bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Do predators cause frog deformities? The need for an eco‐epidemiological approach
Authors: Johnson Pieter T.J. , Bowerman Jay
Published: August 2010

Renewed controversy has emerged over the likely causes and consequences of deformed amphibians, particularly those with missing limbs. The results of a series of experiments by Ballengée and Sessions (2009) implicate aquatic predators (i.e. dragonfly larvae) in causing such abnormalities. Skelly and Benard (2010), however, argued that the small scale of these experiments and the absence of a correlation between predator abundance and deformity frequencies in natural amphibian populations undermine such a conclusion. Drawing upon our experiences with frog malformations, we suggest that the study of amphibian deformities has been hindered by two, interrelated problems. First, empirical studies often fail to critically define the expected baseline level of abnormalities and differentiate between “epidemic” and “endemic” frequencies of malformations. Second, recognizing the likelihood of multiple causes in driving amphibian malformations, continued research needs to embrace a “multiple lines of evidence” approach that allows for complex etiologies by integrating field surveys, diagnostic pathology, comparative modeling, and experiments across a range of ecological scales. We conclude by highlighting the results of a recent study that uses this approach to identify the role of aquatic predators (i.e., fishes and dragonflies) in causing high frequencies of deformed frogs in Oregon. By combining long‐term data, comparative data and mechanistic experiments, this study provides compelling evidence that certain predators do cause deformities under ecologically relevant conditions. In light of continuing concerns about amphibian deformities and population declines, we emphasize the need to integrate ecological, epidemiological, and developmental tools in addressing such environmental enigmas. J. Exp. Zool. (Mol. Dev. Evol.) 314B:515–518, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Skin wound healing in axolotls: a scarless process
Authors: Lévesque Mathieu , Villiard Éric , Roy Stéphane
Published: August 2010

Urodele amphibians, such as the axolotl (Ambystoma mexicanum), have the unique faculty among vertebrates to regenerate lost appendages (limbs and tail) and other body parts (apex of the heart, forebrain and jaw) after amputation. Interestingly, axolotls never seem to form scar tissue at the site of amputation once regeneration is completed. Before now, very few studies were directly focused on the description of the events happening during wound healing after a skin injury in salamanders. In this paper, we directly investigated skin wound healing after excisional wounding which removed the epidermis, dermis and basement membrane in the axolotl. Axolotls were wounded with a 1.5‐mm skin biopsy punch. Results show rapid re‐epithelialization of the wound within 8 hrs after wounding. Histological analysis of wound healing confirmed the absence of tissue fibrosis throughout the process and shows that skin integrity is re‐established by 90 days after wounding. Results also reveal the absence of neutrophils in the wound area, suggestive of a lack of or low inflammatory response. The expression of proteins central to wound healing seemed different than in mammals as α‐smooth muscle actin was absent and transforming growth factor β‐1 was only transiently expressed during wound healing in the axolotl. Finally, subcutaneous injections of bleomycin were performed to verify whether the induction of scar tissue was possible in axolotls. Surprisingly, results show that axolotls are not resistant to bleomycin‐induced tissue fibrosis, but the resulting scar tissue does not seem to contain significant amounts of collagen. J. Exp. Zool. (Mol. Dev. Evol.) 314B:684–697, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Chemical composition and nutritional quality of sea cucumbers
Authors: Wen Jing , Hu Chaoqun , Fan Sigang
Published: August 2010

BACKGROUND: The dried form of sea cucumbers has been a seafood and medicinal cure for Asians over many centuries. In this study the chemical composition and nutritional quality of eight common sea cucumbers (Stichopus herrmanni, Thelenota ananas, Thelenota anax, Holothuria fuscogilva, Holothuria fuscopunctata, Actinopyga mauritiana, Actinopyga caerulea and Bohadschia argus) were determined.

RESULTS: All species except T. anax and A. caerulea had higher protein and lower fat levels. A. mauritiana and B. argus had less ash content. Glycine was the dominant amino acid found in all species, and content ranged from 126 to 216 mg g−1 of crude protein. All species exhibited low lysine:arginine ratio and higher essential amino acid scores were obtained by threonine and phenylalanine + tyrosine. A. mauritiana had proportionally less saturated fatty acids (31.23%), and more monounsaturated fatty acids (45.64%) and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA, 23.13%) than other species. Arachidonic acid (C20:4n‐6) was the major PUFA in all species. T. ananas, A. mauritiana and A. caerulea contained more n‐3 PUFA. The n‐3/n‐6 ratios of eight sea cucumbers species ranged from 0.25 to 0.61.

CONCLUSION: Sea cucumbers are a seafood with high protein and low fat levels. The amino acid contents were similar but fatty acid profiles were different among species. The comparison showed that T. ananas, A. mauritiana and B. argus possessed higher nutritional values than other sea cucumber species. Copyright © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry
The potential reuse of biodegradable municipal solid wastes (MSW) as feedstocks in vermicomposting
Authors: Sim Edwin Yih Shyang , Wu Ta Yeong
Published: August 2010

There is an urgent need globally to find alternative sustainable steps to treat municipal solid wastes (MSW) originated from mismanagement of urban wastes with increasing disposal cost. Furthermore, a conglomeration of ever‐increasing population and consumerist lifestyle is contributing towards the generation of more MSW. In this context, vermicomposting offers excellent potential to promote safe, hygienic and sustainable management of biodegradable MSW. It has been demonstrated that, through vermicomposting, MSW such as city garbage, household and kitchen wastes, vegetable wastes, paper wastes, human faeces and others could be sustainably transformed into organic fertiliser or vermicompost that provides great benefits to agricultural soil and plants. Generally, earthworms are sensitive to their environment and require temperature, moisture content, pH and sometimes ventilation at proper levels for the optimum vermicomposting process. Apart from setting the optimum operational conditions for the vermicomposting process, other approaches such as pre‐composting, inoculating micro‐organisms into MSW and redesigning the conventional vermireactor could be introduced to further enhance the vermicomposting of MSW. Thus the present mini‐review discusses the potential of introducing vermicomposting in MSW management, the benefits of vermicomposted MSW to plants, suggestions on how to enhance the vermicomposting of MSW as well as risk management in the vermicomposting of MSW. Copyright © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry
Assessment of capillary electrophoresis TOF MS for a confident identification of peptides
Authors: Borges‐Alvarez Marta , Benavente Fernando , Giménez Estela , Barbosa José , Sanz‐Nebot Victoria
Published: August 2010

CE on‐line coupled to orthogonal accelerated TOF‐MS (CE‐oa‐TOF‐MS) is an emerging technique offering efficient charge‐to‐mass‐based separations, as well as accurate and high‐resolution mass measurements. Here, we investigated the main factors influencing the analysis of low molecular mass peptides using a sheath‐flow electrospray ionization interface and several neuropeptides as model compounds. Moderate fragmentor voltage values of the oa‐TOF‐MS were crucial to maximize the production of molecular ions for optimum sensitivity precluding molecular fragmentation. However, the major fragments provided specific information that may result valuable for confirmatory purposes. Advantages and disadvantages of adding internal mass references to the sheath liquid for continuous mass‐to‐charge recalibration during the electrophoretic separations were discussed with regard to mass accuracy and sensitivity. Furthermore, several instrumental modes related to mass resolution were also examined. Finally, the method was validated for quantitative analysis of the studied neuropeptides in terms of repeatability, linearity and LODs. The results obtained using CE‐oa‐TOF‐MS were compared with those obtained using CE coupled to other mass spectrometers. In addition to the simplicity and reliability on the identification, CE‐oa‐TOF‐MS allowed improved repeatability and an around 10‐fold improvement in sensitivity with respect to conventional reflectron TOF and ion trap mass analyzers.
Combined Technologies for Microfabricating Elastomeric Cardiac Tissue Engineering Scaffolds
Authors: Guillemette Maxime D. , Park Hyoungshin , Hsiao James C. , Jain Saloni R. , Larson Benjamin L. , Langer Robert , Freed Lisa E.
Published: August 2010

Polymer scaffolds that direct elongation and orientation of cultured cells can enable tissue engineered muscle to act as a mechanically functional unit. We combined micromolding and microablation technologies to create muscle tissue engineering scaffolds from the biodegradable elastomer poly(glycerol sebacate). These scaffolds exhibited well defined surface patterns and pores and robust elastomeric tensile mechanical properties. Cultured C2C12 muscle cells penetrated the pores to form spatially controlled engineered tissues. Scanning electron and confocal microscopy revealed muscle cell orientation in a preferential direction, parallel to micromolded gratings and long axes of microablated anisotropic pores, with significant individual and interactive effects of gratings and pore design.

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Isometric composition operators on BMOA
Authors: Laitila Jussi
Published: August 2010

We characterize and provide examples of the analytic self‐maps of the unit disc, which induce isometric com‐position operators on the space BMOA equipped with a Möbius invariant H2 norm (© 2010 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Large time volume of the pinned Wiener sausage to second order
Authors: McGillivray I.
Published: August 2010

We investigate the large time behaviour of the expected volume of the pinned Wiener sausage associated to a compact subset K in \documentclass{article}\usepackage{amssymb}\pagestyle{empty}\begin{document}$ {\mathbb R}^d $\end{document} for d ⩾ 3. The structure of the asymptotic series is known: it depends strongly on whether the dimension d is odd or even; and the leading coefficient is given by the Newtonian capacity of K. In this article, we obtain detailed expressions for the second order coefficients. It is noteworthy that these coefficients feature novel potential‐theoretic terms that do not appear in the unpinned case. The proof exploits a trace formula of Krein. In the course of the argument, we derive a low‐energy expansion to second order for the Krein spectral shift function for an obstacle scattering system. © 2011 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim
A 4.9‐dB NF 53.5‐ to 62‐GHz micromachined CMOS wideband LNA with small group‐delay‐variation
Authors: Chen Chi‐Chen , Lin Yo‐Sheng , Huang Pen‐Li , Lu Shey‐Shi
Published: August 2010

A 53.5‐ to 62‐GHz wideband low‐noise amplifier (LNA) with excellent phase linearity property using standard 0.13 μm CMOS technology is reported.To achieve sufficient gain, the LNA is composed of six cascade common‐source stages. Current‐sharing technique is adopted to reduce power dissipation. The LNA (STD LNA) consumed 29.1 mW and achieved input return loss (S11) of −10.3 to −19.5 dB, output return loss (S22) of −13.8 to −27.8 dB, forward gain (S21) of 8.1 to 11.1 dB, and reverse isolation (S12) of −49.9 to −60.2 dB over the 53.5‐ to 62‐GHz‐band. The minimum NF (NFmin) is 5.4 dB at 62 GHz. To reduce the substrate loss, the CMOS process compatible backside inductively‐coupled‐plasma (ICP) deep trench technology is used to selectively remove the silicon underneath the LNA. After the ICP etching, the LNA (ICP LNA) achieved maximumS21(S21‐max) of 13.2 dB (at 58 GHz), 2.1 dB higher than that (11.1 dB) of the STD LNA (at 58.5 GHz). In addition, the ICP LNA achieved NFminof 4.9 dB (at 61 GHz), 0.5 dB lower than that (5.4 dB) of the STD LNA (at 62 GHz). These results demonstrate the proposed LNA architecture in conjunction with the backside ICP deep‐trench technology is very promising for high‐performance 60‐GHz‐band RFIC applications. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 52:2427–2432, 2010; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/mop.25500
Tunable frequency equalization using variable optical tilt filter in radio‐over‐fiber links
Authors: Liu Lan , Zheng Shilie , Ji Jun , Guo Minghui , Zhang Xianmin , Jin Xiaofeng , Chi Hao , Zou Yingyin Kevin
Published: August 2010

Frequency equalization is essential for radio‐over‐fiber (RoF) applications due to the degraded performance at higher frequencies.In this article, an easily implemented scheme for tunable frequency equalization in RoF link is proposed. A tunable and reconfigurable microwave photonic filter is used in this method, which is realized through variable optical tilt filter. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 52:2456–2459, 2010; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/mop.25505
Forward and backward periodic microstrip antenna with a slotted ground plane
Authors: Li Yuanxin , Xue Quan , Long Yunliang
Published: August 2010

A novel forward and backward periodic microstrip antenna is presented and tested in this article. The experimental results show that the main lobe scans electronically from 140° to 30° in y–z plane when the operating frequency increases from 3.2 to 8 GHz. The measured results show that the slotted ground plane affects the radiation characteristics of the antenna efficiently. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 52:2608–2610, 2010; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/mop.25525
A novel printed antenna for ultrawideband RFID (UWB‐RFID) tag
Authors: AbdEl‐Raouf Hany E. , Obsiye Abdi K.H. , Islam Md. Rafiqul
Published: August 2010

In this article, we present the design of a modified crescent antenna for ultrawideband (UWB) radio frequency identification (RFID) tag. Different studies to optimize the design of this antenna for the UWB‐RFID system have been performed, particularly to overcome the main challenges such as minimizing the size of the antenna, improving its read range, and the effects of the metallic objects on the antenna performance. To avoid the effect of the metals that may exist below the partial ground plane, the antenna is designed using a foam layer below the partial ground plane and a full ground plane below the foam layer at the bottom of the structure. As a result, the proposed antenna has a maximum read range between 0.9 m and 4.4 m, with the ability to cover the UWB with the existing of metallic objects below the antenna. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 52:2528–2531, 2010; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/mop.25536
Compact top‐loaded ultra‐wideband biconical antenna for indoor base‐station applications
Authors: Lu W. J. , Weng Y.F. , Cheung S.W. , Zhu H. B.
Published: August 2010

A biconical antenna employing the top‐loaded technique is proposed for ultra‐band (UWB) operation. The antenna is composed of a small cone mounted on a top‐loaded disc and a conical ground plane, with both cones electrically connected together using four shorting pins to reduce the lower cutoff frequency. The antenna is investigated using computer simulation and measurement. Results show that the antenna has an impedance bandwidth from 0.8 GHz to over 11.2 GHz, dipole‐like omnidirectional radiation pattern, average gain of about 4.2 dBi, and average radiation efficiency of over 88%. The antenna has the advantageous features of compact size, low profile, simple structure, and ultra‐wideband characteristic and so is suitable for indoor base‐station applications of many existing and future wireless and UWB systems. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 52:2594–2598, 2010; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/mop.25540
A balanced antenna integrated six‐port receiver using direct conversion
Authors: Kim Dong‐Zo , Lee Han‐Lim , Lee Moon‐Que , Yu Jong‐Won
Published: August 2010

In this article, a new balanced antenna integrated six‐port receiver architecture is proposed and experimentally verified. The proposed six‐port architecture consists of a RC‐CR filter, baluns, power combiners, and a wideband balanced antenna designed to have 100‐Ω impedance. The proposed integrated antenna architecture can reduce passive elements of the six‐port receiver and has an excellent LO‐RF isolation characteristic. The proposed six‐port receiver is simulated and verified by the experiment in 1.2 GHz for QPSK 30 Mbps. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 52:2512–2515, 2010; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/mop.25553
Fetal cardiac tumors: a single‐center experience of 40 cases
Authors: Yinon Yoav , Chitayat David , Blaser Susan , Seed Mike , Amsalem Hagai , Yoo Shi‐Joon , Jaeggi Edgar T.
Published: August 2010

Objective

To determine the natural history and outcome of fetal cardiac tumors.

Methods

This was a retrospective cohort study of all prenatally detected cases of cardiac tumors at a tertiary cardiac care center.

Results

Forty fetuses were identified to have one or several cardiac tumors in association with fetal hydrops (18%), ventricular obstruction (30%) and/or arrhythmia (13%). Of 33 cases with rhabdomyoma, three patients elected to terminate the pregnancy, four offspring died at birth and 26 (79%) survived. On follow‐up, 95% of all live‐born cases with rhabdomyomas were free of cardiac symptoms but 88% had tuberous sclerosis. All three fetuses with teratoma presented with hydrops and none of them survived. In contrast, all three fetuses with cardiac fibroma are alive and have a biventricular physiology. One fetus with a large atrial hemangioendothelioma died in early infancy. Fetal or neonatal death was associated with an earlier cardiac anomaly diagnosis, earlier delivery, larger tumor size and fetal hydrops at presentation.

Conclusions

The outcome of fetal cardiac tumors was predicted by the etiology and size of the cardiac mass and the presence of hydrops. Although most cardiac rhabdomyomas have a relatively benign perinatal course, the long‐term prognosis is determined by the neurological manifestations associated with tuberous sclerosis. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
PAPP‐A, free β‐hCG, and early fetal growth identify two pathways leading to preterm delivery
Authors: Kirkegaard Ida , Uldbjerg Niels , Petersen Olav Bjørn , Tørring Niels , Henriksen Tine Brink
Published: August 2010

Objective

To evaluate early fetal growth and the biomarkers, pregnancy‐associated plasma protein A (PAPP‐A) and free β‐human chorionic gonadotrophin (β‐hCG), in relation to preterm delivery.

Methods

A cohort study of 9450 singleton pregnant women who attended the prenatal screening program at Aarhus University Hospital between January 2005 and December 2007, was conducted. PAPP‐A and free β‐hCG were measured in the first trimester. Early fetal growth was estimated by (GA20− GA12)/Dayscalendar, where GA12 reflects the gestational age in days calculated from the crown‐rump length at a 12‐week scan, GA20 reflects the gestational age in days calculated from the biparietal diameter at a 20‐week scan, and Dayscalendar is the number of calendar days between the two scans.

Results

Low PAPP‐A and low free β‐hCG were significantly associated with preterm delivery (<37 weeks). The association was even stronger when low PAPP‐A and slow early fetal growth were combined, resulting in an adjusted odds ratio of 3.8 (95% CI, 1.6–8.7). Fast early fetal growth, but neither high PAPP‐A nor high free β‐hCG, was significantly associated with preterm delivery.

Conclusion

Two different biological pathways leading to spontaneous preterm delivery are suggested: fast early fetal growth and the combination of low PAPP‐A and slow early fetal growth. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Proteome profiling of immortalization‐to‐senescence transition of human breast epithelial cells identified MAP2K3 as a senescence‐promoting protein which is downregulated in human breast cancer
Authors: Jia Min , Souchelnytskyi Nazariy , Hellman Ulf , O'Hare Michael , Jat Parmjit S. , Souchelnytskyi Serhiy
Published: August 2010

Purpose: Immortalization is one of the first changes in cells undergoing carcinogenic transformation. Proteome profiling of the immortalization–senescence transition is expected to provide insights into the molecular mechanisms of early tumorigenesis.

Experimental design: 2‐DE and MALDI‐MS were used to identify proteins in primary human breast epithelial cells, relevant to the immortalization–senescence transition. Cell and molecular biology and immunohistochemistry were used to validate involvement of mitogen‐activated protein kinase kinase 3 (MAP2K3) in the immortalization–senescence transition.

Results: We identified 71 proteins whose expression changed upon induction of senescence. The identified proteins include regulators of cell growth, death, cell assembly and organization. Analysis of the network formed by the identified proteins suggested that the immortalization‐to‐senescence transition could affect regulators of the cell cycle, protein synthesis, transport, post‐translational modifications, DNA recombination and repair, and lipid and amino acid metabolism. We observed that MAP2K3 was downregulated in immortal human breast epithelial cells and that upregulation of MAP2K3 expression promoted cell senescence. Decreased expression of MAP2K3 was observed in human breast infiltrating ductal carcinomas, as compared to non‐cancerous human breast tissues.

Conclusion and clinical relevance: We described a proteome profile of the immortalization‐to‐senescence transition for human breast epithelial cells, and identified MAP2K3 as a protein that promotes senescence in these cells.
Impact of the storage temperature on human plasma proteomic analysis: Implications for the use of human plasma collections in research
Authors: Insenser María , Martínez‐García M. Ángeles , Nieto Rafael Montes , San‐Millán José L. , Escobar‐Morreale Héctor F.
Published: August 2010

Purpose: To analyze the impact of storage temperature on the 2D‐DIGE profile of human plasma.

Experimental design: 2D‐DIGE and MS were used to identify the differences in the proteomic profiles of aliquots of eight human plasma samples stored at either −30 or −80°C for 18 months.

Results: After the depletion of albumin and IgG, 2D‐DIGE identified four spots significantly and reproducibly increased, and five spots that were decreased, in samples stored at −30°C compared with those stored at −80°C. These nine spots were manually excised, digested in‐gel and analyzed by MALDI‐TOF/TOF. MASCOT database search using the PMF spectra allowed the identification of the proteins present in eight of the nine spots. All the spots corresponded to the complement C3 precursor protein.

Conclusions and clinical relevance: Our present results indicate that plasma collections stored at −30°C, and not only those stored at −80°C, may be used for 2D‐DIGE analyses of albumin‐ and IgG‐depleted human plasma without loosing the essential information about highly abundant proteins. This finding expands the applicability of 2D‐DIGE to the study of human disease by permitting the analysis of human plasma samples stored at temperatures between −30 and −80°C.
Prominin‐1 (CD133) is not restricted to stem cells located in the basal compartment of murine and human prostate
Authors: Missol‐Kolka Ewa , Karbanová Jana , Janich Peggy , Haase Michael , Fargeas Christine A. , Huttner Wieland B. , Corbeil Denis
Published: August 2010

BACKGROUND

Rodent and human prominin‐1 are expressed in numerous adult epithelia and somatic stem cells. A report has shown that human PROMININ‐1 carrying the AC133 epitope can be used to identify rare prostate basal stem cells (Richardson et al., J Cell Sci 2004; 117:3539–3545). Here we re‐investigated its general expression in male reproductive tract including mouse and human prostate and in prostate cancer samples using various anti‐prominin‐1 antibodies.

METHODS

The expression was monitored by immunohistochemistry and blotting. Murine tissues were stained with 13A4 monoclonal antibody (mAb) whereas human samples were examined either with the AC133 mAb recognizing the AC133 glycosylation‐dependent epitope or 80B258 mAb directed against the PROMININ‐1 polypeptide.

RESULTS

Mouse prominin‐1 was detected at the apical domain of epithelial cells of ductus deferens, seminal vesicles, ampullary glands, and all prostatic lobes. In human prostate, immunoreactivity for 80B258, but not AC133 was revealed at the apical side of some epithelial (luminal) cells, in addition to the minute population of AC133/80B258‐positive cells found in basal compartment. Examination of prostate adenocarcinoma revealed the absence of 80B258 immunoreactivity in the tumor regions. However, it was found to be up‐regulated in luminal cells in the vicinity of the cancer areas.

CONCLUSIONS

Mouse prominin‐1 is widely expressed in prostate whereas in human only some luminal cells express it, demonstrating nevertheless that its expression is not solely associated with basal stem cells. In pathological samples, our pilot evaluation shows that PROMININ‐1 is down‐regulated in the cancer tissues and up‐regulated in inflammatory regions. Prostate 71:254–267, 2011. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Statins reduce the androgen sensitivity and cell proliferation by decreasing the androgen receptor protein in prostate cancer cells
Authors: Yokomizo Akira , Shiota Masaki , Kashiwagi Eiji , Kuroiwa Kentaro , Tatsugami Katsunori , Inokuchi Junichi , Takeuchi Ario , Naito Seiji
Published: August 2010

BACKGROUND

Statins (3‐hydroxy‐3‐methyl‐glutaryl‐coenzyme A reductase inhibitors) are cholesterol‐lowering drugs that are widely used to prevent and treat atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. Recent epidemiological studies suggest that statins reduce serum prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) levels and decrease the risk of prostate cancer. In the present study, we determined the molecular mechanisms related to the regulation of PSA, androgen receptor (AR) and cell proliferation in prostate cancer cell lines by statins.

METHODS

Western blotting, quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction, cytotoxicity analysis and a cell proliferation assay were used to resolve the regulatory role of statins (mevastatin and simvastatin) in three prostate cancer cell lines, RWPE‐1, 22Rv1, and LNCaP.

RESULTS

Western blotting revealed that both mevastatin and simvastatin downregulated AR and PSA protein. However, these statins did not downregulate AR mRNA expression, while they decreased PSA mRNA. The protease inhibitor MG132 inhibited the downregulation of AR protein which suggested that statins decreased AR protein levels by increasing AR proteolysis. Furthermore, statins reduced cell proliferation in AR positive cells but not in AR negative cells, suggesting that statins regulate cell proliferation via AR expression. In addition, cell proliferation assay at various concentrations of dihydrotestosterone (DHT) showed that statins decreased androgen sensitivity in LNCaP cells.

CONCLUSIONS

Statins decreased AR protein by proteolysis but not mRNA transcription. The drop in AR levels resulted in a reduction in androgen sensitivity and a decrease in cell proliferation in AR positive prostate cancer cells. Prostate 71:298–304, 2011. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The fluorescence of variously terminated nanodiamond particles: Quantum chemical calculations
Authors: Kratochvílová I. , Kovalenko A. , Taylor A. , Fendrych F. , Řezáčová V. , Vlček J. , Záliš S. , Šebera J. , Cígler P. , Ledvina M. , Nesládek M.
Published: August 2010

Nanodiamond is a novel and promising material for in vitro and in vivo imaging in living cells. In this work, we studied (using quantum chemical calculation methods) how the various surface terminations affect the conditions for the fluorescence of nitrogen‐vacancy (NV) centers in nanodiamond particles. We worked with clusters containing between 35 and 86 atoms of carbon containing NV centers with different charge states of their vacancies (NV− and NV0) and with different terminations: OH, H, NH2, carbonyl, carboxyl, and hydroxyl groups. The systems under study were modeled by DFT‐based calculations using the Gaussian 09 and Turbomole‐5.10 program packages.
Determination of carrier diffusion coefficient and lifetime in single crystalline CVD diamonds by light‐induced transient grating technique
Authors: Malinauskas T. , Jarašiūnas K. , Ivakin E. , Tranchant N. , Nesladek M.
Published: August 2010

We report on a contactless, all‐optical study of carrier diffusion and recombination kinetics in single‐crystalline diamond layers using the light‐induced transient grating (LITG) technique. Decay times of transient diffraction grating yielded carrier lifetime of τR ≈ 3 ns and bipolar diffusion coefficient Da = 12 cm2/s at 300 K. The latter value of Da was found to be 4–5 times lower than the ambipolar diffusivity based on electron and hole mobilities, measured by photo‐electrical time‐of‐flight (ToF) technique. This discrepancy was attributed to the bandgap renormalization at high excess carrier densities and its impact on carrier diffusion. The significant decrease of low temperature diffusivity pointed out to a contribution of many‐body effects which are tentatively attributed to the formation of electron–hole liquid (EHL) at T < 150 K.
Density and physical current density functional theory
Authors: Pan Xiao‐Yin , Sahni Viraht
Published: August 2010

For a system of N electrons in an external scalar potential v(r) and external vector potential A(r), we prove that the wave function ψ is a functional of the gauge invariant ground state density ρ(r) and ground state physical current density j(r), and a gauge function α(R) (with R = r1,…,rN):ψ=ψ [ρ,j,α]. It is the presence of the gauge function α(R) that ensures the wave function functional is gauge variant. We prove this via a unitary transformation and by a proof of the bijectivity between the potentials {v(r),A(r)} and the ground state properties {ρ(r),j(r)}. Thus, the natural basic variables for the system are the gauge invariant ρ(r) and j(r). Because each choice of gauge function corresponds to the same physical system, the choice of α(R) = 0 is equally valid. As such, we construct a {ρ(r),j(r)} functional theory with the corresponding Euler equations for the density ρ(r) and physical current density j(r) , together with the constraints of charge conservation and continuity of the current. With the assumption of existence of a system of noninteracting fermions with the same ρ(r) and j(r) as that of the electrons, we provide the equations describing this model system, the definitions being within the framework of Kohn–Sham theory in terms of energy functionals of {ρ(r),j(r)} and their functional derivatives. A special case of the {ρ(r),j(r)} functional theory is the magnetic‐field density‐functional theory of Grayce and Harris. We discuss and contrast our work with the paramagnetic current‐ and density‐functional theory of Vignale and Rasolt in which the variables are the gauge invariant ground state density ρ(r), and vorticity ν(r) = ∇× (jp(r)/ρ(r)) , where jp(r) is the paramagnetic current density. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2010
Multiphoton microscopic imaging of normal human rectum tissue
Authors: Liu Nenrong , Chen Gang , Chen Jianxin , Yan Jun , Zhuo Shuangmu , Zheng Liqin , Jiang Xingshan
Published: August 2010

In this paper, multiphoton microscopy (MPM), based on two‐photon excited fluorescence and second harmonic generation signals, was used to image microstructures of human rectal mucosa and submucosa. The morphology and distribution of the main components in mucosa layer, goblet cells, intestinal glands, and a little collagen fibers have been clearly monitored, and the content and distribution of collagen, elastic fibers, and blood vessels in submucosa layer have also been distinctly obtained. The variation of these components is very relevant to the pathology in gastrointestinal system, especially early rectal cancer. Our results indicate that the MPM technique has the potential application in vivo in the clinical diagnosis and monitoring of early rectal cancer. SCANNING 32: 347–350, 2010. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Generation of Transgene-Free Lung Disease-Specific Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells Using a Single Excisable Lentiviral Stem Cell Cassette
Authors: Somers Aba , Jean Jyh-Chang , Sommer Cesar A. , Omari Amel , Ford Christopher C. , Mills Jason A. , Ying Lei , Sommer Andreia Gianotti , Jean Jenny M. , Smith Brenden W. , Lafyatis Robert , Demierre Marie-France , Weiss Daniel J. , French Deborah L. , Gadue Paul , Murphy George J. , Mostoslavsky Gustavo , Kotton Darrell N.
Published: August 2010

The development of methods to achieve efficient reprogramming of human cells while avoiding the permanent presence of reprogramming transgenes represents a critical step toward the use of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC) for clinical purposes, such as disease modeling or reconstituting therapies. Although several methods exist for generating iPSC free of reprogramming transgenes from mouse cells or neonatal normal human tissues, a sufficiently efficient reprogramming system is still needed to achieve the widespread derivation of disease-specific iPSC from humans with inherited or degenerative diseases. Here, we report the use of a humanized version of a single lentiviral “stem cell cassette” vector to accomplish efficient reprogramming of normal or diseased skin fibroblasts obtained from humans of virtually any age. Simultaneous transfer of either three or four reprogramming factors into human target cells using this single vector allows derivation of human iPSC containing a single excisable viral integration that on removal generates human iPSC free of integrated transgenes. As a proof of principle, here we apply this strategy to generate >100 lung disease-specific iPSC lines from individuals with a variety of diseases affecting the epithelial, endothelial, or interstitial compartments of the lung, including cystic fibrosis, α-1 antitrypsin deficiency-related emphysema, scleroderma, and sickle-cell disease. Moreover, we demonstrate that human iPSC generated with this approach have the ability to robustly differentiate into definitive endoderm in vitro, the developmental precursor tissue of lung epithelia.
Undifferentiated Embryonic Cell Transcription Factor 1 Regulates ESC Chromatin Organization and Gene Expression
Authors: Kooistra Susanne M. , van den Boom Vincent , Thummer Rajkumar P. , Johannes Frank , Wardenaar René , Tesson Bruno M. , Veenhoff Liesbeth M. , Fusetti Fabrizia , O'Neill Laura P. , Turner Bryan M. , de Haan Gerald , Eggen Bart J. L.
Published: August 2010

Previous reports showed that embryonic stem (ES) cells contain hyperdynamic and globally transcribed chromatin—properties that are important for ES cell pluripotency and differentiation. Here, we demonstrate a role for undifferentiated embryonic cell transcription factor 1 (UTF1) in regulating ES cell chromatin structure. Using chromatin immunoprecipitation-on-chip analysis, we identified >1,700 UTF1 target genes that significantly overlap with previously identified Nanog, Oct4, Klf-4, c-Myc, and Rex1 targets. Gene expression profiling showed that UTF1 knock down results in increased expression of a large set of genes, including a significant number of UTF1 targets. UTF1 knock down (KD) ES cells are, irrespective of the increased expression of several self-renewal genes, Leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) dependent. However, UTF1 KD ES cells are perturbed in their differentiation in response to dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) or after LIF withdrawal and display increased colony formation. UTF1 KD ES cells display extensive chromatin decondensation, reflected by a dramatic increase in nucleosome release on micrococcal nuclease (MNase) treatment and enhanced MNase sensitivity of UTF1 target genes in UTF1 KD ES cells. Summarizing, our data show that UTF1 is a key chromatin component in ES cells, preventing ES cell chromatin decondensation, and aberrant gene expression; both essential for proper initiation of lineage-specific differentiation of ES cells.
Neural Induction Intermediates Exhibit Distinct Roles of Fgf Signaling
Authors: Sterneckert Jared , Stehling Martin , Bernemann Christof , Araúzo-Bravo Marcos J. , Greber Boris , Gentile Luca , Ortmeier Claudia , Sinn Martina , Wu Guangming , Ruau David , Zenke Martin , Brintrup Rhea , Klein Diana C. , Ko Kinarm , Schöler Hans R.
Published: August 2010

Formation of the neural plate is an intricate process in early mammalian embryonic development mediated by cells of the inner cell mass and involving a series of steps, including development of the epiblast. Here, we report on the creation of an embryonic stem (ES) cell-based system to isolate and identify neural induction intermediates with characteristics of epiblast cells and neural plate. We demonstrate that neural commitment requires prior differentiation of ES cells into epiblast cells that are indistinguishable from those derived from natural embryos. We also demonstrate that epiblast cells can be isolated and cultured as epiblast stem cell lines. Fgf signaling is shown to be required for the differentiation of ES cells into these epiblast cells. Fgf2, widely used for maintenance of both human ES cells and epiblast stem cells, inhibits formation of early neural cells by epiblast intermediates in a dose-dependent manner and is sufficient to promote transient self-renewal of epiblast stem cells. In contrast, Fgf8, the endogenous embryonic neural inducer, fails to promote epiblast self-renewal, but rather promotes more homogenous neural induction with transient self-renewal of early neural cells. Removal of Fgf signaling entirely from epiblast cells promotes rapid neural induction and subsequent neurogenesis. We conclude that Fgf signaling plays different roles during the differentiation of ES cells, with an initial requirement in epiblast formation and a subsequent role in self-renewal. Fgf2 and Fgf8 thus stimulate self-renewal in different cell types.
Hatchling morphology and adaptation to host plants during juvenile stages in the butterfly Pieris napi
Authors: Ohata Masaaki , Furumoto Atsuko , Ohsaki Naota
Published: August 2010

The adaptations of young insect larvae to factors causing mortality may not depend on whole‐body size but may instead depend substantially on the size of specific body parts. Using two closely related plant species, Arabis flagellosa, which has leaves that are tougher and difficult to digest, and A. gemmifera, which has leaves that are softer and difficult to convert, we showed that larvae of the butterfly Pieris napi exhibit specific adaptations through changes in body‐part size based on different traits of their host plants. For a given egg size, the head widths of hatchlings from eggs collected from A. flagellosa were significantly larger than those of hatchlings from eggs collected from A. gemmifera. In addition, larger heads were accompanied by smaller abdomens in hatchlings originating from A. flagellosa, whereas the opposite pattern was observed in hatchlings from A. gemmifera. The time to completion of the first feeding on leaves of A. gemmifera was not affected by either egg or head size regardless of the original food plant. However, the time to completion of the first feeding on A. flagellosa decreased with increasing head size of hatchlings, regardless of the original food plant. Furthermore, even though egg sizes did not differ between treatments, larvae originating from A. gemmifera and A. flagellosa exhibited similar weight gain on leaves of A. flagellosa, whereas larvae originating from A. gemmifera gained more weight than larvae from A. flagellosa when reared on leaves of A. gemmifera. These results suggest that selection in young larvae for adaptations to environmental conditions may operate on specific larval body‐part sizes.
Verkehrssicherheit in den Kreisen Nordrhein-Westfalens: Wo lebt es sich am sichersten?
Authors: Holz-Rau Christian , Scheiner Joachim
Published: August 2010

The paper presents traffic accident risk figures for North Rhine-Westphalia on the district level (Kreise and kreisfreie Städte), broken down by age group and type of traffic participation. The spatial analysis is based on the victims’ places of residence. These are identified for car passengers by using licence numbers. Injured or killed pedestrians and bicycle users are classified by place of accident, which may serve as a good proxy for the place of residence in their case. The results suggest that the population-based risk to be killed or seriously injured in road traffic is considerably lower in large cities than in suburban and rural areas. This is particularly true for adolescents. Macro-economically, this leads to markedly below-average accident costs in large cities.
Acellular porcine intestinal submucosa as fascial graft in an animal model: Applications for revision tympanoplasty
Authors: Ort Stuart A. , Ehrlich H. Paul , Isaacson Jon E.
Published: August 2010

OBJECTIVE

To demonstrate regeneration of muscle fascia appropriate for future harvest with the use of acellular porcine intestinal submucosa in a rat model.

STUDY DESIGN

Animal cohort study.

SETTING

Tertiary care academic medical center.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

Sixteen male Sprague‐Dawley rats underwent excision of rectus abdominis muscle fascia. A sheet of acellular porcine intestinal submucosa was placed in the fascia harvest defect. Graft and underlying muscle were harvested at three‐, six‐, and nine‐week intervals. Histologic examination, including immunohistology for anti‐von Willebrand factor, was performed at each timepoint. Additional selected specimens were subjected to latex vascular perfusion casts to examine vessel growth patterns within the graft.

RESULTS

Gross examination revealed a new tissue plane, indistinguishable from surrounding native fascia. Histology revealed an initial inflammatory response within the graft. Progressive influx of native tissue was noted over successive timepoints. Via collagen‐specific staining, we noted progressive reorganization and maturation of the graft collagen matrix. At the final nine‐week time point, a new loose connective tissue plane was reestablished between the graft and underlying muscle. Immunohistochemistry and latex perfusion both demonstrate an initial development of small capillaries that progresses over time to greater organization and arteriole formation.

CONCLUSION

Fascia regeneration may be possible with use of an acellular porcine intestinal submucosa graft in an animal model. Future studies may prove beneficial in restoring fascia in humans. Implications for potential advantages in tympanoplasty are discussed.

© 2010 American Academy of Otolaryngology‐Head and Neck Surgery Foundation. All rights reserved.
Aging effect on galvanic vestibular‐evoked myogenic potentials
Authors: Chang Chih‐Ming , Cheng Po‐Wen , Young Yi‐Ho
Published: August 2010

OBJECTIVE

This study compared the characteristic parameters of vestibular‐evoked myogenic potentials (VEMPs) via galvanic vestibular stimulation (GVS) in healthy subjects of various ages to measure the effect of aging on GVS‐VEMPs.

STUDY DESIGN

Prospective study.

SETTING

University hospital.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

Fifty‐two healthy subjects were divided into five groups by age. Each group consisted of 10 subjects in one decade (except 12 subjects in the group of 60 to 69 years). All subjects underwent VEMP testing via GVS with an intensity of 5 mA for 1 ms.

RESULTS

All 10 subjects (20 ears) in each group aged 20 to 29, 30 to 39, 40 to 49, and 50 to 59 years exhibited clear GVSVEMPs, whereas 20 (83%) of 24 ears in the group aged 60 to 69 years had clear GVS‐VEMPs, exhibiting nonsignificant differences in terms of prevalence between the groups of subjects younger and older than 60 years. The mean p13 and n23 latencies and p13‐n23 amplitude of the subjects in the groups aged 20 to 29, 30 to 39, 40 to 49, 50 to 59, and 60 to 69 years differed significantly among the five groups: the p13 and n23 latencies of the group aged older than 60 years was significantly longer than those of subjects younger than 60 years and their p13‐n23 amplitude was lower.

CONCLUSION

The decline of the amplitude and prolongation of the latencies in GVS‐VEMPs after the age of 60 may, at least in part, be caused by the decrease in the number of vestibular afferents and their caliber.

© 2010 American Academy of Otolaryngology‐Head and Neck Surgery Foundation. All rights reserved.
Clinical value of office‐based endoscopic incisional biopsy in diagnosis of nasal cavity masses
Authors: Han Myung Woul , Lee Bong‐Jae , Jang Yong Ju , Chung Yoo‐Sam
Published: August 2010

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate clinical features and the diagnostic accuracy of office‐based endoscopic incisional biopsy in patients with nasal cavity masses.

STUDY DESIGN

Diagnostic test assessment with chart review.

SETTING

Tertiary referral center.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

From January 1997 to August 2006, preoperative diagnosis was achieved using endoscopic incisional biopsy in 521 patients. Cytopathologic and histologic findings were categorized as malignancy, benign neoplasm, or nonneoplastic lesion. Preoperative imaging was done in 462 patients (computed tomography: 438 cases; magnetic resonance imaging: 24 cases). We investigated the accuracy of endoscopic incisional biopsy and preoperative imaging by comparing it with pathologic results from tumor resection as the “gold standard.”

RESULTS

Most of the patients had unilateral nasal symptoms (e.g., nasal obstruction, unilateral epistaxis, unilateral facial pain), and the clinical symptoms were of little diagnostic value in the differentiation of tumor and inflammatory lesion. The sensitivity and specificity of endoscopic incisional biopsy were 43.7 and 98.9 percent, respectively, for the diagnosis of nasal cavity malignancies, and 78.2 and 96.2 percent, respectively, for the diagnosis of benign neoplasms. The sensitivity and specificity of preoperative imaging were 78.3 and 97.5 percent, respectively, for the diagnosis of nasal cavity malignancies and 66.4 and 86.3 percent, respectively, for the diagnosis of benign neoplasms. Combining the two modalities increased diagnostic accuracy in nasal cavity masses.

CONCLUSION

Endoscopic incisional biopsy alone did not ensure accurate diagnosis of nasal cavity tumors, but in combination with preoperative imaging it was helpful for the diagnosis of nasal cavity malignancies.

© 2010 American Academy of Otolaryngology‐Head and Neck Surgery Foundation. All rights reserved.