bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Optimal design of Service Overlay Networks with economic and performance constraints
Authors: Adami Davide , Callegari Christian , Giordano Stefano , Pagano Michele , Pepe Teresa
Published: November 2009

In the last years, Service Overlay Networks (SONs) have emerged as a promising means to address some of the issues (e.g. end‐to‐end QoS) affecting the current Internet and to favor the development and deployment of new value‐added Internet services. The deployment of an SON is a capital‐intensive investment, since bandwidth with certain QoS guarantees must be purchased from the individual network domains through bilateral Service Level Agreements. Thus, minimizing the economic cost of the logical end‐to‐end service delivery infrastructure is one of the key objectives for the SON provider. When a SON is aimed at end‐to‐end QoS provisioning, its topology must be designed so as to also satisfy the specific requirements of QoS‐sensitive applications. This paper deals with the problem of planning the SON topology in order to take into account both cost and QoS constraints. More specifically, the paper proposes a set of new algorithms for the design of an optimized SON topology, which minimizes the economic cost while simultaneously meeting bandwidth and delay constraints. A performance comparison among such algorithms is finally carried out. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
An in‐house communication support system based on an information propagation model utilizing social networks
Authors: Takeuchi Susumu , Teranishi Yuuichi , Harumoto Kaname , Shimojo Shinji
Published: November 2009

Almost all companies are now utilizing computer networks to support speedier and more effective in‐house information‐sharing and communication. However, existing systems are designed to support communications only within the same department. Therefore, in our research, we propose an in‐house communication support system which is based on the “Information Propagation Model” (IPM). The IPM is proposed to realize word‐of‐mouth communication in a social network, and to support information‐sharing on the network. By applying the system in a real company, we found that information could be exchanged between different and unrelated departments, and such exchanges of information could help to build new relationships between the users who are apart on the social network. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electron Comm Jpn, 92(12): 43–49, 2009; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/ecj.10173
Audio watermark embedding technique applying auditory stream segregation: “G‐encoder mark,” extractable by mobile phone
Authors: Modegi Toshio
Published: November 2009

We are developing audio watermarking techniques which enable extraction of embedded data by cell phones. For this purpose data must be embedded into frequency ranges where the auditory response is prominent, and therefore data embedding will cause large amounts of auditory noise. Previously we have proposed applying a two‐channel stereo play‐back feature, in which noise generated by a data‐embedded left‐channel signal will be reduced by the other right‐channel signal. However, this proposal has the practical problem of restricting the location of the extracting terminal. In this paper, we propose to synthesize the noise‐reducing right‐channel signal with the left‐channel signal, which reduces noises completely by making use of the auditory stream segregation phenomenon in human hearing. This new proposal makes the noise‐reducing right‐channel signal unnecessary and supports monaural play‐back operation. We also propose a wide‐band embedding method causing dual auditory stream segregation, which makes possible data embedding in the entire public phone frequency range, and also stable extraction by 3‐G mobile phones. When using this method, the extraction precision becomes greater than that of the previously proposed method, and the quality degradation of the embedded signals is reduced. We present a survey of our newly proposed method, together with a comparison of experimental results comparing the new method and the previously proposed method. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electron Comm Jpn, 92(12): 1–12, 2009; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/ecj.10245
Compensation of power fluctuations of wind power generation by means of biomass gas turbine generator and flywheel energy storage equipment
Authors: Hara Masahiko , Yamamura Naoki , Ishida Muneaki , Wakita Masaaki , Kamada Yasunari , Maeda Takao
Published: November 2009

Power generation using natural energy contains electric power fluctuations. Therefore, in order to put such power generation systems to practical use, compensation for system power fluctuations is needed. In this paper, we propose a power compensation method using a biomass gas turbine generator and flywheel energy storage equipment. The gas turbine generator is used for compensation of low‐frequency power fluctuations in order to decrease the required flywheel capacity. The usefulness of the proposed system is confirmed by experiments using a test plant. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electr Eng Jpn, 170(3): 1–8, 2010; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/eej.20896
A simple method for output voltage control of a three‐phase multilevel inverter considering DC voltage fluctuation
Authors: Amei Kenji , Teshima Kenji , Tanizaki Youhei , Ohji Takahisa , Sakui Masaaki
Published: November 2009

Multilevel inverter circuit generates the stair‐like voltage without using transformer and interphase reactor, and it is the circuit which realizes reduction in the harmonics and enlargement of the capacity. In addition, the application of PWM control improves the waveform, and reduces the switching component to the conventional half, and the filter capacity is reduced.

In this paper, improvement on the voltage utilization factor and feedback control of output voltage are applied to multilevel inverter circuit. For the DC power supply with the intense fluctuation, it is necessary to construct inverter circuit which can supply stabilized AC voltage. One‐chip microcomputer with various functions is used for the control equipment of this circuit, and miniaturization and cost reduction of the control equipment are realized. Here, the control principle and experimental results of this equipment are mainly reported. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electr Eng Jpn, 170(3): 40–47, 2010; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/eej.20906
Business scenario evaluation using Monte Carlo simulation on qualitative and quantitative hybrid model
Authors: Samejima Masaki , Akiyoshi Masanori , Mitsukuni Koshichiro , Komoda Norihisa
Published: November 2009

We propose a business scenario evaluation method using a qualitative/quantitative hybrid model. In order to evaluate business factors with qualitative causal relations, we introduce statistical values based on propagation and combination of effects of business factors by Monte Carlo simulation. In propagating an effect, we divide a range of each factor by landmarks and decide an effect to a destination node based on the divided ranges. In combining effects, we determine an effect of each arc using contribution degree and sum all effects. Through applied results to practical models, it is confirmed that there are no differences between results obtained by quantitative relations and results obtained by the proposed method at the risk rate of 5%. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electr Eng Jpn, 170(3): 9–18, 2010; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/eej.20950
Galectin‐9 expands immunosuppressive macrophages to ameliorate T‐cell‐mediated lung inflammation
Authors: Arikawa Tomohiro , Saita Naoki , Oomizu Souichi , Ueno Masaki , Matsukawa Akihiro , Katoh Shigeki , Kojima Keisuke , Nagahara Keiko , Miyake Minoru , Yamauchi Akira , Kohrogi Hirotsugu , Hirashima Mitsuomi
Published: November 2009

Galectin‐9 (Gal‐9) plays pivotal roles in the modulation of innate and adaptive immunity to suppress T‐cell‐mediated autoimmune models. However, it remains unclear if Gal‐9 plays a suppressive role for T‐cell function in non‐autoimmune disease models. We assessed the effects of Gal‐9 on experimental hypersensitivity pneumonitis induced by Trichosporon asahii. When Gal‐9 was given subcutaneously to C57BL/6 mice at the time of challenge with T. asahii, it significantly suppressed T. asahii‐induced lung inflammation, as the levels of IL‐1, IL‐6, IFN‐γ, and IL‐17 were significantly reduced in the BALF of Gal‐9‐treated mice. Moreover, co‐culture of anti‐CD3‐stimulated CD4 T cells with BALF cells harvested from Gal‐9‐treated mice on day 1 resulted in diminished CD4 T‐cell proliferation and decreased levels of IFN‐γ and IL‐17. CD11b+Ly‐6ChighF4/80+ BALF Mϕ expanded by Gal‐9 were responsible for the suppression. We further found in vitro that Gal‐9, only in the presence of T. asahii, expands CD11b+Ly‐6ChighF4/80+ cells from BM cells, and the cells suppress T‐cell proliferation and IFN‐γ and IL‐17 production. The present results indicate that Gal‐9 expands immunosuppressive CD11b+Ly‐6Chigh Mϕ to ameliorate Th1/Th17 cell‐mediated hypersensitivity pneumonitis.
Synthesis and Characterization of Germanium Coordination Compounds for Production of Germanium Nanomaterials
Authors: Boyle Timothy J. , Tribby Louis J. , Ottley Leigh Anna M. , Han Sang M.
Published: November 2009

A series of novel germanium(II) precursors was synthesized to initiate an investigation between the precursors' structures and the morphologies of the resulting nanoparticles. Theprecursors were synthesized from the reaction of Ge[N(SiMe3)2]2 or [Ge(OtBu)2]2 and the appropriate ligand: N,N″‐dibenzylethylenediamine (H2‐DBED), tert‐butyl alcohol (H‐OtBu), 2,6‐dimethylphenol (H‐DMP), 2,6‐diphenylphenol (H‐DPP), tert‐butyldimethylsilanol (H‐DMBS), triphenylsilanol (H‐TPS), triphenylsilanethiol (H‐TPST), and benzenethiol (H‐PS). The products were identified as: [Ge(μc‐DBED)]2 (1, μc = bridging chelating), [Ge(μ‐DMP)(DMP)]2 (2), Ge(DPP)2 (3), [Ge(μ‐OtBu)(DMBS)]2, (4), [Ge(μ‐DMBS)(DMBS)]2 (5), Ge(TPS)3(H) (6), [Ge(μ‐TPST)(TPST)]2 (7), and Ge(PS)4 (8). The GeII metal centers were found to adopt a pyramidal geometry for 1, 2, 4, 5, 7, a bent arrangement for 3, and a tetrahedral coordination for the GeIV species 6 and 8. Using a simple solution precipitation methodology, Ge0 nanomaterials were isolated as dots and wires for the majority of precursors. Compound 7 led to the isolation of amorphous GexSy. The nanomaterials isolated were characterized by TEM, EDS, and powder XRD. A correlation between the precursor's arrangement and final observed nanomorphology was proffered as part of the “precursor structure affect” phenomenon. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2009)
Cyclization of Trichloroacetimidates by Olefin Aminopalladation β‐Heteroatom Elimination
Authors: Maleckis Ansis , Jaunzeme Ieva , Jirgensons Aigars
Published: November 2009

The cyclization of δ‐acetoxy‐O‐allyl‐ and ϵ‐acetoxy‐O‐homoallyl‐trichloroacetimidates to 4‐vinyloxazolines and a 4‐vinyldihydrooxazine has been efficiently achieved by olefin aminopalladation–β‐heteroatom elimination. (Z)‐Allylic imidates bearing a secondary δ‐acetoxy group underwent PdII‐catalysed cyclization to give the E isomers of 4‐vinyloxazolines selectively and gave no Overman rearrangement products. Using a chiral substrate, it has been demonstrated that cyclization to 4‐vinyloxazolines occurs with high chirality transfer. Stereoselective E isomer formation and chirality transfer provided a basis from which to discuss the possible reaction mechanism. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2009)
Efficient Synthesis of Unsymmetrical Disulfides through Sulfenic Acids
Authors: Aversa Maria Chiara , Barattucci Anna , Bonaccorsi Paola
Published: November 2009

Unsymmetrical disulfides, some of which are biologically interesting, were prepared by the in situ generation of sulfenic acids from suitable sulfinyl precursors and their coupling with various thiols. This methodology represents an efficient and mild procedure to obtain disulfides in excellent yields. It allows the presence of base/acid and/or thermolabile functional groups in both the sulfenic acid and the thiol on the basis of the choice of suitable sulfenic acid precursors and offers wide chances of modulating the construction of the disulfide bridge between different structural skeletons such as homo‐ and heteroaromatic, amino acidic and sugar residues. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2009)
FeX3‐Promoted Intermolecular Addition of Benzylic Alcohols to Aromatic Alkynes: A Mild and Efficient Strategy for the Synthesis of Alkenyl Halides
Authors: Ren Kai , Wang Min , Wang Lei
Published: November 2009

A convenient, effective, mild and simple strategy has been developed for the synthesis of alkenyl halides by the intermolecular addition of benzylic alcohols to aromatic alkynes. The reactions were carried out in the presence of iron(III) bromide or chloride in 1,2‐dibromoethane without additives in air at room temperature. Alkenyl bromides and chlorides were obtained with high regio‐ and stereoselectivity (E/Z up to 99:1) in good‐to‐excellent yields in 0.5–1 h under mild reaction conditions.
Enantioselective Synthesis of a Novel Chiral 2,9‐Disubstituted 1,10‐Phenanthroline and First Applications in Asymmetric Catalysis
Authors: Nandakumar Mecheril Valsan , Ghosh Subrata , Schneider Christoph
Published: November 2009

The asymmetric synthesis of a novel, C2‐symmetric, tetradentate 1,10‐phenanthroline is described; it is based on the stereoselective preparation of two functionalized pyridine subunits, which were subsequently joined through two consecutive carbon–carbon bond‐forming reactions to assemble the heteroaromatic system. Some initial applications of this new chiral ligand in metal‐catalyzed, enantioselective ring‐opening reactions of meso‐epoxides and aminations of β‐keto esters are presented.(© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2009)
Genotoxicity of a freshwater cyanotoxin, cylindrospermopsin, in two human cell lines: Caco‐2 and HepaRG
Authors: Bazin Emmanuelle , Mourot Annick , Humpage Andrew R. , Fessard Valérie
Published: November 2009

Cylindrospermopsin (CYN), a cyanotoxin produced by certain freshwater cyanobacteria, causes human intoxications and animal mortalities. CYN is a potent inhibitor of protein‐ and glutathione‐synthesis. Preliminary evidence for in vivo tumor initiation has been found in mice but the mechanism remains unclear. Several in vitro and in vivo studies demonstrate that CYN is genotoxic and requires metabolic activation. In the present study, the genotoxicity of CYN was assessed in human hepatocyte and enterocyte cell lines, which are models for CYN target organs. The cytokinesis‐block micronucleus assay was conducted on liver‐derived HepaRG cells and colon‐derived Caco‐2 cells. Each cell‐type was exposed to CYN in both the differentiated and the undifferentiated states, and both with and without the cytochrome P450 inhibitor, ketoconazole, to determine the involvement of metabolism in CYN genotoxicity. CYN increased the frequency of micronuclei in binucleated cells (MNBNC) in both Caco‐2 and HepaRG cells. Moreover, ketoconazole reduced both the genotoxicity and cytotoxicity caused by CYN. Our results confirm the involvement of metabolic activation of CYN in mediating its toxicity and suggest that CYN is progenotoxic. Environ. Mol. Mutagen. 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Microvascular free flap reconstruction versus palatal obturation for maxillectomy defects
Authors: Moreno Mauricio A. , Skoracki Roman J. , Hanna Ehab Y. , Hanasono Matthew M.
Published: November 2009

Background.

Palatal obturators and microvascular free flaps are both used to treat patients with maxillectomy defects, however, the optimal technique remains controversial.

Methods.

A retrospective analysis of 113 patients undergoing maxillectomy for cancer was performed. Seventy‐three patients received an obturator and 40 patients were reconstructed with a free flap.

Results.

Speech intelligibility and postoperative diet were comparable between the obturator and free flap groups, except in cases of extensive (>50%) palatal defects, where free flap reconstruction was superior in both aspects (p = .019 and p = .043, respectively). The average time for presenting with a local recurrence in advanced cancer involving the palate was comparable in both groups (p = .33).

Conclusion.

Moderate‐sized maxillectomy defects involving the palate can be successfully treated with either an obturator or free flap reconstruction. Extensive defects have a better functional outcome with free flaps. Evidence does not suggest that free flap reconstructions delay diagnosis of local recurrences. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2009
Evaluating the spatiotemporal variations of water budget across China over 1951–2006 using IBIS model
Authors: Zhu Qiuan , Jiang Hong , Liu Jinxun , Wei Xiaohua , Peng Changhui , Fang Xiuqing , Liu Shirong , Zhou Guomo , Yu Shuquan , Ju Weiming
Published: November 2009

The Integrated Biosphere Simulator is used to evaluate the spatial and temporal patterns of the crucial hydrological variables [run‐off and actual evapotranspiration (AET)] of the water balance across China for the period 1951–2006 including a precipitation analysis. Results suggest three major findings. First, simulated run‐off captured 85% of the spatial variability and 80% of the temporal variability for 85 hydrological gauges across China. The mean relative errors were within 20% for 66% of the studied stations and within 30% for 86% of the stations. The Nash–Sutcliffe coefficients indicated that the quantity pattern of run‐off was also captured acceptably except for some watersheds in southwestern and northwestern China. The possible reasons for underestimation of run‐off in the Tibetan plateau include underestimation of precipitation and uncertainties in other meteorological data due to complex topography, and simplified representations of the soil depth attribute and snow processes in the model. Second, simulated AET matched reasonably with estimated values calculated as the residual of precipitation and run‐off for watersheds controlled by the hydrological gauges. Finally, trend analysis based on the Mann–Kendall method indicated that significant increasing and decreasing patterns in precipitation appeared in the northwest part of China and the Yellow River region, respectively. Significant increasing and decreasing trends in AET were detected in the Southwest region and the Yangtze River region, respectively. In addition, the Southwest region, northern China (including the Heilongjiang, Liaohe, and Haihe Basins), and the Yellow River Basin showed significant decreasing trends in run‐off, and the Zhemin hydrological region showed a significant increasing trend. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Impact of land use on distributed hydrological processes in the semi‐arid wetland ecosystem of Western Jilin
Authors: Moiwo Juana Paul , Lu Wenxi , Zhao Yongsheng , Yang Yonghui , Yang Yanmin
Published: November 2009

In especially arid/semi‐arid regions, wetlands are steadily destroyed or converted into other forms of land use due mainly to population and socio‐economic growth. The accurate estimation of catchment hydrological processes is therefore vital not only for sustainable land/water resources management in these regions, but also for the adequate preservation of wetland ecosystems. In this study, distributed recharge, runoff and evapotranspiration (ET) are simulated for the wetland‐based ecosystem of Western Jilin using WetSpass (Water and Energy Transfer between Soil, Plants and the Atmosphere under quasi‐Steady‐State), extended with MODFLOW. Comparisons of hydrophysiographic conditions of 1930 and 2000 show good agreements between the model‐simulated fluxes and long‐term field‐measurement data, all with R2 above 0.8. About 21% of the wetlands have been converted into primarily farmlands. Water quality is also deteriorating due to land use change and accompanying increase in ET against decreasing recharge. While ET is highest for open water surfaces, it mostly originates from vegetated land surfaces. Recharge is not only highest, but also mainly originates from vegetated land surfaces. Similarly, runoff is highest and largely originates from bare land surfaces. Whereas ET is influenced mainly by land use, recharge and runoff are variously influenced by land use, soil type and topographic slope. Changes in the hydrophysiographic conditions pose a considerable threat to wetland ecosystems in the study area. As ET is the predominant mode of water loss, ET‐limiting land/water resources management strategies are critical for environmental sustainability and for long‐term restoration and conservation of the fragile wetland‐based ecosystem. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Simulating the integrated effects of topography and soil properties on runoff generation in hilly forested catchments, South China
Authors: Chen Xi , Cheng Qinbo , Chen Yongqin David , Smettem Keith , Xu Chong‐Yu
Published: November 2009

Estimation of runoff components associated with catchment topography and soil properties is critical for planning water resources utilization and evaluating hydrological changes due to artificially induced land surface manipulation. In this study, the modified TOPMODEL by Scanlon et al. (2000) was applied to simulate runoff‐generating processes and to separate runoff components in two hilly forested catchments within the Dongjiang Basin of Southeast China. The modified TOPMODEL was improved by integrating an evapotranspiration package with the model algorithms. Influences of catchment topography and soil properties on runoff generation were analysed on the basis of explicit expression of catchment field capacity distribution derived from the topographic index and catchment average field capacity. Study results demonstrate that the model is capable of simulating hydrological processes and separate hydrological components in both hourly and daily time steps. Total runoff generation primarily depends on the effective storage capacity of unsaturated zone. A 50% decrease of the effective storage capacity from 0·22 to 0·11 m over the soil zone leads to a 6·6% increase in total runoff. Topography plays a dominant role in formation of runoff components. When the catchment mean slope increases by 87%, subsurface storm flow could increase by 50% whilst overland flow decreases by 7·5% and baseflow by 6·7%. Vertical changes of soil permeability influence runoff components as well. Decrease of the lower layer hydraulic transmissivity may result in 2–3% increase of overland flow and subsurface storm flow and 5% decrease of baseflow. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Association between polymorphisms in interleukin‐17A and interleukin‐17F genes and risks of gastric cancer
Authors: Wu Xiaoqin , Zeng Zhirong , Chen Bin , Yu Jun , Xue Ling , Hao Yuantao , Chen Minhu , Sung Joseph J.Y. , Hu Pinjin
Published: November 2009

Chronic inflammation is the hallmark of the pathogenesis of Helicobacter pylori‐induced gastric cancer. Interleukin (IL)‐17A and IL‐17F are inflammatory cytokines expressed by a novel subset of CD4+ Th cells and play critical function in inflammation and probably in cancer. We conducted a case–control study including 1,010 gastric cancer patients and 800 healthy controls to assess the association between IL‐17A G197A and IL‐17F A7488G polymorphisms and risk of gastric cancer. Genotypes were determined by polymerase chain reaction‐restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR‐RFLP) and DNA sequencing. Logistic regression and Cox‐proportional hazards analyses were used to evaluate the associations between polymorphisms and gastric cancer susceptibility, clinicopathological features and survival. After adjusted for age and gender, IL‐17F 7488GA and GG genotypes were associated with an increased risk of gastric cancer compared with AA genotype [OR 1.51, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.22–1.87 for GA; OR 1.61, 95% CI: 1.03–2.51 for GG]. Further stratification analyses indicated that the effect of IL‐17F 7488GA genotype was noteworthy in gastric cancer patients of noncardia, intestinal type, poorly and moderately differentiated, age older than 40, large tumor size and lymph node metastasis. IL‐17A 197AG genotype was associated with increased risk of poorly differentiated, TNM I/II, age of 40–65‐year subtypes of gastric cancer, but not with total gastric cancer risk (p = 0.098). No significant relationship was observed between polymorphisms and survival of gastric cancer patients. These findings suggest that polymorphism of IL‐17F 7488 involved in susceptibility to gastric cancer, which also influenced certain subtypes according to clinicopathological features, whereas IL‐17A 197 may be less relevant.
Tumor inhibition by sodium selenite is associated with activation of c‐Jun NH2‐terminal kinase 1 and suppression of β‐catenin signaling
Authors: Fang Wenfeng , Han Anjia , Bi Xiuli , Xiong Bin , Yang Wancai
Published: November 2009

Epidemiological and clinical studies suggest that an increased intake of dietary selenium significantly reduces overall cancer risk, but the anticancer mechanism of selenium is not clear. In this study, we fed intestinal cancer mouse model. Muc2/p21 double mutant mice with a selenium‐enriched (sodium selenite) diet for 12 or 24 weeks, and found that sodium selenite significantly inhibited intestinal tumor formation in these animals (p < 0.01), which was associated with phosphorylation of JNK1 and suppression of β‐catenin and COX2. In vitro studies showed that sodium selenite promoted cell apoptosis and inhibited cell proliferation in human colon cancer cell lines HCT116 and SW620. These effects were dose‐ and time course‐dependent, and were also linked to an increase of JNK1 phosphorylation and suppression of β‐catenin signaling. Reduced JNK1 expression by small RNA interference abrogated sufficient activation of JNK1 by sodium selenite, leading to reduced inhibition of the β‐catenin signaling, resulting in reduced efficacy of inhibiting cell proliferation. Taken together, our data demonstrate that sodium selenite inhibits intestinal carcinogenesis in vivo and in vitro through activating JNK1 and suppressing β‐catenin signaling, a novel anticancer mechanism of selenium.
High CCND1 amplification identifies a group of poor prognosis women with estrogen receptor positive breast cancer
Authors: Roy Pankaj G. , Pratt Norman , Purdie Colin A. , Baker Lee , Ashfield Alison , Quinlan Phil , Thompson Alastair M.
Published: November 2009

CCND1 encodes for the cyclin D1 protein involved in G1/S cell cycle transition. In breast cancer the mechanism of CCND1 amplification, relationship between cyclin D1 protein expression and the key clinical markers estrogen receptor (ER) and HER2 requires elucidation. Tissue microarrays of primary invasive breast cancer from 93 women were evaluated for CCND1 amplification by fluorescent in‐situ hybridization and cyclin D1 protein overexpression by immunohistochemistry. CCND1 amplification was identified in 27/93 (30%) cancers and 59/93 (63%) cancers had overexpression of cyclin D1. CCND1 amplification was significantly associated with cyclin D1 protein overexpression (p < 0.001; Fisher's exact test) and both CCND1 amplification and cyclin D1 protein expression with oestrogen receptor (ER) expression (p = 0.003 and p < 0.001; Fishers exact test). Neither CCND1 amplification nor cyclinD1 expression was associated with tumor size, pathological node status or HER2 amplification, but high CCND1 amplification (Copy Number Gain (CNG) ≥ 8) was associated with high tumor grade (p = 0.005; chi square 7.915, 2 df) and worse prognosis by Nottingham Prognostic Index (p = 0.001; 2 sample t‐test). High CCND1 amplification (CNG ≥ 8) may identify a subset of patients with poor prognosis ER‐positive breast cancers who should be considered for additional therapy.
GBV‐C/hepatitis G virus infection and non‐Hodgkin lymphoma: a case control study
Authors: Krajden Mel , Yu Amanda , Braybrook Heather , Lai Agnes S. , Mak Annie , Chow Ron , Cook Darrel , Tellier Raymond , Petric Martin , Gascoyne Randy D. , Connors Joseph M. , Brooks‐Wilson Angela R. , Gallagher Richard P. , Spinelli John J
Published: November 2009

We investigated whether there was an association between GBV‐C viremia and the development of non‐Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) in 553 NHL cases and 438 controls from British Columbia, Canada. Cases were aged 20–79, diagnosed between March 2000 and February 2004, and resident in Greater Vancouver or Victoria. Cases and controls were tested for GBV‐C RNA by RT‐PCR and positive samples were genotyped. Overall, GBV‐C RNA was detected in 4.5% of NHL cases vs. 1.8% of controls [adjusted odds ratio (OR) = 2.72, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.22–6.69]. The association between GBV‐C RNA detection and NHL remained even after individuals with a history of prior transfusion, injection drug use and hepatitis C virus sero‐positivity were excluded. GBV‐C viremia showed the strongest association with diffuse large B cell lymphoma (adjusted OR = 5.18, 95% CI = 2.06–13.71). Genotyping was performed on 29/33 GBV‐C RNA positive individuals; genotypes 2a (n = 22); 2b (n = 5) and 3 (n = 2) were identified, consistent with the distribution of genotypes found in North America. This is the largest case‐control study to date associating GBV‐C viremia and NHL risk. As GBV‐C is known to be transmitted through blood products this may have important implications for blood safety.
Parent of origin effects on age at colorectal cancer diagnosis
Authors: Lindor Noralane M. , Rabe Kari G. , Petersen Gloria M. , Chen Helen , Bapat Bharati , Hopper John , Young Joanne , Jenkins Mark , Potter John , Newcomb Polly , Templeton Allyson , LeMarchand Loic , Grove John , Burgio Michael R. , Haile Robert , Green Jane , Woods Michael O. , Seminara Daniela , Limburg Paul J. , Thibodeau Stephen N.
Published: November 2009

Genomic imprinting refers to a parent‐of‐origin specific effect on gene expression. At least 1% of genes in the human genome are modulated in this manner. We sought evidence for genomic imprinting in colorectal cancer by studying the ages at diagnosis in the offspring of 2,061 parent–child pairs in which both parent and child were affected by nonsyndromic colorectal cancer. Families were ascertained through the colon Cancer Family Registry [http://epi.grants.cancer.gov/CFR/] from both population‐based and clinic‐based sources. We found that the affected offspring of affected fathers were on average younger than offspring of affected mothers (55.8 vs. 53.7 years; p = 0.0003), but when divided into sons and daughters, this difference was driven entirely by younger age at diagnosis in daughters of affected fathers compared to sons (52.3 years vs. 55.1 years; p = 0.0004). A younger age at diagnosis in affected daughters of affected fathers was also observable in various subsets including families that met Amsterdam II Criteria, families that did not meet Amsterdam Criteria, and in families with documented normal DNA mismatch repair in tumors. Imprinting effects are not expected to be affected by the sex of the offspring. Possible explanations for these unexpected findings include: (i) an imprinted gene on the pseudoautosomal regions of the X chromosome; (ii) an imprinted autosomal gene that affects a sex‐specific pathway; or (iii) an X‐linked gene unmasked because of colonic tissue‐specific preferential inactivation of the maternal X chromosome.
Establishment of the 1st World Health Organization international standards for human papillomavirus type 16 DNA and type 18 DNA
Authors: Wilkinson Dianna E. , Baylis Sally A. , Padley David , Heath Alan B. , Ferguson Morag , Pagliusi Sonia R. , Quint Wim G. , Wheeler Cosette M. ,   on behalf of the Collaborative Study Group
Published: November 2009

A World Health Organization collaborative study was conducted to evaluate candidate international standards for human papillomavirus (HPV) Type 16 DNA (NIBSC code 06/202) and HPV Type 18 DNA (NIBSC code 06/206) for use in the amplification and detection steps of nucleic acid‐based assays. The freeze‐dried candidate international standards were prepared from bulk preparations of cloned plasmid containing full‐length HPV‐16 or HPV‐18 genomic DNA. Nineteen laboratories from 13 countries participated in the study using a variety of commercial and in‐house quantitative and qualitative assays. The data presented here indicate that, upon freeze‐drying, there is no significant loss in potency for the candidate HPV‐18 DNA and a slight loss in potency for the candidate HPV‐16 DNA; although this is likely not scientifically relevant when assay precision is considered. In general, the individual laboratory mean estimates for each study sample were grouped ±∼2 log10 around the theoretical HPV DNA concentration of the reconstituted ampoule (1 × 107 HPV genome equivalents/mL). The agreement between laboratories is improved when potencies are made relative to the candidate international standards, demonstrating their utility in harmonizing amplification and detection steps of HPV‐16 and −18 DNA assays. Degradation studies indicate that the candidate international standards are extremely stable and suitable for long‐term use. Based on these findings, the candidate standards were established as the 1st WHO international standards for HPV‐16 DNA and HPV‐18 DNA, each with a potency of 5 × 106 international units (IU) per ampoule or 1 × 107 IU mL−1 when reconstituted as directed.
Welfare‐maximizing monetary policy under parameter uncertainty
Authors: Edge Rochelle M. , Laubach Thomas , Williams John C.
Published: November 2009

This paper examines welfare‐maximizing monetary policy in an estimated micro‐founded general equilibrium model of the US economy where the policymaker faces uncertainty about model parameters. Uncertainty about parameters describing preferences and technology implies uncertainty about the model's dynamics, utility‐based welfare criterion and the ‘natural’ rates of output and interest that would prevail absent nominal rigidities. We estimate the degree of uncertainty regarding natural rates due to parameter uncertainty. We find that optimal Taylor rules under parameter uncertainty respond less to the output gap and more to price inflation than would be optimal absent parameter uncertainty. We also show that policy rules that focus solely on stabilizing wages and prices yield welfare outcomes very close to the first‐best. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
In vivo antibacterial and silver‐releasing properties of novel thermal sprayed silver‐containing hydroxyapatite coating
Authors: Shimazaki Takafumi , Miyamoto Hiroshi , Ando Yoshiki , Noda Iwao , Yonekura Yutaka , Kawano Shunsuke , Miyazaki Masaki , Mawatari Masaaki , Hotokebuchi Takao
Published: November 2009

One of the serious postoperative complications associated with joint replacement is bacterial infection. In addressing this problem, we have previously described the development of a novel thermal spraying technology combining silver (Ag) showing antibacterial activity with hydroxyapatite (HA) displaying good biocompatibility and osteoconductivity, and reported the in vitro properties. This study evaluated serum Ag ion concentrations and antibacterial activity against methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) using a subcutaneous rat model. HA loaded with 3 wt % of silver oxide (Ag‐HA) and plain HA were sprayed on the surface of titanium disks. Ag‐HA‐ or HA‐coated samples were implanted into the back subcutaneous pockets of male Sprague‐Dawley rats. Mean serum Ag ion concentration in the Ag‐HA group increased to more than 50 ppb by 48 h after implantation, then decreased gradually to baseline levels. Mean (± standard error of the mean) number of viable MRSA on HA coating was (1.5 ± 0.5) × 105, which is significantly more than the (1.1 ± 0.4) × 104 on Ag‐HA coating (p < 0.001). Ag‐HA coating offers good abilities to release Ag ions and kill MRSA in vivo. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2010
Physicochemical characterization of biomaterials commonly used in dentistry as bone substitutes—Comparison with human bone
Authors: Figueiredo Margarida , Henriques Jose , Martins Gabriela , Guerra Fernando , Judas Fernando , Figueiredo Helena
Published: November 2009

The present work focuses on the physicochemical characterization of selected mineral‐based biomaterials that are frequently used in dental applications. The selected materials are commercially available as granules from different biological origins: bovine, porcine, and coralline. Natural and calcined human bone were used for comparison purposes. Besides a classical rationalization of chemical composition and crystallinity, a major emphasis was placed on the measurement of various morphostructural properties such as particle size, porosity, density, and specific surface area. Such properties are crucial to acquiring a full interpretation of the in vivo performance. The studied samples exhibited distinct particle sizes (between 200 and 1000 μm) and shapes. Mercury intrusion revealed not only that the total sample porosity varied considerably (33% for OsteoBiol®, 50% for PepGen P‐15®, and 60% for BioOss®) but also that a significant percentage of that porosity corresponded to submicron pores. Biocoral® was not analyzed by this technique as it possesses larger pores than those of the porosimeter upper limit. The density values determined for the calcined samples were close to the theoretical values of hydroxyapatite. However, the values for the collagenated samples were lower, in accordance with their lower mineral content. The specific surface areas ranged from less than 1 m2/g (Biocoral) up to 60 m2/g (BioOss). The chemical and phase composition of most of the samples, the exception being Biocoral (aragonite), were hydroxyapatite based. Nonetheless, the samples exhibited different organic material content as a consequence of the distinct heat treatments that each had received. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2010
Empirically supported religious and spiritual therapies
Authors: Hook Joshua N. , Worthington Everett L. , Davis Don E. , Jennings David J. , Gartner Aubrey L. , Hook Jan P.
Published: November 2009

This article evaluated the efficacy status of religious and spiritual (R/S) therapies for mental health problems, including treatments for depression, anxiety, unforgiveness, eating disorders, schizophrenia, alcoholism, anger, and marital issues. Religions represented included Christianity, Islam, Taoism, and Buddhism. Some studies incorporated a generic spirituality. Several R/S therapies were found to be helpful for clients, supporting the further use and research on these therapies. There was limited evidence that R/S therapies outperformed established secular therapies, thus the decision to use an R/S therapy may be an issue of client preference and therapist comfort. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Psychol 66: 1–27, 2010.
Provision of social support to individuals with chronic fatigue syndrome
Authors: Jason Leonard A. , Roesner Nicole , Porter Nicole , Parenti Brittany , Mortensen Jennifer , Till Lindsay
Published: November 2009

The present study evaluated a buddy program designed to provide support for individuals with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). The intervention involved weekly visits by a student paraprofessional, who helped out with tasks that needed to be done in an effort to reduce some of the taxing demands and responsibilities that participants regularly encountered. This model of rehabilitation focused on avoiding overexertion in persons with CFS, aiming to avoid setbacks and relapses while increasing their tolerance for activity. Participants with CFS were randomly assigned to either a 4‐month buddy intervention or a control condition. Posttest results showed that individuals who received a student buddy intervention had significantly greater reductions in fatigue severity and increases in vitality than individuals in the control condition. There were no significant changes between groups for physical functioning and stress. Buddy interventions that help patients with CFS reduce overexertion and possibly remain within their energy envelopes can be thought of as representing a different paradigm than nonpharmacologic interventions that focus only on increasing levels of activity through graded exercise. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Psychol 66: 249–258, 2010.
Synthesis, reactivity, and NMR spectroscopy of 4,6‐ and 6,7‐difluoro‐3‐methyl‐1H‐indazoles
Authors: Medina Carlos Pérez , López Concepción , Claramunt Rosa M. , Elguero José
Published: November 2009

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Four 1H‐indazoles, two of them doubly substituted by fluorine atoms and the other two obtained by nitration of the foregoing derivatives, were prepared and fully characterized by multinuclear NMR in solution and in solid state in view of their potential nitric oxide synthase inhibition properties. J. Heterocyclic Chem., (2009).
An efficient method to prepare 4‐aminoquinazolines: Potential application to conformation‐restricted bleomycin analogs
Authors: Wei Zhonglin , Zheng Lianyou , Dang Qun , Bai Xu
Published: November 2009

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To enhance the iron‐chelating ability of P‐3A, 4‐aminoquinazolines were designed as conformation‐restricted bleomycin analogs. An efficient method was developed to prepare the 4‐aminoquinazoline heterocyclic nucleus, which entails a two‐step one‐pot procedure leading to 4‐aminoquinazolines in good yields. The application of this method to synthesis 4‐aminoquinazoline bleomycin analogs is envisioned. J. Heterocyclic Chem., (2009).
Regioselectivity of a 1,3‐dipolar cycloaddition to phenyl vinyl sulfoxide
Authors: Gray Tyler C. , Hasanayn Faraj , Richardson David P. , Markgraf J. Hodge
Published: November 2009

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The regioselectivity of the 1,3‐dipolar cycloaddition of benzonitrile N‐oxide to phenyl vinyl sulfoxide is established by isotopic labeling and 13C NMR analysis, and by DFT calculations. J. Heterocyclic Chem., (2009).
Bayesian journey‐to‐crime modelling of single and multiple crime‐type series in Baltimore County, MD
Authors: Leitner Michael , Kent Joshua
Published: November 2009

This study tested different Bayesian Journey‐to‐Crime (JTC) models on a sample group of 850 serial offenders apprehended in Baltimore County, MD from 1993 to 1997. In this research, Bayesian JTC models were being used to predict the home locations of the offenders. The sample group data included 133 assaults, 90 burglaries, 497 larcenies, 81 robberies, and 49 vehicle thefts. The main question this research aimed to answer was whether the addition of crimes of a different type to an existing crime series of a single type would result in more accurate and/or precise Bayesian JTC models. The standard practice by law enforcement has been to consider the same‐type crime series only when modelling the anchor point of the offender. Similarly, in research, geographic profiles have been constructed exclusively with the same‐type crime series. The results of this study clearly indicated that the inclusion of crimes of a different type into a single crime‐type series will result in significantly more accurate and more precise Bayesian JTC models. In contrast, crime series with predominantly assault and burglary showed results that were inconclusive or indicated no significant differences. These results should encourage law enforcement agencies to re‐evaluate their standard practice of constructing geographic profiles with only the same‐type crime series. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Developments in geographical offender profiling: commentary on Bayesian journey‐to‐crime modelling
Authors: Canter David
Published: November 2009

The Bayesian approach covered in this special issue complements the earlier ways of exploring offenders' crime location choices. It is different from earlier approaches in dealing directly with large local data sets of solved crimes to develop statistical models as compared with attempts to derive more generic ways of conceptualising an offender's geographical crime pattern. The two approaches can thus be seen to enshrine different epistemologies; the Bayesian being about a process for deriving patterns in geographically specific data sets, the earlier centre‐of‐gravity‐oriented approaches seeking to establish general theories and principles that are broadly independent of any given locality. They are consequently sensitive to different types of bias in the data available. However, the interesting results achieved through the analysis of Bayesian patterns within crime data does further the consideration of the similarities across offenders in their use of locations for crime and thus has theoretical as well as practical implications. Therefore, these two approaches need to build on each other. This complementarity provides a useful example for other areas of Investigative Psychology. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A Novel Temperature‐Responsive Polymer as a Gene Vector
Authors: Ma Yongzheng , Hou Sen , Ji Bin , Yao Yang , Feng Xizeng
Published: November 2009

A temperature‐responsive polymer poly{2‐(dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate‐co‐[cis‐butenedioic anhydride‐poly[(N‐isopropylacrylamide)‐co‐(butyl methacrylate)]]} (PDMNIB) was synthesized by free radical polymerization. The polymer had a significant temperature‐responsive behavior with a lower critical solution temperature (LCST) at 20 °C. Gel retardation assay showed that PDMNIB could efficiently interact with DNA. Dynamic light scattering (DLS) and zeta potential measurement indicated that the average sizes and the surface electric charges of the PDMNIB/DNA complexes could be changed by temperature. Due to the thermosensitive interaction between PDMNIB and DNA, the gene transfection efficiency of PDMNIB could be improved by temperature.

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Functional L‐Lysine Dendritic Macromolecules as Liver‐Imaging Probes
Authors: Luo Kui , Liu Gang , Zhang Xiaowei , She Wenchuan , He Bin , Nie Yu , Li Li , Wu Yao , Zhang Zhirong , Gong Qiyong , Gao Fabao , Song Bin , Ai Hua , Gu Zhongwei
Published: November 2009

Liver‐imaging probes are prepared through the conjugation of Gd chelates and galactosyl moieties to peptide dendrimers. The dendritic probes possessing highly controlled structures and a single molecular weight have a two‐fold increase in T1 relaxivity to 9.1 × 103 (Gd M)−1 s−1 compared to Gd‐DTPA. No obvious cytotoxicity of this multifunctional dendritic agent is discovered in vitro. The dendrimer bearing galactosyl moieties leads to a much‐higher hepatocyte‐cell uptake in vitro and provides good signal‐intensity enhancement (35%) of mouse liver in vivo especially at 60 min after intravenous injection. In comparison, non‐targeting Gd dendrimers provide only an 11% enhancement of imaging contrast at the same time point. Overall, the dendrimers bearing galactosyl moieties may be used as liver‐imaging probes.

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Water Soluble Polymer Protected Lipofectamine 2000/DNA Complexes for Solid‐Phase Transfection
Authors: Zhang Qiao , Cheng Si‐Xue , Zhang Xian‐Zheng , Zhuo Ren‐Xi
Published: November 2009

A fast degrading cholic acid‐functionalized star poly(DL‐lactide) has been used to fabricate polymer films to support Lipofectamine 2000/DNA complexes for mediating solid‐phase transfection. To improve the gene expression activity, a water‐soluble polymer, poly‐α,β‐[N‐(2‐hydroxyethyl)‐L‐aspartamide (PHEA), was added to protect the complexes. The in vitro gene transfection in 293T cells, HeLa cells, and 3T3 cells showed that the gene expressions could be effectively mediated by the deposited Lipofectamine 2000/DNA complexes encapsulated in polymer films. The degradation of the polymer films that occurred during gene transfection did not show any unfavorable effects on the gene expression.

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