bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
STUDY ON THE GEOMETRICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF JETS WITH THE HBT CORRELATION METHOD IN e+e- COLLISIONS AT $\sqrt{s} = 91.2\, {\rm GeV}$
Authors: WEI HUI-LING , CHEN GANG , TIAN FENG-GE , LI DI-KAI
Published: October 2008

The geometrical characters of quark and gluon jets are carefully studied with the HBT correlation method using Monte Carlo generator produced e + e - collision events at [Formula: see text]. It turns out that the size of the jets can be measured by the HBT correlation method with the indistinguishability of identical final state pions. The size of quark jets and gluon jets are independent of the flavor of initial quarks that produced these jets but they are dependent on their energy. The average radius of quark and gluon jets in three-jet events of e + e - collisions at [Formula: see text] are obtained at the end of parton evolvement.
ABSORPTIVE PART OF MESON–BARYON SCATTERING AMPLITUDE AND BARYON POLARIZATION IN CHIRAL PERTURBATION THEORY
Authors: BOUZAS ANTONIO O.
Published: October 2008

We compute the spin asymmetry and polarization of the final-state baryon in its rest frame in two-body meson–baryon low-energy scattering with an unpolarized initial state to lowest non-trivial order in BChPT. The required absorptive amplitudes are obtained analytically at the one-loop level. We discuss the polarization results numerically for several meson–baryon processes. Even at low energies above threshold, where BChPT can reasonably be expected to be applicable, sizable values of polarization are found for some processes.
SEQUENTIAL BINARY DECAY OF HIGHLY EXCITED NUCLEI
Authors: NICOLIS N. G.
Published: October 2008

The decay of highly excited nuclei is described as a sequence of binary processes involving emission of fragments in their ground, excited-bound and unbound states. Primary together with secondary decay products lead to the final mass distributions. Asymmetric mass splittings involving nucleon emission up to symmetric binary ones are treated according to a generalized Weisskopf evaporation formalism. This procedure is implemented in the Monte-Carlo multi-step statistical model code MECO (Multisequential Evaporation COde). We examine the evolution of the calculated final mass distributions in the decay of a light compound nucleus, as the initial excitation energy increases towards the limits of complete dissociation. Comparisons are made with the predictions of the transition-stage theory, as well as a consistent Weisskopf treatment in which the decay process is described by rate equations for the generation of different fragment species.
Restoration Ecology: Interventionist Approaches for Restoring and Maintaining Ecosystem Function in the Face of Rapid Environmental Change
Authors: Hobbs Richard J. , Cramer Viki A.
Published: October 2008

Restoration ecology provides the conceptual and practical frameworks to guide management interventions aimed at repairing environmental damage. Restoration activities range from local to regional and from volunteer efforts to large-scale multiagency activities. Interventions vary from a “do nothing” approach to a variety of abiotic and biotic interventions aimed at speeding up or altering the course of ecosystem recovery. Revised understanding of ecosystem dynamics, the place of humans in historic ecosystems, and changed environmental settings owing to rapid environmental change all impact on decisions concerning which interventions are appropriate. Key issues relating to ecosystem restoration in a rapidly changing world include understanding how potentially synergistic global change drivers interact to alter the dynamics and restoration of ecosystems and how novel ecosystems without a historic analogue should be managed.
Climate Modeling
Authors: Donner Leo J. , Large William G.
Published: October 2008

Climate models simulate the atmosphere, given atmospheric composition and energy from the sun, and include explicit modeling of, and exchanges with, the underlying oceans, sea ice, and land. The models are based on physical principles governing momentum, thermodynamics, cloud microphysics, radiative transfer, and turbulence. Climate models are evolving into Earth-system models, which also include chemical and biological processes and afford the prospect of links to studies of human dimensions of climate change. Although the fundamental principles on which climate models are based are robust, computational limits preclude their numerical solution on scales that include many processes important in the climate system. Despite this limitation, which is often dealt with by parameterization, many aspects of past and present climate have been successfully simulated using climate models, and climate models are used extensively to predict future climate change resulting from human activity.
Untangling Practice Redesign from Disease Management: How Do We Best Care for the Chronically Ill?
Authors: Coleman Katie , Mattke Soeren , Perrault Patrick J. , Wagner Edward H.
Published: October 2008

In the past 10 years, a wide spectrum of chronic care improvement interventions has been tried and evaluated to improve health outcomes and reduce costs for chronically ill individuals. On one end of the spectrum are disease-management interventions—often organized by commercial vendors—that work with patients but do little to engage medical practice. On the other end are quality-improvement efforts aimed at redesigning the organization and delivery of primary care and better supporting patient self-management. This qualitative review finds that carve-out disease management interventions that target only patients may be less effective than those that also work to redesign care delivery. Imprecise nomenclature and poor study design methodology limit quantitative analysis. More innovation and research are needed to understand how disease-management components can be more meaningfully embedded within practice to improve patient care.
Renal organic anion transporter 1 is maldistributed and diminishes in proximal tubule cells but increases in vasculature after ischemia and reperfusion
Authors: Kwon Osun , Wang Wei-Wei , Miller Shane
Published: October 2008

Renal solute clearances are reduced in ischemic acute kidney injury. However, the mechanisms explaining how solute clearance is impaired have not been clarified. Recently, we reported that cadaveric renal allografts exhibit maldistribution of organic anion transporter 1 (OAT1) in proximal tubule cells after ischemia and reperfusion, resulting in impairment of PAH clearance. In the present study, we characterized renal OAT1 in detail after ischemia-reperfusion using a rat model. We analyzed renal OAT1 using confocal microscopy with a three-dimensional reconstruction of serial optical images, Western blot, and quantitative real-time RT-PCR. OAT1 was distributed to basolateral membranes of proximal tubule cells in controls. With ischemia, OAT1 decreased in basolateral membrane, especially in the lateral membrane domain, and appeared diffusely in cytoplasm. After reperfusion following 60-min ischemia, OAT1 often formed cytoplasmic aggregates. The staining for OAT1 started reappearing in lateral membrane domain 1 h after reperfusion. The basolateral membrane staining was relatively well discernable at 240 h of reperfusion. Of note, a distinct increase in OAT1 expression was noted in vasculature early after ischemia and after reperfusion. The total amount of OAT1 protein expression in the kidney diminished after ischemia-reperfusion in a duration-dependent manner until 72 h, when they began to recover. However, even at 240 h, the amount of OAT1 did not reach control levels. The kidney tissues tended to show a remarkable but transient increase in mRNA expression for OAT1 at 5 min of ischemia. Our findings may provide insights of renal OAT1 in its cellular localization and response during ischemic acute kidney injury and recovery from it.
Electrical Synapses Between AII Amacrine Cells: Dynamic Range and Functional Consequences of Variation in Junctional Conductance
Authors: Veruki Margaret Lin , Oltedal Leif , Hartveit Espen
Published: October 2008

AII amacrine cells form a network of electrically coupled interneurons in the mammalian retina and tracer coupling studies suggest that the junctional conductance ( Gj) can be modulated. However, the dynamic range of Gjand the functional consequences of varying Gjover the dynamic range are unknown. Here we use whole cell recordings from pairs of coupled AII amacrine cells in rat retinal slices to provide direct evidence for physiological modulation of Gj, appearing as a time-dependent increase from about 500 pS to a maximum of about 3,000 pS after 30–90 min of recording. The increase occurred in recordings with low- but not high-resistance pipettes, suggesting that it was related to intracellular washout and perturbation of a modulatory system. Computer simulations of a network of electrically coupled cells verified that our recordings were able to detect and quantify changes in Gjover a large range. Dynamic-clamp electrophysiology, with insertion of electrical synapses between AII amacrine cells, allowed us to finely and reversibly control Gjwithin the same range observed for physiologically coupled cells and to examine the quantitative relationship between Gjand steady-state coupling coefficient, synchronization of subthreshold membrane potential fluctuations, synchronization and transmission of action potentials, and low-pass filter characteristics. The range of Gjvalues over which signal transmission was modulated depended strongly on the specific functional parameter examined, with the largest range observed for action potential transmission and synchronization, suggesting that the full range of Gjvalues observed during spontaneous run-up of coupling could represent a physiologically relevant dynamic range.
Polymorphisms in the Interleukin-4 Receptor Gene are Associated with Better Survival in Patients with Glioblastoma
Authors: Scheurer Michael E. , Amirian E. , Cao Yumei , Gilbert Mark R. , Aldape Kenneth D. , Kornguth David G. , El-Zein Randa , Bondy Melissa L.
Published: October 2008

Purpose: Previous literature provides some evidence that atopic diseases, IgE levels, and inflammatory gene polymorphisms may be associated with risk of glioblastoma. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of certain inflammatory gene single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) on patient survival. Malignant gliomas are the most common type of primary brain tumor in adults, however, few prognostic factors have been identified.

Experimental Design: Using 694 incident adult glioma cases identified between 2001 and 2006 in Harris County, TX, we examined seven SNPs in the interleukin (IL)-4, IL-13, and IL-4 receptor (IL4R) genes. Cox proportional hazards regression was used to examine the association between the SNPs and overall and long-term survival, controlling for age at diagnosis, time between diagnosis and registration, extent of surgical resection, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy.

Results: We found that among high-grade glioma cases, IL4R rs1805016 (TT versus GT/GG) was significantly protective against mortality over time [hazard ratios (HR), 0.59; 95% confidence intervals (CI), 0.40-0.88]. The IL4R rs1805016 and rs1805015 TT genotypes were both found to be significantly associated with survival beyond 1 year among patients with high-grade glioma (HR, 0.44; 95% CI, 0.27-0.73 and HR, 0.63; 95% CI, 0.44-0.91, respectively). Furthermore, the IL4R haplotype analysis showed that SNPs in the IL4R gene may be interacting to affect long-term survival among high-grade glioma cases.

Conclusions: These findings indicate that polymorphisms in inflammation pathway genes may play an important role in glioma survival. Further research on the effects of these polymorphisms on glioma prognosis is warranted.
Pathways Mediating Resistance to Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor–Targeted Therapy
Authors: Ellis Lee M. , Hicklin Daniel J.
Published: October 2008

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)–targeted therapy has become an important treatment option for the management of a number of human malignancies. Unfortunately, a significant number of patients do not respond to VEGF-targeted therapy when used as a single agent or in combination with chemotherapy. Furthermore, the duration of benefit from VEGF-targeted therapy can be relatively short (weeks to months). Ultimately, the vast majority of patients who initially respond to therapy will develop resistance. To date, the molecular and cellular mechanisms associated with resistance to VEGF-targeted agents are poorly understood. The mechanisms of action of anti-VEGF therapy are diverse, and it is entirely possible that resistance mechanisms are similarly diverse and depend on the tumor type. A better understanding of these mechanisms will help in the selection of those patients that are more likely to benefit from VEGF-targeted therapy and also provide for the rational development of therapies that circumvent or overcome resistance.
Chemosensitivity and Stratification by a Five Monoclonal Antibody Immunohistochemistry Test in the NSABP B14 and B20 Trials
Authors: Ross Douglas T. , Kim Chung-yeul , Tang Gong , Bohn Olga L. , Beck Rodney A. , Ring Brian Z. , Seitz Robert S. , Paik Soonmyung , Costantino Joseph P. , Wolmark Norman
Published: October 2008

Purpose: To test the association between risk stratification and outcome in a prospectively designed, blinded retrospective study using tissue arrays of available paraffin blocks from the estrogen receptor–expressing, node-negative samples from the National Surgical Adjuvant Breast and Bowel Project B14 and B20 tamoxifen and chemotherapy trials.

Experimental Design: Tissue arrays were stained by immunohistochemistry targeting p53, NDRG1, SLC7A5, CEACAM5, and HTF9C. Risk stratification was done using predefined scoring rules, algorithm for combining scores, and cutoff points for low-risk, moderate-risk, and high-risk patient strata.

Results: In a univariate Cox model, this test was significantly associated with recurrence-free interval [HR, 1.3 (95% confidence interval, 1.1-1.6); P = 0.006]. In a multivariate model it contributed information independent of age, tumor size, and menopausal status (P = 0.007). The Kaplan-Meier estimates of the proportion of recurrence-free after 10 years were 73%, 86%, and 85% for the high-risk, moderate-risk, and low-risk groups (P = 0.001). The Kaplan-Meier estimates of the breast-cancer-specific-death rate were 23%, 10%, and 9% (P < 0.0001). Exploratory analysis in patients ≥60 years old showed Kaplan-Meier estimates of the proportion of recurrence-free of 78%, 89%, and 92%. Both high-risk and low-risk groups showed significant improvement on treatment with cytotoxic chemotherapy.

Conclusions: Immunohistochemistry using five monoclonal antibodies assigns breast cancer patients to a risk index that was significantly associated with clinical outcome among the estrogen receptor–expressing, node-negative tamoxifen-treated patients. It seems that the test may be able to identify patients who have greater absolute benefit from adjuvant chemotherapy compared with unstratified patient populations. Exploratory analysis suggests that this test will be most useful in clinical decision making for postmenopausal patients.
A Polymorphism in the Complement ComponentC1qACorrelates with Prolonged Response Following Rituximab Therapy of Follicular Lymphoma
Authors: Racila Emilian , Link Brian K. , Weng Wen-Kai , Witzig Thomas E. , Ansell Stephen , Maurer Matthew J. , Huang Jian , Dahle Christopher , Halwani Ahmad , Levy Ronald , Weiner George J.
Published: October 2008

Purpose: Complement may play a role in the clinical response to rituximab and other monoclonal antibody–based therapies of cancer. The purpose of this study was to explore the relationship between the C1qA[276] polymorphism and the clinical response to rituximab in patients with follicular lymphoma.

Experimental Design: Genotyping for C1qA[276A/G] was done in 133 subjects with follicular lymphoma treated with single-agent rituximab, and correlation with clinical response was done using Cox regression analysis.

Results: Prolonged remission was observed among subjects that responded clinically to rituximab therapy and were carriers of the A allele compared with homozygous G subjects. Homozygous G subjects had a time to progression of 282 days, whereas A-allele carriers had a time to progression of 708 days [hazard ratio, (HR), 2.5; 95% confidence interval (95% CI), 2.0-3.1; P = 0.02]. Among subjects who achieved complete remission, homozygous G subjects had a time to progression of 250 days, whereas A-allele carriers had a time to progression of 1,118 days (HR, 4.5; 95% CI, 4.1-4.8, P = 0.04). The difference persisted after controlling for CD32 and CD16 polymorphisms. In patients who responded to rituximab used as first-line agent, a linear trend was observed among the C1qA[276] genotypes, with homozygous A subjects achieving complete response at a higher rate compared with heterozygous or homozygous G subjects.

Conclusions: Our findings indicate that polymorphisms in the C1qA gene may affect the clinical response and duration of response to rituximab therapy of follicular lymphoma. These results could have direct implications on designing antibodies with improved efficiency and enhance our understanding of the role of complement in monoclonal antibody therapy.
Toward a Radical Sport Journalism
Authors: King C. Richard
Published: October 2008

This interview opens two dialogues with sport journalist Dave Zirin. On one hand, it poses questions to Zirin about his work, its evolution, and its significance. On the other hand, it places his responses in conversation with his writing and initiatives to foster a deeper understanding. Together, these dialogues not only introduce readers to an emerging public intellectual whose work promises to change sport and sport journalism but also highlight the key themes animating his imagination—especially activism, social justice, cultural justice, racism, and sexism.
Comparison of Upper Arm and Forearm Blood Pressure
Authors: Domiano Kathy L. , Hinck Susan M. , Savinske Debra L. , Hope Kathryn L.
Published: October 2008

The upper arm is the primary site used to obtain a blood pressure measurement (BPM); however, when it is not possible to use the upper arm, the forearm is a commonly used alternate site. This study determines if there is a significant difference between upper arm and forearm BPMs among adults and examines the relationship of participant characteristics to the BPM difference. A convenience sample was recruited from a low-income, independent-living, 104-apartment complex in the Midwest. Of the 106 participants, 64% were female and 89% were White. Ages ranged from 20 to 85 years ( M = 50.7). The investigators calculated the BMIs (range = 18 to 42, M = 29.3, SD = 5.4) for the 89% ( n = 94) of participants who reported their weight. The forearm tended to have higher BPMs than the upper arm ( M difference = 4.0 mm Hg systolic, 2.3 mm Hg diastolic). However, site differences were greatest for men, obese adults, and middle aged (36 to 65) adults.
Equivalence of Earlobe Site Blood Glucose Testing With Finger Stick
Authors: Anzalone Patricia
Published: October 2008

This study determines if there are significant differences in blood glucose sampled at the earlobe relative to fingertip sites. A 50-participant cross-sectional comparative design was conducted at a 480-bed community hospital. Four trained data collectors obtained demographic information and blood glucose samples from both the fingertip and earlobe sites. Data analysis included descriptive statistics, paired t test, and the Bland Altman technique, assessing agreement between two methods of clinical measurements. Results indicate that the mean finger stick glucose result was statistically significantly greater than the mean earlobe glucose result. The Bland Altman plot did not demonstrate clinical significance. Results suggest that the earlobe may be a viable alternative to exclusive fingertip site when frequent sampling is necessary in acutely ill patients and demonstrate the importance of the role of the clinical bedside nurse in implementing evidence-based nursing practice related to diabetes treatment and management.
Predictors of Re-Referral to Child Protective Services
Authors: Thompson Richard , Wiley Tisha R.
Published: October 2008

Decades of research has identified several psychosocial risk factors for child maltreatment, only some of which are modifiable. The relative importance of the most modifiable psychosocial variables, as compared to more static variables such as demographic characteristics, is not well understood, particularly among children maltreated at a very young age. This study examined predictors of re-referral among 149 urban children originally referred for maltreatment as infants. Of these children, 42.3% were re-referred over a period of 11 to 15 years. Cox regression analyses with time-varying covariates revealed that modifiable psychosocial risk factors failed to predict risk for re-referral in a multivariate model. Demographic characteristics and characteristics of the index incident of maltreatment were the strongest predictors of re-referral. Existing services may not be addressing the underlying reasons for maltreatment, particularly in families with young children. A clearer understanding of the underlying causes of maltreatment is needed.
Sketchy Rendering
Authors: Tamas Sophie
Published: October 2008

This piece probes the limits and ethics of representation from the perspective of the scrutinized other. The author uses the lens of her experience as a figure drawing model to illuminate some of the foundational dilemmas in qualitative research. This evocative account examines issues of power, embodiment, purpose, expertise, egalitarianism, and mastery. What does our nakedness actually reveal? Why do we perform exposure? What are the obligations of the viewer? This chordal narrative considers the implications of our constructions of ourselves and others in the process of representation and concludes with suggestions for ethical practice.
The Body Dances: Carnival Dance and Organization
Authors: Slutskaya Natalia , De Cock Christian
Published: October 2008

Building on the work of Pierre Bourdieu and Maurice Merleau-Ponty we seek to open up traditional categories of thought surrounding the relation `body-organization' and elicit a thought experiment: What happens if we move the body from the periphery to the centre? We pass the interlocking theoretical concepts of object-body/subject-body and habitus through the theoretically constructed empirical case of `carnival dance' in order to re-evaluate such key organizational concepts as knowledge and learning. In doing so, we connect with an emerging body of literature on `sensible knowledge'; knowledge that is produced and preserved within bodily practices. The investigation of habitual appropriation in carnival dance also allows us to make links between repetition and experimentation, and reflect on the mechanism through which the principles of social organization, whilst internalized and experienced as natural, are embodied so that humans are capable of spontaneously generating an infinite array of appropriate actions. This perspective on social and organizational life, where change and permanence are intricately interwoven, contrasts sharply with the dominant view in organization studies which juxtaposes change/ creativity and stability.
Costs and Cost-Effectiveness of Family CBT Versus Individual CBT in Clinically Anxious Children
Authors: Bodden Denise H.M. , Dirksen Carmen D. , Bögels Susan M. , Nauta Maaike H. , De Haan Else , Ringrose Jaap , Appelboom Carla , Brinkman Andries G. , Appelboom-Geerts Karen C.M.M.J.
Published: October 2008

The objective of this study was to investigate the cost-effectiveness of family cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) compared with individual CBT in children with anxiety disorders. Clinically anxious children (aged 8—18 years) referred for treatment were randomly assigned to family or individual CBT and were assessed pre-treatment, post treatment, and at 3 months and 1 year after treatment. Cost-effectiveness ratios were calculated expressing the incremental costs per anxiety-free child and the incremental costs per Quality Adjusted Life Year (QALY) for the referred child. Neither societal costs nor effectiveness were significantly different between individual and family CBT. However, the point estimates of the cost-effectiveness ratios resulted in dominance for individual CBT, indicating that individual CBT is more effective and less costly than family CBT. These results were confirmed by bootstrap analyses and cost-effectiveness acceptability curves. Several secondary and sensitivity analyses showed that the results were robust. It can be concluded that family CBT is not a cost-effective treatment for clinically anxious children, compared with individual CBT.
Pseudonarcolepsy in an 11-Year-Old Boy
Authors: Hvidsten Sasha , Bates Gordon
Published: October 2008

Narcolepsy is a common disorder with a prevalence of 0.56/1000. Patients present with a classic tetrad of excessive daytime sleepiness, cataplexy, sleep paralysis and hypnagogic hallucinations, which is seen only rarely in children. The term `narcolepsy' is taken from Greek and means `seized by somnolence'; it was first described in 1880 by Gelineau. This article is a case study of an 11-year-old male with pseudonarcolepsy. He presented to accident and emergency with episodes of falling asleep at inappropriate and unexpected times, often falling to the floor. Pseudonarcolepsy is a term coined to describe the phenomenon in which a patient presents with the symptoms and signs of narcolepsy, but the origin is psychogenic. Differential diagnosis, investigation and possible aetiology are discussed, along with treatment and outcome.
Differences in Dropout between Diagnoses in Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services
Authors: Johnson Emily , Mellor David , Brann Peter
Published: October 2008

Dropout from treatment is a significant problem in child and adolescent mental health services, and findings regarding the role of possible contributing factors are inconsistent. It is argued that this inconsistency may be the result of the confounding effects of different definitions of dropout, and different dropout rates for different diagnoses. A file review of 520 new cases over a 12-month period in a large Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service in Melbourne, Australia was performed. Information was collected about the intake, parents, family, child, diagnoses and treatment. A significant relationship was found between diagnosis and dropout rate, with clients experiencing family problems or conduct disorder and ADHD being more likely to dropout, and those experiencing negative life events, anxiety disorders or those not having a diagnosis being less likely to dropout. These findings offer potential directions for services to consider specific strategies for retaining their clients. Possible reasons for these findings, methodological issues and future research directions are discussed.
Arenas Versus Multifunctional Stadiums
Authors: Feddersen Arne , Maennig Wolfgang
Published: October 2008

Construction of large sports stadiums follows two different general concepts: (a) monofunctional arenas that are specially suited for one sport exclusively and that are characterized by the absence of an athletic track and (b) multifunctional sports stadiums that can be used for different sporting or cultural events. Officials of clubs often argue that the atmosphere in an arena is significantly better than that of a multipurpose facility and that spectators prefer such an atmosphere. Estimated panel regression with fixed effects shows a significant positive effect of a monofunctional soccer stadium on spectator demand. Controlling for other demand determinants in the German professional soccer league, Bundesliga, an isolated effect of around 2,800 additional spectators a game can be found. This translates into a substantial increase of about 10.7% against the mean value of 25,602 spectators per Bundesliga game in the seasons 1963-1964 to 2005-2006.
Genome profiling of chronic myelomonocytic leukemia: frequent alterations of RAS and RUNX1genes
Authors: Gelsi-Boyer Véronique , Trouplin Virginie , Adélaïde José , Aceto Nicola , Remy Virginie , Pinson Stephane , Houdayer Claude , Arnoulet Christine , Sainty Danielle , Bentires-Alj Mohamed , Olschwang Sylviane , Vey Norbert , Mozziconacci Marie-Joëlle , Birnbaum Daniel , Chaffanet Max
Published: October 2008

Background

Chronic myelomonocytic leukemia (CMML) is a hematological disease close to, but separate from both myeloproliferative disorders (MPD) and myelodysplastic syndromes and may show either myeloproliferative (MP-CMML) or myelodysplastic (MD-CMML) features. Not much is known about the molecular biology of this disease.

Methods

We studied a series of 30 CMML samples (13 MP- and 11 MD-CMMLs, and 6 acutely transformed cases) from 29 patients by using Agilent high density array-comparative genomic hybridization (aCGH) and sequencing of 12 candidate genes.

Results

Two-thirds of samples did not show any obvious alteration of aCGH profiles. In one-third we observed chromosome abnormalities (e.g. trisomy 8, del20q) and gain or loss of genes (e.g. NF1, RB1 and CDK6). RAS mutations were detected in 4 cases (including an uncommon codon 146 mutation in KRAS) and PTPN11 mutations in 3 cases. We detected 11 RUNX1 alterations (9 mutations and 2 rearrangements). The rearrangements were a new, cryptic inversion of chromosomal region 21q21-22 leading to break and fusion of RUNX1 to USP16. RAS and RUNX1 alterations were not mutually exclusive. RAS pathway mutations occurred in MP-CMMLs (~46%) but not in MD-CMMLs. RUNX1 alterations (mutations and cryptic rearrangement) occurred in both MP and MD classes (~38%).

Conclusion

We detected RAS pathway mutations and RUNX1 alterations. The latter included a new cryptic USP16-RUNX1 fusion. In some samples, two alterations coexisted already at this early chronic stage.
Identification of the Weevil immune genes and their expression in the bacteriome tissue
Authors: Anselme Caroline , Pérez-Brocal Vicente , Vallier Agnès , Vincent-Monegat Carole , Charif Delphine , Latorre Amparo , Moya Andrés , Heddi Abdelaziz
Published: October 2008

Background

Persistent infections with mutualistic intracellular bacteria (endosymbionts) are well represented in insects and are considered to be a driving force in evolution. However, while pathogenic relationships have been well studied over the last decades very little is known about the recognition of the endosymbionts by the host immune system and the mechanism that limits their infection to the bacteria-bearing host tissue (the bacteriome).

Results

To study bacteriome immune specificity, we first identified immune-relevant genes of the weevil Sitophilus zeamais by using suppressive subtractive hybridization (SSH) and then analyzed their full-length coding sequences obtained by RACE-PCR experiments. We then measured immune gene expression in the bacteriome, and in the aposymbiotic larvae following S. zeamais primary endosymbiont (SZPE) injection into the hemolymph, in order to consider the questions of bacteriome immune specificity and the insect humoral response to symbionts. We show that larval challenge with the endosymbiont results in a significant induction of antibacterial peptide genes, providing evidence that, outside the bacteriome, SZPE are recognized as microbial intruders by the host. In the bacteriome, gene expression analysis shows the overexpression of one antibacterial peptide from the coleoptericin family and, intriguingly, homologs to genes described as immune modulators (that is, PGRP-LB, Tollip) were also shown to be highly expressed in the bacteriome.

Conclusion

The current data provide the first description of immune gene expression in the insect bacteriome. Compared with the insect humoral response to SZPE, the bacteriome expresses few genes among those investigated in this work. This local immune gene expression may help to maintain the endosymbiont in the bacteriome and prevent its invasion into insect tissues. Further investigations of the coleoptericin, the PGRP and the Tollip genes should elucidate the role of the host immune system in the maintenance and regulation of endosymbiosis.
Functional significance of the signal transduction pathways Akt and Erk in ovarian follicles: in vitro and in vivo studies in cattle and sheep
Authors: Ryan Kate E , Glister Claire , Lonergan Pat , Martin Finian , Knight Phil G , Evans Alexander CO
Published: October 2008

Background

The intracellular signalling mechanisms that regulate ovarian follicle development are unclear; however, we have recently shown differences in the Akt and Erk signalling pathways in dominant compared to subordinate follicles. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of inhibiting Akt and Erk phosphorylation on IGF- and gonadotropin- stimulated granulosa and theca cell function in vitro, and on follicle development in vivo.

Methods

Bovine granulosa and theca cells were cultured for six days and stimulated with FSH and/or IGF, or LH in combination with PD98059 (Erk inhibitor) and/or LY294002 (Akt inhibitor) and their effect on cell number and hormone secretion (estradiol, activin-A, inhibin-A, follistatin, progesterone and androstenedione) determined. In addition, ovarian follicles were treated in vivo with PD98059 and/or LY294002 in ewes on Day 3 of the cycle and follicles were recovered 48 hours later.

Results

We have shown that gonadotropin- and IGF-stimulated hormone production by granulosa and theca cells is reduced by treatment with PD98059 and LY294002 in vitro. Furthermore, treatment with PD98059 and LY294002 reduced follicle growth and oestradiol production in vivo.

Conclusion

These results demonstrate an important functional role for the Akt and Erk signalling pathways in follicle function, growth and development.
Semi-solid die forging of Al6061 wrought aluminium alloy with electromagnetic stirring
Authors: Kim T W , Kim H H , Bae J W , Lee S M , Kang C G
Published: October 2008

This study demonstrates the forming process of a semi-solid material with a solid fraction of about 45 per cent after the primary α-Al particle in the semi-solid material is globularized during solidification by electromagnetically stirring the molten metal poured out into the sleeve. By rheological forming experiments incorporating electromagnetic stirring (EMS) using Al6061 alloy, the process parameters are optimized to be of 0.3 m/s of forming velocity, 45 MPa of forming pressure, 10 s of stirring time, and 30 A of stirring current to get the best quality. The product exhibited the highest tensile strength of 312.8 MPa and elongation of 4.51 per cent at positions where the pressure was directly applied to the material and overlapping occurred.
Machine configuration analysis using multi-instance modelling
Authors: Singh B , Matthews J , Mullineux G , Medland A J
Published: October 2008

The design practices used within small special purpose machine design companies often mean that they produce machines that are tailored for the specific requirements of a customer. This can lead to an unnecessarily large family of machines, supported with large sets of change parts. However, the resources are often not available to investigate the design fully and obtain an understanding of its functionality. This paper proposes an approach that offers both the ability to visualize and explore the space of feasible design solutions and the potential to rationalize designs.
A study of roadside passive reflectors for improvement in the radar reliability on curves and at intersections
Authors: Vijayaraghavan K , Kossett A , Rajamani R
Published: October 2008

The use of radar in automotive applications such as adaptive cruise control is limited to detecting target vehicles directly in front of the host vehicle. Vehicles around a curve on a highway and cross-traffic vehicles at an intersection cannot be detected by current radar systems. This is primarily due to the limited beam width angle of the radar. This paper examines and evaluates the novel concept of using passive roadside reflectors (PRRs) to increase the utility of the radar system. PRRs on the shoulder and the median of a road are designed which would enable the radar system to pick up cross traffic at highway intersections. Both simulations and experiments demonstrate that this concept could be effectively used for cross-traffic distance measurement. A limitation of this technology is that cross traffic cannot be detected when the radar-equipped vehicle is close to the intersection, owing to the lateral offset of the radar from the location of the PRR. However, the system is still valuable for providing future warning of cross traffic at rural intersections. A number of options are explored for the use of PRRs to improve radar measurements on highway curves. These include the use of tangential flat-plate reflectors, skewed flat-plate reflectors, and convex reflectors. Algorithms for distance measurement with each of these options are derived and evaluated through simulations. The use of skewed flat-plate reflectors is also evaluated experimentally and found to work effectively. The effective range of the radar on highway curves could be doubled by the use of the developed system.
Drosophilaasterlessand Vertebrate Cep152 Are Orthologs Essential for Centriole Duplication
Authors: Blachon Stephanie , Gopalakrishnan Jayachandran , Omori Yoshihiro , Polyanovsky Andrey , Church Allen , Nicastro Daniela , Malicki Jarema , Avidor-Reiss Tomer
Published: October 2008

The centriole is the core structure of centrosome and cilium. Failure to restrict centriole duplication to once per cell cycle has serious consequences and is commonly observed in cancer. Despite its medical importance, the mechanism of centriole formation is poorly understood. Asl was previously reported to be a centrosomal protein essential for centrosome function. Here we identify mecD, a severe loss-of-function allele of the asl gene, and demonstrate that it is required for centriole and cilia formation. Similarly, Cep152, the Asl ortholog in vertebrates, is essential for cilia formation and its function can be partially rescued by the Drosophila Asl. The study of Asl localization suggests that it is closely associated with the centriole wall, but is not part of the centriole structure. By analyzing the biogenesis of centrosomes in cells depleted of Asl, we found that, while pericentriolar material (PCM) function is mildly affected, Asl is essential for daughter centriole formation. The clear absence of several centriolar markers in mecD mutants suggests that Asl is critical early in centriole duplication.
Pregnancy of unknown location: an evidence‐based approach to management
Authors: Sagili Haritha , Mohamed Kamel
Published: October 2008

As women are presenting to early pregnancy assessment units at increasingly earlier gestations and are having earlier scans, the incidence of pregnancy of unknown location (PUL) is increasing.

Although the vast majority will be failing PULs or intrauterine pregnancies, a small subset will be ectopic pregnancies; it is the detection of women in this group that poses the greatest challenge.

Conservative management of PUL results in lower rates of unnecessary intervention, as the condition often resolves spontaneously; the difficulty is in determining which ones will not.

Learning objectives:

To learn about the definition and clinical outcomes.

To appreciate the role of biochemical tests and ultrasound in the assessment of women with PUL.

To learn about conservative, medical and surgical management options.

Ethical issues:

Is destroying a viable intrauterine pregnancy an acceptable cost for treating all ectopic pregnancies, given the limitations of diagnosis in PUL?

Please cite this article as: Sagili H, Mohamed K. Pregnancy of unknown location: an evidence‐based approach to management. The Obstetrician & Gynaecologist 2008;10:224–230.
The medical profession and the media
Authors: Melville‐Brown Amber
Published: October 2008

In a climate of public obsession with private lives, the medical profession represents a rich source of human‐interest stories.

Preparation is necessary when dealing with the media.

Engaging with the media as a medical expert can serve to educate the public and boost the reputation of both individual and profession.

Learning objectives:

To gain practical guidance on how to deal with the media.

To understand ways in which engaging with the media can be detrimental to the medical profession.

To learn how to reduce the likelihood of damage from media involvement.

Ethical issues:

What professional guidelines are there?

How do issues of patient confidentiality affect engagement with the media?

Please cite this article as: Melville‐Brown A. The medical profession and the media. The Obstetrician & Gynaecologist 2008;10:244–250.
Effectiveness of Fish Screens to Prevent Entrainment of Westslope Cutthroat Trout into Irrigation Canals
Authors: Gale Steven B. , Zale Alexander V. , Clancy Christopher G.
Published: October 2008

Irrigation canals entrain anadromous and potamodromous salmonids of all life stages during their annual migrations. Fish screens may reduce or eliminate entrainment, but few studies exist on their benefits and these studies have evaluated effects on anadromous populations only. The benefits of fish screens for nonanadromous salmonids are largely unknown. Postspawn adult and downstream-migrating juvenile westslope cutthroat trout Oncorhynchus clarkii lewisi are potentially entrained into irrigation canals on Skalkaho Creek, Montana. We quantified entrainment rates into the canals using telemetry and driftnetting before (2003) and after (2004) installation of fish screens on three canals. No radio-tagged adults were entrained in 2003, but most adults were residents and therefore did not migrate past the canals. In 2004, 79% of the radio-tagged adult migratory fish were entrained at either screened or unscreened canals, but all those entrained in screened canals were successfully bypassed back to Skalkaho Creek. The uppermost (Highline) canal entrained about 71% of age-0 westslope cutthroat trout moving downstream in 2003. Without the screen, 38% of age-0 fish would have been entrained in the canal during 2004. In total, 6,034 age-0 westslope cutthroat trout were bypassed by all three screens. Most age-0 westslope cutthroat trout entrained at screened canals were successfully bypassed, whereas those entrained at unscreened canals were lost to the population. Fish screens were an effective management tool that reduced or eliminated entrainment at Skalkaho Creek and may be useful elsewhere to curtail entrainment of migratory inland salmonids.
Physiological Response of Some Economically Important Freshwater Salmonids to Catch-and-Release Fishing
Authors: Wedemeyer Gary A. , Wydoski Richard S.
Published: October 2008

Catch-and-release fishing regulations are widely used by fishery resource managers to maintain both the quantity and quality of sport fish populations. We evaluated blood chemistry disturbances in wild brook trout Salvelinus fontinalis, brown trout Salmo trutta, cutthroat trout Oncorhynchus clarkii, and Arctic grayling Thymallus arcticus that had been hooked and played for 1–5 min in waters of the intermountain western United States. A hatchery stock of brown trout was included for comparison. To assess time needed for recovery, additional test groups were played for 5 min and then released into net-pens, where they were held for up to 72 h. The osmoregulatory and metabolic disturbances associated with catch-and-release fishing under the conditions we tested were minimal and judged to be well within normal physiological tolerance limits. In fish that were held for recovery, the blood chemistry alterations that did occur appeared to be related to stress from confinement in the net-pens. Our results confirm the results of previous studies, showing that prerelease air exposure and handling cause more physiological stress than does either hooking per se or playing time. Fishery managers must be aware of the differences in the perceptions, attitudes, and values of different societal groups, some of which feel that catch-and-release fishing should be banned because it is cruel to the animals. On the basis of brain anatomy, it seems highly unlikely that fish experience pain in the same manner as humans experience it, because fish lack a neocortex, the brain structure that enables the sensation of pain in higher vertebrates. However, independent of the neurobiological argument, our results indicate that under conditions similar to those tested, fish subjected to catch and release are neither suffering nor particularly stressed. Improved education programs about the relatively benign physiological effects of catch-and-release fishing as a fishery management practice would be beneficial to anglers and the nonfishing public alike.
Understanding Smith-Root LR-24 Equipment Specifications
Authors: Kolz A. Lawrence
Published: October 2008

This study developed a graphic technique to assist electrofishing personnel in their understanding of the specifications and operational limitations of the Smith-Root LR-24 backpack electrofisher. No electrical measurements or complicated calculations were necessary to create this visual analysis; the technical information was simply taken from the advertised specifications for the LR-24. The resulting graphic was empirically validated by means of comparative data obtained with the electrofisher adjusted to deliver its maximum output voltage, current, and power while it was wired to electrical loads of known resistance. In additional, the results from this study show how the power ratings of the LR-24 are inherently dependent on the resistance of the electrical load and the duty cycle of the pulsed DC waveform. It was concluded that the area outlined on a four-parameter graph adequately portrays the operational limits of the LR-24. This graphic approach can be extended to other types and models of electrofishing equipment.
Oral Health Status of Refugee Torture Survivors Seeking Care in the United States
Authors: Singh Harpreet K. , Scott Thayer E. , Henshaw Michelle M. , Cote Susan E. , Grodin Michael A. , Piwowarczyk Linda A.
Published: October 2008

We assessed the oral health status of 216 refugee torture survivors seeking care at an urban torture treatment center in the United States. Results showed that patients' dental health ranged from poor to fair; 76% had untreated cavities, and approximately 90% required immediate or near-immediate dental care. Torture treatment centers, in addition to offering safe environments for educating and examining patients, are ideal settings to provide basic oral health services without the risk of retraumatization.
The Utility of Routinely Collected Data in Evaluating Important Policy Changes: The New Zealand Alcohol Purchasing Age Limit Example
Authors: Kypri Kypros , Davie Gabrielle , Langley John , Voas Robert , Begg Dorothy
Published: October 2008

We used the recent lowering of the alcohol purchasing age in New Zealand to examine the proposition that routinely collected data are often insufficient in evaluating important policy changes. We estimated prechange and postchange incidence rate ratios for actual and hypothetical population sizes and hospital admissions related to alcohol poisoning and assaults. Even with a hypothetical youth population 10 times larger than New Zealand's actual youth population, comparisons were underpowered because there were too few observations. Governments should use the enactment of health legislation as an opportunity to build the research evidence base by ensuring that evaluations are initiated in advance.