bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A phase I clinical trial of the histone deacetylase inhibitor belinostat in patients with advanced hematological neoplasia
Authors: Gimsing Peter , Hansen Mads , Knudsen Lene M. , Knoblauch P. , Christensen Ib Jarle , Ooi Chean Eng , Buhl‐Jensen Peter
Published: May 2008

Purpose:  To determine the safety, dose‐limiting toxicity and maximum tolerated dose (MTD) of the novel hydroxamate histone deacetylase inhibitor belinostat (PXD101) in patients with advanced hematological neoplasms.

Patients and methods:  Sequential dose‐escalating cohorts of three to six patients with hematological malignancies received belinostat administered as a 30‐min i.v. infusion on days 1–5 of a 21‐d cycle. Experience from a parallel dose‐finding study in patients with solid tumors influenced the selection of the final dose.

Results:  Sixteen patients received belinostat at one of three dose levels: 600 mg/m2/d (three patients), 900 mg/m2/d (three patients) and 1000 mg/m2/d (10 patients), the dose determined to be the MTD in a phase I solid tumor study [Steele et al. (2008) Clin Cancer Res, 14, 804–10].

The most common treatment‐related adverse events (all grades) were nausea (50%), vomiting (31%), fatigue (31%) and flushing (31%). No grade 3 or 4 hematological toxicity compared with baseline occurred except one case of grade 3 lymphopenia. There were two related grade 4 adverse events of renal failure observed. Both events occurred in patients with multiple myeloma and had similar characteristics, i.e. an acute episode of decrease in renal function (pre‐existing nephropathy in one patient), with a metabolic profile and decrease in tumor burden consistent with tumor lysis syndrome. No other related grade 4 events were noted. The only related grade 3 events noticed in more than one patient were fatigue and neurological symptoms (one patient had status epilepticus in association with uremia and one patient had paresthesia), all other related grade 3 events occurred in single patients. No cardiac events were noted.

No complete or partial remissions were noted in these heavily pre‐treated (median of four prior regimens) patients. However, five patients, including two patients with diffuse large‐cell lymphoma [including one patient with transformed chronic myelomcytic leukaemia (CLL)], two patients with CLL and one patient with multiple myeloma, achieved disease stabilization in of two to nine treatment cycles.

Conclusions:  Intravenous belinostat at 600, 900 and 1000 mg/m2/d is well tolerated by patients with hematological malignancies. The study was carried out in parallel to a similar dose‐finding study in patients with solid tumors, in which the MTD was determined to be 1000 mg/m2/d days 1–5 in a 21‐d cycle. This dose can also be recommended for phase II studies in patients with hematological neoplasms.
Foxp3 expression on normal and leukemic CD4+CD25+ T cells implicated in human T‐cell leukemia virus type‐1 is inconsistent with Treg cells
Authors: Abe Masaki , Uchihashi Kinya , Kazuto Tsuruda , Osaka Akemi , Yanagihara Katsunori , Tsukasaki Kunihiro , Hasegawa Hiroo , Yamada Yasuaki , Kamihira Shimeru
Published: May 2008

Foxp3 is a master gene of Treg cells, a novel subset of CD4+ T cells primarily expressing CD25. We describe here different features in Foxp3 expression profile between normal and leukemic CD4+CD25+ T cells, using peripheral blood samples from healthy controls (HCs), human T‐cell leukemia virus type‐1 (HTLV‐1)‐infected asymptomatic carriers (ACs), patients with adult T‐cell leukemia (ATL), and various hematopoietic cell lines. The majority of CD4+CD25+ T cells in HCs were positive for Foxp3, but not all CD4+CD25+ T cells in ACs were positive, indicating that Foxp3 expression is not always linked to CD25 expression in normal T cells. Leukemic (ATL) T cells constitutively expressing CD25 were characteristic of heterogeneous Foxp3 expression, such as intra‐ and inter‐case heterogeneity in intensity, inconsistency with CD25 expression, and a discrepancy in the mRNA and its protein expression. Surprisingly, a discernible amount of Foxp3 mRNA was detectable even in most cell lines without CD25 expression, a small fraction of which was positive for the Foxp3 proteins. The subcellular localization of Foxp3 in HTLV‐1‐infected cell lines was mainly cytoplasmic, different from that of primary ATL cells. These findings indicate that Foxp3 has two facets: essential Treg identity and molecular mimicry secondary to tumorigenesis. Conclusively, Foxp3 in normal T cells, but not mRNA, is basically potent at discriminating a subset of Treg cells from CD25+ T‐cell populations, whereas the modulation of Foxp3 expression in leukemic T cells could be implicated in oncogenesis and has a potentially useful clinical role.
Enzootic simian piroplasm (Entopolypoides macaci ) in wild‐caught Kenyan non‐human primates
Authors: Jeneby M.M. , Ngeiywa M. , Yole D.S. , Mwenda J.M. , Suleman M.A. , Carlson H.E.
Published: May 2008

Background  Three species of non‐human primates comprising African green monkeys (AGMs), (Cercopithecus aethiops, n = 89), Syke’s monkeys (Cercopithecus mitis, n = 60) and olive baboons (Papio cynocephalus anubis, n = 30), were screened for Entopolypoides macaci.

Methods  Observation of blood smears prepared from these animals revealed E. macaci infection rate of 42.7% in AGMs, 35% in Syke’s monkeys and 33.3% in baboons.

Results  Gender infection rate was 38.2% in females and 29% in males. Statistically, there was no significant difference in infection rates between the monkey species and sexes (P > 0.05). Subsequent indirect immuno fluorescent antibody test supported the morphological appearance of E. macaci observed by microscopy. Sera from infected animals reacted positively (1:625) with E. macaci antigen, but not to Babesia bigemina or B. bovis antigen at 1:125 titer.

Conclusion  This study has revealed high prevalence of E. macaci infection in all three widely distributed Kenyan non‐human primates. With the continued use of these animals as models for human parasitic diseases, the presence of this highly enzootic parasite should be noted.
What's at Stake in Natural Law?
Authors: McIlroy David
Published: May 2008

Something like natural law is required if Christians are to say that Jesus Christ is as relevant to human beings of every age and in every place that we have ever existed as a race. There must be something stable about the human condition which means that we are all alike in need of a Saviour. That something is the fact that we are created to love God and to love our neighbour. This much is revealed to all humankind. For the Apostle Paul and Thomas Aquinas the natural law was not given as an alternative method of salvation but rather to explain the justice of God's judgment and the utter gratuity of divine grace. Similarly, natural theology is not an assertion that faith in Christ is optional but rather that all human beings are culpable if they do not recognise that there is a god who created them and rewards those who seek God. Natural theology is the minimum content of faith where Christ has not been proclaimed; it is no substitute for explicit faith in Christ when He has been revealed.
The Saint
Authors: Danaher James P.
Published: May 2008

Today, within the Christian culture, the celebrity has replaced the idea of the saint. Very strangely, the celebrity is the dire opposite of the classic notion of the saint. Even more strikingly, the idea of celebrity runs contrary to Jesus' teachings. Of course, in Jesus' day, there were no celebrities, as we know them today. What passed for celebrities in his day were the rich and wealthy. They were the ones that everyone looked up to and admired, but Jesus tells us that they are actually the most unfortunate, and that wealth is the most dangerous of any of the idols that possess us and keep us from the fullness of life God has for us.
God, Soul, and Time in Priest and Swinburne
Authors: Göcke Benedikt Paul
Published: May 2008

Contra Swinburne I argue that God cannot exist within time. There is a sufficient condition for its being now now. Because the conception of God existing within time cannot account for this condition, it has to be rejected. Based on Priest I argue that God's creative act is this: to cause the actuality of the universe within the soul.
Oral health care in private and small long‐term care facilities: a qualitative study
Authors: De Mello Ana Lúcia Schaefer Ferreira , Padilha Dalva Maria Pereira
Published: May 2008

Objective:  Elderly people who are institutionalised receive qualified care. Among the services supplied, oral health care has not always been a priority. The aim of this study was to identify the characteristics of oral health care provided to the elderly residents in long‐term care facilities (LTC) in Porto Alegre/RS city.

Methods:  Twelve private and small‐size LTCs (less than 20 residents) participated in this study. All supervisors and 36 carers were interviewed. The data obtained were organised according to the offer of oral health under the following categories: responsibility for oral care, oral care routines, difficulties carrying out oral care routines.

Results:  The procedures used most often in order of frequency were tooth brushing, prostheses cleaning, use of mouthwashes, soaking of prostheses and cleaning of the tongue. Among the difficulties mentioned were the high cost of dental assistance, the lack of co‐operation both by family members and by the elderly themselves, the oral and general health status of the elderly and the limited time available for carers to carry out the tasks. Oral care is conducted empirically, and the responsibility is left to the carers.

Conclusions:  Analysis of the statements given reveals that oral care does not follow any kind of protocol or standardisation. The persistence of this situation could lead to unsatisfactory oral health care in private and small LTC facilities.
LAW REFORM, COLLECTIVE BARGAINING, AND THE BALANCE OF POWER: RESULTS OF AN EMPIRICAL STUDY
Authors: Dannin Ellen , Dean Michelle , Singh Gangaram
Published: May 2008

Despite Congress' having made clear policy statements in the National Labor Relations Act that the law was intended to promote equality of bargaining power between employers and employees, to promote the practice and procedure of collective bargaining as the method of setting workplace terms and conditions of employment, and forbidding construing the law “so as to either interfere with or impede or diminish in any way the right to strike,” by early 1940, the courts had given employers the right to permanently replace strikers and implement their final offer at impasse. Judges have often justified these doctrines as promoting balance in bargaining. Critics contend that the doctrines have the capacity to destroy the right to strike, unbalance bargaining power, and divert parties from the process of bargaining collectively. Some have proposed allowing temporary but not permanent striker replacement. We use a bargaining simulation followed by a survey and debriefing comments to test these opposing claims.
AN ANALYSIS OF THREE LABOR UNIONS’ OUTREACH TO BRAZILIAN IMMIGRANT WORKERS IN BOSTON1
Authors: Kirshner Joshua
Published: May 2008

This article seeks to shed light on the conditions under which labor unions can include immigrants in their ranks as a means to regain their strength. It does so by focusing on the example of Brazilian immigrants in Boston and compares the approaches of three union locals in Boston toward organizing Brazilian workers, the Painters, the Teamsters, and the United Food and Commercial Workers Union. While previous studies argue that ethnicity and social networks can account for immigrants’ receptivity to unions, this article highlights strategic choice on the part of union officials as an important factor in facilitating unionization of Brazilian workers.
LIVING IN A “GOLDFISH BOWL”: ASSESSING RECENT CHANGES IN LABOR ORGANIZATION FINANCIAL REPORTING REGIMES IN THE U.S. AND AUSTRALIA
Authors: Lund John
Published: May 2008

Recent changes in laws, regulations and even the reporting format of labor organization annual financial reports in both the US and Australia have received surprisingly little attention, yet they have significantly increased the amount of information available both to union members and the public in general, as reports in both countries are available via government web sites. While such financial reporting laws are exteremely rare in European countries, with the exception of the UK and Ireland, the US and Australian reporting systems have become among the most detailed in the world. After reviewing these changes in financial reporting and the availability of these reports, as well as comparing and contrasting the specific reporting requirements of each country, this paper then examines the cost‐benefit impact of more detailed financial reporting.
Clinical Trial Methodology in Premature Ejaculation Observational, Interventional, and Treatment Preference Studies—Part I—Defining and Selecting the Study Population
Authors: McMahon Chris G.
Published: May 2008

Introduction

Large, well-designed observational or clinical efficacy and safety randomized clinical trials are required to identify the prevalence of premature ejaculation (PE) and its associated risk factors, to characterize the dimensions of PE and the basis for treatment-seeking behaviour, and to achieve regulatory approval of new drug treatments.

Aims

The objective of this article was to make recommendations for the criteria for defining and selecting the study population.

Main Outcome Measures

Contemporary published data on clinical trial design and the epidemiology, definitions, dimensions, and psychological impact of PE.

Methods

Contemporary data on the epidemiology, definitions, dimensions, and psychological impact of PE were reviewed, critiqued using the principles of evidence-based medicine, and incorporated into a series of evidence-based recommendations for standardization of patient selection for clinical trials in PE.

Results

Data from PE observational, interventional, and treatment preference studies are only reliable, interpretable, and capable of being generalized to patients with PE when study populations are defined by the constructs of an ejaculatory latency time of less than about 1 minute on all or nearly all occasions, the inability to delay ejaculation, and the presence of negative personal consequences, such as distress, bother, frustration, and/or the avoidance of sexual intimacy.

Conclusion

These constructs can be incorporated into a multidimensional evidence-based definition of PE and/or single-item questions or multi-item diagnostic questionnaires. The International Society of Sexual Medicine definition of PE reflects the contemporary understanding of PE, represents the state-of-the-art multidimensional definition of PE, and is recommended as the basis of diagnosis of PE for all PE clinical trials.
Clinical Trial Methodology in Premature Ejaculation Observational, Interventional, and Treatment Preference Studies—Part II—Study Design, Outcome Measures, Data Analysis, and Reporting
Authors: McMahon Chris G.
Published: May 2008

Introduction

Regulatory approval of new drug treatments for premature ejaculation (PE) demands evaluation in well-designed clinical efficacy and safety randomized clinical trials (RCTs).

Aims

The objective of this article was to make recommendations for trial design and efficacy outcome measures which comprise ideal PE observational, interventional, and treatment preference trial methodology.

Main Outcome Measures

Published data on clinical trial design, epidemiology, definitions, dimensions, and psychological impact of PE.

Methods

Data on the epidemiology, definitions, dimensions, and psychological impact of PE were reviewed, critiqued, and incorporated into a series of recommendations for standardization of PE clinical trial design, outcome measures, and reporting using the principles of evidence-based medicine.

Results

PE observational trials should be prospective and should provide quantitative or qualitative data derived from objective outcome measurements and/or the results of subject interview and other trial-specific investigations for analysis. PE drug trials should employ a double-blind RCT methodology and should include placebo control, active standard drug control, and/or dose comparison trials. Application of the placebo concept to psychotherapy intervention trials is complex and fraught with both conceptual and pragmatic problems. Criteria for the ideal PE preference trial are not yet determined but are likely to be a double-blind, crossover RCT of treatment-naive subjects using randomized drug sequences of equivalent drug doses. Ejaculatory latency time (ELT) and subject/partner outcome measures of control, personal/partner/relationship distress, and other study-specific outcome measures should be used as outcome measures. There is currently no published literature which identifies a clinically significant threshold response to intervention.

Conclusion

Data from PE observational, interventional, and preference studies are only reliable, interpretable, and capable of being generalized to patients with PE when derived from well-designed observational studies or intervention RCTs using ELT and subject/partner-reported outcome measures of perceived ejaculatory control and personal/partner/relationship distress are used as trial outcome measures.
Vectoring of Pepino mosaic virus by bumble‐bees in tomato greenhouses
Authors: Shipp J.L. , Buitenhuis R. , Stobbs L. , Wang K. , Kim W.S. , Ferguson G.
Published: May 2008

Pepino mosaic virus (PepMV) has become an important viral disease of greenhouse tomatoes worldwide. The ability of bumble‐bees (Bombus impatiens), used for pollination, to acquire and transmit PepMV was investigated, and the prevalence of PepMV in plants and bumble‐bees in commercial tomato greenhouses was determined. PepMV infection in plants was determined using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay, while in bumble‐bees direct real‐time PCR was used. In the first experiment, the bumble‐bees were exposed for 14 days to PepMV‐infected plants. After 14 days, almost all bumble‐bees were PepMV positive both in the hive (78.5 ± 17.5%) and in the flowers (96.3 ± 3.6%). In the second experiment, bumble‐bees were released into a greenhouse with both PepMV‐infected source plants and healthy non‐infected target plants for 14 days. At the end of the experiment, 61.0 ± 19.5% of the bees collected from the hive and 83.3 ± 16.7% of the bees sampled from the flowers were PepMV positive. Bumble‐bees transmitted PepMV from the infected to the healthy non‐infected tomato plants. Two weeks after bumble‐bee release, the virus was detected in leaf, fruit and flower samples of formerly healthy plants. After 6 weeks, the percentage of PepMV positive samples from the target plants increased to 52.8 ± 2.8% of the leaves and 80.6 ± 8.4% of the fruits. In the control greenhouse without bumble‐bees, the target plants did not become infected. Based on the infection levels in flowers, fruits and leaves, the PepMV infection occurred possibly first in the pollinated flowers, and then spread from the fruit that developed from the flowers to other parts of the plant. In commercial greenhouses where PepMV was present, 92–100% of the plants and 88–100% of the bumble‐bees were PepMV positive. No infected plant samples were found in the control commercial greenhouse, but a small number of bumble‐bees (10%) tested PepMV positive.
A Framework for Promoting Retirement Savings
Authors: WIENER JOSH , DOESCHER TABITHA
Published: May 2008

This article identifies the constructs that influence an individual’s intention to save for retirement and discusses how and when these factors can be changed by an agent trying to induce an individual to enroll in a retirement plan, increase his or her contribution to a plan, or purchase a particular retirement product. A broad array of psychological theories is used to develop a series of persuasive communications that can encourage a person to save. In addition, the persuasive communication approach is placed in the broader context of all efforts used to promote retirement savings.
The Financial Rationality of Consumer Loan Choices: Revealed Preferences Concerning Interest Rates, Down Payments, Contract Length, and Rebates
Authors: WONDER NICHOLAS , WILHELM WENDY , FEWINGS DAVID
Published: May 2008

A choice‐based conjoint experiment was employed to identify consumer preferences for automobile loan attributes. Respondents prefer loans with low interest rates and moderate contract lengths. Less important are high rebates and moderate down payments. Rebates are most important to choice when down payment is high. Even when choosing among interest‐free loans, respondents do not prefer long terms, conflicting with traditional financial rationality. Respondents appear to focus attention on the first digit of the monthly payment (payment, a function of the other attributes, was provided to respondents). This tendency was stronger among those with less education. Public policy recommendations are discussed.
The Effects of Boiling and Leaching on the Content of Potassium and Other Minerals in Potatoes
Authors: Bethke P.C. , Jansky S.H.
Published: May 2008

ABSTRACT:  The white potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) is a valuable source of potassium in the human diet. While most consumers benefit from high levels of potassium in potato tubers, individuals with compromised kidney function must minimize their potassium intake. This study was undertaken to determine the effects of leaching and boiling on levels of potassium and other minerals in potato tubers. Leaching alone did not significantly reduce levels of potassium or other minerals in tubers. Boiling tuber cubes and shredded tubers decreased potassium levels by 50% and 75%, respectively. Reductions in mineral amounts following boiling were observed for phosphorus, magnesium, sulfur, zinc, manganese, and iron. There was no difference between the leaching and boiling treatment and the boiling treatment. In addition, mineral levels in tubers of 6 North American potato cultivars are reported. Significant differences in mineral levels were detected among cultivars, but they were too small to be nutritionally important. Individuals wishing to maximize the mineral nutrition benefits of consuming potatoes should boil them whole or bake, roast, or microwave them. Those who must reduce potassium uptake should boil small pieces before consuming them.
Synthesis and Bioaccessibility of Fe‐Pheophytin Derivatives from Crude Spinach Extract
Authors: Nelson R.E. , Ferruzzi M.G.
Published: May 2008

ABSTRACT:  Heme iron is recognized as a highly bioavailable source of iron suitable for treatment of iron deficiency anemia. However, the animal origin of purified heme limits its broad applicability due to religious, personal, and food safety issues. Development of chlorophyll‐derived heme mimetics offers opportunities to expand current iron fortification strategies. The objective of this study was the synthesis of Fe‐pheophytin (FePhe) derivatives from natural chlorophyll and subsequent evaluation of their digestive behavior and bioaccessibility in vitro. FePhe a and a′ were synthesized from crude spinach extracts by treatment with 1.3 M iron(II)chloride and 0.25 M Na‐acetate dissolved in glacial acetic acid at 80 °C for 30 min. FePhe‐rich extracts (approximately 1 mM) were formulated into corn starch based test meals (7.5% lipid) and subjected to a 2‐step in vitro digestion designed to simulate in vivo gastric and small intestinal conditions. Recovery of FePhe following digestion and transfer of FePhe and pheophytins (Phe) from test meal matrix to mixed micelles was assessed by RP C18‐HPLC to determine the digestive stability and micellarization efficiency (bioaccessibility). FePhe a and a′ derivatives were moderately stable to digestive conditions with recoveries of 52.3% and 58.7%, respectively. Residual Phe a was stable to digestion. Micellarization efficiency of FePhe a (4%) and a′ (3.4%) was significantly (P < 0.05) lower than Phe a (25.8%) from test meals. While digestive stability and micellarization efficiency are limiting, the presence of lipophilic FePhe derivatives in mixed micelles suggests that these compounds would be available for subsequent absorption in the intestinal tract.
Effect of Natural Antibrowning Agents on Color and Related Enzymes in Fresh‐Cut Fuji Apples as an Alternative to the Use of Ascorbic Acid
Authors: Rojas‐Graü M.A. , Soliva‐Fortuny R. , Martín‐Belloso O.
Published: May 2008

ABSTRACT:  Polyphenoloxidase (PPO) and peroxidase (POD) were evaluated in fresh‐cut Fuji apple slices and the effect of the individual or combined use of ascorbic acid, 4‐hexylresorcinol, N‐acetylcysteine, and glutathione on their respective activities was determined. Additionally, color changes during storage at 4 °C were measured throughout 14 d of storage. PPO activity increased with storage time and was inhibited by the individual use of N‐acetylcysteine and glutathione. POD activity in the apple slices was effectively inhibited by the combined use of ascorbic acid with any of the other antibrowning agents. On the other hand, an individual treatment with 1% N‐acetylcysteine helped in maintaining the color of fresh‐cut apples during 14 d of storage, whereas the use of ascorbic acid was not enough to prevent color deterioration of the apple slices from the 1st day of storage. The results obtained corroborated the effectiveness of other natural antibrowning agents over the traditional use of ascorbic acid in the control of the enzymatic browning in the fresh‐cut fruit industry.
Microbiological Preservation of Cucumbers for Bulk Storage Using Acetic Acid and Food Preservatives
Authors: Pérez‐Díaz I.M. , McFeeters R.F.
Published: May 2008

ABSTRACT:  Microbial growth did not occur when cucumbers were preserved without a thermal process by storage in solutions containing acetic acid, sodium benzoate, and calcium chloride to maintain tissue firmness. The concentrations of acetic acid and sodium benzoate required to ensure preservation were low enough so that stored cucumbers could be converted to the finished product without the need to wash out and discard excess acid or preservative. Since no thermal process was required, this method of preservation would be applicable for storing cucumbers in bulk containers. Acid tolerant pathogens died off in less than 24 h with the pH, acetic acid, and sodium benzoate concentrations required to assure the microbial stability of cucumbers stored at 30 °C. Potassium sorbate as a preservative in this application was not effective. Yeast growth was observed when sulfite was used as a preservative.
Linguistic Capital and Academic Achievement of Canadian‐ and Foreign‐Born University Students
Authors: GRAYSON J. PAUL
Published: May 2008

Au Canada, plusieurs universités prennent des mesures pour recruter des immigrants ou leurs enfants et satisfaire leurs besoins—et parmi eux plusieurs ont l'anglais comme langue seconde. Il n'y a pas de recherches au Canada qui comparent la progression potentielle du capital linguistique des étudiants ayant l'anglais comme langue seconde et celui des autres étudiants au fil de leur parcours universitaire, avec les relations entre les progressions du capital linguistique et de l'acquisition des connaissances. L'auteur montre dans cette étude que, contrairement aux étudiants canadiens et ceux nés à l'étranger pour lesquels l'anglais est la première langue, le capital linguistique des étudiants nés à l'étranger dont l'anglais est une langue seconde s'accroît au cours des quatre années d'études universitaires. Cependant, cette augmentation du capital linguistique ne correspond pas à une augmentation de l'acquisition des connaissances.

In Canada, many universities are taking steps to recruit and meet the needs of immigrants and/or their sons and daughters, many of whom have English as a second language (ESL). There is, however, no research in Canada comparing potential increases in the linguistic capital of ESL and other students over the course of their university careers and the connection between increases in linguistic capital and academic achievement. In this study, it is shown that in contrast to Canadian‐ and foreign‐born students for whom English is a first language, and Canadian‐born ESL students, the linguistic capital of foreign‐born ESL students increases over 4 years of university study; however, this increase in linguistic capital is not paralleled by an increase in academic achievement.
Analysis of morphological vascular changes of hepatocellular carcinoma by microflow imaging using contrast‐enhanced sonography
Authors: Sugimoto Katsutoshi , Moriyasu Fuminori , Kamiyama Naohisa , Metoki Ryo , Yamada Masahiko , Imai Yasuharu , Iijima Hiroko
Published: May 2008

Aim:  To determine whether the findings of microflow imaging (MFI), composed of a flash replenishment and a maximum intensity holding sequence, using contrast‐enhanced sonography, correlate with the degree of histological differentiation of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

Methods:  This study was approved by the institutional review board; patients gave informed consent. The samples comprised of 61 nodules histologically diagnosed as HCC: 20 well‐differentiated, 26 moderately‐differentiated, and 15 poorly‐differentiated HCC. SonoVue was used as the ultrasound (US) contrast agent. The US equipment used was a SSA‐770 A with the imaging mode set at MFI. MFI is an imaging method combining flash replenishment imaging and maximum intensity holding. Two independent readers (readers 1 and 2) classified the microflow images into four patterns: (i) normal pattern; (ii) cotton pattern; (iii) vascular pattern; and (iv) dead wood pattern. The results were compared with the degree of histopathological differentiation of the HCC.

Results:  In each of the 61 HCC, blood vessels in the tumor were clearly resolved down to their fine branches. With regard to the relationship between imaging patterns and thehistological findings, it was found (with high percentages) that the normal and cotton patterns were associated with well‐differentiated HCC, that the vascular pattern was associated with moderately‐differentiated HCC, and that the dead wood pattern was associated with poorly‐differentiated HCC. If HCC with the normal and cotton patterns were assessed as well differentiated and those with the vascular or dead wood pattern were assessed as moderately or poorly differentiated, the sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of these assessments were found to be 85%, 92.7%, and 90%, respectively, for reader 1, and 85%, 82.9%, and 83.6%, respectively, for reader 2.

Conclusion:  The angioarchitecture and hemodynamics of HCC could be evaluated in detail using MFI. The results of this study demonstrate the feasibility of a non‐invasive preoperative diagnosis of the histological differentiation of HCC using MFI.
Blockade of Rho/Rho‐associated coiled coil‐forming kinase signaling can prevent progression of hepatocellular carcinoma in matrix metalloproteinase‐dependent manner
Authors: Xue Feng , Takahara Terumi , Yata Yutaka , Xia Qiang , Nonome Kazunobu , Shinno Eiji , Kanayama Masami , Takahara Shiro , Sugiyama Toshiro
Published: May 2008

Aim:  There is growing evidence that the Rho/Rho‐associated coiled coil‐forming kinase (ROCK) signaling pathway is upregulated in tumors and plays a key role in cancer invasion and metastasis. Our aim was to test the anticancer effects of Rho/ROCK inhibitor, Y‐27632, including possible mechanisms in a highly‐metastasizing hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) mouse model on its secretion of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) and tumor progression.

Methods:  Following orthotopic implantation of CBO140C12 HCC tumor fragments into the liver of mice, the mice were randomly assigned to a Y‐27632‐treated group or control group. After treatment for 4 weeks, specimens were obtained to evaluate tumor size, metastases, and immunohistochemical findings. In vitro, we examined the effects of Y‐27632 and RhoC siRNA on MMP‐2 and ‐9 expressions, invasiveness, and apoptosis in cultured tumor cells.

Results:  Both RhoA and RhoC were upregulated in HCC‐bearing livers, and Y‐27632 significantly inhibited not only tumor growth and intrahepatic metastasis (P < 0.05), but also tumoral MMP‐9 expression. Moreover, Y‐27632 treatment resulted in large necrotic areas in tumors. In vitro, Y‐27632 and RhoC siRNA reduced MMP‐2 and ‐9 expressions, as well as the chemotactic migration of tumor cells dose‐dependently, and increased apoptosis eight times.

Conclusion:  Y‐27632 suppresses progression and limits the intrahepatic metastasis of established HCC. This could be linked to the decreased MMP expression and induction of apoptosis in tumor cells. Rho signaling may prove to be a productive target in anticancer therapy.
Abstinence in patients with alcoholic liver cirrhosis: A follow‐up study
Authors: Kalaitzakis Evangelos , Wallskog Jesper , Björnsson Einar
Published: May 2008

Aim:  To investigate the proportion of patients with alcoholic cirrhosis who abstained from alcohol after contact with a hepatology unit, the predictors for abstinence, and the role of clinical and psychosocial factors in short‐term mortality in these patients.

Methods:  Eighty‐seven consecutive patients with alcoholic cirrhosis from a transplant center were included. Data on cirrhosis severity and complications, as well as on abstinence and psychosocial factors were collected. Patients were followed up for 19 (12–25) months. Data on abstinence during follow up, alcohol abuse treatment, psychiatric contact, severity of cirrhosis, mortality, and liver transplantation were analyzed.

Results:  Prior to inclusion, 53/87 (61%) patients had abstained from alcohol for 24 months (interquartile range: 18–33). Twenty percent had a history of other substance abuse, 47% had undergone alcohol abuse treatment, and 21% had a previous psychiatric diagnosis. Forty‐eight percent lived with a partner, 23% worked/studied, and 53% were pensioners. During follow up, 26% died, 20% received a liver transplant, 55% abstained from alcohol, 47% received alcohol abuse treatment, and 33% had psychiatric contact. In a multivariate analysis, abstinence during follow up was found to be related to abstinence upon inclusion in the study, to the model for end‐stage liver disease (MELD) score at follow up, and to no abuse treatment in a detoxification unit, whereas mortality was related to index MELD and alcohol abuse treatment during follow up. Neither abstinence nor mortality was related to psychosocial factors.

Conclusion:  More than half of patients with alcoholic cirrhosis were found to abstain from alcohol during follow up, which was related to prior documentation of abstinence and cirrhosis severity. Cirrhosis severity (expressed as the MELD) and alcohol abuse treatment during follow up were related to short‐term mortality.
Current studies on therapeutic approaches for ischemia/reperfusion injury in steatotic livers
Authors: Xu Chengfu , Yu Chaohui , Li Youming
Published: May 2008

Steatotic livers are particularly vulnerable to ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury, resulting in poor outcomes following liver surgery and transplantation. Therapeutic approaches for I/R injury in steatotic livers are currently under intensive investigation. This review summarizes and discusses the approaches developed during the last few years to prevent hepatic I/R injury in steatotic livers. Among the proposed approaches, ischemic preconditioning and intermittent clamping are the two most promising approaches that have been applied in some clinical centers for liver surgery and transplantation, but most of others have not reached clinical application yet.
Primary hepatic presentation of Hodgkin's lymphoma: A case report
Authors: Yokomori Hiroaki , Kaneko Fumihiko , Sato Aya , Takeuchi Hajime , Tahara Kumiko , Motoori Tadashi , Sekiguchi Yasunobu , Mori Shigehisa , Tamaru Jun‐ichi , Hibi Toshifumi
Published: May 2008

Hodgkin's lymphoma (HL) is in general a lymph node‐based disease. Hepatic involvement usually occurs in the advanced disease. Primary and prominent manifestation of the disease in the liver is extremely rare. We report magnetic resonance imaging leading to diagnosis in a rare case of liver involvement as the first sign of HL.
Response of Two-Dimensional Separation to Three-Dimensional Disturbances
Authors: Pauley Laura L.
Published: May 2008

The present study investigates the development and structure of three-dimensionality due to a three-dimensional velocity perturbation applied to the inlet of an unsteady two-dimensional separation computation. A random noise perturbation and a sine-wave perturbation are considered separately. In both cases, the spanwise variations were amplified in the separation and within the shed vortices. The vortex shedding frequency observed in the two-dimensional computation was not altered by the three dimensionality of the flow field. No observable spanwise structure was produced by the random noise perturbation. The sine-wave perturbation, however, produced longitudinal Go¨rtler vortices within the separation. Using a linear stability analysis, the presence of longitudinal vortices in a separated laminar boundary layer was predicted by Inger (1987). When the velocity field was averaged across the span, it was found that the sine-wave perturbation increased the separation length and reduced the strength of shed vortex. The span-averaged streamlines from the random noise perturbation, however, reproduced the unsteady separation of the two-dimensional computations.
A Study of Blast Effects Inside an Enclosure
Authors: Chan P. C. , Klein H. H.
Published: May 2008

A study of blast effects inside an enclosure was performed for a 1-lb C4 charge placed at the center of a rectangular bunker. The prediction based on the Euler equations shows good agreement with the test data. Predictions calculated by the method of images were also obtained to help illustrate the internal shock reflection effects. The results show that the confined blast loading is more complex than the free field loading due to internal shock reflections and interactions. Focusing of multiple reflections is possible and may cause significant late time loadings.
Interpreting Orthogonal Triple-Wire Data From Very High Turbulence Flows
Authors: Maciejewski P. K. , Moffat R. J.
Published: May 2008

For turbulence intensities of up to 30 percent, an orthogonal triple-wire probe can be used to make accurate measurements of the instantaneous velocity vector. Above this limit difficulties arise in the interpretation of the data due to the problem described as rectification. This paper presents a means by which data from an orthogonal triple-wire probe may be interpreted for single point measurements in Gaussian turbulence with intensity up to 50 percent resulting in unbiased estimates of the velocity mean vector, Reynolds stress tensor, and time correlation coefficients.
The Wavenumber-Phase Velocity Representation for the Turbulent Wall-Pressure Spectrum
Authors: Panton Ronald L. , Robert Gilles
Published: May 2008

Wall-pressure fluctuations can be represented by a spectrum level that is a function of flow-direction wavenumber and frequnecy, Φ (k1, ω). In the theory developed herein the frequency is replaced by a phase speed; ω = ck1. At low wavenumbers the spectrum is a universal function if nondimensionalized by the friction velocity u* and the boundary layer thickness δ, while at high wavenumbers another universal function holds if nondimensionalized by u* and viscosity ν. The theory predicts that at moderate wavenumbers the spectrum must be of the form Φ+ (k+1, ω+ = c+ k+1) = k+1 − 2 P+ (Δc+) where P+ (Δc+) is a universal function. Here Δc+ is the difference between the phase speed and the speed for which the maximum of Φ+ occurs. Similar laws exist in outer variables. New measurements of the wall-pressure are given for a large Reynolds number range; 45,000 < Re = Uoδ/ν < 113,000. The scaling laws described above were tested with the experimental results and found to be valid. An experimentally determined curve for P+ (Δc+) is given.
Quantitative Visualization of Surface Flows on Rotating Disks
Authors: Tzeng H.-M. , Munce A. C. , Crawforth L.
Published: May 2008

A novel scheme for the visualization of surface flows is developed. It utilizes the strong adhesion forces between micrometer-sized particles and solid surfaces to register the surface streaklines, or equivalently, streamlines for steady flows. Fluorescent particles are used to allow the spectral separation of particle fluorescence emission from morphology-related elastic light scattering from the surface. This scheme was employed to investigate the surface flow on rotating disks in a disk-drive-like environment. Trajectories of the streaklines were digitized and quantitatively analyzed using image processing for orientation and spatial distribution. The surface streaklines provide information about the boundary layers on the disk while the spreading angle of the jets in the self-pumped through-flow reveal details about the bulk flow outside the boundary layer. The spiral angle of the streaklines over a major portion of the disk surface was found to be in good agreement with the theory for laminar Ekman boundary layers. The spreading of the streaklines, reflecting the width of the self-pumped jets emanating from holes in the hub, was found to increase linearly with radius.
Experimental Correlations to Predict Fluid Resistance for Simple Pulsatile Laminar Flow of Incompressible Fluids in Rigid Tubes
Authors: Donovan F. M. , McIlwain R. W. , Mittmann D. H. , Taylor B. C.
Published: May 2008

The effects of oscillatory amplitude and frequency on fluid resistance for pulsatile incompressible laminar flow in rigid tubes were investigated analytically and experimentally. Analytical results predict that oscillations will have no effect on average resistance, defined as average pressure drop divided by average flow rate. The effect of oscillatory flow amplitude on total fluid resistance was obtained analytically. These results were verified experimentally. Equations are presented which allow the calculation of total fluid resistance for laminar, incompressible pulsatile flow in rigid tubes as a function of tube dimensions, fluid properties, frequency of oscillation and oscillatory flow amplitude.
Actively Controlled Radial Flow Pumping System: Manipulation of Spectral Content of Wakes and Wake-Blade Interactions
Authors: Akin O. , Rockwell D.
Published: May 2008

A unique, actively controlled pumping system allows independent control of inflow and impeller perturbations, as well as the phase shift between them. The basic configurations of an impeller and an impeller-diffuser blade system have been investigated, with the objective of manipulating the spectral content of the unsteadiness of the near-wake at the impeller discharge. Substantial alteration of the discrete spectral components can be attained. A central feature is the generation of a number of nonlinear interaction components, corresponding to sum and difference frequencies, of the forcing- and blade passing-frequencies and their harmonics. With proper choice of perturbation conditions, it is possible to attenuate the inflow perturbation, as well as to alter the magnitudes of the blade passing component and its harmonics.
Flow Structure in a Radial Flow Pumping System Using High-Image-Density Particle Image Velocimetry
Authors: Akin O. , Rockwell D.
Published: May 2008

Use of high-image-density particle image velocimetry (PIV) allows characterization of the instantaneous structure of wake and wake-blade interactions in a simulated rotating machine. The distribution of vorticity over an entire plane within the pumping system is related to the instantaneous pressure source terms in the wake of the impeller. Comparison of instantaneous and ensemble-averaged vorticity contours shows that limited ensemble-averaging can produce a substantial reduction in vorticity levels associated with the instantaneous pressure source terms. When the wake from the impeller interacts with a stationary diffuser blade, the instantaneous processes of flow separation and reattachment can be effectively characterized using combinations of instantaneous streamline patterns and contours of constant vorticity. Moreover, active control of the inflow into the pumping system allows substantial modification of these vorticity distributions.
A Preliminary Parametric Study of Electrorheological Dampers
Authors: Lou Z. , Ervin R. D. , Filisko F. E.
Published: May 2008

In approaching the design of an electrorheology-based, semi-active suspension, the electrorheological component (ER damper) can be built as either a flow-mode, shear-mode, or mixed-mode type of damper. The source of damping force in the flow-mode is exclusively from flow-induced pressure drop across a valve, while that in the shear-mode is purely from the shear stress on a sliding surface. The dynamics of the fluid flow are included in the derivation of the zero-field damping forces. The control effectiveness is found to be strongly related to the dynamic constant (which is proportional to the square root of the vibration frequency) and, for shear-and flow-mode dampers, the ratio of the piston area to the cross-section of the ER control gap. To achieve the same performance, a flow-mode ER damper is not as compact and efficient as a shear-mode ER damper. With the same ER damping force, a mixed-mode damper is more compact than a shear-mode damper. However, the mixed-mode damper does not have as a low zero-field damping force as the shear-mode damper. The analysis is based on the assumption that the ER fluid is Bingham plastic.
Phase Distribution of High-Pressure Steam-Water Flow at Large-Diameter Tee Junctions (Data Bank Contribution)
Authors: Rubel M. T. , Timmerman B. D. , Soliman H. M. , Sims G. E. , Ebadian M. A.
Published: May 2008

Experimental data are presented for the phase distribution of high pressure (2.75 to 5.5 MPa) steam-water mixtures at horizontal, equal-sided dividing tee junctions of two different sizes (49.3 and 97.3 mm i.d.). These data correspond to wide ranges of inlet qualities, inlet superficial vapor velocities, and extraction rates. Influences of the independent parameters on the phase-distribution phenomenon are presented and discussed. Comparisons between the present data and existing models have shown that the applicability of some models can be extended to the present test conditions.
An Experimental Investigation of Throughflow Velocities in Two-Dimensional Fluidized Bed Bubbles: Laser Doppler Anemometer Measurements
Authors: Gautam M. , Jurewicz J. T. , Kale S. R.
Published: May 2008

Detailed nonintrusive measurements have been made to determine the throughflow velocity in isolated fluidized bed bubbles. In air-fluidized beds, the throughflow component has been rather neglected and measurements of the visible bubble flow alone have, therefore, failed to clarify the overall distribution of gas flow between the phases. A single component fiber optic laser Doppler anemometer was used to map the fluid flow through a bubble rising in a two-dimensional bed. The bed was fluidized at a superficial velocity slightly higher than incipient. The conditioned sampling technique developed to characterize the periodic nature of the bubble phase flow revealed that the throughflow velocity in two-dimensional beds increases linearly with increasing distance from the distributor, thereby enhancing the convective component in the interphase mass transfer process. Bubble growth was accounted for and the end-effects were minimized. Dependence of the bubble throughflow on the elongation of the bubble was observed thus confirming the theoretical analysis of some previous investigators. However, experimental evidence presented in this paper showed that the existing models fail to accurately predict the convective component in the bubble phase of two-dimensional fluidized beds.