bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cyclone‐driven deep sea injection of freshwater and heat by hyperpycnal flow in the subtropics
Authors: Kao S. J. , Dai M. , Selvaraj K. , Zhai W. , Cai P. , Chen S. N. , Yang J. Y. T. , Liu J. T. , Liu C. C. , Syvitski J. P. M.
Published: November 2010

The western tropical Pacific gives birth to 23 tropical cyclones annually, bringing torrential rainfall to mountainous islands across Oceania resulting in a global sediment production hotspot, in which many rivers have great hyperpycnal potential. By using a temperature (T) and salinity (S) profiler, we observed anomalously warm, low salinity turbid water at 3000–3700 m depths in seas ∼180 km off southwestern Taiwan immediately after Typhoon Morakot in 2009. This 250m‐thick bottom‐hugging water occupies ∼2400 km2, and contains 0.15% freshwater, suggesting a remarkably high fraction (6–10%) of event rainfall from southwestern Taiwan. These characteristics indicate the turbid water originated from shallow coastal waters via hyperpycnal flow. Apparently, sediment produced from the land during tropical cyclones open an “express gate” to convey heat and freshwater vertically to the deep ocean basin subsequently warming the deep water from the bottom up.
Realism of local and remote feedbacks on tropical sea surface temperatures in climate models
Authors: Shin Sang‐Ik , Sardeshmukh Prashant D. , Pegion Kathy
Published: November 2010

An important emerging issue in climate research is the degree to which a sea surface temperature (SST) change in one tropical ocean basin affects the SST in other basins. In this study, the SST interactions among eight broadly defined regions of coherent SST variability in the tropical Pacific, Indian, and Atlantic oceans are estimated using 3 observational and 76 climate model simulation data sets of the 20th century. The eight‐dimensional SST feedback matrix is estimated separately using each data set by constructing a Linear Inverse Model based on the lag‐covariance statistics of the 100 year monthly SST time series. The simulated feedback matrices are found to differ in several key respects from the observed matrices and also from one another. In particular, the influence of the eastern Pacific ENSO region on other regions and of the other regions on the ENSO region is found to vary considerably from model to model. The representation of remote interactions with the Indo‐Pacific Warm Pool region is also found to be highly variable. It is argued that these large errors/differences arise mainly from differences in the representation of the remote atmospheric teleconnective feedbacks, and to a lesser extent the local radiative‐thermodynamic feedbacks, on the SSTs in the models, whereas differences in the representation of the tropical oceanic wave dynamics are likely less important.
A dynamic organic soil biogeochemical model for simulating the effects of wildfire on soil environmental conditions and carbon dynamics of black spruce forests
Authors: Yi Shuhua , McGuire A. David , Kasischke Eric , Harden Jennifer , Manies Kristen , Mack Michelle , Turetsky Merritt
Published: November 2010

Ecosystem models have not comprehensively considered how interactions among fire disturbance, soil environmental conditions, and biogeochemical processes affect ecosystem dynamics in boreal forest ecosystems. In this study, we implemented a dynamic organic soil structure in the Terrestrial Ecosystem Model (DOS‐TEM) to investigate the effects of fire on soil temperature, moisture, and ecosystem carbon dynamics. DOS‐TEM consists of environmental, ecological, disturbance effects, and dynamic organic soil modules. Changes in organic layer thickness are computed from calculated changes in carbon pools following fire and during stand succession. DOS‐TEM was parameterized based on studies reported in the literature and evaluated independently at sites in interior Alaska. This evaluation reveals that (1) DOS‐TEM is capable of accurately simulating the thickness and carbon content of organic soils; and (2) without the dynamic linkage between soil organic thickness and carbon content, the model overestimates soil carbon in deep mineral soil horizons of dry black spruce ecosystems of interior Alaska. Sensitivity tests were performed to investigate issues related to spatial heterogeneity of carbon dynamics including soil drainage and fire frequency. Results show that both soil drainage and fire frequency are important in the carbon dynamics simulated by DOS‐TEM, and should be considered in spatial applications of the model.
Immobilization of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens MBL27 cells for enhanced antimicrobial protein production using calcium alginate beads
Authors: Kumaravel Vijayalakshmi , Gopal Suseela Rajakumar
Published: November 2010

Cell immobilization is one of the common techniques for increasing the overall cell concentration and productivity. Bacillus amyloliquefaciens MBL27 cells were immobilized in calcium alginate beads and it is a promising method for repeated AMP (antimicrobial protein) production. The present study aimed at determining the optimal conditions for immobilization of B. amyloliquefaciens MBL27 cells in calcium alginate beads and the operational stability for enhanced production of the AMP. AMP production with free and immobilized cells was also done. In batch fermentation, maximum AMP production (7300 AU (arbitrary units)/ml against Staphylococcus aureus) was obtained with immobilized cells in shake flasks under optimized parameters such as 3% (w/v) sodium alginate, 136 mM CaCl2 with 350 alginate beads/flask of 2.7–3.0 mm diameter. In repeated cultivation, the highest activity was obtained after the second cycle of use and approx. 94% production was noted up to the fifth cycle. The immobilized cells of B. amyloliquefaciens MBL27 in alginate beads are more efficient for the production of AMP and had good stability. The potential application of AMP as a wound healant and the need for development of economical methods for improved production make whole cell immobilization an excellent alternative method for enhanced AMP production.
Roles of radical characters of pristine and nitrogen-substituted hydrographene in dioxygen bindings
Authors: Yumura Takashi , Kobayashi Hisayoshi , Yamabe Tokio
Published: November 2010

We investigate by means of density functional theory (DFT) calculations how hydrogen-terminated graphenes (hydrographenes) with and without nitrogen impurities interact with dioxygen. The current study aims at searching whether hydrographenes can be utilized as cathode catalysts in fuel cell with a focus on dioxygen binding, the first step in oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). If hydrographenes have a nanometer-size rhombic structure with zigzag edges, unpaired electrons are localized at their edges with or without the nitrogen impurities. Spin localization comes from frontier orbitals of the nanometer-size hydrographenes whose amplitudes appear only at their edges. Due to their radical characters, dioxygen can bind to an edge carbon atom of the hydrographenes under the condition where fuel cell is usually operated. There are two types of dioxygen binding into a hydrographene: one is a Pauling fashion where one CO bond is formed and the other is a bridging fashion with two formed CO bonds. In the bridging fashion, the formation of the two CO bonds activates dioxygen, and then radical characters of the oxygen atoms completely disappear. In contrast, the Pauling fashions retain an unpaired electron on the oxygen atom that does not participate to the CO bond formation. The existence of radical oxygen atoms would facilitate the next step in ORR (the initial proton transfer to an adsorbed dioxygen), whereas such facilitative effects cannot be seen in its absence. According to DFT calculations, the Pauling-type bindings are always energetically preferred over the bridging-type bindings. In particular, the C→N substitution enhances the preferences of the Pauling-type binding over the bridging-type binding compared with the pristine case. Accordingly DFT calculations demonstrate that radical characters of edge carbons of a nanometer-sized rhombic hydrographene play a crucial role in dioxygen bindings in a Pauling fashion that would be responsible for enhancing the catalytic activity in fuel cell.
X-ray diffraction in the pulsed laser heated diamond anvil cell
Authors: Goncharov Alexander F. , Prakapenka Vitali B. , Struzhkin Viktor V. , Kantor Innokenty , Rivers Mark L. , Dalton D. Allen
Published: November 2010

We have developed in situ x-ray synchrotron diffraction measurements of samples heated by a pulsed laser in the diamond anvil cell at pressure up to 60 GPa. We used an electronically modulated 2–10 kHz repetition rate, 1064–1075 nm fiber laser with 1–100 μs pulse width synchronized with a gated x-ray detector (Pilatus) and time-resolved radiometric temperature measurements. This enables the time domain measurements as a function of temperature in a microsecond time scale (averaged over many events, typically more than 10 000). X-ray diffraction data, temperature measurements, and finite element calculations with realistic geometric and thermochemical parameters show that in the present experimental configuration, samples 4 μm thick can be continuously temperature monitored (up to 3000 K in our experiments) with the same level of axial and radial temperature uniformities as with continuous heating. We find that this novel technique offers a new and convenient way of fine tuning the maximum sample temperature by changing the pulse width of the laser. This delicate control, which may also prevent chemical reactivity and diffusion, enables accurate measurement of melting curves, phase changes, and thermal equations of state.
Angular ion emission characteristics of a laser triggered tin vacuum arc as light source for extreme ultraviolet lithography
Authors: Verbraak Harald , Küpper Felix , Jonkers Jeroen , Bergmann Klaus
Published: November 2010

The angular resolved emission of tin ions from a laser triggered vacuum arc to be used as light source for extreme ultraviolet lithography is presented. Ion energies of more than 200 keV for emission angles up to 50° with respect to the optical axis are observed. The angular emission characteristic is strongly anisotropic with a pronounced peak for fast ions into a cone with an opening angle of roughly 10° at an angle of 35° with respect to the optical axis. These ions also exhibit a distinct energy distribution function compared to the more isotropic emitted bulk of ions, which can be referred to different mechanisms of production. Looking at the discharge current parameters, the production of the directed fast ions can be connected with a peaked increase in the impedance, which gives hint to a plasma instability as origin of those ions. The emission of isotropic emitted ions is in agreement with a model of plasma expansion into vacuum. The emission characteristic is also strongly dependent on the parameter of the trigger laser. It is shown that using a double trigger laser pulse the fast ion production can be suppressed by more than one order of magnitude.
Graphene as intermediate phase in fullerene and carbon nanotube growth: A Young–Laplace surface-tension model
Authors: Gupta Vinay
Published: November 2010

Growth mechanism of carbon nanotubes using arc-discharge are not fully understood up to now. Here, I show that the formation of carbon nanotubes and fullerene in a pure carbon arc in helium atmosphere may involve graphene bubbles. Electron microscopy shows the graphene bubbles formation at the anode surface. The growth of fullerene and nanotubes can occur from these bubbles due to a large pressure difference (103–104 bar) at the anode interface and can be understood in terms of Young–Laplace law of surface tension. This model can explain the helium pressure dependence of fullerene and carbon nanotube formation.
Photon-accelerated negative bias instability involving subgap states creation in amorphous In–Ga–Zn–O thin film transistor
Authors: Oh Himchan , Yoon Sung-Min , Ryu Min Ki , Hwang Chi-Sun , Yang Shinhyuk , Park Sang-Hee Ko
Published: November 2010

We investigated the visible photon accelerated negative bias instability (NBI) in amorphous In–Ga–Zn–O (a-IGZO) thin film transistor (TFT). As reported in previous works, the rigid shift in transfer curves with insignificant changes in field-effect mobility and subthreshold swing was observed. On the other hand, there is substantial change in capacitance-voltage characteristics caused by created subgap states. The suggested nature of created states is the ionized oxygen vacancy (VO2+) by the combination of visible light and negative bias. The generated VO2+ states enhance the NBI under illumination as increased deep hole trapping centers. Furthermore, the photoexcitation of VO to stable VO2+ yields excess free carriers in conduction band. The increased carrier density also enhances the negative shift in turn-on voltage of a-IGZO TFT.
Identification of the pre–T-cell receptor α chain in nonmammalian vertebrates challenges the structure–function of the molecule
Authors: Smelty Philippe , Marchal Céline , Renard Romain , Sinzelle Ludivine , Pollet Nicolas , Dunon Dominique , Jaffredo Thierry , Sire Jean-Yves , Fellah Julien S.
Published: November 2010

In humans and mice, the early development of αβ T cells is controlled by the pre–T-cell receptor α chain (pTα) that is covalently associated with the T-cell receptor β (TCRβ) chain to form the pre–T-cell receptor (pre-TCR) at the thymocyte surface. Pre-TCR functions in a ligand-independent manner through self-oligomerization mediated by pTα. Using
in silico
and gene synteny-based approaches, we identified the pTα gene (
PTCRA
) in four sauropsid (three birds and one reptile) genomes. We also identified 25 mammalian
PTCRA
sequences now covering all mammalian lineages. Gene synteny around
PTCRA
is remarkably conserved in mammals but differences upstream of
PTCRA
in sauropsids suggest chromosomal rearrangements.
PTCRA
organization is highly similar in sauropsids and mammals. However, comparative analyses of the pTα functional domains indicate that sauropsids, monotremes, marsupials, and lagomorphs display a short pTα cytoplasmic tail and lack most residues shown to be critical for human and murine pre-TCR self-oligomerization. Chicken
PTCRA
transcripts similar to those in mammals were detected in immature double-negative and double-positive thymocytes. These findings give clues about the evolution of this key molecule in amniotes and suggest that the ancestral function of pTα was exclusively to enable expression of the TCRβ chain at the thymocyte surface and to allow binding of pre-TCR to the CD3 complex. Together, our data provide arguments for revisiting the current model of pTα signaling.
Antibodies mediate intracellular immunity through tripartite motif-containing 21 (TRIM21)
Authors: Mallery Donna L. , McEwan William A. , Bidgood Susanna R. , Towers Greg J. , Johnson Chris M. , James Leo C.
Published: November 2010

Antibodies provide effective antiviral immunity despite the fact that viruses escape into cells when they infect. Here we show that antibodies remain attached to viruses after cell infection and mediate an intracellular immune response that disables virions in the cytosol. We have discovered that cells possess a cytosolic IgG receptor, tripartite motif-containing 21 (TRIM21), which binds to antibodies with a higher affinity than any other IgG receptor in the human body. TRIM21 rapidly recruits to incoming antibody-bound virus and targets it to the proteasome via its E3 ubiquitin ligase activity. Proteasomal targeting leads to rapid degradation of virions in the cytosol before translation of virally encoded genes. Infection experiments demonstrate that at physiological antibody concentrations TRIM21 neutralizes viral infection. These results reveal an intracellular arm of adaptive immunity in which the protection mediated by antibodies does not end at the cell membrane but continues inside the cell to provide a last line of defense against infection.
Silymarin use and liver disease progression in the Hepatitis C Antiviral Long‐Term Treatment against Cirrhosis trial
Authors: Freedman N. D. , Curto T. M. , Morishima C. , Seeff L. B. , Goodman Z. D. , Wright E. C. , Sinha R. , Everhart J. E. ,   the HALT‐C Trial Group
Published: November 2010

Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2011; 33: 127–137

Background  Silymarin is the most commonly used herbal product for chronic liver disease; yet, whether silymarin protects against liver disease progression remains unclear.

Aim  To assess the effects of silymarin use on subsequent liver disease progression in 1049 patients of the Hepatitis C Antiviral Long‐Term Treatment against Cirrhosis (HALT‐C) trial who had advanced fibrosis or cirrhosis and had failed prior peginterferon plus ribavirin treatment.

Methods  Patients recorded their use of silymarin at baseline and were followed up for liver disease progression (two point increase in Ishak fibrosis score across baseline, year 1.5, and year 3.5 biopsies) and over 8.65 years for clinical outcomes.

Results  At baseline, 34% of patients had used silymarin, half of whom were current users. Use of silymarin was associated (P < 0.05) with male gender; oesophageal varices; higher ALT and albumin; and lower AST/ALT ratio, among other features. Baseline users had less hepatic collagen content on study biopsies and had less histological progression (HR: 0.57, 95% CI: 0.33–1.00; P‐trend for longer duration of use=0.026). No effect was seen for clinical outcomes.

Conclusions  Silymarin use among patients with advanced hepatitis C‐related liver disease is associated with reduced progression from fibrosis to cirrhosis, but has no impact on clinical outcomes (Clinicaltrials.gov #NCT00006164).
Vitamin D status, physical performance and body mass in patients surgically cured for primary hyperparathyroidism compared with healthy controls ‐ a cross‐sectional study
Authors: Amstrup Anne Kristine , Rejnmark Lars , Vestergaard Peter , Sikjaer Tanja , Rolighed Lars , Heickendorff Lene , Mosekilde Leif
Published: November 2010

Objective  Low plasma 25‐hydroxyvitaminD (25OHD) levels, reduced muscle strength and increased body mass index (BMI) are well‐known characteristics of primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT). Mechanisms for low 25OHD levels, increased BMI and potential changes after parathyroidectomy are unknown. Muscle strength is reported to increase following surgical cure, but whether the improvement corresponds to healthy controls’ performances remains largely unknown.

Patients  We studied 51 patients with former PHPT [mean age 61(36–77) years] successfully treated by surgery [mean time since operation 7·4(5–15) years] and 51 sex‐ and age‐matched controls.

Measurements  Physical performance include “repeated chair stand” (RCS), “timed up and go” (TUG), muscle strength [hand grip, elbow flexion/extension and knee flexion/extension (60°/90°)], postural stability, biochemistry and anthropometric indices.

Results  Forty‐one cases had pathologically verified adenoma, three had hyperplasia and three had uncertain diagnosis whereas four had missing data. Dietary calcium intake, vitamin D supplementation and biochemistry including PTH and 25OHD levels did not differ between groups. Former patients had significantly higher BMI (28·8 ± 6·0 kg/m2) than controls (26·0 ± 4·7kg/m2). Muscle pain was more frequently reported by cases than controls, and cases performed RCS slower than controls (P = 0·02). Furthermore, female cases had lower muscle strength in knee flexion 60° (P = 0·02) and 90° (P = 0·05). Former patients no longer differed from controls after adjustment for BMI.

Conclusion  Following cure, 25OHD levels are normalized suggesting 25OHD insufficiency is not a constitutional characteristics in patients with PHPT. Increased BMI seems to be sustained. Whether this is caused by decreased muscle strength or reduced muscular performance causes adiposity needs further investigations.
UK guidelines for the management of pituitary apoplexy
Authors: Rajasekaran Senthil , Vanderpump Mark , Baldeweg Stephanie , Drake Will , Reddy Narendra , Lanyon Marian , Markey Andrew , Plant Gordon , Powell Michael , Sinha Saurabh , Wass John
Published: November 2010

Classical pituitary apoplexy is a medical emergency and rapid replacement with hydrocortisone maybe life saving. It is a clinical syndrome characterized by the sudden onset of headache, vomiting, visual impairment and decreased consciousness caused by haemorrhage and/or infarction of the pituitary gland. It is associated with the sudden onset of headache accompanied or not by neurological symptoms involving the second, third, fourth and sixth cranial nerves. If diagnosed patients should be referred to a multidisciplinary team comprising, amongst others, a neurosurgeon and an endocrinologist. Apart from patients with worsening neurological symptoms in whom surgery is indicated, it is unclear currently for the majority of patients whether conservative or surgical management carries the best outcome. Post apoplexy, there needs to be careful monitoring for recurrence of tumour growth. It is suggested that further trials be carried out into the management of pituitary apoplexy to optimize treatment.
NK Cells and CD1d‐restricted NKT Cells Respond in Different Ways with Divergent Kinetics to IL‐2 Treatment in Primary HIV‐1 Infection
Authors: Kuylenstierna C. , Snyder‐Cappione J. E. , Loo C. P. , Long B. R. , Gonzalez V. D. , Michaëlsson J. , Moll M. , Spotts G. , Hecht F. M. , Nixon D. F. , Sandberg J. K.
Published: November 2010

Cytokine immunotherapy is being evaluated as adjunct treatment in infectious diseases. The effects on innate and adaptive immunity in vivo are insufficiently known. Here, we investigate whether combination treatment with antiretroviral therapy (ART) and Interleukin‐2 (IL‐2) of patients with primary HIV‐1 infection induces sustained increases in circulating NKT cell and NK cell numbers and effector functions and investigate how changes are coordinated in the two compartments. Patients with primary HIV‐1 infection starting ART were analyzed for numbers, phenotype and function of NKT cells, NK cells and dendritic cells (DC) in peripheral blood before, during and after IL‐2 treatment. NKT cells expanded during IL‐2 treatment as expected from previous studies. However, their response to α‐galactosyl ceramide antigen were retained but not boosted. Myeloid DC did not change their numbers or CD1d‐expression during treatment. In contrast, the NK cell compartment responded with rapid expansion of the CD56dim effector subset and enhanced IFNγ production. Expansions of NKT cells and NK cells retracted back towards baseline values at 12 months after IL‐2 treatment ended. In summary, NKT cells and NK cells respond to IL‐2 treatment with different kinetics. Effects on cellular function are distinct between the cell types and the effects appear not to be sustained after IL‐2 treatment ends. These results improve our understanding of the effects of cytokine immunotherapy on innate cellular immunity in early HIV‐1 infection.
First records of the potential pest species Drosophila suzukii (Diptera: Drosophilidae) in Europe
Authors: Calabria G. , Máca J. , Bächli G. , Serra L. , Pascual M.
Published: November 2010

Drosophila suzukii ovoposits and feeds on healthy fruits, unlike most other Drosophila species. It has been traditionally reported from Asia, but in the last 2 years it has been recorded from North America, where it is causing a lot of agricultural damage. Herein we report the first records of, D. suzukii in Europe. It has been found in different localities expanding an altitudinal range from 27 to 1550 m above sea level (ab.s.l). Furthermore by comparing collections of drosophilids from different European populations distributed along a latitudinal cline we were able to determine its high dispersal ability since it spread approximately 1400 km in 1 year either actively or passively through infested fruits. The similarities of the introduction dates in North America and Europe and the COI haplotypes suggest that the two invasions could be related. No considerable damage on crops has been reported yet in Europe. However, if this species gets established in more temperate localities it could become a serious pest. Therefore tracking the invasion of this species is recommended. An early detection of this potential pest is decisive for good management of the fields.
Propagation characteristics of the electrical impulse in the normal and obstructed ureter as determined at high electrophysiological resolution
Authors: Hammad Fayez T. , Lammers Wim J. , Stephen Betty , Lubbad Loay
Published: November 2010

What’s known on the subject? and What does the study add?

Ureteric obstruction resulted in a differential change in the electrical activity in the proximal and distal ureter with the proximal ureter having an immediate increase in the frequency of electrical impulses whereas in the distal ureter, the antegrade impulse gradually disappeared and, instead, there were more retrograde impulses or no activity at all.

In this manuscript, a high resolution technique was used to investigate in detail the electrophysiological characteristics of the normal and obstructed ureter in vivo.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the propagation of the electrical impulses in a unilateral ureteric obstruction model using a high‐resolution technique in vivo.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In Wistar rats (n= 15), the left mid‐ureter was occluded and the electrical activity was recorded from the proximal and distal part of the obstructed ureter and from the right ureter at different times up to 2 weeks post‐obstruction using 64 extracellular electrodes.

RESULTS

In the left ureter, impulses propagated in an antegrade direction at a frequency of 15.5 ± 1.3/min and a velocity of 1.6 ± 0.1 cm/s. Immediately post‐obstruction, the proximal part showed an increase in frequency (19.1 ± 2.5/min; P < 0.05) followed by a gradual decrease (at 2 weeks: 2.5 ± 1.2/min; P < 0.001). The velocity of these impulses decreased gradually (at 2 weeks: 0.5 ± 0.1 cm/s; P < 0.05). Distally, the antegrade propagations gradually disappeared and, at 1 week, 33% of ureters showed retrograde impulses and 67% displayed no electrical activity. The frequency of both antegrade and retrograde impulses distal to the obstruction dropped immediately after obstruction so that, at 1 day, it was 1.0 ± 0.3 and 1.5 ± 0.2/min, respectively (P < 0.01 for both). The velocity of these antegrade and retrograde impulses showed a significant rise throughout the post‐obstruction period. The right ureter showed only a transient increase in frequency from 18.7 ± 2.7 to 30.3 ± 6.1/min (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Using this high‐resolution technique, it is concluded that, after ureteric obstruction, there were immediate and significant changes in the propagation of electrical impulses in the proximal and distal left ureter and in the right ureter, all of which behaved differently. This data may provide a better insight into the electrophysiological function of the normal and obstructed ureter.
Infiltration of tumour‐associated macrophages in prostate biopsy specimens is predictive of disease progression after hormonal therapy for prostate cancer
Authors: Nonomura Norio , Takayama Hitoshi , Nakayama Masashi , Nakai Yasutomo , Kawashima Atsunari , Mukai Masatoshi , Nagahara Akira , Aozasa Katsuyuki , Tsujimura Akira
Published: November 2010

Study Type – Prognostic (case series)

Level of Evidence 4

What’s known on the subject? and What does the study add?

In general, tumour‐associated macrophage (TAM) is important for tumour progression including prostate cancer.

In this paper, we clarified the usefulness of TAM in prostate biopsy specimens for predicting prognosis after hormonal therapy.

OBJECTIVE

• To evaluate tumour‐associated macrophage (TAM) infiltration in prostate biopsy specimens as a possible prognostic factor for prostate cancer (PCa) after hormonal therapy.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

• Immunostaining of TAMs in prostate biopsy specimens was performed using a monoclonal antibody CD68 for 71 patients having PCa treated with hormonal therapy.

• Six microscopic (×400) fields around the cancer foci were selected for TAM counting.

RESULTS

• The median value of serum prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) was 50.1 ng/mL, and the median TAM count was 22.

• Recurrence‐free survival was significantly better in patients with fewer TAMs (<22) than in those with higher numbers of TAMs (≥22) (P < 0.001).

• TAM count was higher in those with higher serum PSA (PSA), higher Gleason score, clinical T stage or those with PSA failure. Cox multivariate analysis showed that TAM count is one of the prognostic factors for PCa treated by hormonal therapy (P < 0.0001).

CONCLUSION

• TAM infiltration in prostate needle biopsy specimens is a useful predictive factor for PSA failure or progression of PCa after hormonal therapy.
Transurethral plasma vaporization of the prostate: 3‐month functional outcome and complications
Authors: Robert Grégoire , Descazeaud Aurélien , Delongchamps Nicolas Barry , Ballereau Charles , Haillot Olivier , Saussine Christian , Kleinklauss François , Pasticier Gilles , Azzouzi Abdel‐Rahmène , Lukacs Bertrand , Dumonceau Olivier , Fourmarier Marc , De La Taille Alexandre , Devonec Marian
Published: November 2010

Study Type – Therapy (multi‐centre cohort)

Level of Evidence 2b

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the early functional outcomes of transurethral plasma vaporization of the prostate (TUVis) in a multicentre study.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A prospective multicentre observational study was conducted in eight urology departments. The inclusion criterion was benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) requiring surgical treatment. Patients on anti‐coagulant therapy were not excluded. The TUVis procedure was performed according to a classic transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) scheme following the manufacturer’s recommendations. We evaluated subjective functional outcome using self‐questionnaires (International Prostate Symptom Score [IPSS] and five‐item International Index of Erectile Function [IIEF‐5]) and objective criteria (prostate volume, prostate‐specific antigen [PSA], uroflowmetry, post residual volume) at baseline and at 1‐ and 3‐month follow‐ups. All types of complications were systematically recorded.

RESULTS

Despite 52% of patients receiving anticoagulant therapy before surgery, we reported only 3% with haemorrhagic complications, no blood transfusion, a mean catheterization time of 44 h and a mean postoperative stay of 2.9 nights. No significant change in irrigation time, catheter time or hospital stay was observed in patients with or without anticoagulant therapy. The IPSS and bother scores significantly decreased after the 3‐month follow‐up (57% and 59%, respectively), but the average remaining prostate volume was 29 cc and the tissue ablation rate was only 0.5 cc/min. Three major complications occurred, consisting of two urinary fistulas and one partial bladder coagulation.

CONCLUSIONS

The TUVis procedure has a proven fast postoperative recovery time, good short‐term functional outcome and good haemostatic efficiency. However, the tissue ablation rate was lower than expected and we encountered three major complications, the mechanisms of which remain unclear. Considering the high energy level required to create the plasma effect, the generator, cable and resectoscope must be carefully checked before each procedure.
Responsible Opposition, Disruptive Voices
Authors: Rutherford Alexandra , Vaughn-Blount Kelli , Ball Laura C.
Published: November 2010

Feminist psychology began as an avowedly political project with an explicit social change agenda. However, over the last two decades, a number of critics have argued that feminist psychology has become mired in an epistemological impasse where positivist commitments effectively mute its political project, rendering the field acceptable to mainstream psychology yet shorn of its transformative vision. In this article, we explore the complexity of allying positivism with a transformative project using two illustrative examples from feminist psychology's history. Both Naomi Weisstein, whose work was catalytic in the creation of feminist psychology in the 1970s, and Ethel Tobach, who has consistently fought against sexism, racism, and other forms of injustice as both scientist and citizen, have remained committed to the scientific ideal without losing sight of their political projects. An examination of their efforts reveals the vital necessity, but ultimate insufficiency, of this position for creating large scale social change as well as a need for constant vigilance to the politics of knowledge in which science—and feminism—are embedded.
Palliative Care Needs of Seriously Ill, Older Adults Presenting to the Emergency Department
Authors: Grudzen Corita R. , Richardson Lynne D. , Morrison Matthew , Cho Elizabeth , Sean Morrison R.
Published: November 2010

Objectives:  The objective was to identify the palliative care needs of seriously ill, older adults in the emergency department (ED).

Methods:  The authors conducted a cross‐sectional structured survey. A convenience sample of 50 functionally impaired adults 65 years or older with coexisting cancer, congestive heart failure, end‐stage liver or renal disease, stroke, oxygen‐dependent pulmonary disease, or dementia was recruited from an urban academic tertiary care ED. Face‐to‐face interviews were conducted using the Needs Near the End‐of‐Life Screening Tool (NEST), McGill Quality of Life Index (MQOL), and Edmonton Symptom Assessment Survey (ESAS) to assess 1) range and severity of symptoms, 2) goals of care, 3) psychological well‐being, 4) health care utilization, 5) spirituality, 6) social connectedness, 7) financial burden, 8) the patient–clinician relationship, and 9) overall quality of life (QOL).

Results:  Mean (±SD) age was 74.3 (±6.5) years and cancer was the most common diagnosis. Mean (±SD) QOL on the MQOL was 3.6 (±2.9). Over half of the patients exceeded intratest severity‐of‐needs cutoffs in four categories of the NEST: physical symptoms (47/50, 94%), finances (36/50, 72%), mental health (31/50, 62%), and access to care (29/50, 58%). The majority of patients reported moderate to severe fatigue, pain, dyspnea, and depression on the ESAS.

Conclusions:  Seriously ill, older adults in an urban ED have substantial palliative care needs. Future work should focus on the role of emergency medicine and the new specialty of palliative care in addressing these needs.

ACADEMIC EMERGENCY MEDICINE 2010; 17:1253–1257 © 2010 by the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine
Comparative Analysis of the Cardioprotective Properties of Opioid Receptor Agonists in a Rat Model of Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Maslov Leonid N. , Lishmanov Yury B. , Oeltgen Peter R. , Barzakh Eva I. , Krylatov Andrey V. , Naryzhnaya Natalia V. , Pei Jian‐Ming , Brown Stephen A.
Published: November 2010

Objectives: This study was conducted to test the hypothesis that opioid receptor (OR)‐mediated cardioprotection is agonist specific when administered prior to coronary artery occlusion and reperfusion in a rat model.

Methods: Anesthetized open‐chest male Wistar rats were subjected to 45 minutes of left coronary artery occlusion and 2 hours of reperfusion. Opioid agonists were infused 15 minutes prior to coronary artery occlusion. Two control groups and 15 opioid‐treated groups were studied. Controls were infused with either saline alone (n = 16) or dimethyl sulfoxide plus hydroxypropyl‐β‐cyclodextrin in saline (n = 19). The μ‐selective agonist DAMGO was infused at either 150 nmol/kg (n = 15) or 1500 nmol/kg (n = 14), and dermorphin‐H was infused at 150 nmol/kg (n = 14). The δ1‐selective agonistd‐Pen2,5enkephalin (DPDPE) was infused at 150 nmol/kg (n = 16) or 1500 nmol/kg (n = 14). The δ2‐selective agonists deltorphin II (n = 16), deltorphin‐Dvariant(n = 15), and deltorphin‐E (n = 14) were infused at 150 nmol/kg. The selective κ1opioid agonist U‐50488 was infused at 240 nmol/kg (n = 14), 1500 nmol/kg (n = 14), and 2,400 nmol/kg (n = 14). The selective κ2opioid agonist GR‐89696 was infused at 150 nmol/kg (n = 14) and 1500 nmol/kg (n = 15). Orphinan FQ (nociceptin), also referred to as OR‐like 1 (ORL1), was infused at 220 nmol/kg (n = 15) and 1500 nmol/kg (n = 15). The infarct size/area at risk (IS/AAR) ratio was determined after reperfusion by negative staining with patent blue violet dye. Hemodynamic parameters including heart rate, mean arterial blood pressure (MAP), and rate pressure product (RPP) were determined.

Results: Pretreatment with the δ2OR agonist deltorphin II (150 nmol/kg) significantly reduced the IS/AAR ratio, while deltorphin‐Dvariantand deltorphin‐E did not exhibit an infarct‐sparing effect at that treatment dose. Activation of δ1OR by DPDPE, κ1OR by U‐50488, κ2OR by GR‐89696, μ OR by DAMGO, dermorphin‐H, and nociceptin had no effect on the IS/AAR ratio. U‐50488 at 2,400 nmol/L induced a bradycardic effect. All other opioids had no effect on hemodynamic parameters at the doses tested.

Conclusions: Peripheral δ2OR activation by deltorphin II induces infarct size reduction in this animal model. Agonists of μ, δ1, κ1, κ2, and nociceptin receptors at the doses tested did not induce cardiac tolerance to ischemia/reperfusion injury in vivo.

ACADEMIC EMERGENCY MEDICINE 2010; 17:1239–1246 © 2010 by the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine
Development of a tier 1 R5 clade C simian–human immunodeficiency virus as a tool to test neutralizing antibody‐based immunoprophylaxis
Authors: Siddappa Nagadenahalli B. , Hemashettar Girish , Wong Yin Ling , Lakhashe Samir , Rasmussen Robert A. , Watkins Jennifer D. , Novembre Francis J. , Villinger François , Else James G. , Montefiori David C. , Ruprecht Ruth M.
Published: November 2010

Background  While some recently transmitted HIV clade C (HIV‐C) strains exhibited tier 1 neutralization phenotypes, most were tier 2 strains (J Virol 2010; 84:1439). Because induction of neutralizing antibodies (nAbs) through vaccination against tier 2 viruses has proven difficult, we have generated a tier 1, clade C simian–human immunodeficiency virus (SHIV‐C) to permit efficacy testing of candidate AIDS vaccines against tier 1 viruses.

Methods  SHIV‐1157ipEL was created by swapping env of a late‐stage virus with that of a tier 1, early form.

Results  After adaptation to rhesus macaques (RM), passaged SHIV‐1157ipEL‐p replicated vigorously in vitro and in vivo while maintaining R5 tropism. The virus was reproducibly transmissible intrarectally. Phylogenetically, SHIV‐1157ipEL‐p Env clustered with HIV‐C sequences. All RM chronically infected with SHIV‐1157ipEL‐p developed high nAb titers against autologous as well as heterologous tier 1 strains.

Conclusions  SHIV‐1157ipEL‐p was reproducibly transmitted in RM, induced cross‐clade nAbs, and represents a tool to evaluate anti‐HIV‐C nAb responses in primates.
Women from Venus, men from Mars: inter‐sex foraging differences in the imperial cormorant Phalacrocorax atriceps a colonial seabird
Authors: Quintana Flavio , Wilson Rory , Dell'Arciprete Patricia , Shepard Emily , Laich Agustina Gómez
Published: November 2010

Colonial seabirds are central place foragers and likely to be subject to substantial competition for resources. Mechanisms proposed for reducing intra‐specific competition include differential inter‐sex area use mediated by adult choice. We used GPS loggers and dive recorders to study area use and dive depth in a total of 27 male and 26 female imperial cormorants Phalacrocorax atriceps breeding at a colony of some 6500 birds at Punta Leon, Chubut, Argentina during 2004 and 2005. Although time spent travelling and distances between the colony and foraging sites were similar for both sexes, males and females travelled away from their colony using routes virtually perpendicular to each other so that their foraging areas were distinctly different; females hunted close to the coast while males foraged offshore in deeper water. Consideration of foraging efficiency underwater, defined as the duration spent on the bottom divided by the dive cycle duration, showed that females were more efficient at depths < 40 m while males more efficient at depths > 40 m. We suggest that the substantial sexual dimorphism in this species may be responsible for the different depth‐linked foraging efficiencies and that selection for appropriate depths could lead to differential habitat use and putative differences in prey selection.
Relaxin‐3/insulin‐like peptide 7, a neuropeptide involved in the stress response and food intake
Authors: Tanaka Masaki
Published: November 2010

Relaxin‐3, also known as insulin‐like peptide‐7, is a newly‐identified peptide of the insulin superfamily. All members of this superfamily have a similar structure, which consists of two subunits (A‐chain and B‐chain) linked by disulfide bonds. Relaxin‐3 is so named because it has a motif that can interact with the relaxin receptor. By contrast to other relaxins, relaxin‐3 is mainly expressed in the brain and testis. In rodent brain, anatomical studies have revealed its predominant expression in neurons of the nucleus incertus of the dorsal pons, and a few other regions of the brainstem. On the other hand, relaxin‐3‐expressing nerve fibers and the relaxin‐3 receptors, RXFP3 and RXFP1, are widely distributed in the forebrain, with the hypothalamus being one of the most densely‐innervated regions. Therefore, relaxin‐3 is considered to exert various actions through its ligand‐receptor system. This minireview describes the expression of relaxin‐3 in the brain, as well as its functions in the hypothalamus, including the stress response and food intake.
STATE OF SCIENCE IN INDUSTRIAL AND ORGANIZATIONAL PSYCHOLOGY: A REVIEW OF SELF‐REPORTED LIMITATIONS
Authors: BRUTUS STÉPHANE , GILL HARJINDER , DUNIEWICZ KRIS
Published: November 2010

This study investigated self‐reported limitations of published papers as an alternative and novel operationalization of the state of science of industrial and organizational (I‐O) psychology. A content analysis was conducted of the reported limitations in every I‐O psychology articles published in the Academy of Management Journal, the Journal of Applied Psychology, and Personnel Psychology between 1995 and 2008 (N= 2,402). Articles were coded for the number and types of limitations reported, characteristics of the research design, and topic area. Threats to internal validity were the most often reported limitations. In addition, variations were detected in the reporting of limitations over time, indicating a subtle but steady shift in the focus of I‐O psychology research. Implications of these results for the science and practice of I‐O psychology and for the use of self‐reported limitations in scientific communication are discussed.
THE IMPACT OF PAY SECRECY ON INDIVIDUAL TASK PERFORMANCE
Authors: BAMBERGER PETER , BELOGOLOVSKY ELENA
Published: November 2010

We generate and test a moderated mediation model of the effects of pay secrecy—a pay communication policy restricting employees’ access to information regarding the level of other employees’ pay in the organization—on individual task performance. According to this model, the effects of such a policy are posited to be mediated by informational fairness, procedural fairness, and performance‐pay instrumentality perceptions, and moderated by tolerance for inequity. Using a lab‐based simulation, our findings partially support this model, suggesting that perceived instrumentality mediates the adverse effect of pay secrecy on individual task performance but only for those low in inequity tolerance. For them, the instrumentality‐mediated indirect effect accounted for over 20% of the total effect of pay secrecy on individual task performance. For those highly tolerant of inequity, a policy of pay secrecy was found to be directly associated with a higher level of individual performance than pay openness. The implications of the findings for research and practice are discussed.
Visual function in 6 to 7 year‐old children born extremely preterm: a population‐based study
Authors: Haugen Olav H. , Nepstad Lise , Standal Odd Arne , Elgen Irene , Markestad Trond
Published: November 2010

Purpose:  Progress in neonatal care has caused an increased survival of children born extremely preterm. The aims of this study were to examine the long‐term visual function and ocular development in an unselected cohort of extremely preterm infants and relate the results to neonatal morbidity and long‐term neurodevelopmental outcome.

Methods:  All children with gestational age of 22–27 completed weeks or birth weight of 500–999 g born in the years 1999–2000 in two counties of Western Norway (n = 52) were invited to an eye examination that included visual acuity, refractive error, binocular function, accommodative amplitude and fundus examination. Cognitive function was assessed with the WPSSI‐R test and motor abilities with the ABC movement test.

Results:  Neonatal morbidities and neurodevelopmental outcome were known for all, while 37 of the 52 children underwent the eye examination. None were blind or visually impaired, but 46% had subnormal visual acuity (logMAR ≥0.1). Ninety per cent were emmetropic or slightly hypermetropic (0 to +3D), while 10% had manifest and 51% latent strabismus. Performance IQ on the WPSSI‐R test and ABC total score were associated with best visual acuity (p = 0.03 and p < 0.01, respectively). In a multiple linear regression model, visual acuity in the best eye was significantly associated with performance IQ (p = 0.03) and ABC total score (p = 0.02).

Conclusion:  This study suggests a more favourable long‐term prognosis on important ocular and visual parameters in survivors of extreme prematurity than expected from similar reports on children born less prematurely and that performance IQ and motor function are related to visual acuity.
On the Steady-State Response of a One-Dimensional Yielding Continuum
Authors: Iwan W. D.
Published: November 2010

The steady-state or standing wave response of a bounded one-dimensional yielding continuum is investigated using an approximate analytic technique. Details of the nature of the fundamental and higher modes of response are presented. It is found that the effective damping in the higher response modes may be quite small compared to that of linear viscous damped systems.
Proportional Fluid Amplifiers as Feedback Oscillators
Authors: Ashikian B. , Darmedru P. , Caen R.
Published: November 2010

Oscillating outputs from proportional amplifiers of the jet interaction type are obtained by connecting the outputs O1 and O2 to the inputs C1 and C2, respectively, and by providing power jet pressures dictated by the amplifier’s make and its feedback loops. The distortion of the oscillating outputs with respect to pure sinusoidal signals varies between 7.5 and 15 percent. Although the system consisting of the proportional amplifier and its feedback loops is nonlinear, its ability to oscillate could be predicted, more or less, by studying the frequency-response plots obtained for the open-loop system.
Experimental Investigation of the Flow Between Corotating Disks
Authors: Adams R. , Rice W.
Published: November 2010

Experimental results are presented for the flow of an incompressible Newtonian fluid, with full admission, between closely spaced corotating disks. The radial pressure distribution is shown to coincide very closely with analytical results for laminar flow earlier presented by other investigators, over a wide range of the parameters pertinent to the flow description. A referenced analytical model for laminar flow between corotating disks is thus given credence. The experimental arrangement and procedure are described and a supporting uncertainty analysis is presented.