bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ginger ingredients inhibit the development of diethylnitrosoamine induced premalignant phenotype in rat chemical hepatocarcinogenesis model
Authors: Mansour Mahmoud A. , Bekheet Saleh A. , Al‐Rejaie Salim S. , Al‐Shabanah Othman A. , Al‐Howiriny Tawfeq A. , Al‐Rikabi Ammar C. , Abdo Ayman A.
Published: September 2010

To investigate the possible antitumor activity of ginger extract against hepatic carcinogenesis initiated by diethylnitrosoamines (DEN) and promoted by carbon tetrachloride (CCl4). A total of 60 male Wistar albino rats were divided into four groups with 15 animals in each group. Rats in group 1 (control group) received a single intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection of normal saline. Animals in group 2 were given ginger (50 mg/kg/day) in drinking water for 8 weeks. Rats in group 3 (DEN group) were injected with a single dose of DEN (200 mg/kg, i.p.), 2 weeks later received a single dose of CCl4 (2 mL/kg i.g) by gavage as 1:1 dilution in corn oil. Animals in group 4 (DEN‐ginger group) received the same carcinogenesis induction protocol as in group 3 plus ginger (50 mg/kg/day) in drinking water for 2 weeks before induction of hepatocarcinogenesis and continued throughout the experimental period. DEN‐initiated and CCl4‐promoted hepatocarcinogenesis in male Wistar rats was manifested biochemically by elevation of serum hepatic tumor markers tested; α‐fetoprotein and carcinoembryonic antigen. In addition, hepatocarcinogenesis was further confirmed by a significant increase in hepatic tissue growth factors; vascular endothelial growth factor, basic fibroblast growth factor, and hydroxyproline content. A marked decrease in endostatin and metallothonein were also observed. Long‐term ginger extract administration 2 weeks before induction of hepatocarcinogenesis and throughout the experimental period prevented the decrease of the hepatic content of metallothionein and endostatin and the increase in the growth factors induced by the carcinogen. Moreover, ginger extract normalize serum hepatic tumor markers. Histopathological examination of liver tissue also correlated with the biochemical observations. These findings suggest a protective effect of ginger extract against premalignant stages of liver cancer in the DEN‐initiated and CCl4‐promoted hepatocarcinogenesis model in rats.
Blood glucose response to rate of consumption of digestible carbohydrate
Authors: Whelan William J. , Hollar Danielle , Agatston Arthur , Dodson Hannah J. , Tahal Dimitri S.
Published: September 2010

When the glycemic response to consuming digestible carbohydrate is measured, little or no attention appears to have been paid to the possible effect on this response of the rate at which the food is consumed. We compared glycemic responses when volunteers ate or drank foods containing digestible carbohydrate as rapidly as possible, or in five equal portions over 12 min. Expecting that the response would be greater when the food was consumed rapidly, we found that the responses were equally and randomly distributed between the two rates of eating. At the same time, marked differences were noted in the responses elicited when different individuals consumed the same foods, leading to an investigation of this phenomenon, published elsewhere.
Crystallization of silver through reduction process using Elaeis guineensis biosolid extract
Authors: Velmurugan Palanivel , Shim Jaehong , Kamala‐Kannan Seralathan , Lee Kui‐Jae , Oh Byung‐Taek , Balachandar Vellingiri , Oh Byung‐Taek
Published: September 2010

This study presents a special, economically valuable, unprecedented eco‐friendly green process for the synthesis of silver nanoparticles. The silver nanoparticles were obtained from a waste material with oil palm biosolid extract as the reducing agent. The use of the oil palm biosolid extract for the nanoparticle synthesis offers the benefit of amenability for large‐scale production. An aqueous solution of silver (Ag+) ions was treated with the oil palm biosolid extract for the formation of Ag nanoparticles. The nanometallic dispersion was characterized by surface plasmon absorbance measuring 428 nm. Transmission electron microscopy showed the formation of silver nanoparticles in the range of 5–50 nm. Scanning electron microscopy‐energy dispersive spectroscopy (SEM‐EDS) and X‐ray diffraction analysis of the freeze‐dried powder confirmed the formation of metallic silver nanoparticles. Moreover, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy provided evidence of phenolics or proteins as the biomolecules that were likely responsible for the reduction and capping agent, which helps to increase the stability of the synthesized silver nanoparticles. In addition, we have optimized the production with various parameters. © 2010 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 2011
An educational tool for visualizing students' program tracing processes
Authors: Chou Chih‐Yueh , Sun Peng‐Fei
Published: September 2010

Program tracing is an important skill for programming learning, but novice programmers' tracing abilities are poor. This study designs a system to enable students to exercise program tracing and make students' program tracing processes visible to help teachers indicate students' errors in tracing execution flow, variable values, or I/O display. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Comput Appl Eng Educ 21: 432–438, 2013
Geometric enantiomerism in cyclic compounds: Chiral dibrominated 1,3‐dioxanes
Authors: Cismaş Crina , Vanthuyne Nicolas , Rispaud Hélène , Varga Richard Attila , Bogdan Elena , Roussel Christian , Grosu Ion
Published: September 2010

The first geometric enantiomers in the cyclic compounds series are reported. The investigated compounds are 2,2‐disubstituted‐5‐methyl‐1,3‐dioxane derivatives in which the substituents at position 2 bear chiral centers with identical substituents but with opposite configurations. The structure of the unlike isomers was determined from the solid state molecular structure of the compounds obtained by single crystal X‐ray diffractometry and the enantiomers of these diastereoisomers were observed by chiral column HPLC base‐line separation. The investigated compounds were obtained by a diastereoselective bromination reaction of the corresponding 2,2‐dialkyl and 2,2‐dibenzyl‐5‐methyl‐1,3‐dioxanes. Chirality, 2011. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Time for reappraisal of extracranial treatment options?
Authors: Lind Joline S.W. , Lagerwaard Frank J. , Smit Egbert F. , Postmus Pieter E. , Slotman Ben J. , Senan Suresh
Published: September 2010

BACKGROUND.

The optimal treatment of the primary tumor in patients with brain metastases (BM) from newly diagnosed nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC) remains unclear. The authors aimed to identify patient groups with synchronous BM for whom radical treatment of the primary site may be appropriate.

METHODS.

The medical records of 167 patients treated at our center between November 2000 and June 2009 for newly diagnosed NSCLC and synchronous BM were reviewed. All patients underwent surgery/radiosurgery (n = 86) or whole‐brain radiotherapy (WBRT; n = 81) for BM. Univariate and multivariate analyses assessed prognostic factors significant for overall survival (OS).

RESULTS.

Median OS of patients undergoing surgery/radiosurgery for BM was 12.1 months. Those undergoing “radical” thoracic treatment (n = 24) had a longer median OS (28.4 months) than those undergoing chemotherapy (n = 74; 12.1 months) or supportive therapy (n = 69; 5.6 months, P < .01). Patients with stage I thoracic disease (n = 23) had a longer median OS (18.5 months) than those with stage III (n = 43; 9.4 months) or with intra/extra‐thoracic metastases other than BM (stage IV; n = 20; 2.7 months, P < .01). Median OS of WBRT patients was 3.7 months. One patient underwent radical thoracic treatment. Patients undergoing chemotherapy (n = 42) had a longer median OS (5.7 months) than patients undergoing supportive therapy only (n = 38; 1.6 months, P < .01). Performance status and age were also associated with OS.

CONCLUSIONS.

Radical thoracic treatments may be justified in selected patients <65‐years‐old, eligible to undergo surgery/radiosurgery for synchronous BM from NSCLC, even when stage III thoracic disease is present. Cancer 2011. © 2010 American Cancer Society
Long‐term outcomes of microsurgical reconstruction for large tracheal defects
Authors: Yu Peirong , Clayman Gary L. , Walsh Garrett L.
Published: September 2010

BACKGROUND:

Reconstruction of large tracheal defects has been largely unsuccessful. The purpose of this study was to review the authors' experience with microsurgical reconstruction of these defects.

METHODS:

Seven cases of microsurgical tracheal reconstruction were performed between May 2002 and April 2008. All but 1 patient had recurrent thyroid cancer; the other patient had primary adenocystic carcinoma of the trachea. The radial forearm free flap was used for lining in all cases. Rigid support was provided with a variety of prosthetic materials.

RESULTS:

All defects involved the cervical trachea, with an average length of 5.8 cm ± 1.0 cm (range, 5 cm‐7.5 cm). The width of defects ranged from half of the tracheal circumference to the entire circumference. Major complications included air leak in 4 patients, exposure and removal of prosthesis in 2 patients, and cardiopulmonary complications in 2 patients. One patient with postoperative retroperitoneal hematoma, abdominal compartment syndrome, and multiple organ failure died 2 months after surgery. Two patients died of other causes 1 year and 4 years, respectively, after surgery. The other 4 patients were alive and disease free, with follow‐up ranging from 1 to 4.5 years. Four patients are asymptomatic, with normal speech and swallowing functions. Two patients remained tracheostomy dependent, but vocal ability was intact. All patients tolerated a regular diet.

CONCLUSIONS:

Microsurgical reconstruction is a viable option in selected patients with large cervical tracheal defects that are beyond primary repair. Cancer 2011. © 2010 American Cancer Society.
Glycine Dimers: Structure, Stability, and Medium Effects
Authors: Friant‐Michel Pascale , Ruiz‐López Manuel F.
Published: September 2010

We report a study on different ionization states and conformations of the bimolecular (Gly)2 system by means of quantum mechanical calculations. Optimized geometries for energy minima of the glycine dimer, as well as relative energies and free energies were computed as a function of the medium: gas phase, nonpolar polarizable solvent, and aqueous solution. The polarizable continuum model was employed to account for solvation effects. Energy calculations were done using the MP2/aug‐cc‐pVTZ and B3LYP/6‐311+G(2df,2p) methods on B3LYP/6‐31+G(d,p) optimized structures (some single‐point energy calculations were also done using the B3PW91 and PBE1KCIS methods). Ionized forms of the glycine dimer (either zwitterion–zwitterion or neutral–zwitterion) are predicted to exist in all media, in contrast to amino acid monomers. In aqueous solution, dimerization is an exergonic process (−4 kcal mol−1). Thus, according to our results, zwitterion–zwitterion Gly dimers might be abundant in supersaturated glycine aqueous solutions, a fact that has been connected with the structure of α‐glycine crystals but that remains controversial in the literature. Another noticeable result is that zwitterion–zwitterion interactions are substantially underestimated when computed using methods based on density functional theory. For comparison, some calculations for the dimer of the simplest chiral amino acid alanine were done as well and differences to the glycine dimer are discussed.
Photoenhanced NO2 Loss on Simulated Urban Grime
Authors: Ammar Rachid , Monge Maria Eugenia , George Christian , D'Anna Barbara
Published: September 2010

The present study focuses on the heterogeneous reaction between gaseous NO2 and solid pyrene/KNO3 films, used as a simplified proxy of urban grime. This reaction is investigated under simulated atmospheric conditions with respect to relative humidity, NO2 concentration and irradiation in a coated‐wall flow‐tube reactor. The geometric steady‐state uptake coefficients γgeo for pyrene/KNO3 films exposed to 50 ppbv of NO2 ranged from 1.12×10−7 in the dark to 2.67×10−6 under near‐UV irradiation (300–420 nm) and decreased with increasing NO2 concentration in the range 30–120 ppbv. NO2 removal is linearly dependent on light intensity, with release of gas‐phase NO and HONO. Analysis of the solid film by ion chromatography and GC–MS showed the formation of nitrite ions and traces of 1‐nitropyrene. A light‐induced reaction mechanism is proposed. The results discussed herein suggest that PAH‐containing urban grime on windows and buildings may be a key player in urban air pollution.
[11]Anthrahelicene on InSb(001) c(8×2): A Low‐Temperature Scanning Probe Microscopy Study
Authors: Prauzner‐Bechcicki Jakub S. , Godlewski Szymon , Budzioch Janusz , Goryl Grzegorz , Walczak Lukasz , Sehnal Petr , Stará Irena G. , Starý Ivo , Ample Francisco , Joachim Christian , Szymonski Marek
Published: September 2010

The adsorption of individual [11]anthrahelicene molecules and their self‐assembly into monolayer islands on an InSb(001) c(8×2) reconstructed surface is studied with low‐temperature scanning probe microscopy. A racemic mixture is deposited on atomically flat terraces of InSb at room temperature. At lower coverage, the molecules tend to decorate atomic step edges of the substrate. At higher coverage, [11]anthrahelicene molecules form 2D islands. A quasi‐hexagonal ordering of molecules within the layer is identified. Furthermore, it is shown that molecules adsorb with the helical axis almost perpendicular to the substrate. Interference between tunneling through the molecular layer and directly through space is reported. Finally, experimental results are compared to those of theoretical calculations.
Low Catalyst Loadings for the Production of Carboxylic Acids from Polysaccharides and Hydrogen Peroxide
Authors: Aouf Chahinez , Harakat Dominique , Muzart Jacques , Estrine Boris , Marinkovic Sinisa , Ernenwein Cédric , Le Bras Jean
Published: September 2010

The oxidation of starch, xylans, potato flesh and wheat flour by H2O2, in the presence of MSO4 (M=Cu, Fe) as catalyst, led to depolymerization, and formation of solutions containing polyhydroxycarboxylic acids. Some of these oxidized compounds facilitate the process, leading to efficient transformations even with very low amounts of catalyst.
Improving Sustainability in Ene–Yne Cross‐Metathesis for Transformation of Unsaturated Fatty Esters
Authors: Le Ravalec Virginie , Dupé Antoine , Fischmeister Cédric , Bruneau Christian
Published: September 2010

Ruthenium‐catalyzed ene–yne cross‐metathesis is performed with stoichiometric proportions of terminal olefins and alkynes. This is made possible by the continuous addition of the alkyne to the reaction mixture. The protocol allows the ene–yne cross‐metathesis reaction to be carried out with long‐chain terminal olefins and in a one‐pot fashion with internal olefins after shortening by ethenolysis. The efficient conversion of renewable unsaturated fatty esters from bioresources into valuable conjugated 1,3‐dienes of interest for further transformations is performed using this technique under mild conditions in dimethyl carbonate; an ecofriendly solvent.
Messenger RNA quantification after fluorescence‐activated cell sorting using in situ hybridization
Authors: Yamada Hiroya , Maruo Rie , Watanabe Mikio , Hidaka Yoh , Iwatani Yoshinori , Takano Toru
Published: September 2010

Recent studies using stem cells or cancer stem cells have revealed the importance of detecting minor populations of cells in blood or tissue and analyzing their biological characteristics. The only possible method for carrying out such procedures is fluorescence‐activated cell sorting (FACS). However, FACS has the following two limitations. First, cells without an appropriate cell surface marker cannot be sorted. Second, some laborious procedures such as rapid sorting or treatment under sterilized conditions may require in order to analyze their biological characteristics. If a specific mRNA in a particular cell type can be stained with a florescent dye and then the cells can be sorted without causing RNA degradation, a more simple and universal method for sorting and analyzing cells with a specific gene expression pattern could be established since the biological characteristics of the sorted cells could then be determined by analyzing their gene expression profile. In this study, we established a basic protocol for messenger RNA quantification after FACS (FACS‐mQ) using a cRNA probe. This method could be used for the detection and analysis of stem cells or cancer stem cells in various tissues. © 2010 International Society for Advancement of Cytometry
Psychological and behavioral risk profiles as they relate to eating disorder diagnoses and symptomatology among a school‐based sample of youth
Authors: Ackard Diann M. , Fulkerson Jayne A. , Neumark‐Sztainer Dianne
Published: September 2010

Objective

Examine substance use, depression, self‐esteem, and suicidality by eating disorder (ED) classifications among nonclinical youth.

Method

A school‐based sample of 4,746 youth completed anthropometric measures and Project EAT survey items matched to DSM‐IV ED criteria. Logistic regression analyses and general linear models compared three threshold (AN, BN, or BED), two subthreshold (binge‐eating and/or compensatory behaviors not meeting ED diagnosis, or body image disturbance without disordered eating) and one asymptomatic ED classifications.

Results

Subthreshold and threshold classifications reported lower self‐esteem and greater substance use, depression, suicidal ideation/attempts than asymptomatic youth. The BED group had higher depressive mood, and BED and BN had lower self‐esteem, than the subthreshold groups. Odds ratios for suicidality were highest among the BN group and lowest among the body image disturbance group.

Discussion

Subthreshold and threshold classifications are associated with compromised health, suggesting the importance of addressing the continuum of weight/shape concerns and disordered eating behaviors within prevention and treatment interventions. © 2010 by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Eat Disord 2010
Function discovery system by evolutionary computation using search accumulation
Authors: Saito Mitsutoshi , Serikawa Seiichi
Published: September 2010

Recently, a system using bug‐type artificial life was proposed for function discovery, and has been improved further. This system is an extended model of GA and GP. However, when the observation data is very complicated, the function is occasionally not obtained. A new concept is now introduced so that the function search can be applied to complicated observation data. The function search by the S‐System is performed two or more times. This is termed search accumulation. To confirm the validity of search accumulation, the Himmelblau function, the valley function, and equal loudness level contours (ISO 226) are used as observation data. Since the distributions of the data are complicated, it is difficult to express them as an approximation function. By the use of the search accumulation strategy, a function that is in good agreement with the distribution can be successfully obtained. Thus, the validity of this strategy is confirmed. Search accumulation is also applicable to GP. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electron Comm Jpn, 93(10): 53–62, 2010; Published online in Wiley Online Library (wileyonlinelibrary.com). DOI 10.1002/ecj.10098 3
Index fund optimization using a genetic algorithm and a heuristic local search
Authors: Orito Yukiko , Inoguchi Manabu , Yamamoto Hisashi
Published: September 2010

It is well known that index funds are popular passively managed portfolios and have been used very extensively in hedge trading. Index funds consist of a certain number of stocks of listed companies on a stock market such that the fund's return rates follow a similar path to the changing rates of the market indices. Thus, index fund optimization can be viewed as a combinatorial optimization problem for portfolio management. In this paper, we propose an optimization method that consists of a genetic algorithm and a heuristic local search algorithm to make strong linear association between the fund's return rates and the changing rates of the market index. We apply our method to the Tokyo Stock Exchange and create index funds whose return rates follow a similar path to the changing rates of the Tokyo Stock Price Index (TOPIX). The results show that our proposed method creates index funds with a strong linear association to the market index with minimal computing time. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electron Comm Jpn, 93(10): 42–52, 2010; Published online in Wiley Online Library (wileyonlinelibrary.com). DOI 10.1002/ecj.10099
Development of an oxide semiconductor thick film gas sensor for the detection of total volatile organic compounds
Authors: Kadosaki Masahiro , Sakai Yuichi , Tamura Ikuo , Matsubara Ichiro , Itoh Toshio
Published: September 2010

Since the amendment of the Building Standards Law in 2003, the installation of ventilators is compulsory in newly built houses, because many persons suffer from indoor air pollution caused by volatile organic compounds (VOCs). The goal of this research is to develop a gas sensor that can monitor the total VOC (TVOC) gases indoors and then to control the ventilator efficiently using the sensor. In order to develop a sensor that detects TVOC, the responses of four oxide semiconductor materials to 37 different VOC gases were studied. These materials showed small responses to halogenated and aliphatic hydrocarbon gases. As a result of improving the response to these gases, among four metal oxides examined, SnO2 and WO3 showed high sensitivities by the addition of Pd and Pt. The sensing properties of SnO2 for halogenated hydrocarbon gases were greatly improved by the addition of 0.5 wt% Pd. The sensing properties of SnO2 for aliphatic hydrocarbon gases were improved by the addition of 0.7 wt% Pt. In addition, a sensor element with the addition of both platinum and palladium, that is, Pt (0.5 wt%)‐Pd (0.5 wt%)‐SnO2, showed a large response to many of the VOC gases examined. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electron Comm Jpn, 93(10): 34–41, 2010; Published online in Wiley Online Library (wileyonlinelibrary.com). DOI 10.1002/ecj.10190
Implementation and evaluation of improvement in parallel processing performance on the cluster using small‐scale SMP PCs
Authors: Fukunaga Takafumi , Umeno Hidenori
Published: September 2010

Various techniques that improve performance on SMP clusters have been studied. Most of them use special hardware and nonstandard protocols, tending to raise their total cost and to spoil flexibility. We propose the CPU_NIC method, which improves parallel performance on small‐way SMP PC clusters by simply loading a driver. The proposed system could be implemented with nonintelligent switches. The proposed method uses the same number of NICs as CPUs and relates the CPUs and NICs on a one‐to‐one basis. The frames are transmitted from the NIC associated with the execution CPU number. Thus, by fixing the transmitting NIC for every CPU, the number of SACK frames, that are easily generated in communication load sharing to two or more NICs, can be reduced and parallel application performance can be improved. The NPB Benchmark of four cluster PCs indicated that FT, MG, and CG were faster by factors of 1.12, 1.29, and 3.06, respectively, under the proposed method than in an ordinary system without this method. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electron Comm Jpn, 93(10): 1–11, 2010; Published online in Wiley Online Library (wileyonlinelibrary.com). DOI 10.1002/ecj.10315
Synthesis and Characterization of a Multi Ring‐Fused 2‐Pyridone‐Based Fluorescent Scaffold
Authors: Sellstedt Magnus , Nyberg Anders , Rosenbaum Erik , Engström Patrik , Wickström Malin , Gullbo Joachim , Bergström Sven , Johansson Lennart B.‐Å. , Almqvist Fredrik
Published: September 2010

A series of compounds based on a novel fluorescent scaffold have been synthesized. Most of the compounds displayed high quantum yields of fluorescence and unusually long fluorescence lifetimes. HeLa cells were treated with one of the compounds and its use as a fluorescent dye was demonstrated with fluorescence confocal microscopy.
Dielectrophoretically patterned carbon nanotubes to sort microparticles
Authors: Khoshmanesh Khashayar , Zhang Chen , Nahavandi Saeid , Baratchi Sara , Mitchell Arnan , Kalantar‐zadeh Kourosh
Published: September 2010

This article compares the operation of a dielectrophoretic (DEP) platform before and after pattering carbon nanotubes (CNTs) between its microelectrodes. The diverse performance of the DEP system is assessed by separating 1 and 5 μm polystyrene particles. In the absence of CNTs, both particles can only be trapped by operating the system at low medium conductivities, (<10−3 S/m) and frequencies (<75 kHz). Alternatively, applying CNTs to the system, some CNTs coat the surface of particles and increase their overall conductivity and permittivity, whereas the rest of them are patterned between the microelectrodes and induce strong DEP forces at their free ends, which can effectively trap the coated particles. The first development extends the range of medium conductivities and frequencies at which the trapping of both particles is achievable, whereas the second development facilitates the selective deposition of particles along the surface of curved microelectrodes. Setting the medium conductivity to 2×10−3 S/m and the frequency to 20 MHz, most of 5 μm particles are trapped at the entry region of the first microelectrode pair, whereas most of 1 μm particles are trapped at the tips, and this distinction facilitates their separation. The trapping of 1 μm particles can be improved by decreasing the frequency to 1.5 MHz. This study demonstrates how the integration of CNTs into microfluidic systems enables them to operate beyond their capabilities.
Analysis of variation in the ovine ultra‐high sulphur keratin‐associated protein KAP5‐4 gene using PCR‐SSCP technique
Authors: Gong Hua , Zhou Huitong , Plowman Jeffrey E. , Dyer Jolon M. , Hickford Jon G. H.
Published: September 2010

Keratin‐associated proteins (KAPs) are one of the main structural components of the wool fibre. Variation in the KAP genes (KRTAPs) may affect the structure of KAPs and hence wool characteristics. In this study, we used PCR‐SSCP to analyse ovine KRTAP5‐4, a gene encoding a member of the KAP5 family. Five different PCR‐SSCP patterns were detected in the 250 sheep that were analysed. Either one or a combination of two patterns was observed for each sheep, which was consistent with these sheep being either homozygous or heterozygous at this locus. DNA sequencing revealed that these patterns represent five different DNA sequences. One of the sequences was identical to a published ovine KRTAP5‐4 sequence. The remaining four were unique, but shared a high homology with the published ovine KRTAP5‐4 sequence, suggesting that these sequences represent allelic variants of KRTAP5‐4. There were a total of six SNPs and one length polymorphism in the sequences. Of the five SNPs found in the coding region, four were non‐synonymous SNPs and would result in amino acid changes. The length polymorphism would affect the cysteine content of the putative peptide and this along with the SNPs may have an impact on the structure of KAP5‐4, and hence affect wool traits.
DNA repair and personalized breast cancer therapy
Authors: Li Shu‐Xia , Sjolund Ashley , Harris Lyndsay , Sweasy Joann B.
Published: September 2010

Personalized cancer therapy is likely to be one of the next big advances in our search for a cure for cancer. To be able to treat people in an individualized manner, researchers need to know a great deal about their genetic constitution and the DNA repair status of their tumors. Specific knowledge is required regarding the polymorphisms individuals carry and how these polymorphisms influence responses to therapy. Researchers are actively engaged in biomarker discovery and validation for this purpose. In addition, the design of clinical trials must be reassessed to include new information on biomarkers and drug responses. In this review, we focus on personalized breast cancer therapy. The hypothesis we focus upon in this review is that there is connection between the DNA repair profile of individuals, their breast tumor subtypes, and their responses to cancer therapy. We first briefly review cellular DNA repair pathways that are likely to be impacted by breast cancer therapies. Next, we review the phenotypes of breast tumor subtypes with an emphasis on how a DNA repair deficiency might result in tumorigenesis itself and lead to the chemotherapeutic responses that are observed. Specific examples of breast tumor subtypes and their responses to cancer therapy are given, and we discuss possible DNA repair mechanisms that underlie the responses of tumors to various chemotherapeutic agents. Much is known about breast cancer subtypes and the way each of these subtypes responds to chemotherapy. In addition, we discuss novel design of clinical trials that incorporates rapidly emerging information on biomarkers. Environ. Mol. Mutagen., 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Selected technologies for measuring acquired genetic damage in humans
Authors: Shuga Joe , Zeng Yong , Novak Richard , Mathies Richard A. , Hainaut Pierre , Smith Martyn T.
Published: September 2010

Technical advances have improved the capacity to detect and quantify genetic variants, providing novel methods for the detection of rare mutations and for better understanding the underlying environmental factors and biological mechanisms contributing to mutagenesis. The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) has revolutionized genetic testing and remains central to many of these new techniques for mutation detection. Millions of genetic variations have been discovered across the genome. These variations include germline mutations and polymorphisms, which are inherited in a Mendelian manner and present in all cells, as well as acquired, somatic mutations that differ widely by type and size [from single‐base mutations to whole chromosome rearrangements, and including submicroscopic copy number variations (CNVs)]. This review focuses on current methods for assessing acquired somatic mutations in the genome, and it examines their application in molecular epidemiology and sensitive detection and analysis of disease. Although older technologies have been exploited for detecting acquired mutations in cancer and other disease, the high‐throughput and high‐sensitivity offered by next‐generation sequencing (NGS) systems are transforming the discovery of disease‐associated acquired mutations by enabling comparative whole‐genome sequencing of diseased and healthy tissues from the same individual. Emerging microfluidic technologies are beginning to facilitate single‐cell genetic analysis of target variable regions for investigating cell heterogeneity within tumors as well as preclinical detection of disease. The technologies discussed in this review will significantly expand our knowledge of acquired genetic mutations and causative mechanisms. Environ. Mol. Mutagen., 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Achieving reliable seismic performance enhancement using multi‐stage friction pendulum isolators
Authors: Morgan Troy A. , Mahin Stephen A.
Published: September 2010

An objective in the design of seismically isolated structures is the selection of isolator properties so that performance enhancements are reliably achieved over a range of excitations and performance metrics. A challenge in the design of isolation systems is that, to withstand very severe or near‐fault motions, bearings often become so large, stiff and strong that they provide little isolation during moderate seismic events. Numerical investigations are presented to characterize the performance of a new multi‐stage friction pendulum (FP) isolation bearing, capable of progressively exhibiting different hysteretic properties at various levels of displacement demand. The feasibility of targeting these properties to achieve specific performance goals for a range of ground motion intensities and structural dynamic characteristics is investigated. In particular, the trade‐off between limiting very rare isolator displacement demands and inducing high inter‐story drift and floor accelerations is examined for a range of levels of seismic hazard. Nonlinear dynamic analyses of realistic building systems are presented, including a description of key structural demand parameters. To investigate the potential performance benefits of innovative devices, a complex multi‐level performance objective termed a seismic performance classification is introduced. Results indicate that multi‐stage FP bearings show improved reliability of meeting seismic performance objectives when multiple levels of seismic intensity are considered compared to those systems that incorporate conventional bilinear hysteretic energy dissipation mechanisms. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Looking for a way out
Authors: Esposito Gregory
Published: September 2010

Declining state support for public universities can create pressures for institutions both to resist the decline and adapt to it.
Stress in senior faculty careers
Authors: Russell Brendan C.
Published: September 2010

Faculty can find even successful careers more stressful than they expected.
Squamous cell cancer of the head and neck with distant metastasis at presentation
Authors: Kuperman David I. , Auethavekiat Vorachart , Adkins Douglas R. , Nussenbaum Brian , Collins Sharon , Boonchalermvichian Chaiyaporn , Trinkaus Kathryn , Chen Ling , Morgensztern Daniel
Published: September 2010

Background.

Current literature reports widely different rates of distant metastasis at presentation for squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN). We used the Surveillance Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) database to determine the rate of and risk factors for distant metastasis.

Methods.

We identified patients with SCCHN diagnosed between 1988 and 2003. The rate of distant metastasis was determined and then stratified by tumor site, size, and nodal status. To evaluate the contribution of each individual factor, both univariate and multivariate analyses were performed.

Results.

Among 73,247 patients identified, 2066 patients (2.82%, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.70–2.94%) had distant metastasis. Independent risk factors for distant metastasis included primary site, nodal status, tumor size, age, and race.

Conclusions.

In SCCHN, there is a relationship between the risk of distant metastasis and tumor site, size, and nodal status. This information can be used to guide the evaluation and treatment of SCCHN. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2011
Adipose triglyceride lipase is a major hepatic lipase that regulates triacylglycerol turnover and fatty acid signaling and partitioning
Authors: Ong Kuok Teong , Mashek Mara T. , Bu So Young , Greenberg Andrew S. , Mashek Douglas G.
Published: September 2010

Despite advances in our understanding of the ways in which nutrient oversupply and triacylglycerol (TAG) anabolism contribute to hepatic steatosis, little is known about the lipases responsible for regulating hepatic TAG turnover. Recent studies have identified adipose triglyceride lipase (ATGL) as a major lipase in adipose tissue, although its role in the liver is largely unknown. Thus, we tested the contribution of ATGL to hepatic lipid metabolism and signaling. Adenovirus-mediated knockdown of hepatic ATGL resulted in steatosis in mice and decreased hydrolysis of TAG in primary hepatocyte cultures and

in vitro

assays. In addition to altering TAG hydrolysis, ATGL was shown to play a significant role in partitioning hydrolyzed fatty acids between metabolic pathways. Although ATGL gain and loss of function did not alter hepatic TAG secretion, fatty acid oxidation was increased by ATGL overexpression and decreased by ATGL knockdown. The effects on fatty acid oxidation coincided with decreased expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α (PPAR-α) and its target genes in mice with suppressed hepatic ATGL expression. However, PPAR-α agonism was unable to normalize the effects of ATGL knockdown on PPAR-α target gene expression, and this suggests that ATGL influences PPAR-α activity independently of ligand-induced activation.

Conclusion:

Taken together, these data show that ATGL is a major hepatic TAG lipase that plays an integral role in fatty acid partitioning and signaling to control energy metabolism. (Hepatology 2011)
Antihepatoma activity of chaetocin due to deregulated splicing of hypoxia-inducible factor 1α pre-mRNA in mice and in vitro
Authors: Lee Yoon-Mi , Lim Ji-Hong , Yoon Haejin , Chun Yang-Sook , Park Jong-Wan
Published: September 2010

Chaetocin, an antibiotic produced by

Chaetomium

species fungi, was recently found to have antimyeloma activity. Here we examined whether chaetocin has anticancer activities against solid tumors. Chaetocin inhibited the growth of mouse and human hepatoma grafts in nude mice. Immunohistochemical analyses revealed that chaetocin inhibits hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) expression and vessel formation in the tumors. Chaetocin also showed antiangiogenic anticancer activities in HIF-1α(+/+) fibrosarcoma grafted in mice, but not in HIF-1α(−/−) fibrosarcoma. Biochemical analyses showed that chaetocin down-regulated HIF-1α and the transcripts of HIF-1 target genes including vascular endothelial growth factor in hepatoma tissues and in various hepatoma cell lines. Based on the reported literature, unsuccessful efforts were made to determine the mechanism underlying the action of chaetocin. Unexpectedly, chaetocin was found to cause the accumulation of HIF-1α premessenger RNA (pre-mRNA) but to reduce mature mRNA levels in hepatoma cells and tissues. Such an effect of chaetocin was not observed in cell lines derived from normal cells, and was cell type-dependent even among cancer cell lines.

Conclusions

: Our results suggest that chaetocin could be developed as an anticancer agent to target HIF-1 in some cancers including hepatoma. It is also suggested that the HIF-1α pre-mRNA splicing is a novel therapeutic target for controlling HIF-1-mediated pathological processes. (Hepatology 2011;.)
Stage‐discharge uncertainty derived with a non‐stationary rating curve in the Choluteca River, Honduras
Authors: Westerberg I. , Guerrero J.‐L. , Seibert J. , Beven K. J. , Halldin S.
Published: September 2010

Uncertainty in discharge data must be critically assessed before data can be used in, e.g. water resources estimation or hydrological modelling. In the alluvial Choluteca River in Honduras, the river‐bed characteristics change over time as fill, scour and other processes occur in the channel, leading to a non‐stationary stage‐discharge relationship and difficulties in deriving consistent rating curves. Few studies have investigated the uncertainties related to non‐stationarity in the stage‐discharge relationship. We calculated discharge and the associated uncertainty with a weighted fuzzy regression of rating curves applied within a moving time window, based on estimated uncertainties in the observed rating data. An 18‐year‐long dataset with unusually frequent ratings (1268 in total) was the basis of this study. A large temporal variability in the stage‐discharge relationship was found especially for low flows. The time‐variable rating curve resulted in discharge estimate differences of − 60 to + 90% for low flows and ± 20% for medium to high flows when compared to a constant rating curve. The final estimated uncertainty in discharge was substantial and the uncertainty limits varied between − 43 to + 73% of the best discharge estimate. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Changes of flow regimes and precipitation in Huai River Basin in the last half century
Authors: Zhang Yongyong , Shao Quanxi , Xia Jun , Bunn Stuart E. , Zuo Qiting
Published: September 2010

Huai River Basin, as the sixth largest river basin in China, has a high‐regulated river system and has been facing severe water problems. In this article, the changing patterns of runoff and precipitation at 10 hydrological stations from 1956 to 2000 on the highly regulated river (Shaying River) and less‐regulated river (Huai River) in the basin are evaluated at the monthly, seasonal and annual scales using the Mann–Kendall test and simple linear regression model. The results showed that: (1) No statistically significant trends of precipitation in the upper and middle Huai River Basins were detected at the annual scale, but the trend of annual runoff at Baiguishan, Zhoukou and Fuyang stations in Shaying River decreased significantly, whereas the others were not. Moreover, the decreasing trends of runoff for most months were significant in Shaying River, although the trend of monthly precipitation decreased significantly only in April in the whole research area and the number of months in the dry season having significantly decreasing trends in runoff was more than that in the wet season. (2) The rainfall–runoff relationship was significant in both highly regulated river and less‐regulated river. In regulated river, the reservoirs have larger regulation capacity than the floodgates and thus have the smaller correlation coefficient and t‐value. In Huai River, the correlation coefficients decreased from upper stream to downstream. (3) The regulation of dams and floodgates for flood control and water supply was the principal reason for the decreasing runoff in Huai River Basin, although the decreasing precipitation in April in this basin was statistically significant. The findings are useful for recognizing hydrology variation and will provide scientific foundation to integrated water resources management in Huai River Basin. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Assessment of the impact of climate change on the flow regime of the Han River basin using indicators of hydrologic alteration
Authors: Kim Byung‐Sik , Kim Bo‐Kyung , Kwon Hyun‐Han
Published: September 2010

Most natural disasters are caused by water‐/climate‐related hazards, such as floods, droughts, typhoons, and landslides. In the last few years, great attention has been paid to climate change, and especially the impact of climate change on water resources and the natural disasters that have been an important issue in many countries. As climate change increases the frequency and intensity of extreme rainfall, the number of water‐related disasters is expected to rise. In this regard, this study intends to analyse the changes in extreme weather events and the associated flow regime in both the past and the future. Given trend analysis, spatially coherent and statistically significant changes in the extreme events of temperature and rainfall were identified. A weather generator based on the non‐stationary Markov chain model was applied to produce a daily climate change scenario for the Han River basin for a period of 2001–2090. The weather generator mainly utilizes the climate change SRES A2 scenario driven by input from the regional climate model. Following this, the SLURP model, which is a semi‐distributed hydrological model, was applied to produce a long‐term daily runoff ensemble series. Finally, the indicator of hydrologic alteration was applied to carry out a quantitative analysis and assessment of the impact of climate change on runoff, the river flow regime, and the aquatic ecosystem. It was found that the runoff is expected to decrease in May and July, while no significant changes occur in June. In comparison with historical evidence, the runoff is expected to increase from August to April. A remarkable increase, which is about 40%, in runoff was identified in September. The amount of the minimum discharge over various durations tended to increase when compared to the present hydrological condition. A detailed comparison for discharge and its associated characteristics was discussed. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Injectable chitosan‐based hydrogel for implantable drug delivery: Body response and induced variations of structure and composition
Authors: Sun Jiali , Jiang Guoqiang , Qiu Tingting , Wang Yujie , Zhang Kuo , Ding Fuxin
Published: September 2010

Thermosensitive hydrogel composed of chitosan and glycerophosphate (CS/GP) is proposed to be the potential candidate of in situ gel‐forming implant for long‐term drug delivery. The present study was focused on the body response and induced structural and componential variations of the hydrogel, which were considered to impact on the drug delivery significantly but were scarcely reported. The body response was investigated by histological examination. It showed that the hydrogel caused an inflammatory response immediately after being implanted into Sprague‐Dawley (SD) rats. The inflammatory response was mainly exhibited as inflammatory cell surrounding and infiltrating, tissue encapsulating, and vascularization in tissue. The effects of the inflammatory response on the structure and component of the CS/GP hydrogel were extensively explored through analyzing the hydorgel samples taken by surgery. The tissue encapsulation and osmotic pressure caused the water loss of the hydrogel and the compaction of the hydrogel network, and resulted in the porosity decreasing. The cell surrounding and infiltrating spawned big pores in the network and generated the subdivision of the network. All these structural and componential variations of the hydrogel in vivo were quite different from those in vitro and were supposed to exert significantly effects on drug release kinetics. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A, 2010.
Protective effects of 20‐hydroxyecdysone on CoCl2‐induced cell injury in PC12 cells
Authors: Hu J. , Zhao T.Z. , Chu W.H. , Luo C.X. , Tang W.H. , Yi L. , Feng H.
Published: September 2010

20‐Hydroxyecdysone, which is found in the rhizomes, roots and the stems of many plants, is an ecdysteroid hormone that regulates molting in insects. We have previously shown that 20‐Hydroxyecdysone could alleviate neurological deficits induced by subarachnoid hemorrhage in rabbits. Thus, we hypothesized that 20‐Hydroxyecdysone might protect neurons against hypoxic–ischemic injury. In present study, the effects of 20‐Hydroxyecdysone on cobalt chloride (CoCl2)‐induced cellular injury in PC12 cells was investigated. The incubation of PC12 cells with CoCl2reduced the cell viability, increased the rate of apoptosis. However, when cells were treated with 20‐Hydroxyecdysone before or after CoCl2exposure, the CoCl2‐induced cellular injuries were significantly ameliorated. In addition, 20‐Hydroxyecdysone dramatically reduced the CoCl2‐induced production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), decreased the depolarization of the mitochondrial membrane, inhibited the release of cytochromecinto the cytosol and increased the Bax/Bcl‐2 ratio. Furthermore, 20‐Hydroxyecdysone eliminated the CoCl2‐induced activation of caspase‐3. Taken together, these results indicate that 20‐Hydroxyecdysone may protect PC12 cells against CoCl2‐induced cell injury by inhibiting ROS production and modulating components of the mitochondrial apoptosis pathway. Based on our results, 20‐Hydroxyecdysone may be a potential candidate for intervention in hypoxic–ischemic brain injuries such as stroke. J. Cell. Biochem. 111: 1512–1521, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.