bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clinical significance of elevated spleen tyrosine kinase expression in nasopharyngeal carcinoma
Authors: Du Zi–Ming , Kou Chang–Wei , Wang Hai–Yun , Huang Ma–Yan , Liao Ding–Zhun , Hu Chun–Fang , Chen Jing , Yan Li–Xu , Hu Li–Fu , Ernberg Ingemar , Zeng Yi–Xin , Shao Jian–Yong
Published: January 2012

Background

Spleen tyrosine kinase (Syk) is a nonreceptor tyrosine kinase and often aberrantly expressed in human cancers. However, Syk expression pattern has not yet been investigated in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC).

Methods

Samples of 223 NPC tissues were immunohistochemically stained for Syk expression and survival analysis was then performed. Interaction and co‐localization of Syk with Epstein–Barr virus encoded latent membrane protein 2A (LMP2A) was explored.

Results

High expression of Syk was detected in 24% of NPC cases, and correlated significantly with T classification, local recurrence, a lower 5‐year survival rate, and a lower 5‐year disease‐free survival (DFS) rate. Syk expression was a significant, independent prognosis predictor for patients with NPC. LMP2A induced Syk expression in NPC and LMP2A high expression correlated with Syk high expression in NPC clinical samples.

Conclusion

High expression of Syk, which results partly from LMP2A expression in NPC, is associated with tumor recurrence and poor prognosis of patients with NPC. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2012
Expression of hedgehog signaling molecules as a prognostic indicator of oral squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Wang Yi–Fen , Chang Chun–Ju , Lin Chin–Ping , Chang Shyue–Yih , Chu Pen–Yuan , Tai Shyh–Kuan , Li Wing–Yin , Chao K.S. Clifford , Chen Yu–Jen
Published: January 2012

Background

Recent studies have indicated hedgehog pathway plays a role in carcinogenesis of certain cancers. We investigated the clinical significance of its signaling components, including Sonic hedgehog (Shh), Patched (Ptch), and Gli‐1, in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC).

Methods

By immunohistochemistry, we determined Shh, Ptch, and Gli‐1 expression in surgical specimens from 40 patients with OSCC. The relationship between expression of these molecules and clinicopathologic variables were assessed by chi‐square analysis. Statistical difference of survival was compared using log‐rank test.

Results

Ptch overexpression was associated with lymphatic metastasis (p = .028). Nuclear Gli‐1 overexpression correlated with primary tumor size (p = .001), lymphatic metastasis (p = .011), and tumor recurrence (p = .008). Overexpression of Ptch (p = .020) or Gli‐1 (p = .002) in OSCC indicated poor prognosis in the univariate survival analysis.

Conclusion

Our results suggest sonic hedgehog (Shh) pathway plays an important role in OSCC progression and should be considered a potential therapeutic target. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2012
t(3;8) as the sole chromosomal abnormality in a myoepithelial carcinoma ex pleomorphic adenoma: A putative progression event
Authors: Bell Diana , N. Myers Jeffrey , Rao Pulivarthi H. , El‐Naggar Adel K.
Published: January 2012

Background

Carcinoma ex pleomorphic adenoma (Ca ex‐PA) is defined as a carcinoma arising from a primary (de novo) or recurrent benign pleomorphic adenoma (PA).

Methods

We present a parotid myoepithelial carcinoma ex pleomorphic adenoma in a 38‐year‐old man with a t(3;8)(p21;q13) as the only chromosomal alteration by cytogenetic and spectral karyotypic analysis (SKY).

Results

The finding of this translocation in a subset of PA and in the present case suggests a critical role for this event in the malignant transformation of PA.

Conclusions

Collectively, both the cytogenetic and the molecular studies suggest the concept that PA lacking alterations pursue a benign behavior, whereas those with the t(3;8) translocation may progress to carcinoma. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2012
The use of GIS and remote sensing for the assessment of waterlogging in the dryland irrigated catchments of Farafra Oasis, Egypt
Authors: El Bastawesy Mohammed , Ali Rafat Ramadan
Published: January 2012

This paper investigates the interplay of the hydrogeological characteristics, soil properties and recent land reclamation projects on the distribution of waterlogging and salinization within the Farafra Oasis. The multi‐temporal remote sensing data and field observations show that new reclaimed areas have been recently cultivated in distant areas from the old agricultural land. These new cultivations have developed widespread waterlogging, seepage channels and soil salinization. Analyses of the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission digital elevation model (DEM) showed that both old and new agricultural areas are located within same closed drainage basin. The fluvial channels of these catchments, which were developed during wet climatic pluvial, have largely been obliterated by the prevailing aridity and often buried under aeolian deposits. However, the new cultivations have been developed on the fingertips of these fluvial channels, while the old fields occupy the low‐level playas. The soil of the new cultivated areas is mainly lithic with a high calcium carbonate content, thus limiting the downward percolation of excess irrigation water and therefore developing perched water table and seepage through the palaeo‐channels. The automatically extracted drainage networks from DEM resemble fluvial patterns and coincide with the seepage channels slowly heading toward old cultivation. The inactive alluvial channels and landforms have to be considered when planning for new cultivation in dryland catchments to better control waterlogging and salinization hazard. It is highly recommended that newly developed seepage channels have to be detected and intercepted before reaching old agriculture areas. Therefore, the ‘dry‐drainage’ concept can be implemented as the seepage water can be conveyed into nearby playas reserved for evaporation. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Determination of the conduit structure in a karst aquifer based on tracer data—Lurbach system, Austria
Authors: Kübeck Christine , Maloszewski Piotr Jan , Benischke Ralf
Published: January 2012

A structure model was used to analyse solute‐transport parameter estimates based on tracer breakthrough curves. In the model system, groundwater flow is envisioned to be organised in a complex conduit network providing a variety of short circuits with relative small carrying capacities along different erosion levels. The discharge through the fully filled conduits is limited owing to void geometries and turbulent flow; thus, a hierarchic overflow system evolves where conduits are (re‐)activated or dried up depending on the flow condition.

Exemplified on the Lurbach–Tanneben karst aquifer, the applicability of the model approach was tested. Information derived from multi‐tracer experiments performed at different volumetric flow rates enabled to develop a structural model of the karst network, under constraint of the geomorphological and hydrological evolution of the site. Depending on the flow rate, groundwater is divided into up to eight flow paths. The spatial hierarchy of flow paths controls the sequence of flow path activation. Conduits of the topmost level are strongly influenced by reversible alteration processes. Sedimentation or blocking causes an overflow of water to the next higher conduit. Flow path specific dissolutional denudation rates were estimated using the temporal development of the partial discharge. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Watershed modelling of hydrology and water quality in the Sacramento River watershed, California
Authors: Ficklin Darren L. , Luo Yuzhou , Zhang Minghua
Published: January 2012

Agricultural pollutant runoff is a major source of water contamination in California's Sacramento River watershed where 8500 km2 of agricultural land influences water quality. The Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) hydrology, sediment, nitrate and pesticide transport components were assessed for the Sacramento River watershed. To represent flood conveyance in the area, the model was improved by implementing a flood routing algorithm. Sensitivity/uncertainty analyses and multi‐objective calibration were incorporated into the model application for predicting streamflow, sediment, nitrate and pesticides (chlorpyrifos and diazinon) at multiple watershed sites from 1992 to 2008. Most of the observed data were within the 95% uncertainty interval, indicating that the SWAT simulations were capturing the uncertainties that existed, such as model simplification, observed data errors and lack of agricultural management data. The monthly Nash–Sutcliffe coefficients at the watershed outlet ranged from 0.48 to 0.82, indicating that the model was able to successfully predict streamflow and agricultural pollutant transport after calibration. Predicted sediment loads were highly correlated to streamflow, whereas nitrate, chlorpyrifos and diazinon were moderately correlated to streamflow. This indicates that timing of agricultural management operations plays a role in agricultural pollutant runoff. Best management practices, such as pesticide use limits during wet seasons, could improve water quality in the Sacramento River watershed. The calibrated model establishes a modelling framework for further studies of hydrology, water quality and ecosystem protection in the study area. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Hypoxia upregulates ovarian cancer invasiveness via the binding of HIF‐1α to a hypoxia‐induced, methylation‐free hypoxia response element of S100A4 gene
Authors: Horiuchi Akiko , Hayashi Takuma , Kikuchi Norihiko , Hayashi Akiko , Fuseya Chiho , Shiozawa Tanri , Konishi Ikuo
Published: January 2012

Hypoxia is known to play important roles in the development and progression of tumors. We previously demonstrated that S100A4, a critical molecule for metastasis, was upregulated in ovarian cancer cells. Therefore, we examined the mechanisms of the upregulation of S100A4 expression in ovarian carcinoma cells, with particular attention paid to the effects of hypoxia. The expression levels of S100A4 were found to be correlated with the invasiveness of ovarian carcinoma cells in vitro and in vivo, and the upregulation of S100A4 expression was associated with hypomethylation of CpG sites in the first intron of S100A4 in ovarian carcinoma cell lines and tissues. The expression of S100A4 was increased under hypoxia and was associated with elevated invasiveness, which was inhibited by S100A4 small interfering RNA (siRNA). In addition, exposure to hypoxia reduced the methylation of hypoxia‐response elements (HRE) of the S100A4 gene in a time‐dependent fashion, in association with the increased binding of HIF‐1α to a methylation‐free HRE in ovarian carcinoma cells. These results indicate that hypoxia‐induced hypomethylation plays an essential role in S100A4 overexpression and the epigenetic transformation of ovarian carcinoma cells into the “metastatic phenotype.”
Atorvastatin delays progression of pancreatic lesions to carcinoma by regulating PI3/AKT signaling in p48Cre/+ LSL‐KrasG12D/+ mice
Authors: Mohammed Altaf , Qian Li , Janakiram Naveena B. , Lightfoot Stan , Steele Vernon E. , Rao Chinthalapally V.
Published: January 2012

Pancreatic cancer is the one of most common causes of cancer deaths and has the worst prognosis. Clinical observational studies suggest that statins may reduce the risk of pancreatic cancer. The chemopreventive efficacy of the statin atorvastatin (Lipitor®) and the role of the phosphatidyl‐inositol 3‐kinase (PI3/AKT) signaling pathway were evaluated for the progression of pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasms (PanINs) to pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) in conditional p48Cre/+‐LSL‐KrasG12D/+ transgenic mice. Six‐week‐old male p48Cre/+‐LSL‐KrasG12D/+ (20/group) mice were fed AIN‐76A diets containing 0, 200 and 400 ppm atorvastatin for 35 weeks. At termination, pancreata were evaluated histopathologically for PanINs and PDAC, and for various PI3/AKT signaling markers, and inflammatory cytokines, by immunohistochemistry/immunohistoflourscence, ELISA, Western blotting and/or reverse transcription‐PCR methods. Control diet‐fed mice showed 85% incidence of PDAC; whereas, mice fed with atorvastatin showed PDAC incidence of 65 and 35%, respectively (p < 0.0001). Similarly, significant suppression of PanIN‐3 (22.6%) was observed in mice fed 400 ppm atorvastatin. Importantly, pancreata from atorvastatin‐treated mice were ∼68% free from ductal lesions. Furthermore, pancreas of mice administered with atorvastatin had significantly reduced expressions levels of PCNA, p2X7, p‐ERK, RhoA, cyclin D1, survivin, Akt, pAKT, β‐catenin, cyclin E, cdK2 and caveolin‐1. Also, atorvastatin‐treated mice had shown dose‐dependent suppression of inflammatory cytokines and a significant increase in tunnel‐positive cells, p21 and PARP expression levels in pancreas. Atorvastatin significantly delays the progression of PanIN‐1 and ‐2 lesions to PanIN‐3 and PDAC by modulating PI3/AKT signal molecules in a preclinical model, suggesting potential clinical benefits of statins for high‐risk pancreatic cancer patients.
Heritability of chronic pain in 2195 extended families
Authors: Hocking L.J. ,   Generation Scotland, Morris A.D. , Dominiczak A.F. , Porteous D.J. , Smith B.H.
Published: January 2012

Chronic pain is pathological, persisting beyond normal tissue healing time. Previous work has suggested ∼50% variation in chronic pain development is heritable. No data are currently available on the heritability of pain categorized using the Chronic Pain Grade (CPG). Furthermore, few existing studies have accounted for potential confounders that may themselves be under genetic control or indeed ‘heritable’ non‐genetic traits. This study aimed to determine the relative contributions of genetic, measured and shared environmental and lifestyle factors to chronic pain. Chronic pain status was determined and CPG measured in participants from Generation Scotland: the Scottish Family Health Study, a large cohort of well‐characterized, extended families from throughout Scotland, UK. Heritability estimates (h
2) for ‘any chronic pain’ and ‘severe’ chronic pain (CPG 3 or 4) were generated using SOLAR software, with and without adjustment for shared household effects and measured covariates age, body mass index, gender, household income, occupation and physical activity. Data were available for 7644 individuals in 2195 extended families. Without adjustment, h
2 for ‘any chronic pain’ was 29% [standard errors (SE) 6%; p < 0.001], and for ‘severe’ chronic pain was 44% (SE 3%; p <0.001). After adjustment, ‘any chronic pain’ h
2 = 16% (SE 7%; p = 0.02) and ‘severe’ chronic pain h
2 = 30% (SE 13%; p = 0.007). Co‐heritability of both traits was 11% (SE 76%). This study supports the use of chronic pain as a phenotype in genetic studies, with adequate correction for confounders to specifically identify genetic risk factors for chronic pain.
Weight loss in obese older adults increases serum sclerostin and impairs hip geometry but both are prevented by exercise training
Authors: Armamento-Villareal Reina , Sadler Corinn , Napoli Nicola , Shah Krupa , Chode Suresh , Sinacore David R , Qualls Clifford , Villareal Dennis T
Published: January 2012

We reported that weight loss induces bone loss which is prevented by exercise training; however, the mechanism for this observation remains unclear. Sclerostin, an inhibitor of bone formation, has been found to increase in states of unloading and may mediate the changes in bone metabolism associated with weight loss and exercise. The objective of the study was to determine the effect of lifestyle intervention in obese older adults on sclerostin levels, and on hip geometry parameters. A total of 107 obese (body mass index [BMI] ≥ 30 kg/m2) older (≥65 years) adults were randomly assigned to control, diet, exercise, and combined diet-exercise for 1 year. Sclerostin levels were measured by ELISA at baseline, 6 months, and 12 months, while hip geometry parameters were obtained from bone mineral density (BMD) images done by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry using hip structure analysis at baseline and 12 months. Both the diet and diet-exercise groups had significant decreases in body weight (−9.6% and −9.4%, respectively), whereas weight was stable in the exercise and control groups. Sclerostin levels increased significantly and progressively in the diet group (6.6% ± 1.7% and 10.5% ± 1.9% at 6 and 12 months, respectively, all p < 0.05), whereas they were unchanged in the other groups; in particular, they were stable in the diet-exercise group (0.7% ± 1.6% and 0.4% ± 1.7% at 6 and 12 months, respectively, all p = 0.05). Hip geometry parameters showed significant decreases in cross-sectional area, cortical thickness, and BMD; and increases in buckling ratio at the narrow neck, intertrochanter, and femoral shaft. These negative changes on bone geometry were not observed in the diet-exercise group. Significant correlations between changes in sclerostin and changes in certain hip geometry parameters were also observed (p < 0.05). In conclusion, the increase in sclerostin levels with weight loss that was prevented by exercise may partly mediate the negative effects of weight loss on bone metabolism and the osteoprotective effect of exercise training. © 2012 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Sudan III dye strongly induces CYP1A1 mRNA expression in HepG2 cells
Authors: Ohno Marumi , Ikenaka Yoshinori , Ishizuka Mayumi
Published: January 2012

Sudan dyes possess a high affinity to the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) and potently induce its target genes, such as cytochrome P450 (CYP) 1A1, through unknown mechanisms. We investigated a detailed event occurring in cells after binding of Sudan dye to AHR in HepG2 cells. Treatment with 10 µM Sudan III caused rapid translocation of AHR into the nucleus and increased expression levels of human CYP1A1 mRNA by approximately 20‐fold after 16 and 24 h. The transactivation was due to the activation of a region located at −1137 to +59 bp from CYP1A1, in particular, four xenobiotic responsive elements (XREs) existing in the region. AHR and the Ah receptor nuclear translocator interacted with XRE sequences in a gel shift assay using nuclear extract from Sudan III‐‐treated HepG2 cells. Moreover, we suggest that constitutive androstane receptor could modify CYP1A1 transactivation by Sudan III. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biochem Mol Toxicol 26:16–22 2012; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/jbt.20408
Src modulates contractile vascular smooth muscle function via regulation of focal adhesions
Authors: Min Jianghong , Reznichenko Maya , Poythress Ransom H. , Gallant Cynthia M. , Vetterkind Susanne , Li Yunping , Morgan Kathleen G.
Published: January 2012

Src is a known regulator of focal adhesion turnover in migrating cells; but, in contrast, Src is generally assumed to play little role in differentiated, contractile vascular smooth muscle (dVSM). The goal of the present study was to determine if Src‐family kinases regulate focal adhesion proteins and how this might affect contractility of non‐proliferative vascular smooth muscle. We demonstrate here, through the use of phosphotyrosine screening, deconvolution microscopy imaging, and differential centrifugation, that the activity of Src family kinases in aorta is regulated by the alpha agonist and vasoconstrictor phenylephrine, and leads to focal adhesion protein phosphorylation and remodeling in dVSM. Furthermore, Src inhibition via morpholino knockdown of Src or by the small molecule inhibitor PP2 prevents phenylephrine‐induced adhesion protein phosphorylation, markedly slows the tissue's ability to contract, and decreases steady state contractile force amplitude. Significant vasoconstrictor‐induced and Src‐dependent phosphorylation of Cas pY‐165, FAK pY‐925, paxillin pY‐118, and Erk1/2 were observed. However, increases in FAK 397 phosphorylation were not seen, demonstrating differences between cells in tissue versus migrating, proliferating cells. We show here that Src, in a cause and effect manner, regulates focal adhesion protein function and, consequently, modulates contractility during the action of a vasoconstrictor. These data point to the possibility that vascular focal adhesion proteins may be useful drug discovery targets for novel therapeutic approaches to cardiovascular disease. J. Cell. Physiol. 227: 3585–3592, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
TGFβ1 inhibits lymphatic endothelial cell differentiation from mouse embryonic stem cells
Authors: Vittet Daniel , Merdzhanova Galina , Prandini Marie‐Hélène , Feige Jean‐Jacques , Bailly Sabine
Published: January 2012

The lymphatic vasculature is essential for the maintenance of tissue fluid, immune surveillance, and dissemination of metastasis. Recently, several models for lymphatic vascular research and markers specific for lymphatic endothelium have been characterized. Despite these significant achievements, our understanding of the early lymphatic development is still rather limited. The purpose of the study was to further define early lymphatic differentiation regulatory pathways. In the present study, we have developed conditions leading to lymphatic endothelial cell differentiation under both serum‐rich and serum‐free conditions, using the coculture system of Flk‐1‐positive vascular precursors derived from murine embryonic stem (ES) cells grown on an OP9 stromal cell layer. In this work, we also identified Transforming Growth Factor‐β1 (TGFβ1) as a negative regulator of lymphvasculogenesis from ES‐derived vascular progenitors. Finally, we could show that TGFβ1 addition decreases COUP‐TFII and Sox18 mRNA levels, which are two transcription factors known to be involved in early lymphatic endothelial differentiation. Taken together these findings support the concept that manipulating the TGFβ signaling pathway may represent an interesting target to favor lymphatic endothelial cell expansion for cell replacement strategies. J. Cell. Physiol. 227: 3593–3602, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Endothelium‐specific overexpression of human vascular endothelial growth factor‐D in mice leads to increased tumor frequency and a reduced lifespan
Authors: Kotimaa Antti A. , Zainana Anna‐Mari , Pulkkinen Eveliina , Huusko Jenni , Heinonen Suvi E. , Kholová Ivana , Stedt Hanna , Lesch Hanna P. , Ylä‐Herttuala Seppo
Published: January 2012

Background

Vascular endothelial growth factors (VEGFs) are central mediators in vascular development and lymphangiogenesis. VEGF‐D contributes to the growth and formation of blood and lymphatic vessels, although its biological role is still somewhat unclear.

Methods

Transgenic mice, which express the mature form of human VEGF‐D under endothelium‐specific Tie1 promoter, were produced by the lentiviral perivitelline‐injection method. The mice were followed up to generation F5 and the effect of the transgene was analyzed.

Results

Transgenic mice had a high expression of human (h)VEGF‐D in the endothelium in several tissues, such as kidney, liver, lung and spleen. However, transgenic mice developed tumors in lungs, kidneys, liver, mammary glands and lymph nodes upon aging and their mortality was also increased as a result of other pathological conditions. Hind limb ischemia was surgically induced in these mice and they were analyzed 1, 2 and 3 weeks after the ischemia operation. No significant differences were found in hVEGF‐D mRNA expression, the number of capillaries or tissue repair between ischemic transgenic mice and transgene negative littermates.

Conclusions

It is concluded that targeted unregulated long‐term expression of hVEGF‐D in endothelium may not be useful and reduces the life span of transgenic mice. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The flavonoid monoHER prevents monocrotaline‐induced hepatic sinusoidal injury in rats
Authors: Ezzat Tarek , van den Broek Maartje A.J. , Davies Nathan , Dejong Cornelis H.C. , Bast Aalt , Malagó Massimo , Dhar Dipok K. , Olde Damink Steven W.M.
Published: January 2012

Background

Sinusoidal obstruction syndrome (SOS) occurs in 50–70% of patients after oxaliplatin treatment for hepatic colorectal metastasis. SOS is associated with portal hypertension and is caused by oxidative damage to endothelial cells and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) induction. We studied the effect of a flavonoid (monoHER) on SOS prevention.

Methods

A monocrotaline (MTC) SOS model was used in rats, with pre‐treatment of monoHER. We studied hepatocellular damage and MMP expression. The potential inhibition of oxaliplatin cytotoxicity by monoHER was tested in vitro in colorectal cancer cell lines.

Results

MonoHER ameliorated the increase in portal pressure after MCT (72 hr: 7.3 ± 2.7 mmHg vs. 11.4 ± 3.0 mmHg, P = 0.016 MCT + monoHER vs. MCT, P < 0.01). MonoHER prevented hepatocellular damage (ALT: 48 hr 42.2 ± 3.1 IU/L vs. 253.4 ± 171.7 IU/L, P = 0.034; 72 hr: 46.2 ± 4.3 IU/L vs. 311.9 ± 163.6 IU/L, MCT + monoHER vs. MCT, P < 0.01). The liver damage score was lower in the monoHER group (72 hr: 4.8 ± 3.6 vs. 10.3 ± 0.5, MCT‐monoHER vs. MCT, P < 0.01) associated with less inflammatory cell infiltration. Livers of MCT treated rats had higher expression of MMP‐9 when compared to monoHER pairs at 24 hr (P = 0.016) and 72 hr (P < 0.001). MonoHER had no effect on in vitro proliferation of colorectal cancer cells when used either alone or in combination with oxaliplatin.

Conclusions

MonoHER prevented MCT induced portal hypertension and hepatic injury in rats. J. Surg. Oncol. 2012; 106:72–78. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Brain metastasis from colorectal cancer: Prognostic factors and survival
Authors: Noura Shingo , Ohue Masayuki , Shingai Tatsushi , Fujiwara Ayako , Imada Shinya , Sueda Toshinori , Yamada Terumasa , Fujiwara Yoshiyuki , Ohigashi Hiroaki , Yano Masahiko , Ishikawa Osamu
Published: January 2012

Background

Colorectal cancer (CRC) rarely metastasizes to the brain, and the incidence rate has been reported to be 1–2%. Unfortunately, the median survival for patients with brain metastasis (BM) from CRC is short. In this study, we retrospectively investigated the BM from CRC and examined the prognostic factors.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed 29 CRC patients who developed BM; the lesions were diagnosed synchronously in 1 patient and metachronously in 28 patients.

Results

After BM, the median survival time was 7.4 months. In the groups of patients who underwent surgical resection and radiation therapy, the median survival times were 8.3 and 7.4 months, respectively. The difference between the two groups was not statistically significant. The curability of the therapy for BM, number of BM, number of metastatic organs including the brain, and the CEA level at the time of treatment of the BM were significantly associated with the cancer‐specific survival (P = 0.0044, 0.0229, 0.0019, and 0.0205, respectively).

Conclusions

The prognosis of patients with BM from CRC was associated with the curability of the therapy for BM, number of metastatic organs, and the serum CEA level. The modality of treatment had no significant impact on the outcome. J. Surg. Oncol. 2012; 106:144–148. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The study of tribological properties of laser‐textured surface of 2024 aluminium alloy under boundary lubrication
Authors: Hu Tianchang , Hu Litian
Published: January 2012

The tribological property of aluminium alloy is critical for its reliable operation in practical applications. In this paper, the tribological performance of laser‐textured 2024 aluminium alloy is studied in unidirectional sliding tests under boundary lubrication. The dimples were produced on the aluminium alloy surface by using a pulse Nd : YAG laser. The topographical microstructures of these laser‐induced textures were characterised by optical and scanning electron microscopy. In comparison with untextured surfaces, a significant improvement in friction behaviour was observed for the textured surfaces. The influences of dimples density on the tribological properties were investigated. Two types of oil with different viscosities were evaluated as lubricants. It was found that the beneficial effects of laser surface texturing are more pronounced at higher speed and load with higher viscosity oil. The optimum dimples density of 8.5% was found to have a lower friction coefficient. On basis of the experimental results, the mechanism of friction reduction and anti‐wear is proposed. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synthesis and characterisation of HSIBR used as viscosity index improver for lubricants
Authors: Li Wei , Li Yang , Hu Yanming , Wang Yurong
Published: January 2012

Self‐prepared styrene–isoprene–butadiene rubber (SIBR) was anionically synthesised and modified by a hydrogenation reaction. The hydrogenated SIBR (HSIBR) was used as a viscosity index improver in lubricants due to its improved thermal and oxidative resistance. The precursors and corresponding hydrogenated polymers were characterised by size‐exclusion chromatography, Fourier transform infrared, proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H‐NMR) spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry and thermal gravimetric analysis. Moreover, the efficiencies of HSIBR as viscosity index improvers for SAE 5W‐30 multigrade oils (150N HG base oil) were studied. The results confirm that adding 1 wt.% of HSIBR markedly increases the specific viscosity of base oil, increases the viscosity index (119 for base oil) up to a value between 158 and 164 and maintains the shear stability well. Furthermore, the HSIBR‐containing oil possesses a high high‐temperature and high‐shear viscosity without destroying its low‐temperature fluidity. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Perfluorophenyl‐Terpyridine Ruthenium Complex as Monomer for Fast, Efficient, and Mild Metallopolymerizations
Authors: Wild Andreas , Winter Andreas , Hager Martin D. , Görls Helmar , Schubert Ulrich S.
Published: January 2012

Herein, the new concept of thiol‐para‐fluorine “click” chemistry is employed for the formation of ruthenium(II) bisterpyridine metallopolymers in a fast and efficient manner. In general, the assembly of comparable metallopolymers requires high temperatures and long reaction times. In contrast to established methods, when utilizing a pentafluorophenyl‐substituted homoleptic RuII bisterpyridine complex, as a monomer, thiol‐functionalized organic spacer units can easily be introduced at low temperatures and in very short reaction times. Furthermore, alternating arrangements of different metal ions (e.g., RuII and FeII) in metallopolymers can be achieved.
Skeletal muscle 1H MRSI before and after prolonged exercise. II. visibility of free carnitine
Authors: Boss Andreas , Kreis Roland , Saillen Pierre , Zehnder Monica , Boesch Chris , Vermathen Peter
Published: January 2012

Carnitine (Car) buffers excess acetyl‐CoA through the formation of acetylCar (AcCar). AcCar's acetyl group (AG‐AcCar) gives rise to a peak at 2.13 ppm in 1H MR spectra of skeletal muscle, whereas the trimethylammonium (TMA) groups of both, AcCar and Car, are thought to contribute to the TMA peak at 3.23 ppm. Surprisingly, in previous studies both resonances, AG‐AcCar and TMA, increased after exercise. The aim of this study was to assess if the exercise‐related TMA increase correlated with AcCar production. Magnetic resonance spectroscopic imaging (pulse repetition time/echo time = 1200/35 ms) was performed before and after prolonged exercise in the lower leg and thigh of eight runners and eight cyclists, respectively. TMA and AG‐AcCar increased after exercise (P < 0.001). TMA's increase correlated with the AG‐AcCar increase (R2 = 0.73, P < 0.001, lower leg; R2 = 0.28, P < 0.001, thigh). The correlation of ΔTMA with ΔAG‐AcCar suggests that the TMA increase is due to AcCar formation. As total Car (Car + AcCar) remains unchanged with exercise, these findings suggest that the contribution of free Car to the TMA peak is limited and, therefore, is partly invisible in muscle 1H MR spectra. This indicates that the biochemically relevant cytosolic content of free Car is considerably lower than the overall concentration determined by radioisotopic assays, a potentially important result with respect to regulation of substrate oxidation. Magn Reson Med, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Suppression of effects of gradient imperfections on imaging with alternate ascending/descending directional navigation
Authors: Park Sung‐Hong , Zhao Tiejun , Kim Jung‐Hwan , Boada Fernando E. , Bae Kyongtae Ty
Published: January 2012

Alternate ascending/descending directional navigation (ALADDIN) is a new imaging technique that provides interslice perfusion‐weighted and magnetization transfer (MT) asymmetry images. In this article, we investigated the effects of gradient imperfections on ALADDIN MT asymmetry (MTA) signals. Subtraction artifacts increasing with readout offsets were detectable in ALADDIN MTA images from an agarose phantom but not from a water phantom. Slice‐select offsets had no significant effect on the artifacts in MTA. The artifacts were suppressed by averaging signals over the readout gradient polarities independent of scan parameters. All these results suggested that the subtraction artifacts were induced by readout eddy currents. With suppression of the artifacts, ALADDIN signals in human brain and skeletal muscle varied less with scan conditions. Percent signal changes of MTA in human skeletal muscle (0.51 ± 0.11%, N = 3) were about 30% of those in white matter. The new averaging scheme will allow for more accurate MTA imaging with ALADDIN, especially at off‐center positions. Magn Reson Med, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
MR safety: Fast T1 thermometry of the RF‐induced heating of medical devices
Authors: Gensler D. , Fidler F. , Ehses P. , Warmuth M. , Reiter T. , Düring M. , Ritter O. , Ladd M. E. , Quick H. H. , Jakob P. M. , Bauer W. R. , Nordbeck P.
Published: January 2012

Determining the MR compatibility of medical implants and devices is becoming increasingly relevant. In most cases, the heating of conductive implants due to radiefrequency (RF) excitation pulses is measured by fluoroptic temperature sensors in relevant tests for approval. Another common method to determine these heating effects is MR thermometry using the proton resonance frequency. This method gives good results in homogeneous phantoms. However in many cases, technical shortcomings such as susceptibility artifacts prohibit exact proton resonance frequency thermometry near medical implants. Therefore, this work aimed at developing a fast T1‐based method which allows controlled MR‐related heating of a medical implant while simultaneously quantifying the spatial and temporal temperature distribution. To this end, an inversion recovery snapshot Fast Low‐Angle Shot (FLASH) sequence was modified with additional off‐resonant heating pulses. With an accelerated imaging method and a sliding‐window technique, every 7.6 s a new temperature map could be generated with a spatial in‐plane resolution of 2 mm. The temperature deviation from calculated temperature values to reference fluoroptic probe was found to be smaller than 1 K. Magn Reson Med, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Informed RESTORE: A method for robust estimation of diffusion tensor from low redundancy datasets in the presence of physiological noise artifacts
Authors: Chang Lin‐Ching , Walker Lindsay , Pierpaoli Carlo
Published: January 2012

Physiological noise artifacts, especially those originating from cardiac pulsation and subject motion, are common in clinical Diffusion tensor‐MRI acquisitions. Previous works show that signal perturbations produced by artifacts can be severe and neglecting to account for their contribution can result in erroneous diffusion tensor values. The Robust Estimation of Tensors by Outlier Rejection (RESTORE) method has been shown to be an effective strategy for improving tensor estimation on a voxel‐by‐voxel basis in the presence of artifactual data points in diffusion‐weighted images. In this article, we address potential instabilities that may arise when using RESTORE and propose practical constraints to improve its usability. Moreover, we introduce a method, called informed RESTORE designed to remove physiological noise artifacts in datasets acquired with low redundancy (less than 30–40 diffusion‐weighted image volumes)—a condition in which the original RESTORE algorithm may converge to an incorrect solution. This new method is based on the notion that physiological noise is more likely to result in signal dropouts than signal increases. Results from both Monte Carlo simulation and clinical diffusion data indicate that informed RESTORE performs very well in removing physiological noise artifacts for low redundancy diffusion‐weighted image datasets. Magn Reson Med, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Microscopic diffusion anisotropy in formalin fixed prostate tissue: Preliminary findings
Authors: Bourne Roger M. , Kurniawan Nyoman , Cowin Gary , Sved Paul , Watson Geoffrey
Published: January 2012

Diffusion tensor microimaging at 16.4 T with 40 μm isotropic voxels was used to investigate anisotropic water diffusion in prostate tissue at spatial resolution approaching the cellular scale. Nine normal glandular tissue samples were collected from the peripheral zone of six formalin fixed radical prostatectomy specimens. Fibromuscular stromal tissue exhibited microscopic diffusion anisotropy (mean fractional anisotropy range 0.47–0.66) significantly higher (P < 0.01, Student's t‐test) than in epithelium‐containing voxels (mean fractional anisotropy range 0.31–0.54) in six of the seven normal tissue samples in which both compartments could be measured. Fiber tracking demonstrated principle stromal fiber directions consistent with myocyte orientation seen on light microscopy of the same sample. Diffusion tensor microimaging may be valuable for investigation of variable results from attempts to measure diffusion anisotropy in the prostate in vivo. Magn Reson Med, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Cohesive and non‐cohesive fracture by higher‐order enrichment of XFEM
Authors: Zamani Arash , Gracie Robert , Reza Eslami M.
Published: January 2012

A comprehensive study is performed on the use of higher‐order terms of the crack tip asymptotic fields as enriching functions for the eXtended FEM (XFEM) for both cohesive and traction‐free cracks. For traction‐free cracks, the Williams asymptotic field is used to obtain highly accurate stress intensity factors (SIFs), directly from the enriched degrees of freedom without any post‐processing. The low accuracy of the results of the original research on this subject by Liu et al. [Int. J. Numer. Meth. Engng., 2004; 59:1103–1118] is remedied here by appropriate modifications of the enrichment scheme. The modifications are simple and can be easily included into an XFEM computer code. For cohesive cracks, the relevant asymptotic field is used, and two widely used criteria including the SIFs criterion and the stress criterion are examined for the crack growth simulation. Both linear and nonlinear cohesive laws are used. For the stress criterion, averaging is avoided due to the highly accurate crack tip approximation because of the higher‐order enrichment. Then, a modified stress criterion is proposed, which is shown to be applicable to a wider class of problems. Several numerical examples, including straight and curved cracks, stationary and growing cracks, single and multiple cracks, and traction‐free and cohesive cracks, are studied to investigate in detail the robustness and efficiency of the proposed enrichment scheme. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Glucocorticoid regulation of a novel HPV–E6–p53–miR‐145 pathway modulates invasion and therapy resistance of cervical cancer cells
Authors: Shi Ming , Du Libin , Liu Dan , Qian Lu , Hu Meiru , Yu Ming , Yang Zhengyan , Zhao Mingzhen , Chen Changguo , Guo Liang , Wang Lina , Song Lun , Ma Yuanfang , Guo Ning
Published: January 2012

Glucocorticoids are stress‐responsive neuroendocrine mediators and play an important role in malignant progression, especially in solid tumours. We demonstrate a novel mechanism by which glucocorticoids modulate p53‐dependent miR‐145 expression in HPV‐positive cervical cancer cells through induction of E6 proteins. We found that expression of miR‐145 was reduced in cervical cancer tissues. Cortisol induced HPV‐E6 expression and suppressed p53 and miR‐145 in cervical cancer cells. MiR‐145 expression in cervical cancer cells was wild‐type p53‐dependent, and cortisol‐induced down‐regulation of miR‐145 expression prevented chemotherapy‐induced apoptosis, whereas over‐expression of miR‐145 enhanced sensitivity to mitomycin and reversed the chemoresistance induced by glucocorticoids. We also show that miR‐145 augments the effects of p53 by suppressing the inhibitors of p53 in cervical cancer cells, suggesting that miR‐145 plays a role in p53 tumour suppression. Finally, we demonstrate that miR‐145 inhibits both the motility and invasion of cervical cancer cells. Our findings identify a novel pathway through which the neuroendocrine macroenvironment affects cervical tumour growth, invasion and therapy resistance and show that miR‐145 may serve as a target for cervical cancer therapy. Copyright © 2012 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Predictive factors of internalized and externalized behavioral problems in children treated for acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Authors: Marcoux Sophie , Robaey Philippe , Krajinovic Maja , Moghrabi Albert , Laverdière Caroline
Published: January 2012

Background

Pediatric cancer survivors are at increased risk of various neurological and psychological problems. The prevalence of behavioral problems was assessed in a longitudinal study in pediatric patients with an acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Multilevel modeling was used to identify associated predictive factors.

Procedure

ALL patients and their parents (n = 138) took part to this study. Patients were treated according to the Dana‐Farber Cancer Institute (DFCI) consortium protocols 91‐01 or 95‐01. Mothers filled out questionnaires providing a measure of behavioral problems for their child at diagnosis and during the subsequent 4 years, and of their perceived familial stress at diagnosis and post‐induction.

Results

Prevalence of internalized behavioral problems at diagnosis was increased [42% above 1 standard deviation (SD); P < 0.001], but it normalized over time. Internalized problems resolved more slowly in the presence of medical variables associated with increased stress related to the disease (hospitalization duration, P < 0.001; relapse risk at diagnosis, P < 0.001). Externalized behavioral problems were within the expected normal range, but more sustained over time with the 95‐01 than with the 91‐01 treatment protocols (P < 0.05), likely due to the type of corticosteroid (CS) used (dexamethasone vs. prednisone).

Conclusions

Assessment of both internalized and externalized problems is required in this population. The impact of pharmacological variables on externalized behavioral problems is likely related to CS use. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2012; 58: 971–977. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Assessing Implicit Cognitive Motivation: Developing and Testing An Implicit Association Test to Measure Need for Cognition
Authors: Fleischhauer Monika , Strobel Anja , Enge Sören , Strobel Alexander
Published: January 2012

The personality trait need for cognition (NFC) refers to individual differences in cognitive motivation and has proven to be an extraordinarily useful descriptor and predictor in the context of information processing. So far, NFC has been assessed via self–report. More recent research, however, accentuates the value of indirect measures, as they tap into implicit aspects of the personality self–concept and are assumed to provide incremental validity especially in predicting automatic aspects of behaviour. Therefore, in the present research, different NFC–Implicit Association Tests (IATs) were developed and pretested for psychometric properties. The final version was systematically tested for its predictive validity over and above the direct NFC measure based on a latent variable approach. The results provide evidence for a double dissociation model and suggest the NFC–IAT to exert its predictive value regarding the more spontaneous aspects of NFC–related behaviour, whereas the NFC scale was rather predictive for the more reflective aspects of behaviour. Moreover, the present research contributes to the understanding of construct–unrelated variance in personality IATs and offers valuable information for test development in the realm of personality IATs. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Generalised geometry and type II supergravity
Authors: Coimbra A. , Strickland‐Constable C. , Waldram D.
Published: January 2012

Ten‐dimensional type II supergravity can be reformulated as a generalised geometrical analogue of Einstein gravity, defined by an O(9,1) × O(1,9) ⊂ O(10,10) × ℝ+ structure on the generalised tangent space. To leading order in the fermion fields, this allow one to rewrite the action, equations of motion and supersymmetry variations in a simple, manifestly Spin(9,1) × Spin(1,9)‐covariant form.
Vacua analysis in extended supersymmetry compactifications
Authors: Dibitetto G. , Guarino A. , Roest D.
Published: January 2012

We analyse geometric type IIA flux compactifications leading to 𝒩 = 4 gauged supergravities in four dimensions. The complete landscape of isotropic vacua is presented, which turns out to belong to a unique theory. The solutions admit an uplift to maximal supergravity due to the vanishing of the flux‐induced tadpoles for all the supersymmetry‐breaking branes. Such an uplift is sketched out and the full 𝒩 = 8 mass spectra are discussed. We find the interesting presence of a non‐supersymmetric and nevertheless stable minimum.
Structural features that predict real‐value fluctuations of globular proteins
Authors: Jamroz Michal , Kolinski Andrzej , Kihara Daisuke
Published: January 2012

It is crucial to consider dynamics for understanding the biological function of proteins. We used a large number of molecular dynamics (MD) trajectories of nonhomologous proteins as references and examined static structural features of proteins that are most relevant to fluctuations. We examined correlation of individual structural features with fluctuations and further investigated effective combinations of features for predicting the real value of residue fluctuations using the support vector regression (SVR). It was found that some structural features have higher correlation than crystallographic B‐factors with fluctuations observed in MD trajectories. Moreover, SVR that uses combinations of static structural features showed accurate prediction of fluctuations with an average Pearson's correlation coefficient of 0.669 and a root mean square error of 1.04 Å. This correlation coefficient is higher than the one observed in predictions by the Gaussian network model (GNM). An advantage of the developed method over the GNMs is that the former predicts the real value of fluctuation. The results help improve our understanding of relationships between protein structure and fluctuation. Furthermore, the developed method provides a convienient practial way to predict fluctuations of proteins using easily computed static structural features of proteins. Proteins 2012; © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Evidence of induced structural and conduction anisotropy in scandia‐stabilized zirconia ceramics
Authors: Barbashov Vladimir , Nesova Elizaveta , Pismenova Natalia , Radionova Olga
Published: January 2012

Evidence of current induced structural and conduction anisotropy was experimentally established in scandia‐stabilized zirconia ceramics. It was found that these effects are observed only when the material is in the rhombohedral phase. It was shown using conductivity measurements and X‐ray phase analysis that anisotropic behavior of polycrystalline ZrO2‐Sc2O3 ceramics is induced by a low‐amplitude alternating current in the temperature range corresponding to a rhombohedral‐to‐cubic phase transition.