bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Kumho Tire v.Carmichael
Authors: Smith Ann C.
Published: September 2009

In the aftermath of the 1993 US Supreme Court decision inDaubert v. Merrell Dow Pharmaceuticals, departing from the venerable “general acceptance” test for admission of novel scientific evidence and revamping the standards for admissibility of scientifically based forensic evidence, several unanswered questions remained. The most important one was whether the newDaubertstandards requiring proof of reliability also applied to nonscientifcally based expert testimony. Much forensic expert testimony has, traditionally, been based on applied sciences as well as on special skills achieved through experience.Kumho Tire v. Carmichael—hereinafterKumho Tire—answered that question. The decision may be cited by referring to any of the following law reports: 526 U.S. 137, 119 S.Ct. 1167, or 143 L.Ed. 2 d 238 (1999).

InKumho Tire, the Court unequivocally applied theDaubertproof of reliability requirement to all forms of expert testimony. In the process of doing this, the Court nevertheless made certain distinctions between expert opinion testimony based on science, and that based on learned skills, through study or experience, or derived from the application of technological devices. This article explains the history ofKumho Tire, its holding, and its impact on forensic science.

Though technically applicable only in US federal courts, the opinion is also adopted as law in many other jurisdictions. It is also discussed in jurisdictions where theKumho Tiretenets are not directly applicable.Kumho Tireis also the subject of many forensic discussions at professional meetings and in commentaries in the peer review literature.
Mini‐
STRs
Authors: Coble Michael D. , Just Rebecca S.
Published: September 2009

Since their potential application to human identity testing was recognised nearly two decades ago, analysis of short tandem repeat (STR) markers has become the gold standard in human DNA profiling. When DNA is degraded, however, STR profiles may be difficult to obtain using conventional STR typing kits. To overcome this limitation, research over the past several years has focused on the development of reduced‐size amplicons for both new and standard STR markers. Though challenges to their development and use remain, these “miniSTRs” have emerged as a powerful tool for the analysis of degraded DNA.
Variable Number Tandem Repeats
Authors: Walsh Simon J.
Published: September 2009

As the most highly variable polymorphism on the genome, variable number of tandem repeat (VNTR) loci had a natural suitability for forensic identity testing and were widely used throughout the initial decade of development of forensic DNA profiling.
Amplified Fragment Length Polymorphism
Authors: Walsh Simon J.
Published: September 2009

Variable number of tandem repeat (VNTR) loci are prolific, highly polymorphic loci and as such are suitable for forensic identity testing. Smaller VNTR loci able to be analyzed following polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification are known as
amplified fragment length polymorphisms
(or
AFLPs
or
AmpFLPs
).
DQα
Authors: Walsh Simon J.
Published: September 2009

Human leukocyte antigen (HLA)‐DQα was the first commercially available polymerase chain reaction (PCR)‐based forensic DNA profiling system. The system targeted sequence polymorphisms at the HLA‐DQA1 locus and resolved the genotypes
via
allele‐specific oligonucleotide hybridization.
Postmortem Biochemical Examinations
Authors: Kernbach‐Wighton Gerhard
Published: September 2009

Postmortem biochemical analyses may help considerably with the diagnosis of “functional causes of death” with nil or only sparse morphological changes. One main problem is the analogy of postmortem biochemical results to clinical estimations due to agonal and early postmortem changes taking place in compartments. Examinations should always be carried out on different body fluids. Pretesting by using “near‐patient” equipment apart from regular clinical‐chemical analyses may provide important information at an early stage. Several main diagnostic areas can be defined: carbohydrate disturbances, alterations of kidney and liver function, water and electrolyte equilibrium, hypothermia, and high excitation state. Most experience has been gained with diabetic dysfunctions (diabetic coma and hypoglycemia) for which the diagnostic process is based mainly on postmortem biochemical estimations, but hepatic and renal dysregulations also can well be recognized by postmortem biochemistry. Nevertheless, the diagnosis of functional causes of death may involve various and different problems. Precision and reliability of postmortem analyses is increased by the number of parameters investigated in a maximum number of compartments. As a general rule, inclusion of histomorphology and toxicology is always required. Whenever postmortem biochemical estimations are used with caution and, appropriately, they may provide considerable help and support for the diagnostic process.
Scientific Method Compared to Legal Method
Authors: Moenssens Andre
Published: September 2009

This article explores the differences in approaches taken by scientists' endeavors in “practicing” the scientific method in the pursuit of answers to questions, and the legal method utilized by courts and lawyers to resolve factual disputes in the trial of cases. The impact of these differences upon expert witnesses is also discussed.
Violence Risk Assessment for Mental Health Professionals
Authors: Knoll James L.
Published: September 2009

The standard of care does not require mental health clinicians to predict their patients' violence. However, there is a general expectation by the courts that clinicians will use “reasonable professional judgment” based on a thorough consideration of the clinical data and circumstances. A clinical violence risk assessment quantifies the level of risk at a particular time using known risk factors, important clinical nuances, and professional judgment. Because violence risk is dynamic and influenced by many variables, periodic assessments over time are often necessary. The clinician must understand how to target modifiable risk factors by crafting a reasonable risk management plan. Finally, documentation of risk assessments should include decisions and reasons for choosing or not choosing a particular intervention.
Ultra‐Scale Computing for Emergency Evacuation
Authors: Bhaduri Budhendra , Nutaro James , Liu Cheng , Zacharia Thomas
Published: September 2009

Emergency evacuations are carried out in anticipation of a disaster such as hurricane landfall or flooding, and in response to a disaster that strikes without warning. Existing emergency evacuation modeling and simulation tools are primarily designed for evacuation planning and are of limited value for evacuation management. In order to align with desktop computing, these models reduce the data and computational complexities through simple approximations to real network conditions and traffic behaviors, but these simplifications are not always representative of real‐world scenarios. With the emergence of high resolution physiographic, demographic, and socioeconomic data and a relative abundance of supercomputing platforms, it is possible to develop microsimulation‐based emergency evacuation models that incorporate human behaviors, increasingly realistic traffic assignments, and can simulate an evacuation of millions of people over a large geographic area. However, such advances in evacuation modeling and simulation demand computational capacity beyond the desktop scales, and must be supported by high performance computing platforms. This paper explores the advantages and feasibility of ultra‐scale computing for increasing the usefulness of high resolution emergency evacuation simulations.
Solvent effects in the hydrodechlorination of 2,4‐dichlorophenol over Pd/Al2O3
Authors: Gómez‐Quero Santiago , Cárdenas‐Lizana Fernando , Keane Mark A.
Published: September 2009

Solvent effects in the liquid phase (0.1 MPa; 303 K) hydrodechlorination (HDC) of 2,4‐dichlorophenol have been established over Pd/Al2O3. In the absence of secondary reactions, catalyst deactivation, and transport limitations, a stepwise HDC yields 2‐chlorophenol and phenol, where product selectivity was insensitive to the nature of the solvent. In contrast, the initial HDC rates exhibited a marked dependence on the reaction medium and increased in the order: benzene < THF < n‐hexane < cyclohexane < alcohols < water. Higher rates result from the concomitant effect of an increase in the dielectric constant (ε) and a decrease in the molar volume (
$\overline {\nu}$) of the solvent, where the major (ca. 80%) contribution is due to ε. We attribute this response to the increased solvent capacity to stabilize the arenium intermediate at higher/lower ε/$\overline {\nu}$, an effect that extends to reaction in water + organic combinations. We provide, for the first time, a reliable quantification of solvent effects that can be potentially applied to other catalytic hydrogenolysis systems. © 2009 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2010
Association between the use of serotonin receptor 2A–blocking antidepressants and joint disorders
Authors: Kling Anders , Danell‐Boman Marit , Stenlund Hans , Dahlqvist Rune
Published: September 2009

Objective

There are case reports about antidepressants causing arthritis and arthralgia, and the majority of these reports deal with atypical antidepressants, which are serotonin receptor 2A (5‐HT2A)–blocking substances. The aim of this study was to examine a possible association between joint disorders and the use of 5‐HT2A–blocking atypical antidepressants.

Methods

We performed a retrospective study using reports of adverse drug reactions (ADRs) of 5‐HT2A–blocking atypical antidepressant substances concerning joint disorders reported to the Swedish Adverse Drug Reactions Committee and the World Health Organization (WHO) Adverse Reactions Database during the period January 1, 1990 to December 31, 2006. The reports of joint disorders were related to sales figures measured as defined daily doses and to the total number of ADR reports.

Results

In the Swedish material, the 5‐HT2Aantagonists were 45 times more often reported to give joint ADRs when related to sales figures and compared with the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs;P< 0.001). Joint disorders constituted 6.6% of the total number of reports of possible ADRs for the three 5‐HT2A–blocking substances mianserin, mirtazapine, and nefazodone compared with 0.5% for the SSRIs (P< 0.001). In the WHO material, the joint disorders constituted 1.3% of all ADRs for the 5‐HT2A–blocking antidepressants and 0.6% for the SSRIs (P< 0.001).

Conclusion

In this study, joint disorders were considerably more frequently reported ADRs of 5‐HT2A–blocking antidepressants than of other comparable drugs, suggesting a possible association between the use of 5‐HT2A–blocking antidepressants and joint disorders.
Thrombin‐activatable carboxypeptidase B cleavage of osteopontin regulates neutrophil survival and synoviocyte binding in rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Sharif Shadi A. , Du Xiaoyan , Myles Timothy , Song Jason J. , Price Elizabeth , Lee David M. , Goodman Stuart B. , Nagashima Mariko , Morser John , Robinson William H. , Leung Lawrence L. K.
Published: September 2009

Objective

Osteopontin (OPN) is a proinflammatory cytokine that plays an important role in the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). OPN can be cleaved by thrombin, resulting in OPN‐R and exposing the cryptic C‐terminal α4β1 and α9β1 integrin–binding motif (SVVYGLR). Thrombin‐activatable carboxypeptidase B (CPB), also called thrombin‐activatable fibrinolysis inhibitor, removes the C‐terminal arginine from OPN‐R, generating OPN‐L and abrogating its enhanced cell binding. We undertook this study to investigate the roles of OPN‐R and OPN‐L in synoviocyte adhesion, which contributes to the formation of invasive pannus, and in neutrophil survival, which affects inflammatory infiltrates in RA.

Methods

Using specifically developed enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assays, we tested the synovial fluid of patients with RA, osteoarthritis (OA), and psoriatic arthritis (PsA) to determine OPN‐R, OPN‐L, and full‐length OPN (OPN‐FL) levels.

Results

Elevated levels of OPN‐R and OPN‐L were found in synovial fluid samples from RA patients, but not in samples from OA or PsA patients. Increased levels of OPN‐R and OPN‐L correlated with increased levels of multiple inflammatory cytokines, including tumor necrosis factor α and interleukin‐6. Immunohistochemical analyses revealed robust expression of OPN‐FL, but only minimal expression of OPN‐R, in RA synovium, suggesting that cleaved OPN is released into synovial fluid. In cellular assays, OPN‐FL, and to a lesser extent OPN‐R and OPN‐L, had an antiapoptotic effect on neutrophils. OPN‐R augmented RA fibroblast‐like synoviocyte binding mediated by SVVYGLR binding to α4β1, whereas OPN‐L did not.

Conclusion

Thrombin activation of OPN (resulting in OPN‐R) and its subsequent inactivation by thrombin‐activatable CPB (generating OPN‐L) occurs locally within inflamed joints in RA. Our data suggest that thrombin‐activatable CPB plays a central homeostatic role in RA by regulating neutrophil viability and reducing synoviocyte adhesion.
Power production in MFCs inoculated with Shewanella oneidensis MR‐1 or mixed cultures
Authors: Watson Valerie J. , Logan Bruce E.
Published: September 2009

Power densities and oxidation–reduction potentials (ORPs) of MFCs containing a pure culture of Shewanella oneidensis MR‐1 were compared to mixed cultures (wastewater inoculum) in cube shaped, 1‐, 2‐, and 3‐bottle batch‐fed MFC reactor configurations. The reactor architecture influenced the relative power produced by the different inocula, with the mixed culture generating 68–480% more power than MR‐1 in each MFC configuration. The mixed culture produced the maximum power density of 858 ± 9 mW m−2 in the cubic MFC, while MR‐1 produced 148 ± 20 mW m−2. The higher power by the mixed culture was primarily a result of lower internal resistances than those produced by the pure culture. Power was a direct function of ohmic resistance for the mixed culture, but not for strain MR‐1. ORP of the anode compartment varied with reactor configuration and inoculum, and it was always negative during maximum power production but it did not vary in proportion to power output. The ORP varied primarily at the end of the cycle when substrate was depleted, with a change from a reductive environment during maximum power production (approximately −175 mV for mixed and approximately −210 mV for MR‐1 in cubic MFCs), to an oxidative environment at the end of the batch cycle (∼250 mV for mixed and ∼300 mV for MR‐1). Mixed cultures produced more power than MR‐1 MFCs even though their redox potential was less negative. These results demonstrate that differences between power densities produced by pure and mixed cultures depend on the MFC architecture. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2010; 105: 489–498. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Comparison of preservation solutions in an experimental model of organ cooling in kidney transplantation
Authors: Kay M D , Hosgood S A , Bagul A , Nicholson M L
Published: September 2009

Background

Viscous preservation solutions such as University of Wisconsin solution (UW) may be less effective at rapid removal of blood from an organ so that cooling takes longer. This study assessed the temperature changes of kidneys flushed with UW and hyperosmolar citrate (HOC).

Methods

Porcine kidneys were retrieved and flushed with 500 ml UW or HOC at 4 °C while monitoring kidney temperature at depths of 5 and 20 mm. Renal function was measured on an isolated organ preservation system.

Results

The mean(s.d.) rate of temperature fall was slower with UW (at 20 mm: 0·64(0·11) versus 1·01(0·56) °C per min per 100 g; P = 0·016). The perfusion flow rate required to reduce the temperature to less than 10 °C at a depth of 20 mm was lower in the UW group (P = 0·002). Kidneys flushed with HOC gained more weight than those flushed with UW (mean(s.d.) 50(8) versus 7(13) per cent; P = 0·002). Flushing with UW was associated with less histological injury but there were no significant differences in renal function parameters between the groups.

Conclusion

UW cooled kidneys more slowly than HOC, but with no adverse effect on renal function. UW resulted in less oedema and histological injury than HOC.
Systematic review of tumour number and outcome after radical treatment of colorectal liver metastases
Authors: Smith M D , McCall J L
Published: September 2009

Background

Resection of colorectal liver metastases (CLMs) is potentially curative but the effect of tumour number on prognosis is uncertain. This study compared the prognosis after resection and/or ablation of between one and three, or four or more CLMs.

Methods

A systematic literature review from January 2000 to June 2008 was performed. Study selection and data extraction were standardized, and analysis included assessment of methodological quality, heterogeneity and bias. Main outcomes were 3- and 5-year survival. A meta-analysis comparing radical treatment in the two groups was performed using the hazard ratio for overall survival.

Results

Of 1307 studies screened, 46 (9934 patients) were included in the analysis. Methodological quality was variable, and there was significant heterogeneity and reporting bias. The overall 5-year survival rate after radical treatment ranged from 7 to 58 per cent. Pooled hazard ratio for overall survival was 1·67 (95 per cent confidence interval 1·43 to 1·95; P < 0·001). Median reported 5-year survival for patients with four or more CLMs was 17·1 per cent.

Conclusion

Radical treatment of more than three CLMs results in poorer overall survival. Nevertheless, 5-year survival is achievable and the number of lesions should not, of itself, be used to exclude patients from surgery.
Don't waste money when dressing leg ulcers
Authors: Sultan M J , McCollum C
Published: September 2009

Simple, inexpensive dressings advocated
β‐Lactamases in the biochemistry and molecular biology laboratory
Authors: Paula Amador , Cristina Prudêncio , Monica Vieira , Ricardo Ferraz , Rosalia Fonte , Nuno Silva , Pedro Coelho , Ruben Fernandes
Published: September 2009

β‐lactamases are hydrolytic enzymes that inactivate the β‐lactam ring of antibiotics such as penicillins and cephalosporins. The major diversity of studies carried out until now have mainly focused on the characterization of β‐lactamases recovered among clinical isolates of Gram‐positive staphylococci and Gram‐negative enterobacteria, amongst others. However, only some studies refer to the detection and development of β‐lactamases carriers in healthy humans, sick animals, or even in strains isolated from environmental stocks such as food, water, or soils. Considering this, we proposed a 10‐week laboratory programme for the Biochemistry and Molecular Biology laboratory for majors in the health, environmental, and agronomical sciences. During those weeks, students would be dealing with some basic techniques such as DNA extraction, bacterial transformation, polymerase chain reaction (PCR), gel electrophoresis, and the use of several bioinformatics tools. These laboratory exercises would be conducted as a mini research project in which all the classes would be connected with the previous ones. This curriculum was compared in an experiment involving two groups of students from two different majors. The new curriculum, with classes linked together as a mini research project, was taught to a major in Pharmacy and an old curriculum was taught to students from environmental health. The results showed that students who were enrolled in the new curriculum obtained better results in the final exam than the students who were enrolled in the former curriculum. Likewise, these students were found to be more enthusiastic during the laboratory classes than those from the former curriculum.
Application of near‐infrared spectroscopy for monitoring and control of cell culture and fermentation
Authors: Cervera Albert E. , Petersen Nanna , Lantz Anna Eliasson , Larsen Anders , Gernaey Krist V.
Published: September 2009

Near‐infrared (NIR) spectroscopy can potentially provide on‐line information on substrate, biomass, product, and metabolite concentrations in fermentation processes, which could be useful for improved monitoring or control. However, several factors can negatively influence the quality of chemometric models built for interpretation of the spectra, thus impairing the analyte concentration predictions. The aim of this review was to provide an overview of necessary conditions and challenges that one has to face when developing a NIR application for monitoring of cell culture or fermentation processes. Important practical aspects are introduced, such as sampling, modeling of biomass concentration, influence of microorganism morphology on the spectra, effects of the hydrodynamic conditions in the fermenter, temperature influence, instrument settings, and signal optimization. Several examples from the literature are provided, which will hopefully guide the reader interested in the topic. Furthermore, the general procedure used for the development of calibration models is presented, and the influence of microorganism metabolism—potential source of correlation between analytes—is commented. Other important issues such as wavelength selection and evaluation of robustness are shortly introduced. Finally, some examples of potential applications of NIR monitoring are provided, including the implementation of control strategies, the combination with other monitoring tools (the so‐called sensor fusion), and the description of process trajectories. On the basis of the review, we conclude that acceptance of NIR spectroscopy as a standard monitoring tool by the fermentation industry will necessitate considerably more on‐line studies using industrially relevant—and highly challenging—fermentation conditions (high aeration intensity, high biomass concentration and viscosity, and filamentous production strain). © 2009 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog.,, 2009
Synthesis, Coordination Chemistry and Bonding of Strong N‐Donor Ligands Incorporating the 1H‐Pyridin‐(2E)‐Ylidene (PYE) Motif
Authors: Shi Qi , Thatcher Robert J. , Slattery John , Sauari Pardeep S. , Whitwood Adrian C. , McGowan Patrick C. , Douthwaite Richard E.
Published: September 2009

A range of N‐donor ligands based on the 1H‐pyridin‐(2E)‐ylidene (PYE) motif have been prepared, including achiral and chiral examples. The ligands incorporate one to three PYE groups that coordinate to a metal through the exocyclic nitrogen atom of each PYE moiety, and the resulting metal complexes have been characterised by methods including single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction and NMR spectroscopy to examine metal–ligand bonding and ligand dynamics. Upon coordination of a PYE ligand to a proton or metal‐complex fragment, the solid‐state structures, NMR spectroscopy and DFT studies indicate that charge redistribution occurs within the PYE heterocyclic ring to give a contribution from a pyridinium–amido‐type resonance structure. Additional IR spectroscopy and computational studies suggest that PYE ligands are strong donor ligands. NMR spectroscopy shows that for metal complexes there is restricted motion about the exocyclic CN bond, which projects the heterocyclic N‐substituent in the vicinity of the metal atom causing restricted motion in chelating‐ligand derivatives. Solid‐state structures and DFT calculations also show significant steric congestion and secondary metal–ligand interactions between the metal and ligand CH bonds.
Mechanistic Insights into the Palladium(II)‐catalyzed Intramolecular Cyclization of o‐Alkynylphenylphosphonamide and N‐(o‐Alkynylphenyl)acetamide by Electrospray Ionization Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Zhou Jing , Tang Wei , Guo Yinlong , Ding Yixiang
Published: September 2009

The intramolecular cyclization of o‐alkynylphenylphosphonamide and N‐(o‐alkynylphenyl)acetamide was monitored by electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI‐MS) and its tandem version (ESI‐MS/MS). The proposed intermediates were successfully intercepted and characterized. In addition, the intermediates composed of the substrate coordinated to the palladium(II) center in the reaction of o‐alkynylphenylphosphonamide were unexpected before, and this interesting phenomenon of the substrate coordination seems associated with the unique structure of substrates.
Determination of Albumin Using CdS/SiO2 Core/shell Nanoparticles as Fluorescence Probes
Authors: Zhu Changqing , Liu Meigui , Wang Peng , Cao Ming , Cao Chun
Published: September 2009

CdS quantum dots (QD) were capped with SiO2 via a microemulsion method for reducing the toxicity and imparting the biocompatibility of the CdS QD. The resulting CdS/SiO2 core/shell nanoparticles (NP) showed an improved water‐solubility and stability even in pH 4.0 acidic medium. Their fluorescence could be effectively enhanced in the presence of bovine serum albumin (BSA), due to the passivation effect of BSA on the surface of the NP. Furthermore, the concentration dependence of the fluorescence intensity obeys the Langmuir‐type binding isotherm. Thus a novel fluorescence enhancement method for the determination of BSA has been developed using the less‐toxic CdS/SiO2 core/shell NP as probes. Under optimal conditions, the linear range of calibration curve is 0.6–30 µg·mL−1, and the detection limit is 0.18 µg·mL−1. Compared with the water‐soluble CdS NP without SiO2 shell, the CdS/SiO2 core/shell NP exhibited slightly lower fluorescence response to BSA as well as other coexisting substances, such as heavy and transition metals, due to the inhibition of SiO2 shell. The proposed method was applied to the quantification of BSA in synthetic and serum samples with satisfactory results.
Cyclin D1 and D3 overexpression predicts malignant behavior in thyroid fine‐needle aspirates suspicious for Hurthle cell neoplasms
Authors: Troncone Giancarlo , Volante Marco , Iaccarino Antonino , Zeppa Pio , Cozzolino Immacolata , Malapelle Umberto , Palmieri Emiliano A. , Conzo Giovanni , Papotti Mauro , Palombini Lucio
Published: September 2009

BACKGROUND:

Thyroid fine‐needle aspiration (FNA) samples that feature a follicular‐patterned, monotonous Hurthle (oncocytic) cell population cannot be diagnosed reliably. The authors of this report recently identified cyclin D3 overexpression on histologic sections of Hurthle cell carcinoma. In this study, they assessed the diagnostic value of cyclin D3 immunohistochemistry added to routine cytology.

METHODS:

Fifty‐one FNA samples that were suspicious for Hurtle cell neoplasia and that had histologic follow‐up (19 malignant cases) were examined. Cyclin D3 expression levels were evaluated in cell block preparations and were compared with levels of the closely related cyclin D1 protein.

RESULTS:

Greater than 25% positive cells were used as the cutoff point, as suggested by previous studies. Cyclin D1 and cyclin D3 were highly specific (100% for both) and fairly accurate (75% and 92%, respectively) in distinguishing between benign and malignant oncocytic lesions; the positive predictive value (PPV) for each was 100%. However, both cyclins D1 and D3 had low sensitivity (32% and 79%, respectively) and low negative predictive value (NPV) (71% and 89%, respectively). In contrast, by adopting balanced receiver operating characteristic‐derived positive cutoff values, cyclin D1 (≥6.5%) and cyclin D3 (≥7.5%) were found to be highly sensitive (100% for both) and accurate (90% and 94%, respectively); and the NPV was 100% for both. In contrast, cyclins D1 and D3 had low specificity (84% and 91%, respectively) and a low PPV (79% and 86%, respectively); however, these values improved in samples that were positive for both cyclins (sensitivity, 100%; specificity, 94%; PPV, 90%; NPV, 100%; and accuracy, 96%).

CONCLUSIONS:

Cyclin D3 increased the suspicion of malignancy in indeterminate oncocytic lesions; its diagnostic performance depended on the cutoff point used and was enhanced further when combined with cyclin D1. Cancer (Cancer Cytopathol) 2009. © 2009 American Cancer Society.
Cytopathology of alveolar soft part sarcoma
Authors: Wakely Paul E. , McDermott James E. , Ali Syed Z.
Published: September 2009

BACKGROUND:

Alveolar soft part sarcoma (ASPS) rarely is subjected to cytopathologic evaluation. With the exception of some very small series, the literature is limited to case reports. The objectives of the current study were to evaluate the cytomorphology of 10 ASPS cases on fine‐needle aspiration (FNA) or imprint cytology, review the literature, and highlight potential diagnostic pitfalls.

METHODS:

The authors searched their files for all lesions that were signed out as ASPS or suspicious for ASPS and searched the surgical pathology files for any cases of ASPS that had corresponding cytology. FNA was performed using the standard technique. Scrape preparations were performed on tissues that were sent fresh for frozen section examination.

RESULTS:

Ten cases of ASPS were retrieved from 7 patients (male‐to‐female ratio, 4:3; mean age, 22 years). All had subsequent tissue confirmation. Six specimens were from primary lesions, 3 specimens were from metastases, and 1 intraoperative smear was from a previously aspirated primary mass in a newly diagnosed patient. Anatomic sites of involvement included extremities (5 specimens), trunk/pelvis (3 specimens), oral cavity (1 specimen), and lung (1 specimen). Eight specimens were aspirates, and 2 specimens were intraoperative smears. Nine cases were diagnosed correctly as ASPS/consistent with ASPS, and 1 specimen was diagnosed as “tumor, not otherwise specified”. Cytomorphology included variably cellular smears composed of large cells with an enormous amount of finely granular or vacuolated cytoplasm, markedly enlarged nuclei/nucleoli, and bare nuclei. The cytomorphology of some cases revealed a strong similarity to renal cell carcinoma, clear cell type.

CONCLUSIONS:

The results of the current study indicated that ASPS has cytomorphology that overlaps with several other neoplasms, including renal cell carcinoma. Nonetheless, the morphologic features, when combined with the clinical presentation, radiologic findings, and ancillary testing, may allow for a specific diagnosis. Cancer (Cancer Cytopathol) 2009. © 2009 American Cancer Society.
Ex Situ Prepared Antimony Film Electrode for Electrochemical Stripping Measurement of Heavy Metal Ions
Authors: Jovanovski Vasko , Hočevar Samo B. , Ogorevc Bozidar
Published: September 2009

The antimony film electrode (SbFE) was prepared ex situ for anodic and adsorptive stripping voltammetric measurement of selected heavy metal ions. The electrode revealed good linearity for Cd(II) and Pb(II) in a nondeaerated solution of 0.01 M HCl in the examined concentration range from 25 to 80 μg L−1 with limits of detection of 1.1 μg L−1 for Cd(II) and 0.3 μg L−1 for Pb(II) and an excellent reproducibility. The preplated SbFE was also preliminary tested for measuring low levels of Ni(II) using adsorptive stripping voltammetry exhibiting good linearity and sensitivity in combination with only a 30 s deposition step.
Factors and interactions controlling infiltration, runoff, and soil loss at the microscale in a patchy Mediterranean semiarid landscape
Authors: Mayor Ángeles G. , Bautista Susana , Bellot Juan
Published: September 2009

In semiarid ecosystems, the transfer of water, sediments, and nutrients from bare to vegetated areas is known to be crucial to ecosystem functioning. Rainfall simulation experiments were performed on bare‐soil and vegetated surfaces, on both wet and dry soils, in semiarid shrub‐steppe landscapes of SE Spain to investigate the spatial and temporal factors and interactions that control the fine‐scale variation in water infiltration, runoff and soil loss, and hence the water and sediment flows in these areas. Three types of shrub‐steppe landscapes varying in plant community and physiography, and four types of plant patches (oak shrub, subshrub, tussock grass, and short grass mixed with chamaephytes) were studied. Higher infiltration and lower runoff and soil loss were measured on vegetation patches than on bare soils, for both dry and wet conditions. The oak‐shrub patches produced no runoff, while the subshrub patches showed the highest runoff and soil loss. Despite these differences among patch types, the influence of vegetation patch type on the variables analysed was not significant. The response of bare soil surfaces clearly varied between landscape types, yet the differences were only relevant under dry soil conditions. Stone cover, particularly the cover of embedded stones, and crust cover, were the key explanatory variables for the hydrological behaviour of bare soils. The study documents quantitatively how bare soils and vegetation patches function as runoff sources and runoff sinks, respectively, for a wide range of soil moisture conditions, and illustrates that landscape‐type effects on bare‐soil runoff sources may also exert an important control on the site hydrology, while the role of the vegetation patch type is less important. The effects of the control factors are modulated by antecedent soil moisture, with dry soils showing the most contrasting soil water infiltration between landscapes and surface types. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Correlation between losses of IGH or its segments and deletions of 13q14 in t(11;14) (q13;q32) multiple myeloma
Authors: Trakhtenbrot Luba , Hardan Izhar , Koren‐Michowitz Maya , Oren Shirley , Yshoev Galina , Rechavi Gideon , Nagler Arnon , Amariglio Ninette
Published: September 2009

Multiple myeloma (MM) is a malignancy of the plasma cells (PCs) characterized by a wide variety of genetic and chromosomal abnormalities. In recent years, major attention was drawn to the significance of chromosomal aberrations involving chromosome arm 13q and the IGH region on chromosome band 14q32 as a prognostic indicator in MM. In this study we applied a combined cell morphology and FISH method for the analysis of coexistence of t(11;14)(q13;q32) with deletions of the long arm of chromosome 13 (Δ13) in PCs from 51 MM patients using several probes for the 13q14, 11q13, and IGH regions. We found 15 different variants of the t(11;14) that are the consequence of different 11q13 breakpoints and various deletions of Variable (del IGH Var) or Constant (del IGH Const) IGH segments and also duplications and losses of the IGH gene on the normal nontranslocated chromosome 14 as well as IGH/Cyclin D1 (CCND1) fusion on der(14) and CCND1/IGH fusions on der(11). A strong association between Δ13 and specific variants of t(11;14) was found: variants with deletion of the IGH gene or its segments were found only in MM cases with deleted chromosome 13, while the common translocation t(11;14) was found only in the MM cases with normal chromosome arm 13q. In contrast, we did not find any association between Δ13 and deletions of the IGH gene or its segments in the MM patients with t(4;14)(p16;q32). © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Mathematics model for heat and mass transfer on an adsorption bed
Authors: Yang Peizhi
Published: September 2009

In a solid adsorption refrigeration system, the real cycle with non‐equilibrium adsorption is different from the ideal cycle with equilibrium adsorption. To investigate the heat and mass transfer process inside the adsorption bed, a model was established. Mathematical models were then solved by numerical method. The best cycle time of 24 minutes was ascertained through the strategy of SCP priority and paying attention to COP. The influence of the length of adsorption cell tube to the performance of refrigeration system is discussed. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Heat Trans Asian Res; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/htj.20271 Copyright © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Using GIS and a digital elevation model to assess the effectiveness of variable grade flow diversion terraces in reducing soil erosion in northwestern New Brunswick, Canada
Authors: Yang Qi , Zhao Zhengyong , Chow Thien Lien , Rees Herb W. , Bourque Charles P.‐A. , Meng Fan‐Rui
Published: September 2009

Flow diversion terraces (FDT) are commonly used beneficial management practice (BMP) for soil conservation on sloped terrain susceptible to water erosion. A simple GIS‐based soil erosion model was designed to assess the effectiveness of the FDT system under different climatic, topographic, and soil conditions at a sub‐basin level. The model was used to estimate the soil conservation support practice factor (P‐factor), which inherently considered two major outcomes with its implementation, namely (1) reduced slope length, and (2) sediment deposition in terraced channels. A benchmark site, the agriculture‐dominated watershed in northwestern New Brunswick (NB), was selected to test the performance of the model and estimated P‐factors. The estimated P‐factors ranged from 0·38–1·0 for soil conservation planning objectives and ranged from 0·001 to 0·45 in sediment yield calculations for water‐quality assessment. The model estimated that the average annual sediment yield was 773 kg ha−1 yr −1 compared with a measured value of 641 kg ha−1 yr−1. The P‐factors estimated in this study were comparable with predicted values obtained with the revised universal soil loss equation (RUSLE2). The P‐factors from this study have the potential to be directly used as input in hydrological models, such as the soil and water assessment tool (SWAT), or in soil conservation planning where only conventional digital elevation models (DEMs) are available. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Using GIS for modelling the impact of current climate trend on the recharge area of the S. Susanna spring (central Apennines, Italy)
Authors: Spadoni M. , Brilli M. , Giustini F. , Petitta M.
Published: September 2009

Though the S. Susanna spring system is one of the biggest water sources in the central Apennines, its hydrogeological dynamics have been scarcely investigated. This study tried to clarify some of the factors controlling the recharge/discharge processes of this spring by modelling the available climate series, water balance equations and new isotopic and quantitative data, using statistical and raster overlay functions embedded in a Geographic Information System (GIS). Oxygen and hydrogen isotopic data were recorded monthly over a 2‐year period at the spring itself and in eight rain gauges in Reatini Mountains. The effective infiltration rate was calculated using the Kennessey coefficients and the Turc equation. Finally, the recharge area was identified with the help of an expert evaluation procedure. Local δ18O and δD versus altitude regression curves were used to validate the digital recharge model by comparing their expected values with the values actually measured.

Recharge process was framed within the perspective of the ongoing local climate trends. The current discharge rate of 4·1 m3·s−1 is significantly lower than the average value of 5·5 m3·s−1 measured up to the 1980s, confirming the fall in the recharge/discharge rate. The hydrogeological system shows a delayed response, due to an average groundwater residence time in the aquifer, which is estimated to be about 15/20 years on the basis of the offset between calculated and observed isotope data at the main spring. For this reason the system is presently not equilibrated and is gradually changing towards a final equilibrium discharge estimated in about 3·4 m3·s−1. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A high‐altitude temporary spring in a compartmentalized carbonate aquifer: the role of low‐permeability faults and karst conduits
Authors: Petrella Emma , Capuano Paolo , Carcione Massimiliano , Celico Fulvio
Published: September 2009

The aim of this research was to refine the actual conceptual model related to the activation of high‐altitude temporary springs within the carbonate Apennines in southern Italy. The research was carried out through geophysical, hydrogeological, hydrochemical and isotopic investigations at the Acqua dei Faggi experimental site during five hydrologic years.

The research demonstrated that, in carbonate aquifers where low‐permeability faults cause the aquifer system to be compartmentalized, high‐altitude temporary springs may be recharged by groundwater. In such settings, neither surface water infiltration in karst systems nor perched temporary aquifers play a role of utmost importance. The rare (once or a few time a year) activation of such springs is due to the fact that groundwater unusually reach the threshold head that allows the spring to flow. The activation of the studied high‐altitude temporary spring also depended on relationships between a low‐permeability fault core and a karst system that locally interrupts the low‐permeability barrier. In fact, when the hydraulic head did not reach the karst system, the concentrated head loss within the fault core did not allow the spring to flow, because the groundwater entirely flowed through the fault towards the downgradient compartment. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Dynamics of deformation and water flow in heterogeneous porous media and its impact on soil properties
Authors: Wang Shih‐Jung , Hsu Kuo‐Chin
Published: September 2009

The interaction of geomechanics and flow within a soil body induces deformation and pore pressure change. Deformation may change hydrogeological and elastic properties, which alters the mechanical behaviour and results in non‐linearity. To investigate this interaction effect in a heterogeneous porous medium, a stochastic poroelastic model is proposed. Monte Carlo simulations are performed to determine the mean and uncertainty of the parameter changes, displacement, and change in pore water pressure. Hydraulic conductivity is treated as the only random variable in the coupled geomechanics‐flow system due to its large variation compared to other mechanical and hydrogeological properties in natural environments. The three considered non‐linear models for the interaction between parameters and deformation are those that consider (1) porosity and hydraulic conductivity; (2) porosity and Young's modulus; and (3) a combined effect that includes porosity, hydraulic conductivity, and Young's modulus. Boundary effects on the coupled system are also explored. The relationships between changes of porosity, hydraulic conductivity, and Young's modulus are analytically shown to be non‐linear. Among the considered parameters, the deformation effect induces the largest reduction in hydraulic conductivity. The deformation‐induced change in hydraulic conductivity shows the most significant effect on the mean and variance of the change in pore water pressure and displacement, while changes in Young's modulus have the least effect. When the deformation effect is considered, the superposition relationship does not exist in the mean displacement and mean change in pore water pressure for the three scenarios considered; it exists for the case without deformation effects. Deformation also causes a reduction in the effective hydraulic conductivity for the whole domain. The scenario that considers both loading and discharge boundaries has larger changes in hydrogeological and geo‐mechanical parameters than those in scenarios that consider loading and discharge boundaries separately. The results indicate that the interaction between deformation and changes in parameters has a profound effect on the poroelastic system. The effect of deformation should thus be considered in modelling and practice. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Hydrological modelling of Ethiopian catchments using limited data
Authors: Mekonnen Muluneh A. , Wörman Anders , Dargahi Bijan , Gebeyehu Admasu
Published: September 2009

The hydrological component of the soil and water assessment tool (SWAT) model is adapted for two Ethiopian catchments based on primary knowledge of the coherence spectrum between rainfall and stream flow data. Spectrum analysis using the available nearby climatic data is made to limit the temporal and spatial scales (inverse rate coefficients) subject to the calibration of compartmentalized runoff models. The exclusion of unwarranted time scales in the calibration implies that the model efficiency (r2 values) decrease only moderately between calibration and validation, and the optimization is focused on warranted problems. On the basis of the available data for the two Ethiopian catchments, the implication is that only periods longer than about 50 days can be reliably evaluated in the model. The model structure of SWAT for the surface runoff and groundwater flow response is modified to make the time scales consistent with the results of the spectrum analysis. An optimization algorithm is developed to constrain and combine the model parameters with the spectrum analysis results. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Spatial variations in throughfall in a Moso bamboo forest: sampling design for the estimates of stand‐scale throughfall
Authors: Shinohara Yoshinori , Onozawa Yuka , Chiwa Masaaki , Kume Tomonori , Komatsu Hikaru , Otsuki Kyoichi
Published: September 2009

We investigated the spatial and seasonal variations in throughfall (Tf) in relation to spatial and seasonal variations in canopy structure and gross rainfall (Rf) and assessed the impacts of the variations in Tf on stand‐scale Tf estimates. We observed the canopy structure expressed as the leaf area index (LAI) once a month and Tf once a week in 25 grids placed in a Moso bamboo (Phyllostachys pubescens) forest for 1 year. The mean LAI and spatial variation in LAI did have some seasonal variations. The spatial variations in Tf reduced with increasing Rf, and the relationship between the spatial variation and the Rf held throughout the year. These results indicate that the seasonal change in LAI had little impact on spatial variations in Tf, and that Rf is a critical factor determining the spatial variations in Tf at the study site. We evaluated potential errors in stand‐scale Tf estimates on the basis of measured Tf data using Monte Carlo sampling. The results showed that the error decreases greatly with increasing sample size when the sample size was less than ∼8, whereas it was near stable when the sample size was 8 or more, regardless of Rf. A sample size of eight results in less than 10% error for Tf estimates based on Student's t‐value analysis and would be satisfactory for interception loss estimates when considering errors included in Rf data. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The tale of transforming growth factor‐beta (TGFβ) signaling: A soigné enigma
Authors: Chaudhury Arindam , Howe Philip H.
Published: September 2009

Transforming growth factor‐beta (TGFβ) is a secreted cytokine, which intricately controls a plethora of physiological and pathological processes during development and carcinogenesis. TGFβ exerts antiproliferative effects and functions as a tumor suppressor during early stages of tumorigenesis, whereas at later stages it functions as a tumor promoter aiding in metastatic progression through an autocrine TGFβ loop. Intricate knowledge of TGFβ signaling and its regulation are still evolving. In this review, we make an attempt to showcase the associated enigma of TGFβ signaling in its dual functional role as tumor suppressor and metastatic promoter during early and late stages of carcinogenesis, respectively. © 2009 IUBMB IUBMB Life, 61(10): 929–939, 2009