bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The impact of herbicide management on long‐term changes in the diversity and species composition of weed populations
Authors: GRUNDY A C , MEAD A , BOND W , CLARK G , BURSTON S
Published: November 2010

GrundyAC,MeadA,BondW,ClarkG &BurstonS (2011). The impact of herbicide management on long‐term changes in the diversity and species composition of weed populations.Weed Research51, 187–200.

Field vegetable systems face challenges to maintain sustainable weed management, including a reduction in available herbicides and encouragement towards reduced tillage. In a 9‐year study, six herbicide products were compared, each at three rates, with a single product per plot. These were assessed in a minimal cultivation system designed to exert maximum pressure for change in weed populations, to assess for predictable changes in these populations. Weed density and species number declined with increasing herbicide rate, confirming that some species are able to survive in reduced rates. Pre‐emergence herbicides resulted in a larger number of species, greater species diversity and lower species dominance, compared with post‐emergence products. Species numbers increased over the first 6 years, with emergence periodicity coinciding with springtime soil disturbance. The number of species with ecological functional value increased in response to repeated use of single herbicide products. Observed species shifts illustrated complex responses to the combination of three separate drivers: changes in the dominant periodicity associated with tillage timing; a response to herbicide product and rate related to species susceptibility; and changes in community dynamics caused by variability in weather and the interaction with herbicide efficacy. Improved understanding of the effects on weed communities of the interactions between these drivers and the cropping system is essential in achieving a balance between sustainable weed management and the provision of ecological function.
Aspirin: Old drug, new uses and challenges*
Authors: Yeomans Neville D
Published: November 2010

Salicylates have been used since antiquity to relieve pain and inflammation. However, it has been only in the last half century that evidence has emerged that aspirin causes reproducible acute and superficial injury to the gastric and duodenal mucosa, and is an important cause of complicated and uncomplicated peptic ulcer.

Superficial damage to the mucosa occurs rapidly and reproducibly and acid and pepsin then produce a second wave of deeper injury. Most of the time this heals rapidly, but some focal deeper mucosal lesions (erosions) occur frequently and the point prevalence of frank ulcers in low dose aspirin users is around 10%.

It is even more recently that aspirin's unique antiplatelet action has been recognized, with long‐lasting inhibition of platelet aggregation due to irreversible inactivation of the cyclooxygenase‐1 mediated production of thromboxane. It has now become the mainstay of pharmacological reduction of thrombotic risk in patients with cardiovascular diseases. In addition, evidence is accumulating about the cancer‐reducing effects of blocking cyclooxygenase in a number of tissues. For example, recent data indicate that even at a 75‐mg/day dose, it may reduce colorectal cancer risk after a lag of a year or so.

Because of its widespread use for cardiovascular protection, aspirin is now one of the most frequently prescribed drugs—and gastroenterologists regularly need to deal with its ulcerative complications along the whole length of the gastrointestinal tract. Strategies that can be used to reduce these risks include using the lowest effective aspirin dose and co‐prescribing acid suppressants.
Prosthetic joint infection: challenges of diagnosis and treatment
Authors: Peel Trisha N. , Buising Kirsty L. , Choong Peter F. M.
Published: November 2010

Arthroplasty for arthritis has led to remarkable improvement in patient quality of life and alleviation of symptoms. A major complication of this surgery is infection. This review examines current understanding of epidemiology, diagnosis, treatment and prevention of prosthetic joint infections. In particular, this article focuses on the role of biofilm formation in the pathogenesis of device infections and the diagnostic and treatment challenges associated with this process.
Is sekentei associated with attitudes toward use of care services?: Multilevel analysis in Japan
Authors: Murayama Hiroshi , Taguchi Atsuko , Ryu Shuhei , Nagata Satoko , Murashima Sachiyo
Published: November 2010

Aim:  To examine the relationship between individual and regional levels of sekentei and attitudes toward care services in the general Japanese population.

Methods:  A cross‐sectional survey was conducted in January and February 2005 using a mailed‐in self‐administered questionnaire. Participants were 4735 community residents aged 20–75 years living in 23 regions in the city of Koka in Shiga Prefecture. Questions encompassed demographic data, attitudes toward the use of formal care services and the Sekentei Scale. The regional variable of sekentei was constructed by aggregating the individual sekentei scores within elementary school districts. Multilevel logistic regression analysis was conducted to assess the association between individual and regional sekentei and attitudes toward care services.

Results:  A total of 2264 questionnaires were analyzed. Approximately 16% of respondents were willing to use formal care services. Multilevel analysis showed that lower individual sekentei was associated with the willingness to use formal care services among both men and women (odds ratio [OR] = 0.96, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.93–0.99 in men; OR = 0.96, 95% CI = 0.92–1.00 in women). Among men, the negative association between regional sekentei and the willingness to use formal care services was marginally significant (OR = 0.69, 95% CI = 0.48–1.01) as was the interaction between individual and regional sekentei levels.

Conclusion:  These results indicate the importance of assessing not only the individual sekentei level but also the sekentei level in different regions to develop strategies for the allocation of care resources. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2011; 11: 166–173.
The accrual anomaly: Australian evidence
Authors: Clinch Greg , Fuller Damian , Govendir Brett , Wells Peter
Published: November 2010

This paper investigates whether there is evidence of the accrual anomaly (Sloan, 1996) in Australia, whereby investors overestimate the impact of accruals on the persistence of earnings. While our results provide general support for the existence of the anomaly in Australia, there are a number of idiosyncrasies. First, there is evidence of Australian investors underestimating the persistence of earnings. Second, there is evidence of investors incorrectly assessing the implications of accruals and cash flows for the persistence of earnings (i.e. an accrual anomaly and a cash‐flow anomaly). Third, returns to a hedged portfolio trading strategy based on reported accruals are decreasing over the three‐year period subsequent to portfolio formation. Furthermore, they are statistically significant only in the first year. Additional analysis of the hedge portfolio results indicates that these results are primarily attributable to a limited number of firm‐year observations in the extreme positive tail of returns.
The First Step of the Capital Flow from Institutions to Entrepreneurs: the Criteria for Sorting Venture Capital Funds
Authors: Groh Alexander Peter , von Liechtenstein Heinrich
Published: November 2010

We contribute to the knowledge of the capital flow from institutional investors via venture capital (VC) funds as intermediaries to their final destination, entrepreneurial ventures. To this end, we conduct a world‐wide survey among limited partners to determine the importance of several criteria when they select VC funds. We find the top criteria to be the expected deal flow and access to transactions, a VC fund's historic track record, his local market experience, the match of the experience of team members with the proposed investment strategy, the team's reputation, and the mechanisms proposed to align interest between the investors and the VC funds. A principal component analysis reveals three latent drivers in the selection process: ‘Local Expertise and Incentive Structure’, ‘Investment Strategy and Expected Implementation’, and ‘Prestige/Standing vs. Cost’. It becomes evident that limited partners search for teams which are able to implement a certain strategy at a given cost. Thereby, they focus on an incentive structure that limits agency costs.
Selecting Your Inflation Targeters: Background and Performance of Monetary Policy Committee Members
Authors: Farvaque Etienne , Stanek Piotr , Hammadou Hakim
Published: November 2010

This paper starts by describing the composition of monetary policy committees (MPCs) in inflation-targeting and non-targeting countries. The experience of MPC members on their inflation performance is then compared, opposing inflation targeters with non-targeters. Our sample covers the major Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development countries, in the period 1999-2008. Our results first show that MPCs are different in inflation-targeting (versus non-targeting) countries. They also reveal that policy-makers’ backgrounds influence inflation, and that the influence of MPCs’ experience is much greater in inflation-targeting countries, while size effects are more important for committees that do not target inflation.
Investigation of adhesion of modern wound dressings: a comparative analysis of 56 different wound dressings
Authors: Klode J. , Schöttler L. , Stoffels I. , Körber A. , Schadendorf D. , Dissemond J.
Published: November 2010

Introduction  In the process of chronic wound care, adhesive wound dressings may cause pain and injury in the wound environment during dressing changes. At present, no standardized test procedures are available for the investigation of adhesion of wound dressings. Therefore, our study aimed to test the adhesion of different wound dressings on steel as well as on healthy skin.

Methods  Within an open, comparative study, the adhesive areas of 56 wound dressings were investigated. The adhesives were categorized into acrylate (n = 23), silicone (n = 9), hydrocolloid (n = 17) and polyurethane groups (n = 7). Using an especially modified testing machine, the adhesion of the wound dressings was measured on steel as well as on the skin of healthy study participants, in compliance with the European EN 1939:2003 standard.

Results  The energy required to remove the wound dressings from human skin, was measured in Newton (N) and the following median values were obtained: hydrocolloid (2.25 N) > acrylate (1.14 N) > polyurethane (0.9 N) > silicone (0.7 N). The subjective pain intensity during the removal of the wound dressings was recorded using the visual analogue scale (VAS) with values ranging from 0 to 10. For hydrocolloid, it was 6.8, for acrylate 4.9, for polyurethane 3.1 and for silicone 2.5 points VAS. In comparison with human skin, the adhesion of wound dressings was significantly higher on steel (P < 0.0001), but was different for the different groups of wound dressings. Moreover, there was a statistically significant correlation between the adhesion and pain intensity (correlation coefficient 0.806; P = 0.01).

Conclusion  The knowledge about the widely differing adhesion properties of different wound dressings on the skin of patients should nowadays be considered during the individual selection of the applied products. Based on these data, different types of wound dressings could be developed, guaranteeing a good adhesion and a low traumatic risk when removed.
Epidemiology of Helicobacter pylori infection and Public Health Implications
Authors: Ford Alexander C. , Axon Anthony T. R.
Published: November 2010

This article summarizes the published literature concerning the epidemiology and public health implications of Helicobacter pylori infection published from April 2009 through March 2010. Prevalence of infection varied between 7 and 87% and was lower in European studies. All retrieved studies examining transmission of infection concluded that spread is from person‐to‐person. One study collecting stool and vomitus samples from patients with acute gastroenteritis detected H. pylori DNA in 88% of vomitus and 74% of stool samples. Proposed risk factors for infection included male gender, increasing age, shorter height, tobacco use, lower socioeconomic status, obesity, and lower educational status of the parents in studies conducted among children. Decision analysis models suggest preventing acquisition of H. pylori, via vaccination in childhood, could be cost‐effective and may reduce incidence of gastric cancer by over 40%. As yet, no country has adopted public health measures to treat infected individuals or prevent infection in populations at risk.
FLUCTUATING ALGAL FOOD POPULATIONS AND THE OCCURRENCE OF LESSER FLAMINGOS (PHOENICONAIAS MINOR) IN THREE KENYAN RIFT VALLEY LAKES1
Authors: Krienitz Lothar , Kotut Kiplagat
Published: November 2010

The last two decades have witnessed increasing episodes of lesser flamingo die‐offs in East Africa. Based on data on phytoplankton composition, biomass, and flamingo population density in three alkaline‐saline lakes of Kenya (Bogoria, Nakuru, and Oloidien) in 2001–2010, this study explored the link between sudden flamingo deaths and fluctuations in algal food quantity and quality. The phytoplankton biomass ranged from 13 to 768 mg · L−1. Similarly, flamingo numbers varied widely from <1,000 to >500,000 individuals in the study lakes. The dominance of the cyanobacterium Arthrospira fusiformis (Woron.) Komárek et J. W. G. Lund was interrupted at irregular intervals in each lake and replaced partly by populations of different species of the nostocalean Anabaenopsis or by the picoplanktonic chlorophyte Picocystis salinarum Lewin. The populations of Anabaenopsis have the potential of blocking the flamingo food filtration system with their large and slimy colonies; moreover, they are able to produce cyanotoxins. Estimates of flamingo populations suggest that low flamingo numbers coincided with periods of low algal food quantity and/or poor quality. A food deficit can be theorized to have two effects on the flamingos: (i) it weakens them to the point of being susceptible to attacks of infective diseases, such as the ones caused by Mycobacterium avium and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and (ii) it predisposes them to poisoning by cyanotoxins and pollutants, by reducing their capacity to handle toxic substances. This study therefore concludes that the challenges facing the flamingos are associated with changes in their environment, which affect food and water supply.
STRATEGIES AND RATES OF PHOTOACCLIMATION IN TWO MAJOR SOUTHERN OCEAN PHYTOPLANKTON TAXA: PHAEOCYSTIS ANTARCTICA (HAPTOPHYTA) AND FRAGILARIOPSIS CYLINDRUS (BACILLARIOPHYCEAE)1
Authors: Kropuenske Lindsey R. , Mills Matthew M. , van Dijken Gert L. , Alderkamp Anne‐Carlijn , Mine Berg Gry , Robinson Dale H. , Welschmeyer Nicholas A. , Arrigo Kevin R.
Published: November 2010

We investigated rates and mechanisms of photoacclimation in cultures of Phaeocystis antarctica G. Karst. and Fragilariopsis cylindrus (Grunow) Willi Krieg, phytoplankton taxa that each dominate distinct areas of the Ross Sea, Antarctica. Both P. antarctica and F. cylindrus acclimated to increases in irradiance by reducing the effective size of the pigment antenna (σPSII) via xanthophyll‐cycle activity and reductions in chl. While enhanced photoprotection facilitated increases in specific growth rate and eventually led to higher light‐saturated photosynthetic rates (Pcellm) in P. antarctica, increases in those variables were much smaller in F. cylindrus. In response to a lower irradiance, relaxation of xanthophyll‐cycle activity led to an increase in σPSII in both taxa, which occurred much more slowly in F. cylindrus. A surprising increase in specific growth rate over the first 36 h of acclimation in P. antarctica may have facilitated the significant reductions in Pcellm observed in that taxon. In general, P. antarctica acclimated more quickly to changes in irradiance than F. cylindrus, exhibited a wider range in photosynthetic rates, but was more susceptible to photoinhibition. This acclimation strategy is consistent with growth in deeply mixed water columns with variations in irradiance that allow time for repair. In contrast, the slower acclimation rates, extensive photoprotection, and low photoinhibition exhibited by F. cylindrus suggest that it does not require the same period for repair as P. antarctica and is best suited for growth in habitats with relatively uniform irradiance, such as shallow mixed layers or sea ice.
Challenges and Opportunities in Advancing Models of Care for Older Adults: An Assessment of the National Institute on Aging Research Portfolio
Authors: Liggins Charlene , Pryor Lisa , Bernard Marie A.
Published: November 2010

OBJECTIVES: To identify existing projects supported by the National Institute on Aging (NIA) that may relate to the recommendations for models of care (MOCs) presented in the 2008 Institute of Medicine Report, Retooling for an Aging America: Building the Healthcare Workforce.

DESIGN: Cross‐sectional analysis of NIA's grant portfolio.

SETTING: NIA.

PARTICIPANTS: NIA grantees.

MEASUREMENTS: NIA's grant portfolio was queried for the period 1999 to 2008 using a variety of search terms related to MOCs. Inclusion criteria were adherence to guiding principles for MOCs (comprehensive care, efficient care, older person as an active partner) or focus on innovative feature(s) of MOCs (interdisciplinary care, care management, chronic disease self‐management, pharmaceutical management, preventive home visits, proactive rehabilitation, transitional care). Exclusion criteria were lack of focus on an intervention and focus on informal caregivers. Expert NIA staff reviewed and validated projects.

RESULTS: One hundred thirty‐five grants were identified. These grants represent fewer than 1% of the approximate number of grants NIA has funded over this same period of time (∼24,000 grants). Forty‐four percent focused on components of comprehensive care and 34% on active involvement of older adults. Approximately half specifically focused on innovative features of MOCs, ranging from chronic disease self‐management (32%) and proactive rehabilitation (26%) to preventive home visits (1%) and transitional care (1%). The majority of projects were investigator‐initiated grants (46%).

CONCLUSION: NIA has supported the development of many interventions that include components of MOCs related to recommendations from the IOM report. The challenge for the future will be determining which of the many components of comprehensive care systems are most effective for which subsets of the elderly population and assessing opportunities for enhanced collaboration between public and private aging research stakeholders.
Physical and Mental Health of Homebound Older Adults: An Overlooked Population
Authors: Qiu Wei Qiao , Dean Michael , Liu Timothy , George Linda , Gann Margery , Cohen Joshua , Bruce Martha L.
Published: November 2010

There are currently more than 38.9 million people aged 65 an older in the United States. Up to 3.6 million of these people are considered housebound and in need of home‐based care. Although homebound status is not defined specifically, with a broad range of disability levels, it is evident that people who are homebound suffer from a multitude of medical and psychiatric illnesses. This review examines the current literature to identify the specific physical and psychiatric factors most responsible for older adults becoming and remaining housebound. Homebound older adults suffer from metabolic, cardiovascular, cerebrovascular, and musculoskeletal diseases, as well as from cognitive impairment, dementia, and depression, at higher rates than the general elderly population. The information in this review will explain the specific types of care the homebound population needs and discuss the care that could help ease their suffering and delay their entry into a nursing home or hospital.
Review of Web‐Based Module to Train and Assess Competency in Systems‐Based Practice
Authors: Eskildsen Manuel A.
Published: November 2010

This module has a goal of increasing learners' understanding of the care transitions process through an online, interactive interface that can be completed in approximately 30 minutes. The teaching is case‐based, using a hypothetical patient to walk learners through the main elements that the author is emphasizing: highlighting the importance of communication during the discharge process, including the preparation of complete discharge summaries; explaining the sources of payment for elderly patients moving through the healthcare system; and discharge sites according to type and amount of therapy that patients can expect to receive.
Moment Independent Importance Measures: New Results and Analytical Test Cases
Authors: Borgonovo Emanuele , Castaings William , Tarantola Stefano
Published: November 2010

Moment independent methods for the sensitivity analysis of model output are attracting growing attention among both academics and practitioners. However, the lack of benchmarks against which to compare numerical strategies forces one to rely on ad hoc experiments in estimating the sensitivity measures. This article introduces a methodology that allows one to obtain moment independent sensitivity measures analytically. We illustrate the procedure by implementing four test cases with different model structures and model input distributions. Numerical experiments are performed at increasing sample size to check convergence of the sensitivity estimates to the analytical values.
High‐Permittivity and Low‐Loss Microwave Dielectric Ceramics Based on (x)RE(Zn1/2Ti1/2)O3–(1−x)CaTiO3(RE=La and Nd)
Authors: Feteira Antonio , Iddles David , Price Tim , Muir Duncan , Reaney Ian M.
Published: November 2010

Compositions based on REZn1/2Ti1/2O3–CaTiO3(RE=La and Nd), suitable for microwave (MW) applications have been developed by systematically doping the perovskite B site with Ta2O5, Al2O3, and MgO in order to tune the temperature coefficient of the resonant frequency (τf) and improve the MW quality factor (Q ×fr) Optimized compositions, 0.45La(Zn0.395Ti0.385Ta0.01Al0.21)O3–0.55CaTiO3(LZT‐CT) and 0.32Nd(Zn0.45Mg0.05Ti0.5)O3–0.10NdAlO3–0.58CaTiO3(NZT‐CT) were prepared by solid‐state reaction and have been characterized. X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy revealed that both compositions were single phase with a bulk microstructure composed of equiaxed grains (∼10 μm). Electron diffraction and XRD demonstrated that, at room temperature, LZT‐CT and NZT‐CT were orthorhombic with space groupPnma, consistent with ana−a−c+tilt system. Diffraction contrast transmission electron microscopy revealed a complex domain structure consisting of ferroelastic and antiphase domain boundaries. LZT‐CT and NZT‐CT had zero τf, ɛr=49 and 44,Q×fr=29 600 GHz (at 1.957 GHz), and 32 200 GHz (at 1.971 GHz), respectively.
AMD3100 is a potent antagonist at CXCR4R334X, a hyperfunctional mutant chemokine receptor and cause of WHIM syndrome
Authors: McDermott David H. , Lopez Joseph , Deng Francis , Liu Qian , Ojode Teresa , Chen Haoqian , Ulrick Jean , Kwatemaa Nana , Kelly Corin , Anaya‐O’Brien Sandra , Garofalo Mary , Marquesen Martha , Hilligoss Dianne , DeCastro Rosamma , Malech Harry L. , Murphy Philip M.
Published: November 2010

WHIM is an acronym for a rare immunodeficiency syndrome (OMIM #193670) caused by autosomal dominant mutations truncating the C‐terminus of the chemokine receptor CXC chemokine receptor 4 (CXCR4). WHIM mutations may potentiate CXCR4 signalling, suggesting that the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA)‐approved CXCR4 antagonist AnorMED3100 (AMD3100) (also known as Plerixafor) may be beneficial in WHIM syndrome. We have tested this at the preclinical level by comparing Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) and K562 cell lines matched for expression of recombinant wild‐type CXCR4 (CXCR4WT) and the most common WHIM variant of CXCR4 (CXCR4R334X), as well as leucocytes from a WHIM patient with the CXCR4R334X mutation versus healthy controls. We found that CXCR4R334X mediated modestly increased signalling (∼2‐fold) in all functional assays tested, but strongly resisted ligand‐dependent down‐regulation. AMD3100 was equipotent and equieffective as an antagonist at CXCR4R334X and CXCR4WT. Together, our data provide further evidence that CXCR4R334X is a gain‐of‐function mutation, and support clinical evaluation of AMD3100 as mechanism‐based treatment in patients with WHIM syndrome.
Creating ‘Alternative Geographies’: Religion, Transnationalism and Everyday Life
Authors: Sheringham Olivia
Published: November 2010

This article explores an emerging body of research within geography that has engaged with religion and spirituality, as well as the important theoretical and empirical contributions of geographers to ‘transnational studies’ within migration research. It argues for the importance of exploring these two fields as interrelated, suggesting some potentially fruitful avenues of inquiry for geographers. It considers how, while geographers and transnational scholars have begun to foreground religious themes, there is little geographical work that brings these two important areas of research together. Thus, there exist few examples of research within geography that consider the religious dimensions of transnational practices and processes, or the transnational dimensions of geographies of religion. The article highlights the potential insights that could be gained from more engagement across these areas of enquiry, including a framework for analysing geographies of religion, transnationalism and everyday life.
Edible Mushroom (Flammulina velutipes) Extract Inhibits Melanosis in Kuruma Shrimp (Marsupenaeus japonicus)
Authors: Encarnacion Angel B. , Fagutao Fernand , Hirayama Jinto , Terayama Makoto , Hirono Ikuo , Ohshima Toshiaki
Published: November 2010

Abstract:  This study compared the potential of an aqueous extract of an edible mushroom (Flammulina velutipes) to prevent melanosis in cultured Kuruma shrimp (Marsupenaeus japonicus) with other antimelanosic compounds in vivo. The mushroom extract contained 9.1 mg/mL ergothioneine (ESH). Immersion of live full‐grown shrimp in a 0.5% w/v solution of mushroom extract significantly reduced PPO activity in shrimp hemolymph. In addition, expression of the prophenoloxidase (proPO) gene decreased in hemocytes, suggesting that the extract blocked the activation of the proPO cascade. Consequently, the development of melanosis in the treated shrimp was significantly suppressed during ice storage. Treatment with a 0.05% w/v solution of sodium ascorbate and 4‐hexyl‐1,3‐benzenediol had the same effect. In vitro experiments showed that ESH effectively inhibited PPO activity and activation of the proPO cascade in hemocyte lysate supernatant. This study suggests that in vivo application of F. velutipes mushroom extract is an effective natural alternative to synthetic antimelanosic agents to inhibit postmortem melanosis in shrimp.

Practical Application:  The extract of an edible mushroom (F. velutipes) containing ergothioneine can be a promising natural alternative to synthetic antimelanosic agents used to prevent postharvest melanosis in shrimp and other crustaceans. Furthermore, utilization of the mushroom trimmings could also help address the growing concerns on the disposal of such agricultural wastes and instead use it into a novel purpose as a source of antimelanosic and antioxidants for food and industrial application.
Retail Display Evaluation of Steaks from Select Beef Strip Loins Injected with a Brine Containing 1% Ammonium Hydroxide. Part 1: Fluid Loss, Oxidation, Color, and Microbial Plate Counts
Authors: Parsons A.N. , VanOverbeke D.L. , Goad C.L. , Mireles DeWitt C.A.
Published: November 2010

Abstract:  Select beef loin pairs (n= 10) were injected (10% pump) with brine containing either 4.5% sodium‐based phosphates, (CON), or 1% ammonium hydroxide treatment (AHT). Both brines also contained 3.6% NaCl and 1% Rosemary Herbalox. Steaks cut from loins were high oxygen (80% O2/20% CO2) modified atmosphere packaged, stored 4 d at 4 °C in the dark to simulate transportation, and then placed in retail display for 14 d (4 °C). On day 0, 7, and 14 of retail display steak properties were measured. Purge from AHT steaks was higher than CON (P < 0.05). Panelists were not able to visually discriminate between AHT and CON steaks through the first 6 d of retail display. After day 6, panelists rated AHT steaks higher for muscle color, percent discoloration, and overall color. Steaks from both treatments started at day 0 retail display with similar total plate counts (P > 0.05). Microbial counts increased more rapidly for AHT steaks than CON steaks (P < 0.05). AHT and CON steaks were not different in terms of lipid oxidation through day 7 retail display. By day 14 retail display CON steaks were above the threshold for consumer perception of oxidized flavors in fresh meat. However, results also indicated the AHT and CON steaks were no longer acceptable by day 14 in terms of color, were questionable in terms of microbial load, and likely were beyond their reasonable shelf life. Based on retail display properties, results indicated 1% AHT could successfully replace 4.5% SP in a meat injection brine.

Practical Application:  The research in this report compares steaks that have been injected with a commercial brine formulated with SP to steaks that have been injected with a brine, where the SP in the formulation are replaced with 1% AHT. Ammonium hydroxide is an USDA‐FSIS approved ingredient in brines injected into fresh meats. Successful replacement of sodium phosphate with ammonium hydroxide would allow processors to significantly reduce the sodium content of injected fresh meat.
Theoretical and
Experimental Study on a Porous Cylinder Floating in
Waves
Authors: Zhao Fenfang , Bao Weiguang , Kinoshita Takeshi , Itakura Hiroshi
Published: November 2010

In the present work, theoretical and experimental studies on the interaction of water waves with a truncated circular cylinder were performed. The cylinder, which is partly made of porous materials, possesses a porous sidewall and an impermeable bottom. A nondimensional parameter b is adopted in the theoretic formulation to describe the porosity, which is not directly related to the opening ratio τ of the porous materials. To validate the theoretical work and computed results, a series of model tests are carried out in a wave basin. Effort is made to establish an empirical relation between b and τ based on the comparison of the calculation and experimental data. The phenomenon of the sloshing mode that occurred at a certain wave number is observed, which might have an application in breakwaters. The validation of the Haskind relations is examined for the porous body. It is found that the damping coefficient consists of two parts. In addition to the component of conventional wave-radiating damping, there exists a second component caused by the porous effects.
Texturing of silicon using a microporous polymer etch mask
Authors: Korivi N. S. , Hoffpauir J. , Ajmera P. K.
Published: November 2010

This article reports on the texturing of silicon surface in microscale dimensions based on the formation of a polymeric layer on a silicon surface. The polymer layer is made porous by initially incorporating foreign material within it, followed by removal of the foreign material to leave behind pores. The pores in the polymer are of microscale dimensions having an interconnected structure, allowing the polymer layer to function as a chemical etch mask. The interconnected pores allow an etchant to access and etch the underlying silicon, resulting in texturing of the silicon surface. The texturing of silicon can be controlled, among other factors, by adjusting porosity in the polymer layer.
Achieving a Nationwide Learning Health System
Authors: Friedman Charles P. , Wong Adam K. , Blumenthal David
Published: November 2010

An infrastructure that enables secure reuse of patient data can speed the progression of new knowledge from bench to bedside.
Breathe Bitter, Breathe Easy!
Authors: Ahmad Shama
Published: November 2010

Bitter taste receptors in lungs might help relax asthmatic airways.
GLOBAL EXPONENTIAL STABILITY OF HIGH-ORDER BAM NEURAL NETWORKS WITH REACTION–DIFFUSION TERMS
Authors: ZHOU FENG-YAN , MA CHENG-RONG
Published: November 2010

The global exponential stability is studied for a class of high-order bi-directional associative memory (BAM) neural networks with time delays and reaction–diffusion terms. By constructing suitable Lyapunov functional, using differential mean value theorem and homeomorphism, several sufficient conditions guaranteeing the existence, uniqueness and global exponential stability of high-order BAM neural networks with time delays and reaction–diffusion terms are given. Two illustrative examples are also given in the end to show the effectiveness of our results.
BIOMEDICAL APPLICATIONS OF MAGNETIC NANOPARTICLES
Authors: WU AIGUO , OU PING , ZENG LEYONG
Published: November 2010

In this review, the applications of magnetic nanoparticles in biomedicine are summarized and introduced in three parts. (1) A short description of magnetic nanoparticles is explained. (2) Applications of magnetic nanoparticles in biomedicine are summarized. In biology, new progress of the magnetic separation techniques based on magnetic nanoparticles is discussed. In medicine, the magnetic nanoparticles as therapeutic agents (particularly as a hyperthermia agent, a targeted drug delivery carrier, and a magnetofection agent) as well as contrast agents in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are explained in detail. (3) A discussion and remarking conclusion of magnetic nanoparticles in biomedical applications are described. Finally, a perspective of the magnetic nanoparticles in biomedicine in future is also described.
COMPUTER-AIDED PREDICTION OF PHYSICAL AND MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF HIGH STRENGTH CEMENTITIOUS COMPOSITE CONTAINING Cr2O3 NANOPARTICLES
Authors: NAZARI ALI , RIAHI SHADI
Published: November 2010

In the present paper, two models based on artificial neural networks (ANN) and genetic programming (GEP) for predicting flexural strength and percentage of water absorption of concretes containing Cr2O3 nanoparticles have been developed at different ages of curing. For purpose of building these models, training and testing using experimental results for 144 specimens produced with 16 different mixture proportions were conducted. The data used in the multilayer feed forward neural networks models and input variables of genetic programming models are arranged in a format of eight input parameters that cover the cement content (C), nanoparticle content (N), aggregate type (AG), water content (W), the amount of superplasticizer (S), the type of curing medium (CM), Age of curing (AC) and number of testing try (NT). According to these input parameters, in the neural networks and genetic programming models the flexural strength and percentage of water absorption values of concretes containing Cr2O3 nanoparticles were predicted. The training and testing results in the neural network and genetic programming models have shown that every two models have strong potential for predicting the flexural strength and percentage of water absorption values of concretes containing Cr2O3 nanoparticles. Although neural network have predicted better results, genetic programming is able to predict reasonable values with a simpler method rather than neural network.
Identification of a physiological role for leptin in the regulation of ambulatory activity and wheel running in mice
Authors: Morton Gregory J. , Kaiyala Karl J. , Fisher Jonathan D. , Ogimoto Kayoko , Schwartz Michael W. , Wisse Brent E.
Published: November 2010

Mechanisms regulating spontaneous physical activity remain poorly characterized despite evidence of influential genetic and acquired factors. We evaluated ambulatory activity and wheel running in leptin-deficient ob/ob mice and in wild-type mice rendered hypoleptinemic by fasting in both the presence and absence of subcutaneous leptin administration. In ob/ob mice, leptin treatment to plasma levels characteristic of wild-type mice acutely increased both ambulatory activity (by 4,000 ± 200 beam breaks/dark cycle, P < 0.05) and total energy expenditure (TEE; by 0.11 ± 0.01 kcal/h during the dark cycle, P < 0.05) in a dose-dependent manner and acutely increased wheel running (+350%, P < 0.05). Fasting potently increased ambulatory activity and wheel running in wild-type mice (AA: +25%, P < 0.05; wheel running: +80%, P < 0.05), and the effect of fasting was more pronounced in ob/ob mice (AA: +400%, P < 0.05; wheel running: +1,600%, P < 0.05). However, unlike what occurred in ad libitum-fed ob/ob mice, physiological leptin replacement attenuated or prevented fasting-induced increases of ambulatory activity and wheel running in both wild-type and ob/ob mice. Thus, plasma leptin is a physiological regulator of spontaneous physical activity, but the nature of leptin's effect on activity is dependent on food availability.
A Comparison of Neuronal and Behavioral Detection and Discrimination Performances in Rat Whisker System
Authors: Adibi Mehdi , Arabzadeh Ehsan
Published: November 2010

We used the rat whisker touch as a model system to investigate the correlation between the response function of cortical neurons and the behavior of rats in a sensory detection versus discrimination task. The rat whisker–barrel system is structurally well characterized and represents one of the main channels through which rodents collect information about the environment. In experiment 1, we recorded neuronal activity ( n = 235) in the whisker area of the rat somatosensory cortex in anesthetized rats while applying vibrotactile stimuli of varying amplitudes to the whiskers. Neurons showed a characteristic sigmoidal input–output function, with an accelerating nonlinearity at low stimulus amplitudes and a compressive nonlinearity at high stimulus amplitudes. We further quantified the performance of individual neurons for stimulus detection and for discrimination across different stimulus pairs with identical amplitude differences. For near-threshold stimuli, the neuronal discrimination performance surpassed the detection performance despite the fact that detection and discrimination represented identical amplitude differences. This is consistent with the accelerating nonlinearity observed at low stimulus intensities. In the second stage of the experiment, four rats were trained to select the higher-amplitude stimulus between two vibrations applied to their whiskers. Similar to neuronal results, the rats' performance was better for the discrimination task compared with the detection task. The behavioral performance followed the same trend as that of the population of individual neurons. Both behavioral and neuronal data are consistent with the “pedestal effect” previously reported in human psychophysics.
A Self-Adaptive QoS Guarantee Scheme for Multimedia Sensor Networks
Authors: Sun Yan , Ma Huadong , Liu Liang
Published: November 2010

In multimedia sensor networks, there may exist simultaneously two streams: end-to-end stream and event-to-sink stream. It brings a new set of challenges for QoS guarantees in multimedia transmission. In this paper, we first present a self-adaptive QoS guarantee scheme based on two-layer feedback. In transport layer, we partition network into 10 typical states and design a transport protocol, which makes the state transition to the optimal one. Moreover, we design a revenue structure of media stream to describe the relation between QoS and multimedia capturing approaches in the application layer, thus evaluating the optimal scheme of capturing multimedia according to multimedia packet generation ratio calculated by transport layer. A series of simulation experiments using NS2 are performed to demonstrate the effectiveness of our proposed scheme.
The Ability of Biomarkers to Predict Systemic Progression in Men with High-Risk Prostate Cancer Treated Surgically Is Dependent on ERG Status
Authors: Karnes R. Jeffrey , Cheville John C. , Ida Cristiane M. , Sebo Thomas J. , Nair Asha A. , Tang Hui , Munz Jan-Marie , Kosari Farhad , Vasmatzis George
Published: November 2010

The objective of this study was to assess the relationship of the tumor protein levels of TOP2A and MIB-1 and ERG status with cancer-specific outcomes in men with high-risk prostate cancer treated by radical prostatectomy (RP). A 150-pair case-control study was designed from RP patients who developed systemic progression (SP) within 6 years of RP (cases) and men who were free of disease at least 8 years after RP (controls). The cases and controls were matched on conventional prognostic clinical parameters. TOP2A and MIB-1 levels were assessed by immunohistochemical methods, and ERG status was assessed by quantitative reverse transcription-PCR. The prognostic abilities of TOP2A and MIB-1 were significantly better in ERG(−) patients, and TOP2A was superior to MIB-1. In receiver operating characteristic analysis, the TOP2A and MIB-1 scores exhibited AUCs of 0.81 and 0.78 for ERG(−) patients, versus 0.67 and 0.68 for ERG(+) patients, respectively. Clinical parameters attained an AUC of 0.65 in ERG(−) patients and 0.54 in ERG(+) patients. When both markers were incorporated into a model for ERG(−) patients, the AUC increased to 0.83, with TOP2A showing a stronger association with SP than MIB-1. The time to SP was significantly associated with TOP2A; higher 5-year SP rates were observed in patients with higher TOP2A protein levels. In addition, although patient numbers are small, the response to adjuvant androgen deprivation therapy is associated with ERG status, showing more significant treatment effect in ERG(+) patients. Cancer Res; 70(22); 8994–9002. ©2010 AACR.
Eradication of Medullary Multiple Myeloma by CD4+ Cytotoxic Human T Lymphocytes Directed at a Single Minor Histocompatibility Antigen
Authors: Spaapen Robbert M. , Groen Richard W.J. , van den Oudenalder Kelly , Guichelaar Teun , van Elk Maureen , Aarts-Riemens Tineke , Bloem Andries C. , Storm Gert , Martens Anton C. , Lokhorst Henk M. , Mutis Tuna
Published: November 2010

Purpose: The essential role of CD4+ T cells as helpers of anticancer immunity is indisputable. Little is known, however, about their capacity to serve as effector cells in cancer treatment. Therefore, we explored the efficacy of immunotherapy with sole CD4+ cytotoxic human T cells directed at a hematopoietic-restricted minor histocompatibility antigen (mHag).

Experimental Design: In macrophage-depleted Rag2−/−γc−/− mice, which were also devoid of T, B, and natural killer cells, mHag-specific native T cells or tetanus toxoid (TT)-specific T cells transduced with the mHag-specific T-cell receptor (TCR) were injected to treat full-blown mHag+ human multiple myeloma tumors.

Results: mHag-specific antitumor responses were achieved after injection of native or mHag-TCR-transduced T cells. Although the therapy completely eradicated the primary tumors in the bone marrow, it failed to control extramedullary relapses, even after repeated T-cell injections. Detailed analyses ruled out mHag or MHC downregulation as mechanisms of extramedullary tumor escape. Impaired T-cell survival in vivo or defective homing to the tumor site were also ruled out as mechanisms behind extramedullary relapses, because injections of TT-loaded antigen presenting cells could facilitate homing of long-term surviving T cells to s.c. tumor sites. Moreover, intratumoral treatment of extramedullary tumors with 3AB11 was also ineffective.

Conclusions: Taken together, these results for the first time show the feasibility of immunotherapy of primary bone marrow tumors with sole CD4+ human T cells directed to a tumor-associated mHag. Extramedullary relapses, probably due to microenvironment-dependent inhibitory mechanisms, remain a challenging issue towards effective cellular immunotherapy of hematologic malignancies. Clin Cancer Res; 16(22); 5481–8. ©2010 AACR.
Expression and Silencing of the Microtubule-Associated Protein Tau in Breast Cancer Cells
Authors: Spicakova Tatiana , O'Brien Maureen M. , Duran George E. , Sweet-Cordero Alejandro , Sikic Branimir I.
Published: November 2010

The microtubule-associated protein Tau has been reported to be a predictive factor for clinical response to taxanes in metastatic breast cancer. We generated a panel of eight taxane-resistant variants from four human breast cancer cell lines (MCF-7, T-47D, MDA-MB-231, and BT-549). Four variants had higher levels of Tau compared with their T-47D and MDA-MB-231 parental cells. Using isoform-specific primers, we found that Tau 0N, 1N, 2N, 3R, and 4R isoforms are overexpressed in the resistant variants, as is Tau exon 6 but not exons 4A or 8. To determine whether Tau overexpression produces resistance to taxanes, we derived three independent T-47D clones stably overexpressing Tau 3R and 4R isoforms. Tau overexpression did not result in taxane resistance compared with parental cells transfected with vector alone. We then knocked down Tau expression in three cell lines that expressed Tau constitutively (MCF-7 and ZR-75-1 breast cancer cells, and OVCAR-3 ovarian cancer cells). Lentivirus-mediated silencing of Tau expression in MCF-7 and OVCAR-3 cells did not result in increased taxane sensitivity compared with luciferase short hairpin RNA–infected cells and uninfected parental cells. Transient silencing using Tau-specific small interfering RNAs also did not alter taxane sensitivity relative to nontargeting controls in both MCF-7 and ZR-75-1 cells. These results show that neither overexpression nor depletion of Tau modulates cellular sensitivity to taxanes. Although Tau overexpression has been reported to be a predictive marker of taxane resistance, it is not likely to be a direct mechanism of taxane resistance in breast cancer. Mol Cancer Ther; 9(11); 2970–81. ©2010 AACR.
Luteinizing Hormone-Releasing Hormone (LHRH)-I Antagonist Cetrorelix Inhibits Myeloma Cell Growth In vitro and In vivo
Authors: Wen Jianguo , Feng Yongdong , Bjorklund Chad C. , Wang Michael , Orlowski Robert Z. , Shi Zheng-Zheng , Liao Bing , O'Hare Jacqueline , Zu Youli , Schally Andrew V. , Chang Chung-Che
Published: November 2010

The objective of this study was to determine the effects of an luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH)-I antagonist, Cetrorelix, on human multiple myeloma (MM) cells and to elucidate the mechanisms of action. We showed that LHRH-I and LHRHR-I genes were expressed in MM cell lines and primary MM cells. Treatment with Cetrorelix inhibited growth and colony-forming ability of myeloma cells, including cell lines resistant to arsenic trioxide, bortezomib, or lenalidomide. Cetrorelix induced apoptosis in myeloma cells including primary myeloma cells. In addition, Cetrorelix inhibited the growth of human myeloma cells xenografted into mice without any apparent side effects. Cetrorelix downregulated the nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) pathway activity and the expression of cytokines, including interleukin 6, insulin-like growth factor 1, VEGF-A, and stromal-derived factor 1, important for myeloma cell growth and survival in myeloma cells and/or marrow stromal cells from myeloma patients. Cetrorelix decreased the phosphorylation of extracellular signal regulated kinase 1/2 and STAT3 in myeloma cells, two crucial pathways for myeloma cells growth and survival. Moreover, the expression of p21 and p53 was increased, whereas that of antiapoptotic proteins Bcl-2 and Bcl-xL was reduced by Cetrorelix. Our findings indicate that Cetrorelix induces cytotoxicity in myeloma cells through various mechanisms and provide a rationale for investigating Cetrorelix for the treatment of MM. Mol Cancer Ther; 10(1); 148–58. ©2010 AACR.