bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Therapeutic Inhibition of MAP Kinase Interacting Kinase Blocks Eukaryotic Initiation Factor 4E Phosphorylation and Suppresses Outgrowth of Experimental Lung Metastases
Authors: Konicek Bruce W. , Stephens Jennifer R. , McNulty Ann M. , Robichaud Nathaniel , Peery Robert B. , Dumstorf Chad A. , Dowless Michele S. , Iversen Philip W. , Parsons Stephen , Ellis Karen E. , McCann Denis J. , Pelletier Jerry , Furic Luc , Yingling Jonathan M. , Stancato Louis F. , Sonenberg Nahum , Graff Jeremy R.
Published: January 2011

Activation of the translation initiation factor 4E (eIF4E) promotes malignant transformation and metastasis. Signaling through the AKT-mTOR pathway activates eIF4E by phosphorylating the inhibitory 4E binding proteins (4E-BP). This liberates eIF4E and allows binding to eIF4G. eIF4E can then be phosphorylated at serine 209 by the MAPK-interacting kinases (Mnk), which also interact with eIF4G. Although dispensable for normal development, Mnk function and eIF4E phosphorylation promote cellular proliferation and survival and are critical for malignant transformation. Accordingly, Mnk inhibition may serve as an attractive cancer therapy. We now report the identification of a potent, selective and orally bioavailable Mnk inhibitor that effectively blocks 4E phosphorylation both in vitro and in vivo. In cultured cancer cell lines, Mnk inhibitor treatment induces apoptosis and suppresses proliferation and soft agar colonization. Importantly, a single, orally administered dose of this Mnk inhibitor substantially suppresses eIF4E phosphorylation for at least 4 hours in human xenograft tumor tissue and mouse liver tissue. Moreover, oral dosing with the Mnk inhibitor significantly suppresses outgrowth of experimental B16 melanoma pulmonary metastases as well as growth of subcutaneous HCT116 colon carcinoma xenograft tumors, without affecting body weight. These findings offer the first description of a novel, orally bioavailable MNK inhibitor and the first preclinical proof-of-concept that MNK inhibition may provide a tractable cancer therapeutic approach. Cancer Res; 71(5); 1849–57. ©2011 AACR.
CpG Blocks Immunosuppression by Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cells in Tumor-Bearing Mice
Authors: Zoglmeier Christine , Bauer Helen , Nörenberg Daniel , Wedekind Georg , Bittner Philipp , Sandholzer Nadja , Rapp Moritz , Anz David , Endres Stefan , Bourquin Carole
Published: January 2011

Purpose: The Toll-like receptor (TLR) 9 ligand CpG has been used successfully for the immunotherapy of cancer. Chronic CpG application in tumor-free hosts leads, however, to the expansion of myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSC), which can cause T-cell suppression and may thus hamper the development of an effective immune response. Here, we investigated the effect of TLR9 activation on the function of MDSC in tumor-bearing mice.

Experimental Design: We investigated the effect of CpG treatment on the number, phenotype, and function of MDSC in mice bearing subcutaneous C26 tumors and in CEA424-TAg mice bearing autochthonous gastric tumors.

Results: CpG treatment blocks the suppressive activity of MDSC on T-cell proliferation in both tumor models. Inhibition of MDSC function by CpG was particularly pronounced for a highly suppressive Ly6Ghi polymorphonuclear subset of MDSC. We further show that TLR9 activation by CpG promotes maturation and differentiation of MDSC and strongly decreases the proportion of Ly6Ghi MDSC in both tumor-bearing and tumor-free mice. We demonstrate that IFN-α produced by plasmacytoid dendritic cells upon CpG stimulation is a key effector for the induction of MDSC maturation in vitro and show that treatment of mice with recombinant IFN-α is sufficient to block MDSC suppressivity.

Conclusions: We show here for the first time that TLR9 activation inhibits the regulatory function of MDSC in tumor-bearing mice and define a role for the antitumoral cytokine IFN-α in this process. Clin Cancer Res; 17(7); 1765–75. ©2011 AACR.
Overexpression of the Cell Cycle Inhibitor p16
INK4a
Promotes a Prothrombotic Phenotype Following Vascular Injury in Mice
Authors: Cardenas Jessica C. , Owens A. Phillip , Krishnamurthy Janakiraman , Sharpless Norman E. , Whinna Herbert C. , Church Frank C.
Published: January 2011

Objective—

Age-associated cellular senescence is thought to promote vascular dysfunction. p16
INK4a
is a cell cycle inhibitor that promotes senescence and is upregulated during normal aging. In this study, we examine the contribution of p16
INK4a
overexpression to venous thrombosis.

Methods and Results—

Mice overexpressing p16
INK4a
were studied with 4 different vascular injury models: (1) ferric chloride (FeCl
3
) and (2) Rose Bengal to induce saphenous vein thrombus formation; (3) FeCl
3
and vascular ligation to examine thrombus resolution; and (4) lipopolysaccharide administration to initiate inflammation-induced vascular dysfunction. p16
INK4a
transgenic mice had accelerated occlusion times (13.1±0.4 minutes) compared with normal controls (19.7±1.1 minutes) in the FeCl
3
model and 12.7±2.0 and 18.6±1.9 minutes, respectively in the Rose Bengal model. Moreover, overexpression of p16
INK4a
delayed thrombus resolution compared with normal controls. In response to lipopolysaccharide treatment, the p16
INK4a
transgenic mice showed enhanced thrombin generation in plasma-based calibrated automated thrombography assays. Finally, bone marrow transplantation studies suggested increased p16
INK4a
expression in hematopoietic cells contributes to thrombosis, demonstrating a role for p16
INK4a
expression in venous thrombosis.

Conclusion—

Venous thrombosis is augmented by overexpression of the cellular senescence protein p16
INK4a
.
Collateral Flow Predicts Response to Endovascular Therapy for Acute Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Bang Oh Young , Saver Jeffrey L. , Kim Suk Jae , Kim Gyeong-Moon , Chung Chin-Sang , Ovbiagele Bruce , Lee Kwang Ho , Liebeskind David S.
Published: January 2011

Background and Purpose—

Collaterals sustain the penumbra before recanalization and offset infarct growth, yet the influence of baseline collateral flow on recanalization after endovascular therapy remains relatively unexplored.

Methods—

We analyzed consecutive patients who received endovascular therapy for acute cerebral ischemia from 2 distinct study populations. We assessed the relationship between pretreatment collateral grade and vascular recanalization (Thrombolysis In Myocardial Ischemia [TIMI] scale). In addition, we assessed infarct growth on serial MRI.

Results—

A total of 222 patients was included, 138 from the United States and 84 from South Korea. Complete revascularization occurred in 14.1% (11 of 78) patients with poor pretreatment collateral grades, whereas it was observed in 25.2% (26 of 103) patients with good collaterals and 41.5% (17 of 41) patients with excellent collaterals (
P
<0.001). This relationship was consistently observed in both study populations, although the mode of endovascular therapy was different between them. After adjustment for other factors, including mode of endovascular therapy, prior use of intravenous tissue plasminogen activator, and site of occlusion, pretreatment collateral grade was independently associated with recanalization. When revascularization was achieved, greater infarct growth occurred in patients with poor collaterals than in those with good collaterals (
P
=0.012).

Conclusions—

Our data indicate that angiographic collateral grade determines the recanalization rate after endovascular revascularization therapy. When therapeutic revascularization was achieved, beneficial effects were not observed in patients with poor collaterals. Angiographic collateral grade may therefore help guide treatment decision-making in acute cerebral ischemia.
On Post-Racial America in the Age of Obama
Authors: Gautier Amina
Published: January 2011

Amina Gautier reflects on her childhood tendency to ask when, not if, there would be a black president. Growing up in the post-civil rights era, she was influenced by knowledge of earlier presidential bids by African Americans as well as references to the idea of a black president in popular culture, including television programs of the 1970s and 1980s that often saw adult characters project the ability to run for office onto black youth. However, Gautier cautions against conflating Barack Obama's historic election to president with the beginning of a “post-racial” era. She uses a personal experience of racial insensitivity to observe the distance we have yet to go before we are truly post-anything.
Seeing Jay-Z in Taipei
Authors: Hsu Hua
Published: January 2011

How does the newly arrived immigrant respond to the news that an identity already awaits him? How does an African American hip-hop artist translate his struggles and triumphs across oceanic divides? What significance do American demographic shifts have in a global context? Hsu's essay examines what happens once individuals or identities migrate beyond the contexts that first produced them. He explores a variety of circuits: the satellite communities of Asian immigrant students who arrived on American university campuses in the late 1960s; enduring debates about a “post-city” identity, spurred by advances in cheap, efficient, world-shrinking communication technologies; and the new affinities and categories of self-identification made possible by a present-day culture that prizes interactivity and participation.
Pursuit of the Pneuma
Authors: McPherson James Alan
Published: January 2011

Inspired by a former colleague's written remembrance of his tenure at the University of Iowa, McPherson looks back on the University's historic receptiveness to non-white students and his own experience serving on the faculty of the Writers' Workshop. He reflects on the attitudes and mores that create a sense of community before settling on the concept of the pneuma, Greek for “the vital spirit of life itself.” He contrasts the racially polarized South, where he grew up, began his writing career, and had his daughter, with Iowa City, where he and his daughter have formed lasting relationships with McPherson's students and colleagues from a variety of ethnic and social backgrounds. A willingness to learn from cultural difference has guided McPherson as a teacher and a father, and it offers hope for the evolution of a more integrated American society.
The City and the Nation: Sofia’s Trajectory from Glory to Rubble in WWII
Authors: Gigova Irina
Published: January 2011

This article untangles the history of the Bulgarian capital city from that of the state to analyze how the development of Sofia between 1934 and 1944 embodied the achievements and weaknesses of midcentury Bulgaria. During this period, Sofia embarked on an intensive project of urban planning and renewal. Municipal leaders and intellectuals aspired to transform the cluttered and chaotic city into a modern and attractive “European” capital on the one side and the heart of national existence on the other. This bifurcated vision of the nation—rooted in the past yet forward and Westward looking—failed to convince Sofia’s growing citizenry to stay and defend their city during the Allied bombing campaign of late 1943/early 1944. The wartime fate of this Axis capital revealed the shortcomings of the Bulgarian state and the nationalism it promoted. When residents did return to the bombed city, it was not out of patriotic duty but because it still appeared more “European,” more “modern” than any other place in the country. Therefore, one could interpret Sofia’s rapid and continued growth as a popular rejection of the traditions of Bulgarian rural existence and a desire for a different type of nation: convenient, democratic, dynamic, and modern.
A randomized controlled study in patients with newly diagnosed severe aplastic anemia receiving antithymocyte globulin (ATG), cyclosporine, with or without G-CSF: a study of the SAA Working Party of the European Group for Blood and Marrow Transplantation
Authors: Tichelli André , Schrezenmeier Hubert , Socié Gérard , Marsh Judith , Bacigalupo Andrea , Dührsen Ulrich , Franzke Anke , Hallek Michael , Thiel Eckhard , Wilhelm Martin , Höchsmann Britta , Barrois Alain , Champion Kim , Passweg Jakob R.
Published: January 2011

We evaluated the role of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) in patients with severe aplastic anemia (SAA) treated with antithymocyte globulin (ATG) and cyclosporine (CSA). Between January 2002 and July 2008, 192 patients with newly diagnosed SAA not eligible for transplantation were entered into this multicenter, randomized study to receive ATG/CSA with or without G-CSF. Overall survival (OS) at 6 years was 76% ± 4%, and event-free survival (EFS) was 42% ± 4%. No difference in OS/EFS was seen between patients randomly assigned to receive or not to receive G-CSF, neither for the entire cohort nor in subgroups stratified by age and disease severity. Patients treated with G-CSF had fewer infectious episodes (24%) and hospitalization days (82%) compared with patients without G-CSF (36%; P = .006; 87%; P = .0003). In a post hoc analysis of patients receiving G-CSF, the lack of a neutrophil response by day 30 was associated with significantly lower response rate (56% vs 81%; P = .048) and survival (65% vs 87%; P = .031). G-CSF added to standard ATG and CSA reduces the rate of early infectious episodes and days of hospitalization in very SAA patients and might allow early identification of nonresponders but has no effect on OS, EFS, remission, relapse rates, and mortality. This study was registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov as NCT01163942.
Relationship between parental lung function and their children’s lung function early in life
Authors: van Putte-Katier N. , Koopmans M. , Uiterwaal C.S.P.M. , de Jong B.M. , Kimpen J.L.L. , Verheij T.J.M. , Numans M.E. , van der Ent C.K.
Published: January 2011

This study investigated the relationship between parental lung function and their children’s lung function measured early in life.

Infants were participants in the Wheezing Illnesses Study Leidsche Rijn (WHISTLER). Lung function was measured before the age of 2 months using the single occlusion technique. Parental data on lung function (spirometry), medical history and environmental factors were obtained from the linked database of the Utrecht Health Project.

Parental data on pulmonary function and covariates were available in 546 infants. Univariate linear regression analysis demonstrated a significant positive relationship between the infant's respiratory compliance and parental forced expiratory flow at 25–75% of forced vital capacity (FEF25–75%),forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) and forced vital capacity. A significant negative relationship was found between the infant's respiratory resistance and parental FEF25–75%and FEV1. No significant relationship was found between the infant's respiratory time constant and parental lung function. Adjusting for body size partially reduced the significance of the observed relationship; adjusting for shared environmental factors did not change the observed results.

Parental lung function levels are predictors of the respiratory mechanics of their newborn infants, which can only partially be explained by familial aggregation of body size. This suggests genetic mechanisms in familial aggregation of lung function, which are already detectable early in life.
Identification of craniofacial risk factors for obstructive sleep apnoea using three-dimensional MRI
Authors: Chi L. , Comyn F-L. , Mitra N. , Reilly M.P. , Wan F. , Maislin G. , Chmiewski L. , Thorne-FitzGerald M.D. , Victor U.N. , Pack A.I. , Schwab R.J.
Published: January 2011

The alteration of craniofacial structures has been associated with obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA). We hypothesised that: 1) a smaller mandible is a risk factor for OSA; and 2) the previously observed inferiorly positioned hyoid bone in apnoeics is associated with enlarged tongue volume.

This is a case–control study using three-dimensional magnetic resonance imaging cephalometry. 55 apneics and 55 controls were matched for age, sex and race. The analysis was stratified by sex and controlled for age, race, height, neck visceral fat, skeletal type and tongue volume.

We found that a 1-sdincrease in mandibular length and depth were associated with decreased risk of sleep apnoea (OR 0.52, 95% CI 0.28–0.99 and OR 0.46, 95% CI 0.23–0.91, respectively) in males but not in females. Greater hyoid-to-nasion (OR 2.64, 95% CI 1.19–5.89 in males and OR 5.01, 95% CI 2.00–12.52 in females) and supramentale-to-hyoid (OR 2.39, 95% CI 1.12–5.14) in males and OR 3.38, 95% CI 1.49–7.68 in females) distances were associated with increased risk of OSA. The difference for hyoid position between apnoeics and controls was lost after controlling for tongue volume.

Enlargement of tongue is likely to be the pathogenic factor for inferior–posterior positioning of hyoid. A small and shallow mandible is an independent risk factor for OSA in males but not in females.
Cytohesin-1 regulates fMLF-mediated activation and functions of the β2 integrin Mac-1 in human neutrophils
Authors: El Azreq Mohammed-Amine , Garceau Valérie , Bourgoin Sylvain G
Published: January 2011

The nucleotide exchange factor cytohesin-1 was previously reported to interact with the cytoplasmic domains of the integrin β-chain common to all β2 integrins such as LFA-1 and Mac-1. We show here that cytohesin-1, which contributes to fMLF-induced functional responses in PMNs through activation of Arf6, restrains the activation of the β2 integrin Mac-1 (αMβ2) in PMNs or dcAMP-differentiated PLB-985 cells. We found that the cytohesin-1 inhibitor SecinH3 or siRNA increased cell adhesion to immobilized fibrinogen and fMLF-mediated conformational changes of Mac-1, monitored using mAb CBRM1/5, specific for the activation epitope of the αM subunit. In contrast, PLB-985 cells overexpressing cytohesin-1 showed little adhesion to fibrinogen. The use of SecinH3 and siRNA also revealed that interference with cytohesin-1 signaling also enhanced phagocytosis of zymosan particles and chemotaxis toward fMLF in transwell migration assays. These increments of phagocytosis and chemotaxis in cells treated with SecinH3 and cytohesin-1 siRNA were reversed by a blocking mAb to the integrin-αM subunit. We provide evidence for increased polymerized cortical actin in cells treated with SecinH3 and that altered signaling through cytohesin-1 increased cell surface expression of FPRL-1 and impairs the late calcium mobilization response elicited by fMLF. The data provide evidence that stimulation with fMLF initiates a signaling cascade that restrains Mac-1 activation in PMNs. Such crosstalk between FPRL-1 and Mac-1 involves cytohesin-1. We suggest that cytohesin-1 may coordinate activation of the β2 integrins to regulate PMN adhesion, phagocytosis, and chemotaxis.
Statins inhibit T-acute lymphoblastic leukemia cell adhesion and migration through Rap1b
Authors: Infante Elvira , Heasman Sarah J , Ridley Anne J
Published: January 2011

Statins are known to inhibit signaling of Ras superfamily GTPases and reduce T cell adhesion to ICAM-1. Here, we address the hypothesis that statins affect T cell adhesion and migration by modulating the function of specific GTPases. Statins inhibit the synthesis of mevalonic acid, which is required for farnesyl and geranylgeranyl isoprenoid synthesis. Ras superfamily GTPases are post-translationally isoprenylated to facilitate their anchorage to membranes, where they function to stimulate signal transduction processes. We demonstrate that 1 μM statin inhibits the adhesion, migration, and chemotaxis of the T-ALL cell line CCRF-CEM and TEM of CCRF-CEM and PEER T-ALL cells, but higher statin concentrations are needed to inhibit adhesion of primary T cells. Similar effects are observed following treatment with GGTI-298 or RNA interference-mediated knockdown of Rap1b but not Rap1a, Rac1, Rac2, RhoA, or Cdc42. Statins also alter Rap1 activity and Rap1b localization. Rap1 levels are higher in primary T cells than T-ALL cells, which could explain their reduced sensitivity to statins. These results demonstrate for the first time that the closely related Rap1a and Rap1b isoforms have different functions and suggest that statins or Rap1b depletion could be used to reduce tissue invasion in T-ALL.
IFN-α produced by human plasmacytoid dendritic cells enhances T cell-dependent naïve B cell differentiation
Authors: Gujer Cornelia , Sandgren Kerrie J , Douagi Iyadh , Adams William C , Sundling Christopher , Smed-Sörensen Anna , Seder Robert A , Hedestam Gunilla B Karlsson , Loré Karin
Published: January 2011

The development and quality of a humoral immune response are largely influenced by the environment that supports the activation of naïve B cells. Human PDCs, through their unique capacity to produce high levels of IFN-α, have been shown earlier to enhance B cell responses stimulated by selected TLR ligands. In this study, we investigated whether PDCs also promote B cell activation induced by Th cell interactions and BCR ligation. Sorted human naive CD19+ CD27– B cells were activated in vitro with anti-Ig and irradiated CD4+ T cells. Under these conditions, the presence of supernatants from TLR-stimulated PDCs increased B cell proliferation, the frequency of B cells that differentiated to CD27high CD38high cells, and secretion of IgM. Similar results were observed when the B cells were activated in the presence of purified IFN-α. In contrast, supernatants from stimulated MDCs did not augment these functions. Also, IFN-α treatment of B cells up-regulated the expression of costimulatory molecule CD86 but not CD40, CD80, MHC class II, or CD25. Although direct IFN-α exposure of T cells suppressed their proliferative capacity, IFN-α treatment of B cells led to a small increase in their capacity to induce superantigen-driven activation of autologous CD4+ T cells. In summary, PDCs, via their production of IFN-α, may render B cells more responsive to T cell contact, which in turn, facilitates B cell proliferation and differentiation to antibody-producing cells.
An effective imaging condition for reverse-time migration using wavefield decomposition
Authors: Liu Faqi , Zhang Guanquan , Morton Scott A. , Leveille Jacques P.
Published: January 2011

Reverse-time migration (RTM) exhibits great superiority over other imaging algorithms in handling steeply dipping structures and complicated velocity models. However, low-frequency, high-amplitude noises commonly seen in a typical RTM image have been one of the major concerns because they can seriously contaminate the signals in the image if they are not handled properly. We propose a new imaging condition to effectively and efficiently eliminate these specific noises from the image. The method works by first decomposing the source and receiver wavefields to their one-way propagation components, followed by applying a correlation-based imaging condition to the appropriate combinations of the decomposed wavefields. We first give the physical explanation of the principle of such noises in the conventional RTM image. Then we provide the detailed mathematical theory for the new imaging condition. Finally, we propose an efficient scheme for its numerical implementation. It replaces the computationally intensive decomposition with the cost-effective Hilbert transform, which significantly improves the efficiency of the imaging condition. Applications to various synthetic and real data sets demonstrate that this new imaging condition can effectively remove the undesired low-frequency noises in the image.
Part 2: Implementing Clinical Trials: A Review of the Attributes of Exemplary Clinical Trial Sites
Authors: Zon Robin , Cohen Gary , Smith Dee Anna , Baer Allison R.
Published: January 2011

Part two of this series focuses on the remaining three exemplary attributes: quality assurance, multidisciplinary involvement in the clinical trial process, and clinical trials awareness programs.
Unilateral leg swelling: deep vein thrombosis?
Authors: Bekou V , Galis D , Traber J
Published: January 2011

Objective

We present two cases of a unilateral leg swelling of unusual aetiology as a reminder to the physician to consider causes of unilateral leg swelling other than deep vein thrombosis, lymphoedema and infectious diseases.

Case reports

Both of our patients developed progressive leg swelling. Subsequent investigation revealed a lesion compressing the femoral vein. At exploration this was found to be a ganglion cyst. In one patient surgical removal of the cyst and in the other puncture of the cyst and instillation of steroid resulted in prompt resolution of the swelling.

Conclusion

Venous compression due to external cystic lesions, although rare, is recognized. In strange cases this differential diagnosis should also be taken into account. Therapeutic options are the surgical removal or puncture of the cyst.
Strict 3′ splice site sequence requirements for U2 snRNP recruitment after U2AF binding underlie a genetic defect leading to autoimmune disease
Authors: Corrionero Anna , Raker Veronica A. , Izquierdo José María , Valcárcel Juan
Published: January 2011

We report that the 3′ splice site associated with the alternatively spliced exon 6 of the Fas receptor CD95 displays strict sequence requirements and that a mutation that disrupts this particular sequence arrangement leads to constitutive exon 6 skipping in a patient suffering from autoimmune lymphoproliferative syndrome (ALPS). Specifically, we find an absolute requirement for RCAG/G at the 3′ splice site (where R represents purine, and / indicates the intron/exon boundary) and the balance between exon inclusion and skipping is exquisitely sensitive to single nucleotide variations in the uridine content of the upstream polypyrimidine (Py)-tract. Biochemical experiments revealed that the ALPS patient mutation reduces U2 snRNP recruitment to the 3′ splice site region and that this effect cannot be explained by decreased interaction with the U2 snRNP Auxiliary Factor U2AF, whose 65- and 35-kDa subunits recognize the Py-tract and 3′ splice site AG, respectively. The effect of the mutation, which generates a tandem of two consecutive AG dinucleotides at the 3′ splice site, can be suppressed by increasing the distance between the AGs, mutating the natural 3′ splice site AG or increasing the uridine content of the Py-tract at a position distal from the 3′ splice site. The suppressive effects of these additional mutations correlate with increased recruitment of U2 snRNP but not with U2AF binding, again suggesting that the strict architecture of Fas intron 5 3′ splice site region is tuned to regulate alternative exon inclusion through modulation of U2 snRNP assembly after U2AF binding.
Isotopic compositions of the elements 2009 (IUPAC Technical Report)
Authors: Berglund Michael , Wieser Michael E.
Published: January 2011

The Commission on Isotopic Abundances and Atomic Weights (CIAAW) of the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC) completed its last update of the isotopic compositions of the elements as determined by isotope-ratio mass spectrometry in 2009. That update involved a critical evaluation of the published literature and forms the basis of the table of the isotopic compositions of the elements (TICE) presented here. For each element, TICE includes evaluated data from the “best measurement” of the isotope abundances in a single sample, along with a set of representative isotope abundances and uncertainties that accommodate known variations in normal terrestrial materials. The representative isotope abundances and uncertainties generally are consistent with the standard atomic weight of the element A
r(E) and its uncertainty U[A
r(E)] recommended by CIAAW in 2007.
Application of Ultraviolet (UV) Spectrophotometry in the Assessment of Membrane Bioreactor Performance for Monitoring Water and Wastewater Treatment
Authors: Aryal Rupak , Vigneswaran Sarvanamuthu , Kandasamy Jaya
Published: January 2011

Ultraviolet (UV) spectroscopy has been widely used in monitoring water and wastewater treatment. In this study UV spectroscopy was used to investigate fouling development on the membrane surface of membrane bioreactors. The chemistry of mixed liquor present in the membrane bioreactor and the foulant deposited on the membrane surface was compared by analyzing the UV spectra. The mixed liquor showed different spectra than did the foulant. The foulant spectra showed a shift in absorbance peaks with operation time. The particle size distribution (<450 nm) was also examined to explain the UV fingerprints.
Characterization of Crude Oil Products Using Data Fusion of Process Raman, Infrared, and Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) Spectra
Authors: Dearing Thomas I. , Thompson Wesley J. , Rechsteiner Carl E. , Marquardt Brian J.
Published: January 2011

Process Raman, infrared (IR), and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) analyses are currently being performed in industrial settings for the monitoring of large scale reactions. These methods offer a distinct set of advantages such as no sample preparation and rapid noninvasive remote analysis. Process Raman spectroscopy offers information pertaining to the molecular backbone as well as symmetrical non-polar groups. IR spectroscopy yields information pertaining to hydrogen bonding and asymmetric polar groups. NMR spectrometry provides highly resolved information detailing specific proton environments. These distinct spectral characteristics present a unique opportunity to join together the Raman, IR, and NMR spectra to give one set of “fused” spectra containing complementary information from two sources (Raman and IR) and one orthogonal source (NMR) that describe an industrial process. Data fusion enables process modeling and control to be performed using a single data set. This study has applied the concept of data fusion to characterize a series of crude oil fractions. After collection, the respective spectra were scaled and fused together to form one contiguous spectrum. The multivariate models built using the fused data had a root mean square error of prediction (RMSEP) of 0.307%, a significant reduction in the prediction errors when compared to models built using the separate spectra. The use of data fusion with multiple analytical measurements reduces the error associated with inferential property models for industrial process monitoring, thus allowing for increased understanding and control of an industrial process.
Far-Ultraviolet Spectra of n-Alkanes and Branched Alkanes in the Liquid Phase Observed Using an Attenuated Total Reflection—Far Ultraviolet (ATR-FUV) Spectrometer
Authors: Tachibana Shin , Morisawa Yusuke , Ikehata Akifumi , Sato Harumi , Higashi Noboru , Ozaki Yukihiro
Published: January 2011

Far-ultraviolet (FUV) spectra of n-alkanes ( n = 5–14) and branched alkanes were measured in their liquid state by using a newly developed attenuated total reflection (ATR)-FUV spectrometer to investigate spectra–structure relationship in the FUV region. The n-alkanes show a broad band near 8.3 eV and a weak shoulder near 7.7 eV. The 8.3 eV band shows a lower energy shift with a significant intensity increase with the increase in the length of alkyl chain. We have assigned the 8.3 eV band to the overlap of two bands due to the transition from the highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) to 3p and that from the HOMO-1 to 3s based on the observation that the peak energy of the 8.3 eV band of the n-alkanes is proportional to the first ionization energy. The 7.7 eV shoulder may be due to the transition from HOMO to 3s. The intensity of the 7.7 eV band increases markedly in the order of alkanes without branch, with tertiary, and with quaternary carbon atoms. It is very likely that the forbidden transition from HOMO to 3s becomes allowed by the large decrease in symmetry upon going from the n-alkanes to the branched ones with the quaternary carbon, respectively.
Assessing Metal Nanofabricated Substrates for Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattering (SERS) Activity and Reproducibility
Authors: Guicheteau Jason , Christesen Steven , Emge Darren , Wilcox Phillip , Fountain Augustus W.
Published: January 2011

Surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) has been shown to be an effective technique for increasing the detection sensitivity in chemical and biological applications. SERS has a distinct advantage over normal Raman spectroscopy, with enhancements typically greater than 104 over the normal Raman signal; however, this advantage in sensitivity comes with a caveat: controlling the spectroscopic reproducibility and enhancement activity of metal nanostructured substrates can be difficult. We present a survey and subsequent data analysis performed on several nanostructured substrates designed for SERS, including silver and gold colloids, silver nanorods, gold nanoshells, and commercially manufactured gold nanostructures.
Fractal-like Silver Aggregates Enhance the Brightness and Stability of Single-Molecule Fluorescence
Authors: Luchowski Rafal , Shtoyko Tanya , Apicella Elisa , Sarkar Pabak , Akopova Irina , Raut Sangram , Fudala Rafal , Borejdo Julian , Gryczynski Zygmunt , Gryczynski Ignacy
Published: January 2011

This paper describes a method to significantly enhance single-molecule fluorescence detection in confocal microscopy, demonstrating that fractal-like silver structures significantly improve dye stability and brightness. The experiments compared two immunoassay models based on the deposition of rabbit IgG on silver structures. The experiments were performed with the fluorophore-labeled protein at low picomolar concentrations. Well-separated bright spots were still easily distinguishable. Under standardized conditions we observed increased photostability and brightness enhancement for the dyes that were immobilized on the surface using a primary antibody. In contrast, when the unlabeled primary antibody was immobilized on the surface and the labeled secondary antibody was placed at a larger distance, we observed only a modest enhancement of fluorescence. Furthermore, based on backscattered reflected light images, it was proven that the observed fluorescence enhancements originate from the areas with deposited silver nanostructures. Fractal-like substrates are relatively easy to prepare. We believe that with their superior performance, they should find wide applications in single-molecule studies in which a longer observation time is required.
MMP-9 expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells and the association with clinicopathological features and prognosis of nasopharyngeal carcinoma
Authors: He Jian-Rong , Qin Han , Ren Ze-Feng , Cui Cui , Zhang Ying , Ranatunga Dharshana , Zeng Yi-Xin , Jia Wei-Hua
Published: January 2011

Background: Matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) shows significant involvement with cancer invasion and therefore has prognostic significance. Tumor tissues from nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) patients are not easy to access, and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) are a valuable alternative. This study compared the expression levels of MMP-9 in PBMCs from NPC patients and healthy controls and evaluated the potential as a prognostic biomarker for NPC patients.

Methods:
MMP-9 mRNA concentrations in PBMCs from 146 NPC patients and 110 healthy controls were measured using quantitative real-time PCR. Differences in MMP-9 expression between NPC patients and controls were evaluated using non-parametric tests, and the effects of different clinical characteristics on MMP-9 expression were also analyzed. The Kaplan-Meier test and Cox regression model were used to explore the association between MMP-9 expression and overall survival of NPC patients.

Results:
MMP-9 mRNA levels in PBMCs were significantly higher in NPC patients than in healthy controls (p<0.001). Increased MMP-9 expression was associated with the following clinical characteristics: advanced clinical stage (p<0.001), T stage (p=0.016), N stage (p=0.002), histology type (p=0.037), and poor overall survival (p=0.049).

Conclusions:
MMP-9 mRNA expression in PBMCs from NPC patients is increased and associated with the clinical characteristics and overall survival. It supports the belief that MMP-9 may contribute to the progression of NPC.
The pragmatics of humor reception: Young people's responses to a newspaper cartoon
Authors: El Refaie Elisabeth
Published: January 2011

This paper uses the example of 25 young people's responses to a Daily Mail cartoon on the subject of gay marriage in order to explore the pragmatics of humor reception. The results indicate that the enjoyment of a multimodal joke depends to a large extent on the background knowledge, values and attitudes of the individual. If, for instance, a cartoon is too threatening to someone's core sense of identity, it is likely to create anger and alienation rather than amusement. Humor appreciation is also shown to depend on the broader socio-cultural context in which the cartoon is encountered.
Salivary Interleukin‐1β Levels in Patients With Chronic Periodontitis Before and After Periodontal Phase I Therapy and Healthy Controls: A Case‐Control Study
Authors: Kaushik Rachna , Yeltiwar Ramreddy K. , Pushpanshu Kumar
Published: January 2011

Background: The role of interleukin (IL)‐1β in periodontal disease pathogenesis is well researched. This study aimed to assess and compare the salivary IL‐1β levels in patients with chronic periodontitis before and after periodontal phase I therapy and periodontally healthy controls. Further, relationships between IL‐1β levels and various clinical parameters were explored.

Methods: Twenty‐eight patients with moderate‐to‐severe generalized chronic periodontitis and 24 age‐, race‐, and ethnicity‐matched controls participated in this study. Saliva samples were obtained from all patients. The clinical parameters recorded were clinical attachment loss (AL), probing depth, bleeding on probing, periodontal index, and gingival index. Clinical evaluation and sample collection were repeated 1 month after periodontal phase I therapy in patients with periodontitis. IL‐1β levels were assessed using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay.

Results: Mean IL‐1β levels in patients with periodontitis at baseline (1,312.75 pg/mL) were significantly higher (P <0.0001; eight‐fold) than in controls (161.51 pg/mL). Although treatment in patients with periodontitis resulted in significant reduction in IL‐1β levels (mean: 674.34 pg/mL; P = 0.001), they remained significantly higher (P <0.0001; four‐fold) than control levels. There were significant correlations between IL‐1β levels and all clinical parameters (P <0.01) except percentage sites with clinical AL >2 mm (P >0.05).

Conclusions: The data indicate that IL‐1β levels are raised in the saliva of patients with chronic periodontitis, which are reduced after phase I therapy, suggesting a close association between salivary IL‐1β and periodontitis. Additional longitudinal studies are needed to validate salivary IL‐1β as a marker for periodontal disease.
Recombinant Human Bone Morphogenetic Protein‐2 for Peri‐Implant Bone Regeneration: A Case Report
Authors: Rotenberg Shaun A. , Tatakis Dimitris N.
Published: January 2011

Background: Currently, clinicians have a limited treatment arsenal in the repair of peri‐implant defects. The aim of the present report is to present the clinical results of treating a dental implant using recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein (rhBMP)‐2 in an elderly patient.

Methods: A 75‐year‐old man presented for routine dental prophylaxis. Clinical and radiographic examination revealed significant loss of attachment and bone loss around an implant replacing the maxillary left first molar. The patient did not report any symptoms, and the implant showed no signs of mobility. Because of the severity of the defect, regenerative treatment using a combination of rhBMP‐2 and freeze‐dried bone allograft was used.

Results: The patient was followed for 80 weeks postoperatively. By 28 weeks, significant probing depth reduction and radiographic bone fill was observed, and the original implant crown was replaced. From 28 weeks postoperatively to 80 weeks, no significant clinical or radiographic changes were observed.

Conclusions: rhBMP‐2 represents a potential therapeutic modality for severe peri‐implant hard tissue loss. Future studies should examine parameters, such as surgical technique, to maximize the rhBMP‐2‐driven regenerative outcomes.
From Politics to Parity: Using a Health Disparities Index to Guide Legislative Efforts for Health Equity
Authors: Webb Bryant Cameron , Simpson Sean L. , Hairston Kristen G.
Published: January 2011

Objectives. We created an index quantifying the longitudinal burden of racial health disparities by state and compared this index to variables to guide the construction of, and validate support for, legislative efforts aimed at eliminating health disparities.

Methods. We evaluated 5 focus areas of greatest racial disparities in health from 1999 to 2005 and compiled state health disparities index (HDI) scores. We compared these scores with variables representing the purported social determinants of health.

Results. Massachusetts (0.35), Oklahoma (0.35), and Washington (0.39) averaged the fewest disparities. Michigan (1.22), Wisconsin (1.32), and Illinois (1.50) averaged the greatest disparities. The statistical reference point for nationwide average racial disparities was 1.00. The longitudinal mixed model procedure yielded statistically significant correlations between HDI scores and Black state population percentage as well as with the racial gap in uninsured percentages. We noted a trend for HDI correlations with median household income ratios.

Conclusions. On the basis of the HDI-established trends in the extent and distribution of racial health disparities, and their correlated social determinants of health, policymakers should consider incorporating this tool to advise future efforts in minority health legislation.
Education Associations With Smoking and Leisure-Time Physical Inactivity Among Hispanic and Asian Young Adults
Authors: Stoddard Pamela , Adler Nancy E.
Published: January 2011

Objectives. We assessed whether associations between education and 2 health behaviors—smoking and leisure-time physical inactivity (LTPI)—depended on nativity and age at immigration among Hispanic and Asian young adults.

Methods. Data came from the 2000–2008 National Health Interview Survey. The sample included 13 345 Hispanics and 2528 Asians aged 18 to 30 years. Variables for smoking and LTPI were based on self-reported data. We used logistic regression to examine education differentials in these behaviors by nativity and age at immigration.

Results. The association of education with both smoking and LTPI was weaker for foreign-born Hispanics than for US-born Hispanics but did not vary by nativity for Asians. Education associations for smoking and LTPI among foreign-born Hispanics who had immigrated at an early age more closely resembled those of US-born Hispanics than did education associations among foreign-born Hispanics who had immigrated at an older age. A similar pattern for smoking was evident among Asians.

Conclusions. Health-promotion efforts aimed at reducing disparities in key health behaviors among Hispanic and Asian young adults should take into account country of residence in childhood and adolescence as well as nativity.
Making the Case for Using Financial Indicators in Local Public Health Agencies
Authors: Suarez Virginia , Lesneski Cheryll , Denison Dwight
Published: January 2011

The strength of the public health infrastructure determines the ability of local public health agencies to respond to emergencies and provide essential services. Organizational and systems capacity measures and assessments are important components of the public health infrastructure.

Hospitals and governments have a long tradition of using financial indicators to assess fiscal and operational activities. We reviewed the literature on how hospitals use financial indicators to monitor financial risk, promote organizational sustainability, and improve organizational capacity.

Given that financial indicators have not generally been employed by public health practitioners, we discuss how these measures can be applied to local public health agencies to improve their organizational capacity.
The Effects of Hurricane Katrina on Food Access Disparities in New Orleans
Authors: Rose Donald , Bodor J. Nicholas , Rice Janet C. , Swalm Chris M. , Hutchinson Paul L.
Published: January 2011

Disparities in neighborhood food access are well documented, but little research exists on how shocks influence such disparities. We examined neighborhood food access in New Orleans at 3 time points: before Hurricane Katrina (2004–2005), in 2007, and in 2009. We combined existing directories with on-the-ground verification and geographic information system mapping to assess supermarket counts in the entire city. Existing disparities for African American neighborhoods worsened after the storm. Although improvements have been made, by 2009 disparities were no better than prestorm levels.
Barriers and Facilitators to Implementing Primary Stroke Center Policy in the United States: Results From 4 Case Study States
Authors: O'Toole Laurence J. , Slade Catherine P. , Brewer Gene A. , Gase Lauren N.
Published: January 2011

Objectives. We identified barriers and facilitators to the state-level implementation of primary stroke center (PSC) policies, which encourage the certification or designation of specialized stroke treatment facilities and may address concerns such as transportation bypass, telemedicine, and treatment protocols.

Methods. We studied the experiences of 4 states (Florida, Massachusetts, New Mexico, and New York) selected from the 18 states that had enacted PSC policies or were actively considering doing so. We conducted semistructured interviews during fieldwork in each case study state.

Results. Our results showed that system fragmentation, gaps in human and financial resources, and complexity at the interorganizational and operational levels are common barriers and that policy champions, stakeholder support and communication, and operational adaptation are essential facilitators in the adoption and implementation of PSC policies.

Conclusions. The identification of barriers and facilitators reveals the contextual elements that can help or hinder policy implementation and may be useful in informing policy formulation and implementation in other jurisdictions. Proactively identifying jurisdictional challenges and opportunities may help facilitate the policy process for PSC designation and allow jurisdictions to develop more effective stroke systems of care.
Upper cretaceous magmatic suites of the Timok magmatic complex
Authors: Banjesevic Miodrag
Published: January 2011

The Upper Cretaceous Timok Magmatic Complex (TMC) developed on a continental
crust composed of different types of Proterozoic to Lower Cretaceous rocks.
The TMC consists of the magmatic suites: Timok andesite (AT) -
Turonian-Santonian, Metovnica epiclastite (EM) - Coniacian-Campanian, Osnic
basaltic andesite (AO) and Jezevica andesite (AJ) - Santonian-Campanian,
Valja Strz plutonite (PVS) - Campanian and Boljevac latite (LB). The
sedimentary processes and volcanic activity of the TMC lasted nearly
continuously throughout nearly the whole Late Cretaceous. The sedimentation
lasted from the Albian to the Maastrichtian and the magmatism lasted for 10
million years, from the Upper Turonian to the Upper Campanian. The volcanic
front migrated from East to West. The volcanic processes were characterized
by the domination of extrusive volcanic facies, a great amount of volcanic
material, a change in the depositional environment during the volcanic cycle,
sharp facial transitions and a huge deposition of syn- and post-eruptive
resedimented volcaniclastics.