bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Developmental and reproductive toxicology studies in IL‐12p40 knockout mice
Authors: Enright Brian P. , Davila Donna R. , Tornesi Belen M. , Blaich Guenter , Hoberman Alan M. , Gallenberg Loretta A.
Published: March 2011

BACKGROUND: Interleukin (IL)‐12 is a cytokine that can exert regulatory effects on T and NK cells. This study was designed to identify potential developmental and reproductive hazards associated with IL‐12p40 knockout in mice. METHODS: In the combined fertility and teratology study, female F0 C57/BL6 wild‐type control mice and female F0 C57/BL6 IL‐12p40 homozgyous knockout mice were assessed for estrous cyclicity, sperm, and mating parameters. Pregnant females were euthanized on gestation day (GD) 18 and their fetuses were assessed for external, visceral, and skeletal development. In the peri and postnatal development study, the F1 wild‐type control and IL‐12p40 knockout mice were assessed for developmental landmarks, sexual development, passive avoidance, motor activity, and morris water maze. RESULTS: The IL‐12p40 knockout male mice exhibited decreased testis weights when compared to the wild‐type control group; however, this finding was not considered adverse, as it had no apparent functional effects on mating, fertility, and pregnancy rates or sperm motility. The IL‐12p40 knockout group exhibited effects on estrous cycle length, passive avoidance, morris water maze, and motor activity when compared to the wild‐type control group. However, since these findings were small in magnitude, transient and/or had no apparent effects on subsequent growth and development, they were not considered adverse. CONCLUSIONS: These results demonstrate that although IL‐12p40 homozygous knockout in mice exhibited effects on developmental and reproductive parameters, these effects were relatively minor and were not considered adverse. Birth Defects Res (Part B) 92:102–110, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Modeling enzyme production with Aspergillus oryzae in pilot scale vessels with different agitation, aeration, and agitator types
Authors: Albaek Mads O. , Gernaey Krist V. , Hansen Morten S. , Stocks Stuart M.
Published: March 2011

The purpose of this article is to demonstrate how a model can be constructed such that the progress of a submerged fed‐batch fermentation of a filamentous fungus can be predicted with acceptable accuracy. The studied process was enzyme production with Aspergillus oryzae in 550 L pilot plant stirred tank reactors. Different conditions of agitation and aeration were employed as well as two different impeller geometries. The limiting factor for the productivity was oxygen supply to the fermentation broth, and the carbon substrate feed flow rate was controlled by the dissolved oxygen tension. In order to predict the available oxygen transfer in the system, the stoichiometry of the reaction equation including maintenance substrate consumption was first determined. Mainly based on the biomass concentration a viscosity prediction model was constructed, because rising viscosity of the fermentation broth due to hyphal growth of the fungus leads to significant lower mass transfer towards the end of the fermentation process. Each compartment of the model was shown to predict the experimental results well. The overall model can be used to predict key process parameters at varying fermentation conditions. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2011; 108:1828–1840. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Parenchyma‐wise technique for the harvest and implantation of hepatic segment 2–3 grafts: Anatomic basis and surgical steps
Authors: El Gharbawy Ramadan M. , Skandalakis Lee J. , Heffron Thomas G. , Skandalakis John E.
Published: March 2011

We propose a technique for pediatric liver transplantation that does not waste the donor's parenchyma. Organ shortage has extended criteria for donor acceptance, such that even individuals with livers of suboptimal volume can donate their segment 2–3. By incorporating wise use of parenchyma, our proposed technique for harvesting segment 2–3 for implantation in a pediatric recipient benefits these and other donors, and it might increase donations. This is especially important in countries in which procurement of organs from the deceased is not allowed. Our technique also aims to solve the problem of the large‐for‐size syndrome for neonates and extremely small infants and to allow for primary closure of the abdomen. This technique enables harvest of the following four grafts: (1) complete segment 2–3; (2) reduced segment 2–3; (3) complete segment 3; and (4) reduced segment 3. The surgeon will select the type that has suitable graft‐to‐recipient weight ratio and that suits the donor's liver anatomy and volume. These four types benefit the donor by preserving the parenchyma of segment 4 and the left part of the caudate lobe. The three graft types other than the complete segment 2–3 graft will also preserve varying fractions of theparenchyma of segment 2–3. The technique for complete segment 2–3 graft can be put into practice immediately; the techniques for the other three grafts need an imaging modality to preoperatively delineate the donor's fourth‐order bile ducts. We expect to correct this deficiency in the near future by developing the requisite imaging technique. Clin. Anat. 24:748–756, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A high‐rising epiglottis: A benign anatomical variant
Authors: Alamri Yassar , Stringer Mark D.
Published: March 2011

We report an asymptomatic 10‐year‐old boy who was found to have a high‐rising epiglottis visible in his pharynx. This benign anatomical variant is not widely recognized yet may cause anxiety to patients and their families. The prevalence of this finding is controversial, and it is uncertain whether it reflects an abnormal position, size, and/or shape of the epiglottis. It is probably more common in children, which is to be expected considering the normal descent of the larynx with postnatal growth. To date, the condition has not been associated with any significant clinical sequelae. Clin. Anat. 24:652–654, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Branching pattern of middle cerebral artery in an African population
Authors: Ogeng'o Julius A. , Njongo Wanjiku , Hemed Elbusaidy , Obimbo Moses M. , Gimongo Jacob
Published: March 2011

Branching pattern of middle cerebral artery influences frequency of its aneurysms, and is of potential value in their surgical repair and diagnosis of stroke. This pattern shows inter‐population variations but there is paucity of data from Africans. This study aimed at describing branching pattern among black Kenyans. Middle cerebral arteries numbering 288 from 144 formalin fixed brains obtained during dissection and autopsy at Department of Human Anatomy, University of Nairobi, Kenya were studied. Origin of the middle cerebral artery was identified at base of brain and its stem followed by gently separating the fronto‐parietal and temporal lobes. Pattern of early cortical, lenticulostriate, and terminal branching was recorded and macrographs taken. Results were analyzed using SPSS version 13.0 for windows and presented using macrographs. All the brains had bilateral middle cerebral arteries which were continuations of the internal carotid artery. Variations of the artery observed included duplication (1.7%), early bifurcation (5.2%), and early cortical branching (47%), predominantly temporal (63.9%). Lenticulostriate arteries arose predominantly from the pre‐bifurcation segment as single branches (64.6%), and as common trunks (35.4%). Modes of termination were bifurcation (82.3%), trifurcation (10.8%), primary trunks (6.2%), and quadrifurcation (0.7%). Cortical branching pattern of the middle cerebral artery resembles that of Caucasian and Indian populations suggesting equal vulnerability to aneurysms and stroke. Pattern of origin of lenticulostriate arteries, predominantly from the pre‐bifurcation segment and higher percentage of common trunks implies that the population is more prone to ischemia after aneurysm repair. Extra diligence during operation on proximal middle cerebral artery is called for. Clin. Anat. 24:692–698, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Theoretical Study of 13C Chemical Shifts Structures of Some ortho‐Substituted 3‐Anilino‐2‐nitrobenzo[b]thiophenes and 2‐Anilino‐3‐nitrobenzo[b]thiophenes and Comparison with Experimental
Authors: Mahdi Rezaei Sameti
Published: March 2011

13C NMR chemical shifts have been calculated for structures of some substituted 3‐anilino‐2‐nitrobenzo‐[b]thiophenes (2o) and 2‐anilino‐3‐nitrobenzo[b]thiophenes (3o) derivatives containing OH, NH2, OMe, Me, Et, H, F, Cl and Br. The molecular structures were fully optimized using B3LYP/6‐31G(d,p). The calculation of the 13C shielding tensors employed the GAUSSIAN 03 implementation of the gauge‐including atomic orbital (GIAO) and continuous set of gauge transformations (CSGT) by using 6‐311++G(d,p) basis set at density functional levels of theories (DFT). The isotropic and the anisotropy parameters of chemical shielding for all compounds are calculated. The predicted 13C chemical shifts are derived from equation δ=δ0+δ where δ is the chemical shift, δ is the absolute shielding, and δ0 is the absolute shielding of the standard TMS. Excellent linear relationships have been observed between experimental and calculated 13C NMR chemical shifts for all derivatives
Investigation on Electronic Property of Passive Film on Nickel in Bicarbonate/Carbonate Buffer Solution
Authors: Li Dangguo , Wang Jiadao , Chen Haosheng , Chen Darong
Published: March 2011

The electronic properties of passive film formed on nickel in bicarbonate/carbonate buffer solution were studied by electrochemical impedance spectra (EIS) and Mott‐Schottky plot. The film composition was analyzed by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The results showed that passive film exhibited p‐type semi‐conductive character, and the acceptor density (NA) decreased with increasing potential, prolonging time, decreasing temperature, increasing pH value and decreasing chloride/sulfur ions concentration. The transfer resistance and film resistance increased with the above factors changing. XPS results showed that passive film was composed of NiO and a little amount of Ni2O3.
Synthesis and Characterization of Antimony(III) Complexes of Thioamides, and Crystal Structure of {[Sb(Imt)2Cl2]2((2‐Imt)}Cl2(Imt=Imidazolidine‐2‐thione)
Authors: Ajaz Humayun , Hussain Sajjad , Altaf Muhammad , Stoeckli‐Evans Helen , Isab Anvarhusein A. , Mahmood Rashid , Altaf Shahnila , Ahmad Saeed
Published: March 2011

Antimony(III) complexes of thioamides [thioamides=thiourea (Tu), N,N′‐dimethylthiourea (Dmtu), tetramethylthiourea (Tmtu), imidazolidine‐2‐thione (Imt) and diazinane‐2‐thione (Diaz)] with the general formulae, Sb(thione)nCl3 (n=1, 2, 2.5, 3) were prepared and characterized by elemental analysis, IR and NMR (1H, 13C) spectroscopic methods. The spectral data of the complexes are consistent with the coordination of the thiones to antimony(III). The crystal structure of one of them, {[Sb(Imt)2Cl2]2(μ2‐Imt)}Cl2 (1), was determined by X‐ray crystallography, which shows that the complex is dinuclear consisting of two [Sb(Imt)2Cl2] units bridged by an Imt molecule. In 1, the antimony atom is bonded to two chlorine atoms, two sulfur atoms of coordinated Imt molecules and one sulfur atom of a bridging Imt molecule. The antimony environment can be considered to be distorted octahedral with one Cl− ion weakly bound to antimony.
Synthesis, Characterization, DNA‐binding Properties and DNA Cleavage of a New Ternary Copper(II) Complex with Mixed‐ligands of Tridentate Schiff Base and 1,10‐Phenanthroline
Authors: Dong Jianfang , Li Lianzhi , Li Linwei , Xu Tao , Wang Daqi
Published: March 2011

A new copper(II) complex, [Cu(naph‐leu)phen]CH3OH·0.5H2O, in which naph‐leu is the tridentate Schiff base ligand derived from the condensation of 2‐hydroxy‐1‐naphthaldehyde and L‐leucine, phen is phenanthroline, has been synthesized and characterized by elemental analyses, IR spectra and single crystal X‐ray diffraction. The DNA‐binding properties of this complex have been investigated by absorption spectra, fluorescence spectra and circular dichroism (CD) spectra, as well as viscosity measurement. Results show that this copper(II) complex binds to calf thymus DNA (CT‐DNA) in an intercalative mode and its intrinsic binding constant Kb is 4.87×103 L·mol−1. Furthermore, the DNA cleavage activity of this copper(II) complex has also been investigated by submarine gel electrophoresis. Interestingly, it was found that this complex can cleave the supercoiled plasmid pBR322 DNA to both nicked and linear forms.
Syntheses, Optical Properties and Photoactivated Insecticidal Activities of Cyclic Arylethynylsilanes
Authors: Shao Guang , Li Yong , Yu Huijuan , He Ting , Jiang Dingxin
Published: March 2011

Syntheses and optical properties of cyclic arylethynylsilanes containing one or two trialkyne pockets were described. Optical properties such as UV‐vis spectra, photoluminescence and quantum yield based on these conjugated structural features were compared with each other. The photoactivated insecticidal activities against the 4th‐instar larvae of Aedes albopictus (Skuse) were evaluated.
Synthesis of 3,5‐Dichloro‐4‐(1,1,2,2‐tetrafluoroethoxy)phenyl Containing 1,2,3‐Thiadiazole Derivatives via Ugi Reaction and Their Biological Activities
Authors: Wang Shouxin , Wang Huan , Fan Zhijin , Fu Yifeng , Mi Na , Zhang Jufang , Zhang Zhengcai , Belskaya Nataliya P. , Bakulev Vasiliy A.
Published: March 2011

A series of novel 3,5‐dichloro‐4‐(1,1,2,2‐tetrafluoroethoxy)phenyl containing 4‐methyl‐1,2,3‐thiadiazole derivatives were designed and synthesized via Ugi reaction. Their structures were confirmed by IR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR and high‐resolution mass spectroscopy. The preliminary bioassay results indicated that some title compounds had good fungicide activity at 50 µg/mL; most of the compounds presented a certain degree of direct inhibition activity, good inactivation and curative activity against tobacco mosaic virus at 500 µg/mL and 100 µg/mL; some compounds showed good larvicidal activity against Plutella xylostella L. at 200 µg/mL and excellent larvicidal activities against Culex pipiens pallens at 2 µg/mL.
Copper(II) and 1,1′‐Trimethylene‐2,2′‐biimidazole‐promoted Arylation of Acetylacetone with Aryl Iodides
Authors: Liu Jianli , Zeng Runsheng , Zhou Chunmei , Zou Jianping
Published: March 2011

A new and efficient way was developed to carry out the reaction of acetylacetone with aryl iodides under the assistance of Cu(II) and 1,1′‐trimethylene‐2,2′‐biimidazole at 100°C. 3‐Aryl‐2,4‐pentanediones were obtained in excellent yields.
Na2S2O4‐Mediated Cyclocondensations of 2,2′‐Disulfanediyldi‐ anilines with Aldehydes: A Facile and Inexpensive Method for the Synthesis of 2‐Substituted Benzothiazoles
Authors: Wang Zhanglin , Tang Riyuan , Xiao Qin
Published: March 2011

A facile and inexpensive method for the synthesis of 2‐substituted benzothiazoles has been developed by Na2S2O4‐mediated cyclocondensations of 2,2′‐disulfanediyldianilines with aldehydes. In the presence of Na2S2O4 and 4 Å molecular sieves, a variety of 2‐substituted benzothiazoles were obtained from the reaction of 2,2′‐disulfanediyldianilines with aldehydes in moderate to high yields.
On Water: Br?nsted Acidic Ionic Liquid [(CH2)4SO3HMIM][HSO4] Catalysed Synthesis of Oxindoles Derivatives
Authors: Karimi Narges , Oskooi Hooesin , Heravi Majid , Saeedi Mina , Zakeri Masoumeh , Tavakoli Niloofar
Published: March 2011

Some oxindoles derivatives are synthesized from the condensation of indoles with isatins in the presence of green and recycable catalyst [(CH2)4SO3HMIM][HSO4] in water at room temperature.
Spectrophotometric Determination of Albendazole Drug in Tablets: Spectroscopic Characterization of the Charge‐transfer Solid Complexes
Authors: Refat Moamen S. , Mohamed Gehad G. , Fathi Ahmed
Published: March 2011

Simple, rapid and reliable method for the determination of albendazole (ABZ) was described. This includes the utility of some Π‐acceptors such as 2,3‐dichloro‐5,6‐dicyano‐p‐benzoquinone (DDQ) and 3,6‐dichloro‐2,5‐dihy‐ droxy‐p‐benzoquinone (p‐CLA) for estimation of ABZ drug (act as donor). The experimental conditions were optimized and the system obeys Beer's law for 7.50–80 and 10.00–85.00 µg·mL−1 of ABZ using DDQ and p‐CLA, respectively. The molar absorptivity and Sandell sensitivity were calculated to be 1.83×103 and 1.12×103 L·mol−1·cm−1, and 2.60 and 3.40 ng·cm−2 using DDQ and p‐CLA, respectively. The limits of detection and quantification were calculated to be (7.42 and 6.73) and (9.94 and 4.13) µg·mL−1 using DDQ and p‐CLA, respectively. The proposed methods were successfully applied to the determination of ABZ in commercially available dosage forms. The reliability of the assays was established by parallel determination by the official method and recovery studies. The chemical structures of the solid charge‐transfer (CT) complexes formed via reaction between ABZ under study and Π‐acceptors, have been elucidated using elemental analyses (C, H and N), IR, 1H NMR and mass spectra.
Synthesis and Characterization of Poly(ε‐caprolactone‐co‐δ‐ valerolactone) with Pendant Carboxylic Functional Groups
Authors: Zeng Yue , Zhang Yan , Lang Meidong
Published: March 2011

In this paper, aliphatic polyesters functionalized with pendant carboxylic groups were synthesized via several steps. Firstly, substituted cyclic ketone, 2‐(benzyloxycarbonyl methyl)cyclopentanone (BCP) was prepared through the reaction of enamine with benzyl‐2‐bromoacetate, and subsequently converted into the relevant functionalized δ‐valerolactone derivative, 5‐(benzyloxy carbonylmethyl)‐δ‐valerolactone (BVL) by the Baeyer‐Villiger oxidation. Secondly, the ring‐opening polymerization of BVL with ε‐caprolactone was carried out in bulk using stannous octoate as the catalyst to produce poly(ε‐caprolactone‐co‐δ‐valerolactone) bearing the benzyl‐protected carboxyl functional groups [P(CL‐co‐BVL)]. Finally, the benzyl‐protecting groups of P(CL‐co‐BVL) were effectively removed by H2 using Pd/C as the catalyst to obtain poly(ε‐caprolactone‐co‐δ‐valerolactone) bearing pendant carboxylic acids [P(CL‐co‐CVL)]. The structure and the properties of the polymer have been studied by Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR), Fourier Infrared Spectroscopy (FT‐IR) and Differential Scan Calorimetry (DSC) etc. The NMR and FT‐IR results confirmed the polymer structure, and the 13C NMR spectra have clearly interpreted the sequence of ε‐caprolactone and 5‐(benzyloxycarbonylmethyl)‐δ‐valerolactone in the copolymer. When the benzyl‐protecting groups were removed, the aliphatic polyesters bearing carboxylic groups were obtained. Moreover, the hydrophilicity of the polymer was improved. Thus, poly(ε‐caprolactone‐co‐δ‐valerolactone) might have great potential in biomedical fields.
Combination of Silica Sol and Potassium Silicate via Isothermal Heat Conduction Microcalorimetry
Authors: Tian Hebao , Zhang Chaocan , Liu Peng , Li Xi , Wu Lili , Chen Yanjun
Published: March 2011

Isothermal heat conduction microcalorimetry was utilized as a novel characterization method to investigate the polymerization processes of silica with both thermodynamic and kinetic parameters when the combination of silica sol and potassium silicate was stirred at temperatures of 25.0, 35.0, and 45.0°C. The silica polymerization was characterized by the greater enthalpy change at each higher temperature and by the reaction orders of the silica sol and potassium silicate, which varied rapidly, instantaneously, and constantly from low to high all the time, up and down in an alternate manner. When the reaction order of the silica sol and potassium silicate was 3.0, the maximum rate constant occurred at 25.0°C (k=1.22×10−4mol−2·dm6·s−1). The two temperature regions (25.0–35.0°C region with a faster rate and 35.0–45.0°C region with a lower rate) reflected a two‐stage oligomerization of silica monomers with different oligomers formed in a two‐step anionic mechanism. The measurements of particle size and pH value showed that the colloidal particles in the mixed silica sol and potassium silicate first dissolved, then "active" silica in the potassium silicate redeposited to make a distinct particle size distribution (Z‐average size, 33.0–14.9 nm at 25.0°C) influenced both by pH value (9.82–11.97 at 25.0°C) and the mass fraction (53, 65, 75, and 85 mass/%) of the silica sol in the mixture. The processes of combination of the silica sol and potassium silicate did not result from acid‐base neutralization reactions but from a complex polymerization of the "active" silica components which relate to silica monomers oligomerization with heat evolved (the total enthalpy changes, 1.6234–3.3882 J).
Design, Synthesis, and in vitro Antifungal Activity of 1‐[(4‐Substituted‐benzyl)methylamino]‐2‐(2,4‐difluorophenyl)‐3‐(1H‐1,2,4‐triazol‐1‐yl)propan‐2‐ols
Authors: Guillon Rémi , Pagniez Fabrice , Giraud Francis , Crépin Damien , Picot Carine , Le Borgne Marc , Morio Florent , Duflos Muriel , Logé Cédric , Le Pape Patrice
Published: March 2011

As part of our studies focused on the design of 1‐[((hetero)aryl‐ and piperidinylmethyl)amino]‐2‐phenyl‐3‐(1H‐1,2,4‐triazol‐1‐yl)propan‐2‐ols as antifungal agents, we report the development of new extended benzylamine derivatives substituted at the para position by sulfonamide or retrosulfonamide groups linked to alkyl or aryl chains. These molecules have broad‐spectrum antifungal activities not only against Candida spp., including fluconazole‐resistant strains, but also against a filamentous species (A. fumigatus). Concerning fluconazole resistance, selected compounds exhibit the capacity to overcome CDR and ERG11 gene upregulation and to maintain antifungal activity despite a recognized critical CYP51 substitution in C. albicans isolates. Synthesis, investigation of the mechanism of action by sterol analysis in a C. albicans strain, and structure–activity relationships (SARs) are reported.
Prognostic significance of immunophenotypic and karyotypic features of Philadelphia positive B‐lymphoblastic leukemia in the era of tyrosine kinase inhibitors
Authors: Jaso Jesse , Thomas Deborah A. , Cunningham Krista , Jorgensen Jeffrey L. , Kantarjian Hagop M. , Medeiros L. Jeffrey , Wang Sa A.
Published: March 2011

BACKGROUND:

Philadelphia chromosome (Ph)‐positive B‐lymphoblastic leukemia exhibits immunophenotypic, karyotypic, and molecular genetic heterogeneity. The prognostic significance of these parameters was assessed in the context of intensive tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI)‐based chemotherapy.

METHODS:

The authors studied 65 adult patients with Ph‐positive acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) who received treatment with TKI‐based therapy, correlated their clinicopathologic heterogeneity with patient outcome, and compared the findings with those from 60 adult patients with diploid B‐cell ALL who received similar chemotherapy without a TKI.

RESULTS:

Ph‐positive ALL was associated with older age (P = .01), the common‐B immunophenotype characterized by a greater frequency of CD13 (alanine aminopeptidase) coexpression (P = .004), CD66c (carcinoembryonic antigen‐related cell adhesion molecule 3) expression (P = .007), and CD25 (interleukin‐2 receptor alpha chain) expression (P < .001) and with a lower frequency of CD15 (3‐fucosyl‐N‐acetyl‐lactosamine) expression (P < .001). Conventional karyotypic analyses indicated that the Ph chromosome was the sole abnormality in 19 patients (30%), was present with other aberrancies in 43 patients (65%), and was absent (detectable only by fluorescence in situ hybridization [FISH] or quantitative reverse transcriptase‐polymerase chain reaction [RT‐PCR] analysis) in 3 patients (5%). The presence of the breakpoint cluster region–v‐Abelson murine leukemia viral oncogene homolog fusion gene (BCR‐ABL) was confirmed in all patients by FISH or RT‐PCR (the 190‐kDa protein [p190] construct was present in 49 patients [77%], and the p210 fusion transcript construct was present in 15 patients [23%]). The presence of a supernumerary Ph chromosome was correlated with a higher incidence of CD20 (B‐lymphocyte antigen, nonglycosylated phosphoprotein) expression (P < .001), whereas the p210 construct was correlated with aberrant CD25 expression (P = .05). Outcomes were not influenced by the degree of karyotypic complexity (including the presence or absence of a supernumerary Ph chromosome), CD20 expression, or myeloid antigen expression (CD13, CD33 [myeloid lineage transmembrane receptor], CD66c). CD25 expression was associated with inferior survival in univariate analysis (P = .051) but not in multivariate analysis (P = .092).

CONCLUSIONS:

In the context of intensive, TKI‐based chemotherapy, the immunophenotypic, karyotypic, and molecular heterogeneity of Ph‐positive ALL no longer influences outcome. Cancer 2011. © 2011 American Cancer Society.
Prevention of intrahepatic distant recurrence by transcatheter arterial infusion chemotherapy with platinum agents for stage I/II hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Ishikawa Toru , Higuchi Kazuo , Kubota Tomoyuki , Seki Keiichi , Honma Terasu , Yoshida Toshiaki , Kamimura Tomoteru
Published: March 2011

BACKGROUND:

The effectiveness of additional chemotherapy in preventing intrahepatic distant tumor recurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has not been fully established. The authors compared the efficacy of 2 platinum‐based chemotherapeutic agents in combination with radical local treatment for preventing intrahepatic distant recurrence (IDR).

METHODS:

Seventy‐eight patients with stage I/II HCC aged 45 to 85 years underwent transcatheter arterial chemoembolization and/or radiofrequency ablation after they received hepatic arterial infusion (HAI) of platinum compounds. The HAI consisted of cis‐diammine(1,1‐cyclobutanedicarboxylato)platinum(II) (carboplatin) in 25 patients and cis‐diamminedichloroplatinum (II) (cisplatin) in 53 patients. Multivariate analysis was used to identify independent factors that were associated with IDR.

RESULTS:

Cumulative IDR rates at 1 year, 2 years, and 3 years were 21.7%, 52.2% and 75.7%, respectively, in the carboplatin group and 8.1%, 22.7%, and 36.9%, respectively, in the cisplatin group. The cisplatin group had a significantly lower IDR rate compared with the carboplatin group. The selection of a platinum agent was 1 of the independent factors for IDR in a multivariate Cox proportional hazards model.

CONCLUSIONS:

HAI chemotherapy with cisplatin before radical local treatment was effective in patients with HCC. The authors concluded that radical local treatment with concurrent HAI using cisplatin may contribute to a longer progression‐free period, which could be predicted with intrahepatic imaging in patients with stage I/II HCC. Cancer 2011;. © 2011 American Cancer Society.
Formation of solid tumors by a single multinucleated cancer cell
Authors: Weihua Zhang , Lin Qingtang , Ramoth Asa J. , Fan Dominic , Fidler Isaiah J.
Published: March 2011

BACKGROUND:

Large multinucleated cells (MNCs) commonly exist in tumorigenic cancer cell lines that are used widely in research. However, the contributions of MNCs to tumorigenesis are unknown.

METHODS:

In this study, MNCs were characterized in the murine fibrosarcoma cell line UV‐2237 in vitro and in vivo at the single‐cell level.

RESULTS:

The authors observed that MNCs originated from a rare subpopulation of mononuclear cells and were positive for a senescent marker, β‐galactosidase. In addition, MNCs were responsible for the majority of clonogenic activity when cultured in hard agar; they were more resistant to chemotherapeutic agents than mononuclear cells; they could undergo asymmetric division (producing mononuclear cells) and self‐renewal in vitro and in vivo; and, most important; a single MNC produced orthotopic, subcutaneous tumors (composed mainly of mononuclear cells) that gave rise to spontaneous lung metastases in nude mice.

CONCLUSIONS:

The current results indicated that the growth of MNCs may be arrested under stress and that MNCs are highly resistant to chemotherapy and can generate clonal, orthotopic, metastatic tumors. Cancer 2011. © 2011 American Cancer Society.
Ion‐Induced Fragmentation of Amino Acids: Effect of the Environment
Authors: Maclot Sylvain , Capron Michael , Maisonny Rémi , Ławicki Arkadiusz , Méry Alain , Rangama Jimmy , Chesnel Jean‐Yves , Bari Sadia , Hoekstra Ronnie , Schlathölter Thomas , Manil Bruno , Adoui Lamri , Rousseau Patrick , Huber Bernd A.
Published: March 2011

In general, radiation‐induced fragmentation of small amino acids is governed by the cleavage of the CCα bond. We present results obtained with 300 keV Xe20+ ions that allow molecules (glycine and valine) to be ionised at large distances without appreciable energy transfer. Also in the present case, the CCα bond turns out to be the weakest link and hence its scission is the dominant fragmentation channel. Intact ionised molecules are observed with very low intensities. When the molecules are embedded in a cluster of amino acids, a protective effect of the environment is observed. The fragmentation pattern changes: the CCα bond becomes more protected and stable amino acid cations are observed as fragments of the molecular clusters. Evidently, the molecular cluster acts as a “buffer” for the excess energy, capable of rapidly redistributing excess energy and charge.
Energetics of Diatomic Transition Metal Sulfides ScS to FeS with Diffusion Quantum Monte Carlo
Authors: Petz René , Lüchow Arne
Published: March 2011

The diatomic transition metal sulfides ScS to FeS are investigated by means of diffusion quantum Monte Carlo (DMC). New soft pseudopotentials are compared to the standard Stuttgart pseudopotentials in terms of efficiency. The DMC results obtained for the dissociation energies with both kinds of pseudopotentials are compared with previous results from other groups. DMC shows a higher overall accuracy than both B3LYP and CCSD(T). Furthermore, ionization energies are calculated with bond lengths optimized at the BP86 and DMC level of theory and compared to previous B3LYP results.
Energy rate density. II. Probing further a new complexity metric
Authors: Chaisson E.J.
Published: March 2011

Appraisal of the concept of energy rate density continues, as both a potential quantitative metric for complexity studies and a key feature of a unifying hypothesis for the origin and evolution of material systems throughout Nature writ large. This article extends a recent study reported in this journal, hereby analyzing normalized energy flows for an array of complex systems experiencing physical, biological, and cultural evolution. The results strengthen the comprehensive scenario of cosmic evolution in broad and general ways yet with much deep, empirical evidence. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Complexity 2011
Molybdenum and Tungsten Oxidoreductase Models (Eur. J. Inorg. Chem. 8/2011)
Authors: Schulzke Carola
Published: March 2011

The cover picture shows the different aspects that contribute to the optimisation of processes catalysed by molybdenum‐ and tungsten‐dependent oxidoreductases, such as active‐site geometry, proteinic and non‐proteinic ligands, temperature and the metal itself. At the centre, the inorganic site of tungsten‐substituted DMSO reductase from Rhodobacter capsulatus is shown (generated with Jmol; PDB‐ID 1E18). Details are presented in the Microreview by C. Schulzke on p. 1189 ff.
Highly Efficient Total Synthesis of the Clostridium‐Derived anti‐MRSA Antibiotic Closthioamide (Eur. J. Org. Chem. 8/2011)
Authors: Kloss Florian , Lincke Thorger , Hertweck Christian
Published: March 2011

The cover picture shows the structure of closthioamide, the first example of secondary metabolites produced by anaerobic bacteria (see bottom, scanning‐electron micrograph of the natural producer Clostridium cellulolyticum). The natural product exhibits high antimicrobial activity, in particular against resistant pathogens (MRSA and VRE, see background). Because closthioamide represents a novel drug scaffold and its availability is limited by low production rates in C. cellulolyticum cultures, we developed a highly efficient total synthesis involving convergent peptide coupling and polythionation. Details are discussed in the Short Communication by C. Hertweck et al. on p. 1429 ff. We thank Dr. S. Nietzsche (Electron Microscopy Centre of the University Hospital, Jena) for providing scanning‐electron micrographs and Nico Ueberschaar for graphical processing.
Application of CFD Techniques in the Modelling and Simulation of PBI PEMFC
Authors: Doubek G. , Robalinho E. , Cunha E. F. , Cekinski E. , Linardi M.
Published: March 2011

In the present work two 3‐D models, for the catalytic layer, were employed in order to simulate the responses of a PBI high temperature polymeric membrane fuel cell. The simulations made use of an agglomerate model and a pseudo‐homogenous model, both implemented taking into account the temperature influence over their parameters. The overall simulation was performed also as two models, linked by the variable pressure, one for the whole graphite plate simulating the distribution channels, and the other dealing with the MEA and thereof the catalytic layer. A discussion over the two models was done and the experimental results demonstrated that the pseudo‐homogeneous obtained the better fits.
Intraday price discovery and volatility transmission in stock index and stock index futures markets: Evidence from China
Authors: Yang Jian , Yang Zihui , Zhou Yinggang
Published: March 2011

Using high‐frequency data, this study investigates intraday price discovery and volatility transmission between the Chinese stock index and the newly established stock index futures markets in China. Although the Chinese stock index started a sharp decline immediately after the stock index futures were introduced, the cash market is found to play a more dominant role in the price discovery process. The new stock index futures market does not function well in its price discovery performance at its infancy stage, apparently due to high barriers to entry into this emerging futures market. Based on a newly proposed theoretically consistent asymmetric GARCH model, the results uncover strong bidirectional dependence in the intraday volatility of both markets. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Jrl Fut Mark
Comparison of methods and sampling designs to test for association between rare variants and quantitative traits
Authors: Bacanu Silviu‐Alin , Nelson Matthew R. , Whittaker John C.
Published: March 2011

Genome‐wide association studies succeeded in finding genetic variants associated with various phenotypes, but a large portion of the predicted genetic contribution to many traits remains unknown. One plausible explanation is that some missing variation is due to rare variants. Latest sequencing technology facilitates the investigation of such rare variants, but their statistical analysis remains challenging. For quantitative traits, a commonly used approach is to contrast the frequency of putatively functional rare variants between subjects in the two tails of the trait distribution. The contrast is usually performed by Fisher's exact or similar test. These tests are conservative as they discard trait rank information and are most useful under the unrealistic homogeneity assumption (i.e., variants have similar effects). We propose, and investigate via simulations, various designs for resequencing studies and statistical methods that incorporate information about rank, predicted function and allow for heterogeneity of effects. We propose designs which accommodate heterogeneity by sequencing both tails and the middle of the trait and novel statistical tests for trend, for heterogeneity and for a combination of the two. The conclusions of the simulations are four fold: (1) sequencing both tails and the middle of the trait distributions is desirable when heterogeneity is suspected, (2) trend and heterogeneity statistics should be used alongside other methods, (3) using rank information improves power over Fisher's exact test when the number of rare variants is not very large and (4) due to high misclassification rates, incorporating current predictions of a variant's function does not improve power. Genet. Epidemiol. 35: 226‐235, 2011.  © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Efficient study design for next generation sequencing
Authors: Sampson Joshua , Jacobs Kevin , Yeager Meredith , Chanock Stephen , Chatterjee Nilanjan
Published: March 2011

Next Generation Sequencing represents a powerful tool for detecting genetic variation associated with human disease. Because of the high cost of this technology, it is critical that we develop efficient study designs that consider the trade‐off between the number of subjects (n) and the coverage depth (µ). How we divide our resources between the two can greatly impact study success, particularly in pilot studies. We propose a strategy for selecting the optimal combination of n and µ for studies aimed at detecting rare variants and for studies aimed at detecting associations between rare or uncommon variants and disease. For detecting rare variants, we find the optimal coverage depth to be between 2 and 8 reads when using the likelihood ratio test. For association studies, we find the strategy of sequencing all available subjects to be preferable. In deriving these combinations, we provide a detailed analysis describing the distribution of depth across a genome and the depth needed to identify a minor allele in an individual. The optimal coverage depth depends on the aims of the study, and the chosen depth can have a large impact on study success. Genet. Epidemiol. 35: 269‐277, 2011.  © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Training‐induced neuroanatomical plasticity in ADHD: A tensor‐based morphometric study
Authors: Hoekzema Elseline , Carmona Susanna , Ramos‐Quiroga J. Antoni , Barba Erika , Bielsa Anna , Tremols Virginia , Rovira Mariana , Soliva Juan Carlos , Casas Miguel , Bulbena Antoni , Tobeña Adolf , Vilarroya Oscar
Published: March 2011

Experience‐based neuroplasticity has typically been associated with functional changes, but growing evidence indicates that training can also render dynamic structural alterations in the brain. Although research on training‐induced morphological plasticity has consistently demonstrated rapid increases of gray matter volume in task‐related regions, no studies have examined if local volumetric reductions in gray matter associated with certain psychiatric disorders may be reversible by adequate training. We aimed to assess whether a training program applied to ADHD patients can contravene some of the associated neuroanatomical alterations. High‐resolution anatomical scans were acquired before and after the training period, and a whole‐brain tensor‐based morphometric approach was applied to extract a voxel‐wise estimation of longitudinal changes in regional gray matter volume. Our results show focal volumetric gray matter increases in bilateral middle frontal cortex and right inferior–posterior cerebellum after cognitive training compared with the ADHD control group. The extent of gray matter volume increase in the inferior–posterior cerebellum was associated with attentional performance. These findings illustrate the capacity of the nervous system for rapid morphological adjustments in response to environmental triggers. Moreover, the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and cerebellum are commonly considered sites of volumetric reduction in ADHD, and the inferior–posterior lobule of the cerebellum is associated with progressive symptom‐related volume loss. Hence, the clusters of volumetric change observed in our study were confined to structures typically characterized by volume reduction in ADHD patients, providing preliminary indications that cognitive training may contravene some of the neuroanatomical deficits associated with the disorder. Hum Brain Mapp, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Occult and previous hepatitis B virus infection are not associated with hepatocellular carcinoma in United States patients with chronic hepatitis C
Authors: Lok Anna S. , Everhart James E. , Di Bisceglie Adrian M. , Kim Hae-Young , Hussain Munira , Morgan Timothy R.
Published: March 2011

Previous studies have suggested that prior exposure to hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection may increase the risk of development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in patients with chronic hepatitis C. The aim of this study was to compare the prevalence of previous or occult HBV infection in a cohort of hepatitis B surface antigen–negative patients with histologically advanced chronic hepatitis C in the United States who did or did not develop HCC. Stored sera from 91 patients with HCC and 182 matched controls who participated in the Hepatitis C Antiviral Long-term Treatment against Cirrhosis (HALT-C) Trial were tested for hepatitis B core antibody (anti-HBc), hepatitis B surface antibody, and HBV DNA. Frozen liver samples from 28 HCC cases and 55 controls were tested for HBV DNA by way of real-time polymerase chain reaction. Anti-HBc (as a marker of previous HBV infection) was present in the serum of 41.8% HCC cases and 45.6% controls (

P

= 0.54); anti-HBc alone was present in 16.5% of HCC cases and 24.7% of controls. HBV DNA was detected in the serum of only one control subject and no patients with HCC. HBV DNA (as a marker of occult HBV infection) was detected in the livers of 10.7% of HCC cases and 23.6% of controls (

P

= 0.18).

Conclusion:

Although almost half the patients in the HALT-C Trial had serological evidence of previous HBV infection, there was no difference in prevalence of anti-HBc in serum or HBV DNA in liver between patients who did or did not develop HCC. In the United States, neither previous nor occult HBV infection is an important factor in HCC development among patients with advanced chronic hepatitis C. (Hepatology 2011;)
Treatment failure and resistance with direct-acting antiviral drugs against hepatitis C virus
Authors: Pawlotsky Jean-Michel
Published: March 2011

Current treatment of chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is based on the combination of pegylated interferon-α and ribavirin. The recent development of direct-acting antiviral (DAA) molecules that are active on HCV, together with

in vitro

and

in vivo

studies showing that these drugs may lead to the selection of resistant viruses if administered alone, has raised concerns that resistance may undermine therapy based on DAAs. A new standard-of-care treatment will soon be available for both treatment-naive and treatment-experienced patients infected with HCV genotype 1, based on a triple combination of pegylated interferon-α, ribavirin, and a protease inhibitor (either telaprevir or boceprevir). With this therapy, most failures to eradicate infection in treatment-adherent patients are due to an inadequate response to pegylated interferon-α and ribavirin, in the context of a low genetic barrier to resistance of first-generation protease inhibitors. This article reviews patterns of resistance to HCV DAA drugs in development, the mechanisms underlying treatment failure when these drugs are combined with pegylated interferon-α and ribavirin, the consequences of treatment failure, and possible means of optimizing future therapies that use DAAs. (Hepatology 2011;)
Preparation of bioactive Ti‐15Zr‐4Nb‐4Ta alloy from HCl and heat treatments after an NaOH treatment
Authors: Yamaguchi Seiji , Takadama Hiroaki , Matsushita Tomiharu , Nakamura Takashi , Kokubo Tadashi
Published: March 2011

Ti‐15Zr‐4Nb‐4Ta alloy does not contain any cytotoxic elements and has a high mechanical strength. Water or HCl and heat treatments were applied to this alloy after NaOH treatment to form a bioactive titanium oxide layer with a nanometer scale roughness on its surface. The nanometer scale roughness was formed on the surface after the first NaOH treatment and remained, even after a subsequent water or HCl and heat treatment. A layer that was mainly composed of anatase was formed on the surface after the heat treatment. Thus, the treated alloy showed a high apatite‐forming ability in an SBF, as well as a high scratch resistance. Its high apatite‐forming ability was attributed to its positive surface charge. The same alloy subjected to a heat treatment without a water or HCl treatment after the NaOH treatment did not show an apatite‐forming ability. This was attributed to a too slow release rate of sodium ions from the surface in an SBF. Ti‐15Zr‐4Nb‐4Ta alloy samples subjected to a water or HCl and heat treatment after the NaOH treatment are expected to be useful as orthopedic and dental implants, since they can form an apatite layer on their surface in a living body and bond to living bone through this apatite layer. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A:, 2011.
Community psychology in South Africa: origins, developments, and manifestations
Authors: Seedat Mohamed , Lazarus Sandy
Published: March 2011

This article represents a South African contribution to the growing international body of knowledge on histories of community psychology. We trace the early antecedents of social‐community psychology interventions and describe the social forces and academic influences that provided the impetus for the emergence and development of community psychology in South Africa. We then draw on various sources, including undocumented small histories of organized groups and individuals, to present on account of the emergence, development, and focus of community psychology in South Africa. We also very briefly describe community‐focused work in other selected African countries. In the penultimate section, we take a critical look at the notions of “community” embedded in community psychology practice in South Africa, and then by way of conclusion we describe the trajectory of community psychology and speculate about its future in the country. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Relative impact of violence exposure and immigrant stressors on Latino youth psychopathology
Authors: Gudiño Omar G. , Nadeem Erum , Kataoka Sheryl H. , Lau Anna S.
Published: March 2011

Latino youth in a low‐income urban community are at high risk of exposure to violence. Given an accumulation of factors before, during, and after migration, immigrant youth might be at increased risk of exposure to violence and other relevant stressors (e.g., acculturation stress, language proficiency, acculturation/enculturation, and parental separations). Utilizing a short‐term longitudinal design, we assessed exposure to violence and immigrant stressors and examined their relative impact on psychopathology in a sample of 164 Latino youth. Immigrant youth reported greater exposure to immigrant stressors relative to native‐born peers, but few differences in rates of exposure to violence emerged. When considered alongside relevant immigration stressors, exposure to violence emerged as the strongest predictor of youth psychopathology. Results suggest that some types of stressors have more consistently deleterious effects on mental health and understanding resilient outcomes might entail considering the meaning attributed to stressors and the resources available to cope with stressors. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Life experiences of hispanic adolescents: developmental and language considerations in acculturation stress
Authors: Cervantes Richard C. , Cordova David
Published: March 2011

Hispanic youth currently constitute the largest and fastest growing of all ethnic and racial groups in the United States. In addition to normal developmental life stressors, Hispanic youth also face minority status and acculturation‐related stress. This study examined the psychosocial and acculturative stressors of Hispanic youth (n=170) residing in the northeast and southwest United States through the use of focus group methodology. Findings are presented within a developmental perspective and suggest that Hispanic youth experience stressors broadly categorized across 6 domains, namely: (a) immigration, (b) communication and language, (c) school and academic, (d) peer, (e) family, and (f) social and economic. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.