bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Distribution of human papillomavirus genotypes in cervical intraepithelial neoplasia and invasive cervical cancer in Canada
Authors: Coutlée François , Ratnam Samuel , Ramanakumar Agnihotram V. , Insinga Ralph R. , Bentley James , Escott Nicholas , Ghatage Prafull , Koushik Anita , Ferenczy Alex , Franco Eduardo L.
Published: April 2011

Infection with high‐risk human papillomavirus (HPV) causes cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) and invasive cervical cancer (ICC). The distribution of HPV types in cervical diseases has been previously described in small studies for Canadian women. The prevalence of 36 HPV genotypes in 873 women with CIN and 252 women with ICC was assessed on cervical exfoliated cells analyzed with the Linear Array (Roche Molecular System). HPV16 was the most common genotype in CIN and ICC. The seven most frequent genotypes in order of decreasing frequency were HPV16, 51, 52, 31, 39, 18, and 56 in women with CIN1, HPV16, 52, 31, 18, 51, 39, and 33 in women with CIN2, HPV16, 31, 18, 52, 39, 33, and 58 in women with CIN3, and HPV16, 18, 45, 33, 31, 39, and 53 in women with ICC. HPV18 was detected more frequently in adenocarcinoma than squamous cell carcinoma (P = 0.013). Adjustment for multiple type infections resulted in a lower percentage attribution in CIN of HPV types other than 16 or 18. The proportion of samples containing at least one oncogenic type was greater in CIN2 (98.4%) or CIN3 (100%) than in CIN1 (80.1%; P < 0.001 for each comparison). Multiple type infections were demonstrated in 51 (20.2%) of 252 ICC in contrast to 146 (61.3%) of 238 women with CIN3 (P < 0.001). Adjusting for multiple HPV types, HPV16 accounted for 52.1% and HPV18 for 18.1% of ICCs, for a total of 70.2%. Current HPV vaccines should protect against HPV types responsible for 70% of ICCs in Canadian women. J. Med. Virol. 83:1034–1041, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Monoclonal antibody‐based antigen capture immunoassay for detection of circulating non‐structural protein NS1: Implications for early diagnosis of japanese encephalitis virus infection
Authors: Kumar Jyoti S. , Parida Manmohan , Rao P.V. Lakshmana
Published: April 2011

An early diagnosis of Japanese encephalitis (JE) is important for timely clinical management and epidemiological control in areas where multiple flaviviruses are endemic. The NS1 antigen has an advantage over IgM enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for early confirmatory diagnosis of Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) infection due to its proliferation on the surface of the host cells in the acute phase of infection. In this study, the development and evaluation of JE‐specific NS1 antigen capture ELISA is described using high‐affinity monoclonal antibody specific to the recombinant NS1 protein for early diagnosis of JE. The gene encoding NS1 protein was cloned and expressed in the pQE30UA expression vector followed by purification of the recombinant protein by affinity chromatography. A sandwich ELISA for antigen detection was developed using purified rabbit IgG antibody and mouse monoclonal antibody as the capture and detector antibody, respectively. The application of JE NS1 antigen ELISA for early diagnosis was evaluated with 120 acute phase sera and 80 CSF samples. The comparative evaluation of the JE NS1 antigen ELISA by real‐time RT‐PCR revealed 97% concordance with a sensitivity and specificity of 97% and 98%, respectively. The JE NS1 antigen was detectable in the blood from the first day up to day 9 after the onset of symptoms. These findings suggest that the JEV NS1 antigen capture ELISA may help early diagnosis of JE infection. J. Med. Virol. 83:1063–1070, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Intersectin1‐s is involved in migration and invasion of human glioma cells
Authors: Ma Yongjie , Wang Bingbing , Li Wenliang , Liu Xiaoli , Wang Jing , Ding Ting , Zhang Jiao , Ying Guoguang , Fu Li , Gu Feng
Published: April 2011

Malignant gliomas have a tendency to invade diffusely into surrounding healthy brain tissues, thereby precluding their successful surgical removal. Intersectin1 (ITSN1) as a molecular linker in the central nervous system is well known as an important regulator of endocytosis and exocytosis. ITSN1 has two isoforms: ITSN1‐l and ITSN1‐s. In this study, we show that siRNA‐mediated down regulation of ITSN1‐s inhibited migration and invasion of glioma cells. In addition, we demonstrate the possible mechanisms by which ITSN1‐s functions in migration and invasion. Several key proteins, including cofilin, LIMK, PAK, FAK, integrin β1, and MMP‐9, which are critical for cells migration and invasion, were probably involved in ITSN1‐s signaling pathways. These results suggest that ITSN1‐s contributes to glioma cells migration and invasion by regulating the formation of cytoskeleton, influencing adhesion and increasing expression of MMP‐9. Our results indicate that ITSN1‐s is a critical factor in glioms invasion and identify that ITSN1‐s is a new potentially antiinvasion target for therapeutic intervention in gliomas. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Inland aeolian deposits of south‐west France: facies, stratigraphy and chronology
Authors: Bertran Pascal , Bateman Mark D. , Hernandez Marion , Mercier Norbert , Millet Dominique , Sitzia Luca , Tastet Jean‐Pierre
Published: April 2011

Archaeological investigations undertaken along a proposed highway together with the compilation of available geological and pedological data made it possible to give a first overview of the distribution of Pleistocene aeolian deposits in south‐west France. A chronological framework for deposition has been obtained using both radiocarbon (n = 24) and luminescence (n = 26) dating. It shows that aeolian transport was very active during the Late Pleniglacial, between 15 and ∼23 ka, leading to sand emplacement over a 13 000‐m2 area at the centre of the basin. The Pleniglacial coversands are typified by extensive fields of small transverse to barchanoid ridges giving way to sandsheets to the east. Subsequent aeolian phases, at ca. 12 ka (Younger Dryas) and 0.8–0.2 ka (Little Ice Age), correspond to the formation of more localized and higher, mainly parabolic dunes. At the southern and eastern margins of the coversand area, aeolian dust accumulated to form loess deposits, the thickness of which reaches ∼3 m on the plateaus. Luminescence dates together with interglacial‐ranking palaeoluvisols between the loess units clearly indicate that these accumulations built up during the last two glacial–interglacial cycles. The chronology of sand and loess deposition thus appears to be consistent with that already documented for northern Europe. This suggests that it was driven by global climate changes in the northern hemisphere. The relatively thin aeolian deposits (and particularly loess) in south‐west France is thought to reflect both a supply‐limited system and a moister climate than in more northern and continental regions. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Stereoselective determination of famoxadone enantiomers with HPLC‐MS/MS and evaluation of their dissipation process in spinach
Authors: Qian Mingrong , Wu Liqin , Zhang Hu , Wang Jingwen , Li Rui , Wang Xiangyun , Chen Zhimin
Published: April 2011

A simple and enantioselective method for the determination of famoxadone enantiomers in spinach using reversed‐phase HPLC‐MS/MS is presented. Famoxadone residues in spinach were extracted with acetonitrile and an aliquot was cleaned up with PSA (primary and secondary amine, Si‐(CH2)3‐NH‐(CH2)2‐NH2) and C18 sorbent, which were powder material. Chiral stationary phase (CSP), cellulose tris(3,5‐dimethylphenylcarbamate), was successfully applied to separate two enantiomers using methanol/formic acid–ammonium acetate buffer as mobile phase. The MS/MS fragmentation pathway of ammonium adduct famoxadone molecules ion at m/z 392 was analyzed and an odd electron fragment ion at m/z 238 was observed. Excellent linearity was achieved for each enantiomer over a range of concentrations from 0.5 to 1500 μg/L with coefficients more than 0.99. Average recoveries at five different levels (1, 2.5, 12.5, 250 and 1250 μg/kg, for each enantiomer) ranged from 80.8 to 96.5% with RSD of 4.8–13.4%. The famoxadone enantiomers LODs in spinach were determined to be both 0.3 μg/kg with LOQs of 1 μg/kg. Based on this method, the dissipation process of famoxadone enantiomers in spinach under open field and greenhouse conditions was characterized, providing guidance to the proper and safe use of this fungicide in agriculture.
LAND USE/LAND COVER CHANGE ANALYSIS AND ITS IMPACT ON SOIL PROPERTIES IN THE NORTHERN PART OF GADARIF REGION, SUDAN
Authors: Biro K. , Pradhan B. , Buchroithner M. , Makeschin F.
Published: April 2011

Several decades of intensive dry land farming in the Gadarif region, located in the Eastern part of Sudan, has led to rapid land use/land cover (LULC) changes mainly due to agricultural expansion, government policies and environmental calamities such as drought. In this paper, an attempt has been made to analyse and monitor the LULC changes using multi‐temporal Landsat data for the years 1979, 1989 and 1999 and ASTER data for the year 2009. In addition, efforts were made to discuss the impact of LULC changes on the selected soil properties. For this, a post‐classification comparison technique was used to detect LULC changes from satellite images. Primarily, three main LULC types were selected to investigate the properties of soil, namely, cultivated land, fallow land and woodland. Moreover, soil samples were also collected at two depths of surface soil from ten sample plots for each of the LULC type. For these soil samples, various soil properties such as texture, bulk density, organic matter, soil pH, electrical conductivity, sodium adsorption ratio, phosphorous and potassium were analysed. The results showed that a significant and extensive change of LULC patterns has occurred in the last three decades in the study area. Further, laboratory tests revealed that soil properties were significantly affected by these LULC changes. The change of the physical and chemical properties of the soil may have attributed to the changes in the LULC resulting in land degradation, which in turn has led to a decline in soil productivity. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Quantum modelling of electro‐optic modulators
Authors: Capmany J. , Fernández‐Pousa C.R.
Published: April 2011

Many components that are employed in quantum information and communication systems are well known photonic devices encountered in standard optical fiber communication systems, such as optical beamsplitters, waveguide couplers and junctions, electro‐optic modulators and optical fiber links. The use of these photonic devices is becoming increasingly important especially in the context of their possible integration either in a specifically designed system or in an already deployed end‐to‐end fiber link. Whereas the behavior of these devices is well known under the classical regime, in some cases their operation under quantum conditions is less well understood. This paper reviews the salient features of the quantum scattering theory describing both the operation of the electro‐optic phase and amplitude modulators in discrete and continuous‐mode formalisms. This subject is timely and of importance in light of the increasing utilization of these devices in a variety of systems, including quantum key distribution and single‐photon wavepacket measurement and conformation. In addition, the paper includes a tutorial development of the use of these models in selected but yet important applications, such as single and multitone modulation of photons, two‐photon interference with phase‐modulated light or the description of amplitude modulation as a quantum operation.
Interplanetary laser communications and precision ranging
Authors: Hemmati H.
Published: April 2011

Future interplanetary missions, including robotic probes and human travel, will require significantly enhanced communications bandwidth that will be difficult to realize with current radio/microwave frequency links. Besides satisfying this requirement, optical (laser) communications has the potential for substantially lowering mass, power, and volume burden on the host spacecraft; is free from spectrum allocation issues; and can potentially support tracking functions resulting in improved spacecraft navigation. Primary challenges of optical communications include precision laser beam pointing over the huge planetary range, inefficiency of laser transmitters, quantum noise limited detection, especially in presence of additive background during periods of near Sun pointing, atmospheric degradation due to attenuation and turbulence and weather outages. This paper will briefly review the status of technologies that have been devised to meet these challenges and system‐level developments for bi‐directional telecommunications and ranging to distant probes.
Photonic engineering of surface‐emitting terahertz quantum cascade lasers
Authors: Mahler L. , Tredicucci A.
Published: April 2011

Various resonators for surface emission are reviewed that have recently been developed to improve radiative‐ and collection‐efficiencies of terahertz quantum cascade lasers (THz QCL). While the fabrication of waveguides for long wavelengths is challenging in terms of molecular beam epitaxy, long wavelengths also provide a wonderful testbed for new photonics structure concepts, since these can be easily produced by conventional optical lithography because of the typically large size of the required features. This led to novel geometries, like one‐ and two‐dimensional non‐periodic photonic crystals, or circular gratings for microdisk‐ and ring‐lasers, which are all implemented by simply patterning the top metal cladding of a metal‐metal waveguide. The modeling of such resonators with the finite element method is also described, highlighting the importance of this tool for the engineering of surface losses and far‐field patterns.
Determination of drugs and drug‐like compounds in different samples with direct analysis in real time mass spectrometry
Authors: Chernetsova Elena S. , Morlock Gertrud E.
Published: April 2011

Direct analysis in real time (DART), a relatively new ionization source for mass spectrometry, ionizes small‐molecule components from different kinds of samples without any sample preparation and chromatographic separation. The current paper reviews the published data available on the determination of drugs and drug‐like compounds in different matrices with DART‐MS, including identification and quantitation issues. Parameters that affect ionization efficiency and mass spectra composition are also discussed. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc., Mass Spec Rev 30:875–883, 2011
Contralateral C7 nerve root transfer in treatment of cerebral palsy in a child: Case report
Authors: Xu Wen‐Dong , Hua Xu‐Yun , Zheng Mou‐Xiong , Xu Jian‐Guang , Gu Yu‐Dong
Published: April 2011

A 4‐year‐old girl who sustained the hemiplegic cerebral palsy and subsequent spasticity in the left upper extremity underwent the C7 nerve root rhizotomy and the contralateral C7 nerve root transfer to the ipsilateral middle trunk of brachial plexus through an interpositional sural nerve graft. In a 2‐year follow‐up, the results showed a reduction in spasticity and an improvement in extension power of the elbow, the wrist, and the second to fifth fingers. Scores from both Quality of Upper Extremity Skills Test and Modified Ashworth Scale tests had been significantly improved during follow‐up. The outcomes from this case provided the evidence that combined the C7 nerve root rhizotomy and contralateral healthy C7 nerve root transfer to the ipsilateral middle trunk of brachial plexus not only partially released flexional spasticity but also strengthened extension power of the spastic upper extremity in children with the cerebral palsy. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc. Microsurgery, 2011.
Autonomization of epigastric flaps in rats
Authors: Mücke Thomas‐ , Borgmann Anna , Wagenpfeil Stefan , Günzinger Ralf , Nöbauer Christian , Lange Rüdiger , Slotta‐Huspenina Julia , Hölzle Frank , Wolff Klaus‐Dietrich
Published: April 2011

The question of how long a flap depends on its pedicle cannot be answered clearly from the available literature. To address this, we investigated the time to flap autonomization in the wound bed and the length of time to the point when flap necrosis is reduced to a clinically negligible level. The superficial epigastric flap was raised in 24 rats. After 3, 5, 7, or 10 days of wound healing, the pedicle was again exposed, ligated, and divided. Values of blood flow (flow), velocity (velocity), hemoglobin level (Hb), and oxygen saturation (SO2) were noninvasively measured using Laser spectrophotometry. The area of necrosis of the flap was 62.77 ± 1.71% after 3 days, 16.26 ± 0.86% after 5 days, 2.88 ± 0.14% after 7 days, and 1.64 ± 0.16% after 10 days (P < 0.001). Hb, flow, and velocity were found to be significant factors on developing flap necrosis at the preoperative and postoperative time point (P < 0.0001), whereas SO2 and flow were significant predictors of necrosis at the time of pedicle ligation (P < 0.0001). The percentage changes of SO2 (P < 0.0001), flow (P < 0.0001), and velocity (P = 0.001) between the different time points were significant predictors of flap necrosis. The time needed for the complete autonomization of vascularized free flaps in their wound beds has been found as completed between the 5th and 7th day postoperatively in this rat model. The area of flap necrosis depends on the present value of SO2, Hb, flow, and velocity at different time points, but, more importantly, also on the perioperative change of these parameters. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc. Microsurgery, 2011.
An in vivo engineered nerve conduit—fabrication and experimental study in rats
Authors: Penna Vincenzo , Munder Beatrix , Stark G.‐Bjoern , Lang Eva M.
Published: April 2011

Background:

Several types of nerve conduits have been used for peripheral nerve gap bridging. This study investigated the in vivo engineering of a biological nerve conduit and its suitability for nerve gap bridging.

Material and methods:

A 19‐mm long polyvinyl chloride (PVC) tube was implanted parallely to the sciatic nerve. After implantation, a connective tissue cover developed around the PVC‐tube, the so‐called biogenic conduit. Histological cross‐sections were performed after 1, 2, 3, and 4 weeks. Wall thicknesses were measured and all vessels per cross‐section were counted. The biogenic conduit filled with fibrin was used to bridge a 15‐mm long nerve gap in the sciatic lesion model of the rat (n = 8). The results of nerve repair with the conduit were compared to the autologous nerve graft (n = 8). Sciatic functional index (SFI), nerve area, axon count, myelination index, and ratio of total myelinated fiber area/nerve area (N‐ratio) were analyzed after 4 weeks.

Results:

The wall thickness of biogenic conduits increased over the 4 weeks implantation time. Biogenic conduits revealed highest number of vessels per cross‐section after 4 weeks. The results of SFI analysis did not show significant difference between the repairs with biogenic conduit and autologous nerve graft. Nerve area and axon count in the biogenic conduit group were significantly lower than in the autologous nerve group (P < 0.001). The biogenic conduit group showed significant higher myelination values, but lower N‐ratio when compared to the nerve graft group (P < 0.001).

Conclusions:

The in vivo engineered conduits allow nerve gap bridging of 15 mm. However, quality of regeneration after 4 weeks observation time is not comparable to autologous nerve grafts. Whether biogenic conduits might be a suitable alternative to artificial and biological conduits for gap bridging will have to be evaluated in further studies. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc. Microsurgery, 2011.
Is the sensitivity of skin‐sparing mastectomy or nipple‐sparing mastectomy superior to conventional mastectomy with innervated flap?
Authors: Mori Hiroki , Okazaki Mutsumi
Published: April 2011

The purpose of this study was to investigate sensory recovery in 33 patients who underwent conventional mastectomy, skin‐sparing mastectomy, or nipple‐sparing mastectomy with immediate breast reconstruction using abdominal flaps. Reconstructions included a pedicled transverse (28 cases) or vertical (five cases) rectus abdominis musculocutaneous flap. Sensory reconstruction was performed in 15 cases by neurorrhaphy using intercostal nerve. Patients were classified into six groups according to type of mastectomy and use of neurorrhaphy. Sensory recovery was estimated by touch, pain, and hot and cold sensation at the nipple, areola, and 4 points at a distance of 2 cm from the areolar circumference. For touch sensation, conventional mastectomy with innervated flap provided greater sensitivity than the other groups (P < 0.05). For pain sensation, conventional mastectomy with innervated flap provided greater sensitivity than the other groups (P< 0.05). In terms of short‐term postoperative sensitivity, skin‐ and nipple‐sparing mastectomies with abdominal flap appear inferior to conventional mastectomy with innervated abdominal flap. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc. Microsurgery, 2011.
Electrophysiological testing of spinal accessory nerve in suspected cases of nerve transection
Authors: Laughlin Ruple S. , Spinner Robert J. , Daube Jasper R.
Published: April 2011

Introduction:

In this study we sought to determine whether standard electrophysiological testing of the spinal accessory nerve (SAN) accurately identifies patients who would benefit from surgical repair.

Methods:

Sixteen consecutive patients sent for surgical evaluation of unilateral SAN injury were studied clinically and electrophysiologically.

Results:

All patients demonstrated a low‐amplitude SAN compound muscle action potential (CMAP) that required a higher stimulus intensity to obtain it than on the unaffected side. Upper trapezius needle electromyography showed dense fibrillation potentials in 16 of 16 nerves, with voluntary motor unit potentials (MUPs) in 5 of 16. Intraoperatively, 12 of 16 nerves were transected; 4 of 16 had neuromas across which there was no nerve action potential. Patients underwent direct repair (6 of 16) or interpositional nerve grafting (10 of 16). Fourteen of 15 patients seen postoperatively had improvement in pain, muscle bulk, and range of motion.

Conclusions:

Surgical exploration of the SAN is warranted in patients with clinical signs of severe injury, even when electrophysiological testing shows low‐amplitude CMAPs and/or residual MUPs. Muscle Nerve, 2011
Enzyme replacement therapy induces T‐cell responses in late‐onset Pompe disease
Authors: Banati Miklos , Hosszu Zsolt , Trauninger Anita , Szereday Laszlo , Illes Zsolt
Published: April 2011

Introduction:

Enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) in ultra‐orphan Pompe disease generates anti‐rhGAA antibodies, which may interfere with efficacy.

Methods:

rhGAA‐specific T‐cell responses were examined at different time‐points in 6 Hungarian patients treated with rhGAA and compared with 1 untreated patient and 5 healthy controls.

Results:

The ex vivo percentage of activated T cells was increased in treated patients. rhGAA stimulation in vitro generated a dose‐dependent increase in intracellular interferon‐gamma (IFN‐γ) expression in CD4+ and CD8+ T cells. Isolated CD4+ and CD8+ T cells produced increased amounts of IFN‐γ and tumor necrosis factor‐alpha (TNF‐α) in half of the patients after in vitro stimulation with rhGAA, whereas interleukin (IL)‐4, IL‐6, and IL‐17 levels were not elevated. Expression of cytotoxic FasL and perforin molecules by natural killer (NK), NKT‐like, and CD8+ T cells were not increased ex vivo.

Conclusions:

We found that enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) induces pro‐inflammatory T‐cell responses in addition to the antibody response in Pompe disease. Muscle Nerve, 2011
Risk of hematoma following needle electromyography of the paraspinal muscles
Authors: Gertken Jon T. , Hunt Christopher H. , Chinea Nataly I. Montes , Morris Jonathan M. , Sorenson Eric J. , Boon Andrea J.
Published: April 2011

The purpose of this study was to establish the incidence of MRI‐detectable hematomas following paraspinal EMG. We provide a retrospective review of patients who underwent paraspinal EMG and subsequent concordant level spine MRI. A total of 370 charts (431 MRIs) met the inclusion criteria. No paraspinal hematomas were observed. These results should further the development of evidence‐based guidelines for patients who have greater‐than‐normal bleeding risk and support the notion that paraspinal EMG is a relatively safe procedure. Muscle Nerve 44: 439–440, 2011
Improving stability domains of the implicit higher order accuracy method
Authors: Rezaiee‐Pajand M. , Sarafrazi S. R. , Hashemian M.
Published: April 2011

The implicit higher order accuracy (IHOA) time integration family has a high order of accuracy. However, its stability domains are very restrictive. By improving the stability conditions, the larger time steps can be utilized. In this study, two parameters are introduced in the displacement and velocity extrapolations of IHOA. In order to find the optimum values of the proposed parameters, the dissipation and the dispersion are investigated. Three conditionally stable versions of the second‐, third‐, and forth‐order algorithms are found. It is shown that these formulations have larger stability domains than the previous ones. Furthermore, the suggested strategies give responses that are more accurate. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Ribosomal protein RPL41 induces rapid degradation of ATF4, a transcription factor critical for tumour cell survival in stress
Authors: Wang Aiyuan , Xu Shengqiang , Zhang Xiaoxian , He Jie , Yan Donghui , Yang Zhangmin , Xiao Sheng
Published: April 2011

By activating protective pathways, tumour cells are not only capable of survival in stress, but often associated with increased aggressiveness and metastasis. Activating transcription factor 4 (ATF4) is a major coordinator of tumour cell survival in stress and is commonly overexpressed in tumours. Numerous studies suggested that the ATF4 is a potential therapeutic target for cancer. In this report, we describe that a small ribosomal peptide, RPL41, induced rapid ATF4 degradation. By immunofluorescence staining, RPL41 induced ATF4 relocation from nuclei to cytoplasm, where ATF4 co‐stained with a proteasome marker; the RPL41‐induced ATF4 relocation and degradation were blocked by the proteasome inhibitor MG132. An in vivo phosphorylation study showed that RPL41 induced ATF4 phosphorylation and serine 219 of ATF4 was essential for RPL41‐induced ATF4 degradation. Cells with RPL41 knockdown had significantly increased ATF4, suggesting that RPL41 could play a physiological role in regulating the cellular ATF4 level. RPL41 was capable of inducing tumour cell death and cell cycle arrest; at low dose, RPL41 sensitized tumour cells A549 to the DNA damage agent cisplatin. These studies suggest that RPL41, a small peptide that is chemically synthesizable and capable of self‐cell penetration, may have potential as an anti‐ATF4 agent for cancer therapy. Copyright © 2011 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
OCT2, SSX and SAGE1 reveal the phenotypic heterogeneity of spermatocytic seminoma reflecting distinct subpopulations of spermatogonia
Authors: Lim Jasmine , Goriely Anne , Turner Gareth DH , Ewen Katherine A , Jacobsen Grete Krag , Graem Niels , Wilkie Andrew OM , Rajpert‐De Meyts Ewa
Published: April 2011

Spermatocytic seminoma (SS) is a rare testicular neoplasm that occurs predominantly in older men. In this study, we aimed to shed light on the histogenesis of SS by investigating the developmental expression of protein markers that identify distinct subpopulations of human spermatogonia in the normal adult testis. We analysed the expression pattern of OCT2, SSX2‐4, and SAGE1 in 36 SS cases and four intratubular SS (ISS) as well as a series of normal testis samples throughout development. We describe for the first time two different types of SS characterized by OCT2 or SSX2‐4 immunoexpression. These findings are consistent with the mutually exclusive antigenic profile of these markers during different stages of testicular development and in the normal adult testis. OCT2 was expressed predominantly in Adark spermatogonia, SSX2‐4 was present in Apale and B spermatogonia and leptotene spermatocytes, whilst SAGE1 was exclusively present in a subset of post‐pubertal germ cells, most likely B spermatogonia. The presence of OCT2 and SSX2‐4 in distinct subsets of germ cells implies that these markers represent germ cells at different maturation stages. Analysis of SAGE1 and SSX2‐4 in ISS showed spatial differences suggesting ongoing maturation of germ cells during progression of SS tumourigenesis. We conclude that the expression pattern of OCT2, SSX2‐4, and SAGE1 supports the origin of SS from spermatogonia and provides new evidence for heterogeneity of this tumour, potentially linked either to the cellular origin of SS or to partial differentiation during tumour progression, including a hitherto unknown OCT2‐positive variant of the tumour likely derived from Adark spermatogonia. Copyright © 2011 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
MicroRNAs in colorectal cancer metastasis
Authors: de Krijger Inge , Mekenkamp Leonie JM , Punt Cornelis JA , Nagtegaal Iris D
Published: April 2011

Metastatic disease is the major cause of death in colorectal cancer (CRC) patients. The metastatic process is highly inefficient and comprises multiple sequential steps. While many genetic factors relevant in this process have already been identified, the epigenetic factors underlying each step still remain obscure. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are key regulators in tumourigenesis, but their role in the development of cancer metastasis is poorly investigated. The majority of miRNAs involved in the metastatic process have been identified in breast cancer cell lines, and in CRC less data are available. We review the role of miRNAs in the metastatic pathway of CRC, including escape of apoptosis, epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT), angiogenesis, and invasion. Better understanding of the complex role of miRNAs in the development of CRC metastases may provide new insights that could be of therapeutic consequence. Copyright © 2011 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Proteomic analysis of microvesicles derived from human colorectal cancer ascites
Authors: Choi Dong‐Sic , Park Jung Ok , Jang Su Chul , Yoon Yae Jin , Jung Jin Woo , Choi Do‐Young , Kim Jung‐Wook , Kang Ji Seon , Park Jaesung , Hwang Daehee , Lee Kyung‐Hee , Park Sang‐Hyun , Kim Yoon‐Keun , Desiderio Dominic M. , Kim Kwang Pyo , Gho Yong Song
Published: April 2011

The presence of malignant ascites in the peritoneal cavity is a poor prognostic indicator of low survival rate. Various cancer cells, including those of colorectal cancer (CRC), release microvesicles (exosomes) into surrounding tissues and peripheral circulation including malignant ascites. Although recent progress has revealed that microvesicles play multiple roles in tumor progression, the protein composition and the pathological function of malignant ascites‐derived microvesicles are still unknown. Here, we report the first global proteomic analyses of highly purified microvesicles derived from human CRC ascites. With 1‐D SDS‐PAGE and nano‐LC‐MS/MS analyses, we identified a total of 846 microvesicular proteins from ascites of three CRC patients with high confidence; 384 proteins were identified in at least two patients. We identified proteins that might function in tumor progression via disruption of epithelial polarity, migration, invasion, tumor growth, immune modulation, and angiogenesis. Furthermore, we identified several potential diagnostic markers of CRC including colon‐specific surface antigens. Our proteomic analyses will help to elucidate diverse functions of microvesicles in cancer progression and will aid in the development of novel diagnostic tools for CRC.
Damp‐heat degradation and repair of oxide‐passivated silicon
Authors: McIntosh Keith R. , Dai Xi
Published: April 2011

SiO2‐passivated Si degrades when exposed to a ‘damp‐heat’ atmosphere of 85% relative humidity and 85 °C. We find the effective surface recombination velocity at the SiO2/Si interface of phosphorus‐diffused (111) Si to increase from 2200 to 11 000 cm/s after 7 days of damp‐heat exposure. This degradation is of concern to many high‐efficiency solar cells, which are manufactured from SiO2‐passivated Si with phosphorus‐diffused (111) facets at the front surface, and which must withstand 1000 h of damp‐heat exposure during reliability testing. Our experiments indicate that the damp‐heat exposure causes (i) absorption of H2O into the SiO2, (ii) an increase in the concentration of H at the SiO2/Si interface, (iii) a latent source of degradation that continues after samples are returned to room conditions, and (iv) SiO2/Si interface damage that can be repaired by a short anneal at 300 °C in N2. The results of these experiments are discussed in relation to the various mechanisms that might underlie damp‐heat degradation of SiO2/Si interfaces.
X‐ray diffraction of cubic Gd2O3/Er under high pressure
Authors: Zou Xu , Gong Chen , Liu Bingbing , Li Quanjun , Li Zepeng , Liu Bo , Liu Ran , Liu Jing , Chen Zhiqiang , Zou Bo , Cui Tian , Bai Xue , Song Hongwei
Published: April 2011

In this paper, we report the in situ high pressure X‐ray diffraction studies on Er3+ doped Gd2O3 in a diamond anvil cell up to 39.8 GPa at room temperature. Several phase transitions have been identified in our studies. The structural transformation from a starting cubic phase to a hexagonal phase occurred during the sample compression process, at 8.57 GPa. And the hexagonal phase was stable from 12.5 GPa up to the highest pressure in this study but was not quenchable and transformed to a monoclinic phase after pressure release. An anomalous high pressure behavior in the hexagonal type Gd2O3 phase was observed, which might be caused by an electron transition influenced by Er3+ ions doping. By fitting the compression data to the Birch–Murnaghan equation of state, the bulk moduli of the cubic and two hexagonal (at p < 19.9 GPa and p > 27.0 GPa) Gd2O3 phases were determined to be 164 ± 3, 185 ± 7, and 150 ± 10 GPa with $B'_{0} = 4$, respectively.
A perspective on the CASPT2 method
Authors: Pulay Peter
Published: April 2011

The CASPT2 method, developed by Roos and coworkers, is reviewed. The rationale for a method that can deal with arbitrary strongly correlated systems at affordable computational cost is presented, and the main milestones in the 20‐year history of CASPT2 are listed. The basic features of the method are summarized. The strengths and weaknesses of CASPT2 are assessed. Its main strength is its ability to deal with arbitrary electronic states at a reasonable computational cost, and giving exact spin states. Its main limitation is that, it is not a black box method, and requires considerable experience to use. Another limitation is that, for accurate results, the active space must be generally larger than the minimum required to describe only the strong (static) correlation. Including dynamical correlation at an earlier stage may resolve some of these issues. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem 111:3273–3279, 2011
Kinetic parameters for the reaction of hydroxyl radical with CH3OCH2F (HFE‐161) in the temperature range of 200–400 K: Transition state theory and Ab initio calculations
Authors: Kaliginedi Veerabhadrarao , Ali Mohamad Akbar , Rajakumar B.
Published: April 2011

Rate coefficients for the reaction of the hydroxyl radical with CH3OCH2F (HFE‐161) were computed using transition state theory coupled with ab initio methods, viz., MP2, G3MP2, and G3B3 theories in the temperature range of 200–400 K. Structures of the reactants and transition states (TSs) were optimized at MP2(FULL) and B3LYP level of theories with 6‐31G* and 6‐311++G** basis sets. The potential energy surface was scanned at both the level of theories. Five different TSs were identified for each rotamer. Calculations of Intrinsic reaction coordinates were performed to confirm the existence of all the TSs. The kinetic parameters due to all different TSs are reported in this article. The rate coefficients for the title reaction were computed to be k = (9 ± 1.08) × 10−13 exp [−(1,713 ± 33)/T] cm3 molecule−1 s−1 at MP2, k = (7.36 ± 0.42) × 10−13 exp [−(198 ± 16)/T] cm3 molecule−1 s−1 at G3MP2 and k = (5.36 ± 1.57) × 10−13 exp [−(412 ± 81)/T] cm3 molecule−1 s−1 at G3B3 theories. The atmospheric lifetimes of CH3OCH2F at MP2, G3MP2, and G3B3 level of theories were estimated to be 20, 0.1, and 0.3 years, respectively. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2012
On the role of the triplet state in the cis/trans isomerization of rhodopsin: A CASPT2//CASSCF study of a model chromophore
Authors: González‐Luque Remedios , Olaso‐González Gloria , Merchán Manuela , Coto Pedro B. , Serrano‐Andrés Luis , Garavelli Marco
Published: April 2011

The possibility of population of the lowest‐lying triplet state (T1) in the early events of the photochemical isomerization process of a model chromophore of Rhodopsin (Rh) has been analyzed using multireference perturbation theory (CASPT2//CASSCF) methods. It is shown that the characteristics of the isomerization process namely small S1−T1 gap, presence of hydrogen out of plane active vibrational modes, and existence of a dense manifold of vibrational states, render possible the fulfilment of the conditions needed for the population of T1. The possible consequences for the photochemistry and photophysics of Rh are also discussed. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem 111:3431–3437, 2011
π‐electron currents in polycyclic conjugated hydrocarbons: Coronene and its isomers having five and seven member rings
Authors: Randić Milan , Novič Marjana , Vračko Marjan , Vukičević Damir , Plavšić Dejan
Published: April 2011

We have outlined novel graph theoretical model for computing π‐electron currents in π‐electron polycyclic conjugated hydrocarbons. We start with Kekulé valence structures of a polycyclic conjugated hydrocarbon and their conjugated circuits. To each 4n+2 conjugated circuits we assign counter clockwise current i and to each 4n conjugated circuit we assign clockwise current i. By adding the contributions from all conjugated circuits in a single Kekulé valence structure one obtains π‐electron current pattern for the particular Kekulé valence structure. By adding the conjugated circuit currents in all Kekulé valence structure one obtains the pattern of π‐electron currents for considered molecule. We report here π‐electron current patters for coronene and 17 its isomers, which have been recently considered by Balaban et al., obtained by replacing one or more pairs of peripheral benzene rings with five and seven member rings. Our results are compared with their reported π‐electron current density patters computed by ab initio molecular orbital (MO) computations and satisfactory parallelism is found between two so disparate approaches. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2012
DFT and MP2 study of isomery scheme in Formazan and intermolecular and intramolecular proton transfer between its tautomers
Authors: Tavakol Hossein
Published: April 2011

DFT and Moller Plesset (MP2) calculations were applied to study of isomery scheme in formazan. Formazan that can be presented by three tautomers and eight isomers has various applications in dyes, complexes, and biochemistry. The structures of its isomers and related transition states were optimized, and important molecular parameters, IR frequencies, and energetic results were extracted. The relative stabilities of formazan isomers in the gas phase were found to be as 1EZ >1ZZ >1EE >1ZE >2EE > 3 >2EZ >2ZZ >TS1 >TS3 >TS2. Thermodynamic data confirms that tautomer 1 is major tautomer, and all possible tautomerism interconversions have small rates at room temperature. Then, relative stabilities were calculated in different solvents (chloroform, tetrahydrofuran, acetone, and water). The relative stabilities and thermodynamic data in solvents are nearly similar to those in the gas phase, but the rate constants are slightly more than that in the gas phase. Moreover, relative stabilities of formazan isomers and intermolecular proton transfer in presence of one to three molecules of water have been studied. The results showed that activation barriers in water‐assisted tautomerisms are in general lower than those in the gas phase, but the relative energies of isomers do not change importantly by water clusters. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2012
24 IPR isomers of fullerene C84: Cage deformation as geometrical characteristic of local strains
Authors: Khamatgalimov Ayrat R. , Kovalenko Valeri I.
Published: April 2011

The structures of 24 IPR‐isomers of C84 fullerene with distributed single, double and delocalized bonds are presented. Obtained results are fully supported by DFT quantum‐chemical calculations of electronic and geometrical structures of these isomers. Two reasons of instability of fullerene molecules are their radical origin and/or high local strain. Distortion of pentagons as well as hexagons with alternating single and double bonds is the most significant geometrical parameter reflecting local strain of a molecule. These distortions are measured as maximal dihedral angles of those cycles and reach 20 degrees in mostly deformed hexagons and pentagons. In contrast high values of dihedral angles in hexagons with delocalized π‐bonds are typical for stable isomers. Other geometric parameters such as valence angles, sums of valence angles and dihedral angles between approximate planes of fused rings have no marked influence on stability. The development of strain‐related criteria for fullerene stability will be helpful in the prediction which isomers might potentially be observable in experiment. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2012
ABIOTIC & BIOTIC RESPONSES OF THE COLORADO RIVER TO CONTROLLED FLOODS AT GLEN CANYON DAM, ARIZONA, USA
Authors: Melis T.S. , Korman J. , Kennedy T.A.
Published: April 2011

Closure of Glen Canyon Dam reduced sand supply to the Colorado River in Grand Canyon National Park by about 94% while its operation has also eroded the park's sandbar habitats. Three controlled floods released from the dam since 1995 suggest that sandbars might be rebuilt and maintained, but only if repeated floods are timed to follow tributary sand deliveries below the dam. Monitoring data show that sandbars are dynamic and that their erosion after bar building is positively related with mean daily discharge and negatively related with tributary sand production after controlled floods. The March 2008 flood affected non‐native rainbow trout abundance in the Lees Ferry tailwater, which supports a blue ribbon fishery. Downstream trout dispersal from the tailwater results in negative competitive interactions and predation on endangered humpback chub. Early survival rates of age‐0 trout increased more than fourfold following the 2008 flood, and twofold in 2009, relative to prior years (2006–2007). Hatch‐date analysis indicated that early survival rates were much higher for cohorts that emerged about 2 months after the 2008 flood relative to cohorts that emerged earlier that year. The 2009 survival data suggest that tailwater habitat improvements persisted for at least a year, but apparently decreased in 2010. Increased early survival rates for trout coincided with the increased availability of higher quality drifting food items after the 2008 flood owing to an increase in midges and black flies, preferred food items of rainbow trout. Repeated floods from the dam might sustainably rebuild and maintain sandbars if released when new tributary sand is available below the tailwater. Spring flooding might also sustain increased trout abundance and benefit the tailwater fishery, but also be a potential risk to humpback chub in Grand Canyon. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
EMERGENT SANDBAR CONSTRUCTION FOR LEAST TERNS ON THE MISSOURI RIVER: EFFECTS ON FORAGE FISHES IN SHALLOW‐WATER HABITATS
Authors: Stucker J. H. , Buhl D. A. , Sherfy M. H.
Published: April 2011

Emergent sandbars on the Missouri River are actively managed for two listed bird species, piping plovers and interior least terns. As a plunge‐diving piscivore, endangered least terns rely on ready access to appropriately sized slender‐bodied fish: <52 mm total length for adults and <34 mm total length for young chicks. As part of a multi‐agency recovery programme, aimed at enhancing nesting habitat for plovers and terns, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers mechanically created several emergent sandbars on the Missouri River. However, it was unknown whether sandbar construction is a benefit or a detriment to forage abundance for least terns. Therefore, we studied the shallow‐water (<1.5 m) fish community near river and mechanically created emergent sandbars during three nesting seasons (2006–2008). We sampled every 2 weeks each year from late May to July within 15–16 areas to document the relative abundance, species richness and size classes of fish. Fish relative abundance was negatively related to depth. Catches were dominated by schooling species, including emerald shiner, sand shiner, spotfin shiner and bigmouth buffalo. Significant inter‐annual differences in relative abundance were observed, with generally increasing trends in intra‐seasonal relative abundance of shiners and the smallest size classes of fish (<34 mm). Significant differences in the fish communities between the sandbar types were not detected in this study. Results suggest that mechanical sandbar habitats host comparable fish communities at similar levels of relative abundance. Further analyses are required to evaluate if the levels of fish relative abundance are adequate to support least tern foraging and reproduction. Published in 2011 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Application of the continual reassessment method to a phase I dose‐finding trial in Japanese patients: East meets West
Authors: Morita Satoshi
Published: April 2011

After cancer‐related phase I dose‐finding trials are completed in Western countries, further phase I trials are often conducted to determine recommended doses (RDS) for Japanese patients. This may be due to concerns about possible differences in treatment tolerability between Caucasians and Japanese. In most of these, a conventional ‘3 +3’ cohort study design is used in making dose escalation decisions, possibly due to its relatively easy implementation. Since its proposal by O'Quigleybiet al. (1990; Biometrics, 46:33–48), the continual reassessment method (CRM) has been used increasingly in cancer‐related phase I dose‐finding studies as an alternative to ‘3 +3’ designs. One of the principal advantages of applying a Bayesian CRM may be the utilization of all available prior information to estimate RDS through prior distributions that are assumed for model parameters representing the dose–toxicity relationship. In this paper, we present an application of the Bayesian CRM to a phase I dose‐finding study in Japanese patients with advanced breast cancer using an informative prior elicited from clinical investigators. In some settings, it may be appropriate to use an informative prior that reflects the accurate and comprehensive previous knowledge of clinical investigators. On the other hand, for a model‐based Bayesian outcome‐adaptive clinical trial, it is necessary to establish sufficiently vague priors so that accumulating data dominate decisions as the amount of observed data increases. Thus, we retrospectively investigated the relative strength of the prior using a recently proposed method to compute a prior effective sample size. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.