bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
VEGF‐A expression in osteoclasts is regulated by NF‐κB induction of HIF‐1α
Authors: Trebec‐Reynolds Diana P. , Voronov Irina , Heersche Johan N.M. , Manolson Morris F.
Published: April 2010

Large osteoclasts (10+ nuclei), predominant in rheumatoid arthritis and periodontal disease, have higher expression of proteases and activating receptors and also have increased resorptive activity when compared to small (2–5 nuclei) osteoclasts. We hypothesized that large and small osteoclasts activate different signaling pathways. A Signal Transduction Pathway Finder Array™ was used to compare gene expression of large and small osteoclasts in RAW 264.7‐derived osteoclasts. Expression of vascular endothelial growth factor A (Vegfa) was higher in large osteoclasts and this result was confirmed by RT‐PCR. RT‐PCR further showed that RANKL treatment of RAW cells induced Vegfa expression in a time‐dependent manner. Moreover, VEGF‐A secretion in conditioned media was also increased in cultures with a higher proportion of large osteoclasts. To investigate the mechanism of Vegfa induction, specific inhibitors for the transcription factors NF‐κB, AP‐1, NFATc1, and HIF‐1 were used. Dimethyl bisphenol A, the HIF‐1α inhibitor, decreased Vegfa mRNA expression, whereas blocking NF‐κB, AP‐1, and NFATc1 had no effect. Furthermore, the NF‐κB inhibitor gliotoxin inhibited Hif1α mRNA expression. In conclusion, VEGF‐A gene and protein expression are elevated in large osteoclasts compared to small osteoclasts and this increase is regulated by HIF‐1. In turn, Hif1α mRNA levels are induced by RANKL‐mediated activation of NF‐κB. These findings reveal further differences in signaling between large and small osteoclasts and thereby identify novel therapeutic targets for highly resorptive osteoclasts in inflammatory bone loss. J. Cell. Biochem. 110: 343–351, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
DNA damage during mitosis invokes a JNK‐mediated stress response that leads to cell death
Authors: Ho Chin‐Yee , Li Hoi‐Yeung
Published: April 2010

Mitotic catastrophe is a phenomenon displayed by cells undergoing aberrant mitosis to eliminate cells that fail to repair the errors. Why and how mitotic catastrophe would lead to cell death remains to be resolved and the answer will prove valuable in design of better therapeutic agents that specifically target such cells in mitosis. The antibiotic actinomycin D has been shown to induce chromosomal lesions in lower order organisms as well as in human interphase cells. Relatively few studies have been conducted to elucidate molecular events in the context of mitotic DNA damage. We have previously established a model of mitotic catastrophe in human HeLa cells induced by actinomycin D. Here, we show that actinomycin D induce cellular stress via DNA damage during mitosis. The higher order packing of chromosomes during mitosis might impede efficient DNA repair. γH2AX serves as a marker for DNA repair and active JNK interacts with γH2AX in actinomycin D‐treated mitotic extracts. We believe JNK might be in part, responsible for the phosphorylation of H2AX and thereby, facilitate the propagation of a positive signal for cell death, when repair is not achieved. The mitotic cell activates JNK‐mediated cell death response that progresses through a caspase cascade downstream of the mitochondria. In the mean time, remaining checkpoint signals may be sufficient to put a restraining hand on entry into anaphase and the cell eventually dies in mitosis. J. Cell. Biochem. 110: 725–731, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
TRAF6 is autoinhibited by an intramolecular interaction which is counteracted by trans‐ubiquitination
Authors: Wang Kent Z.Q. , Galson Deborah L. , Auron Philip E.
Published: April 2010

The tumor necrosis factor (TNF) receptor associated factor (TRAF) class of intracellular signal transducers is responsible for mediating many of the activation events initiated by TNF receptor (TNFR) and Toll‐like/Interleukin‐1, ‐17, and ‐18 receptor (TIR) families. Investigation of the mechanism by which TRAF6 is activated has demonstrated that two critical domains of the molecule required for activation and downstream signaling are involved in an interaction which renders the molecule inactive and structurally closed, as well as incapable of auto‐ubiquitination. Contrary to its assumed role as a direct mediator of protein–protein interaction, TRAF auto‐ubiquitination is a means of sustaining an open conformation active in downstream signaling. Furthermore, the inferred cis‐function of TRAF auto‐ubiquitination is now demonstrated to act in trans and requires both the RING‐Zinc (RZ) fingers region and coiled‐coil domain. We also observed that both the RZ fingers region and the MATH domain are targets for ubiquitination. Although TRAF6 ubiquitination has emerged as a hallmark of activation, trans‐ubiquitination induced by two TRAF6 muteins is insufficient for NF‐κB activation. J. Cell. Biochem. 110: 763–771, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Human resource challenges for small growing companies in Flanders
Authors: Van De Woestyne Mieke , Dewettinck Koen , Van Bruystegem Kristien
Published: April 2010

For Flemish entrepreneurs, human resource management (HRM) is one of the biggest challenges for further development and growth. Hence, we aim to shed light on how successful entrepreneurs in Flanders manage their human resources. Building on the growth models of Greiner and Ulrich, we conducted a qualitative study of various human resource practices within Flemish entrepreneurial firms in different sectors and stages of growth. We investigated the interplay between the focus of HRM and the growth phase of a small or medium‐sized enterprise (SME). The main objective is to better understand the major challenges entrepreneurs experience when managing people during the first stages of company growth. Our findings suggest that HRM within growing SMEs shifts from an operational focus on people to a more strategic focus on procedures. Throughout the process of evolution, entrepreneurs need to find the right balance of HR practices, paying attention to formalization, delegation, and coaching. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
F‐spondin regulates chondrocyte terminal differentiation and endochondral bone formation
Authors: Palmer Glyn D. , Piton Alejandro H. , Thant Lwin Mon , Oliveira Serafim M. , D'Angelo Marina , Attur Mukundan G. , Abramson Steven B. , Teixeira Cristina C.
Published: April 2010

This study examines the role of F‐spondin, an extracellular matrix protein of osteoarthritic cartilage, during chondrocyte maturation in embryonic growth plate cartilage. In chick tibia, F‐spondin expression localized to the hypertrophic and calcified zones of the growth plate. Functional studies using tibial organ cultures indicated that F‐spondin inhibited (∼35%, p = 0.02), and antibodies to F‐spondin increased (∼30%, p < 0.1) longitudinal limb growth relative to untreated controls. In cell cultures, induction of chondrocyte maturation, by retinoic acid (RA) or transforming growth factor (TGF)‐β treatment led to a significant upregulation of F‐spondin (p < 0.05). F‐spondin transfection increased mineral deposition, alkaline phosphatase (AP) and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)‐13 mRNA levels (p < 0.05), and AP activity following RA stimulation, compared to mock transfected controls. Using AP as a differentiation marker we then investigated the mechanism of F‐spondin promaturation effects. Blocking endogenous F‐spondin via its thrombospondin (TSR) domain inhibited RA induced AP activity 40% compared to controls (p < 0.05). The stimulatory effect of F‐spondin on AP expression was also inhibited following depletion of TGF‐β from culture supernatants. Our findings indicate that F‐spondin is expressed in embryonic cartilage, where it has the capacity to enhance chondrocyte terminal differentiation and mineralization via interactions in its TSR domain and TGF‐β dependent pathways. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 28:1323–1329, 2010
Cholesterol crystal embolization presenting as either solid or cystic pancreatic lesion
Authors: Konstantinidis Ioannis T. , Warshaw Andrew L. , Deshpande Vikram , Sahani Dushyant , Berger David , Castillo Carlos Fernandez‐del , Ferrone Cristina R.
Published: April 2010

Cholesterol crystal embolization (CCE) can result in end‐organ ischemia. Retrospective review of clinicopathologic data. The first patient was anticoagulated with coumadin for chronic atrial fibrillation and presented subacutely with a solid mass. The second patient suffered from coronary artery disease post‐angioplasty/stenting and presented with acute pancreatitis and pancreatic cystification. CCE should be considered in patients with significant vascular disease, arrhythmias or vascular manipulation who present with a pancreatic mass. J. Surg. Oncol. 2010;102:706–708. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The parasympathetic supply to the distal colon—one marker for precisely locating the posterior dissection plane in the operation of TME
Authors: Dong‐song Bi , Tao Li , Ke‐xin Wang , Hai‐dong Gao , San‐yuan Hu
Published: April 2010

Background

It is important for surgeons to locate the reliable surgical planes in the operation of total mesorectal excision (TME); we observe the parasympathetic nerve to the distal colon can be served as one of useful markers for precisely locating the posterior dissection plane in TME.

Materials and Methods

From October 2006 to January 2008, 26 patients underwent TME for rectal cancer. The dissections of the parasympathetic nerves to the distal colon were performed and the relationship of these nerves to the prehypogastric nerve fascia was observed.

Results

Some parasympathetic nerves ran upwards and lay anteromedial to the hypogastric nerves. In the avascular space between prehypogastric nerve fascia and the fascia propria of the rectum, the prehypogastric nerve fascia enveloped parasymphathetic nerve up to the fascia propria of rectum.

Conclusions

The parasympathetic nerve to the distal colon is evident between the fascia propria of the rectum and the prehypogastric nerve fascia. As the precise dissection plane of TME lay between the fascia propria of the rectum and the prehypogastric nerve fascia, these nerves could be served as useful marker for precisely locating the posterior dissection plane in TME. J. Surg. Oncol. 2010; 101:524–526. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
ALCAM is associated with chemoresistance and tumor cell adhesion in pancreatic cancer
Authors: Hong Xin , Michalski Christoph W. , Kong Bo , Zhang WeiWei , Raggi Matthias C. , Sauliunaite Danguole , De Oliveira Tiago , Friess Helmut , Kleeff Jörg
Published: April 2010

Aims

Cell–cell adhesion is a major factor in integrity of epithelia which is frequently disturbed in cancer leading to local invasion and distant metastasis.

Methods

To define expression and function of activated leukocyte cell adhesion molecule (ALCAM, CD166) in pancreatic cancer and in pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (PNET), microarray analyses, RT‐PCR, immunohistochemistry, RNAi, adhesion, migration, invasion, and chemoresistance assays were used.

Results

We demonstrate that expression of ALCAM is altered and its serum levels are increased in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). ALCAM was expressed on the membranes of islet cells in the normal pancreas whereas normal pancreatic ducts were ALCAM‐negative. In PDAC, ALCAM expression was generally rare though in some tumors, membranous, or cytoplasmic ALCAM was found. PNET were mostly ALCAM‐positive with a cytoplasmic staining pattern which was in contrast to the membrane expression observed in non‐transformed islet cells. In vitro, ALCAM silencing using RNAi had no effects on growth or invasion of pancreatic cancer cells but reduced cell adhesion and induced chemoresistance. In neuroendocrine tumor cell lines, silencing of ALCAM decreased cell growth.

Conclusions

We propose ALCAM as a novel serum biomarker in human pancreatic tumors which is associated with cell adhesion, growth and chemoresistance. J. Surg. Oncol. 2010; 101:564–569. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Case‐matched analysis of totally laparoscopic versus open liver resection for HCC: Short and middle term results
Authors: Aldrighetti Luca , Guzzetti Eleonora , Pulitanò Carlo , Cipriani Federica , Catena Marco , Paganelli Michele , Ferla Gianfranco
Published: April 2010

Background and Objectives

Laparoscopy is gaining acceptance as a safe procedure for resection of liver neoplasms. The aim of this study is to evaluate surgical results and mid‐term survival of minor hepatic resection performed for HCC.

Methods

Data of 16 patients with HCC, undergoing laparoscopic hepatectomy from September 2005 to January 2009, were compared to a control group of 16 patients who underwent open resection (OR) during the same period. The two groups were matched in terms of type of resection, tumor size, and severity of cirrhosis.

Results

One patient underwent conversion to an open approach. Laparoscopic approach resulted in shorter operating time (150 min, P:0.044) and lower blood loss (258 ml, P:0.008). There was no difference in perioperative morbidity and mortality rate; laparoscopic approach was associated with a shorter hospital stay (6.3 days, P:0.039). After a mean follow up of 32 months, disease free survival and overall survival were 40.2 and 23.3 months for laparoscopic group, and 47.7 and 31.4 months for OR group (P NS).

Conclusion

Laparoscopic resection of HCC is feasible and safe in selected patients and can result in good surgical results, with similar outcomes in terms of overall and disease‐free survival. J. Surg. Oncol. J. Surg. Oncol. 2010;102:82–86. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Adjuvant chemoradiation therapy in gallbladder cancer
Authors: Cho Seong Yeon , Kim Seong Hoon , Park Sang‐Jae , Han Sung‐Sik , Kim Young‐Kyu , Lee Kwang‐Woong , Lee Woo Jin , Woo Sang Myung , Kim Tae‐Hyun
Published: April 2010

Background and Objectives

Gallbladder cancer is a relatively uncommon gastrointestinal malgnancy. Indications for adjuvant chemoradiation therapy after surgical resection have not yet been determined. We aimed this study to elucidate the effectiveness of adjuvant chemoradiation therapy according to TNM stage for gallbladder cancer.

Methods

Between March 2001 and March 2009, 100 patients with gallbladder cancer underwent surgical resection. We divided the patients according to TNM stage, and subdivided further according to whether adjuvant chemoradiation therapy was added or not. The clinicopathologic factors, recurrence and survival were retrospectively analyzed.

Results

Patients with gallbladder cancer at T2N0M0, T2N1M0, T3N0M0, and T3N1M0 stages were enrolled in this study. Among the four stages, the two lymph node‐negative stages (T2N0M0 and T3N0M0) did not show any gain in survival by adding adjuvant chemoradiation therapy. Conversely, the remaining lymph node‐positive stages (T2N1M0 and T3N1M0) showed gain in disease‐free survival, and the lymph node‐positive T2 stage (T2N1M0) showed gain in disease‐specific survival. In patients with lymph node‐positive T2/T3 GB cancers, adjuvant chemoradiation therapy was an independent prognostic factor for survival.

Conclusions

Adjuvant chemoradiation therapy is recommended for lymph node‐positive T2/T3 gallbladder cancer following surgical resection. J. Surg. Oncol. J. Surg. Oncol. 2010;102:87–93. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Analysis of esophageal reflux after proximal gastrectomy measured by wireless ambulatory 24‐hr esophageal pH monitoring and TC‐99m diisopropyliminodiacetic acid (DISIDA) scan
Authors: Kim Jong Won , Yoon Hongman , Kong Seong‐Ho , Kim Joo‐Sung , Paeng Jin Chul , Lee Hyuk‐Joon , Lee Kuhn Uk , Yang Han‐Kwang
Published: April 2010

Background and objectives

Reflux is one of the most common sequela after proximal gastrectomy (PG). The aim of this study was to find a predicting factor related to the character of esophageal reflux after PG.

Methods

Wireless ambulatory 24‐hr pH monitoring (for acid reflux, AR) and diisopropyliminodiacetic acid hepatobiliary scan (for bile reflux, BR) were performed on 24 patients who had reflux symptoms after PG with esophagogastrostomy from July 2008 to March 2009. Endoscopic examination was done and the length of remnant stomach (LoRS) was measure by postoperative UGI series.

Results

Eleven patients (45.8%) had only BR, 7 (29.2%) had AR only, Two patients (8.3%) had both acid and BR, and 3 (12.5%) had neither. The LoRS along greater curvature was significantly shorter in patients with only BR (16.11 ± 2.87 cm) than in patients with only AR (23.69 ± 6.15 cm, P = 0.003). Severity of symptoms or esophagitis was not significantly correlated with the content of acid or BR.

Conclusion

Reflux symptom after PG is caused by either bile or acid rather than both. Character of reflux was related to the LoRS. J. Surg. Oncol. 2010; 101:626–633. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Zeta potential determination as a new way of stationary phases characterization for liquid chromatography
Authors: Buszewski Bogusław , Bocian Szymon , Dziubakiewicz Ewelina
Published: April 2010

A set of seven homemade octadecyl silica‐based bonded phases was investigated. Their zeta potential data in methanol and ACN as well as in methanol–water and ACN–water solution were obtained using Zetasizer. The influence of both the coverage density of bonded ligands and the end‐capping of the modified surface on these data was investigated. Presented results may give useful information about the accessibility of the residual silanols in different mobile phases during the chromatographic analysis. Those measurements may be useful to choose chemically bonded stationary phases for CEC. The results also confirm the phenomena of anion exclusion from the pores of stationary‐bonded phase.
Highly sensitive determination of tetrabromobisphenol A and bisphenol A in environmental water samples by solid‐phase extraction and liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Zhao Ru‐Song , Wang Xia , Yuan Jin‐Peng
Published: April 2010

Using bamboo‐activated charcoal as SPE adsorbent, a novel SPE method was developed for the sensitive determination of tetrabromobisphenol A and bisphenol A in environmental water samples by rapid‐resolution LC‐ESI‐MS/MS. Important parameters influencing extraction efficiency, including type of eluent, eluent volume, sample pH, volume and flow rate, were investigated and optimized. Under the optimal extraction conditions (eluent: 8 mL methanol, pH: 7; flow rate: 4 mL/min; sample volume: 100 mL), low LODs (0.01–0.02 ng/mL), good repeatability (6.2–8.3%) and wide linearity range (0.10–10 ng/mL) were obtained. Satisfied results were achieved when the proposed method was applied to determine the two target compounds in real‐world environmental water samples with spiked recoveries over the range of 80.5–119.8%. All these facts indicate that trace determination of tetrabromobisphenol A and bisphenol A in real‐world environmental water samples can be realized by bamboo‐activated charcoal SPE‐rapid resolution‐LC‐ESI‐MS/MS.
Preparing titania aerogel monolithic chromatography columns using supercritical carbon dioxide
Authors: Sui Ruohong , Liu Suya , Lajoie Gilles A. , Charpentier Paul A.
Published: April 2010

The search for a method to fabricate monolithic inorganic columns has attracted significant recent attention due to their unique ability in separation applications of various biomolecules. Silica and polymer based monolithic columns have been prepared, but titania and other metal oxide monoliths have been elusive, primarily due to their fragility. This article describes a new approach for preparing nanostructured titania based columns, which offer better performance over conventional particle packed columns for separating a wide variety of biomolecules including phosphopeptides. TiO2 monolithic aerogels were synthesized in separation columns using in situ sol‐gel reactions in supercritical carbon dioxide (scCO2) followed by calcination, and compared to those prepared in heptanes. The characterization results show that scCO2 is a better solvent for the sol‐gel reactions, providing lower shrinkage with the anatase TiO2 monolith composed of nanofibers with very high surface areas. The monolithic columns show the ability to isolate phosphopeptides with little flow resistance compared to conventional titania particle based microcolumns.
Effect of porosity of phosphate coating on corrosion resistance of galvanized and phosphated steels Part I: Measurement of porosity of phosphate
Authors: Teixeira C. H. S. B. , Alvarenga E. A. , Vasconcelos W. L. , Lins V. F. C.
Published: April 2010

The corrosion resistance of phosphated and painted steels is associated with the integrity of phosphate and paint layers. In this work, a methodology to measure the porosity of phosphated coatings based on cathodic polarization technique with an electrolyte of a sodium sulfate aqueous solution was developed. The morphology and mass of phosphate layers were determined. Phosphating was performed using the spraying and immersion techniques, varying the refiner content of bath in the immersion operation. The phosphate coatings obtained by immersion with a refiner showed the lowest values of porosities among the samples studied. The phosphate layers, obtained by spraying, immersion without a refiner, and immersion with a half content of refiner, showed the lowest porosity on electrogalvanized steel. The phosphate layer obtained by immersion with a refiner displayed the lowest porosity on the substrate of ungalvanized steel.
Comparative analysis for the corrosion susceptibility of Cu, Al, Al–Cu and C‐steel in soil solution
Authors: Noor E. A.
Published: April 2010

Corrosion of different materials (Cu, Al, Al–Cu and C‐steel) in soil solution was evaluated at ambient temperature using various techniques. The weight loss of the studied materials varied exponentially with time. Kinetic data revealed that the corrosion of Cu and Al–Cu are diffusion controlled while Al and C‐steel show gradual change from diffusion control to charge transfer control. Nonferrous materials have better durability factors than C‐steel. Good consistency between the data obtained from EIS and PDP measurements was observed. SEM showed a biogenic corrosion layer with density that depends on the metal type. Correlation between corrosion rates and the estimated soil solution corrosivity was obtained.
Corrosion of API XL 52 steel in presence of Clostridium celerecrescens
Authors: Monroy O. A. Ramos , Gayosso M. J. Hernández , Ordaz N. Ruiz , Olivares G. Zavala , Ramírez C. Juárez
Published: April 2010

During the characterization of sediments formed in pipelines transporting hydrocarbons, the knowledge of the microbiological diversity becomes very interesting, especially when it is related to microbiologically influenced corrosion (MIC). The presence of microorganisms is considered as one of the factors that affect the corrosion processes occurring at the pipeline; therefore, their corrosiveness must be determined. In this way, the identification of new species affecting the MIC processes is still considered relevant. In this work, the effect of Clostridium celerecrescens upon the corrosion of API KL 52 steel was evaluated. This microorganism was isolated and identified from the sediments collected during the inner cleaning procedures of a gas pipeline. The polarization resistance (PR) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) techniques were considered to estimate the microorganism behavior during the corrosion process. The results were complemented with a metal surface analysis, using a scanning electron microscope (SEM). The resistance values induced by the presence of the microorganisms clearly indicated that C. celerecrescens has an effect on the corrosion process occurring at the API XL 52 steel surface.
Protection of the opposite reinforcement layer of RC‐structures by CP – results of numerical simulations
Authors: Bruns M. , Raupach M.
Published: April 2010

If cathodic protection (CP) is applied to reinforced concrete structures the anode is usually attached at the concrete surface closest to the corroding reinforcement in order to minimise voltage and protection current that is required. In specific circumstances an anode installation at the concrete surface next to the corroding reinforcement is not practicable, i.e. due to difficult access. In such cases it would be helpful to know whether it is possible to protect the reinforcement by an anode being installed at the opposite surface of the structural element. The question is: does the second reinforcement layer obtain sufficient current to be effectively protected? Since a general answer to this question is not possible because the distribution of protection current depends on several parameters like the geometry and amount of the reinforcement, concrete resistivity, the polarisation behaviour and geometry of corroding and passive zones, a 3 D‐FEM model of the current and potential distribution was developed and its accuracy was verified by laboratory results. This paper presents the model itself as well as the results of parameter studies carried out to show the impact of the reinforcement distribution, the concrete resistivity and the polarisation behaviour of the reinforcement on the current distribution within the reinforcement.
Stress corrosion cracking for 316 stainless steel clips in a condensate stabilizer
Authors: Al‐Awar A. , Aldajah S. , Harhara A.
Published: April 2010

In one of the gas processing facilities in Abu Dhabi, UAE; a case of 316L stainless steel material failure occurred in the fractionating column due to stress cracking corrosion twice in a cycle of less than 2 years. This paper studies the stress corrosion cracking behavior of the 316L stainless steel in an accelerated corrosion environment and compares it with a higher corrosion resistant nickel alloy (Inconel 625). The experimental work was designed according to ASTM G36 standard, the samples were immersed in a boiling magnesium chloride medium which provided the accelerated corrosion environment and the tested samples were shaped into U‐bend specimens as they underwent both plastic and elastic stresses. The specimens were then tested to determine the time required for cracks to initiate. The results of the experimental work showed that the main mode of failure was stress corrosion cracking initiated by the proven presence of chlorides, hydrogen sulfide, and water at elevated temperatures. Inconel 625 samples placed in the controlled environment showed better corrosion resistance as it took them an average of 56 days to initiate cracks, whereas it took an average of 24 days to initiate cracks in the stainless steel 316L samples. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) micrographs showed that the cracks in the stainless steel 316L samples were longer, wider, and deeper compared to the cracks of Inconel 625.
Indian‐subcontinent NBIA: Unusual phenotypes, novel PANK2 mutations, and undetermined genetic forms
Authors: Aggarwal Annu , Schneider Susanne A. , Houlden Henry , Silverdale Monty , Paudel Reema , Paisan‐Ruiz Coro , Desai Shrinivas , Munshi Mihir , Sanghvi Darshana , Hardy John , Bhatia Kailash P. , Bhatt Mohit
Published: April 2010

Neurodegeneration with brain iron accumulation (NBIA) is etiologically, clinically, and by imaging a heterogeneous group including NBIA types 1 [pantothenate kinase‐associated neurodegeneration (PKAN)] and 2 (PLA2G6‐associated neurodegeneration), neuroferritinopathy, and aceruloplasminaemia. Data on genetically defined Indian‐subcontinent NBIA cases are limited. We report 6 patients from the Indian‐subcontinent with a movement disorder and MRI basal ganglia iron deposition, compatible with diagnosis of an NBIA syndrome. All patients were screened for abnormalities in serum ceruloplasmin and ferritin levels and mutations in NBIA‐associated genes [pantothenate kinase 2 (PANK2), PLA2G6 and ferritin light chain (exon 4)]. We present clinical, imaging and genetic data correlating phenotype–genotype relations. Four patients carried PANK2 mutations, two of these were novel. The clinical phenotype was mainly dystonic with generalized dystonia and marked orobulbar features in the 4 adolescent‐onset cases. One of the four had a late‐onset (age 37) unilateral jerky postural tremor. His mutation, c.1379C>T, appears associated with a milder phenotype. Interestingly, he developed the eye‐of‐the‐tiger sign only 10 years after onset. Two of the six presented with adult‐onset levodopa (L‐dopa)‐responsive asymmetric re‐emergent rest tremor, developing L‐dopa‐induced dyskinesias, and good benefit to deep brain stimulation (in one), thus resembling Parkinson's disease (PD). Both had an eye‐of‐the‐tiger sign on MRI but were negative for known NBIA‐associated genes, suggesting the existence of further genetic or sporadic forms of NBIA syndromes. In conclusion, genetically determined NBIA cases from the Indian subcontinent suggest presence of unusual phenotypes of PANK2 and novel mutations. The phenotype of NBIA of unknown cause includes a PD‐like presentation. © 2010 Movement Disorder Society
Ingested quercetin but not rutin increases accumulation of hepatic β‐carotene in BALB/c mice
Authors: Bando Noriko , Muraki Naomi , Murota Kaeko , Terao Junji , Yamanishi Rintaro
Published: April 2010

β‐Carotene is a carotenoid with a range of reported health benefits besides vitamin A activity. If the enzymatic conversion of β‐carotene to retinal is suppressed in the digestive tract, residual β‐carotene that reaches the tissues increases. We evaluated the function of quercetin and rutin (quercetin‐3‐rutinoside) to increase the accumulation of β‐carotenein vitroandin vivoin BALB/c mice. When the conversion of β‐carotene by a preparation of the murine small intestine was measuredin vitro, the addition of quercetin or rutin considerably inhibited the conversion. When the levels of hepatic β‐carotene and retinoids were measured among three groups of mice fed a diet supplemented with β‐carotene plus quercetin or rutin or β‐carotene alone (four to six micepergroup), quercetin increased the level of β‐carotene and decreased the level of retinol, whereas rutin did not. These results demonstrate that quercetin can suppress the conversion of β‐carotene which develops in the cytosol of small intestinal epithelial cells, and that rutin whose rutinose‐moiety prevents being absorbed in the small intestine cannot suppress the conversionin vivo. This study offers a novel insight into the interaction between flavonoids and carotenoids with respect to the health benefits from the latter.
DFT‐GIAO1H NMR chemical shifts prediction for the spectral assignment and conformational analysis of the anticholinergic drugs (−)‐scopolamine and (−)‐hyoscyamine
Authors: Muñoz Marcelo A. , Joseph‐Nathan Pedro
Published: April 2010

The relatively large chemical shift differences observed in the 1H NMR spectra of the anticholinergic drugs (−)‐scopolamine 1 and (−)‐hyoscyamine 2 measured in CDCl3 are explained using a combination of systematic/molecular mechanics force field (MMFF) conformational searches and gas‐phase density functional theory (DFT) single point calculations, geometry optimizations and chemical shift calculations within the gauge including/invariant atomic orbital (GIAO) approximation. These calculations show that both molecules prefer a compact conformation in which the phenyl ring of the tropic ester is positioned under the tropane bicycle, clearly suggesting that the chemical shift differences are produced by the anisotropic effect of the aromatic ring. As the calculations fairly well predict these experimental differences, diastereotopic NMR signal assignments for the two studied molecules are proposed. In addition, a cursory inspection of the published 1H and 13C NMR spectra of different forms of 1 and 2 in solution reveals that most of them show these diastereotopic chemical shift differences, strongly suggesting a preference for the compact conformation quite independent of the organic or aqueous nature of the solvent. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
More developments at The Journal of Pathology
Authors: Hall Peter A , Poulsom Richard , Taylor Jo , Wixon Jo
Published: April 2010

This Editorial highlights further changes that have been introduced to The Journal of Pathology including new Instructions to Authors, new typeface and style, and the development of Virtual Issues. We also emphasize the benefits of publication in the Journal including speed of review and publication, as well as the absence of submission or page charges, no charge for supplementary online material, and competitive colour costs. Copyright © 2010 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
STX11 mutations and clinical phenotypes of familial hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis in North America
Authors: Marsh Rebecca A. , Satake Noriko , Biroschak Jennifer , Jacobs Thedia , Johnson Judith , Jordan Michael B. , Bleesing Jack J. , Filipovich Alexandra H. , Zhang Kejian
Published: April 2010

Background

Mutations in STX11 are responsible for Familial Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis (FHLH) type 4, a rare primary immunodeficiency which has previously been observed only in patients of Kurdish, Turkish, and Lebanese ethnic background.

Methods

We reviewed our experience with STX11 mutations among North American patients and studied the impact of patient mutations upon syntaxin 11 expression and NK cell function.

Results

Between 2007 and 2008, 243 patients with HLH (lacking disease‐causing mutations in PRF1 and UNC13D) were referred for STX11 mutational analysis. We observed 1 novel homozygous nonsense mutation, 73 G > T (E25X), occurring in Hispanic siblings, and 2 novel biallelic heterozygous missense mutations, 106G > C (E36Q) and 616G > A (E206K), occurring in 1 Caucasian patient. The N‐terminal nonsense mutation resulted in absence of detectable syntaxin 11 and abrogation of in vitro NK cell degranulation and function, while the biallelic heterozygous missense mutations resulted in detectable mutated syntaxin 11 and preservation of in vitro NK cell degranulation and cytotoxicity. The two sibling patients with the nonsense mutations presented with HLH during infancy, whereas the patient with biallelic heterozygous missense mutations presented at 5 years of age.

Conclusion

We conclude that mutations in STX11 are responsible for HLH in approximately 1% of North American patients and can cause variable defects in syntaxin 11 expression and function with resultant impact on clinical phenotype. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2010;55:134–140. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Is the updated Schwartz formula appropriate for assessing renal function prior to hematopoietic stem cell transplantation?
Authors: Qayed Muna , Thompson Audra , Applegate Kristy , Haight Ann , Rogatko Andre , Chiang Kuang‐Yueh , Horan John
Published: April 2010

Assessing renal function is an integral part of evaluating pediatric patients for hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). The most accurate method is DTPA‐Tc‐99m GFR testing. However, it is costly and time consuming. The Schwartz formula, which was recently updated, represents an inexpensive and readily available alternative. We assessed agreement between the original and updated formula and DTPA‐Tc‐99m in 107 patients who were being evaluated for HSCT. Agreement between both formulas and DTPA‐Tc‐99m was poor, although the updated formula performed marginally better. The Schwartz formulas do not appear to be accurate enough to be used for pre‐transplant kidney function evaluation. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2010;55:199–201. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Combustion Measurements of Fuel‐Rich Aluminum and Molybdenum Oxide Nano‐Composite Mixtures
Authors: Bazyn Tim , Lynch Patrick , Krier Herman , Glumac Nick
Published: April 2010

Fuel rich nano‐composite powders of aluminum and molybdenum oxide were tested for ignition and combustion behind the incident and reflected shock waves in a shock tube. The powders consisted of approximately 10 μm particles, each of which contained Al and MoO3 mixed by mechanical alloying on the nano‐scale. These powders were aluminum rich with composition ratios of 4 : 1, 8 : 1, and 16 : 1 Al : MoO3 by mass. Ignition tests were performed behind incident shocks for temperatures in the range of 900 to 1500 K. From these tests, ignition delay times were obtained, and some information on combustion duration was also derived. Samples were tested in air at 0.2 MPa, and compared against nano‐Al, 2.7 μm Al, and 10 μm Al baselines. Ignition results for the baseline Al cases were as expected: 10 μm Al not igniting until 2000 K, 2 μm Al igniting down to ∼1400 K, and n‐Al igniting as low as 1150 K. The thermite samples showed considerable improvement in ignition characteristics. At the lowest temperature tested (900 K), both the 8 : 1 and 4 : 1 samples ignited within 250 μs. The 16 : 1 sample (94% Al) ignited down to 1050 K – which represents an improvement of roughly 1000 K over baseline Al with only a small energetic penalty. In all cases, the ignition delay increased as the amount of MoO3 in the composite was reduced. The 4 : 1 nano‐composite material ignited as fast or faster than the n‐Al samples. Ignition delay increased with decreasing temperature, as expected. Emission spectra and temperature data were also taken for all samples using high‐speed pyrometry and time‐integrated spectroscopy. In these cases, measurements were made behind the reflected shock using end‐wall loading, though the conditions (temperature, pressure, and gas composition) were identical to the incident shock tests. Spectroscopy showed strong AlO features in all the samples, and the spectra fit well to an equilibrium temperature. Broadband, low resolution spectra were also fit to continuum, gray body temperatures. In general, the observed temperatures were reasonably close to 3500 K, which is similar to the combustion temperatures of pure aluminum under these conditions.
Detonation and Blast Wave Characteristics of Nitromethane Mixed with Particles of an Aluminium–Magnesium Alloy
Authors: Trzciński Waldemar A. , Paszula Józef , Grys Sebastian
Published: April 2010

Investigation of detonation parameters, blast wave characteristics and quasi‐static pressures (QSPs) for the mixtures of nitromethane and particles of an aluminium and magnesium (Al3Mg4) alloy was carried out. The mixtures of gelled nitromethane containing 15–60 wt.‐% AlMg alloy were tested. Detonation velocity and Gurney energy were determined. Parameters of blast waves produced by charges of the investigated explosives were measured. QSP measurements were conducted in a steel chamber of 0.15 m3volume filled with air. Thermochemical and gasdynamical calculations were also performed. The degree of combustion of the metallic addition with the gaseous products during detonation and expansion is discussed.
Biosynthesis of peptide fragments of eukaryotic GPCRs in Escherichia coli by directing expression into inclusion bodies
Authors: Cohen Leah S. , Becker Jeffrey M. , Naider Fred
Published: April 2010

Biosynthesis of peptides in heterologous systems is often a prerequisite to biophysical analyses. Large amounts of peptides, in particular portions of membrane proteins, are needed to optimize conditions for secondary and tertiary structure analysis. Chemical synthesis of these peptides is limited by their high hydrophobicity and also due to the need to incorporate isotopic labels for high resolution NMR analysis. In this protocol, we describe a method for the heterologous expression and purification of unlabeled and isotopically labeled peptide fragments of Ste2p, an integral membrane G protein‐coupled receptor. Copyright © 2010 European Peptide Society and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Giant ultrasonic attenuation in ZnSe doped with Cr and its possible application in crystal characterization
Authors: Gudkov V. V. , Lonchakov A. T. , Zhevstovskikh I. V. , Sokolov V. I. , Korostelin Yu. V. , Landman A. I. , Surikov V. T.
Published: April 2010

Ultrasonic experiment was done at the frequency of 54 MHz on ZnSe:Cr2+ crystal with concentration of the dopand 3.8 × 1018 cm−3. Giant peak of attenuation of slow shear wave propagating along 〈110〉 crystallographic direction was observed at low temperatures (about 13 K). The peak proved to be due to relaxation process in the Jahn–Teller system. Magnitude of the peak is proportional to the concentration of the dopand. This circumstance forms the basis for a new non‐destructive method of characterization of the diluted crystals, which particularly could be useful for determining the low concentration of the Jahn–Teller ions. Estimation showed that the concentration of the dopand can be registered in ZnSe:Cr2+ crystal of the order of 1016 cm−3. Other Jahn–Teller ions prospective for such characterization are suggested.
Excitons in motion in II–VI semiconductors
Authors: Davies J. J. , Smith L. C. , Wolverson D. , Kochereshko V. P. , Cibert J. , Mariette H. , Boukari H. , Wiater M. , Karczewski G. , Wojtowicz T. , Gust A. , Kruse C. , Hommel D.
Published: April 2010

We have shown recently that the magnetic properties of excitons change significantly as the excitons acquire kinetic energy. In particular, the exciton magnetic moments are enhanced considerably, whilst the diamagnetism decreases. The behaviour can be investigated through spectroscopic studies of excitons confined in quantum wells of large width (greater than five times the exciton Bohr radius) and these motion‐induced changes in the magnetic properties have now been observed for CdTe, ZnSe, ZnTe and GaAs. The present paper summarises these phenomena, with particular focus on CdTe and ZnSe, and shows that the changes can be accounted for by motion‐induced mixing between the exciton ground and higher lying states. The mixing is caused by the γ3 term in the Luttinger Hamiltonian which describes the dispersion curves for the valence band and, as a result, the form of the exciton wavefunction becomes motion‐dependent. For both materials, excellent agreement is obtained between experiment and the results predicted by this mechanism.
Fine structure of emission lines from charged CdSe/ZnSe/ZnMnSe quantum dots
Authors: Chekhovich E. A. , Brichkin A. S. , Kulakovskii V. D. , Ivanov S. V. , Toropov A. A. , Glazov M. M.
Published: April 2010

Photoluminescence spectroscopy has been employed to study CdSe/ZnSe/ZnMnSe quantum dots. For most of the dots studied here luminescence comes in three spectrally separated features: neutral exciton (X), biexciton (XX), and charged exciton (XC) states. Spectral properties of X and XX emission are well understood, however, in a marked contrast with previous studies, the observed fine structure of XC can not be explained within a commonly accepted model of a ground state trion luminescence. We find that at zero magnetic field luminescence from the charged state exhibits fine structure that varies gradually between different dots from a single unpolarized line to a quartet with the maximum splitting of 2 meV. Several models including magnetic polaron formation and double charging have been considered, but a plausible explanation can be given only if one considers the influence of a charge trapped in a nearby dot.
Hydrogenation of Hg1‐xCdxTe films at chemical treatments
Authors: Sidorov Georgiy Yu. , Sidorov Yuriy G. , Varavin Vasiliy S.
Published: April 2010

The effect of hydrogenation of mercury cadmium telluride Hg1‐xCdxTe (MCT) epilayers with x = 0.22, grown by molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) on GaAs substrates, has been investigated. The hydrogenation of films was carried out by boiling samples in DI water and by means of electrochemical treatment. It was found that acceptors are introduced in epilayers during hydrogenation. The dependence of acceptor concentration in epilayers on the boiling time is investigated. A model of acceptors diffusion from the surface during boiling into the epilayer volume has been built. The observed acceptors are probably the hydrogen‐vacancy complexes. A diffusivity coefficient of these complexes was estimated from the approximation of experimental data on boiled samples with diffusion model. Treated samples with the highest hole concentrations obtained (up to 1018 cm‐3) have been analyzed by SIMS. There were no impurities found in concentrations capable to provide such hole concentrations. The minority carrier lifetimes in samples doped with such acceptors are sufficiently higher than in vacancy‐doped samples with comparable hole concentrations. (© 2010 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Tunneling of spin polarized excitons in ZnCdSe and ZnCdMnSe coupled double quantum wells
Authors: Ohmori Kenta , Kodama Kazuki , Muranaka Tsutomu , Nabetani Yoichi , Matsumoto Takashi
Published: April 2010

This paper describes an experiment on tunneling transfer of excitons in coupled DQW structures. DQW's consist of diluted magnetic semiconductor (DMS) (ZnCdMnSe) and non‐DMS (ZnCdSe) well layers, separated by a non‐DMS ZnSe barrier. The energy levels in ZnCdSe and ZnCdMnSe wells are adjusted by controlling layer thicknesses and compositions. Circular polarization selective photoluminescence (PL) and reflectance spectra are measured in magnetic fields perpendicular to the hetero‐interface. Degree of circular polarization of PL from ZnCdSe well is changed by magnetic fields reflecting changes in degree of spin polarization in ZnCdSe well. The change depends on the strength of magnetic field and on the energy levels in the two wells. The polarization change is explained in terms of resonant tunneling of spin polarized carriers from zero‐dimensional (0D) like state in ZnCdMnSe well to 0D like state in ZnCdSe well. (© 2010 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Raman scattering in CdHgTe epitaxial layers grown on CdZnTe substrates
Authors: Belogorokhov A. I. , Smirnova N. A. , Denisov I. A. , Belogorokhova L. I. , Levonovich B. N.
Published: April 2010

Raman scattering spectra of CdxHg1–xTe/Cd1‐yZnyTe epitaxial structures were studied. Experimental results have been obtained by micromode method over cleaved surface of the sample formed normally to the [111] direction immediately prior to measurement procedure. Raman spectra obtained were shown to be dominated by vibrational modes induced by crystal defects. Special attention was paid to the possibility of obtaining information on the presence of structural defects in cation sublattice and tellurium nanoprecipitates. (© 2010 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Analysis of In and Al doped high resistivity CdZnTe crystal
Authors: Wang Changjun , Min Jiahua , Zhou Chenying , Liang Xiaoyan , Zhao Yue , Wang Linjun , Xia Yiben
Published: April 2010

In this paper, the vertical Bridgman method was used to grow In‐doped, Al‐doped and In‐Al codoped CdZnTe crystals. The temperature‐dependent Hall effects, X‐ray diffraction (XRD), dislocation density were applied to study the energy level of chief defects and the possible existence of compensatory mechanism in the doped CdZnTe crystal. The XRD results showed that lattice distortion existed in the three doped samples, and the lattice distortion in Al‐doped crystal was the highest among them. The phenomenon may attribute to the stress caused by the occupation of In and Al atoms at Cd vacancies which make atoms depart from their equilibrium positions. The Hall effect test showed that the n‐type In doped CdZnTe samples were estimated to have shallow donors at 15.6 meV below the conduction band, which is associated with [InCd], and the In‐Al codoped samples have shallow donors at 15.1 meV below the conduction band, which is associated with [InCd]and [AlCd]. While, for the p‐type Al doped CdZnTe sample, shallow acceptors were deduced at 59.9 meV above the valence band, which is considered to be [VCd‐2AlCd] (© 2010 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Sputtered Zn(O,S) for junction formation in chalcopyrite‐based thin film solar cells
Authors: Grimm A. , Just J. , Kieven D. , Lauermann I. , Palm J. , Neisser A. , Rissom T. , Klenk R.
Published: April 2010

In an effort to eliminate the standard CdS buffer layer from chalcopyrite‐based thin film solar cells we have investigated sputtered Zn(O,S) films. They were prepared by partially reactive sputtering from a ZnS target in an argon/oxygen mixture. Single phase, polycrystalline films were achieved for substrate temperatures of at least 100 °C. Test devices prepared in a completely dry process showed superior blue response and active area conversion efficiencies up to 13.7%. (© 2010 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)