bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
An experimental study of the vertical travel accuracy of the treatment table used in radiotherapy
Authors: Riis Hans L. , Zimmermann Sune J. 
Published: August 2012

AbstractThe idea of the present work was to investigate general features of the vertical travel of the treatment table in different configurations and the limitations of an optimised alignment. The investigations were carried out on two tables for different load cases, lateral positions and turntable angles. A wire was held vertically nearby the rotational axis of the table. The wire was used as reference in the investigations. A digital USB-microscope was attached to the tabletop. An orthogonal set of images of the wire was acquired at different vertical table positions. By analysing the images the vertical travel accuracy of the table was extracted. The two tables were found to travel linearly with the same characteristics over the full range of 110 cm with deviations less than 0.5 mm relative to a straight line. A divergence from a vertical travel above 0.5 mm was found to originate from misalignment. An alignment procedure to attain the optimal vertical performance with a minimum of inclination was presented. This procedure must be relayed on objective measured data of the travel with uncertainties far beyond 0.5 mm. Our suggested experimental method was found to have the potential to obtain the required data.
Coordinative Advantages of State Resources under SNTV: The Case of Taiwan
Authors: BATTO NATHAN F. , KIM HENRY A. 
Published: August 2012

AbstractSuccess in SNTV requires not merely winning but also coordinating votes. Governing parties often reap coordination advantage thanks to their control of the state and its resources. Since governing parties in authoritarian states enjoy greater control over the state and its resources, we argue that they should also enjoy magnified coordinative advantages in SNTV election. Of course, authoritarian regimes often use state resources to win more votes; we argue that, in SNTV, in addition to winning more votes, those votes can also be distributed more effectively. We demonstrate our claims using election data from both local and national SNTV elections in Taiwan from 1954 to 2005.
Century to multi‐century sea level rise projections from CMIP5 models
Authors: Yin Jianjun 
Published: August 2012

Long‐term projections of global‐ocean thermal expansion (GTE) and the dynamic sea level (DSL) change are analyzed with 34 new CMIP5 models and under three greenhouse‐gas emission scenarios. Multi‐model ensemble mean (MEM) and ensemble standard deviation are calculated to identify robust features and quantify uncertainty. While the MEM of GTE shows moderate difference by 2100, with magnitudes of 13, 18 and 28 cm in RCP2.6, RCP4.5 and RCP8.5, respectively, it increases and diverges significantly by 2300, with magnitudes of 21, 52 and 119 cm in the three scenarios. Model‐to‐model spread seems reduced in CMIP5 compared to CMIP3. The MEM changes of the DSL show similar patterns between different RCPs, but with progressively larger magnitudes in RCP2.6, RCP4.5 and RCP8.5. Notable features identified previously in the CMIP3 projections also occur in CMIP5, indicating their robustness across generations of climate model and emission scenario. The CMIP5 models still show disagreement in projecting the DSL changes, even under the same external forcing.
Examination of causative link between a spring bloom and dry/wet deposition of Asian dust in the Yellow Sea, China
Authors: Shi Jin‐Hui , Gao Hui‐Wang , Zhang Jing , Tan Sai‐Chun , Ren Jing‐Ling , Liu Cheng‐Gang , Liu Ying , Yao Xiaohong 
Published: August 2012

Atmospheric deposition can deliver new nutrients to the surface water and support primary productivity. Here we report a phytoplankton bloom that developed in the Yellow Sea in the spring of 2007 3–4 days following a dust storm accompanied by precipitation. Our data indicate that atmospheric deposition dominated the supply of new nutrients to the surface water in the central Yellow Sea during the dust event. Dust‐derived nitrogen (N) supply was sufficient to support the observed phytoplankton growth, while, dust‐derived iron (Fe) supply far exceeded that required by the biota. Granger causality test results further supported that dust‐derived nutrients deposition was the cause for the observed bloom with a lag of 3–5 days. Our results contribute to the growing database linking phytoplankton blooms to atmospheric deposition derived fertilization effects. Both dry and wet deposition contributed nutrients to the surface ocean during this event; however, the nutrient loading from dry deposition alone was not sufficient to satisfy the demand of the phytoplankton in this bloom event.
DJ-1 promotes the proteasomal degradation of Fis1: implications of DJ-1 in neuronal protection
Authors: Zhang Qiang , Wu Junbing , Wu Rong , Ma Jun , Du Guiping , Jiao Renjie , Tian Yong , Zheng Zheng , Yuan Zengqiang 
Published: August 2012

Mutations in DJ-1/PARK7 (Parkinson protein 7) have been identified as a cause of autosomal-recessive PD (Parkinson's disease) and the antioxidant property of DJ-1 has been shown to be involved in the regulation of mitochondrial function and neuronal cell survival. In the present study, we first found that the DJ-1 transgene mitigated MPTP (1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine)-induced DA (dopamine) neuron cell death and cell loss. We then observed that the protein levels of DJ-1 were significantly decreased, whereas levels of Fis1 [fission 1 (mitochondrial outer membrane) homologue] were noticeably increased in the striatum of MPTP-treated mice. In addition to our identification of RNF5 (RING-finger protein-5) as an E3-ligase for Fis1 ubiquitination, we demonstrated the involvement of the DJ-1/Akt/RNF5 signalling pathway in the regulation of Fis1 proteasomal degradation. In other experiments, we found that Akt1 enhances the mitochondrial translocation and E3-ligase activity of RNF5, leading to Fis1 degradation. Together, the identification of Fis1 degradation by DJ-1 signalling in the regulation of oxidative stress-induced neuronal cell death supplies a novel mechanism of DJ-1 in neuronal protection with the implication of DJ-1 in a potential therapeutic avenue for PD.
Calpain-1 knockout reveals broad effects on erythrocyte deformability and physiology
Authors: Wieschhaus Adam , Khan Anwar , Zaidi Asma , Rogalin Henry , Hanada Toshihiko , Liu Fei , De Franceschi Lucia , Brugnara Carlo , Rivera Alicia , Chishti Athar H. 
Published: August 2012

Pharmacological inhibitors of cysteine proteases have provided useful insights into the regulation of calpain activity in erythrocytes. However, the precise biological function of calpain activity in erythrocytes remains poorly understood. Erythrocytes express calpain-1, an isoform regulated by calpastatin, the endogenous inhibitor of calpains. In the present study, we investigated the function of calpain-1 in mature erythrocytes using our calpain-1-null [KO (knockout)] mouse model. The calpain-1 gene deletion results in improved erythrocyte deformability without any measurable effect on erythrocyte lifespan in vivo. The calcium-induced sphero-echinocyte shape transition is compromised in the KO erythrocytes. Erythrocyte membrane proteins ankyrin, band 3, protein 4.1R, adducin and dematin are degraded in the calcium-loaded normal erythrocytes but not in the KO erythrocytes. In contrast, the integrity of spectrin and its state of phosphorylation are not affected in the calcium-loaded erythrocytes of either genotype. To assess the functional consequences of attenuated cytoskeletal remodelling in the KO erythrocytes, the activity of major membrane transporters was measured. The activity of the K+–Cl− co-transporter and the Gardos channel was significantly reduced in the KO erythrocytes. Similarly, the basal activity of the calcium pump was reduced in the absence of calmodulin in the KO erythrocyte membrane. Interestingly, the calmodulin-stimulated calcium pump activity was significantly elevated in the KO erythrocytes, implying a wider range of pump regulation by calcium and calmodulin. Taken together, and with the atomic force microscopy of the skeletal network, the results of the present study provide the first evidence for the physiological function of calpain-1 in erythrocytes with therapeutic implications for calcium imbalance pathologies such as sickle cell disease.
SLP-76 is required for high-affinity IgE receptor- and IL-3 receptor-mediated activation of basophils
Authors: Hidano Shinya , Kitamura Daisuke , Kumar Lalit , Geha Raif S. , Goitsuka Ryo 
Published: August 2012

Abstract
Basophils have been reported to play a critical role in allergic inflammation by secreting IL-4 in response to IL-3 or high-affinity IgE receptor (FcεRI)-cross-linking. However, the signaling pathways downstream of FcεRI and the IL-3 receptor in basophils have yet to be determined. In the present study, we used mice deficient in SLP-76 (Src homology 2 domain-containing leukocyte phosphoprotein of 76kDa) to demonstrate critical functions of this adaptor molecule in transducing FcεRI- and IL-3 receptor-mediated signals that induce basophil activation. Although SLP-76 was dispensable for in vivo differentiation, as well as IL-3-induced in vitro proliferation of basophils, IL-4 production induced by both stimuli was completely ablated by SLP-76 deficiency. Biochemical analyses revealed that IL-3-induced phosphorylation of phospholipase C (PLC) γ2 and Akt, but not STAT5, was severely reduced in SLP-76-deficient basophils, whereas FcεRI cross-linking phosphorylation of PLCγ2, but not Akt, was abrogated by SLP-76 deficiency, suggesting important differences in the requirement of SLP-76 for Akt activation between FcεRI- and IL-3 receptor-mediated signaling pathways in basophils. Because IL-3-induced IL-4 production was sensitive to calcineurin inhibitors and an intracellular calcium chelator, in addition to PI3K inhibitors, SLP-76 appears to regulate FcεRI- and IL-3 receptor-induced IL-4 production via mediating PLCγ2 activation in basophils. Taken together, these findings indicate that SLP-76 is an essential signaling component for basophil activation downstream of both FcεRI and the IL-3 receptor.
Moesin-deficient mice reveal a non-redundant role for moesin in lymphocyte homeostasis
Authors: Hirata Takako , Nomachi Akira , Tohya Kazuo , Miyasaka Masayuki , Tsukita Sachiko , Watanabe Takeshi , Narumiya Shuh 
Published: August 2012

Abstract
Moesin is a member of the ezrin–radixin–moesin (ERM) family of cytoskeletal proteins. These proteins organize membrane domains by interacting with plasma membrane proteins and the actin cytoskeleton. Because of their high sequence similarity, ERM proteins are usually thought to be functionally redundant. Lymphocytes express two ERM proteins, ezrin and moesin. Whether each ERM plays a specialized role in lymphocytes, particularly in vivo, remains unknown. Here, we show that moesin has a crucial, non-redundant role in lymphocyte homeostasis. Moesin-deficient mice exhibited decreases in both T and B cells in the peripheral blood and lymph nodes, but not in the spleen. This phenotype was recapitulated in bone marrow (BM) chimeras with a hematopoietic moesin deficiency. Although the T and B cells apparently developed without major defects in the moesin-deficient mice, T cell egress from the thymus and immature B cell egress from the BM were impaired. In the periphery, both T and B cells showed delayed egress from lymphoid organs. We showed that moesin is the primary phosphorylated ERM subject to dynamic regulation during cell shape changes and migration. Our findings identify a previously unknown, non-redundant function of moesin in lymphocyte homeostasis in regulating lymphocyte egress from lymphoid organs.
Indications for a protective function of beta2‐glycoprotein I in thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura
Authors: Du Vivian X. , van Os Gwen , Kremer Hovinga Johanna A. , Dienava‐Verdoold Ilze , Wollersheim Jacques , Ruggeri Zaverio M. , Fijnheer Rob , de Groot Philip G. , de Laat Bas 
Published: August 2012

SummaryIt has been shown that β2‐glycoprotein I (β2GPI) interacts with von Willebrand factor (VWF) in a glycoprotein (GP)Ib binding state. Given the presence of active VWF multimers in thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP), we speculated that β2GPI might play a role in TTP. We found that β2GPI plasma levels were significantly lower in acute and remission TTP patients than in normal controls, showing a direct correlation with ADAMTS 13 levels and an inverse correlation with the extent of VWF activation. In vitro flow experiments demonstrated that β2GPI can block platelet adhesion to endothelial cell‐derived VWF strings. We confirmed the direct binding of β2GPI to VWF by surface plasmon resonance, and determined that domain I of β2GPI is the binding site of VWF A1 domain. Adhesion of β2GPI to erythrocytes and platelets was increased in the presence of active VWF, indicating that β2GPI may be cleared from the circulation during TTP episodes together with blood cells. Our findings suggest that β2GPI may protect from the effects of hyper‐functional VWF by inhibiting its interaction with platelets.
Salivary duct carcinomas can be classified into luminal androgen receptor‐positive, HER2 and basal‐like phenotypes*
Authors: Di Palma Silvana , Simpson Roderick H W , Marchiò Caterina , Skálová Alena , Ungari Marco , Sandison Ann , Whitaker Stephen , Parry Suzanne , Reis‐Filho Jorge S 
Published: August 2012

Di Palma S, Simpson R H W, Marchiò C, Skálová A, Ungari M, Sandison A, Whitaker S, Parry S & Reis‐Filho J S  (2012) Histopathology 61, 629–643Salivary duct carcinomas can be classified into luminal androgen receptor‐positive, HER2 and basal‐like phenotypesAims:  The aim of this study was to devise a molecular classification for salivary duct carcinomas (SDCs) based on the similarities between SDCs and breast carcinomas and on characteristics of the microarray‐based gene expression profiling‐defined molecular subtypes of breast cancer.Methods and results:  Forty‐two pure salivary duct carcinomas, 35 of which contained an in‐situ component as defined by histological review and/or immunohistochemical analysis, were stained with antibodies for oestrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), androgen receptor (AR), human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2), epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and cytokeratin (CK) 5/6. Based on these markers, tumours were classified into HER2, luminal androgen receptor‐positive, basal‐like, luminal and indeterminate phenotype. Analysis revealed that 16.7%, 69%, 4.8%, 9.5% and 0% were of HER2, luminal androgen receptor‐positive, basal‐like, indeterminate and luminal phenotype, respectively. The in‐situ and invasive components displayed the same molecular subtype in all but one case.Conclusions:  Salivary duct carcinomas can be classified into molecular subgroups approximately equivalent to those in the breast. We also report on the existence of a subgroup of bona fide pure salivary duct carcinomas that have a ‘basal‐like’ phenotype. Understanding the phenotypic complexity of SDCs may help to expedite the identification of novel therapeutic targets for these aggressive tumours.
Adherence and medication management by the elderly
Authors: Henriques Maria A , Costa Maria A , Cabrita José 
Published: August 2012

Aims and objectives.  The purpose of this study was to explore the strategies used for medication management by elderly who live at home.Background.  Non‐adherence to chronic medication is a common problem among the elderly with chronic conditions. Many studies have been developed, but it did not progress in solving this multidisciplinary health care problem. The causes of non‐adherence by the elderly are multiple and complex.Design.  Descriptive qualitative design.Methods.  Data were collected by two focus groups. The content of discussion was analysed from verbatim transcript and identifying categories and sub‐categories emerged, leading to the construction of a diagram analysis.Results.  The finding indicated the strategies and the interpretation of people aged 65 or more and with chronic illness, managing their medication. Four content categories emerged: to live with drugs, taking medication, belief about drugs and relationship with health professionals.Conclusion.  The study enabled us to identify and understand, by giving a ‘voice’ to the elderly, that living with drugs is a dynamic and complex process and that taking medication is perceived by older people as a consequence of their ageing, which requires them to include that process in their lives as a habit implying changes in their daily routines. The elderly suggest that the relationship with health professionals is essential in medication management and they reported that the information given by the nurse during consultation is very important.Relevance to clinical practice.  The relationship with nurses in particular is an important issue for the older people. Understanding the factors of adherence and helping people are important areas of research in nursing. The quality of this relationship may be the key to increasing adherence in this group of people.
Emotional loneliness is associated with mortality among mentally intact nursing home residents with and without cancer: a five‐year follow‐up study
Authors: Drageset Jorunn , Eide Geir E , Kirkevold Marit , Ranhoff Anette H 
Published: August 2012

Aims and objectives.  Hypothesised that sociodemographic factors and illness variables would be associated with mortality and that emotional and social loneliness measured using the Social Provisions Scale would influence mortality among nursing homes residents with cancer.Background.  Studies are lacking on how emotional and social loneliness influence mortality among cognitively intact older people in nursing homes with and without a diagnosis of cancer.Design.  A cross‐sectional design was used at baseline with a five‐year follow‐up of mortality.Methods.  A cohort of 227 cognitively intact (Clinical Dementia Rating scale score ≤0·5) older residents (60 with cancer and 167 without) from 30 nursing homes were followed from 2004–2005 to 2010. Data were collected by face‐to‐face interview. Sociodemographic variables and medical diagnoses were obtained from the records.Results.  Survival did not differ significantly between residents with and without cancer. After adjustment for sociodemographic and illness variables, increasing age, higher education and comorbidity were associated with mortality. In the final model from a backward selection procedure, attachment (emotional loneliness) was associated with mortality.Conclusions.  Independent of a cancer diagnosis or not, emotional loneliness, age, education and comorbidity influenced mortality among nursing homes residents without cognitive impairment.Relevance to clinical practice.  Nurses should pay attention to emotional loneliness among nursing homes residents independent of cancer and especially give attention to the importance to have a close confidant who provides emotional support.
Abuse and smoking cessation in clinical practice
Authors: Smith Patricia M , Spadoni Michelle M , Proper Veronica M 
Published: August 2012

Aims and objectives.  This discursive paper explores issues of abuse during smoking cessation counselling.Background.  During a training session for a smoking cessation intervention pilot study, nurses expressed concerns about issues of abuse that had previously surfaced during cessation counselling in their practice. Abused women are more likely to smoke. As guidelines recommend integrating cessation interventions into practice, issues of abuse are likely to surface.Methods.  A literature review and synthesis of abuse and smoking cessation was undertaken to arrive at recommendations for practice.Results.  There are a few suggestions about how to manage abuse within cessation counselling, but none have been studied: (1) integrate stress‐management strategies, (2) assess for abuse, (3) provide separate interventions for partners to create a safe environment, and (4) develop interventions that consider the relationship couples have with tobacco. However, coping strategies alone do not address abuse, screening without treatment is not helpful, and partner interventions assume both partners are open to quitting/counselling. In contrast, as with all clinical practice, abuse and cessation would be considered separate but intertwined problems, and following best practice guidelines for abuse would provide the guidance on how to proceed. After care has been taken to address abuse, it is the patient’s decision whether to continue with cessation counselling.Conclusion.  Guidelines addresses both care planning and the ethical/legal issues associated with the disclosure of abuse and provide a practical tool for addressing abuse that obviates the need to tailor cessation interventions to abuse.Relevance to clinical practice.  This paper clarifies a relationship between smoking and abuse and the subsequent implications for smoking cessation interventions and highlights the importance of addressing abuse and smoking cessation separately, even though they are interrelated problems. It provides nurses with appropriate initial responses when abuse is disclosed during an unexpected encounter such as during a smoking cessation intervention.
Identification of a complex genetic network underlying Saccharomyces cerevisiae colony morphology
Authors: Voordeckers Karin , De Maeyer Dries , van der Zande Elisa , Vinces Marcelo D. , Meert Wim , Cloots Lore , Ryan Owen , Marchal Kathleen , Verstrepen Kevin J. 
Published: August 2012

SummaryWhen grown on solid substrates, different microorganisms often form colonies with very specific morphologies. Whereas the pioneers of microbiology often used colony morphology to discriminate between species and strains, the phenomenon has not received much attention recently. In this study, we use a genome‐wide assay in the model yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae to identify all genes that affect colony morphology. We show that several major signalling cascades, including the MAPK, TORC, SNF1 and RIM101 pathways play a role, indicating that morphological changes are a reaction to changing environments. Other genes that affect colony morphology are involved in protein sorting and epigenetic regulation. Interestingly, the screen reveals only few genes that are likely to play a direct role in establishing colony morphology, with one notable example being FLO11, a gene encoding a cell‐surface adhesin that has already been implicated in colony morphology, biofilm formation, and invasive and pseudohyphal growth. Using a series of modified promoters for fine‐tuning FLO11 expression, we confirm the central role of Flo11 and show that differences in FLO11 expression result in distinct colony morphologies. Together, our results provide a first comprehensive look at the complex genetic network that underlies the diversity in the morphologies of yeast colonies.