bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Surgical treatment of breast cancer among the elderly in the United States
Authors: Alderman Amy K. , Bynum Julie , Sutherland Jason , Birkmeyer Nancy , Collins E. Dale , Birkmeyer John
Published: September 2010

BACKGROUND:

Breast‐conserving therapy (BCT) has emerged as the preferred treatment for most women with early stage breast cancer. However, there is concern for underuse in the elderly, with previously documented low rates of BCT and large variations in practice patterns. The authors' purpose was to examine patterns and correlates of BCT for breast cancer in the elderly US population.

METHODS:

The primary outcome was receipt of BCT. The 2003 to 2004 Medicare inpatient, outpatient, and carrier files were used to identify incident breast cancer patients and the American Medical Association to ascertain surgeon information. The primary independent variables were US state where treatment was performed along with patient and surgeon sociodemographic information. Multivariate logistic regression was used for the analyses.

RESULTS:

BCT was performed in 81.8% of patients (N = 20,032). Variation in use of BCT across states was low, ranging from 74.2% in Utah to 84.0% in New Mexico. Several factors were significantly associated with low use of BCT: advanced patient age (>85 vs <70 years: odds ratio [OR], 0.50; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.42‐0.59); comorbidities (>3 vs ≤3: OR, 0.26; 95% CI, 0.24‐0.28), and low socioeconomic status (SES) (lowest quintile vs highest quintile SES: OR, 0.60; 95% CI, 0.52‐0.68). Variation in use of BCT by surgeon was low, although female surgeons aged 40 to 49 years and ≥60 years had significantly higher use compared with younger men.

CONCLUSIONS:

BCT has become the primary management among elderly breast cancer patients. Despite earlier studies to the contrary, there is now little variation in BCT use among Medicare patients. Cancer 2011. © 2010 American Cancer Society.
Hyperthermia combined with radiation for the treatment of locally advanced prostate cancer
Authors: Hurwitz Mark D. , Hansen Jorgen L. , Prokopios‐Davos Savina , Manola Judith , Wang Qian , Bornstein Bruce A. , Hynynen Kullervo , Kaplan Irving D.
Published: September 2010

BACKGROUND:

The authors present long‐term results from a phase 2 study that assessed the efficacy of transrectal ultrasound hyperthermia plus radiation with or without androgen suppression for the treatment of locally advanced prostate cancer.

METHODS:

Patients with clinical T2b‐T3bN0M0 disease (according to 1992 American Joint Committee on Cancer [AJCC] criteria) received radiation plus 2 transrectal ultrasound hyperthermia treatments. After the first 4 patients, 6 months of androgen suppression were allowed. The study was designed to assess absolute improvement in the 2‐year disease‐free survival rate compared with the short‐term androgen suppression arm in Radiation Therapy Oncology Group (RTOG) study 92‐02.

RESULTS:

Thirty‐seven patients received a total of 72 hyperthermia treatments. The mean cumulative equivalent minutes (CEM) T9043°C was 8.4 minutes. According to the 1992 AJCC classification, there were 19 patients with T2b tumors, 8 patients with T2c tumors, 5 patients with T3a tumors, and 5 patients with T3b tumors. The median Gleason score was 7 (range, 6‐9), and the median prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) level was 13.3 ng/mL (range, 2‐65 ng/mL). Thirty‐three patients received androgen suppression. At a median follow‐up of 70 months (range, 18‐110 months), the 7‐year overall survival rate was 94%, and 61% of patients remained failure free (according to the American Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology definition for failure free survival). The absolute rate of disease‐free survival at 2 years, which was the primary study endpoint, improved significantly (84%) compared with a rate of 64% for similar patients on the 4‐month androgen suppression arm of RTOG 92‐02. When Phoenix criteria (PSA nadir + 2 ng/mL) were used to define biochemical failure, 89% of patients were failure free at 2 years.

CONCLUSIONS:

Hyperthermia combined with radiation for the treatment of locally advanced prostate cancer appeared to be promising. The current results indicated that further study of hyperthermia for the treatment of prostate cancer with optimal radiation and systemic therapy is warranted. Cancer 2010. © 2010 American Cancer Society.
PDX‐1
Authors: Liu Shi‐He , Patel Sanjeet , Gingras Marie‐Claude , Nemunaitis John , Zhou Guisheng , Chen Changyi , Li Min , Fisher William , Gibbs Richard , Brunicardi F. Charles
Published: September 2010

BACKGROUND:

Pancreatic‐duodenal homeobox 1 (PDX‐1) is a transcription factor that regulates embryologic pancreas development and insulin expression in the adult islet; however, it is overexpressed in many types of cancer, including pancreatic cancer. The purpose of this study was to investigate the role of PDX‐1 in tumorigenesis in human cells.

METHODS:

In vitro cell proliferation, invasion, and transformation were performed in human embryonic kidney cell line (HEK 293), pancreatic cancer cell line MIA PaCa2, and human pancreatic ductal epithelial (HPDE) cells transiently or stably expressing PDX‐1 or green fluorescent protein (GFP) PDX‐1, with or without cotransfection of PDX‐1 short hairpin RNA (shRNA). In vivo tumor formation was carried out in severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) mice with subcutaneous injection of HEK 293 and MIA PaCa2 stably transfected cells. Cell cycle was analyzed by Western blot or immunostaining. Microarray of RNA from pancreatic adenocarcinoma cells with and without PDX‐1 shRNA was performed and analyzed.

RESULTS:

Transient and stable expressing PDX‐1 significantly increased cell proliferation and invasion in HEK 293, human pancreatic ductal epithelial (HPDE), and MIA PaCa2 cells versus controls (P < .05), human PDX‐1 shRNA reversed these effects. Expression of PDX‐1 significantly increased colony formation in HEK 293, HPDE, and MIA PaCa2 cells versus controls in vitro (P < .05). PDX‐1 promoted HEK 293 and MIA PaCa2 tumor formation in SCID mice as compared with that of control (P < .05). PDX‐1 overexpression disrupted cell cycles proteins. PDX‐1 expression was confirmed by Western blot and tracked by viewing of GFP–PDX‐1 expression. Microarray data support an oncogenic role of PDX‐1 in pancreas cancer cells.

CONCLUSIONS:

PDX‐1 induced increased cell proliferation, invasion, and colony formation in vitro, and resulted in markedly increased HEK 293 and MIA PaCa2 tumor formation in SCID mice. These data suggest that PDX‐1 is a potential oncogene that regulates tumorigenesis. Cancer 2011. © 2010 American Cancer Society.
Theoretical Investigation of the Interaction between Carbon Monoxide and Carbon Nanotubes with Single‐Vacancy Defects
Authors: Xiao Bo , Zhao Jing‐xiang , Ding Yi‐hong , Sun Chia‐chung
Published: September 2010

Density functional theory calculations are used to study the healing process of a defective CNT (i.e. (8,0) CNT) by CO molecules. The healing undergoes three evolutionary steps: 1) the chemisorption of the first CO molecule, 2) the incorporation of the C atom of CO into the CNT, accompanied by the adsorption of the leaving O atom on the CNT surface, 3) the removal of the adsorbed O atom from the CNT surface by a second CO molecule to form CO2 and the perfect CNT. Overall, adsorption of the first CO reveals a barrier of 2.99 kcal mol−1 and is strongly exothermal by 109.11 kcal mol−1, while adsorption of a second CO has an intrinsic barrier of 32.37 kcal mol−1and is exothermal by 62.34 kcal mol−1. In light of the unique conditions of CNT synthesis, that is, high temperatures in a closed container, the healing of the defective CNT could be effective in the presence of CO molecules. Therefore, we propose that among the available CNT synthesis procedures, the good performance of chemical vapor decomposition of CO on metal nanoparticles might be ascribed to the dual role of CO, that is, CO acts both as a carbon source and a defect healer. The present results are expected to help a deeper understanding of CNT growth.
New Method for the Determination of the Electron Temperature from Langmuir Probe Characteristics
Authors: Hannemann M.
Published: September 2010

The electron retarding current collected by a Langmuir probe in a plasma possessing a Maxwellian electron energy distribution function is a an exponential function. If such a current is smoothed by a non‐recursive filter the result is a product of the original current and a factor independent on probe voltage. This leads to a shift between the floating potentials of smoothed and unsmoothed probe current from which the electron temperature Ve may be obtained. A suitable smoothing filter is chosen and all means necessary for the practical realization of the method are given. The influence of the ion current on the determined value of Ve is investigated. The convenience of the method is shown by means of testing calculations and a measuring example (© 2010 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Short DC Discharge with Wall Probe as a Gas Analytical Detector
Authors: Demidov V. I. , Adams S. F. , Blessington J. , Koepke M. E. , Wiliamson J. M.
Published: September 2010

A new approach leading to the development of gas analytical detectors is reported. The approach is based on measurements in the near‐cathode plasma of fine structures associated with atomic and molecular plasma processes of the high energy portion of the electron energy distribution function (EEDF). A short (without positive column) dc discharge with cold cathode and conducting walls was used. The EEDF measurements in a dc discharge are technically simpler and have dramatically better sensitivity than in the afterglow since temporal resolution is not required. Additional increased probe sensitivity is achieved by using a large‐area, larger‐radius‐of‐curvature conducting wall as the probe instead of the more common thin cylindrical Langmuir probe. The wall probe, being almost flat, also greatly reduces the ion current contribution to the measurements. The new approach allows for the development of micro‐analytical, dc plasma electron spectroscopy (PLES) gas detectors that are operational up to atmospheric pressure (© 2010 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Flow Measurements in the Edge Region of the RFX‐Mod Experiment
Authors: De Masi G. , Spolaore M. , Cavazzana R. , Innocente P. , Lorenzini R. , Martines E. , Momo B. , Munaretto S. , Serianni G. , Spagnolo S. , Terranova D. , Vianello N. , Zuin M.
Published: September 2010

In this contribution a detailed study of the edge flow properties performed on the outer region of the RFX‐mod experiment using a Gundestrup probe is presented. In particular, both parallel and perpendicular components (with respect to the magnetic field) have been evaluated in several low current discharges providing a complete reconstruction of the edge flow profiles.

Different methods based on both magnetized and unmagnetized models have been used to evaluate the averaged plasma flow components and their time variations. Furthermore, configurations involving either ion saturation current signals or floating potential ones have been used to evaluate both parallel and perpendicular flow components and a good agreement has been found between different methods.

Finally, the dynamic behaviour of edge flow fluctuations induced by gradient modifications following pellet injection and by varying the edge magnetic topology (the m = 0 islands radial position) have been studied (© 2010 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
A Novel Cylindrical Probe for Measuring the Ion Temperature in Magnetized Plasmas
Authors: Tierens W. , Komm M. , Stöckel J. , Van Oost G.
Published: September 2010

2D Particle‐In‐Cell simulations are used to predict the ion current density on the surface of a cylinder whose top is perpendicular to the magnetic field in a magnetized nonthermal plasma. This current density decreases with increasing distance to the probe top, and the rate of decrease is predicted to be a sensitive function of the ion temperature. We consider the possibility of a new kind of probe to use this effect to measure the ion temperature with a relatively high temporal resolution (© 2010 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Ball‐Pen Probe Measurements in L‐Mode and H‐Mode on ASDEX Upgrade
Authors: Adamek J. , Horacek J. , Müller H.W. , Rohde V. , Ionita C. , Schrittwieser R. , Mehlmann F. , Kurzan B. , Stöckel J. , Dejarnac R. , Weinzettl V. , Seidl J. , Peterka M. , ASDEX Upgrade Team
Published: September 2010

Experimental investigations of the plasma potential, poloidal electric field and electron temperature during L‐mode and ELMy H‐mode were performed on ASDEX Upgrade by means of a probe head containing four ball‐pen probes and four Langmuir probes. This allows to measure simultaneously the floating and plasma potential at the same time which are related by the electron temperature. Thus a combination of ball‐pen probes and Langmuir probes offers the possibility to determine the electron temperature directly with high temporal resolution. This novel temperature measurement method is compared to standard techniques. The influence of the electron temperature on the usual calculation of the poloidal electric field from the gradient of the floating potential is determined by a comparison to the poloidal electric field derived from the plasma potential (© 2010 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
A Probe Head for Simultaneous Measurements of Electrostatic and Magnetic Fluctuations in ASDEX Upgrade Edge Plasma
Authors: Schrittwieser R. W. , Ionita C. , Vianello N. , Müller H.W. , Mehlmann F. , Zuin M. , Naulin V. , Rasmussen J. J. , Rohde V. , Cavazzana R. , Lupu C. , Maraschek M. , Maszl Ch. , ASDEX Upgrade Team
Published: September 2010

For ASDEX Upgrade (AUG) a new probe head was developed for simultaneous measurements of electric and magnetic fluctuations in the edge plasma region. The probe head consists of a cylindrical graphite case. On the front side six graphite pins are mounted. With this arrangement the poloidal and radial electric field components, the ion saturation current and the current‐voltage characteristic can be registered simultaneously. Inside the graphite case a magnetic sensor is mounted by which the three components of magnetic field fluctuations are measured. During the AUG discharges the probe head is inserted up to three times for 100 ms each by the midplane manipulator into the scrape‐off layer (© 2010 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Estimation of Plasma Parameters for Microwave‐Sustained Ar/He Plasma Jets at Atmospheric Pressure
Authors: Razzak M.A. , Takamura S. , Saito S. , Talukder M.R.
Published: September 2010

In this article, we have analyzed the measured probe characteristics of microwave‐sustained Ar and He plasma jets at atmospheric pressure using the high‐pressure probe theory developed by Talukder et al. in order to determine the generated plasma parameters (electron temperature, Te, electron density, Ne, plasma potential, ϕp). The calculation shows some unusual temperature profiles (both axial and radial) as well as provides some over estimation of electron temperature measured from the distorted I‐V characteristic due to a smaller electron to ion saturation current ratio coming from the limited electron saturation current. In order to overcome these limitations, the measured probe characteristics are also analyzed by using the asymmetric double probe theory developed by our group, which provides reasonable value of plasma parameters. The influence of microwave power and gas flow rate on the plasma parameters are also investigated (© 2010 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
A Study of Plasma Parameters in Hollow Cathode Plasma Jet in Pulse Regime
Authors: Kudrna P. , Klusoň J. , Leshkov S. , Chichina M. , Picková I. , Hubička Z. , Tichý M.
Published: September 2010

The pulsed DC hollow cathode discharge has been studied in the low pressure plasma jet sputtering system by means of cylindrical Langmuir probe. Measurements have been performed in pure Ar with the flow rate of 30 sccm. The repetition frequency of the pulses of 1 kHz has been chosen with the pulse width 100 μs (duty cycle 10%) and 50 μs (duty cycle 5 %) and the amplitude of the pulses was approximately 400V. The average discharge current varied between 150 and 250 mA. To obtain better stability of the discharge a 3.8 kΩ resistor was connected across the pulse switch. Consequently, there was a weak continuous DC discharge on the background of the pulsed discharge. From the probe characteristics the plasma and floating potential, electron density and electron temperature have been evaluated. Their dependences on the pressure (in the range of several Pa) and on the radial distance from the central axis of the system are presented. Temporal resolution of the measurements is 0.5 μs (© 2010 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Electrical Probe Diagnostics for KSTAR
Authors: Bak J. G. , Lee S. G. , Kim J. Y. , KSTAR Project Team
Published: September 2010

Electrical probe diagnostics (EPDs) for the Korea Superconducting Tokamak Advanced Research (KSTAR), which consists of three fast reciprocating Langmuir probe assemblies (FRLPAs) and two fixed edge Langmuir probe arrays (ELPAs), are proposed to diagnose edge plasma during a plasma discharge in the KSTAR machine. A FRLPA, which has been upgraded through its performance test, is installed at a horizontal port of the KSTAR vacuum vessel in order to get the radial profile of the plasma parameters in the scrape‐off layer (SOL) region during the experimental campaign of 2009 in the KSTAR machine. The prototype fabricated for the ELPA is mounted on the outboard wall of the KSTAR vacuum vessel in order to investigate its performance during the campaign of 2009, which is required before the installation of one fixed EPLA on the plasma facing component (PFC) tiles inside the KSTAR vacuum vessel. In this work, the description of the KSTAR EPDs and their current activities including the technical issues for the installation in the KSTAR machine are presented (© 2010 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Ligand binding sensitivity of the extracellular loop two of the cannabinoid receptor 1
Authors: Bertalovitz Alexander C. , Ahn Kwang H. , Kendall Debra A.
Published: September 2010

The cannabinoid receptor one (CB1) is a class A G‐protein‐coupled receptor thought to bind ligands primarily within its helical bundle. Evidence suggests, however, that the extracellular domain may also play a role. We have previously shown that the C‐terminus of the extracellular loop 2 of CB1 is important in binding some compounds; receptors with mutations in this region (F268W, P269A, H270A, and I271A) bound some agonists with severely reduced affinity relative to the wild‐type receptor [Ahn et al.,2009. Mol Pharmacol 76:833–842]. In the present work, we examine the impact of these mutations on binding a chemically diverse set of ligands. The receptors, F268W and I271A, exhibited a greater sensitivity to binding the inverse agonists/antagonists SLV319, AVE1625, NESS0327 relative to P269A and H270A, suggesting that the Pro and His are not involved in binding those compounds. In contrast, binding of the agonists, BAY593074 and WIN55212‐2, was diminished in all four receptors, suggesting the conformational unit contributed by all four residues is important. A more marked loss in binding was observed for agonists of the nonclassical (CP55940) and classical (HU‐210, JWH061, JWH179) cannabinoid classes and for a silent antagonist derivative (O‐2050), pointing to the critical nature of this region for binding both the bicyclic/tricyclic core and the alkyl chain of these derivatives. However, moving the location of the alkyl chain on a series of pyrazole analogues shows it can be better accommodated in certain locations (O‐1255) than others (O‐1302, O‐1690) and underscores the involvement of residues F268 and I271. Drug Dev Res 71: 404–411, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Regioselective synthesis of 3‐(1H‐indol‐3‐yl)‐5‐(1H‐indole‐3‐carbonyl)‐4‐hydroxyfuroic acids: route to hydroxyfuroic acid‐based insulin receptor activators
Authors: Chou Shan‐Yen , Tsai Henry J.
Published: September 2010

A new class of insulin receptor activator with a hydroxyfuroic acid in place of a hydroxyquinone moiety is reported. The synthesis of 3‐(1H‐indol‐3‐yl)‐5‐(1H‐indole‐3‐carbonyl)‐4‐hydroxyfuroic acids (26–30) requires seven major steps. Key elements in the syntheses include (1) sequential preparation of two 4‐(N‐protected indole)‐3‐methoxy‐furoic 2,5‐dicarboxylic esters (4 and 6); (2) regioselective conversion of the furoic diacid 8 into its C‐5 methyl ester 10 with methyl chloroformate; and (3) acylation of 10 by a 7‐substituted indole under a mild condition. This study demonstrates a feasible route of synthesizing insulin receptor activators with a hydroxyfuroic acid scaffold. Among those hydroxyfuroic acid compounds, compound 28 demonstrates insulin receptor activation potential comparable to Merck's compound 2 with a dihydroxybenzoquinone scaffold. Drug Dev Res 72: 247–258, 2011. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Sex, but not repeated maternal separation during the first postnatal week, influences novel object exploration and amphetamine sensitivity
Authors: Hensleigh E. , Smedley L. , Pritchard L.M.
Published: September 2010

Sensation seeking and early life stress are both risk factors for developing substance use disorders. Neural adaptations resulting from early life stress may mediate individual differences in novelty responsiveness, and, in turn, contribute to drug abuse vulnerability. Animal models also demonstrate associations between novelty responsiveness or early life stress and increased sensitivity to psychostimulants. We investigated whether repeated maternal separation affects responses to novelty during adolescence and to amphetamine during adulthood, and whether maternal separation alters the relationship between these behavioral variables. Rat pups underwent separation (180 min/day) or control procedures (15 min/day) on postnatal days (PND) 2–8. Novel object exploration and amphetamine response were tested at PND 38 and 60, respectively. Adolescent males were less active in a novel environment and approached novel objects more frequently than females, but adult females showed greater amphetamine‐induced locomotion. Maternal separation did not affect novelty responsiveness or amphetamine sensitivity. Locomotor activity in an inescapable, novel environment during adolescence predicted amphetamine‐induced locomotor activity during adulthood in maternally separated rats, but not in controls. The results of this study suggest that adolescent responses to novelty may be particularly predictive of future substance abuse among survivors of early life trauma. Furthermore, sex differences in novelty and amphetamine responsiveness may complicate the relationship between these behavioral variables. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Dev Psychobiol 53:132–140, 2011
Ontogenetic differences in adolescent and adult C57BL/6J and DBA/2J mice: Anxiety‐like, locomotor, and consummatory behaviors
Authors: Moore Eileen M. , Linsenbardt David N. , Melón Laverne C. , Boehm Stephen L.
Published: September 2010

Adolescence is a highly conserved period during which mammals undergo a number of hormonal, biological, and behavioral changes [Spear [2000] Neurosci. Biobehav. Rev. 24: 417–463]. Ethical constraints limit the research that can be done in human adolescents. Rodents provide a useful model of at least some of the features of adolescence, including increases in body growth, differences in sleep/wake, and eating patterns, as well as differences in risk‐taking, novelty seeking, and exploratory behaviors. Much of the available developmental research has utilized rats; however, the use of inbred mouse strains provides a unique means to assess the genetic factors involved in behavioral differences during adolescence. We assessed differences between adults and adolescents in anxiety‐like, locomotor, and consummatory behaviors using two commonly used inbred strains of mice, the DBA/2J and C57BL/6J strains. Age and genotype‐dependent differences were found in all three behaviors measured, suggesting both factors are important determinants of behavior in mice. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Dev Psychobiol 53:141–156, 2011
Reticulocytes in athletes: Longitudinal aspects and the influence of long‐ and short‐term exercise
Authors: Schumacher Yorck Olaf , Sahm Daniel , Baumstark Manfred W. , Pottgiesser Torben
Published: September 2010

Reticulocytes (Ret) are a key variable in the emerging concept of the athlete's biological passport and the longitudinal monitoring of biological parameters in the field of anti‐doping. In this context, knowledge on the variability of Ret in athletes and the influence of exercise is necessary. The aim of the present study was to evaluate longitudinal variation in Ret and the influence of short‐ and long‐term exercise.

Ret% in 793 samples of 238 athletes were determined and analyzed in different study parts for inter‐ and intra‐individual variation and the impact of long‐ (competitive season) and short‐term (all out) exercise.

Median Ret% was 0.9 (CI(0.5–99.5%) 0.4–2.7). Intra‐individual variation for Ret% was 0.0118; inter‐individual variation 0.0124. During periods of intensive exercise Ret% was slightly lower (mean − 0.1%, p = 0.048). After a short, all‐out exercise bout, Ret% was increased (+0.5%, p = 0.0028).

Athletes mostly display similar Ret% than the normal population; however, intra‐individual variation in athletes is higher. During the competitive season of endurance athletes, Ret% is slightly decreased. After short bouts of intense exercise Ret% is increased. These data can be used for the interpretation of blood profiles in athletes. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The naphyrone story: The Alpha or Beta‐naphthyl Isomer?
Authors: Brandt Simon D. , Wootton Robert C. R. , De Paoli Giorgia , Freeman Sally
Published: September 2010

Naphyrone (naphthylpyrovalerone, O‐2482) has been recently advertised for purchase on a number of websites. This compound has been viewed as a so‐called ‘legal high’ and was classified as a controlled drug under the UK Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 in mid‐July 2010. So far, naphyrone is commonly equated with 1‐naphthalen‐2‐yl‐2‐pyrrolidin‐1‐yl‐pentan‐1‐one (β‐naphyrone) but analytical characterization of two naphyrone samples revealed the existence of a novel isomer consistent with 1‐naphthalen‐1‐yl‐2‐pyrrolidin‐1‐yl‐pentan‐1‐one (α‐naphyrone). Analyses of both α‐ and β‐naphyrone were carried out using gas chromatography ion trap (EI/CI) mass spectrometry and 1D/2D nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. This provides the first report of α‐naphyrone in the scientific literature and the ability to differentiate it from the β‐isomer should be of interest to forensic and clinical communities. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Persistence of effector memory Th1 cells is regulated by Hopx
Authors: Albrecht Inka , Niesner Uwe , Janke Marko , Menning Astrid , Loddenkemper Christoph , Kühl Anja A. , Lepenies Inga , Lexberg Maria H. , Westendorf Kerstin , Hradilkova Kristyna , Grün Joachim , Hamann Alf , Epstein Jonathan A. , Chang Hyun‐Dong , Tokoyoda Koji , Radbruch Andreas
Published: September 2010

Th1 cells are prominent in inflamed tissue, survive conventional immunosuppression, and are believed to play a pivotal role in driving chronic inflammation. Here, we identify homeobox only protein (Hopx) as a critical and selective regulator of the survival of Th1 effector/memory cells, both in vitro and in vivo. Expression of Hopx is induced by T‐bet and increases upon repeated antigenic restimulation of Th1 cells. Accordingly, the expression of Hopx is low in peripheral, naïve Th cells, but highly up‐regulated in terminally differentiated effector/memory Th1 cells of healthy human donors. In murine Th1 cells, Hopx regulates the expression of genes involved in regulation of apoptosis and survival and makes them refractory to Fas‐induced apoptosis. In vivo, adoptively transferred Hopx‐deficient murine Th1 cells do not persist. Consequently, they cannot induce chronic inflammation in murine models of transfer‐induced colitis and arthritis, demonstrating a key role of Hopx for Th1‐mediated immunopathology.
Electrocatalytic Oxidation of Tryptophan at Gold Nanoparticle‐Modified Carbon Ionic Liquid Electrode
Authors: Safavi A. , Momeni S.
Published: September 2010

The electrochemical behavior of tryptophan was studied at the carbon ionic liquid electrode (CILE) modified with gold nanoparticle (GNP). This electrode has a stable and excellent response toward tryptophan. Under optimum experimental conditions, the calibration curve was linear in the tryptophan concentration range of 5 to 900 µM with an excellent correlation coefficient (0.995). The experimental limit of detection was 4 µM. Contrary to many other electrodes, the oxidation of tryptophan on GNP/CILE does not result in electrode fouling. GNP/CILE has been effectively applied to the determination of tryptophan in composite amino acid injection.
Ion Transport Across Liquid|Liquid Interfacial Boundaries Monitored at Generator‐Collector Electrodes
Authors: Vuorema Anne , Meadows Helen , Ibrahim Norahim Bin , Del Campo Javier , Cortina‐Puig Montserrat , Vagin Mikhail Yu , Karyakin Arkady A. , Sillanpää Mika , Marken Frank
Published: September 2010

Anion transfer processes at a liquid|liquid interface were studied with an interdigitated gold band array electrode. The organic phase, 4‐(3‐phenylpropyl)‐pyridine containing Co(II)phthalocyanine, was immobilised as random droplets at the electrode surface and then immersed into aqueous electrolyte. Oxidation of Co(II)phthalocyanine at the generator electrode was shown to be associated with anion transfer from the aqueous into the organic phase. The corresponding back reduction at the collector electrode with anion expulsion was delayed by the anion/cation diffusion time across the interelectrode gap. A working curve based on a finite difference numerical simulation model was employed to estimate the apparent diffusion coefficients for anions in the organic phase (PF6−<ClO4−<NO3−). Potential applications in ion analysis are discussed.
Voltammetric Determination of Chlorpheniramine Maleate Based on the Enhancement Effect of Sodium‐dodecyl Sulfate at Carbon Paste Electrode
Authors: Lamani Shekappa D. , Hegde Rajesh N. , Savanur Anita P. , Nandibewoor Sharanappa T.
Published: September 2010

The voltammetric oxidation and determination of chlorpheniramine maleate (CPM) was studied at a carbon paste electrode (CPE) in the presence of sodium‐dodecyl sulfate (SDS) by cyclic and differential pulse voltammetry. The results indicated that the voltammetric response of chlorpheniramine maleate was markedly increased in the low concentration of SDS, suggesting that SDS exhibits observable enhancement effect to the determination of chlorpheniramine maleate. Under the optimal conditions the peak current was proportional to chlorpheniramine maleate concentration in the range of 8.0×10−6 to 1.0×10−4 M with detection limit of 1.7×10−6 M by differential pulse voltammetry. The proposed method was successfully applied to the determination of chlorpheniramine in pharmaceutical and urine samples.
Electrode Kinetics and Sensitivity of Nanostructured Electrodes from Different Carbon Fiber Precursor Materials
Authors: Boateng Abraham , Cohen‐Shohet Rachel , Brajter‐Toth Anna
Published: September 2010

Correlation of properties of common carbon fiber precursor materials, polyacrylonitrile (PAN) and pitch, with kinetics and sensitivity of microdisk electrodes, PAN T650, PAN HCB and Pitch P25, nanostructured by an electrochemical etching method was tested. Sensitivity of PAN electrodes is higher but kinetics are slower than at pitch electrodes due to more defects in PAN. Because of more surface oxides at PAN T650 adsorption of dopamine is greater than at PAN HCB electrodes but for uric acid adsorption is greater at PAN HCB. Uric acid sensitivity is related to high conductivity of PAN fibers, with an inverse relationship observed for dopamine.
Shaking‐table tests of a full‐scale single‐story masonry veneer wood‐frame structure
Authors: Okail Hussein O. , Shing P. Benson , McGinley William M. , Klingner Richard E. , Jo Seongwoo , McLean David I.
Published: September 2010

This paper presents the findings of shaking‐table experiments conducted to examine the seismic performance of a full‐scale, one‐story, wood‐framed structure with masonry veneer. The structure was designed and constructed in accordance with current U.S. code provisions. The veneer was attached to the wood backing with two kinds of metal anchors, corrugated ties fastened with 8d nails and rigid ties fastened with #8 screws. The tests have shown that the use of nails to fasten veneer anchors to the wood studs is highly unreliable due to the high variation of the nail extraction capacity, which can be influenced by the moisture content of the wood. Other than this, both the wood frame and the masonry veneer performed well under severe ground motions far exceeding a design level earthquake for Seismic Design Category D. Good performance was observed for the rigid veneer ties, which were attached to the wood studs with screws. The results have shown that the veneer walls parallel to the direction of shaking helped to restrain the motion of the wood structure and therefore should not be simply treated as added mass. The detailing of wood roof diaphragms requires special attention in consideration of the out‐of‐plane inertia force of the veneer that can be transmitted through the top plate of the wood‐stud wall to the rim joist. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Inelastic displacement demand of bridge columns considering shear–flexure interaction
Authors: Zhang Jian , Xu Shi‐Yu , Tang Yuchuan
Published: September 2010

Reinforced concrete bridge columns exhibit complex hysteretic behavior owing to combined action of shear, bending moment, and axial force under multi‐directional seismic shakings. The inelastic displacement of columns can be increased by shear–flexure interaction (SFI). This paper develops a simple yet reliable demand model for estimating the inelastic displacement and ductility based on the nonlinear time history analyses of 24 full‐size columns subject to a suite of near‐fault ground motions. A coupled hysteretic model is used to simulate the shear‐flexure interactive (SFI) behavior of columns and the accumulated material damage during loading reversals, including pinching, strength deterioration, and stiffness softening. Guided by rigorous dimensional analysis, the inelastic displacement responses of bridge columns are presented in dimensionless form showing remarkable order. A dimensionless nonlinearity index is derived taking into account of the column strength, ground motion amplitude, and softening or hardening post‐yield behavior. Strong correlation is revealed between the normalized inelastic displacement and the dimensionless structure‐to‐pulse frequency, the dimensionless nonlinearity index as well as the aspect ratio. Two regressive equations for displacement and ductility demands are proposed and validated against the simulation results. The SFI effects are discussed and included explicitly through the aspect ratio in the proposed model. This study offers a new way to realistically predict the inelastic displacement of columns directly from structural and ground motion characteristics. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Three‐dimensional modal pushover analysis of buildings subjected to two components of ground motion, including its evaluation for tall buildings
Authors: Reyes Juan C. , Chopra Anil K.
Published: September 2010

The modal pushover analysis (MPA) procedure, presently restricted to one horizontal component of ground motion, is extended to three‐dimensional analysis of buildings—symmetric or unsymmetric in plan—subjected to two horizontal components of ground motion, simultaneously. Also presented is a variant of this method, called the practical modal pushover analysis (PMPA) procedure, which estimates seismic demands directly from the earthquake response (or design) spectrum. Its accuracy in estimating seismic demands for very tall buildings is evaluated, demonstrating that for nonlinear systems this procedure is almost as accurate as the response spectrum analysis procedure is for linear systems. Thus, for practical applications, the PMPA procedure offers an attractive alternative whereby seismic demands can be estimated directly from the (elastic) design spectrum, thus avoiding the complications of selecting and scaling ground motions for nonlinear response history analysis. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Biological properties of essential oils: an updated review
Authors: Adorjan Barbara , Buchbauer Gerhard
Published: September 2010

In the last few years more and more studies on the biological properties of essential oils have been published and it seemed worthwhile to compile the studies of 2009, 2008 and the second part of 2007. Such an overview covering the scientific literature mainly from 2000 onwards, up to the first half of the year 2007, has been published recently. The focus of this overview lies on the anti‐nociceptive, anticancer, anti‐inflammatory, penetration‐enhancing, insect repellent, antiviral and antioxidative properties of essential oils. Many essential oils have been used for centuries in folk medicine and in recent years the biological properties of various essential oils have been proved by a number of studies. Their use in the treatment of pain, inflammation, viral diseases and cancer and their potential to enhance the penetration of other drugs, their insect repellent activity and their antioxidative effects were confirmed. Nonetheless, more studies are necessary to analyse the biological properties of other essential oils or to prove their mechanism of action. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Extrastriatal dopamine D2 receptor binding in Huntington's disease
Authors: Esmaeilzadeh Mouna , Farde Lars , Karlsson Per , Varrone Andrea , Halldin Christer , Waters Susanna , Tedroff Joakim
Published: September 2010

Huntington's disease (HD) is a neurodegenerative disorder, primarily affecting medium spiny neurones in the striatum. The density of striatal dopamine D2 receptors is reduced in HD but there is little known about this biomarker in brain regions outside the striatum. The primary objective of this study was to compare extrastriatal dopamine D2 receptor binding, in age‐matched control subjects and patients with HD. All subjects were examined using a high‐resolution positron emission tomography system and the high‐affinity dopamine D2 receptor radioligand [11C]FLB 457. A ROI based analysis was used with an atrophy correction method. Dopamine D2 receptor binding potential was reduced in the striatum of patients with HD. Unlike the striatum, dopamine D2 receptor binding in thalamic and cortical subregions was not significantly different from that in control subjects. A partial least square regression analysis which included binding potential values from all investigated cortical and subcortical regions revealed a significant model separating patients from controls, conclusively dependent on differences in striatal binding of the radioligand. Some clinical assessments correlated with striatal dopamine D2 receptor binding, including severity of chorea and cognitive test performance. Hence, the present study demonstrates that dopamine D2 receptors extrinsic to the striatum are well preserved in early to mid stage patients with HD. This observation may have implication for the development of therapy for HD. Hum Brain Mapp, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Distinct functional networks associated with improvement of affective symptoms and cognitive function during citalopram treatment in geriatric depression
Authors: Diaconescu Andreea Oliviana , Kramer Elisse , Hermann Carol , Ma Yilong , Dhawan Vijay , Chaly Thomas , Eidelberg David , McIntosh Anthony Randal , Smith Gwenn S.
Published: September 2010

Variability in the affective and cognitive symptom response to antidepressant treatment has been observed in geriatric depression. The underlying neural circuitry is poorly understood. This study evaluated the cerebral glucose metabolic effects of citalopram treatment and applied multivariate, functional connectivity analyses to identify brain networks associated with improvements in affective symptoms and cognitive function. Sixteen geriatric depressed patients underwent resting positron emission tomography (PET) studies of cerebral glucose metabolism and assessment of affective symptoms and cognitive function before and after 8 weeks of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor treatment (citalopram). Voxel‐wise analyses of the normalized glucose metabolic data showed decreased cerebral metabolism during citalopram treatment in the anterior cingulate gyrus, middle temporal gyrus, precuneus, amygdala, and parahippocampal gyrus. Increased metabolism was observed in the putamen, occipital cortex, and cerebellum. Functional connectivity analyses revealed two networks which were uniquely associated with improvement of affective symptoms and cognitive function during treatment. A subcortical‐limbic‐frontal network was associated with improvement in affect (depression and anxiety), while a medial temporal‐parietal‐frontal network was associated with improvement in cognition (immediate verbal learning/memory and verbal fluency). The regions that comprise the cognitive network overlap with the regions that are affected in Alzheimer's dementia. Thus, alterations in specific brain networks associated with improvement of affective symptoms and cognitive function are observed during citalopram treatment in geriatric depression. Hum Brain Mapp, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Topographical relationships between arcuate fasciculus connectivity and cortical thickness
Authors: Phillips Owen R. , Clark Kristi A. , Woods Roger P. , Subotnik Kenneth L. , Asarnow Robert F. , Nuechterlein Keith H. , Toga Arthur W. , Narr Katherine L.
Published: September 2010

The arcuate fasciculus (AF) connects cortical regions important in language processing, but how fiber coherence and organization relates to gray matter macrostructure remains uncharacterized. We used high‐resolution structural and 30‐direction diffusion imaging data from 36 healthy adults (24 male/12 female; mean age, 30.5 ± 9.8 years) to establish the relationships between AF microstructure and regional variations in cortical gray matter within language networks. Cortical pattern‐matching algorithms were used to measure gray matter thickness at high‐spatial density, and a validated diffusion tractography method was used to reconstruct the AF in the left and right hemisphere of each subject. Relationships between imaging measures and neuropsychological scores of verbal fluency were additionally assessed. Results revealed positive and highly topographical associations between arcuate fractional anisotropy (FA) and cortical thickness within anterior and posterior language regions and surrounding cortices, more prominently in the left hemisphere. These regional cortical thickness/FA relationships were primarily attributable to variations in radial diffusivity. Associations between cortical thickness and verbal fluency were observed in perisylvian language‐related regions. Language scores were associated with left‐hemisphere AF axial diffusivity, but not with AF FA or radial diffusivity. These findings thus suggest that particular components of white matter microstructure and regional increases in cortical thickness benefit aspects of language processing. Furthermore, the topographical relationships between independent measures of white matter and gray matter integrity suggest that rich developmental or environmental interactions influence brain structure and function where the presence and strength of such associations may elucidate pathophysiological processes influencing language systems. Hum Brain Mapp, 2011. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Explaining lapse in long‐term care insurance markets
Authors: Konetzka R. Tamara , Luo Ye
Published: September 2010

Expansion of private long‐term care insurance (LTCI) is often posited as a potential mechanism to finance long‐term care (LTC) for a growing elderly population in the US. One largely ignored issue is lapse or cancellation of policies. Individuals who let a LTCI policy lapse face resumed risk of LTC expenditures while suffering the financial loss of premiums paid. The motivation for lapse has been poorly understood, though some have hypothesized that improvements in health risk may be responsible. We use 1996–2006 Health and Retirement Study data from 3974 respondents who report having private LTCI to estimate baseline and dynamic predictors of lapse and test for ex post adverse selection. Individuals who lapse are generally poorer, less educated, less healthy, and more likely to be racial and ethnic minorities than those who retain their policies. Changes in health status play a relatively small role in lapse, and we find little evidence for adverse selection associated with lapse. We conclude that lapse of LTCI is more an issue of finances and alternatives than a reassessment of health risk. Because lapse rates are highest among the least healthy individuals, lapse should be considered explicitly in efforts to expand the LTCI market. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The effect of dental care on cardiovascular disease outcomes: an application of instrumental variables in the presence of heterogeneity and self‐selection
Authors: Brown Timothy Tyler , Dela Cruz Erin , Brown Stephen Scott
Published: September 2010

Studies show a relationship between oral inflammatory processes and cardiovascular risk factors, suggesting that dental care may reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) events. However, due to the differences between men and women in the development and presentation of CVD, such effects may vary by sex. We use a valid set of instrumental variables to evaluate these issues and include a test of essential heterogeneity. CVD events include new occurrences of heart attack (including death from heart attack), stroke (including death from stroke), angina, and congestive heart failure. Controls include age, race, education, marital status, foreign birthplace, and cardiovascular risk factors (health status, body mass index, alcohol use, smoking status, diabetes status, high‐blood‐pressure status, physical activity, and depression). Our analysis finds no evidence of essential heterogeneity. We find the minimum average treatment effect for women to be −0.01, but find no treatment effect for men. This suggests that women who receive dental care may reduce their risk of future CVD events by at least one‐third. The findings may only apply to married middle‐aged and older individuals as the data set is only representative for this group. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Noninvasive assessment of liver fibrosis
Authors: Martínez Stella M. , Crespo Gonzalo , Navasa Miquel , Forns Xavier
Published: September 2010

Liver biopsy has long been an important tool for assessing the degree of liver fibrosis. Information on the presence and degree of liver fibrosis is useful before making therapeutic decisions or predicting disease outcomes. The need to stage liver fibrosis, however, should decrease as treatment options become more successful (as has occurred with viral hepatitis). In recent years, noninvasive tests have demonstrated a reasonable ability to identify significant fibrosis, cirrhosis in particular, nor is it surprising that liver disease specialists and patients favor a noninvasive approach. However, only those tests with the highest diagnostic accuracy, cost-effectiveness, and availability should be implemented. Apart from their diagnostic accuracy, the potential ability of these tests to predict disease outcomes (a more relevant endpoint) should be compared with that of liver biopsy. Indeed, the use of a standardized system to evaluate the utility of biomarkers would facilitate their implementation in clinical practice. (Hepatology 2011.)