bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Breast Cancer Among the Oldest Old: Tumor Characteristics, Treatment Choices, and Survival
Authors: Schonberg Mara A. , Marcantonio Edward R. , Li Donglin , Silliman Rebecca A. , Ngo Long , McCarthy Ellen P.
Published: March 2010

Purpose

Few data are available on breast cancer characteristics, treatment, and survival for women age 80 years or older.

Patients and Methods

We used the linked Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results-Medicare data set from 1992 to 2003 to examine tumor characteristics, treatments (mastectomy, breast-conserving surgery [BCS] with radiation therapy or alone, or no surgery), and outcomes of women age 80 years or older (80 to 84, 85 to 89, ≥ 90 years) with stage I/II breast cancer compared with younger women (age 67 to 79 years). We used Cox proportional hazard models to examine the impact of age on breast cancer–related and other causes of death. Analyses were performed within stage, adjusted for tumor and sociodemographic characteristics, treatments received, and comorbidities.

Results

In total, 49,616 women age 67 years or older with stage I/II disease were included. Tumor characteristics (grade, hormone receptivity) were similar across age groups. Treatment with BCS alone increased with age, especially after age 80. The risk of dying from breast cancer increased with age, significantly after age 80. For stage I disease, the adjusted hazard ratio of dying from breast cancer for women age ≥ 90 years compared with women age 67 to 69 years was 2.6 (range, 2.0 to 3.4). Types of treatments received were significantly associated with age and comorbidity, with age as the stronger predictor (26% of women age ≥ 80 years without comorbidity received BCS alone or no surgery compared with 6% of women age 67 to 79 years).

Conclusion

Women age ≥ 80 years have breast cancer characteristics similar to those of younger women yet receive less aggressive treatment and experience higher mortality from early-stage breast cancer. Future studies should focus on identifying tumor and patient characteristics to help target treatments to the oldest women most likely to benefit.
TP53 Alterations Determine Clinical Subgroups and Survival of Patients With Choroid Plexus Tumors
Authors: Tabori Uri , Shlien Adam , Baskin Berivan , Levitt Sarah , Ray Peter , Alon Noa , Hawkins Cynthia , Bouffet Eric , Pienkowska Malgorzata , Lafay-Cousin Lucie , Gozali Alexa , Zhukova Nataliya , Shane Lisa , Gonzalez Ignacio , Finlay Jonathan , Malkin David
Published: March 2010

Purpose

Choroid plexus carcinomas are pediatric tumors with poor survival rates and a strong, but poorly understood, association with Li-Fraumeni syndrome (LFS). Currently, with lack of biologic predictors, most children are treated with aggressive chemoradiation protocols.

Patients and Methods

We established a multi-institutional tissue and clinical database, which enabled the analysis of specific alterations of the TP53 tumor suppressor and its modifiers in choroid plexus tumors (CPTs). We conducted high-resolution copy-number analysis to correlate these genetic parameters with family history and outcome.

Results

We studied 64 patients with CPTs. All individuals with germline TP53 mutations fulfilled LFS criteria, whereas all patients not meeting these criteria harbored wild-type TP53 (P < .001). TP53 mutations were found in 50% of choroid plexus carcinomas (CPCs). Additionally, two sequence variants known to confer TP53 dysfunction, TP53 codon72 and MDM2 SNP309, coexisted in the majority of TP53 wild-type CPCs (92%) and not in TP53 mutated CPC (P = .04), which suggests a complementary mechanism of TP53 dysfunction in the absence of a TP53 mutation. High-resolution single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) array analysis revealed extremely high total structural variation (TSV) in TP53-mutated CPC tumor genomes compared with TP53 wild-type tumors and choroid plexus papillomas (CPPs; P = .006 and .004, respectively). Moreover, high TSV was associated with significant risk of progression (P < .001). Five-year survival rates for patients with TP53-immunopositive and -immunonegative CPCs were 0% and 82 (± 9%), respectively (P < .001). Furthermore, 14 of 16 patients with TP53 wild-type CPCs are alive without having received radiation therapy.

Conclusion

Patients with CPC who have low tumor TSV and absence of TP53 dysfunction have a favorable prognosis and can be successfully treated without radiation therapy.
Identification, Localization, and Function of a Novel Avian Hypothalamic Neuropeptide, 26RFa, and Its Cognate Receptor, G Protein-Coupled Receptor-103
Authors: Ukena Kazuyoshi , Tachibana Tetsuya , Iwakoshi-Ukena Eiko , Saito Yumiko , Minakata Hiroyuki , Kawaguchi Ryoko , Osugi Tomohiro , Tobari Yasuko , Leprince Jérôme , Vaudry Hubert , Tsutsui Kazuyoshi
Published: March 2010

Several neuropeptides with the C-terminal RFamide sequence have been identified in the hypothalamus of a variety of vertebrates. Among the RFamide peptide groups, however, only LPXRFamide peptides, including gonadotropin-inhibitory hormone, have been characterized in the avian brain. In the present study, we sought for the presence of other RFamide peptides in the avian hypothalamus. We identified a cDNA encoding an RFamide peptide orthologous to 26RFa (also referred to as QRFP) in the hypothalamus of the Japanese quail. The deduced quail 26RFa precursor consisted of 120-amino-acid residues, encoding one RFamide peptide with 27 amino acids. This RFamide peptide was flanked at the N terminus by a dibasic amino acid cleavage site and at the C terminus by a glycine amidation signal. Quantitative RT-PCR analysis demonstrated specific expression of quail 26RFa mRNA in the diencephalon including the hypothalamus. Furthermore, mass spectrometry analysis revealed the presence of a peptide exhibiting the mass of mature 26RFa, indicating that the peptide is actually produced from the precursor in the diencephalon. 26RFa-producing cell bodies were localized in the anterior hypothalamic nucleus in the brain. Synthetic 26RFa increased intracellular Ca2+ concentration in HEK293T cells transfected with the chicken G protein-coupled receptor GPR103. Intracerebroventricular injection of 26RFa in broiler chicks stimulated feeding behavior. These data provide the first evidence for the occurrence of the peptide 26RFa in the avian hypothalamus and indicate that this peptide exerts orexigenic activity.
The Nuclear Receptor Cofactor Receptor-Interacting Protein 140 Is a Positive Regulator of Amphiregulin Expression and Cumulus Cell-Oocyte Complex Expansion in the Mouse Ovary
Authors: Nautiyal Jaya , Steel Jennifer H. , Rosell Meritxell M. , Nikolopoulou Evanthia , Lee Kevin , DeMayo Francesco J. , White Roger , Richards JoAnne S. , Parker Malcolm G.
Published: March 2010

The nuclear receptor cofactor receptor-interacting protein 140 (RIP140) is essential for cumulus cell-oocyte complex (COC) expansion, follicular rupture, and oocyte release during ovulation. The expression of many genes necessary for COC expansion is impaired in the absence of RIP140, but the studies herein document that their expression can be restored and COC expansion rescued by treatment with the epidermal growth factor (EGF)-like factor amphiregulin (AREG) both in vitro and in vivo. We demonstrate by several approaches that RIP140 is required for the expression of the EGF-like factors in granulosa cells, but the dependence of genes involved in cumulus expansion, including Ptgs2 Has2, Tnfaip6, and Ptx3, is indirect because they are induced by AREG. Treatment of granulosa cells with forskolin to mimic the effects of LH increases AREG promoter activity in a RIP140-dependent manner that 1) requires an intact cAMP response element in the proximal promoter region of the Areg gene and 2) involves its actions as a coactivator for cAMP response element-binding protein/c-Jun transcription factors. Although human chorionic gonadotropin and AREG coadministration is sufficient to restore ovulation fully in RIP140 heterozygous mice in vivo, both follicular rupture and ovulation remain impaired in the RIP140 null mice. Thus, we conclude that although the level of RIP140 expression in the ovary is a crucial factor required for the transient expression of EGF-like factors necessary for cumulus expansion, it also plays a role in other signaling pathways that induce follicular rupture.
Stranger than Friction
Authors: Dizard Robin
Published: March 2010

This forum essay explores a collaboration between a teacher and a book. Combining autobiography with teaching notes about a variety of colleges (the writer held adjunct appointments in six colleges in fifteen years before joining the Keene State College faculty), the article claims Scholes, Comley, and Ulmer successfully show how to teach college students difficult texts and critical thinking through imitating language and forms drawn from wide-ranging models. In so doing, students realize how ideas circulate between popular and high culture, and how literary texts inform one another. Though some deem writing by Erving Goffman, Roland Barthes, and Jacques Derrida, however important for understanding current critical debates, too difficult for entering students, let alone their instructors, Dizard says Text Book “teaches well.” Quoting from student papers for proof, Dizard shows that advanced as well as uncertain students can and will master difficult material, provided the teacher is willing—-and brave enough—to learn anew.
Nectin-2 and N-cadherin interact through extracellular domains and induce apical accumulation of F-actin in apical constriction of Xenopus neural tube morphogenesis
Authors: Morita Hitoshi , Nandadasa Sumeda , Yamamoto Takamasa S. , Terasaka-Iioka Chie , Wylie Christopher , Ueno Naoto
Published: March 2010

Neural tube formation is one of the most dynamic morphogenetic processes of vertebrate development. However, the molecules regulating its initiation are mostly unknown. Here, we demonstrated that nectin-2, an immunoglobulin-like cell adhesion molecule, is involved in the neurulation of Xenopus embryos in cooperation with N-cadherin. First, we found that, at the beginning of neurulation, nectin-2 was strongly expressed in the superficial cells of neuroepithelium. The knockdown of nectin-2 impaired neural fold formation by attenuating F-actin accumulation and apical constriction, a cell-shape change that is required for neural tube folding. Conversely, the overexpression of nectin-2 in non-neural ectoderm induced ectopic apical constrictions with accumulated F-actin. However, experiments with domain-deleted nectin-2 revealed that the intracellular afadin-binding motif, which links nectin-2 and F-actin, was not required for the generation of the ectopic apical constriction. Furthermore, we found that nectin-2 physically interacts with N-cadherin through extracellular domains, and they cooperatively enhanced apical constriction by driving the accumulation of F-actin at the apical cell surface. Interestingly, the accumulation of N-cadherin at the apical surface of neuroepithelium was dependent on the presence of nectin-2, but that of nectin-2 was not affected by depletion of N-cadherin. We propose a novel mechanism of neural tube morphogenesis regulated by the two types of cell adhesion molecules.
Non-cell-autonomous control of denticle diversity in the Drosophila embryo
Authors: Dilks Stacie A. , DiNardo Stephen
Published: March 2010

Certain Drosophila embryonic epidermal cells construct actin-based protrusions, called denticles, which exhibit stereotyped, column-specific differences in size, density and hook orientation. This precise denticle pattern is conserved throughout all drosophilids yet studied, and screening for mutations that affect this pattern has been used to identify genes involved in development and signaling. However, how column-specific differences are specified and the mechanism(s) involved have remained elusive. Here, we show that the transcription factor Stripe is required for multiple aspects of this column-specific denticle pattern, including denticle hook orientation. The induction of stripe expression in certain denticle field cells appears to be the primary mechanism by which developmental pathways assign denticle hook orientation. Furthermore, we show that the cytoskeletal linker protein Short stop (Shot) functions both cell-autonomously and non-autonomously to specify denticle hook orientation via interaction with the microtubule cytoskeleton. We propose that stripe mediates its effect on hook orientation, in part, via upregulation of shot.
Prostaglandin Gβγ signaling stimulates gastrulation movements by limiting cell adhesion through Snai1a stabilization
Authors: Speirs Christina K. , Jernigan Kristin K. , Kim Seok-Hyung , Cha Yong I. , Lin Fang , Sepich Diane S. , DuBois Raymond N. , Lee Ethan , Solnica-Krezel Lilianna
Published: March 2010

Gastrulation movements form the germ layers and shape them into the vertebrate body. Gastrulation entails a variety of cell behaviors, including directed cell migration and cell delamination, which are also involved in other physiological and pathological processes, such as cancer metastasis. Decreased Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) synthesis due to interference with the Cyclooxygenase (Cox) and Prostaglandin E synthase (Ptges) enzymes halts gastrulation and limits cancer cell invasiveness, but how PGE2 regulates cell motility remains unclear. Here we show that PGE2-deficient zebrafish embryos, impaired in the epiboly, internalization, convergence and extension gastrulation movements, exhibit markedly increased cell-cell adhesion, which contributes to defective cell movements in the gastrula. Our analyses reveal that PGE2 promotes cell protrusive activity and limits cell adhesion by modulating E-cadherin transcript and protein, in part through stabilization of the Snai1a (also known as Snail1) transcriptional repressor, an evolutionarily conserved regulator of cell delamination and directed migration. We delineate a pathway whereby PGE2 potentiates interaction between the receptor-coupled G protein βγ subunits and Gsk3β to inhibit proteasomal degradation of Snai1a. However, overexpression of β-catenin cannot stabilize Snai1a in PGE2-deficient gastrulae. Thus, the Gsk3β-mediated and β-catenin-independent inhibition of cell adhesion by Prostaglandins provides an additional mechanism for the functional interactions between the PGE2 and Wnt signaling pathways during development and disease. We propose that ubiquitously expressed PGE2 synthesizing enzymes, by promoting the stability of Snai1a, enable the precise and rapid regulation of cell adhesion that is required for the dynamic cell behaviors that drive various gastrulation movements.
Cellular functions of FAK kinases: insight into molecular mechanisms and novel functions
Authors: Schaller Michael D.
Published: March 2010

Focal adhesion kinase (FAK) and proline-rich tyrosine kinase 2 (Pyk2) are related tyrosine kinases that have important cellular functions, primarily through regulation of the cytoskeleton. Recent studies have identified multiple molecular mechanisms that regulate cytoskeletal responses, and have provided important and exciting insights into how FAK and Pyk2 control cellular processes such as cell migration. Equally exciting are reports of novel and originally unanticipated functions of these kinases, providing the groundwork for future avenues of investigation. This Commentary summarizes some of these recent discoveries that are relevant to the control of biological responses of the cell.
ATPase family AAA domain-containing 3A is a novel anti-apoptotic factor in lung adenocarcinoma cells
Authors: Fang Hsin-Yuan , Chang Chia-Ling , Hsu Shu-Han , Huang Chih-Yang , Chiang Shu-Fen , Chiou Shiow-Her , Huang Chun-Hua , Hsiao Yi-Ting , Lin Tze-Yi , Chiang I-Ping , Hsu Wen-Hu , Sugano Sumio , Chen Chih-Yi , Lin Ching-Yuang , Ko Wen-Je , Chow Kuan-Chih
Published: March 2010

AAA domain-containing 3A (ATAD3A) is a member of the AAA-ATPase family. Three forms of ATAD3 have been identified: ATAD3A, ATAD3B and ATAD3C. In this study, we examined the type and expression of ATAD3 in lung adenocarcinoma (LADC). Expression of ATAD3A was detected by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, immunoblotting, immunohistochemistry and confocal immunofluorescent microscopy. Our results show that ATAD3A is the major form expressed in LADC. Silencing of ATAD3A expression increased mitochondrial fragmentation and cisplatin sensitivity. Serum deprivation increased ATAD3A expression and drug resistance. These results suggest that ATAD3A could be an anti-apoptotic marker in LADC.
Application of Real-time Time-dependent Density Functional Theory with the CVB3LYP Functional to Core Excitations
Authors: Akama Tomoko , Imamura Yutaka , Nakai Hiromi
Published: March 2010

The CVB3LYP functional, which has been developed for evaluating both core and valence excitation energies with high accuracy, is applied to real-time time-dependent density functional theory (RT-TDDFT) calculations. The core excitation energies from the 1s orbitals of several second-row atoms obtained by RT-TDDFT with the CVB3LYP functional were demonstrated and compared with those of the frequency-domain TDDFT.
Efficient and Highly Enantioselective Michael Addition of Aldehydes to Nitroalkenes Catalyzed by a Surfactant-type Organocatalyst in the Presence of Water
Authors: Hu Feng , Guo Chang-Shan , Xie Jin , Zhu Hai-Liang , Huang Zhi-Zhen
Published: March 2010

It was found that in the presence of 20 mol % HCOOH, (S)-prolinol silyl ether organocatalyst bearing a long chain only in 2 mol % loading could catalyze the asymmetric Michael reaction of various aldehydes with trans-nitroalkenes at room temperature in the presence of water, giving the desired adducts in excellent yields with high diastereoselectivities and excellent enantioselectivities (up to >99% ee).
From over‐imitation to super‐copying: Adults imitate causally irrelevant aspects of tool use with higher fidelity than young children
Authors: McGuigan Nicola , Makinson Jenny , Whiten Andrew
Published: March 2010

Recent research has revealed a striking tendency in young children to imitate even causally irrelevant actions, a phenomenon dubbed ‘over‐imitation’. To investigate whether children develop beyond this, we allowed both adults and children to witness either a child or adult model performing goal‐relevant and goal‐irrelevant actions to extract a reward from a transparent puzzle box. Surprisingly, copying of irrelevant actions increased with age, with the adults performing the task with less efficiency than the children. Participants of all ages were more likely to perform the irrelevant actions performed by an adult model, than by a child model. These results suggest that people may become more imitative as they mature, whilst selectively copying particular models with a high level of fidelity. We suggest that this combination of faithful copying and selectivity underwrites the powerful social learning necessary for the level of cultural transmission on which our species depends.
Prosocial and antisocial children's perceptions of peers' motives for prosocial behaviours
Authors: Wardle Georgina A. , Hunter Simon C. , Warden David
Published: March 2010

This study investigated whether peer‐nominated prosocial and antisocial children have different perceptions of the motives underlying peers' prosocial actions. Eighty‐seven children, aged 10–12 years old, completed peer‐nomination measures of social behaviour. On the basis of numbers of social nominations received, a subsample of 51 children (32 who were peer‐nominated as ‘prosocial’, and 18 who were peer‐nominated as ‘antisocial’) then recorded their perceptions of peers' motives for prosocial behaviours. Expressed motives were categorized predominantly into three categories, coinciding with Turiel's (1978) ‘moral’, ‘conventional’, and ‘personal domains’. Results indicate that children's social reputation is associated with the extent to which they perceive peers' prosocial motives as ‘personal’ or ‘moral’, with more prosocial children attributing moral motives, and more antisocial children attributing personal motives. Although traditionally Turiel's domain theory has been used to understand ‘antisocial’ children's behaviour, the current findings suggest that ‘prosocial’ children's behaviour may also be related to domains of judgment.
Interpersonal aggression and team effectiveness: The mediating role of team goal commitment
Authors: Aubé Caroline , Rousseau Vincent
Published: March 2010

This study examines the detrimental effect that interpersonal aggressive behaviours may have on two dimensions of team effectiveness, namely team performance and team viability. Moreover, this study investigates the mediating role of team goal commitment in these relationships. Data were collected from 97 work teams (341 members and 97 immediate supervisors) working in a public safety organization. The results indicate that interpersonal aggression is negatively related to team performance and team viability. The results also show that team goal commitment exercises a complete mediating role with regard to these relationships. Overall, this study highlights potential negative consequences of interpersonal aggression at the team level.
Statistical techniques for juror and jury research
Authors: Wright Daniel B. , Strubler Kevin A. , Vallano Jonathan P.
Published: March 2010

Juror and jury research is a thriving area of investigation in legal psychology. The basic ANOVA and regression, well‐known by psychologists, are inappropriate for analysing many types of data from this area of research. This paper describes statistical techniques suitable for some of the main questions asked by jury researchers. First, we discuss how to examine manipulations that may affect levels of reasonable doubt and how to measure reasonable doubt using the coefficients estimated from a logistic regression. Second, we compare models designed for analysing the data like those which often arise in research where jurors first make categorical judgments (e.g., negligent or not, guilty or not) and then dependent on their response may make another judgment (e.g., award, punishment). We concentrate on zero‐inflated and hurdle models. Third, we examine how to take into account that jurors are part of a jury using multilevel modelling. We illustrate each of the techniques using software that can be downloaded for free from the Internet (the package R) and provide a web page that gives further details for running these analyses.
In Situ Dynamic Model Test for Pile-Supported Wharf in Liquefied Sand
Authors: Chang Wen-Jong , Chen Jyh-Fang , Ho Hsing-Chuan , Chiu Yung-Fang
Published: March 2010

Pile-supported wharf is a general option in port design to provide lateral resistance and bearing capacity under both static and dynamic loadings. In situ large-scale physical modeling using surface wave generator was performed to study the dynamic soil-structure interactions in pile-supported wharves and to verify configuration of an in situ monitoring station. A wharf model consisting of two steel pipe piles welded on a steel slab was installed on a reconstituted underwater embankment. Due to screening of stress waves, the two piles are subjected to different loading conditions. Data reduction procedures were developed to analyze coupled shear strain-pore pressure generation behavior, pile responses, and soil-pile interaction characteristics. The results proved that the physical modeling can capture the interactions among the induced shear strain, generated excess pore pressure, and dynamic p-y behavior around piles. Preliminary results also show that evolutions of dynamic p-y curve with excess pore pressure variations should be included in soil-pile interaction modeling.
Development of a Portable Probe for Field and Laboratory Measurement of Low to Medium Values of Soil Suction
Authors: Poirier Steven E. , DeGroot Don J.
Published: March 2010

The sample quality suction probe is an economical, robust, and portable probe capable of obtaining rapid and reliable, direct, non-destructive measurements of soil suction in the field or laboratory. Based on the designs of Ridley and Burland in 1993 and Toker et al. in 2004 for unsaturated soils, this probe is constructed mainly from commercially available components and the saturation and measurement procedures are easy to perform. The probe is able to obtain repeatable measurements from saturated soil samples in the field immediately after sampling and also in the laboratory prior to specimen preparation for consolidation or strength testing. These suction measurements may be used to evaluate sample quality in the field or in the laboratory prior to specimen testing.
Caenorhabditis elegans Fibroblast Growth Factor Receptor Signaling Can Occur Independently of the Multi-Substrate Adaptor FRS2
Authors: Lo Te-Wen , Bennett Daniel C , Goodman S Jay , Stern Michael J
Published: March 2010

The components of receptor tyrosine kinase signaling complexes help to define the specificity of the effects of their activation. The Caenorhabditis elegans fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR), EGL-15, regulates a number of processes, including sex myoblast (SM) migration guidance and fluid homeostasis, both of which require a Grb2/Sos/Ras cassette of signaling components. Here we show that SEM-5/Grb2 can bind directly to EGL-15 to mediate SM chemoattraction. A yeast two-hybrid screen identified SEM-5 as able to interact with the carboxy-terminal domain (CTD) of EGL-15, a domain that is specifically required for SM chemoattraction. This interaction requires the SEM-5 SH2-binding motifs present in the CTD (Y1009 and Y1087), and these sites are required for the CTD role of EGL-15 in SM chemoattraction. SEM-5, but not the SEM-5 binding sites located in the CTD, is required for the fluid homeostasis function of EGL-15, indicating that SEM-5 can link to EGL-15 through an alternative mechanism. The multi-substrate adaptor protein FRS2 serves to link vertebrate FGFRs to Grb2. In C. elegans, an FRS2-like gene, rog-1, functions upstream of a Ras/MAPK pathway for oocyte maturation but is not required for EGL-15 function. Thus, unlike the vertebrate FGFRs, which require the multi-substrate adaptor FRS2 to recruit Grb2, EGL-15 can recruit SEM-5/Grb2 directly.
A Strand Invasion 3′ Polymerization Intermediate of Mammalian Homologous Recombination
Authors: Si Weiduo , Mundia Maureen M , Magwood Alissa C , Mark Adam L , McCulloch Richard D , Baker Mark D
Published: March 2010

Initial events in double-strand break repair by homologous recombination in vivo involve homology searching, 3′ strand invasion, and new DNA synthesis. While studies in yeast have contributed much to our knowledge of these processes, in comparison, little is known of the early events in the integrated mammalian system. In this study, a sensitive PCR procedure was developed to detect the new DNA synthesis that accompanies mammalian homologous recombination. The test system exploits a well-characterized gene targeting assay in which the transfected vector bears a gap in the region of homology to the single-copy chromosomal immunoglobulin μ heavy chain gene in mouse hybridoma cells. New DNA synthesis primed by invading 3′ vector ends copies chromosomal μ-gene template sequences excluded by the vector-borne double-stranded gap. Following electroporation, specific 3′ extension products from each vector end are detected with rapid kinetics: they appear after 0.5 hr, peak at 3–6 hr, and then decline, likely as a result of the combined effects of susceptibility to degradation and cell division. New DNA synthesis from each vector 3′ end extends at least ∼1000 nucleotides into the gapped region, but the efficiency declines markedly within the first ∼200 nucleotides. Over this short distance, an average frequency of 3′ extension for the two invading vector ends is ∼0.007 events/vector backbone. DNA sequencing reveals precise copying of the cognate chromosomal μ-gene template. In unsynchronized cells, 3′ extension is sensitive to aphidicolin supporting involvement of a replicative polymerase. Analysis suggests that the vast majority of 3′ extensions reside on linear plasmid molecules.
Distribution and Identification of Airborne Fungi in Railway Stations in Tokyo, Japan
Authors: Kawasaki Tamami , Kyotani Takashi , Ushiogi Tomoyoshi , Izumi Yasuhiko , Lee Hunjun , Hayakawa Toshio
Published: March 2010

Distribution and Identification of Airborne Fungi in Railway Stations in Tokyo, Japan: Tamami Kawasaki, et al. Environmental Biotechnology Laboratory, Railway Technical Research Institute

Objectives

The current study was performed to (1) understand the distribution of airborne fungi culturable on dichloran‐glycerol agar (DG18) media over a one‐year monitoring period, (2) identify the types of airborne fungi collected, and (3) compare and contrast underand above‐ground spaces, in two railway stations in Tokyo, Japan.

Methods

Measurements of airborne fungi were taken at stations A and B located in Tokyo. Station A had under‐ and above‐ground concourses and platforms whereas station B had spaces only above‐ground. Airborne fungi at each measurement position were collected with an air sampler on DG18 media. After cultivation of the sample plates, the number of fungi colonies was counted on each agar plate.

Results

In station A, the underground platform was characterized as (1) having the highest humidity and (2) a high concentration of airborne fungi, with (3) a high proportion of non‐sporulating fungi (NSF) and Aspergillus versicolor. There was a strong positive correlation between the concentrations of airborne particles and fungi in station A. Common aspects of the two stations were (1) that fungi were mostly detected in autumn, and (2) there was no correlation between the humidity and concentration of fungi throughout the year.

Conclusions

The results of this study indicate that the distribution and composition of fungi differ depending on the structure of the station.
Sensitivity of the Pediatric Early Warning Score to Identify Patient Deterioration
Authors: Akre Mari , Finkelstein Marsha , Erickson Mary , Liu Meixia , Vanderbilt Laurel , Billman Glenn
Published: March 2010

OBJECTIVE:

We evaluated the Pediatric Early Warning Score (PEWS) sensitivity as an early indicator of patients deterioration leading to a Rapid Response Team (RRT)/code event. We hypothesized that at least 80% of patients had a critical PEWS preceding the event. We determined staff awareness of deterioration in patient status prior to the event as evidenced by consults, addition of monitoring equipment or increased frequency of assessment. The timing of these events was compared to critical PEWS times.

METHODS:

One hundred and seventy non-ICU RRT and 16 code events were identified between October 2006 and February 2008. We completed retrospective PEWS at four-hour intervals or less for twenty-four hours preceding the event. The PEWS algorithm, guiding staff to consult at a critical score ≥4 or a single domain score equal to 3, was applied.

RESULTS:

For 85.5% of patients the earliest indicator of deterioration, evidenced by a critical PEWS, was a median of 11 hours 36 minutes and the earliest preceding the event was 30 minutes. For 97.1% of patients the earliest median time to a consult was 80 minutes. Oximetry was added 6.9 hours for 43.5% of patients. 7% of patients had increased nursing assessment. A sub-group of patients had 1) critical PEWS, 2) consult and 3) addition of a monitor. The median time for earliest critical PEWS for these was significant (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION:

PEWS can potentially provide a forewarning time >11 hours, alerting the team to adapt the care plan and possibly averting an RRT or code.
Measles Outbreak in a Highly Vaccinated Population, San Diego, 2008: Role of the Intentionally Undervaccinated
Authors: Sugerman David E. , Barskey Albert E. , Delea Maryann G. , Ortega-Sanchez Ismael R. , Bi Daoling , Ralston Kimberly J. , Rota Paul A. , Waters-Montijo Karen , LeBaron Charles W.
Published: March 2010

OBJECTIVE:

In January 2008, an intentionally unvaccinated 7-year-old boy who was unknowingly infected with measles returned from Switzerland, resulting in the largest outbreak in San Diego, California, since 1991. We investigated the outbreak with the objective of understanding the effect of intentional undervaccination on measles transmission and its potential threat to measles elimination.

METHODS:

We mapped vaccination-refusal rates according to school and school district, analyzed measles-transmission patterns, used discussion groups and network surveys to examine beliefs of parents who decline vaccination, and evaluated containment costs.

RESULTS:

The importation resulted in 839 exposed persons, 11 additional cases (all in unvaccinated children), and the hospitalization of an infant too young to be vaccinated. Two-dose vaccination coverage of 95%, absence of vaccine failure, and a vigorous outbreak response halted spread beyond the third generation, at a net public-sector cost of $10 376 per case. Although 75% of the cases were of persons who were intentionally unvaccinated, 48 children too young to be vaccinated were quarantined, at an average family cost of $775 per child. Substantial rates of intentional undervaccination occurred in public charter and private schools, as well as public schools in upper-socioeconomic areas. Vaccine refusal clustered geographically and the overall rate seemed to be rising. In discussion groups and survey responses, the majority of parents who declined vaccination for their children were concerned with vaccine adverse events.

CONCLUSIONS:

Despite high community vaccination coverage, measles outbreaks can occur among clusters of intentionally undervaccinated children, at major cost to public health agencies, medical systems, and families. Rising rates of intentional undervaccination can undermine measles elimination.
Prevalence of Complementary Medicine Use in Pediatric Cancer: A Systematic Review
Authors: Bishop Felicity L. , Prescott Philip , Chan Yean Koon , Saville Jemma , von Elm Erik , Lewith George T.
Published: March 2010

CONTEXT:

Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is used by pediatric patients with cancer, but the actual frequency of CAM use is undetermined.

OBJECTIVE:

In this systematic review we summarize the current evidence on the prevalence of CAM use in pediatric patients with cancer and assess the reported quality of included studies.

METHODS:

We systematically searched 6 major electronic databases, reference lists of existing reviews, and personal files. We included full articles about primary research studies (without language restriction) that reported the prevalence of CAM use if all or a defined subsample of participants were pediatric patients with cancer. Detailed information regarding methods and results was extracted from the original articles. A quality-assessment tool was rigorously developed on the basis of the Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) statement and used to assess reported study quality. Formal tests of interrater agreement were conducted.

RESULTS:

We included 28 studies with survey data (collected from 1975 to 2005) from 3526 children. In 20 studies with 2871 participants, the prevalence of any CAM use (since cancer diagnosis) ranged from 6% to 91%; considerable heterogeneity across studies precluded meta-analysis. Study quality was mixed and not correlated with CAM prevalence. Herbal remedies were the most popular CAM modality, followed by diets/nutrition and faith-healing. Commonly reported reasons for CAM use included to help cure or fight the child's cancer, symptomatic relief, and support of ongoing use of conventional therapy. There was little evidence of an association between CAM use and patients' sociodemographic characteristics.

CONCLUSIONS:

Many pediatric patients with cancer use CAM. It is important that pediatricians be aware of this fact and encourage open communication with patients and their parents. Using standardized survey methods and CAM definitions in future studies could improve their quality and help generate comparable data. Our quality-assessment tool could prove valuable for other reviews of prevalence studies.
Effects of Changing Body-Checking Rules on Rates of Injury in Minor Hockey
Authors: Kukaswadia Atif , Warsh Joel , Mihalik Jason P. , Pickett William
Published: March 2010

OBJECTIVE:

In this study we explored the effects of the 2002 rule change in Ontario minor hockey, in which body-checking was introduced at the atom (ages 9–10) instead of the peewee (previously ages 12–13) age level. It was hypothesized that the introduction of body-checking at younger ages would result in higher overall rates of injury to minor hockey players, with concomitant increases in neurotraumatic injuries.

PATIENTS AND METHODS:

Participants included injured minor hockey players between the ages of 7 and 14 years in the Kingston area of Ontario, Canada. The Kingston sites of the Canadian Hospitals Injury Reporting and Prevention Program were used to identify injuries that presented to the only 2 emergency departments in this community. In our analyses, we compared rates and patterns of injury that required hospital-based emergency medicine care before (1997–1998 to 2001–2002 seasons) and after (2002–2003 to 2006–2007 seasons) implementation of the body-checking rule change.

RESULTS:

Overall rates of injury to minor hockey players declined in the years after the rule change. Rates of injury attributable to body-checking, as well as the natures and anatomic sites of injury caused by body-checking, remained consistent in the 2 study periods.

CONCLUSIONS:

In this historical study, we did not observe an increase in the overall rates of injury and concomitant neurotraumatic events. Increased enforcement of playing rules as well as temporal declines in emergency department use may have contributed to these findings.
Adherence to Vitamin D Recommendations Among US Infants
Authors: Perrine Cria G. , Sharma Andrea J. , Jefferds Maria Elena D. , Serdula Mary K. , Scanlon Kelley S.
Published: March 2010

OBJECTIVES:

In November 2008, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) doubled the recommended daily intake of vitamin D for infants and children, from 200 IU/day (2003 recommendation) to 400 IU/day. We aimed to assess the prevalence of infants meeting the AAP recommended intake of vitamin D during their first year of life.

METHODS:

Using data from the Infant Feeding Practices Study II, conducted from 2005 to 2007, we estimated the percentage of infants who met vitamin D recommendations at ages 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7.5, 9, and 10.5 months (n = 1952–1633).

RESULTS:

The use of oral vitamin D supplements was low, regardless of whether infants were consuming breast milk or formula, ranging from 1% to 13%, varying by age. Among infants who consumed breast milk but no formula, only 5% to 13% met either recommendation. Among mixed-fed infants, 28% to 35% met the 2003 recommendation, but only 9% to 14% would have met the 2008 recommendation. Among those who consumed formula but no breast milk, 81% to 98% met the 2003 recommendation, but only 20% to 37% would have met the 2008 recommendation.

CONCLUSIONS:

Our findings suggest that most US infants are not consuming adequate amounts of vitamin D according to the 2008 AAP recommendation. Pediatricians and health care providers should encourage parents of infants who are either breastfed or consuming <1 L/day of infant formula to give their infants an oral vitamin D supplement.
Reliability in Mechatronics Systems from TEM, SEM and SE Material Analysis
Authors: Dahoo Pierre , Alayli Nadim , Girard Armelle , Pougnet Philippe , Tan Ky-Lim , Morelle Jean-Michel
Published: March 2010

Mechatronic systems designed to comply to new EU directives are studied through interconnections by electronic or photonic probes, SEM, TEM, SE or 3D Tomography. Leaded and lead free modules assembled by standard interconnection technologies are studied for robustness relative to thermal accelerated life tests. Results obtained from JEOL 6060LV SEM and Optical Microscopy show that although slow growth rate of inter-metallics (IMC) is consistent with expected reliability, they are responsible for propagation of cracks especially in the presence of gold on PCB side. Innovative Low Temperature Joining (LTJ) technology applied to nano or micro silver pastes which should reduce IMC effects are tested on mechatronic systems. Results obtained from SEM, TEM and 3D Tomography will be shown as well as non destructive Spectroscopic Ellipsometry studies of samples. Pressureless LTJ technology is unsuitable for robust interconnection.
Microstructure Study of the Oxidation of TiN Layers During Sputtering Process
Authors: Wang Chun
Published: March 2010

TiN provides a good template layer for the epitaxial SrTiO3 (001) growth on Si(001) single crystal substrates by RF sputtering. However, TiN template layer was oxidized into TiO2 during the subsequent sputtering process of electrodes of SrRuO3. The effect of Ru ion catalyzed oxidation and delamination of the TiN layer has been studied using transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and high-resolution transmission electron microscope (HRTEM). The epitaxial orientation relationship of the SrRuO3 and SrTiO3 was reserved to be cube on cube with respect to Si and the crystal quality of the SrRuO3/SrTiO3 film remained even when the TiN template layer was oxidized. The stress in the thin film of SrRuO3/SrTiO3/TiN structure could be determined from the buckle shape in both plan view and cross sectional TEM images.
Large Area Flexible Electronics Fabrication by Selective Laser Sintering of Nanoparticles with a Scanning Mirror
Authors: Ko Seung Hwan , Pan Heng , Hotz Nico , Grigoropoulos Costas P.
Published: March 2010

The development of electric circuit fabrication on heat and chemically sensitive polymer substrates has attracted significant interest as a pathway to low-cost or large-area electronics. We demonstrated the large area, direct patterning of microelectronic structures by selective laser sintering of nanoparticles without using any conventional, very expensive vacuum or photoresist deposition steps. Surface monolayer protected gold nanoparticles suspended in organic solvent was spin coated on a glass or polymer substrate. Then low power continuous wave Ar-ion laser was irradiated as a local heat source to induce selective laser sintering of nanoparticles by a scanning mirror system. Metal nanoparticle possessed low melting temperature (<150°C) due to thermodynamic size effect, and high laser absorption due to surface plasmon mode. These make metal nanoparticles ideal for the low temperature, low laser energy selective laser processing, and further applicable for electronics fabrication on a heat sensitive polymer substrate. We extended our laser selective sintering of nanoparticles research to a large area (> 4” wafer) using scanning mirror to demonstrate current technology for industry level fabrication.
In Situ Surface Photovoltage Spectroscopy of ZnO Nanopowders Processed by Remote Plasma
Authors: Peters Raul M. , Glancy Stephen P. , Paramo J. Antonio , Strzhemechny Yuri M.
Published: March 2010

In many instances the quality of the surface in ZnO nanoscale systems is a key performance-defining parameter. The surface itself could be a very significant source of lattice defects as well as contaminating impurities, and this influence may extend into the sub-surface vicinity. In our work, key element of the surface analysis is the surface photovoltage (SPV) spectroscopy known for its advantages, such as: identification of conduction vs. valence band nature of the defect-related transitions and the defect level positions within the band gap, ability to measure relatively low densities of surface defects as well as their cross sections. Additional information can be obtained from the SPV transient measurements. In our system, SPV characterization is run in high vacuum, complemented by in situ remote plasma treatment. This combination of surface-sensitive and surface-specific tools is well-suited for studying surface properties with a high degree of reliability since there is no exposure to common air contaminants between processing and characterization cycles. We employed O/He remote plasma treatments of ZnO nanocrystalline surfaces. In situ SPV spectra and transient measurements of the as-received and processed samples revealed, on the one hand, a number of common spectral features in different ZnO nanopowder specimens, and, on the other hand, a noticeable plasma-driven changes in the surface defect properties, as well as in the overall electronic and optical surface characteristics.
Residual Stresses in Sputtered ZnO Films on (100) Si Substrates by XRD
Authors: Conchon Florine , Renault Pierre-Olivier , Goudeau Philippe , Le Bourhis Eric , Sondergard Elin , Barthel Etienne , Grachev Sergey , Gouardes Eric , Rondeau Veronique , Gy René , Lazzari Remi , Jupille Jacques , Brun Nathalie
Published: March 2010

Residual stresses in sputtered ZnO films on Si are investigated and discussed. By means of X-ray diffraction, we show that as-deposited ZnO films encapsulated or not by Si3N4 protective coatings are highly compressively stressed. Moreover, a transition of stress is observed as a function of the post-deposition annealing temperature. After a heat treatment at 800°C, ZnO films are tensily stressed while ZnO films encapsulated by Si3N4 are stress-free. With the aid of in-situ X-ray diffraction, we argue that this thermally-activated stress relaxation can be attributed to a variation of the chemical composition of the ZnO films.
Comparison of APCVD to LPCVD Processes in the Manufacturing of ZnO TCO for Solar Applications
Authors: Zhang Wei , salagaj tom , Wei Jiuan , jensen christopher , strobl karlheinz
Published: March 2010

A FirstNano EasyTube 3000 CVD system with a 3” diameter horizontal tube furnace was used to investigate the optimization of both APCVD (Atmospheric Pressure Chemical Vapor Deposition) and LPCVD (Low Pressure Chemical Vapor Deposition) processes to grow both boron and fluorine doped ZnO films with a sheet resistance, slice resistance and haze suitable for their potential utilizations as TCO (Transparent Conductive Oxide) layers for photovoltaic applications. Growth rates as high as 100 nm per minute have been obtained in some parameter regions for both processes. In both cases the resulting material property parameters were the same or better than reported in the literature. Although the horizontal hot wall CVD R&D reactor is not optimum for uniform TCO thin film deposition it allowed us to investigate the interrelationship of the most critical parameters with the resulting material properties.

The driving force for this work is the ultimate goal of demonstrating a process parameter solution suggesting that ZnO films (usable for either display system manufacturing and/or photovoltaic applications) can be deposited with optimized material properties that are comparable to LPCVD or sputtering processes, but that the APCVD solution could be more economical for large scale thin film ZnO coating implementation. Ultimately our desire is to transfer such a ZnO deposition process to our proprietary, APCVD CVDgCoat™ platform, which has the ability to coat up to 4 meter wide glass sheets and metal foils.
Facet-control in selective area growth (SAG) of a-plane GaN by MOVPE
Authors: Ma Bei , Miyagawa Reina , Miyake Hideto , Hiramatsu Kazumasa
Published: March 2010

Selective area growth (SAG) of a-plane GaN grown on r-plane sapphire with a stripe orientation along <1-100> was investigated. The key technology of facet-control is optimizing the growth temperature and the reactor pressure. Our experiments reveal that the growth temperature determined facet form: in samples grown at 1000 °C, the structure consists of {11-22}and (000-1); with increasing growth temperature to 1050 °C, the area of {11-22} facet gradually decreases, and two new planes, (0001) and {11-20} facets form; eventually, in samples grown at 1000 oC, the {11-22} facet completely disappears, (0001) and {11-20} facet continue to increase to form a rectangle cross-section. The reactor pressure determines the ratio of the lateral growth rate and the vertical growth rate: with reactor pressure decreasing from 500 torr to 100 torr, the rectangle structure gradually decreases the height and increases the width, and the volume nearly keeps constant.