bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Incidence and geographic distribution of endemic Burkitt lymphoma in northern Uganda revisited
Authors: Ogwang Martin D. , Bhatia Kishor , Biggar Robert J. , Mbulaiteye Sam M.
Published: September 2008

Endemic Burkitt lymphoma (BL) is etiologically associated with Epstein‐Barr virus and ecologically linked to Plasmodium falciparum malaria. However, these infections imperfectly correlate with BL epidemiology. To obtain recent epidemiological data, we studied district‐ and county‐specific BL incidence and standardized incidence ratios using data collected from 1997 to 2006 at Lacor Hospital in northern Uganda, where studies were last done more than 30 years ago. Among 500 patients, median age was 6 years (interquartile range 5–8) and male‐to‐female ratio was 1.8:1. Among those known, most presented with abdominal (56%, M:F 1.4:1) vs. only facial tumors (35%, M:F 3.0:1). Abdominal tumors occurred in older (mean age: 7.0 vs. 6.0 years; p < 0.001) and more frequently in female children (68% vs. 50%; OR 2.2, 95% CI 1.5–3.5). The age‐standardized incidence was 2.4 per 100,000, being 0.6 in 1–4 year olds, 4.1 in 5–9 year olds and 2.8 in 10–14 year olds and varied 3‐ to 4‐fold across districts. The incidence was lower in districts that were far from Lacor and higher in districts that were close to Lacor. Although districts close to Lacor were also more urbanized, the incidence was higher in the nearby perirural areas. We highlight high‐BL incidence and geographic variation in neighboring districts in northern Uganda. Although distance from Lacor clearly influenced the patterns, the incidence was lower in municipal than in surrounding rural areas. Jaw tumors were characterized by young age and male gender, but presentation has shifted away from facial to mostly abdominal. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Carcinoma‐associated fibroblasts activate progesterone receptors and induce hormone independent mammary tumor growth: A role for the FGF‐2/FGFR‐2 axis
Authors: Giulianelli Sebastián , Cerliani Juan P. , Lamb Caroline A. , Fabris Victoria T. , Bottino María C. , Gorostiaga María A. , Novaro Virginia , Góngora Adrián , Baldi Alberto , Molinolo Alfredo , Lanari Claudia
Published: September 2008

The mechanisms by which mammary carcinomas acquire hormone independence are still unknown. To study the role of cancer‐associated fibroblasts (CAF) in the acquisition of hormone‐independence we used a hormone‐dependent (HD) mouse mammary tumor and its hormone‐independent (HI) variant, which grows in vivo without hormone supply. HI tumors express higher levels of FGFR‐2 than HD tumors. In spite of their in vivo differences, both tumors have the same hormone requirement in primary cultures. We demonstrated that CAF from HI tumors (CAF‐HI) growing in vitro, express higher levels of FGF‐2 than HD counterparts (CAF‐HD). FGF‐2 activated the progesterone receptors (PR) in the tumor cells, thus increasing cell proliferation in both HI and HD tumors. CAF‐HI induced a higher proliferative rate on the tumor cells and in PR activation than CAF‐HD. The blockage of FGF‐2 in the co‐cultures or the genetic or pharmacological inhibition of FGFR‐2 inhibited PR activation and tumor cell proliferation. Moreover, in vivo, the FGFR inhibitor decreased C4‐HI tumor growth, whereas FGF‐2 was able to stimulate C4‐HD tumor growth as MPA. T47D human breast cancer cells were also stimulated by progestins, FGF‐2 or CAF‐HI, and this stimulation was abrogated by antiprogestins, suggesting that the murine C4‐HI cells respond as the human T47D cells. In summary, this is the first study reporting differences between CAF from HD and HI tumors suggesting that CAF‐HI actively participate in driving HI tumor growth. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Autocrine VEGF‐A/KDR loop protects epithelial ovarian carcinoma cells from anoikis
Authors: Sher Ifat , Adham Sirin A. , Petrik James , Coomber Brenda L.
Published: September 2008

Epithelial ovarian carcinoma (EOC) patients are usually diagnosed at an advanced stage, characterized by interperitoneal carcinomatosis and production of large volumes of ascites. Vascular endothelial growth factor‐A (VEGF‐A) and its main signaling receptor VEGFR2 (KDR) are coexpressed in primary ovarian tumors, ascitic cells and metastases, suggesting the existence of an autocrine VEGF‐A/KDR loop in EOC cells. In the present study, we examined this possibility and explored the role of this autocrine loop in protecting EOC cells from apoptosis under anchorage free growth conditions (anoikis). We found that 3 different EOC cell lines (Caov3, OVCAR3, SKOV3) express both VEGF‐A and its receptors, including KDR. In these cells, KDR is constitutively phosphorylated and is detected both in the cell plasma membrane and in the nucleus. Treating EOC cells with specific internal inhibitors of KDR kinase activity or a VEGF‐A neutralizing antibody abolished KDR autophosphorylation and resulted in significant increase in apoptosis when cells were grown in single‐cell, anchorage‐free conditions. By contrast, these blocking reagents had no effect on cell viability when EOC cells were grown in adhesive monolayers. In summary, our results indicate that an autocrine VEGF‐A/KDR loop exists in EOC cells and that it plays a role in protecting the cells from anoikis. Our results imply that treating EOC patients with VEGF blocking agents may potentially reduce peritoneal dissemination by decreasing vascular permeability as well as inducing apoptosis of shed ovarian cancer cells in ascites. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Frequent expression of the novel cancer testis antigen MAGE‐C2/CT‐10 in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Riener Marc‐Oliver , Wild Peter J. , Soll Christopher , Knuth Alexander , Jin Boquan , Jungbluth Achim , Hellerbrand Claus , Clavien Pierre‐Alain , Moch Holger , Jochum Wolfram
Published: September 2008

Cancer testis (CT) antigens are attractive targets for immunotherapy in cancer patients. Immunohistochemistry was used to study the expression of the CT antigens MAGE‐C2/CT‐10, MAGE‐C1/CT‐7, GAGE, MAGE‐A4 and NY‐ESO‐1 in 146 hepatocellular carcinomas, 13 intrahepatic cholangiocarcinomas, 37 extrahepatic cholangiocarcinomas and 32 gallbladder carcinomas. Immunopositivity was correlated with clinicopathological parameters, MHC Class 1 expression, intratumoral CD4+, CD8+ and FOXP3+ T cells and CD163+ antigen‐presenting cells. Of the 146 hepatocellular carcinomas, 34% were positive for MAGE‐C2/CT‐10, 12% for MAGE‐C1/CT‐7, 11% for GAGE and 2% for NY‐ESO‐1, respectively. MHC Class 1 coexpression was identified in almost all CT antigen‐positive tumors. The number of intratumoral FOXP3+ regulatory T cells was increased in CT antigen‐positive hepatocellular carcinomas (p < 0.004), suggesting inhibition of immune response in such tumors. Furthermore, MAGE‐C1/CT‐7 and GAGE positivity was correlated with reduced overall survival in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (p = 0.03 and 0.01, respectively). Four (13%) gallbladder carcinomas stained positive for MAGE‐C2/CT‐10, of which 1 tumor (3%) was also positive for NY‐ESO‐1 and GAGE. CT antigens were not expressed in intra‐ and extrahepatic cholangiocarcinomas. Our results suggest that MAGE‐C2/CT‐10 may be a good candidate for peptide vaccination in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
P18 is a tumor suppressor gene involved in human medullary thyroid carcinoma and pheochromocytoma development
Authors: van Veelen Wendy , Klompmaker Rob , Gloerich Martijn , van Gasteren Carola J.R. , Kalkhoven Eric , Berger Ruud , Lips Cornelis J.M. , Medema Rene H. , Höppener Jo W.M. , Acton Dennis S.
Published: September 2008

In multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome Type 2 (MEN2), medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) and pheochromocytoma (PC) are associated with hereditary activating germ‐line mutations in the RET proto‐oncogene. Also in a large percentage of sporadic MTCs and PCs, somatic RET mutations appear to be involved in tumor formation. In one single MEN2 family an extensive variety in disease expression may be observed, indicating that additional genetic events are responsible for progression of the disease towards a more aggressive phenotype. However, these additional mutations in both hereditary and sporadic MTC and PC development are largely unknown. Here, we show for the first time the presence of somatic mutations in the cell cycle regulator P18 in human RET‐associated MTCs and PCs. Each of these mutations causes an amino acid substitution in the cyclin dependent kinase‐interacting region of P18INK4C. Since these mutations partly inhibited P18INK4C function and reduced its stability, our findings implicate P18 as a tumor suppressor gene involved in human MTC and PC development. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Unraveling the mysteries of protein folding and misfolding
Authors: Ecroyd Heath , Carver John A.
Published: September 2008

This mini‐review focuses on the processes and consequences of protein folding and misfolding. The latter process often leads to protein aggregation and precipitation with the aggregates adopting either highly ordered (amyloid fibril) or disordered (amorphous) forms. In particular, the amyloid fibril is discussed because this form has gained considerable notoriety due to its close links to a variety of debilitating diseases including Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, Huntington's, and Creutzfeldt‐Jakob diseases, and type‐II diabetes. In each of these diseases a different protein forms fibrils, yet the fibrils formed have a very similar structure. The mechanism by which fibrils form, fibril structure, and the cytotoxicity associated with fibril formation are discussed. The generic nature of amyloid fibril structure suggests that a common target may be accessible to treat amyloid fibril‐associated diseases. As such, the ability of some molecules, for example, the small heat‐shock family of molecular chaperone proteins, to inhibit fibril formation is of interest due to their therapeutic potential. © 2008 IUBMB IUBMB Life, 60(12): 769–774, 2008
Rotterdam model versus almost ideal demand system: will the best specification please stand up?
Authors: Barnett William A. , Seck Ousmane
Published: September 2008

The Rotterdam model and the Almost Ideal Demand System (AIDS) are often applied in consumer demand systems modeling. Using Monte Carlo techniques, we determine which model performs best in recovering the true elasticities of demand. The AIDS model is usually used in linearized form. Since the Rotterdam model is also linear in a very similar form, comparison of the Rotterdam model and the AIDS model has been the subject of much speculation in the literature. We not only compare the linearized AIDS model with the Rotterdam model, but also with the full nonlinear AIDS. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Hours per capita and productivity: evidence from correlated unobserved components models
Authors: Basistha Arabinda
Published: September 2008

Recent studies debate the effect of a permanent productivity shock on hours per capita within a structural VAR context. This paper examines the issue using a correlated unobserved components (UC) framework. The estimates show that permanent shocks to productivity are negatively correlated with transitory shocks to hours. This result is robust for non‐stationary or levels stationary specifications of hours. Model comparisons indicate that the data do not favor imposing VAR‐type restrictions on the UC models. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Semiparametric Bayesian inference for dynamic Tobit panel data models with unobserved heterogeneity
Authors: Li Tong , Zheng Xiaoyong
Published: September 2008

This paper develops semiparametric Bayesian methods for inference of dynamic Tobit panel data models. Our approach requires that the conditional mean dependence of the unobserved heterogeneity on the initial conditions and the strictly exogenous variables be specified. Important quantities of economic interest such as the average partial effect and average transition probabilities can be readily obtained as a by‐product of the Markov chain Monte Carlo run. We apply our method to study female labor supply using a panel data set from the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth 1979. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Efficiency and productivity of the US banking industry, 1998–2005: evidence from the Fourier cost function satisfying global regularity conditions
Authors: Feng Guohua , Serletis Apostolos
Published: September 2008

This paper provides estimates of bank efficiency and productivity in the United States, over the period from 1998 to 2005, using (for the first time) the globally flexible Fourier cost functional form, as originally proposed by Gallant (1982), and estimated subject to global theoretical regularity conditions, using procedures suggested by Gallant and Golub (1984). We find that failure to incorporate monotonicity and curvature into the estimation results in mismeasured magnitudes of cost efficiency and misleading rankings of individual banks in terms of cost efficiency. We also find that the largest two subgroups (with assets greater than 1 billion in 1998 dollars) are less efficient than the other subgroups and that the largest four bank subgroups (with assets greater than $ 400 million) experienced significant productivity gains and the smallest eight subgroups experienced insignificant productivity gains or even productivity losses. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Histological reaction of sintered nanohydroxyapatite‐coated cuff and its fibroblast‐like cell hybrid for an indwelling catheter
Authors: Furuzono Tsutomu , Ueki Mitsuki , Kitamura Harumi , Oka Kazumasa , Imai Enyu
Published: September 2008

Rapid tissue‐ingrowth of a sintered hydroxyapatite(HAp)‐coated and cell‐hybrid subcutaneous cuff equipped with an indwelling catheter was developed. The rod‐like HAp nanoparticles were coated by covalent bonding on the surface of the silk fibroin (SF) fibers for about 100 μm of the length. The fibers were transplanted three‐dimensionally on a cuff substrate made of silicone elastomer with an adhesive. The fibroblast‐like cells, explanted and proliferated from skin tissue containing the epidermis, dermis, and subcutaneous tissue of Japanese white rabbits, were incubated on the three‐dimensional cuff for three days. Three types of cuff—polyester, HAp‐coated, and cell‐hybrid cuffs—were percutaneously implanted into the backs of the same animals for 3 and 7 days. The subcutaneous tissues around the cuffs were stained with hematoxylin‐eosin. Immunohistochemical staining to identify macrophages and α‐smooth muscle actin (α‐SMA) was also done and examined by light microscopy. The α‐SMA‐positive area was very limited in the polyester cuff group even after 7 days, although many macrophages infiltrated into the fibers. In the cell‐hybrid cuff group, on the other hand, an α‐SMA‐positive area was formed extensively after 3 and 7 days, causing severe inflammation. In the HAp‐coated cuff group, an α‐SMA‐positive area was formed among the fibers with little inflammation. The extent order of the α‐SMA‐positive area was cell‐hybrid cuff ≫ HAp‐coated cuff ≫ polyester cuff, while the degree of inflammatory cells order was cell‐hybrid cuff ≫ polyester cuff ≫ HAp‐coated cuff. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2009
Aging and lung injury repair: A role for bone marrow derived mesenchymal stem cells
Authors: Mora Ana L. , Rojas Mauricio
Published: August 2008

The incidence of lung fibrosis increases with age. Aging is associated with modifications in the intracellular and extracellular environment including alteration of the extracellular matrix, imbalance of the redox state, accumulation of senescent cells and potential alteration of the recruitment of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells. The combination of these senescence‐related alterations in the lung and in bone marrow progenitor cells might be responsible of the higher susceptibility to lung fibrosis in elderly individuals. The understanding of these age related changes must be considered in the rationale for the development of therapeutic interventions to control lung injury and fibrosis. J. Cell. Biochem. 105: 641–647, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Migratory activity of human breast cancer cells is modulated by differential expression of xanthine oxidoreductase
Authors: Fini Mehdi A. , Orchard‐Webb David , Kosmider Beata , Amon Jeremy D. , Kelland Robert , Shibao Gayle , Wright Richard M.
Published: September 2008

Xanthine oxidoreductase (XOR) may exert an important, but poorly defined, role in the pathogenesis of breast cancer (BC). Loss of XOR expression was linked to aggressive BC, and recent clinical observations have suggested that decreasing XOR may be functionally linked to BC aggressiveness. The goal of the present investigation was to determine whether the decreased XOR observed in clinically aggressive BC was an intrinsic property of highly invasive mammary epithelial cells (MEC). Expression of XOR was investigated using HC11 mouse MEC, HB4a and MCF‐10A normal human MEC, and several human mammary tumor cells including MCF‐7 and MDA‐MB‐231. Consistent with clinical observations, data shown here revealed high levels of XOR in normal HC11 and MCF‐10A cells that was markedly reduced in highly invasive mammary tumor cells. The contribution of XOR to tumor cell migration in vitro was investigated using MDA‐MB‐231 and MCF‐7 cells and clonally selected derivatives of HC11 that exhibit either weak or strong migration in vitro. We observed that over‐expression of an XOR cDNA in MDA‐MB‐231 and in HC11‐C24, both possessing weak XOR expression and high migratory capacity, inhibited their migration in vitro. Conversely, pharmacological inhibition of XOR in MCF‐7 and HC11‐C4, both possessing high XOR expression and weak migratory capacity, stimulated their migration in vitro. Further experiments suggested that XOR derived ROS mediated this effect and also modulated COX‐2 and MMP levels and function. These data demonstrate a functional link between XOR expression and MEC migration and suggest a potential role for XOR in suppressing BC pathogenesis. J. Cell. Biochem. 105: 1008–1026, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
An optimization study on microwave irradiated decomposition of phenol in the presence of H2O2
Authors: Prasannakumar Beri Rengaraju , Regupathi Iyyaswami , Murugesan Thanapalan
Published: August 2008

BACKGROUND Removal of phenol from industrial waste waters involves basic techniques namely extraction, biodegradation, photocatalytic degradation, etc. Among the available processes, the oxidation of phenols using H2O2 is a suitable alternative because of low cost and high oxidizing power. The application of an oxidation process for the decomposition of stable organic compounds in waste water leads to the total degradation of the compounds rather than transferring from one form to another. Since oxidation using Fenton's reagent is more dependent on pH, in this present work it was proposed to use H2O2 coupled with microwave irradiation. The effects of initial phenol concentration, microwave power and the irradiation time on the amount of decomposition were studied.

RESULTS: In the present work experiments were conducted to estimate the percentage degradation of phenol for different initial concentrations of phenol (100, 200, 300, 400 and 500 mg L−1), microwave power input (180, 360, 540, 720 and 900 W) for different irradiation times. The kinetics of the degradation process were examined through experimental data and the decomposition rate follows first‐order kinetics. Response surface methodology (RSM) was employed to optimize the design parameters for the present process. The interaction effect between the variables and the effect of interaction on to the responses (percentage decomposition of phenol) of the process was analysed and discussed in detail. The optimum values for the design parameters of the process were evaluated (initial phenol concentration 300 mg L−1, microwave power output 668 W, and microwave irradiation time 60 s, giving phenol degradation 82.39%) through RSM by differential approximation, and were confirmed by experiment.

CONCLUSION: The decomposition of phenol was carried out using H2O2 coupled with microwave irradiation for different initial phenol concentrations, microwave power input and irradiation times. The phenol degradation process follows first‐order kinetics. Optimization of the process was carried out through RSM by forming a design matrix using CCD. The optimized conditions were validated using experiments. The information is of value for the scale up of the oxidation process for the removal of phenol from wastewater. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry
Embryonic erythropoiesis in human yolk sac: Two different compartments for two different processes
Authors: Pereda Jaime , Niimi Gen
Published: September 2008

The wall of 12 yolk sacs (YSs) from 17‐ to 50‐day‐old human embryos was examined by light, scanning, and transmission electron microscopy to identify the ontogeny of embryonic erythropoiesis. Initial formation of blood island with the generation of erythroid and endothelial cells was seen in the mesenchymal layer in embryos aged 17 days. A network of blood vessels containing abundant erythroblasts was identified in the YS walls of embryos aged ∼24 days. At this age, erythroblasts were also identified within the embryo body. Primitive erythroblasts were the only cells present within the embryo and its YS until the end of week 5. These cells first appeared in the mesenchymal vascular plexus of the YS wall, and were then observed in the liver and other tissues of the embryo. At embryonic week 5, two compartments were identified in the YS wall; a mesodermal one in which blood vessels were formed, and an endodermal compartment in which erythrocytes were present within the endodermal vesicles. Erythrocytes were small non‐nucleated cells similar to adult erythrocytes. Transmission electron microscopic observation focused on the endodermal vesicles confirmed the presence of definitive erythrocytes only at such extra vascular location. At this age, there were no definitive erythrocytes detected within the embryo. Erythrocytes started to be identified in embryonic blood vessels from week 7 onward. These findings provide information not previously described about YS erythropoiesis during early human development. Microsc. Res. Tech., 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Serotonergic, sensory modifications in the apical ganglion during development to metamorphic competence in larvae of the dendronotid nudibranchs Melibe leonina and Tritonia diomedea
Authors: Kempf Stephen C.
Published: September 2008

The following investigation examines changes in the distance between the right and left dendritic termini arising from the serotonergic sensory neurons found in the apical ganglion of the larval dendronotid nudibranchs, Melibe leonina and Tritonia diomedea. A significant increase in separation, that is different in extent, occurs in both species as they grow from hatching to metamorphic competence. Competent M. leonina larvae exhibit a separation that is about 4.5 times that at hatching, whereas competent larvae of T. diomedea show an increase that is only 1.6times that at hatching. The increase in separation of the lateral, serotonergic, dendritic termini (particularly in M. leonina) may allow the larva to more effectively assess left versus right differences in an as yet unknown sensory stimulus. The serotonergic innervation that arises from the apical ganglion is known to be associated with the muscles and large ciliated cells of the velum. Better right versus left discrimination of sensory stimuli experienced during the pelagic or settling larval phases may allow the larva to more precisely control swimming activities such that the likelihood of successful feeding or settlement behavior is increased. Microsc. Res. Tech., 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Cloning of two cellulase genes from endophytic Paenibacillus polymyxa GS01 and comparison with cel 44C‐man 26A
Authors: Cho Kye Man , Hong Sun Joo , Math Renukarahya K , Islam Shah Md. Asraful , Kim Jong Ok , Lee Young Han , Kim Hoon , Yun Han Dae
Published: August 2008

Endophytic bacteria are acknowledged as a new source of genes, proteins and other biochemical compounds, which are often used in biochemical processes. In this study, Paenibacillus polymyxa GS01 was isolated from the interior of the roots of Korean cultivars of ginseng (Panax ginseng C. A. Meyer). Two cellulase genes, cel 5A and cel 5B, were cloned from GS01, and encode 334 aa and 573 aa proteins, respectively. Cel5A and Cel5B each contain a glycosyl hydrolase family 5 (GH5) catalytic domain. The molecular mass of Cel5A and Cel5B were estimated to be 33 kDa and 61 kDa, respectively, by CMC‐SDS‐PAGE. When purified from Escherichia coli Cel5A and Cel5B both displayed cellulase activity with pH optima of 7.0 and 6.0, respectively and shared a temperature optimum of 50 °C. Neither enzyme had detectable xylanase, lichenase, or mannase activity, in contrast to the multifunctional Cel44C‐Man26A enzyme of P. polymyxa which displays cellulase, xylanase, lichenase and mannanase activities. However, Cel5A and Cel5B exhibited higher specific cellulase activity than Cel44C‐Man26A (120% and 140%, respectively). Cel5A and Cel5B mutants with alanine substitutions at a conserved glutamic acid in the GH5 domain (Glu 179 of Cel5A and Glu184 of Cel5B) lacked cellulase activity, suggesting that this residue is important for GH5 domain function. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Optimization of trehalose production by a novel strain Brevibacterium sp. SY361
Authors: Wang Lei , Huang Rui , Gu Guanbin , Fang Hongying
Published: August 2008

Trehalose production by a novel strain of Brevibacterium sp. SY361 was optimized in submerged fermentation. Different chemical and physical parameters such as carbon and nitrogen sources, inoculum level, initial pH, incubation temperature, aeration and time‐course of fermentation, were studied in order to increase trehalose productivity. An optimal production medium containing 3% (w/v) glucose, 0.9% (v/v) corn steep liquor, 0.5% (w/v) KH2PO4 and 0.4% (w/v) MgSO4·7 H2O was found suitable for trehalose production. An optimal volume of medium in a 500 ml flask was 80 ml. The optimal levels of other parameters were 4.0% (v/v) of inoculum, initial pH of 6.0, incubation temperature of 28–32 °C and time‐course of 60 h. Optimized parameters gave a maximum trehalose of 12.2 mg/ml with a conversion rate of 58.4%. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Transcriptional profiling of a mice plague model: insights into interaction between Yersinia pestis and its host
Authors: Liu Haihong , Wang Hong , Qiu Jingfu , Wang Xiaoyi , Guo Zhaobiao , Qiu Yefeng , Zhou Dongsheng , Han Yanping , Du Zongmin , Li Cai , Song Yajun , Yang Ruifu
Published: August 2008

Despite the importance of pneumonic plague caused by Yersinia pestis, a few is known about the interaction between Y. pestis and its host at the molecular level during the pneumonic plague development. In this study, we employed an intranasally challenged plague model in mice for investigating the kinetics of the disease progression by transcriptional profiling of Y. pestis and mice using qRT‐PCR and microarray, respectively. The increasing transcription of important virulence genes of Y. pestis and of mice genes involving in immune and inflammatory defensive responses, and responses to stimuli, presents an overview of interaction between Y. pestis and mice during development of pneumonic plague. The early and persisting up‐regulation of caf 1, psa A and lcr V in vivo indicated their role in resisting the host innate immune responses. The up‐regulation of fur, ybt A and hms H in vivo reflected the ability of Y. pestis for acquiring iron. The transcription regulators, including pho P, oxy R and omp R, were up‐regulated during plague development, suggesting their roles in interaction between Y. pestis and mice. Many genes encoding cytokines, such as IL2, IL‐1B, CXCL2, CXCL5, CCL20, CD14 and TNFRSF13B, were up‐regulated during the infection, confirming the report that they are important mediators to activate host responses to invading pathogens. The up‐regulation of some genes encoding important virulent factors of Y. pestis and expression alterations of some genes encoding cytokines in the host reflect the interaction between the pathogen and the host, which will help us better understand plague pathogenesis. (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Micro‐Raman spectroscopic characterization of a tunable electrochromic device for application in smart windows
Authors: Balaji Subramanian , Albert André‐Sébastien , Djaoued Yahia , Brüning Ralf
Published: September 2008

An asymmetric electrochromic (EC) device based on an active EC tungsten oxide–titanium oxide (WO3–TiO2) layer was constructed. The EC active layer consisted predominantly of monoclinic WO3 nanocrystallites with a minor additional component of hexagonal WO3 and amorphous TiO2. Detailed micro‐Raman spectroscopic studies of the intercalation and deintercalation of lithium in the EC active layer of the EC device as a function of the applied voltage were performed. Three significant structural stages occur upon intercalating Li into the WO3–TiO2 layer when coloration potentials of 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, and 3.0 V are applied to the EC device. In the first stage (applied potential of 1.0 V), the m‐Lix WO3 phase is retained. In the second stage, (applied potential of 1.5 and 2.0 V) the m‐Lix WO3 transforms to a tetragonal phase. In the third stage, (applied potential of 3.0 V) the Raman spectrum exhibits no spectral bands, showing that Lix WO3 has attained the highest‐symmetry cubic phase. This phase sequence is confirmed by the X‐ray diffraction (XRD) measurement. These phase transitions can be reversed and, upon complete deintercalation, m‐WO3 with traces of h‐WO3 is recovered. Optical transmission studies were performed in conjunction with Raman and XRD studies. A shift of the optical transmittance peak position from 639 to 466 nm and reduction in the width of the transmittance curve with increasing applied potential opens up the possibility of smart window applications for the nanocrystalline WO3‐based EC device. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effects of trypsin‐hydrolyzed wheat gluten peptide on wheat flour dough
Authors: Kyung‐Koh Bong , Ah‐Song Kyung
Published: August 2008

BACKGROUND: Gluten peptide was prepared by trypsin hydrolysis and characterized by high‐performance liquid chromatographic analysis. The effects on non‐frozen and frozen doughs of trypsin‐hydrolyzed gluten peptide (THGP) and its combination with ascorbic acid or KBrO3 were investigated.

RESULTS: Molecular analysis of THGP showed a decrease in the high‐molecular‐weight and an increase in the low‐molecular‐weight sodium dodecyl sulfate‐soluble fractions, compared with those of control wheat gluten. The addition of 8% THGP decreased the mixing time and tolerance of the dough, both with and without ascorbic acid or KBrO3. However, the maximum resistance and extensibility of the rested dough containing 8% THGP, with and without ascorbic acid or KBrO3, were not significantly different from those of the control dough. The addition of 8% THGP significantly increased the loaf volume of bread baked from non‐frozen dough when combined with 60 ppm ascorbic acid or 30 ppm KBrO3, but it had a significant effect both with and without ascorbic acid or KBrO3 on frozen‐dough bread. A large difference in volume was observed between breads made with and without THGP at the oven‐spring, rather than at proofing.

CONCLUSION: The addition of 8% THGP increased the loaf volume of bread made from freeze‐damaged dough and this effect increased when THGP was combined with 60 ppm ascorbic acid. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry
Preoperative assessment of hilar cholangiocarcinoma by dual‐modality PET/CT
Authors: Li Jun , Kuehl Hilmar , Grabellus Florian , MÜller Stephan P. , Radunz Sonia , Antoch Gerald , Nadalin Silvio , Broelsch Christoph E. , Gerken Guido , Paul Andreas , Kaiser Gernot M.
Published: September 2008

Background

The purpose of the current study was to evaluate the accuracy of 18F‐FDG PET/CT in staging hilar cholangiocarcinoma.

Materials and Methods

From June 2004 to December 2007, patients evaluated for surgical treatment of hilar cholangiocarcinoma were entered into a prospective database. Dual modality 18F‐FDG PET/CT was performed before surgery. The report was reviewed with comparison to the operative and pathological results in each case for tumour‐node‐metastasis staging.

Results

Seventeen patients (6 women, 11 men) of a median age of 62 years were included in the study. Radical tumour resection was performed on seven patients. Ten patients underwent surgical exploration. The sensitivity of PET/CT in detecting primary tumour was found to be 58.8% (25% in T2 tumour, 70% in T3 tumour, 66.7% in T4 tumour). The sensitivity/specificity of PET/CT in detecting lymph node metastasis and distant metastasis were 41.7%/80% and 55.6%/87.5%, respectively. Positive 18F‐FDG uptake in the bile duct was found to be associated with surgical non‐resectability (P = 0.05).

Conclusion

Dual‐modality PET/CT imaging was found to have a high specificity in detection of lymph node and distant metastasis in hilar cholangiocarcinoma, with a limited value in correct judgement of surgical resectability for tumours in stadium UICC I‐III. J. Surg. Oncol. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Radio guided occult lesion localization (ROLL) for non‐palpable invasive breast cancer
Authors: Van Esser S. , Hobbelink M. , Van der Ploeg I.M.C. , Mali W.P.Th.M. , Van Diest P.J. , Borel Rinkes I.H.M. , Van Hillegersberg R.
Published: September 2008

Background

Wire guided localization (WGL) for non‐palpable breast cancer is technically difficult and patient unfriendly. Radio guided occult lesion localization (ROLL) takes advantage of the possibility to detect the tumor through the nuclear tracer that is injected directly into the tumor for the sentinel node procedure.

Methods

Forty patients with 41 invasive breast carcinomas were treated using ROLL. Patients received a dose of 120Mbq 99mTc Nanocolloid intra‐tumorally on the day of surgery or a dose of 370Mbq 99mTc Nanocolloïd intra‐tumorally the prior day. The sentinel node (SN) was located using patent blue and a gamma ray detection probe that was also employed to guide the tumor excision.

Results

In 31 patients (78%) the invasive tumor was adequately excised. In two cases (5%) a re‐excision was required due to inadequately excised carcinoma in situ and in three patients (7.5%) both the invasive and the in situ tumor were inadequately excised. In 35 patients (88%) the SN was found and removed.

Conclusions

The ROLL procedure seems to be an alternative to WGL in patients with non‐palpable breast carcinoma. To determine the place of ROLL versus WGL in the treatment of non‐palpable breast cancer, a randomized clinical trial is needed. J. Surg. Oncol. 2008;98:526–529. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Characterization and identification of saikosaponins in crude extracts from three Bupleurum species using LC‐ESI‐MS
Authors: Huang Hai‐Qiang , Zhang Xi , Lin Min , Shen Yan‐Heng , Yan Shi‐Kai , Zhang Wei‐Dong
Published: September 2008

A LC‐diode array detection (DAD)‐ESI‐MS/MS method was established for the online characterization and identification of saikosaponins (SSs) from extracts of roots of Bupleurum scorzonerifolium Willd, B. marginatum var. stenophyllum and B. komarovianum. In ESI‐MS/MS spectra of SSs, [M–H]– ions were subjected to the cleavage of glycosidic bonds and produced Y type ions, which can be used to elucidate the structures of saccharide chains and aglycones. Fragmentation of aglycones provided mass information about their major substitutions. For three structural types of SSs, type III can be easily identified by their fragmentation behaviors; while type I and II often occur as isomers and they can be discriminated by their typical UV absorption data. The only sugar ring‐cross cleavage corresponding to 76 Da took place at a furanose sugar moiety. As a result, more than 75 SSs, including eight novel compounds, were identified or tentatively characterized based on their UV and mass spectra and retention times. The approach established here allows a comprehensive analysis of the SSs in the genus of Bupleurum and will be helpful for quality control of the crude materials and their related preparations.
Monosubstituted positively charged cyclodextrins: Synthesis and applications in chiral separation
Authors: Tang Weihua , Ng Siu Choon
Published: September 2008

Several series of novel structurally well‐defined positively charged CDs, applicable to α‐, β‐ and γ‐CDs for chiral separation using CE and chromatographic techniques have been developed. The chiral resolution capabilities of different series CDs towards amino acids and anionic analytes in CE are systematically investigated by considering all separation parameters including CD type, alkyl chain length of the cations attached to the CD rim, CD concentration, buffer pH, separation temperature and organic solvent. Typical results are demonstrated in the context. Examples of chiral separation with HPLC and supercritical fluid chromatography are first demonstrated by using coated chiral stationary phases (CSPs). Optimum CD loading content on the coated CSPs was explored in the chiral separation of neutral analytes.
Formation of Wheat‐Protein‐Based Biomaterials through Polymer Grafting and Crosslinking Reactions to Introduce New Functional Properties
Authors: Kurniawan Lusiana , Qiao Greg G. , Zhang Xiaoqing
Published: September 2008

An insoluble wheat proteins‐based polymer networks with new functional groups and positive charges were prepared through grafting‐coupling reactions. The networks were also flexible with a lower glass transition temperature since the existence of the grafted mobile segments. The multi‐component/multi‐phase systems became relatively homogeneous on a scale of 20–30 nm due to strong intermolecular interactions and chemical cross‐linking in the materials. This demonstrates that the grafting‐coupling reaction is an effective methodology to develop biomaterials with modified functional and mechanical properties from proteins.

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Sodium monocarboxylates as inhibitors of AZ31 alloy corrosion in a synthetic cooling water
Authors: Zucchi F. , Grassi V. , Zanotto F.
Published: September 2008

This research investigated the inhibiting effects that sodium salts of linear monocarboxylic acids displayed towards the corrosion process of AZ31 Mg alloy in ASTM D 1387 saline solution (a synthetic industrial cooling water). The length of the aliphatic chain of the acids ranged between 7 and 15 carbon atoms. The inhibiting action of these salts can be related to the precipitation of an insoluble magnesium salt, which mainly affected the anodic reaction. The aliphatic chain length controlled the anion solubility and the reaction rate of magnesium carboxylate formation. For all the salts, an optimum concentration was experienced: 10−2 M for sodium decanoate (caprate), 10−3 M for sodium dodecanoate (laurate), 10−4 M for sodium tetradecanoate (myristate); when this concentration was exceeded, a diminution (even a disappearance) in the inhibiting action was found.
Non‐Standard Transverse Deformation of a Crystalline Lattice Induced by the Application of Tensile Stress
Authors: Auriemma Finizia , De Rosa Claudio , Caliano Ludovica , Corradi Marco
Published: September 2008

A reversible stress‐induced phase transition occurs by stretching syndiotactic copolymers of propene and 1‐butene with 1‐butene content higher than 70 mol‐%. It involves a non‐standard mode of distortion of the crystalline lattice in a direction transverse, rather than parallel, to the applied tensile stress. We demonstrate that this distortion reflects conformational and crystallographic restraints on the slip processes involved at high deformations. This transition plays an important role in the elasticity of this novel class of thermoplastic elastomers, which show rigidity and mechanical strength two orders of magnitude higher than those of conventional elastomers.

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Green Polymer Chemistry: II. Enzymatic Synthesis of Methacrylate‐Terminated Polyisobutylenes
Authors: Sen Mustafa Y. , Puskas Judit E. , Ummadisetty Subramanyam , Kennedy Joseph P.
Published: September 2008

Methacrylate‐terminated polyisobutylenes (PIB‐MAs) were synthesized by transesterification of vinyl methacrylate by hydroxyl‐terminated polyisobutylenes (PIB‐OH) using Candida antarctica lipase B (Novozyme 435) catalyst in hexane at 50 °C. PIBCH2CH2CH2OH and GlissopalOH, synthesized by anti‐Markovnikov hydrobromination of allyl‐terminated PIB and Glissopal®2300 followed by hydrolysis, were quantitatively converted into the corresponding PIB‐MAs. 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopy verified the formation of the expected structures. This “green” chemistry is a very promising methodology for polymer functionalization in general, and biomaterial synthesis in particular.

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The Formation of Middle‐Phase Microemulsions of Polar Oils
Authors: Nishimi Taisei
Published: September 2008

Middle‐phase microemulsions exhibit the unique properties of an ultra‐low interfacial tension and a bicontinuous structure formed from the water and oil components. New developments exploiting these properties are described. In designing such systems, it is important that the spontaneous transition of the oil droplets from Winsor II through Winsor III to the Winsor I state is brought about by diffusion or chemical reaction. The selection of the hydrophobic and lipophilic surfactants is critical when low‐energy emulsification systems for highly polar oils are being developed.
Molecules‐Receptors: Different Approaches to Design Effective Catalysts
Authors: Karakhanov Edward A. , Karapetyan Lyusyen M. , Kardasheva Yulia S. , Maksimov Anton L. , Runova Elena A. , Terenina Maria V. , Filippova Tatyana Yu.
Published: September 2008

The results of studying a number of reactions catalyzed by system based on macrocyclic receptors are presented. Rh complexes with modified calix[6]‐ and calix[4]arene were active in the hydroformylation of unsaturated compounds. Ru catalytic system based on cucurbit[6]uril was studied in hydrogen transfer hydrogenation of water insoluble aldehydes. Molecular imprinting method application for design of catalytic systems based on cyclodextrins for naphthols dimerization and oxidative coupling styrene and benzene were discussed.
Association between polymorphisms in the GSTA4 gene and risk of lung cancer: A case–control study in a Southeastern Chinese population
Authors: Qian Ji , Jing Jianying , Jin Guangfu , Wang Haifeng , Wang Yi , Liu Hongliang , Wang Haijian , Li Rui , Fan Weiwei , An Yu , Sun Weiwei , Wang Yi , Ma Hongxia , Miao Ruifeng , Hu Zhibin , Jin Li , Wei Qingyi , Shen Hongbing , Huang Wei , Lu Daru
Published: September 2008

GST Alpha 4 (GSTA4) has an important role in the protection against oxidative stress induced by carcinogens such as tobacco smoke. However, few studies investigated the association between GSTA4 polymorphisms and lung cancer risk. We genotyped three selected GSTA4 SNPs (rs182623 − 1718:T > A, rs3798804 + 5034:G > A and rs316141 + 13984:C > T) in a case–control study of 500 lung cancer patients and 517 cancer‐free controls and evaluated the association between these SNPs and risk of lung cancer in this Han Chinese population. We found that there was a significant difference in genotype and allele frequency distributions of GSTA4 −1718 between the cases and the controls (P = 0.006 and P = 0.003, respectively). Compared with the GSTA4 −1718TT genotype, individuals with the TA + AA genotypes had a significantly decreased risk of lung cancer (adjusted OR, 0.63; 95% CI, 0.47–0.84; P = 0.006). Although there were no such statistical differences between the cases and controls at the loci +5034 and +13984, nor for histological types, individuals carrying the genotypes of −1718TA, +5034GG and +13984CT had a significantly decreased lung cancer risk (OR, 0.37; 95% CI, 0.23–0.61; P < 0.0001), especially for those smokers who smoked ≤25 pack‐years (P < 0.000001). These results need to be confirmed in larger studies with different ethnic groups. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Coffee, caffeine‐related genes, and Parkinson's disease: A case–control study
Authors: Facheris Maurizio F. , Schneider Nicole K. , Lesnick Timothy G. , de Andrade Mariza , Cunningham Julie M. , Rocca Walter A. , Maraganore Demetrius M.
Published: August 2008

An inverse association between coffee and Parkinson's disease (PD) has been reported. However, it remains uncertain why some but not all coffee drinkers are less susceptible to PD. We considered the possibility of a pharmacogenetic effect. In our study, we included 1,208 subjects (446 case‐unaffected sibling pairs and 158 case‐unrelated control pairs) recruited from an ongoing study of the molecular epidemiology of PD in the Upper Midwest (USA). We collected information on lifetime coffee drinking and we studied two genes: ADORA2A, which encodes the major receptor activity of caffeine in the brain (variants rs5751876 and rs3032740), and CYP1A2, which encodes the major rate‐limiting step of caffeine metabolism (variants rs35694136 and rs762551). We did not observe significant associations of coffee drinking or of the genetic variants with PD susceptibility, either independently or jointly, in the sample overall and in most strata. Our study neither supports the hypothesis that coffee protects against PD nor provides evidence for a pharmacogenetic effect. © 2008 Movement Disorder Society
Psychogenic movement disorders in children: A report of 15 cases and a review of the literature
Authors: Schwingenschuh Petra , Pont‐Sunyer Claustre , Surtees Robert , Edwards Mark J. , Bhatia Kailash P.
Published: August 2008

Data on psychogenic movement disorders (PMD) in children are scarce, with most existing literature relating to adults only. We report 15 cases with the aim of highlighting the clinical characteristics, risk factors, comorbidity, treatment, outcome, and prognosis of PMD in children. Only 13% of cases had onset before age 10, with the mean age at onset being 12.3 years. Females were predominantly affected (F:M = 4:1). The most common types of movement disorders seen were dystonia (47%), tremor (40%), and gait disorders (13%). Multiple hyperkinetic phenomenologies were observed in many cases. Abrupt onset and precipitation by minor injuries, and stressful life events were commonly reported. Clinical clues on examination suggesting a psychogenic origin were similar to those identified in adults. A distinct feature of PMD in children was the predominant involvement of the dominant limb. The underlying psychiatric diagnosis was conversion disorder in the majority of cases. Time from symptom onset until diagnosis of a PMD varied broadly (between 2 weeks and 5 years). Treatment with cognitive and behavioral therapy and rehabilitation by a multidisciplinary team led to improvement in most cases. However, treatment was much more effective in children with a short time from symptom onset to diagnosis and treatment. © 2008 Movement Disorder Society
End‐to‐end DWDM optical link power‐control via a Stackelberg revenue‐maximizing model
Authors: Zhu Quanyan , Pavel Lacra
Published: August 2008

This paper deals with a Stackelberg formulation for the power control problem in optical networks. The new model adds an extra dimension to the recent OSNR game model and gives flexibility in optimizing the network performance (e.g. OSNR) and regulate the network conditions (e.g. power capacity). We ‘engineer’ the Stackelberg player to be a revenue‐maximizing agent who designs pricing policies with complete information of the followers to optimize his own profit. We investigate both the unconstrained Stackelberg model and the one subject to capacity constraints, and characterize their solutions analytically. Finally, we use geometric programming and coordinate descent method to design a distributed and iterative algorithm that is suited to the Stackelberg model implementation in optical networks. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.