bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Alfalfa production using saline drainage water
Authors: Ayars James E. , Soppe Richard W. , Shouse Peter
Published: March 2010

A three‐year study investigated the use of saline (EC < 6 dS m−1) drainage water for irrigation of salt‐tolerant alfalfa in the presence of shallow saline groundwater. The irrigation treatments included: (1) irrigating twice between cuttings with nonsaline water, (2) irrigating twice with moderately saline water between cuttings, and(3) once between cuttings with moderately saline water. Yield data demonstrated an approximately 30% reduction in total yield over 3 years as a result of using the saline water for irrigation compared to irrigating with the nonsaline water. The overall alfalfa quality improved when irrigated with saline water compared to the non‐saline water. However, both boron and chloride progressively accumulated in alfalfa plant tissue during each growing season when irrigated with saline water. The plant tissue boron and chloride values returned to previously low levels by the start of the next growing season due to the influence of winter rainfall and irrigating with low‐salinity water at the break of dormancy. There was measurable accumulation of salt in the soil profile and in the shallow groundwater as a result of using saline drainage water for irrigation. A gradual decrease in depth to the shallow groundwater was observed as result of the lack of drainage capability. Electromagnetic induction proved adequate for characterizing root zone salinity with time. Published in 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Different protective actions of losartan and tempol on the renal inflammatory response to acute sodium overload
Authors: Rosón María I. , Della Penna Silvana L. , Cao Gabriel , Gorzalczany Susana , Pandolfo Marcela , Toblli Jorge E. , Fernández Belisario E.
Published: March 2010

The aim of this work was to study the role of local intrarenal angiotensin II (Ang II) and the oxidative stress in the up‐regulation of pro‐inflammatory cytokines expression observed in rats submitted to an acute sodium overload. Sprague–Dawley rats were infused for 2 h with isotonic saline solution (Control group) and with hypertonic saline solution alone (Na group), plus the AT1 receptor antagonist losartan (10 mg kg−1 in bolus) (Na–Los group), or plus the superoxide dismutase mimetic tempol (0.5 mg min−1 kg−1) (Na–Temp group). Mean arterial pressure, glomerular filtration rate, and fractional sodium excretion (FENa) were measured. Ang II, NF‐κB, hypoxia inducible factor‐1α (HIF‐1α), transforming growth factor β1 (TGF‐β1), smooth muscle actin (α‐SMA), endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), and RANTES renal expression was evaluated by immunohistochemistry. Ang II, NF‐κB, and TGF‐β1 and RANTES early inflammatory markers were overexpressed in Na group, accompanied by enhanced HIF‐1α immunostaining, lower eNOS expression, and unmodified α‐SMA. Losartan and tempol increased FENa in sodium overload group. Although losartan reduced Ang II and NF‐κB staining and increased eNOS expression, it did not restore HIF‐1α expression and did not prevent inflammation. Conversely, tempol increased eNOS and natriuresis, restored HIF‐1α expression, and prevented inflammation. Early inflammatory markers observed in rats with acute sodium overload is associated with the imbalance between HIF‐1α and eNOS expression. While both losartan and tempol increased natriuresis and eNOS expression, only tempol was effective in restoring HIF‐1α expression and down‐regulating TGF‐β1 and RANTES expression. The protective role of tempol, but not of losartan, in the inflammatory response may be associated with its greater antioxidant effects. J. Cell. Physiol. 224:41–48, 2010 © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Elucidation of the signaling pathways that underpin capacitation‐associated surface phosphotyrosine expression in mouse spermatozoa
Authors: Nixon Brett , Bielanowicz Amanda , Anderson Amanda L. , Walsh Andrew , Hall Tess , Mccloghry Andrea , Aitken R. John
Published: March 2010

Recent studies from within our laboratory have demonstrated a causal relationship between capacitation‐associated surface phosphotyrosine expression and the ability of mouse spermatozoa to recognize the oocyte and engage in sperm–zona pellucida interaction. In the studies described herein we have sought to investigate the signaling pathways that underpin the tyrosine phosphorylation of sperm surface protein targets and validate the physiological significance of these pathways in relation to sperm–zona pellucida adhesion. Through selective pharmacological inhibition we have demonstrated that surface phosphotyrosine expression is unlikely to be mediated by the canonical cAMP‐dependent protein kinase A (PKA) signaling cascade that has been most widely studied in relation to sperm capacitation. Rather, it appears to be primarily driven by the extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK) module of the mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway. Consistent with this notion, the main components of the ERK module (RAS, RAF1, MEK, and ERK1/2) were localized to the periacrosomal region of the head of mature mouse spermatozoa and their phosphorylation status within this region of the cell was positively modulated by capacitation. Furthermore, inhibition of several elements of this pathway suppressed sperm surface phosphotyrosine expression and induced a concomitant reduction sperm–zona pellucida interaction. Collectively, these data highlight a previously unappreciated role of the ERK module in the modification of the sperm surface during capacitation to render these cells functionally competent to engage in the process of fertilization. J. Cell. Physiol. 224:71–83, 2010 © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Apoptosis induction by eIF5A1 involves activation of the intrinsic mitochondrial pathway
Authors: Sun Zhong , Cheng Zhenyu , Taylor Catherine A. , McConkey Brendan J. , Thompson John E.
Published: March 2010

The regulatory role of eukaryotic translation initiation factor 5A1 (eIF5A1) in apoptosis was examined using HT‐29 and HeLa S3 cells. eIF5A is the only known protein to contain the unusual amino acid, hypusine, and eIF5A1 is one of two human eIF5A family members. Two observations indicated that eIF5A1 is involved in apoptosis. First, siRNA‐mediated suppression of eIF5A1 resulted in inhibition of apoptosis induced by various apoptotic stimuli, and second, adenovirus‐mediated over‐expression of eIF5A1 strongly induced apoptotic cell death. A mutant of eIF5A1 incapable of being hypusinated also induced apoptosis when over‐expressed indicating that unhypusinated eIF5A1 is the pro‐apoptotic form of the protein. Over‐expression of eIF5A1 or of the mutant resulted in loss of mitochondrial transmembrane potential, translocation of Bax to the mitochondria, release of cytochrome c, caspase activation, up‐regulation of p53, and up‐regulation of Bim, a pro‐apoptotic BH3‐only Bcl‐2 family protein. In addition, BimL and BimS, the pro‐apoptotic alternative spliced forms of Bim, were induced in response to over‐expression of eIF5A1. Thus eIF5A1 appears to induce apoptosis by activating the mitochondrial apoptotic pathway. Proteomic analyses indicated that, of 1,899 proteins detected, 131 showed significant changes in expression (P ≤ 0.05, expression ratio ≥1.5) within 72 h of eIF5A1 up‐regulation. Among these are proteins involved in translation and protein folding, transcription factors, proteins mediating proteolysis, and a variety of proteins known to be directly involved in apoptosis. These observations collectively indicate that unhypusinated eIF5A1 plays a central role in the regulation of apoptosis. J. Cell. Physiol. 223:798–809, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Impact of integrin–matrix interaction and signaling on insulin gene expression and the mesenchymal transition of human β‐cells
Authors: Kaido Thomas J. , Yebra Mayra , Kaneto Hideaki , Cirulli Vincenzo , Hayek Alberto , Montgomery Anthony M.P.
Published: March 2010

A critical shortage of donor pancreata currently prevents the development of a universal cell‐based therapy for type I diabetes. The ex vivo expansion of insulin‐producing β‐cells offers a potential solution but is problematic due to the inherent tendency of these cells to transition into mesenchymal‐like cells that are devoid of function. Here, we demonstrate for the first time that exposure to elements of the extracellular matrix (ECM) directly potentiates the mesenchymal transition of cultured fetal β‐cells and causes associated declines in insulin gene expression. Individual ECM constituents varied in their ability to induce such responses, with collagen‐IV (C‐IV) and fibronectin inducing strong responses, whereas laminin‐1 had no significant effect. Mesenchymal transition and concomitant losses in insulin gene expression observed on C‐IV were found to be dependent on β1‐integrin ligation and were augmented in the presence of hepatocyte growth factor. Importantly, selective inhibition of c‐Src, c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase (JNK), and extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK) prior to exposure to C‐IV prevented mesenchymal transition and effectively preserved insulin expression. Fetal β‐cells undergoing mesenchymal transition were found to acquire α1β1 expression, and ligation of this integrin then promotes declines in insulin gene expression and a marked increase in β‐cell motility. Inhibition of Src‐, ERK‐, or JNK‐dependent signaling combined with the selective regulation of matrix exposure may ultimately facilitate the development of more effective β‐cell expansion protocols. J. Cell. Physiol. 224:101–111, 2010 © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Meiotic cell cycle arrest in mammalian oocytes
Authors: Tripathi Anima , Kumar K.V. Prem , Chaube Shail K.
Published: March 2010

Meiotic cell cycle in mammalian oocytes is a dynamic process that involves several stop/go channels. The cell cycle arrest in oocyte occurs at various stages such as diplotene, metaphase‐I (M‐I), metaphase‐II (M‐II), and so called metaphase‐like arrest (M‐III). Leutinizing hormone surge induces meiotic resumption from diplotene arrest in follicular microenvironment by overriding several factors responsible for the maintenance of meiotic arrest. The inhibitory factors are synthesized in oocyte or in the associated follicular somatic cells and transferred to the oocyte. The major factors include hypoxanthine, cyclic adenosine 3′, 5′‐monophosphate, cyclic guanosine 3′, 5′‐monophosphate, reactive oxygen species, protein kinase A, and protein kinase C. In the presence of active protein kinases, epidermal‐like growth factors are produced that activate mitogen‐activated protein kinase in cumulus granulosa cells. The maturation promoting factor, cytostatic factors, and spindle assembly checkpoint proteins are also involved in that maintenance of arrest at various stages of meiotic cell cycle in mammalian oocytes. In this review, we briefly summarize the role of these factors in the maintenance of meiotic cell cycle arrest in mammalian oocytes. J. Cell. Physiol. 223:592–600, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Membrane vesicles containing matrix metalloproteinase‐9 and fibroblast growth factor‐2 are released into the extracellular space from mouse mesoangioblast stem cells
Authors: Candela Maria Elena , Geraci Fabiana , Turturici Giuseppina , Taverna Simona , Albanese Ida , Sconzo Gabriella
Published: March 2010

Certain proteins, including fibroblast growth factor‐2 (FGF‐2) and matrix metalloproteinase‐9 (MMP‐9), have proved very effective in increasing the efficacy of mesoangioblast stem cell therapy in repairing damaged tissue. We provide the first evidence that mouse mesoangioblast stem cells release FGF‐2 and MMP‐9 in their active form through the production of membrane vesicles. These vesicles are produced and turned over continuously, but are stable for some time in the extracellular milieu. Mesoangioblasts shed membrane vesicles even under oxygen tensions that are lower than those typically used for cell culture and more like those of mouse tissues. These findings suggest that mesoangioblasts may themselves secrete paracrine signals and factors that make damaged tissues more amenable to cell therapy through the release of membrane vesicles. J. Cell. Physiol. 224:144–151, 2010 © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Unusual sonographic appearance of a huge angiomyolipoma of the liver
Authors: Li Rui , Zhang Xiao‐Hang , Hua Xing
Published: March 2010

Hepatic angiomyolipoma is a rare, benign, hepatic mesenchymal neoplasm. We report a case of an extremely large hepatic angiomyolipoma in a 58‐year‐old woman with unusual sonographic features. The tumor was well demarcated from the surrounding liver and showed a heterogeneous cystic appearance with a thick echogenic rim. Color Doppler showed blood flow in the echogenic rim and around the lesion. Contrast sonography demonstrated strong enhancement in the solid rim from early arterial phase to the late phase and no enhancement in the central cystic part of the lesion. Spiral CT showed a well‐defined huge heterogeneous cystic mass with fatty density. At surgery the tumor was soft and encapsulated with a thin, smooth membrane. The cut surface of the tumor revealed a cystic appearance with necrotic tissue. The diagnosis of hepatic angiomyolipoma was confirmed by immunohistochemistry. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound, 2010
Evaluation of local recurrence after treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma by contrast‐enhanced ultrasonography using Sonazoid: Comparison with dynamic computed tomography
Authors: Shiozawa Kazue , Watanabe Manabu , Takayama Ryuji , Takahashi Masayoshi , Wakui Noritaka , Iida Kazunari , Sumino Yasukiyo
Published: March 2010

Purpose.

To evaluate the effectiveness of contrast‐enhanced ultrasonography (CEUS) using Sonazoid for the diagnosis of the local recurrence after treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) by comparing it with dynamic CT.

Methods.

Seventy‐one patients with 87 HCC lesions (mean ± SD; 19.5 ± 9.6 mm) underwent CEUS using Sonazoid and dynamic CT after radiofrequency ablation (n = 55), transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (n = 22), or radiofrequency ablation combined with transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (n = 10). Two hepatologists (observer 1; 10 years of experience, and 2; 20 years of experience) reviewed the CEUS and dynamic CT images independently and evaluated presence or absence of the local recurrence. Diagnostic performance for the local recurrence was assessed using receiver operating characteristic curve analysis.

Results.

The Az value for dynamic CT was significantly lower in observer 1 than 2 (p < 0.05). The sensitivity of CEUS was 79% in observer 1 and 83.9% in observer 2, and that of dynamic CT was 83.9% and 90.3%, respectively. The specificity of CEUS was 96%, and that of dynamic CT was 92%, in both observers.

Conclusion.

This study suggests that CEUS using Sonazoid is less affected by the observer's experience and is more accurate in the diagnosis of local recurrence after treatment for HCC than dynamic CT. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound, 2010
Anomalous Raman phenomenon of CuCrS2
Authors: Abramova G. M. , Petrakovskiy G. A. , Vtyurin A. N. , Rasch J. C. E. , Krylov A. S. , Gerasimova J. V. , Velikanov D. A. , Boehm V. M. , Sokolov V.
Published: March 2010

Structural dynamics of the layered CuCrS2 is investigated for the first time by using the Raman scattering method in 78–295 K temperature range on the samples synthesized by different methods. The Raman and IR spectra of CuCrS2 were simulated within the valence force field model with the LADY program. The results presented indicate that the lattice dynamics of CuCrS2 depends strongly on the real microstructure and technology of the sample preparation. The anomalous splitting of the A1 phonon mode might be due to presence of the α‐ and β‐domains. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Placing land degradation and biological diversity decline in a unified framework: Methodological and conceptual issues in the case of the north Mediterranean region
Authors: Detsis V.
Published: March 2010

The development of synergies between efforts to mitigate land degradation and biological diversity decline can enhance effectiveness, speed up implementation and avoid potential conflicts. Due to the variable nature of these processes and to the variable characteristics of the areas where they occur, there is no general rule linking land degradation and biological diversity decline. Thus, a geographically limited approach focusing on drivers of change may provide a more appropriate base upon which synergies can be built. This exercise is undertaken for the case of northern Mediterranean. Three related processes are discussed: land use change (in the form of agricultural abandonment and intensification, as well as urbanization), wildfires and overuse of freshwater resources. Agricultural abandonment stands out as it may or may not have adverse effects on land resources and it may promote either a reduction in biological diversity or a shift in community synthesis. Agricultural intensification affects adversely both biological diversity and land resources, though often through different mechanisms. Urbanization, by taking up space, wildfires, if they recur in short intervals or they are very extended spatially, and overuse of freshwater resources adversely affect both issues through common mechanisms. The fact that the various drivers may operate through different mechanisms and sometimes they do not even produce consistently positive or negative results calls for a site‐specific understanding of the mechanisms. As many of the processes generating these patterns are not reversible, e.g. intensification of agriculture or tourism growth, ways should be sought to reconcile them with conservation. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
How Drucker taught me to focus
Authors: Ming Lo Shao
Published: March 2010

Shao Ming Lo recounts discussions with Peter Drucker which marked the first time someone pointed out to him his problem of not being able to focus when developing his business. “Strategy is in fact the art of focusing,” Shao says. Once we identify our key activities we should commit our resources to them in order to produce outstanding results. This is strategic thinking and the essence of the strategic planning process. This may sound simple, but it is easier said than done. This article offers 3 strategies executives can use to improve their ability to focus.
Stop solving your business problems
Authors: Michaelson Keith , Spiegel Markus
Published: March 2010

Many leaders pride themselves on their ability to solve critical business problems. Yet, by assuming they are personally responsible for devising solutions, these managers often engage in behavior that creates powerful road‐blocks to urgently needed improvements. The authors expose the dysfunctional consequences of this manager‐as‐problem‐solver behavior pattern and then show how a different leadership model can help managers make the critical shift from solving business problems to challenging people to deliver real business results.
Downregulation of HDPR1 is associated with poor prognosis and affects expression levels of p120‐catenin and β‐catenin in nonsmall cell lung cancer
Authors: Yang Zhi‐Qiang , Zhao Yue , Liu Yang , Zhang Jun‐Yi , Zhang Sheng , Jiang Gui‐Yang , Zhang Peng‐Xin , Yang Lian‐He , Liu Di , Li Qing‐Chang , Wang En‐Hua
Published: March 2010

HDPR1 (human homologue of Dapper) is considered as a Dishevelled (DVL) antagonist in WNT signaling. We recently reported that DVL was associated with cytoplasmic accumulation of β‐catenin in nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Whether cytoplasmic accumulation of β‐catenin is correlated with HDPR1 is unclear. Xenopus Dapper (XDpr) was found to stabilize p120‐catenin (p120ctn) in Xenopus embryogenesis. However, whether HDPR1 can regulate p120ctn expression level is not reported. Furthermore, how HDPR1 influences invasiveness in lung carcinogenesis is also not well understood. In this study, our aims were to explore the effects of HDPR1 on the lung carcinogenesis and to examine the relationship among HDPR1, β‐catenin, and p120ctn. Immunohistochemical analysis in 120 NSCLC tissues showed that HDPR1 was significantly lower in 82 specimens (68.3%). Reverse transcription (RT)‐polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and Western blotting analysis showed that the mRNA and protein expression of HDPR1 were lower in tumor tissues as compared to corresponding nontumorous tissues. Moreover, reduced HDPR1 expression was related to the clinicopathological factors and was an independent risk factor for prognosis of the patients with NSCLC. In addition, HDPR1 expression was also associated with the expression of p120ctn and β‐catenin in lung cancer tissues. Knockdown of HDPR1 gene enhanced the invasive ability of lung cancer cells, which was dependent on p120ctn and independent of β‐catenin. In conclusion, the function of HDPR1 on regulating p120ctn may play an important role in human lung carcinogenesis. Restoration of HDPR1 gene may be a new therapeutic target of lung cancer. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A qualitative exploration of carers' and ‘patients’ experiences of fibromyalgia: one illness, different perspectives
Authors: Rodham Karen , Rance Nicola , Blake David
Published: March 2010

Objectives: Previous research has largely focused on the lived experience either of those who have fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) or their spousal carers. This study aimed to explore the lived experiences of both those with FMS and their spousal carers.

Methods: Participants were aged between 38 and 65 years and all came from the south‐west of England. Semi‐structured interviews were conducted with four women with FMS and their spousal carers, who were interviewed separately. The resultant transcripts were analysed using interpretative phenomenological analysis.

An overriding theme running throughout was loss of identity, which fed into a sense of isolation. Participants reported feeling isolated from: healthcare professionals, whom they felt they had to convince that they had something ‘real’, and from friends and family because the unpredictability of their symptoms meant that they were less able to plan ahead and often had to pull out of arranged outings. They also felt isolated from their identity because they no longer recognized the person that they once were, and struggled to recognize the person that they had become. As a consequence, the people with FMS and their carers were both engaged in a process of reassessing who they were, now that FMS had become such a large part of their lives. This sense of isolation was evidenced for the carers as well as the people with FMS and is documented in three sub‐themes described in the paper: ‘others’ attitudes', ‘invisible illness’ and ‘role’.

Conclusion: This study has provided new information regarding the lifeworlds both of people living with FMS and their spousal carers. We identified a number of practical and attitudinal barriers that had led to the diminution of social networks for both members of the couple and have explored the related clinical and theoretical implications of this. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Daytime patterning of fatigue and its associations with the previous night's discomfort and poor sleep among women with primary Sjögren's syndrome or rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Goodchild C.E. , Treharne G.J. , Booth D.A. , Bowman S.J.
Published: March 2010

Objectives: Fatigue is a prominent symptom in many rheumatic diseases and has a substantial impact on many outcomes. In previous research, fatigue has been linked with poor sleep and discomfort, including joint pain and sicca symptoms. The aim of the present study was to investigate prospectively the daily variations in fatigue and the roles of discomfort and adequacy of sleep the previous night in that fatigue for people with primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS) or rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Methods: Thirty‐nine women with pSS or RA reported their discomfort and fatigue for 35 days using the Profile of Fatigue and Discomfort. Sleep was monitored with wrist actigraphy, and the quantity and quality of the night's sleep was reported in a diary each morning.

Results: The pattern of fatigue did not differ significantly between women with pSS and women with RA. For participants with either condition, both somatic and mental fatigue increased steadily throughout the day. Multi‐level regressions indicated that evenings of worse discomfort were followed by poorer reported quantity/quality of sleep and worse sleep efficiency (percentage of time asleep when in bed). In addition, a night of worse discomfort and poor sleep was followed by more severe fatigue compared with the individual's average.

Conclusions: Fatigue management for people with rheumatic disease could include strategies for coping with discomfort at night and difficulties in sleeping. Further research into ameliorating fatigue should include assessments of persistent discomfort or periods of insomnia and identify disease‐specific needs that require targeted intervention. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A novel singular node‐based smoothed finite element method (NS‐FEM) for upper bound solutions of fracture problems
Authors: Liu G. R. , Chen L. , Nguyen‐Thoi T. , Zeng K. Y. , Zhang G. Y.
Published: March 2010

It is well known that the lower bound to exact solutions in linear fracture problems can be easily obtained by the displacement compatible finite element method (FEM) together with the singular crack tip elements. It is, however, much more difficult to obtain the upper bound solutions for these problems. This paper aims to formulate a novel singular node‐based smoothed finite element method (NS‐FEM) to obtain the upper bound solutions for fracture problems. In the present singular NS‐FEM, the calculation of the system stiffness matrix is performed using the strain smoothing technique over the smoothing domains (SDs) associated with nodes, which leads to the line integrations using only the shape function values along the boundaries of the SDs. A five‐node singular crack tip element is used within the framework of NS‐FEM to construct singular shape functions via direct point interpolation with proper order of fractional basis. The mix‐mode stress intensity factors are evaluated using the domain forms of the interaction integrals. The upper bound solutions of the present singular NS‐FEM are demonstrated via benchmark examples for a wide range of material combinations and boundary conditions. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effect of hemodialysis on the plasma levels of clofarabine
Authors: Steinherz Peter G. , Shukla Neerav , Kobos Rachel , Latcha Sheron
Published: March 2010

Clofarabine, a nucleoside analogue for treatment of relapsed leukemia, is 50–60% excreted in urine. Clofarabine has not been studied in patients on hemodialysis. We measured levels in one patient in acute renal failure. Prior to dialysis, 43 hr after a 40 mg/m2 infusion, plasma concentration was 139 ng/ml. One hour after begining hemodialysis, a 20 mg/m2 infusion began. Plasma concentrations were 84.2, 81.1, and 88.0 ng/ml while the dialysis and clofarabine infusion occurred simultaneously. Post‐dialysis, while the clofarabine was still infusing, the level was 95.8 ng/ml. Hemodialysis does decrease clofarabine levels, but given its large volume distribution, hemodialysis may not be effective for clofarabine overdose. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2010;55:196–198. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Inhibition of Aurora Kinase A enhances chemosensitivity of medulloblastoma cell lines
Authors: El‐Sheikh Ayman , Fan Rong , Birks Diane , Donson Andrew , Foreman Nicholas K , Vibhakar Rajeev
Published: March 2010

Background

Medulloblastoma comprises approximately 20% of all primary pediatric brain tumors. Despite recent advances, the survival rate for high‐risk patients and the morbidity associated with these treatments remains suboptimal. To improve outcomes and decrease morbidity, more targeted therapy is required. One possible target is the Aurora Kinase family. The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of Aurora Kinase A inhibition in medulloblastoma cell lines.

Procedure

Cell proliferation was measured using an MTS assay after adding an Aurora Kinase inhibitor (C1368) at different concentrations. Cell cycle analysis was carried out by Flow Cytometry using propidium iodide (PI). RNAi experiments were performed using siRNA oligonucleotides. Luciferase experiments were carried out using the Cignal Finder 10 Pathway Reporter Arrays.

Results

Inhibition of Aurora Kinase A induces cell death in medulloblastoma cells and lowers the IC50 of other chemotherapeutic agents (etoposide and cisplatin) used in medulloblastoma treatment. Cell arrest at G2/M phase was significantly increased in medulloblastoma cell lines treated with C1368 Sigma at IC30 or transfected siRNA. Inhibition of Aurora Kinase A resulted in decreased activity of pro‐proliferative signaling pathways including Wnt, Myc, and RB as measured by luciferase reporter assays.

Conclusions

These data indicate that inhibition of Aurora Kinase A inhibits cell growth in medulloblastoma through inhibition of pro‐proliferative signaling pathways Wnt, Myc, and RB. Additionally, combining Aurora Kinase A inhibition with other chemotherapeutic agents significantly lowers their IC50, which make it a promising small molecule target for medulloblastoma therapy. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2010;55:35–41. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Preparation and characterization of polyurethane–gold nanocomposites prepared using encapsulated gold nanoparticles
Authors: Chang Chao‐Ching , Chang Chung‐Hsueh
Published: March 2010

Gold nanoparticles (GNPs) have been widely studied due to their unique properties. Although many research groups have developed the synthesis of GNPs using various polymers as stabilizing or reducing agents, the effects of GNPs on the structures and properties of polymer matrices have been less reported. We propose a new design for the preparation of polyurethane–gold (PU–Au) nanocomposites. 11‐Mercapto‐1‐undecanol‐coated GNPs acted as the chain extenders and reacted with isocyanates to form covalent bonds between PU and GNPs. PU–Au nanocomposites were successfully synthesized, and the effects of multifunctional GNPs on the structures, morphology and properties of poly(ester urethane) were investigated. Scanning electron microscopy images suggested the GNPs can be dispersed uniformly in the PU matrix. Maltese‐cross of spherical crystals was observed in the PU–Au nanocomposites, and the size of the crystals decreased with an increase in gold content. As the gold content increased, the thermal decomposition temperature and the temperature of the maximum decomposition rate increased. The glass transition temperature, crystal melting temperature and melting enthalpy of the soft segment also increased progressively. The results showed that multifunctional GNPs concentrated hard segments and resulted in an increase of heterogeneous nucleation, phase separation and elasticity. Copyright © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry
Synthesis of hollow fluorescent polymeric microspheres with movable magnetic cores
Authors: Liu Bin , Yang Xinlin , Ji Hongfen
Published: March 2010

Low‐dispersity hollow poly[(ethyleneglycol dimethacrylate)‐co‐(N‐vinylcarbazole)] (P(EGDMA‐co‐NVCz)) fluorescent microspheres with movable magnetic cores were prepared by quantitative removal of the silica component in hydrofluoric acid aqueous solution from the corresponding magnetite/silica/P(EGDMA‐co‐NVCz) tri‐layer hybrid microspheres. The tri‐layer microspheres with magnetic cores and fluorescent polymer shells were synthesized by distillation precipitation copolymerization of ethyleneglycol dimethacrylate crosslinker and N‐vinylcarbazole fluorescent monomer in acetonitrile in the presence of 3‐(methacryloxy)propyltrimethoxysilane‐modified magnetite/silica particles as seeds, which were afforded by a modified Stöber sol–gel process, to coat the magnetite cores. The corresponding hollow fluorescent polymer microspheres with movable magnetic cores were studied using transmission electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, vibrating sample magnetometry, UV‐visible spectroscopy and fluorescence spectroscopy. Copyright © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry
Combinatorial approach for fast screening of functional materials
Authors: Walter Harald , Basset Guillaume , Beierlein Tilman , Von Mühlenen Adrian , Nisato Giovanni
Published: March 2010

We present an integrated system with automated sample fabrication for combinatorial investigations of solution‐processed organic materials. To illustrate the applicability of the system, we give examples of typical experimental results with organic electronic devices. Organic light emitting diodes (OLEDs) based on a poly‐(N‐vinylcarbazole) matrix system with small molecule hole‐transporter N,N′‐Bis(3‐methylphenyl)‐N,N′‐diphenyl‐benzidine (TPD) and electron transporter 2‐(4‐tert‐butylphenyl)‐5‐(4‐biphenylyl)‐1,3,4‐oxadiazole (PBD) were optimized. In a single experimental run, the optimum range of TPD and PBD concentrations has been determined. Furthermore, we screened the influence of a gate dielectric modification with poly(methyl silsesquioxane) in organic field effect transistors and show that the choice of the material system, which constitutes the interface between the gate dielectric and the organic semiconductor, modulates the mobility of the field‐effect device by more than two orders of magnitude. Finally, we present a combinatorial study of the influence of PEDOT‐PSS and P3HT‐PC61BM layer thickness variation in organic photo voltaic cells. To summarize, we describe the possibilities of a combinatorial tool for solution based multilayer devices comprising functional materials. The tool is applicable to a vast variety of such materials. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 48: 1587–1593, 2010
PS‐b‐PEO block copolymer thin films as structured reservoirs for nanoscale precipitation reactions
Authors: Ochsmann Jannis W. , Lenz Sebastian , Emmerling Sebastian G. J. , Kappes Ralf S. , Nett Sebastian K. , Lechmann Maria C. , Roth Stephan V. , Gutmann Jochen S.
Published: March 2010

Thin films of PS‐b‐PEO block copolymers were utilized as structured reservoirs for localized nanoscale precipitation reactions. By consecutively immersing the film into solutions of thioacetamide and cadmium chloride, we were able to obtain a monolayer of cadmium sulfide nanostructures on top of the block copolymer film. AFM and grazing incidence small angle X‐ray scattering revealed spherical nanostructures (d = 15 nm) corresponding to the dimensions given by the block copolymer film. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 48: 1569–1573, 2010
Reversed changes of lipoxin A4 and leukotrienes in children with asthma in different severity degree
Authors: Wu Sheng‐Hua , Yin Pei‐Ling , Zhang Yong‐Mei , Tao Hui‐Xian
Published: March 2010

Objectives

To investigate the expressions of 15‐lipoxygenase (15‐LO) and 5‐lipoxygenase (5‐LO) in leukocytes and the changes of blood lipoxin A4(LXA4), leukotriene (LT)B4 and LTC4 in children with asthma, and to explore the relationship between the blood eicosanoids and one of serum high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein (hsCRP), interleukin (IL)‐5, IL‐8 and IL‐13 and IgE in children with asthma.

Study Design

One hundred six asthmatic children were divided into three groups, that is, mild persistent asthmatic group, moderate persistent asthmatic group and severe persistent asthmatic group. Forty healthy children were served as controls.

Methodology

The expressions of 15‐LO and 5‐LO mRNA in leukocytes were assessed by reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction, and the blood LXA4, LTB4, LTC4, IL‐5, IL‐8, and IL‐13 were determined with enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. Serum hsCRP was determined with latex‐enhanced immuno‐turbidimetry kits.

Results

The leukocytic 15‐LO expression and blood LXA4 were gradually decreased, and the leukocytic 5‐LO expression, blood LTB4, LTC4, IL‐5, IL‐8, IL‐13, and hsCRP were gradually increased in children with asthma from mild degree to moderate and severe degree. There were positive correlations between blood LXA4 and one of the peak expiratory flow (PEF) and forced expiratory volume in 1 sec (FEV1) percent‐predicted values, and negative correlations between blood LTC4 and one of the PEF and FEV1 percent‐predicted values in children with asthma. There were negative correlations between blood LXA4 and one of the IL‐5, IL‐8, IL‐13, and hsCRP levels, and positive correlations between one of blood LTB4, LTC4 and one of the IL‐5, IL‐8, IL‐13 and hsCRP levels in children with asthma.

Conclusions

The reversed changes between 15‐LO, its product LXA4 and 5‐LO, its products LTB4 and LTC4 in children with asthma from mild, moderate to severe degree were found, suggesting that insufficient generation of LXA4 and overproduction of LTs may be the reason for the asthmatic children whose illness become more serious. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2010; 45:333–340. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The role of soil characteristics in the succession of two herbaceous lianas in a modified river floodplain
Authors: Asaeda T. , Rashid Md. H. , Kotagiri S. , Uchida T.
Published: March 2010

The Tamagawa floodplain of Japan experienced a series of changes in the structure of its plant community after 1960. Today, two dominant lianas – Pueraria lobata and Sicyos angulatus – have colonized the area and are competing for space. This study explores their competitive abilities in relation to soil factors and flooding disturbance downstream of the Tama River. Several colonies of these species were selected in three spots of the Tamagawa floodplain having different soil characteristics and flooding frequencies. Our results revealed that S. angulatus can only grow on fine sediment, whereas P. lobata can grow on soil with a wide range of particle sizes. Soil moisture and nitrogen requirements are higher for S. angulatus. S. angulatus grows only on fine sediment for two reasons: first, fine sediment stores a higher concentration of nitrogen and moisture; second, S. angulatus has a very shallow root system. P. lobata has an extensive root system with nodules, with which it can thrive on coarse and relatively dry soil with lower nitrogen. However, P. lobata requires higher soil phosphorus than S. angulatus does. The earlier patchy colonization of S. angulatus on the Tamagawa floodplain was provoked by flooding, when the perennial Miscanthus sacchariflorus and other species trapped fine sediments. Gradually, sediments became finer and nutrient‐rich due to vegetative decomposition, and S. angulatus invaded the area. The soil at that time was not deep enough for the root system of P. lobata. Subsequently, P. lobata outcompeted S. angulatus on the various types of soil that developed. Severe washing of fine substrates by floodwaters makes the area unsuitable for S. angulatus, whereas P. lobata continues to thrive. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Study of the morphology of NiO nanostructures grown on highly ordered pyrolytic graphite, by the Tougaard method and atomic force microscopy: a comparative study
Authors: Preda I. , Soriano L. , Alvarez L. , Méndez J. , Yubero F. , Gutiérrez A. , Sanz J. M.
Published: March 2010

We studied the morphology of the deposits of NiO grown on highly ordered pyrolytic graphite (HOPG), by means of inelastic peak shape analysis and atomic force microscopy. The results obtained by both techniques show an excellent agreement. The results indicate that NiO grows on HOPG by following the Stransky–Krastanov type of growth. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Superconducting properties of YBaCuO ceramic doped with Ca and Zn
Authors: Mahtali M. , Boudjema E. H. , Labbani R. , Chamekh S. , Bouabellou A. , Taoufik A. , Simon C.
Published: March 2010

The addition of elements as impurities to superconducting compounds generally varies their physical properties and more information on the possible mechanisms of superconductivity is obtained through impurity studies. It is known that the rare‐earth replacement of Y and Ba in YBaCuO superconductor (Y‐123) has a small effect on the superconducting transition temperature (with few elements proving to be an interesting exception). In contrast, the transition metal substitutions for Cu sites have a clear effect on Y‐123 properties. Impurities mainly substitute the Cu sites in the CuO chain (as Co) or in the CuO2 plane (as Zn). In this study, we investigate the effect of Ca and Zn substitutions on the structural, electrical and magnetic properties of a series of Y1−xCaxBa2(Cu0.98Zn0.02)3O7−δ ceramics. The Ca‐doped Y‐123(Zn) are prepared by conventional solid‐state reaction method and characterized by X‐ray diffraction (XRD),scanning electron microscopy (SEM), differential thermal analysis–thermogravimetric analysis (DTA–TGA), and electrical and magnetic measurements (magnetization; susceptibility). Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
X‐ray spectromicroscopy study of ubiquitin adsorption to plasma polymerized microstructures
Authors: Ceccone G. , Leung B. O. , Perez‐Roldan M. J. , Valsesia A. , Colpo P. , Rossi F. , Hitchcock A. P. , Scholl A.
Published: March 2010

Synchrotron‐based X‐ray photoemission electron microscopy (X‐PEEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), time of flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (ToF‐SIMS) and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) have been used to visualize and characterize plasma polymerized acrylic acid (ppAA) and poly ethylene oxide (PEO)‐like microstructures. Micropatterned microstructures have been fabricated with electron‐beam lithography to obtain contrasted ppAA/PEO‐like structures. A surface area of 500 µm × 500 µm was patterned with arrays of 5 µm diameter circles and 500 µm × 5 µm lines. Samples have been analyzed before and after immersion of ubiquitin protein solutions. AFM and X‐PEEM results indicated that the protein adsorbed preferentially on the ppAA regions for both circular and line patterns. For both circular and line patterns, the protein preferentially adsorbed to the ppAA regions. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Seven and the sausage machine: Searching for conclusions in Miller's 1956 magical paper
Authors: Georgiou Ion
Published: March 2010

This paper offers an analytical review of Miller's classic paper of 1956 on ‘the magical number 7’. It takes account of that paper's contradictions as well as of its implicit conclusions. Miller's text is by no means clear in its logic or in its terms, and a review might be deemed helpful to those who are trying to understand it. The discussion begins with a brief historical overview. Miller's paper is then reviewed according to the order of the points made by Miller, thus facilitating a lucid comparative reading with that paper. Guidance on interpreting Miller's text is given throughout, leading to a number of technical conclusions. Finally, two general conclusions are offered, one which refers to the decision‐making literature, and one which refers more synoptically to science itself. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Non‐destructive, ‘in situ’, characterization of pigments in Minoan pottery at the stratigrafical museum of Phaistos (Crete)
Authors: Pappalardo L. , Pappalardo G. , Rizzo F. , Romano F. P. , La Rosa V.
Published: March 2010

This paper presents preliminary results of measurements of chemical composition of pigments on the Middle Minoan pottery coming from Festos and Hagia Triada excavations. The measurements were carried out ‘in situ’ with the use of the PIXE‐alpha spectrometer, with Po‐210 radioisotope as a source of sample excitation, built at Laboratorio Nazionale del Sud. The method of measurements is described in detail and the limits are discussed. The preliminary results confirm the use of the reduced iron technique to obtain the black slips and of the talc to produce the white ones. Similarly, the presence of Manganese in some orange pigments can be associated with the use of red ochre mixed to talc, the latter being used as whitening material. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Characterization of Indian Ayurvedic herbal medicines for their metal concentrations using WD‐XRF spectrometry
Authors: Swamy G. Y. S. K. , Ravikumar K.
Published: March 2010

This article describes the details of metal concentrations evaluated using wavelength dispersive X‐ray fluorescence (WD‐XRF) spectrometry. A total of 22 elements, Na, Mg, Al, Si, P, S, K, Ti, Ca, Cr, Mn, Fe, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Cd, Hg, Pb, Ba, Au, and Sn from 16 Ayurvedic medicines were characterized. The method was validated by analyzing the six certified reference materials of soil standards [NIST SRM‐2710, CRM 027‐050 (US‐EPA certified), PS‐1, TILL‐1 and TILL‐4 (Canadian certified reference material, CCRMP) and JSO‐1 (Japanese certified reference material)]. The elemental concentrations in all the standards are found to be within ± 10% of the reported values. Crystalline phases in the individual drug samples were explained by powder X‐ray diffraction (XRD) technique. Qualitative phase identification was done using the ICDD database. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Nachhaltige Entwicklung und Raumordnung
Authors: Lambrecht Maren , Thierstein Alain
Published: March 2010

Der hier entwickelte Ansatz will zeigen, wie das Konzept „nachhaltige Entwicklung” auf querschnittsorientierte Politikbereiche übertragen werden kann. Die Dimensionen Ökologie, Ökonomie und Soziales werden, basierend auf der Theorie der „ökologischen Ökonomie”, auf eine neue Weise verknüpft und bilden ein Handlungskonzept, das die gesellschaftlichen Werte- und Entscheidungssysteme explizit berücksichtigt. Schrittweise werden die sehr allgemeinen Zielvorstellungen der nachhaltigen Entwicklung in handlungsorientierte Teilziele übersetzt.
Modularer Aufbau von Nachhaltigkeitsindikatorensystemen
Authors: Heiland Stefan , Tischer Martin
Published: March 2010

The present use of sustainability indicator systems in local communities in practice remains far behind the potentials claimed for them. As main reasons for that have been identified: many existing local sustainability indicator systems are designed to meet a variety of targets. Any specific requirements are neglected. Second, most local sustainability indicator systems are designed and applied outside the political and administrative structures and processes of a local community. Their integration into the local context until now has not received enough attention. Third, the differentiation of modern societies makes the implementation of integrated approaches difficult. As a reaction, in this paper a modular design for indicator systems, is suggested and outlined in its main features.
Neue regionale Entwicklungskonzepte für periphere ländliche Räume
Authors: Mose Ingo , Brodda Yvonne
Published: March 2010

The Scottish Highlands and Islands have been classified as one of the classic rural peripheries within Europe for a long time. Against this background the paper summarizes the historical development and the process of marginalisation the Highlands and Islands have experienced, in particular describing the regional policy measures applied over the last 40 years. Further focus lies on the current discussion of so called integrated rural development concepts that form the core of a more general reform of concepts, programmes and instruments in Scottish regional policy.
Organisational modell für das Quartiermanagement
Authors: Schubert Herbert , Spieckermann Holger
Published: March 2010

The management of urban quarters is a new instrument of space-related development governance (in particular social urban renewal). In order to help it to achieve the intended impacts, governance functions must be institutionalised that reach, according to the principle of countercurrents, from the local policy level via the governance level of urban administrations to the normative definition of goals by municipal policy. On the basis of current research results, an ideal organisational model for the management of urban quarters is outlined, in which formal decision-making and information procedures between the local level and the level of the entire city as well as informal network structures are combined locally.