bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Defining hyperandrogenaemia according to the free androgen index in Chinese women: a cross‐sectional study
Authors: Zhou Zehong , Ni Renmin , Hong Yu , Li Yu , Wang Yunhui , Zhao Xiaomiao , Yang Dongzi
Published: March 2012

Objective(s)

To determine the normative cut‐off value for the free androgen index (FAI) among reproductive‐age women in China.

Design

Cross‐sectional, population‐based study.

Setting

A multistage systematic cluster random sampling among 16 communities from two rural and two city regions.

Patient(s)

A total of 1526 women were randomly selected from a representative sample of 3009 women aged 20–45 years from the general population of southern China. Among these women, 444 subjects without known factors affecting androgen levels were selected as the reference group.

Intervention(s)

Subjects underwent physical examination, blood tests of hormone and metabolic profiles, and ultrasound evaluations.

Measurement of the main outcomes

The FAI was calculated according to the following equation: FAI = 100 × total testosterone (nmol/l)/sex hormone‐binding globulin (nmol/l). The normative cut‐off value of the FAI was computed based on the 5th–95th percentiles and K‐means cluster analysis (K = 2).

Results

A reference range of 0·7–6·4 of the FAI was indicated by the 5th and 95th percentiles. K‐means cluster analysis identified 6·1 as the cut‐off value for the FAI in the total population, which was close to the upper limit determined by the 95th percentile. Hyperandrogenic women present with elevated risk factors for metabolic disorders. The mean FAI values decreased with age among the total population, as evaluated by either K‐means clustering or a percentile analysis. The FAI value was negatively correlated with age (r = −0·185, P < 0·0001) and positively correlated with body mass index after adjustment for age (r = 0·250, P < 0·0001).

Conclusion

A reference range of 0·7–6·4 FAI was indicated by the 5th and 95th percentiles among the reference group, which excluded the subjects with factors known to affect androgen levels; 6·1 was identified by the K‐means cluster analysis as the cut‐off value of the FAI for the general population. Hyperandrogenic women present with higher risks for metabolic disorders.
Common pattern of population decline for freshwater cetacean species in deteriorating habitats
Authors: HUANG SHIANG‐LIN , HAO YUJIANG , MEI ZHIGANG , TURVEY SAMUEL T. , WANG DING
Published: March 2012

1. Freshwater cetacean species, including the baiji (Lipotes vexillifer), Amazon River dolphin (Inia geoffrensis), Ganges/Indus River dolphins (Platanistaspp.) and Yangtze finless porpoise (Neophocaena asiaeorientalis asiaeorientalis), apex predators in megariver ecosystems, face serious challenges owing to the deterioration of habitat quality.

2. We simulated population change of four freshwater cetacean species under increasing habitat deterioration. Carrying capacity (K) was used to represent the habitat quality, and a logistic model was used to describe the rate of habitat deterioration (dK).

3. An individual‐based Leslie matrix model showed that population declines and extinctions in freshwater cetaceans under increasing habitat deterioration exhibit a consistent pattern irrespective of the initial level ofKor population size. WhendKis low, population abundance fluctuates stochastically around initialK, but a rapid increase indKis accompanied by a sharp population decline, with a residual population ultimately declining continuously to extinction.

4. Simulations show that traditional census survey techniques used in cetacean species are unlikely to detect early signs of population decline before a critical level is reached.

5. Empirical data of the likely extinction of baiji strongly agree with our simulation exercise, implying that extinction of other freshwater cetacean species may occur sooner than previously considered. Hence, precautionary approaches for habitat restoration and landscape management should be implemented before freshwater cetacean population declines are detected, and ideally, before habitat quality begins to deteriorate.
Potential impact of CO2 leakage from carbon capture and storage systems on field bean (Vicia faba)
Authors: Al‐Traboulsi Manal , Sjögersten Sofie , Colls Jeremy , Steven Michael , Black Colin
Published: March 2012

Capture and geological storage of carbon dioxide (CO2) has been suggested to be essential to reduce emissions to the atmosphere and aid mitigation of global climate change. However, leakage from transport pipelines or carbon capture and storage (CCS) reservoirs may pose risks to vegetation and contribute to rising atmospheric concentrations [CO2]. This study examined effects on seedling emergence and growth when field bean plants (Vicia faba cv. Wizard) grown under field conditions were subjected to elevated soil [CO2] for 39 days after planting. The strong negative correlation between soil [CO2] and [O2] during the injection period created a hypoxic soil environment under conditions of elevated soil [CO2]. The damaging impact of this treatment became apparent early in the experiment as no seeds exposed to soil [CO2] >50% emerged, even after injection was discontinued. Some seeds exposed to soil [CO2] <50% produced seedlings, but many did not survive. Seedling emergence and survival in the gassed plots was greatest at [CO2] of 5–20%, but root and shoot growth was reduced relative to control plants. Seedling emergence and growth were negatively related to soil [CO2] and positively related to [O2], although it is not known which was more important in inducing the observed effects. These findings suggest that leakage of CO2 from transport pipelines or CCS sites may greatly reduce seedling emergence and crop establishment in the vicinity of such infrastructures.
Impact of body mass index on the predictive ability of body fat distribution for Type 2 diabetes risk in Koreans
Authors: Kim C.‐H. , Kim H.‐K. , Kim E.‐H. , Bae S.‐J. , Park J.‐Y.
Published: March 2012

Aims  The optimal anthropometric measure of obesity or body fat distribution that best predicts the risk of Type 2 diabetes in Asians is unclear. Moreover, it has not been determined whether BMI modifies the effect of body fat distribution on diabetes risk in Asians.

Methods  We analysed the anthropometric and laboratory data of 7658 non‐diabetic Korean adults (5061 men and 2597 women, aged 20–79 years) who underwent routine medical check‐ups at 5‐year intervals. BMI, waist circumference, waist‐to‐height ratio, and bioelectrical impedance (to calculate fat mass and per cent body fat) were measured at baseline.

Results  Of the 7658 participants, 278 subjects (3.6%) developed diabetes over 5 years. Each of the anthropometric measures of general obesity (BMI, fat mass, per cent body fat) and central body fat distribution (waist circumference and waist‐to‐height ratio) was a good predictor of Type 2 diabetes. However, when the areas under the receiver‐operating characteristic curves were compared, BMI (0.697; 95% CI, 0.669–0.725), waist circumference (0.709, 0.682–0.736) and waist‐to‐height ratio (0.718, 0.692–0.743) were better predictors of diabetes risk than fat mass (0.672, 0.643–0.700) or per cent body fat (0.657, 0.628–0.686). In the low‐ (< 23 kg/m2) and mid‐ (23–27 kg/m2) BMI groups, the addition of waist‐to‐height ratio or waist circumference to BMI could improve the prediction of diabetes risk.

Conclusions  BMI, waist circumference and waist‐to‐height ratio were good predictors of Type 2 diabetes risk in Koreans. In non‐obese or less obese subjects, measures of central body fat distribution can help improve the prediction of Type 2 diabetes risk when added to measures of general obesity.
Connectedness, social support and internalising emotional and behavioural problems in adolescents displaced by the Chechen conflict
Authors: Betancourt Theresa S. , Salhi Carmel , Buka Stephen , Leaning Jennifer , Dunn Gillian , Earls Felton
Published: March 2012

The study investigated factors associated with internalising emotional and behavioural problems among adolescents displaced during the most recent Chechen conflict. A cross‐sectional survey (N=183) examined relationships between social support and connectedness with family, peers and community in relation to internalising problems. Levels of internalising were higher in displaced Chechen youth compared to published norms among non‐referred youth in the United States and among Russian children not affected by conflict. Girls demonstrated higher problem scores compared to boys. Significant inverse correlations were observed between family, peer and community connectedness and internalising problems. In multivariate analyses, family connectedness was indicated as a significant predictor of internalising problems, independent of age, gender, housing status and other forms of support evaluated. Sub‐analyses by gender indicated stronger protective relationships between family connectedness and internalising problems in boys. Results indicate that family connectedness is an important protective factor requiring further exploration by gender in war‐affected adolescents.
The Effect of Surface Treatment of the Interfacial Surface on Fatigue‐Related Microtensile Bond Strength of Milled Zirconia to Veneering Porcelain
Authors: Harding Aaron B. , Norling Barry K. , Teixeira Erica C.
Published: March 2012

Purpose: The success of zirconia‐reinforced all‐ceramic crowns depends on the formation of a stable bond between the zirconia core and the veneering porcelain. The purpose of this study was to test the effects of liner application and airborne particle abrasion of a postsintered Y‐TZP core on the bond strength between the zirconia core and veneering porcelain with or without cyclic loading.

Materials and Methods: Kavo Everest® Y‐TZP blank disks were sintered and divided into three treatment groups: airborne particle abrasion, IPS e.max® Ceram Zirliner application, or no surface treatment. The disks were then veneered with IPS e.max® ZirPress veneering porcelain. Half the veneered disks from each group were cyclically loaded. This created six experimental groups: three surface treatment groups cyclically loaded and three not loaded. The disks were then sectioned into microbars for microtensile bond strength (MTBS) testing (40 specimens per group). Specimens were luted to a fixture mount and loaded to failure using a universal testing machine (MTS Insight). The maximum force was measured and bond strength computed. Data were analyzed with a two‐way ANOVA and Tukey's HSD test (α= 0.05).

Results: Airborne particle abrasion significantly decreased MTBS values (p= 0.043), and ZirLiner application did not have a significant effect on MTBS values compared to control. Cyclic loading did not have a significant effect on MTBS values. The predominant failure mode in all groups was mixed. Conclusions: Airborne particle abrasion of the interfacial surface of the Everest® Y‐TZP core significantly decreased the MTBS to ZirPress veneering porcelain when compared to no interfacial surface treatment. Application of ZirLiner to the interfacial surface of the Everest® Y‐TZP core did not significantly increase or decrease the MTBS to ZirPress veneering porcelain, compared to the other surface treatments. Cyclic loading did not affect bond strengths in any of the groups, regardless of surface treatment. Neither cyclic loading nor surface treatment affected the failure mode of the specimens.
Inverse Batschelet Distributions for Circular Data
Authors: Jones M. C. , Pewsey Arthur
Published: March 2012

SummaryWe provide four‐parameter families of distributions on the circle which are unimodal and display the widest ranges of both skewness and peakedness yet available. Our approach is to transform the scale of a generating distribution, such as the von Mises, using various nontrivial extensions of an approach first used inBatschelet’s(1981, Circular Statistics in Biology) book. The key is to employ inverses of Batschelet‐type transformations in certain ways; these exhibit considerable advantages over direct Batschelet transformations. The skewness transformation is especially appealing as it has no effect on the normalizing constant. As well as a variety of interesting theoretical properties, when likelihood inference is explored these distributions display orthogonality between elements of a pairing of parameters into (location, skewness) and (concentration, peakedness). Further, the location parameter can sometimes be made approximately orthogonal to all the other parameters. Profile likelihoods come to the fore in practice. Two illustrative applications, one concerning the locomotion of a Drosophila fly larva, the other analyzing a large set of sudden infant death syndrome data, are investigated.
Mutational analysis of PIK3CA,JAK2,BRAF,FOXL2,IDH1,AKT1 and EZH2 oncogenes in sarcomas
Authors: Je Eun M. , An Chang H. , Yoo Nam J. , Lee Sug H.
Published: March 2012

Recent studies have revealed several recurrent mutations in oncogenes that could not only be underlying mechanisms of tumorigenesis, but also be potential targets for cancer therapies. Compared to carcinomas, genetic alterations of sarcomas are relatively unknown. To see whether recurrent oncogenes discovered in non‐sarcomatous malignancies are present in sarcomas as well, we analyzed oncogenes with known mutations in various types of sarcomas. We performed mutational analysis of recurrent mutation sites of PIK3CA (exons 9 and 20), JAK2 (exon 14), BRAF (exon 15), FOXL2 (exon 1), IDH1 (exon 4), AKT1 (exon 3), and EZH2 (exon 16) genes in 108 sarcomas by single‐ strand conformation polymorphism and DNA sequencing. The sarcomas consisted of malignant fibrous histiocytomas, rhabdomyosarcomas, osteosarcomas, malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors, leiomyosarcomas, synovial sarcomas, liposarcomas, angiosarcomas, chondrosarcomas, and Ewing sarcomas. Overall, we detected the two PIK3CA mutations and one JAK2 mutation (total: 3/108: 2.8%). Two rhabdomyosarcomas (16.7%) and one angiosarcoma (16.7%) harbored the mutations, whereas other sarcomas harbored none. The PIK3CA mutations were novel missense mutations that had not been detected in other cancers. The JAK2 mutation was an intron mutation. This study demonstrated that the somatic mutations of PIK3CA and JAK2 occurred in a small fraction of the sarcomas and that these mutations may not play a principal role in the development of sarcomas.
Eruptive tumors of the follicular infundibulum presenting as hypopigmented macules on the buttocks of two Black African males
Authors: Kolivras Athanassios , Moulonguet Isabelle , Ruben Beth S. , Sass Ursula , Cappelletti Letizia , André Josette
Published: March 2012

We report two cases of eruptive tumors of the follicular infundibulum (TFI) with an unusual clinical presentation which has not been described previously in literature. In both cases, the appearance was strikingly similar, consisting of multiple asymptomatic hypopigmented macules on the buttocks of two Black African males, aged 38 and 55 years old. In both cases, the eruption had evolved over several months. The individual lesions were of similar size, approximately 1 cm, with irregular and ill‐defined borders. Histopathological examination revealed a superficial and horizontal plate‐like proliferation of keratinocytes emanating from the epidermis with multiple slender attachments. Pale keratinocytes were present within the epithelial plates. A Fontana stain showed a loss of melanin pigment from the epithelial plates. Orcein (elastic) stain highlighted an increase of the number of the elastic fibers surrounding the tumor. On the basis of these findings, a diagnosis of eruptive TFI was established for both cases. Among the various presentations of TFI, only the eruptive variant appears to be clinically distinctive, with asymptomatic hypopigmented macules usually located on the face, neck and upper trunk. Eruptive TFI should also be added to the clinical differential diagnosis of multiple hypopigmented macules on the buttocks of Black patients.

Kolivras A, Moulonguet I, Ruben BS, Sass U, Cappelletti L, André J. Eruptive tumors of the follicular infundibulum presenting as hypopigmented macules on the buttocks of two Black African males.
Many of the functional differences between acetohydroxyacid synthase (AHAS) isozyme I and other AHASs are a result of the rapid formation and breakdown of the covalent acetolactate–thiamin diphosphate adduct in AHAS I
Authors: Belenky Inna , Steinmetz Andrea , Vyazmensky Maria , Barak Ze’ev , Tittmann Kai , Chipman David M.
Published: March 2012

Acetohydroxy acid synthase (AHAS; EC 2.2.1.6) is a thiamin diphosphate (ThDP)‐dependent decarboxylase‐ligase that catalyzes the first common step in the biosynthesis of branched‐chain amino acids. In the first stage of the reaction, pyruvate is decarboxylated and the reactive intermediate hydroxyethyl‐ThDP carbanion/enamine is formed. In the second stage, the intermediate is ligated to another 2‐ketoacid to form either acetolactate or acetohydroxybutyrate. AHAS isozyme I from Escherichia coli is unique among the AHAS isozymes in that it is not specific for 2‐ketobutyrate (2‐KB) over pyruvate as an acceptor substrate. It also appears to have a different mechanism for inhibition by valine than does AHAS III from E. coli. An investigation of this enzyme by directed mutagenesis and knowledge of detailed kinetics using the rapid mixing–quench NMR method or stopped‐flow spectroscopy, as well as the use of alternative substrates, suggests that two residues determine most of the unique properties of AHAS I. Gln480 and Met476 in AHAS I replace the Trp and Leu residues conserved in other AHASs and lead to accelerated ligation and product release steps. This difference in kinetics accounts for the unique specificity, reversibility and allosteric response of AHAS I. The rate of decarboxylation of the initially formed 2‐lactyl‐ThDP intermediate is, in some AHAS I mutants, different for the alternative acceptors pyruvate and 2‐KB, putting into question whether AHAS operates via a pure ping–pong mechanism. This finding might be compatible with a concerted mechanism (i.e. the formation of a ternary donor–acceptor:enzyme complex followed by covalent, ThDP‐promoted catalysis with concerted decarboxylation–carboligation). It might alternatively be explained by an allosteric interaction between the multiple catalytic sites in AHAS.
Iodide Oxidation by a Novel Multicopper Oxidase from the Alphaproteobacterium Strain Q-1
Authors: Suzuki Mio , Eda Yoshifumi , Ohsawa Shiaki , Kanesaki Yu , Yoshikawa Hirofumi , Tanaka Kan , Muramatsu Yasuyuki , Yoshikawa Jun , Sato Ikuo , Fujii Takaaki , Amachi Seigo
Published: March 2012

Alphaproteobacterium strain Q-1 is able to oxidize iodide (I
−
) to molecular iodine (I
2
) by an oxidase-like enzyme. One of the two isoforms of the iodide-oxidizing enzyme (IOE-II) produced by this strain was excised from a native polyacrylamide gel, eluted, and purified. IOE-II appeared as a single band (51 kDa) and showed significant in-gel iodide-oxidizing activity in sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis without heat treatment. However, at least two bands with much higher molecular masses (150 and 230 kDa) were observed with heat treatment (95°C, 3 min). IOE-II was inhibited by NaN
3
, KCN, EDTA, and a copper chelator,
o
-phenanthroline. In addition to iodide, IOE-II showed significant activities toward phenolic compounds such as syringaldazine, 2,6-dimethoxy phenol, and
p
-phenylenediamine. IOE-II contained copper atoms as prosthetic groups and had UV/VIS absorption peaks at 320 and 590 nm. Comparison of several internal amino acid sequences obtained from trypsin-digested IOE-II with a draft genome sequence of strain Q-1 revealed that the products of two open reading frames (IoxA and IoxC), with predicted molecular masses of 62 and 71 kDa, are involved in iodide oxidation. Furthermore, subsequent tandem mass spectrometric analysis repeatedly detected peptides from IoxA and IoxC with high sequence coverage (32 to 40%). IoxA showed homology with the family of multicopper oxidases and included four copper-binding regions that are highly conserved among various multicopper oxidases. These results suggest that IOE-II is a multicopper oxidase and that it may occur as a multimeric complex in which at least two proteins (IoxA and IoxC) are associated.
Impact of Respiration on Resistance of Lactobacillus plantarum WCFS1 to Acid Stress
Authors: Watanabe Masayuki , van der Veen Stijn , Abee Tjakko
Published: March 2012

This study shows that growth under respiration conditions has a negative impact on the survival of stationary-phase cultures of
Lactobacillus plantarum
WCFS1 at low pHs and that viability loss at critical values is associated with the formation of radicals and loss of membrane integrity.
Stability of and Attachment to Lettuce by a Culturable Porcine Sapovirus Surrogate for Human Caliciviruses
Authors: Wang Qiuhong , Zhang Zhenwen , Saif Linda J.
Published: March 2012

Human noroviruses (HuNoVs) are the leading cause of food-borne illness, accounting for 58% of U.S. cases. Because HuNoVs are unculturable, surrogates are needed to investigate transmission routes and evaluate disinfection methods. However, the current surrogates, feline calicivirus (FCV) and murine NoV (MNV), are less tolerant than HuNoVs to acid and chlorine, respectively. Porcine sapovirus (SaV) is the only culturable enteropathogenic calicivirus. In this study, the resistance of SaV to physicochemical treatments was compared to that of HuNoVs (by reverse transcription-PCR), FCV, and MNV (by infectivity assays). Sapovirus and HuNoV (viral RNA) showed similar resistances to heat (56°C) and to different concentrations of chlorine. However, SaV was more resistant than HuNoVs to ethanol treatment (60% and 70%). Like HuNoVs, SaV was stable at pH 3.0 to 8.0, with a <1.0 log
10
50% tissue culture infective dose (TCID
50
) reduction at pH 3.0 compared to the value for pH 4.0 to 8.0. SaV and MNV showed similar resistances, and both were more resistant than FCV to heat inactivation (56°C). FCV was more resistant than MNV and SaV to ethanol, and all three viruses showed similar resistances to treatment with low concentrations of chlorine for 1 min. Those results indicate that SaV is a promising surrogate for HuNoVs. Next, we used SaV as a surrogate to examine virus attachment to lettuce at different pHs. Sapovirus attached to lettuce leaves significantly at its capsid isoelectric point (pH 5.0), and the attached viral particles remained infectious on lettuce after 1 week of storage at 4°C. The culturable SaV is a good surrogate for studying HuNoV contamination and transmission in leafy greens and potential disinfectants.
Feasibility of Quantitative Environmental Surveillance in Poliovirus Eradication Strategies
Authors: Lodder W. J. , Buisman A. M. , Rutjes S. A. , Heijne J. C. , Teunis P. F. , de Roda Husman A. M.
Published: March 2012

The progress of the Global Polio Eradication Initiative is monitored by acute flaccid paralysis (AFP) surveillance supplemented with environmental surveillance in selected areas. To assess the sensitivity of environmental surveillance, stools from (re)vaccinated elderly persons with a low seroprevalence and from wastewater were concurrently collected and analyzed in the Netherlands over a prolonged period of time. A total number of 228 healthy individuals with different levels of immunity were challenged with monovalent oral polio vaccine serotype 1 or 3. Poliovirus concentrations were determined by the titration of fecal suspensions on poliovirus-sensitive L20B cells and of sewage concentrates by L20B monolayer plaque assay. Almost half of the individuals (45%) shed poliovirus on day 3 after challenge, which peaked (57%) on day 8 with an average poliovirus excretion of 1.3 × 10
5
TCID
50
per g of feces and gradually decreased to less than 5% on day 42. The virus concentrations in sewage peaked on days 6 to 8 at approximately 100 PFU per liter, remained high until day 14, and subsequently decreased to less than 10 PFU per liter on day 29. The estimated poliovirus concentration in sewage approximated the measured initial virus excretion in feces, within 1 log
10
variation, resulting in a sensitivity of detection of 100 infected but mostly asymptomatic individuals in tens of thousands of individuals. An additional second peak observed in sewage may indicate secondary transmission missed by enterovirus or AFP surveillance in patients. This enables the detection of circulating poliovirus by environmental surveillance, supporting its feasibility as an early warning system.
Community Structure Analysis of Methanogens Associated with Rumen Protozoa Reveals Bias in Universal Archaeal Primers
Authors: Tymensen Lisa D. , McAllister Tim A.
Published: March 2012

The diversity of protozoan-associated methanogens in cattle was investigated using five universal archaeal small-subunit (SSU) rRNA gene primer sets.
Methanobrevibacter
spp. and rumen cluster C (distantly related to
Thermoplasma
spp.) were predominant. Significant differences in species composition among libraries indicate that some primers used previously to characterize rumen methanogens exhibit biased amplification.
The Chitin Connection
Authors: Goldman David L. , Vicencio Alfin G.
Published: March 2012

Chitin, a polymer ofN-acetylglucosamine, is an essential component of the fungal cell wall. Chitosan, a deacetylated form of chitin, is also important in maintaining cell wall integrity and is essential forCryptococcus neoformansvirulence. In their article, Gilbert et al. [N. M. Gilbert, L. G. Baker, C. A. Specht, and J. K. Lodge, mBio 3(1):e00007-12, 2012] demonstrate that the enzyme responsible for chitosan synthesis, chitin deacetylase (CDA), is differentially attached to the cell membrane and wall. Bioactivity is localized to the cell membrane, where it is covalently linked via a glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI) anchor. Findings from this study significantly enhance our understanding of cryptococcal cell wall biology. Besides the role of chitin in supporting structural stability, chitin and host enzymes with chitinase activity have an important role in host defense and modifying the inflammatory response. Thus, chitin appears to provide a link between the fungus and host that involves both innate and adaptive immune responses. Recently, there has been increased attention to the role of chitinases in the pathogenesis of allergic inflammation, especially asthma. We review these findings and explore the possible connection between fungal infections, the induction of chitinases, and asthma.
Human homologue forCaenorhabditis elegansCUL-4 protein overexpression is associated with malignant potential of epithelial ovarian tumours and poor outcome in carcinoma
Authors: Birner Peter , Schoppmann Alexandra , Schindl Monika , Dinhof Carina , Jesch Bettina , Berghoff Anna Sophie , Schoppmann Sebastian F
Published: March 2012

Background

CUL-4 plays a critical role in DNA replication inCaenorhabditis elegans, and interacts with p53 and p21 proteins in cell cycle regulation and response to genomic instability. However, the role of CUL-4 in human carcinomas is widely unknown.

Aims

To investigate the expression of CUL-4 protein and its association with p53 and p21, and to determine its prognostic relevance in invasive ovarian carcinoma.

Methods

CUL-4, p53 and p21 protein expression was determined retrospectively by immunohistochemistry in 140 specimens of human epithelial ovarian tumours (98 invasive carcinomas and 42 tumours of low malignant potential; LMP).

Results

Overexpression of CUL-4 was observed in 41 (41.8%) of carcinoma samples and in 10 (23.8%) LMP tumours. CUL-4 was significantly more often overexpressed in invasive carcinomas compared with LMP tumours (p=0.042, χ2test, OR 2.302, 95% CI 1.018 to 5.203). In invasive carcinoma, CUL-4 overexpression was found to be a prognostic factor for overall (p=0.017, Cox regression, HR 2.387, 95% CI 1.17 to 4.869) and disease-free survival (p=0.005, Cox regression, HR 3.5, 95% CI 1.465 to 8.365), respectively. In subgroup analysis, CUL-4 was only of prognostic relevance in carcinomas without p53 expression.

Conclusion

These data indicate for the first time that CUL-4 might play a relevant role in the development and progression of ovarian carcinoma, warranting further investigations. Degradation of wild-type p53 might be a key mechanism to explain why CUL-4 leads to more aggressive clinical behaviour. Not only CUL-4 itself, but also its associated proteins might represent targets for novel, selective therapeutic strategies.
Flow mechanotransduction regulates traction forces, intercellular forces, and adherens junctions
Authors: Ting Lucas H. , Jahn Jessica R. , Jung Joon I. , Shuman Benjamin R. , Feghhi Shirin , Han Sangyoon J. , Rodriguez Marita L. , Sniadecki Nathan J.
Published: March 2012

Endothelial cells respond to fluid shear stress through mechanotransduction responses that affect their cytoskeleton and cell-cell contacts. Here, endothelial cells were grown as monolayers on arrays of microposts and exposed to laminar or disturbed flow to examine the relationship among traction forces, intercellular forces, and cell-cell junctions. Cells under laminar flow had traction forces that were higher than those under static conditions, whereas cells under disturbed flow had lower traction forces. The response in adhesion junction assembly matched closely with changes in traction forces since adherens junctions were larger in size for laminar flow and smaller for disturbed flow. Treating the cells with calyculin-A to increase myosin phosphorylation and traction forces caused an increase in adherens junction size, whereas Y-27362 cause a decrease in their size. Since tugging forces across cell-cell junctions can promote junctional assembly, we developed a novel approach to measure intercellular forces and found that these forces were higher for laminar flow than for static or disturbed flow. The size of adherens junctions and tight junctions matched closely with intercellular forces for these flow conditions. These results indicate that laminar flow can increase cytoskeletal tension while disturbed flow decreases cytoskeletal tension. Consequently, we found that changes in cytoskeletal tension in response to shear flow conditions can affect intercellular tension, which in turn regulates the assembly of cell-cell junctions.
Downregulation of Human Farnesoid X Receptor by miR-421 Promotes Proliferation and Migration of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells
Authors: Zhang Yan , Gong Wei , Dai Shuangshuang , Huang Gang , Shen Xiaodong , Gao Min , Xu Zhizhen , Zeng Yijun , He Fengtian
Published: March 2012

The farnesoid X receptor (FXR) is a member of the nuclear receptor superfamily that is highly expressed in liver, kidney, adrenal gland, and intestine. It plays an important role in regulating the progression of several cancers including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). So it is necessary to study the regulation of FXR. In this study, we found that the expression of miR-421 was inversely correlated with FXR protein level in HCC cell lines. Treatment with miR-421 mimic repressed FXR translation. The reporter assay revealed that miR-421 targeted 3′ untranslated region of human FXR mRNA. Furthermore, downregulation of FXR by miR-421 promoted the proliferation, migration, and invasion of HCC cells. These results suggest that miR-421 may serve as a novel molecular target for manipulating FXR expression in hepatocyte and for the treatment of HCC. Mol Cancer Res; 10(4); 516–22. ©2012 AACR.
Synthesis and expansion characteristics of expandable styrene/methyl methacrylate copolymer beads: The effects of monomer composition and cell structure modifying aid
Authors: Mehravar E , Abbasi F , Jalili K , Rezaei M , Heydarpoor S
Published: March 2012

Parts cast of metals such as iron, using expandable polystyrene foams, may have an unacceptable amount of surface defects, such as lustrous carbon. The use of foams made of styrene/methyl methacrylate copolymers can improve the quality of foam molds and metal parts made using such molds. In this work, expandable copolymers were synthesized by suspension copolymerization of styrene and methyl methacrylate in the presence of blowing agents (pentane isomers). When the surrounding temperature was high enough to vaporize the blowing agent and soften the polymer shell, the beads were expanded. The effects of monomer composition and cell structure modifying aid (polyethylene wax) on the particle size, average molecular weight and molecular weight distribution of synthesized copolymer, pentane content and expansion properties (density, residual pentane of pre-expanded particles and cell structure) were investigated. The results showed that monomer composition had a significant effect on the copolymerization kinetic and the copolymer molecular weight. In addition, cell structure, cell size and cell size distribution of the pre-expanded particles were strongly influenced by cell structure modifying aid concentration. The effects of comonomer composition and copolymer particle size on pentane content of expandable particles were also studied.
The ‘Double Movements’ of Neighbourhood Change: Gentrification and Public Policy in Harlem and Prenzlauer Berg
Authors: Bernt Matthias
Published: March 2012

This article explores the interrelation of gentrification and public policies in the neighbourhoods of Prenzlauer Berg (Berlin) and Harlem (New York City). It draws on Karl Polanyi’s concept of a ‘double movement’ and argues that gentrification is fundamentally a political process. Thus, while demise in the face of market forces, or even an active support of gentrification, is clearly visible in both neighbourhoods, the relation between public policies and gentrification is also highly unstable and contradictory. The cases studied highlight that the resources to push or prevent gentrification are contingent; they are not built into the essence of urban development.
Optimum controller design of an overhead crane: Monte Carlo versus pre-filter-based designs
Authors: Moustafa Kamal AF , Harib Khalifa H , Omar Farag
Published: March 2012

In this paper, we consider an overhead crane model with some of its parameters known within given upper and lower bounds. It is shown that a controller with single valued gains based on the nominal values of the parameters could lead to unsatisfactory performance. Two design methodologies are applied to guarantee the desired performance of the considered overhead crane model and their results are compared. The first method utilizes the Monte Carlo approach to find optimum values of the controller gains based on minimizing a least-square error function representing the deviation of the swing angle from a desired trajectory. The second method uses a pre-filter to ensure that the closed-loop performance lies within two given desired responses. Simulation results are provided to compare the performance of the two methods where both show reasonable responses. The Monte Carlo-based approach, however, does not require additional hardware components, compared with the pre-filter technique.
How to develop innovators? Innovation education for the gifted1
Authors: Shavinina Larisa
Published: March 2012

Many people correctly believe that a majority of innovators come from the population of gifted and talented children. If we want to develop innovative abilities of the gifted, then a special, new direction in gifted education is needed: innovation education. This article introduces innovation education, which refers to a wide range of educational interventions aimed at identifying, developing, and transforming child talent into adult innovation. Such educational interventions should include, but should not be limited to, the 10 interrelated components. This article describes each of them.
Pump blood processing, salvage and re-transfusion improves hemoglobin levels after coronary artery bypass grafting, but affects coagulative and fibrinolytic systems
Authors: Scrascia G , Rotunno C , Nanna D , Rociola R , Guida P , Rubino G , de Luca Tupputi Schinosa L , Paparella D
Published: March 2012

Cell saving systems are commonly used during cardiac operations to improve hemoglobin levels and to reduce blood product requirements. We analyzed the effects of residual pump blood salvage through a cell saver on coagulation and fibrinolysis activation and on postoperative hemoglobin levels. Thirty-four elective coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) patients were randomized. In 17 patients, residual cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) circuit blood was transfused after the cell saving procedure (cell salvage group). In the other 17 patients, residual CPB circuit blood was discarded (control group). Activation of the coagulative, fibrinolytic and inflammatory systems was evaluated pre-operatively (Pre), 2 hours after the termination of CPB (T0) and 24 hours postoperatively (T1), measuring prothrombin fragment 1.2 (PF 1.2), plasmin-anti-plasmin (PAP), plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) and interleukin-6 (IL-6). The cell salvage group of patients had a significant improvement in hemoglobin levels after processed blood infusion (2.7 ± 1.7 g/dL vs 1.2 ± 1.1 g/dL; p=0.003). PF1.2 levels were significantly higher after infusion (T0: 1175 ± 770 pmol/L vs 730 ± 237 pmol/L; p=0.037; T1: 331 ± 235 pmol/L vs 174 ± 134 pmol/L; p=0.026). Also, PAP levels were higher in the cell salvage group, although not significantly (T0: 253 ± 251 ng/mL vs 168 ± 96 ng/mL; p: NS; T1: 95 ± 60 ng/mL vs 53 ± 32 ng/mL; p: NS). No differences were found for PAI-1, IL-6, heparin levels or for red blood cell (RBC) transfusions. The cell salvage group of patients had increased chest tube drainage (749 ± 320 vs 592 ± 264; p: NS) and fresh frozen plasma transfusion rate (5 (29%) pts vs 0 pts; p<0.04). Pump blood salvage with a cell saving system improved postoperative hemoglobin levels, but induced a strong thrombin generation, fibrinolysis activation and lower fibrinolysis inhibition. These conditions could generate a consumption coagulopathy.
CD25 Is Expressed by Canine Cutaneous Mast Cell Tumors but not by Cutaneous Connective Tissue Mast Cells
Authors: Meyer A. , Gruber A. D. , Klopfleisch R.
Published: March 2012

Canine cutaneous mast cell tumors (MCT) of different histological grades have distinct biological behaviors. However, little is known about underlying molecular mechanisms that lead to tumor development and increasing malignancy with higher tumor grade. Recent studies have identified the interleukin-2 receptor (IL-2R) subunits CD25 and CD2 as markers that distinguish nonneoplastic from neoplastic mast cells in human systemic mastocytosis. In this study, their potential as a marker for canine MCT and their possible impact on MCT carcinogenesis were evaluated. mRNA expression levels of both genes were compared between grade 1 ( n = 12) and grade 3 ( n = 8) MCT, and protein expression levels of CD25 were compared in 90 MCT of different tumor grades. mRNA expression levels of both CD25 and CD2 were upregulated in grade 3 MCT. In contrast, CD25 protein was expressed by fewer tumor cells and at decreased levels in grade 3 tumors, while most grade 1 MCT had strong CD25 protein expression. Moreover, CD25 was not expressed by nonneoplastic, resting cutaneous mast cells, while few presumably activated mast cells in tissue samples from dogs with allergic dermatitis had weak CD25 expression. Taken together, these findings suggest that CD25 may play a critical role in early MCT development and may be a stimulatory factor in grade 1 MCT, while grade 3 MCT seem to be less dependent on CD25. Because of the low number of CD25-positive tumor cells in high-grade tumors, the usefulness of CD25 as a tumor marker is, however, questionable.
X-Chromosome Inactivation Pattern Analysis for the Assessment of Cell Clonality in Cats
Authors: Mochizuki H. , Goto-Koshino Y. , Takahashi M. , Fujino Y. , Ohno K. , Tsujimoto H.
Published: March 2012

X-chromosome inactivation pattern (XCIP) analysis has been widely used to assess cell clonality in various types of neoplasms in humans. In the present study, a polymerase chain reaction–based feline XCIP analysis using the feline androgen receptor gene was developed. To construct the system of the analysis, polymorphism in CAG tandem repeats within the feline androgen receptor gene was explored using somatic DNAs from 50 male and 103 female cats. CAG tandem repeats in exon 1 of the feline androgen receptor gene were found to be polymorphic, containing 15 to 22 CAG repeats. Of the 103 female cats, 70 (68%) were heterozygous for the number of CAG repeats, indicating the possible usefulness of XCIP analysis in cats. Application of the feline XCIP analysis to 3 feline mammary gland adenocarcinoma cell lines revealed distinctly skewed XCIPs in these cell lines, indicating their clonal origins. Twelve (80%) of the 15 primary tissue/cell samples obtained from cats with various neoplastic diseases showed skewed XCIPs. Moreover, bone marrow samples from 3 cats with myelodysplastic syndrome were also found to have skewed XCIPs. The polymerase chain reaction–based XCIP analysis developed in this study can provide information on cell clonality in female cats, potentially facilitating the differential diagnosis of various disorders in cats.
Quality standards and requirements for solid recovered fuels: a review
Authors: Flamme Sabine , Geiping Julia
Published: March 2012

The utilization of solid recovered fuels (SRF) for energy recovery has been increasing steadily in recent years, and this development is set to continue. In order to use SRF efficiently, it is necessary to define quality standards and introduce targeted quality assurance measures. SRF can be used both in mono-incineration and in co-incineration systems, for instance in power generation and cement plants; but as quality requirements differ, it is necessary to unambiguously define the term ‘solid recovered fuel’. The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of the origin, development and the current status of quality assurance for SRF. The basic principles of quality assurance for SRF are explained with reference to the development of the German RAL Quality Assurance System and in addition specifications that have emerged from European standardization work of CEN/TC 343 are analysed.
Using the Test of Variables of Attention to Determine the Effectiveness of Modafinil in Children With Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD): A Prospective Methylphenidate-Controlled Trial
Authors: Goez Helly R. , Scott Ori , Nevo Neta , Bennett-Back Odeya , Zelnik Nathanel
Published: March 2012

The efficacy of modafinil in comparison with methylphenidate in treatment of pediatric attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) has not been thoroughly investigated. This study compared the effect of modafinil versus methylphenidate on continuous attention task in children with ADHD, using the Test of Variables of Attention. Twenty-eight participants completed a baseline test followed by administration of a single dose of either methylphenidate or modafinil, after which the test was repeated. The test was performed a third time, after each subject received a dose of the medication not previously administered. Comparison of scores showed mean baseline, postmethylphenidate, and postmodafinil scores of –2.04, 0.017, and 0.09, respectively. No difference was found between improvements observed with either medication ( P < .05). Adverse events for both agents were mild and self-limited, including abdominal pain, diarrhea, and hyposomnia. The authors conclude that modafinil is as effective as methylphenidate; however, a larger scale long-term study is required to confirm these results.
‘Public administration in an age of austerity’: positive lessons from policy studies
Authors: Cairney Paul
Published: March 2012

A key aim of this special issue is to demonstrate the enduring insights of public policy studies during periods of political crisis and significant policy change. This article establishes our ability to accumulate knowledge in a field often characterised by changing empirical circumstances and changing theories. Theoretical and conceptual advance may be necessary to capture new developments, but must also be balanced with the need to build on what we already know. Periods of crisis may encourage us to upset that balance. They often encourage the idea that political change and behaviour is unprecedented; that new policy making circumstances are unique, or at least so different from the past that it is difficult to learn lessons from history and current theories. In short, the usual rules do not apply and, by extension, we need new theories that account for new practices. However, new tools need to be judged against our existing collection.
Validation of a McKinney-Vento Act Implementation Scale
Authors: Canfield James P. , Teasley Martell L. , Abell Neil , Randolph Karen A.
Published: March 2012

Objective: The McKinney-Vento Act (MVA) is the primary federal policy addressing homelessness in America with specific mandates designed to ameliorate the effects homelessness has on educational attainment for school-age children. The extent to which this policy is implemented may have far-reaching effects for homeless children. The MVA Implementation Scale (MVAIS) was developed for the purpose of providing a tool for assessing school-based social services personnel’s perceived knowledge and awareness of implementation of the MVA within their service areas. This study tests the factor structure, reliability, and validity of the 26-item instrument. Method: Data were collected from a purposive sample of school social workers ( N = 201) attending a Mid-Western regional conference in order to examine the reliability and the validity of this measure. Results: The hypothesized factor structures were confirmed. Findings also indicated high levels of reliability among items, as well as initial evidence of instrument validity. Conclusion: Findings from this study indicate that the MVAIS adequately measures participant’s perceived implementation of the MVA. Future implications for research and practice are discussed.
Measuring the Impact Values of Public Engagement in Medical Contexts
Authors: Watermeyer Richard
Published: March 2012

This article considers the impact values attributed to public engagement with science and technology (PEST) as articulated by a cohort of U.K.-based medical researchers ( n = 84) within a partially open-ended survey. Two discrete yet interlinking impact categories emerge—impact of PEST on researchers and the research process and impact of PEST on the public image and reputation of research/researchers. These accounts reveal a limited sentiment among medical researchers for PEST envisaged as “upstream” and leading to public/patient collaboration and suggest that PEST is encouraged more frequently in the promotion and defense of medical science within the public sphere.
“Everyone May Think Whatever They Like, but Scientists …”
Authors: Mogendorff Karen , te Molder Hedwig , Gremmen Bart , van Woerkum Cees
Published: March 2012

In this study, the authors examine the performative functions of scientists’ discursive constructions of the science-society relationship. They use discursive psychology to analyze interviews with Dutch plant scientists and show that interviewees contrast the freedom of people in the private sphere with scientists’ responsibilities in the professional sphere to regulate “lay” access to science. To accomplish this, interviewees make claims about the scientific value of lay views only after they have displayed their tolerance of these views. Additionally, many interviewees refer to their own lay status in everyday life. Finally, the relationship between findings and recent science communication approaches is discussed.