bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Characterization and comparative analysis of HMW glutenin 1Ay alleles with differential expressions
Authors: Jiang Qian-Tao , Wei Yu-Ming , Wang Feng , Wang Ji-Rui , Yan Ze-Hong , Zheng You-Liang
Published: February 2009

Background

High-molecular-weight glutenin subunits (HMW-GSs) have been considered as most important seed storage proteins for wheat flour quality. 1Ay subunits are of great interest because they are always silent in common wheat. The presence of expressed 1Ay subunits in diploid and tetraploid wheat genotypes makes it possible to investigate molecular information of active 1Ay genes.

Results

We identified 1Ay subunits with different electrophoretic mobility from 141 accessions of diploid and tetraploid wheats, and obtained the complete ORFs and 5' flanking sequences of 1Ay genes including 6 active and 3 inactive ones. Furthermore, the 5' flanking sequences were characterized from 23 wild diploid species of Triticeae. All 6 active 1Ay possess a typical HMW-GS primary structure and some novel characteristics. The conserved cysteine residue within the repetitive domain of y-type subunits was replaced by phenylalanine residue in subunits of 1Ay (Tu-e1), 1Ay (Tu-e2), 1Ay (Ta-e2) and 1Ay (Td-e). Particularly, 1Ay (Ta-e3) has an unusual large molecular weight of 2202 bp and was one of the known largest y-type HMW-GSs. The translations of 1Ay (Tu-s), 1Ay (Ta-s) and 1Ay (Td-s) were disrupted by premature stop codons in their coding regions. The 5' flanking sequences of active and inactive 1Ay genes differ in a few base substitutions and insertions or deletions. The 85 bp deletions have been found in promoter regions of all 1Ay genes and the corresponding positions of 6 species from Aegilops and Hordeum.

Conclusion

The possession of larger molecular weight and fewer conserved cysteine residues are unique structural features of 1Ay genes; it would be interested to express them in bread wheat and further to examine their impact to processing quality of wheat. The 1Ay genes from T. urartu are closer to the genes from T. turgidum dicoccon and T. aestivum, than those from T. monococcum aegilopoides. The 85 bp deletion and some variations in the 5'flanking region, have not interrupted expression of 1Ay genes, whereas the defects in the coding regions could be responsible to the silence of the 1Ay genes. Some mutational events in more distant distal promoter regions are also possible causes for the inactivation of 1Ay genes.
Preoperative short-course radiotherapy versus combined radiochemotherapy in locally advanced rectal cancer: a multi-centre prospectively randomised study of the Berlin Cancer Society
Authors: Siegel Robert , Burock Susen , Wernecke Klaus-Dieter , Kretzschmar Albrecht , Dietel Manfred , Loy Volker , Koswig Stephan , Budach Volker , Schlag Peter M
Published: February 2009

Background

The additional use of radiotherapy has changed the treatment of locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC) dramatically. But a major achievement has been the development of total mesorectal excision (TME) as a surgical standard and the recognition that the surgeon is the predominant prognostic factor. The benefit of preoperative hypofractionated radiotherapy (SCRT; five fractions each of 5 Gy), initially established by the Swedish Rectal Cancer Trial, has been demonstrated in conjunction with TME by the Dutch Colorectal Cancer Group. The concept of combined neoadjuvant radiochemotherapy (conventional radiation of about 50 Gy with chemotherapy) has not been compared over surgery alone with TME. However, the German Rectal Cancer Study Group recently demonstrated that preoperative radiochemotherapy (RCT) was better than postoperative radiochemotherapy in terms of local control.

Methods and design

Patients with histological proven rectal cancer staged T2N+ or T3 are randomized to receive either SCRT (25 Gy in five fractions of 5 Gy) plus TME-surgery within 5 days or RCT (50.4 Gy in 28 fractions of 1.8 Gy, continuous infusion 5-fluorouracil) plus TME-surgery 4–6 weeks later. All patients receive adjuvant chemotherapy (12 weeks continuous infusional 5-FU) and are followed up for 5 years. TME-quality is independently documented by the surgeon and the pathologist. Hypothesis of the study is that RCT is superior to SCRT in terms of local recurrence after five years. Secondary endpoints are overall survival, disease-free survival, complete resection rate (R0 resection), rate of sphincter saving resection, acute and late toxicity (radiation related side effects), and quality of life (including long term bowel function).

Discussion

Similar long-term survival, local control and late morbidity have been reported for both concepts of preoperative therapy in non-comparative studies. In addition to other ongoing (and recently published) comparative trials we include a larger number of patients for adequate power, apply quality-controlled TME and try to avoid the adjuvant treatment bias by mandatory adjuvant chemotherapy in both groups. Further more, stratification of the initially planned surgical procedure and sphincter-preservation will generate valid evidence whether RCT will allow a less aggressive (sphincter saving) surgical approach.
Children's environmental health: an under-recognised area in paediatric health care
Authors: Gavidia Tania G , Pronczuk de Garbino Jenny , Sly Peter D
Published: February 2009

The knowledge that the environment in which we live, grow and play, can have negative or positive impacts on our health and development is not new. However the recognition that adverse environments can significantly and specifically affect the growth and development of a child from early intrauterine life through to adolescence, as well as impact their health later in adulthood, is relatively recent and has not fully reached health care providers involved in paediatric care.

Over the past 15 years, world declarations and statements on children's rights, sustainable development, chemical safety and most recently climate change, have succeeded in cultivating a global focus on children's health and their right to a healthy environment. Many international calls for research in the area, have also been able to identify patterns of environmental diseases in children, assess children's exposures to many environmental toxicants, identify developmental periods of vulnerability, and quantify the cost benefits to public health systems and beyond, of addressing environmentally related diseases in children. Transferring this information to front-line health care providers and increasing their awareness about the global burden of disease attributed to the environment and children's especial vulnerability to environmental threats is the salient aim of this commentary.
mRNA stability and the unfolding of gene expression in the long-period yeast metabolic cycle
Authors: Soranzo Nicola , Zampieri Mattia , Farina Lorenzo , Altafini Claudio
Published: February 2009

Background

In yeast, genome-wide periodic patterns associated with energy-metabolic oscillations have been shown recently for both short (approx. 40 min) and long (approx. 300 min) periods.

Results

The dynamical regulation due to mRNA stability is found to be an important aspect of the genome-wide coordination of the long-period yeast metabolic cycle. It is shown that for periodic genes, arranged in classes according either to expression profile or to function, the pulses of mRNA abundance have phase and width which are directly proportional to the corresponding turnover rates.

Conclusion

The cascade of events occurring during the yeast metabolic cycle (and their correlation with mRNA turnover) reflects to a large extent the gene expression program observable in other dynamical contexts such as the response to stresses/stimuli.
Bilateral femoral neck fractures in an adult male following minimal trauma after a simple mechanical fall: a case report
Authors: Sood Asheesh , Rao Christopher , Holloway Ian
Published: February 2009

Background

Despite being rare there are several reports in the medical literature of bilateral femoral neck fractures in adult patients. They have been reported to have occurred following major trauma, or as a result of primary or secondary bone disease. In this case report we describe for the first time in the literature bilateral femoral neck fractures in a patient following minimal trauma after a simple mechanical fall.

Case presentation

We describe the case of an 84-year-old gentleman who sustained bilateral intracapsular fractures following a simple mechanical fall. Prompt diagnosis and early surgical intervention resulted in a satisfactory outcome.

Conclusion

This case highlights that in the elderly, even in the absence of primary and secondary bone disease, bilateral neck of femur fractures can occur following relatively minor trauma. Consequently, the orthopaedic surgeon, emergency physician and general practitioner should be aware of this injury, particularly when managing traumatic injuries in confused patients.
A method to assess the clinical significance of unclassified variants in the BRCA1 and BRCA2genes based on cancer family history
Authors: Gómez García Encarna B , Oosterwijk Jan C , Timmermans Maarten , van Asperen Christi J , Hogervorst Frans BL , Hoogerbrugge Nicoline , Oldenburg Rogier , Verhoef Senno , Dommering Charlotte J , Ausems Margreet GEM , van Os Theo AM , van der Hout Annemarie H , Ligtenberg Marjolijn , van den Ouweland Ans , van der Luijt Rob B , Wijnen Juul T , Gille Jan JP , Lindsey Patrick J , Devilee Peter , Blok Marinus J , Vreeswijk Maaike PG
Published: February 2009

Introduction

Unclassified variants (UVs) in the BRCA1/BRCA2 genes are a frequent problem in counseling breast cancer and/or ovarian cancer families. Information about cancer family history is usually available, but has rarely been used to evaluate UVs. The aim of the present study was to identify which is the best combination of clinical parameters that can predict whether a UV is deleterious, to be used for the classification of UVs.

Methods

We developed logistic regression models with the best combination of clinical features that distinguished a positive control of BRCA pathogenic variants (115 families) from a negative control population of BRCA variants initially classified as UVs and later considered neutral (38 families).

Results

The models included a combination of BRCAPRO scores, Myriad scores, number of ovarian cancers in the family, the age at diagnosis, and the number of persons with ovarian tumors and/or breast tumors. The areas under the receiver operating characteristic curves were respectively 0.935 and 0.836 for the BRCA1 and BRCA2 models. For each model, the minimum receiver operating characteristic distance (respectively 90% and 78% specificity for BRCA1 and BRCA2) was chosen as the cutoff value to predict which UVs are deleterious from a study population of 12 UVs, present in 59 Dutch families. The p.S1655F, p.R1699W, and p.R1699Q variants in BRCA1 and the p.Y2660D, p.R2784Q, and p.R3052W variants in BRCA2 are classified as deleterious according to our models. The predictions of the p.L246V variant in BRCA1 and of the p.Y42C, p.E462G, p.R2888C, and p.R3052Q variants in BRCA2 are in agreement with published information of them being neutral. The p.R2784W variant in BRCA2 remains uncertain.

Conclusions

The present study shows that these developed models are useful to classify UVs in clinical genetic practice.
Cardiac force-frequency relationship and frequency-dependent acceleration of relaxation are impaired in LPS-treated rats
Authors: Joulin Olivier , Marechaux Sylvestre , Hassoun Sidi , Montaigne David , Lancel Steve , Neviere Remi
Published: February 2009

Introduction

Frequency-dependent acceleration of relaxation (FDAR) ensures appropriate ventricular filling at high heart rates and results from accelerated sarcoplasmic/endoplasmic reticulum calcium ATPase (SERCA) activity independent of calcium removal from the cell. Because lipopolysaccharide (LPS) challenge may induce aberrations in calcium trafficking and protein phosphorylation, we tested whether LPS would abolish FDAR in rats.

Methods

Following LPS injection, changes in force-frequency relationship and FDAR were studied in cardiomyocytes, isolated hearts and in vivo by echocardiography. Calcium uptake and phosphatase activities were studied in sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) vesicle preparations. Western blots of phospholamban and calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II, and serine/threonine phosphatase activity were studied in heart preparations.

Results

In cardiomyocytes and isolated heart preparations, reductions in time constant of relaxation (τ) and time to 50% relaxation at increasing rate of pacing were blunted in LPS-treated rats compared with controls. Early diastolic velocity of the mitral annulus (Ea), a relaxation parameter which correlates in vivo with τ, was reduced in LPS rats compared with control rats. LPS impaired SR calcium uptake, reduced phospholamban phosphorylation and increased serine/threonine protein phosphatase activity. In vivo inhibition of phosphatase activity partially restored FDAR, reduced phosphatase activity and prevented phospholamban dephosphorylation in LPS rat hearts.

Conclusions

LPS impaired phospholamban phosphorylation, cardiac force-frequency relationship and FDAR. Disruption of frequency-dependent acceleration of LV relaxation, which normally participates in optimal heart cavity filling, may be detrimental in sepsis, which is typically associated with elevated heart rates and preload dependency.
Inflammatory and alternatively activated human macrophages attract vessel-associated stem cells, relying on separate HMGB1- and MMP-9-dependent pathways
Authors: Lolmede Karine , Campana Lara , Vezzoli Michela , Bosurgi Lidia , Tonlorenzi Rossana , Clementi Emilio , Bianchi Marco E , Cossu Giulio , Manfredi Angelo A , Brunelli Silvia , Rovere-Querini Patrizia
Published: February 2009

Inflammatory macrophages recruited at the site of damaged muscles progressively acquire an alternative activation profile. Inflammatory (M1) and alternatively activated (M2) macrophages exert various and even opposite functions. M1 cells amplify tissue damage, and M2 cells dispose of necrotic fibers and deliver survival signals to myogenic precursors, finally supporting healing. A critical step in muscle healing is the recruitment of myogenic stem cells, including vessel-associated stem cells (mesoangioblasts), which have been demonstrated to home to damaged skeletal muscle selectively and preferentially. Little information is available about the signals involved and the role played by infiltrating macrophages. Here, we report that the polarization of macrophages dramatically skews the secretion of high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1), TNF-α, vascular endothelial growth factor, and metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9), molecules involved in the regulation of cell diapedesis and migration. All polarized macrophage populations were strikingly effective at inducing mesoangioblast migration. By means of specific inhibitors, we verified that the recruitment of mesoangioblasts requires the secretion of HMGB1 and TNF-α by M1 cells and of MMP-9 by M2 cells. Together, these data demonstrate a feature, unrecognized previously, of macrophages: their ability to attract stem cells, which is conserved throughout their polarization. Moreover, they open the possibility of novel strategies, aimed at interfering selectively with signals that recruit blood-derived stem cells toward pro- or anti-inflammatory macrophages.
Comparison of VSP and sonic-log data in nonvertical wells in a heterogeneous structure
Authors: Bulant Petr , Klimeš Luděk
Published: February 2009

To compare the results of sonic-log measurements and of vertical seismic profiling (VSP), sonic-log velocities are used to estimate the corresponding traveltime in the geologic structure, which is then compared with the VSP traveltime. We show how to calculate the sonic-log traveltime in the geologic structure from the sonic-log velocities while taking into account the effects of the nonvertical propagation of seismic waves, resulting from the VSP-source offset and from heterogeneous velocity in the structure, together with the effects of the well trajectory deviating from strictly vertical. Errors caused by the commonly used assumption of vertical propagation may considerably exceed the difference of the measured VSP traveltimes from the sonic-log traveltimes.
Quality factor Q in dissipative anisotropic media
Authors: Červený Vlastislav , Pšenčík Ivan
Published: February 2009

In an isotropic dissipative medium, the attenuation properties of rocks are usually specified by quality factor [Formula: see text], a positive, dimensionless, real-valued, scalar quantity, independent of the direction of wave propagation. We propose a similar, scalar, but direction-dependent quality [Formula: see text]-factor (also called [Formula: see text]) for time-harmonic, homogeneous or inhomogeneous plane waves propagating in unbounded homogeneous dissipative anisotropic media. We define the [Formula: see text]-factor, as in isotropic viscoelastic media, as the ratio of the time-averaged complete stored energy and the dissipated energy, per unit volume. A solution of an algebraic equation of the sixth degree with complex-valued coefficients is necessary for the exact determination of [Formula: see text]. For weakly inhomogeneous plane waves propagating in arbitrarily anisotropic, weakly dissipative media, we simplify the exact expression for [Formula: see text] con-siderably using the perturbation method. The solution of the equation of the sixth degree is no longer required. We obtain a simple, explicit perturbation expression for the quality factor, denoted as [Formula: see text]. We prove that the direction-dependent [Formula: see text] is related to the attenuation coefficient [Formula: see text] measured along a profile in the direction of the energy-velocity vector (ray direction). The quality factor [Formula: see text] does not depend on the inhomogeneity of the plane wave under consideration and thus is a convenient measure of the intrinsic dissipative properties of rocks in the ray direction. In all other directions, the quality factor is influenced by the inhomogeneity of the wave under consideration. We illustrate the peculiarities in the behavior of [Formula: see text] and its accuracy on a model of anisotropic, weakly dissipative sedimentary rock. Examples show interesting inner loops in polar diagrams of [Formula: see text] in regions of S-wave triplications.
2.5D forward and inverse modeling for interpreting low-frequency electromagnetic measurements
Authors: Abubakar A. , Habashy T. M. , Druskin V. L. , Knizhnerman L. , Alumbaugh D.
Published: February 2009

We present 2.5D fast and rigorous forward and inversion algorithms for deep electromagnetic (EM) applications that include crosswell and controlled-source EM measurements. The forward algorithm is based on a finite-difference approach in which a multifrontal LU decomposition algorithm simulates multisource experiments at nearly the cost of simulating one single-source experiment for each frequency of operation. When the size of the linear system of equations is large, the use of this noniterative solver is impractical. Hence, we use the optimal grid technique to limit the number of unknowns in the forward problem. The inversion algorithm employs a regularized Gauss-Newton minimization approach with a multiplicative cost function. By using this multiplicative cost function, we do not need a priori data to determine the so-called regularization parameter in the optimization process, making the algorithm fully automated. The algorithm is equipped with two regularization cost functions that allow us to reconstruct either a smooth or a sharp conductivity image. To increase the robustness of the algorithm, we also constrain the minimization and use a line-search approach to guarantee the reduction of the cost function after each iteration. To demonstrate the pros and cons of the algorithm, we present synthetic and field data inversion results for crosswell and controlled-source EM measurements.
Value of information of seismic amplitude and CSEM resistivity
Authors: Eidsvik Jo , Bhattacharjya Debarun , Mukerji Tapan
Published: February 2009

We propose a method for computing the value of information in petroleum exploration, a field in which decisions regarding seismic or electromagnetic data acquisition and processing are critical. We estimate the monetary value, in a certain context, of a seismic amplitude or electromagnetic-resistivity data set before purchasing the data. The method is novel in the way we incorporate spatial dependence to solve large-scale, real-world problems by integrating the decision-theoretical concept of value of information with rock physics and statistics. The method is based on a statistical model for saturation and porosity on a lattice along the top reservoir. Our model treats these variables as spatially correlated. The porosity and saturation are tied to the seismic and electromagnetic data via nonlinear rock-physics relations. We efficiently approximate the posterior distribution for the reservoir variables in a Bayesian model by fitting a Gaussian at the posterior mode for transformed versions of saturation and porosity. The value of information is estimated based on the prior and posterior distributions, the possible revenues from the reservoir, and the cost of drilling wells. We illustrate the method with three examples.
An evaluation of the electrical-resistivity method for water-reservoir salinity studies
Authors: Amidu Sikiru A. , Dunbar John A.
Published: February 2009

An important potential application of the electrical-resistivity method occurs in salinity studies of lakes and water reservoirs. However, uncertainty exists because there is a problem of equivalence in resistivity data interpretation and because the resistivity variation in the water layer in reservoirs is subtle (contrasts of a factor of two) and changes over short intervals of time (typically in hours or days). We carry out numerical modeling and inversion of synthetic data and field resistivity data from Lake Whitney, Texas, U.S.A., to examine how accurately resistivity in the water column in reservoirs can be determined using the electrical-resistivity method. Our objective is to advance the method as a tool in limnologic research for mapping freshwater zones in impacted lakes and water reservoirs. The simulated freshwater target in the synthetic data effectively is realized from the inversion with root-mean-square (rms) error less than 10%. However, the resolutionof the inverted sections decreases with increasing noise. Inversions of the field apparent-resistivity data from three profiles in the lake, computed using estimated optimization parameters from the synthetic study, reveal the possible pattern of salinity distributions in the reservoir. For unconstrained inversion schemes, comparisons of the inverted and independently measured in situ water electrical-conductivity data yield an average rms error of 10.8%. This error value is reduced to approximately 5% with inclusions of a priori information on water resistivity in the inversion scheme. We observe an inverse relationship between error level and number of constraints on water resistivity. In general, results show that the electrical-resistivity method is a viable tool for mapping salinity variations in reservoirs. However, good data quality and inclusion of measured water conductivity as constraints in the inversion schemes are important to enhance accuracy of the inversion results.
Proliferation of Uterine Natural Killer Cells Is Induced by Human Chorionic Gonadotropin and Mediated via the Mannose Receptor
Authors: Kane Nicole , Kelly Rodney , Saunders Philippa T. K. , Critchley Hilary O. D.
Published: February 2009

The endometrial lining of the human uterus contains a population of phenotypically distinct (CD56bright, CD16dim), tissue-specific, natural killer [uterine natural killer (uNK)] cells that play a key role in the establishment of a successful pregnancy. An increase in the number of endometrial uNK cells occurs when the conceptus implants, and there is a further increase during the early stages of placentation. Here, we describe studies that have identified human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG), a glycoprotein synthesized by the preimplantation conceptus, as a novel regulator of uNK cell proliferation. The impact of hCG on uNK cells was mediated via the mannose receptor (CD206) rather than by the classical hCG/LH receptor that was not expressed. The mannose receptor and hCG were colocalized on the surface of uNK cells, and proliferation did not occur if cells were incubated with deglycosylated hCG or intact hCG in the presence of excess d-Mannose. These novel observations provide new insight into the endocrine-immune dialogue that exists between the conceptus and immune cells within the receptive endometrium, and have implications for the role of uNK cell-trophoblast interactions and pregnancy outcome.
The Sodium-Iodide Symporter NIS and Pendrin in Iodide Homeostasis of the Thyroid
Authors: Bizhanova Aigerim , Kopp Peter
Published: February 2009

Thyroid hormones are essential for normal development and metabolism. Thyroid hormone biosynthesis requires iodide uptake into the thyrocytes and efflux into the follicular lumen, where it is organified on selected tyrosyls of thyroglobulin. Uptake of iodide into the thyrocytes is mediated by an intrinsic membrane glycoprotein, the sodium-iodide symporter (NIS), which actively cotransports two sodium cations per each iodide anion. NIS-mediated transport of iodide is driven by the electrochemical sodium gradient generated by the Na+/K+-ATPase. NIS is expressed in the thyroid, the salivary glands, gastric mucosa, and the lactating mammary gland. TSH and iodide regulate iodide accumulation by modulating NIS activity via transcriptional and posttranscriptional mechanisms. Biallelic mutations in the NIS gene lead to a congenital iodide transport defect, an autosomal recessive condition characterized by hypothyroidism, goiter, low thyroid iodide uptake, and a low saliva/plasma iodide ratio. Pendrin is an anion transporter that is predominantly expressed in the inner ear, the thyroid, and the kidney. Biallelic mutations in the SLC26A4 gene lead to Pendred syndrome, an autosomal recessive disorder characterized by sensorineural deafness, goiter, and impaired iodide organification. In thyroid follicular cells, pendrin is expressed at the apical membrane. Functional in vitro data and the impaired iodide organification observed in patients with Pendred syndrome support a role of pendrin as an apical iodide transporter.

This review shows how the sodium-iodide symporter mediates the active transport of iodide at the basolateral membrane of thyrocytes and discusses biallelic mutations in NIS and the effects of pendrin.
Chronic Intracerebroventricular Infusion of Nociceptin/Orphanin FQ Produces Body Weight Gain by Affecting Both Feeding and Energy Metabolism in Mice
Authors: Matsushita Hiroko , Ishihara Akane , Mashiko Satoshi , Tanaka Takeshi , Kanno Tetsuya , Iwaasa Hisashi , Ohta Hisashi , Kanatani Akio
Published: February 2009

Nociceptin/orphanin FQ (N/OFQ), an endogenous ligand for opioid receptor-like 1 (ORL1), is involved in various central functions, such as pain, psychological stress, locomotor activity, learning and memory, and feeding regulation. Of these functions, the role of N/OFQ in the regulation of feeding has been suggested by the fact that the central administration of N/OFQ leads to feeding behavior. However, the manner in which N/OFQ influences body weight control and subsequent obesity is unclear. To clarify the involvement of N/OFQ in the development of obesity, we evaluated the effects of intracerebroventricular infusion of N/OFQ on food intake and body weight in C57BL/6J mice that were fed a regular chow diet or moderately high-fat (MHF) diet (32.6% kcal fat). N/OFQ significantly increased food intake and body weight both in the regular diet- and MHF diet-fed mice, and these changes were more apparent in the MHF diet-fed mice. When we performed a pair-feeding study in N/OFQ intracerebroventricularly infused mice, N/OFQ did not cause body weight gain but increased white adipose tissue weight and plasma leptin, insulin, and cholesterol levels. N/OFQ reduced rectal temperature in pair-fed mice, in keeping with decreased UCP1 mRNA expression in brown adipose tissue. These results suggest that N/OFQ contributes to the development of obesity not only by inducing hyperphagia but also by decreasing energy expenditure.
Unique and Synergistic Roles for 17β-Estradiol and Macrophage Migration Inhibitory Factor during Cutaneous Wound Closure Are Cell Type Specific
Authors: Emmerson Elaine , Campbell Laura , Ashcroft Gillian S. , Hardman Matthew J.
Published: February 2009

The cutaneous wound healing response is complex, comprising numerous overlapping events including inflammation, fibroblast migration, reepithelialization, and wound contraction. With increased age and resultant reduced systemic estrogens, these processes are disrupted and delayed healing ensues. We have demonstrated previously that the proinflammatory cytokine macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) acts as a global regulator of wound healing mediating the majority of estrogen’s healing promoting activity. MIF is expressed by numerous wound cell types yet the interaction between estrogens and MIF at the cellular level is still poorly understood. In this study we demonstrate novel accelerated healing in MIF null mice using an excisional wound model. Moreover, we show cell-type-specific differences in the effects of 17β-estradiol and/or MIF on the cellular function of a range of wound cell types in vitro. Intriguingly, 17β-estradiol is able to promote the migration of all cell types studied indicating a clear role for cell migration in accelerated wound healing.
A Simulated Annealing Enhancement of the Best-Fit Heuristic for the Orthogonal Stock-Cutting Problem
Authors: Burke Edmund K. , Kendall Graham , Whitwell Glenn
Published: February 2009

The best-fit heuristic is a simple yet powerful one-pass approach for the two-dimensional rectangular stock-cutting problem. It had achieved the best published results on a wide range of benchmark problems until the development of the approaches described in this paper. Here, we illustrate how improvements in solution quality can be achieved by the hybridisation of the best-fit heuristic together with simulated annealing and the bottom-left-fill algorithm. We compare and contrast the new hybrid approach with other approaches from the literature in terms of execution times and the quality of the solutions achieved. Using a range of standard benchmark problems from the literature, we demonstrate how the new approach achieves significantly better results than previously published methods on almost all of the problem instances. In addition, we provide results on 10 new benchmark problems to encourage further research and greater comparison between current and future methods.
A Constraint Programming Approach for Solving a Queueing Design and Control Problem
Authors: Terekhov Daria , Beck J. Christopher , Brown Kenneth N.
Published: February 2009

A facility with frontroom and backroom operations has the option of hiring specialized or cross-trained workers. Cross-trained workers can be switched between the two rooms depending on demand but are more expensive than specialized ones. Assuming stochastic customer arrival and service times, we seek a smallest-cost combination of cross-trained and specialized workers, together with a policy for switching the cross-trained workers between the rooms, which satisfies constraints on the expected customer waiting time and expected number of workers in the back room. A constraint programming approach using logic-based Benders' decomposition is presented. Experimental results demonstrate the strong performance of this approach across a wide variety of problem parameters. This paper provides one of the first links between queueing optimization problems and constraint programming.
An Exact Method for the Minimum Cardinality Problem in the Treatment Planning of Intensity-Modulated Radiotherapy
Authors: Ernst Andreas T. , Mak Vicky H. , Mason Luke R.
Published: February 2009

In this paper, we introduce an exact method based on constraint programming ideas for a combinatorial optimization problem that arises from the treatment planning of intensity-modulated radiotherapy—the minimum cardinality problem (MCP). The MCP is to find a decomposition of a given integer matrix into a weighted sum of binary matrices with consecutive ones, such that the number of such binary matrices is minimised. We compare our method with two recent exact methods for the same problem and a recent exact method for a special case of the problem. Numerical results are presented that indicate that our method is computationally more efficient than the three existing methods.
The more (and the more compatible) the merrier: Multiple group memberships and identity compatibility as predictors of adjustment after life transitions
Authors: Iyer Aarti , Jetten Jolanda , Tsivrikos Dimitrios , Postmes Tom , Haslam S. Alexander
Published: February 2009

Two longitudinal studies considered the role of social identity factors in predicting well‐being after students' transition to university. The transition (assessed before starting university and after 2 months at university) had a detrimental effect on well‐being, but identification as a university student improved well‐being. Both studies showed that the social context in which the change occurred either facilitated or hindered university identification. Specifically, perceived compatibility between old and new identities and having multiple group memberships (which were each influenced by social class background, Study 2) both increased likelihood of identification with the new group. These predictive relationships remained statistically reliable when controlling for other factors relevant to the transition. The results suggest that life transitions are difficult partly because they entail changes in group membership. Both studies also demonstrate that identification with a new group can help buffer individuals from the negative well‐being consequences of change.
Deletion of the Mitochondrial Flavoprotein Apoptosis Inducing Factor (AIF) Induces β-Cell Apoptosis and Impairs β-Cell Mass
Authors: Schulthess Fabienne T. , Katz Sophie , Ardestani Amin , Kawahira Hiroshi , Georgia Senta , Bosco Domenico , Bhushan Anil , Maedler Kathrin
Published: February 2009

Background

Apoptosis is a hallmark of β-cell death in both type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus. Understanding how apoptosis contributes to β-cell turnover may lead to strategies to prevent progression of diabetes. A key mediator of apoptosis, mitochondrial function, and cell survival is apoptosis inducing factor (AIF). In the present study, we investigated the role of AIF on β-cell mass and survival using the Harlequin (Hq) mutant mice, which are hypomorphic for AIF.

Methodology/Principal Findings

Immunohistochemical evaluation of pancreata from Hq mutant mice displayed much smaller islets compared to wild-type mice (WT). Analysis of β-cell mass in these mice revealed a greater than 4-fold reduction in β-cell mass together with an 8-fold increase in β-cell apoptosis. Analysis of cell cycle dynamics, using BrdU pulse as a marker for cells in S-phase, did not detect significant differences in the frequency of β-cells in S-phase. In contrast, double staining for phosphorylated Histone H3 and insulin showed a 3-fold increase in β-cells in the G2 phase in Hq mutant mice, but no differences in M-phase compared to WT mice. This suggests that the β-cells from Hq mutant mice are arrested in the G2 phase and are unlikely to complete the cell cycle. β-cells from Hq mutant mice display increased sensitivity to hydrogen peroxide-induced apoptosis, which was confirmed in human islets in which AIF was depleted by siRNA. AIF deficiency had no effect on glucose stimulated insulin secretion, but the impaired effect of hydrogen peroxide on β-cell function was potentiated.

Conclusions/Significance

Our results indicate that AIF is essential for maintaining β-cell mass and for oxidative stress response. A decrease in the oxidative phosphorylation capacity may counteract the development of diabetes, despite its deleterious effects on β-cell survival.
Flavivirus NS5 associates with host-cell proteins zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1) and regulating synaptic membrane exocytosis-2 (RIMS2) via an internal PDZ binding mechanism
Authors: Ellencrona Karin , Syed Asim , Johansson Magnus
Published: February 2009

Dengue virus (DENV) and tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) are flaviviruses, which can cause lethal hemorrhagic fever and encephalitis, respectively. Here, we demonstrate that the TBEV-NS5 and DENV-NS5 proteins use an internal binding mechanism to target human PDZ proteins. TBEV-NS5 has high affinity to regulating synaptic membrane exocytosis-2 (RIMS2) and Scribble, whereas DENV-NS5 binds primarily to the tight junction protein zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1). Targeting of TBEV-NS5 to the plasma membrane is stabilised by ZO-1; however, DENV-NS5 co-localises with ZO-1 in the nucleus. These interactions have potential important roles in the ability of flaviviruses to manipulate cell proliferation, junction permeability and the interferon pathways.
Evaluation of biomarkers of exposure and potential harm in smokers, former smokers and never-smokers
Authors: Lowe Frazer J. , Gregg Evan O. , McEwan Michael
Published: February 2009

: The objective of this study was to obtain baseline data on biomarkers of exposure (BoE) and biomarkers of potential harm (BoPH) in smokers, former smokers and never-smokers.

: This was a cross-sectional study of 80 healthy male and female volunteers over 21 years old, self-selected for smoking status. Subjects were pre-screened by medical staff at an independent clinical research unit, within 1 week prior to a single overnight residential visit and sample collection.

: All BoE were able to differentiate between the two smoking groups and smokers from all non-smokers. There was a strong correlation between cigarettes smoked per day and total urinary nicotine equivalents (TNE; r=0.85). TNE correlated better with 4-(methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanol levels than cigarettes smoked per day (r=0.75 and r=0.56, respectively). Of the BoPH included in this study, seven (11-dehydro-thromboxane B2, 2, 3-dinorthromboxane B2, 8-epi prostaglandin F

: While BoE clearly differentiate between groups based on self-declared smoking status, most BoPH examined could not do so in a consistent manner. The dynamics of BoPH levels are not well understood. Future studies of BoPH should eliminate potential confounding factors and increase the number of subjects to allow the investigation of genetic polymorphism in metabolic pathways.

Clin Chem Lab Med 2009;47:311–20.
Sensitive and specific ELISA coated by TpN15-TpN17-TpN47 fusion protein for detection of antibodies to Treponema pallidum
Authors: Sun Ai Hua , Mao Ya Fei , Hu Ye , Sun Qi , Yan Jie
Published: February 2009

: We constructed an artificial fusion gene

:

: The relative positive rate of rTpN15-17-47-ELISA in 965 serum specimens of syphilis patients was 99.5%, which was higher than that of the

: The rTpN15-17-47-ELISA is a sensitive and specific serological screening or a diagnostic method for syphilis in the clinical setting.

Clin Chem Lab Med 2009;47:321–6.
Pregnant women's perception of cesarean section on demand
Authors: Tschudin Sibil , Alder Judith , Hendriksen Stephanie , Bitzer Johannes , Popp Karoline Aebi , Zanetti Rosanna , Hösli Irene , Holzgreve Wolfgang , Geissbühler Verena
Published: February 2009

Aims: To assess pregnant women's awareness of and attitudes towards cesarean section (CS) on demand, as well as to identify specific target groups by focusing on differences dependant on the participants' background, parity and intended mode of delivery.

Methods: The study was conducted at two centers during three months. German-speaking pregnant women were invited to answer an anonymous, structured questionnaire. We compared urban vs. rural, nulliparous vs. parous and women opting for a CS vs. denying this wish, with regard to awareness and attitudes towards CS on demand.

Results: Ninety-two percent of the 201 participants were aware of the possibility to deliver by CS on demand. Their sources of information were mostly print media reports, television, or friends. Pain avoidance and missing the birth experience were the main reasons for and against CS on demand, respectively. For women opting for CS on demand, traumatically-experienced previous birth and the child's well-being were other important reasons for a CS.

Conclusions: Because negative birth experience appears to be decisive for pregnant women's attitude towards CS on demand and their perception of CS seems to be partly based on misconceptions, antenatal counseling should focus on these aspects.
Values of amniotic fluid index in cases of preterm premature rupture of membranes
Authors: Weissmann-Brenner Alina , O'Reilly-Green Christopher , Ferber Asaf , Divon Michael Y.
Published: February 2009

Aims: To measure the amniotic fluid index (AFI) in cases of preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM).

Methods: A retrospective study of pregnancies complicated with PPROM was performed. Data collected included maternal age, parity, gestational age at PPROM and at birth, and AFI on admission. Gestational age matched AFIs were obtained from a low-risk control group in a 3:1 ratio.

Results: One hundred and two singleton pregnancies with PPROM formed the study population. The mean gestational age at PPROM was 29±5.3 weeks (range: 14–36.6 weeks). The mean AFI in the PPROM and the control groups was 5.8±3.6 cm (0–18.5 cm) and 13.7±3.2 cm (7.3–24.4 cm), respectively (P<0.001). The area under the ROC curve of AFI in the prediction of PPROM was 0.95 (P<0.001). An AFI of ≤10 cm had sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values of 89.2%, 88.5%, 72.2% and 96%, respectively, in supporting the diagnosis of PPROM.

Conclusions: The presence of low AFI supports the diagnosis of PPROM. ROC curve analysis revealed that an AFI ≤10 cm is the optimal cut-off value in the suspicion of PPROM.
Palivizumab for prophylaxis of RSV infection: five epidemic seasons' experience on adverse effects (2002–2007)
Authors: Parmigiani Stefano , Pezzoni Silvia , Solari Elena , Arena Vittoria , De Martino Arianna , Alessandrini Cristina , Moretti Sabrina , Bevilacqua Giulio
Published: February 2009

No abstract available
Comparison of Light Weight Deflectometer Measurements for Pavement Foundation Materials
Authors: Vennapusa Pavana K. R. , White David J.
Published: February 2009

Light weight deflectometers (LWDs) are increasingly being used in earthwork QC/QA testing to provide rapid determination of elastic modulus, which is an essential input for mechanistic pavement design. To successfully implement the use of these devices, it is important to understand how operating conditions affect the measurements and if differences exist between the various manufacturer devices. This paper provides a review of basic principles, different manufacturer LWD equipment, and correlations between LWD elastic modulus (ELWD) and moduli determined from other in-situ testing devices. Comparison test measurements for three different LWD devices with different plate diameters, plate contact stresses, buffer stiffnesses, and measurement techniques, and correlations with static plate load test measurements are reported in this paper.
Model Footing Load Tests on Soft Rocks
Authors: Castellanza R. , Parma M. , Pescatore V. , Silvestro G.
Published: February 2009

This paper summarizes the results of model footing load tests on soft Calcarenite rock. To perform the experiments, a new testing device was specifically designed, and its conception and features are described in details. The centered loading tests exhibited the typical bilinear shape of the load-settlement curve since a marked change of stiffness occurs as a consequence of collapse of the lightly cemented sand structure. These tests reveal that the failure mechanism is punching shear, and it is bounded in a small region beneath the loaded area. Further tests investigated the influence of the displacement rate and footing size effect, together with tests that show a moisture-induced loss of strength. The eccentric loading tests point out the role played by the interacting external loads, and the coupling between vertical displacement and footing rotation. The overall tests allow the interaction diagram of the soil-foundation system to be derived.
Prediction of Barium Sulfate Scale Formation in Oilfield Environment
Authors: Ezuber Hosni M.
Published: February 2009

This paper represents a simple method for predicting potential scaling tendency of barium sulfate in NaCl-water solutions over a wide range of temperature and pressure solutions. The developed method has fitted the barium sulfate literature solubility data in a mathematical equation. This equation can easily predict the BaSO4 scaling tendency in environments common to oilfield brines. Results obtained using the present model are compared with numerous experimental, calculated literature data and oilfield well cases. The present method shows good agreement with the bulk of the literature and field observation. The method presented in this study is easy to use, reliable, and can be applied to any production well where BaSO4 scale occurs.
Rastersondenmetrologie: Vom metrologischen Rasterkraftmikroskop zum Mikro- und NanokoordinatenmessgerätScanning Probe Metrology: From the Metrological SFM to the Micro/Nano CMM
Authors: Dai Gaoliang , Bütefisch Sebastian , Pohlenz Frank , Danzebrink Hans-Ulrich , Koenders Ludger
Published: February 2009

Um den vielfältigen Anforderungen auf dem Gebiet der dimensionellen Mikro- und Nanometrologie gerecht zu werden, ist ein Koordinatenmessgerät (KMG) auf der Basis der Nanopositionier- und Nanomessmaschine (NMM) aufgebaut worden. In den vergangenen Jahren sind zwei Typen von taktilen Mikro-/Nanotastern entwickelt und an dieses Gerät angekoppelt worden. Im vorliegenden Beitrag wird über die Entwicklung des Mikro-/Nano-KMG berichtet. Es werden Details zum Design der wichtigsten Komponenten (Positioniersystem, Antastsystem, Software), zu Methoden der Taster-Charakterisierung sowie zu Messergebnissen an einem typischen Prüfkörper präsentiert.
Dimensionelle Metrologie an ebenen Substraten mit Mikro- und NanostrukturenDimensional Metrology on Plane Substrates with Micro- and Nanostructures
Authors: Bosse Harald , Flügge Jens , Köning Rainer , Frase Carl Georg , Häßler-Grohne Wolfgang , Just Andreas , Geckeler Ralf
Published: February 2009

Der Beitrag stellt die messtechnischen Anforderungen vor zur präzisen Charakterisierung von mikro- und nanostrukturierten ebenen Substraten wie Strichmaßstäben, inkrementellen Encodern oder Masken hinsichtlich dimensioneller Messgrößen wie Positionen, Abstände, Koordinaten und Breiten von Strukturen sowie die hierzu in der PTB entwickelten Referenzverfahren und -messgeräte.
Neuer Ansatz zur Definition von geometrischen Oberflächeneigenschaften für tribologische SystemeNew Approach for the Definition of Geometrical Characteristics of Tribological Systems
Authors: Dietzsch Michael , Gröger Sophie , Gerlach Marco
Published: February 2009

Die funktionalen Eigenschaften von tribologischen Systemen sind mit den heute genormten Kenngrößen für Form, Welligkeit und Rauheit auf Grund der Vorgehensweisen bei der Erfassung, Filterung und Zuordnung nur eingeschränkt zu bewerten. Ausgehend von einem einhüllenden Bewertungssystem werden neue Möglichkeiten der Beschreibung der Interaktion der geometrischen Oberflächeneigenschaften für tribologische Systeme vorgestellt.