bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Electrochemically Assisted Injection in Combination with Capillary Electrophoresis‐Mass Spectrometry (EAI‐CE‐MS) – Mechanistic and Quantitative Studies of the Reduction of 4‐Nitrotoluene at Various Carbon‐Based Screen‐Printed Electrodes
Authors: Palatzky Peter , Zöpfl Alexander , Hirsch Thomas , Matysik Frank‐Michael
Published: November 2012

Electrochemically assisted injection (EAI) is a recently introduced injection concept for capillary electrophoresis (CE) enabling the separation of neutral analytes by means of electrochemical generation of charged species during the injection process. EAI‐CE is particularly attractive in combination with mass spectrometry (MS) leading to enhanced performance of MS detection. In this work, a fully automated EAI injection device was developed and applied to mechanistic and quantitative studies of the reduction of 4‐nitrotoluene (4‐NT). Three different carbon‐based screen‐printed electrodes (SPEs) were used including unmodified carbon, carbon nanofiber and reduced graphene oxide SPEs. Under acidic conditions the main products of 4‐NT reduction were 4‐hydroxylaminotoluene (4‐HAT) and 4‐aminotoluene (4‐AT). The EAI‐CE‐MS approach enabled the separation and selective determination of both compounds. On the basis of this methodical concept it was possible to study the formation of reduction products of 4‐NT in dependence on electrode potential and electrode material. In contrast to conventional electrochemical techniques like cyclic voltammetry EAI‐CE‐MS provides detailed information regarding changes of the product composition in dependence on various experimental conditions. Over the complete potential range studied the ratio of 4‐HAT/4‐AT was clearly different for the reduced graphene oxide SPE compared to the unmodified carbon and carbon fiber SPE. The construction of mass voltammograms added considerably to the information content of voltammetric experiments. Another aspect of this work was the reliable quantitative determination of 4‐NT by EAI‐CE‐MS using isotopically labeled 4‐NT as an internal standard. In this way the “classical” problem of changing response characteristics at solid electrodes could be eliminated based on the assumption that the target analyte and its isotopically labeled form behave in the same way. A corresponding protocol for quantitative EAI‐CE‐MS determinations of 4‐NT was elaborated and applied to standard solutions and spiked soil samples.
Gel‐based separation of phosphoproteins in samples stored in urea/thiourea after precipitation by lanthanum chloride
Authors: Pink Mario , Stein Christine , Verma Nisha , Rettenmeier Albert W. , Schmitz‐Spanke Simone
Published: November 2012

The recent introduction of the La3+ precipitation method for the enrichment of phosphoproteins allows a gel‐based analysis of these posttranslationally modified proteins. However, if this method is applied to cell lysates stored in urea‐containing lysis buffer for an extended period of time, incomplete phosphoprotein recovery is observed. We ascribe this effect to the presence of urea in the lysis buffer. To overcome this problem various strategies were tested, where cell lysates stored at least for one year were utilized. By applying an optimized protocol approximately 250 proteins could be observed following separation by 2DE.
Automated high‐speed CE system for multiple samples
Authors: Li Qi , Zhang Ting , Zhu Ying , Cheng Yong‐Qiang , Lin Qing‐Hu , Fang Qun
Published: November 2012

A high‐speed CE system for multiple samples was developed based on a short capillary and an automated sample introduction device consisting of a commercial multi‐well plate and an x‐y‐z translation stage. The spontaneous injection method was used to achieve picoliter‐scale sample injection from different sample wells. Under the optimized conditions, a 40 μm‐long sample plug (corresponding to 78‐pL plug volume) was obtained in a 50 μm id capillary, which ensured both the high separation speed and high separation efficiency. The performance of the system was demonstrated in the separation of FITC‐labeled amino acids with LIF detection. Five FITC‐labeled amino acids including arginine, phenylalanine, glycine, glutamic acid, and asparagine were separated within 15 s with an effective separation length of 1.5 cm. The separation efficiency ranged from 7.96 × 105/m to 1.12 × 106 /m (corresponding to 1.26–0.89 μm plate heights). The repeatability of the peak heights calibrated with an inner standard for different sample wells was 2.4 and 2.7% (n = 20) for arginine and phenylalanine, respectively. The present system was also applied in consecutive separations of 20 different samples of FITC‐labeled amino acids with a whole separation time of less than 6 min.
Determination of effective mobilities of EOF markers in BGE containing sulfated β‐cyclodextrin by a two‐detector method
Authors: Müllerová Ludmila , Dubský Pavel , Svobodová Jana , Gaš Bohuslav
Published: November 2012

A neutral marker of the EOF can gain a nonzero effective mobility because of its possible interaction with a charged complexing agent, such as a chiral selector in CE. We determined effective mobilities of four compounds often used as EOF markers (dimethyl sulfoxide, mesityl oxide, nitromethane, and thiourea) in the BGE‐containing sulfated β‐CD (60 g/L). All the compounds studied were measurably mobilized by their interaction with the selector. The highest effective mobility (–3.0·10−9m2s−1V−1) was observed for thiourea and the lowest (–1.5·10−9m2s−1V−1) for dimethyl sulfoxide and nitromethane. The mobilities were determined by a new two‐detector pressure mobilization method (2d method), which we propose, and the results were confirmed by standard CE measurements. In the 2d method, one marker zone is situated in the BGE containing the charged selector, while the second marker zone is surrounded with a selector‐free BGE, which prevents its complexation. The initial distance between the two marker zones equals the capillary length from the inlet to the first detector. After a brief voltage application, the final distance between the marker zones is determined based on known capillary length from the first to the second detector. The difference between these two distances determines the effective mobility.
Haematopoietic stem cell survival and transplantation efficacy is limited by the BH3‐only proteins Bim and Bmf
Authors: Labi Verena , Bertele Daniela , Woess Claudia , Tischner Denise , Bock Florian J. , Schwemmers Sven , Pahl Heike L. , Geley Stephan , Kunze Mirjam , Niemeyer Charlotte M. , Villunger Andreas , Erlacher Miriam
Published: November 2012

Anti‐apoptotic Bcl‐2 family members are critical for the regulation of haematopoietic stem and progenitor cell (HSPC) survival. Little is known about the role of their pro‐apoptotic antagonists, i.e. ‘BH3‐only’ proteins, in this cell compartment. Based on the analysis of cytokine deprivation‐induced changes in mRNA expression levels of Bcl‐2 family proteins, we determined the consequences of BH3‐only protein depletion on HSPC survival in culture and, for selected candidates, on engraftment in vivo. Thereby, we revealed a critical role for Bim and Bmf as regulators of HSPC dynamics both during early engraftment and long‐term reconstitution. HSPCs derived from wild‐type donors were readily displaced by Bim‐ or Bmf‐deficient or Bcl‐2‐overexpressing HSPCs as early as 10 days after engraftment. Moreover, in the absence of Bim, significantly lower numbers of transplanted HSPCs were able to fully engraft radio‐depleted recipients. Finally, we provide proof of principle that RNAi‐based reduction of BIM or BMF, or overexpression of BCL‐2 in human CD34+ cord blood cells may be an attractive therapeutic option to increase stem cell survival and transplantation efficacy.
The orphan receptor TR3 participates in angiotensin II‐induced cardiac hypertrophy by controlling mTOR signalling
Authors: Wang Rong‐Hao , He Jian‐Ping , Su Mao‐Long , Luo Jie , Xu Ming , Du Xiao‐Dan , Chen Hang‐Zi , Wang Wei‐Jia , Wang Yuan , Zhang Nan , Zhao Bi‐Xing , Zhao Wen‐Xiu , Shan Zhong‐Gui , Han Jiahuai , Chang Chawnshang , Wu Qiao
Published: November 2012

Angiotensin II (AngII) induces cardiac hypertrophy and increases the expression of TR3. To determine whether TR3 is involved in the regulation of the pathological cardiac hypertrophy induced by AngII, we established mouse and rat hypertrophy models using chronic AngII administration. Our results reveal that a deficiency of TR3 in mice or the knockdown of TR3 in the left ventricle of rats attenuated AngII‐induced cardiac hypertrophy compared with the respective controls. A mechanistic analysis demonstrates that the TR3‐mediated activation of mTORC1 is associated with AngII‐induced cardiac hypertrophy. TR3 was shown to form a trimer with the TSC1/TSC2 complex that specifically promoted TSC2 degradation via a proteasome/ubiquitination pathway. As a result, mTORC1, but not mTORC2, was activated; this was accompanied by increased protein synthesis, enhanced production of reactive oxygen species and enlarged cell size, thereby resulting in cardiac hypertrophy. This study demonstrates that TR3 positively regulates cardiac hypertrophy by influencing the effect of AngII on the mTOR pathway. The elimination or reduction of TR3 may reduce cardiac hypertrophy; therefore, TR3 is a potential target for clinical therapy.
Stability of pharmaceuticals and other polar organic compounds stored on polar organic chemical integrative samplers and solid-phase extraction cartridges
Authors: Carlson Jules C. , Challis Jonathan K. , Hanson Mark L. , Wong Charles S.
Published: November 2012

The stability of 24 chemicals, including pharmaceuticals and personal care products, and some agrochemicals on extraction media was evaluated by preloading them onto Oasis hydrophilic lipophilic balanced solid-phase extraction (SPE) cartridges and polar organic chemical integrative samplers (POCIS) followed by storage at –20°C over time. After 20 months, the average loss was 11% on POCIS, with only 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid, atrazine, chlorpyrifos, and gemfibrozil showing a statistically significant decline compared with initial concentrations. Losses on SPE cartridges were below 19%, with an average loss of 9%. In addition to laboratory spiked samples, multiple POCIS deployed in wastewater-impacted surface waters and SPE extracts of these waters were stored in their original coextracted matrix for nearly two years with minimal observed losses. Errors from typical sampling, handling, and concentration estimates from POCIS sampling rates were typically ± 15 to 30% relative standard deviation, so observed storage losses are minimal for most POCIS applications. While losses during storage on SPE cartridges for 20 months were small but statistically significant for many compounds, addition of labeled internal standards prior to freezing should correct for such losses. Thus, storage of processed water samples for analysis of polar organic pollutants is viable for archival purposes or studies for which samples cannot be analyzed in the short term. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 2013;32:337–344. © 2012 SETAC
Bottom-up nutrient and top-down fish impacts on insect-mediated mercury flux from aquatic ecosystems
Authors: Jones Taylor A. , Chumchal Matthew M. , Drenner Ray W. , Timmins Gabrielle N. , Nowlin Weston H.
Published: November 2012

Methyl mercury (MeHg) is one of the most hazardous contaminants in the environment, adversely affecting the health of wildlife and humans. Recent studies have demonstrated that aquatic insects biotransport MeHg and other contaminants to terrestrial consumers, but the factors that regulate the flux of MeHg out of aquatic ecosystems via emergent insects have not been studied. The authors used experimental mesocosms to test the hypothesis that insect emergence and the associated flux of MeHg from aquatic to terrestrial ecosystems is affected by both bottom-up nutrient effects and top-down fish consumer effects. In the present study, nutrient addition led to an increase in MeHg flux primarily by enhancing the biomass of emerging insects whose tissues were contaminated with MeHg, whereas fish decreased MeHg flux primarily by reducing the biomass of emerging insects. Furthermore, the authors found that these factors are interdependent such that the effects of nutrients are more pronounced when fish are absent, and the effects of fish are more pronounced when nutrient concentrations are high. The present study is the first to demonstrate that the flux of MeHg from aquatic to terrestrial ecosystems is strongly enhanced by bottom-up nutrient effects and diminished by top-down consumer effects. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 2013;32:612–618. © 2012 SETAC
Pragmatism: A practical philosophy for environmental scientists
Authors: Suter Glenn W , Cormier Susan M
Published: November 2012

Challenges to the credibility of the scientific community make it particularly important for environmental scientists to understand the bases for the authority of their science. We argue that pragmatism provides a defensible and effective scientific philosophy. It provides a transparent basis for justifying belief and a set of practices and concepts for inference. It makes the scientific community the author of scientific truth, which has implications for the opening of science in the age of social media and the communication of consensus positions on important issues. We describe how pragmatism acknowledges the social aspect of science without losing the scientific tradition of critical thinking. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2013; 9: 181–184. © 2012 SETAC
Identification of carbapenem‐resistant Acinetobacter baumannii clones using infrared spectroscopy
Authors: Sousa Clara , Grosso Filipa , Meirinhos‐Soares Luís , Peixe Luísa , Lopes João
Published: November 2012

In this work we assessed the discriminatory ability of Fourier‐transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) in 22 representative isolates from a collection of 318 carbapenem‐hydrolyzing class D β ‐lactamases (CHDL)‐producing Acinetobacter spp. (5 hospitals; 2001–2008) previously characterized by DNA‐based typing methods. FTIR spectra were acquired with a Bruker spectrometer and analyzed with support of several chemometric tools. The results showed that FTIR spectroscopy was able to distinguish the main CHDL‐producing Acinetobacter baumannii lineages causing infection in Portugal, the ST103 carrying blaOXA‐58, ST98 carrying blaOXA‐24/40and ST92 carrying blaOXA‐23. Moreover, this study revealed distinctive phenotypic features of A. baumannii lineages causing infections that might justify different epidemic potential. Spectroscopy may arise as a low cost and easily to perform alternative for typing A. baumannii isolates. (© 2014 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Gefitinib inhibits the cross‐talk between mesenchymal stem cells and prostate cancer cells leading to tumor cell proliferation and inhibition of docetaxel activity
Authors: Borghese Cinzia , Cattaruzza Lara , Pivetta Eliana , Normanno Nicola , De Luca Antonella , Mazzucato Mario , Celegato Marta , Colombatti Alfonso , Aldinucci Donatella
Published: November 2012

Increasing evidence suggests that bone marrow derived mesenchymal stem cells (BM‐MSCs) are recruited into the stroma of developing tumors where they contribute to progression by enhancing tumor growth and metastasis, or by inducing anticancer‐drug resistance. Prostate cancer cells secrete ligands of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and EGFR signaling could play an important role in the cross‐talk between mesenchymal stem cells and prostate cancer cells. In this study, we showed that treatment of human primary MSCs with conditioned medium (CM) derived from the bone metastatic PC3 carcinoma cells (PC3‐CM) resulted in: a significant activation of EGFR; increased proliferation; increased osteoblastic but decreased adipocitic differentiation; inhibition of senescence induced by serum starvation; increased CCL5 secretion. These activities were significantly inhibited in the presence of the EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor gefitinib. PC3‐CM directly inhibited osteoclastogenesis as well as the ability of osteoblasts to induce osteoclast differentiation. The increased MSCs migration by PC3‐CM and PC3 cells was partially mediated by CCL5. MSC‐CM increased the formation of colonies by PC3 cells and inhibited the anti‐proliferative activity of Docetaxel. Activation of EGFR expressed on MSCs by PC3‐CM enhanced their capability to increase PC3 cells proliferation and to inhibit Docetaxel activity. These findings, by showing that the tumor‐promoting interactions between PC3 cells and MSCs are mediated, at least in part, by EGFR, suggest a novel application of the EGFR‐tyrosine kinase inhibitors in the treatment of prostate cancer. J. Cell. Biochem. 114: 1135–1144, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Target network analysis of adiponectin, a multifaceted adipokine
Authors: Chen Xiuping
Published: November 2012

Application of network analysis to dissect the potential molecular mechanisms of biological processes and complicated diseases has been the new trend in biology and medicine in recent years. Among which, the protein–protein interactions (PPI) networks attract interests of most researchers. Adiponectin, a cytokine secreted from adipose tissue, participates in a number of metabolic processes, including glucose regulation and fatty acid metabolism and involves in a series of complicated diseases from head to toe. Hundreds of proteins including many identified and potential drug targets have been reported to be involved in adiponectin related signaling pathways, which comprised a complicated regulation network. Therapeutic target database (TTD) provides extensive information about the known and explored therapeutic protein targets and the signaling pathway information. In this study, adiponectin associated drug targets based PPI was constructed and its topological properties were analyzed, which might provide some insight into the dissection of adiponectin action mechanisms and promote adiponectin signaling based drug target identification and drug discovery. J. Cell. Biochem. 114: 1145–1152, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
BRAF mutation and RASSF1A expression in thyroid carcinoma of southern Italy
Authors: Santoro Angela , Pannone Giuseppe , Carosi Maria Antonia , Francesconi Arianna , Pescarmona Edoardo , Russo Giuseppe Maria , Feola Antonia , Losito Simona , Franco Renato , Nappi Luigi , Aquino Gabriella , De Rosa Gaetano , Di Domenico Marina , Bufo Pantaleo
Published: November 2012

Aim of this work is to provide a detailed comparison of clinical‐pathologic features between well‐differentiated and poorly differentiated tumors according to their BRAF and RASSF1A status. We analyzed RASSF1A methylation by MSP and BRAF mutation by LCRT‐PCR with LightMix® kit BRAF V600E in neoplastic thyroid tissues. Immunohistochemical evaluation of RASSF1A expression was also performed by standard automated LSAB‐HRP technique. An overall higher degree of RASSF1A over‐expression than normal thyroid parenchyma surrounding tumors (P < 0.05) has been found in all malignant well‐differentiated lesions. Moreover, statistically significant higher levels of RASSF1A expression were observed in differentiated cancers associated to an inflammatory autoimmune background (P = 0.01). Amplifiable DNA for LC PCR with LightMix® kit BRAF V600E was obtained in nine PTCs, four FVPTCs, five ATCs, and one control. The V600E mutation was found in 13 of 18 (72%) tumors. BRAF was mutated in 6 of 9 (66%) classical PTC, in 2 of 4 (50%) follicular variant PTC and in all ACs (100%). The overall frequency of RASSF1A promoter methylation observed was 20.5% (9 cases out 44). Hypermethylation of RASSF1A in primary tumors was variable according to histotypes ranging from100% (5/5) in ACs to only 12.5% (4/32) in PTCs. We show a correlation between RASSF1A methylation status and RASSF1A protein expression. Finally, we conclude that BRAF V600E mutation and RASSF1A methylation were pathogenetic event restricted to a subgroup of PTC/FVPTCs in early stage and to clinically aggressive ATCs. J. Cell. Biochem. 114: 1174–1182, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
mTOR inhibitors radiosensitize PTEN‐deficient non‐small‐cell lung cancer cells harboring an EGFR activating mutation by inducing autophagy
Authors: Kim Eun Ju , Jeong Jae‐Hoon , Bae Sangwoo , Kang Seongman , Kim Cheol Hyeon , Lim Young‐Bin
Published: November 2012

Clinical resistance to gefitinib, an epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI), in patients with lung cancer has been linked to acquisition of the T790M resistance mutation in activated EGFR or amplification of MET. Phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) loss has been recently reported as a gefitinib resistance mechanism in lung cancer. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of radiotherapy in non‐small‐cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with acquired gefitinib resistance caused by PTEN deficiency to suggest radiotherapy as an alternative to EGFR TKIs. PTEN deficient‐mediated gefitinib resistance was generated in HCC827 cells, an EGFR TKI sensitive NSCLC cell line, by PTEN knockdown with a lentiviral vector expressing short hairpin RNA‐targeting PTEN. The impact of PTEN knockdown on sensitivity to radiation in the presence or absence of PTEN downstream signaling inhibitors was investigated. PTEN knockdown conferred acquired resistance not only to gefitinib but also to radiation on HCC827 cells. mTOR inhibitors alone failed to reduce HCC827 cell viability, regardless of PTEN expression, but ameliorated PTEN knockdown‐induced radioresistance. PTEN knockdown‐mediated radioresistance was accompanied by repression of radiation‐induced cytotoxic autophagy, and treatment with mTOR inhibitors released the repression of cytotoxic autophagy to overcome PTEN knockdown‐induced radioresistance in HCC827 cells. These results suggest that inhibiting mTOR signaling could be an effective strategy to radiosensitize NSCLC harboring the EGFR activating mutation that acquires resistance to both TKIs and radiotherapy due to PTEN loss or inactivation mutations. J. Cell. Biochem. 114: 1248–1256, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
(Ala)4‐X‐(Ala)4 as a model system for the optimization of the χ1 and χ2 amino acid side‐chain dihedral empirical force field parameters
Authors: Shim Jihyun , Zhu Xiao , Best Robert B. , MacKerell Alexander D.
Published: November 2012

Amino acid side‐chain fluctuations play an essential role in the structure and function of proteins. Accordingly, in theoretical studies of proteins, it is important to have an accurate description of their conformational properties. Recently, new side‐chain torsion parameters were introduced into the CHARMM and Amber additive force fields and evaluated based on the conformational properties of the individual side‐chains using protein simulations in explicit solvent. While effective for validation, molecular dynamics simulations of proteins must be extended into the microsecond regime to obtain full convergence of the side‐chain conformations, limiting their use for force field optimization. To address this, we systematically test the utility of explicit solvent simulations of (Ala)4‐X‐(Ala)4 peptides, where X represents the amino acids, as model systems for the optimization of χ1 and χ2 side‐chain parameters. The effect of (Ala)4‐X‐(Ala)4 backbone conformation was tested by constraining the backbone in the α‐helical, C5, C7eq, and PPII conformations and performing exhaustive sampling using Hamiltonian replica exchange simulations. Rotamer distributions from protein and the (Ala)4‐X‐(Ala)4 simulations showed the highest correlation for the C7eq and PPII conformations, although agreement was the best for the α‐helical conformation for Asn. Hydrogen bond analysis indicates the utility of the C7eq and PPII conformations to be due to specific side‐chain‐backbone hydrogen bonds not being oversampled, thereby allowing sampling of a range of side‐chain conformations consistent with the distributions occurring in full proteins. It is anticipated that the (Ala)4‐X‐(Ala)4 model system will allow for iterative force field optimization targeting condensed‐phase conformational distributions of side‐chains. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Comparison of influence of different manufacturing methods on the cleaning efficiency of rotary nickel–titanium files
Authors: Çelik Davut , Taşdemir Tamer , Kürşat Er
Published: November 2012

The purpose of this study was to evaluate and compare cleaning effectiveness of TwistedFile, GT series X, Revo‐S, RaCe, Mtwo, and ProTaper Universal rotary files in curved canals. Seventy mesiobuccal canals of extracted human first maxillary molars were divided into seven groups of 10 samples each. Canals were prepared with six nickel–titanium (NiTi) rotary systems and manual K‐Flexofile. Irrigation was performed with 2 mL 2.5% NaOCl solution after each file, and 5 mL 2.5% NaOCl was used for the final flush. After the roots were split longitudinally, the presence of debris and smear layer was visualized using scanning electron microscopic photomicrographs taken at coronal, middle, and apical third. Mean scores for debris and the smear layer were calculated and statistically analyzed for significance between groups using the Kruskal–Wallis nonparametric analysis of variance (P < 0.05) and Mann–Whitney U test (P < 0.001). There was no significant difference among the groups in terms of debris and smear layer scores (P > 0.05). Without considering the preparation method used, while no statistically significant difference was found between the coronal third and the middle third (P > 0.05), higher amount of debris and smear layer were found in apical third (P = 0.001). The new generation of NiTi rotary files including the Twisted File and GT Series X presented similar cleaning effectiveness compared with traditionally ground NiTi rotary files. Microsc. Res. Tech. 76:231–236, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Observations on variation in the ultrastructure of the proximal testicular ducts of the ground skink, scincella lateralis (reptilia: Squamata)
Authors: Sever David M. , Rheubert Justin L. , Hill Toren A. , Siegel Dustin S.
Published: November 2012

The North American Ground Skink, Scincella lateralis, is a member of the most speciose family of lizards, the Scincidae. The only descriptions of the testicular ducts of skinks concern the light microscopy of 13 species in eight other genera. We combine histological observations with results from transmission electron microscopy on a sample of skinks collected throughout the active season. The single rete testis has squamous epithelium with a large, indented nucleus and no junctional complexes between cells or conspicuous organelles. Nuclei of sperm in the rete testis area are associated with cytoplasmic bodies that are lost in the ductuli efferentes. The ductuli efferentes have both ciliated and nonciliated cells and show little seasonal variation except for the narrowing of intercellular canaliculi when sperm are absent. When the ductus epididymis contains sperm, the anterior one‐third lacks copious secretory material around luminal sperm, whereas in the posterior two‐thirds sperm are embedded in a dense matrix of secretory material. Light and dark principal cells exist and both contain saccular, often distended rough endoplasmic reticula, and widened intercellular canaliculi that bridge intracellular spaces. Junctional complexes are lacking between principal cells except for apical tight junctions. Electron‐dense secretory granules coalesce at the luminal border for apocrine release. The cranial end of the ductus deferens is similar in cytology to the posterior ductus epididymis. Each of the nine squamates in which the proximal testicular ducts have been studied with electron microscopy has some unique characters, but no synapomorphies for squamates as a group are recognized. J. Morphol., 2013. © 2012Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Experimentally induced cam impingement in the sheep hip
Authors: Siebenrock Klaus A. , Fiechter Ruth , Tannast Moritz , Mamisch Tallal C. , von Rechenberg Brigitte
Published: November 2012

Sheep hips have a natural non‐spherical femoral head similar to a cam‐type deformity in human beings. By performing an intertrochanteric varus osteotomy, cam‐type femoro‐acetabular impingement (FAI) during flexion can be created. We tested the hypotheses that macroscopic lesions of the articular cartilage and an increased Mankin score (MS) can be reproduced by an experimentally induced cam‐type FAI in this ovine in vivo model. Furthermore, we hypothesized that the MS increases with longer ambulatory periods. Sixteen sheep underwent unilateral intertrochanteric varus osteotomy of the hip with the non‐operated hip as a control. Four sheep were sacrificed after 14, 22, 30, and 38‐weeks postoperatively. We evaluated macroscopic chondrolabral alterations, and recorded the MS, based on histochemical staining, for each ambulatory period. A significantly higher prevalence of macroscopic chondrolabral lesions was found in the impingement zone of the operated hips. The MS was significantly higher in the acetabular/femoral cartilage of the operated hips. Furthermore, these scores increased as the length of the ambulatory period increased. Cam‐type FAI can be induced in an ovine in vivo model. Localized chondrolabral degeneration of the hip, similar to that seen in humans (Tannast et al., Clin Orthop Relat Res 2008; 466: 273–280; Beck et al., J Bone Joint Surg Br 2005; 87: 1012–1018), can be reproduced. This experimental sheep model can be used to study cam‐type FAI. © 2012 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 31: 580–587, 2013
Toward an understanding of the short bone phenotype associated with multiple osteochondromas
Authors: Jones Kevin B. , Datar Manasi , Ravichandran Sandhya , Jin Huifeng , Jurrus Elizabeth , Whitaker Ross , Capecchi Mario R.
Published: November 2012

Individuals with multiple osteochondromas (MO) demonstrate shortened long bones. Ext1 or Ext2 haploinsufficiency cannot recapitulate the phenotype in mice. Loss of heterozygosity for Ext1 may induce shortening by steal of longitudinal growth into osteochondromas or by a general derangement of physeal signaling. We induced osteochondromagenesis at different time points during skeletal growth in a mouse genetic model, then analyzed femora and tibiae at 12 weeks using micro‐CT and a point‐distribution‐based shape analysis. Bone lengths and volumes were compared. Metaphyseal volume deviations from normal, as a measure of phenotypic widening, were tested for correlation with length deviations. Mice with osteochondromas had shorter femora and tibiae than controls, more consistently when osteochondromagenesis was induced earlier during skeletal growth. Volumetric metaphyseal widening did not correlate with longitudinal shortening, although some of the most severe shortening was in bones with abundant osteochondromas. Loss of heterozygosity for Ext1 was sufficient to drive bone shortening in a mouse model of MO, but shortening did not correlate with osteochondroma volumetric growth. While a steal phenomenon seems apparent in individual cases, some other mechanism must also be capable of contributing to the short bone phenotype, independent of osteochondroma formation. Clones of chondrocytes lacking functional heparan sulfate must blunt physeal signaling generally, rather than stealing growth potential focally. © 2012 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 31: 651–657, 2013
Certain algebraic surfaces with Eisenbud‐Harris general fibration of genus 4
Authors: Takahashi Tomokuni
Published: November 2012

We classify the algebraic surfaces with Eisenbud‐Harris general fibration of genus 4 over a rational curve or an elliptic curve whose slope attains the lower bound. The classification of our surfaces is strongly related to the result of the classification for certain relative quadric hypersurfaces in 3‐dimensional projective space bundles over a rational curve and an elliptic curve. We further prove some results about the canonical maps, the quadric hulls of the canonical images and the deformation for these surfaces.
Suppressing the formation of lipid raft‐associated Rac1/PI3K/Akt signaling complexes by curcumin inhibits SDF‐1α‐induced invasion of human esophageal carcinoma cells
Authors: Lin Meng‐Liang , Lu Yao‐Cheng , Chen Hung‐Yi , Lee Chuan‐Chun , Chung Jing‐Gung , Chen Shih‐Shun
Published: November 2012

Stromal cell‐derived factor‐1α (SDF‐1α) is a ligand for C‐X‐C chemokine receptor type 4 (CXCR4), which contributes to the metastasis of cancer cells by promoting cell migration. Here, we show that the SDF‐1α/CXCR4 axis can significantly increase invasion of esophageal carcinoma (EC) cells. We accomplished this by examining the effects of CXCR4 knockdown as well as treatment with a CXCR4‐neutralizing antibody and the CXCR4‐specific inhibitor AMD3100. Curcumin suppressed SDF‐1α‐induced cell invasion and matrix metalloproteinase‐2 (MMP‐2) promoter activity, cell surface localization of CXCR4 at lipid rafts, and lipid raft‐associated ras‐related C3 botulinum toxin substrate 1 (Rac1)/phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase (PI3K) p85α/Akt signaling. Curcumin inhibited SDF‐1α‐induced cell invasion by suppressing the Rac1–PI3K signaling complex at lipid rafts but did not abrogate lipid raft formation. We further demonstrate that the attenuation of lipid raft‐associated Rac1 activity by curcumin was critical for the inhibition of SDF‐1α‐induced PI3K/Akt/NF‐κB activation, cell surface localization of CXCR4 at lipid rafts, MMP‐2 promoter activity, and cell invasion. Collectively, our results indicate that curcumin inhibits SDF‐1α‐induced EC cell invasion by suppressing the formation of the lipid raft‐associated Rac1‐PI3K‐Akt signaling complex, the localization of CXCR4 with lipid rafts at the cell surface, and MMP‐2 promoter activity, likely through the inhibition of Rac1 activity. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Successful delayed reconstruction of common peroneal neuroma‐in‐continuity using sural nerve graft
Authors: Reichl Heike , Ensat Florian , Dellon A. Lee , Wechselberger Gottfried
Published: November 2012

Injuries of the common peroneal nerve (CPN) are frequent and associated with poor motor outcomes. So far, the opinion is held, that nerve reconstruction is reasonable and indicated up to 6 months after injury. We describe successful sural nerve interposition grafting in a patient with neuroma‐in‐continuity formation of the CPN, presenting with foot drop, 13 months after injury. Due to this positive result, we think nerve grafting in neuroma‐in‐continuity lesions of the CPN should be contemplated in patients with foot drop even more than one year after injury. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microsurgery, 2013.
Rsf‐1, a chromatin remodelling protein, interacts with cyclin E1 and promotes tumour development
Authors: Sheu Jim Jinn‐Chyuan , Choi Jung Hye , Guan Bin , Tsai Fuu‐Jen , Hua Chun‐Hung , Lai Ming‐Tsung , Wang Tian‐Li , Shih Ie‐Ming
Published: November 2012

Chromosome 11q13.5 containing RSF1 (HBXAP), a gene involved in chromatin remodelling, is amplified in several human cancers including ovarian carcinoma. Our previous studies demonstrated requirement of Rsf‐1 for cell survival in cancer cells, which contributed to tumour progression; however, its role in tumourigenesis has not yet been elucidated. In this study, we co‐immunoprecipitated proteins with Rsf‐1 followed by nanoelectrospray mass spectrometry and identified cyclin E1, besides SNF2H, as one of the major Rsf‐1 interacting proteins. Like RSF1, CCNE1 is frequently amplified in ovarian cancer, and both Rsf‐1 and cyclin E1 were found co‐up‐regulated in ovarian cancer tissues. Ectopic expression of Rsf‐1 and cyclin E1 in non‐tumourigenic TP53mut RK3E cells led to an increase in cellular proliferation and tumour formation by activating cyclin E1‐associated kinase (CDK2). Tumourigenesis was not detected if either cyclin E1 or Rsf‐1 was expressed, or they were expressed in a TP53wt background. Domain mapping showed that cyclin E1 interacted with the first 441 amino acids of Rsf‐1. Ectopic expression of this truncated domain significantly suppressed G1/S‐phase transition, cellular proliferation, and tumour formation of RK3E‐p53R175H/Rsf‐1/cyclin E1 cells. The above findings suggest that Rsf‐1 interacts and collaborates with cyclin E1 in neoplastic transformation and TP53 mutations are a prerequisite for tumour‐promoting functions of the RSF/cyclin E1 complex.
Late angiotensin II receptor blockade in progressive rat mesangioproliferative glomerulonephritis: new insights into mechanisms
Authors: Villa Luigi , Boor Peter , Konieczny Andrzej , Kunter Uta , van Roeyen Claudia RC , Denecke Bernd , Gan Lin , Neusser Matthias A , Cohen Clemens D ,   For the ERCB Consortium;, Eitner Frank , Scholl Thomas , Ostendorf Tammo , Floege Jürgen
Published: November 2012

Mesangioproliferative glomerulonephritis is the most common nephritis worldwide. We examined the effects of low‐ and high‐dose telmisartan, an angiotensin II receptor blocker, in rats with progressive anti‐Thy1.1 mesangioproliferative glomerulonephritis in a clinically relevant situation of established renal damage. Uninephrectomized nephritic rats were randomized on day 28 to remain untreated (control treatment; CT), or to receive low‐ (0.1 mg/kg/day, LT) or high‐dose telmisartan (10 mg/kg/day, HT), hydrochlorothiazide + hydralazine (8 + 32 mg/kg/day, HCT + H), or atenolol (100 mg/kg/day, AT). CT and LT rats were hypertensive, whereas HT, HCT + H and AT treatment normalized blood pressures. On day 131, despite similar blood lowering effects, only HT, but not AT or HCT + H, prevented loss of renal function and reduced proteinuria compared to CT. Only HT potently ameliorated glomerulosclerosis, tubulointerstitial damage, cortical matrix deposition, podocyte damage and macrophage infiltration. HT reduced cortical expression of platelet derived growth factor receptor‐α and ‐β as well as transforming growth factor‐β1. LT exhibited minor but significant efficacy even in the absence of antihypertensive effects. Transcript array analyses revealed a four‐fold down‐regulation of renal cortical chemokine (C–C motif) receptor 6 (CCR6) mRNA by HT, which was confirmed at the protein level. Silencing of CCR6 did not alter podocyte function in vitro, thus indicating a predominant role in the tubulo‐interstitium. In human kidney biopsies, CCR6 mRNA and mRNA of its ligand chemokine (C–C motif) ligand 20 was up‐regulated in patients with progressive IgA nephropathy compared to stable disease. Thus, delayed treatment with high‐dose telmisartan exerted a pronounced benefit in progressive mesangioproliferative glomerulonephritis, which extended beyond that of equivalent blood pressure lowering. We identified down‐regulation of platelet‐derived growth factor receptors and CCR6 as potential mediators of telmisartan‐related renoprotection. CCR6 may also regulate the renal outcome in human mesangioprolfierative glomerulonephritis. Copyright © 2012 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Treatment of high risk Sertoli–Leydig cell tumors of the ovary using a gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) analog
Authors: Lashkari Harsha Prasada , Nash Ruth , Albanese Assunta , Okoye Bruce , Millar Robert , Pritchard‐Jones Kathy
Published: November 2012

Sertoli–Leydig cell tumors are rare ovarian neoplasms. We report two unusual cases with bilateral SLCTs suggesting evidence of genetic predisposition and at high risk of recurrence. To reduce this risk, we exploited the use of GnRH analog to lower gondadotropin and potentially directly inhibit the tumors through expressed GnRH receptors. We used it as maintenance antitumor therapy for 2 years after completion of chemotherapy, to cover the period of risk for recurrence. Both patients remain in complete remission at >2 years after completing leuprorelin therapy. Of note, both patients carry DICER1 mutations, frequently found in pleuropulmonary blastoma syndrome. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2013; 60: E16–E18. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Investigation of acrylamide‐modified melamine‐formaldehyde resins as a compatibilizer for kenaf‐unsaturated polyester composites
Authors: Ren Xiaofeng , Li Chunhong , Li Kaichang
Published: November 2012

Kenaf fiber‐reinforced unsaturated polyester (UPE) composites were prepared by compression molding. A novel compatibilizer was prepared from melamine, formaldehyde, and acrylamide. The treatment of kenaf fibers with the compatibilizer significantly increased the flexural properties and reduced the water uptake of the resulting kenaf–UPE composites. The effects of the total solids content, the molar ratios of melamine/formaldehyde/acrylamide, and the pH value of the compatibilizer solution in the treatment of kenaf fibers on the flexural strength, flexural modulus, as well as the water uptake of the kenaf–UPE composites were studied in detail. Fourier transform infrared spectra revealed that the compatibilizer was covalently bonded to kenaf fibers. Scanning electron microscopy images of the fractured kenaf–UPE composites confirmed that the treatment of kenaf fibers with the compatibilizer improved the interfacial adhesion between kenaf fibers and UPE resin. The mechanisms for the improved flexural properties and the reduced water uptake by the treatments of the kenaf fibers were proposed and discussed. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2013. © 2012 Society of Plastics Engineers
Preparation and characterization of polyaniline nanofiber colloids
Authors: Qiu Wei , Ma Li , Gan Mengyu , Bai Youqian , Fu Dandan , Li Zhitao , Chen Feifei
Published: November 2012

Polyaniline (PANI) nanofibers were prepared via the reaction of aniline with ammonium persulfate carried out in ethylene glycol (EG) medium without water. These purified PANI nanofibers could be dispersed in water and other polar solvents, such as ethanol, EG, and N,N‐dimethylformamide, to form colloids. The morphology and structure of the PANI nanofibers were characterized and the effects of mechanical stirring on the morphology, structure, and electrical performance of PANI were investigated. The results indicated that the intermolecular H‐bonding interaction between molecules of PANI and alcohol is advantageous to the one‐dimensional growth of PANI, and a stirring reaction results in a lager size, a higher doping level, conductivity, degree of crystallinity, and oxidation than a nonstirring reaction. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2013. © 2012 Society of Plastics Engineers.
Acceptance sampling plans for photovoltaic modules with two‐sided specification limits
Authors: Pepelyshev Andrey , Steland Ansgar , Avellan‐Hampe Alejandro
Published: November 2012

The quality control of photovoltaic modules in terms of the output power to satisfy the technical specification is of great importance for producers as well as consumers and also represents a major issue of certification procedures. Previous work focused on one‐sided specification limits to reject underperforming samples (lots) of photovoltaic modules or solar cells. In the present paper, we generalize the classic acceptance sampling methodology and derive sampling plans on the basis of two‐sided specification limits. Those sampling plans can be constructed for arbitrary output power distributions by making use of flash data tables. For the out‐of‐spec setting, the sampling plans are solutions of rather involved nonlinear equations. Explicit formulas, which resemble known sampling plans, can only be obtained under symmetry assumptions. Further, the solution depends on the ratio of overperforming modules to underperforming modules. We investigate by numerical studies to which extent the required sample size depends on that ratio and the shape of the underlying output power distribution. The application to real examples indicates that in practice, the new approach often results in substantially smaller control samples than classic approaches. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Is the safe performance of flame gaps in flameproof electrical apparatus deteriorated by rusting and mechanical damage? Part 1: Group IIA gases
Authors: Eckhoff Rolf K. , Arntzen Bjorn J. , Opsvik Harald E.Z. , Grov Arild , Solheim Fredrik
Published: November 2012

Electrical apparatus in industry for use in the presence of explosive gases must be specially designed to prevent the apparatus from igniting the gas. In the case of flameproof enclosures, any holes and gaps in the enclosure wall must be sufficiently long and narrow to prevent transmission of a possible gas explosion inside the enclosure to an external explosive cloud. Furthermore, there are tight requirements to the maximum permissible gap surface roughness. This article describes an experimental study of the influence of mechanical and corrosive damage of flame gap surfaces on gap performance for IIA gases in air, using propane as test gas. It was found that, contrary to common presumptions, gap surfaces can suffer considerable damage without this causing any reduction of gap performance. In some cases, significant mechanical surface damage in fact improves gap performance. © 2012 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Process Saf Prog 32: 49–56, 2013
Proton pump inhibitors: their properties and use in GORD
Authors: Chaplin Steve , Wong Terence
Published: November 2012

Steve Chaplin and Dr Terence Wong provide an overview of the properties of PPIs and how they compare in the treatment of GORD.
Modeling the interface between crystalline silicon and silicon oxide polymorphs
Authors: Kovačević Goran , Pivac Branko
Published: November 2012

Structures of interfaces between crystalline silicon and several polymorphes of crystalline silicon oxides were modeled by molecular dynamics (MD) with Reax force field. MD and annealing procedures were conducted in order to create the most plausible interface structure. As the measure of stability of the interface, the energies of selected subsystems, were calculated. The interface between silicon and β‐cristobalite turned out to have an amorphous arrangement of atoms. In all other interfaces, the crystalline order is preserved with defects in form of dislocated oxygen atoms. The interfaces between silicon and tridymite are the most ordered and energetically the most stable, but with the highest strain in the silicon layer.
Stress effect on the orientation and the arrangement of H‐platelets
Authors: Vallet Maxime , Reboh Shay , Beaufort Marie‐France , Grilhé Jean , Barbot Jean François
Published: November 2012

The effect of stress on the formation energy of H‐platelets was studied through a 3D model based on elastic interaction by modelling the platelets as dislocation loops. A difference of self‐formation energy between {111} and {100} platelets was estimated by comparing the calculations with experimental results. When a local source of stress is added to the implantation‐induced stress, different types of platelets could form according to the symmetry of the local stress field. Besides, their arrangement at a nanometre scale makes specific architecture depending on the crystallographic orientation of the surface, 〈001〉‐, 〈011〉‐, or 〈111〉‐orientation. (© 2013 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Cracks and dislocations at Vickers, Berkovich and cube corner indentations in (0001) GaN single crystals
Authors: Ratschinski I. , Leipner H. S. , Heyroth F. , Mook W. , Michler J. , Fränzel W. , Leibiger G. , Habel F.
Published: November 2012

(0001) GaN single crystals having a thickness of 3.4 mm and a density of in‐grown dislocations of 3.5 x 106 cm‐2 have been deformed at room temperature using a cube corner, a Berkovich and a Vickers indenter, respectively. Cube corner indentations were performed in a scanning electron microscope in order to observe the deformation in situ. Subsequently, cracks and dislocations at the indentations were investigated by means of optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy in secondary electron contrast and cathodoluminescence imaging. The arrangement of dislocations is determined by the symmetry of the indented surface. In contrast, the formation of cracks depends on both the shape and the orientation of the indenter. (© 2013 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)