bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
SANAA's New Museum of Contemporary Art, New York
Authors: Merkel Jayne
Published: April 2008

When Kazuyo Sejima and Ryue Nishizawa, now of the Tokyo‐based firm SANAA (Sejima and Nishizawa and Associates), were selected to design the New Museum of Contemporary Art in 2002, they seemed an interesting but strange choice, since the cutting‐edge museum was moving to the Bowery, an area known more for its down‐and‐out residents than its art‐world glamour. But, as Jayne Merkel explains, the architects have managed to produce a building that is both rough and ready and beyond the fray. It is already a rather mysterious landmark rising several double‐height storeys above its gritty neighbours. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Thermal decomposition of cumene hydroperoxide: Chemical and kinetic characterization
Authors: Di Somma I. , Andreozzi R. , Canterino M. , Caprio V. , Sanchirico R.
Published: April 2008

Thermal decomposition process of cumene hydroperoxide (CHP) in cumene has been investigated by different researchers from chemical and kinetic point of view although its reactive characteristics have not yet been fully identified. The major discrepancy in the literature data is represented by different reaction nth‐order and autocatalytic kinetics suggested. In the present work CHP thermal decomposition is studied by means of isothermal experiments, adiabatic and scanning calometry on commercial hydroperoxide samples. The most simple autocatalytic scheme is adopted for the analysis of the data collected on CHP solutions in cumene at different initial concentrations (80%–30% w/w) allowing to estimate the kinetic parameters regulating the process. A characterization of the intermediate and product distribution at varying reaction time is attempted. The effect on the system reactivity of the addition of small quantities of carbinol or acetophenone or α‐methylstyrene to the CHP solution in cumene is also studied. © 2008 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2008
Impact of genetic variation on perioperative bleeding
Authors: Muehlschlegel Jochen D. , Body Simon C.
Published: April 2008

Variation in bleeding in the perioperative period is a complex and multifactorial event associated with immediate and delayed consequences for the patient and health care resources. Little is known about the complex genetic influences on perioperative bleeding. With the discovery of multiple variations in the human genome and ever‐growing databases of well‐phenotyped surgical patients, better identification of patients at risk of bleeding is becoming a reality. In this review, polymorphisms in the platelet receptor genes, plasminogen activator inhibitor, and angiotensin genes among others will be discussed. We will explore the nature, effects, and implications of the genetics that influence perioperative bleeding above and beyond surgical bleeding, particularly in cardiac surgery. Am. J. Hematol., 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Transition‐metal nanoparticles: synthesis, stability and the leaching issue
Authors: Pachón Laura Durán , Rothenberg Gadi
Published: April 2008

This perspective examines the state‐of‐the‐art of catalysis by metal nanoparticles. We outline various methods for preparing metal nanoparticle suspensions, and highlight the role of the stabilizers and the stabilizing principles. Subsequently, we examine some catalytic applications of homometallic and bimetallic nanoparticle suspensions in a variety of reactions. The cases are divided according to the stabilizing agent: polymers, dendrimers, ionic liquids, surfactants, micelles and micoremulsions, ligands and solid supports. We explain the importance of atom/ion leaching (all too frequent in nanoparticle catalysis, especially for the catalytically active group VIII metals) and consider ways of minimizing it. The future perspectives of nanoparticles as catalysts are discussed. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Ruthenium N‐heterocyclic–carbene catalyzed diarylation of arene CH bond
Authors: Yaşar Sedat , Doǧan Öznur , Özdemir Ismail , Çetinkaya Bekir
Published: April 2008

Novel ruthenium‐1,3‐dialkylimidazolin‐2‐ylidene complexes (2a–e) have been prepared and characterized by C, H, N analysis, 1H‐NMR and 13C‐NMR. The ortho position of the aromatic ring of pyridyl group substituted aromatic compound was directly arylated with aryl bromides and chlorides in the presence of a catalytic amount of [RuCl2(1,3‐dialkylimidazolin‐2‐ylidene)] complexes. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Preparation and optoelectronic properties of a novel poly(N‐vinylcarbazole) with covalently bonded titanium dioxide
Authors: Han Yangang , Wu Gang , Chen Hongzheng , Wang Mang
Published: April 2008

A functional organic–inorganic composite containing carbazole moieties (electron donors) and TiO2 (electron acceptors) in different molar ratios, TiO2‐modified poly(N‐vinylcarbazole) (PVK–TiO2), was synthesized through a nucleophilic reaction. The molecular and electronic structure of the PVK–TiO2 composite was characterized with Fourier transform infrared, ultraviolet–visible absorption, cyclic voltammetry, and so forth. The highest occupied molecular orbital and lowest unoccupied molecular orbital energy levels of the PVK–TiO2 composite were higher than those of pristine poly(N‐vinylcarbazole). The PVK–TiO2 composite exhibited an enhanced glass‐transition temperature and improved thermal stability. The photoinduced charge transfer observed in photofluorescence and photoconductivity measurements makes applications in the field of photodetectors possible. The PVK–TiO2 composite containing carbazole moieties and TiO2 in a molar ratio of about 58 :1 was found to have the best photosensitivity. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008
Layered clay/epoxy nanocomposites: Thermomechanical, flame retardancy, and optical properties
Authors: Kaya Elcin , Tanoğlu Metin , Okur Salih
Published: April 2008

In this study, layered clay/polymer nanocomposites were developed based on epoxy resins and montmorillonite as the nanoplatelet reinforcement. Clay particles were treated with hexadecyltrimethylammonium chloride (HTCA) through an ion exchange reaction. In this way, Na+ interlayer cations of the clay is exchanged with onium cation of the surfactant that turns the hydrophilic clays (MMT) to organophilic (OMMT) characteristics. Thermal analysis results revealed that the glass transition temperature (Tg) and the dynamic mechanical properties including the storage and loss modulus of the neat epoxy resin increases by the incorporation of clay particles. It was also found that flame resistance of the polymer is improved by the addition of the clay particles. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008
Ing4 induces Cell Growth Inhibition in Human Lung Adenocarcinoma A549 Cells by Means of Wnt‐1/β‐Catenin Signaling Pathway
Authors: Li Xiaomei , Cai Limin , Liang Meihua , Wang Yandong , Yang Jing , Zhao Yulan
Published: April 2008

ING4, as a novel candidate tumor suppressor gene, has been implicated in several human malignances by tumor growth inhibition and apoptosis enhancement. The mechanism of ING4 remains largely unknown. The purpose of this study was to investigate the inhibitory tumor growth effects of ING4 on lung adenocarcinoma, and its mechanism, by ING4 cDNA transduction into A549 cells. Furthermore, the expression level of ING4 in lung adenocarcinoma tissues was examined. The expression of ING4 was markedly reduced in human lung adenocarcinoma tissues. Overexpression of ING4 can induce growth inhibition in A549 cells both in vitro and in vivo, and also induce up‐regulation of p27, down‐regulation of cyclinD1, SKP2, and Cox2, and inactivation of the Wnt‐1/β‐catenin pathway. Moreover, overexpression of ING4 can enhance the sensitivity of A549 cells to radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Thus, ING4 may play an inhibitory role on A549 cell proliferation and tumor growth in lung adenocarcinoma by up‐regulation or down‐regulation of cell proliferation‐regulating proteins such as p27, cyclinD1, SKP2, and Cox2 by means of inactivation of Wnt‐1/β‐catenin signaling. Anat Rec, 291:593–600, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Seeing is not enough: manipulating choice options causes focusing and preference change in multiattribute risky decision‐making
Authors: Vlaev Ivo , Chater Nick , Stewart Neil
Published: April 2008

We show that preferences depend on the attributes that can be directly manipulated when people need to integrate multiple sources of information because direct manipulation causes focusing bias. This effect appears even when all relevant information is simultaneously and explicitly presented at the time the decisions are made. Participants decided how much to save, what investment risk to take and observed the future financial consequences in terms of the mean and variability of the expected retirement income. Participants who manipulated only the future income distribution saved more and took less risk. This effect disappears when the risk‐related variables are removed, which indicates that task complexity is a mediator of such focusing effects. A more balanced trade‐off between the choice attributes was selected when all attributes were manipulated. However, when there is a dichotomy between manipulating versus observing choice attributes, then decisions were based mostly on the manipulated attributes. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Embryonic pattern formation without morphogens
Authors: Bolouri Hamid
Published: April 2008

One of the earliest and most‐fundamental pattern‐ formation events in embryonic development is endoderm and mesoderm specification. In sea urchin embryos, this process begins with blimp1 and wnt8 gene expression at the vegetal pole as soon as embryonic transcription begins. Shortly afterwards, wnt8/blimp1 expression spreads to the adjacent ring of mesoderm progenitor cells and is extinguished in the vegetal‐most cells. A little later, the ring of wnt8/blimp1 activity moves out of the mesoderm progenitors and into the neighboring endoderm cells. Remarkably, this moving ring of gene expression has now been shown to be controlled entirely by transcriptional cis‐regulatory logic.1. BioEssays 30:412–417, 2008. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Treatment options for muscle‐invasive urothelial cancer for patients who were not eligible for cystectomy or neoadjuvant chemotherapy with methotrexate, vinblastine, doxorubicin, and cisplatin
Authors: Higano Celestia S. , Tangen Catherine M. , Sakr Wael A. , Faulkner James , Rivkin Saul E. , Meyers Frederick J. , Hussain Maha , Baker Laurence H. , Russell Kenneth J. , Crawford E. David
Published: April 2008

BACKGROUND.

Many patients with invasive urothelial cell cancer are poor candidates for cisplatin‐based chemotherapy, and many are high risk for cystectomy. Southwest Oncology Group Trial 8733 was designed to address treatment for such patients.

METHODS.

Eligible patients had primary or recurrent muscle‐invasive disease with transitional cell or squamous cell histology, a performance status from 0 to 2, no extrapelvic disease, a life expectancy >3 months, and adequate hematologic function. The treating clinician assigned patients to operable or inoperable groups. All patients received 2 cycles of 5‐fluorouracil (5‐FU) at a dose of 1000mg/m2 per day × 4 starting concurrently with radiation at a dose of 200 centigrays per day × 10 each cycle. After 2 cycles, operable patients with positive biopsies underwent cystectomy, and patients with negative biopsies received a third cycle of chemoradiotherapy. Patients in the inoperable group received 3 cycles without interim biopsy.

RESULTS.

Eighteen of 24 eligible patients in the operable group were evaluable for response. Five patients had a complete response (CR), 9 patients had stable disease, 1 patient had progressive disease, and 3 patients were not assessable. The median progression‐free survival was 10 months (95% confidence interval [95% CI], 4–14 months), and the median overall survival was 18 months (95% CI, 7–28 months). In the inoperable group, 35 of 37 eligible patients were evaluable for response with 17 CRs (49%; 95% CI, 31%–66%). The median progression‐free survival was 13 months (95% CI, 10–17 months), and the median overall survival was 20 months (95% CI, 11–53 months). There were no episodes of grade 4 toxicity.

CONCLUSIONS.

In the current study, the combination of 5‐FU and radiation was found to be tolerated well by patients with numerous comorbidities who could not tolerate cisplatin‐based therapy or cystectomy. Cancer 2008. © 2008 American Cancer Society.
Risk factors for leukemic transformation in patients with primary myelofibrosis
Authors: Huang Jocelin , Li Chin‐Yang , Mesa Ruben A. , Wu Wentling , Hanson Curtis A. , Pardanani Animesh , Tefferi Ayalew
Published: April 2008

BACKGROUND.

Previous prognostic studies in primary myelofibrosis have focused on risk factors for overall survival and have resulted in the establishment of several prognostic scoring systems. However, to the authors' knowledge, information regarding risk factors for leukemic transformation in primary myelofibrosis is limited.

METHODS.

The current retrospective study examined clinical variables at the time of diagnosis and specific treatment modalities for their effect on leukemic transformation in 311 patients with primary myelofibrosis who were seen at the Mayo Clinic.

RESULTS.

Univariate analysis of parameters at the time of diagnosis revealed a significant association between inferior leukemia‐free survival and a peripheral blood blast percentage ≥3 (P < .0001), a platelet count <100 × 109/L (P = .004), a monocyte count ≥1 × 109/L (P = .02), the presence of hypercatabolic symptoms (P = .03), a low hemoglobin level (P = .04), and a high leukocyte count (P = .04). The first 2 parameters were found to maintain their statistical significance during multivariate analysis. Neither leukemia‐free nor overall survival was found to be affected by the presence of <3% peripheral blood blasts or JAK2V617F mutation. The evaluation of treatment effect on leukemic transformation unexpectedly revealed a significant and independent association with previous therapy with either erythropoiesis‒stimulating agents (P = .004) or danazol (P = .007), even when the aforementioned prognostic indicators at the time of diagnosis were added as covariates to the multivariate model. In contrast, leukemia‐free survival was not found to be affected by a treatment history with hydroxyurea, thalidomide, or other drugs.

CONCLUSIONS.

A peripheral blood blast percentage ≥3 and/or a platelet count <100 × 109/L at the time of diagnosis were found to be strong and independent predictors of leukemic transformation in patients with primary myelofibrosis. The unexpected association between leukemic transformation and a history of treatment with erythropoiesis‒stimulating agents or danazol requires validation by prospective studies. Cancer 2008. © 2008 American Cancer Society.
Metabolic syndrome and prostate cancer
Authors: Glode L. Michael
Published: April 2008

The metabolic syndrome (MetS) was first proposed as a clinical entity in 1988 and has been popularized by numerous health organizations as a way of identifying patients at increased risk for coronary heart disease or type II diabetes. The numerous definitions for MetS has made it somewhat difficult for practicing physicians to adopt a standard and then apply it to behavioral modification and/or pharmacologic therapy for their patients. In this issue of Cancer, Smith et al. performed a prospective analysis of some components of MetS in 26 men with locally advanced or recurrent prostate cancer who were treated with 1 year of leuprolide in addition to 1 month of bicalutamide at the time of the initiation of gonadotropin‒releasing hormone agonist therapy. Some differences between classic MetS and the androgen deprivation syndrome were demonstrated.
Cryptochrome is present in the compound eyes and a subset of Drosophila's clock neurons
Authors: Yoshii Taishi , Todo Takeshi , Wülbeck Corinna , Stanewsky Ralf , Helfrich‐Förster Charlotte
Published: April 2008

Cryptochrome (CRY) is intimately associated with the circadian clock of many organisms. In the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster, CRY seems to be involved in photoreception as well as in the core clockwork. In spite of the critical role of CRY for the clock of Drosophila, it was not quite clear whether CRY is expressed in every clock cell. With the help of a new antibody and a mutant that lacks CRY, we show here that CRY is expressed in specific subsets of Drosophila's pacemaker neurons and in the photoreceptor cells of the compound eyes. In the pacemaker neurons, CRY levels and kinetics under light‐dark cycles are quite different from each other. High‐amplitude oscillations are observed in only three groups of clock neurons, suggesting that these three groups are strongly receptive to light. The different CRY kinetics may account for phase differences in oscillations of the clock proteins observed in these three groups in earlier studies. The molecular clock of the neurons that contain lower CRY levels or are completely CRY negative can still be synchronized by light, probably via intercellular communication with the CRY‐positive neurons as well as via external photoreceptors. J. Comp. Neurol. 508:952–966, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Talking about others: Emotionality and the dissemination of social information
Authors: Peters Kim , Kashima Yoshihisa , Clark Anna
Published: April 2008

There is evidence that we may be more likely to share stories about other people to the extent that they arouse emotion. If so, this emotional social talk may have important social consequences, providing the basis for many of our social beliefs and mobilising people to engage or disengage with the targets of the talk. Across three studies, we tested the situated communicability of emotional social information by examining if the ability of emotionality to increase communicability would depend on the emotion that was aroused and the identity of the audience. Study 1 showed that participants were more willing to share social anecdotes that aroused interest, surprise, disgust and happiness with an unspecified audience. Study 2 provided a behavioural replication of these findings. Study 3 showed that the communicability of emotional social talk did vary with audience identity (friend or stranger). Together, these findings suggest that emotional social events (particularly those that arouse disgust and happiness) are likely to become part of a society's social beliefs, with important consequences for the structure of social relationships. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Health effects of nanomaterials: A critical appraisal approach and research to practice
Authors: Sequeira Reynold , Genaidy Ash , Weckman Gary , Shell Richard , Karwowski Waldemar , Acosta‐Leon Adriana
Published: April 2008

Background Researchers across the globe are studying health effects of various nanomaterials and nanostructures. Most of these studies are qualitative in nature and lack parallel research to compare and validate the reliability of the findings.

Objective This research targets a critical appraisal of such clinical studies by first developing a suitable tool and then evaluating the quality of reporting of these trials.

Methods The published articles were collected from a search of electronic databases and bibliographies of identified articles. A critical appraisal (ExpAI) suitable for assessment of such experimental studies was developed and the articles were appraised using this instrument. The main findings of the study were evaluated for their use in the development of new techniques for practice using a linguistic scale.

Results Twenty‐eight articles were found to satisfy the inclusion criteria adopted in this research. The methodological qualities of the published studies ranged from marginal to average.

Conclusions Though the studies evaluated in this research have proven that nanoparticles do have adverse health effects, nanoparticles should not be discounted without exploring the possibility of using them to benefit companies and the general population. Reengineering should be considered while creating these new systems to overcome the health effects found by various studies. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Experimental design comparison of studies evaluating doxorubicin nanoparticles in breast cancer therapy
Authors: Moayed Farman A. , Pauletti Giovanni M. , Shell Richard , Genaidy Ash
Published: April 2008

Background The unique properties of nanoparticles (NP) qualify these colloidal systems for a wide range of medical applications, including diagnosis and treatment. Particularly in cancer therapy, NP have significantly enhanced the potential of conventional imaging, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy and, consequently, offered new avenues for early interventions. So far, breast cancer has been one of the most studied cancer types with NP research, which can benefit the occupational breast cancer for the increasing number of women in the labor force in industry.

Objectives The objective of this study is to compare the experimental designs of preclinical studies that assessed the effect of doxorubicin NP (DOX‐NP) on the estrogen‐dependent MCF‐7 breast cancer cell line using a recently established quantitative Experimental Appraisal Instrument (ExpAI).

Methods A systematic review of research articles published between August 2004 and August 2005 on NP and breast cancer treatment with doxorubicin was performed using various online databases and indexes available through the University of Cincinnati. Restrictive inclusion and exclusion criteria were defined leading to selection of four relevant articles that used comparable experimental designs. Critical appraisal of those studies was performed by five independent assessors using the ExpAI version 2.0 and the results were summarized in a table of evidence.

Results The study design in the selected articles was either between groups or mixed, with sample sizes varying from n = 3–6, and the evaluation of the effect of DOX‐NP either in vitro or in vivo. The cytotoxic drug doxorubicin was the input variable in all studies, whereas different end points such as pharmacokinetic parameters, cytotoxicity surrogates (e.g., growth inhibition, mitochondrial activity), and quantitative analysis of messenger RNA were used as output variables.

Conclusions Although the articles assessed in this article were preclinical experimental studies, the results showed that doxorubicin NP drugs can be used effectively to enhance the delivery process in MCF‐7 breast cancer cells by increasing the circulation time and targeting the tumor tissues. Considering the rising number of women in the labor force and the risk of occupational breast cancer, it can be concluded that DOX‐NP may potentially be used as an effective anticancer drug on humans, but further research and studies are required to understand how DOX‐NP drugs might react in the human body before using it on breast cancer patients. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Silencing of hSlo potassium channels in human osteosarcoma cells promotes tumorigenesis
Authors: Cambien Béatrice , Rezzonico Roger , Vitale Sébastien , Rouzaire‐Dubois Béatrice , Dubois Jean‐Marc , Barthel Robert , Soilihi Babou Karimdjee , Mograbi Baharia , Schmid‐Alliana Annie , Schmid‐Antomarchi Heidy
Published: April 2008

Potassium channels, the most diverse superfamily of ion channels, have recently emerged as regulators of carcinogenesis, thus introducing possible new therapeutic strategies in the fight against cancer. In particular, the large conductance Ca2+‐activated K+ channels, often referred to as BK channels, are at the crossroads of several tumor‐associated processes such as cell proliferation, survival, secretion and migration. Despite the high BK channel expression in osteosarcoma (OS), their function has not yet been investigated in this malignant bone pathology. Here, using stable RNA interference to reduce the expression of hSlo, the human pore‐forming α‐subunit of the BK channel, in human Cal72 OS cells, we show that BK channels play a functional role in carcinogenesis. Our results reveal for the first time that BK channels exhibit antitumoral properties in OS in vivo and affect the tumor microenvironment through the modulation of both chemokine expression and leukocyte infiltration. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
DNA methylation and histone modifications cause silencing of Wnt antagonist gene in human renal cell carcinoma cell lines
Authors: Kawamoto Ken , Hirata Hiroshi , Kikuno Nobuyuki , Tanaka Yuichiro , Nakagawa Masayuki , Dahiya Rajvir
Published: April 2008

Secreted frizzled‐related protein 2 (sFRP2) is a negative modulator of the Wingless‐type (Wnt) signaling pathway, and shown to be inactivated in renal cell carcinoma (RCC). However, the molecular mechanism of silencing of sFRP2 is not fully understood. Our study was designed to elucidate the silencing mechanism of sFRP2 in RCC. Expression of sFRP2 was examined in 20 pairs of primary cancers by immunohistochemistry. Kidney cell lines (HK‐2, Caki‐1, Caki‐2, A‐498 and ACHN) were analyzed for sFRP2 expression using real‐time RT‐PCR and Western blotting. The methylation status at 46 CpG sites of the 2 CpG islands in the sFRP2 promoter was characterized by bisulfite DNA sequencing. Histone modifications were assessed by chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assay using antibodies against AcH3, AcH4, H3K4 and H3K9. sFRP2 was frequently repressed in primary cancers and in RCC cells. The majority of sFRP2 negative cells had a methylated promoter. Meanwhile, sFRP2 expression was repressed by a hypomethylated promoter in Caki‐1 cells, and these cells had a repressive histone modification at the promoter. In Caki‐1 cells, sFRP2 was reactivated by trichostatin A (TSA). Repressive histone modifications were also observed in RCC cells with hypermethylated promoters, but sFRP2 was reactivated only by 5‐aza‐2′‐deoxycytidine (DAC) and not by TSA. However, the activation of the silenced sFRP2 gene could be achieved in all cells using a combination of DAC and TSA. This is the first report indicating that aberrant DNA methylation and histone modifications work together to silence the sFRP2 gene in RCC cells. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
An in vitro comparison of possibly bioactive titanium implant surfaces
Authors: Göransson A. , Arvidsson A. , Currie F. , Franke‐Stenport V. , Kjellin P. , Mustafa K. , Sul Y. T. , Wennerberg A.
Published: April 2008

The aim of the study was to compare Ca and P formation (CaP) and subsequent bone cell response of a blasted and four different possibly bioactive commercially pure (cp) titanium surfaces; 1. Fluoride etched (Fluoride), 2. Alkali‐heat treated (AH), 3. Magnesium ion incorporated anodized (TiMgO), and 4. Nano HA coated and heat treated (nano HA) in vitro. Furthermore, to evaluate the significance of the SBF formed CaP coat on bone cell response. The surfaces were characterized by Optical Interferometry, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and X‐ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS). CaP formation was evaluated after 12, 24 and 72 h in simulated body fluid (SBF). Primary human mandibular osteoblast‐like cells were cultured on the various surfaces subjected to SBF for 72 h. Cellular attachment, differentiation (osteocalcin) and protein production (TGF‐β1) was evaluated after 3 h and 10 days respectively. Despite different morphological appearances, the roughness of the differently modified surfaces was similar. The possibly bioactive surfaces gave rise to an earlier CaP formation than the blasted surface, however, after 72 h the blasted surface demonstrated increased CaP formation compared to the possibly bioactive surfaces. Subsequent bone cell attachment was correlated to neither surface roughness nor the amount of formed CaP after SBF treatment. In contrast, osteocalcin and TGF‐β1 production were largely correlated to the amount of CaP formed on the surfaces. However, bone response (cell attachment, osteocalcin and TGF‐F production) on the blasted controls were similar or increased compared to the SBF treated fluoridated, AH and TiMgO surface. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2009
Enhancing neurite outgrowth from primary neurones and neural stem cells using thermoresponsive hydrogel scaffolds for the repair of spinal cord injury
Authors: Nisbet D. R. , Moses D. , Gengenbach T. R. , Forsythe J. S. , Finkelstein D. I. , Horne M. K.
Published: April 2008

In this study, thermoresponsive xyloglucan hydrogel scaffolds were investigated as candidates for neural tissue engineering of the spinal cord. The hydrogels were optimized to provide similar mechanical properties to that of native spinal cord, although also being functionalized through the immobilization of poly‐D‐lysine to promote neurone adhesion and neurite outgrowth. Under 2D and 3D culture conditions, xyloglucan scaffolds supported the differentiation of primary cortical neurones. Furthermore, functionalization provided a means of controlling and optimizing the cell diameter, number, migration and the neurite density, and the direction of growth. The interaction of neural stem cells (NSCs) was also investigated on the xyloglucan scaffolds in vitro. The survival of the NSCs and the axonal extensions on the scaffolds were similar to that of the primary cortical neurones. These findings suggest that xyloglucan‐based materials are suitable for providing a neurotrophic milieu. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2009
Physical vapor deposition of zirconium or titanium thin films on flexible polyurethane highly support adhesion and physiology of human endothelial cells
Authors: Ozkucur N. , Wetzel C. , Hollstein F. , Richter E. , Funk R. H. W. , Monsees T. K.
Published: April 2008

The aim of this study was to develop and characterize novel metal‐polymer constructs to improve the biocompatibility of flexible but hydrophobic polyurethane (PUR) implants. Using a physical vapor deposition (PVD) technique, thin films (≤100 nm) of zirconium (Zr) or titanium (Ti) were deposited on the polyurethane surface. Both coatings displayed good stability when subjected to cross‐cutting test and especially Zr showed only minor and superficial cracks in the scanning electron microscopy analysis. PVD coating resulted in significantly lowered contact angles and the standard surface free energy of wetting (ΔwetG°) turned to more favorable negative values (Ti: −40; Zr: −30; untreated PUR (uPUR): +10.1 mN/m). This may lead to the highly enhanced adhesion and proliferation properties observed with human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). In addition, the novel coatings had no toxic effect and even drastically reduced apoptosis rates of HUVECs. Cell morphology, nitric oxide production, and mitochondrial membrane potential—both at static and flow conditions—were superior compared with uPUR, thus demonstrating intact physiological functions. Therefore, we suggest that combining PUR as a flexible material with a thin coating of Zr or Ti as the improved biocompatible surface may have advantages for use, for example, vascular graft material. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2009
Pretreatment of docetaxel enhances TRAIL‐mediated apoptosis in prostate cancer cells
Authors: Yoo Jinsang , Park Sung‐Soo , Lee Yong J.
Published: April 2008

Tumor necrosis factor‐related apoptosis‐inducing ligand (TRAIL) is a promising cancer therapeutic agent because of its tumor selectivity. TRAIL is known to induce apoptosis in cancer cells but spare most normal cells. In this study, we examined whether treatment of docetaxel (DTX) can enhance apoptotic cell death by TRAIL against androgen‐independent prostate cancer (AIPC). The cell death effect of combinations of TRAIL and docetaxel on prostate cancer cell lines (androgen‐dependent LNCaP and its derived androgen‐independent, metastatic C4‐2B) was evaluated by synergisms of apoptosis. Western blot assay and DNA fragmentation assay were used to study the underlying mechanisms of cell death and search for any mechanisms of enhancement of TRAIL induced apoptosis in the presence of docetaxel. In addition, we investigated the in vitro anti‐tumor effects of combined docetaxel and TRAIL using MAP kinase inhibitors. Docetaxel itself could not induce apoptotic cell death in 24 h even in high concentration. Apoptotic cell death, however, was drastically enhanced by pretreatment of docetaxel 20 h before TRAIL treatment. Docetaxel enhanced the PARP‐1 cleavage and caspases activation by TRAIL especially in androgen‐independent, metastatic C4‐2B cell line, mainly by phosphorylation of Bcl‐2 by JNK activation. It appears that apoptotic cell death was protected by the JNK inhibitor SP600125. The results of our study show that pretreatment of docetaxel is able to enhance the apoptosis produced by TRAIL in prostate cancer cells, especially in hormone‐refractory prostate cancer (HRPC). J. Cell. Biochem. 104: 1636–1646, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Anorexia nervosa and parental bonding: the contribution of parent–grandparent relationships to eating disorder psychopathology
Authors: Canetti Laura , Kanyas Kyra , Lerer Bernard , Latzer Yael , Bachar Eytan
Published: April 2008

The present study adopted an intergenerational approach in examining the association between parental bonding and anorexia nervosa. Forty‐three anorexic participants and 33 nonclinical comparison participants completed eating disorder questionnaires and the Parental Bonding Instrument (PBI). The participant's parents also completed the PBI. The anorexic participants perceived both parents as less caring and fathers as more controlling than nonclinical participants. Among anorexic participants, mother control and father care were associated with symptom severity. Intergenerational effects were present. Among anorexic participants, maternal grandmother care was associated with eating disorder psychopathology. The present findings suggest that parental characteristics of grandparents might play a role in the development of eating disorders in granddaughters. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Psychol 64: 703–716, 2008.
Phylogeographic and conservation genetic analysis of the black caiman (Melanosuchus niger)
Authors: Vasconcelos William Rangel , Hrbek Tomas , Da Silveira Ronis , De Thoisy Benoit , Ruffeil Luis Augusto Araújo dos Santos , Farias Izeni Pires
Published: April 2008

We assessed the spatial distribution of the genetic variability of Melanosuchus niger from 11 localities in South America using 1,027 base pairs of the mitochondrial cytochrome b gene. Screening 132 animals, we found 41 haplotypes, high values of genetic diversity, low values of nucleotide diversity and significant deviations from neutral expectation of allelic frequencies in some localities. Mantel test and nested‐clade analysis indicated that isolation‐by‐distance was an important population dynamic for the species as a whole. Wright's fixation indexes analyses showed that hydrogeographically separated populations from French Guiana together with Amapá state population in Brazil are genetically differentiated from all other populations that are found in the Amazon drainage basin. These indexes also disclosed that the population from Ecuador is genetically differentiated in relation to the populations from Brazil, Peru and French Guiana. Within the Amazon Basin little differentiation exists, and genetic and geographic distances are not correlated. Demographic data as well as population genetic data suggest that M. niger is recovering in some protected regions. However, part of this apparent recovery may be owing to the movement of animals into protected regions. J. Exp. Zool. 309A:600–613, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Collagen orientation in periosteum and perichondrium is aligned with preferential directions of tissue growth
Authors: Foolen Jasper , van Donkelaar Corrinus , Nowlan Niamh , Murphy Paula , Huiskes Rik , Ito Keita
Published: April 2008

A feedback mechanism between different tissues in a growing bone is thought to determine the bone's morphogenesis. Cartilage growth strains the surrounding tissues, eliciting alterations of its matrix, which in turn, creates anisotropic stresses, guiding directionality of cartilage growth. The purpose of this study was to evaluate this hypothesis by determining whether collagen fiber directions in the perichondrium and periosteum align with the preferential directions of long bone growth. Tibiotarsi from chicken embryos across developmental stages were scanned using optical projection tomography (OPT) to assess preferential directions of growth at characteristic sites in perichondrium and periosteum. Quantified morphometric data were compared with two‐photon laser‐scanning microscopy images of the three‐dimensional collagen network in these fibrous tissues. The diaphyseal periosteum contained longitudinally oriented collagen fibers that aligned with the preferential growth direction. Longitudinal growth at both metaphyses was twice the circumferential growth. This concurred with well‐developed circumferential fibers, which covered and were partly interwoven with a dominant network of longitudinally oriented fibers in the outer layer of the perichondrium/periosteum at the metaphysis. Toward both articulations, the collagen network of the epiphyseal surface was randomly oriented, and growth was approximately biaxial. These findings support the hypothesis that the anisotropic architecture of the collagen network, detected in periosteum and perichondrium, concurs with the assessed growth directions. © 2008 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 26:1263–1268, 2008
Correlation of dynamic cartilage contact stress aberrations with severity of instability in ankle incongruity
Authors: Tochigi Yuki , Rudert M. James , McKinley Todd O. , Pedersen Douglas R. , Brown Thomas D.
Published: April 2008

Joint instability is presumed to cause abnormality in cartilage contact mechanics, which accumulatively damages the articular surface, leading to osteoarthritis. The purpose of this study was to clarify the effect of instability on dynamic cartilage contact mechanics. Using human ankle cadaver specimens, potentially unstable ankles were modeled by introducing a coronally directed step‐off incongruity of the anterior tibial surface and/or by transecting the anterior talofibular ligament. Specimens were subjected to a duty cycle with quasi‐physiologic stance‐phase motion and loading. AP tibial forces were modulated, causing a controlled, quantifiable ankle subluxation during the duty cycle. Instantaneous changes in local articular contact stresses were continuously measured using a thin, flexible pressure transducer. Tests were repeated while varying the tibial surface condition (anatomic, 1‐mm step‐off, and 2‐mm step‐off), both before and after transection of the anterior talofibular ligament, with various AP force magnitudes, so that situations of various degrees of instability were created for each specimen. Instability events occurred when the step‐off incongruity was introduced, with the abnormality in joint kinematics being greater after ligament transection. Contact stress data revealed that these instability events involved distinctly abrupt increases/decreases in local articular contact stresses, and that the degree of abruptness was correlated nearly linearly with the abnormality in kinematics. The severity of contact stress aberration appeared to be correlated with the degree of instability. Given this linear relationship, even small instability events presumably involve appreciable abnormality in dynamic joint contact mechanics. © 2008 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 26:1186–1193, 2008
Evaluation of the mechanical properties of posterolateral structures and supporting posterolateral instability of the knee
Authors: Chun Yong‐Min , Kim Sung‐Jae , Kim Hyoung‐Sik
Published: April 2008

The objectives of this study are to evaluate the contributions of the popliteofibular ligament (PFL), the popliteus tendon (PT), and the lateral (fibular) collateral ligament (LCL) to the posterolateral stability of the knee by changing the sequence of selective transection. Twelve fresh‐frozen cadaveric knees were divided into two groups. Group 1 has a cutting sequence as follows: PFL, PT, LCL. Group 2 has a cutting sequence as follows: PT, PFL, LCL. Each specimen was mounted on the apparatuses using the Ilizarov external fixator for measuring external rotatory and varus laxities at every 30° from 0° to 90° of knee flexion. In both groups, there was no significant difference between the PFL and PT in the increment of respective external rotatory laxity after transection at each knee flexion angle, except 0° in group 2. The transection of the LCL significantly increased the external rotation laxity at 0° and 30°. Varus instability was increased significantly only after cutting the LCL at every knee flexion angle. In conclusion, both the PFL and PT equally contribute to the external rotatory stability. The LCL also contributes to the external rotatory stability at early range of knee flexion. The LCL is a main structure for varus stability in the knee. © 2008 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 26:1371–1376, 2008
Modulation of Na+‐H+ exchange isoforms NHE1 and NHE3 by insulin‐like growth factor‐1 in isolated bovine articular chondrocytes
Authors: Tattersall Amanda L. , Wilkins Robert J.
Published: April 2008

Incubation with serum modulates the transporters that regulate intracellular pH (pHi) in articular chondrocytes, upregulating acid extrusion by Na+‐H+ exchange (NHE). There is stimulation of NHE1, together with induction of NHE3 activity. These isoforms exhibit differential responses to components of mechanical load experienced by chondrocytes during joint loading. The identity of the component(s) of serum responsible is unknown. A possibility, however, is insulin‐like growth factor‐1 (IGF‐1), present in normal cartilage and found at enhanced levels in osteoarthritic tissue. In the present study, the effects of IGF‐1 on pHi regulation have been characterized using fluorescence measurements of bovine articular chondrocytes, and the sensitivity of pHi regulation to hyperosmotic shock and raised hydrostatic pressure determined. For cells isolated in the absence of IGF‐1, pHi recovery following acidification was predominantly mediated by NHE1. Recovery was enhanced when cells were incubated for 18 h with 20 ng mL−1 IGF; this effect represented increased acid extrusion by NHE1, supplemented by NHE3 activity. NHE3 activity was not detected in IGF‐1‐treated cells that had been incubated with the protein synthesis inhibitor cycloheximide, although NHE1 activity was unaffected. In the absence of IGF‐1, suspension in hyperosmotic solutions or raised hydrostatic pressure enhanced pHi recovery of acidified cells. This response was missing in cells incubated with IGF‐1. Unresponsiveness to hyperosmotic shock represented inhibition of NHE3 activity, and was prevented using the protein kinase A inhibitor KT5720. For raised hydrostatic pressure, a decrease in NHE1 activity was responsible, and was prevented by the protein kinase C inhibitor chelerythrine. © 2008 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 26:1428–1433, 2008
Proprioception assessment in subjects with idiopathic loss of shoulder range of motion: Joint position sense and a novel proprioceptive feedback index
Authors: Yang Jing‐Lan , Chen Shiauyee , Jan Mei‐Hwa , Lin Yeong‐Fwu , Lin Jiu‐jenq
Published: April 2008

We examined the effects of elevation range and plane on shoulder joint proprioception in subjects with idiopathic loss of shoulder range of motion (ROM). Joint position sense (JPS) and a novel proprioceptive feedback index (PFI), including difference magnitude and the similarity index, were used to assess proprioception. Twelve subjects (eight male, four female) with involved stiff shoulders and normal opposite shoulders were recruited from a university hospital. Subjects attempted to repeat six target positions. Target positions consisted of arm elevation in three planes (frontal, scapular, and sagittal planes) and two ranges (end/mid range). Six trials of each target position were used to determine acceptable trials for stabilization of the data, less than 5% of the cumulative mean values for at least three successive trials. The data stabilized at the sixth repetition. Compared to control shoulders, involved shoulders had enhanced proprioception during end range movements (p < 0.05). The magnitude of the repositioning error and difference magnitude decreased (1.6°–3.5° for repositioning error and 22.2°–62.1° for difference magnitude), whereas similarity index improved at end range movements compared to mid range movements (p < 0.05) in involved stiff shoulders. Results of JPS and PFI suggest that both capsuloligamentous and musculotendinous mechanoreceptors play an important role in proprioception feedback during active movements in subjects with idiopathic loss of shoulder ROM. © 2008 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 26:1218–1224, 2008
Complex, multidimensional thumb movements generated by individual extrinsic muscles
Authors: Li Zong‐Ming , Tang Jie , Chakan Matthew , Kaz Rodrigo
Published: April 2008

The objective of this study was to investigate three‐dimensional thumb joint movements produced by individual extrinsic thumb muscles. Ten cadaveric arms were dissected to expose the musculotendinous junctions of the flexor pollicis longus (FPL), abductor pollicis longus (APL), extensor pollicis brevis (EPB), and extensor pollicis longus (EPL). Each muscle/tendon was loaded to 10% of its maximal force capability whereas three‐dimensional angular movements of the carpometacarpal (CMC), metacarpophalangeal (MCP), and interphalangeal (IP) joints were obtained simultaneously. We found that each extrinsic muscle produced unique joint angular trajectories in multiple directions. The FPL, APL, EBP, and EPL generated two, two, three, and six movements, respectively. The extrinsic muscles all together generated eight movements among the multiple thumb joints. High interjoint coordination was shown between the MCP joint flexion and IP joint flexion by FPL loading, as well as between the MCP joint extension and IP joint extension by EPL loading. High intrajoint coordination was observed between extension and supination at the CMC joint by the APL, EPL, and EPB. We concluded that each muscle produces movements in multiple joints and/or in multiple anatomical directions. The findings provide a novel insight into the biomechanical roles of the extrinsic muscles of the thumb. © 2008 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 26:1289–1295, 2008