bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A mechanistic model for rational design of optimal cellulase mixtures
Authors: Levine Seth E. , Fox Jerome M. , Clark Douglas S. , Blanch Harvey W.
Published: June 2011

A model‐based framework is described that permits the optimal composition of cellulase enzyme mixtures to be found for lignocellulose hydrolysis. The rates of hydrolysis are shown to be dependent on the nature of the substrate. For bacterial microcrystalline cellulose (BMCC) hydrolyzed by a ternary cellulase mixture of EG2, CBHI, and CBHII, the optimal predicted mixture was 1:0:1 EG2:CBHI:CBHII at 24 h and 1:1:0 at 72 h, at loadings of 10 mg enzyme per g substrate. The model was validated with measurements of soluble cello‐oligosaccharide production from BMCC during both single enzyme and mixed enzyme hydrolysis. Three‐dimensional diagrams illustrating cellulose conversion were developed for mixtures of EG2, CBHI, CBHII acting on BMCC and predicted for other substrates with a range of substrate properties. Model predictions agreed well with experimental values of conversion after 24 h for a variety of enzyme mixtures. The predicted mixture performances for substrates with varying properties demonstrated the effects of initial degree of polymerization (DP) and surface area on the performance of cellulase mixtures. For substrates with a higher initial DP, endoglucanase enzymes accounted for a larger fraction of the optimal mixture. Substrates with low surface areas showed significantly reduced hydrolysis rates regardless of mixture composition. These insights, along with the quantitative predictions, demonstrate the utility of this model‐based framework for optimizing cellulase mixtures. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2011;108: 2561–2570. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Addressing systemic neglect of young indigenous children's rights to attend school in the northern territory, Australia
Authors: Slee June
Published: June 2011

Indigenous children in the Northern Territory (NT) of Australia have the highest school non‐attendance rates and the lowest literacy and numeracy outcomes in Australia. The NT Department of Health and Families classifies failure to send children to school as neglect, and as such, a form of child abuse. This paper contends that the failure to provide children with learning opportunities by a lack of insistence by authorities on attendance is a form of systemic neglect. It suggests that an educative approach is required to lead rather than coerce students into attending school, encouraging maximum participation in learning experiences that bridge cultural landscapes, and is inviting, inclusive and informed. The purpose of this paper is to recommend changes to ongoing systemic neglect of school truancy by examining models that build an Indigenous teaching staff and in so doing, integrate culturally responsive teaching with systemic support to produce a ‘school attending’ culture. Ethics approval for this paper has been sought and approved from the NT Catholic Education Office. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Can we accurately quantify nanoparticle associated proteins when constructing high‐affinity MRI molecular imaging probes?
Authors: Rimkus Gabriella , Bremer‐Streck Sibylle , Grüttner Cordula , Kaiser Werner Alois , Hilger Ingrid
Published: June 2011

Targeted magnetic resonance contrast agents (e.g. iron oxide nanoparticles) have the potential to become highly selective imaging tools. In this context, quantification of the coupled amount of protein is essential for the design of antibody‐ or antibody fragment‐conjugated nanoparticles. Nevertheless, the presence of magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles is still an unsolved problem for this task. The aim of the present work was to clarify whether proteins can be reliably quantified directly in the presence of magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles without the use of fluorescence or radioactivity. Protein quantification via Bradford was not influenced by the presence of magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (0–17.2 mmol Fe l−1). Instead, bicinchoninic acid based assay was, indeed, distinctly affected by the presence of nanoparticle‐iron in suspension (0.1–17.2 mmol Fe l−1), although the influence was linear. This observation allowed for adequate mathematical corrections with known iron content of a given nanoparticle. The applicability of our approach was demonstrated by the determination of bovine serum albumin (BSA) content coupled to dextrane‐coated magnetic nanoparticles, which was found with the QuantiPro Bicinchoninic acid assay to be of 1.5 ± 0.2 µg BSA per 1 mg nanoparticle. Both Bradford and bicinchoninic acid assay protein assays allow for direct quantification of proteins in the presence of iron oxide containing magnetic nanoparticles, without the need for the introduction of radioactivity or fluorescence modules. Thus in future it should be possible to make more precise estimations about the coupled protein amount in high‐affinity targeted MRI probes for the identification of specific molecules in living organisms, an aspect which is lacking in corresponding works published so far. Additionally, the present protein coupling procedures can be drastically improved by our proposed protein quantification method. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
NMR determination of free gallium(III) ions in aqueous solutions of Ga complexes, “cold” analogs of PET/SPECT tracers
Authors: Zhou Q. , Henoumont C. , Vander Elst L. , Laurent S. , Muller R.N.
Published: June 2011

Ga complexes are widely used as radiopharmaceuticals for PET or SPECT imaging and as therapeutic agents. At physiological pH, free gallium(III) ions can stably exist as soluble gallate [Ga(OH)4]−, a nephrotoxic compound whose presence should be avoided. Any Ga complex, therefore, should be carefully checked for the absence of gallate before use. Here we show that 71Ga NMR is a useful tool to rapidly detect the presence of gallate in aqueous solutions of Ga complexes and to follow the purification steps of the Ga complex solutions. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Blushing Propensity and Psychological Distress in People with Rosacea
Authors: Su Daphne , Drummond Peter D.
Published: June 2011

Rosacea is a chronic skin disorder, characterized by persistent painful facial flushing and often accompanied by papules and pustules. To evaluate the psychological and social impacts of rosacea, 31 individuals with rosacea filled in the Blushing Propensity Scale, the Fear of Negative Evaluation Questionnaire, the Depression Anxiety and Stress Scale, the Social Interaction Anxiety Scale and the Social Phobia Scale. The questionnaires were also completed by 86 controls. Participants with extensive facial papules and pustules had higher blushing propensity, stress and social phobia scores than controls or others without papules or pustules. Childhood blushing was also reported more frequently by participants with rosacea than controls. Cognitive–behavioural therapy appeared to be helpful for managing social anxiety in three individuals with rosacea with a fear of blushing. These findings suggest that people with severe rosacea are anxious about the social consequences of blushing and generally prefer to avoid situations that might involve scrutiny by others. Persistent facial flushing could prime interoceptive cues of blushing or increase anxiety about facial coloration in provocative situations. Treatments that target fear of blushing may help to reduce social anxiety in people with severe rosacea. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Key Practitioner Message

Blushing propensity scores are elevated in people with severe rosacea.

Fear of blushing may contribute to social anxiety and avoidance in such cases.

Cognitive–behavioural therapy for fear of blushing may help to reduce social anxiety in people with severe rosacea.
QoS multicast routing in cognitive radio ad hoc networks
Authors: Xie Liming , Jia Xiaohua , Zhou Kunxiao
Published: June 2011

In this paper, we discussed the issues of QoS multicast routing in cognitive radio ad hoc networks. The problem of our concern was: given a cognitive radio ad hoc network and a QoS multicast request, how to find a multicast tree so that the total bandwidth consumption of the multicast is minimized while the QoS requirements are met. We proposed two methods to solve it. One is a two‐phase method. In this method, we first employed a minimal spanning tree‐based algorithm to construct a multicast tree and then proposed a slot assignment algorithm to assign timeslots to the tree links such that the bandwidth consumption of the tree is minimized. The other is an integrated method that considers the multicast routing together with the slot assignment. Extensive simulations were conducted to show the performance of our proposed methods. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Early drug discovery and the rise of pharmaceutical chemistry
Authors: Jones Alan Wayne
Published: June 2011

Studies in the field of forensic pharmacology and toxicology would not be complete without some knowledge of the history of drug discovery, the various personalities involved, and the events leading to the development and introduction of new therapeutic agents. The first medicinal drugs came from natural sources and existed in the form of herbs, plants, roots, vines and fungi. Until the mid‐nineteenth century nature's pharmaceuticals were all that were available to relieve man's pain and suffering. The first synthetic drug, chloral hydrate, was discovered in 1869 and introduced as a sedative‐hypnotic; it is still available today in some countries. The first pharmaceutical companies were spin‐offs from the textiles and synthetic dye industry and owe much to the rich source of organic chemicals derived from the distillation of coal (coal‐tar). The first analgesics and antipyretics, exemplified by phenacetin and acetanilide, were simple chemical derivatives of aniline and p‐nitrophenol, both of which were byproducts from coal‐tar. An extract from the bark of the white willow tree had been used for centuries to treat various fevers and inflammation. The active principle in white willow, salicin or salicylic acid, had a bitter taste and irritated the gastric mucosa, but a simple chemical modification was much more palatable. This was acetylsalicylic acid, better known as Aspirin®, the first blockbuster drug. At the start of the twentieth century, the first of the barbiturate family of drugs entered the pharmacopoeia and the rest, as they say, is history. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Redefining the extent of the aquatic subterranean biotope—shallow subterranean habitats
Authors: Culver David C. , Pipan Tanja
Published: June 2011

Caves are the best known subterranean habitats, harbouring animals with a convergent morphology of reduced eyes and pigment and elongated appendages (troglomorphy). We have identified a group of aphotic aquatic habitats close to the surface [shallow subterranean habitats (SSHs)] that also harbour troglomorphic species, but with intimate surface connections, typically small in size but very abundant, with high levels of organic matter compared to caves. SSHs are hypotelminorheic, hyporheic, and epikarstic habitats. All SSHs show a pattern of environmental variation intermediate between that of surface and deep subterranean habitats, and all show seasonal and sometimes daily fluctuations in temperature but with truncated extremes. Initial colonization of these habitats was likely the result of environmental changes, especially increasing aridity, perhaps during the Pleistocene and the Messinian salinity crisis. The evolution of the troglomorphic morphology of reduced eyes and pigment and elaborated extra‐sensory structures likely occurred in situ rather than by dispersal from other habitats. SSHs may be a stepping stone to colonization of deeper subterranean habitats. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Does Self‐Esteem Mediate the Relationship between Interpersonal Problems and Symptoms of Disordered Eating?
Authors: Lampard Amy M. , Byrne Susan M. , McLean Neil
Published: June 2011

It has been proposed that interpersonal problems play a role in the maintenance of disordered eating because of an adverse effect on self‐esteem, which in turn encourages the pursuit of achievement in the valued domain of weight and shape. This study aimed to identify the types of interpersonal problems that are associated with disordered eating and to determine whether self‐esteem mediates the relationship between interpersonal problems and eating disorder symptoms. Female university students (n = 227) completed the Inventory of Interpersonal Problems‐32, Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire and Rosenberg Self‐Esteem Scale. Regression analysis identified two forms of interpersonal problems that were associated with disordered eating: difficulties being sociable and being too dependent on the opinion of others. Self‐esteem mediated the relationship between interpersonal problems and overevaluation of weight and shape but did not mediate the relationship between interpersonal problems and dietary restraint. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and Eating Disorders Association.
Study on microstructure and electrical properties of oil‐impregnated paper insulation after exposure to partial discharge
Authors: Yan Jiaming , Liao Ruijin , Yang Lijun , Li Jian
Published: June 2011

This paper studied microstructure and its relationship with electrical properties for oil‐impregnated paper insulation during partial discharge damage process. Material analysis apparatuses such as for atomic force microscopy and X‐ray diffraction instrument, combined with electrical analysis apparatuses such as high‐resistance meter, dielectric spectra meter, and cylinder–cylinder electrodes, were employed to investigate molecule chain structure, aggregation state structure, permittivity, dielectric loss factor, volume conductivity, and electrical strength of oil‐impregnated paper insulation during the damage process. Results reveal that crystal regions of insulation paper suffer more severe damage during partial discharge damage process compared with the amorphous regions. Crystallinity exhibits an increasing trend and crystal grain orientation is enhanced, whereas crystal grain size, crystal type, and two‐phase‐coexistent structure are retained. Increased crystallinity and enhanced crystal grain orientation result in permittivity, volume conductivity, and dielectric loss factor decreasing, but electrical strength increasing. Changes in the activity of molecules, ions, and electrons are the results of variations of crystallinity and orientation; these are the main reasons for the change in electrical properties. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Analysis of the interaction of food components with model lingual epithelial cells: the case of sweet proteins
Authors: Asakura Tomiko , Miyano Motohiro , Yamashita Haruyuki , Sakurai Takanobu , Nakajima Ken‐ichiro , Ito Keisuke , Misaka Takumi , Ishimaru Yoshiro , Abe Keiko
Published: June 2011

We have developed a device that analyses the interaction of food components with model epithelial cells using surface plasmon resonance (SPR). A model of epithelial lingual cells was devised using a liposome composed of a mixture of four phospholipids. The liposome was immobilised to the L1 sensor tip attached to the sensor port of the SPR system. The interaction of food components with the model lingual epithelial cells was determined by the patterns of sensorgrams. According to this method, food components were classified into three groups: group A, strong interaction with the lipid bilayer; group B, weak interaction; and group C, neither A‐ nor B‐type interaction. The sensorgrams of group A showed gradual binding and slow dissociation from the surface of the lipid bilayer. In group B, the food components showed rapid binding and rapid dissociation from the lipid bilayer. The compounds in group C exhibited weak binding to the lipid bilayer, but parts of these samples formed rigid complexes with the lipid bilayer. Sweet proteins producing prolonged sweetness perception as well as miraculin with its taste‐modifying activity were classified into group A. The sensory activities of these substances are probably induced by their strong interactions with the epithelial cell surface; they have distinct binding constants with the lipid bilayer. Thaumatin exhibited the strongest interaction, followed by monellin and miraculin. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Collaboration strategies to facilitate successful transition of students with disabilities in a changing higher education environment
Authors: Korbel Donna M. , Lucia Jennifer H. , Wenzel Christine M. , Anderson Bryanna G.
Published: June 2011

Examples from the University of Connecticut demonstrate how outreach and services may require collaboration with campus and off‐campus resources, particularly for students with disabilities transitioning from high school.
Disability services offices for students with disabilities: A campus resource
Authors: Cory Rebecca C.
Published: June 2011

Reasonable accommodations are just one aspect of what disability services can offer campuses, and emerging ideas from the field may have implications for all students.
Harnessing the potential of technology to support the academic success of diverse students
Authors: Edyburn Dave
Published: June 2011

Campuses can use technology to implement universal design in instruction and learning, with benefits for all students.
Disability studies in higher education
Authors: Taylor Steven J.
Published: June 2011

Disability studies courses and programs can have a positive and transformative effect on disability services, students with disabilities, and the broader campus climate by placing disability issues in social, cultural, and political context.
Time since first sexual intercourse and the risk of cervical cancer
Authors: Plummer Martyn , Peto Julian , Franceschi Silvia ,   ; on behalf of the International Collaboration of Epidemiological Studies of Cervical Cancer
Published: June 2011

Young age at first sexual intercourse (AFI) is an important risk factor for cervical cancer, but no simple statistical model of its influence has been established. We investigated the relationship between risk of cervical carcinoma and time since first intercourse using data on monogamous women (5,074 cases and 16,137 controls) from the International Collaboration of Epidemiological Studies of Cervical Cancer. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated from pooled data on 20 studies using conditional logistic regression. The OR for invasive cervical carcinoma is approximately proportional to the square of time since first intercourse (exponent 1.95, 95% CI: 1.76–2.15) up to age 45. First cervical infection with human papillomavirus (HPV) often occurs soon after first sexual intercourse, so early AFI is a reasonable proxy for early age at first exposure to HPV. In addition, age‐specific incidence rates of cervical cancer in unscreened populations remain fairly constant above age 45. Cervical cancer thus resembles other cancers caused by strong early‐stage carcinogens, with incidence rates proportional to a power of time since first exposure and also resembles cancers of the breast and other hormone‐dependent epithelia, where a similar flattening of age‐specific incidence rates is seen at the time menopausal changes start. Taken together, these observations suggest that HPV vaccination may prevent the majority of cervical cancers by delaying HPV infection without necessarily providing lifetime protection against HPV.
ROS implication in a new antitumor strategy based on non‐thermal plasma
Authors: Vandamme Marc , Robert Eric , Lerondel Stéphanie , Sarron Vanessa , Ries Delphine , Dozias Sébastien , Sobilo Julien , Gosset David , Kieda Claudine , Legrain Brigitte , Pouvesle Jean‐Michel , Pape Alain Le
Published: June 2011

Non‐thermal plasma (NTP) is generated by ionizing neutral gas molecules/atoms leading to a highly reactive gas at ambient temperature containing excited molecules, reactive species and generating transient electric fields. Given its potential to interact with tissue or cells without a significant temperature increase, NTP appears as a promising approach for the treatment of various diseases including cancer. The aim of our study was to evaluate the interest of NTP both in vitro and in vivo. To this end, we evaluated the antitumor activity of NTP in vitro on two human cancer cell lines (glioblastoma U87MG and colorectal carcinoma HCT‐116). Our data showed that NTP generated a large amount of reactive oxygen species (ROS), leading to the formation of DNA damages. This resulted in a multiphase cell cycle arrest and a subsequent apoptosis induction. In addition, in vivo experiments on U87MG bearing mice showed that NTP induced a reduction of bioluminescence and tumor volume as compared to nontreated mice. An induction of apoptosis was also observed together with an accumulation of cells in S phase of the cell cycle suggesting an arrest of tumor proliferation. In conclusion, we demonstrated here that the potential of NTP to generate ROS renders this strategy particularly promising in the context of tumor treatment.
The protective role of polymorphism MKK4‐1304 T>G in nasopharyngeal carcinoma is modulated by Epstein–Barr virus' infection status
Authors: Zheng Jian , Liu Bin , Zhang Liyuan , Jiang Lan , Huang Binfang , You Yonghe , Jiang Qingping , Zhang Shuxu , Lu Jiachun , Zhou Yifeng
Published: June 2011

MKK4 is a candidate tumor suppressor, which acts as a critical mediator of Epstein–Barr Virus (EBV)‐induced c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase (JNK) activation. Functional polymorphism MKK4 −1304T>G has been showed to be protective in colorectal cancer or lung cancer. We hypothesized that genetic variants in the MKK4 promoter were associated with the risk of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). Two common polymorphisms in MKK4, −1304T>G and −1044A>T were genotyped in two independent case‐control panels of Eastern and Southern Chinese populations, totally containing 1237 NPC and 1328 controls. We found that compared to the most common −1304TT genotype, carriers of variant genotypes (−1304TG+GG) were associated with a significantly reduced risk for NPC in total subjects (adjusted OR = 0.78; 95%CI = 0.67–0.94). Further stratification analysis showed that the protective effect was more pronounced in EBV negative status (adjusted OR = 0.51; 95%CI = 0.41–0.68) but restrained in those with EBV infection (adjusted OR = 1.05; 95%CI = 0.88–1.26), and that the −1304GG variant genotypes interacted with EBV negative status on reducing cancer risk (p = 0.011). However, no significant association was observed between the −1044A>T polymorphism and risk of NPC. Our data suggest that the protective role of genetic variant MKK4 −1304T>G is restrained in NPC with EBV infection. These findings implicate the role of EBV and MKK4 −1304 T>G interaction as a causative factor for the NPC.
Genome structure‐based screening identified epigenetically silenced microRNA associated with invasiveness in non‐small‐cell lung cancer
Authors: Watanabe Kousuke , Emoto Noriko , Hamano Emi , Sunohara Mitsuhiro , Kawakami Masanori , Kage Hidenori , Kitano Kentaro , Nakajima Jun , Goto Akiteru , Fukayama Masashi , Nagase Takahide , Yatomi Yutaka , Ohishi Nobuya , Takai Daiya
Published: June 2011

MicroRNA (miRNA) expression is frequently altered in human cancers. To search for epigenetically silenced miRNAs in non‐small‐cell lung cancer (NSCLC), we mapped human miRNAs on autosomal chromosomes and selected 55 miRNAs in silico. We treated six NSCLC cell lines with the DNA methylation inhibitor 5‐aza‐2′‐deoxycytidine (5‐aza‐CdR) and determined the expressions of the 55 miRNAs. Fourteen miRNAs were decreased in the cancer cell lines and were induced after 5‐aza‐CdR treatment. After a detailed DNA methylation analysis, we found that mir‐34b and mir‐126 were silenced by DNA methylation. Mir‐34b was silenced by the DNA methylation of its own promoter, whereas mir‐126 was silenced by the DNA methylation of its host gene, EGFL7. A chromatin immunoprecipitation assay revealed H3K9me2 and H3K9me3 in mir‐34b and EGFL7, and H3K27me3 in EGFL7. The overexpression of mir‐34b and mir‐126 decreased the expression of c‐Met and Crk, respectively. The 5‐aza‐CdR treatment of lung cancer cell line resulted in increased mir‐34b expression and decreased c‐Met protein. We next analyzed the DNA methylation status of these miRNAs using 99 primary NSCLCs. Mir‐34b and mir‐126 were methylated in 41 and 7% of all the cases, respectively. The DNA methylation of mir‐34b was not associated with c‐Met expression determined by immunohistochemistry, but both mir‐34b methylation (p = 0.007) and c‐Met expression (p = 0.005) were significantly associated with lymphatic invasion in a multivariate analysis. The DNA methylation of mir‐34b can be used as a biomarker for an invasive phenotype of lung cancer.
Alcohol drinking and primary liver cancer: A pooled analysis of four Japanese cohort studies
Authors: Shimazu Taichi , Sasazuki Shizuka , Wakai Kenji , Tamakoshi Akiko , Tsuji Ichiro , Sugawara Yumi , Matsuo Keitaro , Nagata Chisato , Mizoue Tetsuya , Tanaka Keitaro , Inoue Manami , Tsugane Shoichiro ,   for the Research Group for the Development and Evaluation of Cancer Prevention Strategies in Japan
Published: June 2011

Because studies of the association between alcohol intake and the risk of primary liver cancer use varying cut‐off points to classify alcohol intake, it is difficult to precisely quantify this association by meta‐analysis of published data. Furthermore, there are limited data for women in prospective studies of the dose‐specific relation of alcohol intake and the risk of primary liver cancer. We analyzed original data from 4 population‐based prospective cohort studies encompassing 174,719 participants (89,863 men and 84,856 women). After adjustment for a common set of variables, we used Cox proportional hazards regression to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of primary liver cancer incidence according to alcohol intake. We conducted a meta‐analysis of the HRs derived from each study. During 1,964,136 person‐years of follow‐up, 804 primary liver cancer cases (605 men and 199 women) were identified. In male drinkers, the multivariate‐adjusted HRs (95% CI) for alcohol intakes of 0.1–22.9, 23.0–45.9, 46.0–68.9, 69.0–91.9 and ≥92.0 g/day, as compared to occasional drinkers, were 0.88 (0.57–1.36), 1.06 (0.70–1.62), 1.07 (0.69–1.66), 1.76 (1.08–2.87) and 1.66 (0.98–2.82), respectively (p for trend = 0.015). In women, we observed a significantly increased risk among those who drank ≥23.0 g/day, as compared to occasional drinkers (HR: 3.60; 95% CI: 1.22–10.66). This pooled analysis of data from large prospective studies in Japan indicates that avoidance of (1) heavy alcohol drinking (≥69.0 g alcohol/day) in men and (2) moderate drinking (≥23.0 g alcohol/day) in women may reduce the risk of primary liver cancer.
MiR‐34a chemosensitizes bladder cancer cells to cisplatin treatment regardless of p53‐Rb pathway status
Authors: Vinall Ruth L. , Ripoll Alexandra Z. , Wang Sisi , Pan Chong‐Xian , deVere White Ralph W.
Published: June 2011

MiR‐34a is a downstream effector of p53 that has been shown to target several molecules associated with cell cycle and cell survival pathways. As alterations in these pathways are frequent in muscle invasive transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder (MI‐TCC), for example mutation or loss of p53 and Rb, the goal of this study was to determine whether manipulation of miR‐34a expression levels could abrogate the effect of these alterations and sensitize bladder cancer cells to chemotherapy. We demonstrate that transfection of T24, TCCSUP and 5637 with pre‐miR‐34a followed by cisplatin treatment results in a dramatic reduction in clonogenic potential and induction of senescence compared to treatment with cisplatin alone. Molecular analyses identified Cdk6 and sirtuin (SIRT)‐1 as being targeted by miR‐34a in MI‐TCC cells, however, inhibition of Cdk6 and SIRT‐1 was not as effective as pre‐miR‐34a in mediating chemosensitization. Analysis of 27 preneoadjuvant chemotherapy patient samples revealed many of the patients who subsequently did not respond to treatment (based on surgical resection postchemotherapy and 5‐year survival data) express lower levels of miR‐34a, however, a statistically significant difference between the responder and nonresponder groups was not observed (p = 0.1174). Analysis of eight sets of pre‐ and postneoadjuvant chemotherapy patient samples determined miR‐34a expression increased postchemotherapy in only two of the eight patients. The combined data indicate that elevation of miR‐34a expression levels before chemotherapy would be of benefit to MI‐TCC patients, particularly in a setting of low miR‐34a expression.
Uptake of faecal immunochemical test screening among nonparticipants in a flexible sigmoidoscopy screening programme
Authors: Hol Lieke , Kuipers Ernst J. , van Ballegooijen Marjolein , van Vuuren Anneke J. , Reijerink Jaqueline C.I.Y. , Habbema Dik J.F. , van Leerdam Monique E.
Published: June 2011

Screening programmes based on single modality testing may prevent individuals with a preference for a different test from participating. We conducted a population‐based trial to determine whether nonparticipants in flexible sigmoidoscopy (FS) screening were willing to attend faecal immunochemical test (FIT) screening. In total, 8,407 subjects were invited in a primary FS screening programme. Invitees did not know at the time of FS invitation that nonparticipants would be offered FIT screening. A total of 4,407 nonparticipants of FS screening were invited for FIT screening (cut‐off 50 ng haemoglobin/ml). The participation rate to FS screening was 31% [95% confidence interval (CI): 30–32%]. Among the FS nonparticipants 25% (CI: 24–26%) did attended FIT screening. The participation rate of the two‐stage recruitment for FS and FIT screening was 45% (CI: 44–46%). FIT screenees were older (p = 0.02), more often women (p < 0.001) and had a lower social economic status (p = 0.01) than FS screenees. The detection rate (DR) for advanced adenoma was 3.5% (CI: 2.5–4.8%), and for colorectal cancer (CRC) it was 0.3% (CI: 0.1–0.8%) among participants to FIT screening. The DR of the two‐stage recruitment was 6.1% (n = 202) for an advanced adenoma and 0.5% (n = 16) for a CRC. In conclusion, offering FIT screening to nonparticipants in a FS screening programme increases the overall participation rate considerably, as a quarter of nonparticipants of FS screening was willing to attend FIT screening. The participation rate remains lower for primary FIT screening in the same population (62%). Women in the target population were more likely to refuse FS than FIT screening. Countries introducing FS screening should be aware of these preferences.
Comparison of the skeletal effects induced by daily administration of PTHrP (1–36) and PTHrP (107–139) to ovariectomized mice
Authors: de Castro Luis Fernández , Lozano Daniel , Portal‐Núñez Sergio , Maycas Marta , De la Fuente Mónica , Caeiro José R. , Esbrit Pedro
Published: June 2011

We here compared the changes induced by subcutaneous injection of PTHrP (1–36) or PTHrP (107–139) (80 µg/kg/day, 5 days/week for 4 or 8 weeks) in bone histology and bone remodeling factors, and in bone marrow cells (BMCs) ex vivo, in ovariectomized (OVX) mice. We also examined the osteogenic effects of these peptides in mouse mesenchymal C3H10T1/2 cells under oxidative stress condition in vitro, which recapitulates the effects of OVX. We confirmed that PTHrP (1–36) exerts bone anabolic actions, as assessed by bone histology and osteoblast differentiation markers in the long bones and plasma from OVX mice. PTHrP (107–139) was also efficient in stimulating several bone formation parameters, and it dramatically decreased bone resorption markers. Moreover, both PTHrP peptides modulate DKK‐1 and Sost/sclerostin in osteoblast‐like UMR‐106 cells highly expressing these Wnt pathway inhibitors, related to their osteogenic action in this in vivo scenario. Administration of either PTHrP peptide improved osteogenic differentiation in BMCs from OVX mice ex vivo and in mouse mesenchymal C3H10T1/2 cells under oxidative stress condition in vitro. These data demonstrate that PTHrP (1–36) and PTHrP (107–139) can exert similar osteogenic effects in the appendicular skeleton of OVX mice. Our results suggest that these effects might occur in part by modulating the Wnt pathway. These findings lend credence to the notion that the osteogenic action of PTHrP (107–139) is likely a consequence of its anti‐resorptive and anabolic features, and further support the usefulness of PTHrP (1–36) as a bone anabolic peptide in the setting of estrogen‐depletion. J. Cell. Physiol. 227: 1752–1760, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Simultaneous extraction and purification of myricetin from Chamaecyparis obtusa by multi‐phase extraction with ionic liquid‐modified mesoporous MCM‐41
Authors: Tian Minglei , Bi Wentao , Row Kyung Ho
Published: June 2011

BACKGROUND: Multi‐phase extraction is a novel method for the simultaneous extraction and separation of myricetin from Chamaecyparis obtusa. In this research, an amino ionic liquid‐modified MCM‐41 was used as the sorbent and the sample was packed with it into a cartridge. A fixed volume of solvent was then use to extract the target compound with several repetitions and to remove the myricetin to the sorbent. The washing and elution of solvent were investigated.

RESULTS: FT‐IR and element contents tests confirmed that the ionic liquid groups were successfully immobilized on MCM‐41. 0.184 mg myricetin was extracted with five repetitions of 1.0 mL methanol. Then 2.0 mL n‐hexane and water were removed all the interference and 1.0 mL methanol was purified 0.1 mg myricetin from 0.2 g ionic liquid‐modified MCM‐41.

CONCLUSION: Base on a comparison with traditional extraction methods, the low deviation error (3.16%), small amount of solvent required, highly selective separation and stability of the proposed method justify continuing its development. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry
Rate constants for the gas‐phase reactions of chlorine atoms with 1,4‐cyclohexadiene and 1,5‐cyclooctadiene at 298 K
Authors: Sharma A. , Pushpa K. K. , Dhanya S. , Naik P. D. , Bajaj P. N.
Published: June 2011

Rate constants for the reactions of Cl atoms with two cyclic dienes, 1,4‐cyclohexadiene and 1,5‐cyclooctadiene, have been determined, at 298 K and 800 Torr of N2, using the relative rate method, withn‐hexane and 1‐butene as reference molecules. The concentrations of the organics are followed by gas chromatographic analysis. The ratios of the rate constants of reactions of Cl atoms with 1,4‐cyclohexadiene and 1,5‐cyclooctadiene to that withn‐hexane are measured to be 1.29 ± 0.06 and 2.19 ± 0.32, respectively. The corresponding ratios with respect to 1‐butene are 1.50 ± 0.16 and 2.36 ± 0.38. The absolute values of the rate constants of the reaction of Cl atom withn‐hexane and 1‐butene are considered as (3.15 ± 0.40) × 10−10and (3.21 ± 0.40) × 10− 10cm3molecule−1s−1, respectively. With these, the calculated values arek(Cl + 1,4‐cyclohexadiene) = (4.06 ± 0.55) × 10−10andk(Cl + 1,5‐cyclooctadiene) = (6.90 ± 1.33) × 10−10cm3molecule−1s−1with respect ton‐hexane. The rate constants determined with respect to 1‐butene are marginally higher,k(Cl + 1,4‐cyclohexadiene) = (4.82 ± 0.80) × 10− 10andk(Cl + 1,5‐cyclooctadiene) = (7.58 ± 1.55) × 10− 10cm3molecule−1s−1. The experiments for each molecule were repeated three to five times, and the slopes and the rate constants given above are the average values of these measurements, with 2σ as the quoted error, including the error in the reference rate constant. The relative rate ratios of 1,4‐cyclohexadiene with both the reference molecules are found to be higher in the presence of oxygen, and a marginal increase is observed in the case of 1,5‐cyclooctadiene. Benzene is identified as one major product in the case of 1,4‐cyclohexadiene. Considering that the cyclohexadienyl radical, a product of the hydrogen abstraction reaction, is quantitatively converted to benzene in the presence of oxygen, the fraction of Cl atoms that reacts by abstraction is estimated to be 0.30 ± 0.04. The atmospheric implications of the results are discussed. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Chem Kinet 43: 431–440, 2011
Electrodiagnostic evaluation of carpal tunnel syndrome
Authors: Werner Robert A. , Andary Michael
Published: June 2011

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is the most common nerve entrapment. Electrodiagnostic (EDX) studies are a valid and reliable means of confirming the diagnosis. This monograph addresses the various EDX techniques used to evaluate the median nerve at the wrist. It also demonstrates the limitations of EDX studies with a focus on the sensitivity and specificity of EDX testing for CTS. The need to use reference values for populations such as diabetics and active workers, where normative values differ from conventional cutoffs used to confirm suspected CTS, is presented. The value of needle electromyography (EMG) is examined. Muscle Nerve, 2011
Supercapacitive energy storage based on ion‐conducting channels in hydrophilized organic network
Authors: Xie Xian Ning , Wang Junzhong , Lee Kian Keat , Loh Kian Ping
Published: June 2011

Conventional electrode materials for supercapacitors are based on nanoscaled structures with large surface areas or porosities. This work presents a new electrode material, the so‐called hydrophilized polymer network. The network has two unique features: 1) it allows for high capacitance (up to 400 F/g) energy storage in a simple film configuration without the need of high‐surface‐area nanostructures; 2) it is unstable in water, but becomes extremely stable in electrolyte with high ionic strength. The above features are related to the hydrophilizing groups in the network which not only generate hydrated ionic conduction channels, but also enable the cross‐linking of the network in electrolyte. Because of its practical advantages such as easy preparation and intrinsic stability in electrolyte, the hydrophilized network may provide a new route to high‐performance supercapacitive energy storage. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 49: 1234–1240, 2011
Modulating Bcl‐2 Family Proteins and Caspase‐3 in Induction of Apoptosis by Paeoniflorin in Human Cervical Cancer Cells
Authors: Zhang Lili , Zhang Shulan
Published: June 2011

Paeoniflorin (PF), the principal bioactive component in the paeony root, has been used alone or combined with other herbs for many years in traditional Chinese medicine. New studies have shown that PF possesses an antitumor effect. However, the effect of PF on human cervical cancer cells has not been reported previously. This study determined the effect of PF on human cervical cancer cell line (HeLa) cells by the methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium (MTT) assay, flow cytometry with annexin V‐fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)/propidium iodide (PI) technology, the transmission electron microscope (TEM) and immunocytochemical technique. After treatment with PF, the proliferation of HeLa cells was inhibited in a dose and time‐dependent manner (p < 0.05). The apoptosis rate of HeLa cells increased with ascending concentrations of PF (p < 0.05) and the proportion of HeLa cells in S phase showed an increasing trend also. Typical apoptotic changes of HeLa cells exposed to PF were seen under the TEM. Meanwhile, there was a decrease in the expression of Bcl‐2 and an enhancement in the expression of Bax and caspase‐3 genes compared with the control group (p < 0.05). In conclusion, PF can induce significantly the apoptosis of HeLa cells, which may be demonstrated by the down‐regulation of anti‐apoptosis gene Bcl‐2 and the up‐regulation of pro‐apoptosis genes Bax and caspase‐3. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effect of Ganoderma lucidum on Pollen‐induced Biphasic Nasal Blockage in a Guinea Pig Model of Allergic Rhinitis
Authors: Mizutani Nobuaki , Nabe Takeshi , Shimazu Masaji , Yoshino Shin , Kohno Shigekatsu
Published: June 2011

Ganoderma lucidum (GL), an oriental medical mushroom, has been used in Asia for the prevention and treatment of a variety of diseases. However, the effect of GL on allergic rhinitis has not been well defined. The current study describes the inhibitory effect of GL on the biphasic nasal blockage and nasal hyperresponsiveness induced by repeated antigen challenge in a guinea pig model of allergic rhinitis. Intranasally sensitized guinea pigs were repeatedly challenged by inhalation of Japanese cedar pollen once every week. Ganoderma lucidum was orally administered once daily for 8 weeks from the time before the first challenge. The treatment with GL dose‐dependently inhibited the early and late phase nasal blockage at the fifth to ninth antigen challenges. Furthermore, nasal hyperresponsiveness to intranasally applied leukotriene D4 on 2 days after the eighth antigen challenge was also inhibited by the treatment with GL. However, Cry j 1‐specific IgE antibody production was not affected by the treatment. In conclusion, we demonstrated that the pollen‐induced biphasic nasal blockage and nasal hyperresponsiveness were suppressed by the daily treatment with GL in the guinea pig model of allergic rhinitis. These results suggest that GL may be a useful therapeutic drug for treating patients with allergic rhinitis. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Antiinflammatory Effects of Ginger and Some of its Components in Human Bronchial Epithelial (BEAS‐2B) Cells
Authors: Podlogar Julia A. , Verspohl Eugen J.
Published: June 2011

The proinflammatory chemokine interleukin‐8 is increased in asthmatic patients. Traditionally, ginger is used as an antiinflammatory drug. An extract and several compounds of Zingiber officinale (ginger) were tested in human bronchial epithelial cells (BEAS‐2B cells) with respect to their effect on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐induced secretion of the proinflammatory chemokine interleukin 8 (IL‐8) and RANTES (regulated upon activation, normal T‐cell expressed and secreted). An oily extract of ginger rhizome with > 25% total pungent compounds, ginger volatile oil, ar‐curcumene and α‐pinene reduced the LPS‐induced IL‐8 secretion (measured by a specific enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay), whereas a spissum extract, the pungents [6]‐gingerol and its metabolite [6]‐shogaol, and the terpenoids citral and β‐phellandrene showed no effect. The LPS‐induced slight increase of RANTES was reduced by volatile oil, ar‐curcumene and α‐pinene. There was no effect of LPS on TNF‐α. Our results suggest that distinct ginger compounds could be used as antiinflammatory drugs in respiratory infections. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Online measurement of denitrification rates in aquifer samples by an approach coupling an automated sampling and calibration unit to a membrane inlet mass spectrometry system
Authors: Eschenbach Wolfram , Well Reinhard
Published: June 2011

Aquifers within agricultural catchments are characterised by high spatial heterogeneity of their denitrification potential. Therefore, simple but sophisticated methods for measuring denitrification rates within the groundwater are crucial for predicting and managing N‐fluxes within these anthropogenic ecosystems. Here, a newly developed automated online 15N‐tracer system is presented for measuring (N2+N2O) production due to denitrification in aquifer samples. The system consists of a self‐developed sampler which automatically supplies sample aliquots to a membrane‐inlet mass spectrometer.

The developed system has been evaluated by a 15N‐nitrate tracer incubation experiment using samples (sulphidic and non‐sulphidic) from the aquifer of the Fuhrberger Feld in northern Germany. It is shown that the membrane‐inlet mass spectrometry (MIMS) system successfully enabled nearly unattended measurement of (N2+N2O) production within a range of 10 to 3300 µg N L–1 over 7 days of incubation. The automated online approach provided results in good agreement with simultaneous measurements obtained with the well‐established offline approach using isotope ratio mass spectrometry (IRMS). In addition, three different 15N‐aided mathematical approaches have been evaluated for their suitability to analyse the MIMS raw data under the given experimental conditions. Two approaches, which rely on the measurement of 28N2, 29N2 and 30N2, exhibit the best reliability in the case of a clear 15N enrichment of evolved denitrification gases. The third approach, which uses only the ratio of 29N2/28N2, overestimates the concentration of labelled denitrification products under these conditions. By contrast, at low 15N enrichments and low fractions of denitrified gas, the latter approach is on a par with the other two approaches. Finally, it can be concluded that the newly developed system represents a comprehensive and simply applicable tool for the determination of denitrification in aquifers. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Evaluation of urinary ribonucleoside profiling for clinical biomarker discovery using constant neutral loss scanning liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Teichert Friederike , Winkler Swantje , Keun Hector C. , Steward William P. , Gescher Andreas J. , Farmer Peter B. , Singh Rajinder
Published: June 2011

The patterns and levels of urinary excreted ribonucleosides which reflect RNA turnover and metabolism in humans offer the potential for early detection of disease and monitoring of therapeutic intervention. A liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS) method employing constant neutral loss (CNL) scanning for the loss of the ribose moiety (132 u) was used to detect ribonucleosides in human urine and to evaluate this analytical platform for biomarker research in clinical trials. Ribonucleosides were stable and not influenced by the time spent at room temperature prior to freezing or long‐term storage at –80°C. Matrix effects caused variation in the mass spectrometer response which was dependent on the concentration of the analysed urine sample. For the use of urinary ribonucleoside profiling in clinical biomarker studies, adjustment of the urine samples to a common concentration prior to sample preparation is therefore advocated. Changes in the mass spectrometer response should be accounted for by the use of an internal standard added after sample preparation. Diurnal variation exceeded inter‐day variation of an individual's ribonucleoside profile, but inter‐person differences were predominant and allowed the separation of individuals against each other in a multivariate space. Due to considerable diurnal variation the use of spot urine samples would introduce unnecessary variation and should be replaced by the collection of multiple spot urine samples across the day, where possible. Should such a protocol not be feasible, biological intra‐day and inter‐day variation must be considered and accounted for in the data interpretation. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Improved online δ18O measurements of nitrogen‐ and sulfur‐bearing organic materials and a proposed analytical protocol
Authors: Qi Haiping , Coplen Tyler B. , Wassenaar Leonard I.
Published: June 2011

It is well known that N2 in the ion source of a mass spectrometer interferes with the CO background during the δ18O measurement of carbon monoxide. A similar problem arises with the high‐temperature conversion (HTC) analysis of nitrogenous O‐bearing samples (e.g. nitrates and keratins) to CO for δ18O measurement, where the sample introduces a significant N2 peak before the CO peak, making determination of accurate oxygen isotope ratios difficult. Although using a gas chromatography (GC) column longer than that commonly provided by manufacturers (0.6 m) can improve the efficiency of separation of CO and N2 and using a valve to divert nitrogen and prevent it from entering the ion source of a mass spectrometer improved measurement results, biased δ18O values could still be obtained. A careful evaluation of the performance of the GC separation column was carried out. With optimal GC columns, the δ18O reproducibility of human hair keratins and other keratin materials was better than ±0.15 ‰ (n = 5; for the internal analytical reproducibility), and better than ±0.10 ‰ (n = 4; for the external analytical reproducibility). Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.