bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Feeding different types of cooked white rice to piglets after weaning influences starch digestion, digesta and fermentation characteristics and the faecal shedding of β-haemolyticEscherichia coli
Authors: Pluske John R. , Montagne Lucile , Cavaney Fiona S. , Mullan Bruce P. , Pethick David W. , Hampson David J.
Published: February 2007

Forty-eight, 21-d-old pigs were used to examine the effects of different types of cooked white rice on starch digestion, digesta and fermentation characteristics, shedding of β-haemolyticEscherichia coliand performance after weaning. Pigs received one of three rice-based diets: (i) medium-grainAmaroo(AM), (ii) long-grainDoongara(DOON), and (iii) waxy (WAXY). The remainder of the diet consisted predominantly of animal proteins. A fourth diet contained mainly wheat, barley and lupins (WBL). On days 1, 3, 7 and 9 after weaning, a faecal swab was taken for assessment of β-haemolyticE. coliand faecal consistency. Apparent digestibility of starch measured in the ileum 14 d after weaning was highest (P = 0·004) in AM and WAXY and lowest, but the same (P>0·05), in DOON and WBL. Starch digestibility in the rectum was highest in all rice diets (P < 0·001). Digesta viscosity was highest in pigs fed WBL in both the ileum (P < 0·001) and caecum (P = 0·027). Pigs fed rice generally had lighter (P < 0·05) gastrointestinal organs than pigs fed WBL. Performance of pigs was similar for all treatments; however, pigs fed rice-based diets had a higher (P < 0·001) carcass percentage than pigs fed WBL. Pigs fed WBL produced more acid (P < 0·05) but had lower molar proportions of acetate (P < 0·05), isobutyrate (P < 0·01) and isovalerate (P < 0·001) and a higher molar proportion of butyrate (P < 0·01) in the large intestine than pigs fed rice. Shedding ofE. coliwas low; however, pigs fed AM and WBL shed lessE. colithan pigs fed other diets.
Contrasting performances of generalist and specialistMyzus persicae(Hemiptera: Aphididae) reveal differential prevalence of maternal effects after host transfer
Authors: Olivares-Donoso R. , Troncoso A.J. , Tapia D.H. , Aguilera-Olivares D. , Niemeyer H.M.
Published: February 2007

Transgenerational maternal effects on performance (rm) after host transfer were evaluated in the generalist aphidMyzus persicaes.s., and in its subspecies specialized on tobacco,M. persicae nicotianaeBlackman. We tested whether the performance of these taxa, when reared separately on optimal and suboptimal hosts (as sources of different maternal background) and then transferred to optimal hosts, experienced variations along four successive generations. Additionally, to compare the tolerance of both taxa to stress following host transfers, developmental instability (fluctuating asymmetry and body abnormalities) along the four generations was assessed. Taxon, rearing host, and generation affected the performance after host transfer. In the generalist, there was a significant improvement ofrmalong generations when transferred from suboptimal to optimal host and a significant decrease when transferred from optimal to optimal host; in the specialist, no increase or decrease occurred in any host transfer treatment. Transfer from suboptimal to optimal hosts caused higher losses of remaining replicates along generations than transfers from optimal to optimal hosts, and the specialist showed higher losses than the generalist. The only significant effect detected in comparisons involving fluctuating asymmetry values was that of taxon on length of siphunculi. Frequency of body abnormalities was not affected by treatments. Collectively, these results show a transgenerational weakening of maternal effects in the generalist but not in the specialist aphid, and suggest that rearing the latter in a suboptimal host causes not easily reversible changes that further give rise to constraints in performance.
Rural household participation in illegal timber felling in a protected area of West Sumatra, Indonesia
Authors: YONARIZA  , WEBB EDWARD L.
Published: February 2007

Illegal logging is a threat to tropical forests in protected areas, yet the factors motivating it need to be better understood. Here, rural household participation in timber felling in the Barisan I Nature Reserve (West Sumatra) was described, the household contextual factors relating to this participation analysed and the importance of these activities to the household income assessed. Nearly 19% of the sampled households cut or hauled timber in the Reserve, and the demand for cash encouraged participation. Alternative livelihoods such as livestock raising and agroforestry intensification outside the Reserve could reduce the need for timber felling. Knowledge about legal status of the Reserve did not affect the odds of a household engaging in timber harvesting, but greater awareness of the Reserve resulted in lower levels of income from timber. Development policy that seeks to provide livelihood alternatives to timber felling households could reduce dependence on timber and contribute to forest conservation in the Reserve. Moreover, conservation outcomes should improve if control over the protection and enforcement of the Reserve is co-managed between the government and the local communities.
Optimal investment policies for defined benefit pension funds
Authors: SIEGMANN ARJEN
Published: February 2007

This paper analyzes optimal investment policies for pension funds of a defined benefit (DB) type. The nature of a DB fund induces a natural modeling of preferences being of the mean-downside risk type. With compensation for inflation as an explicit goal of a pension fund, a natural reference point for the risk measure is the future (indexed) value of the liabilities. Results are presented for different levels of inflation uncertainty and its correlation with stock returns. The optimal decision rules show increased risk-taking for funding ratios moving away from the discounted value of the reference point. Furthermore, it is shown that the outcomes are comparable with those using a mean-downside deviation criterion. We provide intuition for the results and compare the outcomes with actual investment policies of six large Dutch pension funds.
Diagnostik bei anorektalen Erkrankungen
Authors: Frieling
Published: February 2007

Anorektale Erkrankungen, die häufig zur Stuhlinkontinenz führen, sind häufige Probleme insbesondere älterer Menschen. Direkte Risikofaktoren sind ein höheres Alter, weibliches Geschlecht und eine Komorbidität mit Reduktion des allgemeinen Gesundheitsstatus und Immobilität. Anorektale Funktionsstörungen stellen somit eine erhebliche sozioökonomische Belastung dar. Die strukturelle und funktionelle Integrität des Anorektums wird überwiegend durch eine Störung mehrerer Komponenten (Muskelintegrität, Innervation, Sensorik, Stuhlbeschaffenheit) beeinträchtigt und führt häufig zu Depressionen und Ängsten mit Verminderung der Lebensqualität. Anorektale Erkrankungen können in der Regel durch einfache Basisuntersuchungen abgeklärt werden. Diese Basisuntersuchungen beinhalten die ausführliche Anamnese mit Stuhltagebuch, die klinische und die endoskopische Untersuchung. Eine weiterführende Funktionsdiagnostik beinhaltet die anorektale Manometrie, das Sphinkter-EMG, die Messung der Pudendus-Nervenleitgeschwindigkeit, das Nadel-EMG, die Barostat-Untersuchung, die Defäkographie und neuerdings die dynamische MRT im offenen Kernspintomographen, durch die ohne Strahlenbelastung zusätzliche Aussagen über die Anatomie und die gesamte Beckenbodenbewegung gewonnen werden können. Die Therapie ist symptomorientiert und sollte multidisziplinär mit Gastroenterologen, Chirurgen, Gynäkologen, Urologen, Physiotherapeuten und Psychologen erfolgen (Ernährungsberatung, Ballaststoffe, Medikamente bei Diarrhoe/Verstopfung, Toilettentraining, Beckenbodengymnastik und Sphinktertraining, Biofeedback). Die Indikation zur chirurgischen Therapie ist zurückhaltend zu stellen und sollte erst nach ausführlicher Diagnostik und Ausschöpfung aller konservativen Möglichkeiten in erfahrenen Zentren erfolgen.
Spectral properties of mesospheric ice clouds: Evidence for nonspherical particles
Authors: Rapp Markus , Thomas Gary E. , Baumgarten Gerd
Published: February 2007

We discuss spectrally resolved measurements of the light scattering by mesospheric ice particles from lidars and satellite‐borne instruments in order to test whether Gaussian particle size distributions predicted by microphysical models are consistent with these observations. This study shows that none of the considered data sets is consistent with this assumption as long as spherical particles are assumed whose scattering properties may be described by Mie scattering theory. In addition, lognormal size distributions fail to explain data sets obtained from the SME and SNOE satellite, again assuming spherical particles described by the Mie theory. However, considering needle‐ or plate‐like spheroid‐shaped particles with Gaussian size distributions, we find that particles with axial ratios of ∼0.2 and/or 5.0 allow us to find a consistent set of ice particle distribution parameters. This parameter set can simultaneously explain all considered observations and is in good agreement with microphysical model results. On the basis of these findings we suggest that nonspherical particle scattering theory be considered for the precise analysis of optical soundings of mesospheric ice particles.
In situ determination of InGaAs and GaAsN composition in multiquantum-well structures
Authors: Reentilä O. , Mattila M. , Sopanen M. , Lipsanen H.
Published: February 2007

Metal-organic vapor phase epitaxial growth of InGaAs/GaAs and GaAsN/GaAs multiquantum-well (MQW) structures was monitored by in situ reflectometry at 635 nm using a normal incidence reflectance setup. The reflectance signal is found to change significantly during both quantum-well (QW) and barrier growth regions. A matrix method is used to calculate the theoretical reflectance curve and comparing the theoretical curves to the measured ones the complex refractive index of the ternary alloys are derived. Consequently, when the behavior of the complex refractive indices of InGaAs and GaAsN is known as a function of composition, the composition of all the QWs in the MQW strucure can be determined in situ.
Local current flow in amorphous and nanocrystalline mixed-phase silicon solar cells
Authors: Yan Baojie , Jiang C.-S. , Teplin C. W. , Moutinho H. R. , Al-Jassim M. M. , Yang Jeffrey , Guha Subhendu
Published: February 2007

Local current flow in amorphous and nanocrystalline mixed-phase n-i-p silicon solar cells is measured using conductive atomic force microscopy (C-AFM) and correlated to the material structure from Raman measurement. The C-AFM images show that the current is very low over the entire surface of the fully amorphous region. High current spikes are observed in the mixed-phase region, where the current spike corresponds to aggregations of nanocrystallites. The size of the nanocrystalline aggregations is on the order of a half micrometer in diameter. The density of the current spike increases from the mixed phase to the heavily nanocrystalline regions. A thick amorphous silicon buffer layer inserted between the p and i layers significantly reduced the magnitude of the current spike. The C-AFM measurements suggest that the mixed-phase cells can be considered as a two-phase parallel-connected diode structure, consistent with our previously proposed model.
m
-plane GaN layers grown by rf-plasma assisted molecular beam epitaxy with varying Ga∕N flux ratios on m-plane 4H-SiC substrates
Authors: Armitage R. , Horita M. , Suda J. , Kimoto T.
Published: February 2007

A series of m-plane GaN layers with the Ga beam-equivalent pressure (BEP) as the only varied parameter was grown by rf-plasma assisted molecular beam epitaxy on m-plane 4H-SiC substrates using AlN buffer layers. The smoothest growth surfaces and most complete film coalescence were found for the highest Ga BEP corresponding to the Ga droplet accumulation regime. However, better structural quality as assessed by x-ray rocking curves was observed for growth at a lower Ga BEP value below the droplet limit. The variation of rocking curve widths for planes inclined with respect to the epilayer c axis followed a different trend with Ga BEP than those of reflections parallel to the c axis. The GaN layers were found to exhibit a large residual compressive strain along the a axis.
Effect of thickness on structural, electrical, and optical properties of ZnO: Al films deposited by pulsed laser deposition
Authors: Dong Bin-Zhong , Fang Guo-Jia , Wang Jian-Feng , Guan Wen-Jie , Zhao Xing-Zhong
Published: February 2007

To evaluate the influence of thickness on structural, electrical, and optical properties of ZnO:Al (AZO) films, a set of polycrystalline AZO samples with different thicknesses were deposited by pulsed laser deposition. X-ray diffraction measurement shows that the crystal quality of AZO films was improved with the increase of film thickness. Film surface morphology reveals that a transition of growth mode from vertical growth to lateral growth exists when the films become thicker. The resistivity decrease of AZO films with increase of film thickness owes to the change of carrier concentration for <50nm thick films, and mainly attributes to the raise of Hall mobility when films are thicker. It is found that the optical band gap increases from 3.58to3.90eV when AZO film thickness increases from 15to580nm, however, the optical transmittance of most AZO films is >80% regardless of film thickness in the visible region. The photoluminescence spectra of AZO films can be fitted well by seven emissions, and the emission around 2.82eV can be assigned to N-deep-level related recombination.
Current transport and maximum dielectric strength of atomic-layer-deposited ultrathin Al2O3 on GaAs
Authors: Wu Y. Q. , Lin H. C. , Ye P. D. , Wilk G. D.
Published: February 2007

Current-voltage characteristics have been measured for an ultrathin atomic-layer-deposited Al2O3 on GaAs as a function of film thickness, ambient temperature, and electric field. Current transport measurements indicate direct tunneling for 12–25Å ultrathin films and typical Frenkel-Poole emission for 50–60Å thick films. The maximum dielectric strength, which is of considerable importance for metal-oxide-semiconductor device applications, is studied thoroughly in this letter. The square root of the maximum dielectric strength is found to be roughly reversely proportional to the temperature from 500to300K, and becomes constant below 200K. The enhancement in the dielectric field strength observed from 300to200K for the ultrathin insulating films can be adequately described using classical models.
MIDDLEMEN IN SEARCH EQUILIBRIUM*
Authors: Masters Adrian
Published: February 2007

This article shows how allowing for goods to be divisible at the point of consumption and incorporating productive heterogeneity lead to the emergence of middlemen in an equilibrium search environment. In the baseline model, middlemen are welfare reducing and their number increases as market frictions are reduced. When the model is extended to allow for time taken in production and increasing returns to scale in the market meeting technology, middlemen can be beneficial to society by speeding up the meeting process.
Electromyographic evaluation of implant‐supported prostheses in hemimandibulectomy‐reconstructed patients
Authors: Dellavia Claudia , Romeo Eugenio , Ghisolfi Marco , Chiapasco Matteo , Sforza Chiarella , Ferrario Virgilio F.
Published: February 2007

Objectives: To assess the clinical conditions, patient's satisfaction and functional outcomes in oral neoplasia patients with hemimandibulectomy, bone reconstruction and implant‐supported prosthesis.

Material and methods: Twelve patients after mandibular resection (with and without condyle), reconstruction and successful fixed implant‐supported prosthesis rehabilitation were examined. Patients underwent clinical evaluation and filled in a questionnaire about their satisfaction toward oral functions. Surface electromyography (EMG) of the masticatory muscles was performed during a 15‐s unilateral gum chewing test. EMG potentials were standardized as percentage of a maximum clench on cotton rolls and compared with reference data obtained from 20 healthy subjects.

Results: Excellent clinical and radiological parameters were found. Patients stated a decreased post‐rehabilitation satisfaction toward mastication and phonetics, but an increased attention to oral care. Only patients with condylar resection reported augmented esthetic scores. In both the resected and the remaining sides, chewing frequency was higher in the patients than in the reference group (Wilcoxon's rank‐sum test, P<0.001). Pooled muscle activities (sum of the integrated areas of the EMG potentials over time) were larger in patients than in control subjects, particularly in the non‐operated side (P=0.001). The percentage contribution of working‐side muscular activity in the operated side was similar to reference values, but significantly inferior in the opposite side (P<0.001). The patterns of muscle contraction during unilateral chewing were more variable in the reconstructed patients than in control subjects; the difference was significant only in the non‐operated side (P<0.01).

Conclusion: Post‐rehabilitation median scores of the questionnaire indicated a positive judgment of the treatment. EMG analysis showed that functional recovery in hemimandibulectomy patients was satisfactory, although some alterations were observed in the non‐operated side of mastication.
Commercial aviation in‐flight emergencies and the physician
Authors: Cocks Robert , Liew Michele
Published: February 2007

Commercial aviation in‐flight emergencies are relatively common, so it is likely that a doctor travelling frequently by air will receive a call for help at some stage in their career. These events are stressful, even for experienced physicians. The present paper reviews what is known about the incidence and types of in‐flight emergencies that are likely to be encountered, the international regulations governing medical kits and drugs, and the liability, fitness and indemnity issues facing ‘Good Samaritan’ medical volunteers. The medical and aviation literature was searched, and information was collated from airlines and other sources regarding medical equipment available on board commercial aircraft. Figures for the incidence of significant in‐flight emergencies are approximately 1 per 10–40 000 passengers, with one death occurring per 3–5 million passengers. Medically related diversion of an aircraft following an in‐flight emergency may occur in up to 7–13% of cases, but passenger prescreening, online medical advice and on‐board medical assistance from volunteers reduce this rate. Medical volunteers may find assisting with an in‐flight emergency stressful, but should acknowledge that they play a vital role in successful outcomes. The medico‐legal liability risk is extremely small, and various laws and industry indemnity practices offer additional protection to the volunteer. In addition, cabin crew receive training in a number of emergency skills, including automated defibrillation, and are one of several sources of help available to the medical volunteer, who is not expected to work alone.
Prenatal exposure to a low-protein diet programs disordered regulation of lipid metabolism in the aging rat
Authors: Erhuma Aml , Salter Andrew M. , Sculley Dean V. , Langley-Evans Simon C. , Bennett Andrew J.
Published: February 2007

The nutritional environment encountered during fetal life is strongly implicated as a determinant of lifelong metabolic capacity and risk of disease. Pregnant rats were fed a control or low-protein (LP) diet, targeted to early (LPE), mid-(LPM), or late (LPL) pregnancy, or throughout gestation (LPA). The offspring were studied at 1, 9, and 18 mo of age. All LP-exposed groups had similar plasma triglyceride, cholesterol, glucose, and insulin concentrations to those of controls at 1 and 9 mo of age, but by 18 mo there was evidence of LP-programmed hypertriglyceridemia and insulin resistance. All LP-exposed groups exhibited histological evidence of hepatic steatosis and were found to have two- to threefold more hepatic triglyceride than control animals. These phenotypic changes were accompanied by age-related changes in mRNA and protein expression of the transcription factors SREBP-1c, ChREBP, PPARγ, and PPARα and their respective downstream target genes ACC1, FAS, L-PK, and MCAD. At 9 mo of age, the LP groups exhibited suppression of the SREBP-1c-related lipogenic pathway but between 9 and 18 mo underwent a switch to increased lipogenic capacity with a lower expression of PPARγ and MCAD, consistent with reduced lipid oxidation. The findings indicate that prenatal protein restriction programs development of a metabolic syndrome-like phenotype that develops only with senescence. The data implicate altered expression of SREBP-1c and ChREBP as key mediators of the programmed phenotype, but the basis of the switch in metabolic status that occurred between 9 and 18 mo of age is, as yet, unidentified.
A high-fat, ketogenic diet induces a unique metabolic state in mice
Authors: Kennedy Adam R. , Pissios Pavlos , Otu Hasan , Xue Bingzhong , Asakura Kenji , Furukawa Noburu , Marino Frank E. , Liu Fen-Fen , Kahn Barbara B. , Libermann Towia A. , Maratos-Flier Eleftheria
Published: February 2007

Ketogenic diets have been used as an approach to weight loss on the basis of the theoretical advantage of a low-carbohydrate, high-fat diet. To evaluate the physiological and metabolic effects of such diets on weight we studied mice consuming a very-low-carbohydrate, ketogenic diet (KD). This diet had profound effects on energy balance and gene expression. C57BL/6 mice animals were fed one of four diets: KD; a commonly used obesogenic high-fat, high-sucrose diet (HF); 66% caloric restriction (CR); and control chow (C). Mice on KD ate the same calories as mice on C and HF, but weight dropped and stabilized at 85% initial weight, similar to CR. This was consistent with increased energy expenditure seen in animals fed KD vs. those on C and CR. Microarray analysis of liver showed a unique pattern of gene expression in KD, with increased expression of genes in fatty acid oxidation pathways and reduction in lipid synthesis pathways. Animals made obese on HF and transitioned to KD lost all excess body weight, improved glucose tolerance, and increased energy expenditure. Analysis of key genes showed similar changes as those seen in lean animals placed directly on KD. Additionally, AMP kinase activity was increased, with a corresponding decrease in ACC activity. These data indicate that KD induces a unique metabolic state congruous with weight loss.
Loss of cochlear HCO3−secretion causes deafness via endolymphatic acidification and inhibition of Ca2+reabsorption in a Pendred syndrome mouse model
Authors: Wangemann Philine , Nakaya Kazuhiro , Wu Tao , Maganti Rajanikanth J. , Itza Erin M. , Sanneman Joel D. , Harbidge Donald G. , Billings Sara , Marcus Daniel C.
Published: February 2007

Pendred syndrome, characterized by childhood deafness and postpuberty goiter, is caused by mutations of SLC26A4, which codes for the anion exchanger pendrin. The goal of the present study was to determine how loss of pendrin leads to hair cell degeneration and deafness. We evaluated pendrin function by ratiometric microfluorometry, hearing by auditory brain stem recordings, and expression of K+and Ca2+channels by confocal immunohistochemistry. Cochlear pH and Ca2+concentrations and endocochlear potential (EP) were measured with double-barreled ion-selective microelectrodes. Pendrin in the cochlea was characterized as a formate-permeable and DIDS-sensitive anion exchanger that is likely to mediate HCO3−secretion into endolymph. Hence endolymph in Slc26a4+/−mice was more alkaline than perilymph, and the loss of pendrin in Slc26a4−/−mice led to an acidification of endolymph. The stria vascularis of Slc26a4−/−mice expressed the K+channel Kcnj10 and generated a small endocochlear potential before the normal onset of hearing at postnatal day 12. This small potential and the expression of Kcnj10 were lost during further development, and Slc26a4−/−mice did not acquire hearing. Endolymphatic acidification may be responsible for inhibition of Ca2+reabsorption from endolymph via the acid-sensitive epithelial Ca2+channels Trpv5 and Trpv6. Hence the endolymphatic Ca2+concentration was found elevated in Slc26a4−/−mice. This elevation may inhibit sensory transduction necessary for hearing and promote the degeneration of the sensory hair cells. Degeneration of the hair cells closes a window of opportunity to restore the normal development of hearing in Slc26a4−/−mice and possibly human patients suffering from Pendred syndrome.
Effects of Maternal Age and Cohort of Birth on Incidence Time Trends of Childhood Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia
Authors: Maule Milena M. , Merletti Franco , Pastore Guido , Magnani Corrado , Richiardi Lorenzo
Published: February 2007

Several studies report increasing trends in the incidence of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Because ALL may generate in utero, this study investigated if maternal age and birth cohort influence ALL temporal trends. Data on 252 ALL cases in children ages 1 to 5 years were extracted from the population-based Childhood Cancer Registry of Piedmont, Italy. Information on cases' maternal age and year of birth was obtained from the registry, whereas population data were obtained for children born in 1980 to 1997. Incidence rates were analyzed using an age-period-cohort approach, in which the period effect was represented by the child year of birth, the age effect by the maternal age at the time of delivery, and the cohort effect by the maternal birth cohort. ALL incidence increased over the study period [annual percentage change 2.49%; 95% confidence interval (95% CI), 0.09-4.93]. A linear effect of the maternal time variables (P = 0.012) was found, which was equally described by maternal age (direct association) and maternal birth cohort (inverse association). The annual percentage change was 1.83% (95% CI, −0.59-4.31), when maternal age was included in the model, and 5.72% (95% CI, 2.29-9.27), when maternal year of birth was included. In conclusion, maternal characteristics substantially affect temporal trends in childhood ALL incidence. (Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2007;16(2):347–51)
Pooling of Case Specimens to Create Standard Serum Sets for Screening Cancer Biomarkers
Authors: Skates Steven J. , Horick Nora K. , Moy Joseph M. , Minihan Anna M. , Seiden Michael V. , Marks Jeffrey R. , Sluss Patrick , Cramer Daniel W.
Published: February 2007

Background: Multiple identical sets of sera from cancer cases and controls would facilitate standardized testing of biomarkers. We describe the creation and use of standard serum sets developed from healthy donors and pooled sera from ovarian, breast, and endometrial cancer cases.

Methods: Two hundred seventy-five 0.3-mL aliquots of sera were created for each of the 95 healthy women, and residual serum was pooled to create 275 identical sets of 20 0.3-mL aliquots. Aliquots (1.0-1.5 mL) from 441 women were combined to create 12 breast and pelvic disease pools with at least 115 0.3-mL aliquots. Sets were assembled to contain aliquots from individual controls, replicates, and disease pools. Cancer antigens (CA), CA 125, CA 19.9, and CA 15.3, and carcinoembryonic antigen were measured in one set and in 217 women comprising six of the pelvic disease pools. Use of a set was illustrated for mesothelin (soluble mesothelin-related protein). Statistical output included concentration differences between pooled cases and controls (z values for single analytes; Mahalanobis distances for pairs), correlation between z values and sensitivities, coefficient of variations, and standardized biases.

Results: Marker concentrations in the six pelvic disease pools were generally within 0.25 SD of the actual average, and z values correlated well with sensitivities. CA 125 remains the best single marker for nonmucinous ovarian cancer, complemented by CA 15.3 or soluble mesothelin-related protein. There is no comparable breast cancer biomarker among the current analytes tested.

Conclusion: The potential value of standard serum sets for initial assessment of candidate biomarkers is illustrated. Sets are now available through the Early Detection Research Network to evaluate biomarkers for women's cancers. (Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2007;16(2):334–41)
Role of Physical Activity in Modulating Breast Cancer Risk as Defined byAPCandRASSF1APromoter Hypermethylation in Nonmalignant Breast Tissue
Authors: Coyle Yvonne M. , Xie Xian-Jin , Lewis Cheryl M. , Bu Dawei , Milchgrub Sara , Euhus David M.
Published: February 2007

Physical activity reduces breast cancer risk. Promoter hypermethylation of the tumor suppressor genes APC and RASSF1A, which is potentially reversible, is associated with breast cancer risk. We conducted a cross-sectional study in 45 women without breast cancer to determine the association of physical activity with promoter hypermethylation of APC and RASSF1A in breast tissue. We used quantitative methylation-specific PCR to test the methylation status of APC and RASSF1A, and questionnaires to assess study covariates and physical activity (measured in metabolic equivalent hours per week). In univariate analyses, the study covariate, benign breast biopsy number, was positively associated with promoter hypermethylation of APC (P = 0.01) but not RASSF1A. Mulitvariate logistic regression indicated that, although not significant, physical activities for a lifetime [odds ratio (OR), 0.57; 95% confidence interval (95% CI), 0.22-1.45; P = 0.24], previous 5 years (OR, 0.62; 95% CI, 0.34-1.12; P = 0.11), and previous year (OR, 0.72; 95% CI, 0.43-1.22; P = 0.22) were inversely related to promoter hypermethylation of APC but not RASSF1A for all physical activity measures. Univariate logistic regression indicated that physical activities for a lifetime, previous 5 years, and previous year were inversely associated with benign breast biopsy number, and these results were approaching significance for lifetime physical activity (OR, 0.41; 95% CI, 0.16-1.01; P = 0.05) and significant for physical activity in the previous 5 years (OR, 0.57; 95% CI, 0.34-0.94; P = 0.03). The study provides indirect evidence supporting the hypothesis that physical activity is inversely associated with promoter hypermethylation of tumor suppressor genes, such as APC, in nonmalignant breast tissue. (Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2007;16(2):192–6)
Diabetes and Risk of Endometrial Cancer: A Population-Based Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Friberg Emilie , Mantzoros Christos S. , Wolk Alicja
Published: February 2007

Although there is accumulating evidence that hyperinsulinemia in the context of insulin resistance is associated with carcinogenesis, only one prospective study of endometrial cancer incidence, in relation to diabetes, addressed this issue and showed no significant positive association. No previous study has investigated whether physical activity can modify the association between diabetes and endometrial cancer. We examined the association between diabetes and incidence of endometrial cancer and the potential effect modification by obesity and physical activity in the Swedish Mammography Cohort, a prospective cohort of 36,773 women, including 225 incident endometrial adenocarcinoma cases. After adjustments, the relative risk (RR) for endometrial cancer among women with diabetes comparing with nondiabetic women was 1.94 [95% confidence interval (95% CI), 1.23-3.08]. Among obese diabetics, the RR was 6.39 (95% CI, 3.28-12.06) compared with nonobese nondiabetic women. Among diabetics with low physical activity, the RR for endometrial cancer was 2.80 (95% CI, 1.62-4.85) compared with physically active nondiabetic women. Obese diabetics with low physical activity had a RR of 9.61 (95% CI, 4.66-19.83) compared with normal weight nondiabetic women with high physical activity. Diabetes was associated with a 2-fold increased risk, and combination of diabetes with obesity and low physical activity was associated with a further increased risk for endometrial cancer. Interventions to reduce body weight and increase physical activity may have important implications in terms of prevention of endometrial cancer and future management of diabetic subjects. (Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2007;16(2):268–72)
Dietary Folate Intake,MTHFRGenetic Polymorphisms, and the Risk of Endometrial Cancer among Chinese Women
Authors: Xu Wang-Hong , Shrubsole Martha J. , Xiang Yong-Bing , Cai Qiuyin , Zhao Gen-ming , Ruan Zhi-xian , Cheng Jia-rong , Zheng Wei , Shu Xiao Ou
Published: February 2007

Folate plays an important role in carcinogenesis. The enzyme 5,10-methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR), encoded by the MTHFR gene, is involved in this process. We investigated both the independent and joint effects of dietary folate and other methyl-related nutrients, as well as three polymorphisms of MTHFR (677C>T, 1298A>C, and 1793G>A), on endometrial cancer risk in a population-based case-control study. Between 1997 and 2003, 1,204 newly diagnosed endometrial cancer cases and 1,212 controls were recruited among women between the ages of 30 and 69 years in urban Shanghai, China. Information on dietary intake of folate and other methyl-related nutrients, including vitamin B2 (riboflavin), vitamin B6, vitamin B12, and methionine, was derived from a validated food frequency questionnaire. Genotyping was completed on 1,041 cases and 1,030 controls for MTHFR 677C>T (rs1801133), 1298A>C (rs1801131), and 1793 G>A (rs22749746). Haplotype estimation of the three single-nucleotide polymorphisms was performed using PHASE software. Odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were calculated to evaluate associations of nutrients, MTHFR genotypes, and haplotypes with endometrial cancer risk. A significant inverse association between dietary folate intake and endometrial cancer risk was observed among all subjects and non–B vitamin supplement users. The greatest reduction in endometrial cancer risk was observed among non-users of supplements in the highest quartile of dietary folate intake (OR, 0.5; 95% CI, 0.4-0.7) as compared with those in the lowest quartile. Dietary intake of folate cofactors (methionine, vitamin B2, vitamin B6, and vitamin B12) was not related to risk of endometrial cancer. No association was observed between endometrial cancer and the MTHFR 677C>T, 1298 A>C, and 1793G>A polymorphisms or derived haplotypes. Among non-users of supplements, however, the 1298C and 1793A alleles were associated with a lower risk of endometrial cancer among women with high dietary folate intake but related to a higher risk among those with low dietary folate intake (Pinteraction = 0.08 and 0.03, respectively). Further analysis showed that the lowest risk (OR, 0.6; 95% CI, 0.4-1.1) was among women with the 1298C allele and the highest intake of both folate and riboflavin (Pinteraction = 0.04). A similar association was observed for the 1793A allele (Pinteraction = 0.03). Our findings suggest that folate intake may decrease the risk of endometrial cancer and modify the effect of MTHFR polymorphisms on risk. (Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2007;16(2):281–7)
Retrospective Analysis of Patients with Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura from Eastern Anatolia
Authors: Kaya Emin , Erkurt Mehmet Ali , Aydogdu Ismet , Kuku Irfan , Ozhan Onur , Oner Ramazan Ilyas , Ulutas Ozkan
Published: February 2007

Objective: We evaluated the clinical features and the effects of various treatment modalities on the clinical course in patients diagnosed with idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP). Materials and Methods: Retrospective investigation of the medical records of 168 patients at our center between 1994 and 2005 was done. Results: Of the 168 patients, 115 (68.4%) were women and 53 (31.6%) men. At initial diagnosis, the median age of the patients was 33 years (range: 15–91) and 139 (82.7%) had signs of bleeding. Follow-up was complete in 130 patients and the median follow-up was 27 months (range: 3–132). Initial treatment with either standard or high-dose steroid as first-line therapy was begun in 123 (73.2%) of the 168 patients. Complete remission (CR) was achieved in 56% of the patients. Sixty-one (61) patients who were followed up regularly received second-line therapies. CR was achieved in 45.8% of the patients who received steroids as second-line therapy. Within a median follow-up of 7 months, 27.2% of these patients relapsed. Splenectomy was performed in 26 patients and CR was obtained in 72% of the 25 patients regularly followed up. CR obtained by splenectomy was significantly higher than that obtained by steroids (p < 0.001). The 10-year disease-free survivals in patients who used steroids and who underwent splenectomy were 15 and 61.6%, respectively. Conclusion: Steroid therapy is effective both in the initial and relapse periods. Splenectomy is the treatment of choice for those ITP patients refractory to steroid therapy and younger than 40 years of age.
Genetic Variation in the Renin-Angiotensin System and Response to Endurance Training
Authors: Bae Joon Seol , Kang Byung Yong , Lee Kang Oh , Lee Seung-Taek
Published: February 2007

Objective: To investigate the relationship between genetic variation in the renin-angiotensin system and the effect of 12-week endurance training in Korean women. Materials and Methods: Seventeen women who participated in an endurance training program for 12 weeks were genotyped for the angiotensinogen M235T polymorphism, angiotensin II type 1 receptor A1166C polymorphism, angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) T-3892C polymorphism, and angiotensin II type 2 receptor C3123A polymorphism. The following clinical parameters were measured before and after the endurance training program: blood pressure, body composition, ventilatory response, total cholesterol, triglyceride, and glucose. Results: Of the genetic markers investigated, the frequency of the T allele for the ACE T-3892C polymorphism was significantly associated with the response in body mass index and VO2max after 12 weeks of endurance training (p< 0.05). None of the other polymorphisms were significantly associated with the effect of training. Conclusion: The significant association between ACE T-3892C and the change in body mass index and VO2max in Korean women are attributed to training, suggesting that this genetic variation is a useful genetic marker for clarifying the interindividual response to endurance training.
Primary Omental Torsion: Two Case Reports
Authors: Al-Bader Ibtisam , Al-Said Ali Ali , Al-Sharraf Khalid , Behbehani Abdulla
Published: February 2007

Objective: To describe two cases of primary omental torsion as an uncommon cause of abdominal pain. Clinical Presentation and Intervention: Two female patients presented to our surgical service with right-sided abdominal pain. In view of their clinical presentation and workup, both patients required operative intervention. At laparotomy, the cause of the pain was recognized to be due to infarcted omentum secondary to torsion. Both patients underwent omentectomy and appendectomy and had an uneventful recovery. Conclusion: Primary torsion of the omentum is difficult to diagnose preoperatively; this condition is usually detected during surgical exploration for acute abdominal pain.
Raloxifene and ICI182,780 Increase Estrogen Receptor-α Association with a Nuclear Compartment via Overlapping Sets of Hydrophobic Amino Acids in Activation Function 2 Helix 12
Authors: Lupien Mathieu , Jeyakumar M. , Hébert Elise , Hilmi Khalid , Cotnoir-White David , Loch Caroline , Auger Anick , Dayan Guila , Pinard Geneviève-Anne , Wurtz Jean-Marie , Moras Dino , Katzenellenbogen John , Mader Sylvie
Published: February 2007

The basis for the differential repressive effects of antiestrogens on transactivation by estrogen receptor-α (ERα) remains incompletely understood. Here, we show that the full antiestrogen ICI182,780 and, to a lesser extent, the selective ER modulator raloxifene (Ral), induce accumulation of exogenous ERα in a poorly soluble fraction in transiently transfected HepG2 or stably transfected MDA-MB231 cells and of endogenous receptor in MCF7 cells. ERα remained nuclear in HepG2 cells treated with either compound. Replacement of selected hydrophobic residues of ERα ligand-binding domain helix 12 (H12) enhanced receptor solubility in the presence of ICI182,780 or Ral. These mutations also increased transcriptional activity with Ral or ICI182,780 on reporter genes or on the endogenous estrogen target gene TFF1 in a manner requiring the integrity of the N-terminal AF-1 domain. The antiestrogen-specific effects of single mutations suggest that they affect receptor function by mechanisms other than a simple decrease in hydrophobicity of H12, possibly due to relief from local steric hindrance between these residues and the antiestrogen side chains. Fluorescence anisotropy experiments indicated an enhanced regional stabilization of mutant ligand-binding domains in the presence of antiestrogens. H12 mutations also prevent the increase in bioluminescence resonance energy transfer between ERα monomers induced by Ral or ICI182,780 and increase intranuclear receptor mobility in correlation with transcriptional activity in the presence of these antiestrogens. Our data indicate that ICI182,780 and Ral locally alter the ERα ligand binding structure via specific hydrophobic residues of H12 and decrease its transcriptional activity through tighter association with an insoluble nuclear structure.
Erv14 family cargo receptors are necessary for ER exit during sporulation inSaccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Nakanishi Hideki , Suda Yasuyuki , Neiman Aaron M.
Published: February 2007

Sporulation of Saccharomyces cerevisiae is a developmental process in which four haploid spores are created within a single mother cell. During this process, the prospore membrane is generated de novo on the spindle pole body, elongates along the nuclear envelope and engulfs the nucleus. By screening previously identified sporulation-defective mutants, we identified additional genes required for prospore membrane formation. Deletion of either ERV14, which encodes a COPII cargo receptor, or the meiotically induced SMA2 gene resulted in misshapen prospore membranes. Sma2p is a predicted integral membrane that localized to the prospore membrane in wild-type cells but was retained in the ER in erv14 cells, suggesting that the prospore membrane morphology defect of erv14 cells is due to mislocalization of Sma2p. Overexpression of the ERV14 paralog ERV15 largely suppressed the sporulation defect in erv14 cells. Although deletion of ERV15 alone had no phenotype, erv14 erv15 double mutants displayed a complete block of prospore membrane formation. Plasma membrane proteins, including the t-SNARE Sso1p, accumulated in the ER upon transfer of the double mutant cells to sporulation medium. These results reveal a developmentally regulated change in the requirements for ER export in S. cerevisiae.
Early Changes in KCC2 Phosphorylation in Response to Neuronal Stress Result in Functional Downregulation
Authors: Wake Hiroaki , Watanabe Miho , Moorhouse Andrew J. , Kanematsu Takashi , Horibe Shoko , Matsukawa Noriyuki , Asai Kiyofumi , Ojika Kosei , Hirata Masato , Nabekura Junichi
Published: February 2007

The K+Cl−cotransporter KCC2 plays an important role in chloride homeostasis and in neuronal responses mediated by ionotropic GABA and glycine receptors. The expression levels of KCC2 in neurons determine whether neurotransmitter responses are inhibitory or excitatory. KCC2 expression is decreased in developing neurons, as well as in response to various models of neuronal injury and epilepsy. We investigated whether there is also direct modulation of KCC2 activity by changes in phosphorylation during such neuronal stressors. We examined tyrosine phosphorylation of KCC2 in rat hippocampal neurons under different conditions ofin vitroneuronal stress and the functional consequences of changes in tyrosine phosphorylation. Oxidative stress (H2O2) and the induction of seizure activity (BDNF) and hyperexcitability (0 Mg2+) resulted in a rapid dephosphorylation of KCC2 that preceded the decreases in KCC2 protein or mRNA expression. Dephosphorylation of KCC2 is correlated with a reduction of transport activity and a decrease in [Cl−]i, as well as a reduction in KCC2 surface expression. Manipulation of KCC2 tyrosine phosphorylation resulted in altered neuronal viability in response toin vitrooxidative stress. During continued neuronal stress, a second phase of functional KCC2 downregulation occurs that corresponds to decreases in KCC2 protein expression levels. We propose that neuronal stress induces a rapid loss of tyrosine phosphorylation of KCC2 that results in translocation of the protein and functional loss of transport activity. Additional understanding of the mechanisms involved may provide means for manipulating the extent of irreversible injury resulting from different neuronal stressors.
Synapse-Associated Protein-97 Mediates α-Secretase ADAM10 Trafficking and Promotes Its Activity
Authors: Marcello Elena , Gardoni Fabrizio , Mauceri Daniela , Romorini Stefano , Jeromin Andreas , Epis Roberta , Borroni Barbara , Cattabeni Flaminio , Sala Carlo , Padovani Alessandro , Di Luca Monica
Published: February 2007

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a chronic neurodegenerative disorder caused by a combination of events impairing normal neuronal function. Here we found a molecular bridge between key elements of primary and secondary pathogenic events in AD, namely the elements of the amyloid cascade and synaptic dysfunction associated with the glutamatergic system. In fact, we report that synapse-associated protein-97 (SAP97), a protein involved in dynamic trafficking of proteins to the excitatory synapse, is responsible for driving ADAM10 (a disintegrin and metalloproteinase 10, the most accredited candidate for α-secretase) to the postsynaptic membrane, by a direct interaction through its Src homology 3 domain. NMDA receptor activation mediates this event and positively modulates α-secretase activity. Furthermore, perturbing ADAM10/SAP97 associationin vivoby cell-permeable peptides impairs ADAM10 localization in postsynaptic membranes and consequently decreases the physiological amyloid precursor protein (APP) metabolism. Our findings indicate that glutamatergic synapse activation through NMDA receptor promotes the non-amyloidogenic APP cleavage, strengthening the correlation between APP metabolism and synaptic plasticity.
K+Channel Facilitation of Exocytosis by Dynamic Interaction with Syntaxin
Authors: Singer-Lahat Dafna , Sheinin Anton , Chikvashvili Dodo , Tsuk Sharon , Greitzer Dafna , Friedrich Reut , Feinshreiber Lori , Ashery Uri , Benveniste Morris , Levitan Edwin S. , Lotan Ilana
Published: February 2007

Kv channels inhibit release indirectly by hyperpolarizing membrane potential, but the significance of Kv channel interaction with the secretory apparatus is not known. The Kv2.1 channel is commonly expressed in the soma and dendrites of neurons, where it could influence the release of neuropeptides and neurotrophins, and in neuroendocrine cells, where it could influence hormone release. Here we show that Kv2.1 channels increase dense-core vesicle (DCV)-mediated release after elevation of cytoplasmic Ca2+. This facilitation occurs even after disruption of pore function and cannot be explained by changes in membrane potential and cytoplasmic Ca2+. However, triggering release increases channel binding to syntaxin, a secretory apparatus protein. Disrupting this interaction with competing peptides or by deleting the syntaxin association domain of the channel at the C terminus blocks facilitation of release. Thus, direct association of Kv2.1 with syntaxin promotes exocytosis. The dual functioning of the Kv channel to influence release, through its pore to hyperpolarize the membrane potential and through its C-terminal association with syntaxin to directly facilitate release, reinforces the requirements for repetitive firing for exocytosis of DCVs in neuroendocrine cells and in dendrites.