bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Antiparasitic and immunomodulatory activities of 1,1‐bis(4‐hydroxyphenyl)‐2‐phenyl‐but‐1‐ene and its protected and free 2‐ferrocenyl derivatives
Authors: Soares Milena B.P. , Costa José Fernando Oliveira , Santos de Sá Matheus , Ribeiro‐dos‐Santos Ricardo , Pigeon Pascal , Jaouen Gérard , Santana Antônio Euzébio G. , Goulart Marilia O.F. , Hillard Elizabeth
Published: December 2009

The ferrocenyl diphenol 1 [1,1‐bis(4‐hydroxyphenyl)‐2‐ferrocenyl‐but‐1‐ene] displays strong cytotoxic effects against a variety of cancer cells. In the present study we have evaluated the immunomodulatory and antiparasitic activities of compound 1 and its protected dipalmitate analogue 2. We have furthermore compared the antiparasitic results of 1 and 2 with the organic analogue, 3 [1,1‐bis(4‐hydroxyphenyl)‐2‐phenyl‐but‐1‐ene], where the ferrocenyl group has been replaced by a phenyl ring. When assayed against normal (noncancerous) splenocytes, all compounds were considered nontoxic. Compound 1 inhibited NO production by macrophages, inhibited concanavalin A‐induced lymphoproliferation, and was active against Leishmania amazonensis and Trypanosoma cruzi. Compound 2 had lower activity in all assays performed. Surprisingly, compounds 1 and 2 exhibited similar and significant activity against Plasmodium falciparum, with IC50 values of 3.50 and 1.33 µM, respectively. Compound 3 showed an inverse activity profile, being active against T. cruzi but far less active against P. falciparum. Drug Dev Res 71: 69–75, 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Antimalarial preclinical drug development: a single oral dose of a 5‐carbon‐linked trioxane dimer plus mefloquine cures malaria‐infected mice
Authors: Moon Deuk Kyu , Singhal Vandana , Kumar Nirbhay , Shapiro Theresa A. , Posner Gary H.
Published: December 2009

Three new 5‐carbon‐linked trioxane dimer carboxylate esters have been prepared from the natural trioxane, artemisinin, in only three steps and 40–50% overall yields. Each one of these new chemical entities is at least as efficacious as the clinically used trioxane antimalarial drug artemether when combined with mefloquine hydrochloride in a low single oral dose cure. Drug Dev Res 71: 76–81, 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Antimalarial activity of compounds and mixed fractions of Cecropia pachystachya
Authors: Uchôa Valdiléia Teixeira , de Paula Renata Cristina , Krettli Luísa G. , Santana Antônio Euzébio Goulart , Krettli Antoniana Ursine
Published: December 2009

Extracts from Cecropia pachystachya (Cecropiaceae), a medicinal plant used in Brazil, were tested for their antimalarial activity against Plasmodium falciparum and/or Plasmodium berghei in mice. The ethanol extracts of wood, root, and leaves reduce parasitemia of malaria‐infected mice from 35–66% in relation to nontreated control mice. The plant roots extracts, with stronger activity, were further analyzed and provided subfractions also active in vivo from which two compounds were isolated and chemically characterized as β‐sitosterol and tormentic acid. Although both compounds were active in mice malaria, only the tormentic acid inhibited P. falciparum chloroquine‐resistant parasites (W2) growth in cultures, reducing parasitemia dose‐responsively (IC50=11–15 µg/ml). The antimalarial activity of the plant extracts kept refrigerated 7 years after the initial isolation, when tested in parallel with new extracts freshly isolated from plants collected at the same geographical site, was similar, confirming the superiority of the plant roots and the stability of the active extracts. In these experiments, inhibition of parasite growth was measured by hypoxanthine incorporation and by immunoenzymatic assay (ELISA) with monoclonal antibodies against the P. falciparum histidine‐rich protein (HRP2), expressed by the erythrocytic forms. The plant roots showed the lowest IC50 value and displayed the lowest toxicity, thus having the best therapeutic index. C. pachystachya species is therefore a good candidate for phytotherapeutic use against malaria. Further studies are ongoing to isolate new active compounds through bioguided fractionation analysis, in an effort to develop a new drug prototype against P. falciparum erythrocytic parasites. Drug Dev Res 71: 82–91, 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Growth hormone and anabolic steroids: athletes are the tip of the iceberg
Authors: Perls Thomas T.
Published: December 2009

Professional Athletes' misuse of anabolic steroids, growth hormone and other drugs are the tip of a very large, mostly ignored iceberg, made up of people who receive these drugs for such non‐medical uses as body‐building, school sports and “anti‐aging”. Although these drugs are often used in combination, this article focuses on growth hormone. Fuelling the demand for these drugs are drug manufacturers, pharmacies, websites, clinics and their doctors. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Stimulus distinction in the skin of a robot using tactile and shock sensors
Authors: Fukushima Masanori , Masuda Ryosuke
Published: December 2009

Recent developments in the areas of mobile and humanoid robots have resulted in a marked increase in the potential applications of robotics. Since it is likely that robots will cohabitate and interact with humans in a variety of situations, they will need an external skin capable of distinguishing between various stimuli. The present study investigates the development of robot‐skin sensors capable of recognizing four stimuli that are frequently encountered in everyday life. A prototype was designed using pressure‐sensitive rubber and two types of shock sensors, and results indicate that the four stimuli can be distinguished based on differences in pressure and acceleration between stimuli. We describe the development of the skin sensory system and the mechanism employed to distinguish between the different stimuli, and present the results of experiments conducted using the developed system. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electron Comm Jpn, 93(1): 50–57, 2010; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/ecj.10103
Quasi multi‐baseline‐stereo method with single camera for reducing occlusion
Authors: Watanabe Takashi , Kusano Akira , Fujiwara Takayuki , Koshimizu Hiroyasu
Published: December 2009

A robust 3D image measurement method is proposed in order to suppress occlusion by a quasi multi‐baseline‐stereo method based on a single camera configuration. There is no way to suppress completely the “occlusion problem” in the field of stereo geometry. In order to deal with this problem, the multi‐baseline‐stereo configuration is often adopted and is basically effective. This paper proposes a new configuration for stereo measurement by means of a single camera, a mechanical feeder for the object, image processing for the baseline calibration, and in particular, diagonal feeding of the object in front of the camera. The concept of this method is to realize a pair of stereo geometries in the stereo configuration with a single camera and a mechanical feeder. It is technically noted that the baseline of this single camera stereo was precisely calibrated by an image processing procedure in both the horizontal and vertical directions. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electron Comm Jpn, 93(1): 41–49, 2010; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/ecj.10156
Analysis and modeling of practical experiment on IP traffic control
Authors: Suzuki Tadamichi , Ito Jungo , Nakano Kazushi , Miki Tetsuya
Published: December 2009

In this paper, we focus on a practical experiment concerning IP traffic engineering over Multi‐Protocol Label Switching (MPLS), especially which features feedback control capabilities. We present control‐theoretic analysis of the experimental results based on acquired knowledge of actual network behavior. Because stable automated control capabilities are key issues in IP traffic engineering, we model an IP traffic control system based on the resulting analysis. In addition, comparison between simulated network behavior and actual behavior shows this model to have a high degree of stability, with a high potential for application to real networks. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electron Comm Jpn, 93(1): 9–18, 2010; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/ecj.10189
Cytotoxicity test and mass spectrometry of IPMC
Authors: Takashima Kazuto , Kamamichi Norihiro , Yagi Tohru , Asaka Kinji , Mukai Toshiharu
Published: December 2009

Ionic polymer‐metal composites (IPMC) are promising materials in biomedical actuators and sensors, as they are soft and flexible, thus assuring the safety of the device itself. The purpose of this study is to investigate the biocompatibility of IPMC in in vitro experiments in order to evaluate their applicability in biomedical fields. In addition to an IPMC specimen prepared by the conventional “impregnation‐reduction method” using cationic gold complexes and reducing agents, two specimens were prepared by additional processes: one specimen was reduced in Na2SO3 solution and the other was cleaned in H2O2 solution. A colony‐forming test using Chinese hamster V79 cells showed high cytotoxicity for all IPMC specimens. Examination by direct inlet mass spectrometry (DI‐MS) revealed that the peak intensity of the gold complex (particularly, m/z=180) was different from that of Nafion film. Monitoring the peak at m/z=180 showed a remnant with the structure of phenanthroline in IPMC specimens that were not cleaned in H2O2 solution. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electron Comm Jpn, 93(1): 1–8, 2010; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/ecj.10239
Preparation of Carbocyclic C‐Nucleosides from α‐Chlorooxime Precursor
Authors: Pradere Ugo , Kumamoto Hiroki , Roy Vincent , Agrofoglio Luigi A.
Published: December 2009

The syntheses of L‐carbocyclic benzothiazolo, benzoxazolo, and benzimidazolo C‐nor‐nucleosides are described. The key step is the reaction of the C‐chlorooxime 7, obtained by C‐chlorination with N‐chlorosuccinimide of [(1S,2R,3R,4R)‐1‐tert‐butyldimethylsiloxy‐2,3‐(O‐isopropylidenedioxy)]cyclopentane‐4‐carbohydroximic acid (6), with different α‐amino aromatic compounds. Acidic deprotection gave the benzoxazolo (11), benzimidazolo (12), and benzothiazolo (13) title compounds, in good yields.
How do bedform patterns arise? New views on the role of bedform interactions within a set of boundary conditions
Authors: Kocurek Gary , Ewing Ryan C. , Mohrig David
Published: December 2009

One explanation for bedform patterns is self‐organization in which the pattern emerges because of interactions among the bedforms themselves. Models, remote images, field studies and lab experiments have identified bedform interactions that involve whole bedforms, only bedform defects, or that are remote interactions between bedforms. It is proposed that bedform interactions form a spectrum from constructive to regenerative in pattern development. Constructive interactions, including merging, lateral linking, cannibalization, and remote transfer of sediment, push the system toward fewer, larger, more widely spaced bedforms. Regenerative interactions, including bedform splitting, defect creation and calving, push the system back toward a more initial state. Other interactions, including off‐center collision, defect migration, and bedform and defect repulsion, cause pattern change, but may not be strongly constructive or regenerative. Although bedform interactions are ubiquitous to any field of bedforms, their dynamics, flow‐field modification, and impact upon measurable pattern parameters are yet poorly understood. Most bedform interactions span bedform types and fluids, supporting the hypothesis that pattern emerges from dynamics at the bedform level in a hierarchy that includes lower levels of bedform‐flow and grain–fluid interactions. Bedform interactions alone, however, cannot account for the rich diversity of bedform patterns in nature. It is proposed that field diversity arises because of boundary conditions, which are the environmental variables within which a field evolves. Conceptually, boundary conditions modify the shape of the attractor toward which a field evolves, possibly by altering the type and frequency of bedform interactions. Boundary conditions are broadly similar within system types, but are unique for each bedform field so that no two are ever exactly alike. Although aeolian and fluvial systems share some types of boundary conditions, flow depth is a unique boundary condition in shallow fluvial systems. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Forecasting inflation in Malaysia
Authors: Duasa Jarita , Ahmad Nursilah , Ibrahim Mansor H. , Zainal Mohd Pisal
Published: December 2009

This paper aims to identify the best indicator in forecasting inflation in Malaysia. In methodology, the study constructs a simple forecasting model that incorporates the indicator/variable using the vector error correction (VECM) model of quasi‐tradable inflation index and selected indicators: commodity prices, financial indicators and economic activities. For each indicator, the forecasting horizon used is 24 months and the VECM model is applied for seven sample windows over sample periods starting with the first month of 1980 and ending with the 12th month of every 2 years from 1992 to 2004. The degree of independence of each indicator from inflation is tested by analyzing the variance decomposition of each indicator and Granger causality between each indicator and inflation. We propose that a simple model using an aggregation of indices improves the accuracy of inflation forecasts. The results support our hypothesis. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The clinical relevance of Wilms Tumour 1 (WT1) gene mutations in acute leukaemia
Authors: Owen Carolyn , Fitzgibbon Jude , Paschka Peter
Published: December 2009

Recurrent genetic aberrations are important predictors of outcome in acute myeloid leukaemia (AML). Numerous novel molecular abnormalities have been identified and investigated in recent years adding to the risk stratification and prognostication of conventional karyotyping. Mutations in the Wilms Tumour 1 (WT1) gene were first described more than a decade ago but their clinical significance has only recently been evaluated. WT1 mutations occur in approximately 10% of adult AML patients at diagnosis and are most frequent in the cytogenetically normal (CN) AML subgroup. These mutations appear to confer a negative prognostic outcome by increasing the risk of relapse and death. Mutation frequency is higher in pediatric patients and also appears to confer a negative impact on relapse and survival. Herein, we discuss the importance of WT1 mutations in AML. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Parents' feelings towards their adoptive and non‐adoptive children
Authors: Glover Marshaun B. , Mullineaux Paula Y. , Deater‐Deckard Kirby , Petrill Stephen A.
Published: December 2009

In the current study, we examined parent gender differences in feelings (negativity and positivity) and perceptions of child behavioural and emotional problems in adoptive and biological parent–child dyads. In a sample of 85 families, we used a novel within‐family adoption design in which one child was adopted and one child was a biological child of the couple, and tested whether the links between parent feelings and child maladjustment included effects of passive gene–environment correlation. Parents reported more negativity and less positivity as well as higher levels of externalizing behaviour for the adopted child compared to the non‐adopted child, although effect sizes were small and no longer statistically significant after correcting for multiple comparisons. Fathers and mothers did not differ significantly in their reports of positive and negative feelings towards their children or in regard to child externalizing and internalizing behaviours. The correlations between parental negativity and positivity and child externalizing and internalizing were similar for fathers and mothers, and for adopted and non‐adopted children. The findings suggest similar parent–child relationship processes for fathers and mothers, and that genetic transmission of behaviour from parent to child does not account for the association between parental warmth and hostility and child‐adjustment problems. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Nerve invasion distance is dependent on laminin γ2 in tumors of pancreatic cancer
Authors: Mitsunaga Shuichi , Fujii Satoshi , Ishii Genichiro , Kinoshita Taira , Hasebe Takahiro , Aoyagi Kazuhiko , Sasaki Hiroki , Ochiai Atsushi
Published: December 2009

The distance of nerve invasion is an important prognostic factor in pancreatic cancer. The extracellular matrix (ECM) of nerve, mainly composed of laminin, collagen IV and anchoring fibrils, might affect nerve invasion. However, this relationship has not been demonstrated. Our study aimed at discovering the promoting factor of nerve invasion within the tumoral ECM. An animal model was established to evaluate the distance of nerve invasion in murine sciatic nerves by intraneural injection of 6 human pancreatic cancer cell lines. mRNA expression of laminins and anchoring fibrils was compared to the distance of nerve invasion for each cancer cell line. A target molecule provided the strong association between mRNA expression and the distance of nerve invasion. To evaluate the role of a target molecule in nerve invasion, protein expression and function were examined using an animal model and surgical cases. Cancer cells with high laminin γ2 mRNA and protein expression in their basement membranes were associated with long nerve invasion. Knockdown of laminin γ2 in cancer cells significantly shortened nerve invasion in the animal model. In 75 patients with pancreatic cancer, a large distance of nerve invasion was associated with high expression levels of laminin γ2 mRNA and basement membranous deposition of laminin γ2 protein. Our results indicate that laminin γ2 plays an important role in nerve invasion. The measurement of the nerve invasion distance in our mouse nerve invasion model is useful for evaluating the molecular mechanisms of nerve invasion.
Overexpression of DDB2 enhances the sensitivity of human ovarian cancer cells to cisplatin by augmenting cellular apoptosis
Authors: Barakat Bassant M. , Wang Qi‐En , Han Chunhua , Milum Keisha , Yin De‐Tao , Zhao Qun , Wani Gulzar , Arafa El‐Shaimaa A. , El‐Mahdy Mohamed A. , Wani Altaf A.
Published: December 2009

Cisplatin is one of the most widely used anticancer agents, displaying activity against a wide variety of tumors. However, development of drug resistance presents a challenging barrier to successful cancer treatment by cisplatin. To understand the mechanism of cisplatin resistance, we investigated the role of damaged DNA binding protein complex subunit 2 (DDB2) in cisplatin‐induced cytotoxicity and apoptosis. We show that DDB2 is not required for the repair of cisplatin‐induced DNA damage, but can be induced by cisplatin treatment. DDB2‐deficient noncancer cells exhibit enhanced resistance to cell growth inhibition and apoptosis induced by cisplatin than cells with fully restored DDB2 function. Moreover, DDB2 expression in cisplatin‐resistant ovarian cancer cell line CP70 and MCP2 was lower than their cisplatin‐sensitive parental A2780 cells. Overexpression of DDB2 sensitized CP70 cells to cisplatin‐induced cytotoxicity and apoptosisviaactivation of the caspase pathway and downregulation of antiapoptotic Bcl‐2 protein. Further analysis indicates that the overexpression of DDB2 in CP70 cells downregulates Bcl‐2 expression through decreasingBcl‐2mRNA level. These results suggest that ovarian cancer cells containing high level of DDB2 become susceptible to cisplatin by undergoing enhanced apoptosis.
Interactions of aluminum nanoparticles with human epidermal keratinocytes
Authors: Monteiro‐Riviere Nancy A. , Oldenburg Steven J. , Inman Alfred O.
Published: December 2009

Aluminum nanoparticles (Al NP) have been used in applications as diverse as drug delivery, material surface coatings and an ingredient for solid rocket fuel in military explosives and artillery. Although Al NP are used in many civilian and military applications, the health and safety implications of these nanosize particles are not known. To understand the interactions and biological activity of Al NP in human cells, cultured human neonatal epidermal keratinocytes (HEK) were exposed for 24 h to 50 and 80 nm Al NP in concentrations from 4.0 to 0.0004 mg ml−1 to assess the cytotoxicity and inflammatory potential. UV–Vis measurements and nanoparticle controls revealed that the Al NP interact with the assay dyes. Viability did not decrease in HEK exposed to both the 50 and the 80 nm Al NP at all treatment concentrations with MTT, CellTiter 96® AQueous One (96 AQ) and alamar Blue® (aB) viability assays. The 96 AQ and aB assays interact with the Al NP less than MTT, and proved to be the best assays to use with these Al NP. TEM depicted Al NP localized within the cytoplasmic vacuoles of the cells. Cytokine data was variable, indicating possible nanoparticle interactions with the cytokine assays. These studies illustrate the difficulties involved in assessing the biological safety of nanomaterials such as Al NP due to media‐ and temperature‐dependent particle agglomeration and nanoparticle interactions with biomarkers of cytotoxicity. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Establishment and characteristics of porcine preadipocyte cell lines derived from mature adipocytes
Authors: Nobusue Hiroyuki , Kano Koichiro
Published: December 2009

Development of established preadipocyte cell lines, such as 3T3‐L1 and 3T3‐F442A, greatly facilitated the study of molecular mechanisms of adipocyte differentiation under defined conditions. Most of these cell lines are derived from mouse embryos, and preadipocyte cell lines of other species have not yet been maintained in culture long enough to study differentiation under a variety of conditions. This is the first report on the establishment of porcine preadipocyte cell lines derived from mature adipocytes by a simple method, known as ceiling culture, for culturing mature adipocytes in vitro. This cell line can proliferate extensively until the cells become confluent and fully differentiated into mature adipocytes, depending on adipogenic induction. No changes in their differentiation pattern are observed during their propagation, and they have been successfully carried and differentiated for at least 37 passages. This cell line maintains a normal phenotype without transforming spontaneously, even after long‐term maintenance in culture. This achievement may lead to easy establishment of porcine preadipocyte cell lines and novel model systems for studying the mechanisms of adipocyte differentiation and metabolism as a substitute for human preadipocytes. J. Cell. Biochem. 109: 542–552, 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Ultrastructure of the extensively developed nuchal organs of Laonice bahusiensis (Annelida: Canalipalpata: Spionidae)
Authors: Jelsing Jacob , Eibye‐Jacobsen Danny
Published: December 2009

The nuchal organs of annelid Laonice bahusiensis (Spionidae) from northern Europe have been studied using scanning and transmission electron microscopy. L. bahusiensis is the first spionid species in which extensively developed, continuous nuchal organs are described. The nuchal organs of this genus are the longest known among polychaete annelids. They consist of paired double bands extending from the prostomium on a mid‐dorsal caruncle for about 24–30 setigers. Their microanatomy corresponds to the general structural plan of nuchal organs: there are ciliated supporting cells and bipolar sensory cells with sensory cilia traversing an olfactory chamber. The organs are overlaid by a secondary paving‐stone‐like cover and innervated by one pair of longitudinally elongated nuchal nerves. These findings clearly favor the hypothesis that the paired, extensively developed ciliated structures found in some Spionidae are homologous with the prostomial nuchal organs characteristic of polychaete annelids. J. Morphol. 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Transoral laser ventricular fold resection and thyroarytenoid myoneurectomy for adductor spasmodic dysphonia: Long‐term outcome
Authors: Su Chih‐Ying , Lai Chi‐Chih , Wu Pei‐Yin , Huang Hsun‐Hsien
Published: December 2009

Objectives:

A transoral approach to laser myoneurectomy of the thyroarytenoid muscles was recently reported as an effective technique for treatment of adductor spasmodic dysphonia (ASD). The short‐term results were encouraging. In this study, a long‐term surgical outcome of this technique is investigated.

Study Design:

A prospective clinical series.

Methods:

Fifty‐two patients with ASD underwent transoral laryngomicrosurgery with a CO2 laser to resect the ventricular folds followed by myoneurectomy of the thyroarytenoid muscles. The nerve fibers of recurrent laryngeal nerve terminating at the thyroarytenoid muscle, which were frequently found branching deeply among the posterior belly of this muscle, were vaporized. Care was taken not to damage the vocal ligaments, lateral cricoarytenoid muscles, or arytenoid cartilages. Pre‐ and postoperative subjective voice assessments, and acoustic and aerodynamic measurements, were performed and statistically analyzed.

Results:

Twenty‐nine of the 52 patients who were followed up for more than 12 months (range, 12–63 months; mean, 31 months) were studied. Moderate and marked vocal improvement was achieved in 90% (26/29) of the patients. Three patients had 30% improvement, which was reported as unsuccessful. Eight of the 26 patients who were satisfied with their postoperative voice still had a mild strain during phonation. Of the eight patients, seven achieved normal or nearly normal voice quality after revision laser surgery. No significant vocal deficit or paralysis was observed in any patient.

Conclusions:

After long‐term follow‐up of 31 months on average, approximately 90% of the ASD patients obtained moderate to marked improvement of vocal performance after transoral laser surgery. The long‐lasting outcome is encouraging. Laryngoscope, 2010
Diagnosis and management of pediatric cervicofacial venous malformations: Retrospective review from a vascular anomalies center
Authors: Glade Robert S. , Richter Gresham T. , James Charles A. , Suen James Y. , Buckmiller Lisa M.
Published: December 2009

Objectives/Hypothesis:

Venous malformations are rare congenital aberrations of vein development frequently presenting in the head and neck. Without treatment, venous malformations cause progressive disfigurement, dysfunction, and bleeding. In this study, we analyzed a cohort of pediatric patients with cervicofacial venous malformations (CFVM), with the goal of developing a treatment algorithm for these complex lesions.

Study Design:

Eleven‐year retrospective chart review. The setting was a vascular anomalies center at a pediatric tertiary hospital. Nineteen patients (10 male, 9 female), aged 11 months to 17 years, presented with CFVM.

Methods:

Patient charts were reviewed for demographics, signs and symptoms, timing of first and subsequent interventions, total number and type of interventions performed, and procedural complications. A family questionnaire supplemented outcome measures by determining the perception of disease control.

Results:

Presenting symptoms for CFVM include growth (100%), disfigurement (63%), pain (58%), respiratory compromise (42%), and dysphagia (32%). A mean of 6.7 interventions were performed per patient (median, 6; range, 2–12), requiring a mean of 0.8 excisions, 4.6 laser treatments, and 1.3 sclerotherapy injections. Average age at first procedure was 8.5 years. Time between treatments averaged 8.9 months. Four complications occurred in 127 procedures (3.1%). Questionnaire responses indicated subjective improvement following therapy. A management algorithm could be developed from therapeutic outcomes.

Conclusions:

Treatment of CFVM can be safely and successfully performed with a combination of laser therapy, sclerotherapy, and surgical excision. A treatment algorithm involving multiple procedures during childhood can lead to successful management of CFVM. Laryngoscope, 2010
Role of the otolaryngologist in the treatment of struma ovarii
Authors: Wirtz Eric D. , Bothwell Nici , Klem Christopher
Published: December 2009

Struma ovarii, a rare germ cell tumor of the ovary composed of >50% thyroid tissue, is traditionally managed by gynecologic surgeons. Although struma ovarii is typically cured by simple excision, otolaryngology‐head and neck surgeons may play a critical role in caring for these patients. In this article, we present two cases of struma ovarii and discuss the role of the otolaryngologist. Laryngoscope, 2010
Blue‐green light generation using high brilliance edge emitting diode lasers
Authors: Jechow A. , Menzel R. , Paschke K. , Erbert G.
Published: December 2009

A review about second harmonic generation using edge emitting diode lasers and nonlinear crystals to obtain laser radiation in the blue‐green spectral range is presented. Therefore, pump laser radiation with high brightness and narrow bandwidth is necessary. Thus, this review gives an overview of the advances made with distributed feedback and Bragg reflector lasers, tapered lasers and amplifiers as well as external cavity diode lasers and master oscillator power amplifier schemes to achieve high brilliance emission. Since periodically poled materials have enabled high second harmonic conversion efficiencies with low and moderate pump powers, the review is focused on frequency doubling using those materials. The most commonly used materials, their properties and limitations are discussed briefly. Single pass and resonant SHG setups with waveguide and bulk nonlinear crystals are discussed and an emphasis on building compact and integrated devices is made.
Modulation of cellulosome composition in Clostridium cellulolyticum: Adaptation to the polysaccharide environment revealed by proteomic and carbohydrate‐active enzyme analyses
Authors: Blouzard Jean‐Charles , Coutinho Pedro M. , Fierobe Henri‐Pierre , Henrissat Bernard , Lignon Sabrina , Tardif Chantal , Pagès Sandrine , de Philip Pascale
Published: December 2009

Clostridium cellulolyticum is a model mesophilic anaerobic bacterium that efficiently degrades plant cell walls. The recent genome release offers the opportunity to analyse its complete degradation system. A total of 148 putative carbohydrate‐active enzymes were identified, and their modular structures and activities were predicted. Among them, 62 dockerin‐containing proteins bear catalytic modules from numerous carbohydrate‐active enzymes' families and whose diversity reflects the chemical and structural complexity of the plant carbohydrate. The composition of the cellulosomes produced by C. cellulolyticum upon growth on different substrates (cellulose, xylan, and wheat straw) was investigated by LC MS/MS. The majority of the proteins encoded by the cip‐cel operon, essential for cellulose degradation, were detected in all cellulosome preparations. In the presence of wheat straw, the natural and most complex of the substrates studied, additional proteins predicted to be involved in hemicellulose degradation were produced. A 32‐kb gene cluster encodes the majority of these proteins, all harbouring carbohydrate‐binding module 6 or carbohydrate‐binding module 22 xylan‐binding modules along dockerins. This newly identified xyl‐doc gene cluster, specialised in hemicellulose degradation, comes in addition of the cip‐cel operon for plant cell wall degradation. Hydrolysis efficiencies determined on the different substrates corroborates the finding that cellulosome composition is adapted to the growth substrate.
Effects of isoflavones equol and genistein on bone quality in a rat osteopenia model
Authors: Sehmisch S. , Erren M. , Kolios L. , Tezval M. , Seidlova‐Wuttke D. , Wuttke W. , Stuermer K. M. , Stuermer E. K.
Published: December 2009

Phytoestrogens might be an alternative medication in prophylaxis and treatment of osteoporosis. In this study, the osteoprotective effects of genistein (GEN) and equol (EQO) were evaluated. After ovariectomy, 44 rats received soy‐free food (Control, C) and developed substantial osteoporosis over the course of two months. After that period, the rats were divided into different groups and fed estradiol (E), GEN or EQO for 35 days. To analyze the osteoprotective effects of the tested substances, bone biomechanical properties and histomorphometric changes of the lumbar vertebrae were evaluated.

In analyzing the vertebral body compression strength, we found that the EQO (103.8%) and GEN (96.8%) groups reached similar levels relative to the E group, while the C group reached 77.7% of the biomechanical properties of the E group. EQO was significantly superior to C. The histomorphometric evaluation demonstrated an increased number of nodes in EQO‐ and E‐treated rats compared to GEN‐ and C‐treated rats. E led to an improvement of cortical as well as trabecular bone, an advantage that was only partly seen in the other groups.

Treatment with phytoestrogens induced improved bone quality. EQO and GEN might be alternatives for hormone replacement therapy, although further studies are needed to elucidate possible side effects. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Melanin‐concentrating hormone‐1 receptor binding activity of pheophorbides isolated from morus alba leaves
Authors: Oh Byung Koo , Oh Kwang‐Seok , Kwon Kwang‐il , Ryu Shi Yong , Kim Young Sup , Lee Byung Ho
Published: December 2009

The time‐resolved fluorescence technique based on melanin‐concentrating hormone (MCH) receptor subtype‐1 (MCH‐1 receptor) binding assay was adopted to carry out a bioassay‐guided fractionation of the methanol extract of Morus alba leaves. This fractionation and purification led to the isolation of two compounds identified as pheophorbide a methyl ester and 132(S)‐hydroxypheophorbide a methyl ester. These active pheophorbides exhibited potent inhibitory activity in binding of europium‐labeled MCH to the human recombinant MCH‐1 receptor (IC50 value; 4.03 and 0.33 ?M, respectively). Besides binding activity, the pheophorbides inhibited MCH‐mediated extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK) phosphorylation in Chinese hamster ovary cells expressing human MCH‐1 receptor. These results suggest that pheophorbide a methyl ester and 132(S)‐hydroxypheophorbide a methyl ester act as modulators of MCH‐1 receptor and MCH‐mediated ERK signaling. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
(‐)‐epigallocatechin‐3‐gallate increases cell proliferation and neuroblasts in the subgranular zone of the dentate gyrus in adult mice
Authors: Yoo Ki‐Yeon , Choi Jung Hoon , Hwang In Koo , Lee Choong Hyun , Lee Soon Ok , Han Sag‐Myung , Shin Hyung‐Cheul , Kang Il‐Jun , Won Moo‐Ho
Published: December 2009

Neurogenesis is regulated by several factors such as age, stress and pharmacological agents. We observed the effects of (‐)‐epigallocatechin‐3‐gallate (EGCG), a major catechin of green tea, on neurogenesis in mice. The animals were orally administered EGCG for 4 weeks. Brain sections were stained using a marker for cell proliferation (Ki67 and BrdU) and neuroblasts (doublecortin, DCX). In all groups, Ki67, BrdU and DCX immunoreaction were observed in the subgranular zone of the dentate gyrus. Oral administration of EGCG significantly increased the number of Ki67‐, BrdU‐ and DCX‐immunoreactive cells as well as BrdU/DCX‐colabled cells in the subgranular zone when compared to those in the vehicle‐treated group. These results indicate that oral administration of EGCG can enhance cell proliferation and increase the number of neuroblasts in mice hippocampal dentate gyrus. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Theoretical analysis on the structure of Nb‐doped SrBi4Ti4O15
Authors: Hao Hua , Liu Han‐Xing , Min Xin‐Min , Ouyang Shi‐Xi
Published: December 2009

The structure of niobium‐doped SrBi4Ti4O15 was calculated by using density function and discrete variation method (DFT–DVM). By comparing the total energy of different doping sites, the total energy is found to be lower when Nb ion was substituted into the Ti site in the upper perovskite layer, which is far from the two bismuth (Bi) ions in the perovskite layer. The bonding strength of Nb (3)‐O increases and the electronic conductivity of the SBT decreases after Nb doping. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2011
Theoretical study of the interaction between LiNH2 and HMgH
Authors: Wang Wenjun , Li Wenjing , Li Qingzhong
Published: December 2009

The lithium bond between HMgH and LiNH2 has been predicted and characterized with quantum chemical calculations at the MP2/6‐311++G(d,p) level. Upon formation of the lithium bond, both the MgH and LiN bonds are stretched. The LiN bond undergoes a red shift, whereas the MgH bond exhibits a blue shift. The lithium‐bonded complex is controlled mainly by electrostatic and polarization interactions. The binding energy of HMgH with LiNH2 is computed to be 12.47 kcal/mol. The binding of the two molecules is enhanced by the substitution with the methyl group in the Li acceptor, whereas it is weakened by the replacement with whether the electron‐withdrawing group such as F, Cl, CN, NC, or the electron‐donating group (OH and HN2). A negative cooperativity is present in the ternary system of 2LiNH2 and HMgH. The polarization interaction plays an important role in the negative cooperativity. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2011
Computational study on the mechanism for the gas‐phase reaction of dimethyl disulfide with OH
Authors: Wang Wenliang , Xin Jingfan , Zhang Yue , Wang Weina , Lu Yanxia
Published: December 2009

The mechanisms for the reaction of CH3SSCH3 with OH radical are investigated at the QCISD(T)/6‐311++G(d,p)//B3LYP/6‐311++G(d,p) level of theory. Five channels have been obtained and six transition state structures have been located for the title reaction. The initial association between CH3SSCH3 and OH, which forms two low‐energy adducts named as CH3S(OH)SCH3 (IM1 and IM2), is confirmed to be a barrierless process, The SS bond rupture and HS bond formation of IM1 lead to the products P1(CH3SH + CH3SO) with a barrier height of 40.00 kJ mol−1. The reaction energy of Path 1 is −74.04 kJ mol−1. P1 is the most abundant in view of both thermodynamics and dynamics. In addition, IMs can lead to the products P2 (CH3S + CH3SOH), P3 (H2O + CH2S + CH3S), P4 (CH3 + CH3SSOH), and P5 (CH4 + CH3SSO) by addition‐elimination or hydrogen abstraction mechanism. All products are thermodynamically favorable except for P4 (CH3 + CH3SSOH). The reaction energies of Path 2, Path 3, Path 4, and Path 5 are −28.42, −46.90, 28.03, and −89.47 kJ mol−1, respectively. Path 5 is the least favorable channel despite its largest exothermicity (−89.47 kJ mol−1) because this process must undergo two barriers of TS5 (109.0 kJ mol−1) and TS6 (25.49 kJ mol−1). Hopefully, the results presented in this study may provide helpful information on deep insight into the reaction mechanism. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2011
SMM rootkit: a new breed of OS independent malware
Authors: Embleton Shawn , Sparks Sherri , Zou Cliff C.
Published: December 2009

The emergence of hardware virtualization technology has led to the development of OS independent malware such as the virtual machine‐based rootkits (VMBRs). In this paper, we draw attention to a different but related threat that exists on many commodity systems in operation today: The system management Mode based rootkit (SMBR). System Management mode (SMM) is a relatively obscure mode on Intel processors used for low‐level hardware control. It has its own private memory space and execution environment which is generally invisible to code running outside (e.g., the Operating System). Furthermore, SMM code is completely non‐preemptible, lacks any concept of privilege level, and is immune to memory protection mechanisms. These features make it a potentially attractive home for stealthy rootkits used for high‐profile targeted attacks. In this paper, we present our development of a proof of concept SMM rootkit. In it, we explore the potential of system management mode for malicious use by implementing a chipset level keylogger and a network backdoor capable of directly interacting with the network card to send logged keystrokes to a remote machine via UDP and receive remote command packets stealthily. By modifying and reflashing the BIOS, the SMM rootkit can install itself on a computer even if the computer has originally locked its SMM. The rootkit hides its memory footprint and requires no changes to the existing operating system. It is compared and contrasted with VMBRs. Finally, techniques to defend against these threats are explored. By taking an offensive perspective we hope to help security researchers better understand the depth and scope of the problems posed by an emerging class of OS independent malware. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Dynamic identity‐based single password anti‐phishing protocol
Authors: Sood Sandeep K. , Sarje Anil K. , Singh Kuldip
Published: December 2009

In the password‐based authentication, password reuse rate increases because the users tend to use the same password with more and more accounts. An average user finds it difficult to remember several complex passwords and hence it is difficult to prevent phishing and dictionary attacks. In 2007, Gouda et al. proposed a single password protocol for HTTP authentication that allows the user to choose a single password of his choice for multiple online accounts on different web servers. It provides to the user the flexibility of changing his password for all accounts on different web servers. However, we found that Gouda et al.'s protocol is not secure against offline dictionary attack, denial of service attack and man‐in‐the‐middle attack in the presence of an active attacker. An improvement to Gouda et al.'s protocol is proposed that resists offline dictionary attack and denial of service attack but cannot resists man‐in‐the‐middle attack. Moreover, it is found that Gouda et al.'s protocol is not repairable for man‐in‐the‐middle attack. In this paper, we present a new single password‐based anti‐phishing protocol that resolves aforementioned problems and is secure against different possible attacks. In this protocol, the client machine's browser generates a dynamic identity and a dynamic password for each login request to the server. The dynamic identity and dynamic password will be different for the same client in different sessions of the Secure Socket Layer (SSL) protocol. The client's password verifier information for different online accounts is stored on the server protected with a hash function, nonce value and the private key of the server. The proposed protocol makes financial transactions more secure on the web as it is practical and efficient. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Fhl2 Interacts with Foxk1 and Corepresses Foxo4 Activity in Myogenic Progenitors
Authors: Shi Xiaozhong , Bowlin Kathy M. , Garry Daniel J.
Published: December 2009

Adult skeletal muscle has a remarkable regenerative capacity because of a myogenic progenitor cell population. Using a gene disruption strategy, we determined that Foxk1 regulates myogenic progenitor cell activation and muscle regeneration. In this study, we undertook a yeast two hybrid screen to identify Foxk1 interacting proteins. We identified the LIM-only protein, Fhl2, as a Foxk1 interacting protein. Using transcriptional assays, we observed that Fhl2, in a dose-dependent fashion, promotes Foxk1 transcriptional repression of Foxo4 activity. Using histochemical and immunohistochemical assays, we further established that Fhl2 is expressed in the myogenic progenitor cell population. Fhl2 knockdown results in cell cycle arrest, and mice lacking Fhl2 have perturbed skeletal muscle regeneration. Collectively, these studies define a Fhl2-Foxk1 cascade that regulates the myogenic progenitor cell activity in adult skeletal muscle and enhances our understanding of muscle regeneration.
Clinical and placental characteristics in four new cases of twin anemia–polycythemia sequence
Authors: Weingertner A. S. , Kohler A. , Kohler M. , Bouffet N. , Hunsinger M. C. , Mager C. , Hornecker F. , Neumann M. , Schmerber E. , Tanghe M. , Viville B. , Favre R.
Published: December 2009

We report and analyze four new cases of spontaneous twin anemia–polycythemia sequence (TAPS) and discuss antenatal management by fetoscopic laser coagulation for this uncommon form of chronic intertwin transfusion. The clinical course and placental characteristics of four pairs of monochorionic–diamniotic (MCDA) twins with spontaneous TAPS, of which one was treated with fetoscopic laser surgery, are described. For the three cases that did not undergo intrauterine intervention, serial Doppler measurement revealed a gradual increase in the middle cerebral artery peak systolic velocity (MCA‐PSV) in the donor and a concomitant decrease in the recipient. These twins were born at between 32 and 34 weeks' gestation by Cesarean section. At birth, the donor twins were severely anemic and the recipient twins were polycythemic. Placental injection studies revealed a few small arteriovenous (AV) and venoarterial anastomoses. In the fourth case, because of the high suspicion of TAPS on MCA‐PSV data at 24 weeks' gestation, fetoscopic laser coagulation of three small AV anastomoses was successfully performed. No hematological abnormalities were detected at birth. TAPS is a newly described form of chronic twin‐to‐twin transfusion associated with chronic anemia in the donor and polycythemia in the recipient, without twin oligo‐polyhydramnios sequence (TOPS). The monitoring of MCDA pregnancies should include measurement of MCA‐PSV in both fetuses even in the absence of intertwin discordance in amniotic fluid volume. Early detection of TAPS could indicate fetoscopic laser coagulation of AV anastomoses. Copyright © 2010 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Fetal thigh volumetry by three‐dimensional ultrasound: comparison between multiplanar and VOCAL™ techniques
Authors: Beninni J. R. , Faro C. , Marussi E. F. , Barini R. , Peralta C. F. A.
Published: December 2009

Objectives

To evaluate the agreement between multiplanar and Virtual Organ Computer‐aided AnaLysis (VOCAL™) techniques for the measurement of total fetal thigh volume and to assess the repeatability and reproducibility of measurements performed using these methods; to derive birth weight‐predicting models for both methods and to compare their accuracies.

Methods

This was a cross‐sectional study of 150 singleton pregnancies at 30–42 weeks of gestation in which ultrasound volumes of the fetal thigh were obtained within 48 hours of delivery and measured using multiplanar and VOCAL techniques. Bland–Altman analyses were performed to determine the agreement between the two methods, and to evaluate intraobserver and interobserver variability in a subset of 40 patients. Birth weight‐predicting models were derived using total fetal thigh volumes obtained using the VOCAL (ThiV) and multiplanar (ThiM) methods as independent variables. The accuracies of these formulas were compared.

Results

The mean percentage difference between measurements performed using the VOCAL technique and the multiplanar technique was −0.04 and the 95% limits of agreement were −8.17 and 8.09. The mean percentage difference and 95% limits of agreement between paired measurements in the assessment of intraobserver and interobserver variability were −1.10 (−7.67 to 5.47) and 0.61 (−7.68 to 8.91) for the VOCAL technique and 1.03 (−6.35 to 8.41) and −0.68 (−11.42 to 10.06) for the multiplanar method, respectively. The best‐fit formulas for predicting birth weight (BW) were: BW = 1025.383 + 12.775× ThiV; and BW = 1033.286 + 12.733× ThiM. There was no significant difference between the accuracies of these formulas.

Conclusions

There is good agreement between the VOCAL and multiplanar techniques for assessment of total fetal thigh volume. Measurements performed using both methods are repeatable and reproducible. For prediction of birth weight, the formulas generated in this study can be used interchangeably. Copyright © 2010 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.