bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
MicroRNA as a new player in the cell cycle
Authors: Chen Dongliang , Farwell Mary A. , Zhang Baohong
Published: May 2010

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a newly identified class of small regulatory non‐coding endogenous RNAs that are ubiquitous from animals to plants and have pivotal functions in nearly all biological and metabolic processes. Increasing evidence shows that miRNAs are also new players regulating many protein‐coding genes and specific pathways during the cell cycle. This review focuses on the functions of miRNAs in the cell cycle of differentiated cells and embryonic stem (ES) cells. Aberrant expression of these cell‐cycle‐related miRNAs may result in carcinogenesis, revealing the potential of miRNAs as therapeutic targets for clinical purposes. J. Cell. Physiol. 225: 296–301, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Transcription factors and ovarian functions
Authors: Sirotkin Alexander V.
Published: May 2010

This study represents a first review of contemporarily knowledge concerning involvement of transcription factors in control of different ovarian functions. After introduction of basic functions and classification of transcription factors, the available data concerning involvement of transcription factors in control of the following ovarian events are present: follicular development and selection, ovarian cell proliferation and cancerogenesis, ovarian cell apoptosis, ovarian secretory activity, oocyte/cumulus maturation, ovulation and luteogenesis, mediation effect of hormones, growth factors, and cytokines. The importance of transcription factors of Smad family, of forkhead transcription factor (Fox) family, of breast cancer‐associated genes/transcription factor, hypoxia‐induced transcription factors and of other transcription factors in control of these processes has been demonstrated. J. Cell. Physiol. 225: 20–26, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Thrombin down‐regulates the TGF‐β‐mediated synthesis of collagen and fibronectin by human proximal tubule epithelial cells through the EPCR‐dependent activation of PAR‐1
Authors: Bae Jong‐Sup , Kim In‐San , Rezaie Alireza R.
Published: May 2010

Human proximal tubule (HK‐2) cells are commonly used as cellular models to understand the mechanism by which inflammatory mediators cause renal injury. It has been observed that thrombin stimulates the expression of TGF‐β, extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins and proinflammatory cytokines by HK‐2 cells. These in vitro responses correlate well with the pathology of glomerular and tubular diseases observed in acute renal injury. HK‐2 cells express PAR‐1 and the thrombin activation of this receptor has been reported to up‐regulate the TGF‐β‐mediated expression of ECM proteins, suggesting a possible pathogenic role for PAR‐1 signaling by thrombin in acute renal injury. On the other hand, several recent studies have indicated that activated protein C plays a renoprotective role, thus inhibiting the inflammatory responses and attenuating renal injury, presumably by activating the same cell surface receptor. In this study, we show that HK‐2 cells express endothelial protein C receptor (EPCR) and that the occupancy of this receptor by protein C switches the signaling specificity of thrombin so that the activation of PAR‐1 by thrombin inhibits the TNF‐α‐mediated synthesis of IL‐6 and IL‐8 and down‐regulates the TGF‐β‐mediated expression of ECM proteins. These results suggest a possible protective role for EPCR in acute kidney injury. J. Cell. Physiol. 225: 233–239, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
C2 and C2C12 murine skeletal myoblast models of atrophic and hypertrophic potential: Relevance to disease and ageing?
Authors: Sharples Adam P. , Al‐Shanti Nasser , Stewart Claire E.
Published: May 2010

Reduced muscle mass and increased susceptibility to TNF‐induced degradation accompany inflamed ageing and chronic diseases. Furthermore, C2 myoblasts display diminished differentiation and increased susceptibility to TNF‐α‐induced cell death versus subcloned C2C12 cells, providing relevant models to assess: differentiation (creatine kinase), growth (protein), death (trypan‐blue) and anabolic/catabolic parameters (RT‐PCR) over 72 h ± TNF‐α (20 ng ml−1). At 48 and 72 h, respectively, larger myotubes and significantly higher CK activity (320.26 ± 6.82 vs. 30.71 ± 2.5, P < 0.05; 544.94 ± 27.7 vs. 39.4 ± 3.37 mU mg ml−1, P < 0.05), fold increases in myoD (21.45 ± 3.12 vs. 3.97 ± 1.76, P < 0.05; 31.07 ± 3.1 vs. 6.82 ± 1.93, P < 0.05) and myogenin mRNA (241.8 ± 40 vs. 36.80 ± 19.3, P < 0.05; 440 ± 100.5 vs. 201.1 ± 86, P < 0.05) were detected in C2C12 versus C2. C2C12 showed significant increases in IGF‐I mRNA (243.05 ± 3.87 vs. 105.75 ± 21.95, P < 0.05), reduced proliferation and significantly lower protein expression (1.21 ± 0.28 vs. 1.79 ± 0.29 mg ml−1, P < 0.05) at 72 h versus C2 cells. Significant temporal reductions in C2C12 IGFBP2 mRNA (28.02 ± 15.44, 13.82 ± 8.07, 6.92 ± 4.37, P < 0.05) contrasted increases in C2s (4.31 ± 3.31, 13.02 ± 9.92, 82.9 ± 58.9, P < 0.05) at 0, 48 and 72 h, respectively. TNF‐α increased cell death in C2s (2.67 ± 1.54%, 34.42 ± 5.39%, 29.71 ± 5.79% (0, 48, 72 h), P < 0.05), yet was without effect in C2C12s at 48 h but caused a small significant increase at 72 h (9.88 ± 4.02% (TNF‐α) vs. 6.17 ± 0.749% (DM), 72 h). TNF‐α and TNFRI mRNA were unchanged; however, larger reductions in IGF‐I (8.2‐ and 7.5‐fold vs. 4.5‐ and 4.1‐fold (48, 72 h)), IGF‐IR (2‐fold vs. no‐significant reduction (72 h)) and IGFBP5 (3.24 vs. 1.38 (48 h) and 2.21 vs. 1.71 (72 h), P < 0.05) mRNA were observed in C2 versus C2C12 with TNF‐α. This investigation provides insight into regulators of altered basal hypertrophy and TNF‐induced atrophy, providing a model for future investigation into therapeutic initiatives for ageing/wasting disorders. J. Cell. Physiol. 225: 240–250, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Measuring number‐concentrations of nanoparticles and viruses in liquids on‐line
Authors: Du Shangfeng , Kendall Kevin , Morris Susan , Sweet Clive
Published: May 2010

BACKGROUND: The surge of studies on artificial and natural nanoparticles has revealed a new world for engineering and life sciences, but in most instances, the small scale has made their number‐concentration determination in liquids a challenging problem. Former success has mostly been limited to special particles measured by indirect techniques. A new approach is required for this determination to facilitate the production and application of nanoparticles in different systems.

RESULT: Here, an approach is described using a nanoparticle tracking system based on Brownian motion, which can be used to determine the number‐concentration of nanoparticles, including viruses, in liquids on‐line. Extensive analysis showed the influence of suspension concentration and particle size on the accuracy of measurements. Natural nanoparticles of Adenovirus and several types of artificial nanoparticles, including precision nanobeads, uniform inorganic silica microspheres, monodisperse gold metal colloids and aggregated Aerosil nanoparticles, were measured and compared by counting the monitored particle number obtained using light scattered from individual particles, from which the particle number‐concentration, the product yield and the aggregation could be evaluated.

CONCLUSION: This approach was compared with the mathematical calculation method and the emission spectrophotometry technique used for practical applications. The results showed this new approach had improved accuracy for determination of the particle number‐concentration. Copyright © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry
On the difference of equilibrium constants of DNA hybridization in bulk solution and at the solid‐solution interface
Authors: Oliviero Giulio , Federici Stefania , Colombi Paolo , Bergese Paolo
Published: May 2010

The origin of the difference between the equilibrium (affinity) constants of ligand–receptor binding in bulk solution and at a solid‐solution interface is discussed in terms of Gibbsian interfacial thermodynamics. It results that the difference is determined by the surface work that the ligand–receptor interaction spends to accommodate surface binding, and in turn that the value of the surface equilibrium constant (strongly) depends on the surface that confines the event. This framework consistently describes a wide set of experimental observations of DNA surface hybridization, correctly predicting that within the surface work window for DNA hybridization, that ranges from −90 to 75 kJmol−1, the ratio between surface and bulk equilibrium constants ranges from 10−16 to 1013, spanning 29 orders of magnitude. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Pathological prognostic score as a simple criterion to predict outcome in gastric carcinoma
Authors: Nozoe Tadahiro , Iguchi Tomohiro , Egashira Akinori , Adachi Eisuke , Matsukuma Akito , Ezaki Takahiro
Published: May 2010

Purpose

The aim of this study was to establish a simple criterion to predict prognosis of patients with gastric carcinoma.

Methods

Two hundred four patients with gastric carcinoma, who had been treated with curative resection, were enrolled.

One point was added for each category among four pathological factors of depth of tumor, lymph node metastasis, venous invasion, and lymphatic invasion. Pathological Prognostic Score (PPS) was determined by an aggregate of these points for each category.

Results

There existed a significant difference between survivals of patients with PPS 0 or 1 and 2 or 3 (P = 0.0002). Similarly, there also existed a significant difference between survivals of patients with PPS 2 or 3 and 4 (P = 0.010).

Conclusions

PPS can be quite simple criteria to predict prognosis of gastric carcinoma with a strict stratification. J. Surg. Oncol. 2010;102:11–17. J. Surg. Oncol. 2010;102:73–76. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Multidimensional chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry in analysing complex proteomics samples
Authors: Horvatovich Péter , Hoekman Berend , Govorukhina Natalia , Bischoff Rainer
Published: May 2010

Multidimensional chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (LCn‐MS) provides more separation power and an extended measured dynamic concentration range to analyse complex proteomics samples than one dimensional liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (1D‐LC‐MS). This review gives an overview of the most important aspects of LCn‐MS with respect to optimizing peak capacity and evaluate orthogonality. We review recent developments in LCn‐MS to analyse proteomics samples from the analyst point of view and give an overview over methods and future developments to process LCn‐MS data for comprehensive differential protein expression profiling. Examples from our research, such as combining protein fractionation using high temperature reverse phase (RP) columns followed by analysis of the trypsin‐digested fractions by RP LC‐MS, serve to highlight possibilities and shortcomings of present‐day approaches. Other LCn‐MS systems that have been used to analyse highly complex shotgun proteomic samples, such as the combination of RP columns using low and high pH eluents or the combination of hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography (HILIC) with RP‐MS is discussed in detail.
The Ultrafilter Closure in ZF
Authors: Gutierres Gonçalo
Published: May 2010

It is well known that, in a topological space, the open sets can be characterized using ?lter convergence. In ZF (Zermelo‐Fraenkel set theory without the Axiom of Choice), we cannot replace filters by ultrafilters. It is proven that the ultra?lter convergence determines the open sets for every topological space if and only if the Ultrafilter Theorem holds. More, we can also prove that the Ultra?lter Theorem is equivalent to the fact that uX = kX for every topological space X, where k is the usual Kuratowski closure operator and u is the Ultra?lter Closure with uX (A):= {x ∈ X: (∃ U ultrafilter in X)[U converges to x and A ∈ U ]}. However, it is possible to built a topological space X for which uX ≠ kX, but the open sets are characterized by the ultra?lter convergence. To do so, it is proved that if every set has a free ultra?lter, then the Axiom of Countable Choice holds for families of non‐empty finite sets. It is also investigated under which set theoretic conditions the equality u = k is true in some subclasses of topological spaces, such as metric spaces, second countable T0‐spaces or {ℝ} (© 2010 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Prion protein expression and the M129V polymorphism of the PRNP gene in patients with colorectal cancer
Authors: Antonacopoulou Anna G. , Palli Maria , Marousi Stella , Dimitrakopoulos Fotinos‐Ioannis , Kyriakopoulou Urania , Tsamandas Athanasios C. , Scopa Chrisoula D. , Papavassiliou Athanasios G. , Kalofonos Haralabos P.
Published: May 2010

The prion protein, PrPC, is known mostly for its involvement in neurodegenerative spongiform encephalopathies. However, a role for this molecule in cancer is becoming increasingly recognized partly because it promotes cell proliferation and inhibits apoptosis. Moreover, the codon 129 polymorphism (M129V) of the PRNP gene (the PrPC‐encoding gene) has been associated with neurodegenerative disease development and severity, while no information is available regarding its role in colorectal cancer (CRC) incidence and disease progression. We have previously reported that expression levels of PRNP may have a prognostic value in CRC, suggesting a role for the prion protein in CRC. The aim of this study was to investigate retrospectively the possible role of M129V and PrPC expression in patients with CRC. The M129V single nucleotide polymorphism was genotyped by real time polymerase chain reactions in 110 patients with CRC and 124 healthy donors. Moreover, protein expression was assessed by immunohistochemistry in 68 patients with CRC. Allele frequencies were similar in patients and healthy controls indicating that the M129V polymorphism is not a risk factor for CRC. Furthermore, it did not correlate with any clinicopathological parameters. By contrast, PrPC expression was highly elevated in neoplastic compared to normal tissue and differed depending on the primary site. Interestingly, protein levels were correlated with disease recurrence (P = 0.007). Conclusively, PrPC overexpression may constitute a prognostic marker for disease recurrence and potentially a new target for anticancer therapy. However, further studies are needed to evaluate prospectively the role of PrPC expression in patients with CRC. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Effect of dietary selenium on the progression of heart failure in the ageing spontaneously hypertensive rat
Authors: Lymbury Robyn S. , Marino Matthew J. , Perkins Anthony V.
Published: May 2010

Oxidative stress has been directly implicated in hypertension and myocardial remodelling, two pathologies fundamental to the development of chronic heart failure. Selenium (Se) can act directly and indirectly as an antioxidant and a lowered Se status leads to a higher risk of cardiovascular disease. This study examined the role of Se on the development of hypertension and subsequent progression to chronic heart failure in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). Three dietary groups were studied: (i) Se‐free; (ii) normal Se (50 μg Se/kg food); and (iii) high Se (1000 μg Se/kg food). Systolic blood pressure and echocardiography were used to detect cardiac changes in vivo. At study end, cardiac tissues were assayed for glutathione peroxidase activity, thioredoxin reductase activity, and protein carbonyls. The major finding of this study was the high heart failure‐related mortality rate in SHRs fed an Se‐free diet (70%). Normal and high levels of dietary Se resulted in higher survival rates of 78 and 100%, respectively. Furthermore, high dietary Se was clearly associated with lower levels of cardiac oxidative damage and increased antioxidant expression, as well as a reduction in disease severity and mortality in the SHR.
Influence of initial mixing methods on melt‐extruded single‐walled carbon nanotube–polypropylene nanocomposites
Authors: Radhakrishnan Vinod K. , Davis Edward W. , Davis Virginia A.
Published: May 2010

We report the first direct comparison of melt‐extruded polypropylene–single‐walled carbon nanotube (PP/SWNT) nanocomposites prepared by three different initial mixing methods. The standard deviation of the G‐band intensity obtained using Raman mapping was found to be the best measure of dispersion uniformity in the extruded composites, and dispersion uniformity was found to generally correlate with rheological and thermal properties. For all three initial mixing methods, both unmodified and sidewall‐functionalized purified SWNTs were evaluated. Surprisingly, in all cases, dodecylated SWNTs prepared using the reductive alkylation method were less uniformly dispersed in the final composite than the unmodified SWNTs. The simplest process, dry blending, resulted in poor nanotube dispersion and only polymer crystallization was significantly affected by the presence of the nanotubes. A slightly more complex rotary evaporation process resulted in significantly more uniform dispersion and significant changes in rheological properties, polymer crystallization, and thermal stability. The most elaborate process tested, hot coagulation, enabled the most uniform dispersion and the greatest change in properties but also resulted in some polymer degradation. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 50:1831–1842, 2010. © 2010 Society of Plastics Engineers
Rheological properties of fiber suspensions flowing through a curved expansion duct
Authors: Lin Jianzhong , Zhang Qihua , Zhang Kai
Published: May 2010

A numerical method based on finite volume method for solving Fokker‐Planck equation on a unit sphere was first developed to simulate numerically the fiber orientation distribution of fiber suspensions flowing through a curved expansion duct. The momentum equation with fiber extra stress was used to explore the rheological properties of the fiber suspensions. The second‐order fiber orientation tensors in present simulation are compared with the previous numerical results for validating the model and computational code. The results showed that the pressure increases from inlet to outlet, and changes along the lateral direction nonmonotonically except at outlet. The extra shear stress and normal stress difference decrease from inlet to outlet, and changes along the lateral direction nonmonotonically. The effect of fiber aspect ratio on the extra shear stress and normal stress difference is negligible near the wall region. The extra shear stress and normal stress difference increase with the fiber aspect ratio near the centerline. The lateral distribution curves of extra shear stress and normal stress difference become flat with increasing the distance from the inlet. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 50:1994–2003, 2010. © 2010 Society of Plastics Engineers
Patient‐mediated factors predicting early‐ and late‐stage presentation of breast cancer in Egypt
Authors: Stapleton Jaye M. , Mullan Patricia B. , Dey Subhojit , Hablas Ahmed , Gaafar Rabab , Seifeldin Ibrahim A. , Banerjee Mousumi , Soliman Amr S.
Published: May 2010

Objective: Breast cancer fatality rates are high in low‐ and middle‐income countries because of the late stage at diagnosis. We investigated patient‐mediated determinants for late‐stage presentation of breast cancer in Egypt.

Methods: A case–case comparison was performed for 343 women with breast cancer, comparing those who had been initially diagnosed at Stage I or II with those diagnosed at Stage III or IV. Patients were recruited from the National Cancer Institute of Cairo University and Tanta Cancer Center in the Nile delta. Patients were either newly diagnosed or diagnosed within the year preceding the study. Interviews elicited information on disease history and diagnosis, beliefs and attitudes toward screening practices, distance to treatment facility, education, income, and reproductive history.

Results: Forty‐six per cent of the patients had presented at late stage. Women seen in Cairo were more likely to present at late stages than patients in Tanta (OR=5.05; 95% CI=1.30, 19.70). Women without any pain were more likely to present at later stage (OR=2.68; 95% CI=1.18, 6.08). Knowledge of breast self‐examination increased the likelihood of women to present in early stages significantly (OR=0.24; 95% CI=0.06, 0.94).

Conclusions: Despite increasing numbers of cancer centers in Egypt during the past 20 years, additional regional facilities are needed for cancer management. In addition, increasing awareness about breast cancer will have significant long‐term impact on breast cancer prevention. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Spirituality and use of complementary therapies for cure in advanced cancer
Authors: Trinkaus Mateya , Burman Debika , Barmala Niusha , Rodin Gary , Jones Jennifer , Lo Christopher , Zimmermann Camilla
Published: May 2010

Objective: Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is frequently used by patients with advanced cancer, for a variety of reasons. We examined the use of CAM in this population, and associations of use for potential cure with spiritual faith and existential well‐being.

Methods: Patients with advanced cancer on a palliative care unit completed a measure of spiritual well‐being (existential well‐being and faith), and a survey assessing complementary therapy use and reasons for such use. Information was also gathered on demographic data, previous cancer treatment, performance status, and symptom distress. Regression analyses assessed the association between the spirituality domains of existential well‐being and faith, and the use of CAM for cure.

Results: Of 123 participants, 85% had used CAM, 42% with curative intent. More than 95% would consider future use of CAM, 48% for potential cure. Previous use for cure predicted current interest in using CAM for cure (p<0.0001). Spiritual faith was associated with previous (p<0.02) and interest in future use for cure (p<0.0001). Poor existential well‐being was associated with interest in future use of CAM for cure (p=0.04).

Conclusions: Interest in considering CAM for cure was relatively high in this group of inpatients on a palliative care unit, and was associated with increased spiritual faith and decreased existential well‐being. Understanding factors associated with seeking CAM for cure may help health‐care professionals to support and educate patients with advanced cancer.Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Reduced pore diameter fluctuations of macroporous silicon fabricated from neutron‐transmutation‐doped material
Authors: Schweizer Stefan L. , von Rhein Andreas , Geppert Torsten M. , Wehrspohn Ralf B.
Published: May 2010

The precision of photo‐electrochemical etching of perfectly‐ordered macropores in single‐crystalline silicon is limited by pore diameter fluctuations due to doping variations of the starting wafer (striations). The doping variation originates from the rotation during crystal growth in the float‐zone or Czochralski process, respectively. Experimentally, variations of the pore diameter up to 7% can occur. These so‐called striations limit performance of possible applications of macroporous silicon. As doping inhomogeneities are the reason for the striations, uniformly doped silicon wafers by neutron transmutation doping were used for the first time. Photoelectrochemical etching of neutron transmutated silicon has been carried out and the pore diameter fluctuation has been reduced by about 40% compared to standard doped float‐zone wafers. (© 2010 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Semiempirical hyperfine structure and ab initio isotope shift predictions in Zr II
Authors: Bouazza Safa
Published: May 2010

The fine structure of the even‐parity low configurations has been reanalyzed by simultaneous parameterization of the one‐ and two‐body interactions for the model space (4d + 5s)3. Using the calculated eigenfunctions, the magnetic‐dipole A hyperfine constants for the whole 37 existing levels of the model space were predicted and compared partially to those obtained using relativistic configuration‐interaction approach. Moreover, volume shifts (VS) and specific mass shifts (SMS) of numerous configurations of singly ionised zirconium are deduced by means of ab initio estimates combined with a few experimental isotope shift data available in literature: VS(4d15s2) = 840 MHz, VS(4d3) = −649 MHz, VS(4d15p2) = −387 MHz, VS(5s25p1) = 1250 MHz, and SMS(4d15s2) = −634 MHz, SMS(4d3) = 484 MHz, SMS(5s25p1) = −1459 MHz, referred to 4d25s for the pair Zr90–Zr92. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2011
An ab initio theoretical approach to the gas phase decomposition of C3H7+ produced in ground state Li+ + i‐C3H7Cl collisions
Authors: Lucas Jose Maria , de Andrés Jaime , Albertí Margarita , Bofill Josep Maria , Aguilar‐Navarro Antonio
Published: May 2010

A theoretical study of the potential energy surface (PES) for the decomposition of the i‐C3H cation has been done at RHF/MP2 level. In a previous study on the Li+ + i‐C3H7Cl system under single collision conditions, the authors measured the cross section energy dependence for the formation of this cation and its decomposition in C2H + CH4. Theoretical calculations on the PES of the C3H system have provided reaction paths for both, its decomposition channel and its isomerization to n‐C3H. The former reaction path involves a large increase of one CC bond length of the initial ion, nearly forming a CH3 neutral fragment that, by interacting with the remaining fragment, abstracts a hydrogen atom, giving methane and C2H as final products. The energy requirement for this reaction is given by the process endoergicity, without any additional potential barrier. For the isomerization reaction, a transition state has been located between both potential wells, with the corresponding reaction path fully characterized by the IRC method. The main features of the calculated PES allow us to interpret, at least qualitatively, the experimental data previously obtained in our group. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2011
Long‐term fish assemblages of inner bends in a large river
Authors: Pyron M. , Beugly J. S. , Pritchett J. M. , Jacquemin S. J. , Lauer T. E. , Gammon J. R.
Published: May 2010

We sampled fishes at 17 inner bend sites on the Wabash River in 2008 to compare with collections from 1977 to 1997. We used the same seine collection methods as previous years and collected a total of 37 species. Mean site Shannon‐Wiener diversity, species richness, evenness and abundance for all years were similar. We used multivariate analyses to test for patterns in fish assemblage structure among all sites and all years. The multivariate analyses resulted in distinct assemblages for each collection‐year, suggesting shifts in assemblage composition among years. We used separate multivariate analyses to examine fish assemblage variation within individual years. Variation that corresponded to an upstream–downstream pattern was present in 1977 and 2008, but not in 1997. A hydrologic analysis based on daily discharge revealed that eight large flood events occurred from 1928 to 2007, with four of these events during the recent 20 years. We quantified substrate variation at the 17 sites in 2008 and identified a longitudinal gradient in dominant substrate categories with gravel upstream and sand downstream that was correlated with the first axis of the 2008 fish assemblage ordination. We suggest that observed changes in fish assemblages in decadal periods were from hydrologic impacts of large floods on local habitats. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Assessing agreement in the timing of treatment initiation determined by repeated measurements of novel versus gold standard technologies with application to the monitoring of CD4 counts in HIV‐infected patients
Authors: Noubary Farzad , Hughes Michael D.
Published: May 2010

Repeated biomarker measurements are often taken over time to help assess risk of disease progression and guide clinical decision‐making, such as whether to start treatment. Unfortunately, gold standard methodologies for measuring biomarkers are often prohibitively expensive or unavailable in resource‐limited settings. For example, the costs of monitoring HIV‐infected subjects to decide when to start or change treatments are a significant burden for many countries, often exceeding the costs of treatments. A major issue concerns how to evaluate changes in timing of key clinical decisions if a new, simpler or less expensive technology were used instead of the gold standard. We develop a framework for addressing this problem and apply it to the case of monitoring CD4 counts in HIV‐infected patients. We focus on the practically important situation in which longitudinal natural history data are available for the gold standard (flow cytometry for CD4 counts), but where the first data expected for a new technology will come from a cross‐sectional method comparison study, allowing for estimation of variability and systematic differences (bias) between the two technologies. In a case study, we illustrate how a combination of statistical modeling and simulation study might be used to evaluate the potential impact of using a new technology on treatment starting times in a population of HIV‐infected subjects. This gives developers of new CD4 measurement technologies insight into what might constitute acceptable increases in variability and/or bias for novel methods. We finish with a discussion of our findings and some statistical problems that need further work. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A flexible approach to the crossing hazards problem
Authors: Muggeo Vito M. R. , Tagliavia Miriam
Published: May 2010

We propose a simple and flexible framework for the crossing hazards problem. The method is not confined to two‐sample problems, but may also work with continuous exposure variables whose effect changes its sign at some time‐point of the observed follow‐up time. Penalized partial likelihood estimation relies upon the assumption of a smooth hazard ratio via low‐rank basis splines with a conventional difference penalty to ensure smoothness, and additionalad hocpenalties to obtain restricted estimates useful in the context of crossing hazards. The framework naturally also leads to a statistical test that has good power for revealing a global effect under several alternatives, including crossing hazards. We provide the results from a real‐data analysis and from some simulations to illustrate empirically the performance of the proposed approach as compared with the possible alternatives. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Incumbent firm invention in emerging fields: evidence from the semiconductor industry
Authors: Jiang Lin , Tan Justin , Thursby Marie
Published: May 2010

Incumbent firms are often thought to focus on incremental innovations and only respond to a major technological change once its impact on established markets and/or dominant designs becomes clear. We argue, however, that incumbent firms have many reasons to proactively invent early in cycles of technological change. Our interest is in the strategies that allow incumbents to be successful in this endeavor during the infancy of an emerging field—the period before it is clear how the field will affect dominant designs. Our evidence counters the stereotypical view that incumbent firms play a passive role in major technological changes by adhering to incremental inventions in the existing dominant designs. Rather, we find significant inventions by incumbents outside the existing dominant designs and relate their success to their willingness to search novel areas, explore scientific knowledge in the public domain, and form alliances with a balanced portfolio of partners. We find support for our hypotheses using data from the global semiconductor industry between 1989 and 2002. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Alliance portfolio diversity and firm performance
Authors: Jiang Ruihua Joy , Tao Qingjiu Tom , Santoro Michael D.
Published: May 2010

In this paper, we offer a comprehensive alliance portfolio diversity construct that includes partner, functional, and governance diversity. Grounding our work primarily with the resource‐ and dynamic capabilities‐based views, we argue that increased diversity in partners' industry, organizational, and national background will incur added complexity and coordination costs but will provide broadened resource and learning benefits. Increased functional diversity results in a more balanced portfolio of exploration and exploitation activities that expands the firm's knowledge base while increased governance diversity inhibits learning and routine building. Hypotheses were tested with alliance portfolio and performance data for 138 multinational firms in the global automobile industry during the twenty‐year period from 1985 to 2005. We found alliance portfolios with greater organizational and functional diversity and lower governance diversity were related to higher firm performance while industry diversity had a U‐shaped relationship with firm performance. We suggest firms manage their alliances with a portfolio perspective, seeking to maximize resource and learning benefits by collaborating with a variety of organizations in various value chain activities while minimizing managerial costs through a focused set of governance structures. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Mimicking Electrodeposition in the Gas Phase: A Programmable Concept for Selected‐Area Fabrication of Multimaterial Nanostructures
Authors: Cole Jesse J. , Lin En‐Chiang , Barry Chad R. , Jacobs Heiko O.
Published: May 2010

An in situ gas‐phase process that produces charged streams of Au, Si, TiO2, ZnO, and Ge nanoparticles/clusters is reported together with a programmable concept for selected‐area assembly/printing of more than one material type. The gas‐phase process mimics solution electrodeposition whereby ions in the liquid phase are replaced with charged clusters in the gas phase. The pressure range in which the analogy applies is discussed and it is demonstrated that particles can be plated into pores vertically (minimum resolution 60 nm) or laterally to form low‐resistivity (48 µΩ cm) interconnects. The process is applied to the formation of multimaterial nanoparticle films and sensors. The system works at atmospheric pressure and deposits material at room temperature onto electrically biased substrate regions. The combination of pumpless operation and parallel nozzle‐free deposition provides a scalable tool for printable flexible electronics and the capability to mix and match materials.
Patterned Growth of Graphene over Epitaxial Catalyst
Authors: Ago Hiroki , Tanaka Izumi , Orofeo Carlo M. , Tsuji Masaharu , Ikeda Ken‐ichi
Published: May 2010

Rectangle‐ and triangle‐shaped microscale graphene films are grown on epitaxial Co films deposited on single‐crystal MgO substrates with (001) and (111) planes, respectively. A thin film of Co or Ni metal is epitaxially deposited on a MgO substrate by sputtering while heating the substrate. Thermal decomposition of polystyrene over this epitaxial metal film in vacuum gives rectangular or triangular pit structures whose orientation and shape are strongly dependent on the crystallographic orientation of the MgO substrate. Raman mapping measurements indicate preferential formation of few‐layer graphene films inside these pits. The rectangular graphene films are transferred onto a SiO2/Si substrate while maintaining the original shape and field‐effect transistors are fabricated using the transferred films. These findings on the formation of rectangular/triangular graphene give new insights on the formation mechanism of graphene and can be applied for more advanced/controlled graphene growth.
Rapid Electrohydrodynamic Lithography Using Low‐Viscosity Polymers
Authors: Goldberg‐Oppenheimer Pola , Steiner Ullrich
Published: May 2010

This study explores a number of low‐viscosity glass‐forming polymers for their suitability as high‐speed materials in electrohydrodynamic (EHD) lithography. The use of low‐viscosity polymer films significantly reduces the pattering time (to below 10 s) compared to earlier approaches, without compromising the high fidelity of the replicated structures. The rapid pace of this process requires a method to monitor the completion of EHD pattern formation. To this end, the leakage current across the device is monitored and the sigmoidal shape of the current curve is correlated with the various stages of EHD pattern formation.
A history of mitochondrial diseases
Authors: DiMauro Salvatore
Published: May 2010

This articles reviews the development of mitochondrial medicine from the premolecular era (1962–1988), when mitochondrial diseases were defined on the basis of clinical examination, muscle biopsy, and biochemical criteria, through the molecular era, when the full complexity of these disorders became evident. In a chronological order, I have followed the introduction of new pathogenic concepts that have shaped a rational genetic classification of these clinically heterogeneous disorders. Thus, mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA)‐related diseases can be divided into two main groups: those that impair mitochondrial protein synthesis in toto, and those that affect specific respiratory chain proteins. Mutations in nuclear DNA can affect components of respiratory chain complexes (direct hits) or assembly proteins (indirect hits), but they can also impair mtDNA integrity (multiple mtDNA mutations), replication (mtDNA depletion), or mtDNA translation. Besides these disorders that affect the respiratory chain directly, defects in other mitochondrial functions may also affect oxidative phosphorylation, including problems in mitochondrial protein import, alterations of the inner mitochondrial membrane lipid composition, and defects of mitochondrial dynamics. The enormous and still ongoing progress in our understanding of mitochondrial medicine was made possible by the intense collaboration of an international cadre of “mitochondriacs.” Having published my first paper on a patient with mitochondrial myopathy 37 years ago (DiMauro et al., 1973), I feel qualified to write a history of the mitochondrial diseases, a fascinating, still evolving, and continuously puzzling area of medicine. In each section, I follow a chronological order of the salient discoveries and I show only the portraits of distinguished deceased mitochondriacs and those whose names became eponyms of mitochondrial diseases.
Political Thought in Early Confucianism
Authors: Tao LIANG
Published: May 2010

The political philosophy of early Confucianism mainly focuses on the “shi 士 (scholar).” It is built on ideas such as that of “establishing a ruler in consideration of the people,” “taking yi 义 (righteousness) as li 利 (benefit)” and “following the Dao but not the ruler,” which demonstrate the foundations of political legitimacy, justice as a political principle, and principles of a scholar to become an official. Although the political thought of early Confucianism has its historical limitations, such as the lack of both political equality and the universal recognition of rights, there is both a demand for and possibility of democratic politics in the philosophy. Thus, how to extend awareness of scholars to awareness of people and how to transform a focus on virtue into a focus on rights become the crucial theoretical questions that Confucianism faces in the contemporary world.
The Renaissance of Traditional Chinese Learning
Authors: Shuguang ZHANG
Published: May 2010

Under the influence of Western learning, there was a revival in the study of “traditional Chinese learning.” It moved from the “center” to the “edge” after its ideological sanctity was eliminated in modern times. Traditional Chinese learning is still a vital force, however. Traditional Chinese culture emphasizes the productive and social “relationships” and the harmonious “whole,” as well as the Chinese efforts to control their own fate. Traditional Chinese learning revolves around the idea of “human beings,” a vivid manifestation of which is the idea of “benevolence” in Confucianism. If China’s modernization is no more than the transformation and transcendence of the nation under the influence of external forces, traditional Chinese learning would be able—through its inheritance and development of benevolence—to become an important philosophical source for Chinese people. But this can only occur through sufficient awareness of culture and learning.
Kant’s Virtue Theory
Authors: Guoxi GAO
Published: May 2010

By focusing on human virtues rather than the general morality of rational beings, Kant’s virtue theory presents systematic arguments from the perspectives of reason and experiential emotion, norms and disposition, spirituality and humanity, etc., which is of great significance to an overall understanding of Kantian ethics, thus clarifying misunderstandings from the past decades.
Laws, Causality and the Intentional Explanation of Action
Authors: Zhu XU
Published: May 2010

Whether or not an intentional explanation of action necessarily involves law-like statements is related to another question, namely, is it a causal explanation? The Popper–Hempel Thesis, which answers both questions affirmatively, inevitably faces a dilemma between realistic and universalistic requirements. However, in terms of W.C. Salmon’s concept of causal explanation, intentional explanation can be a causal one even if it does not rely on any laws. Based on this, we are able to refute three characteristic arguments for the claim “reason is not a cause of action,” namely, the “proper logical” argument, the “logical relation” argument, and the “rule-following” argument. This rebuttal suggests that the causal relationship between reason and action can provide a justification for intentional explanations.
Toward Model-Theoretic Modal Logics
Authors: Minghui MA
Published: May 2010

Adding certain cardinality quantifiers into first-order language will give substantially more expressive languages. Thus, many mathematical concepts beyond first-order logic can be handled. Since basic modal logic can be seen as the bisimular invariant fragment of first-order logic on the level of models, it has no ability to handle modally these mathematical concepts beyond first-order logic. By adding modalities regarding the cardinalities of successor states, we can, in principle, investigate modal logics of all cardinalities. Thus ways of exploring model-theoretic logics can be transferred to modal logics.
TPH2 polymorphisms and expression in Prader-Willi syndrome subjects with differing genetic subtypes
Authors: Henkhaus Rebecca S. , Bittel Douglas C. , Butler Merlin G.
Published: May 2010

Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) is a genetic imprinting disease that causes developmental and behavioral disturbances resulting from loss of expression of genes from the paternal chromosome 15q11-q13 region. In about 70% of subjects, this portion of the paternal chromosome is deleted, while 25% have two copies of the maternal chromosome 15, or uniparental maternal disomy (UPD; the remaining subjects have imprinting center defects. There are several documented physical and behavioral differences between the two major PWS genetic subtypes (deletion and UPD) indicating the genetic subtype plays a role in clinical presentation. Serotonin is known to be disturbed in PWS and affects both eating behavior and compulsion, which are reported to be abnormal in PWS. We investigated the tryptophan hydroxylase gene (TPH2), the rate-limiting enzyme in the production of brain serotonin, by analyzing three different TPH2 gene polymorphisms, transcript expression, and correlation with PWS genetic subtype. DNA and RNA from lymphoblastoid cell lines derived from 12 PWS and 12 comparison subjects were used for the determination of genetic subtype, TPH2 polymorphisms and quantitative RT-PCR analysis. A similar frequency of TPH2 polymorphisms was seen in the PWS and comparison subjects with PWS deletion subjects showing increased expression with one or more TPH2 polymorphism. Both PWS deletion and PWS UPD subjects had significantly lower TPH2 expression than control subjects and PWS deletion subjects had significantly lower TPH2 expression compared with PWS UPD subjects. PWS subjects with 15q11-q13 deletions had lower TPH2 expression compared with PWS UPD or control subjects, requiring replication and further studies to identify the cause including identification of disturbed gene interactions resulting from the deletion process.
Swallowing ability and chronic aspiration after supracricoid partial laryngectomy
Authors: Simonelli Marilia , Ruoppolo Giovanni , de Vincentiis Marco , Di Mario Marco , Calcagno Paola , Vitiello Cecilia , Manciocco Valentina , Pagliuca Giulio , Gallo Andrea
Published: May 2010

Objective

Sporadic episodes of aspiration may occur after supracricoid partial laryngectomy. To prevent risks of pulmonary consequences, a limitation of oral intake of food or a “nothing by mouth” regimen has been suggested. The objective of this study was to evaluate the long‐term swallowing and pulmonary status of patients after supracricoid partial laryngectomy.

Study Design

Case series with chart review.

Setting

Tertiary University Hospital Policlinico “Umberto I” and Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy.

Subjects and Methods

The swallowing status of a selected group of 116 patients who recovered functional deglutition after supracricoid partial laryngectomy was analyzed during follow‐up consultation. Swallowing evaluation included clinical observation, fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing, and a videofluoroscopy. When aspiration was confirmed by videofluoroscopy, a high‐resolution computed tomography (CT) of the chest was performed in order to assess the radiological manifestations of aspiration. A group of 45 patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and normal deglutition was used as a control.

Results

Seventy‐nine patients out of 116 showed a fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing suggestive for aspiration; only 45 patients had aspiration confirmed by videofluoroscopy. No significant differences in radiological findings were noted in the patients affected by postoperative chronic aspiration compared to the control group.

Conclusion

Patients with functional deglutition after supracricoid partial laryngectomy show a mild and well‐tolerated degree of chronic aspiration and do not require a limitation of oral intake of food.