bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Invasive breast cancer induces laminin-332 upregulation and integrin β4 neoexpression in myofibroblasts to confer an anoikis-resistant phenotype during tissue remodeling
Authors: Kim Baek Gil , Gao Ming-Qing , Choi Yoon Pyo , Kang Suki , Park Haeng Ran , Kang Kyu Sub , Cho Nam Hoon
Published: June 2012

Introduction

Although development of anoikis-resistant myofibroblasts during tissue remodeling is known to be associated with tumor invasion, the mechanism by which myofibroblasts become resistant to anoikis is unknown. We previously demonstrated laminin-332 upregulation in the fibrosis around invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC). Because laminin-332 promotes cell survival through binding to integrins, we hypothesized that invasive breast cancer cells confer an anoikis-resistant phenotype on myofibroblasts by upregulating laminin-332 expression during tissue remodeling. Here, we demonstrate that invasive breast cancer cells induce laminin-332 upregulation and integrin β4 neoexpression in myofibroblasts to confer an anoikis-resistant phenotype.

Methods

Three types of fibroblasts were isolated from the tumor burden, the fibrosis, and normal tissue of patients with early stage IDC (less than 10 mm diameter), designated cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), interface fibroblasts (InFs), and normal breast fibroblasts (NBFs), respectively. To investigate direct and indirect crosstalk with tumor cells, fibroblasts were co-cultured with invasive MDA-MB-231 or noninvasive MCF7 cells or in conditioned medium. Anoikis resistance of fibroblasts was measured by cell viability and caspase-3 activity after incubation on poly-HEMA coated plates for 72 hours. Involvement of laminin-332/integrin α3β1 or α6β4 signaling in anoikis resistance was confirmed by treatment with purified laminin-332 or blocking antibodies against laminin-332, integrin β1, or integrin β4.

Results

MDA-MB-231 cells induced laminin-332 upregulation and integrin β4 neoexpression in fibroblasts, leading to anoikis resistance. InFs showed a higher endogenous level of laminin-332 than did CAFs and NBFs. After stimulation with MDA-MB-231-conditioned medium, laminin-332 expression of InFs was dramatically increased and maintained under anoikis conditions. Laminin-332 upregulation was also observed in CAFs and NBFs, but at a lower level than in InFs. Laminin-332 induced Akt (Ser473) phosphorylation by binding to integrin α3β1. Integrin β4 neoexpression induced laminin-332-independent Rac1 activation and promoted anoikis resistance in fibroblasts approximately twofold more effectively than did laminin-332, regardless of the type of fibroblast. In addition, integrin β4 expression suppressed fibroblast aggregation in conditions of anoikis.

Conclusion

Invasive breast cancer cells confer an anoikis-resistant phenotype on myofibroblasts during tissue remodeling by inducing laminin-332 upregulation and integrin β4 neoexpression. Interface fibroblasts appear to be the primary myofibroblasts that interact with invasive tumor cells during tissue remodeling.
Generating a relative geologic time volume by 3D graph-cut phase unwrapping method with horizon and unconformity constraints
Authors: Wu Xinming , Zhong Guangfa
Published: June 2012

Construction of a relative geologic time (RGT) volume is vital to seismic geomorphological and sedimentological interpretation. Seismic instantaneous phase unwrapping provides an excellent approach for generating an RGT volume. Although several 2D or 3D seismic phase unwrapping results have been published, there is a clear need for discussions on concrete methods for seismic phase unwrapping. We have developed the graph-cut phase unwrapping method, which performs well in the interferometric synthetic aperture radar image processing. It has advantages of strong discontinuity-preserving ability and high computing efficiency. To make it suitable for 3D seismic phase unwrapping, the method is improved by extending it from 2D to 3D, and by introducing the seismic horizon and unconformity constraints. The strong and continuous conformable seismic events, which can be easily tracked by certain autopicking methods, are introduced as horizon constraints for guiding the phase unwrapping to ensure a constant unwrapped phase on a constraining horizon. This idea is based on the fact that continuous seismic horizons are of time-stratigraphic significance. The horizon constraints can promise a correct unwrapped result on the constraining horizons and avoid the possible phase unwrapping errors propagating across a horizon. An unconformity represents a geologic time discontinuity, which is difficult to recover in an RGT volume by phase unwrapping. What’s worse, incorrect phase unwrapping on an unconformity will result in some discontinuities of unwrapped phase in the conformable data areas outside the unconformity. Interpreted unconformities are used as unconformity constraints to recover the discontinuities of the unwrapped phase at the constraining unconformities. As a test, our improved 3D graph-cut phase unwrapping method is successfully applied to the late Permian to early Triassic carbonate reservoirs in northern Sichuan Basin, southwest China. The results match well with the regional geologic background.
Hepatitis B Virus Screening Before Chemotherapy for Lymphoma: A Cost-Effectiveness Analysis
Authors: Zurawska Urszula , Hicks Lisa K. , Woo Gloria , Bell Chaim M. , Krahn Murray , Chan Kelvin K. , Feld Jordan J.
Published: June 2012

Purpose

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) reactivation is a potentially fatal complication of chemotherapy that can be largely prevented with antiviral prophylaxis. It remains unclear whether HBV screening is cost effective.

Methods

A decision model was developed to compare the clinical outcomes, costs, and cost effectiveness of three HBV screening strategies for patients with lymphoma before R-CHOP (rituximab plus cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone) chemotherapy: screen all patients for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg; Screen-All), screen patients identified as being at high risk for HBV infection (Screen-HR), and screen no one (Screen-None). Patients testing positive were administered antiviral therapy until 6 months after completion of chemotherapy. Those not screened were initiated on antiviral therapy only if HBV hepatitis occurred. Probabilities of HBV and lymphoma outcomes were derived from systematic literature review. A third-party payer perspective was adopted, costs were expressed in 2011 Canadian dollars, and a 1-year time horizon was used.

Results

Screen-All was the dominant strategy. It was least costly at $32,589, compared with $32,598 for Screen-HR and $32,657 for Screen-None. It was also associated with the highest 1-year survival rate at 84.99%, compared with 84.96% for Screen-HR and 84.86% for Screen-None. The analysis was sensitive to the prevalence of HBsAg positivity in the low-risk population, with Screen-HR becoming least costly when this value was ≤ 0.20%.

Conclusion

In patients receiving R-CHOP for lymphoma, screening all patients for HBV reduces the rate of HBV reactivation (10-fold) and is less costly than screening only high-risk patients or screening no patients.
Placental Glucose and Amino Acid Transport in Calorie-Restricted Wild-Type and Glut3 Null Heterozygous Mice
Authors: Ganguly Amit , Collis Laura , Devaskar Sherin U.
Published: June 2012

Calorie restriction (CR) decreased placenta and fetal weights in wild-type (wt) and glucose transporter (Glut) 3 heterozygous null (glut3+/−) mice. Because placental nutrient transport is a primary energy determinant of placentofetal growth, we examined key transport systems. Maternal CR reduced intra- and transplacental glucose and leucine transport but enhanced system A amino acid transport in wt mice. These transport perturbations were accompanied by reduced placental Glut3 and leucine amino acid transporter (LAT) family member 2, no change in Glut1 and LAT family member 1, but increased sodium coupled neutral amino acid transporter (SNAT) and SNAT2 expression. We also noted decreased total and active phosphorylated forms of mammalian target of rapamycin, which is the intracellular nutrient sensor, the downstream total P70S6 kinase, and pS6 ribosomal protein with no change in total and phosphorylated 4E-binding protein 1. To determine the role of placental Glut3 in mediating CR-induced placental transport changes, we next investigated the effect of gestational CR in glut3+/− mice. In glut3+/− mice, a key role of placental Glut3 in mediating transplacental and intraplacental glucose transport was established. In addition, reduced Glut3 results in a compensatory increase of leucine and system A transplacental transport. On the other hand, diminished Glut3-mediated intraplacental glucose transport reduced leucine transport and mammalian target of rapamycin and preserved LAT and enhancing SNAT. CR in glut3+/− mice further reduced transplacental glucose transport and enhanced system A amino acid transport, although the increased leucine transport was lost. In addition, increased Glut3 was seen and preserved Glut1, LAT, and SNAT. These placental changes collectively protect survival of wt and glut3+/− fetuses against maternal CR-imposed reduction of macromolecular nutrients.
Thrombospondin-1 (TSP-1) Analogs ABT-510 and ABT-898 Inhibit Prolactinoma Growth and Recover Active Pituitary Transforming Growth Factor-β1 (TGF-β1)
Authors: Recouvreux M. Victoria , Camilletti M. Andrea , Rifkin Daniel B. , Becu-Villalobos Damasia , Díaz-Torga Graciela
Published: June 2012

Prolactinomas are the most prevalent type of secreting pituitary tumors in humans and generally respond well to a medical therapy with dopamine agonists. However, for patients exhibiting resistance to dopaminergic drugs, alternative treatments are desired. Antiangiogenic strategies might represent a potential therapy for these tumors. Thrombospondin 1 (TSP-1) is a large multifunctional glycoprotein involved in multiple biological processes including angiogenesis, apoptosis, and activation of TGF-β1. Because tumors that overexpress TSP-1 grow more slowly, have fewer metastases, and have decreased angiogenesis, TSP-1 provides a novel target for cancer treatment. ABT-510 and ABT-898 are TSP-1 synthetic analogs that mimic its antiangiogenic action. In the present study, we explored the potential effect of ABT-510 and ABT-898 on experimental prolactinomas induced by chronic diethylstilbestrol (DES) treatment in female rats. We demonstrated that a 2-wk treatment with ABT-510 and ABT-898 counteracted the increase in pituitary size and serum prolactin levels as well as the pituitary proliferation rate induced by DES. These inhibitory effects on tumor growth could be mediated by the antiangiogenic properties of the drugs. We also demonstrated that ABT-510 and ABT-898, in addition to their described antiangiogenic effects, increased active TGF-β1 level in the tumors. We postulate that the recovery of the local cytokine activation participates in the inhibition of lactotrope function. These results place these synthetic TSP-1 analogs as potential alternative or complementary treatments in dopamine agonist-resistant prolactinomas.
17β-Estradiol Inhibits Apoptotic Cell Death of Oligodendrocytes by Inhibiting RhoA-JNK3 Activation after Spinal Cord Injury
Authors: Lee Jee Y. , Choi Soo Y. , Oh Tae H. , Yune Tae Y.
Published: June 2012

A delayed oligodendrocyte cell death after spinal cord injury (SCI) contributes to chronic demyelination of spared axons, leading to a permanent neurological deficit. Therefore, therapeutic approaches to prevent oligodendrocyte cell death after SCI should be considered. Estrogens are well known to have a broad neuroprotective effect, but the protective effect of estrogens on oligodendrocytes after injury is largely unknown. Here, we demonstrated that 17β-estradiol attenuates apoptosis of oligodendrocytes by inhibiting RhoA and c-Jun-N-terminal kinase activation after SCI. Estrogen receptor (ER)-α and -β were expressed in oligodendrocytes of the spinal cord, and 17β-estradiol treatment significantly inhibited oligodendrocyte cell death at 7 d after injury as compared with vehicle (cyclodextrin) control. 17β-Estradiol also attenuated caspase-3 and -9 activation at 7 d and reduced the loss of axons from progressive degeneration. In addition, 17β-estradiol inhibited RhoA and JNK3 activation, which were activated and peaked at 3 and/or 5 d after injury. Furthermore, administration of Rho inhibitor, PEP-1-C3 exoenzyme, inhibited RhoA and JNK3 activation, and decreased phosphorylated c-Jun level at 5 d after injury. Additionally, the attenuation of RhoA and JNK3 activation as well as oligodendrocyte cell death by 17β-estradiol was reversed by ER antagonist, ICI182780. Our results thus indicate that 17β-estradiol treatment improves functional recovery after SCI in part by reducing oligodendrocyte cell death via inhibition of RhoA and JNK3 activation, which were ER dependent. Furthermore, improvement of hindlimb motor function by posttreatment of 17β-estradiol suggests its potential as a therapeutic agent for SCI patients.
Altered Neuronal Nitric Oxide Synthase in the Aging Vascular System: Implications for Estrogens Therapy
Authors: Lekontseva Olga , Jiang Yanyan , Schleppe Caitlyn , Davidge Sandra T
Published: June 2012

Ovarian dysfunction at any age is associated with increased cardiovascular risk in women; however, therapeutic effects of exogenous estrogens are age dependent. Estradiol (E2) activates neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) in vascular cells. Because nNOS is prone to uncoupling under unfavorable biochemical conditions (as seen in aging), E2 stimulation of nNOS may lack vascular benefits in aging. Small mesenteric arteries were isolated from female Sprague Dawley rats, 3 or 12 months old, who were ovariectomized (Ovx) and treated with placebo or E2 for 4 wk. Vascular relaxation to exogenous E2 (0.001–100 μmol/liter) ± selective nNOS inhibitor (N-propyl-l-arginine, 2 μmol/liter) or pan-NOS inhibitor [Nω-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester (l-NAME), 100 μmol/liter] was examined on wire myograph. NOS expression was measured by Western blotting in thoracic aortas, in which superoxide generation was detected as dihydroethidium (DHE) fluorescence. E2 relaxations were impaired in Ovx conditions. E2 treatment (4 wk) normalized vascular function in young rats only. Both l-N-propyl-l-arginine and l-NAME blunted E2 relaxation in young controls, but only l-NAME did so in aging controls. NOS inhibition had no effect on acute E2 relaxation in Ovx rats, regardless of age or treatment. nNOS expression was similar in all animal groups. However, nNOS inhibition increased DHE fluorescence in young controls, whereas it reduced it in aging or Ovx animals. In E2-treated animals of either age, superoxide production was NOS independent. In conclusion, nNOS contributed to vascular relaxation in young, but not aging rats, where its enzymatic function shifted toward superoxide production. Thus, nNOS dysfunction may explain a mechanism of impaired E2 signaling in aging conditions.
An Age-Dependent Interaction with Leptin Unmasks Ghrelin's Bone-Protective Effects
Authors: van der Velde Martijn , van der Eerden Bram C.J. , Sun Yuxiang , Almering Julia M.M. , van der Lely Aart-Jan , Delhanty Patric J.D. , Smith Roy G. , van Leeuwen Johannes P.T.M.
Published: June 2012

The mutual interplay between energy homeostasis and bone metabolism is an important emerging concept. Ghrelin and leptin antagonize each other in regulating energy balance, but the role of this interaction in bone metabolism is unknown. Using ghrelin receptor and leptin-deficient mice, we show that ghrelin has dual effects on osteoclastogenesis, inhibiting osteoclast progenitors directly and stimulating osteoclastogenesis via a more potent systemic/central pathway. Using mice with combined ghrelin receptor and leptin deficiency, we find that this systemic osteoclastogenic activity is suppressed by leptin, thus balancing the two counterregulatory ghrelin pathways and leading to an unchanged bone structure. With aging, this osteoclastogenic ghrelin pathway is lost, unmasking the direct protective effect of ghrelin on bone structure. In conclusion, we identify a novel regulatory network linking orexigenic and anorectic metabolic factors with bone metabolism that is age dependent.
John Cleves Symmes and the Planetary Reach of Polar Exploration
Authors: Blum Hester
Published: June 2012

In 2007, a Russian submarine planted a titanium flag on the seabed under the North Pole, laying the groundwork for Russia’s claim to Arctic oil and gas resources. Blum’s essay explores the prehistory of Russia’s polar land grab in terms of the influential (if satirized) early-nineteenth-century theories of John Cleves Symmes, who believed the earth was hollow and accessible through openings at the poles. In discussing an early-nineteenth-century hollow-earth theorist and his influence on hollow-earth fictions—beginning with the narrative Symzonia (1820)—the essay considers the unexplored possibilities that the Arctic and Antarctic regions offer to hemispheric and transnational conversations, as well as to more recent calls to reorganize critical thinking from a planetary perspective. Blum explores the difference in resources, both material and critical, presented by polar spaces. By resources she refers both to the ecological substance of the polar regions, in their remove from predictable routes and terms of exchange; and to the imaginative and literary outcomes of polar exploration, which themselves did not follow recognizable circuits. Not just another geopolitical space, the polar regions suggest the ecological and critical potential of a nonproprietary, speculative attitude toward resources.
The immortal strand hypothesis: still non-randomly segregating opinions
Authors: Wakeman Jane A. , Hmadcha Abdelkrim , Soria Bernat , McFarlane Ramsay J.
Published: June 2012

Cairns first suggested a mechanism for protecting the genomes of stem cells (SCs) from replicative errors some 40 years ago when he proposed the immortal strand hypothesis, which argued for the inheritance of a so-called immortal strand by an SC following asymmetric SC divisions. To date, the existence of immortal strands remains contentious with published evidence arguing in favour of and against the retention of an immortal strand by asymmetrically dividing SCs. The conflicting evidence is derived from a diverse array of studies on adult SC types and is predominantly based on following the fate of labelled DNA strands during asymmetric cell division events. Here, we review current data, highlighting limitations of such labelling techniques, and suggest how interpretation of such data may be improved in the future.
Low loss hollow-core waveguide on a silicon substrate
Authors: Yang Weijian , Ferrara James , Grutter Karen , Yeh Anthony , Chase Chris , Yue Yang , Willner Alan E. , Wu Ming C. , Chang-Hasnain Connie J.
Published: June 2012

Optical-fiber-based, hollow-core waveguides (HCWs) have opened up many new applications in laser surgery, gas sensors, and non-linear optics. Chip-scale HCWs are desirable because they are compact, light-weight and can be integrated with other devices into systems-on-a-chip. However, their progress has been hindered by the lack of a low loss waveguide architecture. Here, a completely new waveguiding concept is demonstrated using two planar, parallel, silicon-on-insulator wafers with high-contrast subwavelength gratings to reflect light in-between. We report a record low optical loss of 0.37 dB/cm for a 9-μm waveguide, mode-matched to a single mode fiber. Two-dimensional light confinement is experimentally realized without sidewalls in the HCWs, which is promising for ultrafast sensing response with nearly instantaneous flow of gases or fluids. This unique waveguide geometry establishes an entirely new scheme for low-cost chip-scale sensor arrays and lab-on-a-chip applications.
Estimation of Corrosion Fatigue-Crack Growth through Frequency Shedding Method
Authors: Prakash Raghu V. , Dhinakaran Sampath
Published: June 2012

Corrosion fatigue-crack growth characteristics are important for the design of marine and off-shore structures. Design of critical components requires data on fatigue-crack growth rate at very low frequencies of the order of 10−2 to 10−3 Hz. Experiments at low frequencies pose practical difficulties of enormous test duration. To address this, it is proposed to estimate corrosion crack growth characteristics using a frequency shedding method where the frequency is shed with crack advance using an exponential law. Fatigue-crack growth rate tests have been conducted on Ni–Mn–Cr steel at a constant ΔK range of 18 MPa√m (lower Paris regime) under lab air conditions as well as 3.5 % NaCl solution. Crack growth rate data plotted as a function of test frequency presents a straight-line trend in log–log scale for a frequency range of 1–0.1 Hz; however, there is a change in trend when the frequencies are dropped further, which could be due to domination of corrosion mechanism. To understand the role of crack closure, crack closure estimates were obtained at periodic intervals of crack length and the effective stress intensity graphs suggest acceleration in crack growth rate due to corrosion as the frequency is reduced.
Neonatal Erythroderma as a First Manifestation of Menkes Disease
Authors: Galve Javier , Vicente Asunción , González-Enseñat María Antonia , Pérez-Dueñas Belén , Cusí Victoria , Møller Lisbeth Birk , Julià Marc , Domínguez Anna , Ferrando Juan
Published: June 2012

Menkes disease is an X-linked recessive lethal multisystemic disorder of copper metabolism. Progressive neurodegeneration, connective tissue disturbances, and peculiar kinky hair are the main manifestations. The low serum copper and ceruloplasmin suggests the diagnosis, which is confirmed by mutation analysis of the ATP7A gene. We report an exceptional presentation of classic Menkes disease with neonatal erythroderma. Genetic study revealed a deletion in exons 8 to 12 in the ATP7A gene. This study could allow pediatricians and pediatric dermatologists to diagnose the disorder as early as possible to establish prompt treatment with parenteral copper-histidine supplementation to improve prognosis.
Factors Associated With Uptake of Infant Male Circumcision for HIV Prevention in Western Kenya
Authors: Young Marisa R. , Odoyo-June Elijah , Nordstrom Sherry K. , Irwin Tracy E. , Ongong’a Dedan O. , Ochomo Betha , Agot Kawango , Bailey Robert C.
Published: June 2012

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:

Three randomized trials demonstrated male circumcision decreases female-to-male HIV incidence by 60%. Male circumcision research in sub-Saharan Africa has focused on adolescents and adults. Modeling suggests infant male circumcision (IMC) will be cost saving for HIV prevention in high to moderate seroprevalent regions. This study examined parental decision-making and differences in characteristics of parents accepting and declining IMC services in western Kenya.

METHODS:

This case-control study was conducted in 2010 at 5 government hospitals in Nyanza Province, Kenya. Cases were mothers and fathers accepting circumcision for their son. Controls were parents who declined IMC services. A questionnaire comprising 41 questions was administered.

RESULTS:

A total of 627 mothers and 493 fathers enrolled. In multivariable logistic regression modeling, factors associated with accepting IMC among mothers were the following: father circumcised (odds ratio [OR] = 2.30, P < .001) and agreeing with the father about the IMC decision (OR = 4.38, P < .001). Among fathers, factors associated with accepting IMC were the following: being circumcised (OR = 1.77, P = .016) and agreeing with the mother about IMC (OR = 11.0, P < .001). Fathers were the primary decision makers in most instances (66%). Few parents (3%) reported they would prefer a future son to remain uncircumcised.

CONCLUSIONS:

Fathers are important in the IMC decision-making process. Fathers, as well as mothers, should be targeted for optimal scale-up of IMC services. Circumcision programs should offer services for males of all ages, as male circumcision at some age is highly acceptable to both men and women.
Maternal Exercise and Growth in Breastfed Infants: A Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Daley Amanda J. , Thomas Adele , Cooper Helen , Fitzpatrick Hannah , McDonald Catherine , Moore Heather , Rooney Rebecca , Deeks Jonathan J.
Published: June 2012

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:

Studies have revealed that women who breastfeed their infants may be reluctant to exercise due to concerns that to do so would adversely affect their breast milk and consequently the growth of their infants. In this review, we seek to systematically review and statistically synthesize evidence from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that have assessed the effects of maternal exercise on breastfed infant growth (weight gain and gain in length).

METHODS:

Searches of the following electronic bibliographic databases were performed to identify RCTs: Cochrane Library (CENTRAL), Medline/PubMed, Embase, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, and SPORT Discus. RCTs that compared any type of exercise intervention with other treatments or no treatment in women exclusively or predominately breastfeeding were eligible for inclusion, as were trials involving exercise as a cointervention. Two authors extracted data from studies independently.

RESULTS:

Four RCTs (5 comparisons) were included in the meta-analysis of infant weight gain that incorporated 170 participants. In breastfed infants, maternal exercise did not significantly affect infant weight gain (difference in mean weight gain = 18.6 g [95% confidence interval: −113.52 to 150.80, P = .73]). Only 1 trial assessed infant gain in length; no difference between the exercise and control groups was reported. Trials were classified as moderate or good methodological quality (moderate risk of bias).

CONCLUSIONS:

It appears that mothers can exercise and breastfeed without detriment to the growth of their infants, but this is based on limited evidence, and more research is required before this finding is confirmed.
Microscopic Measurements of Electrical Potential in Hydrogenated Nanocrystalline Silicon Solar Cells
Authors: Jiang C.-S. , Moutinho H.R. , Reedy R.C. , Al-Jassim M.M. , Yan B. , Yue G. , Sivec L. , Yang J. , Guha S. , Tong X.
Published: June 2012

We report on a direct measurement of electrical potential and field profiles across the n-i-p junction of hydrogenated nanocrystalline silicon (nc-Si:H) solar cells, using the nanometer-resolution potential imaging technique of scanning Kelvin probe force microscopy (SKPFM). It was observed that the electric field is nonuniform across the i layer. It is much higher in the p/i region than in the middle and the n/i region, illustrating that the i layer is actually slightly n-type. A measurement on a nc-Si:H cell with a higher oxygen impurity concentration shows that the nonuniformity of the electric field is much more pronounced than in samples having a lower O impurity, indicating that O is an electron donor in nc-Si:H materials. This nonuniform distribution of electric field implies a mixture of diffusion and drift of carrier transport in the nc-Si:H solar cells. The composition and structure of these nc-Si:H cells were further investigated by using secondary-ion mass spectrometry and Raman spectroscopy, respectively. The effects of impurity and structural properties on the electrical potential distribution and solar cell performance are discussed.
Mechanism of Twin Formation in Excimer-laser-induced Lateral Solidification of Si Films
Authors: Ganot G.S. , van der Wilt P.C. , Effron H.K. , Turk B.A. , Chung U.J. , Chitu A.M. , Limanov A.B. , Im James S.
Published: June 2012

In this paper, we present experimental findings pertaining to the formation of twins in isolated single-crystal islands obtained via the dot-SLS method. Systematic characterization of the islands using EBSD reveals that Σ = 3 CSL twins constitute the predominant extended defect. Given this, the surface orientation of the seed and twinned regions are shown to be related by a 180° rotation about a <111> axis, and the orientation of the twinned area is apparently manifested in the inverse pole figure as a reflection across the {112} zone. By considering (1) the overall pattern of the twin boundaries within the islands, (2) that solidification proceeds via a facetted mode of growth and, (3) that intragrain-defect-free regions were obtained when the dot-SLS process was performed on a {100} surface-oriented seed, we suggest that these twins are most likely generated heterogeneously at the Si/SiO2interface during the ledge nucleation stage of rapid lateral solidification of the films.
Intraoperative Near-infrared Fluorescence Imaging with Novel Indocyanine Green-Loaded Nanocarrier for Spinal Metastasis: A Preliminary Animal Study
Authors: Funayama Toru , Sakane Masataka , Abe Tetsuya , Hara Isao , Ozeki Eiichi , Ochiai Naoyuki
Published: June 2012

Marginal resection during resection of a spinal metastasis is frequently difficult because of the presence of important tissues such as the aorta, vena cava, and dura mater, including the spinal cord adjacent to the vertebral body. Thus, there is an urgent need for novel intraoperative imaging modalities with the ability to clearly identify bone metastasis. We have proposed a novel nanocarrier loaded with indocyanine green (ICG) (ICG-lactosome) with tumor selectivity attributable to its enhanced permeation and retention (EPR) effect. We studied its feasibility in intraoperative near-infrared (NIR) fluorescence diagnosis with ICG-lactosome for imaging spinal metastasis. A rat model of subcutaneous mammary tumor and a rat model of spinal metastasis of breast cancer were used. Fluorescence emitted by the subcutaneous tumors and the spinal metastasis were clearly detected for at least 24 h. Moreover, imaging of the dissected spine revealed clear fluorescence emitted by the metastatic lesion in the L6 vertebra while the normal bone lacked fluorescence. This study was the first report on NIR fluorescence imaging of spinal metastasis in vivo. NIR fluorescence imaging with ICG-lactosome could be an effective intraoperative imaging modality for detecting spinal metastasis.
Homelessness and CKD
Authors: Hall Yoshio N. , Choi Andy I. , Himmelfarb Jonathan , Chertow Glenn M. , Bindman Andrew B.
Published: June 2012

Background and objectives

This study examined the associations between homelessness and clinical outcomes of CKD among adults from the urban healthcare safety net.

Design, setting, participants, & measurements

This retrospective cohort study examined 15,343 adults with CKD stages 3–5 who received ambulatory care during 1996–2005 from the Community Health Network of San Francisco. Main outcome measures were time to ESRD or death and frequency of emergency department visits and hospitalizations.

Results

Overall, 858 persons (6%) with CKD stages 3–5 were homeless. Homeless adults were younger, were disproportionately male and uninsured, and suffered from far higher rates of depression and substance abuse compared with adults with stable housing (P<0.001 for all comparisons). Over a median follow-up of 2.8 years (interquartile range=1.4–6.1), homeless adults experienced significantly higher crude risk of ESRD or death (hazard ratio=1.82, 95% confidence interval=1.49–2.22) compared with housed adults. This elevated risk was attenuated but remained significantly higher (adjusted hazard ratio=1.28, 95% confidence interval=1.04–1.58) after controlling for differences in sociodemographics, comorbid conditions, and laboratory variables. Homeless adults were also far more likely to use acute care services (median [interquartile range] number of emergency department visits was 9 [4–20] versus 1 [0–4], P<0.001) than housed counterparts.

Conclusions

Homeless adults with CKD suffer from increased morbidity and mortality and use costly acute care services far more frequently than peers who are stably housed. These findings warrant additional inquiry into the unmet health needs of the homeless with CKD to provide appropriate and effective care to this disadvantaged group.
Sticks and Carrots: The Effect of Contract Frame on Effort in Incomplete Contracts
Authors: Christ Margaret H. , Sedatole Karen L. , Towry Kristy L.
Published: June 2012

In this study, we examine the effect of incentive contract framing on agent effort in an incomplete contract setting. Prior research suggests that when governed by complete incentive contracts, agents exert greater effort under penalty contracts relative to bonus contracts. However, in an incomplete contract setting, in which the incentive contract does not govern all tasks for which the agent is responsible, the agent's trust in the principal is relevant. In this setting, we predict that bonus contracts create a more trusting environment, and this effect spills over to tasks not governed by the incentive contract, such that bonus contracts elicit greater effort on these tasks as compared to penalty contracts. We develop and experimentally validate a theoretical model of the effects of contract frame on trust and effort in this incomplete contract setting. The main intuition behind the model is that the framing of an incentive contract affects the degree to which the contract terms are interpreted by the agent as a signal of mistrust. More specifically, penalty contracts engender greater distrust than do bonus contracts and, therefore, when contracts are incomplete, penalty contracts lead to lower effort on tasks not governed by the contract than do bonus contracts.
In Vivo Imaging of Immuno-Spin Trapped Radicals With Molecular Magnetic Resonance Imaging in a Diabetic Mouse Model
Authors: Towner Rheal A. , Smith Nataliya , Saunders Debra , Henderson Michael , Downum Kristen , Lupu Florea , Silasi-Mansat Robert , Ramirez Dario C. , Gomez-Mejiba Sandra E. , Bonini Marcelo G. , Ehrenshaft Marilyn , Mason Ronald P.
Published: June 2012

Oxidative stress plays a major role in diabetes. In vivo levels of membrane-bound radicals (MBRs) in a streptozotocin-induced diabetic mouse model were uniquely detected by combining molecular magnetic resonance imaging (mMRI) and immunotrapping techniques. An anti-DMPO (5,5-dimethyl-1-pyrroline N-oxide) antibody (Ab) covalently bound to an albumin (BSA)-Gd (gadolinium)-DTPA (diethylene triamine penta acetic acid)-biotin MRI contrast agent (anti-DMPO probe), and mMRI, were used to detect in vivo levels of DMPO-MBR adducts in kidneys, livers, and lungs of diabetic mice, after DMPO administration. Magnetic resonance signal intensities, which increase in the presence of a Gd-based molecular probe, were significantly higher within the livers, kidneys, and lungs of diabetic animals administered the anti-DMPO probe compared with controls. Fluorescence images validated the location of the anti-DMPO probe in excised tissues via conjugation of streptavidin-Cy3, which targeted the probe biotin moiety, and immunohistochemistry was used to validate the presence of DMPO adducts in diabetic mouse livers. This is the first report of noninvasively imaging in vivo levels of MBRs within any disease model. This method can be specifically applied toward diabetes models for in vivo assessment of free radical levels, providing an avenue to more fully understand the role of free radicals in diabetes.
Early Loss of the Glucagon Response to Hypoglycemia in Adolescents With Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: Siafarikas Aris , Johnston Robert J. , Bulsara Max K. , O’Leary Peter , Jones Timothy W. , Davis Elizabeth A.
Published: June 2012

OBJECTIVE

To assess the glucagon response to hypoglycemia and identify influencing factors in patients with type 1 diabetes compared with nondiabetic control subjects.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Hyperinsulinemic hypoglycemic clamp studies were performed in all participants. The glucagon response to both hypoglycemia and arginine was measured, as well as epinephrine, cortisol, and growth hormone responses to hypoglycemia. Residual β-cell function was assessed using fasting and stimulated C-peptide.

RESULTS

Twenty-eight nonobese adolescents with type 1 diabetes (14 female, mean age 14.9 years [range 11.2–19.8]) and 12 healthy control subjects (6 female, 15.3 years [12.8–18.7]) participated in the study. Median duration of type 1 diabetes was 0.66 years (range 0.01–9.9). The glucagon peak to arginine stimulation was similar between groups (P = 0.27). In contrast, the glucagon peak to hypoglycemia was reduced in the group with diabetes (95% CI): 68 (62–74) vs. 96 (87–115) pg/mL (P < 0.001). This response was greater than 3 SDs from baseline for only 7% of subjects with type 1 diabetes in comparison with 83% of control subjects and was lost at a median duration of diabetes of 8 months and as early as 1 month after diagnosis (R = −0.41, P < 0.01). There was no correlation in response with height, weight, BMI, and HbA1c. Epinephrine, cortisol, and growth hormone responses to hypoglycemia were present in both groups.

CONCLUSIONS

The glucagon response to hypoglycemia in adolescents with type 1 diabetes is influenced by the duration of diabetes and can be lost early in the course of the disease.
Differences in Prevalence, Extent, Severity, and Prognosis of Coronary Artery Disease Among Patients With and Without Diabetes Undergoing Coronary Computed Tomography Angiography
Authors: Rana Jamal S. , Dunning Allison , Achenbach Stephan , Al-Mallah Mouaz , Budoff Matthew J. , Cademartiri Filippo , Callister Tracy Q. , Chang Hyuk-Jae , Cheng Victor Y. , Chinnaiyan Kavitha , Chow Benjamin J.W. , Cury Ricardo , Delago Augustin , Feuchtner Gudrun , Hadamitzky Martin , Hausleiter Jörg , Kaufmann Philipp , Karlsberg Ronald P. , Kim Yong-Jin , Leipsic Jonathon , Labounty Troy M. , Lin Fay Y. , Maffei Erica , Raff Gilbert , Villines Todd C. , Shaw Leslee J. , Berman Daniel S. , Min James K.
Published: June 2012

OBJECTIVE

We examined the prevalence, extent, severity, and prognosis of coronary artery disease (CAD) in individuals with and without diabetes (DM) who are similar in CAD risk factors.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

We identified 23,643 consecutive individuals without known CAD undergoing coronary computed tomography angiography. A total of 3,370 DM individuals were propensity matched in a 1-to-2 fashion to 6,740 unique non-DM individuals. CAD was defined as none, nonobstructive (1–49% stenosis), or obstructive (≥50% stenosis). All-cause mortality was assessed by risk-adjusted Cox proportional hazards models.

RESULTS

At a 2.2-year follow-up, 108 (3.2%) and 115 (1.7%) deaths occurred among DM and non-DM individuals, respectively. Compared with non-DM individuals, DM individuals possessed higher rates of obstructive CAD (37 vs. 27%) and lower rates of having normal arteries (28 vs. 36%) (P < 0.0001). CAD extent was higher for DM versus non-DM individuals for obstructive one-vessel disease (19 vs. 14%), two-vessel disease (9 vs. 7%), and three-vessel disease (9 vs. 5%) (P < 0.0001 for comparison), with higher per-segment stenosis in the proximal and mid-segments of every coronary artery (P < 0.001 for all). Compared with non-DM individuals with no CAD, risk of mortality for DM individuals was higher for those with no CAD (hazard ratio 3.63 [95% CI 1.67–7.91]; P = 0.001), nonobstructive CAD (5.25 [2.56–10.8]; P < 0.001), one-vessel disease (6.39 [2.98–13.7]; P < 0.0001), two-vessel disease (12.33 [5.622–27.1]; P < 0.0001), and three-vessel disease (13.25 [6.15–28.6]; P < 0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

Compared with matched non-DM individuals, DM individuals possess higher prevalence, extent, and severity of CAD. At comparable levels of CAD, DM individuals experience higher risk of mortality compared with non-DM individuals.
Health Care Transition in Patients With Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: Garvey Katharine C. , Wolpert Howard A. , Rhodes Erinn T. , Laffel Lori M. , Kleinman Ken , Beste Margaret G. , Wolfsdorf Joseph I. , Finkelstein Jonathan A.
Published: June 2012

OBJECTIVE

To examine characteristics of the transition from pediatric to adult care in emerging adults with type 1 diabetes and evaluate associations between transition characteristics and glycemic control.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

We developed and mailed a survey to evaluate the transition process in emerging adults with type 1 diabetes, aged 22 to 30 years, receiving adult diabetes care at a single center. Current A1C data were obtained from the medical record.

RESULTS

The response rate was 53% (258 of 484 eligible). The mean transition age was 19.5 ± 2.9 years, and 34% reported a gap >6 months in establishing adult care. Common reasons for transition included feeling too old (44%), pediatric provider suggestion (41%), and college (33%). Less than half received an adult provider recommendation and <15% reported having a transition preparation visit or receiving written transition materials. The most recent A1C was 8.1 ± 1.3%. Respondents who felt mostly/completely prepared for transition had lower likelihood of a gap >6 months between pediatric and adult care (adjusted odds ratio 0.47 [95% CI 0.25–0.88]). In multivariate analysis, pretransition A1C (β = 0.49, P < 0.0001), current age (β = −0.07, P = 0.03), and education (β = −0.55, P = 0.01) significantly influenced current posttransition A1C. There was no independent association of transition preparation with posttransition A1C (β = −0.17, P = 0.28).

CONCLUSIONS

Contemporary transition practices may help prevent gaps between pediatric and adult care but do not appear to promote improvements in A1C. More robust preparation strategies and handoffs between pediatric and adult care should be evaluated.
Performance of HbA1c as an Early Diagnostic Indicator of Type 1 Diabetes in Children and Youth
Authors: Vehik Kendra , Cuthbertson David , Boulware David , Beam Craig A. , Rodriguez Henry , Legault Laurent , Hyytinen Mila , Rewers Marian J. , Schatz Desmond A. , Krischer Jeffrey P. ,   the TEDDY, TRIGR, Diabetes Prevention Trial–Type 1, and Type 1 Diabetes TrialNet Natural History Study Groups
Published: June 2012

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to evaluate HbA1c as an alternative criterion for impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) or type 1 diabetes (T1D) in high-risk subjects <21 years of age.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Subjects <21 years of age who participated in the prospective DPT-1, TEDDY, TRIGR, and Type 1 Diabetes TrialNet Natural History (TrialNet) studies and had an HbA1c within 90 days of an OGTT with a 2-h plasma glucose (2-hPG) measure were included. An OGTT of 140–199 mg/dL defined IGT, and an OGTT with 2-hPG ≥200 mg/dL or fasting plasma glucose ≥126 mg/dL defined diabetes. HbA1c ≥5.7% defined IGT, and HbA1c ≥ 6.5% defined diabetes. Receiver-operating characteristic curve analysis was used to assess diagnostic accuracy of HbA1c compared with OGTT.

RESULTS

There were 587 subjects from DPT-1, 884 from TrialNet, 91 from TEDDY, and 420 from TRIGR. As an indicator for IGT, HbA1c sensitivity was very low across the studies (8–42%), and specificity was variable (64–95%). With HbA1c ≥6.5% threshold used for T1D diagnosis, the sensitivity was very low and specificity was high (sensitivity and specificity: DPT-1 24 and 98%, TrialNet 28 and 99%, TEDDY 34 and 98%, and TRIGR 33 and 99%, respectively). The positive predictive value of HbA1c ≥6.5% for the development of T1D was variable (50–94%) across the four studies.

CONCLUSIONS

HbA1c ≥6.5% is a specific but not sensitive early indicator for T1D in high-risk subjects <21 years of age diagnosed by OGTT or asymptomatic hyperglycemia. Redefining the HbA1c threshold is recommended if used as an alternative criterion in diagnosing T1D.
The market situation of the enterprises in Zielona Góra in the light of the selected indicators of economic security
Authors: Dalecka Magdalena , Szudra Paweł
Published: June 2012

The market situation of the enterprises in Zielona Góra in the light of the selected indicators of economic security The article presents the evaluation of the market situation of the business enterprises operating in Zielona Góra during the economic crisis in the period of 2008-2010. The identification of macroeconomic rates in Poland in the selected period of time was presented from the economic security's point of view.
An evaluation of project completion with application of fuzzy set theory
Authors: Relich Marcin
Published: June 2012

The project management contains such elements as management of time, cost, communications, procurement, quality, risk or scope of project. Each of these fields can be considered as a set of constraints, and then there is a possibility to verify their fulfillment in sense of an enterprise's constraints and its environment. These constraints determine a completion of project activities and its success or failure, finally. The paper aims to present a problem of project management in terms of fuzzy constraints satisfaction problem, and then the using of constraint programming techniques to the evaluation of project completion. A fuzzy constraints satisfaction problem enables a description of data in distinct, as well as imprecise form, in a unified framework. It seems especially important in case of unique activities of project, when their estimation is based on linguistic information from experts.
The connection of income situation of farms and the reproduction processes in Poland in the view of the EU integration
Authors: Czyżewski Andrzej , Matuszczak Anna
Published: June 2012

The aim of the paper is to show the influence of the improving farms' income situation in Poland after the UE accession with their reproductive possibilities. To achieve this target it was defined whether the increasing agricultural income parity was a result of a changing market situation ("price scissors"), CAP subsidies or investment-accumulative processes. Also the connection of the EU financial means with the balance of agri-food international trade was analysed.
Formulation and evaluation of Norfloxacin gastro retentive drug delivery systems using natural polymers
Authors: Thahera P D , Ashok Mr , Latha K , Shailaja T , Nyamathulla S , Uhumwangho M U
Published: June 2012

Gastric retentive floating drug delivery system (GFDDS) is enabled the prolonged continuous input of the drug to the upper parts of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract and improves the bioavailability of medications with narrow absorption window. The design of the delivery system is based on the controlled release formulation with floating and swelling features in order to prolong the gastric retention time of the drug delivery systems. In the present study norfloxacin as candidate, guar gum, sodium CMC, HPMC15 KM is studied along with other excipients like PVP K30 (binder), sodium bicarbonate microcrystalline cellulose were used in different concentrations to get the desired controlled release profile over a period of 12 hrs. All the formulations were evaluated for buoyancy lag time, duration of buoyancy, dimensional stability, drug content and in vitro drug release profile. Based on the in vitro studies carried out for the optimized formulation by dissolution the performance of the developed formulation promises to be efficient in controlling the drug release rate with the guar gum, a natural polymer.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/icpj.v1i7.10809International Current Pharmaceutical Journal 2012, 1(7): 155-164