bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Directing neuronal cell growth on implant material surfaces by microstructuring
Authors: Reich Uta , Fadeeva Elena , Warnecke Athanasia , Paasche Gerrit , Müller Peter , Chichkov Boris , Stöver Timo , Lenarz Thomas , Reuter Günter
Published: January 2012

For best hearing sensation, electrodes of auditory prosthesis must have an optimal electrical contact to the respective neuronal cells. To improve the electrode–nerve interface, microstructuring of implant surfaces could guide neuronal cells toward the electrode contact. To this end, femtosecond laser ablation was used to generate linear microgrooves on the two currently relevant cochlear implant materials, silicone elastomer and platinum. Silicone surfaces were structured by two different methods, either directly, by laser ablation or indirectly, by imprinting using laser‐microstructured molds. The influence of surface structuring on neurite outgrowth was investigated utilizing a neuronal‐like cell line and primary auditory neurons. The pheochromocytoma cell line PC‐12 and primary spiral ganglion cells were cultured on microstructured auditory implant materials. The orientation of neurite outgrowth relative to the microgrooves was determined. Both cell types showed a preferred orientation in parallel to the microstructures on both, platinum and on molded silicone elastomer. Interestingly, microstructures generated by direct laser ablation of silicone did not influence the orientation of either cell type. This shows that differences in the manufacturing procedures can affect the ability of microstructured implant surfaces to guide the growth of neurites. This is of particular importance for clinical applications, since the molding technique represents a reproducible, economic, and commercially feasible manufacturing procedure for the microstructured silicone surfaces of medical implants. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater , 2012.
Sleep and circadian misalignment for the hospitalist: A review
Authors: Schaefer Eric W. , Williams Mark V. , Zee Phyllis C.
Published: January 2012

Shift work is necessary for hospitalists to provide on‐site 24‐hour patient care. Like all shift workers, hospitalists working beyond daylight hours are subject to a misalignment between work obligations and the endogenous circadian system, which regulates sleep and alertness patterns. With chronic misalignment, sleep loss accumulates and can lead to shift work disorder or other chronic medical conditions. Hospitalists suffering from sleep deprivation also risk increased rates of medical errors. By realigning work and circadian schedules, a process called circadian adaptation, hospitalists can limit fatigue and potentially improve safety. Adaptation strategies include improving sleep hygiene before work, caffeine use at the start of the night shift, bright light exposure and planned naps during the shift, and short‐term use of a mild hypnotic after night work. If these attempts fail and chronic fatigue persists, then a diagnosis of shift work disorder should be considered, which can be treated with stronger pharmacotherapy. Night float scheduling strategies may also help to limit chronic sleep loss. More research is urgently needed regarding the sleep patterns and job performance of hospitalists working at night to improve scheduling decisions and patient safety. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2012; © 2012 Society of Hospital Medicine
Effects of Border Price Changes on Agricultural Wages and Employment in Mexico
Authors: Prina Silvia
Published: January 2012

This paper measures the impact of North American Free Trade Agreement–induced real border price changes of Mexican imports and exports on wages and employment of agricultural workers in Mexico. I find that changes in real border prices of crops did not affect agricultural wages. On the other hand, increases in the real price of vegetables (main agricultural export) were associated with an increase in employment in the cultivation of vegetables, whereas the drop in the real price of corn (main agricultural import) reduced the employment in the corn sector. This is in line with the predictions of neoclassical trade theory: in the absence of mobility costs or sector‐specific skills, factors moved smoothly from import‐competing sectors into export‐competing sectors. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effect of cinnamaldehyde on melanosis and spoilage of Pacific white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) during storage
Authors: Mu Honglei , Chen Hangjun , Fang Xiangjun , Mao Jinlin , Gao Haiyan
Published: January 2012

BACKGROUND: Shrimp is a very perishable product and postmortem changes occur rapidly. Sulfiting agents were once and are still widely used as a preservative in the shrimp industry. However, the application of sulfite in shrimp may pose a risk to human health. Thus development of a natural preservative as a sulfite alternative to extend the shelf life of Pacific white shrimp is urgently needed.

RESULTS: The effects of cinnamaldehyde essential oil (1 and 5 g kg−1) on the shelf life of Pacific white shrimp stored at 4 °C were investigated. As the concentration of cinnamaldehyde increased, residual polyphenoloxidase (PPO) enzyme activity decreased. Kinetic analysis showed that cinnamaldehyde was a noncompetitive inhibitor for the oxidation of L‐DOPA (L‐3,4‐dihydroxyphenylalanine) by PPO of Pacific white shrimp. Based on this study, shrimp treated with 5 g kg−1 cinnamaldehyde possessed the lowest aerobic plate count, total volatile basic nitrogen, and pH values in all treatments after 10 days of storage. According to the results of L*, cinnamaldehyde showed inhibitory activity toward the formation of melanosis.

CONCLUSION: Treatment with cinnamaldehyde could improve the sensory properties and extend the shelf life of Pacific white shrimp to 8 days. Therefore, cinnamaldehyde could be used as a promising natural preservative for inhibiting melanosis and preventing the growth of microbes during the chilled storage of Pacific white shrimp. Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Managing ecological traps: Logging and sapsucker nest predation by bears
Authors: Tozer Douglas C. , Burke Dawn M. , Nol Erica , Elliott Ken A.
Published: January 2012

We tested the equal preference ecological trap hypothesis for breeding yellow‐bellied sapsuckers (Sphyrapicus varius) along a time‐since‐harvest gradient (1–5 yr, 16–20 yr, 21–25 yr, and >60 yr) in selection system‐logged hardwood forests in Algonquin Provincial Park, Ontario. Yellow‐bellied sapsuckers preferred 1–5 year and >60‐year‐old cuts equally and more than 16–20 year and 21–25‐year‐old cuts. More‐abundant arthropod food and/or higher‐quality sap resources may have attracted yellow‐bellied sapsuckers to 1–5 year and >60‐year‐old cuts. Only 52% of pairs raised fledglings in 1‐ to 5‐year‐old cuts during years when nest predation by American black bears (Ursus americanus) was common, the incidence of which was negatively related to increased availability of American beech (Fagus grandifolia) nuts from the previous autumn. By contrast, 88% of pairs raised fledglings in all years in >60‐year‐old cuts. One‐ to 5‐year‐old cuts were demographic sinks that represent equal‐preference ecological traps in years when nest predation by bears was common, whereas >60‐year‐old cuts were always demographic sources. High‐quality habitat cues for nesting yellow‐bellied sapsuckers appear to be retained for 1–5 years after selection system logging but fail to deliver safe nest sites. Cavities excavated in heart‐rot‐infected nest trees are least likely to be depredated because cavity walls are typically harder and deter entry by depredating bears. Retaining more potential nest trees per ha at harvest (especially American beech with heart‐rot) may increase the proportion of sapsucker nests that are excavated in bear‐resistant trees, thereby reducing nest predation and increasing fecundity. © 2012 The Wildlife Society.
Facile Preparation of a Fully π‐Conjugated Metallopolymer Composed of Fused Salphen Complexes
Authors: Yagi Keisuke , Ito Muneyuki , Houjou Hirohiko
Published: January 2012

Novel π‐conjugated compounds composed of fused salphen groups as a repeating unit, embedded with four or an indefinite number of zinc nuclei have been synthesized. The solid‐state absorption spectra, IR spectra, and powder XRD patterns of these compounds are investigated and compared with those of analogous oligomers. The presumptive polymer contains at least five units of the salphen complex and its assembly is highly ordered in the solid state.
Improving Hydrogen Adsorption Enthalpy Through Coordinatively Unsaturated Cobalt in Porous Polymers
Authors: Yuan Shengwen , White Desiree , Mason Alex , Reprogle Briana , Ferrandon Magali S. , Yu Luping , Liu Di‐Jia
Published: January 2012

The design and synthesis of a new porous organic polymer (POP) incorporated with cobalt carbonyl complexes through built‐in bipyridinic coordination sites for hydrogen storage are described. A thermal activation process was developed to remove the ligated carbonyl and carbon dioxide in order to expose the cobalt atomically inside of porous structure. Various spectroscopic and physical characterization techniques were used to study the coordinated Co sites and the POP's surface property. Upon thermal activation, this new cobalt‐containing POP showed improved hydrogen uptake capacity and isosteric heat of adsorption.
Curcumin enhances the anticancer effects of trichostatin a in breast cancer cells
Authors: Yan Guang , Graham Kimmer , Lanza‐Jacoby Susan
Published: January 2012

Breast cancer patients with HER‐2 positive or estrogen receptor negative tumors have a poor prognosis because these tumors are aggressive and respond poorly to standard therapies. Histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors have been shown to decreased cell survival, which suggests that HDAC inhibitors may be developed for preventing and treating breast cancer. Curcumin has anti‐inflammatory and proapoptotic effects in cancer cells. We determined whether the HDAC inhibitor, Tricostatin A (TSA) in combination with curcumin would produce greater antiproliferative and apoptotic effects than either agent alone. Increasing the concentration of curcumin from 10 to 20 µM enhanced the growth inhibitory effects of the combination in SkBr3 and 435eB breast cancer cells, which was accompanied by decreased viability along with decreased phosphorylation of ERK and Akt. The decreased cell viability observed in SkBr3 cells when curcumin was combined with TSA led to a G0/G1 cell cycle arrest and increased p21 and p27, and decreased Cyclin D1 protein expression. The combination induced cleavage of caspase 3 and poly(ADP‐ribose) polymerase‐1, suggesting that cell death occurred by apoptosis. There were no changes in protein expression of Bcl2, Bax, or Bcl‐xL and decreased expression of p53. The combination increased protein expression of phosphorylated JNK and phosphorylated p38. Pharmacological inhibition of JNK, but not p38, attenuated the decreased viability induced by the curcumin and TSA combination. We conclude that p53 independent apoptosis induced by combining curcumin and TSA involves JNK activation. These findings provide a rationale for exploring the potential benefits of the combination of curcumin with TSA for treatment of breast cancer. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Rivastigmine as alternative treatment for refractory REM behavior disorder in Parkinson's disease
Authors: Di Giacopo Raffaella , Fasano Alfonso , Quaranta Davide , Marca Giacomo Della , Bove Francesco , Bentivoglio Anna Rita
Published: January 2012

Background:

We report on a double‐blind, crossover pilot trial for the treatment of rapid eye movement behavior disorder (RBD) in 12 patients with Parkinson's disease in whom conventional therapy failed.

Methods:

We employed a patch of the cholinesterase inhibitor rivastigmine at a dose of 4.6 mg/24 hours for 3 weeks compared with placebo to reduce the frequency of RBD episodes. The number of RBD episodes was monitored by diaries of bed partners.

Results:

Rivastigmine was well tolerated in most patients, with minor side effects, mainly related to peripheral cholinergic action, and significantly reduced the mean frequency of RBD episodes during the observation time.

Conclusions:

The results of this pilot trial need to be confirmed by further studies on a larger number of patients. © 2012 Movement Disorder Society
Recommendations for myasthenia gravis clinical trials
Authors: Benatar Michael , Sanders Donald B. , Burns Ted M. , Cutter Gary R. , Guptill Jeffrey T. , Baggi Fulvio , Kaminski Henry J. , Mantegazza Renato , Meriggioli Matthew N. , Quan Joanne , Wolfe Gil I. ,   THE TASK FORCE ON MG STUDY DESIGN OF THE MEDICAL SCIENTIFIC ADVISORY BOARD OF THE MYASTHENIA GRAVIS FOUNDATION OF AMERICA
Published: January 2012

The recommendations for clinical research standards published in 2000 by a task force of the Medical Scientific Advisory Board (MSAB) of the Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America (MGFA) were largely successful in introducing greater uniformity in the recording and reporting of MG clinical trials. Recognizing that changes in clinical trial design and implementation may increase the likelihood that new therapies are developed for MG, the MGFA MSAB Task Force here presents updated recommendations for the design and implementation of clinical trials in MG, including (a) the use of a quantitative measure, such as the MG‐Composite, that is weighted for clinical significance and incorporates patient reported outcomes; (b) consideration of nontrial strategies; and (c) development of biomarkers that support mechanistic studies of pharmacotherapies. The hope is that these updated task force recommendations will expedite the development and acceptance of more effective and less noxious therapies for MG. Muscle Nerve 45: 909–917, 2012
Doxycycline ameliorates the dystrophic phenotype of skeletal and cardiac muscles in mdx mice
Authors: Pereira Juliano Alves , Taniguti Ana Paula Tiemi , Matsumura Cíntia , Marques Maria Julia , Neto Humberto Santo
Published: January 2012

Introduction: We examined whether doxycycline, an antibiotic member of the tetracycline family, improves the histopathology and muscle function in mdx mice, the experimental model of DMD. Methods: Doxycycline was administered for 36 days (starting on postnatal day 0) and for 9 months (starting at 8 months of age) in drinking water. Histopathological, biochemical (creatine kinase), and functional (forelimb muscle grip strength) parameters were evaluated in limb, diaphragm, and cardiac muscle. Results: Doxycycline significantly minimized the dystrophic phenotype of skeletal and cardiac muscles and improved forelimb muscle strength. The drug protected muscle fibers against myonecrosis and reduced inflammation. Furthermore, it slowed the progression of myocardial fibrosis. Conclusions: This study provides evidence that doxycycline may be a potential therapeutic agent for DMD. Muscle Nerve 46: 400–406, 2012
Analyses of soft‐state signaling protocols in GMPLS‐Based WDM networks
Authors: Arakawa Shin'ichi , Ishida Shinya , Murata Masayuki
Published: January 2012

Wavelength‐routed Generalized Multi‐Protocol Label Switching (GMPLS) networks use Resource reSerVation Protocol—Traffic Engineering (RSVP‐TE) as signaling protocol to set up and tear down lightpaths. RSVP‐TE uses a soft‐state control mechanism to manage lightpaths. In the soft‐state control mechanism, each node sets a timer for each control state and resets the timer with refresh messages to maintain the state. When the timer expires due to losses of refresh messages, the control state is initialized and a reserved resource managed with the state is released. It has been considered that resource utilization of soft‐state protocols is inferior to that of hard‐state protocols, since soft‐state protocols may reserve resources until control states are deleted due to timeout. Therefore, some extensions to promote the performance of soft‐state protocols, such as message retransmission, have been considered. In this paper, we analyze the behavior of GMPLS RSVP‐TE and its variants with a Markov model and analyze the performance of RSVP‐TE. From the results, we demonstrate that resource utilization of RSVP‐TE can be equivalent to that of a hard‐state protocol when the loss probability of signaling messages is low. We also investigate the effectiveness of message retransmission and show that using message retransmission leads to poor resource utilization in some cases. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Exploring the management of the corporate public affairs function in a dynamic global environment
Authors: Moss Danny , McGrath Conor , Tonge Jane , Harris Phil
Published: January 2012

This paper explores the importance and approach to managing public affairs as an increasingly important external‐facing function in corporations operating in an increasingly complex, interconnected and politicized global business environment. Drawing on evidence gathered from a multi‐site case study of the public affairs function operating within a globally based consumer products company, supplemented by evidence from interviews with public affairs professionals from a cross section of other international companies, the paper examines the role played by public affairs professionals in managing the organizational–government–citizen interface and the issues that can arise from such potentially complex interactions. The paper examines a number of key factors that have influenced the way public affairs operates and can be managed on a global scale, and highlights the challenges that global organizations face in ensuring they have an effective global public affairs presence, capable of handling the array of contingencies that any organization may have to confront in pursuing its goals. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
From Proteomics Data Representation to Public Data Flow: A Report on the HUPO‐PSI Workshop September 2011, Geneva, Switzerland
Authors: Orchard Sandra , Albar Juan‐Pablo , Deutsch Eric W. , Eisenacher Martin , Binz Pierre‐Alain , Martinez‐Bartolomé Salvador , Vizcaíno Juan Antonio , Hermjakob Henning
Published: January 2012

The plenary session of the Proteomics Standards Initiative (PSI) of the Human Proteome Organization at the Tenth annual HUPO World Congress updated the delegates on the ongoing activities of this group. The Molecular Interactions workgroup described the success of the PSICQUIC web service, which enables users to access multiple interaction resources with a single query. One user instance is the IMEx Consortium, which uses the service to enable users to access a non‐redundant set of protein–protein interaction records. The mass spectrometry data formats, mzML for mass spectrometer output files and mzIdentML for the output of search engines, are now successfully established with increasing numbers of implementations. A format for the output of quantitative proteomics data, mzQuantML, and also TraML, for SRM/MRM transition lists, are both currently nearing completion. The corresponding MIAPE documents are being updated in line with advances in the field, as is the shared controlled vocabulary PSI‐MS. In addition, the mzTab format was introduced, as a simpler way to report MS proteomics and metabolomics results. Finally, the ProteomeXchange Consortium, which will supply a single entry point for the submission of MS proteomics data to multiple data resources including PRIDE and PeptideAtlas, is currently being established.
Boosting the Globalization of Plant Proteomics through INPPO: Current Developments and Future Prospects
Authors: Agrawal Ganesh Kumar , Sarkar Abhijit , Agrawal Raj , Ndimba Bongani Kaiser , Tanou Georgia , Dunn Michael J. , Kieselbach Thomas , Cramer Rainer , Wienkoop Stefanie , Chen Sixue , Rafudeen Mohammed Suhail , Deswal Renu , Barkla Bronwyn J. , Weckwerth Wolfram , Heazlewood Joshua L. , Renaut Jenny , Job Dominique , Chakraborty Niranjan , Rakwal Randeep
Published: January 2012

The International Plant Proteomics Organization (INPPO) is a non‐profit‐organization consisting of people who are involved or interested in plant proteomics. INPPO is constantly growing in volume and activity, which is mostly due to the realization among plant proteomics researchers worldwide for the need of such a global platform. Their active participation resulted in the rapid growth within the first year of INPPO's official launch in 2011 via its website (www.inppo.com) and publication of the ‘Viewpoint paper’ in a special issue of PROTEOMICS (May 2011). Here, we will be highlighting the progress achieved in the year 2011 and the future targets for the year 2012 and onwards. INPPO has achieved a successful administrative structure, the Core Committee (CC; composed of President, Vice‐President, and General Secretaries), Executive Council (EC), and General Body (GB) to achieve INPPO objectives. Various committees and subcommittees are in the process of being functionalized via discussion amongst scientists around the globe. INPPO's primary aim to popularize the plant proteomics research in biological sciences has also been recognized by PROTEOMICS where a section dedicated to plant proteomics has been introduced starting January 2012, following the very first issue of this journal devoted to plant proteomics in May 2011. To disseminate organizational activities to the scientific community, INPPO has launched a biannual (in January and July) newsletter entitled ‘INPPO Express: News & Views’ with the first issue published in January 2012. INPPO is also planning to have several activities in 2012, including programs within the Education Outreach committee in different countries, and the development of research ideas and proposals with priority on crop and horticultural plants, while keeping tight interactions with proteomics programs on model plants such as Arabidopsis thaliana, rice, and Medicago truncatula. Altogether, the INPPO progress and upcoming activities are because of immense support, dedication, and hard work of all members of the INPPO community, and also due to the wide encouragement and support from the communities (scientific and non‐scientific).
Are psychosocial factors associated with quality of life in patients with haematological cancer? A critical review of the literature
Authors: Allart Priscilla , Soubeyran Pierre , Cousson‐Gélie Florence
Published: January 2012

Background

Haematological cancers differ from other cancers mainly with regard to treatment strategies: surgery is used for diagnostic purposes but rarely for treatment, whereas chemotherapy is of central importance and, in some cases, cures patients. This article reviews studies that examine the relationships between psychosocial factors and quality of life (QoL) in haematological cancer patients.

Methods

A review of the literature was conducted from the databases ‘PsycInfo’, ‘Medline’ and ‘Science Direct’ using the keywords ‘lymphoma’, ‘leukaemia’, ‘myeloma’, ‘quality of life’, ‘psychosocial factors’, ‘coping’, ‘social support’, ‘personality’, ‘anxiety,’ ‘depression’, ‘locus of control’ and ‘alexithymia’.

Results

Fourteen studies were analysed. One study found positive relationships between sense of coherence and health‐related QoL, whereas another showed a positive link between self‐esteem and QoL. Another study suggested that a high external health locus of control was related to a better QoL. Fighting spirit had a positive impact on QoL for two studies, and helplessness–hopelessness was positively related to emotional distress in one study. Two studies indicated the relationships between emotional distress and QoL. Satisfaction with information about disease determined emotional distress in another study. Social support, general health perceptions, global meaning or spirituality were found to improve QoL in four other reports.

Conclusion

Literature about the relationships between psychosocial factors and QoL is lacking. Sense of coherence, self‐esteem and health locus of control, coping strategies, social support, global meaning or emotional distress are associated with QoL. Results concerning coping and social support should be interpreted with caution because of level II evidence in studies. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effect of closed endotracheal tube suction method, catheter size, and post‐suction recruitment during high‐frequency jet ventilation in an animal model
Authors: Hepponstall J. Michele , Tingay David G. , Bhatia Risha , Loughnan Peter M. , Copnell Beverley
Published: January 2012

Rationale

High‐frequency jet ventilation (HFJV) is often used to treat infants with pathologies associated with gas trapping and abnormal lung mechanics, who are sensitive to the adverse effects of suction.

Objective

This study aimed to investigate the effect of closed suction (CS), catheter size, and the use of active post‐suction sighs on tracheal pressure (Ptrach), and global and regional end‐expiratory lung volume (EELV) during HFJV.

Methods

Six anaesthetized and muscle‐relaxed adult rabbits were stabilized on HFJV. CS was performed using all permutations of three CS methods (Continual negative pressure, negative pressure applied during Withdrawal, and HFJV in Standby) and 6 French gauge (6FG) and 8 French gauge (8FG) catheter, randomly assigned. The sequence was repeated using post‐suction sighs. Ptrach, absolute (respiratory inductive plethysmography) and regional (electrical impedance tomography; expressed as percentage of vital capacity for the defined region of interest, %ZVCroi) EELV were measured before, during and 60 sec post‐suction.

Results

CS methods exerted no difference on ΔPtrach, ΔEELVRIP, or Δ%ZVCroi. 8FG catheter resulted in a mean (95%CI) 20.0 (17.9,22.2) cm H2O greater loss of Ptrach during suction compared to 6FG (Bonferroni post‐test). Mean (±SD) ΔEELVRIP was −6(±3) and −2(±1) ml/kg with the 8 and 6FG catheters (P < 0.0001; Bonferroni post‐test). ΔEELV was 31.7 (21.1,42.4) %ZVCroi and 24.8 (10.9,38.7) %ZVCroi greater in the ventral and dorsal hemithoraces using the 8FG. Only after 8FG CS was post‐suction recruitment required to restore EELV.

Conclusions

In this animal model receiving HFJV, ΔPtrach, ΔEELV, and need for post‐suction recruitment during CS were most influenced by catheter size. Volume changes within the lung were uniform. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2012. 47:749–756. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Necrotizing sarcoid granulomatosis of the lung in a 12‐year‐old boy with an atypical clinical course
Authors: Panigada Serena , Ullmann Nicola , Sacco Oliviero , Gambini Claudio , Bush Andrew , Rossi Giovanni A.
Published: January 2012

Necrotizing sarcoid granulomatosis (NSG) is a disorder of unknown etiology, rarely described in childhood, belonging to the heterogeneous group of the pulmonary angiitis and granulomatosis. One of the characteristics of NSG is to have typically a benign clinical course with minimal treatment with systemic steroids or even with no therapy at all. Here, we report the case of a boy with a lung consolidation, with morphological and histological features consistent with a diagnosis of NSG. Good clinical and roentgenographic response to high dose prednisone treatment was followed three times by relapses, when steroid treatment was tapered. New lesions were detected in different areas of the lung and not in initially affected area, never previously described in NSG and only rarely in other pulmonary angiitides. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2012. 47:831–835. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Testosterone promotes DNA damage response under oxidative stress in prostate cancer cell lines
Authors: Ide Hisamitsu , Lu Yan , Yu Jingsong , China Toshiyuki , Kumamoto Tomoka , Koseki Tatsuro , Yamaguchi Raizo , Muto Satoru , Horie Shigeo
Published: January 2012

BACKGROUND

Sustained chronic inflammation and oxidative stress in the prostate promote prostate carcinogenesis. The process of oncogenic transformation leads to enhanced DNA damage and activates the checkpoint network that functions as an inducible barrier against cancer progression. Here, we analyzed the effects of testosterone on the DNA damage response in prostate cancer cells to assess whether testosterone functions a barrier to cancer progression under the oxidative stress.

METHODS

We examined the effects of testosterone on components of the DNA damage response pathway, including ATM (ataxia‐telangiectasia‐mutated kinase), H2AX (histone H2AX variant), and Chk2 (checkpoint kinase2) in prostate cancer cell lines, treated with various concentration of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). Cellular apoptosis was quantified by poly (ADP‐ribose) polymerase (PARP) cleavage and flow cytometry.

RESULTS

H2O2 induced apoptosis and phosphorylation of ATM, Chk2, and H2AX in LNCaP cells. An ATM inhibitor, Ku55933, reduced H2O2‐induced apoptosis in LNCaP and 22Rv1 cells. Androgen treatments increased H2O2‐induced activation of the DNA damage response and PARP cleavage, but not when the H2O2‐treated cells were also treated with the anti‐androgen flutamide. The ATM inhibitor Ku55933 inhibited androgen‐induced phosphorylation of ATM and PARP cleavage.

CONCLUSIONS

DNA damage responses play important roles in the maintenance of the cell homeostasis in response to oxidative stress. Our results indicated that under oxidative stress androgen signaling may induce apoptosis by activating the DNA damage response. Prostate 72:1407–1411, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Glycoprotein transmembrane nmb: An androgen‐downregulated gene attenuates cell invasion and tumorigenesis in prostate carcinoma cells
Authors: Tsui Ke‐Hung , Chang Ying‐Ling , Feng Tsui‐Hsia , Chang Phei‐Lang , Juang Horng‐Heng
Published: January 2012

BACKGROUND

Glycoprotein transmembrane nmb (GPNMB) gene was originally identified in osteoblasts and belongs to the pmel‐17/nmb family. The function or regulation of GPNMB in the human prostate remains unknown.

METHODS

The expression of GPNMB in prostate carcinoma cells were determined by real‐time reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐qPCR) and immunoblot assays. Effects of ectopic GPNMB overexpression on cell proliferation, invasion, and tumorigenesis were determined by 3H‐thymidine incorporation, matrigel invasion, soft agar cloning assays, and murine xenograft study. Effects of GPNMB, p53, and androgen on target gene were assessed using RT‐PCR, immunoblotting, and transient gene expression assays.

RESULTS

In vitro analysis using several prostate cell lines suggested that expression of GPNMB may be relevant to the extent of neoplasia. Ectopic overexpression of GPNMB significantly attenuated cell proliferation and invasion and exerted antitumorigenic activity on PC‐3 cells in vitro and in vivo. GPNMB overexpression induced the gene expressions of N‐myc downstream regulated gene 1 (Ndrg1) and maspin in PC‐3 cells. Doxorubicin treatment or transient overexpression of p53 increased GPNMB expression. Androgen (R1881) treatment has a divergent effect on gene expression of prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) and GPNMB in LNCaP cells. Androgen treatment enhanced cell proliferation but downregulated GPNMB protein expression in stably overexpressed androgen receptor (AR) CA‐HPV‐10 cells.

CONCLUSIONS

Together these results suggest that GPNMB gene is a p53‐ and androgen‐dysregulated gene and should be regarded as an anti‐tumor gene for prostate cancer. The enhancement of Ndrg1 and maspin gene expressions may account for the anti‐proliferative and anti‐invasive function of GPNMB in PC‐3 cells. Prostate 72:1431–1442, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Variability of retention process of isoxaflutole and its diketonitrile metabolite in soil under conventional and conservation tillage
Authors: Alletto Lionel , Benoit Pierre , Bergheaud Valérie , Coquet Yves
Published: January 2012

BACKGROUND: Sorption largely controls pesticide fate in soils because it influences its availability for biodegradation or transport in the soil water. In this study, variability of sorption and desorption of isoxaflutole (IFT) and its active metabolite diketonitrile (DKN) was investigated under conventional and conservation tillage.

RESULTS: According to soil samples, IFT KD values ranged from 1.4 to 3.2 L kg−1 and DKN KD values ranged from 0.02 to 0.17 L kg−1. Positive correlations were found between organic carbon content and IFT and DKN sorption. IFT and DKN sorption was higher under conservation than under conventional tillage owing to higher organic carbon content. Under conservation tillage, measurements on maize and oat residues collected from the soil surface showed a greater sorption of IFT on plant residues than on soil samples, with the highest sorbed quantities measured on maize residues (KD ≈ 45 L kg−1). Desorption of IFT was hysteretic, and, after five consecutive desorptions, between 72 and 89% of the sorbed IFT was desorbed from soil samples. For maize residues, desorption was weak (<50% of the sorbed IFT), but, after two complementary desorptions allowing for IFT hydrolysis, DKN was released from maize residues.

CONCLUSION: Owing to an increase in organic carbon in topsoil layers, sorption of IFT and DKN was enhanced under conservation tillage. Greater sorption capacities under conservation tillage could help in decreasing DKN leaching to groundwater. Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Evaluation of fungicides for the management of Botryosphaeria dieback diseases of grapevines
Authors: Amponsah Nicholas T , Jones Eirian , Ridgway Hayley J , Jaspers Marlene V
Published: January 2012

BACKGROUND: A range of botryosphaeriaceous species can cause dieback and cankers in grapevines; however, different species most commonly affect the grapevines in different grape‐growing regions and countries. They infect through wounds and sporulate on woody stems and green shoots throughout the year, so wound protection is the recommended control strategy. This research evaluated fungicides for their ability to reduce mycelial growth and conidial germination of three botryosphaeriaceous species and to protect pruning wounds against infection.

RESULTS: In vitro experiments showed that nine out of 16 tested fungicides were effective at reducing mycelial growth and/or conidial germination of three isolates each of Neofusicoccum australe, N. luteum and Diplodia mutila. The species differed in their response to the fungicides, although N. luteum was usually the least sensitive. When nine selected fungicides were sprayed on cane pruning wounds on potted and field grapevines and subsequently inoculated with N. luteum conidia, some effectively protected them from infection. The most effective fungicides were flusilazole, carbendazim, tebuconazole, thiophanate‐methyl and mancozeb, as they prevented the inoculated pathogen from infecting healthy wood in 100, 93, 87, 83 and 80% of field vines, respectively.

CONCLUSION: This research has demonstrated that fungicides applied after winter pruning can protect vines from infection by conidia of three botryosphaeriaceous species. Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Hydrogenation of interface states at a clean grain boundary in the direct silicon bonded wafer
Authors: Jiang Tingting , Yu Xuegong , Gu Xin , Yang Deren , Rozgonyi George
Published: January 2012

The effect of hydrogenation on the electrical property of a clean grain boundary (GB) in the p‐type direct silicon bonded (DSB) wafers has been investigated by current–voltage (I–V) and capacitance–voltage(C–V) deconvolution. It is found that compared to the as‐bonded GB, the energy distribution of interface states at the GB subjected to hydrogenation become shallower, and the hole capture cross‐section can be reduced by about two orders of magnitude, while the density of GB states changes only slightly. Therefore, a significantly smaller potential barrier of GB could be obtained after hydrogenation. These results are interesting for us to understand the mechanism of hydrogen passivation of GBs in photovoltaics.
Global stabilization of a class of uncertain upper‐triangular systems under sampled‐data control
Authors: Du Haibo , Qian Chunjiang , Li Shihua
Published: January 2012

This paper considers the problem of using a sampled‐data controller to globally stabilize a class of uncertain upper‐triangular systems. First, we design a continuous‐time controller by integrating the nested saturation and Lyapunov design methods together. Then, the explicit formula for the maximum allowable sampling period is computed such that the discretized controller will guarantee global stability and robustness against uncertainties of the closed‐loop system. The bound of a proposed sampled‐data controller can be adjusted to any small level to accommodate the actuation bound in practical implementation. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Investigation of ion‐beam‐treated SiOx film surfaces for liquid crystal alignment
Authors: Son Phil Kook , Choi Suk‐Won
Published: January 2012

We investigated the liquid crystal (LC) alignment on SiOx film surfaces as a function of ion beam exposure time using scanning probe microscopy and X‐ray photoemission spectroscopy. It was concluded that the LC alignment with high or low pretilt angles did not contribute to the morphological roughness but depended on the roughness in the electric potential of the SiOx surfaces. We also found that SiOx films with vertical LC alignment show relatively low values of stoichiometry parameters (1.42 < x < 1.57), whereas those with homogeneous LC alignment show relatively high values of stoichiometry parameters (1.58 < x < 1.77). All the experimental results showed that the electric dipole–dipole interactions between the LC molecules and the SiOx surfaces played a dominant role in aligning LC molecules on ion‐beam‐treated inorganic surfaces. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Relation between the microstructure and microchemistry in Ni‐based superalloy
Authors: Kaciulis S. , Mezzi A. , Amati M. , Montanari R. , Angella G. , Maldini M.
Published: January 2012

Ni‐based superalloys with biphasic structure (γ + γ′) are widely used for high‐temperature applications, such as disks and blades of gas turbines and aeronautical engines. For these applications, the stability at high temperature is of utmost importance, in particular the coarsening and the morphological changes of γ′ may be seriously detrimental for in‐service components. Evolution of γ′ particles strongly depends on the composition difference between disordered matrix and particles. The present work is devoted to the investigation of the γ′ morphology and the microchemistry in single crystal CM186LC superalloy in as‐received condition and after creep. The study was carried out by scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy, standard X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy and scanning photoemission microscopy (SPEM) at the ELETTRA synchrotron facility in Trieste. The difference in the chemical composition of two phases, γ and γ′, was revealed from the SPEM images and their spectral analysis. The structural evolution, taking place during creep and leading to rafting, seems to be determined not only by the external applied stress but also by W diffusion from γ to γ′ phase. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effect of rapid thermal annealing process on calcination of tin oxide powder
Authors: Son Hyang Ho , Lee Won Gyu
Published: January 2012

Tin oxide powders were prepared by a homogeneous precipitation method using an aqueous solution of SnCl4 with urea and followed by a calcination process for the crystalline phase. The calcination method affects the crystalline properties of the tin oxide powders in terms of crystallinity and crystalline size. The degree of crystallinity strongly increases as the calcination temperature increases. In comparison with other calcination methods, the rapid thermal annealing (RTA) method yields a high specific surface area and a smaller crystalline size of the tin oxide powder than that achieved by the conventional furnace annealing method. In the RTA process, crystallinity increases as the calcination temperature increases and the ramp‐up speed to reach a designated temperature decreases. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Local disinfection of microorganism through torch‐type atmospheric pressure plasma
Authors: Son Hyang Ho , Lee Won Gyu
Published: January 2012

Torch‐type atmospheric pressure plasma with two ring‐type copper electrodes has been analyzed to investigate the characteristics of plasma plume and local sterilizing effect on microorganisms. The concentration of ozone as an active oxygen species in plasma plume was varied with the level of applied voltage and the proportion of gasses in a mixture composed of helium and oxygen. The temperature of the plasma flume could be increased to 38 °C as a maximum temperature under an exposure time of 10 min, which suggests that the plasma plume can be directed manually by a user to come in contact with delicate objects and materials without causing any heating or painful feeling. An advantage of the plasma is that it is controllable at low temperatures with high stability. Sterilization for E. coli was strongly affected by the applied voltage, the oxygen ratio in the gas mixture of He/O2, and the treatment time. Reactive oxygen species, including atomic oxygen and ozone, which are generated by the plasma plume, play an important role in the bacteria inactivation processes. Our plasma can be used successfully to sterilize E. coli for biomedical applications. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Characterisation of the surface microstructure of a melt‐spun Ni‐Ti shape memory ribbon
Authors: Jenko Monika , Grant John T. , Rudolf Rebeka , Kokalj Tadej , Mandrino Djordje
Published: January 2012

Because of their unique mechanical properties, shape memory and super elasticity, durability and biocompatibility, Ni‐Ti alloys are the most important memory shape alloys for applications in a wide range of medical implants and devices. These alloys contain approximately equal Ni and Ti atomic concentrations, meaning medical applications are still hindered by the concern for the release of Ni into surrounding tissues. We have studied the surface composition of a melt‐spun Ni‐Ti shape memory alloy using different surface analytical techniques, namely, Auger electron spectroscopy and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, before and after testing its biocompatibility in vitro. We have found that the surface consists of an oxide layer of 10 to 20 nm thickness, composed of Ti oxide and some Ni oxide with metallic Ni inhomogeneously distributed in the subsurface region. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
An Endogenous Vitamin K-Dependent Mechanism Regulates Cell Proliferation in the Brain Subventricular Stem Cell Niche
Authors: Gely-Pernot Aurore , Coronas Valérie , Harnois Thomas , Prestoz Laetitia , Mandairon Nathalie , Didier Anne , Berjeaud Jean Marc , Monvoisin Arnaud , Bourmeyster Nicolas , De Frutos Pablo García , Philippe Michel , Benzakour Omar
Published: January 2012

Neural stem cells (NSC) persist in the adult mammalian brain, within the subventricular zone (SVZ). The endogenous mechanisms underpinning SVZ stem and progenitor cell proliferation are not fully elucidated. Vitamin K-dependent proteins (VKDPs) are mainly secreted factors that were initially discovered as major regulators of blood coagulation. Warfarin ((S(−)-3-acetonylbenzyl)-4-hydroxycoumarin)), a widespread anticoagulant, is a vitamin K antagonist that inhibits the production of functional VKDP. We demonstrate that the suppression of functional VKDPs production, in vitro, by exposure of SVZ cell cultures to warfarin or, in vivo, by its intracerebroventricular injection to mice, leads to a substantial increase in SVZ cell proliferation. We identify the anticoagulant factors, protein S and its structural homolog Gas6, as the two only VKDPs produced by SVZ cells and describe the expression and activation pattern of their Tyro3, Axl, and Mer tyrosine kinase receptors. Both in vitro and in vivo loss of function studies consisting in either Gas6 gene invalidation or in endogenous protein S neutralization, provided evidence for an important novel regulatory role of these two VKDPs in the SVZ neurogenic niche. Specifically, we show that while a loss of Gas6 leads to a reduction in the numbers of stem-like cells and in olfactory bulb neurogenesis, endogenous protein S inhibits SVZ cell proliferation. Our study opens up new perspectives for investigating further the role of vitamin K, VKDPs, and anticoagulants in NSC biology in health and disease.

Disclosure of potential conflicts of interest is found at the end of this article.
Medium Access Control for dynamic spectrum access in cognitive radio networks: analysis under uncertainty
Authors: Dong Qiumin , Niyato Dusit , Wang Ping
Published: January 2012

Medium Access Control is an important component in cognitive radio that allow secondary users to identify and access spectrum opportunity without interfering with primary users. In this paper, a queueing model to analyze the performances of the secondary users in a cognitive radio network is presented. The queueing model considers the transmissions of a secondary system where a Medium Access Control algorithm is used to enable the secondary users to sense and access the channels. Also, a simple scheduler is employed to assign transmission time slots to the secondary users. Because the value of the system parameters can be perturbed and cannot be determined precisely, the analysis is extended to take uncertainty into account. In this case, a robust optimization method to study the Markov chain with uncertainty is applied to obtain the stationary probabilities of the queueing model under uncertainty. The lower and upper bounds of performance measures are obtained and compared with the nominal value. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Use of Buckets as Tools by Western Lowland Gorillas
Authors: Margulis Susan W. , Steele Gary R. , Kleinfelder Raymond E.
Published: January 2012

While all great apes have been documented to use tools, gorillas are arguably the least proficient tool users. In 2009, a Western lowland gorilla (Gorilla gorilla gorilla) at the Buffalo Zoo was observed using a bucket, which had been provided as part of normal enrichment, as a tool to collect water. We conducted a brief, ad libitum investigation to confirm the validity of the initial observation. We then carried out a systematic investigation of the behavior in 2010. We collected 72 hr of videotaped data and tested the null hypothesis that the gorillas did not differ in their prevalence of engaging in bucket‐use behaviors. We documented that all four adult gorillas in the group used buckets as drinking tools; however, there was significant individual variation in frequency and type of use of buckets. Four of the eight behaviors showed significant variation among individuals. The silverback male and the youngest adult female contacted and held the bucket significantly more than the remaining two adult females. The young female carried and drank from the bucket significantly more than any other individual. Furthermore, she was observed to fill the bucket with water four of the six times during which this behavior was observed. These data provide evidence of the ability of gorillas to utilize tools, given the appropriate environmental conditions. We continue to explore the abilities of gorillas to recognize the functionality of buckets as tools. Zoo Biol 31: 260–266, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.