bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
PDLIM2 suppresses human T-cell leukemia virus type I Tax-mediated tumorigenesis by targeting Tax into the nuclear matrix for proteasomal degradation
Authors: Yan Pengrong , Fu Jing , Qu Zhaoxia , Li Shirong , Tanaka Takashi , Grusby Michael J. , Xiao Gutian
Published: January 2009

The mechanisms by which the human T-cell leukemia virus type I (HTLV-I) Tax oncoprotein deregulates cellular signaling for oncogenesis have been extensively studied, but how Tax itself is regulated remains largely unknown. Here we report that Tax was negatively regulated by PDLIM2, which promoted Tax K48-linked polyubiquitination. In addition, PDLIM2 recruited Tax from its functional sites into the nuclear matrix where the polyubiquitinated Tax was degraded by the proteasome. Consistently, PDLIM2 suppressed Tax-mediated signaling activation, cell transformation, and oncogenesis both in vitro and in animal. Notably, PDLIM2 expression was down-regulated in HTLV-I–transformed T cells, and PDLIM2 reconstitution reversed the tumorigenicity of the malignant cells. These studies indicate that the counterbalance between HTLV-I/Tax and PDLIM2 may determine the outcome of HTLV-I infection. These studies also suggest a potential therapeutic strategy for cancers and other diseases associated with HTLV-I infection and/or PDLIM2 deregulation.
BODE index versus GOLD classification for explaining anxious and depressive symptoms in patients with COPD – a cross-sectional study
Authors: Funk Georg-Christian , Kirchheiner Kathrin , Chris Burghuber Otto , Hartl Sylvia
Published: January 2009

Background

Anxiety and depression are common and treatable risk factors for re-hospitalisation and death in patients with COPD. The degree of lung function impairment does not sufficiently explain anxiety and depression. The BODE index allows a functional classification of COPD beyond FEV1. The aim of this cross-sectional study was (1) to test whether the BODE index is superior to the GOLD classification for explaining anxious and depressive symptoms; and (2) to assess which components of the BODE index are associated with these psychological aspects of COPD.

Methods

COPD was classified according to the GOLD stages based on FEV1%predicted in 122 stable patients with COPD. An additional four stage classification was constructed based on the quartiles of the BODE index. The hospital anxiety and depression scale was used to assess anxious and depressive symptoms.

Results

The overall prevalence of anxious and depressive symptoms was 49% and 52%, respectively. The prevalence of anxious symptoms increased with increasing BODE stages but not with increasing GOLD stages. The prevalence of depressive symptoms increased with both increasing GOLD and BODE stages. The BODE index was superior to FEV1%predicted for explaining anxious and depressive symptoms. Anxious symptoms were explained by dyspnoea. Depressive symptoms were explained by both dyspnoea and reduced exercise capacity.

Conclusion

The BODE index is superior to the GOLD classification for explaining anxious and depressive symptoms in COPD patients. These psychological consequences of the disease may play a role in future classification systems of COPD.
High-resolution mapping of plasmid transcriptomes in different host bacteria
Authors: Miyakoshi Masatoshi , Nishida Hiromi , Shintani Masaki , Yamane Hisakazu , Nojiri Hideaki
Published: January 2009

Background

Plasmids are extrachromosomal elements that replicate autonomously, and many can be transmitted between bacterial cells through conjugation. Although the transcription pattern of genes on a plasmid can be altered by a change in host background, the expression range of plasmid genes that will result in phenotypic variation has not been quantitatively investigated.

Results

Using a microarray with evenly tiled probes at a density of 9 bp, we mapped and quantified the transcripts of the carbazole catabolic plasmid pCAR1 in its original host Pseudomonas resinovorans CA10 and the transconjugant P. putida KT2440(pCAR1) during growth on either carbazole or succinate as the sole carbon source. We identified the operons in pCAR1, which consisted of nearly identical transcription units despite the difference in host background during growth on the same carbon source. In accordance with previous studies, the catabolic operons for carbazole degradation were upregulated during growth on carbazole in both hosts. However, our tiling array results also showed that several operons flanking the transfer gene cluster were transcribed at significantly higher levels in the transconjugant than in the original host. The number of transcripts and the positions of the transcription start sites agreed with our quantitative RT-PCR and primer extension results.

Conclusion

Our tiling array results indicate that the levels of transcription for the operons on a plasmid can vary by host background. High-resolution mapping using an unbiased tiling array is a valuable tool for the simultaneous identification and quantification of prokaryotic transcriptomes including polycistronic operons and non-coding RNAs.
Large scale multiplex PCR improves pathogen detection by DNA microarrays
Authors: Palka-Santini Maria , Cleven Berit E , Eichinger Ludwig , Krönke Martin , Krut Oleg
Published: January 2009

Background

Medium density DNA microchips that carry a collection of probes for a broad spectrum of pathogens, have the potential to be powerful tools for simultaneous species identification, detection of virulence factors and antimicrobial resistance determinants. However, their widespread use in microbiological diagnostics is limited by the problem of low pathogen numbers in clinical specimens revealing relatively low amounts of pathogen DNA.

Results

To increase the detection power of a fluorescence-based prototype-microarray designed to identify pathogenic microorganisms involved in sepsis, we propose a large scale multiplex PCR (LSplex PCR) for amplification of several dozens of gene-segments of 9 pathogenic species. This protocol employs a large set of primer pairs, potentially able to amplify 800 different gene segments that correspond to the capture probes spotted on the microarray. The LSplex protocol is shown to selectively amplify only the gene segments corresponding to the specific pathogen present in the analyte. Application of LSplex increases the microarray detection of target templates by a factor of 100 to 1000.

Conclusion

Our data provide a proof of principle for the improvement of detection of pathogen DNA by microarray hybridization by using LSplex PCR.
Stereotactic body radiation therapy with or without transarterial chemoembolization for patients with primary hepatocellular carcinoma: preliminary analysis
Authors: Choi Byung Ock , Choi Ihl Bohng , Jang Hong Seok , Kang Young Nam , Jang Ji Sun , Bae Si Hyun , Yoon Seung Kew , Chai Gyu Young , Kang Ki Mun
Published: January 2009

Background

The objectives of this retrospective study was to evaluate the efficacy of stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) for small non-resectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and SBRT combined with transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) for advanced HCC with portal vein tumor thrombosis (PVTT).

Methods

Thirty one patients with HCC who were treated with SBRT were used for the study. We studied 32 HCC lesions, where 23 lesions (22 patients) were treated targeting small non-resectable primary HCC, and 9 lesions (9 patients) targeting PVTT using the Cyberknife. All the 9 patients targeting PVTT received TACE for the advanced HCC. Tumor volume was 3.6–57.3 cc (median, 25.2 cc) and SBRT dose was 30–39 Gy (median, 36 Gy) in 3 fractions for consecutive days for 70–85% of the planned target volume.

Results

The median follow up was 10.5 months. The overall response rate was 71.9% [small HCC: 82.6% (19/23), advanced HCC with PVTT: 44.4% (4/9)], with the complete and partial response rates of 31.3% [small HCC: 26.1% (6/23), advanced HCC with PVTT: 11.1% (1/9)], and 50.0% [small HCC: 56.5% (13/23), advanced HCC with PVTT: 33.3% (3/9)], respectively. The median survival period of small HCC and advanced HCC with PVTT patients was 12 months and 8 months, respectively. No patient experienced Grade 4 toxicity.

Conclusion

SBRT for small HCC and SBRT combined with TACE for advanced HCC with PVTT showed feasible treatment modalities with minimal side effects in selected patients with primary HCC.
Complement consumption in children with Plasmodium falciparum malaria
Authors: Nyakoe Nancy K , Taylor Ronald P , Makumi Joseph N , Waitumbi John N
Published: January 2009

Background

Complement (C) can be activated during malaria, C components consumed and inflammatory mediators produced. This has potential to impair host innate defence.

Methods

In a case-control study, C activation was assessed by measuring serum haemolytic activity (CH50), functional activity of each pathway and levels of C3a, C4a and C5a in children presenting at Kisumu District Hospital, western Kenya, with severe malarial anaemia (SMA) or uncomplicated malaria (UM).

Results

CH50 median titers for lysis of sensitized sheep erythrocytes in SMA (8.6 U/mL) were below normal (34–70 U/mL) and were one-fourth the level in UM (34.6 U/mL (P< 0.001). Plasma C3a median levels were 10 times higher than in normals for

SMA (3,200 ng/ml) and for UM (3,500 ng/ml), indicating substantial C activation in both groups. Similar trends were obtained for C4a and C5a. The activities of all three C pathways were greatly reduced in SMA compared to UM (9.9% vs 83.4% for CP, 0.09% vs 30.7% for MBL and 36.8% vs 87.7% for AP respectively,P< 0.001).

Conclusion

These results indicate that, while C activation occurs in both SMA and UM, C consumption is excessive in SMA. It is speculated that in SMA, consumption of C exceeds its regeneration.
Integration and acceleration of virtual microscopy as the key to successful implementation into the routine diagnostic process
Authors: Wienert Stephan , Beil Michael , Saeger Kai , Hufnagl Peter , Schrader Thomas
Published: January 2009

Background

The virtual microscopy is widely accepted in Pathology for educational purposes and teleconsultation but is far from the routine use in surgical pathology due to the technical requirements and some limitations. A technical problem is the limited bandwidth of a usual network and the delayed transmission rate and presentation time on the screen.

Methods

In this study the process of secondary diagnostic was evaluated using the "T.Konsult Pathologie" service of the Professional Association of German Pathologists within the German breast cancer screening program. The characteristics of the access to the WSI (Whole Slide Images) have been analyzed to explore the possibilities of prefetching and caching to reduce the presentation and transfer time with the goal to increase user acceptance. The log files of the web server were analyzed to reconstruct the movements of the pathologist on the WSI and to create the observation path. Using a specialized tool the observation paths were extracted automatically from the log files. The attributes linearity, 3-point-linearity, changes per request, and number of consecutive requests were calculated to design, develop and evaluate different caching and prefetching strategies.

Results

The analysis of the observation paths showed that a complete accordance of two image requests is a very rare event. But more frequently a partial covering of two requested image areas can be found. In total 257 diagnostic paths from 131 WSI have been extracted and analysed. On average a diagnostic path consists of 16 image requests and takes 189 seconds between first and last image request. The mean linearity was 0,41 and the mean 3-point-linearity 0,85. Three different caching algorithms have been compared with respect to hit rate and additional image requests on the WSI server. Tests demonstrated that 95% of the diagnostic paths could be loaded without any deletion of entries in the cache (cache size 12,2 Megapixel). If the image parts are stored after JPEG compression this complies with less than 2 MB.

Discussion

WSI telepathology is a technology which offers the possibility to break the limitations of conventional static telepathology. The complete histological slide may be investigated instead of sets of images of lesions sampled by the presenting pathologist. The benefit is demonstrated by the high diagnostic security of 95% accordance between first and second diagnosis.
Interactions among type I and type II interferon, tumor necrosis factor, and β-estradiol in the regulation of immune response-related gene expressions in systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Lee Hooi-Ming , Mima Toru , Sugino Hidehiko , Aoki Chieko , Adachi Yasuo , Yoshio-Hoshino Naoko , Matsubara Kenichi , Nishimoto Norihiro
Published: January 2009

Introduction

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a prototypical autoimmune disease characterized by various clinical manifestations. Several cytokines interact and play pathological roles in SLE, although the etiopathology is still obscure. In the present study we investigated the network of immune response-related molecules expressed in the peripheral blood of SLE patients, and the effects of cytokine interactions on the regulation of these molecules.

Methods

Gene expression profiles of peripheral blood from SLE patients and from healthy women were analyzed using DNA microarray analysis. Differentially expressed genes classified into the immune response category were selected and analyzed using bioinformatics tools. Since interactions among TNF, IFNγ, β-estradiol (E2), and IFNα may regulate the expression of interferon-inducible (IFI) genes, stimulating and co-stimulating experiments were carried out on peripheral blood mononuclear cells followed by analysis using quantitative RT-PCR.

Results

Thirty-eight downregulated genes and 68 upregulated genes were identified in the functional category of immune response. Overexpressed IFI genes were confirmed in SLE patient peripheral bloods. Using network-based analysis on these genes, several networks including cytokines – such as TNF and IFNγ – and E2 were constructed. TNF-regulated genes were dominant in these networks, but in vitro TNF stimulation on peripheral blood mononuclear cells showed no differences in the above gene expressions between SLE and healthy individuals. Co-stimulating with IFNα and one of TNF, IFNγ, or E2 revealed that TNF has repressive effects while IFNγ essentially has synergistic effects on IFI gene expressions in vitro. E2 showed variable effects on IFI gene expressions among three individuals.

Conclusions

TNF may repress the abnormal regulation by IFNα in SLE while IFNγ may have a synergistic effect. Interactions between IFNα and one of TNF, IFNγ, or E2 appear to be involved in the pathogenesis of SLE.
No evidence of major effects in several Toll-like receptor gene polymorphisms in rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Jaen Olivier , Petit-Teixeira Elisabeth , Kirsten Holger , Ahnert Peter , Semerano Luca , Pierlot Céline , Cornelis Francois , Boissier Marie-Christophe , Falgarone Geraldine ,   the European Consortium on Rheumatoid Arthritis Families
Published: January 2009

Introduction

The objective was to study the potential genetic contribution of Toll-like receptor (TLR) genes in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). TLRs bind to pathogen-associated molecular patterns, and TLR genes influence both proinflammatory cytokine production and autoimmune responses. Host–pathogen interactions are involved in RA physiopathology.

Methods

We tested SNPs of five TLR genes (TLR9, TLR2, TLR6, TLR1, and TLR4) in a cohort of 100 French families with RA. Genotypes were analyzed using the transmission disequilibrium test. As TLR2, TLR6, and TLR1 are located on chromosome 4, we determined the haplotype relative risk. Analyses were performed in subgroups defined by status for rheumatoid factor, anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide autoantibodies, and erosions.

Results

We found no disequilibrium in allele transmission for any of the SNPs of the five TLR genes. In subgroup analyses, no associations were detected linking TLR9, TLR2, or TLR9/TLR2 to rheumatoid factor, anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide autoantibodies, or erosions. Haplotype analysis of the polymorphisms showed no haplotype associations in any of the subgroups.

Conclusions

We found no evidence of major effects of TLR gene polymorphisms in RA, although we tested different TLR phenotypes. Moreover, no associations were noted with autoantibody production or erosions.
Analysis of the platypus genome suggests a transposon origin for mammalian imprinting
Authors: Pask Andrew J , Papenfuss Anthony T , Ager Eleanor I , McColl Kaighin A , Speed Terence P , Renfree Marilyn B
Published: January 2009

Background

Genomic imprinting is an epigenetic phenomenon that results in monoallelic gene expression. Many hypotheses have been advanced to explain why genomic imprinting evolved in mammals, but few have examined how it arose. The host defence hypothesis suggests that imprinting evolved from existing mechanisms within the cell that act to silence foreign DNA elements that insert into the genome. However, the changes to the mammalian genome that accompanied the evolution of imprinting have been hard to define due to the absence of large scale genomic resources between all extant classes. The recent release of the platypus genome has provided the first opportunity to perform comparisons between prototherian (monotreme; which appear to lack imprinting) and therian (marsupial and eutherian; which have imprinting) mammals.

Results

We compared the distribution of repeat elements known to attract epigenetic silencing across the entire genome from monotremes and therian mammals, particularly focusing on the orthologous imprinted regions. There is a significant accumulation of certain repeat elements within imprinted regions of therian mammals compared to the platypus.

Conclusions

Our analyses show that the platypus has significantly fewer repeats of certain classes in the regions of the genome that have become imprinted in therian mammals. The accumulation of repeats, especially long terminal repeats and DNA elements, in therian imprinted genes and gene clusters is coincident with, and may have been a potential driving force in, the development of mammalian genomic imprinting. These data provide strong support for the host defence hypothesis.
Cloning of Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone I Complementary DNAs in Songbirds Facilitates Dissection of Mechanisms Mediating Seasonal Changes in Reproduction
Authors: Stevenson T. J. , Lynch K. S. , Lamba P. , Ball G. F. , Bernard D. J.
Published: January 2009

Temperate zone animals exhibit seasonal variation in reproductive physiology. In most cases, seasonal changes in reproductive states are regulated by changes in GnRH1 secretion, rather than synthesis, from the preoptic area (POA)/anterior hypothalamus. An important exception occurs in some songbirds that become photorefractory to the stimulatory effects of long days and show profound decreases in brain GnRH1 protein content. Whether this decline reflects changes in gene expression is unknown because of past failures to measure GNRH1 mRNA levels, due in large part to the absence of available GNRH1 gene sequence in this taxon. Here, we report the first cloning of GNRH1 cDNAs in two songbirds: European starlings and zebra finches. Consistent with the size of the prepro-hormone in other avian and non-avian species, the open-reading frames predict proteins of 91 and 92 amino acids, respectively. Whereas the decapeptide in both species is perfectly conserved with chicken GnRH1, the amino acid identity in the signal peptide and GNRH associated peptide subdomains are significantly less well conserved. At the nucleotide level, the starling and zebra finch coding sequences are approximately 88% identical to each other but only approximately 70% identical to chicken GNRH1. In situ hybridization using radiolabeled cRNA probes demonstrated GNRH1 mRNA expression primarily in the POA, consistent with previous studies on the distribution of the GnRH1-immunoreactive cell bodies. Furthermore, we provide evidence for photoperiod-dependent regulation of GNRH1 mRNA in male starlings. Declines in GNRH1 mRNA levels occur in parallel with testicular involution. Thus, photorefractoriness is associated with decreases in GNRH1 gene expression in the medial POA.
The ethics of dietary supplements and natural health products in pharmacy practice: A systematic documentary analysis
Authors: Boon Heather , Hirschkorn Kristine , Griener Glenn , Cali Michelle
Published: January 2009

Objectives

Many natural health products and dietary supplements are purchased in pharmacies and it has been argued that pharmacists are in the best position to provide patients with evidence-based information about them. This study was designed to identify how the pharmacist's role with respect to natural health products and dietary supplements is portrayed in the literature.

Method

A systematic search was conducted in a variety of health databases to identify all literature that pertained to both pharmacy and natural health products and dietary supplements. Of the 786 articles identified, 665 were broad-coded and 259 were subjected to in-depth qualitative content analysis for emergent themes.

Key findings

Overwhelmingly, support for the sale of natural health products and dietary supplements in pharmacies is strong. Additionally, a role for pharmacist counselling is underscored. But another recurrent theme is that pharmacists are ill-equipped to counsel patients about these products that are available on their shelves. This situation has led some to question the ethics of pharmacists selling natural health products and dietary supplements and to highlight the existence of an ethical conflict stemming from the profit-motive associated with sales of natural health products and dietary supplements.

Conclusions

This analysis raises concerns about the ethics of natural health products and dietary supplements being sold in pharmacies, and about pharmacists being expected to provide counselling about products of which they have little knowledge.
Surface roughness model for micro electrical discharge machining
Authors: Kurnia W , Tan P C , Yeo S H , Tan Q P
Published: January 2009

Asperities produced by electrical discharge machining (EDM) are covered by a multitude of overlapping craters, which results in the formation of corresponding workpiece profiles with a specified accuracy and surface finish. This paper proposes a surface roughness model for micro-EDM based on the crater geometry estimation. Surface factors are introduced into the model formulation to take into account the effects of overlapping craters, pockmarks, microcracks, and reattachment of debris in the actual machining process. Based on the experimental results using AISI 4140 as the workpiece, the surface factors are found to be 0.2985 and 0.3443 for the theoretical surface roughness for Ra and Rt respectively. Extension of the surface roughness prediction model to other materials is demonstrated using Ti—6Al—4V. Through this preliminary study, the proposed model generated theoretical results that have an average error of 6.5 per cent for Ra and 4.5 per cent for Rt when compared with the respective experimental results, thereby revealing the potential usefulness of the surface roughness prediction model.
Online parametric configuration of three-dimensional product visualization based on a triangulation model
Authors: Chu C-H , Wu P-H , Yuan G
Published: January 2009

This paper proposes a computational scheme for parametric configuration of three-dimensional products based on a triangulation model. This scheme allows real-time change in visualization of a three-dimensional product model without the need of computer-aided design or server-side processing. It simplifies the remeshing process by eliminating Delaunay triangulations. Parametric modification of design features are directly performed on an STL file, where supporting attributes are embedded in the comment fields. This ensures the integrity of the STL format and usage of common rendering tools. An online three-dimensional catalogue is developed for the configuration of a machine tool based on the proposed methods. The prototyping software demonstrates instant shape adjustment and dynamic three-dimensional interactions with the catalogue. As a client-side program, it does not require data transfer from the server during the configuration process or the existence of a B-Rep model. The system responsiveness is thus enhanced. Such a lightweight viewing technology facilitates design communication in a product life cycle as well as mass customization of three-dimensional products in e-commerce.
Dynamic cutting process modelling and its impact on the generation of surface topography and texture in nano/micro cutting
Authors: Zhou L , Cheng K
Published: January 2009

In the nano/micro cutting process, the surface quality is heavily dependent on all the dynamic factors, including those from the material, tooling, process parameters, servo accuracy, mechanical structural stiffness, and non-linear factors as well. The machined surface is generated based on the tool profile and the real tool path combining with the various external and internal disturbances. To bridge the gap between the cutting process and the surface topography/texture generation, an integrated simulation-based approach is presented involving the dynamic cutting process, control/drive system, and the surface generation. The simulations take account of all the intricate aspects of the cutting process resulting in the surface topography and texture formation, such as material heterogeneity, regenerative chatter, built-up edge (BUE), tool wear, spindle run-out, environmental vibration, tool interference, etc. Both the frequency ratio method and sampling theorem are used to interpret the surface topography and texture formation. The effects of non-linear factors on the surface generation are simulated and analysed through the power spectral density (PSD) and significance on surface texture. The relationships among cutting force, tool path, and surface profile are discussed in detail. Furthermore, the proposed systematic modelling approach is verified by cutting trials, which provide the coincident results of the surface topography and areal power spectral density (APSD).
Hypersonic inlet control with pulse periodic energy addition
Authors: Chang J T , Bao W , Yu D , Fan Y , Shen Y , Zhou W
Published: January 2009

The theory of pulse periodic energy addition to hypersonic airflow off a vehicle to increase air mass capture and improve the performance of hypersonic inlets at Mach numbers below the design value is explored. The unsteady numerical simulation of hypersonic inlets with energy addition was performed, and pulse periodic energy addition was introduced to discuss the possibility of the steady performance improvement of hypersonic inlets. The numerical simulation of hypersonic inlets at different pulse periodic energy addition rates was carried out. The simulation result shows that the performance parameters are improved at pulse periodic than at fixed values for the same averaged energy addition, and the energy addition rate needed is less at pulse periodic than at fixed values for the same performance parameters of hypersonic inlets.
Discrete time transfer matrix method for dynamics of a multi-rigid-flexible-body system moving in plane
Authors: Rui X-T , He B , Rong B , Wang G-P , Lu Y-Q
Published: January 2009

A new method of multi-body system (MS) dynamics, named discrete time transfer matrix method of multi-body system (MS-DT-TMM), has been developed to study multi-rigid-body system dynamics in recent years. When using this method, global dynamics equations of the system are not needed and the orders of involved system matrices are always very small. By defining new state vectors and developing new transfer matrices for a multi-rigid-flexible-body system (MRFS) to expand the MS-DT-TMM, a new method, named discrete time transfer matrix method of MRFS (MRFS-DT-TMM), has been developed to study MRFS dynamics in this article. If MRFS-DT-TMM is used, as an MS-DT-TMM, the global dynamics equations of the systems are not needed in the study of MRFS dynamics, the orders of involved matrices are always very small, and the computational speed is high irrespective of the size of an MRFS. This method is simple, straightforward, and practical, and provides a powerful tool for MRFS dynamics. Formulations of the method as well as numerical examples of MRFS dynamics are given to validate the method.
Effect of component stiffness and deformation on vehicle lateral drift during braking
Authors: Mirza N , Hussain K , Day A J , Klaps J
Published: January 2009

This article presents a simulation study into effects of compliant (flexible) components (such as the engine subframe and the lower control arm) and their deflections on the characteristics of a vehicle experiencing steering drift during straight-line braking. The vehicle front and rear suspension are modelled using multi-body dynamic analysis software. The front suspension model represents the MacPherson strut design of the vehicle and includes a rack and pinion steering system, brake system, engine subframe, and a powertrain unit. The model has been analysed under two steering control methods: fixed and free control. Suspension characteristics and the effect of deflections arising from the subframe and the lower control arm on these suspension characteristics have been analysed.

The simulations confirmed that variation of component stiffness and interactions within components give rise to side-to-side deflections that could affect lateral drift during braking. It is concluded that side-to-side variation of suspension characteristics can have a detrimental effect on lateral drift during braking and that compliant components whose stiffness varies from side to side can cause different side-to-side deflections that can induce and influence variation in suspension characteristics such as toe steer angle that can lead the vehicle during braking.
An approach to reliability evaluation of multiple V-belt drives considering the deviation of belt length
Authors: An Z-W , Huang H-Z , Lin D
Published: January 2009

Multiple V-belt drives are applied widely to the mechanical engineering industry. To improve their performance and reduce their risk in the course of running, some reliability models of multiple V-belt drives have been presented in recent years. In these models the lengths of individual belts in a multiple V-belt drive were regarded as identical. However, in practice the length deviations among individual belts in a multiple V-belt drive do exist. In this paper, the effect of belt length deviation on the transmitted power of a multiple V-belt drive is analysed in detail. The operation risk of a multiple V-belt drive is defined as the probability that the actual transmitted power is less than the rated power that ensures the multiple V-belt drives to perform its intended task. Then an approach to risk evaluation of a multiple V-belt drive is presented by using the universal generating function technique and the reliability model of a multistate weighted k-out-of- n system. Finally, the effectiveness of this approach is demonstrated by an example.
Collisions of Slow Ions C3Hn+ and C3Dn+ (n = 2–8) with Room Temperature Carbon Surfaces: Mass Spectra of Product Ions and the Ion Survival Probability
Authors: Pysanenko Andriy , Žabka Jan , Feketeová Linda , Märk Tilmann D. , Herman Zdenek
Published: January 2009

Collisions of C3H n+ ( n = 2–8) ions and some of their per-deuterated analogs with room temperature carbon (HOPG) surfaces (hydrocarbon-covered) were investigated over the incident energy range 13–45 eV in beam scattering experiments. The mass spectra of product ions were measured and main fragmentation paths of the incident projectile ions, energized in the surface collision, were determined. The extent of fragmentation increased with increasing incident energy. Mass spectra of even-electron ions C3H7+ and C3H5+ showed only fragmentations, mass spectra of radical cations C3H8•+ and C3H6•+ showed both simple fragmentations of the projectile ion and formation of products of its surface chemical reaction (H-atom transfer between the projectile ion and hydrocarbons on the surface). No carbon-chain build-up reaction (formation of C4 hydrocarbons) was detected. The survival probability of the incident ions, Sa, was usually found to be about 1–2% for the radical cation projectile ions C3H8•+, C3H6•+, C3H4•+ and C3H2•+ and several percent up to about 20% for the even-electron projectile ions C3H7+, C3H5+, C3H3+. A plot of Sa values of C1, C2, C3, some C7 hydrocarbon ions, Ar+ and CO2+ on hydrocarbon-covered carbon surfaces as a function of the ionization energies ( IE) of the projectile species showed a drop from about 10% to about 1% and less at IE 8.5–9.5 eV and further decrease with increasing IE. A strong correlation was found between log Sa and IE, a linear decrease over the entire range of IE investigated (7–16 eV), described by log Sa = (3.9 ± 0.5) – (0.39 ± 0.04) IE.
Aberrant Processing Forms of Lung Surfactant Proteins SP–B and SP–C Revealed by High-Resolution Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Galetskiy Dmitry , Woischnik Markus , Ripper Jan , Griese Matthias , Przybylski Michael
Published: January 2009

The mutation (g.1286T>C) of the pulmonary surfactant-associated protein C gene (SFTPC) leads to the I73T substitution in the precursor protein (pro–SP–C) and results in interstitial lung disease with the histological pattern of non-specific interstitial pneumonia and pulmonary alveolar proteinosis. Central for the disease is the abnormal processing of the SP–C pro–protein to mature SP–C; however little is known about the nature of intermediates and processing products. We report here the application of high resolution Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance (FT-ICR) mass spectrometry to the characterization of processing intermediates of hydrophobic pulmonary surfactant proteins SP–B and SP–C in intra-alveolar surfactant material of a patient with I73T mutation. SP–C and SP–B processing forms were separated from broncho-alveolar lavage fluid using chloroform/methanol extraction and sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoreis, detected by Western blot and identified by electrospray- and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization-FT-ICR mass spectrometry. The mass spectrometric and immuno-analytical results show the intra-alveolar accumulation of an aberrant C-terminal SP–C processing products in which the mature SP–C protein part is missing, and aberrant processing intermediates of SP–B.
Interpreting Slug Tests with Large Data Sets
Authors: Chapuis Robert P.
Published: January 2009

Pressure transducers are frequently used to monitor slug tests, and to collect a data set for height Z of water column versus time t. Direct application of the data to draw a velocity graph usually produces a wide scatter, thus limiting the usefulness of the velocity graph method. This paper proposes to interpret the data set in five steps. First, a Z(t) plot is drawn to assess the uncertainty in the Z data. Second, a limited number of data points are selected to reduce the uncertainty to about ±10 % in the velocity graph. Third, the velocity graph is drawn to obtain the hydraulic conductivity k and the piezometric error H0, if any, giving the piezometric level for the test. Fourth, the graph of ln(Z−H0) versus t is drawn to verify its linearity and check the k value of the velocity graph. Fifth, the graph of Z versus log10(t) can be used in a curve fitting process to yield directly both H0 and k, thus providing a second method to interpret the data set, which may be the only one possible when the Z(t) data are inaccurate. Examples are provided to illustrate the five steps and common problems.
Voting and Violence in Myanmar: Nation Building for a Transition to Democracy
Authors: Holliday Ian
Published: January 2009

Democratization studies now highlight potentially derailing problems such as warlike nationalism and violent ethnic conflict. In Myanmar, where ethnic tension runs deep, the risks are especially great. Political reformers should work within the framework of the military junta's planned 2010 general election, and pay close attention to nation building.
Myanmar's Foreign Trade and its Political Consequences
Authors: Alamgir Jalal
Published: January 2009

Analysis of Myanmar's official and unofficial trade suggests that the material bases of independent political power have weakened. Concentration of commercial influence in conjunction with Western trade sanctions has curtailed the potential spread of an independent trading class. Declining trade exposure has also diluted the political power of agriculture, Burma's traditional mainstay, to sustain challenges to the regime.
Historical Meditations in Two Films by John Gianvito
Authors: Rosenbaum Jonathan
Published: January 2009

A comparative essay on two feature-length, hybrid films directed by John Gianvito, The Mad Songs of Fernanda Hussein (2001), which concerns the irreparable effects of the 1991 Gulf War, and Profit Motive and the Whispering Wind (2007), a meditation on the grave sites of American activists.
Lebanese Cinema
Authors: Livingston David
Published: January 2009

A survey of the history of cinema in Lebanon from its faltering beginnings in the mid-1950s, through a period of great vitality, to its recent sporadic state. Particular attention is paid to the way in which genre films have dramatized a range of sectarian viewpoints.
Beyond the Choir: An Interview with David Simon
Authors: Beck Richard
Published: January 2009

In this interview, David Simon, executive producer and writer (together with Ed Burns), talks about Generation Kill, the seven-part HBO adaptation of Evan Wright's book about the 2003 U.S. invasion of Iraq and the early days of occupation. Simon emphasizes the desire to stay as faithful as possible to the book as well as discussing particular characters and scenes.
Small tumor size as favorable prognostic factor after adrenalectomy in Conn's adenoma
Authors: Giacchetti Gilberta , Ronconi Vanessa , Rilli Silvia , Guerrieri Mario , Turchi Federica , Boscaro Marco
Published: January 2009

Objective

Primary aldosteronism (PA) due to aldosterone-producing adenoma (APA) is the most common curable form of secondary hypertension.

Design

In order to evaluate blood pressure outcome after adrenalectomy for APA and to identify new favorable prognostic factors, data from 42 consecutive APA patients who underwent adrenalectomy were collected from 2005 to 2007.

Methods

Renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (upright and postsaline infusion test), serum and urinary electrolytes, office and ambulatory blood pressure monitoring were evaluated at baseline and after a follow-up of 2.7±2.2 years. Drug history and adenoma size at morphological evaluation were also collected.

Results

Multiple regression analysis showed that, before surgery, patients with a small adenoma (diameter <20 mm) displayed higher postsaline aldosterone values (P=0.0001), and lower serum potassium levels (P=0.020), than patients with adenoma >20 mm. Before surgery, mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) antagonists were used in patients with small APA in greater percentage than patients with bigger adenomas (64 vs 30% respectively,P=0.037). At follow-up, blood pressure normalized in 63% of the subjects. Recovered patients had a shorter duration of hypertension (P=0.038), and a smaller adenoma size (P=0.035). Receiver operating characteristic curves showed that a duration of hypertension ≤6 years and an APA size <20 mm were the best predictors of blood pressure normalization. Patients with APA <20 mm showed the complete restoration of blood pressure circadian rhythm.

Conclusions

The presence of APA <20 mm, duration of hypertension equal or less than 6 years, and preoperative MR antagonists use are favorable prognostic factors for hypertension recovery after adrenalectomy.
The combinations of polymorphisms in vitamin D receptor, osteoprotegerin and tumour necrosis factor superfamily member 11 genes are associated with bone mineral density
Authors: Mencej-Bedrač Simona , Preželj Janez , Kocjan Tomaž , Teskač Karmen , Ostanek Barbara , Šmelcer Mojca , Marc Janja
Published: January 2009

1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 upregulates tumour necrosis factor superfamily member 11 (TNFSF11) that codes for the receptor activator of nuclear factor κB ligand (RANKL), and downregulates osteoprotegerin (OPG) expression. We have analyzed the individual effects of polymorphisms in the vitamin D receptor gene (VDR), OPG and TNFSF11, and searched for interactions between them. Six hundred and forty one subjects were evaluated: 239 osteoporotic and 228 non-osteoporotic post-menopausal, 57 pre-menopausal women and 117 elderly men. The subjects were genotyped for BsmI, FokI and Cdx2 in VDR, K3N in OPG and −290C>T, −643C>T and −693G>C in TNFSF11 gene. Bone mineral density (BMD) and biochemical markers were measured. In the osteoporotic women, femoral neck BMD (BMD-fn) showed associations with BsmI(VDR) and Cdx2(VDR) (P=0.015 and 0.047 respectively), and lumbar spine BMD (BMD-ls) with K3N(OPG) and −290C>T(TNFSF11) (P=0.021 and 0.017). No association with BMD was found in the non-osteoporotic women. In the pre-menopausal women, the Cdx2(VDR) polymorphism was associated with BMD-fn and total hip BMD (P=0.011 and 0.011). In elderly men, FokI(VDR) was associated with BMD-fn and BMD-ls (P=0.040 and 0.036). Interestingly, the −290C>T(TNFSF11)-K3N(OPG) combination was associated with BMD-th (P=0.041) in the osteoporotic women. In the non-osteoporotic women, the combination K3N(OPG)-Cdx2(VDR) was associated with BMD-ls, BMD-th and BMD-fn (P=0.032, 0.049 and 0.022), and the combination −290C>T(TNFSF11)-K3N(OPG) with BMD-fn (P=0.029). For the first time, the presence of gene–gene interactions between VDR, OPG and TNFSF11 genes was studied. Our results strongly suggest further confirmation of their combined influence on larger cohorts.
Stanniocalcin 2 is positively and negatively controlled by 1,25(OH)2D3 and PTH in renal proximal tubular cells
Authors: Takei Yuichiro , Yamamoto Hironori , Masuda Masashi , Sato Tadatoshi , Taketani Yutaka , Takeda Eiji
Published: January 2009

We have previously identified a second mammalian stanniocalcin (STC2) in humans and demonstrated that STC2 inhibits phosphate uptake in an opossum renal proximal tubular cell line (opossum kidney (OK) cells). However, the regulation of Stc2 gene expression in OK cells is not well understood. In this study, we identified the opossum Stc2 cDNA sequence. The opossum STC2 amino acid sequence had 78.8% homology with human STC2, and has a conserved putative N-linked glycosylation site. Next, we investigated the regulation of Stc2 gene expression by the classical calcium and phosphate-regulating factors 1,25(OH)2D3 and PTH in OK cells. In western blot analysis using affinity-purified anti-STC2 antibody, the secretion of STC2 protein was stimulated by 1,25(OH)2D3 in a dose-dependent manner. By contrast, PTH suppressed the induction of STC2 protein secretion by 1,25(OH)2D3. Real-time PCR analysis revealed that Stc2 mRNA expression was increased by 1,25(OH)2D3 in a dose- and time-dependent manner. In addition, actinomycin D, an RNA synthesis inhibitor, prevented the effects of 1,25(OH)2D3 on Stc2 gene expression. On the other hand, PTH and phorbol 12,13-myristic acetate, a specific PKC activator, but not 8-bromo-cyclic AMP, a specific PKA activator, reduced the mRNA levels of Stc2. In addition, Gö6976, a specific PKC inhibitor, abolished the downregulation of Stc2 mRNA expression by PTH. Furthermore, we demonstrated that the renal Stc2 mRNA expression was increased by 1,25(OH)2D3 and decreased by PTH in vivo. These results suggest that STC2 is positively and negatively controlled by 1,25(OH)2D3 and PTH in renal proximal tubular cells.
A method of estimating the form of coarse particulates
Authors: CLAYTON C.R.I. , ABBIREDDY C.O.R. , SCHIEBEL R.
Published: January 2009

A small but important body of geomechanics literature now exists to show qualitatively that whether a specimen is composed of particles that are bulky or platy can have a significant effect on its behaviour during compression and shear. This particle shape characteristic has been termed ‘form', which has sometimes been estimated on the basis of ‘sphericity', a measure of how close a given particle form comes to that of a sphere. To assess the effects of form it will be necessary to develop and evaluate simple, practical, and robust three-dimensional measures of this aspect of particle shape. This paper reviews experimental evidence on the importance of particle form, and examines previous definitions of it. It then considers potential methods of obtaining data to define the three-dimensional form of coarse particles, and proposes a practical method (based on a volumetric equivalent scalene ellipsoid) by which this can be done. The proposed method is applied to specimens with different particle shapes, and the results are assessed by comparison with other possible measures of form, and against the results obtained from orthogonal measurements made using static imaging.
Critical period of sensitivity for effects of cadmium on frog growth and development
Authors: Gross Jackson A. , Johnson Pieter T. J. , Prahl Lili K. , Karasov William H.
Published: January 2009

Cadmium is a ubiquitous pollutant in aquatic environments that can alter organismal physiology and ecology. Previous experiments found that ecological Cd exposures increased the growth and development of two North American anurans. However, the generality of these effects among species, the time period over which they occur, and the mechanisms responsible remain conjectural. The goal of the present study was to determine the critical period of sensitivity of Rana pipiens exposed to ecologically relevant levels of Cd. We exposed tadpoles to Cd (0 [control], 1.0, and 10.0 μg/L) from Gosner stage (GS) 25 to metamorphic climax. We assessed effects of Cd on amphibian length, survival, and development during premetamorphosis (GS 25–30) and prometamorphosis (GS 31–42). After 14 d of exposure, we staged tadpoles and recorded snout-vent length. Tadpoles were then pooled according to treatment and stage (GS ≤ 29 or GS ≥ 30) and allowed to undergo metamorphic development. Tadpoles exposed to 10 μg/L were significantly larger and more advanced in development by 14 d. Survival to forelimb emergence exceeded 90% in all treatments, and time to metamorphic climax was not different from that in controls. Body burdens of Cd were positively correlated with increasing treatment. Early amphibian development (premetamorphosis) was shown to be the critical period of sensitivity for growth and development. Whereas the freshwater criterion for Cd appears to be protective for survival, a lack of knowledge remains about the sublethal effects of chronic exposures of metal pollutants, especially as they relate to tissue concentrations at various stages of amphibian life history.