bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Psychological Adjustment in a Forensic Sample: Relationship with Approach‐ and Avoidance‐Coping Typologies
Authors: Kirchner Teresa , Forns Maria , Mohíno Susana
Published: May 2007

Abstract: Most studies that relate coping strategies with psychological symptoms usually consider a single coping dimension. This means that interpretation of the results is unclear and only partially true as subjects activate different types of coping strategies simultaneously when faced with a stressor. The objective of the present study is to analyze the relationships between coping and psychopathology in young inmates, taking into account the number of approach and avoidance answers simultaneously. The results show that the inmates with above‐average scores in avoidance coping and below average in those of approach (coping responses inventory—adult form, [CRI‐A]) show higher symptomatology (MMPI‐2) than the inmates who obtain above‐average scores in both avoidance and approach strategies. It can be deduced that it is not the high use of avoidance coping that is related to psychopathology, but rather the combined use of many avoidance strategies and few approach strategies. The convenience of jointly taking into account both types of coping is discussed.
A Case of Stalking in the Workplace and Subsequent Sexual Homicide
Authors: Morrison Kimberley A.
Published: May 2007

ABSTRACT: A case of stalking in the workplace and subsequent sexual homicide by a 33‐year‐old male is reported. Following several months of stalking a 38‐year‐old female, the male subject went to the woman's office after business hours and restrained, raped, and murdered her. The cause of death was multiple stab wounds. The facts of the case reveal that the subject fits a predatory‐type stalker, which represents a small subgroup within stalkers that has received little attention. Unlike other types of stalkers, the predatory stalker gives little warning to their victim (or multiple victims), as their stalking behaviors tend not to be very invasive or harassing. In general, most stalkers are not physically violent; however, predatory‐type stalkers, given their tendency for sexual violence, are dangerous and the importance of identifying them is emphasized. Factors associated with perpetrators of sexual homicide are discussed.
Effect of microthread on the maintenance of marginal bone level: a 3‐year prospective study
Authors: Lee Dong‐Won , Choi Young‐Shill , Park Kwang‐Ho , Kim Chang‐Sung , Moon Ik‐Sang
Published: May 2007

Objectives: The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the long‐term effect of the microthread on the maintenance of marginal bone level.

Material and methods: Seventeen patients were selected and two types of Astra Tech implants were installed, with the Microthread™ on the coronal portion of the fixture [Astra Tech Single Tooth Implant (ST)] or without the Microthread™ [Astra Tech TiOblast Implant (TB)]. ST and TB were installed adjacent to each other within the same partially edentulous sites and marginal bone loss was evaluated by radiographic image. The marginal bone‐level alteration of the each fixture after prosthesis insertion was analyzed.

Results: The marginal bone loss of ST and TB differed significantly during the observation period (P<0.01). Marginal bone levels of both ST and TB were stabilized after 1 year of lading.

Conclusions: The Microthread™ might have an effect in maintaining the marginal bone loss against loading.
Altered fatty acid pattern of phospholipids and triglycerides in the submandibular gland of ω3‐depleted rats
Authors: Delporte Christine , Malaisse Willy J. , Jurysta Cédric , Portois Laurence , Sener Abdullah , Carpentier Yvon A.
Published: May 2007

Alteration of the phospholipid (PL) and triglyceride (TG) fatty acid pattern was recently documented in several organs of rats depleted in long‐chain polyunsaturated ω3 fatty acid (ω3 rats). This study extends such a knowledge to the submandibular gland. The total PL and TG content of the salivary gland was not different in control and ω3 rats. The sole ω3 fatty acids found in ω3 rats (C22:5ω3 and C22:6ω3) were present at levels 3–12 times lower than in control rats. The C22:5ω3/C22:6ω3 ratio was increased threefold in ω3 rats. The PL and TG C16:0/C16:1ω7 and C18:0/C18:1ω9 ratios were decreased in ω3 rats. The conversion of C18:2ω6 to C20:4ω6 and C22:4ω6 appeared facilitated in the ω3 rats. Some of these rats were injected intravenously, 60–120 min before killing, with either a medium‐chain triglyceride:fish oil emulsion or a control medium‐chain triglyceride:olive oil emulsion. The former emulsion increased the PL C22:5ω3 and C22:6ω3 content and prevented the age‐related decrease in C16:0/C16:1ω7 and C18:0/C18:1ω9 ratios otherwise also recorded in PL. In conclusion, these findings document an increased activity of Δ9‐desaturase, a more efficient conversion of C18:2ω6 to its metabolites, and an impaired generation of C22:6ω3 from C22:5ω3 in ω3 rats.
Skeletal bone mineral density in relation to thickness, bone mass, and structure of the mandibular alveolar process in dentate men and women
Authors: Jonasson Grethe , Jonasson Lisa , Kiliaridis Stavros
Published: May 2007

Peri‐apical radiographs have been used to identify women with low bone mineral density (BMD) in various parts of the skeleton, but their usefulness for men has not been elucidated. The aim of this study was to test if the mandibular bone structure and bone mass in men and women were related to the BMD of the forearms, determined by dual X‐ray absorptiometry, in 42 men and 42 women (aged 18–84 yr). Mandibular alveolar thickness was measured in casts, and alveolar ‘bone mass’ was estimated on digital radiographs using gray‐shade distribution. Alveolar bone structure was evaluated visually (trabecular pattern) on analog radiographs and with its bone texture on digitized radiographs. Bone texture was correlated to BMD in both men and women. BMD was correlated to alveolar bone mass and trabecular pattern in women, but not in men. Bone texture and body mass index (BMI) explained 57% of the variance in BMD for men, whereas trabecular pattern and age explained 50% of the variance in BMD for women. Sparse trabeculation was associated with osteopenia. We conclude that alveolar bone texture and BMI are predictors of BMD for men, and age and trabecular pattern are predictors of BMD for women.
A mouse model of Waardenburg syndrome type IV resulting from an ENU‐induced mutation in endothelin 3
Authors: Matera Ivana , Cockroft Jody L. , Moran Jennifer L. , Beier David R. , Goldowitz Dan , Pavan William J.
Published: May 2007

A line of mutant mice (114‐CH19) exhibiting white spotting and preweaning lethality was identified during an N‐ethyl‐N‐nitrosourea (ENU) mutagenesis screen. The trait segregated as a semidominant bellyspot with reduced penetrance. Homozygous mutant mice showed preweaning lethality, and exhibited white spotting over the majority of the body surface, with pigmented patches remaining around the pinnae, eyes and tail. Linkage analysis localized 114‐CH19 on mouse chromosome 2, suggesting endothelin 3 (Edn3) as a candidate gene. Sequence analysis of Edn3 identified a G > A transversion that encodes an arginine to histidine substitution (R96H). This mutation is predicted to disrupt furin‐mediated proteolytic cleavage of pro‐endothelin that is necessary to form biologically active EDN3. This mutation is novel among human and mouse EDN3 mutants, is the first reported EDN3 ENU mutant, and is the second reported EDN3 point mutation. This study demonstrates the power of using ENU mutagenesis screens to generate new animal models of human disease, and expands the spectrum of EDN3 mutant alleles.
Human genetic variation studies and HLA class II loci
Authors: Agrawal S. , Khan F. , Bharadwaj U.
Published: May 2007

Human leucocyte antigen (HLA) loci widely known for their role in generation of immune responses by encoding cell‐surface heterodimers are often considered to be effective for the purpose of reconstructing human phylogenies due to high degree of polymorphism and less recombination. In the present study, we have made an attempt to study HLA class II loci (DRB1, DQA1 and DQB1) in inferring phylogenetic relationship based on both phylogenetic and haplotype approach. In the phylogenetic approach, the compiled database of 19 populations got segregated and finely resolved in three basal clusters with very high bootstrap values corresponding to four geo‐ethnic groups of Africans, Orientals, Americans and Caucasians. Maximum‐ likelihood phylogram has placed North Indian Hindus alongside other Caucasian populations. Haplotype analysis revealed high range of haplotype diversity with nearly 144 observed haplotypes. The haplotype distribution suggested that numbers of Caucasian‐specific haplotypes are frequently found among north Indian Hindus. Our results indicate that if the property of less recombination is explored to assign extended haplotypes, followed by strong interpretation based on more logistic statistical model, then there is a high possibility that HLA class II loci can infer exact and accurate phylogenetic assessments as revealed by mtDNA and Y‐chromosome markers.
Predicting the Long‐Term Effects of Hunting on Plant Species Composition and Diversity in Tropical Forests
Authors: Muller‐Landau Helene C.
Published: May 2007

Hunting can change abundances of vertebrate seed predators and seed dispersers, causing species‐specific changes in seed dispersal and seed predation and altering seedling communities. What are the consequences of these changes for the adult plant community in the next generation and beyond? Here, I derive equations showing how reduced seed dispersal reduces plant reproduction by intensifying kin competition, increasing vulnerability to natural enemies, and reducing the proportion of seeds passing through disperser guts. I parameterize these equations with available empirical data to estimate the likely effects on next‐generation abundances. I then consider the indirect effects and longer‐term feedbacks of changed seed or adult abundances on reproductive rates due to density‐dependent interactions with natural enemies and mutualists, as well as niche differentiation with competitors, and discuss their likely qualitative effects. The factors limiting seed disperser and seed predator populations in natural and hunted forests emerge as critical for determining the long‐term effects of hunting on rates of seed dispersal and seed predation. For example, where seed dispersers are held to a constant abundance by hunters, decreases in the availability of their preferred food plants are expected to lead to increased per‐seed dispersal probabilities, potentially to the point of compensating for the initial disperser decline. I close by discussing the likely reversibility of hunting‐induced changes in tropical forests and key questions and directions for future research.
SURVIVAL OF LISTERIA MONOCYTOGENES ON JERKY CONTAMINATED POSTPROCESSING
Authors: BOLES JANE ANN , NEARY KATHY , CLAWSON KRIS
Published: May 2007

This study evaluated the survival of Listeria monocytogenes on jerky inoculated postprocessing and treated with sodium lactate or hot water dip. After drying at 60C for 3, 6, 9 or 12 h, jerky slices were removed from the smokehouse and dipped in a cocktail of L. monocytogenes. Samples were vacuum packaged (control), vacuum packaged and dipped in 72C water for 20 s or dipped in 2% sodium lactate. Samples were stored for 0, 3, 6, 9 or 12 weeks. Packages dipped in 72C water for 20 s resulted in a slight significant reduction (0.42 log) of L. monocytogenes on jerky initially compared to either the control or sodium lactate dip. After 3 weeks of storage, water dip (3.1 log reduction) was similar to control (3.2 log reduction), but had significantly fewer L. monocytogenes surviving than sodium lactate‐dipped (2.7 log reduction) slices. After 6 weeks of storage, control and water‐dipped jerky slices had below detectable limits of L. monocytogenes.
UTILIZATION OF WET OKARA IN LOW‐FAT BEEF PATTIES
Authors: TURHAN SADETTIN , TEMIZ HASAN , SAGIR INCI
Published: May 2007

The effects of different levels of wet okara (0, 7.5, 15, 22.5, 30 and 37.5%) on proximate composition, cholesterol content, pH, cook loss, color and sensory characteristics of low‐fat beef patties were studied. Okara addition affected some quality parameters of beef patties. While the moisture content of raw and cooked beef patties increased by the addition of okara, the protein content decreased. The addition of okara reduced the cholesterol content by about 6–56% for uncooked beef patties, and 9–42% for cooked beef patties. The cooking yield of beef patties improved by the addition of okara. The addition of okara increased the pH, and L and b values of raw beef patties and decreased the a value. The effect of wet okara on the sensory properties was statistically significant (P < 0.05), and the highest scores for overall acceptability were recorded for 7.5, 15 and 22.5% added okara. The results indicate that wet okara can be used up to 22.5% for the production of cheaper and healthier beef patties.
SOME RHEOLOGICAL PROPERTIES OF AQUEOUS PEANUT FLOUR DISPERSIONS*
Authors: DAVIS J.P. , GHARST G. , SANDERS T.H.
Published: May 2007

The rheological behaviors of aqueous peanut flour dispersions were characterized across a range of conditions, including controlled heating and cooling rates under both large‐ and small‐strain deformations. Fat content of the dry flours influenced rheological changes, as dispersions of higher‐fat flours were less viscous than lower‐fat flours on an equal weight basis. A roast effect was also apparent, especially for dispersions of the higher‐fat flours in which light roast flours were more viscous than dark roast flours. Dispersions of toasted soy flour were more viscous at lower temperatures (<75C), but at higher temperatures, low‐fat peanut flour dispersions were more viscous than soy. Centrifugal separation revealed that the insoluble material of all dispersions primarily contributed to the observed rheological responses. Sodium dodecyl sulfate‐polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis was used to characterize the soluble and insoluble proteins making up the various dispersions, and these results are discussed in terms of observed rheological phenomena.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

Peanut flour is a dry powder prepared after partial extraction of peanut oil from roasted peanut seed. This flour, as compared to peanut butter or whole peanut seed, has numerous functional advantages in formulated foods, including improved stability to lipid oxidation, an enriched protein content and the handling ease of a powder. However, there is no published fundamental rheological data pertaining to these ingredients. Accordingly, commercially available peanut flours with varying roast intensities and fat contents were rheologically characterized in aqueous dispersions, both in the absence and presence of heat. Residual fat content in the flours primarily affected rheological behaviors, with high‐fat flours being less viscous under equivalent conditions. A yield stress was observed in all dispersions held at 40C, which correlated with stability of the dispersion to particle settling. This data could ultimately aid texture optimization of products containing such flours.
Inhibition of Foodborne Pathogens by Native Microflora Recovered from Fresh Peeled Baby Carrot and Propagated in Cultures
Authors: Liao C.‐H.
Published: May 2007

ABSTRACT:  The inhibitory effect of fresh peeled baby carrot and associated microflora on the viability and growth of Listeria monocytogenes, Yersinia enterocolitica, Salmonella enterica, Escherichia coli O157:H7, and Pseudomonas marginalis was investigated. The population of viable L. monocytogenes was reduced by more than 2 logs following the dipping of sliced baby carrots in the bacterial suspension for 2 min. However, other pathogens subjected to the same treatment showed no reduction in the population. Surface sanitization of baby carrots reduced the number of native microflora and in turn increased the growth of each pathogen on this commodity by 2 to 3 logs. Filter‐sterilized carrot homogenates exhibited no antimicrobial activity and were capable of supporting the growth of each pathogen to a density of over 2 × 109 CFU/mL. However, the growth of each pathogen in carrot homogenates containing microflora recovered from baby carrot and propagated in tryptic soy broth was reduced 2 to 3 logs after incubation at 28 °C for 2 d. On pepper disks, which have no antilisterial activity and very low levels of background microflora, the addition of carrot microflora also reduced the growth of each pathogen 2 to 4 logs after 2 d at 20 °C. The reduction was dependent upon the ratio between the number of carrot microflora and pathogen tested. The growth of L. monocytogenes or Y. enterocolitica on pepper disks containing carrot microflora was almost completely stopped after storage at 8 °C for 8 d. The inhibitory effect of baby carrots on pathogens is in part due to the antimicrobial activity of carrot tissue and in part due to the antagonistic action of associated microflora.
Mathematical Model on Flow Regime and Water Harvesting in Inundation Plains1
Authors: Goswami Manasmani Dev
Published: May 2007

Abstract:  A mathematical model on flow regime and water harvesting in inundation plains is presented. The flow profile is a free over‐fall at the end of the desired inundation. The flow front in the plain is on‐line for the entire coverage, in a sense that there is initiation of flow mass after each small reach of the flow traverse, and it is continuing to the extreme point of coverage. The water‐harvesting phenomenon depends upon the occurrences of the hydrologic events, the nature of surface flows in the valley, the expected favorable time of flood incidence, and the soil characteristics of the plains. The model has been tested for three micro‐watersheds of different soil characteristics. It is best suited to platykurtic nature of flood phenomenon in the study area, with the correlation co‐efficient in‐between computed and observed amount of water harvesting above 0.90.
A simple device for high‐precision head image registration: Preliminary performance and accuracy tests
Authors: Pallotta Stefania
Published: May 2007

The purpose of this paper is to present a new device for multimodal head study registration and to examine its performance in preliminary tests. The device consists of a system of eight markers fixed to mobile carbon pipes and bars which can be easily mounted on the patient's head using the ear canals and the nasal bridge. Four graduated scales fixed to the rigid support allow examiners to find the same device position on the patient's head during different acquisitions. The markers can be filled with appropriate substances for visualisation in computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance, single photon emission computer tomography (SPECT) and positron emission tomography images. The device's rigidity and its position reproducibility were measured in 15 repeated CT acquisitions of the Alderson Rando anthropomorphic phantom and in two SPECT studies of a patient. The proposed system displays good rigidity and reproducibility characteristics. A relocation accuracy of less than was found in more than 90% of the results. The registration parameters obtained using such a device were compared to those obtained using fiducial markers fixed on phantom and patient heads, resulting in differences of less than and for rotation and translation parameters, respectively. Residual differences between fiducial marker coordinates in reference and in registered studies were less than in more than 90% of the results, proving that the device performed as accurately as noninvasive stereotactic devices. Finally, an example of multimodal employment of the proposed device is reported.
A new Gamma Knife® radiosurgery paradigm: Tomosurgery
Authors: Hu X. , Maciunas R. J. , Dean D.
Published: May 2007

This study proposes and simulates an inverse treatment planning and a continuous dose delivery approach for the Leksell Gamma ® (LGK, Elekta, Stockholm, Sweden) which we refer to as “Tomosurgery.” Tomosurgery uses an isocenter that moves within the irradiation field to continuously deliver the prescribed radiation dose in a raster‐scanning format, slice by slice, within an intracranial lesion. Our Tomosurgery automated (inverse) treatment planning algorithm utilizes a two‐stage optimization strategy. The first stage reduces the current three‐dimensional (3D) treatment planning problem to a series of more easily solved 2D treatment planning subproblems. In the second stage, those 2D treatment plans are assembled to obtain a final 3D treatment plan for the entire lesion. We created Tomosurgery treatment plans for 11 patients who had already received manually‐generated LGK treatment plans to treat brain tumors. For the seven cases without critical structures (CS), the Tomosurgery treatment plans showed borderline to significant improvement in within‐tumor dose standard deviation (STD) (, or excluding case 2) and conformality , respectively. In three of the four cases that presented CS, the Tomosurgery treatment plans showed no statistically significant improvements in dose conformality , and borderline significance in improving within‐tumor dose homogeneity ; CS damage measured by or (i.e., irradiated CS volume that receives or of the maximum dose) showed no significant improvement in the Tomosurgery treatment plans ( and , respectively). However, the overall CS dose volume histograms were improved in the Tomosurgery treatment plans. In addition, the LGK Tomosurgery inverse treatment planning required less time than standard of care, forward (manual) LGK treatment planning (i.e., vs ) for all 11 cases. We expect that LGK Tomosurgery will speed treatment planning and improve treatment quality, especially for large and/or geometrically complex lesions. However, using only collimators could greatly increase treatment plan delivery time for a large brain lesion. This issue is subject to further investigation.
Integral test phantom for dosimetric quality assurance of image guided and intensity modulated stereotactic radiotherapy
Authors: Létourneau Daniel , Keller Harald , Sharpe Michael B. , Jaffray David A.
Published: May 2007

The objective of this work is to develop a dosimetric phantom quality assurance (QA) of linear accelerators capable of cone‐beam CT (CBCT) image guided and intensity‐modulated radiotherapy (IG‐IMRT). This phantom is to be used in an integral test to quantify in real‐time both the performance of the image guidance and the dose delivery systems in terms of dose localization. The prototype IG‐IMRT QA phantom consisted of a cylindrical imaging phantom (CatPhan) combined with an array of 11 radiation diodes mounted on a diameter disk, oriented perpendicular to the phantom axis. Basic diode response characterization was performed for 6 and photons. The diode response was compared to planning system calculations in the open and penumbrae regions of simple and complex beam arrangements. The clinical use of the QA phantom was illustrated in an integral test of an IG‐IMRT treatment designed for a clinical spinal radiosurgery case. The sensitivity of the phantom to multileaf collimator (MLC) calibration and setup errors in the clinical setting was assessed by introducing errors in the IMRT plan or by displacing the phantom. The diodes offered good response linearity and long‐term reproducibility for both 6 and . Axial dosimetry of coplanar beams (in a plane containing the beam axes) was made possible with the nearly isoplanatic response of the diodes over 360° of gantry (usually within ). For single beam geometry, errors in phantom placement as small as could be accurately detected (in gradient ). In clinical setting, MLC systematic errors of on a single MLC bank introduced in the IMRT plan were easily detectable with the QA phantom. The QA phantom demonstrated also sufficient sensitivity for the detection of setup errors as small as for the IMRT delivery. These results demonstrated that the prototype can accurately and efficiently verify the entire IG‐IMRT process. This tool, in conjunction with image guidance capabilities has the potential to streamline this QA process and improve the level of performance of image guided and intensity modulated radiotherapy.
Effect of the first day correction on systematic setup error reduction
Authors: Wu Qiuwen , Lockman David , Wong John , Yan Di
Published: May 2007

Treatment simulation is usually performed with a conventional simulator using kV X‐rays or with a computed tomography (CT) simulator before the treatment course begins. The purpose is to verify patient setup under the same conditions as for treatment planning. Systematic (preparation) setup errors can be introduced by this process. The purpose of this study is to characterize the setup errors using electronic portal image (EPI) analyses and to propose a method to reduce the systematic component by performing simulation and patient preparation on the treatment machine. In this study, the first four or five days EPIs were analyzed from a total of 533 prostate cancer patients who were simulated on conventional simulators. We characterized setup errors using four parameters: , where and are individual patient mean and standard deviation, M, , and RMS are the mean, standard deviation, and root‐mean‐square of underlying variables ( and ). We have performed a simulation of removing systematic components by correcting the first day setup error. As a comparison, we also carried out a similar analyses for patients simulated on a CT simulator and patients treated on a linac with an on‐board kV CT imaging system, although a limited number of patients were available in these two samples. We found that , and in lateral, anterior/posterior, and cranial/caudal directions, indicating that systematic errors are much larger than random errors. Strong correlations were found between measurement on the first day and , implying the first day's measurement is a good predictor for . The same parameters were also computed for days 2–4, with and without the first day correction. Without correction, , and . With correction, , much closer to zero, and , also much smaller. While the use of a CT simulator can reduce the systematic errors, the benefits of first day correction can still be observed, although at a smaller magnitude. Therefore, the systematic setup error can be significantly reduced if the patient is marked and fields are verified on the treatment machine on the first fraction, preferably with an on‐board kV imaging system.
Accuracy of two heterogeneity dose calculation algorithms for IMRT in treatment plans designed using an anthropomorphic thorax phantom
Authors: Davidson Scott E. , Ibbott Geoffrey S. , Prado Karl L. , Dong Lei , Liao Zhongxing , Followill David S.
Published: May 2007

With the advent of intensity‐modulated radiation therapy (IMRT), the inclusion of heterogeneity corrections is further complicated by the conformal delivery of many small beams forming steep dose gradients. Radiation treatment planning has evolved to take into account even small changes in tissue density so that the dose to tumor can be further optimized. However, different treatment planning systems incorporate different heterogeneity correction algorithms, and it is unclear whether any of these algorithms are superior to others in terms of accurately predicting delivered radiation doses relative to measurement in a clinical setting. The purpose of this study was to determine the accuracy of heterogeneity dose calculations from two widely used IMRT treatment planning systems (Pinnacle and Corvus) against measurement. These two systems handle heterogeneity dose corrections by means of a collapsed‐cone convolution superposition algorithm and a finite‐size pencil‐beam algorithm with one‐dimensional depth scaling correction, respectively. Treatment plans were generated by each system using an anthropomorphic thorax phantom, routine clinical lung tumor constraints, and a common prescribed dose. Dose measurements made by thermoluminescent detectors (TLDs) and radiochromic film positioned within the phantom's lung and offset tumor insert were then compared with the calculated values. The collapsed cone convolution superposition dose calculation algorithm provided clinically acceptable results ( of the normalization dose or distance to agreement) in the designed treatment plan and delivery. The pencil‐beam algorithm with an effective pathlength correction showed reasonable agreement within the gross tumor volume, overestimated dose within a majority of the planning target volume, and underestimated the extent of the penumbral broadening, yielding only about 60% accuracy when judged by the above criterion. Even judged by a more generous criterion , the results were clinically unfavorable (at only about 80% accuracy). To ascertain the dose in heterogeneous regions such as the tumor‐lung interface and the peripheral lung dose near the tumor, the superposition convolution algorithm that accounts for lateral scatter and electron transport should be used. The use of the pencil‐beam algorithm with only an effective pathlength correction may result in the dose to the target being overestimated. As a result, a full understanding of any treatment planning system's heterogeneity algorithm is required prior to clinical implementation.
Because Computers Don't Compost
Authors: Nagle Robin
Published: May 2007

High Tech Trash
. Digital Devices, Hidden Toxics, and Human Health.
By Elizabeth Grossman
. Island Press, Washington, DC, 2006. 351 pp. $25.95. ISBN 9781559635547.

Grossman discusses the production by-products and post-consumer fate of electronic devices such as computers, cell phones, television sets, and iPods.
Protein Dynamics Control the Kinetics of Initial Electron Transfer in Photosynthesis
Authors: Wang Haiyu , Lin Su , Allen James P. , Williams JoAnn C. , Blankert Sean , Laser Christa , Woodbury Neal W.
Published: May 2007

The initial electron transfer dynamics during photosynthesis have been studied in
Rhodobacter sphaeroides
reaction centers from wild type and 14 mutants in which the driving force and the kinetics of charge separation vary over a broad range. Surprisingly, the protein relaxation kinetics, as measured by tryptophan absorbance changes, are invariant in these mutants. By applying a reaction-diffusion model, we can fit the complex electron transfer kinetics of each mutant quantitatively, varying only the driving force. These results indicate that initial photosynthetic charge separation is limited by protein dynamics rather than by a static electron transfer barrier.
Large Longitude Libration of Mercury Reveals a Molten Core
Authors: Margot J. L. , Peale S. J. , Jurgens R. F. , Slade M. A. , Holin I. V.
Published: May 2007

Observations of radar speckle patterns tied to the rotation of Mercury establish that the planet occupies a Cassini state with obliquity of 2.11 ± 0.1 arc minutes. The measurements show that the planet exhibits librations in longitude that are forced at the 88-day orbital period, as predicted by theory. The large amplitude of the oscillations, 35.8 ± 2 arc seconds, together with the Mariner 10 determination of the gravitational harmonic coefficient
C
22
, indicates that the mantle of Mercury is decoupled from a core that is at least partially molten.
Age-Specific Salivary Immunoglobulin A Response to
Streptococcus mutans
GbpB
Authors: Nogueira Ruchele D. , Alves Alessandra C. , King William F. , Gonçalves Reginaldo B. , Höfling José F. , Smith Daniel J. , Mattos-Graner Renata O.
Published: May 2007

In a follow-up study of children infected with
Streptococcus mutans
at an early age (children previously shown to respond poorly to
S. mutans
GbpB), there was a delay in their immune response, rather than a complete inability to respond to this antigen. Epitopes in the N-terminal third of GbpB were identified as targets for naturally induced immunoglobulin A antibody in children at an early age.
Levels of Ca
2+
-Dipicolinic Acid in Individual
Bacillus
Spores Determined Using Microfluidic Raman Tweezers
Authors: Huang Shu-shi , Chen De , Pelczar Patricia L. , Vepachedu Venkata Ramana , Setlow Peter , Li Yong-qing
Published: April 2007

Pyridine-2,6-dicarboxylic acid (dipicolinic acid [DPA]) in a 1:1 chelate with calcium ion (Ca-DPA) comprises 5 to 15% of the dry weight of spores of
Bacillus
species. Ca-DPA is important in spore resistance to many environmental stresses and in spore stability, and Ca-DPA levels in spore populations can vary with spore species/strains, as well as with sporulation conditions. We have measured levels of Ca-DPA in large numbers of individual spores in populations of a variety of
Bacillus
species and strains by using microfluidic Raman tweezers, in which a single spore is trapped in a focused laser beam and its Ca-DPA is quantitated from the intensity of the Ca-DPA-specific band at 1,017 cm
−1
in Raman spectroscopy. Conclusions from these measurements include the following: (i) Ca-DPA concentrations in the spore core are >800 mM, well above Ca-DPA solubility; (ii) SpoVA proteins may be involved in Ca-DPA uptake in sporulation; and (iii) Ca-DPA levels differ significantly among individual spores in a population, but much of this variation could be due to variations in the sizes of individual spores.
Discrepancy in Antimicrobial Susceptibility Test Results Obtained for Oral Streptococci with the Etest and Agar Dilution
Authors: Mokaddas Eiman M. , Salako Nathaneal O. , Philip Leeba , Rotimi Vincent O.
Published: May 2007

A total of 270 viridans group streptococci (VS) isolated from healthy children, identified to the species level, were tested for their susceptibilities to penicillin, imipenem, erythromycin, and vancomycin. A total of 270 isolates and 1,080 organism-antibiotic combinations were evaluated. The overall susceptibility rates of all isolates obtained by the Etest (ET) versus agar dilution (AD) were 60.4% versus 61.8% for penicillin, 63.8% versus 63.9% for erythromycin, 90.6% versus 96% for vancomycin, and 99.1% versus 96.0% for imipenem, respectively. Major discrepancies occurred in the testing of the susceptibility of
Streptococcus mutans
to vancomycin, with 59.5% (ET) versus 100% (AD), followed by
S. salivarius
, with 84.1% versus 100%;
S. oralis
, with 82.1% versus 96.4%; and
S. mitis
, with 90% versus 100%, respectively. There were also differences in the rates of susceptibility of
S. mutans
, 66.5% (ET) versus 85.1% (AD), and
S. intermedius
, 82.9% versus 72.1%, respectively, to penicillin. General agreement between the results of ET and AD was obtained for 973 organism-antibiotic combinations out of 1,080 antibiotic combinations, i.e., 90.1%. Very major errors were found for 6.8% of isolates, and major errors were found for 3.2% of isolates; the minor errors were negligible. Agreement between the results of the two methods was 98.7% for penicillin, 94.6% for vancomycin, 96.9% for imipenem, and 99.9% for erythromycin. The highest rate of very major errors was for vancomycin, at 5.4%. The ET appears to be as efficient as AD for susceptibility testing of VS, except for vancomycin, where very major errors in the results were relatively high.
Evaluation of Direct Detection of
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Rifampin Resistance by a Nitrate Reductase Assay Applied to Sputum Samples in Cotonou, Benin
Authors: Affolabi Dissou , Odoun Mathieu , Martin Anandi , Palomino Juan Carlos , Anagonou Séverin , Portaels Françoise
Published: May 2007

The aim of this study was to evaluate a nitrate reductase assay (NRA) performed on smear-positive sputa for the direct detection of rifampin resistance in
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
. A total of 213 smear-positive sputa with a positivity score of 1+ or more (>1 acid-fast bacillus per field by fluorescence microscopy) were used in the study. The samples were decontaminated using the modified Petroff method, and portions of the resulting suspension were used to perform the NRA. The NRA results were compared with the reference indirect proportion method for 177 specimens for which comparable results were available. NRA results were obtained at day 10 for 15 specimens (9%), results for 88 specimens (50%) were obtained at day 14, results for 66 specimens (37%) were obtained at day 18, and results for the remaining 8 specimens (4%) were obtained at day 28. Thus, 96% of NRA results were obtained in 18 days. Of the 177 specimens, there was only one discrepancy (susceptible according to the NRA and resistant according to the indirect proportion method). NRA is simple to perform and provides a rapid, accurate, and cost-effective means for the detection of rifampin resistance in
M. tuberculosis
isolates.
Evidence that the Spread of
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Strains with the Beijing Genotype Is Human Population Dependent
Authors: Hanekom M. , van der Spuy G. D. , van Pittius N. C. Gey , McEvoy C. R. E. , Ndabambi S. L. , Victor T. C. , Hoal E. G. , van Helden P. D. , Warren R. M.
Published: May 2007

This study describes a comparative analysis of the Beijing mycobacterial interspersed repetitive unit types of
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
isolates from Cape Town, South Africa, and East Asia. The results show a significant association between the frequency of occurrence of strains from defined Beijing sublineages and the human population from whom they were cultured (
P
< 0.0001).
Atypical Norovirus Epidemic in Hong Kong during Summer of 2006 Caused by a New Genogroup II/4 Variant
Authors: Ho Eric C. M. , Cheng Peter K. C. , Lau Angela W. L. , Wong Ann H. , Lim Wilina W. L.
Published: May 2007

An atypically high level of norovirus activity was noticed in Hong Kong beginning in early May 2006. A study was carried out to investigate whether this was caused by a new norovirus variant. Epidemiological data including monthly positivity rates and the numbers of outbreaks per month from January to July 2006 were analyzed and compared to those from 2002 to 2005. In a comparison with the epidemiological data from 2001 to 2005, an atypical peak of norovirus-associated gastroenteritis outbreak was observed beginning in May 2006, concurring with a striking increase in norovirus activity. Most of the outbreaks (>60%) were located in homes for the elderly. Phylogenetic analysis for both RdRp and 5′ capsid regions showed that this epidemic was caused by a new genogroup II/4 variant. This variant was genetically distinct from the predominant variants of 2002 and 2004 but was closely related to one of the 95/96-subset variants which caused an epidemic in Hong Kong in 2001, suggesting that the 95/96 subset may be starting to recirculate.
The Vaccinia Virus F13L YPPL Motif Is Required for Efficient Release of Extracellular Enveloped Virus
Authors: Honeychurch Kady M. , Yang Guang , Jordan Robert , Hruby Dennis E.
Published: May 2007

The Tyr-X-X-Leu (YxxL) motif of the vaccinia virus F13L protein was examined for late (L) domain activity. The ability of an F13L deletion virus to form plaques was restored by PCR products containing single alanine substitutions within the motif and a YAAL construct but not by constructs lacking both the Y and L residues. Recombinant viruses possessing alanine substitutions in place of the tyrosine or the leucine residue in the YxxL motif demonstrated small, asymmetrical plaques. RNA interference-dependent depletion of Alix and TSG101 (host proteins involved in L domain-dependent protein trafficking) diminished extracellular enveloped virion production to various degrees, suggesting that the YxxL motif is a genuine L domain.
Functional Foxp3+CD4+CD25(Bright+)“Natural” Regulatory T Cells Are Abundant in Rabbit Conjunctiva and Suppress Virus-Specific CD4+and CD8+Effector T Cells during Ocular Herpes Infection
Authors: Nesburn Anthony B. , Bettahi Ilham , Dasgupta Gargi , Chentoufi Alami Aziz , Zhang Xiuli , You Sylvaine , Morishige Naoyuki , Wahlert Andrew J. , Brown Donald J. , Jester James V. , Wechsler Steven L. , BenMohamed Lbachir
Published: May 2007

We studied the phenotype and distribution of “naturally” occurring CD4+CD25+T regulatory cells (CD4+CD25+nTregcells) resident in rabbit conjunctiva, the main T-cell inductive site of the ocular mucosal immune system, and we investigated their suppressive capacities using herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1)-specific effector T (Teff) cells induced during ocular infection. The expression of CD4, CD25, CTLA4, GITR, and Foxp3 was examined by reverse transcription-PCR, Western blotting, and fluorescence-activated cell sorter analysis in CD45+pan-leukocytes isolated from conjunctiva, spleen, and peripheral blood monocyte cells (PBMC) of HSV-1-infected and uninfected rabbits. Normal conjunctiva showed a higher frequency of CD4+CD25(Bright+)T cells than did spleen and PBMC. These cells expressed high levels of Foxp3, GITR, and CTLA4 molecules. CD4+CD25(Bright+)T cells were localized continuously along the upper and lower palpebral and bulbar conjunctiva, throughout the epithelium and substantia propria. Conjunctiva-derived CD4+CD25(Bright+)T cells, but not CD4+CD25(low)T cells, efficiently suppressed HSV-specific CD4+and CD8+Teffcells. The CD4+CD25(Bright+)T-cell-mediated suppression was effective on both peripheral blood and conjunctiva infiltrating Teffcells and was cell-cell contact dependent but independent of interleukin-10 and transforming growth factor β. Interestingly, during an ocular herpes infection, there was a selective increase in the frequency and suppressive capacity of Foxp3+CD4+CD25(Bright+)T cells in conjunctiva but not in the spleen or in peripheral blood. Altogether, these results provide the first evidence that functional Foxp3+CD4+CD25(Bright+)Tregcells accumulate in the conjunctiva. It remains to be determined whether conjunctiva CD4+CD25+nTregcells affect the topical/mucosal delivery of subunit vaccines that stimulate the ocular mucosal immune system.
BAG3, a Host Cochaperone, Facilitates Varicella-Zoster Virus Replication
Authors: Kyratsous Christos A. , Silverstein Saul J.
Published: May 2007

Varicella-zoster virus (VZV) establishes a lifelong latent infection in the dorsal root ganglia of the host. During latency, a subset of virus-encoded regulatory proteins is detected; however, they are excluded from the nucleus. ORF29p, a single-stranded DNA binding protein, is one of these latency-associated proteins. We searched for cell proteins that interact with ORF29p and identified BAG3. BAG3, Hsp70/Hsc70, and Hsp90 colocalize with ORF29p in nuclear transcription/replication factories during lytic replication of VZV. Pharmacological intercession of Hsp90 activity with ansamycin antibiotics or depletion of BAG3 by small interfering RNA results in inhibition of virus replication. Replication in BAG3-depleted cell lines is restored by complementation with exogenous BAG3. Alteration of host chaperone activity provides a novel means of regulating virus replication.
Glycocalyx modulates the motility and proliferative response of vascular endothelium to fluid shear stress
Authors: Yao Yu , Rabodzey Aleksandr , Dewey C. Forbes
Published: April 2007

Flow-induced mechanotransduction in vascular endothelial cells has been studied over the years with a major focus on putative connections between disturbed flow and atherosclerosis. Recent studies have brought in a new perspective that the glycocalyx, a structure decorating the luminal surface of vascular endothelium, may play an important role in the mechanotransduction. This study reports that modifying the amount of the glycocalyx affects both short-term and long-term shear responses significantly. It is well established that after 24 h of laminar flow, endothelial cells align in the direction of flow and their proliferation is suppressed. We report here that by removing the glycocalyx by using the specific enzyme heparinase III, endothelial cells no longer align under flow after 24 h and they proliferate as if there were no flow present. In addition, confluent endothelial cells respond rapidly to flow by decreasing their migration speed by 40% and increasing the amount of vascular endothelial cadherin in the cell-cell junctions. These responses are not observed in the cells treated with heparinase III. Heparan sulfate proteoglycans (a major component of the glycocalyx) redistribute after 24 h of flow application from a uniform surface profile to a distinct peripheral pattern with most molecules detected above cell-cell junctions. We conclude that the presence of the glycocalyx is necessary for the endothelial cells to respond to fluid shear, and the glycocalyx itself is modulated by the flow. The redistribution of the glycocalyx also appears to serve as a cell-adaptive mechanism by reducing the shear gradients that the cell surface experiences.
Adenosine stimulates the basolateral 50 pS K channels in the thick ascending limb of the rat kidney
Authors: Gu Ruimin , Wang Jing , Zhang Yunhong , Li Wennan , Xu Ying , Shan Hongli , Wang Wen-Hui , Yang Baofeng
Published: May 2007

We used the patch-clamp technique to examine the effect of adenosine on the basolateral K channels in the thick ascending limb (TAL) of the rat kidney. A 50-pS inwardly rectifying K channel was detected in the basolateral membrane, and the channel activity was decreased by hyperpolarization. Application of adenosine (10 μM) increased the activity of basolateral 50 pS K channels, defined by NPo, from 0.21 to 0.41. The effect of adenosine on the 50 pS K channels was mimicked by cyclohexyladenosine (CHA), which increased channel activity by a dose-dependent manner. However, inhibition of the A1 adenosine receptor with 8-cyclopentyl-1, 3-dipropylxanthine (DPCPX) failed to block the effect of CHA. In contrast, application of 8-(3-chlorostyryl) caffeine (CSC), an A2 adenosine antagonist, abolished the stimulatory effect of CHA. The possibility that the effect of adenosine and adenosine analog on the basolateral 50 pS K channel was the result of activation of the A2 adenosine receptor was also suggested by the observation that application of CGS-21680, a selected A2A adenosine receptor agonist, increased the channel activity. Also, inhibition of PKA with N-[2-(methylamino)ethyl]-5-isoquinoline sulfonamide-2HC1 abolished the stimulatory effect of CHA on the basolateral 50 pS K channel. Moreover, addition of the membrane-permeable cAMP analog increases the activity of 50 pS K channels. We conclude that adenosine activates the 50 pS K channel in the basolateral membrane of the TAL and the stimulatory effect is mainly mediated by a PKA-dependent pathway via the A2 adenosine receptor in the TAL.
PEA3 Is Necessary for Optimal Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor–Stimulated Matrix Metalloproteinase Expression and Invasion of Ovarian Tumor Cells
Authors: Cowden Dahl Karen D. , Zeineldin Reema , Hudson Laurie G.
Published: May 2007

Elevated expression of the epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor (EGFR) is detected in human ovarian tumors and is associated with decreased recurrence-free and overall survival. EGFR activation affects tumor progression in part by promoting tumor invasion through the induction of prometastatic matrix metalloproteinases (MMP). PEA3, an ETS family transcription factor, is elevated in advanced and metastatic ovarian cancer and regulates MMPs in various cell types, therefore, we investigated whether PEA3 is required for the EGFR-dependent induction of MMP mRNA. MMP-9 and MMP-14 mRNA levels were selectively increased in response to EGFR activity in ovarian tumor cells. EGFR activation resulted in nuclear accumulation of PEA3 and direct binding of PEA3, but not the related protein ETS-1, to the endogenous MMP-9 and MMP-14 promoters. Furthermore, PEA3 overexpression was sufficient to induce MMP-9 and MMP-14 mRNA, tumor cell migration, and invasion, suggesting that PEA3 is an important contributor to the metastatic phenotype. Additionally, inhibition of PEA3 expression via short interfering RNA reduced the EGF induction of MMP-9 and MMP-14 gene expression by 92% and 50%, respectively, and impaired EGF-stimulated tumor cell invasion. These results suggest that PEA3 is regulated by EGFR and that the elevated PEA3 expression detected in human ovarian cancer may divert cells to a more invasive phenotype by regulating MMP-9 and MMP-14. (Mol Cancer Res 2007;5(5):413–21)