bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Trends in HTLV‐1 prevalence and incidence of adult T‐cell leukemia/lymphoma in Nagasaki, Japan
Authors: Koga Yoshito , Iwanaga Masako , Soda Midori , Inokuchi Naoko , Sasaki Daisuke , Hasegawa Hiroo , Yanagihara Katsunori , Yamaguchi Kazunari , Kamihira Shimeru , Yamada Yasuaki
Published: February 2010

Most previous studies aimed at estimating the number of human T‐cell leukemia virus type‐1 (HTLV‐1) carriers in endemic areas have been based on seroprevalence rates in blood donors; however, this may result in underestimation because of the healthy donor effect. People who have health problem do not donate blood. In the present study, the number of HTLV‐1 carriers in Nagasaki City was estimated based on the seroprevalence rates in a hospital‐based population from Nagasaki University Hospital. In accordance with previous reports, seroprevalence of HTLV‐1 was higher in females, and year of birth‐specific seroprevalence showed a significant annual decline in both genders (P for trend: <0.0001). The estimated number of HTLV‐1 carriers in Nagasaki City was 36,983. The incidence of adult T‐cell leukemia/lymphoma (ATLL) among HTLV‐1 carriers was estimated using data from the Nagasaki Prefectural Cancer Registry. The estimated annual incidence of ATLL was 61 per 100,000 HTLV‐1 carriers, and the crude lifetime risk of the development was 7.29% for males and 3.78% for females. There is a large pool of HTLV‐1 carriers aged over 70 years, and a continuing development of cases of ATLL among the elderly is therefore expected. J. Med. Virol. 82:668–674, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Persistence of high‐risk human papillomavirus infection in a population‐based cohort of Danish women
Authors: Nielsen Ann , Kjaer Susanne K. , Munk Christian , Osler Merete , Iftner Thomas
Published: February 2010

Persisting human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is a critical step in cervical carcinogenesis. This study was conducted to determine the type‐specific HPV persistence and risk factors for persistence of high‐risk HPV infections in a large cohort of Danish women. The study was based on a population‐based prospective cohort study of women aged 20–29 years. Participants were interviewed and underwent two gynecological examinations 2 years apart. Women with Hybrid Capture 2 results at enrolment and a follow‐up visit were included in the analysis (n = 7,418). Persistence was defined as positivity for the same high‐risk HPV type at both examinations. Overall, 4.2% of the women had persistent HPV infection, accounting for 26.9% of the initially HPV‐positive women. HPV 16, HPV 58, and HPV 31, all from species group alpha 9, were the most persistent types; however, other high‐risk HPV types that are detected rarely in cancer cases were also likely to persist. The number of high‐risk HPV types and detection of HPV 16 infection at baseline and ever use of oral contraceptives increased the risk for persistence. The risk factor analyses also showed that use of an intrauterine device decreased the risk for persistent high‐risk HPV infection among women with one high‐risk HPV type at baseline. No association was found with viral load or smoking. In conclusion, persistent high‐risk HPV infection, especially HPV 16 persistence, was common among women positive for high‐risk HPV. J. Med. Virol. 82:616–623, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Paring and intense pulsed light versus paring alone for recalcitrant hand and foot warts: A randomized clinical trial with blinded outcome evaluation
Authors: Togsverd‐Bo Katrine , Gluud Christian , Winkel Per , Larsen Helle K. , Lomholt Hans B. , Cramers Marie , Bjerring Peter , Hædersdal Merete
Published: February 2010

Background and Objectives

Treatment of recalcitrant viral warts remains a therapeutic challenge. Intense pulsed light (IPL) has been suggested effective to clear wart tissue. The objective was in a randomized controlled trial to assess the efficacy of paring followed by IPL versus paring alone for recalcitrant hand and foot warts.

Materials and Methods

Eighty‐nine patients with recalcitrant hand and foot warts were included and randomized (1:1) to three treatments at 3‐week intervals with either paring of warts followed by IPL or paring of warts alone. IPL was given with the Ellipse Flex IPL system (Danish Dermatologic Development A/S, Hørsholm, Denmark, 400–950 nm, 5.5 millisecond pulse duration in double pulses with a 2 millisecond interval, 26.0–32.5 J/cm2 repetitive passes). The primary outcome was complete and partial clearance of warts evaluated by blinded photo assessment at 6 weeks after final treatment. Secondary outcomes were treatment related pain and adverse reactions.

Results

We found no significant difference in clearance of warts between the two intervention groups (OR 1.64, 95% confidence interval 0.62–4.38). Paring followed by IPL resulted in complete or partial clearance of wart tissue in nine (22%) and five patients (12.2%) versus five (13.5%) and four patients (10.8%) from paring alone. Mostly plantar warts were treated (92.1%). The pain intensity after paring and IPL was moderate and significantly higher than the pain intensity after paring alone (P<0.0005). No adverse reactions were observed from the two interventions.

Conclusion

Paring followed by IPL did not differ significantly from paring alone in clearance of recalcitrant hand and foot warts but caused significantly more pain. Lasers Surg. Med. 42:179–184, 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Fractional CO2 laser‐assisted drug delivery
Authors: Hædersdal Merete , Sakamoto Fernanda H. , Farinelli William A. , Doukas Apostolos G. , Tam Josh , Anderson R. Rox
Published: February 2010

Background and Objectives

Ablative fractional resurfacing (AFR) creates vertical channels that might assist the delivery of topically applied drugs into skin. The purpose of this study was to evaluate drug delivery by CO2 laser AFR using methyl 5‐aminolevulinate (MAL), a porphyrin precursor, as a test drug.

Materials and Methods

Two Yorkshire swine were treated with single‐hole CO2 laser AFR and subsequent topical application of MAL (Metvix®, Photocure ASA, Oslo, Norway), placebo cream and no drug. MAL‐induced porphyrin fluorescence was measured by fluorescence microscopy at skin depths down to 1,800 µm. AFR was performed with a 10.6 µm wavelength prototype CO2 laser, using stacked single pulses of 3 millisecond and 91.6 mJ per pulse.

Results

AFR created cone‐shaped channels of approximately 300 µm diameter and 1,850 µm depth that were surrounded by a 70 µm thin layer of thermally coagulated dermis. There was no porphyrin fluorescence in placebo cream or untreated skin sites. AFR followed by MAL application enhanced drug delivery with significantly higher porphyrin fluorescence of hair follicles (P<0.0011) and dermis (P<0.0433) versus MAL alone at skin depths of 120, 500, 1,000, 1,500, and 1,800 µm. AFR before MAL application also enhanced skin surface (epidermal) porphyrin fluorescence. Radial diffusion of MAL from the laser‐created channels into surrounding dermis was evidenced by uniform porphyrin fluorescence up to 1,500 µm from the holes (1,000, 1,800 µm depths). Skin massage after MAL application did not affect MAL‐induced porphyrin fluorescence after AFR.

Conclusions

Ablative fractional laser treatment facilitates delivery of topical MAL deeply into the skin. For the conditions of this study, laser channels approximately 3 mm apart followed by MAL application could produce porphyrins throughout essentially the entire skin. AFR appears to be a clinically practical means for enhancing uptake of MAL, a photodynamic therapy drug, and presumably many other topical skin medications. Lasers Surg. Med. 42:113–122, 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Long‐term efficacy of a fractional resurfacing device
Authors: Ortiz Arisa E. , Tremaine Anne Marie , Zachary Christopher B.
Published: February 2010

Background and Objective

Recently, there has been much debate regarding the long‐term efficacy of fractional resurfacing devices. While pulsed CO2 laser resurfacing is considered a highly effective treatment, fractionated resurfacing is a newer modality and its long‐term efficacy has yet to be assessed. We report the long‐term outcomes of subjects previously treated with fractional CO2 resurfacing for photodamaged skin and acne scars.

Study Design/Materials and Methods

Ten subjects from our previous studies who received fractional resurfacing for the treatment of acne scarring and photodamage returned for long‐term follow‐up visits at 1 and 2 years, respectively. Investigators graded maintenance of improvement on a quartile scale based on clinical photography.

Results

Subjects maintained 74% of their overall improvement at their long‐term visits compared to 3‐month follow‐up visits. While clinical improvement was maintained long‐term, the results were not as remarkable as those seen at 3‐month visits. The authors speculate that results seen at 3 months may be enhanced by persistent inflammatory changes, as evidenced by heat shock protein 47 activity and ongoing collagen remodeling seen in previous histologic studies. Relaxation of tightening is to be expected with any procedure along with the natural progression of aging. However, patient satisfaction was upheld long‐term.

Conclusion

Fractional CO2 laser resurfacing does have long‐term efficacy and persistence of improvement of acne scarring and photodamage compared to baseline. However, additional treatments may be necessary to enhance long‐term results. Lasers Surg. Med. 42:168–170, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Long‐term blood vessel removal with combined laser and topical rapamycin antiangiogenic therapy: Implications for effective port wine stain treatment
Authors: Jia Wangcun , Sun Victor , Tran Nadia , Choi Bernard , Liu Shaiw‐wen , Mihm Martin C. , Phung Thuy L. , Nelson J. Stuart
Published: February 2010

Background and Objectives

Complete blanching of port wine stain (PWS) birthmarks after laser therapy is rarely achieved for most patients. We postulate that the low therapeutic efficacy or treatment failure is caused by regeneration and revascularization of photocoagulated blood vessels due to angiogenesis associated with the skin's normal wound healing response. Rapamycin (RPM), an antiangiogenic agent, has been demonstrated to inhibit growth of pathological blood vessels. Our objectives were to (1) investigate whether topical RPM can inhibit reperfusion of photocoagulated blood vessels in an animal model and (2) determine the effective RPM concentration required to achieve this objective.

Study Design/Materials and Methods

For both laser‐only and combined laser and RPM treated animals, blood vessels in the dorsal window chambers implanted on golden Syrian hamsters were photocoagulated with laser pulses. Structural and flow dynamics of blood vessels were documented with color digital photography and laser speckle imaging to evaluate photocoagulation and reperfusion. For the combined treatment group, topical RPM was applied to the epidermal side of the window daily for 14 days after laser exposure.

Results

In the laser‐only group, 23 out of 24 photocoagulated blood vessels reperfused within 5–14 days. In the combined treatment group with different RPM formulae and concentrations, the overall reperfusion rate of 36% was much lower as compared to the laser‐only group. We also found that the reperfusion rate was not linearly proportional to the RPM concentration.

Conclusions

With topical RPM application, the frequency of vessel reperfusion was considerably reduced, which implies that combined light and topical antiangiogenic therapy might be a promising approach to improve the treatment efficacy of PWS birthmarks. Lasers Surg. Med. 42:105–112, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Sulforaphane protects cortical neurons against 5‐S‐cysteinyl‐dopamine‐induced toxicity through the activation of ERK1/2, Nrf‐2 and the upregulation of detoxification enzymes
Authors: Vauzour David , Buonfiglio Maria , Corona Giulia , Chirafisi Joselita , Vafeiadou Katerina , Angeloni Cristina , Hrelia Silvana , Hrelia Patrizia , Spencer Jeremy P. E.
Published: February 2010

The degeneration of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra has been linked to the formation of the endogenous neurotoxin 5‐S‐cysteinyl‐dopamine. Sulforaphane (SFN), an isothiocyanate derived from the corresponding precursor glucosinolate found in cruciferous vegetables has been observed to exert a range of biological activities in various cell populations. In this study, we show that SFN protects primary cortical neurons against 5‐S‐cysteinyl‐dopamine induced neuronal injury. Pre‐treatment of cortical neurons with SFN (0.01–1 μM) resulted in protection against 5‐S‐cysteinyl‐dopamine‐induced neurotoxicity, which peaked at 100 nM. This protection was observed to be mediated by the ability of SFN to modulate the extracellular signal‐regulated kinase 1 and 2 and the activation of Kelch‐like ECH‐associated protein 1/NF‐E2‐related factor‐2 leading to the increased expression and activity of glutathione‐S‐transferase (M1, M3 and M5), glutathione reductase, thioredoxin reductase and NAD(P)H oxidoreductase 1. These data suggest that SFN stimulates the NF‐E2‐related factor‐2 pathway of antioxidant gene expression in neurons and may protect against neuronal injury relevant to the aetiology of Parkinson's disease.
Vitamin E transport, membrane incorporation and cell metabolism: Is α‐tocopherol in lipid rafts an oar in the lifeboat?
Authors: Lemaire‐Ewing Stéphanie , Desrumaux Catherine , Néel Dominique , Lagrost Laurent
Published: February 2010

Vitamin E is composed of closely related compounds, including tocopherols and tocotrienols. Studies of the last decade provide strong support for a specific role of α‐tocopherol in cell signalling and the regulation of gene expression. It produces significant effects on inflammation, cell proliferation and apoptosis that are not shared by other vitamin E isomers with similar antioxidant properties. The different behaviours of vitamin E isomers might relate, at least in part, to the specific effects they exert at the plasma membrane. α‐Tocopherol is not randomly distributed throughout the phospholipid bilayer of biological membranes, and as compared with other isomers, it shows a propensity to associate with lipid rafts. Distinct aspects of vitamin E transport and metabolism is discussed with emphasis on the interaction between α‐tocopherol and lipid rafts and the consequences of these interactions on cell metabolism.
Square and stretch multigrid for stochastic matrix eigenproblems
Authors: Treister Eran , Yavneh Irad
Published: February 2010

A novel multigrid algorithm for computing the principal eigenvector of column‐stochastic matrices is developed. The method is based on an approach originally introduced by Horton and Leutenegger (Perform. Eval. Rev. 1994; 22:191–200) whereby the coarse‐grid problem is adapted to yield a better and better coarse representation of the original problem. A special feature of the present approach is the squaring of the stochastic matrix—followed by a stretching of its spectrum—just prior to the coarse‐grid correction process. This procedure is shown to yield good convergence properties, even though a cheap and simple aggregation is used for the restriction and prolongation matrices, which is important for maintaining competitive computational costs. A second special feature is a bottom–up procedure for defining coarse‐grid aggregates. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
On‐plate enrichment of glycopeptides by using boronic acid functionalized gold‐coated Si wafer
Authors: Xu Yawei , Zhang Lijuan , Lu Haojie , Yang Pengyuan
Published: February 2010

Boronic acid functionalized gold‐coated Si wafer has been used as MALDI plate to isolate and enrich glycopeptides for MS analysis. This on‐plate enrichment strategy offers good benefits due to the combination of specific selectivity through enrichment and direct manipulation on the wafer. First, solution transfer and eluting steps required in conventional enrichment strategies are not needed any more, thereby reducing sample loss during these steps. Second, the LODs of glycopeptides have been increased by two orders of magnitude. Third, non‐specific bindings have not been detected even when non‐glycopeptides are 100 times more than glycopeptides. Furthermore, the recovery of glycopeptide is up to 65.8% and glycopeptides even can be sensitively detected in the presence of 200 mM ammonium bicarbonate or physiological buffer PBS.
ELL is an HIF‐1α partner that regulates and responds to hypoxia response in PC3 cells
Authors: Liu Lingqi , Ai Junkui , Xiao Wuhan , Liu June , Wang Yujuan , Xin Dianqi , He Zhisong , Guo Yinglu , Wang Zhou
Published: February 2010

BACKGROUND

Eleven–nineteen lysine‐rich leukemia (ELL) plays an important role in tumorigenesis and animal development. HIF‐1 is a transcriptional factor that functions as a master regulator of O2 homeostasis. Our previous studies showed that a binding partner of ELL, U19/Eaf2, can modulate HIF‐1α activity and hypoxia response, suggesting that ELL may also influence HIF‐1α pathway and hypoxia response.

METHODS

Co‐localization and co‐immunoprecipitation were performed to test the interaction between ELL and HIF‐1α. PC3 cells with stable ELL knockdown and PC3 cells with stable ELL overexpression, along with their controls, were established using lentiviral expression system. Western blot and real‐time PCR were performed to test the effect of ELL on HIF‐1α protein and its down‐stream gene transcription. To elucidate potential effect of hypoxia on ELL, cell growth and colony formation assays were performed using PC3 subline with stable ELL overexpression.

RESULTS

ELL is associated with HIF‐1α in transfected cells. In PC3 prostate cancer cells, ELL inhibited HIF‐1α protein level and down‐stream gene expression. As expected, ELL inhibited cell growth and colony formation under normoxia. Interestingly, the inhibition was alleviated under hypoxia.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings suggest that ELL and HIF‐1α are binding partners and can modulate the functions of each other in hypoxia. Prostate 70: 797–805, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Androgens, growth factors, and risk of prostate cancer: The Multiethnic Cohort
Authors: Gill Jasmeet K. , Wilkens Lynne R. , Pollak Michael N. , Stanczyk Frank Z. , Kolonel Laurence N.
Published: February 2010

BACKGROUND

Androgens and growth factors are thought to be associated with prostate cancer risk, although past research has produced mixed results.

METHODS

We conducted a nested case–control study of biomarkers of prostate cancer risk within the Multiethnic Cohort. We compared prediagnostic levels of testosterone, dihydrotestosterone (DHT), sex hormone‐binding globulin (SHBG), 3α‐androstanediol glucuronide (3α‐diol G), insulin‐like growth factor I (IGF‐I), IGF‐II, IGF‐binding protein 1 (IGFBP‐1), and IGFBP‐3 in serum from 467 incident prostate cancer cases and 934 cancer‐free controls. Controls were matched to the cases on geographic site (HI, LA), ethnicity, age at specimen collection (±1 year), date (±1 month) and time of day (±2 hr) of sample collection, and fasting status (<6, 6–7, 8–9, >10 hr). Multivariate conditional logistic regression models were used to compute adjusted odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

RESULTS

Serum concentrations of testosterone, DHT, SHBG, 3α‐diol G, IGF‐I, IGF‐II, IGFBP‐1, and IGFBP‐3 were not associated with risk of prostate cancer. Tests for trend of quartiles of serum concentrations also did not show any association. Results were relatively unchanged for men with advanced prostate cancer and their matched controls. However, the follow‐up period was relatively short (mean of 1.9 years). Analysis by ethnic group showed an increased risk for Latino men in the second (OR = 3.67, 95% CI: 1.63–8.24) and third (OR = 2.96, 95% CI: 1.19–7.40) tertiles of IGF‐I serum levels compared with the first tertile.

CONCLUSIONS

The suggested increased risk for IGF‐I in Latino men merits further study, with greater statistical power. Prostate 70: 906–915, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Inhibition of DHCR24/Seladin‐1 impairs cellular homeostasis in prostate cancer
Authors: Battista Marie‐Claude , Guimond Marie‐Odile , Roberge Claude , Doueik Alexandre A. , Fazli Ladan , Gleave Martin , Sabbagh Robert , Gallo‐Payet Nicole
Published: February 2010

BACKGROUND

Seladin‐1 belongs to a subgroup of androgen‐dependent genes associated with anti‐proliferative, pro‐differentiation, and pro‐apoptotic functions and plays a protective role against oncogenic stress. The present study aims to investigate the localization and expression of Seladin‐1 protein in normal and tumoral human prostatic tissues as well as to explore its role in proliferation and steroid secretion in androgen‐dependent (LnCaP) and androgen‐independent (DU145) cell lines and in human prostate primary cell culture.

METHODS

Seladin‐1 protein localization and expression were assessed on whole tissue sections by tissue array/immunohistochemistry and following immunofluorescence and Western blotting. Proliferation (Ki67 fluorescence labeling and cell counts) and steroid secretion (ELISA) were assessed in cell lines and primary epithelial cell cultures.

RESULTS

In human prostatic tissue and cells, Seladin‐1 was mostly localized within epithelial and rarely within stromal cells and primarily present in secretory luminal cells of normal and tumoral prostate cells. Its expression was increased in low‐risk prostate cancer but reduced in advanced prostate cancers when compared to normal tissues. Seladin‐1 was highly expressed in LnCaP, whereas its expression level was lower in DU145 cells. Seladin‐1 inhibition by treatment with its specific inhibitor, U18666A (75 nM), increased proliferation in LnCaP and primary cell culture, as well as testosterone and dihydrotestosterone levels in both LnCaP and DU145 cell lines.

CONCLUSIONS

Seladin‐1 involvement in proliferation and secretion suggests that its downregulation may be a major mechanism causing prostate cancer evolution. Seladin‐1 may thus potentially decrease cell growth and steroid dependency in low‐grade prostate cancer. Prostate 70: 921–933, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The Prostate Cancer Foundation 16th Annual Scientific Retreat: Meeting report
Authors: Rhodes Katrin E. , Simons Jonathan W. , Soule Howard R.
Published: February 2010

The 16th Annual Prostate Cancer Foundation (PCF) Scientific Retreat was held September 23‐25, 2009 at Incline Village, NV. This report highlights some of the game‐changing research reports from this conference. Prostate 70: 916–920, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Differential expression of the α2 chain of the interleukin‐13 receptor in metastatic human prostate cancer ARCaPM cells.
Authors: He Hui , Xu Jianchun , Nelson Peter S. , Marshall Fray F. , Chung Leland W.K. , Zhau Haiyen E. , He Dalin , Wang Ruoxiang
Published: February 2010

BACKGROUND

The α2 chain of the interleukin‐13 receptor (IL13Rα2) is a high‐affinity receptor and a candidate target for cytotoxic killing of cancer cells. Availability of a human prostate cancer cell line with high level of IL13Rα2 expression will facilitate the development of therapeutic modalities.

METHODS

ARCaPE and ARCaPM human prostate cancer cell lines were subjected to comparative analyses of gene expression. Expression of the IL13Rα2 protein was confirmed by Western blotting and immunostaining. IL13Rα2 proteins in xenograft tumors and clinical human prostate cancer specimens were detected by specific antibodies. LNCaP prostate cancer cells stably transfected with IL13Rα2 were examined for accelerated growth in athymic mice.

RESULTS

We found that IL13Rα2 proteins could be detected in both the ARCaPE and ARCaPM cells, but the expression level in ARCaPM was more than 17‐fold higher than in ARCaPE cells. Importantly, the ARCaP lineage represented the only human prostate cancer cell line that expresses IL13Rα2 proteins at the level detectable by Western blotting. Expression of IL13Rα2 was accompanied by resistance to the anti‐tumor activity of interleukin‐13 (IL‐13). ARCaP cells were found to be insensitive to growth inhibition upon IL‐13 treatment, while overexpression of IL13Rα2 in LNCaP cells promoted intratibial tumor growth in athymic mice.

CONCLUSIONS

Differential IL13Rα2 expression may account for the high tumorigenic and metastatic potential of ARCaPM cells. The unique expression of IL13Rα2 makes ARCaP lineage an attractive model for evaluating the targeting efficacy of therapeutic agents based on IL13Rα2 protein expression. Prostate © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The crossed‐field and single‐field Hall effect in LuRh2Si2
Authors: Friedemann Sven , Oeschler Niels , Wirth Steffen , Steglich Frank , MaQuilon Sam , Fisk Zachary
Published: February 2010

The Hall effect of LuRh2Si2 – the non‐magnetic homologue of the heavy‐fermion material YbRh2Si2 – is studied with two different setups: in the conventional single‐field geometry, the field dependence is analyzed in terms of the differential Hall coefficient. Beyond that, the recently developed crossed‐field experiment allows to examine the linear‐response Hall coefficient as a function of magnetic field. The results reveal the expected analogy between both experiments which corroborates the equivalent findings in YbRh2Si2. This emphasizes the feasibility to investigate field‐induced quantum critical points with both methods.

Setup of the crossed‐field Hall‐effect experiment allows to examine the linear‐response (with respect to the magnetic field B1) Hall coefficient as a function of tuning field B2.

magnified image
Role of the tip induced local anodic oxidation in the conductive atomic force microscopy of mixed phase silicon thin films
Authors: Vetushka Aliaksei , Fejfar Antonin , Ledinský Martin , Rezek Bohuslav , Stuchlík Jiří , Koöka Jan
Published: February 2010

We show that local currents observed by the Conductive Atomic Force Microscopy (C‐AFM) of silicon thin films measured in ambient atmosphere are generally limited by surface oxide, either native or created by the measurement itself in a process of Local Anodic Oxidation (LAO), as evidenced by observed topographic changes of Si surface. The tip‐induced LAO changes the character of the local current maps in repeated scans or even in the first scan of a pristine surface. In particular, the oxidation of the neighboring scan lines leads to the appearance of grain edges as conductive rings. Finally, we have used brief HF acid etch to strip the oxide in order to restore the contrast in the C‐AFM maps of aged samples and we compare the observed local current levels to those observed in ultra‐high vacuum C‐AFM on in‐situ deposited samples (© 2010 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Intensity dependence of quantum efficiency and photo‐gating effects in thin film silicon solar cells
Authors: Reynolds Steve , Main Charles , Smirnov Vladimir , Meftah Amjad
Published: February 2010

Steady‐state photoconductivity measurements have been carried out on thin‐film silicon pin structures of i‐layer thickness typically 4 μm, where crystalline composition has been varied by adjustment of the silane concentration in the process gas. In amorphous and low‐crystallinity cells, strongly‐absorbed light incident from the p‐side at photon fluxes in excess of 1014 cm‐2 s‐1 produces strongly sub‐linear intensity dependence, ‘S’ shaped reverse current‐voltage curves and amplification of a second weakly‐absorbed beam, termed photogating. These effects are linked to the formation of space charge and attendant low‐field region close to the p‐i interface, as confirmed by computer simulation. More crystalline devices exhibit little or no such behaviour. At lower intensities of strongly‐absorbed light there is a markedly steeper increase in reverse current vs. voltage in low‐crystalline when compared to amorphous cells, particularly with light incident from the n‐side. This suggests the mobility‐lifetime product for holes is much larger in the former case, consistent with the higher hole mobilities reported in time of flight studies. Thus the prospect of composition‐dependent changes in mobility as well as defect density should be borne in mind when developing materials for application in microcrystalline silicon solar cells. (© 2010 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Modelling convective processes during the suppressed phase of a Madden–Julian oscillation: Comparing single‐column models with cloud‐resolving models
Authors: Woolnough S. J. , Blossey P. N. , Xu K.‐M. , Bechtold P. , Chaboureau J.‐P. , Hosomi T. , Iacobellis S. F. , Luo Y. , Petch J. C. , Wong R. Y. , Xie S.
Published: February 2010

The role of convective processes in moistening the atmosphere during suppressed periods of the suppressed phase of a Madden–Julian oscillation is investigated in cloud‐resolving model (CRM) simulations, and the impact of moistening on the subsequent evolution of convection is assessed as part of a Global Energy and Water Cycle Experiment Cloud System Study (GCSS) intercomparison project. The ability of single‐column model (SCM) versions of a number of state‐of‐the‐art climate and numerical weather prediction models to capture these convective processes is also evaluated. During the suppressed periods, the CRMs are found to simulate a maximum moistening around 3 km, which is associated with a predominance of shallow convection. All SCMs produce adequate amounts of shallow convection during the suppressed periods, comparable to that seen in CRMs, but the relatively drier SCMs have higher precipitation rates than the relatively wetter SCMs and CRMs. The relatively drier SCMs dry, rather than moisten, the lower troposphere below the melting level. During the transition periods, convective processes act to moisten the atmosphere above the level at which mean advection changes from moistening to drying, despite an overall drying effect for the column. The SCMs capture some essence of this moistening at upper levels. A gradual transition from shallow to deep convection is simulated by the CRMs and the wetter SCMs during the transition periods, but the onset of deep convection is delayed in the drier SCMs. This results in lower precipitation rates for these SCMs during the active periods, although much better agreement exists between the models at this time. Copyright © 2010 Royal Meteorological Society
Secure and robust threshold key management (SRKM) scheme for ad hoc networks
Authors: Hamouid K. , Adi K.
Published: February 2010

Securing Mobile ad hoc Networks (MANET) is a challenging task, notably due to the lack of an online infrastructure. In particular, key management in MANET is a problem for which many solutions have been proposed in literature. Unfortunately, these solutions are rather limited in terms of security and availability of keys. In this paper, we propose a secure, robust, and fully distributed scheme for public‐key certificate management in MANET. Our scheme, based on threshold cryptography, ensures that the private key of the certificate authority will not be revealed to an adversary, even if the number of compromised shareholders exceeds the threshold of vulnerability, thereby thwarting mobile‐adversary attacks. We describe SRKM in detail and, by using security analysis and simulations, show its effectiveness, robustness and security. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Fabrication of functionalized aluminum compound petallike structure with superhydrophobic surface
Authors: Song Hao‐Jie , Shen Xiang‐Qian
Published: February 2010

The petallike structures, similar to that of a lotus leaf, were directly fabricated on the surface of aluminum sheets by a simple one‐step solution‐immersion process. It was found that the width of the nanoflakes ranges from 20 to 500 nm, and the length of the flakes is about several micrometers. The wettability of the surface with a hierarchical structure was changed from superhydrophilicity to superhydrophobicity by chemical modification with perfluorodecyltriethoxysilane (PDES). The static contact angles (CAs) for water on both of the modified surfaces were larger than 150° , which was closely related to the chemical modification and hierarchical structure. Furthermore, the surfaces retained good superhydrophobic stability in long‐term storage as well, which should be critical to the application of aluminum materials in engineering. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
No Evidence for Clonal Selection Due to Lentiviral Integration Sites in Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells
Authors: Winkler Thomas , Cantilena Amy , Métais Jean-Yves , Xu Xiuli , Nguyen Anh-Dao , Borate Bhavesh , Antosiewicz-Bourget Jessica E. , Wolfsberg Tyra G. , Thomson James A. , Dunbar Cynthia E.
Published: February 2010

Derivation of induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells requires the expression of defined transcription factors (among Oct3/4, Sox2, Klf4, c-Myc, Nanog, and Lin28) in the targeted cells. Lentiviral or standard retroviral gene transfer remains the most robust and commonly used approach. Low reprogramming frequency overall, and the higher efficiency of derivation utilizing integrating vectors compared to more recent nonviral approaches, suggests that gene activation or disruption via proviral integration sites (IS) may play a role in obtaining the pluripotent phenotype. We provide for the first time an extensive analysis of the lentiviral integration profile in human iPS cells. We identified a total of 78 independent IS in eight recently established iPS cell lines derived from either human fetal fibroblasts or newborn foreskin fibroblasts after lentiviral gene transfer of Oct4, Sox2, Nanog, and Lin28. The number of IS ranged from 5 to 15 IS per individual iPS clone, and 75 IS could be assigned to a unique chromosomal location. The different iPS clones had no IS in common. Expression analysis as well as extensive bioinformatic analysis did not reveal functional concordance of the lentiviral targeted genes between the different clones. Interestingly, in six of the eight iPS clones, some of the IS were found in pairs, integrated into the same chromosomal location within six base pairs of each other or in very close proximity. Our study supports recent reports that efficient reprogramming of human somatic cells is not dependent on insertional activation or deactivation of specific genes or gene classes.
Understanding specific and nonspecific toxicities: a requirement for the development of dendrimer‐based pharmaceuticals
Authors: McNerny Daniel Q. , Leroueil Pascale R. , Baker James R.
Published: February 2010

Dendrimer conjugates for pharmaceutical development are capable of enhancing the local delivery of cytotoxic drugs. The ability to conjugate different targeting ligands to the dendrimer allows for the cytotoxic drug to be focused at the intended target cell while minimizing collateral damage in normal cells. Dendrimers offer several advantages over other polymer conjugates by creating a better defined, more monodisperse therapeutic scaffold. Toxicity from the dendrimer, targeted and nonspecific, is not only dependent upon the number of targeting and therapeutic ligands conjugated, but can be influenced by the repeating building blocks that grow the dendrimer, the dendrimer generation, as well as the surface termination. WIREs Nanomed Nanobiotechnol 2010 2 249–259

This article is categorized under:

Toxicology and Regulatory Issues in Nanomedicine > Toxicology of Nanomaterials
Diversity of patch structure in Central European forests: are tree diameter distributions in near‐natural multilayered Abies–Fagus stands heterogeneous?
Authors: Podlaski Rafał
Published: February 2010

Near‐natural multilayered Abiesalba Mill.–Fagus sylvatica L. forests form structural mosaics and consist of patches in different developmental stages and phases. Knowledge of the diversity of patch structure and adequate methods to describe the diameter structure is essential for modeling forest dynamics. The hypotheses tested in the study are that near‐natural multilayered stands are structurally heterogeneous (i.e., tree diameter (DBH) distributions of these stands are heterogeneous) and, that in these forests the finite‐mixture models are suitable for modeling the empirical DBH distributions. Diversity of patch structure was studied based on data collected from 33 sample plots. In multilayered stands, four groups of empirical DBH distributions were distinguished using hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) and correspondence analysis (CA). Stands investigated are structurally heterogeneous; 27% multilayered stands showed the slightly rotated sigmoid (SRS) type of empirical DBH distribution, 34% the distinctly rotated sigmoid (DRS) type, 18% the bimodal M‐shaped (BMS) type, and 21% the unimodal highly skewed (UHS) type. The gamma distribution, the two‐component mixture gamma model, and the two‐component mixture Weibull model were more flexible for the SRS type of DBH distributions. The average p‐values (Chi‐square test) for these theoretical distributions were 0.4712, 0.4718, and 0.4660, respectively. The two‐component mixture gamma model and the two‐component mixture Weibull model were a good choice for modeling the DRS, BMS, and UHS types of DBH distributions. The average p‐values (Chi‐square test) for these models ranged from 0.2684 to 0.4854. In near‐natural multilayered Abies–Fagus forest patches of different DBH distributions occur together. The empirical DBH distributions in these stands are characterized by irregular and complicated shapes and therefore are best approximated by finite‐mixture models.
Can balance exercise programmes improve balance and related physical performance measures in people with dementia? A systematic review
Authors: Suttanon Plaiwan , Hill Keith , Said Catherine , Dodd Karen
Published: February 2010

This review presents the physical performance outcomes of randomised trials investigating exercise programmes that included balance exercise for older people with dementia. A systematic literature search through five computerised bibliographic databases until February 2009 was carried out. Of 1,038 potentially relevant published articles, only seven met the inclusion criteria and were extracted. Findings from the review for a total of 632 participants showed that almost all of the included studies addressed exercise or physical activities as the main intervention; however, only two of the studies focused on balance exercise. The effect size values varied from no effect (0.00) to a large effect (3.29) of the interventions for a range of physical performance outcome measures. Findings also suggest that it is feasible to conduct exercise programmes with older people with dementia. However, further studies with more specific exercise designed to improve balance performance in order to prevent falls are required for older people with dementia.
Lysophosphatidylcholine Containing Docosahexaenoic Acid at thesn‐1 Position is Anti‐inflammatory
Authors: Huang Long Shuang , Hung Nguyen Dang , Sok Dai‐Eun , Kim Mee Ree
Published: February 2010

Lysophosphatidylcholine is known to be a lipid mediator in various cellular responses. In this study, we examined the anti‐inflammatory actions of lysophosphatidylcholine containing docosahexaenoic acid esterified at thesn‐1 position. First, in RAW 264.7 cells, DHA‐lysoPtdCho suppressed the LPS‐induced formation of NO concentration‐dependently. However, ARA‐lysoPtdCho showed a partial suppression, and LNA‐lysoPtdCho had no significant effect. Additionally, DHA‐lysoPtdCho also reduced the level of TNF‐α or IL‐6, but not PGE2. In animal experiments, the i.v. administration of ARA‐lysoPtdCho (150 or 500 μg/kg) prevented zymosan A‐induced plasma leakage remarkably with a maximal efficacy (Emax) of 50%, in contrast to no effect with LNA‐lysoPtdCho. Remarkably, DHA‐lysoPtdCho suppressed zymosan A‐induced plasma leakage with an ED50value of 46 μg/kg and an Emax value of around 95%. Additionally, mechanistic studies indicated that the anti‐inflammatory action of DHA‐lysoPtdCho was partially related to the reduced formation of LTC4,TNF‐α, and IL‐6. When the interval time between lysoPtdCho administration and zymosan A challenge was extended up to 2 h, such a suppressive action of DHA‐lysoPtdCho was augmented, suggesting that a DHA‐lysoPtdCho metabolite is important for anti‐inflammatory action. In support of this, 17‐HPDHA‐lysoPtdCho showed a greater anti‐inflammatory action than DHA‐lysoPtdCho. Furthermore, a similar anti‐inflammatory action was also observed with i.p. administration of DHA‐lysoPtdCho or a 17(S)‐hydroperoxy derivative. Additionally, oral administration of DHA‐lysoPtdCho also expressed a significant anti‐inflammatory action. Taken together, it is proposed that DHA‐lysoPtdCho and its metabolites may be anti‐inflammatory lipids in vivo systems.
Flexible flatfoot in children and adolescents
Authors: Mosca Vincent S.
Published: February 2010

Flexible flatfoot is a normal foot shape that is present in most infants and many adults. The arch elevates spontaneously in most children during the first decade of life. There is no evidence that a longitudinal arch can be created in a child's foot by any external forces or devices. Flexible flatfoot with a short Achilles tendon, in contrast to simple flexible flatfoot, is known to cause pain and disability in some adolescents and adults. Joint-preserving, deformity-correcting surgery is indicated in flexible flatfeet with short Achilles tendons when conservative measurements fail to relieve pain under the head of the plantar flexed talus or in the sinus tarsi area. Osteotomy is the fundamental and central procedure of choice. In almost all cases, Achilles tendon lengthening is required. In some cases, rigid supination deformity of the forefoot is present, requiring identification and concurrent treatment.
Genetic Analysis of Water Use Efficiency in Rice (Oryza sativa L.) at the Leaf Level
Authors: This Dominique , Comstock Jonathan , Courtois Brigitte , Xu Yunbi , Ahmadi Nourollah , Vonhof Wendy M. , Fleet Christine , Setter Tim , McCouch Susan
Published: February 2010

Carbon isotope discrimination (∆13C) is considered as an index of leaf-level water use efficiency, an important objective for plant breeders seeking to conserve water resources. We report in rice a genetic analysis for ∆13C, leaf structural parameters, gas exchange, stomatal conductance, and leaf abscisic acid (ABA) concentrations. Doubled haploid and recombinant inbred populations, both derived from the cross IR64 × Azucena, were used for quantitative trait locus (QTL) analysis following greenhouse experiments. ∆13C QTLs on the long arms of chromosomes 4 and 5 were colocalized with QTLs associated with leaf blade width, length, and flatness, while a QTL cluster for ∆13C, photosynthesis parameters, and ABA was observed in the near-centromeric region of chromosome 4. These results are consistent with phenotypic correlations and suggest that genetic variation in carbon assimilation and stomatal conductance contribute to the genetic variation for ∆13C in this population.
Principles of Transnational Civil Procedure
Authors: American Law Institute  , American Law Institute
Published: February 2010

The American Law Institute and UNIDROIT (International Institute for the Unification of Private Law) are preeminent organizations working toward the clarification and advancement of the procedural rules of law. Recognizing the need for a 'universal' set of procedures that would transcend national jurisdictional rules and facilitate the resolution of disputes arising from transnational commercial transactions, Principles and Rules of Transnational Civil Procedure was launched to create a set of acceptable rules and principles that would be accepted globally. This work strives to reduce uncertainty for parties obliged to litigate in unfamiliar surroundings and promote fairness in judicial judgments. As recognized standards of civil justice, Principles and Rules of Transnational Civil Procedure can be used in pleadings, development, and presentation of evidence, legal argument, and tribunal judgments such as arbitration. The result is a work which significantly contributes to the promotion of a universal rule of law norm.
From Subject to Citizen
Authors: Davidson Alastair
Published: February 2010

This important, theoretically sophisticated work explores the concepts of liberal democracy, citizenship and rights. Grounded in critical original research, the book examines Australia's political and legal institutions, and traces the history and future of citizenship and the state in Australia. The central theme is that making proofs of belonging to the national culture a precondition of citizenship is inappropriate for a multicultural society such as Australia. This becomes an object lesson for the multicultural regional politics throughout the world.
The French Face of Joseph Conrad
Authors: Hervouet Yves , Newman Lindsay
Published: February 2010

Joseph Conrad has up to now been regarded as a novelist with 'dual' Polish and English national affinities. This study argues for a triple identity by presenting the French face of Conrad's work, and demonstrates that his knowledge of the French language and its literature (which preceded his acquisition of the English language) has profound implications for the study of the novels. A survey of Conrad's literary and cultural background leads into an analysis of the effect on his writing of numerous French authors, chief among them Flaubert, Maupassant and Anatole France. Documenting these influences chronologically, Yves Hervouet builds up a picture of Conrad at work. In addition he discusses in more theoretical terms their aesthetic, philosophical and technical aspects and examines possible implications for Conrad's creative originality. A large-scale account of Conrad's extensive involvement with the French literary tradition, Yves Hervouet's book is a milestone in our understanding of his work. It will have a major impact on Conrad scholarship and as a study of cross-cultural influence, it will be of interest to all students of comparative literature in the period.
Religion and Political Culture in Britain and Ireland
Authors: Hempton David
Published: February 2010

The main theme of this book is religion and identity - not only national identity, but also regional and local identities. David Hempton penetrates to the heart of vigorous religious and political cultures, both elite and popular, in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. He brings to life a diverse and variegated spectrum of religious communities in all of the British Isles. With so much new British history really an extended version of old English history, Hempton has devoted more attention to the Celtic fringes, especially Ireland. It is an exercise in comparative history, but he also shows how richly coloured is the religious history of these islands. He demonstrates that even in their cultural distinctiveness, the various religious traditions have had more in common than is sometimes imagined. The book arises from the 1993 Cadbury Lectures at the University of Birmingham.
The Talmudic Argument
Authors: Jacobs Louis
Published: February 2010

This book, the only one in English that can serve as a textbook for beginners and more advanced students of the Babylonian Talmud, examines in detail a number of typical lengthy passages with a view to showing how Talmudic reasoning operates and how the Talmud was compiled by its final editors. The book serves as an introduction to the nature of this fascinating work on which the Jewish mind has been intellectually stimulated and nourished for over 1500 years. Original insights into the Talmudic debates are provided for the consideration of Talmudic experts but the work is intended chiefly as a guide to students who wish to obtain a more than superficial idea of what the Talmud really is about.