bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Outcomes of intention to quit of Indian IT professionals
Authors: Krishnan Sandeep K. , Singh Manjari
Published: May 2010

Intention to quit has been getting attention in the context of employee attrition, with focus on its antecedents. A related aspect that needs attention is the outcome of intention to quit, where little research has occurred, especially in the Indian context. The present study explores performance orientation, organizational deviance, and organizational citizenship behavior as outcomes of intention to quit of Indian IT professionals. These factors become critical in the context of human resource management because employees who want to quit may become less productive or even dysfunctional for the organization. Interviews and a questionnaire‐based survey were used in this research. The survey was conducted using software professionals with work experience of less than four years, with the results based on 533 responses. The initial results show that as hypothesized, intention to quit does lead to less performance orientation, higher organizational deviance, and less organizational citizenship behavior. Further, exploration using structural equation modeling shows that performance orientation mediates the relationships between intention to quit and organizational citizenship behavior as well as between intention to quit and organizational deviance. This study's findings imply that organizations need to understand that employees with a high intention to quit can prove costly from multiple dimensions. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Linking emotional dissonance and organizational identification to turnover intention and emotional well‐being: A study of medical representatives in India
Authors: Kumar Mishra Sushanta , Bhatnagar Deepti
Published: May 2010

Influencing customers' perception of service quality through service interaction is becoming imperative for organizations to sustain competitive advantage. As a result, the critical challenge before many organizations is to retain employees in service occupations and promote their well‐being. This study examined the relationship of organizational identification and emotional dissonance with turnover intention and well‐being among a sample of 468 medical representatives in the Indian pharmaceutical industry. Drawing from the conservation of resource theory, this study shows that apart from its direct effect, emotional dissonance has a mediating effect on the relationship of organizational identification with turnover intention and emotional well‐being. Contributions of this study to the theory and practice of human resource management (HRM) are discussed. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Effect of double stratification on mixed convection heat and mass transfer from a vertical surface in a fluid‐saturated porous medium
Authors: Bansod V.J. , Jadhav R.K.
Published: May 2010

This paper presents the mixed convection heat and mass transfer near a vertical surface in a stratified porous medium using an integral method. The conservation equations that govern the problem are reduced to a system of coupled non‐linear ordinary differential equations, which is then reduced into a single algebraic equation using exponential profiles for the temperature and concentration. The results for heat and mass transfer rates in terms of Nusselt and Sherwood number are presented for a wide range of governing parameters like the buoyancy ratio (N), Lewis number (Le), flow driving parameter (Ra/Pe), in addition to both thermal and solutal parameters (S and R). The results indicate that the stratification effects have considerable influence on both the heat and mass transfer rates. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Heat Trans Asian Res; Published online in Wiley Online Library (wileyonlinelibrary.com). DOI 10.1002/htj.20300
Observations of the morphology and sublimation‐induced changes in uncoated snow using scanning electron microscopy
Authors: Chen S. , Baker I.
Published: May 2010

The morphology of a fresh‐snow specimen and the sublimation‐induced structural changes in an individual snow crystal were examined using a high‐vacuum scanning electron microscope (SEM) equipped with a cryo system. The snow specimen was collected during a snowfall in Hanover, NH, USA, and was initially maintained at liquid nitrogen temperature in order to prevent any structural changes. Without coating, snow crystals can sublimate in the SEM chamber at a rate that is mainly determined by the temperature of the specimen. After the initial morphology was examined at − 180 °C, sublimation was initiated by slowly increasing the stage temperature, and changes in morphology were recorded by taking images of an individual snow crystal intermittently and recording the temperatures and times. Severe morphological destructions due to sublimation occurred at around − 150 °C. This approach allowed us to closely observe both the initial morphology and the structural changes in snow crystals as they underwent sublimation, a significant process during snow metamorphism. These observations also serve as a reference for temperature selection in the study of uncoated snow with a similar morphology using a high‐vacuum SEM. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Impact of water resource exploitation on the hydrology and water storage in Baiyangdian Lake
Authors: Moiwo Juana Paul , Yang Yonghui , Li Huilong , Han Shumin , Yang Yanmin
Published: May 2010

Water resources development and exploitation are critical for a viable and sustainable modern human society. Unfortunately, however, there is a considerable water storage depletion and environmental degradation in especially (semi)‐arid river basins due to the forces of population growth, urbanization, industrialization and intensive agricultural irrigation. Addressing water storage depletion is not only a question of research, but is very much a question of developing appropriate countermeasures to preserve valuable/fragile ecological systems. As one such effort, this study analyzes the hydrology and storage in Baiyangdian Lake as affected by water resources development and exploitation in the Baiyangdian Lake Catchment of Northern China. Three models, WetSpass (Water and Energy Transfer between Soil, Plants and the Atmosphere under quasi‐Steady State), WATBUD (Water Budget) and MODFLOW (USGS three‐dimensional finite‐difference groundwater flow model) were used in combination to simulate the hydrogeologic conditions in the lake catchment for 1956–2008. The model‐calibrated values are in good agreement with the measured values, withR2> 0·8 and RMSE < 10% of measured values. Runoff, the primary source of water for the lake storage, has steadily declined due mainly to multiple dam construction and reservoir impoundments in the headwater valleys and rivers in the catchment. In addition to dwindling runoff, groundwater levels have declined considerably due to over‐abstraction, mainly for agricultural irrigation. Additionally, evaporation or evapotranspiration is increasing in the lake catchment due to rising temperatures. The worsening hydrological conditions, amid the harsh semi‐arid climate, have resulted in considerable depletion of the storage and hydrology of Baiyangdian Lake. Sustainable countermeasures like agricultural water‐saving and infusion of external water (e.g., via by the South–North Water Transfer Project) could be a viable option for preserving not only the hydrology of the lake catchment, but also storage in Baiyangdian Lake. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The antidepressants maprotiline and fluoxetine induce Type II autophagic cell death in drug‐resistant Burkitt's lymphoma
Authors: Cloonan Suzanne M. , Williams David Clive
Published: May 2010

Resistance to chemotherapy is a major obstacle for the success of cancer therapy and is most commonly attributed to the inability of cancer cells to die by apoptosis, the archetypal programed cell death (PCD) response. The development of anticancer drugs that can overcome this resistance to apoptosis and induce other forms of cell death is therefore paramount for efficient cancer therapy. We report that the antidepressants maprotiline and fluoxetine induce autophagic PCD in the chemoresistant Burkitt's lymphoma (BL) cell line DG‐75, which does not involve caspases, DNA fragmentation or PARP cleavage, but is associated with the development of cytoplasmic vacuoles, all consistent with an autophagic mode of PCD. Autophagic PCD was confirmed by transmission electron microscopy, upregulation of Beclin‐I and the extent of PCD being reduced by the autophagic inhibitor 3‐MA. In contrast, these compounds induced apoptotic PCD in the biopsy‐like chemosensitive BL MUTU‐I cell line. We provide evidence that the chemoresistant DG‐75 cells do not express the proapoptotic Bcl‐2 proteins Bax and Bak, show diminished levels of stored intracellular calcium and display shortened rod‐like mitochondria, all of which are known to be associated with a defective “apoptotic” response in cancer cells. PCD in the two cell lines has different Ca2+ responses to maprotiline and fluoxetine, which may also account for their differential PCD responses. Our study, therefore, supports a new mechanistic role for maprotiline and fluoxetine as novel proautophagic agents in the treatment of resistant BL, and thus an alternative therapeutic application for these compounds.
Use of cyclin D1 in conjunction with human papillomavirus status to predict outcome in oropharyngeal cancer
Authors: Hong Angela M. , Dobbins Timothy A. , Lee Cheok S. , Jones Deanna , Fei Jimin , Clark Jonathan R. , Armstrong Bruce K. , Harnett Gerald B. , Milross Christopher G. , Tran Nham , Peculis Luiza D. , Ng Cecilia , Milne Andrew G. , Loo Christine , Hughes Louise J. , Forstner Dion F. , O'Brien Christopher J. , Rose Barbara R.
Published: May 2010

There is increasing use of multiple molecular markers to predict prognosis in human cancer. Our aim was to examine the prognostic significance of cyclin D1 and retinoblastoma (pRb) expression in association with human papillomavirus (HPV) status in oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma. Clinical records and specimens of 226 patients with follow‐up from 1 to 235 months postdiagnosis were retrieved. Tumor HPV status was determined by HPV E6‐targeted multiplex real‐time PCR/p16 semiquantitative immunohistochemistry and cyclin D1 and pRb expression by semiquantitative immunohistochemistry. Determinants of recurrence and mortality hazards were modeled using Cox regression with censoring at dates of last follow‐up. The HPV‐positivity rate was 37% (91% type 16). HPV was a predictor of recurrence, an event (recurrence or death) and death after adjustment for clinicopathological variables. There were inverse relationships between HPV status and cyclin D1 and pRb. On univariate analysis, cyclin D1 predicted locoregional recurrence, event and death and pRb predicted event and death. Within the HPV‐positive group, after adjusting for clinicopathological factors, patients with cyclin D1‐positive cancers had up to a eightfold increased risk of poor outcome relative to those with cyclin D1‐negative tumors. However, within the HPV‐negative group, there was only a very small adjusted increased risk. A combination of pRb and HPV did not provide additional prognostic information. Our data provide the first evidence that a combination of HPV and cyclin D1 provides more prognostic information in oropharyngeal cancer than HPV alone. If findings are confirmed, treatment based on HPV and cyclin D1 may improve outcomes.
Allergy and glioma risk: Test of association by genotype
Authors: Dobbins Sara E. , Hosking Fay J. , Shete Sanjay , Armstrong Georgina , Swerdlow Anthony , Liu Yanhong , Yu Robert , Lau Ching , Schoemaker Minouk J. , Hepworth Sarah J. , Muir Kenneth , Bondy Melissa , Houlston Richard S.
Published: May 2010

Although epidemiological studies have suggested an association between atopy and glioma risk, these observations have been based on self‐reporting of allergic conditions raising the possibility that associations may be noncausal and arise as a consequence of bias, reverse causation or other artifacts. Genetic information provides an alternative approach to investigate the relationship avoiding such biases. We analyzed 1,878 glioma cases and 3,670 controls for variants at 2q12, 5q12.1, 11q13 and 17q21 that are associated with asthma or eczema risk at p < 5.0 × 10−7. The SNP rs7216389, which tags the 3′ flanking region of ORMDL3 at 17q21 and has been associated with childhood asthma, was correlated with increased glioma risk (OR = 1.10; 95% CI: 1.01–1.19). These data provide evidence for a correlation between asthma susceptibility and glioma risk and illustrate the value of using genetics as an investigative tool for developing etiological hypotheses.
A novel BH3 mimetic S1 potently induces Bax/Bak‐dependent apoptosis by targeting both Bcl‐2 and Mcl‐1
Authors: Zhang Zhichao , Song Ting , Zhang Tiantai , Gao Jin , Wu Guiye , An Lijia , Du Guanhua
Published: May 2010

Broad spectrum Bcl‐2 small molecule inhibitors act as BH3 mimetics are effective antitumor agents. Herein, we have identified S1, a previously discovered small molecule Bcl‐2 inhibitor, as the first authentic BH3 mimetic as well as a dual, nanomolar inhibitor of Bcl‐2 and Mcl‐1 (Ki = 310 nM and 58 nM, respectively). The results of fluorescence polarization assays, coimmunoprecipitation, fluorescent resonance energy transfer, and shRNA indicated that S1 can disrupt Bcl‐2/Bax, Mcl‐1/Bak and Bcl‐2/Bim heterodimerization in multiple cell lines, activate Bax accompanied by its translocation to mitochondrial, activate caspase 3 completely dependent on Bax/Bak, and in turn induce a Bim‐independent apoptosis. Moreover, S1 could induce apoptosis on the primary acute lymphoblastic leukemia cells regardless of Mcl‐1 level. Mechanism‐based single agent antitumor activity in a mouse xenograft H22 (mouse liver carcinoma) model ascertain its therapeutic potential. S1 represents a novel chemical class of antitumor leads that function solely as BH3 mimetics and pan‐Bcl‐2 inhibitors. In the meanwhile, S1 could become a unique tool for interactions between Bcl‐2 family proteins.
The risk of cervical cancer associated with specific types of human papillomavirus: A case–control study in a UK population
Authors: Powell Ned G. , Hibbitts Sam J. , Boyde Adam M. , Newcombe Robert G. , Tristram Amanda J. , Fiander Alison N.
Published: May 2010

Mounting evidence supports incorporation of HPV testing into cervical screening; however, the optimal test format and target population have yet to be confirmed. Assessment of the potential benefits of type‐specific testing requires estimation of the risk associated with infection with individual HPV types. However, the risk posed by individual HPV types may be population specific and influenced by cervical screening practice. The existing data on HPV type‐specific risk is derived largely from unscreened populations. Our study addressed the lack of data on HPV type‐specific risk in cytologically screened populations using a case–control study of 262 invasive cervical cancers diagnosed in Wales between 2000 and 2006, and 8,428 controls who attended for cytological screening in 2004. The analysis showed that the odds ratios (ORs) for infection with HPV 16 and 18 are considerable; 2770 (95% CI 1050–7320) and 950 (95% CI 330–2740), respectively, and that the OR for other oncogenic types are in general considerably less (ranging, where quantified, from 20.2 to 386 in the same population). The effect of age on OR associated with particular HPV types was also assessed; this indicated that infection with a high‐risk HPV in women older than 40 years was associated with an approximately 30‐fold increased risk of invasive cervical cancer relative to women younger than 40 years. These results indicate that there is significant prognostic information associated with knowledge of HPV type.
Antioxidant capacity of binuclear Cu(II)‐cyclophanes, insights from two synthetic bioactive molecules
Authors: Sugich‐Miranda Rocio , Sotelo‐Mundo Rogerio R. , Silva‐Campa Erika , Hernández Jesús , Gonzalez‐Aguilar Gustavo A. , Velazquez‐Contreras Enrique F.
Published: May 2010

The compounds 2,9,25,32‐tetraoxo‐4,7,27,30‐tetrakis(carboxymethyl)‐1,4,7,10,24,27,30,33‐octaaza‐17,40‐dioxa[10.1.10.1]paracyclophane and 2,9,25,32‐tetraoxo‐4,7,27,30‐tetrakis(carboxymethyl)‐1,4,7,10,24,27,30,33‐octaaza[10.1.10.1]paracyclophane binuclear copper complexes (Cu2PO and Cu2PC, respectively) were studied by determining their antioxidant capacity using the TROLOX equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC) assay, and their cytotoxicity on cultured cells, as well as the superoxide dismutase (SOD)‐like activity. Cu2PO had an antioxidant capacity (0.1 g eq TROLOX mol−1) within the order of magnitude of ascorbic acid, and both, Cu2PO and Cu2PC were nontoxic to cultured peripheral mononuclear blood cells. The SOD‐like activity was evaluated using the nitroblue tetrazolium assay, and both compounds presented an excellent activity: for Cu2PO, the IC50 was 52 nM and for Cu2PC an IC50 of 0.5 μM was obtained comparable to CuZn SOD IC50 17 nM (Fernandes et al., J Inorg Biochem 2007;101:849–858). These results suggest that synthetic binuclear macrocycles are good candidates to be used as synthetic bioactive molecules with applications in biomedicine. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biochem Mol Toxicol 24:379–383, 2010; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/jbt.20350
Biochemical and molecular effects of gestational and lactational coexposure to lead and cadmium on ovarian steroidogenesis are associated with oxidative stress in f1 generation rats
Authors: Pillai Prakash , Pandya Chirayu , Gupta Sharad , Gupta Sarita
Published: May 2010

Few studies have characterized the molecular and biochemical mechanisms involved in ovarian steroidogenesis disruption by heavy metals, such as lead and cadmium coexposure, on F1 generation offspring. In this study, adult pregnant female rats were treated subcutaneously (0.05 mg/kg of body weight per day) with sodium acetate (control), lead acetate, and cadmium acetate separately and in combination throughout gestational and lactational period, and all animals from each of the experimental groups were sacrificed by decapitation on postnatal day 56 for various assays. The activities of key steroidogenic enzymes (17β‐hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase and 3β‐hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase) decreased in all the metal‐treated groups. But the most significant decrease in the activities was observed in the cadmium‐treated group, whereas the combined exposure group showed an intermediate effect. Serum estradiol and progesterone levels were also significantly altered in all the metal‐treated groups, with the cadmium‐exposed group showing maximum reductions as compared with the control group. The inhibitory effects of lead and cadmium on ovarian steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR) mRNA levels along with CYP11 mRNA levels were also observed. Ovarian cholesterol content measured also showed significant depletion in all the metal‐treated groups, with the cadmium‐exposed group showing the maximum depletion. The activities of ovarian enzymatic antioxidants, such as superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase, were all significantly diminished along with significant depletion in nonenzymatic antioxidants. Lipid peroxidation was elevated significantly in all the metal‐treated groups. In conclusion, lead and cadmium inhibit ovarian steroidogenesis by downregulating StAR gene expression along with inhibiting activities of steroidogenic enzymes and antioxidant system. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biochem Mol Toxicol 24:384–394, 2010; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/jbt.20351
RETRACTED: The cardioprotective effects of a combination of quercetin and α‐tocopherol on isoproterenol‐induced myocardial infarcted rats
Authors: Punithavathi V. R. , Stanely Mainzen Prince P.
Published: May 2010

The present study aims to evaluate the combined protective effects of quercetin and α‐tocopherol on isoproterenol‐treated myocardial infarcted rats. Male albino Wistar rats were pretreated with a combination of quercetin (10 mg/kg) and α‐tocopherol (10 mg/kg) daily for 14 days. After the pretreatment, rats were injected isoproterenol (100 mg/kg) to induce myocardial infarction. Isoproterenol‐treated rats showed increased levels of serum troponins and increased intensities of serum lactate dehydrogenase‐1 and ‐2 isoenzyme bands. Isoproterenol treatment also showed significant decreased levels of antioxidant system and significant increased levels of plasma lipid peroxidation, plasma uric acid, and the heart calcium. Furthermore, isoproterenol‐treated rat's electrocardiogram showed elevated ST segments. Combined pretreatment with quercetin and α‐tocopherol normalized all the biochemical parameters and minimized the alterations in electrocardiogram. Histopathology of myocardium also confirmed the cardioprotective effects of quercetin and α‐tocopherol. In vitro studies confirmed the mechanism of action of quercetin and α‐tocopherol. Thus, quercetin and α‐tocopherol exhibited cardioprotective effects against isoproterenol‐induced cardiotoxicity due to their scavenging free radicals, improving antioxidants and maintaining Ca2+ levels. Our study also showed that combined pretreatment (quercetin and α‐tocopherol) was highly effective than single pretreatment (quercetin or α‐tocopherol). © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biochem Mol Toxicol 25:28–40 2011; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/jbt.20357
Expression and functions of the repressor element 1 (RE‐1)‐silencing transcription factor (REST) in breast cancer
Authors: Lv Hui , Pan Guoqing , Zheng Guopei , Wu Xiaoying , Ren Hongzheng , Liu Ying , Wen Jifang
Published: May 2010

The repressor element 1 (RE‐1)‐silencing transcription factor (REST), also known as the neuron‐restrictive silencer factor (NRSF) or repressor binding to the X2 box (XBR), REST/NRSF/XBR, is originally discovered as a transcriptional repressor of a large number of primarily terminal neuronal differentiation genes in non‐neuronal cells and neural stem cells (NSCs). Recently, the tumor‐suppressor function of REST is finally proved. However, the expression profile and function of REST in breast cancer are not very clear. In this study, the expression of REST was detected in breast cancer tissue by immunohistochemistry. The results showed that REST expression was significantly lower in breast cancer samples compared to normal and benign breast samples (P < 0.05). Furthermore, the shRNA approach was used to investigate the function of REST in human breast cancer cells. Knocking down REST expression by shRNA in the human breast cancer MCF‐7 cells resulted in an increase in cell proliferation, suppression in apoptosis, and reduced sensitivity to anticancer drug with a concurrent significantly up‐regulated expression of Bcl‐2. These data implied a significant role of REST in breast cancer. The reduced expression of REST might contribute to the breast cancer pathogenesis. J. Cell. Biochem. 110: 968–974, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Blockade of JAK2 activity suppressed accumulation of β‐catenin in leukemic cells
Authors: Liu Ya‐Chen , Lai Wei‐Chih , Chuang Kai‐An , Shen Yu‐Jie , Hu Wensi S. , Ho Cheng‐Han , Chen Yu‐Bei , Hsu Min‐Fen , Hsu Hui‐Chi , Lieu Chien‐Hui
Published: May 2010

The Wnt/β‐catenin pathway has been implicated in leukemogenesis. We found β‐catenin abnormally accumulated in both human acute T cell leukemia Jurkat cells and human erythroleukemia HEL cells. β‐Catenin can be significantly down‐regulated by the Janus kinase 2 specific inhibitor AG490 in these two cells. AG490 also reduces the luciferase activity of a reporter plasmid driven by LEF/β‐catenin promoter. Similar results were observed in HEL cells infected with lentivirus containing shRNA against JAK2 gene. After treatment with 50 µM AG490 or shRNA, the mRNA expression levels of β‐catenin, APC, Axin, β‐Trcp, GSK3α, and GSK3β were up‐regulated within 12–16 h. However, only the protein levels of GSK3β and β‐Trcp were found to have increased relative to untreated cells. Knockdown experiments revealed that the AG490‐induced inhibition of β‐catenin can be attenuated by shRNA targeting β‐TrCP. Taken together; these results suggest that β‐Trcp plays a key role in the cross‐talk between JAK/STAT and Wnt/β‐catenin signaling in leukemia cells. J. Cell. Biochem. 111: 402–411, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Theoretical investigation of an energetic fullerene derivative
Authors: Tan Bisheng , Peng Rufang , Li Hongbo , Jin Bo , Chu Shijin , Long Xinping
Published: May 2010

A self‐consistent estimation method for the thermochemical properties of N‐methyl‐3‐(2′,4′,6′‐trinitrobenzene)‐fulleropyrrolidine (MTNBFP) is presented. This method is based on enthalpy of formation (ΔfH) and enthalpy of combustion obtained from BLYP/DNP calculations of the total energies and frequencies for MTNBFP. The enthalpy of formation was calculated by an optimized set of isodesmic reactions given the available experimental ΔfH of relative compounds. MTNBFP has a high enthalpy of formation, 2782.2 kJ/mol. Detonation velocity and detonation pressure were also presented in terms of Kamlet and Jacobs equations. Drop hammer impact sensitivity tests and blasting point per 5 s tests indicate MTNBFP may be a potential candidate primary explosive. To understand the test results well, we proposed a series of chemical reaction mechanisms and interpreted the relationship between impact sensitivity and electronic structures from the viewpoint of nitro group charge, electrostatic potential, and vibrational modes. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comput Chem, 2010
Cbl‐b enhances Runx2 protein stability and augments osteocalcin promoter activity in osteoblastic cell lines
Authors: Salingcarnboriboon R. Ampornaramveth , Pavasant P. , Noda M.
Published: May 2010

Cbl‐b is a member of Cbl family of E3 ubiquitin (Ub) ligase. Besides the important role in ubiquitination process, other members of Cbl family have been suggested to show non‐ubiquitination‐related function in regulation of osteoblastic differentiation. However, the role of Cbl‐b in regulation of osteoblastic function has not been known yet. To elucidate the role of Cbl‐b in regulation of osteoblastic function, we examined its effects on Runx2, a master gene of osteoblastic differentiation. We co‐expressed Cbl‐b and Runx2 in osteoblastic cell lines and tested their effects on osteocalcin promoter activity together with the expression of Runx2 and its downstream genes. Luciferase assay demonstrated that Cbl‐b synergistically enhances osteocalcin promoter activity in conjunction with the effect on Runx2. Co‐transfection of Cbl‐b and Runx2 further upregulated Runx2 protein levels without any alteration in Runx2 mRNA expression. The upregulation of Runx2 protein by Cbl‐b was inhibited by the treatment with lactacystin, a specific inhibitor of the 26S proteasome. These results indicated that Cbl‐b would control Runx2 protein levels at the post‐translational event. Moreover, the upregulation of downstream genes of Runx2 such as osteocalcin and alkaline phosphatase mRNA was also observed. These data propose the involvement of Cbl‐b in the regulation of osteoblast‐related genes expression. J. Cell. Physiol. 224: 743–747, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
MED and PSACH COMP mutations affect chondrogenesis in chicken limb bud micromass cultures
Authors: Roman‐Blas J. , Dion A.S. , Seghatoleslami M.R. , Giunta K. , Oca P. , Jimenez S.A. , Williams C.J.
Published: May 2010

Mutations in cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (COMP) cause pseudoachondroplasia (PSACH) and multiple epiphyseal dysplasia (MED). We studied the effects of over‐expression of wild type and mutant COMP on early stages of chondrogenesis in chicken limb bud micromass cultures. Cells were transduced with RCAS virus harboring wild type or mutant (C328R, PSACH; T585R, MED) COMP cDNAs and cultured for 3, 4, and 5 days. The effect of COMP constructs on chondrogenesis was assessed by analyzing mRNA and protein expression of several COMP binding partners. Cell viability was assayed, and evaluation of apoptosis was performed by monitoring caspase 3 processing. Over‐expression of COMP, and especially expression of COMP mutants, had a profound affect on the expression of syndecan 3 and tenascin C, early markers of chondrogenesis. Over‐expression of COMP did not affect levels of type II collagen or matrilin‐3; however, there were increases in type IX collagen expression and sulfated proteoglycan synthesis, particularly at day 5 of harvest. In contrast to cells over‐expressing COMP, cells with mutant COMP showed reduction in type IX collagen expression and increased matrilin 3 expression. Finally, reduction in cell viability, and increased activity of caspase 3, at days 4 and 5, were observed in cultures expressing either wild type or mutant COMP. MED, and PSACH mutations, despite displaying phenotypic differences, demonstrated only subtle differences in their cellular viability and mRNA and protein expression of components of the extracellular matrix, including those that interact with COMP. These results suggest that COMP mutations, by disrupting normal interactions between COMP and its binding partners, significantly affect chondrogenesis. J. Cell. Physiol. 224: 817–826, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
PED interacts with Rac1 and regulates cell migration/invasion processes in human non‐small cell lung cancer cells
Authors: Zanca Ciro , Cozzolino Flora , Quintavalle Cristina , Di Costanzo Stefania , Ricci‐Vitiani Lucia , Santoriello Margherita , Monti Maria , Pucci Piero , Condorelli Gerolama
Published: May 2010

PED (phosphoprotein enriched in diabetes) is a 15 kDa protein involved in many cellular pathways and human diseases including type II diabetes and cancer. We recently reported that PED is overexpressed in human cancers and mediates resistance to induced apoptosis. To better understand its role in cancer, we investigated on PED interactome in non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). By the Tandem Affinity Purification (TAP), we identified and characterized among others, Rac1, a member of mammalian Rho GTPase protein family, as PED‐interacting protein. In this study we show that PED coadiuvates Rac1 activation by regulating AKT mediated Rac1‐Ser71 phosphorylation. Furthermore, we show that the expression of a constitutively active Rac, affected PED‐Ser104 phosphorylation, which is important for PED‐regulated ERK 1/2 nuclear localization. Through specific Rac1‐siRNA or its pharmacological inhibition, we demonstrate that PED augments migration and invasion in a Rac1‐dependent manner in NSCLC. In conclusion, we show for the first time that PED and Rac1 interact and that this interaction modulates cell migration/invasion processes in cancer cells through ERK1/2 pathway. J. Cell. Physiol. 225: 63–72, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
TNFalpha up‐regulates SLUG via the NF‐kappaB/HIF1alpha axis, which imparts breast cancer cells with a stem cell‐like phenotype
Authors: Storci Gianluca , Sansone Pasquale , Mari Sara , D'Uva Gabriele , Tavolari Simona , Guarnieri Tiziana , Taffurelli Mario , Ceccarelli Claudio , Santini Donatella , Chieco Pasquale , Marcu Kenneth B. , Bonafè Massimiliano
Published: May 2010

Extracellular and intracellular mediators of inflammation, such as tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) and NF‐kappaB (NF‐κB), play major roles in breast cancer pathogenesis, progression and relapse. SLUG, a mediator of the epithelial–mesenchymal transition process, is over‐expressed in CD44+/CD24− tumor initiating breast cancer cells and in basal‐like carcinoma, a subtype of aggressive breast cancer endowed with a stem cell‐like gene expression profile. Cancer stem cells also over‐express members of the pro‐inflammatory NF‐κB network, but their functional relationship with SLUG expression in breast cancer cells remains unclear. Here, we show that TNFα treatment of human breast cancer cells up‐regulates SLUG with a dependency on canonical NF‐κB/HIF1α signaling, which is strongly enhanced by p53 inactivation. Moreover, SLUG up‐regulation engenders breast cancer cells with stem cell‐like properties including enhanced expression of CD44 and Jagged‐1 in conjunction with estrogen receptor alpha down‐regulation, growth as mammospheres, and extracellular matrix invasiveness. Our results reveal a molecular mechanism whereby TNFα, a major pro‐inflammatory cytokine, imparts breast cancer cells with stem cell‐like features, which are connected to increased tumor aggressiveness. J. Cell. Physiol. 225: 682–691, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Synthesis and visible‐light‐derived photocatalysis of titania nanosphere stacking layers prepared by chemical vapor deposition
Authors: Hsieh Chien‐Te , Lai Meng‐Hsuan , Pan Ching
Published: May 2010

BACKGROUND: In this study, visible‐light‐derived photocatalytic activity of metal‐doped titanium dioxide nanosphere (TS) stacking layers, prepared by chemical vapor deposition (CVD), was investigated. The as‐grown TS spheres, having an average diameter of 100–300 nm, formed a layer‐by‐layer stacking layer on a glass substrate. The crystalline structures of the TS samples were of anatase‐type.

RESULTS: Ultraviolet (UV) absorption confirmed that metallic doping (i.e. Co and Ni) shifted the light absorption of the spheres to the visible‐light region. With increasing dopant density, the optical band gap of the nanospheres became narrower, e.g. the smallest band gap of Co‐doped TS was 2.61 eV. Both Ni‐ and Co‐doped TS catalysts showed a photocatalytic capability in decomposing organic dyes under visible irradiation. In comparison, Co‐doped TiO2 catalyst not only displays the adsorption capacity, but also the photocatalytic activity higher than the N‐doped TiO2 catalyst.

CONCLUSION: This result can be attributed to the fact that the narrower band gap easily generates electron–hole pairs over the TS catalysts under visible irradiation, thus, leading to the higher photocatalytic activity. Accordingly, this study shed some light on the one‐step efficient CVD approach to synthesize metal‐doped TS catalysts for decomposing dye compounds in aqueous solution. Copyright © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry
Ultrastructural observations on antennal sensilla of Cnaphalocrocis medinalis (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae)
Authors: Sun Xiao , Wang Man‐Qun , Zhang Guoan
Published: May 2010

The morphology and ultrastructure of the antennal sensilla of Cnaphalocrocis medinalis (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) was studied by scanning and transmission electron microscopic techniques. Eight morphological types of sensillum were recorded in both sexes: sensilla trichodea (S. trichodea), sensilla basiconc (S. basiconc), sensilla coeloconica (S. coeloconica), sensilla styloconica (S. styloconica), sensilla squamous (S. squamous), sensilla auricillica (S. auricillica), Böhm bristles (B. bristles), and sensilla cavity (S. cavity). S. trichodea were the most abundant sensilla and were distributed over the entire antennal surface. Four different types of S. trichodea and S. basiconc were observed. The number of S. basiconc and S. coeloconica of males were greater than those of females of C. medinalis. S. squamous formed on the dorsal part of the antenna, as a cluster in females and as in a line in males. Higher magnification revealed that S. basiconc had an olfactory function, while the character of longer length of these sensilla suggested that they also played a role in sensing mechanical or other chemical stimuli. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) of S. squamous revealed nonporous walls suggesting a non‐olfactory function. S. coeloconica, S. styloconica, and S. cavity may be involved in the perception of humidity, temperature, heat, and CO2. Because of their particular location, we infer that B. bristles may function in sensing the position and movements of the antennae, while the function of S. auricillica is as yet unknown. The results obtained provide direct morphological evidence that antennae possess structures that can play a role in finding mates and locating host plants. Microsc. Res. Tech. 74:113‐121, 2011. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Distribution of nestin protein: Immunohistochemical study in enteric plexus of rat duodenum
Authors: Carmona I. Cantarero , Luesma Bartolomé M.J. , Lavoie‐Gagnon C. , Junquera Escribano C.
Published: May 2010

The intermediate nestin filament is expressed in neural stem cells, neuroectodermal tumors and various adult tissues under situations that reproduce developmental phases, e.g., physiological renewal of certain cell types, tissue regeneration, and healing or revascularization. In the human gastrointestinal tract, nestin has been reported in glial cells and interstitial cells of Cajal. We examined by immunohistochemistry the appearance and distribution of nestin protein in enteric ganglia of rat duodenum. Through the myenteric and submucosal plexuses, a high number of nestin‐positive cells were visualized in this specie. The nestin‐positive cells were smaller and more numerous than enteric neurons. They were present both within and around ganglia. The results of this study suggest that the rat enteric glial cells (EGCs) are rich in nestin, a protein usually associated with dividing or migrating cells and the dynamic reorganization of nestin filaments during the cell cycle. EGCs could function as enteric stem cells. Microsc. Res. Tech. 74:148–152, 2011. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Modeling and optimization of microwave structures using quick space mapping with variable weight coefficients
Authors: Koziel Slawomir , Bandler John W.
Published: May 2010

We describe an improvement of a recent space mapping (SM) modeling approach that uses variable weight coefficients (SM‐VWC). Our modification alleviates the main drawback of SM‐VWC: the computational overhead related to a separate parameter extraction required for each evaluation of the surrogate model. In our new procedure, the output SM parameters of the surrogate model are obtained by solving a linear regression problem instead of being determined in the nonlinear parameter extraction process. This dramatically reduces the evaluation time of the surrogate model. Moreover, the modeling accuracy of the modified technique is even better than the accuracy of the original SM‐VWC approach, which is because—in a practical implementation—the original SM‐VWC technique reduces the computational cost of the parameter extraction at the expense of its quality. Examples demonstrate the robustness of our approach. Applications of the quick SM‐VWC for the parametric design optimization are also presented. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Role of adenosine kinase in cochlear development and response to noise
Authors: Vlajkovic Srdjan M. , Guo Cindy X. , Dharmawardana Nuwan , Wong Ann Chi Yan , Boison Detlev , Housley Gary D. , Thorne Peter R.
Published: May 2010

Adenosine signalling has an important role in cochlear protection from oxidative stress. In most tissues, intracellular adenosine kinase (ADK) is the primary route of adenosine metabolism and the key regulator of intracellular and extracellular adenosine levels. The present study provides the first evidence for ADK distribution in the adult and developing rat cochlea. In the adult cochlea, ADK was localized to the nuclear or perinuclear region of spiral ganglion neurons, lateral wall tissues, and epithelial cells lining scala media. In the developing cochlea, ADK was strongly expressed in multiple cell types at birth and reached its peak level of expression at postnatal day 21 (P21). Ontogenetic changes in ADK expression were evident in the spiral ganglion, organ of Corti, and stria vascularis. In the spiral ganglion, ADK showed a shift from predominantly satellite cell immunolabelling at P1 to neuronal expression from P14 onward. In contrast to the role of ADK in various aspects of cochlear development, the ADK contribution to the cochlear response to noise stress was less obvious. Transcript and protein levels of ADK were unaltered in the cochlea exposed to broadband noise (90–110 dBSPL, 24 hr), and the selective inhibition of ADK in the cochlea with ABT‐702 failed to restore hearing thresholds after exposure to traumatic noise. This study indicates that ADK is involved in purine salvage pathways for nucleotide synthesis in the adult cochlea, but its role in the regulation of adenosine signalling under physiological and pathological conditions has yet to be established. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Phosphorus uptake by cowpea plants from sparingly available or soluble sources as affected by nitrogen form and arbuscular‐mycorrhiza‐fungal inoculation
Authors: Ngwene Benard , George Eckhard , Claussen Winfried , Neumann Elke
Published: May 2010

In most plant species, nutrient uptake is facilitated upon root association with symbiotic arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi. The aim of the present experiment was to test how the form in which nitrogen (N) is supplied to the growth medium affects substrate pH, AM development, and contribution of the symbiosis to phosphorus (P) uptake from sparingly available or soluble resources. Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L. Walp) plants inoculated or noninoculated with AM fungi (Glomus sp.) were grown in pots with a sand substrate supplied with nutrient solution. The nutrient solution was prepared either with a high or a low concentration of soluble P, and NO$ _3^- $‐N : NH$ _4^+ $‐N ratios of 9:1 or 5:5. The substrate supplied with low‐P nutrient solution was either or not additionally amended with ground rock phosphate. Despite a high level of root colonization, AM fungi used in the present study did not appear to increase plant availability of rock phosphate. It cannot be excluded that the ability of AM root systems to acquire P from sparingly available resources differs depending on the plant and fungal genotypes or environmental conditions. The absence from the growth substrate of P‐solubilizing microorganisms able to associate with AM mycelia might also have been a reason for this observation in our study. Increased supply of NH$ _4^+ $ relative to NO$ _3^- $ improved plant P availability from rock phosphate, but also had a negative effect on the extent of AM‐fungal root colonization, irrespective of the plant P‐nutritional status. Whether increasing levels of NH$ _4^+ $ can also negatively affect the functioning of the AM symbiosis in terms of plant element uptake, pathogen protection or soil‐structure stabilization deserves further investigation.
Distant nodal metastases from intrathoracic esophageal squamous cell carcinoma: Characteristics of long‐term survivors after chemoradiotherapy
Authors: Chao Yin‐Kai , Wu Yi‐Cheng , Liu Yun‐Hen , Tseng Chen‐Kan , Chang Hsien‐Kun , Hsieh Ming‐Ju , Chu Yen , Liu Hui‐Ping
Published: May 2010

Background

Non‐regional lymph node metastasis in intrathoracic esophageal cancer is classified as M1 lesion with poor prognosis following surgery alone. We studied the controversial question of whether chemoradiotherapy (CRT) improves survival of these patients.

Methods

A cohort of patients with clinically overt nodal M1 disease, which could be encompassed by a tolerable radiation therapy port, was selected from the database of the Chang Gung Memorial Hospital.

Results

From 1994 to 2005, 54 nodal stage IV intrathoracic esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) patients received neoadjuvant CRT. Significant response occurred in 24 patients. Scheduled esophagectomy was performed in 26 patients. The 3‐year overall survival (OS) and disease‐free survival (DFS) for the whole group were 27% (median: 14.2 months) and 22% (median: 14.7 months), respectively. Multivariate analysis identified pretherapy lymph nodes classified as M1a and R0 resection after CRT as independent favorable prognosticators. Median survival reached 36.9 months in the pretherapy M1a subgroup as opposed to 12.5 months in the M1b subgroup (3‐year‐DFS: 40% vs. 10%, P = 0.0117). Scheduled surgery after CRT benefits only after R0 resection (3‐year‐DFS: 36%, median survival: 45 months). The group with incomplete resection had a high surgical risk and dismal survival compared to the non‐surgery group (3‐year‐DFS: 0% vs. 9%, 9.5 vs. 10.5 months).

Conclusions

Pretherapy M1a disease had a significantly better survival than nodal M1b disease after CRT in SCC. Aggressive surgical treatment after CRT is reserved for cases when complete resection is anticipated. J. Surg. Oncol. 2010;102:158–162. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Ten years later: A single hospital experience with malignancy in HIV/AIDS
Authors: Reed Mary , Cosgrove John M. , Cindrich Richard , Parithivel Vellore S. , GAD Youhanna , Bangalore Madan , Uzor Robert , Kalim Jawaid , Segura Raymundo , Albu Eugene
Published: May 2010

Background and Objective

We present our experience in the era of HAART with 5,112 patients having HIV infection or AIDS, treated between 2002 and 2006 in our hospital, 182 of whom had malignancies (3.56%). We compared our findings to those from a similar cohort of patients studied 10 years earlier.

Methods

The charts were reviewed and data was electronically collected as in our 1993–1998 study. Similar statistical analyses were performed in both studies and the results were compared.

Results

For the current study the average patient age increased by 9 years. A decrease in AIDS‐defining cancers (ADC), from 63.6% to 37.3% and a higher incidence of non‐AIDS‐defining cancers (NADC), 62.7 as opposed to 37.9% was found. No decrease in the incidence of non‐Hodgkin's B cell lymphoma (NHL) was noted. There was an increase in the number of opportunistic infections notably hepatitis C virus (HCV) and hepatitis B virus (HBV).

Conclusions

HIV/AIDS patients on HAART are older, have lower rates of AIDS related Kaposi's sarcoma and a higher incidence of NADCs than did patients in the early HAART era. No decrease in the proportion of NHL was observed. J. Surg. Oncol. 2010;102:282–286. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
[18F]‐fluorodeoxyglucose‐positron emission tomography for the assessment of histopathologic response and prognosis after completion of neoadjuvant chemotherapy in gastric cancer
Authors: Vallböhmer D. , Hölscher A.H. , Schneider P.M. , Schmidt M. , Dietlein M. , Bollschweiler E. , Baldus S. , Alakus H. , Brabender J. , Metzger R. , Mönig S. P.
Published: May 2010

Background and Objectives

Neoadjuvant chemotherapy is applied to improve the prognosis of patients with advanced gastric cancer. However, only a major histopathological response will provide a benefit. Recent studies suggest that [18F]‐fluorodeoxyglucose‐positron‐emission‐tomography (FDG‐PET) correlates with response and survival in patients with gastroesophageal adenocarcinomas undergoing neoadjuvant chemotherapy. We evaluated the potential of FDG‐PET for the assessment of response and prognosis in the multimodality treatment of gastric cancer.

Methods

Study patients were recruited from a prospective observation trial. Forty two patients with advanced gastric cancer received neoadjuvant chemotherapy and subsequently 40 patients underwent standardized gastrectomy (2 patients with tumor progression had therapy limited to palliative chemotherapy without surgery). Histomorphologic regression was defined as major response when resected specimens contained <10% vital tumor cells. FDG‐PET was performed before and 2 weeks after the end of neoadjuvant chemotherapy with assessment of the intratumoral FDG‐uptake [pre‐treatment standardized uptake value (SUV1); post‐treatment SUV (SUV2); percentage change (SUVΔ%)].

Results

Histomorphological tumor regression was confirmed as a prognostic factor (P = 0.039). No significant correlations between SUV1, SUV2, or SUVΔ% and response or prognosis were found.

Conclusion

FDG‐PET seems not to be an imaging system that effectively characterizes major/minor response and survival in patients with gastric cancer following multimodality treatment. J. Surg. Oncol. 2010;102:135–140. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.