bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Intracoronary thrombolytic therapy
Authors: Gallagher Sean , Jain Ajay K. , Archbold R. Andrew
Published: November 2011

The benefit of the routine application of aspiration thrombectomy in primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI) is now well established. The optimal management of patients who have “failed” thrombectomy characterized by a large residual thrombus burden after repeated mechanical thrombectomy, however, is not known. We report a case of failed aspiration thrombectomy in a 66‐year‐old woman who was admitted to our institution with chest pain associated with inferior ST segment elevation. Coronary angiography showed a thrombotic occlusion of the right coronary artery. Aspiration thrombectomy did little to reduce thrombus load and so the patient was treated with intracoronary tenecteplase. Repeat coronary angiography 18 hr later revealed marked thrombus resolution with thrombolysis in myocardial infarction (TIMI) grade 3 anterograde flow and patency of the infarct‐related artery was maintained at 2‐month follow up. This case demonstrates the potential for intracoronary thrombolytic therapy as a treatment option for the management of patients following failed thrombectomy in PPCI. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Duration of balloon inflation for optimal stent deployment: Five Seconds Is Not Enough
Authors: Hovasse Thomas , Mylotte Darren , Garot Philippe , Salvatella Neus , Morice Marie‐Claude , Chevalier Bernard , Pichard Augusto , Lefèvre Thierry
Published: November 2011

Objectives: To assess the effect of the duration of stent inflation on stent expansion using digital stent enhancement (DSE). Background: Optimal stent expansion and apposition to the vessel wall are of critical importance to optimize the results of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). However, it is not known if stent inflation duration impacts on stent expansion. Methods: We performed a prospective cohort study in patients undergoing PCI. Quantitative coronary angiography and DSE data were analyzed. DSE was performed at 5, 15, and 25 sec during stent implantation, after target balloon inflation pressure was achieved. Results: One hundred and four consecutive patients (150 lesions) were enrolled. The mean age was 66.9 ± 11.1 years. Complex lesions (ACC/AHA B2/C) occurred in 26.9%. Stents used: Cypher Select (54.1%), Xience V (30.6%), and Taxus Liberté (15.3%). The minimal stent diameter increased significantly with the duration of stent inflation: 2.60 ± 0.51, 2.76 ± 0.51, and 2.82 ± 0.52 mm at 5, 15, and 25 sec (P < 0.0001). Similarly, maximal stent diameter increased with the duration of stent inflation: 3.21 ± 0.51, 3.32 ± 0.52, and 3.36 ± 0.54 mm (P < 0.0001). The average stent diameter also increased with longer stent inflation (P < 0.0001). Using MUSIC criteria 24.0, 53.3, and 68.0% of stents were appropriately expanded at 5, 15, and 25 sec (P < 0.0001).Conclusions: The duration of stent balloon inflation has a significant impact on stent expansion. Stent deployment for >25 sec is recommended. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Multimodality direct coronary imaging with combined near‐infrared spectroscopy and intravascular ultrasound: Initial US experience
Authors: Madder Ryan D. , Steinberg Daniel H. , Anderson R. David
Published: November 2011

Recent studies emphasize the importance of direct intracoronary imaging techniques that provide insights regarding not only lesion architecture but also plaque composition, particularly the presence or absence of lipid‐core plaque (LCP). Intracoronary near‐infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) is the only validated FDA approved device for in vivo detection of LCP. A recently introduced catheter provides simultaneous NIRS spectral data coregistered with standard intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) images in a single intracoronary pullback. The present series of cases illustrates the unique data obtained by this combined NIRS‐IVUS device and highlights its potential clinical applications. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Clinical outcomes and predictors of unprotected left main stem culprit lesions in patients with acute ST segment elevation myocardial infarction
Authors: Baek Ju Yeol , Seo Suk Min , Park Hun‐Jun , Kim Pum Joon , Park Mahn Won , Koh Yoon Seok , Chang Ki Yuk , Jeong Myung Ho , Park Seung Jung , Seung Ki‐Bae
Published: November 2011

Objectives: We aimed at comparing the clinical outcomes of the patients who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) due to left main coronary arteries (LMCA) and non‐LMCA determining the predictors of mortality in the patients. Background: There are few data regarding the midterm prognosis of STEMI due to LMCA as compared with them due to non‐LMCA. Methods: A total of 4,697 patients with STEMI (61 patients with LMCA and 4,636 patients with non‐LMCA) were enrolled in a nationwide Korea Acute Myocardial Infarction (MI) Registry between November 2005 and September 2009. The primary endpoints was a composite of cardiac death, nonfatal MI, and target lesion and vessel revascularization (TLR/TVR) during a 12‐month clinical follow‐up. Results: The LMCA group had a higher incidence of total major adverse cardiac events (MACEs) (26.2% vs. 7.8%; P < 0.001) at 12 months, which was largely attributable to cardiac deaths at 1 month (21.3% vs. 3.8%; P < 0.001). Therefore, there was no statistical difference in cardiac deaths, nonfatal MI, TLR/TVR, and MACEs after 1 month between the two groups. Presenting in cardiogenic shock (HR, 4.25; 95% CI, 1.01–17.97; P = 0.049) and heart rate ≥100 bpm (HR, 4.97; 95% CI, 1.18–21.00; P = 0.029) were independent predictors of cardiac death due to LMCA. Conclusion: Patients with STEMI and a LMCA had poor clinical outcomes, which is attributable to hemodynamic deterioration during the periprocedural period. However, after that time, midterm MACEs of the survivors following the periprocedural period may not be different between STEMI due to LMCA and non‐LMCA. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Dye‐Sensitized Solar Cells Based on Donor‐π‐Acceptor Fluorescent Dyes with a Pyridine Ring as an Electron‐Withdrawing‐Injecting Anchoring Group
Authors: Ooyama Yousuke , Nagano Tomoya , Inoue Shogo , Imae Ichiro , Komaguchi Kenji , Ohshita Joji , Harima Yutaka
Published: November 2011

A new‐type of donor–acceptor π‐conjugated (D‐π‐A) fluorescent dyes NI3–NI8 with a pyridine ring as electron‐withdrawing‐injecting anchoring group have been developed and their photovoltaic performances in dye‐sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) are investigated. The short‐circuit photocurrent densities and solar energy‐to‐electricity conversion yields of DSSCs based on NI3–NI8 are greater than those for the conventional D‐π‐A dye sensitizers NI1 and NI2 with a carboxyl group as the electron‐withdrawing anchoring group. The IR spectra of NI3–NI8 adsorbed on TiO2 indicate the formation of coordinate bonds between the pyridine ring of dyes NI3–NI8 and the Lewis acid sites (exposed Tin+ cations) of the TiO2 surface. This work demonstrates that the pyridine rings of D‐π‐A dye sensitizers that form a coordinate bond with the Lewis acid site of a TiO2 surface are promising candidates as not only electron‐withdrawing anchoring group but also electron‐injecting group, rather than the carboxyl groups of the conventional D‐π‐A dye sensitizers that form an ester linkage with the Brønsted acid sites of the TiO2 surface.
Characterization of G‐Quadruplex/Hemin Peroxidase: Substrate Specificity and Inactivation Kinetics
Authors: Yang Xiaojuan , Fang Canliang , Mei Hongcheng , Chang Tianjun , Cao Zehui , Shangguan Dihua
Published: November 2011

Recently, G‐quadruplex/hemin (G4/hemin) complexes have been found to exhibit peroxidase activity, and this feature has been extensively exploited for colorimetric detection of various targets. To further understand and characterize this important DNAzyme, its substrate specificity, inactivation mechanism, and kinetics have been examined by comparison with horseradish peroxidase (HRP). G4/hemin DNAzyme exhibits broader substrate specificity and much higher inactivation rate than HRP because of the exposure of the catalytic hemin center. The inactivation of G4/hemin DNAzyme is mainly attributed to the degradation of hemin by H2O2 rather than the destruction of G4. Both the inactivation rate and catalytic oxidation rate of G4/hemin DNAzyme depend on the concentration of H2O2, which suggests that active intermediates formed by G4/hemin and H2O2 are the branch point of catalysis and inactivation. Reducing substrates greatly inhibit the inactivation of G4/hemin DNAzyme by rapidly reacting with the active intermediates. A possible catalytic and inactivation process of G4/hemin has been proposed. These results imply a potential cause for the hemin‐mediated cellular injury and provide insightful information for the future application of G4/hemin DNAzyme.
Description of Fluid Dynamics of Sandwich Packings
Authors: Brinkmann Ulf , Kaibel Björn , Jödecke Michael , Maćkowiak Jerzy , Kenig Eugeny Y.
Published: November 2011

Anstaupackungen sind ein neuer Typ von Strukturpackungen für nicht‐reaktive und reaktive Trennapparate. Die Kombination unterschiedlicher spezifischer Oberflächen verursacht ein lokal begrenztes Fluten. Daraus resultieren eine Erhöhung des Flüssigkeitsinhalts und eine stark verbesserte Trennleistung der Packung. In dieser Arbeit wird ein Modell zur Beschreibung der komplexen Fluiddynamik in Anstaupackungen vorgestellt, um die Dimensionierung industrieller Apparate zu ermöglichen.
Making Universities More Entrepreneurial: Development of a Model
Authors: Kirby David A. , Guerrero Maribel , Urbano David
Published: November 2011

Entrepreneurial universities where multifaceted efforts are made to ensure their contribution to regional economic development have been the focus of many case studies. Using institutional economics as the theoretical framework, we conducted two empirical investigations to advance the literature concerning entrepreneurial universities. First, experts in the field evaluated the appropriateness of several competing definitions of the entrepreneurial university. They also rated facilitators and barriers to universities becoming more entrepreneurial and suggested criteria for evaluating the success of such efforts. Second, the facilitators and barriers previously identified were examined for their relationship to the entrepreneurial success criteria using ratings from the faculty at the Autonomous University of Barcelona (Spain). Although the facilitating factors were positively associated with success indices of the entrepreneurial university, the expected negative relationship between the barriers and success criteria was not observed. Copyright © 2011 ASAC. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Dynamics of Stream Water Quality during Snowmelt and Rainfall – Runoff Events in a Small Agricultural Catchment
Authors: Fučík Petr , Kaplická Markéta , Kvítek Tomáš , Peterková Jana
Published: November 2011

Surface water quality can vary a lot with fluctuating discharge during a Rainfall – runoff event. This paper uses a set of hydrological and hydrochemical variables to explain concentration–discharge loops and hysteresis of ${\rm NO}_{3}^{- } $, ${\rm NH}_{4}^{ + } $ and total suspended solids in a brook dewatering a small upland agricultural catchment in the Czech Republic. Our study is based on data collected by a continuous monitoring approach provided by an automatic ISCO sampler both from snow thawing and rainfall – runoff events. Methods of correlation, regression and principal component analysis (PCA) were employed to reveal possible relationships among the variables. For ${\rm NO}_{3}^{- } $ and ${\rm NH}_{4}^{ + } $, we found several types of concentration–discharge loops due to the loop rotation direction and also the loop curvature shape, in mutual combinations, no matter which type of a hydrological event it was related to. PCA indicated that ${\rm NO}_{3}^{- } $ loops correlated mostly with the length of a rising hydrograph limb and with the slope of the initial phase of a falling hydrograph limb, 5‐day amount of precipitation and runoff coefficient. In case of ${\rm NH}_{4}^{ + } $, the concentrations usually increased with elevated discharge, whereas PCA did not detect any closer linkages. For suspended solids, an unambiguous positive monotonic relationship was discovered. Although no definite pattern was found, this study showed the necessity of a continuous water quality monitoring system as an approach for capturing and understanding relationships between solute concentrations and runoff formation for tracing and modelling catchment pollution sources and describing transport processes.
Effects of neck damping properties on brain response underimpact loading
Authors: Dirisala V. , Karami G. , Ziejewski M.
Published: November 2011

In this paper, head–neck boundary conditions and modeling of the head are studied circumspectly. The neck is modeled using discrete elements and the head model is three‐dimensional. In the study presented here, a viscoelastic foundation (i.e., foundation defined by both springs and dampers) concept is introduced to simulate the head–neck boundary conditions during the impact load to the head. Time histories of the brain response in finite element head models with a viscoelastic neck are compared with the corresponding solutions of finite element head models with an elastic neck, and without a neck. It is observed that the magnitude of peaks in the brain's response time histories, at a later stage (i.e., 6 to 15 ms) of the simulation, decreases when dampers are induced to the elastic neck. A parametric study is also conducted to examine the brain response while varying different damping coefficient values for the neck. The magnitude of peaks in the brain's response time histories for models with different neck damping coefficients is observed to maintain some form of proportionality. In other words, the magnitude of peaks in the brain's response time histories decreases with an increased damping coefficient of the neck at the later stage of the simulation (i.e., 6 to 15 ms). From the outcomes of this study, it can be determined that the head–neck boundary conditions during head impact loading are important for studying the brain's response at the later stages of the head impact. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Catalytic Partial Oxidation and Membrane Separation to Optimize the Conversion of Natural Gas to Syngas and Hydrogen
Authors: Capoferri Daniela , Cucchiella Barbara , Iaquaniello Gaetano , Mangiapane Alessia , Abate Salvatore , Centi Gabriele
Published: November 2011

The multistep integration of hydrogen‐selective membranes into catalytic partial oxidation (CPO) technology to convert natural gas into syngas and hydrogen is reported. An open architecture for the membrane reactor is presented, in which coupling of the reaction and hydrogen separation is achieved independently and the required feed conversion is reached through a set of three CPO reactors working at 750, 750 and 920 °C, compared to 1030 °C for conventional CPO technology. Obtaining the same feed conversion at milder operating conditions translates into less natural gas consumption (and CO2 emissions) and a reduction of variable operative costs of around 10 %. It is also discussed how this energy‐efficient process architecture, which is suited particularly to small‐to‐medium applications, may improve the sustainability of other endothermic, reversible reactions to form hydrogen.
Conversion of Biomass‐Derived Levulinate and Formate Esters into γ‐Valerolactone over Supported Gold Catalysts
Authors: Du Xian‐Long , Bi Qing‐Yuan , Liu Yong‐Mei , Cao Yong , Fan Kang‐Nian
Published: November 2011

The utilization of biomass has recently attracted tremendous attention as a potential alternative to petroleum for the production of liquid fuels and chemicals. We report an efficient alcohol‐mediated reactive extraction strategy by which a hydrophobic mixture of butyl levulinate and formate esters, derived from cellulosic biomass, can be converted to valuable γ‐valerolactone (GVL) by a simple supported gold catalyst system without need of an external hydrogen source. The essential role of the supported gold is to facilitate the rapid and selective decomposition of butyl formate to produce a hydrogen stream, which enables the highly effective reduction of butyl levulinate into GVL. This protocol simplifies the recovery and recycling of sulfuric acid, which is used for cellulose deconstruction.
Decreased NKp46 and NKG2D and elevated PD‐1 are associated with altered NK‐cell function in pediatric transplant patients with PTLD
Authors: Wiesmayr Silke , Webber Steven A. , Macedo Camila , Popescu Iulia , Smith Louise , Luce Jane , Metes Diana
Published: November 2011

Post‐transplantation lymphoproliferative disorders (PTLD) are life‐threatening complications of organ transplantation caused by EBV infection and the use of chronic immunosuppression. While T‐cell impairment is known to play a critical role in the immunopathogenesis of EBV complications post‐transplantation, the role of NK cells is still under investigation. Here, we have characterized NK‐cell phenotype and function in peripheral blood from asymptomatic pediatric thoracic transplant patients, patients with PTLD, and healthy controls. Overall, asymptomatic pediatric solid organ transplant (Tx) patients presented significant expansion of the CD56brightCD16± subset and displayed effective NK‐cell function, while PTLD patients accumulated CD56dimCD16− and CD56−CD16+ NK‐cell subsets. In addition, NK cells from PTLD patients down‐regulated NKp46 and NKG2D, and significantly up‐regulated PD‐1. These phenotypic changes were associated with NK functional impairment, resembling cellular exhaustion. Disrupting PD‐1 inhibitory pathway improved IFN‐γ release, but did not enhance cytotoxicity in PTLD patients, suggesting that these defects were partially PD‐1 independent. Our results indicate the important role of NK cells during EBV surveillance post‐transplantation, with implications for the immunopathogenesis of EBV complications, and suggest that monitoring NK cells in transplant patients may hold clinical value.
Sphingosine regulates the NLRP3‐inflammasome and IL‐1β release from macrophages
Authors: Luheshi Nadia M. , Giles James A. , Lopez‐Castejon Gloria , Brough David
Published: November 2011

Interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β) is a pro‐inflammatory cytokine that regulates inflammatory responses to injury and infection. IL‐1β secretion requires the protease caspase‐1, which is activated following recruitment to inflammasomes. Endogenous danger‐associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) released from necrotic cells activate caspase‐1 through an NLRP3‐inflammasome. Here, we show that the endogenous lipid metabolite sphingosine (Sph) acts as a DAMP by inducing the NLRP3‐inflammasome‐dependent secretion of IL‐1β from macrophages. This process was dependent upon serine/threonine protein phosphatases since the PP1/PP2A inhibitors okadaic acid and calyculin A inhibited Sph‐induced IL‐1β release. IL‐1β release induced by other well‐characterized NLRP3‐inflammasome activators, such as ATP and uric acid crystals, in addition to NLRC4 and AIM2 inflammasome activators was also blocked by these inhibitors. Thus, we propose Sph as a new DAMP, and that a serine/threonine phosphatase (PP1/PP2A)‐dependent signal is central to the endogenous host mechanism through which diverse stimuli regulate inflammasome activation.
Trimethoxyarene as a Highly Ionizable Tag for Reaction Analysis by Atmospheric Pressure Photoionization Mass Spectrometry (APPI/MS): Exploration of Heterocyclic Synthesis
Authors: Bui The Thuong Mathieu , Catala Cédric , Colas Cyril , Schaeffer Christine , Van Dorsselaer Alain , Mann André , Wagner Alain
Published: November 2011

A mass spectrometry (MS) method was developed to rapidly analyze crude reaction mixtures. This method relies on highly effective ionization by atmospheric pressure photoionization (APPI) of molecules with a prosthetic trimethoxyarene (TMOA) residue. In a crude reaction mixture, products resulting from the reaction of the TMOA‐labeled substrate will be selectively ionized to afford an easily readable mass spectrum. Interestingly, we noticed that TMOA‐labeled molecules were not fragmented and gave the preferred [M + H]+ ion peak. This APPI‐MS reaction mixture analysis method was used for the optimization of heterocycle synthesis. By comparing results obtained by APPI/MS, GC, and HPLC analysis, it appeared that a semi‐quantification could be achieved by integrating the MS peak intensities.
Cellulase production from palm oil mill effluent in Malaysia: Economical and technical perspectives
Authors: Hii Kiew‐Ling , Yeap Swee‐Pin , Mashitah Mat Don
Published: November 2011

The demand for cellulases has increased tremendously over the last few decades. This is due to its numerous applications in industry and also because it can be used to hydrolyze cellulosic materials into sugars that can be fermented into bioethanol and bio‐based products. This does not only open up a big and significant market for cellulases, but also provides another source of biofuel and bioenergy in the future. Nevertheless, the cost of the existing substrates for cellulase fermentation is very high if required for large‐scale production. Sustainable supplies and an economically feasible biomass are needed to reduce the cost of cellulase production. Palm oil mill effluent (POME) is rich in carbohydrates, proteins, nitrogenous compounds, lipids, minerals, cellulose, hemicelluloses and lignin. It can be used naturally as a fermentation medium, either for cellulase or other value‐added product fermentation. In Malaysia, a large and continually increasing amount of POME is produced every year because of the high global demand for palm oil. Hence, the development of cellulase production from POME is reviewed, covering the POME production, cellulase production and the major challenges together with the future prospects of these processes.
Biosorption of chromium(III) by two brown algae Macrocystis pyrifera and Undaria pinnatifida: Equilibrium and kinetic study
Authors: Cazón Josefina Plaza H. , Benítez Leonardo , Donati Edgardo , Viera Marisa
Published: November 2011

Two brown algae, Macrocystis pyrifera and Undaria pinnatifida, were employed to remove Cr(III) from aqueous solutions. Both seaweeds were characterized in terms of alginate yields. The alginate contents were 20 and 30% of the dry weight for M. pyrifera and U. pinnatifida, respectively. Kinetics experiments were carried out at different initial pH values. Cr(III) biosorption was affected by the solution pH. The highest metal uptake was found at pH 4 for both biosorbents. Different models were applied to elucidate the rate‐controlling mechanism: pseudo‐first‐order, pseudo‐second‐order, external mass transfer and intra‐particle diffusion. The application of Langmuir, Freundlich and Dubinin–Radushkevich models to the equilibrium data showed a better fitting to the first model. The maximum Cr(III) sorption capacity (qm) and the affinity coefficient (b) were very similar for both biosorbents: 0.77 mmol/g and 1.20 L/mmol for M. pyrifera and 0.74 mmol/g and 1.06 L/mmol for U. pinnatifida. The free energy of the sorption process was estimated using the Dubinin–Radushkevich isotherm. The values indicate that the processes are chemical sorptions. To evaluate the significance of the ion‐exchange mechanism, the light metals (Ca2+, Na+, Mg2+ and K+) and pH were measured during the experiments.
Atomic charges of individual reactive chemicals in binary mixtures determine their joint effects: An example of cyanogenic toxicants and aldehydes
Authors: Tian Dayong , Lin Zhifen , Yin Daqiang , Zhang Yalei , Kong Deyang
Published: November 2011

Environmental contaminants are usually encountered as mixtures, and many of these mixtures yield synergistic or antagonistic effects attributable to an intracellular chemical reaction that pose a potential threat on ecological systems. However, how atomic charges of individual chemicals determine their intracellular chemical reactions, and then determine the joint effects for mixtures containing reactive toxicants, is not well understood. To address this issue, the joint effects between cyanogenic toxicants and aldehydes on Photobacterium phosphoreum were observed in the present study. Their toxicological joint effects differed from one another. This difference is inherently related to the two atomic charges of the individual chemicals: the oxygen charge of -CHO (Oaldehyde toxicant) in aldehyde toxicants and the carbon-atom charge of a carbon chain in the cyanogenic toxicant (Ccyanogenic toxicant). Based on these two atomic charges, the following QSAR (quantitative structure–activity relationship) model was proposed: When (Oaldehyde toxicant − Ccyanogenic toxicant) > −0.125, the joint effect of equitoxic binary mixtures at median inhibition (TU, the sum of toxic units) can be calculated as TU = 1.00 ± 0.20; when (Oaldehyde toxicant − Ccyanogenic toxicant) ≤ −0.125, the joint effect can be calculated using (n = 40, r = 0.887, SE = 0.195, F = 140, p < 0.001, q2Loo = 0.748; SE is the standard error of the regression, F is the F test statistic). The result provides insight into the relationship between the atomic charges and the joint effects for mixtures containing cyanogenic toxicants and aldehydes. This demonstrates that the essence of the joint effects resulting from intracellular chemical reactions depends on the atomic charges of individual chemicals. The present study provides a possible approach for the development of a QSAR model for mixtures containing reactive toxicants based on the atomic charges. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 2012;31:270–278. © 2011 SETAC
Fate of triclosan and triclocarban in soil columns with and without biosolids surface application
Authors: Kwon Jeong-Wook , Xia Kang
Published: November 2011

The leaching and transformation behaviors of triclosan (TCS) and triclocarban (TCC) in soil columns (20 cm high, 4 cm in diameter) packed with an agricultural soil (Roxana very fine sandy loam) with and without biosolids surface application were investigated. The column leachates and soil samples were analyzed for TCS, TCC, and their transformation products. Significantly more TCS was transformed compared with TCC. Surface application of biosolids significantly retarded their transformation. Downward movement of TCS and TCC occurred within a 10-cm soil depth. Methyl-TCS was not detectable in the leachates but was detected in the top 5-cm soil layer, with more appearing in the biosolids-applied soil. At the end of the column study, carbanilide (CBA) was the only detectable TCC reductive dechlorination product in the soil. No TCC reductive dechlorination products were detectable in the leachates. Detection of 3,4-dichloroaniline (3,4-DCA) and 4-chloroaniline (4-CA) suggested the occurrence of TCC hydrolysis. Rapid leaching of 4-CA through the soil column was observed. The 3,4-DCA was detected throughout the entire 20-cm depth of the soil column but not in the leachates. The fact that only small percentages of the transformed TCS and TCC appeared, after a 101-d column study, in the forms of the products analyzed suggested that either the investigated transformation pathways were minor pathways or further rapid transformation of those products had occurred. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 2012;31:262–269. © 2011 SETAC
Dissolved organic carbon reduces the toxicity of aluminum to three tropical freshwater organisms
Authors: Trenfield Melanie A. , Markich Scott J. , Ng Jack C. , Noller Barry , van Dam Rick A.
Published: November 2011

The influence of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) on the toxicity of aluminum (Al) at pH 5 (relevant to acid mine drainage conditions), to the tropical green hydra (Hydra viridissima), green alga (Chlorella sp.), and cladoceran (Moinodaphnia macleayi) was assessed. Two DOC sources, a natural in situ DOC in soft billabong water (SBW) and Suwannee River fulvic acid (SRFA) standard, were compared. The order of sensitivity of the test organisms to dissolved Al (0.1 µm fraction) was Hydra viridissima > Moinodaphnia macleayi > Chlorella sp. with DOC reducing dissolved Al toxicity most for Hydra viridissima. However, colloidal or precipitated Al may contribute indirectly to the toxicity for M. macleayi and Chlorella sp. The toxicity of dissolved Al was up to six times lower in test waters containing 10 mg L−1 DOC (in the form of SRFA), relative to toxicity observed at 1 mg L−1 DOC. In contrast, the toxicity of Al was up to two times lower in SBW containing 10 mg L−1 DOC, relative to water containing 1 mg L−1 DOC. The increased ability of SRFA in reducing Al toxicity was linked to its greater affinity for complexing Al compared with the in situ DOC. This has important implications for studies that use commercial standards of humic substances to predict Al toxicity in local environments. Speciation modeling demonstrated that Al3+ and AlOH2+ provided a strong relationship with toxicity. An empirical relationship is provided for each organism that can be used to predict Al toxicity at a given Al and DOC concentration. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 2012;31:427–436. © 2011 SETAC
Challenges for the development of a biotic ligand model predicting copper toxicity in estuaries and seas
Authors: de Polo Anna , Scrimshaw Mark D.
Published: November 2011

An effort is ongoing to develop a biotic ligand model (BLM) that predicts copper (Cu) toxicity in estuarine and marine environments. At present, the BLM accounts for the effects of water chemistry on Cu speciation, but it does not consider the influence of water chemistry on the physiology of the organisms. We discuss how chemistry affects Cu toxicity not only by controlling its speciation, but also by affecting the osmoregulatory physiology of the organism, which varies according to salinity. In an attempt to understand the mechanisms of Cu toxicity and predict its impacts, we explore the hypothesis that the common factor linking the main toxic effects of Cu is the enzyme carbonic anhydrase (CA), because it is a Cu target with multiple functions and salinity-dependent expression and activity. According to this hypothesis, the site of action of Cu in marine fish may be not only the gill, but also the intestine, because in this tissue CA plays an important role in ion transport and water adsorption. Therefore, the BLM of Cu toxicity to marine fish should also consider the intestine as a biotic ligand. Finally, we underline the need to incorporate the osmotic gradient into the BLM calculations to account for the influence of physiology on Cu toxicity. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 2012;31:230–238. © 2011 SETAC
Promoter methylation and loss of p16INK4a gene expression in head and neck cancer
Authors: Demokan Semra , Chuang Alice , Suoğlu Yusufhan , Ulusan Murat , Yalnız Zubeyde , Califano Joseph A. , Dalay Nejat
Published: November 2011

Background

Silencing of tumor suppressor genes plays a vital role in head and neck carcinogenesis. In this study we aimed to evaluate aberrant p16INK4a gene promoter methylation in patients with head and neck cancer.

Methods

Methylation of the gene was investigated by bisulfite modification/methylation‐specific polymerase chain reaction and gene expression levels were analyzed by quantitative reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction in tumors and matched normal tissue samples from Turkish patients with head and neck cancer.

Results

The promoter region of the p16INK4a gene was methylated in 67.5% and 28.6% of the primary tumors and the corresponding normal tissue, respectively. This difference was highly significant. In concordance, p16INK4a gene expression was downregulated in 67.5% of the tumor samples. Methylation and the absence of expression in the tumors were observed in 48% of the patients.

Conclusions

Our data indicate that methylation of the p16INK4a gene is a frequent event in primary head and neck cancer and that it plays a major role in the silencing of p16INK4a gene expression during tumor development. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2011
Thrombospondin-1 is a novel negative regulator of liver regeneration after partial hepatectomy through transforming growth factor-beta1 activation in mice
Authors: Hayashi Hiromitsu , Sakai Keiko , Baba Hideo , Sakai Takao
Published: November 2011

The matricellular protein, thrombospondin-1 (TSP-1), is prominently expressed during tissue repair. TSP-1 binds to matrix components, proteases, cytokines, and growth factors and activates intracellular signals through its multiple domains. TSP-1 converts latent transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-β1) complexes into their biologically active form. TGF-β plays significant roles in cell-cycle regulation, modulation of differentiation, and induction of apoptosis. Although TGF-β1 is a major inhibitor of proliferation in cultured hepatocytes, the functional requirement of TGF-β1 during liver regeneration remains to be defined

in vivo

. We generated a TSP-1-deficient mouse model of a partial hepatectomy (PH) and explored TSP-1 induction, progression of liver regeneration, and TGF-β-mediated signaling during the repair process after hepatectomy. We show here that TSP-1-mediated TGF-β1 activation plays an important role in suppressing hepatocyte proliferation. TSP-1 expression was induced in endothelial cells (ECs) as an immediate early gene in response to PH. TSP-1 deficiency resulted in significantly reduced TGF-β/Smad signaling and accelerated hepatocyte proliferation through down-regulation of p21 protein expression. TSP-1 induced in ECs by reactive oxygen species (ROS) modulated TGF-β/Smad signaling and proliferation in hepatocytes

in vitro

, suggesting that the immediately and transiently produced ROS in the regenerating liver were the responsible factor for TSP-1 induction.

Conclusions:

We have identified TSP-1 as an inhibitory element in regulating liver regeneration by TGF-β1 activation. Our work defines TSP-1 as a novel immediate early gene that could be a potential therapeutic target to accelerate liver regeneration. (Hepatology 2011)
Elevated hepatic multidrug resistance-associated protein 3/ATP-binding cassette subfamily C 3 expression in human obstructive cholestasis is mediated through tumor necrosis factor alpha and c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase/stress-activated protein kinase–signaling pathway
Authors: Chai Jin , He Yu , Cai Shi-Ying , Jiang Zhongyong , Wang Huaizhi , Li Qiong , Chen Lei , Peng Zhihong , He Xiaochong , Wu Xiaoping , Xiao Tianli , Wang Rongquan , Boyer James L. , Chen Wensheng
Published: November 2011

Multidrug resistance-associated protein 3 (MRP3, ABC subfamily C [ABCC]3) plays an important role in protecting hepatocytes and other tissues by excreting an array of toxic organic anion conjugates, including bile salts. MRP3/ABCC3 expression is increased in the liver of some cholestatic patients, but the molecular mechanism of this up-regulation remains elusive. In this report, we assessed liver MRP3/ABCC3 expression in patients (n = 22) with obstructive cholestasis caused by gallstone blockage of bile ducts and noncholestatic patient controls (n = 22). MRP3/ABCC3 messenger RNA (mRNA) and protein expression were significantly increased by 3.4- and 4.6-fold, respectively, in these cholestatic patients where elevated plasma tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) (4.7-fold;

P

< 0.01) and hepatic specificity protein 1 transcription factor (SP1) and liver receptor homolog 1 expression (3.1- and 2.1-fold at mRNA level, 3.5- and 2.5-fold at protein level, respectively) were also observed. The induction of hepatic MRP3/ABCC3 mRNA expression is significantly positively correlated with the level of plasma TNFα in these patients. In HepG2 cells, TNFα treatment induced SP1 and MRP3/ABCC3 expression in a dose- and time-dependent manner, where increased phosphorylation of c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase/stress-activated protein kinase (JNK/SAPK) was also detected. These inductions were significantly reduced in the presence of the JNK inhibitor, SP600125. TNFα treatment enhanced HepG2 cell nuclear extract-binding activity to the MRP3/ABCC3 promoter, but was abolished by SP600125, as demonstrated by electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA). An increase in nuclear protein-binding activity to the MRP3/ABCC3 promoter, consisting primarily of SP1, was also observed in liver samples from cholestatic patients, as assessed by supershift EMSA assays.

Conclusions:

Our findings indicate that up-regulation of hepatic MRP3/ABCC3 expression in human obstructive cholestasis is likely triggered by TNFα, mediated by activation of JNK/SAPK and SP1. (Hepatology 2012)
Inhibition of heat shock protein (molecular weight 90 kDa) attenuates proinflammatory cytokines and prevents lipopolysaccharide-induced liver injury in mice
Authors: Ambade Aditya , Catalano Donna , Lim Arlene , Mandrekar Pranoti
Published: November 2011

Endotoxin-mediated proinflammatory cytokines play a significant role in the pathogenesis of acute and chronic liver diseases. Heat shock protein 90 (molecular weight, 90 kDa) (hsp90) functions as an important chaperone of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) signaling and is required for the production of proinflammatory cytokines. We hypothesized that inhibition of hsp90 would prevent LPS-induced liver injury by decreasing proinflammatory cytokines. C57BL/6 mice were injected intraperitoneally with an hsp90 inhibitor, 17-dimethylamino-ethylamino-17-demethoxygeldanamycin (17-DMAG), and LPS. Parameters of liver injury, proinflammatory cytokines, and associated mechanisms were studied by

in vivo

and

in vitro

experiments. Inhibition of hsp90 by 17-DMAG prevented LPS-induced increases in serum alanine aminotransferase activity and significantly reduced serum tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) protein as well as messenger RNA (mRNA) in liver. Enhanced DNA-binding activity of heat shock transcription factor 1 (HSF1) and induction of target gene heat shock protein 70 (molecular weight, 70 kDa) confirmed hsp90 inhibition in liver. 17-DMAG treatment decreased cluster of differentiation 14 mRNA and LPS-induced nuclear factor kappa light-chain enhancer of activated B cells (NFκB) DNA binding without affecting Toll-like receptor 4 mRNA in liver. Mechanistic studies revealed that 17-DMAG-mediated inhibition of TNFα showed no effect on LPS-induced NFκB promoter-driven reporter activity, but significantly decreased TNFα promoter-driven reporter activity. Chromatin immunoprecipitation assays showed that 17-DMAG enhanced HSF1 binding to the TNFα promoter, but not the IL-6 promoter, suggesting HSF1 mediated direct inhibition of TNFα, but not IL-6. We show that HSF1 indirectly regulates IL-6 by the induction of another transcription factor, activating transcription factor 3. Inhibition of HSF1, using small interfering RNA, prevented 17-DMAG-mediated down-regulation of NFκB-binding activity, TNFα, and IL-6 induction, supporting a repressive role for HSF1 on proinflammatory cytokine genes during hsp90 inhibition.

Conclusion:

Hsp90 inhibition

in vivo

reduces proinflammatory cytokines and prevents LPS-induced liver injury likely through repressive action of HSF1. Our results suggest a novel application for 17-DMAG in alleviating LPS-induced liver injury. (Hepatology 2011)
Interleukin-30: A novel antiinflammatory cytokine candidate for prevention and treatment of inflammatory cytokine-induced liver injury
Authors: Dibra Denada , Cutrera Jeffry , Xia Xueqing , Kallakury Bhaskar , Mishra Lopa , Li Shulin
Published: November 2011

The liver is the major metabolic organ and is subjected to constant attacks from chronic viral infection, uptake of therapeutic drugs, life behavior (alcoholic), and environmental contaminants, all of which result in chronic inflammation, fibrosis, and, ultimately, cancer. Therefore, there is an urgent need to discover effective therapeutic agents for the prevention and treatment of liver injury, the ideal drug being a naturally occurring biological inhibitor. Here we establish the role of IL30 as a potent antiinflammatory cytokine that can inhibit inflammation-induced liver injury. In contrast, interleukin (IL)27, which contains IL30 as a subunit, is not hepatoprotective. Interestingly, IL30 is induced by the proinflammatory signal such as IL12 through interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) / signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 signaling. In animal models, administration of IL30 by way of a gene therapy approach prevents and treats both IL12-, IFN-γ-, and concanavalin A-induced liver toxicity. Likewise, immunohistochemistry analysis of human tissue samples revealed that IL30 is highly expressed in hepatocytes, yet barely expressed in inflammation-induced tissue such as fibrous/connective tissue. Conclusion: These novel observations reveal a novel role of IL30 as a therapeutic cytokine that suppresses proinflammatory cytokine-associated liver toxicity. (Hepatology 2012)
Brief review on physiological and biochemical evaluations of human mental workload
Authors: Lean Ying , Shan Fu
Published: November 2011

This paper gives a brief review and short summary on physiological and biochemical evaluations of human mental workloads. Physiological evaluations consist of peripheral physiological evaluations and central physiological evaluations. Peripheral physiological evaluations mainly include heart rate and heart rate variability (HRV) recorded from electrocardiograms (ECGs), blood pressure, respiration, eye blinks, skin potential, and hemodynamic indices. Central physiological evaluations mainly refer to the cerebral cortex, including electroencephalograms (EEGs) and event‐related potentials (ERPs). Biochemical evaluations mainly include catecholamines, cortisol, and immunoglobulin A (IgA) collected from blood, salivary, or urinary samples. They are all objective measurements to evaluate mental workloads when particular mental tasks are performed. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Modelling in‐pool temperature variability in a beaded arctic stream
Authors: Merck M. F. , Neilson B. T.
Published: November 2011

This study examines the variability of in‐pool temperatures in Imnavait Creek, a beaded arctic stream consisting of small pools connected by shallow chutes, for the purpose of predicting potential impacts of climate variations on the system. To better understand heat fate and transport through this system, the dominant heat sources and sinks creating and influencing thermal stratification within even the smallest and shallowest pools must be quantified. To do this, temperature data were collected vertically within the pool water column and surrounding bed sediments during stratified conditions. These temperature and other supporting data (e.g. instream flow, weather data, and bathymetry) were used to formulate and develop an instream temperature model that captures the site‐specific processes occurring within the pools during summer low flow conditions. The model includes advective, air–water interface, and bed conduction fluxes, simplified vertical exchange between stratified pool layers, and attenuation of shortwave radiation within the water column. We present the model formulation, data collection methods used in support of model development and population, and the resulting model calibration and validation for one of the study pools. We also provide information regarding dominant heat sources and sinks and residence times of different layers within the stratified pool. We found that the dominant heat sources vary between stratified layers and that increases in thaw depths surrounding these pools due to possible climate changes can shift stratification, mixing, and instream storage dynamics, thereby influencing the fate and transport of heat and other constituents of interest (e.g. nutrients). Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Spontaneous antibody, and CD4 and CD8 T‐cell responses against XAGE‐1b (GAGED2a) in non‐small cell lung cancer patients
Authors: Ohue Yoshihiro , Eikawa Shingo , Okazaki Nami , Mizote Yu , Isobe Midori , Uenaka Akiko , Fukuda Minoru , Old Lloyd J. , Oka Mikio , Nakayama Eiichi
Published: November 2011

The spontaneous immune responses against XAGE‐1b (GAGED2a) were analyzed in non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients. An antibody response against XAGE‐1b (GAGED2a) was observed in 10% (20/200) of NSCLC patients and in 19% (13/69) of stage IIIB/IV lung adenocarcinoma patients. A CD4 T‐cell response was detected in 88% (14/16) and a CD8 T‐cell response in 67% (6/9) in the XAGE‐1b (GAGED2a) antibody‐positive patients examined. Frequent antibody responses and CD4 and CD8 T‐cell responses in XAGE‐1b (GAGED2a) antibody‐positive patients indicate the strong immunogenicity of the XAGE‐1b (GAGED2a) antigen in NSCLC patients. We established T‐cell clones from PBMCs of antibody‐positive patients and determined the DRB1*04:05‐restricted XAGE‐1b (GAGED2a) 18–31 peptide (14‐mer) as a CD4 T cell epitope and the A*02:06‐restricted XAGE‐1b (GAGED2a) 21‐29 peptide (9‐mer) as a CD8 T cell epitope. As for peptide recognition, CD4 and CD8 T‐cell clones responded to naturally processed antigen. The CD4 T‐cell clone recognized DCs pulsed with the synthetic protein or a lysate from XAGE‐1b‐transfected 293T cells. The CD8 T‐cell clone showed cytotoxicity against a tumor expressing XAGE‐1b (GAGED2a) and the appropriate HLA class I allele. These findings establish XAGE‐1b (GAGED2a) as a promising target for a lung cancer vaccine.
Targeting Radioresistant Osteosarcoma Cells With Parthenolide
Authors: Zuch Daniel , Giang An‐Hoa , Shapovalov Yuriy , Schwarz Edward , Rosier Randy , O'Keefe Regis , Eliseev Roman A.
Published: November 2011

Osteosarcoma is a devastating tumor of bone, primarily affecting adolescents. Osteosarcoma tumors are notoriously radioresistant. Radioresistant cancers, including osteosarcoma, typically exhibit a considerable potential for relapse and development of metastases following treatment. Relapse and metastatic potential can, in part, be due to a specific radioresistant subpopulation of cells with stem‐like characteristics, cancer stem cells, which maintain the capacity to regenerate entire tumors. In the current study, we have investigated whether in vitro treatments with parthenolide, a naturally occurring small molecule that interferes with NF‐κB signaling and has various other effects, will re‐sensitize cancer stem cells and the entire cell population to radiotherapy in osteosarcoma. Our results indicate that parthenolide and ionizing radiation synergistically induce cell death in LM7 osteosarcoma cells. Importantly, the combination treatment results in a significant reduction in the viability of both the overall population of osteosarcoma cells and the cancer stem cell subpopulation. This effect is dependent on the ability of parthenolide to induce oxidative stress. Therefore, as a supplement to current multimodal therapy, parthenolide may sensitize osteosarcoma tumors to radiation and greatly reduce the prevalence of relapse and metastatic progression. J. Cell. Biochem. 113: 1282–1291, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
On Meyniel's conjecture of the cop number
Authors: Lu Linyuan , Peng Xing
Published: November 2011

Meyniel conjectured that the cop number c(G) of any connected graph G on n vertices is at most for some constant C. In this article, we prove Meyniel's conjecture in special cases that G has diameter 2 or G is a bipartite graph of diameter 3. For general connected graphs, we prove , improving the best previously known upper‐bound O(n/ lnn) due to Chiniforooshan.