bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of ovarian steroids on gene expression related to synapse assembly in serotonin neurons of macaques
Authors: Bethea Cynthia L. , Reddy Arubala P.
Published: March 2012

Dendritic spines are the elementary structural units of neural plasticity. In a model of hormone replacement therapy (HT), we sought to determine the effect of estradiol (E) and progesterone (P) on gene expression related to synapse assembly in a laser‐captured preparation enriched for serotonin neurons from rhesus macaques. Microarray analysis was conducted (n = 2 animals/treatment), and the results were confirmed for pivotal genes with qRT‐PCR on additional laser‐captured material (n = 3 animals/treatment). Ovariectomized rhesus macaques were treated with placebo, E, or E + P via Silastic implants for 1 month. The midbrain was obtained, sectioned, and immunostained for tryptophan hydroxylase (TPH). TPH‐positive neurons were laser captured using an arcturus laser dissection microscope (Pixel II). RNA from laser‐captured serotonin neurons was hybridized to Rhesus Affymetrix GeneChips for screening purposes. There was a twofold or greater change in the expression of 63 probe sets in the cell adhesion molecule (CAM) category, and 31 probe sets in the synapse assembly category were similarly altered in E‐ and E + P‐treated animals. qRT‐PCR assays showed that E treatment induced a significant increase in ephrin receptor A4 (EPHA4) and in integrin A8 (ITGA8) but not in ephrin receptor B4 (EPHB4) or integrin B8 (ITGB8) expression. E also increased expression of cadherin 11 (CDH11), neuroligin 3 (NLGN3), neurexin 3 (NRXN3), syndecan 2 (SCD2), and neural cell adhesion molecule (NCAM) compared with placebo. Supplemental P treatment suppressed E‐induced gene expression. In summary, ovarian steroids target gene expression of adhesion molecules in serotonin neurons that are important for synapse assembly. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Electroacupuncture frequency‐related transcriptional response in rat arcuate nucleus revealed region‐distinctive changes in response to low‐ and high‐frequency electroacupuncture
Authors: Wang Ke , Zhang Rong , He Fei , Lin Li‐Bo , Xiang Xiao‐Hui , Ping Xing‐Jie , Han Ji‐Sheng , Zhao Guo‐Ping , Zhang Qing‐Hua , Cui Cai‐Lian
Published: March 2012

Electroacupuncture (EA) has been clinically applied for treating different medical conditions, such as pain, strain, and immune diseases. Low‐ and high‐frequency EAs have distinct therapeutic effects in clinical practice and experimental studies. However, the molecular mechanism of this difference remains obscure. The arcuate nucleus (Arc) is a critical region of the hypothalamus and is responsible for the effect of EA stimulation to remote acupoints. Gene expression profiling provides a powerful tool with which to explore the basis of physiopathological responses to external stimulus. In this study, using cDNA microarray, we investigated gene expressions in the rat Arc region induced by low‐frequency (2‐Hz) and high‐frequency (100‐Hz) EAs to two remote acupoints, zusanli (ST36) and sanyinjiao (SP6). We have found that more genes were differentially regulated by 2‐Hz EA than 100‐Hz EA (154 vs. 66 regulated genes/ESTs) in Arc, especially those related to neurogenesis, which was confirmed by qRT‐PCR. These results demonstrate that the expression level of genes in the Arc region could be effectively regulated by low‐frequency EA, compared with high‐frequency EA, helping to uncover the mechanisms of the therapeutic effects of the low‐frequency EA. Our results also indicate different‐frequency EAs are spatially specific. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Rhotekin modulates differentiation of cultured neural stem cells to neurons
Authors: Iwai Takashi , Saitoh Akiyoshi , Yamada Misa , Takahashi Kou , Hashimoto Eri , Ukai Wataru , Saito Toshikazu , Yamada Mitsuhiko
Published: March 2012

Rhotekin is a downstream signal of Rho and is expressed in the central nervous system. However, the physiological role of rhotekin in the development of neural stem cells (NSCs) into neurons is unknown. In this study, we knocked down the expression of rhotekin protein with small interfering RNA (siRNA) in the NSCs and in neural differentiated cells and measured cell proliferation, differentiation, neurite length, and survival. By using immunocytochemistry and Western blot, the production of rhotekin was observed in NSCs and neuronal cells. Furthermore, rhotekin production was increased in accordance with neural differentiation. Rhotekin knock‐down reduced 3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) activity and increased the cell death 72 hr after transfection in neurons. On the other hand, in NSCs, rhotekin knock‐down increased MTT activity and the number of 5‐bromo‐2′‐deoxyuridine (BrdU)‐positive cells. In the present study, we demonstrated that rhotekin is required for maintenance and survival of neurons and positively regulates differentiation and neurite outgrowth. Moreover, we found that rhotekin is produced in NSCs and that the role of rhotekin is to regulate cell proliferation negatively. In conclusion, these results suggest that rhotekin is one of the key molecules in the differentiation of NSCs into neurons. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Folic acid deficiency inhibits neural rosette formation and neuronal differentiation from rhesus monkey embryonic stem cells
Authors: Chen Yongchang , Wang Zhengbo , Xie Yunhua , Guo Xiangyu , Tang Xianghui , Wang Shufen , Yang Shihua , Chen Kai , Niu Yuyu , Ji Weizhi
Published: March 2012

Evidence from epidemiological studies has proved that periconceptional use of folic acid (FA) can significantly reduce the risk of neural tube defects (NTDs). However, it is hard to explore when and how FA plays roles in neurogenesis and brain development in vivo, especially in human or other nonhuman primate systems. Primate embryonic stem cell (ESC) lines are ideal models for studying cell differentiation and organogenesis in vitro. In the present study, the roles of FA in neural differentiation were assessed in a rhesus monkey ESC system in vitro. The results showed no significant difference in the expression of neural precursor markers, such as nestin, Sox‐1, or Pax‐6, among neural progenitors obtained from different FA concentrations or with the FA antagonist methotrexate (MTX). However, FA depletion decreased cell proliferation and affected embryoid body (EB) and neural rosette formation, as well as neuronal but not neuroglia differentiation. Our data imply that the ESC system is a suitable model for further exploring the mechanism of how FA works in prevention of NTDs in primates. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Expression of axonal protein degradation machinery in sympathetic neurons is regulated by nerve growth factor
Authors: Frampton John P. , Guo Chong , Pierchala Brian A.
Published: March 2012

Deficiencies in protein degradation and proteolytic function within neurons are linked to a number of neurodegenerative diseases and developmental disorders. Compartmentalized cultures of peripheral neurons were used to investigate the properties and relative abundance of the proteolytic machinery in the axons and cell bodies of sympathetic and sensory neurons. Immunoblotting of axonal proteins demonstrated that LAMP2, LC3, and PSMA2 were abundant in axons, suggesting that lysosomes, autophagosomes and proteasomes were located in axons. Interestingly, the expression of proteins associated with lysosomes and proteasomes were upregulated selectively in axons by NGF stimulation of the distal axons of sympathetic neurons, suggesting that axonal growth and maintenance requires local protein turnover. The regulation of the abundance of both proteasomes and lysosomes in axons by NGF provides a link between protein degradation and the trophic status of peripheral neurons. Inhibition of proteasomes located in axons resulted in an accumulation of ubiquitinated proteins in these axons. In contrast, lysosome inhibition in axons did not result in an accumulation of ubiquitinated proteins or the transferrin receptor, a transmembrane protein degraded by lysosomes. Interestingly, lysosomes were transported both retrogradely and anterogradely, so it is likely that ubiquitinated proteins that are normally destined for degradation by lysosomes in axons can be transported to the cellbodies for degradation. In summary, proteasomal degradation occurs locally, whereas proteins degraded by lysosomes can most likely either be degraded locally in axons or be transported to cell bodies for degradation. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Synoptic situations of severe local convective storms during the pre‐monsoon season in Bangladesh
Authors: Yamane Yusuke , Hayashi Taiichi , Kiguchi Masashi , Akter Fatima , Dewan Ashraf Mahmmood
Published: March 2012

This study examines synoptic situations of severe local convective storms (mesoscale severe weather associated with deep convections such as tornado and hail) during the pre‐monsoon season (from March to May) in Bangladesh. We compared composite meteorological fields on severe local convective storm days (SLCSD) with those on non‐severe local convective storm days (NSLCSD). Moisture inflow from the Bay of Bengal is enhanced with intensification of southwesterly wind at 950 hPa on SLCSD compared with NSLCSD. The temperature is higher at 800 hPa over the inland area of the Indian subcontinent including Bangladesh on SLCSD than NSLCSD. At 550 hPa, a trough over Bangladesh develops on SLCSD compared with NSLCSD. This leads to the development of a thermal trough over the inland area of the Indian subcontinent and enhancement of cold advection from the northwest into Bangladesh on SLCSD at this level. This synoptic situation produces great potential instability of the atmosphere in Bangladesh on SLCSD during the pre‐monsoon season. Composite distributions of lifted index, precipitable water and convective available potential energy on SLCSD and NSLCSD over south Asia show distinct differences of these parameters between these two categories with statistical significance especially in and around Bangladesh. These differences indicate that the atmospheric environment has great potential instability especially in and around Bangladesh on SCLSD under the synoptic situations shown in this study. Copyright © 2012 Royal Meteorological Society
Preparation of dissolvable albumin stents for vascular anastomosis with a 1.9 µm laser and in vitro mechanical strength assessments
Authors: McCargar Reid , Jenson Kari , Dayton Amanda , Murphy Katrina , Xie Hua , Prahl Scott A.
Published: March 2012

Introduction

We present a clinically relevant method for producing and sterilizing dissolvable albumin stents to provide intraluminal support during vascular anastomosis, and a method for photothermally soldering vessels using a 1.9 µm diode laser with a 200‐µm spot size, albumin solder, and water as the chromophore. Our aim in this study was to assess the mechanical integrity of soldered vessels, and to determine if gamma‐irradiation affected the solubility of the stents.

Materials and Methods

The axial tensile strength and burst pressure of 3.75 ± 0.3 mm inner‐diameter vessels soldered with varied swath width (1–7 mm), laser power (430–610 mW), solder concentration (22–46%w/w), and solder layering (1–3 layers) was tested in vitro. Stent dissolution was monitored by weight in blood, and with UV absorbance measurements in phosphate buffered saline (PBS). Solubility was measured for stents sterilized by 25 kGy gamma‐irradiation, and stents with varied diameter and wall thickness.

Results

Optimized soldering parameters yielded tensile strengths of 4.4 ± 1.2 N and burst pressures of 400 ± 90 mm Hg with stay sutures. Differences in stent solubility in blood and PBS were not statistically significant (p = 0.99). Sterilization by 25 kGy gamma‐irradiation did not cause significant changes (p > 0.6) in stent solubility, which was primarily volume‐dependent. Under simulated intravascular flow conditions, 3 mm stents dissolved completely with 2.7 ± 0.7 ml/mg.

Conclusions

The results show that fast‐dissolving stents can be produced reliably using the extrusion technique, and sterilized by gamma‐irradiation. Without stay sutures, soldered vessels exhibited low tensile strength, but burst pressures comparable to sutured vessels. It was concluded that stay sutures would be necessary in vivo due to degradation of the tensile strength of soldered vessels with exposure to moisture. Lasers Surg. Med. 44:330–338, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Multifunctionalized CMCht/PAMAM Dendrimer Nanoparticles Modulate the Cellular Uptake by Astrocytes and Oligodendrocytes in Primary Cultures of Glial Cells
Authors: Cerqueira Susana R. , Silva Bárbara L. , Oliveira Joaquim M. , Mano João F. , Sousa Nuno , Salgado António J. , Reis Rui L.
Published: March 2012

The efficiency of the treatments involving CNS disorders is commonly diminished by the toxicity, reduced stability and lack of targeting of the administered neuroactive compounds. In this study, we have successfully multifunctionalized CMCht/PAMAM dendrimer nanoparticles by coupling the CD11b antibody and loading MP into the nanoparticles. The modification of the new antibody‐conjugated nanoparticles was confirmed by S‐TEM observation and 1H NMR and FTIR spectroscopy. Cytotoxicity assays revealed that the conjugates did not affect the viability of both primary cultures of glial and microglial cells. Trace analyses of FITC‐labelled nanoparticles revealed that the uptake of antibody‐conjugated nanoparticles was conserved in microglial cells but significantly decreased in astrocytes and oligodendrocytes. Thus, this study demonstrates that antibody conjugation contributes to a modulation of the internalization of these nanocarriers by different cell types, which might be of relevance for specific targeting of CNS cell populations.

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Poly(ethyleneimine)‐Mediated Large‐Scale Transient Gene Expression: Influence of Molecular Weight, Polydispersity and N‐Propionyl Groups
Authors: Kadlecova Zuzana , Nallet Sophie , Hacker David L. , Baldi Lucia , Klok Harm‐Anton , Wurm Florian M.
Published: March 2012

Three synthesis lots of linear poly(ethyleneimine) (PEI) are compared to a fully hydrolyzed linear PEI (commercially available as PEI “Max”) regarding structure, polyplex formation with plasmid DNA, and transfection of suspension‐adapted HEK‐293E cells. PEI “Max” binds DNA more efficiently than the other PEIs, but it is the least effective in terms of transient recombinant protein yield. One PEI lot is fractionated by means of SEC. The fractions of high‐$\overline {M} _{{\rm n}} $ PEI are the most efficient for complex formation and transfection. Nevertheless, the highest transient recombinant protein yields are achieved with unfractionated PEI. The results demonstrate that the polydispersity and charge density of linear PEI are important parameters for gene delivery to suspension‐adapted HEK‐293E cells.

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Surface Plasmon Resonance Biosensors Incorporating Gold Nanoparticles
Authors: Bedford Erin E. , Spadavecchia Jolanda , Pradier Claire‐Marie , Gu Frank X.
Published: March 2012

SPR biosensing is increasingly popular for the detection of a multitude of biomolecules. It offers label‐free detection and study of proteins, nucleic acids, and other biomolecules in real time. A recent trend involves incorporation of AuNPs, either within the sensing surface itself or as signal enhancing tagging molecules. The importance of AuNP and detecting agent spacing is described and techniques using macromolecular spacing aids are highlighted. Recent methods to enhance SPR detection capabilities using gold nanoparticles are reviewed, as well as device fabrication and the results of incorporation. SPR detection is a highly versatile method for the detection of biomolecules and, with the incorporation of AuNPs, shows promise in extending it to a number of new applications.

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Construction of a Microstructured Collagen Membrane Mimicking the Papillary Dermis Architecture and Guiding Keratinocyte Morphology and Gene Expression
Authors: Lammers Gerwen , Roth Günter , Heck Mathias , Zengerle Roland , Tjabringa G. Sandra , Versteeg Elly M. , Hafmans Theo , Wismans Ronnie , Reinhardt Dieter P. , Verwiel Eugene T. P. , Zeeuwen Patrick L. J. M. , Schalkwijk Joost , Brock Roland , Daamen Willeke F. , van Kuppevelt Toin H.
Published: March 2012

A papillary‐structured collagen fibril membrane is created, mimicking the 3D‐architecture of the human papillary dermis. Primary human keratinocytes cultured to confluency on papillar‐structured films are compared to keratinocytes cultured on flat membranes. Microscopical evaluation reveals the presence of morphologically distinct cells at the base of the papillar structures that are not observed on flat membranes. Gene expression microarrays and RT‐qPCR indicate that these cells are in a more proliferative/migrational state, whereas cells on flat membranes have a more differentiated expression profile. Immunohistochemical stainings confirm these results. In conclusion, specific collagen architecture can direct keratinocyte behavior, and this may be used to further improve skin regeneration.

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Analysis of Fatty Alcohol Ethoxylates Regarding Chain Length and Endgroups by MALDI‐TOF MS Using Collision‐Induced Dissociation
Authors: Mass Valentina , Rode Karsten , Rittig Frank , Ostrowski Thomas , Pasch Harald
Published: March 2012

MALDI‐TOF MS is used to analyze the chain lengths and endgroups of fatty alcohol ethoxylates based on the fragmentation behavior in collision‐induced dissociation. MALDI‐CID‐TOF2 of the ethoxylates results in complex fragmentation patterns that mirror the fragmentation of the ethylene oxide oligomer chain and the fatty alocohol endgroups. Characteristic fragment patterns are obtained that facilitate the interpretation of the fragmentation behavior of the fatty alcohol ethoxylates. Linear and branched endgroups can be differentiated and specific fragments are identified that are characteristic for the cleavage between the polymer chain and the endgroup. These “marker” fragments are used to determine the oligomer chain length and the number of carbons per endgroup.
Synthesis of Polyethylene Containing Allene Groups: A Simple and Efficient Route to Functional Polyethylene
Authors: Hong Miao , Li Yanguo , Li Baixiang , Li Yuesheng
Published: March 2012

Allene groups are first employed as the reactive moiety in the simple and efficient synthesis of well‐defined functional polyethylene. By copolymerization of ethylene with allene group substituted norbornene, the allene group is successfully introduced into the polyethylene with a high content. The retained allene groups are demonstrated to be highly reactive in following photoinduced functionalized reactions and can be efficiently converted into the functional groups without the multi‐step, time consuming processes that have generally been required in previous reports, providing the side group‐functionalized polyethylene with a wide range of functional group content.
Novel dual‐band design of planar slot array antenna for 4G LTE/WiMAX access points
Authors: Lu Jui‐Han , Liu Yen‐Hung
Published: March 2012

This article proposes a novel planar dual‐band slot array antenna with high‐gain operation for Long Term Evolution (LTE)/Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX) point. The impedance bandwidth, determined from VSWR ≤ 2.0, can reach about 18.3/14.6% (475/510 MHz) for the 2.6/3.5 GHz operating bands, respectively, which is covering the bandwidth specification for LTE (2.5–2.7 GHz) and WiMAX (3.3–3.7 GHz) system. The proposed slot array antenna also provides maximum peak antenna gains and efficiencies of 13.9/14.1 dBi and 86.5/73.5% across 2.6/3.5 GHz bands, respectively. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 54:1193–1196, 2012
Small‐size LTE/WWAN coupled‐fed loop antenna with band‐stop matching circuit for tablet computer
Authors: Wong Kin‐Lu , Wu Tsung‐Ju
Published: March 2012

By combining the use of a coupling feed and a band‐stop matching circuit, the proposed small‐size loop antenna for the tablet computer application can operate at its quarter‐wavelength mode as the lowest resonant mode and provide two wide operating bands (704–960 and 1710–2690 MHz) to cover the eight‐band LTE/WWAN operation (LTE700/GSM850/900 and GSM1800/1900/UMTS/LTE2300/2500 bands).The loop antenna comprises a T‐shape radiating feed, a coupled shorted strip, an antenna ground, and a band‐stop matching circuit on the antenna ground. The antenna's metal pattern includes a printed pattern on a thin FR4 substrate of planar size 10 × 55 mm2 and a metal strip of size 4 × 55 mm2 formed a part of the coupled shorted strip and connected orthogonally to the printed pattern. The antenna's occupied volume and the required length of 55 mm along the top edge of the display ground are both the smallest among the internal LTE/WWAN antenna for the tablet or laptop computers that have been reported for the present. Detailed operating principle of the proposed antenna including the effects of the coupling feed using the T‐shape radiating feed and the band‐stop matching circuit for bandwidth enhancement is discussed. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 54:1189–1193, 2012
Simulation and experiment of erbium/ytterbium co‐doped double‐clad fiber amplifier
Authors: Zhang Weiyi , Ning Jiping , Han Qun
Published: March 2012

The “eye‐safe” waveband infrared laser radiation with wavelength of around 1.5 μm has extensive applications in communication, medical care, remote control, etc. An erbium/ytterbium co‐doped double clad fiber amplifier operating at 1.5‐μm wavelength is studied in this article. Theory models, which include calculation of amplified spontaneous emission powers, is built on rate equations describing the energy level transition and intercross transfer, and power propagation equations. Influence of gain fiber length and input signal power on amplifier's output power is analyzed and the amplifier's optimal parameters are derived via simulations. The laser's power spectrums after amplification are found to be satisfactory. An experiment of erbium/ytterbium doped fiber amplifier is also performed. A set of input–output power curves with varying pump powers are measured, which confirm our theoretical analysis. A highest output power of 1.33 W is achieved in the experiment. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 54:1332–1335, 2012
Application of the Numerical Fractionation Approach to the Design of Biofunctional PEG Hydrogel Membranes
Authors: Kizilel Riza , Kizilel Seda
Published: March 2012

A mathematical model is described for surface‐initiated photopolymerization of PEG‐DA forming crosslinked biofunctional PEG hydrogel membranes based on the NF technique. The model includes an additional monomer with biological functionality, which is a common experimental strategy for the design of ECM mimics in tissue engineering in order to direct signaling pathways, and considers concentration‐dependent VP propagation and reaction diffusion termination. The influence of these features on the crosslink density of the soluble and gel phases, the progression through gelation, sol/gel fraction, and molecular weight distribution of biofunctional PEG hydrogel are studied using the NF model. This model may be useful for specific applications of tissue engineering.

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Amphiphilic Poly(4‐acryloylmorpholine)/Poly[2‐(N‐carbazolyl)ethyl acrylate] Random and Block Copolymers Synthesized by NMP
Authors: Savelyeva Xeniya , Lessard Benoît H. , Marić Milan
Published: March 2012

A series of random copolymers and block copolymers containing water‐soluble 4AM and fluorescent VAK are synthesized by NMP. The homopolymerizations of 4AM and VAK and 4AM/VAK random copolymerization are performed in 50 wt% DMF using 10 mol% SG1, resulting in a linear increase in $\overline {M} _{{\rm n}} $ versus conversion, and final polymers with narrow molecular weight distributions ($\overline {M} _{{\rm w}} /\overline {M} _{{\rm n}} $ < 1.4). Reactivity ratios rVAK = 0.64 ± 0.52 and r4AM = 0.86 ± 0.66 are obtained for the 4AM/VAK random copolymerization. In addition, a poly(4AM) macroinitiator is used to initiate a surfactant‐free suspension polymerization of VAK. After 2.5 h, the resulting amphiphilic block copolymer has $\overline {M} _{{\rm n}} $ = 12.6 kg · mol−1, $\overline {M} _{{\rm w}} /\overline {M} _{{\rm n}} $ = 1.48, molar composition FVAK = 0.38 with latex particle sizes between 270 and 475 nm.

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What are the best outcome measures when assessing treatments for LUTD?—achieving the most out of outcome evaluation: ICI‐RS 2011
Authors: Cotterill N. , Goldman H. , Kelleher Con , Kopp Zoe , Tubaro Andrea , Brubaker Linda
Published: March 2012

A think tank was convened at the third ICI‐RS meeting held in the UK, June 2011, to consider the best outcome measures when assessing treatments for lower urinary tract dysfunction (LUTD). Given the vast array of measures available a focus on questionnaires was decided upon, which continued to highlight a plethora of available tools. The decision was therefore taken to approach this topic from an alternative perspective and instead ask the audience of gathered experts in this field to consider, “What we need to ask as a minimum in order to capture the most fundamental parameters when evaluating new treatments for LUTD?” Discussions highlighted the need for inclusion of a global measure in all outcome evaluations in order to increase comparability between different treatment evaluations and different populations. More specific categories of evaluation identified were: treatment satisfaction, symptom quantification, health related quality of life and adverse events. Further optional components were identified for inclusion where relevant, such as health economic, goal setting and psychosocial evaluation. A “Minimum Outcome Set for Testing (MOST)” was therefore proposed by selecting a health outcome measure from each category while not being prescriptive about specific outcome measurement selection. The ‘MOST’ toolkit is therefore proposed to promote standardized evaluation in this field and represents a useful starting point for further consideration of this concept. Neurourol. Urodynam. 31:400–403, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Should we screen for and treat lower urinary tract dysfunction after major pelvic surgery?: ICI‐RS 2011
Authors: Bosch J.L.H. Ruud , Norton Peggy , Jones J. Stephen
Published: March 2012

Aims

Given the relative frequency of lower urinary tract dysfunction (LUTD) after major pelvic surgery, the main question for this debate is: “Should we [actively] screen for LUTD after major pelvic surgery,” with the intention to treat and improve patient care.

Methods

The discussants selected relevant papers from a limited review of the literature [PubMed/Medline database (January 1966 to May 2011)] and prepared the YES versus NO presentations.

Results

The evidence was presented for the following major pelvic procedures: colorectal surgery, hysterectomy, and surgery for other benign gynecologic conditions, radical prostatectomy, brachytherapy, and primary cryotherapy for prostate cancer. Based on the presentations, the audience voted in favor of screening for LUTD after major pelvic surgery.

Conclusions

Irreversible treatment should be delayed in case of LUTD after major pelvic surgery. In fact, most symptoms spontaneously subside within 6 months after the surgery. Once the period of 6–12 months of conservative management has been completed and if LUTD persists, a new urodynamic screening should be followed by appropriate treatment. Neurourol. Urodynam. 31:327–329, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Does diabetes mellitus‐induced bladder remodeling affect lower urinary tract function?: ICI‐RS 2011
Authors: Kirschner‐Hermanns Ruth , Daneshgari Firouz , Vahabi Bahareh , Birder Lori , Oelke Matthias , Chacko Samuel
Published: March 2012

Aims

Due to an increase in aging population and changing eating habits diabetes mellitus (DM) type II is a rapidly increasing condition worldwide. Although not so detrimental as other co‐morbidities, uropathy contributes to a significantly reduced quality‐of‐life in those affected. The purpose of this ICS‐RS report is to highlight clinical and basic research data to outline directions for further research and possible treatment approaches.

Methods

This report is based on a think tank presentation and discussion at the ICI‐RS 2011, original research data and literature research.

Results

Clinical and experimental data confirm that detrusor overactivity, both neurogenic and myogenic, and changes in transmitter regulation leading to a hyper‐ excitability of the detrusor are the major findings in diabetic neuropathic bladders. These findings seem to be related to an earlier stage of DM, whereas detrusor underactivity appears to be linked to later stages of DM. Detrusor smooth muscle cells seem to be modulated directly by hyperglycemia. Data support the theory that hyperglycemia‐induced oxidative stress in the detrusor smooth muscle and that micro‐ and macrovascular events are also responsible for urologic complications of DM.

Conclusions

DM causes bladder remodelling leading to uropathy in a mulitfactorial way. Future research should focus on the effects of DM as a function of time and develop novel animal models looking at defined aspects as well as interaction of different aspects‐ such as oxidative stress in neurogenic, myogenic and urothelial components and the role of inflammation and hypoxia caused by vascular complications. Neurourol. Urodynam. 31:359–364, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A generalized structured doubling algorithm for the numerical solution of linear quadratic optimal control problems
Authors: Mehrmann Volker , Poloni Federico
Published: March 2012

We propose a generalization of the structured doubling algorithm to compute invariant subspaces of structured matrix pencils that arise in the context of solving linear quadratic optimal control problems. The new algorithm is designed to attain better accuracy when the classical Riccati equation approach for the solution of the optimal control problem is not well suited because the stable and unstable invariant subspaces are not well separated (because of eigenvalues near or on the imaginary axis) or in the case when the Riccati solution does not exist at all. We analyze the convergence of the method and compare the new method with the classical structured doubling algorithm as well as some structured QR methods. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
How organizational characteristics affect the adaptive tactics used by human service nonprofit managers confronting financial uncertainty
Authors: Mosley Jennifer E. , Maronick Matthew P. , Katz Hagai
Published: March 2012

The way that nonprofits respond to funding uncertainty is crucial to their ability to meet goals and position themselves for future success. This article investigates how structural, managerial, and financial characteristics affect the adaptive tactics used by human service nonprofits during times of financial stress. These tactics include adding new programs, reducing programs or staff, expanding or starting joint programs, pursuing earned income, and expanding advocacy involvement. Using longitudinal data on human service nonprofits collected on either side of the 2002–2003 economic downtown, we find that larger size provides organizations with a unique ability to choose among different adaptive tactics, as larger size was significantly predictive of adding new programs, reducing programs, expanding advocacy, and pursuing earned income. Strategic planning was positively associated with innovative tactics such as starting joint programs or pursuing earned income. Financial stress or declines in an organization's major funding source led to cutbacks, as expected, but managers who foresaw these challenges were able to respond proactively by adding programs or starting joint programs. However, managers with more training did not respond much differently than did other managers, and organizational age and use of performance management tools had no effect in guiding organizational responses to financial uncertainty.
End‐to‐End Thiocyanato‐Bridged Helical Chain Polymer and Dichlorido‐Bridged Copper(II) Complexes with a Hydrazone Ligand: Synthesis, Characterisation by Electron Paramagnetic Resonance and Variable‐Temperature Magnetic Studies, and Inhibitory Effects on Human Colorectal Carcinoma Cells
Authors: Das Kuheli , Datta Amitabha , Sinha Chittaranjan , Huang Jui‐Hsien , Garribba Eugenio , Hsiao Ching‐Sheng , Hsu Chin‐Lin
Published: March 2012

The reactions of the tridentate hydrazone ligand, N′‐[1‐(pyridin‐2‐yl)ethylidene]acetohydrazide (HL), obtained by condensation of 2‐acetylpyridine with acetic hyadrazide, with copper nitrate trihydrate in the presence of thiocyanate, or with CuCl2 produce two distinct coordination compounds, namely a one‐dimensional helical coordination chain of [CuL(NCS)]n (1) units, and a doubly chlorido‐bridged dinuclear complex [Cu2L2Cl2] (2) (where L=CH3C(O)=NN=CCH3C5H4N). Single‐crystal X‐ray structural determination studies reveal that in complex 1, a deprotonated hydrazone ligand L− coordinates a copper(II) ion that is bridged to two neighbouring metal centres by SCN− anions, generating a one‐dimensional helical coordination chain. In complex 2, two symmetry‐related, adjacent copper(II) coordination entities are doubly chlorido‐bridged, producing a dicopper entity with a Cu⋅⋅⋅Cu distance of 3.402 (1) Å. The two coordination compounds have been fully characterised by elemental analysis, spectroscopic techniques including IR, UV–vis and electron paramagnetic resonance, and variable‐temperature magnetic studies. The biological effects of 1 and 2 on the viability of human colorectal carcinoma cells (COLO‐205 and HT‐29) were evaluated using an MTT assay, and the results indicate that these complexes induce a decrease in cell‐population growth of human colorectal carcinoma cells with apoptosis.
Clinical significance of pulmonary nodules detected by CT and Not CXR in patients treated for favorable histology Wilms tumor on national Wilms tumor studies‐4 and ‐5: A report from the Children's Oncology Group
Authors: Grundy Paul E. , Green Daniel M. , Dirks Astrid C. , Berendt Andrea E. , Breslow Norman E. , Anderson James R. , Dome Jeffrey S.
Published: March 2012

Background

Metastatic lung disease in Wilms tumor (WT) patients was traditionally identified by chest radiograph (CXR). It is unclear whether patients with small lesions, detectable only by computed tomography (“CT‐only” lesions), require the more intensive therapy, including doxorubicin and lung irradiation, given to patients with metastases detectable by CXR.

Procedures

This study involved 417 patients with favorable histology WT and isolated lung metastases (detected by CXR or CT) who were registered on National Wilms tumor Study (NWTS)‐4 or ‐5. Outcomes by method of detection (CXR vs. CT‐only), use of lung radiation, and 2‐ or 3‐drug chemotherapy (dactinomycin and vincristine ± doxorubicin) were determined and compared using the log‐rank test.

Results

There were 231 patients with lung lesions detected by CXR and 186 by CT‐only. Of the patients with CT‐only nodules, 37 received only 2 drugs and 101 did not receive lung radiation. Five‐year event‐free survival (EFS) was greater for patients receiving three drugs (including doxorubicin) with or without lung radiation than for those receiving two drugs (80% vs. 56%; P = 0.004). There was no difference seen in 5‐year overall survival (OS) between the 3‐ and 2‐drug subsets (87% vs. 86%; P = 0.91). There were no significant differences in EFS (82% vs. 72%; P = 0.13) or OS (91% vs. 83%; P = 0.46) for patients with CT‐only nodules whether they received lung radiation or not.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that patients with CT‐only lung lesions may have improved EFS but not OS from the addition of doxorubicin but do not appear to benefit from pulmonary radiation. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2012;59:631–635. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Genetic variants modify susceptibility to leukemia in infants: A Children's Oncology Group report
Authors: Ross Julie A. , Linabery Amy M. , Blommer Crystal N. , Langer Erica K. , Spector Logan G. , Hilden Joanne M. , Heerema Nyla A. , Radloff Gretchen A. , Tower Richard L. , Davies Stella M.
Published: March 2012

Background

The mixed lineage leukemia (MLL) gene is commonly rearranged in infant leukemia (IL). Genetic determinants of susceptibility to IL are unknown. Recent genome‐wide association studies for childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) have identified susceptibility loci at IKZF1, ARID5B, and CEBPE.

Procedure

We genotyped these loci in 171 infants with leukemia and 384 controls and evaluated associations overall, by subtype [ALL, acute myeloid leukemia (AML)], and by presence (+) or absence (−) of MLL rearrangements.

Results

Homozygosity for a variant IKZF1 allele (rs11978267) increased risk of infant AML [Odds ratio (OR) = 3.9, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.8–8.4]; the increased risk was similar for AML/MLL+ and MLL− cases. In contrast, risk of ALL/MLL− was increased in infants homozygous for the IKZF1 variant (OR = 5.1, 95% CI = 1.8–14.5) but the variant did not modify risk of ALL/MLL+. For ARID5B (rs10821936), homozygosity for the variant allele increased risk for the ALL/MLL− subgroup only (OR = 7.2, 95% CI = 2.5–20.6). There was little evidence of an association with the CEBP variant (rs2239633).

Conclusion

IKZF1 is expressed in early hematopoiesis, including precursor myeloid cells. Our data provide the first evidence that IKZF1 modifies susceptibility to infant AML, irrespective of MLL rearrangements, and could provide important new etiologic insights into this rare and heterogeneous hematopoietic malignancy. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2013; 60: 31–34. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Carotid jugular arteriovenous fistula: An unusual complication of internal jugular vein catheterization in children
Authors: Chan Ching Ching , Lee Vincent , Chu Winnie , Tam Yuk Him , Li Chi Kong , Shing Matthew Ming Kong
Published: March 2012

Central venous catheterization is essential in the management of patients requiring long‐term intravenous access. Various risks during central line insertion have been described in the medical literature, including the potentially life‐threatening complication of iatrogenic arteriovenous fistula (AVF). We describe a novel case of carotid jugular AVF following implanted port (BardPort® by C.R. Bard, Inc.) insertion in a pediatric oncology patient who had suffered cerebral infarct due to thromboembolism. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2012; 59: 1302–1304. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The performance of PV‐t systems for residential application in Bangkok
Authors: Nualboonrueng Thipjak , Tuenpusa Pongpith , Ueda Yuki , Akisawa Atsushi
Published: March 2012

This paper focused on the performance of photovoltaic‐thermal (PVT) systems working in Bangkok for residential applications.

The PVT system is one which produces both electricity and low temperature heat at the same time. This paper investigated the performance of PVT systems that use different types of commercial solar PV panels. The characteristics of the PV panels were used as input parameters in the simulation. Each system comprises 2 m2 of PVT collector area. Water draw patterns are those with a typical consumption of medium size houses in Bangkok, and the measured monthly average city water temperature of Bangkok has been used to estimate the energy output. The results show that the optimum water flow rate is 20 kg/h for all types of PVT collectors and the effect of water flow can improve the cell efficiency of PV cells. Moreover, the total energy output from the PVT collectors, which had glass covers is very significantly higher than those without one. The c‐Si PVT panel gave the best performance with the highest rate of primary energy reduction. The payback time of each system is 6.4, 11.8, and 13.4 years for a‐Si, mc‐Si, and c‐Si types of PVT system, respectively. This investigation concludes that from the viewpoint of system performance, c‐Si PVT is the most promising type than whereas from the viewpoint of economy, a‐Si PVT has the fastest payback time. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Biosensor employing screen‐printed PEDOT:PSS for sensitive detection of phenolic compounds in water
Authors: Moczko Ewa , Istamboulie Georges , Calas‐Blanchard Carole , Rouillon Regis , Noguer Thierry
Published: March 2012

Poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) and its derivatives are relatively new, and unique members of conducting‐polymers family. In this article, we present an approach for simple, reliable and cost‐efficient electrochemical biosensor for real‐time detection and quantification of phenolic compounds (PhCs). The PEDOT:poly(styrene sulfonate) (PSS) polymer, directly screen‐printed on the surface of the working electrode, was shown to act as an effective electrical conductor but also as an efficient redox mediator. It has also been found suitable for the reduction of quinone ions at low reducing potentials, close to 0 V versus Ag/AgCl, thus minimizing interferences due to other electroactive species present in real samples. Based on these properties, a biosensor based on tyrosinase immobilized on PEDOT:PSS‐modified electrodes was developed allowing the detection of PhCs in surface waters. The biosensor displayed very good performance in terms of sensitivity, detection limit and linear range. Assays using surface water previously spiked with bisphenol A showed that the biosensor was able to detect PhCs in real conditions with no matrix effect. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2012
Vocal cord dysfunction in adolescents
Authors: Schulze Johannes , Weber Sarah , Rosewich Martin , Eickmeier Olaf , Rose Markus A. , Zielen Stefan
Published: March 2012

Rationale for the study

Vocal cord dysfunction (VCD) often presents with dramatic and abrupt symptoms. To diagnose VCD, visualization by direct laryngoscopy is required and because patients are usually asymptomatic, a specific method to provoke VCD is needed. Approaches to predict VCD by alterations of the flow‐volume loop have been investigated.

Methods

Adolescents with clinical suspicion of VCD were invited to participate. After an initial pulmonary function test (PFT), direct laryngoscopy was performed. This was followed by a methacholine challenge test (MCT); the methacholine dose causing a 20% drop in forced expiratory volume after 1 sec (FEV1) (PD20FEV1) was calculated. Then a second laryngoscopy was conducted. PFT changes before and after MCT were compared with the data of 14 healthy controls (HCs).

Results

Thirty‐five patients (8–19 years) were investigated. Three showed anatomical alterations. Of the remaining 32 patients, 14 had VCD and 18 had bronchial hyperresponsiveness (non‐VCD). In 29 patients with a positive MCT, PD20FEV1 methacholine was significantly lower in VCD compared with non‐VCD (VCD 0.24 ± 0.4 mg, non‐VCD 0.73 ± 0.73 mg, P = 0.0006). A PD20FEV1 < 0.24 mg methacholine predicted VCD with a sensitivity of 85% and a specificity of 75%. VCD patients showed significantly lower PFT parameters after challenge; FEV1: VCD 58.5 ± 20.1%, non‐VCD 80.2 ± 18.0%, and HCs 98.7 ± 16.6% (P < 0.0001).

Conclusions

The combination of MCT and laryngoscopy may be able to differentiate between VCD and non‐VCD. VCD patients showed a positive reaction at lower methacholine doses and displayed greater airway obstruction after MCT. PFTs and MCT do not replace direct laryngoscopy in the diagnosis of VCD in adolescents. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2012; 47:612–619. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Pathological findings at radical prostatectomy in patients initially managed by active surveillance: A comparative analysis
Authors: Iremashvili Viacheslav , Manoharan Murugesan , Rosenberg Daniel L. , Acosta Kristell , Soloway Mark S.
Published: March 2012

BACKGROUND

The purpose of our analysis was to determine if delays in treatment caused by active surveillance result in significant pathological changes when patients no longer meet the criteria on repeat biopsy and to study whether or not these changes may affect treatment outcomes.

METHODS

Out of 207 men who were on active surveillance, 47 (23%) no longer met the criteria after one of the repeat biopsies. Twenty‐two underwent radical prostatectomy at our institution and formed the main group (Group 1) of this study. One hundred sixty‐four patients met the criteria for active surveillance but underwent immediate surgery. Of these patients, we selected 38 (23%) with the lowest predicted biochemical recurrence‐free survival. These patients formed the comparison group (Group 2). Pathological features as well as postoperative biochemical outcomes were compared between the groups.

RESULTS

Seven patients (32%) in Group 1 and four (11%) in Group 2 have predominantly high‐grade cancer (i.e., ≥4/5 + 3) at pathology. The visually estimated percent of carcinoma was also higher in patients initially managed by active surveillance (median 12.5 vs. 5.0 in Groups 1 and 2, respectively, P = 0.009). Other pathological characteristics were similar in both groups. With limited duration of follow‐up, postoperative biochemical recurrence‐free survival did not differ significantly between the groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study has demonstrated that both tumor grade and volume may increase during active surveillance. However, the clinical significance of these changes with respect to the outcomes of delayed treatment remains to be established. Prostate 72:1573–1579, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Prediction of accrual closure date in multi‐center clinical trials with discrete‐time Poisson process models
Authors: Tang Gong , Kong Yuan , Chang Chung‐Chou Ho , Kong Lan , Costantino Joseph P.
Published: March 2012

In a phase III multi‐center cancer clinical trial or a large public health study, sample size is predetermined to achieve desired power, and study participants are enrolled from tens or hundreds of participating institutions. As the accrual is closing to the target size, the coordinating data center needs to project the accrual closure date on the basis of the observed accrual pattern and notify the participating sites several weeks in advance. In the past, projections were simply based on some crude assessment, and conservative measures were incorporated in order to achieve the target accrual size. This approach often resulted in excessive accrual size and subsequently unnecessary financial burden on the study sponsors. Here we proposed a discrete‐time Poisson process‐based method to estimate the accrual rate at time of projection and subsequently the trial closure date. To ensure that target size would be reached with high confidence, we also proposed a conservative method for the closure date projection. The proposed method was illustrated through the analysis of the accrual data of the National Surgical Adjuvant Breast and Bowel Project trial B‐38. The results showed that application of the proposed method could help to save considerable amount of expenditure in patient management without compromising the accrual goal in multi‐center clinical trials. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.