bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Aneuploidy screening in the first trimester
Authors: Spencer Kevin
Published: February 2007

This article reviews the performance of first trimester screening for chromosomal anomalies using various combinations of ultrasound and maternal serum biochemical modalities. Detection rates in excess of 90% can be routinely achieved for Trisomy 21, Trisomy 13, Trisomy 18 using a combination of fetal nuchal translucency (NT) thickness and maternal serum free ß‐hCG and PAPP‐A at 11 + 0 to 13 + 6 weeks of gestation. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Getting past setup obstacles, and moving to implementation, for law firm ADR groups
Authors: Casey Kevin R.
Published: February 2007

In the second of two parts, Kevin R. Casey, of Malvern, Pa., provides the tools to establish a comprehensive law firm alternative dispute resolution department. He covers ways to address attorney ambivalence, and lists implementation steps that will help the prospects for a well‐rounded, profitable program
California's top court provides guidance on mediation settlements
Authors: Bleemer Russ
Published: February 2007

In an expansion of a December CPR Web site report, a new California Supreme Court opinion on mediation confidentiality is analyzed
Evaluation of the general practice research database congenital heart defects prevalence: Comparison to United Kingdom national systems
Authors: Wurst Keele E. , Ephross Sara A. , Loehr James , Clark Douglas W. , Guess Harry A.
Published: February 2007

BACKGROUND:

As part of an effort to validate the General Practice Research Database (GPRD) for future studies of medication use in pregnancy, this study examined whether the rates of all, and specific types of, congenital heart defects obtained from the GPRD are similar to those obtained from UK national systems.

METHODS:

The prevalence rates of heart defects for 2001–2003 were determined from the GPRD and compared with both the National Congenital Anomaly System (NCAS) and the European Concerted Action of Congenital Anomalies and Twins (EUROCAT). Rate ratios (RRs) and 95% CIs were calculated comparing the prevalence of all congenital heart defects as well as specific types of heart defects in the three data sources. In addition, the effect of the child's age on the frequency of heart defects in the GPRD was determined.

RESULTS:

The prevalence of heart defects in the GPRD was more than twice as high as in the NCAS and slightly higher than in the EUROCAT. All differences were statistically significant. The prevalence of specific heart defects varied across the GPRD, NCAS, and EUROCAT. The measured prevalence of congenital heart defects in the GPRD was higher if calculated including children up to age 6.

CONCLUSIONS:

The comparisons of the GPRD prevalence rates to national prevalence estimates demonstrate that the GPRD can serve as a more complete source of background prevalence for the most commonly occurring congenital heart defects, which is essential to properly assess possible associations between maternal exposures and congenital heart defects. Birth Defects Research (Part A) 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Cognitive effects of head‐movements in stray fields generated by a 7 Tesla whole‐body MRI magnet
Authors: de Vocht F. , Stevens T. , Glover P. , Sunderland A. , Gowland P. , Kromhout H.
Published: February 2007

The study investigates the impact of exposure to the stray magnetic field of a whole‐body 7 T MRI scanner on neurobehavioral performance and cognition. Twenty seven volunteers completed four sessions, which exposed them to ∼1600 mT (twice), 800 mT and negligible static field exposure. The order of exposure was assigned at random and was masked by placing volunteers in a tent to hide their position relative to the magnet bore. Volunteers completed a test battery assessing auditory working memory, eye–hand co‐ordination, and visual perception. During three sessions the volunteers were instructed to complete a series of standardized head movements to generate additional time‐varying fields (∼300 and ∼150 mT·s−1 r.m.s.). In one session, volunteers were instructed to keep their heads as stable as possible. Performance on a visual tracking task was negatively influenced (P<.01) by 1.3% per 100 mT exposure. Furthermore, there was a trend for performance on two cognitive‐motor tests to be decreased (P<.10). No effects were observed on working memory. Taken together with results of earlier studies, these results suggest that there are effects on visual perception and hand–eye co‐ordination, but these are weak and variable between studies. The magnitude of these effects may depend on the magnitude of time‐varying fields and not so much on the static field. While this study did not include exposure above 1.6 T, it suggests that use of strong magnetic fields is not a significant confounder in fMRI studies of cognitive function. Future work should further assess whether ultra‐high field may impair performance of employees working in the vicinity of these magnets. Bioelectromagnetics 28:247–255, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A bioluminescent signal system: detection of chemical toxicants in water
Authors: Vetrova E. , Esimbekova E. , Remmel N. , Kotova S. , Beloskov N. , Kratasyuk V. , Gitelson I.
Published: February 2007

Prototype technologies of a bioluminescent signal system (BSS) based on the luminous bacterium Photobacterium phosphoreum and three enzymatic bioluminescence systems have been proposed for detecting and signalling the presence of toxicants in water systems. A number of pesticides, mostly known as poisonous substances, similar in their structures and physicochemical properties, have been taken as model compounds of chemical agents. The effect of toxicants (organophosphates, derivatives of dithiocarbamide acid, and pyrethroid preparations) on the bioluminescence of the four systems has been analysed. EC50 and EC80 have been determined and compared to the maximum permissible concentration for each of the analysed substances. The triple‐enzyme systems with ADH and trypsin have been shown to be more sensitive to organophosphorous compounds (0.13–11 mg/L), while the triple‐enzyme system with trypsin is highly sensitive to lipotropic poison, a derivative of dithiocarbamine acid (0.03 mg/L). Sensitivities of the triple‐enzyme systems to pyrethroid preparations are similar to those of luminous bacteria (0.9–5 mg/L). The results can be used to construct an alarm‐test bioluminescence system for detecting chemical toxicants, based on intact bacteria or enzyme systems. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Kraftmikroskopie, seltsame Federn und Proteinfaltung: Komplexität im Küchenexperiment
Authors: Euler Manfred
Published: February 2007

Ein verdrilltes Gummiband ist ein erstaunlich tragfähiges mechanisches Basismodell, das Ideen dafür liefert, wie aus etwas Einfachem etwas Komplexes entstehen kann. Das Auftreten von neuen Strukturen in dem einfachen Gummiband‐Universum zeigt vielfältige Analogien zur Emergenz neuer Eigenschaften in anderen, wesentlich komplizierteren Systemen. Es verkörpert die Mechanik kreativer Wandlungsprozesse, die in ähnlicher Weise bei Proteinen zu Strukturen und neuen Funktionen führen. Das vorliegende Küchenexperiment fordert dazu heraus, die wenig anschaulichen und komplexen Eigenschaften der Nanowelt mit konkreten Erfahrungen aus der Alltagswelt zu verknüpfen und zu reflektieren, um so einen produktiven Transfer anzuregen und zu unterstützen.
Lebensraum Mundhöhle: Mikroorganismen und orale Erkrankungen
Authors: Rupf Stefan , Jentsch Holger , Eschrich Klaus
Published: February 2007

Im Verlauf der vergangenen Jahrzehnte wurde erkannt, dass die Entstehung von Karies und Parodontitis nicht durch spezifische Pathogene allein, sondern durch dynamische Wechselwirkungen von Mikroflora und Wirtsorganismus bestimmt werden. Da die Erkrankungen von Zähnen und Parodont nach reversiblen Initialstadien unumkehrbar verlaufen und Therapien erst im Sinne von Defektreparaturen zur Anwendung kommen, sind Risikoabschätzungen die Basis für eine sinnvolle Vorbeugung. Entsprechende diagnostische Parameter stehen jedoch zurzeit erst begrenzt zur Verfügung. Eine große Herausforderung der zahnmedizinischen Wissenschaft des 21. Jahrhunderts ist somit die Aufklärung und die Beschreibung der vielfältigen Prozesse zwischen dem Menschen und seiner Mikroflora.
Vielversprechende Symbiose aus der indischen Wüste
Authors: Feil Sylvia
Published: February 2007

Der Pilz Piriformospora indica wurde 1997 in der indischen Thar‐Wüste entdeckt. Er lebt symbiotisch in Wurzeln und fördert die Abwehr seiner Wirtspflanzen gegenüber biotischem und abiotischem Stress. Dabei regt der Pilz den Zelltod von Pflanzenzellen an, um diese selbst zu besiedeln.
Glycolyse statt Atmung in Tumoren
Authors: Brennicke Axel
Published: February 2007

1931 hat Otto Warburg zum ersten Mal beschrieben, dass Krebszellen ihren Metabolismus umschalten und ihre Energie weniger aus der Atmung und mehr aus der Glykolyse beziehen. Erst 75 Jahre später wurde eine molekulare Verbindung zwischen einem der häufigsten Tumorgene, dem p53, und der reduzierten Atmung gefunden.
Evolutionstheorie contra Schöpfungslehre – ein alter Streit kommt an die Unis
Authors: Simon Uwe K.
Published: February 2007

Der Streit zwischen Kreationisten und Naturwissenschaftlern ist nicht neu. Schon Darwin, Huxley und andere Vordenker der Evolutionstheorie hatten mit Anfeindungen seitens der Kirchen zu kämpfen. In den USA wird die Kontroverse seit einigen Jahren scharf geführt. Gegner der Evolutionslehre kämpfen in einzelnen Bundesstaaten darum, kreationistische Modelle als zumindest gleichwertig an Schulen vorzustellen. Wohlgemerkt: nicht im Religions‐, sondern im Biologieunterricht. Auch auf internationalen Kongressen und an Universitäten begegnet man Studenten und Forschern, die Glauben und Wissenschaft vermengen, wie unser Autor feststellte.
Stenting of coronary bifurcation lesions by using modified crush technique with double kissing balloon inflation (sleeve technique): Immediate procedure result and short‐term clinical outcomes
Authors: Jim Man‐Hong , Ho Hee‐Hwa , Chan Annie On‐On , Chow Wing‐Hing
Published: February 2007

Background: Sleeve technique is a modified version of crush technique. It is specifically designed to increase the success rate of final kissing balloon inflation, which used to be a major limitation of the latter. Objectives: The aim of this study was to examine the feasibility, safety, and early clinical outcomes of sleeve technique in stenting different types (de novo, in‐stent restenotic or in‐stent bifurcation) of coronary bifurcation lesions at different locations. Methods: From August 2005 to May 2006, 41 consecutive patients with symptomatic, nonleft‐main coronary bifurcation stenoses of diameter narrowing ≥50% were treated with two‐stent strategy, using sleeve technique. Results: The mean age was 63.6 ± 11.6 years with male predominance (70.7%). High prevalence of diabetes mellitus (31.7%), total occlusion (22.0%), and multi‐vessel disease (65.9%) was observed in this cohort. Intravenous abciximab was given in 35 (85.4%) patients. Final kissing balloon inflation was successfully performed in all patients. The minimal luminal diameter in main vessel and side branch was increased from 0.97 ± 0.53 mm and 0.81 ± 0.45 mm to 2.76 ± 0.34 mm and 2.22 ± 0.35 mm, respectively. The mean procedure time was only 66.6 ± 24.6 min. There was one (2.4%) case of subacute stent thrombosis presented as non‐Q‐wave myocardial infarction at day 3 postprocedure. The resultant in‐hospital and 30‐day major adverse cardiac event rate were both 2.4%. Conclusions: Sleeve technique is a feasible and efficient approach in stenting of coronary bifurcation stenoses. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Cover Picture: New Structural Features in Heavy Alkaline Earth‐Metal Chemistry — Molecular Heterobimetallic Group 1, Ba Complexes (Chem. Eur. J. 7/2007)
Authors: Zuniga Maria Felisa , Deacon Glen B. , Ruhlandt‐Senge Karin
Published: February 2007

Solid‐state synthesis was employed for the preparation of a number of alkaline‐earth‐metal species. In their Full Paper on page 1921 ff., K. Ruhlandt‐Senge et al. describe the solid‐state metalation (apparatus depicted on the background) of 2,6‐diphenylphenol for the facile synthesis of unique heterobimetallic alkaline‐earth‐metal species such as [Na{Ba(Odpp)3}]. The compounds display extensive π interactions, providing a significant increase in thermal stability to allow the preparation of compounds deemed previously too unstable for isolation.
Ecological Chemistry in New Independent States of the Former Soviet Union
Authors: Duca Gheorghe
Published: February 2007

An overview is presented on the research in Ecological Chemistry performed recently in the NIS countries in various research areas, including: ecological chemistry of water, air, soil, waste management and cleaner production, and chemical risk management. General links of Ecological Chemistry to other scientific areas are shown. The main environmental problems and anthropogenic impacts are mentioned, among them those which are specific for the NIS countries, and recent results, both of theoretical and practical significance, which were obtained by various research teams of the NIS countries are presented.
Speciation of Arsenic Using Chelation Solvent Extraction and High Performance Liquid Chromatography
Authors: Cathum Shamil J. , Brown Carl E. , Obenauf Alison , Punt Monique
Published: February 2007

Research interest in speciation of arsenic stems from its species dependent behavior in the environment and in living organisms. The complexity of the matrix to be analyzed and low concentrations of target arsenic species that may be labile or difficult to chromatogram, indicate that a suitable pre‐treatment methodology is required. This study investigated the usefulness of chelation solvent extraction – high performance liquid chromatography (CSE‐HPLC) for the speciation of arsenic in water. It involved reacting arsenic with the chelant known for its affinity towards arsenic, followed by extraction, separation, and identification of the arsenic‐chelant‐arsenic complex. Arsenic species having different physicochemical properties were investigated. Species, such as, As2O3, As3O5, KH2AsO4, Na2HAsO4, and NaAsO2 were detected as a group of closely eluted peaks with different retention times and spectral properties, whereas, the organic arsenic species CH3Na2AsO3, o‐arsanilic acid, roxarson and triphenyl arsine separated quite well on the EnviroseP‐CM HPLC column. Key method parameters, such as, type of HPLC column, composition of mobile phase and organic solvents affecting peak resolution and sensitivity were optimized. Real environmental matrices contaminated with arsenic were analyzed under varying wavelengths (λmax = 190, 210, 220, 234, 244, and 282 nm), with good precision. Different arsenic species were detected in these samples with excellent background and signal‐to‐noise ratios demonstrating the robustness of the method. The detection limit, reproducibility, selectivity, accuracy, and dynamic range of the calibration curves were evaluated.
Role of Humification Processes in Recycling Organic Wastes of Various Nature and Sources as Soil Amendments
Authors: Senesi Nicola , Plaza César
Published: February 2007

Recycling the large amounts of organic wastes produced by agriculture, forestry, urban and industrial activities as soil, organic amendments are the most popular and efficient option for avoiding their dispersion in the environment and restoring, maintaining, and/or improving the content of soil organic matter. Chemical stability and biological maturity are two important factors for the successful use of organic wastes in agriculture with limited risk for the surrounding environment. Stabilization and maturation of raw organic wastes inherently imply the achievement of an extensive humification, that is, a wide conversion of easily degradable organic matter to refractory organic compounds that resemble native soil humic substances (HS). Soil HS are the most important components of soil organic matter responsible of several soil functions and processes. As a consequence, the amount and quality of HS‐like fractions in any organic amendment are believed to be of primary importance for its agronomic efficacy, environmental safety and economic value. The first part of this review focuses on the chemical and physico‐chemical changes occurring in the humic substances (HS) ‐like fractions of organic wastes of various nature and sources subjected to common treatment processes aimed at producing environmentally‐safe soil amendments with beneficial agronomic properties. The second part discusses the composition, structure, and chemical reactivity of the HS‐like components in organic amendments of various origins and nature, and their effects on native soil HS. The review concludes by highlighting the need for innovative research targeted mainly to achieve a better fundamental understanding of the molecular structure and reactivity of soil HS and HS‐like fractions in organic amendments, the mechanisms of HS formation and transformations in the natural environment and during the treatment processes of raw organic wastes, the interactions with metals and organic xenobiotics, and the direct physiological effects that HS may exert on plants.
Laboratory Testing of Sulfamethoxazole and its Metabolite Acetyl‐Sulfamethoxazole in Soil
Authors: Höltge Sibylla , Kreuzig Robert
Published: February 2007

The fate of 14C‐labeled sulfamethoxazole and acetyl‐sulfamethoxazole in soil has been investigated with special respect to possible entry routes of human and veterinary pharmaceuticals into soil environments. Therefore, the stability of the test substances was monitored first in sewage sludge and bovine manure. Within the incubation period of 72 d, 1% at maximum of the initially applied radiotracers was released as 14C‐carbon dioxide while ⪈75% was transferred to non‐extractable residues that were operationally defined by the ethyl acetate extraction. Test‐sludge and test‐manure samples with defined aged residues were prepared and, supplementary to standard solutions, applied to silty‐clay soil samples. After standard and test‐sludge application, soil/water distribution coefficients of Kd < 5 L kg–1 were determined revealing both test substances as potential leachers. In contrast, the sorption of sulfamethoxazole increased after test‐manure application (Kd > 10 L kg–1). In the long‐term degradability tests, the metabolic fate of both test substances was characterized by the continuous decrease of extractable residues, resulting in disappearance times of DT90 ⪇ 33 d, and the increase of non‐extractable residues. Mineralization reached 11% at maximum. Thereby, the dynamics of these processes differed whether the test substances were applied via standard, test‐sludge or test‐manure application. This fact emphasized the relevance of entry route specific matrix effects on the fate of both test substances in soil.
Assessment of Metal Contamination in Surface Sediments of Jiaozhou Bay, Qingdao, China
Authors: Wang Xu‐Chen , Feng Huan , Ma Hai‐Qing
Published: February 2007

An assessment of metal contamination in surface sediments of the Jiaozhou Bay, Qingdao, one of the rapidly developing coastal economic zones in China, is provided. Sediments were collected from 10 stations and a total of 15 heavy metals were analyzed. Concentrations of metals show significant variability and range from 210 to 620 ppm for Ti, 2.7 to 23 ppm for Ni, 4.2 to 28 ppm for Cu, 5.2 to 18 ppm for Pb, 12 to 58 ppm for Zn, 0.03 to 0.11 ppm for Cd, 5 to 51 ppm for Cr, 1.5 to 9.9 ppm for Co, 5.3 to 19 ppm for As, 12 to 32 ppm for Se, and 19 to 97 ppm for Sr. Based on concentration relationships and enrichment factor (EF) analyses, the results indicate that sediment grain size and organic matter played important roles in controlling the distribution of the heavy metals in surface sediments of the Jiaozhou Bay. The study shows that the sediment of the Jiaozhou Bay has been contaminated by heavy metals to various degrees, with prominent arsenic contributing the most to the contamination. The analysis suggests that the major sources of metal contamination in the Jiaozhou Bay are land‐based anthropogenic ones, such as discharge of industrial waste water and municipal sewage and run‐off. Notably, the elevated heavy metal concentrations of the Jiaozhou Bay sediments could have a significant impact on the bay's ecosystem. With the rapid economic development and urbanization around the Jiaozhou Bay, coastal management and pollution control should focus on these contaminant sources, as well as provide ongoing monitoring studies of heavy metal contamination within the bay.
Comparison of Different Gold Recovery Methods with Regard to Pollution Control and Efficiency
Authors: Hylander Lars D. , Plath David , Miranda Conrado R. , Lücke Sofie , Öhlander Jenny , Rivera Ana T. F.
Published: February 2007

This case study performed at the largest gold mining village in the Philippines compares four methods for gold recovery: amalgamation, cyanide leaching, a shaking sluice, and Cleangold® sluices. The results show that a combination of manual panning or Cleangold® sluices followed by cyanidation is the best solution under present conditions, followed by cyanidation alone. Based on the knowledge obtained, remarks on suitable policy actions, which may be applied also in other gold fields, are made.
Kinetics in Cold Laval Nozzle Expansions: From Atmospheric Chemistry to Oxidation of Biomolecules in the Gas Phase
Authors: Hansmann Björn , Abel Bernd
Published: February 2007

New developments and recent applications of pulsed and miniaturised Laval nozzle technology allowing many gas‐phase molecular processes to be studied at very low temperatures are highlighted. In the present Minireview we focus on molecular energy transfer and reactions of molecular radicals (e.g. OH) with neutral molecules. We show that with the combination of pulsed laser photolysis and sensitive laser‐induced fluorescence detection a large number of fast reactions of radicals with more or less complex neutral molecules can be measured in Laval nozzle expansions nowadays. It is also demonstrated that collisional energy transfer of neutral molecules can be measured via kinetically controlled selective fluorescence (KCSF) excitation down to 58 Kelvin. Finally, we show that even the primary steps in the oxidation of biomolecules or biomolecular building blocks initiated by OH radicals can be followed at low temperatures. The temperature dependence of the measured rate constants is the key for an understanding of the underlying molecular mechanisms and the Laval nozzle expansion provides a unique environment for these measurements. The experimental finding that many reactions between radicals and neutral species can be rapid at low temperatures are discussed in terms of pre‐reactive complexes formed in the overall complex forming bimolecular reactions.
Comparison of Thermodynamic Properties of Coarse‐Grained and Atomic‐Level Simulation Models
Authors: Baron Riccardo , Trzesniak Daniel , de Vries Alex H. , Elsener Andreas , Marrink Siewert J. , van Gunsteren Wilfred F.
Published: February 2007

Thermodynamic data are often used to calibrate or test atomic‐level (AL) force fields for molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. In contrast, the majority of coarse‐grained (CG) force fields do not rely extensively on thermodynamic quantities. Recently, a CG force field for lipids, hydrocarbons, ions, and water,1 in which approximately four non‐hydrogen atoms are mapped onto one interaction site, has been proposed and applied to study various aspects of lipid systems. To date, no extensive investigation of its capability to describe solvation thermodynamics has been undertaken. In the present study, a detailed picture of vaporization, solvation, and phase‐partitioning thermodynamics for liquid hydrocarbons and water was obtained at CG and AL resolutions, in order to compare the two types of models and evaluate their ability to describe thermodynamic properties in the temperature range between 263 and 343 K. Both CG and AL models capture the experimental dependence of the thermodynamic properties on the temperature, albeit a systematically weaker dependence is found for the CG model. Moreover, deviations are found for solvation thermodynamics and for the corresponding enthalpy–entropy compensation for the CG model. Particularly water/oil repulsion seems to be overestimated. However, the results suggest that the thermodynamic properties considered should be reproducible by a CG model provided it is reparametrized on the basis of these liquid‐phase properties.
Geomorphic evolution of small river–lake‐systems in northeast Germany during the Late Quaternary
Authors: Kaiser Knut , Rother Henrik , Lorenz Sebastian , Gärtner Peter , Papenroth Ralf
Published: February 2007

This study investigates the post‐glacial development of four small river–lake systems in the Weichselian belt of northern central Europe. The valleys investigated are part of an immature drainage system characterized by frequent and abrupt changes in flow direction and the presence of numerous stagnant‐ice depressions in the valley course. The depressions contain thick sedimentary sequences which provide excellent archives for the reconstruction of the post‐glacial valley development. Study results indicate that the valleys reuse segments of former subglacial meltwater channels. During the Late Pleniglacial these channels carried meltwater streams. Stagnant‐ice melting occurred in stages from the Oldest Dryas to the early Holocene and was often followed by the formation of lakes in the valley course. Flow reversals occurred during the Late‐glacial–Holocene transition and were in response to general base‐level lowering caused by stagnant‐ice melting, headwater erosion and lake overspills. Lacustrine deposition typically started during the early Late‐glacial comprising mainly silicate gyttjas, whereas organic gyttjas and peats accumulated during the Allerød. The Younger Dryas is associated with a marked increase in fluvial and aeolian sedimentation, and lake‐level high stands. This was followed by early Holocene lake‐level low stands and a subsequent stabilization phase with decreasing silicate input and increasing organic lacustrine deposition. In general, dramatic changes in Late Pleniglacial to early Holocene sedimentation suggest that small‐scale catastrophic events played a more important role in triggering geomorphic changes then previously recognized. Infilling continued until peat accumulation and terrestrialization of lake basins became widespread during the mid‐ to late Holocene. Beginning in the late Holocene anthropogenic influences become important mainly involving an increase in sediment supply due to forest clearing and land use, followed by mill stowage, river course correction and anthropogenic lake‐level manipulations. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Mountain permafrost dynamics within a recently exposed glacier forefield inferred by a combined geomorphological, geophysical and photogrammetrical approach
Authors: Kneisel C. , Kääb A.
Published: February 2007

Geomorphological observations, geoelectrical soundings and photogrammetric measurements of surface movement on the Muragl glacier forefield were used to obtain an integrative analysis of a highly complex glacial and periglacial landform consisting of a push moraine, creeping permafrost and permafrost‐free glacial till in close proximity. Electrical resistivity tomography is considered as an important multifunctional geophysical method for research in periglacial permafrost related environments. Joint application with measurements of surface displacements offers a promising tool for investigating periglacial landforms related to ice‐rich permafrost for a more comprehensive characterization of permafrost characteristics and geomorphological interpretation of periglacial morphodynamics. The patchy permafrost distribution pattern described in this paper is determined by several factors, including the sediment characteristics, the snow cover distribution and duration, the aspect and the former glacier distribution and thermal regime. Recent and modern permafrost dynamics within the glacier forefield comprise aggradation, degradation and permafrost creep. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Tyrosine depletion alters cortical and limbic blood flow but does not modulate spatial working memory performance or task‐related blood flow in humans
Authors: Ellis Kathryn A. , Mehta Mitul A. , Naga Venkatesha Murthy P.J. , McTavish Sarah F.B. , Nathan Pradeep J. , Grasby Paul M.
Published: February 2007

Dopamine appears critical in regulating spatial working memory (SWM) within the PFC of non‐human primates; however findings in humans are less clear. Recent studies of the effects of global depletion of dopamine via acute tyrosine/phenylalanine depletion (TPD) on SWM task performance have yielded inconsistent results, which may be partly related to task differences. These previous studies do not address whether TPD can directly impair PFC functioning. The current study investigated the effects of TPD on (1) regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) during a SWM n‐back task using H215O Positron Emission Tomography (PET), and (2) behavioural performance on three different SWM tasks. Ten healthy males were scanned twice: once following a placebo (balanced) amino acid mixture and once following an equivalent mixture deficient in tyrosine/phenylalanine (TPD condition). Participants completed two additional delayed‐response tasks to examine whether differences in response demands influenced TPD effects on performance. TPD resulted in widespread increases in rCBF, with maximum increases in the region of the parahippocampal gyrus bilaterally, left inferior frontal gyrus, and the putamen. TPD related rCBF reductions were observed in the medial frontal gyrus bilaterally, right inferior temporal gyrus and the pons. Despite widespread changes in blood flow following TPD, no specific effects on SWM neural networks or task performance were observed. The use of three different SWM tasks suggests that task differences are unlikely to account for the lack of effects observed. These findings question the capacity of TPD to consistently modulate dopamine function and SWM neural networks in humans. Hum Brain Mapp 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Whole brain analysis of T2* weighted baseline FMRI signal in dementia
Authors: Rombouts Serge A.R.B. , Scheltens Philip , Kuijer Joost P.A. , Barkhof Frederik
Published: February 2007

Brain activation in studies using blood oxygenation level dependent (BOLD) FMRI is associated with an increase in T2* weighted signal between baseline and an active condition. This BOLD technique is often applied to study differences in brain activation between patients and healthy controls. However, the baseline T2* signal itself may also be different between groups, as shown in the hippocampus in Alzheimer's disease using the resting oxygen or ROXY approach (Small et al. [2002]: Ann Neurol 51:290–295). In the current study, we analyzed whole brain, voxel‐wise T2* weighted signal of averaged baseline scans of a BOLD FMRI experiment in 41 healthy elderly controls and 46 patients with mild cognitive impairment or Alzheimer's disease. In each subject, T2* weighted images were normalized to the CSF signal of the same image. Additionally, gray matter probability maps of high‐resolution structural scans were also compared between groups to assess atrophy. T2* signal was decreased in dementia in the hippocampus, insula/putamen, posterior and middle cingulate cortex, and parietal cortex. Most of these regions also showed decreased gray matter, except insula/putamen. Hippocampal and posterior cingulate gray matter differences were significantly larger than T2* differences. Therefore, decreased T2* signal in most regions are likely to be caused by gray matter atrophy, although decreased metabolism or perhaps iron deposition are also factors that may contribute. We conclude that in FMRI studies of dementia, not only the dynamic BOLD signal (activation and deactivation) but also the average baseline signal is diminished in certain regions. The method we applied may also be used in task‐related BOLD FMRI and add to the understanding of the mechanism of task‐related group differences. Hum Brain Mapp, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drug use and risk of bladder cancer in the health professionals follow‐up study
Authors: Genkinger Jeanine M. , DeVivo Immaculata , Stampfer Meir J. , Giovannucci Edward , Michaud Dominique S.
Published: February 2007

Nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) use, particularly aspirin, may lower the risk of several cancers, including bladder. NSAIDs may reduce development of bladder tumors by decreasing inflammation, inhibiting cycloxygenase‐2, inhibiting proliferation and inducing apoptosis of cancer cells. However, acetaminophen, a major metabolite of phenacetin, may be positively associated with bladder cancer risk. Results from case‐control studies on NSAIDs and acetaminophen use and bladder cancer risk are inconsistent. We investigated the association between NSAID and acetaminophen use and bladder cancer risk in a large cohort of US males. Among 49,448 men in the Health Professionals Follow‐Up Study, 607 bladder cancer cases were confirmed during 18 years of follow‐up. Relative risks (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated by Cox proportional hazards models. Multivariate RR were adjusted for age, current smoking status, pack years, geographic region and fluid intake. No significant associations were observed for regular aspirin (≥2 tablets per week), (RR = 0.99, 95% CI 0.83–1.18), ibuprofen (RR = 1.11, 95% CI 0.81–1.54), acetaminophen (RR = 0.96, 95% CI 0.67–1.39) or total NSAID use (not including acetaminophen; RR = 1.01, 95% CI 0.85–1.20) and bladder cancer risk compared with nonuse. Consistent use (over 6 years) of aspirin, ibuprofen, acetaminophen and total NSAIDs, compared to nonuse, was not associated with bladder cancer risk. No association was observed between aspirin frequency and dose and bladder cancer risk. We observed no effect‐modification by smoking, age or fluid intake. Our results suggest that regular NSAID or acetaminophen use has no substantial impact on bladder cancer risk among men. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Polymorphisms at XPD and XRCC1 DNA repair loci and increased risk of oral leukoplakia and cancer among NAT2 slow acetylators
Authors: Majumder Mousumi , Sikdar Nilabja , Ghosh Saurabh , Roy Bidyut
Published: February 2007

Polymorphisms at N‐acetyl transferase 2 locus (NAT2) lead to slow, intermediate and rapid acetylation properties of the enzyme. Improper acetylation of heterocyclic and aromatic amines, present in tobacco, might cause DNA adduct formation. Generally, DNA repair enzymes remove these adduct to escape malignancy. But, tobacco users carrying susceptible NAT2 and DNA repair loci might be at risk of oral leukoplakia and cancer. In this study, 389 controls, 224 leukoplakia and 310 cancer patients were genotyped at 5 polymorphic sites on NAT2 and 3 polymorphic sites on each of XRCC1 and XPD loci by PCR‐RFLP method to determine the risk of the diseases. None of the SNPs on these loci independently could modify the risk of the diseases in overall population but variant genotype (Gln/Gln) at codon 399 on XRCC1 and major genotype (Lys/Lys) at codon 751 on XPD were associated with increased risk of leukoplakia and cancer among slow acetylators, respectively (OR = 4.2, 95% CI = 1.2–15.0; OR = 1.6, 95% CI = 1.1–2.3, respectively). Variant genotype (Asn/Asn) at codon 312 on XPD was also associated with increased risk of cancer among rapid and intermediate acetylators (OR = 1.9, 95% CI = 1.2–2.9). Variant C‐G‐A haplotype at XRCC1 was associated with increased risk of leukoplakia (OR = 1.7, 95% CI = 1.2–2.4) but leukoplakia and cancer in mixed tobacco users (OR = 3.1, 95% CI = 1.4–7.1, OR = 2.4, 95% CI = 1.1–5.4, respectively) among slow acetylators. Although none of the 3 loci could modulate the risk of the diseases independently but 2 loci in combination, working in 2 different biochemical pathways, could do so in these patient populations. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Genes and molecular pathways related to radioresistance of oral squamous cell carcinoma cells
Authors: Ishigami Takashi , Uzawa Katsuhiro , Higo Morihiro , Nomura Hitomi , Saito Kengo , Kato Yoshikuni , Nakashima Dai , Shiiba Masashi , Bukawa Hiroki , Yokoe Hidetaka , Kawata Tetsuya , Ito Hisao , Tanzawa Hideki
Published: February 2007

To identify genes associated with radioresistant oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), we compared gene expression signatures between OSCC cell lines exhibiting radioresistance and cells with radiosensitivity after X‐ray irradiation in a dose‐dependent manner using Affymetrix GeneChip analysis with Human Genome‐U133 plus 2.0 GeneChip. The microarray data identified 167 genes that were significantly overexpressed in radioresistant cells after X‐ray irradiation. Among the genes identified, 40 were mapped to 3 highly significant genetic networks identified by the Ingenuity Pathway Analysis tool. Gene ontology analysis showed that cancer‐related function had the highest significance. The 40 genes included 25 cancer‐related genes that formed 1 network and were categorized by function into growth and proliferation, apoptosis, and adhesion. Furthermore, real‐time quantitative reverse transcriptase–polymerase chain reaction showed that the mRNA expression levels of the 25 genes were higher in radioresistant cells than in radiosensitive cells in a dose‐dependent manner and in a time‐dependent manner. Our results suggest that the identified genes help to elucidate the molecular mechanisms of the radioresistance of OSCC and could be radiotherapeutic molecular markers for choosing the appropriate radiotherapy for this disease. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Cloning of genetically tagged chromosome break sequences reveals new fragile sites at 6p21 and 13q22
Authors: Fechter Anne , Buettel Isabel , Kuehnel Elisabeth , Schwab Manfred , Savelyeva Larissa
Published: February 2007

Fragile sites are specific genomic loci that are especially prone to chromosome breakage. For the human genome there are 31 rare fragile sites and 88 common fragile sites listed in the National Center for Biotechnology Information database; however, the exact number remains unknown. In this study, unstable DNA sequences, which have been previously tagged with a marker gene, were cloned and provided starting points for the characterization of two aphidicolin inducible common fragile sites. Mapping of these unstable regions with six‐color fluorescence in situ hybridization revealed two new fragile sites at 6p21 and 13q22, which encompass genomic regions of 9.3 and 3.1 Mb, respectively. According to the fragile site nomenclature they were consequently entitled as FRA6H and FRA13E. Both identified regions are known to be associated with recurrent aberrations in malignant and nonmalignant disorders. It is conceivable that these fragile sites result in genetic damage that might contribute to cancer phenotypes such as osteosarcoma, breast and prostate cancer. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Inhibition of prostate carcinogenesis by combined active immunoprophylaxis
Authors: De Giovanni Carla , Croci Stefania , Nicoletti Giordano , Landuzzi Lorena , Palladini Arianna , Pannellini Tania , Borgia Ludovica , Iezzi Manuela , Di Carlo Emma , Orengo Anna Maria , Kennedy Ronald C. , Lollini Pier‐Luigi , Nanni Patrizia , Musiani Piero
Published: February 2007

The aim of this study is to investigate whether an active immunoprophylactic approach combining specific antigens and adjuvant stimuli would be able to inhibit prostate carcinogenesis in transgenic TRAMP mice. A vaccine consisting of allogeneic large T antigen (TAg)‐positive SV40‐transformed cells combined with systemic recombinant IL‐12 was administered to TRAMP mice, starting from when they were still tumor‐free at 5–6 weeks of age. The combined vaccine significantly inhibited prostate carcinogenesis, giving a more than doubled median latency time of prostatic tumors (53 weeks in comparison to 26 weeks in control mice). Vaccination with cells alone or IL‐12 treatment alone was poorly effective (median latency of 30 and 39 weeks, respectively). The combined vaccine induced a very high CD4 response biased toward the Th1 pathway, with the induction of a humoral response that included TAg‐specific antibodies. Therefore, such active immunoprophylactic approach based on the combination of allogeneic SV40 TAg‐positive cells and systemic administration of recombinant IL‐12 significantly delayed autochthonous urogenital carcinogenesis driven by SV40 TAg in TRAMP mice. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Phosphorylation of ectopically expressed L‐plastin enhances invasiveness of human melanoma cells
Authors: Klemke Martin , Rafael Maria T. , Wabnitz Guido H. , Weschenfelder Tatjana , Konstandin Mathias H. , Garbi Natalio , Autschbach Frank , Hartschuh Wolfgang , Samstag Yvonne
Published: February 2007

The leukocyte specific actin‐binding protein L‐plastin is aberrantly expressed in several nonhematopoetic malignant tumors. However, little is known about the functional consequences of L‐plastin expression. Here, we investigated the function of L‐plastin in human malignant melanoma cells. Knock‐down of endogenous L‐plastin by siRNA treatment reduced migration of the melanoma cell line IF6. However, in melanoma patients, no correlation existed between L‐plastin expression and tumor stages. This implied that additional factors such as phosphorylation of L‐plastin may influence its function in tumor cells. To investigate this further, EGFP‐tagged wild‐type L‐plastin (wt‐LPL‐EGFP) and a mutated, nonphosphorylatable L‐plastin protein (5A7A‐LPL‐EGFP), were expressed in the L‐plastin negative melanoma cell line MV3. Biochemical analysis revealed that wt‐LPL‐EGFP is phosphorylated in MV3 cells while 5A7A‐LPL‐EGFP is not. Although both wt‐LPL‐EGFP and 5A7A‐LPL‐EGFP were targeted to, and promote the formation of, vinculin‐containing adhesion sites, static adhesion to either Matrigel or isolated extracellular matrix molecules was neither influenced by expression of wt‐LPL‐EGFP nor by expression of 5A7A‐LPL‐EGFP when compared with EGFP expressing control cells. In contrast, haptotactic, but not chemotactic, migration of melanoma cells towards either Matrigel or isolated extracellular matrix molecules was similarly enhanced, if either 5A7A‐LPL‐EGFP or wt‐LPL‐EGFP were expressed in MV3 cells. Interestingly, only cells expressing the phosphorylatable wt‐LPL‐EGFP protein showed enhanced invasion into Matrigel. In line with these findings the in vivo metastatic capacity of mouse B16 melanoma cells correlates with expression and phosphorylation of L‐plastin. These data show that an increase in melanoma cell invasiveness requires not only expression but also phosphorylation of L‐plastin. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Adrenomedullin is induced by hypoxia and enhances pancreatic cancer cell invasion
Authors: Keleg Shereen , Kayed Hany , Jiang Xiaohua , Penzel Roland , Giese Thomas , Büchler Markus W. , Friess Helmut , Kleeff Jörg
Published: February 2007

Adrenomedullin (ADM) is synthesized by different types of cells and acts by binding calcitonin receptor‐like receptor (CRLR) and members of the receptor activity‐modifying protein (RAMP) family. In this study, the expression and functional role of ADM and its signaling components were investigated in pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PDAC). By QRT‐PCR, median mRNA levels of ADM and CRLR were 1.5‐ and 2.4‐fold higher, respectively, in PDAC tissues compared to normal pancreatic tissues. By immunohistochemistry, ADM, CRLR, RAMP1 and RAMP2, but not RAMP3, were expressed in pancreatic cancer cells. ADM serum levels were significantly increased in PDAC patients compared to healthy controls and chronic pancreatitis (CP) patients, with an area under the ROC curve of 0.83 and 0.98, respectively. At a cut‐off level of 30.6 ng/ml, the specificity of ADM to differentiate PDAC from controls and CP patients was 85.5 and 83.6%, with a sensitivity of 80 and 100%. All 5 evaluated pancreatic cancer cells lines expressed ADM, CRLR, RAMP1 and RAMP2, whereas RAMP3 was expressed in only 1/5 pancreatic cancer cell lines. ADM was strongly induced by hypoxia and significantly increased invasiveness in 3/5 human pancreatic cancer cells. Blocking of CRLR decreased invasiveness in 4/5 human pancreatic cancer cells. In addition, rADM slightly up‐regulated vascular endothelial growth factor secretion in 3/5 cell lines. In conclusion, ADM is induced by hypoxia and over‐expressed in PDAC and might therefore serve as a potential tumor marker. Furthermore, ADM increases invasiveness of some pancreatic cancer cells and might influence angiogenesis, suggesting that blocking this pathway might have a therapeutic potential. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Erratum to: “A linear vizing‐like relation relating the size and total domination number of a graph”
Authors: Shan Erfang , Kang Liying , Henning Michael A.
Published: February 2007

The proof of the main theorem in the paper [1] is incorrect as it is missing an important case. Here we complete the proof by giving the missing case. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Graph Theory 54: 350–353, 2007
Adjuvant neuropeptides can improve neuropathic ligament healing in a rat model
Authors: Grorud Kelley W. , Jensen Kristina T. , Provenzano Paolo P. , Vanderby Ray
Published: February 2007

Diminished healing in neuropathic tissues suggests an important regulatory role for peripheral neurogenic factors in connective tissue healing. Although neurogenic factors, including neuropeptides, can induce cell proliferation and influence inflammatory cell chemotaxis in vitro, there is little appreciation of the potential of neuropeptides to affect connective tissue healing in vivo. We created both efferent and afferent peripheral neuropathies in 55 female Wistar rats. First, we showed that neuropathy led to impaired healing of ruptured ligaments. We then showed that local delivery of specific neuropeptides could reverse the functional deficits of these neuropathic ligaments in only 2 weeks. In substance P and vasoactive intestinal peptide‐treated medial collateral ligaments (MCLs), the mechanical properties of these healing neuropathic tissues returned to values at or above normally innervated, intact ligaments. In addition, neuropeptide Y stimulated MCL healing in this model. These findings suggest a new paradigm to improve neuropathic soft connective tissue healing. © 2007 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 25: 703–712, 2007