bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
User Centered and Ontology Based Information*Retrieval System for Life Sciences
Authors: Ranwez Sylvie , Ranwez Vincent , Sy Mohameth François , Montmain Jacky , Crampes Michel
Published: December 2010

Because of the increasing number of electronic data, designing efficient tools to retrieve and exploit documents is a major challenge. Current search engines suffer from two main drawbacks: there is limited interaction with the list of retrieved documents and no explanation for their adequacy to the query. Users may thus be confused by the selection and have no idea how to adapt their query so that the results match their expectations.This talk describes a request method and an environment based on aggregating models to assess the relevance of documents annotated by concepts of ontology. The selection of documents is then displayed in a semantic map to provide graphical indications that make explicit to what extent they match the user’s query; this man/machine interface favors a more interactive exploration of data corpus.
E2s: structurally economical and functionally replete
Authors: Wenzel Dawn M. , Stoll Kate E. , Klevit Rachel E.
Published: December 2010

Ubiquitination is a post-translational modification pathway involved in myriad cellular regulation and disease pathways. The Ub (ubiquitin) transfer cascade requires three enzyme activities: a Ub-activating (E1) enzyme, a Ub-conjugating (E2) enzyme, and a Ub ligase (E3). Because the E2 is responsible both for E3 selection and substrate modification, E2s function at the heart of the Ub transfer pathway and are responsible for much of the diversity of Ub cellular signalling. There are currently over 90 three-dimensional structures for E2s, both alone and in complex with protein binding partners, providing a wealth of information regarding how E2s are recognized by a wide variety of proteins. In the present review, we describe the prototypical E2–E3 interface and discuss limitations of current methods to identify cognate E2–E3 partners. We present non-canonical E2–protein interactions and highlight the economy of E2s in their ability to facilitate many protein–protein interactions at nearly every surface on their relatively small and compact catalytic domain. Lastly, we compare the structures of conjugated E2~Ub species, their unique protein interactions and the mechanistic insights provided by species that are poised to transfer Ub.
Swallowing in the Elderly: Evidence From Fluoroscopy
Authors: Leonard Rebecca
Published: December 2010

An understanding of changes in swallow associated with aging, differentiated from effects of disease processes or other factors characteristic of aging, is critical to clinicians working with elderly dysphagic patients. Rapid growth in our aging population, and the prevalence of dysphagia within this group, underscore this need. The intent of this paper is to review current information regarding typical changes in aging with implications for swallowing. Particular emphasis is on evidence from fluoroscopic studies of swallow function. Objective measures of timing and displacement, and other observations, were collected for 63 normal, non-dysphagic adults under the age of 65 years, and 74 carefully-screened, non-dysphagic volunteers over the age of 65 years. Differences between the groups are discussed, with special attention to their clinical relevance and application. Information provided will hopefully serve clinicians in recognizing typical and atypical swallow in the elderly, as well as characteristics of “typical” that may increase dysphagia risk, and reduce swallowing potential, in some elderly individuals.
The Impact of Prescribed Medication on Swallowing: An Overview
Authors: Gallagher Louise
Published: December 2010

Dysphagia clinicians are aware that best practices guidelines recommend a medications review as part of the assessment process. This article aims to review the literature to date regarding the impact that medications may have on the physiology of swallowing. It is important to consider the side effects of all medications, not only medications listing swallowing difficulties as a known side effect. Medications that impact upon arousal, awareness, and xerostomia should also be considered as part of a comprehensive dysphagia evaluation. Speech-language pathologists should consider the pharmacist an integral dysphagia team member and a valuable resource.
Shock wave propagation in dense particle suspensions
Authors: Petel Oren E. , Higgins Andrew J.
Published: December 2010

Shock wave propagation in a multiphase suspension is studied experimentally. Particle suspensions are used as a means of obtaining a system in which there is limited initial interparticle contacts with a large degree of parametric variability. Suspensions were created in ethylene glycol at several volume fractions (41%, 48%, and 54%) of silicon carbide particles. Plate impact experiments are conducted to obtain the shock Hugoniots of the various suspensions at particle velocities in the range of 200–900 m/s. Transitions are shown to exist in the Us-up Hugoniots of the suspensions. In situ longitudinal and lateral stress measurements are made in the 48% suspension at two different impact velocities demonstrating a deviatoric stress component to the stress state in the suspension. The results are discussed in terms of the development of extensive interparticle contacts in a mechanism analogous to classical shear thickening in dense suspensions.
Hard spheres revisited: Accurate calculation of the solid–liquid interfacial free energy
Authors: Davidchack Ruslan L.
Published: December 2010

We revise the earlier [R. L. Davidchack and B. B. Laird, Phys. Rev. Lett. 85, 4751 (2000)] direct calculation of the hard sphere solid–liquid interfacial free energy by the cleaving walls method. The revisions of the method include modified interactions with the cleaving walls and the use of a nonequilibrium work measurements approach, which allows for a more robust control of the accuracy of the obtained results. We find that the new values are lower compared to the original ones, which is consistent with the more recent indirect estimates based on extrapolation from the soft-sphere results [R. L. Davidchack and B. B. Laird, Phys. Rev. Lett. 94, 086102 (2005)], as well as those obtained using the capillary fluctuations method [R. L. Davidchack, J. R. Morris, and B. B. Laird, J. Chem. Phys. 125, 094710 (2006)].
Benchmark studies of variational, unitary and extended coupled cluster methods
Authors: Cooper Bridgette , Knowles Peter J.
Published: December 2010

Comparative benchmark calculations are presented for coupled cluster theory in its standard formulation, as well as variational, extended, and unitary coupled cluster methods. The systems studied include HF, $\rm N_2$N2, and CN, and with cluster operators that for the first time include up to quadruple excitations. In cases where static correlation effects are weak, the differences between the predictions of molecular properties from each theory are negligible. When, however, static correlation is strong, it is demonstrated that variational coupled cluster theory can be significantly more robust than the traditional ansatz and offers a starting point on which to base single-determinant reference methods that can be used beyond the normal domain of applicability. These conclusions hold at all levels of truncation of the cluster operator, with the variational approach showing significantly smaller errors.
Effects of hydrostatic pressure on Pb(Zr1−xTix)O3 near the morphotropic phase boundary
Authors: Wu Chaoye , Duan Wenhui , Zhang Xiao-Wen , Liu Zhirong
Published: December 2010

A first-principles-derived effective Hamiltonian is adopted to simulate the effects of high-pressure on Pb(Zr1−xTix)O3 near the morphotropic phase boundary. With increasing pressure, the induced tetragonal-to-monoclinic and monoclinic-to-rhombohedral phase transitions are observed at low temperatures, which are accompanied by significantly enhanced piezoelectric responses. By determining the pressure-temperature phase diagram, it was revealed that the M phase resides in a narrow region between the T and R phases with inclining boundaries.
Quantification of nanoscale density fluctuations using electron microscopy: Light-localization properties of biological cells
Authors: Pradhan Prabhakar , Damania Dhwanil , Joshi Hrushikesh M. , Turzhitsky Vladimir , Subramanian Hariharan , Roy Hemant K. , Taflove Allen , Dravid Vinayak P. , Backman Vadim
Published: December 2010

We report a study of the nanoscale mass-density fluctuations of heterogeneous optical dielectric media, including nanomaterials and biological cells, by quantifying their nanoscale light-localization properties. Transmission electron microscope images of the media are used to construct corresponding effective disordered optical lattices. Light-localization properties are studied by the statistical analysis of the inverse participation ratio (IPR) of the localized eigenfunctions of these optical lattices at the nanoscale. We validated IPR analysis using nanomaterials as models of disordered systems fabricated from dielectric nanoparticles. As an example, we then applied such analysis to distinguish between cells with different degrees of aggressive malignancy.
Carbon-coated Magnéli-phase TinO2n−1 nanobelts as anodes for Li-ion batteries and hybrid electrochemical cells
Authors: Han Wei-Qiang , Wang Xiao-Liang
Published: December 2010

We describe a method for preparing carbon-coated Ti9O17 nanowires using H2Ti3O7 nanobelts as precursors to react with ethane and hydrogen at high-temperature. The carbon-coating layers play a key role in restraining the sintering growth of the core during the phase transformation from H2Ti3O7 to Magnéli-phase TinO2n−1, and in retaining the morphology of nanobelts. We demonstrated that the initial reversible capacity of these Ti9O17 nanobelts attained 182 mA h g−1, a value even higher than the theoretical value of a-TiO2 (167 mA h g−1). Cyclic-voltammetry measurement supports the pseudocapacitive lithium-storage behavior of these Magnéli-phase Ti9O17 nanobelts. Furthermore, the nanobelts exhibit high power density along with excellent cycling stability in their application as hybrid electrochemical cells.
Stability of top- and bottom-gate amorphous polymer field-effect transistors
Authors: Georgakopoulos S. , Sparrowe D. , Meyer F. , Shkunov M.
Published: December 2010

Performance and stability between the top- and bottom-gate field-effect transistor configurations are investigated in dual-gate transistor structures consisting of the same insulator and gate materials. The transistors behave similarly for both gate modes with on/off ratio in excess of 105, subthreshold swing of 0.5–1 V/decade, and mobility of 0.03–0.04 cm2/V s, retained over several months, with fabrication, storage, and characterization, performed in ambient conditions.
Silver halide planar waveguides and grating couplers for middle infrared integrated optics
Authors: Dekel B. , Katzir A.
Published: December 2010

We fabricated silver bromide (AgBr) planar waveguides with a thickness of ≈20 μm and designed reflective grating couplers for coupling the radiation of a tunable CO2 laser into these waveguides. We found that the attenuation was 6–9 dB/cm. The waveguides were used as attenuated total reflection elements for the sensing of hazardous pesticides in water in concentrations higher than 25 ppm. This work will pave the way for developing integrated optical elements and circuits which are based on silver halides and which operate in a broad spectral range in the mid-IR. These will be useful as chemical sensors and as spatial elements in nulling interferometry.
Nontunnel transport through CoFe2O4 nanometric barriers
Authors: Foerster M. , Gutierrez D. F. , Rigato F. , Rebled J. M. , Peiro F. , Fontcuberta J.
Published: December 2010

Electric transport through ultrathin CoFe2O4 (CFO) films of different thicknesses is studied using current sensing atomic force microscopy. Analysis of current distribution maps and I-V characteristics reveals anomalous thickness dependence. Results indicate the existence of an Ohmic conduction channel in parallel with the tunnel one. The origin of the nontunneling, likely non-spin-preserving, channel is discussed in the context of recent results on spin-filtering CFO-based devices.
Infrared phonon anomaly of one-dimensional metallic peanut-shaped C60 polymer
Authors: Onoe J. , Takashima A. , Toda Y.
Published: December 2010

The infrared (IR) phonon properties of one-dimensional (1D) metallic peanut-shaped C60 polymers, which exhibit an energy gap below 60 K [Y. Toda et al., Appl. Phys. Lett. 92, 094102 (2008)] that is similar to the Peierls transition of quasi-1D metallic materials, have been examined in the temperature range of 30–300 K by high-resolution in-situ IR spectroscopy. We observed an IR phonon anomaly in which two new IR modes appear at 50 K and become increasingly anomalous with decreasing temperature in a similar manner as phase phonons associated with charge density waves in quasi-1D condensates.
Ultrafast switching in magnetic tunnel junction based orthogonal spin transfer devices
Authors: Liu H. , Bedau D. , Backes D. , Katine J. A. , Langer J. , Kent A. D.
Published: December 2010

Orthogonal spin-transfer magnetic random access memory (OST-MRAM) uses a spin-polarizing layer magnetized perpendicularly to a free layer to achieve large spin-transfer torques and ultrafast energy efficient switching. We have fabricated and studied OST-MRAM devices that incorporate a perpendicularly magnetized spin-polarizing layer and a magnetic tunnel junction, which consists of an in-plane magnetized free layer and synthetic antiferromagnetic reference layer. Reliable switching is observed at room temperature with 0.7 V amplitude pulses of 500 ps duration. The switching is bipolar, occurring for positive and negative polarity pulses, consistent with a precessional reversal mechanism, and requires an energy of less than 450 fJ.
Anisotropic transport properties in InAs/AlSb heterostructures
Authors: Moschetti G. , Zhao H. , Nilsson P.-Å. , Wang S. , Kalabukhov A. , Dambrine G. , Bollaert S. , Desplanque L. , Wallart X. , Grahn J.
Published: December 2010

We have investigated the anisotropic transport behavior of InAs/AlSb heterostructures grown on a (001) InP substrate. An electrical analysis showed anisotropic sheet resistance Rsh and electron mobility μn in the two dimensional electron gas (2DEG). Hall measurements demonstrated an enhanced anisotropy in μn when cooled from room temperature to 2 K. High electron mobility transistors exhibited 27% higher maximum drain current IDS and 23% higher peak transconductance gm when oriented along the [1-10] direction. The anisotropic transport behavior in the 2DEG was correlated with an asymmetric dislocation pattern observed in the surface morphology and by cross-sectional microscopy analysis of the InAs/AlSb heterostructure.
Influence of zero range process interaction on diffusion
Authors: Tang Ming , Liu Zonghua , Li Baowen
Published: December 2010

We study the aspects of diffusion for the case of zero range process interaction on scale-free networks, through statistical quantities such as the mean first passage time, coverage, mean square displacement etc., and pay attention to how the interaction, especially the resulted condensation, influences the diffusion. By mean-field theory we show that the statistical quantities of diffusion can be significantly reduced by the condensation and can be figured out by the waiting time of a particle staying at a node. Numerical simulations have confirmed the theoretical predictions.
Plasma dispersion function for a Fermi–Dirac distribution
Authors: Melrose D. B. , Mushtaq A.
Published: December 2010

A plasma dispersion function (PDF) is defined for a nonrelativistic Fermi–Dirac distribution and its properties are explored. The degree of degeneracy is described by a parameter ξ=eμe/Te, for electrons, with μe/Te large and negative in the nondegenerate limit, and large and positive in the completely degenerate limit. The PDF is denoted Z(y,ξ), where the variable y=ω/2kVe, is the argument of the conventional PDF, Z(y)=Z(y,0), for a Maxwellian distribution. In the completely degenerate limit, Z(y,ξ) approaches a logarithmic function that depends on the Fermi temperature and is independent of Te. Analytic approximations to Z(y,ξ) are derived in terms of polylogarithmic functions for y2⪢1 and for y2⪡1.
Transcription profiling of the isoflavone phenylpropanoid pathway in soybean in response to Bradyrhizobium japonicum inoculation
Authors: Pregelj Lisette , McLanders Joanne R. , Gresshoff Peter M. , Schenk Peer M.
Published: December 2010

Isoflavones are legume-specific secondary metabolites that function as defence compounds, signal molecules and regulators of gene expression during both pathogen attack and beneficial plant–microbe interactions. They are synthesised by a branch of the core phenylpropanoid pathway, using several isoenzymes within each enzymatic step. Gene-specific quantitative real-time reverse transcriptase PCR (qRT-PCR) was used to quantify expression of isoflavone synthesis genes in soybean (Glycine max L). Genes encoding chalcone synthase 7 (CHS7), chalcone synthase 8 (CHS8) and isoflavone synthase 1 (IFS1) displayed high basal expression levels in roots compared with hypocotyls, suggesting they could be the gene family members encoding the isoenzyme that contributes the most to the principal substrate flux towards specific isoflavone synthesis in roots. The genes encoding phenylalanine ammonia lyase 1 (PAL1) and IFS1 showed induction in root tissue after inoculation with Bradyrhizobium japonicum (Kirchner) Jordan, suggesting a control point. The absence of a functional nodulation regulator, GmNARK (G. max nodulation autoregulation receptor kinase), in the soybean mutant nts1007 resulted in significantly increased basal expression of PAL1 compared with levels induced by B. japonicum, suggesting that GmNARK is a negative regulator for isoflavone phenylpropanoid pathway genes during nodulation and that distinct genes, as opposed to the complete pathway, are coordinately regulated by the nodulation status of the mutant.
Predation on simulated duck nests in relation to nest density and landscape structure
Authors: Padyšáková Eliška , Šálek Martin , Poledník Lukáš , Sedláček František , Albrecht Tomáš
Published: December 2010

Context Density-dependent predation has been recently discussed as a contributing cause of duck nest failure. Aims We tested whether nest density increases the nest predation rate (density-dependent predation) in patches of littoral vegetation surrounding fishponds in two contrasting landscape types, the first dominated by forest and the other dominated by agricultural fields. Methods In total, 576 simulated ground nests were deployed in 48 littoral patches in South Bohemia, Czech Republic, in two replicates (June and July), for two consecutive years (2005 and 2006). Nests were deployed either solitarily (low-density plots) or in groups of five nests (high-density plots). Key results Despite differences in local predator communities, we found no evidence of different survival rates of solitary nests and nests placed in high-density patches in either habitat. Mammalian predators were the most common nest predators, followed by birds. The composition of nest predator community depended on landscape type, with mammals predominating in forest landscape and birds in agricultural areas. Our data thus do not support the theory of density-dependent predation of duck nests in littoral patches, regardless of predominant nest predator type. Conclusions Based on our results, we conclude that nest predator responses to different habitats are complex, taxon specific, and context dependent. Implications Conservation efforts for waterfowl may need to be customised according to the nest-predator species primarily responsible for local nest mortality and the nature of the landscape mosaic.
RETRACTED: Two RNA subunits and POT1a are components of Arabidopsis telomerase
Authors: Cifuentes-Rojas Catherine , Kannan Kalpana , Tseng Lin , Shippen Dorothy E.
Published: December 2010

Telomerase is a ribonucleoprotein (RNP) reverse transcriptase whose essential RNA subunit (TER) functions as a template for telomere repeat synthesis. Here we report the identification of two divergent TER moieties in the flowering plant
Arabidopsis thaliana
. Although both TER1 and TER2 copurify with telomerase activity and serve as templates for telomerase in vitro, depletion of TER1, but not TER2, leads to decreased telomerase activity and progressive telomere shortening in vivo. Moreover, mutation of the templating domain in TER1 results in the incorporation of mutant telomere repeats on chromosome ends. Thus, TER1 provides the major template for telomerase in vivo. We also show that POT1a binds TER1 with a Kd of 2 × 10
-7
 M and the two components assemble into an enzymatically active RNP in vivo. In contrast, TER1-POT1b and TER2-POT1a associations were not observed. In other organisms POT1 proteins bind telomeric DNA and provide chromosome end protection. We propose that duplication of TER and POT1 in Arabidopsis fueled the evolution of novel protein–nucleic acid interactions and the migration of POT1 from the telomere to the telomerase RNP.
Belief attribution despite verbal interference
Authors: Forgeot d'Arc Baudouin , Ramus Franck
Published: December 2010

False-belief (FB) tasks have been widely used to study the ability of individuals to represent the content of their conspecifics' mental states (theory of mind). However, the cognitive processes involved are still poorly understood, and it remains particularly debated whether language and inner speech are necessary for the attribution of beliefs to other agents. We present a completely nonverbal paradigm consisting of silent animated cartoons in five closely related conditions, systematically teasing apart different aspects of scene analysis and allowing the assessment of the attribution of beliefs, goals, and physical causation. In order to test the role of language in belief attribution, we used verbal shadowing as a dual task to inhibit inner speech. Data on 58 healthy adults indicate that verbal interference decreases overall performance, but has no specific effect on belief attribution. Participants remained able to attribute beliefs despite heavy concurrent demands on their verbal abilities. Our results are most consistent with the hypothesis that belief attribution is independent from inner speech.
Social rank governs the effective environment of siblings
Authors: Forbes Scott
Published: December 2010

Siblings within the same family often differ dramatically in phenotype. Some differences are attributable to initial maternal handicaps (birth or hatching asynchrony, differences in egg or neonate size and hormonal or antioxidant titre); but differences among siblings may also arise from differences in the brood-rearing environment that offspring experience. Here, I use a model system—a long-term study of nestlings in an altricial bird—to study how an initial maternal handicap, hatching asynchrony, regulates the effective social environment of siblings in the same family as measured by offspring survival. The interaction of family size and structure generated wide differences in the effective environments of siblings living in the same physical space (a nest), and reared by the same parents, in the same family structure. Social rank was the key component of the unshared environment of contemporary siblings, and was alone sufficient to generate near-maximal differences in offspring performance. Nestlings sitting side-by-side effectively lived in different worlds.
The Pseudomonas aeruginosa generalized transducing phage φPA3 is a new member of the φKZ-like group of ‘jumbo’ phages, and infects model laboratory strains and clinical isolates from cystic fibrosis patients
Authors: Monson Rita , Foulds Ian , Foweraker Juliet , Welch Martin , Salmond George P. C.
Published: December 2010

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an important pathogen in cystic fibrosis patients, and a model organism for the study of nosocomially acquired infections, biofilms and intrinsic multidrug resistance. In this study we characterize φPA3, a new generalized transducing bacteriophage for P. aeruginosa. φPA3 transduced chromosomal mutations between PAO1 strains, and infected multiple P. aeruginosa clinical isolates as well as the P. aeruginosa model laboratory strains PAK and PA14. Electron microscopy imaging was used to classify φPA3 in the order Caudovirales and the family Myoviridae. The genome of φPA3 was sequenced and found to contain 309 208 bp, the second-largest bacteriophage currently deposited in GenBank. The genome contains 378 ORFs and five tRNAs. Many ORF products in the φPA3 genome are similar to proteins encoded by P. aeruginosa phage φKZ and Pseudomonas chlororaphis phage 201φ2-1, and so φPA3 was classified genetically as a member of the φKZ-like group of phages. This is the first report of a member of this group of phages acting as a generalized transducer. Given its wide host range, high transduction efficiency and large genome size, the ‘jumbo’ phage φPA3 could be a powerful tool in functional genomic analysis of diverse P. aeruginosa strains of fundamental and clinical importance.
Venous air embolism during semi‐sitting craniotomy evokes thrombocytopenia
Authors: Schäfer S. T. , Sandalcioglu I. E. , Stegen B. , Neumann A. , Asgari S. , Peters J.
Published: December 2010

Venous air embolism activates platelets in vitro and can evoke platelet dysfunction in swine. We tested the hypothesis that venous air embolism during semi‐sitting craniotomy induces thrombocytopenia in humans. We analysed the charts of 799 patients who had an elective craniotomy in the semi‐sitting position between 1990 and June 2009. Venous air embolism occurred in 52 patients (6.5%) and was associated with a decrease in mean (SD) in platelet count from 270 (75) × 109 l−1 to 194 (62) × 109 l−1 (p < 0.001). In age‐matched controls without venous air embolism mean (SD) platelet count did not change (254 (82) × 109 l−1 vs. 250 (97) × 109 l−1 (NS). While mean (SD) haematocrit fell slightly in both groups (venous air embolism: 0.40 (0.05) to 0.32 (0.04), p < 0.001; no venous air embolism: 0.41 (0.04) to 0.35 (0.05), p < 0.001), normalising platelet count to haematocrit did not alter the results.
Recombinant, activated factor VII for surgery in factor VII deficiency: a prospective evaluation – the surgical STER
Authors: Mariani Guglielmo , Dolce Alberto , Batorova Angelika , Auerswald Günter , Schved Jean Francois , Siragusa Sergio , Napolitano Mariasanta , Knudsen Jens Bjerre , Ingerslev Jørgen ,   on behalf of the STER and the International Factor VII Deficiency Study Groups
Published: December 2010

Excessive bleeding represents a major complication of surgical interventions and its control is especially relevant in patients with Congenital Bleeding Disorders (CBD). In factor VII (FVII) deficiency, scanty data on surgery is available to guide treatment strategies. The STER (Seven Treatment Evaluation Registry) is a multi‐centre, prospective, observational, web‐based study protocol providing the frame for a structured and detailed data collection. Inhibitor occurrence was checked in a centralized fashion. Forty‐one surgical operations (24 ‘major’ and 17 ‘minor’) were performed in 34 subjects with a carefully characterized FVII deficiency under the coverage of recombinant activated Factor VII (rFVIIa). Bleeding occurred during three major interventions of orthopaedic surgery, but rFVIIa was given at very low dose in each case. An antibody to FVII was observed in one patient who underwent a multiple dental extraction. No thromboses were reported during the 30‐d follow up period. Replacement therapy with rFVIIa proved effective when suitable doses were used, which, during the period of maximum bleeding risk (the day of operation), were calculated (Receiver Operated Characteristic analysis) to be of at least 13 μg/kg/body weight per single dose and no less than three administrations. This indication is important especially in the case of major surgery.
Large B cell lymphoma presenting initially in bone marrow, liver and spleen: an aggressive entity associated frequently with haemophagocytic syndrome
Authors: Yeh Yu‐Min , Chang Kung‐Chao , Chen Ya‐Ping , Kao Lin‐Yuan , Tsai Huey‐Pin , Ho Chung‐Liang , Wang Jen‐Ren , Jones Dan , Chen Tsai‐Yun
Published: December 2010

Yeh Y‐M, Chang K‐C, Chen Y‐P, Kao L‐Y, Tsai H‐P, Ho C‐L, Wang J‐R, Jones D & Chen T‐Y (2010) Histopathology57, 785–795

Large B cell lymphoma presenting initially in bone marrow, liver and spleen: an aggressive entity associated frequently with haemophagocytic syndrome

Aims:  To describe diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL) presenting initially in bone marrow, liver and spleen (BLS‐type) without lymphadenopathy.

Methods and results:  The clinicopathological and cytogenetic features of 11 such cases (eight men, three women; mean age: 62.7 years are described). Usually presenting with fever and haemophagocytic syndrome suggesting infection and complicating timely diagnosis, bone marrow examination showed patchy and interstitial infiltration of large tumour cells without sinusoidal involvement. All cases had a high Ki‐67 index (≥90%), commonly a non‐germinal centre/activated B cell immunophenotype and were negative for Epstein–Barr virus and human herpesvirus 6 and 8. The more frequent cytogenetic changes involved chromosomal loci 14q32 and 9p24, as well as del(3)(q21), add(7)(p22), t(3;6), del(8)(p22), +18 and add(19)(p13). Clinical behaviour was very aggressive, with a 2‐year survival rate of 18% (45% of patients died within 3 weeks). High‐dose chemotherapy with haematopoietic stem cell transplantation prolonged survival in one patient.

Conclusions:  Although it shares with intravascular LBCL a subtle presentation and an aggressive clinical course, this primary BLS large cell lymphoma variant is distinguished by lacking an intravascular component and having different cytogenetic findings.
Fibrinolytic activity is associated with presence of cystic medial degeneration in aneurysms of the ascending aorta
Authors: Borges Luciano F , Gomez Delphine , Quintana Mercedes , Touat Ziad , Jondeau Guillaume , Leclercq Anne , Meilhac Olivier , Jandrot‐Perrus Martine , Gutierrez Paulo S , Freymuller Edna , Vranckx Roger , Michel Jean‐Baptiste
Published: December 2010

Borges L F, Gomez D, Quintana M, Touat Z, Jondeau G, Leclercq A, Meilhac O, Jandrot‐Perrus M, Gutierrez P S, Freymuller E, Vranckx R & Michel J‐B (2010) Histopathology57, 917–932

Fibrinolytic activity is associated with presence of cystic medial degeneration in aneurysms of the ascending aorta

Aims:  Thoracic ascending aortic aneurysms (TAA) are characterized by elastic fibre breakdown and cystic medial degeneration within the aortic media, associated with progressive smooth muscle cell (SMC) rarefaction. The transforming growth factor (TGF)‐β/Smad2 signalling pathway is involved in this process. Because the pericellular fibrinolytic system activation is able to degrade adhesive proteins, activate matrix metalloproteinase (MMP), induce SMC disappearance and increase the bioavailability of TGF‐β, the aim was to investigate the plasminergic system in TAA.

Methods and results:  Ascending aortas [21 controls and 19 TAAs (of three different aetiologies)] were analysed. Immunohistochemistry showed accumulation of t‐PA, u‐PA and plasmin in TAAs, associated with residual SMCs. Overexpression of t‐PA and u‐PA was confirmed by reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction (RT–PCR), immunoblotting and zymography on TAA extracts and culture medium conditioned by TAA. Plasminogen was present on the SMC surface and inside cytoplasmic vesicles, but plasminogen mRNA was undetectable in the TAA medial layer. Plasmin–antiplasmin complexes were detected in TAA‐conditioned medium and activation of the fibrinolytic system was associated with increased fibronectin turnover. Fibronectin‐related material was detected immunohistochamically in dense clumps around SMCs and colocalized with latent TGF‐β binding protein‐1.

Conclusions:  The fibrinolytic pathway could play a critical role in TAA progression, via direct or indirect impact on ECM and consecutive modulation of TGF‐β bioavailability.
Nurses’ pay in Japan: market forces vs. institutional constraints
Authors: Nakata Yoshifumi , Miyazaki Satoru
Published: December 2010

Aims and objectives.  To analyse Japan’s labour market for nurses and determine reasons for the continuing excess demand.

Background.  Japan has long been experiencing a shortage of nurses. The situation has been worsening over the past few years, as is reflected in the growing media coverage of the issue.

Design.  We constructed an economic model of wage setting for Japanese nurses and analysed those wages applying standard labour economics theories.

Methods.  We constructed a nurse labour market data base from various public sets and estimated a few alternative wage functions from this data base. We then interpreted these parameters and the differences of some parameters by function to make an evaluation of relative importance of labour market forces and policies on the setting of the Japanese nurse wages.

Results.  The government’s move to improve the nursing staff–inpatient ratio and the shorter inpatient hospital stays have had a positive impact on the wages of registered nurses (RNs) and licensed practicing nurses (LPNs). Yet, the nursing labour market imbalance remains.

Relevance to clinical practice.  The findings show that individual hospitals and clinics could take three steps to help fill the nursing vacancies. First, they could introduce a reorientation program for those nurses no longer in the labour market. Second, they could restructure the working arrangements for those nurses with family responsibilities. Third, they could be instrumental in having the current wage system reassessed.
Systematic Review: Estimation of global burden of non‐suppurative sequelae of upper respiratory tract infection: rheumatic fever and post‐streptococcal glomerulonephritis
Authors: Jackson Stewart J. , Steer Andrew C. , Campbell Harry
Published: December 2010

Objectives To establish the incidence of post‐streptococcal glomerulonephritis (PSGN) and acute rheumatic fever, the prevalence of rheumatic heart disease (RHD), and to estimate morbidity and mortality caused by these diseases globally.

Methods Systematic literature review and review of World Health Organisation (WHO) vital registration data (VRD).

Results Incidence and prevalence of rheumatic fever and RHD show very significant global variation. The greatest burden was found in sub‐Saharan Africa, the lowest in North America. The highest mortality rates from these two diseases were reported in the indigenous populations of Australia (23.8 per 100 000). Among countries with VRD, the highest mortality was found in Mauritius (4.32 per 100 000). A few studies reported mortality from PSGN and these reported low mortality rates (mean 0.028 per 100 000 in developing countries).

Conclusion Lack of data from key parts of the world limits our ability to make precise statements of disease burden. Further research and surveillance is required to generate more primary data to inform future estimates.
Could metabolic liver function tests predict mortality on waiting list for liver transplantation? A study on 560 patients
Authors: Ecochard Marie , Boillot Olivier , Guillaud Olivier , Roman Sabine , Adham Mustapha , Mion François , Dumortier Jérôme
Published: December 2010

Ecochard M, Boillot O, Guillaud O, Roman S, Adham M, Mion F, Dumortier J. Could metabolic liver function tests predict mortality on waiting list for liver transplantation? A study on 560 patients. Clin Transplant 2011: 25: 755–765. © 2010 John Wiley & Sons A/S.

Abstract:  Background:  Allocation of graft in liver transplantation (LT) depends mainly on Model for End Stage Liver Disease (MELD) score. We studied the prognostic ability of three metabolic liver function tests in 560 cirrhotic patients listed for transplantation, in comparison with MELD and Child–Turcotte–Pugh (CTP) scores.

Methods:  Indocyanine green retention rate (ICG), aminopyrine breath test (ABT), and galactose elimination capacity were performed at the time of listing in addition to standard biological parameters. Seventy‐three patients died on waiting list, 438 were transplanted, and 73 died after LT. Cox regression analysis and receiver operating characteristic curves with c‐statistics were calculated after stratification according to CTP and MELD score.

Results:  For the mortality before transplantation, c‐statistics showed that ICG and ABT had a slightly better prognostic ability (0.73 and 0.68, respectively) than MELD score (0.66), and similar to CTP score (0.70). ABT’s prognostic ability remained significant once the MELD score (below and above 20) had already been taken into account. Only ICG had a prognostic ability to predict the survival after LT, even after stratification according to MELD and CTP score.

Conclusions:  Our results strongly support that ABT and ICG may be useful in the ranking of the patients in LT list, adding prognosis information in association with MELD score.
Assessing elements of informed consent among living donors
Authors: Valapour M. , Kahn J.P. , Bailey R.F. , Matas A.J.
Published: December 2010

Valapour M, Kahn JP, Bailey RF, Matas AJ. Assessing elements of informed consent among living donors.  Clin Transplant 2011: 25: 185–190. © 2010 John Wiley & Sons A/S.

Abstract:  Living organ donors – 50% of solid organ donors in the United States – represent a unique population who accept medical risk for the benefit of another. One of the main justifications for this practice has been respect for donor autonomy, as realized through informed consent. In this retrospective study of living donors, we investigate two key criteria of informed consent: (i) depth of understanding and (ii) degree of voluntariness. In our survey of 262 living kidney donors 2–40 months post‐donation, we found that more than 90% understood the effects of living donation on recipient outcomes, the screening process, and the short‐term medical risks of donation. In contrast, only 69% understood the psychological risks of donation; 52% the long‐term medical risks of donation; and 32% the financial risks of donation. Understanding the effects of living donation on recipient outcomes was the only factor that would affect donors’ decision to donate again. A total of 40% of donors reported feeling some pressure to donate. Donors who are related to the recipient were more likely to report feeling pressure to donate. We conclude that more studies of informed consent are needed to identify factors that may compromise the validity of informed consent.
Immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome mimicking relapsing cryptococcal meningitis in a renal transplant recipient
Authors: Legris T. , Massad M. , Purgus R. , Vacher‐Coponat H. , Ranque S. , Girard N. , Berland Y. , Moal V.
Published: December 2010

T. Legris, M. Massad, R. Purgus, H. Vacher‐Coponat, S. Ranque, N. Girard, Y. Berland, V. Moal. Immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome mimicking relapsing cryptococcal meningitis in a renal transplant recipient. Transpl Infect Dis 2011: 13: 303–308. All rights reserved

Abstract: Immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (IRIS) is a rare entity that has been described recently in solid organ transplant (SOT) recipients. IRIS is characterized by an exuberant and dysregulated immune response following treatment of opportunistic infections. We describe here the case of a kidney transplant recipient who developed cryptococcal meningitis that was efficiently treated with antifungal therapy and decreased immunosuppression regimen. Eight months later, a paradoxical worsening of neurological symptoms and neuroradiological findings led to the diagnosis of IRIS. A short course of high‐dose steroid therapy allowed complete resolution of neurological symptoms. This report highlights the challenge for physicians to distinguish IRIS from a relapsing cryptococcal infection. Clinical improvement of cryptococcosis‐associated IRIS by anti‐inflammatory drugs needs to be confirmed among SOT recipients.
A single recessive gene conferring short leaves in romaine × Latin type lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) crosses, and its effect on plant morphology and resistance to lettuce drop caused by Sclerotinia minor Jagger
Authors: Hayes Ryan J. , Wu BoMing , Subbarao Krishna V.
Published: December 2010

With 1 figure and 5 tables

Understanding the relationship between plant morphology and disease resistance is crucial to successful lettuce breeding. Latin type cultivars are a potential useful source of resistance to Sclerotinia minor for breeding resistant romaine cultivars. However, resistance in Latin cultivars may be conditioned by their relatively short stature. The objective of this research was to determine the segregation for plant height and the relationship between plant height and S. minor resistance in romaine × Latin crosses. The frequency of short plants was conditioned by a single recessive gene in F1, F2 and F3 families from nine romaine × Latin crosses tested in 2007, 2008 and 2009 field experiments. The gene, named short leaf 1 (sl1), affects only leaf length in rosette plants and is morphologically distinct from other dwarfing genes. In two S. minor‐infested field experiments with 75 F3 romaine × ‘Eruption’ families, no difference in disease incidence was detected between short (sl1sl1), tall (Sl1Sl1) or segregating families. Therefore, development of resistant romaine cultivars from crosses with ‘Eruption’ is feasible.
Functional analysis of Toll‐related genes in Drosophila
Authors: Yagi Yoshimasa , Nishida Yasuyoshi , Ip Y. Tony
Published: December 2010

The Drosophila genome encodes a total of nine Toll and related proteins. The immune and developmental functions of Toll and 18Wheeler (18W) have been analyzed extensively, while the in vivo functions of the other Toll‐related proteins require further investigation. We performed transgenic experiments and found that overexpression of Toll‐related genes caused different extents of lethality and developmental defects. Moreover, 18w, Toll‐6, Toll‐7 and Toll‐8 often caused related phenotypic changes, consistent with the idea that these four genes have more conserved molecular structure and thus may regulate similar processes in vivo. Deletion alleles of Toll‐6, Toll‐7 and Toll‐8 were generated by targeted homologous recombination or P element excision. These mutant alleles were viable, fertile, and had no detectable defect in the inducible expression of antimicrobial peptide genes except for the Toll‐8 mutant had some defects in leg development. The expression of 18w, Toll‐7 and Toll‐8 mRNA showed wide and overlapping patterns in imaginal discs and the 18w, Toll‐8 double and Toll‐7, Toll‐8 double mutants showed substantially increased lethality. Overall our results suggest that some of the Toll‐related proteins, such as 18W, Toll‐7 and Toll‐8, may have redundant functions in regulating developmental processes.
Contamination of internationally traded wheat by herbicide‐resistant Lolium rigidum
Authors: SHIMONO YOSHIKO , TAKIGUCHI YOSHIHIRO , KONUMA AKIHIRO
Published: December 2010

As herbicide‐resistant weeds have spread in the agricultural fields of grain‐exporting countries, their seeds could be introduced into other countries as contaminants in imported grain. The spread of resistance genes through seed and pollen can cause significant economic loss. In order to assess the extent of the problem, we investigated the contamination by herbicide‐resistant annual ryegrass (Lolium rigidum) of wheat imported from Western Australia into Japan. Annual ryegrass seeds were recovered from wheat shipments and seed bioassays were conducted to identify resistance to the herbicides that are commonly used in Australia: diclofop‐methyl, sethoxydim, chlorsulfuron, and glyphosate. Nearly 4500 ryegrass seeds were detected in 20 kg of wheat that was imported in both 2006 and 2007. About 35% and 15% of the seeds were resistant to diclofop‐methyl, 5% and 6% were resistant to sethoxydim, and 56% and 60% were resistant to chlorsulfuron in 2006 and 2007, respectively. None was resistant to glyphosate in either year. As the contamination of crops by herbicide‐resistant weeds is probably a common phenomenon, the monitoring of incoming grain shipments is necessary to stem the further spread of herbicide‐resistant weeds into importing countries.
Behavior of pyriftalid in soil and its phytotoxic activity on Echinochloa oryzoides seedlings emerging from various soil depths
Authors: KOBAYASHI KATSUICHIRO , TSUNEKAWA YUKO
Published: December 2010

The phytotoxic activity of pyriftalid ([RS]‐7‐[4,6‐dimethoxypyrimidin‐2‐ylthio]‐3‐methyl‐2‐benzofuran‐1[3H]‐one) on barnyard grass (Echinochloa oryzoides) seedlings emerging from various depths in the soil was investigated in relation to its behavior in the soil. The growth of the barnyard grass seedlings in the soil mixed with pyriftalid was inhibited, depending on the concentration of the herbicide in the soil water but not on the amount in the total soil. A topmost pyriftalid‐treated layer was formed by applying the herbicide to the soil surface under water‐leakage conditions. The concentration of pyriftalid in the soil water and the amount that was adsorbed on the soil solid decreased with time, but the decrease was more marked in the pyriftalid concentration in the soil water than in the amount that was adsorbed on the soil solid. The emergence time of barnyard grass in the soil was faster in the seeds that were located in the shallower soil layer, compared to the deeper soil layer. The growth inhibition of the barnyard grass seedlings emerging from the shallower soil layer was greater than that of the barnyard grass seedlings emerging from the deeper soil layer after the soil surface application of pyriftalid. It is suggested that the emergence timing from the different soil depths is an important factor affecting the herbicidal activity of pyriftalid when it is applied to the soil surface under paddy field conditions.
Effect of epidural clonidine on minimum local anesthetic concentration (ED50) of levobupivacaine for caudal block in children
Authors: Disma Nicola , Frawley Geoff , Mameli Leila , Pistorio Angela , Alberighi Ornella D. Casa , Montobbio Giovanni , Tuo Pietro
Published: December 2010

Background:  Clonidine has the potential to significantly prolong the duration of caudal epidural anesthesia. We investigated the effect of the addition of clonidine to the MLAC of levobupivacaine in a randomized controlled dose–response trial.

Methods:  A group of 120 children aged <6 years of age received caudal anesthesia with levobupivacaine and 1, 2, or 3 μg·kg−1 of clonidine. The MLAC was determined according to a Dixon‐Massey protocol. The primary outcome was effective surgical anesthesia. Secondary outcomes were the duration of postoperative analgesia, postoperative pain scores, clonidine side effects, and time to hospital discharge.

Results:  The MLAC of caudal levobupivacaine was 0.106%, 0.077%, and 0.035% with 1, 2, and 3 μg·kg−1 of clonidine, respectively. There were significant dose‐dependent increases in median duration of analgesia. The incidence of delayed discharge, somnolence, and PONV was significantly increased in the 3 μg·kg−1 of clonidine group.

Conclusions:  Clonidine produces a local anesthetic sparing effect with a dose‐dependent decrease in levobupivacaine MLAC for caudal anesthesia. In addition, there is a dose‐dependent prolongation of postoperative analgesia following lower abdominal surgery in children. A dose of 2 μg·kg−1 of clonidine provides the optimum balance between improved analgesia and minimal side effects.