bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Redundant roles for inflammasome receptors NLRP3 and NLRC4 in host defense againstSalmonella
Authors: Broz Petr , Newton Kim , Lamkanfi Mohamed , Mariathasan Sanjeev , Dixit Vishva M. , Monack Denise M.
Published: July 2010

Intracellular pathogens and endogenous danger signals in the cytosol engage NOD-like receptors (NLRs), which assemble inflammasome complexes to activate caspase-1 and promote the release of proinflammatory cytokines IL-1β and IL-18. However, the NLRs that respond to microbial pathogens in vivo are poorly defined. We show that the NLRs NLRP3 and NLRC4 both activate caspase-1 in response to Salmonella typhimurium. Responding to distinct bacterial triggers, NLRP3 and NLRC4 recruited ASC and caspase-1 into a single cytoplasmic focus, which served as the site of pro–IL-1β processing. Consistent with an important role for both NLRP3 and NLRC4 in innate immune defense against S. typhimurium, mice lacking both NLRs were markedly more susceptible to infection. These results reveal unexpected redundancy among NLRs in host defense against intracellular pathogens in vivo.
Optical determination and magnetic manipulation of a single nitrogen-vacancy color center in diamond nanocrystal
Authors: Diep Lai Ngoc , Zheng Dingwei , Treussart François , Roch Jean-François
Published: July 2010

The controlled and coherent manipulation of individual quantum systems is fundamental for the development of quantum information processing. The nitrogen-vacancy (NV) color center in diamond is a promising system since its photoluminescence is perfectly stable at room temperature and its electron spin can be optically read out at the individual level. We review here the experiments currently realized in our laboratory concerning the use of a single NV color center as the single photon source and the coherent magnetic manipulation of the electron spin associated with a single NV color center. Furthermore, we demonstrate a nanoscopy experiment based on the saturation absorption effect, which allows to optically pin-point a single NV color center at sub-λ resolution. This offers the possibility to independently address two or multiple magnetically coupled single NV color centers, which is a necessary step towards the realization of a diamond-based quantum computer.
Analytically irreducible polynomials with coefficients in a real-valued field
Authors: Granja A. , Martínez M. , Rodríguez C.
Published: July 2010

In this paper, we show a criterion of analytic irreducibility for polynomials with coefficients in a real-valued field. This generalizes previous criteria of Abhyankar as well as those of Granja.
Fixed points and periodic points of orientation-reversing planar homeomorphisms
Authors: Boroński J.
Published: July 2010

Two results concerning orientation-reversing homeomorphisms of the plane are proved. Let

h
:

R

2

→

R

2

h:\mathbb {R}^2\rightarrow \mathbb {R}^2

be an orientation-reversing planar homeomorphism with a continuum

X
X

invariant (i.e.

h
(
X
)
=
X

h(X)=X

). First, suppose there are at least

n
n

bounded components of

R

2

∖
X

\mathbb {R}^2\setminus X

that are invariant under

h
h

. Then there are at least

n
+
1

n+1

components of the fixed point set of

h
h

in

X
X

. This provides an affirmative answer to a question posed by K. Kuperberg. Second, suppose there is a

k
k

-periodic orbit in

X
X

with

k
>
2

k>2

. Then there is a 2-periodic orbit in

X
X

, or there is a 2-periodic component of

R

2

∖
X

\mathbb {R}^2\setminus X

. The second result is based on a recent result of M. Bonino concerning linked periodic orbits of orientation-reversing homeomorphisms of the 2-sphere

S

2

\mathbb {S}^2

. These results generalize to orientation-reversing homeomorphisms of

S

2

\mathbb {S}^2

.
Cappell-Miller analytic torsion for manifolds with boundary
Authors: Huang Rung-Tzung
Published: July 2010

Inspired by the work of Boris Vertman on refined analytic torsion for manifolds with boundary, in this paper we extend the construction of the Cappell-Miller analytic torsion to manifolds with boundary. We also compare it with the refined analytic torsion on manifolds with boundary. As a byproduct of the gluing formula for refined analytic torsion and the comparison theorem for the Cappell-Miller analytic torsion and the refined analytic torsion, we establish the gluing formula for the Cappell-Miller analytic torsion in the case where the Hermitian metric is flat.
Some remarks on Hartogs’ extension lemma
Authors: Černe Miran , Flores Manuel
Published: July 2010

Motivated by a result and a question by E. M. Chirka we consider the Hartogs’ extension property for some connected sets in

C

2

\mathbb {C}^ 2

of the form

K
=
Σ
∪
(
∂
Δ
×

Δ
¯

)

K=\Sigma \cup (\partial \Delta \times \overline {\Delta })

, where

Σ
\Sigma

is a possibly nonconnected compact subset of

Δ
¯

×

Δ
¯

⊂

C

2

\overline {\Delta }\times \overline {\Delta }\subset \mathbb {C}^ 2

.
Square-mean almost automorphic solutions for some stochastic differential equations
Authors: Fu Miaomiao , Liu Zhenxin
Published: July 2010

The concept of square-mean almost automorphy for stochastic processes is introduced. The existence and uniqueness of square-mean almost automorphic solutions to some linear and non-linear stochastic differential equations are established provided the coefficients satisfy some conditions. The asymptotic stability of the unique square-mean almost automorphic solution in the square-mean sense is discussed.
Poincaré series and the divisors of modular forms
Authors: Choi D.
Published: July 2010

Recently, Bruinier, Kohnen and Ono obtained an explicit description of the action of the theta-operator on meromorphic modular formsffonSL2(Z)SL_2(\mathbb {Z})in terms of the values of modular functions at points in the divisor offf. Using this result, they studied the exponents in the infinite product expansion of a modular form and recurrence relations for Fourier coefficients of a modular form. In this paper, we extend these results to meromorphic modular forms onΓ0(N)\Gamma _0(N)for an arbitrary positive integerN>1N>1.
Arithmetic rigidity
Authors: Raskind Wayne , Stroila Matei
Published: July 2010

We prove an arithmetic analogue of rigidity results of Suslin and Beilinson, and then give some applications to countability of certain motivic cohomology groups of varieties over the complex numbers, assuming a finite generation of these groups for varieties over finitely generated fields.
Instanton homology and the Alexander polynomial
Authors: Lim Yuhan
Published: July 2010

We prove that the instanton knot homology

K
H
I
(
K
)

KHI(K)

as defined by Kronheimer-Mrowka recovers the Alexander polynomial for knots

K
K

in the 3-sphere.
Poincaré duality and Steinberg’s Theorem on rings of coinvariants
Authors: Dwyer W. , Wilkerson C.
Published: July 2010

Let

k
k

be a field,

V
V

an

r
r

-dimensional

k
k

-vector space, and

W
W

a finite subgroup of

A
u
t

k

(
V
)

\mathrm {Aut}_k(V )

. Let

S
=
S
[

V

#

]

S = S[V^{\#}]

be the symmetric algebra on

V
#

V^\#

, the

k
k

-dual of

V
V

, and

R
=

S
W

R = S^W

the ring of invariants under the natural action of

W
W

on

S
S

. Define

P
∗

P_*

to be the quotient algebra

S

⊗
R

k

S\otimes _R k

.

Steinberg has shown that

R
R

is polynomial if

k
k

is the field of complex numbers and the quotient algebra

P
∗

=
S

⊗
R

k

P_* = S\otimes _R k

satisfies Poincaré duality.

In this paper we use elementary methods to prove Steinberg’s result for fields of characteristic

0
0

or of characteristic prime to the order of

W
W

. This gives a new proof even in the characteristic zero case.

Theorem 0.1. If the characteristic of

k
k

is zero or prime to the order of

W
W

and

P
∗

P_*

satisfies Poincaré duality, then

R
R

is isomorphic to a polynomial algebra on

r
r

generators.
Lindelöf’s theorem for hyperbolic catenoids
Authors: Bérard Pierre , Sa Earp Ricardo
Published: July 2010

In this paper, we study the maximal stable domains on minimal and constant mean curvature

1
1

catenoids in hyperbolic space. In particular we investigate whether half-vertical catenoids are maximal stable domains (Lindelöf’s property). Our motivation comes from Lindelöf’s 1870 paper on catenoids in Euclidean space.
Frobenius groups as groups of automorphisms
Authors: Makarenko N. , Shumyatsky Pavel
Published: July 2010

We show that if

G
F
H

GFH

is a double Frobenius group with “upper” complement

H
H

of order

q
q

such that

C
G

(
H
)

C_G(H)

is nilpotent of class

c
c

, then

G
G

is nilpotent of

(
c
,
q
)

(c,q)

-bounded class. This solves a problem posed by Mazurov in the Kourovka Notebook. The proof is based on an analogous result on Lie rings: if a finite Frobenius group

F
H

FH

with kernel

F
F

of prime order and complement

H
H

of order

q
q

acts on a Lie ring

K
K

in such a way that

C
K

(
F
)
=
0

C_K(F)=0

and

C
K

(
H
)

C_K(H)

is nilpotent of class

c
c

, then

K
K

is nilpotent of

(
c
,
q
)

(c,q)

-bounded class.
Proper actions on topological groups: Applications to quotient spaces
Authors: Antonyan Sergey
Published: July 2010

Let

X
X

be a Hausdorff topological group and

G
G

a locally compact subgroup of

X
X

. We show that the natural action of

G
G

on

X
X

is proper in the sense of R. Palais. This is applied to prove that there exists a closed set

F
⊂
X

F\subset X

such that

F
G
=
X

FG=X

and the restriction of the quotient projection

X
→
X

/

G

X\to X/G

to

F
F

is a perfect map

F
→
X

/

G

F\to X/G

. This is a key result to prove that many topological properties (among them, paracompactness and normality) are transferred from

X
X

to

X

/

G

X/G

, and some others are transferred from

X

/

G

X/G

to

X
X

. Yet another application leads to the inequality

d
i
m

X
≤

dim

X

/

G
+

d
i
m

G

\mathrm {dim}\, X\le \textrm {dim}\, X/G + \mathrm {dim}\, G

for every paracompact topological group

X
X

and a locally compact subgroup

G
G

of

X
X

having a compact group of connected components.
A local min-max-orthogonal method for finding multiple solutions to noncooperative elliptic systems
Authors: Chen Xianjin , Zhou Jianxin
Published: July 2010

A local min-max-orthogonal method together with its mathematical justification is developed in this paper to solve noncooperative elliptic systems for multiple solutions in an order. First it is discovered that a noncooperative system has the nature of a zero-sum game. A new local characterization for multiple unstable solutions is then established, under which a stable method for multiple solutions is developed. Numerical experiments for two types of noncooperative systems are carried out to illustrate the new characterization and method. Several important properties for the method are explored or verified. Multiple numerical solutions are found and presented with their profiles and contour plots. As a new bifurcation phenomenon, multiple asymmetric positive solutions to the second type of noncooperative systems are discovered numerically but are still open for mathematical verification.
Nonoverlapping domain decomposition methods with a simple coarse space for elliptic problems
Authors: Hu Qiya , Shu Shi , Wang Junxian
Published: July 2010

We propose a substructuring preconditioner for solving three-dimensional elliptic equations with strongly discontinuous coefficients. The new preconditioner can be viewed as a variant of the classical substructuring preconditioner proposed by Bramble, Pasiack and Schatz (1989), but with much simpler coarse solvers. Though the condition number of the preconditioned system may not have a good bound, we are able to show that the convergence rate of the PCG method with such substructuring preconditioner is nearly optimal, and also robust with respect to the (possibly large) jumps of the coefficient in the elliptic equation.
Convergence analysis for finite element discretizations of the Helmholtz equation with Dirichlet-to-Neumann boundary conditions
Authors: Melenk J. , Sauter S.
Published: July 2010

A rigorous convergence theory for Galerkin methods for a model Helmholtz problem in

R

d

{\mathbb {R}}^{d}

,

d
∈
{
1
,
2
,
3
}

d \in \{1,2,3\}

is presented. General conditions on the approximation properties of the approximation space are stated that ensure quasi-optimality of the method. As an application of the general theory, a full error analysis of the classical

h
p

hp

-version of the finite element method (

h
p

hp

-FEM) is presented for the model problem where the dependence on the mesh width

h
h

, the approximation order

p
p

, and the wave number

k
k

is given explicitly. In particular, it is shown that quasi-optimality is obtained under the conditions that

k
h

/

p

kh/p

is sufficiently small and the polynomial degree

p
p

is at least

O
(
log
⁡
k
)

O(\log k)

.
More on solving systems of power equations
Authors: Wu Yingquan
Published: July 2010

It is known that a system of power equations can be reduced to a single-variable polynomial equation by exploiting the so-called Newton’s identities. In this work, we investigate four new types of power equation systems. In the first two types we allow the powers to be a mix of positive and negative terms, whereas in the literature the system of power equations involves only positive powers. The first type involves only positive signs of powers, whereas the second type expands to involve both positive and negative signs. We present algebraic methods to solve the system and furthermore fully characterize the number of nontrivial solutions. The other two types are defined over finite fields and otherwise are the same as the conventional system of power equations. The methodology for solving the third type can be viewed as a generalization of the Berlekamp algorithm. The solution space of the last system is fully characterized despite the fact that the number of equations is two less than the number of unknowns.
Two-point Taylor expansions and one-dimensional boundary value problems
Authors: López José , Sinusía Ester
Published: July 2010

We consider second-order linear differential equations

φ
(
x
)
y
+
f
(
x
)

y
′

+
g
(
x
)
y
=
h
(
x
)

\varphi (x)y+f(x)y’+g(x)y=h(x)

in the interval

(
−
1
,
1
)

(-1,1)

with Dirichlet, Neumann or mixed Dirichlet-Neumann boundary conditions. We consider

φ
(
x
)

\varphi (x)

,

f
(
x
)

f(x)

,

g
(
x
)

g(x)

and

h
(
x
)

h(x)

analytic in a Cassini disk with foci at

x
=
±
1

x=\pm 1

containing the interval

(
−
1
,
1
)

(-1,1)

. The two-point Taylor expansion of the solution

y
(
x
)

y(x)

at the extreme points

±
1

\pm 1

is used to give a criterion for the existence and uniqueness of solution of the boundary value problem. This method is constructive and provides the two-point Taylor approximation of the solution(s) when it exists.
REVIEW: Developments in Our Understanding of Sorghum Polysaccharides and Their Health Benefits
Authors: Taylor John R. N. , Emmambux M. Naushad
Published: July 2010

The composition and structure of sorghum polysaccharides are remarkably similar to those in maize. Sorghum grain is rich in starch, cellulosic and noncellulosic polysaccharides (mainly glucuronoarabinoxylans [GAX]). Sorghum starch is similar to maize starch in terms of amylopectin, but the amylose may be more branched. This may account for sorghum starch having a generally slightly higher gelatinization temperature. The GAX in sorghum are highly substituted with glucuronic acid and arabinose, but the degree of these substitutions is lower when compared with maize GAX. Sorghum polysaccharides themselves are not sufficiently functional to allow the production of high‐quality baked goods. Sorghum has generally lower starch digestibility than maize. This is primarily due to the endosperm protein matrix, cell wall material, and tannins (if present) inhibiting enzymatic hydrolysis of the starch. Protein disulfide bond cross‐linking involving the kafirin prolamins in the protein matrix around the starch granules seems to be of major importance in reducing starch digestibility. It does not seem that sorghum polysaccharides, per se, have any unique health‐promoting effects. Any health‐promoting effects related to sorghum polysaccharides seem to be due to interactions between the polysaccharides and the endosperm matrix protein and phenolics.
Genomic resources for flatfish research and their applications
Authors: Cerdà J. , Douglas S. , Reith M.
Published: July 2010

Flatfishes are a group of teleosts of high commercial and environmental interest, whose biology is still poorly understood. The recent rapid development of different ‘omic’ technologies is, however, enhancing the knowledge of the complex genetic control underlying different physiological processes of flatfishes. This review describes the different functional genomic approaches and resources currently available for flatfish research and summarizes different areas where microarray‐based gene expression analysis has been applied. The increase in genome sequencing data has also allowed the construction of genetic linkage maps in different flatfish species; these maps are invaluable for investigating genome organization and identifying genetic traits of commercial interest. Despite the significant progress in this field, the genomic resources currently available for flatfish are still scarce. Further intensive research should be carried out to develop larger genomic sequence databases, high‐density microarrays and, more detailed, complete linkage maps, using second‐generation sequencing platforms. These tools will be crucial for further expanding the knowledge of flatfish physiology, and it is predicted that they will have important implications for wild fish population management, improved fish welfare and increased productivity in aquaculture.
Molecular and morphological evidence supports the species status of the Mahachai fighter Betta sp. Mahachai and reveals new species of Betta from Thailand
Authors: Sriwattanarothai N. , Steinke D. , Ruenwongsa P. , Hanner R. , Panijpan B.
Published: July 2010

Two regions of mitochondrial (mt) DNA, cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (COI) and 16S rRNA, were sequenced in nine species of Betta from Thailand and Indonesia. Most species showed little intraspecific COI variation (adjusted mean = 0·48%) including the putative species Betta sp. Mahachai, but one species (Betta smaragdina) included three lineages showing much greater divergence (7·03–13·48%) that probably represent overlooked species. These findings were confirmed by maximum likelihood analysis and Bayesian inference, which revealed well‐supported corresponding monophyletic clades. Based on these results and morphological differences, the putative species Betta sp. Mahachai from central Thailand is a species distinct from other members of the B. splendens group and represents a new and hitherto undescribed species. Furthermore, this study also demonstrated the probable existence of two overlooked Betta species found in the Khorat plateau basin, illustrating the utility of mitochondrial genetic markers in the revelation of overlooked diversity.
Identification of endothelial cell‐specific molecule‐1 as a potential serum marker for colorectal cancer
Authors: Ji Na Young , Kim Young‐Ho , Jang Ye Jin , Kang Yun Hee , Lee Chung Il , Kim Jae Wha , Yeom Young Il , Chun Ho Kyung , Choi Yoon‐Ho , Kim Joo Heon , Kim Jong Wan , Lee Hee Gu , Song Eun Young
Published: July 2010

No ideal serum markers for screening colorectal cancer (CRC) have been identified. The aim of this study was to determine the usefulness of endothelial cell‐specific molecule‐1 (ESM‐1) as a serum marker for CRC. Illumina microarray was carried out to search CRC‐related biomarkers. cDNA microarray detected that ESM‐1 was one of the overexpressed genes in CRC. Overexpression of ESM‐1 mRNA was confirmed in tissues of CRC by RT‐PCR and real‐time PCR. Immunohistochemical staining showed strong expression of ESM‐1 in the cytoplasm of tumor cells. Overexpression of ESM‐1 in human serum with CRC was found by Western blot analysis. For quantitative analysis of ESM‐1 in serum, we determined the ESM‐1 levels in serum specimens using an ELISA kit. We showed that the ESM‐1 levels in the serum of patients with CRC were significantly elevated (70.1 ± 29.7 pg/mL) compared to healthy subjects (29.7 ± 14.9 pg/mL). The accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity of ESM‐1 for CRC were 0.94, 99%, and 73%, respectively, by receiver operating characteristics curve analysis. The positive predictive value and negative predictive value were 63% and 95%, respectively. The likelihood ratios of a positive or negative test result were 73 and 0.27, respectively. When analyzed with a Cox regression model, a higher serum ESM‐1 level (≥76.0 pg/mL) was correlated with poor prognosis. This study suggests that expression of ESM‐1 is increased in tissue and serum of CRC patients and that ESM‐1 can be used as a potential serum marker for the early detection of CRC. (Cancer Sci 2010); 101: xxx–xxx
Chemokine growth‐regulated oncogene 1 as a putative biomarker for gastric cancer progression
Authors: Jung Jae‐Joon , Noh Sewon , Jeung Hei‐Cheul , Jung Minkyu , Kim Tae Soo , Noh Sung Hoon , Roh Jae Kyung , Chung Hyun Cheol , Rha Sun Young
Published: July 2010

Gastric cancer (GC) is a heterogeneous disease that is not well detected by current tumor markers. Identifying molecular markers that can predict the potential for tumor progression is important for appropriate individualized therapy. Using the Cancer Metastasis Research Center microarray database (17K cDNA microarray), we identified genes that were differentially expressed between 96 cancer and 98 normal gastric tissues using significant analysis of microarrays. From these, we selected genes that were overexpressed more than twofold in tumor tissues that encode secreted proteins. The selected genes were validated with ELISA using the sera of 96 GC patients and 48 healthy donors. Our first round of selection included 6510 genes that were differentially expressed between 96 cancer and 98 normal gastric tissues with a minimal false discovery rate of 0.005%. Out of those genes, we picked 386 that encoded secreted proteins based on the SOURCE database. Of these genes, we focused on 55 that were overexpressed more than twofold in GC compared to normal tissues. With Ingenuity Pathway Analysis, we found 34 genes related to cancer. One in particular, chemokine growth‐regulated oncogene 1, CXCL1, has been linked to cancer progression in various cancer types, but not yet to GC. Levels of CXCL1 in serum samples of GC patients were significantly higher compared with healthy donors (P < 0.05). Within GC patients, CXCL1 serum levels increased according to tumor stage and lymph node metastasis. The CXCL1 gene appears to be a candidate marker for GC progression. (Cancer Sci 2010)
Value based pricing, research and development, and patient access schemes. Will the United Kingdom get it right or wrong?
Authors: Towse Adrian
Published: July 2010

The National Health Service (NHS) should reward innovation it values. This will enable the NHS and the United Kingdom (UK) economy to benefit and impact positively on the Research and Development (R&D) decision making of companies. The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) currently seeks to do this on behalf of the NHS. Yet the Office of Fair Trading proposals for Value Based Pricing add price setting powers – initially for the Department of Health (DH) and then for NICE. This introduces an additional substantial uncertainty that will impact on R&D and, conditional on R&D proceeding, on launch (or not) in the UK. Instead of adding to uncertainty the institutional arrangements for assessing value should seek to be predictable and science based, building on NICE's current arrangements. The real challenge is to increase understanding of the underlying cost‐effectiveness of the technology itself by collecting evidence alongside use. The 2009 Pharmaceutical Price Regulation Scheme sought to help do this with Flexible Pricing (FP) and Patient Access Schemes (PASs). The PASs to date have increased access to medicines, but no schemes proposed to date have yet helped to tackle outcomes uncertainty. The 2010 Innovation Pass can also be seen as a form of ‘coverage with evidence development.’ The NHS is understandably concerned about the costs of running such evidence collection schemes. Enabling the NHS to deliver on such schemes will impact favourably on R&D decisions. Increasing the uncertainty in the UK NHS market through government price setting will reduce incentives for R&D and for early UK launch.
CD14, a key candidate gene associated with a specific immune response to cockroach
Authors: Gao P. , Grigoryev D. N. , Rafaels N. M. , Mu D. , Wright J. M. , Cheadle C. , Togias A. , Beaty T. H. , Mathias R. A. , Schroeder J. T. , Barnes K. C.
Published: July 2010

Background
Sensitization to cockroach allergen is one of the strongest predictors of asthma morbidity, especially among African Americans.

Objective
Our aims were to determine the genomic basis of cockroach sensitization and the specific response to cockroach antigen.

Methods
We investigated the Th1/Th2 cytokine profile of co‐cultured plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs) and CD4+ T cells and the ‘transcript signature’ of the immune response to cockroach antigen using high‐throughput expression profiling of co‐cultured cells.

Results
We observed significantly elevated levels of IL‐13, IL‐10, and TNF‐α, but undetectable levels of IL‐12p70 and IFN‐α, when cultures were exposed to crude cockroach antigen. A significant difference was observed for IL‐13 between cockroach‐allergic and non‐allergic individuals (P=0.039). Microarray analyses demonstrated a greater response at 48 h compared with 4 h, with 50 genes being uniquely expressed in cockroach antigen‐treated cells, including CD14, S100A8, CCL8, and IFI44L. The increased CD14 expression was further observed in purified pDCs, human monocytic THP‐1 cells, and the supernatant of co‐cultured pDCs and CD4+ T cells on exposure to cockroach extract. Furthermore, the most differential expression of CD14 between cockroach allergy and non‐cockroach allergy was only observed among individuals with the CC ‘high‐risk’ genotype of the CD14−260C/T. Ingenuity Pathways Analysis analyses suggested the IFN signalling as the most significant canonical pathway.

Conclusion
Our results suggest that these differentially expressed genes, particularly CD14, and genes in the IFN signalling pathway may be important candidates for further investigation of their role in the immune response to cockroach allergen.

Cite this as: P. Gao, D. N. Grigoryev, N. M. Rafaels, D. Mu, J. M. Wright, C. Cheadle, A. Togias, T. H. Beaty, R. A. Mathias, J. T. Schroeder and K. C. Barnes, Clinical & Experimental Allergy, 2010 (40) 1353–1364.
Cow's milk allergy as a predictor of bronchial hyperresponsiveness and airway inflammation at school age
Authors: Malmberg L. P. , Saarinen K. M. , Pelkonen A. S. , Savilahti E. , Mäkelä M. J.
Published: July 2010

Background
Cow's milk allergy (CMA) has been found to be associated with an increased incidence of asthma at school age. However, prospective population‐based studies of CMA and the development of airway inflammation and bronchial hyperresponsivess (BHR) are lacking.

Objective
The aims of this study was to evaluate CMA as a risk factor for BHR and airway inflammation presented later in childhood.

Methods
We followed prospectively 118 children with CMA and invited them to a clinical visit at a mean age of 8.6 years including the measurement of exhaled nitric oxide (FENO) and bronchial challenge with histamine. Ninety‐four patients and 80 control subjects from the same cohort participated.

Results
At school age, children with a history of CMA had higher FENO levels (P=0.0009) and more pronounced responsiveness to histamine (P=0.027) than their controls. Stratified analysis showed a significant difference only in IgE‐positive CMA. Multinomial logistic regression analysis showed that IgE‐positive CMA [odds ratio (OR) 3.51; 95% confidence intervals (CI) 1.56–7.90; P=0.002] and a history of wheeze during the first year of life (OR 2.81; 95% CI 1.16–6.84; P=0.023) were independent explanatory factors for increased FENO, and IgE‐positive CMA (OR 3.37; 95% CI 1.03–10.97; P=0.044) and parental smoking (OR 3.41; 95% CI 1.14–10.22; P=0.028) for increased BHR, whereas for IgE‐negative CMA, no associations with FENO or BHR were found. In the CMA group, those exposed to CM very early at the maternity hospital, had less BHR (P=0.002).

Conclusions
Compared with their controls, children with a history of IgE‐positive CMA show signs of airway inflammation, expressed as higher FENO, and more pronounced bronchial responsiveness to histamine at school age. In contrast to IgE‐negative CMA, IgE‐positive CMA is a significant predictor of increased FENO and BHR at school age. Very early exposure to CM was associated with less BHR.

Cite this as: L. P. Malmberg, K. M. Saarinen, A. S. Pelkonen, E. Savilahti and M. J. Mäkelä, Clinical & Experimental Allergy, 2010 (40) 1491–1497.
The association between the ratio of visceral fat to thigh muscle area and metabolic syndrome: the Korean Sarcopenic Obesity Study (KSOS)
Authors: Lim K. I. , Yang S. J. , Kim T. N. , Yoo H. J. , Kang H. J. , Song W. , Baik S. H. , Choi D. S. , Choi K. M.
Published: July 2010

Objective  A relationship between visceral fat accumulation and metabolic syndrome (MetS) has been established. However, the effect of a relative increase in visceral fat and a decrease in muscle mass on metabolic disorders has not been investigated. The aim of the present study was to examine the association between the ratio of visceral fat to thigh muscle area (VMR) and MetS in Korean adults.

Study subject/measurements  A total of 264 age‐and gender‐matched subjects recruited from the Korean Sarcopenic Obesity Study (KSOS), an ongoing prospective observational cohort study, were categorized into four groups based on their body mass index (BMI) and VMR. We measured visceral fat area and thigh muscle area using computed tomography.

Results  Subjects with MetS showed a significantly higher VMR than those without MetS. In both obese and nonobese groups, the subjects with a higher VMR had a higher prevalence of MetS than those in the lower VMR groups. VMR was significantly related to components of the metabolic syndrome, especially in women, and was positively correlated with a number of MetS components in both men and women. In multiple logistic regression analysis, the odds ratio for MetS was 6·72 (highest vs lowest quartile, 95% confidence interval, 1·60–28·14) after an adjustment of potential confounders, including BMI and waist‐to‐hip ratio.

Conclusion  VMR is significantly increased in subjects with MetS and independently associated with MetS. These results suggest that the VMR may be a potential indicator for MetS risk in Korean adults.
Phytolith transport in soil: a laboratory study on intact soil cores
Authors: Fishkis O. , Ingwersen J. , Lamers M. , Denysenko D. , Streck T.
Published: July 2010

Column experiments on phytolith transport were conducted to assess the partial contributions of water percolation and earthworm activity to phytolith transport in loamy and sandy soils. Six intact cores of a loamy sandy Haplic Cambisol and nine cores of a silty loamy Stagnic Luvisol were excavated. With the Luvisol, three treatments were perfomed: a percolation treatment with periodic irrigation, but without earthworms, a percolation and earthworm treatment with periodic irrigation and earthworms (Aporrectodea caliginosa) and a control. The Cambisol cores did not contain earthworms and hence only percolation and control treatments were tested. The phytoliths of common reed (Phragmites australis) were labelled with the fluorescent dye fluorescein isothiocyanate and applied to the soil surface of each core. Except for the control treatment, 3600 mm of water was applied over 6 months. In the Cambisol, the weighted mean transport distance of phytoliths was significantly greater with percolation (2.2 ± 0.1 cm) than in the control (0.9 ± 0.3 cm), indicating that water percolation is a driving mechanism of phytolith transport. In the Luvisol, the difference in mean transport depth between control and percolation treatments (1.0 ± 0.2 and 1.5 ± 0.3 cm) was not significant. The earthworms did not affect the mean transport distance of phytoliths in the Luvisol, but the phytolith concentrations in the leachates were significantly greater and their size distribution did not change with soil depth as observed in the percolation treatment without earthworms. Further studies are required to quantify the effect of earthworms on phytolith transport.
Deletion of Herp facilitates degradation of cytosolic proteins
Authors: Miura Hikari , Hashida Koji , Sudo Hirofumi , Awa Yoshitaka , Takarada‐Iemata Mika , Kokame Koichi , Takahashi Tetsuya , Matsumoto Masayasu , Kitao Yasuko , Hori Osamu
Published: July 2010

Although intracellular stresses are believed to be involved in the process of neurodegeneration, it is not fully understood how one stress/stress response affects another. Herp is an endoplasmic reticulum (ER)‐located membrane protein proposed to function in ER‐associated degradation (ERAD). Herp is strongly induced by ER stress but rapidly degraded by proteasome. To elucidate the effect of Herp expression on proteolytic stress caused by impairment of the ubiquitin‐proteasome system (UPS), we utilized 293T Herp knockdown (KD) cells and F9 Herp knockout cells. Knockdown of Herp gene unexpectedly facilitated the degradation of Parkinson’s disease‐associated cytosolic proteins such as α‐synuclein and its binding partner, synphilin‐1, and improved cell viability during proteasomal inhibition. A similar tendency was observed in F9 Herp knockout cells transfected with synphilin‐1. Herp temporarily bound to α‐synuclein, synphilin‐1 and the E3 ligase SIAH1a during proteolytic stress but not during ER stress. Furthermore, deletion of Herp enhanced the amount of ubiquitinated protein in the cytosol during proteasomal inhibition, although it did not affect the activity or expression of proteasome. These results suggest that ERAD molecule Herp may delay the degradation of cytosolic proteins at the ubiquitination step.
Enhanced ATPase activities as a primary defect of mutant valosin‐containing proteins that cause inclusion body myopathy associated with Paget disease of bone and frontotemporal dementia
Authors: Manno Atsushi , Noguchi Masakatsu , Fukushi Junpei , Motohashi Yasuhiro , Kakizuka Akira
Published: July 2010

Valosin‐containing protein (VCP) has been shown to colocalize with abnormal protein aggregates, such as nuclear inclusions of Huntington disease and Machado‐Joseph disease, Lewy bodies in Parkinson disease. Several mis‐sense mutations in the human VCP gene have been identified in patients suffering inclusion body myopathy associated with Paget disease of bone and frontotemporal dementia (IBMPFD). Recently, we have shown that VCP possesses both aggregate‐forming and aggregate‐clearing activities. Here, we showed that in cells treated with proteasome inhibitors VCP first appeared as several small aggregates throughout the cells; and then, these small aggregates gathered together into a single big aggregate. Subcellular localization and ATPase activity of VCP clearly influenced the localization of the aggregates. Furthermore, all tested IBMPFD‐causing mutant VCPs, possessed elevated ATPase activities and enhanced aggregate‐forming activities in cultured cells. In Drosophila, these mutants and VCP(T761E), a super active VCP, did not appear to spontaneously induce eye degeneration, but worsened the phenotype when co‐expressed with polyglutamines. Unexpectedly, these VCPs did not apparently change sizes and the amounts of polyglutamine aggregates in Drosophila eyes. Elevated ATPase activities, thus, may be a hidden primary defect causing IBMPFD pathological phenotypes, which would be revealed when abnormal proteins are accumulated, as typically observed in aging.
Safety and efficacy of plasma‐derived coagulation factor IX concentrate (AlphaNine® SD) in patients with haemophilia B undergoing surgical intervention: a single institution retrospective analysis
Authors: QUON D. V. K. , LOGAN L.
Published: July 2010

Summary.  While coagulation factor replacement is essential in surgical intervention in haemophilia B patients, few studies are available on the safety and efficacy of plasma‐derived factor IX (FIX) for haemostasis during surgery. This retrospective study examined outcomes in these patients. A total of 20 patients who underwent 29 surgical procedures at the Hemophilia Treatment Center at Orthopaedic Hospital in Los Angeles, California, were identified and their inpatient charts were reviewed and abstracted. Outcomes included pre‐ and postoperative FIX dosing, recovery of FIX, blood loss, use of blood products, safety and haemostatic response. Identified patients had mild (10%), moderate (15%) or severe (75%) haemophilia B, and average age at surgery was 48.5 years. All surgical procedures were major (orthopaedic 89.7%; abdominal 10.3%), all were completed under general anaesthesia, and average time in surgery was 3.25 h. Average hospital length of stay was 11.0 days [standard deviation (SD) = 8.5] and all patients were discharged home. All patients were treated with AlphaNine® SD at an average dose of 254.9 IU kg−1 (SD = 65.4) on the day of surgery and the dose was adjusted over the course of hospital stay. Mean perioperative blood loss was 255.5 mL (SD = 283.1) and blood replacement was required in only two surgeries (6.9%). FIX recovery analysis performed preoperatively related well to FIX levels obtained. Identified patients had little blood loss perioperatively and had no bleeding related complications. Plasma‐derived FIX pre‐ and postoperatively appeared to be a safe and effective treatment in haemophilia B patients undergoing surgery.
The effect of blood contamination on the compressive strength and surface microstructure of mineral trioxide aggregate
Authors: Nekoofar M. H. , Stone D. F. , Dummer P. M. H.
Published: July 2010

Nekoofar MH, Stone DF, Dummer PMH. The effect of blood contamination on the compressive strength and surface microstructure of mineral trioxide aggregate. International Endodontic Journal, 43, 782–791, 2010.

Aim  To investigate the effects of whole, fresh human blood contamination on compressive strength and surface microstructure of grey and tooth‐coloured mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA).

Methodology  The materials investigated were grey ProRoot® MTA Original (Dentsply Tulsa Dental, Johnson City, TN, USA) and tooth‐coloured ProRoot® MTA (Dentsply Tulsa Dental). Three groups of 10 custom‐made cylindrical moulds (internal dimensions 6 ± 0.1 mm length and 4 ± 0.1 mm diameter) were filled with tooth‐coloured MTA. In the control group, MTA was mixed with water and exposed to water. In the second group, MTA was mixed with water and exposed to whole, fresh human blood. In the third group, MTA was mixed with and exposed to whole, fresh human blood. These three groups were then duplicated using grey MTA, creating a total of 60 samples. A predetermined amount of MTA and appropriate liquid were triturated in a plastic mixing capsule then subjected to ultrasonic energy after placement in the moulds. After 4 days of incubation, specimens were subjected to compressive strength testing. The surface microstructure of one extra specimen in each group was examined using scanning electron microscopy. Data were subjected to a two‐way anova.

Results  Regardless of MTA type, the mean compressive strength values of both experimental groups, which were in contact with blood, were significantly less than that of the control groups (P < 0.0001). In experimental groups in which MTA was mixed with water and exposed to blood, there was a significant difference (P < 0.0001) in compressive strength between tooth‐coloured MTA (30.37 ± 10.16 MPa) and grey MTA (13.92 ± 3.80 MPa).

Conclusion  When blood becomes incorporated into MTA, its compressive strength is reduced. In clinical situations in which blood becomes mixed with MTA, its physical properties are likely to be compromised.
Improvement of the fatigue resistance of NiTi endodontic files by surface and bulk modifications
Authors: Condorelli G. G. , Bonaccorso A. , Smecca E. , Schäfer E. , Cantatore G. , Tripi T. R.
Published: July 2010

Condorelli GG, Bonaccorso A, Smecca E, Schäfer E, Cantatore G, Tripi TR. Improvement of the fatigue resistance of NiTi endodontic files by surface and bulk modifications. International Endodontic Journal, 43, 866–873, 2010.

Aim  To assess the failure mechanism of rotary NiTi instruments by chemical, structural and morphological analyses to provide a rational explanation of the effects of surface and bulk treatments on their resistance to fatigue fracture.

Methodology  Thermal treatment (350–500 °C) was performed on electropolished (EP) and non‐electropolished (Non‐EP) NiTi endodontic instruments. Bulk and surface chemical composition and crystallographic structures were determined by energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and X‐ray diffraction (XRD) to evaluate the effects of thermal treatment and electropolishing on the NiTi alloy. Fatigue tests of all instruments were performed. Surface morphology before and after the tests, and fractured section were analysed using scanning electron microscopy to determine crack extensions. Results were analysed statistically using analysis of variance (anova) and post hoc Student–Newman–Keuls test.

Results  Before thermal treatment, significant differences (P < 0.05) in fatigue resistance between EP and Non‐EP instruments (the number of revolutions to failure, Nf, was 385 and 160, respectively) were attributed to differences in the surface morphology of the instruments. SEM analysis of the fracture surfaces indicated that flexural fatigue fractures occurred in two steps: first by a slow growth of initial cracks and then rapid rupture of the remaining material. Thermal treatment did not affect the surface morphology but resulted in significant changes in the instrument bulk with the appearance of an R‐phase and an improved fatigue resistance; indeed after treatment at 500 °C, Nf increased up to 829 and 474 for EP and Non‐EP instruments, respectively.

Conclusions  Both thermal treatment and electropolishing improved the resistance of NiTi rotary instruments against fatigue fracture.
Final Cooked Temperature Effects of Ground Pork on its Ability to React with Nitrite
Authors: Seyfert M. , Kropf D. H. , Hunt M. C.
Published: July 2010

ABSTRACT: Fresh ground pork patties from longissimus dorsi muscle were cooked to endpoint temperatures of 54.4 °C, 60.0 °C, 65.6 °C, 71.1 °C, 76.7 °C, or 82.2 °C. After cooking, patties were immersed in a solution of sodium nitrite (125 ppm) and water for 24 h. All patties then were heated again to a final endpoint temperature of 82.2 °C to allow possible formation of nitrosohemochrome. Instrumental color data, spectrophotometric 650/570 nm reflectance ratio, and visual panelists’ scores on both exterior and interior surfaces revealed greater redness (pinking) at the lower initial cooked temperature endpoints. Most importantly, this study showed that all patties developed pink color on reheating, regardless of initial endpoint cooked temperature.
Benefits and limitations of nurses taking on aspects of the clinical role of doctors in primary care: integrative literature review
Authors: Rashid Claire
Published: July 2010

rashid c. (2010) Benefits and limitations of nurses taking on aspects of the clinical role of doctors in primary care: integrative literature review. Journal of Advanced Nursing 66(8), 1658–1670.

Aim.  This paper presents an integrative literature review of studies exploring the benefits and limitations of the recent expansion of the clinical role of nurses working in general practice in the United Kingdom.

Background.  Similar clinical outcomes and high levels of satisfaction with consultations undertaken by nurse practitioners compared to general practitioners in primary care have been reported in a Cochrane review [Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews (2004) vol. 5, p. CD001271]. Since then, nurse consultations have increased considerably as general practitioners have delegated part of their clinical workload to other general practice nurses. However, whether all general practice nurses can fulfil this extended role remains open to question.

Method.  An integrative review was performed. Nine electronic databases were searched. UK studies were included if they were published after the previous Cochrane review, i.e. between 2004 and 2009.

Results.  Eight studies were identified, most using qualitative methodology. The evidence suggested that the changes in nurses’ role have been predominantly driven by the perceived increase in workload arising from the new general practitioner contract. Delegating work to nurses provided a means of organizing workload within a practice without necessarily allowing patient choice. Patients generally thought that all general practice nurses would be able to deal with simple conditions, but they would prefer to consult with a general practitioner if they thought it necessary. There were concerns about nurses’ knowledge base, particularly in diagnostics and therapeutics, and their levels of training and competence in roles formerly undertaken by general practitioners.

Conclusion.  There have been few studies in this key area of healthcare policy. There is a need for better training and support for nurses undertaking roles in consultation and for patients’ views to be better represented.
A Delphi study to validate an Advanced Practice Nursing tool
Authors: Chang Anne M. , Gardner Glenn E. , Duffield Christine , Ramis Mary‐Anne
Published: July 2010

chang a.m., gardner g.e., duffield c. & ramis m.‐a. (2010) A Delphi study to validate an Advanced Practice Nursing tool. Journal of Advanced Nursing 66(10), 2320–2330.

Aim.  This paper is a report of a study conducted to validate an instrument for measuring advanced practice nursing role delineation in an international contemporary health service context using the Delphi technique.

Background.  Although most countries now have clear definitions and competency standards for nurse practitioners, no such clarity exists for many advanced practice nurse roles, leaving healthcare providers uncertain whether their service needs can or should be met by an advanced practice nurse or a nurse practitioner. The validation of a tool depicting advanced practice nursing is essential for the appropriate deployment of advanced practice nurses. This paper is the second in a three‐phase study to develop an operational framework for assigning advanced practice nursing roles.

Method.  An expert panel was established to review the activities in the Strong Model of Advanced Practice Role Delineation tool. Using the Delphi technique, data were collected via an on‐line survey through a series of iterative rounds in 2008. Feedback and statistical summaries of responses were distributed to the panel until the 75% consensus cut‐off was obtained.

Results.  After three rounds and modification of five activities, consensus was obtained for validation of the content of this tool.

Conclusion.  The Strong Model of Advanced Practice Role Delineation tool is valid for depicting the dimensions of practice of the advanced practice role in an international contemporary health service context thereby having the potential to optimize the utilization of the advanced practice nursing workforce.