bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Strengthening International Courts and the Early Settlement of Disputes
Authors: Gilligan Michael , Johns Leslie , Rosendorff B. Peter
Published: January 2010

How does variation in the strength of a court’s jurisdiction and enforcement affect strategic behavior by states involved in international disputes? The authors construct a formal model and identify three important ways that legal institutions can have a deleterious effect on international cooperation by magnifying the bargaining problems arising from incomplete information about the quality of the legal claims. First, strong courts create less information revelation in pretrial bargaining. Second, strong courts reduce the likelihood of pretrial settlements between states. Third, strong courts lead to more brinksmanship over high-value assets, which leads to conflict if the court refuses to intervene. The authors argue that a key policy implication of their model is that attempts to strengthen international courts must be accompanied by increased precision of international law to ameliorate the deleterious effects of strong courts.
Heritability of Dental Fear
Authors: Ray J. , Boman U. Wide , Bodin L. , Berggren U. , Lichtenstein P. , Broberg A.G.
Published: January 2010

The objective was to test a hypothesized genetic component ( i.e., monozygotic being more similar compared with dizygotic twins) in dental fear/anxiety by comparing the probandwise concordance. We analyzed data based on a dichotomous measure of Dental Fear/Anxiety and a continuous measure of Dental Fear Intensity from over 2000 twins, collected when participants were 13–14 years old and once again three years later. The hypothesis was confirmed, but heritability of Dental Fear/Anxiety was estimated to be higher for girls (0.77 at time 1 and 0.55 at time 2) than for boys (0.14 and 0.0 at times 1 and 2, respectively). Heritability of Dental Fear Intensity, however, was similar for girls (0.30 and 0.40 at times 1 and 2, respectively) and boys (0.47, 0.44). Studies of the etiology of dental fear/anxiety should take genetic vulnerability into account and include molecular biology measures. Possible heritability differences between girls and boys need attention.
Analysis of transfer touch voltages in low-voltage electrical installations
Authors: Barrett M. , O'Connell K. , Sung ACM
Published: January 2010

Protection against electric shock in our homes and work places is one of the most important priorities for electrical services engineers who are now designing electrical installations to conform to the requirements of the 17th edition IEE Wiring Regulations (BS7671: 2008). Now Chapter 41 of BS7671: 2008 requires that additional protection by means of a 30 mA 40 ms residual current protection device be provided for final circuits supplying general purpose socket outlets that are intended for use by ‘Ordinary persons’. However, there are few publications and little information available on the theory describing how touch voltage of a dangerous magnitude could be transferred from a faulty circuit onto the exposed-conductive-parts of Class 1 equipment of another healthy circuit. This paper summarises the theory of transfer touch voltage calculations and expands on it to show how to carry out a sensitivity analysis in relation to the design parameters that are being used by designers and installers. Based on the results of a real case study, it appears that there is sufficient evidence to show that it may not be sufficiently safe to use the nominal external earth fault loop impedance quoted by the electricity utility companies for adopting a low touch voltage design.

Practical application: The touch voltage sensitivity equation derived in this paper is a powerful tool for designers and installers of electrical installations to investigate and identify the sensitivity of resulting touch voltages of any electrical circuits.
Robust MPC for temperature control of air-conditioning systems concerning on constraints and multitype uncertainties
Authors: Xinhua Xu  , Shengwei Wang  , Gongsheng Huang
Published: January 2010

This paper presents a robust model-based predictive control (MPC) strategy for temperature control of an air-conditioning system, which consists of multiple local-loop processes and each process suffers from different dynamics uncertainties or variations. When an appropriate sampling period is chosen to discretise the system for computer control, a state-space discrete model with an uncertainty polytope is developed to describe the mixing uncertainties of these type of systems. The main benefit of the proposed description is that robust model predictive control can be easily used to design a robust controller for such a system while taking account of constraints associated with this system. A linear matrix inequality-based MPC algorithm is employed for control design. Case study was conducted on a dynamic simulation platform of an air-conditioning system, which evaluated the developed strategy in various simulation tests by comparing with the conventional PID control. Results demonstrated that the developed strategy is able to deal with constraints and allows stable and robust control while maintaining acceptable thermal comfort. Although the strategy is illustrated and validated using a constant air volume air-conditioning system, it can be applied to other constraint HVAC processes suffering from similar uncertainties.

Practical applications: The main benefit of the developed strategy (including the proposed description and the adopted robust control algorithm) for practical application is that uncertainties and constraints can be dealt with simultaneously in one framework. Constraints in HVAC systems exist due to the application of actuators, for example, the rate limit considered in the paper. Taking account of constraints is useful to prevent unnecessary damages to equipments and maintain the system operating in a safe mode. Most importantly, the control objectives can be achieved in a constraint manner. The consideration of uncertainties, probably due to the changes of operating environment, is useful to release the work of accurate modelling of HVAC processes and online tuning of controllers.
The Family as a Site for Gendered Ethnic Identity Work Among Asian Indian Immigrants
Authors: Mehrotra Meeta , Calasanti Toni M.
Published: January 2010

Research on immigrants often points to the family as a source of support and a location for oppression. Using in-depth interviews with 38 first-generation immigrant Indians, this study adds to this literature by exploring families as sites of identity work where first-generation immigrants manage their gendered ethnic identities. Relocation into a new culture makes ethnic identity salient for the migrants, and they perform identity work to maintain this identity. However, because these identities are simultaneously gendered, enacting these reinforces gender hierarchies within families. Even though migration alters family structures, and especially family roles and responsibilities, individuals retain altered aspects of their roles that reinforce gender and ethnic identity. This identity work thus reinforces the observation that immigrant families can be both a source of strength and oppression. It provides a source of support from the Indian immigrant community while it also reshapes the gender inequalities embedded in Indian family structures.
The Business of Sigint
Authors: Pepper Sir David
Published: January 2010

GCHQ is the UK’s Signals Intelligence agency. The end of the Cold War, the growth of international terrorism and the arrival and subsequent explosive growth of the Internet radically changed the environment in which it had to operate. Recognition of these pressures led GCHQ to begin a wide-ranging change programme in the late 1990s. It included not only technology but also deep change in business processes, leadership and culture. A critically important feature of these changes has been the adoption, and when necessary adaptation, of a wide range of management techniques taken from the private sector. The article examines the range of techniques in question, looking at the extent to which each had to be adapted. It concludes by considering the issues that arise in the general adoption of such techniques in the public sector, concluding that that are no insurmountable obstacles.
‘We’re not ethnic, we’re Irish!’: Oral histories and the discursive construction of immigrant identity
Authors: Clary-Lemon Jennifer
Published: January 2010

This article examines how national and immigrant identities are discursively constructed through the use of oral histories, using a corpus of 15 oral-history interviews (25 hours of transcribed talk) collected from members of the Irish Association of Manitoba. Using a simplified discourse-historical approach, the analysis focuses on content, constructive strategies of assimilation and dissimilation, and the linguistic means by which those strategies are achieved, using Wodak et al.’s (1999) framework from an in-depth study of Austrian discourse and identity. While analysis of participants’ discourse about identity echoed much of the current theoretical knowledge available about identity — that it is a discursive construction revealed in narratives, that it is provisional and negotiated with others — the analysis also showed that for specific subgroups such as immigrants, identity construction is context-dependent, particularly for diasporic groups.
JetFighter: An Experiential Value Chain Exercise
Authors: Sheehan Norman T. , Gamble Edward N.
Published: January 2010

Value chain analysis is widely taught in business schools and applied by practitioners to improve business performance. Despite its ubiquity, many students struggle to understand and apply value chain concepts in practice. JetFighter uses a complex manufacturing process (making intricate paper planes) to provide students an opportunity to enhance their value chain competencies. Teams of students are asked to use value chain concepts to develop innovative business strategies that will enable them to fulfill customer requirements and outperform rival teams. The exercise involves two production periods with a brief value chain lecture occurring after the first production period. Given that teams of students typically lose money in the first production period, their motivation to learn about the value chain concepts is enhanced as they are immediately provided an opportunity to apply this knowledge in the second production period. The award-winning exercise was developed over a 9-year period with the help of undergraduate and masters’ students. Student feedback suggests that they found the exercise an engaging and enlightening way to learn about value chain analysis as 99% of students ( n = 244) recommend that instructors at other universities use the exercise.
Metastatic Tumors to the Penis
Authors: Chaux Alcides , Amin Mahul , Cubilla Antonio L. , Young Robert H.
Published: January 2010

This study presents clinicopathologic and outcome features of 17 patients with metastatic tumor to the penis. Primary sites and histological types were as follows: 6 urothelial carcinomas of urinary bladder, 4 prostatic carcinomas (2 adenocarcinomas and 2 adenosquamous carcinomas), 2 colorectal adenocarcinomas, 2 pulmonary carcinomas (1 squamous cell carcinoma and 1 small cell carcinoma), 1 squamous cell carcinoma of base of the tongue, 1 cutaneous malignant melanoma, and 1 acute myeloid leukemia. Literature review revealed similar distribution of organ sites in 437 cases. Most of our tumors were metachronous. Interval between primary and penile metastasis ranged from 3 to 60 months (mean 16 months). Most of the patients presented with a penile mass. Priapism was observed in 4 patients. The shaft was the commonest anatomical site involved (12 cases). Tumor emboli were usually found in the erectile tissues (14 cases), mainly corpora cavernosa. A total of 14 patients died of disseminated disease. Time interval between primary tumor and penile metastasis ranged from 3 to 60 months (mean 19 months) and between diagnosis of penile metastasis and death ranged from 0.25 to 18 months (mean 6 months), significantly shorter ( P = .0058). Patients presented a median survival of 18 months from primary treatment and 5 months after diagnosis of penile metastasis. None of the patients who died of disseminated cancer lived more than 18 months after pathological diagnosis. Clinical evidence of penile involvement in a patient with a known malignancy is an ominous sign and should alert the clinicians to the dismal prognosis.
Role of c-Jun N-terminal Kinase in the Regulation of Vascular Tone
Authors: Zhou Ming-Sheng , Schulman Ivonne Hernandez , Chadipiralla Kiranmai , Raij Leopoldo
Published: January 2010

The c-Jun N-terminal kinases (JNKs) belong to the mitogen-activated protein kinases superfamily, which play an important role in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. However, it is still unclear whether JNK participates in the regulation of vascular tone. We investigated the effect of JNK inhibitors on vascular reactivity in aortic rings in organ bath and on angiotensin (Ang) II-induced pressor responses in vivo in Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats. In aortic rings from SD rats, KCl, norepinephrine (NE), Ang II, or endothelin 1 (ET)-1 induced a dose-dependent vasoconstriction. Preincubation with the JNK inhibitor SP600125 (20 μmol/L) slightly inhibited KCl-induced vasoconstriction (Emax: —19%) and markedly inhibited vasoconstriction to NE (—42%), Ang II (—54%), and ET-1 (—42%). SP600125 induced a dose-dependent relaxation in the NE-preconstricted aortic rings (—54%) but exerted minimal relaxation in the KCI-preconstriction rings. To exclude the nonspecific effect of SP600125, we performed additional experiments using JNK peptide inhibitor 1, L-stereoisomer (L-JNKI1), a cell-permeable peptide inhibitor specific for JNK. Compared to SP600125, L-JNKI1 (20 μmol/L) had a smaller but still significant inhibitory effect on NE-induced vasoconstriction (—18%) and did not inhibit KCI-induced vasoconstriction. Next, we investigated the effect of L-JNKI1 (5 mg/kg intravenously [IV]) in vivo on Ang II-induced pressor responses in SD rats. Ang II induces a dose-dependent increase in systolic blood pressure and L-JNKI1 slightly attenuated the Ang II-induced pressor response. These results suggest that JNK signaling plays a role in the regulation of vascular tone.
Response to Coyne et al
Authors: Hanssen F. Andrew , Meehan James W.
Published: January 2010

The Coyne, Issacs, and Schwartz comment appears to rest on a fundamental misunderstanding of the difference between a critique and an original work.
Wii Will Become Silhouettes
Authors: Burrill Derek A.
Published: January 2010

The Nintendo Wii functions as an imploded identity stage, where the player interacts with the screen, the wand, and with the other players as a kind of virtual puppet for the self. This differentiates Wii games from other videogames in that the moving, acting body becomes the center of the play, where four modes of production define the parameters and norms of play: technique, discipline, improvisation, and defiance. The player acts with and through these four modes in order to view themselves as a more enhanced part of the game and the screen. Thus, the body becomes the central site of game play, instead of the avatar, the gamespace, or the gaze of the player on both.
The Banality of Boundaries: Performance of the Nation in a Japanese Television Comedy
Authors: Perkins Chris
Published: January 2010

Through the framework provided by what Billig terms “banal nationalism,” this article analyzes the performance of national identity in the Japanese media.The specific target for analysis is an episode of nodame cantabile, first broadcast on the Fuji Television Network in 2006. After a review of literature on Japanese nationalism, a number of bordering processes are identified, in particular: the presentation of a Japan—the West dichotomy, the re-presentation of social relationships and semiotic markers of Japaneseness, narrative devices that promote confidence in the Japanese mode of social organization, and the role of “trickster” played by a “foreign” conductor. The significance of these processes becomes clear when placed within the context of what, in the literature, has been termed the emergence of a diverse and multicultural “New Japan.” Although the observations contained in this article do not refute this thesis, they do add a cautionary note. As is shown, the representation of Otherness found in this episode, and the way in which “Japaneseness” is placed in relationships with the Other, highlights difference and instrumentalizes foreigners in a way that reinforces ideas of national and cultural boundedness. For a “New Japan” to emerge, it is argued, alternative forms of representation are needed; however, the possibility of this or any kind of neutral representation is called into question. The article concludes by considering avenues for further research as well as the limits and potential of this type of interpretive research.
Behavioral Activation and CBT as an Intervention for Coexistent Major Depression and Social Phobia for a Biracial Client With Diabetes
Authors: Staley Cameron S. , Lawyer Steven R.
Published: January 2010

Major depressive disorder (MDD) and social anxiety disorder (SAD) frequently co-occur in individuals seeking treatment for either problem individually. Strong empirical support exists for the use of behavioral activation approaches for MDD and for cognitive-behavioral approaches for SAD, but these strategies may also work well when used concurrently to treat comorbid MDD and SAD. This study presents a biracial client seeking treatment for chronic MDD maintained in part by his symptoms associated with SAD, which also impacted service utilization in relation to diabetes. Behavioral activation treatment for depression (BATD) and cognitive-behavioral therapy for SAD were used integratively to simultaneously address MDD and SAD symptoms. Following nine sessions of treatment, the patient experienced dramatic changes in both anxiety and depression symptoms across all measures and successfully sought out and received medical treatment for his health problems. Data from this case study suggest an integrative approach for addressing co-occurring MDD and SAD symptoms.
Amino acid residues Arg659, Arg660, and Tyr661 in the spacer domain of ADAMTS13 are critical for cleavage of von Willebrand factor
Authors: Jin Sheng-Yu , Skipwith Christopher G. , Zheng X. Long
Published: January 2010

Previous studies have shown that ADAMTS13 spacer domain is required for cleavage of von Willebrand factor (VWF). However, the exact amino acid residues within this domain critical for substrate recognition are not known. Epitope mapping of anti-ADAMTS13 immunoglobulin G from patients with thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura and sequence alignment of the ADAMTS13 spacer domains of human, mouse, and zebrafish with these of human and murine ADAMTS1, a closely related member of ADAMTS family, have provided hints to investigate the role of the amino acid residues between Arg659 and Glu664 of the ADAMTS13 spacer domain in substrate recognition. A deletion of all these 6 amino acid residues (ie, Arg659-Glu664) from the ADAMTS13 spacer domain resulted in dramatically reduced proteolytic activity toward VWF73 peptides, guanidine-HCl denatured VWF, and native VWF under fluid shear stress, as well as ultralarge VWF on endothelial cells. Site-directed mutagenesis, kinetic analyses, and peptide inhibition assays have further identified a role for amino acid residues Arg659, Arg660, and Tyr661 in proteolytic cleavage of various substrates under static and fluid shear stress conditions. These findings may provide novel insight into the structural-function relationship of ADAMTS13 and help us to understand pathogenesis of thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura and other arterial thromboses associated with compromised VWF proteolysis.
Targeting the translational machinery as a novel treatment strategy for hematologic malignancies
Authors: Hagner Patrick R. , Schneider Abraham , Gartenhaus Ronald B.
Published: January 2010

The dysregulation of protein synthesis evident in the transformed phenotype has opened up a burgeoning field of research in cancer biology. Translation initiation has recently been shown to be a common downstream target of signal transduction pathways deregulated in cancer and initiated by mutated/overexpressed oncogenes and tumor suppressors. The overexpression and/or activation of proteins involved in translation initiation such as eIF4E, mTOR, and eIF4G have been shown to induce a malignant phenotype. Therefore, understanding the mechanisms that control protein synthesis is emerging as an exciting new research area with significant potential for developing innovative therapies. This review highlights molecules that are activated or dysregulated in hematologic malignancies, and promotes the transformed phenotype through the deregulation of protein synthesis. Targeting these proteins with small molecule inhibitors may constitute a novel therapeutic approach in the treatment of cancer.
LucidDraw: Efficiently visualizing complex biochemical networks within MATLAB
Authors: He Sheng , Mei Juan , Shi Guiyang , Wang Zhengxiang , Li Weijiang
Published: January 2010

Background

Biochemical networks play an essential role in systems biology. Rapidly growing network data and versatile research activities call for convenient visualization tools to aid intuitively perceiving abstract structures of networks and gaining insights into the functional implications of networks. There are various kinds of network visualization software, but they are usually not adequate for visual analysis of complex biological networks mainly because of the two reasons: 1) most existing drawing methods suitable for biochemical networks have high computation loads and can hardly achieve near real-time visualization; 2) available network visualization tools are designed for working in certain network modeling platforms, so they are not convenient for general analyses due to lack of broader range of readily accessible numerical utilities.

Results

We present LucidDraw as a visual analysis tool, which features (a) speed: typical biological networks with several hundreds of nodes can be drawn in a few seconds through a new layout algorithm; (b) ease of use: working within MATLAB makes it convenient to manipulate and analyze the network data using a broad spectrum of sophisticated numerical functions; (c) flexibility: layout styles and incorporation of other available information about functional modules can be controlled by users with little effort, and the output drawings are interactively modifiable.

Conclusions

Equipped with a new grid layout algorithm proposed here, LucidDraw serves as an auxiliary network analysis tool capable of visualizing complex biological networks in near real-time with controllable layout styles and drawing details. The framework of the algorithm enables easy incorporation of extra biological information, if available, to influence the output layouts with predefined node grouping features.
Respiratory sound energy and its distribution patterns following clinical improvement of congestive heart failure: a pilot study
Authors: Wang Zhen , Baumann Brigitte M , Slutsky Karen , Gruber Karen N , Jean Smith
Published: January 2010

Background

Although congestive heart failure (CHF) patients typically present with abnormal auscultatory findings on lung examination, respiratory sounds are not normally subjected to additional analysis. The aim of this pilot study was to examine respiratory sound patterns of CHF patients using acoustic-based imaging technology. Lung vibration energy was examined during acute exacerbation and after clinical improvement.

Methods

Respiratory sounds throughout the respiratory cycle were captured using an acoustic-based imaging technique. Twenty-three consecutive CHF patients were imaged at the time of presentation to the emergency department and after clinical improvement. Digital images were created (a larger image represents more homogeneously distributed vibration energy of respiratory sound). Geographical area of the images and respiratory sound patterns were quantitatively analyzed. Data from the CHF patients were also compared to healthy volunteers.

Results

The median (interquartile range) geographical areas of the vibration energy image of acute CHF patients without and with radiographically evident pulmonary edema were 66.9 (9.0) and 64.1(9.0) kilo-pixels, respectively (p< 0.05). After clinical improvement, the geographical area of the vibration energy image of CHF patients without and with radiographically evident pulmonary edema were increased by 18 ± 15% (p< 0.05) and 25 ± 16% (p< 0.05), respectively.

Conclusions

With clinical improvement of acute CHF exacerbations, there was more homogenous distribution of lung vibration energy, as demonstrated by the increased geographical area of the vibration energy image.
Stable alterations of CD44 isoform expression in prostate cancer cells decrease invasion and growth and alter ligand binding and chemosensitivity
Authors: Yang Kui , Tang Yaqiong , Habermehl Gabriel K , Iczkowski Kenneth A
Published: January 2010

Background

Dysregulated CD44 expression characterizes most human cancers, including prostate cancer (PCa). PCa loses expression of CD44 standard (CD44s) that is present in benign epithelium, and overexpresses the novel splice variant isoform, CD44v7-10.

Methods

Using retroviral gene delivery to PC-3M PCa cells, we expressed luciferase-only, enforced CD44s re-expression as a fusion protein with luciferase at its C-terminus or as a protein separate from luciferase, or knocked down CD44v7-10 by RNAi. Invasion, migration, proliferation, soft agar colony formation, adhesion, Docetaxel sensitivity, and xenograft growth assays were carried out. Expression responses of merlin, a CD44 binding partner, and growth-permissive phospho-merlin, were assessed by western blot.

Results

Compared to luciferase-only PC-3M cells, all three treatments reduced invasion and migration. Growth and soft agar colony formation were reduced only by re-expression of CD44s as a separate or fusion protein but not CD44v7-10 RNAi. Hyaluronan and osteopontin binding were greatly strengthened by CD44s expression as a separate protein, but not a fusion protein. CD44v7-10 RNAi in PC-3M cells caused marked sensitization to Docetaxel; the two CD44s re-expression approaches caused minimal sensitization. In limited numbers of mouse subcutaneous xenografts, all three alterations produced only nonsignificant trends toward slower growth compared with luciferase-only controls. The expression of CD44s as a separate protein, but not a fusion protein, caused emergence of a strongly-expressed, hypophosphorylated species of phospho-merlin.

Conclusion

Stable re-expression of CD44s reduces PCa growth and invasion in vitro, and possibly in vivo, suggesting CD44 alterations have potential as gene therapy. When the C-terminus of CD44s is fused to another protein, most phenotypic effects are lessened, particularly hyaluronan adhesion. Finally, CD44v7-10, although it was not functionally significant for growth, may be a target for chemosensitization.
Role of IAPs in prostate cancer progression: immunohistochemical study in normal and pathological (benign hyperplastic, prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia and cancer) human prostate
Authors: Rodríguez-Berriguete Gonzalo , Fraile Benito , de Bethencourt Fermín R , Prieto-Folgado Angela , Bartolome Nahikari , Nuñez Claudia , Prati Bruna , Martínez-Onsurbe Pilar , Olmedilla Gabriel , Paniagua Ricardo , Royuela Mar
Published: January 2010

Background

In this study was investigate IAPs in normal human prostate (NP), benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PIN) and prostatic carcinoma (PC), and their involvement in apoptosis/proliferation via NF-kB (TNF-α, IL-1) stimulation.

Methods

Immunohistochemical and Western blot analyses were performed in 10 samples of normal prostates, 35 samples of BPH, 27 samples diagnosis of PIN (with low-grade PIN or high-grade PIN) and 95 samples of PC (with low, medium or high Gleason grades).

Results

In NP, cytoplasm of epithelial cells were positive to c-IAP1/2 (80% of samples), c-IAP-2 (60%), ILP (20%), XIAP (20%); negative to NAIP and survivin. In BPH, epithelial cells were immunostained to c-IAP1/2 (57.57%), c-IAP-2 (57.57%), ILP (66.6%), NAIP (60.6%), XIAP (27.27%), survivin (9.1%). Whereas low-grade PIN showed intermediate results between NP and BPH; results in high-grade PIN were similar to those found in PC. In PC, epithelial cells were immunostained to c-IAP1/2, c-IAP-2, ILP, NAIP, XIAP (no Gleason variation) and survivin (increasing with Gleason).

Conclusions

IAPs could be involved in prostate disorder (BPH, PIN and PC) development since might be provoke inhibition of apoptosis and subsequently cell proliferation. At the same time, different transduction pathway such as IL-1/NIK/NF-kB or TNF/NF-kB (NIK or p38) also promotes proliferation. Inhibitions of IAPs, IL-1α and TNFα might be a possible target for PC treatment since IAPs are the proteins that inhibited apoptosis (favour proliferation) and IL-1α and TNFα would affect all the transduction pathway involucrate in the activation of transcription factors related to survival or proliferation (NF-kB, Elk-1 or ATF-2).
A method to predict breast cancer stage using Medicare claims
Authors: Smith Grace L , Shih Ya-Chen T , Giordano Sharon H , Smith Benjamin D , Buchholz Thomas A
Published: January 2010

Background

In epidemiologic studies, cancer stage is an important predictor of outcomes. However, cancer stage is typically unavailable in medical insurance claims datasets, thus limiting the usefulness of such data for epidemiologic studies. Therefore, we sought to develop an algorithm to predict cancer stage based on covariates available from claims-based data.

Methods

We identified a cohort of 77,306 women age ≥ 66 years with stage I-IV breast cancer, using the Surveillence Epidemiology and End Results (SEER)-Medicare database. We formulated an algorithm to predict cancer stage using covariates (demographic, tumor, and treatment characteristics) obtained from claims. Logistic regression models derived prediction equations in a training set, and equations' test characteristics (sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value [NPV]) were calculated in a validation set.

Results

Of the entire sample of women diagnosed with invasive breast cancer, 51% had stage I; 26% stage II; 11% stage III; and 4% stage IV disease. The equation predicting stage IV disease achieved sensitivity of 81%, specificity 89%, positive predictive value (PPV) 24%, and negative predictive value (NPV) 99%, while the equation distinguishing stage I/II from stage III disease achieved sensitivity 83%, specificity 78%, PPV 98%, and NPV 31%. Combined, the equations most accurately identified early stage disease and ascertained a sample in which 98% of patients were stage I or II.

Conclusions

A claims-based algorithm was utilized to predict breast cancer stage, and was particularly successful when used to identify early stage disease. These prediction equations may be applied in future studies of breast cancer patients, substantially improving the utility of claims-based studies in this group. This method may similarly be employed to develop algorithms permitting claims-based epidemiologic studies of patients with other cancers.
Including RNA secondary structures improves accuracy and robustness in reconstruction of phylogenetic trees
Authors: Keller Alexander , Förster Frank , Müller Tobias , Dandekar Thomas , Schultz Jörg , Wolf Matthias
Published: January 2010

Background

In several studies, secondary structures of ribosomal genes have been used to improve the quality of phylogenetic reconstructions. An extensive evaluation of the benefits of secondary structure, however, is lacking.

Results

This is the first study to counter this deficiency. We inspected the accuracy and robustness of phylogenetics with individual secondary structures by simulation experiments for artificial tree topologies with up to 18 taxa and for divergency levels in the range of typical phylogenetic studies. We chose the internal transcribed spacer 2 of the ribosomal cistron as an exemplary marker region. Simulation integrated the coevolution process of sequences with secondary structures. Additionally, the phylogenetic power of marker size duplication was investigated and compared with sequence and sequence-structure reconstruction methods. The results clearly show that accuracy and robustness of Neighbor Joining trees are largely improved by structural information in contrast to sequence only data, whereas a doubled marker size only accounts for robustness.

Conclusions

Individual secondary structures of ribosomal RNA sequences provide a valuable gain of information content that is useful for phylogenetics. Thus, the usage of ITS2 sequence together with secondary structure for taxonomic inferences is recommended. Other reconstruction methods as maximum likelihood, bayesian inference or maximum parsimony may equally profit from secondary structure inclusion.

Reviewers

This article was reviewed by Shamil Sunyaev, Andrea Tanzer (nominated by Frank Eisenhaber) and Eugene V. Koonin.

Open peer review

Reviewed by Shamil Sunyaev, Andrea Tanzer (nominated by Frank Eisenhaber) and Eugene V. Koonin. For the full reviews, please go to the Reviewers' comments section.
Distinct cerebrospinal fluid amyloid β peptide signatures in sporadic and PSEN1A431E-associated familial Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Portelius Erik , Andreasson Ulf , Ringman John M , Buerger Katharina , Daborg Jonny , Buchhave Peder , Hansson Oskar , Harmsen Andreas , Gustavsson Mikael K , Hanse Eric , Galasko Douglas , Hampel Harald , Blennow Kaj , Zetterberg Henrik
Published: January 2010

Background

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is associated with deposition of amyloid β (Aβ) in the brain, which is reflected by low concentration of the Aβ1-42 peptide in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). There are at least 15 additional Aβ peptides in human CSF and their relative abundance pattern is thought to reflect the production and degradation of Aβ. Here, we test the hypothesis that AD is characterized by a specific CSF Aβ isoform pattern that is distinct when comparing sporadic AD (SAD) and familial AD (FAD) due to different mechanisms underlying brain amyloid pathology in the two disease groups.

Results

We measured Aβ isoform concentrations in CSF from 18 patients with SAD, 7 carriers of the FAD-associated presenilin 1 (PSEN1) A431E mutation, 17 healthy controls and 6 patients with depression using immunoprecipitation-mass spectrometry. Low CSF levels of Aβ1-42 and high levels of Aβ1-16 distinguished SAD patients and FAD mutation carriers from healthy controls and depressed patients. SAD and FAD were characterized by similar changes in Aβ1-42 and Aβ1-16, but FAD mutation carriers exhibited very low levels of Aβ1-37, Aβ1-38 and Aβ1-39.

Conclusion

SAD patients andPSEN1A431E mutation carriers are characterized by aberrant CSF Aβ isoform patterns that hold clinically relevant diagnostic information.PSEN1A431E mutation carriers exhibit low levels of Aβ1-37, Aβ1-38 and Aβ1-39; fragments that are normally produced by γ-secretase, suggesting that thePSEN1A431E mutation modulates γ-secretase cleavage site preference in a disease-promoting manner.
Effect of Steam on the Steam-Assisted Crystallization of *BEA-Type Zeolite
Authors: Inagaki Satoshi , Nakatsuyama Kei , Kikuchi Eiichi , Matsukata Masahiko
Published: January 2010

We have studied the effect of steam in the steam-assisted crystallization (SAC) of *BEA-type zeolite. It was found that after an aluminosilicate dry gel with SiO2/Al2O3 = 100 was treated with steam in an autoclave at 130 °C and autogenous pressure, the thermal treatment of a resulting product at 130 °C in an autoclave without the addition of water gave *BEA nanoparticles with a high crystallinity. It was presumed that pseudo-*BEA structures as intermediates were formed during the SAC treatment, and the dehydration of silanols in the pseudo-*BEA solids during the thermal treatment in the presence of a minimum amount of water possibly promoted the transformation of the pseudo-*BEA phase into *BEA crystalline phase with a periodicity in long-range order.
Amino(porphyrinato)antimony(V) Complexes as a Fluorosensor for Selective and Sensitive Detection of Trivalent Metal Cations
Authors: Tsunami Shin-ichiro , Fujiwara Hirotaka , Matsumoto Jin , Shiragami Tsutomu , Yasuda Masahide
Published: January 2010

The additive effects of metal cations on the fluorescence quantum yield (Φf) were investigated for weak-emissive amino(tetraphenylporphyrinato)antimony(V) bromide (1). When the µmol dm−3 of trivalent metal cations such as Al3+, Ga3+, In3+, and Lu3+ were added to MeCN solution of 1, the Φf was remarkably enhanced. The dependences of Soret band shift and Φf upon the addition of trivalent metal cations revealed that a transition from S2 state to the partially charge-shifted state was prevented by coordinating trivalent metal cations to the axial nitrogen atom of 1. 1 worked as a selective fluorosensor for detecting µmol dm−3 trivalent metal cations.
Surface Functionalization of Fluoroalkyl End-Capped Oligomer/Silica Nancomposites via Graft Polymerization: Application to the Dispersion of Fullerene and Single-Walled Carbon Nanotubes in Water with These Nanocomposites
Authors: Sawada Hideo , Goto Yuki , Narumi Tamikazu
Published: January 2010

Fluoroalkyl end-capped acrylic acid oligomer/silica nanocomposites [RF–(ACA)n–RF/SiO2] containing vinyl (VinylSi) or methacryloyloxypropyl (MAcrylSi) groups were prepared by the sol–gel reactions of the corresponding fluorinated oligomer with tetraethoxysilane and silica nanoparticles in the presence of trimethoxyvinylsilane or 3-methacryloyloxypropyltrimethoxysilane under alkaline conditions, respectively. These fluorinated nanocomposites were applied to surface initiated radical copolymerization, and polystyrene (PSt) and poly(N,N-dimethylacrylamide) (PDMAA) grafted RF–(ACA)n–RF/SiO2 nanocomposites were prepared by the surface copolymerizations of RF–(ACA)n–RF/SiO2 containing VinylSi (or MAcrylSi) groups with styrene or N,N-dimethylacrylamide. In these nanocomposites, PSt–VinylSi grafted RF–(ACA)n–RF/SiO2 nanocomposite, which was prepared by the surface copolymerization of RF–(ACA)n–RF/SiO2 containing VinylSi groups with styrene, are useful for a new fluorinated polysoap, and this nanocomposite was the most effective for the dispersion of fullerene and single-walled carbon nanotubes into water.
Catalytic Enantioselective Alkylation and Arylation of Aldehydes by Using Grignard Reagents
Authors: Muramatsu Yusuke , Kanehira Shinichi , Tanigawa Masato , Miyawaki Yuta , Harada Toshiro
Published: January 2010

We have developed an efficient and practical method for the catalytic enantioselective alkylation and arylation of aldehydes by using Grignard reagents in combination with titanium tetraisopropoxide. Grignard reagents and titanium tetraisopropoxide are mixed in a molar ratio of ca. 1:2. In the presence of catalyst (2–4 mol %), which is formed in situ from a BINOL ligand 4a and 4b and titanium tetraisopropoxide, the resulting mixed titanium reagents undergo addition to aldehydes with high enantioselectivities (typically >90% ee) and high yields. The method is applicable to various combination of aldehydes (R1CHO; R1 = aryl, heteroaryl, 1-alkenyl, and alkyl) and Grignard reagents (R2MgX; R2 = primary alkyl and aryl). Thus, a variety of enantiomerically enriched secondary alcohols (R1CH*(OH)R2) can be prepared. It has also been demonstrated that functionalized aryl Grignard reagents can be employed to generate highly functionalized diarylmethanols. The preparative utility of the method has been shown by the fact that the reaction is operationally simple, can be carried out on a 10-mmol scale without any difficulty, and the ligands can be readily recovered.
A profile of dengue cases admitted to a tertiary care hospital in Karnataka, southern India
Authors: Kumar Ashwini , Pandit Vinay Ramakrishna , Shetty Sirish , Pattanshetty Sanjay , Krish Sonia Nagesh , Roy Sreoshi
Published: January 2010

During the past two decades, epidemics of dengue fever have been causing concern in several South-East Asian countries, including India. A study was conducted in a tertiary care hospital situated in Southern India to determine the trends and outcome of dengue cases. There was a steady rise in number of cases from 2002 to 2007, with the largest number of cases seen in 2007. Most cases were observed in the post-monsoon season in the month of September. Out of a total of 344 cases, 285 (82.8%) patients had dengue fever, 34 (9.8%) had dengue haemorrhagic fever and 25 (7.3%) had dengue shock syndrome. Deaths were reported in nine cases, with the majority of deaths occuring in 2003. The disease control programme should emphasise on vector surveillance, integrated vector control, emergency response, early clinical diagnosis and appropriate management of the cases.
Multimerization of Staufen1 in live cells
Authors: Martel Catherine , Dugré-Brisson Samuel , Boulay Karine , Breton Billy , Lapointe Gabriel , Armando Sylvain , Trépanier Véronique , Duchaîne Thomas , Bouvier Michel , Desgroseillers Luc
Published: January 2010

Transport of mRNA is an efficient mechanism to target proteins to specific regions of a cell. Although it is well documented that mRNAs are transported in ribonucleoprotein (RNP) complexes, several of the mechanisms involved in complex formation and localization are poorly understood. Staufen (Stau) 1, a double-stranded RNA-binding protein, is a well accepted marker of mRNA transport complexes. In this manuscript, we provide evidence that Stau1 self-associates in live cells using immunoprecipitation and bioluminescence resonance energy transfer (BRET) assays. The double-stranded RNA-binding domains dsRBD3 and dsRBD4 contributed about half of the signal, suggesting that Stau1 RNA-binding activity is involved in Stau1 self-association. Protein–protein interaction also occurred, via dsRBD5 and dsRBD2, as shown by in vitro pull-down, yeast two-hybrid, and BRET assays in live cells. Interestingly, Stau1 self-association contributes to the formation of oligomeric complexes as evidenced by the coexpression of split Renilla luciferase halves covalently linked to Stau1 in a protein complementation assay (PCA) combined with a BRET assay with Stau1-YFP. Moreover, we showed that these higher-order Stau1-containing complexes carry RNAs when the RNA stain SYTO 14 was used as the energy acceptor in the PCA/BRET assay. The oligomeric composition of Stau1-containing complexes and the presence of specific mRNAs have been confirmed by biochemical approaches involving two successive immunoprecipitations of Stau1-tagged molecules followed by qRT-PCR amplification. Altogether, these results indicate that Stau1 self-associates in mRNPs via its multiple functional domains that can select mRNAs to be transported and establish protein–protein interaction.
Structure and activity of putative intronic miRNA promoters
Authors: Monteys Alex Mas , Spengler Ryan M. , Wan Ji , Tecedor Luis , Lennox Kimberly A. , Xing Yi , Davidson Beverly L.
Published: January 2010

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are RNA sequences of ∼22 nucleotides that mediate post-transcriptional regulation of specific mRNAs. miRNA sequences are dispersed throughout the genome and are classified as intergenic (between genes) or intronic (embedded into a gene). Intergenic miRNAs are expressed by their own promoter, and until recently, it was supposed that intronic miRNAs are transcribed from their host gene. Here, we performed a genomic analysis of currently known intronic miRNA regions and observed that ∼35% of intronic miRNAs have upstream regulatory elements consistent with promoter function. Among all intronic miRNAs, 30% have associated Pol II regulatory elements, including transcription start sites, CpG islands, expression sequence tags, and conserved transcription factor binding sites, while 5% contain RNA Pol III regulatory elements (A/B box sequences). We cloned intronic regions encompassing miRNAs and their upstream Pol II (miR-107, miR-126, miR-208b, miR-548f-2, miR-569, and miR-590) or Pol III (miR-566 and miR-128-2) sequences into a promoterless plasmid, and confirmed that miRNA expression occurs independent of host gene transcription. For miR-128-2, a miRNA overexpressed in acute lymphoblastic leukemia, ChIP analysis suggests dual regulation by both intronic (Pol III) and host gene (Pol II) promoters. These data support complex regulation of intronic miRNA expression, and have relevance to disregulation in disease settings.
C-Reactive Protein Uptake by Macrophage Cell Line via Class-A Scavenger Receptor
Authors: Fujita Yoshiko , Kakino Akemi , Harada-Shiba Mariko , Sato Yuko , Otsui Kazunori , Yoshimoto Ryo , Sawamura Tatsuya
Published: January 2010

Background: C-reactive protein (CRP) increases in response to inflammation and is purported to be a risk factor for atherogenesis. We recently demonstrated that a scavenger receptor, lectin-like oxidized LDL receptor (LOX-1), is a receptor for CRP. In light of the overlapping ligand spectrum of scavenger receptors such as modified LDL, bacteria, and advanced glycation end products, we examined whether other scavenger receptors recognize CRP.

Methods: We analyzed the uptake of fluorescently labeled CRP in COS-7 cells expressing a series of scavenger receptors and in a monocytic cell line, THP-1, differentiated into macrophage with phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA). We applied small interfering RNA (siRNA) against class-A scavenger receptor (SR-A) to THP-1 cells to suppress the expression of SR-A. We also analyzed the binding of nonlabeled CRP to immobilized recombinant LOX-1 and SR-A in vitro using anti-CRP antibody.

Results: COS-7 cells expressing LOX-1 and SR-A internalized fluorescently labeled CRP in a dose-dependent manner, but cells expressing CD36, SR-BI, or CD68 did not. The recombinant LOX-1 and SR-A proteins recognized nonlabeled purified CRP and native CRP in serum in vitro. THP-1 cells differentiated into macrophage-like cells by treatment with PMA-internalized fluorescently labeled CRP. siRNA against SR-A significantly and concomitantly inhibited the expression of SR-A (P < 0.01) and CRP uptake (P < 0.01), whereas control siRNA did not.

Conclusions: CRP is recognized by SR-A as well as LOX-1 and taken up via SR-A in a macrophage-like cell line. This process might be of significance in the pathogenesis of atherosclerotic disease.
Alteration of the unsteady sorption behaviour of maple (Acer pseudoplatanus L.) and spruce (Picea abies (L.) Karst.) due to thermal modification
Authors: Pfriem Alexander , Zauer Mario , Wagenführ André
Published: January 2010

The aim of the present investigation was to evaluate the influence of a thermal modification on the kinetics of the water vapour sorption of maple (Acer pseudoplatanus L.) and spruce [Picea abies (L.) Karst.] based on the assumption that the Fickian equation can be applied in this regard in the first approximation. The unsteady-state sorption process between two equilibria of humidity was modelled as a diffusion process. The rate of sorption was recorded by the gravimetric method, and then the diffusion coefficient was determined through inverse parameter identification. The thermal modification leads to an alteration of the unsteady sorption behaviour of both wood species. Transport of water vapour decreases with increasing degree of modification. Depending on wood moisture, the trends of diffusion coefficients include all three levels of modification. Furthermore, the diffusion coefficients decrease when the thickness of specimens decreases. The calculated diffusion coefficients showed a length dependency both for unmodified and thermally modified spruce and maple. Accordingly, the results clearly show that these woods have a non-Fickian moisture transport behaviour. The results are nevertheless useful for comparative purposes.