bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Arc‐parallel shear deformation and escape flow in the mantle wedge of the Central America subduction zone: Evidence from P wave anisotropy
Authors: Rabbel W. , Koulakov I. , Dinc A. N. , Jakovlev A.
Published: June 2011

The P wave anisotropy of the crust and uppermost mantle has been determined in two separate areas of the continental margin of Central America covering offshore and onshore parts of southern Nicaragua and northern and central Costa Rica. Our study is based on traveltime data from local earthquakes recorded with three combined onshore and offshore seismic networks that had been deployed in three half‐year intervals between 2002 and 2006. The P wave traveltime data have been tomographically inverted in terms of an elliptical anisotropic P wave velocity distribution. In the upper crust beneath Costa Rica, the seismic anisotropy is of the order of 2%–5% and locally strongly variable in orientation corresponding to the complicated tectonic structure. In contrast, the upper mantle beneath both study regions shows stronger anisotropy of the order of 5%–10% and a more coherent orientation of the axis of fast P wave velocity that varies systematically on regional scales: The upper mantle of the incoming oceanic plate is characterized by a trench‐normal orientation of the fast P wave velocity axis presumably corresponding to mineral alignment (lattice preferred orientation LPO) in transport direction. This pattern is corroded in the uppermost part of the subduction zone, possibly by the influence of bending‐related trench‐parallel faults and serpentinization that can overprint or annihilate the LPO anisotropy. The upper mantle of the overriding plate and mantle wedge shows a clear trench‐parallel orientation of the fast P wave velocity axis. The anisotropy is stronger in Nicaragua than in southern central Costa Rica (factor of 2 orders of magnitude). The development of a stronger anisotropy in the Nicaragua could be driven by a change in the stress regime from compressional in southern Costa Rica to transpressional in Nicaragua corresponding to a change from near‐orthogonal subduction in the SE to oblique subduction and slab retreat in the NW. From a comparison with S/SKS wave, GPS, and geochemical observations follows that the most likely explanation for the observed pattern of P wave anisotropy in the mantle wedge is LPO caused by a trench‐parallel shear deformation and/or NW oriented escape flow originating in the compressional zone near the Cocos Ridge collision area.
Potential barrier of graphene edges
Authors: Wang Weiliang , Li Zhibing
Published: June 2011

We calculated row resolved density of states, charge distribution and work function of graphene’s zigzag and armchair edge (either clean or terminated alternatively with H, O, or OH group). The zigzag edge saturated via OH group has the lowest work function of 3.76 eV, while the zigzag edge terminated via O has the highest work function of 7.74 eV. The angle-dependent potential barrier on the edge is fitted to a multipole model and is explained by the charge distribution.
Dispersion of electron g-factor with optical transition energy in (In,Ga)As/GaAs self-assembled quantum dots
Authors: Schwan A. , Meiners B.-M. , Henriques A. B. , Maia A. D. B. , Quivy A. A. , Spatzek S. , Varwig S. , Yakovlev D. R. , Bayer M.
Published: June 2011

The electron spin precession about an external magnetic field was studied by Faraday rotation on an inhomogeneous ensemble of singly charged, self-assembled (In,Ga)As/GaAs quantum dots. From the data the dependence of electron g-factor on optical transition energy was derived. A comparison with literature reports shows that the electron g-factors are quite similar for quantum dots with very different geometrical parameters, and their change with transition energy is almost identical.
Temperature dependence of Raman scattering in AlInN
Authors: Jiang L. F. , Kong J. F. , Shen W. Z. , Guo Q. X.
Published: June 2011

A detailed investigation of temperature-dependent micro-Raman scattering has been carried out on AlInN films with different Al compositions (0–0.53). The observed phonon frequency downshift and linewidth broadening with increasing temperature can be well explained by a model taking into account the contributions of the thermal expansion, the lattice-mismatch-induced strain, and the anharmonic phonon processes. It is found that with increasing Al composition the three-phonon process increases over the four-phonon process, but still is not the obvious prevailing process in the phonon decay of AlInN. We have attributed it to the variation of structural properties and phonon density of states in AlInN.
With NASA out, Europe mulls building a gravitational-wave observatory on its own
Authors: Kramer David
Published: June 2011

A successor to the Laser Interferometer Space Antenna will compete with two other large space missions for European Space Agency sponsorship. Short on cash, NASA’s astrophysics program will begin reassessing its future missions.
A molecular merry-go-round
Authors: Friedrich Bretislav
Published: June 2011

For almost 80 years the marvels of the subatomic world have been revealed through collisions of charged particles confined in circular accelerators. Now we are beginning to build analogous machines that confine bunches of neutral molecules.
Hyperinsulinemia acutely increases serum macrophage inhibitory cytokine‐1 concentration in anorexia nervosa and obesity
Authors: Karczewska‐Kupczewska Monika , Kowalska Irina , Nikolajuk Agnieszka , Adamska Agnieszka , Otziomek Elzbieta , Gorska Maria , Straczkowski Marek
Published: June 2011

Context  Macrophage inhibitory cytokine‐1 (MIC‐1) plays a role in the regulation of cellular responses to stress signals and inflammation. MIC‐1 has also been implicated in mediation of tumour‐induced anorexia and weight loss. Increased serum concentrations of MIC‐1 were found in patients with anorexia nervosa (AN), obesity and type 2 diabetes.

Objective  To estimate serum MIC‐1 concentration in women with AN and obese women, its regulation by hyperinsulinemia and relationship with insulin sensitivity.

Patients  We examined 20 women with AN, 28 healthy normal‐weight female controls and 28 obese women.

Measurements  Serum MIC‐1 concentration was measured in the fasting state and after 2‐h euglycemic hyperinsulinemic clamp.

Results  At baseline, serum MIC‐1 was higher in AN in comparison with other groups (normal‐weight, P = 0·018; obese, P = 0·01). Hyperinsulinemia resulted in a significant increase in serum MIC‐1 concentration in the entire study population (P < 0·001) and in AN (P < 0·001), normal‐weight (P = 0·002) and obese (P < 0·001) groups analysed separately. Postclamp serum MIC‐1 was still higher in AN women in comparison with other groups (normal‐weight, P = 0·012; obese, P = 0·023). When normal‐weight and obese women were analysed together, with the exclusion of AN group, an inverse correlation between insulin sensitivity and the change in serum MIC‐1 during the clamp was observed (r = −0·27, P = 0·042).

Conclusions  Hyperinsulinemia resulted in a significant increase in serum MIC‐1 in different states of adiposity. Increased serum MIC‐1 in AN women might be an additional factor responsible for weight loss in this group.
Can long‐term floodplain meadow recreation replicate species composition and functional characteristics of target grasslands?
Authors: Woodcock Ben A. , McDonald Alison W. , Pywell Richard F.
Published: June 2011

1. The recreation of species‐rich grassland represents a key EU agri‐environment policy initiative intended to maintain native biodiversity and to support the provision of ecosystem services. Understanding the long‐term potential for recreation success is crucial to the evaluation of such schemes.

2. We use a single‐site long‐term data set (22 years) to test the consequences of grazing recreation management in re‐establishing plant community composition and functional trait structure as assessed relative to pristine examples of target floodplain meadows.

3. Following a July hay cut, late summer grazing of the re‐growth by either sheep or cattle resulted in an increase in the similarity of plants species composition to the target floodplain meadows, but only in terms of what species had colonized, not in terms of their relative frequencies.

4. Where grazing in late summer was applied, the functional traits of the meadows undergoing recreation became similar to those of the target floodplain meadows only where grazing management was used. When plant traits were divided into subcategories (e.g. regeneration, seed biology, life‐form, environmental associations), only those traits linked with plant phenology failed to show evidence of a temporal shift towards the functional trait structure of floodplain meadows.

5. Synthesis and applications:. Under typical grazing management colonization by the majority of species that characterize the target habitat type is predicted to take over 150 years. In contrast, recreation of functional trait structure can occur over a considerably shorter time‐scale (>70 years). The potential to provide functionally equivalent grasslands that deliver analogous ecosystem services to those of the target habitat type is therefore a more realistic goal for recreation. We suggest that the time‐scale needed to recreate grasslands puts into question the benefits of compensation schemes that allow grasslands to be lost to development (i.e. gravel extraction) in exchange for future recreation at other sites.
Reverse Transcription Real‐Time PCR for Detection of Porcine Interferon α and β Genes
Authors: Razzuoli E. , Villa R. , Sossi E. , Amadori M.
Published: June 2011

A few studies provided convincing evidence of constitutive expression of type I interferons (IFNs) in humans and mice, and of the steady‐state role of these cytokines under health conditions. These results were later confirmed in pigs, too. In line with this tenet, low levels of IFN‐α/β can be detected in swine tissues in the absence of any specific inducer. These studies are compounded by the utmost complexity of type I IFNs (including among others 17 IFN‐α genes in pigs), which demands proper research tools. This prompted us to analyse the available protocols and to develop a relevant, robust, reverse transcription (RT) real‐time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) detection system for the amplification of porcine IFN‐α/β genes. The adopted test procedure is user‐friendly and provides the complete panel of gene expression of one subject in a microtitre plate. Also, a proper use of PCR fluorochromes (SYBR® versus EvaGreen® supermix) enables users to adopt proper test protocols in case of low‐expression porcine IFN‐α genes. This is accounted for by the much higher sensitivity of the test protocol with EvaGreen® supermix. Interestingly, IFN‐β showed the highest frequency of constitutive expression, in agreement with its definition of ‘immediate early’ gene in both humans and mice. Results indicate that the outlined procedure can detect both constitutively expressed and virus‐induced IFN‐α/β genes, as well as the impact of environmental, non‐infectious stressors on the previous profile of constitutive expression.
Anaphylactic Reactions in Mice with Fenugreek Allergy
Authors: Vinje N. E. , Namork E. , Løvik M.
Published: June 2011

Fenugreek is a legume mostly used as a spice in Indian‐style cooking. Although it has been used since ancient times, its allergenicity has only been reported in the last two decades. It poses special problems as an emerging and often hidden allergen. Fenugreek exposure may have serious implications also for individuals with peanut allergy because of cross‐reactivity. Because a new food requires a model specially designed for that particular food, the aim of our study was to develop a food allergy model of fenugreek in mice with anaphylaxis as the endpoint. Mice were immunized perorally using cholera toxin as adjuvant. A two‐compartment response surface design with immunoglobulin (Ig)E as the main variable was used to estimate the optimal sensitizing dose of fenugreek, which was further used to evaluate the model. The mice were challenged perorally with a high dose of fenugreek, and signs of anaphylactic reactions were observed. Challenged mice showed high levels of mouse mast cell protease‐1, developed specific IgE against several proteins in the fenugreek extract, had elevated levels of IgG1 and IgG2a and showed a general shift towards a Th2 response as determined by ex vivo production of cytokines. Total IgE levels were substantially decreased after challenge. In conclusion, we have established a mouse model of IgE‐mediated fenugreek allergy demonstrating anaphylactic reactions upon challenge. There is little information on fenugreek cross‐allergy to other legumes like peanut, soy and lupin, and we expect that this model will be a valuable tool in further research on legume allergy.
The occurrence of ‘bulbs’, a complex configuration of the vacuolar membrane, is affected by mutations of vacuolar SNARE and phospholipase in Arabidopsis
Authors: Saito Chieko , Uemura Tomohiro , Awai Chie , Tominaga Motoki , Ebine Kazuo , Ito Jun , Ueda Takashi , Abe Hiroshi , Morita Miyo Terao , Tasaka Masao , Nakano Akihiko
Published: June 2011

The plant vacuole fulfills a variety of functions, and is essential for plant growth and development. We previously identified complex and mobile structures on the continuous vacuolar membrane, which we refer to as ‘bulbs’. To ascertain their biological significance and function, we searched for markers associated with bulbs, and mutants that show abnormalities with respect to bulbs. We observed bulb‐like structures after expression of non‐membranous proteins as well as the functional soluble N‐ethylmaleimide‐sensitive factor attachment protein receptor (SNARE) molecules VAM3 and VTI11. Bulbs are formed in more tissues than previously reported, including flowering organs, suspension culture cells, endodermal cells in the flowering stem, and at very early stages of seed germination. Using existing and newly developed marker lines, we found that the frequency of bulb occurrence is significantly decreased in multiple shoot gravitropism (sgr) mutants, which are known to have a defect in vacuolar membrane properties in endodermal cells. Based on results with new marker lines, which enabled us to observe the process of bulb biogenesis, and analysis of the phenotypes of these mutants, we propose multiple mechanisms for bulb formation, one of which may be that used for formation of transvacuolar strands.
Bacterial contamination of commercial ear cleaners following routine home use
Authors: Bartlett Sarah J. , Rosenkrantz Wayne S. , Sanchez Susan
Published: June 2011

Ear cleaning solutions are designed for repeated use, which raises the possibility for bacterial contamination leading to recurrent or persistent infectious otitis. The purpose of this study was to investigate the prevalence of bacterial contamination of commercial ear cleaners following routine home use in dogs and to describe the characteristics that are associated with contamination. Used ear cleaner bottles and information regarding their use were obtained from canine owners visiting veterinary dermatologists. Both the bottle applicator tips and the solution contents were cultured for aerobic bacteria. Bacterial contamination was present on 10% of the bottle tips and in 2% of the solutions. Isolated bacteria includedStaphylococcus pseudintermedius,Bacillusspp., coagulase‐negativeStaphylococcusspp.,Micrococcusspp. andBurkholderia cepacia. The contamination rate was significantly higher on the applicator tips than in the solutions (P = 0.0076). The applicator tip contamination rate was significantly higher in expired samples (17%) than in‐date samples (4%;P = 0.0277). The bottle sizes were significantly larger for the samples with contaminated applicator tips compared with noncontaminated tips (P = 0.0455). The contamination rate was significantly higher when Tris–EDTA was an ingredient. Cleanliness of the bottle, contact with the ear canal and infection status of the ear at time of culture had no bearing on the contamination rate. In summary, with routine home use of commercial ear cleaners, pathogenic bacterial contamination is of minor concern. This concern may increase when expired products or larger bottles of ear cleaner are used and when Tris–EDTA is an ingredient.
Interactions between Straw Size and Thawing Rates on the Cryopreservation of Agouti (Dasyprocta aguti) Epididymal Sperm
Authors: Silva MA , Peixoto GCX , Sousa PC , Bezerra FSB , Bezerra BR Simão, ACDS , Silva AR
Published: June 2011

Contents

This study verifies the interactions between straw size and thawing rates and their impact on the epididymal sperm from this species. Caudae epididymidum from 10 agoutis were subjected to retrograde washing using a coconut water extender (ACP‐109c®). Epididymal sperm were evaluated and extended in ACP‐109c® plus egg yolk (20%) and glycerol (6%). The samples were packaged in 0.25‐ or 0.50‐ml straws, frozen in liquid nitrogen and thawed at 37°C/1 min or 70°C/8 s, followed by a re‐evaluation. The use of 0.25‐ml straws thawed at 37°C/1 min provided a value of 26.6% for sperm motility. No interactions between straw size and thawing rates were verified on agouti sperm (p > 0.05), but when 0.5‐ml straws were thawed at 70°C/8 s, sperm vigour decreased significantly (p < 0.05). It is recommended that the agouti epididymal sperm cryopreserved in ACP‐109c® extender should be packaged in 0.25‐ or 0.50‐ml straws and thawed at 37°C/60 s.
SIMPLE PROCESSES AND THE PRICING AND HEDGING OF CLIQUETS
Authors: Madan Dilip B. , Schoutens Wim
Published: June 2011

For data on market prices for 246 cliquets we consider pricing these exotic options using a relatively simple path space. The path space is subsequently stressed to market implied stress levels as well as stress levels predicted from contract characteristics. An additive process transitioning from a Sato process to a Levy process is formulated and estimated on vanilla options. Ask prices constructed from predicted stress levels are observed to have an in sample correlation of 92% with market prices. Interestingly, it is observed that capped cash flows have negative stress levels while uncapped products have positive stress levels. We illustrate the effect of hedging cliquet liabilities using call options as hedging assets permitting a 10% reduction in ask prices.
Advances in understanding the peptide neurotransmitter NAAG and appearance of a new member of the NAAG neuropeptide family
Authors: Neale Joseph H. , Olszewski Rafal T. , Zuo Daiying , Janczura Karolina J. , Profaci Caterina P. , Lavin Kaleen M. , Madore John C. , Bzdega Tomasz
Published: June 2011

J. Neurochem. (2011) 118, 490–498.

A substantial body of data was reported between 1984 and 2000 demonstrating that the neuropeptide N‐acetylaspartylglutamate (NAAG) not only functions as a neurotransmitter but also is the third most prevalent transmitter in the mammalian nervous system behind glutamate and GABA. By 2005, this conclusion was validated further through a series of studies in vivo and in vitro. The primary enzyme responsible for the inactivation of NAAG following its synaptic release had been cloned, characterized and knocked out. Potent inhibitors of this enzyme were developed and their efficacy has been extensively studied in a series of animal models of clinical conditions, including stroke, peripheral neuropathy, traumatic brain injury, inflammatory and neuropathic pain, cocaine addiction, and schizophrenia. Considerable progress also has been made in defining further the mechanism of action of these peptidase inhibitors in elevating synaptic levels of NAAG with the consequent inhibition of transmitter release via the activation of pre‐synaptic metabotropic glutamate receptor 3 by this peptide. Very recent discoveries include identification of two different nervous system enzymes that mediate the synthesis of NAAG from N‐acetylaspartate and glutamate and the finding that one of these enzymes also mediates the synthesis of a second member of the NAAG family of neuropeptides, N‐acetylaspartylglutamylglutamate.
Maternal emotional distress in pregnancy and delivery of a small‐for‐gestational age infant
Authors: ADAMS SAMANTHA S. , EBERHARD‐GRAN MALIN , HOFOSS DAG , ESKILD ANNE
Published: June 2011

Objective. To assess the association between maternal emotional distress in pregnancy and delivery of a small‐for‐gestational age offspring. Design. A cohort study in pregnancy. Setting. Fifty hospitals with a maternity ward in Norway during 1998–2008. Population. Seventy‐one thousand eight hundred and ninety‐eight women with a singleton pregnancy in the Norwegian Mother and Child Cohort Study were followed from early pregnancy to delivery. Methods. Information on presence of emotional distress was obtained through self‐administered questionnaires in pregnancy weeks 17 and 30 and on birthweight, gestational length at delivery and sex by linkage to the Medical Birth Registry of Norway. Emotional distress was measured by short forms of the Hopkins Symptom Checklist‐25. Main Outcome Measure. Small‐for‐gestational age offspring (birthweight <2.5th percentile). Results. Being emotionally distressed at gestational weeks 17 and 30 was not significantly associated with subsequent delivery of a small‐for‐gestational age infant (adjusted odds ratio 1.16; 95% confidence interval 0.87–1.54). This estimate was adjusted for smoking in pregnancy, parity, diabetes, pre‐eclampsia, body mass index, education and maternal age. Conclusions. Emotional distress during pregnancy was not associated with subsequent delivery of a small‐for‐gestational age infant.
Biochemical Characterization of APPL Endosomes: The Role of Annexin A2 in APPL Membrane Recruitment
Authors: Urbanska Anna , Sadowski Lukasz , Kalaidzidis Yannis , Miaczynska Marta
Published: June 2011

APPL endosomes are a recently identified subpopulation of early endosomes characterized by the presence of two homologous Rab5 effector proteins APPL1 and APPL2. They exhibit only limited colocalization with EEA1, another Rab5 effector and a marker of the canonical early endosomes. Although APPL endosomes appear to play important roles in cargo trafficking and signal transduction, their protein composition and biochemical properties remain largely unknown. Here we employed membrane fractionation methods to characterize APPL endosomes biochemically. We demonstrate that they represent heterogeneous membrane structures which can be discriminated from the canonical EEA1‐positive early endosomes by their partly different physical properties and a distinct migration pattern in the continuous density gradients. In search for other potential markers of APPL endosomes we identified Annexin A2 as an interacting partner of both APPL1 and APPL2. Annexin A2 is a Ca2+ and phosphatidylinositol 4,5‐bisphosphate binding protein, previously implicated in several endocytic steps. We show that Annexin A2 co‐fractionates and colocalizes with APPL endosomes. Moreover, silencing of its expression causes solubilization of APPL2 from endosomes. Although Annexin A2 is not an exclusive marker of APPL endosomes, our data suggest that it has an important function in membrane recruitment of APPL proteins, acting in parallel to Rab5.
Outflow activities in the young high-mass stellar object G23.44–0.18
Authors: Ren Jeremy Zhiyuan , Liu Tie , Wu Yuefang , Li Lixin
Published: June 2011

We present an observational study towards the young high-mass star-forming region G23.44-0.18 using the Submillimeter Array. Two massive, radio-quiet dusty cores MM1 and MM2 are observed in 1.3-mm continuum emission and dense molecular gas tracers including thermal CH3OH, CH3CN, HNCO, SO, and OCS lines. The 12CO (2–1) line reveals a strong bipolar outflow originating from MM2. The outflow consists of a low-velocity component with wide-angle quasi-parabolic shape and a more compact and collimated high-velocity component. The overall geometry resembles the outflow system observed in the low-mass protostar which has a jet-driven fast flow and entrained gas shell. The outflow has a dynamical age of 6 × 103 yr and a mass loss rate ∼10−3 M ⊙ yr-1. A prominent shock emission in the outflow is observed in SO and OCS, and also detected in CH3OH and HNCO. We investigated the chemistry of MM1, MM2 and the shocked region. The dense core MM2 have molecular abundances of three to four times higher than those in MM1. The abundance excess, we suggest, can be a net effect of the stellar evolution and embedded shocks in MM2 that calls for further inspection.
Offenders’ uncoerced false confessions: A new application of statement analysis?
Authors: Willén Rebecca M. , Strömwall Leif A.
Published: June 2011

Purpose. Deception detection research has mainly studied denials and distortions given by students. This study examined true and false confessions as told by offenders. It was hypothesized that the statement analytic techniques Criteria‐Based Content Analysis (CBCA) and Reality Monitoring (RM) would discriminate truths and lies.

Methods. Truthful and deceptive confessions to crime were given by 30 offenders (both women and men) in a within‐subject design. The participants were in prison at the time of data collection, and told the truth about a crime they had committed and been sentenced for. In addition, they made up a lie about a different crime after a few minutes of preparation. The transcribed statements were scored for CBCA and RM criteria.

Results. Results showed that neither total CBCA nor total RM scores differentiated between lies and truths. Some individual CBCA criteria, however, showed differences: more self‐deprecations and doubts about own testimony in the told lies, and more unexpected complications in the truths.

Conclusions. The results are discussed in relation to statement analysis of offenders’ accounts, individual CBCA criteria, as well as the development of criminal experience and familiarity with the event and setting. Implications for triers of fact and suggestions for future research are considered.
Acupuncture Sensation during Ultrasound Guided Acupuncture Needling
Authors: Park Jongbae J. , Akazawa Margeaux , Ahn Jaeki , Beckman-Harned Selena , Lin Feng-Chang , Lee Kwangjae , Fine Jason , Davis Robert T , Langevin Helene
Published: June 2011

Background

Although acupuncture sensation (also known as de qi) is a cornerstone of traditional acupuncture therapy, most research has accepted the traditional method of defining acupuncture sensation only through subjective patient reports rather than on any quantifiable physiological basis.

Purpose

To preliminarily investigate the frequency of key sensations experienced while needling to specific, quantifiable tissue levels (TLs) guided by ultrasound (US) imaging.

Methods

Five participants received needling at two acupuncture points and two control points at four TLs. US scans were used to determine when each TL was reached. Each volunteer completed 32 sets of modified Southampton Needle Sensation Questionnaires. Part one of the study tested sensations experienced at each TL and part two compared the effect of oscillation alone versus oscillation + rotation.

Results

In all volunteers, the frequency of pricking, sharp sensations was significantly greater in shallower TLs than deeper (p=0.007); the frequency of sensations described as deep, dull and heavy, as spreading, and as electric shocks was significantly greater in deeper TLs than shallower (p=0.002). Sensations experienced did not significantly differ between real and control points within each of three TLs (p>0.05) except TL 4 (p=0.006). The introduction of needle rotation significantly increased deep, dull, heavy sensations, but not pricking and sharp sensations; within each level, the spectrum of sensation experienced during both oscillation + rotation and oscillation alone did not significantly differ between acupuncture and control points.

Conclusion

The preliminary study indicates a strong connection between acupuncture sensation and both tissue depth and needle rotation. Furthermore, the new methodology has been proven feasible. A further study with an objective measurement is warranted.
Prognostic molecular markers in women aged 35 years or younger with breast cancer: is there a difference from the older patients?
Authors: Lin Ching-Hung , Lu Yen-Shen , Huang Chiun-Sheng , Kuo Kuan-Ting , Wang Chung-Chieh , You San-Lin , Lin Po-Han , Chang Dwan-Ying , Kuo Wen-Hung , Chang King-Jen , Cheng Ann-Lii
Published: June 2011

Background

Women aged ≤35 years with breast cancer have a poor prognosis, but their prognostic factors have not been clearly defined.

Aims

To evaluate whether the molecular markers used in age-unspecified breast cancer could also be applied to women ≤35 years.

Methods

Archival tumours from patients aged ≤35 years with stage I–III breast cancer were collected. Oestrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), HER2, Ki67 and P53 protein expression profiles in paraffin-embedded tissue sections were determined by immunohistochemistry. Tumours with an HER2 score of 2+ were further evaluated by fluorescence in situ hybridisation. Mutational analysis of exons 4–9 of the TP53 gene and exons 9 and 20 of the PIK3CA gene was carried out using direct sequencing analysis.

Results

116 patients with a median follow-up duration of 62.7 months were included. In addition to tumour size and axillary lymph node status, univariate analysis showed that high Ki67 expression, ER-negative, HER2 overexpression, and TP53 mutations were associated with shorter overall survival. Multivariate analysis showed that high Ki67 expression (HR=3.93, p=0.005), HER2 overexpression (HR=3.21, p=0.013) and TP53 mutations (HR=4.44, p=0.005) were associated with shorter overall survival. PR expression and PIK3CA mutations were not associated with survival.

Conclusions

For women ≤35 years, TP53 mutations, Ki67 and HER2 expressions are strong prognostic factors. The limited prognostic value of hormone receptors suggests that the prognostic markers used in age-unspecified breast cancer may not be completely fit for this population.
Syringoid eccrine carcinoma: a clinicopathological and immunohistochemical study of four cases
Authors: Sidiropoulos M , Sade S , Al-Habeeb A , Ghazarian D
Published: June 2011

Background

Syringoid eccrine carcinoma (SEC) is a rare malignant adnexal tumour with variable presentations.

Aim

To examine the clinicopathological and immunohistochemical features of SEC.

Methods

Four cases were reviewed by three dermatopathologists and the immunohistochemical profile was examined using antibodies against CK5/6, CK7, CK14, CK20, LMWK, HMWK, EMA, mCEA, p63, ER, PR, AR, S-100 and Ber-EP4.

Results

The cases occurred in two men and two women, ranging in age from 61 to 87 years (mean 68.5). Two of the lesions were from the face and two from the trunk. All four lesions were composed of an atypical infiltrative mass with syringoma-like tadpole morphology with ductular differentiation and prominent desmoplasia. Three cases demonstrated perineural invasion and two had positive lymph node metastases. Immunostaining was variable. Immunohistochemistry positivity was as follows: three out of four cases were positive for CK5/6, CK7 (2/4), CK14 (1/3), CK20 (0/2), HMWK (0/2), LMWK (1/2), EMA (3/4), mCEA (4/4), p63 (2/3), ER (2/3), PR (1/2), AR (0/3), S-100 (0/3) and Ber-EP4 (2/2).

Conclusion

SEC can present on the trunk and are not limited to the head and neck region. In addition to syringoma-like tadpole structures and glandular differentiation, these tumours can also exhibit squamoid and cribriform growth patterns. Immunostaining in SEC is variable and this variability is believed to stem from this tumour's ability to differentiate along multiple routes, including sweat secretory and/or ductal differentiation.
Claudin and p53 expression in vulvar lichen sclerosus and squamous-cell carcinoma
Authors: Sadalla José Carlos , Lourenço Sílvia Vanessa , Sotto Mirian Nacagami , Baracat Edmund Chada , Carvalho Jesus Paula
Published: June 2011

Aims

Vulvar squamous-cell carcinoma (SCC) is a rare gynaecological cancer. Vulvar SCC has been shown to develop from vulvar intraepithelial neoplasias, which are related to lichen sclerosus (LS). Most studies to date have compared vulvar SCC with LS only morphologically, but no detailed molecular analysis has been performed. The objective was to compare claudin and p53 expression in these diseases and determine if there was any association with expression and vulvar SCC progression.

Methods

Immunohistochemical analysis was performed in order to determine expression of p53 and claudin 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7 and 11 in human vulvar tissue samples from LS, SCC and control patients.

Results

Claudin 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 were expressed comparably in the three groups. Claudin 7 and 11 expression was significantly decreased in LS and SCC samples compared with the control group. Expression of p53 was significantly increased in SCC and LS patient samples compared with the control group.

Conclusions

Claudin 7 and 11 were not expressed in LS and SCC. However, there was no significant difference in expression of any of the claudins between the LS and SCC samples. Furthermore, p53 expression is the highest in SCC patients and lowest in the control group. However, expression of p53 did not vary between samples from isolated LS and LS associated SCC patients, suggesting that increased p53 expression is not the determining factor in the progression of LS lesions to SCC.
Acute respiratory distress syndrome and acute lung injury
Authors: Dushianthan A , Grocott M P W , Postle A D , Cusack R
Published: June 2011

Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a life threatening respiratory failure due to lung injury from a variety of precipitants. Pathologically ARDS is characterised by diffuse alveolar damage, alveolar capillary leakage, and protein rich pulmonary oedema leading to the clinical manifestation of poor lung compliance, severe hypoxaemia, and bilateral infiltrates on chest radiograph. Several aetiological factors associated with the development of ARDS are identified with sepsis, pneumonia, and trauma with multiple transfusions accounting for most cases. Despite the absence of a robust diagnostic definition, extensive epidemiological investigations suggest ARDS remains a significant health burden with substantial morbidity and mortality. Improvements in outcome following ARDS over the past decade are in part due to improved strategies of mechanical ventilation and advanced support of other failing organs. Optimal treatment involves judicious fluid management, protective lung ventilation with low tidal volumes and moderate positive end expiratory pressure, multi-organ support, and treatment where possible of the underlying cause. Moreover, advances in general supportive measures such as appropriate antimicrobial therapy, early enteral nutrition, prophylaxis against venous thromboembolism and gastrointestinal ulceration are likely contributory reasons for the improved outcomes. Although therapies such as corticosteroids, nitric oxide, prostacyclins, exogenous surfactants, ketoconazole and antioxidants have shown promising clinical effects in animal models, these have failed to translate positively in human studies. Most recently, clinical trials with β2 agonists aiding alveolar fluid clearance and immunonutrition with omega-3 fatty acids have also provided disappointing results. Despite these negative studies, mortality seems to be in decline due to advances in overall patient care. Future directions of research are likely to concentrate on identifying potential biomarkers or genetic markers to facilitate diagnosis, with phenotyping of patients to predict outcome and treatment response. Pharmacotherapies remain experimental and recent advances in the modulation of inflammation and novel cellular based therapies, such as mesenchymal stem cells, may reduce lung injury and facilitate repair.
Predicting Al, Cu, and Zn concentrations in the fine roots of trembling aspen (Populus tremuloides) using bulk and rhizosphere soil properties
Authors: Cloutier-Hurteau Benoît , Sauvé Sébastien , Courchesne François
Published: June 2011

We compared the predictions of Al, Cu, and Zn concentrations in fine roots of trees using properties of the bulk and rhizosphere soils to find the best approach to assess the ecological risks of metals to trees. Predictions were made from 18 trembling aspens ( Populus tremuloides Michx.) equally distributed on six sampling sites using multiple linear regressions with soil Al, Cu, and Zn speciation data and chemical and microbial properties as explanatory variables. Fine root Al, Cu, and Zn concentrations ranged, respectively, from 2137 to 7480, from 7.03 to 206, and from 41.2 to 360 µg·g dry root mass–1. No significant prediction was obtained for Al. The soil total water-soluble Cu and Zn concentrations better predicted the metal concentrations in fine roots than the concentration of labile metal species. The concentrations of reactive Zn, water-soluble organic C, and NH4+ together with microbial biomass of N were the other significant explanatory variables. The best regression models for Cu and Zn were obtained in the rhizosphere and explained, respectively, 79.2% and 95.7% of the variation of metal concentrations in fine roots. This work pointed out that the rhizosphere properties and processes need to be considered to correctly assess the ecological risks of metals to tree.
INVESTIGATIONS ON THE g FACTORS AND THE SUPERHYPERFINE PARAMETERS FOR THE TETRAGONALPd3+CENTERS INAgX(X=Cl,Br)
Authors: ZHANG HUA-MING , WU SHAO-YI , WANG XUE-FENG , HU YUE-XIA
Published: June 2011

The g factors and the superhyperfine parameters for the tetragonal Pd3+centers in AgX ( X = Cl , Br ) are theoretically investigated from the perturbation formulas of these parameters for a 4d7ion in tetragonally elongated octahedra In the calculations, the related molecular orbital coefficients and the unpaired spin densities of the ligands are determined quantitatively from the cluster approach in a uniform way. Both centers originate from substitutional Pd3+on Ag+site in AgX , with no charge compensator (silver vacancy) nearby. The [ PdX6]3-clusters suffer a relative elongation of 0.01 Å, (or 0.06 Å) along [1 0 0] (or C4) axis for X = Cl (or Br ) due to the Jahn–Teller effect The calculated g factors and the superhyperfine parameters based on the above Jahn–Teller elongations show good agreement with the experimental data.
EFFECT OF TRANSITION IONS SUBSTITUTION ON THE PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF Dy3Fe5O12 GARNET FERRITE
Authors: HEMEDA DALAL. M. , TAWFIK ABDEL-RAOOF , HEMEDA OSAMA. M. , DEWIDAR SALLY
Published: June 2011

Polycrystalline garnet ferrites Dy 3-x Ni x Fe 5 O 12, where (x = 0.0, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, and 0.5) have been prepared by the standard ceramic technique and their crystalline structure were identified by X-ray diffraction and IR spectroscopy. The differential thermal analysis (DTA) reveals two peaks. It is observed that an endothermic peak between 587 and 498 K for all samples which is due to the magnetic phase change from ferrimagnetic to paramagnetic state. The exothermic peak at about 700 K may be attributed to the crystallization of Dy 3-x Ni x Fe 5 O 12 with garnet structure. DC electrical resistivity, thermoelectric power, charge carrier concentration and charge carrier mobility have been studied at different temperatures: It was found that the DC electrical conductivity increases linearly with increasing temperature ensuring the semiconducting nature of samples. The values of the thermoelectric power were negative for samples of 0.0 < x < 0.4 indicating that the majority of the charge carrier are electrons in these samples while it was positive for sample of x = 0.5 at room temperature, and negative at high temperature. Using the values of the DC electrical conductivity and thermoelectric power, the values of the charge carrier concentration and the charge carrier mobility were calculated. Finally thermal properties have been studied.
INFLUENCE FACTORS ON SHG IN PCs CONSISTING OF CENTRO-SYMMETRIC MATERIALS
Authors: SHI JIANPING , CHEN XUNAN
Published: June 2011

Based on the finite difference-time domain algorithm, the factors influencing second harmonic generation in photonic crystals consisting of centro-symmetric materials are analyzed. The results show that photonic band gap is the key factor inducing the generation of second harmonic (SH). The suitable angle of incidence of pumping wave, waveguide length and fill factor will be helpful for the enhancement of SH. For the structure in this paper, when the angle of incidence is 20°–30°, SH intensity will be five times to that when the angle is nearly 90.° According to the results of our computations, the critical wave-guide length is 50 μm for the maximal intensity of SHG.
IMPULSIVE SYNCHRONIZATION OF HYPERCHAOTIC LÜ SYSTEM
Authors: WANG XING-YUAN , WANG MING-JUN
Published: June 2011

In this paper, the impulsive synchronization of hyperchaotic Lü systems is discussed. The sufficient conditions on feedback strength and impulsive interval are established to guarantee the synchronization. The method is proved true by Lyapunov stability theory. In addition, a scheme of impulsive synchronization via transmitting single signal is presented. Numerical simulations show the effectiveness of the methods.
REACTIVITY AND STABILITY OF OXYGEN VACANCIES ON TiO2 ANATASE (101) SURFACE: FIRST-PRINCIPLES CALCULATIONS
Authors: CHEN QILI , TANG CHAOQUN , LI BO , ZHENG GUANG , HE KAIHUA
Published: June 2011

In this study, density-functional theory plane-wave pseudopotential method was employed to investigate several oxygen vacancies on TiO 2 anatase (101) surface. At first, a suitable defect-free slab model has been established by analyzing the surface energies and the atomic relaxations influenced by different technical parameters. The formation energies of different kinds of oxygen vacancies in the outermost layer have also been compared as well as the atomic displacement of the defective surfaces. It was found that the presence of bridging oxygen vacancy is more energetically favored and causes larger atomic displacement than other types of surface oxygen vacancies. The reactivity of oxygen vacancies has also been tested by both molecular and dissociated oxygen adsorption. Furthermore, we discussed the configurations and the electronic properties of O 2-adsorbed surface, and found that the appearance of oxygen adsorbate-induced states in the band gap can make the surface sensitive to visible light.
SYNCHRONIZATION CRITERIA FOR COUPLED CHAOTIC SYSTEMS WITH PARAMETER MISMATCHES
Authors: MA MIHUA , CAI JIANPING
Published: June 2011

This paper studies synchronization between two linearly coupled non-autonomous chaotic systems with parameter mismatches. Based on Lyapunov's stability theory and Sylvester's criterion, some algebraic criteria are derived to synchronize the master and slave system with error bound. Besides, the largest synchronization error can be estimated analytically. Some numerical examples are presented to verify the effectiveness of these criteria. In the examples, the estimated largest synchronization error is compared with the evolution of the error variable, which further shows that the present techniques are effective.
MODELING OF CO-DEPOSITION OF INDIUM AND TIN ON SILICON(100): A KINETIC MONTE CARLO STUDY
Authors: PUTUNGAN DARWIN B. , RAMOS HENRY J. , CHUANG FENG-CHUAN , ALBAO MARVIN A.
Published: June 2011

A growth model for co-deposition of Sn and In on Si (100) at room-temperature was simulated using Kinetic Monte Carlo methods to shed light on the chemical selectivity and lack of dimer ordering seen in [Jure et al., Appl. Surf. Sci.162, 638 (2000)], a Scanning Tunneling Microscopy (STM) study. In this work, the experimental observation that the number of mixed In – Sn dimers is unaffected even when the relative flux rates are adjusted to favor In over Sn (by 100:1) — a manifestation of some sort of chemical selectivity — was investigated. Our simulations reveal that this phenomenon is ultimately related to the fact that the number of Sn -terminated chains is largely unaffected by the relative flux rate. Finally, we found that the attraction between metal dimers (whether of the same or different species) within a Si dimer row has only negligible effect on the apparent lack of dimer ordering seen in the STM study. Instead, dimer ordering is controlled by the detachment barriers in dimer-terminated islands.
QUASI-HAMILTONIAN METHOD FOR COMPUTATION OF DECOHERENCE RATES
Authors: JOYNT ROBERT , ZHOU DONG , WANG QIANG-HUA
Published: June 2011

We present a general formalism for the dissipative dynamics of an arbitrary quantum system in the presence of a classical stochastic process. It is applicable to a wide range of physical situations, and in particular it can be used for qubit arrays in the presence of classical two-level systems (TLS). In this formalism, all decoherence rates appear as eigenvalues of an evolution matrix. Thus the method is linear, and the close analogy to Hamiltonian systems opens up a toolbox of well-developed methods such as perturbation theory and mean-field theory. We apply the method to the problem of a single qubit in the presence of TLS that give rise to pure dephasing 1/f noise and solve this problem exactly.
Scalable SQL
Authors: Rys Michael
Published: June 2011

How do large-scale sites and applications remain SQL-based?
PageRank
Authors: Franceschet Massimo
Published: June 2011

The roots of Google's PageRank can be traced back to several early, and equally remarkable, ranking techniques.
Puzzled: Solutions and sources
Authors: Winkler Peter
Published: June 2011

Last month (May 2011, p. 120) we posted a trio of brainteasers, including one as yet unsolved, concerning games and their roles and turns, with randomness either removed or inserted. Here, we offer solutions to two of them. How did you do?
Q&A: A lifelong learner
Authors: Hoffmann Leah
Published: June 2011

Leslie Valiant discusses machine learning, parallel computing, and computational neuroscience.
A Scalable and Programmable Modular Traffic Manager Architecture
Authors: O’Neill Shane , Woods Roger Francis , Marshall Alan James , Zhang Qi
Published: June 2011

A key issue in the design of next-generation Internet routers and switches will be provision of Traffic Manager (TM) functionality in the datapaths of their high-speed switching fabrics. A new architecture that allows dynamic deployment of different TM functions is presented. By considering the processing requirements of operations such as policing and congestion, queuing, shaping, and scheduling, a solution has been derived that is scalable with a consistent programmable interface. Programmability is achieved using a function computation unit which determines the action (e.g., drop, queue, remark, forward) based on the packet attribute information and a memory storage part. Results of a Xilinx Virtex-5 FPGA reference design are presented.
Report on INEX 2010
Authors: Alexander D. , Arvola P. , Beckers T. , Bellot P. , Chappell T. , DeVries C. M. , Doucet A. , Fuhr N. , Geva S. , Kamps J. , Kazai G. , Koolen M. , Kutty S. , Landoni M. , Moriceau V. , Nayak R. , Nordlie R. , Pharo N. , SanJuan E. , Schenkel R. , Tagarelli A. , Tannier X. , Thom J. A. , Trotman A. , Vainio J. , Wang Q. , Wu C.
Published: June 2011

INEX investigates focused retrieval from structured documents by providing large test collections of structured documents, uniform evaluation measures, and a forum for organizations to compare their results. This paper reports on the INEX 2010 evaluation campaign, which consisted of a wide range of tracks: Ad Hoc, Book, Data Centric, Interactive, QA, Link the Wiki, Relevance Feedback, Web Service Discovery and XML Mining.