bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
FACT‐Graph: Trend visualization by frequency and co‐occurrence
Authors: Saga Ryosuke , Terachi Masahiro , Tsuji Hiroshi
Published: January 2012

In order to visualize keyword trends embedded in newspaper articles, this paper proposes the FACT‐Graph (Frequency And Co‐occurrence‐based Trend Graph). First, we introduce a trend analysis method that works by using keyword classes. We identify four classes of keywords by term frequency (TF) values and document frequency (DF) values in an analytical period, and then some keywords are classified into different classes by period. We pay attention to class transitions between periods and use them as a clue for trend analysis. Next, we apply a method of identifying relationships between multiple words by their co‐occurrence and their transitions in order to resolve problems that have occurred in prior class transition analysis. Finally, we output a FACT‐Graph by extending the traditional simple co‐occurrence graph, which visualizes trend analysis, and simultaneously examine keyword class and keyword co‐occurrence relationships. The FACT‐Graph is based on four classes of keywords, keyword co‐occurrences, and their transitions between time periods. While each class is characterized by the shapes of nodes and keyword co‐occurrence relationships are represented by the types of links, the trend transition patterns are colored. Applying the proposed FACT‐Graph to a data set of 220,000 newspaper articles, this paper gives some example results and validates the effectiveness of visualizing keyword trends embedded in volumes of text. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electron Comm Jpn, 95(2): 50–58, 2012; Published online in Wiley Online Library (wileyonlinelibrary.com). DOI 10.1002/ecj.10347
A fuzzy‐based control method for smoothing power fluctuations in substations along high‐speed railways
Authors: Sugio Tetsuya , Yamamoto Masayoshi , Funabiki Shigeyuki
Published: January 2012

The use of superconducting magnetic energy storage (SMES) for smoothing power fluctuations in a railway substation has been discussed. This paper proposes a smoothing control method based on fuzzy reasoning for reducing the SMES capacity at substations along high‐speed railways. The proposed smoothing control method comprises three countermeasures for the reduction of the SMES capacity. The first countermeasure involves modification of rule 1 for smoothing out the average electric power to its average values. The other countermeasures involve the modification of the central value of the stored energy control in the SMES and revision of the membership function in rule 2 for the reduction of the SMES capacity. The SMES capacity in the proposed smoothing control method is reduced by 49.5% compared to that in the nonrevised control method. Computer simulations confirm that the proposed control method is suitable for smoothing out power fluctuations in substations along high‐speed railways and for reducing the SMES capacity. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electr Eng Jpn, 179(2): 35–43, 2012; Published online in Wiley Online Library (wileyonlinelibrary.com). DOI 10.1002/eej.21175
Effect of ZrO2 addition on tolerance characteristics of the electrical degradation of ZnO varistors
Authors: Akiyama Yuji , Takada Masayuki , Fukumori Ai , Sato Yuuki , Yoshikado Shinzo
Published: January 2012

3 ZnO varistors with excellent electrical degradation tolerance characteristics were made by addition of Bi2O3‐MnO2‐Co3O4‐Cr2O3‐SiO2‐Sb2O3‐NiO. The electrical degradation tolerance characteristics were evaluated by varying the amount of ZrO2. The evaluation methods were voltage–current (V–I) characteristics, X‐ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM), and energy dispersion X‐ray spectroscopy (EDX). Monoclinic and tetragonal ZrO2 and compounds derived from Zr were observed at both the grain boundaries and triple points. Moreover, the compounds derived from Zr with added Sb showed improved electrical degradation tolerance characteristics. On the other hand, monoclinic ZrO2 in particular degraded the electrical degradation tolerance characteristics. One factor in the improvement of the electrical degradation tolerance characteristics is that the mobility of oxide ions or interstitial Zn2+ ions might be hindered by the formation of compounds containing Zr, Sb, Si, and Bi atoms. The electrical degradation tolerance characteristics of ZnO varistors with added ZrO2 were better than those of varistors without addition of ZrO2 but subjected to heat treatment. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electr Eng Jpn, 179(2): 11–19, 2012; Published online in Wiley Online Library (wileyonlinelibrary.com). DOI 10.1002/eej.21228
Structural Heterogeneity of AgI Complexes with a Flexible 1,2‐Bis[(imidazol‐2‐yl)thiomethyl]benzene Ligand and Issues Regarding the Phase Purity of the Bulk Material
Authors: Dobrzańska Liliana
Published: January 2012

A series of AgI coordination compounds with a new ligand, 1,2‐bis[(imidazol‐2‐yl)thiomethyl]benzene, and counterions such as PF6–, SbF6–, CF3SO3–, BF4– and NO3– was characterised by powder and single‐crystal XRD. Powder XRD revealed the presence of a mixture of crystallographic phases that were further identified by single‐crystal XRD. Despite conformational flexibility, 1,2‐bis[(imidazol‐2‐yl)thiomethyl]benzene has a tendency to form N,N‐chelated AgI mononuclear cationic complexes with a linear N–AgI–N unit. However, T‐shaped geometry (N2O) around the silver ion was also observed, which involved solvent molecules and/or counterions. The formation of a cationic 1D chain with the N,N′‐bridging ligand was revealed with the BF4– counterion. Coordination compounds that possess different nuclearity were formed with the NO3– counterion. In the dinuclear and trinuclear complexes, the ligand showed bischelating behaviour with N‐donor atoms that interact with one and S‐donor atoms with another metal centre. Furthermore, the crystal structure of the trinuclear complex revealed the presence of two crystallographically independent cationic moieties in the asymmetric unit, which only differ by a single O‐donor ligand (NO3– vs. H2O), where both of the moieties possess three different geometries around the constituent silver ions. Argentophilic interactions are present in the majority of the reported structures. Available amine N atoms facilitate hydrogen bond formation and promote the occurrence of solvates.
Ruthenium(III) Cyclometalates Obtained by Site‐Specific Orthometallation and Their Reactivity with Nitric Oxide: Photoinduced Release and Estimation of NO Liberated from the Ruthenium Nitrosyl Complexes
Authors: Ghosh Kaushik , Kumar Sushil , Kumar Rajan , Singh Udai P.
Published: January 2012

Cyclometalated RuIII complexes [Ru(LSB1)(PPh3)2Cl] (1), [LSB1H2 = 2‐(3‐nitrobenzylideneamino)phenol], and [Ru(LSB2)(PPh3)2Cl] (2), [LSB2H2 = 4‐methyl‐2‐(3‐nitrobenzylideneamino)phenol and H = dissociable protons], were synthesized by site‐specific orthometallation and characterized by spectroscopic and electrochemical studies. Complexes 1 and 2 were treated with in situ generated nitric oxide (NO), derived from an acidified nitrite solution, which afforded the ruthenium nitrosyl complexes [Ru(LSB3H)(PPh3)2(NO)Cl](ClO4) (1a) and [Ru(LBOX)(PPh3)2(NO)Cl](ClO4) (2a), respectively, [LSB3H2 = 4‐nitro‐2‐(3‐nitrobenzylideneamino)phenol, LBOXH = 5‐methyl‐7‐nitro‐2‐(3‐nitrophenyl)benzoxazole and H = dissociable protons]. Complexes 1a and 2a were found to be diamagnetic and were characterized by 1H NMR and 31P NMR spectral studies. Both 1a and 2a exhibited νNO in the range 1800–1835 cm–1 in the IR spectra. Molecular structures of σ‐aryl ruthenium nitrosyl complexes 1a·CH3OH·2CH2Cl2·H2O and 2a·2CH2Cl2 were determined by X‐ray crystallography. Nitrosylation at the metal centre, oxidative cyclization and ligand nitration were authenticated from the crystal structures. The redox properties of the metal centre were investigated. In both the nitrosyl complexes 1a and 2a, coordinated NO was found to be photolabile. The amount of photoreleased NO was estimated by using the Griess reagent and the data was compared with that obtained from sodium nitroprusside (SNP). The role of the nitro group in the ligand frame was discussed with regard to orthometallation, NO reactivity and photolability.
Gd‐Aminoethyl‐DO3A Complexes: A Novel Class of pH‐Sensitive MRI Contrast Agents
Authors: Giovenzana Giovanni B. , Negri Roberto , Rolla Gabriele A. , Tei Lorenzo
Published: January 2012

Molecular imaging relies on the availability of imaging probes designed to modify their efficiency in the presence of a specific parameter, among which pH is one of the most investigated. Introduction of an aminoethyl moiety into the well‐known DO3A platform imparts the desired pH sensitivity to the corresponding Gd3+ complex. The amine group is accessible and easy to functionalize; in particular, the possibility of tuning its pKAH through N‐substitution makes it a good pH‐responsive functionality to access a novel class of tailored pH‐sensitive MRI contrast agents. This was demonstrated by a relaxometric study on a functionalized Gd‐DO3A complex bearing a simple primary amine group and comparison with the results of the corresponding N,N‐dimethyl analogue.
Synthesis of Difluoromethyl‐Containing α‐Acyloxycarboxamide Derivatives through a Passerini Reaction and Desulfonylation
Authors: Wu Jingjing , Zhao Wenwen , Cao Song
Published: January 2012

A series of difluoromethyl‐containing α‐acyloxycarboxamide derivatives were synthesized through a Passerini reaction of acids, aldehydes, and phenylsulfanyl‐protected difluorinated isocyanide followed by meta‐chloroperoxybenzoic acid mediated oxidation and the removal of the phenylsulfonyl protecting group. The unexpected formation of deacylation products from the reaction between the Passerini products and Bu3SnH/azobis(isobutyronitrile) was also reported.
Tethered Aminohydroxylation Reaction and Its Application to Total Synthesis (Eur. J. Org. Chem. 4/2012)
Authors: Donohoe Timothy J. , Callens Cedric K. A. , Lacy Adam R. , Winter Christian
Published: January 2012

The cover picture shows the careful installation of oxygen and nitrogen atoms into a complex environment, as illustrated by the city centre of Oxford. Hereby the atoms are already tethered to the settings via a crane, ensuring the right positioning of both atoms. The mobile crane can be removed after the functionalization leading to a selectively modified site. This regioselective aminohydroxylation of complex molecules was developed at the University of Oxford, which symbolizes the complex pattern of a molecule. Of course, this methodology can also be applied to other cities representing employment in the total synthesis of complex natural products. The Microreview by T. J. Donohoe et al. on p. 656 ff describes the development and recent improvments of the tethered aminohydroxylation for the stereo‐ and regioselective functionalization of alkenes and its application to total synthesis. The design of the cover image by Dr. K. Harrison is acknowledged.

magnified image
Preparation of Platinum‐Poly(O‐dihydroxybenzene) Composite Catalyst and Its Electrocatalytic Activity Toward Methanol and Formic Acid Oxidation
Authors: Ren F. , Zhou R. , Jiang F. , Zhou W. , Du Y. , Xu J. , Wang C.
Published: January 2012

A composite catalyst has been successfully prepared by dispersing Pt nanoparticles on a poly(o‐dihydroxybenzene) (PoDHB) modified glassy carbon (GC) electrode and characterized by SEM, EDX, and electrochemical analysis. Compared with Pt nanoparticles deposited on the bare GC, the Pt/PoDHB/GC exhibits higher catalytic activity and stronger poisoning tolerance for electro‐oxidation of methanol and formic acid. The enhanced performance could be attributed to the increase of electrochemical active surface area (EASA) arisen from the PoDHB modification. Furthermore, performance limiting factors such as platinum loading, polymer mass, H2SO4, methanol, and formic acid concentrations have been evaluated for optimizing the electrocatalytic activities.
Talent Scouts and Proofreaders
Authors: Hömberg Walter
Published: January 2012

Editors are always in their authors' shadows, and yet no work of literature could be published without them. A new study provides a sociogram of this profession, analysing their daily duties and the way in which they are perceived by themselves and others.
Synthesis and 1H NMR titration study of 7‐deoxycholic amide or cholane ionophores containing different ion‐recognizing groups at C3 and C12
Authors: Oh Hyunju , Han Sang Keun , Kim Byeong Hyo
Published: January 2012

Tweezer‐type ionophores containing C3‐carbamoylpropanamidoacetoxy and C12‐dithiocarbamoyl groups on a 7‐deoxycholic amide or cholane derivative were designed and synthesized. A representative 1H NMR titration study indicated that newly synthesized ionophores form 1:1 complexes with the Ca2 + ion. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Heteroatom Chem 23:187–194, 2012; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/hc.21002
Efficient growth suppression and apoptosis in human laryngeal carcinoma cell line HEP‐2 induced by an adeno‐associated virus expressing human FAS ligand
Authors: Sun Haili , Liu Yuhe , Bu Dingfang , Liu Xiang , Norris James S. , Xiao Shuifang
Published: January 2012

Background

Apoptosis induced by Fas/FasL system has been proposed as a gene therapy methold for various cancers.

Methods

We used adeno‐associated virus–expressing enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP)‐human FasL (AAV‐EGFP‐hFasL) to deliver FasL into Hep‐2 cells, cytotoxicity was detected by MTS assay , apoptosis was confirmed by flow cytometry. We also treated the xenograft of Hep‐2 tumor in nude mice with intratumoral injection of AAV‐EGFP‐hFasL. The size of the xenograft, the apoptosis in the xenograft, and the survival rate of the inoculated mice were then evaluated.

Results

Hep‐2 cells infected with AAV‐EGFP‐hFasL showed increased apoptosis rate and killing effect compared with AAV‐EGFP–infected cells. In addition intratumoral injections of AAV‐EGFP‐hFasL into Hep‐2 xenografts induced significant growth suppression of tumors.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that the introduction of FasL into head and neck squamous cell carcinoma may induce significant apoptosis, and adeno‐associated virus may be a useful vehicle for gene therapy. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2012
Plastic cordotomy in the treatment of bilateral vocal fold immobility
Authors: Yagudin Ramil K. , Demenkov Valentin R. , Yagudin Kamil F.
Published: January 2012

Background

The purpose of this study was to evaluate a new surgical method, plastic cordotomy for treatment of bilateral vocal fold immobility.

Methods

We used cadaver experiments on 20 larynges to measure the widening of the glottis after bilateral plastic cordotomy. We conducted a prospective study of 21 female patients operated on with bilateral plastic cordotomy.

Results

Bilateral plastic cordotomy enlarged the width of glottis to 9.55 (range, 8.3–10) mm in men and 8.5 (range, 7.4–8.8) mm in women and the area of glottis to 110.5 mm2 (range, 88–149 mm2) in men and to 84.5 mm2 (range, 59–107 mm2) in women. Clinical study revealed that the mean of peak inspiratory flow increased from 1.09 (0.41) L/seconds before surgery to 2.85 (0.67) L/seconds in long‐term.

Conclusion

Plastic cordotomy is an effective, anatomically based method to alleviate obstruction in bilateral vocal fold immobility patients. The main advantage of plastic cordotomy is long‐term stability of results due to prevention of restenosis. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2012
Epidemiology of sebaceous carcinoma of the head and neck: Implications for lymph node management
Authors: Tryggvason Geir , Bayon Rodrigo , Pagedar Nitin A.
Published: January 2012

Background

The purpose of this study was to describe the incidence of nodal disease in sebaceous carcinoma and its impact on survival.

Methods

Data from the 17 registries of the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database was retrospectively collected for sebaceous carcinoma from 1973 to 2007. Information on location, histologic grade, stage of disease, and survival was gathered.

Results

One thousand eight hundred thirty‐six sebaceous carcinomas were diagnosed during the time period: 633 (34.5%) in the eyelid and 786 (42.8%) in the extraocular head and neck skin. Eyelid sebaceous carcinomas had higher histologic grade compared with tumors in extraocular sites (p < .001). Ocular sebaceous carcinomas had a higher incidence of regional or distant metastases at presentation (4.4%) compared with extraocular head and neck sites (0.9%; p = .03). There was a high incidence of N+ disease in poorly differentiated ocular sebaceous carcinomas (15.2%).

Conclusion

The incidence of nodal disease was higher with eyelid tumors. Sentinel lymph node biopsy can be considered for eyelid tumors, but not for non‐eyelid head and neck tumors. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2012
Outcomes of combined oncologic resection and carotid endarterectomy in patients with head and neck cancer
Authors: Kroeker Teresa R. , O'Brien John C.
Published: January 2012

Background

Patients with head and neck cancer have similar risk factors to patients with carotid disease. Patients with head and neck cancer should be screened with vascular consultations obtained as indicated. Identification of significant carotid artery disease before surgical treatment of head and neck cancer is important in order to prevent perioperative and future strokes.

Methods

Eleven patients underwent carotid duplex ultrasound followed by vascular consultation for significant asymptomatic and symptomatic carotid stenosis. Carotid endarterectomy was performed during an oncologic resection of head and neck cancer between the years of 1996 and 2011.

Results

There were no local or regional recurrences. There were no perioperative deaths or strokes. Two‐year and 5‐year survival were 70% and 29%, respectively, with a median survival of 51 months.

Conclusion

Collaboration of head and neck surgeons with vascular surgeons provides the patient with an oncologic resection and revascularization with a low perioperative risk of stroke. This improves the patient's quality of life by lessening the possibility of a stroke postoperatively. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2013
Noninvasive elastography-based assessment of liver fibrosis progression and prognosis in primary biliary cirrhosis
Authors: Corpechot Christophe , Carrat Fabrice , Poujol-Robert Armelle , Gaouar Farid , Wendum Dominique , Chazouillères Olivier , Poupon Raoul
Published: January 2012

The development of liver fibrosis markers in primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) is needed to facilitate the assessment of its progression and the effectiveness of new therapies. Here, we investigated the potential usefulness of transient elastography (TE) in the noninvasive evaluation of liver fibrosis stage and disease progression in PBC. We performed, first, a prospective performance analysis of TE for the diagnosis of METAVIR fibrosis stages in a diagnostic cohort of 103 patients and, second, a retrospective longitudinal analysis of repeated examinations in a monitoring cohort of 150 patients followed-up for up to 5 years. All patients were treated with ursodeoxycholic acid. Diagnostic thresholds of liver stiffness in discriminating fibrosis stages ≥F1, ≥F2, ≥F3, and =F4 were 7.1, 8.8, 10.7, and 16.9 kPa, respectively. TE showed high performance and was significantly superior to biochemical markers (e.g., aspartate aminotransferase [AST]/platelet ratio, FIB-4, hyaluronic acid, AST/alanine aminotransferase ratio, and Mayo score) in diagnosing significant fibrosis, severe fibrosis, or cirrhosis. Analysis of the monitoring cohort data set using generalized linear models showed the following: (1) an overall progression rate of 0.48 ± 0.21 kPa/year (P = 0.02) and (2) no significant progression in patients with F0-F1, F2, or F3 stages, but a significant increase (4.06 ± 0.72 kPa/year; P < 0.0001) in cirrhotic patients. A cut-off value of 2.1 kPa/year was associated with an 8.4-fold increased risk of liver decompensations, liver transplantations, or deaths (P < 0.0001, Cox regression analysis). Conclusion: TE is one of the best current surrogate markers of liver fibrosis in PBC. Over a 5-year period, on-treatment liver stiffness appears stable in most noncirrhotic PBC patients, whereas it significantly increases in patients with cirrhosis. Progression of liver stiffness in PBC is predictive of poor outcome. (HEPATOLOGY 2012;56:198–208)
A model for dropout assessment of candidates with or without hepatocellular carcinoma on a common liver transplant waiting list
Authors: Toso Christian , Dupuis-Lozeron Elise , Majno Pietro , Berney Thierry , Kneteman Norman M. , Perneger Thomas , Morel Philippe , Mentha Gilles , Combescure Christophe
Published: January 2012

In many countries, the allocation of liver grafts is based on the Model of End-stage Liver Disease (MELD) score and the use of exception points for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). With this strategy, HCC patients have easier access to transplantation than non-HCC ones. In addition, this system does not allow for a dynamic assessment, which would be required to picture the current use of local tumor treatment. This study was based on the Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients and included 5,498 adult candidates of a liver transplantation for HCC and 43,528 for non-HCC diagnoses. A proportional hazard competitive risk model was used. The risk of dropout of HCC patients was independently predicted by MELD score, HCC size, HCC number, and alpha-fetoprotein. When combined in a model with age and diagnosis, these factors allowed for the extrapolation of the risk of dropout. Because this model and MELD did not share compatible scales, a correlation between both models was computed according to the predicted risk of dropout, and drop-out equivalent MELD (deMELD) points were calculated. Conclusion: The proposed model, with the allocation of deMELD, has the potential to allow for a dynamic and combined comparison of opportunities to receive a graft for HCC and non-HCC patients on a common waiting list. (HEPATOLOGY 2012;56:149–156)
Efficient suppression of murine intracellular adhesion molecule-1 using ultrasound-responsive and mannose-modified lipoplexes inhibits acute hepatic inflammation
Authors: Un Keita , Kawakami Shigeru , Yoshida Mitsuru , Higuchi Yuriko , Suzuki Ryo , Maruyama Kazuo , Yamashita Fumiyoshi , Hashida Mitsuru
Published: January 2012

Hepatitis is often associated with the overexpression of various adhesion molecules. In particular, intracellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), which is expressed on hepatic endothelial cells (HECs) in the early stage of inflammation, is involved in serious illnesses. Therefore, ICAM-1 suppression in HECs enables the suppression of inflammatory responses. Here, we developed an ICAM-1 small interfering RNA (siRNA) transfer method using ultrasound (US)-responsive and mannose-modified liposome/ICAM-1 siRNA complexes (Man-PEG2000 bubble lipoplexes [Man-PEG2000 BLs]), and achieved efficient HEC-selective ICAM-1 siRNA delivery in combination with US exposure. Moreover, the sufficient ICAM-1 suppression effects were obtained via this ICAM-1 siRNA transfer in vitro and in vivo, and potent anti-inflammatory effects were observed in various types of inflammation, such as lipopolysaccharide, dimethylnitrosamine, carbon tetrachloride, and ischemia/reperfusion-induced inflammatory mouse models. Conclusion: HEC-selective and efficient ICAM-1 siRNA delivery using Man-PEG2000 BLs and US exposure enables suppression of various types of acute hepatic inflammation. This novel siRNA delivery method may offer a valuable system for medical treatment where the targeted cells are HECs. (HEPATOLOGY 2012;56:259–269)
Selective facilitation of LTP in the ventral hippocampus by calcium stores
Authors: Grigoryan Gayane , Korkotian Eduard , Segal Menahem
Published: January 2012

The effects of low concentrations of caffeine and ryanodine on field excitatory postsynaptic potentials (EPSPs) and long‐term potentiation (LTP) were studied in CA1 region of slices of dorsal and ventral hippocampus (DH and VH, respectively). There was a striking difference between the two regions in the magnitude of effect of both drugs, as well as the ability to interact with a tetanic stimulation to produce LTP. Low concentration of caffeine (1 mM) produced a postsynaptic increase in the slope of population EPSPs in VH, and facilitated LTP in this region. Low concentration of ryanodine (0.2 μM) was able to convert short‐term potentiation (STP) to LTP in VH only. These effects are postsynaptic and they reflect a higher concentration of ryanodine receptors (RyRs) in the VH compared to the DH. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Tumour burden predicts treatment resistance in patients with early unfavourable or advanced stage Hodgkin lymphoma treated with ABVD and radiotherapy
Authors: Gobbi Paolo G , Bassi Emilio , Bergonzi Manuela , Merli Francesco , Coriani Chiara , Iannitto Emilio , Luminari Stefano , Polimeno Giuseppe , Federico Massimo
Published: January 2012

The purpose of the work was to investigate the factors predicting early resistance to treatment in Hodgkin lymphoma. Many staging parameters, including relative tumour burden (rTB), were analysed in 246 patients with Hodgkin lymphoma in relation to early failure, that is, less than complete remission (i.e. partial response, null response or progression) or occurrence of early relapse, as clinical expressions of resistance to treatment. Patients with early unfavourable disease were 129 and were treated with four to six cycles of ABVD + involved field radiotherapy; 117 patients with advanced stage disease received six cycles of ABVD + optional irradiation to no more than two sites. The rTB was volumetrically measured through the evaluation of staging computed tomography for all the lesions except bone marrow involvement, which was quantified by calculation. The relationship with early resistance was analysed with logistic regressions. The rTB demonstrated to be the best predictor of early failure in both patient subsets, being superior to the multiparameter International Prognostic Score. The rTB showed a significant exponential relationship with the relative risk of early failure, and with inclusion of the extranodal involvement into the model, a single equation became adequate to predict resistance in both early unfavourable and advanced stage patients. The conclusions are that the rTB is the best pretreatment factor related to the risk of resistance to combined ABVD + radiotherapy and that this relationship can be mathematically expressed in an easy way. A simplified assessment of rTB is highly desirable. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Self‐reported history of infections and the risk of non‐Hodgkin lymphoma: An InterLymph pooled analysis
Authors: Becker Nikolaus , Falster Michael O. , Vajdic Claire M. , de Sanjose Silvia , Martínez‐Maza Otoniel , Bracci Paige M. , Melbye Mads , Smedby Karin Ekström , Engels Eric A. , Turner Jennifer , Vineis Paolo , Costantini Adele Seniori , Holly Elizabeth A. , Spinelli John J. , Vecchia Carlo La , Zheng Tongzhang , Chiu Brian C.‐H. , Montella Maurizio , Cocco Pierluigi , Maynadié Marc , Foretova Lenka , Staines Anthony , Brennan Paul , Davis Scott , Severson Richard , Cerhan James R. , Breen Elizabeth C. , Birmann Brenda , Cozen Wendy , Grulich Andrew E. , Newton Robert
Published: January 2012

We performed a pooled analysis of data on self‐reported history of infections in relation to the risk of non‐Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) from 17 case–control studies that included 12,585 cases and 15,416 controls aged 16–96 years at recruitment. Pooled odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were estimated in two‐stage random‐effect or joint fixed‐effect models, adjusting for age, sex and study centre. Data from the 2 years before diagnosis (or date of interview for controls) were excluded. A self‐reported history of infectious mononucleosis was associated with an excess risk of NHL (OR = 1.26, 95% CI = 1.01–1.57 based on data from 16 studies); study‐specific results indicate significant (I2 = 51%, p = 0.01) heterogeneity. A self‐reported history of measles or whooping cough was associated with an approximate 15% reduction in risk. History of other infection was not associated with NHL. We find little clear evidence of an association between NHL risk and infection although the limitations of data based on self‐reported medical history (particularly of childhood illness reported by older people) are well recognized.
Childhood maltreatment and prospectively observed quality of early care as predictors of antisocial personality disorder features
Authors: Shi Zhenyu , Bureau Jean‐Francois , Easterbrooks M. Ann , Zhao Xudong , Lyons‐Ruth Karlen
Published: January 2012

Few studies have evaluated the separate contributions of maltreatment and ongoing quality of parent–child interaction to the etiology of antisocial personality features using a prospective longitudinal design. One hundred twenty low‐income young adults (aged 18–23) were assessed for extent of antisocial personality disorder (ASPD) features on the Structured Clinical Interview for Diagnosis (M.B. First, R.L. Spitzer, M. Gibbon, & J.B.W. Williams, 1997) for the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fourth edition (American Psychiatric Association, 1994) Axis II, for presence of maltreatment on the Conflict Tactics Scale (M.A. Straus, S.L. Hamby, D. Finkelhor, D.W. Moore, & D. Runyan, 1998), Traumatic Experiences Scale (L. Dutra, J.F. Bureau, B. Holmes, A. Lyubchik, & K. Lyons‐Ruth, 2009), and Adult Attachment Interview (C. George, N. Kaplan, & M. Main, 1984), and for referral in infancy to parent–infant clinical services. Fifty‐six of these families had been studied longitudinally since the first year of life. In infancy, attachment disorganization and disrupted mother–infant interaction were assessed; in middle childhood, disorganized‐controlling attachment behaviors were reliably rated. In kindergarten and second grade, behavior problems were assessed by teacher report. In cross‐sectional analyses, maltreatment was significantly associated with ASPD features, but did not account for the independent effect of early referral to parent–infant services on ASPD features. In longitudinal analyses, maternal withdrawal in infancy predicted the extent of ASPD features 20 years later, independently of childhood abuse. In middle childhood, disorganized attachment behavior and maladaptive behavior at school added to prediction of later ASPD features. Antisocial features in young adulthood have precursors in the minute‐to‐minute process of parent–child interaction beginning in infancy.
Compliance, opposition, and behavior problems in toddlers born preterm or low birthweight
Authors: Poehlmann Julie , Miller Schwichtenberg AJ , Hahn Emily , Miller Kyle , Dilworth‐Bart Janean , Kaplan David , Maleck Sarah
Published: January 2012

Although children born preterm or low birth weight (PT LBW) are more likely to exhibit behavior problems compared to children born at term, developmental and family processes associated with these problems are unclear. We examined trajectories of maternal depressive symptoms in relation to toddler compliance and behavior problems in families with PT LBW infants. A total of 177 infants (93 boys, 84 girls) and their mothers enrolled in the study during the infant's NICU stay. Data were collected at five time points across 2 years. Assessments of maternal depressive symptoms were conducted at all time points, and toddler compliance and opposition to maternal requests and behavior problems were assessed at 2 years. Toddlers born earlier with more health problems to mothers whose depressive symptoms increased over time exhibited the most opposition to maternal requests during a cleanup task at 24 months, consistent with multiple risk models. Mothers with elevated depression symptoms reported more behavior problems in their toddlers. The study has implications for family‐based early intervention programs seeking to identify PT LBW infants at highest risk for problem behaviors.
Behavior problems in young children from low‐income families: The development of a new screening tool
Authors: Holtz Casey A. , Fox Robert A.
Published: January 2012

The purpose of this study was to construct a screening tool, the Early Childhood Behavior Screen (ECBS), to identify behavior problems and prosocial behaviors in very young children (1–5 years old) from low‐income backgrounds. Field testing of the initial screening tool was conducted with a representative, diverse sample of 439 parents from a low‐income, urban community. The final 20‐item scale was written at a 3.9 grade reading level. Psychometric properties of the ECBS revealed that the items loaded on two factors, the Challenging Behavior factor and the Prosocial Behavior factor. Each factor demonstrated high levels of internal consistency (.87 and .92, respectively). The Challenging Behavior factor demonstrated adequate levels of concurrent validity (r = .75), sensitivity (r = .82), and specificity (r = .80) based on its relationship with the Eyberg Child Behavior Inventory (S.M. Eyberg & D. Pincus, 1999). The Prosocial Behavior factor is a clinically useful aspect of the ECBS, as it allows researchers and practitioners to identify the child's positive behaviors as part of a strength‐based approach to treatment. The results suggested that the ECBS has potential as a brief screening tool that is useful in pediatric, psychological, and educational settings that serve low‐income populations to aid in the identification of young children with challenging behaviors that may require intervention services
Substance‐abusing mothers in residential treatment with their babies: Importance of pre‐ and postnatal maternal reflective functioning
Authors: Pajulo Marjukka , Pyykkönen Nina , Kalland Mirjam , Sinkkonen Jari , Helenius Hans , Punamäki Raija‐Leena , Suchman Nancy
Published: January 2012

A residential treatment program has been developed specifically for substance‐abusing pregnant and parenting women in Finland, focusing on simultaneously supporting maternal abstinence from substances and the mother–baby relationship. The aims of the study are to explore maternal pre‐ and postnatal reflective functioning and its association with background factors, maternal exposure to trauma, and psychiatric symptoms, postnatal interaction, child development, and later child foster care placement. Participants were 34 mother–baby pairs living in three residential program units during the pre‐ to postnatal period. We employed self‐report questionnaires on background, trauma history, and psychiatric symptoms (Brief Symptom Inventory: L.R. Derogatis, 1993; Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale: J.L. Cox, J.M. Holden, & R. Sagovsky, 1987; Traumatic Antecedents Questionnaire: B. Van der Kolk, 2003), videotaped mother–child interactions coded for sensitivity, control, and unresponsiveness (Care Index for Infants and Toddlers: P. Crittenden, 2003); a standardized test of child development (Bayley Scales of Infant Development‐II: N. Bayley, 1993); and semistructured interviews for maternal reflective functioning (Pregnancy Interview: A. Slade, E. Bernbach, J. Grienenberger, D.W. Levy, & A. Locker, 2002; Parent Development Interview: A. Slade et al., 2005). Pre‐ and postnatal maternal reflective functioning (RF) was on average low, but varied considerably across participants. Average RF increased significantly during the intervention. Increase in RF level was found to be associated with type of abused substance and maternal trauma history. Mothers who showed lower postnatal RF levels relapsed to substance use more often after completing a residential treatment period, and their children were more likely to be placed in foster care. The intensive focus on maternal RF is an important direction in the development of efficacious treatment for this very high risk population.
Nanomolar melatonin enhances nNOS expression and controls HaCaT‐cells bioenergetics
Authors: Arese Marzia , Magnifico Maria Chiara , Mastronicola Daniela , Altieri Fabio , Grillo Caterina , Blanck Thomas J. J. , Sarti Paolo
Published: January 2012

A novel role of melatonin was unveiled, using immortalized human keratinocyte cells (HaCaT) as a model system. Within a time window compatible with its circadian rhythm, melatonin at nanomolar concentration raised both the expression level of the neuronal nitric oxide synthase mRNA and the nitric oxide oxidation products, nitrite and nitrate. On the same time scale, a depression of the mitochondrial membrane potential was detected together with a decrease of the oxidative phosphorylation efficiency, compensated by glycolysis as testified by an increased production of lactate. The melatonin concentration, ∼ nmolar, inducing the bioenergetic effects and their time dependence, both suggest that the observed nitric oxide‐induced mitochondrial changes might play a role in the metabolic pathways characterizing the circadian melatonin chemistry. © 2012 IUBMB IUBMB Life, 2012
STAT3 interacts directly with Hsp90
Authors: Prinsloo Earl , Kramer Adam H. , Edkins Adrienne L. , Blatch Gregory L.
Published: January 2012

Heat shock protein 90 (Hsp90) functionally modulates signal transduction. The signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) mediates interleukin‐6 family cytokine signaling. Aberrant activation and mutation of STAT3 is associated with oncogenesis and immune disorders, respectively. Hsp90 and STAT3 have previously been shown to colocalize and coimmunoprecipitate in common complexes. Surface plasmon resonance spectroscopy revealed a direct, high affinity specific interaction between recombinant Hsp90β and STAT3β in the presence and absence of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) in molar excess. Furthermore, comparative analysis using a phosphomimetic mutation at tyrosine 705 showed that the direct interaction appeared to favor neither unactivated nor activated STAT3. Destabilizing mutation of STAT3 at arginine residues 414/417 to alanine in the DNA‐binding domain, previously shown to disrupt nuclear translocation in vivo, reduced interaction with a STAT3 DNA binding site oligonucleotide and Hsp90β in vitro, indicating that STAT3 requires a functional DNA‐binding domain for full direct interaction with Hsp90. Site‐directed mutagenesis of a mammalian STAT3–EGFP‐N1 fusion construct at RR414/417 and subsequent transfection into human MCF7 epithelial breast cancer cells showed no impaired nuclear translocation when observed by confocal laser scanning microscopy. However, costaining for Hsp90α/β isoforms and colocalization analysis revealed a defined decrease in pixel‐on‐pixel colocalization compared with the wild‐type confirming the requirement of the DNA‐binding domain for high‐affinity interaction. © 2012 IUBMB IUBMB Life, 2012
Lead inhibits paraoxonase 2 but not paraoxonase 1 activity in human hepatoma HepG2 cells
Authors: Sukketsiri Wanida , Porntadavity Sureerut , Phivthong‐ngam Laddawal , Lawanprasert Somsong
Published: January 2012

Lead is an environmental toxicant of great concern for humans and animals. Lead‐induced liver damage and malfunction are partly due to a disturbance of the cellular antioxidant balance. Paraoxonase 1 (PON1) and PON2 are highly expressed in the liver and have been proposed as antioxidative enzymes. In this study, the effects of lead on PON1 and PON2 activities were investigated in human hepatoma HepG2 cells by exposing the cells to various concentrations of lead acetate for 24, 48, or 72 h. The results show that a significant increase in reactive oxygen species was observed even at the lowest concentration of lead treatment. However, only the highest concentration of lead significantly influenced cell viability. Lead had no influence on cell‐associated PON1 activity, but it significantly decreased cytoplasmic PON2 activity in a concentration‐ and time‐dependent manner. This reduction was rescued by the addition of calcium. A significant increase of PON2 transcript was observed by real‐time polymerase chain reaction, while PON2 protein expression did not change in the western blot analysis. Taken together, these results indicate that lead reduces PON2, but not PON1, activity and that this reduction is reversed by calcium. Lead‐induced oxidative stress and decreased PON2 activity lead to the upregulation of PON2 transcript. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cadmium exposure increases susceptibility to testicular autoimmunity in mice
Authors: Ogawa Yuki , Itoh Masahiro , Hirai Shuichi , Suna Shigeru , Naito Munekazu , Qu Ning , Terayama Hayato , Ikeda Ayumi , Miyaso Hidenobu , Matsuno Yoshiharu , Komiyama Masatoshi , Mori Chisato
Published: January 2012

Cadmium, one of various environmental toxicants, is known to suppress systemic immunity and to injure the testicular capillary endothelia with resultant necrosis of testicular tissues in mice and rats treated with high doses. Recently, it also became evident that cadmium can affect the integrity of the blood–testis barrier (BTB), the endocrine function of Leydig cells, apoptosis of germ cells and systemic immunity, even on treatment with a low dose that does not induce spermatogenic disturbance. Experimental autoimmune orchitis (EAO), i.e., an organ‐specific autoimmunity of the testis, can be induced by repeated immunization with testicular antigens, and its pathology is characterized by lymphocytic inflammation and spermatogenic disturbance. In the present study, we investigated the morphological and functional changes of testes in mice treated with a low dose of cadmium chloride (CdCl2) and also examined its toxicity as to susceptibility to EAO. The results showed that exposure to 3 mg CdCl2 kg−1 body weight did not affect the spermatogenic state. However, the BTB at the tubuli recti and the rete testis, but not the seminiferous tubules, was slightly weakened, and intra‐testicular mRNA expression of interleukin (IL)‐6, tumor necrosis factor‐α and IL‐1β was significantly increased by the CdCl2 treatment. Furthermore, immunization with testicular antigens after the CdCl2 exposure significantly augmented the EAO severity. Therefore, exposure to a low dose of CdCl2 induces no significant disturbance of spermatogenesis, however, it does change the immunological microcircumstances in the testis, resulting in increased susceptibility to testicular autoimmunity. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
ABO‐incompatible kidney transplantation using regenerative selective immunoglobulin adsorption
Authors: Teschner Sven , Stippel Dirk , Grunenberg Roland , Beck Bodo , Wahba Roger , Gathof Birgit , Benzing Thomas , Burst Volker
Published: January 2012

Background: ABO‐incompatible (ABOi) kidney transplantation is an established procedure relying on the removal of donor‐specific isoagglutinine antibodies as part of the recipient preconditioning. At present, current protocols using immunoadsorption apply a single‐use selective carbohydrate isoagglutinine adsorber. A regenerative and selective immunoglobulin immunoadsorption could be an alternative but has not been reported for ABOi transplantation. Methods: Eight patients were treated with the commonly used isoagglutinine carbohydrate epitope adsorber and seven with a regenerative polyclonal sheep anti‐immunoglobulin adsorber as part of the preconditioning for ABOi kidney transplantation. An IgG‐isoagglutinine titer of less or equal 1:4 qualified for transplantation. Treatment safety, efficiency, length of desensitization, number of postoperative immunoadsorptions, and allograft outcome were retrospectively compared. Results: With the use of the immunoglobulin adsorber the median initial isoagglutinine IgG titers of 1:64 (range 1:32–1:256) were lowered to the target of 1:4 preoperatively with a mean of 6.2 immunoadsorptions (range 5–11). Mean IgG/IgM titer step reduction per IA was 1.98/1.21 for (range 0–4/0–4) and mean titer step rebound 1.31/0.82 (range 0–4/0–3), respectively. The number of immunoadsorptions and length of desensitization was not different from the use of the specific isoagglutinine adsorbers. After transplantation, no rejection occurred and only one postoperative immunoadsorption was necessary. No adverse events in relation to immunoadsorption were observed. Graft function was comparable to the isoagglutinine adsorber group. Conclusion: These data suggest that ABOi kidney transplantation can be performed safely and effectively with a selective regenerative immunoglobulin immunoadsorber. J. Clin. Apheresis, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Comparing the biological characteristics of adipose tissue‐derived stem cells of different persons
Authors: Shu Wang , Shu Yang Ting , Dai Chen Yun , Zhen Qin Zhi
Published: January 2012

Scientists have found that cell sex is a variable that considerably influences the regeneration abilities of muscle‐derived stem cells' in mice. We try to find out whether the cell sex or cell age (the age of donor) will influence the biological characteristics of human adipose tissue‐derived stem cells (H‐ADSCs). The results indicate that cell sex influences the proliferation, differentiation, paracrine, and anti‐apoptosis abilities of the H‐ADSCs, and cell age may also affect the H‐ADSCs' differentiation and anti‐apoptosis abilities. J. Cell. Biochem. 113: 2020–2026, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Tumor suppressor function of RUNX3 in breast cancer
Authors: Chen Lin‐Feng
Published: January 2012

Emerging evidence indicates that RUNX3 is a tumor suppressor in breast cancer. RUNX3 is frequently inactivated in human breast cancer cell lines and cancer samples by hemizygous deletion of the Runx3 gene, hypermethylation of the Runx3 promoter, or cytoplasmic sequestration of RUNX3 protein. Inactivation of RUNX3 is associated with the initiation and progression of breast cancer. Female Runx3+/− mice spontaneously develop ductal carcinoma, and overexpression of RUNX3 inhibits the proliferation, tumorigenic potential, and invasiveness of breast cancer cells. This review is intended to summarize these findings and discuss the tumor suppressor function of RUNX3 in breast cancer. J. Cell. Biochem. 113: 1470–1477, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Downregulation of ErbB3 by Wnt3a contributes to wnt‐induced osteoblast differentiation in mesenchymal cells
Authors: Jullien Nicolas , Maudinet Adrien , Leloutre Benjamin , Ringe Jochen , Häupl Thomas , Marie Pierre J.
Published: January 2012

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) can differentiate into osteoblasts upon activation of Wnt signaling. Identifying targets of Wnt signaling in MSC may help promote MSC osteoblast differentiation for bone regeneration. In this study, using microarray analysis we found that Wnt3a upregulates neuregulin 1 (NRG‐1) during Wnt3a‐induced osteoblast differentiation in primary human MSC and murine C3H10T1/2 mesenchymal cells. Western blot and qPCR analyses confirmed that NRG‐1 is upregulated by Wnt3a, and that this effect was counterbalanced by decreased expression of the NRG‐1 receptor ErbB3. Consistently, exogenous NRG‐1 had no effect on alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, an early marker of osteoblast differentiation. In contrast, small interfering RNA‐mediated silencing of endogenous NRG‐1 increased basal and Wnt3a‐induced ALP activity in MSC. We showed that short hairpin (sh) ErbB3 and Wnt3a additively increased β‐catenin transcriptional activity and ALP activity in MSC. These effects were abrogated by DKK1, indicating that cross‐talk between Wnt3a and ErbB3 control MSC osteoblast differentiation via Wnt/β‐catenin signaling. Furthermore, ErbB3 silencing decreased Src expression. Pharmacological inhibition of Src signaling promoted ErbB3‐ and Wnt‐induced ALP activity, suggestive of a role of Src signaling in the modulation of osteoblast differentiation by ErbB3 and Wnt3a. The results indicate that downregulation of ErbB3 induced by Wnt3a contributes to Wnt3a‐induced early osteoblast differentiation of MSCs through increased canonical Wnt/β‐catenin signaling and decreased Src signaling. J. Cell. Biochem. 113: 2047–2056, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.