bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A longitudinal conventional and magnetization transfer magnetic resonance imaging study of optic neuritis
Authors: Melzi L , Rocca Ma , Marzoli S Bianchi , Falini A , Vezzulli P , Ghezzi A , Brancato R , Comi G , Scotti G , Filippi M
Published: March 2007

Eleven consecutive patients with a first episode of acute optic neuritis were evaluated, using conventional and magnetization transfer (MT) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), in order to assess the temporal evolution of optic nerve (ON) damage and to investigate the correlation of ON damage with visual outcome and electrophysiological parameters. Patients underwent neuro-ophthalmological, neurological, electrophysiological, and MRI assessments at baseline and after three and 12 months. ON volumes were measured on coronal T1–weighted images using a local thresholding segmentation technique. MT ratio (MTR) from the ON was derived from gradient echo images. No significant volume difference was detected between affected and healthy ON, both at baseline and follow-up. At baseline, mean MTR values were significantly higher in affected ON than in healthy ON (P = 0.001), whereas at months 3 and 12, the mean MTR values were significantly reduced in the affected ON (P = 0.02 and 0.003, respectively). Mean MTR of the affected ON, corrected for healthy ON values, progressively decreased over time (P = 0.04 at month 3 and P = 0.0012 at month 12). On the contrary, MTR values of healthy ON remained stable. No correlations were found between MTR measures and clinical or electrophysiological data. This study shows the presence of subtle pathological changes, possibly due to residual demyelination and subsequent additional demyelination and impaired remyelination, in the ON of patients with a first episode of optic neuritis. In the early phase of optic neuritis, MT MRI is more sensitive than atrophy measurements in detecting disease-related changes. Multiple Sclerosis 2007; 13: 265–268. http://msj.sagepub.com
No evidence for association of CTLA-4 gene polymorphisms with the risk of developing multiple sclerosis: a meta-analysis
Authors: Bagos Pantelis G , Karnaouri Anthi C , Nikolopoulos Georgios K , Hamodrakas Stavros J
Published: March 2007

We conducted a meta-analysis concerning the association of cytotoxic T lymphocyte-associated antigen 4 (CTLA-4) gene polymorphisms with the risk of developing multiple sclerosis (MS). We identified 18 eligible studies summarizing information about 3375 MS cases and 2930 healthy controls. Two polymorphisms were of interest: the exon 1+49 A/G polymorphism (in 18 studies) and the promoter —318 C/T polymorphism (in 10 studies). Using random-effects methods we found no evidence for association of the various contrasts of genotypes (or allele frequencies) with the disease. There was significant between-studies heterogeneity that could not be explained by the ethnicity of the populations studied or by other summary measures (gender, disease course, latitude). The major finding of the meta-analysis, apart from the lack of an overall association, consists of detecting a significant time trend of the OR for the contrast of GA versus GG + AA genotypes of the exon 1 +49 A/G polymorphism. In particular, using cumulative meta-analysis we found that the large number of conflicting results on the subject was triggered by the early appearance of a highly significant published result (a study that indicated a significant association of the genotype with the disease). Multiple Sclerosis 2007; 13: 156–168. http://msj.sagepub.com
Interpreting dummy variables and their interaction effects in strategy research
Authors: Yip Paul S. L. , Tsang Eric W. K.
Published: March 2007

Dummy variables have been employed frequently in strategy research to capture the influence of categorical variables. However, misinterpretation of results may arise, especially when interaction effects between dummy variables and other explanatory variables are involved in a regression. We discuss two approaches of entering dummy variables into a regression and their associated interpretations. We discuss some common mistakes of interpretation and hypothesis testing found in two recently published strategy papers, and highlight the advantages of our recommended approach over the approach usually adopted by management researchers.
Forty years of Library History: the editors' testimony
Authors: Hoare Peter , Morrish P. S. , Manley K. A. , Black Alistair
Published: March 2007

In 2007 the journal 'Library History', chief organ of the Library and Information History Group (UK) celebrates its 40th birthday. This article records the recollections and reflections of the four individuals who have served as editor throughout the journal's history: Peter Hoare (1967–1975), Peter Morrish (1975–1987), Keith Manley (1987–2005) and Alistair Black (2005–). The order of authors given at the top of the article corresponds to the order in which they served as editor.
Donor natural killer cell allorecognition of missing self in haploidentical hematopoietic transplantation for acute myeloid leukemia: challenging its predictive value.
Authors: Ruggeri Loredana , Mancusi Antonella , Capanni Marusca , Urbani Elena , Carotti Alessandra , Aloisi Teresa , Stern Martin , Pende Daniela , Perruccio Katia , Burchielli Emanuela , Topini Fabiana , Bianchi Erika , Aversa Franco , Martelli Massimo F. , Velardi Andrea
Published: March 2007

We analyzed 112 patients with high-risk acute myeloid leukemia (61 in complete remission [CR]; 51 in relapse), who received human leukocyte-antigen (HLA)–haploidentical transplants from natural killer (NK) alloreactive (n = 51) or non-NK alloreactive donors (n = 61). NK alloreactive donors possessed HLA class I, killer-cell immunoglobulin-like receptor (KIR) ligand(s) which were missing in the recipients, KIR gene(s) for missing self recognition on recipient targets, and alloreactive NK clones against recipient targets. Transplantation from NK-alloreactive donors was associated with a significantly lower relapse rate in patients transplanted in CR (3% versus 47%) (P > .003), better event-free survival in patients transplanted in relapse (34% versus 6%, P = .04) and in remission (67% versus 18%, P = .02), and reduced risk of relapse or death (relative risk versus non-NK-alloreactive donor, 0.48; 95% CI, 0.29-0.78; P > .001). In all patients we tested the “missing ligand” model which pools KIR ligand mismatched transplants and KIR ligand-matched transplants from donors possessing KIR(s) for which neither donor nor recipient have HLA ligand(s). Only transplantation from NK-alloreactive donors is associated with a survival advantage.
Biology of umbilical cord blood progenitors in bone marrow niches
Authors: Dao Mo A. , Creer Michael H. , Nolta Jan A. , Verfaillie Catherine M.
Published: March 2007

Within the bone marrow (BM), hematopoietic progenitor cells (HPCs) are localized in poorly oxygenated niches where they interact with the surrounding osteoblasts (OBs) through VLA4/VCAM-1 engagement, and are exposed to interleukin-6 (IL-6), stem cell factor (SCF), and chemokines such as CXCL12 (OB factors). Umbilical cord (UC) is more highly oxygenated that the BM microenvironment. When UC-HPCs are exposed to the 2% to 3% O2 concentration found in the bone endosteum, their survival is significantly decreased. However, engagement of VLA-4 integrins on UCB-derived CD34+ cells reduced cell death in 2% to 3% O2 conditions, which was associated with an increase in phospho-Ser473 AKT and an increase in phospho-Ser9 GSK3b. Consistent with the role of GSK3b in destabilizing beta-catenin, there was more cytoplasmic beta-catenin in UC-HPCs exposed to 2% to 3% O2 on fibronectin, compared with suspension culture. UC-HPCs cultured at 2% to 3% O2 with OB factors showed an increase in nuclear beta-catenin and persistence of a small pool of CD34+38− HPCs. CFU assays followed by surface phenotyping of the plated colonies showed improved maintenance of mixed lineage colonies with both erythroid and megakaryocytic precursors. These studies provide a biologic perspective for how UC-derived HPCs adapt to the bone endosteum, which is low in oxygen and densely populated by osteoblasts.
Mechanisms of induction of endothelial cell E-selectin expression by smooth muscle cells and its inhibition by shear stress
Authors: Chiu Jeng-Jiann , Chen Li-Jing , Lee Chih-I , Lee Pei-Ling , Lee Ding-Yu , Tsai Min-Chien , Lin Chia-Wen , Usami Shunichi , Chien Shu
Published: March 2007

E-selectin is a major adhesion molecule expressed by endothelial cells (ECs), which are exposed to shear stress and neighboring smooth muscle cells (SMCs). We investigated the mechanisms underlying the modulation of EC E-selectin expression by SMCs and shear stress. SMC coculture induced rapid and sustained increases in expression of E-selectin and phosphorylation of interleukin-1 (IL-1) receptor-associated kinase glycoprotein-130, as well as the downstream mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) and Akt. By using specific inhibitors, dominant-negative mutants, and small interfering RNA, we demonstrated that activations of c-Jun-NH2-terminal kinase (JNK) and p38 of the MAPK pathways are critical for the coculture-induced E-selectin expression. Gel shifting and chromatin immunoprecipitation assays showed that SMC coculture increased the nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB)–promoter binding activity in ECs; inhibition of NF-κB activation by p65-antisense, lactacystin, and N-acetyl-cysteine blocked the coculture-induced E-selectin promoter activity. Protein arrays and blocking assays using neutralizing antibodies demonstrated that IL-1β and IL-6 produced by EC/SMC cocultures are major contributors to the coculture induction of EC signaling and E-selectin expression. Preshearing of ECs at 12 dynes/cm2 inhibited the coculture-induced EC signaling and E-selectin expression. Our findings have elucidated the molecular mechanisms underlying the SMC induction of EC E-selectin expression and the shear stress protection against this SMC induction.
Pleiotrophin is highly expressed by myeloma cells and promotes myeloma tumor growth
Authors: Chen Haiming , Gordon Melinda S. , Campbell Richard A. , Li Mingjie , Wang Cathy S. , Lee Hee Jin , Sanchez Eric , Manyak Steven J. , Gui Dorina , Shalitin Dror , Said Jonathan , Chang Yunchao , Deuel Thomas F. , Baritaki Stavroula , Bonavida Benjamin , Berenson James R.
Published: March 2007

Pleiotrophin (PTN) is an important developmental cytokine that is highly expressed during embryogenesis but shows very limited expression in adult tissues, where it is largely restricted to the brain. High PTN serum levels are associated with a variety of solid tumors. We recently showed that patients with multiple myeloma (MM) also have elevated serum levels of this protein and the amount of PTN correlated with the patients' disease status and response to treatment. In this study, we demonstrate that MM cell lines and the malignant cells from MM patients' bone marrow produced PTN and secreted PTN protein into the supernatants during short-term culture. Moreover, Ptn gene expression correlated with the patients' disease status. Inhibition of PTN with a polyclonal anti-PTN antibody reduced growth and enhanced apoptosis of MM cell lines and freshly isolated bone marrow tumor cells from MM patients in vitro. Importantly, this antibody also markedly suppressed the growth of MM in vivo using a severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID)-hu murine model. This represents the first study showing the importance of PTN in the growth of any hematological disorder. Because the expression of this protein is very limited in normal adult tissues, PTN may represent a new target for the treatment of MM.
A randomized study with or without intensified maintenance chemotherapy in patients with acute promyelocytic leukemia who have become negative for PML-RARα transcript after consolidation therapy: The Japan Adult Leukemia Study Group (JALSG) APL97 study
Authors: Asou Norio , Kishimoto Yuji , Kiyoi Hitoshi , Okada Masaya , Kawai Yasukazu , Tsuzuki Motohiro , Horikawa Kentaro , Matsuda Mitsuhiro , Shinagawa Katsuji , Kobayashi Tohru , Ohtake Shigeki , Nishimura Miki , Takahashi Masatomo , Yagasaki Fumiharu , Takeshita Akihiro , Kimura Yukihiko , Iwanaga Masako , Naoe Tomoki , Ohno Ryuzo ,   for the Japan Adult Leukemia Study Group
Published: March 2007

To examine the efficacy of intensified maintenance chemotherapy, we conducted a prospective multicenter trial in adult patients with newly diagnosed acute promyelocytic leukemia treated with all-trans retinoic acid and chemotherapy. Of the 302 registered, 283 patients were assessable and 267 (94%) achieved complete remission. Predicted 6-year overall survival in all assessable patients and disease-free survival in patients who achieved complete remission were 83.9% and 68.5%, respectively. A total of 175 patients negative for PML-RARα at the end of consolidation were randomly assigned to receive either intensified maintenance chemotherapy (n = 89) or observation (n = 86). Predicted 6-year disease-free survival was 79.8% for the observation group and 63.1% for the chemotherapy group, showing no statistically significant difference between the 2 groups (P = .20). Predicted 6-year survival of patients assigned to the observation was 98.8%, which was significantly higher than 86.2% in those allocated to the intensified maintenance (P = .014). These results indicate that the intensified maintenance chemotherapy did not improve disease-free survival, but rather conferred a significantly poorer chance of survival in acute promyelocytic leukemia patients who have become negative for the PML-RARα fusion transcript after 3 courses of intensive consolidation therapy.
Myeloid differentiation and susceptibility to HIV-1 are linked to APOBEC3 expression
Authors: Peng Gang , Greenwell-Wild Teresa , Nares Salvador , Jin Wenwen , Lei Ke Jian , Rangel Zoila G. , Munson Peter J. , Wahl Sharon M.
Published: March 2007

HIV-1 recognition by, interaction with, and/or infection of CD4+CCR5+ tissue macrophages and dendritic cells (DCs) play important roles in HIV-1 transmission and pathogenesis. By comparison, circulating CD4+CCR5+ monocytes appear relatively resistant to HIV-1, and a fundamental unresolved question involves deciphering restriction factors unique to this precursor population. Not only do monocytes, relative to macrophages, possess higher levels of the innate resistance factor APOBEC3G, but we uncovered APOBEC3A, not previously associated with anti-HIV activity, as being critical in monocyte resistance. Inversely correlated with susceptibility, silencing of APOBEC3A renders monocytes vulnerable to HIV-1. Differences in promiscuity of monocytes, macrophages, and DCs can be defined, at least partly, by disparities in APOBEC expression, with implications for enhancing cellular defenses against HIV-1.
Activation-induced expression of CD137 permits detection, isolation, and expansion of the full repertoire of CD8+ T cells responding to antigen without requiring knowledge of epitope specificities
Authors: Wolfl Matthias , Kuball Jürgen , Ho William Y. , Nguyen Hieu , Manley Thomas J. , Bleakley Marie , Greenberg Philip D.
Published: March 2007

CD137 is a member of the TNFR-family with costimulatory function. Here we show that it also has many favorable characteristics as a surrogate marker for antigen-specific activation of human CD8+ T cells. Although undetectable on unstimulated CD8+ T cells, it is uniformly up-regulated 24 hours after stimulation on virtually all responding cells regardless of differentiation stage or profile of cytokine secretion, which circumvents limitations of current surrogate markers for defining the repertoire of responding cells based on only individual functions. Antibody-labeled responding CD137+ cells can be easily and efficiently isolated by flow sorting or magnetic beads to substantially enrich antigen-specific T cells. To test this approach for epitope discovery, we examined in vitro priming of naive T cells from healthy donors to Wilms tumor antigen 1 (WT1), a protein overexpressed in various malignancies. Two overlapping pentadecamers were identified as immunogenic, and further analysis defined WT1(286–293) as the minimal amino acid sequence and HLA-Cw07 as the HLA restriction element. In conclusion, this approach appears to be an efficient and sensitive in vitro technique to rapidly identify and isolate antigen-specific CD8+ T cells present at low frequencies and displaying heterogeneous functional profiles, and does not require prior knowledge of the specific epitopes recognized or the HLA-restricting elements.
HLA-G expression defines a novel regulatory T-cell subset present in human peripheral blood and sites of inflammation
Authors: Feger Ute , Tolosa Eva , Huang Yu-Hwa , Waschbisch Anne , Biedermann Tilo , Melms Arthur , Wiendl Heinz
Published: March 2007

Regulatory T cells can inhibit harmful immunopathologic responses directed against self and foreign antigens and play a major role in controlling autoimmunity. Here we have identified and characterized a subpopulation of CD4 and CD8 T cells in human peripheral blood expressing the immune tolerizing molecule HLA-G. HLA-G–expressing T cells are hypoproliferative, are CD25- and FOXP3-negative, and exhibit potent suppressive properties that are partially mediated by HLA-G. HLA-G–positive (HLA-Gpos) T cells are found at low percentages among CD4 and CD8 single-positive thymocytes, suggesting a thymic origin. The presence of HLA-Gpos T cells at sites of inflammation such as inflamed skeletal muscle in myositis or the cerebrospinal fluid of patients with acute neuroinflammatory disorders suggests an important function in modulating parenchymal inflammatory responses in vivo.
Vaccination regimens incorporating CpG-containing oligodeoxynucleotides and IL-2 generate antigen-specific antitumor immunity from T-cell populations undergoing homeostatic peripheral expansion after BMT
Authors: Kochenderfer James N. , Simpson Jessica L. , Chien Christopher D. , Gress Ronald E.
Published: March 2007

Development of CD8+ T-cell responses targeting tumor-associated antigens after autologous stem cell transplantations (ASCTs) might eradicate residual tumor cells and decrease relapse rates. Because thymic function dramatically decreases with aging, T-cell reconstitution in the first year after ASCT in middle-aged patients occurs primarily by homeostatic peripheral expansion (HPE) of mature T cells. To study antigen-specific T-cell responses during HPE, we performed syngeneic bone marrow transplantations (BMTs) on thymectomized mice and then vaccinated the mice with peptides plus CpG-containing oligodeoxynucleotides (CpGs) in incomplete Freund adjuvant and treated the mice with systemic interleukin-2 (IL-2). When CD8+ T-cell responses were measured ex vivo, up to 9.1% of CD8+ T cells were specific for tumor-associated epitopes. These large T-cell responses were generated by synergism between CpG and IL-2. When we injected mice subcutaneously with tumor cells 14 days after BMT and then treated them with peptide + CpG-containing vaccines plus systemic IL-2, survival was increased and tumor growth was inhibited in an epitope-specific manner. Depletion of CD8+ T cells eliminated epitope-specific antitumor immunity. This is the first report to demonstrate that CD8+ T-cell responses capable of executing antitumor immunity can be elicited by CpG-containing vaccines during HPE.
Gene therapy improves immune function in preadolescents with X-linked severe combined immunodeficiency
Authors: Chinen Javier , Davis Joie , De Ravin Suk See , Hay Beverly N. , Hsu Amy P. , Linton Gilda F. , Naumann Nora , Nomicos Effie Y. H. , Silvin Christopher , Ulrick Jean , Whiting-Theobald Narda L. , Malech Harry L. , Puck Jennifer M.
Published: March 2007

Retroviral gene therapy can restore immunity to infants with X-linked severe combined immunodeficiency (XSCID) caused by mutations in the IL2RG gene encoding the common gamma chain (γc) of receptors for interleukins 2 (IL-2), −4, −7, −9, −15, and −21. We investigated the safety and efficacy of gene therapy as salvage treatment for older XSCID children with inadequate immune reconstitution despite prior bone marrow transplant from a parent. Subjects received retrovirus-transduced autologous peripherally mobilized CD34+ hematopoietic cells. T-cell function significantly improved in the youngest subject (age 10 years), and multilineage retroviral marking occurred in all 3 children.
The proteasome inhibitor bortezomib affects osteoblast differentiation in vitro and in vivo in multiple myeloma patients
Authors: Giuliani Nicola , Morandi Francesca , Tagliaferri Sara , Lazzaretti Mirca , Bonomini Sabrina , Crugnola Monica , Mancini Cristina , Martella Eugenia , Ferrari Luca , Tabilio Antonio , Rizzoli Vittorio
Published: March 2007

The proteasome inhibitor bortezomib may increase osteoblast-related markers in multiple myeloma (MM) patients; however, its potential osteoblastic stimulatory effect is not known. In this study, we show that bortezomib significantly induced a stimulatory effect on osteoblast markers in human mesenchymal cells without affecting the number of osteoblast progenitors in bone marrow cultures or the viability of mature osteoblasts. Consistently we found that bortezomib significantly increased the transcription factor Runx2/Cbfa1 activity in human osteoblast progenitors and osteoblasts without affecting nuclear and cytoplasmatic active β-catenin levels. Consequently a stimulatory effect of bortezomib on bone nodule formation was also demonstrated in osteoblast progenitors. These in vitro observations were confirmed in vivo by the finding of a significant increase in the number of osteoblastic cells × mm2 of bone tissue and in the number of Runx2/Cbfa1-positive osteoblastic cells that was observed in MM patients who responded to bortezomib. Our in vitro and in vivo observations support the hypothesis that a direct stimulatory effect on bone formation process could occur during bortezomib treatment.
Redistribution of P-selectin glycoprotein ligand-1 (PSGL-1) in chemokine-treated neutrophils: a role of lipid microdomains
Authors: Itoh Saotomo , Susuki Chie , Takeshita Kana , Nagata Kisaburo , Tsuji Tsutomu
Published: March 2007

P-selectin glycoprotein ligand-1 (PSGL-1) is a mucin-like cell adhesion molecule expressed on leukocyte plasma membranes and involved in platelet-leukocyte and endothelium-leukocyte interactions. The treatment of neutrophils with a low concentration of IL-8 induced the redistribution of PSGL-1 to one end of the cell to form a cap-like structure. We investigated the role of lipid microdomains in the redistribution of PSGL-1 and its effect on the adhesive characteristics of IL-8-treated neutrophils. The redistribution of PSGL-1 induced by IL-8 was inhibited by cholesterol-perturbing agents such as methyl-β-cyclodextrin and filipin. Sucrose density gradient centrifugation analysis revealed that PSGL-1 was enriched in a low-density fraction together with the GM1 ganglioside after solubilization of the cell membranes with a nonionic detergent, Brij 58. However, when Triton X-100 was used for the solubilization, PSGL-1 was no longer recovered in the low-density fraction, although GM1 ganglioside remained in the low-density fraction. Furthermore, immunofluorescence microscopic observation demonstrated that the localization of PSGL-1 differed from that of GM1 ganglioside, suggesting that PSGL-1 is associated with a microdomain distinct from that containing the GM1 ganglioside. Treatment of neutrophils with IL-8 increased the formation of microaggregates composed of neutrophils and activated platelets, and this treatment also enhanced reactive oxygen species production in neutrophils induced by the cross-linking of PSGL-1 with antibodies. These results suggest that the association of PSGL-1 with lipid microdomains is essential for its redistribution induced by IL-8 stimulation and that the redistribution modulates neutrophil functions mediated by interactions with P-selectin.
Catalase potentiates retinoic acid-induced THP-1 monocyte differentiation into macrophage through inhibition of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ
Authors: Ding Qiurong , Jin Ting , Wang Zhenzhen , Chen Yan
Published: March 2007

Macrophage differentiation plays a pivotal role in cardiovascular diseases and many other physiological processes. However, the role of reaction oxygen species in macrophage differentiation has not been elucidated. Here, we report functional characterization of catalase, an enzyme that degrades hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), in THP-1 monocyte differentiation. Treatment of THP-1 cells with catalase was able to synergize with all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) to enhance macrophage differentiation, demonstrated by changes of cell adherence, cell cycle arrest, nitroblue tetrazolium reduction, and expression of differentiation markers including CD68, CD11b, and matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP9). ATRA could stimulate retinoic acid (RA) receptor-mediated transcription, but this was not affected by catalase. However, ATRA and catalase were capable of reducing transcriptional activity mediated by peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ). Consistently, PPARγ antagonists enhanced, and PPARγ agonists inhibited MMP9 expression stimulated by ATRA and catalase in THP-1 cells. Therefore, these data indicate that catalase is able to potentiate ATRA-induced macrophage differentiation by inhibition of PPARγ activity, underscoring an important interplay between H2O2, RA, and PPARγ in macrophages.
Osteopontin prevents monocyte recirculation and apoptosis
Authors: Burdo Tricia H , Wood Malcolm R , Fox Howard S
Published: March 2007

Cells of the monocyte/macrophage lineage have been shown to be the principal targets for productive HIV-1 replication within the CNS. In addition, HIV-1-associated dementia (HAD) has been shown to correlate with macrophage abundance in the brain. Although increased entry of monocytes into the brain is thought to initiate this process, mechanisms that prevent macrophage egress from the brain and means that prevent macrophage death may also contribute to cell accumulation. We hypothesized that osteopontin (OPN) was involved in the accumulation of macrophages in the brain in neuroAIDS. Using in vitro model systems, we have demonstrated the role of OPN in two distinct aspects of macrophage accumulation: prevention from recirculation and protection from apoptosis. In these unique mechanisms, OPN would aid in macrophage survival and accumulation in the brain, the pathological substrate of HAD.
Socioeconomic, Policy, and Planning Aspects of the 2004 Niigata Ken Chuetsu Earthquake
Authors: Olshansky Robert B. , Nakabayashi Itsuki , Ohnishi Kazuyoshi
Published: March 2007

The Niigata Ken Chuetsu earthquake struck a mostly rural and mountainous part of Niigata prefecture in Japan. Forty-eight people died, and 551 were severely injured. Over 100,000 people required emergency shelter, and nearly 3,500 households are living in temporary housing. The prefecture government has estimated earthquake damages at 3 trillion yen (about $30 billion), and at least 1,000 workers lost their jobs. The primary issues involve lack of access to rural settlements because of landslides, effects on elderly populations, and the long-term effects on the agricultural economy and lifestyle of the region. Because of extensive landsliding, many communities will also have to face difficult decisions regarding possible relocation or abandonment of their village sites. Based on the experiences of other earthquakes, it is clear that this process will take many years to resolve, and that much of the region will be permanently changed by this earthquake.
Reconnaissance Technologies Used after the 2004 Niigata Ken Chuetsu, Japan, Earthquake
Authors: Huyck Charles K. , Matsuoka Masashi , Takahashi Yoshikazu , Vu T. Thuy
Published: March 2007

The Niigata Ken Chuetsu earthquake reconnaissance provided an opportunity to test several advanced data collection technologies, including light detection and ranging, global positioning system data linked to photos and video, very high resolution satellite imagery, geographic information systems, and Internet map servers. The experience gained showed that these technologies offer the engineering community valuable data both in the field and afterward if properly deployed. Information technology solutions should either aid in the reconnaissance itself or be easy to use in the field. Standards and best practices are needed for deploying advanced technologies within the challenging framework of field reconnaissance.
Landslides Triggered by the 2004 Niigata Ken Chuetsu, Japan, Earthquake
Authors: Kieffer D. Scott , Jibson Randy , Rathje Ellen M. , Kelson Keith
Published: March 2007

The Niigata Ken Chuetsu earthquake triggered a vast number of landslides in the epicentral region. Landslide concentrations were among the highest ever measured after an earthquake, and most of the triggered landslides were relatively shallow failures parallel to the steep slope faces. The dense concentration of landslides can be attributed to steep local topography in relatively weak geologic units, adverse hydrologic conditions caused by significant antecedent rainfall, and very strong shaking. Many of the landslides could be discerned from high-resolution satellite imagery acquired immediately after the earthquake.
Building Aspects of the 2004 Niigata Ken Chuetsu, Japan, Earthquake
Authors: Scawthorn Charles
Published: March 2007

The 23 October 2004 Niigata Ken Chuetsu, Japan, earthquake ( Mw=6.6) significantly damaged many buildings. Major damage was generally confined to areas where very strong ground motions and/or permanent ground displacement occurred in the epicentral region. Outside this region, however, in Nagaoka about 1,000 buildings were completely destroyed, and almost 50,000 sustained some damage. Closer to or in the epicentral region, Ojiya, Kawaguchi, and Yamakoshi all sustained major building damage, with many traditional Japanese houses collapsing. A newer and larger type of housing specific to the region, which has full-perimeter reinforced concrete walls, generally performed very well. A promptly and widely employed safety inspection program appears to have functioned well.
A Prospective Study of Plasma Prolactin Concentrations and Risk of Premenopausal and Postmenopausal Breast Cancer
Authors: Tworoger Shelley S. , Eliassen A. Heather , Sluss Patrick , Hankinson Susan E.
Published: March 2007

Purpose

Epidemiologic studies suggest that prolactin is associated with breast cancer risk in older women. Because of limited prospective data, particularly in younger women, we examined whether prolactin concentrations were associated with breast cancer risk among women 42 to 55 years (68% premenopausal) from the Nurses’ Health Study (NHS), and then conducted a pooled analysis of three studies.

Patients and Methods

The analysis included 377 cases of breast cancer diagnosed after blood draw and before June 2000; two controls were matched per case on age, menopausal status at blood draw and diagnosis, fasting status, and time of day and month of blood collection. These data were pooled with two previously published data sets from the NHS and NHSII cohorts (n = 1,539 cases, 2,681 controls; ages 32 to 70 years).

Results

Prolactin was modestly associated with an increased breast cancer risk (relative risk [RR], top v bottom quartile = 1.3; 95% CI, 0.9 to 1.9; P for trend = .12). Risk estimates did not vary by menopausal status, tumor invasiveness, or estrogen receptor (ER) status. In the pooled analysis, the overall RR was 1.3 (95% CI, 1.1 to 1.6; P for trend = .002), and did not vary by menopausal status (P for interaction = .95). The risk was strongest for women with ER+ tumors (RR = 1.6; 95% CI, 1.2 to 2.0; P for trend < .001). Correcting for within-person variability, the RR comparing the median of the top versus the bottom prolactin quartile increased from 1.3 to 1.7 for all women and from 1.5 to 2.1 for ER+ cases.

Conclusion

These data, in conjunction with experimental studies, indicate that prolactin likely is important in breast cancer etiology, particularly ER+ tumors, over a wide range of ages.
Long-Term Solid Cancer Risk Among 5-Year Survivors of Hodgkin's Lymphoma
Authors: Hodgson David C. , Gilbert Ethel S. , Dores Graça M. , Schonfeld Sara J. , Lynch Charles F. , Storm Hans , Hall Per , Langmark Froydis , Pukkala Eero , Andersson Michael , Kaijser Magnus , Joensuu Heikki , Fosså Sophie D. , Travis Lois B.
Published: March 2007

Purpose

Hodgkin's lymphoma (HL) survivors are known to be at substantially increased risk of solid cancers (SC). However, no investigation has used multivariate modeling to estimate the relative risk (RR), excess absolute risk (EAR), and cumulative incidence for specific attained ages and ages at HL diagnosis.

Patients and Methods

We identified 18,862 5-year HL survivors from 13 population-based cancer registries in North America and Europe. Poisson regression was used to evaluate the effects of age at diagnosis, attained age, latency, sex, treatment, and year of diagnosis on the RR and EAR of SC.

Results

Among 1,490 identified SC, 850 were estimated to be in excess. For most cancer sites, both RR and EAR decreased with age at HL diagnosis and showed strong dependencies on attained age. For a patient diagnosed at age 30 years and survived to ≥ 40 years, modeled risks were significantly elevated for cancers of the breast (RR = 6.1), other supradiaphragmatic sites (RR = 6.0), and infradiaphragmatic sites (RR = 3.7); the largest RR (20-fold) was observed for malignant mesothelioma. Thirty-year cumulative risks of SC for men and women diagnosed at 30 years were 18% and 26%, respectively, compared with 7% and 9%, respectively, in the general population. For young HL patients, risks of breast and colorectal cancers were elevated 10 to 25 years before the age when routine screening would be recommended in the general population.

Conclusion

Multivariable modeling demonstrates for the first time temporal changes in SC risk not evident in unadjusted analyses, and can facilitate the development of individualized risk assessment and the creation of screening strategies for early detection.
Collaborative philosophical inquiry for schoolchildren: Cognitive gains at 2‐year follow‐up
Authors: Topping K. J. , Trickey S.
Published: March 2007

Background. Evidence of maintained gains from thinking skills interventions are rare in the literature even within sectors of education, let alone across sectors.

Aims. This study investigated the cognitive effects of collaborative philosophical inquiry at long‐term 2‐year follow‐up, after the participants had transferred to secondary (high) school without experiencing further philosophical inquiry in the interim.

Sample. Sample attrition was greater in the control than in the experimental group, but 96 experimental and 52 control subjects were available.

Method. Intervened children who engaged in collaborative inquiry for 1 hour per week over 16 months and whose pre‐post cognitive gains were reported in Topping and Trickey (2007) were followed up 2 years later, some time after they had transferred from primary to secondary school, again using the Cognitive Abilities Test.

Results. The significant pre‐post cognitive ability gains in the experimental group in primary school were maintained towards the end of their second year of secondary school. Higher achieving pupils were somewhat advantaged in sustaining these gains. The control group showed an insignificant but persistent deterioration in scores from pre‐ to post‐test to follow‐up.

Conclusions. Given the pattern of sample attrition, the group difference seems likely to be underestimated. The study provides evidence of maintained cognitive gains from collaborative philosophical inquiry, transferred across contexts. Implications for future research, policy and practice are discussed.
Studies on the Expression of 80-kDa Human Sperm Antigen in Rat Testis and Epididymis
Authors: Khobarekar Bharati G. , Vernekar Vandana J. , Prabagaran Esakki , Raghavan Vijaya P. , Bandivdekar Atmaram H.
Published: March 2007

The 80-kDa human sperm antigen (HSA) has demonstrated to be a promising candidate for development of an antifertility vaccine because it is a sperm-specific, conserved, and immunogenic protein. The present study demonstrates the androgen-regulated expression of 80-kDa HSA in testis and epididymis of rat by immunohistochemistry (IHC), using its specific antibodies. Developmental expression of 80-kDa HSA was investigated on days 10, 20, 40, 60, and 90 of age in the testis and epididymis by IHC, and relative staining intensity was estimated by image analysis using BIOVIS software. On days 10 and 20, no significant staining was observed in the testis and epididymis, whereas it gradually increased from day 40 onwards. The highest staining was seen on day 90 in both testis and epididymis. Gradual increase in expression of 80-kDa HSA after day 40 suggests that it is possibly regulated by androgen. To study the androgen-regulated expression of 80-kDa, adult male rats were treated with 75 mg/kg body weight of ethylene dimethane sulfonate (EDS), which selectively destroys Leydig cells and thus induces complete androgen withdrawal. It was observed that the staining intensity decreased following EDS treatment in rat testis as well as epididymis, and it was regained after supplementation with dihydrotestosterone. Increased expression during sexual maturation at the time of testosterone surge and its regulation by anti-androgen/androgen treatment suggest androgen-dependent expression of 80-kDa HSA in rat testis and epididymis.
Expression and Localization of SWAP-70 in Human Fetomaternal Interface and Placenta During Tubal Pregnancy and Normal Placentation
Authors: Liu Jing , Li Dong , Cao Bin , Li Yu-xia , Herva Riitta , Piao Yun-shang , Wang Yan-ling
Published: March 2007

SWAP-70 has been demonstrated as a multiple functional signaling protein involved in formation of membrane ruffling induced by signal cascade of tyrosine kinase growth factor receptors. In the present study, the spatial and temporal expression pattern of SWAP-70 on human fetomaternal interface was investigated using specimens collected from tubal and normal pregnancies by in situ hybridization, immunohistochemistry, and Western blotting. Data showed an intense expression of SWAP-70 in trophoblasts at weeks 3–6 of fallopian implantation and at weeks 6–7 of normal pregnancy. The most intense expression was exhibited by those highly motile and invasive extravillous trophoblasts. From gestational week 8 on, the level of SWAP-70 in trophoblasts decreased significantly, and the signal was restricted in villous cytotrophoblast cells. In the in vitro cultured human trophoblast cell line, B6Tert-1, colocalization of SWAP-70 with F-actin was verified. Data in human placenta were similar to what we recently reported on rhesus monkey fetomaternal interface. Our results suggest that SWAP-70 may be involved in regulating migration and invasion of trophoblast cells during the processes of embryonic implantation and placentation in primates.
A Novel Monoclonal Antibody Against the Second Extracellular Loop of Occludin Disrupts Epithelial Cell Polarity
Authors: Tokunaga Yuichi , Kojima Takashi , Osanai Makoto , Murata Masaki , Chiba Hideki , Tobioka Hirotoshi , Sawada Norimasa
Published: March 2007

The tight junction (TJ) regulates epithelial cell polarity and paracellular permeability. In the present study, to investigate whether the second extracellular loop of occludin affects the localization of carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) and CD26 expressed on apical membranes, and the fence function of the TJ, the human intestinal epithelial cell line T84 was treated with the monoclonal anti-occludin antibody (MAb) 1H8, corresponding to the second extracellular loop of occludin. In T84 cells treated with MAb 1H8, occludin disappeared, and CEA and CD26 were observed to diffuse from the apical membrane to the basolateral membrane. Furthermore, a decrease in the fence function of TJ was observed without changes in the TJ strands and barrier function. When T84 cells precultured in low calcium (Ca) medium were recultured in normal Ca medium in the presence of MAb 1H8, recruitment of occludin to the apical-most membranes and recovery in distribution of CEA and CD26 were markedly retarded compared with the control. These results suggested that MAb 1H8 against the second extracellular loop of occludin selectively affected formation of the apical/basolateral intramembrane diffusion barrier and that the second extracellular loop of occludin plays a crucial role in the maintenance of epithelial cell polarity by the TJ.
Verfeinerte Sensormodelle für Tracking-Anwendungen (Advanced Sensor Models for Tracking Applications)
Authors: Koch Wolfgang
Published: March 2007

In anspruchsvollen Überwachungsanwendungen muss alle verfügbare Information über verwendete Sensoren, die zu überwachenden Objekte und das zugrunde liegende Szenario ausgenutzt werden. Neben der Verarbeitung gemessener Daten schließt dies die Nutzung verfeinerter Sensormodelle ein, in denen Kontextinformation über die charakteristischen Sensoreigenschaften formuliert ist. Dadurch wird es insbesondere möglich, negative Sensorevidenz zu nutzen, also Schlussfolgerungen aus erwarteten, aber tatsächlich ausbleibenden Detektionen zu ziehen. Wie sich zeigt, können durch verfeinerte Sensormodellierung Positions- und Geschwindigkeitsschätzungen der zu verfolgenden Objekte verbessert werden.
Fusion von Radar- und Thermopilesensordaten zur Fußgängerdetektion (Fusion of Radar and Thermopile Sensor Data for Pedestrian Detection)
Authors: Linzmeier Dirk , Bär Tobias , Mekhaiel Moheb
Published: March 2007

Viele fahrzeugtechnische Innovationen der letzten 30 Jahre zielten auf die Vermeidung oder Verringerung von Personenschäden bei Unfällen. Die sogenannte passive Sicherheit hat zu einem großen Teil dazu beigetragen, dass die Zahl tödlicher Verletzungen der Fahrzeuginsassen stark zurückgegangen ist. Mehr noch als bisher ist die Automobilindustrie daran interessiert, die aktiven Sicherheitssysteme voranzutreiben. Innovative Sicherheitssysteme, wie z.B. Fußgängerschutzsysteme, sollen in der Zukunft durch aktive Maßnahmen dafür sorgen, dass Fußgänger im Straßenverkehr besonders geschützt werden.In diesem Artikel wird ein System zur Fußgängerdetektion, basierend auf Radar- und Thermopilesensoren, vorgestellt. Hierbei liegt der Fokus vor allem auf der Sensordatenfusion mit Hilfe der Dempster–Shafer-Theorie. Mit Hilfe eines solchen Systems, das im DaimlerChrysler Forschungszentrum in Ulm entwickelt wird, soll es in der Zukunft möglich sein, die Sicherheit von Fußgängern im Straßenverkehr durch aktive Sicherheitsmaßnahmen zu erhöhen.
Fusion von Bildsignalen (Fusion of Image Signals)
Authors: Heizmann Michael , Puente León Fernando
Published: March 2007

Für viele Aufgaben der industriellen Sichtprüfung und der Umfeldwahrnehmung sind Aufnahme und Auswertung von Einzelbildern nicht ausreichend, da die interessierende Information gar nicht oder nur unzureichend mit einer Einzelaufnahme erfasst werden kann. In solchen Fällen kann die gewünschte Information oft dadurch erhalten werden, dass eine Serie von Bildern mit dem Ziel verknüpft wird, eine neue oder verbesserte Repräsentation von Bildinhalten oder -charakteristika zu gewinnen. Dieser Beitrag stellt wesentliche Aspekte der Fusion von Bilddaten dar. Zunächst werden Bildsensoren hinsichtlich ihrer fusionsrelevanten Eigenschaften charakterisiert. Danach werden mögliche Abstraktionsebenen, auf denen die Verknüpfung der Bilder stattfinden kann, sowie eine allgemeine Methodik zur Durchführung der Bildfusion dargestellt. Schließlich werden Beispiele erläutert, welche das Potenzial der vorgestellten Fusionsmethodik aufzeigen.
Multisensorielle Exploration von Roboterarbeitsräumen (Multisensory Exploration of Robot Workspaces)
Authors: Suppa Michael , Hirzinger Gerd
Published: March 2007

In diesem Artikel werden Arbeiten aus dem Bereich Arbeitsraumexploration und -modellierung am Institut für Robotik und Mechatronik des Deutschen Zentrums für Luft- und Raumfahrt vorgestellt. Mit Hilfe der vorgestellten Methoden werden Roboter in die Lage versetzt, (teil-)autonom ihren Arbeitsraum zu explorieren. Die Umgebung des Roboters ist initial vollständig oder teilweise unbekannt, daher muss der Roboter sukzessive eine Repräsentation der Umgebung aufbauen.

Zur Umgebungserfassung werden verschiedene optische Sensoren wie Lichtschnitt, Laserscanner oder Stereo, integriert in ein universelles Sensorsystem, den DLR-3D-Modellierer, verwendet. Die Fusion der Tiefendaten in eine konsistente Repräsentation, z.B. zur Bahnplanung und zur Planung der Sensorlagen, wird vorgestellt. 3D-Sensorik, Sensorsynchronisation und Modellerstellung werden dargestellt. Algorithmen zur Planung der Sensorlagen, den sogenannten Next Best Views, unter Berücksichtigung von Messrauschen und Verdeckungen sind weitere Kernpunkte des Artikels.
Elektronische Nase und Signalgewinnung (Electronic Nose and Signal Acquisition)
Authors: Mitrovics Jan , Röck Frank , Weimar Udo
Published: March 2007

Chemische Sensoren bieten sich auf dem Gebiet der Gas- und Geruchsanalytik an, etablierte analytische Methoden zu ergänzen oder zu ersetzen und eröffnen vor allem im Niedrigpreis-Segment neue Anwendungen. Unter dem Schlagwort “elektronische Nase” ist in den letzten 10 bis 15 Jahren ein neuer Typ von Messinstrument entstanden, der mehrere Sensoren in einem Array zusammenfasst und mit Methoden der Mustererkennung kombiniert. Dieser Artikel beschreibt Möglichkeiten und Grenzen dieser Technologie.
Informationsfusion – Eine Übersicht (Information Fusion – An Overview)
Authors: Ruser Heinrich , Puente León Fernando
Published: March 2007

Mit Informationsfusion wird der Prozess bezeichnet, Daten aus unterschiedlichen Sensoren oder Informationsquellen mit dem Ziel zu verknüpfen, neues oder präziseres Wissen über physikalische Größen, Ereignisse und Situationen zu gewinnen. Im Beitrag werden eine Systematisierung der verschiedenen Ansätze und Modelle der Informationsfusion vorgenommen und allgemeine Kriterien bei der Herangehensweise an die Fusionsaufgabe vorgestellt. Ausgehend von den Anforderungen an die Messaufgabe bestimmen die Art und das bekannte oder erlernbare Wissen über die Informationsquellen und die Messobjekte sowie der vertretbare mathematische Aufwand die Wahl der Fusionsalgorithmen. Hierzu wird ein Überblick über verschiedene methodische Ansätze gegeben, welche in vielen Anwendungen eine wichtige Rolle spielen.