bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
New synaptic and molecular targets for neuroprotection in Parkinson's disease
Authors: Calabresi Paolo , Di Filippo Massimiliano , Gallina Antongiulio , Wang Yingfei , Stankowski Jeannette N. , Picconi Barbara , Dawson Valina L. , Dawson Ted M.
Published: August 2012

The defining anatomical feature of Parkinson's disease (PD) is the degeneration of substantia nigra pars compacta (SNc) neurons, resulting in striatal dopamine (DA) deficiency and in the subsequent alteration of basal ganglia physiology. Treatments targeting the dopaminergic system alleviate PD symptoms but are not able to slow the neurodegenerative process that underlies PD progression. The nucleus striatum comprises a complex network of projecting neurons and interneurons that integrates different neural signals to modulate the activity of the basal ganglia circuitry. In this review we describe new potential molecular and synaptic striatal targets for the development of both symptomatic and neuroprotective strategies for PD. In particular, we focus on the interaction between adenosine A2A receptors and dopamine D2 receptors, on the role of a correct assembly of NMDA receptors, and on the sGC/cGMP/PKG pathway. Moreover, we also discuss the possibility to target the cell death program parthanatos and the kinase LRRK2 in order to develop new putative neuroprotective agents for PD acting on dopaminergic nigral neurons as well as on other basal ganglia structures. © 2013 Movement Disorder Society
Sham surgery controls in Parkinson's disease clinical trials: Views of participants
Authors: Kim Scott Y.H. , De Vries Raymond , Holloway Robert G. , Wilson Renee , Parnami Sonali , Kim H. Myra , Frank Samuel , Kieburtz Karl
Published: August 2012

Background:

Sham surgery controls are increasingly used in neurosurgical clinical trials in Parkinson's disease (PD) but remain controversial. We interviewed participants of such trials, specifically examining their understanding and attitudes regarding sham surgery.

Methods:

We conducted semistructured qualitative interviews with participants of 3 sham surgery–controlled trials for PD, focusing on their understanding of sham design, their reactions to it, its impact on decision making, and their understanding of posttrial availability of the experimental intervention and its impact on decisions to participate.

Results:

All subjects (n = 90) understood the 2‐arm design; most (86%) described the procedural differences between the arms accurately. Ninety‐two percent referred to scientific or regulatory reasons as rationales for the sham control, with 62% specifically referring to the placebo effect. Ninety‐one percent said posttrial availability of the experimental intervention had a strong (48%) or some (43%) influence on their decision to participate, but only 68% understood the conditions for posttrial availability.

Conclusions:

Most subjects in sham surgery–controlled PD trials comprehend the sham surgery design and its rationale. Although there is room for improvement, most subjects of sham surgery trials appear to be adequately informed. © 2012 Movement Disorder Society
Structural Basis of Amino Pyrimidine Derivatives for Inhibitory Activity of PKC‐θ: 3D‐QSAR and Molecular Docking Studies
Authors: Silakari Om , Chand Sukhvir , Bahia Malkeet Singh
Published: August 2012

In the present study, 3D‐QSAR analysis was performed on a set of 56 amino pyrimidine PKC‐θ inhibitors utilizing docking based alignment. The best 3D‐QSAR model exhibited the highest value of Q2 (0.825) and also displayed high values of R2 (0.937), F (184.600) and low SD (0.240). The selected model was validated by determining the Pearson‐r (0.915) for test set molecules. Docking simulation was carried out to explore the binding interactions of the molecules with active site amino acid residues of the receptor and subsequently to validate the generated 3D‐QSAR model. The results of 3D‐QSAR and docking analysis exerted complementary fit that strengthen the stability and reliability of the generated model. Therefore, the combined study of 3D‐QSAR and docking analysis may successfully be used for the rational designing of new potent congeners.
A new design of small square monopole antenna with enhanced bandwidth by using cross‐shaped slot and conductor‐backed plane
Authors: Siahkal‐Mahalle Behrang Hadian , Ojaroudi Nasser , Ojaroudi Mohammad
Published: August 2012

We present a novel printed monopole antenna for ultrawideband applications. The proposed antenna consists of a square radiating patch and a ground plane with cross‐shaped slot and conductor‐backed plane, which provides a wide usable fractional bandwidth of more than 130% (3.06–12.87 GHz). By cutting a modified cross‐shaped slot with variable dimensions on the ground plane and also by inserting cross‐shaped conductor‐backed plane, additional resonances are excited and hence much wider impedance bandwidth can be produced, especially at the higher band. The designed antenna has a small size of 12 × 18 mm2. Simulated and experimental results obtained for this antenna show that it exhibits good radiation behavior within the UWB frequency range. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 54:2656–2659, 2012; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/mop.27138
Gas flow in anisotropic claystone: modelling triaxial experiments
Authors: Arnedo D. , Alonso E. E. , Olivella S.
Published: August 2012

Selected gas pulse tests on initially saturated claystone samples under isotropic confinement pressure are simulated using a 3D thermo‐hydro‐mechanical code. The constitutive model considers the hydro‐mechanical anisotropy of argillaceous rocks. A cross‐anisotropic linear elastic law is adopted for the mechanical behaviour. Elements for a proper modelling of gas flow along preferential paths include an embedded fracture permeability model. Rock permeability and its retention curve depend on strains through a fracture aperture. The hydraulic and mechanical behaviours have a common anisotropic structure. Small‐scale heterogeneity is considered to enhance the initiation of flow through preferential paths, following the direction of the bedding planes. The numerical simulations were performed considering two different bedding orientations, parallel and normal to the imposed flow in the test. Simulations are in agreement with recorded upstream and downstream pressures in the tests. The evolution of fluid pressures, degree of saturation, element permeability and stress paths are presented for each case analysed. This information provides a good insight into the mechanisms of gas transport. Different flow patterns are obtained depending on bedding orientation, and the results provide an explanation for the results obtained in the tests. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
High‐resolution MRI of early‐stage mouse embryos
Authors: Parasoglou Prodromos , Berrios‐Otero Cesar A. , Nieman Brian J. , Turnbull Daniel H.
Published: August 2012

Both the availability of methods to manipulate genes and the completion of the mouse genome sequence have led to the generation of thousands of genetically modified mouse lines that provide a new platform for the study of mammalian development and developmental diseases. Phenotyping of mouse embryos has traditionally been performed on fixed embryos by the use of ex vivo histological, optical and high‐resolution MRI techniques. Although potentially powerful, longitudinal imaging of individual animals is difficult or impossible with conventional optical methods because of the inaccessibility of mouse embryos inside the maternal uterus. To address this problem, we present a method of imaging the mouse embryo from stages as early as embryonic day (E)10.5, close to the onset of organogenesis in most physiological systems. This method uses a self‐gated MRI protocol, combined with image registration, to obtain whole‐embryo high‐resolution (100 µm isotropic) three‐dimensional images. Using this approach, we demonstrate high contrast in the cerebral vasculature, limbs, spine and central nervous system without the use of contrast agents. These results indicate the potential of MRI for the longitudinal imaging of developing mouse embryos in utero and for future applications in analyzing mutant mouse phenotypes. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Multiscale fatigue life prediction model for heterogeneous materials
Authors: Fish Jacob , Bailakanavar Mahesh , Powers Lynn , Cook Thomas
Published: August 2012

A multiscale fatigue life prediction model is developed for heterogeneous materials. The proposed model combines a two‐scale asymptotic homogenization approach in time with a ‘block cycle jump’ technique into a unified temporal multiscale framework that can be effectively utilized for arbitrary material architectures and constitutive equations of microphases. The unified temporal multiscale approach in combination with a spatial multiscale approach based on the reduced order homogenization is characterized for high temperature ceramic matrix composites. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Mechanical Properties of Smokeless Composite Rocket Propellants Based on Prilled Ammonium Dinitramide
Authors: Landsem Eva , Jensen Tomas L. , Hansen Finn K. , Unneberg Erik , Kristensen Tor E.
Published: August 2012

Ammonium dinitramide (ADN) is a high performance solid oxidizer of interest for use in high impulse and smokeless composite rocket propellant formulations. While rocket propellants based on ADN may be both efficient, clean burning, and environmentally benign, ADN suffers from several notable disadvantages such as pronounced hygroscopicity, significant impact and friction sensitivity, moderate thermal instability, and numerous compatibility issues. Prilled ADN is now a commercially available and convenient product that addresses some of these disadvantages by lowering the specific surface area and thereby improving handling, processing, and stability. In this work, we report the preparation, friction and impact sensitivity and mechanical properties of several smokeless propellant formulations based on prilled ADN and isocyanate cured and plasticized glycidyl azide polymer (GAP) or polycaprolactone‐polyether. We found such propellants to have very poor mechanical properties in unmodified form and to display somewhat unreliable curing. However, by incorporation of octogen (HMX) and a neutral polymeric bonding agent (NPBA), the mechanical properties of such smokeless formulations were significantly improved. Impact and friction sensitivities of these propellants compare satisfactorily with conventional propellants based on ammonium perchlorate (AP) and inert binder systems.
Modification of metal–organic interface using F4‐TCNQ for enhanced hole injection properties in optoelectronic devices
Authors: Rana O. , Srivastava R. , Chauhan G. , Zulfequar M. , Husain M. , Srivastava P. C. , Kamalasanan M. N.
Published: August 2012

Incorporation of thin layers of tetrafluro‐tetracyanoquinodimethane (F4‐TCNQ) has been found to modify the work functions of a number of substrates. Surface potential measurement using Kelvin probe method (KPM) has been used to monitor the change in work function of the modified substrates. The results support the integer charge transfer model by which the Fermi levels of the substrates are aligned with the negative polaron states of F4‐TCNQ. Further, we found that the work function of the substrates increases with increase in F4‐TCNQ thickness from 0 to 7 nm and then saturates for further increase in thickness. The variation in work function has been attributed to the low surface coverage of F4‐TCNQ islands on the substrates. The ITO and Au substrates with increased work functions were used as the electrode for hole only devices of common hole transport materials. The hole injection property has been found to increase with increase in F4‐TCNQ thickness and for ITO surface modified with 7 nm F4‐TCNQ layer, ohmic conduction has been achieved for HTLs with HOMO level up to 5.4 eV. When these modified substrates were used as hole injecting contacts in organic light emitting diodes (OLEDs), they gave substantially higher electroluminance, power efficiency and lower operating voltages.
Irradiation induced crossover from 1D to 3D transport behaviors of PEDOT‐titanium dioxide hybrid nanocomposites
Authors: Sarmah Smritimala , Kumar A.
Published: August 2012

Conductive poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene)/TiO2 nanocomposites were synthesized via a facile oxidative polymerization approach using dodecylbenzene sulfonic acid as a dopant and ammonium peroxydisulfate as an oxidant and irradiated with 90 MeV O7+ ions at the fluences of 5 × 1010, 1 × 1011, 5 × 1011, and 1 × 1012 ions cm−2 using 15UD Pelletron accelerator under high vacuum. X‐ray diffraction studies show that microstrain and domain crystallite size of the nanocomposites increases with the increase of ion fluence resulting in highly ordered PEDOT‐TiO2 nanocomposites. Thermogravimmetric analysis shows that the thermal stability of the nanocomposites increases with the increase of irradiation fluences which can be attributed to the crosslinking of polymer chains due to high electronic energy deposition. Scanning electron micrographs show that there is grain growth after swift heavy ion (SHI) irradiation resulting highly dense and less porous microstructure of nanocomposite films. DC conductivity of unirradiated nanocomposites exhibits Mott's 1D variable range hopping (VRH) mechanism. However, there is cross over to 3D VRH mechanism at higher irradiation fluence of 5 × 1011 and 1 × 1012 ions cm−2. There is an enhancement in the electrical conductivity of the nanocomposites upon SHI irradiation correlating crosslinking with DC conductivity of the nanocomposites.
Progress in understanding the Ovshinsky Effect: Threshold switching in chalcogenide amorphous semiconductors
Authors: Hudgens Stephen
Published: August 2012

In the nearly 45 years since Stan Ovshinsky's original publication [Phys. Rev. Lett. 21, 1450 (1968)] announcing the discovery of electric‐field‐induced threshold switching in chalcogenide alloy semiconductor glass thin films, the field of amorphous semiconductor physics has developed remarkably. Many commercial applications of these materials have been developed, including X‐ray image intensifiers, photocopier photoreceptors, and optical and electrical phase change memory devices. Despite these developments, a universally agreed upon, comprehensive model for the Ovshinsky Effect threshold switch still has not emerged. This paper is a brief review of the present state of understanding of this fascinating solid state physics phenomenon.
High‐pressure optical absorption studies of double‐walled carbon nanotubes
Authors: Marquina Jesús , Flahaut Enmanuel , González Jesús
Published: August 2012

In this Letter the electronic properties of double‐walled carbon nanotubes (DWCNTs) were studied by transmission measurements as a function of hydrostatic pressure up to 10 GPa. The energies of the optical transitions between the Van Hove singularities decrease with increasing pressure, which can be attributed to pressure‐induced hybridization and symmetry‐breaking effects. We observed a linear behaviour in the pressure‐induced shift of the optical transitions. This is in good agreement with previous studies on single‐walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs).

magnified image

High‐resolution TEM image of a bundle of DWCNTs (A), histogram of the number of walls (B), and diameter distribution for CNT samples plotted from 100 HRTEM images (C).

(© 2012 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Phenolic Diterpenes from Rosemary Suppress cAMP Responsiveness of Gluconeogenic Gene Promoters
Authors: Yun Young Sook , Noda Sachie , Shigemori Genta , Kuriyama Ryunosuke , Takahashi Shigeru , Umemura Mariko , Takahashi Yuji , Inoue Hideshi
Published: August 2012

The cAMP/protein kinase A/cAMP response element (CRE)‐binding protein pathway is important for various physiological aspects including regulation of gluconeogenic gene expression. Rosemary, a well‐known herb, has been reported to decrease blood glucose levels. We found that methanol extracts of rosemary suppressed forskolin (FSK)‐stimulated luciferase expression under the control of CRE, as well as the promoters for cytosolic phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK‐C) and glucose‐6‐phosphatase (G6Pase) catalytic subunit genes in human hepatoma HepG2 cells. Three abietane‐type diterpenes and two flavonoids were isolated from the rosemary extracts. Among these, 7‐O‐methylrosmanol (1) and royleanonic acid (3) effectively suppressed FSK‐induced luciferase expression under the control of the CRE, PEPCK‐C and G6Pase gene promoters. PEPCK‐C and G6Pase, which play a key role in the homeostatic regulation of blood glucose levels, are important for managing type II diabetes mellitus. Therefore, the ability of rosemary and its components to suppress cAMP responsiveness of the PEPCK‐C or G6Pase gene may contribute to its antihyperglycemic activity. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Enhancement and stabilization of the photoluminescence from porous silicon prepared by Ag‐assisted electrochemical etching
Authors: Cao Dao Tran , Ngan Luong Truc Quynh , Anh Cao Tuan
Published: August 2012

In this paper, we present the results of studies on the photoluminescence (PL) of porous silicon (PSi) samples obtained by etching with the assistance of silver metal in different ways. If the Si sample, after being coated with a layer of silver nanoparticles, is electrochemically etched, its PL intensity becomes hundreds of times stronger than the PL intensity when it is chemically etched in the similar conditions. The difference in the PL intensities is explained partly by the anodic oxidation of silicon which occurs during the electrochemical etching process. The most obvious evidence that silicon had been oxidized anodically in the electrochemical etching process is the disappearance of the PSi layer and the appearance of the silicon oxide layer with mosaic structure when the anodization current density is large enough. The anodic oxidation has the effect of PSi surface passivation. Because of that, the PL of obtained PSi becomes stronger and more stable with time. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Microarray‐based prediction of Parkinson's disease using clinical data as additional response variables
Authors: Karlsson Magdalena Kauczynska , Lönneborg Anders , Sæbø Solve
Published: August 2012

Recent discoveries and developments in the field of genomics have led to the commercialization of novel diagnostic devices for studying disease or estimating therapeutic outcomes in individual patients. With this emerging field, the emphasis is shifting to integration of clinical research into product development. Data acquisition is primary in the initial exploratory phase of product development, and during the process of sample collection and data generation in clinical microarray studies, great amounts of additional information, such as demographic, clinical, and study design variables associated with the data, are often accumulated and made available. Including additional information in classification has been addressed in many different ways. However, in previous studies, the additional information have consistently been treated as extra predictors, which can be a problem for future prediction if such information are not available or collectable for the new samples. We instead propose to adopt a method called canonical partial least squares, which for our purpose, only uses the additional information at the model building stage to stabilize the construction of a classifier for disease status from microarray data. The canonical partial least squares method is compared with regular partial least squares for the classification of Parkinson's disease from gene expression in peripheral blood samples and also through computer simulations. The present study showed that including clinical data in the model building produces simpler and more stable models for prediction of Parkinson's disease from gene expression data. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A Quantum Dot Photoswitch for DNA Detection, Gene Transfection, and Live‐Cell Imaging
Authors: Wu Yuzhou , Eisele Klaus , Doroshenko Mikheil , Algara‐Siller Gerardo , Kaiser Ute , Koynov Kaloian , Weil Tanja
Published: August 2012

Quantum dots (QDs) coated with an albumin‐derived copolymer shell exhibit significant photoresponsiveness to DNA loading and have great potential for investigating gene delivery processes. The QDs reported herein are positively charged, have attractive optical properties, and are noncytotoxic and notably stable in live cells. Their complex formation with plasmid DNA leads to proportionally decreased photoluminescence and efficient gene transfection is observed. Therefore, they are suitable for live‐cell bioimaging and mechanistic studies of nonviral gene delivery. Fluorescence correlation spectroscopy is applied for the first time to investigate individual QDs diffusing in large endosomes inside living cells, and serves as a valuable tool to study the physical properties of QDs inside live cells. The data obtained in this study strongly support the notable stability of these QDs, even in cell endosomes.
An analytical model for dynamic response analysis of tubular tall buildings
Authors: Malekinejad Mohsen , Rahgozar Reza
Published: August 2012

In this paper, on the basis of the D'Alembert's principle, approximate formulas for dynamic response of tubular tall building structures are presented. Using D'Alembert's principle and applying the compatibility conditions on deformation of the tubes, the governing dynamic equation of the tubular structure's motion is derived. Then, natural boundary conditions of the parallel cantilevered flexural–shear beams are derived, and by using Rayleigh–Ritz method, value problem is solved, and trivial and nontrivial solutions are derived, which can be used for calculating natural frequencies and mode shapes of tubular structures. By solving numerically the frequency equation, a design chart and graph are given for the first five nondimensional natural frequencies of tubular tall buildings. The proposed mathematical model gives dynamic characteristics and provides a simple, efficient and reasonably accurate algorithm for free vibration studies that are needed to be quick at the preliminary design stages of tall buildings with tubular systems. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Desire in Translation: White Masculinity and TESOL
Authors: Appleby Roslyn
Published: August 2012

This article reports on a study of Western male English language teachers and considers the ways in which their identities were shaped in relation to discourses of masculinity and heterosexuality. The article first argues that masculinity and heterosexuality have remained unmarked categories in research on TESOL teacher identities. It then draws on interview data with 11 White Australian men and considers the discourses of gender and sexuality in their accounts of English language teaching in Japanese commercial eikaiwa gakkô (English language conversation schools). The analysis suggests that although some enjoy the privileges that attach to being a White, Western male, they also struggle to negotiate the eikaiwa gakkô as a contact zone where the professional and personal, the educational and commercial, the pedagogical and the sexual coexist. In this ambiguous space, discourses of White male embodiment, and of sexualised desire between teacher and student, are perceived to be in conflict with discourses of an acceptable masculine professional identity, and may limit the professional and pedagogical aspirations of the male teachers. The article concludes that it is timely for conversations about gender and sexuality as aspects of professional identity to include accounts of masculinity and heterosexuality as integral to professional practice in TESOL.
Intra‐ and interobserver agreement when describing adnexal masses using the International Ovarian Tumor Analysis terms and definitions: a study on three‐dimensional ultrasound volumes
Authors: Sladkevicius P. , Valentin L.
Published: August 2012

Objectives

To estimate intraobserver repeatability and interobserver agreement in: (1) describing adnexal masses using the International Ovarian Tumor Analysis (IOTA) terms and definitions; (2) the risk of malignancy calculated using IOTA logistic regression model 1 (LR1) and model 2 (LR2); and (3) the diagnosis made on the basis of subjective assessment of ultrasound images.

Methods

One‐hundred and three adnexal masses were examined by transvaginal gray‐scale and power Doppler ultrasound. Three‐dimensional ultrasound volumes of the mass were saved. After 12–18 months the volumes were analyzed twice, 1–6 months apart, by each of two independent experienced sonologists who used the IOTA terms and definitions to describe the masses. The risk of malignancy was calculated using LR1 and LR2. The sonologists also classified the masses as benign or malignant using subjective assessment.

Results

Eighty‐four masses were benign, eight were borderline and 11 were invasively malignant. There was substantial variability within and between observers in the results of measurements included in LR1 and LR2 and some variability also when assessing categorical variables included in the models (agreement = 51–100% and kappa = 0.42–1.00). This resulted in substantial variability in the calculated risk of malignancy, the limits of agreement indicating that the calculated risk of malignancy could vary by a factor of 5–20 within and between observers. The reliability of the calculated risk of malignancy was moderate (LR1) or poor (LR2) when the calculated risk of malignancy was > 10% (intraclass correlation coefficients varied from 0.21 to 0.73). Interobserver agreement when classifying tumors as benign or malignant using the predetermined risk of malignancy cut‐off of 10% was fair to good (agreement = 85% and kappa = 0.61 for LR1; agreement = 81% and kappa = 0.52 for LR2). Intra‐ and interobserver agreements for subjective assessment were 96%, 96% and 96% with kappa values of 0.89, 0.87 and 0.88, respectively.

Conclusions

Intra‐ and interobserver agreement in classifying tumors as benign or malignant using the risk of malignancy cut‐off of 10% for LR1 and LR2 was fair or good, whilst the reproducibility of subjective assessment was excellent. The reliability of calculated risks > 10% was poor, and calculated risk > 10% cannot be used to discriminate between individuals at different risk. These results cannot be extrapolated to real‐time ultrasound examinations.
Prevention of adhesions in gynaecological surgery: the 2012 European field guideline
Authors: De Wilde Rudy Leon , Brölmann Hans , Koninckx Philippe Robert , Lundorff Per , Lower Adrian M. , Wattiez Arnaud , Mara Michal , Wallwiener Markus ,   The Anti-Adhesions in Gynecology Expert Panel (ANGEL)
Published: August 2012

Postoperative adhesions have become the most common complication of open or laparoscopic abdominal surgery and a source of major concern because of their potentially dramatic consequences. The proposed guideline is the beginning of a major campaign to enhance the awareness of adhesions and to provide surgeons with a reference guide to adhesion prevention adapted to the conditions of their daily practice. The risk of postoperative adhesions should be systematically discussed with any patient scheduled for open or laparoscopic abdominal surgery prior to obtaining her informed consent. Surgeons should adopt a routine adhesion reduction strategy with good surgical technique. Anti-adhesion agents are an additional option, especially in procedures with a high risk of adhesion formation, such as ovarian, endometriosis and tubal surgery and myomectomy. We conclude that good surgical practice is paramount to reduce adhesion formation and that anti-adhesion agents may contribute to adhesion prevention in certain cases.
Bcl‐rambo induces apoptosis via interaction with the adenine nucleotide translocator
Authors: Kim Jee-Youn , So Kyung-Ja , Lee Sun , Park Jae-Hoon
Published: August 2012

Bcl‐rambo
binds to
ANT1
by pull down (View interaction)
Twenty‐one years of experience with ovarian ectopic pregnancy at one institution in Taiwan
Authors: Ko Po‐Chun , Lo Liang‐Ming , Hsieh T'sang‐T'ang , Cheng Po‐Jen
Published: August 2012

Objective

To review the experience with patients with ovarian ectopic pregnancy (OEP) at Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Lin‐Kou Medical Center, Tao‐Yuan, Taiwan, between 1989 and 2009.

Methods

A retrospective review of the presentation, prevalence, diagnosis, and trends in treatment of patients with OEP, and the use of assisted reproductive technology (ART) procedures and intrauterine devices (IUD). The incidence rate ratios (IRR) of ectopic pregnancies (EPs) per live births, OEPs per EPs, and OEPs per live births were analyzed.

Results

The 110 OEPs diagnosed comprised 2.0% of all EPs (n = 5408) and 1:1543 of all live births, leading to a mean OEP per year of 5.24. Seventy‐eight patients were managed with laparoscopy and 32 underwent laparotomy. Twenty‐six (23.6%) patients used an IUD and 12 (10.9%) had undergone ART. OEP associated with ART increased in the last 10 years of the study period. The IRR of EPs per live births, OEPs per EPs, and OEPs per live births all increased between 1989 and 2009. Management of OEP tended to favor laparoscopy in the later years.

Conclusion

There was a trend toward better management of OEP with laparoscopy. ART has become a risk factor for OEP. The IRR of EPs per live births, OEPs per EPs, and OEPs per live births all increased over the 21‐year period.
Effect of purchase volume flexibility and purchase mix flexibility on e‐procurement performance: An analysis of two perspectives
Authors: Devaraj Sarv , Vaidyanathan Ganesh , Mishra Abhay Nath
Published: August 2012

Despite the widespread adoption of e‐procurement by firms in recent years, academic research examining the mechanisms through which e‐procurement applications lead to performance has been scarce. Anecdotal evidence points to numerous situations where companies have failed to harness the potential of e‐procurement. In this paper, we argue that online purchase volume and mix flexibilities facilitated by these applications play a significant role in the ability of firms to benefit from e‐procurement. We examine this tenet from both an economic as well as a social perspective. We propose that increased online purchase volume flexibility as well as online purchase mix flexibility can be facilitated by two mechanisms – supplier customization as explained by transaction costs perspective, and information sharing between supply chain partners using a social exchange theoretical perspective. The increased purchase volume and mix flexibility in turn leads to better performance along the dimensions of cost, quality, and delivery. We present and test a nuanced perspective where we argue that (i) the effect of supplier customization on both purchase volume and mix flexibilities will be moderated by the frequency of transactions conducted online, and (ii) the effect of information sharing on both purchase volume and mix flexibilities will be moderated by trust in the supplier. We estimate our research model using survey data collected from 130 purchasing and procurement managers. We find strong support for our proposed research model with results indicating that purchase volume and mix flexibilities play a vital mediating role in impacting e‐procurement performance. Theoretical and practical implications of the findings are discussed.
Systematic Mn fluctuations in laminated rock varnish developed on coeval early Holocene flint artifacts along a climatic transect, Negev desert, Israel
Authors: Goldsmith Yonaton , Enzel Yehouda , Stein Mordechai
Published: August 2012

This study presents an assessment of the potential application of Mn content in rock varnish laminae as a paleoclimate indicator. To investigate the environmental controls on varnish formation, we determined Mn composition in rock varnish formed on flint artifacts produced during the earliest Holocene from eight coeval prehistoric sites in the Negev desert, Israel. These sites lie along a north–south annual rainfall transect ranging between 120 and 30 mm yr− 1. The varnish is ~ 100 times enriched in Mn relative to the content in the desert dust source material. Chemical profiles across the varnish display 4–6 distinct Mn peaks in all sampled sites, pointing to systematic fluctuations within the varnish along a wide range of environmental settings. The mean Mn contents in the various sites range between 10.7 and 15.6 at.%, yet within this range, the Mn content in the Negev varnish does not show a correlation with mean annual rainfall. As moisture is needed for Mn mobility, wetting cycles by dew or light rain, which are not adequately represented by the mean annual rainfall amounts but control the number of wetting–drying cycles may explain the variance within the results from the arid and hyperarid Negev varnish.
Toll‐Like Receptor‐Targeting Immunotherapy for Oral Cancer
Authors: Okamoto Masato , Sato Mitsunobu
Published: August 2012

It is important to augment the anti‐cancer host response in cancer treatment. Recent studies have suggested that the signaling that occurs via the Toll‐like receptors(TLRs), which are newly identified receptor molecules recognizing many pathogens, are involved in the induction of anti‐cancer immunity. OK‐432, a penicillin‐killed and lyophilized preparation of Streptococcus pyogenes, is being successfully used as an immunotherapeutic agent in many types of malignancies. However, the molecular mechanisms of OK‐432, a whole bacterial preparation, and the active components which make it effective against cancer, remain uncertain. We have succeeded in isolating the active component of OK‐432 (lipoteichoic acid‐related molecule, OK‐PSA) by affinity chromatography of a butanol extract of OK‐432 on the CNBr‐activated sepharose 4B bound TS‐2 monoclonal antibody that neutralizes the interferon(IFN)‐ γ ‐inducing activity of OK‐432. OKPSA induced Th1‐type cytokines both in human and in mice, and elicited an anti‐cancer effect in tumorbearing mice via TLR4. Furthermore, our clinical study revealed that TLR4 signaling is intimately involved in the anti‐cancer effect achieved by OK‐432 in patients with oral cancer. We elucidated that OK‐432 is first captured and digested by phagocytes, such as dendritic cells and macrophages, and then its active component, OK‐PSA, which is released from the phagocytes, stimulates TLR4 signaling. It is strongly suggested that OK‐PSA is the molecule most responsible for the anti‐cancer effect of OK‐432, and that TLR4 may be a definite molecular target for cancer immunotherapy with OK‐432/OK‐PSA.
Integrin Expression and Migration of Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma Cells in Response to Basement Membrane Components
Authors: Cui-Ying Li , Abu-Ali Samah , Sugiura Tsuyoshi , Shiratsuchi Toru , Sasaki Masanori , Shirasuna Kanemitsu
Published: August 2012

Adenoid cystic carcinoma (AdCC) is more aggressive than oral squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and has a proclivity to invade nerve and endothelial sheaths containing basement membrane (BM). In the present study, we found that AdCC cell lines showed higher motility responses to BM proteins, especially type IV collagen, compared to oral SCC cell lines. Flow cytometric analysis demonstrated that AdCC cell lines showed generally similar pattern of integrin subunits to oral SCC lines. Although AdCC cell lines expressed slightly higher levels of α2β1 and α3β1 integrins than SCC cell lines, these differences were not as impressive as those seen in haptotaxis assays to ECM proteins, and in particular to type IV collagen. Antibody blocking experiments clearly showed that the AdCC motility response to type IV collagen is mainly mediated through α2β1 integrin. In conclusion, such high motility response of AdCC cell lines could not be explained by only the surface levels of integrins, and study on integrin functionality will be more important to elucidate high invasiveness of AdCC cells.
Computed Tomographic Analysis of Inflammatory Spread in Adult Parotitis
Authors: Izumi Masahiro , Ariji Yoshiko , Katsumata Akitoshi , Gotoh Masakazu , Naitoh Munetaka , Kurita Kenichi , Kazuo Shimozato , Fujishita Masami , Ariji Eiichiro
Published: August 2012

Adult parotitis exhibits various appearances on images. The purpose of this study was to investigate the imaging features of adult parotitis, focusing on the inflammatory spread in and around the parotid gland on CT images. We investigated 21 patients who were clinically and radiologically diagnosed with parotitis, including patients with concomitant occurrences of sialolith or Sjögren’s syndrome.

Intra‐glandular spread was divided into 13 diffuse types and 8 focal types. There was a significant difference in duration from the first onset of symptoms between the diffuse and focal types. Six of 8 patients showing focal type spread were associated with the concomitant occurrence of sialolith or Sjögren’s syndrome. Extra‐glandular spread was observed in 13(62%) patients. Of them, 12(92%) showed subcutaneous fat tissue and/or masticator space involvement. Involvement of the parapharyngeal space and the superficial area just below the gland was observed in 4 and 7 patients, respectively. The appearance of extra‐glandular spread was influenced by intra‐glandular appearance and concomitant disease.

The spread of adult parotitis possessed characteristic features in relation to clinical findings and concomitant disease. CT examination appeared to be effective for these diagnoses.
Application of the Digital Radiographic Bone Trabecular Structure Analysis to the Mandible using Morphological Filter
Authors: Sakoda Sumio , Kawamata Ryota , Kaneda Takashi , Kashima Isamu
Published: August 2012

[Purpose] To develop a digital radiographic bone trabecular structure analyzing system and to applied it to mandible. [Methods] Structural change was simulated by removing spongy bone in human dried mandible. Using a morphological filter processing, the skeletal features were extracted from digital radiographic image data obtained by computed radiography before and after the removal of spongy bone. The skeletal volume, surface, thickness, number, separation, complexity, spacing continuity and connectivity on the skeletal binary images were determined by morphometric indices calculation, star volume analysis and node‐strut analysis. Using these quantified skeletal feature parameters, a mapping sheet for the structural evaluation was produced. The correlation between the fluctuation rate of each parameter after the removal of spongy bone with respect to the value before the removal of spongy bone and simulated structural change was examined. [Results] The skeletal binary image data quantified sixteen skeletal feature parameters using morphometric indices calculation, star volume analysis and node‐strut analysis. These parameters agreed with the theoretical fluctuation pattern in the simulated skeletal structure deterioration of the mandibular bone trabeculae. [Conclusion] Using a morphological filter and bone histomorphometry, the radiological bonemorphometric analyzing system is useful for the evaluation of the mandibular trabecular structure.
Cyclooxygenase‐2: A Potential Target in the Treatment of Oral Cancers
Authors: Masashi Hatori , Nagumo Masao
Published: August 2012

Results from epidemiological studies indicate that long‐term intake of non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs, which inhibit cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes involved in prostaglandin biosynthesis, reduces the risk of several forms of human malignancies. Expression of COX‐2 in tumors is known to be associated with enhanced angiogenesis, suppression of host immunity, and tumor invasion. Genetic or pharmacological inhibition of COX‐2 has been shown to protect against experimentally‐induced carcinogenesis and to reduce the growth of xenografted tumors in animal models. A number of studies also revealed that COX‐2 inhibition suppresses proliferation, metastatic potential, and other functions of cancer cell lines. Thus, it is conceivable that targeted inhibition of abnormally or improperly elevated COX‐2 provides one of the most effective and promising strategies for cancer therapy. In this review, the involvement of COX‐2 in the tumorigenesis of oral cancers and the potential mechanisms of tumor suppressive effects of COX‐2 inhibition are discussed.
Perception of Hypernasality and its Physical Correlates
Authors: Yukie Kozaki‐Yamaguchi , Noriko Suzuki , Yukihiro Fujita , Hidemi Yoshimasu , Masato Akagi , Teruo Amagasa
Published: August 2012

To clarify the relationship between the perceptual diagnoses of hypernasality and its physical correlates, we conducted three experiments using the Japanese vowel /i/. We performed a spectral analysis of hypernasality on five cleft palate patients and six velum resection patients to investigate the spectral features related to hypernasality (experiment 1). Psychoacoustic experiments were conducted using various spectrally modified vowels to investigate the relationships between the spectral features and auditory perceptions of hypernasality (experiment 2). We analyzed the estimated spectral envelopes using an articulatory speech synthesis model to clarify the relationship between the spectral features and the velopharyngeal opening (experiment 3). Experiments 1 and 2 suggested four spectral features as the characteristics of hypernasality : (1) broadening of the F1 bandwidth, (2) an additional peak at around 1 kHz [P1], (3)* a decrease in the magnitude of F2, and (4)* a dip between F2 and F3 [D2]. In particular, the simultaneous modification of the decrease in the magnitudes of F2 and D2 is a very important cue for the auditory perception of hypernasality. Experiment 3 showed that the dips caused by nasal coupling resulted in the spectral modifications. In addition, the dip regions appeared to spread from the low‐frequency region (around F1) to the high‐frequency region (above F2), as the velopharyngeal opening enlarged. This suggests that the decrease in the magnitude of F2 and the dip between F2 and F3 [D2] are related to excessive acoustic coupling of the nasal cavity. * New findings
An Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma Cell Line Possessing High Metastatic Activity has High NF‐kB Activation in Response to TNF‐α
Authors: Seki Katsuhiro , Ishii Kotaro , Sugiura Tsuyoshi , Takahashi Miho , Yoshiko Inoue , Shirasuna Kanemitsu
Published: August 2012

Adenoid cystic carcinoma(AdCC)is characterized by frequent recurrence and distant metastasis. Although lung metastasis in AdCC is very common, the mechanism by which this occurs is uncertain. When five AdCC cell lines (ACCS, ACCT, ACCH, Acc‐3, and Acc‐M) were screened for metastatic ability by injecting tumor cells into nude mice via the tail vein, lung metastases were found in mice injected with Acc‐M (15/16 mice) but not in mice injected with any of the other four cell lines (0/10 mice with each line). To determine why Acc‐M metastasizes to the lung but the others do not, we examined the biological characteristics of Acc‐M and compared them with those of the other lines.

Nuclear factor‐κB（NF‐κB）may play a key role in malignant tumor behaviors such as invasion and metastasis. Thus, we examined these cell lines for response to tumor necrosis factor（TNF‐α）, one of the typical stimulators of NF‐κB. Although treatment with TNF‐α stimulated matrix metalloprotease 9（MMP‐9）expression in all cell lines, the response to TNF‐α varied between cell lines ; the greatest stimulation was observed in Acc‐M. Acc‐M expressed higher levels of TNF receptors（both TNF‐R1 and TNF‐R2）than did the other AdCC lines. Judging from inhibitor‐κBα degradation and nuclear translocation and DNA binding by NF‐κB, the degree of activation of NF‐κB in response to TNF‐α in Acc‐M cell lines was very high compared to the other lines. Moreover, the ability of Acc‐M cells to adhere to endothelial cells, which was greater than that of the other cell lines, was further enhanced by pretreatment with TNF‐α. Acc‐M cells also expressed higher levels of sialyl Lewisx than did the other AdCC cell lines. These findings suggest that lung metastasis is mediated by tumor‐endothelial cell interaction, which is probably associated with the NF‐κB activation pathway. Further experiments are required to identify the molecules that mediate both lung metastasis and NF‐κB activation.
Progressive Hemifacial Atrophy Treated by Orthodontic Surgery
Authors: Kodama Yasumitsu , Miyazawa Marta , Fukuda Jun‐ichi , Iida Akihiko , Ono Kazuhiro , Takagi Ritsuo
Published: August 2012

Progressive hemifacial atrophy（PHA）is a self‐limited atrophy of subcutaneous tissues（and less frequently of hard tissues）on one side of the face. It is a sporadic, slowly progressing disease whose pathogenesis is still unknown. As a rule the asymmetry caused by PHA（usually of soft tissue）is treated by volume augmentation that involves free tissue grafting or a pedicled flap transfer.

We describe a rare case of hard tissue PHA. The atrophic changes occurred in the left molar tooth, maxilla and mandible and were associated with moderate soft tissue atrophy. The left side of the patient’s mouth was higher on the right side, and the occlusal plane was severely inclined in spite of normal occlusion. After no alteration and no progression of the atrophy were established, the patient was treated with orthodontic surgery. To correct the inclined occlusal plane and asymmetry profile, we performed a Le Fort I and intraoral vertical ramus osteotomy. In the 3‐year follow‐up, there were good occlusal balance and improved symmetrical profile without relapse or recurrence of the atrophy. Thus, orthodontic surgery was effective as a first procedure to treat hard tissue atrophy that appeared with moderate soft tissue atrophy.
Oral Leukoplakia Related to Malignant Transformation
Authors: Amagasa Teruo , Yamashiro Masashi , Ishikawa Hitoshi
Published: August 2012

Oral leukoplakia and its malignant transformation are reviewed in this article. Oral leukoplakia is defined as a predominantly white lesion of the oral mucosa that can not be characterized as any other definable lesion; however, the lesion must be confirmed histopathologically by biopsy in order to discuss malignant transformation of oral leukoplakia. Malignant transformation rates of oral leukoplakia range from 0.13 to 17.5%, while the rates of five‐year cumulative malignant transformation range from 1.2 to 14.5%. Some reports found a high incidence of malignant transformation in older patients. Chewing tobacco and smoking are distinct risk factors particularly among males in certain countries; however, other countries have noted that females or non‐smokers may be at risk of malignant transformation. HPV has been detected in oral dysplasia lesions and cancer in non‐smokers. Conflicting reports have been presented regarding the malignant transformation of oral leukoplakia with epithelial dysplasia; however, we and some authors believe that epithelial dysplasia is an important factor in the malignant transformation of oral leukoplakia. The majority of researchers showed non‐homogenous leukoplakia as a risk factor, although different terms have been used to describe these lesions. There may be several routes to malignant transformation of oral leukoplakia, including transformations induced by carcinogenesis due to betel quid chewing or smoking, or by HPV infection. While no definite treatment modalities for oral leukoplakia have been established, we suggest surgical therapy with an adequate safety‐margin and well‐timed evaluation as an appropriate treatment in preventing malignant transformation.