bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sodium-iodine Symporter Gene Expression Controlled by the EGR-1 Promoter
Authors: Tang Jun , Wang Xiaoxia , Xu Yuanqi , Shi Yizhen , Liu Zengli , Yang Yi
Published: December 2013

The objective of this study is to explore the feasibility of radioiodine treatment for cervical cancer using the early growth response (Egr-1) promoter to control sodium-iodine symporter (hNIS) gene expression. The hNIS gene was previously transfected into Hela cells under the control of either the cytomegalovirus (CMV) or Egr-1 promoters. Na125I uptake was measured in the presence or absence of NaClO4. Na125I efflux was measured. The effects of external beam radiation on iodine uptake and retention were studied. The cytotoxic effects of 131I were measured by clonogenic assay. The Na125I biodistribution was obtained using mice bearing control and transfected cells. The %ID/g of tumor and major organs were obtained for a range of times up to 48 hours post injection and the ratio of tumor to non-tumor activity (T/NT) was calculated. Tumors were imaged with Na131I and 99mTcO4−, and the ratio of tumor to background activity (T/B) was calculated. Na125I uptake in Hela cells was minimal in the absence of hNIS. Uptake in the transfected cells was strong, and could be blocked by NaClO4. The iodine uptake of Hela-Egr-1-hNIS cells increased after the irradiation, and the magnitude of this effect approximately matched the radiation dose delivered. The efflux of 125I was affected by neither the promoter sequence nor pre-irradiation. 131I reduced the clonogenic survival of symporter expressing cells, relative to the parental line. The effect was greatest in cells where hNIS was driven by the CMV promoter. Tumors formed from Hela-Egr-1-hNIS concentrated Na125I over a 12 hour period, in contrast to untransfected cells. These tumors could also be successfully imaged using either Na131I or 99mTcO4−. 131I uptake peaked at 4h, while 99mTcO4− accumulated over approximately 20 hours. In vivo uptake of 131I and 99mTcO4− was slightly higher in cells transfected with the Egr-1 promoter, compared to CMV. Hela-Egr-1-hNIS cells demonstrate highly enhanced iodine uptake, and this effect is further augmented by radiation, creating a positive feedback loop which may bolster radionuclide therapy in vivo.
Advances in 4D Treatment Planning for Scanned Particle Beam Therapy — Report of Dedicated Workshops
Authors: Bert Christoph , Graeff Christian , Riboldi Marco , Nill Simeon , Baroni Guido , Knopf Antje-Christin
Published: December 2013

We report on recent progress in the field of mobile tumor treatment with scanned particle beams, as discussed in the latest editions of the 4D treatment planning workshop. The workshop series started in 2009, with about 20 people from 4 research institutes involved, all actively working on particle therapy delivery and development. The first workshop resulted in a summary of recommendations for the treatment of mobile targets, along with a list of requirements to apply these guidelines clinically. The increased interest in the treatment of mobile tumors led to a continuously growing number of attendees: the 2012 edition counted more than 60 participants from 20 institutions and commercial vendors. The focus of research discussions among workshop participants progressively moved from 4D treatment planning to complete 4D treatments, aiming at effective and safe treatment delivery. Current research perspectives on 4D treatments include all critical aspects of time resolved delivery, such as in-room imaging, motion detection, beam application, and quality assurance techniques. This was motivated by the start of first clinical treatments of hepato cellular tumors with a scanned particle beam, relying on gating or abdominal compression for motion mitigation. Up to date research activities emphasize significant efforts in investigating advanced motion mitigation techniques, with a specific interest in the development of dedicated tools for experimental validation. Potential improvements will be made possible in the near future through 4D optimized treatment plans that require upgrades of the currently established therapy control systems for time resolved delivery. But since also these novel optimization techniques rely on the validity of the 4DCT, research focusing on alternative 4D imaging technique, such as MRI based 4DCT generation will continue.
Commissioning of an Integrated Platform for Time-Resolved Treatment Delivery in Scanned Ion Beam Therapy by Means of Optical Motion Monitoring
Authors: Fattori G. , Saito N. , Seregni M. , Kaderka R. , Pella A. , Constantinescu A. , Riboldi M. , Steidl P. , Cerveri P. , Bert C. , Durante M. , Baroni G.
Published: December 2013

The integrated use of optical technologies for patient monitoring is addressed in the framework of time-resolved treatment delivery for scanned ion beam therapy. A software application has been designed to provide the therapy control system (TCS) with a continuous geometrical feedback by processing the external surrogates tridimensional data, detected in real-time via optical tracking. Conventional procedures for phase-based respiratory phase detection were implemented, as well as the interface to patient specific correlation models, in order to estimate internal tumor motion from surface markers. In this paper, particular attention is dedicated to the quantification of time delays resulting from system integration and its compensation by means of polynomial interpolation in the time domain. Dedicated tests to assess the separate delay contributions due to optical signal processing, digital data transfer to the TCS and passive beam energy modulation actuation have been performed. We report the system technological commissioning activities reporting dose distribution errors in a phantom study, where the treatment of a lung lesion was simulated, with both lateral and range beam position compensation. The zero-delay systems integration with a specific active scanning delivery machine was achieved by tuning the amount of time prediction applied to lateral (14.61 ± 0.98 ms) and depth (34.1 ± 6.29 ms) beam position correction signals, featuring sub-millimeter accuracy in forward estimation. Direct optical target observation and motion phase (MPh) based tumor motion discretization strategies were tested, resulting in −0.3(2.3)% and −1.2(9.3)% median (IQR) percentual relative dose difference with respect to static irradiation, respectively. Results confirm the technical feasibility of the implemented strategy towards 4D treatment delivery, with negligible percentual dose deviations with respect to static irradiation.
Multigating, a 4D Optimized Beam Tracking in Scanned Ion Beam Therapy
Authors: Graeff Christian , Constantinescu Anna , Lüchtenborg Robert , Durante Marco , Bert Christoph
Published: December 2013

The treatment of moving tumors with a scanned ion beam is challenging due to interplay effects and changing beam range. We propose multigating, as a method for 4D-treatment optimization and delivery. In 3D beam tracking, tracking vectors are added during delivery to beam spot positions based on the detected motion phase. This has the disadvantage of dose errors in case of complex motion patterns and an uncertain out-of-target dose distribution. In multigating, the motion phase for each beam spot is predefined, which allows to add the tracking vector prior to beam weight optimization on all motion phases. The synchronization of delivery and target motion is assured by fast gating. The feasibility of the delivery was shown in a film experiment and required only minor software modification to the treatment planning system. In a treatment planning study in 4 lung cancer patients, target coverage could be restored to the level of a static reference plan by multigating (V95 > 99%) but not by standard beam tracking (V95 < 95%). The conformity of the multigating plans was only slightly lower than those of the static plan, with a conformity number of 72.0% (median, range 64.6–76.6%) compared to 75.8% (70.8–81.5%) in spite of target motion of up to 22 mm. In conclusion, we showed the technical feasibility of multigating, a 4D-optimization and delivery method using scanned beams that allows for conformal and homogeneous dose delivery to moving targets also in case of complex motion.
A survey of hot flow anomalies at Venus
Authors: Collinson G. A. , Sibeck D. G. , Masters A. , Shane N. , Zhang T. L. , Fedorov A. , Barabash S. , Coates A. J. , Moore T. E. , Slavin J. A. , Uritsky V. M. , Boardsen S. , Sarantos M.
Published: December 2013

We present the first survey of hot flow anomalies (HFAs) at the bow shock of Venus, expanding on our recent initial case study. A 3.06 sol (774 Earth day) survey of Venus Express magnetometer, ion spectrometer, and electron spectrometer data was undertaken in order to identify Cytherian HFAs. Seven events were discovered, corresponding to a statistical frequency ≈1.2±0.8 per day, approximately the same rate as at the Earth. All seven HFAs were centered on a discontinuity in the solar wind, with inward pointing motional electric fields on at least one side, and exhibited electron and ion perturbations consistent with heating. For one event the calculation of continuous electron moments is possible, revealing that electron temperature increased from ≈2×105 K to 8×105 K in the HFA core (comparable to terrestrial and Kronian HFA observations), and density increased from ≈1 cm−3 to ~2→2.5 cm−3 in the bounding compression regions. Cytherian HFAs were found to be physically smaller (0.4→1.7 Venus radii (RV)) than their terrestrial or Kronian counterparts, although are much larger when compared to the overall size of the system (≈130% of the subsolar bow shock distance), and occur very close (1.5→3.0RV) to the planet. Thus, we hypothesize that HFAs have a much more dominant role in the dynamics of the induced magnetosphere of Venus relative to the magnetospheres of magnetized planets.
Comparing the solar minima of cycles 22/23 and 23/24: The view from LASCO white light coronal images
Authors: Lamy P. , Barlyaeva T. , Llebaria A. , Floyd O.
Published: December 2013

The Large Angle and Spectrometric Coronagraph LASCO‐C2 aboard SOHO has now completed 17 years (1996–2012) of quasi‐continuous white‐light imaging of the corona from 2.2 to 6.5 solar radii, thus allowing an unprecedented view of its evolution over a solar cycle and a half including the minima of solar cycles 22/23 and 23/24. The corrected and calibrated polarization sequences produce images of the radiance (B), the polarized radiance (pB), and the electron density Ne of the K corona, and, in turn, of their synoptic maps. Their temporal variations are quantified by integration first globally, then in the north and south hemispheres, and finally, in sectors of 30° latitudinal extent centered along the equatorial and polar directions. The global radiance of the K corona follows well the solar activity as described by the sunspot number and the radio flux and was 24% fainter during the minimum of solar cycle 23/24 than during that of cycle 22/23. However, the two hemispheres experienced different reductions, 17% for the north one and 29% for the south one. The equatorial sector suffered a drastic reduction of 44%, in remarkable agreement with the in situ measurements of Wind and ACE at 1 AU, whereas the north and south polar sectors did not experience much variation. Cycle 23 is estimated to have lasted 12 years and 3 months. Maximum conditions have been reached in the northern region, whereas the southern region is still lagging. Finally, the rate of coronal mass ejections follows well the solar activity.
Observation of low single scattering albedo of aerosols in the downwind of the East Asian desert and urban areas during the inflow of dust aerosols
Authors: Khatri Pradeep , Takamura Tamio , Shimizu Atsushi , Sugimoto Nobuo
Published: December 2013

We analyzed data observed at Fukue‐jima (32.752°N, 128.682°E), the downwind of the East Asian desert and urban areas, during the spring season (March–April) of 2008–2011 aiming to understand the light‐absorption capacity of Asian dust aerosols, which is a topic of controversy. We observed the decreasing tendency of single‐scattering albedo (SSA) with the decrease of Ångström exponent and the increase of the ratio of dust aerosol optical thickness to total aerosol optical thickness, suggesting the important role of coarse‐mode dust aerosols on observed low SSAs. The observational data further indicated that the low SSAs during strong dust events were less likely due to the effect of only strong light‐absorbing carbonaceous aerosols, such as black carbon (BC), indicating the association of aerosol size distribution on modulating SSA. Such observational results are justified by numerical calculations showing that aerosol size distribution can be the key factor on modulating SSA even without any change in relative amount of light‐absorbing aerosol as well as total aerosol optical thickness. Therefore, the observed low SSAs in the downwind regions during dust events could be partially due to the dominance of coarse‐mode aerosols over fine‐mode aerosols, which are usual in dust events, along with the effect of mixed light‐absorbing aerosols. The study further suggests that such effect of aerosol size distribution on SSA can be one of the important reasons for the low SSAs of dust aerosols in the source region as reported by some studies, if coarse‐mode aerosols dominate fine‐mode aerosols.
Microarray and FISH‐based genotype–phenotype analysis of 22 Japanese patients with Wolf–Hirschhorn syndrome
Authors: Shimizu Kenji , Wakui Keiko , Kosho Tomoki , Okamoto Nobuhiko , Mizuno Seiji , Itomi Kazuya , Hattori Shigeto , Nishio Kimio , Samura Osamu , Kobayashi Yoshiyuki , Kako Yuko , Arai Takashi , Oh‐ishi Tsutomu , Kawame Hiroshi , Narumi Yoko , Ohashi Hirofumi , Fukushima Yoshimitsu
Published: December 2013

Wolf–Hirschhorn syndrome (WHS) is a contiguous gene deletion syndrome of the distal 4p chromosome, characterized by craniofacial features, growth impairment, intellectual disability, and seizures. Although genotype–phenotype correlation studies have previously been published, several important issues remain to be elucidated including seizure severity. We present detailed clinical and molecular‐cytogenetic findings from a microarray and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH)‐based genotype–phenotype analysis of 22 Japanese WHS patients, the first large non‐Western series. 4p deletions were terminal in 20 patients and interstitial in two, with deletion sizes ranging from 2.06 to 29.42 Mb. The new Wolf–Hirschhorn syndrome critical region (WHSCR2) was deleted in all cases, and duplication of other chromosomal regions occurred in four. Complex mosaicism was identified in two cases: two different 4p terminal deletions; a simple 4p terminal deletion and an unbalanced translocation with the same 4p breakpoint. Seizures began in infancy in 33% (2/6) of cases with small (<6 Mb) deletions and in 86% (12/14) of cases with larger deletions (>6 Mb). Status epilepticus occurred in 17% (1/6) with small deletions and in 87% (13/15) with larger deletions. Renal hypoplasia or dysplasia and structural ocular anomalies were more prevalent in those with larger deletions. A new susceptible region for seizure occurrence is suggested between 0.76 and 1.3 Mb from 4pter, encompassing CTBP1 and CPLX1, and distal to the previously‐supposed candidate gene LETM1. The usefulness of bromide therapy for seizures and additional clinical features including hypercholesterolemia are also described. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Patient with three euchromatic supernumerary marker chromosomes derived from chromosomes 1, 12, and 18: Characterization and evaluation of the aberrations
Authors: Schwanitz Gesa , Hagh Javad Karim Zad , Rad Isa Abdi , Omrani Mir Davood , Gamerdinger Ulrike , Schubert Regine , Elbracht Miriam , Eggermann Thomas , Eggermann Katja , Spengler Sabrina , Schüler Herdit , Gogiel Magdalena
Published: December 2013

The genetic relevance of small supernumerary marker chromosomes (sSMCs) depends on their content of euchromatin. In case of mosaicism, the phenotype of the carrier furthermore is influenced by the distribution of the marker in the body. In the majority of reported cases no correlation of the degree of mosaicism in the tissue(s) analyzed and the phenotype could be detected. In particular, non‐acrocentric derived sSMCs show a strong tendency to appear in mosaic state irrespective of the clinical picture. We present a patient with cognitive disability and mild craniofacial dysmorphisms with mosaicism of three different autosomal marker chromosomes. The extra chromosomes were analyzed by a combination of SNP array and a variety of fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) probes. All three markers were identified as ring chromosomes containing different amounts of euchromatic material derived from chromosome 1 (1p12 → q21), 12 (12p13.1 → q13.11) and 18 (18p11.21 → q11.2). The size and the frequency of the sSMCs were strikingly different, besides, we observed an unequal combination of the three derivates. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Complex chromosomal rearrangements causing Langer–Giedion syndrome atypical phenotype: Genotype–phenotype correlation and literature review
Authors: Cappuccio Gerarda , Genesio Rita , Ronga Valentina , Casertano Alberto , Izzo Antonella , Riccio Maria Pia , Bravaccio Carmela , Salerno Maria Carolina , Nitsch Lucio , Andria Generoso , Melis Daniela
Published: December 2013

Langer–Giedion syndrome (LGS) is caused by a deletion of chromosome 8q23.3–q24.11. The LGS clinical spectrum includes intellectual disability (ID), short stature, microcephaly, facial dysmorphisms, exostoses. We describe a 4‐year‐old girl with ID, short stature, microcephaly, distinctive facial phenotype, skeletal signs (exostoses on the left fibula, coccyx agenesis, stubby and dysmorphic sphenoid bone, osteoporosis), central nervous system malformations (hypoplastic and dysmorphic corpus callosum and septum pellucidum), pituitary gland hypoplasia and hyperreninemia. Array‐CGH revealed complex chromosomal rearrangements. A diagnosis of LGS was confirmed by the detection of a 8q23.3–q24.1 deletion. Associated chromosomal abnormalities were a 21q22.1 deletion and a balanced reciprocal translocation t(2;11)(p24;p15) de novo, confirmed by FISH analysis. We document the patient's atypical findings, never described in LGS patients, in order to update the genotype–phenotype correlation. We speculate that the disruption of regulatory elements mapping upstream CYP11B2 involved in the deleted region could cause hyperreninemia. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Preparation and characterization of extruded nanocomposite based on polycarbonate/butadiene‐acrylonitrile‐styrene blend filled with multiwalled carbon nanotubes
Authors: Marcin Wegrzyn , Benedito Adolfo , Gimenez Enrique
Published: December 2013

Nanocomposites of polycarbonate/acrylonitrile‐butadiene‐styrene (PC/ABS) with multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) prepared by masterbatch dilution are investigated in this work. Melt compounding with twin screw extruder is followed by complete characterization of morphology, rheological‐, mechanical‐, and thermal‐properties of the nanocomposites. Light‐transmission‐ and scanning electron microscopy shows the preferential location of MWCNT in the PC. Nevertheless, relatively good dispersion in the whole matrix is achieved, what is corroborated with the specific mechanical energy. The study of viscoelastic properties of PC/ABS‐MWCNT shows the fluid–solid transition below 0.5 wt % MWCNT. Beyond this point the continuous nanofiller network is formed in the matrix promoting the reinforcement. Addition of 0.5 wt % MWCNT reduces ductility of PC/ABS and enhances Young's modulus by about 30% and yield stress by about 20%. Moreover, theoretical values of stiffness calculated within this work agree with the experimental data. Electrical conductivity, showing percolation at 2.0 wt % MWCNT, are influenced by processing temperature. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 40271.
Evolution of adaptive immunity: Implications of a third lymphocyte lineage in lampreys
Authors: Kishishita Natsuko , Nagawa Fumikiyo
Published: December 2013

An alternative antigen receptor, named the variable lymphocyte receptor (VLR), was first identified in lampreys in 2004. Since then, the mechanism of VLR diversification via somatic gene assembly and the function of VLR‐expressing lymphocytes have been the subject of much research. VLRs comprise leucine‐rich repeat (LRR) motifs and are found only in the most phylogenetically distant vertebrates from mammals, lampreys, and hagfish. Previous reports showed that VLRA and VLRB are reciprocally expressed by lymphocytes that resemble T‐ and B cells; however, more recent reports show that another VLR, VLRC, is expressed on a third lymphocyte lineage, which may be equivalent to γδ T cells. The existence of three major lymphocyte lineages – one B‐cell‐like and two T‐cell‐like – and their development in lampreys, parallels the mammalian adaptive immune system. This suggests that these three cell lineages were present in the common vertebrate ancestor approximately 500 million years ago.
Convenient microtiter plate‐based, oxygen‐independent activity assays for flavin‐dependent oxidoreductases based on different redox dyes
Authors: Brugger Dagmar , Krondorfer Iris , Zahma Kawah , Stoisser Thomas , Bolivar Juan M. , Nidetzky Bernd , Peterbauer Clemens K. , Haltrich Dietmar
Published: December 2013

Flavin‐dependent oxidoreductases are increasingly recognized as important biocatalysts for various industrial applications. In order to identify novel activities and to improve these enzymes in engineering approaches, suitable screening methods are necessary. We developed novel microtiter‐plate‐based assays for flavin‐dependent oxidases and dehydrogenases using redox dyes as electron acceptors for these enzymes. 2,6‐dichlorophenol‐indophenol, methylene green, and thionine show absorption changes between their oxidized and reduced forms in the visible range, making it easy to judge visually changes in activity. A sample set of enzymes containing both flavoprotein oxidases and dehydrogenases – pyranose 2‐oxidase, pyranose dehydrogenase, cellobiose dehydrogenase, D‐amino acid oxidase, and L‐lactate oxidase – was selected. Assays for these enzymes are based on a direct enzymatic reduction of the redox dyes and not on the coupled detection of a reaction product as in the frequently used assays based on hydrogen peroxide formation. The different flavoproteins show low Michaelis constants with these electron acceptor substrates, and therefore these dyes need to be added in only low concentrations to assure substrate saturation. In conclusion, these electron acceptors are useful in selective, reliable and cheap MTP‐based screening assays for a range of flavin‐dependent oxidoreductases, and offer a robust method for library screening, which could find applications in enzyme engineering programs.
First report on long‐term clinical results after treatment of coronary bifurcation lesions with the Tryton dedicated bifurcation stent
Authors: Grundeken Maik J. , Kraak Robin P. , Baan Jan , Arkenbout E. Karin , Piek Jan J. , Vis M. Marije , Henriques Jose P.S. , Koch Karel T. , Tijssen Jan G.P. , de Winter Robbert J. , Wykrzykowska Joanna J.
Published: December 2013

Background

To improve clinical outcomes after percutaneous coronary interventions of coronary bifurcation lesions, the Tryton Side Branch Stent™ (Tryton Medical, Durham) was developed. Registry studies evaluating the Tryton stent has shown promising clinical results and the stent is currently compared with the provisional single stent strategy in a randomized trial. However, clinical results beyond one year are lacking, and therefore, we investigated the one‐ and two‐year outcomes after Tryton stent placement in a single‐center registry study.

Methods and results

All patients in our center in whom Tryton placement was attempted between October 2010 and December 2011 were included. Clinical outcomes were defined as cardiac death, any myocardial infarction (MI), target vessel revascularization (TVR), target lesion revascularization (TLR), stent thrombosis (ST), and target vessel failure (TVF; composite of cardiac death, MI, and TVR). Event rates were estimated using the Kaplan‐Meier method. We included 91 patients. Almost half (42%) of the patients included had acute coronary syndrome (ACS) as indication for PCI (12% unstable angina, 14% NSTEMI, and 16% STEMI). Median follow‐up duration was 713 days (IQR 617–840). TVF rates were 14.5% (one year) and 20.3% (two year). Two‐year cardiac death, MI, TVR, TLR and ST rates were 4.4%, 10.2%, 12.7%, 9.2%, and 2.2%, respectively.

Conclusions

In this single‐center registry, use of the Tryton stent was associated with acceptable clinical outcomes at two‐year follow‐up. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The effect of impaired 50‐gram oral glucose challenge test on fetal abdominal wall thickness
Authors: Aksoy Hüseyin , Aksoy Ülkü , Açmaz Gökhan , Tutuş Şadan
Published: December 2013

Background

Patients with impaired 50‐g oral glucose challenge test (OGCT) have not been investigated for fetal anterior abdominal wall thickness until now. We aimed to investigate patients with impaired 50‐g OGCT, but not gestational diabetes and match them with healthy uneventful pregnant participants for anterior abdominal wall thickness, estimated fetal weight, fetal gender, biparietal diameter, femur length and abdominal circumference.

Methods

A total of 99 pregnant women between 26 and 28 weeks of gestation were enrolled in the study. These patients were divided into two groups according to their 50‐g OGCT results. Fifty‐one pregnant women with uncomplicated healthy singleton pregnancies constituted our control group, and 48 singleton pregnant women with impaired 50‐g OGCT but normal 100‐g oral glucose tolerance test constituted our study group.

Results

We detected statistically significant high body mass index in impaired 50‐g glucose test group. Biparietal diameter, femur length, abdominal circumference and estimated fetal weight values were not significantly different between groups; however, anterior abdominal wall thickness value was significantly width in impaired 50‐g glucose test group. Moreover, there were no statistically significant differences between two groups for gender of fetuses.

Conclusion

Impaired 50‐g glucose test in pregnancy is related not only to increased maternal body mass index but also to fetal fat distribution. Although fetal abdominal circumference measurement and estimated fetal weight were not different between study and control group, increased anterior abdominal wall thickness can be detected in impaired 50‐g OGCT group. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Ice flow‐unit influence on glacier structure, debris entrainment and transport
Authors: Jennings Stephen J.A. , Hambrey Michael J. , Glasser Neil F.
Published: December 2013

The links between structural glaciology, glacial debris entrainment and transport have been established in a number of different glacier settings. Here we document the structural evolution of a temperate Alpine valley glacier (Vadrec del Forno, Switzerland) and demonstrate that individual flow units within the glacier have very different structural and debris characteristics. The glacier consists of a broad accumulation area with multiple basins feeding a relatively narrow tongue and is formed from six distinct flow units. Each flow unit has its own characteristic structural assemblage. Flow units that narrow rapidly down‐glacier are dominated by primary stratification that has evolved into longitudinal foliation. In contrast, wider flow units preferentially develop an axial planar foliation. Glacier structure plays a limited role in the entrainment of debris, which is more strongly influenced by ice‐marginal rockfall and avalanche inputs onto the glacier surface. However, once entrained, glacier structure controls the reorientation and redistribution of debris within the ice mass. By taking a whole‐glacier approach to describing glacier structure and debris transport, we conclude that individual flow units are unique with regard to structure and debris transfer. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
LNG Exports: North American LNG Exports Present Epic Opportunities and Risks
Authors: Goncalves Christopher
Published: December 2013

North American liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports present formidable uncertainties, risks, and opportunities for LNG buyers, sellers, traders, investors, and lenders, both in North America and abroad. The disruptive impact of these exports and their low, hub‐based competitive pricing challenge industry participants to develop new commercial strategies, pricing and indexing formulas, risk‐mitigation tactics, and economic optimization solutions. For some industry participants, the changes present opportunities to create new businesses and/or transform companies; for others, the risks to existing revenue and profits could become existential.
Paradoxical effects of minocycline in the developing mouse somatosensory cortex
Authors: Arnoux Isabelle , Hoshiko Maki , Sanz Diez Alvaro , Audinat Etienne
Published: December 2013

Minocycline, a tetracycline derivative, is known to exert neuroprotective effects unrelated to its antimicrobial action. In particular, minocycline prevents microglial activation in pathological conditions and consequently reduces the production of proinflammatory factors contributing to the propagation of diseases. Accumulative evidence indicates that microglial cells contribute to the maturation of neuronal and synaptic networks during the normal development of the central nervous system (CNS) and that perinatal inflammation is a known risk factor for brain lesions. Although minocycline has been used to infer microglia functions during development, mechanisms by which this tetracycline derivative affect the immature CNS have not been analyzed in detail. In this study, we demonstrate that minocycline administration during the first postnatal week of development has paradoxical effects on microglia phenotype and on neuronal survival in the mouse somatosensory cortex. Using a combination of immunohistochemistry and electrophysiology, we show that intraperitoneal injections of minocycline between postnatal days 6 and 8 affect distribution, morphology, and functional properties of microglia cells of the whisker‐related barrel cortex, leading to the development of a phenotype resembling that of microglia activated in pathological conditions. Minocyline also induced a massive cell death that developed faster than changes in microglia phenotype, suggesting that the latter is a consequence of the former. Finally, cell death and microglial activation were not observed when minocycline treatment was postponed by only 2 days (i.e., between postnatal days 8 and 10). These observations call into question the use of tetracycline derivatives during CNS development to study microglia or to reduce perinatal inflammation. GLIA 2014;62:399–410
Efficacy of pain treatment on mood syndrome in patients with dementia: a randomized clinical trial
Authors: Husebo B. S. , Ballard C. , Fritze F. , Sandvik R. K. , Aarsland D.
Published: December 2013

Background

Depression is common in nursing home (NH) patients with dementia, and often clustered with anxiety and other mood symptoms. An association between pain and depressive symptoms has been reported, but the impact of pain management on depression and other mood symptoms has not been investigated.

Objective

Secondary analyses of a cluster randomized clinical trial examine the response of dementia‐related mood symptoms to a Stepwise Protocol of Treating Pain.

Method

Three‐hundred fifty‐two patients with moderate and severe dementia and significant behavioural disturbances, related to 60 clusters (i.e. clusters defined as single independent NH units) in 18 NHs of Western Norway, were included. All patients in the intervention group received individual daily pain treatment with paracetamol, extended release morphine, buprenorphine transdermal patch or pregabaline for 8 weeks, with additional follow‐up assessment 4 weeks after completion of the intervention. Clusters randomized to control received usual treatment. A mood cluster consisting of depression, anxiety, sleep disorders, apathy and appetite items from the Neuropsychiatric Inventory‐Nursing Home (NPI‐NH) was the primary outcome.

Results

Analysed by Mann–Whitney U‐tests, Stepwise Protocol of Treating Pain conferred significant benefit in treatment of the NPI‐NH mood cluster (F = 13.4, df = 1;299, p < 0.001) and depression (F = 2.0, df = 1;301, p = 0.025). Further analyses highlighted improvements in apathy (F = 5.3, df = 1;300, p = 0.017), night‐time behaviours (F = 3.1, df = 1;301, p = 0.050), and appetite items (F = 11.6, df = 1;301, p = 0.005), but not irritability (p = 0.092) and anxiety (p = 0.125).

Conclusion

Mood symptoms including depression significantly improved with pain treatment, emphasizing the importance of more rigorous treatment of pain in agitated people with dementia. Findings have potentially immediate clinical relevance. © 2013 The Authors. International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
p38 and Extracellular Signal‐Regulated Kinases Activations have Opposite Effects on Primary‐Cultured Rat Cerebellar Granule Neurons Exposed to Sodium Arsenite
Authors: Liu Xiaona , Gao Yanhui , Yao Hongju , Zhou Lingwang , Pei Junrui , Sun Liyan , Wang Jing , Sun Dianjun
Published: December 2013

Arsenic is a widespread environmental toxicant in the world and regarded as both a carcinogen and an anticarcinogen. The present study was designed to evaluate roles of mitogen‐activated protein kinases in sodium arsenite‐induced effects on primary‐cultured rat cerebellar granule neurons (CGNs). Results revealed a decreased viability of the cells exposed to sodium arsenite (from 0 to 50 μM) in a dose‐dependent manner. Annexin V‐fluorescein isothiocyanate assay showed that apoptosis was obviously induced by arsenite treatment. High phosphorylation expressions of p38 and extracellular signal‐regulated kinases (ERK1/2), but not of c‐Jun N‐terminal kinases were observed due to arsenite treatment by western blotting analysis. Furthermore, SB203580 (an inhibitor of p38) decreased the percentage of apoptotic cells whereas arsenite‐stimulated toxicity was enhanced by U0126 (an inhibitor of ERK1/2). Taken together, these data suggest that p38 contributes to arsenite‐induced apoptosis of rat CGNs, but ERK1/2 may involve in cell growth and survival.
Regulator of G Protein Signaling 3 Protects Against Cardiac Hypertrophy in Mice
Authors: Liu Yu , Huang He , Zhang Yan , Zhu Xue Yong , Zhang Rui , Guan Li Hua , Tang Qizhu , Jiang Hong , Huang Congxin
Published: December 2013

Regulator of G protein signaling 3 (RGS3) is a negative regulator of G protein‐mediated signaling. RGS3 has previously been shown to be expressed among various cell types within the mature heart. Basic and clinical studies have reported abnormal expressions of RGS3 in hypertrophic hearts and in the failing myocardium. However, the role of RGS3 in cardiac remodeling remains unclear. In this study, we investigated the effect of cardiac overexpression of human RGS3 on cardiac hypertrophy induced by aortic banding (AB) in RGS3 transgenic mice and wild‐type littermates. The extent of cardiac hypertrophy was evaluated by echocardiography as well as pathological and molecular analyses of heart samples. RGS3 overexpression in the heart markedly reduced the extent of cardiac hypertrophy, fibrosis, and left ventricular dysfunction in response to AB. These beneficial effects were associated with the inhibition of MEK‐ERK1/2 signaling. In vitro studies performed in cultured neonatal rat cardiomyocytes confirmed that RGS3 overexpression inhibits hypertrophic growth induced by angiotensin II, which was associated with the attenuation of MEK‐ERK1/2 signaling. Therefore, cardiac overexpression of RGS3 inhibits maladaptive hypertrophy and fibrosis and improves cardiac function by blocking MEK‐ERK1/2 signaling. J. Cell. Biochem. 115: 977–986, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Microenvironment Is Involved in Cellular Response to Hydrostatic Pressures During Chondrogenesis of Mesenchymal Stem Cells
Authors: Ye Rui , Hao Jin , Song Jinlin , Zhao Zhihe , Fang Shanbao , Wang Yating , Li Juan
Published: December 2013

Chondrocytes integrate numerous microenvironmental cues to mount physiologically relevant differentiation responses, and the regulation of mechanical signaling in chondrogenic differentiation is now coming into intensive focus. To facilitate tissue‐engineered chondrogenesis by mechanical strategy, a thorough understanding about the interactional roles of chemical factors under mechanical stimuli in regulating chondrogenesis is in great need. Therefore, this study attempts to investigate the interaction of rat MSCs with their microenvironment by imposing dynamic and static hydrostatic pressure through modulating gaseous tension above the culture medium. Under dynamic pressure, chemical parameters (pH, pO2, and pCO2) were kept in homeostasis. In contrast, pH was remarkably reduced due to increased pCO2 under static pressure. MSCs under the dynamically pressured microenvironment exhibited a strong accumulation of GAG within and outside the alginate beads, while cells under the statically pressured environment lost newly synthesized GAG into the medium with a speed higher than its production. In addition, the synergic influence on expression of chondrogenic genes was more persistent under dynamic pressure than that under static pressure. This temporal contrast was similar to that of activation of endogenous TGF‐β1. Taken altogether, it indicates that a loading strategy which can keep a homeostatic chemical microenvironment is preferred, since it might sustain the stimulatory effects of mechanical stimuli on chondrogenesis via activation of endogenous TGF‐β1. J. Cell. Biochem. 115: 1089–1096, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
OA10 Is a Novel p38alpha Mitogen‐Activated Protein Kinase Inhibitor That Suppresses Osteoclast Differentiation and Bone Resorption
Authors: Jiang T. , Qin A. , Shao Z.Y. , Tian B. , Zhai Z.J. , Li H.W. , Zhu Z.A. , Dai K.R. , Ming H. Zheng , Yu Y.P. , Jiang Q.
Published: December 2013

In search of anti‐bone resorbing agents for the potential treatment of osteoporosis, we synthesized a novel compound Tert‐butyl 4‐(3‐[1H‐indole‐2‐carboxamido]benzoyl)piperazine‐1‐carboxylate (OA10) and found that OA10 is capable of inhibiting RANKL‐mediated osteoclast formation and osteoclastic bone resorption in a dose‐dependent manner. This biological effect is further supported by the fact that OA10 suppressed osteoclastic‐specific gene expression, including tartrate‐resistant acid phosphatase, cathepsin K receptor, and calcitonin receptor. Further molecular mechanism investigation revealed OA10 inhibited p38 phosphorylation, suppressed c‐fos and NFATc1 expression without affecting NF‐κB or JNK signaling pathways. Taken together, this study suggested that OA10 can inhibit osteoclastogenesis by suppressing p38‐c‐Fos‐NFATc1 cascade. OA10 may be developed as a therapeutic drug for osteoclast‐related osteolytic diseases. J. Cell. Biochem. 115: 959–966, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
HtrA1 Downregulation Induces Cisplatin Resistance in Lung Adenocarcinoma by Promoting Cancer Stem Cell‐Like Properties
Authors: Xu Yongqing , Jiang Zhiming , Zhang Zhonghui , Sun Nannan , Zhang Ming , Xie Jian , Li Tao , Hou Yunfeng , Wu Dawei
Published: December 2013

Cisplatin (CDDP) resistance usually develops during lung adenocarcinoma (LAC) therapy. However, the comprehensive mechanisms remain largely unclear. In this study, we first established a CDDP‐resistant LAC cell line‐A549/CDDP from its parental cell line‐A549. The results showed that CDDP resistance in A549/CDDP cells correlates with acquirement of cancer stem cell‐like properties (increased percentage of CD133‐expressing subpopulation, sphere formation and levels of some pluripotency‐associated markers). HtrA1 expression at both mRNA and protein levels was reduced in CDDP‐resistant A549/CDDP cells compared with that in A549 cells. Ectopic expression of HtrA1 in A549/CDDP cells reversed cancer stem cell‐like properties and CDDP resistance. In A549 cells, stable knockdown of HtrA1 expression promoted cancer stem cell‐like properties and CDDP insensitivity, however, these effects were blocked by inhibition of PI3K/Akt pathway using LY294002. Furthermore, HtrA1 knockdown could significantly stimulate PI3K/Akt signaling in A549 cells. In vivo studies, HtrA1 knockdown promoted tumorigenesis and conferred CDDP resistance in xenograft A549 tumors, which were reversed by intraperitoneal injection of LY294002. In conclusion, these results indicate that HtrA1 downregulation confers CDDP resistance by inducing cancer stem cell‐like properties via PI3K/Akt‐dependent pathway in A549 cells. Therefore, HtrA1 may be a potential target for overcoming CDDP resistance in LAC. J. Cell. Biochem. 115: 1112–1121, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Synthesis, Characterization and Evaluation of Antimicrobial and Antituberculosis Activities of New N‐(Substituted‐thioureido)aminobicyclo Dicarboximide and 3,4‐Disubstituted 1,2,4‐Triazolino‐5‐thione
Authors: Pachuta‐Stec Anna , Kosikowska Urszula , Mazur Liliana , Swatko‐Ossor Marta , Pitucha Monika , Malm Anna , Ginalskad Grażyna
Published: December 2013

The novel N‐(substituted‐thioureido)aminobicyclo dicarboximide and 3,4‐disubstituted 1,2,4‐triazolino‐5‐thione were synthesized and their antimicrobial and antituberculosis activities were examined. Selected dicarboxylic acid anhydrides were used to obtain derivatives of thiosemicarbazide and dicarboximide. Dicarboximides were also cyclized in the presence of an alkaline solution giving 1,2,4‐triazolino‐5‐thione. The chemical structure of all compounds was confirmed by IR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR, the X‐ray crystallography (6, 11) and elemental analysis. Antimicrobial and antituberculosis activities of the derivatives were measured.
Three‐component One‐pot Synthetic Route to Functionalized N‐Phenyl‐ and N,N‐(1,4‐phenylene)‐2‐alkylimino‐2,3‐dihydrothiazoles under Mild, Solvent‐ and Catalyst‐free Conditions
Authors: Iravani Nasir , Keshavarz Mosadegh , Monfared Maryam , Hosseini Fatemeh
Published: December 2013

A simple and efficient one‐pot synthesis of alkyl‐2‐(alkylimino)‐4‐methyl‐3‐phenyl‐2,3‐dihydrothiazole‐5‐carboxylate and dialkyl 3,3′‐(1,4‐phenylene)‐bis‐[2‐(alkylimino)‐4‐methyl‐2,3‐dihydrothiazole‐5‐carboxylate] derivatives from the reaction of phenylisothiocyanate (and also 1,4‐phenylene diisothiocyanate) and primary alkylamines in the presence of 2‐chloro‐1,3‐dicarbonyl compounds is described. This new protocol has several advantages such as lack of necessity of the catalyst and solvent, good yields,mild conditions and short times for reaction.
Company‐Speak: An Inside Perspective on Corporate Language
Authors: Vecchi Dardo De
Published: December 2013

In an increasingly globalized and interconnected world, it is no longer unusual to find several different languages being used in companies and other organizations. It is natural for researchers to pay attention to and explore these multilingual situations. Although equally important, analyses of monolingual situations are less frequent, however, probably because the perceived risk of misunderstanding and conflict is less obvious. In monolingual situations, everybody is supposed to understand everybody else because everybody is speaking the same language. This, however, is not the always the case. Even when people speak the same language, it does not mean that they understand everything that is said. Although “company‐speak''—the internal corporate language of an organization—can act as a bridge, it also can act as a barrier—not only within the company, but also between the company and its customers. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Raman scattering in the magnetically frustrated double perovskite Sr2YRuO6
Authors: García‐Flores A. F. , Terashita H. , Bittar E. M. , Jardim R. F. , Granado E.
Published: December 2013

The spin correlations and excitations of the Sr2YRuO6 double perovskite are investigated by means of Raman scattering, complemented by synchrotron X‐ray diffraction measurements. Anomalous softening of a breathing mode of the oxygen octahedra is observed below ~200 K, much above the long‐range antiferromagnetic ordering temperature, TN1 = 32 K, due to a spin‐phonon coupling mechanism in the presence of magnetic correlations. A diffusive Raman signal is also observed, possibly associated with spin excitations within magnetically correlated regions. Our results point to a characteristic energy and temperature scale of ~25 meV/200 K below which unusual behavior associated with magnetic correlations is observed in this material. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Disassembly of the cystovirus ϕ6 envelope by montmorillonite clay
Authors: Block Karin A. , Trusiak Adrianna , Katz Al , Gottlieb Paul , Alimova Alexandra , Wei Hui , Morales Jorge , Rice William J. , Steiner Jeffrey C.
Published: December 2013

Prior studies of clay–virus interactions have focused on the stability and infectivity of nonenveloped viruses, yielding contradictory results. We hypothesize that the surface charge distribution of the clay and virus envelope dictates how the components react and affect aggregation, viral stability, and infectivity. The bacteriophage Cystoviridae species φ6 used in this study is a good model for enveloped pathogens. The interaction between φ6 and montmorillonite (MMT) clay (the primary component of bentonite) is explored by transmission electron microscopy. The analyses show that MMT–φ6 mixtures undergo heteroaggregation, forming structures in which virtually all the virions are either sequestered between MMT platelet layers or attached to platelet edges. The virions swell and undergo disassembly resulting in partial or total envelope loss. Edge‐attached viral envelopes distort to increase contact area with the positively charged platelet edges indicating that the virion surface is negatively charged. The nucleocapsid (NCs) remaining after envelope removal also exhibit distortion, in contrast to detergent‐produced NCs which exhibit no distortion. This visually discernible disassembly is a mechanism for loss of infectivity previously unreported by studies of nonenveloped viruses. The MMT‐mediated sequestration and disassembly result in reduced infectivity, suggesting that clays may reduce infectivity of enveloped pathogenic viruses in soils and sediments.