bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dental x‐rays and risk of meningioma
Authors: Claus Elizabeth B. , Calvocoressi Lisa , Bondy Melissa L. , Schildkraut Joellen M. , Wiemels Joseph L. , Wrensch Margaret
Published: April 2012

BACKGROUND:

Ionizing radiation is a consistently identified and potentially modifiable risk factor for meningioma, which is the most frequently reported primary brain tumor in the United States. The objective of this study was to examine the association between dental x‐rays—the most common artificial source of ionizing radiation—and the risk of intracranial meningioma.

METHODS:

This population‐based case‐control study included 1433 patients who had intracranial meningioma diagnosed at ages 20 to 79 years and were residents of the states of Connecticut, Massachusetts, North Carolina, the San Francisco Bay Area, and 8 counties in Houston, Texas between May 1, 2006 and April 28, 2011 (cases). A control group of 1350 individuals was frequency matched on age, sex, and geography (controls). The main outcome measure for the study was the association between a diagnosis of intracranial meningioma and self‐reported bitewing, full‐mouth, and panorex dental x‐rays.

RESULTS:

Over a lifetime, cases were more than twice as likely as controls (odds ratio [OR], 2.0; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.4‐2.9) to report having ever had a bitewing examination. Regardless of the age at which the films were obtained, individuals who reported receiving bitewing films on a yearly basis or with greater frequency had an elevated risk for ages <10 years (OR, 1.4; 95% CI, 1.0‐1.8), ages 10 to 19 years (OR, 1.6; 95% CI, 1.2‐2.0), ages 20 to 49 years (OR, 1.9; 95% CI, 1.4‐2.6), and ages ≥40 years (OR, 1.5; 95% CI, 1.1‐2.0). An increased risk of meningioma also was associated with panorex films taken at a young age or on a yearly basis or with greater frequency, and individuals who reported receiving such films at ages <10 years had a 4.9 times increased risk (95% CI, 1.8‐13.2) of meningioma. No association was appreciated for tumor location above or below the tentorium.

CONCLUSIONS:

Exposure to some dental x‐rays performed in the past, when radiation exposure was greater than in the current era, appears to be associated with an increased risk of intracranial meningioma. As with all sources of artificial ionizing radiation, considered use of this modifiable risk factor may be of benefit to patients. Cancer 2012. © 2012 American Cancer Society.
Reversal of endothelial progenitor cell dysfunction in patients with type 2 diabetes using a conditioned medium of human embryonic stem cell‐derived endothelial cells
Authors: Ho Jenny C. Y. , Lai Wing‐Hon , Li Ming‐Fang , Au Ka‐Wing , Yip Mei‐Chu , Wong Navy L. Y. , Ng Ethel S. K. , Lam Francis F. Y. , Siu Chung‐Wah , Tse Hung‐Fat
Published: April 2012

Background

The potential clinical application of bone marrow or peripheral blood‐derived progenitor cells for cardiovascular regeneration in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) is limited by their functional impairment. We sought to determine the mechanisms of impaired therapeutic efficacy of peripheral blood‐derived progenitor cells in type 2 DM patients and evaluated the use of cell‐free conditioned medium obtained from human embryonic stem cell‐derived endothelial‐like cells (ESC‐ECs) to reverse their functional impairment.

Methods

The angiogenic potential of late outgrowth endothelial cells (OECs) and cytokine profile of the conditional medium of proangiogenic cells (PACs) derived from peripheral blood‐mononuclear cells of healthy control and DM patients and ESC‐ECs was compared by in vitro tube formation assay and a multiplex bead‐based immunoassay kit, respectively. The in vivo angiogenic potential of ESC‐ECs derived conditioned medium in rescuing the functional impairment of PB‐PACs in DM patients was investigated using a hindlimb ischemia model.

Results

Human ESC‐ECs had similar functional and phenotypic characteristics as OECs in healthy controls. Cytokine profiling showed that vascular endothelial growth factor, stromal cell‐derived factor 1 and placental growth factor were down‐regulated in PACs from DM patients. Tube formation assay that revealed functional impairment of OECs from DM patients could be rescued by ESC‐ECs conditioned medium. Administration of ESC‐ECs conditioned medium restored the therapeutic efficacy of PB‐PACs from DM patients in a mouse model of hindlimb ischemia.

Conclusions

Our results showed that peripheral blood‐derived progenitor cells from DM patients have impaired function because of defective secretion of angiogenic cytokines, which could be restored by supplementation of ESC‐ECs conditioned medium. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Recognition of heat shock protein 60 epitopes in children with type 1 diabetes
Authors: Verrijn Stuart A. A. , de Jager W. , Klein M. R. , Teklenburg G. , Nuboer R. , Hoorweg J. J. G. , de Vroede M. A. M. J. , de Kruijff I. , Fick M. , Schroor E. J. , van der Vlist G. J. , Meerding J. , Kamphuis S. , Prakken B. J.
Published: April 2012

Background

Treatment with a specific HSP60 epitope in new onset of type 1 diabetes (T1D) patients has been shown to preserve endogenous insulin production. Previously, recognition of pan HLA‐DR‐binding HSP60 epitopes in various autoimmune diseases was found; this study investigated recognition of these epitopes in newly diagnosed T1D patients and correlated findings to the occurrence of a partial remission.

Methods

Peripheral blood mononuclear cells of 18 children with T1D were prospectively collected at disease onset and a few months after diagnosis. Epitope‐specific T‐cell proliferation and cytokine production (intracellular and in culture supernatants) were measured. Results were compared with 31 longstanding T1D patients and ten healthy controls.

Results

Although HSP60 epitope‐specific T‐cell proliferative responses were detected, overall proliferative responses were low. At onset, epitope‐specific intracellular IFN‐γ production was higher in T1D patients compared with healthy controls (p < 0.05). At follow‐up, both IL‐10 and IFN‐γ production were higher in those without a partial remission than in those with a partial remission (both p < 0.05). Also, IL‐10 and IFN‐γ production were higher compared with onset for patients without a PR (both p < 0.01). In supernatants of HSP60 epitope‐specific T‐cell cultures, no substantial differences in cytokine production were found between T1D patients with and without a partial remission, either at onset or a few months after onset. As patient numbers were small, results should be interpreted with caution.

Conclusions

Pan‐DR‐binding HSP60 peptides induced low peptide‐specific proliferative responses and peptide‐specific production of some, mainly intracellular, cytokines in T1D patients. Recognition did not differ significantly between patient groups and various time points. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Vanadium Analogues of Nonfunctionalized and Amino‐Functionalized MOFs with MIL‐101 Topology – Synthesis, Characterization, and Gas Sorption Properties
Authors: Biswas Shyam , Couck Sarah , Grzywa Maciej , Denayer Joeri F. M. , Volkmer Dirk , Van Der Voort Pascal
Published: April 2012

Syntheses, characterization, and gas sorption properties of two new vanadium‐based metal–organic frameworks [V3OCl(DMF)2(BDC)3]·3.1DMF·10H2O·0.1BDC (V–MIL‐101 or 1) and [V3OCl(DMF)2(BDC–NH2)3]·2.8DMF·H2O·0.1BDC–NH2 (V–MIL‐101–NH2 or 2) (DMF = N,N′‐dimethylformamide; BDC = terephthalate; BDC–NH2 = 2‐aminoterephthalate) having MIL‐101 topology are presented. Compounds 1 and 2 were prepared under similar solvothermal conditions (150 °C, 24 h) in DMF by using VCl3 and H2BDC or H2BDC–NH2, respectively. Determination of lattice parameters from X‐ray powder diffraction (XRPD) patterns of thermally activated compounds revealed their structural similarity with chromium‐, iron‐, and aluminum‐based solids having two types of mesoporous cages and accessible metal sites. The phase purity of the compounds was ascertained by XRPD analysis, diffuse reflectance Fourier transform (DRIFT) spectroscopy, and elemental analysis. Thermogravimetric analyses (TGA) and temperature‐dependent XRPD (TDXRPD) experiments indicate that the compounds are stable up to 320 and 240 °C, respectively, under an argon atmosphere. Removal of the guest DMF molecules by thermal activation enables the compounds to adsorb significant amounts of N2 (690 and 555 cm3 g–1 at p/p0 = 1 for 1 and 2, respectively) and CO2 (9.0 and 4.3 mmol g–1 at 24.5 and 22.8 bar for 1 and 2, respectively).
Cicindeloine from Stenus cicindeloides – Isolation, Structure Elucidation, and Total Synthesis (Eur. J. Org. Chem. 12/2012)
Authors: Müller Tobias , Göhl Matthias , Lusebrink Inka , Dettner Konrad , Seifert Karlheinz
Published: April 2012

The cover picture shows the rove beetle Stenus cincindeloides on a piece of wood and the retrosynthetic disconnection of the novel piperideine alkaloid cicindeloine. We have isolated this spiro compound from the beetle's pygidial glands and elucidated the structure by NMR spectroscopy. The absolute configuration of the alkaloid was determined by an iterative synthetic approach. With the known stereochemistry in hand, we developed a straightforward enantio‐ and diastereoselective method to access this interesting compound, which could be synthesized on gram‐scale. Details are discussed in the article by K. Seifert et al. on p. 2323 ff.

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DNA hyperploidy as a marker for biological response to bladder carcinogen exposure
Authors: Hemstreet George P. , Schulte Paul A. , Ringen Knut , Stringer William , Altekruse Ernest B.
Published: April 2012

A marker for biological response to bladder carcinogen exposure was evaluated in a cross‐sectional study of 504 workers at high risk due to a range of exposures to various carcinogenic aromatic amines, primarily 2‐naphthylamine. A quantitative fluorescence cytology method using the DNA‐binding dye, acridine orange, was employed to measure DNA in exfoliated urothelial cells. DNA hyperploidy (>5 C) was observed in 16 (21.6%) of 74 workers who had been exposed compared with 15 (3.5%) of 430 workers who had not (p < 0.001). The prevalence of DNA hyperploidy increased in a dose‐response manner from 3.5% to 60% with increasing duration of exposure. The association between DNA hyperploidy and exposure persisted when adjustment was made for age and cigarette smoking (p = 0.0001). The prevalence of the marker was greatest for exposed workers who smoked (23%), and lowest for those who had no exposure and who had not smoked (2%). This study indicates that DNA hyperploidy can serve as a marker for identifying workers who are at increased risk in occupational groups exposed to bladder carcinogens.
Human recombinant interleukin‐4 inhibits lymphokine‐activated killer activity of sheep erythrocyte rosette‐forming (E+) and ‐non‐forming (E−) human lymphocytes
Authors: Gerosa Franca , Tommasi Marina , Gerosa Massimo , Tridente Giuseppe
Published: April 2012

The effect of human recombinant interleukin‐4 (rIL‐4) on lymphokine‐activated killer activity (LAK) of peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL) as well as sheep erythrocyte rosette‐forming (E+) and ‐non‐forming (E–) lymphocytes stimulated by human recombinant interleukin‐2 (rIL‐2) has been investigated. rIL‐4 drastically inhibited LAK activity of PBL cultured for 18 hr and for 5 days in the presence of rIL‐2. Distribution of T, B and IgG Fc‐receptor‐bearing lymphocytes, as assessed by immunofluorescence and flow cytometry, was no different at the end of the culture in the presence of rIL‐2 plus rIL‐4 than with rIL‐2 alone. LAK activity of E+ and E– lymphocytes was similarly inhibited. Finally, rIL‐4 did not affect the natural killer (NK) activity of rIL‐2‐activated PBL as assessed by the capacity of these cells to kill the appropriate NK target.
Nalidixic acid and oxolinic acid reversibly suppress 3‐methylcholanthrene‐induced cell transformation of BALB/3T3 mouse cells
Authors: Kaneko Motohisa , Horikoshi Junko
Published: April 2012

The effects of nalidixic acid (Nal) and oxolinic acid (Oxl), synthetic antibacterial compounds that inhibit bacterial DNA gyrase, on 3‐methylcholanthrene (MC)‐induced transformation of BALB/3T3 mouse cells were investigated. Exposure of the cells to Nal or Oxl for 2 weeks at any time during 4 weeks of incubation following MC treatment suppressed MC‐induced transformation. Nal and Oxl also suppressed the enhancement of transformation by 12‐O‐tetradecanoylphorbol‐13‐acetate (TPA) initiated by MC. The suppression of transformation by Nal was released by exposure of the cells to TPA after removal of Nal. Since the suppressive effects of Nal and Oxl on transformation were time‐related, they may be due to epigenetic changes.
Experimental model of biofilm implant‐related osteomyelitis to test combination biomaterials using biofilms as initial inocula
Authors: Williams Dustin L. , Haymond Bryan S. , Woodbury Kassie L. , Beck J. Peter , Moore David E. , Epperson R. Tyler , Bloebaum Roy D.
Published: April 2012

Currently, the majority of animal models that are used to study biofilm‐related infections use planktonic bacterial cells as initial inocula to produce positive signals of infection in biomaterials studies. However, the use of planktonic cells has potentially led to inconsistent results in infection outcomes. In this study, well‐established biofilms of methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus were grown and used as initial inocula in an animal model of a Type IIIB open fracture. The goal of the work was to establish, for the first time, a repeatable model of biofilm implant‐related osteomyelitis, wherein biofilms were used as initial inocula to test combination biomaterials. Results showed that 100% of animals that were treated with biofilms developed osteomyelitis, whereas 0% of animals not treated with biofilm developed infection. The development of this experimental model may lead to an important shift in biofilm and biomaterials research by showing that when biofilms are used as initial inocula, they may provide additional insights into how biofilm‐related infections in the clinic develop and how they can be treated with combination biomaterials to eradicate and/or prevent biofilm formation. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A 2012.
Functional biomaterials for cartilage regeneration
Authors: Ge Zigang , Li Chao , Heng Boon Chin , Cao Guoxin , Yang Zheng
Published: April 2012

The injury and degeneration of articular cartilage and associated arthritis are leading causes of disability worldwide. Cartilage tissue engineering as a treatment modality for cartilage defects has been investigated for over 20 years. Various scaffold materials have been developed for this purpose, but has yet to achieve feasibility and effectiveness for widespread clinical use. Currently, the regeneration of articular cartilage remains a formidable challenge, due to the complex physiology of cartilage tissue and its poor healing capacity. Although intensive research has been focused on the developmental biology and regeneration of cartilage tissue and a diverse plethora of biomaterials have been developed for this purpose, cartilage regeneration is still suboptimal, such as lacking a layered structure, mechanical mismatch with native cartilage and inadequate integration between native tissue and implanted scaffold. The ideal scaffold material should have versatile properties that actively contribute to cartilage regeneration. Functional scaffold materials may overcome the various challenges faced in cartilage tissue engineering by providing essential biological, mechanical, and physical/chemical signaling cues through innovative design. This review thus focuses on the complex structure of native articular cartilage, the critical properties of scaffolds required for cartilage regeneration, present strategies for scaffold design, and future directions for cartilage regeneration with functional scaffold materials. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 100A: 2526–2536, 2012.
Self‐supporting nanoporous alumina membranes as substrates for hepatic cell cultures
Authors: Hoess Andreas , Thormann Annika , Friedmann Andrea , Heilmann Andreas
Published: April 2012

Membranes made from nanoporous alumina exhibit interesting properties for their use in biomedical research. They show high porosity and the pore diameters can be easily adjusted in a reproducible manner. Nanoporous alumina membranes are thus ideal substrates for the cultivation of polar cells (e.g., hepatocytes) or the establishment of indirect co‐cultures. The porous nature of the material allows supply of nutrients to both sides of adherent cells and the exchange of molecules across the membrane. However, it is well‐known that surface features in the nanometer range affect cellular behavior. In this study, the response of HepG2 cells to nanoporous alumina membranes with three different pore diameters, ranging from 50 to 250 nm, has been evaluated. The cellular interactions with the nanoporous materials were assessed by investigating cell adhesion, morphology, and proliferation. Cell functionality was measured by means of albumin production. The membranes supported good cell adhesion and spreading. Compared to tissue culture plastic, the cells on the porous substrates developed distinct focal adhesion sites and actin stress fibers. Additionally, electron microscopical investigations revealed the penetration of cellular extensions into pores with diameters bigger than 200 nm. Furthermore, cell proliferation significantly increased with an increase in pore diameter, whereas the albumin production followed a reverse trend. Thus, it seems to be possible to direct cellular behavior of HepG2 cells growing on nanoporous alumina by changing the pore diameter of the material. Hence, nanoporous alumina membranes can be useful culture substrates to develop new approaches in the field of liver tissue engineering. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 100A: 2230–2238, 2012.
Effect of alendronate for reducing fracture by FRAX score and femoral neck bone mineral density: The fracture intervention trial
Authors: Donaldson Meghan G , Palermo Lisa , Ensrud Kristine E , Hochberg Marc C , Schousboe John T , Cummings Steven R
Published: April 2012

The WHO Fracture Risk Assessment Tool (FRAX; http://www.shef.ac.uk/FRAX) estimates the 10-year probability of major osteoporotic fracture. Clodronate and bazedoxifene reduced nonvertebral and clinical fracture more effectively on a relative scale in women with higher FRAX scores. We used data from the Fracture Intervention Trial (FIT) to evaluate the interaction between FRAX score and treatment with alendronate. We combined the Clinical Fracture (CF) arm and Vertebral Fracture (VF) arm of FIT. The CF and VF arm of FIT randomized 4432 and 2027 women, respectively, to placebo or alendronate for 4 and 3 years, respectively. FRAX risk factors were assessed at baseline. FRAX scores were calculated by WHO. We used Poisson regression models to assess the interaction between alendronate and FRAX score on the risk of nonvertebral, clinical, major osteoporotic, and radiographic vertebral fractures. Overall, alendronate significantly reduced the risk of nonvertebral fracture (incidence rate ratio [IRR] 0.86; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.75–0.99), but the effect was greater for femoral neck (FN) bone mineral density (BMD) T-score ≤ −2.5 (IRR 0.76; 95% CI, 0.62–0.93) than for FN T-score > −2.5 (IRR 0.96; 95% CI, 0.80–1.16) (p = 0.02, interaction between alendronate and FN BMD). However, there was no evidence of an interaction between alendronate and FRAX score with FN BMD for risk of nonvertebral fracture (interaction p = 0.61). The absolute benefit of alendronate was greatest among women with highest FRAX scores. Results were similar for clinical fractures, major osteoporotic fractures, and radiographic vertebral fractures and whether or not FRAX scores included FN BMD. Among this cohort of women with low bone mass there was no significant interaction between FRAX score and alendronate for nonvertebral, clinical or major osteoporotic fractures, or radiographic vertebral fractures. These results suggest that the effect of alendronate on a relative scale does not vary by FRAX score. A randomized controlled trial testing the effect of antifracture agents among women with high FRAX score but without osteoporosis is warranted. © 2012 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans lipopolysaccharide regulates bone sialoprotein gene transcription
Authors: Li Xinyue , Zhou Liming , Takai Hideki , Sasaki Yoko , Mezawa Masaru , Li Zhengyang , Wang Zhitao , Yang Li , Wang Shuang , Matsumura Hiroyoshi , Kaneko Takashi , Yoshimura Atsutoshi , Ogata Yorimasa
Published: April 2012

Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans (A. actinomycetemcomitans) is believed to be associated with aggressive periodontitis characterized by a rapid bone loss. A. actinomycetemcomitans lipopolysaccharide (LPS) has a similar structure to Escherichia coli LPS, and they are Toll‐like receptor 4 agonists. Bone sialoprotein (BSP) is an early marker of osteoblast differentiation. To investigate the effects of A. actinomycetemcomitans LPS on bone formation, we targeted BSP as a marker for osteogenic differentiation and bone formation. BSP mRNA levels were decreased by 0.1 µg/ml and increased by 0.01 µg/ml A. actinomycetemcomitans LPS at 6 h in osteoblast‐like ROS17/2.8 cells. In transient transfection analyses, 0.1 µg/ml decreased and 0.01 µg/ml A. actinomycetemcomitans LPS increased luciferase activities of the construct (−116 to +60). Introduction of 2 bp mutations to the constructs showed that the effects of A. actinomycetemcomitans LPS were mediated by a cAMP response element (CRE), a FGF2 response element (FRE), and a homeodomain protein‐binding site (HOX). Tyrosine kinase, ERK1/2, and PI3‐kinase/Akt participated in the effects of both 0.1 and 0.01 µg/ml A. actinomycetemcomitans LPS. The results of gel shift showed that 0.1 µg/ml decreased while 0.01 µg/ml A. actinomycetemcomitans LPS increased CRE‐, FRE‐, and HOX‐binding protein complexes formation at 6 h, and revealed that 0.01 µg/ml A. actinomycetemcomitans LPS induced BSP transcription through CREB1, JunD, Fra2, c‐Fos, Runx2, Dlx5, and Smad1 targeting those response elements. These studies therefore indicated that 0.1 µg/ml suppressed and 0.01 µg/ml A. actinomycetemcomitans LPS increased BSP gene transcription mediated through CRE, FRE, and HOX elements in the rat BSP gene promoter. J. Cell. Biochem. 113: 2822–2834, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Sulfuretin from heartwood of Rhus verniciflua triggers apoptosis through activation of Fas, Caspase‐8, and the mitochondrial death pathway in HL‐60 human leukemia cells
Authors: Lee Kyung‐Won , Chung Kyung‐Sook , Seo Ji‐Hyung , Yim Sung‐Vin , Park Hee‐Jun , Choi Jung‐Hye , Lee Kyung‐Tae
Published: April 2012

Sulfuretin, a flavonoid isolated from heartwood of Rhus verniciflua, has been reported to have anti‐cancer activities but the underlying molecular mechanism was not clear. In this study, sulfuretin induced apoptosis by activating caspases‐8, ‐9, and ‐3 as well as cleavage of poly(ADP‐ribose) polymerase. Furthermore, treatment with sulfuretin caused mitochondrial dysfunctions, including the loss of mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm), the release of cytochrome c to the cytosol, and the translocations of Bax and tBid. Sulfuretin also activated the extrinsic apoptosis pathway, that is, it increased the expressions of Fas and FasL, the activation of caspase‐8, and the cleavage of Bid. Furthermore, blocking the FasL–Fas interaction with NOK‐1 monoclonal antibody prevented the sulfuretin‐induced apoptosis. The therapeutical effect of sulfuretin in leukemia is due to its potent apoptotic activity through the extrinsic pathway driven by a Fas‐mediated caspase‐8‐dependent pathway. J. Cell. Biochem. 113: 2835–2844, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
In‐vivo patellar tendon kinematics during weight‐bearing deep knee flexion
Authors: Kobayashi Koichi , Sakamoto Makoto , Hosseini Ali , Rubash Harry E. , Li Guoan
Published: April 2012

This study quantified in‐vivo 3D patellar tendon kinematics during weight‐bearing deep knee bend beyond 150°. Each knee was MRI scanned to create 3D bony models of the patella, tibia, femur, and the attachment sites of the patellar tendon on the distal patella and the tibial tubercle. Each attachment site was divided into lateral, central, and medial thirds. The subjects were then imaged using a dual fluoroscopic image system while performing a deep knee bend. The knee positions were determined using the bony models and the fluoroscopic images. The patellar tendon kinematics was analyzed using the relative positions of its patellar and tibial attachment sites. The relative elongations of all three portions of the patellar tendon increased similarly up to 60°. Beyond 60°, the relative elongation of the medial portion of the patellar tendon decreased as the knee flexed from 60° to 150° while those of the lateral and central portions showed continuous increases from 120° to 150°. At 150°, the relative elongation of the medial portion was significantly lower than that of the central portion. In four of seven knees, the patellar tendon impinged on the tibial bony surface at 120° and 150° of knee flexion. These data may provide useful insight into the intrinsic patellar tendon biomechanics during a weight‐bearing deep knee bend and could provide biomechanical guidelines for future development of total knee arthroplasties that are intended to restore normal knee function. © 2012 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 30:1596–1603, 2012
Associated computational plasticity schemes for nonassociated frictional materials
Authors: Krabbenhoft K. , Karim M. R. , Lyamin A. V. , Sloan S. W.
Published: April 2012

A new methodology for computational plasticity of nonassociated frictional materials is presented. The new approach is inspired by the micromechanical origins of friction and results in a set of governing equations similar to those of standard associated plasticity. As such, procedures previously developed for associated plasticity are applicable with minor modification. This is illustrated by adaptation of the standard implicit scheme. Moreover, the governing equations can be cast in terms of a variational principle, which after discretization is solved by means of a newly developed second‐order cone programming algorithm. The effects of nonassociativity are discussed with reference to localization of deformations and illustrated by means of a comprehensive set of examples. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Toxicity of hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) in pediatric patients with sarcomatosis/carcinomatosis: Early experience and phase 1 results
Authors: Hayes‐Jordan A. , Green H. , Ludwig J. , Anderson P.
Published: April 2012

Background

Intra‐abdominal metastasis is a rare form of tumor dissemination in children. Complete surgical resection is usually deemed impossible. Children are frequently offered palliative care only. We adopted an aggressive approach for these cases which includes removal of dozens to hundreds of tumor nodules followed by perfusion of the abdominal cavity with hyperthermic chemotherapy (HIPEC) with a curative intent.

Methods

We evaluated toxicity in 23 children and young adults undergoing 27 HIPEC procedures using cisplatin. Disease diagnoses included rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS), non‐RMS soft tissue sarcoma, (NRSTS), desmoplastic small round cell tumor, (DSRCT), mesothelioma, Wilms tumor, melanomatosis, and adenocarcinoma. Patients underwent cytoreductive surgery followed by cisplatin at 40.5–41°C, for 90 minutes. A subset of these patients was enrolled on our phase 1 study and as part of dose escalation cohort received 150 mg/m2 of cisplatin. All toxicities were recorded.

Results

Maximum tolerated dose was 100 mg/m2. Dose limiting toxicity was grade 3 renal failure. In five of 27, 18% had grade 3 or higher renal failure. One patient developed a subclinical decrease in hearing and there were 2 grade 3 hematologic toxicities, 2 grade 3 hepatic toxicities, and one grade 3 ileus. One patient suffered grade3 cardiotoxicity. There were no operative/perioperative mortalities. Surgical complications occurred in 5/27 (18%) of patients. With a follow‐up of 6–60 months, seven patients (26%) had no recurrence.

Conclusions

HIPEC is reasonably tolerated in pediatric patients with extensive abdominal metastasis. More study is needed to determine for which histologies HIPEC is most efficacious. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2012;59:395–397. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Pharmacoepidemiology: defining the field and its core content
Authors: Jones Judith K. , Tilson Hugh H. , Lewis James D.
Published: April 2012

Purpose

Emerging interests in pharmacoepidemiology make it important to define the profession's core content. The International Society for Pharmacoepidemiology (ISPE)'s Education Committee sought to develop a consensus on its core disciplines. This report recapitulates their efforts and conclusions.

Methods

The survey for skill inventories conducted characterized the field of pharmacoepidemiology by five categories of core competency/knowledge (pharmacovigilance, exposure data, epidemiology, clinical pharmacology, and medical product regulation) plus communication and leadership in these areas. It was sent to pharmacoepidemiology units within the industry, academia, and government representing the membership worldwide.

Results

After three waves, 125 members responded (~10% of the membership). Respondents were from North America (61%), European Union (23%), and the remainder from Asian Pacific and South American regions, representing the full spectrum of ISPE membership. Pharmacovigilance, analysis of exposure data, epidemiologic methods, and communication skills were the competencies identified as essential. Fourteen competencies were judged to be “essential” by >80% of the respondents; a further 26 had “essential” as the most frequently rated category but represented <80% of the respondents. Six items had “desirable but not a core competency” as the most commonly selected. None of the proposed competencies scored as “not a core competency” by >25% of the respondents. Only five of the competencies were suggested as “not core” by 10% or more.

Conclusions

This survey identified a wide range of content relevant to the field of pharmacoepidemiology. This list will likely evolve over time. A curriculum around these areas will help prepare the next generation of pharmacoepidemiologists. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Best in class: A classroom‐based model for ameliorating problem behavior in early childhood settings
Authors: Vo Abigail K. , Sutherland Kevin S. , Conroy Maureen A.
Published: April 2012

As more young children enter school settings to attend early childhood programs, early childhood teachers and school psychologists have been charged with supporting a growing number of young children with chronic problem behaviors that put them at risk for the development of emotional/behavioral disorders (EBDs). There is a need for effective, feasible models that help school personnel address the needs of these young children within early childhood settings. This article describes Behavioral, Emotional, and Social Training: Competent Learners Achieving School Success (BEST in CLASS). BEST in CLASS is a classroom‐based intervention designed to help early childhood teachers master effective instructional strategies for preventing and ameliorating problem behavior in young children at risk for EBDs through a teacher training and performance‐based coaching model. The BEST in CLASS intervention model is described, and preliminary data are presented, followed by a discussion of implications for practice and future research directions. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The toxin–antitoxin proteins relBE2Spn of Streptococcus pneumoniae: Characterization and association to their DNA target
Authors: Moreno‐Córdoba Inma , Diago‐Navarro Elizabeth , Barendregt Arjan , Heck Albert J. R. , Alfonso Carlos , Díaz‐Orejas Ramón , Nieto Concha , Espinosa Manuel
Published: April 2012

The chromosome of the pathogenic Gram‐positive bacterium Streptococcus pneumoniae contains between six to 10 operons encoding toxin–antitoxin systems (TAS). TAS are widespread and redundant in bacteria and archaea and their role, albeit still obscure, may be related to important aspects of bacteria lifestyle like response to stress. One of the most abundant TAS is the relBE family, being present in the chromosome of many bacteria and archaea. Because of the high rates of morbility and mortality caused by S. pneumoniae, it has been interesting to gain knowledge on the pneumococcal TAS, among them the RelBE2Spn proteins. Here, we have analyzed the DNA binding capacity of the RelB2Spn antitoxin and the RelB2Spn‐RelE2Spn proteins by band‐shift assays. Thus, a DNA region encompassing the operator region of the proteins was identified. In addition, we have used analytical ultracentrifugation and native mass spectrometry to measure the oligomerization state of the antitoxin alone and the RelBE2Spn complex in solution bound or unbound to its DNA substrate. Using native mass spectrometry allowed us to unambiguously determine the stoichiometry of the RelB2Spn and of the RelBE2Spn complex alone or associated to its DNA target.Proteins 2012; © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Large loop conformation sampling using the activation relaxation technique, ART‐nouveau method
Authors: St‐Pierre Jean‐François , Mousseau Normand
Published: April 2012

We present an adaptation of the ART‐nouveau energy surface sampling method to the problem of loop structure prediction. This method, previously used to study protein folding pathways and peptide aggregation, is well suited to the problem of sampling the conformation space of large loops by targeting probable folding pathways instead of sampling exhaustively that space. The number of sampled conformations needed by ART nouveau to find the global energy minimum for a loop was found to scale linearly with the sequence length of the loop for loops between 8 and about 20 amino acids. Considering the linear scaling dependence of the computation cost on the loop sequence length for sampling new conformations, we estimate the total computational cost of sampling larger loops to scale quadratically compared to the exponential scaling of exhaustive search methods. Proteins 2012; © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Structural and electronic properties of endohedral metallofullerenes
Authors: Akasaka Takeshi , Lu Xing
Published: April 2012

This account presents an overview of our achievements in structural and chemical understanding of endohedral metallofullerenes (EMFs), a new class of metal‐carbon hybrid materials formed by encapsulation of metals inside fullerene cavities. Structural determination of EMFs is of fundamental importance for understanding their intrinsic properties and the formation mechanism, and for broadening their applications. We have developed an effective method for determining the structures of paramagnetic EMFs, and also succeeded in observing the motion of cluster in a di‐metal EMF for the first time. Recently, we unambiguously established the structures of some carbide EMFs which had been wrongly assumed as conventional EMFs previously. More importantly, we have obtained some insoluble EMF species which had never been explored or even expected before. Meanwhile, the chemical properties of various EMFs with different cage structures or different metallic cores have been systematically investigated by means of both covalent and supramolecular considerations, yielding many fascinating results relating to the dictating effect of internal metals. It is noteworthy that all these achievements are based on unambiguous X‐ray results of pristine or functionalized EMFs. DOI 10.1002/tcr.201100038
Exploring student beliefs and understanding in elementary science and mathematics
Authors: Beghetto Ronald A. , Baxter Juliet A.
Published: April 2012

This study had the goal of investigating the association among elementary students' (N = 276) science and math beliefs and the relationship between those beliefs and teachers' ratings of mathematical and science understanding. Results of structural path analysis indicate that in science, intellectual risk‐taking (IRT; the willingness to share tentative ideas, ask questions, attempting to do, and learn new things) was positively related to teachers' ratings of science understanding, while creative self‐efficacy (CSE) beliefs (i.e., students' confidence in their ability to generate ideas and solutions in science) were indirectly related (working through IRT). Results also indicate that students' scientific certainty beliefs (i.e., the belief that science knowledge is stable, fixed, and represented by correct answers) were negatively related to teachers' ratings of science understanding. With respect to math, results indicate that students' CSE beliefs were positively related to teachers' ratings of math understanding; whereas students' mathematical source beliefs (i.e., believing that math knowledge originates from external sources) were negatively related. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Res Sci Teach 49: 942–960, 2012
Mixed AF and DF cooperative relay systems and their performance bounds analyses
Authors: Huang Sheng‐Qiang , Chen Hsiao‐Hwa , Lee Meng‐Ying
Published: April 2012

This paper analyzes the performance bounds of a wireless relay system consisting of several relay stations working on both amplifier‐and‐forward (AF) and decode‐and‐forward (DF) protocols. We want to study the outage probability behavior of the proposed mixed AF and DF relay systems under independent Nakagami‐m fading channels. In particular, we will derive the lower and upper bounds of outage probability of the mixed AF and DF relay systems based on maximal ratio combining diversity reception. The results give optimal configuration of AF and DF relays under a specific channel condition, thus helping us to design an optimized mixed AF and DF relay system in a generic fading environment. The trade‐off between complexity and performance is discussed in this paper. In addition, we will use computer simulations to verify the effectiveness of the proposed mixed AF and DF relay configurations. Finally, the power allocation issues for such a mixed AF and DF relay system will also be discussed. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Beyond hairballs: The use of quantitative mass spectrometry data to understand protein–protein interactions
Authors: Gingras Anne-Claude , Raught Brian
Published: April 2012

The past 10 years have witnessed a dramatic proliferation in the availability of protein interaction data. However, for interaction mapping based on affinity purification coupled with mass spectrometry (AP‐MS), there is a wealth of information present in the datasets that often goes unrecorded in public repositories, and as such remains largely unexplored. Further, how this type of data is represented and used by bioinformaticians has not been well established. Here, we point out some common mistakes in how AP‐MS data are handled, and describe how protein complex organization and interaction dynamics can be inferred using quantitative AP‐MS approaches.
Restoring virulence to mutants lacking subunits of multiprotein machines: functional complementation of a Brucella virB5 mutant
Authors: Sprynski Nicolas , Felix Christine , O’Callaghan David , Vergunst Annette C.
Published: April 2012

Complementation for virulence of a non‐polar virB5 mutant in Brucella suis 1330 was not possible using a pBBR‐based plasmid but was with low copy vector pGL10. Presence of the pBBR‐based replicon in wildtype B. suis had a dominant negative effect, leading to complete attenuation in J774 macrophages. This was due to pleiotropic effects on VirB protein expression due to multiple copies of the virB promoter region and over expression of VirB5. Functional complementation of mutants in individual components of multiprotein complexes such as bacterial secretion systems, are often problematic; this study highlights the importance of using a low copy vector.
Inattention and development of toddlers born in preterm and with low birth weight
Authors: Huang June‐Hui , Huang Huei‐Lin , Chen Hsiu‐Lin , Lin Lung‐Chang , Tseng Hsing‐I , Kao Tsung‐Jen
Published: April 2012

The objective of this study was to examine the impact of low birth weight and preterm birth on a toddler's inattention and development, including cognitive, language, motor, social–emotional and adaptive behaviors. A total of 105 toddlers enrolled for the study; they were divided into four groups: 40 full‐term and normal birth weight (NBW, birth weight greater than 2500 g) toddlers, 24 moderate birth weight (MLBW, birth weight between 2499 and 1500 g) toddlers, 20 very to extremely low birth weight (V‐ELBW, 12 between 1000 and 1499 g and 8 lower than 1000 g) toddlers, and 21 term toddlers who were recruited from a clinic of developmental delay as the developmental delay at risk (DDR) group. The Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development—Third Edition (BSID‐III) and Disruptive Behavior Rating Scale—Toddler were used. The findings were as follows: (1) DDR group performed worst in BSID‐III; (2) although there were no statistical differences among the NBW, MLBW, and V‐ELBW groups in BSID‐III, the lower the birth weight, the lower the average performance, especially in language, adaptive social behavior, and adaptive practical behavior; and (3) comparing the inattention score, the DDR group was the poorest, normal and V‐ELBW groups were the best, and MLBW group was in the middle. In conclusion, low birth weight and preterm delivery affected children's inattention and development of language, adaptive social behavior, and adaptive practical behavior.
Urbane Umweltgerechtigkeit
Authors: Hornberg Claudia , Pauli Andrea
Published: April 2012

Einleitung

Deutschland ist mit zahlreichen Veränderungen in der Sozialstruktur und in der Bevölkerungszusammensetzung konfrontiert. Sichtbares Zeichen hierfür ist die räumliche Konzentration benachteiligter und benachteiligender Lebenslagen, verstärkt in städtischen oder stadtnahen Wohnquartieren, in denen ökonomische Stagnation, demografischer Rückgang und Überalterung der Bevölkerung zusammentreffen und kommunale Investitionen unterbleiben. Wirkungszusammenhänge dieser Art berühren Fragen nach „urbaner Umweltgerechtigkeit“.
Anforderungen an gesundheitsförderliche Stadtplanung
Authors: Süß Waldemar
Published: April 2012

Einleitung

Gesundheitsförderung ist auf dem Weg, ein zentraler Bestandteil von Stadtplanung und Stadtteilentwicklung zu werden. Es gibt aber bisher kein konsensfähiges und tragbares Konzept einer gesundheitsförderlichen Stadtplanung, das die normativen Anforderungen beschreibt und festlegt. Eine solche Plattform muss in einem partizipativen gesellschaftspolitischen Diskussionsprozess entwickelt werden, an dem alle wichtigen Akteure beteiligt sind.
The problematic role of EU democracy promotion in Armenia, Azerbaijan and Nagorno-Karabakh
Authors: Simão Licínia
Published: April 2012

This article looks at the interdependences between the democratisation processes in Armenia, Azerbaijan and Nagorno-Karabakh and the management of the Karabakh conflict, focussing on the EU’s democracy promotion policies. The article argues that the EU’s normative foreign policy in the South Caucasus has been limited by the permanence of the protracted conflicts, in two interrelated ways. First, by not addressing the conflicts the EU focused on long-term goals but failed to provide short-term incentives towards peace. Second, by allowing only a limited involvement in the protracted conflicts, especially inside Karabakh, the EU was perceived as a reluctant partner, undermining its normative credentials.
Political rule and violent conflict: Elections as ‘institutional mutation’ in Nagorno-Karabakh
Authors: Smolnik Franziska
Published: April 2012

The article analyzes political rule in an entity affected by violent conflict. Aiming at contributing to the study of the South Caucasus ‘de-facto states’, it is argued that so far insufficient attention has been paid to the influence the persistent violent conflicts have had on political processes inside these entities. To substantiate the argument three elections in the de-facto state of Nagorno-Karabakh are scrutinized. The analysis reveals that contrary to prevalent classifications the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict is not frozen, but that indeed the persistent violent conflict constitutes a significant factor that helps us account for the specific character of political rule in Nagorno-Karabakh.
Regimes and peace processes: Democratic (non)development in Armenia and Azerbaijan and its impact on the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict
Authors: Caspersen Nina
Published: April 2012

The lack of democratisation in Armenia and Azerbaijan is by many observers argued to constitute a key obstacle to the Nagorno-Karabakh peace process, but other observers contend that the problem is that the respective leaderships are not sufficiently secure to agree to a difficult compromise. This article, however, finds that the relationship between regime types and conflicts is a lot more complex than is often argued in the literature, and that the Karabakh peace process has been undermined by the worst of two worlds: intense elite competition, but without the restraint and widened participation that democratisation could provide.
Opportunity structures and group building processes: An institutional analysis of the secession processes in Pridnestrovie and Gagauzia between 1989 and 1991
Authors: Zabarah Dareg A.
Published: April 2012

The existence and the effective utilization of opportunity structures by the Gagauz and Pridnestrovian elites between 1989 and 1991 enabled them to successfully mobilize wide parts of the population, take control of the administration and build parallel state structures out of the control of both Chişinău and Moscow. The Pridnestrovian elites were more successful in the effective utilization of such opportunity structures than their Gagauz counterparts. Access to vast economic and political resources, political unity, and strong organizational skills combined with a creative interpretation of the right to self-determination enabled the former to pursue their secession policy with greater efficiency.
Black Widow Spider Envenomation, A Rare Cause of Horner's Syndrome
Authors: Strowd Roy E. , Scott Blake , Walker Francis O.
Published: April 2012

Horner's syndrome involves a triad of eyelid ptosis, miosis, and facial anhidrosis that results from disruption of the oculosympathetic pathway. Acquired Horner's syndrome is associated with a variety of medical conditions including Pancoast tumor and carotid dissection. We report the unique case of a 47-year-old man presenting with Horner's syndrome 4 weeks after black widow spider envenomation. Workup did not reveal any alternative explanatory etiology. We hypothesize that late sequelae of black widow spider envenomation secondary to autonomic nerve injury or retrograde axonal transport after mechanical inoculation may have led to an acquired defect in the oculosympathetic pathway resulting in a Horner's syndrome. This case introduces a rare cause of Horner's syndrome and highlights the importance of environmental exposures in the evaluation of these patients.