bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
APPLICATION OF DISCRETE MODELING APPROACH TO FLUIDIZED BED YEAST DRYING
Authors: DEBASTE F. , HALLOIN V.
Published: March 2009

Yeast drying is widely used to ease transport and conservation. In this work, baker's yeast drying in fluidized bed is modeled using a pore network model. Classical balanced equations at the reactor scale are coupled with the pore network for the grain, which takes into account diffusion in the gas phase, transport by liquid film in partially saturated region and pressure gradient effects in the liquid phase. The porous structure to be applied in the model is obtained using environmental scanning electron microscopy. Simulations are validated on a thermogravimetric analysis experiment. The model is then applied to fluidized bed drying for which experimental results obtained on a laboratory pilot are available. Finally, the model results are compared to those of a simplified receding front model.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

The presented model allows simulation of Saccharomyces cerevisiae fluidized bed drying. Taking into account transport phenomena in the grain offers the opportunity to predict drying rate without the use of a desorption isotherm. Moreover, the model predicts roughly the critical humidity. Therefore, the model can be used for scale‐up, design and optimization of dryer including the effect of changes in yeast granulation.
EFFECTS OF DIFFERENT PEKMEZ (FRUIT MOLASSES) TYPES USED AS A NATURAL SUGAR SOURCE ON THE BATTER RHEOLOGY AND PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF CAKES
Authors: AKBULUT MEHMET , BİLGİÇLİ NERMİN
Published: March 2009

Five different kinds of fruit pekmez (mulberry, apricot, elecampane, grape and watermelon) were used in cake formulations as a natural sugar source. The rheologic properties of the batters and the physical and sensory properties of the cakes were investigated. Batter viscosity was measured at 15, 18, 21 and 24C using the Brookfield‐type rotational viscometer. The power law model appeared to be suitable for describing the flow behavior of the cake batters containing pekmez as indicated by high r2 values. n and k values ranged from 0.2528 (elecampane) to 0.5930 (mulberry), 124.38 (elecampane) and 13.42 (grape) at 24°C, respectively. However, the consistency index (k) of all samples decreased as temperature increased. The cake batters containing pekmez exhibited a pseudoplastic behavior. The replacement of sugar with pekmez in the cake formulations decreased the cake volumes. Elecampane bush (andız) pekmez gave the most reddish (a) batter color. The others decreased the L value and increased the a value of the batters. The cakes with watermelon were preferred by the panelists in terms of texture, odor, pore structure, wetness and overall acceptability.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

Fruit molasses (pekmez) is a very important food in human nutrition because of its high sugar, especially monosaccharides such as glucose and fructose, mineral and organic acid content. Therefore, pekmezes enhance nutritional properties and shelf life, and provide the desired flavor and color in cakes and other baked products. So, they can be used in the formulations of food products like cakes as a sweetener instead of sucrose. However, different food ingredients affect the rheology of food materials. Pekmezes affect the rheologic, physical and sensory properties of cakes and their batter. Rheologic, physical and sensorial properties are valuable information in product development. The rheologic properties of fluid foods are complex and depend on many factors such as the composition, shear rate, duration of shearing, and previous thermal and shear histories. The present study was conducted to determine the rheologic, physical and sensory properties of cakes formulated with different types of fruit pekmez in substitution for sucrose.
Behavior and physiology of mechanoreception: separating signal and noise
Authors: MONTGOMERY John C. , WINDSOR Shane , BASSETT Daniel
Published: March 2009

The mechanosensory lateral line is found in all aquatic fish and amphibians. It provides a highly sensitive and versatile hydrodynamic sense that is used in a wide range of behavior. Hydrodynamic stimuli of biological interest originate from both abiotic and biotic sources, and include water currents, turbulence and the water disturbances caused by other animals, such as prey, predators and conspecifics. However, the detection of biologically important stimuli often has to occur against a background of noise generated by water movement, or movement of the fish itself. As such, separating signal and noise is “of the essence” in understanding the behavior and physiology of mechanoreception. Here we discuss general issues of signal and noise in the lateral‐line system and the behavioral and physiological strategies that are used by fish to enhance signal detection in a noisy environment. In order for signal and noise to be separated, they need to differ, and we will consider those differences under the headings of: frequency and temporal pattern; intensity discrimination; spatial separation; and mechanisms for the reduction of self‐generated noise. We systematically cover the issues of signal and noise in lateral‐line systems, but emphasize recent work on self‐generated noise, and signal and noise issues related to prey search strategies and collision avoidance.
Dyspnea reproducibility in a rural Bangladesh population
Authors: Pesola Gene Raymond , Parvez Faruque , Jasmin Sultana , Hasan Abul Kalam Mohammad Rabiul , Ahsan Habibul
Published: March 2009

Background and Aims:  Dyspnea may signal serious disease with increased morbidity/mortality. Dyspnea screening would only be valid if reproducible. The study aim was to determine the reliability (reproducibility) of assessing dyspnea through a simple questionnaire among a rural population.

Methods:  Participants were recruited from a Health Effects of Arsenic Longitudinal Study in Araihazar, Bangladesh. Dyspnea assessment used a questionnaire among 129 participants at two time points: at baseline and after 2 weeks to 9 months by trained physicians. All subjects were asked about the presence/absence of dyspnea in the last 6 months. At the second interview, a physician (blinded to questionnaire) conducted a clinical heart/lung examination and obtained a pulse oximeter reading.

Results:  Dyspnea prevalence by baseline questionnaire was 2.4%. Overall dyspnea reliability was 94% (121 out of 129). If the initial response was ‘yes’ for the presence of dyspnea, reliability was 91% (49 out of 54). For an initial response of ‘no’ for the presence of dyspnea, reliability was 96% (72 out of 75). The pulmonary examination and pulse oximeter readings were significantly more likely to be abnormal in those with dyspnea (P < 0.01).

Conclusions:  The reliability of a simple question on dyspnea is very high when obtained by physicians. Although validity was not the primary outcome, the increased likelihood of an abnormal chest examination or low pulse oximeter saturation for those reporting ‘yes’ to the dyspnea question suggests more significant underlying cardiopulmonary disease in those reporting recent dyspnea.

Please cite this paper as: Pesola GR, Parvez F, Jasmin S, Hasan AKM R and Ahsan H. Dyspnea reproducibility in a rural Bangladesh population. The Clinical Respiratory Journal 2009; 3: 222–228.
LINEAR AND NONLINEAR INTERSUBBAND REFRACTIVE INDEX CHANGES IN WURTZITEAlGaN/GaNDOUBLE QUANTUM WELLS: EFFECTS OF PIEZOELECTRICITY AND SPONTANEOUS POLARIZATION
Authors: ZHANG L.
Published: March 2009

Based on the density-matrix approach and iterative treatment, a detailed procedure for the calculation of the linear and nonlinear intersubband refractive index changes (RICs) in wurtzite GaN-based coupling quantum wells (CQWs) is given. The simple analytical formulas for electronic eigenstates and the linear and third-order nonlinear RICs in the systems are also deduced. Numerical result on a typical AlGaN / GaN CQW shows that the linear and nonlinear RICs sensitively depend on the structural parameters of the CQW system as well as the doped fraction of nitride semicondutor.
APPLICATION OF ESSENTIAL OIL OF ARTEMISIA HERBA ALBA AS GREEN CORROSION INHIBITOR FOR STEEL IN 0.5 M H2SO4
Authors: OUACHIKH O. , BOUYANZER A. , BOUKLAH M. , DESJOBERT J.-M. , COSTA J. , HAMMOUTI B. , MAJIDI L.
Published: March 2009

Essential oil from Artemisia herba alba (Art) was hydrodistilled and tested as corrosion inhibitor of steel in 0.5 M H 2 SO 4 using weight loss measurements and electrochemical polarization methods. Results gathered show that this natural oil reduced the corrosion rate by the cathodic action. Its inhibition efficiency attains the maximum (74%) at 1 g/L. The inhibition efficiency of Arm oil increases with the rise of temperature. The adsorption isotherm of natural product on the steel has been determined. A. herba alba essential oil was obtained by hydrodistillation and its chemical composition oil was investigated by capillary GC and GC/MS. The major components were chrysanthenone (30.6%) and camphor (24.4%).
FABRICATION OF ALUMINA NANOWIRES FROM POROUS ALUMINA MEMBRANES BY ETCHING IN PHOSPHORIC ACID SOLUTION
Authors: WANG XUEHUA , LI CHENGYONG , MA LIANJIAO , CAO HONG , ZHANG BAOHUA
Published: March 2009

Alumina nanowires (ANWs) with high aspect ratios were synthesized by the chemical etching of porous alumina membranes (PAMs) in phosphoric acid solution. The morphology and structure of ANWs were analyzed by SEM and XRD, respectively. The results showed that the typical features of ANWs are around 35 nm in diameter and around 20 μm in length, the crystalline structure of the ANWs was amorphous, which was in accordance with that of the PAMs. Furthermore, the morphology of the PAMs was characterized by AFM and SEM in detail. On the basis of AFM and SEM observations, a possible formation mechanism of ANWs was discussed, and the inhomogeneous of the dissolution between the triple points and the side walls was considered to be the essential factor deciding the formation of ANWs.
SURFACE MODIFICATION AND CHARACTERIZATIONS OF TiO2 NANOPARTICLE
Authors: LI GUOHUI
Published: March 2009

Nanosized titanium dioxide particles were engrafted with butyltitanate coupling agent and methylmethacrylate monomer, and the obtained nanocomposite was characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectra and sedimentation test. Ultraviolet-visible light spectroscopy was used to study the differences and effectiveness of the coated and uncoated titanium dioxide, respectively. The results showed that polymethacrylate chain was engrafted on the surface of nanosized titanium dioxide and the surface grafting of polymers improved significantly absorbency of ultraviolet light of the nanoparticles.
The Origins and Development of Knowledge Management
Authors: Koenig Michael , Neveroski Kenneth
Published: March 2009

Though it had earlier antecedents, the concept of Knowledge Management (KM), as we now know it, evolved as a concept in the late 1980s. The term originated in the consulting community. It arose from the merger of two factors: the recognition of the importance to an organisation of its information and knowledge assets, and from the emergence of the Internet and the almost immediate recognition of the utility of the Internet as an information and knowledge sharing tool, particularly for geographically dispersed organisations. KM has gone through four stages:

(1) An emphasis upon the new technology and upon the development of "best practices" or "lessons learned".

(2) An increased recognition of human and cultural factors, and upon the development of "communities of practice" to facilitate the sharing of information.

(3) An increased recognition of the importance of designing the systems for retrievability, and the importance of data design and structure, including taxonomy development and utilisation.

(4) An emphasis upon extending KM systems beyond the parent organisation to include, for example, vendors and suppliers, customers, users, alumni, etc.

KM has exhibited remarkable staying power and growth in a fashion that is dramatically different from all other business enthusiasms of the late 20th century.
Noninjurious mechanical ventilation activates a proinflammatory transcriptional program in the lung
Authors: Gharib Sina A. , Liles W. Conrad , Klaff Lindy S. , Altemeier William A.
Published: March 2009

Mechanical ventilation is a life-saving intervention in patients with respiratory failure. However, human and animal studies have demonstrated that mechanical ventilation using large tidal volumes (≥12 ml/kg) induces a potent inflammatory response and can cause acute lung injury. We hypothesized that mechanical ventilation with a “noninjurious” tidal volume of 10 ml/kg would still activate a transcriptional program that places the lung at risk for severe injury. To identify key regulators of this transcriptional response, we integrated gene expression data obtained from whole lungs of spontaneously breathing mice and mechanically ventilated mice with computational network analysis. Topological analysis of the gene product interaction network identified Jun and Fos families of proteins as potential regulatory hubs. Electrophoretic mobility gel shift assay confirmed protein binding to activator protein-1 (AP-1) consensus sequences, and supershift experiments identified JunD and FosB as components of ventilation-induced AP-1 binding. Specific recruitment of JunD to the regulatory region of the F3 gene by mechanical ventilation was confirmed by chromatin immunoprecipitation assay. In conclusion, we demonstrate a novel computational framework to systematically dissect transcriptional programs activated by mechanical ventilation in the lung, and show that noninjurious mechanical ventilation initiates a response that can prime the lung for injury from a subsequent insult.
Rho GDP Dissociation Inhibitor 2 Suppresses Metastasis via Unconventional Regulation of RhoGTPases
Authors: Moissoglu Konstadinos , McRoberts Kevin S. , Meier Jeremy A. , Theodorescu Dan , Schwartz Martin A.
Published: March 2009

Rho GDP dissociation inhibitor 2 (RhoGDI2) has been identified as a metastasis suppressor in bladder and possibly other cancers. This protein is a member of a family of proteins that maintain Rho GTPases in the cytoplasm and inhibit their activation and function. To understand the mechanism of metastasis suppression, we compared effects of RhoGDI1 and RhoGDI2. Despite showing much stronger inhibition of metastasis, RhoGDI2 is a weak inhibitor of Rho GTPase membrane targeting and function. However, point mutants that increase or decrease the affinity of RhoGDI2 for GTPases abolished its ability to inhibit metastasis. Surprisingly, metastasis suppression correlates with increased rather than decreased Rac1 activity. These data show that RhoGDI2 metastasis inhibition works through Rho GTPases but via a mechanism distinct from inhibition of membrane association. [Cancer Res 2009;69(7):2838–44]
Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms in the TP53 Region and Susceptibility to Invasive Epithelial Ovarian Cancer
Authors: Schildkraut Joellen M. , Goode Ellen L. , Clyde Merlise A. , Iversen Edwin S. , Moorman Patricia G. , Berchuck Andrew , Marks Jeffrey R. , Lissowska Jolanta , Brinton Louise , Peplonska Beata , Cunningham Julie M. , Vierkant Robert A. , Rider David N. , Chenevix-Trench Georgia , Webb Penelope M. , Beesley Jonathan , Chen Xiaoqing , Phelan Catherine , Sutphen Rebecca , Sellers Thomas A. , Pearce Leigh , Wu Anna H. , Van Den Berg David , Conti David , Elund Christopher K. , Anderson Rebecca , Goodman Marc T. , Lurie Galina , Carney Michael E. , Thompson Pamela J. , Gayther Simon A. , Ramus Susan J. , Jacobs Ian , Krüger Kjaer Susanne , Hogdall Estrid , Blaakaer Jan , Hogdall Claus , Easton Douglas F. , Song Honglin , Pharoah Paul D.P. , Whittemore Alice S. , McGuire Valerie , Quaye Lydia , Anton-Culver Hoda , Ziogas Argyrios , Terry Kathryn L. , Cramer Daniel W. , Hankinson Susan E. , Tworoger Shelley S. , Calingaert Brian , Chanock Stephen , Sherman Mark , Garcia-Closas Montserrat ,   Australian Cancer Study (Ovarian Cancer),   Australian Ovarian Cancer Study Group
Published: March 2009

The p53 protein is critical for multiple cellular functions including cell growth and DNA repair. We assessed whether polymorphisms in the region encoding TP53 were associated with risk of invasive ovarian cancer. The study population includes a total of 5,206 invasive ovarian cancer cases (2,829 of which were serous) and 8,790 controls from 13 case-control or nested case-control studies participating in the Ovarian Cancer Association Consortium (OCAC). Three of the studies performed independent discovery investigations involving genotyping of up to 23 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) in the TP53 region. Significant findings from this discovery phase were followed up for replication in the other OCAC studies. Mixed effects logistic regression was used to generate posterior median per allele odds ratios (OR), 95% probability intervals (PI), and Bayes factors (BF) for genotype associations. Five SNPs showed significant associations with risk in one or more of the discovery investigations and were followed up by OCAC. Mixed effects analysis confirmed associations with serous invasive cancers for two correlated (r2 = 0.62) SNPs: rs2287498 (median per allele OR, 1.30; 95% PI, 1.07–1.57) and rs12951053 (median per allele OR, 1.19; 95% PI, 1.01–1.38). Analyses of other histologic subtypes suggested similar associations with endometrioid but not with mucinous or clear cell cancers. This large study provides statistical evidence for a small increase in risk of ovarian cancer associated with common variants in the TP53 region. [Cancer Res 2009;69(6):2349–57]
CDC25B Mediates Rapamycin-Induced Oncogenic Responses in Cancer Cells
Authors: Chen Run-qiang , Yang Qing-kai , Lu Bing-wen , Yi Wei , Cantin Greg , Chen Yan-ling , Fearns Colleen , Yates John R. , Lee Jiing-Dwan
Published: March 2009

Because the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway is commonly deregulated in human cancer, mTOR inhibitors, rapamycin and its derivatives, are being actively tested in cancer clinical trials. Clinical updates indicate that the anticancer effect of these drugs is limited, perhaps due to rapamycin-dependent induction of oncogenic cascades by an as yet unclear mechanism. As such, we investigated rapamycin-dependent phosphoproteomics and discovered that 250 phosphosites in 161 cellular proteins were sensitive to rapamycin. Among these, rapamycin regulated four kinases and four phosphatases. A siRNA-dependent screen of these proteins showed that AKT induction by rapamycin was attenuated by depleting cellular CDC25B phosphatase. Rapamycin induces the phosphorylation of CDC25B at Serine375, and mutating this site to Alanine substantially reduced CDC25B phosphatase activity. Additionally, expression of CDC25B (S375A) inhibited the AKT activation by rapamycin, indicating that phosphorylation of CDC25B is critical for CDC25B activity and its ability to transduce rapamycin-induced oncogenic AKT activity. Importantly, we also found that CDC25B depletion in various cancer cell lines enhanced the anticancer effect of rapamycin. Together, using rapamycin phosphoproteomics, we not only advance the global mechanistic understanding of the action of rapamycin but also show that CDC25B may serve as a drug target for improving mTOR-targeted cancer therapies. [Cancer Res 2009;69(6):OF2663–8]
Central Role of c-Myc during Malignant Conversion in Human Hepatocarcinogenesis
Authors: Kaposi-Novak Pal , Libbrecht Louis , Woo Hyun Goo , Lee Yun-Han , Sears Nathaniel C. , Conner Elizabeth A. , Factor Valentina M. , Roskams Tania , Thorgeirsson Snorri S.
Published: March 2009

Hepatocarcinogenesis is a multistage process in which precursor lesions progress into early hepatocellular carcinomas (eHCC) by sequential accumulation of multiple genetic and epigenetic alterations. To decode the molecular events during early stages of liver carcinogenesis, we performed gene expression profiling on cirrhotic (regenerative) and dysplastic nodules (DN), as well as eHCC. Although considerable heterogeneity was observed at the regenerative and dysplastic stages, overall, 460 differentially expressed genes were detected between DN and eHCC. Functional analysis of the significant gene set identified the MYC oncogene as a plausible driver gene for malignant conversion of the DNs. In addition, gene set enrichment analysis revealed global activation of the MYC up-regulated gene set in eHCC versus dysplasia. Presence of the MYC signature significantly correlated with increased expression of CSN5, as well as with higher overall transcription rate of genes located in the 8q chromosome region. Furthermore, a classifier constructed from MYC target genes could robustly discriminate eHCC from high-grade and low-grade DNs. In conclusion, our study identified unique expression patterns associated with the transition of high-grade DNs into eHCC and showed that activation of the MYC transcription signature is strongly associated with the malignant conversion of preneoplastic liver lesions. [Cancer Res 2009;69(7):2775–82]
CD47 Regulates Bone Mass and Tumor Metastasis to Bone
Authors: Uluçkan Özge , Becker Stephanie N. , Deng Hongju , Zou Wei , Prior Julie L. , Piwnica-Worms David , Frazier William A. , Weilbaecher Katherine N.
Published: March 2009

CD47, also called integrin-associated protein, plays a critical role in the innate immune response and is an atypical member of the immunoglobulin superfamily that interacts with and activates β3 integrins. β3 integrin−/− mice have defective platelet and osteoclast function and are protected from bone metastasis. The role of CD47 in skeletal homeostasis and bone metastasis has not been described. CD47−/− mice had increased bone mass and defective osteoclast function in vivo. Although the number of functional osteoclasts formed by differentiating CD47−/− bone marrow macrophages was decreased, high doses of RANKL rescued differentiation and function of CD47−/− osteoclasts ex vivo and rescued the osteoclast defect in CD47−/− mice. Inhibition of nitric oxide (NO) synthase, which is expressed at higher levels in CD47−/− osteoclasts, also rescued the osteoclast defect in CD47−/− cells. We then examined the consequences of this osteoclast defect in bone metastasis. In a model of tumor metastasis to bone, bone tumor burden was decreased in the CD47−/− mice compared with wild-type (WT) controls, with no decrease in s.c. tumor growth in CD47−/− mice. There was decreased tumor-associated bone destruction in the CD47−/− mice compared with WT controls, consistent with a defect in osteoclast function that was not rescued by the presence of tumor. Our data show that CD47 regulates osteoclastogenesis, in part, via regulation of NO production, and its disruption leads to a decrease in tumor bone metastasis. CD47 is a novel therapeutic target to strengthen bone mass and diminish metastatic tumor growth in bone. [Cancer Res 2009;69(7):3196–204]
NADPH Oxidase 4 Contributes to Transformation Phenotype of Melanoma Cells by Regulating G2-M Cell Cycle Progression
Authors: Yamaura Maki , Mitsushita Junji , Furuta Shuichi , Kiniwa Yukiko , Ashida Atsuko , Goto Yasuhumi , Shang Wei H. , Kubodera Makoto , Kato Masayoshi , Takata Minoru , Saida Toshiaki , Kamata Tohru
Published: March 2009

Generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) has been implicated in carcinogenic development of melanoma, but the underlying molecular mechanism has not been fully elucidated. We studied the expression and function of the superoxide-generating NADPH oxidase (Nox)4 in human melanoma cells. Nox4 was up-regulated in 13 of 20 melanoma cell lines tested. Silencing of Nox4 expression in melanoma MM-BP cells by small interfering RNAs decreased ROS production and thereby inhibited anchorage-independent cell growth and tumorigenecity in nude mice. Consistently, a general Nox inhibitor, diphenylene iodonium, and antioxidants vitamine E and pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate blocked cell proliferation of MM-BP cells. Flow cytometric analysis indicated that Nox4 small interfering RNAs and diphenylene iodonium induced G2-M cell cycle arrest, which was also observed with another melanoma cell line, 928mel. This was accompanied by induction of the Tyr-15 phosphorylated, inactive form of cyclin-dependent kinase 1 (a hallmark of G2-M checkpoint) and hyperphosphorylation of cdc25c leading to its increased binding to 14-3-3 proteins. Ectopic expression of catalase, a scavenger of ROS, also caused accumulation of cells in G2-M phase. Immunohistochemistry revealed that expression of Nox4 was detected in 31.0% of 13 melanoma patients samples, suggesting the association of Nox4 expression with some steps of melanoma development. The findings suggest that Nox4-generated ROS are required for transformation phenotype of melanoma cells and contribute to melanoma growth through regulation of G2-M cell cycle progression. [Cancer Res 2009;69(6):2647–54]
Identification of a small molecule class to enhance cell-cell adhesion and attenuate prostate tumor growth and metastasis
Authors: Shah Girish V. , Muralidharan Anbalagan , Thomas Shibu , Gokulgandhi Mitan , Mudit Mudit , Khanfar Mohammad , El Sayed Khalid
Published: March 2009

Expression of calcitonin (CT) and its receptor (CTR) is elevated in advanced prostate cancer, and activated CT-CTR autocrine axis plays a pivotal role in tumorigenicity and metastatic potential of multiple prostate cancer cell lines. Recent studies suggest that CT promotes prostate cancer metastasis by reducing cell-cell adhesion through the disassembly of tight and adherens junctions and activation of β-catenin signaling. We attempted to identify a class of molecules that enhances cell-cell adhesion of prostate cells and reverses the disruptive actions of CT on tight and adherens junctions. Screening several compounds led to the emergence of phenyl-methylene hydantoin (PMH) as a lead candidate that can augment cell-cell adhesion and abolish disruptive actions of CT on junctional complexes. PMH reduced invasiveness of PC-3M cells and abolished proinvasive actions of CT. Importantly, PMH did not display significant cytotoxicity on PC-3M cells at the tested doses. I.p. administered PMH and its S-ethyl derivative remarkably decreased orthotopic tumor growth and inhibited the formation of tumor micrometastases in distant organs of nude mice. PMH treatment also reduced the growth of spontaneous tumors in LPB-Tag mice to a significant extent without any obvious cytotoxic effects. By virtue of its ability to stabilize cell junctions, PMH could reverse the effect of CT on junctional disruption and metastasis, which strengthens the possibility of using PMH as a potential drug candidate for CT-positive androgen-independent prostate cancers. [Mol Cancer Ther 2009;8(3):509–20]
Mindfulness Training as an Intervention for Fibromyalgia: Evidence of Postintervention and 3-Year Follow-Up Benefits in Well-Being
Authors: Grossman Paul , Tiefenthaler-Gilmer Ulrike , Raysz Annette , Kesper Ulrike
Published: March 2009

Background: Mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) proposes a systematic program for reduction of suffering associated with a wide range of medical conditions. Studies suggest improvements in general aspects of well-being, including quality of life (QoL), coping and positive affect, as well as decreased anxiety and depression. Methods: A quasi-experimental study examined effects of an 8-week MBSR intervention among 58 female patients with fibromyalgia (mean, 52 ± 8 years) who underwent MBSR or an active social support procedure. Participants were assigned to groups by date of entry, and 6 subjects dropped out during the study. Self-report measures were validated German inventories and included the following scales: visual analog pain, pain perception, coping with pain, a symptom checklist and QoL. Pre- and postintervention measurements were made. Additionally, a 3-year follow-up was carried out on a subgroup of 26 participants. Results: Pre- to postintervention analyses indicated MBSR to provide significantly greater benefits than the control intervention on most dimensions, including visual analog pain, QoL subscales, coping with pain, anxiety, depression and somatic complaints (Cohen d effect size, 0.40–1.10). Three-year follow-up analyses of MBSR participants indicated sustained benefits for these same measures (effect size, 0.50–0.65). Conclusions: Based upon a quasi-randomized trial and long-term observational follow-up, results indicate mindfulness intervention to be of potential long-term benefit for female fibromyalgia patients.
Covariation, Co-Occurrence and Epiphenomenal Correlation of Empirically Based Syndromes in Children and Adolescents
Authors: Döpfner Manfred , Plueck Julia , Lehmkuhl Gerd , Huss Michael , Lenz Klaus , Lehmkuhl Ulrike , Poustka Fritz , Schmeck Klaus , Fegert Joerg M.
Published: March 2009

Background: This paper determines the co-occurrence and correlations of different problem behaviours in children and adolescents in German clinical and general population samples. Sampling and Methods: The 2 samples were matched by age and gender (each sample n = 1,760). Including both categorical and dimensional models, rates of co-occurrence, relative risks, odds ratios and Pearson correlations were calculated. Results: The bidirectional comorbidity rates ranged from 7.3 to 34.3% (epidemiological sample) and from 22.5 to 54.8% (clinical sample). Most correlations between syndrome scales show medium or large effects. Many can be identified as ‘epiphenomenal’; partial correlations from each pair, excluding influences of other syndromes, are much lower. Conclusions: This study shows the cross-cultural generalizability of comorbidity rates. The epiphenomenal nature of some comorbidities warrants future attention.
The Impact of First-Trimester Serum Free β-Human Chorionic Gonadotropin and Pregnancy-Associated Plasma Protein A on the Diagnosis of Fetal Growth Restriction and Small for Gestational Age Infant
Authors: Montanari Laura , Alfei Alessandro , Albonico Giulia , Moratti Remigio , Arossa Alessia , Beneventi Fausta , Spinillo Arsenio
Published: March 2009

Objective: To evaluate the risk of fetal growth restriction (FGR) associated with first-trimester maternal serum concentrations of pregnancy-associated plasma protein A (PAPP-A) and free β-human chorionic gonadotropin (β-hCG). Methods: A longitudinal study of 2,178 women who underwent first-trimester evaluation of serum PAPP-A and free β-hCG. FGR was defined as a decrement of the fetal abdominal circumference to below the 10th percentile of our standard growth curve in the presence of Doppler signs of impaired placental perfusion. Logistic regression was used to compute multivariable odds ratios and the estimated prevalences of outcomes associated with first-trimester serum marker concentrations. Results: The prevalences of small for gestational age (SGA, <10th percentile birth-weight) neonates and FGR were significantly higher among women with serum PAPP-A concentrations below the 10th percentile than in controls: 40/206 compared to 183/1,928, for SGA, adjusted odds ratio = 2.1, 95% confidence intervals (CI) 1.4–3.03; 24/75 compared to 182/1,900, for FGR, adjusted odds ratio = 3.9, 95% CI 2.3–6.5. The adjusted prevalences of FGR and SGA among women with simultaneous low first-trimester values of PAPP-A and free β-hCG were 0.21 (95% CI 0.13–0.33) and 0.26 (95% CI 0.17–0.36), respectively. Conclusion: Low first-trimester maternal serum PAPP-A concentrations are significantly associated with reduced fetal size and increased risk of FGR with Doppler signs of impaired placental perfusion.
Decreased Expression of p12DOC-1 Is Associated with More Advanced Tumor Invasion in Human Gastric Cancer Tissues
Authors: Choi M.-G. , Sohn T.S. , Park S.B. , Paik Y.H. , Noh J.H. , Kim K.-M. , Park C.-K. , Kim S.
Published: March 2009

Background/Aims: p12DOC-1 is a well-known growth suppressor; however, its role in gastric carcinogenesis is still unclear. We investigated the expression of p12DOC-1 in gastric cancer tissues and its possible correlation with p53 expression, and determined its clinical significance. Methods: Immunohistochemical staining using the tissue array method was performed on 180 human gastric carcinomas. The clinicopathological features and prognostic significance were analyzed. Results: Of the 180 tissue samples, p53 expression was positive in 85 (47.2%) and p12DOC-1 expression was negative in 140 (77.8%). The negative expression of p12DOC-1 was significantly associated with a more advanced depth of tumor invasion and stage (p < 0.05). No apparent correlation was found between p12DOC-1 and p53 expressions. The 5-year survival rate of the p12DOC-1-positive cases (53.7%) was higher than that of the p12DOC-1-negative cases (39.3%); however, neither p12DOC-1 nor p53 expression status had any statistically significant prognostic value. Multivariate analysis revealed that lymph node metastasis, distant metastasis, lymphatic invasion and perineural invasion were independent prognostic factors. Conclusions: This is the first report that suggests that p12DOC-1 may be involved in the development and progression of gastric cancer. Further studies are required to clarify its exact role in the mechanism of gastric carcinogenesis.
Maternal Perinatal Undernutrition Alters Postnatal Development of Chromaffin Cells in the Male Rat Adrenal Medulla
Authors: Molendi-Coste Olivier , Laborie Christine , Scarpa Maria Cristina , Montel Valérie , Vieau Didier , Breton Christophe
Published: March 2009

Numerous data suggest that the development of the sympathoadrenal system is highly sensitive to the perinatal environment. We previously reported that maternal perinatal food restriction by 50% (FR50) altered chromaffin cell (CC) organization and activity in offspring at weaning. This study investigated the effects of FR50 on the postnatal time course of CC functional and structural adaptations. FR50 pups exhibited smaller and more abundant scattered clusters of noradrenergic CCs as early as postnatal day 7 (P7), indicating that morphological changes took place earlier during development. At birth, the adrenaline release was defective in FR50 pups, suggesting that maternal FR50 impaired the non-neurogenic control of catecholamine release. At P4, the catecholamine release in response to insulin-induced hypoglycaemia was also absent in FR50 pups. This was associated with the reduction of adrenal catecholamine contents, indicating that the failure to synthesize catecholamine might lead to impaired secretion. We hypothesized that maternal FR50 accelerated the functional connections between CCs and splanchnic nerve endings, leading to the premature loss of the non-neurogenic response. Acetylcholine-containing synaptic endings seemed more precociously functional in FR50 pups, as suggested by increased levels of acetylcholine esterase activity at P14. At P7, insulin-induced hypoglycaemia caused preferential adrenaline release associated with increased catecholamine contents in both groups. However, the response was accentuated in FR50 pups. At P14, the insulin challenge increased plasma levels of adrenaline in control rats, whereas it markedly enhanced the circulating level of both catecholamines in FR50 pups. We demonstrated that maternal FR50 leads to developmentally impaired noradrenergic CC aggregation and advanced splanchnic neurotransmission maturation associated with altered medulla activity in response to metabolic stress. This might contribute to the long-lasting malprogramming of the adrenal medulla and to the development of chronic adult diseases.
Planetary Scale Selection of the Madden–Julian Oscillation*
Authors: Li Tim , Zhou Chunhua
Published: March 2009

Numerical experiments with a 2.5-layer and a 2-level model are conducted to examine the mechanism for the planetary scale selection of the Madden–Julian oscillation (MJO). The strategy here is to examine the evolution of an initial perturbation that has a form of the equatorial Kelvin wave at zonal wavenumbers of 1 to 15. In the presence of a frictional boundary layer, the most unstable mode prefers a short wavelength under a linear heating; but with a nonlinear heating, the zonal wavenumber 1 grows fastest. This differs significantly from a model without the boundary layer, in which neither linear nor nonlinear heating leads to the long wave selection. Thus, the numerical simulations point out the crucial importance of the combined effect of the nonlinear heating and the frictional boundary layer in the MJO planetary scale selection.

The cause of this scale selection under the nonlinear heating is attributed to the distinctive phase speeds between the dry Kelvin wave and the wet Kelvin–Rossby wave couplet. The faster dry Kelvin wave triggered by a convective branch may catch up and suppress another convective branch, which travels ahead of it at the phase speed of the wet Kelvin–Rossby wave couplet if the distance between the two neighboring convective branches is smaller than a critical distance (about 16 000 km). The interference between the dry Kelvin wave and the wet Kelvin–Rossby wave couplet eventually dissipates and “filters out” shorter wavelength perturbations, leading to a longwave selection. The boundary layer plays an important role in destabilizing the MJO through frictional moisture convergences and in retaining the in-phase zonal wind–pressure structure.
North Pacific Gyre Oscillation Synchronizes Climate Fluctuations in the Eastern and Western Boundary Systems*
Authors: Ceballos Lina I. , Di Lorenzo Emanuele , Hoyos Carlos D. , Schneider Niklas , Taguchi Bunmei
Published: March 2009

Recent studies have identified the North Pacific Gyre Oscillation (NPGO) as a mode of climate variability that is linked to previously unexplained fluctuations of salinity, nutrient, and chlorophyll in the northeast Pacific. The NPGO reflects changes in strength of the central and eastern branches of the subtropical gyre and is driven by the atmosphere through the North Pacific Oscillation (NPO), the second dominant mode of sea level pressure variability in the North Pacific. It is shown that Rossby wave dynamics excited by the NPO propagate the NPGO signature in the sea surface height (SSH) field from the central North Pacific into the Kuroshio–Oyashio Extension (KOE), and trigger changes in the strength of the KOE with a lag of 2–3 yr. This suggests that the NPGO index can be used to track changes in the entire northern branch of the North Pacific subtropical gyre. These results also provide a physical mechanism to explain coherent decadal climate variations and ecosystem changes between the North Pacific eastern and western boundaries.
A Nonlinear Theory of the Kuroshio Extension Bimodality
Authors: Pierini Stefano , Dijkstra Henk A. , Riccio Angelo
Published: March 2009

The Kuroshio Extension (KE) flow in the North Pacific Ocean displays a very distinctive decadal variability of bimodal character involving two completely different states (a large-meander “elongated” state and a small-meander “contracted” state) connected by very asymmetric temporal transitions. Although such a flow has been widely studied by means of a suite of mathematical models and by using several observational platforms, a satisfactory theoretical framework answering quite elementary questions is still lacking, the main question being whether such variability is induced by a time-varying wind forcing or, rather, by intrinsic oceanic mechanisms. In this context, the chaotic relaxation oscillation produced by a process-oriented model of the KE low-frequency variability, with steady climatological wind forcing, was recently recognized to be in substantial agreement with altimeter data. Here those model results are further compared with a comprehensive altimeter dataset. The positive result of such a comparison allows the conclusion that a minimal model for the KE bimodality has been identified and that, consequently, nonlinear intrinsic oceanic mechanisms are likely to be the main cause of the observed variability. By applying the methods of nonlinear dynamical systems theory, relevant dynamical features of the modeled flow are then explained, such as the origin of the relaxation oscillation as a consequence of a homoclinic bifurcation, the spatiotemporal character of the bimodal behavior, and the degree of predictability of the flow in the different stages of the oscillation (evaluated through a field of finite-time Lyapunov exponents and the corresponding Lagrangian time series).
Characteristics of Nocturnal Low-Level Jets Observed in the North Florida Area
Authors: Karipot Anandakumar , Leclerc Monique Y. , Zhang Gengsheng
Published: March 2009

The seasonal and interannual variability of the nocturnal low-level jets over the north Florida region are investigated using sodar measurements spanning 540 nights. On average, jets are present in 62% of the nocturnal periods examined. The observed jet speeds range between 3 and 21 m s−1 and heights are between 80 and 700 m. Observations show that the low-level jet occurs more frequently (70% of the nocturnal periods) during the colder months November–February in contrast with the warmer months June–August (∼47%). The presence of southerly jets dominates the summer months, whereas northerly jets are more frequent during winter. Colder months frequently exhibit jets with speeds exceeding 14 m s−1, often associated with the passage of frontal systems. The interannual variability observed using the North American Regional Reanalysis (NARR) wind profile data during a 4-yr period shows only minimal differences in jet characteristics. A comparison of jet heights with NARR planetary boundary layer heights suggests that jets at the north Florida location frequently occur within the planetary boundary layer. The occurrence and speed of observed low-level jets are linked to both the land–ocean temperature contrast and to the strength and orientation of surface pressure gradients over the region. A high occurrence of large-amplitude oscillations with approximately a 24-h period near the jet height is shown using the Hilbert–Huang transform analysis, suggesting that inertial oscillations are one possible cause of jet formation in north Florida.
Energy Storage Structural Composites: a Review
Authors: Pereira Tony , Zhanhu Guo  , Nieh S. , Arias J. , Hahn H. Thomas
Published: March 2009

This study demonstrates the construction of a multifunctional composite structure capable of energy storage in addition to load bearing. These structures were assembled and integrated within the confines of a multifunctional structural composite in order to save weight and space. Carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) composites were laminated with energy storage all-solid-state thin-film lithium cells. The processes of physically embedding all-solid-state thin-film lithium energy cells into carbon fiber reinforced plastics (CFRPs) and the approaches used are reviewed. The effects of uniaxial tensile loading on the embedded structure are investigated. The mechanical, electrical, and physical aspects of energy harvesting and storage devices incorporated into composite structures are discussed. Embedding all-solid-state thin-film lithium energy cells into CFRPs did not significantly alter the CFRP mechanical properties (yield strength and Young's modulus). The CFRP embedded energy cells performed at baseline charge/discharge levels up to a loading of about 50% of the ultimate CFRP uniaxial tensile rupture loading.
Interpersonal and Intrapersonal Factors Associated With Autonomous Motivation in Adolescents’ After-School Activities
Authors: Beiswenger Krista L. , Grolnick Wendy S.
Published: March 2009

This study explored interpersonal and intrapersonal factors associated with the level of autonomous motivation adolescents experience for their after-school activities. A total of 142 seventh-grade adolescents completed measures of peer relatedness, autonomy within friendships, mother and father autonomy support, perceived activity competence, autonomous motivation for their after-school activity, and subjective well-being. Autonomous motivation for after-school activity was associated with greater subjective well-being. Peer relatedness was positively related to adolescents’ intrinsic and identified motivation for their after-school activities and inversely related to their introjected motivation, whereas neither mother nor father autonomy support predicted autonomous motivation. Perceived activity competence was also positively associated with intrinsic and identified motivation for after-school activity. Furthermore, autonomy within friendships mediated the relation between peer relatedness and autonomous motivation for after-school activity. Results suggest that peer relationships and perceived competence may have important roles in fostering experiences of autonomy and well-being in adolescence.
The Clock Drawing Test—Modified and Integrated Approach (CDT-MIA) as an Instrument for Detecting Mild Cognitive Impairment in a Specialized Outpatient Setting
Authors: Heinik Jeremia , Shaikewitz Dimitri
Published: March 2009

This study examined the accuracy of the Clock Drawing Test—Modified and Integrated Approach (CDT-MIA) alone and combined with the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) to detect Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) in patients with suspected MCI. For comparison, the accuracy of the Cambridge Cognitive Examination—Revised (CAMCOG-R) was tested. A total of 65 elderly outpatients with suspected MCI underwent a comprehensive evaluation. Following assessment, the entire sample was classified into: dementia (mild)—24 participants, MCI—22 participants, no cognitive impairment (NCI)—19 participants. CDT-MIA and the MMSE alone failed to appropriately discriminate demented from nondemented (MCI and NCI) and MCI from NCI. The best acceptable diagnostic accuracy to discriminate between demented and nondemented was obtained with CDT-MIA/MMSE combined and with CAMCOG-R. CDT-MIA/MMSE combined failed to appropriately discriminate MCI from NCI. The best diagnostic accuracy in this regard was obtained with CAMCOG-R.
`Diversity' as enacted in US immigration politics and law: a corpus-based approach
Authors: Gales Tammy
Published: March 2009

As a national institution, the law is held to be above prejudice and bias (Gibbons, 1994). However, in recent years, as public awareness of `homeland security' has been heightened and borders have been tightened, the laws regarding immigration have come under close scrutiny. This article explores the language of immigration laws that target the notion of `diversity' and the political contexts in which those laws were created. More specifically, it addresses the following questions: Is there prejudice or bias in US immigration laws? If so, from where do those negative ideologies arise? And, finally, what does `diversity' actually mean in the context of US immigration? This analysis, which utilizes the tools of corpus and appraisal analysis, shows how contradictory positions surrounding the ideology of diversity exist within seemingly positive political discourses and demonstrates how those underlying judgements about diversity interact with and shape the very language of the laws that ensue.
Oncocytic, focally anaplastic, thyroid cancer responding to erlotinib
Authors: Hogan Thomas , Jing Jie Yu  , Williams H James , Altaha Ramin , Xiaobing Liang  , Qi He
Published: March 2009

Objective. To highlight the molecular findings and clinical response of a patient with rapidly progressing, focally anaplastic, oncocytic thyroid carcinoma (OTC) treated with erlotinib.

Case Summary. A 69-year-old woman with recurrent, focally anaplastic OTC was given a therapeutic trial of erlotinib, a small molecule inhibitor of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). Formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded portions of the tumor were analyzed for EGFR expression, and tumor genomic DNA was amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and subjected to EGFR mutation analysis.

Discussion. An early and dramatic response was achieved with erlotinib. The tumor was focally positive for EGFR by immunostaining and two point mutations were identified, one on exon 18 and one on exon 20 in the tyrosine kinase (TK) domain.

Conclusion. Erlotinib or other novel protein kinase pathway inhibitors should be evaluated further in patients with aggressive thyroid cancer variants, who may exhibit these and perhaps other tyrosine kinase mutations. J Oncol Pharm Practice (2009) 15: 111—117.