bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Valuing the Longevity Insurance Acquired by Delayed Claiming of Social Security
Authors: Sun Wei , Webb Anthony 
Published: December 2010

AbstractIndividuals can claim Social Security at any age from 62 to 70, although most claim at 62. We show that expected present value calculations substantially understate both the optimal claim age and the losses resulting from early claiming because they ignore the value of the additional longevity insurance acquired because of delay. Using numerical optimization techniques, we illustrate that the optimal claim age is between 67 and 70. We calculate that the amount by which benefits payable at suboptimal ages must be increased so that a household is indifferent between claiming at those ages and the optimal combination of ages can be as high as 19.0 percent.
Longevity Risk Management in Singapore's National Pension System
Authors: Fong Joelle H. Y. , Mitchell Olivia S. , Koh Benedict S. K. 
Published: December 2010

AbstractAlthough annuities are a theoretically appealing way to manage longevity risk, in the real world relatively few consumers purchase them at retirement. To counteract the possibility of retirees outliving their assets, Singapore's Central Provident Fund, a national defined contribution pension scheme, has recently mandated annuitization of workers’ retirement assets. More significantly, the government has entered the insurance market as a public‐sector provider for such annuities. This article evaluates the money's worth of life annuities and discusses the impact of the government mandate and its role as an annuity provider on the insurance market.
Systemic transplantation of human adipose‐derived stem cells stimulates bone repair by promoting osteoblast and osteoclast function
Authors: Lee Kyunghee , Kim Hyunsoo , Kim Jin‐Man , Kim Jae‐Ryong , Kim Keuk‐Jun , Kim Yong‐Jin , Park Se‐Il , Jeong Jae‐Ho , Moon Young‐mi , Lim Hyun‐Sook , Bae Dong‐Won , Kwon Joseph , Ko Chang‐Yong , Kim Han‐Sung , Shin Hong‐In , Jeong Daewon 
Published: December 2010

AbstractSystemic transplantation of adipose‐derived stem cells (ASCs) is emerging as a novel therapeutic option for functional recovery of diverse damaged tissues. This study investigated the effects of systemic transplantation of human ASCs (hASCs) on bone repair. We found that hASCs secrete various bone cell‐activating factors, including hepatocyte growth factor and extracellular matrix proteins. Systemic transplantation of hASCs into ovariectomized mice induced an increased number of both osteoblasts and osteoclasts in bone tissue and thereby prevented bone loss. We also observed that conditioned medium from hASCs is capable of stimulating proliferation and differentiation of osteoblasts via Smad/extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK)/JNK (c‐jun NH2‐terminal kinase) activation as well as survival and differentiation of osteoclasts via ERK/JNK/p38 activation in vitro. Overall, our findings suggest that paracrine factors secreted from hASCs improve bone repair and that hASCs can be a valuable tool for use in osteoporosis therapy.
Ectopic pregnancy: using the hCG ratio to select women for expectant or medical management
Authors: KIRK EMMA , VAN CALSTER BEN , CONDOUS GEORGE , PAPAGEORGHIOU ARIS T. , GEVAERT OLIVIER , VAN HUFFEL SABINE , DE MOOR BART , TIMMERMAN DIRK , BOURNE TOM 
Published: December 2010

Abstract Objective. To identify variables that can be used to select women with an ectopic pregnancy for expectant or medical management with systemic methotrexate. Design. Cohort study. Setting. Early Pregnancy Unit of a London teaching hospital. Population. Women with a tubal ectopic pregnancy managed non‐surgically. Methods. The diagnosis of tubal ectopic pregnancy was made using transvaginal sonography. Human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) levels had to be taken at 0 hour and 48 hours pre‐treatment. Other recorded variables include presenting complaints, gestational age, progesterone levels, size of the ectopic mass and appearance of the ectopic on transvaginal sonography. Women were followed up until the outcome (success or failure) of management was known. Main outcome measures. Univariable analysis was performed to identify the variables associated with successful management using area under curves and relative risks. Results. Thirty‐nine women underwent expectant management (overall success rate 71.8%) and 42 had medical management (overall success rate 76.2%). The pre‐treatment hCG ratio (hCG 48 hours/hCG 0 hour) was related to the failure of both expectant (area under curve 0.86, 95% CI 0.67–0.94) and medical (area under curve 0.79, 95% CI 0.58–0.90) management. History of ectopic pregnancy was related to failure of expectant management only (relative risk 0.46, 95% CI 0.16–0.92). Conclusions. The most important variable for predicting the likelihood of successful non‐surgical management was the pre‐treatment hCG ratio. New studies are required to validate the use of this variable and of history of ectopic pregnancy to predict the likelihood of successful non‐surgical management in clinical practice.
Multicystic bone disease (Gorham–Stout Syndrome) in a spider monkey (Ateles geoffroyi )
Authors: Wimsatt Jeffrey , Withrow Stephen J. , Danner Daniel , Powers Barbara , Hagler Tyler , Pritzker Kenneth P.H. 
Published: December 2010

AbstractBackground In April 2000, a 2.5‐year‐old pet female Geoffroyi’s spider monkey presented for reduced activity, a subdued demeanor, and boney enlargement involving both radii.Methods On further examination, polyostotic bone cysts were identified involving many of the tubular bones and were identified radiographically. Microscopic examination of a bone biopsy revealed hemorrhage and other characteristics typical of an aneurysmal bone cyst. In addition, excessive osteoclasia was noted, in association with fibrotic areas rather than with Howship’s lacunae as expected from a growing animal.Results These findings were consistent with Gorham–Stout syndrome, a rare condition reported previously in ∼175 human cases and in a dog at necropsy. The diet history and further testing suggested a negative calcium balance. Treatment included the administration of bis‐phosphonates, which appeared to bring about marked improvement. Almost 8 years later (November 2008), radiographs were again taken and suggested some resolution of bone cysts, primarily those in the legs.Conclusions This represents the first reported case and a potential therapy for this rare condition in a non‐human primate.
Incidence and survival analyses in children with solid tumours diagnosed in Sweden between 1983 and 2007
Authors: Ljungman Gustaf , Jakobson Åke , Behrendtz Mikael , Ek Torben , Friberg Lars‐Göran , Hjalmars Ulf , Hjorth Lars , Lindh Jack , Pal Niklas , Sandstedt Bengt , Österlundh Gustaf , Gustafsson Göran ,   for the Swedish Childhood Solid Tumour Working Group (VSTB)
Published: December 2010

AbstractAim:  Solid tumours constitute 40% of childhood malignancies. The Swedish Childhood Cancer Registry is population based and includes all children with cancer reported from the six paediatric oncology centres in Sweden. The aim was to investigate incidence and survival.Methods:  We used the new WHO ICCC‐3 for reclassification of the patients. Incidence and survival analyses were performed in the study population.Results:  Two thousand four hundred and eighty‐seven children (<15 years) were diagnosed with solid tumours in Sweden between 1983 and 2007. The distribution of diagnoses was similar to that reported in other studies. The annual incidence was 65.3 per million children. The survival rates at 10 years of follow‐up have improved significantly when comparing the two time periods, 1983–1995 and 1995–2007 (76 vs. 82%; p < 0.01).Conclusions:  The mean annual incidence of solid tumours in children was 65.3/million and has been stable during the study period. Survival rates for solid tumours at 5, 10 and 20 years follow‐up were 80, 79 and 76%, respectively.
Congenital self‐healing reticulohistiocytosis – an important diagnostic challenge
Authors: Slott Jensen Marie Louise , Bygum Anette , Clemmensen Ole , Fenger‐Gron Jesper 
Published: December 2010

AbstractAim:  To present current and new knowledge on congenital self‐healing reticulohistiocytosis, a benign variant of cutaneous Langerhans cell histiocytosis presenting with skin lesions in the neonatal period.Methods:  We describe and photo document two cases of this rare disease and review the literature.Results:  Only few newborns have acute access to a neonatal dermatologist, and we demonstrate how the spontaneous cutaneous involution may happen even prior to the first dermatological assessment. As no sole criterion can reliably distinguish the self‐healing form from disseminated disease, multidisciplinary assessment and follow‐up are essential.Conclusion:  Our data document how easily the diagnosis congenital self‐healing reticulocytosis may be missed and emphasize the importance and value of instant clinical photographing at the neonatal unit and the use of teledermatology whenever congenital self‐healing reticulohistiocytosis is suspected.
The Hyb Hydrogenase Permits Hydrogen-Dependent Respiratory Growth of Salmonella enterica Serovar Typhimurium
Authors: Lamichhane-Khadka Reena , Kwiatkowski Andrea , Maier Robert J. 
Published: December 2010

ABSTRACTSalmonella entericaserovar Typhimurium contains three distinct respiratory hydrogenases, all of which contribute to virulence. Addition of H2significantly enhanced the growth rate and yield ofS. Typhimurium in an amino acid-containing medium; this occurred with three different terminal respiratory electron acceptors. Based on studies with site-specific double-hydrogenase mutant strains, most of this H2-dependent growth increase was attributed to the Hyb hydrogenase, rather than to the Hya or Hyd respiratory H2-oxidizing enzymes. The wild type strain with H2had 4.0-fold greater uptake of14C-labeled amino acids over a period of minutes than did cells incubated without H2. The double-uptake hydrogenase mutant containing only the Hyb hydrogenase transported amino acids H2dependently like the wild type. The Hyb-only-containing strain produced a membrane potential comparable to that of the wild type. The H2-stimulated amino acid uptake of the wild type and the Hyb-only strain was inhibited by the protonophore carbonyl cyanidem-chlorophenylhydrazone but was less affected by the ATP synthase inhibitor sodium orthovanadate. In the wild type, proteins TonB and ExbD, which are known to couple proton motive force (PMF) to transport processes, were induced by H2exposure, as were the genes corresponding to these periplasmic PMF-coupling factors. However, studies ontonBandexbDsingle mutant strains could not confirm a major role for these proteins in amino acid transport. The results link H2oxidation via the Hyb enzyme to growth, amino acid transport, and expression of periplasmic proteins that facilitate PMF-mediated transport across the outer membrane.IMPORTANCEComplex carbohydrates consumed by animals are fermented by intestinal microflora, and this leads to molecular hydrogen production.Salmonella entericaserovar Typhimurium can utilize this gas via three distinct respiratory hydrogenases, all of which contribute to virulence. Since H2oxidation can be used to conserve energy, we predicted that its use may augment bacterial growth in nutrient-poor media or in competitive environments within H2-containing host tissues. We thus investigated the effect of added H2on the growth ofSalmonellaTyphimurium in carbon-poor media with various terminal respiratory electron acceptors. The positive effects of H2on growth led to the realization thatSalmonellahas mechanisms to increase carbon acquisition when oxidizing H2. We found that H2oxidation via one of the respiration-linked enzymes, the Hyb hydrogenase, led to increased growth, amino acid transport, and expression of periplasmic proteins that facilitate proton motive force-mediated transport across the outer membrane.
Cellulase-Xylanase Synergy in Designer Cellulosomes for Enhanced Degradation of a Complex Cellulosic Substrate
Authors: Moraïs Sarah , Barak Yoav , Caspi Jonathan , Hadar Yitzhak , Lamed Raphael , Shoham Yuval , Wilson David B. , Bayer Edward A. 
Published: December 2010

ABSTRACT

Designer cellulosomes are precision-engineered multienzyme complexes in which the molecular architecture and enzyme content are exquisitely controlled. This system was used to examine enzyme cooperation for improved synergy among
Thermobifida fusca
glycoside hydrolases. Two
T. fusca
cellulases, Cel48A exoglucanase and Cel5A endoglucanase, and two
T. fusca
xylanases, endoxylanases Xyn10B and Xyn11A, were selected as enzymatic components of a mixed cellulase/xylanase-containing designer cellulosome. The resultant mixed multienzyme complex was fabricated on a single scaffoldin subunit bearing all four enzymes. Conversion of
T. fusca
enzymes to the cellulosomal mode followed by their subsequent incorporation into a tetravalent cellulosome led to assemblies with enhanced activity (~2.4-fold) on wheat straw as a complex cellulosic substrate. The enhanced synergy was caused by the proximity of the enzymes on the complex compared to the free-enzyme systems. The hydrolytic properties of the tetravalent designer cellulosome were compared with the combined action of two separate divalent cellulase- and xylanase-containing cellulosomes. Significantly, the tetravalent designer cellulosome system exhibited an ~2-fold enhancement in enzymatic activity compared to the activity of the mixture of two distinct divalent scaffoldin-borne enzymes. These results provide additional evidence that close proximity between cellulases and xylanases is key to the observed concerted degradation of the complex cellulosic substrate in which the integrated enzymes complement each other by promoting access to the relevant polysaccharide components of the substrate. The data demonstrate that cooperation among xylanases and cellulases can be augmented by their integration into a single designer cellulosome.

IMPORTANCE
Global efforts towards alternative energy programs are highlighted by processes for converting plant-derived carbohydrates to biofuels. The major barrier in such processes is the inherent recalcitrance to enzymatic degradation of cellulose combined with related associated polysaccharides. The multienzyme cellulosome complexes, produced by anaerobic bacteria, are considered to be the most efficient systems for degradation of plant cell wall biomass. In the present work, we have employed a synthetic biology approach by producing artificial designer cellulosomes of predefined enzyme composition and architecture. The engineered tetravalent cellulosome complexes contain two different types of cellulases and two distinct xylanases. Using this approach, enhanced synergistic activity was observed on wheat straw, a natural recalcitrant substrate. The present work strives to gain insight into the combined action of cellulosomal enzyme components towards the development of advanced systems for improved degradation of cellulosic material.
The match day use of ultrasound during professional football finals matches
Authors: James Phillip , Barbour Tim , Stone Ian 
Published: December 2010

ObjectivesTo describe the use of ultrasound by a professional Australian rules football team in the immediate pregame period to guide local anaesthetic injections, during game time to assess injuries and to guide local anaesthetic injections, and postmatch to assess injuries and to guide therapeutic injections.MethodsThe use of match day ultrasound was documented during four finals matches. Local anaesthetic injections were considered effective if players played without pain and experienced no complication from the injection. The results of the diagnostic scans were assessed against subsequent clinical progress and correlation with any follow-up imaging. Therapeutic injections were considered effective if there was clinical improvement and the player was able to play in subsequent weeks without restriction.ResultsPregame, a total of 11 ultrasound guided local anaesthetic injections were performed on eight players, with a further local anaesthetic during a game. All injections achieved good pain relief without any complication. A single diagnostic scan on one player during a game showed no acute muscle tear, the player successfully completed the game. Postgame, a total of four ultrasound guided steroid injections were performed on three players and all players played in the next match. The injections achieved good therapeutic results. The therapeutic injections given immediately postgame, maximised the recovery period available to the players.ConclusionsUltrasound proved useful in guiding local anaesthetic before and during matches and also therapeutic injections after matches. Ultrasound had a limited role in the assessment of injuries during a game.
THE COMPLEX VOLUMES OF TWIST KNOTS VIA COLORED JONES POLYNOMIALS
Authors: CHO JINSEOK , MURAKAMI JUN 
Published: December 2010

For a hyperbolic knot, an ideal triangulation of the knot complement corresponding to the colored Jones polynomial was introduced by Thurston. Considering this triangulation of a twist knot, we find a function which gives the hyperbolicity equations and the complex volume of the knot complement, using Zickert's theory of the extended Bloch group and the complex volume. We also consider a formal approximation of the colored Jones polynomial. Following Ohnuki's theory of 2-bridge knots, we define another function which comes from the approximation. We show that this function is essentially the same as the previous function, and therefore it also gives the same hyperbolicity equations and the complex volume. Finally we compare this result with our previous one which dealt with Yokota theory, and, as an application to Yokota theory, present a refined formula of the complex volumes for any twist knots.
Regulation of the Embryonic Morphogen Nodal by Notch4 Facilitates Manifestation of the Aggressive Melanoma Phenotype
Authors: Hardy Katharine M. , Kirschmann Dawn A. , Seftor Elisabeth A. , Margaryan Naira V. , Postovit Lynne-Marie , Strizzi Luigi , Hendrix Mary J.C. 
Published: December 2010

Abstract
Metastatic melanoma is an aggressive skin cancer associated with poor prognosis. The reactivation of the embryonic morphogen Nodal in metastatic melanoma has previously been shown to regulate the aggressive behavior of these tumor cells. During the establishment of left-right asymmetry in early vertebrate development, Nodal expression is specifically regulated by a Notch signaling pathway. We hypothesize that a similar relationship between Notch and Nodal may be reestablished in melanoma. In this study, we investigate whether cross talk between the Notch and Nodal pathways can explain the reactivation of Nodal in aggressive metastatic melanoma cells. We show a molecular link between Notch and Nodal signaling in the aggressive melanoma cell line MV3 via the activity of an RBPJ-dependent Nodal enhancer element. We show a precise correlation between Notch4 and Nodal expression in multiple aggressive cell lines but not poorly aggressive cell lines. Surprisingly, Notch4 is specifically required for expression of Nodal in aggressive cells and plays a vital role both in the balance of cell growth and in the regulation of the aggressive phenotype. In addition, Notch4 function in vasculogenic mimicry and anchorage-independent growth in vitro is due in part to Notch4 regulation of Nodal. This study identifies an important role for cross talk between Notch4 and Nodal in metastatic melanoma, placing Notch4 upstream of Nodal, and offers a potential molecular target for melanoma therapy. Cancer Res; 70(24); 10340–50. ©2010 AACR.
Longitudinal, Noninvasive Imaging of T-Cell Effector Function and Proliferation in Living Subjects
Authors: Patel Manishkumar R. , Chang Ya-Fang , Chen Ian Y. , Bachmann Michael H. , Yan Xinrui , Contag Christopher H. , Gambhir Sanjiv S. 
Published: December 2010

AbstractAdoptive immunotherapy is evolving to assume an increasing role in treating cancer. Most imaging studies in adoptive immunotherapy to date have focused primarily on locating tumor-specific T cells rather than understanding their effector functions. In this study, we report the development of a noninvasive imaging strategy to monitor T-cell activation in living subjects by linking a reporter gene to the Granzyme B promoter (pGB), whose transcriptional activity is known to increase during T-cell activation. Because pGB is relatively weak and does not lead to sufficient reporter gene expression for noninvasive imaging, we specifically employed 2 signal amplification strategies, namely the Two Step Transcription Amplification (TSTA) strategy and the cytomegalovirus enhancer (CMVe) strategy, to maximize firefly luciferase reporter gene expression. Although both amplification strategies were capable of increasing pGB activity in activated primary murine splenocytes, only the level of bioluminescence activity achieved with the CMVe strategy was adequate for noninvasive imaging in mice. Using T cells transduced with a reporter vector containing the hybrid pGB–CMVe promoter, we were able to optically image T-cell effector function longitudinally in response to tumor antigens in living mice. This methodology has the potential to accelerate the study of adoptive immunotherapy in preclinical cancer models. Cancer Res; 70(24); 10141–9. ©2010 AACR.
CX-4945, an Orally Bioavailable Selective Inhibitor of Protein Kinase CK2, Inhibits Prosurvival and Angiogenic Signaling and Exhibits Antitumor Efficacy
Authors: Siddiqui-Jain Adam , Drygin Denis , Streiner Nicole , Chua Peter , Pierre Fabrice , O'Brien Sean E. , Bliesath Josh , Omori Mayuko , Huser Nanni , Ho Caroline , Proffitt Chris , Schwaebe Michael K. , Ryckman David M. , Rice William G. , Anderes Kenna 
Published: December 2010

Abstract
Malignant transformation and maintenance of the malignant phenotype depends on oncogenic and non-oncogenic proteins that are essential to mediate oncogene signaling and to support the altered physiologic demands induced by transformation. Protein kinase CK2 supports key prosurvival signaling pathways and represents a prototypical non-oncogene. In this study, we describe CX-4945, a potent and selective orally bioavailable small molecule inhibitor of CK2. The antiproliferative activity of CX-4945 against cancer cells correlated with expression levels of the CK2α catalytic subunit. Attenuation of PI3K/Akt signaling by CX-4945 was evidenced by dephosphorylation of Akt on the CK2-specific S129 site and the canonical S473 and T308 regulatory sites. CX-4945 caused cell-cycle arrest and selectively induced apoptosis in cancer cells relative to normal cells. In models of angiogenesis, CX-4945 inhibited human umbilical vein endothelial cell migration, tube formation, and blocked CK2-dependent hypoxia-induced factor 1 alpha (HIF-1α) transcription in cancer cells. When administered orally in murine xenograft models, CX-4945 was well tolerated and demonstrated robust antitumor activity with concomitant reductions of the mechanism-based biomarker phospho-p21 (T145). The observed antiproliferative and anti-angiogenic responses to CX-4945 in tumor cells and endothelial cells collectively illustrate that this compound exerts its antitumor effects through inhibition of CK2-dependent signaling in multiple pathways. Finally, CX-4945 is the first orally bioavailable small molecule inhibitor of CK2 to advance into human clinical trials, thereby paving the way for an entirely new class of targeted treatment for cancer. Cancer Res; 70(24); 10288–98. ©2010 AACR.