bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Formation of an endoplasmic reticulum ring associated with acetylated microtubules in the angiosperm preprophase band
Authors: Giannoutsou Eleni , Galatis Basil , Zachariadis Michael , Apostolakos Panagiotis
Published: February 2012

We investigated the organization of the cortical endoplasmic reticulum (ER) in prophase cells of the angiosperms Zea mays, Triticum turgidum, and Vigna sinensis. In both symmetrically and asymmetrically dividing protodermal leaf cells, cortical ER was enriched in the preprophase band and colocalized there with microtubules, forming a ring‐like structure (ER ring). In contrast, ER ring was absent from prophase root‐tip cells of the same plants, suggesting that ER ring formation in the preprophase band is organ specific. Immunolabeling of the protodermal leaf cells revealed the presence of acetylated microtubules, which are more stable than the nonacetylated ones. In contrast, neither this post‐translational modification of tubulin nor an accumulation of ER in the preprophase band was detected in root‐tip cells. Experimentally delaying the maturation/disassembly of the microtubule ring of the preprophase band by taxol or cyclopiazonic acid treatment led to the appearance of ER ring and acetylated microtubules in the preprophase band. Together, our data show that in dividing cells of angiosperms, an ER ring associated with acetylated microtubules forms in the preprophase band. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc
Psychometric validation of the female sexual function index (FSFI) in cancer survivors
Authors: Baser Raymond E. , Li Yuelin , Carter Jeanne
Published: February 2012

BACKGROUND:

The Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) is the most commonly used self‐report instrument to measure sexual functioning among women cancer survivors. Despite this, the validity and reliability of the FSFI for use in cancer populations has not been established.

METHODS:

Data were combined from 3 separate institutional review board‐approved studies of the psychosexual adjustment of women cancer survivors conducted at Memorial Sloan‐Kettering Cancer Center. Psychometric analysis was applied to the FSFI responses from 181 women comprising 4 cohorts, including survivors of: gynecologic cancer (all types; 2 cohorts), malignancies requiring bone‐marrow/stem cell transplantation, and early stage cervical cancer.

RESULTS:

A factor analysis supported the subscale structure of the FSFI, yielding results nearly identical to those from the original FSFI validation study. Internal consistency reliability was 0.94 for the FSFI total score and ranged from 0.85 to 0.94 for the domain scores. Corrected item‐total correlations ranged from 0.44 to 0.79 for the total score and from 0.62 to 0.88 for the domain scores. FSFI scores were correlated negatively with measures of depression, distress, and menopausal symptoms and were correlated positively with quality of life. FSFI scores exhibited a preliminary ability to discriminate between women based on whether or not they received chemotherapy and/or radiation.

CONCLUSIONS:

The FSFI demonstrated strong psychometric properties in this study, supporting its continued use for monitoring sexual function and cancer‐related dysfunction among sexually active women who are cancer survivors. Cancer 2012. © 2012 American Cancer Society.
Multimodal treatment, including interferon beta, of nasopharyngeal carcinoma in children and young adults
Authors: Buehrlen Martina , Zwaan Christian Michel , Granzen Bernd , Lassay Lisa , Deutz Peter , Vorwerk Peter , Staatz Gundula , Gademann Günther , Christiansen Hans , Oldenburger Foppe , Tamm Miriam , Mertens Rolf
Published: February 2012

BACKGROUND:

The authors report preliminary results from a prospective multicenter study (Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma [NPC] 2003 German Society of Pediatric Oncology and Hematology/German Children's Oncology Group [NPC‐2003‐GPOH/DCOG]).

METHODS:

From 2003 to 2010, 45 patients (ages 8‐20 years), including 1 patient with stage II NPC and 44 patients with stage III/IV NPC, were recruited to the study. The patient with stage II disease received radiotherapy (59.4 grays [Gy]). The patients with stage III/IV disease received 3 courses of neoadjuvant chemotherapy with cisplatin, 5‐fluorouracil, and folinic acid. The cumulative irradiation dose was 54 Gy in 5 patients, who achieved complete remission after neoadjuvant chemotherapy, and 59.4 Gy in the remaining 40 patients. All patients received concomitant cisplatin during the first week and last week of irradiation. After irradiation, all patients received interferon beta for 6 months. Tumor response was evaluated by magnetic resonance imaging studies and positron emission tomography scans.

RESULTS:

After the completion of treatment, 43 of 45 patients were in complete remission. In 2 patients, only a partial response was achieved, followed by distant metastases (1 patient) or local progression and distant metastases (1 patient), 6 months and 10 months after diagnosis, respectively. Another patient developed a solitary pelvic bone metastasis 21 months after diagnosis. After a median follow‐up of 30 months (range, 6‐95 months), the event‐free survival rate was 92.4%, and the overall survival was 97.1%. Acute toxicity consisted mainly of leucopenia, mucositis, and nausea; and late toxicity consisted of hearing loss and hypothyroidism.

CONCLUSIONS:

Combined therapy with neoadjuvant chemotherapy, radiochemotherapy, and interferon beta was well tolerated and resulted in a very good outcome that was superior to the outcomes of published results from all other pediatric NPC study groups. Cancer 2012. © 2012 American Cancer Society.
O6‐methylguanine‐DNA methyltransferase (MGMT) promoter methylation and low MGMT‐encoded protein expression as prognostic markers in glioblastoma patients treated with biodegradable carmustine wafer implants after initial surgery followed by radiotherapy with concomitant and adjuvant temozolomide
Authors: Lechapt‐Zalcman Emmanuèle , Levallet Guénaëlle , Dugué Audrey Emmanuelle , Vital Anne , Diebold Marie‐Danièle , Menei Philippe , Colin Philippe , Peruzzy Philippe , Emery Evelyne , Bernaudin Myriam , Chapon Françoise , Guillamo Jean‐Sébastien
Published: February 2012

BACKGROUND:

O6‐methylguanine‐DNA methyltransferase (MGMT) promoter methylation status was proposed as a prognostic biomarker for patients with glioblastoma. However, the prognostic impact of MGMT in patients with newly diagnosed glioblastoma who receive carmustine‐releasing wafers (Gliadel) along with temozolomide (TMZ) is still unknown.

METHODS:

MGMT promoter methylation status and protein expression were analyzed in formalin‐fixed, paraffin‐embedded tumor specimens obtained from 111 French patients with newly diagnosed glioblastoma. Patients received the Gliadel wafers followed by radiotherapy plus concomitant and adjuvant TMZ chemotherapy while they were enrolled in a French multicenter prospective study.

RESULTS:

For the whole cohort, the median overall survival (OS) was 17.5 months, and the progression‐free survival was 10.3 months. Patients with tumors that harbored MGMT methylation had a significantly longer OS compared with patients who had wild‐type MGMT (21.7 months vs 15.1 months; P = .025). Similarly, patients who had low MGMT protein expression (≤15%) had a significantly improved OS compared with patients who had high MGMT expression (27.0 months vs 15.1 months; P = .021). The extent of resection was the strongest clinical predictor of outcome. In multivariate Cox models that were adjusted for sex, performance status, and extent of surgery, both MGMT methylation and protein expression were identified as independent prognosticators, and the finding was validated internally using a bootstrap resampling technique. Discrepancies were identified between protein expression and MGMT methylation status, thus suggesting that the 2 assays probably assess different biologic features.

CONCLUSIONS:

MGMT promoter methylation status and low MGMT expression both were identified as positive prognosticators in patients with newly diagnosed glioblastoma who underwent surgical resection and received Gliadel wafer implants followed by adjuvant radiotherapy and concomitant oral TMZ chemotherapy (the Stupp protocol). Cancer 2012. © 2012 American Cancer Society.
Primary pulmonary lymphoepithelioma‐like carcinoma
Authors: Liang Ying , Wang Liang , Zhu Yujia , Lin Yongbin , Liu Hui , Rao Huilan , Xu Guangchuan , Rong Tiehua
Published: February 2012

BACKGROUND:

Pulmonary lymphoepithelioma‐like carcinoma (LELC) is a rare kind of cancer.

METHODS:

In this study, the authors evaluated 52 patients with pulmonary LELC who had long‐term follow‐up. Clinical characteristics, tumor markers, epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutation status, treatments, and outcomes were analyzed.

RESULTS:

Pulmonary LELC mostly affected young, nonsmoking patients. Most patients were in early or locally advanced stages and received multimodality treatment. Serum levels of neuron‐specific enolase and cytokeratin 19 fragment 21‐1 were elevated in 11 of 20 patients and 10 of 16 patients, respectively. Mutational analysis of EGFR was done in 11 patients, and all were wild type. The median overall survival (OS) for all the patients was not reached, and the 2‐year and 5‐year OS rate was 88% and 62%, respectively. The patients with early tumor stage, normal serum lactate dehydrogenase level, normal serum albumin level, without lymph node metastasis, and those who underwent complete resection had significantly better OS (P < .05); and the serum albumin level was an independent prognostic factor in a Cox regression model (P = .005). For all patients who underwent complete resection, whether or not they received adjuvant chemotherapy did not affect OS (P > .05); whereas, for patients with stage IIIA disease who underwent complete resection, adjuvant chemotherapy was correlated with a significantly better prognosis (P < .05).

CONCLUSIONS:

Pulmonary LELC obviously is a distinct entity of lung cancer that has a better prognosis, because patients with LELC can receive multimodality treatment, and LELC has biologic behavior similar to that of nasopharyngeal carcinoma. The current results indicated that future collaborative efforts are needed to determine the optimal treatment methods for this uncommon malignancy. Cancer 2012. © 2012 American Cancer Society.
Coke Formation and Carbon Atom Economy of Methanol‐to‐Olefins Reaction
Authors: Wei Yingxu , Yuan Cuiyu , Li Jinzhe , Xu Shutao , Zhou You , Chen Jingrun , Wang Quanyi , Xu Lei , Qi Yue , Zhang Qing , Liu Zhongmin
Published: February 2012

The methanol‐to‐olefins (MTO) process is becoming the most important non‐petrochemical route for the production of light olefins from coal or natural gas. Maximizing the generation of the target products, ethene and propene, and minimizing the production of byproducts and coke, are major considerations in the efficient utilization of the carbon resource of methanol. In the present work, the heterogeneous catalytic conversion of methanol was evaluated by performing simultaneous measurements of the volatile products generated in the gas phase and the confined coke deposition in the catalyst phase. Real‐time and complete reaction profiles were plotted to allow the comparison of carbon atom economy of methanol conversion over the catalyst SAPO‐34 at varied reaction temperatures. The difference in carbon atom economy was closely related with the coke formation in the SAPO‐34 catalyst. The confined coke compounds were determined. A new type of confined organics was found, and these accounted for the quick deactivation and low carbon atom economy under low‐reaction‐temperature conditions. Based on the carbon atom economy evaluation and coke species determination, optimized operating conditions for the MTO process are suggested; these conditions guarantee high conversion efficiency of methanol.
The First Molecular Level Monitoring of Carbohydrate Conversion to 5‐Hydroxymethylfurfural in Ionic Liquids. B2O3—An Efficient Dual‐Function Metal‐Free Promoter for Environmentally Benign Applications
Authors: Khokhlova Elena A. , Kachala Vadim V. , Ananikov Valentine P.
Published: February 2012

The mechanistic nature of the conversion of carbohydrates to the sustainable platform chemical 5‐hydroxymethylfurfural (5‐HMF) was revealed at the molecular level. A detailed study of the key sugar units involved in the biomass conversion process has shown that the simple dissolution of fructose in the ionic liquid 1‐butyl‐3‐methylimidazolium chloride significantly changes the anomeric composition and favors the formation of the open fructoketose form. A special NMR approach was developed for the determination of molecular structures and monitoring of chemical reactions directly in ionic liquids. The transformation of glucose to 5‐HMF has been followed in situ through the detection of intermediate species. A new environmentally benign, easily available, metal‐free promoter with a dual functionality (B2O3) was developed for carbohydrate conversion to 5‐HMF.
Soluble Polymer‐Supported Flow Synthesis: A Green Process for the Preparation of Heterocycles
Authors: Prosa Nicolò , Turgis Raphaël , Piccardi Riccardo , Scherrmann Marie‐Christine
Published: February 2012

PEG‐supported aqueous flow synthesis coupled with ultrafiltration as the separation technique has been investigated for the first time. This strategy was applied to the preparation of new 3,4‐dihydropyrimidin‐2(1H)‐ones, tetrazoles and tetrahydro‐1,3‐oxazines from the same PEG‐linked aldehyde as case studies. Dihydropyrimidinones were prepared by a copper(II)‐catalysed Biginelli reaction whereas a new tetrazole‐containing compound was obtained by Baylis–Hillman reaction followed by reduction and 1,3‐dipolar cycloaddition. Finally, various new tetrahydro‐1,3‐oxazines were prepared by a four‐step synthesis, that is, Baylis–Hillman reaction, Michael addition of amines, cyclization with formaldehyde and hydrolysis of the linkage to PEG. The use of water during the synthesis and most of the purification steps, as well as the benefits of the flow process in terms of improved safety and heat transfer agree with the principles of green chemistry.
Simple Access to Sol–Gel Precursors Bearing Fluorescent Aromatic Core Units
Authors: Hemgesberg Maximilian , Ohlmann Dominik M. , Schmitt Yvonne , Wolfe Monique R. , Müller Melanie K. , Erb Benjamin , Sun Yu , Gooßen Lukas J. , Gerhards Markus , Thiel Werner R.
Published: February 2012

Di‐, tri‐, and tetrathienyl‐substituted polycyclic aromatic fluorophores were prepared from different aryldi‐, aryltri‐, or aryltetrahalides by a simple and fast Suzuki coupling. The reaction was optimized for the synthesis of the desired materials on multigram scale. The coupled products were converted into the corresponding iodides through iodination with N‐iodosuccinimide. The iodides turned out to be versatile starting materials for applications, such as periodic mesoporous organosilica syntheses. They were converted into a variety of new trimethoxysilyl arenes by using a very efficient Pd‐mediated C–Si cross‐coupling, which was also extended to the corresponding thienyl bromides by using a dimeric PdI catalyst. All compounds were characterized by 1H NMR, 13C NMR, 29Si NMR, and ATR‐IR spectroscopy and HRMS.
Spatial prediction of soil organic carbon from data on large and variable spatial supports. II. Mapping temporal change
Authors: Orton T.G. , Saby N.P.A. , Arrouays D. , Walter C. , Lemercier B. , Schvartz C. , Lark R.M.
Published: February 2012

We calculate statistical predictions of changes in soil organic carbon (SOC), and attendant uncertainty from areal data across a region of France. The data consist of measurements of SOC from farms across the region collected in two time periods: 1995–1999, and 2000–2004. To protect the anonymity of farms that contributed, the data were summarised by commune; we were only able to use the average value, sample variance and number of observations from each commune. We consider how we can use data of this form to map temporal changes in SOC. We account for the dependence between data from the two surveys through a linear model of coregionalization. Cross‐validation shows that by using the linear model of coregionalization to model inter‐survey dependence, we obtain better estimates of SOC changes and better uncertainty assessments. We compare maps produced using the approaches showing the estimated SOC changes and probabilities of SOC decrease between the times of the two surveys. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The organization of intrinsic brain activity differs between genders: A resting‐state fMRI study in a large cohort of young healthy subjects
Authors: Filippi Massimo , Valsasina Paola , Misci Paolo , Falini Andrea , Comi Giancarlo , Rocca Maria A.
Published: February 2012

Objectives: To investigate, using resting state (RS) functional MRI (fMRI), gender‐related differences of functional connectivity (FC) and functional network connectivity (FNC) of the human brain. Experimental design: One‐hundred and four young healthy subjects (48/56 men/women), aged between 20 and 29 years, underwent a 10‐min RS fMRI acquisition. Independent component analysis (ICA) and statistical parametric mapping were used to assess gender‐related differences in RSNs, with and without correction for regional gray matter (GM) volume. The relationships among all RSNs was also assessed using a FNC method. Principal observations: For all networks, significant between‐group differences of RS activity were found. Between‐group comparisons of RSNs changed when adjusting for GM volume, as follows: (1) there was only marginal effect on the analysis of sensory (i.e., sensorimotor, visual, and auditory) networks; and (2) there was a significantly increased difference when cognitive networks (apart from one related to attention) were considered. Compared with women, men experienced increased FC in parietal and occipital regions in most RSNs, whereas women experienced a higher RS FC in frontal and temporal regions, and in the cerebellum. When compared to women, increased FNC was found in men between several cognitive and sensory networks, whereas women showed an increased FNC only between attention and right working‐memory networks. Conclusions: The organization of intrinsic FC and FNC differ between genders. The detected differences could contribute to the understanding of the known between‐gender variation in task‐related recruitments, and the patterns of abnormalities detected in neurologic and psychiatric diseases with a gender prevalence. Hum Brain Mapp, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
1‐hydroxy‐1,1‐bis(H‐phosphinates): Synthesis, stability, and sorption properties
Authors: David Tomáš , Křečková Pavlína , Kotek Jan , Kubíček Vojtěch , Lukeš Ivan
Published: February 2012

A synthesis of 1‐hydroxy‐1,1‐bis(H‐phosphinates) from acylchlorides is described. Solid‐state structures of two bis(phosphinates) determined by X‐ray diffraction showed variations in the PC distances. The compounds show negligible sorption on hydroxyapatite and an intermediate chemical stability in aqueous solution. The hydrolysis occurs in acidic as well as alkaline media. Hydrolysis rates of four derivatives show the lowest stability for aromatic derivatives as a result of the electron‐withdrawing effect. Main products of hydrolysis are 1‐hydroxy‐(H‐phosphinates) and phosphorous acid. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Heteroatom Chem 23:195–201, 2012; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/hc.21003
BOOK REVIEW
Authors: Bence Marlene M.
Published: February 2012

Book reviewed in this article:

The Family Therapy of Drug Abuse and Addiction M. Duncan Stanton, Thomas C. Todd, and Associates New York: Guilford Press, 1982.
Career Opportunities with the Boy Scouts
Authors: SHAFFER ROBERT H.
Published: February 2012

In 1941, 200 more men will be needed in addition to the 1,400 now engaged professionally in Scouting. The work offers an interesting career to a limited number of young men of high caliber. In this article the nature of the work is described, its entrance requirements, and compensations.
Expanding Air Lines Create New Jobs
Authors: WHEATLEY W. A.
Published: February 2012

Here is information about an occupation in which modern youth is keenly interested. The author, long associated with vocational guidance, gives the immediate prospects for jobs in the industry and also looks to the future. Counselor‐readers will appreciate especially the aeronautical bibliography which is appended.
Closing the Gap Between School and College
Authors: ODOM CHARLES L.
Published: February 2012

For the most effective adjustment to college and to life the student should have the advantages of a unified and continuous system of personnel services. To provide such a system the high school and the college must cooperate and the state‐wide guidance programs must be extended. Teachers and counselors in both high schools and colleges will be interested in the suggestions presented here for bridging the gap between high school and college.
New Terms for Occupational Roles
Authors: KAVANAUGH NELSON
Published: February 2012

Drop such labels as white collar worker, skilled and unskilled labor, suggests this author. If more accurate and socially meaningful terms were substituted, he contends that all labor would acquire greater dignity and youth might be more easily persuaded to choose vocations within the range of their capacities.
Using Interests as the Basis of Vocational Choice
Authors: Di MICHAEL SALVATORE G.
Published: February 2012

Following the discussion of interest inventories in the November issue, this author presents still another aspect of the question. He warns against over‐stressing their use in vocational guidance, suggests that the inventories have a place in the total picture of the individual's personality, and pleads for wider use of measures of actual rather than potential abilities.
Long‐Term Follow‐up of School‐Leavers
Authors: WARSTLER A. R.
Published: February 2012

In the December issue the editorial comment was devoted to meditations on follow‐up. In this article a survey is reported which was made of school‐leavers in an Indiana community. It will be of special interest to counselors and school administrators contemplating similar studies.
Tricin inhibits proliferation of human hepatic stellate cells in vitro by blocking tyrosine phosphorylation of PDGF receptor and its signaling pathways
Authors: Seki Naoko , Toh Uhi , Kawaguchi Koji , Ninomiya Masayuki , Koketsu Mamoru , Watanabe Kunitomo , Aoki Masatora , Fujii Teruhiko , Nakamura Anna , Akagi Yoshito , Kusukawa Jingo , Kage Masayoshi , Shirouzu Kazuo , Yamana Hideaki
Published: February 2012

4′,5,7‐Trihydroxy‐3′,5′‐dimethoxyflavone (Tricin), a naturally occurring flavone, has anti‐inflammatory potential and exhibits diverse biological activities including antigrowth activity in several human cancer cell lines and cancer chemopreventive effects in the gastrointestinal tract of mice. The present study aimed to investigate the biological actions of tricin on hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) in vitro, exploring its potential as a treatment of liver fibrosis, since HSC proliferation is closely related to the progression of hepatic fibrogenesis in chronic liver diseases leading to irreversible liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Tricin inhibited platelet‐derived growth factor (PDGF)‐BB‐induced cell proliferation by blocking cell cycle progression and cell migration in the human HSC line LI90 and culture‐activated HSCs. It also reduced the phosphorylation of PDGF receptor β and the downstream signaling molecules ERK1/2 and Akt, which might be due to its tyrosine kinase inhibitor properties rather than inhibition of the direct binding between PDGF‐BB and its receptor. Our findings suggest that tricin might be beneficial in HSC‐targeting therapeutic or chemopreventive applications for hepatic fibrosis. J. Cell. Biochem. 113: 2346–2355, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Successful risk assessment may not always lead to successful risk control: A systematic literature review of risk control after root cause analysis
Authors: Card Alan J. , Ward James , Clarkson P. John
Published: February 2012

Root cause analysis is perhaps the most widely used tool in healthcare risk management, but does it actually lead to successful risk control? Are there categories of risk control that are more likely to be effective? And do healthcare risk managers have the tools they need to support the risk control process? This systematic review examines how the healthcare sector translates risk analysis to risk control action plans and examines how to do better. It suggests that the hierarchy of risk controls should inform risk control action planning and that new tools should be developed to improve the risk control process.
Nurse staffing and skill mix patterns: Are there differences in outcomes?
Authors: Esparza Salvador J. , Zoller James S. , White Andrea Weatherby , Highfield Martha E. F.
Published: February 2012

The purpose of this study was to examine the impact on patient outcomes of nurse staffing and registered nurse (RN) skill mix patterns used by medical‐surgical units in California hospitals after enactment of nurse‐to‐patient staffing ratio laws, and determine if there are differences in patient outcomes for conditions that are considered sensitive to nursing care. Results from this study demonstrated an association between total nursing hours per patient day (NHPPD) and two outcomes: urinary tract infections (UTI) and length of stay (LOS). A stronger association was observed between the RN proportions of the total nursing hours of care and the same outcomes. The higher the total NHPPD and RN proportion, the lower the LOS and the lower the odds of hospitalized patients' developing UTI.
Diffusion‐weighted MRI as an adjunct to mammography in women under 50 years of age: An initial study
Authors: Kazama Toshiki , Kuroki Yoshifumi , Kikuchi Mari , Sato Yasunori , Nagashima Takeshi , Miyazawa Yukimasa , Sakakibara Masahiro , Kaneoya Katsuhiko , Makimoto Yumi , Hashimoto Hideyuki , Motoori Ken , Takano Hideyuki
Published: February 2012

Purpose:

To evaluate diffusion‐weighted magnetic resonance (DW) imaging as an adjunct to mammography for the detection of small invasive breast cancer.

Materials and Methods:

Institutional review board standards were followed for this retrospective study. We performed both breast DW imaging and mammography on 25 women under 50 years of age with pathologically proven T1 breast cancer and on 21 healthy women under 50 years of age. Four offsite radiologists blind to the clinical information independently interpreted the mammograms and DW images and then classified their confidence level regarding the presence of breast cancer. The composite area under receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC), of mammography alone, DW imaging alone, and the combination of DW imaging and mammography (DWI/Cal) were calculated.

Results:

The AUC of composite ROC curves of mammography, DW imaging, DWI/Cal combination, was 0.79 (95% CI, 0.72–0.87), 0.86 (95% CI, 0.84–0.87), and 0.96 (95% CI, 0.92–1.00), respectively.

Conclusion:

DW imaging may be a useful adjunct to mammography in the detection of small invasive breast cancer in women under 50 years of age. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2012;36:139–144. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Brain‐derived neurotrophic factor modulates N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate receptor activation in a rat model of cancer‐induced bone pain
Authors: Wang Li‐Na , Yang Jian‐Ping , Ji Fu‐hai , Zhan Ying , Jin Xiao‐hong , Xu Qi‐Nian , Wang Xiu‐Yun , Zuo Jian‐Ling
Published: February 2012

Brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) released within the spinal cord induces phosphorylation of N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate (NMDA) receptors on the spinal cord neurons. This process is necessary for maintaining pain hypersensitivity after nerve injury. However, little is known about the role of BDNF and NMDA receptors in cancer‐induced bone pain (CIBP), whose features are unique. This study demonstrates a critical role of the BDNF‐modulated NMDA subunit 1 (NR1) in the induction and maintenance of behavioral hypersensitivity in a rat model of CIBP, both in the spinal cord and in the dorsal root ganglia (DRG). We selectively suppressed BDNF expression by RNA interference (RNAi) using intrathecal administration of BDNF small interfering RNA (siRNA). Then, we assessed mechanical threshold and spontaneous pain in CIBP rats. Real‐time PCR, Western blotting, and fluorescent immunohistochemical staining were used to detect BDNF or NR1 both in vivo and in vitro. BDNF and phospho‐NR1 were expressed under CIBP experimental conditions, with expression levels peaking at day 6 (BDNF) or 9 (NR1). Intrathecal BDNF siRNA prevented CIBP at an early stage of tumor growth (days 4–6). However, at later stages (days 10–12), intrathecal BDNF siRNA only attenuated, but did not completely block, the established CIBP. BDNF‐induced NMDA receptor activation in the spinal cord or DRG leads to central sensitization and behavioral hypersensitivity. Thus, BDNF might provide a targeting opportunity for alleviating CIBP. © 2012 Wiley Priodicals, Inc.
Historical landscape photographs for calibration of Landsat land use/cover in the northern Ethiopian highlands
Authors: de Mûelenaere S. , Frankl A. , Haile M. , Poesen J. , Deckers J. , Munro N. , Veraverbeke S. , Nyssen J.
Published: February 2012

The combined effects of erosive rains, steep slopes and human land use have caused severe land degradation in the Ethiopian Highlands for several thousand years, but since the 1970s, however, land rehabilitation programmes have been established to try to reverse deterioration. In order to characterize and quantify the transformations in the north Ethiopian Highlands, a study was carried out over 8884 km2 of the Tigray Highlands of northern Ethiopia. Using Landsat Multispectral Scanner and later Thematic Mapper imagery (1972, 1984/1986 and 2000), historical terrestrial photographs (1974–1975) and fieldwork (2008), we prepared land use and cover maps. For assessing the use of the historical terrestrial photographs, Landsat images from 1972 were classified using two different methods, namely conventional change detection (image differencing) and ground truthing (using the historical photographs of 1974–1975). Results show that the use of terrestrial photographs is promising, as the classification accuracy based on this method (Kappa coefficient 0·54) is better than the classification accuracy of the method based on image differencing (Kappa coefficient 0·46). Major land use and cover changes indicate the following: (1) a gradual but significant decline in bare ground (32 per cent in 1972 to 8 per cent in 2000); (2) a significant increase of bushland (25 to 43 per cent) and total forest area (including eucalypt plantations, 2·6 to 6·3 per cent); and (3) creation of numerous lakes and ponds. The dominant change trajectory (27 per cent of the study area) indicates a gradual or recent vegetation increase. These changes can be linked to the population growth and the introduction of land rehabilitation initiatives, complemented by growing awareness of land holders. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Quality assessment of spontaneous triggered adverse event reports received by the Food and Drug Administration
Authors: Brajovic Sonja , Piazza‐Hepp Toni , Swartz Lynette , Dal Pan Gerald
Published: February 2012

Purpose

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) conducted a quality assessment of the Adverse Drug Events Spontaneous Triggered Event Reporting (ASTER) pilot study, which represented the FDA's first experience with the receipt of electronic health record (EHR)–triggered adverse event reports. The EHR‐triggered adverse event reports from ASTER were evaluated for their utility in conducting FDA's pharmacovigilance work. FDA is sharing these findings to assist others who are pursuing the use of patient EHR data for electronic adverse event identification and reporting.

Methods

ASTER pilot study reports were identified from the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System database, then reviewed and assessed.

Results

Demographic and other objective data that can be easily derived from EHRs were both present in the submitted reports and relevant to the reported adverse drug event (ADE), but other data, such as an informative description of the ADE, dates that support a temporal relationship between the product and the event, and relevant laboratory data, were often either conflicting or lacking. Most of the ADEs captured in the ASTER pilot and reported to FDA are known events (i.e. included in product labeling) for the suspect drugs.

Conclusion

Triggered adverse event reporting from patient EHRs is a potentially valuable source of postmarketing safety information, especially for known adverse events. Attention to quality is needed to ensure that the data generated from EHR‐triggered ADE reporting systems are relevant to the reported adverse events so that the FDA and others engaged in pharmacovigilance can fully utilize these reports. Published 2012. This article is a US Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.
Convergent, Discriminant, and Incremental Validity of the Pictorial Attitude Implicit Association Test and the Picture Story Exercise as Measures of the Implicit Power Motive
Authors: Slabbinck Hendrik , De Houwer Jan , Van Kenhove Patrick
Published: February 2012

The Pictorial Attitude Implicit Association Test (PA–IAT) has recently been proposed as new measure of implicit motives. We report a study that provides the first evidence for the convergent validity of the PA–IAT by showing that the PA–IAT correlates significantly with a standard measure of implicit motives [i.e. the Picture Story Exercise (PSE)]. Discriminant validity of the PA–IAT was verified in the sense that the PA–IAT shared virtually no common variance with explicit motive measures. Our analyses revealed that the PA–IAT and PSE can best be conceived as related but distinct measures. We further showed that the PA–IAT had incremental validity in predicting performance on a memory recall task over and above the PSE. In general, our results confirm that the PA–IAT is a valid measure of implicit motives and can serve as valid alternative to the PSE. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Phosphine‐induced walking response of the lesser grain borer (Rhyzopertha dominica)
Authors: Pimentel Marco Aurélio G , Faroni Leda Rita A , Corrêa Alberto S , Guedes Raul Narciso C
Published: February 2012

BACKGROUND: In spite of the intensive worldwide use of phosphine against stored‐product insects, its potential sublethal effects on targeted insect species is seldom recognised and may compromise the efficacy of this fumigant, particularly against phosphine‐resistant insects. Therefore, the behavioural response of three populations of the lesser grain borer Rhyzopertha dominica (Coleoptera: Bostrichidae) to sublethal phosphine exposure was assessed.

RESULTS: Concentration‐mortality bioassays with phosphine confirmed the resistance status of the insect populations studied, with levels of phosphine resistance of 40.8‐fold and 85.7‐fold compared with the susceptible population. Regarding walking behaviour, determined using a digital video‐tracking system, the phosphine‐resistant populations were less active than the susceptible population. In addition, sublethal phosphine exposure decreased the walking activity of all three populations.

CONCLUSION: Phosphine exposure decreased walking ativity. Such reduced walking activity is likely to lower the respiration rate, thereby minimising phosphine uptake. As higher phosphine resistance was also associated with reduced walking activity, phosphine‐resistant populations may resist phosphine fumigation even more efficiently on account of this behavioural trait, further aiding their physiological resistance, and should be a matter of concern. Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Multiple imputation for left‐censored biomarker data based on Gibbs sampling method
Authors: Lee MinJae , Kong Lan , Weissfeld Lisa
Published: February 2012

Biomarkers, increasingly used in biomedical studies for the diagnosis and prognosis of acute and chronic diseases, provide insight into the effectiveness of treatments and potential pathways that can be used to guide future treatment targets. The measurement of these markers is often limited by the sensitivity of the given assay, resulting in data that are censored either at the lower or at the upper limit of detection. For the Genetic and Inflammatory Markers of Sepsis (GenIMS) study, many different biomarkers were measured to examine the effect of different pathways on the development of sepsis. In this study, the left‐censoring of several important inflammatory markers has led to the need for statistical methods that can incorporate this censoring into any analysis of the biomarker data. This paper focuses on the development of multiple imputation methods for the inclusion of multiple left‐censored biomarkers in a logistic regression analysis. We assume a multivariate normal distribution to account for the correlations between biomarkers and use the Gibbs sampler for the estimation of the distributional parameters and the imputation of the censored markers. We evaluate and compare the proposed methods with some simple imputation methods through simulation. We use a data set of inflammatory and coagulation markers from the GenIMS study for illustration. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Flow Stress and Critical Dynamic Recrystallization Behavior of Cu–Fe16Mn0.6C High Manganese TWIP Steel
Authors: Gaofei Liang , Changqing Lin , Yuan Fang
Published: February 2012

The true stress–strain curve of Cu–Fe16Mn0.6C twinning induced plasticity (TWIP) steel was studied with a compression test on Thermecmastor‐Z thermal simulator at a temperature range of 850–1150°C and strain rate range of 0.03–30 s−1. The influence of deformation temperature and strain rate on high‐temperature flow stress and critical recrystallization behavior of the TWIP steel was investigated. It is concluded that the peak flow stress of Cu–Fe16Mn0.6C under high‐temperature deformation decreases as the temperature increases but increases with the strain rate. Meanwhile at strain rate of 0.03 and 30 s−1 obvious peak stresses are observed which demonstrates the dynamic recrystallization. The constitutive equation of Cu–Fe16Mn0.6C under high temperature deformation is calculated by linear regression method. The activation energy is 505 kJ mol−1. The relationship between critical strain of dynamic revrystallization and Zener–Hollomon parameter is determined by the curve between strain‐hardening rate and flow stress.
Delay analysis in practical wireless network coding
Authors: Li Huanzhong , Liu Xue , He Wenbo , Yang Wei , Dou Wenhua
Published: February 2012

Network coding provides a powerful mechanism for improving performance of wireless networks. In this paper, we present an analytical approach for end‐to‐end delay analysis in wireless networks that employs inter‐session network coding. Prior work on performance analysis in wireless network coding mainly focuses on the throughput of the overall network. Our approach aims to analyze the delay of each flow in the network. The theoretical basis of our approach is network calculus. In order to use network calculus to analyze the performance of traffic flows in the network, we have to address three specific problems: identifying traffic flows, characterizing broadcast links, and measuring coding opportunities. We propose solutions for these problems and discuss the practical issues when applying the approach in practice. We make three main contributions. First, we obtain theoretical formulations for computing the queueing delay bounds of traffic flows in wireless networks with network coding. Second, with the formulations, we figure out the factors that affect the queueing delay of a flow and find that first‐in first‐out scheduling cannot fully exploit the benefit of network coding. Third, in order to exploit our findings, we introduce a new scheduling scheme that can improve the performance of current practical wireless network coding. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Comparison of pregnancy detection methods in live white‐tailed deer
Authors: Duquette Jared F. , Belant Jerrold L. , Beyer Dean E. , Svoboda Nathan J.
Published: February 2012

Assessing ungulate reproduction is important to biologists for managing populations and predicting trends. We compared efficacy of trans‐abdominal ultrasound and pregnancy‐specific protein B (PSPB) white‐tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) pregnancy estimates, respectively, from January to mid‐April 2009–2011 in the south‐central Upper Peninsula of Michigan, USA. We observed a strong agreement (K = 0.68, SE = 0.13, 95% CI = 0.42–0.94) of PSPB and ultrasound in categorizing pregnant and nonpregnant deer. Five deer were determined to be pregnant by ultrasound but not by PSPB and 6 females were judged to be nonpregnant using either method. Total cost for PSPB testing of 101 deer was US$2,220, whereas ultrasound equipment cost US$14,150. Trans‐abdominal ultrasound and PSPB provided accurate detection of pregnancy in live white‐tailed deer. We recommend PSPB for studies testing comparatively small numbers (up to several hundred) of deer. However, we recommend ultrasonography if real‐time pregnancy determination is needed (e.g., vaginal implant transmitter use), particularly for large numbers (i.e., several hundred to thousands) of deer. © 2012 The Wildlife Society.
Synthesis, Reactivity and Structures of Iridium Tetrafluoropyridyl Complexes: Ammonia Coordination and Activation
Authors: Jungton Ann‐Katrin , Kläring Paul , Braun Thomas , Eißler Anna
Published: February 2012

Abstract. The complex cis‐trans‐[Ir(4‐C5NF4)(H)2(PiPr3)2] (1) reacted with ammonia to give cis‐trans‐[Ir(4‐C5NF4)(H)2(NH3)(PiPr3)2] (2a). The reaction of 1 with ND3 yielded the isotopomer cis‐trans‐[Ir(4‐C5NF4)(H)2(ND3)(PiPr3)2] (2b). Within two weeks hydrido ligands were replaced by metal bound deuterium atoms via H/D exchange. Treatment of trans‐[Ir(4‐C5NF4)(η2‐C2H4)(PiPr3)2] (3) with HCl led to the formation of trans‐[Ir(4‐C5NF4)(Cl)(H)(PiPr3)2] (4). Complex 4 reacted with CO or ammonia to give trans‐[Ir(4‐C5NF4)(Cl)(H)(CO)(PiPr3)2] (5) and the ammine complex trans‐[Ir(4‐C5NF4)(Cl)(H)(NH3)(PiPr3)2] (6a), respectively. The cationic species [(η6‐C6H6)Ir(H)2(PiPr3)][PF6] (7) was obtained by reaction of cis‐trans‐[Ir(4‐C5NF4)(H)2(NH3)(PiPr3)2] (2a) or cis‐trans‐[Ir(4‐C5NF4)(H)2(PiPr3)2] (1) with [Ph3C][PF6] in benzene.
Clinical overview and treatment options for non‐skeletal manifestations of mucopolysaccharidosis type IVA
Authors: Hendriksz Christian J. , Al‐Jawad Maisoon , Berger Kenneth I. , Hawley Sara M. , Lawrence Rebecca , Mc Ardle Ciarán , Summers C. Gail , Wright Elizabeth , Braunlin Elizabeth
Published: February 2012

Mucopolysaccharidosis type IVA (MPS IVA) or Morquio syndrome is a multisystem disorder caused by galactosamine‐6‐sulfatase deficiency. Skeletal manifestations, including short stature, skeletal dysplasia, cervical instability, and joint destruction, are known to be associated with this condition. Due to the severity of these skeletal manifestations, the non‐skeletal manifestations are frequently overlooked despite their significant contribution to disease progression and impact on quality of life. This review provides detailed information regarding the non‐skeletal manifestations and suggests long‐term assessment guidelines. The visual, auditory, digestive, cardiovascular, and respiratory systems are addressed and overall quality of life as measured by endurance and other functional abilities is discussed. Impairments such as corneal clouding, astigmatism, glaucoma, hearing loss, hernias, hepatomegaly, dental abnormalities, cardiac valve thickening and regurgitation, obstructive sleep apnea, tracheomalacia, restrictive and obstructive respiratory compromise, and muscular weakness are discussed. Increased awareness of these non‐skeletal features is needed to improve patient care.
Crystal structure of a single‐chain trimer of human adiponectin globular domain
Authors: Min Xiaoshan , Lemon Bryan , Tang Jie , Liu Qiang , Zhang Richard , Walker Nigel , Li Yang , Wang Zhulun
Published: February 2012

Adiponectin is increasingly recognized as a potential therapeutic agent for the treatment of diabetes and other metabolic diseases. It circulates in plasma as homotrimers and higher‐order oliogomers of homotrimers. To facilitate the production of active recombinant adiponectin as a therapeutic tool, we designed a single‐chain globular domain adiponectin (sc‐gAd) in which three monomer sequences are linked together in tandem to form one contiguous polypeptide. Here, we present the crystal structure of human sc‐gAd at 2.0 Å resolution. The structure reveals a similar trimeric topology to that of mouse gAd protein. Trimer formation is further rigidified by three calcium ions.
A liberal-local hybrid peace project in action? The increasing engagement between the local and liberal in Timor-Leste
Authors: WALLIS JOANNE
Published: February 2012

The liberal peace project has dominated state-building operations since the end of the Cold War, including in Timor-Leste. However, the attempt to institutionalise the liberal peace faced significant challenges in Timor-Leste's fragmented subsistence-based society. This resulted in the creation of shallowly rooted and poorly-understood liberal state institutions that were disconnected from the majority of Timorese, who continued to follow their local sociopolitical practices. In response, the state has increasingly engaged with these local practices in order to create state institutions that make sense to the people they seek to govern. This engagement has occurred through the formalisation of local sociopolitical institutions, the recognition of local justice systems and the utilisation of local ceremonies and practices. Therefore, this article argues that a liberal-local hybrid peace project has emerged to guide state-building in Timor-Leste, which may indicate how similar projects could develop in the future.
Methylation characteristics and developmental potential of Guangxi Bama minipig (Sus scrofa domestica) cloned embryos from donor cells treated with trichostatin A and 5-aza-2′-deoxycytidine
Authors: Ning Shu-Fang , Li Qing-Yang , Liang Ming-Ming , Yang Xiao-Gan , Xu Hui-Yan , Lu Yang-Qing , Lu Sheng-Sheng , Lu Ke-Huan
Published: February 2012

Reprogramming of DNA methylation in somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) embryos is incomplete, and aberrant DNA methylation patterns are related to the inefficiency of SCNT. To facilitate nuclear reprogramming, this study investigated the effect of treating Guangxi Bama minipig donor cells with trichostatin A (TSA), 5-aza-2′-deoxycytine (5-aza-dC), or combination of TSA and 5-aza-dC prior to nuclear transfer. Analyses showed that there were no major changes in cell-cycle status among all groups. We monitored the transcription of DNMT1, DNMT3a, HDAC1 and IGF2 genes in donor cells. Transcription levels of HDAC1 were decreased significantly after treatment with a combination of TSA and 5-aza-dC, along with a significantly increased level of IGF2 (P < 0.05). Although treatment of donor cells with either TSA or 5-aza-dC alone resulted in non-significant effects in blastocyst formation rate and DNA methylation levels, a combination of TSA and 5-aza-dC significantly improved the development rates of minipig SCNT embryos to blastocyst (25.6% vs. 16.0%, P < 0.05). This change was accompanied by decreased levels of DNA methylation in somatic cells and blastocyst (P < 0.05). Thus in combination with TSA, lower concentrations of 5-aza-dC may produce a potent demethylating activity, and lead to the significantly enhanced blastocyst development percentage of Bama minipig SCNT embryos.