bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Solvothermal Synthesis and Photocatalytic Properties of Nitrogen‐Doped SrTiO3 Nanoparticles
Authors: Sulaeman Uyi , Yin Shu , Sato Tsugio
Published: September 2010

Perovskite‐type nitrogen‐doped SrTiO3 nanoparticles of 50–80 nm in diameter were successfully synthesized by the solvothermal of Ti, SrCl2·6H2O, and hexamethylenetetramine in KOH aqueous solution. Nitrogen‐doped SrTiO3 showed excellent photocatalytic activity under both UV and visible light irradiation, that is, the photocatalytic activity of N‐doped SrTiO3 for DeNOx reaction was greater than that of SrTiO3 and commercial TiO2 (Degussa P25) in both visible light region (>510 nm) and UV light region (>290 nm). The excellent visible light photocatalytic activity of this substance was caused by generating a new band gap that absorbs visible light.
Chemoprevention Meets Glucose Control
Authors: Engelman Jeffrey A. , Cantley Lewis C.
Published: September 2010

The report by Memmott et al. (beginning on page 1066 in this issue of the journal) assessing the efficacy of the antidiabetes drug metformin in a mouse model of lung carcinogenesis suggests protective effects via two possible avenues: Decreased circulating insulin and insulin-like growth factor levels and energy stress leading to inhibition of mammalian target of rapamycin signaling. These potential mechanisms are discussed in this perspective, as are their implications for cancer prevention and therapy. Cancer Prev Res; 3(9); 1049–52. ©2010 AACR.
Metformin Suppresses Colorectal Aberrant Crypt Foci in a Short-term Clinical Trial
Authors: Hosono Kunihiro , Endo Hiroki , Takahashi Hirokazu , Sugiyama Michiko , Sakai Eiji , Uchiyama Takashi , Suzuki Kaori , Iida Hiroshi , Sakamoto Yasunari , Yoneda Kyoko , Koide Tomoko , Tokoro Chikako , Abe Yasunobu , Inamori Masahiko , Nakagama Hitoshi , Nakajima Atsushi
Published: September 2010

The biguanide metformin is widely used for treating diabetes mellitus. We previously showed the chemopreventive effect of metformin in two rodent models of colorectal carcinogenesis. However, besides epidemiologic studies, little is known about the effects of metformin on human colorectal carcinogenesis. The objective of this pilot study was to evaluate the chemopreventive effect of metformin on rectal aberrant crypt foci (ACF), which are an endoscopic surrogate marker of colorectal cancer. We prospectively randomized 26 nondiabetic patients with ACF to treatment with metformin (250 mg/d, n = 12) or no treatment (control, n = 14); 23 patients were evaluable for end point analyses (9 metformin and 14 control); the two groups were similar in ACF number and other baseline clinical characteristics. Magnifying colonoscopy determined the number of rectal ACF in each patient at baseline and after 1 month in a blinded fashion (as were all laboratory end point analyses). We also examined proliferative activity in colonic epithelium (via proliferating cell nuclear antigen labeling index) and apoptotic activity (via terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick-end labeling). At 1 month, the metformin group had a significant decrease in the mean number of ACF per patient (8.78 ± 6.45 before treatment versus 5.11 ± 4.99 at 1 month, P = 0.007), whereas the mean ACF number did not change significantly in the control group (7.23 ± 6.65 versus 7.56 ± 6.75, P = 0.609). The proliferating cell nuclear antigen index was significantly decreased and the apoptotic cell index remained unaltered in normal rectal epithelium in metformin patients. This first reported trial of metformin for inhibiting colorectal carcinogenesis in humans provides preliminary evidence that metformin suppresses colonic epithelial proliferation and rectal ACF formation in humans, suggesting its promise for the chemoprevention of colorectal cancer. Cancer Prev Res; 3(9); 1077–83. ©2010 AACR.
Liquid Racism and the Danish Prophet Muhammad Cartoons
Authors: Weaver Simon
Published: September 2010

This article examines reactions to the October 2005 publication of the Prophet Muhammad cartoons in the Danish newspaper Jyllands-Posten. It does so by using the concept of ‘liquid racism’. While the controversy arose because it is considered blasphemous by many Muslims to create images of the Prophet Muhammad, the article argues that the meaning of the cartoons is multidimensional, that their analysis is significantly more complex than most commentators acknowledge, and that this complexity can best be addressed via the concept of liquid racism. The article examines the liquidity of the cartoons in relation to four readings. These see the cartoons as: (1) a criticism of Islamic fundamentalism; (2) blasphemous images; (3) Islamophobic and racist; and (4) satire and a defence of freedom of speech. Finally, the relationship between postmodernity and the rise of fundamentalism is discussed because the cartoons, reactions to them, and Islamic fundamentalism, all contain an important postmodern dimension.
Critical Poverty Knowledge
Authors: Krumer-Nevo Michal , Benjamin Orly
Published: September 2010

Poverty knowledge has made a long-term contribution to the images and representations of people in poverty. Yet one can find only limited analysis of poverty knowledge and the politics of representation. This article describes current directions in poverty knowledge and analyses the degree of their enhancement or their challenging of Othering towards people who live in poverty. Specifically, the article refers to the hegemonic narrative, which reflects and creates stigmatized and punitive representations of people in poverty, and to three counter-narratives that try to challenge these reductionist images: the structural/contextual counter-narrative, the agency/resistance counter-narrative and the counter-narrative of voice and action. The analysis highlights the critical value of each of the counter-narratives, while pointing to the possibility that specific usages of these stances of investigation carry the risk of themselves producing Othering and social distancing. The article concludes by referring to several approaches to poverty research which encourage a resistance to Othering through combining components of the three counter-narratives.
Sectarian Imaginaries
Authors: Ali Nosheen
Published: September 2010

The Gilgit region of Northern Pakistan has recently witnessed intense Shia—Sunni hostility after decades of communal harmony. This article uses the arena of secular education as a micropolitical site for examining this transformation, and for exploring how sectarian discord is experienced and reproduced in lived practice. Drawing upon three episodes of everyday sectarian tension, the article argues that a ‘sectarian imaginary’ — a normalized mode of seeing and interacting with the sectarian other through feelings of suspicion and resentment — has come to structure inter-sect relations in Gilgit. Instead of naturalizing such sentiments of sectarian paranoia and ill will, however, it is argued that structures of feeling must be understood in relation to structures of rule. Hence, the article situates the sectarian imaginary in the wider political-religious context of state-making in Northern Pakistan, to enable a deeper examination of the cultural politics of sectarianism in the region.
An Empirical Analysis of the Effects of Consanguineous Marriages on Economic Development
Authors: Bildirici Melike , Kökdener Meltem , Ersin Özgür Ömer
Published: September 2010

In this study, development experiences toward economic development are investigated to provide an alternative analysis of economic development, human capital, and genetic inheritance in the light of consanguineous marriages. The countries analyzed in the study are discussed in accordance with consanguineous marriage practices and classified by their per capita gross domestic product (GDP) growth. A broad range of countries are analyzed in the study. Arab countries that experienced high rates of growth in their gross national income during the twentieth century but failed to fulfill adequate development measures as reflected in the growth in national income, countries undergoing transition from tight government regulation to free market democracy, and African nations that have experienced complications in the process of development show important differences in the process of economic development. It is shown that the countries that have reached high average development within the context of per capita GDP have overcome problems integral to consanguineous marriage.
Characteristics of wood-plastic composites reinforced with organo-nanoclays
Authors: Ruijun Gu  , Kokta Bohuslav V , Michalkova D. , Dimzoski B. , Fortelny I. , Slouf M. , Krulis Z.
Published: September 2010

Nanomer and Cloisite are the popular commercial nanoclays (NC) available in the market. The mechanical properties of wood—plastic composite (WPC) based on linear low density polyethylene with or without wood fiber are compared for different added nanoclays. In addition, the moisture uptakes at 23°C and 45% RH and water uptake/loss after immersion in water are evaluated. I.34TCN type nanoclay as well as Cloisite Na+ lead to composites with superior mechanical properties and better water resistance behaviors compared to the other kinds of nanoclays. It should be noted that the discoloration occurs in WPC reinforced with unmodified NC.
Assessing changes in relapse rates in multiple sclerosis
Authors: Inusah Seidu , Sormani Maria P , Cofield Stacey S , Aban Inmaculada B , Musani Solomon K , Srinivasasainagendra Vinodh , Cutter Gary R
Published: September 2010

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) annualized relapse rates (ARRs) in trials may be declining due to changes in diagnostic criteria, MS etiology, study criteria, and selection biases. This review examines if there is a trend in the ARR for relapsing—remitting MS patients (RRMS) over time and if so, why. A comprehensive literature search was performed using PubMed, Web of Science®, and the Cochrane Library using electronic searches, screen scraping for abstracts, and hand searching of references for randomized trials conducted between 1960 and 2008. Out of 72 randomized trials, 56 (77.8%) defined relapse. This study uses 32 placebo relapsing—remitting studies out of the 37 (66.1%) with RRMS. The mean ARR for the treatment arms was 0.68 and the one for the placebo groups was 1.002. The year of publication was negatively associated with the ARR ( p = 0.0001). The annual reduction amounts to 0.36 relapses over a 10-year period. Age and duration of symptoms were negatively associated with the ARR. Year of publication was significantly negatively associated with ARR after controlling for covariates. ARRs have fallen with relapse definition, entrance criteria remain important, but time exceeds all these variables and reflects two likely sources, selection of patients for trials by clinicians and rescue of patients truncating the number of multiple relapses. The impact of truncating the number of relapses on the falling rates is important, not only on the ARRs, but also on the impact of informative censoring in drop-outs.
Comparative study of mitoxantrone efficacy profile in patients with relapsing—remitting and secondary progressive multiple sclerosis
Authors: Esposito Federica , Radaelli Marta , Martinelli Vittorio , Sormani Maria Pia , Martinelli Boneschi Filippo , Moiola Lucia , Rocca Maria Assunta , Rodegher Mariaemma , Comi Giancarlo
Published: September 2010

Background: Mitoxantrone (MTX) is an immunosuppressive drug approved for multiple sclerosis (MS) treatment. Objective: The aim of this study is to evaluate and to compare the clinical and neuroradiological responses to MTX in relapsing—remitting (RR) and secondary progressive (SP) MS patients.

Methods: We conducted a retrospective, non-randomized, open-label, observational study to evaluate the clinical and neuroradiological response to the drug in 79 patients with RR MS and 210 patients with SP MS.

Results: A statistically significant reduction ( p < 0.001) in the number of relapses was observed during MTX treatment and in the year after in both RR and SP MS patients. On the contrary, an opposite behavior in terms of disease progression was found in RR compared with SP MS patients, resulting in a statistically significant improvement of the Expanded Disability Status Scale score during the MTX treatment ( p < 0.001) and in the year after ( p < 0.001) for RR MS patients compared with a continuous, although mild, worsening of the disability in SP MS patients ( p < 0.001). Finally, a significant reduction ( p < 0.001) of new Gd-enhanced lesions in both RR and SP MS patients was observed in a subgroup of 224 individuals who underwent a brain MRI evaluation before and after MTX treatment.

Conclusions: MTX should be considered as an effective therapeutic option in RR MS patients with evidence of relevant disease activity, but the potential life-threatening adverse events and the overall benefit—risk ratio must be carefully evaluated at individual patient level.
Electrospun nanoporous materials: Reality, potential and challenges
Authors: Xu L. , Wu Y. , Liu Y.
Published: September 2010

Electrospinning has been recognised as an efficient technique for the fabrication of continuous nanofibres. In the present paper, an approach to producing nanoporous materials by electrospinning was discussed, and a general strategy for the synthesis of nanoporous materials by electrospinning was suggested. The numbers and sizes of the pores and microspheres could be controlled by tunable voltage or flowrate applied in the electrospinning process. The electrospun nanoporous materials offer the potential for direct fabrication of biologically based, high surface area porous materials without the use of multiple synthetic steps, or post-processing surface treatments.
EPDM/tBS suspension copolymer for oil sorbency application
Authors: Liu Y. P. , Wu B. , Zhou M. H. , Ding J.
Published: September 2010

A new kind of functional polymer bead was synthesised by suspension copolymerisation with ethylene–propylene–diene (EPDM) and 4-tert-butylstyrene (tBS) as monomers. The structure and properties of the resin beads were characterised with SEM, FTIR and DSC. The results showed that EPDM/tBS suspension copolymer beads (S-PEt) have small and uniform porous structure, high specific surface area and good oil sorption ability. The maximum values of oil sorbency to kerosene, toluene and chloroform are 22·80, 27·50 and 35·00 g g–1 respectively.
Apparatus for preparing electrospun nanofibres: A comparative review
Authors: He J.-H. , Liu Y. , Xu L.
Published: September 2010

A brief introduction to the development of electrospinning is given, and various apparatus to fabricate nanofibres or nanoporous materials are systematically reviewed with emphasis on the vibration electrospinning and melt electrospinning for enlarging electrospinability, siro-electrospinning for mimicking the spinning procedure of a spider, magneto-electrospinning for controlling the instability arising in the electrospinning process and bubble electrospinning for mass production of nanofibres. Electrospinning for producing nanoporous materials and the nano-effect for improving the properties of nanofibres are also introduced.
Fabrication and examination of oxidation resistance of zinc coated copper and brass components by chemical deposition
Authors: Chaliampalias D , Papazoglou M , Tsipas S , Pavlidou E , Skolianos S , Stergioudis G , Vourlias G
Published: September 2010

In this work, the structure and the oxidation resistance of Zn deposited Cu and brass metallic components are examined. The deposition was accomplished with pack cementation chemical deposition. The examination of the samples was performed with electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction analysis. It was found that coatings on Cu substrate consist of two layers with different Zn concentrations, while coatings on brass were single layered with almost constant Zn concentration. The presence of distinct Zn–Cu phases was revealed in both cases. The subjection of the as coated samples together with the uncoated substrates in air at 400°C showed that both Zn coated samples have enhanced resistivity in such atmospheres, as most of the coating remained mostly unoxidised, and the substrates were fully protected. On the contrary, the bare substrates appear to have undergone severe damage as brittle oxides were formed on their surface.
JAK2 impairs stem cell function?
Authors: Skoda Radek C.
Published: September 2010

In this issue of Blood, Li et al report that JAK2-V617F increases DNA damage and impairs hematopoietic stem cell function in a conditional knock-in mouse model of JAK2-V617F–positive essential thrombocythemia.1
Drug interactions with the tyrosine kinase inhibitors imatinib, dasatinib, and nilotinib
Authors: Haouala Amina , Widmer Nicolas , Duchosal Michel A. , Montemurro Michael , Buclin Thierry , Decosterd Laurent A.
Published: September 2010

Several cancer treatments are shifting from traditional, time-limited, nonspecific cytotoxic chemotherapy cycles to continuous oral treatment with specific protein-targeted therapies. In this line, imatinib mesylate, a selective tyrosine kinases inhibitor (TKI), has excellent efficacy in the treatment of chronic myeloid leukemia. It has opened the way to the development of additional TKIs against chronic myeloid leukemia, including nilotinib and dasatinib. TKIs are prescribed for prolonged periods, often in patients with comorbidities. Therefore, they are regularly co-administered along with treatments at risk of drug-drug interactions. This aspect has been partially addressed so far, calling for a comprehensive review of the published data. We review here the available evidence and pharmacologic mechanisms of interactions between imatinib, dasatinib, and nilotinib and widely prescribed co-medications, including known inhibitors or inducers of cytochromes P450 or drug transporters. Information is mostly available for imatinib mesylate, well introduced in clinical practice. Several pharmacokinetic aspects yet remain insufficiently investigated for these drugs. Regular updates will be mandatory and so is the prospective reporting of unexpected clinical observations.
Ultrastructural localization of extracellular matrix proteins of the lymph node cortex: evidence supporting the reticular network as a pathway for lymphocyte migration
Authors: Sobocinski Gregg P , Toy Katherine , Bobrowski Walter F , Shaw Stephen , Anderson Arthur O , Kaldjian Eric P
Published: September 2010

Background

The lymph node (LN) is a crossroads of blood and lymphatic vessels allowing circulating lymphocytes to efficiently recognize foreign molecules displayed on antigen presenting cells. Increasing evidence indicates that after crossing high endothelial venules, lymphocytes migrate within the node along the reticular network (RN), a scaffold of fibers enwrapped by fibroblastic reticular cells (FRC). Light microscopy has shown that the RN contains specific extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins, which are putative molecular "footholds" for migration, and are known ligands for lymphocyte integrin adhesion receptors.

Results

To investigate whether ECM proteins of the RN are present on the outer surface of the FRC and are thus accessible to migrating lymphocytes, ultrastructural immunohistochemical staining of cynomolgus monkey LN was performed using antibodies to human ECM proteins that were successfully employed at the light microscopic level. The fibrillar collagens I and III were observed primarily within the reticular network fibers themselves. In contrast, the matrix proteins laminin, fibronectin, collagen IV, and tenascin were observed within the reticular fibers and also on the outer membrane surface of the FRC.

Conclusions

These findings suggest a molecular basis for how the RN functions as a pathway for lymphocyte migration within the lymph node.
Erratum to: Reduction of late stillbirth with the introduction of fetal movement information and guidelines - a clinical quality improvement
Authors: Tveit Julie Victoria Holm , Saastad Eli , Stray-Pedersen Babill , Børdahl Per E , Flenady Vicki , Fretts Ruth , Frøen J Frederik
Published: September 2010

We have performed a full cross-validation of this clinical Femina data collection against the routinely collected data of the Medical Birth Registry of Norway to validate the estimates of reduced mortality in the total population. The original estimate of fewer deaths during the intervention with OR 0.7 remains virtually unchanged for the original data collection.

The validation procedures revealed inaccuracies in data from the Medical Birth Registry of Norway for a partial comparison with mortality outside the study area, and we here correct this comparison. We present new, corrected and cross-validated data. Despite comparability issues, the most robust and cross-validated estimates confirm similar estimates of reduced mortality during the quality improvement intervention.
Clinical and parasitological response to oral chloroquine and primaquine in uncomplicated human Plasmodium knowlesi infections
Authors: Daneshvar Cyrus , Davis Timothy ME , Cox-Singh Janet , Rafa'ee Mohammad Z , Zakaria Siti K , Divis Paul CS , Singh Balbir
Published: September 2010

Background

Plasmodium knowlesi is a cause of symptomatic and potentially fatal infections in humans. There are no studies assessing the detailed parasitological response to treatment of knowlesi malaria infections in man and whether antimalarial resistance occurs.

Methods

A prospective observational study of oral chloroquine and primaquine therapy was conducted in consecutive patients admitted to Kapit Hospital, Sarawak, Malaysian Borneo with PCR-confirmed single P. knowlesi infections. These patients were given oral chloroquine for three days, and at 24 hours oral primaquine was administered for two consecutive days, primarily as a gametocidal agent. Clinical and parasitological responses were recorded at 6-hourly intervals during the first 24 hours, daily until discharge and then weekly to day 28. Vivax malaria patients were studied as a comparator group.

Results

Of 96 knowlesi malaria patients who met the study criteria, 73 were recruited to an assessment of the acute response to treatment and 60 completed follow-up over 28 days. On admission, the mean parasite stage distributions were 49.5%, 41.5%, 4.0% and 5.6% for early trophozoites, late trophozoites, schizonts and gametocytes respectively. The median fever clearance time was 26.5 [inter-quartile range 16-34] hours. The mean times to 50% (PCT50) and 90% (PCT90) parasite clearance were 3.1 (95% confidence intervals [CI] 2.8-3.4) hours and 10.3 (9.4-11.4) hours. These were more rapid than in a group of 23 patients with vivax malaria 6.3 (5.3-7.8) hours and 20.9 (17.6-25.9) hours; P = 0.02). It was difficult to assess the effect of primaquine on P. knowlesi parasites, due to the rapid anti-malarial properties of chloroquine and since primaquine was administered 24 hours after chloroquine. No P. knowlesi recrudescences or re-infections were detected by PCR.

Conclusions

Chloroquine plus primaqine is an inexpensive and highly effective treatment for uncomplicated knowlesi malaria infections in humans and there is no evidence of drug resistance. Further studies using alternative anti-malarial drugs, including artemisinin derivatives, would be desirable to define optimal management strategies for P. knowlesi.
MiR-221 and miR-222 target PUMA to induce cell survival in glioblastoma
Authors: Zhang Chun-Zhi , Zhang Jun-Xia , Zhang An-Ling , Shi Zhen-Dong , Han Lei , Jia Zhi-Fan , Yang Wei-Dong , Wang Guang-Xiu , Jiang Tao , You Yong-Ping , Pu Pei-Yu , Cheng Jin-Quan , Kang Chun-Sheng
Published: September 2010

Background

MiR-221 and miR-222 (miR-221/222) are frequently up-regulated in various types of human malignancy including glioblastoma. Recent studies have reported that miR-221/222 regulate cell growth and cell cycle progression by targeting p27 and p57. However the underlying mechanism involved in cell survival modulation of miR-221/222 remains elusive.

Results

Here we showed that miR-221/222 inhibited cell apoptosis by targeting pro-apoptotic gene PUMA in human glioma cells. Enforced expression of miR-22/222 induced cell survival whereas knockdown of miR-221/222 rendered cells to apoptosis. Further, miR-221/222 reduced PUMA protein levels by targeting PUMA-3'UTR. Introducing PUMA cDNA without 3'UTR abrogated miR-221/222-induced cell survival. Notably, knockdown of miR-221/222 induces PUMA expression and cell apoptosis and considerably decreases tumor growth in xenograft model. Finally, there was an inverse relationship between PUMA and miR-221/222 expression in glioma tissues.

Conclusion

To our knowledge, these data indicate for the first time that miR-221/222 directly regulate apoptosis by targeting PUMA in glioblastoma and that miR-221/222 could be potential therapeutic targets for glioblastoma intervention.
Modeling the global effect of the basic-leucine zipper transcription factor 1 (bZIP1) on nitrogen and light regulation in Arabidopsis
Authors: Obertello Mariana , Krouk Gabriel , Katari Manpreet S , Runko Suzan J , Coruzzi Gloria M
Published: September 2010

Background

Nitrogen and light are two major regulators of plant metabolism and development. While genes involved in the control of each of these signals have begun to be identified, regulators that integrate gene responses to nitrogen and light signals have yet to be determined. Here, we evaluate the role of bZIP1, a transcription factor involved in light and nitrogen sensing, by exposing wild-type (WT) and bZIP1 T-DNA null mutant plants to a combinatorial space of nitrogen (N) and light (L) treatment conditions and performing transcriptome analysis. We use ANOVA analysis combined with clustering and Boolean modeling, to evaluate the role of bZIP1 in mediating L and N signaling genome-wide.

Results

This transcriptome analysis demonstrates that a mutation in the bZIP1 gene can alter the L and/or N-regulation of several gene clusters. More surprisingly, the bZIP1 mutation can also trigger N and/or L regulation of genes that are not normally controlled by these signals in WT plants. This analysis also reveals that bZIP1 can, to a large extent, invert gene regulation (e.g., several genes induced by N in WT plants are repressed by N in the bZIP1 mutant).

Conclusion

These findings demonstrate that the bZIP1 mutation triggers a genome-wide de-regulation in response to L and/or N signals that range from i) a reduction of the L signal effect, to ii) unlocking gene regulation in response to L and N combinations. This systems biology approach demonstrates that bZIP1 tunes L and N signaling relationships genome-wide, and can suppress regulatory mechanisms hypothesized to be needed at different developmental stages and/or environmental conditions.
An algorithm to discover gene signatures with predictive potential
Authors: Hallett Robin M , Dvorkin Anna , Gabardo Christine M , Hassell John A
Published: September 2010

Background

The advent of global gene expression profiling has generated unprecedented insight into our molecular understanding of cancer, including breast cancer. For example, human breast cancer patients display significant diversity in terms of their survival, recurrence, metastasis as well as response to treatment. These patient outcomes can be predicted by the transcriptional programs of their individual breast tumors. Predictive gene signatures allow us to correctly classify human breast tumors into various risk groups as well as to more accurately target therapy to ensure more durable cancer treatment.

Results

Here we present a novel algorithm to generate gene signatures with predictive potential. The method first classifies the expression intensity for each gene as determined by global gene expression profiling as low, average or high. The matrix containing the classified data for each gene is then used to score the expression of each gene based its individual ability to predict the patient characteristic of interest. Finally, all examined genes are ranked based on their predictive ability and the most highly ranked genes are included in the master gene signature, which is then ready for use as a predictor. This method was used to accurately predict the survival outcomes in a cohort of human breast cancer patients.

Conclusions

We confirmed the capacity of our algorithm to generate gene signatures with bona fide predictive ability. The simplicity of our algorithm will enable biological researchers to quickly generate valuable gene signatures without specialized software or extensive bioinformatics training.
Predictors of interstitial lung disease in early systemic sclerosis: a prospective longitudinal study of the GENISOS cohort
Authors: Assassi Shervin , Sharif Roozbeh , Lasky Robert E , McNearney Terry A , Estrada-Y-Martin Rosa M , Draeger Hilda , Nair Deepthi K , Fritzler Marvin J , Reveille John D , Arnett Frank C , Mayes Maureen D ,   the GENISOS Study Group
Published: September 2010

Introduction

The objective of the present study was to examine the association of baseline demographic and clinical characteristics with sequentially obtained measurements of forced vital capacity (FVC), expressed as a percentage of the predicted value, and to identify predictors of the decline rate in FVC over time in the Genetics versus Environment in Scleroderma Outcome Study (GENISOS).

Methods

To date, 266 patients have been enrolled in GENISOS, a prospective, observational cohort of patients with early systemic sclerosis. In addition to pulmonary function tests (PFTs), clinical and laboratory data were obtained from each patient. We analyzed 926 FVC measurements utilizing generalized linear mixed models. The predictive significance of baseline variables for the decline rate in FVC was investigated by the interaction term between the variable and the follow-up time within the first 3 years after enrollment as well as throughout the entire follow-up time.

Results

The cohort consisted of 125 white, 54 African American, and 77 Hispanic patients with average disease duration of 2.5 years at enrollment. The mean follow-up time was 3.8 years, ranging up to 11.4 years. A number of baseline variables, including antibody status, African American ethnicity, disease type, baseline PFT values, modified Rodnan Skin Score, fibrosis on chest radiograph, and lung and skin subscores of the Severity Index, were associated with serially measured FVC levels. However, only the presence of anti-topoisomerase I antibodies (ATA) was associated with lower FVC levels (P < 0.001) as well as accelerated decline rate in FVC within the first 3 years of follow-up (P = 0.02). None of the baseline variables predicted the rate of decline in FVC on long-term follow-up. Patients with rapidly progressive ILD, however, were under-represented in the long-term follow-up group because the accelerated rate of decline in FVC was associated with poor survival (P = 0.001).

Conclusions

Presence of ATA was the only baseline variable associated with differential FVC levels, predicting the rate of decline in FVC within the first 3 years of follow-up. The association of faster decline in FVC with poor survival further emphasizes the need for identification of predictive biomarkers by collection of genetic information and serial blood samples in cohort studies.
Phenotypic and molecular characterization of the claudin-low intrinsic subtype of breast cancer
Authors: Prat Aleix , Parker Joel S , Karginova Olga , Fan Cheng , Livasy Chad , Herschkowitz Jason I , He Xiaping , Perou Charles M
Published: September 2010

Introduction

In breast cancer, gene expression analyses have defined five tumor subtypes (luminal A, luminal B, HER2-enriched, basal-like and claudin-low), each of which has unique biologic and prognostic features. Here, we comprehensively characterize the recently identified claudin-low tumor subtype.

Methods

The clinical, pathological and biological features of claudin-low tumors were compared to the other tumor subtypes using an updated human tumor database and multiple independent data sets. These main features of claudin-low tumors were also evaluated in a panel of breast cancer cell lines and genetically engineered mouse models.

Results

Claudin-low tumors are characterized by the low to absent expression of luminal differentiation markers, high enrichment for epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition markers, immune response genes and cancer stem cell-like features. Clinically, the majority of claudin-low tumors are poor prognosis estrogen receptor (ER)-negative, progesterone receptor (PR)-negative, and epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-negative (triple negative) invasive ductal carcinomas with a high frequency of metaplastic and medullary differentiation. They also have a response rate to standard preoperative chemotherapy that is intermediate between that of basal-like and luminal tumors. Interestingly, we show that a group of highly utilized breast cancer cell lines, and several genetically engineered mouse models, express the claudin-low phenotype. Finally, we confirm that a prognostically relevant differentiation hierarchy exists across all breast cancers in which the claudin-low subtype most closely resembles the mammary epithelial stem cell.

Conclusions

These results should help to improve our understanding of the biologic heterogeneity of breast cancer and provide tools for the further evaluation of the unique biology of claudin-low tumors and cell lines.
Differential Role of PKC Isoforms in GnRH and Phorbol 12-Myristate 13-Acetate Activation of Extracellular Signal-Regulated Kinase and Jun N-Terminal Kinase
Authors: Dobkin-Bekman Masha , Ben-Navi Liat Rahamim , Shterntal Boris , Sviridonov Ludmila , Przedecki Fiorenza , Naidich-Exler Michal , Brodie Chaya , Seger Rony , Naor Zvi
Published: September 2010

GnRH is the first key hormone of reproduction. The role of protein kinase C (PKC) isoforms in GnRH-stimulated MAPK [ERK and Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK)] was examined in the αT3-1 and LβT2 gonadotrope cells. Incubation of the cells with GnRH resulted in a protracted activation of ERK1/2 and a slower and more transient activation of JNK1/2. Gonadotropes express conventional PKCα and conventional PKCβII, novel PKCδ, novel PKCε, and novel PKCθ, and atypical PKC-ι/λ. The use of green fluorescent protein-PKC constructs revealed that GnRH induced rapid translocation of PKCα and PKCβII to the plasma membrane, followed by their redistribution to the cytosol. PKCδ and PKCε localized to the cytoplasm and Golgi, followed by the rapid redistribution by GnRH of PKCδ to the perinuclear zone and of PKCε to the plasma membrane. Interestingly, PKCα, PKCβII, and PKCε translocation to the plasma membrane was more pronounced and more prolonged in phorbol-12-myristate-13-acetate (PMA) than in GnRH-treated cells. The use of selective inhibitors and dominant-negative plasmids for the various PKCs has revealed that PKCβII, PKCδ, and PKCε mediate ERK2 activation by GnRH, whereas PKCα, PKCβII, PKCδ, and PKCε mediate ERK2 activation by PMA. Also, PKCα, PKCβII, PKCδ, and PKCε are involved in GnRH and PMA stimulation of JNK1 in a cell-context-dependent manner. We present preliminary evidence that persistent vs. transient redistribution of selected PKCs or redistribution of a given PKC to the perinuclear zone vs. the plasma membrane may dictate its selective role in ERK or JNK activation. Thus, we have described the contribution of selective PKCs to ERK and JNK activation by GnRH.
Comparison of Humic Substances Isolated from Thermal Water and Surface Water by Electrospray Ionization Fourier Transform Ion Cyclotron Resonance Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Kovács K. , Gáspár A. , Sajgó Cs. , Schmitt-Kopplin Ph. , Tombácz E.
Published: September 2010

Characterization of humic substances isolated from thermal water and surface water was carried out by elemental analysis and electrospray ionization Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry. Atomic ratios derived from elemental analysis represented compositional differences of humic substances. Hydrogen-to-carbon and oxygen-to-carbon atomic ratios were also calculated from molecular formulae determined by ultra high-resolution mass spectrometry. The van Krevelen diagram was used to illustrate the bias between the atomic ratios from elemental analysis and mass spectrometry.
Ion Trajectory Simulations in a High-Pressure Cylindrical Ion Trap
Authors: Albrieux F. , Antoine R. , Chirot F. , Lemoine J. , Dugourd Ph.
Published: September 2010

We present the simulation of a cylindrical ion trap (CIT) at high pressure (5–25 Torr range). SIMION 7.0 software was used for the simulations. The effect of pressure, RF frequency and trap dimensions has been investigated. The shape of stability diagrams at non-zero pressure is drastically different from the one observed in vacuum. Preliminary experimental results are shown, using a r= z= 3 mm-long CIT at 12 Torr for trapping peptide and protein ions.
Coupled RNA polymerase II transcription and 3′ end formation with yeast whole-cell extracts
Authors: Mariconti Luisa , Loll Bernhard , Schlinkmann Karola , Wengi Agnieszka , Meinhart Anton , Dichtl Bernhard
Published: September 2010

RNA polymerase II (RNAP II) transcription and pre-mRNA 3′ end formation are linked through physical and functional interactions. We describe here a highly efficient yeast in vitro system that reproduces both transcription and 3′ end formation in a single reaction. The system is based on simple whole-cell extracts that were supplemented with a hybrid Gal4-VP16 transcriptional activator and supercoiled plasmid DNA templates encoding G-less cassette reporters. We found that the coupling of transcription and processing in vitro enhanced pre-mRNA 3′ end formation and reproduced requirements for poly(A) signals and polyadenylation factors. Unexpectedly, however, we show that in vitro transcripts lacked m7G-caps. Reconstitution experiments with CF IA factor assembled entirely from heterologous components suggested that the CTD interaction domain of the Pcf11 subunit was required for proper RNAP II termination but not 3′ end formation. Moreover, we observed reduced termination activity associated with extracts prepared from cells carrying a mutation in the 5′-3′ exonuclease Rat1 or following chemical inhibition of exonuclease activity. Thus, in vitro transcription coupled to pre-mRNA processing recapitulates hallmarks of poly(A)-dependent RNAP II termination. The in vitro transcription/processing system presented here should provide a useful tool to further define the role of factors involved in coupling.
Better Things (Duane Hopkins, 2008) and new British realism
Authors: Forrest David
Published: September 2010

This article uses Duane Hopkins's Better Things (2008) as a point of entry for a discussion of contemporary British realist cinema. An analysis of the textual and philosophical shifts that have occurred within this mode in the last decade is augmented by close readings of Hopkins's
film. In addition, the films of Ken Loach are also utilized as a means of contrast. I argue that the subordination of Loach's aesthetic and formal strategies towards an explicit focus on socio-political themes represents a fundamental and important point of distinction for the new British
realist directors. The likes of Hopkins, Andrea Arnold and Lynne Ramsay (amongst others) can be seen to adopt an approach that places a greater emphasis on the poetic potentials of realist imagery at the expense of social-political didacticism; this encourages a closer analysis of the mode
on the basis of its aesthetic and formal constitution. To this end, I argue that contemporary British realism can and should be understood alongside other realist movements from across the globe, highlighting the potential for a renewed appraisal of realism outside the narrow confines of national
cinema.
The rhetoric of the transnational: interpretation and identity in Gla and Temur Babluani's L'Hritage/Legacy (2006)
Authors: Archer Neil
Published: September 2010

The Franco-Georgian film L'Hritage/Legacy (2006), which focuses on a group of French tourists travelling through Georgia, exemplifies both in its content and in its production circumstances qualities frequently regarded as transnational. Recognized as having an increasingly vital currency in contemporary cinema, with its emphasis on the movement of people and capital across borders, the transnational nevertheless remains a disputed category. In Legacy, an idea of the transnational in terms of the encounter between cultures is explored and questioned. Focusing on interpretation and intelligibility as a problem, the film seeks to move beyond the touristic binaries of the travel film, using the encounter with the foreign other as a form of rhetoric. Playing with the gaps in comprehension for its (mainly) Western viewers, the film therefore brings into play the unstable, transitional space in between cultural identities. In this sense, the film inscribes its own resistance to categorization within national cinema terms.
Studies on production of high specific activity 99Mo and 90Y by Szilard Chalmers reaction
Authors: Tomar Bhupendra S. , Steinebach Olav M. , Terpstra B.E. , Bode P. , Wolterbeek H. Th.
Published: September 2010

Attempts have been made to use Szilard Chalmers reaction to prepare 99Mo and 90Y in high specific activity. Experiments were carried out using irradiation of freshly prepared oxinate complexes of molybdenum and yttrium in the HOR reactor of Reactor Institute at TU Delft. The irradiated target was dissolved in dichloromethane and the radionuclides were separated by solvent extraction into aqueous phase. Detailed investigations on the effect of pH of aqueous solution, irradiation time and target amount was also carried out to optimize the enrichment factor and yield. The highest enrichment factor for 99Mo was found to be around 200 with a yield close to 30%. In the case of 90Y, solvent extraction method did not yield high enrichment factors. Slightly higher enrichment factors were achieved with ion exchange method. Studies were also carried out with yttrium oxide nano-powder. Speciation study of 99Mo in the separated aqueous fraction showed it to be present as 99MoO4
2− ion. The results appear to be quite promising for large scale production of 99Mo for medical applications.
Study of the role of sulfur functionalities in humic acids for uranium(VI) complexation
Authors: Sachs Susanne , Reich T. , Bernhard Gert
Published: September 2010

Sulfur containing humic acid model substances have been synthesized to study the role of sulfur functionalities for the complexation behavior of humic acids towards U(VI). Humic acids type M1-S with different sulfur contents (1.9, 3.9, 6.9 wt.%) were synthesized and characterized. The identity of the sulfur species was determined by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Reduced sulfur species, such as thiols, dialkylsulfides and/or disulfides, were determined as the dominating sulfur functionalities in the used humic acids. The U(VI) complexation of humic acids with different sulfur contents has been studied by time-resolved laser-induced fluorescence spectroscopy (TRLFS) and TRLFS with ultrashort femtosecond laser pulses (fs-TRLFS) in comparison to a sulfur-free humic acid type M1 (pH 3.80±0.02;I=0.1 M NaClO4;pCO2=10−3.5 atm). For all studied humic acids, similar complexation constants were determined. However, with increasing sulfur contents of the humic acids (>2 wt.%) an increase of the number of humic acid binding sites for U(VI) was determined which is reflected in increasing U(VI) loading capacities and increasing total humic acid ligand concentrations for U(VI) measured by TRLFS and fs-TRLFS, respectively. This increase of the fraction of humic acid binding sites for U(VI) points to an involvement of reduced sulfur functionalities, such as thiol groups, in the complexation between U(VI) and humic acid. However, for environmentally relevant sulfur contents of humic acids (<2 wt.%) it can be concluded that, compared to oxygen functionalities, especially carboxylic groups, reduced sulfur functionalities play only a subordinate role for the U(VI) complexation by humic acids in the acidic pH range.
Selective caesium transport using hollow fibre-supported liquid membrane containing calix[4]arene-bis-naphthocrown-6 as the carrier extractant
Authors: Kandwal Pankaj , Mohapatra P. K. , Ansari S. A. , Manchanda V. K.
Published: September 2010

Polypropylene hollow fibre-based supported liquid membrane (HFSLM) containing calix[4]-bis-2,3-naphtho-crown-6 in 20% (v/v) n-dodecane+80% (v/v) 2-nitrophenyl octyl ether (NPOE) as the carrier solvent was employed for the first time to investigate the transport behaviour of radio-caesium. The carrier solution was 1 mM calix[4]-bis-2,3-naphtho-crown-6 in 20% (v/v) dodecane+80% (v/v) NPOE+0.4% alamine 336 and the feed was 3 M HNO3 while distilled water was used as the receiver phase. In spite of high viscosity of the carrier solvent, quantitative (>99%) transport was possible in about 6 h. Significant amount of acid transport was also noticed which was ascribed to a co-transport mechanism involving encapsulated hydronium ion. Selectivity studies were carried out by taking a mixture of radiotracers, viz.
51Cr, 59Fe, 85,89Sr, 137Cs, 152,154Eu and 241Am, which represent some of the elements present in the high level waste, in the feed solution. The decontamination factors for various metal ions were found to be in the range 540–890. High decontamination factors as well as possibility of working over several days without deterioration of the liquid membrane suggested possible application of the system for the recovery of radio-caesium from high level waste. Studies on the membrane stability indicated reproducible transport data over 40 h.
Mikrowellengestützte Aufklärung elektrochemischer Vorgänge in Katalysatoren und verwandten Systemen
Authors: Fischerauer Gerhard , Spörl Matthias , Reiß Sebasian , Moos Ralf
Published: September 2010

Technisch bedeutsame elektrochemische Reaktionen laufen oftmals bei hohen Temperaturen und im Volumen von Festkörpern ab. Die mit ihrer direkten Überwachung zusammenhängenden Probleme werden meist durch indirekte Messverfahren umgangen. Der vorliegende Beitrag berichtet über ein mikrowellenbasiertes direktes Messverfahren und die damit erzielten Ergebnisse bei Anwendung auf Messobjekte wie Dreiwegekatalysatoren (three-way catalysts, TWC), NOx-Speicherkatalysatoren (NSK, lean NOx traps, LNT) und Dieselpartikelfilter (DPF).
Simulation of Copper Phthalocyanine (CuPc)/Fullerene (C60) Heterojunction. photovoltaic cell with and without electron transport layer (ETL)
Authors: Satyala Nikhil T , Wondmagegn Wudyalew T , Pieper Ron J , Korn Michael R
Published: September 2010

A two-dimensional finite element simulation model for the bi-layer heterostructure organic photovoltaic (PV) cell, based on copper phthalocyanine (CuPc) and fullerene (C60) in the presence and absence of electron transport layers (ETLs) is presented. The effect of bathocuproine (BCP), tris(8-hydroxyquinolinato)aluminum (Alq3), and copper phthalocyanine (CuPc) as ETLs on short-circuit current (Jsc), open-circuit voltage (Voc), and power conversion efficiency (PCE) is investigated. The Frenkel-Poole mobility model was employed in describing the conduction mechanisms in the active layers. Singlet exciton and Langevin recombination techniques were employed to describe excitonic generation and recombination, respectively. The obtained simulation results demonstrate that the efficiency of PV cells is primarily dependent on the short-circuit current, the absorption capability of the active layers, and the charge collection efficiency at the electrodes. In addition, significant reduction in power conversion efficiency is observed with increasing thickness of the ETL layer. From among the modeled device designs, PV cells containing a 50Å BCP layer result in the best power conversion efficiencies of 2.05%.