bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Correlation between quantitative EEG and MRI in idiopathic generalized epilepsy
Authors: Betting Luiz E. , Li Li M. , Lopes‐Cendes Iscia , Guerreiro Marilisa M. , Guerreiro Carlos A.M. , Cendes Fernando
Published: January 2010

The objective of this study was to investigate the relationship between the focal discharges sometimes observed in the electroencephalogram of patients with idiopathic generalized epilepsies and subtle structural magnetic resonance imaging abnormalities. The main hypothesis to be assessed is that focal discharges may arise from areas of structural abnormality which can be detected by quantitative neuroimaging. Focal discharges were used for quantitative electroencephalogram source detection. Neuroimaging investigations consisted of voxel‐based morphometry and region of interest volumetry. For voxel‐based morphometry, volumetric MRI were acquired and processed. The images of each patient were individually compared with a control group. Statistical analysis was used to detect differences in gray matter volumes. Region of interest‐based morphometry was automatically performed and used essentially to confirm voxel‐based morphometry findings. The localization of the focal discharges on the electroencephalogram was compared to the neuroimaging results. Twenty‐two patients with idiopathic generalized epilepsies were evaluated. Gray matter abnormalities were detected by voxel‐based morphometry analysis in 77% of the patients. There was a good concordance between EEG source detection and voxel‐based morphometry. On average, the nearest voxels detected by these methods were 19 mm (mm) apart and the most statistically significant voxels were 34 mm apart. This study suggests that in some cases subtle gray matter abnormalities are associated with focal epileptiform discharges observed in the electroencephalograms of patients with idiopathic generalized epilepsies. Hum Brain Mapp, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Curcumin Inhibits Hepatic Protein-Tyrosine Phosphatase 1B and Prevents Hypertriglyceridemia and Hepatic Steatosis in Fructose-Fed Rats
Authors: Li Jian-Mei , Li Yu-Cheng , Kong Ling-Dong , Hu Qing-Hua
Published: January 2010

High consumption of dietary fructose is an important contributory factor in the development of hepatic steatosis in insulin or leptin resistance. We investigated the effects of curcumin on fructose-induced hypertriglyceridemia and liver steatosis and explored its preventive mechanisms in rats. Curcumin reduced serum insulin and leptin levels in fructose-fed rats. This compound could increase phosphorylation of insulin receptor and insulin receptor substrate 1 to enhance Akt and extracellular signal-regulated kinase1/2 (ERK1/2) activation in the liver of fructose-fed rats. Moreover, curcumin increased phosphorylation of hepatic janus-activated kinase-signal transducer 2 and subsequently also stimulated Akt and ERK1/2 activation in this model. Suppression of curcumin on leptin signaling overstimulation in tyrosine1138 phosphorylation of the long form of leptin receptor and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 resulted in down-regulation of suppressor of cytokine signaling 3 in the liver of fructose-fed rats. Thus, improvement of insulin and leptin signaling transduction and subsequently elevation of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α expression by curcumin led to reduction of very-low-density lipoprotein overproduction and triglyceride hypersynthesis. Furthermore, overexpression and hyperactivity of hepatic protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B) associated with defective insulin and leptin signaling were observed in fructose-fed rats. Additionally, curcumin was found to significantly reduce hepatic PTP1B expression and activity in this model.

Conclusion:

Our data indicate that the mechanisms by which curcumin protects against fructose-induced hypertriglyceridemia and hepatic steatosis are its inhibition on PTP1B and subsequently improvement of insulin and leptin sensitivity in the liver of rats. This PTP1B inhibitory property may be a promising therapeutic strategy for curcumin to treat fructose-induced hepatic steatosis driven by hepatic insulin and leptin resistance. (Hepatology 2010.)
Content and traffic of taurine in hippocampal reactive astrocytes
Authors: Junyent Fèlix , De Lemos Luisa , Utrera Juana , Paco Sonia , Aguado Fernando , Camins Antoni , Pallàs Mercè , Romero Rafael , Auladell Carme
Published: January 2010

Taurine is one of the most abundant free amino acids in the mammalian central nervous system, where it is crucial to proper development. Moreover, taurine acts as a neuroprotectant in various diseases; in epilepsy, for example, it has the capacity to reduce or abolish seizures. In the present study, taurine levels has been determine in mice treated with Kainic Acid (KA) and results showed an increase of this amino acid in hippocampus but not in whole brain after 3 and 7 days of KA treatment. This increase occurs when gliosis was observed. Moreover, taurine transporter (TAUT) was found in astrocytes 3 and 7 days after KA treatment, together with an increase incysteine sulfinic acid decarboxylase(csd) mRNA, that codifies for the rate‐limiting enzyme of taurine synthesis, in the hippocampus at the same times after KA treatment. Glial cultures enriched in astrocytes were developed to demonstrate that these cells are responsible for changes in taurine levels after an injury to the brain. The cultures were treated with proinflammatory cytokines to reproduce gliosis. In this experimental model, an increase in the immunoreactivity of GFAP was observed, together with an increase in CSD and taurine levels. Moreover, an alteration in the taurine uptake‐release kinetics was detected in glial cells treated with cytokine. All data obtained indicate that astrocytes could play a key role in taurine level changes induced by neuronal damage. More studies are, therefore, needed to clarify the role taurine has in relation to neuronal death and repair. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
TRPC channels underlie cholinergic plateau potentials and persistent activity in entorhinal cortex
Authors: Zhang Zizhen , Reboreda Antonio , Alonso Angel , Barker Philip A. , Séguéla Philippe
Published: January 2010

Persistent neuronal activity lasting seconds to minutes has been proposed to allow for the transient storage of memory traces in entorhinal cortex and thus could play a major role in working memory. Nonsynaptic plateau potentials induced by acetylcholine account for persistent firing in many cortical and subcortical structures. The expression of these intrinsic properties in cortical neurons involves the recruitment of a non‐selective cation conductance. Despite its functional importance, the identity of the cation channels remains unknown. Here we show that, in layer V of rat medial entorhinal cortex, muscarinic receptor‐evoked plateau potentials and persistent firing induced by carbachol require phospholipase C activation, decrease of PIP2 levels, and permissive intracellular Ca2+ concentrations. Plateau potentials and persistent activity were suppressed by the generic nonselective cation channel blockers FFA (100 μM) and 2‐APB (100 μM), as well as by the TRPC channel blocker SKF‐96365 (50 μM). However, plateau potentials were not affected by the TRPV channel blocker ruthenium red (40 μM). The TRPC3/6/7 activator OAG did not induce or enhance persistent firing evoked by carbachol. Voltage clamp recordings revealed a carbachol‐activated, nonselective cationic current with a heteromeric TRPC‐like phenotype. Moreover, plateau potentials and persistent firing were inhibited by intracellular application of the peptide EQVTTRL that disrupts interactions between the C‐terminal domain of TRPC4/5 subunits and associated PDZ proteins. Altogether, our data suggest that TRPC cation channels mediating persistent muscarinic currents significantly contribute to the firing and mnemonic properties of projection neurons in the entorhinal cortex. © 2010 Wiley‐ Liss, Inc.
Estradiol potentiation of NR2B‐dependent EPSCs is not due to changes in NR2B protein expression or phosphorylation
Authors: Snyder Melissa A. , Cooke Bradley M. , Woolley Catherine S.
Published: January 2010

The hormone, 17β‐estradiol (E2), influences the structure and function of synapses in the CA1 region of the hippocampus. E2 increases the density of dendritic spines and excitatory synapses on CA1 pyramidal cells, increases CA1 cells' sensitivity to excitatory synaptic input mediated by the NMDA receptor (NMDAR), enhances NMDAR‐dependent long‐term potentiation, and improves hippocampus‐dependent working memory. Smith and McMahon (2006J Neurosci 26:8517–8522) reported that the larger NMDAR‐mediated excitatory postsynaptic currents (EPSCs) recorded after E2 treatment are due primarily to an increased contribution of NR2B‐containing NMDARs. We used a combination of electrophysiology, Western blot, and immunofluorescence to investigate two potential mechanisms by which E2 could enhance NR2B‐dependent EPSCs: An increase in NMDAR subunit protein levels and/or a change(s) in NR2B phosphorylation. Our studies confirmed the E2‐induced increase in NR2B‐dependent EPSC amplitude, but we found no evidence that E2 affects protein levels for the NR1, NR2A, or NR2B subunit of the NMDAR, nor that E2 affects phosphorylation of NR2B. Our findings suggest that the effects of E2 on NMDAR‐dependent synaptic physiology in the hippocampus likely result from recruitment of NR2B‐containing NMDARs to synapses rather than from increased expression of NMDARs or changes in their phosphorylation state. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
OECD validation of phase‐3 Hershberger assay using the stimulated weanling male rat in Korea
Authors: Moon Hyun‐Ju , Kang Tae Seok , Kim Tae Sung , Kang Il Hyun , Kim Seung Hee , Han Soon Young
Published: January 2010

The OECD has proposed a new, validated test guideline with the stimulated weanling male Hershberger assay to avoid the surgical castration step. In the present study, we assessed the relevance and reliability of the stimulated weanling Hershberger assay in four stages. All chemicals except for testosterone propionate (TP) were orally administered to sexually immature male rats of 22 days old for 10 days. The weights of four mandatory accessory sex organs, two additional reproductive tissues and optional systemic organs were evaluated. At the first two stages, TP, as reference androgen, significantly increased the weights of epididymides and accessory sex organs (ASO) at 1.0 mg kg−1and flutamide (FLU), as a positive anti‐androgen control, decreased the TP‐stimulated organ weights at 3.0 mg kg−1. At stage 3, trenbolone (40 mg kg−1), an anabolic steroid, significantly increased ASO weights, and weak anti‐androgens (DDE and linuron) decreased the TP‐stimulated ASO weights at each high dose. The above results were confirmed in a blind test with coded substances provided by OECD. Compared with results from our previous castrated male assay, the intact weanling version is less sensitive than the castrated male version, in terms of a smaller response at the reference dose of TP or FLU. However, this study suggests that the stimulated weanling Hershberger assay can detect the effects of both potent and weak anti‐androgens on androgen‐producing and androgen‐dependent tissues. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Quantum chemical modeling of enzymatic reactions: The case of histone lysine methyltransferase
Authors: Georgieva Polina , Himo Fahmi
Published: January 2010

Quantum chemical cluster models of enzyme active sites are today an important and powerful tool in the study of various aspects of enzymatic reactivity. This methodology has been applied to a wide spectrum of reactions and many important mechanistic problems have been solved. Herein, we report a systematic study of the reaction mechanism of the histone lysine methyltransferase (HKMT) SET7/9 enzyme, which catalyzes the methylation of the N‐terminal histone tail of the chromatin structure. In this study, HKMT SET7/9 serves as a representative case to examine the modeling approach for the important class of methyl transfer enzymes. Active site models of different sizes are used to evaluate the methodology. In particular, the dependence of the calculated energies on the model size, the influence of the dielectric medium, and the particular choice of the dielectric constant are discussed. In addition, we examine the validity of some technical aspects, such as geometry optimization in solvent or with a large basis set, and the use of different density functional methods. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comput Chem, 2010
TD‐DFT study on the sensing mechanism of a fluorescent chemosensor for fluoride: Excited‐state proton transfer
Authors: Li Guang‐Yue , Zhao Guang‐Jiu , Liu Yu‐Hui , Han Ke‐Li , He Guo‐Zhong
Published: January 2010

An excited‐state proton transfer (ESPT) process, induced by both intermolecular and intramolecular hydrogen‐bonding interactions, is proposed to account for the fluorescence sensing mechanism of a fluoride chemosensor, phenyl‐1H‐anthra(1,2‐d)imidazole‐6,11‐dione. The time‐dependent density functional theory (TD‐DFT) method has been applied to investigate the different electronic states. The present theoretical study of this chemosensor, as well as its anion and fluoride complex, has been conducted with a view to monitoring its structural and photophysical properties. The proton of the chemosensor can shift to fluoride in the ground state but transfers from the proton donor (NH group) to a proton acceptor (neighboring carbonyl group) in the first singlet excited state. This may explain the observed red shifts in the fluorescence spectra in the relevant fluorescent sensing mechanism. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comput Chem, 2010
Reaction mechanism of methanol decomposition on Pt‐based model catalysts: A theoretical study
Authors: Niu Cui‐Yu , Jiao Jiao , Xing Bin , Wang Gui‐Chang , Bu Xian‐He
Published: January 2010

The decomposition mechanisms of methanol on five different Pt surfaces, the flat surface of Pt(111), Pt‐defect, Pt‐step, Pt(110)(1 × 1), and Pt(110)(2 × 1), have been studied with the DFT‐GGA method using the repeated slab model. The adsorption energies under the most stable configuration of the possible species and the activation energy barriers of the possible elementary reactions involved are obtained in this work. Through systematic calculations for the reaction mechanism of methanol decomposition on these surfaces, we found that such a reaction shows the same reaction mechanism on these Pt‐based model catalysts, that is, the final products are all H (Hads) and CO (COads) via OH bond breaking in methanol and CH bond scission in methoxy. These results are in general agreement with the previous experimental observations. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comput Chem, 2010.
Effects of genistein on β‐catenin signaling and subcellular distribution of actin‐binding proteins in human umbilical CD105‐positive stromal cells
Authors: Shieh Dar‐Bin , Li Rui‐You , Liao Jiuan‐Miaw , Chen Gin‐Den , Liou Ying‐Ming
Published: January 2010

This study was performed to define the roles of actin‐binding proteins in the regulation of actin filament assembly associated with cellular signal transduction pathways in stromal cell proliferation. Genistein, a tyrosine protein kinase inhibitor, decreased the intracellular Ca2+ and attenuated cell proliferation and DNA synthesis through the β‐catenin and cyclin D1 pathway in human umbilical CD105‐positive cells. Immunoprecipitation studies using anti‐β‐actin antibody revealed that several actin‐binding proteins implicated in cells include formin‐2 (FMN‐2), caldesmon (CaD), tropomyosin (Tm), and profilin. Protein levels of these proteins in whole cell lysates were not significantly changed by genistein. Three Tm isoforms, Tm‐1, Tm‐2, and Tm‐4, were found to be present in cells. Genistein caused a reduction in levels of mRNAs coding for Tm‐1 and Tm‐4, but had no significant effect on Tm‐2 mRNA levels. Immunofluorescence confocal scanning microscopy indicated that changes in the subcellular distribution of Tm and CaD, in which the diffuse cytosolic staining was shifted to show colocalization with actin stress fibers. In contrast, genistein‐induced accumulation of FMN‐2 and profilin in the peri‐nuclear area. Silencing of FMN‐2 by small interfering RNA resulted in increases of intracellular Ca2+ and rendered genistein resistance in decreasing intracellular Ca2+ in cells. These results provide the novel findings that genistein acts by modulating the cellular distribution of actin‐binding proteins in association with alterations of cellular signal transduction pathways in human stromal cell proliferation. J. Cell. Physiol. 223: 423–434, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Modulation of coxsackie and adenovirus receptor expression for gene transfer to normal and dystrophic skeletal muscle
Authors: Larochelle Nancy , Teng Qingshan , Gilbert Rénald , Deol Jatinderpal R. , Karpati George , Holland Paul C. , Nalbantoglu Josephine
Published: January 2010

Background

Efficient adenovirus (AdV)‐mediated gene transfer is possible only in immature muscle or regenerating muscle, suggesting that a developmentally regulated event plays a major role in limiting AdV uptake in mature skeletal muscle. Previously, we showed that the expression of the primary coxsackie and adenovirus receptor (CAR) is severely down‐regulated during muscle maturation and that, in muscle‐specific CAR transgenic mice, there is significant enhancement of AdV‐mediated gene transfer to mature skeletal muscle.

Methods

To evaluate whether increasing CAR expression can also augment gene transfer to dystrophic muscle that has many regenerating fibers, we crossed CAR transgenics with dystrophin‐deficient mice (mdx/CAR). We also tested a two‐step protocol in which CAR levels were increased in the target muscle, prior to administration of AdV, through the use of recombinant adeno‐associated virus (AAV2) expressing CAR. Lastly, we assessed the effect of histone deacetylase inhibitors on CAR and AdV transduction efficiency in myoblasts and mdx muscle.

Results

Although somewhat higher rates of transduction can be achieved in adult mdx mice than in normal mice as a result of ongoing muscle regeneration in these animals, CAR expression in the mdx background (mdx/CAR transgenics) still markedly improved the susceptibility of mature muscle to AdV‐mediated gene transfer of dystrophin. Prior administration of AAV2‐CAR to normal muscle led to significantly increased transduction by subsequent injection of AdV. The histone deacetylase inhibitor valproate increased CAR transcript and protein levels in myoblasts and mdx muscle, and also increased AdV‐mediated gene transfer.

Conclusions

We have developed a method of increasing CAR levels in both normal and regenerating muscle. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
K4‐free graphs with no odd hole: Even pairs and the circular chromatic number
Authors: Zwols Yori
Published: January 2010

An odd hole in a graph is an induced cycle of odd length at least five. In this article we show that every imperfect K4‐free graph with no odd hole either is one of two basic graphs, or has an even pair or a clique cutset. We use this result to show that every K4‐free graph with no odd hole has circular chromatic number strictly smaller than 4. We also exhibit a sequence {Hn} of such graphs with limn→∞χc(Hn)=4. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Graph Theory 65: 303–322, 2010
Large classes of infinite k‐cop‐win graphs
Authors: Bonato Anthony , Hahn Geňa , Tardif Claude
Published: January 2010

While finite cop‐win finite graphs possess a good structural characterization, none is known for infinite cop‐win graphs. As evidence that such a characterization might not exist, we provide as large as possible classes of infinite graphs with finite cop number. More precisely, for each infinite cardinal κ and each positive integer k, we construct 2κ non‐isomorphic k‐cop‐win graphs satisfying additional properties such as vertex‐transitivity, or having universal endomorphism monoid and automorphism group. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Graph Theory 65: 334–342, 2010
Biochemical characterization of an alkaline metallopeptidase secreted by a Pseudomonas fluorescens isolated from soil
Authors: Jankiewicz Urszula , Szawłowska Urszula , Sobańska Monika
Published: January 2010

The extracellular endopeptidase synthesized by soil bacterium Pseudomonas fluorescens was purified to homogeneity in a four‐step procedure. The enzyme was purified 45‐fold, with a 20% recovery. The endopeptidase appeared to be a monomer with a molecular mass of approx. 50 kDa. The enzyme was active in the pH range of 7 to 10. The optimal activity was detected at pH 9.0 and at 42 °C.

Enzyme activity was inhibited by EDTA, EGTA and 1,10 phenanthroline, typical metalloprotease inhibitors. Ca2+ activated the enzyme while Zn2+, Co2+, Cd2+(in high concentration) strongly inhibited it. The presence of calcium ions strongly stabilized the enzyme with regard to thermal resistance. The amino acid sequence of fragments of the enzymatic protein determined by MS analysis revealed a high similarity to the sequences of other alkaline metalloendopeptidases of bacteria belonging to the genus Pseudomonas. (© 2010 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Estimation of combined effects of carbon and nitrogen sources on the growth and bacteriocin production of Lactobacillus salivarius from human source
Authors: Tomás María Silvina Juárez , Bru Elena , Nader‐Macías María Elena Fátima
Published: January 2010

Vaginal Lactobacillus salivarius CRL 1328 (Centro de Referencia para Lactobacilos Culture Collection) or the bacteriocin that produces could be included in a urogenital probiotic formula to prevent urogenital infections in women. The objective of this work was to determine the effects of different carbon and nitrogen sources on the growth and bacteriocin production of this microorganism. A fractional factorial design 35–1 was applied to evaluate the effects of five nutrients (glucose, lactose, yeast extract, tryptone and meat peptone), at three different concentrations (0, 1 and 2%). Results were statistically analyzed for linear and quadratic effects of nutrients, along with their interactions. All the nutrients tested stimulated the cell growth and bacteriocin production, but lactose had not a significant influence on the last response. The linear effects of higher magnitude on biomass and bacteriocin production were those of yeast extract and tryptone. The results demonstrated that there were significant interactions between the different nutrients, depending on the response evaluated. Maximum bacteriocin production was reached in different growth media with a lower cost than conventional culture media used in the laboratory. These findings will contribute to the design of a pharmaceutical product for the restoration of ecological balance of urogenital tract. (© 2010 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Gongronella sp induces overproduction of laccase in Panus rudis
Authors: Wei Fen , Hong Yuzhi , Liu Juanjuan , Yuan Jing , Fang Wei , Peng Hui , Xiao Yazhong
Published: January 2010

Laccase is usually produced via chemical induction and is also synthesized by hosts in interaction with the typical bio‐control genus Trichoderma. In this study, we found that a newly isolated non‐laccase‐producing fungus, Gongronella sp. W5, could induce overproduction of laccase in Panus rudis. The enzyme activity, 148,200 U l–1, was 25 times higher than the activity obtained from a chemical induction using copper/o ‐toluidine as inducers. A new laccase isozyme from the interaction of P. rudis and G. W5 was purified and characterized. A further test showed that some pH resistant metabolites secreted by G. W5 acted as signals to induce P. rudis laccase. Laccase is also highly expressed by Trametes sp. AH28‐2 in interaction with Trichoderma sp. ZH1. However, no laccase activity was observed from the cross‐over interactions of P. rudis –Trichoderma sp. ZH1 or Trametes sp. AH28‐2–G. W5. (© 2010 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
PQQ‐Dependent Alcohol Dehydrogenase (QEDH) of Pseudomonas aeruginosa is involved in catabolism of acyclic terpenes
Authors: Chattopadhyay Ava , Förster‐Fromme Karin , Jendrossek Dieter
Published: January 2010

Growth of Pseudomonas aeruginosa on acyclic terpene alcohols such as geraniol depends on the presence of the atuRABCDEFGH gene cluster and a functional acyclic terpene utilisation (Atu) pathway. The proteins encoded by the atu gene cluster are necessary but not sufficient for growth on acyclic terpenes. Comparative 2‐dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis of soluble P. aeruginosa proteins revealed the presence of an additional spot (besides Atu proteins) that is specifically expressed in geraniol cells but is absent in isovalerate‐grown cells. The spot was identified as PA1982 gene product a pyrroloquinoline quinone (PQQ) dependent ethanol oxidoreductase (QEDH). Inactivation of PA1982 by insertion mutagenesis resulted in inability of the mutant to utilise ethanol and in reduced growth on geraniol. Growth on ethanol was restored by transferring an intact copy of the PA1982 gene into the mutant. The PA1982 gene product was purified from recombinant Escherichia coli and revealed PQQ‐dependent oxidoreductase activity with a variety of substrates including acyclic terpene derivates at comparable Vmax‐values. Our results show that QEDH participates in oxidation of acyclic terpene derivates in addition to the well‐known function in ethanol metabolism. (© 2010 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Improving the quality of processing gastric cancer specimens: The pathologist's perspective
Authors: Mahar Alyson L. , Qureshi Alia P. , Ottensmeyer C. Andrea , Chetty Runjan , Pollett Aaron , Coburn Natalie G. , Wright Frances C.
Published: January 2010

Background and Objectives

Research into surgeon and pathologist knowledge of guidelines for lymph node (LN) assessment in gastric cancer demonstrated a knowledge deficit. To understand factors affecting optimal assessment we surveyed pathologists to identify external barriers.

Methods

Pathologists were identified using two Ontario physician databases and surveyed online or by mail, with a 40% response rate.

Results

The majority (56%) of pathologists stated assessing an additional five LNs would not be a burden. Most (80%) pathologists disagreed with pay for performance for achieving quality standards. Qualitative analysis determined the majority of pathologists believed achieving quality standards was inherent to their profession and should not require incentives. Poor surgical specimen was identified as a barrier and underscores the importance of aiming quality improvement initiatives at the multidisciplinary team.

Conclusion

In addition to education, tailoring an intervention to address all barriers, including laboratory constraints may be an effective means of improving gastric cancer care. J. Surg. Oncol. 2010; 101:195–199. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Secondary cytoreductive surgery in the management of platinum‐sensitive recurrent epithelial ovarian cancer
Authors: Park Jeong‐Yeol , Eom Jeong‐Min , Kim Dae‐Yeon , Kim Jong‐Hyeok , Kim Yong‐Man , Kim Young‐Tak , Nam Joo‐Hyun
Published: January 2010

Background and Objectives

To assess the surgical and survival outcomes after secondary cytoreductive surgery (SCRS) in patients with platinum‐sensitive recurrent epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) and to identify patients who would most benefit from SCRS.

Methods

Inclusion criteria consisted of (1) recurrent EOC; (2) disease‐free interval (DFI) ≥6 months after primary therapy; and (3) SCRS with therapeutic intent followed by adjuvant chemotherapy.

Results

Sixty‐seven patients met the inclusion criteria in the interval 1992–2008. Median DFI was 20 months (range: 6–109 months). Median time in surgery was 240 min (range: 60–680 min), and median estimated blood loss was 100 ml (range: 50–3,000 ml). There was no significant perioperative complication requiring reoperation. Complete resection of all visible tumor tissue was achieved in 37 patients (55.2%), with residual tumors (RT) ≤1 cm remaining in four patients (6%). After a mean follow‐up of 41 months (range: 6–145 months), the 2‐ and 5‐year disease‐free survival (DFS) rates were 32% and 10%, respectively, and the 2‐ and 5‐year overall survival (OS) rates were 58% and 26%, respectively. In multivariable analysis, DFI >24 months and RT ≤1 cm were significant predictors of DFS and OS.

Conclusions

SCRS is safe and effective, with a low rate of complications. Patients who benefited most from this surgery were those with a DFI >24 months and patients who achieved optimal cytoreduction. J. Surg. Oncol. 2010; 101:418–424. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Preoperative risk assessment and prevention of complications in patients with esophageal cancer
Authors: Grotenhuis Brechtje A. , Wijnhoven Bas P.L. , Grüne Frank , van Bommel Jasper , Tilanus Hugo W. , van Lanschot J. Jan B.
Published: January 2010

In this review the preoperative risk assessment and prevention of complications in patients undergoing esophagectomy for cancer is discussed. Age, pulmonary and cardiovascular condition, nutritional status, and neoadjuvant chemo(radio)therapy are known predictive factors. None of these factors is a valid exclusion criterion for esophagectomy, but may help in careful patient selection. Both anesthetists and surgeons play an important role in intraoperative risk reduction by means of appropriate fluid management and application of optimal surgical techniques. J. Surg. Oncol. 2010; 101:270–278. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Hyper MV ‐ideals in hyper MV ‐algebras
Authors: Torkzadeh Lida , Ahadpanah Afsaneh
Published: January 2010

In this paper we define the hyper operations ⊗, ∨ and ∧ on a hyper MV ‐algebra and we obtain some related results. After that by considering the notions ofhyper MV ‐ideals and weak hyper MV ‐ideals, we prove some theorems. Then we determine relationships between (weak) hyper MV ‐ideals in a hyper MV ‐algebra (M, ⊕, *, 0) and (weak) hyper K ‐ideals in a hyper K ‐algebra (M, °, 0). Finally we give a characterization of hyper MV ‐algebras of order 3 or 4 based on the (weak) hyper MV ‐ideals (© 2010 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Connectedness and compactness on standard sets
Authors: Almeida Ricardo
Published: January 2010

We present a nonstandard characterization of connected compact sets (© 2010 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
The class of polyadic algebras has the super amalgamation property
Authors: Ahmed Tarek Sayed
Published: January 2010

We show that for infinite ordinals α the class of polyadic algebras of dimension α has the super amalgamation property (© 2010 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Full Lambek Calculus in natural deduction
Authors: Zimmermann Ernst
Published: January 2010

A formulation of Full Lambek Calculus in the framework of natural deduction is given (© 2010 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
The expression of SIAH1 is downregulated and associated with Bim and apoptosis in human breast cancer tissues and cells
Authors: Wen Yuan‐Yuan , Yang Zhi‐Qiang , Song Min , Li Bai‐Lin , Yao Xiao‐Hui , Chen Xiao‐Ling , Zhao Jing , Lu Yi‐Yan , Zhu Ji‐Jiang , Wang En‐Hua
Published: January 2010

Seven in absentia homolog1 (SIAH1) was reported as a tumor suppressor and played an important role in regulating cell apoptosis. However, its effects on the breast carcinogenesis remain unclear. In this study, our aims were to examine the relationship between SIAH1 and Bcl‐2‐interacting mediator of cell death (Bim) and to explore the effects of SIAH1 on the breast carcinogenesis. Immunohistochemical analysis in 231 cases of breast tissues showed that the expression of SIAH1 and Bim were significantly decreased in the breast carcinogenesis. Moreover, SIAH1 expression was significantly correlated with Bim. Both SIAH1 and Bim expression were significantly higher in well to moderately differentiated and in early‐stage breast cancer. Reverse transcription (RT)‐polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and Western blot analysis in paired breast cancer tissues and breast cell lines found that the expression of SIAH1 was lower in the breast cancer tissues and cell lines. SIAH1 inducing apoptosis of the breast cancer cells was dependent on Bim. However, SIAH1 inhibiting invasion of the breast cancer cells was independent of Bim. The increase of the function of SIAH1 to upregulate the expression of Bim may play an important role in the progression of breast cancer. Restoration of the function of SIAH1 may be a new therapeutic target of human breast cancer. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
‘Your whole life, your whole world, it changes’: partners' experiences of living with rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Matheson L. , Harcourt D. , Hewlett S.
Published: January 2010

Objectives: Research suggests that rheumatoid arthritis (RA) can have a negative psychosocial impact on partners, as well as patients. However, until now there has been very little in‐depth qualitative research in this area. The aim of this study was to explore the experiences of partners of people with RA.

Methods: Semi‐structured interviews were conducted with a heterogeneous sample of eight partners of people with RA (six men, two women, age range 48–73 years). Transcripts were analysed thematically.

Results: Five overarching themes emerged: psychological burden in partners was substantial, as they experienced frustration and distress at watching their partner suffer and tried to protect their spouse from emotional and physical distress. ‘It's a restricted life’: partners reported having to cut back on previously enjoyable shared activities and had difficulty making future plans. Adjusting lives: partners had to make considerable adjustments to many aspects of their lives, and had adopted practical and psychological ways to cope. ‘It's a joint approach’: many partners discussed adopting a joint approach to managing the RA. Met and unmet support needs varied considerably, and many partners felt that a joint approach to treatment taken by health professionals is needed, which involves and recognizes their role.

Conclusions: Partners of people with RA are vital to the patients' disease management, but the data show that many carry a substantial psychosocial burden. Healthcare professionals should be aware of this, so that couples coping with RA can be better supported. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Mitochondrial respiratory chain and creatine kinase activities in mdx mouse brain
Authors: Tuon Lisiane , Comim Clarissa M. , Fraga Daine B. , Scaini Giselli , Rezin Gislaine T. , Baptista Bruna R. , Streck Emilio L. , Vainzof Mariz , Quevedo João
Published: January 2010

In this study we investigated energy metabolism in the mdx mouse brain.To this end, prefrontal cortex, cerebellum, hippocampus, striatum, and cortex were analyzed. There was a decrease in Complex I but not in Complex II activity in all structures. There was an increase in Complex III activity in striatum and a decrease in Complex IV activity in prefrontal cortex and striatum. Mitochondrial creatine kinase activity was increased in hippocampus, prefrontal cortex, cortex, and striatum. Our results indicate that there is energy metabolism dysfunction in the mdx mouse brain. Muscle Nerve, 2010
Gut gewappnet in die nächste Dekade
Authors: Göbel Kai
Published: January 2010

Wie wird die Chemieindustrie im Jahr 2020 dastehen? Wo werden deutsche Chemieunternehmen produzieren und wo werden sie investieren? Sicher ist: Chemieprodukte bleiben gefragt.
An elevated bronchodilator response predicts large airway inflammation in mild asthma
Authors: Puckett James L. , Taylor Richard W.E. , Leu Szu‐Yun , Guijon Olga L. , Aledia Anna S. , Galant Stanley P. , George Steven C.
Published: January 2010

Exhaled nitric oxide (eNO) is elevated in asthmatics and is a purported marker of airway inflammation. The bronchodilator response (BDR) has also been shown to correlate with markers of airway inflammation, including eNO at 50 ml/sec (FENO,50) which is comprised of NO from both the proximal and distal airways. Using eNO at multiple flows and a two‐compartment model of NO exchange, the eNO signal can be partitioned into its proximal [J'awNO (nl/sec)] and distal contributions [CANO (ppb)]. We hypothesized that the BDR reflects the inflammatory status of the larger airways with smooth muscle, and thus would correlate with J'awNO. In 179 predominantly (95%) Hispanic children with mild asthma (69 steroid naïve), and 21 non‐asthmatic non‐atopic controls, spirometry and eNO at multiple flows were measured prior and 10 min following inhalation of albuterol. A trumpet‐shaped axial diffusion model of NO exchange was used to characterize J'awNO and CANO. The BDR correlated moderately (r = 0.44) with proximal airway NO (J'awNO), but weakly (r = 0.26) with distal airway/alveolar NO (CANO), and only in inhaled corticosteroid naïve asthmatics. A BDR cut point as low as ≥8% had a positive predictive value of 83% for predicting an elevated J'awNO or FENO,50. We conclude that the BDR reflects inflammation in the large airways, and may be an effective clinical tool to predict elevated large airway inflammation. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2010; 45:174–181. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Impact of analysis interval on the multiple exhalation flow technique to partition exhaled nitric oxide
Authors: Puckett James L. , Taylor Richard W.E. , Galant Stanley P. , George Steven C.
Published: January 2010

Exhaled nitric oxide (eNO) is elevated in asthmatics and is a purported marker of airway inflammation. By measuring eNO at multiple flows and applying models of eNO exchange dynamics, the signal can be partitioned into its proximal airway [${\rm J'}_{{\rm aw}_{{\rm NO}} }$ (nl/sec)] and distal airway/alveolar contributions [CANO (ppb)]. Several studies have demonstrated the potential significance of such an approach in children with asthma. However, techniques to partition eNO are variable, limiting comparisons among studies. The objective of this study is to examine the impact of the analysis interval (time or volume) on eNO plateau concentrations and the estimation of ${\rm J'}_{{\rm aw}_{{\rm NO}} }$ and CANO. In 30 children with mild to moderate asthma, spirometry and eNO at multiple flows (50, 100, and 200 ml/sec) were measured. The plateau concentration of eNO at each flow was determined using two different methods of analysis: (1) constant time interval and (2) constant volume interval. For both methods of analysis, a two‐compartment model with axial diffusion was used to characterize ${\rm J'}_{{\rm aw}_{{\rm NO}} }$ and CANO. At a flow of 200 ml/sec, the time interval analysis predicts values for eNO that are smaller than the volume interval analysis. As a result, there are significant differences in CANO between the methods of analysis (volume > time). When using the multiple flow technique to partition eNO, the method of analysis (constant time vs. constant volume interval) significantly affects the estimation of CANO, and thus potentially the assessment and interpretation of distal lung inflammation. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2010; 45:182–191. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The adapter protein Nck: Role of individual SH3 and SH2 binding modules for protein interactions in T lymphocytes
Authors: Lettau Marcus , Pieper Jennifer , Gerneth Alyn , Lengl‐Janßen Beate , Voss Matthias , Linkermann Andreas , Schmidt Hendrik , Gelhaus Christoph , Leippe Matthias , Kabelitz Dieter , Janssen Ottmar
Published: January 2010

Nck is a ubiquitously expressed, primarily cytosolic adapter protein consisting of one SH2 domain and three SH3 domains. It links receptor and nonreceptor tyrosine kinases to actin cytoskeleton reorganizing proteins. In T lymphocytes, Nck is a crucial component of signaling pathways for T cell activation and effector function. It recruits actin remodeling proteins to T cell receptor (TCR)‐associated activation clusters and thereby initiates changes in cell polarity and morphology. Moreover, Nck is crucial for the TCR‐induced mobilization of secretory vesicles to the cytotoxic immunological synapse. To identify the interactome of Nck in human T cells, we performed a systematic screen for interaction partners in untreated or pervanadate‐treated cells. We used GST fusion proteins containing full length Nck, the combined SH3 domains or the individual SH3 and SH2 domains to precipitate putative Nck interactors from cellular lysates. Protein bands were excised from gels, processed by tryptic in‐gel digestion and analyzed by mass spectrometry. Using this approach, we confirmed previously established interactions (e.g., with Slp76, CD3ε, WASP, and WIPF1) and identified several novel putative Nck‐binding proteins. We subsequently verified the SH2 domain binding to the actin‐binding protein HIP55 and to FYB/ADAP, and the SH3‐mediated binding to the nuclear proteins SFPQ/NONO. Using laser scanning microscopy, we provide new evidence for a nuclear localization of Nck in human T cells. Our data highlight the fundamental role of Nck in the TCR‐to‐cytoskeleton crosstalk and point to yet unknown nuclear functions of Nck also in T lymphocytes.
Experimental and theoretical study of the magnetic properties and XMCD spectra of Ru clusters deposited on Fe/Cu(001)
Authors: Minár J. , Bornemann S. , Mankovsky S. , Ebert H. , Martins M. , Reif M. , Glaser L. , Wurth W.
Published: January 2010

We present results of an experimental study of magnetic properties of small Ru clusters deposited on a thin Fe film grown on Cu(001) surface. X‐ray magnetic circular dichroism (XMCD) measurements show finite spin and orbital moments of Ru dimers and trimers, however a magnetic moment for a Ru monomer has been not observed. A corresponding theoretical study based on the fully relativistic multiple scattering KKR method is presented. Detailed theoretical analysis has been performed to explain the experimental findings. In particular a direct comparison of the calculated XMCD with the experiments suggests diffusion into the surface as a possible reason for the apparent quenching of the spin magnetic moment for Ru monomers.
Study on the excimer laser annealed amorphous hydrogenated silicon carbon films deposited by PECVD
Authors: Ambrosone G. , Basa D.K. , Coscia U. , Tresso E. , Chiodoni A. , Celasco E. , Pinto N. , Murri R.
Published: January 2010

Hydrogenated amorphous silicon carbon films of different carbon content were deposited by plasma enhanced chemical vapour deposition at low substrate temperature (200 °C) and were subjected to excimer laser annealing. X‐ray diffraction spectra and field emission scanning electron microscopy images demonstrate that carbon content plays an important role in facilitating the crystallization process induced by the excimer laser treatment (© 2010 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Amorphous silicon and silicon nitride channel optical waveguides
Authors: Celasco Edvige , Quaglio Marzia , Chiodoni Angelica , Ricciardi Carlo , Pirri Candido Fabrizio , Dominici Lorenzo , Michelotti Francesco , Angelis Francesco De , Fabrizio Enzo Di , Giorgis Fabrizio
Published: January 2010

In this work we report on the characterisation of multimode rectangular ridge waveguides fabricated by Plasma Enhanced Chemical Vapor Deposition and anisotropic etching using different cores, consisting of hydrogenated amorphous silicon and amorphous silicon nitride. The propagation losses have been measured at several wavelengths by an end‐fire coupling set‐up and compared to intrinsic absorption of the core materials.

Two‐dimensional photonic crystal structures have been carved onto the channel waveguides by Focused Ion Beam lithography demonstrating the possibility to fabricate complex optical elements merging the consolidated amorphous silicon growth technology with ion‐beam nanomachining. (© 2010 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Metal‐dielectric nanostructures for amplified Raman and fluorescence spectroscopy
Authors: Virga Alessandro , Gazia Rossana , Pallavidino Luca , Mandracci Pietro , Descrovi Emiliano , Chiodoni Angelica , Geobaldo Francesco , Giorgis Fabrizio
Published: January 2010

Metal‐dielectric nanostructures are synthesized optimizing their capabilities of enhancing Raman scattering and fluorescence emission. Silver nanoparticles with controlled average size and morphology are obtained by dipping porous silicon (p‐Si) specimens in silver nitrate acqueous solutions. The effects of silvered p‐Si in enhancing Raman Scattering were investigated usinga cyanine dye showing detectable concentration as low as 10‐8M.

In order to obtain photoluminescence enhancement, silvered p‐Si samples are coated by ultrathin films of amorphous silicon nitride. The analysis of metal‐dielectric nanostructures show an energy red‐shift of the Surface Plasmon resonances connected to the changes of the dielectrics surrounding the metal particles. In particular, the thickness of such a coating can be tuned in order to enhance the fluorescence emission (© 2010 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Troposphere–stratosphere communication through local vertical waveguides
Authors: Nathan Terrence R. , Hodyss Daniel
Published: January 2010

The effects of zonally non‐uniform background flow on the three‐dimensional propagation of extratropical Rossby waves are examined using the WKB (Wentzel–Kramers–Brillouin) formalism. Emphasis is placed on the vertical propagation of wave activity. An extended Charney–Drazin (CD) condition that is valid for zonally non‐uniform background flow is derived. The extended CD condition shows that local vertical propagation (trapping) is possible for wave scales for which the traditional CD condition predicts trapping (propagation). Local vertical propagation is shown to be strongly dependent on the phasing of the wave source relative to the background flow. Specifically, in zonally non‐uniform background flow, vertical propagation is confined to local vertical waveguides whose formation is controlled by the orientation of the background wind relative to the wave fronts. Within the waveguide, vertical propagation is optimized when the disturbance wind field is parallel to the background potential vorticity gradient. As the wave packets move from the tropospheric source into the stratosphere they expand in zonal scale. The implications of these results to stratospheric sudden warmings are discussed. Copyright © 2010 Royal Meteorological Society
Stratospheric impact on tropospheric winds deduced from potential vorticity inversion in relation to the Arctic Oscillation
Authors: Hinssen Yvonne , Delden Aarnout van , Opsteegh Theo , Geus Wouter de
Published: January 2010

The zonal mean state of the atmosphere in the Northern Hemisphere in winter is determined by the temperature at the Earth's surface and by two potential vorticity (PV) anomalies (defined as that part of the PV field that induces a wind field) centred over the North Pole: one in the upper troposphere/lower stratosphere (UTLS), extending to the Subtropics, and the other over the polar cap in the lower to middle stratosphere. Isentropic PV inversion demonstrates that the UTLS PV anomaly induces the main part of the zonal mean wind in the troposphere, including the subtropical jet stream, while the stratospheric PV anomaly induces the polar night stratospheric jet. The stratospheric PV anomaly has a greater amplitude and extends further downwards if the Arctic Oscillation (AO) index is positive. Also, the UTLS PV anomaly has a slightly larger amplitude if the AO index is positive, but the meridional PV gradient in the Subtropics that is associated with this anomaly is greatest when the AO index is negative, resulting in a stronger subtropical jet when the AO index is negative. PV inversion translates the UTLS PV anomaly into a wind anomaly and a static stability anomaly. The resulting differences in the vertical wind shear and in the Brunt–Väisälä frequency between the two AO phases show a larger baroclinicity in the extratropics when the AO index is positive. This explains why more extratropical cyclones are observed when the AO index is positive. Copyright © 2010 Royal Meteorological Society