bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
In vivo MR tracking of therapeutic microglia to a human glioma model
Authors: Ribot Emeline J. , Miraux Sylvain , Konsman Jan P. , Bouchaud Véronique , Pourtau Line , Delville Marie‐Hélène , Franconi Jean‐Michel , Thiaudière Eric , Voisin Pierre J.
Published: March 2011

A knowledge of the spatial localization of cell vehicles used in gene therapy against glioma is necessary before launching therapy. For this purpose, MRI cell tracking is performed by labeling the cell vehicles with contrast agents. In this context, the goal of this study was to follow noninvasively the chemoattraction of therapeutic microglial cells to a human glioma model before triggering therapy. Silica nanoparticles grafted with gadolinium were used to label microglia. These vehicles, expressing constitutively the thymidine kinase suicide gene fused to the green fluorescent protein gene, were injected intravenously into human glioma‐bearing nude mice. MRI was performed at 4.7 T to track noninvasively microglial accumulation in the tumor. This was followed by microscopy on brain slices to assess the presence in the glioma of the contrast agents, microglia and fusion gene through the detection of silica nanoparticles grafted with tetramethyl rhodamine iso‐thiocyanate, 3,3′‐dioctadecyloxacarbocyanine perchlorate and green fluorescent protein fluorescence, respectively. Finally, gancyclovir was administered systemically to mice. Human microglia were detectable in living mice, with strong negative contrast on T2*‐weighted MR images, at the periphery of the glioma only 24 h after systemic injection. The location of the dark dots was identical in MR microscopy images of the extracted brains at 9.4 T. Fluorescence microscopy confirmed the presence of the contrast agents, exogenous microglia and suicide gene in the intracranial tumor. In addition, gancyclovir treatment allowed an increase in mice survival time. This study validates the MR tracking of microglia to a glioma after systemic injection and their use in a therapeutic strategy against glioma. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Numerical solution of a linear elliptic partial differential equation with variable coefficients: A complex variable boundary element approach
Authors: Ang Whye‐Teong
Published: March 2011

This article presents a complex variable boundary element method for the numerical solution of a second order elliptic partial differential equation with variable coefficients. To assess the validity and accuracy of the method, it is applied to solve some specific problems with known solutions. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Numer Methods Partial Differential Eq, 2011
The effect of attending full‐day kindergarten on English learner students
Authors: Cannon Jill S. , Jacknowitz Alison , Painter Gary
Published: March 2011

A significant and growing English learner (EL) population attends public schools in the United States. Evidence suggests they are at a disadvantage when entering school and their achievement lags behind non‐EL students. Some educators have promoted full‐day kindergarten programs as especially helpful for EL students. We take advantage of the large EL population and variation in full‐day kindergarten implementation in the Los Angeles Unified School District to examine the impact of full‐day kindergarten on academic achievement, retention, and English language fluency using difference‐in‐differences models. We do not find signficant effects of full‐day kindergarten on most academic outcomes and English fluency through second grade. However, we find that EL students attending full‐day kindergarten were 5 percentage points less likely to be retained before second grade and there are differential effects for several outcomes by student and school characteristics. © 2011 by the Association for Public Policy Analysis and Management.
Do data breach disclosure laws reduce identity theft?
Authors: Romanosky Sasha , Telang Rahul , Acquisti Alessandro
Published: March 2011

In the United States, identity theft resulted in corporate and consumer losses of $56 billion dollars in 2005, with up to 35 percent of known identity thefts caused by corporate data breaches. Many states have responded by adopting data breach disclosure laws that require firms to notify consumers if their personal information has been lost or stolen. Although the laws are expected to reduce identity theft, their effect has yet to be empirically measured. We use panel data from the U.S. Federal Trade Commission to estimate the impact of data breach disclosure laws on identity theft from 2002 to 2009. We find that adoption of data breach disclosure laws reduce identity theft caused by data breaches, on average, by 6.1 percent. © 2011 by the Association for Public Policy Analysis and Management.
Rpl27a mutation in the sooty foot ataxia mouse phenocopies high p53 mouse models
Authors: Terzian Tamara , Dumble Melissa , Arbab Farinaz , Thaller Christina , Donehower Lawrence A , Lozano Guillermina , Justice Monica J , Roop Dennis R , Box Neil F
Published: March 2011

Ribosomal stress is an important, yet poorly understood, mechanism that results in activation of the p53 tumour suppressor. We present a mutation in the ribosomal protein Rpl27a gene (sooty foot ataxia mice), isolated through a sensitized N‐ethyl‐N‐nitrosourea (ENU) mutagenesis screen for p53 pathway defects, that shares striking phenotypic similarities with high p53 mouse models, including cerebellar ataxia, pancytopenia and epidermal hyperpigmentation. This phenocopy is rescued in a haploinsufficient p53 background. A detailed examination of the bone marrow in these mice identified reduced numbers of haematopoietic stem cells and a p53‐dependent c‐Kit down‐regulation. These studies suggest that reduced Rpl27a increases p53 activity in vivo, further evident with a delay in tumorigenesis in mutant mice. Taken together, these data demonstrate that Rpl27a plays a crucial role in multiple tissues and that disruption of this ribosomal protein affects both development and transformation. Copyright © 2011 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Classical complement activation as a footprint for murine and human antiphospholipid antibody‐induced fetal loss
Authors: Cohen Danielle , Buurma Aletta , Goemaere Natascha N , Girardi Guillermina , le Cessie Saskia , Scherjon Sicco , Bloemenkamp Kitty WM , de Heer Emile , Bruijn Jan A , Bajema Ingeborg M
Published: March 2011

Recurrent miscarriage, fetal growth restriction and intrauterine fetal death are frequently occurring complications of pregnancy in patients with systemic lupus erythaematosus (SLE) and antiphospholipid syndrome (APS). Murine models show that complement activation plays a pivotal role in antiphospholipid antibody‐mediated pregnancy morbidity, but the exact pathways of complement activation and their potential role in human pregnancy are insufficiently understood. We hypothesized that the classical pathway would play a major role in inducing fetal loss. Pregnant C57BL/6 mice and mice deficient in C1q and factor D were injected with antiphospholipid antibodies or normal human IgG. Mouse placentas were subsequently stained with an anti‐C4 antibody and anti‐normal human IgG to determine the presence of classical complement activation and IgG binding. Findings in mice were validated in 88 human placentae from 83 women (SLE and APS cases versus controls), which were immunohistochemically stained for C4d, C1q, properdin and MBL. Staining patterns were compared to pregnancy outcome. In murine placentae of mice pretreated with antiphospholipid antibodies, increased C4 deposition was observed, which was associated with adverse fetal outcome but not with IgG binding. In humans, diffuse C4d staining at the feto–maternal interface was present almost exclusively in patients with SLE and/or APS (p < 0.001) and was related to intrauterine fetal death (p = 0.03). Our data show that presence of C4d in murine and human placentae is strongly related to adverse fetal outcome in the setting of SLE and APS. The excessive deposition of C4d supports the concept of severe autoantibody‐mediated injury at the fetal–maternal interface. We suggest C4d as a potential biomarker of autoantibody‐mediated fetal loss in SLE and APS. Copyright © 2011 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effect of vapor‐grown carbon nanofibers on the sliding friction of natural rubber composites
Authors: Jiang Hong‐Xia , Ni Qing‐Qing , Natsuki Toshiaki , Yamamoto Yutaka
Published: March 2011

The friction properties of vapor‐grown carbon nanofibers (VGCFs) reinforced natural rubber (NR) composites were investigated with the ball‐on‐plate sliding test. A mechanism was proposed on the basis of the viscoelastic properties, morphology and hardness of the composites, determined using dynamic mechanical analysis, optical microscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy and a hardness‐testing device. The friction behavior of NR/VGCF composites showed three different stages: an increment trend at first stage, a decrement trend at second stage and a stable state at third stage. The peak values of friction coefficient were similar, and the peak shifted to a smaller cycle with increased VGCF content. The eventual friction coefficient decreased with increased VGCF content due to accelerated formation of abrasion patterns in the NR/VGCF composites. Moreover, the arranged VGCFs contributed to the self‐lubrication of NR/VGCF composites and the NR/20 wt% VGCF composite had the smallest friction coefficient. POLYM. COMPOS., 2011.© 2011 Society of Plastics Engineers
Differential proteome analysis of Chikungunya virus‐infected new‐born mice tissues reveal implication of stress, inflammatory and apoptotic pathways in disease pathogenesis
Authors: Dhanwani Rekha , Khan Mohsin , Alam Syed Imtiyaz , Rao Putcha Venkata Lakshmana , Parida Manmohan
Published: March 2011

Chikungunya infection is a major disease of public health concern. The recurrent outbreaks of this viral disease and its progressive evolution demands a potential strategy to understand major aspects of its pathogenesis. Unlike other alphaviruses, Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) pathogenesis is poorly understood. In every consecutive outbreak, some new symptoms associated with virulence and disease manifestations are being reported such as neurological implication, increased severity and enhanced vector competence. In order to unravel the mechanism of the disease process, proteomic analysis was performed to evaluate the host response in CHIKV‐infected mice tissues. Comparative analysis of the multiple gels representing the particular tissue extract from mock and CHIKV‐infected tissues revealed a drastic reprogramming of physiological conditions through 35 and 15 differentially expressed proteins belonging to different classes such as stress, inflammation, apoptosis, urea cycle, energy metabolism, etc. from liver and brain, respectively. Based on the alterations obtained in the CHIKV mouse model, most of the aspects of CHIKV infection such as disease severity, neurological complications, disease susceptibility and immunocompetence could be defined. This is the first report unravelling the complicated pathways involved in the mechanism of Chikungunya disease pathogenesis employing proteomic approach.
Proteomic analysis of the effects of the immunomodulatory mycotoxin deoxynivalenol
Authors: da Costa André Nogueira , Mijal Renée S. , Keen Jeffrey N. , Findlay John B. C. , Wild Christopher P.
Published: March 2011

The mycotoxin deoxynivalenol (DON) contaminates cereals worldwide and is a common contaminant in the Western European diet. At high doses, DON induces acute gastrointestinal toxicity; chronic, low‐dose effects in humans are not well described, but immunotoxicity has been reported. In this study, 2‐DE was used to identify proteomic changes in human B (RPMI1788) and T (JurkatE6.1) lymphocyte cell lines after exposure to minimally toxic concentrations (up to 500 ng/mL) for 24 h. Proteins which changed their abundance post treatment, by a greater than 1.4‐fold change reproducible in three separate experiments consisting of 36 gels in total, are ubiquitin carboxyl‐terminal hydrolase isozyme L3, proteasome subunit β type‐4 and α type‐6, inosine‐5′‐monophosphate dehydrogenase 2, GMP synthase, microtubule‐associated protein RP/EB family member 1 (EB1), RNA polymerases I, II, III subunit ABC1, triosephosphate isomerase and transketolase. Flow cytometry was used to validate changes to protein expression, except for EB1. These findings provide insights as to how low‐dose exposure to DON may affect human immune function and may provide mechanism‐based biomarkers for DON exposure.
Proteomics reveals potential biomarkers of seed vigor in sugarbeet
Authors: Catusse Julie , Meinhard Juliane , Job Claudette , Strub Jean‐Marc , Fischer Uwe , Pestsova Elena , Westhoff Peter , Van Dorsselaer Alain , Job Dominique
Published: March 2011

To unravel biomarkers of seed vigor, an important trait conditioning crop yield, a comparative proteomic study was conducted with sugarbeet seed samples of varying vigor as generated by an invigoration treatment called hydropriming and an aging treatment called controlled deterioration. Comparative proteomics revealed proteins exhibiting contrasting behavior between seed samples. Thus, 18 proteins were up‐regulated during priming and down‐regulated during aging and further displayed an up‐regulation upon priming of the aged seeds, meaning that down‐regulation of these spot volumes during aging was reversible upon subsequent priming. Also, 11 proteins exhibited the converse behavior characterized by a decrease and an increase of the spot volumes during priming and aging of the control seeds, respectively, and a decrease in the spot volumes upon priming of the aged seeds. The results underpinned the role in seed vigor of several metabolic pathways involved in lipid and starch mobilization, protein synthesis or the methyl cycle. They also corroborate previous studies suggesting that the glyoxylate enzyme isocitrate lyase, the capacity of protein synthesis and components of abscisic acid signaling pathways are likely contributors of seed vigor.
Proteomes of the barley aleurone layer: A model system for plant signalling and protein secretion
Authors: Finnie Christine , Andersen Birgit , Shahpiri Azar , Svensson Birte
Published: March 2011

The cereal aleurone layer is of major importance due to its nutritional properties as well as its central role in seed germination and industrial malting. Cereal seed germination involves mobilisation of storage reserves in the starchy endosperm to support seedling growth. In response to gibberellic acid produced by the embryo, the aleurone layer synthesises hydrolases that are secreted to the endosperm for the degradation of storage products. The barley aleurone layer can be separated from the other seed tissues and maintained in culture, allowing the study of the effect of added signalling molecules in an isolated system. These properties have led to its use as a model system for the study of plant signalling and germination. More recently, proteome analysis of the aleurone layer has provided new insight into this unique tissue including identification of plasma membrane proteins and targeted analysis of germination‐related changes and the thioredoxin system. Here, analysis of intracellular and secreted proteomes reveals features of the aleurone layer system that makes it promising for investigations of plant protein secretion mechanisms.
Radical polymerization of 1‐alkenes catalyzed by lithium salts of carboranes
Authors: Janata Miroslav , Vlček Petr , Látalová Petra , Svitáková Romana , Kaleta Jiří , Valášek Michal , Volkis Victoria , Michl Josef
Published: March 2011

Radical polymerization of selected 1‐alkenes, (1‐hexene, 1‐octene and 2‐methyl‐1‐heptene), initiated with classical radical initiators and catalyzed by lithium salts of selected carboranes was studied. In accordance with recently published results it was found that the use of radical initiators under catalysis by “naked” lithium cation of carboranes promotes the radical polymerization of 1‐alkenes, otherwise nonpolymerizable by the radical mechanism. However, although in our experiments relatively high monomers conversions are reached for some of the thermal initiators used, only low‐molecular‐weight oligomers with Mn < 1000 are formed, regardless of the initiator and carborane anion used. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2011
Growing poly(N‐vinylcarbazole) from the surface of graphene oxide via RAFT polymerization
Authors: Zhang Bin , Chen Yu , Xu Liqun , Zeng Longjia , He Ying , Kang En‐Tang , Zhang Jinjuan
Published: March 2011

A new approach on usage of S‐1‐dodecyl‐S′‐(α,α′‐dimethyl‐α″‐acetic acid)trithiocarbonate (DDAT)‐covalently functionalized graphene oxide (GO) as reversible addition fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) agent for growing of poly(N‐vinylcarbazole) (PVK) directly from the surface of GO was described. The PVK polymer covalently grafted onto GO has Mn of 8.05 × 103, and a polydispersity of 1.43. The resulting material PVK‐GO shows a good solubility in organic solvents when compared to GO, and a significant energy bandgap of ∼2.49 eV. Bistable electrical switching and nonvolatile rewritable memory effect, with a turn‐on voltage of about −1.7 V and an ON/OFF state current ratio in excess of 103, are demonstrated in the Al/PVK‐GO/ITO structure. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2011
Fluorinated vinyl ether homopolymers and copolymers: Living cationic polymerization and temperature‐induced solubility transitions in various organic solvents including perfluoro solvents
Authors: Shimomoto Hiroaki , Fukami Dai , Kanaoka Shokyoku , Aoshima Sadahito
Published: March 2011

Partially fluorinated poly(vinyl ether)s with C4F9 and C6F12H groups in the side chain were synthesized via living cationic polymerization in the presence of an added base in a fluorine‐containing solvent, dichloropentafluoropropanes. For comparison, the polymerization of vinyl ether monomers with C2F5 and C6F13 groups and nonfluorinated monomers were also carried out. The characterization of the product polymers using size exclusion chromatography with a fluorinated solvent as an eluent indicated that all polymers had narrow molecular weight distributions (Mw/Mn ∼ 1.1). Interestingly, the moderately fluorinated polymers with C4F9 exhibited upper critical solution temperature‐type phase separation in various organic solvents with wide‐ranging polarities, whereas highly fluorinated polymers with C6F13 are insoluble in nonfluorinated solvents. Polymers with C4F9 groups exhibited temperature dependent solubility transitions not only in common organic solvents (e.g., toluene, chloroform, tetrahydrofuran, and acetone) but also in perfluoro solvents [e.g., perfluoro(methylcyclohexane) and perfluorodecalin]. On the other hand, the solubility of polymers with C6F12H showed completely different from that of polymers with C6F13, despite their similar fluorine content. In addition, various types of fluorinated block copolymers were prepared in a living manner. The block copolymers with a thermosensitive fluorinated segment underwent temperature‐induced micellization and sol–gel transition in various organic solvents. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2011
Cyclic nonlinear behavior of a glassy polymer using a contact method
Authors: Janiaud Eric , Janiaud Eric , Chateauminois Antoine , Fretigny Christian
Published: March 2011

The effects of repeated large strain shear cycles on the dynamics of a glassy acrylate polymer are investigated using an original contact method. It is based on the measurement of the shear properties of thin (about 50 μm) polymer films geometrically confined within contacts between elastic substrates. Under small amplitude (300 nm–10 μm) oscillating lateral displacements, friction at the contact interface can be neglected and the measurement of the contact lateral response thus provides information about the rheology of the sheared polymer film. Using this approach, the complex shear modulus of the polymer film can be measured both in the linear (viscoelastic) and in the nonlinear regimes. The investigations are focused on the changes in mechanical properties induced in a large strain regime where the polymer glass is cyclically sheared up to the yield point. During the application of large strain cycles, the mechanical response of the polymer glass slowly evolves toward a quasi stabilized state which is described from the measurement of an apparent–strain dependent–complex shear modulus. When the applied strain is increased by a tenfold factor, this apparent shear modulus decreases by about one decade. These underlying changes are investigated from a consideration of the time dependent linear viscoelastic properties after the mechanical stimulus. Both mechanical rejuvenation and recovery (ageing) effects are evidenced. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys, 2011
Intersectionality: How Gender Studies Might Inspire the Analysis of Social Inequality among Migrants
Authors: Bürkner Hans‐Joachim
Published: March 2011

The paper discusses the possible impact of the intersectionality approach on the study of inequality and the inclusion/exclusion of migrants. Developed from recent strands of gender studies performing a ‘social re‐turn’, the focus on intersectionality promises to solve one of the fundamental problems of migration research: how to reconcile structure and agency without promoting cultural essentialism. Rooted in social theory, it makes a case for non‐finalised empirical and theoretical reconstructions of the social practice of migrants. In doing so, it also queries preconceived notions of community, ethnicity, and everyday culture that are abundant in migration studies. By linking the state‐of‐the‐art of inequality studies with migration, promising starting points and conditions of a future integration of a focus on intersectionality into migration studies are considered. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cathodoluminescence study of off‐stoichiometry and residual stresses in advanced dielectrics and related devices
Authors: Leto Andrea , Pezzotti Giuseppe
Published: March 2011

The mechanical properties and the functional behavior of inorganic dielectric materials strongly depend on the stoichiometry imbalance in the material and its structural accommodation. Point defect populations are responsible for departures from the normal stoichiometric formula and clear correlations have been documented between the magnitude of the dielectric constant of a compound and the structural mode by which it accommodates its non‐stoichiometry. In this study, we systematically apply the cathodoluminescence (CL) method to local stoichiometry characterizations of advanced silica and barium titanate compounds as paradigm inorganic dielectric materials with amorphous and nanocrystalline structure, respectively. The CL spectral emission is shown here capable not only to clarify the off‐stoichiometric characteristics of dielectric devices, but also to provide a useful probe for assessing the local stress state at the interfaces between the dielectric and the conductor materials.
“Current‐line driven” macropores: which current?
Authors: Media El Mahdi , Chazalviel Jean‐Noël , Ozanam François , Outemzabet Ratiba
Published: March 2011

In the electrochemical elaboration of porous semiconductors and for a certain class of macropores, the pore direction appears to follow the current lines. However, in the presence of a large transverse magnetic field, the current lines at the semiconductor/electrolyte interface exhibit an abrupt change of direction, the current lines on the semiconductor side being tilted with respect to the surface normal. We show here that the pore direction is also tilted, though to a much lesser extent. On the other hand, tilting the current line direction in the electrolyte does not affect the growth direction significantly. We conclude that the main factor governing the pore growth direction is the current direction in the space charge, which is essentially normal to the envelope of the pore fronts. The reasons for the presence of a small magnetic‐field effect are discussed. (© 2011 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Evaluating knowledge of the nature of (whole) science
Authors: Allchin Douglas
Published: March 2011

I profile here a prospective method for assessing nature of science (NOS) knowledge, as an alternative to VNOS and similar approaches. Questions about cases in contemporary news and from history probe scientific literacy in context. Scoring targets how “well informed” the analysis is, based on identifying relevant NOS information and interpreting its import appropriately. The assessment shifts focus from declarative statements to functional (or interpretive) analysis. It also entails reframing current NOS characterizations from selective lists of tenets to the multiple dimensions shaping reliability in scientific practice, from the experimental to the social—namely, to Whole Science. This approach underscores the role of reflective student inquiry and historical and contemporary cases in NOS instruction. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Sci Ed 95: 518–542, 2011
A methodology for transparent knowledge specification in a dynamic tuning environment
Authors: Caymes‐Scutari P. , Morajko A. , Margalef T. , Luque E.
Published: March 2011

The increasing use of parallel/distributed applications demands a continuous support to take significant advantages from parallel power. This includes the evolution of performance analysis and tuning tools which automatically allows for obtaining a better behavior of the applications. Different approaches and tools have been proposed and they are continuously evolving to cover the requirements and expectations of users. One such tool is MATE (Monitoring Analysis and Tuning Environment), which provides automatic and dynamic tuning for parallel/distributed applications. The knowledge used by MATE to analyze and take decisions is based on performance models which include a set of performance parameters and a set of mathematical expressions modeling the solution of the performance problem. These elements are used by the tuning environment to conduct the monitoring and analysis steps, respectively. The tuning phase depends on the results of the performance analysis. This paper presents a methodology to specify performance models. Each performance model specification can be automatically and transparently translated into a piece of software code encapsulating the knowledge to be straightforwardly included in MATE. Applying this methodology, the user does not have to be involved in the implementation details of MATE, which makes the usage of the tool more transparent. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Improvement of Stainless Steel Making Operation Adapting Instable Raw Material Price
Authors: Kato Ryo , Fujiwara Michitake , Tahjiri Yuzo , Fujiwara Kiyohito
Published: March 2011

Sumikin Iron and Steel Corporation (SISC) is the main manufacturing base of seamless tube materials in Sumitomo Metals group, and stainless steel making plant is in charge of semi‐manufactured special steel products such as stainless and high alloy steel. Total manufacturing costs of these special steels are heavily dependent on the price of raw material. Therefore, reduction of its usage and optimizing operation process in order to absorb influence of its unstable price are important issues. In this report, we introduce three cases as following: yield improvement in order to reduce raw material usage, optimization of the steel dust usage, and active use of low‐price raw material through dividing refining process.
Outlier detection
Authors: Su Xiaogang , Tsai Chih‐Ling
Published: March 2011

Outlier detection is an area of research with a long history which has applications in many fields. This article provides a nontechnical and concise overview of the commonly used approaches for detecting outliers, including classical methods, new challenges posed by real‐world massive data, and some of the key advances made in recent years. © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. WIREs Data Mining Knowl Discov 2011 1 261–268 DOI: 10.1002/widm.19

This article is categorized under:

Algorithmic Development > Scalable Statistical Methods

Fundamental Concepts of Data and Knowledge > Motivation and Emergence of Data Mining

Algorithmic Development > Statistics

Technologies > Structure Discovery and Clustering
Improvement of Long‐Term Outcomes in Hepatitis C Virus Antibody–Positive Patients with Hepatocellular Carcinoma after Hepatectomy in the Modern Era
Authors: Shirabe Ken , Takeishi Kazuki , Taketomi Akinobu , Uchiyama Hideaki , Kayashima Hiroto , Maehara Yoshihiko
Published: March 2011

Background

The present study was conducted to clarify the causes of recent improvement of outcomes after hepatectomy in patients with hepatitis C (HC)–related hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

Methods

From 1990 to 2006, 323 curative liver resections for HC‐HCC were performed in our department. The patients were divided into two groups: early period (1990–1999: n = 221) and the late period (2000–2006: n = 102). Prognostic factors were determined to clarify the cause of the survival improvement in the modern era.

Results

The overall survival rates for the patients in the early and late periods were 54.9 and 70.3% at 5 years, respectively (P = 0.0005). There was no difference in the recurrence‐free survival rates between the two groups, although both survival without recurrence (P = 0.0003) and survival after recurrence (P = 0.0063) were significantly better in the late period than in the early period. Patients with better liver function, patients with interferon (IFN) therapy and patients with subsegmentectomy were selected more frequently, and the incidence of blood transfusion was decreased in the late period below the level recorded in the early period. For recurrent HCC, lipiodolization decreased and local ablation therapy increased in the late period. The independent prognostic factors for overall survival were preoperative serum levels of albumin and alanine aminotransferase, histological liver cirrhosis, tumor size, intrahepatic metastasis, histological grade, blood transfusion, and IFN therapy.

Conclusions

In HC‐HCC, survival was improved in the late period of the present study. Selection of patients with good liver function, no blood transfusion with reduction of blood loss, anti‐hepatitis C virus therapy with IFN, and introduction of local ablation therapy for HCC recurrence may be related to the improved survival.
The role of family, religiosity, and behavior in adolescent gambling
Authors: Casey David M. , Williams Robert J. , Mossière Annik M. , Schopflocher Donald P. , el‐Guebaly Nady , Hodgins David C. , Smith Garry J. , Wood Robert T.
Published: March 2011

Predictors of adolescent gambling behavior were examined in a sample of 436 males and females (ages 13–16). A biopsychosocial model was used to identify key variables that differentiate between non‐gambling and gambling adolescents. Logistic regression found that, as compared to adolescent male non‐gamblers, adolescent male gamblers were older, had more conflict in their family, were more likely to have used drugs, and have peers that gamble. Compared to adolescent female non‐gamblers, adolescent female gamblers had more attention and thought problems, and scored higher on rule‐breaking. For both males and females, religiosity was a protective factor against involvement in gambling. Some of the results are consistent with previous research, while some of these findings are unique to this study. These results shed light on factors to consider when developing programs to combat the negative impacts of gambling on adolescents.
Pharmacological action of choline and aspirin coadministration on acute inflammatory pain
Authors: Shi Yong‐Ping , Wang Jin‐Da , Wang Ru‐Huan , Zhao Xiang‐Di , Yu Hai‐Tao , Wang Hai
Published: March 2011

Non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are effective for relieving pain but undesirable side effects limit their clinical usefulness. Choline is a α7 nicotinic receptor agonist that has antinociceptive effects in a variety of pain models. Drug combination is a strategy in the management of pain to reduce side effects. The aim of the study was to evaluate the nature of the interaction between choline and aspirin in two distinct inflammatory pain models. The analgesic mechanism of choline was also investigated. In the writhing test, intravenous administration of choline or aspirin showed dose‐dependent antinociceptive activity, and isobolographic analysis revealed a synergistic nature of the interaction between choline and aspirin. More importantly, coadministration choline with aspirin could significantly shorten the antinociceptive latency of aspirin and prolong the antinociceptive duration of aspirin in the writhing test. In the carrageenan test, single administration of choline or aspirin significantly attenuated carrageenan‐induced thermal hyperalgesia in a dose‐dependent relationship. Coadministration of non‐analgesic doses of aspirin with choline significantly suppressed the thermal hyperalgesia, with a longer duration efficacy. Furthmore, we found that α7 nicotinic, muscarinic, and opioid‐receptors are involved in the antinociceptive effect of choline in the writhing test and the antinociceptive effect produced by systemically administered choline may be via a peripheral mechanism. In conclusion, coadministration of choline and aspirin holds promise for development as a safe analgesic drug combination for inflammatory pain, with a higher potency and longer duration than either aspirin or choline alone.
Eating behaviour and retro-nasal aroma release in normal-weight and overweight adults: a pilot study
Authors: Zijlstra Nicolien , Bukman Andrea Johanna , Mars Monica , Stafleu Annette , Ruijschop Rianne M. A. J. , de Graaf Cees
Published: March 2011

Eating rate and bite size are important factors affecting food intake, and we hypothesise the underlying role of oral sensory exposure in this. However, the latter currently lacks objective measuring parameters, but an interesting measure could be the extent ofin vivoretro-nasal aroma release. Second, the literature is ambiguous about overweight subjects differing from normal-weight subjects in eating behaviour. Consequently, we investigated: (1) whether eating behaviour (food intake, eating rate, bite size, number of bites and meal duration) relates to weight status and (2) whether the extent of retro-nasal aroma release relates to eating behaviour and weight status. A matched group (sex, age and dietary restraint) of twenty-seven normal-weight (BMI 21·8 (sd1·6) kg/m2) and twenty-seven overweight/obese subjects (BMI 30·5 (sd5·8) kg/m2) consumed a spiced rice meal and apple pie yogurt on separate test days. The extent of retro-nasal aroma release was measured on a third test day. Mean bite size for spiced rice was significantly (P = 0·03) larger in overweight/obese (10·3 (sd3·2) g)v.normal-weight subjects (8·7 (sd2·1) g). There were no other significant differences in eating behaviour or retro-nasal aroma release between the groups. Eating behaviours were not correlated with BMI or retro-nasal aroma release. Subjects showed consistent eating behaviour for both test products. Eating behaviour might be a characteristic of an individual but not by definition a characteristic for a group of people based on their weight. Given the large sample sizes, necessary according toa posteriorisample size calculations, one needs to consider the relevance of finding a statistically significant difference in eating behaviour between the weight groups in a laboratory setting.
Characteristics and nutrient intake of Taiwanese elderly vegetarians: evidence from a national survey
Authors: Huang Chun-Jen , Fan Yen-Chun , Liu Jen-Fang , Tsai Pei-Shan
Published: March 2011

The present study examines the prevalence and characteristics of vegetarians in the Taiwanese elderly. We analysed data from the Elderly Nutrition and Health Survey in Taiwan (1999–2000), which used a multi-staged, stratified, clustered probability sampling design. Community-dwelling elderly (n 1071), aged 65 years and older, were included. Sociodemographic, anthropometric, lifestyle and metabolic variables, and eating habits were obtained through household interviews and health examinations. Nutrient intake was assessed using a 24 h dietary recall. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to examine factors significantly and independently associated with vegetarian status and to estimate the OR of the hypertension and the metabolic syndrome (MS) for vegetarians compared with omnivores. About 25 % of the Taiwanese elderly persons were vegetarians. Systolic pressure (OR 1·01, 95 % CI 1, 1·02, P = 0·038), female sex (OR 5·02, 95 % CI 3·11, 8·1, P < 0·001), smoking status (P = 0·034; current smoker (OR 0·45, 95 % CI 0·24, 0·85, P = 0·014)) and regular exercise (OR 1·87, 95 % CI 1·37, 2·56, P < 0·001) were independently associated with vegetarian status among Taiwanese elderly persons. Vegetarians consumed significantly lower daily total energy (P < 0·001), lower cholesterol (P = 0·002), a higher percentage of fat as PUFA (P = 0·022), higher Ca (P < 0·001) and higher crude fibres (P = 0·041) compared with omnivores. Between the two vegetarian diets, ovo- or lacto-vegetarian diets contained more beneficial micronutrients, such as K, Ca and Mg, and higher crude fibres than vegan diets (all P < 0·05). The likelihood of having hypertension and the MS was not significantly different between vegetarians and omnivores as examined by sex- or multivariate-adjusted logistic regression.
A review of consumer awareness, understanding and use of food-based dietary guidelines
Authors: Brown Kerry A. , Timotijevic Lada , Barnett Julie , Shepherd Richard , Lähteenmäki Liisa , Raats Monique M.
Published: March 2011

Food-based dietary guidelines (FBDG) have primarily been designed for the consumer to encourage healthy, habitual food choices, decrease chronic disease risk and improve public health. However, minimal research has been conducted to evaluate whether FBDG are utilised by the public. The present review used a framework of three concepts, awareness, understanding and use, to summarise consumer evidence related to national FBDG and food guides. Searches of nine electronic databases, reference lists and Internet grey literature elicited 939 articles. Predetermined exclusion criteria selected twenty-eight studies for review. These consisted of qualitative, quantitative and mixed study designs, non-clinical participants, related to official FBDG for the general public, and involved measures of consumer awareness, understanding or use of FBDG. The three concepts of awareness, understanding and use were often discussed interchangeably. Nevertheless, a greater amount of evidence for consumer awareness and understanding was reported than consumer use of FBDG. The twenty-eight studies varied in terms of aim, design and method. Study quality also varied with raw qualitative data, and quantitative method details were often omitted. Thus, the reliability and validity of these review findings may be limited. Further research is required to evaluate the efficacy of FBDG as a public health promotion tool. If the purpose of FBDG is to evoke consumer behaviour change, then the framework of consumer awareness, understanding and use of FBDG may be useful to categorise consumer behaviour studies and complement the dietary survey and health outcome data in the process of FBDG evaluation and revision.
Effect of a fatty meal on inflammatory markers in healthy volunteers with a family history of type 2 diabetes
Authors: Madec Stephanie , Corretti Valentina , Santini Eleonora , Ferrannini Ele , Solini Anna
Published: March 2011

A family history of type 2 diabetes (T2D) confers a high risk of developing the disease, independent of that due to other common risk factors. Postprandial state is a pro-inflammatory condition associated with a transiently impaired endothelial function; an increased oxidative stress is considered as a mediator of such effects in T2D. We evaluated the short-term effect of a lipid meal on markers of early vascular damage in subjects at risk of developing T2D. A total of thirty-two healthy volunteers, divided according to the presence (FHD+) or absence (FHD − ) of a family history of T2D, underwent a fatty meal test. We measured the monocyte mRNA expressions of IL-6, IL-8 and IL-1β, and IL-6, soluble CD40 ligand (sCD40L), vascular cellular adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1), intracellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) and nitrotyrosine plasma concentrations at baseline and in the post-meal phase, relating them to the lipid profile and other biochemical parameters. The basal expression of the cytokines did not differ in FHD −  and FHD+ subjects; neither was it modified by the meal ingestion. IL-6 and sCD40L plasma levels, similar in the two groups in the fasting state, did not vary after the meal. VCAM-1 and ICAM-1 increased in FHD+ subjects but not in FHD −  subjects. Nitrotyrosine, similar between the FHD −  and FHD+ subjects at baseline, increased more in FHD+ subjects than in FHD −  subjects after the meal. In conclusion, the presence of a familial history of T2D confers an abnormal endothelial activation after an oral lipid meal, coupled with an increased oxidative stress, supporting the hypothesis of an early endothelial dysfunction already present in healthy individuals prone to develop T2D.
Resveratrol improves insulin sensitivity, reduces oxidative stress and activates the Akt pathway in type 2 diabetic patients
Authors: Brasnyó Pál , Molnár Gergő A. , Mohás Márton , Markó Lajos , Laczy Boglárka , Cseh Judit , Mikolás Esztella , Szijártó István András , Mérei Ákos , Halmai Richárd , Mészáros László G. , Sümegi Balázs , Wittmann István
Published: March 2011

Although resveratrol has widely been studied for its potential health benefits, little is known about its metabolic effects in humans. Our aims were to determine whether the polyphenol resveratrol improves insulin sensitivity in type 2 diabetic patients and to gain some insight into the mechanism of its action. After an initial general examination (including blood chemistry), nineteen patients enrolled in the 4-week-long double-blind study were randomly assigned into two groups: a resveratrol group receiving oral 2 × 5 mg resveratrol and a control group receiving placebo. Before and after the second and fourth weeks of the trial, insulin resistance/sensitivity, creatinine-normalised ortho-tyrosine level in urine samples (as a measure of oxidative stress), incretin levels and phosphorylated protein kinase B (pAkt):protein kinase B (Akt) ratio in platelets were assessed and statistically analysed. After the fourth week, resveratrol significantly decreased insulin resistance (homeostasis model of assessment for insulin resistance) and urinary ortho-tyrosine excretion, while it increased the pAkt:Akt ratio in platelets. On the other hand, it had no effect on parameters that relate to β-cell function (i.e. homeostasis model of assessment of β-cell function). The present study shows for the first time that resveratrol improves insulin sensitivity in humans, which might be due to a resveratrol-induced decrease in oxidative stress that leads to a more efficient insulin signalling via the Akt pathway.
ON A CHARACTERISTIC PROPERTY OF FINITE-DIMENSIONAL BANACH SPACES
Authors: SLAVÍK ANTONÍN
Published: March 2011

This paper is inspired by a counter example of J. Kurzweil published in [5], whose intention was to demonstrate that a certain property of linear operators on finite-dimensional spaces need not be preserved in infinite dimension. We obtain a stronger result, which says that no infinite-dimensional Banach space can have the given property. Along the way, we will also derive an interesting proposition related to Dvoretzky's theorem.
AN EXTENDED LOOMIS–WHITNEY INEQUALITY FOR POSITIVE DOUBLE JOHN BASES
Authors: LI AI-JUN , WANG GUANGTING , LENG GANGSONG
Published: March 2011

In this paper, we establish an extended Loomis–Whitney inequality for positive double John bases, which generalises Ball's result [1]. Moreover, a different extension of the Loomis–Whitney inequality is deduced.
Diversity in the magnitude of hind limb unloading occurs with similar forms of lameness in dairy cows
Authors: Liu Jianbo , Dyer Robert M , Neerchal Nagaraj K , Tasch Uri , Rajkondawar Parimal G
Published: March 2011

The objective of the study was to evaluate the relationship of veterinary clinical assessments of lameness to probability estimates of lameness predicted from vertical kinetic measures. We hypothesized that algorithm-derived probability estimates of lameness would accurately reflect vertical measures in lame limbs even though vertical changes may not inevitably occur in all lameness. Kinetic data were collected from sound (n=179) and unilaterally lame (n=167) dairy cattle with a 1-dimensional, parallel force plate system that registered vertical ground reaction force signatures of all four limbs as cows freely exited the milking parlour. Locomotion was scored for each hind limb using a 1–5 locomotion score system (1=sound, 5=severely lame). Pain response in the interdigital space was quantified with an algometer and pain response in the claw was quantified with a hoof tester fitted with a pressure gage. Lesions were assigned severity scores (1=minimal pathology to 5=severe pathology). Lameness diminished the magnitude of peak ground reaction forces, average ground reaction forces, Fourier transformed ground reaction forces, stance times and vertical impulses in the lame limbs of unilaterally lame cows. The only effect of lameness on the opposite sound limb was increased magnitude of stance times and vertical impulses in unilaterally lame cows. Symmetry measures of the peak ground reaction forces, average ground reaction forces, Fourier transformed ground reaction forces, stance times and vertical impulses between the left and right hind limbs were also affected in unilateral lameness. Paradoxically, limbs with clinically similar lesion and locomotion scores and pain responses were associated with a broad range of load-transfer off the limb. Substantial unloading and changes in the vertical limb variables occurred in some lameness while minimal unloading and changes in vertical limb variables occurred in other lameness. Corresponding probability estimates of lameness accurately reflected changes in the vertical parameters of limbs and generated low probability estimates of lameness when minimal unloading occurred. Failure to transfer load off limbs with pain reactions, locomotion abnormalities and lesions explained much of the limited sensitivity in lameness detection with vertical limb variables.