bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Biomarkers of lung‐related diseases: Current knowledge by proteomic approaches
Authors: Lau Andy T.Y. , Chiu Jen‐Fu
Published: August 2009

The lung epithelial surface is one of the vital barriers or sensors in the body responding to the external atmosphere and thereby always subjecting to direct toxicological exposure, stress, stimulus, or infection. Due to its relatively higher sensitivity in response to toxicants, the use of lung epithelial cell culture and lung tissue from animal models or patients has facilitated our learning to lung physiopathology and toxicopharmacology. The recent advancement of proteomics has made it possible to investigate the cellular response at a global level. In this review, the potential applications of proteomic approach in studying lung‐related diseases and biomarker discovery will be discussed. J. Cell. Physiol. 221: 535–543, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
4D vs 2D ultrasound‐guided amniocentesis
Authors: Tonni Gabriele , Centini Gabriele , Rosignoli Lucia , Argento Cindy , Centini Giovanni
Published: August 2009

Purpose.

The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness of 4D sonography (US) to guide amniocentesis when compared with standard 2D US, and to evaluate the impact this new method may have on needle placement, the number of needle insertions performed, and duration of the procedure.

Methods.

One hundred routine consecutive unselected amniocenteses were performed with 4D US‐guided technique and compared with 100 standard 2D US‐guided amniocenteses. All procedures were performed by trainees in maternal‐fetal medicine under the supervision of expert sonographers.

Results.

There were no significant statistical differences between 4D and 2D US‐guided amniocenteses. The procedure time was longer with the 4D US guidance than with the 2D US guidance, but this difference was not statistically significant. A 2nd needle insertion was necessary in two cases with 4D US guidance and in three cases with 2D US guidance. A better visualization of the needle tip was observed in both techniques when a 20‐gauge needle was used.

Conclusion.

The 4D US, which allows the needle tip to be displayed in real time in three orthogonal planes simultaneously, thus providing reassurance that no fetal parts are in the needle path, did not offer any advantage over 2D US in guiding routine midtrimester amniocentesis and this new modality has not yet proved effective in reducing the number ofneedle insertions. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound, 2009
Doppler studies of the ovarian venous blood flow in the diagnosis of adnexal torsion
Authors: Nizar Khatib , Deutsch Michael , Filmer Shlomo , Weizman Boris , Beloosesky Ron , Weiner Zeev
Published: August 2009

Purpose.

To evaluate the role of ovarian Doppler studies in diagnosing adnexal torsion.

Methods.

We included in that study all patients who had an adnexal mass with clinical symptoms of intermittent lower abdominal pain and were hospitalized for at least 48 hours of observation. Our protocol included: measurements of the size of the adnexal mass, presence or absence of ovarian edema, presence or absence of adnexal vascularity, presence or absence of ovarian artery flow, presence or absence of ovarian venous flow, pattern of ovarian venous flow. The ovarian artery and vein were sampled just above and lateral to the adnexa. Sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values in the diagnosis of adnexal torsion were calculated for each of the gray‐scale and Doppler sonographic (US) findings.

Results.

One hundred and ninety‐nine patients presented with adnexal mass and intermittent lower abdominal pain. Sensitivity and specificity of tissue edema, absence of intra‐ovarian vascularity, absence of arterial flow, and absence or abnormal venous flow in the diagnosis of adnexal torsion were: 21% and 100%, 52% and 91%, 76% and 99%, and 100% and 97%, respectively. All patients with adnexal torsion had absent flow or abnormal flow pattern in the ovarian vein. In 13 patients, the only abnormality was absent or abnormal ovarian venous flow with normal gray‐scale US appearance and normal arterial blood flow. Of these 13 patients, 8 (62%) had adnexal torsion or subtorsion.

Conclusion.

Abnormal ovarian venous flow may be the only abnormal US sign observed during the early stage of adnexal torsion. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound 2009
Usefulness of contrast‐enhanced ultrasound in the diagnosis of biliary leakage following T‐tube removal
Authors: Mao Ren , Xu Er‐Jiao , Li Kai , Zheng Rong‐Qin
Published: August 2009

Biliary leakage is a serious complication related to T‐tube removal. Identifying the location of the leak is important for accurate diagnosis and prompt treatment. We report a case of biliary leakage in the common bile duct (CBD) following a T‐tube removal that was successfully diagnosed with contrast‐enhanced ultrasound (CEUS). The micro‐bubble contrast medium was administrated into the bile ducts through the percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage catheter. The real‐time delineation of contrast agent leaking from the CBD was confirmed by percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography. CEUS can be used to detect biliary leakage after T‐tube removal. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound 2010
Age assignment of a diatomaceous ooze deposited in the western Amundsen Sea Embayment after the Last Glacial Maximum
Authors: Hillenbrand Claus‐Dieter , Smith James A. , Kuhn Gerhard , Esper Oliver , Gersonde Rainer , Larter Rob D. , Maher Barbara , Moreton Steven G. , Shimmield Tracy M. , Korte Monika
Published: August 2009

Reliable dating of glaciomarine sediments deposited on the Antarctic shelf since the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM) is challenging because of the rarity of calcareous (micro‐) fossils and the recycling of fossil organic matter. Consequently, radiocarbon (14C) ages of the acid‐insoluble organic fraction (AIO) of the sediments bear uncertainties that are difficult to quantify. Here we present the results of three different methods to date a sedimentary unit consisting of diatomaceous ooze and diatomaceous mud that was deposited following the last deglaciation at five core sites on the inner shelf in the western Amundsen Sea (West Antarctica). In three cores conventional 14C dating of the AIO in bulk samples yielded age reversals down‐core, but at all sites the AIO 14C ages obtained from diatomaceous ooze within the diatom‐rich unit yielded similar uncorrected 14C ages between 13 517 ± 56 and 11 543 ± 47 years before present (a BP). Correction of these ages by subtracting the core‐top ages, which probably reflect present‐day deposition (as indicated by 210Pb dating of the sediment surface at one core site), yielded ages between ca. 10 500 and 8400 cal. a BP. Correction of the AIO ages of the diatomaceous ooze by only subtracting the marine reservoir effect (MRE) of 1300 a indicated deposition of the diatom‐rich sediments between 14 100 and 11 900 cal. a BP. Most of these ages are consistent with age constraints between 13.0 and 8.0 ka for the diatom‐rich unit, which we obtained by correlating the relative palaeomagnetic intensity (RPI) records of three of the sediment cores with global and regional reference curves. As a third dating technique we applied conventional radiocarbon dating of the AIO included in acid‐cleaned diatom hard parts extracted from the diatomaceous ooze. This method yielded uncorrected 14C ages of only 5111 ± 38 and 5106 ± 38 a BP, respectively. We reject these young ages, because they are likely to be overprinted by the adsorption of modern atmospheric carbon dioxide onto the surfaces of the diatom hard parts prior to sample graphitisation and combustion for 14C dating. The deposition of the diatom‐rich unit in the western Amundsen Sea suggests deglaciation of the inner shelf before ca. 13 ka BP. The deposition of diatomaceous oozes elsewhere on the Antarctic shelf around the same time, however, seems to be coincidental rather than directly related. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
SP–PLP–EPR Investigations into the Chain‐Length‐Dependent Termination of Methyl Methacrylate Bulk Polymerization
Authors: Barth Johannes , Buback Michael
Published: August 2009

Termination kinetics of methyl methacrylate (MMA) bulk polymerization has been studied via the single pulsed laser polymerization–electron paramagnetic resonance method. MMA‐d8 has been investigated to enhance the signal‐to‐noise quality of microsecond time‐resolved measurement of radical concentration. Chain‐length‐dependent termination rate coefficients of radicals of identical size, k, are reported for 5–70 °C and up to i = 100. k decreases according to the power‐law expression $k_{\rm t}^{i,i} = k_{\rm t}^{{\rm 1,1}} \cdot i^{ - \alpha }$. At 5 °C, kt for two MMA radicals of chain‐length unity is k = (5.8 ± 1.3) · 108 L · mol−1 · s−1. The associated activation energy and power‐law exponent are: EA(k) ≈ 9 ± 2 kJ · mol−1 and α ≈ 0.63 ± 0.15, respectively.

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Permanent muscle weakness in MCArdle disease
Authors: Nadaj‐Pakleza Aleksandra A. , Vincitorio Carlo M. , Laforêt Pascal , Eymard Bruno , Dion Elisabeth , Teijeira Susana , Vietez Irene , Jeanpierre Marc , Navarro Carmen , Stojkovic Tanya
Published: August 2009

McArdle disease is an autosomal recessive muscle glycogenosis. In the typical clinical presentation, only exercise‐related symptoms are noted. Nevertheless, permanent weakness may occur, usually late in life. In this study we report on the clinical and genetic features of fixed muscle weakness in McArdle disease. Among the 80 McArdle patients being followed at the Institute of Myology of the Salpêtrière Hospital, 9 patients have permanent weakness. The diagnosis of McArdle disease was confirmed by muscle biopsy and genetic investigations. Two patterns of muscle weakness and wasting were noted: (1) proximal and symmetric in 5patients; and (2) asymmetric, mimicking facioscapulohumeral dystrophy (FSHD) in 4 patients. Computerized tomography scan showed fatty infiltration in the shoulder and pelvic girdle muscles. There was no clear correlation between genotype and the severity of muscle weakness. Proximal muscle weakness appeared after the age of 40 years and affected 11% of subjects in our series of 80 McArdle patients. Among patients over 40 years of age, 37.5% had muscle weakness. Muscle Nerve, 2009
Dermatomyositis‐like muscle pathology in patients with chronic graft‐versus‐host disease
Authors: Allen Jeffrey A. , Greenberg Steven A. , Amato Anthony A.
Published: August 2009

Myositis is a rare complication of chronic graft‐versus‐host disease (cGVHD) following hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). Almost all such patients have been reported to have polymyositis (PM). We describe clinical, pathologic, and molecular studies of 3 patients with cGVHD following allogeneic HSCT who developed myopathy. In each case, perifascicular atrophy, the pathognomonic histologic feature of dermatomyositis (DM), was observed. Muscle Nerve, 2009
Evaluation of dystrophic dog pathology by fat‐suppressed T2‐weighted imaging
Authors: Kobayashi Masanori , Nakamura Akinori , Hasegawa Daisuke , Fujita Michio , Orima Hiromitsu , Takeda Shin'Ichi
Published: August 2009

Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a devastating muscle disorder that is characterized by progressive muscle necrosis, fibrosis, and fatty infiltration. To examine the temporospatial pathological changes, a noninvasive evaluation method such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is needed. The aim of this study was to precisely assess muscle necrosis and inflammation based on a sequence of T2‐weighted imaging (T2WI), gadolinium‐enhanced imaging, and selective fat suppression, chemical shift selective T2‐weighted imaging (CHESS‐T2WI), on a 3.0‐Tesla MRI unit in 3‐month‐old and 7‐year‐old dogs with canine X‐linked muscular dystrophy (CXMDJ), a suitable animal model for DMD. The results show that CHESS‐T2WI was more sensitive and useful from the early to late stages of CXMDJ than T2WI or contrast enhancement imaging in the evaluation of muscle necrosis, because these latter sequences can be influenced by fatty infiltration or interstitial connective tissues.Muscle Nerve, 2009
Conduction block and impaired axonal function in tick paralysis
Authors: Krishnan Arun V. , Lin Cindy S. , Reddel Stephen W. , Mcgrath Robert , Kiernan Matthew C.
Published: August 2009

Tick paralysis (TP) is an uncommon disorder caused by a neurotoxin secreted by engorged female ticks. The cause of TP remains unclear, although alterations in axonal ion channel function and neuromuscular transmission have been proposed. In the present case, nerve excitability techniques, which provide information regarding axonal ion channel function, were used to elucidate the mechanism underlying weakness in a 45‐year‐old man who presented with weakness following a tick bite in the lateral aspect of the left axilla. Standard clinical nerve conduction studies were undertaken during the acute phase of symptoms and following clinical recovery. Nerve excitability studies were performed to investigate possible changes in ion channel properties distal to the site of conduction failure. Nerve conduction studies and electromyography suggested the possibility of a lesion involving the lower trunk of the left brachial plexus. Nerve excitability studies distal to the site of the tick bite demonstrated an abrupt increase in refractoriness, a marker of recovery from inactivation of Na+ channels. There was normalization of both nerve conduction and nerve excitability parameters associated with clinical recovery. The alteration in refractoriness is similar to that noted in disorders involving the terminal portion of the motor nerve. The changes raise the possibility that TP may cause weakness through impairment of distal neural transmission. Muscle Nerve, 2009
Correlation of C3 level with severity of generalized myasthenia gravis
Authors: Liu Aidong , Lin Hong , Liu Yu , Cao Xinsheng , Wang Xianni , Li Zhuyi
Published: August 2009

Acute exacerbation of generalized myasthenia gravis (GMG) can cause swallowing impairment, respiratory failure, or death. It is important to identify immunological factors that might be regarded reliably as an index of the patient's clinical condition, response to treatment, and measure of certain immune aberrations of MG. In this study we investigated correlations between complement component C3, acetylcholine receptor antibody (AChRab) titer, and clinical severity of GMG. AChRab titer and C3 concentration were determined by radioimmunoassay and nephelometry, respectively. The clinical severity of GMG was assessed by the quantitative MG score (QMGS) according to Besinger and colleagues. Our findings indicate that the C3 level correlates with clinical severity of AChRab‐positive GMG. Muscle Nerve, 2009
Standard and modified statistical mune evaluations in spinal‐bulbar muscular atrophy
Authors: Lehky Tanya J. , Chen Cheun Ju , di Prospero Nicholas A. , Rhodes Lindsay E. , Fischbeck Kenneth , Floeter Mary Kay
Published: August 2009

Motor unit number estimation (MUNE), a technique used in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) clinical trials to quantitatively assess motor neuron loss, should also be valuable in assessing progression in spinal bulbar muscular atrophy (SBMA), an x‐linked neuronopathy. In ALS, instability of single motor units (SMUP) prompted Shefner et al.66 to modify the statistical MUNE method to exclude SMUPs ≤ 40 μV. It is unknown if there is similar SMUP instability in the more chronic degenerative disease of SBMA. In this study the standard parameter of excluding SMUP < 10 μV was compared with the exclusion of SMUP < 40 μV in the calculation of the statistical MUNE. The mean statistical MUNE, using the standard method and the Shefner et al. method, was 60 ± 21 to 47 ± 23, respectively. Similar to ALS, SBMA showed an increased proportion (17%) of individual SMUPs ≤ 40 μV compared to normal controls. In conclusion, excluding SMUPs ≤ 40 μV from the statistical MUNE calculations is appropriate for SBMA subjects because their SMUP, characteristics are similar to ALS. Exclusion of the low‐amplitude SMUPs reduces the calculated MUNE. Muscle Nerve, 2009
Effects of high‐pass filtering on MUAP metrics
Authors: Brownell Alexander A. , Bromberg Mark B.
Published: August 2009

Previous observations suggest that elevated high‐pass filter settings (1,600–3,200 HZ) can reveal greater motor unit action potential (MUAP) complexity (turns). We assessed the effect of high‐pass filter settings (500, 1,000, 2,000 HZ) on MUAP metrics. MUAPs were recorded with a concentric needle and initially extracted by a decomposition software algorithm at 10 HZ–10 kHZ and further filtered offline at 500, 1,000, and 2,000 HZ. When reanalyzed by the decomposition software there were marked reductions in peak–peak amplitude, area, area‐to‐amplitude ratio, and duration at the 500 HZ filter with lesser subsequent reductions at higher filter settings. In contrast, turn and phase counts did not change significantly. Individual MUAPs tracked across filter settings showed rare increases in turn count at the 500 HZ setting but a subsequent decrease in counts with higher filter settings. We conclude that the routine use of elevated high‐pass filters, as in quantitative EMG analysis, does not enhance turn count. Muscle Nerve, 2009
Applying proteomics to the diagnosis and treatment of ALS and related diseases
Authors: Bowser Robert , Lacomis David
Published: August 2009

Protein‐based biomarkers for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and other motor neuron diseases (MNDs) have many potential clinical utilities, including diagnostic, prognostic, and drug development indications. During the past decade a number of potential protein biomarkers have been proposed for MNDs. Further verification studies, followed by large validation and qualification studies, are required to advance these initial discoveries toward clinical use. Study of additional patient populations, including disease mimics, is required during the validation phase of biomarker development. Important regulatory issues are discussed that will affect the timing and strategy for biomarker assay development in ALS and other MNDs. The continued development of protein biomarkers for MNDs requires extensive collaboration between academic clinicians and scientists in conjunction with the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries. Muscle Nerve, 2009
Borderline personality disorder and sensory processing impairment
Authors: Brown Stephen , Shankar Rohit , Smith Kathryn
Published: August 2009

Sensory processing disorder (SPD) is a term advocated by some occupational therapists to describe a range of problems that might be amenable to particular treatment strategies, and has mainly been applied within the fields of paediatrics and learning disability.In this article,the authors investigate whether there could be a common ground between borderline personality disorder (BPD) and SPD and describe an extension of the treatment strategies for SPD to those with BPD in their acute inpatient unit. Copyright © 2009 Wiley Interface Ltd
Pharmacological treatments for ADHD
Authors: Parker Caroline
Published: August 2009

In the fourth of this series on the major psychiatric drug groups, Caroline Parker discusses the use of drug treatments in the management of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), including their indications, efficacy, adverse effects and recommended dosing regimens. Copyright © 2009 Wiley Interface Ltd
Treating generalised anxiety disorder: room to improve
Authors: Greener Mark
Published: August 2009

In a Pfizer‐sponsored satellite meeting at the Latest Advances in Psychiatry Symposium in London in March, Dr David Baldwin, Reader in Psychiatry and Honorary Consultant Psychiatrist at University of Southampton, reviewed the drug treatment of generalised anxiety disorder. Medical writer, Mark Greener, reports. Copyright © 2009 Wiley Interface Ltd
Variations in anti‐dementia drug prescribing
Authors: Perecherla Sri , Paton Carol , Shingleton‐Smith Amber , Barnes Thomas RE
Published: August 2009

In the context of a project to benchmark anti‐dementia drug prescribing practice against standards derived from evidence‐based guidelines, the authors sought to estimate the proportion of people with dementia who were receiving treatment with an anti‐dementia drug and whether this varied across Primary Care Trust (PCT) populations.They also explored the relative proportion of prescriptions for each anti‐dementia drug, and the source of these prescriptions – GPs,Mental HealthTrusts or acuteTrusts. Copyright © 2009 Wiley Interface Ltd
Molecular design of nonlinear optical polymer based on DCM to enhance the NLO efficiency and thermal stability
Authors: Chang Po‐Hsun , Chen Jian‐Yu , Tsai Hsieh‐Chih , Hsiue Ging‐Ho
Published: August 2009

This study synthesized and characterized a novel series of polyurethanes containing nonlinear optic (NLO) chromophores, which possess different dimensional or various isolation‐groups. These chromophores are based on 4‐(dicyanomethylene)‐2‐methyl‐6‐(p‐(dimethylamino)styryl)‐4H‐pyran (DCM‐typed dye). The NLO polyurethane containing a one‐dimensional isolation‐group of chromophores efficiently enhances thermal stability, but poling efficiency is not always improved as the size of isolation‐group increases. The enormous isolation group restrained the mobility of chromophore in the polymer matrix and shows a worsening SH intensity. The maximum second harmonic coefficient (d33 = 68.7 pm/V) is displayed as benzene is attaching to chromophore moieties as isolation‐group in this study. Polyurethane containing two‐dimensional chromophore shows superior thermal stability due to the large volume required to rotate the chromophore in the polymer matrix. Two‐dimensional system exhibits lower SH intensity due to the rigid polymer main chain and twisted conjugated plane. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 47: 4937–4949, 2009
Encapsulation of nanomaterials using an intermediary layer cross‐linkable ABC triblock copolymer
Authors: Kim Jin Sook , Jeon Hyun Jeong , Park Jung Jin , Park Mi Seon , Youk Ji Ho
Published: August 2009

For the preparation of core‐shell nanoparticles containing functional nanomaterials, a photo‐cross‐linkable amphiphilic ABC triblock copolymer, poly(ethylene glycol)‐b‐poly(2‐cinnamoyloxyethyl methacrylate)‐b‐poly(methyl methacrylate) (PEG‐PCEMA‐PMMA), was synthesized. This triblock copolymer was then used to encapsulate Au nanoparticles or pyrene. The triblock copolymer of PEG‐b‐poly(2‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate)‐b‐PMMA (PEG‐PHEMA‐PMMA) (Mn = 15,800 g/mol, Mw/Mn = 1.58) was first synthesized by activators generated by electron transfer atom transfer radical polymerization. Its middle block was then functionalized with cinnamoyl chloride. The degrees of polymerization of the PEG, PHEMA, and PMMA blocks were 45, 13, and 98, respectively. PMMA‐tethered Au nanoparticles (with an average diameter of 3.0 nm) or pyrene was successfully encapsulated within the PEG‐PCEMA‐PMMA micelles. The intermediary layers of the micelles were then cross‐linked by UV irradiation. The spherical structures of the PEG‐PCEMA‐PMMA micelles containing Au nanoparticles or pyrene were not changed by the photo‐cross‐linking process and they showed excellent colloidal stability. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 47: 4963–4970, 2009
Magnetic poly(glycidyl methacrylate) particles prepared in the presence of surface‐modified γ‐Fe2O3
Authors: Tocchio Alexandro , Horák Daniel , Babič Michal , Trchová Miroslava , Veverka Miroslav , Beneš Milan J. , Šlouf Miroslav , Fojtík Anton
Published: August 2009

Maghemite (γ‐Fe2O3) colloid has been synthesized by coprecipitation of ferrous and ferric salts in alkaline medium and oxidation. The obtained nanoparticles were complexed with a phosphate macromonomer—penta(propylene glycol) methacrylate phosphate (PPGMAP). Complexes with the weight ratio PPGMAP/γ‐Fe2O3 0.01–10 were investigated using a range of characterization methods. The amount of PPGMAP attached to the particles was about 22 wt %. The size and size distribution of the γ‐Fe2O3 core particles in the dry state was measured by TEM. To complete the TEM images, the hydrodynamic size of the nanoparticles including polymer shell and the maghemite core was determined by DLS measurements in toluene. Magnetic poly(glycidyl methacrylate) (PGMA) nanospheres were obtained by Kraton G 1650‐stabilized and 2,2′‐azobisisobutyronitrile‐initiated polymerization of glycidyl methacrylate (GMA) in toluene or toluene/cyclohexane mixture in the presence of PPGMAP‐coated γ‐Fe2O3 colloid. The effect of Kraton G 1650 concentration on the morphology, PGMA nanosphere size and polydispersity was investigated. The particles were characterized also by both thermogravimetric analysis and magnetic measurements. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 47: 4982–4994, 2009
Exploring steep bedrock permafrost and its relationship with recent slope failures in the Southern Alps of New Zealand
Authors: Allen S. K. , Gruber S. , Owens I. F.
Published: August 2009

The central region of New Zealand's Southern Alps is characterised by steep, glaciated slopes prone to rock mass failure, but permafrost conditions and any relevance to past or future slope instabilities have received little previous attention. A network of 15 dataloggers was used to record near‐surface temperatures on steep rock walls located about the Main Divide of the Alps and further leeward where the climate is much drier. Mean annual rock temperature (MART) ranged from −1.9 to 5.4°C, corresponding to local 0°C elevations (E0) of 2465–3514 m, with no significant difference observed between the humid and drier mountain ranges. On extremely shaded slopes, the permafrost limit may extend down towards 2000 m, but further measurements are needed to confirm this. E0 levels were modelled as a function of potential solar radiation, allowing steep permafrost distribution to be mapped across the region. From an inventory of 19 bedrock failures occurring about the Main Divide since the mid‐20th century, 13 have initiated from source areas where MART in the range of +/−1.8°C is considered to indicate marginal permafrost conditions. None of these events was triggered by seismic activity, and mostly exhibit scarp areas that include or originate in close‐to‐ridge topography, where the most rapid permafrost degradation might be expected. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Tissue culture media supplemented with 10% fetal calf serum contains a castrate level of testosterone
Authors: Sedelaar J.P. Michiel , Isaacs John T.
Published: August 2009

BACKGROUND

Human prostate cancer cells are routinely maintained in media supplemented with 10% Fetal Calf Serum (FCS) to provide androgen. In the present study, total and free testosterone levels in 10%FCS supplemented tissue culture media were determined and compared to levels in intact and castrated human males. Dextran‐coated charcoal stripped FCS (i.e., DC‐FCS) is often used instead of FCS to minimize the level of androgen provided in 10% serum supplemented media. Therefore, total and free testosterone levels in 10%DC‐FCS containing media were likewise determined.

METHODS

Total testosterone, free testosterone, and total dihydrotestosterone (DHT) were determined on RPMI‐1640 media supplemented with either 10%FCS or 10%DC‐FCS by ELISA assays before and after exposure to LNCaP human prostate cancer cells in culture. The growth and PSA secretion by these cells was also determined.

RESULTS

Ten percentage FCS supplemented media contains a castrate level of testosterone. However, even with this castrate starting level of testosterone, LNCaP cells concentrate and metabolize the testosterone to produce a physiologic (i.e., 10 nM) level of intracellular DHT which optimally stimulates the growth of these cells in vitro.

CONCLUSIONS

The present studies document that prostate cancer cells auto‐regulate their androgen metabolism so that an optimal level of DHT for growth is maintained during both up and down fluctuations in the supply of testosterone. These results have significant implications for whether exogenous androgen should be added to the 10%FCS supplemented media to grow prostate cancer cells from intact versus castrated patients. Prostate 69: 1724–1729, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Micro‐photoluminescence spectroscopy on metal precipitates in silicon
Authors: Gundel Paul , Schubert Martin C. , Kwapil Wolfram , Schön Jonas , Reiche Manfred , Savin Hele , Yli‐Koski Marko , Sans Juan Angel , Martinez‐Criado Gema , Seifert Winfried , Warta Wilhelm , Weber Eicke R.
Published: August 2009

Metallic impurities are detrimental to many silicon devices and limit the efficiency of multicrystalline silicon solar cells. Therefore they are a major subject of ongoing research. Photoluminescence spectroscopy is a promising technique for detecting precipitated metals in silicon because of its sensitivity to the minority carrier density and to specific types of defects; however the impact of impurities on the defect luminescence could not be clarified yet. In this letter we examine the role of micron‐sized iron and copper precipitates in direct bonded wafers by micro‐photoluminescence spectroscopy. Both kinds of precipitates are detectable by means of the reduced band‐to‐band luminescence. An element‐specific effect on the defect luminescence is observed. The results are confirmed by X‐ray fluorescence spectroscopy. (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Multi‐vehicle coordination for double‐integrator dynamics under fixed undirected/directed interaction in a sampled‐data setting
Authors: Cao Yongcan , Ren Wei
Published: August 2009

This paper studies the convergence of two coordination algorithms for double‐integrator dynamics under fixed undirected/ directed interaction in a sampled‐data setting. The first algorithm guarantees that a team of vehicles achieves coordination on their positions with a zero final velocity while the second algorithm guarantees that a team of vehicles achieves coordination on their positions with a constant final velocity. We show necessary and sufficient conditions on the sampling period, the control gain, and the communication graph such that coordination is achieved using these two algorithms under, respectively, an undirected interaction topology and a directed interaction topology. Tools like matrix theory, bilinear transformation, and Cauchy theorem are used for convergence analysis. Coordination equilibria for both algorithms are also given. Simulation results are presented as a proof of concept. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Tumorigenesis and phenotypic characteristics of mucin‐producing bile duct tumors: an immunohistochemical approach
Authors: Nakanuma Yasuni , Zen Yoh , Harada Kenichi , Ikeda Hiroko , Sato Yasunori , Uehara Takeshi , Sasaki Motoko
Published: August 2009

Intraductal papillary neoplasm of the bile duct (IPNB) is characterized by exophytic proliferation of neoplastic epithelial cells with fibrovascular stalks in bile duct lumen, mucin hypersecretion, and considerable dilatation or multilocular changes of the affected bile ducts. A mucin‐producing bile duct tumor is an IPNB with excessive mucin production and clinical symptoms. Herein, the phenotypes as well as the tumorigenesis and progression of IPNB are reviewed with immunohistochemical assistance. The tumors are subdivided into three phenotypes: pancreatobiliary, intestinal, and gastric. About half of IPNB cases are of the pancreatobiliary type, and the remaining half are of the intestinal type. Aberrant expression of CDX2 with MUC2 and CK20 is related to the development of intestinal metaplasia. Inactivation of P16INK4a and nuclear expression ofβ‐catenin are related to the development of IPNB. Decreased expression of membranousβ‐catenin and E‐cadherin and aberrant expression of MMP‐7 and −9 and of MUC1 are related to invasion of IPNB with tubular adenocarcinoma, whereas MUC2 is involved in the invasion of IPNB with mucinous carcinoma. IPNB can be regarded as a counterpart of intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm (IPMN) of the pancreas, particularly the main duct type. More comparative studies between IPNB and pancreatic IPMN are recommended for further analysis of these papillary neoplasms.
Response Surface Analysis and Modeling of Flaxseed Oil Yield in Supercritical Carbon Dioxide
Authors: Özkal Sami Gökhan
Published: August 2009

Supercritical fluid extraction of flaxseed oil with carbon dioxide was performed. Effects of particle size, pressure, temperature and the flow rate of supercritical carbon dioxide (SC‐CO2) were investigated. Response surface methodology was used to determine the effects of pressure (30–50 MPa), temperature (50–70 °C) and SC‐CO2 flow rate (2–4 g/min) on flaxseed oil yield in SC‐CO2. The oil yield was represented by a second order response surface equation (R2 = 0.993) using the Box‐Behnken design of experiments. The oil yield increased significantly with increasing pressure (p < 0.01), temperature (p < 0.05) and SC‐CO2 flow rate (p < 0.01). The maximum oil yield from the response surface equation was predicted as 0.267 g/g flaxseed for 15 min extraction of 5 g flaxseed particles (particle diameter <0.850 mm) at 50 MPa pressure and 70 °C temperature, with 4 g/min solvent flow rate. Total extraction time at these conditions was predicted as 22 min.
Dimension, entropy and Lyapunov exponents
Authors: Young Lai-Sang
Published: August 2009

We consider diffeomorphisms of surfaces leaving invariant an ergodic Borel probability measure μ. Define HD (μ) to be the infimum of Hausdorff dimension of sets having full μ-measure. We prove a formula relating HD (μ) to the entropy and Lyapunov exponents of the map. Other classical notions of fractional dimension such as capacity and Rényi dimension are discussed. They are shown to be equal to Hausdorff dimension in the present context.
EFFICIENT GMM ESTIMATION OF HIGH ORDER SPATIAL AUTOREGRESSIVE MODELS WITH AUTOREGRESSIVE DISTURBANCES
Authors: Lee Lung-fei , Liu Xiaodong
Published: August 2009

In this paper, we extend the GMM framework for the estimation of the mixed-regressive spatial autoregressive model by Lee(2007a) to estimate a high order mixed-regressive spatial autoregressive model with spatial autoregressive disturbances. Identification of such a general model is considered. The GMM approach has computational advantage over the conventional ML method. The proposed GMM estimators are shown to be consistent and asymptotically normal. The best GMM estimator is derived, within the class of GMM estimators based on linear and quadratic moment conditions of the disturbances. The best GMM estimator is asymptotically as efficient as the ML estimator under normality, more efficient than the QML estimator otherwise, and is efficient relative to the G2SLS estimator.
A patient with aneurysms of both aortic coronary sinuses of Valsalva obstructing both ventricular outflow tracts
Authors: Vijayalakshmi Ishwarappa B. , Devananda Nijagal S. , Chitra Narasimhan
Published: August 2009

Congenital unruptured aneurysms affecting both the right and left sinuses of Valsalva are extremely rare. To the best of our knowledge, there has been only one previously documented case. We report here a patient presenting with congestive cardiac failure who also had unruptured aneurysms of both the right and left sinuses of Valsalva. The aneurysms produced obstruction of the outflow tracts of both ventricles, burrowing as they did into the muscular ventricular septum.
N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor independent changes in expression of polysialic acid-neural cell adhesion molecule despite blockade of homosynaptic long-term potentiation and heterosynaptic long-term depression in the awake freely behaving rat dentate gyrus
Authors: Rodríguez Jose J. , Dallérac Glenn M. , Tabuchi Masashi , Davies Heather A. , Colyer Frances M. , Stewart Michael G. , Doyère Valérie
Published: August 2009

Investigations examining the role of polysialic acid (PSA) on the neural cell adhesion molecule (NCAM) in synaptic plasticity have yielded inconsistent data. Here, we addressed this issue by determining whether homosynaptic long-term potentiation (LTP) and heterosynaptic long-term depression (LTD) induce changes in the distribution of PSA-NCAM in the dentate gyrus (DG) of rats in vivo. In addition, we also examined whether the observed modifications were initiated via the activation ofN-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptors. Immunocytochemical analysis showed an increase in PSA-NCAM positive cells both at 2 and 24 h following high-frequency stimulation of either medial or lateral perforant paths, leading to homosynaptic LTP and heterosynaptic LTD, respectively, in the medial molecular layer of the DG. Analysis of sub-cellular distribution of PSA-NCAM by electron microscopy showed decreased PSA dendritic labelling in LTD rats and a sub-cellular relocation towards the spines in LTP rats. Importantly, these modifications were found to be independent of the activation of NMDA receptors. Our findings suggest that strong activation of the granule cells up-regulates PSA-NCAM synthesis which then incorporates into activated synapses, representing NMDA-independent plastic processes that act synergistically on LTP/LTD mechanisms without participating in their expression.
Reelin and apoE actions on signal transduction, synaptic function and memory formation
Authors: Rogers Justin T. , Weeber Edwin J.
Published: August 2009

Low-density-lipoprotein receptors (LDLRs) are an evolutionarily ancient surface protein family with the ability to activate a diversity of extracellular signals across the cellular membrane in the adult central nervous system (CNS). Their intimate roles in modulating synaptic plasticity and their necessity in hippocampal-dependent learning and memory have only recently come to light. Two known LDLR ligands, specifically apolipoprotein E (apoE) and reelin, have been the most widely investigated in this regard. Most of our understanding of synaptic plasticity comes from investigation of both pre- and postsynaptic alterations. Therefore, it is interesting to note that neurons and glia that do not contribute to the synaptic junction in question can secrete signaling molecules that affect synaptic plasticity. Notably, reelin and apoE have been shown to modulate hippocampal long-term potentiation in general, and affect NMDA receptor and AMPA receptor regulation specifically. Furthermore, these receptors and signaling molecules have significant roles in neuronal degenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease. The recent production of recombinant proteins, knockout and transgenic mice for receptors and ligands and the development of human ApoE targeted replacement mice have significantly expanded our understanding of the roles LDLRs and their ligands have in certain disease states and the accompanying initiation of specific signaling pathways. This review describes the role LDLRs, apoE and reelin have in the regulation of hippocampal synaptic plasticity.
The N2pc as an Electrophysiological Correlate of Attention in Change Blindness
Authors: Schankin Andrea , Hagemann Dirk , Wascher Edmund
Published: August 2009

Changes between two successively presented pictures are hard to detect when their presentation is interrupted by a blank (change blindness). This task is well established for investigating the neural correlates of visual awareness. It allows the comparison of electrophysiological activity evoked by physically identical trials in which the change was detected versus trials in which the change remained unnoticed. One possible correlate of aware processing is the N2pc component, an increased negative activity, contralateral to a processed stimulus between 200–300 ms after stimulus onset. However, this component has been also assigned to the allocation of attention. In two experiments, an N2pc was observed for detected changes. This component was markedly reduced for undetected changes and even more if participants reported a change that was not present (imagined change). These results suggest that the N2pc rather reflects attentional processing of stimuli in visual cortical areas than the actual aware representation.
The Role of Age, Gender, Education, and Intelligence in P50, N100, and P200 Auditory Sensory Gating
Authors: Lijffijt Marijn , Moeller F. Gerard , Boutros Nash N. , Burroughs Scott , Lane Scott D. , Steinberg Joel L. , Swann Alan C.
Published: August 2009

P50, N100, and P200 auditory sensory gating reflect distinct mechanisms involved in protecting the integrity of higher-order functions. They have been implicated in multiple psychiatric disorders. Recent studies showed the (limited) effects of age and gender on sensory gating in control subjects, suggesting there may be other sources of variance. Two potential sources may be education and intelligence (intellectual capability), variables that frequently differ across studies and across experimental groups. We explored potential effects of age, gender, education, and intelligence (Shipley intelligence scale) on P50, N100, and P200 sensory gating measured with the paired-click paradigm in 60 healthy subjects recruited from the general population. Increased intellectual capability related to stronger N100 and P200 gating and more pronounced N100 and P200 amplitudes. In addition, increased age related to weaker P200 gating and smaller P200 amplitudes. Gender had negligible effects. Intellectual capability or age could contribute to variation in N100 or P200 auditory sensory gating and should be controlled for when studying sensory gating in clinical and control groups.
Investigating the Multimodal Nature of Human Communication
Authors: Paulmann Silke , Jessen Sarah , Kotz Sonja A.
Published: August 2009

The multimodal nature of human communication has been well established. Yet few empirical studies have systematically examined the widely held belief that this form of perception is facilitated in comparison to unimodal or bimodal perception. In the current experiment we first explored the processing of unimodally presented facial expressions. Furthermore, auditory (prosodic and/or lexical-semantic) information was presented together with the visual information to investigate the processing of bimodal (facial and prosodic cues) and multimodal (facial, lexic, and prosodic cues) human communication. Participants engaged in an identity identification task, while event-related potentials (ERPs) were being recorded to examine early processing mechanisms as reflected in the P200 and N300 component. While the former component has repeatedly been linked to physical property stimulus processing, the latter has been linked to more evaluative “meaning-related” processing. A direct relationship between P200 and N300 amplitude and the number of information channels present was found. The multimodal-channel condition elicited the smallest amplitude in the P200 and N300 components, followed by an increased amplitude in each component for the bimodal-channel condition. The largest amplitude was observed for the unimodal condition. These data suggest that multimodal information induces clear facilitation in comparison to unimodal or bimodal information. The advantage of multimodal perception as reflected in the P200 and N300 components may thus reflect one of the mechanisms allowing for fast and accurate information processing in human communication.
Sex Differences in Cardiovascular Reactivity
Authors: Whited Matthew C. , Larkin Kevin T.
Published: August 2009

Sex differences in cardiovascular reactivity to stress are well documented, with some studies showing women having greater heart rate responses than men, and men having greater blood pressure responses than women, while other studies show conflicting evidence. Few studies have attended to the gender relevance of tasks employed in these studies. This study investigated cardiovascular reactivity to two interpersonal stressors consistent with different gender roles to determine whether response differences exist between men and women. A total of 26 men and 31 women were assigned to either a traditional male-oriented task that involved interpersonal conflict (Conflict Task) or a traditional female-oriented task that involved comforting another person (Comfort Task). Results demonstrated that women exhibited greater heart rate reactions than men independent of the task type, and that men did not display a higher reactivity than women on any measure. These findings indicate that sex of participant was more important than gender relevance of the task in eliciting sex differences in cardiovascular responding.
Interoceptive Sensitivity Modulates Anxiety During Public Speaking
Authors: Werner Natalie S. , Duschek Stefan , Mattern Michael , Schandry Rainer
Published: August 2009

This study explored the relationship between interoceptive sensitivity and the experience of public-speaking anxiety. We compared participants with high and low interoceptive sensitivity concerning self-report and behavioral measures of anxiety and concerning physiological variables before, during, and after a public-speaking task. Participants with high interoceptive sensitivity reported significantly less state anxiety before and after performing a public speech as well as less habitual public-speaking anxiety. No significant differences in behavioral or physiological measures were observed. We assume that individuals with high interoceptive sensitivity, to whom physiological signals are more easily accessible, experience less uncertainty during public speaking and can thus adjust their emotional processes more adequately. This finding appears in line with Damasio’s somatic marker hypothesis, which suggests that reasoning, decision-making, and social behavior are optimized by body-related signals in complex situations.
Bioavailability of terrestrial organic carbon to lake bacteria: The case of a degrading subarctic permafrost mire complex
Authors: Roehm Charlotte L. , Giesler Reiner , Karlsson Jan
Published: August 2009

Permafrost degradation can result in the loss of significant amounts of carbon, through release to the atmosphere in the form of carbon dioxide and/or methane and through export downstream to lakes and rivers. The fate of this carbon in lake ecosystems is poorly understood. We investigated the capacity of lake bacteria to utilize carbon from different soils from an adjacent mire. Dark bioassays were undertaken to measure the dynamics of the bioavailability and chemical character of dissolved organic carbon (DOC). The soils ranged from already degraded minerotrophic fens to ombrotrophic active layer and soils from the permafrost layer. Our study shows that soil DOC was rapidly consumed by bacteria collected from lake water, particularly within the first 48 h (about 85% of the total consumed DOC). The mean DOC consumption by lake bacteria was 0.087 mg L−1 d−1 when supplied with lake water DOC and varied between 0.382 mg L−1 d−1 (permafrost soil) and 0.491 mg L−1 d−1 (degraded fen soil) when supplied with terrestrial DOC. Thus, the data suggest that export of DOC from degrading permafrost mires at any stage of degradation can potentially increase rates of respiration by fourfold to sevenfold and can have pronounced effects both on receiving lake ecosystems and on the land‐atmosphere carbon balance. In this study we also propose simple predictive models, incorporating weight‐averaged molecular weight and specific UV absorption in combination with other simple qualitative parameters for the estimation of potential bioavailability of soil DOC in aquatic ecosystems.