bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Combined classical cytogenetics and microarray‐based genomic copy number analysis reveal frequent 3;5 rearrangements in clear cell renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Pei Jianming , Feder Madelyn M. , Al‐Saleem Tahseen , Liu Zemin , Liu Angen , Hudes Gary R. , Uzzo Robert G. , Testa Joseph R.
Published: April 2010

Karyotypic analysis and genomic copy number analysis with single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP)‐based microarrays were compared with regard to the detection of recurrent genomic imbalances in 20 clear cell renal cell carcinomas (ccRCCs). Genomic imbalances were identified in 19 of 20 tumors by DNA copy number analysis and in 15 tumors by classical cytogenetics. A statistically significant correlation was observed between the number of genomic imbalances and tumor stage. The most common genomic imbalances were loss of 3p and gain of 5q. Other recurrent genomic imbalances seen in at least 15% of tumors included losses of 1p32.3‐p33, 6q23.1‐qter and 14q and gain of chromosome 7. The SNP‐based arrays revealed losses of 3p in 16 of 20 tumors, with the highest frequency being at 3p21.31‐p22.1 and 3p24.3‐p25.3, the latter encompassing the VHL locus. One other tumor showed uniparental disomy of chromosome 3. Thus, altogether loss of 3p was identified in 17 of 20 (85%) cases. Fourteen tumors showed both overlapping losses of 3p and overlapping gains of 5q, and the karyotypic assessment performed in parallel revealed that these imbalances arose via unbalanced 3;5 translocations. Among the latter, there were common regions of loss at 3p21.3‐pter and gain at 5q34‐qter. These data suggest that DNA copy number analysis will supplant karyotypic analysis of tumor types such as ccRCC that are characterized by recurrent genomic imbalances, rather than balanced rearrangements. These findings also suggest that the 5q duplication/3p deficiency resulting from unbalanced 3;5 translocations conveys a proliferative advantage of particular importance in ccRCC tumorigenesis. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
HMGA1 and HMGA2 rearrangements in mass‐forming endometriosis
Authors: Medeiros Fabiola , Araujo Ana R. , Erickson‐Johnson Michele R. , Kashyap Purna C. , Dal Cin Paola , Nucci Marisa , Wang Xiaoke , Bell Debra A. , Oliveira Andre M.
Published: April 2010

Endometriosis is a common gynecologic disorder characterized by ectopic endometrium associated with pelvic pain and infertility. The pathogenesis of endometriosis is unclear, and several genetic, endocrine, immune, and environmental agents have been studied as putative causative factors. However, consistent somatic genetic alterations have not been identified. Rarely, endometriosis presents as a mass lesion with an infiltrative pattern reminiscent of malignancy. We describe cytogenetic and molecular cytogenetic findings of mass‐forming endometriosis. The index case of pulmonary endometriosis underwent conventional and molecular cytogenetics analysis. In addition, 16 cases of mass‐forming endometriosis, 11 cases of usual endometriosis, and six endometriomas were investigated by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) for HMGA1 and HMGA2 loci, performed on paraffin‐embedded thin tissue sections with custom‐designed probes. The index patient had an endometriotic lung nodule, with a 46,XX, t(5;6)(q13;p21) karyotype and HMGA1 rearrangement by FISH. A second patient had decidualized endometriosis forming a large abdominal mass and HMGA1 rearrangement by FISH. Of the 15 other cases of mass‐forming endometriosis, one had HMGA1 rearrangement and two had HMGA2 rearrangement. The rearrangements were found in the stromal component exclusively. None of the usual endometriosis cases or endometriomas had HMGA1 or HMGA2 rearrangements. In conclusion, mass‐forming endometriosis is an uncommon subset of endometriosis that harbors HMGA1 or HMGA2 rearrangements in up to 29% of cases. The present findings support the concept that endometriosis is clonal and that rearrangement of HMGA genes likely contributes to its pathogenesis. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Late Ordovician (Sandbian) brachiopods from the Mweelrea Formation, South Mayo, western Ireland: stratigraphic and tectonic implications
Authors: Harper David A. T. , Parkes Matthew A. , McConnell Brian J.
Published: April 2010

A Late Ordovician (Sandbian), Scoto‐Appalachian brachiopod fauna from the Mweelrea Formation in western Ireland confirms a location for the South Mayo Trough adjacent to the Laurentian margin, characterized at this time by a succession of marine excursions over fluviatile environments. The new, younger biostratigraphical data help to constrain the timing of late Grampian folding of this part of the South Mayo Trough. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Implicit memory for object locations depends on reactivation of encoding‐related brain regions
Authors: Manelis Anna , Hanson Catherine , Hanson Stephen José
Published: April 2010

This study explored the correspondence between implicit memory and the reactivation of encoding‐related brain regions. By using a classification method, we examined whether reactivation reflects only the similarities between study and test or voxels at the reactivated regions are diagnostic of facilitation in the implicit memory task. A simple detection task served as incidental encoding of object–location pairings. A subsequent visual search task served as the indirect (implicit) test of memory. Subjects did not know that their memory would be tested. Half of the subjects were unaware that some stimuli in the search task are the same as those that had appeared during the detection task. Another group of subjects was made aware of this relationship at the onset of the visual search task. Memory performance was superior for the study‐test aware, compared to study‐test unaware, subjects. Brain reactivation was calculated using a conjunction analysis implemented through overlaying the neural activity at encoding and testing. The conjunction analysis revealed that implicit memory in both groups of subjects was associated with reactivation of parietal and occipital brain regions. We were able to classify study‐test aware and study‐test unaware subjects based on the per‐voxel reactivation values representing the neural dynamics between encoding and test. The classification results indicate that neural dynamics between encoding and test accounts for the differences in implicit memory. Overall, our study demonstrates that implicit memory performance requires and depends upon reactivation of encoding‐related brain regions. Hum Brain Mapp, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Diffusion tensor‐based regional gray matter tissue segmentation using the international consortium for brain mapping atlases
Authors: Hasan Khader M. , Frye Richard E.
Published: April 2010

In this communication, we extended a previously described and validated diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) method for segmenting whole brain cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and gray and white matter (WM) tissue to provide regional volume and DTI metrics of WM tract and cortical and subcortical gray matter. This DTI‐based regional segmentation was implemented using the statistical parametric mapping (SPM) toolbox and used the international consortium for brain mapping atlases and Montreal Neurological Institute brain templates. We used our DTI‐based segmentation approach to calculate the left putamen volume in a cohort of 136 healthy right‐handed males and females aged 15.8–62.8 years. We validated our approach by demonstrating its sensitivity to age‐related changes of the putamen. Indeed, our method found that the putamen volume decreased with age (r= −0.30;P< 0.001) while the corresponding fractional anisotropy (FA) increased with advancing age (r= 0.5;P< 0.00001). It is then demonstrated, on a subset of our cohort (n= 31), that the putamen volume obtained by our method correlated with measurements obtained from FreeSurfer (r= 0.396,P< 0.05). Our novel approach increases the information obtained with a DTI examination by providing routine volumetry measure, thereby eliminating separate scans to obtain volumetry data. In addition, the labeled volumes obtained with our method have the potential to increase the accuracy of fiber tracking. In the future, this new approach can be automated to analyze large data sets to help discover noninvasive neuroimaging markers for clinical trials and brain‐function studies in both health and disease. Hum Brain Mapp, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Low‐frequency stimulation of the temporoammonic pathway induces heterosynaptic disinhibition in the subiculum
Authors: Fidzinski Pawel , Wawra Matthias , Dugladze Tamar , Gloveli Tengis , Heinemann Uwe , Behr Joachim
Published: April 2010

The subiculum (Sub) is the principal target of CA1 pyramidal cells. It serves as the final relay of hippocampal output and thus mediates hippocampal–cortical interaction. In addition, the Sub receives direct input from the entorhinal cortex via the temporoammonic pathway. In this study, we demonstrate that low‐frequency stimulation of the temporoammonic pathway results in the disinhibition of excitatory synaptic transmission at CA1‐Sub synapses. We provide evidence that this disinhibition is mediated by an NMDA receptor‐dependent long‐term depression (LTD) of GABAergic inhibition. This mechanism might bear physiological significance for the stabilization and processing of mnemonic information at hippocampal output synapses and underpins the functional role of hippocampal–entorhinal interaction in memory formation. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Measurement of effective oxygen diffusivity in microporous media containing moisture
Authors: Utaka Yoshio , Iwasaki Daigo , Tasaki Yutaka , Wang Shixue
Published: April 2010

The mass transfer characteristics of the gas diffusion layer (GDL) are closely related to the cell performance of a polymer electrolyte fuel cell (PEFC). The oxygen diffusivity of paper type porous media, which is generally used as a GDL, was measured with respect to its liquid water content using experimental apparatus consisting of an oxygen sensor based on the galvanic cell. A numerical method was established to obtain the effective oxygen diffusivity of microporous test materials by calculating the oxygen concentration distribution on both sides of the test material. Experimental results indicate that the relative oxygen diffusivity of paper type GDLs increases nonlinearly as the water saturation decreases. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Heat Trans Asian Res; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/htj.20295
Regional hydrological drought in north‐western Europe: linking a new Regional Drought Area Index with weather types
Authors: Fleig Anne K. , Tallaksen Lena M. , Hisdal Hege , Hannah David M.
Published: April 2010

Links between severe hydrological droughts and weather types (WTs) were explored to improve the understanding of hydroclimatological processes involved in the development of regional hydrological drought in north‐western Europe. A new Regional Drought Area Index (RDAI) was developed, using daily streamflow, to represent the drought‐affected area. Daily RDAI series (1964–2001) were created for two regions with homogeneous drought behaviour in Denmark and four regions in Great Britain. An objective version of the Hess–Brezowsky Grosswetterlagen yielding 29 WTs was used. Regional drought characteristics, including duration and frequency, were found to vary considerably between regions. However, in 1976 and 1996, all regions experienced severe events, and these years were found to be the most severe drought years across the study region as a whole. The hydrological response time (i.e. the time over which WTs influence drought development) was found to vary markedly (45–210 days) between regions according to basin storage properties. WT‐frequency anomalies (FAs) before and during the onset of the five most severe droughts were identified for each region. The dominant drought‐yielding WTs changed between regions and between events within each region. High‐pressure systems centred over the respective region were most frequently associated with droughts as well as WTs with a northern (N, NE or NW) or a southern (S, SE or SW) airflow over the Danish and British regions. Five of the six WTs associated with drought for all regions represented a northern high‐pressure system (i.e. over Great Britain, Fennoscandia or the Norwegian Sea). This article demonstrates (1) hydrological response time to be fundamental in moderating drought response to mesoscale climatic drivers and (2) severe hydrological droughts may be caused by a complex set of hydroclimatological processes that vary between regions and events. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Forecast evaluation of small nested model sets
Authors: Hubrich Kirstin , West Kenneth D.
Published: April 2010

We propose two new procedures for comparing the mean squared prediction error (MSPE) of a benchmark model to the MSPEs of a small set of alternative models that nest the benchmark. Our procedures compare the benchmark to all the alternative models simultaneously rather than sequentially, and do not require re‐estimation of models as part of a bootstrap procedure. Both procedures adjust MSPE differences in accordance with Clark and West (2007); one procedure then examines the maximum t‐statistic, while the other computes a chi‐squared statistic. Our simulations examine the proposed procedures and two existing procedures that do not adjust the MSPE differences: a chi‐squared statistic and White's (2000) reality check. In these simulations, the two statistics that adjust MSPE differences have the most accurate size, and the procedure that looks at the maximum t‐statistic has the best power. We illustrate our procedures by comparing forecasts of different models for US inflation. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Forecast comparisons in unstable environments
Authors: Giacomini Raffaella , Rossi Barbara
Published: April 2010

We propose new methods for comparing the out‐of‐sample forecasting performance of two competing models in the presence of possible instabilities. The main idea is to develop a measure of the relative local forecasting performance for the two models, and to investigate its stability over time by means of statistical tests. We propose two tests (the Fluctuation test and the One‐Time Reversal test) that analyze the evolution of the models' relative performance over historical samples. In contrast to previous approaches to forecast comparison, which are based on measures of global performance, we focus on the entire time path of the models' relative performance, which may contain useful information that is lost when looking for the model that forecasts best on average. We apply our tests to the analysis of the time variation in the out‐of‐sample forecasting performance of monetary models of exchange rate determination relative to the random walk. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A self‐adaptive genetic algorithm‐artificial neural network algorithm with leave‐one‐out cross validation for descriptor selection in QSAR study
Authors: Wu Jingheng , Mei Juan , Wen Sixiang , Liao Siyan , Chen Jincan , Shen Yong
Published: April 2010

Based on the quantitative structure‐activity relationships (QSARs) models developed by artificial neural networks (ANNs), genetic algorithm (GA) was used in the variable‐selection approach with molecule descriptors and helped to improve the back‐propagation training algorithm as well. The cross validation techniques of leave‐one‐out investigated the validity of the generated ANN model and preferable variable combinations derived in the GAs. A self‐adaptive GA‐ANN model was successfully established by using a new estimate function for avoiding over‐fitting phenomenon in ANN training. Compared with the variables selected in two recent QSAR studies that were based on stepwise multiple linear regression (MLR) models, the variables selected in self‐adaptive GA‐ANN model are superior in constructing ANN model, as they revealed a higher cross validation (CV) coefficient (Q2) and a lower root mean square deviation both in the established model and biological activity prediction. The introduced methods for validation, including leave‐multiple‐out, Y‐randomization, and external validation, proved the superiority of the established GA‐ANN models over MLR models in both stability and predictive power. Self‐adaptive GA‐ANN showed us a prospect of improving QSAR model. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comput Chem, 2010
Photoelectrocatalytic inactivation of E. coli XL‐1 blue colonies in water
Authors: Philippidis N. , Nikolakaki E. , Sotiropoulos S. , Poulios I.
Published: April 2010

BACKGROUND: The aim of the present work was the preparation of TiO2 P‐25 working electrodes on Ti substrates (TiO2/Ti), their characterization and the study of their photoelectrocatalytic activity towards the inactivation of E. coli XL‐1blue (E. Coli) colonies, used as model pathogenic bacteria, in a novel batch photoelectrochemical reactor.

RESULTS: After annealing of the TiO2/Ti specimens at 500 °C, the surface morphology and crystal structure of the TiO2 film electrodes were examined by scanning electronic microscopy (SEM) and X‐ray diffraction (XRD), while from differential capacitance measurements the flat band potential was calculated (Vfb = − 0.54 V versus Ag/AgCl). The results of photoelectrocatalytic (PEC) experiments concerning the disinfection of E. coli colonies were compared with those of electrochemical (EC) and photocatalytic (PC) inactivation of the pathogen and showed a significant synergy effect in the case of PEC disinfection, leading, at + 1.0 V vs Ag/AgCl cell voltage, to a 100% increase of the apparent rate constant, ko, in comparison with the simple photocatalytic process. Reuse experiments showed that the working electrode retains its effectiveness after, at least, 15 times of reuse.

CONCLUSIONS: The photoelectrocatalytic inactivation of E. coli colonies has been studied under artificial illumination in a novel photoelectrocatalytic reactor. The inactivation of 103 CFU mL−1 E. coli colonies followed first‐order kinetics, while parameters such as type of semiconductor and concentration of the microorganisms play an important role affecting the reaction rate constant. Copyright © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry
Preoperative localization of cystic lesions in the knee using ultrasound‐guided injection of indigo carmine
Authors: Park Hee‐Jin , Lee Sung‐Moon , Choi Jung‐Ah , Park Noh‐Hyuck , Kim Hyung‐Soo , Park Sung‐Il
Published: April 2010

Purpose.

To evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of preoperative localization of cystic lesions in the knee using ultrasound‐guided indigo carmine injection.

Method.

Twenty‐three cysts in the knee in 23 patients (M:F = 15:8, mean age, 42 years) were localized preoperatively by ultrasound‐guided indigo carmine injection. These included 12 meniscal cysts, 7 popliteal cysts, and 4 ganglion cysts. To stain the lesions, 0.2–3 mL of indigo carmine was injected into the cyst using a 22‐gauge spinal needle. After localization, the patient was immediately transferred to the operating room and surgery was performed. Intraoperative findings and arthroscopic images were reviewed.

Result.

All 23 cysts were stained successfully. Twenty cases were confirmed during arthroscopy and 3 cases were confirmed during excisional surgery. There was no significant bleeding/hematoma or anaphylactic reaction. Four patients felt pain during aspiration before indigo carmine injection. The lesions were stained blue and could be clearly identified by the surgeon and were removed arthroscopically or by open surgery.

Conclusion.

Preoperative localization of cystic lesions in the knee joint region using ultrasound‐guided indigo carmine injection is a feasible technique and can be easily and safely be performed. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound, 2010
The trials of theory: Psychology and institutionalist economics, 1910–1931
Authors: Bycroft Michael
Published: April 2010

The rise of the institutionalist school of economics, in the 1910s and 1920s, has recently been given the historical attention it deserves. However, historical studies of the school have left two questions unanswered. First, to what extent was the institutionalist's interest in academic psychology (frequently declared in their meta‐economic writings) realized in their economic writings? Second, what evidence of a fruitful collaboration with institutional economics can be found in the work of psychologists? In this paper I consider the meta‐economic statements of three key institutionalists, Wesley C. Mitchell, John M. Clark, and Walton H. Hamilton, and two key economic works by Mitchell and Clark. I contend that these works show little systematic engagement of academic psychology. A study of psychological literature of the period yields the same conclusion; in particular, industrial psychology did not come into fruitful contact with institutional economics, despite the parallel interests of the two fields and their parallel rise after World War I. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A novel liquid–liquid extraction and stable isotope dilution NCI‐GC‐MS method for quantitation of agmatine in postmortem brain cortex
Authors: Chen Gary Gang , Turecki Gustavo , Mamer Orval A.
Published: April 2010

The group of biologically important amines includes putrescine, spermidine and spermine, as well as agmatine, which is a guanidino‐amine. There is considerable evidence supporting a role of these amines in the etiology and pathology of mental disorders. We have previously developed a quantitative GC‐MS method for simultaneous measurement of three major polyamines to support our studies linking polyamines to mental disorders. However, a unique GC‐MS method is required for agmatine. To efficiently extract agmatine from postmortem brain tissues, we developed an isopropanol based liquid–liquid extraction protocol using potassium carbonate as a salting‐out agent which showed a much greater recovery than n‐butanol used in earlier methods. The GC‐MS analysis employed hexafluoroacetylacetone as derivatization reagent and was carried out using negative chemical ionization with total ion and selected ion monitoring. 15N4‐Agmatine was synthesized from 15N4‐L‐arginine and used as internal standard in a conventional stable isotope dilution assay. This method accurately measures the level of agmatine from very small quantities (10–20 mg) of postmortem brain tissue, with a quantitation limit down to 1 ng/g of wet tissue. The limit of detection is 0.01 ng/g of wet tissue. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Novel D3 dopamine receptor‐preferring agonist D‐264: Evidence of neuroprotective property in Parkinson's disease animal models induced by 1‐methyl‐4‐phenyl‐1,2,3,6‐tetrahydropyridine and lactacystin
Authors: Li Chao , Biswas S. , Li Xingang , Dutta A.K. , Le Weidong
Published: April 2010

Parkinson's disease (PD), a progressive neurodegenerative movement disorder, is known to be caused by diverse pathological conditions resulting from dysfunction of the ubiquitin‐proteasome system (UPS), mitochondria, and oxidative stress leading to preferential nigral dopamine (DA) neuron degeneration in the substantia nigra. In the present study, we evaluated the novel D3 receptor‐preferring agonist D‐264 in a mouse model of PD to evaluate its neuroprotective properties against both the nigrostriatal dopaminergic toxin 1‐methyl‐4‐phenyl‐1,2,3,6‐tetrahydropyridine (MPTP)‐ and the proteasome inhibitor lactacystin‐induced dopaminergic degeneration. C57BL/6 male mice either were given MPTP by intraperitoneal injection twice per day for 2 successive days at a dose 20 mg/kg or were microinjected with lactacystin bilaterally (1.25 μg/side) into the medial forebrain bundle (MFB). Pretreatment with D‐264 (1 mg/kg and 5 mg/kg, intraperitoneally, once per day), started 7 days before administration of MPTP or lactacystin. We found that D‐264 significantly improved behavioral performance, attenuated both MPTP‐ and lactacystin‐induced DA neuron loss, and blocked proteasomal inhibition and microglial activation in the substantia nigra (SN). Furthermore, D‐264 treatment was shown to increase the levels of brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and glial cell line‐derived factor (GDNF) in MPTP‐ and lactacystin‐treated mice, possibly indicating, at least in part, the mechanism of neuroprotection by D‐264. Furthermore, pretreatment with the D3 receptor antagonist U99194 significantly altered the effect of neuroprotection conferred by D‐264. Collectively, our study demonstrates that D‐264 can prevent neurodegeneration induced by the selective neurotoxin MPTP and the UPS inhibitor lactacystin. The results indicate that D‐264 could potentially serve as a symptomatic and neuroprotective treatment agent for PD. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Timing and style of Late Pleistocene glaciation in the Queer Shan, northern Hengduan Mountains in the eastern Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Xu Liubing , Ou Xianjiao , Lai Zhongping , Zhou Shangzhe , Wang Jie , Fu Yingchun
Published: April 2010

Glacial landforms and sediments provide evidence for the existence of two Late Pleistocene major glacial advances in the Queer Shan, northern Hengduan Mountains in the eastern Tibetan Plateau. In the current study, optically stimulated luminescence and electron spin resonance dating results reveal that the two glacial advances occurred during Marine Isotope Stage (MIS) 3 and the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM) in MIS 2, respectively. Geomorphic evidence shows that the glacial advance during MIS 3 was more extensive than that in MIS 2. This glacial advance is synchronous with other glaciated areas in the Himalaya and Tibet, but contrasts with global ice volumes that reached their maximum extent during the LGM. Glaciers in the Queer Shan are of the summer accumulation type and are mainly fed by precipitation from the south Asian monsoon. Palaeoclimate proxies show that during MIS 3 the south Asian monsoon strengthened and extended further north into the Tibetan Plateau to supply more precipitation as snow at high altitudes. This in turn led to positive glacier mass balances and caused glaciers to advance. However, during the LGM, despite cooler temperature than in MIS 3, the weakened south Asian monsoon and the associated reduced precipitation were not as favourable for glacier expansion as in MIS 3. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Consumers' purchase intention of organic food in China
Authors: Yin Shijiu , Wu Linhai , Du Lili , Chen Mo
Published: April 2010

BACKGROUND: The global market for organic food has developed significantly in the past decade. The organic food industry in China is export oriented, with production growing rapidly, although the domestic market remains relatively small. This paper surveys 432 consumers from three cities in China, consequently establishing a logit model to analyse the main factors affecting consumers' choice for organic food.

RESULTS: The result indicates that Chinese consumers' intent to purchase organic food is strongly affected by factors such as income, degree of trust in organic food, degree of acceptance of organic food price, and consumers' concern on self‐health. This intent is only slightly affected by factors such as consumers' age, education level and concern about environmental protection.

CONCLUSION: Based on the results, the following measures are recommended: reduce the cost of organic food through multiple channels to cut down the market price; establish and perfect the supervision system of organic food; and promote organic food through various channels. Copyright © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry
Pharmacokinetics of intraperitoneal irinotecan in a pig model
Authors: Turcotte Simon , Sideris Lucas , Younan Rami , Drolet Pierre , Dubé Pierre
Published: April 2010

Complete surgical cytoreduction of peritoneal implants and immediate intraperitoneal (lP) chemotherapy offers the greatest survival in selected patients with peritoneal carcinomatosis. This study was undertaken to describe the metabolism and pharmacokinetics of normothermic intraperitoneal CPT‐11, free and glucuronized SN‐38, in a pig model. Thirteen pigs were used for experimentation. Animals were grouped for IV and IP CPT‐1 1 administration. Eleven pigs underwent laparotomy through a midline incision and instillation of 100, 200, and 400mg IP CPT‐11. Systemic venous blood, portal blood and peritoneal fluid samples were taken at 5, 10, 20, 30, and 45 min, then every hour up to 8 hr for the 100 mg. For the three groups, peritoneal CPT‐11 exposition was on average 4.9 times greater in the peritoneum than in the systemic venous or portal circulations and the systemic CPT‐11 fraction absorbed from the peritoneum linearly increased with time. Free SN‐38 was measurable in the earliest peritoneal samples taken. The initial instillation dose of CPT‐11 did not impact on the SN‐38 converted fraction, which remained stable at approximately 0.04% during the first 4 hour. Mean peritoneal SN‐38: CPT‐11 AUC ratio was 0.043. OPT‐11 peritoneal conversion into SN‐38 appeared slightly Inferior to the systemic conversion ratio. This norrnothermic IP OPT‐11 pharmacokinetic study performed in a pig model confirms the possibility to achieve at least a 30 times higher peritoneal than systemic exposure. Peritoneal exposure to active SN‐38 begins at the moment of CPT‐11 peritoneal instillation. A fixed and small traction of less than 0.1% of CPT‐11 is converted into SN‐38, underlying the importance of a sufficient initial IP dose of CPT‐11. J. Surg. Oncol. 2010; 101:637–642. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Characterization of the middle hepatic artery and its relevance to living donor liver transplantation
Authors: Wang Shaofa , He Xiaoshun , Li Ziping , Peng Zhenpeng , Tam Nga Lei , Sun Canhui , Hu Anbin , Huang Jiefu
Published: April 2010

In comparison with the left and right hepatic arteries, there is a relative lack of information on the middle hepatic artery (MHA). In this study, data obtained by multidetector computed tomography from 145 patients were studied to evaluate anatomical variations of the MHA, a hilar artery that primarily supplies hepatic segment 4. An MHA was present in 103 (71%) of the subjects. In livers that had a replaced left hepatic artery, the MHA originated from the right hepatic artery; in livers that had a replaced right hepatic artery, it originated from the left hepatic artery. It always arose directly or indirectly from the common hepatic artery, from which the gastroduodenal artery also arose. We classified MHAs into 5 types according to the anatomical variations of the origin. This classification may have major relevance to modern surgical practice related to living donor liver transplantation (LDLT). The new classification of hepatic arterial anatomy may enhance the acquisition of further knowledge on arterial development, and its application may favorably influence the outcome of LDLT. Liver Transpl 16:736-741, 2010. © 2010 AASLD.
Direct Sub‐Micrometer‐Patterning of Conjugated Polymers and Polymer Light‐Emitting Devices by Electron Beam Lithography
Authors: Fisslthaler Evelin , Sezen Meltem , Plank Harald , Blümel Alexander , Sax Stefan , Grogger Werner , List Emil J. W.
Published: April 2010

The lateral pattering of polymer light emitting devices (PLEDs) on the micro‐ and even sub‐micrometer level is a challenging task. Being able to fabricate devices with sub‐micrometer active device dimensions will, however, open new possibilities for fundamental studies as well as enable improvements in device performance. Therefore, in this study an electron beam‐based patterning method for conjugated polymers is evaluated, where the structuring is achieved by deliberate degradation and alteration of the molecular structure accompanied by a change in the emission properties. We find that the typical feature size accomplished with this method is approx. 2 µm for the active line width in PLEDs, while the in‐depth investigation of the structures shows that the lateral resolution is found to be approx. 500 nm.

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Amphiphilic Core/Shell Nanoparticles to Reduce Biocide Leaching From Treated Wood, 1 – Leaching and Biological Efficacy
Authors: Salma Umme , Chen Ning , Richter Dana L. , Filson Paul B. , Dawson‐Andoh Benjamin , Matuana Laurent , Heiden Patricia
Published: April 2010

Core/shell nanoparticles containing the fungicide tebuconazole were prepared from amphiphilic copolymers of gelatin grafted with MMA. The grafting was performed in water at levels of 1.5–15 wt.‐% solids based on matrix mass, to give core/shell nanoparticles with median diameters ranging from ≈200 to 400 or ≈10 to 100 nm depending on composition, conditions used, and work‐up. The biocide‐containing nanoparticles were delivered into wood in up to 85% efficiency. Wood blocks treated with tebuconazole‐containing nanoparticles leached less tebuconazole than wood blocks treated with tebuconazole solutions. The best nanoparticle formulations afforded wood blocks with a biological efficacy comparable to solution‐treated wood block controls in soil jar decay tests.

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Micelles‐Encapsulated Microcapsules for Sequential Loading of Hydrophobic and Water‐Soluble Drugs
Authors: Tong Weijun , Zhu Yi , Wang Zhipeng , Gao Changyou , Möhwald Helmuth
Published: April 2010

Layer‐by‐layer (LbL) assembly was conducted on CaCO3 microparticles pre‐doped with polystyrene‐block‐poly(acrylic acid) (PS‐b‐PAA) micelles, and resulted in micelles encapsulation in the microcapsules after core removal. Distribution of the micelles in the templates and capsules was characterized by transmission electron microscopy and confocal laser scanning microscopy. The micelles inside the capsules connected with each other to form a chain and network‐like structure with a higher density near the capsule walls. The hydrophobic PS cores were then able to load small uncharged hydrophobic drugs while the negatively charged PAA corona could induce spontaneous deposition of water‐soluble positively charged drugs such as doxorubicin.

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Copolymerization of Ethylene with Sterically Hindered 3,3‐Dimethyl‐1‐Butene Using a Chain‐Walking Pd‐Diimine Catalyst
Authors: Xiang Peng , Ye Zhibin
Published: April 2010

In this Communication, the copolymerization of ethylene with a sterically hindered α‐olefin comonomer, γ‐trisubstituted 3,3‐dimethyl‐1‐butene (DMB), using a chain‐walking Pd‐diimine catalyst, [(ArNC(Me)(Me)CNAr)Pd(CH3)(NCMe)]SbF6 (Ar2,6‐(iPr)2C6H3) (1) is reported. In spite of its high steric bulkiness in the close proximity of the double bond, appreciable DMB incorporations (up to 3 mol‐%) are successfully achieved in the copolymers. The chain microstructure of the copolymers is elucidated, and the effect of DMB incorporation on polymer topology and thermal properties are examined. This work thus demonstrates the high capability of the Pd‐diimine catalyst in incorporating sterically encumbered α‐olefins.

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A comparison of depression, anxiety, and health status in patients with progressive supranuclear palsy and multiple system atrophy
Authors: Schrag Anette , Sheikh Shamira , Quinn Niall P. , Lees Andrew J. , Selai Caroline , Mathias Chris , Litvan Irene , Lang Anthony E. , Bower James H. , Burn David J. , Low Philip , Jahanshahi Marjan
Published: April 2010

The objective of this study was to compare subjective health status and its correlates in progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) and multiple system atrophy (MSA). One hundred eighty‐eight patients with PSP and 286 patients with MSA completed EQ‐5D and Hospital Depression and Anxiety Scale. The impact on mobility, usual activities, and self‐care was similarly high in both groups after similar duration. Fifty‐six percent of PSP and 43% of MSA had probable depression, and 37% of both groups had probable anxiety. Patients with PSP had significantly higher depression scores, but groups did not differ in anxiety scores. Patients with MSA had significantly greater pain/discomfort than patients with PSP. The most important association with subjective health status was with depressive symptoms, which accounted for 38% and 29% of EQ‐5D variance in patients with PSP and MSA, followed by disease severity and anxiety scores. We conclude that depressive symptoms were common in both disorders, but more severe in PSP. Anxiety symptoms affected 37% of patients in both groups and contributed to impaired subjective health status. Pain was more problematic in MSA than PSP. © 2010 Movement Disorder Society
Spinocerebellar ataxia type 12 identified in two Italian families may mimic sporadic ataxia
Authors: Brussino Alessandro , Graziano Claudio , Giobbe Dario , Ferrone Marina , Dragone Elisa , Arduino Carlo , Lodi Raffaele , Tonon Caterina , Gabellini Anna , Rinaldi Rita , Miccoli Sara , Grosso Enrico , Bellati Maria Cristina , Orsi Laura , Migone Nicola , Brusco Alfredo
Published: April 2010

SCA12 is an autosomal dominant cerebellar ataxia characterized by onset in the fourth decade of life with action tremor of arms and head, mild ataxia, dysmetria, and hyperreflexia. The disease is caused by an expansion of ≥51 CAGs in the 5′ region of the brain‐ specific phosphatase 2 regulatory subunit B‐beta isoform (PPP2R2B) gene. SCA12 is very rare, except for a single ethnic group in India. We screened 159 Italian ataxic patients for SCA12 and identified two families that segregated an expanded allele of 57 to 58 CAGs, sharing a common haplotype. The age at onset, phenotype, and variability of symptoms were compatible with known cases. In one family, the disease was apparently sporadic due to possible incomplete penetrance and/or late age at onset. Our data indicate that SCA12 is also present in Italian patients, and its genetic testing should be applied to both sporadic and familial ataxias. © 2010 Movement Disorder Society
A novel X‐linked four‐repeat tauopathy with Parkinsonism and spasticity
Authors: Poorkaj Parvoneh , Raskind Wendy H. , Leverenz James B. , Matsushita Mark , Zabetian Cyrus P. , Samii Ali , Kim Sophia , Gazi Nayiry , Nutt John G. , Wolff John , Yearout Dora , Greenup J. Lynne , Steinbart Ellen J. , Bird Thomas D.
Published: April 2010

The parkinsonian syndromes comprise a highly heterogeneous group of disorders. Although 15 loci are linked to predominantly familial Parkinson's disease (PD), additional PD loci are likely to exist. We recently identified a multigenerational family of Danish and German descent in which five males in three generations presented with a unique syndrome characterized by parkinsonian features and variably penetrant spasticity for which X‐linked disease transmission was strongly suggested (XPDS). Autopsy in one individual failed to reveal synucleinopathy; however, there was a significant four‐repeat tauopathy in the striatum. Our objective was to identify the locus responsible for this unique parkinsonian disorder. Members of the XPDS family were genotyped for markers spanning the X chromosome. Two‐point and multipoint linkage analyses were performed and the candidate region refined by analyzing additional markers. A multipoint LODmax score of 2.068 was obtained between markers DXS991 and DXS993. Haplotype examination revealed an ∼20 cM region bounded by markers DXS8042 and DXS1216 that segregated with disease in all affected males and obligate carrier females and was not carried by unaffected at‐risk males. To reduce the possibility of a false‐positive linkage result, multiple loci and genes associated with other parkinsonian or spasticity syndromes were excluded. In conclusion, we have identified a unique X‐linked parkinsonian syndrome with variable spasticity and four‐repeat tau pathology, and defined a novel candidate gene locus spanning ∼28 Mb from Xp11.2–Xq13.3. © 2010 Movement Disorder Society
Timed motor tests can detect subtle motor dysfunction in early Parkinson's disease
Authors: Haaxma Charlotte A. , Bloem Bastiaan R. , Overeem Sebastiaan , Borm George F. , Horstink Martin W.I.M.
Published: April 2010

Early diagnosis of Parkinson's disease (PD) is important for putative neuroprotective therapies to be initiated in the earliest stage of the disease. We investigated whether a previously validated timed motor test (TMT) battery could detect subtle motor dysfunction in early PD patients and even in clinically unaffected limbs of strictly hemiparkinsonian patients. We assessed 107 PD patients (symptom duration ≤2 years; dopa‐naive) and 100 healthy, age‐matched controls with eight simple TMTs based on aspects of (a) walking, (b) writing, (c) single and double‐handed pegboard performance, (d) finger tapping, and (e) diadochokinesis. We evaluated the ability of individual and combined TMTs to discriminate patients from controls using ROC curves. Second, we investigated whether these TMTs could identify motor dysfunction of the clinically unaffected limb in 42 strictly hemiparkinsonian patients. The pegboard dexterity test had the best ROC curve (AUC 0.97; 95% sensitivity, 89% specificity) for patients versus controls. It retained reasonable accuracy when testing the clinically unaffected limb of hemiparkinsonian patients versus the mean of right and left‐hand scores in controls (AUC 0.73). The pegboard dexterity test is a sensitive and inexpensive instrument to detect motor dysfunction in early PD. Therefore, it may be worth evaluating as a diagnostic tool in everyday clinical practice to assess patients with early symptomatic PD, or as part of a more elaborate screening battery in a defined population at risk. © 2010 Movement Disorder Society
Statin use and Parkinson's disease in Denmark
Authors: Ritz Beate , Manthripragada Angelika D. , Qian Lei , Schernhammer Eva , Wermuth Lene , Olsen Jorgen , Friis Soren
Published: April 2010

The objective of this study was to investigate whether statin (3‐hydroxy‐3‐methylglutaryl‐coenzyme A reductase inhibitor) use is associated with risk of Parkinson's disease (PD) in Denmark. We identified 1,931 patients with a first time diagnosis of PD reported in hospital or outpatient clinic records between 2001 and 2006. We density matched to these patients 9,651 population controls by birth year and sex relying on the Danish population register. For every participant, we identified pharmacy records of statin and anti‐Parkinson drug prescriptions since 1995 and before index date from a prescription medication use database for all Danish residents. Whenever applicable, the index dates for cases and their corresponding controls were advanced to the date of first recorded prescription for anti‐Parkinson drugs. In our primary analyses, we excluded all statin prescriptions 2‐years before PD diagnosis. Employing logistic regression adjusting for age, sex, diagnosis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and Charlson comorbidity, we observed none to slightly inverse associations between PD diagnosis and statin prescription drug use. Inverse associations with statin use were only observed for short‐term (≤1 yrs) statin users (2‐year lag OR 0.57; 95% CI 0.36 to 0.89); and suggested at higher intensity statin use (2‐year lag OR 0.69; 95% CI 0.45–1.04). No associations were seen among long‐term users and no difference by sex, age, or type of statins used (lipophilic/hydrophilic). We found little evidence for a neuroprotective role of statins in PD except for short‐term or high intensity users. Yet, further investigations into the contributions of intensity, duration, and lag periods of statin use may still be warranted. © 2010 Movement Disorder Society
Influence of deep brain stimulation and levodopa on sensory signs in Parkinson's disease
Authors: Gierthmühlen Janne , Arning Philipp , Binder Andreas , Herzog Jan , Deuschl Günther , Wasner Gunnar , Baron Ralf
Published: April 2010

To examine the effects of levodopa (L‐dopa) and deep brain stimulation of the subthalamic nucleus (STN‐DBS) on sensory symptoms and signs in Parkinson's disease (PD). Seventeen patients with PD were included. (1) Presence of sensory symptoms and (2) effects of L‐dopa and STN‐DBS on sensory symptoms and signs [assessed by quantitative sensory testing (QST)] were examined 6 months after starting STN‐DBS. In addition, in 12 of these patients, presence of sensory symptoms prior and post STN‐DBS was compared. Pain was most frequently nociceptive. In about 30–40%, pain and sensory symptoms were associated with PD motor symptoms. In most of these cases, pain responded to L‐dopa. Intensity of pain was reduced post STN‐DBS compared to pre STN‐DBS. L‐Dopa had no influence on detection thresholds, whereas STN‐DBS improved thermal detection thresholds. However, thermal and mechanical pain thresholds were uninfluenced by L‐dopa or STN‐DBS. Although some patients reported an improvement of pain with STN‐DBS or L‐dopa, objectively pain sensitivity as assessed by QST was not altered by STN‐DBS or L‐dopa suggesting that there is no evidence for a direct modulation of central pain processing by L‐dopa or STN‐DBS. © 2010 Movement Disorder Society
Coenzyme Q10‐responsive ataxia: 2‐year‐treatment follow‐up
Authors: Pineda Merce , Montero Raquel , Aracil Asuncion , O'Callaghan Mar M. , Mas Ana , Espinos Carmen , Martinez‐Rubio Dolores , Palau Francesc , Navas Placido , Briones Paz , Artuch Rafael
Published: April 2010

We assessed the clinical outcome after coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) therapy in 14 patients presenting ataxia classified into two groups according to CoQ10 values in muscle (deficient or not). We performed an open‐label prospective study: patients were evaluated clinically (international cooperative ataxia rating scale [ICARS] scale, MRI, and videotape registration) at baseline and every 6 months during a period of 2 years after CoQ10 treatment (30 mg/kg/day). Patients with CoQ10 deficiency showed a statistically significant reduction of ICARS scores (Wilcoxon test: P = 0.018) after 2 years of CoQ10 treatment when compared with baseline conditions. In patients without CoQ10 deficiency, no statistically significant differences were observed in total ICARS scores after therapy, although 1 patient from this group showed a remarkable clinical amelioration. Biochemical diagnosis of CoQ10 deficiency was a useful tool for the selection of patients who are good candidates for treatment as all of them responded to therapy. However, the remarkable clinical response in 1 case without CoQ10 deficiency highlights the importance of treatment trials for identification of patients with CoQ10‐responsive ataxia. © 2010 Movement Disorder Society
Synthesis and thermal properties of antimony doped tin oxide/waterborne polyurethane nanocomposite films as heat insulating materials
Authors: Dai Zhen , Li Zhihua , Li Li , Xu Gewen
Published: April 2010

The waterborne polyurethane (WPU) was synthesized from the polycondensation between isophorone diisocyanate (IPDI) and polyoxypropylene glycol (N‐210) and then dispersed into water. Subsequently, the WPU emulsion was modified with antimony doped tin oxide (ATO) nanoparticle by ultrasonic dispersion. The ATO/WPU emulsion was cast onto Teflon molds. After being dried, ATO/WPU films were prepared. TEM indicated that the ATO nanoparticles were homogeneously dispersed in the polymer matrix at the nanometer scale. DSC showed that the ATO/WPU nanocomposites displayed increased glass transition temperatures compared to the control WPU. The mechanical properties of the films were characterized by dynamic‐mechanical analysis (DMA). The higher glass transition temperature and storage modulus indicates the superior mechanical properties of WPU modified by ATO nanoparticles over the conventional unmodified WPU. The thermal behaviors of the films were evaluated by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). It could be found that the incorporation of ATO into WPU can improve the thermal stability dramatically. The results from UV–visible–near infrared spectra indicated that the ATO/WPU films could decrease the infrared transmission effectively. The heat‐insulation measurements showed that glass coated with ATO/WPU films possessed better heat‐insulating effect than empty glass. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.