bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A specific deficit in spatial memory acquisition in post‐traumatic stress disorder and the role of sleep in its consolidation
Authors: Tempesta D. , Mazza M. , Iaria G. , De Gennaro L. , Ferrara M.
Published: July 2011

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is characterized by the presence of anatomo‐functional hippocampal alterations. To date, the ability to orient within the environment, which relies on hippocampal integrity, has never been investigated in PTSD. We hypothesized that the ability to form a cognitive map of the environment would be impaired in PTSD. Moreover, spatial memory consolidation benefits from postlearning sleep. Because PTSD individuals often complain about sleep disturbances, we hypothesized that any sleep effect on memory performance would be hampered in these subjects. Twenty‐two subjects, all survivors of the L'Aquila 2009 earthquake, were divided into a PTSD and a control group, based on clinical evaluation. After an acquisition phase, they were tested twice (“test” and “retest”) on a virtual navigation task. In addition, participants were administered the Digit Span and Task Switching. Subjective sleep quality and sleep disturbances were also assessed. The two testing sessions were on consecutive mornings, interspersed with a night of sleep. During the acquisition phase, the PTSD group took more than twice as long to form a cognitive map of the environment compared to the control group. However, once this phase was successfully completed, the two groups did not differ at test, but they tendentially differed at postsleep retest. Additional analyses comparing performances between groups on test–retest difference scores confirm that sleep‐dependent consolidation may be differentially affected in the two groups. Our findings are strictly confined to the navigation performance, excluding a generalized cognitive deficit. PTSD also reported more subjective sleep disturbances and shorter sleep time than controls, which were correlated to worse performance at retest. The specific deficit in the formation of a cognitive map reported in PTSD may be related to hippocampal dysfunctions as well as to the sleep disturbances experienced by these patients. The possible deficiency of sleep‐dependent spatial performance improvement should however be confirmed by further studies comprising a wake control group. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Mucocele of the vermiform appendix misdiagnosed as an adnexal mass on transvaginal sonography
Authors: Papoutsis Dimitrios , Protopappas Athanasios , Belitsos Panagiotis , Sotiropoulou Maria , Antonakou Angeliki , Loutradis Dimitrios , Antsaklis Aris
Published: July 2011

Mucocele of the vermiform appendix is a rare entity that may mimic a right‐sided adnexal mass. We describe a case of appendiceal mucocele in a 78‐year‐old woman that was initially misdiagnosed as a potentially malignant right ovarian tumor and briefly review the literature on sonographic features of this entity. It is important to improve preoperative diagnosis so as to prevent rupture of mucocele at surgery, which may lead to pseudomyxoma peritonei, and also to seek intraoperatively for the presence of synchronous colorectal neoplasms. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound 40:522–525, 2012
IFIH1/MDA5 in the innate immune response to coxsackievirus infection
Authors: Flodstrom‐Tullberg Malin
Published: July 2011

Genome‐wide association studies identified recently a type 1 diabetes locus in the gene melanoma differentiation‐associated protein‐5 (mda5, also denoted ifih1), coding for the viral RNA sensor MDA5. Variants of mda5 modify the risk for disease development [Smyth et al., 2006; Nejentsev et al., 2009]. Enteroviruses, such as Coxsackie B viruses (CVB), have been implicated in the aetiology of type 1 diabetes. A recent study was undertaken to determine whether MDA5 is important in the host response to CVB infection [Hühn et al., 2010]. C57BL/6 and 129/SvJ mice lacking mda5 were infected with CVB serotype 3 (CVB3). Mice deficient in MDA5 showed a dramatically increased susceptibility to CVB3 infection. The loss of MDA5 allowed the virus to replicate more rapidly, resulting in increased damage of the pancreas and the liver. The pancreatic islet cells were spared from damage, and none of the infected animals developed diabetes or hyperglycemia. It was also found that MDA5 is not absolutely necessary for the induction of type 1 interferons (IFNs), but is required for the production of maximal levels of systemic IFN‐α early after infection. In conclusion, MDA5 plays an important role in the host immune response to CVB3. By restricting virus replication it protects the host from tissue damage and inflammation. These results encourage further studies on the possible role of mda5 in regulating susceptibility to virus‐induced diabetes. J. Med. Virol. 83:1674–1674, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
How viral infections enhance or prevent type 1 diabetes‐from mouse to man
Authors: von Herrath M. , Filippi C. , Coppieters K.
Published: July 2011

More recent evidence shows that viral infections can enhance as well as prevent type 1 diabetes in experimental animal models [Filippi and von Herrath, 2010]. Published findings clearly indicate that the replication levels of the virus [Tracy et al., 2010] as well as the timing of infection [Richer and Horwitz, 2009] in relation to the autoimmune process both play an instrumental role. For example, enteroviruses replicating to higher levels, accelerate type 1 diabetes, whereas lower replication rates result in the prevention of diabetes.

In human pancreata, elevated levels of MHC class 1 were detected in many islets which could be an indicator of a persistent infection.

When present, the increased MHC affected all islet cells. MHC upregulation was present in a lobular and patchy fashion, and in many but not all cases associated with CD8 infiltration. In vivo tetramer staining showed that many of these CD8s cells were specific for beta cell antigens. It is proposed that it is possible that a persistent viral infection could unmask human islets for recognition by autoreactive CD8 T cells [von Herrath, 2009]. Indeed in animal models upregulation of MHC class 1 on beta cells is a pre‐requisite for their destruction.

On the other hand, prevention of diabetes in NOD mice by Coxsackie viruses was associated with “invigorated” Tregs that was present in higher numbers and produced more TGF‐beta [Filippi et al., 2009]. This phenomenon was TLR‐2 dependent and effects of TLR‐2 on TLR as well as on dendritic cells was a contributory factor. Therefore antiviral vaccines targeting for example enteroviruses might be able to influence the prevalence of human diabetes. J. Med. Virol. 83:1672–1672, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Hepatitis B surface antigen confirmatory testing for diagnosis of hepatitis b virus infection in Taiwan
Authors: Chu Fang‐Yeh , Su Fu‐Hsiung , Cheng Shu‐Hsing , Lin Yu‐Shiang , Li Chung‐Yi , Chien Chih‐Ching , Lin Yu‐Cheng , Chiang Shuo‐Ya
Published: July 2011

This study aimed to examine the application of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) confirmatory testing when diagnosing hepatitis B infection among young persons in Taiwan with a low prevalence rate of hepatitis B infection. HBsAg status, the presence of antibodies against HBsAg (anti‐HBs), and the presence of antibodies against hepatitis B core antigen (anti‐HBc) were compared among 403 graduate students (mean age 22.8 ± 0.7 years) and 1,745 undergraduate students (18.6 ± 1.0 years) from one university, and 367 adult subjects (41.1 ± 15.8 years) in 2008. Any HBsAg‐positive subjects were tested with an HBsAg confirmatory test. Chi‐square tests for trend and predictive values of positivity (PVP) when using HBsAg‐positive only for determining confirmed cases of hepatitis B infection were compared across the three cohorts. The prevalence of HBsAg positivity among subjects decreased from 16.3% in the adults to 5.2% in the graduate students and then to 2.8% for the undergraduate students (P = 0.0007). The PVP of HBsAg testing when determining cases of hepatitis B decreased from 0.97 for the adults to 0.81 for the graduate students and then to 0.56 for the undergraduate students (P < 0.0001). Thus, a significant decrease in the true‐positive rate of HBsAg among the students born after the introduction of hepatitis B vaccination was observed only when HBsAg testing was applied. Additional neutralization tests may therefore become mandatory for persons with a positive HBsAg test result who were born after the commencement of the universal neonatal hepatitis B vaccination program in Taiwan. J. Med. Virol. 83:1514–1521, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Molecular characterization of rotavirus strains from children with diarrhea in Italy, 2007–2009
Authors: Ruggeri Franco Maria , Delogu Roberto , Petouchoff Tatiana , Tcheremenskaia Olga , De Petris Simona , Fiore Lucia ,   the RotaNet‐Italy Study Group
Published: July 2011

The surveillance network RotaNet‐Italia was established in 2007 in order to investigate the diversity of co‐circulating rotavirus strains in Italy, and to provide a baseline for future assessment of possible effects of vaccine implementation in selecting novel versus common rotavirus strains. A total of 2,645 rotavirus strains from pediatric patients with acute diarrhea were collected over three consecutive seasons from September 2006 through August 2009, and partially characterized by standardized multiplex RT‐PCR. Most of strains (89.1%) belonged to genotypes G1–G4, and G9, associated with either P[8] or P[4], commonly found in humans worldwide. However, in at least 2.0% of cases, viruses exhibited either a G or P type typical of animal viral strains, suggesting gene reassortment events between rotaviruses of different origin. Mixed infections with two or more rotavirus strains were observed frequently (7.6% of patients), and depended on the frequencies of co‐circulating rotaviruses of one particular genotype. The numbers and genotypes of likely natural reassortants of common genotype rotaviruses were found to be correlated with the observed numbers and genotypes of mixed infections. Large variation in the relative frequency of different rotavirus genotypes was observed between different seasons and/or areas of Italy, suggesting independent evolution or differential introduction of viral strains with respect to both time and space. J. Med. Virol. 83:1657–1668, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Using Crystallisation Fractionation to Monitor Thermo‐Oxidative Degradation of Impact Poly(propylene) Copolymers
Authors: de Goede Elana , Mallon Peter E. , Pasch Harald
Published: July 2011

ICPPs are complex materials that contain various ethylene/propylene copolymers in addition to the majority poly(propylene) phase. To understand their molecular structure, multiple fractionation and analysis techniques are used. In this study, TREF and CRYSTAF are used to study the difference in the thermo‐oxidative degradation of two grades of ICPPs with different ethylene contents. Direct correlations are drawn between the carbonyl index, molecular weight and crystallisability at various stages of degradation. The higher ethylene content sample shows increased thermal stability. This is due to the fact that the ethylene/propylene fraction is more stable due to the higher comonomer content and lower isotacticity as well as due to the higher amount of this fraction in the material.

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Characterizations of anisotropic Besov spaces
Authors: Barrios B. , Betancor J. J.
Published: July 2011

In this paper we obtain new characterizations of the distributions in certain anisotropic Besov spaces associated with expansive matrices. Also, anisotropic Herz type spaces are considered and the Fourier transform is analyzed on anisotropic Besov and Herz spaces.
Coherent systems on a nodal curve of genus one
Authors: Bhosle Usha N.
Published: July 2011

We study coherent systems on an irreducible nodal curve of arithmetic genus 1. We determine conditions for their non‐emptiness and study properties like irreducibility, smoothness, seminormality and rationality.
Integral inequality for conjugate A‐harmonic tensors in John domains
Authors: Xing Yuming
Published: July 2011

We establish Lp‐estimates for the projection operator acted on conjugate A‐harmonic tensors. These estimates can be considered as analogues of the Poincaré inequality for the projection operator.
Potentially functional polymorphisms in DNA repair genes and non‐small‐cell lung cancer survival: A pathway‐based analysis
Authors: Dong Jing , Hu Zhibin , Shu Yongqian , Pan Shiyang , Chen Wenping , Wang Yi , Hu Lingmin , Jiang Yue , Dai Juncheng , Ma Hongxia , Jin Guangfu , Shen Hongbing
Published: July 2011

To assess systematically whether potentially functional polymorphisms in DNA repair genes influence the clinical behavior of non‐small‐cell lung cancer (NSCLC), we examined the impact of a comprehensive panel of 218 signal nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) in 50 candidate DNA repair genes on overall survival of NSCLC in a case‐cohort of 568 lung cancer patients. SNPs associated with lung cancer prognosis primarily mapped to 14 genes in different repair pathways, and 6 SNPs were remained in the final model after multivariate stepwise Cox regression analysis: ATM rs189037; MRE11A rs11020802; ERCC2 rs1799793; MBD4 rs140693; XRCC1 rs25487, and PMS1 rs5742933. In the combined analysis of these 6 SNPs, an increasing number of unfavorable loci was associated with a poorer prognosis (P for trend: <0.0001) and patients having 2–4 unfavorable loci had a 1.99‐fold elevated risk of death 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.58–2.50, compared with those carrying 0–1 unfavorable loci, and this elevated risk was more evident among stages I–II patients (hazard ratio = 3.04, 95% CI = 1.86–4.98, P for heterogeneity: 0.07). Furthermore, a significant effect of SNPs in nucleotide excision repair pathway on lung cancer survival was observed among 185 stages III–IV patients treated with platinum‐based chemotherapy without surgical operation: XPC rs2228000 (Ala499Val; P = 0.002) and ERCC1 rs11615 (Asn118Asn; P = 0.012). Our data indicate that potentially functional polymorphisms in DNA repair genes may serve as candidate prognostic markers of clinical outcome of NSCLC. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The EP1 receptor for prostaglandin E2 promotes the development and progression of malignant murine skin tumors
Authors: Surh Inok , Rundhaug Joyce E. , Pavone Amy , Mikulec Carol , Abel Erika , Simper Melissa , Fischer Susan M.
Published: July 2011

High levels of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) synthesis resulting from the up‐regulation of cyclooxygenase (COX)‐2 has been shown to be critical for the development of non‐melanoma skin tumors. This effect of PGE2 is likely mediated by one or more of its 4 G‐protein coupled membrane receptors, EP1‐4. A previous study showed that BK5.EP1 transgenic mice produced more carcinomas than wild type (WT) mice using initiation/promotion protocols, although the tumor response was dependent on the type of tumor promoter used. In this study, a single topical application of either 7,12‐dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA) or benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P), alone, was found to elicit squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs) in the BK5.EP1 transgenic mice, but not in WT mice. While the epidermis of both WT and transgenic mice was hyperplastic several days after DMBA, this effect regressed in the WT mice while proliferation continued in the transgenic mice. Several parameters associated with carcinogen initiation were measured and were found to be similar between genotypes, including CYP1B1 and aromatase expression, B[a]P adduct formation, Ras activity, and keratinocyte stem cell numbers. However, EP1 transgene expression elevated COX‐2 levels in the epidermis and SCC could be completely prevented in DMBA‐treated BK5.EP1 mice either by feeding the selective COX‐2 inhibitor celecoxib in their diet or by crossing them onto a COX‐2 null background. These data suggest that the tumor promoting/progressing effects of EP1 require the PGE2 synthesized by COX‐2. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Identification and characterization of Wfdc gene expression in the male reproductive tract of the rat
Authors: Rajesh Angireddy , Madhubabu Golla , Yenugu Suresh
Published: July 2011

WFDC (Whey Acidic Protein Four Disulfide Core)‐containing proteins have been reported in many species, yet they remain uncharacterized in the rat. In this study, we report the identification and characterization of four rat Wfdc genes, Wfdc6a, Wfdc8, Wfdc11 and Wfdc16. Their expression profile in a variety of tissues including the male reproductive tract is analyzed. Wfdc8, Wfdc11 and Wfdc16 expression is confined to the epididymis, while Wfdc6a is expressed widely. Since gene expression in the male reproductive tract is largely androgen‐dependent, Wfdc expression was analyzed in the developing (20–60‐day‐old) and castrated rats. Their expression pattern in developing rats does not correlate with changes in testosterone. Wfdc genes are, however, down‐regulated in castrated adult rats, indicating that their dependence on androgens for expression is more pronounced in the adult than in the developing rat. To test the anti‐microbial potential of WFDC8, a recombinant WFDC8 C‐terminal protein was produced, which exhibited potent anti‐bacterial activity against Eschericia coli. Induction of anti‐microbial genes is one of the responses during infections in many organ systems. To determine if WFDCs form the components of male reproductive tract innate immunity, Wfdc8 expression pattern was observed in rats challenged with lipopolysaccharide (LPS). For the first time we report the induction of Wfdc8 gene expression in LPS‐treated rats, indicating their contributions to the innate immune functions of the male reproductive tract. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 78:633–641, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The octapeptide repeat PrPC region and cobalamin‐deficient polyneuropathy of the rat
Authors: Scalabrino Giuseppe , Mutti Elena , Veber Daniela , Rodriguez Menendez Virginia , Novembrino Cristina , Calligaro Alberto , Tredici Giovanni
Published: July 2011

Introduction: Cobalamin (Cbl) deficiency affects the peripheral nervous system (PNS) morphologically and functionally. We investigated whether the octapeptide repeat (OR) region of prion protein (PrPC) (which is claimed to have myelinotrophic properties) is involved in the pathogenesis of rat Cbl‐deficient (Cbl‐D) polyneuropathy. Methods: We intracerebroventricularly administered antibodies (Abs) against the OR region (OR‐Abs) to Cbl‐D rats to prevent myelin damage and maximum nerve conduction velocity (MNCV) abnormalities, and PrPCs to normal rats to reproduce PNS Cbl‐D–like lesions. We measured nerve PrPC levels and MNCV. Results: The OR‐Abs normalized myelin ultrastructure, MNCV values, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐α levels in the sciatic and tibial nerves of Cbl‐D rats. PrPC levels increased in Cbl‐D nerves. The nerves of the PrPC‐treated rats showed typical Cbl‐D lesions, significantly decreased MNCV values, and significantly increased TNF‐α levels. Conclusions: OR‐Abs prevent the myelin damage caused by increased OR regions, and excess TNF‐α is involved in the pathogenesis of Cbl‐D polyneuropathy. Muscle Nerve 2011
Roughness effect on flow and thermal boundaries in microchannel/nanochannel flow using molecular dynamics‐continuum hybrid simulation
Authors: Sun Jie , He Yaling , Tao Wenquan , Yin Xin , Wang Huasheng
Published: July 2011

Our molecular dynamics‐continuum hybrid simulation method is further validated in terms of flexibility in domain decomposition. The roughness effects on the flow and thermal boundaries in liquid channel flow is studied. The results indicate that the molecules in the wall‐neighboring area can be firmly confined in the concaves due to geometric structure and strong liquid–solid interaction and cause locking boundary in the velocity profile and linear gradient in the temperature profile. The locking boundary can further lead to negative slip length, which varies in power law with channel height. The linear temperature gradient, as well as nearly constant temperature jump, can lead to obviously increasing Kapitza length versus channel height. Analysis on flow friction shows that the confinement on the molecules will equivalently narrow the channel, where larger pressure gradient is needed. Therefore, the roughness should be strictly restricted within a range shrinking correspondingly with channel height if the flow condition is supposed to be maintained unchanged. Finally, our hybrid simulation is compared with full molecular dynamics simulation in terms of computational efficiency. Great advantages of the hybrid simulation, such as exclusively flexibility and combination characteristics, demonstrate its potential values and promising applications in the field of microfluidics/nanofluidics. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synthesis and characterization of novel fluorinated polyurethane elastomers based on 2,2‐bis[4‐(4‐amino‐2‐trifluoromehyloxyphenyl) phenyl]propane
Authors: Xu Wenzong , Lu Bo , Hu Yuan , Song Lei , Nie Shibin
Published: July 2011

2,2‐Bis[4‐(4‐amino‐2‐trifluoromehyloxyphenyl) phenyl]propane (BAFPP) was synthesized based on 2‐chlorobenzotrifluoride and bisphenol A and characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and nuclear magnetic resonance. BAFPP was used as a chain extender to prepare a series of fluorine‐containing polyurethane elastomers (FPUEs) with different fluorine contents by changing the soft segments and isocyanate index (R). The FPUEs were investigated by water absorption, contact angle, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, and microscale combustion calorimetry. The results show that the FPUEs prepared from BAFPP were elastomers that have low surface tension, low water absorption, and good thermal stability. Furthermore, FPUEs also exhibit good flame resistance, and the peak heat release rate of FPUE based on BAFPP (282.9 W/g) is much lower than that of polyurethane elastomer without the F element (537.2 W/g). Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Nanomorphology and fire behavior of polystyrene/organoclay nanocomposites containing brominated epoxy and antimony oxide
Authors: Isitman Nihat Ali , Melike Sipahioglu B. , Kaynak Cevdet
Published: July 2011

Organoclay nanocomposites were prepared by ultrasound‐assisted solution intercalation technique based on polystyrene containing brominated epoxy and a combination of brominated epoxy and antimony oxide. Aspects of nanomorphology and nanodispersion were investigated by X‐ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy whereas flammability and reaction to fire were evaluated using limiting oxygen index, UL‐94, and mass loss calorimeter tests. Polystyrene/brominated‐epoxy‐blend‐based nanocomposites showed mixed intercalated–exfoliated nanomorphology where polymer‐intercalated crystallites predominantly exist in polystyrene matrix and exfoliated silicate layers reside on polystyrene/brominated epoxy phase boundaries and within brominated epoxy domains. Organoclay was found to impart a compatibilization effect on polystyrene and dispersed brominated epoxy, which facilitates uniform distribution of a fine flame‐retarding phase within the matrix. With the reduction of the rate at which decomposition products evolve into the gas phase, organoclay nanocomposites showed notable reductions in peak heat release rate and increases in limiting oxygen index. The gas‐phase hot radical entrapment by halogenated flame‐retardant system was coupled with the condensed‐phase physical action of nanodispersed organoclay, which increased the overall fire‐retardant effectiveness. Fire‐retardant mechanisms of nanocomposites based on polystyrene/brominated epoxy blends were attributed to nanoconfinement and tortuous pathway effects of organoclay rather than to carbonaceous char formation proposed earlier for polystyrene/organoclay systems without conventional flame retardants. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Physicochemical testing of free films containing non‐soluble components
Authors: Bölcskei É. , Regdon G. , Süvegh K. , Marek T. , Pintye‐Hódi K.
Published: July 2011

Eudragit® L 30D‐55 films containing diclofenac sodium in different concentrations (0%, 1%, and 5%) were studied by conventional physicochemical methods and positron annihilation spectroscopy. Diclofenac sodium was found to change the properties of the film formed significantly. Positron annihilation spectroscopy was applied to track the Eudragit–diclofenac interaction. The presence of diclofenac initially led to significant distortion of the structure of the pure Eudragit film. However, during storage (17°C, 65% relative humidity), the distorted structure relaxed because of water uptake from the air. At the end of the storage period, the free‐volume size was almost the same in all films. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Comparison of permanent hair loss in children with standard risk PNETS of the posterior fossa following radiotherapy alone or chemotherapy and radiotherapy after surgical resection
Authors: Rogers Susanne , Donachie Paul , Sugden Elaine , Sharpe Geoffrey , English Martin , Robinson Kath , Saran Frank
Published: July 2011

Hair loss was compared between surgery followed by craniospinal radiotherapy (CSRT) or chemotherapy then CSRT (C‐CSRT) for medulloblastoma. The proportion of patients exhibiting hair loss in the cranial field was 70.0% (C‐CSRT) versus 30.0% (CSRT) (95% CI: 14.7% to 58.9%; P = 0.002). The C‐CSRT group also experienced more virtual/complete hair loss over the posterior fossa boost. Age was a significant contributor to hair loss in the cranial field. Persistent significant hair loss is an under‐reported late effect of treatment that could influence quality of survival and should be considered in future trial design. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2011; 57: 1074–1076. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Notch pathway activation induces neuroblastoma tumor cell growth arrest
Authors: Zage Peter E. , Nolo Riitta , Fang Wendy , Stewart John , Garcia‐Manero Guillermo , Zweidler‐McKay Patrick A.
Published: July 2011

Background

Notch pathway signaling has critical roles in differentiation, proliferation, and survival, and has oncogenic or tumor suppressor effects in a variety of malignancies. The goal of this study was to evaluate the effects of Notch activation on human neuroblastoma cells.

Procedure

Quantitative RT‐PCR, immunoblots, and immunohistochemistry were used to determine the expression of Notch receptors (Notch1‐4), cleaved Notch1 (ICN1), and downstream targets (HES1‐5) in human neuroblastoma cell lines and patient tumor samples. Notch pathway signaling was induced using intracellular Notch (ICN1‐3) and HES gene constructs or direct culture on Notch ligands. Quantitative methylation‐specific PCR was used to quantify methylation of the HES gene promoters, and the effects of treatment with decitabine were measured.

Results

Neuroblastoma cells express varying levels of Notch receptors and low levels of HES genes at baseline. However, no endogenous activation of the Notch pathway was detected in neuroblastoma cell lines or patient tumor samples. Expression of activated Notch intracellular domains and HES gene products led to growth arrest. The HES2 and HES5 gene promoters were found to be heavily methylated in most neuroblastoma lines, and HES gene expression could be induced through treatment with decitabine.

Conclusions

We report that neuroblastoma cell lines express multiple Notch receptors, which are inactive at baseline. Activation of the Notch pathway via ligand binding consistently resulted in growth arrest. HES gene expression appears to be regulated epigenetically and could be induced with decitabine. These findings support a tumor suppressor role for Notch signaling in neuroblastoma. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2012; 58: 682–689. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Isolation of High Quality RNA from Cereal Seeds Containing High Levels of Starch
Authors: Wang Guifeng , Wang Gang , Zhang Xiaowei , Wang Fang , Song Rentao
Published: July 2011

Introduction

Cereals are an important source of food, feed and fuel with a rapidly increasing global demand. However, cereal seeds contain high levels of starch and polysaccharides, making the isolation of high quality RNA extremely difficult.

Objective

To develop a novel method for extracting high quality total RNA from various starch‐ and polysaccharides‐rich cereal seeds, such as maize, rice, sorghum and wheat.

Methodology

We developed a modified sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS)/TRIzol method. The combined use of a Tris buffer (pH 9.0) and SDS before TRIzol extraction effectively resolved the problem of seed homogenate solidification in such a buffer. A high concentration of SDS was used separately, not only to promote cell lysis but also to effectively dissolve seed sample containing high levels of starch. Moreover, acid phenol saturated with 0.1  m citrate buffer (pH 4.3) was used to separate RNA from DNAs, proteins and high levels of starch. This rapid protocol was compared with other RNA isolation methods preferentially used for plants rich in polysaccharides and secondary metabolites.

Results

Gel electrophoresis analysis indicated that the extracted total RNA had good integrity without apparent DNA contamination. Furthermore, an A260/280 ratio of approximately 2.0, an A260/230 ratio of more than 2.0 and RIN values of more than 8.6 indicated that the isolated RNA was of high purity. The isolated RNA was suitable for subsequent molecular manipulations, such as reverse‐transcription polymerase chain reaction (PCR), rapid amplification of cDNA ends (RACE) and real‐time PCR.

Conclusion

The study has described an easy, efficient and highly reproducible method for RNA isolation from various cereal seeds. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Pharmacovigilance for antiretroviral drugs in Africa: lessons from a study in Abidjan, Cote d'Ivoire
Authors: Jaquet Antoine , Djima Mariam Mama , Coffie Patrick , Kacou Henri Die , Eholie Serge P. , Messou Eugene , Minga Albert , Guehi Calixte , Yavo Jean Claude , Bissagnene Emmanuel , Dabis Francois , Ekouevi Didier K. ,   for the IeDEA West Africa Collaboration
Published: July 2011

Background

Although antiretroviral treatment (ART)–related adverse drug reactions (ADR) are documented in industrialised countries, there is no pre‐existing surveillance system dedicated to ADR monitoring in most African countries. We assessed knowledge towards pharmacovigilance among ART prescribers and available capacity of HIV clinics to conduct ADR monitoring in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire.

Methods

A questionnaire was administered to ART prescribers to assess their knowledge towards the occurrence of ADRs. A retrospective ADR survey was also conducted based on a data query of treatment modification/interruptions in three HIV clinics. Clinical monitors went back to medical charts to review and validate the reasons of the treatment modification/interruptions.

Results

Of the 81 ART prescribers interviewed, 25 (31%) declared not grading ADRs and 12 (14.8%) declared notifying ADRs to the national regulatory authorities. Among 5252 adult ART‐treated patients who attended the participating clinics in 2008, 599 treatment modifications were identified. Reasons for treatment modification/interruptions identified in the electronic database were documented in the medical charts in 554 cases (92.5%), ADR accounting for 273 cases (45.5%). Toxicity related to ART was graded in only 58 cases (21%) in the medical charts.

Discussion

This study describes challenges limiting the implementation of reliable pharmacovigilance activities in HIV clinics in Côte d'Ivoire. The lack of knowledge of ART prescribers concerning ADR grading does not support the spontaneous reporting of ADRs. Using treatment modification/interruptions for ADR monitoring appears feasible, but improvements are needed to respond to key questions related to drug toxicities in the context of ART scale‐up in Africa. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Structural effects responsible for stability and solvolytic reactivity of sulfonium ions
Authors: Jurić Sandra , Denegri Bernard , Kronja Olga
Published: July 2011

The solvolysis rates of X‐substituted benzhydryltetrahydrothiophenium ions (1) in pure and aqueous alcohols were determined at 25 °C and compared with the rates of the corresponding benzhydryldimethylsulfonium ions (2). The linear free energy relationship equation log k = sf(Ef + Nf) has been used to relate quantitatively the leaving group abilities of tetrahydrothiophene (THT) and dimethyl sulfide (Me2S). It has been demonstrated that although generating a stronger base by heterolysis, substrates 1 solvolyze over lower barriers than 2. Steric and electronic influences that determine the relative reactivities of sulfonium salts have been examined computationally at B3LYP level of theory by calculating the energy of exchange of electrofuges with different substituents between THT and dimethyl sulfide. Because of more efficiently delocalized positive charge in THT moiety, tetrahydrothiophenium ions are more stable than the corresponding dimethylsulfonium ions, regardless of an electrofuge. The Hammond–Leffler coefficient is negative (α < 0) for the rate determining heterolysis of sulfonium salts 1 and 2. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synthesis of diketopyrrolopyrrole‐containing conjugated polyelectrolytes for naked‐eye detection of DNA
Authors: Lin Shuimu , Liu Shouping , Zou Hanxun , Zeng Wennan , Wang Lingyun , Beuerman Roger , Cao Derong
Published: July 2011

Two water‐soluble cationic conjugated polyelectrolytes (P1 and P2) containing diacetylene, diketopyrrolopyrrole (DPP), and fluorene units were synthesized with Glaser‐Hay coupling reaction as the key step. The narrow bandgap DPP units and the wide bandgap fluorene units in the cationic polyelectrolytes might form an energy donor‐acceptor molecule architectures, in which DPP units serve as an acceptor of the fluorescent resonance energy transfer. The addition of calf thymus DNA enhances the fluorescent resonance energy transfer from fluoreneethynylene segments to DPP units, which results in a sensitive color change from blue to red in the PL spectra and allows naked‐eye detection of DNA with low concentration. In addition, the detection of DNA with P1 and P2 is high selective because it is not interfered by common ions. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2011
Selective complete decomposition of poly(n‐hexylisocyanate) and its use in a new molecular design method
Authors: Se Kazunori , Iwata Tsuyoshi
Published: July 2011

Poly(n‐hexylisocyanate) (PHIC‐NH) as a rod‐like polymer having a NH group at one end of the polymer chain was found to instantly (less than a few seconds) be completely decomposed by CH3O−Na+in tetrahydrofuran/CH3OH under a mild experimental condition ([CH3O−Na+] < 1 mol L−1at room temperature).The mechanism of the decomposition for the PHIC‐NH consists of two steps: the first is abstraction of the proton for PHIC‐NH by Na+with a slow reaction rate, and the second is the consequent depolymerization of PHIC‐N−based on the equilibrium polymerization with a rapid depolymerization rate. The decomposition rate constants (kd) depend onMwof PHIC‐NH, namelykd∼Mw−1.0. The decomposition of the PHIC‐NR having an end‐capped NR group was completely depressed. Using an “all or nothing” mechanism for the decomposition, the (PHIC)3.43comb‐shaped polymer and polystyrene (PSt)‐graft‐(PHIC‐NH)4.28graft copolymer were, respectively, decomposed to produce (PHIC‐NH)3.43–1.03and PSt‐graft‐(PHIC‐NH)4.28–0in a series with different numbers of PHIC‐NH combs and PHIC‐NH grafts by regulating the amount of CH3O−Na+and the decomposition time. Molecular structure of (PHIC‐NH)3.43–1.03and PSt‐graft‐(PHIC‐NH)4.28–0was discussed from a viewpoint of PSt‐reduced chain dimension per molar mass. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2011
Synthesis of poly(vinylidene fluoride)‐b‐poly(styrene sulfonate) block copolymers by controlled radical polymerizations
Authors: Laruelle Gaël , Nicol Erwan , Ameduri Bruno , Tassin Jean‐François , Ajellal Noureddine
Published: July 2011

Block copolymers based on poly(vinylidene fluoride), PVDF, and a series of poly(aromatic sulfonate) sequences were synthesized from controlled radical polymerizations (CRPs). According to the aromatic monomers, appropriate techniques of CRP were chosen: either iodine transfer polymerization (ITP) or atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) from PVDF‐I macromolecular chain transfer agents (CTAs) or PVDF‐CCl3macroinitiator, respectively. These precursors were produced either by ITP of VDF with C6F13I or by radical telomerization of VDF with chloroform, respectively. Poly(vinylidene fluoride)‐b‐poly(sodium styrene sulfonate), PVDF‐b‐PSSS, block copolymers were produced from both techniques via a direct polymerization of sodium styrene sulfonate (SSS) monomer or an indirect way with the use of styrene sulfonate ethyl ester (SSE) as a protected monomer. Although the reaction led to block copolymers, the kinetics of ITP of SSS showed that PVDF‐I macromolecular CTAs were not totally efficient because a limitation of the CTA consumption (56%) was observed. This was probably explained by both the low activity of the CTA (that contained inefficient PVDF‐CF2CH2I) and a fast propagation rate of the monomer. That behavior was also noted in the ITP of SSE. On the other hand, ATRP of SSS initiated by PVDF‐CCl3was more controlled up to 50% of conversion leading to PVDF‐b‐PSSS block copolymer with an average number molar mass of 6000 g·mol−1. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2011
Intriguing location of myeloperoxidase in the prostate: A preliminary immunohistochemical study
Authors: Roumeguère Th. , Delree P. , Van Antwerpen P. , Rorive S. , Vanhamme L. , de Ryhove L. de la Kethulle , Serteyn D. , Wespes E. , Vanhaerverbeek M. , Boudjeltia K. Zouaoui
Published: July 2011

BACKGROUND

Myeloperoxidase (MPO) is a member of the peroxidase‐cyclooxygenase superfamily, which is secreted from stimulated leucocytes at inflammatory sites. It is well known that MPO catalyses oxidation reactions via the release of reactive halogenating and nitrating species and thus induces tissue damage. Several studies have already implicated MPO in the development of neoplasia. Chronic or recurrent prostatic inflammation has long been recognized as having the potential to initiate and promote the development of prostate cancer. The objective was to investigate whether MPO is present in the prostate.

METHODS

Human prostate material was obtained from biopsies, transurethral resections of the prostate (TURP), prostatic adenomectomies, and retropubic radical prostatectomies. Twenty‐nine slides of normal prostate tissue, benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), and prostate cancer were reviewed by a pathologist. Immunohistochemical analysis using MPO‐specific human antibody was performed to detect MPO in the prostate tissue.

RESULTS

Immunocytohistochemistry showed cellular colocalization of MPO in the secretory epithelial cells of the prostate with staining varying from light to strong intensity. Staining in the glandular apical snouts was often reinforced although staining of basal as well as of luminal glandular cells was also present.

CONCLUSIONS

We identified, for the first time, the presence of MPO at the surface of prostatic epithelial cells. In view of the pro‐oxidant properties of this enzyme, further research is needed to define whether MPO contributes to the development of prostatic lesions. Prostate 72:507–513, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Designing patterns of the isomeric carbon nanotube caps
Authors: Peszke Jerzy , Stobinski Leszek , Tomasik Piotr , Kurzydlowski Krzysztof J.
Published: July 2011

Structure of the carbon nanotubes (CNTs) caps controls the structure of their walls (zigzag, armchair, and chiral types), i.e., the isomerism of CNTs. The latter is crucial for the result of chemical modification of CNTs that is, for the localization of the introduced functional groups and, in consequence, for the distribution of metal and non‐metal nanoparticles generated on such functionalized CNTs to form specific composites. They evoke interest as catalysts for fuel cells, anodic material in lithium batteries, photovoltaics, and others. Feasible structures of CNT caps are presented and impact of particular cap structures upon the internal and external structure of multiwall CNTs and their symmetries are discussed. Modeling of CNT caps became available by means of the involvement of the HyperChem 7 software (Molecular Mechanics, MM+ approach). Performed computations showed, that the CNT cap has to contain a main pentagon almost always located on the top of the tip. Furthermore, five pentagons provide the link between the cap and CNT tubule. Their localization in the cap determines the CNTs isomerism.
Effects of Mg doping to optimize properties ZnO:Al for the transparent conductive oxide (TCO)
Authors: Park S. M. , Gu G. H. , Park C. G.
Published: July 2011

In order to achieve good conductivity and high transmittance of transparent conductive oxide (TCO), we attempted to fabricate Mg‐doped ZnO:Al (AZO) films and analyzed their structural, electrical, and optical properties. The Mg‐doped AZO films were successfully deposited on top of the glass substrates by using an ion beam sputter system. The Mg concentration was controlled by varying the number of MgO chips attached on the AZO target. Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP‐MS) was used to determine the concentration of Mg incorporated into the AZO films. The structural, electrical, and optical properties of the Mg‐doped AZO films were found to depend on the Mg concentration. As the Mg concentration increased, the optical band gap also increased because of the replacement of Mg with Zn in the TCO films.
Strain effects on indium incorporation and optical transitions in green‐light InGaN heterostructures of different orientations
Authors: Durnev M. V. , Omelchenko A. V. , Yakovlev E. V. , Evstratov I. Yu. , Karpov S. Yu.
Published: July 2011

Strain effect on indium incorporation and optical transitions in bulk InGaN and GaN/InGaN/GaN quantum wells (QWs) coherently grown on GaN substrates with different orientations of hexagonal axis is studied by simulation. The strain modification in the nonpolar and semipolar structures, as compared to polar ones, is found to result in both a higher indium percentage in the InGaN alloy and a larger materials bandgap, producing opposite trends in variation of the optical transition energy (emission wavelength) with the crystal orientation. The interplay between the effects is discussed in view of development of green‐light emitters. A possible way for controlling the strain in the InGaN layers and QWs and thus the emission wavelength is considered and tested by modelling.

Optical transition energy of the same single InGaN QW grown on either GaN or relaxed In0.08Ga0.92N sublayer as a function of the crystal C‐axis inclination to epitaxial layer plane.

magnified image

Optical transition energy of the same single InGaN QW grown on either GaN or relaxed In0.08Ga0.92N sublayer as a function of the crystal C‐axis inclination to epitaxial layer plane.
Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) – Guidelines for the Development and Validation of Spreadsheets
Authors: Esch Peter M. , Moor Christoph , Schmid Beat , Albertini Silvio , Hassler Stephan , Donzé Gérard , Saxer Hans Peter
Published: July 2011

Spreadsheets are widely used for the storage, processing and reporting of data. As these spreadsheets are associated with the conduct of non‐clinical safety studies intended for regulatory submission, it is essential that they should be developed, validated, operated, maintained, retired and archived in accordance with the OECD Principles of GLP.

The present document provides guidance, i.e. a basic strategy for GLP‐compliant development and validation of spreadsheets. Different approaches can also be used, as long as they are compliant with the OECD Principles of GLP.

The AGIT (Arbeitsgruppe Informations‐Technologie) is a working group consisting of representatives from Swiss industry and Swiss GLP monitoring authorities that proposes strategies relating to information technology issues which can be put into practice by test facilities in order to fulfil GLP regulatory requirements. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Tracking climate models
Authors: Monteleoni Claire , Schmidt Gavin A. , Saroha Shailesh , Asplund Eva
Published: July 2011

Climate models are complex mathematical models designed by meteorologists, geophysicists, and climate scientists, and run as computer simulations, to predict climate. There is currently high variance among the predictions of 20 global climate models, from various laboratories around the world, that inform the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). Given temperature predictions from 20 IPCC global climate models, and over 100 years of historical temperature data, we track the changing sequence of which model predicts best at any given time. We use an algorithm due to Monteleoni and Jaakkola that models the sequence of observations using a hierarchical learner, based on a set of generalized Hidden Markov Models, where the identity of the current best climate model is the hidden variable. The transition probabilities between climate models are learned online, simultaneous to tracking the temperature predictions.

On historical global mean temperature data, our online learning algorithm's average prediction loss nearly matches that of the best performing climate model in hindsight. Moreover, its performance surpasses that of the average model prediction, which is the default practice in climate science, the median prediction, and least squares linear regression. We also experimented on climate model predictions through the year 2098. Simulating labels with the predictions of any one climate model, we found significantly improved performance using our online learning algorithm with respect to the other climate models and techniques. To complement our global results, we also ran experiments on IPCC global climate model temperature predictions for the specific geographic regions of Africa, Europe, and North America. On historical data, at both annual and monthly time‐scales, and in future simulations, our algorithm typically outperformed both the best climate model per region and linear regression. Notably, our algorithm consistently outperformed the average prediction over models, the current benchmark. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Statistical Analysis and Data Mining 4: 372–392, 2011
Prediction intervals for survival data
Authors: Brookmeyer Ron
Published: July 2011

This paper concerns large sample prediction intervals for the survival times of a future sample based on an initial sample of censored survival data. Simple procedures are developed for obtaining non‐parametric and exponential prediction intervals for the future sample quantiles; the non‐parametric interval results from inversion of an appropriate test statistic. A simulation study performed under various conditions evaluates the accuracy of the proposed intervals. An adjuvant chemotherapy study of breast cancer patients illustrates the methodology.