bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Feedback control of ECRH polarization on LHD
Authors: Felici F. , Shimozuma T. , Kubo S. , Yoshimura Y. , Takahashi H. , Igami H. , Goodman T.P. , Seki T. , Tsuchiya H. , Ito S. , Mizuno Y. , Sauter O. , Mutoh T. 
Published: August 2010

The polarization of electron cyclotron resonance heating (ECRH) waves, set by the orientation of a pair of corrugated mirror polarizers in the transmission line, determines the degree of coupling to O- and X-modes in the plasma and has an important effect on the first-pass absorption. Existing methods for determining the required polarization have been found adequate in most experiments. However, as the pulse length is increased it becomes increasingly important to maximize the first-pass absorption while the plasma or injection conditions change or when there can be significant O- to X-mode power coupling during propagation, particularly in the edge plasma region of a stellarator. This has motivated the development of a dedicated feedback control system which is able to adjust the polarizers' angles settings during the discharge in order to maintain the highest possible absorption. An extremum seeking controller is shown to successfully recover the optimum polarization setting during long-pulse ECRH experiments on the Large Helical Device (LHD).Corrections were made to this article on 02 September 2010. 'The' was removed before LHD in several places.
Module-based prediction approach for robust inter-study predictions in microarray data
Authors: Mi Zhibao , Shen Kui , Song Nan , Cheng Chunrong , Song Chi , Kaminski Naftali , Tseng George C. 
Published: August 2010

Abstract
Motivation: Traditional genomic prediction models based on individual genes suffer from low reproducibility across microarray studies due to the lack of robustness to expression measurement noise and gene missingness when they are matched across platforms. It is common that some of the genes in the prediction model established in a training study cannot be matched to another test study because a different platform is applied. The failure of inter-study predictions has severely hindered the clinical applications of microarray. To overcome the drawbacks of traditional gene-based prediction (GBP) models, we propose a module-based prediction (MBP) strategy via unsupervised gene clustering.
Results: K-means clustering is used to group genes sharing similar expression profiles into gene modules, and small modules are merged into their nearest neighbors. Conventional univariate or multivariate feature selection procedure is applied and a representative gene from each selected module is identified to construct the final prediction model. As a result, the prediction model is portable to any test study as long as partial genes in each module exist in the test study. We demonstrate that K-means cluster sizes generally follow a multinomial distribution and the failure probability of inter-study prediction due to missing genes is diminished by merging small clusters into their nearest neighbors. By simulation and applications of real datasets in inter-study predictions, we show that the proposed MBP provides slightly improved accuracy while is considerably more robust than traditional GBP.
Availability: http://www.biostat.pitt.edu/bioinfo/
Contact: ctseng@pitt.edu
Supplementary information: Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Stacking Multiple Transgenes at a Selected Genomic Site via Repeated Recombinase-Mediated DNA Cassette Exchanges
Authors: Li Zhongsen , Moon Bryan P. , Xing Aiqiu , Liu Zhan-Bin , McCardell Richard P. , Damude Howard G. , Falco S. Carl 
Published: August 2010

AbstractRecombinase-mediated DNA cassette exchange (RMCE) has been successfully used to insert transgenes at previously characterized genomic sites in plants. Following the same strategy, groups of transgenes can be stacked to the same site through multiple rounds of RMCE. A gene-silencing cassette, designed to simultaneously silence soybean (Glycine max) genes fatty acid ω-6 desaturase 2 (FAD2) and acyl-acyl carrier protein thioesterase 2 (FATB) to improve oleic acid content, was first inserted by RMCE at a precharacterized genomic site in soybean. Selected transgenic events were subsequently retransformed with the second DNA construct containing a Yarrowia lipolytica diacylglycerol acyltransferase gene (DGAT1) to increase oil content by the enhancement of triacylglycerol biosynthesis and three other genes, a Corynebacterium glutamicum dihydrodipicolinate synthetase gene (DHPS), a barley (Hordeum vulgare) high-lysine protein gene (BHL8), and a truncated soybean cysteine synthase gene (CGS), to improve the contents of the essential amino acids lysine and methionine. Molecular characterization confirmed that the second RMCE successfully stacked the four overexpression cassettes to the previously integrated FAD2-FATB gene-silencing cassette. Phenotypic analyses indicated that all the transgenes expressed expected phenotypes.
Estimation of time‐varying price elasticity in 1970–1997 Japanese raw milk supply by structural time‐series model
Authors: Komaki Toru , Penzer Jeremy 
Published: August 2010

AbstractThe price elasticity of raw milk supply in Japan is estimated over time by a structural time‐series model in state space form, and the changes in elasticity are tested by the diagnosing test of de John and Penzer in 1998. The supply function is modeled with a local linear trend and a strictly exogenous autoregressive distributed lag price. The seasonality in the data is adjusted by a structural time‐series model. In the 1970–1997 period, there were major dairy policy changes in Japan: a production adjustment, related penalties, and two‐tier pricing. Hokkaido is the region that mainly provides the supply of raw milk for milk products, while Tofuken is the region that mainly produces drinking milk. The estimated price elasticity in Hokkaido became stable after imposition of the production adjustment. On the other hand, price elasticity in Tofuken became stable after the inflation of the mid‐1970s. Price elasticity is estimated to be more inelastic as well as more likely to converge in inelasticity in Hokkaido than in Tofuken. We discuss the relationship between changes in dairy policy and changes in price elasticity.
Differences in agricultural returns: an empirical test of efficiency in factor input allocation using Vietnamese data
Authors: Linde‐Rahr Martin 
Published: August 2010

AbstractWe study whether rural households in Vietnam allocate their factor inputs efficiently. Factor returns and technical rates of substitution (TRS) between production activities are compared. We estimate two translog production functions and conduct three tests: First we test the equality of bootstrapped returns. Second, we use a bootstrapped t‐test comparing the equality of TRS. Finally, we derive a set of nonlinear restrictions on our estimated parameters, which, if held, would imply that we cannot reject efficiency. The article concentrates on the allocation of factors between the cultivation of the two most important agricultural crops—sugar cane and rice. We cannot reject the possibility that households are efficient in their input allocation. These results are consistent and stable over different estimation techniques and support the assumption of profit maximization.
The determinants of vinegrowers employment and policy implications: the case of a Greek island
Authors: Papadopoulos Athanasios P. , Papanikos Gregory T. 
Published: August 2010

AbstractThis study investigates the employment of vinegrowers on a Greek island (Samos) where there exist attractive alternative employment opportunities, particularly in the tourist sector. The recent dramatic decline in the number of vinegrowers has been of great concern particularly to wine producers, policy makers, and local authorities because such a pattern has had, and most importantly will have, serious economic, social, and environmental implications. The focus of this paper is on two issues. First, some descriptive statistics on the demographics of vinegrowers and characteristics of vineyards are presented and second, a probit model is developed to identify the demographic and other determinants of the probability of off‐farm and off‐vineyard work participation. The most important source of data information is primary data collected by the authors, using a questionnaire, which was completed by a representative sample of vinegrowers from the island of Samos. The empirical findings suggest that the promotion of vinegrowing requires policies that will enlarge the size of vineyards, promote investments in human and physical capital, and improve the public infrastructure.
Toward understanding household preference for consumption characteristics of millet varieties: a case study from western Niger
Authors: Ndjeunga Jupiter , Nelson Carl H. 
Published: August 2010

AbstractIn this study, we evaluate the preference of consumers in Niger for different tuwo or couscous characteristics using a random utility‐based choice experiment, ordered probit analysis, and tree‐based partitioning. Data were collected through a structured survey administered at four sites. Preferences are estimated for three products (couscous, fermented tuwo, and nonfermented tuwo) made from five pearl millet cutivars. We provide relative valuation for different traits by type of product. Results show that product taste, color, and textural attributes are important, especially for tuwo and couscous. Probit and partitioning results show that taste and color are the first attributes that consumers use to distinguish more preferred millet food products from less preferred millet food products. This should provide some direction for millet breeding programs and food processing of millet.
Glutamine and glutamine synthetase immunoreactivities in Schwann cells of the rat glabrous skin
Authors: Miller K. E. , Jones K. , Wood A. E. , Kriebel R. M. 
Published: August 2010

We have shown recently that glial cells of the peripheral nervous system contain substrates and enzymes related to the glutamine cycle, e.g. glutamine, glutamine synthetase, and glutamate dehydrogenase (Miller et al., Brain Res 2002: 945: 202–11). The present study used immunohistochemistry to determine the cellular distribution of glutamine and glutamine synthetase in the rat glabrous skin. Normal adult Sprague–Dawley rats were used for these studies. Glutamine and glutamine synthetase were localized with both immunoperoxidase and immunofluoresent techniques. Glutamine and glutamine synthetase immunoreactivities were abundant in Schwann cells of large dermal nerve bundles. An enrichment of glutamine and glutamine synthetase immunoreactivies occurred in terminal and near‐terminal Schwann cells in dermal papilla and at the dermal–epidermal interface. We hypothesize that the peripheral glial glutamine cycle is important for supplying neuronal energy demands in dermal nerve fibers. Furthermore, the peripheral glial glutamine cycle in terminal Schwann cells most likely produces glutamine for sensory terminal uptake. This glutamine would be converted to glutamate for release from sensory afferents. Glutamate released from sensory afferents may be important for the development of hyperalgesia and allodynia. Terminal Schwann cells, therefore, are potential targets for modulating sensory afferent sensitivity during acute and chronic pain.Supported by NIH AR47410 (KEM).
Sex differences in morphine modulation of cutaneous inflammation: involvement of NK1 receptors
Authors: Elliott J. C. , Lysle D. T. 
Published: August 2010

Morphine produces an exacerbation of DNFB‐induced cutaneous inflammation when administered prior to antigen challenge in a rat model of contact hypersensitivity (CHS). Recent evidence indicates that this exacerbation of inflammation is significantly greater in females than that in males. This sex difference in morphine modulation of CHS is due to the activation of central μ‐opioid receptor pathways and appears to be corticosterone independent. Furthermore, the presence of female gonadal hormones may account for observed the sex differences, because ovariectomy largely eliminates morphine's enhancement of CHS inflammation without affecting the basal CHS response. Given the involvement of substance P in the pathological exacerbation of CHS, we hypothesized that sex differences in NK1 receptor activation might account for morphine's greater effect on the expression of CHS in females. To that end, male and female CDF rats were treated with the selective NK1 receptor antagonist SR140 333 (1 mg/kg, subcutaneously) 150 min prior to and after DNFB challenge. SR140 333 treatment significantly reduced the magnitude of morphine's enhancement of CHS in female, but not male rats without affecting the baseline CHS response in either sex. Preliminary data suggest that neuropeptide depletion of the skin using capsaicin produces a similar pattern of sex‐dependent effects on morphine modulation of CHS. Taken together, these experiments support the hypothesis that greater activity of the peripheral NK1 receptor system in females may in part account for sex differences in the magnitude of CHS following morphine treatment.This project was supported by NIH grants DA15709 (D.T.L.) and DA016836 (J.C.E). SR140 333 was generously provided by Sanofi‐Synthelabo.
Calcitonin gene‐related peptide and adrenomedullin modulate cytokine‐induced microvascular endothelial cell cellular adhesion molecule expression and NF‐κB activation
Authors: Scholzen T. E. , Fastrich M. , Brzoska T. , Armstrong C. A. , Ansel J. C. , Muff R. , Born W. , Fischer J. A. , Luger T. A. 
Published: August 2010

AM and the sensory neuropeptide CGRP are potent vasoactive mediators that activate high‐affinity G‐protein‐coupled receptors consisting of receptor‐activity modifying proteins (RAMPs) and a seven‐transmembrane domain calcitonin receptor‐like receptor (CRLR) with RAMP‐1/CRLR as CGRP and RAMP2 or ‐3/CRLR as AM receptors. In this study, we have examined the possibility that AM or CGRP modulate dermal microvascular EC adhesion molecule (ICAM‐1 and VCAM‐1) expression. Primary HDMEC or cells of the EC line HMEC‐1 were transfected with cDNA expression vectors for an EGFP control, RAMP‐1, RAMP‐2 and CRLR by electroporation, or left untransfected. Stimulation of EC‐overexpressing R1/CRLR or R2/CRLR with CGRP or AM (0.01–1000 nm) resulted in a dose‐dependent upregulation of intracellular cAMP. Importantly, when HDMEC transfected with R1/CRLR or R2/CRLR were treated with TNFα in combination with CGRP or AM, these peptides interfered with the TNF‐induced expression of ICAM‐1 and VCAM‐1 as well as the adhesion of lymphoblastoid cell lines to HDMEC monolayer in a biphasic manner. Likewise, AM and CGRP modulated the activation of nuclear factor κB (NF‐κB) partly by inhibiting the TNFα‐induced degradation of cytosolic IκBα. Neither transfection with the orphan CRLR nor RAMPs alone was capable of mediating a full reduction of TNFα‐induced ICAM‐1 or VCAM‐1 expression. In conclusion, CGRP and more pronounced AM are capable of modulating TNFα‐induced EC CAM expression, which may be of importance for the regulation of leucocyte–endothelial cell interaction during cutaneous neurogenic inflammation.This study was supported by the “Medizinische Forschungsgesellschaft Salzburg” and a grant of the Austrian Science Foundation (P14906).
Mapping of two genetic loci for autosomal dominant hidradenitis suppurativa
Authors: Irwin McLean W. H. , Wood Pam , Irvine Alan D. , Von Der Werth Jan 
Published: August 2010

Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a severe and debilitating skin condition that is relatively common in the population. In many cases, there is a strong family history showing autosomal dominant inheritance with incomplete penetrance. We identified several large kindreds from the United Kingdom and Ireland showing dominant transmission and carried out two genome‐wide scans by genetic linkage analysis with 400 closely spaced microsatellite markers.This resulted in the identification of two separate genetic loci that show statistically significant linkage with HS. Marker D19S414 gave a significant log‐of‐the‐odds (LOD) score of 3.66 in a single kindred and represents robust genetic linkage. Recombination with markers D19S911 and D19S1170 limited the interval to a 16.5‐Mb region on chromosome 19, containing at least 35 known or strongly predicted genes. Many of these are transcription factors thought to be involved in modulation of the immune system, which may be consistent with HS. Two additional kindreds did not map to this locus but instead showed linkage to marker D6S290, giving a maximum combined 2‐point LOD score of 4.0 with no recombination. Visible recombinants narrowed this disease interval to a 1.48‐Mb region between D6S440 and D6S441 on chromosome 6q25.1‐25.2 containing six genes. We have already screened a large number of exons in both loci for mutations without identifying any obvious mutations.The eventual identification of genes causing HS will shed light on the pathomechanisms underlying inherited forms of the disease and, ultimately, will set the scene for rational design of therapies aimed at treating the root causes of this disorder.
Genetic analysis of three large Indian pedigrees with autosomal dominant hidradenitis suppurativa
Authors: Radhakrishna Uppala , Mehta Timir Y. , Solanki Jitendra V. , Nath Swapan K. 
Published: August 2010

Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS: OMIM 142690) is an aggravating chronic inflammatory skin condition characterized by swollen, painful, inflamed lesions in the axillae, groin, and other parts of the body that contain apocrine glands. Incidence ranges from 0.1/100 to 4/100 in adults. It affects more females than males. The risk of developing non‐melanoma skin cancer is very high among patients with HS (Arch Dermatol 2001: 137: 730–734). This chronic condition is familial, which supports its genetic basis. However the causative gene(s) is not yet identified.We have studied three large Indian hidradenitis suppurativa families with an apparent autosomal dominant mode of inheritance and 100% penetrance. No skipping of generations was observed. Pedigrees consist of 149 individuals, including 48 affecteds (20 males/28 females). The age of onset is 25–35 years. Histopathological studies were conducted in selected affecteds. The expression of the phenotype was quite variable within these families, and the majority was severely affected. All affecteds had typical characteristics of HS. Clinical findings included folliculitis, gastrointesinal (GI) polyps, sinuses axillae, cutaneous scars, retinal haemorrhage, epidermoid carcinoma, and polymorph function defects. Six of the affected females had hirsutism. Affected body parts included tops of inner thighs, genitals, groin, buttocks, and under the breasts in women. Skin grafting was performed in some of the affecteds. A few deaths due to squamous cell carcinoma were reported in these families. Cytogenetic analysis of two affecteds from each family did not show any abnormality.Genomewide linkage analysis is in progress to map the elusive locus and provide a target for positional cloning.
Cytokeratin expression in hidradenitis suppurativa and pilonidal sinus
Authors: Kurokawa Ichiro , Hakamada Arata , Isoda Ken‐ichi , Yamanaka Kei‐ichi , Mizutani Hitoshi , Tsubura Airo 
Published: August 2010

Purpose: The aim of our study was to elucidate the pathogenesis of hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) and pilonidal sinus (PS) by evaluating their cytokeratin (CK) expression. Methods: CK expression in HS (n = 15) and PS (n = 9) was studied immunohistochemically using six anti‐keratin antibodies. Results: In HS and PS, three types of epithelia were identified: infundibular‐like keratinized epithelium (type A), non‐infundibular keratinized epithelium (type B), and non‐keratinized epithelium (type C). Type A contained CK1, 10, and 14 similar to normal infundibulum, but it did not contain CK17. In types B and C, CK14, 16, and 17 were detected similar to that in normal outer root sheath. In tumor nests of squamous cell carcinoma derived from HS, CK 14, 17, and 19 were detected. Conclusions: Based on CK expression in HS and PS, sinus epithelium in HS and PS may possess characteristics of fragility, hyperproliferation, and undifferentiation.
Clinical characteristics and outcome measures in hidradenitis suppurativa research
Authors: Revuz Jean 
Published: August 2010

Introduction: Outcome measures for medical treatment of HS are needed. Patients and methods: One hundred and sixty‐four consecutive patients were prospectively evaluated. A new score was evaluated: HSPAIN = pain intensity on a visual analog scale (VAS 1‐10) × number of painful days/month. Results: Mean age was 34 years (± 11), sex ratio F/M 2.8:1. Forty‐two per cent were over weighted; 82% were smokers, 30% had a family history of HS. Age at onset was 23 years. Hurley's class was I = 72%; II = 25 %; III = 3%. Mean Sartorius' score (1) was 22 (range: 3–72). Pain on VAS was 4.1 for lower localizations, and its duration was >15 days/month for 25% of patients. Patients with a Sartorius' score > median were older (P = 0.003), more frequently overweighted (0.02). The mean HSPAIN scored 7.9 (0–30). It was highly correlated to Sartorius' score (P < 10‐3). This new score has been used in therapeutic trials of dalacine – rifadin combination and of zinc gluconate. Quality of life study of 61 patients emphasizes the strong impact of HS compared with other dermatological diseases; patients with an early onset, long duration and continuous evolution are particularly affected. Conclusion: Surgery is not the only treatment for HS; we need outcome measures that are more adapted to medical treatment, i.e. integrating pain which is the major burden of this disease.
Surgical treatment options for hidradenitis suppurativa and critical review of own experience†
Authors: Mandal Anirban , Watson J. 
Published: August 2010

Background: Hidradenitis suppurativa has always been a challenging area to the plastic and reconstructive surgeon. The aetiology is idiopathic, and medical treatment offers temporary relief only. Radical surgical excision, therefore, is the mainstay of active management. Aim: To present and evaluate a series of 106 patients of hidradenitis suppurativa treated in the regional plastic surgery unit of southeast Scotland between January 1990 and December 2000. Patients: Median age at onset was 36 years (range 17–70 years). The patients were predominantly females (88.78%) and heavy smokers (98.1%). Median age before active surgical intervention was six years (range 1–30 years). The patients were divided into a mild group (n = 64) and a severe group (n = 42). All patients had broad‐spectrum antibiotics and multiple incision and drainage procedures before referral from general practitioners, dermatologists or general surgeons. One hundred sites were managed by primary closure (mostly in the ‘mild’ group); 29 resurfaced with split skin grafts and 14 with local, fasciocutaneous or musculocutaneous flaps (mostly in the ‘severe’ group). Median postoperative follow‐up period was 3 years (range 1–7 years). Results: In the ‘primary closure’ series, recurrence rate requiring at least one secondary operation was 69.88%. There was no recurrence, no serious complications and no revision operations in the ‘graft’ and the ‘flap’ series. Conclusion: A high index of suspicion is required before contemplating primary closure in hidradenitis suppurativa, even in the ‘mild’ variety. This condition should always be treated aggressively by radical excision of all hair‐bearing areas and reconstructed with a graft or a flap.