bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The First Total Synthesis of Solomonsterol B, a Marine Pregnane X Receptor Agonist
Authors: Sepe Valentina , Ummarino Raffaella , D'Auria Maria Valeria , Renga Barbara , Fiorucci Stefano , Zampella Angela
Published: July 2012

A concise route to the pregnane X receptor (PXR) agonist solomonsterol B, a natural product isolated from the marine sponge Theonella swinhoei, has been developed starting from commercially available hyodeoxycholic acid. The synthesis features a one‐carbon side chain degradation and the refunctionalization of the A and B rings to install the desired trans junction and the two hydroxy groups at C2 and C3 in a trans relationship. The protocol proceeded with good yields (10 % over 13 steps), also allowing the preparation of a side chain‐modified derivative useful for a preliminary structure–activity relationship on PXR. The pharmacological characterization of solomonsterol B demonstrated that this compound was a PXR agonist in a transactivation assay, and when it was incubated with liver cells, it increased the expression of PXR‐regulated genes. These data support the development of sponge steroids as PXR ligands endowed with therapeutic potential.
Genetic and expression analysis of SNPs in the human deoxyribonuclease II: SNPs in the promoter region reduce its in vivo activity through decreased promoter activity
Authors: Kimura‐Kataoka Kaori , Yasuda Toshihiro , Fujihara Junko , Toga Tomoko , Ono Rei‐Ichiro , Otsuka Yosuke , Ueki Misuzu , Iida Reiko , Sano Rie , Nakajima Tamiko , Kominato Yoshihiko , Kato Hideaki , Takeshita Haruo
Published: July 2012

Five SNPs in the human DNase II gene have been reported to be associated with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Genotype and haplotype analysis of 14 SNPs, nine SNPs of which reported in the NCBI dbSNP database in addition to these five SNPs, was performed in healthy subjects. The enzymatic activities of the amino acid substituted DNase II corresponding to each SNP and serum DNase II in healthy Japanese, and promoter activities derived from each haplotype of the RA‐related SNPs were measured. Significant correlations between genotype in each RA‐related SNP and enzymatic activity levels were found; alleles associated with RA exhibited a reduction in serum DNase II activity. Furthermore, the promoter activities of each reporter construct corresponding to predominant haplotypes in three SNPs in the promoter region of the gene exhibited significant correlation with levels of serum DNase II activity. These findings indicate these three SNPs could alter the promoter activity of DNASE2, leading to a decline in DNase II activity in the serum through gene expression. Since the three SNPs in the promoter region of the DNase II gene could affect in vivo DNase II activity through reduction of the promoter activity, it is feasible to identify these SNPs susceptible to RA.
Near‐source seismic hazard and design scenarios
Authors: Chioccarelli Eugenio , Iervolino Iunio
Published: July 2012

Earthquakes damage engineering structures near, relatively to the rupture's size, to the source. In this region, the fault's dynamics affect ground motion propagation differently from site to site, resulting in systematic spatial variability known as directivity. Although a number of researches recommend that records with directivity‐related velocity pulses should be explicitly taken into account when defining design seismic action on structures, probabilistic seismic hazard analysis (PSHA), in its standard version, seems inadequate for the scope. In the study, it is critically reviewed why, from the structural engineering point of view, hazard assessment should account for near‐source effects (i.e., pulse‐like ground motions), and how this can be carried out adjusting PSHA analytically via introduction of specific terms and empirically calibrated models. Disaggregation analysis and design scenarios for near‐source PSHA are also formulated. The analytical procedures are then applied to develop examples of hazard estimates for sites close to strike–slip or dip–slip faults and to address differences with respect to the ordinary case, that is, when pulse‐like effects are not explicitly accounted for. Significant increase of hazard for selected spectral ordinates is found in all investigated cases; increments depend on the fault‐site configuration. Moreover, to address design scenarios for seismic actions on structures, disaggregation results are also discussed, along with limitations of current design spectra to highlight the pulse‐like effects of structural interest. Finally, an attempt to overcome these, by means of disaggregation‐based scenarios specific for the pulse occurrence case, is presented. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Numerical simulation of a single rising bubble by VOF with surface compression
Authors: Klostermann J. , Schaake K. , Schwarze R.
Published: July 2012

The capability of the direct volume of fluid method for describing the surface dynamics of a free two‐dimensional rising bubble is evaluated using quantities of a recently published benchmark. The model equations are implemented in the open source computational fluid dynamics library OpenFOAM®. Here, a main ingredient of the numerical method is the so‐called surface compression that corrects the fluxes near the interface between two phases. The application of this method with respect to two test cases of a benchmark is considered in the main part. The test cases differ in physical properties, thus in different surface tension effects. The quantities centre of mass position, circularity and rise velocity are tracked over time and compared with the ones given in the benchmark. For test case one, where surface tension effects are more pre‐eminent, deviations from the benchmark results become more obvious. However, the flow features are still within reasonable range. Nevertheless, for test case two, which has higher density and viscosity ratios and above all a lower influence of the surface tension force, good agreement compared with the benchmark reference results is achieved. This paper demonstrates the good capabilities of the direct volume of fluid method with surface compression with regard to the preservation of sharp interfaces, boundedness, mass conservation and low computational time. Some limitation regarding the occurrence of parasitic currents, bad pressure jump prediction and bad grid convergence have been observed. With these restrictions in mind, the method is suitable for the simulation of similar two‐phase flow configurations. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Neural adaptation to thin and fat bodies in the fusiform body area and middle occipital gyrus: An fMRI adaptation study
Authors: Hummel Dennis , Rudolf Anne K. , Brandi Marie‐Luise , Untch Karl‐Heinz , Grabhorn Ralph , Hampel Harald , Mohr Harald M.
Published: July 2012

Visual perception can be strongly biased due to exposure to specific stimuli in the environment, often causing neural adaptation and visual aftereffects. In this study, we investigated whether adaptation to certain body shapes biases the perception of the own body shape. Furthermore, we aimed to evoke neural adaptation to certain body shapes. Participants completed a behavioral experiment (n = 14) to rate manipulated pictures of their own bodies after adaptation to demonstratively thin or fat pictures of their own bodies. The same stimuli were used in a second experiment (n = 16) using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) adaptation. In the behavioral experiment, after adapting to a thin picture of the own body participants also judged a thinner than actual body picture to be the most realistic and vice versa, resembling a typical aftereffect. The fusiform body area (FBA) and the right middle occipital gyrus (rMOG) show neural adaptation to specific body shapes while the extrastriate body area (EBA) bilaterally does not. The rMOG cluster is highly selective for bodies and perhaps body parts. The findings of the behavioral experiment support the existence of a perceptual body shape aftereffect, resulting from a specific adaptation to thin and fat pictures of one's own body. The fMRI results imply that body shape adaptation occurs in the FBA and the rMOG. The role of the EBA in body shape processing remains unclear. The results are also discussed in the light of clinical body image disturbances. Hum Brain Mapp 34:3233–3246, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Brain microstructure of subclinical apathy phenomenology in healthy individuals
Authors: Spalletta Gianfranco , Fagioli Sabrina , Caltagirone Carlo , Piras Fabrizio
Published: July 2012

Although apathy has been extensively studied in relation to neuropsychiatric disorders, it is still unclear whether, in healthy people, it should be considered as a physiological phenomenon or whether it is a risk factor for progression to clinical disturbances. Here, we investigated subclinical apathy phenomenology and its brain microstructural correlates in healthy individuals. We submitted 72 participants to a comprehensive clinical assessment, a high‐resolution structural MRI and a diffusion tensor imaging scan protocol. Data of individual microstructural (mean diffusivity and fractional anisotropy) variations were processed across genders in relation to the Apathy Rating Scale score. In females, subclinical apathy phenomenology was associated with microstructural variation of the bilateral thalami, the anterior thalamic radiation, the forceps major, and the corona radiate. These are white matter areas mostly connecting the thalami to the frontal and occipital cortices, regions that are known to be implicated in the expression of apathy in clinical samples. No significant relationship with brain microstructure was found in males who showed a positive correlation between subclinical apathy and somatic phenomenology of depression. In conclusion, our results show that in healthy individuals subclinical apathy phenomenology is associated with different mechanisms across genders, and raise the issue about whether brain microstructural changes associated with subclinical apathy in healthy females could be a precocious marker useful in the prediction of progression to more severe apathetic conditions. Hum Brain Mapp 34:3193–3203, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
An investigation of the structural, connectional, and functional subspecialization in the human amygdala
Authors: Bzdok Danilo , Laird Angela R. , Zilles Karl , Fox Peter T. , Eickhoff Simon B.
Published: July 2012

Although the amygdala complex is a brain area critical for human behavior, knowledge of its subspecialization is primarily derived from experiments in animals. We here employed methods for large‐scale data mining to perform a connectivity‐derived parcellation of the human amygdala based on whole‐brain coactivation patterns computed for each seed voxel. Voxels within the histologically defined human amygdala were clustered into distinct groups based on their brain‐wide coactivation maps. Using this approach, connectivity‐based parcellation divided the amygdala into three distinct clusters that are highly consistent with earlier microstructural distinctions. Meta‐analytic connectivity modelling then revealed the derived clusters' brain‐wide connectivity patterns, while meta‐data profiling allowed their functional characterization. These analyses revealed that the amygdala's laterobasal nuclei group was associated with coordinating high‐level sensory input, whereas its centromedial nuclei group was linked to mediating attentional, vegetative, and motor responses. The often‐neglected superficial nuclei group emerged as particularly sensitive to olfactory and probably social information processing. The results of this model‐free approach support the concordance of structural, connectional, and functional organization in the human amygdala and point to the importance of acknowledging the heterogeneity of this region in neuroimaging research.Hum Brain Mapp 34:3247–3266, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A longitudinal study of the relationship between personality traits and the annual rate of volume changes in regional gray matter in healthy adults
Authors: Taki Yasuyuki , Thyreau Benjamin , Kinomura Shigeo , Sato Kazunori , Goto Ryoi , Wu Kai , Kawashima Ryuta , Fukuda Hiroshi
Published: July 2012

To investigate whether personality traits affect the rate of decline of gray matter volume, we analyzed the relationships between personality traits and the annual rate of changes of gray matter volume in 274 healthy community dwelling subjects with a large age range by applying a longitudinal design over 6 years, using brain magnetic resonance images (MRI) and the Revised NEO Personality Inventory (NEO‐PI‐R) at baseline. Brain MRI data were processed using voxel‐based morphometry with a custom template by applying the DARTEL diffeomorphic registration tool. For each subject, we used NEO‐PI‐R to evaluate the five major personality traits, including neuroticism, extraversion, openness, agreeableness, and conscientiousness. The results show that the annual rate of change in regional gray matter volume in the right inferior parietal lobule was correlated significantly and negatively with a personality of openness, which is known to be related to intellect, intellectual curiosity, and creativity adjusting for age, gender, and intracranial volume. This result indicates that subjects with a personality trait of less openness have an accelerated loss of gray matter volume in the right inferior parietal lobule, compared with subjects with a personality trait of more openness. Because the right inferior parietal lobule is involved in higher cognitive function such as working memory and creativity, a personality trait of openness is thought to be important for preserving gray matter volume and cognitive function of the right inferior parietal lobule in healthy adults. Hum Brain Mapp 34:3347–3353, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Elevated levels of 1‐hydroxypyrene and N′‐nitrosonornicotine in smokers with head and neck cancer: A matched control study
Authors: Khariwala Samir S. , Carmella Steven G. , Stepanov Irina , Fernandes Patricia , Lassig Amy Anne , Yueh Bevan , Hatsukami Dorothy , Hecht Stephen S.
Published: July 2012

Background

Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is associated with tobacco use. Still, most smokers do not develop HNSCC. The mechanisms of varying susceptibility to HNSCC are poorly studied to date. Tobacco metabolite research provides insight regarding the innate metabolism and excretion of carcinogens.

Methods

Smokers with HNSCC (cases) were compared with smokers without HNSCC (controls) in a matched cohort. The tobacco metabolites studied were: 1‐hydroxypyrene (1‐HOP), N′‐nitrosonornicotine (NNN), and 4‐(methylnitrosamino)‐1‐(3‐pyridyl)‐1‐butanol (NNAL).

Results

In 33 subjects, mean 1‐HOP was 1.82 pmol/mg creatinine versus 1.08 pmol/mg creatinine (p = .004) and mean NNN was 0.10 pmol/mg creatinine versus 0.04 pmol/mg creatinine (p = .01) in cases and controls, respectively. NNAL did not differ between groups.

Conclusions

Smokers with HNSCC have elevated urinary levels of 1‐HOP and total NNN compared with matched controls, suggesting an increased effective exposure to these carcinogens. Tobacco constituent metabolites may be useful in understanding tobacco‐related carcinogenesis in HNSCC. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2013
Plumbagin inhibits tumorigenesis and angiogenesis of ovarian cancer cells in vivo
Authors: Sinha Sutapa , Pal Krishnendu , Elkhanany Ahmed , Dutta Shamit , Cao Ying , Mondal Gourish , Iyer Seethalakshmi , Somasundaram Veena , Couch Fergus J. , Shridhar Viji , Bhattacharya Resham , Mukhopadhyay Debabrata , Srinivas Priya
Published: July 2012

Angiogenesis is a hallmark of tumor development and metastatic progression, and anti‐angiogenic drugs targeting the VEGF pathway have shown to decrease the disease progression in cancer patients. In this study, we have analyzed the anti‐proliferative and anti‐angiogenic property of plumbagin in cisplatin sensitive, BRCA2 deficient, PEO‐1 and cisplatin resistant, BRCA2 proficient PEO‐4 ovarian cancer cells. Both PEO‐1 and PEO‐4 ovarian cancer cells are sensitive to plumbagin irrespective of BRCA2 status in both normoxia and hypoxia. Importantly, plumbagin treatment effectively inhibits VEGF‐A and Glut‐1 in PEO‐1 and PEO‐4 ovarian cancer cells. We have also analyzed the p53 mutant, cisplatin resistant, and BRCA2 proficient OVCAR‐5 cells. Plumbagin challenge also restricts the VEGF induced pro‐angiogenic signaling in HUVECs and subsequently endothelial cell proliferation. In addition, we observe a significant effect on tumor regression among OVCAR‐5 tumor‐bearing mice treated with plumbagin, which is associated with significant inhibition of Ki67 and vWF expressions. Plumbagin also significantly reduces CD31 expression in an ear angiogenesis assay. Collectively, our studies indicate that plumbagin, as an anti‐cancer agent disrupts growth of ovarian cancer cells through the inhibition of proliferation as well as angiogenesis.
SIMPLIFIED OVERSHOT GATE CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED BY IRRIGATION DISTRICTS
Authors: Stringam Blair L. , Gill Tom
Published: July 2012

An overshot gate is designed so that it can be manufactured by local irrigation district personnel. This gate uses a linear actuator to provide the movement for the gate. All other components required for this device are off‐the‐shelf components. The gate has performed with few problems for more than four irrigation seasons. All of the components used in this application have functioned without failure except for a problem with the gate motor. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Pyruvate kinase type M2 is upregulated in colorectal cancer and promotes proliferation and migration of colon cancer cells
Authors: Zhou Cheng‐Fu , Li Xue‐Bing , Sun Heng , Zhang Bo , Han Yu‐Song , Jiang Yi , Zhuang Qiu‐Lin , Fang Jing , Wu Guo‐Hao
Published: July 2012

Pyruvate kinase type M2 (PKM2) has been reported to be involved in aerobic glycolysis and cell growth in various tumors. However, the expression pattern of PKM2 in colorectal cancer (CRC) and the correlation between PKM2 expression and CRC remains unclear. The aim of this study is to investigate PKM2 expression and its possible role in CRC. We found that expression of PKM2 was increased in CRC and the increased PKM2 expression was associated with later stage and lymph metastasis of the tumors. Knockdown of PKM2 suppressed the aerobic glycolysis and decreased lactate production of colon cancer RKO cells. Knockdown of PKM2 repressed proliferation and migration of the cells. Inhibition of PKM2 suppressed xenograft tumor growth of RKO cells in vivo. These results suggest that the expression of PKM2 plays a critical role in development of CRC, and it may provide a growth advantage for colon cancer cells. Thus, PKM2 might be a potential therapeutic target for CRC. © 2012 IUBMB Life, 64(9): 775–782, 2012
Parental Attachment, Cognitive Working Models, and Depression Among African American College Students
Authors: Love Keisha M. , Murdock Tamera B.
Published: July 2012

In an attempt to understand the cognitive mechanisms by which parental attachments predict depression among African American college students, the authors examined a mediational path model containing parental attachment, cognitive working models, and depression. The model demonstrated a close fit to the data, and several significant paths emerged. The authors provide recommendations for counselors practicing in college counseling centers and suggest directions for future research.
Chinese and Taiwanese International College Students' Participation in Social Organizations: Implications for College Counseling Professionals
Authors: Tsai Pei‐Chun , Wong Y. Joel
Published: July 2012

This qualitative focus group study explored the meaning of Chinese and Taiwanese international students' lived experiences in social organizations. Participants were 9 Chinese and Taiwanese international college students in a midwestern U.S. university. The analyses uncovered 7 themes: social support, recreation, emotional support, practical benefits, contributions to the organizations, commitment toward organizations, and stressors associated with participation. Implications of the findings for college counseling professionals are discussed.
Transcranial low level laser (light) therapy for traumatic brain injury
Authors: Huang Ying‐Ying , Gupta Asheesh , Vecchio Daniela , Arce Vida J. Bil de , Huang Shih‐Fong , Xuan Weijun , Hamblin Michael R.
Published: July 2012

We review the use of transcranial low‐level laser (light) therapy (LLLT) as a possible treatment for traumatic‐brain injury (TBI). The basic mechanisms of LLLT at the cellular and molecular level and its effects on the brain are outlined. Many interacting processes may contribute to the beneficial effects in TBI including neuroprotection, reduction of inflammation and stimulation of neurogenesis. Animal studies and clinical trials of transcranial‐LLLT for ischemic stroke are summarized. Several laboratories have shown that LLLT is effective in increasing neurological performance and memory and learning in mouse models of TBI. There have been case report papers that show beneficial effects of transcranial‐LLLT in a total of three patients with chronic TBI. Our laboratory has conducted three studies on LLLT and TBI in mice. One looked at pulsed‐vs‐continuous wave laser‐irradiation and found 10 Hz to be superior. The second looked at four different laser‐wavelengths (660, 730, 810, and 980 nm); only 660 and 810 nm were effective. The last looked at different treatment repetition regimens (1, 3 and 14‐daily laser‐treatments). (© 2012 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Arsenic contamination of coarse‐grained and nanostructured nitinol surfaces induced by chemical treatment in hydrofluoric acid
Authors: Korotin D. M. , Bartkowski S. , Kurmaev E. Z. , Borchers C. , Müller M. , Neumann M. , Gunderov D. V. , Valiev R. Z. , Cholakh S. O.
Published: July 2012

XPS measurements of coarse‐grained and nanostructured nitinol (Ni50.2Ti49.8) before and after chemical treatment in hydrofluoric acid (40% HF, 1 min) are presented. The nanostructured state, providing the excellent mechanical properties of nitinol, is achieved by severe plastic deformation. The near‐surface layers of nitinol were studied by XPS depth profiling. According to the obtained results, a chemical treatment in hydrofluoric acid reduces the thickness of the protective TiO2 oxide layer and induces a nickel release from the nitinol surface and an arsenic contamination, and can therefore not be recommended as conditioning to increase the roughness of NiTi‐implants. A detailed evaluation of the resulting toxicological risks is given. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2012.
Fabrication and characterization of curcumin‐releasing silk fibroin scaffold
Authors: Kasoju Naresh , Bora Utpal
Published: July 2012

Here, we report the fabrication of a curcumin‐releasing porous silk fibroin scaffold by simple mixing of fibroin solution (aqueous) with curcumin solution (organic) followed by freeze–thaw of the mixture. The scaffold has a uniform pore distribution with an average pore size of ∼115 μm and a degree of swelling of 2.42% and water uptake capacity of 70.81%. Fibroin showed thermal stability up to ∼280°C, whereas encapsulated curcumin disintegrated at ∼180°C. Fourier transform infrared, powder X‐ray diffraction, and nuclear magnetic resonance studies together with UV–visible and fluorescence spectroscopy investigations revealed the solvent (which was used to dissolve curcumin) induced conformational transition of fibroin from silk‐I to silk‐II that led to the formation of water‐stable structure. Fluorescence spectroscopy data also suggested the presence of hydrophobic domains in fibroin and encapsulation of curcumin in such domains through hydrophobic interactions. Release kinetics and mathematical modeling studies indicated a slow and sustained release profile with diffusion as the predominant mode of release. Further, in vitro anticancer, antioxidant, and antimicrobial assays suggested that the biological activity of encapsulated curcumin remains unaltered. The fabrication process is simple, reproducible, and does not require any sophisticated instruments or toxic crosslinking agents. It is anticipated that the curcumin‐loaded fibroin scaffold could be used in soft tissue replacements including localized postsurgical chemotherapy against tumors, dressing material for quick healing of wounds and burns, and other related applications. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2012.
Plasma exchange in a 13‐year‐old male with acute intravascular hemolysis and acute kidney injury after placement of a ventricular assist device
Authors: Raval Jay S. , Wearden Peter D. , Orr Richard A. , Kiss Joseph E.
Published: July 2012

Intravascular hemolysis and resulting plasma‐free hemoglobin elevation has been associated with acute kidney injury via several mechanisms. Proximal tubular injury due to iron compound deposition and nitric oxide sequestration with subsequent impairment of the microcirculation and hypoperfusion are specific adverse effects of intravascular hemolysis that may contribute to acute kidney injury. Therefore, removal of plasma‐free hemoglobin and restoration of normal nitric oxide vasodilatory mechanisms may play a beneficial role in treating acute kidney injury secondary to acute intravascular hemolysis. We report herein the case of a 13‐year‐old patient with severe intravascular hemolysis and acute kidney injury and describe the role of plasma exchange with plasma replacement in his successful recovery. J. Clin. Apheresis 27:274–277, © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A pilot study to monitor Graves' ophthalmopathy with a combination of pattern‐reversal and motion‐onset visual evoked potentials
Authors: Szanyi Jana , Kremlacek Jan , Kubova Zuzana , Langrova Jana , Kuba Miroslav
Published: July 2012

Objective:

The aim of this pilot study was to evaluate the efficacy of visual evoked potentials (VEPs) in the monitoring of visual function during a high‐dose intravenous steroid pulse therapy and apheresis treatment of severe Graves' ophthalmopathy (GO). Patients and Research Design: Nine patients with severe and active GO were treated with high‐dose methylprednisolone (1 g day−1 three times within 1 week, then 0.5 g day−1 seven times for 2 weeks) combined with plasma filtration (twice a week in weeks 1, 2, 4, 7, and 10). Pattern‐reversal and motion‐onset VEPs were examined three times, pretreatment, after steroid pulses, and after the last apheresis. Results: After 10 steroid pulses, the visual acuity was significantly better and the pattern‐reversal VEP amplitudes (element size of only 20') had a similar trend for improvement. However, this effect disappeared after 7 weeks when only apheresis treatment was performed. No significant changes in the latencies of any of the tested VEP variants were found in relationship to the treatment. Conclusion: Only the observed large intraindividual variability of the VEP parameters between repeated examinations of patients with the shortest duration of GO might be recognized as a marker for functional changes of the visual pathway due to GO. Although this pilot study cannot provide a definite view on the usefulness of the extended set of VEPs in objective monitoring of GO, it seems that the steroid pulse therapy effect is detectable in contrast to the lack of influence by apheresis on the electrophysiological parameters tested. J. Clin. Apheresis 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Apheresis in the treatment of idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy
Authors: Winters Jeffrey L.
Published: July 2012

Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) causes significant morbidity and mortality and is the number one indication for cardiac transplantation in the United States. A large percentage of cases of DCM have no identifiable cause with evidence suggesting that these may represent an autoimmune disorder triggered by viral myocarditis. There is a growing body of literature suggesting that a number of immunoadsorption techniques, as well as plasma exchange, may have a role in the treatment of idiopathic DCM. The hypothesized autoimmune mechanism behind idiopathic DCM as well as the published evidence for the use of apheresis in this disorder are reviewed. The available evidence suggests that apheresis may be an effective treatment, but additional research is needed to identify markers that will predict response and the most effective apheresis technique. J. Clin. Apheresis 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Activated K‐Ras and INK4a/Arf deficiency promote aggressiveness of pancreatic cancer by induction of EMT consistent with cancer stem cell phenotype
Authors: Wang Zhiwei , Ali Shadan , Banerjee Sanjeev , Bao Bin , Li Yiwei , Azmi Asfar S. , Korc Murray , Sarkar Fazlul H.
Published: July 2012

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is one of the most frequently diagnosed cancers and the fourth leading cause of cancer‐related death in the United States, suggesting that there is an urgent need to design novel strategies for achieving better treatment outcome of patients diagnosed with PDAC. Our previous study has shown that activation of Notch and NF‐κB play a critical role in the development of PDAC in the compound K‐RasG12D and Ink4a/Arf deficient transgenic mice. However, the exact molecular mechanism by which mutated K‐Ras and Ink4a/Arf deficiency contribute to progression of PDAC remains largely elusive. In the present study, we used multiple methods, such as real‐time RT‐PCR, Western blotting assay, and immunohistochemistry to gain further mechanistic insight. We found that the deletion of Ink4a/Arf in K‐RasG12D expressing mice led to high expression of PDGF‐D signaling pathway in the tumor and tumor‐derived cell line (RInk‐1 cells). Furthermore, PDGF‐D knock‐down in RInk‐1 cells resulted in the inhibition of pancreatosphere formation and down‐regulation of EZH2, CD44, EpCAM, and vimentin. Moreover, we demonstrated that epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) was induced in the compound mice, which is linked with aggressiveness of PDAC. In addition, we demonstrated that tumors from compound transgenic mice have higher expression of cancer stem cell (CSC) markers. These results suggest that the acquisition of EMT phenotype and induction of CSC characteristics could be linked with the aggressiveness of PDAC mediated in part through the activation of PDGF‐D, signaling. J. Cell. Physiol. 228: 556–562, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Treatment of carbon cloth anodes for improving power generation in a dual‐chamber microbial fuel cell
Authors: Cai Hui , Wang Juan , Bu Yunfei , Zhong Qin
Published: July 2012

BACKGROUND: For a microbial fuel cell (MFC), the anode material plays a crucial role in power output.

RESULTS: A dual‐chamber MFC was constructed using carbon cloth (CC) anodes treated by concentrated nitric acid (CC‐A) and heated in a muffle furnace (CC‐H), respectively. The experiment results showed that the stable maximum voltages were 0.42–0.46 V for CC, 0.52–0.58 V for CC‐A and 0.80 V for CC‐H under the condition of a 1000 Ω external resistance, which were much higher than those reported in the literature so far. Moreover, the maximum power density of the CC‐H anode (687 mW m−2) was larger than for the CC‐A anode (480 mW m−2) and the CC anode (333 mW m−2). Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) results revealed that the internal resistance was 251 Ω for CC anode, 202 Ω for CC‐A anode and 162 Ω for CC‐H anode. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) results indicated that the increase of power generation was attributed to the increase of bacteria counts attached to anodes. The power output of the MFC increased along with the increase of the N1s/C1s ratio, which was proved by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis.

CONCLUSIONS: Carbon cloth anodes treated by concentrated nitric acid and high temperature resulted in improved power generation by a microbiol fuel cell. © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Characterization and adsorption performance of Zr‐doped akaganéite for efficient arsenic removal
Authors: Sun Xiaofei , Hu Chun , Hu Xuexiang , Qu Jiuhui , Yang Min
Published: July 2012

BACKGROUND: A new adsorbent, Zr‐doped akaganéite, having a tunnel structure and efficient arsenic adsorption capacity, was prepared by homogeneous co‐precipitation with urea. Formation of the synthesized adsorbent was studied in detail.

RESULTS: The adsorbent was characterized by X‐ray powder diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and the determination of Cl− leakage showed that an appropriate amount of Zr4+ was doped into akaganéite (β‐FeOOH) by substitution of Fe3+ and possessed a similar tunnel structure to Fe3+. The morphology, surface area and tunnel structure changed greatly compared with β‐FeOOH with more OH groups and Cl− introduced into the tunnel structure after doping with Zr4+. The Zr‐doped β‐FeOOH exhibited highly effective adsorption of arsenic with a capacity for As(III) and As(V) of 120 and 60 mg g−1 at neutral pH. On the basis of Cl− release during adsorption and analyses of zeta potential along with XPS and FTIR spectra, the adsorption of arsenic on Zr‐doped β‐FeOOH was verified as inner‐sphere adsorption with the OH groups in the tunnel structure of the adsorbent the main adsorption sites at arsenic high concentrations.

CONCLUSION: The Zr4+ was doped into β‐FeOOH by substitution of Fe3+. The OH groups in the tunnel structure of the adsorbent were the main adsorption sites at high arsenic concentrations, and the adsorption occurred by an inner‐sphere adsorption process. © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Anterior mediastinal lymphangioma: Pre‐ and postnatal sonographic findings
Authors: Adaletli Ibrahim , Towbin Alexander J. , Ozbayrak Mustafa , Madazli Riza
Published: July 2012

Anterior mediastinal lymphangiomas are very rare in utero with only a few cases reported in literature. We present a case of anterior mediastinal lymphangioma that was diagnosed on prenatal sonography (US) at 22 weeks' gestation. It appeared as a well‐defined, multi‐septated anechoic mass, in the anterior mediastinum between the heart base and right chest wall. There was no solid component and no internal flow on color Doppler US. The pre‐ and postnatal US findings are correlated with prenatal MRI and postnatal CT findings. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound 41:383–385, 2013
The filarial dance sign in scrotal filarial infection: A case report
Authors: Chew Lee‐Lian , Teh Hui‐Seong
Published: July 2012

We describe a case of the filarial dance sign (FDS) in the epididymal region of a 22‐year‐old migrant worker from India who presented with a tender right scrotal swelling. Sonographic examination revealed multiple cystic lesions in the paratesticular region. The FDS was visualized within one of the cystic lesions. FDS is diagnostic of lymphatic filariasis in the appropriate clinical context. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound 41:377–379, 2013
Sonographic assessment of acute changes in plaque size and echogenicity and in intima‐media thickness of carotid arteries after neck radiation therapy
Authors: Toprak Ugur , Aytaş İLknur , Ustuner Evren , Habiboğlu Rahşan , Aslan Nalan , Paşaoğlu Eşref , Karademir Alp
Published: July 2012

Background:

Ultrasonic assessment of acute changes in carotid artery walls before and after neck radiation therapy (RT).

Methods:

Fifty cancer patients scheduled for curative neck irradiation were included and underwent sonographic examination of carotid arteries, with assessment of intima‐media thickness (IMT) and plaque size and echogenicity before and immediately after completion of RT.

Results:

IMT was linearly correlated with age and before RT (r = 0.267, p = 0.007) and increased after RT (0.68 ± 0.11 versus 0.87 ± 0.16, p < 0.001), without correlation with total RT dose and protocol. New plaques (six hypoechoic, one hyperechoic, and one calcified) were found in eight patients after RT, while 17 of the 44 plaques that were present before RT increased in size, and 8 soft and 1 dense plaques in nine patients became calcified.

Conclusions:

Radiation in the acute phase not only increases the IMT but also causes new plaque formation and changes in plaque size and echogenicity. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound, 2012;
Preliminary study of a novel in‐office bleaching therapy modified with a casein phosphopeptide‐amorphous calcium phosphate
Authors: Borges Boniek Castillo Dutra , Pinheiro Mônica Heloisa Morais , De Sousa Feitosa Diala Aretha , Correia Tereza Cristina , BRAZ Rodivan , Montes Marcos Antônio Japiassú Resende , De Assunção Pinheiro Isauremi Vieira
Published: July 2012

Although in‐office bleaching has been proven successful for bleaching teeth, controversy exists from morphological alterations in enamel morphology due to mineral loss and tooth sensitivity. This preliminary study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of a novel in‐office tooth bleaching technique modified with a casein phosphopeptide‐amorphous calcium phosphate (CPP‐ACP) paste (MI paste—MI) and its effect on the enamel morphology and tooth sensitivity. Three patients received a 35% hydrogen peroxide (Whiteness HP—HP) dental bleaching system. HP was prepared and applied on the teeth on one of the hemiarches, whilst teeth on the other hemiarch were bleached with a mixture of HP and MI. Tooth color, epoxy resin replicas, and sensitivity levels were evaluated in the upper incisors. The results were analyzed descriptively. Right and left incisors showed similar color change after bleaching. Incisors bleached with the mixture of HP and MI presented unaltered enamel surfaces and lower sensitivity levels. The currently tested tooth bleaching technique did not reduce the gel effectiveness while decreasing hypersensitivity levels and protecting the enamel against surface alterations caused by the high‐concentration bleaching peroxide tested. The concomitant use of MI Paste and high‐concentration hydrogen peroxide might be a successful method for decreasing tooth sensitivity and limiting changes in the enamel morphology during in‐office bleaching. Microsc. Res. Tech. 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The Growth of Limits of Vertex Replacement Rules
Authors: Previte Joseph , Previte Michelle , Vanderschoot Mary
Published: July 2012

In this article, we give conditions to distinguish whether a vertex replacement rule given by a single graph H yields a limit graph having polynomial or exponential growth. In the case of polynomial growth, we compute the growth degree of the limit graph.
GLOBAL FINANCIAL AND ECONOMIC CRISIS: EXPLORING THE RESILIENCE OF THE LEAST DEVELOPED COUNTRIES
Authors: Bhattacharya Debapriya , Dasgupta Shouro
Published: July 2012

It is often argued that strong macroeconomic fundamentals along with weak integration with international financial markets acted as major buffers for least developed countries (LDCs) against fallouts of the recent global financial and economic crisis. This paper examines the hypothesis that LDCs had strong macroeconomic fundamentals in the wake of the crisis by studying Impulse Response Functions (IRFs) of Gross Domestic Product per capita of the LDCs during the crisis. With the treatment of the crisis as a transmission of shocks and utilisation of IRFs, the paper finds substantial and rather persistent output and growth loss for LDCs because of fall in external demand and terms of trade shocks. With the forecast of the impacts of a potential ‘double‐dip’ recession on the LDCs by using Vector Autoregressive, the paper concludes that LDCs would require the greater part of the decade to recover which is lower than the earlier recovery period. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
POOR COUNTRIES OR POOR PEOPLE? DEVELOPMENT ASSISTANCE AND THE NEW GEOGRAPHY OF GLOBAL POVERTY
Authors: Kanbur Ravi , Sumner Andy
Published: July 2012

Two decades ago, most of the world's poor lived in countries officially classified as low income. Now, most of the world's poor live in middle‐income countries. The shift has been brought about by fast growth in a number of countries with large populations. This ‘new geography of global poverty’—with the mass of the poor not living in the world's poorest countries—raises questions for the current model of development assistance, where national per capita income is a key determinant of the volume and composition of aid flows. This paper reprises the changes in global poverty and discusses the case for continued development assistance to middle‐income countries. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synthesis of 13N‐labelled radiotracers by using microfluidic technology
Authors: Gaja Vijay , Gómez‐Vallejo Vanessa , Cuadrado‐Tejedor Mar , Borrell José I. , Llop Jordi
Published: July 2012

Microfluidics has recently emerged as a useful alternative to traditional methods for the preparation of radiotracers labelled with positron emitters. Up to date, microfluidics technology has been applied to the radiosynthesis of 18F‐labelled and 11C‐labelled compounds; however, application to other shorter‐lived positron emitters has not been investigated. The radiosynthesis of S‐[13N]nitrosothiols and N‐[13N]nitrosamines was approached in microfluidic system by reaction of the corresponding thiol or secondary amine, respectively, with [13N]NO2− in the presence of mineral acid. The radiosynthesis of azo compounds was carried out by reaction of the same labelling agent with primary aromatic amines in acidic media to yield the corresponding diazonium salts, which were further reacted with aromatic amines and alcohols to yield the corresponding 13N‐labelled azo compounds. Radiochemical conversion values for S‐[13N]nitrosothiols and 13N‐labelled azo compounds calculated from chromatographic profiles improved our previous results by using conventional methods. The formation of N‐[13N]nitrosamines could not be detected, independently of experimental conditions. In conclusion, the preparation of S‐[13N]nitrosothiols and 13N‐labelled azo compounds was successfully achieved by using microfluidics technology. Higher radiochemical conversions than those previously reported using conventional synthetic strategies have been obtained. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Immunolocalization of keratin‐associated beta‐proteins (beta‐keratins) in the regenerating lizard epidermis indicates a new process for the differentiation of the epidermis in lepidosaurians
Authors: Alibardi Lorenzo
Published: July 2012

The process of keratinocyte differentiation was analyzed in the regenerating epidermis of the lizard Anolis carolinensis, where the genes coding for beta‐proteins (beta‐keratins) are known. The regenerating epidermis forms all epidermal layers found in normal scales (Oberhäutchen‐, beta‐, mesos‐, and alpha‐layer). Three specific proteins representing the larger families of beta‐proteins, glycine‐rich (HgG5, 28% glycine, 3.6% cysteine), glycine‐cysteine medium‐rich (HgGC10, 13% glycine, 14.5% cysteine), and glycine‐cysteine rich (HgGC3, 30.4% glycine, 8.7% cysteine) have been immunolocalized at the ultrastructural level. HgG5 is only present in differentiating beta‐cells, a weak or no labeling is observed in Oberhäutchen and is absent in alpha‐cells. The protein is located in the pale corneous material forming the compact beta‐layer but is absent in mature Oberhäutchen cells. HgGC10 is present among beta‐packets in Oberhäutchen and beta‐cells but disappears in more compact and electron‐pale corneous material. The labeling disappears in mesos‐cells and is present with variable intensity in alpha‐cells, whereas lacunar and clear‐cells are low labeled to unlabeled. HgGC3 is sparse or absent in beta‐cells but is lightly present in the darker corneous material of differentiating and mature alpha‐cells, lacunar‐cells, and clear‐cells. The study suggests that while glycine‐rich proteins (electron‐pale) are specifically used for building the resistant and hydrophobic beta‐layer, cysteine–glycine rich proteins (electron‐denser) are used to form the pliable corneous material present in the Oberhäutchen and alpha‐cells. The differential accumulation of beta‐proteins on the alpha‐keratin cytoskeleton scaffold and not the alternance of beta‐ with alpha‐keratins allow the differentiation of different epidermal layers. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Protective role of μ opioid receptor activation in intestinal inflammation induced by mesenteric ischemia/reperfusion in mice
Authors: Saccani Francesca , Anselmi Laura , Jaramillo Ingrid , Bertoni Simona , Barocelli Elisabetta , Sternini Catia
Published: July 2012

Intestinal ischemia is a clinical emergency with high morbidity and mortality. We investigated whether activation of μ opioid receptor (μOR) protects from the inflammation induced by intestinal ischemia and reperfusion (I/R) in mice. Ischemia was induced by occlusion of the superior mesenteric artery (45 min), followed by reperfusion (5 hr). Sham‐operated (SO) and normal (N) mice served as controls. Each group received subcutaneously 1) saline solution, 2) the μOR selective agonist [D‐Ala2, N‐Me‐Phe4, Gly5‐ol]‐enkephalin (DAMGO; 0.01 mg kg−1), 3) DAMGO and the selective μOR antagonist [H‐D‐Phe‐Cys‐Tyr‐D‐Trp‐Arg‐Thr‐Pen‐Thr‐NH2] (CTAP; 0.1 mg kg−1), or 4) CTAP alone. I/R induced intestinal inflammation as indicated by histological damage and the significant increase in myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity, an index of tissue neutrophil accumulation. Tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) and interleukin‐10 (IL‐10) mRNA levels were also increased in I/R mice compared with SO. DAMGO significantly reduced tissue damage, MPO activity, and TNF‐α mRNA levels in I/R, and these effects were reversed by CTAP. By contrast, DAMGO did not modify IL‐10 mRNA levels or gastrointestinal transit. DAMGO's effects are receptor mediated and likely are due to activation of peripheral μORs, because it does not readily cross the blood–brain barrier. These findings suggest that activation of peripheral μOR protects from the inflammatory response induced by I/R through a pathway involving the proinflammatory cytokine TNF‐α. Reduction of acute inflammation might prevent I/R complications, including motility impairment, which develop at a later stage of reperfusion and likely are due to inflammatory cell infiltrates. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Semiparametric hazard function estimation in meta‐analysis for time to event data
Authors: Wang Jixian
Published: July 2012

Meta‐analyses have been widely used to combine information from survival data using estimated parameters in, for example, a Cox model. A number of approaches dealing with study level random effects have been developed. However, there are far fewer meta‐analysis approaches for estimating survival or hazard functions. Typical approaches are based on the cumulative survival function using the generalized estimating equation. We propose an alternative approach following Efron's discrete logistic regression (Efron, 1988), but using generalized linear mixed models. We show that spline functions can be used in fitting the models to obtain smoothed estimates for hazard functions. The models also allow a semi‐parametric structure to include factors such as random study effects and treatment groups. This approach models the hazard function based on which the survival function can be estimated too. We also propose a Bayesian bootstrap approach for statistical inference for both hazard and survival functions. This approach was applied to two meta‐analysis data sets as examples to illustrate its use. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.