bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
DUBbing p53
Authors: Wong Wei
Published: February 2010

A deubiquitinase promotes nuclear localization of p53 in response to DNA damage.
Blind robust watermarking of 3d motion data
Authors: Agarwal Parag , Prabhakaran Balakrishnan
Published: February 2010

The article addresses the problem of copyright protection for 3D motion-captured data by designing a robust blind watermarking mechanism. The mechanism segments motion capture data and identifies clusters of 3D points per segment. A watermark can be embedded and extracted within these clusters by using a proposed extension of 3D quantization index modulation. The watermarking scheme is blind in nature and the encoded watermarks are shown to be imperceptible, and secure. The resulting hiding capacity has bounds based on cluster size. The watermarks are shown to be robust against attacks such as uniform affine transformations (scaling, rotation, and translation), cropping, reordering, and noise addition. The time complexity for watermark embedding and extraction is estimated as O(nlogn) and O(n2logn), respectively.
DSI
Authors: Yang Bo
Published: February 2010

Considerable research has been done on the content-based multimedia delivery and access in distributed data repositories. As noted in the literature, there is always a trade-off between multimedia quality and access speed. In addition, the overall performance is greatly determined by the distribution of the multimedia data. In this article, an unsupervised multimedia semantic integration approach for a distributed infrastructure, the Distributed Semantic Indexing (DSI), is presented that addresses both the data quality and search performance. With the ability of summarizing content information and guiding data distribution, the proposed approach is distinguished by: (1) logic-based representation and concise abstraction of the semantic contents of multimedia data, which are further integrated to form a general overview of a multimedia data repository—content signature; (2) application of linguistic relationships to construct a hierarchical metadata based on the content signatures allowing imprecise queries; and (3) achieving the optimal performance in terms of search cost. The fundamental structure of the proposed model is presented. The proposed scheme has been simulated and the simulation results are analyzed and compared against several other approaches that have been advocated in the literature.
Assessing Evapotranspiration Estimates from the Second Global Soil Wetness Project (GSWP-2) Simulations
Authors: Schlosser C. Adam , Gao Xiang
Published: February 2010

This study assesses the simulations of global-scale evapotranspiration from the second Global Soil Wetness Project (GSWP-2) within a global water budget framework. The scatter in the GSWP-2 global evapotranspiration estimates from various land surface models can constrain the global annual water budget fluxes to within ±2.5% and, by using estimates of global precipitation, the residual ocean evaporation estimate falls within the range of other independently derived bulk estimates. The GSWP-2 scatter, however, cannot entirely explain the imbalance of the annual fluxes from a modern-era, observationally based global water budget assessment. Inconsistencies in the magnitude and timing of seasonal variations between the global water budget terms are also found. Intermodel inconsistencies in evapotranspiration are largest for high-latitude interannual variability as well as for interseasonal variations in the tropics, and analyses with field-scale data also highlight model disparity at estimating evapotranspiration in high-latitude regions. Analyses of the sensitivity simulations that replace uncertain forcings (i.e., radiation, precipitation, and meteorological variables) indicate that global (land) evapotranspiration is slightly more sensitive to precipitation than net radiation perturbations, and the majority of the GSWP-2 models, at a global scale, fall in a marginally moisture-limited evaporative condition. Lastly, the range of global evapotranspiration estimates among the models is larger than any bias caused by uncertainties in the GSWP-2 atmospheric forcing, indicating that model structure plays a more important role toward improving global land evaporation estimates (as opposed to improved atmospheric forcing).
A Hierarchical Bayesian Model for a Novel Sparse Partial Diallel Crossing Design
Authors: Greenberg Anthony J , Hackett Sean R , Harshman Lawrence G , Clark Andrew G
Published: February 2010

Partial diallel crossing designs are in common use among evolutionary geneticists, as well as among plant and animal breeders. When the goal is to make statements about populations represented by a given set of lines, it is desirable to maximize the number of lines sampled given a set number of crosses among them. We propose an augmented round-robin design that accomplishes this. We develop a hierarchical Bayesian model to estimate quantitative genetic parameters from our scheme. For example, we show how to partition genetic effects into specific and general combining abilities, and the method provides estimates of heritability, dominance, and genetic correlations in the face of complex and unbalanced designs. We test our approach with simulated and real data. We show that although the models slightly overestimate genetic variances, main effects are assessed accurately and precisely. We also illustrate how our approach allows the construction of posterior distributions of combinations of parameters by calculating narrow-sense heritability and a genetic correlation between activities of two enzymes.
Gonadotropin‐Regulated Testicular RNA Helicase (GRTH/DDX25): A Multifunctional Protein Essential for Spermatogenesis
Authors: Tsai‐Morris Chon‐Hwa , Sheng Yi , Gutti Ravi K. , Tang Pei‐Zhong , Dufau Maria L.
Published: February 2010

ABSTRACT: Male germ cell maturation is governed by the expression of specific protein(s) in a precise temporal sequence during development. Gonadotropin‐regulated testicular RNA helicase (GRTH/DDX25), a member of the Glu‐Asp‐Ala‐Glu (DEAD)‐box protein family, is a testis‐specific gonadotropin/androgen‐regulated RNA helicase that is present in germ cells (meiotic spermatocytes and round spermatids) and Leydig cells. GRTH is essential for completion of spermatogenesis as a posttranscriptional regulator of relevant genes during germ cell development. Male mice lacking GRTH are sterile with spermatogenic arrest due to failure of round spermatids to elongate, where striking structural changes and reduction in size of chromatoid bodies are observed. GRTH also plays a central role in preventing germ cell apoptosis. In addition to its inherent helicase unwinding/adenosine triphosphatase activities, GRTH binds to specific mRNAs as an integral component of ribonuclear protein particles. As a shuttle protein, GRTH transports target mRNAs from nucleus to the cytoplasm for storage in chromatoid bodies of spermatids, where they await translation during spermatogenesis. GRTH is also associated with polyribosomes to regulate target gene translation. The finding of a missense mutation associated with male infertility, where its expression associates with loss of GRTH phosphorylation, supports the relevance of GRTH to human germ cell development. We conclude that the mammalian GRTH/DDX25 is a multifunctional RNA helicase that is an essential regulator of spermatogenesis and is highly relevant for studies of male infertility and contraception.
Protein Determination Through Bradford’s Method of Nepalese Mushroom
Authors: Pandey Nina , Budhathoki Usha
Published: February 2010

The Wild edible mushrooms are one of the most important non timber forest products. Due to its vigorous growth in the rainy season, delicious taste and nutritional value the mycophagus group consume them. In this paper an attempt has been made to determine the protein of these 35 species through Bradford's method. Among them thirty three species of wild mushroom collected from different altitude (200m - 4200m), phytogeographical habitat of central Nepal and two species Agaricus bisporous & Pleurotus sajorkaju cultivated sample from Balambu farm. The highest amount of protein 1.576mg/ml in Cantharellus subscibarius and least 0.131 mg/ml in Cordycep sinensis were found. Key words: Wild mushroom; Protein; Bradford's method. DOI: 10.3126/sw.v5i5.2662 Scientific World, Vol. 5, No. 5, July 2007 85-88
PI3K inhibition in inflammation: Toward tailored therapies for specific diseases
Authors: Ghigo Alessandra , Damilano Federico , Braccini Laura , Hirsch Emilio
Published: February 2010

In the past decade, the availability of genetically modified animals has enabled the discovery of interesting roles for phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase‐γ (PI3Kγ) and ‐δ (PI3Kδ) in different cell types orchestrating innate and adaptive immune responses. Therefore, these PI3K isoforms appear to be attractive drug targets for the treatment of diseases caused by unrestrained immune reactions. Currently, pharmacological targeting of PI3Kγ and/or PI3Kδ represents one of the most promising challenges for companies interested in the development of novel safe treatments for inflammatory diseases. In this review we provide a general outline of PI3Kγ‐ and PI3Kδ‐specific functions in distinct subsets of inflammatory cells. We also discuss the therapeutic impact of novel compounds targeting PI3Kγ, PI3Kδ or both, in mouse models of autoimmune disorders (systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and rheumatoid arthritis), respiratory diseases (allergic asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) and cardiovascular dysfunctions (atherosclerosis and myocardial infarction).
Expression of BK‐type calcium‐activated potassium channel splice variants during chick cochlear development
Authors: Kim Jung‐Min , Beyer Ryan , Morales Marti , Chen Stephanie , Liu Li Qian , Duncan R. Keith
Published: February 2010

The appearance of large‐conductance, calcium‐activated potassium (BK) current is a hallmark of functional maturation in auditory hair cells. Acquisition of this fast‐activating current enables high‐frequency, graded receptor potentials in all vertebrates and an electrical tuning mechanism in nonmammals. The gene encoding BK α subunits is highly alternatively spliced, and the resulting variations in channel isoforms may contribute to functional diversity at the onset of hearing. We examined the tissue specificity of nine BK α alternative exons and investigated changes in expression during chick cochlear development using quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). Each alternative was widely expressed in several tissues except for an insert near the C‐terminus Ca2+ sensing domain, which appeared brain‐specific. The only alternative form in the membrane‐bound core of the channel was expressed in brain and muscle but was undetected in cochlea. Of the remaining variants, three increased in expression prior to the onset of hearing and acquisition of BK currents. These three variants cause decreased Ca2+ sensitivity or increased intracellular retention, traits that would not easily explain the advent of calcium‐sensitive currents at embryonic day (E)18–19. Expression levels of other variants were mature and stable by E15, days before currents were acquired. Surface expression of C‐terminal isoforms was examined using patch‐clamp electrophysiology and immunocytochemistry. C‐terminal variants that exhibit robust surface expression appeared in the membrane at E18, even though transcripts were unchanged during development starting from E12. These results indicate that delays in protein synthesis and trafficking/scaffolding of channel subunits underlie the late acquisition of BK currents in cochlear hair cells. J. Comp. Neurol. 518:2554–2569, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Bulk universality for Wigner matrices
Authors: Erdős László , Péché Sandrine , Ramírez José A. , Schlein Benjamin , Yau Horng‐Tzer
Published: February 2010

We consider N × N Hermitian Wigner random matrices H where the probability density for each matrix element is given by the density ν(x) = e−U(x). We prove that the eigenvalue statistics in the bulk are given by the Dyson sine kernel provided that U ∈ C6(
\input amssym $\Bbb R$) with at most polynomially growing derivatives and ν(x) ≥ Ce−C|x| for x large. The proof is based upon an approximate time reversal of the Dyson Brownian motion combined with the convergence of the eigenvalue density to the Wigner semicircle law on short scales. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Low‐Temperature Synthesis of Phase‐Pure 0D–1D BaTiO3 Nanostructures Using H2Ti3O7 Templates
Authors: Lee Duk Kyu , Cho In‐Sun , Lee SangWook , Kim Dong Hoe , Shim Hyun‐Woo , Kim Dong‐Wan , Hong Kug Sun
Published: February 2010

One‐dimensional (1D) barium titanate (BaTiO3) nanowires, which were uniformly covered with 0D BaTiO3 nanocrystals, were synthesized by using a simple solvothermal reaction of protonated trititanate (H2Ti3O7) nanowires with barium hydroxide octahydrate [Ba(OH)2·8H2O] at 80 °C in ethanol/water mixed solvent systems. The compositions of the mixed solvents ― the volume ratio of ethanol to deionized water ― was a key controlling parameter in order to determine the phase formation and primary particle size of the 0D BaTiO3 nanocrystals. Single‐phase cubic perovskite BaTiO3 started to form at 80 °C in a mixed solvent containing more than approximately 60 % by volume of ethanol. Field‐emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and high‐resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) analysis revealed that the as‐prepared BaTiO3 retained its wire‐shaped morphology with nanocrystals on the surface. Furthermore, the synthetic mechanism of the 0D‐1D BaTiO3 nanostructures was demonstrated in view of the dielectric tuning of the mixed solvent and the similarities between the crystal structures of BaTiO3 and H2Ti3O7.
Efficient Syntheses of Novel Cryptands Based on Bis(m‐phenylene)‐26‐crown‐8 and Their Complexation with Paraquat
Authors: Xu Zhikai , Huang Xinmin , Liang Jidong , Zhang Suhui , Zhou Songgen , Chen Mujuan , Tang Mingfei , Jiang Lasheng
Published: February 2010

High‐yielding syntheses of two novel cryptands based on bis(m‐phenylene)‐26‐crown‐8 are reported. One‐step [2+2] cyclization of methyl 3,5‐dihydroxybenzoate with tri(ethylene glycol) ditosylate under pseudo‐high‐dilution conditions gave BMP26C8 (1) in 28 % yield. Reduction of 1 with LAH, followed by deprotonation (NaH) and alkylation with propargyl bromide, afforded the dialkynated BMP26C8 (3) in high yield (two‐step 84 %). Unimolecular macrocyclization of 3 through copper(II)‐mediated Eglinton coupling generated the diacetylene‐containing cryptand 4 in 97 % yield. Pd/C‐catalyzed hydrogenation of 4 yielded the cryptand 5 (93 %). Their structures were confirmed by NMR, ESI‐MS, and X‐ray analysis. The complexation behavior of these new cryptands with paraquat was also studied, and it was found that these cryptands bind paraquat more strongly than the corresponding BMP26C8. The association constants (K1 and K2) in acetone solution were determined to be K1 = 914 M–1, K2 = 229 M–1 for complex 42·6 and K1 = 758 M–1, K2 = 190 M–1 for complex 52·6. Moreover, the two new [3]pseudorotaxane‐like complexes 42·6 and 52·6 were also obtained in the solid state, as confirmed by X‐ray analysis.
A CE‐based assay for human protein kinase CK2 activity measurement and inhibitor screening
Authors: Gratz Andreas , Götz Claudia , Jose Joachim
Published: February 2010

A new assay for protein kinase CK2 activity determination based on the quantification of a phosphorylated substrate was developed. The common CK2 substrate peptide RRRDDDSDDD, conjugated with the fluorophore 5‐[(2‐aminoethyl)amino]naphthalene‐1‐sulfonic acid at the C‐terminus served as the analyte. By means of CZE using 2 mol/L acetic acid as electrolyte and UV detection at 214 nm, the non‐phosphorylated and the phosphorylated peptide variants could be resolved within 6 min from a complex assay mixture. By this means, activity of human CK2 could be monitored by a kinetic, as well as an endpoint, method. Inhibition of human recombinant CK2 holoenzyme by 6‐methyl‐1,3,8‐trihydroxyanthraquinone and 4,5,6,7‐tetrabromobenzotriazole resulted in IC50values of 1.33 and 0.27 μM, respectively, which were similar to those obtained with the standard radiometric assay. These results suggest that the CE/UV strategy described here is a straightforward assay for CK2 inhibitor testing.
Toxicity of oxyanions of selenium and of a proposed bioremediation intermediate, dimethyl selenone
Authors: Yu Rui , Coffman John P , van Fleet-Stalder Verena , Chasteen Thomas G
Published: February 2010

The relative toxicity of selenate, selenite, and dimethyl selenone were assessed by determining growth inhibition and growth rate inhibition of Pseudomonas fluorescens K27 and using the Microtox® bioassay method at varying concentrations of these three selenium species. The results of EC50 vary depending on the organism tested and the method used; for P. fluorescens K27, EC50 increased in the order of dimethyl selenone < selenate < selenite. However, for Vibrio fisheri, EC50 increased in the order of selenite < dimethyl selenone < selenate. The possibility that different reduction mechanisms may dominate the remediation of the two selenium oxyanions with different oxidation states by P. fluorescens K27 is discussed, as is whether dimethyl selenone is a possible intermediate in selenium reduction and methylation.
A filter‐based, mass‐conserving lattice Boltzmann method for immiscible multiphase flows
Authors: Chao Jianghui , Mei Renwei , Singh Rajkeshar , Shyy Wei
Published: February 2010

Some issues of He–Chen–Zhang lattice Boltzmann equation (LBE) method (referred as HCZ model) (J. Comput. Physics 1999; 152:642–663) for immiscible multiphase flows with large density ratio are assessed in this paper. An extended HCZ model with a filter technique and mass correction procedure is proposed based on HCZ's LBE multiphase model. The original HCZ model is capable of maintaining a thin interface but is prone to generating unphysical oscillations in surface tension and index function at moderate values of density ratio. With a filtering technique, the monotonic variation of the index function across the interface is maintained with larger density ratio. Kim's surface tension formulation for diffuse–interface method (J. Comput. Physics 2005; 204:784–804) is then used to remove unphysical oscillation in the surface tension. Furthermore, as the density ratio increases, the effect of velocity divergence term neglected in the original HCZ model causes significant unphysical mass sources near the interface. By keeping the velocity divergence term, the unphysical mass sources near the interface can be removed with large density ratio. The long‐time accumulation of the modeling and/or numerical errors in the HCZ model also results in the error of mass conservation of each dispersed phase. A mass correction procedure is devised to improve the performance of the method in this regard. For flows over a stationary and a rising bubble, and capillary waves with density ratio up to 100, the present approach yields solutions with interface thickness of about five to six lattices and no long‐time diffusion, significantly advancing the performance of the LBE method for multiphase flow simulations. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cigar and pipe smoking and cancer risk in the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC)
Authors: McCormack Valerie A. , Agudo Antonio , Dahm Christina C. , Overvad Kim , Olsen Anja , Tjonneland Anne , Kaaks Rudolf , Boeing Heiner , Manjer Jonas , Almquist Martin , Hallmans Goran , Johansson Ingegerd , Chirlaque Maria Dolores , Barricarte Aurelio , Dorronsoro Miren , Rodriguez Laudina , Redondo Maria Luisa , Khaw Kay‐Tee , Wareham Nick , Allen Naomi , Key Tim , Riboli Elio , Boffetta Paolo
Published: February 2010

The carcinogenicity of cigar and pipe smoking is established but the effect of detailed smoking characteristics is less well defined. We examined the effects on cancer incidence of exclusive cigar and pipe smoking, and in combination with cigarettes, among 102,395 men from Denmark, Germany, Spain, Sweden and the United Kingdom in the EPIC cohort. Hazard ratios (HR) and their 95% confidence intervals (CI) for cancer during a median 9‐year follow‐up from ages 35 to 70 years were estimated using proportional hazards models. Compared to never smokers, HR of cancers of lung, upper aerodigestive tract and bladder combined was 2.2 (95% CI: 1.3, 3.8) for exclusive cigar smokers (16 cases), 3.0 (2.1, 4.5) for exclusive pipe smokers (33 cases) and 5.3 (4.4, 6.4) for exclusive cigarette smokers (1,069 cases). For each smoking type, effects were stronger in current smokers than in ex‐smokers and in inhalers than in non‐inhalers. Ever smokers of both cigarettes and cigars [HR 5.7 (4.4, 7.3), 120 cases] and cigarettes and pipes [5.1 (4.1, 6.4), 247 cases] had as high a raised risk as had exclusive cigarette smokers. In these smokers, the magnitude of the raised risk was smaller if they had switched to cigars or pipes only (i.e., quit cigarettes) and had not compensated with greater smoking intensity. Cigar and pipe smoking is not a safe alternative to cigarette smoking. The lower cancer risk of cigar and pipe smokers as compared to cigarette smokers is explained by lesser degree of inhalation and lower smoking intensity.
Mixed‐mode chromatography/isotope ratio mass spectrometry
Authors: McCullagh James S. O.
Published: February 2010

Liquid chromatography coupled to molecular mass spectrometry (LC/MS) has been a standard technique since the early 1970s but liquid chromatography coupled to high‐precision isotope ratio mass spectrometry (LC/IRMS) has only been available commercially since 2004. This development has, for the first time, enabled natural abundance and low enrichment δ13C measurements to be applied to individual analytes in aqueous mixtures creating new opportunities for IRMS applications, particularly for the isotopic study of biological molecules. A growing number of applications have been published in a range of areas including amino acid metabolism, carbohydrates studies, quantification of cellular and plasma metabolites, dietary tracer and nucleic acid studies. There is strong potential to extend these to new compounds and complex matrices but several challenges face the development of LC/IRMS methods. To achieve accurate isotopic measurements, HPLC separations must provide baseline‐resolution between analyte peaks; however, the design of current liquid interfaces places severe restrictions on compatible flow rates and in particular mobile phase compositions. These create a significant challenge on which reports associated with LC/IRMS have not previously focused. Accordingly, this paper will address aspects of chromatography in the context of LC/IRMS, in particular focusing on mixed‐mode separations and their benefits in light of these restrictions. It aims to provide an overview of mixed‐mode stationary phases and of ways to improve high aqueous separations through manipulation of parameters such as column length, temperature and mobile phase pH. The results of several practical experiments are given using proteogenic amino acids and nucleosides both of which are of noted importance in the LC/IRMS literature. This communication aims to demonstrate that mixed‐mode stationary phases provide a flexible approach given the constraints of LC/IRMS interface design and acts as a practical guide for the development of new chromatographic methods compatible with LC/IRMS applications. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Sharing the wealth: social comparisons and pay dispersion in the CEO's top team
Authors: Fredrickson James W. , Davis‐Blake Alison , Sanders WM. Gerard
Published: February 2010

The antecedents and consequences of pay dispersion are studied using theory that focuses on the social comparisons that occur among members of the CEO's top team. Results from a sample of large public firms indicate that when members of this elite group were similar on a variety of dimensions, and thus likely to compare their pay, the board allowed less dispersion. In addition, pay dispersion was negatively related to company performance, particularly when it exceeded what could be justified by characteristics of the industry, firm, or team. But the strength of that relationship depended on how uniformly members of the team would benefit from subsequent performance gains. Specifically, the negative effect was particularly strong in firms where major differences in compensation—that is, some executives were given significantly more stock options—combined with a volatile stock price to provide only a few team members with the opportunity to realize very large financial gains in the future. The study demonstrates that the social‐psychological factors that affect comparisons among members of the CEO's top team impact the board's pay setting process, which in turn affects pay dispersion, and ultimately firm performance. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Development of RIE‐lag Reduction Technique for Si Deep Etching Using Double Protection Layer Method
Authors: Ohara Junji , Asami Kazushi , Takeuchi Yukihiro , Sato Kazuo
Published: February 2010

In this study, we have developed a new reactive ion etching (RIE)‐lag reduction technique in Si deep etching. The conventional RIE‐lag reduction technique has a dependence of polymeric layer deposition thickness on mask opening width in the deep reactive ion etching (DRIE) process (Bosch process). However, in our experiment, when the RIE‐lag was suppressed, the polymeric layer on the wider trench bottom remained and caused Black Si under typical process condition. Even if the Black Si is suppressed by optimization of process parameters, it appears when the trench becomes deeper. Therefore, the remaining of the polymeric layer is considered to determine the depth range for the RIE‐lag reduction. In order to avoid this limitation, we have developed a new RIE‐lag reduction technique that forms a double protection layer consisting of polymer and SiO2on the trench bottom before the etching step in the DRIE process. The SiO2layer formed by O2plasma irradiation under polymeric layer has higher ability for removal than that of the polymeric layer and it can be removed clearly without Black Si phenomenon. Experimental result shows that this technique can obtain RIE‐lag free region up to an aspect ratio of 13. Within this aspect ratio range, the RIE‐lag free effect is considered to be applicable not only to trench pattern but also to other two‐dimensional mask patterns except hall pattern. Copyright © 2010 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Silicon Fishbone‐Shaped MEMS Resonator with Digitally Variable Resonant‐Frequency Tuning
Authors: Tanigawa Hiroshi , Makita Sho , Suzuki Kenichiro
Published: February 2010

We have developed a new MEMS (microelectromechanical system) resonator with a digitally tunable resonant‐frequency function. A 20‐µm‐thick silicon main beam, 10 × 760 µm, has multiple sets of 20‐µm‐thick short beams, 10 × 100 µm, along the longitudinal direction. The bending of the short beams exerts a moment on the main beam. The frequency of the maximum amplitude in the main beam has been measured to vary at 85.5, 223, and 400 kHz by selecting three sets of exciting electrodes. The resonator has been measured to have Q‐factor of higher than 10 000 under vacuum. The frequency can be easily increased up to several tens of megahertz by reducing the device size. Therefore, this new resonator should be useful for wide multiband frequency applications. Copyright © 2010 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Acquired cholesteatoma pathogenesis: stepwise explanations
Authors: Louw L
Published: February 2010

Background:

Since Virchow's first, 1855 publication on cholesteatoma, this disease has been the subject of extensive debate. The pathogenesis of acquired cholesteatoma is repeatedly explained on the premises of the migration, hyperplasia and metaplasia theories, but proof for the latter theory remains limited. In retrospect, there is progress toward better understanding of all the pathological mechanisms involved, as expounded in this review.

Discussion:

The triggers for cholesteatoma onset are diverse, and may involve tympanic membrane trauma (i.e. perforation, displacement, retraction or invagination), tympanic membrane disease, and/or tympanic cavity mucosa disease. Research has revealed that cell migration is replaced under inflammatory conditions by hyperplasia, which triggers the onset of cholesteatoma. Lately, the hyperplasia theory gained prominence and circumscription of the papillary cone formation concept provided insight into cholesteatoma progression (growth and expansion). Diseased mucosa can contribute to the development of retraction pockets and cholesteatoma. The type of cholesteatoma trigger and the role of chronic inflammation during disease progression and recurrence are important in guiding clinical intervention.
Stress impact on dielectric properties of Bi3.15Nd0.85Ti3O12 films
Authors: Liu Yunfei , Kan Yi , Lu Xiaomei , Cai Wei , Wu Xiaobo , Wu Xiumei , Wang Xiaofei , Bo HuiFeng , Huang Fengzhen , Zhu Jinsong
Published: February 2010

Dielectric properties of Bi3.15Nd0.85Ti3O12 films under applied uniaxial stress were investigated. The results showed that the dielectric constant and loss increased with the stress changing from maximum compression (−70 MPa) to maximum tension (+70 MPa). Further studies discovered that the variation of the dielectric constant under stress was more distinct at higher testing ac field and ambient temperature. These observations were explained based on the domain wall movability related with the stress-induced domain reorientation.
What use was the election to us? Clientelism and political trust amongst ethnic Uzbeks in Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan
Authors: Hierman Brent
Published: February 2010

This paper posits that a great deal of cross-national variation in clientelistic investment strategies can be explained through an examination of the different forms of risk faced by the political elite of different types of regimes. It also maintains that demand from clients/potential clients is, by itself, insufficient to explain the level or scope of clientelistic investments. The argument is advanced through an examination of the linkages (and non-linkages) between patrons/potential patrons and clients/potential clients amongst the ethnic Uzbek populations of Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan. In Kyrgyzstan, a semi-authoritarian state, electoral risk predominates; however, the character of electoral risk in Kyrgyzstan provides Uzbek members of the political elite with an incentive to diversify their clientelistic investments. Consequently, many engage in direct exchanges with their constituents while simultaneously investing in private, cultural organizations that serve party-like functions. Alternatively, in contemporary Tajikistan, best described as an authoritarian state, electoral risk has been replaced with the risk of expulsion from the presidential clientelistic network. As a result, members of the Tajikistani political elite have a disincentive to publicly invest in constituent clients as this investment may increase the risk of expulsion.
Dilating the vagina to prevent damage from radiotherapy: systematic review of the literature
Authors: Johnson N , Miles TP , Cornes P
Published: February 2010

Please cite this paper as: Johnson N, Miles T, Cornes P. Dilating the vagina to prevent damage from radiotherapy: systematic review of the literature. BJOG 2010;117:522–531.

Background  UK guidelines recommend routine vaginal dilation during and after pelvic radiotherapy to prevent stenosis.

Objective  To examine critically the evidence behind this guideline.

Search strategy  Cochrane‐style systematic review of the data and literature relevant to vaginal dilation and stenosis attributable to radiotherapy.

Selection criteria  Any and every measure of vaginal or sexual function after radiotherapy.

Data collection and analysis  Numerous papers gave recommendations on dilation during or immediately after radiotherapy, but only seven contained relevant data. Case reports describe vaginal fistulas or psychological morbidity. Two trials showed that encouraging dilation increased compliance, but the first trial found no difference in sexual function scores. One comparative unmatched trial showed no advantage from inserting mitomycin C. A report of five women implied that stenosis can be treated by dilation many years after radiotherapy. One uncontrolled observational report involving 89 women showed that the median vaginal length 6–10 weeks after therapy was measured at 6 cm, but women tolerated a 9‐cm measurer after 4 months of dilation experience. One retrospective report implied that dilation lowered stenosis rates, but the control group is not comparable.

Main results  Dilation during or immediately after radiotherapy can cause damage, and there is no evidence that it prevents stenosis. Dilation might stretch the vagina if commenced after the inflammatory phase.

Author’s conclusions  Dilation might help treat the late effects of radiotherapy, but it must not be assumed that this applies to the acute toxicity phase. Routine dilation during treatment is not supported by good evidence.
Characteristics and Outcomes of Injured Older Adults After Hospital Admission
Authors: Aitken Leanne M. , Burmeister Elizabeth , Lang Jacelle , Chaboyer Wendy , Richmond Therese S.
Published: February 2010

OBJECTIVES: To describe the seriously injured adult population aged 65 and older; compare the differences in injury characteristics and outcomes in three subgroups aged 65 to 74, 75 to 84, and 85 and older; and identify predictors of death, complications, and hospital discharge destination.

DESIGN: Retrospective secondary analysis of data from the Queensland Trauma Registry (QTR) using all patients aged 65 and older admitted from 2003 through 2006.

SETTING: Data from 15 regional and tertiary hospitals throughout Queensland, Australia.

PARTICIPANTS: Six thousand sixty‐nine patients: 2,291 (37.7%) aged 65 to 74, 2,265 (37.3%) aged 75 to 84, and 1,513 (24.9%) aged 85 and older.

MEASUREMENTS: Outcome variables included mortality, complications, and discharge destination (usual residence, rehabilitation, nursing home, convalescence). Predictive factors incorporated demographic details, injury characteristics, and acute care factors.

RESULTS: Hospital survival was 95.0%, with a median length of hospital stay of 8 days (interquartile range 5–15), and 33.8% of cases with a major injury developed a complication. Predictors of death included older age, male sex, admission to the intensive care unit (ICU), greater Injury Severity Score (ISS), injury caused by a fall, and two or more injuries; those who had surgery were less likely to die. Predictors of complications included ICU admission, older age, longer hospital stay, and two or more injuries. Predictors of discharge to a nursing home included older age, greater ISS, longer hospital stay, and injury caused by a fall, among others.

CONCLUSION: Older adults with severe injuries are at risk of poor outcomes. These findings suggest opportunities for improving geriatric trauma care that could lead to better outcomes.
Role of Fiber in Cardiovascular Diseases: A Review
Authors: Viuda‐Martos M. , López‐Marcos M.C. , Fernández‐López J. , Sendra E. , López‐Vargas J.H. , Pérez‐Álvarez J.A.
Published: February 2010

ABSTRACT: Worldwide, cardiovascular disease is estimated to be the leading cause of death and loss of disability‐adjusted life‐years. Effective prevention needs a global strategy based on knowledge of the importance of risk factors, including diet. Recent years have seen increased interest on the part of consumers, researchers, and the food industry into how food products can help maintain the health of an individual. Extracts rich in dietary fiber obtained from plants could be used as functional ingredients because they provide numerous health benefits that go far beyond supporting bowel regularity. These benefits may include not only digestive health, but weight management, cardiovascular health, and general wellness. The objective of this review is to present an overview of the potential of different types of fiber as a technological tool for its application to functional foods to reduce the incidence of cardiovascular disease through diet.
Oncologist’s/haematologist’s view on the roles of pathologists for molecular targeted cancer therapy
Authors: Keller Ulrich , Von Bubnoff Nikolas , Peschel Christian , Duyster Justus
Published: February 2010

Introduction

Techniques used for diagnosis and monitoring of malignant diseases treated with targeted therapies

Chronic myelogenous leukaemia: the poster child of targeted therapy

Treating cancer with EGFR targeting therapy

Diagnostic use of gene expression analysis: carcinoma of unknown primary

Prognostic relevance of gene expression analysis: diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma

The role of biomarker analysis within clinical trials – involvement of pathologists

Summary

In the past two decades there has been a tremendous increase in the understanding of the molecular basis of human malignancies. In a variety of neoplasms, specific molecular markers became part of disease classifications and are now routinely used to define specific entities. Molecular analyses discriminate prognostic groups, guide differential treatment strategies and identify targets for molecular defined cancer therapy. A battery of new drugs has been developed to specifically inhibit oncogenic pathways. For an increasing number of solid and haematological malignancies, the availability of molecular targeted drugs has fundamentally changed treatment algorithms. However, the diagnostic, prognostic and therapeutic impact of selected molecular markers is still limited in many cases. After all, the success of a molecular targeted therapy is clearly determined by the significance of the targeted structure for the biology of cancer and the ability of the malignant cell to evade specific inhibition.
Detection of new respiratory viruses in hospitalized infants with bronchiolitis: a three‐year prospective study
Authors: Calvo C , Pozo F , García‐García ML , Sanchez M , Lopez‐Valero M , Pérez‐Breña P , Casas I
Published: February 2010

Aim:  We have designed a study with the objective of describing the clinical impact of other viruses different from the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in hospitalized infants with bronchiolitis.

Methods:  A 3 year prospective study was conducted on infants admitted to the Paediatrics Department of the Severo Ochoa Hospital (Spain). We studied the frequency of 16 respiratory viruses. Clinical characteristics of RSV‐only infections were compared with other single agent viral infections.

Results:  Positive results were confirmed in 275 (86.5%) of the 318 children studied. A single virus was detected in 196 patients and 79 were dual or multiple viral infections. RSV was detected in 61.3% of total bronchiolitis. Rhinovirus (RV) was 17.4% of the identified virus, followed by human bocavirus (HBoV), adenovirus and metapneumovirus (hMPV). Only RV, HBoV and hMPV were significant as single infections. RSV patients were younger than HBoV (p > 0.0001) and hMPV (p = 0.025). Seasonality was clearly different between them. Children with RSV infection needed treatment in the intensive care unit more frequently than others.

Conclusions:  In hospitalized infants, RSV was the most frequent agent in bronchiolitis in winter, but other viruses were present in 47% of the patients. RV, HBoV and hMPV had a significant proportion of single infections. Clinical characteristics were similar amongst them, but seasonality was clearly different.
Neighborhoods and health
Authors: Diez Roux Ana V. , Mair Christina
Published: February 2010

Features of neighborhoods or residential environments may affect health and contribute to social and race/ethnic inequalities in health. The study of neighborhood health effects has grown exponentially over the past 15 years. This chapter summarizes key work in this area with a particular focus on chronic disease outcomes (specifically obesity and related risk factors) and mental health (specifically depression and depressive symptoms). Empirical work is classified into two main eras: studies that use census proxies and studies that directly measure neighborhood attributes using a variety of approaches. Key conceptual and methodological challenges in studying neighborhood health effects are reviewed. Existing gaps in knowledge and promising new directions in the field are highlighted.
Fitness versus Fatness and Insulin Resistance in U.S. Adolescents
Authors: Cummings Doyle M. , DuBose Katrina D. , Imai Satomi , Collier David N.
Published: February 2010

Background. The present study examined the relationship between insulin resistance and both waist circumference and cardiorespiratory fitness in U.S. adolescents.Methods. NHANES assessed a nationally representative sample of U.S. adolescents (12–18 yrs) between 1999–2002. Abdominal adiposity was estimated by waist circumference, overall adiposity by BMI, and cardiorespiratory fitness (maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) from a treadmill exercise test). Insulin resistance was estimated from fasting insulin and glucose using the homeostatic model assessment method (i.e., HOMA) and was log-transformed.Results. 1078 adolescents were included in the study. Positive correlations existed between lnHOMA and waist circumference (r=0.59;r=0.54) for boys and girls, respectively. lnHOMA andVO2max were inversely related in boys (r=−0.29) but not girls (r=−0.06). Gender-specific analyses by BMI category showed that the significant inverse relationship in lnHOMA andVO2max was primarily present in obese boys.Conclusion. Among adolescents, important gender and BMI differences exist in the relationship between insulin resistance and fitness. While waist circumference and BMI are important predictors in all children, fitness appears especially important in obese boys. These findings may have important implications for gender-specific interventions to prevent adult obesity and diabetes mellitus.
Master Robotic Net
Authors: Lipunov Vladimir , Kornilov Victor , Gorbovskoy Evgeny , Shatskij Nikolaj , Kuvshinov Dmitry , Tyurina Nataly , Belinski Alexander , Krylov Alexander , Balanutsa Pavel , Chazov Vadim , Kuznetsov Artem , Kortunov Petr , Sankovich Anatoly , Tlatov Andrey , Parkhomenko A. , Krushinsky Vadim , Zalozhnyh Ivan , Popov A. , Kopytova Taisia , Ivanov Kirill , Yazev Sergey , Yurkov Vladimir
Published: February 2010

The main goal of the MASTER‐Net project is to produce a unique fast sky survey with all sky observed over a single night down to a limiting magnitude of 19‐20. Such a survey will make it possible to address a number of fundamental problems: search for dark energy via the discovery and photometry of supernovae (including SNIa), search for exoplanets, microlensing effects, discovery of minor bodies in the Solar System, and space‐junk monitoring. All MASTER telescopes can be guided by alerts, and we plan to observe prompt optical emission from gamma‐ray bursts synchronously in several filters and in several polarization planes.
CD8+CD11ahigh Cells Decreased in Multiple Sclerosis but Not in Neuromyelitis Optica
Authors: Matsui Masaru , Tahara Masayuki , Tanaka Masami , Tanaka Keiko , Matsui Makoto , Konishi Tetsuro
Published: February 2010

In order to clarify the immunological characteristics of multiple sclerosis (MS) and neuromyelitis optica (NMO), we analyzed CD3, CD4, CD8, CD20, CD4+CD25+, CD4+CD29+, and CD8+CD11ahigh cells in peripheral blood from patients with MS (16 stable, 6 active) and NMO (15 stable, 7 active), as well as 9 with NMO spectrum, 6 with clinically isolated syndrome (CIS), and 13 with other neurological diseases using flow cytometry. Significant decreases in the numbers of CD8+ CD11ahigh cells were observed in stable and active MS and CIS. Our findings indicate that CD8+CD11ahigh cells play different roles in MS and NMO, and their presence may be related to the pathogenesis of MS from the early stage.
Invasion by Matrix Metalloproteinase-Expressing Cells Is Important for Primitive Streak Formation in Early Chick Blastoderm
Authors: Mogi Kazue , Toyoizumi Ryuji
Published: February 2010

Epiblast cells in the early chick embryo differentiate to form all three germ layers through ingression of cells at the primitive streak across the basement membrane that underlies the epiblast. We tested the idea that degradation of the extracellular matrix components by matrix metalloproteinase(s) (MMPs) is involved in this process. Epiblast cells and primitive streak cells were dissociated into single cells and seeded onto a reconstituted basement membrane gel in vitro. Following overnight culture, approximately half the cells made holes in the substratum by dissolving the gel matrix. This invasive phenomenon was reproduced in vitro even when the cells were cultured upside down using a hanging culture system. We detected gelatinase activity in the culture supernatants from both prestreak epiblast cells and primitive streak cells. Pro-MMP-2 was detected in the culture media of the prestreak/streak cells as a 72-kDa band by gelatin zymography. In RT-PCR experiments, mRNAs for MMP-2, membrane-type (MT)3-MMP and MMP-11(stromelysin-3) were expressed in the epiblast cells before and during primitive streak formation. Injection of GM 6001 or other MMP inhibitors into the subgerminal cavity of the embryo inhibited the formation of the primitive streak and/or the primitive groove in more than 82% of the injected embryos. On the other hand, injection of a negative control compound instead of GM 6001 did not cause substantial inhibition. These results suggest that MMPs are involved in the enzymatic degradation of the basement membrane underlying the epiblast and are thus important for the ingression of mesendodermal cells along the primitive streak.
Intra- to Multidecadal Variations of Snowpack and Streamflow Records in the Andes of Chile and Argentina between 30° and 37°S
Authors: Masiokas Mariano H. , Villalba Ricardo , Luckman Brian H. , Mauget Steven
Published: February 2010

In a recent study the authors developed the first regionally averaged, transnational records of snowpack and streamflow for the Andes between 30° and 37°S using Chilean and Argentinean data. That study was mainly intended to evaluate the relationships between the interannual variations in the regional snowpack record and large-scale atmospheric variables and indices. Here the focus is on the main intra- to multidecadal variations in updated records of winter snowpack and mean annual river flows. River discharges show similar temporal variations on both sides of the Andes with extreme dry conditions concentrated between the mid-1940s and 1976/77 and extreme wet conditions peaking between the late 1970s and the 1980s. A regional streamflow composite (1906–2007) has a nonsignificant negative trend but significant regime shifts in 1945, when mean levels dropped 31%, and in 1977 when they increased 28%. These events coincide almost exactly with well-known shifts in the Pacific decadal oscillation (PDO). The analyses are preliminary but suggest a PDO influence on the low-frequency modes of hydroclimatic variability in the study area. Analyses of the magnitude of 5–20-yr moving windows in the regional streamflow composite indicate that the most significant concentration of high (low) discharges occurred between 1977 and 1987 (1954 and 1971). Snowpack series show a more heterogeneous pattern of variations on a local basis but when aggregated into a regional series (1951–2008) they share remarkable similarities with river flows. However, the snowpack composite has a stronger year-to-year variability, a slight positive trend, and no significant regime shifts.