bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Porphyromonas gingivalis lipopolysaccharide inhibits the osteoblastic differentiation of preosteoblasts by activating Notch1 signaling
Authors: Xing Quan , Ye Qingsong , Fan Mingwen , Zhou Yi , Xu Qiang , Sandham Andrew
Published: June 2010

Although Porphyromonas gingivalis lipopolysaccharide (P‐LPS) is known to inhibit osteoblast differentiation, the exact molecular mechanisms underlying this phenomenon remain unclear. Here, we investigated the role of Notch signaling in the osteoblastic differentiation of both MC3T3E‐1 cells and primary mouse bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs). P‐LPS stimulation activated the Notch1 signaling cascade and increased expression of the Notch target genes HES1 and HEY1. P‐LPS can also act as an inhibitor because it is capable of suppressing Wnt/β‐catenin signaling in preosteoblasts by decreasing both glycogen synthase kinase‐3β (GSK‐3β) phosphorylation and the expression of nuclear β‐catenin. These effects were rescued, however, by inhibiting Notch1 signaling. Furthermore, P‐LPS treatment inhibited osteoblast differentiation in preosteoblasts as demonstrated by reductions in alkaline phosphatase activity, osteoblast gene expression, and mineralization, all of which were rescued by suppression of Notch1 signaling. Moreover, inhibition of GSK‐3β, HES1, or HEY1 partially reversed the P‐LPS‐induced inhibition of osteoblast differentiation. Together, these findings suggest that P‐LPS inhibits osteoblast differentiation by promoting the expression of Notch target genes and suppressing canonical Wnt/β‐catenin signaling. J. Cell. Physiol. 225: 106–114, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Dynamic distribution of spindlin in nucleoli, nucleoplasm and spindle from primary oocytes to mature eggs and its critical function for oocyte‐to‐embryo transition in gibel carp
Authors: Sun Min , Li Zhi , Gui Jian‐Fang
Published: June 2010

Spindlin (Spin) was thought as a maternal‐effect factor associated with meiotic spindle. Its role for the oocyte‐to‐embryo transition was suggested in mouse, but its direct evidence for the function had been not obtained in other vertebrates. In this study, we used the CagSpin‐specific antibody to investigate CagSpin expression pattern and distribution during oogenesis of gibel carp (Carassius auratus gibelio). First, the oocyte‐specific expression pattern and dynamic distribution was revealed in nucleoli, nucleoplasm, and spindle from primary oocytes to mature eggs by immunofluorescence localization. In primary oocytes and growth stage oocytes, CagSpin accumulates in nucleoli in increasing numbers along with the oocyte growth, and its disassembly occurs in vitellogenic oocytes, which implicates that CagSpin may be a major component of a large number of nucleoli in fish growth oocytes. Then, co‐localization of CagSpin and β‐tubulin was revealed in meiotic spindle of mature egg, indicating that CagSpin is one spindle‐associated factor. Moreover, microinjection of CagSpin‐specific antibody into the fertilized eggs blocked the first cleavage, and found that the CagSpin depletion resulted in spindle assembly disturbance. Thereby, our study provided the first direct evidence for the critical oocyte‐to‐embryo transition function of Spin in vertebrates, and confirmed that Spin is one important maternal‐effect factor that participates in oocyte growth, oocyte maturation, and oocyte‐to‐embryo transition. J. Exp. Zool. 313A:461–473, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Effect of climatic variables on seasonal morphological changes in the testis and epididymis in the wild rodent Microcavia australis from the andes mountains, Argentina
Authors: Velez Silvina , Sassi Paola L. , Borghi Carlos E. , Monclus María A. , Fornés Miguel W.
Published: June 2010

It has been shown that seasonal changes, especially in arid areas have a large influence on gonadal changes of the species that inhabit these areas. We studied a wild hystricomorph Microcavia australis in its natural habitat in the arid Andes Mountains. Sampling of adult males was carried out every 2 months. After autopsy, testes and epididymides were weighed and processed to obtain histological samples. Testes were analyzed with a microscope to measure seminiferous tubule area and diameter for each sampled month. Epididymides were used to determine spermatozoon storage in the cauda region. Results illustrate morphological changes in the testis and epididymis along the year. A high output of sperm cells was detected from middle winter to middle summer and a complete shutdown of spermatogenesis at the end of summer. The initiation of testicular activity coincided with month with the shortest day length, in dry season and very low temperature. On the other hand, gonadal regression started in the middle of summer with long day length, in the wet season, and high temperatures. Rainfall, temperature, and day length seem to be important for the testis cycle. We suggest that photoperiod could be a good predictor for an oncoming period suitable for breeding, and males may probably use it as a signal to regulate gonadal activity. J. Exp. Zool. 313A:474–483, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Variation in the hormonal stress response among larvae of three amphibian species
Authors: Belden Lisa K. , Wingfield John C. , Kiesecker Joseph M.
Published: June 2010

In a series of studies, we examined how larval corticosterone treatment for several species of amphibians can impact fitness parameters both during exposure and after metamorphosis. We completed confinement stress series on larvae of three species in natural/semi‐natural conditions: wood frogs (Rana sylvatica), Jefferson salamanders (Ambystoma jeffersonianum), and Eastern spadefoot toads (Scaphiopus holbrooki). Two of the species had a typical vertebrate response of increasing corticosterone with confinement. However, Eastern spadefoot toads, which have a very short developmental period before metamorphosis, did not show any increase in corticosterone in response to confinement. In a second study, we treated the three species with a low and a high concentration of corticosterone (0.001 and 0.01 µM dissolved in tank water) in the laboratory and examined effects on growth. Although we were successful in raising baseline corticosterone levels with our high corticosterone concentrations, this did not translate into changes in mean larval growth for any of the three species. The larval treatments also did not appear to translate into differences in the juvenile response to confinement stress after metamorphosis. Although juvenile wood frogs did respond to confinement with increasing corticosterone, there was no variation based on larval treatment. As with the larval responses, the juvenile Eastern spadefoot toads did not have a hormonal response to confinement. In summary, while our larval corticosterone exposures did elevate baseline corticosterone levels, we did not see effects of exposure on growth or any latent effects of larval exposure on juvenile responses to confinement. J. Exp. Zool. 313A:524–531, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Cationic and anionic lipoplexes inhibit gene transfection by electroporation in vivo
Authors: Mignet Nathalie , Vandermeulen Gaëlle , Pembouong Gaëlle , Largeau Céline , Thompson Betty , Spanedda Maria‐Vittoria , Wasungu Luc , Rols Marie‐Pierre , Bessodes Michel , Bureau Michel F. , Préat Véronique , Scherman Daniel
Published: June 2010

Background

Nonviral gene therapy still suffers from low efficiency. Methods that would lead to higher gene expression level of longer duration would be a major advance in this field. Lipidic vectors and physical methods have been investigated separately, and both induced gene expression improvement.

Methods

We sought to combine both chemical and physical methods. Cationic or anionic lipids can potentially destabilize the cell membrane and could consequently enhance gene delivery by a physical method such as electrotransfer. A plasmid model encoding luciferase was used, either free or associated with differently‐charged lipoplexes before electrotransfer.

Results

Electrotransfer alone strongly enhanced gene expression after intramuscular and intradermal injection of naked DNA. On the other hand, cationic and anionic lipoplex formulations decreased gene expression after electrotransfer, whereas poorly‐charged thiourea‐based complexes, brought no benefit. Pre‐injection of the lipids, followed by administration of naked DNA, did not modified gene expression induced by electroporation in the skin.

Conclusions

The results obtained in the present study suggest that packing of DNA plasmid in lipoplexes strongly decreases the efficiency of gene electrotransfer, independently of the lipoplex charge. Non‐aggregating complexes, such as poorly‐charged thiourea‐based complexes, should be preferred to increase DNA release. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Long‐term human growth hormone expression and partial phenotypic correction by plasmid‐based gene therapy in an animal model of isolated growth hormone deficiency
Authors: Oliveira Nélio A. J. , Cecchi Cláudia R. , Higuti Eliza , Oliveira João E. , Jensen Thomas G. , Bartolini Paolo , Peroni Cibele N.
Published: June 2010

Background

A model for in vivo gene therapy based on electroporation of human growth hormone (hGH)‐coding naked DNA in the muscle of dwarf (lit/lit) and immunodeficient dwarf (lit/scid) mice is described.

Methods

A plasmid containing the ubiquitin C promoter and the genomic hGH sequence was administered to the exposed quadriceps muscle, followed by electrotransfer using eight 50‐V pulses of 20 ms at a 0.5‐s interval. Serum hGH levels were determined after various days of DNA administration and a long‐term body weight gain experiment was carried out.

Results

Serum hGH, determined 3 days after DNA administration, revealed a significant dose‐response curve (p < 0.01) in the 0–50 µg range. Because 50 µg of plasmid DNA produced circulating hGH levels of 2–3 ng/ml for at least 12 days, a long‐term body weight gain assay was carried out. After 60 days, the weight of treated lit/scid mice increased 33.1% compared to a 4.2% weight decrease for the control group. hGH circulating levels were of the order of 1.5–3 ng/ml throughout the experiment and the average weight increase during the first 10 days was comparable to that obtained upon regular daily injection of 10 µg of recombinant hGH per mouse, producing comparable circulating levels of the hormone. A lower, but still significant increase in body weight was obtained upon repeating the experiment in immunocompetent dwarf mice (lit/lit).

Conclusions

We report for the first time sustained levels of circulating hGH after intramuscular naked DNA administration and, consequently, a highly significant weight increase of dwarf ‘little’ mice. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Tumor suppression by apoptotic and anti‐angiogenic effects of mortalin‐targeting adeno‐oncolytic virus
Authors: Yoo Ji Young , Ryu Jihoon , Gao Ran , Yaguchi Tomoko , Kaul Sunil C. , Wadhwa Renu , Yun Chae‐Ok
Published: June 2010

Background

Adeno‐oncolytic (Adon) viruses offer an effective cancer therapeutic tool with several advantages, including wide host cell permeability, high transduction efficiency, safety, tumor selectivity, non‐invasiveness, high genetic modifiability and high level of expression of the integrated transgenes. Armed Adon viruses in which the therapeutic efficacy of virus is enhanced by their coupling with cytotoxic, anti‐angiogenic or anti‐vascular gene products have gained importance because they engage additional mechanisms for tumor cell killing. In the present study, we selected mortalin, a stress chaperone that is tightly involved in human carcinogenesis, constructed a mortalin‐targeting Adon (mot‐Adon) virus and examined its therapeutic potential both in vitro and in vivo.

Methods

Mortalin‐targeting plasmid and viral vectors that harbored mortalin‐specific small interfering RNA sequences were constructed. The therapeutic value of these vectors was investigated in vitro and in vivo by cell culture and nude mice tumor models.

Results

We demonstrate that the mot‐Adon virus has selective cytotoxicity for human cancer cells in vitro. Retrovirus‐mediated overexpression of mortalin protected the cells against mot‐Adon virus, confirming that mortalin silencing was the real cause of cancer cell death. Although mortalin overexpression enhanced malignant properties of cancer cells in breast xenograft models, mot‐Adon virus elicited an enhanced anti‐tumor effect. Immunohistochemical examination of the tumors showed that the mot‐Adon virus caused enhanced apoptosis (mediated by reactivation of p53) and suppression of microvessel formation.

Conclusions

Mortalin is up‐regulated in a large variety of tumors and hence mot‐Adon virus is proposed as a candidate cancer therapeutic agent. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
AFM functional imaging on vascular endothelial cells
Authors: Chtcheglova Lilia A. , Wildling Linda , Waschke Jens , Drenckhahn Detlev , Hinterdorfer Peter
Published: June 2010

Vascular endothelial (VE)‐cadherin is predominantly responsible for the mechanical linkage between endothelial cells, where VE‐cadherin molecules are clustered and linked through their cytoplasmic domain to the actin‐based cytoskeleton. Clustering and linkage of VE‐cadherin to actin filaments is a dynamic process and changes according to the functional state of the cells. Here nano‐mapping of VE‐cadherin was performed using simultaneous topography and recognition imaging (TREC) technique onto microvascular endothelial cells from mouse myocardium (MyEnd). The recognition maps revealed prominent ‘dark’ spots (domains or clusters) with the sizes from 10 to 250 nm. These spots arose from a decrease of oscillation amplitude during specific binding between VE‐cadherin cis‐dimers. They were assigned to characteristic structures of the topography images. After treatment with nocodazole so as to depolymerize microtubules, VE‐cadherin domains with a typical ellipsoidal form were still found to be collocalized with cytoskeletal filaments supporting the hypothesis that VE‐cadherin is linked to actin filaments. Compared to other conventional techniques such as immunochemistry or single molecule optical microscopy, TREC represents an alternative method to quickly obtain the local distribution of receptors on cell surface with an unprecedented lateral resolution of several nanometers. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Evolution of urban heat island in Khartoum
Authors: Elagib Nadir Ahmed
Published: June 2010

A comparison is made between mean maximum and minimum temperatures, Tx and Tn, respectively, taken at Khartoum International Airport (urban) and Shambat Agrometeorological Station (rural) in the capital of Sudan. The objective was mainly to examine the influence of urbanization on the monthly, seasonal and annual temperature observations for the time period 1941–2005. Strong evidence exists for a decrease in the diurnal temperature range (DTR) in all seasons on the urban site due to different combinations of trends in Tn and Tx. A reverse tendency is notable on the rural site. The effect in Khartoum appears to be greatest in the hot season and least in the wet season, and is because of more warmth in Tn than in Tx. Significant increasing rates of Tn are apparent at both stations in the series of the hot and wet seasons as well as for the year, but the urban site (Khartoum) is warming at a faster rate than the rural one, except in the wet season because of excess rainfall in the urban site. Higher intra‐annual variability in temperature is pronounced for Shambat than for Khartoum, while mixed results are obtained with regard to inter‐annual variability. The night‐time temperature (Tn) experiences stronger urban effect than the daytime temperature (Tx). An urban heat island intensity (UHII) of up to 6.4 °C occurred at night in May (hot season) compared to a maximum UHII of 4.1 °C during the daytime in November (dry season). Significant trends of urban warming are conspicuous in Tn during the dry and hot seasons. On the other hand, significant trends towards urban cooling are observed in Tx in all the seasons. The results of the present study suggest that the estimated UHII in the temperature series for Khartoum must be removed before an assessment of climatic change is made. Copyright © 2010 Royal Meteorological Society
Assessment of rainfall and potential evaporation from global climate models and its implications for Australian regional drought projection
Authors: Kirono Dewi G. C. , Kent David M.
Published: June 2010

There is likely to be an increase in the area of the globe affected by drought under enhanced greenhouse gas conditions. Therefore water management and drought policy may need to be modified accordingly. Rainfall and potential evapotranspiration (PET) are the key factors defining meteorological drought, and the development of drought projections is facilitated by global climate model (GCM) simulations. This paper assesses how well a set of GCMs can reproduce observed characteristics of historical rainfall and PET on a regional basis and explores the implications for regional drought projections if the poorer performing GCMs are omitted. Fourteen of the GCMs used in the IPCC's 4th Assesment Report are considered and their results compared with 1951–2006 observed rainfall and PET over Australia. The results indicate that some GCMs can reproduce the observed spatial patterns of both the means and variability (represented as the coefficient of variation), but most GCMs fail to reproduce the linear long‐term trends. There is less clear difference between the better and poorer GCMs at a national level, but there is a clearer distinction at the regional level. The omission of the poorer GCMs leads to a clearer sign of the likely change (either increase or decrease) in future drought intensity in some regions. It also results in a decreased range of model‐to‐model uncertainty in some regions. It is hoped such uncertainty reduction can be useful to end users, particularly for those dealing with water management. Copyright © 2010 Royal Meteorological Society
Global characteristics of pluvial and dry multi‐year episodes, with emphasis on megadroughts
Authors: Hunt B. G.
Published: June 2010

A multi‐millenial simulation with a coupled atmospheric–oceanic climatic model has been used to investigate the occurrence rate and characteristics of multi‐year dry and pluvial episodes. Such episodes are defined as having the same sign rainfall anomalies for the whole of their durations. Episodes of 5‐, 8‐ and 10‐year durations are shown to occur all over the globe. The occurrence rates are approximately in agreement with probabilistic expectations, although there are spatial variations associated with El Nino Southern Oscillation (ENSO) influences. The impacts of the dry and pluvial episodes are considerable, with 10‐year duration dry episodes resulting in a loss of at least one year's rainfall over the oceans and much larger losses over arid regions. Similar but positive outcomes are associated with pluvial episodes. Accumulated rainfall anomalies over various multi‐decadal periods indicate that regions with persistent features can occur, implying longer term impacts than might have been expected from a succession of dry and pluvial episodes. Time series of these episodes for individual model gridboxes highlight a disparity between the occurrence rates of dry and pluvial episodes and the lack of synchronicity of these episodes at the various gridboxes. These time series also clearly illustrate the rapid fall‐off in the occurrence rates of the episodes as their durations are increased. Despite claims in the literature that ‘megadroughts’ are typically associated with extended ENSO events, it is shown that for a very extended La Nina event the rainfall anomalies in a number of ENSO‐sensitive regions experienced interannual variability rather than a persistent anomaly. The role of a number of large‐scale oscillations in generating rainfall anomalies is examined, but it is concluded that stochastic processes are needed to account for the extended duration of dry and pluvial episodes, in addition to any forcing associated with such oscillations. This adds a random aspect to the determination of whether any given, say, ENSO event will become a dry or pluvial episode. Copyright © 2010 Royal Meteorological Society
Representing the precipitation regime by means of Fourier series
Authors: Laguardia Giovanni
Published: June 2010

We propose the use of Fourier series for representing the precipitation regime in a certain location and predicting it in ungauged locations, allowing for map production. We analyse monthly average precipitation data of 2043 gauging stations covering the Italian territory. The Fourier series allows to represent a curve as a sum of different sinusoidal components characterized by their period, amplitude and phase. Being the different harmonics not correlated, it is possible to fit them with stepwise multiple linear regressions. The Fourier series allows for a parsimonious representation of the regime, being usually the 12‐ and 6‐month harmonics able to reproduce the observed values with little residuals [in this exercise the fitting gave an average monthly root mean square error (RMSE) of 9.21 mm and a correlation coefficient of 0.979]. Once the at‐station harmonics parameters are obtained, it is possible to map them for predicting the regime in ungauged locations. Here we use ordinary kriging and the leave‐one‐out validation scheme for evaluating the amplitudes and phases of the harmonics of the 12‐ and 6‐month periods and reconstructing the precipitation regime. We use the same scheme for the interpolation of the station data on a month‐by‐month basis, whose results are used as a benchmark. The analyses provide similar results, with overall RMSEs of 17.53 and 15.97 mm and correlation coefficients of 0.909 and 0.921, respectively. The spatial patterns of the reconstruction error are similar for the two cases. The stations having higher RMSE are clustered in the areas presenting high precipitation gradients, such as in the Appennines, or where major precipitation regime changes occur. For demonstrating that the Fourier series approach is more suitable for regionalization purposes, a k‐means cluster analysis on the Fourier parameters was performed and the effect of such stratification on the mapping of the precipitation regime by applying regression kriging was assessed. Copyright © 2010 Royal Meteorological Society
A characterisation of climate variability and trends in hydrological extremes in the Severn Uplands
Authors: Biggs Eloise M. , Atkinson Peter M.
Published: June 2010

Hydrological and climatic characteristics were investigated within the Severn Uplands to determine the interconnection between variables with a focus on understanding changes in hydrological extremes. Time series of precipitation and flows over a 30‐year period were analysed for trends in extremes. The Mann–Kendall (MK) non‐parametric test was used to detect trends at six rain gauges and five flow gauges across the catchment. Maxima, percentiles and N‐day maxima of precipitation and flow distributions were investigated to identify changes in extreme intensity, frequency and persistence, respectively. Results indicated some significant statistical trends at annual, seasonal, and monthly scales. The largest number of significant trends in extreme precipitation was identified at mountainous gauge locations where significant increases in extreme precipitation persistence were detected annually and during spring and winter. Additionally, significant increases in extreme precipitation frequency were observed annually and during autumn and winter. Trends in flow identified an increase in extreme intensity on an annual basis, as well as during winter and the month of July, and a decrease in extreme frequency at certain stations during spring. Changes in climate variables were investigated to identify causal relationships with precipitation and flow hydrological extremes. Extremes were found to coincide with certain weather types, generally characteristic of cyclonic conditions and/or orographic enhancement. These were largely correlated with strong positive and negative stages of the North Atlantic oscillation, particularly during winter. Snow cover records indicated rapid decline in the Severn Uplands and a reduction in snow indicated a link to changes in spring hydrological extremes. All changes seemed to be driven by the underlying climate variable of air temperature, which coincided with changes in observed national and global temperature records. Hydroclimatological changes indicated a possible temporal shift in the occurrence of extreme hydrological events, which was likely to have been affected by changes in catchment physical properties. Copyright © 2010 Royal Meteorological Society
Effect of frontal plane tibiofemoral angle on the stress and strain at the knee cartilage during the stance phase of gait
Authors: Yang Nicholas H. , Nayeb‐Hashemi Hamid , Canavan Paul K. , Vaziri Ashkan
Published: June 2010

Subject‐specific three‐dimensional finite element models of the knee joint were created and used to study the effect of the frontal plane tibiofemoral angle on the stress and strain distribution in the knee cartilage during the stance phase of the gait cycle. Knee models of three subjects with different tibiofemoral angle and body weight were created based on magnetic resonance imaging of the knee. Loading and boundary conditions were determined from motion analysis and force platform data, in conjunction with the muscle‐force reduction method. During the stance phase of walking, all subjects exhibited a valgus–varus–valgus knee moment pattern with the maximum compressive load and varus knee moment occurring at approximately 25% of the stance phase of the gait cycle. Our results demonstrated that the subject with varus alignment had the largest stresses at the medial compartment of the knee compared to the subjects with normal alignment and valgus alignment, suggesting that this subject might be most susceptible to developing medial compartment osteoarthritis (OA). In addition, the magnitude of stress and strain on the lateral cartilage of the subject with valgus alignment were found to be larger compared to subjects with normal alignment and varus alignment, suggesting that this subject might be most susceptible to developing lateral compartment knee OA. © 2010 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 28:1539–1547, 2010
Expression of matrix metalloproteinase regulator, RECK, and its clinical significance in osteosarcoma
Authors: Xu Jianda , Wu Sujia , Shi Xin
Published: June 2010

Reversion‐inducing cysteine‐rich protein with Kazal motifs (RECK), a novel membrane‐anchored matrix metalloproteinase inhibitor, have been shown to be associated with prognosis and suppress tumor progression through angiogenesis inhibition in many cancers. In this study, the expression of RECK in osteosarcoma was examined, and its clinical significance was firstly evaluated. RECK expression was immunohistochemically examined in osteosarcoma from 49 patients. By summing intensity and proportion scores, these patients were categorized as weak and strong. RECK expression in the primary tumor was strong in 27 patients (55.1%) and was weak in the rest of the patients. The 5‐year survival rate of patients with RECK‐strong tumor (81.5%) was significantly higher than that of patients with RECK‐weak tumor (36.4%; p = 0.003). Reduced RECK expression significantly correlated with metastasis (p = 0.010) and recurrence (p = 0.004). A multivariate analysis confirmed that reduced RECK expression was an independent and significant factor to predict a poor prognosis (p = 0.017). RECK status is a useful prognostic factor in osteosarcoma, and an independent prognostic factor contributing to the determination of more adequate therapy strategies for each patient. © 2010 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 28:1621–1625, 2010
Adjuvant external beam radiation for medullary thyroid carcinoma
Authors: Martinez Steve R. , Beal Shannon H. , Chen Allen , Chen Steven L. , Schneider Philip D.
Published: June 2010

Background

Adjuvant radiation is rarely used to treat medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC). We hypothesized that external beam radiation therapy (EBRT) would improve overall survival (OS) in MTC patients.

Methods

The Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database identified patients who underwent total thyroidectomy and lymph nodes excision for MTC between 1988 and 2004. The Kaplan–Meier method was used for univariate comparisons of OS. Multivariate Cox proportional hazards models controlled for gender, age, lymph node status, tumor size, extent of disease, and EBRT.

Results

After 12 years, EBRT did not significantly improve OS (log rank, P < 0.14). In node‐positive patients, univariate analysis demonstrated an OS benefit with EBRT (log rank, P < 0.05). In a multivariate model of node‐positive patients, only increasing age (P < 0.001) and tumor size (P < 0.001) significantly influenced OS.

Conclusions

The OS benefit attributed to EBRT in node‐positive patients by univariate analysis could not be duplicated when controlling for known prognostic factors. J. Surg. Oncol. 2010;102:175–178. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A randomized trial of a reconciliation workshop with and without PTSD psychoeducation in Burundian sample
Authors: Yeomans Peter D. , Forman Evan M. , Herbert James D. , Yuen Erica
Published: June 2010

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) psychoeducation is increasingly offered in diverse cultural settings. As the literature offers theoretical arguments for why such information might be normalizing and distress‐reducing, or might risk morbid suggestion of greater vulnerability, a two‐sided hypothesis was proposed to examine the specific effect of PTSD psychoeducation. Participants of a trauma healing and reconciliation intervention in Burundi were randomized to conditions with and without PTSD psychoeducation, or to a waitlist control. Both interventions reduced symptoms more than the waitlist. Participants in the condition without psychoeducation experienced a greater reduction in PTSD symptoms relative to other conditions. Findings are discussed in relationship to intervention development for traumatic stress in nonindustrialized and culturally diverse settings.
Association between exposure to combat‐related stress and psychological health in aging men: The Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) Study
Authors: Williams Janice E. , Johnson Anna M. , Heiss Gerardo , Rose Kathryn M.
Published: June 2010

Exposure to military combat has been associated with myriad adverse health effects. Mechanisms are not well understood, but may include negative emotional states. The authors investigated the relationship between combat and trait anger and vital exhaustion among 5,347 middle‐aged male participants in the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities Study. Combat was significantly associated with trait anger, although results were limited to men of the Korean and Vietnam War eras. Among men of the Korean War era, combat‐ and noncombat veterans, compared to their nonveteran counterparts, reported more trait anger. Compared to their noncombat and nonveteran counterparts, Vietnam War era combat veterans reported more trait anger. Noncombat veterans from the World War II and Vietnam War eras reported lower vital exhaustion compared to nonveterans. Anger proneness may be a mechanism through which combat stress is associated with adverse health outcomes.
Flexible endoscopic diverticulotomies for bilateral Zenker's Diverticula (with videos)
Authors: Tang Shou‐jiang , Myers Larry L.
Published: June 2010

Objectives/Hypothesis:

Zenker's diverticulum (ZD) is the posterior pulsion diverticulum below the esophageal introitus through or above the cricopharyngeal muscle. We report a unique case of bilateral ZD that was successfully treated with an endoscopic diverticulotomies on the bilateral cricopharyngeal bars.

Study Design:

Case report at a tertiary referral center.

Methods:

A patient with bilateral ZD who failed surgery underwent two endoscopic diverticulotomies on the bilateral cricopharyngeal bars. Outcome measures were symptomatic improvement and radiological measurements.

Results:

After up to 18 months follow‐up, the patient enjoys near complete symptomatic resolution with associated radiological improvements.

Conclusions:

Endotherapy can disrupt the circular muscle of the cricopharyngeal bar, decrease the depth of bar, increase the esophageal ZD diameter, and create an opening of the diverticulum allowing diverticular drainage into the esophagus. Laryngoscope, 2010
Anisotropic Motion of Electroactive Papers Coated with PEDOT/PSS
Authors: Zhou Jian , Fukawa Tadashi , Shirai Hirofusa , Kimura Mutsumi
Published: June 2010

We report on an anisotropic actuation of electroactive papers with a PEDOT/PSS coating in ambient air. PEDOT/PSS‐coated papers were prepared by wetting Manila papers with a concentrated PEDOT/PSS aqueous dispersion and subsequent drying. The electroactive papers displayed a contractile stress when an external voltage was applied, the magnitude and direction of the stress depending on the relative orientation of paper fibers and the loading direction of the coating. We also demonstrated that a butterfly‐like reversible bending motion of the PEDOT/PSS coated paper occurred when the voltage switching between on and off.

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Scratch Resistance Enhancement of Polymer Coatings
Authors: Sangermano Marco , Messori Massimo
Published: June 2010

This review presents the state of the art regarding the improvement of scratch resistance of polymeric coatings. In particular, our attention is focused on the effect of inorganic nanometric fillers on the scratch resistance of organic coatings. Two main strategies are described for the achievement of such nanostructured hybrid organic/inorganic coatings: either a top‐down or a bottom‐up approach.

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A Monte Carlo Simulation of Homogeneous Crystallization in Confined Spaces: Effect of Crystallization Kinetics on the Avrami Exponent
Authors: Yuryev Yury , Wood‐Adams Paula
Published: June 2010

Homogeneous nucleation in polymers and subsequent crystallization in spaces confined relative to spherulitic dimensions in one direction has been simulated for a wide range of nucleation and growth rates. An empirical equation based on simulation results relating an Avrami exponent of crystallization to growth and nucleation rates along with the characteristic dimension of crystallizing volume has been proposed. It was found that for ideal homogeneous crystallization, the Avrami exponent can be significantly lower than the anticipated values for free unconstrained growth; therefore, all crystallization conditions and parameters must be taken into account in order to make a conclusion on the character of the observed crystallization.

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Ursolic acid stimulates lipolysis in primary‐cultured rat adipocytes
Authors: Li Ying , Kang Zhen , Li Songtao , Kong Tian , Liu Xiaohong , Sun Changhao
Published: June 2010

Ursolic acid (UA) is a pentacyclic triterpenic acid with many biological functions naturally existing in many kinds of food. To investigate whether UA can accelerate lipolysis, primary‐cultured rat adipocytes were treated with UA, and glycerol release in the culture medium was measured. UA stimulated lipolysis significantly. Furthermore, the lipolytic effect of UA was inhibited by the protein kinase A (PKA) specific inhibitor H89, suggesting that UA exerted its lipolytic function through the cAMP‐dependent PKA pathway. Downstream targets of the PKA pathway, hormone‐sensitive lipase (HSL) and perilipin A were checked, UA enhanced lipolysis by promoting the translocation of HSL from the cytosol to the lipid droplets and inhibiting the expression of perilipin A. Additionally, adipose triglyceride lipase (ATGL), a novel rate‐limiting lipase in the lipolytic catabolism, was upregulated by UA. UA‐induced expression of ATGL could not be blocked by H89, suggesting that ATGL upregulation is not regulated by the PKA pathway. These findings suggest that UA significantly stimulates lipolysis by translocating HSL, decreasing perilipin A expression by the PKA pathway, and up‐regulating ATGL in primary cultured adipocytes. Thus, UA is a promising candidate for the treatment of obesity.
SPIRiT: Iterative self‐consistent parallel imaging reconstruction from arbitrary k‐space
Authors: Lustig Michael , Pauly John M.
Published: June 2010

A new approach to autocalibrating, coil‐by‐coil parallel imaging reconstruction, is presented. It is a generalized reconstruction framework based on self‐consistency. The reconstruction problem is formulated as an optimization that yields the most consistent solution with the calibration and acquisition data. The approach is general and can accurately reconstruct images from arbitrary k‐space sampling patterns. The formulation can flexibly incorporate additional image priors such as off‐resonance correction and regularization terms that appear in compressed sensing. Several iterative strategies to solve the posed reconstruction problem in both image and k‐space domain are presented. These are based on a projection over convex sets and conjugate gradient algorithms. Phantom and in vivo studies demonstrate efficient reconstructions from undersampled Cartesian and spiral trajectories. Reconstructions that include off‐resonance correction and nonlinear ℓ1‐wavelet regularization are also demonstrated. Magn Reson Med, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Flexible add‐on solution for MR image‐guided interventions in a closed‐bore scanner environment
Authors: Busse Harald , Garnov Nikita , Thörmer Gregor , Zajonz Dirk , Gründer Wilfried , Kahn Thomas , Moche Michael
Published: June 2010

MRI is of great clinical utility for the guidance of various diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. In a standard closed‐bore scanner, the simplest approach is to manipulate the instrument outside the bore and move the patient into the bore for reference and control imaging only. Without navigational assistance, however, such an approach can be difficult, inaccurate, and time consuming. Therefore, an add‐on navigation solution is described that addresses these limitations. Patient registration is established by an automatic, robust, and fast (<30 sec) localization of table‐mounted MR reference markers and the instrument is tracked optically. Good hand‐eye coordination is provided by following the virtual instrument on MR images that are reconstructed in real time from the reference data. Needle displacements of 2.2 ± 0.6 mm and 3.9 ± 2.4 mm were determined in a phantom (P < 0.05), depending on whether the reference markers were placed at smaller (98‐139 mm) or larger (147‐188 mm) distances from the isocenter. Clinical functionality of the navigation concept is demonstrated by a double oblique, subscapular hook‐wire insertion in a patient with a body mass index of 30.1 kg/m2. Ease of use, compactness, and flexibility of this technique suggest that it can be used for many other procedures in different body regions. More patient cases are needed to evaluate clinical performance and workflow. Magn Reson Med, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Understanding clinical expertise: Nurse education, experience, and the hospital context
Authors: McHugh Matthew D. , Lake Eileen T.
Published: June 2010

Clinical nursing expertise is central to quality patient care. Research on factors that contribute to expertise has focused largely on individual nurse characteristics to the exclusion of contextual factors. To address this, we examined effects of hospital contextual factors and individual nurse education and experience on clinical nursing expertise in a cross‐sectional analysis of data from 8,611 registered nurses. In a generalized ordered logistic regression analysis, the composition of the hospital staff, particularly the proportion of nurses with at least a bachelor of science in nursing degree, was associated with significantly greater odds of a nurse reporting a more advanced expertise level. Our findings suggest that, controlling for individual characteristics, the hospital context significantly influences clinical nursing expertise. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Res Nurs Health 33:276–287, 2010
Time‐resolved quantitative proteome profiling of host–pathogen interactions: The response of Staphylococcus aureus RN1HG to internalisation by human airway epithelial cells
Authors: Schmidt Frank , Scharf Sandra S. , Hildebrandt Petra , Burian Marc , Bernhardt Jörg , Dhople Vishnu , Kalinka Julia , Gutjahr Melanie , Hammer Elke , Völker Uwe
Published: June 2010

Staphylococcus aureus is a versatile Gram‐positive pathogen that gains increasing importance due to the rapid spreading of resistances. Functional genomics technologies can provide new insights into the adaptational network of this bacterium and its response to environmental challenges. While functional genomics technologies, including proteomics, have been extensively used to study these phenomena in shake flask cultures, studies of bacteria from in vivo settings lack behind. Particularly for proteomics studies, the major bottleneck is the lack of sufficient proteomic coverage for low numbers of cells. In this study, we introduce a workflow that combines a pulse‐chase stable isotope labelling by amino acids in cell culture approach with high capacity cell sorting, on‐membrane digestion, and high‐sensitivity MS to detect and quantitatively monitor several hundred S. aureus proteins from a few million internalised bacteria. This workflow has been used in a proof‐of‐principle experiment to reveal changes in levels of proteins with a function in protection against oxidative damage and adaptation of cell wall synthesis in strain RN1HG upon internalisation by S9 human bronchial epithelial cells.
Comparative profiling of highly enriched 22L and Chandler mouse scrapie prion protein preparations
Authors: Moore Roger A. , Timmes Andrew , Wilmarth Phillip A. , Priola Suzette A.
Published: June 2010

Transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSEs) or prion diseases are characterized by the accumulation of an aggregated isoform of the prion protein (PrP). This pathological isoform, termed PrPSc, appears to be the primary component of the TSE infectious agent or prion. However, it is not clear to what extent other protein cofactors may be involved in TSE pathogenesis or whether there are PrPSc‐associated proteins which help to determine TSE strain‐specific disease phenotypes. We enriched PrPSc from the brains of mice infected with either 22L or Chandler TSE strains and examined the protein content of these samples using nanospray LC‐MS/MS. These samples were compared with “mock” PrPSc preparations from uninfected brains. PrP was the major component of the infected samples and ferritin was the most abundant impurity. Mock enrichments contained no detectable PrP but did contain a significant amount of ferritin. Of the total proteins identified, 32% were found in both mock and infected samples. The similarities between PrPSc samples from 22L and Chandler TSE strains suggest that the non‐PrPSc protein components found in standard enrichment protocols are not strain specific.
A DFT study of structures of dipicolyl urea isomers and their recognition with carboxylic acids and their carboxylate anions
Authors: Tomapatanaget Boosayarat , Ruangpornvisuti Vithaya
Published: June 2010

Four isomers of dipicolyl urea were obtained and the intramolecular hydrogen‐bonded structure was found to be the most stable isomer. Energetics, thermodynamic properties, rate constants, and association constants of their isomerizations computed using the B3LYP/6‐31+G(p,d) method were obtained. Complexes of all isomers of dipicolyl urea with formic acid, acetic acid, benzoic acid, oxalic acid, and their deprotonated species were investigated. Energetics, thermodynamic properties, and rate constants of their associations were obtained. Stabilities of all complexes in terms of association constants of the most stable species were determined. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Evaluation of Digital Image Discretization Error in Droplet Shape Measurement Using Simulation
Authors: Ghaemi Sina , Rahimi Payam , Nobes David S.
Published: June 2010

Droplet shape measurement using image based techniques can be conducted using shape parameters which consist of a number of geometric features of a droplet image. The accuracy of calculating these shape parameters and their capability in revealing shape deviation is considerably affected by the discretization of the image with a camera CCD. In this paper, a simulation of digital images is conducted to investigate the error caused by image discretization. The effect of this error on calculating area, perimeter, and also a selected number of shape parameters are investigated. Digital images of circular and elliptical discs at different image/pixel size ratio and locations relative to the pixel grid have been generated to simulate the projected view. Results show that the shape parameters demonstrate different levels of sensitivity to the desirable factor of shape deviation and the undesirable factor of image discretization. A “clearance factor” has been suggested and used to rank the shape parameters based on their compensation between sensitivity to shape deviation and image discretization.
Correlation of Structure and Sensitivity in Inorganic Azides I Effect of Non‐Bonded Nitrogen Nitrogen Distances
Authors: Cartwright Michael , Wilkinson Joshua
Published: June 2010

Sensitivity of explosives is a subject of keen interest to all those involved in the handling of these materials. Current ability to predict sensitivity is based on a series of empirical rules for different classes of explosive compounds and simple oxygen balance and the ratios of C and H to oxygen are typical empirical parameters. Whilst these may be valid for organic classes, many inorganic materials do not conform to any of these patterns. Inorganic azides do not have any C, H or O atoms so oxygen balance is irrelevant. Inorganic azides display a range of sensitivity from lithium azide, which is non‐energetic and insensitive, to copper(I) azide which is highly sensitive. A number of other parameters such as enthalpy of formation again do not provide a simple correlation with sensitivity.
Igniter Function: Experimental and Theoretical Studies
Authors: Micković Dejan , Jaramaz Slobodan
Published: June 2010

Igniters are elements of the ignition system of granular propellant charges, which have to give prescribed energetic impulse to charges. This paper includes theoretical and experimental investigations of ignition of propellant charge by igniter. The theoretical studies comprise modelling of two‐phase flow of black powder grains and their combustion products in the igniter. The interaction of igniter efflux generated by two‐phase flow of black powder in the igniter with the two‐phase flow in propellant chamber with granular propellant charge is considered. The experimental investigations of igniter function in open air and in live propellant charge placed in fibreglass propellant chambers are performed. Influence of igniter characteristics on the ignition of propellant charge is established. Verification of the developed theoretical model by the comparison with experimental data is carried out. The presented theoretical–experimental access enables the choice of optimum igniter for ignition of propellant charge.
Coloring Properties of Various High‐Nitrogen Compounds in Pyrotechnic Compositions
Authors: Klapötke Thomas M. , Radies Hendrik , Stierstorfer Jörg , Tarantik Karina R. , Chen Gary , Nagori Amita
Published: June 2010

Strontium salts are widely used in red flame pyrotechnic compositions, usually combined with perchlorate salts as oxidizer. The potential environmental impact of perchlorate could be avoided by using high‐nitrogen compounds. Therefore, the following nitrogen‐rich strontium salts were prepared and characterized: strontium tetrazolate pentahydrate (1), strontium 1‐methyl‐5‐nitriminotetrazolate monohydrate (2), and strontium 1‐(2‐chloroethyl)‐5‐nitriminotetrazolate monohydrate (3). Their combustion behavior and both color intensity and purity were investigated in pyrotechnics. These results were compared with the US Army in‐service signal formulation.