bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The stability of tips and spoil heaps
Authors: Bishop Alan W.
Published: September 2007

1. Introduction

The problem of the stability of tips and spoil heaps was brought to public attention with dramatic force in 1966 by the disaster at Aberfan, when a slide involving only some 140 000 yd
3
of colliery rubbish resulted in the loss of 144 lives, 116 those of children mostly between the ages of 7 and 10. Not only to the public, but also to most professional engineers and geologists—even to those concerned with mining—it came as a problem to which they had given little, if any, serious attention; though the discussion on Knox's 1927 paper to the South Wales Institute of Engineers suggests that there was local awareness of the problem of tip stability.

This lack of attention is perhaps surprising when we look at the scale of the problem of the disposal of waste from mining, from industrial processes and power generation, and from domestic sources (Table 1). The total quantity is about 120 million tons per annum within the United Kingdom, of which the largest contribution, nearly 60 million tons, comes from the mining of coal. It is of interest to note that the quantity of colliery waste has risen from 7 million tons in 1930 to 60 million tons in 1970 as a result of mechanization, although the overall quantity of coal produced has decreased.† It is also very significant that of the 60 million tons, about 5 million tons are in the form of slurry or tailings.

If tipped in the form of a
A landslide in periglacially disturbed Etruria Marl at Bury Hill, Staffordshire
Authors: Hutchinson John Neville , Somerville Stanley Herbert , Petley Derek Joseph
Published: September 2007

The investigation of a landslide on a slope of Etruria Marl at a site just south of the Weichselian limit in Staffordshire is described and discussed. Carefully logged trial trenches and shafts show that the stability of the slope is controlled by a 6 to 10 m thick mantle of periglacially disturbed and soliflucted Etruria Marl, and descriptions of the lithology, mineralogy and structure of this mantle are given. The landslide is shown to have involved the renewal of movement on a pre-existing slip surface. Ground water conditions at failure are reconstructed and two and three-dimensional back analyses made. At the appropriate level of normal effective stress, the estimate of residual shear strength from back analysis is shown to be lower than indicated by conventional direct shear and triaxial tests and probably higher than the value given by ring shear tests.
The degradation of the Barton Clay Cliffs of Hampshire
Authors: Barton Max Edrich
Published: September 2007

The Barton Clay crops out along a 4·8 km stretch of the Hampshire coast and together with its capping of Plateau Gravels forms a cliff profile averaging around 30 to 37 m high. The original classic work on the geology of the Barton Clay had suggested a total thickness of only 34·5 m; more recent work involving boring and levelling on the cliff face has shown the formation to be 46·4 m thick. Active degradation of the outcrop creates a markedly stepped profile, relatively flat bench levels being separated from one another by steeper scarp slopes. The benches are underlain by up to 6 m of slipped debris or bench rubble. The scarps are formed by exposures of the solid Barton Clay and Plateau Gravel in the case of the top scarp. The interface between the bench rubble and Barton Clay is formed by a shear surface, an underground continuation of the scarp surfaces, which has been polished and grooved as a result of the seaward movement of the bench rubble. These shear surfaces are developed along particular, identifiable stratigraphic horizons within the Barton Clay and tend to develop along these horizons irrespective of the height of the latter within the cliff profile. Variations in the morphology occur laterally along the outcrop and can be related to the erosional history and partly to the geology.

Five individual processes of degradation are particularly active on the undercliffs; these comprise bench sliding which is sliding of the bench rubble over the shear surfaces, collapse of the scarp slopes or scarp slumping, wearing down of the scarp slope by weathering or scarp spalling, and erosion by mud-flows and running water. Both mud-flows and streams when well developed cut through bench rubble and into the scarp slope and locally destroy the stepped profile. The current activity of these processes is due to marine erosion of the toe, the net result of the processes being a progressive retreat of the cliff top averaging over one metre per year in some places.
Age-Related EBV-Associated B-Cell Lymphoproliferative Disorders Constitute a Distinct Clinicopathologic Group: A Study of 96 Patients
Authors: Oyama Takashi , Yamamoto Kazuhito , Asano Naoko , Oshiro Aya , Suzuki Ritsuro , Kagami Yoshitoyo , Morishima Yasuo , Takeuchi Kengo , Izumo Toshiyuki , Mori Shigeo , Ohshima Koichi , Suzumiya Junji , Nakamura Naoya , Abe Masafumi , Ichimura Koichi , Sato Yumiko , Yoshino Tadashi , Naoe Tomoki , Shimoyama Yoshie , Kamiya Yoshikazu , Kinoshita Tomohiro , Nakamura Shigeo
Published: September 2007

Purpose: We have recently reported EBV+ B-cell lymphoproliferative disorders (LPD) occurring predominantly in elderly patients, which shared features of EBV+ B-cell neoplasms arising in the immunologically deteriorated patients despite no predisposing immunodeficiency and were named as senile or age-related EBV+ B-cell LPDs. To further characterize this disease, age-related EBV+ B-cell LPDs were compared with EBV-negative diffuse large B-cell lymphomas (DLBCL).

Experimental Design: Among 1,792 large B-cell LPD cases, 96 EBV+ cases with available clinical data set were enrolled for the present study. For the control group, 107 patients aged over 40 years with EBV-negative DLBCL were selected. We compared clinicopathologic data between two groups and determined prognostic factors by univariate and multivariate analysis.

Results: Patients with age-related EBV+ B-cell LPDs showed a higher age distribution and aggressive clinical features or parameters than EBV-negative DLBCLs: 44% with performance status >1, 58% with serum lactate dehydrogenase level higher than normal, 49% with B symptoms, and higher involvement of skin and lung. Overall survival was thus significantly inferior in age-related EBV+ group than in DLBCLs. Univariate and multivariate analyses further identified two factors, B symptoms and age older than 70 years, independently predictive for survival. A prognostic model using these two variables well defined three risk groups: low risk (no adverse factors), intermediate risk (one factor), and high risk (two factors).

Conclusions: These findings suggest that age-related EBV+ B-cell LPDs constitute a distinct group, and innovative therapeutic strategies such as EBV-targeted T-cell therapy should be developed for this uncommon disease.
A New Diagnostic Marker for Secreted Epstein-Barr Virus–Encoded LMP1 and BARF1 Oncoproteins in the Serum and Saliva of Patients with Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma
Authors: Houali Karim , Wang Xiaohui , Shimizu Yuko , Djennaoui Djamel , Nicholls John , Fiorini Sylvie , Bouguermouh Abdelmadjid , Ooka Tadamasa
Published: September 2007

Purpose: EBV has been associated with nasopharyngeal carcinomas (NPC). In North Africa, the incidence is bimodal—the first peak occurring at ∼20 years of age and the second peak occurring at ∼50 years. Standard diagnostic tests based on immunofluorescence using anti-IgA EBV have shown that young North African patients have a negative serology compared with older patients. We are interested in two EBV-encoded oncoproteins, LMP1 and BARF1, which have thus far not been studied in terms of their potential as diagnostic markers for NPC. These two viral oncoproteins have been detected in cell culture media, so we tested whether they could be detected in the serum and saliva of patients with NPC.

Experimental Design: LMP1 and BARF1 proteins were analyzed in the sera and saliva of young patients and adult patients with NPC from North Africa and China. We then examined whether the secreted proteins had biological activity by analyzing their mitogenic activity.

Results: Both LMP1 and BARF1 were present in the serum and saliva from North African and Chinese patients with NPC. All young North African patients secreted both proteins, whereas 62% and 100% of adult patients secreted LMP1 and BARF1, respectively. From animal studies, the secreted LMP1 was associated with exosome-like vesicles. These secreted EBV oncoproteins showed a powerful mitogenic activity in B cells.

Conclusion: Both proteins will be a good diagnostic marker for NPC whereas BARF1 is a particularly promising marker for all ages of patients with NPC. Their mitogenic activity suggests their implication in the oncogenic development of NPC.
Nelfinavir, A Lead HIV Protease Inhibitor, Is a Broad-Spectrum, Anticancer Agent that Induces Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress, Autophagy, and Apoptosis In vitro and In vivo
Authors: Gills Joell J. , LoPiccolo Jaclyn , Tsurutani Junji , Shoemaker Robert H. , Best Carolyn J.M. , Abu-Asab Mones S. , Borojerdi Jennifer , Warfel Noel A. , Gardner Erin R. , Danish Matthew , Hollander M. Christine , Kawabata Shigeru , Tsokos Maria , Figg William D. , Steeg Patricia S. , Dennis Phillip A.
Published: September 2007

Purpose: The development of new cancer drugs is slow and costly. HIV protease inhibitors are Food and Drug Administration approved for HIV patients. Because these drugs cause toxicities that can be associated with inhibition of Akt, an emerging target in cancer, we assessed the potential of HIV protease inhibitors as anticancer agents.

Experimental Design: HIV protease inhibitors were screened in vitro using assays that measure cellular proliferation, apoptotic and nonapoptotic cell death, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, autophagy, and activation of Akt. Nelfinavir was tested in non–small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) xenografts with biomarker assessment.

Results: Three of six HIV protease inhibitors, nelfinavir, ritonavir, and saquinavir, inhibited proliferation of NSCLC cells, as well as every cell line in the NCI60 cell line panel. Nelfinavir was most potent with a mean 50% growth inhibition of 5.2 μmol/L, a concentration achievable in HIV patients. Nelfinavir caused two types of cell death, caspase-dependent apoptosis and caspase-independent death that was characterized by induction of ER stress and autophagy. Autophagy was protective because an inhibitor of autophagy increased nelfinavir-induced death. Akt was variably inhibited by HIV protease inhibitors, but nelfinavir caused the greatest inhibition of endogenous and growth factor–induced Akt activation. Nelfinavir decreased the viability of a panel of drug-resistant breast cancer cell lines and inhibited the growth of NSCLC xenografts that was associated with induction of ER stress, autophagy, and apoptosis.

Conclusions: Nelfinavir is a lead HIV protease inhibitor with pleiotropic effects in cancer cells. Given its wide spectrum of activity, oral availability, and familiarity of administration, nelfinavir is a Food and Drug Administration–approved drug that could be repositioned as a cancer therapeutic.
Long-term Evaluation of Three Multiple-Case Waldenström Macroglobulinemia Families
Authors: McMaster Mary L. , Csako Gyorgy , Giambarresi Therese R. , Vasquez Linda , Berg Melissa , Saddlemire Stephanie , Hulley Benjamin , Tucker Margaret A.
Published: September 2007

Purpose: Because the clinical significance of immunoglobulin abnormalities reported in relatives of familial Waldenström macroglobulinemia (WM) patients is unknown, we initiated a follow-up study of three WM families originally evaluated 27 years previously.

Experimental Design: Of 29 eligible first-degree relatives of WM patients, 27 (93%) had originally participated in clinical and electrophoretic evaluations. We re-contacted all participants for prospective follow-up electrophoretic analysis and other studies.

Results: Initially, five relatives had IgM monoclonal gammopathy (IgM MG), and four had IgM polyclonal gammopathy (PG). Twenty-two relatives (81%) were re-evaluated. Median follow-up was 17 years (range, 7-27). At re-contact, all IgM MG persisted or progressed, including three that evolved to WM. Among the four with PG, two new IgM MG cases developed. Overall, seven relatives (26%) had IgM MG, and five (18%) had IgM PG.

Conclusions: Although based on small numbers, this study provides the longest comprehensive follow-up of WM families to date. IgM MG seems to be a phenotypic marker of WM susceptibility in some families and may have a high risk of progression to WM. IgM PG may also be important in WM families. These observations require validation in larger studies and, if confirmed, may be used to identify a cohort (relatives with IgM MG) for future prevention strategies.
Epigenetic Inactivation of IκB Kinase-α in Oral Carcinomas and Tumor Progression
Authors: Maeda Genta , Chiba Tadashige , Kawashiri Shuichi , Satoh Tazuko , Imai Kazushi
Published: September 2007

Purpose: The loss of epithelial phenotypes in the process of carcinoma progression correlates with clinical outcome, and genetic/epigenetic changes accumulate aggressive clones toward uncurable disease. IκB kinase-α (IKKα) has a decisive role in the development of the skin and establishes keratinocyte phenotypes. We assessed clinical implications of IKKα expression in oral carcinomas and epigenetic aberrations for the loss of expression.

Experimental Design: We examined IKKα expression in oral carcinomas by immunostaining (n = 64) and genetic instability by microsatellite PCR (n = 46). Promoter methylation status was analyzed by bisulfite-modified sequence (n = 11).

Results: IKKα was expressed in the nucleus of basal cells of normal oral epithelium, but not or marginally detected in 32.8% of carcinomas. The immunoreactivity was significantly decreased in less differentiated carcinomas (P < 0.05) and correlated to long-term survival of patients (P < 0.01) with an independent prognostic value (P < 0.05). Although allelic/biallelic loss of the gene was limited to four cases, we detected microsatellite instability in 63.0% cases in which the immunoreactivities were decreased and the promoter was hypermethylated.

Conclusion: These results showed that oral carcinomas exhibiting genetic instability and promoter hypermethylation down-regulate expression of IKK and suggest that the epigenetic loss of the expression closely associates with disease progression toward unfavorable prognosis.
Rapid Detection of Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Mutations in Lung Cancer by the SMart-Amplification Process
Authors: Hoshi Kanako , Takakura Hideki , Mitani Yasumasa , Tatsumi Kenji , Momiyama Nobuyoshi , Ichikawa Yasushi , Togo Shinji , Miyagi Toru , Kawai Yuki , Kogo Yasushi , Kikuchi Takeshi , Kato Chiaki , Arakawa Takahiro , Uno Syuji , Cizdziel Paul E. , Lezhava Alexander , Ogawa Noburou , Hayashizaki Yoshihide , Shimada Hiroshi
Published: September 2007

Purpose: A positive response to gefitinib in non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) has been correlated to mutations in epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) gene. Previous reports have been based mainly on diagnostic screening by sequencing. However, sequencing is a time-consuming and complicated procedure, not suitable for routine clinical use.

Experimental Design: We have developed rapid, simple, and sensitive mutation detection assays based on the SMart Amplification Process (SMAP) and applied it for analyzing EGFR gene mutations in clinical samples. By using SMAP, we can detect mutations within 30 min including sample preparation. To validate the assay system for potential use in clinical diagnostics, we examined 45 NSCLC patients for EGFR mutations using sequencing and SMAP.

Results: The outcomes of the SMAP assay perfectly matched the sequencing results, except in one case where SMAP was able to identify a mutation that was not detected by sequencing. We also evaluated the sensitivity and specificity of SMAP in mutation detection for EGFR. In a serial dilution study, SMAP was able to find a mutation in a sample containing only 0.1% of the mutant allele in a mixture of wild-type genomic DNA. We also could show amplification of mutated DNA with only 30 copies per reaction.

Conclusions: The SMAP method offers higher sensitivity and specificity than alternative technologies, while eliminating the need for sequencing to identify mutations in the EGFR gene of NSCLC. It provides a robust and point-of-care accessible approach for a rapid identification of most patients likely to respond to gefitinib.
Classification Based on the Combination of Molecular and Pathologic Predictors is Superior to Molecular Classification on Prognosis in Colorectal Carcinoma
Authors: Xu Fangying , Wang Fenjuan , Di Meijuan , Huang Qiong , Wang Min , Hu Hu , Jin Yisen , Dong Jiankang , Lai Maode
Published: September 2007

Purpose: Classification based on a combination of molecular and pathologic predictors had never been done using hierarchical cluster analysis. For this purpose, we identified prognostic classification based on molecular predictors, pathologic and molecular predictors, and compared their respective prognostic efficacy together with that of tumor-node-metastasis (TNM) stage. Moreover, we investigated the prognostic significance of molecular classification in different TNM stage.

Experimental Design: Six pathologic predictors (p) and 13 immunohistochemical predictors (m) were investigated in 221 colorectal carcinomas. Unsupervised hierarchical clustering analysis was done to group the data. Survival analysis was done by Kaplan-Meier method and log-rank test, and by multivariate COX proportional hazard model.

Results: Six pathologic predictors and four molecular predictors were of significant prognostic value (P ≤ 0.05). One molecular predictor showed a trend toward significance (P = 0.085). Hierarchical clustering analysis was done based on different combinations (5p, 13m, 5m, 5p13m, and 5p5m), and distinct groups were produced except 5p (the TNM stage was excluded). Groups identified by 5m (P = 0.053) and 5p5m (P = 0.000) showed significant differences in prognosis. Groups identified by 5p5m and TNM stage were confirmed as the independent prognostic factors in a multivariate COX proportional hazard model. Moreover, groups identified by 5m could predict different prognoses in patients with stage II disease.

Conclusions: Classification based on pathologic and immunohistochemical predictors is superior to that based only on molecular predictors on prognosis. Classification based on 5m could identify additional different prognoses in patients with stage II disease.
Overexpression of Apollon, an Antiapoptotic Protein, Is Associated with Poor Prognosis in Childhood De novo Acute Myeloid Leukemia
Authors: Sung Ki Woong , Choi Jaewon , Hwang Yu Kyeong , Lee Sang Jin , Kim Hee-Jin , Lee Soo Hyun , Yoo Keon Hee , Jung Hye Lim , Koo Hong Hoe
Published: September 2007

Purpose: The genes that encode inhibitor of apoptosis proteins are frequently overexpressed in human cancers and can be associated with resistance to therapy. The overexpression of Apollon, a member of inhibitor of apoptosis proteins, is intuitively expected to be associated with unfavorable clinical features in malignant diseases; however, there have been no clinical studies reporting the prognostic relevance of Apollon expression in human malignancies. This study was done to investigate the clinical relevance of the expression of Apollon in childhood de novo acute myeloid leukemia.

Experimental Design: In 55 pediatric patients with de novo acute myeloid leukemia, the level of Apollon expression was determined by using quantitative reverse transcriptase–PCR and was analyzed with respect to the patients' clinical features and treatment outcomes.

Results: Apollon expression was found to be higher in patients with a leukocyte number of ≥10,000/μL, patients with extramedullary disease, and patients with the French-American-British classification subtype M7. In addition, Apollon overexpression (≥median expression) was associated with an unfavorable day 7 response to induction chemotherapy and also associated with a poorer 3-year relapse-free survival rate (48.3 ± 11.2% versus 78.7 ± 8.5%, P = 0.040).

Conclusion: This is the first study demonstrating the prognostic implication of the Apollon expression in human cancers, indicating that Apollon overexpression may be used as a poor prognostic marker in childhood acute myeloid leukemia through validation by further studies.
Detection of TMPRSS2-ERG Fusion Transcripts and Prostate Cancer Antigen 3 in Urinary Sediments May Improve Diagnosis of Prostate Cancer
Authors: Hessels Daphne , Smit Frank P. , Verhaegh Gerald W. , Witjes J. Alfred , Cornel Erik B. , Schalken Jack A.
Published: September 2007

Purpose: Early detection of prostate cancer can increase the curative success rate for prostate cancer. We studied the diagnostic usefulness of TMPRSS2-ERG fusion transcripts as well as the combination of prostate cancer antigen 3 (PCA3) RNA and TMPRSS2-ERG fusion transcripts in urinary sediments after digital rectal examination (DRE).

Experimental Design: A total of 78 men with prostate cancer–positive biopsies and 30 men with prostate cancer–negative biopsies were included in this study. After DRE, the first voided urine was collected, and urinary sediments were obtained. We used semiquantitative reverse transcription-PCR (RT-PCR) analysis followed by Southern blot hybridization with a radiolabeled probe for the detection TMPRSS2-ERG fusion transcripts in these urinary sediments. A quantitative RT-PCR assay for PCA3 was used to determine the PCA3 score in the same sediments.

Results: TMPRSS2-ERG fusion transcripts can be detected in the urine after DRE with a sensitivity of 37%. In this cohort of patients, the PCA3-based assay had a sensitivity of 62%. When both markers were combined, the sensitivity increased to 73%. Especially in the cohort of men with persistently elevated serum prostate-specific antigen levels and history of negative biopsies, the high positive predictive value of 94% of TMPRSS2-ERG fusion transcripts could give a better indication which patients require repeat biopsies.

Conclusion: In this report, we used for the first time the combination of the prostate cancer–specific biomarkers TMPRSS2-ERG and PCA3, which significantly improves the sensitivity for prostate cancer diagnosis.
Decitabine Up-regulates S100A2 Expression and Synergizes with IFN-γ to Kill Uveal Melanoma Cells
Authors: Gollob Jared A. , Sciambi Catherine J.
Published: September 2007

Purpose: Metastatic uveal melanoma is resistant to conventional chemotherapy and immunotherapy. In this study, we investigated the responsiveness of uveal melanoma cell lines to IFNs and the hypomethylating agent decitabine.

Experimental Design: The uveal melanoma cell lines 92-1, UW-1, OCM-1, and MKT-BR were exposed to varying concentrations of IFN-α, IFN-γ, and decitabine, alone and in combination. The effects of decitabine on gene expression were examined using DNA microarray analysis.

Results: We found that IFN-γ and decitabine induced cell death in uveal melanoma. Whereas a high concentration of IFN-γ (1,000 units/mL) was required to induce cell death, we observed a dose-related increase in cell death when decitabine was used at a range of 0.1 to 10 μmol/L. Strikingly, 1 μmol/L decitabine synergized with 10 to 1,000 units/mL IFN-γ to induce massive cell death. In contrast, decitabine had no effect on three cutaneous melanoma cell lines and exhibited no synergy with either IFN. In uveal melanoma, decitabine up-regulated the expression of genes involved in growth control and apoptosis and down-regulated genes that have been implicated in the malignant phenotype of cutaneous melanoma. The gene up-regulated to the greatest degree by decitabine and whose expression showed a dose-effect across the three concentrations of decitabine was S100A2, a putative tumor suppressor. The genes modulated by decitabine in uveal melanoma were largely unaffected in cutaneous melanoma.

Conclusions: These findings form a basis for testing the decitabine/IFN-γ combination in metastatic uveal melanoma and for exploring the role of S100A2 in the susceptibility of uveal melanoma to IFN-mediated cell death.
Targeting Lymphotoxin β Receptor with Tumor-Specific T Lymphocytes for Tumor Regression
Authors: Yang Dafeng , ud Din Najam , Browning Darren D. , Abrams Scott I. , Liu Kebin
Published: September 2007

Purpose: One of the impediments of immunotherapy against cancer is the suppression of tumor-specific CTLs in the tumor microenvironment, partly due to the selective inhibition of the perforin pathway and the emergence of Fas-resistant tumors. Therefore, we sought to identify perforin- and Fas-independent cytotoxic pathways and explored the potential of targeting LTβR with tumor-specific CTLs to induce tumor rejection in vivo.

Experimental Design: Fas-resistant tumors were examined for their susceptibility to perforin-deficient (pfp) CTLs via CTL adoptive transfer in mouse models of experimental lung metastasis. The specificity of LTβR, a cell surface death receptor, in causing tumor rejection by CTLs was analyzed by LTβR-specific neutralizing monoclonal antibody in vitro. The specificity and efficacy of LTβR in the suppression of established tumors was further investigated by silencing LTβR in tumor cells in vivo.

Results: pfp CTLs exhibited significant cytotoxicity against Fas-resistant tumors in vivo. The perforin- and Fas-independent cytotoxicity was directly mediated, at least in part, by the adoptively transferred CTLs. It was observed that LTβR was expressed on the tumor cell surface, and LTα, LTβ, and LIGHT, all of which are ligands for LTβR, were either constitutively expressed or activated in the tumor-specific CTLs and primary CD8+ T cells. Blocking LTβR with LTβR-specific neutralizing monoclonal antibody decreased CTL cytotoxicity in vitro. Silencing LTβR using LTβR-specific short hairpin RNA reduced the ability of pfp CTLs to induce tumor rejection in vivo.

Conclusion: LTβR directly mediates CTL-directed tumor rejection in vivo. Targeting LTβR with tumor-specific CTLs is a potential therapeutic approach.
Risky Talk: Framing the Analysis of the Social Implications of Nanotechnology
Authors: Pense Christine M. , Cutcliffe Stephen H.
Published: September 2007

Nanotechnology promises to amend an understanding of elemental properties, alter the basic techniques of manufacturing, and improve disease diagnosis. There is a disconnect among the positive predictions of scientists and researchers, the fears of public interest groups, and the developers of products. A new framework for evaluating the social implications of nanotechnology will permit a dialogue among interest groups, who currently fail to effectively communicate with one another. Each instance of nanotechnology application will likely have its own unique attributes, but this framework for evaluating the social implications of nanotechnology will address three questions: How do problems become visible to the social groups that contribute to the framing of technology? What kind of language do social groups use to express significance? How does risk standardization contribute to technology stabilization? The suggested framework compares the ways that risk is discussed in military applications, consumer products, and workplace safety.
Artificially Restricted Labor Markets and Worker Dignity in Professional Football
Authors: Dufur Mikaela J. , Feinberg Seth L.
Published: September 2007

This article focuses on the effect of labor market restrictions on worker dignity during the recruitment and hiring processes by examining a labor-market case study in which worker power is severely constrained through industry practices. Specifically, the authors study workers who attempted to gain employment in the National Football League to explore how artificially restricted labor markets limit workers' market power. Findings from extensive field notes, observations of player assessments, and semistructured interviews suggest that although workers possess elite skills necessary for employment, industry restrictions on employees' market power enable employers to demand painful and dehumanizing concessions that seriously challenge workers' dignity. The findings presented here extend previous studies of threats to worker dignity from shop floors and workplaces to labor markets and to elite, highly skilled workers.
The Demedicalization of Self-Injury
Authors: Adler Patricia A. , Adler Peter
Published: September 2007

This article offers a glimpse into the relatively hidden practice of self-injury: cutting, burning, branding, and bone breaking. Drawing on eighty in-depth interviews, Web site postings, e-mail communications, and Internet groups, we challenge the psychomedical depiction of this phenomenon and discuss ways that the contemporary sociological practice of self-injury challenges images of the population, etiology, practice, and social meanings associated with this behavior. We conclude by suggesting that self-injury, for some, is in the process of undergoing a moral passage from the realm of medicalized to voluntarily chosen deviant behavior in which participants' actions may be understood with a greater understanding of the sociological factors that contribute to the prevalence of these actions.
Superficial Friends: A Content Analysis of Nonprofit and Philanthropy Coverage in Nine Major Newspapers
Authors: Hale Matthew
Published: September 2007

Hundreds of empirical studies indicate that the media can tell us not only what to think about but what to think. It is therefore likely that media coverage of nonprofits may have profound effects on the public's perception of the voluntary sector. Unfortunately, there is little empirical research about media coverage of nonprofits and almost none that is framed by communication theories. This article uses two such theories, agenda setting and media framing, to explore how nonprofits are portrayed in the media. A content analysis of 1,034 randomly sampled newspaper stories reveals that although nonprofit coverage is generally quite favorable, it is often episodic and not thematically framed. In addition, the results indicate that on the comparatively rare occasions when newspaper stories focus on the nonprofit sector as a whole instead of individual nonprofit organizations, the proportion of stories favorable toward nonprofits declines.
ASMPKS: an analysis system for modular polyketide synthases
Authors: Tae Hongseok , Kong Eun-Bae , Park Kiejung
Published: September 2007

Background

Polyketides are secondary metabolites of microorganisms with diverse biological activities, including pharmacological functions such as antibiotic, antitumor and agrochemical properties. Polyketides are synthesized by serialized reactions of a set of enzymes called polyketide synthase(PKS)s, which coordinate the elongation of carbon skeletons by the stepwise condensation of short carbon precursors. Due to their importance as drugs, the volume of data on polyketides is rapidly increasing and creating a need for computational analysis methods for efficient polyketide research. Moreover, the increasing use of genetic engineering to research new kinds of polyketides requires genome wide analysis.

Results

We describe a system named ASMPKS (Analysis System for Modular Polyketide Synthesis) for computational analysis of PKSs against genome sequences. It also provides overall management of information on modular PKS, including polyketide database construction, new PKS assembly, and chain visualization. ASMPKS operates on a web interface to construct the database and to analyze PKSs, allowing polyketide researchers to add their data to this database and to use it easily. In addition, the ASMPKS can predict functional modules for a protein sequence submitted by users, estimate the chemical composition of a polyketide synthesized from the modules, and display the carbon chain structure on the web interface.

Conclusion

ASMPKS has powerful computation features to aid modular PKS research. As various factors, such as starter units and post-processing, are related to polyketide biosynthesis, ASMPKS will be improved through further development for study of the factors.
Transcriptional profiling of chickpea genes differentially regulated in response to high-salinity, cold and drought
Authors: Mantri Nitin L , Ford Rebecca , Coram Tristan E , Pang Edwin CK
Published: September 2007

Background

Cultivated chickpea (Cicer arietinum) has a narrow genetic base making it difficult for breeders to produce new elite cultivars with durable resistance to major biotic and abiotic stresses. As an alternative to genome mapping, microarrays have recently been applied in crop species to identify and assess the function of putative genes thought to be involved in plant abiotic stress and defence responses. In the present study, a cDNA microarray approach was taken in order to determine if the transcription of genes, from a set of previously identified putative stress-responsive genes from chickpea and its close relativeLathyrus sativus, were altered in chickpea by the three abiotic stresses; drought, cold and high-salinity. For this, chickpea genotypes known to be tolerant and susceptible to each abiotic stress were challenged and gene expression in the leaf, root and/or flower tissues was studied. The transcripts that were differentially expressed among stressed and unstressed plants in response to the particular stress were analysed in the context of tolerant/susceptible genotypes.

Results

The transcriptional change of more than two fold was observed for 109, 210 and 386 genes after drought, cold and high-salinity treatments, respectively. Among these, two, 15 and 30 genes were consensually differentially expressed (DE) between tolerant and susceptible genotypes studied for drought, cold and high-salinity, respectively. The genes that were DE in tolerant and susceptible genotypes under abiotic stresses code for various functional and regulatory proteins. Significant differences in stress responses were observed within and between tolerant and susceptible genotypes highlighting the multiple gene control and complexity of abiotic stress response mechanism in chickpea.

Conclusion

The annotation of these genes suggests that they may have a role in abiotic stress response and are potential candidates for tolerance/susceptibility.
Genome-wide genetic aberrations of thymoma using cDNA microarray based comparative genomic hybridization
Authors: Lee Gui Youn , Yang Woo Ick , Jeung Hei Cheul , Kim Sang Chul , Seo Min Young , Park Chan Hee , Chung Hyun Cheol , Rha Sun Young
Published: September 2007

Background

Thymoma is a heterogeneous group of tumors in biology and clinical behavior. Even though thymoma is divided into five subgroups following the World Health Organization classification, the nature of the disease is mixed within the subgroups.

Results

We investigated the molecular characteristics of genetic changes variation of thymoma using cDNA microarray based-comparative genomic hybridization (CGH) with a 17 K cDNA microarray in an indirect, sex-matched design. Genomic DNA from the paraffin embedded 39 thymoma tissues (A 6, AB 11, B1 7, B2 7, B3 8) labeled with Cy-3 was co-hybridized with the reference placenta gDNA labeled with Cy-5. Using the CAMVS software, we investigated the deletions on chromosomes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 12, 13 and 18 throughout the thymoma. Then, we evaluated the genetic variations of thymoma based on the subgroups and the clinical behavior. First, the 36 significant genes differentiating five subgroups were selected by Significance Analysis of Microarray. Based on these genes, type AB was suggested to be heterogeneous at the molecular level as well as histologically. Next, we observed that the thymoma was divided into A, B (1, 2) and B3 subgroups with 33 significant genes. In addition, we selected 70 genes differentiating types A and B3, which differ largely in clinical behaviors. Finally, the 11 heterogeneous AB subtypes were able to correctly assign into A and B (1, 2) types based on their genetic characteristics.

Conclusion

In our study, we observed the genome-wide chromosomal aberrations of thymoma and identified significant gene sets with genetic variations related to thymoma subgroups, which might provide useful information for thymoma pathobiology.
High resolution radiation hybrid maps of bovine chromosomes 19 and 29: comparison with the bovine genome sequence assembly
Authors: Prasad Aparna , Schiex Thomas , McKay Stephanie , Murdoch Brenda , Wang Zhiquan , Womack James E , Stothard Paul , Moore Stephen S
Published: September 2007

Background

High resolution radiation hybrid (RH) maps can facilitate genome sequence assembly by correctly ordering genes and genetic markers along chromosomes. The objective of the present study was to generate high resolution RH maps of bovine chromosomes 19 (BTA19) and 29 (BTA29), and compare them with the current 7.1X bovine genome sequence assembly (bovine build 3.1). We have chosen BTA19 and 29 as candidate chromosomes for mapping, since many Quantitative Trait Loci (QTL) for the traits of carcass merit and residual feed intake have been identified on these chromosomes.

Results

We have constructed high resolution maps of BTA19 and BTA29 consisting of 555 and 253 Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP) markers respectively using a 12,000 rad whole genome RH panel. With these markers, the RH map of BTA19 and BTA29 extended to 4591.4 cR and 2884.1 cR in length respectively. When aligned with the current bovine build 3.1, the order of markers on the RH map for BTA19 and 29 showed inconsistencies with respect to the genome assembly. Maps of both the chromosomes show that there is a significant internal rearrangement of the markers involving displacement, inversion and flips within the scaffolds with some scaffolds being misplaced in the genome assembly. We also constructed cattle-human comparative maps of these chromosomes which showed an overall agreement with the comparative maps published previously. However, minor discrepancies in the orientation of few homologous synteny blocks were observed.

Conclusion

The high resolution maps of BTA19 (average 1 locus/139 kb) and BTA29 (average 1 locus/208 kb) presented in this study suggest that by the incorporation of RH mapping information, the current bovine genome sequence assembly can be significantly improved. Furthermore, these maps can serve as a potential resource for fine mapping QTL and identification of causative mutations underlying QTL for economically important traits.
Comparative evaluation of (1, 3)-β-D-glucan, mannan and anti-mannan antibodies, and Candidaspecies-specific snPCR in patients with candidemia
Authors: Alam Fasahat F , Mustafa Abu S , Khan Zia U
Published: September 2007

Background

Candidemia is a major infectious complication of seriously immunocompromised patients. In the absence of specific signs and symptoms, there is a need to evolve an appropriate diagnostic approach. A number of methods based on the detection of Candida mannan, nucleic acid and (1,3)-beta- D- glucan (BDG) have been used with varying specificities and sensitivities. In this retrospective study, attention has been focused to evaluate the usefulness of two or more disease markers in the diagnosis of candidemia.

Methods

Diagnostic usefulness of Platelia Candida Ag for the detection of mannan, Platelia Candida Ab for the detection of anti-mannan antibodies, Fungitell for the detection of BDG, and of a semi-nested PCR (snPCR) for the detection Candida species-specific DNA have been retrospectively evaluated using 32 sera from 27 patients with culture-proven candidemia, 51 sera from 39 patients with clinically suspected candidemia, sera of 10 women with C. albicans vaginitis, and sera of 16 healthy controls.

Results

Using cut-off values recommended by the manufacturers, the sensitivity of the assays for candidemia patients were as follows: Candida snPCR 88%, BDG 47%, mannan 41%, anti-mannan antibodies 47%, respectively. snPCR detected 5 patients who had candidemia due to more than one Candida species. The sensitivities of the combined tests were as follows: Candida mannan and anti-mannan antibodies 75%, and Candida mannan and BDG 56%. Addition of snPCR data improved the sensitivity further to 88%, thus adding 10 sera that were negative by BDG and/or mannan. In clinically suspected, blood culture negative patients; the positivities of the tests were as follows: Candida DNA was positive in 53%, BDG in 29%, mannan in 16%, and anti-mannan antibodies in 29%. The combined detection of mannan and BDG, and mannan, BDG and Candida DNA enhanced the positivity to 36% and 54%, respectively. None of the sera from Candida vaginitis patients and healthy subjects were positive for Candida DNA and mannan.

Conclusion

The observations made in this study reinforce the diagnostic value of snPCR in the sensitive and specific diagnosis of candidemia and detection of more than one Candida species in a given patient. Additionally, in the absence of a positive blood culture, snPCR detected Candida DNA in sera of more than half of the clinically suspected patients. While detection of BDG, mannan and anti-mannan antibodies singly or in combination could help enhancing sensitivity and eliminating false positive tests, a more extensive evaluation of these assays in sequentially collected serum samples is required to assess their value in the early diagnosis of candidemia.
Gender differences in the clinical management of patients with angina pectoris: a cross-sectional survey in primary care
Authors: Crilly Mike , Bundred Peter , Hu Xiyuan , Leckey Lisa , Johnstone Fiona
Published: September 2007

Background

Previous research suggests that women admitted to hospital with acute myocardial infarction (MI) are managed less intensively than men. Chronic stable angina is the commonest clinical manifestation of coronary heart disease in the community, but little information is available concerning its contemporary clinical management. The aim of this study is to assess the extent of gender differences in the clinical management of angina pectoris in primary care.

Methods

A cross-sectional survey undertaken in 8 sentinel centres serving 63,724 individuals in the city of Liverpool (15% of the city population). Aspects of clinical care assessed included: risk factor recording (smoking, cholesterol, blood pressure, body mass index); secondary prevention (aspirin, beta-blocker, statin); cardiac investigation (exercise ECG, perfusion scanning, angiography); and revascularisation (percutaneous coronary intervention, coronary artery bypass grafting). Male-to-female adjusted odds ratios (AOR) were calculated (adjusted for age, angina duration, age at diagnosis and previous MI) using logistic regression.

Results

1,162 patients (610 men; 552 women) with angina were identified. Women were older than men (71 vs 67 years), with a shorter duration of angina (6 vs 7 years), and a lower prevalence of previous MI (25% vs 43%). Men were significantly more likely than women to undergo detailed risk factor assessment (AOR = 1.35, 95%CI 1.06 to 1.73); receive 'triple' secondary prevention with aspirin, beta-blockers and statins (AOR = 1.47, 95%CI 1.07 to 2.02); access exercise ECG testing (AOR = 1.31, 95%CI 1.02 to 1.68); angiography (AOR = 1.61, 95%CI 1.23 to 2.12); and undergo coronary revascularisation (AOR = 1.93, 95%CI 1.39 to 2.68).

Conclusion

Systematic gender differences exist in the comprehensive clinical management of patients with angina in primary care.
Serum IL-15 in patients with early systemic sclerosis: a potential novel marker of lung disease
Authors: Wuttge Dirk M , Wildt Marie , Geborek Pierre , Wollheim Frank A , Scheja Agneta , Åkesson Anita
Published: September 2007

The pathogenesis of systemic sclerosis (SSc) is characterized by autoimmunity, vasculopathy and fibrosis. IL-15 is a pleiotropic cytokine that has impact on immune, vascular and connective tissue cells. We therefore investigated IL-15 in the circulation of patients with early SSc and explored possible associations of serum IL-15 with vasculopathy and fibrosis. Serum levels of IL-15 were analysed in 63 consecutive patients with SSc of disease duration less than 4 years and without disease-modifying treatment. Thirty-three age-matched healthy control individuals were enrolled. Serum IL-15 levels were increased in the sera of SSc patients compared with that of healthy control individuals (P < 0.01). Serum IL-15 levels correlated with impaired lung function, assessed both by the vital capacity (P < 0.05) and by the carbon monoxide diffusion capacity (P < 0.05). The association between IL-15 and the vital capacity remained after multiple linear regression analysis. Patients with intermediate serum IL-15 levels had a higher prevalence of increased systolic pulmonary pressure compared with patients with either low or high serum IL-15 levels (P < 0.05). Moreover, increased serum IL-15 levels were associated with a reduced nailfold capillary density in multivariable logistic regression analysis (P < 0.01). Serum IL-15 levels also correlated inversely with the systolic blood pressure (P < 0.01). We conclude that IL-15 is associated with fibrotic as well as vascular lung disease and vasculopathy in early SSc. IL-15 may contribute to the pathogenesis of SSc. IL-15 could also be a candidate biomarker for pulmonary involvement and a target for therapy in SSc.
Chest computed tomography with multiplanar reformatted images for diagnosing traumatic bronchial rupture: a case report
Authors: Le Guen Morgan , Beigelman Catherine , Bouhemad Belaid , Wenjïe Yang , Marmion Frederic , Rouby Jean-Jacques
Published: September 2007

Introduction

Unnoticed bronchial injury during the early stage of resuscitation of multiple trauma is not rare and increases mortality and morbidity.

Methods

Three-dimensional reconstruction of the airways using a workstation connected to a multidetector chest computed tomography (CT) scanner may change the diagnostic strategy in patients with blunt chest trauma with clinical signs evocative of bronchial rupture.

Results

In this case report of a young motor biker, a complete disruption of the intermediary trunk was first misdiagnosed using standard chest helical CT and bronchoscopy. Postprocessing procedures including three-dimensional extraction of the tracheobronchial tree were determinants for establishing the diagnosis, and emergent surgical repair was successfully performed. Follow-up using CT with three-dimensional reconstructions evidenced a bronchial stenosis located at the site of the rupture.

Conclusion

The present study demonstrates the potential interest of performing three-dimensional reconstructions by extraction of the tracheal–bronchial tree in patients with severe blunt chest trauma suspected of bronchial rupture.
Reviewing the case for explicit grammar instruction in the university foreign language learning context
Authors: Klapper John , Rees Jonathan
Published: September 2007

This paper examines the extent to which research findings from second language and immersion programmes, concerning the efficacy of different instructional approaches, are transferable to the context of foreign language learning in British higher education. It draws on data from a four-year longitudinal study involving two experimental groups of undergraduate learners of German as a foreign language, one of which was exposed to ‘focus-on-form’ tuition, the other to ‘focus-onforms’ instruction. The relative merits of the two approaches are assessed through analysis of proficiency gains for classroom instruction and residence abroad phases of the programme, using holistic and discrete proficiency-testing instruments. The study also highlights the effect of formal and naturalistic learning contexts on the rate and order of development of particular grammatical competencies in L2 German for the sample.