bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Molecular markers of endometrial carcinoma detected in uterine aspirates
Authors: Colas Eva , Perez Cristina , Cabrera Silvia , Pedrola Nuria , Monge Marta , Castellvi Josep , Eyzaguirre Fernando , Gregorio Jesus , Ruiz Anna , Llaurado Marta , Rigau Marina , Garcia Marta , Ertekin Tugçe , Montes Melania , Lopez‐Lopez Rafael , Carreras Ramon , Xercavins Jordi , Ortega Alicia , Maes Tamara , Rosell Elisabet , Doll Andreas , Abal Miguel , Reventos Jaume , Gil‐Moreno Antonio
Published: January 2011

Endometrial cancer (EC) is the most frequent of the invasive tumors of the female genital tract. Although usually detected in its initial stages, a 20% of the patients present with advanced disease. To date, no characterized molecular marker has been validated for the diagnosis of EC. In addition, new methods for prognosis and classification of EC are needed to combat this deadly disease. We thus aimed to identify new molecular markers of EC and to evaluate their validity on endometrial aspirates. Gene expression screening on 52 carcinoma samples and series of real‐time quantitative PCR validation on 19 paired carcinomas and normal tissue samples and on 50 carcinoma and noncarcinoma uterine aspirates were performed to identify and validate potential biomarkers of EC. Candidate markers were further confirmed at the protein level by immunohistochemistry and Western blot. We identified ACAA1, AP1M2, CGN, DDR1, EPS8L2, FASTKD1, GMIP, IKBKE, P2RX4, P4HB, PHKG2, PPFIBP2, PPP1R16A, RASSF7, RNF183, SIRT6, TJP3, EFEMP2, SOCS2 and DCN as differentially expressed in ECs. Furthermore, the differential expression of these biomarkers in primary endometrial tumors is correlated to their expression level in corresponding uterine fluid samples. Finally, these biomarkers significantly identified EC with area under the receiver‐operating‐characteristic values ranging from 0.74 to 0.95 in uterine aspirates. Interestingly, analogous values were found among initial stages. We present the discovery of molecular biomarkers of EC and describe their utility in uterine aspirates. These findings represent the basis for the development of a highly sensitive and specific minimally invasive method for screening ECs.
Expression of p‐JAK2 predicts clinical outcome and is a potential molecular target of acute myelogenous leukemia
Authors: Ikezoe Takayuki , Kojima Shinsuke , Furihata Mutsuo , Yang Jing , Nishioka Chie , Takeuchi Asako , Isaka Mayuka , Koeffler H. Phillip , Yokoyama Akihito
Published: January 2011

Our study determined if Janus kinase 2 (JAK2) was activated in acute myelogenous leukemia (AML; n = 77, excluding acute promyelocytic leukemia) by immunohistochemistry (IHC) using a phosphor‐specific antibody against JAK2. p‐JAK2 was detectable in all cases, although its levels varied between patient samples (high levels, n = 31; low levels, n = 46). The quantification of levels of p‐JAK2 by IHC was well correlated with that assessed by Western blot analyses and fluorescence‐activated cell sorting (FACS). Levels of p‐JAK2 were directly correlated with high white blood cell count (52.3 × 103/L in patients with high p‐JAK2 vs. 28.3 × 103/L in patients with low p‐JAK2, p < 0.01) and were inversely correlated with complete remission rates (45% in patients with high p‐JAK2 vs. 78% in patients with low p‐JAK2, p < 0.003). In addition, multivariate analysis confirmed that high levels of p‐JAK2 remained a significant factor for overall survival (hazard ratio = 2.213; 95% confidence interval, 1.212–4.041, p = 0.023). Moreover, we found that AZ960, a novel and specific inhibitor of the JAK2 kinase, potently inhibited the clonogenic growth and induced apoptosis of freshly isolated AML cells from patients in association with cleavage of caspase 3 and downregulation of anti‐apoptotic Bcl‐xL proteins. Taken together, JAK2 may be a promising molecular target for treatment of AML.
A MAGE‐C2 antigenic peptide processed by the immunoproteasome is recognized by cytolytic T cells isolated from a melanoma patient after successful immunotherapy
Authors: Ma Wenbin , Vigneron Nathalie , Chapiro Jacques , Stroobant Vincent , Germeau Catherine , Boon Thierry , Coulie Pierre G. , Van den Eynde Benoît J.
Published: January 2011

We have pursued our analysis of a melanoma patient who showed almost complete tumor regression following vaccination with MAGE‐A1 and MAGE‐A3 antigens. We previously described high frequencies of tumor‐specific CTL precursors in blood samples collected after but also before vaccination. A set of CTL clones were derived that recognized antigens different from those of the vaccine. Two of these antigens were peptides encoded by another MAGE gene, MAGE‐C2. Here we describe the antigen recognized by another tumor‐specific CTL clone. It proved to be a third antigenic peptide encoded by gene MAGE‐C2, ASSTLYLVF. It is presented by HLA‐B57 molecules and proteasome‐dependent. Tumor cells exposed to interferon‐gamma (IFN‐γ) were better recognized by the anti‐MAGE‐C242‐50 CTL clone. This mainly resulted from a better processing of the peptide by the immunoproteasome as compared to the standard proteasome. Mass spectrometric analyses showed that the latter destroyed the antigenic peptide by cleaving between two internal hydrophobic residues. Despite its higher “chymotryptic‐like” (posthydrophobic) activity, the immunoproteasome did not cleave at this position, in line with the suggestion that hydrophobic residues immediately downstream from a cleavage site impair cleavage by the immunoproteasome. We previously reported that one of the other MAGE‐C2 peptides recognized by CTL from this patient was also better processed by the immunoproteasome. Together, these results support the notion that the tumor regression of this patient was mediated by an antitumor response shaped by IFN‐γ and dominated by CTL directed against peptides that are better produced by the immunoproteasome, such as the MAGE‐C2 peptides.
The association between Parkinson's disease and melanoma
Authors: Pan Tianhong , Li Xinqun , Jankovic Joseph
Published: January 2011

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by a loss of melanin‐positive, dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra. Although there is convincing epidemiologic evidence of a negative association between PD and most cancers, a notable exception to this is that melanoma, a malignant tumor of melanin‐producing cells in skin, occurs with higher‐than‐expected frequency among subjects with PD and that melanoma patients are more likely to have PD. A clear biological explanation for this epidemiological observation is lacking. Here, we present a comprehensive review of published literature exploring the association between PD and melanoma. On the basis of published findings, we conclude that (i) changes in pigmentation including melanin synthesis and/or melanin synthesis enzymes, such as tyrosinase and tyrosine hydroxylase, play important roles in altered vulnerability for both PD and melanoma; (ii) changes of PD‐related genes such asParkin,LRRK2and α‐synucleinmay increase the risk of melanoma; (iii) changes in some low‐penetrance genes such as cytochrome p450 debrisoquine hydroxylase locus, glutathioneS‐transferase M1 and vitamin D receptor could increase the risk for both PD and melanoma and (iv) impaired autophagy in both PD and melanoma could also explain the association between PD and melanoma. Future studies are required to address whether altered pigmentation, PD‐ or melanoma‐related gene changes and/or changes in autophagy function induce oncogenesis or apoptosis. From a clinical point of view, early diagnosis of melanoma in PD patients is critical and can be enhanced by periodic dermatological surveillance, including skin biopsies.
Neonatal UVB exposure accelerates melanoma growth and enhances distant metastases in Hgf‐Cdk4R24C C57BL/6 mice
Authors: Gaffal Evelyn , Landsberg Jennifer , Bald Tobias , Sporleder Alexander , Kohlmeyer Judith , Tüting Thomas
Published: January 2011

Genetically engineered mouse models offer new opportunities to experimentally investigate the impact of UV on melanoma pathogenesis. Here we irradiated a cohort of newborn 15 Hgf‐Cdk4R24C mice on the pigmented C57BL/6 background with one erythemogenic dose of 6 kJ/m2 UVB and compared the development of nevi and melanoma with a cohort of 30 untreated Hgf‐Cdk4R24C mice. Neonatal UVB exposure decreased the latency and accelerated the growth of primary melanomas resulting in a significantly decreased time from melanoma onset to melanoma‐related death (61 days vs. 96 days). Interestingly, we did not observe differences in the development of melanocytic nevi. Histopathological investigations revealed that UVB irradiation shifted the spectrum of melanomas toward a more aggressive phenotype with increased tumor cell proliferation, invasive growth and enhanced angiogenesis. Accordingly, we observed distal melanoma metastases in the lungs more frequently in the UV‐irradiated than in the untreated cohort of Hgf‐Cdk4R24C mice (73% vs. 47%). UVB‐induced melanomas only contained very few infiltrating immune cells and expressed very low levels of proinflammatory chemokines. Taken together, our results demonstrate that neonatal UVB exposure promoted the early appearance of rapidly enlarging primary melanomas in Hgf‐Cdk4R24C C57BL/6 mice which showed enhanced invasive and metastatic behaviour without a persistent tumor‐associated inflammatory response. The preferential impact of UVB irradiation on the progression of melanoma without an effect on the development of nevi supports the hypothesis that the molecular targets of UVB are involved in bypassing the proliferative arrest of transformed melanocytes without alerting a cellular immune response.
Kinesin 18A expression: Clinical relevance to colorectal cancer progression
Authors: Nagahara Makoto , Nishida Naohiro , Iwatsuki Masaaki , Ishimaru Shinya , Mimori Koshi , Tanaka Fumiaki , Nakagawa Tsuyoshi , Sato Takanobu , Sugihara Kenichi , Hoon Dave S.B. , Mori Masaki
Published: January 2011

Kif18A, a member of the kinesin superfamily of molecular motor proteins, is a microtubule depolymerase and a key regulator of chromosome congregation. Kif18A's role in cancer progression has not been well defined. Our hypothesis is that Kif18A has a role in the progression of colorectal cancer (CRC). To investigate this expression of Kif18A, mRNA was assessed by quantitative real‐time PCR in 113 operative specimens of primary CRC. Kif18A was overexpressed and significantly (p < 0.0001) higher in CRC than in normal colon tissue. Kif18A overexpression in CRC significantly correlated with clinicopathologic factors such as tumor stage (p < 0.0001), lymphatic invasion (p = 0.001), lymph node metastasis (p = 0.01), venous invasion (p = 0.002) and peritoneal dissemination (p = 0.02), suggesting that it has a key role in CRC progression. In multivariate analysis, high Kif18A expression had independent significance for poorer overall survival after resection of CRC (p = 0.037). To demonstrate Kif18A's role in CRC progression, we performed translational and in situ studies. Using in vitro studies on CRC cell lines, we evaluated Kif18A's role in proliferation, migration and invasion. CRC cells transfected with Kif18A cDNA demonstrated significant enhanced migration (p < 0.01) and invasion (p = 0.018) compared to mock‐transfected cells. When Kif18A was targeted with specific small interfering RNA, CRC cells had significantly reduced proliferation (p < 0.01), migration (p < 0.01) and invasion (p < 0.05). The in vitro and translational studies demonstrated that Kif18A expression is related to events of metastasis and is a significant factor for CRC progression.
Chromatin‐modifying drugs induce miRNA‐153 expression to suppress Irs‐2 in glioblastoma cell lines
Authors: Xu Jianzhen , Liao Xuemei , Lu Na , Liu Wenming , Wong Chi‐Wai
Published: January 2011

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are noncoding RNAs that regulate gene expression by inhibiting translation or by promoting mRNA degradation. Previously, we established that microRNA‐153 (miR‐153) induces apoptosis by downregulating B‐cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl‐2) and myeloid cell leukemia sequence 1 (Mcl‐1) protein expression levels in glioblastoma cell line DBTRG‐05MG. In our study, we show that ectopic expression of miR‐153 also inhibits the protein kinase B (PKB/Akt) pathway via reducing the protein level of insulin receptor substrate‐2 (Irs‐2). Moreover, simultaneous treatment with the chromatin‐modifying drugs 4‐phenylbutyric acid and 5‐aza‐2′‐deoxycytidine induces miR‐153 expression to suppress Irs‐2, Bcl‐2 and Mcl‐1 expressions, thus downregulating the survival but upregulating the apoptotic pathways, implying that tumor suppressor miR‐153 is a dual life and death regulator.
Estimating Engel curves under unit and item nonresponse
Authors: De Luca Giuseppe , Peracchi Franco
Published: January 2011

This paper estimates food Engel curves using data from the first wave of the Survey on Health, Aging and Retirement in Europe (SHARE). Our statistical model simultaneously takes into account selectivity due to unit and item nonresponse, endogeneity problems, and issues related to flexible specification of the relationship of interest. We estimate both parametric and semiparametric specifications of the model. The parametric specification assumes that the unobservables in the model follow a multivariate Gaussian distribution, while the semiparametric specification avoids distributional assumptions about the unobservables. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Angiogenesis and osteogenesis enhanced by bFGFex vivogene therapy for bone tissue engineering in reconstruction of calvarial defects
Authors: Qu Dan , Li Jihua , Li Yubao , Gao Ying , Zuo Yi , Hsu Yuchun , Hu Jing
Published: January 2011

Reconstruction of bone defects by tissue engineered substitutes requires coordinated coupling between osteogenesis and angiogenesis. Basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF or FGF‐2) is a protein which acts actively in osteogenesis and angiogenesis during skeletal healing and development. It is hypothesized that BMSCs transfected with bFGF can directly stimulate regeneration of vascular tissue, and subsequently enhance osseous formation and remodeling after implantation of the tissue engineered bone. This study was designed to examine the impact of bFGF‐BMSCs, seeded on nano‐hydroxyapatite/polyamide66 (n‐HA/PA66) composite scaffold, to enhance angiogenesis and osteogenesis in a calvarial critical‐sized defect model in rats. To investigate the vascularization and bone formation of tissue engineered bone, the substrate was removed and processed for immunohistochemical, scanning electron microscopic examinations (SEM), reverse transcriptase‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR), dual energy X‐ray absorptiometry (DEXA), microvessels counting, and new bone volume assay. The results demonstrate that bFGF mediatedex vivogene transfer based on BMSCs can accelerate vascularization and bone regeneration on these composite scaffolds. The n‐HA/PA66 scaffold combined with the bFGF‐BMSCs may mimic the natural process of osteogenesis during repair of defect by tissue engineered bone. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A:, 2011.
Predicting hematopoietic stem cell mobilization failure in patients with multiple myeloma: A simple method using day 1 CD34+ cell yield
Authors: Duong Hien K. , Bolwell Brian J. , Rybicki Lisa , Koo Anna , Hsi Eric D. , Figueroa Priscilla , Dean Robert , Pohlman Brad , Kalaycio Matt , Andresen Steven , Sobecks Ronald , Copelan Edward
Published: January 2011

Early and reliable prediction of the likelihood of achieving adequate stem cell collection for autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) in patients with multiple myeloma (MM) would improve collection efficiency, prevent unnecessary aphereses, and permit appropriate treatment alterations. No previous study has reported a threshold CD34+ cell collection quantity on Day 1 or 2 of leukapheresis that could predict successful stem cell collection. We performed a retrospective analysis of all MM patients undergoing first attempt of stem cell collection at our institution from 2001 through 2008. Recursive partitioning analysis was used to identify Day 1 or Day 1+2 CD34+ collection quantity that predicted failure to reach target ≥2 × 106 CD34+ cells/kg within five days of collection. Totally, 172 patients were included in the analysis. Patients underwent mobilization with G‐CSF or G‐CSF+ chemotherapy. 23 of 172 patients (13.4%) failed to collect sufficient (≥2 × 106 CD34+ cells/kg) CD34+ cells after five days of apheresis: 22 of 29 who collected ≤0.70 × 106 CD34+ cells/kg and 1 of 143 who collected >0.70 × 106 CD34+ cells/kg (75.9% vs. 0.7%, P < 0.001) on Day 1. Collection failure occurred in 23 of 30 patients who collected ≤1.54 × 106 CD34+ cells/kg and 0 of 142 who collected >1.54 × 106 CD34+ cells/kg (76.7% vs. 0%, P < 0.001) on Days 1 + 2. Day 1 CD34+ cell collection quantity identifies patients unlikely to achieve adequate collection for ASCT. Patients who collect ≤0.70 × 106 CD34+ cells/kg on day 1 could be considered for treatment modifications to improve CD34+ collection, such as early administration of plerixafor or large volume apheresis. J. Clin. Apheresis, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Utilization of mixed monosaccharides for power generation in microbial fuel cells
Authors: Catal Tunc , Fan Yanzhen , Li Kaichang , Bermek Hakan , Liu Hong
Published: January 2011

BACKGROUND: The utilization of mixed monosaccharides commonly found in the hydrolysates of lignocellulosic biomass was evaluated for power generation in single chamber air cathode mediator‐less microbial fuel cells.

RESULTS: A similar voltage generation pattern was observed for all the MFCs with different monosaccharide combinations and an external resistance of 1000 Ω. However, the different monosaccharide utilization rates ranging from 212 mg L−1 h−1 to 389 mg L−1 h−1 indicate the presence of preferential utilization of different monosaccharides. Three volatile fatty acids (VFAs), including acetic, propionic and butyric acids were detected as the main intermediates, which were generated mainly through a fermentation process.

CONCLUSION: VFAs produced from initial monosaccharides contributed to a significant portion of the total electricity generated, and the fermentation process outcompeted the electricity generation process when a mixed bacterial culture was used. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry
Performance of a batch two‐chambered microbial fuel cell operated at different anode potentials
Authors: Wang Xin , Feng Yujie , Liu Jia , Lee He , Ren Nanqi
Published: January 2011

BACKGROUND: For a microbial fuel cell (MFC), the anode potential is an important electrochemical parameter for the growth, electron distribution and electrical activity of exoelectrogenic bacteria.

RESULTS: The performance of a batch‐flow two‐chambered MFC was investigated operated at anode potentials of − 400, − 200, 0, + 200 and + 400 mV versus Ag/AgCl reference electrode. Glucose was used as substrate and ferricyanide as cathodic electron acceptor. At potentials from − 400 to + 200 mV, increasing maximum current outputs were obtained, ranging from 6.0 to 8.6 mA. However, the maximum current output decreased to 6.9 mA when the anode potential was further increased to + 400 mV. More positive potentials resulted in higher Coulombic efficiencies (CEs), with values increased from 64% (−400 mV) to 88% (+400 mV). Electrons deposited as H2 and CH4 resulted in lower CEs at more negative potentials (−400, − 200 and 0 mV). When + 400 mV was applied to the anode, the growth yield dropped from 0.25 ± 0.05 to 0.11 mol biomass mol−1 COD (chemical oxygen demand) with inhibition of electrical activity.

CONCLUSIONS: The most positive anode potential reduced growth yield and inhibited bacterial growth, but electrical activity increased for potentials ranged from − 400 to + 200 mV. When the potential was increased to + 400 mV, growth yield was limited, affecting MFC performance. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry
Paulownia as a raw material for the production of pulp by soda–anthraquinone cooking with or without previous autohydrolysis
Authors: García Juan Carlos , Zamudio Minerva Ana Maria , Pérez Antonio , De Alva Hugo Eduardo , López Francisco
Published: January 2011

BACKGROUND: A central composite experimental design and multiple regression were used to model the production of pulp and paper sheets from a Paulownia fortunei × tormentosa × elongata trihybrid clone. Also, the same experiments were carried out with the solid phase after autohydrolysis of the raw material.

RESULTS: The results were compared with those obtained from the solid phase remaining after autohydrolysis of the raw material with a view to optimizing the use of hemicelluloses and cellulose by fractionation. Pulp and paper sheets from the trihybrid clone surpass those from other Paulownia species such as P. fortunei and P. elongata in physical properties such as tensile index (11.6–49.1 Nm g−1), burst index (0.23–2.41 MPa m2 kg−1), tear index (0.71–3.03 mN m2 g−1) and intrinsic viscosity (427–958 cm3 g−1).

CONCLUSIONS: The solid phase obtained by autohydrolysis of the Paulownia trihybrid provides pulp and paper sheets comparable in strength‐related properties with those of pulp directly produced from the raw material, but using substantially milder operating conditions and with the added advantage that the autohydrolysis treatment provides highly valorizable liquor. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry
Cell therapy for fibrotic interstitial pulmonary disease: Experimental study
Authors: Cabral Rosa M. , BRANCO ÉRIKA , Rizzo Márcia Dos S. , Ferreira Guilherme J. , Gregores Guilherme B. , Samoto Vivian Y. , Stopiglia Ângelo J. , Maiorka Paulo C. , Fioretto Emerson T. , Capelozzi Vera L. , Borges João B. , Gomes Susimeire , Beraldo Marcelo A. , Carvalho Carlos R. R. , Miglino Maria A.
Published: January 2011

Parte superior do formulário Digite um texto ou endereço de um site ou traduza um documento. The aim of this study is to evaluate the histological changes in lung parenchyma of pigs affected by interstitial lung disease induced after the infusion of bone marrow mononuclear cells (BMMCs). Ten female swines were submitted to pulmonary fibrosis induced by a single dose of intratracheal bleomicine sulfate. Animals were arranged into two groups: Group 1: induced‐disease control and Group 2: cell therapy using BMMCs. Both groups were clinically evaluated for 180 days. High‐resolution computed tomography (HRCT) was performed at 90 and 180 days. BMMC sampling was performed in cell therapy group at 90 days. Euthanasia was performed, and samples were collected for histology and immunohistochemistry. The 90‐days HRCT demonstrated typical interstitial lesions in pulmonary parenchyma similarly to human disease. The 180‐days HRCT in Group 1 demonstrated advanced stages of the disease when compared with Group 2. Immunohistochemistry analysis suggests the presence of pre‐existent vessels and neoformed vessels as well as predominant young cells in the injured parenchyma of Group 2. Immunohistochemistry analysis suggests that cell therapy would promote a reconstructive response. Histology and HRCT analysis suggest a positive application of swine as a model for a bleomicine inducing of fibrotic interstitial pulmonary disease. Microsc. Res. Tech., 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Nazism, philosophy, and academic accountability: The real controversy surrounding Emmanuel Faye's Heidegger
Authors: Gilbert‐Walsh James
Published: January 2011

In this essay review, I argue that Emmanuel Faye's Heidegger: The Introduction of Nazism into Philosophy is, as a work of scholarship, a disappointment: Though Faye claims to demonstrate important connections between Heidegger's National Socialist commitments and his philosophical work, Faye offers the reader close, careful analysis of neither. In short, the book fails to deliver on its promise. But I also argue that the wave of attention Faye's book has attracted since its English translation appeared is symptomatic of a broad set of problems plaguing contemporary Anglophone philosophy. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Rapid idea of located defects on grounding systems
Authors: Moussa Lefouili , Kerroum Kamel , El Khamlichi Drissi Khalil
Published: January 2011

This study gives an original way to have a rapid idea of the position of the located defects on grounding systems. For determining electromagnetic fields' radiation, we use an easy method, based on analytical formula, transmission line theory, and modified images theory, instead of complex method of Summerfield's integrals. The cartography of the electromagnetic fields radiated at the soil—air interface, by energized grounding systems (electrode or grid), can be used to detect and localize a defect on these systems. This model is aimed at helping in electromagnetic compatibility and lightning protection studies. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Figures‐of‐merit genetic extraction for InGaAs lasers, SiGe low‐noise amplifiers, and ZnSe/Ge/GaAs HBTs
Authors: Tseng H. C. , Horng J. B. , Hu C.
Published: January 2011

In this paper, we have successfully developed an intellectual parameter‐extraction methodology on the basis of a genetic algorithm (GA), involving the efficient search‐space separation and local‐minima‐convergence prevention schemes. Via an evolutionary simulation tool complemented with appropriate analytic equations, the enhanced approach has been applied to determine the significant figures‐of‐merit (FoMs), including internal quantum efficiency (ηi) as well as transparency current density (Jtr) of semiconductor lasers, minimum noise figure (NFmin) as well as associated available gain (GA,assoc) of low‐noise amplifiers (LNAs), and DC as well as AC characteristics of heterojunction bipolar transistors (HBTs). For the first time, demonstrated FoM‐extraction results, which coincide well with the actually measured data, for state‐of‐the‐art InGaAs quantum‐well lasers, advanced SiGe LNAs, and abrupt ZnSe/Ge/GaAs HBTs are simultaneously presented to validate this multi‐parameter analysis and robust optimization. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Recent positive trend in heavy rainfall in eastern Japan and its relation with variations in atmospheric moisture
Authors: Iwasaki Hiroyuki
Published: January 2011

A recent trend in heavy rainfall in eastern Japan was studied using 31 years' worth of AMeDAS (1976–2006) hourly rainfall data having fine spatial resolution. The non‐parametric Wilcoxon rank‐sum test was applied to the heavy rainfall in two 10‐year periods (1980–1989 and 1997–2006), and the trends determined were compared with recent variations in atmospheric moisture.

Two regions were found to be representative of the significant positive trend in heavy rainfall. One is the region around the southeastern foot of the mountains, where the evening convective maximum was naturally dominant. Heavy rainfall increased in the evening on days when no synoptic‐scale disturbances passed over the region and thermally induced local circulation toward the mountainous region prevailed. In addition, the specific humidity at 850 hPa also increased on convective days at the nearest upper air observation site. It is reasonable to suggest that the decrease in atmospheric stability due to the increase in specific humidity enhanced the existing mechanism for the evening convective maximum that is specific to the southeastern foot of the mountains.

The other representative region is the region around the Pacific coastline, where the early morning convective maximum was naturally dominant. Heavy rainfall increased in the early morning on days when synoptic‐scale disturbances passed over the region. Cumulonimbus clouds became active in the months when atmospheric stability was low; however, the atmospheric stability was not controlled by the water vapour in the lower atmosphere. It was notable that the variations in the water vapour made different contributions to the recent trends in these two regions, even though the distance between the two regions is 150 km. Copyright © 2011 Royal Meteorological Society
Total ozone and surface UV trends in the United Kingdom: 1979–2008
Authors: Smedley Andrew R. D. , Rimmer John S. , Moore David , Toumi Ralf , Webb Ann R.
Published: January 2011

In this study we present the UK's total ozone and UV data records, their measurement and preliminary processing, and discuss the observed trends. Notably, we combine the records from the Camborne and Reading sites to obtain a single ozone data series for southern England—a total duration of 30 years.

Two‐section linear trends and cross‐over years are determined for Lerwick and southern England, both annually and seasonally. The observed minimum using this technique in the UK ozone record is found to occur during the year 1993. Significant trends of − 4.8% per decade for southern England and − 5.8% per decade for Lerwick are seen prior to the mid‐1990s; the rate of decrease in the UK being at the upper limit of other European stations. No significant ozone trend is seen for the latter period in either location in contrast with Europe as a whole. We, additionally, compare the satellite‐derived total ozone trends for both locations.

The UV record at Reading showed a significant trend from 1993 to 2008 in the daily maximum UV index record (6.6% per decade), despite no significant recovery in the total ozone data series, suggesting a reduction in cloud cover during the midday period. Filtering data to remove other factors shows the erythemal UV to have an ozone‐dependent trend of − 0.11% per year, but this is not statistically significant. We find no correlation between anomalies in the surface UV and total ozone records suggesting that the majority of the inter‐annual variability is due to changes in cloud cover and other effects. Copyright © 2011 Royal Meteorological Society
The impact of environmental factors on urban temperature variability in the coastal city of Turku, SW Finland
Authors: Suomi Juuso , Käyhkö Jukka
Published: January 2011

Temporal and spatial characteristics of temperature were studied in and around the city of Turku (175,000 inh.). The main aim was to unravel the spatial diurnal and seasonal temperature differences during the observation period of 2002–2007 and the behaviour of observed temperature differences in relation to land use, topography and the vicinity of water bodies. The material consisted of a temperature data set from a network of 36 Hobo H8 temperature loggers that monitor T at 30 min interval. A buffer analysis of landscape parameters surrounding the loggers was employed for spatial analysis, and their relative importance was assessed with a stepwise multiple regression analysis. Spatial temperature difference in the area for warmest and coldest average temperatures was 1.9 °C. The differences were largest among the daily minimum temperatures (3.6 °C). The respective difference in daily maximum temperatures was 1.0 °C, and in the diurnal temperature ranges 3.4 °C. The spatial differences in temperatures were largest at the end of summer and smallest during the cold season. On average, the market square in the city centre was the warmest place. In autumn, a relatively warm zone was formed along the coast due to the remnant heat released by the sea. In spring, daytime maximum temperatures were typically highest in rural inland areas resulting in an urban cold island. The results of the linear regression model indicate that it is the daily minimum temperatures that can best be explained by the combination of land use, topography and water bodies. The explanatory force of the model was weakest in case of maximum temperatures. Land use was the most significant factor causing spatial differences in minimum and average temperatures as well as diurnal temperature range in the study area. Copyright © 2011 Royal Meteorological Society
Regionalizing global climate models
Authors: Pitman A. J. , Arneth A. , Ganzeveld L.
Published: January 2011

Global climate models simulate the Earth's climate impressively at scales of continents and greater. At these scales, large‐scale dynamics and physics largely define the climate. At spatial scales relevant to policy makers, and to impacts and adaptation, many other processes may affect regional and local climate and perhaps trigger teleconnections that provide significant feedbacks on the global climate. These processes include fire, irrigation, land cover change (including crops and urban landscapes), and the emissions of biogenic volatile organic compounds by vegetation. Many of these interact within the atmosphere via dynamical, physical, and chemical mechanisms that lead to boundary‐layer feedbacks. It is unlikely that any of these processes have a significant global‐scale impact on the Earth's climate in the sense that the amount of warming due to a doubling of well mixed greenhouse gases would change if these processes were explicitly represented in climate models. These phenomena are usually local in space (e.g. urban) or in time (e.g. fire) and probably do not provide the on‐going and sustained forcing to affect the global climate. However, for most impacts and adaptation research it is the regional and local climate that defines climate risk. At these scales, processes missing in climate models can have a substantially larger local‐scale impact than the additional radiative forcing due to increasing greenhouse gases. Thus, while climate models are well designed for global and continental scales they exclude a suite of important processes that are locally and/or regionally important. We review these missing processes and highlight the research required to resolve the representation of these regional‐scale processes in climate models. We also discuss the experimental methodology required to rigorously determine whether these processes are restricted to a local or regional‐scale role or whether they do trigger robust teleconnections that would demonstrate global‐scale significance. Copyright © 2011 Royal Meteorological Society
Downscaling of surface temperature for lake catchment in an arid region in India using linear multiple regression and neural networks
Authors: Goyal Manish Kumar , Ojha C. S. P.
Published: January 2011

In this paper, downscaling models are developed using a Linear Multiple Regression (LMR) and Artificial Neural Networks (ANNs) for obtaining projections of mean monthly maximum and minimum temperatures (Tmax and Tmin) to lake‐basin scale in an arid region in India. The effectiveness of these techniques is demonstrated through application to downscale the predictands for the Pichola lake region in Rajasthan State in India, which is considered to be a climatically sensitive region. The predictor variables are extracted from: (i) the National Centers for Environmental Prediction (NCEP) reanalysis dataset for the period 1948–2000; and (ii) the simulations from the third‐generation Canadian Coupled Global Climate Model (CGCM3) for emission scenarios A1B, A2, B1, and COMMIT for the period 2001–2100. The scatter‐plots and cross‐correlations are used for verifying the reliability of the simulation of the predictor variables by the CGCM3 and to study the predictor–predictand relationships. The performance of the linear multiple regression and ANN models was evaluated based on several statistical performance indicators. The ANN‐based models are found to be superior to LMR‐based models and subsequently, the ANN‐based model is applied to obtain future climate projections of the predictands. An increasing trend is observed for Tmax and Tmin for A1B, A2, and B1 scenarios, whereas no trend is discerned with the COMMIT scenario by using predictors. Copyright © 2011 Royal Meteorological Society
Transient changes in flood frequency and timing in Britain under potential projections of climate change
Authors: Kay A. L. , Jones D. A.
Published: January 2011

Climate change could have dramatic consequences for the earth's environment, especially its hydrology, yet the ‘noise’ of natural climate variability can mask the impacts of climate change on shorter time scales, and can act (in an unpredictable way) to enhance or reduce its effect in any given period in the future. Thus, impact studies based on time slices, which look at modelled differences between baseline (e.g. 1961–1990) and future (e.g. 2070–2099) periods, can be misleading. This paper makes use of three new transient climate projections, from a perturbed parameter ensemble of a regional climate model (RCM) covering the period 1950–2099, to investigate transient changes in flood frequency and timing for two example catchments in England. Annual maximum (AM) time series are extracted from modelled flow timeseries (for hourly, daily mean and running 30‐day mean flows). The AM series are analysed in terms of flood frequency (using a fitted generalised logistic distribution) and timing in a 30‐year moving window. A non‐linear trend analysis is performed on the derived time series, with permutation testing to estimate statistical significance. The results show that changes over the period are often non‐linear, and vary considerably in size and statistical significance according to catchment, flow time step and RCM ensemble member. The relative effects of the three RCM ensemble members are consistent with their relative climate sensitivities. A nationwide analysis, using daily mean flows from a grid‐based runoff and routing model for the UK with one of the RCM ensemble members, was consistent with the catchment results in terms of direction of trends, but generally gave trends of a higher magnitude, indicating the presence of some hydrological model structure uncertainty. The nationwide results suggest increased flood risk across much of the country. Copyright © 2010 Royal Meteorological Society
Volatile compounds and antimicrobial and antioxidant activities of the essential oils of the needles of Pinus densiflora and Pinus thunbergii
Authors: Park Ju‐Sung , Lee Gyu‐Hee
Published: January 2011

BACKGROUND: To investigate the volatile compounds and the antibacterial and antioxidant effects of the essential oils of Pinus densiflora needles (EPDN) and Pinus thunbergii needles (EPTN), the volatile compounds of steam‐distilled essential oils were analysed by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. Antibacterial activities were analysed by performing disc‐agar diffusion assay and determining the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of the essential oils. Antioxidant activities were analysed via radical‐ and nitrite‐scavenging activity assays.

RESULTS: The yields of EPDN and EPTN were 0.304% (v/w) and 0.296% (v/w), respectively. In the antibacterial activity assay, the MICs of EPDN and EPTN for Klebsiella pneumoniae, Shigella flexneri and Proteus vulgaris were < 0.4 mg mL−1. In the antioxidant activity assay, the 50% inhibitory concentrations (IC50) of EPDN and EPTN were 120 and 30 µg mL−1, respectively. At 1680 µg mL−1, both EPDN and EPTN exhibited > 50% nitrite‐scavenging activity.

CONCLUSION: EPDN can be used as a natural antimicrobial substance. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry
Cortical representation sites of mimic movements after facial nerve reconstruction: A functional magnetic resonance imaging study
Authors: Bitter Thomas , Sorger Bettina , Hesselmann Volker , Krug Barbara , Lackner Klaus , Guntinas‐Lichius Orlando
Published: January 2011

Objectives/Hypothesis:

To describe cortical reorganization after classic hypoglossal‐facial nerve anastomosis (HFA) (four patients), hypoglossal‐facial nerve jump anastomosis (HFJA) (three patients), and facial nerve interpositional graft (FNIG) (three patients).

Study Design:

Prospective case series.

Methods:

Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) was performed during lip and tongue movement using a block or an event‐related design.

Results:

Despite the presence of some intersubject variability, the following general brain activation patterns were revealed: As expected, lip movements after FNIG led to selective brain activation in the original facial motor cortex, and lip movements after HFA were associated with activation in the hypoglossal motor cortex. Following HFJA, lip movements resulted in overlapping activation encompassing both the original facial and the hypoglossal motor cortex, but tongue movements led solely to strong activation within the original hypoglossal motor cortex. In contrast, tongue movements after HFA were associated with strong activation in the original hypoglossal motor cortex and weaker activation in the facial motor cortex.

Conclusions:

Direct facial nerve repair (FNIG) leads to restoration of the original cortical activation. A cross nerve suture (HFA or HFJA) changes cortical activation and leads to different patterns of cortical activation during lip and tongue movements. Laryngoscope, 2011
Parascapular free flaps in skin malignancies
Authors: Kucera Marcum Kristin , Browne J. Dale
Published: January 2011

This study was a retrospective review of a case series of nine patients, aged 40 to 83 years, presenting to the head and neck cancer department at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center, with a diagnosis of head and neck cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), requiring reconstruction after surgical resection. In this group of patients, parascapular fasciocutaneous free flaps proved to be a safe, reliable, and cosmetically effective choice for reconstruction of head and neck skin cancer defects. Choosing donor tissue from a relatively non‐sun exposed area can prevent potential development of new malignancies that may arise from donor sites using sun‐exposed skin. We discuss the benefits and versatility of the parascapular fasciocutaneous free flap and our experience in using this flap to reconstruct complex surgical defects. Laryngoscope, 2011
Correlative study of indirect computed tomography lymphography using iopamidol and histopathology in a cervical lymph node metastasis model
Authors: Shu Yilai , Xu Xiuyin , Chodara Ann M. , Regner Michael F. , Sha Yan , Jiang Jack J. , Xiang Mingliang , Wu Haitao
Published: January 2011

Objectives/Hypothesis:

To investigate the potential usefulness of indirect computed tomography lymphography (CT‐LG) with iopamidol in the detection of cervical lymph node metastases in a VX2 rabbit tongue cancer model.

Study Design:

Randomized controlled trial.

Methods:

Thirty‐seven rabbits were randomly divided into control (n = 7) and tongue tumor‐bearing (n = 30) groups. In the control group, indirect CT‐LG was performed with 0.5‐ and 0.25‐mL injections of iopamidol in the right and left tongue submucosa, respectively. In the tumor‐bearing group, indirect CT‐LG with 0.5 mL of iopamidol was performed on day 11 (n = 8), 14 (n = 8), 21 (n = 8), or 28 (n = 6) after carcinoma transplant. The correlation between indirect CT‐LG and histopathology was investigated.

Results:

In normal rabbits, oval or round enhanced cervical lymph nodes in each side of the neck were visualized by indirect CT‐LG. In tumor‐bearing rabbits, one enhanced lymph node on each side of the neck was visualized with or without filling defects in all rabbits except two on day 28 in which lymph nodes were not enhanced. The sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, and positive and negative predictive values for using filling defects on CT‐LG as a diagnostic criterion were 77.4%, 77.8%, 77.6%, 80%, and 75%, respectively. Indirect CT‐LG detected 84.6% of 2‐ to 6‐mm intranodal tumor deposits.

Conclusions:

Indirect CT‐LG may be useful for differentiating metastatic from nonmetastatic lymph nodes. Laryngoscope, 2011
Variable changes in PET activity before and after rTMS treatment for tinnitus
Authors: Mennemeier Mark , Chelette Kenneth C. , Allen Shawn , Bartel Twyla B. , Triggs William , Kimbrell Timothy , Crew Joseph , Munn Tiffany , Brown Ginger J. , Dornhoffer John
Published: January 2011

Objectives/Hypothesis:

The objective was to determine whether low‐frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) improves tinnitus by decreasing neural activity in auditory processing regions of the temporal cortex and the utility of positron emission tomography (PET) for targeting treatment.

Study Design:

Randomized, sham‐controlled crossover.

Methods:

Patients received a five‐day course of active and sham 1‐Hz rTMS (1800 pulses at 110% of motor threshold) to the temporal cortex, with a week separating active and sham treatment. Visual analogue ratings of tinnitus loudness (VARL) were assessed at baseline and the end of each treatment week; regional brain blood flow (rBBF) and glucose metabolism (via PET) were measured before and after treatment in regions of interest (ROI) beneath the stimulating coil and control sites.

Results:

The VARL for both ears significantly decreased after active but not sham treatment. Responders comprised 43% of patients, experiencing at least a 33% drop in tinnitus loudness. The site most consistently associated with a positive response was the secondary auditory cortex (Brodmann Area 22) in either hemisphere. PET asymmetries were variable across patients and not always accessible to rTMS. Whereas PET activity decreased significantly beneath the stimulating coil following active treatment, similar changes occurred at control sites and after sham stimulation. Change in tinnitus perception did not correlate significantly with change in PET activity at the treatment site ROI.

Conclusions:

Active TMS led to a significant reduction in tinnitus loudness, but PET scans failed to support the hypothesis that low‐frequency rTMS improves tinnitus by reducing cortical activation at the stimulation site, questioning the utility of PET for targeting rTMS. Laryngoscope, 2011
Short‐ and medium‐term evolution of soil properties in Atlantic forest ecosystems affected by wildfires
Authors: Martín A. , Díaz‐Raviña M. , Carballas T.
Published: January 2011

The immediate effect of low and high severity wildfires on the main soil properties, as well as their short‐ and medium‐term evolution under field conditions, was examined. The study was performed with three pine forest soils (two Leptosols and one Humic Cambisol, developed over granite and basic schist, respectively), located in the Atlantic humid temperate zone (Galicia, NW Spain). Samples were collected from the A‐horizon (0–5 cm depth) of the burnt and the corresponding unburnt soils, immediately and 3, 6 and 12 months after the wildfires. Most properties analysed exhibit immediate fire‐induced changes and different evolution depending on fire severity and soil type. In general, immediately after the fire pH and soil properties related to nutrients availability increased and cation exchange capacity decreased, whereas properties related to soil organic matter content (C, N, Fe and Al oxides) had a variable effect depending mainly on the soil studied; all these modifications were accentuated by fire severity. These effects were attenuated in the short term in the soil affected by a low severity wildfire, but they lasted for at least 1 year in the soils affected by high severity wildfires, particularly in the Leptosols. The results showed the importance of the fire as a disturbance agent in the dynamic of nutrients and soil organic matter that is directly related with soil quality in the Galician forest ecosystems. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.