bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Expectancy confirmation in attitude learning: A connectionist account
Authors: Eiser J. Richard , Stafford Tom , Fázio Russell H.
Published: May 2008

Connectionist computer simulation was employed to model how learners acquire attitudes towards novel objects under conditions where (a) they are given prior expectancies that the objects as a whole are mostly good or mostly bad; and (b) they can only discover the true valence of the objects by approaching them. Expectancy confirmation was operationalized through modifying connection weights more after experiencing good than bad objects (positive bias), or more after experiencing bad than good objects (negative bias). Negative bias led the network to misclassify more good objects as bad, such negative attitudes resisting change because of the lack of corrective feedback relating to avoided objects. Conversely, positive bias encouraged approach and hence feedback leading to more accurate discrimination of good and bad objects, as well as to higher estimates of the valence of objects not presented during training. These findings suggest that expectancy confirmation may emerge “automatically” from basic learning processes. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Analysis of micromixers to reduce biofouling on reverse‐osmosis membranes
Authors: Ho Clifford K. , Altman Susan J. , Jones Howland D.T. , Khalsa Siri S. , McGrath Lucas K. , Clem Paul G.
Published: May 2008

Features (micromixers) that promote chaotic mixing were fabricated on reverse‐osmosis membrane surfaces and evaluated using computational models and laboratory experiments to determine their effectiveness in reducing biofouling. Computational fluid dynamics models of membrane feed channels were developed using different patterns of micromixers on the membrane surface. The shear‐stress distribution along the membrane surface was simulated for steady flows along the different micromixer configurations. In addition, the hypothetical mass transfer of a tracer from the membrane surface was used as a metric to compare the amount of scouring and mixing in configurations with and without micromixers. Epoxy micromixers were printed directly onto membrane surfaces, and different patterns were evaluated experimentally. Fluorescence hyperspectral imaging results showed that regions of simulated high shear stress on the membrane corresponded to regions of lower bacterial growth in the experiments, while regions of simulated low shear stress corresponded to regions of higher bacterial growth. In addition, the presence of the micromixers appeared to reduce the overall biofouling concentration in one series of experiments, but the results were inconclusive in another series of experiments. These results indicate that while the enhancement of mixing and shear stress via micromixers may delay or mitigate the onset of localized membrane fouling from biofilms or other contaminants, the impact of micromixers on the overall performance of reverse‐osmosis membranes needs further investigation. © 2008 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 2008
Grassland communities on a Sahelian peneplain in Burkina Faso
Authors: Müller J. V.
Published: May 2008

A detailed phytosociological analysis of grassland communities of a Sahelian peneplain in Burkina Faso (West Africa) is presented. The floristic structure of the vegetation was documented with 113 relevés, which were classified manually and in addition ordinated to characterize main floristic gradients. The topographical situation from high‐lying areas of the peneplain with erosion of material to low‐lying areas with accumulation of material turned out to be the most important differentiating factor in the data set.

All grassland communities are dominated by annual grasses and have large distribution ranges. They colonize sandy‐silty, loamy to clayey soils and can be water‐saturated or repeatedly inundated during the rainy season, while dry, non‐inundated habitats are also colonized. Many grasses are valuable fodder plants and are appreciated by livestock – the peneplain is economically highly important as a grazing ground. Whereas exozoochorous annual species are constantly present companions, perennial herbaceous species are almost completely missing.

Stands were grouped into one alliance Panico laeti‐Echinochloion colonae and only two phytocoenoses: a ranklessSchoenefeldia gracilis‐community (with two subcommunities: a typical subcommunity with a large ecological amplitude from sandy‐silty to loamy soils, and anAristida funiculata‐subcommunity on sandy, dry, non‐inundated soils) and Eragrostietum pilosae. The Eragrostietum pilosae grows in the low‐lying areas of the peneplain and connects between communities of seasonally inundated lakes and the grasslands on the upper parts of the pene‐ plain. Following the topography, the two plant communities form a large transition (zonation complex). It is widespread across the study area and contains the diagnostic species of both plant communities.

The plant communities are compared with other Sahelian grass‐dominated plant communities, and with plant communities from the Sahara and the (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Some new and interesting Astragalus species (Fabaceae) from Turkey
Authors: Podlech D. , Ekici M.
Published: May 2008

During the work on a revision of the Old World Astragali, 14 new species could be found among the unnamed material of several herbaria. Furthermore two new sections had to be described. They are presented here. Sect. Hololeuce: A. nigropedunculatus, A. suserianus; Sect. Incani: A. darendensis; Sect. Malacothrix: A. adiyamanensis, A. aladagensis, A. calvertii; Sect. Onobrychoidei: A. helbaekii, A. pseudovegetus, A. rausianus, A. sakaryaensis, A. tunceliensis; Sect. Ornithopodium: A. horasanicus; Sect. Stereothrix: A. mahmutlarensis; Sect. Synochreati: A. mugliensis; Sect. Davisiana, sect. nova; Sect. Woronowia, sect. nova. One species had to be renamed: A. blandulus and three new records for the flora of Turkey are indicated: A. apricus (sect. Caprini), A. dzhebrailicus (sect. Hololeuce) and A. expetitus (sect. Hymenostegis). (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Identification of DOCK4 and its splicing variant as PIP3 binding proteins
Authors: Kanai Akinori , Ihara Sayoko , Ohdaira Tsutomu , Shinohara‐Kanda Azusa , Iwamatsu Akihiro , Fukui Yasuhisa
Published: May 2008

DOCK4, a member of DOCK180 family proteins, was originally identified as a product of a gene deleted during tumor progression. Although its tumor suppression properties have been reported, the regulation mechanism of this protein has not been fully elucidated. DOCK4 shares two conserved domains called as DHR‐1 and DHR‐2 domain as other members including DOCK180. Although DHR‐1 in DOCK180 is reported to bind to PIP3, whether that of DOCK4 exhibits similar function has yet not been examined. In a search for novel PIP3 binding proteins by the PIP3 analog beads binding assay, we found that DOCK4 and its novel splicing variant, whose exon1 and exon52 are different from the known one, bind to PIP3. Binding assay using deletion mutants of DOCK4 revealed that the binding region falls into the DHR‐1 domain. These results raise the possibility that DOCK4 may be regulated by PIP3 to exert its function. © 2008 IUBMB IUBMB Life, 60(7): 467–472, 2008
Inhibition of histone acetyltransferase by glycosaminoglycans
Authors: Buczek‐Thomas Jo Ann , Hsia Edward , Rich Celeste B. , Foster Judith A. , Nugent Matthew A.
Published: May 2008

Histone acetyltransferases (HATs) are a class of enzymes that participate in modulating chromatin structure and gene expression. Altered HAT activity has been implicated in a number of diseases, yet little is known about the regulation of HATs. In this study, we report that glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) are potent inhibitors of p300 and pCAF HAT activities in vitro, with heparin and heparan sulfate proteoglycans (HSPGs) being the most potent inhibitors. The mechanism of inhibition by heparin was investigated. The ability of heparin to inhibit HAT activity was in part dependent upon its size and structure, as small heparin‐derived oligosaccharides (>8 sugars) and N‐desulfated or O‐desulfated heparin showed reduced inhibitory activity. Heparin was shown to bind to pCAF; and enzyme assays indicated that heparin shows the characteristics of a competitive‐like inhibitor causing an ∼50‐fold increase in the apparent Km of pCAF for histone H4. HSPGs isolated from corneal and pulmonary fibroblasts inhibited HAT activity with similar effectiveness as heparin. As evidence that endogenous GAGs might be involved in modulating histone acetylation, the direct addition of heparin to pulmonary fibroblasts resulted in an ∼50% reduction of histone H3 acetylation after 6 h of treatment. In addition, Chinese hamster ovary cells deficient in GAG synthesis showed increased levels of acetylated histone H3 compared to wild‐type parent cells. GAGs represent a new class of HAT inhibitors that might participate in modulating cell function by regulating histone acetylation. J. Cell. Biochem. 105: 108–120, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Modulation of cyclooxygenase in endothelial cells by fibronectin: Relevance to angiogenesis
Authors: Viji R.I. , Kumar V.B. Sameer , Kiran M.S. , Sudhakaran P.R.
Published: May 2008

Cyclooxygenases (COX), which catalyze the formation of prostaglandins (PGs), have been implicated in angiogenesis. Adhesion of endothelial cells (ECs) to extracellular matrix (ECM) induces the expression of COX‐2 and PG production. The present study was carried out to analyze the influence of the adhesive ECM protein, fibronectin (FN), in modulating COX expression and its implications to angiogenesis using in vitro cultures of human umbilical vein ECs. RT‐PCR analysis showed that the level of COX‐2 mRNA was significantly high while that of COX‐1 decreased in ECs maintained on FN. On treatment with p38 MAPK inhibitor and anti‐α5β1integrin antibody, FN dependent effect on COX expression was not observed. Analysis by ELISA and immunoblotting confirmed FN‐dependent upregulation of COX‐2 protein. The ratio of PG E2:PG D2was significantly high in cells maintained on FN and on treatment with p38 MAPK inhibitor, the relative level of PG D2increased and that of PG E2decreased. Concomitant with the modulation of COX‐2 and changes in PGs, ECs maintained on FN showed angiogenic response in an α5β1integrin/p38 MAPK dependent manner as evidenced by the expression of angiogenic markers, CD 31 and E‐selectin. These results suggest a FN‐α5β1/FAK/p38 MAPK dependent upregulation of COX‐2 causing a shift in the relative levels of PGs in HUVECs which contributes to the angiogenic effect of FN. J. Cell. Biochem. 105: 158–166, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The use of symptom severity measured just before termination to predict child treatment dropout
Authors: Chasson Gregory S. , Vincent John P. , Harris Gerald E.
Published: May 2008

The current study examined indices of trauma‐related symptom severity as predictors of dropout from exposure‐based cognitive behavioral therapy in a sample of 99 child and adolescent trauma victims. The investigation incorporated measures of symptom severity at two time points: pretreatment and just before termination. The results indicated that a model with symptom severity measured just before termination was significantly associated with the number of attended sessions; however, a model with the symptom‐severity indices measured at pretreatment was nonsignificant. In addition, a significant main effect indicated that increased avoidance behavior measured just before termination was related to fewer treatment sessions. Further analyses also suggested that higher severity of intrusion and depression measured just before termination was correlated with fewer treatment sessions. The results support the idea that more immediate distress may be related to treatment dropout. Implications for the research and practice of exposure therapy for child trauma are discussed. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Psychol/In Session 64: 1–14, 2008.
Meditation with yoga, group therapy with hypnosis, and psychoeducation for long‐term depressed mood: a randomized pilot trial
Authors: Butler Lisa D. , Waelde Lynn C. , Hastings T. Andrew , Chen Xin‐Hua , Symons Barbara , Marshall Jonathan , Kaufman Adam , Nagy Thomas F. , Blasey Christine M. , Seibert Elizabeth O. , Spiegel David
Published: May 2008

This randomized pilot study investigated the effects of meditation with yoga (and psychoeducation) versus group therapy with hypnosis (and psychoeducation) versus psychoeducation alone on diagnostic status and symptom levels among 46 individuals with long‐term depressive disorders. Results indicate that significantly more meditation group participants experienced a remission than did controls at 9‐month follow‐up. Eight hypnosis group participants also experienced a remission, but the difference from controls was not statistically significant. Three control participants, but no meditation or hypnosis participants, developed a new depressive episode during the study, though this difference did not reach statistical significance in any case. Although all groups reported some reduction in symptom levels, they did not differ significantly in that outcome. Overall, these results suggest that these two interventions show promise for treating low‐ to moderate‐level depression. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Psychol 64(7): 1–15, 2008.
Haploinsufficiency of Runx2 results in bone formation decrease and different BSP expression pattern changes in two transgenic mouse models
Authors: Tu Qisheng , Zhang Jin , Paz Jeff , Wade Katherine , Yang Pishan , Chen Jake
Published: May 2008

Runx2 has been identified as “a master gene” for the differentiation of osteoblasts and Runx2‐deficient mice has demonstrated a complete absence of mature osteoblast and ossification. To further characterize the Runx2 responsive elements within the bone sialoprotein (BSP) promoter and further investigate into the role of Runx2 haploinsufficiency in osteoblast differentiation, mBSP9.0Luc mice and mBSP4.8Luc mice were crossed with Runx2‐deficient mice respectively. Luciferase assay, micro CT scan, and histological analysis were performed using tissues isolated from mBSP9.0luc/Runx2+/− mice, mBSP4.8luc/Runx2+/− mice and their corresponding Runx2+/+ littermates. Alkaline phosphatase activity, mineralization assays and RT‐PCR analysis using calvarial osteoblasts isolated from these transgenic mice were also performed. Luciferase assay demonstrated an early increase in luciferase expression in mBSP9.0luc/Runx2+/− mice before the expression level of luciferase dramatically decreased and turned lower than that in their control littermates in later stages. In contrast, luciferase expression in mBSP4.8luc/Runx2+/− failed to show such an early increase. Micro CT scan and histological analysis showed that BMD and trabecular bone volume were decreased and bone formation was delayed in Runx2+/− mice. Furthermore, mineralization assay and semi‐quantitative RT‐PCR assay demonstrated a gene‐dose‐dependent decrease in bone nodule formation and bone marker genes expression levels in cultured calvarial osteoblasts derived from Runx2 knockout mice. Reconstitution of Runx2‐null cells with Runx2 vector partially rescued the osteoblast function defects. In conclusion, the 9.0 kb BSP promoter demonstrated a higher tissue‐specific regulation of the BSP gene by Runx2 in vivo and full Runx2 gene dose is essential for osteoblast differentiation and normal bone formation. J. Cell. Physiol. 217: 40–47, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Stem cells: The root of prostate cancer?
Authors: Kasper Susan
Published: May 2008

The cancer stem cell (CSC) model states that tumors contain a reservoir of self‐renewing cells that maintain the heterogeneous cell population of the tumor. These cells appear to be resistant to therapy and can therefore survive to repopulate the tumor during progression to therapy resistant disease. The biology of CSCs is still not definitive since it is difficult to isolate them from solid tumors and analyze their characteristics in vitro. Another challenge is to correlate these characteristics with tumor development and progression in vivo. Using the prostate CSC as a model, this review presents the CSC hypothesis, reviews the origin, identification and functions of prostate CSCs, and discusses the clinical implications and therapeutic challenges CSCs have for cancer therapy. J. Cell. Physiol. 216: 332–336, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Novel expression of PINCH in the central nervous system and its potential as a biomarker for human immunodeficiency virus‐associated neurodegeneration
Authors: Rearden Ann , Hurford Rosemary , Luu Nhan , Kieu Emily , Sandoval Melissa , Perez‐Liz Georgina , Del Valle Luis , Powell Henry , Langford T. Dianne
Published: May 2008

Particularly interesting cysteine histidine‐rich (PINCH) protein functions as a shuttling protein in Schwann cells after peripheral nerve damage, during repair and remodeling, and in maintaining neuronal polarity. However, the presence of PINCH in the human CNS during disease has not been addressed. Because HIV‐associated damage to cells of the CNS involves dysregulation of neuronal signaling and white matter damage, we hypothesized that PINCH may play a role in neuropathological processes during the course of HIV infection. To determine the expression of PINCH in the CNS, brain, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) obtained at autopsy from HIV patients with no CNS alterations, HIV encephalitic (HIVE) patients, and HIV‐negative individuals with no CNS alterations were examined for PINCH immunoreactivity. Our results show that PINCH is expressed robustly in the brains and CSF of HIV patients, but is nearly undetectable in HIV‐negative individuals. However, HIVE patients' CSF contained significantly less PINCH than HIV patients with no CNS alterations. PINCH immunolabeling was significantly more intense in the white matter than in the grey matter and was associated exclusively with neuronal cell bodies or processes, or with the extracellular matrix. Given the recently discovered importance of PINCH in maintaining neuronal fitness, our observations that PINCH is robustly expressed in the CNS of HIV patients suggests an important role for PINCH in HIV‐associated neurodegenerative processes. Understanding mechanisms by which PINCH functions during HIV‐associated CNS alterations will provide new insight into potential treatments to limit neurological alterations in HIV. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
p53 cooperates berberine‐induced growth inhibition and apoptosis of non‐small cell human lung cancer cells in vitro and tumor xenograft growth in vivo
Authors: Katiyar Santosh K. , Meeran Syed M. , Katiyar Nandan , Akhtar Suhail
Published: May 2008

Berberine has been shown to have anti‐carcinogenic effects. Since p53 is the most commonly mutated tumor suppressor gene, and a lack of functional p53 is associated with an increased risk of cancer development, we examined the effects of berberine on p53‐positive and p53‐deficient non‐small cell human lung cancer cells in vitro and in vivo. Treatment of A549, which express wild‐type p53, and H1299, which are p53‐deficient, human lung cancer cells with berberine resulted in inhibition of cell proliferation and an increase in apoptotic cell death; however, A549 cells were more sensitive to the berberine‐induced cytotoxic effects than H1299 cells. Further, the treatment of A549 cells with pifithrin‐α, a specific inhibitor of p53, or transfection of A549 cells with a p53 antisense oligodeoxynucleotide resulted in a reduction in the berberine‐induced inhibition of cell proliferation and apoptosis. The berberine‐induced apoptosis of both the A549 and H1299 human lung cancer cells was associated with the disruption of mitochondrial membrane potential, reduction in the levels of Bcl‐2, Bcl‐xl while increase in Bax, Bak, and activation of caspase‐3. Treatment of the cells with pan‐caspase inhibitor (z‐VAD‐fmk) or caspase‐3 inhibitor (z‐DEVD‐fmk) inhibited berberine‐induced apoptosis, thus suggesting the role of caspase‐3. Further, the administration of berberine by oral gavage inhibited the growth of s.c. A549 and H1299 lung tumor xenografts in athymic nude mice, however, the growth of tumor xenograft of H1299 cells was faster than A549 cells in mice and the chemotherapeutic effect of berberine was more pronounced in the p53‐positive‐A549 tumor xenograft than p53‐deficient‐H1299 tumor xenograft. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Structure, physiological role, and specific inhibitors of human thymidine kinase 2 (TK2): Present and future
Authors: Pérez‐Pérez María‐Jesús , Priego Eva‐María , Hernández Ana‐Isabel , Familiar Olga , Camarasa María‐José , Negri Ana , Gago Federico , Balzarini Jan
Published: May 2008

Human mitochondrial thymidine kinase (TK2) is a pyrimidine deoxynucleoside kinase (dNK) that catalyzes the phosphorylation of pyrimidine deoxynucleosides to their corresponding deoxynucleoside 5′‐monophosphates by γ‐phosphoryl transfer from ATP. In resting cells, TK2 is suggested to play a key role in the mitochondrial salvage pathway to provide pyrimidine nucleotides for mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) synthesis and maintenance. However, recently the physiological role of TK2turned out to have direct clinical relevance as well. Point mutations in the gene encoding TK2 have been correlated to mtDNA disorders in a heterogeneous group of patients suffering from the so‐called mtDNA depletion syndrome (MDS). TK2 activity could also be involved in mitochondrial toxicity associated to prolonged treatment with antiviral nucleoside analogues like AZT and FIAU. Therefore, TK2 inhibitors can be considered as valuable tools to unravel the role of TK2 in the maintenance and homeostasis of mitochondrial nucleotide pools and mtDNA, and to clarify the contribution of TK2 activity to mitochondrial toxicity of certain antivirals. Highly selective TK‐2 inhibitors having an acyclic nucleoside structure and efficiently discriminating between TK‐2 and the closely related TK‐1 have already been reported. It is actually unclear whether these agents efficiently reach the inner mitochondrial compartment. In the present review article,structural features of TK2, MDS‐related mutations observed in TK2 and their role in MDS will be discussed. Also, an update on novel and selective TK2 inhibitors will be provided. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Med Res Rev, 28, No. 5, 797–820, 2008
Revenue sharing contracts in a supply chain with uncontractible actions
Authors: Ha Albert Y. , Tong Shilu
Published: May 2008

We consider a supplier–customer relationship where the customer faces a typical Newsvendor problem of determining perishable capacity to meet uncertain demand. The customer outsources a critical, demand‐enhancing service to an outside supplier, who receives a fixed share of the revenue from the customer. Given such a linear sharing contract, the customer chooses capacity and the service supplier chooses service effort level before demand is realized. We consider the two cases when these decisions are made simultaneously (simultaneous game) or sequentially (sequential game). For each game, we analyze how the equilibrium solutions vary with the parameters of the problem. We show that in the equilibrium, it is possible that either the customer's capacity increases or the service supplier's effort level decreases when the supplier receives a larger share of the revenue. We also show that given the same sharing contract, the sequential game always induces a higher capacity and more effort. For the case of additive effort effect and uniform demand distribution, we consider the customer's problem of designing the optimal contract with or without a fixed payment in the contract, and obtain sensitivity results on how the optimal contract depends on the problem parameters. For the case of fixed payment, it is optimal to allocate more revenue to the supplier to induce more service effort when the profit margin is higher, the cost of effort is lower, effort is more effective in stimulating demand, the variability of demand is smaller or the supplier makes the first move in the sequential game. For the case of no fixed payment, however, it is optimal to allocate more revenue to the supplier when the variability of demand is larger or its mean is smaller. Numerical examples are analyzed to validate the sensitivity results for the case of normal demand distribution and to provide more managerial insights. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Naval Research Logistics, 2008
Preparation of photodegradable polypropylene/clay composites based on nanoscaled TiO2 immobilized organoclay
Authors: Meng Xiangfu , Wang Haitao , Qian Zhongzhong , Gao Xiaowei , Yi Qingfeng , Zhang Shimin , Yang Mingshu
Published: May 2008

Photodegradable polypropylene (PP) composites were prepared via melting blending using PP and titanium dioxide (TiO2) immobilized organically modified montmorillonite (organoclay). TiO2 immobilized organoclay (TiO2‐OMT) was synthesized by immobilizing anatase TiO2 nanoparticles on organically modified clay via sol–gel method. The structure and morphology of TiO2‐OMT were characterized by XRD and scanning electron microscope (SEM), which showed that anatase TiO2 nanoparticles with the size range of 8–12 nm were uniformly immobilized on the surface of organoclay layers. Diffuse reflection UV–vis spectra revealed TiO2‐OMT had similar absorbance characters to that of commercial photocatalyst, Degussa P25. The solid‐phase photocatalytic degradation of PP/TiO2‐OMT composites was investigated by FTIR, DSC, GPC and SEM. The results indicated that TiO2‐OMT enhanced the photodegradation rate of PP under UV irradiation. This was due to that immobilization of TiO2 nanoparticles on organoclay effectively avoided the formation of aggregation, and thereby increased the interface between PP and TiO2 nanoparticles. After 300 h irradiation, the average molecular weight was reduced by two orders of magnitude. This work presented a promising method for preparation of environment‐friendly polymer nanocomposites. POLYM. COMPOS., 2009. © 2008 Society of Plastics Engineers.
p300 (histone acetyltransferase) biomarker predicts prostate cancer biochemical recurrence and correlates with changes in epithelia nuclear size and shape
Authors: Isharwal Sumit , Miller Michael C. , Marlow Cameron , Makarov Danil V. , Partin Alan W. , Veltri Robert W.
Published: May 2008

BACKGROUND

p300 impacts the transcription of several genes involved in key pathways critical to PCa progression. Therefore, we evaluated the prognostic value of p300 expression and its correlation with nuclear alterations seen in tumor cells in men with long‐term follow‐up after radical prostatectomy (RP).

METHODS

NCI Cooperative Prostate Cancer Tissue Resource tissue microarray cores of 92 RP cases (56 non‐recurrences and 36 PSA recurrences) were utilized for the study. p300 expression was assessed by quantitative immunohistochemistry and nuclear alterations in Feulgen‐stained nuclei were evaluated by digital image analysis using the AutoCyte™ Pathology Workstation. Cox proportional hazards regression, Spearman's rank correlation, and Kaplan–Meier plots were employed to analyze the data.

RESULTS

p300 expression significantly correlated with nuclear alterations seen in tumor cells; specifically with circular form factor (P = 0.012) and minimum feret (P = 0.048). p300 expression in high grade tumors (Gleason score ≥7) was significantly higher compared to low grade tumors (Gleason score <7) [17.7% versus 13.7%, respectively, P = 0.03]. TNM stage, Gleason score, and p300 expression were univariately significant in the prediction of PCa biochemical recurrence‐free survival (P ≤ 0.05). p300 expression remained significant in the multivariate model (P = 0.03) while Gleason score showed a trend toward significance (P = 0.06). Patients with a Gleason score ≥7 and p300 expression >24% showed the highest risk for PCa biochemical recurrence (P = 0.002).

CONCLUSIONS

p300 expression correlates with nuclear alterations seen in tumor cells and has prognostic value in predicting long‐term PCa biochemical recurrence‐free survival. Prostate 68:1097–1104, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Alterations in β‐catenin expression and localization in prostate cancer
Authors: Whitaker Hayley C. , Girling Joanne , Warren Anne Y. , Leung Hing , Mills Ian G. , Neal David E.
Published: May 2008

Background

Wnt signaling is thought to be important in prostate cancer, in part because proteins such as β‐catenin can also affect androgen receptor signaling. β‐Catenin forms a cell adhesion complex with E‐cadherin raising the possibility that loss of expression or a change in β‐catenin distribution in the cell could also alter downstream signaling, decreased inter‐cellular adhesion and the promotion of metastasis. A number of studies have reported the altered expression and/or localization of β‐catenin as a biomarker in prostate cancer.

Methods

Tissue microarrays comprised of BPH and low, moderate and high‐grade prostate cancer (n = 77) were assessed for β‐catenin expression and distribution using immunohistochemistry. Staining was also performed on a tissue microarray containing tissue from patients before and after hormone manipulation. The effects of fixation and different antibodies was assessed on fixed LNCaP cell pellets and small prostate tissue microarrays.

Results

We have observed increased β‐catenin expression in only high Gleason score (>7) prostate cancer. A nuclear re‐distribution of β‐catenin has previously been reported. We noted nuclear β‐catenin in benign prostatic hyperplasia and a gradual loss in nuclear distribution with increasing Gleason grade. We found no evidence for an alteration in β‐catenin expression or re‐distribution with hormone ablation. Altered fixation, antibodies and antibody concentration did affect the intensity and specificity of staining.

Conclusions

A loss of nuclear β‐catenin is the most consistent feature in prostate cancer rather than absolute levels of expression. We also suggest that variation in immunohistochemical protocols may explain variations in the reported literature. Prostate 68: 1196–1205, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Association between polymorphisms in cell cycle genes and advanced prostate carcinoma
Authors: Kibel Adam S. , Jin Carol H. , Klim Aleksandra , Luly Jason , A. Roehl Kimberly , Wu William S. , Suarez Brian K.
Published: May 2008

Background

Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) have been associated with a variety of malignancies including prostate carcinoma (PCa). Since a high percentage of PCa patients have low risk disease, of particular interest is not whether SNPs are associated with localized PCa, but whether they are associated with aggressive, potentially lethal disease. Herein, we explored the role of SNPs in cell cycle genes to determine if they were associated with advanced PCa.

Methods

Nine previously implicated SNPs in six cell cycle genes were evaluated in a European‐American cohort of 186 patients with advanced PCa and 222 cancer‐free controls. All patients received hormone ablation and had either a PSA >50 ng/ml or documented metastatic disease. Controls were all 75 years of age or older, had a negative DRE and had a PSA <4.0 ng/ml. All genotypes were determined using Pyrosequencing™ assays.

Results

One of nine (CDKN1A c10791t) was statistically different (P < 0.05) and an additional two of nine (CCND1 a870g and MDM2 tSNP309g) approached significance (P < 0.1). Analysis of genotypes revealed that presence of at least one copy of the t allele of MDM2 tSNP309g was associated with an increased risk of advanced PCa (OR 2.26: 95% CI = 1.15–4.46) which was particularly strong in androgen‐independent disease (OR 2.28: 95% CI = 1.01–5.12) and younger age of diagnosis (OR 2.61: 95% CI = 1.05–6.46).

Conclusion

These results suggest that in a European‐American population, SNPs within cell cycle genes are promising markers for aggressive PCa. Larger studies will be needed to confirm these findings. Prostate 68: 1179–1186, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Expression of microRNAs and protein‐coding genes associated with perineural invasion in prostate cancer
Authors: Prueitt Robyn L. , Yi Ming , Hudson Robert S. , Wallace Tiffany A. , Howe Tiffany M. , Yfantis Harris G. , Lee Dong. H. , Stephens Robert M. , Liu Chang‐Gong , Calin George A. , Croce Carlo M. , Ambs Stefan
Published: May 2008

Background

Perineural invasion (PNI) is the dominant pathway for local invasion in prostate cancer. To date, only few studies have investigated the molecular differences between prostate tumors with PNI and those without it.

Methods

To evaluate the involvement of both microRNAs and protein‐coding genes in PNI, we determined their genome‐wide expression with a custom microRNA microarray and Affymetrix GeneChips in 50 prostate adenocarcinomas with PNI and 7 without it. In situ hybridization (ISH) and immunohistochemistry was used to validate candidate genes.

Results

Unsupervised classification of the 57 adenocarcinomas revealed two clusters of tumors with distinct global microRNA expression. One cluster contained all non‐PNI tumors and a subgroup of PNI tumors. Significance analysis of microarray data yielded a list of microRNAs associated with PNI. At a false discovery rate (FDR) <10%, 19 microRNAs were higher expressed in PNI tumors than in non‐PNI tumors. The most differently expressed microRNA was miR‐224. ISH showed that this microRNA is expressed by perineural cancer cells. The analysis of protein‐coding genes identified 34 transcripts that were differently expressed by PNI status (FDR < 10%). These transcripts were down‐regulated in PNI tumors. Many of those encoded metallothioneins and proteins with mitochondrial localization and involvement in cell metabolism. Consistent with the microarray data, perineural cancer cells tended to have lower metallothionein expression by immunohistochemistry than nonperineural cancer cells.

Conclusions

Although preliminary, our findings suggest that alterations in microRNA expression, mitochondrial function, and cell metabolism occur at the transition from a noninvasive prostate tumor to a tumor with PNI. Prostate 68: 1152–1164, 2008. Published 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Excitons in motion: universal dependence of the magnetic moment on kinetic energy
Authors: Kochereshko V. P. , Smith L. C. , Davies J. J. , Cox R. T. , Platonov A. , Wolverson D. , Boukari H. , Mariette H. , Cibert J. , Wiater M. , Wojtowicz T. , Karczewski G.
Published: May 2008

We have observed remarkable changes in the magnetic properties of excitons as they acquire kinetic energy. In particular, the Zeeman splittings and diamagnetic shifts of excitonic transitions when magnetic fields are applied along the growth direction of (001) wide quantum wells of CdTe, ZnSe, ZnTe and GaAs are found to to have a strong dependence on the translational wavevector Kz. The behaviour of the Zee‐man splittings corresponds to enhancement of the magnetic moments of the excitons. This enhancement is particularly marked when their translational kinetic energy becomes comparable with the exciton Rydberg and can be described by what appears to be a universal function of Kz. A model for the behaviour is outlined which involves motionally‐induced mixing between the 1S hydrogenic exciton ground state and excited nP states. The observations imply that there are significant changes in the structure of the exciton as its translational kinetic energy increases. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Rare Earth Metal‐Rich Magnesium Compounds RE4IrMg (RE = Y, La, Pr, Nd, Sm, Gd, Tb, Dy) and RE23Ir7Mg4 (RE = La, Ce, Pr, Nd)
Authors: Rodewald Ute Ch. , Tuncel Selcan , Chevalier Bernard , Pöttgen Rainer
Published: May 2008

The rare earth metal–rich compounds RE4IrMg (RE = Y, La, Pr, Nd, Sm, Gd, Tb, Dy) and RE23Ir7Mg4 (RE = La, Ce, Pr, Nd) were synthesized from the elements in sealed tantalum tubes in an induction furnace. Several structures were investigated on the basis of X‐ray single crystal diffraction: P63mc, Z = 2, a = 1001.2(7), c = 2257.2(5) pm, wR2 = 0.0441, 2402 F2 values, 74 variables for Pr23Ir6.81Mg4, Gd4RhIn type, $F{\bar 4}{\rm 3}m$, Z = 16, a = 1438.3(2) pm, wR2 = 0.0490, 542 F2 values, for La4IrMg, a = 1405.6(2) pm, wR2 = 0.0368, 451 F2 values, for Nd4IrMg, a = 1381.2(2) pm, wR2 = 0.0541, 480 F2 values, for Gd4IrMg, a = 1370.7(2) pm, wR2 = 0.0377, 392 F2 values, for Tb4IrMg with 19 variables per refinement. All other compounds have been characterized by X‐ray powder diffraction data. Pr23Ir6.81Mg4 crystallizes with a new structure type. The three crystallographically independent iridium atoms have trigonal prismatic praseodymium coordination with short Ir–Pr distances ranging from 285 to 300 pm. The trigonal prisms are condensed to a three‐dimensional network via common edges and corners. Voids in the network are filled by the coordination polyhedra of the Pr4 and Pr6 atoms and Mg4 tetrahedra (312‐317 pm Mg–Mg). Similar structural motifs occur in the compounds RE4IrMg, however, with a different connectivity of the building groups. The crystal chemistry of both structure types is comparatively discussed.
Synthesis and Spectroscopic Characterization of Azolium Picrate Salts
Authors: Klapötke Thomas M. , Sabaté Carles Miró
Published: May 2008

Tetrazoles are valuable intermediates for the synthesis of energetic materials and combined with energetic anions such as azide, dinitramide, nitrate or picrate give compounds with interesting energetic properties. Azolium picrate salts with the following cations were prepared in high yields and purities: 1‐methyl‐5‐amino‐1H‐tetrazolium (1a), 1,4‐dimethyl‐5‐amino‐1H‐tetrazolium (2a), 1‐methylguanazinium (3a) and 1,3‐dimethyl‐5‐amino‐1H‐tetrazolium (4a). The compounds were fully characterized by elemental analysis, mass spectrometry and vibrational and multinuclear NMR (1H, 13C and 15N) spectroscopies. The thermal behavior of the picrate salts was assessed by DSC (Differential Scanning Calorimetry) measurements revealing high thermal stabilities. In addition, the long‐term stabilities of compounds 1a and 4a was assessed by TSC (Thermal Safety Calorimetry). Lastly, all compounds described here are stable to water and can easily be prepared on a large scale from cheap starting materials, making them of interest as new energetic compounds.
1‐D Supramolecular Arrangement of [{C6H5NNN(O)C6H5}V(O)2(C5H5N)] and [{O2NC6H4NNN(O)C6H5}V(O)2(C5H5N)] through Hydrogen Bonding – Stabilization of cis‐Dioxovanadium(V)(Pyridyne) Fragments with 1,3‐Disubstituted Triazenido 1‐Oxide Anions as Ligands
Authors: Hörner Manfredo , Iglesias Bernardo Almeida , Martins Paulo Roberto , Mendes Villis Paulo Cesar , do Canto Visentin Lorenzo
Published: May 2008

The reaction of 1,3‐bis(phenyl)triazene 1‐oxide with VOSO4·5H2O in the presence of potassium ethanolate in ethanol yields yellow vitreous crystals of [{C6H5NNN(O)C6H5}V(O)2(C5H5N)] (1) and [{O2NC6H4NNN(O)C6H5}V(O)2(C5H5N)] (2) after recrystallization from acetone/pyridine. 1 and 2 complex molecules are associated to [{C6H5NNN(O)C6H5}V(O)2(C5H5N)]2 and [{O2NC6H4NNN(O)C6H5}V(O)2(C5H5N)]2 dimeric units through centrosymmetric C–H···O interactions, respectively. The centrosymmetric dimers – related to each other by translation – are connected to on‐dimensional chains along to the crystallographic direction [010] in the case of 1, and along to the crystallographic direction [100] in the case of 2, generating a supramolecular 1‐D arrangement, respectively. The single‐crystal X‐ray structural analysis of 1 and 2 are the first reported in the literature bearing a triazenido 1‐oxide anion stabilizing a cis‐dioxovanadium(V) fragment.
Supramolecular Structure Formed by Directed Intermolecular Interactions in a Lead(II) Complex
Authors: Marandi Farzin , Fun Hoong‐Kun
Published: May 2008

To investigate the interactions between noncovalent bond donor and acceptor giving rise to three dimensional networks, compound [Pb(tfpb)2]n (Htfpb = 4,4,4‐trifluoro‐1‐phenyl‐1,3‐butanedione) has been prepared and characterized by elemental analysis, IR, 1H NMR, and 13C NMR spectroscopy and its crystal structure was investigated. The single‐crystal structure of the compound show the coordination number of Pb(II) to be eight with six O‐donor atoms from a “tfpb” ligand and two F‐donors from the anionic ligands. The supramolecular structure of 1 is realized by weak directional C–F···F–C and π–π stacking interactions.
Synthetic, Structural and Magnetic Studies on Chromium Orthoborate
Authors: Öztürk Ömer F. , Zümreoglu‐Karan Birgül , Can Musa M.
Published: May 2008

Effects of various Cr and B sources and preheating conditions on the high temperature synthesis of chromium orthoborate were studied. Precursors were mixed, ground, heated at 1000 °C and reground. The obtained products were checked by XRD, vibrational and electronic spectroscopy, SEM and density measurements. Some characteristic properties were redetermined and compared with the earlier data. The reaction between hydrated Cr(III) sulfate and boric acid (or hydrated ammonium borate salts) was found to be the most effective in providing nanosize crystallites of calcite‐type CrBO3 with 99 % purity. Finally, temperature dependent magnetic properties were investigated and paramagnetic to antiferromagnetic transition was observed at 12 K.
Synthesis and Characterization of [(C2H8NO)2Zn5(HPO3)6(H2O)2]·(H2O)2: a New 2D Hybrid Zinc Phosphite with Neutral Framework
Authors: Wang Guo‐Ming , Li Jin‐Hua , Li Zeng‐Xin , Xue Shu‐Yun , Li Hui
Published: May 2008

A new layered inorganic‐organic hybrid zinc phosphite, [(HEA)2Zn5(HPO3)6(H2O)2]·(H2O)2 (EA = ethanolamine), has been hydrothermally synthesized and structurally characterized by single crystal X‐ray diffraction, FTIR, elemental analysis, powder X‐ray diffraction and thermogravimetric analysis. The compound crystallizes in the triclinic system, space group $P{\bar 1}$ (No. 2), a = 8.6068(2) Å, b = 10.1061(2) Å, c = 10.2804(4) Å, α = 117.680(3)°, β = 95.917(2)°, γ = 101.716(2)°, V = 755.00(2) Å3, and Z = 1. The structure consists of ZnO4 tetrahedra, ZnO4(OH)2 octahedra and HPO3 pseudopyramids which are linked together through their vertexes forming neutral sheet‐like architecture. The adjacent layers are stably packed together and exhibit interesting 3‐D supramolecular framework through multipoint hydrogen bonds between the neutral framework and the extra‐framework water molecules.
The Fluorinated Lithiumalkoxide LiORF (RF = C(CF3)2Mes), the Alcohol RFOH and Attempts to use them as Precursors for New Weakly Coordinating Anions (WCAs)
Authors: Müller Lutz O. , Scopelitti Rosario , Krossing Ingo
Published: May 2008

The Li alkoxides [LiORF]4 (1), [LiORF]4[LiF]2 (2) and the solvent coordinated Li‐gallate Li(C2H4Cl2)[Ga(ORF)2(Br)2] (RF = C(CF3)2Mes) (3) were prepared by reacting a stoichiometric amount of Mes‐Li·OEt2 and gaseous (CF3)2CO giving 1. Subsequently, 2 was formed in 28 % yield in a poorly understood sequence by addition of AlBr3 to 1. Upon addition of GaBr3 to four equivalents of 1 compound 3 formed. The Li alkoxide 1 forms a puckered eight membered (Li–O)4 ring and compound 2 forms an almost ideal double heterocubane with a complexed Li2F2 four membered ring in the center. The Li‐gallate 3 contains the tetrahedral anion [Br2Ga(ORF)2]− and coordinates a Li(Cl2C2H4)+ cation by two contacts to the oxygen atoms of the alkoxide. The latter describes the first account of a Li‐chloroalkane complex. 1 to 3 were characterized by multinuclear NMR, IR and Raman spectroscopy as well as by their single‐crystal X‐ray structures. It appears that the steric bulk of the ORF alkoxide is too large to allow for the desired synthesis of the weakly coordinating anions [M(ORF)4]− (M = Al, Ga). In agreement with this, the also prepared new fluorinated alcohol HO–RF did neither react with LiAlH4 (various solvents) nor could electrochemically be reduced with H2 formation (CV).
Synthesis, Structural Characterization and Luminescent Properties of a Mixed Valence Hexavanadate Cluster
Authors: Zhang Gui‐Ling , Li Yan‐Tuan , Luo Xu‐Qiang , Wu Zhi‐Yong
Published: May 2008

An inorganic‐organic vanadate compound [V6O12(OCH3)4(dmbpy)4·2H2O] (dmbpy = 4,4′‐dimethyl‐2,2′‐bipyridine) has been synthesized and characterized by elemental analyses, IR, UV spectra and single crystal X‐ray diffraction. The compound crystallizes in monoclinic system, space group P21/n (No. 14), a = 11.317(2) Å, b = 18.557(3) Å, c = 14.630(3) Å, β = 101.58(4)°, V = 3012.5(9) Å3, and Z = 2. The crystal structure consists of a new hexavanadate cluster and four dmbpy groups which directly coordinated to vanadium through nitrogen atoms. The hydrogen bonds contribute to the formation of the three‐dimensional supramolecular structure. Fluorescent analyses show that it exhibits intense blue photoluminescence in DMF solution at room temperature.
A New Anderson‐type Heteropolyanion‐Supported Transition Metal Complex: [Himi]2[Ni(imi)3(H2O){Ni(OH)6Mo6O18}]·2H2O
Authors: Li Jing , Zhang Lan‐Cui , Sun Zhen‐Gang , Tian Cui‐Hua , Zhu Zai‐Ming , Zhao Yan , Zhu Yan‐Yu , Zhang Jing , Zhang Na , Liu Lei , Lu Xin
Published: May 2008

A new Anderson‐type heteropolyanion‐supported nickel imidazole complex, [Himi]2[Ni(imi)3(H2O){Ni(OH)6Mo6O18}]·2H2O (imi = imidazole) (1) has been prepared by conventional aqueous solution synthesis and structurally characterized by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction as well as by infrared spectroscopy, elemental and thermogravimetric analysis. Compound 1 possesses a one‐dimensional (1D) wave‐like infinite chain structure composed of Anderson‐type heteropolyanion [Ni(OH)6Mo6O18]4− covalently linked by [Ni(imi)3(H2O)]2+ unit. Furthermore, the chains are extended into a 2D supramolecular framework in the ac plane via hydrogen‐bonding interactions.
Syntheses, Structures and Reactivity of Novel Hydrates of ortho‐Sulfidostannte Salts
Authors: Ruzin Eugen , Jakobi Stephan , Dehnen Stefanie
Published: May 2008

By the synthesis of single‐crystalline K+, Rb+, Cs+ and Ba2+ salts of the ortho‐sulfidostannate anion, using an efficient, three‐step fusing/extraction/evaporation method, all of the “missing links” in the table of ortho‐sulfidostannates that can be prepared by this method, were added. The resulting hydrate compounds have the general composition [An(H2O)m][SnS4] and represent useful starting materials for the synthesis of transition metal complexes with [SnS4]4− groups as binary main group elemental ligands. A quaternary salt [Cs10(H2O)18][Mn4(μ4‐S)(SnS4)4] results from a reaction of the ternary Cs+ salt with MnCl2·4H2O. [K4(H2O)4][SnS4] (1), [Rb4(H2O)4][SnS4] (2), [Cs4(H2O)3][SnS4] (3), [Ba2(H2O)11][SnS4] (4), and [Cs10(H2O)18][Mn4(μ4‐S)(SnS4)4] (5) were characterized by means of X‐ray diffractometry and optical absorption spectroscopy.
C6N7H3O3·H2N(CH3)2Cl·H2O – a Dimethylammonium Chloride Adduct of Cyameluric Acid – Synthesis, Structure and Properties
Authors: Sattler Andreas , Schnick Wolfgang
Published: May 2008

The dimethylammonium chloride adduct hydrate of cyameluric acid was obtained by slow hydrolytic decomposition of cyameluric chloride C6N7Cl3 dissolved in N,N‐dimethylformamide. Single crystals of C6N7H3O3·H2N(CH3)2Cl·H2O have been obtained after evaporation of the solvent. The structure has been determined by single‐crystal XRD (P 21/c, a = 6.0908(12), b = 22.710(5), c = 9.821(2) Å, β = 105.63(3)°, V = 1308.2(5) Å3, Z = 4, T = 130 K). In the solid, only the all‐keto tautomere of cyameluric acid occurs. The molecular entities are interconnected by an extensive hydrogen bonding network. Vibrational and thermal properties of the compound have been investigated.