bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Endocytosis of MPO in Marginal Cells Is Regulated by PKC, Protein Phosphatase, ERK and PI3-K Signaling Cascades, but Not by PKA and MEK Signaling Cascades
Authors: Kakigi Akinobu , Okada Teruhiko , Takeda Taizo , Takeda Setsuko , Taguchi Daizo , Nishimura Masahiko , Yamasoba Tatsuya
Published: July 2010

Endocytosis of marginal cells plays a key role in maintaining the homeostasis of endocytosis and function of the organ of Corti. How the signaling cascade is involved in the regulation of endocytosis is an important issue at present. To investigate the regulation of endocytosis in marginal cells of the stria vascularis by the signaling network, we perfused MPO, an endocytosis tracer, with PMA, OA, staurosporin, PAO, PD98059, SB20580 or wortmannin into the cochlear duct. After 30 min endolymphatic perfusion, the tissues were fixed and the distribution of MPO was examined by electron microscopy. We explored the functions of PKC, RTK, PI3-K, PTP, and PP1/2A in MPO endocytosis and defined the MPO endocytic route. MPO endocytosis was strongly dependent on PKC, ERK, PTP, PP1/2A and PI3-K signaling networks, but not on PKA and MEK signaling networks. The MPO endocytic pathways are clathrin-, GPI-AP-, and caveolae-independent.
Effect of Vitamin A Deficiency on Iron Bioavailability
Authors: Mehdad A. , Siqueira E.M.A. , Arruda S.F.
Published: July 2010

Background: Vitamin A deficiency alters iron status leading to an iron overload in tissues; however, the mechanism of this interaction is poorly understood. The present study aimed to assess the effect of vitamin A deficiency on iron bioavailability and utilization in rats. Methods: Animals were divided into three groups of six rats each that were fed AIN-93G diet (control group), a vitamin A deficient diet and an iron and vitamin A deficient diet, respectively, for 57 days. The concentrations of hepatic and splenic iron, haemoglobin, red and white cells as well as iron utilization and its bioavailability were evaluated in the three groups. Results: Vitamin A deficiency increased the concentration of red blood cells, haemoglobin concentration (Hb), and splenic iron as well as iron utilization. However, the iron bioavailability observed in vitamin A deficient rats was not significantly different compared to the control group, while in the iron/vitamin A deficient rats, it was higher (p = 0.0056). With regard to iron absorption, no difference was observed among the three groups. Conclusion: Increase of haemoglobin, red blood cells and splenic iron concentration observed in vitamin A deficiency suggests that vitamin A may affect the iron mobilization from tissues rather than iron absorption.
To What Degree Does Adenotonsillectomy Affect Neurocognitive Performance in Children with Obstructive Sleep Apnea Hypopnea Syndrome due to Adenotonsillar Enlargement?
Authors: Ezzat W.F. , Fawaz S. , Abdelrazek Y.
Published: July 2010

Background: Obstructive sleep apnea/hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS) is a common childhood problem; complications include possibly reduced neurocognitive performance. Treatment of OSAHS is usually by adenotonsillectomy, but whether surgery relieves both sleep disturbances and associated behavioral problems to the same degree or not is a reasonable question. Objective: To correlate the degree of OSAHS due to adenotonsillar hypertrophy to the preoperative level of the intelligence quotient (IQ) of children, and to assess the degree of postoperative change, if any, in IQ. Patients and Methods: The IQ of 84 children suffering from OSAHS due to adenotonsillar hypertrophy was assessed preoperatively and after adenotonsillectomy. The results were compared to a matched control group. Results: The IQ was reduced in children with OSAHS; the degree of the reduction was correlated to the degree of apnea. The comparison of the pre- and postoperative values of the study group showed a significant improvement in IQ postoperatively, with postoperative values matching the control group. Conclusion: The IQ of children with OSAHS, as an indicator of neurocognitive function, is reduced, and this reduction can be correlated to the degree of obstruction; but the reduction is reversible and can be reduced even a short period after having experienced relief from the obstruction.
The Clinical Value of Extratympanic Electrocochleography in the Diagnosis of Ménière’s Disease
Authors: Takeda Taizo , Kakigi Akinobu
Published: July 2010

Objective: To evaluate the clinical conditions causing an elevation in the click-evoked summation potential (SP)/action potential (AP) amplitude ratio (SP/AP ratio), the cause of the SP enhancement in Ménière’s disease (MD) and the diagnostic efficacy of electrocochleography (ECoG) were discussed. Study Design: Retrospective case review. Setting: An outpatient clinic of the Otolaryngology Department of Kochi Medical School. Patients: ECoG testing was performed in 632 patients (727 ears) with vertigo/dizziness and/or deafness over a 10-year period (1995–2005). Among them, 334 patients had diagnoses of definite MD, including 95 cases of bilateral involvement. Main Outcome Measures: Audiological thresholds and SP/AP ratio. Results: An enhanced SP was observed in 56.3% of patients with MD. The incidence of an enhanced SP was low in patients for whom the disease duration was 2 years or less and the frequency of attacks was once a year or less, but was significantly higher in cases where the disease duration was 2 years or longer and/or the frequency of attacks was several times a year (Games-Howell test, p < 0.05). The incidence of an enhanced SP was significantly elevated in cases with pure-tone average exceeding 31 dB (Kendall’s rank correlation test, p < 0.001). However, the enhanced SP, once it appeared, did not always disappear in spite of hearing improvement. Hearing improvement induced by the glycerol test also produced no alteration in an SP/AP ratio, and there was no significant difference between the glycerol test results and the incidence of an enhanced SP (χ2 goodness-of-fit test). Conclusions: The longer the patients were symptomatic or the severer the ear symptoms, the more likely the ECoG was to be positive. The abnormally elevated SP, once it had appeared, persisted for long periods. Spontaneous and glycerol-induced hearing gains did not result in a decrease in SP/AP ratio. These clinical characteristics of ECoG seem to indicate that the enhanced SP in MD might be caused by the malfunction of hair cells, not by the displacement of the basilar membrane toward the scala tympani.
Different Response to Amine Fluoride by Streptococcus mutans and Polymicrobial Biofilms in a Novel High-Throughput Active Attachment Model
Authors: Exterkate R.A.M. , Crielaard W. , Ten Cate J.M.
Published: July 2010

Background/Aims: The antimicrobial resistance of microorganisms in biofilms and the polymicrobial interactions in these biofilms that modulate resistance require novel strategies to evaluate the efficacy of caries-preventive compounds. The current study aimed to evaluate the effects of a caries-preventive agent in Streptococcus mutans and polymicrobial biofilms. Methods: We developed a novel high-throughput active attachment model. The model consisted of a custom-designed lid containing glass discs that fit on top of standard 24-well plates. Biofilms were formed using either S. mutans C180-2 or saliva. At the end of biofilm formation (up to 96 h) the biofilms were treated with amine fluoride (AmF) solutions. The viability of the biofilms was determined by CFU counts, and metabolic activity was measured via lactate production. Results: The effect of AmF on the viability of the polymicrobial biofilms was significantly less than that on the S. mutans biofilms, indicating a higher resistance in the complex biofilms. Both types of biofilms became more resistant to AmF with age. The higher resistance of the polymicrobial biofilms was not reflected in metabolic activity; in dose-response experiments AmF reduced lactate production in both types of biofilms to the same extent. Moreover, the age-induced increased resistance in the polymicrobial biofilms was less pronounced in terms of the inhibition of metabolic activity. Conclusions: This study clearly shows that when evaluating the efficacy of caries-preventive compounds it is essential to use appropriate polymicrobial biofilm models, and more importantly that efficacy needs to be judged based on the reduction of acid formation (i.e. cariogenic potential) as well as on bacterial viability.
Kana versus Kanji in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: A Clinicoradiological Study of Writing Errors
Authors: Ichikawa Hiroo , Hieda Sotaro , Ohno Hideki , Ohnaka Yohei , Shimizu Yuuki , Nakajima Masashi , Kawamura Mitsuru
Published: July 2010

The frequency of writing errors in samples from 14 patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis without manifest aphasia were compared with clinical background and indices from X-ray computed tomography, including the Evans’ index (EI) and the cella media index (CMI). The inferior horn index (IHI) was measured as the maximal width of the short axis of the bilateral inferior horn of the lateral ventricles/the maximum transverse distance between the two internal laminae. Overt dementia and disinhibitive behavioral changes were significantly associated with frequency of total errors (p = 0.0280) and kanji errors (p = 0.0025). Significant associations were found for the EI with kana errors (p = 0.0481) and for the IHI with kanji errors (p = 0.0052). Preferential involvement of kana and kanji may reflect involvement of language-related areas in the frontotemporal lobes with frontal lobe or temporal lobe predominance.
Identification of Lactic Acid Bacteria Isolated from the Fecal Samples of Healthy Humans and Patients with Dyspepsia, and Determination of Their pH, Bile, and Antibiotic Tolerance Properties
Authors: Kılıç Gülden Başyiğit , Karahan Aynur Gül
Published: July 2010

The research of novel probiotic strains is important in order to satisfy the increasing request of the market and to obtain functional products in which the probiotic cultures are more active and have better probiotic characteristics than those already on the market. In this study, the probiotic potential of Lactobacillus and Enterococcus strains isolated from human feces was investigated. One hundred seven strains of lactic acid bacteria were isolated from the fecal samples of 19 adult volunteers with stomach problems and the fecal samples of 12 healthy adult volunteers. The strains were identified by 16S rRNA analysis and examined for resistance to gastric acidity (pH 3.5) and bile salts (0.3% bile salt). The antibiotic susceptibility of the strains was also determined. The counts of lactic acid bacteria in the fecal samples ranged from 1.7 × 107 to 3.1 × 1010 CFU/g. The species present in those samples were found to be Lactobacillusplantarum, L. fermentum, Enterococcus faecium and E. durans. Results indicated that L. plantarum (AA1–2, AA17–73, AC18–88, AK4–11, and AK7–28), L. fermentum (AB5–18, BB16–75, and AK4–180), E. faecium (AB20–98 and BK11–50) and E. durans (AK4–14 and BK9–40) showed good pH and bile tolerance. These strains are potentially good candidates for use as health-promoting bacteria.
An Antisense Transcript from within the ptsG Promoter Region in Escherichia coli
Authors: Pennetier Carole , Oberto Jacques , Plumbridge Jacqueline
Published: July 2010

The ptsG gene, encoding the major glucose uptake system in Escherichia coli, is expressed from 2 promoters, a minor promoter p2 and a major downstream promoter p1. Transcription from both promoters is repressed by Mlc, and expression of p1 is activated by the cAMP/catabolite activator protein complex. Expression from p1 is also regulated post-transcriptionally in response to sugar stress via an sRNA, SgrS, which results in translational inhibition and mRNA degradation. Here, we demonstrate an additional level of complexity to the transcriptional pattern surrounding ptsG. A third promoter, p3, located between p1 and p2, was found to express a transcript antisense to ptsG. This promoter was detected by in vitro transcription and by RNA polymerase footprinting techniques and in vivo by S1 analysis and fusions with a lacZ reporter gene. Although the intrinsic strength of the p3 promoter was comparable to that of ptsG, it proved difficult to identify a full-length transcript. A faint transcript of greater than 400 nt could be detected. The transcript thus has more of the characteristics of a divergently expressed cryptic unstable transcript (CUT) than a prokaryotic sRNA.
Fechner's Aesthetics Revisited
Authors: Norman J. Farley , Beers Amanda , Phillips Flip
Published: July 2010

Gustav Fechner is widely respected as a founding father of experimental psychology and psychophysics but fewer know of his interests and work in empirical aesthetics. In the later 1800s, toward the end of his career, Fechner performed experiments to empirically evaluate the beauty of rectangles, hypothesizing that the preferred shape would closely match that of the so-called 'golden rectangle'. His findings confirmed his suspicions, but in the intervening decades there has been significant evidence pointing away from that finding. Regardless of the results of this one study, Fechner ushered in the notion of using a metric to evaluate beauty in a psychophysical way. In this paper, we recreate the experiment using more naturalistic stimuli. We evaluate subjects' preferences against models that use various types of object complexity as metrics. Our findings that subjects prefer either very simple or very complex objects runs contrary to the hypothesized results, but are systematic none the less. We conclude that there are likely to be useful measures of aesthetic preference but they are likely to be complicated by the difficulty in defining some of their constituent parts.
Forward-Looking versus Shortsighted Defense Budget Allocation
Authors: Bar-El Ronen , Kagan Kobi , Tishler Asher
Published: July 2010

This study presents an analytical model of budget allocation into military and civilian expenditures within an arms race between two rival countries and compares the consequences of shortsighted (period-by-period) planning versus forward-looking (long-term) planning. The authors show that although shortsighted planning is favorable for both countries, they are likely to be locked in a prisoner’s dilemma in which both overinvest in arms procurement. The likelihood of overinvestment in arms procurement is higher when the perceived benefit from security is higher and when future benefits from existing arms stocks are ‘‘high’’; that is, when the rate of technology improvement over time is lower, the depreciation rate of existing arms is lower and the discount factor is higher. A dynamic version of Kagan et al., employing real-world data, finds evidence for the existence of a prisoner’s dilemma in the Israeli—Syrian arms race.
Children’s Drawings of the Self as an Expression of Cultural Conceptions of the Self
Authors: Rübeling Hartmut , Keller Heidi , Yovsi Relindis D. , Lenk Melanie , Schwarzer Sina , Kühne Nicola
Published: July 2010

The present study is based on the assumption that the figure size of young children’s drawings of themselves is mediated by cultural conceptions of the self. It was hypothesized that Cameroonian rural children, developing predominantly an interdependent self-conception, draw themselves alone and in a family picture smaller than urban German children, who predominantly develop an independent self-conception. A total of 570 preschool children were recruited from Cameroonian Nso-farmer families and German middle-class families. Drawings of 76 Cameroonian and 72 German children, matched for age, graphical competence, developmental stage, and structural level of human figure drawing (tadpoles, transitional drawings, and conventional human figure drawings), were entered into final analyses. According to our hypothesis, the figure size as well as the head size of Cameroonian children’s drawings are substantially smaller compared to the drawings of German children. Results are discussed in regard to the cognitive size of the self, which is mediated differently by different cultural contexts.
Measuring Drug Court Structure and Operations
Authors: Hiller Matthew , Belenko Steven , Taxman Faye , Young Douglas , Perdoni Matthew , Saum Christine
Published: July 2010

In the past 20 years, drug courts have become a common part of criminal justice systems’ responses to drug-related crime. However, systematic national research has been limited on how drug courts are specifically organized, limiting the ability of staff at individual programs to compare the structure and operations of their program to those from a nationally representative data set. Therefore, as a part of the eCourt project, a national sample of drug court coordinators was asked to rate the extent to which a set of guidelines, the “10 key components,” was implemented using a 43-item self-administered questionnaire. Psychometric analyses indicated that a seven-factor solution (with 27 items) provided the best and most interpretable fit. Composite indices included eligibility and program components, therapeutic and individualized jurisprudence, team collaboration and communication, community support, data-driven program development, graduated sanctions, and defense and prosecution collaboration. Suggested uses for the findings are discussed.
Forensic Risk Assessment
Authors: Singh Jay P. , Fazel Seena
Published: July 2010

A large number of systematic reviews and meta-analyses have been conducted in the field of forensic risk assessment, and their conclusions have occasionally been conflicting. To examine the quality and findings of these reviews, a metareview was conducted. The authors identified nine systematic reviews and 31 meta-analyses from 1995 to 2009. The themes covered in these reviews and meta-analyses included the validity of actuarial tools compared with unstructured and structured clinical judgment, a comparison of various risk assessment tools, and the predictive validity of these tools for different genders and ethnic backgrounds. This metareview found that the quality and consistency of findings in these areas varied considerably. Sources of heterogeneity were not assessed in half of the reviews, and duplicate samples not excluded in approximately half of the reviews. The authors suggest a standardization of review reporting with particular emphasis on methodological consistency.
Social Stressors and Strain Among Police Officers
Authors: Adams Gary A. , Buck Jill
Published: July 2010

This study examined the relationships of social stressors arising from interactions with civilians and suspects (outsiders) and coworkers and supervisors (insiders) with turnover intention, psychological distress, and emotional exhaustion. It also examined surface acting—a way of faking appropriate emotions—as a mediator of these relationships. Using online survey data collected from 196 police officers, the authors found that social stressors from both sources were related to all three outcomes and that surface acting mediated these relationships. These results extend the literature on emotional labor by demonstrating that models of emotional labor apply to police officers, whose customers differ from those traditionally found in the literature. This study also extends the occupational stress literature by showing that a similar emotional regulation process linking social stressors from customers to strains also holds for social stressors arising from organizational insiders.
Peer Telephone Counseling for Adults With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Plotnikoff Ronald C. , Johnson Steven T. , Luchak Mila , Pollock Cathy , Holt Nicholas L. , Leahy Annabel , Liebreich Tanis , Sigal Ronald J. , Boulé Normand G.
Published: July 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this case study was to determine the feasibility of peer-led telephone counseling for people with type 2 diabetes mellitus related to physical activity (PA) and to establish preliminary efficacy of peer-led telephone counseling for eliciting recommended changes in PA-related cognitions and behaviors for adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Methods

A total of 8 adults (5 males and 3 females, aged 59.5 (6.5) years) with type 2 diabetes mellitus completed quantitative self-report measures of aerobic-based PA, resistance training (RT), along with metrics from social cognitive theory (SCT) before and after a 12-week intervention. Qualitative data from weekly peer-led telephone sessions were collected by a peer counselor and subsequently organized into themes and analyzed using a mixed-methods, collective case-study approach.

Results

PA behaviors remained relatively constant over the 12-week intervention. Self-efficacy for RT improved ( z = -2.03; P = .04). From the peer counselor’s perspective, identifiable inhibitors to PA, which included low self-efficacy and disease condition limitations, were successfully translated into enablers/motivators. Perceived health benefits were frequently reported by the peer counselor as motivators for the participants over the study period. Participants believed peer counseling by telephone influenced their decision to continue to participate in PA.

Conclusion

Theory-based, peer-led telephone counseling shows some promise for increasing receptiveness to PA, but had little effect on improving behavior for most participants. Further studies will be necessary to determine the effectiveness and the sustainability of this approach.
The ‘paradox of the shrinking middle’: The central dilemma of European social policy
Authors: Frericks Patricia , Harvey Mark , Maier Robert
Published: July 2010

Life-course studies show that life courses have changed in several systematic ways. Because people now spend more years in education, participation in the labour market tends to start later. More time is spent in lifelong learning in the middle phase, in addition to work and care activities. Following decades during which the effective retirement age declined, the effective retirement age has now increased slightly, and life expectancy continues to rise. These interlocking changes bring about the ‘paradox of the (proportionately) shrinking middle’. Social policy, with its objectives of social security, care, education and social cohesion, has been financed primarily through the wage, confined to the ‘shrinking middle’ phase of employment. Our thesis is that neither the established channels of resource flows nor the magnitude of resources are sufficiently well attuned to the challenges of existing life courses in present-day capitalist welfare states.
Is there ‘a’ mixed race group in Britain? The diversity of multiracial identification and experience
Authors: Miri Song
Published: July 2010

In contemporary British society, references to ‘mixed race’ people and to various forms of mixing abound. But to what extent can we say that there is ‘a’ mixed race group in Britain today? If such a group exists, what commonalities underlie the experience of being mixed? In addressing this question, I draw on a study of the racial identifications of different types of mixed young people in Britain. I find that the meanings and significance of race and mixedness in these young people’s lives can vary considerably both across and within specific mixed groups. In conclusion, I argue that while there is evidence of a growing consciousness and interest in being mixed, we cannot (yet) speak of a coherent mixed group or experience in Britain.
Are the “Worst of the Worst” Self-Injurious Prisoners More Likely to End Up in Long-Term Maximum-Security Administrative Segregation?
Authors: Lanes Eric Charles
Published: July 2010

This study examined the association of extent of prisoner self-injurious behavior (SIB) and placement in long-term maximum-security administrative segregation. A prisoner subgroup (n = 132) defined by extent of SIB was matched by conviction prefix and security level to a group of prisoners who had never engaged in SIB (n = 132) and compared on selected variables. Relative to prisoners who either engaged in less extensive SIB or none at all, prisoners who engaged in three or more forms of SIB while in prison were found to be twice as likely to be housed in long-term administrative segregation, less educated, began their criminal careers at an earlier age, engaged in more violence in the community and in prison, involved in property destruction, and experienced a much greater degree of housing instability in prison.
Creative Practice
Authors: Metcalfe Andrew , Game Ann
Published: July 2010

This article addresses the time of creative practice, the transformations brought about by the ritualization of activity. We argue that the discipline of ascetic practice allows the emergence of gift, that is, that it allows things to happen through rituals rather than the will of participants. This is a giving- and-receiving that occurs in open states that suspend the boundaries of the subject, of inside and outside, of giver or receiver. The various inflections of the word grace, a term cognate to gift, allow us to draw out the implications of the gift of practice. We consider grace in the senses of: gratitude; effort less good timing; gratuity; and a creative source that is other than human subjectivity. While our main focus will be on monastic and musical practice, the argument applies to practice in all domains of life.
Weber, Re-enchantment and Social Futures
Authors: Lee Raymond L. M.
Published: July 2010

Weber’s portrayal of modern society as disenchanted was implicitly a way of considering the rationalization of social futures. These are futures derived from empiricist understandings of world mastery and regarded as devoid of mystery. Yet he devoted some writings to charisma and magic that were incongruent with his focus on rationality, suggesting alternative social futures that highlight mysteries for the recovery of meaning. By examining these writings in the context of his critique of modernity, it is possible to draw out some of his ideas on re-enchantment as the key to understanding alternative social futures.
Resampling-based and other multiple testing strategies with application to combination drug trials with factorial designs
Authors: Soulakova Julia N
Published: July 2010

The problem of detecting all effective and superior combinations in a factorial drug efficacy trial is stated in terms of two hypothesis families, full and reduced. The reduced problem formulation allows identification of all simultaneously effective and superior combinations. The full formulation allows individual detection of the efficacy and superiority of combinations resulting in more detailed conclusions. While the full hypothesis family deals with simpler parameters, the true mean effect differences, it has three times as many hypotheses as the reduced family. The reduced family is comprised of hypotheses concerning a gain-parameter, which is defined as the minimum of the true mean differences and leading to a fairly complicated structure. For each problem formulation, Holm’s, Hochberg’s and two resampling approaches are studied with respect to strong control of overall error rate and several power measures. Holm’s and Hochberg’s approaches are recommended for the reduced family, while the step-down resampling approach is recommended for the full hypothesis family. Moreover, the correct problem formulation is of great importance, because if the sample size is not sufficient there is a high potential for lack of power associated with the full problem due to a large number of hypotheses.
Polymeric Optical Fiber Fabrics for Illumination and Sensorial Applications in Textiles
Authors: Selm Baerbel , Gürel Evren Aslan , Rothmaier Markus , Rossi René M. , Scherer Lukas J.
Published: July 2010

An ever increasing number of publications, reviews, and books are written about polymer optical fibers (POFs). Articles of POFs for a wide range of applications especially for networks in buildings, automobiles, railways, aviation, or in industrial plants are numerous, while publications where POFs are used in textiles are rather rare. In this review, we want to present the different techniques to produce textile-based POFs and the possibilities and applications offered by these textiles. They have been produced for a wide range of implementations in illumination and sensing. Special attention will be given to the features of differences in textile structures resulting in flexible and lightweight structures. Recent applications in the field of optical textiles given in this report demonstrate practicability and usefulness for flexible 2D illumination areas. This article provides an overview of the current polymeric optical fiber fabrics and textile constructions for optical textiles and the main applications where these innovative textiles are of great benefit.
Glomus Tumor of the Ovary: A Case Report
Authors: Maeda Daichi , Takazawa Yutaka , Oda Katsutoshi , Nakagawa Shunsuke , Fukayama Masashi
Published: July 2010

A 55-year-old woman underwent a total hysterectomy, bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy, partial omentectomy, and lymphadenectomy for endometrial cancer. Histologically, the cancer was endometrioid adenocarcinoma grade 1, which invaded the myometrium. There was no macroscopically detectable mass in the ovaries. However, histological examination revealed a small tumor, 1 mm in size, in the medulla of the right ovary. The ovarian tumor was composed of uniform epithelioid cells that grew in nests. Vessels of various sizes were observed within the tumor, and they were surrounded by tumor cells. Immunohistochemically, the ovarian tumor was positive for smooth muscle actin and vimentin but negative for desmin and CD34. Based on these findings, the authors made the diagnosis of ovarian glomus tumor. Although an ovarian glomus tumor is extremely rare, the authors believe that it should be included in the differential diagnosis of ovarian mesenchymal tumors and sex cord tumors.
Giant-Cell Anaplastic Carcinoma With Osteoclastic Giant Cells of the Chest Cavity: A Distinctive Form of Thymic Carcinoma?
Authors: Zhou Zhi-yi , Sun Rong-chao , Yang Guo-yi , Yang Shu-dong , Yu Min-hong, , Liang Jia-bei
Published: July 2010

Here, the authors describe a case of giant-cell anaplastic carcinoma with osteoclastic giant cells of the chest cavity—which could be a distinctive form of thymic carcinoma—which expressed CD5 and CD45. To the authors’ knowledge, there has been no previous report on this subject. A 62-year-old woman presented with continuous pain in the left back associated with coughing and shortness of breath for more than 2 months prior to referral to the hospital. Palliative resection of a mediastinal tumor was performed. During the operation, it was found that the mass occupied most of the chest invading the chest wall, aorta, vena cava, and lung tissue. The patient soon died from diabetic complications in spite of anti-infection treatment. The tumor was composed of large areas of necrosis and anaplastic neoplastic giant cells with high mitotic activity, and osteoclast-like cells; there was marked inflammatory cell infiltration. The anaplastic neoplastic giant cells were immunoreactive for CKpan, CD5, CD45, VIM, and p53. Approximately 50% to 60% of the tumor cells showed immunoreactivity for Ki-67. In situ hybridization for Epstein-Barr virus—encoded RNA was negative for tumor cells and nonneoplastic osteoclastic giant cells. Because this tumor is very rare, extensive clinical, radiological, and morphological examinations as well as immunohistochemical studies are essential to make the diagnosis.
Lymphangioleiomyomatosis, Multifocal Micronodular Pneumocyte Hyperplasia, and Clear-Cell Micronodules in a 39-Year-Old Woman With Tuberous Sclerosis: A Case Report
Authors: Chang Min-hsiang , Yao-peng Hsu
Published: July 2010

This study reports the case of a 39-year-old woman with tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) combined lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM), multifocal micronodular pneumocyte hyperplasia (MMPH), and clear-cell micronodules. She had repetitious bilateral pneumothoraces, and chest radiography revealed diffuse thin-walled cysts and multiple nodules. Bilateral renal angiomyolipomas (AMLs) and cerebral periventricular spots were also present. Lung biopsy revealed dilated airspace with HMB-45-positive spindle cell infiltration and aggregation indicative of LAM. Randomly distributed nodules of proliferative type II pneumocytes were consistent with MMPH. Clear-cell micronodules comprised nodular aggregation of HMB-45-positive polygonal cells with clear cytoplasm. Abnormal migration and proliferation of HMB-45 immunoreactive perivascular epithelioid cells (PEComas) is posited to indicate LAM and AML histogenesis. Clear-cell micronodules are also believed to be one of the families of PEComas and are reported in association with TSC. These behaviors of perivascular epithelioid cells may play a role in TSC.
Verrucous Carcinoma Masquerading as a Giant Fibroepithelial Polyp
Authors: Mercer Stephen E. , Khalil David , Emanuel Patrick O. , Goldenberg Gary
Published: July 2010

The authors report a case of a verrucous carcinoma (VC) of the buttocks clinically simulating a giant (6.5 cm in length and 5.4 cm in greatest diameter) fibroepithelial polyp (FEP) capped by a large cutaneous horn. The growth had been present for 15 years and had never been biopsied despite numerous physical exams. VC typically presents distinctly as a large cauliflower-like growth with histological features of acanthosis, parakeratosis, minimal cytological atypia, and deep pushing epithelial borders. It is considered a low-grade, well-differentiated variant of squamous cell cancer and is commonly associated with human papillomavirus (HPV). Anogenital VC has been associated more with “low-risk” (type 6 and 11) than “high-risk” (16 and 18) HPV types. Presentation of VC as a FEP is unusual and demonstrates the necessity of maintaining a high level of clinical suspicion of anogenital growths, particularly those involving atypical features such as ulceration or the presence of a cutaneous horn.
Bevacizumab-associated hyperlipoproteinemia type IIb in a patient with advanced invasive-ductal breast cancer
Authors: Joerger M , Riesen WF , Thürlimann B
Published: July 2010

Aim: We report a case of bevacizumab-associated hyperlipoproteinemia in a patient with advanced breast cancer. Case summary: A 57-year-old woman with advanced invasive-ductal breast cancer was administered bevacizumab from March 2008 to February 2009. Pretreatment laboratory showed borderline hypercholesterolemia (5.1 mmol/L, 197 mg/dL) and normal triglycerides (1.3 mmol/L, 115 mg/dL). Three months on treatment with bevacizumab, both serum cholesterol (11.9 mmol/L, 460 mg/dL) and triglycerides (7.4 mmol/L, 655 mg/dL) increased substantially, and remained well above the normal range for a period of bevacizumab treatment. From March 2008 to August 2008, the patient also received anticancer treatment with liposomal doxorubicin that was stopped early due to hand-foot syndrome. No concurrent hyperlipidemic drugs have been taken by the patient at the time of bevacizumab treatment. In February 2009, bevacizumab was stopped and the patient went on to receive paclitaxel for hepatic tumor progression. By December 2009, both serum triglycerides (1.3 mmol/L, 115 mg/dL) and cholesterol (3.2 mmol/L, 123 mg/dL) had normalized.

Discussion: This is the first published case of bevacizumab-associated hyperlipoproteinemia. By applying the Naranjo ADR probability scales, at least a possible relationship between hyperlipoproteinemia type IIb and bevacizumab in this patient is supported by the data (Naranjo score 4). No hyperlipidemic drugs were given concurrently with bevacizumab, and the serum cholesterol and triglycerides decreased quickly after bevacizumab was discontinued.

Conclusions: This study describes a case of bevacizumab-associated hyperlipidemia. Patients receiving bevacizumab should have their cholesterol and triglycerides checked for potential worsening.
Suppression of Procollagen α1 Type 1 by Long-Term Low-Dose Exposure to 2-Hydroxyethylmethacrylate in Human Gingival Fibroblasts In Vitro
Authors: Falconi Mirella , Ortolani Michela , Teti Gabriella , Zago Michela , Orsini Giovanna , Selan Laura , Mazzotti Giovanni
Published: July 2010

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the cytotoxicity of low doses and long-term exposure to 2-hydroxyethylmethacrylate (HEMA) on the protein expression of human gingival fibroblasts (HGFs). Human gingival fibroblasts were exposed to different concentrations of HEMA ranging from 0.5 mmol/L to 3 mmol/L for periods of time from 72 hours to 2 weeks. A significant decrease in the expression of procollagen α1 type I protein was observed 72 hours after treatment of cells with 3 mmol/L HEMA. Although low concentrations of the monomer after 2 weeks of exposure to HEMA did not appear to induce any marked changes in the morphology or viability of cells, the expression of procollagen α1 type I protein and its messenger RNA (mRNA) markedly decreased. In conclusion, our data demonstrated that cell viability and morphology assays could be deficient parameters in evaluating the biocompatibility of dental resin materials.
Optimizing Sparse Data Structures for Matrix-vector Multiply
Authors: Guo D. , Gropp W.
Published: July 2010

Sparse matrix—vector multiply is an important operation in a wide range of problems. One of the key factors determining the performance of this operation is sustained memory bandwidth. In the IBM POWER architecture, there is a hardware component called a prefetch data stream that can significantly increase sustained memory bandwidth. We have developed a new family of storage formats for sparse matrices that exploits this capability. Test results show that our new streamed storage formats can significantly improve the performance of sparse matrix and vector multiply on IBM POWER processors, compared to traditional compressed sparse row and block compressed sparse row formats. The new formats also provide a benefit on x86 processors.
Two weeks taurine supplementation reverses endothelial dysfunction in young male type 1 diabetics
Authors: Moloney Michael A , Casey Rowan G , O'Donnell David H , Fitzgerald Patricia , Thompson Chris , Bouchier-Hayes David J
Published: July 2010

Type 1 diabetics have a well-recognised risk of accelerated cardiovascular disease. Even in the absence of clinical signs there are detectable abnormalities of conduit vessel function. Our group has previously reported reversal of endothelial dysfunction in diabetics with pravastatin. In young asymptomatic smokers, taurine supplementation has a beneficial impact on macrovascular function, assessed by FMD, and shows an up-regulation of nitric oxide from monocyte—endothelial cell interactions. We hypothesise that taurine supplementation reverses early endothelial abnormalities in young male type 1 diabetics, as assessed by applanation tonometry, brachial artery ultrasound and laser Doppler fluximetry. Asymptomatic, male diabetics ( n=9) were scanned prior to treatment and then randomised in a double-blind cross-over fashion to receive either 2 weeks placebo or taurine. Control patients ( n=10) underwent a baseline scan. Assessed diabetics had detectable, statistically significant abnormalities when compared with controls, in both arterial stiffness (augmentation index) and brachial artery reactivity (FMD). Both of these parameters were returned to control levels with 2 weeks taurine supplementation. In conclusion, 2 weeks taurine supplementation reverses early, detectable conduit vessel abnormalities in young male diabetics. This may have important implications in the long-term treatment of diabetic patients and their subsequent progression towards atherosclerotic disease.
The Role of Enculturation and Acculturation on Latina College Student Distress
Authors: Cano Miguel Ángel , Castillo Linda G.
Published: July 2010

This study investigated the relationship of acculturation, enculturation, and White attitudinal marginalization with distress among 214 Latina college students. Results showed that 12% of the variance in perceived distress was accounted for by all predictor variables with only behavioral enculturation and White attitudinal marginalization being statistically significant predictors. Implications for future research are discussed.
Confirmatory Factor Analysis of a Measure of “Mentoring” Among Undergraduate Students Attending a Hispanic Serving Institution
Authors: Crisp Gloria , Cruz Irene
Published: July 2010

The present study validated the underlying domains that comprise the mentoring experiences of students attending a Hispanic Serving Institution. Mentoring was hypothesized to comprise four interrelated components as measured by the College Student Mentoring Scale. T test results indicated different groups of students received similar mentoring experiences, whereas confirmatory factor analyses revealed the mentoring model was valid. The factor structure was found to be significantly different between White and Hispanic students.
Guest Editorial
Authors: Ackerley Lisa
Published: July 2010

Not just safe but healthy food
Cooking your way to good health
Authors: Carter Wendy
Published: July 2010

Wendy Carter, Communications Manager of Let’s Get Cooking, provides evidence that the clubs are encouraging people to eat healthier food
Where’s the Evidence? Finding Support for Separating Middle and Junior High School Choirs by Gender
Authors: Zemek Michael D.
Published: July 2010

Choral experts, namely conductors and textbook authors, have long recommended separating middle and junior high school singers into all-male and all-female choirs to address the unique challenges facing young adolescents and those who teach them. However, limited research-based evidence exists on the decisions conductors and choral music educators have made on how to form their same-sex ensembles and the considerations involved in doing so. The purpose of this literature review is to provide conductors and choral music educators with an overview of what has been learned in support of configuring same-sex choral ensembles for middle and junior high school singers. Relevant studies include vocal skills development, participation and retention, gender differences, and schooling contexts. This information may be immediately useful to practicing choral music educators as well as provide motivation for further research-based inquiry on related topics in hopes of assisting all choral music educators to better prepare and educate young choral musicians.
Differential scanning calorimetry study of diffusional and martensitic phase transformations in some 9 wt-%Cr low carbon ferritic steels
Authors: Jeya Ganesh B. , Raju S. , Kumar Rai Arun , Mohandas E. , Vijayalakshmi M. , Rao K. B. S. , Raj Baldev
Published: July 2010

The results of a comprehensive characterisation study of different phase transformations that take place upon heating and cooling in some low carbon, 9 wt-%Cr steels with varying concentrations of microalloying additions are presented in this paper. The steels investigated include: standard 9Cr–1Mo grade, V and Nb added modified 9Cr variety, controlled silicon added versions of plain 9Cr variety, (Ni+Mn) content controlled modified 9Cr welding consumables and one composition of W, Ta added reduced activation steel. The various on-heating diffusional phase changes up to the melting range and subsequent rapid cooling induced martensitic transformations are investigated in a controlled manner using differential scanning calorimetry under different heating and cooling rates, in the range 1–100 K min−1. In addition to the accurate determination of A c1, A c3, M23C6, MX carbide dissolution and δ-ferrite formation temperatures upon heating, the melting range and the associated fusion enthalpy have also been established for these steels. The effect of prolonged thermal aging at temperatures of 823–873 K on austenite formation characteristics has also been investigated for standard and modified 9Cr–1Mo steels. The critical cooling rate for the formation of martensite on cooling from single phase austenite region is estimated to be about 4–5 K min−1 for all 9Cr steels investigated in this study. The effect of holding at 1273 K in the austenite region on martensite start temperature Ms, has also been evaluated as a part of this study. The experimental results are discussed in the light of the prevailing understanding of the physical metallurgy of high chromium low carbon steels.
ATP secreted by endothelial cells blocks CX3CL1-elicited natural killer cell chemotaxis and cytotoxicity via P2Y11 receptor activation
Authors: Gorini Stefania , Callegari Giulia , Romagnoli Giulia , Mammi Caterina , Mavilio Domenico , Rosano Giuseppe , Fini Massimo , Di Virgilio Francesco , Gulinelli Sara , Falzoni Simonetta , Cavani Andrea , Ferrari Davide , la Sala Andrea
Published: July 2010

Endothelial cells (ECs) represent a major source of actively secreted adenosine triphosphate (ATP). Natural killer (NK) cells can mediate vascular injury in several pathologic conditions, including cytomegalovirus infection and vascular leak syndrome. We studied NK-cell expression of P2 receptors and the role of these nucleotide receptors in the regulation of endothelial-NK cell cross-talk. NK cells from healthy subjects expressed P2Y1,2,4,6,11,12,13,14 and P2X1,4,5,6,7 receptors. NK cells stimulated with ATP, but not uridine triphosphate, increased intracellular Ca2+ and chemokinesis. Moreover, ATP, but not uridine triphosphate, inhibited NK chemotaxis in response to CX3CL1, whereas chemotaxis to CXCL12 was increased. CX3CL1 elicited killing of human umbilical vein ECs and human coronary artery ECs by NK cells. However, in the presence of ATP, CX3CL1 failed to stimulate killing of ECs. Such inhibitory effect was lost on exogenous addition of the ATP-hydrolyzing enzyme apyrase or by pharmacologic inhibition of the P2Y11R, and correlated with increased intracellular cyclic adenosine monophosphate concentrations induced by ATP or other P2Y11R agonists, including NAD+. Extracellular ATP regulates NK-cell cytotoxicity via P2Y11R activation, protecting ECs from CX3CL1-elicited NK cell–mediated killing. These findings point out the P2Y11R as a potential target for pharmacologic intervention aimed at reducing NK-mediated vascular injury.
The LKB1/AMPK signaling pathway has tumor suppressor activity in acute myeloid leukemia through the repression of mTOR-dependent oncogenic mRNA translation
Authors: Green Alexa S. , Chapuis Nicolas , Trovati Maciel Thiago , Willems Lise , Lambert Mireille , Arnoult Christophe , Boyer Olivier , Bardet Valerie , Park Sophie , Foretz Marc , Viollet Benoit , Ifrah Norbert , Dreyfus François , Hermine Olivier , Cruz Moura Ivan , Lacombe Catherine , Mayeux Patrick , Bouscary Didier , Tamburini Jerome
Published: July 2010

Finding an effective treatment for acute myeloid leukemia (AML) remains a challenge, and all cellular processes that are deregulated in AML cells should be considered in the design of targeted therapies. We show in our current study that the LKB1/AMPK/TSC tumor suppressor axis is functional in AML and can be activated by the biguanide molecule metformin, resulting in a specific inhibition of mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) catalytic activity. This induces a multisite dephosphorylation of the key translation regulator, 4E-BP1, which markedly inhibits the initiation step of mRNA translation. Consequently, metformin reduces the recruitment of mRNA molecules encoding oncogenic proteins to the polysomes, resulting in a strong antileukemic activity against primary AML cells while sparing normal hematopoiesis ex vivo and significantly reducing the growth of AML cells in nude mice. The induction of the LKB1/AMPK tumor-suppressor pathway thus represents a promising new strategy for AML therapy.