bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Metabolic flux‐based optimisation of recombinant human interleukin‐3 expression by Streptomyces lividans 66
Authors: Nowruzi Keyvan , Elkamel Ali , Scharer Jeno M. , Cossar Douglas , Moo‐Young Murray
Published: March 2011

A metabolic reaction network including carbohydrate and amino acid metabolism in both anabolic and catabolic reactions was developed for Streptomyces lividans. Based on observed nutrient consumption, the fermentation process comprised two stages: amino acid uptake in the first phase followed by ammonia uptake as the nitrogen source in the second phase. Linear programming in combination with eight measured input and output fluxes was employed to determine the flux distribution through the major metabolic pathways in both phases of the batch fermentations. Two different objective functions were defined and examined: optimising biomass production by maximising the specific growth rate and optimising a balanced redox metabolism by minimising excess NAD(P)H production. The flux distributions obtained for the two objectives were very similar. The model predicted specific growth rate agreed well (8–10% difference) with observations. A uniform distribution was assumed for each biomass component and the results showed that, using either objective the biomass composition does not have a significant effect on the internal distribution of fluxes.
Removal of direct Red‐31 and direct Orange‐26 by low cost rice husk: Influence of immobilisation and pretreatments
Authors: Safa Yusra , Bhatti Haq Nawaz , Bhatti Ijaz Ahmad , Asgher Muhammad
Published: March 2011

The aim of the present study is to investigate the influence of free, carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) immobilised, PVA–alginate immobilised, and HCl treated rice husk on the removal of Direct Red‐31 and Direct Orange‐26 dyes. The biosorption capacity of the rice husk increased with HCl treatment (67.39 and 45.34 mg/g) and decreased with PVA–alginate immobilisation (9.73 and 10.03 mg/g) as compared to the free biomass (65.56 and 45.58 mg/g) at 200 mg/L dye concentration for Direct Red‐31 and Direct Orange‐26, respectively. Equilibrium data were best described by Langmuir Type 1 for Direct Red‐31 and Direct Orange‐26 (free, CMC immobilised, PVA–alginate immobilised, and HCl treated). Best correlation coefficients for Direct Red‐31 and Direct Orange‐26 using free, CMC immobilised, PVA–alginate immobilised, and HCl treated rice husk were obtained for pseudo‐second order and Elovich kinetic models. Values of Gibbs free energy (ΔG°) and enthalpy change (ΔH°) indicated that reaction was spontaneous and endothermic in nature at the studied temperatures. FT‐IR studies showed the involvement of carbonyl, carboxyl, and amide groups in the biosorption process. SEM exhibited the morphological changes on the biosorbent surface and BET analysis to determine the surface area is also carried out.
Removal of arsenic from simulated groundwater using GAC‐Cu in batch reactor: Kinetics and equilibrium studies
Authors: Mondal P. , Mohanty B. , Majumder C. B.
Published: March 2011

This paper deals with kinetics and equilibrium studies on the adsorption of arsenic species from simulated groundwater containing arsenic (As(III):As(V):: 1:1), Fe, and Mn in concentrations of 0.188, 2.8, and 0.6 mg/L, respectively, by Cu2+ impregnated granular‐activated carbon (GAC‐Cu). Effects of agitation period and initial arsenic concentration on the removal of arsenic species have also been described. Although, most of the arsenic species are adsorbed within 8 h of agitation, equilibrium reaches after ∼24 h. Amongst various kinetic models investigated, the pseudo‐second order model is more adequate to explain the adsorption kinetics and film diffusion is found to be the rate‐controlling step for the adsorption of arsenic species on GAC‐Cu. Freundlich isotherm is adequate to explain the adsorption equilibrium. However, empirical polynomial isotherm gives more accurate prediction on equilibrium specific uptakes of arsenic species. Maximum specific uptake (qmax) for the adsorption of As(T) as obtained from Langmuir isotherm is 180 µg/g.
Selection of simplified models: II. Development of a model selection criterion based on mean squared error
Authors: Wu Shaohua , McAuley K. B. , Harris T. J.
Published: March 2011

Simplified models (SMs) with a reduced set of parameters are used in many practical situations, especially when the available data for parameter estimation are limited. A variety of candidate models are often considered during the model formulation, simplification, and parameter estimation processes. We propose a new criterion to help modellers select the best SM, so that predictions with lowest expected mean squared error can be obtained. The effectiveness of the proposed criterion for selecting simplified nonlinear univariate and multivariate models is demonstrated using Monte‐Carlo simulations and is compared with the effectiveness of the Bayesian Information Criterion (BIC).
Synthesis and Crystal Structure of Rare Earth Metal Chlorides Bearing Bridged‐Indenyl Ancillary Ligand
Authors: Wang Yibin , Feng Xiaoying , Luo Yunjie , Zhang Yong , Liang Hongze
Published: March 2011

Two new rare earth metal chloride complexes supported by a bridged‐indenyl ancillary ligand, [C9H6SiMe2‐ (CH2)2SiMe2C9H6]Ln(µ‐Cl)2Li(TMEDA) [Ln=Y (1), Lu (2)], were synthesized via salt metathesis reaction. Reaction of C9H7SiMe2(CH2)2SiMe2C9H7 with 2 equiv. of n‐butyllithium in hexane at room temperature afforded [C9H6SiMe2‐ (CH2)2SiMe2C9H6]Li2 as white powder in 95% isolated yield. Further treatment of [C9H6SiMe2(CH2)2SiMe2‐ C9H6]Li2 with anhydrous LnCl3 in 1:1 molar ratio in THF/TMEDA at room temperature provided the bridged‐indenyl rare earth metal chlorides 1 and 2 in 86%–89% isolated yields. Both complexes were characterized by FT‐IR spectroscopy, NMR spectroscopy, elemental analysis, and X‐ray single crystal structure analysis. The central metals in both complexes are eight‐coordinated by two indenyl ligands in η5‐fashion, and two chlorine atoms to adopt a distorted tetrahedral geometry.
Silica Gel‐Supported Polyphosphoric Acid (PPA/SiO2): An Efficient and Reusable Heterogeneous Catalyst for Facile Synthesis of 14‐Aryl‐14H‐dibenzo[a,j]xanthenes under Solvent‐free Conditions
Authors: Khojastehnezhad Amir , Davoodnia Abolghasem , Bakavoli Mehdi , Tavakoli‐Hoseini Niloofar , Zeinali‐Dastmalbaf Mohsen
Published: March 2011

A simple, efficient and green method for the synthesis of 14‐aryl‐14H‐dibenzo[a,j]xanthenes by a one‐pot condensation reaction of β‐naphthol and aryl aldehydes using silica gel‐supported polyphosphoric acid (PPA/SiO2), an effective and reusable catalyst, under solvent‐free conditions is described. The present methodology offers several advantages, such as a simple procedure with an easy work‐up, short reaction times, high yields, and the absence of any volatile and hazardous organic solvents.
On‐line Solid Phase Extraction of Copper in Water Samples with Flow Injection Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrometry
Authors: Çetin Tülin , Ülgen Ahmet , Tokalıoğlu Şerife
Published: March 2011

An on‐line solid phase extraction method for the preconcentration and determination of Cu(II) by flame atomic absorption spectrometry has been described. The procedure is based on the retention of Cu(II) ions at pH 6.0 on a minicolumn packed with Amberlite XAD‐1180 resin impregnated with chrome azurol S. After preconcentration, Cu(II) ions adsorbed on the impregnated resin were eluted by 1 mol L−1 HNO3 solution. Several parameters, such as pH, type of eluent, flow rates of sample and eluent solutions, amount of resin were evaluated. At optimized conditions, for 3.5 min of preconcentration time, the system achieved a detection limit of 1.0 µg L−1, and a relative standard deviation of 1.2% at 0.2 µg mL−1 copper. An enrichment factor of 56‐fold was obtained with respect to the copper determination. The proposed method was successfully validated by the analysis of standard reference material (TMDA 54.4 lake water) and recovery studies. The method was applied to the preconcentration of Cu(II) in natural water samples.
Nutritional intervention with fish oil provides a benefit over standard of care for weight and skeletal muscle mass in patients with nonsmall cell lung cancer receiving chemotherapy
Authors: Murphy Rachel A. , Mourtzakis Marina , Chu Quincy S.C. , Baracos Vickie E. , Reiman Tony , Mazurak Vera C.
Published: March 2011

BACKGROUND:

Involuntary weight loss is a major contributor to mortality and morbidity in patients with advanced cancer. Nutritional intervention with fish oil (FO)‐derived eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) may prevent deterioration of body composition. This study compared intervention with FO with standard of care (SOC; no intervention) with regard to weight, skeletal muscle, and adipose tissue in newly referred patients with nonsmall cell lung cancer from the time of initiation to completion of first‐line chemotherapy.

METHODS:

Forty patients completed the study; there were 16 in the FO group (dose of 2.2 g of EPA/day) and 24 patients in the SOC group. Skeletal muscle and adipose tissue were measured using computed tomography images. Blood was collected and weight was recorded at baseline and throughout chemotherapy.

RESULTS:

Patients in the SOC group experienced an average weight loss of 2.3 ± 0.9 kg whereas patients receiving FO maintained their weight (0.5 ± 1.0 kg) (P = .05). Patients with the greatest increase in plasma EPA concentration after FO supplementation were found to have the greatest gains in muscle (r2 = 0.55; P = .01). Approximately 69% of patients in the FO group gained or maintained muscle mass. Comparatively, only 29% of patients in the SOC group maintained muscle mass, and overall the SOC group lost 1 kg of muscle. No difference in total adipose tissue was observed between the 2 groups.

CONCLUSIONS:

Nutritional intervention with 2.2 g of FO per day appears to provide a benefit over SOC, resulting in the maintenance of weight and muscle mass during chemotherapy. Cancer 2011. © 2011 American Cancer Society.
Preoperative hypogonadism is not an independent predictor of high‐risk disease in patients undergoing radical prostatectomy
Authors: Salonia Andrea , Gallina Andrea , Briganti Alberto , Abdollah Firas , Suardi Nazareno , Capitanio Umberto , Colombo Renzo , Freschi Massimo , Rigatti Patrizio , Montorsi Francesco
Published: March 2011

BACKGROUND:

A study was undertaken to assess the association between either preoperative serum total testosterone (TT) or hypogonadism (defined as TT <3 ng/mL) with high‐risk prostate cancer (PCa) (defined as patients with pathological extracapsular extension [ECE], seminal vesicle invasion [SVI], or Gleason grades ≥4 + 3 [high‐grade PCa]) at radical prostatectomy (RP).

METHODS:

A cohort of 673 consecutive Caucasian‐European patients who underwent RP at a single institute was used. None of the patients had taken any hormonal neoadjuvant treatment or other hormonal preparations during the previous 12 months. Serum TT was measured the day before surgery (8‐10 AM) in all cases. Logistic regression models tested the associations among predictors (eg, prostate‐specific antigen, clinical stage, biopsy Gleason sum, body mass index, and TT) and ECE, SVI, and high‐grade PCa.

RESULTS:

Median TT was 4.5 ng/mL (mean, 4.5; range, 0.02‐13.6). Hypogonadism was found in 144 (21.4%) patients, and severe hypogonadism (defined as TT <1 ng/mL) was observed in 37 (5.5%) men. Extracapsular extension, SVI, and high‐grade PCa were found in 96 (14.6%), 88 (13.1%), and 153 (22.7%) patients, respectively. Patients with high‐risk PCa had median TT comparable to those with low‐risk disease. At multivariate analysis, TT did not achieve independent predictor status for ECE, SVI, and high‐grade PCa. Only circulating TT <1 ng/mL was an independent predictor of SVI (odds ratio, 3.11; P = .006).

CONCLUSIONS:

In contrast with previous reports, preoperative circulating TT levels were not associated with high‐risk PCa. Likewise, hypogonadism did not achieve independent predictor status for high‐risk PCa. Cancer 2011;. © 2011 American Cancer Society.
Farnesyl transferase expression determines clinical response to the docetaxel‐lonafarnib combination in patients with advanced malignancies
Authors: Kauh John , Chanel‐Vos Chantal , Escuin Daniel , Fanucchi Michael P. , Harvey R. Donald , Saba Nabil , Shin Dong M. , Gal Anthony , Pan Lin , Kutner Michael , Ramalingam Suresh S. , Bender Laura , Marcus Adam , Giannakakou Paraskevi , Khuri Fadlo R.
Published: March 2011

BACKGROUND:

Lonafarnib (LNF) is a protein farnesyl transferase (FTase) inhibitor that has shown synergistic activity with taxanes in preclinical models and early stage clinical trials. Preclinical findings suggested tubulin acetylation and FTase expression levels may be important determinants of drug sensitivity that would help identify patient populations more likely to benefit from this regimen. This pilot study evaluated the biological effects of LNF and docetaxel (DTX) combination therapy in refractory solid tumors by comparing pretreatment and post‐treatment tumor biopsies.

METHODS:

Patients with histologically confirmed locally advanced or metastatic solid malignancies refractory to standard therapies or with no effective therapies available were eligible. Patients were randomized to 1 of 4 dosing cohorts: 1) 30 mg/m2, 100 mg; 2) 36 mg/m2, 100 mg; 3) 30 mg/m2, 150 mg; or 4) 36 mg/m2, 150mg of DTX intravenously weekly, LNF orally twice daily, respectively.

RESULTS:

Of the 38 patients enrolled, 36 were treated, and 29 were evaluable for toxicity and response assessment. The combination of LNF and DTX was tolerated in all cohorts with the exception of a 28% incidence of grade 3/4 diarrhea, which was manageable with aggressive antidiarrheal regimens. Seven patients derived clinically meaningful benefit from this combination treatment; these patients had significantly lower basal FTase‐beta mRNA expression levels than the mean study population level (P < .05). Correlation of clinical benefit with tubulin acetylation content as well as basal acetyl‐tubulin content were evaluated. However, no significant correlation was found.

CONCLUSIONS:

Despite the small number of patients, these findings support our preclinical mechanistic studies and warrant further clinical investigations using FTase‐beta mRNA expression as a potential predictive biomarker to select for an enriched patient population to study the effects of taxane and FTase inhibitor combination therapies. Cancer 2011. © 2011 American Cancer Society.
Utilization and expense of adjuvant cancer therapies following radical prostatectomy
Authors: Williams Stephen B. , Gu Xiangmei , Lipsitz Stuart R. , Nguyen Paul L. , Choueiri Toni K. , Hu Jim C.
Published: March 2011

BACKGROUND:

We sought to identify the costs of adjuvant therapies following radical prostatectomy (RP) and factors associated with their receipt.

METHODS:

We used SEER‐Medicare data from 2004‐2006 to identify 4247 men who underwent RP, of whom 600 subsequently received adjuvant therapies. We used Cox regression to identify factors associated with receipt of adjuvant therapies. Health care expenditures within 12 months of diagnosis were compared for RP alone versus RP with adjuvant therapies.

RESULTS:

Biopsy Gleason score, prostate‐specific antigen, risk group, and SEER region were significantly associated with receipt of adjuvant treatments (all P<.001). Higher surgeon volume was associated with lower odds of receiving adjuvant therapies (hazard ratio [HR], 0.60; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.46‐0.78 [P<.001]). Factors associated with increased receipt of adjuvant therapies were positive surgical margins (HR, 3.02; 95% CI, 2.55‐3.57 [P<.001]), high‐risk group versus low‐risk group (HR, 7.65; 95% CI, 5.64‐10.37 [P<.001]), lymph node–positive disease (HR, 5.36; 95% CI, 3.71‐7.75 [P<.001]), and treatment in Iowa (HR, 1.93; 95% CI, 1.12‐3.32 [P = .019]) and New Mexico/Georgia/Hawaii (HR, 1.92; 95% CI, 1.09‐3.39 [P = .025]) versus San Francisco SEER regions (baseline). Age, race, comorbidities, and surgical approach were not associated with use of adjuvant therapies. The median expenditures attributable to postprostatectomy hormonal therapy, radiation therapy, and radiation with hormonal therapy versus were $1361, $12,040, and $23,487.

CONCLUSIONS:

Men treated by high‐volume surgeons were less likely to receive adjuvant therapies. Regional variation and high‐risk disease characteristics were associated with increased receipt of adjuvant therapies, which increased health care expenditures by 2‐ to 3‐fold when radiotherapy was administered. Cancer 2011. © 2011 American Cancer Society.
Age effects on colour emotion, preference, and harmony
Authors: Ou Li‐Chen , Luo M. Ronnier , Sun Pei‐Li , Hu Neng‐Chung , Chen Hung‐Shing
Published: March 2011

Two psychophysical experiments were carried out to investigate whether or not colour emotion responses would change with the advance of the viewer's age. Two forms of stimuli were used: 30 single colours (for Experiment 1) and 190 colour pairs (for Experiment 2). Four word pairs, warm/cool, heavy/light, active/passive, and like/dislike, were used to assess colour emotion and preference in Experiment 1. In Experiment 2, harmonious/disharmonious was also used in addition to the four scales for Experiment 1. A total of 72 Taiwanese observers participated, including 40 (20 young and 20 older) for Experiment 1 and 32 (16 young and 16 older) for Experiment 2. The experimental results show that for single colours, all colour samples were rated as less active, less liked, and cooler for older observers than for young observers. For colour combinations, light colour pairs were rated as less active and cooler for older observers than for young observers; achromatic colour pairs and those consisting of colours in similar chroma were rated as cooler, less liked and less harmonious for older observers than for young observers. The findings may challenge a number of existing theories, including the adaptation mechanism for retaining consistent perception of colour appearance across the lifespan, the modeling of colour emotion based on relative colour appearance values, and the additive approach to prediction of colour‐combination emotion. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Col Res Appl, 2011
Personality variation in a clonal insect: The pea aphid,Acyrthosiphon pisum
Authors: Schuett Wiebke , Dall Sasha R.X. , Baeumer Jana , Kloesener Michaela H. , Nakagawa Shinichi , Beinlich Felix , Eggers Till
Published: March 2011

Individuals are often consistent in their behavior but vary from each other in the level of behavior shown. Despite burgeoning interest in such animal personality variation, studies on invertebrates are scarce, and studies on clonal invertebrates nonexistent. This is surprising given the obvious advantages of using invertebrates/clones to tackle the crucial question why such consistent behavioral differences exist. Here we show that individuals of clonal pea aphids exhibit consistent behavioral differences in their escape responses to a predator attack (dropping vs. nondropping off a plant). However, behavior was not repeatable at the clonal level. Genetically identical clones expressed various phenotypes but different clones produced different proportions of each phenotype (dropper, nondropper, and inconsistent). Manipulations of early environmental conditions had little qualitative impact on such patterns. We discuss the importance of our findings for future studies of the evolutionary and ecological consequences of personality variation. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Dev Psychobiol 53:631–640, 2011.
Organocatalytic Michael Addition of Naphthoquinone with α,β‐Unsaturated Ketones: Primary Amine Catalyzed Asymmetric Synthesis of Lapachol Analogues
Authors: Zhang Guangcun , Wang Yifeng , Zhang Wei , Xu Xiangsheng , Zhong Aiguo , Xu Danqian
Published: March 2011

A highly efficient organocatalytic synthesis of lapachol analogues from the Michael addition of naphthoquinone to various α,β‐unsaturated ketones catalyzed by primary amines is presented. Good to high yields (up to 93 %) and high to excellent enantioselectivities (up to 98 % ee) were obtained for the target compounds. MS (ESI) provided evidence for the key intermediates in the proposed mechanism.
The Synthesis and Conformation of Dihydroxypiperidinyl Derivates of Nucleobases as Novel Iminosugar Nucleoside Analogs
Authors: Rejman Dominik , Pohl Radek , Dračínský Martin
Published: March 2011

An optimized method for the synthesis of an important chiral scaffold, (3S,4R,5R)‐1‐N‐Boc‐3,4‐isopropylidene‐3,4,5‐trihydroxypiperidine, was developed. Using this intermediate, the preparation of various chiral aminodihydroxypiperidines and their transformation into a series of non‐glycosidic, six‐membered azanucleosides was accomplished. NMR conformation analysis of the prepared piperidine azanucleosides revealed a preference for the chair conformation, with the nucleobase fixed in the equatorial position in all cases.
Physicochemical characterization of a PEGylated liposomal drug formulation using capillary electrophoresis
Authors: Franzen Ulrik , Vermehren Charlotte , Jensen Henrik , Østergaard Jesper
Published: March 2011

In this work, the applicability of using CE to perform a physicochemical characterization of a PEGylated liposomal drug formulation of the anti‐cancer agent oxaliplatin was examined. Characterization of the liposomal drug formulation using CE instrumentation encompassed: determination of the electrophoretic mobilities, size determination by Taylor dispersion analysis and interaction studies. Electrophoretic mobilities determined by CE were compared with the results obtained by laser Doppler electrophoresis, which were found to be subject to larger variation. Average hydrodynamic diameters of the liposome preparations, as determined by Taylor dispersion analysis, were in the range of 61–84 nm and were compared with the results obtained by dynamic light scattering. Interactions between oxaliplatin (and paracetamol) and the PEGylated liposome were non‐detectable by CE frontal analysis as well as by liposome electrokinetic chromatography. In contrast, for the more lipophilic compound propranolol, apparent liposome‐aqueous phase distribution coefficients (Dlip) were successfully determined by both electrokinetic chromatography (log Dlip=2.10) and by CE frontal analysis (log Dlip=2.14). It is envisioned that CE and capillary‐based techniques, including Taylor dispersion analysis, will be useful tools for the characterization of nanoparticulate (e.g. liposomal) drug formulations.
A stabilized mixed formulation for unsteady Brinkman equation based on the method of horizontal lines
Authors: Srinivasan Shriram , Nakshatrala K. B.
Published: March 2011

In this paper, we present a stabilized mixed formulation for unsteady Brinkman equation. The formulation is systematically derived based on the variational multiscale formalism and the method of horizontal lines. The derivation does not need the assumption that the fine‐scale variables do not depend on the time, which is the case with the conventional derivation of multiscale stabilized formulations for transient mixed problems. An expression for the stabilization parameter is obtained in terms of a bubble function, and appropriate bubble functions for various finite elements are also presented. Under the proposed formulation, equal‐order interpolation for the velocity and pressure (which is computationally the most convenient) is stable. Representative numerical results are presented to illustrate the performance of the proposed formulation. Spatial and temporal convergence studies are also performed, and the proposed formulation performed well. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Anode Supported Protonic Solid Oxide Fuel Cells Fabricated Using Electrophoretic Deposition
Authors: Zunic M. , Chevallier L. , Di Bartolomeo E. , D'Epifanio A. , Licoccia S. , Traversa E.
Published: March 2011

Intermediate temperature solid oxide fuel cells (IT‐SOFCs) were fabricated depositing proton conducting BaCe0.9Y0.1O3–x (BCY10) thick films on cermet substrates made of nickel oxide–yttrium doped barium cerate (NiO–BCY10) using electrophoretic deposition (EPD) technique. The influence of the EPD parameters on the microstructure and electrical properties of BCY10 thick films was investigated. Deposited BCY10 thick films together with green anode substrates were co‐sintered in a single heating treatment at 1,550 °C for 2 h to obtain dense electrolyte and suitably porous anodes. The half‐cells were characterised by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE‐SEM) and by X‐ray diffraction (XRD) analysis. A composite cathode specifically developed for BCY electrolytes, made of La0.8Sr0.2Co0.8Fe0.2O3(LSCF, mixed oxygen‐ion/electronic conductor) and BaCe0.9Yb0.1O3–δ (10YbBC, mixed protonic/electronic conductor), was used. Fuel cells were prepared by slurry coating the composite cathode on the co‐sintered half‐cells. Fuel cell tests and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) were performed in the 550–700 °C temperature range. A maximum power density of 296 mW cm–2 was achieved at 700 °C for electrolyte deposited at 60 V for 1 min.
Proton pump inhibitors reduce interferon‐γ‐induced neurotoxicity and STAT3 phosphorylation of human astrocytes
Authors: Hashioka Sadayuki , Klegeris Andis , Mcgeer Patrick L.
Published: March 2011

Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are known to possess anti‐inflammatory properties. Inflammatory processes, including astrocytic activation, are implicated in the pathogenesis of different neurodegenerative diseases. Our recent study has indicated that interferon (IFN)‐γ‐induced astrocytic neurotoxicity is mediated, at least in part, by phosphorylation of signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) 3. We therefore studied the effects of PPIs on IFN‐γ‐induced neurotoxicity and STAT3 activation of human astrocytes. Both lansoprazole (LPZ) and omeprazole (OPZ) significantly attenuated IFN‐γ‐induced neurotoxicity of human astrocytes and astrocytoma cells. These drugs inhibited IFN‐γ‐induced phosphorylation of STAT 3, but not STAT1. We found that LPZ significantly reduced secretion of IFN‐γ‐inducible T cell α chemoattractant from IFN‐γ‐activated astrocytes. Neither LPZ nor OPZ suppressed expression of intercellular adhesion molecule‐1 by IFN‐γ‐activated astrocytes. These results suggest that PPIs attenuate IFN‐γ‐induced neurotoxicity of human astrocytes through inhibition of the STAT3 signaling pathway. PPIs that possess antineurotoxic properties may be a useful treatment option for Alzheimer's disease and other neuroinflammatory disorders associated with activated astrocytes. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Prospective cohort study of adverse events in older people admitted to the acute general hospital: risk factors and the impact of dementia
Authors: Watkin L. , Blanchard M. R. , Tookman A. , Sampson E. L.
Published: March 2011

Background

Reported adverse events (RAEs) are relatively common in the acute hospital and are associated with significant mortality and morbidity. Dementia is increasing in hospital in‐patients, however there have been few studies exploring risk factors for RAEs, in particular cognitive impairment and dementia. Our objective was to identify the prevalence of RAEs in older acute medical inpatients and associated demographic, clinical or cognitive risk factors.

Method

A longitudinal cohort study set on acute medical wards in a large general hospital. We recruited 710 people aged over 70 years undergoing emergency medical admission. Dementia was diagnosed using operationalised DSM‐IV criteria. Patients were assessed using standardised tools including the Confusion Assessment Method, mini‐mental state examination, the Functional Assessment Staging scale, the APACHE scale and Charlson co‐morbidity index. Data on adverse events was supplied independently by the hospital clinical risk department.

Results

8.6% (95% CI 6.4–10.6) of patients experienced an RAE; 5.9% (95% CI 4.2–7.6) were patient‐related and 2.7% (95% CI 1.5–3.8) system‐related (incidence rate for all RAEs was 2.1 (95% CI 1.7–2.8)) per person year of hospital admission. Median length of admission was 8 days (inter‐quartile range 4–17 days). Patient‐related RAEs were associated with male gender, delirium, mild/moderate cognitive impairment and a FAST score of 2–6. Overall, 11.1% died during the admission‐this was not associated with experiencing an RAE. Staff comments on incident forms indicated an apparent lack of understanding of the impact of cognitive impairment.

Conclusions

RAEs were common and associated with risk factors identifiable at admission. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Safety and feasibility of elective minimally invasive video‐assisted central neck dissection for thyroid carcinoma
Authors: Neidich Marci J. , Steward David L.
Published: March 2011

Background

Minimally invasive video‐assisted thyroidectomy (MIVAT) is accepted as treatment for select patients with thyroid carcinoma. We report both benefits and limitations of elective central neck dissection performed with the MIVAT technique.

Methods

Patients undergoing elective central neck dissection with MIVAT during November 2006 to October 2009 were studied retrospectively. Outcomes included complications and recurrence rates.

Results

In all, 28 patients were studied. There were no recurrences, with median follow‐up of 14 months. Eleven patients (39%) had positive central lymph nodes for metastases. No permanent hypocalcemia resulted, although 3 patients (10.7%) experienced transient hypocalcemia on postoperative day 1 (Ca <8 mg/dL). No permanent hypoparathyroidism resulted, although 7 patients (25%) had transient hypoparathyroidism (postanesthesia care unit parathyroid hormone [PTH] <8 mg/dL) treated with short‐term supplementation. Transient recurrent laryngeal nerve paresis occurred in 1 patient (3.6%). At the most recent check, 91% of patients had low/undetectable (<1 ng/mL) thyroglobulin.

Conclusions

Elective central neck dissection performed with MIVAT is a safe and feasible procedure in our institutional experience. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2012
Hippocampal place cells encode intended destination, and not a discriminative stimulus, in a conditional T‐maze task
Authors: Ainge James A. , Tamosiunaite Minija , Wörgötter Florentin , Dudchenko Paul A.
Published: March 2011

The firing of hippocampal place cells encodes instantaneous location but can also reflect where the animal is heading (prospective firing), or where it has just come from (retrospective firing). The current experiment sought to explicitly control the prospective firing of place cells with a visual discriminada in a T‐maze. Rats were trained to associate a specific visual stimulus (e.g., a flashing light) with the occurrence of reward in a specific location (e.g., the left arm of the T). A different visual stimulus (e.g., a constant light) signaled the availability of reward in the opposite arm of the T. After this discrimination had been acquired, rats were implanted with electrodes in the CA1 layer of the hippocampus. Place cells were then identified and recorded as the animals performed the discrimination task, and the presentation of the visual stimulus was manipulated. A subset of CA1 place cells fired at different rates on the central stem of the T depending on the animal's intended destination, but this conditional or prospective firing was independent of the visual discriminative stimulus. The firing rate of some place cells was, however, modulated by changes in the timing of presentation of the visual stimulus. Thus, place cells fired prospectively, but this firing did not appear to be controlled, directly, by a salient visual stimulus that controlled behavior. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The influence of objects on place field expression and size in distal hippocampal CA1
Authors: Burke Sara N. , Maurer Andrew P. , Nematollahi Saman , Uprety Ajay R. , Wallace Jenelle L. , Barnes Carol A.
Published: March 2011

The perirhinal and lateral entorhinal cortices send prominent projections to the portion of the hippocampal CA1 subfield closest to the subiculum, but relatively little is known regarding the contributions of these cortical areas to hippocampal activity patterns. The anatomical connections of the lateral entorhinal and perirhinal cortices, as well as lesion data, suggest that these brain regions may contribute to the perception of complex stimuli such as objects. The current experiments investigated the degree to which three‐dimensional objects affect place field size and activity within the distal region (closest to the subiculum) of CA1. The activity of CA1 pyramidal cells was monitored as rats traversed a circular track that contained no objects in some conditions and three‐dimensional objects in other conditions. In the area of CA1 that receives direct lateral entorhinal input, three factors differentiated the objects‐on‐track conditions from the no‐object conditions: more pyramidal cells expressed place fields when objects were present, adding or removing objects from the environment led to partial remapping in CA1, and the size of place fields decreased when objects were present. In addition, a proportion of place fields remapped under conditions in which the object locations were shuffled, which suggests that at least some of the CA1 neurons' firing patterns were sensitive to a particular object in a particular location. Together, these data suggest that the activity characteristics of neurons in the areas of CA1 receiving direct input from the perirhinal and lateral entorhinal cortices are modulated by non‐spatial sensory input such as three‐dimensional objects. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Can Turkey's general health insurance system achieve universal coverage?
Authors: Yasar Gulbiye Yenimahalleli , Ugurluoglu Ece
Published: March 2011

This study aims to evaluate the General Health Insurance System (GHIS) in Turkey implemented since 1 October 2008, in order to assess whether the GHIS will be able to achieve its objective of universal coverage. Both the breadth and depth of coverage will be taken into account.

The study notes out that some socio‐economic problems, such as a significant informal economy, high unemployment rate, inefficiency in the creation of adequate employment opportunities, inequitable income distribution, and widespread poverty, are the main problems preventing the GHIS from reaching breadth of coverage in Turkey. Contribution conditions for entitlement to health services prevent the GHIS from providing breadth of coverage too. Out‐of‐pocket payments, which are higher than in European and OECD countries, narrow the depth of coverage, but the GHIS brings additional user fees.

Statistics show that despite its objective, the GHIS struggles to provide universal coverage. It seems the GHIS will not be able to provide universal coverage in the near future because of the socio‐economic conditions and conditions for entitlement to health services.

In this case the government will either introduce radical arrangements to cope with the socio‐economic problems and issues with the funding system or should consider switching from an insurance‐based system towards a tax‐based system. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Response of Northern Hemisphere lake‐ice cover and lake‐water thermal structure patterns to a changing climate
Authors: Dibike Yonas , Prowse Terry , Saloranta Tuomo , Ahmed Roxanne
Published: March 2011

The formation and break‐up of ice‐cover are important seasonal events in mid‐ to high‐latitude cold‐region lakes. There is increasing concern regarding how climate change will affect lake‐water thermal structure and lake‐ice characteristics, particularly ice formation, duration, break‐up, thickness, and composition. This study employs a one‐dimensional process‐based multi‐year lake ice model, MyLake, to simulate the evolution of the Northern Hemisphere lake‐ice and thermal structure patterns under a changing climate. After testing the model on Baker Lake located in Nunavut Canada, large‐scale simulations were conducted over the major land masses of the Northern Hemisphere subarctic regions between 40° and 75°N using hypothetical lakes positioned at 2·5° latitude and longitude resolution. For the baseline period of 1960–1999, the lake‐ice model was driven by gridded atmospheric forcings from the ERA‐40 global reanalysis data set while atmospheric model forcings corresponding to future (2040–2079) climate were obtained by modifying the ERA‐40 data according to the Canadian Global Climate Model projection based on the SRES A2 emissions scenario. Analysis of the modelling results indicates that lake‐ice freeze‐up timing will be delayed by 5–20 days and break‐up will be advanced by approximately 10–30 days, thereby resulting in an overall decrease in lake‐ice duration by about 15–50 days. Maximum lake‐ice thickness will also be reduced by 10–50 cm. The change in maximum snow depth on the lake‐ice ranges between − 15 to + 5 cm, while the change in white‐ice thickness ranges between − 20 to + 10 cm depending on the geographic location and other climate parameters. The future warming will also result in an overall increase in lake‐water temperature, with summer stratification starting earlier and extending later into the year. Copyright © 2011 Crown in the right of Canada. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Challenges and advances in treating hoarding
Authors: Tolin David F.
Published: March 2011

This article introduces an issue of the Journal of Clinical Psychology: In Session devoted to understanding, assessing, and treating hoarding disorder (HD). After a case example is presented, the proposed the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, 5th Edition criteria for HD are discussed, and the problems associated with hoarding are discussed from a psychotherapeutic and public health perspective. The articles in this issue are then outlined and summarized. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Psychol: In Session 67:1–5, 2011.
A longitudinal study of household change on African American adolescents
Authors: Barnett Tracey E. , Rowley Stephanie , Zimmerman Marc A. , Vansadia Preeti , Howard Caldwell Cleopatra
Published: March 2011

Few studies have examined the effects of household change on adolescent development. We study household composition change and its effect on development, as measured by both internalizing symptoms and externalizing behaviors, in a sample of urban African American adolescents. Household change was defined based on the movement in or out of the household of one of the 2 most important adults adolescents named. We found 25% of adolescents reported changes in their household composition over the 4 years of high school. Youth who experienced change reported more internalizing symptoms and externalizing behavior than youth who did not experience change. Those reporting important people leaving their household had the greatest negative outcomes. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Novel evidence that testosterone promotes cell proliferation and differentiation via G protein‐coupled receptors in the rat L6 skeletal muscle myoblast cell line
Authors: Fu Rui , Liu Jiali , Fan Jingjing , Li Ruiguo , Li Defa , Yin Jingdong , Cui Sheng
Published: March 2011

Androgens are known to modulate the skeletal muscle proliferation and differentiation processes. Recent in vitro studies have shown that dihydrotestosterone and anabolic steroids have functions in promoting the proliferation and differentiation of the mouse skeletal muscle myoblast C2C12 cell line through the classical androgen receptor (AR) signaling pathway. But there are contradictory reports that androgen plays its roles through the membrane signaling pathways. In the present study, we show that there is no expression of the classical AR in L6 cells both at gene and protein levels. We then investigated the effects of testosterone (T) on L6 cell proliferation and differentiation. The results show that T promotes L6 cell proliferation after a 24 h treatment, which followed by enhancing L6 cell differentiation, but these effects are not inhibited by flutamide (F), an antagonist of intracellular AR. Further, we tested the effect of testosterone covalently bounding to albumin (T‐BSA), which does not cross the plasma membrane. The results demonstrate that T‐BSA and free T have similar effects on L6 cell proliferation and differentiation, and that these effects involve G protein‐coupled receptors and different downstream pathways. The L6 cell proliferation induced by T involves PKC and ERK1/2 signaling pathways and cell differentiation happens via the PKA signaling pathway. These results suggest that T promotes cell proliferation and differentiation via G protein‐coupled receptors and different downstream pathways in the L6 cell line, although the related molecular mechanisms need to be elucidated in future studies. J. Cell. Physiol. 227: 98–107, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Estrogen‐responsive nitroso‐proteome in uterine artery endothelial cells: Role of endothelial nitric oxide synthase and estrogen receptor‐β
Authors: Zhang Hong‐hai , Feng Lin , Wang Wen , Magness Ronald R. , Chen Dong‐bao
Published: March 2011

Covalent adduction of a NO moiety to cysteines (S‐nitrosylation or SNO) is a major route for NO to directly regulate protein functions. In uterine artery endothelial cells (UAEC), estradiol‐17β (E2) rapidly stimulated protein SNO that maximized within 10–30 min post‐E2 exposure. E2‐bovine serum albumin stimulated protein SNO similarly. Stimulation of SNO by both was blocked by ICI 182, 780, implicating mechanisms linked to specific estrogen receptors (ERs) localized on the plasma membrane. E2‐induced protein SNO was attenuated by selective ERβ, but not ERα, antagonists. A specific ERβ but not ERα agonist was able to induce protein SNO. Overexpression of ERβ, but not ERα, significantly enhanced E2‐induced SNO. Overexpression of both ERs increased basal SNO, but did not further enhance E2‐stimulated SNO. E2‐induced SNO was inhibited by N‐nitro‐L‐arginine‐methylester and specific endothelial NO synthase (eNOS) siRNA. Thus, estrogen‐induced SNO is mediated by endogenous NO via eNOS and mainly ERβ in UAEC. We further analyzed the nitroso‐proteomes by CyDye switch technique combined with two‐dimensional (2D) fluorescence difference gel electrophoresis. Numerous nitrosoprotein (spots) were visible on the 2D gel. Sixty spots were chosen and subjected to matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization‐time of flight mass spectrometry. Among the 54 identified, nine were novel SNO‐proteins, 32 were increased, eight were decreased, and the rest were unchanged by E2. Tandom MS identified Cys139 as a specific site for SNO in GAPDH. Pathway analysis of basal and estrogen‐responsive nitroso‐proteomes suggested that SNO regulates diverse protein functions, directly implicating SNO as a novel mechanism for estrogen to regulate uterine endothelial function and thus uterine vasodilatation. J. Cell. Physiol. 227: 146–159, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Adipose tissue‐derived stromal cells protect hair cells from aminoglycoside
Authors: Yoshida Atsuhiro , Kitajiri Shin‐Ichiro , Nakagawa Takayuki , Hashido Kento , Inaoka Takatoshi , Ito Juichi
Published: March 2011

Background:

Previous studies have demonstrated the therapeutic paracrine activity of adipose tissue‐derived stromal cells (ADSCs). This study aimed to examine the ADSC potential for protecting auditory hair cells from aminoglycoside toxicity via paracrine of multiple growth factors and cytokines.

Study Design:

Experimental study.

Methods:

We assessed hair cell protection from neomycin toxicity by ADSC‐derived factors using an explant culture system, in which cochlear explants and ADSCs were separated by a culture mesh insert to avoid direct contact. We measured the levels of growth factors and cytokines in ADSC culture media using an enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

Results:

Neomycin induced severe degeneration of auditory hair cells in cochlear explants, but co‐culture with ADSCs significantly increased the number of surviving hair cells in explants. ELISA analysis revealed that ADSCs secreted insulin‐like growth factor‐1, nerve growth factor, vascular epithelial growth factor, transforming growth factor β1, monocyte chemotactic protein‐1, and most prominently hepatocyte growth factor.

Conclusions:

These findings demonstrate that ADSCs have the capacity to protect auditory hair cells, and can be a useful strategy to develop therapy for deafness in the clinic. The multiple paracrine growth factors and cytokines secreted by ADSCs might be involved in this effect. Laryngoscope, 2011
Pediatric endoscopic airway management with posterior cricoid rib grafting
Authors: Provenzano Matthew J. , Hulstein Stephanie L. , Solomon Donald H. , Bauman Nancy M. , Manaligod Jose M. , Kacmarynski Deborah S. F. , Smith Richard J. H.
Published: March 2011

Objectives/Hypothesis:

To confirm and extend reported successful treatment of posterior glottic stenosis in pediatric patients using endoscopic laser division of the posterior cricoid plate with augmentation using costal cartilage.

Study Design:

A retrospective chart review and case series.

Methods:

Medical records were examined to determine the surgical indications, outcomes, and postoperative complications of this procedure.

Results:

Twelve patients underwent the procedure, six females and six males, with an average age of 7 years (range, 2–26 years). There were 8/12 (67%) patients successfully decannulated after being tracheostomy dependent. There were no consistent anatomic abnormalities or surgical findings predictive of failure to decannulate. Average hospital stay was 3.6 days (range, 2–9 days). There were no deaths or other major complications; one patient had extrusion.

Conclusions:

Endoscopic posterior cricoid grafting is a valuable surgical option for patients with posterior glottic stenosis. The procedure is associated with low morbidity and permits decannulation in the majority of patients.
The role of sales beliefs in facilitating experiential learning: An empirical study of Japanese salespeople
Authors: Matsuo Makoto
Published: March 2011

The purposes of this research were to examine developmental experience at different career stages and to clarify the role of sales beliefs in promoting experiential learning of salespeople. By applying the theoretical framework of expertise research and cognitive psychology, data from Japanese real estate salespeople were analyzed. Results suggest that (1) experiential learning is activated in the later stage (from 6 to 10 years) of a career, and (2) salespeople who balance customer and goal achievement orientations learn from others in the early stage (from 1 to 5 years) of their careers. A discussion of the theoretical and managerial implications is presented. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Gay men's identity attempt pathway and its implication on consumption
Authors: Hsieh Ming Huei , Wu Shu Ling
Published: March 2011

This paper integrates sociological and psychological perspectives to examine gay consumption practices in relation to the dynamics of gay identity development. Specifically, this paper investigates how internal motivational factors underlying gay identity formation and external social influence work in concert to affect gay identity attempts throughout the gay identity development process. The findings of this study reveal that the consumption patterns of gay men are continuously evolving and correspond to attempts at discovering, disclosing, constructing, maintaining, (re)constructing, suppressing, and/or disposing the gay social identity. Precipitated by individual differences, two divergent pathways—the linear progression and pendular progression pathways—of identity attempts emerged from the gay identity development process. The data used in this study were collected through in‐depth interviews with gay men in Taiwan, where homosexuality is traditionally stigmatized but is gradually gaining acceptance with the global emergence and spread of the gay subculture. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.