bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Down‐regulation of calcium/calmodulin‐dependent protein kinase kinase 2 by androgen deprivation induces castration‐resistant prostate cancer
Authors: Shima Takashi , Mizokami Atsushi , Miyagi Toru , Kawai Keiichi , Izumi Kouji , Kumaki Misako , Ofude Mitsuo , Zhang Jian , Keller Evan T. , Namiki Mikio
Published: May 2012

BACKGROUND

Conversion into androgen‐hypersensitive state and adaptation to the low concentration of androgen during ADT cause relapse of prostate cancer (PCa). It is important to identify differentially expressed genes between PCa and normal prostate tissues and to reveal the function of these genes that are involved in progression of PCa.

METHODS

We performed cDNA microarray analysis to identify differentially expressed genes, calcium/calmodulin‐dependent protein kinase kinase 2 (CAMKK2). Immunohistochemical analysis was conducted to investigate the relationship between the CAMKK2 expression level and prognosis. The function of CAMKK2 was assessed by generating CAMKK2 overexpressed LNCaP cells and by knockdown of CAMKK2.

RESULTS

We identified CAMKK2 overexpressed six times in PCa more than normal prostate by cDNA microarray analysis. Immunohistochemical analysis of CAMKK2 protein showed that CAMKK2 protein was expressed more in PCa than normal tissue. However, the expression in the high‐grade PCa diminished. Moreover, the narrowness of CAMKK2‐positive area before ADT was a poor prognostic factor. Androgen‐deprivation treatment from the medium in which LNCaP cells were cultured in the presence of 10 nM DHT repressed CAMKK2 expression. CAMKK2 overexpressed LNCaP cells (LNCaP/GFP‐CAMKK2) attenuated androgen‐sensitivity. Tumorigenesis of LNCaP/GFP‐CAMKK2 cells in male SCID mice was decreased compared with control cells irrespective of castration. Finally, knockdown of CAMKK2 mRNA in LNCaP cells induced androgen‐hypersensitivity and stimulated LNCaP cell proliferation.

CONCLUSIONS

Induction of androgen‐hypersensitivity after ADT may be involved in down‐regulation of CAMKK2. This result may provide new therapeutic approach to keep androgen‐sensitivity of PCa after ADT. Prostate 72:1789–1801, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Association of variants in estrogen‐related pathway genes with prostate cancer risk
Authors: Holt Sarah K. , Kwon Erika M. , Fu Rong , Kolb Suzanne , Feng Ziding , Ostrander Elaine A. , Stanford Janet L.
Published: May 2012

BACKGROUND

Through mediation of estrogen receptors, estradiol has been shown to have both carcinogenic and anti‐carcinogenic effects on the prostate. We performed a population‐based case–control study to investigate variants in estrogen‐related genes ESR1, ESR2, CYP19A1, CYP1A1, and CYP1B1 and the potential association with risk of prostate cancer (PCa).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We evaluated PCa risk conferred by 73 single nucleotide polymorphisms in 1,304 incident PCa cases and 1,266 age‐matched controls. Analysis included stratification by clinical features and assessment of environmental modifiers.

RESULTS

There was evidence of altered risk of developing PCa for variants in ESR1, CYP1A1, and CYP1B1, however, only CYP1B1 rs1056836 retained significance after adjustment for multiple comparisons. An association with risk for more aggressive PCa was observed for variants in ESR1, ESR2, and CYP19A1, but none was significant after adjustment for multiple comparisons. There was no effect modification by obesity.

CONCLUSIONS

Germline genetic variation of these estrogen pathway genes may contribute to risk of PCa. Additional studies to validate these results and examine the functional consequence of validated variants are warranted. Prostate 73: 1–10, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Distinct phases of free α‐synuclein—A Monte Carlo study
Authors: Jónsson Sigurður Ægir , Mohanty Sandipan , Irbäck Anders
Published: May 2012

The α‐synuclein protein (αS), implicated in Parkinson's disease, shows conformational versatility. It aggregates into β‐sheet‐rich fibrils, occurs in helical membrane‐bound forms, is disordered as a free monomer, and has recently been suggested to have a folded helical tetramer as its main physiological form. Here, we use implicit solvent all‐atom Monte Carlo methods to explore the conformational ensemble sampled by the free αS monomer. We analyze secondary structure propensities, size, and topological properties and compare with existing experimental data. Our study suggests that free αS has two distinct phases. One phase has the expected disordered character. The other phase also shows large conformational variability. However, in this phase, the β‐strand content is substantial, and the backbone fold shows statistical similarities with that in αS fibrils. Presence of this phase is consistent with data from low‐temperature experiments. Conversion of disordered αS to this fibril‐like form requires the crossing of a rather large apparent free‐energy barrier. Proteins © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
XPS study of the band alignment at ITO/oxide (n‐type MoO3 or p‐type NiO) interface
Authors: Bernède J. C. , Houari S. , Nguyen D. , Jouan P. Y. , Khelil A. , Mokrani A. , Cattin L. , Predeep P.
Published: May 2012

While they have different electronic properties n‐type MoO3 and p‐type NiO are very efficient as buffer layers between the ITO anode and the organic electron donor in organic photovoltaic cells. While it is admitted that MoO3 is n‐type, its band structure is still under study. Here, the band alignment at the interface of an ITO/MoO3 heterojunction is studied by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The same study is realized on the structure ITO/NiO, NiO being a p‐type semiconductor. The measurements have been performed on samples obtained under the same experimental conditions as those used to achieve organic photovoltaic cells. The MoO3 (NiO) upper layer was 3 nm thick. The semidirect XPS technique used to measure the band offsets allows us to estimate the band discontinuities at the interface ITO/MoO3: ΔEv = 0.50 eV and ΔEc = 0.90 eV, while at the interface ITO/NiO we have ΔEv = −2.10 eV and ΔEc = −1.90 eV. Therefore, n‐type MoO3 and p‐type NiO, which are both very efficient anode buffer layers (ABLs), exhibit different band structure at the contact with ITO. However, the measurement, by means of a Kelvin probe, of the work functions of the structures ITO/NiO and ITO/MoO3, shows that they are close and significantly higher than that of ITO alone.
Magnetic behavior induced by Cr doping in SrMoO3 from first‐principles studies
Authors: Zhu Zhili , Gu Jinhua , Jia Yu , Hu Xing
Published: May 2012

The electronic structure and magnetic properties of SrMo1 − xCrxO3 with x of 0, 0.125, 0.25, and 0.5 have been studied using ab initio density‐functional calculations with the LSDA + U method. The results suggest that light Cr doping can drive the SrMo1 − xCrxO3 system from the PM to the FM state. It is found that the spin‐dependent hybridizations between Cr and Mo (via O) may induce Mo moments in Cr‐doped SrMoO3. However, the effective moments of Mo ions are negligibly small for x = 0.125, 0.25. The FM behavior is contributed by the spin‐polarized Cr atoms. With more increase of Cr atoms, for x = 0.5, a negative moment about 0.32 µB/Mo is induced by Cr atom which is coupled antiferromagnetically to the Cr moment. Meanwhile, the half‐metallic nature is observed in which the spin‐down channel has a conducting behavior, while the spin‐up channel shows an isolated feature with a gap of ∼1.82 eV. The Mo 4d electrons contribute to the conducting behavior and there are practically no Cr‐d states around the Fermi level.
‐Gain analysis of event‐triggered networked control systems: a discontinuous Lyapunov functional approach
Authors: Hu Songlin , Yue Dong
Published: May 2012

In this paper, the problems of exponential stability and ‐gain analysis of event‐triggered networked control systems (NCSs) with network‐induced delays are studied. We first propose event‐triggering conditions in the sensor side and controller side, respectively. Because the implementation of our event‐triggering scheme only needs periodic supervision of the system state at the constant sampling instants, instead of being monitored continuously, it is expected that the scheme will improve the resource utilization. Taking the network‐induced delays into account and using delay system approach, we constructed a unified model of NCSs with hybrid event‐triggering schemes. On the basis of this model, sufficient conditions for the exponential stability and ‐gain analysis are developed in the form of LMIs by using a discontinuous Lyapunov–Krasovskii functional approach. Moreover, the corresponding results can be further extended to more general cases, where the system matrices of the considered plant contain parameter uncertainties, represented in either polytopic or norm‐bounded frameworks. In addition, as a special case, we also present the exponential stability, ‐gain analysis, and the control feedback gain design of event‐triggered NCSs without considering the effects of network‐induced delays and event‐triggering condition in the controller side. Finally, a simulation example is provided to illustrate the usefulness and effectiveness of the proposed hybrid event‐triggering schemes.Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Robust adaptive output feedback control of a class of discrete‐time nonlinear systems with nonlinear uncertainties and unknown control directions
Authors: Dai Shi‐Lu , Yang Chenguang , Ge Shuzhi Sam , Lee Tong Heng
Published: May 2012

In this paper, robust adaptive output feedback control is studied for a class of discrete‐time nonlinear systems with functional nonlinear uncertainties of the Lipschitz type and unknown control directions. In order to construct an output feedback control, the system is transformed into the form of a nonlinear autoregressive moving average with eXogenous inputs (NARMAX) model. In order to avoid the noncausal problem in the control design, future output prediction laws and parameter update laws with the dead‐zone technique are constructed on the basis of the NARMAX model. With the employment of the predicted future outputs, a constructive output feedback adaptive control is proposed, where the discrete Nussbaum gain technique and the dead‐zone technique are used in parameter update laws. The effect of the functional nonlinear uncertainties is compensated for, such that an asymptotic tracking performance is achieved, whereas other signals in the closed‐loop systems are guaranteed to be bounded. Simulation studies are performed to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed approach. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
In Situ Mechanical and Electrical Characterization of Individual TiO2 Nanofibers Using a Nanomanipulator System
Authors: Xu Shiyou , Li Anton , Poirier Gerald , Yao Nan
Published: May 2012

Young's modulus and electrical resistivity of individual titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanofibers were characterized using a nanomanipulator system installed in a focused ion beam‐scanning electron microscope (FIB‐SEM) dual‐beam Scanning Electron Microscope system. Young's modulus of individual nanofibers was deduced from the analysis of their in situ resonance behavior in response to an oscillating electric field. The electrical behavior of a single nanofiber was also analyzed by a two‐point method probed by a nanomanipulator. These results will contribute to the design of devices based on single TiO2 nanofibers, as well as devices based on nanofiber networks. The methods presented here can also be applied to characterize other one‐dimensional nanostructures. SCANNING 34: 341–346, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Comparison of the Microhardness and Morphology of Five Different Retrograde Filling Materials in Aqueous and Dry Conditions
Authors: Rhim E. M. , Huh S. Y. , Ahn S. J. , Abbott P. V. , Kim E. C. , Park S. H.
Published: May 2012

The purpose of the present study was to compare the effect of dry and aqueous conditions on the surface morphology and surface hardness of five materials 24 h after being used as fillings without initial setting time in dry condition. The five materials were ProRoot mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA), super EBA, intermediate restorative materials (IRM), zinc oxide eugenol (ZOE), and amalgam. To evaluate microhardness, the five materials were submitted to the Vickers microhardness (VHN) test. We used a scanning electron microscope (Steroscan 440, Leica Cambridge, England) to observe the microstructural morphology of the five different materials. The VHN of MTA soaked in water showed five times lower than that of MTA soaked in dry condition. On the other hand, super EBA was less influenced by the medium of storage compared with the other materials. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) images showed the similar results with microhardness tests. The surface of MTA soaked in water appeared to be unstable compared with that of dry condition while super EBA showed similarly smooth surface in both conditions (aqueous and dry). In conclusion, the physical property of MTA is reduced after storage in water; however, super EBA is less influenced by aqueous condition. SCANNING 34: 359‐366, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Strategic (MIS)FIT: The Implementation of TQM in Manufacturing Organizations
Authors: Zatzick Christopher D. , Moliterno Thomas P. , Fang Tony
Published: May 2012

This paper explores how fit with the organization's strategic orientation relates to performance following total quality management (TQM) implementation. Conceptualizing the organization as a system of interrelated activities, we propose that TQM is an ‘elaborating element’ that achieves internal fit when the core elements of the activity system are orientated toward a ‘cost leadership’ rather than ‘differentiation’ strategic position. When internal fit occurs, TQM drives tighter interactions among core elements in the activity system, resulting in greater performance. Using longitudinal data from a sample of 780 manufacturing organizations, we find that TQM is positively related to performance for cost leaders, but negatively related to performance for differentiators. Our findings support the contingency perspective whereby internal fit serves as an overarching contextual factor influencing TQM success. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Shareholder influence over director nomination via proxy access: Implications for agency conflict and stakeholder value
Authors: Campbell Joanna Tochman , Campbell T. Colin , Sirmon David G. , Bierman Leonard , Tuggle Christopher S.
Published: May 2012

Corporate governance research indicates that corporate boards of directors may be overly beholden to management, which can be detrimental to firm value creation. Drawing upon agency theory and the governance law literature, we examine the effects of a new SEC rule designed to lessen managerial power by increasing large, long‐term shareholders' influence in the director nomination process. We predict and find support for a positive overall market reaction to the rule's announcement as well as a greater reaction for firms with characteristics that suggest compromised board independence or greater CEO control. Moreover, we examine the implications of greater shareholder voice for another key stakeholder group, firm bondholders, and find evidence that it is also value increasing. We conclude by discussing important implications for theory and practice. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Merging High Doxorubicin Loading with Pronounced Magnetic Response and Bio‐repellent Properties in Hybrid Drug Nanocarriers
Authors: Bakandritsos Aristides , Papagiannopoulos Aristeidis , Anagnostou Eleni N. , Avgoustakis Konstantinos , Zboril Radek , Pispas Stergios , Tucek Jiri , Ryukhtin Vasyl , Bouropoulos Nikolaos , Kolokithas‐Ntoukas Argiris , Steriotis Theodore A. , Keiderling Uwe , Winnefeld Frank
Published: May 2012

Hybrid magnetic drug nanocarriers are prepared via a self‐assembly process of poly(methacrylic acid)‐graft‐poly(ethyleneglycol methacrylate) (p(MAA‐g‐EGMA)) on growing iron oxide nanocrystallites. The nanocarriers successfully merge together bio‐repellent properties, pronounced magnetic response, and high loading capacity for the potent anticancer drug doxorubicin (adriamicin), in a manner not observed before in such hybrid colloids. High magnetic responses are accomplished by engineering the size of the magnetic nanocrystallites (∼13.5 nm) following an aqueous single‐ferrous precursor route, and through adjustment of the number of cores in each colloidal assembly. Complementing conventional magnetometry, the magnetic response of the nanocarriers is evaluated by magnetophoretic experiments providing insight into their internal organization and on their response to magnetic manipulation. The structural organization of the graft‐copolymer, locked on the surface of the nanocrystallites, is further probed by small‐angle neutron scattering on single‐core colloids. Analysis showed that the MAA segments selectively populate the area around the magnetic nanocrystallites, while the poly(ethylene glycol)‐grafted chains are arranged as protrusions, pointing towards the aqueous environment. These nanocarriers are screened at various pHs and in highly salted media by light scattering and electrokinetic measurements. According to the results, their stability is dramatically enhanced, as compared to uncoated nanocrystallites, owing to the presence of the external protective PEG canopy. The nanocarriers are also endowed with bio‐repellent properties, as evidenced by stability assays using human blood plasma as the medium.
Flooding Vocabulary Gaps to Accelerate Word Learning
Authors: Brabham Edna , Buskist Connie , Henderson Shannon Coman , Paleologos Timon , Baugh Nikki
Published: May 2012

Students entering school with limited vocabularies are at a disadvantage compared to classmates with robust knowledge of words and meanings. Teaching a few unrelated words at a time is insufficient for catching these students up with peers and preparing them to comprehend texts they will encounter across the grades. This article presents children's literature and research‐supported activities that can accelerate vocabulary acquisition by immersing children in semantic clusters to build knowledge of abstract concepts and individual words representing the concepts. These methods are efficient as well as effective and have the potential to increase breadth and depth of word learning for students with less and more rich vocabularies.
Formative Assessment: Simply, No Additives
Authors: Roskos Kathleen , Neuman Susan B.
Published: May 2012

Among the types of assessment the closest to daily reading instruction is formative assessment. In contrast to summative assessment, which occurs after instruction, formative assessment involves forming judgments frequently in the flow of instruction. Key features of formative assessment include identifying gaps between where students are and where they need to go in their reading development; creating feedback loops that provide information about changes in performance gaps; involving students in meaningful, productive self‐assessment; and charting from point A to point B to shape, mold, form reading development in the desired direction. Implementation involves developing a set of basic reading activities with clear success criteria and cultivating a learning‐oriented culture in the classroom where students are willing to persist at improving their knowledge and skills. Effective formative assessment in reading instruction calls for knowledgeable teachers who are willing to develop and hone their assessment skills and practices in daily reading instruction.
Transitional Chapter Books: Representations of African American Girlhood
Authors: McNair Jonda C. , Brooks Wanda M.
Published: May 2012

This article presents a content analysis of nine transitional chapter books featuring African American females. Transitional chapter books are geared toward transitional readers—children in grades 2 through 4 who have outgrown predictable books and other types of easy readers but are not ready for more complex novels. The purpose of this study is to determine what the African American female protagonists depicted in these transitional chapter books value and care about. The study is informed by scholarship and research related to transitional chapter books and representations of African American girlhood. Upon conducting close readings repeatedly of the nine transitional chapter books over a period of several months, it was determined that the following four areas were of importance to the protagonists: solidifying friendships, developing morality, fitting in, and valuing learning. The article concludes with a discussion of the benefits of transitional chapter books written by and about African Americans.
Drawings and Dialogue: Word Solving in Early Literacy
Authors: Zimmerman Belinda S.
Published: May 2012

Envisioning oneself as a competent reader is an important first step to reading well. This article describes an intervention that employs drawings coupled with teacher‐student dialogue, which sets the stage for strategy learning as a key to word‐solving. A process for the interventionist, Title I or any teacher working with students who find learning to read difficult is introduced. The process, drawing for learning, is developed and examples of student drawings and teacher‐student instructional conversations are provided. Drawing for learning, when paired with instructional conversations, may be used to scaffold the literacy development of struggling readers. This article explores the possibilities and benefits of having both teachers and students engaged in instructionally focused conversations about strategies to employ for word‐solving.
Sex Determination in 58 Bird Species and Evaluation of CHD Gene as a Universal Molecular Marker in Bird Sexing
Authors: Vucicevic Milos , Stevanov‐Pavlovic Marija , Stevanovic Jevrosima , Bosnjak Jasna , Gajic Bojan , Aleksic Nevenka , Stanimirovic Zoran
Published: May 2012

The aim of this research was to test the CHD gene (Chromo Helicase DNA‐binding gene) as a universal molecular marker for sexing birds of relatively distant species. The CHD gene corresponds to the aim because of its high degree of conservation and different lengths in Z and W chromosomes due to different intron sizes. DNA was isolated from feathers and the amplification of the CHD gene was performed with the following sets of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) primers: 2550F/2718R and P2/P8. Sex determination was attempted in 284 samples of 58 bird species. It was successful in 50 bird species; in 16 of those (Alopochen aegyptiacus, Ara severus, Aratinga acuticaudata, Bucorvus leadbeateri, Cereopsis novaehollandiae, Columba arquatrix, Corvus corax, C. frugilegus, Cyanoliseus patagonus, Guttera plumifera, Lamprotornis superbus, Milvus milvus, Neophron percnopterus, Ocyphaps lophotes, Podiceps cristatus, and Poicephalus senegalus), it was carried out for the first time using molecular markers and PCR. It is reasonable to assume that extensive research is necessary to define the CHD gene as a universal molecular marker for successful sex determination in all bird species (with exception of ratites). The results of this study may largely contribute to the aim. Zoo Biol 32:269–276, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Opportunities for Public Aquariums to Increase the Sustainability of the Aquatic Animal Trade
Authors: Tlusty Michael F. , Rhyne Andrew L. , Kaufman Les , Hutchins Michael , Reid Gordon McGregor , Andrews Chris , Boyle Paul , Hemdal Jay , McGilvray Frazer , Dowd Scott
Published: May 2012

The global aquatic pet trade encompasses a wide diversity of freshwater and marine organisms. While relying on a continual supply of healthy, vibrant aquatic animals, few sustainability initiatives exist within this sector. Public aquariums overlap this industry by acquiring many of the same species through the same sources. End users are also similar, as many aquarium visitors are home aquarists. Here we posit that this overlap with the pet trade gives aquariums significant opportunity to increase the sustainability of the trade in aquarium fishes and invertebrates. Improving the sustainability ethos and practices of the aquatic pet trade can carry a conservation benefit in terms of less waste, and protection of intact functioning ecosystems, at the same time as maintaining its economic and educational benefits and impacts. The relationship would also move forward the goal of public aquariums to advance aquatic conservation in a broad sense. For example, many public aquariums in North America have been instrumental in working with the seafood industry to enact positive change toward increased sustainability. The actions include being good consumers themselves, providing technical knowledge, and providing educational and outreach opportunities. These same opportunities exist for public aquariums to partner with the ornamental fish trade, which will serve to improve business, create new, more ethical and more dependable sources of aquatic animals for public aquariums, and perhaps most important, possibly transform the home aquarium industry from a threat, into a positive force for aquatic conservation. Zoo Biol. 32:1‐12, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The Relationship Between Biliary Amylase and the Clinical Features of Choledochal Cysts in Pediatric Patients
Authors: Jung Soo‐Min , Seo Jeong‐Meen , Lee Suk‐Koo
Published: May 2012

Background

Although the clinical features of choledochal cysts (CC) in different age groups have been widely studied, the causes of differences in clinical features are unknown. To determine the relationship between biliary amylase and the clinical features of CC in pediatric patients, clinical outcomes were compared in two groups with different amylase levels.

Methods

From May 1995 to August 2010, 80 patients under 18 years old who underwent choledochal cyst excision and hepaticojejunostomy and measurements of biliary amylase levels were allocated to a low‐amylase‐level group (amylase level < 200 U/L, n = 26) and a high‐amylase‐level group (amylase level > 200 U/L, n = 54). Their medical records were retrospectively reviewed.

Results

The median age was 4 months (range = 17 days–169 months) in the low group and 48 months (range = 22 days–147 months) in the high group (p = 0.008). In the low group, jaundice was the most common symptom, while abdominal pain was the main symptom in the high group. In histological findings, bile duct proliferation and cholestasis predominated in the low group and portal inflammation predominated in the high group. Radiological findings and preoperative laboratory data were also significantly different between the groups. Postoperative complications occurred in the high group only. There was no mortality in either group.

Conclusion

This study shows a relationship between biliary amylase level and clinical manifestations in pediatric patients with CC, implying that there are different underlying pathophysiologies with anomalous pancreaticobiliary ductal union (APBDU).
Kisspeptin‐54 Levels are increased in Patients with Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Canbay Emel , Ergen Arzu , Bugra Dursun , Yamaner Sumer , Eraltan Ilhan Yaylim , Buyukuncu Yilmaz , Bulut Turker
Published: May 2012

Background

Recent studies have demonstrated that Kisspeptin, the product of the metastasis suppressor gene KiSS‐1, could have a role in tumor progression and invasion. In this pilot study, we investigated the association of plasma Kisspeptin‐54 level with colorectal cancer (CRC).

Methods

Plasma Kisspeptin‐54 levels were quantified using enzyme‐immunoassay (EIA) kits from blood samples of 81 patients with CRC at their initial staging and 59 age‐matched healthy controls.

Results

Plasma Kisspeptin‐54 levels were significantly higher in CRC patients (86.2 ± 20.5) than in controls (49 ± 12.7; p < 0.005). The cutoff value for Kisspeptin‐54 detection was determined as 46 ng/ml, and area under curve (AUC) value was 0.766 with sensitivity 63 %, specificity 81.4 %, positive predictive value 82.2 %, negative predictive value 61.5 %, positive likelihood ratio 3.38, and negative likelihood ratio 0.46. Increased plasma Kisspeptin‐54 levels were significantly correlated with nodal involvement of CRC (Spearman, rs = 0.345, p = 0.002). Kisspeptin‐54 was also found to be an independent predictive marker for lymph node metastases of CRC (p = 0; Exp(B): 2.053; 95 % CI, 1.255‐2.851).

Conclusions

Our results reveal that plasma Kisspeptin‐54 measurement could be a useful diagnostic and prognostic parameter for CRC. Further prospective evaluation is needed to validate these findings and to establish the clinical usefulness of Kisspeptin‐54 for CRC diagnostics.
The relative importance of sexual and clonal reproduction for population growth in the perennial herb Fragaria vesca
Authors: Schulze Juerg , Rufener Rita , Erhardt Andreas , Stoll Peter
Published: May 2012

The relative importance of sexual and clonal reproduction for population growth in clonal plants is highly variable. Clonal reproduction is often more important than sexual reproduction but there is considerable interspecific variation and the importance of the two reproductive modes can change with environmental conditions. We carried out a demographic study on the woodland strawberry (Fragaria vesca), a widespread clonal herb, at 12 sites in Switzerland during 2 years. Study sites were selected in two different habitats, i.e., forest and forest edge. We used periodic matrix models to estimate annual population growth rates and carried out prospective analyses to identify life cycle components that influence population growth rates most. Retrospective analyses were applied to study how the two different habitats affected population dynamics. Furthermore, we tested whether trade‐offs between sexual and clonal reproduction occurred. There were large differences in annual population growth rates between sites and large within‐site differences between years. Results of the prospective analyses clearly indicate that clonal reproduction is the dominant reproductive pathway whereas sexual reproduction is rather insignificant for population growth. Compared to forest habitats, forest edge habitats had higher population growth rates in the first year but smaller growth rates in the second year. We attribute these differing habitat effects to different water availabilities during consecutive years. No trade‐offs between sexual and clonal reproduction were found. In conclusion, population growth of F. vesca relies heavily on clonal reproduction. Furthermore, reproduction and survival rates of F. vesca depend highly on spatio‐temporal variation of environmental conditions.
Core curriculum for medical physicists in radiology. Recommendations from an EFOMP/ESR working group
Authors: Geleijns Jacob , Breatnach Éamann , Cantera Alfonso Calzado , Damilakis John , Dendy Philip , Evans Anthony , Faulkner Keith , Padovani Renato , Van Der Putten Wil , Schad Lothar , Wirestam Ronnie , Eudaldo Teresa ,   on behalf of the European Federation of Organisations for Medical Physics (EFOMP) and the European Society of Radiology (ESR)
Published: May 2012

Some years ago it was decided that a European curriculum should be developed for medical physicists professionally engaged in the support of clinical diagnostic imaging departments. With this in mind, EFOMP (European Federation of Organisations for Medical Physics) in association with ESR (European Society of Radiology) nominated an expert working group. This curriculum is now to hand. The curriculum is intended to promote best patient care in radiology departments through the harmonization of education and training of medical physicists to a high standard in diagnostic radiology. It is recommended that a medical physicist working in a radiology department should have an advanced level of professional expertise in X-ray imaging, and additionally, depending on local availability, should acquire knowledge and competencies in overseeing ultrasound imaging, nuclear medicine, and MRI technology. By demonstrating training to a standardized curriculum, medical physicists throughout Europe will enhance their mobility, while maintaining local high standards of medical physics expertise. This document also provides the basis for improved implementation of articles in the European medical exposure directives related to the medical physics expert. The curriculum is divided into three main sections: The first deals with general competencies in the principles of medical physics. The second section describes specific knowledge and skills required for a medical physicist (medical physics expert) to operate clinically in a department of diagnostic radiology. The final section outlines research skills that are also considered to be necessary and appropriate competencies in a career as medical physicist.
Evaluation of Protein Adsorption on Atmospheric Plasma Deposited Coatings Exhibiting Superhydrophilic to Superhydrophobic Properties
Authors: Stallard C. P. , McDonnell K. A. , Onayemi O. D. , O’Gara J. P. , Dowling D. P.
Published: May 2012

Protein adsorption is one of the key parameters influencing the biocompatibility of medical device materials. This study investigates serum protein adsorption and bacterial attachment on polymer coatings deposited using an atmospheric pressure plasma jet system. The adsorption of bovine serum albumin and bovine fibrinogen (Fg) onto siloxane and fluorinated siloxane elastomeric coatings that exhibit water contact angles (θ) ranging from superhydrophilic (θ < 5°) to superhydrophobic (θ > 150°) were investigated. Protein interactions were evaluated in situ under dynamic flow conditions by spectroscopic ellipsometry. Superhydrophilic coatings showed lower levels of protein adsorption when compared with hydrophobic siloxane coatings, where preferential adsorption was shown to occur. Reduced levels of protein adsorption were also observed on fluorinated siloxane copolymer coatings exhibiting hydrophobic wetting behaviour. The lower levels of protein adsorption observed on these surfaces indicated that the presence of fluorocarbon groups have the effect of reducing surface affinity for protein attachment. Analysis of superhydrophobic siloxane and fluorosiloxane surfaces showed minimal indication of protein adsorption. This was confirmed by bacterial attachment studies using a Staphylococcus aureus strain known to bind specifically to Fg, which showed almost no attachment to the superhydrophobic coating after protein adsorption experiments. These results showed the superhydrophobic surfaces to exhibit antimicrobial properties and significantly reduce protein adsorption.
HIF‐1α protein is upregulated in HIF‐2α depleted cells via enhanced translation
Authors: Schulz Kathrin , Milke Larissa , Rübsamen Daniela , Menrad Heidi , Schmid Tobias , Brüne Bernhard
Published: May 2012

The hypoxia‐inducible factors HIF‐1 and HIF‐2 are primarily regulated via stabilization of their respective α‐subunits under hypoxic conditions. Previously, compensatory upregulation of one HIF‐α‐subunit upon depletion of the other α‐subunit was described, yet the underlying mechanism remained elusive. Here we provide evidence that enhanced HIF‐1α protein expression in HIF‐2α knockdown (k/d) cells neither results from elevated HIF‐1α mRNA expression, nor from increased HIF‐1α protein stability. Instead, we identify enhanced HIF‐1α translation as molecular mechanism. Moreover, we found elevated levels of the RNA‐binding protein HuR and provide evidence that HuR is critical for the compensatory HIF‐1α regulation in HIF‐2α k/d cells.
Commentary: The carboxyl‐terminal Crk SH3 domain: Regulatory strategies and new perspectives
Authors: Sriram Ganapathy , Birge Raymond B.
Published: May 2012

Since their discovery as cellular counterparts of viral oncogenes more than two decades ago, enormous progress has been made in unraveling the complex regulatory pathways of signal transduction initiated by the Crk family of proteins. New structural and biochemical studies have uncovered novel insights into both negative and positive regulation of Crk mediated by its atypical carboxyl‐terminal SH3 domain (SH3C). Moreover, SH3C is tyrosine phosphorylated by receptor tyrosine kinases and non‐receptor tyrosine kinases, thereby permitting assemblages of other SH2/PTB domain containing proteins. Such non‐canonical signaling by the Crk SH3C reveals new regulatory strategies for adaptor proteins.
Anterior Thoracolumbar Fixation for Management of Thoracolumbar Spine Injury
Authors: Sahoo PK , Singh P , Bhatoe HS , Murthy TVSP , Sandhu K , Chaturvedi A
Published: May 2012

A retrospective analysis was carried for sixty patients with thoracolumbar spine injury operated during Jan 2001 to Dec 2003. Fifty (84%) were male and ten were female patients. Thirty six (60%) sustained injury by vehicular accident and 24 (40%) due to fall, ejection and obstacle crossing. There were four patients with associated head injury, seven with extremity, four with chest and two patients with abdominal injury. All patients presented with features of spinal cord/cauda equina injury and evaluated with Frankel’s neurological grade at admission. Eight patients presented with grade ‘A’, two grade ‘B’, thirty six grade ‘C’, fourteen grade ‘D’ neurological deficit as per Frankel’s classification. Plain radiography, Computerised Tomography (CT) scan, and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) of thoracolumbar spine revealed fracture L1 in 32, D12 in 14, D11 in 07, L2 in 07. Corpectomy + bone grafting in 06; corpectomy + bone grafting + plating in 07; corpectomy, cage placement in 07; corpectomy, cage placement + plating in 40, were carried out. Outcome was evaluated at two months, six months and one year in Frankel’s grade. The outcome was Frankel’s ‘A’ 08, Frankel’s ‘B’ 02, Frankel’s ‘D’ 23 and Frankel’s ‘E’ 27. Ten patients did not show any recovery. There was wound infection in two, mal-alignment of cage in two and lateral placement screws were found in two patients. Revision surgery was not carried out, as the patients were stable. The implants were in position during post-operative follow up. The study revealed, there was good reduction, decompression and stabilisation in all patients. The patients were mobilised early with external support after spinal stabilisation. Patients with incomplete spinal cord injury showed excellent to good recovery and patients with initial Frankel’s ‘A’ & ‘B’ did not show any recovery.
Intraoperative development of contralateral extradural hematoma during evacuation of traumatic acute subdural hematoma: A rare cause of malignant brain bulge during surgery
Authors: Singh Manmohan , Ahmad Faiz Uddin , Mahapatra AK
Published: May 2012

Intraoperative development of epidural hematoma (EDH) is an unusual happening. We report a 36-year-old female who developed severe brain bulge while she was being operated for a traumatic left fronto-temporal acute subdural hematoma. Immediate post-operative CT scan revealed a massive contralateral EDH, which was subsequently evacuated. When a craniotomy is performed for a traumatic hematoma, intraoperative severe brain swelling should alert the surgeon about possibility of contralateral EDH formation especially if there is contralateral skull fracture.
Efficacy of different hypertonic solutes in the treatment of refractory intracranial hypertension in severe head injury patients: A comparative study of 2ml/kg 7.5% hypertonic saline and 2ml/kg 20% mannitol
Authors: Chatterjee Nilay , Chaudhury Arpan , Mukherjee Sujoy , Prusty Gouri Kumar , Chattopadhyay Tapas , Saha Subhasis
Published: May 2012

A prospective, randomized study to evaluate the clinical benefit of increasing the osmotic load of the hypertonic solution administered for the treatment of refractory intracranial hypertension episodes in patients with severe head injury. 25 patients with severe head injury and persistent coma, admitted in a Neurocritical Care Unit of a Tertiary Care Hospital, who required infusions of osmotic agents to treat episodes of intracranial hypertension resistant to well defined standard modes of therapy were randomly allocated to one of the two groups to receive isovolume infusions of either 7.5% hypertonic saline solution; HS [2400 mOsm/kg H2O] or 20% mannitol [1160 mOsm/kg of H2O] given 2ml/kg of either solution, i.e. 331.5 +/− 35.4 mOsm of hypertonic saline or 174.2 +/− 18 mOsm of mannitol per infusion. The variables recorded in the study were the duration and number of episodes of intracranial hypertension per day during the study period, which was stopped after the last episode of intracranial hypertension was recorded from intracranial pressure recording or after the allocated treatment failure. Patients of HS group were monitored for 7 +/− 6 days and those in the mannitol group for 8 +/− 5 days [p=NS]. The rate of failure for each treatment was also evaluated which was defined as the persistence of intracranial hypertension despite the two successive infusions of the same osmotic agent. The mean number of osmotic solute infusions was 3.4 +/− 4.5 in the HS group and 3.8 +/− 5.1 in mannitol group p=NS]. The mean number [7.1+/-2.9 vs. 14.6+/−3.4] of episodes of intracranial hypertension per day and the duration of such episode [62.6+/−28.1 vs. 93.4+/−37.2 min] was also significantly lower in the HS group [p<0.05]. The numbers of treatment failures were significantly lower in HS group: 1 out of 14 patients vs. 6 out of 11 patients [p<0.01]. In this study we have found that in patients with severe head injury requiring treatment with hypertonic solute for refractory intracranial hypertension, 2ml/kg body weight of 7.5% HS [356 +/− 14 mOsm] was more effective than giving 2ml/kg 20% mannitol [178 +/− 11mOsm]. Within the limitations of present study, the collected data suggest that giving 2ml/kg HS solution is an effective and safe initial treatment for intracranial hypertension episodes in head injury patients when there is indication of osmotherapy.
Piracetam in postconcussion syndrome: preliminary results of a randomized study using SPECT
Authors: Agrawal Deepak , Gowda NK
Published: May 2012

Aim of this study was to study the changes in regional cerebral perfusion following administration of the drug piracetam using single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) in patients with postconcussion syndrome (PCS). Twenty consecutive male patients 18–65 years of age, with mild traumatic brain injury and PCS who had an normal initial CT head but an abnormal SPECT scan (carried out within 72 hours of the injury), were included in the study. Patients were randomized to either receive a daily dose of 2.4g of piracetam for six weeks (n = 10) (piracetam group), or no piracetam (n = 10) (control group). A repeat SPECT scan was performed at six weeks of follow up and any subjective improvement in symptoms (if any) noted. While the pre-treatment mean ratio for the piracetam treated group (0.86) and controls (0.85) did not differ significantly (p = 0.304; 95% CI - 0.041,.0136), there was a significant rise in the post treatment ratio in the piracetam group (mean: 0.959) as compared to the controls (mean: 0.882) (p = <0.001; 95% CI -.0114, -0.038). Nine patients (90%) also had improvement in their symptoms of PCS, compared to only three patients in the test group (Fisher exact test; 2 tailed: p = 0.01). Our study suggests that the cerebral perfusion defects seen on SPECT imaging may per se be responsible for the clinical manifestations of PCS. Low-dose piracetam appears to improve regional cerebral blood flow and reverse perfusion abnormalities in these patients. This study paves the way for further randomized, placebo controlled trials with piracetam for more definitive results.
Minor head injury
Authors: Mahapatra Ashok Kumar , Agrawal Deepak , Kumar Raj
Published: May 2012

In India about one million people sustain head injury every year. Minor head injury constitutes about 80 – 90% cases of total head injury patients. About 50% minor head injury cases have associated organic brain dysfunctions. Studies like SPECT, VEP, BAER, TCD and P300 recordings have demonstrated hypoperfusion and dysfunctional abnormalities of brain parenchyma in most of the cases having post-concussion syndrome and persistent post-concussion syndrome. Significant blood flow abnormalities are found in medial temporal lobe, hippocampus and frontal lobe etc, which are responsible for various functional problems.
Anterior single lag screw fixation in Type II Dens fracture – Indian experience
Authors: Srinivasan US , Dhillon CS , Mahesha K , Kumar P Vinodh
Published: May 2012

Increased rate of non-union of Type II Odontoid fractures with rigid external orthosis have been reported. Recently technique of direct anterior screw fixation of the odontoid fracture is being advocated. Here we report the results of 13 cases of Type II dens fracture treated by the above method with an age group ranging from 17 to 73 years. An approach identical to the anterior cervical discectomy was used. Guide tube system devised by Synthes®, single image intensifier and Langenberg retractors was used to place a single cannulated screw through the fracture from C2 body into the dens. Among the 13 cases operated, in 11 cases we were successful. In one case while dissecting the fracture site CSF leak occurred and in another case the guide wire broke leading to abandoning to screw placement. There was no other complication due to the surgical procedure. The follow up period ranged between 2 months to 3 1/2 years. There were no neurological complications or screw fracture. In 9 of the 11 cases (82%) either bony union or fibrous unions have occurred. These results indicate that direct anterior single screw fixation has proved to be a very successful treatment.
Post traumatic epilepsy. An analysis of 12 cases
Authors: Mathai KI , Sasivadanan MS , Sudumbraker S , Sahoo PK
Published: May 2012

An analysis of the mechanism of epilepsy and epileptogenesis after traumatic brain injury will give us an insight into neural circuitry. In a retrospective analysis of 48 cases of moderate and severe traumatic brain injury, who reported for follow up to our centre over a period of two years. Of these, 12 patients with post traumatic epilepsy were identified. The risk factors, EEG patterns and the quality of control were analyzed. The pathophysiology and paradigms of management have been discussed.
Spontaneous bullet migration- uncommon sequelae of firearm injury to the brain
Authors: Kumar Raj , Garg Pallav , Maurya Vijendra , Sahu Rabi Narayan , Mahapatra AK
Published: May 2012

An important though uncommon complication of retained missiles is that of spontaneous migration. A 22 years young man presented to us with alleged firearm injury to head. The bullet migration was evident on the third day after injury when it was seen lying in the left posterior occipital region as compared to previous posterior frontal location. Softening of contused cerebrum along the missile tract and free weight of the bullet due to gravity were probably responsible for the bullet migration in this case. The patient underwent surgical exploration and progressively recovered. This case report emphasizes the fact that spontaneous migration of a foreign body in side the cranium should be watched for, resulting in damage to vital structures producing significant neurological damage. The presence of migration should be considered to be an urgent indication for surgical intervention.