bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
R‐phycoerythrin‐conjugated antibodies are inappropriate for intracellular staining of murine plasma cells
Authors: Kim Myun Soo , Kim Tae Sung
Published: March 2013

Phycoerythrin (PE) is a type of phycobiliproteins found in cyanobacteria and red algae. PE‐conjugated antibodies are broadly used for flow cytometry and immunofluorescence microscopy. Because nonspecific binding of antibodies results in decreased analytic accuracy, numerous efforts have been made to unveil cases and mechanisms of nonspecific bindings. However, nonspecific binding of specific cell types by a fluorescent dye‐conjugated form of antibody has been rarely reported. In the present study, we discovered that PE‐conjugated antibodies, but not FITC‐ or APC‐antibodies, selectively stained lamina propria plasma cells (LP‐PCs) from the murine small intestine after membrane permeabilization. We demonstrated that LP‐PC‐selective staining with PE‐antibodies was not due to interactions of antibody‐epitope or antibody‐Fc receptor. This unexpected staining by PE‐antibody was not dependent on the mouse strain of LP‐PCs, experimental methods, or origin species of the antibody, but dependent on PE itself. This phenomenon was also observed in plasma cells isolated from bone marrow, spleen, and mesenteric lymph nodes. Furthermore, in vitro activated B cells and in vivo generated LP‐PCs were also selectively stained by PE‐conjugated antibodies. Taken together, these results show that PE‐conjugated antibodies are inappropriate for intracellular staining of murine plasma cells. © 2013 International Society for Advancement of Cytometry
Green cell association for multimedia transmission in cognitive heterogeneous networks
Authors: Li Xi , Chen Shanzhi , Chen Dan , Ji Hong , Leung Victor C. M.
Published: March 2013

With the introduction of low‐powered pico/femto‐base stations and relay nodes into the macro‐cell, recent heterogeneous networks provide an attractive approach for future wireless communication. Although it may achieve better coverage and higher capacity, several problems remain unsolved before practical deployment. For example, how to select the proper cell from neighbor low‐powered cells and then occupy the radio resource without interference on macro‐users is both important and challenging, especially for rigorous multimedia applications. The traditional cell access algorithms and quality‐control parameters such as delay or throughput no longer suit well in this complex environment. An effective approach should be pursued. In this paper, we investigate this interesting cell association problem and propose a complete green resolution on the basis of thorough discussions about the multimedia transmission under these concerns. Cognitive radio is introduced to share spectrum between macro‐cell and low‐powered cells while securing the transmission of authorized macro‐users. We also bring forth the concept of ‘interference balance’ to better manage the overall interference and energy consumption in the network. Restless bandit model is formulated on the basis of channel state, data rate, interference control, and the carefully chosen intra‐refreshing rate for multimedia traffic. Then the cell association scheme is designed to be efficient and practical because of the simple index property of our model output. Simulation results have proven the performance of our proposed resolution compared with existing algorithms on interference constraint, multimedia distortion, and overall network energy consumption balance. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Sodium–glucose cotransporter inhibition: therapeutic potential for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Raskin Philip
Published: March 2013

Results from randomized controlled trials have demonstrated that the risk of microvascular complications can be reduced by intensive glycaemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). However, only about half of patients with diagnosed diabetes achieve recommended glycaemic goals. New therapies with complementary mechanisms of action that are independent of insulin secretion or action may provide additional therapeutic options to enable patients to achieve glycaemic control. The kidney plays an important role in glucose homeostasis, primarily by the reabsorption of filtered glucose. The sodium–glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2), located in the proximal convoluted tubule, is responsible for the majority of glucose reabsorption by the kidney. SGLT2 inhibitors offer a novel approach to treat T2DM and reduce hyperglycaemia by increasing urinary excretion of glucose. Dapagliflozin, an SGLT2 inhibitor recently approved in Europe for the treatment of T2DM, improves glycaemic control in patients with T2DM when used as monotherapy or when added to other diabetes medications, such as metformin, sulfonylureas, pioglitazone, and insulin. As a class, SGLT2 inhibitors are well tolerated and have a low propensity to cause hypoglycaemia. An increase in signs, symptoms, and other events suggestive of genital and, in some studies, urinary tract infections has been reported with SGLT2 inhibitors. Results from ongoing and future clinical trials will help define the role for this new class of investigational compounds, with its unique mechanism of action, as a treatment option for reducing hyperglycaemia in patients with T2DM. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The adaptive significance of population differentiation in offspring size of the least killifish, Heterandria formosa
Authors: Leips Jeff , Helen Rodd F. , Travis Joseph
Published: March 2013

We tested the hypothesis that density‐dependent competition influences the evolution of offspring size. We studied two populations of the least killifish (Heterandria formosa) that differ dramatically in population density; these populations are genetically differentiated for offspring size, and females from both populations produce larger offspring when they experience higher social densities. To look at the influences of population of origin and relative body size on competitive ability, we held females from the high‐density population at two different densities to create large and small offspring with the same genetic background. We measured the competitive ability of those offspring in mesocosms that contained either pure or mixed population treatments at either high or low density. High density increased competition, which was most evident in greatly reduced individual growth rates. Larger offspring from the high‐density population significantly delayed the onset of maturity of fish from the low‐density population. From our results, we infer that competitive conditions in nature have contributed to the evolution of genetically based interpopulation differences in offspring size as well as plasticity in offspring size in response to conspecific density.
MR1B, a natural spliced isoform of the MHC‐related 1 protein, is expressed as homodimers at the cell surface and activates MAIT cells
Authors: Lion Julien , Debuysscher Veronique , Wlodarczyk Anais , Hodroge Ahmed , Serriari Nacer‐Eddine , Choteau Ludivine , Ouled‐haddou Hakim , Plistat Maggy , Lassoued Kaiss , Lantz Olivier , Treiner Emmanuel
Published: March 2013

The MHC‐related 1 (MR1) protein is a monomorphic, evolutionarily conserved MHC class I‐like molecule, which is necessary for the development and functions of mucosal‐associated invariant T (MAIT) cells, a new subset of innate‐like lymphocytes. Multiple isoforms of the MR1 gene are naturally transcribed, but only the full‐length MR1A has been analyzed so far. Using transfected cell lines expressing an alternative spliced transcript, MR1B, characterized by the absence of the α3 extracellular domain, we show that MR1B is transcribed and glycosylated but remains in an immature (endoglycosidase H‐sensitive) state. MR1B mostly accumulates in the ER, without interacting with proteins of the peptide‐loading complex such as tapasin. Interestingly, it is nevertheless found expressed at the cell surface, independently of β2‐microglobulin, in a homodimeric form. MR1B is functional as its overexpression induces MAIT cell activation in vitro in the presence of bacteria. Altogether, these data show that MR1B displays several remarkable features, and probably plays a physiological role complementary to MR1A with respect to MAIT cell development and/or function.
A Floating Porous Crystalline TiO2 Ceramic with Enhanced Photocatalytic Performance for Wastewater Decontamination
Authors: Xing Zipeng , Li Jiazhe , Wang Qiang , Zhou Wei , Tian Guohui , Pan Kai , Tian Chungui , Zou Jinlong , Fu Honggang
Published: March 2013

A highly porous TiO2 ceramic floating photocatalyst was successfully synthesized by using ethanediamine‐modified Degussa P25 as precursor, followed by a camphene‐based freeze‐casting process and high‐temperature calcination. The ceramics were characterized in detail by XRD, SEM, and TEM. The results indicate that an ethanediamine protector can inhibit undesirable titania grain growth and phase transformation during calcination. The porosity and compressive strength of the ceramics varies with sintering temperatures; the optimal sintering temperature, 800 °C, produces high porosity, high compressive strength, and high photocatalytic activity. The ceramics exhibit good photocatalytic activity for the photodegradation of rhodamine B (10 mg L–1), and the total organic carbon removal efficiency is up to 96.7 % after 5 h. The photocatalytic kinetics of rhodamine B removal are pseudo‐first order. The ceramics are recyclable, and no clear changes are observed after six cycles. Furthermore, the ceramics are also active in phenol, thiobencarb, atrazine, and octane. Therefore, this novel floating photocatalyst will likely have wide applications, including the removal of soluble organic pollutants from wastewater or the removal of oil pollutants from wastewater surfaces.
Redox Active DipyrrometheneCu(II) Monolayer for Oriented Immobilization of His‐Tagged RAGE Domains – the Base of Electrochemical Biosensor for Determination of Aβ16–23′
Authors: Jargiło Agata , Grabowska Iwona , Radecka Hanna , Sulima Magdalena , Marszałek Ilona , Wysłouch‐Cieszyńska Aleksandra , Dehaen Wim , Radecki Jerzy
Published: March 2013

The new system which consists of the thiol derivative of dipyrromethene–Cu(II) complex created on the surface of a gold electrode was applied for the first time for oriented immobilization of selected His‐tagged domains of a receptor for advanced glycation endproducts (RAGE). Cyclic voltammetry (CV), Osteryoung square‐wave voltammetry (OSWV), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and atomic force microscopy (AFM) were used for characterization of the redox active sensing layer. The biosensor proposed was applied for determination of Aβ16–23′ peptide. In its presence, a decrease of the maximum Cu(II) redox current was observed. These values correlated linearly with the Aβ16–23′ concentration in the range 0.001–1.000 µM. The presence of diluted human plasma has no influence on the sensor responses.
Direct Electrochemistry of Native and Denatured Anticancer Antibody Rituximab at a Glassy Carbon Electrode
Authors: Oliveira Severino Carlos B. , Santarino Inês B. , Oliveira‐Brett Ana Maria
Published: March 2013

Rituximab (RTX) is a human/murine chimeric monoclonal antibody (mAb) that specifically targets the transmembrane protein CD20 of B‐cells. The oxidation mechanism of native and denatured RTX was investigated on glassy carbon electrode. The denaturing agent sodium dodecyl sulfate and the redutancts tris(2‐carboxyethyl)phosphine and dithiothreitol were used. Significant differences were observed for native and denatured RTX oxidation due to morphological changes and unfolding of the RTX native structure. Native RTX presented only one oxidation peak of tyrosine and tryptophan residues, whereas in denatured RTX were detected three peaks corresponding to the oxidation of tyrosine, tryptophan and histidine residues.
Psychometric Evaluation of the Eating Disorder Examination Adapted for Children
Authors: Hilbert Anja , Buerger Arne , Hartmann Andrea S. , Spenner Kristina , Czaja Julia , Warschburger Petra
Published: March 2013

The Eating Disorder Examination adapted for children (ChEDE) is the child version of the semi‐structured gold standard eating disorder interview for adults. This study was a comprehensive test statistic evaluation of the German ChEDE in a large sample of children and adolescents with anorexia nervosa, binge eating disorder, loss of control eating, overweight and obesity, as well as non‐eating‐disordered and chronically ill control probands (n = 352). Excellent inter‐rater reliability, adequate internal consistency and satisfactory stability of ChEDE indicators were demonstrated. ChEDE indicators discriminated between diverse forms of eating and weight disturbances and normative eating and were significantly correlated with conceptually related measures. Factorial validity was not convincing; a brief eight‐item scale showed the best fit. Item statistics were mostly acceptable. Overall, the ChEDE's German translation reliably and validly assesses psychopathology across the eating and weight disorder spectrum and facilitates international comparison of eating disorder research. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and Eating Disorders Association.
Complexity reduction for non‐coherent iteratively detected differentially encoded quaternary phase shift keying based on trellis decomposition
Authors: van Houtum W.J. , Willems F.M.J.
Published: March 2013

In this letter, we investigate complexity reduction for non‐coherent iterative detection of differentially encoded quadrature phase shift keying applied to digital audio broadcast receivers. We use 2D blocks in an orthogonal frequency division multiplexing scheme and trellis decomposition to calculate, iteratively, the a posteriori probabilities of the information symbols. Furthermore, the trellis decomposition method allows us to estimate the unknown channel phase efficiently. This phase is related to sub‐trellises of which we can determine the a posteriori probabilities. In our first approach, we investigate a method that is based on finding, at the start of each new iteration, the dominant sub‐trellis first and then do the forward–backward processing for demodulation only in this dominant sub‐trellis. This method reduces the number of multiplications by a factor of 3, the normalizations by a factor 8 and, after five iterations, introducing ≈ 0.05 dB loss in performance on the COST‐207 TU‐6 channel. Our second approach involves choosing the dominant sub‐trellis only once, before starting with the iterations. This results in reducing the number of multiplications and normalizations by a factor of 8 and introduces ≈ 0.5 dB loss in performance. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Dynamic and Asymmetric Dependences Between Chinese Yuan and Other Asia‐Pacific Currencies
Authors: Lien Donald , Wu Chongfeng , Yang Li , Zhou Chunyang
Published: March 2013

This paper examines the dynamic dependence structure between Chinese Yuan and each of five other currencies in the Asia‐Pacific region on non‐deliverable forward contracts over the period of July 4, 2006 throughout August 31, 2011. Using the date that Lehman Brothers filed for bankruptcy as the starting date of financial crisis, we find that, before the crisis, the dependences between Chinese Yuan and four out of five other Asian pacific currencies under consideration are much stronger when Chinese Yuan against the U.S. dollar depreciates than when it appreciates. During the crisis, the asymmetric tail dependences still prevail with the magnitude of both upper and lower tail dependences as well as correlation increasing substantially. The dynamic and asymmetric dependence structure documented in this study has important implications for the investors in the region. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Jrl Fut Mark
Inter‐ and intra‐annual variability of vegetation in the northern hemisphere and its association with precursory meteorological factors
Authors: Myoung Boksoon , Choi Yong‐Sang , Hong Seungbum , Park Seon Ki
Published: March 2013

Determination of phenological variation is one of the most critical challenges in dynamic vegetation modeling, given the lack of a strong theoretical framework. Previous studies generally focused on the timing of a phenological event (e.g., bud‐burst or onset of growing season) and its atmospheric prompts, but not on the interactive variations across phenological stages. This study, therefore, investigated the inter‐ and intra‐annual variability existing in all the phenological stages and the relations of the variability with four meteorological variables (surface temperature (Ts), shortwave radiation (SW), vapor pressure deficit (VPD), and precipitation (PRCP)) using a 25‐year (1982‐2006) dataset of leaf area index (LAI) from the Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer (AVHRR). Our six study sites of each 4° × 4° grids (mixed forest in China, deciduous needle‐leaf forest in Siberia, evergreen needle‐leaf forest in western Canada, grass in Gobi, and crops in the Central United States and southeastern Europe) include various vegetation types, local climates, and land‐use types in the mid‐latitudes of the northern hemisphere. Empirical orthogonal function (EOF) analysis with detrended LAI anomalies identified the two leading EOF modes that account for the amplitude and phase of the monthly LAI variations. The inter‐annual correlation between the principle components (PCs) of the two modes and the meteorological variables for spring and summer showed that the amplitude and phase modes (AM and PM, respectively) were affected by different dominant meteorological factors. Over most of the study regions, AM was positively correlated with PRCP and negatively with Ts, SW, and VPD, while PM was predominantly positively correlated with Ts. The contrasting responses of the two EOF modes to Ts reflect environmental limitations on plant growth such as early start of growth, but with a reduced value of maximum LAI in a year with a warm spring. In addition, insignificant correlations between AM and PRCP, as well as negative correlations between PM and PRCP, in the crop regions suggest that human interventions such as advanced irrigation systems also play a key role in vegetative activity.
Pre‐modern Arctic Ocean circulation from surface sediment neodymium isotopes
Authors: Haley Brian A. , Polyak Leonid
Published: March 2013

We present a survey of Nd isotopes measured from authigenic phases on surface sediments from the Arctic Ocean seafloor. Comparison with published dissolved water column Nd isotope distributions suggests that εNd from sediment leachates accurately represents bottom water circulation of the Arctic Ocean, with Atlantic (~−11 εNd) and Pacific (~−5 εNd) water end‐members clearly distinguishable. Nd isotopic data from the Chukchi margin show several apparent deviations from the expected pattern, which imply that this margin has been a region of sustained shelf‐to‐basin sediment redistribution and/or a region where deep water cascades downslope, such as through brine rejection during ice formation. These data also provide insights into a pre‐anthropocene “baseline” (several thousand years) for investigating Arctic Ocean circulation in a changing climate; the data presented here are indicative that these changes may be impacting the deep as well as surface ocean.
Shutdown and recovery of the AMOC in a coupled global climate model: The role of the advective feedback
Authors: Jackson L. C.
Published: March 2013

The fresh water advection into the Atlantic ocean by the overturning circulation (Fov) has been suggested as an indicator of the stability of the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) through an advective feedback. This feedback is explored in transient simulations with a global climate model with and without flux adjustments. Flux adjustments are shown to alter the model near surface salinity, changing Fov from a net importer, to a net exporter of fresh water, mainly through correcting an Atlantic saline bias. The AMOC recovers in strength from a collapsed state, however, that in the experiment with flux adjustments recovers much later and more slowly than that without flux adjustments. This difference is traced back to the sign of Fov, confirming the indicator's importance for the AMOC and suggesting that model biases affecting Fov need to be addressed in order to assess the likelihood of irreversible changes in the AMOC.
A novel method to test for significant trends in extreme values in serially dependent time series
Authors: Franzke C.
Published: March 2013

We propose a novel method to investigate the statistical significance of trends of extreme values in serially correlated time series based on quantile regression and surrogate data. This method has the advantage over traditional extreme value methods that it takes into account all data points from the time series. We test this method on a temperature time series from the Antarctic Peninsula (Faraday/Vernadsky station), which is highly non‐Gaussian and serially correlated. We find evidence for a significant upward nonlinear trend in the extreme cold temperatures (95th percentile) and that most of the observed warming at Faraday/Vernadsky is due to a reduction in cold extremes. Quantile regression can also be used for multivariate regression with external factors. This multivariate regression analysis suggests that CO 2 emissions play a large role in the observed trend at Faraday/Vernadsky while also the ozone hole and solar fluctuations play some role.
Intraoperative high‐dose‐rate radiotherapy in the management of locoregionally recurrent head and neck cancer
Authors: Scala L. Matthew , Hu Kenneth , Urken Mark L. , Jacobson Adam S. , Persky Mark S. , Tran Theresa N. , Smith Mark L. , Schantz Stimson , Harrison Louis B.
Published: March 2013

Background

The purpose of this article was to present the Beth Israel Medical Center experience using high‐dose‐rate intraoperative radiotherapy (HDR‐IORT) in the management of recurrent head and neck cancer.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective review of all patients with locally or regionally recurrent head and neck cancer who underwent HDR‐IORT at our institution between 2001 and 2010.

Results

Seventy‐six patients were identified who underwent treatment to a total of 87 sites after gross‐total resection. The 2‐year estimate of in‐field tumor control was found to be 62%. Median overall survival was 19 months with 42% of the patients surviving at least 2 years. Significantly longer survival was found for patients achieving in‐field control versus infield progression (33 months vs 17 months, respectively; p = .01).

Conclusion

HDR‐IORT is well tolerated and associated with encouraging in‐field disease control. In‐field control is associated with improved survival. Further study is warranted to more fully investigate HDR‐IORT in the salvage setting. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2013
C-C motif chemokine receptor 9 positive macrophages activate hepatic stellate cells and promote liver fibrosis in mice
Authors: Chu Po-sung , Nakamoto Nobuhiro , Ebinuma Hirotoshi , Usui Shingo , Saeki Keita , Matsumoto Atsuhiro , Mikami Yohei , Sugiyama Kazuo , Tomita Kengo , Kanai Takanori , Saito Hidetsugu , Hibi Toshifumi
Published: March 2013

Chemokine receptors mediate migration of immune cells into the liver, thereby promoting liver inflammation. C-C motif chemokine receptor (CCR) 9+ macrophages are crucial in the pathogenesis of acute liver inflammation, but the role and underlying mechanisms of this macrophage subset in chronic liver injury and subsequent liver fibrosis are not fully understood. We confirmed that tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α)-producing CCR9+ macrophages accumulated during the initiation of carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced liver injury, and CCR9 deficiency attenuated the degree of liver damage. Accumulation of CCR9+ macrophages persisted prominently during the process of liver fibrosis induced by repetitive CCl4 or thioacetamide (TAA)/leptin administration. Increased CCR9 expression was also found on activated hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). Importantly, experimental liver fibrosis was significantly ameliorated in CCR9
−/− mice compared with wild-type (WT) mice, assessed by α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) immunostain, Sirius red staining, and messenger RNA (mRNA) expression levels of α-SMA, collagen 1α1, transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1, and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase (TIMP)-1. Accumulated CD11b+ macrophages in CCl4-treated WT mice showed marked increases in TNF, NO synthase-2, and TGF-β1 mRNA expression compared with CCR9
−/− mice, implying proinflammatory and profibrogenic properties. Hepatic CD11b+ macrophages from CCl4-treated WT mice (i.e., CCR9+ macrophages), but not CD8+ T lymphocytes or non-CD11b+ cells, significantly activated HSCs in vitro compared with those from CCR9
−/− mice. TNF-α or TGF-β1 antagonism attenuated CCR9+ macrophage-induced HSC activation. Furthermore, C-C motif chemokine ligand (CCL) 25 mediated migration and, to a lesser extent, activation of HSCs in vitro. Conclusion: Accumulated CD11b+ macrophages are critical for activating HSCs through the CCR9/CCL25 axis and therefore promote liver fibrosis. CCR9 antagonism might be a novel therapeutic target for liver fibrosis. (HEPATOLOGY 2013;)
Innate immune responses in hepatitis C virus-exposed healthcare workers who do not develop acute infection
Authors: Werner Jens Martin , Heller Theo , Gordon Ann Marie , Sheets Arlene , Sherker Averell H. , Kessler Ellen , Bean Kathleen S. , Stevens M'Lou , Schmitt James , Rehermann Barbara
Published: March 2013

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection typically results in chronic disease with HCV outpacing antiviral immune responses. Here we asked whether innate immune responses are induced in healthcare workers who are exposed to small amounts of HCV, but do not develop systemic infection and acute liver disease. Twelve healthcare workers with accidental percutaneous exposure to HCV-infected blood were prospectively studied for up to 6 months for phenotype and function of natural killer T (NKT) and NK cells, kinetics of serum chemokines, and vigor and specificity of HCV-specific T-cell responses. Eleven healthcare workers tested negative for HCV RNA and HCV antibodies. All but one of these aviremic cases displayed NKT cell activation, increased serum chemokines levels, and NK cell responses with increased CD122, NKp44, NKp46, and NKG2A expression, cytotoxicity (as determined by TRAIL and CD107a expression), and interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) production. This multifunctional NK cell response appeared a month earlier than in the one healthcare worker who developed high-level viremia, and it differed from the impaired IFN-γ production, which is typical for NK cells in chronic HCV infection. The magnitude of NKT cell activation and NK cell cytotoxicity correlated with the magnitude of the subsequent HCV-specific T-cell response. T-cell responses targeted nonstructural HCV sequences that require translation of viral RNA, which suggests that transient or locally contained HCV replication occurred without detectable systemic viremia.

Conclusion:

Exposure to small amounts of HCV induces innate immune responses, which correlate with the subsequent HCV-specific T-cell response and may contribute to antiviral immunity. (Hepatology 2013;58:1621–1631)
Persistent Abnormal Liver Fibrosis After Weaning Off Parenteral Nutrition in Pediatric Intestinal Failure
Authors: Mutanen Annika , Lohi Jouko , Heikkilä Päivi , Koivusalo Antti I. , Rintala Risto J. , Pakarinen Mikko P.
Published: March 2013

The aim of this study was to evaluate the long-term effects of pediatric intestinal failure (IF) on liver histology. Altogether, 38 IF patients (median age: 7.2 years; range, 0.2-27) underwent liver biopsy, gastroscopy, abdominal ultrasound, and laboratory tests. Sixteen patients were on parenteral nutrition (PN) after 74 PN months (range, 2.5-204). Twenty-two had weaned off PN 8.8 years (range, 0.3-27) earlier, after 35 PN months (range, 0.7-250). Fifteen transplant donor livers served as controls. Abnormal liver histology was found in 94% of patients on PN and 77% of patients weaned off PN (

P

= 0.370). During PN, liver histology weighted with cholestasis (38% of patients on PN versus 0% of patients weaned off PN;

P

= 0.003) and portal inflammation (38% versus 9%;

P

= 0.050) were found. Fibrosis (88% versus 64%;

P

= 0.143; Metavir stage: 1.6 [range, 0-4] versus 1.1 [range, 0-2];

P

= 0.089) and steatosis (50% versus 45%;

P

= 1.000) were equally common during and after weaning off PN. Plasma alanine aminotransferase (78 U/L [range, 19-204] versus 34 [range, 9-129];

P

= 0.009) and conjugated bilirubin (43 μmol/L [range, 1-215] versus 4 [range, 1-23];

P

= 0.037) were significantly higher during than after weaning off PN. Esophageal varices were encountered in 1 patient after weaning off PN. Metavir stage was associated with small bowel length (

r

= −0.486;

P

= 0.002) and number of septic episodes (

r

= 0.480;

P

= 0.002). In a multivariate analysis, age-adjusted small bowel length (ß = −0.533;

P

= 0.001), portal inflammation (ß = 0.291;

P

= 0.030), and absence of an ileocecal valve (ß = 0.267;

P

= 0.048) were predictive for fibrosis stage.

Conclusion

: Despite resolution of cholestasis and portal inflammation, significant liver fibrosis and steatosis persist after weaning off PN. Extensive small intestinal resection was the major predictor for liver fibrosis stage. (Hepatology 2013;58:729–738)
Sexual experience restores age‐related decline in adult neurogenesis and hippocampal function
Authors: Glasper Erica R. , Gould Elizabeth
Published: March 2013

Aging is associated with compromised hippocampal function and reduced adult neurogenesis in the dentate gyrus. As new neurons have been linked to hippocampal functions, such as cognition, age‐related decline in new neuron formation may contribute to impaired hippocampal function. We investigated whether a rewarding experience known to stimulate neurogenesis in young adult rats, namely sexual experience, would restore new neuron production and hippocampal function in middle‐aged rats. Sexual experience enhanced the number of newly generated neurons in the dentate gyrus with both single and repeated exposures in middle‐aged rats. Following continuous long‐term exposure to sexual experience, cognitive function was improved. However, when a prolonged withdrawal period was introduced between the final mating experience and behavioral testing, the improvements in cognitive function were lost despite the presence of more new neurons. Taken together, these results suggest that repeated sexual experience can stimulate adult neurogenesis and restore cognitive function in the middle‐aged rat as long as the experience persists throughout the testing period. The extent to which changes in adult neurogenesis underlie those in cognition remain unknown. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Differential role of the dorsal hippocampus, ventro‐intermediate hippocampus, and medial prefrontal cortex in updating the value of a spatial goal
Authors: Blanquat Paul De Saint , Hok Vincent , Save Etienne , Poucet Bruno , Chaillan Franck A.
Published: March 2013

Encoding of a goal with a specific value while performing a place navigation task involves the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) and the dorsal hippocampus (dHPC), and depends on the coordination between mPFC and the ventro‐intermediate hippocampus (vHPC).The present work investigates the contribution of mPFC, dHPC, and vHPC when the rat has to update the value of a goal. Rats were trained to navigate to an uncued goal in order to release a food pellet in a continuous place navigation task. When they had reached criterion performance level in the task, they were subjected to a single “flash session” in which they were exposed to an aversive strobe light during goal visits instead of receiving a food reward. Just before the flash session, the GABAA agonist muscimol was injected to temporarily inactivate mPFC, dHPC, or vHPC. The ability to recall the changed value of the goal was tested on the next day. We first demonstrate the aversive effect of the strobe light by showing that rats learn to avoid the goal much more rapidly in the flash session than during a simple extinction session in which goal visits are not rewarded. Furthermore, while dHPC inactivation had no effect on learning and recalling the new goal value, vHPC muscimol injections considerably delayed goal value updating during the flash session, which resulted in a slight deficit during recall. In contrast, mPFC muscimol injections induced faster goal value updating but the rats were markedly impaired on recalling the new goal value on the next day. These results suggest that, contrary to mPFC and dHPC, vHPC is required for updating the value of a goal. In contrast, mPFC is necessary for long‐term retention of this updating. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Counseling Jewish Women: A Phenomenological Study
Authors: Ginsberg Freda , Sinacore Ada L.
Published: March 2013

The field of counseling has paid little attention to religion in general and Jewish women's realities in particular. This article presents the findings of a qualitative phenomenological study examining 12 Ashkenazi, non‐Orthodox, Jewish American women's self‐reported understanding of their Jewish identity, revealing the themes of Jewishness and being Jewish in a broader societal context, as well as 7 related subthemes. Recommendations are offered for counselors, educators, and researchers who work with Jewish women.
Perceived Impact of Professional Counselor Identity: An Exploratory Study
Authors: Reiner Summer M. , Dobmeier Robert A. , Hernández Thomas J.
Published: March 2013

Counselor educators (N= 378) provided their viewpoints regarding the impact of counselor identity on professional advancement and recognition. Respondents indicated that counselors, the American Counseling Association, and other counseling organizations are responsible for advocacy of the counseling profession. Collaboration among counselors for the development of a single coherent message is necessary for advocacy efforts aimed at congressional Medicare leaders, managed care organizations, state licensing boards, and allied professions.
Administering Quantitative Instruments With Qualitative Interviews: A Mixed Research Approach
Authors: Frels Rebecca K. , Onwuegbuzie Anthony J.
Published: March 2013

The authors demonstrate how collecting quantitative data via psychometrically sound quantitative instruments during the qualitative interview process enhances interpretations by helping researchers better contextualize qualitative findings, specifically through qualitative dominant crossover mixed analyses. They provide an example of this strategy, whereby a baseline was established using a quantitative scale and normative data to help interpret qualitative interviews, resulting in what they call a mixed methods interview. Philosophical and practical implications are discussed.
International Students' Personal and Multicultural Strengths: Reducing Acculturative Stress and Promoting Adjustment
Authors: Yakunina Elena S. , Weigold Ingrid K. , Weigold Arne , Hercegovac Sanja , Elsayed Noha
Published: March 2013

International students are often encouraged to cope with acculturative stress by relying on personal and multicultural strengths. The authors explored this assumption by testing personal growth initiative, hardiness, and universal‐diverse orientation as predictors of international students’ acculturative stress and adjustment. Data from 336 international students supported a partially mediated model, such that greater levels of personal and multicultural strengths predicted less acculturative problems, thus leading to better adjustment.
Knock down of caveolin‐1 affects morphological and functional hallmarks of human endothelial cells
Authors: Madaro Luca , Antonangeli Fabrizio , Favia Annarita , Esposito Bianca , Biamonte Filippo , Bouché Marina , Ziparo Elio , Sica Gigliola , Filippini Antonio , D'Alessio Alessio
Published: March 2013

Caveolin‐1 (CAV1) is the principal structural component of caveolae which functions as scaffolding protein for the integration of a variety of signaling pathways. In this study, we investigated the involvement of CAV1 in endothelial cell (EC) functions and show that siRNA‐induced CAV1 silencing in the human EC line EA.hy926 induces distinctive morphological changes, such as a marked increase in cell size and formation of stress fibers. Design‐based stereology was employed in this work to make unbiased quantification of morphometric properties such as volume, length, and surface of CAV1 silenced versus control cells. In addition, we showed that downregulation of CAV1 affects cell cycle progression at G1/S phase transition most likely by perturbation of AKT signaling. With the aim to assess the contribution of CAV1 to typical biological processes of EC, we report here that CAV1 targeting affects cell migration and matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) activity, and reduces angiogenesis in response to VEGF, in vitro. Taken together our data suggest that the proper expression of CAV1 is important not only for maintaining the appropriate morphology and size of ECs but it might represent a prospective molecular target for studying key biological mechanisms such as senescence and tumorigenesis. J. Cell. Biochem. 114: 1843–1851, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Sorafenib induces endometrial carcinoma apoptosis by inhibiting Elk‐1‐dependent Mcl‐1 transcription and inducing Akt/GSK3β‐dependent protein degradation
Authors: Sun Nian‐Kang , Huang Shang‐Lang , Chang Ting‐Chang , Chao Chuck C.‐K.
Published: March 2013

Endometrial carcinoma (EC) is one of the main gynecologic malignancies affecting women, but effective treatments are currently lacking. In the present study, we investigated the effect of sorafenib, a general kinase inhibitor, on several EC cell lines (HEC1A, HEC1B, and RL95‐2). Sorafenib induced cell death in EC cells with the following order of sensitivity: HEC1A > HEC1B > RL95‐2. Sorafenib suppressed several anti‐apoptotic proteins in HEC1A cells, including myeloid cell leukemia 1 (Mcl‐1). Ectopic overexpression of Mcl‐1 prevented the cell killing effect of sorafenib. Sorafenib suppressed Mcl‐1 at the gene transactivation level by inactivating the ERK/Elk‐1 pathway. Accordingly, the inhibitory effect of sorafenib on Mcl‐1 expression decreased following knockdown of Elk‐1 using short‐hairpin RNA (shRNA). Elk‐1 overexpression rescued both the inhibitory effect of sorafenib on Mcl‐1 expression and the cell killing effect of sorafenib. Furthermore, sorafenib reduced the stability of the Mcl‐1 protein by enhancing its ubiquitination and degradation by the proteasome via the AKT/GSK3β and the ERK pathways. Similar results were detected in other EC cell lines. These results indicate that sorafenib induces apoptosis in EC cells by down‐regulating the anti‐apoptotic protein Mcl‐1 via transcriptional inhibition and protein degradation. Our results thus support the notion that sorafenib may be used in endometrial cancer therapy. J. Cell. Biochem. 114: 1819–1831, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Hypoxia promotes tumor cell survival in acidic conditions by preserving ATP levels
Authors: Parks Scott K. , Mazure Nathalie M. , Counillon Laurent , Pouysségur Jacques
Published: March 2013

The efficacy of targeting pH disruption to induce cell death in the acidic and hypoxic tumor microenvironment continues to be assessed. Here we analyzed the impact of varying levels of hypoxia in acidic conditions on fibroblast and tumor cell survival. Across all cell lines tested, hypoxia (1% O2) provided protection against acidosis induced cell death compared to normoxia. Meanwhile severe hypoxia (0.1% O2) removed this protection and in some cases exacerbated acidosis‐induced cell death. Differential survival between cell types during external acidosis correlated with their respective intracellular pH regulating capabilities. Cellular ATP measurements were conducted to determine their contribution to cell survival under these combined stresses. In general, hypoxia (1% O2) maintained elevated ATP levels in acidic conditions while severe hypoxia did not. To further explore this interaction we combined acidosis with ATP depletion using 2‐deoxyglucose and observed an enhanced rate of cell mortality. Striking results were also observed with hypoxia providing protection against cell death in spite of a severe metabolic stress induced by a combination of acidosis and oligomycin. Finally, we demonstrated that both HIF1α and HIF2α expression were drastically reduced in hypoxic and acidic conditions indicating a sensitivity of this protein to cellular pH conditions. This knockdown of HIF expression by acidosis has implications for the development of therapies targeting the disruption of cellular pH regulation. Our results reinforce the proof of concept that acidosis and metabolic disruption affecting ATP levels could be exploited as a tumor cell killing strategy. J. Cell. Physiol. 228: 1854–1862, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
mTOR signaling for biological control and cancer
Authors: Alayev Anya , Holz Marina K.
Published: March 2013

Mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) is a major intersection that connects signals from the extracellular milieu to corresponding changes in intracellular processes. When abnormally regulated, the mTOR signaling pathway is implicated in a wide spectrum of cancers, neurological diseases, and proliferative disorders. Therefore, pharmacological agents that restore the regulatory balance of the mTOR pathway could be beneficial for a great number of diseases. This review summarizes current understanding of mTOR signaling and some unanswered questions in the field. We describe the composition of the mTOR complexes, upstream signals that activate mTOR, and physiological processes that mTOR regulates. We also discuss the role of mTOR and its downstream effectors in cancer, obesity and diabetes, and autism. J. Cell. Physiol. 228: 1658–1664, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Highly Efficient Synthesis of Tricyclic Perimidines under Microwave Heating
Authors: Zhu Wei‐Jun , Ding Jie , Jiang Bo , Tu Shu‐Jiang
Published: March 2013

A new and efficient access to (Z)‐N‐(2‐argio‐1‐(1H‐perimidin‐2‐yl)vinyl)benzamide derivatives from readily available substrates in HOAc is described with aid of microwave irradiation. The results of our study provide a simple, straightforward synthetic route to these interesting classes of 2‐substituted perimidines analogs in excellent yields.
Intracranial hemangiopericytoma: MR imaging findings and diagnostic usefulness of minimum ADC values
Authors: Liu Gang , Chen Zhi‐Ye , Ma Lin , Lou Xin , Li Shi‐Jun , Wang Yu‐Lin
Published: March 2013

Purpose

To describe the clinical and magnetic resonance (MR) imaging features of primary intracranial hemangiopericytoma (HPC), and to assess the usefulness of minimum apparent diffusion coefficient (MinADC) value of HPC in the differential diagnosis from meningioma.

Materials and Methods

From 2004 to 2010, fifteen patients with primary intracranial HPC were included. The clinical data, conventional MR findings (n = 15), and diffusion weighted image (DWI) features (n = 10) were retrospectively analyzed. MinADC value of the HPCs (n = 10) was measured on ADC map and was compared with that of meningiomas (n = 37).

Results

In 15 cases of HPC, isointense signal was detected on both T1‐weighted images (T1WI) and T2‐weighted images (T2WI) in 11 cases, and heterogeneous signal was demonstrated in 4 cases. Isointensity (n = 9) and iso‐ and slight hyperintensity (n = 1) were shown on DWI. The mean MinADC value of HPC [(1.116 ± 0.127) × 10−3 mm2/s] was significantly higher than that of meningioma [(0.875 ± 0.104) × 10−3 mm2/s] (P < 0.01). For the differentiation between HPC and meningioma, the critical cutoff MinADC value was 0.991 × 10−3 mm2/s, which provided the best combination of sensitivity (88.9%) and specificity (82.4%).

Conclusion

MinADC value may be an useful tool for the differentiation between HPC and meningioma. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2013;38:1146–1151. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Shaped beam synthesis of phased arrays using the cross entropy method
Authors: Weatherspoon Mark H. , Connor Jeffrey D. , Foo Simon Y.
Published: March 2013

This paper describes the shaped‐beam synthesis of phased arrays using the cross entropy (CE) method. The CE method is a general stochastic optimization technique based on minimizing the CE (or Kullback–Leibler divergence) between sets of probability distributions to solve complex multi‐extremal, multi‐objective optimization problems. In this work, the CE method will be utilized to choose the complex weights of array element excitations to control the shape of far‐field radiation pattern side lobe power, main lobe beamwidth, and introduce side lobe notches using amplitude‐only and complex weight synthesis. Compared with similar stochastic techniques previously used to solve this problem, such as the genetic algorithm and particle swarm optimization, the CE method is a competitive alternative, possessing attractive convergence properties. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Relationship between wildfire, salvage logging, and occupancy of nesting territories by northern spotted owls
Authors: Clark Darren A. , Anthony Robert G. , Andrews Lawrence S.
Published: March 2013

The northern spotted owl (Strix occidentalis caurina) is one of the most intensively studied raptors in the world; however, little is known about the impacts of wildfire on the subspecies and how they use recently burned areas. Three large‐scale wildfires in southwest Oregon provided an opportunity to investigate the short‐term impacts of wildfire and salvage logging on site occupancy of spotted owls. We used Program MARK to develop single‐species, multiple‐season models of site occupancy using data collected during demographic surveys of spotted owl territories. In our first analysis, we compared occupancy dynamics of spotted owl nesting territories before (1992–2002) and after the Timbered Rock burn (2003–2006) to a reference area in the south Cascade Mountains that was not affected recently by wildfire. We found that the South Cascades had greater colonization probabilities than Timbered Rock before and after wildfire (${\rm {\hat {\beta }}} = 1.31$, 95% CI = 0.60–2.03), and colonization probabilities declined over time at both areas (${\rm {\hat {\beta }}} = - 0.06$, 95% CI = −0.12 to 0.00). Extinction probabilities were greater at South Cascades than at Timbered Rock prior to the burn (${\rm {\hat {\beta }}} = 0.69$, 95% CI = 0.23–2.62); however, Timbered Rock had greater extinction probabilities following wildfire (${\rm {\hat {\beta }}} = 1.46$, 95% CI = 0.29–2.62). The Timbered Rock and South Cascades study areas had similar patterns in site occupancy prior to the Timbered Rock burn (1992–2001). Furthermore, Timbered Rock had a 64% reduction in site occupancy following wildfire (2003–2006) in contrast to a 25% reduction in site occupancy at South Cascades during the same time period. This suggested that the combined effects of habitat disturbances due to wildfire and subsequent salvage logging on private lands negatively affected site occupancy by spotted owls. In our second analysis, we investigated the relationship between wildfire, salvage logging, and occupancy of spotted owl territories at the Biscuit, Quartz, and Timbered Rock burns from 2003 to 2006. Extinction probabilities increased as the combined area of early seral forests, high severity burn, and salvage logging increased within the core nesting areas (${\rm {\hat {\beta }}} = 1.88$, 95% CI = 0.10–3.66). We were unable to identify any relationships between initial occupancy or colonization probabilities and the habitat covariates that we considered in our analysis where theβcoefficient did not overlap zero. We concluded that site occupancy of spotted owl nesting territories declined in the short‐term following wildfire, and habitat modification and loss due to past timber harvest, high severity fire, and salvage logging jointly contributed to declines in site occupancy. © 2013 The Wildlife Society.