bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Generalized Cauchy difference equations. II
Authors: Ebanks Bruce 
Published: July 2008

The main result is an improvement of previous results on the equation\[f(x)+f(y)−f(x+y)=g[ϕ(x)+ϕ(y)−ϕ(x+y)]f(x)+f(y)-f(x+y)=g[\phi (x)+\phi (y)-\phi (x+y)]\]for a given functionϕ\phi. We find its general solution assuming only continuous differentiability and local nonlinearity ofϕ\phi. We also provide new results about the more general equation\[f(x)+f(y)−f(x+y)=g(H(x,y))f(x)+f(y)-f(x+y)=g(H(x,y))\]for a given functionHH. Previous uniqueness results required strong regularity assumptions on a particular solutionf0,g0f_{0},g_{0}. Here we weaken the assumptions onf0,g0f_{0},g_{0}considerably and find all solutions under slightly stronger regularity assumptions onHH.
Use of a serum‐based antifungal susceptibility assay to predict the in vivo efficacy of novel echinocandin compounds
Authors: Maki Katsuyuki , Matsumoto Satoru , Watabe Etsuko , Iguchi Yumi , Tomishima Masaki , Ohki Hidenori , Yamada Akira , Ikeda Fumiaki , Tawara Shuichi , Mutoh Seitaro 
Published: July 2008

ABSTRACT In vitro susceptibility assays of antifungal activity do not always accurately predict in vivo efficacy. As well as having a clear clinical importance, the ability to predict efficacy is also essential for effective screening of novel drug compounds. Initial screening of novel compounds must often be based on in vitro data. The present report describes the use of serum‐MIC, an in vitro test of antifungal susceptibility, to accurately predict in vivo efficacy of echinocandin drugs in a mouse model of disseminated candidiasis. The basis of the serum‐MIC method was to measure the inhibitory activity of a test compound against Candida albicans hyphal growth in the presence of pooled mouse serum. For 13 previously uncharacterized echinocandin compounds, as well as for the known echinocandin drugs, micafungin and caspofungin, serum‐MIC determinations were shown to give better correlation to efficacy in the animal model than conventional, CLSI standard, in vitro antifungal susceptibility tests. The most accurate prediction of efficacy was obtained when the serum‐MIC was adjusted in relation to the serum concentration at 30 min post‐treatment. Furthermore, when the efficacy of micafungin was determined by measuring C. albicans kidney burden in the mouse model of infection, the adjusted serum‐MIC consistently reflected the effective serum concentrations. Our data indicate that determination of serum‐MIC values will facilitate prediction of the in vivo potency of new antifungal compounds such as novel echinocandins.
Characterization of rat β‐glucan receptor dectin‐1
Authors: Kato Yuya , Adachi Yoshiyuki , Ohno Naohito 
Published: July 2008

ABSTRACTDectin‐1 is a small C‐type lectin receptor for fungal cell wall β‐glucan. Its homologues in some species, including mouse and human, have been characterized, and their importance in antifungal immunity has also been clarified. However, its homologue in the rat has not yet been identified. In this study, DNA/amino acid sequences of rat dectin‐1 were analyzed by rapid amplification of cDNA ends. The sequence of rat dectin‐1 was found to be highly homologous to that of the mouse. It possesses essential motifs for the recognition of β‐glucan and signal transduction. However, the position of the start codon in the detected sequence was not conserved, and its cytoplasmic tail was shorter than that observed in other species. Similar to mouse dectin‐1, two major isoforms of rat dectin‐1 that were generated by alternative splicing were identified: a full‐length isoform and a shorter isoform deficient in the stalk domain. It was also demonstrated that rat dectin‐1 is capable of binding fungal β‐glucan and activating nuclear factor‐kappa B via Syk and the CARD9/Bcl10‐mediated pathway. These results suggest that rat dectin‐1 also plays essential roles in immune responses against fungi.
MYC translocation and an increased copy number predict poor prognosis in adult diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma (DLBCL), especially in germinal centre‐like B cell (GCB) type
Authors: Yoon S O , Jeon Y K , Paik J H , Kim W Y , Kim Y A , Kim J E , Kim C W 
Published: July 2008

Aims:  Diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is a heterogeneous disease with various genetic alterations. The aim was to investigate MYC, Bcl‐2 and Bcl‐6 translocations and copy number changes in adult DLBCLs to evaluate their clinicopathological features and prognostic implications.Methods and results:  Gene status was examined using fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), and the results were analysed in the context of germinal centre B‐cell (GCB) and non‐GCB type of DLBCL based on immunohistochemistry. MYC translocation was observed in 9% (14 of 156), and an increased copy number (ICN) in 7.1% (11 of 156). MYC translocation was more common in GCB type (22%) than in non‐GCB type (4.9%), and associated with advanced International Prognostic Index (IPI). MYC aberration, i.e. translocation or increased copy number (ICN), was significantly associated with shorter overall survival, especially for the GCB type. Bcl‐2 translocation was rare (3.4%, five of 145), and ICN was observed in 11.7% (17 of 145), more frequently in non‐GCB type (16%) than in GCB type (2.5%). Bcl‐2 aberration tended to have an adverse effect on survival. In multivariate analysis, MYC ICN was an independent poor prognostic factor.Conclusions:  Analyses of MYC and Bcl‐2 status, i.e. translocation and ICN, in the context of DLBCL phenotype might help predict prognosis and determine therapeutic strategies.
Prognostic value of various morphometric measurements of tumour extent in prostate needle core tissue
Authors: Brimo F , Vollmer R T , Corcos J , Kotar K , Bégin L R , Humphrey P A , Bismar T A 
Published: July 2008

Aims:  Predicting prostatic cancer patients’ outcome is a major objective for clinicians and patients. Several nomograms are currently implemented prior to treatment to help predict clinical and pathological outcome. The aim of this study was to investigate the prognostic significance of morphometric measurements of cancer on the needle biopsy specimen in relation to the final pathological stage or the biochemical failure status following radical prostatectomy, and to determine which measurement of tumour length in cases with discontinuous foci of cancer (DFC) is most reliably reflective of the pathological stage.Methods and results:  Of the 100 patients included in this study, 34% had high‐stage disease (pT ≥ 3 and/or pN1) and 16% experienced biochemical recurrence. The analysis showed that fraction of positive cores, total percentage of cancer and both total and greatest millimetric cancer lengths were the variables most closely associated with pathological stage and biochemical failure status.Conclusions:  This study confirms the prognostic value of recording tumour extent in prostatic needle biopsy reporting. However, the results are inconclusive in determining the best method to record tumour length in cores with DFC and larger studies are needed to answer this question fully.
Yawning and subjective sleepiness in the elderly
Authors: ZILLI IOLE , GIGANTI FIORENZA , UGA VALERIA 
Published: July 2008

SummaryYawning is related to sleep/wake transitions and time of day, probably reflecting the time course of sleepiness. As aging modifies sleep–wake and sleepiness rhythms, we suppose that yawning frequency and its time course vary as a function of age. Thirteen aged healthy subjects (77.15 ± 4.09 years) and 12 young adults (24.41 ± 3.31 years) were instructed to keep their habitual sleep schedules for three consecutive work‐days, during which they were required to signal every yawning occurrence and to evaluate hourly their sleepiness level. Results showed that aged subjects yawn less frequently than young adults, particularly during morning and mid‐afternoon hours. The time course of yawning was different between the two age groups: aged subjects showed earlier morning peak and evening rise compared with young adults; in addition, aged subjects showed two minor peaks in‐between. Differences as a function of age in the time course of yawning were associated with differences in the time course of sleepiness. The only exception pertained to the early morning yawning peak, which was close to the awakening but it was not associated with high sleepiness in aged subjects. Our study discloses that aging modifies yawning frequency and its time course. Furthermore, as in the elderly yawning after the awakening is not associated with high sleepiness level as in young adult, we put forward that sleepiness level and the proximity of sleep/wake transitions could separately affect yawning.
Driving in Europe: the need of a common policy for drivers with obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome
Authors: RODENSTEIN DANIEL ,   ON BEHALF OF COST‐B26 ACTION ON SLEEP APNOEA SYNDROME
Published: July 2008

SummaryObstructive sleep apnoea syndrome (OSA) increases the risk of motor vehicle crashes, and of all medical disorders, has greatest risk in this respect. There is no consistency in the way OSA is considered by the national ‘Physical Fitness to Drive’ legislations within the 27 member countries of the European Union (EU), and most ignore OSA. This is further reflected by the absence of any reference to OSA in Annex III of the Directive 91/439/EEC, harmonizing Driving License regulations in the EU. A recent meeting brought together experts from several European and other countries, together with a representative of the European Commission. They discussed the best way to design and implement a uniform policy within Europe, for OSA and driving. It was agreed that: (i) other forms of pathological sleepiness be included, (ii) it covers both private and professional drivers, (iii) police accident report forms should explicitly consider sleepiness as a potential cause, (iv) sleep–wake education should be incorporated into the mandatory program of continuous education for professional drivers, ideally from 2010, (v) driver screening methods should contain questions on sleepiness at the wheel, habitual snoring and witnessed apneas during sleep, as well as the Epworth Sleepiness Score and Body Mass Index and (vi) following effective and efficient treatment, patients should be permitted to drive. In the light of medical, scientific and technical progress, EU procedures exist to enable the rapid modification of existing legislation. If such a procedure could be enacted for these aspects of driver sleepiness, then roads would be safer for 400 million people.
Adjuvant methotrexate, vinblastine, adriamycin, and cisplatin chemotherapy has potential to prevent recurrence of bladder tumors after surgical removal of upper urinary tract transitional cell carcinoma
Authors: Soga Norihito , Arima Kiminobu , Sugimura Yoshiki 
Published: July 2008

Objectives:  To evaluate the efficacy of adjuvant platinum based chemotherapy in upper urinary tract urothelial cancer following surgical resection in terms of survival benefit and inhibition of bladder cancer recurrence.Methods:  Between April 1986 and August 2005, a total of 132 patients with a diagnosis of upper urinary tract urothelial cancer underwent radical nephroureterectomy with cuff of bladder at our department. A total of 46 patients (13 with pT2pN0M0 and 33 with pT3 pN0M0 transitional cell carcinoma without prior bladder cancer) were enrolled. Patients with locally advanced disease were divided into two groups: the adjuvant chemotherapy group (24 patients) who received adjuvant methotrexate, vinblastine, adriamycin, and cisplatin (M‐VAC) and the non‐adjuvant chemotherapy group who did not receive adjuvant M‐VAC (22 patients).Results:  There were no statistically significant differences in patient characteristics or 10‐year survival between the two groups. The recurrence rate in the non‐adjuvant chemotherapy group was significantly higher than in the adjuvant chemotherapy group (log‐rank test, P < 0.0001). Only non‐adjuvant chemotherapy was a significant and independent risk factor (hazard ratio 6.97) for the development of intravesical recurrence (P < 0.01).Conclusion:  Adjuvant M‐VAC is an important optional adjuvant therapy and can prevent recurrent bladder tumors following surgery for upper urinary tract transitional cell carcinoma. To determine whether adjuvant chemotherapy has further benefit, a randomized study would be needed.
High‐resolution visualization of airspace structures in intact mice via synchrotron phase‐contrast X‐ray imaging (PCXI)
Authors: Parsons David W. , Morgan Kaye , Donnelley Martin , Fouras Andreas , Crosbie Jeffrey , Williams Ivan , Boucher Richard C. , Uesugi Kentaro , Yagi Naoto , Siu Karen K. W. 
Published: July 2008

AbstractAnatomical visualization of airspace‐containing organs in intact small animals has been limited by the resolution and contrast available from current imaging methods such as X‐ray, micro‐computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging. Determining structural relationships and detailed anatomy has therefore relied on suitable fixation, sectioning and histological processing. More complex and informative analyses such as orthogonal views of an organ and three‐dimensional structure visualizations have required different animals and image sets, laboriously processed to gather this complementary structural information. Precise three‐dimensional anatomical views have always been difficult to achieve in small animals. Here we report the ability of phase‐contrast synchrotron X‐ray imaging to provide detailed two‐ and three‐dimensional visualization of airspace organ structures in intact animals. Using sub‐micrometre square pixel charge‐coupled device array detectors, the structure and anatomy of hard and soft tissues, and of airspaces, is readily available using phase‐contrast synchrotron X‐ray imaging. Moreover, software‐controlled volume‐reconstructions of tomographic images not only provide unsurpassed image clarity and detail, but also selectable anatomical views that cannot be obtained with established histological techniques. The morphology and structure of nasal and lung airways and the middle ear are illustrated in intact mice, using two‐ and three‐dimensional representations. The utility of phase‐contrast synchrotron X‐ray imaging for non‐invasively localizing objects implanted within airspaces, and the detection of gas bubbles transiting live airways, are other novel features of this visualization methodology. The coupling of phase‐contrast synchrotron X‐ray imaging technology with software‐based reconstruction techniques holds promise for novel and high‐resolution non‐invasive examination of airspace anatomy in small animal models.
Can a Plantation be Fair? Paradoxes and Possibilities in Fair Trade Darjeeling Tea Certification
Authors: Besky Sarah 
Published: July 2008

AbstractThis paper explores interactions between the Indian government's colonially inspired Plantations Labour Act and TransFair USA's fair trade standards. Although fair trade makes claims to universalistic notions of social justice and workers' empowerment, what “fairness” means and how it is experienced varies by locale. In this paper, I discuss how state laws and fair trade certification agencies complement and contradict each other on Darjeeling tea plantations. I argue that by reinforcing neoliberal logic, fair trade undermines the state, which has maintained the responsibility of regulating the treatment of workers on plantations. Certification often leads to the dissolution of unions, which are regarded as a barrier to trade.
Frobenius fields for Drinfeld modules of rank 2
Authors: Cojocaru Alina Carmen , David Chantal 
Published: July 2008

AbstractLet ϕ be a Drinfeld module of rank 2 over the field of rational functions $F=\mathbb {F}_q(T)$, with $\mathrm {End}_{\bar {F}}(\phi ) = \mathbb {F}_q[T]$. Let K be a fixed imaginary quadratic field over F and d a positive integer. For each prime $\mathfrak {p}$ of good reduction for ϕ, let $\pi _{\mathfrak {p}}(\phi )$ be a root of the characteristic polynomial of the Frobenius endomorphism of ϕ over the finite field $\mathbb {F}_q[T] / \mathfrak {p}$. Let Πϕ(K;d) be the number of primes $\mathfrak {p}$ of degree d such that the field extension $F(\pi _{\mathfrak {p}}(\phi ))$ is the fixed imaginary quadratic field K. We present upper bounds for Πϕ(K;d) obtained by two different approaches, inspired by similar ones for elliptic curves. The first approach, inspired by the work of Serre, is to consider the image of Frobenius in a mixed Galois representation associated to K and to the Drinfeld module ϕ. The second approach, inspired by the work of Cojocaru, Fouvry and Murty, is based on an application of the square sieve. The bounds obtained with the first method are better, but depend on the fixed quadratic imaginary field K. In our application of the second approach, we improve the results of Cojocaru, Murty and Fouvry by considering projective Galois representations.
On the unramified spectrum of spherical varieties over p-adic fields
Authors: Sakellaridis Yiannis 
Published: July 2008

AbstractThe description of irreducible representations of a group G can be seen as a problem in harmonic analysis; namely, decomposing a suitable space of functions on G into irreducibles for the action of G×G by left and right multiplication. For a split p-adic reductive group G over a local non-archimedean field, unramified irreducible smooth representations are in bijection with semisimple conjugacy classes in the ‘Langlands dual’ group. We generalize this description to an arbitrary spherical variety X of G as follows. Irreducible unramified quotients of the space $C_c^\infty (X)$ are in natural ‘almost bijection’ with a number of copies of AX*/WX, the quotient of a complex torus by the ‘little Weyl group’ of X. This leads to a description of the Hecke module of unramified vectors (a weak analog of geometric results of Gaitsgory and Nadler), and an understanding of the phenomenon that representations ‘distinguished’ by certain subgroups are functorial lifts. In the course of the proof, rationality properties of spherical varieties are examined and a new interpretation is given for the action, defined by Knop, of the Weyl group on the set of Borel orbits.
Experimental Investigation of Springback Variation in Forming of High Strength Steels
Authors: Chen Peng , Koç Muammer , Wenner Michael L. 
Published: July 2008

Abstract
The use of high strength steels (HSSs) in automotive body structures is a prominent method of reducing vehicle weight as an alternative to use of aluminum and magnesium alloys. However, parts made of HSSs demonstrate more springback than parts made of mild steels do. Moreover, variations in the incoming material, friction, and other process conditions cause variations in the springback characteristics, which prevent the practical applicability of the springback prediction and compensation techniques. Consequently, it leads to amplified variations and quality issues during assembly of the stamped components. The objective of this study is to investigate and gain an understanding of the variation of springback in the forming of HSSs. Two sets of experiments were conducted to analyze the influence of the material property (dual-phase steels from different suppliers), lubrication, and blank holder pressure on the springback variation. The experimental results showed that the variation in the incoming blank material is the most important factor. In summary, the thicker the blank is, the less the springback variation. On the other hand, blanks without a coating show less springback variation. The application of lubricant helps us to reduce springback variation, although it actually increases the springback itself. The more uniform the friction condition, the less the springback variation. The influence of blank holder pressure on the springback variation is not distinguishable from the system-level noise in our experiment.
Numerical Simulation of Direct Metal Laser Sintering of Single-Component Powder on Top of Sintered Layers
Authors: Xiao Bin , Zhang Yuwen 
Published: July 2008

Abstract
A three-dimensional model describing melting and resolidification of direct metal laser sintering of loose powders on top of sintered layers with a moving Gaussian laser beam is developed. Natural convection in the liquid pool driven by buoyancy and Marangoni effects is taken into account. A temperature transforming model is employed to model melting and resolidification in the laser sintering process. The continuity, momentum, and energy equations are solved using a finite volume method. The effects of dominant processing parameters including number of the existing sintered layers underneath, laser scanning velocity, and initial porosity on the sintering process are investigated.
Activity of the Small Modified Amino Acid α-Hydroxy Glycineamide on In Vitro and In Vivo Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 Capsid Assembly and Infectivity
Authors: Abdurahman Samir , Végvári Ákos , Youssefi Masoud , Levi Michael , Höglund Stefan , Andersson Elin , Horal Peter , Svennerholm Bo , Balzarini Jan , Vahlne Anders 
Published: July 2008

ABSTRACTUpon maturation of the human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) virion, proteolytic cleavage of the Gag precursor protein by the viral protease is followed by morphological changes of the capsid protein p24, which will ultimately transform the virus core from an immature spherical to a mature conical structure. Virion infectivity is critically dependent on the optimal semistability of the capsid cone structure. We have reported earlier that glycineamide (G-NH2), when added to the culture medium of infected cells, inhibits HIV-1 replication and that HIV-1 particles with aberrant core structures were formed. Here we show that it is not G-NH2itself but a metabolite thereof, α-hydroxy-glycineamide (α-HGA), that is responsible for the antiviral activity. We show that α-HGA inhibits the replication of clinical HIV-1 isolates with acquired resistance to reverse transcriptase and protease inhibitors but has no effect on the replication of any of 10 different RNA and DNA viruses. α-HGA affected the ability of the HIV-1 capsid protein to assemble into tubular or core structures in vitro and in vivo, probably by binding to the hinge region between the N- and C-terminal domains of the HIV-1 capsid protein as indicated by matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-mass spectrometry results. As an antiviral compound, α-HGA has an unusually simple structure, a pronounced antiviral specificity, and a novel mechanism of antiviral action. As such, it might prove to be a lead compound for a new class of anti-HIV substances.