bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mémoires d'en bas
Authors: Galland Nathalie
Published: December 2010

Il s'agit ici d'envisager la production discursive de l'Ejército Zapatista de Liberación Nacional (Mexique, 1994-2001) comme objet esthétique fondamentalement mémoriel. Les textes se donnent en effet comme trace finiséculaire de la résistance, alternative pour une reconstruction de la mémoire collective, transgressant idéologies et fatalités historiques et consacrant la mémoire vivante de ceux d'en bas. Et cette mémoire qui infuse dans des textes se fait tour à tour mémoire vagabonde qui liste son expérience du monde, mémoire du silence aussi, patiente et épiphanique. Ces représentations de la mémoire de surcroît s'inscrivent dans un process fondamentalement esthétique, c'est-à-dire esthésique, susceptible d'ébranler la chair par les mots, par la sensation, par le partage de l'émotion. Un seul et simple postulat semble présider à la production textuelle : celui que les communiqués, par le sensible, peuvent ou doivent modifier la représentation du passé et celle du possible, celui que la poésie fait sentir le sens, que le politique se pulvérise dans l'esthétique.
Les représentations esthétiques de la violence dans l’œuvre de Fernando Botero
Authors: Lassus Jean-Marie
Published: December 2010

En 2005, le peintre colombien Fernando Botero expose à Rome une cinquantaine d'œuvres (triptyques, tableaux et dessins) sur les tortures commises par des soldats américains dans la prison d'Abou Ghraib, conséquences de la guerre en Irak et des attentats du 11 septembre 2001. Après avoir traité de la violence en Colombie, Botero élargit la portée de son témoignage esthétique, humain et politique sur un thème qui a aussi à voir avec la question des prisonniers de Guantánamo. Dans des sociétés de plus en plus mondialisées, ces œuvres permettent de s’interroger sur la nécessité de la représentation d’une « méta-mémoire » et sur les conséquences de l’impunité et de la violence d’Etat. Elles révèlent aussi l’interaction des discours sur l’art et les sociétés dans l’opération de mémoire : les références explicites à Goya et Picasso des commentateurs de ces œuvres, les relations entre les textes, les photos et les œuvres picturales, mais aussi les conditions de la représentation esthétique dans le cadre de l’histoire immédiate.
Histoire d’histoires, histoire d’images
Authors: Heches Dominique
Published: December 2010

La Historia Oficial, 1985, de Aida Bortnik et Luis Puenzo, raconte un pan sanglant de l’histoire argentine. Historias mínimas, 2002, de Carlos Sorín, conduit le spectateur sur les routes de Patagonie. De Buenos Aires à la Patagonie, de la dictature à la démocratie, de l’enfermement à l’ouverture.La problématique à laquelle s’attache Puenzo est celle du faible décalage entre la sortie du film et les évènements racontés. Cette proximité donne du poids aux mots car il s’agit bien ici de dire l’indicible. Alicia part à la recherche de la vérité, inouïe, inimaginable et se confronte à l’inédit face aux Mères de la place de Mai. Le film montre comment l’histoire officielle est un mensonge qui se fissure pour laisser place à la mémoire et à une histoire qui n’était jusque là qu’officieuse. Puenzo s’intéresse donc à ce moment particulier, charnière entre mémoire et Histoire. Historias mínimas est-il pour autant un film amnésique de l’histoire ? Non, c’est une « action chargée de peu de matière », qui a pour cadre les paysages ouverts du sud. A la verticalité barbare de Buenos Aires s’oppose l’horizontalité apaisante de San Julian, là où tout a commencé.La Historia Oficial, 1985, directed by Aida Bortnik and Luis Puenzo, relates a blood-stained part of Argentinian history. Historias Minimas, 2002, directed by Carlos Sorin, takes the spectator along the roads of Patagonia. From Buenos Aires to Patagonia, from dictatorship to democracy, from closure to aperture.
The Human Glucocorticoid Receptor as an RNA-Binding Protein: Global Analysis of Glucocorticoid Receptor-Associated Transcripts and Identification of a Target RNA Motif
Authors: Ishmael Faoud T. , Fang Xi , Houser Kenneth R. , Pearce Kenneth , Abdelmohsen Kotb , Zhan Ming , Gorospe Myriam , Stellato Cristiana
Published: December 2010

Posttranscriptional regulation is emerging as a key factor in glucocorticoid (GC)-mediated gene regulation. We investigated the role of the human GC receptor (GR) as an RNA-binding protein and its effect on mRNA turnover in human airway epithelial cells. Cell treatment with the potent GC budesonide accelerated the decay of CCL2 mRNA (t1/2 = 8 ± 1 min versus 62 ± 17 min in DMSO-treated cells) and CCL7 mRNA (t1/2 = 15 ± 4 min versus 114 ± 37 min), but not that of CCL5 mRNA (t1/2=231 ± 8 min versus 266 ± 5 min) in the BEAS-2B cell line. This effect was inhibited by preincubation with an anti-GR Ab, indicating that GR itself plays a role in the turnover of these transcripts. Coimmunoprecipitation and biotin pulldown experiments showed that GR associates with CCL2 and CCL7 mRNAs, but not CCL5 mRNA. These methods confirmed CCL2 mRNA targeting by GR in human primary airway epithelial cells. Association of the GR was localized to the 5′ untranslated region of CCL2 mRNA and further mapped to nt 44–60. The collection of transcripts associated with GR, identified by immunoprecipitation of GR-mRNA complexes followed by microarray analysis, revealed 479 transcripts that associated with GR. Computational analysis of the primary sequence and secondary structures of these transcripts yielded a GC-rich motif, which was shown to bind to GR in vitro. This motif was used to predict binding of GR to an additional 7889 transcripts. These results indicate that cytoplasmic GR interacts with a subset of mRNA through specific sequences and can regulate turnover rates, suggesting a novel posttranscriptional role for GR as an RNA-binding protein.
Ets-1 Maintains IL-7 Receptor Expression in Peripheral T Cells
Authors: Grenningloh Roland , Tai Tzong-Shyuan , Frahm Nicole , Hongo Tomoyuki C. , Chicoine Adam T. , Brander Christian , Kaufmann Daniel E. , Ho I-Cheng
Published: December 2010

The expression of CD127, the IL-7–binding subunit of the IL-7 R, is tightly regulated during the development and activation of T cells and is reduced during chronic viral infection. However, the molecular mechanism regulating the dynamic expression of CD127 is still poorly understood. In this study, we report that the transcription factor Ets-1 is required for maintaining the expression of CD127 in murine peripheral T cells. Ets-1 binds to and activates the CD127 promoter, and its absence leads to reduced CD127 expression, attenuated IL-7 signaling, and impaired IL-7–dependent homeostatic proliferation of T cells. The expression of CD127 and Ets-1 is strongly correlated in human T cells. Both CD127 and Ets-1 expression are decreased in CD8+ T cells during HIV infection. In addition, HIV-associated loss of CD127 is only observed in Ets-1low effector memory and central memory but not in Ets-1high naive CD8+ T cells. Taken together, our data identify Ets-1 as a critical regulator of CD127 expression in T cells.
Lineage Divergence at the First TCR-Dependent Checkpoint: Preferential γδ and Impaired αβ T Cell Development in Nonobese Diabetic Mice
Authors: Feng Ni , Vegh Patricia , Rothenberg Ellen V. , Yui Mary A.
Published: December 2010

The first TCR-dependent checkpoint in the thymus determines αβ versus γδ T lineage fate and sets the stage for later T cell differentiation decisions. We had previously shown that early T cells in NOD mice that are unable to rearrange a TCR exhibit a defect in checkpoint enforcement at this stage. To determine if T cell progenitors from wild-type NOD mice also exhibit cell-autonomous defects in development, we investigated their differentiation in the Notch-ligand–presenting OP9-DL1 coculture system, as well as by analysis of T cell development in vivo. Cultured CD4 and CD8 double-negative cells from NOD mice exhibited major defects in the generation of CD4 and CD8 double-positive αβ T cells, whereas γδ T cell development from bipotent precursors was enhanced. Limiting dilution and single-cell experiments show that the divergent effects on αβ and γδ T cell development did not spring from biased lineage choice but from increased proliferation of γδ T cells and impaired accumulation of αβ T lineage double-positive cells. In vivo, NOD early T cell subsets in the thymus also show characteristics indicative of defective β-selection, and peripheral αβ T cells are poorly established in mixed bone marrow chimeras, contrasting with strong γδ T as well as B cell repopulation. Thus, NOD T cell precursors reveal divergent, lineage-specific differentiation abnormalities in vitro and in vivo from the first TCR-dependent developmental choice point, which may have consequences for subsequent lineage decisions and effector functions.
Loss of IL-17–Producing CD8 T Cells during Late Chronic Stage of Pathogenic Simian Immunodeficiency Virus Infection
Authors: Nigam Pragati , Kwa Suefen , Velu Vijayakumar , Amara Rama Rao
Published: December 2010

Progressive disease caused by pathogenic SIV/HIV infections is marked by systemic hyperimmune activation, immune dysregulation, and profound depletion of CD4+ T cells in lymphoid and gastrointestinal mucosal tissues. IL-17 is important for protective immunity against extracellular bacterial infections at mucosa and for maintenance of mucosal barrier. Although IL-17–secreting CD4 (Th17) and CD8 (Tc17) T cells have been reported, very little is known about the latter subset for any infectious disease. In this study, we characterized the anatomical distribution, phenotype, and functional quality of Tc17 and Th17 cells in healthy (SIV−) and SIV+ rhesus macaques. In healthy macaques, Tc17 and Th17 cells were present in all lymphoid and gastrointestinal tissues studied with predominance in small intestine. About 50% of these cells coexpressed TNF-α and IL-2. Notably, ∼50% of Tc17 cells also expressed the co-inhibitory molecule CTLA-4, and only a minority (<20%) expressed granzyme B suggesting that these cells possess more of a regulatory than cytotoxic phenotype. After SIV infection, unlike Th17 cells, Tc17 cells were not depleted during the acute phase of infection. However, the frequency of Tc17 cells in SIV-infected macaques with AIDS was lower compared with that in healthy macaques demonstrating the loss of these cells during end-stage disease. Antiretroviral therapy partially restored the frequency of Tc17 and Th17 cells in the colorectal mucosa. Depletion of Tc17 cells was not observed in colorectal mucosa of chronically infected SIV+ sooty mangabeys. In conclusion, our results suggest a role for Tc17 cells in regulating disease progression during pathogenic SIV infection.
Bcl-2–Interacting Mediator of Cell Death Influences Autoantigen-Driven Deletion and TCR Revision
Authors: Hale J. Scott , Nelson Lisa T. , Simmons Kalynn B. , Fink Pamela J.
Published: December 2010

Peripheral CD4+Vβ5+ T cells are tolerized to an endogenous mouse mammary tumor virus superantigen either by deletion or TCR revision. Through TCR revision, RAG reexpression mediates extrathymic TCRβ rearrangement and results in a population of postrevision CD4+Vβ5− T cells expressing revised TCRβ chains. We have hypothesized that cell death pathways regulate the selection of cells undergoing TCR revision to ensure the safety and utility of the postrevision population. In this study, we investigate the role of Bcl-2–interacting mediator of cell death (Bim)-mediated cell death in autoantigen-driven deletion and TCR revision. Bim deficiency and Bcl-2 overexpression in Vβ5 transgenic (Tg) mice both impair peripheral deletion. Vβ5 Tg Bim-deficient and Bcl-2 Tg mice exhibit an elevated frequency of CD4+ T cells expressing both the transgene-encoded Vβ5 chain and a revised TCRβ chain. We now show that these dual-TCR–expressing cells are TCR revision intermediates and that the population of RAG-expressing, revising CD4+ T cells is increased in Bim-deficient Vβ5 Tg mice. These findings support a role for Bim and Bcl-2 in regulating the balance of survival versus apoptosis in peripheral T cells undergoing RAG-dependent TCR rearrangements during TCR revision, thereby ensuring the utility of the postrevision repertoire.
A Role for Immature Myeloid Cells in Immune Senescence
Authors: Enioutina Elena Y. , Bareyan Diana , Daynes Raymond A.
Published: December 2010

The reduced efficiency of the mammalian immune system with aging increases host susceptibility to infectious and autoimmune diseases. However, the mechanisms responsible for these pathologic changes are not well understood. In this study, we demonstrate that the bone marrow, blood, and secondary lymphoid organs of healthy aged mice possess increased numbers of immature myeloid cells that are phenotypically similar to myeloid-derived suppressor cells found in lymphoid organs of mice with progressive tumors and other pathologic conditions associated with chronic inflammation. These cells are characterized by the presence of Gr1 and CD11b markers on their surfaces. Gr1+CD11b+ cells isolated from aged mice possess an ability to suppress T cell proliferation/activation and produce heightened levels of proinflammatory cytokines, both constitutively and upon activation, including IL-12, which promotes an excessive production of IFN-γ. IFN-γ priming is essential for excessive proinflammatory cytokine production and the suppressive activities by Gr1+CD11b+ cells from aged mice. These cells suppress T cell proliferation through an NO-dependent mechanism, as depletion of splenic Gr1+ cells reduces NO levels and restores T cell proliferation. Insights into mechanisms responsible for the proinflammatory and immune suppressive activities of Gr1+CD11b+ cells from aged mice have uncovered a defective PI3K–Akt signaling pathway, leading to a reduced Akt-dependent inactivation of GSK3β. Our data demonstrate that abnormal activities of the Gr1+CD11b+ myeloid cell population from aged mice could play a significant role in the mechanisms responsible for immune senescence.
“Everybody had a piece …”: Collaborative practice and shared decision making at the Open Book
Authors: Gordon John , Ramdeholl Dianne
Published: December 2010

In an attempt to preserve the field's collective historical memory, the authors in this chapter explore participatory practices at the Open Book, an adult literacy program in Brooklyn, from 1985–2002. Students' roles in shaping those practices are examined and reflections on the possibilities for building democratic communities in literacy programs, particularly in the current context, are included.
“Blues is easy to play but hard to feel” (Jimi Hendrix)
Authors: Yanow Wendy
Published: December 2010

In the final chapter, the author reflects on some of the insights gained by the editors over these past months as they discussed the struggle for democracy and shared governance in the many spaces they refer to as adult education.
Rett syndrome: Revised diagnostic criteria and nomenclature
Authors: Jeffrey L. Neul  , Kaufmann Walter E. , Glaze Daniel G. , Christodoulou John , Clarke Angus J. , Bahi‐Buisson Nadia , Leonard Helen , Bailey Mark E. S. , Schanen N. Carolyn , Zappella Michele , Renieri Alessandra , Huppke Peter , Percy Alan K. ,   for the RettSearch Consortium (Members listed in the Appendix)
Published: December 2010

Objective

Rett syndrome (RTT) is a severe neurodevelopmental disease that affects approximately 1 in 10,000 live female births and is often caused by mutations in Methyl‐CpG‐binding protein 2 (MECP2). Despite distinct clinical features, the accumulation of clinical and molecular information in recent years has generated considerable confusion regarding the diagnosis of RTT. The purpose of this work was to revise and clarify 2002 consensus criteria for the diagnosis of RTT in anticipation of treatment trials.

Method

RettSearch members, representing the majority of the international clinical RTT specialists, participated in an iterative process to come to a consensus on a revised and simplified clinical diagnostic criteria for RTT.

Results

The clinical criteria required for the diagnosis of classic and atypical RTT were clarified and simplified. Guidelines for the diagnosis and molecular evaluation of specific variant forms of RTT were developed.

Interpretation

These revised criteria provide clarity regarding the key features required for the diagnosis of RTT and reinforce the concept that RTT is a clinical diagnosis based on distinct clinical criteria, independent of molecular findings. We recommend that these criteria and guidelines be utilized in any proposed clinical research. Ann Neurol 2010
Highly phosphomannosylated enzyme replacement therapy for GM2 gangliosidosis
Authors: Tsuji Daisuke , Akeboshi Hiromi , Matsuoka Kazuhiko , Yasuoka Hiroko , Miyasaki Eri , Kasahara Yoshiko , Kawashima Ikuo , Chiba Yasunori , Jigami Yoshifumi , Taki Takao , Sakuraba Hitoshi , Itoh Kohji
Published: December 2010

Objective:

Novel recombinant human lysosomal β‐hexosaminidase A (HexA) was developed for enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) for Tay‐Sachs and Sandhoff diseases, ie, autosomal recessive GM2 gangliosidoses, caused by HexA deficiency.

Methods:

A recombinant human HexA (Om4HexA) with a high mannose 6‐phosphate (M6P)‐type‐N‐glycan content, which was produced by a methylotrophic yeast strain, Ogataea minuta, overexpressing the OmMNN4 gene, was intracerebroventricularly (ICV) administered to Sandhoff disease model mice (Hexb−/− mice) at different doses (0.5–2.5mg/kg), and then the replacement and therapeutic effects were examined.

Results:

The Om4HexA was widely distributed across the ependymal cell layer, dose‐dependently restored the enzyme activity due to uptake via cell surface cation‐independent M6P receptor (CI‐M6PR) on neural cells, and reduced substrates, including GM2 ganglioside (GM2), asialo GM2 (GA2), and oligosaccharides with terminal N‐acetylglucosamine residues (GlcNAc‐oligosaccharides), accumulated in brain parenchyma. A significant inhibition of chemokine macrophage inflammatory protein‐1 α (MIP‐1α) induction was also revealed, especially in the hindbrain (<63%). The decrease in central neural storage correlated with an improvement of motor dysfunction as well as prolongation of the lifespan.

Interpretation:

This lysosome‐directed recombinant human enzyme drug derived from methylotrophic yeast has the high therapeutic potential to improve the motor dysfunction and quality of life of the lysosomal storage diseases (LSDs) patients with neurological manifestations. We emphasize the importance of neural cell surface M6P receptor as a delivery target of neural cell‐directed enzyme replacement therapy (NCDERT) for neurodegenerative metabolic diseases. ANN NEUROL 2010
Kopplungseffekte in optischen Metamaterialien
Authors: Liu Na , Giessen Harald
Published: December 2010

Metamaterialien haben sich zu einem sehr interessanten Gebiet der Photonik entwickelt, seit John Pendry seine Arbeiten über den negativen Brechungsindex, Tarnkappen und Unsichtbarkeit sowie über perfekte Linsen veröffentlichte. Für jegliche praktischen Anwendungen werden dreidimensionale Metamaterialien benötigt. In diesen Materialien spielen bei den optischen und elektronischen Eigenschaften Kopplungseffekte zwischen individuellen Konstituenten eine Schlüsselrolle. Metamaterialien weisen sowohl elektronische wie auch magnetische Resonanzen bei optischen Frequenzen auf. Deswegen stellen elektrische und magnetische Dipol‐Dipol‐Wechselwirkungen wie auch Multipole höherer Ordnung den essenziellen Wechselwirkungsmechanismus dar. Je nach strukturellem Aufbau können sowohl longitudinale als auch transversale Kopplungseffekte auftreten. Das detaillierte Zusammenspiel zwischen den verschiedenen Kopplungsmechanismen bei der Plasmonenhybridisierung ist ein nützliches Hilfsmittel, um den Übergang von eher molekülartigen Zuständen bis hin zu festkörperartigen Banden zu verstehen.
Influence of backbone rigidity on the curing and the dielectric relaxations of unsaturated polyesters
Authors: Simitzis J. , Triantou D. , Soulis S. , Tsangaris G. , Zoumpoulakis L. , Manolopoulos E.
Published: December 2010

Unsaturated polyesters with maleic acid and different molar ratio of phthalic anhydride to adipic acid were produced, mixed with styrene, and cured. The degree of double bonds conversion, determined by differential scanning calorimetry (αDSC), indicating the initial curing, increases significantly with the molar ratio of phthalic anhydride. On the other hand, the degree of double bonds conversion of maleate (αUP,FTIR) and styrene (αSt,FTIR) units determined by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy after prolonged curing are considerably higher than αDSC and increase slightly with the molar ratio of phthalic anhydride. Polyester containing phthalic anhydride without adipic acid (M5P5) has the lowest tetrahydrofuran uptake and diffusion parameter D/α2 due to its more rigid segments, in opposite to polyester containing adipic acid (M5A5) having the highest values. According to dielectric spectroscopy measurements, two different relaxations were determined, one beginning above 130°C (with peak above 180°C) attributed to α‐relaxation (dielectric glass transition) and a second one at lower temperatures, attributed to β‐relaxation. The peak of β‐relaxation is at around 130, 75–80, and 30°C for the rigid, intermediate rigidity/flexibility, and flexible polyesters, respectively. The α‐relaxation is determined at low frequencies and the β‐relaxation at intermediate or high frequencies. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
Novel Aspergillus hemicellulases enhance performance of commercial cellulases in lignocellulose hydrolysis
Authors: Shin Hyun‐Dong , Vo Trinh , Chen Rachel
Published: December 2010

A novel hemicellulase‐producing fungal strain was isolated from a local soil sample. The organism is identified as Aspergillus fumigatus based on ribosomal RNA analyses. The Aspergillus strain, designated as 2NB, produces both enzymes acting on xylan backbone (xylanase and β‐xylosidase), and those acting on side chains (or accessory enzymes) notably α‐arabinofuranosidase and acetyl‐xylan esterase. The Asperigillus hemicellulases are characterized as having relatively low xylanase and β‐xylosidase activities but high side chain removal activities. The activity ratio of side‐chain acting enzymes to xylanase is higher than that of the Multifect enzyme, a commercial hemicellulase product. The potential of the novel hemicellulases in lignocelluloses bioprocessing was demonstrated with alkaline‐pretreated switchgrass as lignocellulose substrate with hemicellulase supplemented with a ratio of xylanase activity to filter paper unit of 2:1. Supplement of Aspergillus hemicellulases to commercial cellulases significantly enhanced the hydrolysis of lignocellulose, achieving a 94% hydrolysis yield based on reducing sugar measurement, compared to 60% when no hemicellulase or 75% when Multifect enzyme was used under otherwise identical conditions. The significant improvement resulting from supplementing a hemicellulase mix with high side‐chain removal activities suggests the importance of accessory hemicellulases in lignocellulose processing. © 2011 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 2011
Championing the interface between mental health and child protection: evaluation of a service initiative to improve joint working in northern Ireland
Authors: Davidson Gavin , Duffy Joe , Barry Liz , Curry Patsy , Darragh Eithne , Lees Judith
Published: December 2010

The importance of establishing effective inter‐agency working between adult mental health services and child care services in order to safeguard children has been repeatedly identified by research, policy, inquiries and inspection reports. This article reports on the evaluation of an initiative in one health and social care trust in Northern Ireland that aimed to facilitate joint working and so improve service provision and protection for children and families. The Champions Initiative involved identifying a Champion in each multidisciplinary community mental health team and in each family and child care team that would have responsibility for providing information, promoting joint working and identifying any obstacles to better cooperation. The evaluation of this Initiative assessed levels of experience, training, confidence, understanding and awareness in the Champions and their team members at baseline. The Champions and their Team Leaders were then followed up after six months to obtain their qualitative views of the impact of the initiative. The results include comparisons between mental health and child care staff, and crucially, views about whether the initiative has had any impact on working together. This study also generated recommendations for further service development in this complex and important area of practice. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

‘Identifying a Champion in each multidisciplinary community mental health team and in each family and child care team’
Synthesis and Characterization of Titanium Dioxide Phases in Mesostructured Silica Matrices with Photocatalytic Activity
Authors: Gopala Divakara Soorly , Bhattacharjee Rama Ranjan , Haerr Robert , Yeginoglu Bener , Pavel Octavian Dumitru , Cojocaru Bogdan , Parvulescu Vasile I. , Richards Ryan M.
Published: December 2010

An imidazole type ionic liquid (IL), 1‐hexadecyl‐3‐methylimidazolium chloride (I16IL) was used as a template in the preparation of mesoporous silica with incorporated titanium dioxide. In this process, the IL is the structural template as well as the source of the Ti. The steps leading to the formation of the nanocrystalline metal oxide include: a) formation of metal‐containing IL (M‐IL); b) using the M‐IL as a template for the mesoporous silica; c) calcination of the sample to remove the organic moiety, while leaving the metal centers to form oxides on the porous framework. By varying the TiO2–SiO2 calcination temperature, the particle size and phase of TiO2 have been studied. These TiO2–SiO2 hybrid materials were characterized by using various physicochemical techniques, such as UV/Vis diffuse‐reflectance spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction, N2 adsorption‐desorption isotherm measurement, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. The resultant hybrid silica demonstrated effective photocatalytic activity for the oxidation of cyclohexene and styrene.
Effect of biologically active peptides on adipose tissue
Authors: Mirsky I. Arthur
Published: December 2010

The sections in this article are:

Pancreatic Peptides

Neurohypophyseal Peptides

Adenohypophyseal Peptides

Peptides Derived from Plasma Globulins—Plasma Kinins
The diagnostic utility of CK5/6 and p63 in fine‐needle aspiration of the breast lesions diagnosed as proliferative fibrocystic lesion
Authors: Al‐Maghraby Hatem , Ghorab Zeina , Khalbuss Walid , Wong John , Silverman Jan F. , Saad Reda S.
Published: December 2010

Fine‐needle aspiration (FNA) biopsy (FNAB) in the preoperative assessment of breast lesions has shown diagnostic limitations with false‐positive and false‐negative diagnoses. We investigated the diagnostic value of cytokeratin 5/6 (CK5/6) and p63 in a series of breast FNABs, diagnosed as proliferative breast lesions with or without atypia, to see whether these ancillary studies enhance the ability to make an accurate diagnosis by FNAB. Sixty‐four breast FNABs were retrieved between January 2000 and December 2005 and included in the study as follows: 29/64 (45%) cases as proliferative with atypia and 35/64 (55%) without atypia. We also included 10 cases of fibroadenoma. All cases had histological follow‐up available for correlation. Immunostaining for CK5/6 and p63 was performed on the cell block material in all cases. The percentage of staining cells in the specimen was graded as 0 (0–10%), 1 (11–25%), 2 (26–50%), and 3 (>50%). There were 9/29 (31%) cases in the atypical group that were found to be malignant on resection, compared with 6/35 (17%) in the cases without atypia. In histologically proven malignant cases, CK5/6 was negative in 11/15 (73%) or showed 1+ stain in 2/15 (13%) cases. In benign breast lesions, CK5/6 stained more than 25% of cell proliferation in 44/49 (90%). p63 showed characteristic staining for single naked bipolar nuclei in the background of the specimen (not appreciated by CK5/6) in all fibroadenoma cases. In conclusion, CK5/6 may enhance the ability to differentiate between benign and malignant epithelial proliferations in breast FNABs. In fibroepithelial lesions, p63 may be more useful than CK5/6. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2011. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Using an iterative approach to economic evaluation in the drug development process
Authors: Boyd Kathleen Anne , Fenwick Elisabeth , Briggs Andrew
Published: December 2010

The pharmaceutical industry has a well‐known and formally recognized process for drug development, consisting of four distinct phases of clinical assessment. Similar to this drug development process, there is a five‐stage iterative process for economic evaluation, beginning with early indicative studies and progressing toward more rigorous assessment as data become available. This overview outlines the four phases of drug development and the five‐stage iterative approach to economic evaluation. The commonalities of the two approaches are discussed, drawing parallels in support of the case for incorporating an iterative economic process into the drug development process. Both frameworks support a process of information gathering and reducing uncertainty in order to improve decision making. In the context of commercial and public funding for economic evaluation, it is more efficient and beneficial to invest in an iterative approach to economic evaluation throughout the drug or technology lifecycle rather than using a restrictive, one‐off trial‐based approach, which provides limited information on the true cost‐effectiveness of the technology. Drug Dev Res 71: 470–477, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
How does NICE value innovation?
Authors: Garner Sarah
Published: December 2010

No country can afford all the health care interventions that might benefit patients. Demand will always outstrip available resources, so priorities have to be agreed upon. Such decisions are controversial, making it vital that they are underpinned by robust transparent processes and methods. In the United Kingdom, this is the responsibility of the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE). In 2009, in response to challenges that NICE was not giving sufficient value to innovation, an independent enquiry was undertaken by Sir Ian Kennedy. The enquiry raised important questions about whether NICE should only offer incentives for innovation when the benefits are actually seen by the National Health Service (NHS) as improved outcomes for patients, or whether future, but as yet unrealized, benefits such as the subsequent development of the next generation of drugs should be taken into account. There is a UK government commitment to value‐based pricing but questions remain about how this could value innovation. Potential solutions are an increased use of NICE's “only in research” recommendations and exploration of novel trial designs. Drug Dev Res 71: 449–456, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Meeting the information needs of a national drug payer: aspirations of the guidelines from Australia
Authors: Mitchell Andrew S. , Viney Rosalie
Published: December 2010

The information needs of drug payers at the provincial or national level are reasonably similar across the world. Until recently, the evidence generated to meet these needs has been largely intended to meet the information needs of regulatory agencies responsible for determining whether marketing approval should be authorized. This has meant that evidence for one purpose (determining whether a drug should be approved for marketing) usually has to be translated to meet another purpose (determining whether the drug should be paid for in a reimbursement or subsidy). As the context in each jurisdiction might be different, there is also a need to translate evidence developed for a global audience to address different local contexts. A common set of methods to translate evidence can help address both needs, from a common starting point of randomized trials as the most scientifically rigorous evidence available for estimating the extent of intended treatment effects. Experience with these methods to increase confidence in the translated evidence has proved helpful, as meeting the information needs of drug payers has recently become more influential in determining what evidence is generated during the pre‐marketing research and development phase in the life cycle of a new drug. Drug Dev Res 71: 463–469, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Projection of CO2 emissions in Malaysia
Authors: Safaai Nor Sharliza Mohd , Noor Zainura Zainon , Hashim Haslenda , Ujang Zaini , Talib Juhaizah
Published: December 2010

The problem of massive emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2) from the burning of fossil fuels and their climatic impact has become major scientific and political issues. Electricity generation, transportation, industrial and residential are the main sectors identified to contribute to the emission of CO2 in Malaysia. In this study, a comprehensive modeling tool, long‐range energy alternatives planning system (LEAP) was utilized to project CO2 emissions from year 2000 to year 2020 for each sector. It was projected that without any mitigation measures being taken up by the country, 285.73 million tonnes of CO2 will be released in 2020, which is a 68.86% increase compared to the amount of CO2 emitted in year 2000. Electricity generation, which gives 43.40% out of total of emissions, was discovered to be the largest emitting sector among all sectors. In addition, this study also reviews recommended mitigation analysis proposed by other researches as well as implementation of energy efficiency program in Malaysia. This projection and mitigation is a hope to provide an important basis to reduce future CO2 emissions and their associated impact in Malaysia. © 2010 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 2010.
Back‐calculation of bedload transport in steep channels with a numerical model
Authors: Chiari Michael , Rickenmann Dieter
Published: December 2010

In August 2005 severe flood events occurred in the Alps. A sediment routing model for steep torrent channel networks called SETRAC has been applied to six well‐documented case study streams with substantial sediment transport in Austria and Switzerland. For these streams information on the sediment budget along the main channel is available. Flood hydrographs were reconstructed based on precipitation data and stream gauges in neighbouring catchments. Different scenarios are modelled and discussed regarding sediment availability and the effect of armouring and macro‐roughness on sediment transport calculations. The simulation results show the importance of considering increased flow resistance for small relative flow depth when modelling bedload transport during high‐intensity flood events in torrents and mountain rivers. Without any correction of increased flow resistance using a reduced energy slope, the predicted bedload volumes are about a factor of 10 higher on average than the observed values. Simulation results were also used for a back‐calculation of macro‐roughness effects from bedload transport data, and compared with an independent estimate of flow resistance partitioning based on flow resistance data. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Death is certain, strategy isn't: Assessing the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation's end‐of‐life grant making
Authors: Patrizi Patricia A.
Published: December 2010

The author discusses an assessment of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation's work over a 20‐year period to improve end‐of‐life care in America. The case illustrates the evolution of the strategy from one focused on a multiyear randomized control trial of a series of hospital‐based interventions that produced findings of “no effects” into several highly emergent approaches aiming to transform medical education and care delivery and launch a social movement to stimulate consumer and provider demand for better care. The case also illustrates the challenges of discovering strategy in the absence of strategic plans. The author illuminates the role a funder can play in shaping and executing strategic direction, facilitating and impeding progress in a field, and ultimately highlighting efforts made to build the field of end‐of‐life care. © Wiley Periodicals, Inc., and the American Evaluation Association.
Correlation of dyskerin expression with active proliferation independent of telomerase
Authors: Alawi Faizan , Lin Ping , Ziober Barry , Patel Reena
Published: December 2010

Background

Dyskerin, which is an important component of the telomerase complex and is needed for normal telomerase activity, is frequently overexpressed in neoplasia. Dyskerin also plays an essential role in ribosome biogenesis. Because protein synthesis increases during tumorigenesis, this led us to hypothesize that dyskerin expression would be upregulated independently of the cell immortalization mechanism.

Methods

Dyskerin and telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) expression were examined in oral squamous cell carcinomas (OSCC) and patient‐matched controls, as well as in a panel of telomerase‐positive and telomerase‐negative cells. Antisense inhibition of TERT was used to test the effects of downregulation of telomerase on dyskerin expression.

Results

Dyskerin was frequently overexpressed in OSCC and in immortalized and transformed keratinocytes relative to primary cells, independently of TERT and telomerase activity. Instead, dyskerin expression strongly correlated with cell proliferation rates.

Conclusions

The role of dyskerin in tumorigenesis does not correlate with its function within the telomerase complex. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2011
Tailoring immobilization of immunoglobulin by excimer laser for biosensor applications
Authors: Sima Felix , Axente Emanuel , Ristoscu Carmen , Mihailescu Ion N. , Kononenko Taras V. , Nagovitsin Ilya A. , Chudinova Galina , Konov Vitaly I. , Socol Marcela , Enculescu Ionut , Sima Livia E. , Petrescu Stefana M.
Published: December 2010

The sheltered transfer and immobilization of rabbit anti‐human antiserum immunoglobulin G (IgG) by matrix‐assisted pulsed laser evaporation (MAPLE) are reported. The iced targets submitted to laser irradiation consisted of 0.2–2 mg/mL IgG blended or not with lipid (L‐α‐phosphatidylcholine dipalmitoyl) dissolved in distilled water‐based saline buffer. Thin IgG coatings were obtained at room temperature onto glass, fused silica, or silicon substrates. Ten thousand subsequent laser pulses of 0.33, 0.5, or 0.67 J/cm2fluence were applied for the synthesis of each sample. Morphology and composition of the thin films were studied by optical, scanning, and atomic force microscopy and Fourier transformed infrared spectrometry. Optical labeling methods such as spectrofluorimetry and fluorescence microscopy were selected to verify the biosensor transduction principle because of their high sensitivity for detecting low amounts of antigen (IgG). Protein immobilization to the substrate surface was demonstrated for all obtained structures after immersion in the donkey anti‐rabbit secondary antibody solution. The IgG transfer and immobilization onto substrates were improved by addition of lipid to MAPLE solutions. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A, 2011.
Cellular response of RAW 264.7 to spray‐coated multi‐walled carbon nanotube films with various surfactants
Authors: Chen Hailan , Shen Jianmin , Longhua Guo , Chen Yuan , Kim Dong‐Hwan
Published: December 2010

The increasing role of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) in various biological applications has led to a number of studies on the cytotoxicity of solution‐phase CNTs, but few studies are available concerning the cytotoxicity of CNT films. Herein, we studied the potential health effect of CNT films fabricated with three commercial surfactants (sodium cholate, sodium dodecyl sulfate, and triton X‐100). Multi‐walled carbon nanotube‐surfactant dispersions were coated onto substrates through air‐spray technique. Cellular morphology, MTT assays, as well as the expression of TNF‐α and IL‐1β of RAW 264.7 cells cultured on the spray‐coated CNT films were evaluated for cytotoxicity. It was found that the cytotoxicity of the CNT films was largely dependent on the type of surfactant used and could be significantly reduced by mild washing steps. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A, 2011.
Improved transfection efficiency of an aliphatic lipid substituted 2 kDa polyethylenimine is attributed to enhanced nuclear association and uptake in rat bone marrow stromal cell
Authors: Hsu Charlie Yu Ming , Hendzel Michael , Uludaǧ Hasan
Published: December 2010

Background

Lipid substitutions of cationic polymers are actively explored to enhance the efficiency of nonviral gene carriers. We recently took this approach to develop a novel gene carrier by grafting linoleic acid (LA) to relatively biocompatible 2 kDa polyethylenimine (PEI2). The resulting polymer (PEI2LA) displayed improved transfection efficiency over the unmodified PEI2. The intracellular kinetics and distribution of the respective polyplexes were investigated in the present study to gain a better understanding of the role of lipid modification in intracellular trafficking of gene carriers.

Methods

A Cy5‐labeled plasmid DNA (pDNA) expressing the green fluorescent protein (GFP) was complexed with PEI2, PEI2LA, and 25 kDa polyethylenimine (PEI25) to transfect rat bone marrow stromal cells (BMSC). Subcellular fractionation was performed to measure the amount of nuclear associated pDNA. pDNA uptake, GFP‐expression and nuclear‐associated pDNA were measured by both flow cytometry and confocal laser scanning microscopy.

Results

PEI2LA mediated higher transgene expression and percentages of transfected cells than PEI25 and PEI2, respectively. There was a strong correlation between nuclear associated pDNA and transgene expression. PEI2LA polyplexes were significantly larger in size than PEI25. The amounts of pDNA associated with the nuclei were greater in PEI2LA than PEI25 polyplexes. The perinuclear pDNA distribution between GFP‐expressing and nonGFP‐expressing indicated that GFP‐positive cells had a higher amount of pDNA associated with their nuclei.

Conclusions

Improved transfection efficiency of PEI2LA was attributed to enhanced association with the nucleus, which may be a result of hydrophobic interaction between the lipid moieties on the modified lipopolymer and the nuclear membrane. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effects of vagotomy, splanchnic nerve lesion, and fluorocitrate on the transmission of acute hyperosmotic stress signals to the supraoptic nucleus
Authors: Xiong Yingfei , Liu Rui , Xu Yan , Duan Li , Cao Rong , Tu Lingfeng , Li Zhuyi , Zhao Gang , Rao Zhiren
Published: December 2010

The response to hyperosmotic stresses in the abdominal cavity is regulated, in part, by vasopressin (VP)‐secreting neurons in the supraoptic nucleus (SON). How osmotic stress signals are transmitted to the brain is incompletely understood, and whether the transmission routes for osmotic stress signals differ between acute and chronic stresses is unknown. Here we investigated the role of the vagus, splanchnic nerves, and astrocytes in the SON in transducing acute hyperosmotic‐stress signals from the abdominal cavity. We found that acute administration of hyperosmotic saline triggered the activation of neurons as well as astrocytes in the SON and the adjoining ventral glia limitans (SON‐VGL). Severing the subdiaphragmatic vagal nerve (SDV) prevented the normal response of cells in the SON to HS treatment and attenuated the release of VP into the bloodstream. Lesioning the splanchnic nerves (SNL) diminished HS‐induced release of VP, but to a much lesser extent than SDV. Furthermore, SNL did not significantly affect the up‐regulation of Fos in SON neurons or the up‐regulation of Fos and GFAP in SON and SON‐VGL astrocytes that normally occurred in response to HS and did not affect HS‐induced expansion of the SON‐VGL. Inhibiting astrocytes with fluorocitrate (FCA) prevented the response of the SON to HS and attenuated the release of VP, similarly to SDV surgery. These results suggest that the vagus is the principle route for the transmission of hyperosmotic signals to the brain and that astrocytes in the SON region are necessary for the activation of SON neurons and the release of VP into the bloodstream. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Stiffening Transition in Semiflexible Cyclic Macromolecules
Authors: Benková Zuzana , Cifra Peter
Published: December 2010

Conformational changes in cyclic and linear chains triggered by increasing chain stiffness are explored using MC simulations. The transition to the rigid strained objects is continuous and steeper for cycles. Circular macromolecules of contour length equal to ≈5 persistence lengths are characterized as rigid strained objects with a lowered spatial dimensionality. The coil regime is almost omitted in the static structure factor already for semiflexible chains of both architectures and the flattening of stiffer cycles is evidenced by oscillations superimposed on the rod‐like behavior of corresponding linear chains. The orientational correlation function shows qualitative difference in behavior of cyclic and linear chains.

magnified image
Rational Design of Poly(2,7‐Carbazole) Derivatives for Photovoltaic Applications
Authors: Beaupré Serge , Belletête Michel , Durocher Gilles , Leclerc Mario
Published: December 2010

A reliable model that can be used to estimate the electronic properties (i.e., the HOMO, LUMO, and band gap energies) of conjugated polymers would be a great tool for applications in organic electronics such as light‐emitting diodes, field‐effect transistors, and photovoltaic cells. Recently, poly(2,7‐carbazole) derivatives have shown promising results when used as an active donor layer in bulk heterojunction photovoltaic cells with power conversion efficiency exceeding 7%. By using a simple correlation between density functional theory (DFT) theoretical calculations performed on six model compounds (using the repeating unit) and experimental data from the six corresponding polymers, an accurate estimation of the HOMO energy level, the LUMO energy levels, and the band gap of several poly(2,7‐carbazole) derivatives was obtained. According to the theoretical data obtained for more than one hundred repeating units, fourteen new copolymers that can be used as p‐type materials in bulk heterojunction solar cells were selected and synthesized. Experimental data obtained from these materials were then used to refine the correlation between DFT and experimental data of poly(2,7‐carbazole) derivatives.

magnified image