bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Kenaf Bast Fibers—Part I: Hermetical Alkali Digestion
Authors: Shi Jinshu , Shi Sheldon Q. , Barnes H. Michael , Horstemeyer Mark , Wang Jinwu , Hassan El-Barbary M.
Published: July 2011

The objective of this study was to develop a hermetical alkali digestion process to obtain single cellulosic fibers from kenaf bast. Kenaf bast were hermetically digested into single fiber using a 5% sodium hydroxide solution for one hour at four different temperatures (80°C, 110°C, 130°C, and 160°C). The hermetical digestion process used in this study produced fibers with high cellulose content (84.2–92.3%) due to the removal of lignin and hemicelluloses. The surface hardness and elastic modulus of the fibers digested at 130°C and 160°C were improved significantly compared with those digested at 80°C. The tensile modulus and tensile strength of the individual fibers reduced as the digestion temperature increased from 110°C to 160°C. Micropores were generated in fiber cell wall when the fibers were digested at 130°C and 160°C. The studies on the composites that were made from polypropylene reinforced with the digested fibers indicated that the compatibility between the digested fibers and polypropylene matrix was poor.
An Unusual Presentation of Metastatic Colon Adenocarcinoma in the Oral Cavity
Authors: Bhaskaran Abhilash , Harding Sam , Courtney David
Published: July 2011

Background. A case report of a nonhealing ulcer of the tongue histologically proven to be adenocarcinoma.Method. A 92-year-old man underwent clinical, immunochemistry, and imaging investigation.Results. Tests confirmed a distant metastasis of a primary colorectal carcinoma.Conclusion. Metastasis from colorectal carcinoma to the oral cavity is primarily to bone, but non-healing ulcers of the oral cavity should be considered in differential diagnoses.
Breast Cancer Stem Cells Survive Periods of Farnesyl-Transferase Inhibitor-Induced Dormancy by Undergoing Autophagy
Authors: Chaterjee Moumita , van Golen Kenneth L.
Published: July 2011

A cancer stem cell has been defined as a cell within a tumor that possesses the capacity to self-renew and to cause the heterogeneous lineages of cancer cells that comprise the tumor. These tumor-forming cells could hypothetically originate from stem, progenitor, or differentiated cells. Previously, we have shown that breast cancer cells with low metastatic potential can be induced into a reversible state of dormancy by farnesyl transferase inhibitors (FTIs). Dormancy was induced by changes in RhoA and RhoC GTPases. Specifically, RhoA was found to be hypoactivated while RhoC was hyperactivated. In the current study we demonstrate that these dormant cells also express certain known stem cell markers such as aldehyde dehydrogenase I (ALDHI) and cluster of differentiation 44 (CD44). We also show that autophagy markers Atg5, Atg12, and LC3-B are expressed in these dormant stem cell-like breast cancer cells. Inhibiting autophagy by inhibitor 3-methyladenine (3-MA) blocked the process of autophagy reversing the dormant phenotype. Further, we show that c-jun NH2 terminal kinase (JNK/SAPK) is upregulated in these dormant stem cell-like breast cancer cells and is responsible for increasing autophagy.
Optimal Lower Power Mean Bound for the Convex Combination of Harmonic and Logarithmic Means
Authors: Chu Yu-Ming , Wang Shan-Shan , Zong Cheng
Published: July 2011

We find the least value λ ∈ (0, 1) and the greatest value p = p(α) such that αH(a, b) + (1 − α)L(a, b) > Mp(a, b) for α ∈ [λ, 1) and all a, b > 0 with a ≠ b, where H(a, b), L(a, b), and Mp(a, b) are the harmonic,
logarithmic, and p‐th power means of two positive numbers a and b, respectively.
Managing Major Postpartum Haemorrhage following Acute Uterine Inversion with Rusch Balloon Catheter
Authors: Keriakos Remon , Chaudhuri Smriti Ray
Published: July 2011

Acute postpartum uterine inversion is a relatively rare complication. The uterus inverts and the uterine fundus prolapses to or through the dilated cervix. It is associated with major postpartum haemorrhage with or without shock. Shock is sometimes out of proportion to the haemorrhage. Minimal maternal morbidity and mortality can be achieved when uterine inversion is promptly and aggressively managed. We present this report of three cases of acute uterine inversion complicated with major postpartum haemorrhage and managed with Rusch balloon. The paper highlights the importance of early recognition and the safety of the use of intrauterine balloon to manage major postpartum haemorrhage in these cases.
The Evolutionary Processes of Canine Coronaviruses
Authors: Pratelli Annamaria
Published: July 2011

Since the first identification of the virus in 1971, the disease caused by canine coronavirus (CCoV) has not been adequately investigated, and the role that the virus plays in canine enteric illness has not been well established. Only after the emergence in 2002 of SARS in human has new attention been focused on coronaviruses. As a consequence of the relatively high mutation frequency of RNA-positive stranded viruses, CCoV has evolved and, with the biomolecular techniques developed over the last two decades, new virus strains, serotypes, and subtypes have been identified in infected dogs. Considering the widespread nature of CCoV infections among dog populations, several studies have been carried out, focusing upon the epidemiological relevance of these viruses and underlining the need for further investigation into the biology of CCoVs and into the pathogenetic role of the infections. This paper reports the evolutionary processes of CCoVs with a note onto recent diagnostic methods.
Fire Whirl Evolution Observed during a Valley Wind‐Sea Breeze Reversal
Authors: Seto Daisuke , Clements Craig B.
Published: July 2011

This observational study documented the atmospheric environment of a prescribed fire conducted in a narrow valley when a small fire whirl developed during a mesoscale wind reversal. Based on analysis of in situ meteorological measurements, it is hypothesized that the fire whirl formed due to the presence of strong vertical wind shear caused by the interaction of a sea breeze front with a weaker up‐valley wind. Vorticity generated by the interaction of the wind shear and the fire front was estimated to be ~0.2 s−1. Peak turbulence kinetic energy was caused by the wind shear rather than the buoyancy generated by the fire front. It was also found that the convective Froude number itself may not be sufficient for fire whirl prediction since it is less relevant to the near‐surface boundary‐layer turbulence generated by environmental wind shear. Observations from this case study indicate that even low‐intensity prescribed fires can result in the formation of fire whirls due to mesoscale changes in the ambient atmospheric environment.
Deep Conversion of Carbon Monoxide to Hydrogen and Formation of Acetate by the Anaerobic ThermophileCarboxydothermus hydrogenoformans
Authors: Henstra Anne M. , Stams Alfons J. M.
Published: July 2011

Carboxydothermus hydrogenoformansis a thermophilic strictly anaerobic bacterium that catalyses the water gas shift reaction, the conversion of carbon monoxide with water to molecular hydrogen and carbon dioxide. The thermodynamically favorable growth temperature, compared to existing industrial catalytic processes, makes this organism an interesting alternative for production of cheap hydrogen gas suitable to fuel CO-sensitive fuel cells in a future hydrogen economy, provided sufficiently low levels of CO are reached. Here we study CO conversion and final CO levels in cultures ofC. hydrogenoformansgrown in batch cultures that were started with a 100% CO gas phase with and without removal of formed CO2. Final CO levels were 117 ppm without CO2removal and below 2 ppm with CO2removal. The Gibbs free energy change calculated with measured end concentrations and the detection of acetate suggest thatC. hydrogenoformansshifted from a hydrogenogenic to an acetogenic metabolism.
Direct Numerical Simulations of the Impact of High Turbulence Intensities and Volume Viscosity on Premixed Methane Flames
Authors: Fru Gordon , Janiga Gábor , Thévenin Dominique
Published: July 2011

Parametric direct numerical simulations (DNS) of turbulent premixed flames burning methane in the thin reaction zone regime have been performed relying on complex physicochemical models and taking into account volume viscosity (κ). The combined effect of increasing turbulence intensities (u′) and κ on the resulting flame structure is investigated. The turbulent flame structure is marred with numerous perforations and edge flame structures appearing within the burnt gas mixture at various locations, shapes and sizes. Stepping up u′ from 3 to 12 m/s leads to an increase in the scaled integrated heat release rate from 2 to 16. This illustrates the interest of combustion in a highly turbulent medium in order to obtain high volumetric heat release rates in compact burners. Flame thickening is observed to be predominant at high turbulent Reynolds number. Via ensemble averaging, it is shown that both laminar and turbulent flame structures are not modified by κ. These findings are in opposition to previous observations for flames burning hydrogen, where significant modifications induced by κ were found for both the local and global properties of turbulent flames. Therefore, to save computational resources, we suggest that the volume viscosity transport term be ignored for turbulent combustion DNS at low Mach numbers when burning hydrocarbon fuels.
Potential Antidepressant Role of Neurotransmitter CART: Implications for Mental Disorders
Authors: Mao Peizhong
Published: July 2011

Depression is one of the most prevalent and debilitating public health concerns. Although no single cause of depression has been identified, it appears that interaction among genetic, epigenetic, biochemical, environmental, and psychosocial factors may explain its etiology. Further, only a fraction of depressed patients show full remission while using current antidepressants. Therefore, identifying common pathways of the disorder and using that knowledge to develop more effective pharmacological treatments are two primary targets of research in this field. Brain-enriched neurotransmitter CART (cocaine- and amphetamine-regulated transcript) has multiple functions related to emotions. It is a potential neurotrophic factor and is involved in the regulation of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and stress response as well as in energy homeostasis. CART is also highly expressed in limbic system, which is considered to have an important role in regulating mood. Notably, adolescents carrying a missense mutation in the CART gene exhibit increased depression and anxiety. Hence, CART peptide may be a novel promising antidepressant agent. In this paper, we summarize recent progress in depression and CART. In particular, we emphasize a new antidepressant function for CART.
Direct Zinc Determination in Brazilian Sugar Cane Spirit by Solid-Phase Extraction UsingMoringa oleiferaHusks in a Flow System with Detection by FAAS
Authors: Alves Vanessa N. , Borges Simone S. O. , Coelho Nivia M. M.
Published: July 2011

This paper reports a method for the determination of zinc in Brazilian sugar cane spirit, (cachaçain Portuguese), using solid-phase extraction with a flow injection analysis system and detection by FAAS. The sorbent material used was activated carbon obtained fromMoringa oleiferahusks. Flow and chemical variables of the proposed system were optimized through multivariate designs. The factors selected were sorbent mass, sample pH, sample flow rate, and eluent concentration. The optimum extraction conditions were obtained using a sample pH of 4.0, a sample flow rate of 6.0 mL min-1, 30.0 mg of sorbent mass, and 1.0 mol L-1HNO3as the eluent at a flow rate of 4.0 mL min-1. The limit of detection for zinc was 1.9 μg L-1, and the precision was below 0.82% (20.0 μg L-1,n=7). The analytical curve was linear from 2 to 50 μg L-1, with a correlation coefficient of 0.9996. The method developed was successfully applied to spiked Brazilian sugar cane spirit, and accuracy was assessed through recovery tests, with results ranging from 83% to 100%.
Study of the Pressure Drop and Flow Field in Standard Gas Cyclone Models Using the Granular Model
Authors: Kharoua Nabil , Khezzar Lyes , Nemouchi Zoubir
Published: July 2011

A particle‐laden flow inside solid gas cyclones has been studied using computational fluid dynamics (CFD). The effects of high temperatures and different particle loadings have been investigated. The Reynolds stress (RSM) model‐predicted results, in the case of pure gas, are within engineering accuracy even at high temperatures. Using the granular mixture model for the cases of particle‐laden flow, discrepancies occurred at relatively high loadings (up to 0.5 kg/m3). Since the pressure drop is strongly related to the friction inside the cyclone body, the concept of entropy generation has been employed to detect regions of high frictional effects. Friction has been observed to be important at the vortex finder wall, the bottom of the conical‐part wall, and the interface separating the outer and the core streams. The discrepancies between the present numerical simulation and the experimental results taken from the existing literature, which are caused by the mixture and turbulence models simplifying assumptions, are discussed in this paper.
SulfolobusMutants, Generated via PCR Products, Which Lack Putative Enzymes of UV Photoproduct Repair
Authors: Sakofsky Cynthia J. , Runck Laura A. , Grogan Dennis W.
Published: July 2011

In order to determine the biological relevance of twoS. acidocaldariusproteins to the repair of UV photoproducts, the corresponding genes (Saci_1227 and Saci_1096) were disrupted, and the phenotypes of the resulting mutants were examined by various genetic assays. The disruption used integration by homologous recombination of a functional but heterologouspyrEgene, promoted by short sequences attached to both endsviaPCR. The phenotypic analyses of the disruptants confirmed that ORF Saci_1227 encodes a DNA photolyase which functionsin vivo, but they could not implicate ORF Saci_1096 in repair of UV- or other externally induced DNA damage despite its similarity to genes encoding UV damage endonucleases. The success of the gene-disruption strategy, which used 5′extensions of PCR primers to target cassette integration, suggests potential advantages for routine construction ofSulfolobusstrains.
Premature Moustache As Presenting Symptom of Nonclassic Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia due to 2 Uncommon Mutations of theCYP21A2Gene
Authors: Massa Guy , Gillis Philippe , Schwartz Marianne
Published: July 2011

A Turkish boy was referred at the age of 3 6/12 years for the evaluation of a premature moustache. No other signs of virilisation were present. The endocrine evaluation led to the diagnosis of nonclassic congenital adrenal hyperplasia. Genetic analysis revealed 2 rare mutations of theCYP21A2gene, the gene encoding for the 21-hydroxylase enzyme: a recently reported R132C mutation in exon 3 and a R339H mutation in exon 8, both reported in the nonclassic CAH. An early moustache, for which the term premature moustache can be coined, can be the presenting symptom of nonclassic CAH. In all children presenting with a sex or age inappropriate development of a moustache, an endocrine evaluation is indicated.
Genome-wide Profiling of Chromatin Signatures Reveals Epigenetic Regulation of MicroRNA Genes in Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Suzuki Hiromu , Takatsuka Shintaro , Akashi Hirofumi , Yamamoto Eiichiro , Nojima Masanori , Maruyama Reo , Kai Masahiro , Yamano Hiro-o , Sasaki Yasushi , Tokino Takashi , Shinomura Yasuhisa , Imai Kohzoh , Toyota Minoru
Published: July 2011

Altered expression of microRNAs (miRNA) occurs commonly in human cancer, but the mechanisms are generally poorly understood. In this study, we examined the contribution of epigenetic mechanisms to miRNA dysregulation in colorectal cancer by carrying out high-resolution ChIP-seq. Specifically, we conducted genome-wide profiling of trimethylated histone H3 lysine 4 (H3K4me3), trimethylated histone H3 lysine 27 (H3K27me3), and dimethylated histone H3 lysine 79 (H3K79me2) in colorectal cancer cell lines. Combining miRNA expression profiles with chromatin signatures enabled us to predict the active promoters of 233 miRNAs encoded in 174 putative primary transcription units. By then comparing miRNA expression and histone modification before and after DNA demethylation, we identified 47 miRNAs encoded in 37 primary transcription units as potential targets of epigenetic silencing. The promoters of 22 transcription units were associated with CpG islands (CGI), all of which were hypermethylated in colorectal cancer cells. DNA demethylation led to increased H3K4me3 marking at silenced miRNA genes, whereas no restoration of H3K79me2 was detected in CGI-methylated miRNA genes. DNA demethylation also led to upregulation of H3K4me3 and H3K27me3 in a number of CGI-methylated miRNA genes. Among the miRNAs we found to be dysregulated, many of which are implicated in human cancer, miR-1-1 was methylated frequently in early and advanced colorectal cancer in which it may act as a tumor suppressor. Our findings offer insight into the association between chromatin signatures and miRNA dysregulation in cancer, and they also suggest that miRNA reexpression may contribute to the effects of epigenetic therapy. Cancer Res; 71(17); 5646–58. ©2011 AACR.
Frailty Modeling of the Bimodal Age–Incidence of Hodgkin Lymphoma in the Nordic Countries
Authors: Grotmol Tom , Bray Freddie , Holte Harald , Haugen Marion , Kunz Lauren , Tretli Steinar , Aalen Odd O. , Moger Tron A.
Published: July 2011

Background: The bimodality of the age–incidence curve of Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) has been ascribed to the existence of subgroups with distinct etiologies. Frailty models can be usefully applied to age–incidence curves of cancer to aid the understanding of biological phenomena in these instances. The models imply that for a given disease, a minority of individuals are at high risk, compared with the low-risk majority.

Methods: Frailty modeling is applied to interpret HL incidence on the basis of population-based cancer registry data from the five Nordic countries for the period 1993 to 2007. There were a total of 8,045 incident cases and 362,843,875 person-years at risk in the study period.

Results: A bimodal frailty analysis provides a reasonable fit to the age–incidence curves, employing 2 prototype models, which differ by having the sex covariate included in the frailty component (model 1) or in the baseline Weibull hazard (model 2). Model 2 seemed to fit better with our current understanding of HL than model 1 for the male-to-female ratio, number of rate-limiting steps in the carcinogenic process, and proportion of susceptibles; whereas model 1 performed better related to the heterogeneity in HL among elderly males.

Conclusion: The present analysis shows that HL age–incidence data are consistent with a bimodal frailty model, indicating that heterogeneity in cancer susceptibility may give rise to bimodality at the population level, although the individual risk remains simple and monotonically increasing by age.

Impact: Frailty modeling adds to the existing body of knowledge on the heterogeneity in risk of acquiring HL. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 20(7); 1350–7. ©2011 AACR.
B-Cell Stimulatory Cytokines and Markers of Immune Activation Are Elevated Several Years Prior to the Diagnosis of Systemic AIDS–Associated Non-Hodgkin B-Cell Lymphoma
Authors: Breen Elizabeth Crabb , Hussain Shehnaz K. , Magpantay Larry , Jacobson Lisa P. , Detels Roger , Rabkin Charles S. , Kaslow Richard A. , Variakojis Daina , Bream Jay H. , Rinaldo Charles R. , Ambinder Richard F. , Martinez-Maza Otoniel
Published: July 2011

Background: The risk of developing non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) is greatly increased in HIV infection. The aim of this study was to determine whether elevated serum levels of molecules associated with B-cell activation precede the diagnosis of AIDS-associated NHL (AIDS-NHL).

Methods: Serum levels of B-cell activation–associated molecules, interleukin (IL)6, IL10, soluble CD23 (sCD23), sCD27, sCD30, C-reactive protein (CRP), and immunoglobulin E were determined in 179 NHL cases and HIV+ controls in the Multicenter AIDS Cohort Study, collected at up to 3 time points per subject, 0 to 5 years prior to AIDS-NHL diagnosis.

Results: Serum IL6, IL10, CRP, sCD23, sCD27, and sCD30 levels were all significantly elevated in the AIDS-NHL group, when compared with HIV+ controls or with AIDS controls, after adjusting for CD4 T-cell number. Elevated serum levels of B-cell activation–associated molecules were seen to be associated with the development of systemic [non-CNS (central nervous system)] NHL, but not with the development of primary CNS lymphoma.

Conclusions: Levels of certain B-cell stimulatory cytokines and molecules associated with immune activation are elevated for several years preceding the diagnosis of systemic AIDS-NHL. This observation is consistent with the hypothesis that chronic B-cell activation contributes to the development of these hematologic malignancies.

Impact: Marked differences in serum levels of several molecules are seen for several years prediagnosis in those who eventually develop AIDS-NHL. Some of these molecules may serve as candidate biomarkers and provide valuable information to better define the etiology of NHL. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 20(7); 1303–14. ©2011 AACR.
Variation in TP63 is Associated with Lung Adenocarcinoma in the UK Population
Authors: Wang Yufei , Broderick Peter , Matakidou Athena , Vijayakrishnan Jayaram , Eisen Timothy , Houlston Richard S.
Published: July 2011

Background: Variation at TP63 has recently been shown to be associated with lung adenocarcinoma in the Asian population.

Methods: To investigate how this finding translates to the European population we compared the genotypes of SNPs annotating the TP63 locus at 3q28 in 4,462 lung cancer patients, including 911 with adenocarcinoma, and 8,235 controls from the United Kingdom.

Results: A statistically significant association between adenocarcinoma risk and SNP genotype was shown: rs10937405, OR = 1.21, P = 1.82 × 10−4; rs17429138, OR = 1.23, P = 7.49 × 10−5; and rs4396880, OR = 1.21, P = 2.03 × 10−4. Haplotype analysis was consistent with a single TP63 risk locus defined by SNPs rs10937405, rs17429138, and rs4396880. While no association between SNPs and small cell lung cancer was shown, the rs10937405 and rs439680 associations were significant for squamous cancer (respective P-values, 0.0022 and 0.02).

Conclusions: These findings show TP63 variation is a risk factor for the development of lung adenocarcinoma in the UK population. Furthermore, they provide additional insight into the subtype-specificity of the 3q28 lung cancer association.

Impact: Our data confirm the association of 3q28 with lung adenocarcinoma and that this association is not confined to the Asian population. Elucidating the functional basis of this association will be contingent on future fine mapping of the TP63 loci. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 20(7); 1453–62. ©2011 AACR.
Detection of Bladder Cancer Using Novel DNA Methylation Biomarkers in Urine Sediments
Authors: Chung Woonbok , Bondaruk Jolanta , Jelinek Jaroslav , Lotan Yair , Liang Shoudan , Czerniak Bogdan , Issa Jean-Pierre J.
Published: July 2011

Background: Bladder cancer (BCa) remains a lethal malignancy that can be cured if detected early. DNA hypermethylation is a common epigenetic abnormality in cancer that may serve as a marker of disease activity.

Methods: We selected 10 novel candidate genes from the most frequently hypermethylated genes detected by DNA microarray and bisulfite pyrosequencing of bladder cancers and applied them to detect bladder cancer in urine sediments. We analyzed DNA methylation in the candidate genes by quantitative methylation-specific real-time PCR (qMSP) to detect bladder cancer in urine sediments from 128 bladder cancer patients and 110 age-matched control subjects.

Results: Based on a multigene predictive model, we discovered 6 methylation markers (MYO3A, CA10, SOX11, NKX6-2, PENK, and DBC1) as most promising for detecting bladder cancer. A panel of 4 genes (MYO3A, CA10, NKX6-2, and DBC1 or SOX11) had 81% sensitivity and 97% specificity, whereas a panel of 5 genes (MYO3A, CA10, NKX6-2, DBC1, and SOX11 or PENK) had 85% sensitivity and 95% specificity for detection of bladder cancer (area under curve = 0.939). By analyzing the data by cancer invasiveness, detection rate was 47 of 58 (81%) in non-muscle invasive tumors (pTa, Tis, and pT1) and 62 of 70 (90%) in muscle invasive tumors (T2, T3, and T4).

Conclusions: This biomarker panel analyzed by qMSP may help the early detection of bladder tumors in urine sediments with high accuracy.

Impact: The panel of biomarker deserves validation in a large well-controlled prospectively collected sample set. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 20(7); 1483–91. ©2011 AACR.
Inactivation of Tautomerase Activity of Macrophage Migration Inhibitory Factor by Sulforaphane: a Potential Biomarker for Anti-inflammatory Intervention
Authors: Healy Zachary R. , Liu Hua , Holtzclaw W. David , Talalay Paul
Published: July 2011

Background: Macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF), a proinflammatory cytokine with keto–enol tautomerase activity, rises rapidly in response to inflammation and is elevated in many chronic diseases. Isothiocyanates, such as sulforaphane from broccoli, are very potent inactivators of MIF tautomerase activity. A simple rapid method for determining this activity in tissues and body fluids may therefore be valuable for assessing severity of inflammation and efficacy of intervention.

Methods: Existing spectrophotometric assays of MIF, based on conversion of methyl L-dopachrome to methyl 5,6-dihydroxyindole-2-carboxylate and associated loss of absorption at 475 nm, lack sensitivity. Assay sensitivity and efficiency were markedly improved by reducing the nonenzymatic rate, by lowering pH to 6.2, replacing phosphate (which catalyzes the reaction) with Bis-Tris buffer, and converting to a microtiter plate format.

Results: A structure-potency study of MIF tautomerase inactivation by isothiocyanates showed that sulforaphane, benzyl, n-hexyl, and phenethyl isothiocyanates were especially potent. MIF tautomerase could be readily quantified in human urine concentrated by ultrafiltration. This activity comprised: (i) a heat-labile, sulforaphane-inactivated macromolecular fraction (presumably MIF) that was concentrated during ultrafiltration; (ii) a flow-through fraction, with constant activity during filtration, that was heat stable and insensitive to sulforaphane. Administration of the sulforaphane precursor glucoraphanin to human volunteers almost completely abolished urinary tautomerase activity, which recovered over many hours.

Conclusion: A simple, rapid, quantitative MIF tautomerase assay has been developed as a potential biomarker for assessing inflammatory severity and effectiveness of intervention.

Impact: An improved assay for measuring MIF tautomerase activity and its applications are described. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 20(7); 1516–23. ©2011 AACR.
Smoking and Passive Smoking in Cervical Cancer Risk: Pooled Analysis of Couples from the IARC Multicentric Case–Control Studies
Authors: Louie Karly S. , Castellsague Xavier , de Sanjose Silvia , Herrero Rolando , Meijer Chris J. , Shah Keerti , Munoz Nubia , Bosch F. Xavier
Published: July 2011

Background: The independent role of tobacco smoking in invasive cervical cancer (ICC) has been established. We evaluated the potential impact of passive smoking (PS).

Methods: A pooled analysis of 1,919 couples enrolled in one of seven case–control studies involving cervical carcinoma in situ (CIS) or ICC was investigated. Information on smoking and sexual behavior was collected from interviews. Specimens were taken from the cervix and penis for human papillomavirus (HPV) DNA testing. Three PS risk models were constructed with all couples, couples with monogamous women, and couples with lifetime nonsmoking monogamous women. For the third model, the analysis considered potential misclassification of smoking status and was restricted to the risk period for which the woman was exposed to both HPV, a necessary cause of ICC, and PS. Multivariable unconditional logistic regression was used to estimate associations between CIS or ICC and PS.

Results: An increased risk was found among couples with both ever smoking men and women (OR = 2.26; 95% CI: 1.40–3.64). No statistically increased risk of CIS was found with PS in the models analyzed. Similar significant increased risks of ICC with PS was found among all couples (OR = 1.57; 95% CI: 1.15–2.15) and couples with monogamous women (OR = 1.55; 95% CI: 1.07–2.23) but not among lifetime nonsmoking monogamous women married to ever smoking men.

Conclusion: PS could not be detected as an independent risk factor of ICC in the absence of active smoking.

Impact: The combined effects of exposure to active and PS suggest its potential adverse role in cervical carcinogenesis. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 20(7); 1379–90. ©2011 AACR.
1α,25(OH)2-Vitamin D and a Nongenomic Vitamin D Analogue Inhibit Ultraviolet Radiation–Induced Skin Carcinogenesis
Authors: Dixon Katie M. , Norman Anthony W. , Sequeira Vanessa B. , Mohan Ritu , Rybchyn Mark S. , Reeve Vivienne E. , Halliday Gary M. , Mason Rebecca S.
Published: July 2011

Exposure to ultraviolet radiation (UVR) can lead to a range of deleterious responses in the skin. An important form of damage is the DNA photolesion cyclobutane pyrimidine dimer (CPD). CPDs can be highly mutagenic if not repaired prior to cell division and can lead to UV-induced immunosuppression, making them potentially carcinogenic. UVR exposure also produces vitamin D, a prehormone. Different shapes of the steroid hormone 1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 [1,25(OH)2D3] can produce biological responses through binding either to its cognate nuclear receptor (VDR) to regulate gene transcription or to the VDR associated with plasma membrane caveolae to produce, via signal transduction, nongenomic physiologic responses. Here, we show that both 1,25(OH)2D3 and 1α,25(OH)2-lumisterol (JN), a conformationally restricted analogue that can generate only nongenomic responses, are effective inhibitors of UV damage in an immunocompetent mouse (Skh:hr1) model susceptible to UV-induced tumors. Both 1,25(OH)2D3 and JN significantly reduced UVR-induced CPD, apoptotic sunburn cells, and immunosuppression. Furthermore, these compounds inhibited skin tumor development, both papillomas and squamous cell carcinomas, in these mice. The observed reduction of these UV-induced effects by 1,25(OH)2D3 and JN suggests a role for these compounds in prevention against skin carcinogenesis. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first comprehensive report of an in vivo long-term biological response generated by chronic dosing with a nongenomic-selective vitamin D steroid. Cancer Prev Res; 4(9); 1485–94. ©2011 AACR.
G Protein–Dependent and G Protein–Independent Signaling Pathways and Their Impact on Cardiac Function
Authors: Tilley Douglas G.
Published: July 2011

G protein-coupled receptors signal through a variety of mechanisms that impact cardiac function, including contractility and hypertrophy. G protein–dependent and G protein–independent pathways each have the capacity to initiate numerous intracellular signaling cascades to mediate these effects. G protein–dependent signaling has been studied for decades and great strides continue to be made in defining the intricate pathways and effectors regulated by G proteins and their impact on cardiac function. G protein–independent signaling is a relatively newer concept that is being explored more frequently in the cardiovascular system. Recent studies have begun to reveal how cardiac function may be regulated via G protein–independent signaling, especially with respect to the ever-expanding cohort of β-arrestin–mediated processes. This review primarily focuses on the impact of both G protein–dependent and β-arrestin–dependent signaling pathways on cardiac function, highlighting the most recent data that illustrate the comprehensive nature of these mechanisms of G protein-coupled receptor signaling.
Enhanced Passive and Active Processing of Syllables in Musician Children
Authors: Chobert Julie , Marie Céline , François Clément , Schön Daniele , Besson Mireille
Published: July 2011

The aim of this study was to examine the influence of musical expertise in 9-year-old children on passive (as reflected by MMN) and active (as reflected by discrimination accuracy) processing of speech sounds. Musician and nonmusician children were presented with a sequence of syllables that included standards and deviants in vowel frequency, vowel duration, and VOT. Both the passive and the active processing of duration and VOT deviants were enhanced in musician compared with nonmusician children. Moreover, although no effect was found on the passive processing of frequency, active frequency discrimination was enhanced in musician children. These findings are discussed in terms of common processing of acoustic features in music and speech and of positive transfer of training from music to the more abstract phonological representations of speech units (syllables).
Similarity between Brain Activity at Encoding and Retrieval Predicts Successful Realization of Delayed Intentions
Authors: Gilbert Sam J. , Armbruster Diana J. N. , Panagiotidi Maria
Published: July 2011

Remembering delayed intentions can be highly demanding. Accuracy in laboratory paradigms assessing prospective memory (PM) is typically well below ceiling, and failure to remember intended behaviors after a delay is a common occurrence in everyday life. However, relatively little is known of the potential differences in brain activity that distinguish successful versus unsuccessful PM. In this fMRI study, participants repeatedly encoded, stored, and then had the opportunity to retrieve intended behaviors while engaged in a distracting ongoing task. This yielded a success rate of approximately two thirds. Overall levels of brain activity distinguished successful versus unsuccessful trials at all three stages (encoding, storage, and retrieval), suggesting multiple neural determinants of PM success. In addition, the voxelwise similarity between patterns of brain activity at encoding and retrieval was greater for successful than unsuccessful trials. This was true even in posterior cingulate, which showed opposite patterns of signal change between encoding and retrieval. Thus, successful realization of delayed intentions may be associated with reinstatement of encoding context at the time of retrieval.
Reproducing Kernel Banach Spaces with the ℓ1 Norm II: Error Analysis for Regularized Least Square Regression
Authors: Song Guohui , Zhang Haizhang
Published: July 2011

A typical approach in estimating the learning rate of a regularized learning scheme is to bound the approximation error by the sum of the sampling error, the hypothesis error, and the regularization error. Using a reproducing kernel space that satisfies the linear representer theorem brings the advantage of discarding the hypothesis error from the sum automatically. Following this direction, we illustrate how reproducing kernel Banach spaces with the ℓ1 norm can be applied to improve the learning rate estimate of ℓ1-regularization in machine learning.
Reappraisal of the Somatosensory Homunculus and Its Discontinuities
Authors: Parpia Pasha
Published: July 2011

Neuroscience folklore has it that somatotopy in human primary somatosensory cortex (SI) has two significant discontinuities: the hands and face map onto adjacent regions in SI, as do the feet and genitalia. It has been proposed that these conjunctions in SI result from coincident sources of stimulation in the fetal position, where the hands frequently touch the face, and the feet the genitalia. Computer modeling using a Hebbian variant of the self-organizing Kohonen net is consistent with this proposal. However, recent work reveals that the genital representation in SI for cutaneous sensations (as opposed to tumescence) is continuous with that of the lower trunk and thigh. This result, in conjunction with reports of separate face innervation and its earlier onset of sensory function, compared to that of the rest of the body, allows a reappraisal of homuncular organization. It is proposed that the somatosensory homunculus comprises two distinct somatotopic regions: the face representation and that of the rest of the body. Principles of self-organization do not account satisfactorily for the overall homuncular map. These results may serve to alert computational modelers that intrinsic developmental factors can override simple rules of plasticity.
The Combinatorics of Neurite Self-Avoidance
Authors: Forbes Elizabeth M. , Hunt Jonathan J. , Goodhill Geoffrey J.
Published: July 2011

During neural development in Drosophila, the ability of neurite branches to recognize whether they are from the same or different neurons depends crucially on the molecule Dscam1. In particular, this recognition depends on the stochastic acquisition of a unique combination of Dscam1 isoforms out of a large set of possible isoforms. To properly interpret these findings, it is crucial to understand the combinatorics involved, which has previously been attempted only using stochastic simulations for some specific parameter combinations. Here we present closed-form solutions for the general case. These reveal the relationships among the key variables and how these constrain possible biological scenarios.
A Century of Macondo
Authors: Gramling Robert , Freudenburg William R.
Published: July 2011

Since the discovery of oil well drilling, energy policy (particularly offshore petroleum policy over the past three decades) has led the United States, and indeed the industrialized world, into a cycle of dependency, profit, and risk taking that made a Macondo-like blowout likely, if not inevitable. This article examines the broad political, economic, technological, and environmental contexts surrounding the growth and development of both our ability to obtain petroleum and our dependency on it. The authors use the tools of environmental sociology, environmental history, and political ecology to trace the path to the current situation in which the myth of “energy independence” is used to justify practices that are counter to the very concept.
Factors Associated With Increased Carotid Intima-Media Thickness and Being Nondipper in Nonobese and Normotensive Young Patients Affected by PCOS
Authors: Ercan Ebru Akgul , Ertek Sibel , Is Gurkan , Caglar Oya , Oztas Efser , Cicero Arrigo Francesco , Alhan Aslihan , Cehreli Sengul , Tore Hasan Fehmi , Erdogan Gurbuz
Published: July 2011

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is characterized by chronic unovulation, hyperandrogenism, and insulin resistance. We evaluated factors that affect “nondipper” status during 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) and carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT) in PCOS. Forty-two nonobese women newly diagnosed as PCOS and 32 healthy women were included. After biochemical and hormonal measurements, the ovaries were imaged by pelvic ultrasonography and cIMT was measured by B-mode ultrasonography. A 24-hour ABPM was performed thereafter. Carotid IMT and the ratio of nondippers were elevated compared with controls. Homeostasis model assessment insulin resistance index (HOMA-IR) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) were found to be related with being a nondipper in PCOS. None of the parameters evaluated were found to correlate with cIMT. In conclusion, patients with PCOS had increased nondipping ratios and cIMT when compared with controls. Insulin resistance and LDL cholesterol are factors that are related to diurnal variation in normotensive and young patients with PCOS.
Cilostazol: A Pilot Study on Safety and Clinical Efficacy in Neuropathies of Diabetes Mellitus Type 2 (ASCEND)
Authors: Rosales Raymond L. , Delgado-Delos Santos Mary Mildred S. , Mercado-Asis Leilanie B.
Published: July 2011

Background: Diabetic polyneuropathy may have vascular and metabolic components in its pathophysiologic mechanism. Cilostazol, aside from its antiplatelet and vasodilatory properties, may increase nerve blood flow and potentially improve neuropathy. Objective: To assess the efficacy and safety of cilostazol in diabetic polyneuropathy. Methods: Forty-seven diabetic patients were randomized into placebo, low-dose (100 mg/d), and high-dose (200 mg/d) cilostazol groups. Primary efficacy parameter was a change in neuropathy symptom scores and secondary efficacy parameter was a change in walking speed from baseline to week 12. Safety parameters were changes in nerve conduction studies as well as reporting of adverse events. Results/Conclusion: Despite significant improvement in the neuropathy symptom scores in the overall motor and sensory categories of the 3 arms of the study from baseline to week 12, no significant differences were found among the groups, indicating nonsuperiority of cilostazol in regard to improvement of neuropathy symptoms over the short study span. However, cilostazol, at low dose, was effective in improving walking speed from baseline to week 12, implying an improved blood flow. No significant worsening nor improvement in motor and sensory nerve conduction parameters were observed, comparing the 3 study arms from baseline to weeks 4, 12, and 16, supporting cilostazol’s safety. Overall, the adverse events of the 3 study arms did not significantly differ, and neither were there serious adverse events reported, also signifying safety and tolerability in our Filipino cohort of patients with neuropathy in diabetes mellitus treated with cilostazol.
Hematologic Parameters and Angiographic Progression of Coronary Atherosclerosis
Authors: Kalay Nihat , Dogdu Orhan , Koc Fatih , Yarlıoglues Mikail , Ardic Idris , Akpek Mahmut , Cicek Davran , Oguzhan Abdurrahman , Ergin Ali , Kaya Mehmet G.
Published: July 2011

Hematologic parameters have prognostic importance in cardiovascular disease. However, the relation between atherosclerosis progression and hematologic parameters is not well defined. A total of 394 patients requiring repeat coronary angiography were included in the study. According to angiography, patients were divided into 2 groups, progressive (n = 196) and nonprogressive (n = 198) diseases. Hematologic parameters including mean platelet volume (MPV) and neutrophil/lymphocyte (N/L) ratio were measured. Glucose, creatinine, and cholesterol were significantly higher in the progressive group. Mean platelet volume count was similar in both groups. The N/L ratio was significantly higher in the progressive group (5.0 ± 5.1 vs 3.2 ± 3; P = .001). In multivariate analysis, the N/L ratio was significantly related with progression (relative risk [RR]: 2.267, 95% CI: 1.068-4.815, P = .03). Progression rate was significantly high in patients with high N/L ratio (39% vs 56%). Our results suggest that the N/L ratio is a predictor of progression of atherosclerosis.
Quality of Life of Patients With Peripheral Arterial Disease and Chronic Stable Angina
Authors: Wilson W. Richard W. , Fitridge Robert A. , Weekes Andrew J. , Morgan Claire , Tavella Rosanna , Beltrame John F.
Published: July 2011

The Coronary Artery Disease in gENeral practiCE (CADENCE) study examined chronic stable angina (CSA). This further analysis examined atherosclerotic risk factors, symptomatic status, clinical management, and quality of life in patients with CSA with and without peripheral arterial disease (PAD). The CADENCE study involved 207 Australian general practitioners (GPs) recruiting 10 to 15 consecutively presenting patients with CSA (n = 2031). General practitioners completed a 2-page case report form, detailing demographic data, cardiovascular status, risk factors, and GP perception of control. Patients completed the Seattle Angina Questionnaire. Patients with coexisting CSA and PAD (17%) were more likely to be older and had more comorbidities than patients with CSA without coexisting PAD. Patients with peripheral arterial disease had a longer history of heart disease and were more likely to experience angina on a weekly basis. Patients with peripheral arterial disease had poorer quality-of-life indices.
Prognostic Value of Mean Platelet Volume in Patients With Non-ST-Elevation Acute Coronary Syndrome
Authors: López-Cuenca Angel A. , Tello-Montoliu Antonio , Roldán Vanessa , Pérez-Berbel Patricio , Valdés Mariano , Marín Francisco
Published: July 2011

The aim of this study is to determine mean platelet volume (MPV) in a population with non-ST-elevation acute coronary syndrome (nSTEACS) and explore its relation with prognosis. Patients (n = 329) with a diagnosis of nSTEACS at admission were recruited, with a determination of MPV in the first 12 hours at admission. We also collected blood from 87 healthy controls. A composite end point of cardiovascular death and new ACS was assessed at 6-month follow-up. Patients with nSTEACS showed larger platelets (MPV: 11.0 [10.3-11.8] vs 9.2 [8.6-10.0] fL; P < .001.). In Cox regression analysis, MPV at admission was a significant predictor of cardiovascular adverse events in univariate analysis, hazard ratio (HR) 1.4 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.1-1.8; P = .018; but after adjustment with clinical variables, MPV lost its statistical significance. In conclusion, patients with nSTEACS present with larger platelets than healthy controls, however this parameter did not show an independent prognostic significance at 6-month follow-up.
Influence of Abnormal Fasting Plasma Glucose on Left Ventricular Function in Older Patients With Acute Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Yang Shi-Wei , Zhou Yu-Jie , Liu Yu-Yang , Hu Da-Yi , Shi Yu-Jie , Nie Xiao-Min , Gao Fei , Hu Bin , Jia De-An , Fang Zhe , Han Hong-Ya , Wang Jian-Long , Hua Qi , Li Hong-Wei
Published: July 2011

We assessed whether the admission fasting plasma glucose (FPG) levels were associated with all-cause mortality and left ventricular (LV) function in older patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI). A total of 1854 consecutive patients were categorized into 4 groups: hypoglycemia, euglycemia, mild hyperglycemia, and severe hyperglycemia. The primary outcomes were in-hospital/3-year mortality and LV function. There was a near-linear relationship between FPG and Killip class. However, no significant correlation was found between FPG levels and LV ejection fraction. Both FPG levels and Killip classes were all independent significant predictors of mortality. Compared with the euglycemia group, both the hypo- and hyperglycemia groups were associated with higher in-hospital and 3-year mortality. In older patients with AMI, the FPG values had differential influences on LV function and mortality. There was a U-shaped relationship between FPG and in-hospital/3-year mortality, and a near-linear relationship between increased admission glucose levels and higher Killip classification.
Reperfusion Strategies for Acute Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Falluji Nezar , Abou-Chebl Alex , Castro Carlos E. Rodriguez , Mukherjee Debabrata
Published: July 2011

Stroke remains a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Despite preventive measures, effective management strategies are needed to reduce the morbidity and mortality associated with this devastating condition. While the management of hemorrhagic stroke is mostly limited to supportive care, reperfusion strategies in ischemic stroke have been developed and continue to evolve. Conceptually, the pathophysiology of ischemic stroke is similar to that of acute myocardial infarction and the objective of management is similar (ie, to rapidly restore normal flow to reduce permanent damage). It is, therefore, not surprising that the management of acute ischemic stroke includes intravenous (IV) thrombolysis, the only Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved strategy at this point. In addition, there are a myriad of emerging endovascular interventional techniques. We review the current literature and discuss some of the technical aspects of endovascular therapy in the setting of acute ischemic stroke.