bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Relationship between Histamine2-Receptor Antagonist Medications and Risk of Invasive Breast Cancer
Authors: Mathes Robert W. , Malone Kathleen E. , Daling Janet R. , Porter Peggy L. , Li Christopher I.
Published: January 2008

Background: Histamine2-receptor antagonist (H2 blocker) medications are used to treat heartburn, gastroesophageal reflux disease, and ulcers. Some H2 blockers, specifically cimetidine and ranitidine, also increase serum prolactin concentrations. Given the positive relationship between prolactin levels and postmenopausal breast cancer risk, use of H2 blockers is a potential breast cancer risk factor. The few previous studies evaluating this association have been null but have been limited by small sample sizes, and none have evaluated risk by either histologic type or estrogen receptor/progesterone receptor status.

Methods: Combining data from two population-based case-control studies conducted in western Washington, we assessed the relationship between use of H2 blockers and risk of different types of breast cancer among 1,941 cases and 1,476 controls 55 to 79 years old. Odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were calculated using polytomous logistic regression.

Results: Current use of H2 blockers overall, cimetidine, and famotidine was not associated with an increased risk of either invasive ductal or invasive lobular breast cancer. Current users of ranitidine had a 2.2-fold (95% CI, 1.1-4.3) increased risk of ductal carcinoma that was confined to a 2.4-fold (95% CI, 1.2-4.9) increased risk of estrogen receptor–positive/progesterone receptor–positive ductal carcinoma.

Conclusions: Use of H2 blockers in general is not associated with an increased risk of breast cancer, although current use of ranitidine may increase risk of hormone receptor–positive ductal carcinoma. Further studies to confirm this finding are warranted. (Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2008;17(1):67–72)
‘I’m Happy if I Can Help’
Authors: Traulsen Janine M. , Björnsdóttir Ingunn , Almarsdóttir Anna Birna
Published: January 2008

Objective: To explore lay perceptions about medicine and drug therapy (including gene-based therapy) in the present and in the future. Background: Following almost a year of national debate, the Icelandic parliament passed the Health Sector Database (HSD) Act in 1998. No single issue has been as much debated in Iceland as this database. Despite the explosion of popular and scientific literature in the field of bioethics, there is still a paucity of research concerning ‘lay’ contributions to the debates. Methods: The study was designed as a qualitative study. Focus groups (FGs) were conducted followed by one-on-one interviews with the FG moderator. Participants were asked to comment on a future scenario consisting of predictions concerning the consequence of the Human Genome Project over the next 40 years. Participants: Forty-two persons participated in eight FGs in Iceland. The Icelandic moderator was interviewed in English after each group. Conclusions: The lay public was relatively optimistic with regard to the future of drugs and gene-based therapy. Reasons for this optimism can be found in a basic trust and belief in the welfare state and the health system. These results are not consistent with studies carried out in other countries where the public appears to be focused on the negative effects of genetic research and the threats to privacy. Most participants expressed concern about potential problems with regard to social and equity issues, whereas the HSD controversy, a discourse based on the rhetoric of bioethics, was at variance with the issues focused on by the lay public.
The Public’s Attitudes towards the Use of Genetic Information for Medical Purposes and Its Related Factors in Japan
Authors: Ikeda Wakaha
Published: January 2008

Objectives: The aim of this study was to examine the knowledge of and attitudes on the use of genetic information for medical purposes among the general public of Japan and to identify how the knowledge and attitudes correlate with gender, age and related factors. Methods: A cross-sectional survey using a self-administered questionnaire was conducted from June to July 2004. Stratified random samples of 500 adults aged from 20 to 69 years, living in A-ward, Tokyo, Japan, were analyzed using a χ2 test, t test and discriminant analysis (stepwise method). Results: Findings showed ‘interested in the use of genetic information for medical research’, ‘useful for making effective use of medicine’ and ‘useful for determining disorders to which one may be susceptible in the future’ as the three related factors that influenced discrimination in respondents’ attitudes. Of these, ‘interested in the use of genetic information for medical research’ had a standardized discriminant coefficient of 0.946, indicating greatest relevance to discriminating respondents’ attitudes. The factors ‘useful for making effective use of medicine’ and ‘useful for determining disorders to which one may be susceptible in the future’ exhibited the next highest discriminant relevance. There was no significant difference in gender and age. Conclusions: This study clarified the knowledge of and attitudes on the use of genetic information for medical purposes among the general public of Japan.
Awareness of Genetic Testing for Cancer among United States Hispanics: The Role of Acculturation
Authors: Heck Julia E. , Franco Rebeca , Jurkowski Janine M. , Sheinfeld Gorin Sherri
Published: January 2008

Background: The purpose of this study was to determine how acculturation affected awareness of genetic testing for cancer among Hispanic Americans. Methods: Subjects were 10,883 Hispanic respondents from the 2000 and 2005 National Health Interview Surveys. Acculturation was measured with language use and the length of time subjects had lived in the US. Weighted logistic regression was used to determine subjects’ awareness of genetic susceptibility testing. Results: Greater use of English (adjusted odds ratio, OR = 1.25, 95% confidence interval, CI = 1.15–1.36) was associated with increased awareness of genetic testing. Residence in the US for less than 5 years (adjusted OR = 0.55, 95% CI 0.36–0.83) was associated with lower awareness of testing. Conclusions: To better inform diverse American groups about genetic testing, intercultural variations and language skills must be taken into account.
Chronic Pancreatitis and Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: An Uncommon Association
Authors: Gutierrez Silvia C. , Pasqua Analia Veronica , Casas Horacio , Cremaschi Maria Blanca , Valenzuela Marcela Liliana , Cubilla Ariel Adalberto , Garcia Adriana
Published: January 2008

The association between systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and chronic pancreatitis (CP) is extremely rare. Up to now, only six cases have been reported. We report the case of a young woman who presented her first episode of abdominal pain and hyperamylasemia at the onset of SLE and developed chronic calcifying pancreatitis after a two year period.
Anthropometric Measures, Medical History and Risk of Basal Cell Carcinoma in an Italian Case-Control Study
Authors: Pelucchi Claudio , Naldi Luigi , Di Landro Anna , La Vecchia Carlo
Published: January 2008

Background/Aims: A few epidemiological studies investigated etiological factors for basal cell carcinoma (BCC) other than sunlight exposure and sunburns. Information on anthropometric measures and medical history is scant. Methods: We examined the issue in a case-control study including 528 patients with incident, histologically confirmed BCC and 512 controls hospitalized with acute conditions. Results: Odds ratios (OR) for the highest versus the lowest quartiles were 0.77 for weight, 0.99 for height, 0.87 for body mass index and 0.81 for body surface area. Corresponding estimates for trunk BCC were 0.42, 0.81, 0.50 and 0.47. Subjects with asthma (OR = 0.26) and diabetes mellitus (OR = 0.23) showed a decreased risk of trunk BCC but not face and neck BCC. Conclusion: The inverse relations between trunk, but not face and neck BCC, and obesity, diabetes mellitus and asthma may indirectly reflect the different role of past sunlight exposure to different body locations and variable etiologic pathways for BCCs according to body areas.
Reproducibility and Accuracy of the ICDAS-II for Detection of Occlusal Caries in vitro
Authors: Jablonski-Momeni A. , Stachniss V. , Ricketts D.N. , Heinzel-Gutenbrunner M. , Pieper K.
Published: January 2008

Aim: The aim of this study was to assess inter- and intra-examiner reproducibility and accuracy in the detection and assessment of occlusal caries in extracted human teeth using a newly developed visual method for caries diagnosis (International Caries Detection and Assessment System, ICDAS-II). Serial sectioning and microscopy were used as the ‘gold standard’. Methods: The occlusal surfaces of 100 teeth were examined by 4 dentists using the ICDAS-II graded scores 0–6. Thereafter the teeth were serially sectioned and assessed for depth of the lesion with two histological classification systems. Results: The weighted kappa values for inter- and intra-examiner reproducibility for the ICDAS-II examination were 0.62–0.83. There was a moderate relationship between the visual and both histological examinations (rs = 0.43–0.72). At the D1 diagnostic threshold (enamel and dentine lesions) specificity was 0.74–0.91 and sensitivity was 0.59–0.73. At the D3 diagnostic threshold (dentine lesions) specificity was 0.82–0.94 and sensitivity was 0.48–0.83 for the 4 examiners. Conclusion: The ICDAS-II system has demonstrated reproducibility and diagnostic accuracy for the detection of occlusal caries at varying stages of the disease process which are comparable to previously reported data using similar visual classification systems.
Enamel Subsurface Lesion Remineralisation with Casein Phosphopeptide Stabilised Solutions of Calcium, Phosphate and Fluoride
Authors: Cochrane N.J. , Saranathan S. , Cai F. , Cross K.J. , Reynolds E.C.
Published: January 2008

Casein phosphopeptide stabilised amorphous calcium phosphate (CPP-ACP) and amorphous calcium fluoride phosphate (CPP-ACFP) solutions have been shown to remineralise enamel subsurface lesions. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of ion composition of CPP-ACP and CPP-ACFP solutions on enamel subsurface lesion remineralisation in vitro. CPP-bound and free calcium, phosphate and fluoride ion concentrations in the solutions were determined after ultrafiltration. The ion activities of the free ion species present were calculated using an iterative computational program. The mineral deposited in the subsurface lesions was analysed using transverse microradiography and electron microprobe. CPP was found to stabilise high concentrations of calcium, phosphate and fluoride ions at all pH values (7.0–4.5). Remineralisation of the subsurface lesions was observed at all pH values tested with a maximum at pH 5.5. The CPP-ACFP solutions produced greater remineralisation than the CPP-ACP solutions at pH 5.5 and below. The mineral formed in the subsurface lesions was consistent with hydroxyapatite and fluorapatite for remineralisation with CPP-ACP and CPP-ACFP, respectively. The activity gradient of the neutral ion pair CaHPO4⁰ into the lesion was significantly correlated with remineralisation and together with HF⁰ were identified as important species for diffusion.
Infertility and Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome: A Study of Association between Body Mass Index and Intrafamily Marriages
Authors: Haq Fauzia , Rizvi Javed
Published: January 2008

Background: Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine disorder which causes anovulatory infertility. Obesity is one of the factors which directly modifies the clinical, biochemical and metabolic expression of this syndrome. Recently a genetic association of PCOS with intrafamily marriages has been postulated. This study investigates the association of environmental factors such as BMI and intrafamily marriages with the clinical, biochemical and hormonal features of this syndrome. Objective: To determine the relationship of different clinical, biochemical parameters and hormonal assay with the BMI of women who are known to have PCOS, and to compare these demographic features with intrafamily marriages. Material and Methods: From January 2005 until December 2006, patients attending the infertility clinic at Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, were evaluated for their clinical features. Couples were divided into 2 groups: group A had a history of first-degree intrafamily marriages, and group B had none. Complete biochemical evaluation was performed by day-2 serum FSH, LH, prolactin, testosterone and fasting serum insulin levels. The results were recorded on a data collection form. Ultrasonic evaluation was performed with transvaginal ultrasound to check the morphological appearance of the ovaries. A modified glucose tolerance test with 75 g glucose was performed and the results were recorded as normal, impaired and abnormal. Insulin resistance was calculated using the HOMA index method. Results: During this period 203 patients were evaluated for demographic and biochemical features of PCOS. The prevalence of obesity was 70% with 59.3% women found to have hyperinsulinemia while 52.3% of patients had insulin resistance according to the HOMA index method. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to compare the 2 groups. A linear relationship between oligomenorrhea, family history of diabetes, tonic LH, high fasting serum insulin levels, insulin resistance and an abnormal glucose tolerance test was revealed, keeping intrafamily marriage and BMI as dependent variables. In this population 48% of couples were in first-degree intrafamily marriages, suggesting the possibility of a high genetic predisposition for abnormal metabolic features beside ethnic predisposition. Conclusion: A linear relationship of high BMI and family marriages has been seen with insulin resistance, oligomenorrhea and impaired glycemic control. The number of obese women and the high rate of intrafamily marriages make our population genetically susceptible to metabolic complications.
G/A Polymorphism at –258 of the Hepatic Glucokinase Promoter Is Not Associated with Decreased Birth Weight in Preterm Neonates
Authors: Pawlowski M. , Kouklinos A. , Jopp-Petzina G. , Herkenrath P. , Fischer M. , Kribs A. , Roth B. , Roth J. , Tenbrock K.
Published: January 2008

Background: A high percentage of preterm neonates are born small for gestational age (SGA). These children show a high morbidity and mortality after birth and often develop insulin resistance with ensuing impaired glucose metabolism in adulthood. Since insulin is important for intrauterine growth, fetal insulin resistance might also influence birth weight of preterm neonates. Objectives: A common polymorphism in the promoter region of the human hepatic glucokinase (–258) is associated with a decreased promoter activity, an enhanced insulin secretion, and hypertension and hepatic insulin resistance in adults. In this pilot study we wanted to investigate whether the G/A polymorphism at –258 of the hepatic glucokinase promoter has an effect on birth weight of preterm neonates and therefore might constitute a genotype leading to low birth weight and metabolic defects. Methods: We enrolled 106 preterm neonates in our study. 44 of them were SGA and 62 AGA neonates. We extracted DNA from a buccal swab and identified the polymorphism by PCR-ARMS. Results: We found no difference in the prevalence of the polymorphism in either groups. Conclusion: The polymorphism at –258 of the fetal hepatic glucokinase promoter is most probably not of a major relevance in the pathophysiology of low birth weight in preterm neonates.
Reduction of Plasma sCD40L and Stimulated MIP-1-Alpha Production by in vivo Beta-Adrenergic Stimulation
Authors: Edwards Kate M. , Hong Suzi , Woods Barbara G. , Mills Paul J.
Published: January 2008

Background: β-Adrenergic receptor stimulation appears to have contrasting effects on inflammatory processes. Methods: In 25 healthy volunteers we examined the effects of a 20-min isoproterenol infusion (20 ng/kg/min) on systemic and peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) production of LPS-stimulated inflammatory mediators. Results: Plasma soluble CD40 ligand and stimulated MIP-1α production were both reduced (p ≤ 0.05) by systemic β-adrenergic stimulation. Stimulated TNF-α production was reduced (p < 0.03) but plasma TNF-α was unchanged. In contrast, plasma IL-6 was elevated (p < 0.05) while stimulated IL-6 was unchanged, indicating the main source may not be PBMCs. Conclusions: β-Adrenergic receptor activation leads to a reduction in markers of the early inflammation cascade. Our findings also suggest that adipose tissue is a contributing source of β-adrenergically stimulated increases in circulating IL-6. Since β-adrenergic agonists and antagonists are commonly used in the treatment of disease, it is important that we clearly elucidate and contrast their systemic versus cell-specific effects.
Expression of Tyrosine Kinase Etk/Bmx and Its Relationship with AP-1- and NF-κB-Associated Proteins in Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Guo Linlang , Guo Ying , Xiao Sha
Published: January 2008

Etk/Bmx is a cytoplasmic tyrosine kinase, which was first identified in human bone marrow cells. It has been found to play an important role in the regulation of differentiation and tumorigenicity in some cancers. The aim of this study was to investigate the significance of Etk/Bmx expression in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and the relationship between Etk/Bmx and activated protein-1 (AP-1)- and nuclear factor-ĸB (NF-ĸB)-associated proteins. We used immunohistochemisty to examine 40 cases of human HCC along with corresponding nontumor tissues to assess Etk/Bmx, Jun family (c-Jun, JunB, JunD), Fos family (c-Fos, FosB, Fra-1) and NF-ĸB p65 expression in these samples. Etk/Bmx expression was present in 12 of 40 (30%) HCC specimens, 4 of which among the 25 well-differentiated tumors and 8 among the 15 poorly differentiated tumors, respectively. In contrast, 6 of 40 (15%) cases expressed Etk/Bmx in adjacent nontumor tissues. Expression level and cellular localization of Etk/Bmx were different in cancer cells and nontumor cells. Etk/Bmx expression was correlated with histological differentiation, but not with clinicopathological features including tumor size, HBV infection, cirrhosis, and metastasis. There was a close relationship between Etk/Bmx and c-Fos expression in HCC. Etk/Bmx immunopositivity was independent of c-Jun, JunD, FosB, Fra-1 and NF-ĸB p65. Our results indicated that Etk/Bmx may have different biological roles in tumor and nontumor cells, and may be involved in regulating hepatocyte differentiation by c-Fos activation in HCC.
Nocturnal Low-Level-Jet-Dominated Atmospheric Boundary Layer Observed by a Doppler Lidar over Oklahoma City during JU2003
Authors: Wang Yansen , Klipp Cheryl L. , Garvey Dennis M. , Ligon David A. , Williamson Chatt C. , Chang Sam S. , Newsom Rob K. , Calhoun Ronald
Published: January 2008

Boundary layer wind data observed by a Doppler lidar and sonic anemometers during the mornings of three intensive observational periods (IOP2, IOP3, and IOP7) of the Joint Urban 2003 (JU2003) field experiment are analyzed to extract the mean and turbulent characteristics of airflow over Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. A strong nocturnal low-level jet (LLJ) dominated the flow in the boundary layer over the measurement domain from midnight to the morning hours. Lidar scans through the LLJ taken after sunrise indicate that the LLJ elevation shows a gradual increase of 25–100 m over the urban area relative to that over the upstream suburban area. The mean wind speed beneath the jet over the urban area is about 10%–15% slower than that over the suburban area. Sonic anemometer observations combined with Doppler lidar observations in the urban and suburban areas are also analyzed to investigate the boundary layer turbulence production in the LLJ-dominated atmospheric boundary layer. The turbulence kinetic energy was higher over the urban domain mainly because of the shear production of building surfaces and building wakes. Direct transport of turbulent momentum flux from the LLJ to the urban street level was very small because of the relatively high elevation of the jet. However, since the LLJ dominated the mean wind in the boundary layer, the turbulence kinetic energy in the urban domain is correlated directly with the LLJ maximum speed and inversely with its height. The results indicate that the jet Richardson number is a reasonably good indicator for turbulent kinetic energy over the urban domain in the LLJ-dominated atmospheric boundary layer.
Personal Functioning Under Stress
Authors: Bar-Joseph Uri , McDermott Rose
Published: January 2008

Much work has explored decision making under stress in political leadership. Less work has attempted to link the enormous emotional pressure of crisis with both the heightened sense of political accountability and responsibility and the increased need for social support under such circumstances. The authors examine the impact of political accountability, and the nature and quality of individual social support, on the relative performance of five central Israeli leaders on the second day of the Yom Kippur War. Minister of Defense Moshe Dayan and the Commander of the Southern Command, Maj. Gen. Shmuel Gonen, performed very poorly, whereas Prime Minister Golda Meir and Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. David Elazar performed very well. The Commander of the Northern Command, Maj. Gen. Yitzhak Hofi, performed adequately. The authors account for these divergences in performance based on individual differences in personal accountability and available social support networks.
Tourist Loyalty to Tour Operator: Effects of Price Promotions and Tourist Effort
Authors: Campo Sara , Yagüe María J.
Published: January 2008

This article analyzes the formation of the tourist loyalty to tour operator and the effects of price promotions and the consumer's search for price promotions in the scheme of perceived price perceived quality satisfaction loyalty to tour operator. The main results indicate that perceived quality is the primary antecedent of tourist loyalty to tour operator. This variable affects loyalty to tour operator directly and positively, as well as indirectly by means of satisfaction. Second, price promotions do not directly erode the tourist loyalty to tour operator. The relationship that exists is indirect and low in quantity. Third, the effort invested by the tourist to find price promotions acts as a mediating variable of price promotions, such that the more intensive the consumer's search for advantageous prices, the lower the negative and indirect effect of price promotions on consumer loyalty.
Perceived Altruism
Authors: Ronel Natti , Haski-Leventhal Debbie , Ben-David Boaz M. , York Alan S.
Published: January 2008

Perceived altruism, an attitude that clients may attribute to those who work with them, was examined in a qualitative and quantitative study about the impact of volunteers in drop-in centers for youth at risk in Israel. Data were collected by interviews, observations, case studies, and questionnaires. The results show that the volunteers' unique contribution affected the service as a whole. The beneficiaries knew that volunteers were servicing them, perceived volunteers as true altruists, were satisfied to the degree of preferring their services over that of paid workers, and were positively affected by the encounter with volunteering. A significant impact was that volunteers set a living example of the possibility of human goodness via personal encounters and demonstrated the existence of a responsive society with mutual, unconditional caring. These results exhibit practical implications for innovative interventions with youth at risk and illustrate the significance of the psychology of goodness.
“What Bothers You the Most?” Initial Responses From Patients Receiving Palliative Care Consultation
Authors: Shah Mindy , Quill Timothy , Norton Sally , Sada Yvonne , Buckley Marcia , Fridd Charlotte
Published: January 2008

The purpose of this investigation is to describe how hospitalized palliative care patients respond to the question “What bothers you the most?” at the time of initial consultation. A retrospective descriptive content analysis of first person responses routinely recorded during initial interview (n = 286) was carried out. Responses were grouped in 7 major categories: physical distress (44%); emotional, spiritual, existential, or nonspecific distress (16%); relationships (15%); concerns about the dying process and death (15%); loss of function and normalcy (12%); distress about location (11%); and distress with medical providers or treatment (9%). Fifteen percent of responses were unable to be reliably categorized. Although many of our patients were not able to answer open-ended questions because of illness, those who did shared a wide range of concerns that provided a starting point for clinical prioritization. Further research into the use of such simple questions at time of initial consultation is warranted.
Lullament: Lullaby and Lament Therapeutic Qualities Actualized Through Music Therapy
Authors: O'Callaghan Clare
Published: January 2008

Lullabies and laments promote new awareness, enculturation, adaptation, and grief expression. These concepts' relevance to palliative care, however, has not been examined. In this study, a music therapist used a grounded theory—informed design to reflexively analyze lullaby and lament qualities, evident in more than 20 years of personal palliative care practice. Thus, the construct “lullament” emerged, which signified helpful moments when patients' and families' personal and sociohistorical relationship with lullabies and laments were actualized. Specific music could be both a lullaby and a lament. A music therapist can enable the lullament through providing opportunities for music-contextualized “restorative resounding,” expressed psychobiologically, verbally, musically, and metaphorically.
Genetic variation and recombination of RdRp and HSP 70h genes of Citrus tristeza virus isolates from orange trees showing symptoms of citrus sudden death disease
Authors: Gomes Clarissa PC , Nagata Tatsuya , de Jesus Waldir C , Neto Carlos R Borges , Pappas Georgios J , Martin Darren P
Published: January 2008

Background

Citrus sudden death (CSD), a disease that rapidly kills orange trees, is an emerging threat to the Brazilian citrus industry. Although the causal agent of CSD has not been definitively determined, based on the disease's distribution and symptomatology it is suspected that the agent may be a new strain of Citrus tristeza virus (CTV). CTV genetic variation was therefore assessed in two Brazilian orange trees displaying CSD symptoms and a third with more conventional CTV symptoms.

Results

A total of 286 RNA-dependent-RNA polymerase (RdRp) and 284 heat shock protein 70 homolog (HSP70h) gene fragments were determined for CTV variants infecting the three trees. It was discovered that, despite differences in symptomatology, the trees were all apparently coinfected with similar populations of divergent CTV variants. While mixed CTV infections are common, the genetic distance between the most divergent population members observed (24.1% for RdRp and 11.0% for HSP70h) was far greater than that in previously described mixed infections. Recombinants of five distinct RdRp lineages and three distinct HSP70h lineages were easily detectable but respectively accounted for only 5.9 and 11.9% of the RdRp and HSP70h gene fragments analysed and there was no evidence of an association between particular recombinant mosaics and CSD. Also, comparisons of CTV population structures indicated that the two most similar CTV populations were those of one of the trees with CSD and the tree without CSD.

Conclusion

We suggest that if CTV is the causal agent of CSD, it is most likely a subtle feature of population structures within mixed infections and not merely the presence (or absence) of a single CTV variant within these populations that triggers the disease.
Perineural Resiniferatoxin Selectively Inhibits Inflammatory Hyperalgesia
Authors: Neubert John K , Mannes Andrew J , Karai Laszlo J , Jenkins Alan C , Zawatski Lanel , Abu-Asab Mones , Iadarola Michael J
Published: January 2008

Resiniferatoxin (RTX) is an ultrapotent capsaicin analog that binds to the transient receptor potential channel, vanilloid subfamily member 1 (TRPV1). There is a large body of evidence supporting a role for TRPV1 in noxious-mediated and inflammatory hyperalgesic responses. In this study, we evaluated low, graded, doses of perineural RTX as a method for regional pain control. We hypothesized that this approach can provide long-term, but reversible, blockade of a portion of nociceptive afferent fibers within peripheral nerves when given at a site remote from the neuronal perikarya in the dorsal root ganglia. Following perineural RTX application to the sciatic nerve, we demonstrated a significant inhibition of inflammatory nociception that was dose- and time-dependent. At the same time, treated animals maintained normal proprioceptive sensations and motor control, and other nociceptive responses were largely unaffected. Using a range of mechanical and thermal algesic tests, we found that the most sensitive measure following perineural RTX administration was inhibition of inflammatory hyperalgesia. Recovery studies showed that physiologic sensory function could return as early as two weeks post-RTX treatment, however, immunohistochemical examination of the DRG revealed a partial, but significant reduction in the number of the TRPV1-positive neurons. We propose that this method could represent a beneficial treatment for a range of chronic pain problems, including neuropathic and inflammatory pain not responding to other therapies.
Selective Loss of Somatostatin Receptor 2 in Octreotide-Resistant Growth Hormone-Secreting Adenomas
Authors: Plöckinger Ursula , Albrecht Susann , Mawrin Christian , Saeger Wolfgang , Buchfelder Michael , Petersenn Stephan , Schulz Stefan
Published: January 2008

Objective: The somatostatin analog octreotide preferentially binds to somatostatin receptor (sst) 2A and to a lesser extent to sst5. Although sst2A and sst5 mRNAs are consistently expressed in GH-secreting adenomas, octreotide controls GH secretion only in 65% of acromegalic patients. Hence, we investigated the immunocytochemical expression of sst in a large group of somatotroph tumors.

Methods: Acromegalic patients, cared for in a university referral center, were either operated on without pretreatment (group A, n = 14) or pretreated with octreotide [median (minimum-maximum): dose 1250 (300–1500) μg/d for 5.6 (3–9) months] before surgery (group B, n = 20). In group B octreotide reduced GH secretion by more than 50% in 14 patients (70%) (GH responders). Six patients with less than 50% GH suppression were considered GH nonresponders. We used a panel of extensively characterized antibodies to determine the immunocytochemical sst status in somatotroph adenomas and compared their expression between the groups.

Results: All group A tumors demonstrated immunoreactive sst2A, and all but one had sst5. A similar pattern was found in the GH responders of group B. In contrast, none of the GH nonresponders exhibited detectable sst2A (sst2A: GH responders vs. GH nonresponders, P < 0.0001), whereas sst5 was found in 70%. sst1 and sst3 were detected in 85 and 24% of all cases, independent of previous octreotide treatment.

Conclusions: Our findings suggest that octreotide resistance in GH-secreting adenomas occurs due to a selective loss of sst2A. The persistent expression of sst1 and sst5 receptors suggests that these tumors are potential targets for pan-somatostatin analogs.
Robustness of Delta Hedging for Path-Dependent Options in Local Volatility Models
Authors: Schied Alexander , Stadje Mitja
Published: January 2008

We consider the performance of the delta hedging strategy obtained from a local volatility model when using as input the physical prices instead of the model price process. This hedging strategy is called robust if it yields a superhedge as soon as the local volatility model overestimates the market volatility. We show that robustness holds for a standard Black-Scholes model whenever we hedge a path-dependent derivative with a convex payoff function. In a genuine local volatility model the situation is shown to be less stable: robustness can break down for many relevant convex payoffs including average-strike Asian options, lookback puts, floating-strike forward starts, and their aggregated cliquets. Furthermore, we prove that a sufficient condition for the robustness in every local volatility model is the directional convexity of the payoff function.
Precise Large Deviations for Sums of Random Variables with Consistently Varying Tails in Multi-Risk Models
Authors: Wang Shijie , Wang Wensheng
Published: January 2008

Assume that there are k types of insurance contracts in an insurance company. The ith related claims are denoted by {Xij, j ≥ 1}, i = 1,…,k. In this paper we investigate large deviations for both partial sums S(k; n1,…,nk) = ∑i=1k ∑j=1niXij and random sums S(k; t) = ∑i=1k ∑j=1Ni (t)Xij, where Ni(t), i = 1,…,k, are counting processes for the claim number. The obtained results extend some related classical results.
Asymptotic Blocking Probabilities in Loss Networks with Subexponential Demands
Authors: Lu Yingdong , Radovanović Ana
Published: January 2008

The analysis of stochastic loss networks has long been of interest in computer and communications networks and is becoming important in the areas of service and information systems. In traditional settings computing the well-known Erlang formula for blocking probabilities in these systems becomes intractable for larger resource capacities. Using compound point processes to capture stochastic variability in the request process, we generalize existing models in this framework and derive simple asymptotic expressions for the blocking probabilities. In addition, we extend our model to incorporate reserving resources in advance. Although asymptotic, our experiments show an excellent match between derived formulae and simulation results even for relatively small resource capacities and relatively large values of the blocking probabilities.
Multiple regulatory inputs converge on cortactin to control invadopodia biogenesis and extracellular matrix degradation
Authors: Ayala Inmaculada , Baldassarre Massimiliano , Giacchetti Giada , Caldieri Giusi , Tetè Stefano , Luini Alberto , Buccione Roberto
Published: January 2008

Invadopodia are proteolytically active protrusions formed by invasive tumoral cells when grown on an extracellular matrix (ECM) substratum. Although many molecular components have been defined, less is known of the formation and regulation of invadopodia. The multidomain protein cortactin, which is involved in the regulation of actin polymerisation, is one such component, but how cortactin is modulated to control the formation of invadopodia has not been elucidated. Here, a new invadopodia synchronization protocol is used to show that the cortactin N-terminal acidic and SH3 domains, involved in Arp2/3 complex and N-WASP binding and activation, respectively, are both required for invadopodia biogenesis. In addition, through a combination of RNA interference and a wide array of cortactin phosphorylation mutants, we were able to show that three convergent regulatory inputs based on the regulation of cortactin phosphorylation by Src-family kinases, Erk1/Erk2 and PAK are necessary for invadopodia formation and extracellular matrix degradation. These findings suggest that cortactin is a scaffold protein bringing together the different components necessary for the formation of the invadopodia, and that a fine balance between different phosphorylation events induces subtle changes in structure to calibrate cortactin function.
Cytoplasmic condensation is both necessary and sufficient to induce apoptotic cell death
Authors: Ernest Nola Jean , Habela Christa W. , Sontheimer Harald
Published: January 2008

Programmed cell death (apoptosis) is important in tissue maintenance. Hallmarks of apoptosis include caspase activation, DNA fragmentation and an overall reduction in cell volume. Whether this apoptotic volume decrease (AVD) is a mere response to initiators of apoptosis or whether it is functionally significant is not clear. In this study, we sought to answer this question using human malignant glioma cells as a model system. In vivo, high grade gliomas demonstrate an increased percentage of apoptotic cells as well as upregulation of death ligand receptors. By dynamically monitoring cell volume, we show that the induction of apoptosis, via activation of either the intrinsic or extrinsic pathways with staurosporine or TRAIL, respectively, resulted in a rapid AVD in D54-MG human glioma cells. This decrease in cell volume could be prevented by inhibiting the efflux of Cl– through channels. Such suppression of AVD also reduced the activation of caspases 3, 8 and 9 and suppressed DNA fragmentation. Importantly, experimental manipulations that reduce the cell volume to 70% of the original volume for periods of at least 3 hours were sufficient to initiate apoptosis even in the absence of death ligands. Hence, this data suggests that cell condensation is both necessary and sufficient for the induction of apoptosis.
Multivariate Curve Resolution Analysis on the Multi-Component Water Sorption Process into a Poly(2-methoxyethyl Acrylate) Film
Authors: Tanabe Akiko , Morita Shigeaki , Tanaka Masaru , Ozaki Yukihiro
Published: January 2008

In our previous study, sorption process of water into a biocompatible polymer film, poly(2-methoxyethy 1 acrylate) (PMEA) was monitored by time-resolved in situ attenuated total reflection infrared (ATR-IR) spectroscopy [S. Morita, et al., Langmuir 23, 3750 (2007)]. In the present study, noisy and heavily overlapped O–H stretching vibrational bands of diffusing water have been analyzed from the series spectra where the spectral shapes change irregularly with time. In spite of these complications, a powerful spectral analysis technique, multivariate curve resolution (MCR) by means of alternating least squares (ALS), yielded smooth and meaningful pure component spectra and detailed kinetic sorption profiles of each component, excluding noise. Ordinary smoothing techniques and Gaussian curve fitting would not achieve these significant results. The quantification of the kinetic parameters such as amplitudes ( a) and relaxation time constants (τ) is significant for the systematic development of biocompatible materials and also for revealing the mechanisms of biocompatibility of a material. Moreover, the ratios of coefficients of each component at saturation corresponded well to the values obtained by Tanaka et al. measured by gravimetric analysis. This study is the first to report the detailed concentration profile of each water component whose sorption kinetics is discussed comprehensively.
Construction of a Subnanosecond Time-Resolved, High-Resolution Ultraviolet Resonance Raman Measurement System and its Application to Reveal the Dynamic Structures of Proteins
Authors: Kubo Minoru , Uchida Takeshi , Nakashima Satoru , Kitagawa Teizo
Published: January 2008

A subnanosecond time-resolved ultraviolet (UV) resonance Raman system has been developed to study protein structural dynamics. The system is based on a 1 kHz Nd:YLF-pumped Ti: Sapphire regenerative amplifier with harmonic generation that can deliver visible (412, 440, 458, and 488 nm) and UV (206, 220, 229, and 244 nm) pulses. A subnanosecond (0.2 ns) tunable near-infrared pulse from a custom-made Ti: Sapphire oscillator is used to seed the regenerative amplifier. A narrow linewidth of the subnanosecond pulse offers the advantage of high resolution of UV resonance Raman spectra, which is critical to obtain site-specific information on protein structures. By combination with a 1 m single spectrograph equipped with a 3600 grooves/mm holographic grating and a custom-made prism prefilter, the present system achieves excellent spectral (<10 cm−1) and frequency (∼1 cm−1) resolutions with a relatively high temporal resolution (<0.5 ns). We also report the application of this system to two heme proteins, hemoglobin A and CooA, with the 440 nm pump and 220 nm probe wavelengths. For hemoglobin A, a structural change during the transition to the earliest intermediate upon CO photodissociation is successfully observed, specifically, nanosecond cleavage of the A–E interhelical hydrogen bonds within each subunit at Trpα14 and Trpβ15 residues. For CooA, on the other hand, rapid structural distortion (<0.5 ns) by CO photodissociation and nanosecond structural relaxation following CO geminate recombination are observed through the Raman bands of Phe and Trp residues located near the heme. These results demonstrate the high potential of this instrument to detect local protein motions subsequent to photoreactions in their active sites.
Lifetime Measurements of Several S, P, and D States of Thallium in a Glow Discharge by Single-Step and Two-Step Laser-Excited Fluorescence
Authors: Taylor N. , Omenetto N. , Smith B. W. , Winefordner J. D.
Published: January 2008

The lifetimes of several states in a thallium see-through hollow cathode discharge, or galvatron, are obtained to characterize its potential as an atomic line filter. The lifetimes of the thallium 6 2D3/2, 6 2D5/2, and 7 2S1/2 states are measured by time-resolved single-step laser-excited fluorescence by use of a 276.787 nm laser pulse or a 535.046 nm laser pulse and measuring the resulting fluorescence waveform at the appropriate wavelength. Values of 6.4 ± 0.1, 7.5 ± 1.1, and 7.7 ± 0.2 ns were obtained for the 6 2D3/2, 6 2D5/2, and 7 2S1/2 states, respectively, which agree with values obtained by previous authors, as well as calculated values. No current dependence was observed for each of these states. The lifetime of the long-lived thallium 6 2P3/2° metastable state was measured by two-step laser-excited fluorescence at various applied currents. The metastable level was pumped by a 276.787 nm laser pulse, and a temporally delayed 535.046 nm laser pulse interrogated the population of the metastable state. Relating the fluorescence intensity to the population of the metastable state as a function of delay time yielded a decay curve for the 6 2P3/2° metastable state. Values of 2.1 ± 0.2, 2.8 ± 0.1, 3.1 ± 0.3, 3.8 ± 0.4, and 4.8 ± 0.6 μs were found for applied currents of 14.0, 12.0, 10.0, 8.0, and 6.0 mA, respectively. The resulting lifetimes for the 6 2P3/2° metastable state clearly show a dependence on the applied current and are expected to be due to collisions with the wall of the cathode, as well as a contribution due to collisions with electrons.
Time-Resolved Step-Scan Infrared Imaging System Utilizing a Linear Array Detector
Authors: Sugiyama Hiroshi , Koshoubu Jun , Kashiwabara Seiichi , Nagoshi Toshiyuki , Larsen Richard A. , Akao Kenichi
Published: January 2008

A time-resolved infrared (IR) imaging system combined with a multichannel IR microscope, which utilizes a 16 channel linear array (LA) detector, and step-scan Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) microscope was developed. The LA detector integrates a readout circuit on each detector element, so the detected signals can be read simultaneously. Thus, this system can perform high speed imaging using the step-scan method, similar to a single channel detector. To verify the capabilities of this system, a reflective sample was examined whose position was altered using a piezo actuator activated by an alternating voltage. In addition, the localization of relaxation dynamics for the liquid crystal (LC) molecules in an LC cell under oscillating electric field conditions was detected by this system.
Micro-Attenuated Total Reflection Spectral Imaging in Archaeology: Application to Maya Paint and Plaster Wall Decorations
Authors: Goodall Rosemary A. , Hall Jay , Sharer Robert J. , Traxler Loa , Rintoul Llew , Fredericks Peter M.
Published: January 2008

Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) attenuated total reflection (ATR) imaging has been successfully used to identify individual mineral components of ancient Maya paint. The high spatial resolution of a micro FT-IR-ATR system in combination with a focal plane array detector has allowed individual particles in the paint to be resolved and identified from their spectra. This system has been used in combination with micro-Raman spectroscopy to characterize the paint, which was found to be a mixture of hematite and silicate particles with minor amounts of calcite, carbon, and magnetite particles in a sub-micrometer hematite and calcite matrix. The underlying stucco was also investigated and found to be a combination of calcite with fine carbon particles, making a dark sub-ground for the paint.
Isoconversion Effective Activation Energy Profiles by Variable Temperature Diffuse Reflection Infrared Spectroscopy
Authors: White Daniel R. , White Robert L.
Published: January 2008

Thermal process characterization based on calculating effective activation energies from variable temperature diffuse reflection infrared spectroscopy (VT-DRIFTS) measurements is demonstrated. Experimental factors that affect the accuracies of activation energy values are outlined. Infrared radiation scattering efficiency, thermal conductivity, and inertness towards chemical reactions are factors that should be considered when selecting an appropriate diluent for preparing samples. The Kubelka–Munk representation is superior to apparent absorbance when baseline variations in spectra measured at different temperatures can be minimized. Variable-temperature infrared spectral features, such as integrated absorption band area, can be used to compute isoconversion effective activation energies, provided that measured quantities are proportional to species concentrations.
Applied Spectroscopy News
Authors: Chalmers John
Published: January 2008

Applied Spectroscopy News is a monthly feature in the journal. It includes information from the Society for Applied Spectroscopy, news from other societies and institutions, announcements of meetings, schools, or other activities, and reports of symposia from recent conferences. If you have news items, a meeting announcement, or a report from a symposium that would be of interest to readers of Applied Spectroscopy, contact Deborah K. Bradshaw, Applied Spectroscopy News Editor, P.O. Box 536307, Orlando, Florida 32853-6307, e-mail: d.k.bradshaw@att.net , Ph: (407) 898-3823.
Self-Oriented Glucose-Modified Infrared Sensor for the Detection of Compounds Bearing Carboxylic Acid Groups
Authors: Cheng Ming-Liang , Yang Jyisy
Published: January 2008

To explore the interactions of self-oriented glucose toward organic species, we prepared a glucose-modified infrared (IR) chemical sensor and examined its performance in the detection of compounds bearing carboxylic acid functional groups. Using a two-layer modification method, we chemically bonded glucose to the surface of an IR sensing element. The immobilized glucose moieties exhibited the ability to assemble into a chemical form similar to that of the cyclodextrins (CDs) such that they could trap targeted molecules. This modified sensing phase displayed an analysis capability similar to that of CDs, but without the problems encountered attempting to maintain the activity of the latter. From a systematic examination of three classes of structural analogs of acids, we found that the behavior of the glucose-modified sensing phase was similar to that of a CD-modified sensing phase. In terms of quantitative detection, we obtained an average regression coefficient of approximately 0.996 for the analytical signals of the examined compounds at concentrations less than 20 mg/L. The linearity of the standard curves was related to the detection time: the shorter the detection time, the greater the linearity. Defined as three times the noise level, we obtained detection limits of a few hundred parts per billion (μg/L) for the determination of high-polarity compounds using our glucose-modified sensing phase.