bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influence of G. Stanley Hall on Yuzero Motora, the First Psychology Professor in Japan: How the Kymograph Powered Motora’s Career in Psychology
Authors: Sato Tatsuya , Nakatsuma Takuya , Matsubara Norika
Published: November 2012

Yuzero Motora was the founder of psychology in Japan, acting as an organizer, executive, and administrator of psychological science and practice and as a vocal link between psychology and the larger philosophical and pedagogical community. He studied under Professor G. Stanley Hall and earned his PhD at Johns Hopkins University. An article coauthored by Hall and Motora was published in the first issue of The American Journal of Psychology. Findings presented herein are based partially on the biographical records, articles, and books written by Motora and partially on Motora’s personal documents and course curriculum from Johns Hopkins University. We focus on Motora’s life and work with Hall at Johns Hopkins, the research described in the article coauthored with Hall and the impact that it had, and the influence of Hall on Motora’s career after he returned to Japan.
From Classic to Current: A Look Back on Attention Research in The American Journal of Psychology
Authors: Mounts Jeffrey R. W.
Published: November 2012

This review examines attention research appearing in The American Journal of Psychology over the journal’s rich 125-year history. In particular, the review examines studies focused on selective attention’s role in modulating the influence of distraction and the methods used to capture the nature of selective attention. Special attention is given to classic articles by Treisman (1964a, 1964b), Neisser (1963), and Eriksen and Rohrbaugh (1970), whose methods and results are examined in detail in light of current theory and research in selective attention.
An Assessment of the Workforce and Occupations in the Highway, Street, and Bridge Construction Industries in Indiana
Authors: Kumar Indraneel , Beaulieu Lionel , Cruz-Porter Annie , Song Chun , St. Germain Benjamin , Zhalnin Andrey
Published: November 2012

This project explores workforce and occupations within the highway, street, and bridge construction industries (NAICS 237310) in Indiana. There are five specific deliverable comprised of three data reports, one policy document, and a website. The first data report includes an assessment of the workforce based on the eight-part framework, which are industry, occupations, job postings, hard-to-fill jobs, Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP), GAP Analysis, compatibility, and automation. The report defines a cluster followed by a detailed analysis of the occupations, skills, job postings, etc., in the NAICS 237310 industry in Indiana. The report makes use of specialized labor market databases, such as the Economic Modeling Specialists International (EMSI), CHMURA JobsEQ, etc. The analysis is based only on the jobs covered under the unemployment insurance or the Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages (QCEW) data. The second data report analyzes jobs to jobs flows to and from the construction industry in Indiana, with a particular emphasis on the Great Recession, by utilizing the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data. The third data report looks into the equal employment opportunity or Section 1391 and 1392 data for Indiana and analyzes specific characteristics of that data. The policy report includes a set of recommendations for workforce development for INDOT and a summary of the three data reports. The key data on occupations within the NAICS 237310 are provided in an interactive website. The website provides a data dashboard for individual INDOT Districts. The policy document recommends steps for development of the highways, streets and bridges construction workforce in INDOT Districts.
From the editors
Authors: Value Language
Published: November 2012

From the Editors

MULTIWORD PATTERNS: CONSIDERING PHRASAL VERBS AND THEIR UNDERLYING SEMANTIC SYSTEMS (II)

This is the second volume in Language Value that is thoroughly devoted to the issue of Verb Particle Combinations (VPCs) also known and analysed under different linguistic trends and terms as phrasal/prepositional verbs, compound verbs, discontinuous verbs or multiword verbs, among others. For the sake of simplicity we will use the term verb particle combinations (VPCs) throughout this editorial.
Verb-particle constructions in the language of business and finance
Authors: Breeze Ruth
Published: November 2012

Author/s

Ruth BreezeUniversidad de Navarra, Spain

 

ABSTRACT

Although verb-particle combinations are generally relatively uncommon in formal English, they occur with a certain frequency in texts related to the economy, and specifically in journalism and academic analysis focusing on the financial markets. The first part of this paper consists of a corpus study of the verb-particle combinations found in two 200,000 word corpora of business English, one consisting of market reports from the Financial Times, the other of academic research papers on economics from a series of peer-reviewed journals. The particles UP, DOWN, OFF, OUT, BACK and AHEAD are found to be particularly frequent, in combination with a wide range of verbs, mainly verbs of motion. The last section of the paper provides some models for creating exercises for teaching purposes, which start from an analysis of the metaphors associated with each particle and progress to comprehension of real examples from market reports published in the Financial Times.
New agents for hepatitis C and the challenges in treating co‐infected patients
Authors: Rockstroh J
Published: November 2012

More recently, the improved understanding of the hepatitis C viral life cycle has led to the identification of numerous potential targets for novel, direct‐acting antiviral compounds. Two NS3/4A protease inhibitors, telaprevir and boceprevir, were the first oral HCV protease inhibitors which were approved in Europe and the United States in 2011 in combination with pegylated interferon (IFN)‐α and ribavirin for the treatment of chronic hepatitis C related to HCV genotype 1, in both treatment‐naïve and treatment‐experienced patients. Sustained virological response rates in the range of 66–75% and 59–66% have been achieved in these two patient populations, respectively, with treatment durations of 24 to 48 weeks. Despite these significant advances the high rate of adverse events and the high costs of these regimens have limited the uptake of these new regimens. In particular, the quest for removal of interferon from HCV therapy remains one of the great unmet medical needs in HCV therapy development. With an increasing number of other DAAs in clinical development including second‐wave, first‐generation, and second‐generation NS3/4A protease inhibitors, nucleoside/nucleotide analogue inhibitors and non‐nucleoside inhibitors of HCV‐RNA‐dependent RNA polymerase, inhibitors of nonstructural protein 5A (NS5A) and host‐targeted compounds such as cyclophilin inhibitors and silibinin, the hope for better tolerated HCV therapies and potentially interferon‐free HCV combination therapies has grown considerably. The proof of concept that IFN‐free regimens may lead to HCV eradication has recently been brought in GT2/3 patients treated with PSI‐7977 and ribavirin for 12 weeks as well as in GT1b patients treated with BMS‐790052 + BMS‐650032 for 24 weeks. Although some patients with GT1a infection were also cured under this regimen, the majority of patients relapsed after treatment discontinuation, suggesting that at least for the 1a HCV genotype more effective interferon‐free regimens still need to be developed. Interestingly, also GT1 non‐responders treated with GS‐7977+ribavirin showed a high relapse rate, again underlining that more challenging patient populations will still exist which either need broader oral combinations or longer treatment durations. Overall, the dramatic increase in efficacy has also been seen in DAA‐based HCV therapy in HIV/HCV‐coinfected patients. However, complex drug‐drug interactions and tolerability issues remain a concern for all HCV patients, but particularly for HIV patients receiving antiretroviral therapy with a high potential for drug interactions.
Increases in acute hepatitis C (HCV) incidence across Europe: which regions and patient groups are affected?
Authors: Rockstroh J , Grint D , Boesecke C , Soriano V , Lundgren J , d'Arminio Monforte A , Mitsura V , Kirk O , Mocroft A , Peters L
Published: November 2012

Background

In the last decade, several outbreaks of sexually acquired acute HCV have been described in men who have sex with men (MSM) infected with HIV in Australia, Europe, and North America. The aims of this study were to determine the incidence of acute HCV within the large EuroSIDA cohort and to explore possible regional differences throughout Europe and in different HIV transmission risk groups.

Methods

Baseline was defined as 1st Jan of 2002 or entry into EuroSIDA, whichever comes later. All patients from EuroSIDA who were HCV antibody‐negative at baseline and had at least 2 HCV antibody test results available were included into the study. HCV seroconversion was defined as change from negative to positive HCV‐antibody test within the observation period from 2002 onwards. Follow‐up was counted from baseline to HCV antibody positivity for seroconverters and to the last HCV antibody‐negative test result for those that did not seroconvert for HCV. Poisson regression analyses were performed to identify predictive factors for HCV seroconversion.

Results

A total of 150 HCV seroconversions (95 [63.3%] in MSM) occurred in 4295 patients during 18,928 person years of follow‐up (PYFU), overall incidence of 0.79 acute infections per 100 PYFU (95% CI: 0.67–0.92) (see figure). The incidence of HCV seroconversions increased from 0.47 (CI: 0.19–0.74) in 2002 to 2.34 (CI: 1.24–3.44) in 2010. Similar patterns were observed across all European regions (p=0.89, test for interaction). In multivariate analysis, IDU was associated with a higher incidence rate ratio (IRR) than MSM: 4.59 (2.40–8.80; p<0.0001), South and East Europe both had higher IRR compared to Western Europe, respectively (1.98 [1.12–3.49]; p=0.018 and 2.41 [1.41–4.12]; p=0.0014). Calendar year per 2 years was also associated with a higher IRR (1.29 [1.19–1.39]; p<0.0001).

Conclusion

The incidence of acute HCV within EuroSIDA increased over time. Although, the incidence of seroconversion was 54% higher in MSM than in heterosexuals, IDUs had the highest incidence of HCV seroconversion. Rising incidences can be found in all European regions highlighting the need for increased prevention efforts in all European countries.

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Increased HIV incidence in men who have sex with men despite high levels of ART use: analysis of an extensively documented epidemic
Authors: Phillips A , Cambiano V , Nakagawa F , Brown A , Lampe F , Rodger A , Miners A , Elford J , Johnson A , Hart G , Lundgren J , Delpech V
Published: November 2012

There is interest in expanding ART to prevent HIV transmission, but in the group with the highest levels of ART use, men who have sex with men (MSM), numbers of new infections have not decreased as coverage has increased for reasons which remain unclear. We analysed data on the HIV epidemic in MSM in the UK from a range of surveillance sources using a individual‐based simulation model, allowing us to reconstruct the epidemic's main features. Model runs using parameter sets found to result in good model fit were used to infer changes in HIV‐incidence and risk behaviour. Our results indicate that HIV incidence has increased (estimated mean incidence 0.30/100 person‐years 1990–1997, 0.45/100 py 1998–2010), associated with a modest (26%) rise in condomless sex. Our model allows us to explore counter‐factual scenarios: had ART not been introduced, but the rise in condomless sex had still occurred, then incidence 2006–2010 would have been 68% higher (95% CI 62% to 74%); a policy of ART initiation in all diagnosed with HIV from 2001 would have resulted in 32% lower incidence (95% CI 27% to 37%); had levels of HIV testing been higher (68% tested/year instead of 25%) incidence would have been an estimated 25% lower; a combination of higher testing and ART at diagnosis would have resulted in 62% lower incidence; cessation of all condom use in 2000 was predicted to result in a 424% increase in incidence. We conclude that a rise in HIV‐incidence has occurred in MSM in the UK despite an only modest increase in levels of condomless sex in the era of ART. ART has almost certainly exerted a limiting effect on incidence. Much higher rates of HIV testing combined with initiation of ART at diagnosis would be likely to lead to substantial reductions in HIV. However, before advocating such a policy for all MSM we await data from well‐powered randomized trials of the individual health risk of ART initiation at CD4>350 cells/mm3, and from studies of the effect of ART on infectivity through anal sex. Increased condom use should be promoted to avoid the erosion of the benefits of ART and to prevent other serious sexually transmitted infections.

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The brain and potent ART: the final frontier?
Authors: Powderly W
Published: November 2012

The current era of potent antiretroviral therapy, with the resultant dramatic improval in survival of HIV‐infected patients, has focussed much attention on non‐infectious complications of HIV infection. It has been recognized since the early days of the epidemic that the brain is an important target of viral infection, with both direct and indirect effects leading to brain disease, especially the most severe form, progressive HIV‐associated dementia. Potent antiretroviral therapy has clearly decreased the incidence and prevalence of dementia, and even with an ageing population there is little evidence of a significant return of severe HIV‐associated neurological disease. There has been some recent attention to the concept of a milder form of HIV‐associated neurocognitive disease (HAND), with some cohorts reporting prevalence rates of 30% or more, even in patients with otherwise well‐controlled infection. However, diagnosis of HAND is methodologically difficult and debatable, with confounders such as mood, mental health, age and lack of standards in testing technique complicating the issue. Co‐infection with hepatitis C is an additional complicating factor. It is important that we do not overdiagnosis or misclassify patients as having a potentially progressive complication of HIV infection. Equally, it is premature to alter therapeutic decision‐making on this basis; in particular there are insufficient data to support a conclusion that specific antiviral agents are more likely to prevent or slow the progression of HAND.
Baseline data from the MSM Neurocog study
Authors: Barber T , Bansi L , Leonidou L , Pozniak A , Asboe D , Nelson M , Moyle G , Boffito M , Davies N , Thornton S , Catalan J , Gazzard B
Published: November 2012

We present baseline data (follow up due w24–48) from MSM Neurocog ‐ prospective cohort study describing neurocognitive (NC) function in men who have sex with men (MSM) 18–50y.

Objectives

Describe prevalence of positive screen for NC impairment (NCI) using Brief Neurocognitive Screen (BNCS); follow NC function over time.

Data collected

Demographics, medical history, current/nadir CD4, current/peak viral load, antiretroviral (ART) use, recreational drug/tobacco/alcohol use. Subjects screen for depression (PHQ9), anxiety (GAD7), subjective memory problems (Everyday Memory Questionnaire [EMQ]). PHQ9, GAD7, EMQ, IHDS have fixed numerical cut‐offs. BNCS interpreted by calculating composite z score for each subject based on distance from mean in three component tests. Comparing to population norms may overcall NCI. We used participants to construct HIV+ normal ranges after exclusion of anxiety/depression, comparing individuals to this range. 235 screened (205 HIV+, 30 HIV−). In HIV+group 59 (28.8%) excluded as GAD7>10, PHQ9>15 or both (2 no data). 144 HIV+ analysed. 124 (86.1%) had normal z score (within 1 SD of mean). 20 (13.9%) had abnormal z: 7 (35%) asymptomatic, 13 (65%) symptomatic (analysed together). Not enough cognitive domains assessed by BNCS to formally diagnose HIV‐related NCI. BNCS abnormals less likely to be educated at university level/beyond (40% vs. 62.1%, p=0.02) or in skilled work (45% vs. 81.5%, p<0.0001). Current/ex‐recreational drug use similar (~80%); no significant association to score. All patients with abnormal z receiving ART; individual agents not associated with abnormality. IHDS correlated with abnormal BNCS (60% abnormal z had abnormal IHDS vs. 15.3% of normal, p<0.0001). No CD4 association with abnormal z (median nadir 244 in both, p=0.38). Of note, group median age was statistically different but actual difference small (normal 41y vs. abnormal 44y p<0.0001; HIV− 33y). BNCS outcome is age‐related but stratification of results would make abnormal numbers too low for interpretation. In any case, no NCI seen following referral. No‐one referred for formal psychometric testing after screening shown to have NCI. We show high anxiety, depression and current/previous recreational drug use in HIV+MSM 18–50y. Subjective concerns do not translate into confirmed NCI. Patient pathways should include screening for anxiety/depression and substance use, but in this young MSM group concerns regarding memory/functional impairment seem unfounded.
Risk of AIDS‐defining cancers in HIV‐1‐infected patients (1992–2009): results from FHDH‐ANRS CO4
Authors: Hleyhel M , Belot A , Bouvier A , Tattevin P , Pacanowski J , Genet P , De Castro N , Berger J , Dupont C , Lavolé A , Pradier C , Salmon D , Simon A , Martinez V , Costagliola D , Grabar S
Published: November 2012

Purpose of the study

To describe long‐term incidence trends and median age at diagnosis for the three AIDS‐defining cancers (ADC) in HIV‐1‐ infected (HIV1+) patients compared to general population. To study the risk of ADC in HIV1+patients with good immune status (CD4≥500/mm3 for at least 2 years).

Methods

Incident ADC (Kaposi's sarcoma [KS], non‐Hodgkin's lymphomas [NHL] and cervix uteri cancer [CUC]) were retrieved in HIV1+adults followed in the French hospital database on HIV (FHDH) cohort between 1992 and 2009. Cancer incidence rates (IR) in general population were calculated using data from the French cancer registries (Francim network). IR among the HIV1+and the general population were standardized using the 5 years age and sex groups structure of the HIV1+population (1997–2009) and standardized incidence ratios (SIR) were estimated in HIV1+ patients vs. general population in 4 calendar periods (1992–1996, 1997–2000, 2001–2004, and 2005–2009). Median age at diagnosis was estimated after adjusting for the difference in age structure between HIV1+and general population.

Summary of results

5,935 incident ADC were diagnosed among 100,536 HIV1+ patients followed between 1992 and 2009. All ADC IRs were significantly reduced between pre‐ and post‐cART eras and continue to decline in the cART period (p<10−4). SIR are presented in the table.

Median age at diagnosis was significantly younger among HIV1+ patients than the general population for KS (40.4 vs. 42.5; p<10−4), NHL (41.4 vs. 52.5; p<10−4) and CUC (39.3 vs. 42.5; p<10−4). For HIV1+ patients under treatment who maintained controlled viral load (<500 copies/µL) and CD4 ≥500/mm3 for at least 2 years, the risk for KS, NHL and CUC were respectively SIR=71.6 (28.7–147.5), 2.4 (0.9–4.8) and 1.6 (0.3–4.7) vs. general population.

Conclusions

The incidence rates of KS, NHL and CUC continued to decline through 2009 but the risk remained elevated as compared to general population in the most recent cART period. Despite the great reduction when compared to general population, the risk is still very high for KS in HIV1+patients who maintained CD4 ≥500/mm3 for at least 2 years. The risk was not significant for CUC and NHL.

Pre‐cART (1992–1996)
Early‐cART (1997–2000)
Intermediate‐cART (2001–2004)
Lte‐cART (2005–2009)

O/E
SIR (95% CI)
O/E
SIR (95% CI)
O/E
SIR (95% CI)
O/E
SIR (95% CI)

Kaposi's sarcoma
2177/0.9
2299.7 (2204.1–2398.4)
462/0.4
1080.1 (983.87–1183.3)
403/0.4
1130.1 (1022.5–1246.1)
354/0.4
817.7 (734.8–907.52)

Non– Hodgkins's lymphoma
1111/4.0
278.7 (262.5–295.6)
515/6.2
83.8 (76.7–91.4)
370/8.8
42.1 (37.9–46.6)
372/14.8
25.1 (22.6–27.8)

Cervix uteri
38/3.2
12.0 (8.5–16.5)
48/5.3
9.1 (6.7–12.1)
37/7.0
5.3 (3.7–7.3)
48/10.4
4.6 (3.4–6.1)

O/E: Observed cases / Expected cases.
Load‐Controlled Roll Transfer of Oxide Transistors for Stretchable Electronics
Authors: Sharma Bhupendra K. , Jang Bongkyun , Lee Jeong Eun , Bae Sang‐Hoon , Kim Tae Woong , Lee Hak‐Joo , Kim Jae‐Hyun , Ahn Jong‐Hyun
Published: November 2012

A stretchable and transparent In‐Ga‐Zn‐O (IGZO) thin film transistors with high electrical performance and scalability is demonstrated. A load‐controlled roll transfer method is realized for fully automated and scalable transfer of the IGZO TFTs from a rigid substrate to a nonconventional elastomeric substrate. The IGZO TFTs exhibit high electrical performance under stretching and cyclic tests, demonstrating the potentiality of the load‐controlled roll transfer in stretchable electronics. The mechanics of the load‐controlled roll transfer is investigated and simulated, and it is shown that the strain level experienced by the active layers of the device can be controlled to well below their maximum fracture level during transfer.
New Ternary Europium Aluminate Luminescent Nanoribbons for Advanced Photonics
Authors: Liu Feng , Budai John D. , Li Xufan , Tischler Jonathan Z. , Howe Jane Y. , Sun Chengjun , Meltzer Richard S. , Pan Zhengwei
Published: November 2012

Developing novel one‐dimensional (1D) luminescent nanostructures (e.g., nanowires and nanoribbons) is highly desired for enabling progress in nanophotonics and other emerging optical technologies. Previous studies on 1D luminescent nanostructures were mostly focused on elemental and binary semiconductor materials, the light emission of which originates from the radiative recombination of electrons and holes via either intrinsic states or extrinsic defect states. Herein, three kinds of ternary europium aluminate nanoribbons are reported that have localized Eu2+ luminescent centers and exhibit new compositions, new crystal lattice structures, and new luminescence properties and mechanisms. These three europium aluminate nanoribbons are: blue luminescent EuAl6O10 with a new composition and a new tetragonal lattice structure, green luminescent EuAl2O4 with a monoclinic lattice structure, and orange luminescent EuAl2O4 with a new hexagonal lattice structure and extremely large band width and Stokes shift of emission. These materials have promising applications as nanometer‐scale light generators and waveguides in nanophotonics and as light converting phosphors in warm white light‐emitting diodes.
Determination of Extractables and Leachables from Single‐Use Systems
Authors: Ding Weibing
Published: November 2012

Single‐use systems have been increasingly used in biopharmaceutical manufacturing processes. Despite their multitude of advantages, these plastic and elastomeric assemblies also draw concerns about chemical compounds that may migrate to finished products and impact product quality or safety. Evaluation of such extractables/leachables and their potential impact remains a challenge to many suppliers and end users. Based on extensive experience on filter extractables study, a practical and science‐based approach for determination of extractables/leachables from single‐use systems used in biomanufacturing has been developed. The general procedure is presented through a case study.
Cholesterol Screening and Management in Children and Young Adults Should Start Early—NO!
Authors: Schroeder Alan R. , Redberg Rita F.
Published: November 2012

In 2011, an expert panel from the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute released recommendations for universal lipid screening and treatment of high cholesterol in children. There is no evidence that universal screening will help children lead longer, healthier lives. These recommendations will, however, fuel the epidemic of overtreatment that is currently threatening our healthcare system and our patients.

The authors have no funding, financial relationships, or conflicts of interest to disclose.
Slit/Robo‐mediated chemorepulsion of vagal sensory axons in the fetal gut
Authors: Goldberg David , Borojevic Rajka , Anderson Monique , Chen Jason J. , Gershon Michael D. , Ratcliffe Elyanne M.
Published: November 2012

Background: The vagus nerve descends from the brain to the gut during fetal life to reach specific targets in the bowel wall. Vagal sensory axons have been shown to respond to the axon guidance molecule netrin and to its receptor, deleted in colorectal cancer (DCC). As there are regions of the gut wall into which vagal axons do and do not extend, it is likely that a combination of attractive and repellent cues are involved in how vagal axons reach specific targets. We tested the hypothesis that Slit/Robo chemorepulsion can contribute to the restriction of vagal sensory axons to specific targets in the gut wall. Results: Transcripts encoding Robo1 and Robo2 were expressed in the nodose ganglia throughout development and mRNA encoding the Robo ligands Slit1, Slit2, and Slit3 were all found in the fetal and adult bowel. Slit2 protein was located in the outer gut mesenchyme in regions that partially overlap with the secretion of netrin‐1. Neurites extending from explanted nodose ganglia were repelled by Slit2. Conclusions: These observations suggest that vagal sensory axons are responsive to Slit proteins and are thus repelled by Slits secreted in the gut wall and prevented from reaching inappropriate targets. Developmental Dynamics 242:9–15, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Equarin is involved in cell adhesion by means of heparan sulfate proteoglycan during lens development
Authors: Song Xiaohong , Sato Yuya , Sekiguchi Kiyotoshi , Tanaka Hideaki , Ohta Kunimasa
Published: November 2012

Background: Adhesion molecules are known to be instructive for both development and differentiation. During lens differentiation, epithelial cells undergo vertical elongation, with the anterior and posterior tips of the elongating fiber cells sliding along the epithelium and capsule, respectively. These cellular processes are highly coordinated through cell adhesive interactions, actin cytoskeletal reorganization and contractile force generation. Alterations in extracellular matrix composition that interfere with these interactions can lead to defects that alter tissue morphogenesis and the state of differentiation. We have demonstrated that Equarin, which is a secreted molecule expressed in the equator region of the lens, plays an important role in chick lens fiber differentiation through fibroblast growth factor signaling. Results: Here, we explored the function of Equarin in chick lens cell adhesion. Equarin protein was expressed in the extracellular region of lens differentiating cells. We found that Equarin promoted lens cell adhesion through heparan sulfate proteoglycan. By biochemical analysis, we found that Equarin directly binds syndecan‐3, which displayed a similar expression pattern to Equarin. Overexpression of Equarin resulted in altered actin localization. Conclusions: Equarin is involved in cell adhesion during fiber differentiation and development. Developmental Dynamics 242:23–29, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Fabrication and Operation of Tubular Segmented‐In‐Series (SIS) Solid Oxide Fuel Cells (SOFC)
Authors: Yun U.‐J. , Lee J.‐W. , Lee S.‐B. , Lim T.‐H. , Park S.‐J. , Song R.‐H. , Shin D.‐R.
Published: November 2012

A tubular segmented‐in‐series (SIS) solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) sub module for intermediate temperature (700–800 °C) operation was fabricated and operated in this study. For this purpose, we fabricated porous ceramic supports of 3 YSZ through an extrusion process and analyzed the basic properties of the ceramic support, such as visible microstructure, porosity, and mechanical strength, respectively. After that, we fabricated a tubular SIS SOFC single cell by using dip coating and vacuum slurry coating method in the case of electrode and electrolyte, and obtained at 800 °C a performance of about 400 mW cm–2. To make a sub module for tubular SIS SOFC, ten tubular SIS SOFC single cells with an effective electrode area of 1.1 cm2 were coated onto the surface of the prepared ceramic support and were connected in series by using Ag + glass interconnect between each single cell. The ten‐cell sub module of tubular SIS SOFC showed in 3% humidified H2 and air at 800 °C a maximum power of ca. 390 mW cm–2.
Transcription factors link mouse WAP‐T mammary tumors with human breast cancer
Authors: Otto Benjamin , Streichert Thomas , Wegwitz Florian , Gevensleben Heidrun , Klätschke Kristin , Wagener Christoph , Deppert Wolfgang , Tolstonog Genrich V.
Published: November 2012

Mouse models are important tools to decipher the molecular mechanisms of mammary carcinogenesis and to mimic the respective human disease. Despite sharing common phenotypic and genetic features, the proper translation of murine models to human breast cancer remains a challenging task. In a previous study we showed that in the SV40 transgenic WAP‐T mice an active Met‐pathway and epithelial‐mesenchymal characteristics distinguish low‐ and high‐grade mammary carcinoma. To assign these murine tumors to corresponding human tumors we here incorporated the analysis of expression of transcription factor (TF) coding genes and show that thereby a more accurate interspecies translation can be achieved. We describe a novel cross‐species translation procedure and demonstrate that expression of unsupervised selected TFs, such as ELF5, HOXA5 and TFCP2L1, can clearly distinguish between the human molecular breast cancer subtypes—or as, for example, expression of TFAP2B between yet unclassified subgroups. By integrating different levels of information like histology, gene set enrichment, expression of differentiation markers and TFs we conclude that tumors in WAP‐T mice exhibit similarities to both, human basal‐like and non‐basal‐like subtypes. We furthermore suggest that the low‐ and high‐grade WAP‐T tumor phenotypes might arise from distinct cells of tumor origin. Our results underscore the importance of TFs as common cross‐species denominators in the regulatory networks underlying mammary carcinogenesis.
Mineralization induction effects of osteopontin, bone sialoprotein, and dentin phosphoprotein on a biomimetic collagen substrate
Authors: Zurick Kevin M. , Qin Chunlin , Bernards Matthew T.
Published: November 2012

Native bone tissue is composed of a matrix of collagen, noncollagenous proteins, and calcium phosphate minerals, which are primarily hydroxyapatite. The SIBLING (small integrin‐binding ligand, N‐linked glycoprotein) family of proteins is the primary noncollagenous protein group found in mineralized tissues. In this work, the mineralization induction capabilities of three of the SIBLING members, bone sialoprotein (BSP), osteopontin (OPN), and the calcium‐binding subdomain of dentin sialophosphoprotein, dentin phosphoprotein (DPP), are directly compared on a biomimetic collagen substrate. A self‐assembled, loosely aligned collagen fibril substrate was prepared, and then 125I‐radiolabeled adsorption isotherms were developed for BSP, OPN, and DPP. The results showed that BSP exhibited the highest binding capacity for collagen at lower concentrations, followed by DPP and OPN. However, at the highest concentrations, all three proteins had similar adsorption levels. The adsorption isotherms were then used to identify conditions that resulted in identical amounts of adsorbed protein. These substrates were prepared and placed in simulated body fluid for 5, 10, and 24 h at 37°C. The resulting mineral morphology was assessed by atomic force microscopy, and the composition was determined using photochemical assays. Mineralization was seen in the presence of all the proteins. However, DPP was seen to be the only protein that formed individual mineral nodules similar to those seen in developing bone. This suggests that DPP plays a significant role in the biomineralization process and that the incorporation of DPP into tissue engineering constructs may facilitate the induction of biomimetic mineral formation. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A, 2013.
Different methylation and MicroRNA expression pattern in male and female familial breast cancer
Authors: Pinto Rosamaria , Pilato Brunella , Ottini Laura , Lambo Rossana , Simone Giovanni , Paradiso Angelo , Tommasi Stefania
Published: November 2012

Epigenetic regulation, has been very scarcely explored in familial breast cancer (BC). In the present study RASSF1A and RAR beta promoter methylation and miR17, miR21, miR 124, and let‐7a expression were investigated to highlight possible differences of epigenetic regulation between male and female familial BC, also in comparison with sporadic BC. These epigenetic alterations were studied in 56 familial BC patients (27 males and 29 females) and in 16 female sporadic cases. RASSF1A resulted more frequently methylated in men than women (76% vs. 28%, respectively, P = 0.0001), while miR17 and let‐7a expression frequency was higher in women than in men (miR17: 66% in women vs. 41% in men, P < 0.05; let‐7a: 45% in women vs. 15% in men, P = 0.015). RASSF1A methylation affected 27.6% of familial BC while 83% of familial cases showed high expression of the gene (P = 0.025); on the contrary, only 17% of familial BC presented RAR beta methylation and 55% of familial cases overexpressed this gene (P = 0.005). Moreover, miR17, miR21, and let‐7a resulted significantly overexpressed in familial compared to sporadic BC. RASSF1A overexpression (86% vs. 65%, P = 0.13) and RAR beta overexpression (57% vs. 32%, P = 0.11) were higher in BRCA1/2 carriers even if not statistical significance was reached. BRCA mutation carriers also demonstrated significant overexpression of: miR17 (93% vs. 35%, P = 0.0001), let‐7a (64% vs. 16%, P = 0.002), and of miR21 (100% vs. 65%, P = 0.008). In conclusion, the present data suggest the involvement of RASSF1A in familial male BC, while miR17 and let‐7a seem to be implied in familial female BC. J. Cell. Physiol. 228: 1264–1269, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Gram‐scale synthesis and efficient purification of 13C‐labeled levoglucosan from 13C glucose
Authors: Alexander Lisa , Hoyt Caroline , Michalczyk Ryszard , Wu Ruilian , Thorn Dave L. , Silks L. A. ‘Pete’
Published: November 2012

13C‐Labeled levoglucosan has been synthesized and purified in good yield, and on the gram scale in one step from commercially available 13C glucose. This one‐step protocol uses 2‐chloro‐1,3‐dimethylimidazolinium chloride that serves to selectively activate the anomeric carbon toward substitution reactions. The labeled glucose is then smoothly converted to the anhydroglucose. Purification is efficiently achieved on large scale by chromatography on silica gel.
Inhibition of Tulane virus replication in vitro with RNA interference
Authors: Fan Qiang , Wei Chao , Xia Ming , Jiang Xi
Published: November 2012

RNA interference (RNAi), a conserved mechanism triggered by small interfering RNA (siRNA), has been used for suppressing gene expression through RNA degradation. The replication of caliciviruses (CVs) with RNAi was studied using the Tulane virus (TV) as a model. Five siRNAs targeting the non‐structural, the major (VP1) and minor (VP2) structural genes of the TV were developed and the viruses were quantified using quantitative real time PCR (qPCR) and tissue culture infective dose (TCID50) assay. Treatment of the cells with siRNA 4 hr before viral inoculation significantly reduced viral titer by up to 2.6 logs and dramatically decreased viral RNA copy numbers and viral titers 48 hr post infection in four of the five siRNAs studied. The results were confirmed by Western blot, in which the major structural protein VP1 was markedly reduced in both the cells and the culture medium. Two small protein bands of the shell (S) and protruding (P) domains of the viral capsid protein were also detected in the cell lysates, although their role in viral replication remains unknown. Since the TV shares many biological properties with human noroviruses (NoVs), the successful demonstration of RNAi in TV replication would provide valuable information in control of acute gastroenteritis caused by human NoVs. J. Med. Virol. 85:179–186, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Hepatitis B virus DNA in patients with HBsAg in south western Nigeria
Authors: Odaibo Georgina N. , Ola S. O. , Olaleye O. D.
Published: November 2012

There are about 400 million people with chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection worldwide with a potential of adverse sequelae including hepatocellular carcinoma. Recent data have shown that the level of HBV DNA in serum or plasma of an infected person probably reflects more accurately the replicative activity of the virus and therefore may serve as a better maker for management of the infection. This study was designed to determine the rate of detection of HBV DNA in blood samples of patients with HBsAg positive in Nigeria in comparison with the HBe and anti‐HBe used widely as serological markers of infectivity. Plasma samples from 105 patients with HBsAg positive were tested for the presence of HBeAg and anti‐HBe using a commercial enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay while plasma HBV DNA was quantified using the COBAS Amplicor HBV Monitor assay. Of the 105 HBsAg samples, 17 (16.2%) and 85 (81%) were positive for HBeAg and anti‐HBe, respectively, while 8 (7.6%) were negative for both HBeAg and anti‐HBe. HBV DNA was detected in 86 (81.9%) of the samples, out of which 15 (18.1%) and 67 (80.7%) were positive for HBeAg and anti‐HBe, respectively. HBV DNA was detected in 78.4% of the HBeAg negative samples and in all the eight samples that were negative for both HBeAg and anti‐HBe. The implication of these findings in the management of patients with HBV infection is compelling. J. Med. Virol. 85:214–218, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Molecular analysis of hepatitis B virus in Bulgaria
Authors: Ciccozzi Massimo , Babakir‐Mina Muhammed , Lo Presti Alessandra , Salpini Romina , Cella Eleonora , Gabanelli Elena , Teoharov Pavel , Kevorkyan Ani , Perno Carlo Federico , Zehender Gianguglielmo , Ciotti Marco
Published: November 2012

Hepatitis B virus infection is a global health problem. Based on the sequence divergence of the entire genome, hepatitis B virus has been classified into eight genotypes which have a characteristic geographic distribution. To date, no data are available on the molecular epidemiology of hepatitis B virus in Bulgaria. The aim of the present study was to reconstruct the epidemiological history of HBV genotypes/subgenotypes circulating in Bulgaria using a phylodynamic approach and a Bayesian statistical inference framework. Sequence analysis of the HBsAg/Reverse Transcriptase overlapping genomic regions revealed that D1 and A2 were the subgenotypes detected most frequently in the patients examined. The tMRCA estimations of the few HBV D1 Bulgarian significant clades dated back to 23–27 years ago, corresponding to the early 1980s. The HBV A2 Bulgarian sequences fell into two closely related supported clusters dated to 2003 and 1996 years, respectively, suggesting a more recent introduction of subgenotype A2 into Bulgaria. The study provides new information about the HBV subgenotypes in Bulgaria. J. Med. Virol. 85:49–54, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Comparison of the efficacy of ribavirin plus peginterferon alfa‐2b for chronic hepatitis C infection in patients with and without coagulation disorders
Authors: Honda Takashi , Katano Yoshiaki , Kuzuya Teiji , Hayashi Kazuhiko , Ishigami Masatoshi , Itoh Akihiro , Hirooka Yoshiki , Nakano Isao , Ishikawa Tetsuya , Toyoda Hidenori , Kumada Takashi , Yamamoto Koji , Matsushita Tadashi , Kojima Tetsuhito , Takamatsu Junki , Goto Hidemi
Published: November 2012

Many patients with coagulation disorders are infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV) that advances to end stage liver disease, resulting in an increased number of deaths. The efficacy of ribavirin and peginterferon combination therapy for chronic HCV infection in patients with coagulation disorders has not been clarified fully. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of combination therapy in this patient population compared with patients who are infected with HCV and do not have coagulation disorders. A total of 226 consecutive chronic hepatitis C patients were treated with combination therapy and divided into two groups: patients with (n = 23) and without coagulation disorders (n = 203). Clinical characteristics, sustained virological response rates obtained by an intention‐to‐treat analysis, and combination therapy discontinuation rates were compared between the two groups. The sustained virological response rates did not differ significantly between patients with and without coagulation disorders (65.2% vs. 47.8% by intention‐to‐treat analysis). According to a multivariate analysis, age, alanine aminotransferase, gamma‐glutamyltransferase, and HCV genotype were associated significantly with a sustained virological response, whereas whether a patient had a coagulation disorder did not affect the sustained virological response. In conclusion, combination therapy for chronic hepatitis C was comparably effective between patients with and without coagulation disorders and did not result in adverse bleeding. J. Med. Virol. 85:228–234, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
In vitro antiviral activity of dermaseptin S4 and derivatives from amphibian skin against herpes simplex virus type 2
Authors: Bergaoui Ines , Zairi Amira , Tangy Frédéric , Aouni Mahjoub , Selmi Boulbaba , Hani Khaled
Published: November 2012

Herpes simplex virus (HSV) infections have become a public health problem worldwide. The emergence of acyclovir‐resistant viral strains and the failure of vaccination to prevent herpetic infections have prompted the search for new antiviral drugs. Accordingly, the present study was undertaken to synthesize chemically and evaluate Dermaseptin S4 (S4), an anti‐microbial peptide derived from amphibian skin, and its derivatives in terms of anti‐herpetic activity. The effects of biochemical modifications on their antimicrobial potential were also investigated. The peptides were incubated together with HSV‐2 on target cells under various conditions, and the antiviral effects were examined via a cell metabolic labeling method. The findings revealed that DS4 derivatives elicited concentration‐dependent antiviral activity at micromole concentrations. The biochemical modifications of S4 allowed for the reduction of peptide cytotoxicity without altering antiviral activity. Dermaseptins were added at different times during the viral cycle to investigate the mode of antiviral action. At the highest non‐cytotoxic concentrations, most of the tested derivatives were noted to exhibit high antiviral activity particularly when pre‐incubated with free herpes viruses prior to infection. Among these peptides, K4K20S4 exhibited the highest antiviral activity against HSV‐2 sensitive and resistant strains. Interestingly, the antiviral activity of K4K20S4 was effective on both acyclovir‐resistant and ‐sensitive viruses. The findings indicate that K4K20S4 can be considered a promising candidate for future application as a therapeutic virucidal agent for the treatment of herpes viruses. J. Med. Virol. 85:272–281, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Prevalence of human papillomavirus in women attending cervical screening in the UK and Ireland: New data from northern Ireland and a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Anderson Lesley , O'Rorke Michael , Jamison Jackie , Wilson Robbie , Gavin Anna ,   on behalf of the HPV Working Group members
Published: November 2012

There is substantial international variation in human papillomavirus (HPV) prevalence; this study details the first report from Northern Ireland and additionally provides a systematic review and meta‐analysis pooling the prevalence of high‐risk (HR‐HPV) subtypes among women with normal cytology in the UK and Ireland. Between February and December 2009, routine liquid based cytology (LBC) samples were collected for HPV detection (Roche Cobas® 4800 [PCR]) among unselected women attending for cervical cytology testing. Four electronic databases, including MEDLINE, were then searched from their inception till April 2011. A random effects meta‐analysis was used to calculate a pooled HR‐HPV prevalence and associated 95% confidence intervals (CI). 5,712 women, mean age 39 years (±SD 11.9 years; range 20–64 years), were included in the analysis, of which 5,068 (88.7%), 417 (7.3%) and 72 (1.3%) had normal, low, and high‐grade cytological findings, respectively. Crude HR‐HPV prevalence was 13.2% (95% CI, 12.7–13.7) among women with normal cytology and increased with cytological grade. In meta‐analysis the pooled HR‐HPV prevalence among those with normal cytology was 0.12 (95% CIs, 0.10–0.14; 21 studies) with the highest prevalence in younger women. HPV 16 and HPV 18 specific estimates were 0.03 (95% CI, 0.02–0.05) and 0.01 (95% CI, 0.01–0.02), respectively. The findings of this Northern Ireland study and meta‐analysis verify the prevalent nature of HPV infection among younger women. Reporting of the type‐specific prevalence of HPV infection is relevant for evaluating the impact of future HPV immunization initiatives, particularly against HR‐HPV types other than HPV 16 and 18. J. Med. Virol. 85:295–308, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Multiproxy record for the last 4500 years from Lake Shkodra (Albania/Montenegro)
Authors: Zanchetta Giovanni , Van Welden Aurelien , Baneschi Ilaria , Drysdale Russell , Sadori Laura , Roberts Neil , Giardini Marco , Beck Christian , Pascucci Vincenzo , Sulpizio Roberto
Published: November 2012

A multi‐proxy record is presented for approximately the last 4500 cal a BP from Lake Shkodra, Albania/Montenegro. Lithological analyses, C/N ratio and δ13C of the organic and inorganic carbon component suggest that organic matter and bulk carbonate are predominantly authigenic. The δ18O record of bulk carbonate indicates the presence of two prominent wet periods: one at ca. 4300 cal a BP and one at ca. 2500–2000 cal a BP. The latter phase is also found in southern Spain and Central Italy, and represents a prominent event in the western and central Mediterranean. In the last 2000 years, four relatively wet intervals occurred between ca. 1800 and 1500 cal a BP (150–450 AD), 1350–1250 (600–700 AD), 1100–800 (850–1150 AD), and at ca. 90 cal a BP (1860 AD). Between ca. 4100 and 2500 cal a BP δ18O values are relatively high, with three prominent peaks indicating drier conditions at ca. 4100–4000 cal a BP, ca. 3500 and at ca. 3300 cal a BP. Four additional drier events are identified at 1850 (ca. 100 AD), 1400 (ca. 550 AD), 1150 (800 AD) and ca.750 cal a BP (1200 AD). The pollen record does not show changes in accordance with these episodes owing to the poor sensitivity of vegetation in this area, which is dominated by an orographic rainfall effect and where changes in altitudinal vegetation belts do not affect the pollen rain in the lake catchment. However, since ca. 900 cal a BP a significant decrease in the percentage arboreal pollen and in pollen concentrations suggest major deforestation produced by human activities. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.