bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Augmented reality agents for user interface adaptation
Authors: Barakonyi István , Schmalstieg Dieter
Published: February 2008

Most augmented reality (AR) applications are primarily concerned with letting a user browse a 3D virtual world registered with the real world. More advanced AR interfaces let the user interact with the mixed environment, but the virtual part is typically rather finite and deterministic. In contrast, autonomous behavior is often desirable in ubiquitous computing (Ubicomp), which requires the computers embedded into the environment to adapt to context and situation without explicit user intervention. We present an AR framework that is enhanced by typical Ubicomp features by dynamically and proactively exploiting previously unknown applications and hardware devices, and adapting the appearance of the user interface to persistently stored and accumulated user preferences. Our framework explores proactive computing, multi‐user interface adaptation, and user interface migration. We employ mobile and autonomous agents embodied by real and virtual objects as an interface and interaction metaphor, where agent bodies are able to opportunistically migrate between multiple AR applications and computing platforms to best match the needs of the current application context. We present two pilot applications to illustrate design concepts. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A survey of mobile and wireless technologies for augmented reality systems
Authors: Papagiannakis George , Singh Gurminder , Magnenat‐Thalmann Nadia
Published: February 2008

Recent advances in hardware and software for mobile computing have enabled a new breed of mobile augmented reality (AR) systems and applications. A new breed of computing called ‘augmented ubiquitous computing’ has resulted from the convergence of wearable computing, wireless networking, and mobile AR interfaces. In this paper, we provide a survey of different mobile and wireless technologies and how they have impact AR. Our goal is to place them into different categories so that it becomes easier to understand the state of art and to help identify new directions of research. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The embodied Web: embodied Web‐services interaction with an umbrella for augmented city experiences
Authors: Matsumoto Takashi , Hashimoto Sho , Okude Naohito
Published: February 2008

This paper introduces the embodied Web, a new design paradigm for mobile devices. The embodied Web aims to provide an interface using real‐world embodied interaction to provide a computer‐augmented reality that accesses web services. This platform regards embodied interaction at three levels: operational level, activity level and social level; and is implemented with a combination of sensor, actuator and network connectivities. The platform is developed as a complex of hardware, software and network services. The implementation takes an approach of modularization of hardware, software and web services. As a practical prototype of the embodied Web, the Internet Umbrella Pileus was developed and tested. In contrast to the small screens of mobile devices, Pileus has a big screen on the underside of the umbrella, and it is operated by embodied interaction, including motion sensing of the device and location sensing of walking activities. Photo‐sharing and 3D map navigation is provided on the umbrella to expand the user's activity area. These services are provided by API hookups with Flickr and Google Earth. Pileus has been iteratively developed from user observations, design observations and intuitions and prototype evaluations. The umbrella was tested in a large urban environment (the city of Tokyo). Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Editorial
Authors: Magnenat‐Thalmann Nadia , Thalmann Daniel , Singh Gurminder , Papagiannakis Georges
Published: February 2008

In this issue, you will find a special section on Wireless and Mobile Technologies in Mixed Realities, with four papers introduced by the two guest editors Gurminder Singh and Georges Papagiannakis. The last paper of the issue is a regular paper by I. Mansa et al. entitled “Analysis of coherence strategies for stereo occlusion culling.” This paper explores the benefits that can be achieved for stereoscopic visualization when using occlusion‐culling strategies. It shows the limitations placed by compact and not densely occluded scenarios and the gains that can be achieved when rendering stereo images using occlusion culling. The experiments carried out test combinations of occlusion stereo coherence and occlusion frame coherence. The algorithm presented can be easily implemented and provides a significant boost in performances.
Twenty‐five dyneins in Tetrahymena: A re‐examination of the multidynein hypothesis
Authors: Wilkes David E. , Watson Hadley E. , Mitchell David R. , Asai David J.
Published: February 2008

Dyneins are responsible for essential movements in eukaryotic cells. The motor activity of each dynein complex resides in its complement of heavy chains. In the present study, we examined 136 heavy chain sequences from the completed genomes of 11 diverse model organisms, including examples from Viridiplantae, Excavata, Chromalveolata, and Metazoa. In many cases, we discovered dynein heavy chains previously not identified. For example, Tetrahymena expresses a total of 25 DYH genes rather than the previously identified 14. The Tetrahymena DYH genes are nonaxonemal DYH1 and DYH2; axonemal outer arm α, β, and γ; axonemal two‐headed inner arm 1α and 1β; and 18 single‐headed inner arm heavy chains. The heavy chains divide into nine classes; six of these are highly conserved in sequence and number of isoforms in a given organism. The other three are single‐headed inner arm dyneins, whose numbers vary significantly in different organisms. These findings lead to two conclusions. One, the last common ancestor of all eukaryotes expressed nine different dynein heavy chains. Two, subsequent to the divergences leading to different organisms, additional dynein heavy chains emerged. These newer dyneins are not well conserved across species and the variation may reflect different motility requirements in different organisms. Together, these results suggest that each of the nine classes of dyneins is functionally distinct, but members within some of the classes are not specialized. An understanding of the relationships among the various dynein heavy chains is important when deducing functions across species. Cell Motil. Cytoskeleton 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Phase 3 study comparing the use of docetaxel on an every‐3‐week versus weekly schedule in the treatment of metastatic breast cancer
Authors: Rivera Edgardo , Mejia Jaime A. , Arun Banu K. , Adinin Rosnie B. , Walters Ronald S. , Brewster Abenaa , Broglio Kristine R. , Yin Guosheng , Esmaeli Bita , Hortobagyi Gabriel N. , Valero Vicente
Published: February 2008

BACKGROUND

Previous studies have evaluated 3‐week and weekly docetaxel schedules in patients with metastatic breast cancer (MBC). The varying efficacy results and toxicity profiles noted in these earlier studies led to a comparison of the schedules to determine which was safer and more efficacious.

METHODS

A phase 3 clinical trial was conducted in patients with MBC who were treated with docetaxel either every 3 weeks or once weekly to determine and compare response rate and duration, time to disease progression, progression‐free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), and toxicity. Patients were randomized to receive docetaxel at a starting dose of either 75 mg/m2 every 3 weeks or 35 mg/m2 weekly for 3 consecutive weeks followed by 1 week of rest.

RESULTS

A total of 118 patients underwent efficacy analysis; 59 patients were randomized to the every‐3‐week treatment arm and 59 to the weekly arm. The response rate was 35.6% (95% confidence interval [95% CI], 23.6–49.1%) for the every‐3‐week arm versus 20.3% (95% CI, 11.0–32.8%) for the weekly arm. There was no statistical difference between the every 3‐week and the weekly treatment arms with regard to median PFS (5.7 months vs 5.5 months; P = .46) or OS (18.3 months vs 18.6 months, respectively; P = .34). There was a higher overall toxicity rate (grades 3 and 4, according to the National Cancer Institute Common Toxicity Criteria [version 2.0]) in the every‐3‐week treatment arm versus the weekly treatment arm (88.1% vs 55.9%, respectively; P = .0001).

CONCLUSIONS

Compared with patients who received weekly docetaxel, those who received docetaxel every 3 weeks had a higher response rate but experienced similar PFS and OS and a more pronounced toxicity. Cancer 2008. © 2008 American Cancer Society.
High‐grade surface osteosarcoma
Authors: Staals Eric L. , Bacchini Patrizia , Bertoni Franco
Published: February 2008

BACKGROUND

High‐grade surface osteosarcoma is a rare variant of surface osteosarcoma and is associated with a poor prognosis.

METHODS

This retrospective study includes all cases of high‐grade surface osteosarcoma filed at the Rizzoli Institute. A complete clinical, histologic, and radiologic review was performed of 25 cases.

RESULTS

There were 19 males and 6 females with an average age of 21 years. All tumors were localized at the lower limb and the most frequently involved segments were the femoral and the tibial diaphysis. All lesions demonstrated the histologic aspect of a high‐grade osteosarcoma, 20 were osteoblastic, and 5 were chondroblastic. The circumferential involvement was on average 53% and in approximately half of the cases medullary canal involvement was detected. Nineteen patients underwent a combination of surgery and chemotherapy for treatment of their initial lesion, whereas 5 patients were managed with surgery alone. The average follow‐up was 9 years and the overall 5‐year survival rate was 82%.

CONCLUSIONS

High‐grade surface osteosarcoma is an extremely rare subtype of osteosarcoma. The current series demonstrates good overall survival for patients with this tumor. Metastatic disease and limb‐sacrificing surgery were associated with a worse prognosis. Wide surgical excision and chemotherapy might improve the outcome. Cancer 2008. ©2008 American Cancer Society.
Prognostic significance of HER‐2 status in women with inflammatory breast cancer
Authors: Dawood Shaheenah , Broglio Kristine , Gong Yun , Yang Wei‐Tse , Cristofanilli Massimo , Kau Shu‐Wan , Meric‐Bernstam Funda , Buchholz Thomas A. , Hortobagyi Gabriel N , Gonzalez‐Angulo Ana M. ,   for the Inflammatory Breast Cancer Research Group
Published: February 2008

BACKGROUND

Inflammatory breast cancer (IBC) is a rare, aggressive form of breast cancer with poorly understood prognostic variables. The purpose of this study was to define the prognostic impact of HER‐2 status on survival outcomes of patients with IBC.

METHODS

In all, 179 patients with IBC, diagnosed between 1989 and 2005, with known HER‐2 status, and treated with an anthracycline‐based chemotherapy regimen without trastuzumab, were included in the analysis. Patients with HER‐2‐positive disease who received trastuzumab at the time of disease recurrence were included. Survival outcomes were estimated by the Kaplan‐Meier product limit method and compared across groups using the log‐rank statistic. A Cox proportional hazards model was fitted to determine the association of survival outcomes with HER‐2 status after adjusting for patient and tumor characteristics.

RESULTS

A total of 111 patients (62%) had HER‐2‐negative disease and 68 (38%) had HER‐2‐positive disease. The median follow‐up among all patients was 35 months. At the time of the analysis, 62 patients (55.9%) with HER‐2‐negative disease and 42 patients (61.8%) with HER‐2‐positive disease had a recurrence. Thirty‐one patients (73.8%) with HER‐2‐positive disease who had a disease recurrence went on to receive trastuzumab. On univariate analysis, no statistically significant difference was observed for either recurrence‐free survival (P = .75) or overall survival (P = .24) between patients who had HER‐2‐positive disease and those who had HER‐2‐negative disease. In a multivariate model, HER‐2 status did not appear to significantly affect recurrence‐free survival (hazards ratio [HR] of 0.75; 95% confidence interval [95% CI], 0.46–1.22 [P = .241]). In the multivariate model, patients with HER‐2‐positive disease had a decreased hazard of death (HR of 0.56; 95% CI, 0.34–0.93 [P = .024]) compared with patients with HER‐2‐negative disease.

CONCLUSIONS

HER‐2 status, in the absence of trastuzumab, did not appear to significantly affect recurrence‐free survival. After adjusting for other characteristics, the addition of trastuzumab in the metastatic setting significantly improved survival in the HER‐2‐positive group above and beyond that of the HER‐2‐negative group. This gives us further insight into the biology of this aggressive disease and underlines the major effect of targeted intervention. Cancer 2008. © 2008 American Cancer Society.
High‐dose chemotherapy with autologous stem cell transplantation in adults with recurrent embryonal tumors of the central nervous system
Authors: Gill Paula , Litzow Mark , Buckner Jan , Arndt Carola , Moynihan Timothy , Christianson Teresa , Ansell Stephen , Galanis Evanthia
Published: February 2008

BACKGROUND

Embryonal central nervous system (CNS) tumors (medulloblastoma, cerebral neuroblastoma, pineoblastoma, and primitive neuroectodermal tumors) are rare in adults. Recurrent disease has an extremely poor outcome. The use of high‐dose chemotherapy (HDC) with autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) has demonstrated promising results in children with recurrent disease, but there are only limited data regarding its role in adults. The purpose of the current study was to evaluate adult patients with embryonal CNS tumors who were treated with HDC with ASCT and compare their outcomes with those of patients who received conventional‐dose chemotherapy.

METHODS

The authors reviewed the medical records of 23 adult patients (age ≥18 years) who were treated at the Mayo Clinic for recurrent embryonal CNS tumors between 1976 and 2004. The authors compared treatment with HDC with ASCT (10 patients) with an historic control of patients treated with conventional‐dose chemotherapy (nitrosourea based, cisplatin based, or both) (13 patients).

RESULTS

HDC with ASCT was associated with increased survival (P = .044) and a longer time to disease progression (TTP) (P = .028). The conventional‐dose chemotherapy group had a median TTP of 0.58 years and a median survival of 2.00 years. The HDC with ASCT group had a median TTP of 1.25 years and a median survival of 3.47 years. When restricted to patients receiving ASCT after first disease recurrence, the median TTP was 2.5 years and the median survival was 4.16 years. Toxicities were similar in both groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Improvements in the median TTP and survival noted with the administration of HDC with ASCT, as well as the acceptable toxicity of this regimen, supports consideration of its use in adults with recurrent embryonal CNS tumors. Cancer 2008. © 2008 American Cancer Society.
Barriers to the diffusion of advanced surgical techniques
Authors: Richstone Lee , Kavoussi Louis R.
Published: February 2008

The diffusion of laparoscopy and nephron‐sparing surgery for the management of renal cell carcinoma has occurred at an alarmingly slow pace. Complex physician, economic, and marketing forces are responsible for this significant quality‐of‐care concern.
UGT1A1*28 polymorphism predicts irinotecan‐induced severe toxicities without affecting treatment outcome and survival in patients with metastatic colorectal carcinoma
Authors: Liu Chun‐Yu , Chen Po‐Min , Chiou Tzeon‐Jye , Liu Jin‐Hwang , Lin Jen‐Kou , Lin Tzu‐Chen , Chen Wei‐Shone , Jiang Jeng‐Kae , Wang Huann‐Sheng , Wang Wei‐Shu
Published: February 2008

BACKGROUND

It is known that the uridine‐diphosphoglucuronosyl transferase 1A1 (UGT1A1)*28 polymorphism reduces UGT1A1 enzyme activity, which may lead to severe toxicities in patients who receive irinotecan. This study was conducted to assess the influence of this polymorphism on the efficacy and toxicity of irinotecan treatment in Chinese patients with metastatic colorectal carcinoma (CRC).

METHODS

In total, 128 patients with metastatic CRC who had received previous treatment with irinotecan plus 5‐fluorouracil/leucovorin were analyzed retrospectively. Genomic DNA samples were obtained from patients' leukocytes, and genotypes were determined by analyzing the sequence of TATA boxes in the UGT1A1 gene. The influence of the UGT1A1*28 polymorphism on toxicity and treatment outcome was analyzed.

RESULTS

Approximately 20% of patients were identified with the UGT1A1*28 polymorphism, including 15.6% (n = 20 patients) with the thymine‐adenine (TA)6/TA7 genotype and 4.7% (n = 6 patients) with the TA7/TA7 genotype. The remaining 79.7% of patients (n = 102) had wild type TA6/TA6. Marked increases in grade 3 or 4 neutropenia (53.8% vs 4.9%; P < .01), neutropenic fever (38.5% vs 3.9%; P < .01), diarrhea (26.9% vs 5.9%; P < .01), and pretreatment bilirubin level (23.1% vs 8.8%; P = .04) were observed in patients who had the TA6/TA7 or TA7/TA7 genotypes. Patients' pretreatment bilirubin levels correlated well with irinotecan‐induced neutropenia (P < .01). It was noted that, although the requirement for irinotecan dose reduction was significantly greater in patients who had this genetic variant (42.3% vs 12.7%; P < .01), it did not affect the response rate to irinotecan‐based chemotherapy (42.3% vs 45.1%; P = .80), and it did not significantly affect progression‐free survival (10 months vs 11 months; P = .94) or overall survival (19 months vs 18 months; P = .84).

CONCLUSIONS

The current data suggested that the UGT1A1*28 polymorphism may be a key determinant for predicting irinotecan‐induced severe toxicities without affecting treatment outcome for patients with metastatic CRC. Further prospective studies are warranted for using this polymorphism to optimize irinotecan‐based chemotherapy. Cancer 2008. © 2008 American Cancer Society.
Solitary chemoreceptor cell survival is independent of intact trigeminal innervation
Authors: Gulbransen Brian , Silver Wayne , Finger Thomas E.
Published: February 2008

Nasal solitary chemoreceptor cells (SCCs) are a population of specialized chemosensory epithelial cells presumed to broaden trigeminal chemoreceptivity in mammals (Finger et al. [2003] Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 100:8981–8986). SCCs are innervated by peptidergic trigeminal nerve fibers (Finger et al. [2003]) but it is currently unknown if intact innervation is necessary for SCC development or survival. We tested the dependence of SCCs on innervation by eliminating trigeminal nerve fibers during development with neurogenin‐1 knockout mice, during early postnatal development with capsaicin desensitization, and during adulthood with trigeminal lesioning. Our results demonstrate that elimination of innervation at any of these times does not result in decreased SCC numbers. In conclusion, neither SCC development nor mature cell maintenance is dependent on intact trigeminal innervation. J. Comp. Neurol. 508:62–71, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Neuronal and glial localization of α2A‐adrenoceptors in the adult zebrafish (Danio rerio) brain
Authors: Ampatzis Konstantinos , Kentouri Maria , Dermon Catherine R.
Published: February 2008

The α2A‐adrenoceptor (AR) subtype, a G protein‐coupled receptor located both pre‐ and postsynaptically, mediates adrenaline/noradrenaline functions. The present study aimed to determine the α2A‐AR distribution in the adult zebrafish (Danio rerio) brain by means of immunocytochemistry. Detailed mapping showed labeling of α2A‐ARs, in neuropil, neuronal somata and fibers, glial processes, and blood vessels. A high density of α2A‐AR immunoreactivity was found in the ventral telencephalic area, preoptic, pretectal, hypothalamic areas, torus semicircularis, oculomotor nucleus (NIII), locus coreruleus (LC), medial raphe, medial octavolateralis nucleus (MON), magnocellular octaval nucleus (MaON), reticular formation (SRF, IMRF, IRF), rhombencephalic nerves and roots (DV, V, VII, VIII, X), and cerebellar Purkinje cell layer. Moderate levels of α2A‐ARs were observed in the medial and central zone nuclei of dorsal telencephalic area, in the periventricular gray zone of optic tectum, in the dorsomedial part of optic tectum layers, and in the molecular and granular layers of all cerebellum subdivisions. Glial processes were found to express α2A‐ARs in rhombencephalon, intermingled with neuronal fibers. Medium‐sized neurons were labeled in telencephalic, diencephalic, and mesencephlic areas, whereas densely labeled large neurons were found in rhombencephalon, locus coeruleus, reticular formation, oculomotor area, medial octavolateralis and magnocellular octaval nuclei, and Purkinje cell somata. The functional role of α2A‐ARs on neurons and glial processes is not known at present; however, their strong relation to the ventricular system, somatosensory nuclei, and nerves supports a possible regulatory role of α2A‐ARs in autonomic functions, nerve output, and sensory integration in adult zebrafish brain. J. Comp. Neurol. 508:72–93, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Construction theory, self‐replication, and the halting problem
Authors: Sayama Hiroki
Published: February 2008

This essay aims to propose construction theory, a new domain of theoretical research on machine construction, and use it to shed light on a fundamental relationship between living and computational systems. Specifically, we argue that self‐replication of von Neumann's universal constructors holds a close similarity to circular computational processes of universal computers that appear in Turing's original proof of the undecidability of the halting problem. The result indicates the possibility of reinterpreting a self‐replicating biological organism as embodying an attempt to solve the halting problem for a diagonal input in the context of construction. This attempt will never be completed because of the indefinite cascade of self‐computation/construction, which accounts for the undecidability of the halting problem and also agrees well with the fact that life has maintained its reproductive activity for an indefinitely long period of time. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Complexity, 2008
The development of several organs and appendages is impaired in mice lacking Sp6
Authors: Hertveldt Valérie , Louryan Stéphane , van Reeth Thierry , Drèze Pierre , van Vooren Pascale , Szpirer Josiane , Szpirer Claude
Published: February 2008

SP6 belongs to the SP/KLF family of transcription factors, characterized by a DNA‐binding domain composed of three zinc fingers of the C2H2 type. The Sp6 gene generates two different transcripts, termed Sp6 and epiprofin, which differ in the first exon and encode the same SP6 protein. These transcripts are mainly expressed in the skin, the teeth, and the limb buds of embryos and also in the adult lungs. To gain insight into the biological function of the SP6 protein, we knocked out the gene by eliminating the full coding region. The resulting Sp6 null mice are nude, lack functional teeth, and present limb and lung malformations. We also showed that the identified abnormalities are associated with apoptotic misregulations. In conclusion, this work indicates that Sp6 plays a critical role in the development of several epithelium‐containing organs or appendages, possibly by regulating apoptosis. Developmental Dynamics 237:883–892, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Functional characterization of KIN‐32, theCaenorhabditis eleganshomolog of focal adhesion kinase
Authors: Cram Erin J. , Fontanez Kristina Marie , Schwarzbauer Jean E.
Published: February 2008

We have identified the singleCaenorhabditis elegansfocal adhesion kinase (FAK) homolog KIN‐32, which has the signature FAK structure including an N‐terminalFour.1‐Ezrin‐Radixin‐Moesin (FERM) domain followed by a tyrosine kinase domain and a C‐terminal domain with weak homology to the focal adhesion targeting domain. The functional requirements for KIN‐32 were examined using RNA interference depletion experiments and analysis of a deletion allele,kin‐32(ok166), in which a large segment of the FERM domain is missing. Our results show that reduced levels of expression or absence of the FERM domain do not affect viability, fertility, or anatomy inC. elegans. Expression of an analogous FERM deletion in mouse FAK showed kinase activity in vitro and supported normal focal adhesion localization in cell culture. Thus, the FERM domain of KIN‐32, and possibly KIN‐32 activity in general, appears to be dispensable for normalC. elegansphysiology. Developmental Dynamics 237:837–846, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
PDGF‐A as an epicardial mitogen during heart development
Authors: Kang Jione , Gu Ying , Li Peng , Johnson Betsy L. , Sucov Henry M. , Thomas Penny S.
Published: February 2008

In the developing heart, reciprocal interactions between the epicardium and myocardium drive further sublineage specification and ventricular chamber morphogenesis. Several observations suggest that the epicardium is a source of secreted factors that influence cardiomyocyte proliferation, and these factors may have other roles as well. However, the identity of these epicardial factors remains mostly unknown. We have identified platelet‐derived growth factor‐A (PDGF‐A) as one of several mitogens expressed by the rat EMC epicardial cell line (epicardial mesothelial cells), by embryonic epicardium and myocardium during mouse heart development, and by adult epicardium. Expression of the cognate receptor gene Pdgfra was detected in the epicardium, although a low level of expression in myocardium could not be ruled out. To address the potential role of PDGF signaling in heart development, we mutated both PDGF receptor genes in the myocardial and mesodermal compartments of the heart; however, this did not result in an observable cardiac phenotype. This finding suggests that mesodermal PDGF signaling is not essential in heart development, although its role may be redundant with other signaling pathways. Indeed, our results demonstrate the presence of additional mitogens that may have such an overlapping role. Developmental Dynamics 237:692–701, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The LIM‐domain protein Zyxin binds the homeodomain factor Xanf1/Hesx1 and modulates its activity in the anterior neural plate of Xenopus laevis embryo
Authors: Martynova Natalia Y. , Eroshkin Fedor M. , Ermolina Ludmila V. , Ermakova Galina V. , Korotaeva Anastasia L. , Smurova Ksenya M. , Gyoeva Fatima K. , Zaraisky Andrey G.
Published: February 2008

The question of how subdivision of embryo into cell territories acquiring different fates is coordinated with morphogenetic movements shaping the embryonic body still remains poorly resolved. In the present report, we demonstrate that a key regulator of anterior neural plate patterning, the homeodomain transcriptional repressor Xanf1/Hesx1, can bind to the LIM‐domain protein Zyxin, which is known to regulate cell morphogenetic movements via influence on actin cytoskeleton dynamics. Using a set of deletion mutants, we found that the Engrailed‐type repressor domain of Xanf1 and LIM2‐domain of Zyxin are primarily responsible for interaction of these proteins. We also demonstrate that Zyxin overexpression in Xenopus embryos elicits effects similar to those observed in embryos with downregulated Xanf1. In contrast, when the repressor‐fused variant of Zyxin is expressed, the forebrain enlargements typical for embryos overexpressing Xanf1 develop. These results are consistent with a possible role of Zyxin as a negative modulator of Xanf1 transcriptional repressing activity. Developmental Dynamics 237:736–749, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Proliferation and differentiation of intestinal stem cells during metamorphosis of the red flour beetle, Tribolium castaneum
Authors: Parthasarathy R. , Palli Subba R.
Published: February 2008

The insect midgut epithelium is remodeled during larval‐pupal metamorphosis when larval polyploid cells (LPCs) are replaced by the daughters of intestinal stem cells (ISCs). We characterized the proliferation of ISCs during midgut remodeling in the red flour beetle, Tribolium castaneum. Midgut remodeling is initiated at 96 hr after ecdysis into the final instar larval stage. Immunocytochemistry with bromodeoxyuridine and phospho‐histone H3 antibodies showed that the ISCs are the progenitors of the pupal/adult midgut epithelium and they undergo proliferation and differentiation to form new midgut epithelium. In vitro midgut culture experiments revealed that 20‐hydroxyecdysone (20E) in the absence of juvenile hormone induces proliferation of ISCs. RNA interference (RNAi) mediated silencing of ecdysone receptors (EcRA and EcRB) and ultraspiracle (USP) identified EcRA and USP but not EcRB as the proteins involved in 20E regulation of ISCs proliferation. These data show that the proliferation of ISCs is under both developmental and endocrine regulation. Developmental Dynamics 237:893–908, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Liver‐specific expression of p53‐negative regulator mdm2 leads to growth retardation and fragile liver in zebrafish
Authors: Chen Li‐Je , Hsu Chia‐Chun , Hong Jiann‐Ruey , Jou Luen‐Kuang , Tseng Hung‐Chia , Wu Jen‐Leih , Liou Yih‐Cherng , Her Guor Mour
Published: February 2008

Tumorigenesis requires inactivation of the p53 tumor suppressor pathway, likely involving the negative regulator Mdm2 protein. To analyze the possible roles of Mdm2 in oncogenesis and other functions during zebrafish hepatogenesis, we generated transgenic zebrafish by liver‐specific Mdm2 over‐expression utilizing a fusion between genes encoding GFP and mdm2, GFP::Mdm2. Over‐expression of GFP::Mdm2 in the zebrafish liver did not interrupt normal liver development in the larval stages but approximately 30% of the adult fish raised from the same larvae displayed obvious growth retardation at 16 weeks of age. Most growth‐retarded adults displayed liver atrophy, contraction, or hypoplasia, which proved lethal within 4 to 8 months. Histologically, over‐expression of GFP::Mdm2 in Gmdm2‐liver leading to liver degeneration may in some way have been due to an increased cell apoptosis accompanied by a slightly interrupted cell cycle or hepatocyte proliferation. Liver degeneration or other transgenic phenotypes were not associated with liver cancer; however, liver‐degenerated phenotypes could be passed to wild‐type zebrafish. In this study, we generated transgenic zebrafish lines with a “fragile liver.” The “fragile liver” zebrafish can provide a model for molecular pathology of liver diseases and for screening small molecules that affect mdm2‐related pathways. Developmental Dynamics 237:1070–1081, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Expression pattern of Popdc2 during mouse embryogenesis and in the adult
Authors: Froese Alexander , Brand Thomas
Published: February 2008

Whole‐mount staining of beta galactosidase activity in a heterozygous E15.5 Popdc2‐LacZ embryo. After staining the embryo was cleared in benzyl benzoate to visualize internal structures. Differentiated skeletal muscle tissue as well as the umbilical vessels display strong LacZ activity. Expression of the marker gene in the heart and in smooth muscle tissue of the gastrointestinal tract and the coelomic wall are not visible here. See Froese and Brand, Developmental Dynamics 237:762–769, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A sensitive, rapid and specific technique for the detection of collagenase using zymography
Authors: Thanzami Kawl , Roy Ipsita
Published: February 2008

A fast and specific method for the detection of collagenase by electrophoresis is described. The method avoids inclusion of the substrate in the resolving gel and can detect nanogram levels of the enzyme.
Level‐set based flamelet approach for simulating turbulent lifted jet flame
Authors: Kang Sungmo , Kim Hoojoong , Kim Yongmo , Ahn Kook‐Young
Published: February 2008

The present study focuses on numerically investigating the flame structure, flame liftoff, and stabilization in a lifted turbulent H2/N2 jet flame with a vitiated coflow. To realistically represent the turbulent partially premixed nature in the flow region between nozzle exit and flame base, the level‐set approach coupled with the conserved scalar flamelet model has been applied. The unstructured‐grid level‐set approach has been developed to allow the geometric flexibility and computational efficiency for the solution of the physically and geometrically complex reacting flows. The pressure–velocity coupling is handled by the multiple pressure‐correction method. The predicted flame pattern is in good conformity with the measured one. In terms of the liftoff height, the agreement between prediction and experiment is quite good. Even if there are noticeable deviations in a certain region, the predicted profiles for the overall flame structure agree reasonably well with the experimental data. These numerical results indicate that the present level‐set‐based flamelet approach in conjunction with the unstructured‐grid finite‐volume method is capable of realistically predicting the essential features and precise structure of the turbulent‐lifted jet flame with computational efficiency. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Provenance and microprobe assays of phyllite‐tempered ceramics from the uplands of central Arizona
Authors: Abbott David R. , Lack Andrew D. , Hackbarth Mark R.
Published: February 2008

The ceramics in use across a broad upland zone of central Arizona during the early Classic period (ca. A.D. 1100–1300) were characterized by a lack of mineralogical variability; nearly all of the clay containers were tempered with one rock type, phyllite. Consequently, nearly all of the upland pottery is assigned to a single pottery type, Wingfield Plain. This compositional uniformity has frustrated ceramic provenance studies, and, as a result, little has been learned previously about the organization of ceramic production and exchange in the upland territory. There are, however, considerable and interpretable chemical differences in the phyllite‐tempered wares, as shown with microanalyses of the temper fragments and pottery clay fractions with an electron microprobe. The chemical patterning is useful for investigating issues pertaining to the upland zone, including the organization of ceramic manufacture, community arrangements, and pottery transactions during a time of prevalent hostilities in central Arizona. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Source selectivity: An assessment of volcanic glass sources in the southern primorye region, far East Russia
Authors: Doelman Trudy , Torrence Robin , Popov Vladimir , Ionescu Mihail , Kluyev Nickolay , Sleptsov Igor , Pantyukhina Irina , White Peter , Clements Mark
Published: February 2008

Artifacts made from volcanic glass have been found in archaeological contexts dating from the Late Palaeolithic (ca. 20,000 yr B.P.) through to the end of the Bronze Age (ca. 2700 yr B.P.) in the southern Primorye region of Far East Russia. A geoarchaeological survey of volcanic glass outcrops assessed the various potential sources to determine their potential for sustained exploitation. A characterization study of source samples and artifacts from 27 spatially and temporally dispersed sites using a combination of PIXE‐PIGME and relative density identified which sources had actually been exploited and a technological analysis of the assemblages described patterns of use. The combination of these three approaches shows the impact of a relatively stable geological environment on patterns of procurement and exchange. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Sharp ideas for controlling costs
Authors: Reider Rob
Published: February 2008

Typically, business management shies away from cost accounting. But it is a major area of operations. And unfortunately, everything affecting the business's operations relates to cost accounting. So how can you develop effective systems for identifying, reporting, and controlling costs?

This article is adapted from Effective Operations and Controls for the Small Privately Held Business by Rob Reider, published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc., in December 2007. © 2007 Rob Reider.
Using cost management for sustainability efforts
Authors: Roth Harold P.
Published: February 2008

Many organizations are concerned about how the public and policymakers see them. So, they often issue corporate responsibility reports—which have been expanded to include the company's efforts to promote environmental sustainability. But exactly what is sustainability, and how can cost management tools help a company achieve it? © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
In search of finance excellence
Authors: Wunder Thomas , Mueller Michael
Published: February 2008

In recent years, CFOs have been asked to improve efficiency and competitive cost structures within the Finance department, while simultaneously meeting the growing demands of the company's operations. This occurs, of course, while CFOs have also had to face additional external scrutiny and compliance requirements. Together, these developments place themes like “finance excellence” or “finance transformation” at the top of the CFO's agenda. In many cases, the result is a comprehensive reorientation of the entire Finance organization with significant performance improvements in both Finance and the entire company. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Full absorption: The good, the bad, and the ugly
Authors: Vercio Alan
Published: February 2008

There are good, bad, and ugly uses associated with full absorption costing. Good characteristics include ensuring that all dollars are accounted for. Bad characteristics include combining costs that do not have similar cost driver patterns. Ugly characteristics include decisions made with fully absorbed cost data that combines different drivers. Financial accounting inventory valuation forces us to combine unlike drivers of cost. But there is a relatively easy way to manage around this for internal reporting. An unfortunate outcome of letting the bad and the ugly creep into the full‐absorption costing process is that the value of full absorption has been undermined, and consultants often recommend not using full absorption for decision making (a case of throwing the baby out with the bathwater). This article provides insight and recommendations for getting the full value from full‐absorption costing. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
NYSE merger creates first transatlantic financial market
Authors: Raiborn Cecily A. , McGinnis Michael
Published: February 2008

The recent merger of the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) and Euronext N.V. has created the first transatlantic financial market. The authors believe it is a marriage with a priceless wedding gift. But what are the implications of this union? © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Expatriates: Reducing failure rates
Authors: Yeaton Kathryn , Hall Nicole
Published: February 2008

Managers are trying various strategies to cope with increased global competition. One approach is to use expatriate assignments to gain understanding of international operations. But failure rates can be high. What can companies do to boost the chances of success? © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Comparing the psychometric properties of multiple teacher report instruments as predictors of bipolar disorder in children and adolescents
Authors: Youngstrom Eric A. , Joseph Megan F. , Greene Jamelle
Published: February 2008

The psychometric properties of four teacher report measures and their utility for accurate diagnosis of pediatric bipolar spectrum disorders (BPSDs) were examined. Participants were 191 youth (65% male; 62% African‐American; 23% diagnosed with a BPSD), age 5–18 (M=10.16, SD=3.27) years, 70% recruited from a community mental health center and 30% recruited from a mood disorders clinic. Teachers “who knew the child best” were asked to complete the Achenbach Teacher Report Form (TRF) as well as teacher versions of the General Behavior Inventory (T‐GBI), the Child Mania Rating Scale (CMRS‐T), and the Young Mania Rating Scale (T‐YMRS). Teacher response rates and missing data varied significantly depending on the age of the child. Exploratory factor analysis identified stable and interpretable factors; however, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) and logistic regression analyses showed that teacher report measures were not able to discriminate BPSD cases from non‐BPSD cases, or from attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) cases. Teacher report appears to be insufficiently specific or sensitive to BPSD for clinical diagnostic use, although teacher scales might have research utility. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Psychol 64: 1–20, 2008.
Multivariable control of anaerobic reactor by using external recirculation and bypass ratio
Authors: Mu Shengjing , Zeng Yingzhi , Wu Ping
Published: February 2008

BACKGROUND: The operation of a high‐rate anaerobic process usually suffers from problems of high sensitivity to disturbances arising from environmental and operational factors. Application of advanced process controls is an efficient approach to enhancing process robustness and stability.

RESULTS: A multivariable linear quadratic tracking (LQT) approach to the output tracking of an anaerobic reactor was proposed, using external recirculation‐to‐feed ratio (Rr) and external bypass‐to‐feed ratio (Rs). The anaerobic digestion process is described by a distributed parameter model with a two‐step (acidogenesis‐methanization) kinetics. A state space model was developed using linear approximations of the nonlinear terms, and an output tracking method was developed combining linear quadratic tracking (LQT) and an integral action.

CONCLUSION: Simulations show that, compared with the normal LQT method and proportional‐integral (PI) controller, using both Rr and Rs and a conventional dilution rate (Dr) based single variable PI controller, the proposed control approach achieved better results in both output set‐point tracking and stabilization of effluent quality under influent disturbances and model‐process mismatch. The new control strategy also had the advantage of using less storage capacity. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry
Purification of Aspergillus carbonarius polygalacturonase using polymeric membranes
Authors: Nakkeeran E. , Venkatesh K.S. , Subramanian R. , Kumar S. Umesh
Published: February 2008

BACKGROUND:

Microfiltration (MF: 70–450 nm) and ultrafiltration (UF: 10–500 kDa) membranes were used to eliminate carbohydrates and other non‐protein impurities from Aspergillus carbonarius culture broth containing polygalacturonase enzyme (EC 3.2.1.15) that would otherwise interfere with the purification processes and lead to enzyme loss. Further, diafiltration was attempted to improve the elimination of impurities as well as recovery of enzymes.

RESULTS:

MF resulted in removal of 2–25% carbohydrates with an enzyme recovery of 69–82% from the crude culture broth owing to the secondary layer formation. UF with 10 kDa membrane eliminated most of the carbohydrates (96%), phosphate salts and total acids with a recovery of 96% polygalacturonase and resulted in greater productivity. Using the above procedure, the enzyme was concentrated nearly 10‐fold while the purity improved from 4.6 to 49.4 U mg−1 of dry matter.

CONCLUSIONS:

The results of this study focused on the elimination of carbohydrates and other non‐protein impurities showed that UF could be used efficiently as a primary purification step during downstream processing of microbial culture broths containing enzymes. The present approach will ensure complete elimination of non‐protein impurities thereby reducing the losses and difficulties in the subsequent purification steps. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry
Application of the Stover–Kincannon kinetic model to nitrogen removal by Chlorella vulgaris in a continuously operated immobilized photobioreactor system
Authors: Karapinar Kapdan Ilgi , Aslan Sebnem
Published: February 2008

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to evaluate the ammonium nitrogen removal performance of algae culture Chlorella vulgaris in a novel immobilized photobioreactor system under different operating conditions and to determine the biokinetic coefficients using the Stover–Kincannon model.

RESULTS: The photobioreactor was continuously operated at different initial ammonium nitrogen concentrations (NH4‐N0 = 10–48 mg L−1), hydraulic retention times (HRT = 1.7–5.5 days) and nitrogen/phosphorus ratios (N/P = 4/1–13/1). Effluent NH4‐N concentrations varied between 2.1 ± 0.5 mg L−1 and 26 ± 1.2 mg L−1 with increasing initial NH4‐N concentrations from 10 ± 0.6 mg L−1 to 48 ± 1.8 mg L−1 at θH = 2.7 days. The maximum removal efficiency was obtained as 79 ± 4.5% at 10 mg L−1 NH4‐N concentration. Operating the system for longer HRT improved the effluent quality, and the percentage removal increased from 35 ± 2.4% to 93 ± 0.2% for 20 mg L−1 initial NH4‐N concentration. The N/P ratio had a substantial effect on removal and the optimum ratio was determined as N/P = 8/1. Saturation value constant, and maximum substrate utilization rate constant of the Stover–Kincannon model for ammonium nitrogen removal by C. vulgaris were determined as KB = 10.3 mg L−1 d−1, Umax = 13.0 mg L−1 day−1, respectively.

CONCLUSION: Results indicated that the algae‐immobilized photobioreactor system had an effective nitrogen removal capacity when the operating conditions were optimized. The optimal conditions for the immobilized photobioreactor system used in this study can be summarized as HRT = 5.5 days, N/P = 8 and NH4‐N0 = 20 mg L−1 initial nitrogen concentration to obtain removal efficiency greater than 90%. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry
Ultrastructure of activated mouse platelets: A qualitative scanning electron microscopy study
Authors: Pretorius E. , Oberholzer H.M. , Smit E.
Published: February 2008

Platelets form an integral part of the coagulation process, and their ultrastructure can provide valuable information regarding diseases associated with hemostasis. During coagulation, platelets aggregate; this aggregation can be achieved in vitro, by adding thrombin to platelet‐rich plasma. Previous research showed that human thrombin could be used successfully to activate mouse platelets. When conservative changes are included, the amino acid similarity between human and mouse thrombin is ∼75%. In this qualitative study, we compare the ultrastructure of mouse platelet aggregates activated by human thrombin as well as two concentrations of mouse thrombin, using the scanning electron microscope. Results show that both human and mouse thrombin activate platelets to form aggregates with typical pseudopodia formation. Magnification up to 250,000× showed membrane morphology with the open canalicular system pores visible in both the mouse‐ and human‐activated platelets. It is therefore concluded that mouse platelets can be successfully aggregated using either mouse or human thrombin. Microsc. Res. Tech. 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.