bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Spontaneous resorption in recurrent intradural lumbar disc herniation
Authors: Sakai Tsubasa , Tsuji Takashi , Asazuma Takashi , Yato Yoshiyuki , Matsubara Osamu , Nemoto Koichi
Published: July 2008

✓The authors report a case of spontaneous resorption of intradural disc material in a patient with recurrent intradural lumbar disc herniation and review magnetic resonance (MR) imaging and histopathological findings. Intradural lumbar disc herniation is rare, and most patients with this condition require surgical intervention due to severe leg pain and vesicorectal disturbance. In the present case, however, the recurrent intradural herniated mass had completely disappeared by 9 months after onset. Histological examination of intradural herniated disc tissue demonstrated infiltrated macrophages and angiogenesis within the herniated tissue, and Gd-enhanced MR images showed rim enhancement not only at the initial presentation, but also at recurrence.

The authors conclude that when rim enhancement is present on Gd-enhanced MR images, there is a possibility of spontaneous resorption even though the herniated mass may be located within the intradural space. Moreover, when radiculopathy is controllable and cauda equina syndrome is absent, conservative therapy can be selected.
Extensive total spondylectomy for recurrent giant cell tumor in the thoracic spine
Authors: Matsumoto Morio , Ishii Ken , Takaishi Hironari , Nakamura Masaya , Morioka Hideo , Chiba Kazuhiro , Takahata Takeshi , Toyama Yoshiaki
Published: July 2008

✓The authors report the case of a 47-year-old woman who harbored a giant cell tumor at the T-5 level. She had undergone curettage of the tumor via a combined anterior and posterior approach at a regional hospital and was later referred to the authors' institution for treatment after the tumor recurred. On examination she exhibited progressive paraparesis and was nonambulatory due to cord compression caused by the tumor, which had invaded the spinal canal and extended to the right paravertebral muscles and right thoracic cavity. A spondylectomy was performed through a single posterior approach. The tumor, together with a portion of the dura mater, pleura, and muscles, was resected en bloc from T-4 to T-6. After resection, spinal reconstruction was performed by placement of an anterior titanium mesh cage as well as posterior pedicle screw and rod instrumentation. The patient's postoperative course was uneventful, and she exhibited substantial neurological recovery and became ambulatory. Two and a half years after surgery, the patient was tumor free.

En bloc resection of a recurrent giant cell tumor was successfully achieved through a single posterior approach. This surgical technique can be an effective option for this pathological condition, which is difficult to manage using other conventional treatment options including repeated curettage and radiotherapy.
Acupuncture needles causing lumbar cerebrospinal fluid fistula
Authors: Ulloth Joel E. , Haines Stephen J.
Published: July 2008

✓Acupuncture is a frequently used adjuvant treatment for chronic pain conditions. The authors report the case of a patient in whom the delayed migration of embedded acupuncture needles into the lumbar spinal canal caused the formation of a cerebrospinal fluid fistula and spine-related headache. The needles were safely removed surgically and the patient improved clinically.
Microseeding – A Powerful Tool for Crystallizing Proteins Complexed with Hydrolyzable Substrates
Authors: Oswald Christine , Smits Sander H. J. , Bremer Erhard , Schmitt Lutz
Published: July 2008

Hydrolysis is an often-encountered obstacle in the crystallization of proteins complexed with their substrates. As the duration of the crystallization process, from nucleation to the growth of the crystal to its final size, commonly requires several weeks, non-enzymatic hydrolysis of an “unstable” ligand occurs frequently. In cases where the crystallization conditions exhibit non neutral pH values this hydrolysis phenomenon may be even more pronounced. ChoX, the substrate binding protein of a choline ABC-importer, produced crystals with its substrate acetylcholine after one month. However, these crystals exhibited only choline, an acetylcholine hydrolysis product, in the binding site. To overcome this obstacle we devised a microseeding protocol leading to crystals of ChoX with bound acetylcholine within 24 hours. One drawback we encountered was the high twinning fraction of the crystals, possibly was due to the rapid crystal growth.
IL-12 and IL-18 Induction and Subsequent NKT Activation Effects of the Japanese Botanical Medicine Juzentaihoto
Authors: Fujiki Kazuhiko , Nakamura Masanori , Matsuda Takako , Isogai Mariko , Ikeda Minako , Yamamoto Yutaka , Kitamura Mari , Sazaki Naoko , Yakushiji Fumiatsu , Suzuki Shinji , Tomiyama Junji , Uchida Takashi , Taniguchi Ken
Published: July 2008

In this study, we first measured some cytokine concentrations in the serum of patients treated with Juzentaihoto (JTT). Of the cytokines measured interleukin (IL) -18 was the most prominently up-regulated cytokine in the serum of patients under long term JTT administration. We next evaluated the effects of JTT in mice, focusing especially on natural killer T (NKT) cell induction. Mice fed JTT were compared to control group ones. After sacrifice, the liver was fixed, embedded and stained. Transmission electron microscope (TEM) observations were performed. Although the mice receiving the herbal medicine had same appearance, their livers were infiltrated with massive mononuclear cells, some of which were aggregated to form clusters. Immunohistochemical staining revealed that there was abundant cytokine expression of IL-12 and IL-18 in the liver of JTT treated mice. To clarify what the key molecules that induce immunological restoration with JTT might be, we next examined in vitro lymphocyte cultures. Mononuclear cells isolated and prepared from healthy volunteers were cultured with and without JTT. Within 24 hours, JTT induced the IL-12 and IL-18 production and later (72 hours) induction of interferon (IFN)-gamma. Oral administration of JTT may induce the expression of IL-12 in the early stage, and IL-18 in the chronic stage, followed by NKT induction. Their activation, following immunological restoration could contribute to anti-tumor effects.
Sequence length polymorphisms within primate amelogenin and amelogenin‐like genes: usefulness in sex determination
Authors: Morrill Benson H. , Rickords Lee F. , Schafstall Heather J.
Published: July 2008

Sequence length polymorphisms between the amelogenin (AMELX) and the amelogenin‐like (AMELY) genes both within and between several mammalian species have been identified and utilized for sex determination, species identification, and to elucidate evolutionary relationships. Sex determination via polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays of the AMELX and AMELY genes has been successful in greater apes, prosimians, and two species of old world monkeys. To date, no sex determination PCR assay using AMELX and AMELY has been developed for new world monkeys. In this study, we present partial AMELX and AMELY sequences for five old world monkey species (Mandrillus sphinx, Macaca nemestrina, Macaca fuscata, Macaca mulatta, and Macaca fascicularis) along with primer sets that can be used for sex determination of these five species. In addition, we compare the sequences we generated with other primate AMELX and AMELY sequences available on GenBank and discuss sequence length polymorphisms and their usefulness in sex determination within primates. The mandrill and four species of macaque all share two similar deletion regions with each other, the human, and the chimpanzee in the region sequenced. These two deletion regions are 176–181 and 8 nucleotides in length. In analyzing existing primate sequences on GenBank, we also discovered that a separate six‐nucleotide polymorphism located approximately 300 nucleotides upstream of the 177 nucleotide polymorphism in sequences of humans and chimps was also present in two species of new world monkeys (Saimiri boliviensis and Saimiri sciureus). We designed primers that incorporate this polymorphism, creating the first AMELX and AMELY PCR primer set that has been used successfully to generate two bands in a new world monkey species. Am. J. Primatol. 70:976–985, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Pattern of tumor recurrence in initially nonmetastatic breast cancer patients
Authors: Sanuki‐Fujimoto Naoko , Takeda Atsuya , Amemiya Atsushi , Ofuchi Toru , Ono Masato , Yamagami Ryo , Hatayama Jun , Kunieda Etsuo , Shigematsu Naoyuki
Published: July 2008

BACKGROUND.

Breast cancer is likely to have systemic involvement. However, to the authors' knowledge there are few reports to date regarding clinically detected patterns of metastasis, meticulously studied in regard to the natural history of breast cancer, including unusual sites of metastasis.

METHODS.

Patients treated for invasive breast cancer from April 1983 to May 2007 were retrospectively analyzed. Patterns of clinically apparent tumor recurrence, focusing especially on unusual metastases, were studied as well as possible risk factors for unusual metastases and their influence on survival.

RESULTS.

Overall, 3783 patients were eligible for the current analysis. The median duration of follow‐up was 5.0 years (range, 0.6 years–20.4 years). Cumulative 5‐year and 10‐year survival rates were 89.7% and 81.5%, respectively. “Unusual metastasis” was defined as systemic failure with a frequency of ≤1%; in the current series; it was observed in 85 (2.2%) patients %. Of those, 70 (82%) had preceding metastasis in the usual sites. The median duration until the development of usual and unusual metastasis was 2.3 years and 3.6 years, respectively (P < .0001). Among764 patients with distant metastasis, the 5‐year cumulative overall survival rate in those with or without unusual metastasis was 53.5% and 53.4 years, respectively (P = .33). No risk factors for unusual metastasis were identified.

CONCLUSIONS.

This retrospective study examined the frequency of unusual metastases in a large number of Japanese patients with initially nonmetastatic breast cancer. The prognosis of patients with unusual metastases was found to be similar to that of patients with metastasis only at more usual sites. Cancer 2008. © 2008 American Cancer Society.
Development of a robust GABABcalcium signaling cell line using β‐lactamase technology and sorting
Authors: Cui Mei , Chung Fu‐Zon , Donahue Christopher J.
Published: July 2008

The GABABreceptor is a member of the “family 3” G protein coupled receptors. The GABABreceptors modulate activity inwardly rectifying potassium channels and high voltage activated calcium channels. The GABABreceptors require heterodimerization between two subunits, GABAB1and GABAB2, for functional expression. A robust functional calcium cell line was developed that contained both the human truncated GABAB(1b)and human truncated GABAB(2)receptors. The cell line was analyzed and sorted using β‐lactamase as a reporter. Single cell clones were sorted and isolated using flow cytometry based on high β‐lactamase expression. The single cell clones were further tested in a 384‐well calcium mobilization assay using the Fluo‐4 AM calcium indicator on the fluorescent imaging plate reader system (FLIPR). Twenty‐seven clones were grown up from single cell collections and 10 clones demonstrated a high response to GABA stimulation. The 10 clones were re‐evaluated based on agonist dose response and EC50. Clone‐16 was identified and utilized in high throughput screening (HTS) assay development. Using sorting and β‐lactamase as a reporter, we were able to develop a robust, functional cell‐based, GABAB, calcium mobilization assay. The cell line described here can be used for high throughput FLIPR screening and also to compare and rank the potency and selectivity of agonists, antagonists and potentiators of the GABABreceptor. © 2008 International Society for Advancement of Cytometry
Standardization and optimization of multiparameter intracellular cytokine staining
Authors: Nomura Laurel , Maino Vernon C. , Maecker Holden T.
Published: July 2008

Intracellular cytokine staining (ICS) is a common method for rapid quantitation of cytokine‐producing antigen‐specific T cells. T cell production of IFNγ in particular, and more recently IL‐2 as well, is often taken as a measure of vaccine immunogenicity in experimental vaccine trials. As more fluorochromes become available for use in ICS and other applications detecting intracellular markers, the selection of optimal fluorochrome combinations becomes correspondingly more complicated. Additionally, as more sophisticated flow cytometers become available, more attention is being paid to potential result variability from one instrument to another. This review summarizes an oral presentation given at MASIR 2008, January 30–Feb 1, 2008, in La Plagne, France. We focus on issues associated with multiparameter (>four color) flow cytometry, including matching antibody specificities with available fluorochromes and techniques to optimize fluorochrome combinations. We examine issues specific to intracellular staining as well as broader topics such as instrument setup, experimental controls, sample management, and analysis of multiparameter data sets. Particular emphasis is placed on the use of lyophilized cells, antibodies, beads, peptides, etc. (collectively known as “lyoplates”), which can decrease experiment‐to‐experiment variability as well as processing time. Most clinical trials compile results from multiple testing sites, using data that was acquired on‐site in each location. We present data from two different ongoing multi‐laboratory standardization studies, one involving 15 laboratories and one involving nine. We identify issues of variability and, where possible, offer solutions. © 2008 International Society for Advancement of Cytometry
The influence of drainage projects on environmental and wetland ecology
Authors: Koç Cengiz
Published: July 2008

This study researched how the drainage project of Köycegiz plain in the Special Environment Protection Region in the western Mediterranean basin of Turkey impacted the wetlands and sweet gum forests (Liquidambar orientalis) around Lake Köycegiz. The quality of and the change in the surface water and the water table, and their impact on environment and wetlands were researched. The level of water table in A‐zone wetland adjacent to Lake Köycegiz varied between 0.0 and 0.50 m. In some parts of the fields paralleling to A‐zone wetland, and called B‐zone, the water table level was also between 0.50 and 1.00 m. Anions (Cl− and SO4−) and cations (Na+, K+, Ca2+, and Mg++) increased twofold in water samples obtained from A and B zone wetland compared to the irrigation water used in the research area. The mean of salinity in water table and irrigation water ranged from 545 to 1423 μS cm−1. The mean of water table salinity in A and B zone wetland was 1689 μS cm−1. Electrical conductivity (salinity) and compositions of ions provided an indication of changes occurring in A and B zone wetland function. Wetlands and sweet gum forests were impacted adversely in summer period when the water table fell down below the level necessary for meeting the demands. © 2008 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 2008
Error estimation of closed‐form solution for annual rate of structural collapse
Authors: Bradley Brendon A. , Dhakal Rajesh P.
Published: July 2008

With the increasing emphasis of performance‐based earthquake engineering in the engineering community, several investigations have been presented outlining simplified approaches suitable for performance‐based seismic design (PBSD). Central to most of these PBSD approaches is the use of closed‐form analytical solutions to the probabilistic integral equations representing the rate of exceedance of key performance measures. Situations where such closed‐form solutions are not appropriate primarily relate to the problem of extrapolation outside of the region in which parameters of the closed‐form solution are fit. This study presents a critical review of the closed‐form solution for the annual rate of structural collapse. The closed‐form solution requires the assumptions of lognormality of the collapse fragility and power model form of the ground motion hazard, of which the latter is more significant regarding the error of the closed‐form solution. Via a parametric study, the key variables contributing to the error between the closed‐form solution and solution via numerical integration are illustrated. As these key variables cannot be easily measured, it casts doubt on the use of such closed‐form solutions in future PBSD, especially considering the simple and efficient nature of using direct numerical integration to obtain the solution. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Enhanced application of root‐reinforcement algorithms for bank‐stability modeling
Authors: Pollen‐Bankhead Natasha , Simon Andrew
Published: July 2008

Riparian vegetation is known to exert a number of mechanical and hydrologic controls on bank stability. In particular, plant roots provide mechanical reinforcement to a soil matrix due to the different responses of soils and roots to stress. Root reinforcement is largely a function of the strength of the roots crossing potential shear planes, and the number and diameter of such roots. However, previous bank stability models have been constrained by limited field data pertaining to the spatial and temporal variability of root networks within stream banks. In this paper, a method is developed to use root‐architecture data to derive parameters required for modeling temporal and spatial changes in root reinforcement. Changes in root numbers over time were assumed to follow a sigmoidal curve, which commonly represents the growth rates of organisms. Regressions for numbers of roots crossing potential shear planes over time showed small variations between species during the juvenile growth phase, but extrapolation led to large variations in root numbers by the time the senescent phase of the sigmoidal growth curve had been reached. In light of potential variability in the field data, the mean number of roots crossing a potential shear plane at each year of tree growth was also calculated using data from all species and an additional sigmoidal regression was run. After 30 years the mean number of roots predicted to cross a 1 m shear plane was 484, compared with species‐specific curves whose values ranged from 240 roots for black willow trees to 890 roots for western cottonwood trees. In addition, the effect of spatial variations in rooting density with depth on stream‐bank stability was modeled using the bank stability and toe erosion model (BSTEM). Three root distributions, all approximating the same average root reinforcement (5 kPa) over the top 1 m of the bank profile, were modeled, but with differing vertical distributions (concentrated near surface, non‐linear decline with depth, uniform over top meter). It was found that stream‐bank FS varied the most when the proportion of the failure plane length to the depth of the rooting zone was greatest. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Design of an estimator of the kinematics of AC contactors
Authors: Ruiz Jordi‐Roger Riba , Espinosa Antonio Garcia
Published: July 2008

This paper develops an estimator of the kinematics of the movable parts of any AC powered contactor. This estimator uses easily measurable electrical variables such as the voltage across the coil terminals and the current flowing through the main coil of the contactor. Hence, a low cost microcontroller would be able to implement a control algorithm in order to reduce the undesirable phenomenon of contact bounce, which causes severe erosion of the contacts and dramatically reduces the electrical life and reliability of the contacts. To develop such an estimator is essential to have at our disposal a robust model of the contactor. Therefore, a rigorous parametric model that allows us to predict the dynamic response of the AC contactor is proposed. It solves the mechanic and electromagnetic coupled differential equations that govern the dynamics of the contactor by applying a Runge–Kutta‐based solver. Several approaches have been described in the technical literature. Most of them are based on high cost computational finite elements method or on simplified parametric models. The parametric model presented here takes into account the fringing flux and deals with shading rings interaction from a general point of view, thus avoiding simplified assumptions. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Flame penetration and burn testing of fire blanket materials
Authors: Hansen J. G. R. , Frame B. J.
Published: July 2008

Materials were evaluated in laboratory tests for a fire blocking blanket to protect stores of U.S. Army munitions from burning material and hot fragments. The objective of testing was to evaluate and rank materials' ability to resist the penetration of flame and heat and to limit flame spread. Materials in all tests were subjected to an oxyacetylene torch with temperatures in excess of 3000°C. Inorganic fiber‐based fabric, insulation and blankets evaluated in flame penetration tests were rated by their time to limit backside temperature rise to 100°C above ambient and 500°C for a given material areal mass. Carbon fiber fabric performed the best of the fabrics tested. Silica aerogel insulation was the top performing insulation material group. The blanket with carbon fiber sandwiching silica aerogel insulation performed best. Horizontal and vertical flame burn tests were conducted on several candidate blanket cover materials. Fabrics coated with polyvinyl chloride, polytetrafluoroethylene and silicone rubber coatings were all found to be immediately self‐extinguishing when the flame was removed. Burn damage was confined locally to the heated zone beneath and around the lit torch tip's flame. All flames were immediately self‐extinguishing beyond those regions, with zero flame‐out times recorded. Published in 2008 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Intrahepatic levels of CXCR3-associated chemokines correlate with liver inflammation and fibrosis in chronic hepatitis C
Authors: Zeremski Marija , Petrovic Lydia M. , Chiriboga Luis , Brown Queenie B. , Yee Herman T. , Kinkhabwala Milan , Jacobson Ira M. , Dimova Rositsa , Markatou Marianthi , Talal Andrew H.
Published: July 2008

Chemokines, chemotactic cytokines, may promote hepatic inflammation in chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection through the recruitment of lymphocytes to the liver parenchyma. We evaluated the association between inflammation and fibrosis and CXCR3-associated chemokines, interferon-γ (IFN-γ)–inducible protein 10 (IP-10/CXCL10), monokine induced by IFN-γ (Mig/CXCL9), and interferon-inducible T cell α chemoattractant (I-TAC/CXCL11), in HCV infection. Intrahepatic mRNA expression of these chemokines was analyzed in 106 chronic HCV-infected patients by real-time PCR. The intrahepatic localization of chemokine producer cells and CXCR3+ lymphocytes was determined in selected patients by immunohistochemistry. We found elevated intrahepatic mRNA expression of all three chemokines, most markedly CXCL10, in chronic HCV-infected patients with higher necroinflammation and fibrosis. By multivariable multivariate analysis, intrahepatic CXCL10 mRNA expression levels were significantly associated with lobular necroinflammatory grade and HCV genotype 1. In the lobular region, CXCL10-expressing and CXCL9-expressing hepatocytes predominated in areas with necroinflammation. Strong CXCL11 expression was observed in almost all portal tracts, whereas CXCL9 expression varied considerably among portal tracts in the same individual. Most intrahepatic lymphocytes express the CXCR3 receptor, and the number of CXCR3+ lymphocytes was increased in patients with advanced necroinflammation.Conclusion:These findings suggest that the CXCR3-associated chemokines, particularly CXCL10, may play an important role in the development of necroinflammation and fibrosis in the liver parenchyma in chronic HCV infection. (Hepatology 2008.)
Fragment‐based quantitative structure–activity relationship (FB‐QSAR) for fragment‐based drug design
Authors: Du Qi‐Shi , Huang Ri‐Bo , Wei Yu‐Tuo , Pang Zong‐Wen , Du Li‐Qin , Chou Kuo‐Chen
Published: July 2008

In cooperation with the fragment‐based design a new drug design method, the so‐called “fragment‐based quantitative structure–activity relationship” (FB‐QSAR) is proposed. The essence of the new method is that the molecular framework in a family of drug candidates are divided into several fragments according to their substitutes being investigated. The bioactivities of molecules are correlated with the physicochemical properties of the molecular fragments through two sets of coefficients in the linear free energy equations. One coefficient set is for the physicochemical properties and the other for the weight factors of the molecular fragments. Meanwhile, an iterative double least square (IDLS) technique is developed to solve the two sets of coefficients in a training data set alternately and iteratively. The IDLS technique is a feedback procedure with machine learning ability. The standard Two‐dimensional quantitative structure–activity relationship (2D‐QSAR) is a special case, in the FB‐QSAR, when the whole molecule is treated as one entity. The FB‐QSAR approach can remarkably enhance the predictive power and provide more structural insights into rational drug design. As an example, the FB‐QSAR is applied to build a predictive model of neuraminidase inhibitors for drug development against H5N1 influenza virus. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comput Chem, 2009
Neutral hydrolyses of carbon disulfide: Anab initiostudy of water catalysis
Authors: Deng Chao , Wu Xiao‐Peng , Sun Xiao‐Ming , Ren Yi , Sheng Ying‐Hong
Published: July 2008

The water‐catalyzed hydrolysis reaction of carbon disulfide (CS2) has been investigated at the levels of HF and MP2 with the basis set of 6‐311++G(d,p) using the combined supramolecular/continuum models, in which up to six water molecules are involved in the hydrolysis and the effect of water bulk solvent is taken into account according to the polarizable continuum model (PCM). The activation Gibbs free energies in water solution, ΔG(298 K), for the rate‐determining steps of one up to six water hydrolyses are 247.9, 184.2, 152.3, 141.8, 134.4, and 118.9 kJ/mol, respectively. The most favorable hydrolysis path of CS2involves a sort of eight‐membered ring transition structure formed by six water molecules, among which three water molecules are not involved in the proton transfer, two near to the nonreactive sulfur atom, and one below the parent carbon disulfide. This suggests that the hydrolysis of CS2can be mediated with the water molecule(s) and be significantly facilitated by the cooperative effects of the water molecule(s) in the nonreactive region. The catalytic effects of water molecule(s) due to the alleviation of ring strain in the proton transfer process may result from the synergistic effects of rehybridization and charge reorganization from the prereaction complex to the rate‐determining transition state structure induced by water molecule(s). PCM solvation models could significantly lower the rate‐determining activation Gibbs free energies by 20–38 kJ/mol when two up to six explicit water molecules involved in the neutral hydrolysis of CS2. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comput Chem, 2009
Psychological adjustment and treatment of children and families with parents deployed in military combat
Authors: Lincoln Alan , Swift Erika , Shorteno‐Fraser Mia
Published: July 2008

The effects of the military deployment of parent‐soldiers on children and families need to be understood in the context of military culture as well as from developmental risk for maladjustment. Although research addressing such effects is limited in both scope and certainty, we can identify several key factors that relate to psychological risk, adjustment, and outcome. Most children are resilient to the effects of deployment of at least one of their parents, but children with preexisting psychological conditions, such as anxiety and depression, may be particularly vulnerable, as well as children with specific risk factors, such as child abuse, family violence, or parental substance abuse. A series of case vignettes illustrate the psychological adjustment and treatment implications for children with parents deployed in support of military combat operations. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Psychol: In Session 64:1–9, 2008.
Mixed extracellular matrix ligands synergistically modulate integrin adhesion and signaling
Authors: Reyes Catherine D. , Petrie Timothy A. , García Andrés J.
Published: July 2008

Cell adhesion to extracellular matrix (ECM) components through cell‐surface integrin receptors is essential to the formation, maintenance and repair of numerous tissues, and therefore represents a central theme in the design of bioactive materials that successfully interface with the body. While the adhesive responses associated with a single ligand have been extensively analyzed, the effects of multiple integrin subtypes binding to multivalent ECM signals remain poorly understood. In the present study, we generated a high throughput platform of non‐adhesive surfaces presenting well‐defined, independent densities of two integrin‐specific engineered ligands for the type I collagen (COL‐I) receptor α2β1 and the fibronectin (FN) receptor α5β1 to evaluate the effects of integrin cross‐talk on adhesive responses. Engineered surfaces displayed ligand density‐dependent adhesive effects, and mixed ligand surfaces significantly enhanced cell adhesion strength and focal adhesion assembly compared to single FN and COL‐I ligand surfaces. Moreover, surfaces presenting mixed COL‐I/FN ligands synergistically enhanced FAK activation compared to the single ligand substrates. The enhanced adhesive activities of the mixed ligand surfaces also promoted elevated proliferation rates. Our results demonstrate interplay between multivalent ECM ligands in adhesive responses and downstream cellular signaling. J. Cell. Physiol. 217: 450–458, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
IRMPD spectra of Gly·NH4+ and proton‐bound betaine dimer: evidence for the smallest gas phase zwitterionic structures
Authors: Wu Ronghu , McMahon Terry B.
Published: July 2008

Zwitterionic structures exist extensively in biological systems and the electric field resulting from zwitterion formation is the driving force for determination of the properties, function and activity of biological molecules, such as amino acids, peptides and proteins. It is of considerable interest and import to investigate the stabilization of zwitterionic structures in the gas phase. Infrared multiple photon dissociation (IRMPD) spectroscopy is a very powerful and sensitive technique, which may elucidate clearly the structures of both ions and ionic clusters in the gas phase, since it provides IR vibrational fingerprint information. The structures of the clusters of glycine and ammonium ion and of the betaine proton‐bound homodimer have been investigated using IRMPD spectroscopy, in combination with electronic structure calculations. The experimental and calculated results indicate that zwitterionic structure of glycine may be effectively stabilized by an ammonium ion. This is the smallest zwitterionic structure of an amino acid to be demonstrated in the gas phase. On the basis of the experimental IRMPD and calculated results, it is very clear that a zwitterionic structure exists in the proton‐bound betaine dimer. The proton is bound to one of the carboxylate oxygens of betaine, rather than being equally shared. Investigations of zwitterionic structures in the isolated state are essential for an understanding of the intrinsic characteristics of zwitterions and salt bridge interactions in biological systems. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
ARHI, as a novel suppressor of cell growth and downregulated in human hepatocellular carcinoma, could contribute to hepatocarcinogenesis
Authors: Huang Jian , Lin Yun , Li Lihua , Qing Deng , Teng Xiao‐Mei , Zhang Yun‐Li , Hu Xin , Hu Yuanjie , Yang Pengyuan , Han Ze‐Guang
Published: July 2008

The identification of cancer genes differentially expressed in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) plays an important role in understanding the molecular mechanisms of hepatocarcinogenesis. Here, ARHI gene expression was analyzed by real‐time RT‐PCR and it was significantly downregulated in 33 of the 42 (78.6%, more than two folds) HCC specimens compared with adjacent noncancerous livers (P < 0.01). In addition, ARHI expression was reduced in some HCC samples at protein level confirmed by immunohistochemistry. Furthermore, our data suggested that the overexpression of ARHI can significantly inhibit cell growth and colony formation of Hep3B cells (P < 0.01), whilst silencing endogenous ARHI gene by RNAi could promote cell growth of Huh‐7 and Focus. LOH of microsatellite markers D1S2806 and D1S2803 was only found in 2.4% (1 of 42 HCCs) of HCC cases. The expression of ARHI was obviously re‐expressed in some HCC cells, Bel‐7402, Bel‐7405, QGY‐7703 and Hep3B, by a demethylation agent, 5‐aza‐2′‐deoxycytidine (DAC). DNA hypermethylation within ARHI promoter was identified in 47.1% of HCC specimens without ARHI expression. Our current observations provide evidences that ARHI downregulated in HCCs could play a role in liver cancer via acting as a tumor suppressor gene, which mainly was triggered by the epigenetic events in HCC specimens. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The temperature dependence of small‐scale orographic precipitation enhancement
Authors: Zängl G.
Published: July 2008

This study presents idealized numerical simulations to analyze the temperature dependence of small‐scale orographic precipitation enhancement in a non‐convective environment for a variety of mountain heights. The investigation is motivated by a climatological analysis of several rain‐gauge stations in the northern Alps, indicating a conspicuous dependence of precipitation enhancement on temperature and mountain height. Specifically, a station lying on the lower lee slope of a moderately high mountain (about 700 m above the adjacent plain) experiences stronger precipitation enhancement at low temperatures than a station in the lee of a mountain twice as high, whereas the opposite is the case at higher temperatures. In qualitative agreement with the observations, the simulations indicate a marked dependence of the precipitation pattern on the position of the freezing level relative to the mountain peak. For a freezing level lying significantly above or below the peak, a single precipitation maximum in the peak region is predicted. However, for a freezing level close to the peak, the simulations indicate two precipitation maxima over the windward slope and over the lower lee slope, separated by a relative minimum in the peak region. A closer analysis suggests that two factors are responsible for this behaviour. First, the higher accretion efficiency of snow and graupel compared to rain favours particularly strong precipitation growth above the peak, which is advected towards the lee slope by the ambient flow. Second, the fall‐speed difference between snow/graupel and rain tends to induce diverging hydrometeor trajectories where the melting layer intersects the windward slope, whereas converging hydrometeor trajectories occur over the lee slope below the melting layer. For a suitable location of the freezing level, the leeward shift of the precipitation maximum may overcompensate the general increase of precipitation enhancement with mountain height, leading to higher precipitation in the lee of a low mountain than in the lee of a high mountain. Copyright © 2008 Royal Meteorological Society
Implementing a value assessment for products: an industrial case study
Authors: Ojala Pasi
Published: July 2008

During the last decades, software process and product improvement (SPI) has been recognized as a usable possibility to increase the quality of software development. Recently, more attention has been focused on the costs of SPI as well as on the cost‐effectiveness and productivity of software development.

This study defines the concepts and principles of a value‐based approach, which is an outcome of the economic‐driven discussion related to software engineering. Defined concepts, principles, and processes are based mostly on value engineering (VE) and are justified in earlier discussions. Therefore, this study assumes that this discussion has given a theoretically justified evolutionary plateau for using value assessment in practice.

The main purpose of this study is to collect details of experiences on whether the value assessment for products support value‐based approach and whether the value assessment works and is useful in industrial context. This is done by implementing value assessment in a case company step by step to see which phases possibly work and which phases possibly do not work.

The practical industrial case and research results show that proposed value assessment for products is useful and supports the meaningfulness of a value‐based approach. It also demonstrates the strengths and weaknesses of using it and what all should be taken into consideration when implementing it. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Topological planning and design of UMTS mobile networks: a survey
Authors: St‐Hilaire Marc
Published: July 2008

In this paper, we present a literature review on the topological planning problem of third generation (3G) cellular networks based on the universal mobile telecommunications system (UMTS) standard. After describing the UMTS architecture, we introduce each subproblem and present major works that have been done. The cell, the access and the core network planning problems have all been considered as well as a more global approach (when more than one subproblems are considered simultaneously). Both planning and expansion algorithms are also included in this review. The goal of this paper is to present and classify the different research works that have been done so that it can be used as a starting point for future research on topological design of UMTS networks. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
New Technique for Rectal Division in Laparoscopic Anterior Resection—with Video
Authors: Fukunaga Yosuke , Higashino Masayuki , Tanimura Shinya , Takemura Masashi , Fujiwara Yushi , Osugi Harushi
Published: July 2008

Background

A new technique for performing laparoscopic anterior resection is described. Main differences from the standard technique are (1) pneumoperitoneum to improve exposure of the rectum, even in a narrow pelvis; (2) rectal division performed using a conventional linear stapler inserted via a 4.5 cm suprapubic incision; and (3) eversion of the rectum for tumors close to the anal verge, with transection performed under direct vision.

Methods

Results in 78 patients who underwent transabdominal transection and in 7 patients requiring rectal eversion were compared retrospectively with those in 61 consecutive patients who had undergone standard laparoscopic resection.

Results

The duration of the operation and estimated blood loss were greater with rectal eversion, and more staple cartridges were used for the conventional technique; however, the incidence of complications was similar for all three groups. Five patients in the conventional group required conversion to an open procedure.

Conclusion

The new technique should improve the safety of resection.
Racial Differences in Beliefs About the Effectiveness and Necessity of Mental Health Treatment
Authors: Anglin Deidre M. , Alberti Philip M. , Link Bruce G. , Phelan Jo C.
Published: July 2008

Members of racial/ethnic minority groups are less likely than Caucasians to access mental health services despite recent evidence of more favorable attitudes regarding treatment effectiveness. The present study explored this discrepancy by examining racial differences in beliefs about how the natural course and seriousness of mental illnesses relate to perceived treatment effectiveness. The analysis is based on a nationally representative sample of 583 Caucasian and 82 African American participants in a vignette experiment about people living with mental illness. While African Americans were more likely than Caucasians to believe that mental health professionals could help individuals with schizophrenia and major depression, they were also more likely to believe mental health problems would improve on their own. This belief was unrelated to beliefs about treatment effectiveness. These findings suggest that a belief in treatment effectiveness may not increase service utilization among African Americans who are more likely to believe treatment is unnecessary.
Identification methods and deterministic factors of owl roadkill hotspot locations in Mediterranean landscapes
Authors: Gomes Luís , Grilo Clara , Silva Clara , Mira António
Published: July 2008

Road fatalities are among the major causes of mortality for Strigiformes species and may affect the population's survival. The use of mitigation strategies must be considered to overcome this problem. However, because mitigation along the total length of all roads is not financially feasible, the locations where Strigiformes roadkills are more frequent (i.e., road fatality hotspots) must be identified. In addition to hotspot identification, factors that influence the occurrence of such fatalities should be recognized to allow mitigation measures to be delineated. We used road fatality data collected from 311 km of southern Portugal roads over a 2‐year period to compare the performance of five hotspot identification methods: binary logistic regression (BLR), ecological niche factor analysis (ENFA), Kernel density estimation, nearest neighbor hierarchical clustering (NNHC), and Malo's method. BLR and ENFA modelling were also used for recognizing roadkill deterministic factors. Our results suggest that Malo's method should be preferred for hotspot identification. The main factors driving owl roadkillings are those associated with good habitat conditions for species occurrence and specific conditions that promote hunting behavior near roads. Based on these factors, several mitigation measures are recommended.
Interannual NPP variation and trend of Picea schrenkiana forests under changing climate conditions in the Tianshan Mountains, Xinjiang, China
Authors: Sang Weiguo , Su Hongxin
Published: July 2008

The interannual net primary production variation and trends of a Picea schrenkiana forest were investigated in the context of historical changes in climate and increased atmospheric CO2 concentration at four sites in the Tianshan Mountain range, China. Historical changes in climate and atmospheric CO2 concentration were used as Biome–BGC model drivers to evaluate the spatial patterns and temporal trends of net primary production (NPP). The temporal dynamics of NPP of P. schrenkiana forests were different in the western, middle and eastern sites of Tianshan, which showed substantial interannual variation. Climate changes would result in increased NPP at all study sites, but only the change in NPP in the western forest (3.186 gC m−2 year−1, P < 0.05) was statistically significant. Our study also showed a higher increase in the air temperature, precipitation and NPP during 1987–2000 than 1961–1986. Statistical analysis indicates that changes in NPP are positively correlated with annual precipitation (R = 0.77–0.92) but that NPP was less sensitive to changes in air temperature. According to the simulation, increases in atmospheric CO2 increased NPP by improving the water use efficiency. The results of this study show that the Tianshan Mount boreal forest ecosystem is sensitive to historical changes in climate and increasing atmospheric CO2. The relative impacts of these variations on NPP interact in complex ways and are spatially variable, depending on local conditions and climate gradients.
Compliance with momentary pain measurement using electronic diaries: A systematic review
Authors: Morren Mattijn , van Dulmen Sandra , Ouwerkerk Jessika , Bensing Jozien
Published: July 2008

Electronic diaries are increasingly used to assess daily pain in many different forms and populations. This systematic review aims to survey the characteristics of studies using electronic pain diaries and to examine how these characteristics affect compliance. A literature search of 11 electronic databases was conducted. Studies were evaluated on the basis of predetermined inclusion criteria by two independent reviewers. Study characteristics were grouped into four categories: general, population, electronic diary, and sampling procedure (i.e., response, attrition, and compliance rates) including strategies to enhance compliance. The 62 included publications reported from 43 different datasets. Papers were usually written in English and published as from 2000. Samples mostly consisted of female chronic pain patients aged 19–65 years from western countries. Most diaries held less than 20 items and were completed up to 6 times daily at fixed or prompted times for 1 month at most. Less than 25% of the studies reported both response and attrition rates; however, a majority reported compliance. Compliance was generally high, and positively associated with shorter diaries, age, having a user's manual, financial compensation and using an alarm. It is important that the various study characteristics are catalogued carefully, especially response and attrition rates, because they can affect compliance. Measures of momentary pain are often developed for the purpose of a certain study; standardisation and validation of these measures is recommended. Finally, authors should mention whether they report on data that has also been used in previous studies.
Comparison of dorsal root ganglion gene expression in rat models of traumatic and HIV‐associated neuropathic pain
Authors: Maratou Klio , Wallace Victoria C.J. , Hasnie Fauzia S. , Okuse Kenji , Hosseini Ramine , Jina Nipurna , Blackbeard Julie , Pheby Timothy , Orengo Christine , Dickenson Anthony H. , McMahon Stephen B. , Rice Andrew S.C.
Published: July 2008

To elucidate the mechanisms underlying peripheral neuropathic pain in the context of HIV infection and antiretroviral therapy, we measured gene expression in dorsal root ganglia (DRG) of rats subjected to systemic treatment with the anti‐retroviral agent, ddC (Zalcitabine) and concomitant delivery of HIV‐gp120 to the rat sciatic nerve. L4 and L5 DRGs were collected at day 14 (time of peak behavioural change) and changes in gene expression were measured using Affymetrix whole genome rat arrays. Conventional analysis of this data set and Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) was performed to discover biological processes altered in this model. Transcripts associated with G protein coupled receptor signalling and cell adhesion were enriched in the treated animals, while ribosomal proteins and proteasome pathways were associated with gene down‐regulation. To identify genes that are directly relevant to neuropathic mechanical hypersensitivity, as opposed to epiphenomena associated with other aspects of the response to a sciatic nerve lesion, we compared the gp120+ddC‐evoked gene expression with that observed in a model of traumatic neuropathic pain (L5 spinal nerve transection), where hypersensitivity to a static mechanical stimulus is also observed. We identified 39 genes/expressed sequence tags that are differentially expressed in the same direction in both models. Most of these have not previously been implicated in mechanical hypersensitivity and may represent novel targets for therapeutic intervention. As an external control, the RNA expression of three genes was examined by RT‐PCR, while the protein levels of two were studied using western blot analysis.