bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Infantry versus Cavalry : The Byzantine Response
Authors: McGeer Eric
Published: January 2011

REB 46 1988 France p. 135-145

E. McGeer, Infantry versus Cavalry : The Byzantine Response. — This article reviews the battle tactics prescribed by the author of the Praecepta Militaria (ca. 965) for the use of infantry facing cavalry. This text and set of tactics were chosen for study because of the light they shed on the author's efforts to combine the recommendations of earlier military textbooks (especially the Sylloge Tacticorum, ca. 950) with his own expertise in developing and presenting his defensive system. The development of infantry tactics did not end with the Praecepta, however, for the second version of this work included in the Tactica of Nikephoros Ouranos (ca. 1000) shows us that further adjustments were deemed necessary in order to maintain the shifting balance between infantry and cavalry throughout the later tenth century.
Chronologie et composition dans l'Histoire de Georges Pachymérès (livres VII-XIII)
Authors: Failler Albert
Published: January 2011

REB 48 1990 France p. 5-87

A. Failler, Chronologie et composition dans l'Histoire de Georges Pachymérès (livres VII-VIIΙ). — La seconde partie de l'Histoire, qui couvre les années 1282-1307, présente moins de problèmes de chronologie que la première, et le récit se déroule de manière plus linéaire. Certaines questions exigent cependant d'être traitées plus longuement que ne le permettra la nouvelle édition. Voici les points qui sont successivement examines : 1. Les étapes de la vie troublée de Michel Komnènos, le fils de .lean le Bâtard le sébastokratôr de Thessalie ; 2 et 3. Le séjour d Andronic II en Bithynie et à Nymphée dans les années 90, avec la visite rendue à cette occasion à Jean Laskaris et à Jean Bekkos sur le chemin de Taller; 1. La révolte d'Alexis Philanthrôpènos et son aveuglement ; 5. Le séjour d' Andronic II à Thessalonique à l'occasion (tes fiançailles de Simonis avec le kral de Serbie ; 6. La visite du patriarche Jean à l'empereur un peu avant sa démission; 7. La première expédition militaire de Michel IX et ses revers en Asie ; 8, 9 et 10. Les campagnes de la Compagnie catalane en Asie et en Europe de 1304 à 1307.
Trois documents de la controverse gréco-arménienne
Authors: Darrouzès Jean
Published: January 2011

REB 48 1990 France p. 89-153

J. Darrouzès, Trois documents de la controverse gréco-arménienne. — Ces textes inédits sont publiés avec une traduction française et une introduction ; ils ne sont pas datables avec précision à cause de leur anonymat. Le premier est une lettre patriarcale au catholicos, qui contient une réfutation des erreurs attribuées aux Arméniens; le second est une profession de foi trinitaire et christologique adressée à l'empereur Jean Comnène par un catholicos, sans doute drégoire III; le troisième donne le catalogue des usages blâmables dont l'Église byzantine exigeait la réforme avant d'accepter la communion avec les Arméniens, vers les années 1172-1180.
Three Notes on the Iconography of Dionysius the Areopagite
Authors: Walter Christopher
Published: January 2011

REB 48 1990 France p. 255-274, 8 pl.

Ch. Walter, Three Notes on the Iconography of Dionysius the Areopagite. — Three themes in the iconography of Dionysius are elucidated with the aid of the apocryphal literary sources. The significance of the miniature of Dionysius's vision of the Crucifixion is explained by referring it to the account of it in his autobiography. The identity of the bishops represented in scenes of the Dormition is established more precisely by a study of the accounts of the event in both the mariological homilies and the lives of Dionysius and by a study of the portrait types of the bishops. Finally the iconographical theme of Dionysius's céphalophorie is shown to be Eastern in origin although the legend itself was a Western creation. It is also shown to be distinct from the iconography of other saints 'kephalophoroi'.
Assessment of Subclinical Vascular Disease Associated with Ankylosing Spondylitis
Authors: BODNÁR NÓRA , KEREKES GYÖRGY , SERES ILDIKÓ , PARAGH GYÖRGY , KAPPELMAYER JÁNOS , NÉMETHNÉ ZSUZSANNA GYURCSIK , SZEGEDI GYULA , SHOENFELD YEHUDA , SIPKA SÁNDOR , SOLTÉSZ PÁL , SZEKANECZ ZOLTÁN , SZÁNTÓ SÁNDOR
Published: January 2011

Objective.

Studies indicate that ankylosing spondylitis (AS), as well as rheumatoid arthritis, may be associated with accelerated atherosclerosis and vascular disease. We assessed endothelial dysfunction, carotid atherosclerosis, and aortic stiffness in AS in context with clinical and laboratory measurements.

Methods.

Forty-three patients with AS and 40 matched healthy controls were studied. We assessed common carotid intima-media thickness (ccIMT), flow-mediated vasodilation (FMD), and pulse-wave velocity (PWV) in association with age, disease duration, smoking habits, body mass index, patient’s assessment of pain and disease activity, Bath AS Disease Activity Index, Bath AS Functional Index (BASFI), metric measurements, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, C-reactive protein, and HLA-B27 status.

Results.

We found impaired FMD (6.85 ± 2.98% vs 8.30 ± 3.96%; p = 0.005), increased ccIMT (0.65 ± 0.15 vs 0.54 ± 0.15 mm; p = 0.01), and higher PWV (8.64 ± 2.44 vs 8.00 ± 1.46 m/s; p = 0.03) in patients with AS compared to controls, respectively. We also found that ccIMT negatively correlated with FMD (r = −0.563; p = 0.0001) and positively correlated with PWV (r = 0.374; p = 0.018). Both ccIMT and PWV correlated with disease duration (r = 0.559; p = 0.013 and r = 0.520; p = 0.022, respectively), BASFI (r = 0.691; p = 0.003 and r = 0.654; p = 0.006), decreased lumbar spine mobility (r = −0.656; p = 0.006 and r = −0.604; p = 0.013), chest expansion (r = −0.502; p = 0.047 and r = −0.613; p = 0.012), and increased wall-occiput distance (r = 0.509; p = 0.044 and r = 0.614; p = 0.011).

Conclusion.

In this well characterized AS population, impaired FMD and increased ccIMT and PWV indicate abnormal endothelial function and increased atherosclerosis and aortic stiffness, respectively. The value of noninvasive diagnostic tools needs to be further characterized.
Early Prediction of Increased Arterial Stiffness in Patients with Chronic Inflammation: A 15-year Followup Study of 108 Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: PROVAN SELLA A. , ANGEL KRISTIN , SEMB ANNE GRETE , MOWINCKEL PETTER , AGEWALL STEFAN , ATAR DAN , KVIEN TORE K.
Published: January 2011

Objective.

Patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), a chronic inflammatory disease, have increased cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. We investigated whether early markers of RA inflammatory disease activity could predict later increased levels of pulse-wave velocity (PWV) and augmentation index (AIx), 2 measures of arterial stiffness.

Methods.

In total 238 patients with early RA were followed longitudinally and 108 were available for the 15-year followup examination. Comprehensive baseline clinical and radiographic data were collected in 1992. Arterial stiffness, measured as AIx and PWV (Sphygmocor apparatus), was recorded at the 15-year followup. Adjusted logistic univariate and multivariate analyses were performed with levels of AIx and PWV as the dependent variables, and variables reflecting baseline RA disease activity as possible predictors. The validity of the final models was examined in linear regression analyses.

Results.

Baseline C-reactive protein (CRP) above the median predicted increased AIx (OR 3.52, 95% CI 1.04–11.90) and PWV (OR 4.84, 95% CI 1.39–16.83) at the 15-year assessment in multivariate models. Patients with elevated baseline CRP had significantly higher AIx (ß = 2.67, 95% CI 0.06–5.31, p = 0.045) and lnPWV (ß = 0.08, 95% CI 0.01–0.14, p = 0.02) after 15 years, after adjustments for age, sex, heart rate (AIx only) and mean arterial pressure.

Conclusion.

Inflammation early in the RA disease course was associated with increased AIx and PWV after 15 years. These findings support the importance of early control of the inflammatory process in patients with RA.
Dendritic Cell-Specific ICAM-3–Grabbing Nonintegrin Expression on M2-Polarized and Tumor-Associated Macrophages Is Macrophage-CSF Dependent and Enhanced by Tumor-Derived IL-6 and IL-10
Authors: Domínguez-Soto Angeles , Sierra-Filardi Elena , Puig-Kröger Amaya , Pérez-Maceda Blanca , Gómez-Aguado Fernando , Corcuera María Teresa , Sánchez-Mateos Paloma , Corbí Angel L.
Published: January 2011

Dendritic cell-specific ICAM-3–grabbing nonintegrin (DC-SIGN; CD209) is a human pathogen-attachment C-type lectin with no obvious murine ortholog and for which ligation leads to enhanced anti-inflammatory cytokine release and altered proinflammatory cytokine production. Although induced by IL-4 in monocytes and considered as a DC marker, DC-SIGN expression on human APCs under homeostatic conditions is so far unexplained. We report in this study that M-CSF enhances DC-SIGN expression on in vitro derived anti-inflammatory macrophages and that M-CSF mediates the induction of DC-SIGN by fibroblast- and tumor cell-conditioned media. The M-CSF–inducible DC-SIGN expression along monocyte-to-macrophage differentiation is dependent on JNK and STAT3 activation, potentiated by STAT3-activating cytokines (IL-6, IL-10), and abrogated by the M1-polarizing cytokine GM-CSF. In pathological settings, DC-SIGN expression is detected in tumor tissues and on ex vivo-isolated CD14+ CD163+ IL-10–producing tumor-associated macrophages. Importantly, DC-SIGN Abs reduced the release of IL-10 from macrophages exposed to Lewisx-expressing SKBR3 tumor cells. These results indicate that DC-SIGN is expressed on both wound-healing (IL-4–dependent) and regulatory (M-CSF–dependent) alternative (M2) macrophages and that DC-SIGN expression on tumor-associated macrophages might help tumor progression by contributing to the maintenance of an immunosuppressive environment.
TRIF Is a Critical Survival Factor in Viral Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Riad Alexander , Westermann Dirk , Zietsch Christin , Savvatis Konstantinos , Becher Peter M. , Bereswill Stefan , Heimesaat Markus M. , Lettau Olga , Lassner Dirk , Dörner Andrea , Poller Wolfgang , Busch Matthias , Felix Stephan B. , Schultheiss Heinz P. , Tschöpe Carsten
Published: January 2011

TRIF is a member of the innate immune system known to be involved in viral recognition and type I IFN activation. Because IFNs are thought to play an important role in viral myocarditis, we investigated the role of TRIF in induced myocarditis in mice. Whereas C57BL/6 (wild-type) mice showed only mild myocarditis, including normal survival postinfection with coxsackievirus group B serotype 3 (CVB3), infection of TRIF−/− mice led to the induction of cardiac remodeling, severe heart failure, and 100% mortality (p < 0.0001). These mice showed markedly reduced virus control in cardiac tissues and cardiomyocytes. This was accompained with dynamic cardiac cytokine activation in the heart, including a suppression of the antiviral cytokine IFN-β in the early viremic phase. TRIF−/− myocytes displayed a TLR4-dependent suppression of IFN-β, and pharmacological treatment of CVB3-infected TRIF−/− mice with murine IFN-β led to improved virus control and reduced cardiac inflammation. Additionally, this treatment within the viremic phase of myocarditis showed a significant long-term outcome indexed by reduced mortality (20 versus 100%; p < 0.001). TRIF is essential toward a cardioprotection against CVB3 infection.
Hapten Application to the Skin Induces an Inflammatory Program Directing Hapten-Primed Effector CD8 T Cell Interaction with Hapten-Presenting Endothelial Cells
Authors: Kish Danielle D. , Volokh Nina , Baldwin William M. , Fairchild Robert L.
Published: January 2011

Contact hypersensitivity is a CD8 T cell-mediated response to hapten sensitization and challenge of the skin. Effector CD8 T cell recruitment into the skin parenchyma to elicit the response to hapten challenge requires prior CXCL1/KC-directed neutrophil infiltration within 3–6 h after challenge and is dependent on IFN-γ and IL-17 produced by the hapten-primed CD8 T cells. Mechanisms directing hapten-primed CD8 T cell localization and activation in the Ag challenge site to induce this early CXCL1 production in response to 2,4-dinitrofluorobenzene were investigated. Both TNF-α and IL-17, but not IFN-γ, mRNA was detectable within 1 h of hapten challenge of sensitized mice and increased thereafter. Expression of ICAM-1 was observed by 1 h after challenge of sensitized and nonsensitized mice and was dependent on TNF-α. The induction of IL-17, IFN-γ, and CXCL1 in the challenge site was not observed when ICAM-1 was absent or neutralized by specific Ab. During the elicitation of the contact hypersensitivity response, endothelial cells expressed ICAM-1 and produced CXCL1 suggesting this as the site of CD8 T cell localization and activation. Endothelial cells isolated from challenged skin of naive and sensitized mice had acquired the hapten and the ability to activate hapten-primed CD8 T cell cytokine production. These results indicate that hapten application to the skin of sensitized animals initiates an inflammatory response promoting hapten-primed CD8 T cell localization to the challenge site through TNF-α–induced ICAM-1 expression and CD8 T cell activation to produce IFN-γ and IL-17 through endothelial cell presentation of hapten.
Cutting Edge: Selective Role of Ubiquitin in MHC Class I Antigen Presentation
Authors: Huang Lan , Marvin Julie M. , Tatsis Nia , Eisenlohr Laurence C.
Published: January 2011

The importance of ubiquitination in MHC class I-restricted Ag processing remains unclear. To address this issue, we overexpressed wild-type and dominant-negative lysineless forms of ubiquitin (Ub) in mammalian cells using an inducible vaccinia virus system. Overexpression of the lysineless Ub nearly abrogated polyubiquitination and potently inhibited epitope presentation from a cytosolic N-end rule substrate as well as endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-targeted model Ags. In contrast, there was little impact on Ag presentation from cytosolic proteins. These trends were location dependent; redirecting cytosolic Ag to the ER rendered presentation lysineless Ub-sensitive, whereas retargeting exocytic Ag to the cytosol had the inverse effect. This dichotomy was further underscored by small interfering RNA knockdown of the ER-associated Ub ligase Hrd1. Thus, Ub-dependent degradation appears to play a major role in the MHC class I-restricted processing of ER-targeted proteins and a more restricted role in the processing of cytosolic proteins.
Bivariate population balance model of ethanol‐fueled spray combustors
Authors: Rosner Daniel E. , Arias‐Zugasti Manuel
Published: January 2011

We present a bivariate population balance‐based formulation of the performance of well‐mixed adiabatic combustors fed by ethanol (EtOH)‐containing sprays of prescribed droplet size distribution (DSD) and composition. Our historically interesting example is the fuel‐cooled V‐2 chemical rocket—using 75 wt % EtOH + H2O solution, and oxidizer O2(L). Of special interest are the predicted combustion “intensity” (GW/m3) and efficiency (EtOH fraction vaporized) at each ratio of combustor mean residence time to feed‐droplet characteristic vaporization time. Our formulation exploits a quasi‐steady, gas‐diffusion‐controlled individual droplet evaporation rate law, and the method‐of‐characteristics to solve the associated first‐order population balance partial differential equation governing the joint distribution function n(m1, m2) of the fuel spray exiting such a chamber, where m1 = EtOH mass/droplet, and m2 = H2O mass/droplet. Besides the combustor efficiency and intensity, this bivariate distribution function enables predictions of corresponding unconditional DSD, and the joint distribution function(diam., droplet temperature)—perhaps measurable. Our numerically exact formulation/results also provide valuable test cases for convenient approximate methods (bivariate moment and spectral/weighted residual) to predict these “correlated” bivariate distribution functions in more complex situations. © 2011 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2011
Hydrochloric acid‐catalyzed levulinic acid formation from cellulose: data and kinetic model to maximize yields
Authors: Shen Jiacheng , Wyman Charles E.
Published: January 2011

In this study, the kinetics of the acid catalyzed hydrolysis of microcrystalline cellulose (Avicel PH101) to levulinic (LA) and formic (FA) acids was investigated in a batch reactor over the following range of conditions: 160–200°C, hydrochloric acid concentrations of 0.309–0.927 M (11.3–33.8 g/l), cellulose concentrations of 49.8–149 mM (8.06–24.1 g/l), and residence times of 0–50 min. The maximum LA yield of around 60% of theoretical was achieved for an initial cellulose concentration of 99.6 mM, acid concentration 0.927 M, and 180–200°C. A mathematical model and its analytical solution were developed to predict conversion of cellulose to LA and FA through glucose and hydroxymethyl‐2‐furfural based on an irreversible pseudo‐first order reaction. Rate analysis of each reaction indicated that the rate‐controlling step shifted from LA formation initially to HMF formation later. © 2011 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2012
Lagrangian tools for the analysis of mixing in single‐phase and multiphase flow systems
Authors: Guida Antonio , Nienow Alvin W. , Barigou Mostafa
Published: January 2011

Mixing is intrinsically a Lagrangian process and, while Eulerian data are very important, Lagrangian information is necessary for its complete description. Lagrangian data can, in principle, be generated by using numerical simulations or experimental techniques based on Lagrangian tracking to provide the trajectories of fluid elements or particles. We present a set of theoretical and computational tools specifically developed for the analysis and validation of single‐phase and multiphase Lagrangian flow data obtained from tracer trajectories in mechanically agitated vessels. The implementation and power of these tools are demonstrated by analyzing a wide range of measurements acquired using the technique of positron emission particle tracking during mixing of Newtonian and non‐Newtonian fluids as well as mixing of concentrated solid–liquid suspensions. Finally, the accuracy of the raw Lagrangian data treatment developed here is illustrated by comparing with an Eulerian technique and showing very precise mass continuity for an agitated solid–liquid system. © 2011 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2012
The propagation of pressure in a gelled waxy oil pipeline as studied by particle imaging velocimetry
Authors: El‐Gendy Husam , Alcoutlabi Mataz , Jemmett Mark , Deo Milind , Magda Jules , Venkatesan Rama , Montesi Alberto
Published: January 2011

Paraffinic crude oils in pipelines may form waxy gels during flow shutdowns. These gels can be dislodged by applying pressure if the wall shear stress, proportional to the local pressure gradient, exceeds the gel yield stress. The simplest models assume that the axial pressure profile becomes linear immediately after a jump in upstream pressure, but this fails to account for gel time‐dependent rheology or the effect of gel voids on pressure wave propagation. To investigate the former factor, pressure profile and particle imaging velocimetry (PIV) measurements were performed on a model oil gelled under pressure to reduce void formation. After a jump in upstream pressure to a value insufficient to restart flow, the axial pressure profile becomes linear in a two‐step process, with an immediate small rise in downstream pressure followed by a time‐delayed jump. The local downstream gel deformation measured by PIV exhibits similar two‐step time dependence. © 2011 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2012
Does social media improve communication? Evaluating the NIOSH science blog
Authors: Sublet Virginia , Spring Christina , Howard John ,   National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
Published: January 2011

Background

In 2007, NIOSH created the Science Blog as its first social media channel. The blog has more than 22,000 subscribers. The purpose of the evaluation was to identify the blog community of readers, its use as a two‐way conversation channel and its effectiveness as an information resource.

Methods

Seventy‐five readers randomly participated in an online survey from July 2009 to September 2009 to evaluate the Science Blog.

Results

Responses indicated that the NIOSH Science Blog was a valued social media resource. Sixty percent of participants planned to continue using the blog in the next 6 months. A significant proportion of readers reported that they would make changes in the workplace based on information obtained from the Science Blog.

Conclusions

The NIOSH Science Blog provides is a useful communication channel to provide workplace safety and health information and expand the Institute's reach to new consumers. Am. J. Ind. Med. 54:384–394, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Hypoxia activates the notch signaling pathway in cells of the intervertebral disc: Implications in degenerative disc disease
Authors: Hiyama Akihiko , Skubutyte Renata , Markova Dessislava , Anderson D. Greg , Yadla Sanjay , Sakai Daisuke , Mochida Joji , Albert Todd J. , Shapiro Irving M. , Risbud Makarand V.
Published: January 2011

Objective

To investigate whether hypoxia regulates Notch signaling, and whether Notch plays a role in intervertebral disc cell proliferation.

Methods

Reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting were used to measure expression of Notch signaling components in intervertebral disc tissue from mature rats and from human discs. Transfections were performed to determine the effects of hypoxia and Notch on target gene activity.

Results

Cells of the nucleus pulposus and annulus fibrosus of rat disc tissue expressed components of the Notch signaling pathway. Expression of Notch‐2 was higher than that of the other Notch receptors in both the nucleus pulposus and annulus fibrosus. In both tissues, hypoxia increased Notch1 and Notch4 messenger RNA (mRNA) expression. In the annulus fibrosus, mRNA expression of the Notch ligand Jagged1 was induced by hypoxia, while Jagged2 mRNA expression was highly sensitive to hypoxia in both tissues. A Notch signaling inhibitor, L685458, blocked hypoxic induction of the activity of the Notch‐responsive luciferase reporters 12xCSL and CBF1. Expression of the Notch target gene Hes1 was induced by hypoxia, while coexpression with the Notch–intracellular domain increased Hes1 promoter activity. Moreover, inhibition of Notch signaling blocked disc cell proliferation. Analysis of human disc tissue showed that there was increased expression of Notch signaling proteins in degenerated discs.

Conclusion

In intervertebral disc cells, hypoxia promotes expression of Notch signaling proteins. Notch signaling is an important process in the maintenance of disc cell proliferation, and thus offers a therapeutic target for the restoration of cell numbers during degenerative disc disease.
Long‐term immunologically competent human peripheral lymphoid tissue cultures in a 3D bioreactor
Authors: Kuzin Igor , Sun Hongliang , Moshkani Safiekhatoon , Feng Changyong , Mantalaris Athanasios , Wu J.H. David , Bottaro Andrea
Published: January 2011

Peripheral lymphoid organs (PLOs), the primary sites of development of adaptive immune responses, display a complex structural organization reflecting separation of cellular subsets (e.g., T and B lymphocytes) and functional compartments which is critical for immune function. The generation of in vitro culture systems capable of recapitulating salient features of PLOs for experimental, biotechnological, and clinical applications would be highly desirable, but has been hampered so far by the complexity of these systems. We have previously developed a three‐dimensional bioreactor system for long‐term, functional culture of human bone marrow cells on macroporous microspheres in a packed‐bed bioreactor with frequent medium change. Here we adapt the same system for culture of human primary cells from PLOs (tonsil) in the absence of specific exogenous growth factors or activators. Cells in this system displayed higher viability over several weeks, and maintain population diversity and cell surface markers largely comparable to primary cells. Light microscopy showed cells organizing in large diverse clusters within the scaffold pores and presence of B cell‐enriched areas. Strikingly, these cultures generated a significant number of antibody‐producing B cells when challenged with a panel of diverse antigens, as expected from a lymphoid tissue. Thus the three‐dimensional tonsil bioreactor culture system may serve as a useful model of PLOs by recapitulating their structural organization and function ex vivo. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2011; 108:1430–1440. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Synthesis and Radioprotective Properties of Pulvinic Acid Derivatives
Authors: Le Roux Antoine , Meunier Stéphane , Le Gall Thierry , Denis Jean‐Marc , Bischoff Pierre , Wagner Alain
Published: January 2011

A high‐throughput screening method has highlighted the marked antioxidant activity of some pulvinic acid derivatives (PADs) towards oxidation of thymidine, under γ and UV irradiation, and Fenton‐like conditions. Here, we report the synthesis of a series of new hydrophilic PADs and the evaluation of their radioprotective efficacy in cell culture. Using a cell‐based fluorescent assay, we show that some of these compounds have a pronounced ability to prevent cell death caused by radiation and to allow the subsequent resumption of proliferation. Thus, PADs may be considered as a novel class of radioprotective agents.
Preventing invasive breast cancer
Authors: Cady Blake , Chung Maureen A.
Published: January 2011

Invasive breast cancer incidence has decreased in the United States since 1998. Widespread excision of preinvasive ductal carcinoma in situ over many years may be a principal cause.
Association between mitochondrial DNA content in leukocytes and colorectal cancer risk
Authors: Qu Falin , Liu Xiaonan , Zhou Feng , Yang Hushan , Bao Guoqiang , He Xianli , Xing Jinliang
Published: January 2011

BACKGROUND:

Compelling epidemiological evidence indicated that alterations of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA), including mutations and abnormal content of mtDNA, were implicated in the tumorigenesis of several malignancies in a tumor‐specific manner, such as lung cancer, breast cancer, and non‐Hodgkin lymphoma. This study was undertaken to investigate whether mtDNA content in peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBLs) could be used as a risk predictor for colorectal cancer (CRC).

METHODS:

The mtDNA content was measured by using quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction in PBLs from 320 CRC patients and 320 matched controls.

RESULTS:

The authors found that CRC patients exhibited statistically significantly higher mtDNA content than matched controls (median, 1.03 vs .86; P < .001). They further assessed the association between mtDNA content and CRC risk using multivariate logistic regression. By using the median value in controls as the cutoff point, they found that, compared with low mtDNA content, high mtDNA content was associated with a significantly increased CRC risk (adjusted odds ratio, 2.03; 95% confidence interval, 1.41‐2.81). In a trend analysis, they found a statistically significant dose‐response relationship between higher mtDNA content and increased CRC risk (P for trend <.001). Stratified analysis showed that the association between mtDNA content and CRC risk was not modulated by major host characteristics.

CONCLUSIONS:

These findings provide the first epidemiological evidence linking the high mtDNA content in PBLs to elevated CRC risk. Cancer 2011. © 2011 American Cancer Society.
Synthesis and tribological properties of hexagonal titanium silicon carbide crystals
Authors: Wu Qiong , Tang Hua , Li Changsheng , Yang Xiaofei , Song Haojie , Chen Kangmin
Published: January 2011

Hexagonal titanium silicon carbide (Ti3SiC2) crystals were prepared by vacuum sintering of Ti, Si, and C powders at 1300 °C. The microstructure and grain deformations of Ti3SiC2 were examined by scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. The tribological properties of hexagonal Ti3SiC2 crystals as lubrication additive in HVI500 base oil were investigated by a UMT‐2 ball‐on‐plate friction and wear tester. The Ti3SiC2 additives exhibited good friction reduction. Under determinate conditions, the friction coefficient of base oil containing Ti3SiC2 crystals is lower than that of pure base oil. The base oil with 3.0 wt.% hexagonal Ti3SiC2 crystals presented good anti‐wear capability. (© 2011 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Hydrothermal synthesis of CdSe hierarchical microspheres
Authors: Liu Xiaodi , Guo Ge , Bao Keyan , Liang Bingyu
Published: January 2011

CdSe hierarchical microspheres have been successfully synthesized by a hydrothermal route at 120 °C for 16 h via a reaction between CdCl2 and Na2SeSO3 in ionic liquid (1‐butyl‐3‐methylimidazolium bromide)‐water mixed medium. The structure and morphology of the as‐prepared products have been investigated by XRD and SEM, and the results indicate that the CdSe hierarchical microspheres have wurtzite structures and are self‐assembled by nanorods. It has been found that ionic liquid, reaction temperature, and reaction time have influence on the morphology of the products. The possible growth mechanism of CdSe with special morphology has been discussed. (© 2011 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
The chemokine receptor CXCR7 functions to regulate cardiac valve remodeling
Authors: Yu Sangho , Crawford Dianna , Tsuchihashi Takatoshi , Behrens Timothy W. , Srivastava Deepak
Published: January 2011

CXCR7 (RDC1), a G‐protein‐coupled receptor with conserved motifs characteristic of chemokine receptors, is enriched in endocardial and cushion mesenchymal cells in developing hearts, but its function is unclear. Cxcr7 germline deletion resulted in perinatal lethality with complete penetrance. Mutant embryos exhibited aortic and pulmonary valve stenosis due to semilunar valve thickening, with occasional ventricular septal defects. Semilunar valve mesenchymal cell proliferation increased in mutants from embryonic day 14 onward, but the cell death rate remained unchanged. Cxcr7 mutant valves had increased levels of phosphorylated Smad1/5/8, indicating increased BMP signaling, which may partly explain the thickened valve leaflets. The hyperproliferative phenotype appeared to involve Cxcr7 function in endocardial cells and their mesenchymal derivatives, as Tie2‐Cre Cxcr7flox/− mice had semilunar valve stenosis. Thus, CXCR7 is involved in semilunar valve development, possibly by regulating BMP signaling, and may contribute to aortic and pulmonary valve stenosis. Developmental Dynamics 240:384–393, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Stator‐core structure and winding technology for EPS motors
Authors: Ishigami Takashi , Kitamura Masashi , Sanada Kazushi
Published: January 2011

Electric power steering (EPS) motors must have the performance characteristics of precision machines. They should be compact and produce high power. Moreover, the loss torque and the change of loss torque should be as low as possible. In this study, dividing the stator core into small blocks and winding the coils densely on the blocks are shown to be effective techniques for achieving compact high‐power motors. We examined whether I‐shaped divided cores or T‐shaped divided cores were more suitable for EPS motors in terms of motor performance and production cost. We built two experimental motors, one with I‐shaped divided cores and the other with T‐shaped divided cores, and measured three important characteristics of EPS motors: output torque, loss torque, and loss torque change. The T‐type motor proved to have better performance for all three characteristics. Moreover, the productivity of the T‐type motor was shown to be higher than that of the I‐type motor, indicating that overall, T‐shaped divided cores are advantageous for the stators of EPS motors. Next, we considered a new winding method for the continuous winding of two T‐shaped cores in order to achieve a compact terminal connection board. The extending lines made by the new winding method do not extend beyond the coil end. Therefore, this method will contribute to reduction of the axial dimension of EPS motors. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electr Eng Jpn, 175(1): 35–42, 2011; Published online in Wiley Online Library (wileyonlinelibrary.com). DOI 10.1002/eej.21085
Ring‐Opening Polymerization of L‐Lactides Catalyzed by Zinc–Sodium/Lithium Heterobimetallic Complexes in the Presence of Water
Authors: Wang Lei , Pan Xiaobo , Yao Lihui , Tang Ning , Wu Jincai
Published: January 2011

Two heterobimetallic complexes, [(TBBP)2Zn][(Na)2(THF)4] (3) and [(TBBP)2Zn][(Li)2(THF)4] (4) can initiate the ring‐opening polymerization of L‐lactide in a controlled fashion. Complex 3 can initiate the ring‐opening polymerization of unsublimed L‐lactide under moist conditions even in the presence of H2O, to yield a high conversion and with controllable molecular weight.
Kinetics and Mechanistic Study of Acetaminophen‐Captopril Interaction by Electrochemical Methods
Authors: Tammari Esmail , Nematollahi Davood
Published: January 2011

In this work kinetics parameters and electrochemical mechanism for electrooxidation of acetaminophen in the absence and presence of captopril in a condition close to acetaminophen natural oxidation pathway was investigated. The electrooxidation of acetaminophen in the presence of captopril was investigated by voltammetry and coulometry methods. The results of this work show that acetaminophen is oxidized to its respectivep‐quinoneimine. The quinoneimine attacked by captopril, forms thioether. The proposed electrochemical mechanism isECEC. The estimated value for homogeneous rate constantkobsis 3.1×104±155 M−1s−1andkf/kbis 1.6×108±8.0×105.
Determination of Free Metal Ion Concentrations Using Screen‐Printed Electrodes and AGNES with the Charge as Response Function
Authors: Parat C. , Aguilar D. , Authier L. , Potin‐Gautier M. , Companys E. , Puy J. , Galceran J.
Published: January 2011

AGNES (Absence of Gradients and Nernstian Equilibrium Stripping) has been implemented with screen‐printed electrodes (SPE) for the determination of the free concentration of Zn2+, Cd2+ and Pb2+. For SPE, the stripped charge is a suitable response function which does not require the second stage of AGNES to be under diffusion limited conditions. This property can be used in the avoiding of the interference of Pb on [Cd2+] determination. The proportionality factor between stripped charge and concentration of amalgamated metal depends on the volume of mercury and opens the way to a future calibrationless strategy. Zn and Cd complexation with oxalate at various pH‐values confirms the suitability of the developed methodology, which compares favourable with the standard one based on the Hanging Mercury Drop Electrode.
Cognitive appraisal and life stress moderate the effects of the 5‐HTTLPR polymorphism on amygdala reactivity
Authors: Lemogne Cédric , Gorwood Philip , Boni Claudette , Pessiglione Mathias , Lehéricy Stéphane , Fossati Philippe
Published: January 2011

The short allele of the serotonin‐transporter‐linked promoter region (5‐HTTLPR) polymorphism is associated with increased amygdala activation in response to emotional stimuli. Although top–down processes may moderate this association, available evidence is conflicting, showing the genotype influence on amygdala reactivity to be either decreased or increased during emotion regulation. Because the effects of the 5‐HTTLPR polymorphism on amygdala reactivity are also conditional on self‐reported life stress, differences in life stress exposure may account for this apparent discrepancy. Here, we hypothesized that self‐reported life stress would moderate the relationships between genotype, cognitive appraisal, and amygdala reactivity. Forty‐five healthy never‐depressed subjects were presented with emotional stimuli and performed two cognitive tasks: a self‐referential task and an emotion‐labeling task. Life‐stress exposure was measured through a semistructured interview. First, there was a genotype × condition interaction in the right amygdala: short allele carriers displayed increased amygdala activation and decreased functional connectivity with the subgenual anterior cingulate cortex in self‐referential processing versus emotion labeling. Second, in line with our hypothesis, there was a genotype × condition × stress interaction in bilateral amygdala the amygdala activation during self‐referential processing was negatively correlated with self‐reported life stress in short allele carriers and positively in individuals homozygous for the long allele, whereas an opposite pattern was observed during emotion labeling. These results confirm that the influence of the 5‐HTTLPR polymorphism on amygdala reactivity is at least partially under cognitive control. Additionally, they suggest that measuring life stress exposure is a critical step when imaging genetics. Hum Brain Mapp, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Has global competition changed US export pricing?
Authors: Ceglowski Janet
Published: January 2011

This paper investigates the behaviour of aggregate US export prices over the period from the early 1980s through 2007. It finds significant parameter instability in a number of the export price equations, much of it consistent with a growing role of international factors in US export pricing. In the capital goods sector, the instability is traced to increases in the exchange rate responsiveness of export prices. The increase in the export price response of capital goods to the exchange rate is not unique to the US and may reflect intensified competition in the global market for machinery and transportation equipment. Even with these changes the exchange rate response of US export prices remains low, suggesting US exporters continue to pass through the bulk of exchange rate changes to the foreign‐currency prices of their goods. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Interferometric fiber optic sensors for biomedical applications of optoacoustic imaging
Authors: Lamela Horacio , Gallego Daniel , Gutierrez Rebeca , Oraevsky Alexander
Published: January 2011

We present a non‐metallic interferometric silica optical fiber ultrasonic wideband sensor for optoacoustic imaging applications. The ultrasonic sensitivity of this sensor has been characterized over the frequency range from 1 to 10 MHz. A comparative analysis has been carried out between this sensor and an array of piezoelectric transducers using optoacoustic signals generated from an optical absorbent embedded in a tissue mimicking phantom. Also, a two dimensional reconstructed image of the phantom using the fiber interferometric sensor is presented and compared to the image obtained using the Laser Optoacoustic Imaging System, LOIS‐64B. The feasibility of our fiber optic based sensor for wideband ultrasonic detection is demonstrated. (© 2011 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
The role of retinoic acid receptor inhibitor LE135 on the osteochondral differentiation of human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells
Authors: Li Zhen , Yao Shan‐Jing , Alini Mauro , Stoddart Martin J.
Published: January 2011

The present study aimed to investigate the role of a retinoic acid receptor‐β (RARβ) inhibitor LE135 on TGF‐β induced chondrogenesis of human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs). Pellet culture with exogenous transforming growth factor‐β (TGF‐β), and a mechanically loaded scaffold system were used to provide two culture models. All samples were cultured for 8 days and changes in early gene expression were determined. Glycosaminoglycan and mRNA expression data showed that LE135 itself did not induce any chondrogenic response in either pellet culture or scaffold culture of hMSCs. LE135 actually inhibited the chondrogenic response caused by exogenous TGF‐β, or endogenous TGF‐β induced by mechanical load, while the expression of genes normally associated with osteogenesis was not affected. This suggests that the inhibitor LE135 affects the osteochondral differentiation pathway at a different stage, inhibiting chondrogenic gene expression while having no effect on genes normally associated with the osteogenic phenotype. Alternatively, it might be that different cells were proceeding down different lineages. Some cells were undergoing chondrogenesis and this was affected by LE135, while other cells underwent osteogenic differentiation and were not affected by LE135. J. Cell. Biochem. 112: 963–970, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Sustained delivery of transforming growth factor beta three enhances tendon‐to‐bone healing in a rat model
Authors: Manning Cionne N. , Kim H. Mike. , Sakiyama‐Elbert Shelly , Galatz Leesa M. , Havlioglu Necat , Thomopoulos Stavros
Published: January 2011

Despite advances in surgical technique, rotator cuff repairs are plagued by a high rate of failure. This failure rate is in part due to poor tendon‐to‐bone healing; rather than regeneration of a fibrocartilaginous attachment, the repair is filled with disorganized fibrovascular (scar) tissue. Transforming growth factor beta 3 (TGF‐β3) has been implicated in fetal development and scarless fetal healing and, thus, exogenous addition of TGF‐β3 may enhance tendon‐to‐bone healing. We hypothesized that: TGF‐β3 could be released in a controlled manner using a heparin/fibrin‐based delivery system (HBDS); and delivery of TGF‐β3 at the healing tendon‐to‐bone insertion would lead to improvements in biomechanical properties compared to untreated controls. After demonstrating that the release kinetics of TGF‐β3 could be controlled using a HBDS in vitro, matrices were incorporated at the repaired supraspinatus tendon‐to‐bone insertions of rats. Animals were sacrificed at 14–56 days. Repaired insertions were assessed using histology (for inflammation, vascularity, and cell proliferation) and biomechanics (for structural and mechanical properties). TGF‐β3 treatment in vivo accelerated the healing process, with increases in inflammation, cellularity, vascularity, and cell proliferation at the early timepoints. Moreover, sustained delivery of TGF‐β3 to the healing tendon‐to‐bone insertion led to significant improvements in structural properties at 28 days and in material properties at 56 days compared to controls. We concluded that TGF‐β3 delivered at a sustained rate using a HBDS enhanced tendon‐to‐bone healing in a rat model. © 2011 Orthopaedic Research Society Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 29: 1099–1105, 2011
Inhibition of mTOR signaling by oleanolic acid contributes to its anti‐tumor activity in osteosarcoma cells
Authors: Zhou Rongping , Zhang Zhongmin , Zhao Li , Jia Chunhong , Xu Song , Mai Qiguang , Lu Ming , Huang Mingjun , Wang Liang , Wang Xiaokai , Jin Dadi , Bai Xiaochun
Published: January 2011

Oleanolic acid (OA), a pentacyclic triterpenoid exhibits potent anti‐tumor activity against many tumor cell lines. But the mechanisms through which OA inhibits osteosarcoma cells are not known. The mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) serves as a central regulator of cell growth, proliferation, survival, and metabolism by integrating intracellular and extracellular signals. In this study, we examined effects of OA on proliferation, cell cycle progression, apoptosis in osteosarcoma cells, and involvement of mTOR signaling in this process. OA inhibited cell proliferation and colony formation, induced G1 arrest in osteosarcoma MG63 and Saos‐2 cells dose and time dependently. The protein level of cyclin D1, which plays critical role in G1 to S phase transition and servers as a downstream target of mTOR complex 1 (mTORC1) was down‐regulated by OA. Phosphorylation of p70 ribosomal S6 kinase 1 (p70 S6K1) (T389) and S6 (S235/236), mediators of mTORC1 signaling in controlling protein translation and cell growth, was also inhibited by OA. Furthermore, OA inhibited phosphorylation of Akt, a pro‐survival factor and substrate for mTORC2. Inactivation of Akt correlated with pro‐apoptotic role of OA in osteosarcoma cells, as manifested by an increase in annexin V‐FITC binding, cleavage of poly (ADP‐ribose) polymerase (PARP) and activation of caspases 3. Our results suggest that OA is a promising agent for treatment of osteosarcoma and mTOR signaling may contribute to its anti‐tumor effects on osteosarcoma cells. © 2011 Orthopaedic Research Society Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 29:846–852
Biceps tendon properties worsen initially but improve over time following rotator cuff tears in a rat model
Authors: Peltz Cathryn D. , Hsu Jason E. , Zgonis Miltiadis H. , Trasolini Nicholas A. , Glaser David L. , Soslowsky Louis J.
Published: January 2011

Damage to the biceps tendon is often seen in conjunction with rotator cuff tears. However, controversy exists regarding its role in the shoulder and its optimal treatment. A previous study determined that biceps tendons were detrimentally affected in the presence of rotator cuff tears in the rat model and this damage worsened over time. However, whether this damage progresses at later time points to provide a chronic model is unknown. The objective of this study was to determine the changes in the biceps tendon in the presence of a cuff tear over time. Our hypothesis was that histological, compositional, organizational, and mechanical properties would worsen with time. We detached the supraspinatus and infraspinatus tendons of 48 rats and evaluated these properties at 1, 4, 8, and 16 weeks postdetachment. Properties worsened through 8 weeks, but improved between 8 and 16 weeks. We therefore conclude that biceps tendon changes in this model are not truly chronic. Additionally, it has been shown that infraspinatus properties in this model return to normal by 16 weeks, when biceps properties improve, indicating that earlier repair of one or more of the rotator cuff tendons may lead to resolved pathology of the long head of the biceps tendon. © 2011 Orthopaedic Research Society Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 29:874–879
Analytical and semi‐preparative HPLC enantioseparation of novel pyridazin‐3(2H)‐one derivatives with α‐aminophosphonate moiety using immobilized polysaccharide chiral stationary phases
Authors: Zhang Yuping , Zhang Xiaoyan , Zhou Jun , Song Baoan , Bhadury Pinaki S. , Hu Deyu , Yang Song
Published: January 2011

The direct HPLC enantioseparation of a novel series of chiral pyridazin‐3(2H)‐one derivatives with α‐aminophosphonate moiety was performed on two immobilized polysaccharide chiral stationary phases (Chiralpak IA, Chiralpak IC) using n‐hexane (n‐Hex)/dichloromethane (DCM) mobile phase with 5% alcohol additive. Good baseline separation of the enantiomers was achieved using amylose tris‐(3,5‐dimethylphenylcarbamate) chiral stationary phases (Chiralpak IA) on analytical scale. The analytical method was further scaled up to semi‐preparative loading to obtain small amounts of both the enantiomers of pyridazin‐3(2H)‐one derivative. The semi‐preparative resolution of all compounds was successfully achieved with n‐hexane/dichloromethane/ethanol (EtOH) as mobile phase using a semi‐preparative Chiralpak IA column. The first fractions were isolated with purities of >99.9% (enantiomeric excess (e.e.), and the second fractions were obtained with purities of >98.2% (enantiomeric excess). The assignment of the absolute configuration was established for the F1 fraction of compound a‐2 by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction method.