bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Antagonistic effects of selenium and lipid peroxides on growth control in early hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Rohr-Udilova Nataliya , Sieghart Wolfgang , Eferl Robert , Stoiber Dagmar , Björkhem-Bergman Linda , Eriksson Lennart C. , Stolze Klaus , Hayden Hubert , Keppler Bernhard , Sagmeister Sandra , Grasl-Kraupp Bettina , Schulte-Hermann Rolf , Peck-Radosavljevic Markus
Published: November 2011

Activation of the activator protein 1 (AP-1) transcription factor as well as increased serum levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and interleukin (IL)-8 predict poor prognosis of patients with hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs). Moreover, HCC patients display reduced selenium levels, which may cause lipid peroxidation and oxidative stress because selenium is an essential component of antioxidative glutathione peroxidases (GPx). We hypothesized that selenium-lipid peroxide antagonism controls the above prognostic markers and tumor growth. (1) In human HCC cell lines (HCC-1.2, HCC-3, and SNU398) linoleic acid peroxide (LOOH) and other prooxidants enhanced the expression of VEGF and IL-8. LOOH up-regulated AP-1 activation. Selenium inhibited these effects. This inhibition was mediated by glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPx4), which preferentially degrades lipid peroxides. Selenium enhanced GPx4 expression and total GPx activity, while knock-down of GPx4 by small interfering RNA (siRNA) increased VEGF, and IL-8 expression. (2) These results were confirmed in a rat hepatocarcinogenesis model. Selenium treatment during tumor promotion increased hepatic GPx4 expression and reduced the expression of VEGF and of the AP-1 component c-fos as well as nodule growth. (3) In HCC patients, increased levels of LOOH-related antibodies (LOOH-Ab) were found, suggesting enhanced LOOH formation. LOOH-Ab correlated with serum VEGF and IL-8 and with AP-1 activation in HCC tissue. In contrast, selenium inversely correlated with VEGF, IL-8, and HCC size (the latter only for tumors smaller than 3 cm). Conclusion: Reduced selenium levels result in accumulation of lipid peroxides. This leads to enhanced AP-1 activation and consequently to elevated expression of VEGF and IL-8, which accelerate the growth of HCC. Selenium supplementation could be considered for investigation as a strategy for chemoprevention or additional therapy of early HCC in patients with low selenium levels. (Hepatology 2012)
Increasing echogenicity of diffuse circumferential thickening (“macaroni sign”) of the carotid artery wall with decreasing inflammatory activity of takayasu arteritis
Authors: Keo Hong H. , Caliezi Gion , Baumgartner Iris , Diehm Nicolas , Willenberg Torsten
Published: November 2011

We report a case of sonographic follow‐up showing brightening of the diffuse circumferential thickening (halo) of the carotid artery wall (the so‐called “macaroni sign”) in a patient with decreasing inflammatory activity of Takayasu arteritis over a 6‐month period. Sonographic follow‐up in patients with Takayasu arteritis may be a useful complementary tool for evaluation of inflammatory activity. Besides a reduction of halo diameter, an increase in wall echogenicity appears to be a sign of decreasing inflammation. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound 2013
Corneal gene delivery: chitosan oligomer as a carrier of CpG rich, CpG free or S/MAR plasmid DNA
Authors: Klausner Eytan A. , Zhang Zhong , Wong Suet P. , Chapman Robert L. , Volin Michael V. , Harbottle Richard P.
Published: November 2011

Background

Corneal gene therapy can potentially treat acquired and inherited corneal disorders that otherwise lead to blindness. In a previous study on the development of effective vectors for corneal gene delivery, we showed that a particular formulation of chitosan‐DNA nanoparticles, based on ultrapure chitosan oligomers injected into rat corneas, led to transgene expression that was 5.4‐fold higher than that obtained using polyethylenimine‐DNA nanoparticles.

Methods

In the present study, we investigate the same formulation of chitosan‐DNA nanoparticles as carriers of six different plasmids for corneal gene delivery. Size, zeta potential, the ability to condense plasmid DNA, and transfection efficiency in cell cultures and in rat corneas, were all investigated.

Results

Size, zeta potential, the ability to condense plasmid DNA, and transfection efficiency in cell cultures did not substantially vary for nanoparticles based on different plasmids. One day post‐injection of nanoparticles into rat corneas, we found that a CpG‐free plasmid DNA, pCpG‐Luc, which has an EF1α promoter, led to transgene expression that was 7.1‐fold higher than that for gWiz‐Luc, a commercially available plasmid DNA with a cytomegalovirus (CMV) promoter used in our previous study; 116.8‐fold higher than that for pEPI‐CMV, a commercially available plasmid that has a scaffold/matrix attachment region (S/MAR) sequence and a CMV promoter; and 76.8‐fold higher than that for pEPI‐UbC, an experimental plasmid that has an S/MAR sequence and a ubiquitin C promoter.

Conclusions

The present study reveals the potential of comparing various plasmids as an approach for enhancing transgene expression. The delivery system designed in the present study represents the next step in the development of effective vectors for corneal gene therapy. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Preclinical validation of AR42, a novel histone deacetylase inhibitor, as treatment for vestibular schwannomas
Authors: Jacob Abraham , Oblinger Janet , Bush Matthew L. , Brendel Victoria , Santarelli Griffin , Chaudhury Abhik R. , Kulp Samuel , La Perle Krista M. D. , Chen Ching‐Shih , Chang Long‐Sheng , Welling D. Bradley
Published: November 2011

Objectives/Hypothesis:

Recent studies indicate that vestibular schwannomas (VSs) rely on phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase/AKT activation to promote cell proliferation and survival; therefore, targeting AKT may provide new therapeutic options. We have previously shown that AR42, a novel histone deacetylase inhibitor, potently suppresses VS growth in vitro at doses correlating with AKT inactivation. The objectives of the current study were translational: 1) to examine the end biologic effects of AR42 on tumor growth in vivo, 2) to validate AKT as its in vivo molecular target, 3) to determine whether AR42 penetrates the blood‐brain barrier (BBB), and 4) to study the pharmacotoxicity profile of AR42.

Study Design:

In vivo mouse studies.

Methods:

AR42 was dosed orally in murine schwannoma allografts and human VS xenografts. Magnetic resonance imaging was used to quantify changes in tumor volume, and intracellular molecular targets were analyzed using immunohistochemistry. BBB penetration was assayed, and both blood‐chemistry measurements and histology studies were used to evaluate toxicity.

Results:

Growth of schwannoma implants was dramatically decreased by AR42 at doses correlating with AKT dephosphorylation, cell cycle arrest, and apoptosis. AR42 penetrated the BBB, and wild‐type mice fed AR42 for 6 months behaved normally and gained weight appropriately. Blood‐chemistry studies and organ histology performed after 3 and 6 months of AR42 treatment demonstrated no clinically significant abnormalities.

Conclusions:

AR42 suppresses schwannoma growth at doses correlating with AKT pathway inhibition. This orally bioavailable drug penetrates the BBB, is well tolerated, and represents a novel candidate for translation to human VS clinical trials.
A 1.2‐ to 3‐GHz tunable feedforward amplifier using broadband distributed phase shifters
Authors: Wu Shi , Xiao Jing , Cha Honnyong , Jo Sungjin , Kim Hongjoon
Published: November 2011

In this article, we demonstrate a broadband tunable feedforward amplifier design.For any frequency between 1.2 and 3 GHz, the third order intermodulation distortion (IMD) is reduced up to 18dB and the circuit maintains the spurious free dynamic range over 60 dBc at the output. This technique utilizes the combination of a broadband distributed‐element phase shifter (DPS) and a radio frequency feedforward approach to achieve a wideband linearization. The key element is a low‐loss, broadband and 360° changeable DPS. Because of its broadband tunable IMD cancellation capability, the proposed design will be very useful in multimode and multi channel wireless communication systems where the high power output with minimized distortion is needed. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 54:250–254, 2012; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/mop.26445
Antenna modeling using space‐mapping corrected cauchy approximation surrogates
Authors: Koziel Slawomir , Ogurtsov Stanislav , Bakr Mohamed H.
Published: November 2011

In this work, a computationally efficient antenna modeling technique. Our methodology is a two‐stage approach is present. In the first stage, a Cauchy‐based approximation model is constructed using coarsely discretized full‐wave simulation. The accuracy of this model is improved using a space mapping (SM) approach. A limited number of high‐fidelity antenna simulations are used in the SM phase. We show that our approach obtains a modeling accuracy comparable to that provided by direct Cauchy approximation of the high‐fidelity electromagnetic simulation data. The computational cost is, however, much lower. We successfully illustrate our approach through a number of antenna modeling examples. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 54:37–40, 2012; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/mop.26455
Circuital method for admittance calculation of gap‐coupled sectoral antennas
Authors: Kandwal Abhishek , Chakravarty Tapas , Khah Sunil Kumar
Published: November 2011

A novel method for admittance calculation of two gap‐coupled sectoral patch antennas is described for wide band applications.Admittance is calculated both numerically and experimentally. The results of antenna are computed by the developed model and compared with the experimentally measured results of the designed antenna. The numerical results obtained are in good agreement with the experimental results. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 54:210–213, 2012; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/mop.26458
A highly‐birefringent fiber loop mirror temperature sensor demodulation based on a long‐period grating in photonic crystal fiber with differential processing
Authors: Wang Yunpeng , Zhao Chun‐Liu , Kang Juan , Jin Yongxing , Dong Xinyong
Published: November 2011

A highly‐birefringent fiber loop mirror temperature sensor demodulation based on a long‐period grating (LPG) in photonic crystal fiber (PCF) with differential processing was proposed.Utilizing the property temperature insensitive and the filtering function of the LPG in PCF, the intensities of two signals located respectively within the positive and negative linear region of the LPG's transmission spectrum can be monitored simultaneously and accurately. The noise of fiber sensors is eliminated effectively by the algorithm of two signals, since the two signals (also including the noise of fiber sensors) transmit through the same way to the monitor. Experimental results show that the value of the algorithm remains constant when the power of light source varies ±10% and the relative error between the measured temperature change and the true change is only 0.34%. Compared with the sensing without the algorithm, the accuracy increases from∼97.3 to ∼99.7%. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 54:176–179, 2012; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/mop.26460
Spurline resonators design and its implementation to microwave oscillators
Authors: Shrestha Bhanu , Kim Nam Young
Published: November 2011

In this article, two compact L‐type spurline and symmetric meander spurline resonators were designed and implemented into low phase‐noise microwave oscillators for X‐band application. These resonators have a bandstop characteristic that can be used in the series feedback oscillator topology. Both of these miniaturized resonators are designed with different spurline structures, the first one being an L‐type spurline and the other one a meander spurline. Both resonators exhibited inherently inductive characteristics and had a loaded stub with capacitive characteristics. The oscillators using the spurline and the symmetric meander spurline resonators show excellent phase‐noise performances of −96.23 dBc/Hz and −104.39 dBc at a 100 kHz offset from the carrier frequency of 9.2 and 9.0 GHz with an output power of 12.47 and 16.42 dBm, respectively. The latter oscillator exhibited better phase‐noise characteristics due to the high Q value of the symmetric meander spurline resonator. The figure of merit of the first oscillator achieved −174, and the latter achieved −181.36. The size of the oscillator is reduced by constructing a parallel combination of the open stub at the source and the DC voltage supply at the drain © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 54:171–176, 2012; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/mop.26461
Broadband balun for monolithic microwave integrated circuit application
Authors: Yoo Hyoungsuk , Lee Se‐Hee , Kim Hongjoon
Published: November 2011

We present a compact and broadband balun based on the concept of a synthetic left‐handed transmission line and right‐handed transmission line.The compact balun uses lumped, discrete LC elements only to reduce the circuit size dramatically. For the frequency range of 0.6–1.2 GHz, this circuit maintains 180 ± 9.5° phase difference at the outputs, whereas the maximum insertion loss is −1.78 dB, and the minimum return loss is −10.2 dB at all three ports, yet the circuit size is merely 12 × 8 mm2. As far as we know, this is the smallest broadband balun reported in the literature, and the size can be further reduced, if the circuit is made with a monolithic microwave integrated circuit technology. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 54:203–206, 2012; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/mop.26468
Effect of bending and orientation on the fiber modal mach–zehnder interferometer
Authors: Liu Yan , Liu Bo , Miao Yinping , Zhang Hao , Liu Jian
Published: November 2011

By introducing two notches along the fiber axis in a normal single‐mode fiber through CO2 laser exposure, a vector curvature sensor based on a modal Mach–Zehnder interferometer has been proposed and experimentally demonstrated.Transmission spectral response regarding the spectrum shift and transmission loss variation of the proposed sensor has been characterized and the experimental results show that due to the nonperfect circular geometry of the fiber cladding, the peak wavelength and the transmission loss of its spectrum are sensitive to applied bending orientation. Our proposed sensor has many advantages such as low cost, easy fabrication and good stability under harsh environment. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 54:136–139, 2012; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/mop.26471
A 3.5‐GHz three‐stage doherty power amplifier with bias controller using power tracking method
Authors: Lee Mun‐Woo , Kam Sang‐Ho , Jeong Yoon‐Ha
Published: November 2011

This letter represents a three‐stage Doherty power amplifier with a bias controller.The driving amplifier controls the input power of the carrier cell to eliminate the gate current of the carrier cell at high input power levels. The gate bias voltage of the driving amplifier is controlled by a power tracking method according to input power levels. For verifications, the driving amplifier, carrier, and peaking cells are fabricated using 10‐W, 15‐W, 35‐W gallium nitride high electron mobility transistors, respectively, at 3.5 GHz. From a continuous wave, the power‐added efficiencies (PAEs) of 34.4 and 39.6% are achieved at ∼9.5‐ and 4.3‐dB back‐off powers, respectively. For a worldwide interoperability for microwave access signal, the proposed DPA has the PAE of 37.1 % at an output power of 41.5 dBm. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 54:23–26, 2012; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/mop.26474
Numerical simulation and experimental investigation of photonic bandgap photonic crystal fibers with interstitial holes
Authors: Liu Zhaolun , Wang Wei , Liu Xueqiang
Published: November 2011

The photonic bandgaps and modal properties of triangular lattice photonic bandgap photonic crystal fibers (PBG‐PCFs) with interstitial holes are analyzed by the full‐vector plane‐wave expansion method. We analyzed the influence of the air holes array triangular lattice cladding and the interstitial holes on the photonic bandgaps and calculated the spectrum range of photonic bandgaps. We found that the PBG‐PCFs with interstitial holes have a fundamental bandgap and a secondary bandgap. The transmission spectrum of PBG‐PCFs is measured. The results indicate that there are two strong transmission bands in the near‐infrared, but hardly any transmission phenomena in the visible region, which show that there are some bandgaps in near‐infrared wavelength. The results of the experiments are consistent with the numerically simulative results using the full‐vector plane‐wave expansion method. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 54:233–236, 2012
Single‐feed circularly polarized microstrip patch antenna stacked with periodic structure
Authors: Chaimool Sarawuth , Rakluea Chawalit , Chung Kwok L. , Akkaraekthalin Prayoot
Published: November 2011

A single‐feed circularly polarized microstrip patch antenna by using a stacked periodic structure (SPS) is proposed and investigated. By using SPS as a superstrate with a single‐feed microstrip patch antenna, gain, impedance and axial ratio bandwidths are significantly improved. It is also shown that this SPS has lower cross‐polarization levels compared to conventional stacked patches. It uses low‐cost FR‐4 and air substrates and, hence, it is attractive for applications where the production cost is of importance. Moreover, a parametric study has been carried out to investigate the effects caused by SPS. Both experimental and theoretical results of the antenna have been presented and discussed. Good agreement between measured and simulated results is obtained. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 54:50‐54, 2012; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/mop.26495
Compact bandpass filter using novel transformer‐based coupled resonators on integrated passive device glass substrate
Authors: Huang Chien‐Hsiang , Chen Chien‐Hsun , Horng Tzyy‐Sheng
Published: November 2011

This letter presents a transformer‐based coupled resonator structure to design a bandpass filter (BPF) using integrated passive device technology on glass substrate. The use of the transformer not only greatly reduces the size of the BPF but also easily uses the coupling to control the bandwidth of the filter. Using such a transformer‐based coupled BPF structure not only provides the advantage of compact size but also creates extra transmission zeros to enhance roll‐off rate or desired stopband rejection. Measured results verify the validity of this design methodology and show good agreement with simulated ones. For demonstration purpose, two example filters are implemented with different bandwidths. Both good performance and miniaturization are achieved for the proposed filters, and the expected transmission zeros are also observed. The filter can be embedded to wafer‐level three‐dimensional packaging and integration for wireless system‐in‐package applications. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 54:257‐262, 2012; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/mop.26498
Compact bandpass filter using novel transformer‐based coupled resonators on integrated passive device glass substrate
Authors: Huang Chien‐Hsiang , Chen Chien‐Hsun , Horng Tzyy‐Sheng
Published: November 2011

This article presents a transformer‐based coupled‐resonator structure to design a bandpass filter (BPF) using integrated passive device technology on glass substrate. The use of the transformer not only greatly reduces the size of the bandpass filter but also easily uses the coupling to control the bandwidth of the filter. Using such a transformer‐based coupled BPF structure not only provides the advantage of compact size but also creates extra transmission zeros to enhance roll‐off rate or desired stopband rejection. Measured results verify the validity of this design methodology and show good agreement with simulated ones. For demonstration purpose, two example filters are implemented with different bandwidths. Both good performance and miniaturization are achieved for the proposed filters, and the expected transmission zeros are also observed. The filter can be embedded to wafer‐level 3D packaging and integration for wireless system‐in‐package applications. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 54:3–7, 2012; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/mop.26511
A novel antenna design technique using finite element method and transmission line theory
Authors: Ostadrahimi Majid , Noghanian Sima , Lotfollah Shafai
Published: November 2011

A combination method is utilized to design eagle feed Vivaldi antenna.The antenna structure is discretized into arbitrary number of sections whose characteristic impedances and their corresponding dimensions are evaluated using transmission line theory and finite element method, respectively. The proposed antenna is compared with two classical designs, theoretically and experimentally. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 54:126–133, 2012; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/mop.26516
Solar and photovoltaic forecasting through post‐processing of the Global Environmental Multiscale numerical weather prediction model
Authors: Pelland Sophie , Galanis George , Kallos George
Published: November 2011

Hourly solar and photovoltaic (PV) forecasts for horizons between 0 and 48 h ahead were developed using Environment Canada's Global Environmental Multiscale model. The motivation for this research was to explore PV forecasting in Ontario, Canada, where feed‐in tariffs are driving rapid growth in installed PV capacity. The solar and PV forecasts were compared with irradiance data from 10 North‐American ground stations and with alternating current power data from three Canadian PV systems. A 1‐year period was used to train the forecasts, and the following year was used for testing. Two post‐processing methods were applied to the solar forecasts: spatial averaging and bias removal using a Kalman filter. On average, these two methods lead to a 43% reduction in root mean square error (RMSE) over a persistence forecast (skill score = 0.67) and to a 15% reduction in RMSE over the Global Environmental Multiscale forecasts without post‐processing (skill score = 0.28). Bias removal was primarily useful when considering a “regional” forecast for the average irradiance of the 10 ground stations because bias was a more significant fraction of RMSE in this case. PV forecast accuracy was influenced mainly by the underlying (horizontal) solar forecast accuracy, with RMSE ranging from 6.4% to 9.2% of rated power for the individual PV systems. About 76% of the PV forecast errors were within ±5% of the rated power for the individual systems, but the largest errors reached up to 44% to 57% of rated power. © Her Majesty the Queen in Right of Canada 2011. Reproduced with the permission of the Minister of Natural Resources Canada.
pParse: A method for accurate determination of monoisotopic peaks in high‐resolution mass spectra
Authors: Yuan Zuo‐F ei , Liu Chao , Wang Hai‐Peng , Sun Rui‐Xiang , Fu Yan , Zhang Jing‐Fen , Wang Le‐Heng , Chi Hao , Li You , Xiu Li‐Yun , Wang Wen‐Ping , He Si‐Min
Published: November 2011

Determining the monoisotopic peak of a precursor is a first step in interpreting mass spectra, which is basic but non‐trivial. The reason is that in the isolation window of a precursor, other peaks interfere with the determination of the monoisotopic peak, leading to wrong mass‐to‐charge ratio or charge state. Here we propose a method, named pParse, to export the most probable monoisotopic peaks for precursors, including co‐eluted precursors. We use the relationship between the position of the highest peak and the mass of the first peak to detect candidate clusters. Then, we extract three features to sort the candidate clusters: (i) the sum of the intensity, (ii) the similarity of the experimental and the theoretical isotopic distribution, and (iii) the similarity of elution profiles. We showed that the recall of pParse, MaxQuant, and BioWorks was 98–98.8%, 0.5–17%, and 1.8–36.5% at the same precision, respectively. About 50% of tandem mass spectra are triggered by multiple precursors which are difficult to identify. Then we design a new scoring function to identify the co‐eluted precursors. About 26% of all identified peptides were exclusively from co‐eluted peptides. Therefore, accurately determining monoisotopic peaks, including co‐eluted precursors, can greatly increase peptide identification rate.
The 2011 Human Liver Proteome Project (HLPP) Workshop September 5, 2011, Geneva, Switzerland
Authors: Elortza Felix , Beretta Laura , Zhang Xueli , He Fuchu , Mato José M.
Published: November 2011

During the 10th HUPO Annual World Congress held in Geneva (Switzerland) from 4th to 7th September, a workshop on Human Liver Proteome Project (HLPP) Initiative took place. Four research groups presented their latest results from different ongoing projects. Later on, during the HLPP executive members' meeting, the status of current projects and the next possible steps to be taken were discussed.
Effect of Antimicrobial Starch Edible Coating on Shelf‐Life of Fresh Strawberries
Authors: Garcia Lorena Costa , Pereira Leila Mendes , de Luca Sarantópoulos Claire I. G. , Hubinger Miriam Dupas
Published: November 2011

Strawberry is a very sensitive fruit and presents a short post‐harvest shelf‐life. Among the factors responsible for strawberries' quality loss are high metabolic activities and mold decay. To increase product shelf‐life, cassava starch–based edible coatings (3%), added or not with potassium sorbate (0.05%), were applied on minimally processed strawberries. Uncoated minimally processed strawberries were used as control samples. Physical and chemical properties, respiration rate and sensorial acceptance of uncoated and coated strawberries stored up to 15 days at 5°C were monitored. The results showed that coatings had no significant effect on soluble solids, titrable acidity, pH and colour of strawberries. Besides reducing the respiration rate of samples, cassava starch edible coatings were efficient in delaying weight and firmness loss of strawberries during storage. In the studied conditions, potassium sorbate was not efficient in controlling microbial growth. Strawberries coated with cassava starch without the antimicrobial agent showed good conditions for consumption and good sensorial acceptance up to 12 days of storage, whereas the control samples and the samples treated with the coating containing potassium sorbate achieved a shelf‐life of 9 days because of microbial spoilage. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Nowcasting of precipitation by an NWP model using assimilation of extrapolated radar reflectivity
Authors: Sokol Zbynek , Zacharov Petr
Published: November 2011

Two methods for assimilating radar reflectivity into the COSMO numerical weather prediction (NWP) model were compared to precipitation forecasts. The first method assimilated observed radar reflectivity, and the second one assimilated observed and extrapolated radar reflectivity. The assimilation technique was based on the correction of the model's water vapour mixing ratio. The extrapolation was performed by the COTREC method and was 1 hour long. The model's horizontal resolution was 2.8 km.

The comparison of methods was based on verification of the observed and forecast hourly precipitation. The comparison was performed for the 1st, 2nd and 3rd hours of each forecast. On the whole, 45 forecasts from nine days of convective precipitation were evaluated for each hour. The evaluation included subjective verification and the following objective skill scores: Fractions Skill Scores, SAL and a measure based on a categorical‐probabilistic approach.

The results confirmed that assimilation complemented by the extrapolated data improves the accuracy of precipitation forecasts. The improvement was obvious in a majority of the single forecasts studied, and it is confirmed by all evaluation techniques. COSMO forecasts that used the extrapolation showed reasonable competence in forecasting for the first and the second hours. Copyright © 2011 Royal Meteorological Society
Das Marfan-Syndrom und verwandte monogene Krankheiten der Aorta
Authors: Robinson P.N. , Arslan-Kirchner M. , Gehle P. , Schmidtke J. , von Kodolitsch Y.
Published: November 2011

Das Marfan-Syndrom (MFS) ist eine autosomal-dominant vererbte, pleiotrope Erkrankung des Bindegewebes mit einer Prävalenz von etwa 1:5000 Personen. Zwischen und auch innerhalb von Familien weisen betroffene Personen variable Kombinationen von Manifestationen im Herz-Kreislauf-System, Auge, Skelett sowie in der Lunge, Haut und Dura mater auf. Beim klassischen MFS treten viele Manifestationen während oder kurz vor der Pubertät auf; schwerwiegende Komplikationen sind vor dem Erwachsenenalter eher selten.

Viele Patienten imponieren durch einen sog. marfanoiden Körperhabitus mit Hochwuchs, langen und schmalen Gliedmaßen (Dolichostenomelie), einer langen und schmalen Kopfform (Dolichozephalie) und anderen skelettalen Auffälligkeiten wie Pes planus oder Skoliose. Eine Skoliose tritt bei etwa 60% der Betroffenen auf, Pectus excavatum oder carinatum bei etwa zwei Dritteln. Eine fast immer beidseitige Ectopia lentis kommt bei vielen Patienten vor (etwa 60%).

Bei manchen Patienten bestehen therapiepflichtige Komplikationen wie schwerwiegende Skoliose oder Trichterbrust, Spontanpneumothorax, Netzhautablösung oder ein durch Linsenluxation hervorgerufenes akutes Glaukom. Die gefährlichste Komplikation ist jedoch die akute Dissektion der aufsteigenden Aorta, die in aller Regel die Folge einer langsam fortschreitenden Aortendilatation darstellt. Vor der Einführung moderner Therapieformen, die in diesem Artikel behandelt werden, betrug die durchschnittliche Lebenserwartung MFS-Betroffener nur 32 Jahre. Heute kann bei Betreuung in multidisziplinären Zentren von einer durchschnittlichen Lebenserwartung von über 60 Jahren ausgegangen werden. Dieser Artikel bietet dem Leser einen Überblick über bewährte und neue Diagnose- und Therapiekonzepte für MFS und andere hereditäre Erkrankungen der Aorta.
Co‐development of internalizing and externalizing problem behaviors: Causal direction and common vulnerability
Authors: Lee Eunju J. , Bukowski William M.
Published: November 2011

Latent growth curve modeling was used to study the co‐development of internalizing and externalizing problems in a sample of 2844 Korean fourth graders followed over four years. The project integrated two major theoretical viewpoints positing developmental mechanism: directional model and common vulnerability model. Findings suggest that (a) boys and girls follow different developmental trajectories in both domains in early adolescence; (b) bidirectional progression from initial levels of each domain to the developmental pattern of the other domain emerged among boys, while only unidirectional progression from externalizing to internalizing problem emerged among girls; and (c) all risk factors are not equally risky across domain and gender; parental violence was a common cross‐domain risk factor for boys, whereas affiliation with delinquent friends was a common cross‐domain risk factor for girls. Implications for future research and intervention were discussed.
Toddler Milk Advertising in Australia: Infant Formula Advertising in Disguise?
Authors: Berry Nina J , Jones Sandra C , Iverson Don
Published: November 2011

The Marketing in Australia of Infant Formula: Manufacturers’ and Importers’ Agreement prevents manufacturers and importers from advertising infant formula. However, toddler milks, which share brand identities with infant formula, are advertised freely; and recent research suggests consumers fail to distinguish between advertising for infant formula and for toddler milk. This study examined whether Australian parents recalled having seen advertisements for ‘formula’. Most respondents (66.8%) reported seeing an advertisement for infant formula, with those who had only seen non-retail advertising more than twice as likely to believe that they had seen such an advertisement as those who had only seen retail advertising. This suggests that toddler milk advertisements are functioning as defacto infant formula advertisements in Australia.
Store Brand Proneness: Effects of Perceived Risks, Quality and Familiarity
Authors: Sheau-Fen Yap , Sun-May Leong , Yu-Ghee Wee
Published: November 2011

While international retailers engage in the active promotion of store brands, consumers from Asia–Pacific markets remain resistant to purchasing store brands despite the intensification of promotional efforts. This study extends previous store brand research by: (1) determining the mediating role of perceived quality within a model of the antecedents and consequences of quality; and (2) assessing the extent to which age moderates the strength of relationships posited in the model. The model was tested in a retail store brand context using a quota sample of 220 shoppers and a cross-sectional survey. Empirical results suggest that performance risk, physical risk, and familiarity have significant effects on both perceived quality and purchase intention. Familiarity had the strongest total effect on perceived quality and store brand proneness in a collectivistic culture such as Malaysia and its effect on store brand proneness was partially mediated by perceived quality. Lastly, the finding that age moderates the impact of performance risk, physical risk, familiarity and perceived quality on store brand proneness provides insights into store brand management.
Further Comment on “Market Orientation”
Authors: Rossiter John R.
Published: November 2011

This further commentary article presents a C-OAR-SE-based critique of the six articles discussing “market orientation” – hereafter often abbreviated as MO – in the August 2011 issue of this journal ( Rong and Wilkinson, 2011 ; Uncles, 2011 ; Wensley, 2011 ; Wiley, 2011 ; Woodside, 2011 ; and Young, 2011 ). The main conclusion is that the MO construct should be abandoned. It should be replaced by two entirely different constructs, briefly labeled as managerial strategy beliefs and market intelligence usage (these new constructs, respectively, refine the thinking of the original MO theorists Narver and Slater, 1990 , and Kohli and Jaworski, 1990 ). Appropriate measures of the two new constructs are outlined.
Use of Minimally Invasive Distal Metatarsal Osteotomy for Correction of Hallux Valgus
Authors: Chun-Kit Tong , Yuen-Fong Ho
Published: November 2011

Purpose

Minimally invasive surgeries have become increasing popular in Orthopaedics. This study evaluated the clinical and radiographic outcomes of application of the concept for correction of mild-to-moderate hallux valgus deformity.

Methods

From November 2005 to Feb 2010, 20 patients with hallux valgus deformity had distal metatarsal osteotomy performed using the minimally invasive surgical techniques described by P. Bosch. Three patients had bilateral operation done at the same setting. The patient age ranged from 29 years to 75 years (mean 55.1 years) with 2 men and 18 women. One 2 mm Kirschner wire was used to splint the osteotomy site, which was removed after 4 weeks to 5 weeks. The mean followup time was 22 months.

Results

All except one foot showed excellent to good grading using the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society Hallux Scale (total 100 points). The mean score improved from preoperative 53.0 points to postoperative 91.8 points. The hallux valgus angle improved from a preoperative mean of 31.3° to 15.7°, and the first intermetatarsal angle improved from 16.7° to 7.7°. There was no major complication encountered. All patients showed bony union with no avascular necrosis. Three patients had mild pin tract infection. Two patients had backing out of the K-wire and one of them required reinsertion. So far, no patients required reoperation due to recurrence.

Conclusion

Good clinical and radiographic results have been achieved with minimally invasive techniques for treatment of hallux valgus. This is an acceptable alternative operation for mild-to-moderate hallux valgus.
Is the Fibronectin‐Aggrecan Complex Present in Cervical Disk Disease?
Authors: Gajendran Varun K. , Reuter Merrill W. , Golish S. Raymond , Hanna Lewis S. , Scuderi Gaetano J.
Published: November 2011

Objective

To investigate the presence of inflammatory cytokines and the fibronectin‐aggrecan complex (FAC) in persons undergoing surgical treatment for cervical radiculopathy caused by disk herniation.

Design

Single‐center, prospective, consecutive case series.

Setting

A single large academic institution.

Patients

A total of 11 patients with radiculopathic pain and magnetic resonance imaging findings positive for disk herniation elected to undergo single‐level cervical diskectomy.

Methods or Interventions

Lavage was performed by needle injection and aspiration upon entering the disk space for fluoroscopic localization before diskectomy.

Main Outcome Measurements

The lavage fluid was assayed for pH and the FAC, as well as for the cytokines interleukin‐6 (IL‐6), interferon‐γ, monocyte chemotactic protein (MCP), and macrophage inhibitory protein‐1β.

Results

The subjects were 7 women and 4 men with a mean age of 50.6 years (SE 9.7; range, 36‐70 years). The mean concentrations (SE; range) in picograms per milliliter were 7.9 (4.4; 0‐44) for IL‐6, 25.3 (15.5; 0‐159) for interferon‐γ, 16.1 (11.9; 0‐121) for MCP, and 6.1 (2.8; 0‐29) for macrophage inhibitory protein‐1β. The optical density of the FAC at 450 nm was 0.151 (0.036; 0.1‐0.32), and the pH was 6.68 (0.1; 6.10‐7.15). Statistically significant correlations were found between MCP and FAC (P = .036) and between FAC and pH (P = .008).

Conclusions

Biochemical analysis of injured cervical intervertebral disks reveals the presence of inflammatory markers such as MCP, fragments of structural matrix proteins such as FAC, and a correlation with pH. Further evaluation of the FAC as a potential diagnostic biomarker or therapeutic target is warranted in the cervical spine.
Radiation Fibrosis Syndrome: Neuromuscular and Musculoskeletal Complications in Cancer Survivors
Authors: Stubblefield Michael D.
Published: November 2011

Radiation‐induced toxicity is a major cause of long‐term disability after cancer treatment. Radiation fibrosis describes the insidious pathologic fibrotic tissue sclerosis that can occur in response to radiation exposure. Radiation fibrosis syndrome describes the myriad clinical manifestations of progressive fibrotic tissue sclerosis resulting from radiation treatment. Radiation‐induced damage can include “myelo‐radiculo‐plexo‐neuro‐myopathy,” causing muscle weakness and dysfunction and contributing to neuromuscular injury. Similarly, radiation damage to neuromuscular structures contributes to radiation‐induced trismus and cervical dystonia in head and neck cancer survivors. This narrative review discusses the pathophysiology, anatomy, evaluation, and treatment of neuromuscular, musculoskeletal, and functional disorders that can result as late effects of radiation treatment. Rehabilitation medicine physicians with extensive training in neuromuscular and musculoskeletal medicine as well as in the principles of functional restoration are uniquely positioned to help lead efforts to improve the quality of life for cancer survivors with radiation fibrosis syndrome.
Depression and anxiety in palliative care inpatients compared with those receiving palliative care at home
Authors: Austin Patricia , Wiley Sharon , McEvoy Peter M. , Archer Leigh
Published: November 2011

Objective:

This study compared the prevalence of anxiety and depression as measured on the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) in palliative care patients being treated at home with those being treated as inpatients.

Method:

The participants were palliative care patients being treated at home (n = 46) and palliative care inpatients (n = 46). Subjects were assessed for functionality on the Karnofsky Performance Status Scale (KPS) and anxiety and depression were measured on the HADS.

Results:

The results showed that ~20% of all patients were depressed and anxious as measured on the HADS, regardless of the cutoff criteria. There was no significant difference in depression and anxiety between the two groups when socioeconomic status and functionality were controlled for. Functionality, as measured on the KPS, was uniquely a predictor of depression, and younger patients were shown to have greater anxiety.

Significance of results:

The results suggest that home-based palliative care patients and palliative care inpatients should receive equal psychological support, and that clinicians need to be aware of the psychological vulnerability of younger and less-functional patients. The prevalence of depression and anxiety indicates that all palliative care patients should be screened for psychological distress, to identify those who need further assessment and treatment.
Palliative medicine consultation impacts DNR designation and length of stay for terminal medical MICU patients
Authors: Lustbader Dana , Pekmezaris Renee , Frankenthaler Michael , Walia Rajni , Smith Frederick , Hussain Erfan , Napolitano Barbara , Lesser Martin
Published: November 2011

Objective:

The purpose of this study was to assess the impact of a palliative medicine consultation on medical intensive care unit (MICU) and hospital length of stay, Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) designation, and location of death for MICU patients who died during hospitalization.

Method:

A comparison of two retrospective cohorts in a 17-bed MICU in a tertiary care university-affiliated hospital was conducted. Patients admitted to the MICU between January 1, 2003 and June 30, 2004 (N = 515) were compared to MICU patients who had had a palliative medicine consultation between January 1, 2005 and June 1, 2009 (N = 693). To control for disease severity, only patients in both cohorts who died during their hospitalization were considered for this study.

Results:

Palliative medicine consultation reduced time until death during the entire hospitalization (log-rank test,p < 0.01). Time from MICU admission until death was also reduced (log-rank test,p < 0.01), further demonstrating the impact of the palliative care consultation on the duration of dying for hospitalized patients. The intervention group contained a significantly higher percentage of patients with a DNR designation at death than did the control group (86% vs. 68%, χ2test,p < 0.0001).

Significance of results:

Palliative medicine consultation is associated with an increased rate of DNR designation and reduced time until death. Patients in the intervention group were also more likely to die outside the MICU as compared to controls in the usual care group.
Measurement and application of the O II 61.7 nm dayglow
Authors: Stephan Andrew W. , Picone J. Michael , Budzien Scott A. , Bishop Rebecca L. , Christensen Andrew B. , Hecht James H.
Published: November 2011

We present the first published measurement of an altitude profile of the O II 61.7 nm emission, a dayglow feature that can be used to monitor photoionization of O in the lower thermosphere. This photoionization process also results in the O II 83.4 nm emission that, unlike 61.7 nm, is resonantly scattered by ionospheric O+. Although ionospheric characteristics can be inferred from the shape and intensity of 83.4 nm altitude profiles, the interpretation can result in nonunique ion density profiles if the intensity of this source of photons that illuminates the ionosphere from below is unknown. The 61.7 nm emission provides a means to test the accuracy of current models used to calculate the intensity of that source. The data presented here were collected by the Remote Atmospheric and Ionospheric Detection System from the International Space Station on 29 October 2009. The measured 61.7 nm profiles show a steeper drop in intensity below 260 km, where the emission peaks, compared to our model calculations. While the current analysis cannot resolve if the discrepancy is caused by inaccuracies in our model thermospheric composition, photoabsorption cross sections, or both, a 15%–20% increase in the effective O2 photoabsorption at 61.7 nm produces the best qualitative match to the measured profile. Ostensibly, 61.7 nm measurements could replace these model calculations as a more direct measure of the intensity of the 83.4 nm photon source region. In either case, accurate specification of local thermospheric neutral species remains an important component of daytime ionospheric remote sensing.
High vertical resolution analyses of gravity waves and turbulence at a midlatitude station
Authors: Zhang Shao Dong , Yi Fan , Huang Chun Ming , Huang Kai Ming
Published: November 2011

We proposed a broad spectral data‐analyzing method to study the altitude and seasonal variability of gravity wave (GW)‐associated dynamics in the lower atmosphere at a midlatitude by using the radiosonde data from Miramar Nas (32.87°N, 117.15°W), California, during 1998–2008. Generally, the presented primary statistical features of GW parameters and their seasonal variation are consistent with previous radiosonde observations by using the conventional hodograph analysis method based on monochromatic GW theory. These consistencies suggest our proposed analyzing method is feasible in extracting GW parameters from the radiosonde data. More interesting, our analyses can reveal the altitude variations of GW parameters, which have been seldom reported in previous radiosonde observations. Similar to previous observations, most seasonal and height variability of GW parameters is closely connected with tropospheric jet, suggesting the important role of the jet in determining GW parameters as well as the lower atmospheric dynamics and thermal structure. Mainly due to the broad spectral nature of the observed GWs, there are also some differences between our results and previous studies based on monochromatic GW extraction. By using the perturbation of vertical ascent rate, we directly calculated GW momentum and heat fluxes, which can only be indirectly derived from the hodograph analysis. Furthermore, the directly derived heat flux can explain the frequently observed tropospheric inversion in winter. Besides GW parameters, turbulent energy dissipation rate and diffusion coefficient were also derived. The derived turbulence parameters and their altitude variations are in good agreement with radar observations reported elsewhere.