bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Personal Debt, Cognitive Delinquency and Techniques of Governmentality: Neoliberal Constructions of Financial Inadequacy in the UK
Authors: Walker Carl
Published: October 2011

In the UK in recent years, there has been a considerable and sustained increase in both levels of personal debt and over‐indebtedness. This commentary argues that recent UK policy formulation on personal debt management has sidelined problematic macroscopic political and economic changes by locating personal debt as a problem of individual financial incompetence. Through specific institutions, tools, techniques and practices, certain configurations of people in debt have been rendered knowable and changeable. In doing so, public policies that have brought about a greater need for a greater number of people to rely on personal debt remain largely beyond public view and have instead been reconstituted as problems of access to financial capability training. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Development of Improved PPARβ/δ Inhibitors
Authors: Toth Philipp M. , Naruhn Simone , Pape Veronika F. S. , Dörr Stefanie M. A. , Klebe Gerhard , Müller Rolf , Diederich Wibke E.
Published: October 2011

GSK0660 (1) is the first peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor (PPAR) β/δ‐selective inhibitory ligand described in the literature. Based on its structure, we designed and synthesized a series of modified compounds to establish preliminary structure–activity relationships. Most beneficial for increased binding affinity towards the PPARβ/δ ligand binding domain was the replacement of the 4′‐aminophenyl substituent by medium‐length n‐alkyl chains, such as n‐butyl or iso‐pentyl. These compounds show activity down to the one‐digit nanomolar range, thus possessing up to a tenfold higher binding affinity compared with GSK0660. Additionally, the subtype‐specific inhibition of PPARβ/δ was confirmed in a cell‐based assay making these compounds invaluable tools for the further exploration of the functions of PPARβ/δ.
Structure and Electronic Properties and Phase Stabilities of the Cd1−xZnxS Solid Solution in the Range of 0≤x≤1
Authors: Lu Jibao , Dai Ying , Guo Meng , Wei Wei , Ma Yandong , Han Shenghao , Huang Baibiao
Published: October 2011

As an excellent bandgap‐engineering material, the Cd1−xZnxS solid solution, is found to be an efficient visible light response photocatalyst for water splitting, but few theoretical studies have been performed on it. A better characterization of the composition dependence of the physical and optical properties of this material and a thorough understanding of the bandgap‐variation mechanism are necessary to optimize the design of high‐efficience photocatalysts. In order to get an insight into these problems, we systematically investigated the crystal structure, the phase stability, and the electronic structures of the Cd1−xZnxS solid solution by means of density functional theory calculations. The most energetically favorable arrangement of the Cd, Zn, S atoms and the structural disorder of the solid solution are revealed. The phase diagram of the Cd1−xZnxS solid solution is calculated based on regular‐solution model and compared with the experimental data. This is the first report on the calculated phase diagram of this solid solution, and can give guidance for the experimental synthesis of this material. Furthermore, the variation of the electronic structures versus x and its mechanism are elaborated in detail, and the experimental bandgap as a function of x is well predicted. Our findings provide important insights into the experimentally observed structural and electronic properties, and can give theoretical guidelines for the further design of the Cd1−xZnxS solid solution.
A secure and efficient password‐authenticated group key exchange protocol for mobile ad hoc networks
Authors: He Daojing , Chen Chun , Ma Maode , Chan Sammy , Bu Jiajun
Published: October 2011

Password‐authenticated group key exchange protocols enable communication parties to establish a common secret key (a session key) by only using short secret passwords. Such protocols have been receiving significant attention. This paper shows some security weaknesses in some recently proposed password‐authenticated group key exchange protocols. Furthermore, a secure and efficient password‐authenticated group key exchange protocol in mobile ad hoc networks is proposed. It only requires constant round to generate a group session key under the dynamic scenario. In other words, the overhead of key generation is independent of the size of a total group. Further, the security properties of our protocol are formally validated by a model checking tool called AVISPA. Security and performance analyses show that, compared with other related group key exchange schemes, the proposed protocol is also efficient for real‐world applications in enhancing the security over wireless communications. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Degenerate herpes cells in bronchial secretions mimicking malignancy
Authors: Martínez‐Girón Rafael
Published: October 2011

No absract.
Cognitive Functioning and Work Success in Adults with Dyslexia
Authors: Leather Carol , Hogh Henriette , Seiss Ellen , Everatt John
Published: October 2011

Dyslexic adults completed questionnaires designed to investigate relationships between cognitive functioning, especially executive aspects, and work success. The study was designed to determine whether quantitative support could be provided for the model of adult dyslexic success derived from the work of Gerber and his colleagues (Gerber, Ginsberg, & Reiff, 1992). A planning/metacognitive awareness scale and a cognitive failures scale were used as measures of cognitive skill. Personal success was assessed with job satisfaction and work‐based self‐efficacy scales, and societal success was determined by assessing the salary level, promotion in the current profession and academic qualifications. Correlational analyses indicated that people with dyslexia with higher levels of planning and metacognition reported higher levels of job satisfaction and self‐efficacy. However, these measures were not related to societal success. The findings are discussed in terms of avenues for further investigation of factors leading to more positive outcomes for dyslexic individuals and ways to increase the likelihood of dyslexic adults achieving success in the workplace. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
γ‐AlOOH Nanomaterials with Regular Shapes: Hydrothermal Fabrication and Cr2O72–Adsorption
Authors: Zhang Li , Jiao Xiuling , Chen Dairong , Jiao Mingxia
Published: October 2011

Well‐defined boehmite (γ‐AlOOH) nanomaterials with regular shapes, which include nanorods, nanobelts, and nanoplates, were prepared by hydrothermal reactions of γ‐AlOOH nanoparticles, to which H2SO4, CH3COOH, and HCl were added to regulate the shape of the products. The formation of the nanomaterials with different shapes could be attributed to adsorption of SO42–, CH3COO–, and Cl– on the crystal planes, which affected the oriented aggregation of the raw γ‐AlOOH nanoparticles and the growth of the aggregates. The difference in the adsorption abilities of the acidic anions resulted in the different shapes of the products. The corresponding shape‐retained γ‐Al2O3 nanomaterials were obtained after calcination. Furthermore, the differently shaped nanomaterials exhibited different adsorption capabilities for Cr2O72– in aqueous solution, and the nanobelts showed an adsorption of up to 95.5 %. The exposed crystal facet of the γ‐AlOOH nanomaterials is an important factor that affects the adsorption ability.
Cadmium and Mercury Complexes Containing Trinuclear Titanium Imido‐Nitrido Metalloligands
Authors: Martín Avelino , Mena Miguel , Pérez‐Redondo Adrián , Yélamos Carlos
Published: October 2011

Several heterometallic nitrido complexes have been prepared from the reaction of the trinuclear imido‐nitrido titanium complex [{Ti(η5‐C5Me5)(μ‐NH)}3(μ3‐N)] (1) with cadmium and mercury derivatives. Treatment of 1 with cadmium dichloride or cadmium diiodide in toluene afforded the adducts [X2Cd{(μ3‐NH)3Ti3(η5‐C5Me5)3(μ3‐N)}] [X = Cl (2), I (3)]. Complex 2 reacted with lithium reagents [LiR] in toluene to give the cube‐type derivatives [RCd{(μ3‐N)(μ3‐NH)2Ti3(η5‐C5Me5)3(μ3‐N)}] [R = CH2SiMe3 (4), C≡CSiMe3 (5), C5H4(SiMe3) (6), N(SiMe3)2 (7)]. The amido complex 7 reacted with 1 equiv. of 1 to give the corner‐shared double‐cube complex [Cd{(μ3‐N)(μ3‐NH)2Ti3(η5‐C5Me5)3(μ3‐N)}2] (8) by means of bis(trimethylsilyl)amine elimination. Treatment of 1 with mercury(II) iodide in toluene gave the adduct [I2Hg{(μ3‐NH)3Ti3(η5‐C5Me5)3(μ3‐N)}] (9), which reacted with [K{N(SiMe3)2}] to afford [Hg{(μ3‐N)2Ti3(η5‐C5Me5)3(μ‐NH)(μ3‐N)}]2 (10) through the amido mercury intermediate [{(Me3Si)2N}Hg{(μ3‐N)Ti3(η5‐C5Me5)3(μ‐NH)2(μ3‐N)}] (11). Compound 11 and the analogous alkyl derivative [(Me3SiCH2)Hg{(μ3‐N)Ti3(η5‐C5Me5)3(μ‐NH)2(μ3‐N)}] (12) were characterised by NMR spectroscopy upon the treatment of 1 with [Hg{N(SiMe3)2}R] [R = N(SiMe3)2, CH2SiMe3]. Complex [Hg{(μ3‐N)Ti3(η5‐C5Me5)3(μ‐NH)2(μ3‐N)}2] (13), with one bridging mercury atom between two titanium trinuclear systems, was obtained upon treatment of HgI2 with the potassium derivative [K(μ4‐N)(μ3‐NH)2{Ti3(η5‐C5Me5)3(μ3‐N)}]2. Complexes 3, 5 and 8 were characterised by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction analysis.
Discrepancies between implicit and explicit attitude measures as an indicator of attitude strength
Authors: Karpen Samuel C. , Jia Lile , Rydell Robert J.
Published: October 2011

The current research investigates whether implicit–explicit attitudinal discrepancy (IED) weakens attitudes as explicit discrepancies do. Across two experiments, we found that IED is an indicator of weak attitudes. In Experiment 1, we found that individuals with greater IED toward exercise were more swayed by a self‐perceptual manipulation than individuals with lower IED toward exercise. In Experiment 2, we found that the stability and predictive power of attitudes toward alcohol were lessened for participants who had greater IED. These effects occurred independently of the participants' levels of explicit ambivalence and evaluative–cognitive consistency. The present research broadens our understanding of the ways in which evaluations that may not be easily verbalized can affect our thoughts and behavior. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
In order to make spatial statistics computationally feasible, we need to forget about the covariance function
Authors: Simpson Daniel , Lindgren Finn , Rue Håvard
Published: October 2011

Gaussian random fields (GRFs) are the most common way of modeling structured spatial random effects in spatial statistics. Unfortunately, their high computational cost renders the direct use of GRFs impractical for large problems and approximations are commonly used. In this paper, we compare two approximations to GRFs with Matérn covariance functions: the kernel convolution approximation and the Gaussian Markov random field representation of an associated stochastic partial differential equation. We show that the second approach is a natural way to tackle the problem and is better than methods based on approximating the kernel convolution. Furthermore, we show that kernel methods, as described in the literature, do not work when the random field is not smooth. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Atypical solitary fibrous tumor of the nose and maxillary sinus
Authors: Papadakis Ioannis , Koudounarakis Eleftherios , Haniotis Vrettos , Karatzanis Alexander , Velegrakis George
Published: October 2011

Background

Solitary fibrous tumor (SFT) belongs to a group of mesenchymal tumors, also known as benign fibrous mesotheliomas or submesothelial fibromas. SFTs of the sinonasal tract are extremely rare.

Methods

We report a rare case of an atypical SFT of the sinonasal tract presenting with ipsilateral nasal obstruction and recurrent epistaxis. Endoscopy and imaging studies showed a well‐circumscribed mass of the nose and the maxillary sinus. The patient underwent total endoscopic resection of the tumor.

Results

Permanent histology and immunohistochemical studies revealed an atypical variant of SFT of the sinonasal tract, with negative surgical margins. The patient did not receive any adjuvant treatment. Postoperative monitoring was uneventful.

Conclusion

In general, these tumors are reported to follow an indolent course. SFTs adopt a biological behavior that cannot be determined as malignant. Total surgical resection of the tumor remains the gold‐standard method of treatment. Head Neck, 2013
A finite volume method on distorted quadrilateral meshes for discretization of the energy equation's conduction term
Authors: Murakami Shintaro , Asako Yutaka
Published: October 2011

A finite volume method (FVM) on distorted meshes for discretizing the energy equation's conduction term is presented. In this method, it is possible to compose the computational mesh of general quadrilateral elements (cells), namely, the cells are not required to be rectangular. The gradient of temperature on the cell's surface is computed to be second‐order accurate. Therefore, the error of numerical results by this method is smaller than using the traditional multilateral element method (MEM). The error does not depend on the degree of mesh distortion. The formulation based only on Taylor's theorem is straightforward. These are advantageous features to revise the fluid flow computation programs (based on FVM) that neglected the heat conduction term of the energy equation. The test calculations show that the convergence tendency of the numerical error using this method with the distorted mesh is the same as using an ordinary 2‐node central difference scheme on a constant‐interval rectangular mesh. By this method a conduction term was added to the energy equation of a SALE [1] program which had neglected that term originally, and z numerical calculation of a fluid flow with a heat transfer problem was performed. The numerical result of the present method with the distorted mesh well agrees with the analytical solution and the result of REM with a rectangular mesh. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Heat Trans Asian Res; Published online in Wiley Online Library (wileyonlinelibrary.com/journal/htj). DOI 10.1002/htj.20375
Function but not phenotype of melanoma peptide‐specific CD8+ T cells correlate with survival in a multiepitope peptide vaccine trial (ECOG 1696)
Authors: Schaefer Carsten , Butterfield Lisa H. , Lee Sandra , Kim Grace G. , Visus Carmen , Albers Andreas , Kirkwood John M. , Whiteside Theresa L.
Published: October 2011

ECOG 1696 was a Phase II multi‐center trial testing vaccination with melanoma peptides, gp100, MART‐1 and tyrosinase delivered alone, with GM‐CSF, IFN‐α2b or both cytokines to HLA‐A2+ patients with metastatic melanoma. Here, the frequency of circulating CD8+tetramer+ (tet+) T cells and maturation stages of responding T cells were serially monitored and compared with baseline values in a subset of patients (n = 37) from this trial. Multiparameter flow cytometry was used to measure the frequency of CD8+ T cells specific for gp100, MART‐1, tyrosinase and influenza (FLU) peptides. Expression of CD45RA/CCR7 on CD8+tet+ T cells and CD25, CD27, CD28 on all circulating T cells was determined. Vaccine‐induced changes in the CD8+tet+ T cell frequency and phenotype were compared with results of IFN‐γ ELISPOT assays and with clinical responses. The frequency of CD8+tet+ T cells in the circulation was increased for the melanoma peptides (p < 0.03–0.0001) but not for FLU (p < 0.9). Only gp100‐ and MART‐1‐specific T cells differentiated to CD45RA+CCR7‐ effector/memory T cells. In contrast to the IFN‐γ ELISPOT frequency, previously correlated with overall survival (Kirkwood et al., Clin Cancer Res 2009;15:1443‐51), neither the frequency nor differentiation stage of CD8+tet+ T cells correlated with clinical responses. Delivery of GM‐CSF and/or IFN‐α2b had no effects on the frequency or differentiation of CD8+tet+, CD8+ or CD4+ T cells. Phenotypic analyses of CD8+tet+ T cells did not correlate with clinical responses to the vaccine, indicating that functional assessments of peptide‐specific T cells are preferable for monitoring of anti‐tumor vaccines.
Association of activated c‐Met with NRAS‐mutated human melanomas
Authors: Chattopadhyay Chandrani , Ellerhorst Julie A. , Ekmekcioglu Suhendan , Greene Victoria R. , Davies Michael A. , Grimm Elizabeth A.
Published: October 2011

Cutaneous melanomas can be divided into three mutually exclusive genetic subsets: tumors with mutated BRAF, tumors with mutated NRAS and tumors wild type at both loci (wt/wt). Targeted therapy for melanoma has been advancing with agents directed to mutated BRAF, accounting for 50% of melanoma patients. The c‐Met pathway is known to play a role in melanoma tumorigenesis and preliminary data from our laboratory suggested that this pathway is preferentially activated in NRAS‐mutated tumors. The objective of this study was to test the hypothesis that melanomas carrying the mutated NRAS genotype are uniquely sensitively to c‐Met inhibition, thus providing rationale for therapeutic targeting of c‐Met in this patient cohort. Using primary human melanomas with known BRAF/NRAS genotypes, we observed greater immunostaining for phosphorylated (activated) c‐Met in NRAS‐mutated and wt/wt tumors, compared to BRAF‐mutated tumors. NRAS‐mutated and wt/wt cell lines also demonstrated more robust c‐Met activation in response to hepatocyte growth factor (HGF). Knock‐down of mutated N‐Ras, but not wild type N‐Ras, by RNA interference resulted in decreased c‐Met phosphorylation. Compared to BRAF mutants, NRAS‐mutated melanoma cells were more sensitive to pharmacologic c‐Met inhibition in terms of c‐Met activation, Akt phosphorylation, tumor cell proliferation, migration and apoptosis. This enhanced sensitivity was observed in wt/wt cells as well, but was a less consistent finding. On the basis of these experimental results, we propose that c‐Met inhibition may be a useful therapeutic strategy for melanomas with NRAS mutations, as well as some tumors with a wt/wt genotype.
ARTISANAL MINING, SMALLHOLDER FARMING AND LIVELIHOOD DIVERSIFICATION IN RURAL SUB‐SAHARAN AFRICA: AN INTRODUCTION
Authors: Hilson Gavin
Published: October 2011

This special issue broadens understanding of the linkages between subsistence farming and artisanal mining in rural sub‐Saharan Africa. Drawing upon fieldwork carried out in Liberia, Ghana, Sierra Leone, The Democratic Republic of Congo and Malawi, the articles report findings that could help to inform a policy machinery that has failed to yield effective solutions to the region's mounting rural poverty problem. It imperative that the linkages that have emerged between artisanal mining and smallholder activity in sub‐Saharan Africa are preserved, not severed. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
WHEN DIAMONDS GO BUST: CONTEXTUALISING LIVELIHOOD CHANGES IN RURAL SIERRA LEONE
Authors: Pijpers Robert
Published: October 2011

In Sierra Leone, diamond mining has a long and dynamic history. The sector has brought both prosperity and problems to the country, its ever‐changing status giving rise to dynamic situations. Recently, the artisanal diamond mining sector has been heavily affected by the turbulent period that the financial world experienced over the past couple of years. Its stagnation has forced many artisanal diggers to secure their livelihoods in other economic sectors, such as gold mining and commercial (cocoa and coffee) farming. Taking this diamond crisis as its perspective, this article analyses some of the changes Sierra Leone's miners consciously make with regard to their livelihood provisioning. More precisely, the dynamics and social construction within and between the different opportunities they choose from are examined. This article focuses on gold and diamond mining, thereby taking gender differences and the way money is labelled and its value constructed as its central argument. The notion of co‐habitation will be used as a theoretical tool to emphasise that places are not single and bounded spaces, but rather areas of intertwining actors and activities, not only at one specific moment, but also over time. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
MAKING THE POOR ‘POORER’ OR ALLEVIATING POVERTY? ARTISANAL MINING LIVELIHOODS IN RURAL MALAWI
Authors: Kamlongera Paul Justice
Published: October 2011

This article critically assesses the economic impact an emerging artisanal and small‐scale mining (ASM) sector has had in rural Malawi, where it now flourishes alongside smallholder agriculture. It examines the linkages between subsistence agriculture and ASM, sharing perspectives from miners themselves on the contribution of both sectors to their livelihoods. Because of its potential to alleviate poverty in the country, a supported ASM sector must receive greater policy focus in Malawi. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Placental development and expression of calcium transporting proteins in the extraembryonic membranes of a placentotrophic lizard
Authors: Stinnett Haley K. , Stewart James R. , Ecay Tom W. , Pyles Rebecca A. , Herbert Jacquie F. , Thompson Michael B.
Published: October 2011

Pseudemoia pagenstecheri is a viviparous Australian scincid lizard in which the maternal–embryonic placental interface is differentiated into structurally distinct regions. The chorioallantoic placenta contains an elliptical‐shaped region, the placentome, characterized by hypertrophied uterine and embryonic epithelial cells supported by dense vascular networks. The remainder of the chorioallantoic placenta, the paraplacentome, is also highly vascularized but uterine and chorionic epithelia are thin. An omphaloplacenta with hypertrophied epithelia is located in the abembryonic hemisphere of the egg. There is extensive placental transport of organic and inorganic nutrients, e.g., 85–90% of neonatal calcium is received via placental transfer. Calcium uptake by extraembryonic membranes of squamates correlates with expression of the intracellular calcium binding protein, calbindin‐D28K, and plasma membrane calcium ATPase (PMCA) is a marker for active calcium transport. We estimated expression of calbindin‐D28K and PMCA in the chorioallantoic membrane in a developmental series of embryos using immunoblotting and used immunohistochemistry to define the cellular localization of calbindin‐D28K to test the hypotheses that 1) expression of calcium transporting proteins is coincident with placental transport of calcium and 2) the placenta is functionally specialized for calcium transport in regions of structural differentiation. Calbindin‐D28K and PMCA were detected at low levels in early stages of development and increased significantly prior to birth, when embryonic calcium uptake peaks. These data support the hypothesis that placental calcium secretion occurs over an extended interval of gestation, with increasing activity as embryonic demand escalates in late development. In addition, calbindin‐D28K expression is localized in chorionic epithelial cells of the placentome and in the epithelium of the omphalopleure of the omphaloplacenta, which supports the hypothesis that regional structural differentiation in the placenta reflects functional specializations for calcium transport. J. Morphol. 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Evaluating the effects of mixed osteolytic/osteoblastic metastasis on vertebral bone quality in a new rat model
Authors: Wise‐Milestone Lisa , Akens Margarete K. , Rosol Thomas J. , Hojjat Seyed‐Parsa , Grynpas Marc D. , Whyne Cari M.
Published: October 2011

Spinal metastases often show mixed areas of enhanced (osteoblastic) bone growth adjacent to areas of thinning (osteolytic) bone. This study aims to quantitatively characterize bone quality and tumor burden within a new rat model of mixed osteolytic/osteoblastic spinal metastases. Mixed vertebral metastases were analyzed in nude rats 21‐days post intracardiac injection of Ace‐1 canine prostate cancer cells. Vertebral micro‐architecture was assessed in µCT images. Histologic processing quantified tumor burden (PTHrP), osteoclast activity (TRAP), and osteoid formation (Goldner's Trichrome) in ½ of all samples. Remaining samples were mechanically tested to failure in compression. Metastatically involved vertebrae exhibited extreme osteolysis, evident through an increase in osteoclasts leading to significantly reduced trabecular bone volume. Metastatically involved vertebrae also exhibited increased osteoid characteristic of osteoblastic lesions. While mechanical properties in tumor‐bearing vertebrae were not significantly decreased compared to controls, a strong correlation was found between trabecular volumetric BMD and ultimate force. The highly aggressive Ace‐1 skeletal metastases demonstrated predominant osteolysis with some areas of immature, new osteoblastic bone formation. Bone quality resulting from these lesions consisted of decreased structural properties, but without a significant impact on mechanical integrity. © 2011 Orthopaedic Research Society Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 30:817–823, 2012
Early effect of hyaluronic acid intra‐articular injections on serum and urine biomarkers in patients with knee osteoarthritis: An open‐label observational prospective study
Authors: Conrozier Thierry , Balblanc Jean‐Charles , Richette Pascal , Mulleman Denis , Maillet Bernard , Henrotin Yves , Rannou Francois , Piroth Catherine , Hilliquin Pascal , Mathieu Pierre , Walliser‐Lohse Anne , Rousselot Isabelle , Plattner Valerie , Maillefert Jean‐Francis , Vignon Eric , Chevalier Xavier ,   on behalf of the Osteoarthritis Group of the French Society of Rheumatology
Published: October 2011

The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of hyaluronic acid (HA) intra articular injections (IA) on osteoarthritis (OA) biomarkers in patients with knee OA. Prospective open label study. Fifty‐one patients with unilateral symptomatic K‐OA received IA injections of 2mL of HA on days (D) 1, 7, 14 and were followed 3 months. At D‐15 patients were examined and X‐rays performed, to exclude patients with bilateral K‐OA, or those with more than three symptomatic OA joints. From 15 days (D‐15) before the first injection to D90 concomitant therapies were unchanged. Walking pain (WP) on VAS was obtained at each visit. Urine (U) and serum (S) samples were obtained at D‐15, D1, D30, and D90. S‐C2C, S‐Cartilage oligomeric matrix protein, S‐HA, S‐CS 846 epitope, S‐type II collagen propeptide, and U‐type II collagen C telopeptide (U‐CTX II/creatinin) were assayed. Predictive factors of response were analyzed using logistic regression. Correlations between variables were obtained using Spearman test. Forty‐five patients were analyzed. Between D‐15 and D1 there was no difference for any biomarkers At D1, WP (SD) was correlated with U‐CTX II/creat (p = 0.006). Between D1 and D90: U‐CTX II/creat decreased significantly. After adjustment for confounding variables there was a significant correlation between clinical response and U‐CTX II/creat variation. U‐CTX II and S‐HA at baseline were independently predictive of clinical response. This study showed that 90 days after HA IA injections, U‐CTX II levels significantly decrease compared to baseline, suggesting a slowdown of type II collagen degradation. © 2011 Orthopaedic Research Society Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 30:679–685, 2012
Cobalt and chromium ions reduce human osteoblast‐like cell activity in vitro, reduce the OPG to RANKL ratio, and induce oxidative stress
Authors: Zijlstra Wierd P. , Bulstra Sjoerd K. , van Raay Jos J.A.M. , van Leeuwen Babs M. , Kuijer Roel
Published: October 2011

Metal‐on‐metal hip arthroplasty is associated with elevated levels of cobalt and chromium ions. The effects of cobalt and chromium ions on cell number, activity, expression of osteoprotegerin (OPG) and receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa B ligand (RANKL) and oxidative stress on human osteoblast‐like cells were addressed. Saos‐2 cells were supplemented with Co2+, Cr3+, or Co2+ + Cr3+ (1:2) at 0, 1, 10, and 100 µg/L and incubated for 24, 48, 72, and 96 h. Cell activity was assessed by MTT‐assay and cell number by Crystal Violet staining. RNA levels of OPG and RANKL were evaluated using real‐time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). Compared to controls Co2+ reduced cell numbers: at 10 µg/L by 17 ± 8% after 48 h and at 100 µg/L after 24 h by 35 ± 8%. Cr3+ decreased cell numbers at 10 µg/L after 48 and 72 h. Co2+ + Cr3+ combined at 1 µg/L lowered cell numbers after 24 and 96 h (17 ± 13, resp. 13 ± 4%). The 10 and 100 µg/L concentrations reduced cell numbers significantly after 24, 48, and 96 h. Cr3+ reduced osteoblast activity at 1, 10, and 100 µg/L at all incubation times. The strongest reduction (11 ± 1%) was seen at 100 µg/L after 96 h. The OPG/RANKL ratio was reduced after 72 h with almost all Co2+ and Cr3+ concentrations. After 96 h, glutathione, superoxide dismutase, and catalase levels were indicative for an oxidative stress response in all samples. In conclusion, cobalt and chromium ions reduce human osteoblast activity, reduce OPG/RANKL ratio and lead to oxidative stress. © 2011 Orthopaedic Research Society Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 30:740–747, 2012
Wetland soil moisture complicates the use of Sporormiella to trace past herbivore populations
Authors: Wood Jamie R. , Wilmshurst Janet M.
Published: October 2011

Spores of the dung‐fungi Sporormiella provide a proxy for assessing past changes in herbivore abundance, and for temporally linking these with shifts in vegetation communities (pollen) and fire frequency (charcoal). Although the proxy is now widely used, potential influences of local environmental conditions are poorly understood. Here we assess the reliability of Sporormiella as a proxy of herbivores by presenting five new spore records from the South Island of New Zealand; a land where the herbivore extinction/introduction chronology is well established, and where extinctions occurred independently of major climate change. We show that Sporormiella spores from relatively dry soils provide a good proxy for herbivore extinctions and introductions. However, spore abundances from saturated soil sites appear to fluctuate in close correlation with changes in local hydrology (represented by wetland herb pollen, testate amoebae and moisture sensitive mosses). Our results suggest Sporormiella records derived from wetlands require cautious interpretation, and that proxies for hydrological conditions should also be considered when interpreting such records. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Elevated high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein, a marker of advanced stage gastric cancer and postgastrectomy disease recurrence
Authors: Woo Yanghee , Hyung Woo Jin , Obama Kazutaka , Kim Hyoung‐Il , Pak Kyung Ho , Son Taeil , Noh Sung Hoon
Published: October 2011

Background and Objectives

Gastric cancer recurrence after curative surgery remains high. Although no preoperative marker of gastric cancer progression after radical gastrectomy exists, recent studies suggest that C‐reactive protein (CRP) is associated with cancer progression. Our study evaluated the significance of preoperative high‐sensitivity CRP (hs‐CRP) levels as a marker of disease progression after radical gastrectomy.

Methods

The preoperative hs‐CRP levels of 1,221 gastric cancer patients who underwent radical gastrectomies were analyzed for clinicopathologic significance. Patients with previous gastric cancer treatment, another primary cancer, active infection, or postoperative mortality were excluded.

Results

hs‐CRP levels were significantly associated with increased tumor depth (P = 0.028), nodal status (P = 0.012), and stage (P = 0.045). Seventeen percent of patients had elevated hs‐CRP levels at the cutoff value of >3.00 mg/L, whereas 6.6% and 6.1% of patients had CEA and CA‐19‐9 levels about the cutoffs of ≥5.00 ng/ml and ≥35.0 U/L, respectively. Hs‐CRP levels >3.00 mg/L were an independent risk factor for recurrence‐free survival along with stage.

Conclusion

Elevated preoperative hs‐CRP levels in gastric cancer patients are clinically significant indicators of advanced stage and postoperative disease recurrence. J. Surg. Oncol. 2012;105:405–409. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Kinetics and mechanism of naringenin reaction with Ce(IV) in different aqueous solutions of dimethylsulfoxide
Authors: Jabbari Morteza , Gharib Farrokh
Published: October 2011

The reaction of naringenin with Ce(IV) was studied in different aqueous solutions of DMSO (50–80% v/v) and various sulfuric acid concentrations using a spectrophotometric method. The reaction was arranged to be under pseudo‐first‐order condition with respect to Ce(IV). It was found that 1 mol of Ce(IV)sulfate on average has consumed by about 2 mol of naringenin to complete the reaction. To determine the stoichiometric ratios of metal ion and the ligand in the formed complex species, the continuous variation method has been used. The results showed that pseudo‐first‐order rate constants increase with increasing naringenin concentration and decrease by increasing the amount of DMSO and sulfuric acid in solution. The rate constant (k1) was measured at different conditions. Finally, a mechanism consistent with the observed results has been proposed and discussed at various aqueous DMSO solutions. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Chem Kinet 43: 715–724, 2011
Energy Geopolitics and Chinese Strategic Decision of the Energy‐Supply Security: A Multiple‐Attribute Analysis
Authors: Sun Xiaolei , Li Jianping , Wu Dengsheng , Yi Shanli
Published: October 2011

For the balance between risk and return under the energy geopolitics, this paper attempts to investigate the energy geopolitical attraction rather than the general geopolitical risk of energy‐exporting countries and focus on selecting and ranking the countries characterized by multiple geopolitical determinants. We identify the major determinants of energy geopolitics and construct the energy geopolitical climate index to capture the common underlying characteristics of the energy geopolitical attraction. Then, the energy geopolitical climate index values are extracted from multiple geopolitical determinants using a multiple‐attribute analysis, factor analysis. Finally, 35 energy‐exporting countries are selected to test the effectiveness of the model from the perspective of Chinese energy‐supply security. Empirical results account for the relationship between energy geopolitics and energy‐security strategy of China and indicate that it is an effective solution to strengthen energy cooperation with the peripheral energy‐exporting countries besides the Middle East for improving Chinese energy‐supply security. By comparing empirical results with the real situation of international energy geopolitics, we confirmed the effectiveness and usefulness of the proposed methodology. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Time Consistency Issue in Multi‐Objective Optimization
Authors: Li Duan , Cui Xiangyu , Zhu Shushang
Published: October 2011

When the conditions for applying Bellman's principle of optimality hold, the pre‐committed optimal policy derived by dynamic programming at initial time is time consistent, that is, the policy remains to be optimal for any state resulted in at later stages. In multi‐objective optimization with a general separable structure, the pre‐committed optimal policy derived by multi‐objective dynamic programming is time‐consistent in efficiency, that is, the policy derived at initial time remains to be efficient for any possible state at later stages, albeit not time‐consistent in general. However, when a multi‐objective dynamic optimization problem is not separable in the sense of multi‐objective dynamic programming, the derived pre‐committed policy is not time‐consistent in efficiency, as witnessed in the multi‐period mean‐variance portfolio selection problem studied in this paper, thus leading to some irrational decision behaviours. This revealed phenomenon recognizes the importance of the time consistency issue and calls our attentions to construct more suitable decision criteria in multi‐objective optimization. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Genetic variants of α‐synuclein are not associated with essential tremor
Authors: Ross Owen A. , Conneely Karen N. , Wang Tao , Vilarino‐Guell Carles , Soto‐Ortolaza Alexandra I. , Rajput Alex , Wszolek Zbigniew K. , Uitti Ryan J. , Louis Elan D. , Clark Lorraine N. , Farrer Matthew J. , Testa Claudia M.
Published: October 2011

Background:

Given the overlap between Parkinson's disease and essential tremor, we examined genetic variants in α‐synuclein (SNCA) as risk determinants for essential tremor.

Methods:

Samples from 661 essential tremor subjects and 1316 control subjects from 4 participating North American sites were included in this study. Parkinson's disease samples (n = 427) were compared against controls. Twenty variants were selected for association analysis within the SNCA locus. Individual logistic regression analyses against essential tremor diagnosis were run for each variant and then combined using meta‐analysis.

Results:

Our results do not show a significant association between variants in the SNCA locus and risk of essential tremor, whereas the established association of SNCA variants with Parkinson's disease risk was observed.

Conclusions:

Whereas genetic factors are likely to play a large role in essential tremor pathogenesis, our results do not support a role for common SNCA genetic variants in risk for essential tremor. © 2011 Movement Disorder Society
Characterisation of in vivo ovarian cancer models by quantitative 1H magnetic resonance spectroscopy and diffusion‐weighted imaging
Authors: Canese Rossella , Pisanu Maria Elena , Mezzanzanica Delia , Ricci Alessandro , Paris Luisa , Bagnoli Marina , Valeri Barbara , Spada Massimo , Venditti Massimo , Cesolini Albino , Rodomonte Andrea , Giannini Massimo , Canevari Silvana , Podo Franca , Iorio Egidio
Published: October 2011

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and spectroscopy (MRS) offer powerful approaches for detecting physiological and metabolic alterations in malignancies and help investigate underlying molecular mechanisms. Research on epithelial ovarian carcinoma (EOC), the gynaecological malignancy with the highest death rate characterised by frequent relapse and onset of drug resistance, could benefit from application of these molecular imaging approaches. In this study, MRI/MRS were used to characterise solid tumour models obtained by subcutaneous (s.c.) or intraperitoneal (i.p.) implantation of human SKOV3.ip cells in severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) mice. In vivo MRI/MRS, ex vivo magic‐angle‐spinning (MAS), and in vitro 1H‐NMR measurements were carried out at 4.7 T, 9.4 T, and 9.4/16.5 T, respectively. MRI evaluation was performed by T1‐, T2‐, and diffusion‐weighted (DW) multislice spin‐echo imaging. The in vivo 1H spectra of all tumour models showed a prominent resonance of total choline‐containing metabolites (tCho). Quantitative in vivo MRS of both i.p. and s.c. SKOV3.ip xenografts showed that the mean tCho content was in the 2.9‐4.5 mM range, with a mean PCho/tCho ratio of 0.99 ± 0.01 [23 examinations, 14–34 days post injection (dpi)], in good agreement with ex vivo and in vitro analyses. Myo‐inositol ranged between 11.7 and 17.0 mM, with a trend towards higher values in i.p. xenografts at 14–16 dpi. The average apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values of SKOV3.ip xenografts [1.64 ± 0.11 (n = 9, i.p.) and 1.58 ± 0.03 x10‐3 mm2/s (n = 7, s.c.)] were in agreement with values reported for tumours from patients with EOC, while the mean vascular signal fraction (VSF) was lower (≤ 4%), probably due to the more rapid growth of preclinical models. Both s.c. and i.p. xenografts are valuable preclinical models for monitoring biochemical and physiopathological changes associated with in vivo EOC tumour growth and response to therapy, which may serve as the basis for further clinical development of noninvasive MR approaches. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A model of self‐avoiding random walks for searching complex networks
Authors: López Millán Víctor M. , Cholvi Vicent , López Luis , Fernández Anta Antonio
Published: October 2011

Random walks have been proven useful in several applications in networks. Some variants of the basic random walk have been devised pursuing a suitable trade‐off between better performance and limited cost. A self‐avoiding random walk (SAW) is one that tries not to revisit nodes, therefore covering the network faster than a random walk. Suggested as a network search mechanism, the performance of the SAW has been analyzed using essentially empirical studies. A strict analytical approach is hard since, unlike the random walk, the SAW is not a Markovian stochastic process. We propose an analytical model to estimate the average search length of a SAW when used to locate a resource in a network. The model considers single or multiple instances of the resource sought and the possible availability of one‐hop replication in the network (nodes know about resources held by their neighbors). The model characterizes networks by their size and degree distribution, without assuming a particular topology. It is, therefore, a mean‐field model, whose applicability to real networks is validated by simulation. Experiments with sets of randomly built regular networks, Erdős–Rényi networks, and scale‐free networks of several sizes and degree averages, with and without one‐hop replication, show that model predictions are very close to simulation results, and allow us to draw conclusions about the applicability of SAWs to network search. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. NETWORKS, 2012
Stress, maternal role competence, and satisfaction among Chinese women in the perinatal period
Authors: Ngai Fei‐Wan , Chan Sally Wai‐Chi
Published: October 2011

The changes in and relationships among stress, maternal role competence, and satisfaction in the perinatal period were examined using a longitudinal design. A convenience sample of 78 first‐time Chinese mothers completed assessments of stress and maternal role competence during pregnancy and at 6 weeks and 6 months postpartum. Maternal stress increased and role competence declined during early motherhood, which highlighted the potential influence of stress on maternal role competence and satisfaction in the perinatal period. Culturally competent health care interventions should be developed to promote maternal competence and satisfaction, in particular during early motherhood, and to equip women with effective coping skills to deal with the stress of maternal role transition. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Res Nurs Health 35:30–39, 2012
Electrokinetic and electrorheological properties of poly(vinyl chloride)/polyindole conducting composites
Authors: Koyuncu Kubra , Unal H. Ibrahim , Gumus O. Yunus , Erol Ozlem , Sari Bekir , Ergin Turgay
Published: October 2011

In this study, poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC), polyindole (PIN), and PVC/PIN conducting composites having five different compositions were used. Particle sizes, densities, dielectric constants, and sedimentation ratios of the materials were determined. The zeta‐potentials of the samples were measured in aqueous and nonaqueous (silicone oil [SO]) media. The dispersions prepared in SO were subjected to external electric field strength, and their electrorheological properties were investigated. Then the effects of dispersed particle volume fraction, shear rate, external electric field strength, frequency, and temperature onto electrorheological activities of the dispersions were examined. Further, creep and creep‐recovery tests were applied to the PIN/SO and PVC/PIN/SO dispersions, and reversible viscoelastic deformations were observed. Finally, the vibration damping capacity of PVC (66%)/PIN (34%)/SO dispersion system was tested by using an automobile shock absorber. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
PAPP‐A and free β‐hCG in relation to admission to neonatal intensive care unit and neonatal disease
Authors: Kirkegaard Ida , Uldbjerg Niels , Henriksen Tine B.
Published: October 2011

Objective

To evaluate pregnancy‐associated plasma protein A (PAPP‐A) and free β‐human chorionic gonadotrophin (β‐hCG) in relation to admission to a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) and neonatal disease.

Methods

A total of 9450 singleton pregnant women who attended the prenatal screening program at Aarhus University Hospital between January 2005 and December 2007 were included. PAPP‐A and free β‐hCG were measured between gestational weeks 8 and 13 and converted into multiples of the median (MoM) values. Information about neonatal outcome was obtained from specific registration forms completed by senior neonatologists at the time of admission to and discharge from the NICU.

Results

Both PAPP‐A and free β‐hCG < 0.4 MoM were associated with admission to NICU (odds ratio 1.6; 95% confidence interval, 1.2–2.0 and odds ratio 1.5; 95% confidence interval, 1.1–2.1). The results could not be explained by preterm delivery or low birth weight, because adjusting for these factors did not affect the results. Low PAPP‐A was also significantly associated with neonatal hypoglycemia, jaundice, and low Apgar score and low free β‐hCG with jaundice.

Conclusion

Low PAPP‐A and free β‐hCG were significantly associated with admission to NICU and neonatal disease, independently from what could be expected because of preterm delivery or low birth weight. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Narrow‐bandgap CuIn3Te5 thin‐film solar cells
Authors: Mise Takahiro , Nakada Tokio
Published: October 2011

We propose CuIn3Te5 as a ternary semiconductor material for narrow‐bandgap thin‐film solar cells. Well‐developed CuIn3Te5 grains were obtained at a substrate temperature of 250 °C by single‐step co‐evaporation. The best solar cell that was fabricated using 4·0‐µm‐thick CuIn3Te5 layers grown at 250 °C yielded a total area efficiency of 6·92% (Voc = 407 mV, Jsc = 33·1 mA/cm2, and FF = 0·514). To clarify the loss in the device performance, the cell was compared with a standard CuInSe2 reference cell. A band diagram of the CdS/CuIn3Te5 solar cell was also presented. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cyr61 is regulated by cAMP‐dependent protein kinase with serum levels correlating with prostate cancer aggressiveness
Authors: Terada Naoki , Shiraishi Takumi , Zeng Yu , Mooney Steven M. , Yeater David B. , Mangold Leslie A. , Partin Alan W. , Kulkarni Prakash , Getzenberg Robert H.
Published: October 2011

BACKGROUND

Cysteine‐rich angiogenic inducer 61 (Cyr61) is an extracellular matrix protein involved in the transduction of growth factor and hormone signaling. Previously, we demonstrated that Cyr61 was highly expressed in prostate cancer (PCa) but that the expression levels were associated with a lower risk of PCa recurrence. In the present study, we demonstrate that serum Cyr61 is a potential biomarker that correlates with PCa aggressiveness. Furthermore, we also explore the potential mechanism underlying the changes in Cyr61 expression during PCa progression.

METHODS

Cyr61 concentrations in the medium from PCa cell lines and in serum samples obtained from PCa patients were measured by sandwich ELISA. Serum Cyr61 levels were correlated with disease characteristics and the association between Cyr61 expression changes by several types of stimulation or stress and cAMP/cAMP‐dependent protein kinase (PKA) pathway were examined.

RESULTS

There was a positive correlation between Cyr61 levels in cell supernatants and mRNA expression in these cell lines. Serum Cyr61 levels were significantly higher in non‐organ‐confined PCa patients (116.3 ± 140.2 ng/ml) than in organ‐confined PCa patients (79.7 ± 56.1 ng/ml) (P = 0.031). Cyr61 expression was up‐regulated in response to both lysophosphatidic acid and androgen treatments which promoted PCa cell invasion. Serum starvation and phosphoinositide‐3‐kinase inhibition also resulted in Cyr61 up‐regulation; however, they suppressed cell proliferation. Cyr61 up‐regulation was correlated with an increase in cAMP and suppressed by PKA inhibition.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings suggest that Cyr61 expression in PCa is regulated by the cAMP/PKA pathway and that circulating Cyr61 levels are a potential serum‐based biomarker for characterizing PCa. Prostate 72:966–976, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.