bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Stem Cells in Liver Diseases and Cancer
Authors: Rountree Bart C. , Mishra Lopa , Willenbring Holger
Published: October 2011

Stem cells have potential for therapy of liver diseases, but may also be involved in the formation of liver cancer. Recently, the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases Henry M. and Lillian Stratton Basic Research Single Topic Conference “Stem Cells in Liver Diseases and Cancer: Discovery and Promise” brought together a diverse group of investigators to define the status of research on stem cells and cancer stem cells in the liver and identify problems and solutions on the path to clinical translation. This report summarizes the outcomes of the conference and provides an update on recent research advances. Progress in liver stem cell research includes isolation of primary liver progenitor cells (LPCs), directed hepatocyte differentiation of primary LPCs and pluripotent stem cells, findings of transdifferentiation, disease–specific considerations for establishing a therapeutically effective cell mass, and disease modeling in cell culture. Tumor–initiating stem–like cells (TISCs) that emerge during chronic liver injury share the expression of signaling pathways, including those organized around transforming growth factor beta and β–catenin, and surface markers with normal LPCs. Recent investigations of the role of TISCs in hepatocellular carcinoma have provided insight into the transcriptional and post–transcriptional regulation of hepatocarcinogenesis. Targeted chemotherapies for TISC are in development as a means to overcome cellular resistance and mechanisms driving disease progression in liver cancer. (Hepatology 2012;55:298–306)
Hepatic macrophage migration and differentiation critical for liver fibrosis is mediated by the chemokine receptor C-C motif chemokine receptor 8 in mice
Authors: Heymann Felix , Hammerich Linda , Storch Dunja , Bartneck Matthias , Huss Sebastian , Rüsseler Vanessa , Gassler Nikolaus , Lira Sergio A. , Luedde Tom , Trautwein Christian , Tacke Frank
Published: October 2011

Chemokines critically control the infiltration of immune cells upon liver injury, thereby promoting hepatic inflammation and fibrosis. The chemokine receptor CCR8 can affect trafficking of monocytes/macrophages, monocyte-derived dendritic cells (DCs) and T-helper cell (Th) subsets, but its role in liver diseases is currently unknown. To investigate the functional role of CCR8 in liver diseases,

ccr8

−/− and wild-type (WT) mice were subjected to chronic experimental injury models of carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) administration and surgical bile duct ligation (BDL). CCR8 was strongly up-regulated in the injured liver.

Ccr8

−/− mice displayed attenuated liver damage (e.g., ALT, histology, and TUNEL) compared to WT mice and were also protected from liver fibrosis in two independent injury models. Flow cytometry revealed reduced infiltrates of liver macrophages, neutrophils and natural killer cells, whereas hepatic CD4+ T cells increased. The main CCR8-expressing cells in the liver were hepatic macrophages, and CCR8 was functionally necessary for CCL1-directed migration of inflammatory but not for nonclassical monocytes into the liver. Moreover, the phenotype of liver macrophages from injured

ccr8

−/− animals was altered with increased expression of DC markers and enhanced expression of T-cell-attracting chemokine macrophage inflammatory protein 1-alpha (MIP-1α/CCL3). Correspondingly, hepatic CD4+ T cells showed increased Th1 polarization and reduced Th2 cells in CCR8-deficient animals. Liver fibrosis progression, but also subsequent T-cell alterations, could be restored by adoptively transferring CCR8-expressing monocytes/macrophages into

ccr8

−/− mice during experimental injury.

Conclusions :

CCR8 critically mediates hepatic macrophage recruitment upon injury, which subsequently shapes the inflammatory response in the injured liver, affecting macrophage/DC and Th differentiation. CCR8 deficiency protects the liver against injury, ameliorating initial inflammatory responses and hepatic fibrogenesis. Inhibition of CCR8 or its ligand, CCL1, might represent a successful therapeutic target to limit liver inflammation and fibrosis progression.
β-Catenin is essential for ethanol metabolism and protection against alcohol-mediated liver steatosis in mice
Authors: Liu Shiguang , Yeh Tzu-Hsuan , Singh Vijay P. , Shiva Sruti , Krauland Lindsay , Li Huanan , Zhang Pili , Kharbanda Kusum , Ritov Vladimir , Monga Satdarshan P.S. , Scott Donald K. , Eagon Patricia K. , Behari Jaideep
Published: October 2011

The liver plays a central role in ethanol metabolism, and oxidative stress is implicated in alcohol-mediated liver injury. β-Catenin regulates hepatic metabolic zonation and adaptive response to oxidative stress. We hypothesized that β-catenin regulates the hepatic response to ethanol ingestion. Female liver-specific β-catenin knockout (KO) mice and wild-type (WT) littermates were fed the Lieber-Decarli liquid diet (5% ethanol) in a pairwise fashion. Liver histology, biochemistry, and gene-expression studies were performed. Plasma alcohol and ammonia levels were measured using standard assays. Ethanol-fed (EtOH) KO mice exhibited systemic toxicity and early mortality. KO mice exhibited severe macrovesicular steatosis and 5 to 6-fold higher serum alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase levels. KO mice had a modest increase in hepatic oxidative stress, lower expression of mitochondrial superoxide dismutase (SOD2), and lower citrate synthase activity, the first step in the tricarboxylic acid cycle.

N

-Acetylcysteine did not prevent ethanol-induced mortality in KO mice. In WT livers, β-catenin was found to coprecipitate with forkhead box O3, the upstream regulator of SOD2. Hepatic alcohol dehydrogenase and aldehyde dehydrogenase activities and expression were lower in KO mice. Hepatic cytochrome P450 2E1 protein levels were up-regulated in EtOH WT mice, but were nearly undetectable in KO mice. These changes in ethanol-metabolizing enzymes were associated with 30-fold higher blood alcohol levels in KO mice.

Conclusion :

β-Catenin is essential for hepatic ethanol metabolism and plays a protective role in alcohol-mediated liver steatosis. Our results strongly suggest that integration of these functions by β-catenin is critical for adaptation to ethanol ingestion

in vivo

.
Unfolded protein responses in bacteria and mitochondria: A central role for the ClpXP machine
Authors: Truscott Kaye N. , Bezawork‐Geleta Ayenachew , Dougan David A.
Published: October 2011

In the crowded environment of a cell, the protein quality control machinery, such as molecular chaperones and proteases, maintains a population of folded and hence functional proteins. The accumulation of unfolded proteins in a cell is particularly harmful as it not only reduces the concentration of active proteins but also overburdens the protein quality control machinery, which in turn, can lead to a significant increase in nonproductive folding and protein aggregation. To circumvent this problem, cells use heat shock and unfolded protein stress response pathways, which essentially sense the change to protein homeostasis upregulating protein quality control factors that act to restore the balance. Interestingly, several stress response pathways are proteolytically controlled. In this review, we provide a brief summary of targeted protein degradation by AAA+ proteases and focus on the role of ClpXP proteases, particularly in the signaling pathway of the Escherichia coli extracellular stress response and the mitochondrial unfolded protein response. © 2011 IUBMB IUBMB Life, 63(11): 955–963, 2011
Production and purification of the positron emitter zinc‐63
Authors: Guerra Gómez Francisco L. , Takada Yuuki , Hosoi Rie , Momosaki Sotaro , Yanamoto Kazuhiko , Nagatsu Kotaro , Suzuki Hisashi , Zhang Ming‐Rong , Inoue Osamu , Arano Yasushi , Fukumura Toshimitsu
Published: October 2011

This study presents the production and purification of the positron emitting radionuclide 63Zn. A natural copper target was irradiated with 13.5 MeV protons, and 63Zn was purified by cation exchange chromatography using 0.05 N HCl‐85% acetone as eluent. The production yield reached 1.41 ± 0.19 GBq/μA⋅h at the end of bombardment and 169 ± 30 MBq/μA·h after purification, with more than 99.9% of radionuclidic purity with copper content around 0.04 μg/g. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Gadofosveset trisodium‐enhanced abdominal perforator MRA
Authors: Zou Zhitong , Kate Lee Hwayoung , Levine Joshua L. , Greenspun David T. , Allen Robert J. , Vasile Julie , Rohde Christine , Prince Martin R.
Published: October 2011

Purpose:

To compare image quality including the number of perforators visualized, vessel contrast ratios, and vessel sharpness with blood pool and extracellular contrast agents in abdominal perforator flap magnetic resonance angiography (MRA).

Materials and Methods:

Preoperative perforator flap MRA was performed prone on 64 consecutive patients undergoing breast reconstruction (32 receiving 20 mL gadobenate dimeglumine and 32 receiving 10 mL gadofosveset trisodium) on transverse 3D fat‐suppressed spoiled gradient echo images using high spatial resolution. Image quality was assessed qualitatively on a 4‐point scale. On a computer workstation the number of perforators visualized was counted, arterial, venous, muscle, fat, and abdominal perforator signal intensities were measured to calculate signal intensity and contrast ratios, and vessel sharpness was evaluated.

Results:

The qualitative image quality score was higher for gadofosveset (2.7) than gadobenate (2.0) and CTA (2.0). The mean number of perforators visualized with gadofosveset was 6.8 on right and 10.4 on left compared to 4.6 on right and 6.6 on left for gadobenate (P < 0.0001). The artery‐to‐fat contrast ratio was comparable, suggesting the difference was not related to magnitude of enhancement. Perforator‐to‐muscle contrast ratio was greater for gadofosveset, 2.3, compared to gadobenate 1.5 (P = 0.002). Vessel sharpness was also greater for gadofosveset (P = 0.006).

Conclusion:

Perforator MRA image quality including number of perforators visualized, perforator‐to‐muscle contrast, and vessel sharpness is higher with gadofosveset trisodium compared with gadobenate dimeglumine. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2012;35:711‐716. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Performance of the Different Methods of Study Financing: A Measurement through the Data Envelopment Analysis Method
Authors: Vierstraete Valérie , Yergeau Eric
Published: October 2011

Financial hardship can significantly undermine post‐secondary students' ability to attain their academic goals: completing their training and obtaining degrees with good grades. This study considers which method of financing studies—loans and bursaries from the government, student aid granted directly by universities, scholarships or on‐campus jobs, off‐campus jobs or parental financial contribution—will best help students attain academic success. For these purposes, we use a non‐parametric data envelopment method, the Data Envelopment Analysis, which will enable us to determine a theoretically efficient production frontier against which the efficiency of students will be measured. Depending on the financing methods used, the conclusions of this study show efficiency differences. If a government is willing to pay attention to persistence in education, choices of study financing should therefore be carried out. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Ovary‐predominant wnt4 expression during gonadal differentiation is not conserved in the rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)
Authors: Nicol Barbara , Guerin Adele , Fostier Alexis , Guiguen Yann
Published: October 2011

The Wnt/β‐catenin pathway is crucial for ovarian differentiation in mammals, and WNT4 is an important protein that regulates this process. While the role of Wnt4 in gonadal differentiation is relatively well characterized in mammals, little is known regarding its role in teleost fish. Therefore, we investigated the potential activity of wnt4 in gonadal differentiation in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss), focusing on the teleost and salmonid gene duplications. Phylogenetic and synteny analyses demonstrated that teleost fish possess two wnt4 genes, wnt4a and wnt4b, as a consequence of the teleost‐specific whole‐genome duplication (3R). In rainbow trout, we also identified an additional wnt4 gene, which is a wnt4a paralog that likely resulted from the salmonid‐specific whole‐genome duplication (4R). These two Wnt4a proteins (Wnt4a1 and Wnt4a2) share a high identity (>80%) with other vertebrate Wnt4 proteins, whereas Wnt4b is clearly more divergent (60% identity). During embryogenesis and adulthood, the wnt4a1/2 transcripts were expressed in various tissues, including the ovaries and testes. In contrast, wnt4b expression was restricted to the nervous system, suggesting a sub‐ or a neo‐functionalization of this divergent paralog. During early gonadal differentiation in both males and females, the wnt4a1/2 transcripts were detected in the somatic cells surrounding the germ cells, with a slight sexual dimorphism in favor of males. These results demonstrate that, unlike mammals, rainbow trout do not display an ovary‐predominant wnt4 expression profile during early gonadal differentiation. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 79:51–63, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The hp‐d‐adaptive finite cell method for geometrically nonlinear problems of solid mechanics
Authors: Schillinger D. , Düster A. , Rank E.
Published: October 2011

The finite cell method (FCM) combines the fictitious domain approach with the p‐version of the finite element method and adaptive integration. For problems of linear elasticity, it offers high convergence rates and simple mesh generation, irrespective of the geometric complexity involved. This article presents the integration of the FCM into the framework of nonlinear finite element technology. However, the penalty parameter of the fictitious domain is restricted to a few orders of magnitude in order to maintain local uniqueness of the deformation map. As a consequence of the weak penalization, nonlinear strain measures provoke excessive stress oscillations in the cells cut by geometric boundaries, leading to a low algebraic rate of convergence. Therefore, the FCM approach is complemented by a local overlay of linear hierarchical basis functions in the sense of the hp‐d method, which synergetically uses the h‐adaptivity of the integration scheme. Numerical experiments show that the hp‐d overlay effectively reduces oscillations and permits stronger penalization of the fictitious domain by stabilizing the deformation map. The hp‐d‐adaptive FCM is thus able to restore high convergence rates for the geometrically nonlinear case, while preserving the easy meshing property of the original FCM. Accuracy and performance of the present scheme are demonstrated by several benchmark problems in one, two, and three dimensions and the nonlinear simulation of a complex foam sample. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Dual boundary method for assembled plate structures undergoing large deflection
Authors: Di Pisa C. , Aliabadi M. H. , Young A.
Published: October 2011

In this paper, the dual boundary element method is combined with a multiregion formulation to simulate plate assembly undergoing large deflection. The incremental load approach is used to treat the geometrical nonlinearity, and radial basis functions are used to approximate the derivatives of the large deflection terms. The dual reciprocity method is used to transfer all the domain integrals to the boundary. Once the solution at the boundary is obtained for the assembly, a J −integral for large deflection is implemented to extract the fracture parameters. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Fetal thigh volume by 3D sonography using XI VOCAL: reproducibility and reference range for Brazilian healthy fetuses between 20 and 40 weeks
Authors: Araujo Edward , Cavalcante Rafael Oliveira , Nardozza Luciano Marcondes Machado , Rolo Liliam Cristine , Ruano Rodrigo , de Paula Martins Wellington , Moron Antonio Fernandes
Published: October 2011

Objective

To provide reference values for fetal thigh volume using three‐dimensional (3D) ultrasound and the eXtended Imaging Virtual Organ Computer‐aided AnaLysis (XI VOCAL) method.

Methods

This is a cross‐sectional study that enrolled 425 healthy pregnant women between the 20th and 40th weeks of gestation. The XI VOCAL was performed along the axial cross‐section in ten sequential areas for the volumetric calculations, having the proximal and distal echogenic diaphysis as references. Second‐degree polynomial regression models, with the determination of percentiles, were created to evaluate the relation between the fetal thigh volume and gestational age (GA). Intraoperator and interoperator reproducibility was evaluated using intraclass correlation coefficient.

Results

The mean fetal thigh volume varied from 8.00 (3.90–11.90 cm3) to 122.14 cm3 (105.0–153.50 cm3) at 20 and 40 weeks of gestation, respectively. Fetal thigh volume was strongly correlated with gestational age, and the reference values can be obtained by the following mathematical equation: fetal thigh volume (cm3) = 68.70–7.63 × GA + 0.23 × GA2 (R2 = 0.946). The intraoperator and interoperator reproducibility were excellent, with an intraclass correlation coefficient = 1.000 and 0.999, respectively.

Conclusions

The reference range of fetal thigh volume was determined by 3D‐ultrasound using the XI VOCAL method. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Feasibility of nonselective testing for hemoglobinopathies in early pregnancy in The Netherlands
Authors: Kaufmann Judith O. , Demirel‐Güngör Gönül , Selles Anke , Hudig Cisca , Steen Gerard , Ponjee Gabrielle , Holleboom Cas , Freeman Liv M. , Hendiks Joris , Wijermans Pierre , Giordano Piero C. , Kerkhoffs Jean‐Louis
Published: October 2011

Objective

To examine the feasibility of standardized hemoglobinopathy (HBP) carrier testing for pregnant women in The Netherlands in addition to the standard anemia screening.

Methods

We assessed the prevalence of HBP in women at the time of the first pregnancy visit using both a prospective cohort (N = 703) and a retrospective series of women selected at random (N = 588). For the purpose of analysis, the population was divided into a high risk and a low risk group for HBP based on maternal ethnicity. Screening for HBP utilized standard screening tests for anemia, with additional high performance liquid chromatography (Variant II); molecular analysis was performed by Gap‐polymerase chain reaction (Gap‐PCR) and if necessary, direct sequencing and multiplex ligation‐dependent probe amplification (MLPA). Family history was reported or collected from the medical records.

Results

β‐Globin defects were found in 3.9% of the total population (50/1291). The frequency in the high risk population was 5.6% (37/656), compared with 1.2% (6/501) in the low risk group. In the prospective study we found 30 HBP carriers, leading to testing of 16 partners and identification of two couples at risk. One affected child was born. Mean gestational age at the screening was 11.3 weeks with a standard deviation (SD) of 5.8.

Conclusion

We found that the prevalence of HBP carriers is high enough in our population to warrant HBP testing for the entire multiethnic population in early pregnancy at the time of anemia screening. This is feasible as most women had their booking early in their first trimester. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Optical characterization of magnetron sputtered p‐type ZnO thin films codoped with Ga and As
Authors: Park Jang‐Ho , Seo Ho‐Yeon , Jeong Sang‐Hun , Lee Byung‐Teak
Published: October 2011

ZnO films codoped with Ga and As were characterized in detail. It was observed by I–V measurement that the films maintain p‐type characteristics even when the Ga/As ratio is as high as 9. Low‐temperature photoluminescence spectra revealed emissions at 3.36, 3.35, 3.30, and 3.22 eV, which were assigned to the D°X, the A°X, the two‐electron‐satellite D°X, and the DAP transition, respectively. A PL peak also appeared at 3.34 eV in the case of Zn0.96Ga0.03As0.01O and Zn0.90Ga0.09As0.01O films. X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy indicated formation of Ga–As bonds with increasing Ga concentration, suggesting that the 3.34 eV peak is related to the Ga–As bonds.
Room temperature MBE deposition of Bi2Te3 and Sb2Te3 thin films with low charge carrier densities
Authors: Peranio N. , Winkler M. , Aabdin Z. , König J. , Böttner H. , Eibl O.
Published: October 2011

Sb2Te3 and Bi2Te3 thin films were grown at room temperature on SiO2 substrates using MBE and were subsequently annealed at 250 °C. The films were stoichiometric, polycrystalline, textured, and yielded strikingly low charge carrier densities of about 2.7 × 1019 cm−3. The in‐plane transport properties were measured at room temperature, the thermopower was 130 µV K−1 for Sb2Te3 and −153 µV K−1 for Bi2Te3 thin films. The small charge carrier densities are explained by a reduced antisite defect density due to the low temperatures to which the thin films were exposed during annealing.
Decrease of sintering temperature by CuO doping of the 0.8Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O3‐0.2PbTiO3 ceramics prepared by reaction‐sintering method
Authors: Fang Bijun , Jiang Na , Ding Chenlu , Du Qingbo , Ding Jianning
Published: October 2011

CuO‐doped 0.8Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O3‐0.2PbTiO3 (0.8PMN‐0.2PT) ceramics were prepared by the reaction‐sintering method. X‐ray diffraction (XRD) measurement, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) observation and density measurement confirmed that the CuO‐doped 0.8PMN‐0.2PT ceramics prepared by the reaction‐sintering method with the addition of up to 5 mol% CuO and sintered over a wide sintering temperature range exhibit pure rhombohedral perovskite structure, rather homogeneous micromorphology and high relative density. As compared to the undoped 0.8PMN‐0.2PT ceramics prepared by the same method, CuO proves to be an effective sintering aid, which can greatly decrease the sintering temperature of the 0.8PMN‐0.2PT ceramics prepared by the reaction‐sintering method, where high relative density can be obtained and the electrical properties are not deteriorated or improved of the synthesized 0.8PMN‐0.2PT ceramics. The CuO doping content and sintering temperature exert great influences on the crystal structure, density and electrical properties of the 0.8PMN‐0.2PT ceramics prepared by the reaction‐sintering method.
Three‐dimensional distortion measurements by section rocking curve imaging: Application to ice crystals
Authors: Kluender Rafael T. , Philip Armelle , Meyssonnier Jacques , Baruchel José
Published: October 2011

We present a new method to measure distortions in the entire crystal volume, down to a scale of 50 × 50 × 50 µm3 elementary volume. The method combines rocking curve imaging (RCI), section‐ and pinhole diffraction topography. As results we obtain three‐dimensional (3D) maps providing the integrated diffracted beam intensity and the fields of angular lattice misorientation. Angular misorientations down to 10−5–10−6 have been measured. In this paper the method is applied to one of the grains of a three‐grained ice polycrystal (tri‐crystal).
Charge transport in one‐dimensional chains of nanoparticles
Authors: Govor Leonid V. , Bauer Gottfried H. , Lüdtke Thomas , Haug Rolf J. , Parisi Jürgen
Published: October 2011

Gold electrodes were bridged by a one‐dimensional chain of citrate stabilized gold particles. The resulting device exhibits current fluctuations at constant bias voltage due to conformational changes in the citrate molecules induced by charge transfer across the molecules. Moreover, fluctuations of the differential conductance as a function of the bias voltage became evident. The effect is attributed to the interplay of two origins: (a) dislocation of particles in the chain by action of the electric field; (b) interaction between mechanical motion of citrate molecules located on particles and charge transfer. (© 2012 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Grease Penetration and Browning Resistance of Pulpboard and Paperboard Coated with Whey Protein
Authors: Yoo SeungRan , Lau Sok Hei , Krochta John M.
Published: October 2011

Whey protein concentrate (WPC) was explored alone and in combination with sucrose (Suc) plasticizer as a grease‐barrier coating for bulrush pulpboard and solid bleached sulfate paperboard used in food packaging. WPC‐coated and WPC : Suc‐coated pulpboards showed better oil‐barrier properties compared with untreated, water‐treated or Suc‐coated pulpboards. Coating formulations with 10% WPC, without and with Suc, resulted in oil barriers comparable with commercial fluorinated hydrocarbon for pulpboard. When pulpboard trays containing cheesy pasta were microwave‐heated, 10% WPC : 20% Suc solution‐coated trays showed grease barrier property comparable with fluorinated hydrocarbon‐treated trays. Caramelization and Maillard browning of WPC and WPC : Suc coatings were initiated at 300°F, but microwave‐heated foods do not normally reach this high temperature. Paperboard with 10% WPC : 20% Suc solution coating had oil barrier comparable with polyethylene‐coated paperboards. WPC : Suc solution mixture at 2.5% : 5% and 3.3% : 7% were determined as the solution concentration minima for 4 and 24 h tests, respectively. HunterLab colorimeter L and b values indicated slight colour change of the paperboard coated with the higher WPC concentration solutions. Coating resulted in thicker paperboards but not in a linear manner. The 10% WPC : 20% Suc solution‐coated solid bleached sulfate paperboards on which slabs of butter sat in a refrigerator did not show any butterfat penetration, comparable with polyethylene‐coated paperboards and unlike uncoated paperboards that showed poor butterfat‐barrier properties. WPC : Suc coating was shown in this study to have potential to replace synthetic materials as a grease barrier. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Random Effects Model for Attribute Gauge R&R
Authors: Vágó Emese , Kemény Sándor
Published: October 2011

In some cases of attribute gauge, there is a continuous variable (reference value) behind the attribute‐type decision. In the recent literature, a fixed effect logit model is used for gauge study. In this paper, the random effect concept is applied to the problem. Two different alternatives are studied, the random intercept and the random intercept–random slope model. The random effect concept enables us to characterise the operators in general and to estimate the conditional probabilities of misclassification. Different estimation methods are proposed and compared through simulation. The theoretically less correct, but computationally much simpler estimation method using a fixed effect model proved to be only a slightly less effective than the estimation using a mixed effect model. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A top‐down approach to construct execution views of a large software‐intensive system
Authors: Callo Arias Trosky B. , America Pierre , Avgeriou Paris
Published: October 2011

This paper presents an approach to construct execution views, which are views that describe what the software of a software‐intensive system does at runtime and how it does it. The approach represents an architecture reconstruction solution based on a metamodel, a set of viewpoints, and a dynamic analysis technique. The metamodel and viewpoints capture the conventions that can be used to describe the runtime of a system developed by a particular organization. The dynamic analysis technique is used to extract and abstract runtime information from a combination of system logging and runtime measurements in a top‐down fashion. The approach was developed and validated constructing execution views for a magnetic resonance imaging scanner developed by Philips Healthcare. Therefore, the approach represents a solution that can be applied at similar large and complex software‐intensive systems. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Glass bead with minimized amount (11 mg) of sample for X‐ray fluorescence determination of archaeological ceramics
Authors: Nakayama Kenichi , Ichikawa Shintaro , Nakamura Toshihiro
Published: October 2011

By using very small amount – 11‐mg – of sample powder, major oxides (Na2O, MgO, Al2O3, SiO2, P2O5, K2O, CaO, TiO2, MnO, and total Fe2O3) in ancient pottery (and igneous rocks) were determined with X‐ray fluorescence spectrometry. This minimized amount of sample was used to prepare a fused glass bead with 300 times the weight of lithium tetraborate as an alkali flux. Calibration standards were obtained by compounding chemical reagents (Na2CO3, MgO, Al2O3, SiO2, Na4P2O7, K2CO3, CaCO3, TiO2, MnO2, and Fe2O3) and the flux. Fewer 11 mg of reagents as oxides were able to give reliable calibration curves with good linearity (correlation coefficient: r > 0.995). Fewer 11 mg of sample was able to give reliable analytical results with good precision (relative standard deviation: <3% for more than 10.0 mass% of analyte, <10% for 1.0–10.0 mass% of analyte, and <20% for 0.1–1.0 mass% of analyte). Lower limits of detection were roughly a sub‐percentage of analyte in an unprepared sample (e.g. 0.3 mass% for Na2O, 0.5 mass% for MgO, 1.0 mass% for Al2O3, and 0.01 mass% for MnO). Composition of major oxides in artificial and natural aluminosilicate materials (including rock, stone, sand, sediment, and clay; and their products) should be fundamental information to be considered in detail. The present X‐ray determination based on very small amount of sample might be made readily accessible for destructive analysis of precious samples for archaeology (and geochemistry). Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Static and transient analysis of laminated cylindrical shell panels with various boundary conditions and general lay‐ups
Authors: Maleki S. , Tahani M. , Andakhshideh A.
Published: October 2011

Static and transient analysis of moderately thick laminated cylindrical shell panels with various loadings and boundary conditions are presented using generalized differential quadrature (GDQ) method. The governing system of transient partial differential equations of the shell panel is discretized in space and time domains using GDQ technique and Newmark's integration scheme, respectively. Different symmetric and asymmetric lamination sequences together with various combinations of clamped, simply supported and free boundary conditions are considered. Assuming effects of shear deformation and initial curvature, the governing partial differential equations (PDEs) including a system of fifteen first‐order PDEs in terms of unknown displacements, rotations, moments, forces, and time are selected for the analysis. Solution domain, governing equations, and related boundary conditions are then discretized based on the GDQ technique. It is shown that the method provides reasonably accurate results with relatively small number of grid points. It is revealed that the method offers similar order of accuracy for all variables including displacements and stress resultants. Comparisons of the predictions with results of other analytical, numerical, and finite element analyses show very good agreement. More results for shell panels with various boundary conditions specially mixed boundary conditions are presented for future references.
Duct‐to‐Duct Biliary Reconstruction During Complex Hepatectomy: A Useful Technique in Selected Cases
Authors: Memeo Riccardo , Belli Andrea , Kluger Michael D. , Tayar Claude , Laurent Alexis , Cherqui Daniel
Published: October 2011

Background

Roux‐en‐Y anastomosis is the standard of care for biliary reconstruction. Yet, a direct bilio‐biliary anastomosis preserves the normal sphincter mechanism and endoscopic access to the biliary tree for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. Duct‐to‐duct biliary reconstruction is widely used in liver transplantation. The objective of this study was to analyze the feasibility and results of duct‐to‐duct biliary reconstruction in the setting of complex hepatic resection with limited biliary confluence involvement.

Methods

We identified patients from our prospectively maintained database that underwent major hepatic resection and bile duct resection with a concomitant direct duct‐to‐duct biliary anastomosis. Postoperative oncological and functional biliary outcomes were analyzed.

Results

Ten patients were studied. In 9 cases, a biliary stent was left in place to decompress the anastomosis. Two patients developed a biliary fistula: one resolved spontaneously and the other required percutaneous drainage and an endoscopic biliary stent. This latter patient (the only nonstented patient) also developed a biliary stricture that was treated endoscopically. With a mean follow‐up of 22 months, no other biliary‐related complications were recorded. No patients had a recurrence at the biliary reconstruction site only. In the setting of multifocal hepatic recurrence presenting with jaundice, two patients were palliated by interventional endoscopy.

Conclusions

For hepatectomy requiring a short resection of the bile duct or for high bile duct injury during complex hepatectomy, a tension‐free, well‐vascularized duct‐to‐duct reconstruction over a stent is a suitable option that offers good oncological clearance of the bile duct and satisfactory functional results.
Accuracy of Axillary Ultrasound in the Diagnosis of Nodal Metastasis in Invasive Breast Cancer: A Review
Authors: Cools‐Lartigue Jonathan , Meterissian Sarkis
Published: October 2011

Axillary lymph node status is the most important prognostic factor in early‐stage breast cancer. Sentinel lymph node biopsy is used to determine the need for axillary node dissection. This technique incurs cost associated with radio‐isotope administration and use of the operating room. Accordingly, there is a need to preoperatively identify patients with nodal metastases who can proceed directly to axillary dissection. Axillary ultrasound has increasingly been used to determine nodal status prior to surgery. It has been shown to be a sensitive and specific modality in the detection of nodal metastases. When combined with fine‐needle aspiration, the specificity of this modality significantly increases. Here we present a current review of the usefulness of preoperative axillary ultrasound in early and locally advanced breast cancer patients with and without fine‐needle aspiration biopsy. Based on this review, we estimate the proportion of patients that can be spared a sentinel lymph node biopsy and the concomitant benefit of axillary ultrasound in terms of cost.
Mutation analysis in 54 propionic acidemia patients
Authors: Kraus J. P. , Spector E. , Venezia S. , Estes P. , Chiang P. W. , Creadon‐Swindell G. , Müllerleile S. , de Silva L. , Barth M. , Walter M. , Walter K. , Meissner T. , Lindner M. , Ensenauer R. , Santer R. , Bodamer O. A. , Baumgartner M. R. , Brunner‐Krainz M. , Karall D. , Haase C. , Knerr I. , Marquardt T. , Hennermann J. B. , Steinfeld R. , Beblo S. , Koch H. G. , Konstantopoulou V. , Scholl‐Bürgi S. , van Teeffelen‐Heithoff A. , Suormala T. , Ugarte M. , Sperl W. , Superti‐Furga A. , Schwab K. O. , Grünert S. C. , Sass J. O.
Published: October 2011

Deficiency of propionyl CoA carboxylase (PCC), a dodecamer of alpha and beta subunits, causes inherited propionic acidemia. We have studied, at the molecular level, PCC in 54 patients from 48 families comprised of 96 independent alleles. These patients of various ethnic backgrounds came from research centers and hospitals in Germany, Austria and Switzerland. The thorough clinical characterization of these patients was described in the accompanying paper (Grünert et al. 2012). In all 54 patients, many of whom originated from consanguineous families, the entire PCCB gene was examined by genomic DNA sequencing and in 39 individuals the PCCA gene was also studied. In three patients we found mutations in both PCC genes. In addition, in many patients RT‐PCR analysis of lymphoblast RNA, lymphoblast enzyme assays, and expression of new mutations in E.coli were carried out. Eight new and eight previously detected mutations were identified in the PCCA gene while 15 new and 13 previously detected mutations were found in the PCCB gene. One missense mutation, p.V288I in the PCCB gene, when expressed in E.coli, yielded 134% of control activity and was consequently classified as a polymorphism in the coding region. Numerous new intronic polymorphisms in both PCC genes were identified. This study adds a considerable amount of new molecular data to the studies of this disease.
Health benefits and health claims of probiotics: bridging science and marketing
Authors: Rijkers Ger T. , de Vos Willem M. , Brummer Robert-Jan , Morelli Lorenzo , Corthier Gerard , Marteau Philippe
Published: October 2011

Health claims for probiotics are evaluated by the Panel on Dietetic Products, Nutrition and Allergies of the European Food Safety Authority. Despite a substantial amount of basic and clinical research on the beneficial effects of probiotics, all of the evaluated claim applications thus far have received a negative opinion. With the restrictions on the use of clinical endpoints, validated biomarkers for gut health and immune health in relation to reduction in disease risk are needed. Clear-cut criteria for design as well as evaluation of future studies are needed. An open dialogue between basic and clinical scientists, regulatory authorities, food and nutrition industry, and consumers could bridge the gap between science and marketing of probiotics.
Population genetics of the wheat curl mite (Aceria tosichellaKeifer) in Australia: implications for the management of wheat pathogens
Authors: Miller A.D. , Umina P.A. , Weeks A.R. , Hoffmann A.A.
Published: October 2011

The wheat curl mite (WCM),Aceria tosichellaKeifer, is a polyphagous eriophyoid mite and the primary vector of wheat streak mosaic virus (WSMV) and five other viral pathogens in cereals. Previous research using molecular markers and a series of laboratory experiments foundA. tosichellain Australia to consist of two genetically distinct lineages, which have broad overlapping distributions and differ in their ability to transmit WSMV under controlled conditions. This pattern of transmission also appears to be apparent in the field, whereby a strong association between WSMV detection and a single WCM lineage has been detected. In this study, we conduct a population genetic analysis and provide information on the genetic structure of the Australian viruliferous WCM lineage. We assessed genetic differentiation of 16 WCM populations using nine microsatellite markers. Strong evidence for extensive gene flow and low genetic structuring throughout the Australian wheatbelt was evident, with an exception for Western Australian and far north Queensland populations that appear to be genetically isolated. The data also indicate genetic patterns consistent with an arrhenotokous parthenogenetic mode of reproduction. Implications of these findings are discussed with reference to the management of WCM and associated cereal pathogens in Australia and overseas.
Influence of various host plants on the consumption and utilization of food byPieris brassicae(Linn.)
Authors: Ansari M.S. , Hasan F. , Ahmad N.
Published: October 2011

Pieris brassicae(Linn.) is a destructive cosmopolitan pest of cruciferous crops. It is present wherever its host plants occur, and it is considered to be one of the most widely distributed of all the Lepidoptera. We investigated the affect of various host plants on the food consumption and utilization byP. brassicae. We quantified consumption of food, larval duration, pupal duration and weight on cabbage (Brassica oleraceavar.capitata), cauliflower (Brassica oleraceavar.botrytis), radish (Raphanus sativus), broccoli (Brassica oleraceavar.italica) and mustard (Brassica campestris) under laboratory conditions. Insect-host relationships can be better understood by knowing the rate of food consumption, its digestibility and conversion of food eaten to body tissue. The consumption of food generally increased with the advancement of larval age. In our study we found that consumption of food was highest on radish and lowest on broccoli. The highest consumption of a particular host does not always indicate greater suitability of that host, until and unless other factors like consumption index (CI), relative growth rate (RGR), efficiency of conversion of ingested food (ECI), approximate digestibility (AD) and efficiency of conversion of digested food (ECD) are also considered. In the current investigation, factors like CI, RGR, ECI and ECD were highest on cabbage. Low body weight of pupa is associated with rapid development. On cabbage, the weight of pupa of both sexes was found lowest. Thus, from the present study, it can be concluded that cabbage is a more suitable host forP. brassicaethan other host plants evaluated. Hence, on cabbage, the values of Waldbauer indices were highest andP. brassicaedeveloped with a faster rate.
Transfer of transgenes for resistance to rice tungro disease into high-yielding rice cultivars through gene-based marker-assisted selection
Authors: ROY S. , BANERJEE A. , TARAFDAR J. , SENAPATI B. K. , DASGUPTA I.
Published: October 2011

Rice tungro disease (RTD), caused by the simultaneous infection of rice tungro bacilliform virus (RTBV) and rice tungro spherical virus (RTSV), is one of the major threats to sustainable rice production in South and Southeast Asia. Transgenic resistance against RTBV has been reported previously using an RNA interference (RNAi) construct (ORF IV of RTBV, placed both in sense and anti-sense orientation under CaMV 35S promoter), in the scented rice line Pusa Basmati-1 (PB-1). This construct was transferred to two high-yielding tungro-susceptible indica rice cultivars (IET4094 and IET4786) from the transgenic PB-1 rice line using back cross breeding till the BC2F3 stage. On challenge inoculation, the progenies (BC2F1) showed mild symptoms of tungro, in contrast to severe symptoms displayed by the recurrent parents. Segregation of the transgene indicated near homozygosity of the plants at the BC2F3 stage, implying that the lines can be used as a valuable resistance source for further breeding against RTD.
SPATIAL ANALYSIS OF THE APTITUDE TO LATE MATERNITY ON THE ISLAND OF SARDINIA
Authors: TENTONI STEFANIA , LISA ANTONELLA , FIORANI ORNELLA , LIPSI ROSA MARIA , CASELLI GRAZIELLA , ASTOLFI PAOLA
Published: October 2011

This study examines local heterogeneity in the aptitude of Sardinian mothers towards late reproduction, and explores its temporal persistence and association with both post-reproductive longevity and propensity to consanguineous marriage. Data on women's fertility from 1961 and birth records for 1980–1996 from Vital Statistics were analysed by means of the following indicators: the incidence of old mothers at last childbirth, female mortality (1980–2001) at 80 years of age and over and the proportion of consanguineous marriages (1930–1969). A variable kernel-smoothing method was used to create interpretable representations of the true spatial structure of the indicators, and to highlight areas of higher than expected intensity. In particular, an area of reproductive and post-reproductive longevity was identified where the traits combine with a higher tendency to relatedness. Intriguingly, this area corresponds approximately to the geographically and historically well defined central-eastern zone, which was the refuge of Sardinians during past invasions, and overlaps the Ogliastra region, which has been widely studied for its genetic homogeneity.
Vitamins and neural and cognitive developmental outcomes in children
Authors: Benton David
Published: October 2011

The role of vitamin status in the development of the brain and the subsequent functioning of the brain was considered. There are data with a range of vitamins, from animal studies and human studies in developing countries, suggesting that a clinical deficiency during the critical period when the brain is developing causes permanent damage. To date there is, however, with the exception of cases of clinical deficiency such as those that might be associated with a vegan diet, little evidence that variations in the diet of those living in industrialised countries have a lasting developmental influence. Similarly, later in life clinical deficiencies of various vitamins disrupt cognition although there is to date limited evidence that variations in the intake of single vitamins in industrialised societies influence functioning. It may well be, however, unreasonable to expect that vitamins examined in isolation will be associated with differences in cognitive functioning. The output of the brain reflects millions of metabolic processes, each potentially susceptible to any of a range of vitamins. A diet poor in one respect is likely to be poor in other respects as well. As such, the preliminary reports in double-blind placebo-controlled trials that aspects of cognition and behaviour respond to supplementation with multi-micronutrients may indicate the way forward.
Volume increases in putamen associated with positive symptom reduction in previously drug-naive schizophrenia after 6 weeks antipsychotic treatment
Authors: Li M. , Chen Z. , Deng W. , He Z. , Wang Q. , Jiang L. , Ma X. , Wang Y. , Chua S. E. , Cheung C. , McAlonan G. M. , Sham P. C. , Collier D. A. , Gong Q. , Li T.
Published: October 2011

Background

Brain structure appears to alter after antipsychotic administration, but it is unknown whether these alterations are associated with improvement of psychopathology in patients with schizophrenia. In this study, the authors explore this relationship.

Method

Altogether, 66 first-episode, drug-naive patients with schizophrenia and 23 well-matched healthy controls underwent brain magnetic resonance imaging scans at baseline. All 23 healthy controls and 42 of the patients were rescanned after 6 weeks follow-up. The patients received regular antipsychotic treatment during the 6-week period and their psychopathology was assessed using the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) at baseline and 6 weeks. The difference in PANSS scores between baseline and 6 weeks was expressed as a ratio of the scores at baseline – ‘PANSS reduction ratio’. A modified tensor-based morphometry procedure was applied to analyse longitudinal images. Correlations between regional volume changes, PANSS reduction ratio and antipsychotic drug dosages were explored.

Results

Compared with healthy controls, there was a significant increase in grey-matter volume of the right putamen in patients after 6 weeks treatment. This volume change was positively correlated with a positive PANSS reduction score but not related to drug dosages.

Conclusions

Putaminal volume increased after 6 weeks antipsychotic treatment in first-episode schizophrenia. The increased volume was closely correlated with improved psychopathology, suggesting the putamen might be a biomarker to predict the treatment response in schizophrenia.
Alexander the Great and the History of Globalization
Authors: Liebert Hugh
Published: October 2011

Alexander the Great is often understood to be the first statesman to attempt a “universal state,” owing in large part to his philosophical education under Aristotle. This picture of Alexander informs many of his depictions in popular culture, and influences his appropriation in contemporary discourse on globalization. I argue here that Plutarch'sLife of Alexanderoffers an alternative view of Alexander's political action, one that explains his imperial ambitions by focusing on his love of honor (philotimia) and the cultural indeterminacy of his native Macedon, rather than his exposure to philosophy. Plutarch's portrayal of Alexander provides a useful model for the study of globalization by showing how political expansion can arise from and give rise to indeterminate political identities.