bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Poster — Thur Eve — 35: Lung SBRT: 4DCT Based Treatment Planning in Presence of Respiratory Motion
Authors: Jiang R , Osei E , Fleck A , Gopaul D , Barnett R
Published: August 2010

The purpose of this study was to determine the impact of internal target volume (ITV) density on the 4DCT based lung stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) treatment planning (TP) using the ITV density assignment correction (DAC). Siemens 40‐slice CT scanner was used to acquire 8 phases of 4DCT images and a free breathing CT scan of CIRS Dynamic Thorax Phantom with the tumor moving in three dimensions. The ITV was created from the merge of all the CTVs in all the phases in Eclipse and copied to the free breathing CT scan for planning dose calculation. The PTV was created by adding a 5mm margin around the ITV. Lung SBRT plans were created using the 0% inhale phase, the 50% inhale phase and the free breathing CT scan under the original CT scan and DAC in the ITV. Our data shows ITV coverage from the isodose line, DVH analysis and mean dose on the free breathing CT scan, 0% inhale phase and 50% inhale phase with and without ITV DAC. The high dose region follows the CTV without DAC in the ITV because of the higher build‐up of dose within the denser CTV volume than in the surrounding less dense lung tissue. The MU decreased 0.9%, 1.3% and 1.2% for free breathing scan, 0% inhale and 50% inhale respectively with DAC in the ITV. The DAC provided a clinical acceptable way to predict the ITV dose coverage in the treatment planning system.
Poster — Thur Eve — 37: Incorporation of K‐Edge Materials into Dual‐Energy X‐Ray Imaging Theory
Authors: Landheer K , Johns PC
Published: August 2010

Dual‐energy x‐ray imaging is capable of enhancing the conspicuity of materials by removing extraneous contrast. Classic dual‐energy theory, however, does not encompass materials which have a K edge in the diagnostic energy range, such as iodine contrast agent. We attempt to extend dual‐energy theory to incorporate all materials. In the first approach, a third basis material is introduced to account for the discontinuity. The transmission of a human torso consisting of muscle, adipose and iodine can be represented by equivalent thicknesses of three basis materials chosen to be Lucite, aluminum and iodine. Material look‐alike unit vectors in the Lucite, aluminum and iodine space give the direction for projecting patient data to remove contrast between any two pairs of materials. This approach fails, however, if a contrast agent different from that used as a basis material is present, such as barium. A more general extension of dual‐energy theory would accommodate different K edges. In the second approach, a K‐edge material is represented by two basis materials and a Heaviside function shifted to the K edge and scaled to give the jump ratio. The scale factor is a slowly varying function of the energy shift: the jump ratio is 5.58 for iodine (Z=53) and 5.23 for barium (Z=56). This makes it possible to describe any material by three parameters. The next step will be to link the two disjoint approaches to obtain a general extension of dual‐energy theory, of which the current theory is a projection into the two‐basis plane.
Poster — Thur Eve — 38: The Effect of Ionizing Radiation on Giant Unilamellar Vesicles of “Lipid Raft” Mixtures Examined by Confocal Fluorescence Microscopy
Authors: Juhasz J , Patterson MS , Fradin C , Sharom FJ
Published: August 2010

The effect of ionizing radiation on model membranes has been the focus of various studies since the discovery of radioactivity. Spectroscopic techniques, such as X‐ray diffraction, electron spin resonance, and fluorescence spectroscopy, yielded insight into radiation‐induced physico‐chemical changes in model membranes. However, direct visualization of the radiation‐induced damage in model membrane systems was not possible before the advent of giant unilamellar vesicles. We describe a method of examining radiation‐induced visible, physical changes in giant unilamellar vesicles consisting of a single bilayer, along with details of a possible reorganization of “lipid raft” domains. We used mixtures of phospholipids and cholesterol for which the phase behaviour is known and the contrast between the different lipid phases was achieved by using two well characterized fluorescent probes: Texas Red 1,2‐dihexadecanoyl‐sn‐glycero‐3‐phosphoethanolamine (TR‐DPPE), and 1,2‐dipalmitoyl‐sn‐glycero‐3‐phosphoethanolamine‐N‐(7‐nitro‐2‐1,3‐benzoxadiazol‐4‐yl) (NBD‐DPPE). Samples were irradiated with a 137Cs gamma ray source at dose rates ranging from ∼0.3 Gy/min to ∼0.7 Gy/min and doses of 1 Gy to 30 Gy. The radiation‐induced effects were examined at 15 minutes to ∼24 hours after irradiation, which is within the stability period of the giant unilamellar vesicles. We observed substantial aggregation of vesicles, and vesicles transitioned from a spherical to an elongated shape with bending points at the boundaries of “lipid raft” domains. Although giant unilamellar vesicles do not contain genetic material, it seems likely that by incorporating membrane proteins, questions pertaining to different cellular processes such as signal transduction and apoptosis induced by radiation could be addressed.
Poster — Thur Eve — 41: Determination of Realistic Workload and Use Factors Using the Varian ARIA Database
Authors: Kildea J , deBlois F , Parker W , Podgorsak EB , Evans MDC
Published: August 2010

Shielding design calculations used in megavoltage radiation therapy essentially reduce to determination of barrier thicknesses. A shielding barrier serves to attenuate the radiation dose from a high level produced inside a therapy room to a lower “design goal” level at a point‐of‐interest outside. The calculation must account for both radiation physics (barrier attenuation) and for the various clinic‐specific parameters that serve to modulate the design goal and the dose that impinges on the barrier. While the physical data relating to attenuation of megavoltage beams in concrete and other barrier materials is readily available (eg in NCRP Report 151 or via the NIST website), clinic‐specific parameters must be determined by the clinical physicist. Such parameters include the workload W of the treatment machine, the use factor U of the barrier in question and the occupancy T at the point‐of‐interest. In this submission we show how data archived in a clinic's record‐and‐verify system can be used to compile realistic workload and use factors.
Poster — Thur Eve — 50: Preliminary Evaluation of Ultrasound Treatment of the Human Prostate Gland Using MRI Thermometry In Vivo
Authors: McCormick S , Boyes A , Kobelevskiy I , Burtnyk M , N'Djin WA , Persaud L , Colquhoun A , Klotz L , Bronskill M , Chopra R
Published: August 2010

Current radical treatments for prostate cancer can have numerous, permanent side effects including incontinence, sexual dysfunction and bowel dysfunction. The development of an effective, minimally invasive treatment with fewer side effects would enhance treatment options, particularly for younger men with low‐risk disease. MRI‐guided transurethral high intensity ultrasound therapy has been shown to have a high degree of accuracy in coagulating tissue. A real‐time feedback system in conjunction with continuous MR thermometry gives the system control over heat deposition, as demonstrated in both gel and preclincal animal models. A subvolume treatment of the gland was performed on six men with low grade prostate cancer who volunteered for the procedure prior to their scheduled radical prostatectomy. Histological measurements were performed on the surgically removed prostate to asses the accuracy of the ultrasound therapy. A spinal anaesthetic was given to the patient to limit discomfort and movement during treatment. A transurethral device fitted with four 5‐mm planar transducers operating at 8MHz delivered the treatment in a 1.5T clinical MRI system. A volume within the prostate was targeted, based on MR images, usually involving a 180° rotation of the device. Temperature uncertainty of ∼1C° was obtained and the coagulation boundary from histology agreed with the target boundary with an accuracy of 1mm ± 1.5mm. This presentation describes a preliminary study of safety and feasibility in human beings.
Poster — Thur Eve — 56: A Comprehensive System for Classifying, Recording and Analyzing Incidents, Accidents, and Other Events in a Radiotherapy Practice
Authors: Parker W , Heon J , Anjum MN , Gingras C , Daly M , Freeman C
Published: August 2010

Introduction: An event reporting program was created in a large radiotherapy facility. The aim of the program was develop a classification system for radiation events to improve quality in patient treatment. An event was defined as any action which caused or could have caused the incorrect treatment of the patient or led to the delay of a patient's treatment. Methods and Materials: An event reporting committee comprising of senior members of staff was formed and an anonymous event reporting form and mechanism were created. The data was analyzed and educational feedback were given to the entire staff. Results: The project is ongoing at our clinic, but the data was collected over a 3‐year period starting January 1, 2007. Events are initially evaluated immediately after occurrence, and every few weeks the committee assembles and categorizes the events reports. A total of 971 events were recorded. After an initial increase from 335 events in 2007, to 437 in 2008, 2009 registered only 199 errors. The total event rate per fraction is less than 1% (0.00719), but the overall event rate per patient is about 11%. Also we note that the accident rate (events which have dosimetric consequences for the patient) is relatively low with only 39 events for the 3 year period, about 1 event per month. We also note that near misses account for about 15% of all events. The largest number events (∼15%) occur during treatment delivery, this is expected as this is the most frequent activity.
Poster — Thur Eve — 60: Development of an Empirical Model for Respiratory Motion
Authors: Quirk S , Becker N , Smith W
Published: August 2010

In order to simulate the effects of respiratory chest motion on breast cancer radiotherapy treatments, an accurate model of clinically relevant breathing patterns is needed. Current models of the chest wall are simple and ignore population variation in breathing shape and the asymmetries in inhale and exhale phases of the breathing cycle. This study aims to develop a realistic, empirical breathing model of the external motion of the chest wall. Development of this model will allow examination of how different breathing patterns may affect treatment deliverability and patient outcomes. We fit multiple sigmoidal functions to clinical respiratory data acquired by Varian's Real‐Time Position Management System (RPM, Varian Medical Systems, California). Nonlinear regression was used to quantify the goodness of fit parameters for the empirical model. Increasing the number of variables in the model increases the goodness of fit, and we used Akaike's Information Criterion (AIC) to make direct comparison of models accounting for the difference in the number of parameters. Using AIC, we found that for the inhale portion, a sigmoidal fit with four parameters was the most appropriate, while the exhale portion fit with a sigmoidal curve the three could be used instead of the four parameter fit. AIC information theory proved to be a useful tool in determining the likelihood of fit while accounting for the number of parameters. Further investigation will attempt to reduce the number of parameters by investigating trends in the coefficients of the fit.
Make Me a Path
Authors: Gough Nancy R.
Published: August 2010

Migrating neurons instruct the astrocytes to build the migration tunnel.
Cleft Behind
Authors: VanHook Annalisa M.
Published: August 2010

Regulation of cellular adhesive and motility properties creates separations in epithelial sheets that enable organ branching.
Science Signaling
Podcast: 3 August 2010
Authors: Smit Martine J. , VanHook Annalisa M.
Published: August 2010

A virally encoded G protein–coupled receptor promotes cellular proliferation and vascularization.
Role of Interleukin-17A in Cell-Mediated Protection against
Staphylococcus aureus
Infection in Mice Immunized with the Fibrinogen-Binding Domain of Clumping Factor A
Authors: Narita Kouji , Hu Dong-Liang , Mori Fumiaki , Wakabayashi Koichi , Iwakura Yoichiro , Nakane Akio
Published: August 2010

Clumping factor A (ClfA) is a fibrinogen-binding cell wall-attached protein and an important virulence factor of
Staphylococcus aureus
. Previous studies reported that an immunization with the fibrinogen-binding domain of ClfA (ClfA
40-559
) protected animals against
S. aureus
infection. It was reported that some cytokines are involved in the pathogenesis of staphylococcal diseases and in host defense against
S. aureus
infection. However, the role of cytokines in the protective effect of ClfA
40-559
as a vaccine has not been elucidated. In this study, we demonstrated that the spleen cells of ClfA
40-559
-immunized mice produced a large amount of interleukin-17A (IL-17A). The protective effect of immunization was exerted in wild-type mice but not in IL-17A-deficient mice. IL-17A mRNA expression was increased in the spleens and kidneys of immunized mice after infection. CXCL2 and CCL2 mRNA expression was increased in the spleens and kidneys, respectively. Consistent with upregulation of the mRNA expression, neutrophils infiltrated into the spleens extensively and macrophage infiltration was observed in the kidneys of immunized mice. These results suggest that immunization with ClfA
40-559
induces the IL-17A-producing cells and that IL-17-mediated cellular immunity is involved in the protective effect induced by immunization with ClfA
40-559
against
S. aureus
infection.
The EspF Effector, a Bacterial Pathogen's Swiss Army Knife
Authors: Holmes Ashleigh , Mühlen Sabrina , Roe Andrew J. , Dean Paul
Published: August 2010

Central to the pathogenesis of many bacterial pathogens is the ability to deliver effector proteins directly into the cells of their eukaryotic host. EspF is one of many effector proteins exclusive to the attaching and effacing pathogen family that includes enteropathogenic (EPEC) and enterohemorrhagic (EHEC)
Escherichia coli
. Work in recent years has revealed EspF to be one of the most multifunctional effector proteins known, with defined roles in several host cellular processes, including disruption of the epithelial barrier, antiphagocytosis, microvillus effacement, host membrane remodelling, modulation of the cytoskeleton, targeting and disruption of the nucleolus, intermediate filament disruption, cell invasion, mitochondrial dysfunction, apoptosis, and inhibition of several important epithelial transporters. Surprisingly, despite this high number of functions, EspF is a relatively small effector protein, and recent work has begun to decipher the molecular events that underlie its multifunctionality. This review focuses on the activities of EspF within the host cell and discusses recent findings and molecular insights relating to the virulence functions of this fascinating bacterial effector.
Cholesterol solubilization by oxo derivatives of selected bile acids and their membranotoxicity
Authors: Poša Mihalj , Farkaš Zita
Published: August 2010

This study is concerned with the effect of the structure of bile acids on the solubilization of cholesterol (cholesterol solubilizing capacity (CChm) and the equilibrium micellary solubilization of cholesterol (xChm)). It was found that the replacement of the hydroxy group in the bile acid molecule with an oxo group results in a decrease of the solubilization power of cholesterol. The examined bile acids form two linear groups at the plane of critical micellar concentration (CMC) and solubilization power of cholesterol (CChmorxChm). The group I is formed by bile acids with lower CMCs and higher cholesterol solubilites (deoxycholic (1), chenodeoxycholic (2), hyodeoxycholic (3), cholic (8), 12-oxolithocholic (4), and 7-oxolithocholic (5) acids). On the other hand, the group II is formed by bile acids with higher CMCs and lower cholesterol solubilites (7-oxodeoxycholic (9), 12-oxochenodeoxycholic (10), 12α-hydroxy-3,7-dioxocholanic (11), 7,12-dioxolithocholic (12), 3,7-dioxocholanic (6), and 3,12-dioxocholanic (7) acids). The common conformational characteristics of the bile acid molecules was determined (orientation of OH or oxo grups considered to the mean plane of the steroid skeleton). They form joint groups in the plane of CMC – (CChmorxChm), and the linear function (CChmorxChm) =f(CMC). The osmotic resistance of erythrocytes determines the membranotoxicity of bile acids. 12-Oxolithocholic acid represents the best compromise with regard to the solubilization of cholesterol and membranotoxicity.
Evaluating social and behavioural impacts of English smoke-free legislation in different ethnic and age groups: implications for reducing smoking-related health inequalities: Table 1
Authors: Lock K , Adams E , Pilkington P , Duckett K , Gilmore A , Marston C
Published: August 2010

Objective

To explore social and behavioural impacts of English smoke-free legislation (SFL) in different ethnic groups.

Design

A longitudinal, qualitative panel study of smokers using in-depth interviews conducted before and after introduction of SFL.

Participants

A purposive sample of 32 smokers selected from three ethnic groups in deprived London neighbourhoods with approximately equal numbers of younger and older, male and female respondents.

Results

SFL has had positive impacts with half smoking less and three quitting. Although there were no apparent differences in smoking and quitting behaviours between groups, there were notable differences in the social impacts of SFL. The greatest negative impacts were in smokers over 60 years, potentially increasing their social isolation, and on young Somali women whose smoking was driven more underground. In contrast, most other young adult smokers felt relatively unaffected by SFL, describing unexpected social benefits. Although there was high compliance, reports of illegal smoking were more frequent among young, ethnic minority smokers, with descriptions of venues involved suggesting they are ethnically distinct and well hidden. Half of respondents reported stopping smoking in their own homes after SFL, but almost all were Somali or Turkish. White respondents tended to report increases in home smoking.

Discussion

Although our study suggests that SFL can lead to reductions in tobacco consumption, it also shows that impacts vary by ethnicity, age and sex. This study highlights the importance of understanding the meaning of smoking in different social contexts so future tobacco control interventions can be developed to reduce health and social inequalities.
PERFECT TRANSLATION INVARIANCE WITH A WIDE RANGE OF SHAPES OF HILBERT TRANSFORM PAIRS OF WAVELET BASES
Authors: TODA HIROSHI , ZHANG ZHONG
Published: August 2010

It is well known that a Hilbert transform pair of wavelet bases improves the lack of translation invariance of the discrete wavelet transform. However, its shapes and improvement are limited by the difficulty in applying the Hilbert transform pair to a discrete signal. In this paper, novel Hilbert transform pairs of wavelet bases, which are based on a Meyer wavelet and have a wide range of shapes, are proposed to create perfect translation invariance, and their calculation method is designed to apply these wavelet bases to any discrete signal. Therefore, perfect translation invariance is achieved with a wide range of shapes of the Hilbert transform pairs of wavelet bases.
BIOLOGICAL SIGNAL ANALYSIS BY INDEPENDENT COMPONENT ANALYSIS USING COMPLEX WAVELET TRANSFORM
Authors: HORIHATA SATOSHI , ZHANG ZHONG , IMAMURA TAKASHI , MIYAKE TETSUO , TODA HIROSHI , YASUDA YOSHIFUMI
Published: August 2010

Independent component analysis (ICA) is a useful method for blind source separation of two or more signals. We have previously proposed a new method combining ICA with the complex discrete wavelet transform (CDWT), in which voice and noise signals were separated using a new method. At that time, we used a simulated signal. In this study, we analyze measured biological signals by using a new method, and discuss its effectiveness. As an experiment, we try to separate an electromyogram (EMG) signal from an electrocardiogram (ECG) signal.
STUDY ON THE CONTRIBUTION OF INTAKE NOISE USING COMPLEX TIME-TIME ANALYSIS AND SUBJECTIVE EVALUATION
Authors: ISHIMITSU SHUNSUKE , TAKAMI KENJI , SAKAMOTO KOJI , FUKUI KAZUTOSHI
Published: August 2010

Recent research on time-frequency analysis using wavelet transforms has focused on analyzing wavelets using a mathematical approach. In this study, a measured signal is adopted as the wavelet, and we analyze the correlation between acoustic signals in the car cabin and air intake suction noise signals by applying the proposed system. Since the traditional calculation of correlation repeats the averaging procedure, the original signal must be stationary. Consequently, a technique for separating and identifying noise from each part of the engine is used for analyzing the noise source contribution. To apply the method to time-varying signals, we introduce the concept of an instantaneous correlation factor (ICF), and we prove that the dominant feature of the correlation can be estimated by the ICF. However, the ICF method has not previously used a time-varying analyzing wavelet. In this research, to conduct a practical analysis we proposed Time-Time analysis, which was developed based on the ICF. Furthermore, we also proposed Complex Time-Time analysis, extending into the complex region for improvement in accuracy. First, we verified the effectiveness of the ICF using simulated signals, and then we investigated the contribution of intake noise (which is one of the engine noises) to the car interior noise during acceleration. Using an ICF in which signals relating to each noise source are selected for the analyzing wavelet (AW), we showed that this technique is also useful for contribution analysis. We also conducted a fundamental experiment about audibility impressions.
ERRATUM: "FRAMES OF SUBSPACES FOR BANACH SPACES"
Authors: KAUSHIK S. K. , KUMAR VARINDER
Published: August 2010

The authorship of this paper should read as S. K. Kaushik and Varinder Kumar.
A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF MOTIVATION AND ENTREPRENEURIAL INTENTIONALITY: CHINESE AND AMERICAN PERSPECTIVES
Authors: PLANT ROBERT , REN JEN
Published: August 2010

In this paper, we compare the intentionality of students in graduate business programs in the United States and China toward becoming entrepreneurs. We utilize Amabile's Work Preference Inventory (WPI) to examine the motivational dimension of entrepreneurial intentionality and the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) to compare the impact of gender and family history of self-employment on employment intentionality. Our results suggest there is a positive relationship with entrepreneurial intent in both the intrinsic challenge characteristic and extrinsic compensation characteristic. Results also suggest the intrinsic enjoyment characteristic and extrinsic outward characteristic are negatively correlated to self-employment. In addition, the study found that males in China exhibited a significantly greater intentionality toward self-employment than females did. We also found that entrepreneurial intentionality is stronger in the U.S. study group than in the China group for those with prior self-employment experience, as well as when they have a background that includes a family history of self-employment. However, when there is no family background of self-employment, the Chinese show greater intentionality to become self-employed than the group located in the United States.
TOO SICK TO START: ENTREPRENEUR'S HEALTH AND BUSINESS ENTRY IN TOWNSHIPS AROUND DURBAN, SOUTH AFRICA
Authors: CHAO LI-WEI , SZREK HELENA , PEREIRA NUNO SOUSA , PAULY MARK V.
Published: August 2010

Unlike large firms with management teams, small businesses are usually run by one key person, the owner-entrepreneur, who bears almost all of the risks and makes most of the decisions related to the business. Because the owner-entrepreneur also embodies most of the firm-specific knowledge capital, health of the owner-entrepreneur is an important factor in the production process. Following a cohort of respondents in townships around Durban, South Africa, over a three-year period, we examined the relationship between an individual's physical health and the decision to start a business. Our results suggest respondents who were recent business entrants were in better health than respondents who did not start new businesses. Moreover, respondents without a business at the beginning of the study who later opened businesses during the study interval were significantly more likely to have better baseline health than those respondents who never started a new business. Hence, good health among entrepreneurs seems to be an important prerequisite to small business entry.
Effect of Moderate-Intensity Exercise on Plasma C-Reactive Protein and Aortic Endothelial Function in Type 2 Diabetic Mice
Authors: Sallam Nada , Khazaei Majid , Laher Ismail
Published: August 2010

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of moderate-intensity exercise on plasma levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) as markers of low-grade inflammation and endothelial function in diabetic (db/db) mice. Control and db/db mice were divided into sedentary and exercised groups. Aortic endothelial function was evaluated after two- and six-week exercises using a wire myograph. Plasma CRP levels were measured at baseline, and after two and six weeks of exercise. Baseline plasma CRP levels were significantly higher in db/db mice compared to control (P<.05). After two weeks of exercise, aortic endothelial function was significantly improved without affecting body weight or plasma CRP levels. Six weeks of exercise not only improved endothelial function, but also significantly reduced body weight and plasma CRP levels in db/db mice. Thus short-term exercise has beneficial effect on endothelial function without reducing low-grade inflammation while more prolonged exercise periods are required to reduce inflammatory markers.
Stable Aqueous Suspension and Self‐Assembly of Graphite Nanoplatelets Coated with Various Polyelectrolytes
Authors: Lu Jue , Do Inhwan , Fukushima Hiroyuki , Lee Ilsoon , Drzal Lawrence T.
Published: August 2010

Exfoliated graphite nanoplatelets (xGnPs) with an average thickness of 1–10 nm present an inexpensive alternative to carbon nanotubes in many applications. In this paper, stable aqueous suspension of xGnP was achieved by noncovalent functionalization of xGnP with polyelectrolytes. The surfactants and polyelectrolytes were compared with respect to their ability to suspend graphite nanoplatelets. The surface charge of the nanoplatelets was characterized with zeta potential measurements, and the bonding strength of the polymer chains to the surface of xGnP was characterized with Raman spectroscopy. This robust method opens up the possibility of using this inexpensive nanomaterial in many applications, including electrochemical devices, and leads to simple processing techniques such as layer‐by‐layer deposition. Therefore, the formation of xGnP conductive coatings using layer‐by‐layer deposition was also demonstrated.
PPARγLigand as a Promising Candidate for Colorectal Cancer Chemoprevention: A Pilot Study
Authors: Takahashi Hirokazu , Hosono Kunihiro , Uchiyama Takashi , Sugiyama Michiko , Sakai Eiji , Endo Hiroki , Maeda Shin , Schaefer Katherine L. , Nakagama Hitoshi , Nakajima Atsushi
Published: August 2010

Activating synthetic ligands for peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ), such as pioglitazone, are commonly used to treat persons with diabetes mellitus with improvement of insulin resistance. Several reports have clearly demonstrated that PPARγligands could inhibit colorectal cancer cell growth and induce apoptosis. Meanwhile, aberrant crypt foci (ACF) have come to be established as a biomarker of the risk of CRC in azoxymethane-treated mice and rats. In humans, ACF can be detected using magnifying colonoscopy. Previously, CRC and adenoma were used as a target for chemopreventive agents, but it needs a long time to evaluate, however, ACF can be a surrogate marker of CRC even for a brief period. In this clinical study, we investigated the chemopreventive effect of pioglitazone on the development of human ACF as a surrogate marker of CRC. Twenty-nine patients were divided into two groups, 20 were in the endoscopically normal control group and 9 were in the pioglitazone (15 mg/day) group, and ACF and adenoma were examined before and after 1-month treatment. The number of ACF was significantly decreased (5.8±1.1to3.3±2.3) after 1 month of pioglitazone treatment, however, there was no significant change in the number of crypts/ACF or in the number and size of adenomas. Pioglitazone may have a clinical application as a cancer-preventive drug. This investigation is just a pilot study, therefore, further clinical studies are needed to show that the PPARγligand may be a promising candidate as a chemopreventive agent for colorectal carcinogenesis.
Modelling of Graphene Nanoribbon Fermi Energy
Authors: Johari Zaharah , Ahmadi Mohammad Taghi , Chek Desmond Chang Yih , Amin N. Aziziah , Ismail Razali
Published: August 2010

Graphene nanoribbon (GNR) is a promising alternative to carbon nanotube (CNT) to overcome the chirality challenge as a nanoscale device channel. Due to the one‐dimensional behavior of plane GNR, the carrier statistic study is attractive. Research works have been done on carrier statistic study of GNR especially in the parabolic part of the band structure using Boltzmann approximation (nondegenerate regime). Based on the quantum confinement effect, we have improved the fundamental study in degenerate regime for both the parabolic and nonparabolic parts of GNR band energy. Our results demonstrate that the band energy of GNR near to the minimum band energy is parabolic. In this part of the band structure, the Fermi‐Dirac integrals are sufficient for the carrier concentration study. The Fermi energy showed the temperature‐dependent behavior similar to any other one‐dimensional device in nondegenerate regime. However in the degenerate regime, the normalized Fermi energy with respect to the band edge is a function of carrier concentration. The numerical solution of Fermi‐Dirac integrals for nonparabolic region, which is away from the minimum energy band structure of GNR, is also presented.
Biosimilars and Regulatory Authorities
Authors: Minghetti Paola , Rocco Paolo , Del Vecchio Lucia , Locatelli Francesco
Published: August 2010

The patent expirations for many biotechnological medicines have prompted the development of copies of biological medicinal products. Unlike generics, biosimilars are similar but not identical to their reference product, because their chemical characteristics are directly related to the manufacturing process which cannot be precisely duplicated. The regulatory policy for biosimilars is complex and in Europe it is regulated mainly by guidelines issued by the European Medicines Agency (EMEA); additional product-class specific guidelines have been developed as in the case of recombinant human erythropoietin (rHuEPO). In 2008, the experience gained with this drug has prompted the development of a new guideline, currently in draft. In this review we critically discuss aspects related to EMEA guidelines, particularly focusing on rHuEPO.
Factors Associated with Recovery of Renal Function in Patients with Multiple Myeloma Who Were Treated with Hemodialysis
Authors: Katagiri Daisuke , Hagiwara Shotaro , Minami Eri , Katsuma Ai , Masumoto Shoichi , Hoshino Taro , Inoue Tsuyoshi , Shibata Maki , Tada Manami , Nakamura Taichi , Shimbo Takuro , Hinoshita Fumihiko
Published: August 2010

Background: The presence of renal failure in patients with multiple myeloma (MM) has been considered an ominous prognostic factor associated with a significantly decreased life expectancy. The prognostic factors have seldom been analyzed to predict discontinuation of hemodialysis (HD) therapy in MM patients with renal failure after HD initiation. It is clinically very important to predict whether HD can be discontinued after introducing HD in such patients. Methods: All medical and HD records were reviewed in MM patients who underwent HD in the National Center for Global Health and Medicine Hospital between January 1995 and May 2009. Thirty-two patients with MM had undergone HD. The clinical features and the factors that might be associated with recovery of renal function leading to discontinuation of HD in MM patients with severe renal failure were examined. Results: The factors associated with recovery of renal function and discontinuation of HD were: low International Staging System (ISS) score (p = 0.0034); high response to chemotherapy (p = 0.036); low serum Ca (p = 0.006); low Cr (p = 0.019), and low serum β2-microglobulin (sβ2M) (p = 0.002). On multivariate analysis, low serum Ca and sβ2M were significantly associated with HD discontinuation. Moreover, discontinuing HD was the significant factor associated with improved overall survival in MM patients who required HD at least once. Conclusion: sβ2M and Ca were the laboratory parameters that were significant, independent prognostic factors for predicting the probability of recovery from severe renal failure and discontinuation of HD in MM patients who needed HD at least once.
Factors Associated with Nonadherence to Medication in Kidney Transplant Recipients
Authors: Goldfarb-Rumyantzev Alexander S. , Wright Seth , Ragasa Regina , Ostler Doug , Van Orden Jennifer , Smith Lonnie , Efimova Ekaterina , Emerson Lyska , Sandhu Gurprataap Singh , Shihab Fuad
Published: August 2010

Nonadherence in kidney transplant recipients was evaluated in this report using a questionnaire with five binary questions and one question on a continuous scale. Study participants at the University of Utah Transplant Program (n = 199) were 43.0 ± 14.2 years old; 67% were males, and 81% were White. Two questions that produced heterogeneous outcome were analyzed: ‘Do you ever forget to take your medication?’ (79% no, 21% yes) and ‘Have you ever taken your medications late?’ (67% no, 33% yes). Responses to these questions correlated (χ2 65.2, p < 0.001; correlation coefficient 0.57, p < 0.001). We performed a logistic regression analysis to identify factors associated with the combined outcome of forgetting/not taking medications altogether or taking medications off schedule. Higher comorbidity index [odds ratio (OR) 2.19, p < 0.001], living (compared to deceased) donor (OR 2.81, p = 0.005) and full-time employment were associated with forgetting medications or taking them late (OR 3.12, p = 0.01). Recipient age tended to be associated with lower risk of nonadherence, but did not reach statistical significance (OR 0.98 per year of age, p = 0.13). Education level, smoking status, recipient race, dialysis modality, number of medications and the time since first kidney transplantation were not associated with the outcome. In conclusion, renal transplant recipients with greater comorbidity, receiving kidney from a living donor and with full-time employment reported lower levels of medication adherence.
Targeted Genomic Disruption of H-Ras Induces Hypotension Through a NO-cGMP-PKG Pathway–Dependent Mechanism
Authors: Chamorro-Jorganes Aranzazu , Grande Maria Teresa , Herranz Beatriz , Jerkic Mirjana , Griera Mercedes , Gonzalez-Nuñez Maria , Santos Eugenio , Rodriguez-Puyol Diego , Lopez-Novoa Jose Miguel , Rodriguez-Puyol Manuel
Published: August 2010

The aim of the present experiments was to evaluate the differences in arterial pressure between H-Ras lacking mice and control mice and to analyze the mechanisms involved in the genesis of the differences. H-Ras lacking mice and mouse embryonic fibroblasts from these animals were used. Blood pressure was measured using 3 different methods: direct intraarterial measurement in anesthetized animals, tail-cuff sphygmomanometer, and radiotelemetry. H-Ras lacking mice showed lower blood pressure than control animals. Moreover, the aorta protein content of endothelial nitric oxide synthase, soluble guanylyl cyclase, and cyclic guanosine monophosphate–dependent protein kinase was higher in H-Ras knockout mice than in control animals. The activity of these enzymes was increased, because urinary nitrite excretion, sodium nitroprusside–stimulated vascular cyclic guanosine monophosphate synthesis, and phosphorylated vasoactive-stimulated phosphoprotein in aortic tissue increased in these animals. Furthermore, mouse embryonic fibroblasts from H-Ras lacking mice showed higher cyclic guanosine monophosphate–dependent protein kinase promoter activity than control cells. These results strongly support the upregulation of the nitric oxide-cyclic guanosine monophosphate pathway in H-Ras–deficient mice. Moreover, they suggest that H-Ras pathway could be considered as a therapeutic target for hypertension treatment.
Perception of Speech in Noise: Neural Correlates
Authors: Song Judy H. , Skoe Erika , Banai Karen , Kraus Nina
Published: August 2010

The presence of irrelevant auditory information (other talkers, environmental noises) presents a major challenge to listening to speech. The fundamental frequency (F0) of the target speaker is thought to provide an important cue for the extraction of the speaker's voice from background noise, but little is known about the relationship between speech-in-noise (SIN) perceptual ability and neural encoding of the F0. Motivated by recent findings that music and language experience enhance brainstem representation of sound, we examined the hypothesis that brainstem encoding of the F0 is diminished to a greater degree by background noise in people with poorer perceptual abilities in noise. To this end, we measured speech-evoked auditory brainstem responses to /da/ in quiet and two multitalker babble conditions (two-talker and six-talker) in native English-speaking young adults who ranged in their ability to perceive and recall SIN. Listeners who were poorer performers on a standardized SIN measure demonstrated greater susceptibility to the degradative effects of noise on the neural encoding of the F0. Particularly diminished was their phase-locked activity to the fundamental frequency in the portion of the syllable known to be most vulnerable to perceptual disruption (i.e., the formant transition period). Our findings suggest that the subcortical representation of the F0 in noise contributes to the perception of speech in noisy conditions.
MNE-NGO-Host Government Relationships in the Escalation of an FDI Conflict
Authors: Skippari Mika , Pajunen Kalle
Published: August 2010

Increased interaction among multinational enterprises (MNEs), host governments, and nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) has made the implementation of foreign direct investments (FDIs) more complex and potentially more prone to conflict. In this article, by drawing on a longitudinal case study of a conflict concerning a multinational forest industry company’s pulp mill investment in Uruguay, the authors argue that specific characteristics of the relationships between MNEs, host governments, and NGOs contribute to the escalation of FDI conflicts. When escalated, the conflict has specific effects on these relationships, which effectively prevent the parties from finding a solution to the conflict. Our findings highlight the importance of accurate, prompt responses to NGO demands, and warn against considering the host government as the only source of external legitimacy.
The power of friends
Authors: Whalan Jeni
Published: August 2010

This article analyzes the power and legitimacy of the Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands (RAMSI), explaining why local actors chose to comply and cooperate with the operation in its crucial first year. It argues that, to be effective, peace operations require the compliance of local populations, and finds that RAMSI’s ability to shape the attitudes, incentives and interests of local actors was determined by the relationship between its three currencies of power: coercion, inducement and legitimacy. Focused on the exercise of power by RAMSI, this article enables much-needed analysis of the local dimensions of peace operations and affords serious consideration to processes of local legitimation. Within the local realm, the case of Solomon Islands provides three important insights on the power and legitimacy of peace operations. First, the design and implementation of RAMSI’s communications strategies were central to its ability to exercise coercive and inducive power and, crucially, to legitimize its power relationship with local populations. Second, the manner in which RAMSI exercised authority affected local perceptions about its legitimacy, independent of the operation’s outcomes. Third, the quality of treatment people received from RAMSI was influential in their decisions to comply and cooperate with the operation. This suggests that carefully examining the way that peace operations and local people interact can help to identify the determinants of an operation’s effectiveness.
Reconsidering Policy Feedback
Authors: Béland Daniel
Published: August 2010

Drawing on examples from the history and politics of Social Security in the United States, this article assesses early and more recent contributions to the policy feedback literature to clarify the meaning of this concept before sketching a new research agenda on policy feedback. As argued, three new streams of policy feedback scholarship have emerged since the late 1990s. Because these new research streams have seldom been discussed together, this article makes a direct contribution to the ongoing social science debate about the nature and the role of policy feedback in advanced industrial societies.
‘‘A Kind of Sorting Out’’: Crystal Methamphetamine, Gay Men, and Health Promotion
Authors: Westhaver Russell
Published: August 2010

In the face of what has been referred to as a crystal methamphetamine (CMA) ‘‘epidemic’’ among gay men in North America, a number of health promotion efforts have been developed. While these efforts vary in approach, a core feature is the assumption that a user’s health depends on distinguishing accurate truths about CMA from inaccurate beliefs about CMA. Drawing on insights developed by Bruno Latour, this article unravels how this distinction plays out in the context of one expression of CMA health promotion. I suggest that CMA health promotion may be more usefully understood as form of collective work in which various players (subjects as well as objects) throw up different knowledge practices for debate rather than an effort to mark the difference between truth and belief. In doing so, I suggest that of Latour, and science studies more generally, offers an opportunity for rethinking the nature of health promotion writ large.
The Word Associates Format: Validation evidence
Authors: Schmitt Norbert , Ng Janice Wun Ching , Garras John
Published: August 2010

Although the Word Associates Format (WAF) is becoming more frequently used as a depth-of-knowledge measure, relatively little validation has been carried out on it. This report of two validation studies tackles various important WAF issues yet to be satisfactorily resolved.

Study 1 conducted introspective interviews regarding students’ WAF test-taking behavior along with interviews on featured target words to determine how accurately the most common scoring system for the WAF reflects the examinees’ actual knowledge of the words. Analysis is provided concerning WAF accuracy and item answering strategies and patterns.

Study 2 repeated the interview procedures from Study 1 with several modifications, including the addition of a receptive dimension in the word knowledge interview. The various WAF-scoring methods were compared, and the format types (6 and 8 option), distractor types, and distribution of answers were examined in depth.

Both studies indicate that the WAF reflects true lexical knowledge fairly well at the extremes of the scoring scale while scores in the middle do not lead to any reliable interpretation. Furthermore, there is the likelihood that the WAF may both underestimate and overestimate vocabulary knowledge. Suggestions regarding item construction and use of the WAF are given to improve its accuracy and reliability.
Political dimensions of scientific culture: Highlights from the Ibero-American survey on the social perception of science and scientific culture
Authors: Hurtado Montaña Cámara , Cerezo José A. López
Published: August 2010

In this paper, we analyse the data on citizen participation obtained by a recent Ibero-American survey on social perception of science and scientific culture conducted in seven important Ibero-American cities during autumn and winter 2007. The purpose is to analyse the relationship between scientific culture and its behavioural dimensions, especially the willingness to engage in participatory activities. In this respect, we assume that the inclination towards citizen participation generated by processes of scientific education captures relevant political dimensions of scientific culture. The paper combines a quantitative methodology for exploiting demographic data with a qualitative approach to the phenomenon of participation.
Recurrent expression signatures of cytokines and chemokines are present and are independently prognostic in acute myelogenous leukemia and myelodysplasia
Authors: Kornblau Steven M. , McCue David , Singh Neera , Chen Wenjing , Estrov Zeev , Coombes Kevin R.
Published: August 2010

The role of circulating cytokines and chemokines (C&Ckine) in activating signal transduction in leukemic cells is incompletely defined. We hypothesized that comprehensive profiling of C&Ckine expression in leukemia would provide greater insight compared with individual analyses. We used multiplex array technology to simultaneously measure the level of 27 C&Ckines in serum from 176 acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) and 114 myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) patients and 19 normal controls. C&Ckine levels in AML and MDS differed significantly from normal controls (5 higher, 13 lower) but were similar to each other for 24 of 27 analytes, with interleukin-8 and interleukin-13 higher in AML and vascular endothelial growth factor A higher in MDS. Levels did not correlate with age, gender, infection, or blood counts; however, 3 correlated with specific cytognetic abnormalities in AML. Individually, few cytokines had any correlation with response or survival. In newly diagnosed AML, 8 C&Ckine signatures, distinct from the normal control signature, were observed. These signatures had prognostic impact, affecting remission, primary resistance, relapse rates, and overall survival, individually (P = .003) and in multivariable analysis (P = .004). These patterns suggest specific therapeutic interventions to investigate in subsets of AML patients. In conclusion, C&Ckine expression in AML and MDS differs from normal, is similar with one another, and forms recurrent patterns of expression with prognostic relevance.