bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of granulocyte‐monocyte colony‐stimulating factor (GM‐CSF) on expression of adhesion molecules and production of cytokines in blood monocytes and ovarian cancer‐associated macrophages
Authors: Bernasconi Sergio , Matteucci Christian , Sironi Marina , Conni Mario , Colotta Francesco , Mosca Monica , Colombo Nicoletta , Bonazzi Cristina , Landoni Fabio , Corbetta Giuseppe , Mantovani Alberto , Allavena Paola
Published: September 2008

The present study was aimed at characterizing the effects of in vitro exposure to GM‐CSF on blood monocytes and tumor‐associated macrophages (TAM) in human ovarian cancer. Purified populations of TAM from ovarian cancer patients were studied in terms of expression of surface molecules, cytokine production and tumor cytotoxicity after overnight incubation with GM‐CSF or IFNγ and LPS, used as reference activators. GM‐CSF augmented the surface expression of ICAM‐I and CD 18 in TAM and in blood monocytes. Stimulation was more prominent in monocytes than in TAM, which showed higher baseline expression of this adhesion molecule. ICAM‐3 was not influenced by GM‐CSF or by IFNγ/LPS. GM‐CSF‐augmented ICAM‐I expression was associated with higher levels of mRNA transcripts. The protein synthesis inhibitor cycloheximide superinduced basal and GM‐CSF‐induced ICAM‐I transcripts, thus excluding a role for secondary polypeptide mediators. In the absence of stimuli, TAM produced higher levels, compared to monocytes, of IL‐6 and IL‐8 but not of IL‐1 and TNF. GM‐CSF augmented the production of IL‐6 and IL‐8 (but not that of IL‐1 and TNF) in TAM, whereas it had little effect on blood monocyte. Tumoricidal activity was tested against two ovarian tumor cell lines (OVCAR3 and SW626). GM‐CSF more prominently augmented monocyte cytotoxicity, while only 2 of 6 TAM preparations were stimulated by GM‐CSF. These results suggest that GM‐CSF selectively regulates the function of blood monocytes and TAM, the effect of this cytokine varying with the parameter and cell population examined. These data provide a rational and biological endpoint for further studies with GM‐CSF as an activator of mononuclear phagocyte function in ovarian cancer. © 1995 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
International renal‐cell cancer study. II. Analgesics
Authors: McCredie Margaret , Pommer Wolfgang , McLaughlin Joseph K. , Stewart John H. , Lindblad Per , Mandel Jack S. , Mellemgaard Anders , Schlehofer Brigitte , Niwa Shelley
Published: September 2008

There has been concern about the role of analgesics in the development of renal‐cell cancer, although a few studies have reported moderately elevated risks with regular or long‐term use. In a large international case‐control study of renal‐cell cancer we examined, among other hypotheses, the effect of phenacetin‐containing and of other types of analgesics: paracetamol (acetaminophen), salicylates (mainly aspirin) and pyrazolones (e.g., antipyrine or phenazone). Relative risks, adjusted for the effects of age, sex, body‐mass index, tobacco smoking and study centre, were not significantly increased with intake of phenacetin, either when lifetime consumption was categorized at the level of >0.1 kg or when subjects were subdivided further by amount. Nor were paracetamol, salicylates or pyrazolones linked with renal‐cell cancer. No consistently increasing risks with consumption level was found. The lack of association was not altered by restricting analgesic use to that which occurred 5 or 10 years before the defined “cut‐off” date or when analysis was restricted to exclusive users of a particular type of analgesic. Neither was the risk influenced by the rate of consumption or whether the consumption had occurred at a young age. Our study provides clear evidence that aspirin is unrelated to renal‐cell cancer risk, and our findings do not support the hypothesis that analgesics containing phenacetin or paracetamol increase the risk, although the number of “regular” users and the amount of these types of analgesic consumed were too small to confidently rule out a minor carcinogenic effect of phenacetin and paracetamol. © 1995 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Treatment of postpartum depression in mothers: Secondary benefits to the infants
Authors: Goodman Sherryl H. , Broth Michelle R. , Hall Christine M. , Stowe Zachary N.
Published: September 2008

This study examined the quality of mother–infant interaction and levels of perceived stress and parenting efficacy in association with mothers' levels of depression among mothers with significant depressive symptoms during the postpartum period, who were followed prospectively during treatment, and their infants less than 6 months old. Mothers with postpartum depression (n = 19) were treated with medication, and the mothers were observed with their infants prior to treatment and 3 and 6 months later. A comparison group of nondepressed mothers (n = 25) was included to control for the normal developmental changes associated with the postpartum period. The depressed women experienced a significant reduction in depressive symptoms and did not differ significantly from well mothers 6 months after beginning treatment. Despite initial levels of parenting quality and depression, mothers' reduced levels of depression, after 12 weeks of treatment, were associated with improvements in the quality of their interactions with their infants and with improvements in their infants' quality of play. For both perceived stress and parenting efficacy beliefs, both depressed and well mothers showed a significant improvement from the initial to the 12‐week visit, and there were no significant differences between depressed and well mothers' perceived stress or efficacy beliefs at the 12‐week visit. Depression at the 12‐week visit did not predict perceived stress or efficacy beliefs beyond the variance accounted for by initial levels of those variables and depression. The impact of reducing levels of maternal depression symptoms supports theoretical models of the role of parenting in the association between maternal depression and child functioning. Further, these findings support the benefits to infants of reducing depression in mothers.
Dyadic intervention during pregnancy? Treating pregnant women and possibly reaching the future baby
Authors: Bergner Sharone , Monk Catherine , Werner Elizabeth A.
Published: September 2008

It is well established that postnatally, maternal psychopathology greatly increases a child's risk for emotional disorders. This article addresses the formative phase that precedes the mother–infant mutually regulating dyad. Biopsychological data presented here suggest that women's affective states during pregnancy—specifically depression, anxiety, and elevated life‐stress—are associated with subtle alterations in the neurobiological substrate of the fetus' emerging affect regulation system. The article moves to a general discussion of the emotional experience of pregnancy, and to the use of psychodynamic psychotherapy when problematic aspects of women's representational world lead to negative or dysregulated affect. Two case vignettes are presented: one described in brief and the other in greater detail. This kind of therapeutic intervention aims to achieve mood improvement, address women's emerging relationship with her baby, and potentially, influence the course of fetal development. Winnicott (1960) said there is no such thing as a baby alone; all the more so during pregnancy.
Maternal depression and anxiety effects on the human fetus: Preliminary findings and clinical implications
Authors: Dieter John N.I. , Emory Eugene K. , Johnson Katrina C. , Raynor B. Denise
Published: September 2008

Newborns of depressed and anxious mothers show biobehavioral abnormalities suggesting that maternal psychological distress has negative effects on the fetus. Two studies examined the fetuses of depressed and nondepressed mothers: (a) a cross‐sectional investigation of fetal activity during the second and third trimesters and (b) an examination of behavioral and heart rate response to vibratory stimulation in late‐gestation fetuses. Fetuses of depressed mothers were more active during the fifth, sixth, and seventh gestational months. Assessment of late‐term fetuses consisted of a baseline, trials of vibratory stimulation directed towards measuring habituation, and a poststimulation period. During baseline, the fetuses of depressed mothers exhibited a lower heart rate. During stimulation trials, they showed less total movement and appeared to habituate more often. Approximately 35% of the variance in fetal behavior was accounted for by the mothers' depression and anxiety symptoms. Maternal depression may be linked to greater fetal activity during the second and third trimesters and decreased behavioral responsivity during late gestation. The response of late‐term fetuses of depressed mothers to vibratory stimulation may reflect “receptor adaptation/effector fatigue” and not true habitation. Future studies should examine the value of clinical interventions provided to the pregnant mother.
Chromosome instability and tumor lethality suppression in carcinogenesis
Authors: Shen Changxian , Zhou Yonggang , Zhan Jun , Reske Sven N. , Buck Andreas K.
Published: September 2008

The maintenance and survival of each organism depends on its genome integrity. Alterations of essential genes, or aberrant chromosome number and structure lead to cell death. Paradoxically, cancer cells, especially in solid tumors, contain somatic gene mutations and are chromosome instability (CIN), suggesting a mechanism that cancer cells have acquired to suppress the lethal mutations and/or CIN. Herein we will discuss a tumor lethality suppression concept based on the studies of yeast genetic interactions and transgenic mice. During the early stages of the multistep process of tumorigenesis, incipient cancer cells probably have adopted genetic and epigenetic alterations to tolerate the lethal mutations of other genes that ensue, and to a larger extent CIN. In turn, CIN mediated massive gain and loss of genes provides a wider buffer for further genetic reshuffling, resulting in cancer cell heterogeneity, drug resistance and evasion of oncogene addiction, thus CIN may be both the effector and inducer of tumorigenesis. Accordingly, interfering with tumor lethality suppression could lead to cancer cell death or growth defects. Further validation of the tumor lethality suppression concept would help to elucidate the role of CIN in tumorigenesis, the relationship between CIN and somatic gene mutations, and would impact the design of anticancer drug development. J. Cell. Biochem. 105: 1327–1341, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Truncation of small matrix elements based on the Euclidean norm for blocked data structures
Authors: Rubensson Emanuel H. , Rudberg Elias , Sałek Paweł
Published: September 2008

Methods for the removal of small symmetric matrix elements based on the Euclidean norm of the error matrix are presented in this article. In large scale Hartree–Fock and Kohn–Sham calculations it is important to be able to enforce matrix sparsity while keeping errors under control. Truncation based on some unitary‐invariant norm allows for control of errors in the occupied subspace as described in (Rubensson et al. J Math Phys 49, 032103). The Euclidean norm is unitary‐invariant and does not grow intrinsically with system size and is thus suitable for error control in large scale calculations. The presented truncation schemes repetitively use the Lanczos method to compute the Euclidean norms of the error matrix candidates. Ritz value convergence patterns are utilized to reduce the total number of Lanczos iterations. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comput Chem, 2009
Epidermal glands in the abdomen of a basal ant Dinoponera lucida (Formicidae: Ponerinae)
Authors: Serrão José Eduardo , Castro Rafael Cunha A. , Zanuncio José Cola , Mariano Cléa Santos Ferreira , Delabie Jacques Hubert Charles
Published: September 2008

The basal ant Dinoponera (Hymenoptera: Ponerinae) has lost the morphologic queen caste so that all females may be potential reproductive individuals, and the nestmate recognition results from cuticular hydrocarbons cues. However, data about the origin of that substance in Ponerinae ants are scarce. This study reports the occurrence of epidermal glands in the abdomen of the ant Dinoponera lucida. In this ant, the epidermis of the abdominal sternites has tall cells with well‐developed nucleus contrasting with flattened and collapsed epidermis in the tergites, suggesting a glandular function in the epidermis of the sternites. The possible role of the glandular epidermis in the synthesis of cuticular hydrocarbons for the nestmate recognition is discussed. Microsc. Res. Tech., 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Galactosylated multimodular lipoplexes for specific gene transfer into primary hepatocytes
Authors: Letrou‐Bonneval Emilie , Chèvre Raphaël , Lambert Olivier , Costet Philippe , André Corinne , Tellier Charles , Pitard Bruno
Published: September 2008

Background

Numerous synthetic cationic vectors have been synthesized and are successfully used forin vitrogene transfer but an excess of positive charges can lead to cytotoxicity and does not enable specific transfection.

Methods

We decided to develop alternative molecular systems consisting of neutral, colloidally stable bioassemblies equipped with ligands for specific cell targeting. Consequently, we directed our efforts toward the development of a multimodular non‐viral gene delivery system consisting of a condensed core of DNA with cationic liposomes of bis(guanidinium)‐tren‐cholesterol and an external corona of poly(ethylene oxide) stretches harbored by the steric stabilizers used to stabilize lipoplexes colloidally. A ligand capable of cell targeting by receptor‐mediated endocytosis was covalently linked at the poly(ethylene oxide) extremity of steric stabilizers. Steric stabilizers were functionalized by a one‐step enzymatic galactosylation to develop new supramolecular assemblies of lipoplexes able to target asialoglycoprotein receptors located on primary hepatocytes.

Results

Cryo‐TEM and fluorescence experiments showed that DNA was condensed within lamellar complexes whose size ranged between 100 to 300 nm in diameter. Bis(guanidinium)‐tren‐cholesterol‐DNA lipoplexes, colloidally stabilized by galactosylated steric stabilizers at a galactosylated steric stabilizer/DNA ratio of 300, led to specific transfection of primary hepatocytes whereas ungalactosylated steric stabilizer did not transfect.

Conclusions

Our findings confirm the receptor‐mediated endocytosis pathway of galactosylated multimodular lipoplexes. Thus, we conclude that the fabrication of a multimodular assembly harboring a ligand without non‐specific interaction with cell membranes is possible and a highly promising system to transfect other primary or cultured cells specifically through a receptor‐dependent mechanism. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Dendrimer/DNA complexes encapsulated functional biodegradable polymer for substrate‐mediated gene delivery
Authors: Fu Hui‐Li , Cheng Si‐Xue , Zhang Xian‐Zheng , Zhuo Ren‐Xi
Published: September 2008

Background

To overcome the extracellular barriers in gene delivery and direct gene delivery to target tissues, substrate‐mediated transfection, which sustains the release of naked DNA or vector/DNA complexes, and also supports cell growth, has been developed.

Methods

In the present study, polyamidoamine (PAMAM) dendrimer/DNA complexes encapsulated functional biodegradable polymer films for substrate‐mediated gene delivery were prepared. To maintain the activity of DNA during dehydration, the dendrimer/DNA complexes were encapsulated in a water soluble polymer, poly α,β‐[N‐(2‐hydroxyethyl)‐L‐aspartamide], and then deposited on or sandwiched in functional polymer films with a fast degradation rate to mediate gene transfection. The in vitro gene transfections of pGL3‐Luc and pEGFP‐C1 plasmids in HEK293 cells mediated by different films were studied. For comparison, the transfection mediated by the film fabricated by conventional linear poly(DL‐lactide) was also investigated.

Results

The expression of pGL3‐Luc and pEGFP‐C1 plasmids could effectively be mediated by the PAMAM/DNA complexes deposited or sandwiched polymer films, with transfection efficiencies comparable to that of solution‐based transfections. The cells on the functionalized star poly(DL‐lactide) film exhibited much higher gene expression compared to the cells on the conventional linear poly(DL‐lactide) film because the fast degradation rate of star poly(DL‐lactide) facilitated the access of PAMAM/DNA complexes for the cells seeded on the film. In addition, the films did not exhibit any additional cytotoxicity to the cells during the degradation and transfection.

Conclusions

The fast degrading functional polymer has great potential for localized transfection. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Feasibility of the radioastatination of a monoclonal antibody with astatine‐211 purified by wet extraction
Authors: Bourgeois Mickaël , Guerard François , Alliot Cyrille , Mougin‐Degraef Marie , Rajérison Holisoa , Remaud‐Le Saëc Patricia , Gestin Jean‐François , Davodeau François , Chérel Michel , Barbet Jacques , Faivre‐Chauvet Alain
Published: September 2008

Astatine‐211, a most promising α‐particle emitter for targeted radiotherapy, is generally obtained by high‐temperature distillation. However, a liquid–liquid extraction procedure (wet extraction) has also been described. The purpose of this study was to develop and optimize the labelling of the stannylated‐activated ester N‐hydroxysuccinimidyl‐meta‐trimethylstannylbenzoate ester (MeSTB) with astatine‐211 extracted in di‐isopropylether (DIPE) in the presence of the oxidant N‐chlorosuccinimide (NCS). The effect of final volume, incubation duration and NCS amounts on radiolabelling yield was studied. The best yields (85–90%) of N‐hydroxysuccinimidyl‐meta‐[211At]astatobenzoate ester (SAB) were obtained with 20 nmol of MeSTB, 100 nmol of NCS in 120 µL of DIPE after 15 min. The astatine‐211‐labelled‐activated ester was then used to radiolabel a monoclonal antibody (mAb). The labelling yield was 20–25% and the radiochemical purity was 97–99%. These results show that mAbs may be efficiently labelled with astatine‐211 obtained by wet extraction, a fully automatable technique that may prove to be a useful alternative to dry distillation for high activity labelling of radiopharmaceuticals. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Treatment with silybin‐vitamin E‐phospholipid complex in patients with hepatitis C infection
Authors: Falasca Katia , Ucciferri Claudio , Mancino Paola , Vitacolonna Ester , De Tullio Domenico , Pizzigallo Eligio , Conti Pio , Vecchiet Jacopo
Published: September 2008

The aim of this study was to evaluate the hepatoprotective and anti‐inflammatory effects of silybin‐phospholipids and vitamin E complex (SPV complex), by determining cytokine patterns and various markers of liver disease. Forty Caucasian patients with chronic HCV infection were recruited and divided into two groups: 30 were treated with SPV complex for 3 months, while the other 10 did not receive any treatment. Ten other subjects without HCV infection but with staeatosic diagnosis were recruited and treated with SPV complex. Biochemical and hepatic principal parameters were investigated at 0 (T0) and 3 months (T3). The group of HCV patients treated showed an improvement trend of hepatic indecises and viral load, and had a significant and persistent reduction of ALT (P = 0.02) and AST serum level (P = 0.01). In this group cytokines showed a statistically significant increase of IL‐2 (P = 0.03) and IL‐6 were significantly reduced (P = 0.02) at T0 and T3. After the treatment the group of hepatic steatosics showed a significant decrease in ALT (P = 0.02), AST (0.008), γGT (0.004) alkaline phosphatase (0.05), total cholesterol (P = 0.03), fasting glucose (P = 0.008), insulinemia (0.0006), HOMA value (0.002) and C‐reactive protein (CRP; 0.04). There was a significant reduction of IFN‐γ, TNF‐α, and IL‐6 (P = 0.02, 0.05 and 0.04, respectively). The data suggest that the SPV complex exerts hepatoprotective, anti‐inflammatory and antifibrotic effects. This new compound may therefore be useful in clinical practice in patients with chronic hepatitis C who cannot undergo conventional antiviral therapy. J. Med. Virol. 80:1900–1906, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Human herpesvirus 6 integrates within telomeric regions as evidenced by five different chromosomal Sites
Authors: Nacheva Elisabeth P. , Ward Katherine N. , Brazma Diana , Virgili Anna , Howard Julie , Leong Hoe Nam , Clark Duncan A.
Published: September 2008

Fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) was used to investigate the chromosomal integration sites of human herpesvirus 6 (HHV‐6) in phytohemagglutinin‐stimulated leukocytes and B lymphocytes from Epstein–Barr virus transformed lymphoblastoid cell lines (LCLs). Five different chromosomal integration sites were found in nine individuals. Only one site was identified in each individual, each site was in the vicinity of the telomeric region and was on either the p or q arm of only one of the two chromosome homologues. The sites were 9q34.3, 10q26.3, 11p15.5, 17p13.3, and 19q 13.4, of which three have not been previously identified. For 9q34.3 the site of integration was further mapped using a locus‐specific probe for 9q34.3 together with a pan‐telomeric probe and both co‐localized with the HHV‐6 signal. Similarly an arm‐specific telomeric probe for 19q co‐localized with the HHV‐6 signal. It was therefore concluded that the site of integration is actually within the telomere. The number of viral DNA copies/cell was calculated in blood, LCL cells and hair follicles and was one or more in every case for each of the nine individuals. This result was confirmed by FISH where 100% of cells gave an HHV‐6 signal. These findings add to previous reports suggesting that integrated HHV‐6 DNA is found in every cell in the body and transmitted vertically. Finally, including our data, worldwide seven different chromosomal sites of HHV‐6 integration have now been identified. Large epidemiological studies of chromosomal integration are required to identify further telomeric sites, geographical or racial variation and possible clinical consequences. J. Med. Virol. 80:1952–1958, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Change of hepatitis B virus genotypes in acute and chronic infections in Japan
Authors: Kobayashi Mariko , Ikeda Kenji , Arase Yasuji , Suzuki Fumitaka , Akuta Norio , Hosaka Tetsuya , Sezaki Hitomi , Yatsuji Hiromi , Kobayashi Masahiro , Suzuki Yoshiyuki , Watahiki Sachiyo , Mineta Rie , Iwasaki Satomi , Miyakawa Yuzo , Kumada Hiromitsu
Published: September 2008

During 35 years from 1971 to 2005, 153 patients with acute and 4,277 with chronic HBV infection visited the Toranomon Hospital in Tokyo, Japan. They were grouped into seven 5‐year periods, and HBV genotypes/subgenotypes were determined. Patients with acute HBV infection were younger (P = 0.046), predominantly male (P = 0.004), possessed higher alanine aminotransferase levels (P < 0.001), positive more frequently for HBeAg (P < 0.001), and had lower HBV DNA loads (P = 0.014) than those with chronic infection. Sexual transmission was more frequent in patients with acute than chronic HBV infection (67% vs. 3%, P < 0.001). The number of patients with acute infection increased throughout 1971–2005. Patients with chronic infection increased since 1971, peaked in 1986–1990 and then decreased. The number of patients increased since 1990–2000 again, however, reflecting recent boost of acute HBV infection. The distribution of HBV genotypes was considerably different between patients with acute and chronic infections (A, B, and C: 28.6%, 10.3%, and 59.5% vs. 3.0%, 12.3%, and 84.5%, respectively, P < 0.001). Since 1991, genotype A foreign to Japan started to increase sharply in patients with acute infection, and gradually in those with chronic infection. There was a trend for the foreign subgenotype B2/Ba to increase recently (P < 0.05). Despite immunoprophylaxis of high‐risk babies born to carrier mothers with hepatitis B e antigen, implemented nationally since 1986, acute and chronic infections with HBV have been increasing in Japan. Based on genotypes/subgenotypes changing with time, the resurgence of hepatitis B could be attributed to infections, with foreign HBV genotypes/subgenotypes, spreading swiftly by sexual contact. J. Med. Virol. 80:1880–1884, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A pilot study on the distribution of human papillomavirus genotypes and HPV‐16 variants in cervical neoplastic lesions from Ecuadorian women
Authors: Tornesello Maria Lina , Buonaguro Luigi , Izzo Sergio , Lopez Guillermo , Vega Ximena , Maldonado Reyes Claudio Francisco , Buonaguro Franco Maria
Published: September 2008

Human papillomaviruses (HPVs) are the cause of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia and invasive carcinomas of the uterine cervix. The distribution of specific HPV genotypes varies greatly across populations and HPV surveys have been performed in different geographical regions in order to apply appropriate vaccine strategies. The aim of this study was to determine the spectrum of HPV genotypes and HPV‐16 variants among women with cervical lesions living in Ecuador. A total of 71 cases have been analyzed, including 32 chronic cervicitis, 29 cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 1, and 10 cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 2–3. HPV sequences were detected by broad spectrum consensus‐primer‐pairs MY09/MY11 and GP5+/GP6+‐based polymerase chain reaction and characterized by nucleotide sequence analysis. Overall, 31 (43.7%) cases were HPV positive with prevalence rates of 37.5%, 44.8%, and 60% in patients with chronic cervicitis, cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 1 and cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 2–3, respectively. Among the positive cases, the most common genotypes were HPV 16 (64.5%) and HPV 81 (29%) followed by HPV 31, 53, 56, and 58, in descending order of prevalence. Seventeen (85%) HPV‐16 isolates were classified as European and three (15%) as African‐1 variant on the basis of nucleotide signature present within the MY09/MY11 L1 sequence. The results suggest that HPV 16 has a very high prevalence among women with cervical lesions in Ecuador; therefore, an effective HPV‐16 based vaccine should prevent the development of cervical cancer in a large proportion of Ecuadorian women. J. Med. Virol. 80:1959–1965, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Functional polymorphism of the promoter region of the prostacyclin synthase gene and severity of RSV infection in hospitalized children
Authors: Hashimoto Koichi , Ishibashi Kei , Gebretsadik Tebeb , Hartert Tina V. , Yamamoto Akihiro , Nakayama Tomohiro , Ohashi Kazutaka , Sakata Hiroshi , Kawasaki Yukihiko , Katayose Masahiko , Sakuma Hiroko , Suzuki Hitoshi , Hosoya Mitsuaki , Peebles Ray Stokes , Suzutani Tatsuo
Published: September 2008

Prostaglandin I2(PGI2) protects against RSV‐induced illness in mice. A variable‐number tandem repeat (VNTR) polymorphism has been detected in the promoter region of the PGI2synthase (PGIS) gene. We sought to determine if PGI2concentrations or polymorphisms of the PGIS gene correlate with severity of RSV lower respiratory tract infections (LRTI) in human infants. VNTR polymorphisms were studied in 81 previously healthy children between birth and 12 months of age who were hospitalized for LRTI due to RSV and 98 healthy adult control subjects. The severity of RSV infection was quantified using a clinical scoring system, and infant urine samples were collected during the acute illness for measurement of the urinary metabolite of PGI2. There were no significant differences in the overall distribution of alleles and genotypes between infants with RSV LRTI and the control subjects. The severity of RSV infection significantly inversely correlated with urinary PGI2metabolite concentrations. The urinary PGI2metabolite concentration correlated with the number of VNTR. The presence of a genotype with a low number VNTR repeats significantly correlated with the most severe RSV LRTI, and genotypes with the highest number of VNTR correlated with the least severe RSV LRTI. A functional polymorphism in the promoter region of the PGIS gene is associated with both significant differences in urinary PGI2concentrations during RSV LRTI, and severity of RSV infection in previously healthy infants. J. Med. Virol. 80:2015–2022, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Light‐ and dark‐dependent orexinergic neuronal signals promote neurodegenerative phenomena accounting for distinct behavioral responses in the teleostThalassoma pavo
Authors: Facciolo Rosa Maria , Crudo Michele , Giusi Giuseppina , Alò Raffaella , Canonaco Marcello
Published: September 2008

The neuropeptides hypocretins/orexins (ORX) are known to control state‐dependent activities such as sleep–wakefulness, energy homeostasis, thermoregulation, and maternal behaviors. To date, interests regarding environmental‐related ORX‐ergic neuronal functions have dealt with mammals; only recently is attention beginning to be directed toward aquatic vertebrates. Here, photoperiod‐dependent effects of ORX‐A on behavioral, neurodegenerative and transcriptional activities were evaluated in some forebrain areas of a teleost Labridae (ornate wrasse,Thalassoma pavo). The ornate wrasse, when treated intraperitoneally with a high physiological dose (100 ng/g) of ORX‐A and exposed to a natural photoperiod (12L:12D), exhibited very high (P< 0.001) locomotion and feeding behaviors. ORX‐A in the presence of a constant light photoperiod accounted for numerically even greater (>500%) feeding frequencies. Conversely, constant dark conditions very strongly reduced feeding habits and moderately (P< 0.05) increased resting states. In this case, the same ORX‐A and photoperiodic conditions responsible for altered behaviors also induced neurodegenerative processes in the different hypothalamic, mesencephalic, and telencephalic neuronal fields. Interestingly, this ORX‐A treatment seemed to be correlated to greater up‐regulatory patterns of ORX receptor mRNA in these same brain areas, above all under constant light conditions rather than natural photoperiod. On the other hand, telencephalic sites provided a very active expression capacity during the dark phase. Overall, these results suggest for the first time that at least in the ornate wrasse, light‐ and dark‐dependent ORX‐ergic neuronal activities are able to cause short‐ and long‐term abnormal motor behaviors, likely through neurodegenerative and transcriptional events in a brain regional manner. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Quality circle programmes: Volunteering for participation
Authors: Norris Dwight R. , Cox James F.
Published: September 2008

Discriminant analysis was used to develop a profile of a typical Quality Circle Programme participant. Selected demographic, attitudinal, and behavioural characteristics were evaluated. Six characteristics significantly differentiated quality circle members from non‐members, including educational level, tenure, job satisfaction, consideration, performance, and absenteeism. A profile of the typical circle member is described, and interpretations of the discriminant analysis are discussed.
Withdrawal and restraining factors in teachers' turnover intentions
Authors: Lachman Ran , Diamant Ester
Published: September 2008

This study examines how work‐related withdrawal‐inducing and restraining factors affect the intention to leave work of male and female teachers. It is assumed that while these intentions are induced by the employee's affective reaction to the work environment, they are also restrained by those personal gains and advantages provided by the present job that cannot be transferred to another.

A path analysis performed on data collected from 239 high school teachers in Israel indicates some differences between the male and female groups. Some restraining effects on the intentions to resign were found among both, but the prevailing assumption that affective work reactions mediate between work environment and the intent to leave, was found among male teachers only. This and other observed differences in the predictors of male and female teachers' intentions to resign question the generality of prevailing assumptions of the psychological process of withdrawal. The need for gender adjustments in withdrawal models is proposed.
Advanced manufacturing technology and work simplification: An empirical study
Authors: Wall Toby D. , Clegg Chris W. , Davies Robert T. , Kemp Nigel J. , Mueller Wally S.
Published: September 2008

This paper is concerned with the effects of advanced manufacturing technology on shopfloor operator jobs and work attitudes. A strong line of argument from labour process theory suggests that such technology will simplify and deskill jobs, and reduce the quality or working life. This proposition was explored within a large electronics company which assembles computer boards, where two different applications of information technology have been experienced. These were compared with two traditional manual assembly jobs. Assessment of job content, perceived job characteristics and operator work attitudes, showed no uniform deskilling effects of advanced manufacturing technologies. Much larger differences existed both between the different new technology applications and between the traditional jobs. This demonstrates that choice of technology is important to skill use and employees' attitudes, as are the choices for the organization of work around it. These are not uniform processes even within a single organization. Experience of operating advanced manufacturing technology was also accompanied by more positive views concerning its impact on the shopfloor.
Nitrogen‐fixing nonlegumes in Egypt. I. Nodulation and N2(C2H2) fixation by Casuarina equisetifolia
Authors: Wahab A. M. Abdel
Published: September 2008

This study examines nodulation and some aspects of N2 fixation by Casuarina equisetifolia growing in Egypt. Plants examined were 2 to 10 years of age, and all were nodulated. Nodules varied from young meristematic lobes on lateral roots to clusters occasionally reaching 10 cm in diameter; they had the characteristic features of the Myrica/Casuarina type. Nodules became brown, woody and lost their N2‐fixing activities in the late summer months.

Acetylene reduction was used to assay nodule activity. Maximum rates of N2(C2H2) fixation were observed at 35 °C. Acetylene reduction by excised nodules was linear for 6 hours, then slowly declined and finally ceased after 10 hours. Variations in N2(C2H2) fixation rates due to season and time of day were also examined. Active fixation was recorded throughout different seasons of the year, except in the late summer months. Diurnal fluctuations showed that N2(C2H2) fixation was higher at night than during the day or afternoon. The results are discussed and compared to the findings of other investigators.
Frost mapping in southern Victoria: An assessment of HCMM thermal imagery
Authors: Kalma J. D. , Byrne G. F. , Johnson M. E. , Laughlin G. P.
Published: September 2008

HCMM satellite thermal imagery is used in a detailed frost assessment in an important horticultural area near Melbourne, Australia.

Good general agreement is found to exist between plots based on night‐time HCMM data which show surface temperature differences across the study area and frost risk maps based on terrain and land cover. However, it is concluded that the HCMM data have insufficient spatial resolution for use in local frost mapping in the study area.

Improved thermal resolution will make thermal imagery from future satellites an increasingly important tool in topo‐climatology. Without such improvements, local frost mapping will, in the absence of climatic network data or mobile topo‐climatological surveys, continue to depend on data from thermal scanners in aircraft and on detailed assessment of terrain and land cover.
Tropospheric temperature anomalies in the Northern Hemisphere 1977–1986
Authors: Weber Gerd‐Rainer
Published: September 2008

Tropospheric temperatures for the Northern Hemisphere (NH) during the period 1977–1986 are analysed on the basis of 300/1000 mbar thickness data between latitudes 10 °N and 80 °N. The departures from the mean 1951–1960 are determined on a 10 ° by 10° grid. Averages and trends are calculated for latitude circles for the entire NH, separately for oceanic and continental areas, as well as for specific geographic regions. An attempt is made to find relationships between the anomaly patterns by means of teleconnections. It is found that in the 10–year period the tropical and subtropical troposphere was considerably warmer than during the reference period and that this positive anomaly was particularly prominent over the tropical and subtropical Pacific. The northern Pacific, the northern Atlantic, and the European‐Canadian sector of the Arctic showed coincident negative anomalies. The resulting increase in subtropical to mid‐latitude tropospheric temperature gradient over both oceans was calculated to be more than 1 K, indicating an intensified circulation during the period.

Using teleconnections for various latitude and longitude sectors it can be shown that the NH anomaly pattern 1977–1986 is strongly influenced by variations in the thickness pattern over the subtropical Pacific along latitude circle 20°N.

The strongest relations emerge between the subtropical Pacific and western North America, the East Atlantic, and central Asia, where over 60 per cent of the variances in thickness can be explained by thickness variations over the subtropical Pacific.
ATMOSPHERIC THERMAL CHANGES OVER THE INDIAN REGION PRIOR TO THE MONSOON ONSET AS OBSERVED BY SATELLITE SOUNDING DATA
Authors: Joshi P. C. , Simon B , Desai P. S.
Published: September 2008

The differential heating of the continents and the adjoining oceans is the primary cause for the summer monsoon circulation over South Asia. Two important synoptic climatological features associated with this are: the thermal heat low centred over Pakistan and adjoining areas; and the upper tropospheric high over the Tibetan Plateau. These two aspects relating to the onset phase of the monsoon are examined utilizing: (i) the data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration polar‐orbiting satellite for the year 1982 and (ii) the FGGE level III‐b data for the year 1979.
Upper air trough axis orientation and the spatial distribution of rainfall over Israel
Authors: Zangvil Abraham , Druian Perla
Published: September 2008

Since Israel is located far from large oceans, availability of moisture may be a limiting factor in producing rainfall by synoptic‐scale disturbances. Thus, moisture evaporating from the nearby Mediterranean Sea may become an important factor in producing precipitation in the region.

A simple scheme has been designed to test the hypothesis that rainfall over Israel is largely affected by the trajectories of air prior to the rain event. The relationship between air trajectories before a rain event and the intensity and spatial distribution of rain over Israel has been examined. We discovered that a large percentage of rain events is associated with maritime air trajectories. Since the Israeli coastline bends sharply towards the west near latitude 31 °N this means that the orientation of synoptic disturbances responsible for precipitation to the north of 31°N and to the south of this latitude are markedly different: troughs in the lower troposphere that are oriented from north‐east to south‐west produce relatively more rain over the south of the country, while troughs that are tilted from north‐west to south‐east or from north to south produce relatively more rainfall over north and central Israel.
Androgen, estrogen, and progesterone receptor contents and serum hormone profiles in patients with benign hypertrophy and carcinoma of the prostate
Authors: Kumar Vijay L. , Wadhwa Surender N. , Kumar Vijay , Farooq Ahmad
Published: September 2008

Cytosolic and nuclear androgen, estrogen and progesterone receptor content was measured in the groups of 11 prostatic carcinoma (PCA) and 32 benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH) samples. All BPH cases were positive for the cytosolic progesterone (PRc) and estrogen receptor (ERc), whereas only 85% of cases (23/27) contained the androgen receptor (ARc). Only those five patients who received estrogen treatment in the PCA group had detectable ARc. PRc was present in all of the PCA cases, whereas ERc could be detected in only 82% (9/11) of cases. Cytosolic contents of all three steroid receptors, however, were higher in the PCA group. The level of nuclear steroid receptors, although present in fewer cases in both groups, was higher than the cytoplasmic receptors. The serum profile of estradiol, cortisol, and prolactin was normal in both groups, whereas LH, FSH, and progesterone levels were higher than in normal adults. Serum testosterone level was within normal range in the BPH group, but it was significantly below normal (P < 0.005) in PCA patients.
Malignant sertoli cell tumour of the testis in a child
Authors: Sharma S. , Seam R. K. , Kapoor H. L.
Published: September 2008

Very few cases of malignant Sertoli cell tumour of the testis are reported in the literature. The average age at discovery of this tumour is 39 years. Malignant Sertoli cell tumour of the testis in a child is presented, the fourth case reported in the literature. We present our case to increase awareness of this tumour in this age group, to point out the capability of Sertoli cell tumours to metastasize, and to document the remarkable initial response to combination chemotherapy, a hitherto unreported feature.
Ultra‐large effective‐area, higher‐order mode fibers: a new strategy for high‐power lasers
Authors: Ramachandran S. , Fini J.M. , Mermelstein M. , Nicholson J.W. , Ghalmi S. , Yan M.F.
Published: September 2008

This paper describes the physics and properties of a novel optical fiber that would be attractive for building high‐power fiber lasers and amplifiers. Instead of propagating light in the fundamental, Gaussian‐shaped mode, we describe a fiber in which the signal is forced to travel in a single, desired higher order mode (HOM). This provides for several advantages over the conventional approach, ranging from significantly higher ability to scale mode areas (and hence laser powers) to managing dispersion for ultra‐short pulses – a capability that is practically nonexistent in conventional fibers. Particularly interesting is the fact that this approach challenges conventional wisdom, and demonstrates that for applications requiring meter‐length fibers (as in high‐power lasers), signal stability actually increases with mode order. Using this approach, we demonstrate mode areas exceeding 3200 μm2, and propagate signals with negligible mode distortions over up to 50‐meter lengths. We describe several pulse propagation experiments in which we test the nonlinear response of this fiber platform, ranging from managing dispersive effects in femtosecond pulse systems, to reducing Brillouin scattering impairments in systems operating with the nanosecond pulses.
THz and sub‐THz quantum cascade lasers
Authors: Scalari G. , Walther C. , Fischer M. , Terazzi R. , Beere H. , Ritchie D. , Faist J.
Published: September 2008

In this paper we review recent progress in obtaining laser action from semiconductor quantum cascade structures covering the low THz region of the electromagnetic spectrum, from 2 THz (λ ≃ 155 μm) down to the sub‐THz region (λ > 300 μm). Particularly, laser active region designs based on bound‐to‐continuum transition and magnetically assisted intra‐well transition are presented. The wide scalability of active region designs is discussed and illustrated with experimental data. Latest results including the demonstration of laser action from quantum heterostructure at 950 GHz are presented.
Structural Requirements for the Intercalation of Polyether Polyols into Sodium‐Montmorillonite: The Role of Oxyethylene Sequences
Authors: Lu Yong , Kong Shiao‐Tong , Deiseroth Hans‐Jörg , Mormann Werner
Published: September 2008

The structural requirements for the preparation of polyether polyol/Na+‐montmorillonite nanocomposites, which are used in polyurethane/NaMMT nanocomposites, were evaluated using X‐ray diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis and shear viscosity behavior. Nanocomposites based on homopolyetherols: poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG), poly(propylene glycol) (PPG), polytetrahydrofuran (PTHF), block‐type copolyetherols and a SAN‐grafted polymer polyol were prepared. Intercalation was observed only with oxyethylene (EO) units containing polyetherols. The amount of the intercalated polyetherol ranged from 15 to 30 wt.‐%. EO‐sequences of 5 to 6 units proved to be sufficient for intercalation, which suggests a crown‐ether type complexation of interlayer cations.

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Stochastic Simulation of Imperfect Mixing in Free Radical Polymerization
Authors: Hernandez Hugo F. , Tauer Klaus
Published: September 2008

A modified algorithm for the stochastic simulation of chemical reactions subject to mass transfer limitation (imperfect mixing) is presented. This algorithm takes into account the mixing by diffusion of the reacting species between two consecutive reactions. The method is used to simulate the effect of mass transfer limitation in free‐radical polymerization. Since this is a stiff reaction network, a hybrid stochastic‐deterministic approach is considered. The hybrid stochastic algorithm under imperfect mixing (HSSA‐IM) is applied to the bulk polymerization of methyl methacrylate up to high conversions. The accuracy of the algorithm relies on the precise determination of diffusion coefficients during the reaction.
Differential c‐jun expression in response to tumor promoters in JB6 cells sensitive or resistant to neoplastic transformation
Authors: Ben‐Ari Elia T. , Bernstein Lori R. , Colburn Nancy H.
Published: September 2008

The activity of AP‐1, a trans‐acting transcription factor, is stimulated by 12‐O‐tetradecanoylphorbol‐13‐acetate (TPA) and epidermal growth factor (EGF) in promotion‐sensitive (P+) but not in promotion‐resistant (P+) JB6 mouse epidermal cell lines. TPA and EGF also promote neoplastic transformation only in P+ cells. Thus, it has been proposed that AP‐1—dependent gene expression is involved in determining sensitivity to tumor promotion. This paper explores the possible basis for the differential inducibility of AP‐1 activity in P+ and P+ JB6 cells, focusing in particular on the regulation of expression of the components of the AP‐1 complex at the mRNA level. The expression of jun and fos gene family members, which make up the AP‐1 complex, can be stimulated by serum and a number of growth factors, including EGF, and by TPA. Therefore, the possibility that differential expression of one or more forms of jun or fos contributes to the differential AP‐1 activity was considered. The data presented here demonstrate both similarities and differences in the basal and TPA‐ or EGF‐induced levels of fos and jun family members between P+ and P+ cells. The most striking observation was that the overall TPA‐ and EGF‐induced levels of jun but not fos expression were higher in P+ cells. This suggests that tumor promoter‐regulated c‐jun expression may contribute to the differential AP‐1 activation observed in these cells and may be important in determining sensitivity to promotion of neoplastic transformation.