW process and tool parameters play a major role in deciding the joint strength. In this paper an attempt has been made to establish an empirical relationship between the FSW process and tool parameters (tool rotational speed, welding speed, axial force, shoulder diameter, pin diameter, and tool material hardness) and the tensile strength of the joint. Statistical tools such as design of experiments, analysis of variance, and regression analysis are used to develop the relationships. The developed empirical relationship can be effectively used to predict the tensile strength of FSW joints at the 95 per cent confidence level. A sensitivity analysis is also carried out and compared with the relative impact of input parameters on tensile strength in order to verify the measurement errors on the values of the uncertainty in estimated parameters.
Influence of a white layer on the performance of hard machined surfaces in rolling contact
Authors: Choi Y
Published: February 2010

This study investigates the influence of a machining-induced white layer on the performance of hard machined surfaces in rolling contact. Based on the residual stress and microhardness distribution of a specimen without a white layer and one with a white layer, fatigue parameters are computed to investigate its effect on the fatigue performance. Fatigue tests are then performed to substantiate the computations. It is noted that the white layer moves the crack initiation depth to a deeper location at low maximum Hertzian stresses, whereas it moves the crack initiation depth to a shallower location at the highest maximum Hertzian stress. The white layer can increase the maximum shear stress at crack initiation depth by 54 per cent. The white layer can reduce the crack initiation life by 75 per cent, while reducing the crack propagation life by 89 per cent. Accordingly, it can reduce the fatigue life by 85 per cent. The effect of the white layer on crack initiation life, crack propagation life, and fatigue life decreases significantly as the loading increases. The presented results demonstrate that the white layer induces a highly variable change in fatigue parameters, and its effect on fatigue performance can be significantly lessened if the loading is increased.
Robust overwhelming control of a hydraulically driven three-degrees-of-freedom parallel manipulator through a simplified fast inverse model
Authors: Bera T K , Samantaray A K , Karmakar R
Published: February 2010

An overwhelming controller-based implicit system inversion scheme is proposed in this work to control a hydraulically driven planar (three-degrees-of-freedom) parallel manipulator. The physical model-based design of the controller is developed by using bond graphs. The electro-hydraulic actuator in the leg is modelled by including the dynamics of the servo-valve and the cylinder. A leg-space force-feedback controller is proposed for controlling the hydraulic pressures acting on the pistons of the actuators. The objective is to develop a fast inverse model which is suitable for real-time implementation in the controller. It is shown that an approximate inverse model which correctly represents the kinematics of motion but has incorrect representation of inertias is sufficient for the controller design because of the high feedback gains used in the overwhelming control strategy. This controller, based on the approximate simple inverse model, generates the right driving forces for the actual system whose model is much more complicated and uncertain. Finally, the controller design for a planar vehicle simulator is considered as an example and the corresponding simulation results are used to validate the robustness of the model-based overwhelming controller to the modelling uncertainties.
Flight control of a launch vehicle using an
Authors: Zareh M , Rezaei M , Roshanian J , Khaki-Sedigh A
Published: February 2010

This paper investigates the use of an
A proposed methodology for estimating transient engine-out temperature and emissions from steady-state maps
Authors: Gao Z , Conklin J C , Daw C S , Chakravarthy V K
Published: February 2010

Many vehicle systems simulations utilize engine maps constructed from steady-state dynamometer measurements to estimate exhaust temperature and emissions as functions of engine speed and load. Unfortunately, steady-state engine behaviour is often significantly different from actual behaviour under transient driving conditions. This is particularly true for vehicles that undergo repeated engine shutdown and restart (e.g. electric hybrids). The authors propose a methodology for estimating transient engine exhaust properties and fuel economy based on corrections to steady-state maps. The suggested methodology has been implemented in the Powertrain Systems Analysis Toolkit (PSAT) and this implementation is used to demonstrate good agreement with experimental measurements for both a light-duty diesel and a flex-fuel gasoline/ethanol engine. Specific procedures are also recommended for setting key parameters required by the proposed methodology and possible directions for further improvements are suggested.
Suppression of Cell Adhesion on Well-defined Concentrated Polymer Brushes of Hydrophilic Polymers
Authors: Yoshikawa Chiaki , Hashimoto Yoshihide , Hattori Shinya , Honda Takako , Zhang Kun , Terada Dohiko , Kishida Akio , Tsujii Yoshinobu , Kobayashi Hisatoshi
Published: February 2010

The cell adhesion was investigated on polymer brushes of poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) (PHEMA), poly(2-hydroxyethyl acrylate) (PHEA), and poly[poly(ethylene glycol) methyl ether methacrylate] (PPEGMA) with different graft densities (in semidilute and concentrated regimes) and thicknesses. The concentrated polymer brushes (CPBs) of all the three, regardless of differences in chemical structure and hydrophilicity, almost completely suppressed the adhesion of L929 fibroblast cell in contrast to the corresponding semidilute polymer brushes (SDPBs). Along with our previous study on excellent protein repellency of CPB owing to its unique size-exclusion effect (of entropic origin), we concluded that such bioinertness should be commonly found in CPB of neutral and hydrophilic polymers.
Myopic Solutions of Homogeneous Sequential Decision Processes
Authors: Sobel Matthew J. , Wei Wei
Published: February 2010

An optimum of a Markov decision process (MDP) is myopic if it can be obtained by solving a series of static problems. Myopic optima are desirable because they can be computed relatively easily. We identify new classes of MDPs with myopic optima and sequential games with myopic equilibrium points. In one of the classes, the single-period reward is homogeneous with respect to the state variable. We illustrate the results with models of revenue management and investment.
The effects of cognitive activity and perceptual details on speech source monitoring
Authors: Sugimori Eriko. , Tanno Yoshihiko.
Published: February 2010

Our purpose in this study was to investigate the effects of cognitive operations and perceptual details on speech source monitoring. In Phase 1, correctly spelled words and anagrams were presented in Expt 1. Words were read aloud by participants, by a same‐sex voice, or by an opposite‐sex voice. Immediately after Phase 1, in Phase 2, participants were asked whether each word had been read aloud by the participants themselves, by a same‐sex voice, or by an opposite‐sex voice. Source discrimination between own speech and that produced by a same‐sex voice was poorer than between own speech and an opposite‐sex voice. In addition, misattribution of the speech of another to one's self increased as the level of cognitive effort required for the task increased. In Expt 2, misattributions to same‐sex voice were assigned ‘know’ responses more frequently and misattributions to one's self were assigned ‘remember’ responses more frequently. These results suggest that qualitative characteristics such as perceptual detail and cognitive operations are differentially influencing misattributions to the self and those to same‐sex voices.
Analyse des Übertragungsverhaltens von Differenzdrucksensoren durch dynamische DruckkalibrierungAnalyzing Frequency Response of Differential Pressure Sensors by Dynamic Pressure Calibration
Authors: Kober Timo , Sindlinger Stefan , Werthschützky Roland
Published: February 2010

Stand der Technik bei Differenzdrucksensoren für die Prozessmesstechnik ist ein Nennmessbereich von Δp
N=10 mbar bei einem statischen Nenndruck bis p
Stat=160 bar. Dabei wird eine Messunsicherheit ≤2×10-3 angestrebt. Drucksensoren für raue Umgebungsbedingungen, deren Verformungskörper aus Silizium besteht, benötigen metallische Trennmembranen zur Medientrennung. Zum Schutz des Meßelementes vor zu hoher statischer und dynamischer Druckbelastung werden spezielle mechanische Überlastschutzvorrichtungen verwendet. Um zuverlässige Überlastschutzsysteme zu entwickeln, wird deren Frequenzcharakteristik experimentell durch eine neuartige dynamische Druckquelle ermittelt.
Anregung und drahtlose Lock-in-Messung von Hüftprothesenschwingungen zur LockerungsdetektionExcitation and Wireless Lock-in Measurement of Hip Prosthesis Vibrations for Loosening Detection
Authors: Marschner Uwe , Jettkant Birger , Fischer Wolf-Joachim , Ruwisch Dietmar , Grätz Hagen , Woldt Gregor , Clasbrummel Bernhard
Published: February 2010

Es wird ein Experimentalaufbau zur Anregung und drahtlosen Messung von Schwingungen einer teilweise in einen künstlichen Oberschenkelknochen einzementierten Hüftprothese vorgestellt. Um das dynamische Verhalten des mechanischen Systems zu diskutieren, wurde ein translatorisch-rotatorisches Netzwerkmodell erstellt. Mit diesem Modell werden die Eigenfrequenzen des Femur-Prothesen-Verbundes berechnet.
Taktil-optischer 3D-Taster zur Messung von MikrobauteilenThree-Dimensional Tactile-Optical Probing for the Measurement of Microparts
Authors: Tutsch Rainer , Andräs Matthias , Neuschaefer-Rube Ulrich , Petz Marcus , Wiedenhöfer Thomas , Wissmann Mark
Published: February 2010

Die taktile Messung von Mikrobauteilen erfordert Taster mit sehr kleinen Antastelementen und Antastkräften. Der taktil-optische Taster (sog. Fasertaster) stellt hierbei eine herausragende, etablierte Lösung dar und erlaubt auch die Messung von ansonsten unzugänglichen Mikrogeometrien. Allerdings war durch die auf diesem Prinzip basierende taktil-optische Messmethode bislang keine volle 3D-Messfähigkeit erreichbar. Neue Ansätze zur Überwindung dieser Einschränkung stellen die stereoskopische Erfassung der Tastkugel sowie die auf einem Speckle-Muster basierende Auswertung der z-Auslenkung des Tastelements dar.
Fractionated stereotactic radiotherapy in patients with acromegaly: an interim single-centre audit
Authors: Roug S , Rasmussen Å K , Juhler M , Kosteljanetz M , Poulsgaard L , Heebøll H , Roed H , Feldt-Rasmussen U
Published: February 2010

Aim

To evaluate the effect of fractionated stereotactic radiotherapy (FSRT) in acromegaly in a retrospective analysis.

Patients and methods

Thirty-four patients (17 females, median 43 years (range 30–74)) with acromegaly were treated with FSRT (conformal dynamic arcing, dose 54 Gy, 27–30 fractions) between January 1998 and April 2007. Of the 34 patients, 32 had undergone transsphenoidal adenotomy, and 28 were on medical therapy before FSRT. Patients on medical therapy continued this during and after the irradiation. The treatment was gradually decreased/withdrawn after careful assessment.

Results

Magnetic resonance scanning of the pituitary gland 34 months (median, range 11–95) after irradiation showed stable or reduced volume of the remaining tumour tissue in 31 of 34 patients (91%). Seventeen patients (50%) were biochemically controlled (normalised nadir GH during oral glucose tolerance test and IGF1 <+2s.d.) 30 months after FSRT (median, range 6–60), and ten of them had true biochemical remission (off medical therapy) 30 months after FSRT (median, range 12–69). Of 28 patients with one or more functioning pituitary axes before irradiation, 8 (29%) developed further deficit of one or two pituitary axes 48 months (median, range 6–102) after FSRT. Of 34 patients, 20 still required medical treatment for acromegaly at the end of this study, mainly those with a short follow-up period after irradiation.

Conclusion

The FSRT seems promising in terms of treatment of acromegaly. Longer follow-up is, however, needed to assess the overall efficacy and safety of FSRT for acromegaly.
Interleukin-8 (CXCL8) stimulates trophoblast cell migration and invasion by increasing levels of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)2 and MMP9 and integrins α5 and β1
Authors: Jovanović Milica , Stefanoska Ivana , Radojčić Ljiljana , Vićovac Ljiljana
Published: February 2010

Interleukin-8 (IL8/CXCL8) is present in decidua and trophoblast, which also expresses the IL8 receptors, CXCR1 and CXCR2. IL8 was shown to stimulate trophoblast migration. Matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)2, MMP9, and integrins α5β1and α1β1were found to play important roles in trophoblast invasion. We hypothesized that IL8 would increase this cell migration and invasion by HTR-8/SVneo cells through the activity of MMPs and integrins. Isolated first trimester of pregnancy cytotrophoblast (CT) and HTR-8/SVneo cell line were used. Migration was studied by monolayer wounding test, and invasion by Matrigel invasion test. The effects of IL8 on MMPs and integrin subunit expression were determined in HTR-8/SVneo cells by gelatin zymography and western blot respectively. The results that were obtained showed that exogenous IL8 stimulated HTR-8/SVneo cell migration and invasion. MMP2 and MMP9 levels were stimulated to 182% (P<0.01) and 134% (P<0.01) respectively. Integrin α5expression was increased to 119% (P<0.05) and integrin β1expression to 173% (P<0.001) of the control values. The data that were obtained show for the first time the sensitivity of the HTR-8/SVneo cells, in addition to isolated first trimester CT, to IL8. Exogenous IL8/CXCL8 increased trophoblast cell migration and invasion, which may be partly attributable to stimulation of MMP2 and MMP9 levels and an increase in integrins. HTR-8/SVneo cell viability and proliferation were also increased.
IDH1 Gene Mutations: A New Paradigm in Glioma Prognosis and Therapy?
Authors: Labussiere Marianne , Sanson Marc , Idbaih Ahmed , Delattre Jean-Yves
Published: February 2010

The manuscript examines the role of isocitrate dehydrogenase 1 and the IDH1 gene in the prognosis and therapy of glial tumors.
Predicting Response to EGFR Inhibitors in Metastatic Colorectal Cancer: Current Practice and Future Directions
Authors: Shankaran Veena , Obel Jennifer , Benson Al B.
Published: February 2010

The identification of KRAS mutational status as a predictive marker of response to antibodies against the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) has been one of the most significant and practice-changing recent advances in colorectal cancer research. Recently, data suggesting a potential role for other markers (including BRAF mutations, loss of phosphatase and tensin homologue deleted on chromosome ten expression, and phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase–AKT pathway mutations) in predicting response to anti-EGFR therapy have emerged. Ongoing clinical trials and correlative analyses are essential to definitively identify predictive markers and develop therapeutic strategies for patients who may not derive benefit from anti-EGFR therapy. This article reviews recent clinical trials supporting the predictive role of KRAS, recent changes to clinical guidelines and pharmaceutical labeling, investigational predictive molecular markers, and newer clinical trials targeting patients with mutated KRAS.
More Is Better: A Multimodality Approach to Cancer Cachexia
Authors: Del Fabbro Egidio
Published: February 2010

The author comments on the findings of Mantovani et al. with combination therapy to treat cancer cachexia published in this issue of The Oncologist.
Increasing the Efficiency of Prevention Trials by Incorporating Baseline Covariates
Authors: Zhang Min , Gilbert Peter B.
Published: February 2010

Most randomized efficacy trials of interventions to prevent HIV or other infectious diseases have assessed intervention efficacy by a method that either does not incorporate baseline covariates, or that incorporates them in a non-robust or inefficient way. Yet, it has long been known that randomized treatment effects can be assessed with greater efficiency by incorporating baseline covariates that predict the response variable. Tsiatis et al. (2007) and Zhang et al. (2008) advocated a semiparametric efficient approach, based on the theory of Robins et al. (1994), for consistently estimating randomized treatment effects that optimally incorporates predictive baseline covariates, without any parametric assumptions. They stressed the objectivity of the approach, which is achieved by separating the modeling of baseline predictors from the estimation of the treatment effect. While their work adequately justifies implementation of the method for large Phase 3 trials (because its optimality is in terms of asymptotic properties), its performance for intermediate-sized screening Phase 2b efficacy trials, which are increasing in frequency, is unknown. Furthermore, the past work did not consider a right-censored time-to-event endpoint, which is the usual primary endpoint for a prevention trial. For Phase 2b HIV vaccine efficacy trials, we study finite-sample performance of Zhang et al.'s (2008) method for a dichotomous endpoint, and develop and study an adaptation of this method to a discrete right-censored time-to-event endpoint. We show that, given the predictive capacity of baseline covariates collected in real HIV prevention trials, the methods achieve 5-15% gains in efficiency compared to methods in current use. We apply the methods to the first HIV vaccine efficacy trial. This work supports implementation of the discrete failure time method for prevention trials.
Commentary on Using LNT for Radiation Protection and Risk Assessment
Authors: Cuttler Jerry M.
Published: February 2010

An article by Jerome Puskin attempts to justify the continued use of the linear no-threshold (LNT) assumption in radiation protection and risk assessment. In view of the substantial and increasing amount of data that contradicts this assumption; it is difficult to understand the reason for endorsing this unscientific behavior, which severely constrains nuclear energy projects and the use of CT scans in medicine. Many Japanese studies over the past 25 years have shown that low doses and low dose rates of radiation improve health in living organisms including humans. Recent studies on fruit flies have demonstrated that the original basis for the LNT notion is invalid. The Puskin article omits any mention of important reports from UNSCEAR, the NCRP and the French Academies of Science and Medicine, while citing an assessment of the Canadian breast cancer study that manipulated the data to obscure evidence of reduced breast cancer mortality following a low total dose. This commentary provides dose limits that are based on real human data, for both single and chronic radiation exposures.
Determination of the polyphenol contents in Macedonian grapes and wines by standardized spectrophotometric methods
Authors: Ivanova Violeta , Stefova Marina , Chinnici Fabio
Published: February 2010

Wines and grapes contain a large array of phenolic compounds belonging to non-flavonoids and flavonoids. This study evaluates the polyphenolic contents of six commercial red and white Macedonian wines and four grape varieties. Spectrophotometric methods were applied for the determination of the total phenolics, the total flavonoids, the total anthocyanins and the total catechins. The efficiency of acetone/water (80/20) and methanol/water (80/20) solutions for the extraction of polyphenols from grape pulp, seeds and skins were compared. The best extraction efficiency was achieved using acetone/ water. The obtained results showed that Macedonian grapes are rich in polyphenols, whereby the highest concentration of total phenolics was found for Vranec grapes. The analyzed wines contained high contents of polyphenol; the highest contents were found for Disan wine produced from the Vranec variety of grapes (1515 mg/L total phenolics, 1103 mg/L total flavonoids, 237 mg/L total anthocyanins and 845 mg/L total catechins). Principal component analysis was employed to check possible groupings of the studied red and white wine samples. A clear separation of white wines from red ones was observed.
Effect of a ring on the cyclic conjugation in another ring: Applications to acenaphthylene-type polycyclic conjugated molecules
Authors: Furtula Boris , Gutman Ivan , Jeremic Svetlana , Radenkovic Slavko
Published: February 2010

In a recent work, a method was developed for assessing the influence ief(G,Z0|Z1) of a ring Z1 on the energy effect of another ring Z0 in a polycyclic conjugated molecule G. Herein, a report is given of detailed numerical investigations of ief(G,Z0|Z1) aimed at the elucidation of the influence of various six-membered rings on the intensity of cyclic conjugation in the fivemembered ring of acenaphthylene-type molecules. The earlier discovered regularities for cyclic conjugation in acenaphthylene-type molecules (in particular, the PCP rule and the linear rule) could thus not only be rationalized, but also a number of hitherto concealed regularities could be envisaged.
The Fujita combinatorial enumeration for the non-rigid group of 2,4-dimethylbenzene
Authors: Moghani Ali , Sedeh Naghdi , Sorouhesh Reza
Published: February 2010

Using non-rigid group theory, it was previously shown that the full non-rigid group of 2,4-dimethylbenzene is an ummatured and isomorphic to the group C2?(C3wrC2) of order 36, where Cn is the cyclic group of order n, the symbols ? and wr stand for the direct and wreath products, respectively. Herein, it is first shown that this group has 12 dominant classes. Then, the Markaracter Table, the Table of all integer-valued characters and the unit subduced cycle index (USCI) Table of the full non-rigid group of 2,4-dimethylbenzene are successfully derived for the first time.
Determination of Cd, Pb and As in sediments of the Sava river by electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry
Authors: Murko Simona , Milacic Radmila , Veber Marjan , Scancar Janez
Published: February 2010

The applicability of nitric acid, palladium nitrate and a mixture of palladium and magnesium nitrate as matrix modifiers was estimated for the accurate and reproducible determination of cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb) and arsenic (As) in sediments of the Sava River by electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry, ETAAS. Decomposition of the samples was done in a closed vessel microwave-assisted digestion system using nitric, hydrochloric and hydrofluoric acids, followed by the addition of boric acid to convert the fluorides into soluble complexes. The parameters for the determination of Cd, Pb and As in sediments were optimized for each individual element and for each matrix modifier. In addition, two sediment reference materials were also analyzed. In determination of Cd and Pb, nitric acid was found to be the most appropriate matrix modifier. The accurate and reliable determination of Cd and Pb in sediments was possible also in the presence of boric acid. The use of a mixture of palladium and magnesium nitrate efficiently compensated for matrix effects and enabled the accurate and reliable determination of As in the sediments. Quantification of Cd and As was performed by calibration using acid matched standard solutions, while the standard addition method was applied for the quantification of Pb. The repeatability of the analytical procedure for the determination of Cd, Pb and As in sediments was ?5 % for Cd, ?4 % for Pb and ?2 % for As. The LOD values of the analytical procedure were found to be 0.05 mg/kg for Cd and 0.25 mg/kg for Pb and As, while the LOQ values were 0.16 mg/kg for Cd and 0.83 mg/kg for Pb and As. Finally, Cd, Pb and As were successfully determined in sediments of the Sava River in Slovenia.
The effect of the application of halotolerant microorganisms on the efficiency of a pilot-scale constructed wetland for saline wastewater treatment
Authors: Karajic Milana , Lapanje Ales , Razinger Jaka , Zrimec Alexis , Vrhovsek Danijel
Published: February 2010

In order to find the optimal design characteristics of constructed wetlands for saline wastewater treatment, halotolerant microorganisms, isolated from the water of the Secovlje salterns, were inoculated into the media of a pilot-scale constructed wetland (CW). The purpose of this study was to examine the influence of different salinities on the efficiency of halotolerant microorganisms for the removal of pollutants in order to evaluate the possibility of their employment for saline wastewater treatment. The efficiency of ammonium removal (34.1 %) was the highest with 0 % NaCl in wastewater and slightly lower (31.8 %) when 2 g/dm3 saccharose was added to aerated 1.5 % NaCl wastewater. The highest removal efficiency of chemical oxygen demand (COD) in the pilot-scale subsurface flow (SSF) CW was 83.6 % when saccharose (2 g/dm3) was added to aerated 1.5 % NaCl wastewater. It was found that removal efficiency of the pilot-scale constructed wetland with inoculated halotolerant microorganisms showed a higher sensitivity to aeration and the presence of saccharose than to variation of the salinity of the wastewater. It can be concluded that halotolerant microorganisms, isolated from the Secovlje salterns, are not sensitive to the changes in salinity and are, therefore, an alternative in the treatment of saline wastewater with a constructed wetland. However, with aeration their efficiency could be further improved.