bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Gaining Acceptance into Veterinary School: A Review of Medical and Veterinary Admissions Policies and Practices
Authors: Kogan Lori R. , McConnell Sherry L.
Published: January 2008

Veterinary and medical school admissions policies and committees form the gateway for individuals to become doctors. Thus the process of admissions becomes pivotal in directing the future of these professions. This article is a review of the literature pertaining to veterinary and medical admissions.
Katja's canteen
Authors: Haukanes Haldis
Published: January 2008

This article discusses notions of "public" and "private" in the postsocialist Czech Republic through a comparative examination of food practices in families and in the canteen of an agricultural cooperative in South Bohemia. Different meanings of public and private will be outlined, making up a complex set of referential contexts for the interaction between canteen personnel and customers. Analysis of daily life in the canteen revealed that the personnel tended to personalize customer relations. It is argued that this inclination cannot be explained first and foremost as the influence of market-oriented postsocialist public debates on public-private relations. The canteen is a key provider of services to the community but is not run according to market principles or driven by the logic of profit. Its friendly atmosphere is predicated on the moral practice and personal skills of its employees and is embedded in local cultures of food sharing. By exploring daily practice and interaction in the canteen, the article critically examines implications for the feminist concept of emotional labor that have emerged in studies on capitalist, profit-driven enterprises.
"Veteran care"
Authors: Thelen Tatjana
Published: January 2008

This article examines the ways in which different actors in eastern Germany incorporate socialist veteran care into the new economic and organizational framework of the trade union, the housing cooperative, and the reformed state enterprise itself. The complexities of the different meanings of this care are linked to the rapid socioeconomic changes in eastern Germany, which have challenged both expectations of the future as well as personal identities. The analysis describes the complex shifts in the source of provision and its regulation, which go beyond simple state/nonstate or formal/informal dichotomies. With unification social security practices have lost their previous material significance for former employees, but simultaneously have gained emotional value because they help to assure biographical continuity. These processes (re)create familiarity and community amid the profound economic restructuring after socialism.
Elder care in the new Russia
Authors: Caldwell Melissa L.
Published: January 2008

Changing emigration and co-residence patterns in the post-Soviet period have left many elderly Russians living alone or without caretakers in close proximity. In addition, Russia's transition from state socialism to neoliberal capitalism has encouraged private welfare groups, often funded and staffed by foreigners, to assume increased responsibility for providing social security to elderly people. Consequently, notions of compassion are undergoing transformation in Russia, and the types of people who provide care are also changing dramatically as caregivers are more likely to be strangers, and especially foreigners, rather than family members. This article examines social security arrangements among Russia's elderly, with particular emphasis on the emergence of transnational caregiving relationships, and how these caregiving arrangements differ from global care networks reported elsewhere.
Demonstrating resistance
Authors: Goddardl Victoria Ana
Published: January 2008

This article explores ways in which the Mothers of Plaza de Mayo confronted the state on the violence perpetrated during Argentina's "dirty war" during the 1970s and early 1980s. Focusing particularly on the Marches of Resistance initiated during the last years of the military regime in 1981, the article argues that their resistance had an important effect on political culture, encouraging participation and innovative forms of political action. At the same time, shifts in political conditions also caused internal changes in the Mothers' movement. A discussion of the circumstances that resulted in a schism within the movement and current divergences in conducting the marches leads to reflections on different interpretations of the political.
Security for whom?
Authors: Ribeiro Gustavo Lins
Published: January 2008

The most important political and ethical issues in North American anthropology today concern anthropologists' relationships with the "security and intelligence communities." The call for anthropological participation in warfare has never been so intense, yet recruitment of anthropologists is not new for hegemonic anthropologies. Their relationships with state power have a long history of contradictory political and professional engagements. After a brief discussion of the notion of national security and its intimate relations to nation-state projects and elites, I consider the importance of culture and anthropological knowledge for politicians and conclude first that anthropologists need to be aware of how the discipline and its uses are part of much larger power relations and constraints, and second that anthropological knowledge is already always political.
Effect of dynamic loading on solute transport in soft gels implication for drug delivery
Authors: Urciuolo F. , Imparato G. , Netti P. A.
Published: January 2008

Solute transport through soft gels and tissues is intimately coupled to mechanical stress and deformation of the macromolecular network. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of periodic mechanical stimuli upon solute transport through agarose gels at different concentrations. For this purpose it was experimentally evaluated the materials parameters that govern the coupling between elasto‐dynamic and solute transport: hydraulic conductivity (K), elastic modulus (HA), and macromolecular diffusivity (Dg) along with their strain dependence behavior. Mechanical activated solute transport simulation was carried out in order to elucidate the role of amplitude and frequency of soliciting mechanical stimuli on mass kinetics release. Results show that mechanical loading affects the release of macromolecules from a gel in a frequency and strain dependent manner. These findings pave the way for novel strategies for the design and engineering of smart drug delivery devices with transport mechanisms triggered by mechanical stimuli. © 2008 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2008
Retinal microangiopathy and rapidly fatal cerebral edema in a patient with adult‐onset Still's disease and concurrent macrophage activation syndrome
Authors: Gianella Sara , Schaer Dominik J. , Schwarz Urs , Kurrer Michael , Heppner Frank L. , Fehr Jörg , Seebach Jörg D.
Published: January 2008

Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) is a complex inflammatory disease with multiple diagnostic and therapeutic pitfalls. The congenital form, referred to as familial hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (FHL), is often associated with cerebromeningeal involvement, whereas neurological complications are not characteristic of the adult form of secondary HLH (sHLH). Here we report the case of a 20‐year‐old woman with adult‐onset Still's disease (AOSD), retinal microangiopathy and concurrent macrophage activation syndrome (MAS), in the context of sHLH. Following treatment with etanercept, ibuprofen, methylprednisolon, and phenylbutazone for 3 weeks, MAS deteriorated and fatal cerebral edema occurred within only 24 h. The clinical signs and neuropathological findings are discussed with special emphasis on possible relationships between the aggravation of MAS and therapeutic interventions for AOSD. In conclusion, even the slightest sign of mental decline in a patient with AOSD must be considered central nervous system MAS which can be rapidly fatal. Am. J. Hematol., 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Effect of eradication of Helicobacter pylori on platelet recovery in patients with chronic idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura: A controlled trial
Authors: Rostami Nematollah , Keshtkar‐Jahromi Maryam , Rahnavardi Mohammad , Keshtkar‐Jahromi Marzieh , Soghra Esfahani Fatemeh
Published: January 2008

Several recent studies have suggested that an association exists between Helicobacter pylori (HP) eradication and improvement in platelet count in a significant proportion of patients with idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP). In this controlled study, we prospectively examined adult patients with chronic ITP for HP infection, and assessed the effect of HP eradication on platelet count. One hundred forty‐two consecutive Iranian patients with chronic ITP were assessed. Those who met the criteria and had platelet counts >30 × 109/L within the medication‐free screening month were enrolled (n = 129; 66 females; mean age, 29.2 ± 7.0 years). HP‐positive patients received a 2‐week course of triple HP eradication therapy (i.e., amoxicillin, clarithromycin, and omeprazole) and were followed for 48 weeks. An ITP response was defined as a platelet count of >100 × 109/L 24 weeks after treatment, together with an increase in the platelet count >30 × 109/L over the baseline value. HP infection was detected in 79 (61%) patients. HP‐positive patients were significantly older than HP‐negative subjects (P = 0.018). HP eradication was successful in 87% (62/71) of those who completed the eradication therapy. Whereas 48% (30/62) of HP‐eradicated patients showed an ITP response, no HP‐negative patient had an ITP response. The ITP response persisted for 48 weeks in 93% (28/30) of the responders. The ITP responders had a shorter disease duration than the nonresponders (P = 0.002). The management of mild‐to‐moderate chronic ITP in Iranian patients, especially those with a recent onset of disease, should include an investigation for and eradication of infection with HP. Am. J. Hematol., 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Synthesis of novel rhodium‐xylyl linked N‐heterocyclic carbene complexes as hydrosilylation catalysts
Authors: Özdemir Ismail , Demir Serpil , Şahin Onur , Büyükgüngör Orhan , Çetinkaya Bekir
Published: January 2008

Reaction of ortho‐xylylbis(N‐2,4,6‐trimethylbenzylimidazolinium); xylylbis(N‐butylimidazolinium) and para‐xylylbis(N‐2,4,6‐trimethylbenzylimidazolinium); xylylbis(N‐butylimidazolinium) salts with KOBut and [RhCl(COD)]2 yields ortho‐ and para‐xylylbis{(N‐alkylimidazolidin‐2‐ylidene)chloro(η4‐1,5‐cyclooctadiene) rho dium(I)} complexes (2a–d). All compounds synthesized were characterized by elemental analysis and NMR spectroscopy, and the molecular structures of the 2a and 2d were determined by X‐ray crystallography. Triethylsilane reacts with acetophenone derivatives in the presence of catalytic amount of the new rhodium(I)–carbene complexes (2a–d), to give the corresponding silylethers in good yields (83–99%). Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synthesis, crystal structure and infrared spectra of Cu(II) and Co(II) complexes with 4,4′‐dichloro‐2,2′‐[ethylene dioxybis(nitrilomethylidyne)]diphenol
Authors: Dong Wenkui , Shi Junyan , Xu Li , Zhong Jinkui , Duan Jingui , Zhang Yanping
Published: January 2008

Novel 4,4′‐dichloro‐2,2′‐[ethylenedioxybis(nitrilomethylidyne)]diphenol (H2L) and its complexes [CuL] and {[CoL(THF)]2(OAc)2Co} have been synthesized and characterized by elemental analyses, IR, 1H‐NMR and X‐ray crystallography. [CuL] forms a mononuclear structure which may be stabilized by the intermolecular contacts between copper atom (Cu) and oxygen atom (O3) to form a head‐to‐tail dimer. In {[CoL(THF)]2(OAc)2Co}, two acetates coordinate to three cobalt ions through CoOCOCo bridges and four µ‐phenoxo oxygen atoms from two [CoL(THF)] units also coordinate to cobalt ions. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A statistical analysis of the web presences of European life sciences research teams
Authors: Barjak Franz , Thelwall Mike
Published: January 2008

Web links have been used for around ten years to explore the online impact of academic information and information producers. Nevertheless, few studies have attempted to relate link counts to relevant offline attributes of the owners of the targeted Web sites, with the exception of research productivity. This article reports the results of a study to relate site inlink counts to relevant owner characteristics for over 400 European life‐science research group Web sites. The analysis confirmed that research‐group size and Web‐presence size were important for attracting Web links, although research productivity was not. Little evidence was found for significant influence of any of an array of factors, including research‐group leader gender and industry connections. In addition, the choice of search engine for link data created a surprising international difference in the results, with Google perhaps giving unreliable results. Overall, the data collection, statistical analysis and results interpretation were all complex and it seems that we still need to know more about search engines, hyperlinks, and their function in science before we can draw conclusions on their usefulness and role in the canon of science and technology indicators.
Optimal replacement policy for obsolete components with general failure rates
Authors: Mercier Sophie
Published: January 2008

Identical components are considered, which become obsolete once new‐type ones are available, more reliable and less energy consuming. We envision different possible replacement strategies for the old‐type components by the new‐type ones: either purely preventive, where all old‐type components are replaced as soon as the new‐type ones are available; either purely corrective, where the old‐type ones are replaced by new‐type ones only at failure; or a mixture of both strategies, where the old‐type ones are first replaced at failure by new‐type ones and next simultaneously preventively replaced after a fixed number of failed old‐type components.

To evaluate the respective value of each possible strategy, a cost function is considered, which represents the mean total cost on some finite time interval [0, t]. This function takes into account replacement costs, with economical dependence between simultaneous replacements, and also some energy consumption (and/or production) cost, with a constant rate per unit time.

A full analytical expression is provided for the cost function induced by each possible replacement strategy. The optimal strategy is derived in long‐time run. Numerical experiments conclude the paper. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Mouse genetic models of cleft lip with or without cleft palate
Authors: Juriloff Diana M. , Harris Muriel J.
Published: January 2008

Nonsyndromic cleft lip and palate (CLP) is among the most common human birth defects. Transmission patterns suggest that the causes are “multifactorial” combinations of genetic and nongenetic factors, mostly distinct from those causing cleft secondary palate (CP). The major etiological factors are largely unknown, and the embryological mechanisms are not well understood. In contrast to CP or neural tube defects (NTD), CLP is uncommon in mouse mutants. Fourteen known mutants or strains express CLP, often as part of a severe syndrome, whereas nonsyndromic CLP is found in two conditional mutants and in two multifactorial models based on a hypomorphic variant with an epigenetic factor. This pattern suggests that human nonsyndromic CLP is likely caused by regulatory and hypomorphic gene variants, and may also involve epigenetics. The developmental pathogenic mechanism varies among mutants and includes deficiencies of growth of the medial, lateral or maxillary facial prominences, defects in the fusion process itself, and shifted midline position of the medial prominences. Several CLP mutants also have NTD, suggesting potential genetic overlap of the traits in humans. The mutants may reflect two interacting sets of genetic signaling pathways: Bmp4, Bmpr1a, Sp8, and Wnt9b may be in one set, and Tcfap2a and Sox11 may be in another. Combining the results of chromosomal linkage studies of unidentified human CLP genes with insights from the mouse models, the following previously unexamined genes are identified as strong candidate genes for causative roles in human nonsyndromic CLP: BMP4, BMPR1B, TFAP2A, SOX4, WNT9B, WNT3, and SP8. Birth Defects Research (Part A), 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Nutrient intakes in women and congenital diaphragmatic hernia in their offspring
Authors: Yang Wei , Shaw Gary M. , Carmichael Suzan L. , Rasmussen Sonja A. , Waller D. Kim , Pober Barbara R. , Anderka Marlene
Published: January 2008

BACKGROUND: Congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) is a severe birth defect where there is an opening in the diaphragm through which a portion of the abdominal contents protrudes into the thoracic cavity. The etiologies of CDH remain unknown, although experimental animal data suggest dietary factors might play a role. This study examined whether maternal nutrient intakes were associated with delivering infants with CDH. METHODS: We analyzed infants with isolated CDH who were born from 1997 to 2003 and recruited into the National Birth Defects Prevention Study (NBDPS), a multisite, population‐based case‐control study. Exposure data were obtained from telephone interviews, which were completed within 24 months after delivery, and were available for 377 case mothers and 5,008 control mothers. A food frequency questionnaire was used to derive nutrient intakes during the year before pregnancy. RESULTS: A crude OR of 0.6 (95% CI: 0.3–1.0) was observed for higher intake of choline. Elevated ORs (1.4 to 1.7) were found for lower intakes of choline, cysteine, methionine, and protein. Among women who took vitamin supplements, higher intakes of B vitamins (i.e., folate, vitamin B1, B2, B6, and B12), minerals (i.e., calcium, iron, magnesium, and zinc), and vitamin E were inversely associated with CDH (ORs from 0.7–0.3). Moreover, among women who did not take vitamin supplements, lower intakes of calcium, retinol, selenium, vitamin B12, and vitamin E had positive associations with CDH (ORs from 1.4 to 2.1). CONCLUSIONS: Our observations contribute to a limited body of evidence suggesting a woman's periconceptional diet might be associated with CDH in her offspring. Birth Defects Research (Part A), 2008. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Self‐quenching in the electrochemiluminescence of Ru(bpy)32+ using ascorbic acid as co‐reactant
Authors: Takahashi Fumiki , Jin Jiye
Published: January 2008

In this study, electrochemiluminescence (ECL) of Ru(bpy)32+ (bpy = 2,2′‐bipyridyl) using ascorbic acid (H2A) as co‐reactant was investigated in an aqueous solution. When H2A was co‐existent in a Ru(bpy)32+‐containing buffer solution, ECL peaks were observed at a potential corresponding to the oxidation of Ru(bpy)32+, and the intensity was proportional to H2A concentration at lower concentration levels. The formation of the excited state *Ru(bpy)32+ was confirmed to result from the co‐reaction between Ru(bpy)33+and the intermediate of ascorbate anion radical (A−•), which showed the maximum ECL at pH = 8.8. It is our first finding that the ECL intensity would be quenched significantly when the concentration of H2A was relatively higher, or upon ultrasonic irradiation. In most instances, quenching is observed with four‐fold excess of H2A over Ru(bpy)32+. The diffusional self‐quenching scheme as well as the possible reaction pathways involved in the Ru(bpy)32+–H2A ECL system are discussed in this study. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Study of corrosion resistance improvement by metallic coating for overhead transmission line conductor
Authors: Isozaki Masanori , Adachi Kouichi , Hita Takanori , Asano Yuji
Published: January 2008

Applying anticorrosion grease and aluminum‐clad steel (AC) wires to ACSR have been adopted as general methods to protect overhead transmission line conductors and/or wires from corrosion. However, in some cases those means have been found to be ineffective on some transmission lines passing through acid atmosphere in the vicinity of a factory exhausting acid smoke. The corrosion caused by acid atmosphere is characterized by a higher speed in its progress as is well known.

As means against such acid corrosion, application of high‐purity aluminum, selective removal of intermetallic compound in aluminum, and plastic coating wires have been reported before, and each has both advantages and disadvantages. In a former report, we found that a new type of anticorrosion grease shows an excellent property against acid atmosphere as well as in a salty condition.

Here we present a new type of anticorrosion technology of applying high‐corrosion‐resistance aluminum alloy or zinc coatings on each component wire of a conductor that we succeeded in developing through a serial study of anticorrosion methods on overhead transmission lines. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electr Eng Jpn, 163(1): 41–47, 2008; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/eej.20365
Development of a high‐speed electromagnetic repulsion mechanism for high‐voltage vacuum circuit breakers
Authors: Tsukima Mitsuru , Takeuchi Toshie , Koyama Kenichi , Yoshiyasu Hajimu
Published: January 2008

This paper presents a design and testing of a new high‐speed electromagnetic driving mechanism for a high‐voltage vacuum circuit breaker (VCB). This mechanism is based on a high‐speed electromagnetic repulsion and a permanent magnet spring (PMS). This PMS is introduced instead of the conventional disk spring due to its low spring energy and more suitable force characteristics for VCB application. The PMS has been optimally designed by the 3D nonlinear finite‐elements magnetic field analysis and investigated its internal friction and eddy‐current effect. Furthermore, we calculated the dynamic of this mechanism coupling with the electromagnetic field and circuit analysis, in order to satisfy the operating characteristics—contact velocity, response time, and so on, required for the high‐speed VCB. A prototype VCB, which was built based on the above analysis, shows sufficient operating performance. Finally, the short circuit interruption tests were carried out with this prototype breaker, and we have been able to verify its satisfying performance. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electr Eng Jpn, 163(1): 34–40, 2008; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/eej.20398
Power system stabilization control based on the wide area phasor measurement
Authors: Watanabe Masayuki , Hashiguchi Takuhei , Izumi Takanori , Mitani Yasunori
Published: January 2008

This paper presents a method of tuning power system stabilizers (PSS) in order to damp low‐frequency oscillations in a multimachine power system based on wide area phasor measurements. The authors have developed a method for detecting interarea low‐frequency modes from measured small oscillations associated with load fluctuations by approximating the oscillations as a coupled vibration model. In this paper, the coupled vibration model is extended to include the effect of PSS. PSS are tuned directly by using the extended model, since the model includes parameters of PSS. The advantage of this method is that steady state phasor fluctuations are available for tuning PSS and assessing the effect of the tuning control. That is, a large disturbance like a line fault is not necessary since the stability of major modes can be investigated directly by using eigenvalues of the extended model. The identification process does not require information on the input to the system for perturbation. Some numerical analyses demonstrate the effectiveness of the method by using phasor dynamical data obtained by a power system simulation package. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electr Eng Jpn, 163(1): 16–24, 2008; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/eej.20640
Modelling the effects of air pollution on health using Bayesian dynamic generalised linear models
Authors: Lee Duncan , Shaddick Gavin
Published: January 2008

The relationship between short‐term exposure to air pollution and mortality or morbidity has been the subject of much recent research, in which the standard method of analysis uses Poisson linear or additive models. In this paper, we use a Bayesian dynamic generalised linear model (DGLM) to estimate this relationship, which allows the standard linear or additive model to be extended in two ways: (i) the long‐term trend and temporal correlation present in the health data can be modelled by an autoregressive process rather than a smooth function of calendar time; (ii) the effects of air pollution are allowed to evolve over time. The efficacy of these two extensions are investigated by applying a series of dynamic and non‐dynamic models to air pollution and mortality data from Greater London. A Bayesian approach is taken throughout, and a Markov chain monte carlo simulation algorithm is presented for inference. An alternative likelihood based analysis is also presented, in order to allow a direct comparison with the only previous analysis of air pollution and health data using a DGLM. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A semi‐structured interview to assess visual hallucinations in older people
Authors: Mosimann Urs Peter , Collerton Daniel , Dudley Robert , Meyer Thomas Daniel , Graham Gemma , Dean Jennifer Louise , Bearn Daniel , Killen Alison , Dickinson Lucy , Clarke Mike Patrick , McKeith Ian Grant
Published: January 2008

Objective

Visual hallucinations are under‐reported by patients and are often undiscovered by health professionals. There is no gold standard available to assess hallucinations. Our objective was to develop a reliable, valid, semi‐structured interview for identifying and assessing visual hallucinations in older people with eye disease and cognitive impairment.

Methods

We piloted the North‐East Visual Hallucinations Interview (NEVHI) in 80 older people with visual and/or cognitive impairment (patient group) and 34 older people without known risks of hallucinations (control group). The informants of 11 patients were interviewed separately. We established face validity, content validity, criterion validity, inter‐rater agreement and the internal consistency of the NEVHI, and assessed the factor structure for questions evaluating emotions, cognitions, and behaviours associated with hallucinations.

Results

Recurrent visual hallucinations were common in the patient group (68.8%) and absent in controls (0%). The criterion, face and content validities were good and the internal consistency of screening questions for hallucinations was high (Cronbach alpha: 0.71). The inter‐rater agreements for simple and complex hallucinations were good (Kappa 0.72 and 0.83, respectively). Four factors associated with experiencing hallucinations (perceived control, pleasantness, distress and awareness) were identified and explained a total variance of 73%. Informants gave more ‘don't know answers’ than patients throughout the interview (p = 0.008), especially to questions evaluating cognitions and emotions associated with hallucinations (p = 0.02).

Conclusions

NEVHI is a comprehensive assessment tool, helpful to identify the presence of visual hallucinations and to quantify cognitions, emotions and behaviours associated with hallucinations. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Biliary epithelial cells and primary biliary cirrhosis: The role of liver-infiltrating mononuclear cells
Authors: Shimoda Shinji , Harada Kenichi , Niiro Hiroaki , Yoshizumi Tomoharu , Soejima Yuji , Taketomi Akinobu , Maehara Yoshihiko , Tsuneyama Koichi , Nakamura Minoru , Komori Atsumasa , Migita Kiyoshi , Nakanuma Yasuni , Ishibashi Hiromi , Selmi Carlo , Gershwin Eric M.
Published: January 2008

Primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) is characterized by the highly selective autoimmune injury of small intrahepatic bile ducts, despite widespread distribution of mitochondrial autoantigens. On this basis, it has been suggested that the targeted biliary epithelial cells (BECs) play an active role in the perpetuation of autoimmunity by attracting immune cells via chemokine secretion. To address this issue, we challenged BECs from patients with PBC and controls using multiple Toll-like receptor (TLR) ligands as well as autologous liver-infiltrating mononuclear cells (LMNCs) with subsequent measurement of BEC phenotype and chemokine production and LMNC chemotaxis by quantifying specific chemokines. Our data reflect that BECs from PBC patients and controls express similar levels of TLR subtypes, CD40, and human leukocyte antigen DRα (HLA-DRα) and produce equivalent amounts of chemokines in our experimental conditions. Interestingly, however, BEC-expressed chemokines elicit enhanced transmigration of PBC LMNCs compared with controls. Furthermore, the addition of autologous LMNCs to PBC BECs led to the production of higher levels of chemokines and enhanced the expression of CD40 and HLA-DRα.

Conclusion:

We submit that the proinflammatory activity of BECs in PBC is secondary to the intervention of LMNCs and is not determined per se. These data support the hypothesis that BECs are in fact “innocent victims” of autoimmune injury and that the adaptive immune response is critical in PBC.
Pure antiestrogen‐induced G1‐arrest in myeloma cells results from the reduced kinase activity of cyclin D3/CDK6 complexes whereas apoptosis is mediated by endoplasmic reticulum‐dependent caspases
Authors: Gauduchon Juliette , Seguin Amélie , Marsaud Véronique , Clay Denis , Renoir Jack‐Michel , Sola Brigitte
Published: January 2008

Multiple myeloma (MM) is a malignancy characterized by the accumulation of tumoral plasma cells in bone marrow. This disease remains incurable and the development of new therapeutic strategies is urgently required. We have studied the effects of 2 selective estrogen receptor disrupters (SERDs), RU 58668 (RU) and ICI 182,780 (ICI) or pure antiestrogens (AEs) on MM cell lines. Both compounds have antimyeloma activity through either cell cycle arrest or induction of apoptosis. To analyze the molecular mechanisms of SERD action, we choose 2 differently responding cell lines as models. In LP‐1 cells, RU blocked cell cycle at the G1 phase. RU treatment induced a rapid decrease of c‐Myc, an upregulation of p27Kip1, and the subsequent decreased activity of cyclin‐dependent kinase, CDK6 and associated cyclin D3, impairing the inactivation of the retinoblastoma protein (pRb). In RPMI 8226 cells, RU induced apoptosis by recruiting endoplasmic reticulum‐ as well as mitochondria‐associated caspases. Moreover, RU interfered with the NF‐κB survival pathway, often deregulated in MM malignancy. Antimyeloma activities were observed in dexamethasone (Dex)‐ and RU‐resistant cells when RU was combined with bortezomib; Dex and bortezomib being frequently used in MM therapy. RU induced the death of CD138+ cells purified from MM patients but not CD19+ normal cells obtained from tonsils. Therefore, RU mediates the inhibition of survival, the activation of apoptosis and finally potentiates anticancer drug. Those combinatory effects provide a basis for the potential use of pure AEs in MM treatment. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Rectal gastrointestinal stromal tumors associated with a novel germline KIT mutation
Authors: Woźniak Agnieszka , Rutkowski Piotr , Sciot Raf , Ruka Włodzimierz , Michej Wanda , Debiec‐Rychter Maria
Published: January 2008

Somatic, activating mutations of KIT or PDGFRA are early oncogenic events in the majority of sporadic gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs). Also a number of families with GISTs have been described in recent years. The familial GIST syndrome is a rare autosomal dominant disorder with high penetrance and diverse manifestations associated mostly with germline KIT mutations. In this report, we show a novel germline mutation in the juxtamembrane domain of KIT, identified in 2 brothers, both presenting with recurrent, high risk/malignant rectal GISTs. The KIT p.Q575_P577delinsH mutation was found in tumor samples as well as in peripheral blood leukocytes from both patients, proving that the mutation was indeed inherited. Besides rectal GISTs, no other features characteristic for the familial GIST syndrome was observed in either brother or any of their first‐degree relatives. The patients were treated with imatinib, achieving either long‐term partial response or stable disease. This observation confirms that imatinib can be successfully used in familial GISTs, as it is used in the sporadic advanced tumors, and that tumors bearing a KIT p.Q575_P577delinsH mutation are responsive to imatinib treatment. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Prohibitin silencing reverses stabilization of mitochondrial integrity and chemoresistance in ovarian cancer cells by increasing their sensitivity to apoptosis
Authors: Gregory‐Bass Rosalind C. , Olatinwo Moshood , Xu Wei , Matthews Roland , Stiles Jonathan K. , Thomas Kelwyn , Liu Dong , Tsang Benjamin , Thompson Winston E.
Published: January 2008

Current approaches to the treatment of ovarian cancer are limited because of the development of resistance to chemotherapy. Prohibitin (Phb1) is a possible candidate protein that contributes to development of drug resistance, which could be targeted in neoplastic cells. Phb1 is a highly conserved protein that is associated with a block in the G0/G1 phase of the cell cycle and also with cell survival. Our study was designed to determine the role of Phb1 in regulating cellular growth and apoptosis in ovarian cancer cells. Our results showed that Phb1 content is differentially overexpressed in papillary serous ovarian carcinoma and endometrioid ovarian adenocarcinoma when compared to normal ovarian epithelium and was inversely related to Ki67 expression. Immunofluorescence microscopy and Western analyses revealed that Phb1 is primarily associated with the mitochondria in ovarian cancer cells. Over‐expression of Phb1 by adenoviral Phb1 infection resulted in an increase in the percentage of ovarian cancer cells accumulating at G0/G1 phase of the cell cycle. Treatment of ovarian cancer cells with staurosporine (STS) induced apoptosis in a time‐dependent manner. Phb1 over‐expression induced cellular resistance to STS via the intrinsic apoptotic pathway. In contrast, silencing of Phb1 expression by adenoviral small interfering RNA (siRNA) sensitized ovarian cancer cells to STS‐induce apoptosis. Taken together, these results suggest that Phb1 induces block at G0/G1 phase of the cell cycle and promotes survival of cancer cells. Furthermore, silencing of the Phb1 gene expression may prove to be a valuable therapeutic approach for chemoresistant ovarian cancer by increasing sensitivity of cancer cells to apoptosis. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Numerical modelling of conductive and convective heat transfers in retinal laser applications
Authors: Sandeau J. , Kandulla J. , Elsner H. , Brinkmann R. , Apiou‐Sbirlea G. , Birngruber R.
Published: January 2008

The control of the temperature increase is an important issue in retinal laser treatments. Within the fundus of the eye heat, generated by absorption of light, is transmitted by diffusion in the retinal pigment epithelium and in the choroid and lost by convection due to the choroidal blood flow. The temperature can be spatially and temporally determined by solving the heat equation. In a former analytical model this was achieved by assuming uniform convection for the whole fundus of the eye. A numerical method avoiding this unrealistic assumption by considering convective heat transfer only in the choroid is used here to solve the heat equation. Numerical results are compared with experimental results obtained by using a novel method of noninvasive optoacoustic retinal temperature measurements in rabbits. Assuming global convection the perfusion coefficient was evaluated to 0.07 s−1, whereas a value of 0.32 s−1 – much closer to values found in the literature (between 0.28 and 0.30 s−1) – was obtained when choroidal convection was assumed, showing the advantage of the numerical method. The modelling of retinal laser treatment is thus improved and could be considered in the future to optimize treatments by calculating retinal temperature increases under various tissues and laser properties. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Use of mannosylated cationic liposomes/ immunostimulatory CpG DNA complex for effective inhibition of peritoneal dissemination in mice
Authors: Kuramoto Yukari , Kawakami Shigeru , Zhou Shuwen , Fukuda Kyouichi , Yamashita Fumiyoshi , Hashida Mitsuru
Published: January 2008

Background

Immunotherapy using immunostimulatory CpG DNA could be a promising new therapeutic approach to combat refractory peritoneal dissemination. In the present study, we report the use of a mannosylated cationic liposomes/immunostimulatory CpG DNA complex (Man/CpG DNA lipoplex) for effective inhibition of peritoneal dissemination in mice.

Methods

The immune response characteristics of the Man/CpG DNA lipoplex were evaluated by measuring tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐α production using primary cultured mouse peritoneal macrophages. Subsequently, Man/CpG DNA lipoplex was administered intraperitoneally (i.p.) to peritoneal dissemination model mice, and the number of tumor cells (colon26/Luc) was quantitatively evaluated by measuring luciferase activity. The effect on survival time of the Man/CpG DNA lipoplex was also investigated. The serum transaminase levels of mice receiving i.p. Man/CpG DNA lipoplex treatment were measured to evaluate systemic toxicity.

Results

The Man/CpG DNA lipoplex induced higher TNF‐α production from macrophages than CpG DNA complexed with conventional cationic liposomes and galactosylated cationic liposomes (Bare/CpG DNA lipoplex and Gal/CpG DNA lipoplex), suggesting mannose receptor‐mediated CpG DNA transfer. Intraperitoneal administration of Man/CpG DNA lipoplex inhibited the proliferation of tumor cells in the greater omentum and the mesentery more efficiently than Bare/CpG DNA lipoplex and Gal/CpG DNA lipoplex. Furthermore, the survival time of the peritoneal dissemination model mice was prolonged by i.p. administration of Man/CpG DNA lipoplex. The serum transaminase levels of mice receiving i.p. Man/CpG DNA lipoplex were found to be the same as those of untreated mice.

Conclusions

The results obtained suggest that i.p. administered Man/CpG DNA lipoplex can be used for efficient immunotherapy to combat peritoneal dissemination. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Magnetic resonance imaging of the hip
Authors: Hong Raymond J. , Hughes Tudor H. , Gentili Amilcare , Chung Christine B.
Published: January 2008

Standard magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) as well as MR arthrography (MRA) have been important diagnostic tools to assess for a spectrum of clinical presentations related to the hip. MRA has allowed the radiologist to closely examine intracapsular structures such as the acetabular labrum. In this article, we provide a general review of soft tissue and osseous anatomy of hips, especially focusing on the MR appearances of the acetabular labrum and the osseous morphology of the greater trochanter and ischial tuberosity with their muscle and tendon attachments. In addition, current topics in recent literature will be discussed such as femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) and rotator cuff tears of the hip. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Assessment of left ventricular volumes and mass with fast 3D cine steady‐state free precession k‐t space broad‐use linear acquisition speed‐up technique (k‐t BLAST)
Authors: Greil Gerald F. , Germann Sabrina , Kozerke Sebastian , Baltes Christof , Tsao Jeffrey , Urschitz Michael S. , Seeger Achim , Tangcharoen Tarinee , Bialkowsky Anja , Miller Stephan , Sieverding Ludger
Published: January 2008

Purpose

To compare left ventricular (LV) volume and mass assessment using two‐dimensional (2D) cine steady‐state free precession (SSFP) and k‐t space broad‐use linear acquisition speed‐up technique (k‐t BLAST) accelerated 3D magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Materials and Methods

On a commercially available 1.5T MR scanner, 2D cine SSFP, six‐ and eight‐fold accelerated 3D k‐t BLAST were performed to evaluate LV volumes and mass in 17 volunteers. After semiautomatic segmentation of the different MR data sets, the resulting volumes and mass were compared according to the mean difference, 95% confidence interval, standard deviation (SD), Pearson's correlation coefficient, Bland‐Altman analysis, and the Pitman‐Morgan test.

Results

Data acquisition was successful in all subjects. The number of required breathholds was reduced from a maximal of five for the 2D cine SSFP sequence to two for 3D k‐t BLAST sequences. Comparing LV volumes, there was excellent agreement between 2D and 3D cine 8× k‐t BLAST SSFP volumes (mean difference ± 2SD end‐diastolic volume [EDV] = 5 ± 8 mL, end‐systolic volume [ESV] = 1 ±12 mL, and stroke volume [SV] = 3 ± 8 mL), and mass (–1.8 ± 9 g).

Conclusion

k‐t BLAST–accelerated 3D sequences allow accurate assessment of LV volumes and mass compared to 2D cine SSFP. This method may reduce costs and increase patient comfort due to shortened data acquisition time and reduced number of breathholds. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Intraoperative MR‐guided neurosurgery
Authors: Hall Walter A. , Truwit Charles L.
Published: January 2008

For more than a decade neurosurgeons have become increasingly dependent on image guidance to perform safe, efficient, and cost‐effective surgery. Neuronavigation is frame‐based or frameless and requires obtaining computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans several days or immediately before surgery. Unfortunately, these systems do not allow the neurosurgeon to adjust for the brain shift that occurs once the cranium is open. This technical inability has led to the development of intraoperative MRI (ioMRI) systems ranging from 0.12–3.0T in strength. The advantages of ioMRI are the excellent soft tissue discrimination and the ability to view the operative site in three dimensions. Enhanced visualization of the intracranial lesion enables the neurosurgeon to choose a safe surgical trajectory that avoids critical structures, to maximize the extent of the tumor resection, and to exclude an intraoperative hemorrhage. All ioMRI systems provide basic T1‐ and T2‐weighted imaging capabilities but high‐field (1.5T) systems can also perform MR spectroscopy (MRS), MR venography (MRV), MR angiography (MRA), brain activation studies, chemical shift imaging, and diffusion‐weighted imaging. Identifying vascular structures by MRA or MRV may prevent injury during surgery. Demonstrating elevated phosphocholine within a tumor may improve the diagnostic yield of brain biopsy. Mapping out neurologic function may influence the surgical approach to a tumor. The optimal strength for MR‐guided neurosurgery is currently under investigation. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Retinoic acid enhances prostaglandin E2 production through increased expression of cyclooxygenase‐2 and microsomal prostaglandin E synthase‐1 in rat brain microglia
Authors: Kim Beomsue , Lee Jee‐Hyung , Yang Myung‐Soon , Jou Ilo , Joe Eun‐Hye
Published: January 2008

Retinoic acid (RA) is a well‐known antiinflammatory agent. In this study, we show that RA has a dual effect on cyclooxygenase‐2 (COX‐2) expression in inflammatory activated microglia, the resident brain macrophages. After treatment of microglia with LPS or thrombin, COX‐2 expression was induced in two phases, specifically, an initial increase at about 12 hr after stimulation followed by a decrease, and another increase at about 48–72 hr. However, PGE2 and 15d‐PGJ2 were detected at about 12 hr, and the levels continuously increased thereafter. Interestingly, all‐trans retinoic acid (ATRA) suppressed the expression of early‐phase COX‐2 but augmented late‐phase COX‐2 and inhibited iNOS in the whole time sequence. ATRA enhanced PGE2 production but had little effect on 15d‐PGJ2. Moreover, ATRA selectively up‐regulated the expression of a PGE2 synthase, mPGES‐1, but had little effect on the PGD2 synthase, H‐PGDS. The results collectively suggest that ATRA modulates microglial responses to inflammatory stimulators, particularly at the late phase, via enhancement of COX‐2 expression and PGE2 production. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
1α,25‐dihydroxyvitamin D3 attenuates cyanide‐induced neurotoxicity by inhibiting uncoupling protein‐2 up‐regulation
Authors: Li L. , Prabhakaran K. , Zhang X. , Zhang L. , Liu H. , Borowitz J.L. , Isom G.E.
Published: January 2008

1α,25‐dihydroxyvitamin D3 (VD3) is a neuroprotectant that can reduce cytotoxicity produced by a variety of toxicants. The mechanism of the neuroprotection was studied in rat primary cortical cells in which Wy14,643, an agonist of peroxisome proliferator activated receptor‐α (PPARα), enhances cyanide (KCN) neurotoxicity. In this cell model, Wy14,643 pretreatment enhanced cyanide‐induced cell death, and the increased cell death was linked to up‐regulation of uncoupling protein‐2 (UCP‐2). VD3 reversed cyanide‐induced mitochondrial dysfunction in cells pretreated with Wy14,643, as reflected by restoration of cellular ATP and mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm). Analysis of cellular state 4 oxygen consumption showed increased mitochondrial uncoupling accompanied by up‐regulation of UPC‐2. The uncoupling was attenuated by prior treatment with VD3. The interaction of VD3 with UCP‐2 was attributed to increased expression of IκB, an inhibitor of NF‐κB (transcription factor that regulates UCP‐2 expression). The increased IκB levels lead to reduced nuclear translocation and DNA binding of nuclear factor‐κB. The role of oxidative stress in the response was then evaluated. Cotreatment with Wy14,643 and cyanide markedly increased reactive oxygen species generation and decreased reduced glutathione levels. The oxidative stress was blocked by VD3 pretreatment. It was concluded that VD3 blocks Wy14,643 enhancement of cyanide neurotoxicity by suppressing the redox‐mediated transcriptional up‐regulation of UCP‐2, resulting in reduced mitochondrial proton leak and stabilization of mitochondrial function. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A novel role of hippocalcin in bFGF‐induced neurite outgrowth of H19‐7 cells
Authors: Oh Doo‐Yi , Cho Ju Hwan , Park Shin‐Young , Kim Yong Seok , Yoon Young‐Ju , Yoon Shin Hee , Chung Kwang Chul , Lee Ki Sung , Han Joong‐Soo
Published: January 2008

Hippocalcin is a Ca2+‐binding protein that is expressed mainly in pyramidal nerve cells of the hippocampus. However, its functions and mechanism in the brain remain unclear. To elucidate the role of hippocalcin, we used a conditionally immortalized hippocampal cell line (H19‐7) and showed that bFGF treatment increased the expression of hippocalcin during bFGF‐induced neurite outgrowth of H19‐7 cells. Overexpression of hippocalcin dramatically elongated neurites and increased the expression of basic helix–loop–helix transcription factor, that is, NeuroD without bFGF stimulation. Treatment of the cells with hippocalcin siRNA completely blocked bFGF‐induced neurite outgrowth and NeuroD expression. bFGF stimulation resulted in activation of phospholipase C–γ (PLC‐γ) and an increased level of intracellular Ca2+. Hippocalcin expression by bFGF stimulation was fully blocked by both the PLC‐γ inhibitor U73122 and BAPTA‐AM, a chelator of intracellular Ca2+, suggesting that hippocalcin expression by bFGF is dependent on PLC‐γ and Ca2+. Moreover, both U73122 and BAPTA‐AM completely blocked bFGF‐induced neurite outgrowth and NeuroD expression. Taken together, these results suggest for the first time that bFGF induces hippocalcin expression in H19‐7 cells through PLC‐γ activation, which leads to neurite outgrowth. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.