bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
THE NORTH AMERICAN BLUE BUTTERFLIES OF THE GENUS NOMIADES
Authors: Scudder Samuel H.
Published: February 2010

Some years ago I proposed the generic name Glaucopsyche for a group of blue butterflies of eastern N. America having a glaucous sheen to the upper surface of their wings; I had not then recognized its strictly generic alliance with a group of similar forms in Europe and on our pacific slope, which do not all possess this peculiarity, and to which the older generic name Nomiades Hübn. must be applied. A recent study of their common structural features, however, shows that GlacoPsychw can no longer be retained.
TINEINA
Authors: Chambers V. T.
Published: February 2010

Instead of “extreme tip hooked backwards,” as in the generic diagnosis, it would be better to say extreme tip curved outwards.

P. fuscostrigella. N. sp.
NOTES ON ENTOMOLOGICAL NOMENCLATURE.: Part I
Authors: Edwards W. H.
Published: February 2010

My attention having recently been drawn to the “Historical sketch of the Generic Names Proposed for Butterflies, a contribution to Systematic Nomenclature, by S. H. Scudder, Salem, 1875,” in which some hundreds of names have for the first time been advanced, I was led to investigate for myself the sources whence part of them were derived, especially the works of Hübner.
THE RELATIONSHIP OF THE EARLY SPRING BLUES
Authors: Scudder Samuel H.
Published: February 2010

The simple fact which Mr. W. H. Edwards published in this journal last May has thrown great doubt over the relationship of all the American species of Cyaniris. From eggs laid in September, 1874, by C. Pseudargiolus, he reared in the following February C. violacea. From this fact he is led to conjecture that in W. Virginia, where his experiments were made, C. neglecta may prove to be a goneutic form of the same species, reducing the entire series in that district to one.
CAPTURES OF NOCTUIDÆ NEAR ORILLIA, IN THE PROVINCE OF ONTARIO, CANADA
Authors: Norman Geo.
Published: February 2010

During the season of 1875 I collected Noctuæ near Orillia, in the Province of Ontario. The locality where I resided was the Couchiching Hotel, a place of great beauty, situated on a wooded isthmus dividing Lake Couchiching from Lake Simcoe.

From the varied nature of the ground, enormous forest tracts, swamps, etc., I fully expected the locality would have been more productive in insects than my last year's place of sojourn, St. Catharines, which was, comparatively speaking, very poor and with very little timber. In this I was much disappointed, possibly owing more to the bad season than to the locality.
NOTES ON ENTOMOLOGICAL NOMENCLATURE.: Part II
Authors: Edwards W. H.
Published: February 2010

In 1806, Hübner, as we have seen, printed for his own use and in order that it might be submitted to certain competent persons, to be examined and judged of, the sketch of a plan for the arrangement of the Lepidoptera, called the Tentamen, &c.; and this sketch “was afterwards enlargcd and publishcd as the verzcichniss bekannter schmetterlinge,” as stated by Geyer, Thon's Archir, vol. 1, p. 28, 1827.
NEW SPECIES OF ACRIDINI FROM NEBRASKA
Authors: Dodge G. M.
Published: February 2010

Frontal costa slightly sulcate below the ocellus in the ♂. Merely depressed at the ocellus in ♀.

Median carino of pronotum slight, cut by the last transverse incision behind the middle, the anterior part slightly arcuate. Lateral carinæ distinct only on the flat posterior lobe. Pronotum with sides slightly divergent; obtuse angled behind.
ON PLATYSAMIA COLUMBIA Smith
Authors: Caulfield F. B.
Published: February 2010

Taking into consideration the great difference in the lives and habits of the orders in question, I do not think the interbreeding of species of the genus Tetreao is any strong proof of the correctness of Dr. Hagen's conjecture. Robert Mudie, in his “Feathured Tribes of the British Islands,” speaking of Tetreao tetrix, says: “During the latter part of autumn and winter the males live together in flocks and in a state of the most perfect harmony
ON COPIDRYAS GLOVERI (G. & R.)
Authors: Grote A. R.
Published: February 2010

My kind correspondent, Mr. O. Meske, of Albany, sends me a male specimen presumbly belonging to this species, which we referred originally to the Cuban genus EuscirrhopterusGrote, and (from a female) considered congeneric with E. Poeyi Grote. THe specimen now sent has an undivided frenulum and is unquestionably a male. It does not show, however, the aberrant wing structure of Euscirrhopterus.
Thyroid Hormones Concentrations during the Mid-Dry Period: An Early Indicator of Fatty Liver in Holstein-Friesian Dairy Cows
Authors: Šamanc Horea , Stojić Velibor , Kirovski Danijela , Jovanović Milijan , Cernescu Horia , Vujanac Ivan
Published: February 2010

Relationship between postpartal fatty liver and thyroid gland activity during the peripartal and mid dry periods was studied. Twenty one dry cows were chosen. Blood samples were obtained on days −30, −2, and +12 related to calving and analized for thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). AT3/T4ratio was calculated. Liver tissue samples were taken 12 d after calving and tested for the lipid content. Cows were divided into three groups: mild (<20% fat), moderate (20 to 30%), or severe fatty liver (>30%). Cows, that were affected with severe fatty liver, were hypothyroid prior to development of the condition due to lowerT4concentrations, and had significantly lower concentration ofT3and higherT3/T4ratios than cows with mild and moderate fatty liver. Thus, hypothyroid state during mid-dry period may be an early indicator of postpartal fatty liver and may provokeT3/T4ratio increase in this group of cows.
Clinical Informatics Board Certification: History, Current Status, and Predicted Impact on the Clinical Informatics Workforce
Authors: Detmer Don , Munger Benson , Lehmann Christoph
Published: February 2010

Within health and health care, medical informatics and its subspecialties of biomedical, clinical, and public health informatics have emerged as a new discipline with increasing demands for its own work force. Knowledge and skills in medical informatics are widely acknowledged as crucial to future success in patient care, research relating to biomedicine, clinical care, and public health, as well as health policy design. The maturity of the domain and the demand on expertise necessitate standardized training and certification of professionals. The American Medical Informatics Association (AMIA) embarked on a major effort to create professional level education and certification for physicians of various professions and specialties in informatics. This article focuses on the AMIA effort in the professional structure of medical specialization, e.g., the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) and the related Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME). This report summarizes the current progress to create a recognized sub-certificate of competence in Clinical Informatics and discusses likely near term (three to five year) implications on training, certification, and work force with an emphasis on clinical applied informatics.
TimeSTAMP Tagging of Newly Synthesized Proteins
Authors: Lin Michael Z. , Tsien Roger Y.
Published: February 2010

The ability to quantify or visualize newly synthesized proteins has important uses in cell biology. For example, a researcher may wish to quantify basal or inducible rates of translation of a specific gene of interest, or detect subcellular locations of newly synthesized copies of a protein in order to study the role of new protein synthesis in the growth of specialized cellular structures. In this unit, the TimeSTAMP method for labeling of newly synthesized copies of a protein of interest is described. In the TimeSTAMP method, the experimenter expresses a protein of interest as a fusion with a cis‐acting protease and an epitope tag, both of which are removed by default protease activity. Addition of a specific protease inhibitor then allows preservation of the tag on subsequently synthesized proteins. Finally, the tag is detected by immunological methods. Curr. Protoc. Protein Sci. 59:26.5.1‐26.5.11. © 2010 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Risk Analysis and Management for Critical Asset Protection (RAMCAPPlus)
Authors: Brashear Jerry P. , Jones J. William
Published: February 2010

TheRisk Analysis and Management for Critical Asset Protection(RAMCAP(R)) methodology and its current, updated version, RAMCAP PlusSM, is an all‐hazard risk and resilience management process for critical infrastructure. Its purpose is to identify and prioritize investments in preparedness of the nation's critical infrastructure, including protection (avoiding adverse events and their consequences) and resilience (continuing to function during or rapidly returning to full function after such events). It includes hazards due to terrorism, naturally occurring events, supply chain dependencies, product contamination and proximity to dangerous sites. It is a general approach, expressly designed to be used by the staff and management of infrastructure facilities with a modicum of training or outside expertise. It is especially effective when tailored into sector‐specific versions, of which eight have been completed ranging from nuclear power plants to water or wastewater systems to university campuses. Its objective, quantitative, standardized approach permits direct comparisons of risk, resilience and the benefits of security, and resilience investments—essential for rational resource allocation—at scales ranging from assets to sectors, across sectors to regions or national economies, and across time, which is essential for accountability and management of the resulting programs. Looking to the future, RAMCAP Plus and two of the sector‐specific versions are being developed as American National Standards, and a working group is adapting it to both aging and new infrastructures while this is being written.
System and Sector Interdependencies: An Overview of Research and Development
Authors: Domich Paul D.
Published: February 2010

A systematic national framework has been created to leverage science and technology capabilities in support of national homeland security goals that involve private sector companies, universities, research institutes, and government agencies and laboratories involved in research and development on a very broad range of issues. This article describes the role of research and development (R&D) activities in protecting critical infrastructure and key resources (CIKR), the planning framework developed for future R&D activities, and the complexity of the systems involved. The R&D planning framework includes the National Critical Infrastructure Protection Research and Development Plan, the National Infrastructure Protection Plan and sector‐specific R&D planning efforts. Two R&D programs are described which illustrate recent R&D activities and the complexity and interdependencies of these CIKR systems.
Microbiological Detectors for Food Safety Applications
Authors: Alocilja Evangelyn C. , Pal Sudeshna
Published: February 2010

The use of microorganisms as biological weapons has long been reported in history. The most recent was the deliberate release ofB. anthracisspores through the postal system in the United States in October 2001, resulting in 22 cases of anthrax and five deaths. Furthermore, there are up to 33 million cases of human illness each year from microbial pathogens in the food supply in the United States alone, with an associated cost of $2‐4 billion in 2006. The complexity of the US food supply chain from cradle to grave provides numerous entry points and routes in which (inadvertent and intentional) contaminants and pathogens can be introduced into the nation's food system. Many of these pathogenic microorganisms have a very low infectious dose to cause fatality. The most vulnerable populations are the very young, the elderly, and immunocompromised individuals. Although highly sensitive, current methods of detection are laborious, require highly skilled personnel, and typically require 2–7 days to obtain conclusive results. Their results are not available in the time‐scale desired in food defense, food quality assurance, or clinical laboratory procedures, which have safety, cost, and quality implications. Rapid on‐site point‐of‐care detection methods for pathogens have hence become a necessity. Biosensors can play a major role in addressing the combined needs for near real‐time diagnosis, specificity, sensitivity, portability, electronic data transmission, field‐based, ease of use, and low cost requirements. This chapter presents biosensors for rapid microbial detection in complex food matrices of concern to homeland security and food safety.
Foreign Animal Diseases and Food System Security: Decision Making for Appropriate Responses
Authors: Slenning Barrett D. , Tickel Jimmy L.
Published: February 2010

Foreign animal diseases (FADs), such as highly pathogenic avian influenza or foot and mouth disease (FMD; a worst‐case FAD), are documented threats, whether through accidental or intentional exposures. US policies, as with most countries where an FAD is not endemic, follow ‘Stamping Out/Eradication’ (SOE) protocols if it is found: Affected herds are rapidly destroyed to eradicate the agent and quickly resume export trade. While historically effective in eradicating disease, SOE goals and techniques no longer represent a sole source solution to disease events affecting western agriculture. For instance, [1] their focus on international trade is inappropriate; [2] their assumptions on the nature of such outbreaks are incorrect; [3] new technologies are not included; and [4] their unintended consequences are huge. These errors can result in responses that, in modern concentrated agricultural markets, may cause such damage that markets will not recover. In short, in our drive to protect agriculture, we may actually destroy it.

A factor missing from most FAD planning is an in‐depth consideration of how agriculture will cope
during
an outbreak and how it will
recover
(e.g. business continuity). We must re‐evaluate plans to ensure that the event and all its consequences are managed as opposed to blindly eradicating a disease agent at great cost. By addressing the true threats FADs pose to today's agriculture, we will lessen the effects of natural or accidental FAD outbreaks, and will make FADs less attractive as bioterror tools.
Telecommunications in the United States
Authors: Lewis Ted G.
Published: February 2010

This article briefly traces the evolution of telecommunications in general and telephony in particular. Using network science theory, it shows that hubs and
betweener
nodes are the most critical components in the national system, and that a limited number of telecom hotels house these hubs and betweeners, giving rise to the number one vulnerability in telecommunications. Telecom hotels are a direct result of regulatory forces shaping the industry, which has evolved into a state of
self‐organized criticality
. Although the industry has not experienced a calamity on a scale similar to the 2003 Eastern Power Grid Blackout, the author claims that the two networks have evolved to a similar state, which could have similar consequences.
Influence of anti–tumor necrosis factor therapy on cancer incidence in patients with rheumatoid arthritis who have had a prior malignancy: Results from the British Society for rheumatology biologics register
Authors: Dixon W. G. , Watson K. D. , Lunt M. , Mercer L. K. ,   British Society For Rheumatology Biologics Register Control Centre Consortium, Hyrich K. L. , Symmons D. P. M. ,   British Society for Rheumatology Biologics Register
Published: February 2010

Objective

To explore the influence of anti–tumor necrosis factor (anti‐TNF) therapy upon the incidence of cancer in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and prior malignancy.

Methods

Using data from the British Society for Rheumatology Biologics Register, a national prospective observational study established in 2001, we identified 293 patients with a prior malignancy from over 14,000 patients with RA. We compared rates of incident malignancy in 177 anti‐TNF–treated patients and 117 patients with active RA treated with traditional disease‐modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), all with prior malignancy. One patient switched therapy and contributed to both cohorts.

Results

The rates of incident malignancy were 25.3 events/1,000 person‐years in the anti‐TNF cohort and 38.3/1,000 person‐years in the DMARD cohort, generating an age‐ and sex‐adjusted incidence rate ratio of 0.58 (95% confidence interval 0.23–1.43) for the anti‐TNF–treated cohort compared with the DMARD cohort. Of the patients with prior melanomas, 3 (18%) of 17 in the anti‐TNF cohort developed an incident malignancy, compared with 0 of 10 in the DMARD cohort.

Conclusion

The way in which UK rheumatologists are selecting patients with RA and prior malignancy to receive anti‐TNF therapy is not leading to an increased risk of incident malignancy. Although reassuring, these results should not be interpreted as indicating that it is safe to treat all RA patients with prior malignancy with anti‐TNF therapy.
On the Design of High‐Efficiency Thermoelectric Clathrates through a Systematic Cross‐Substitution of Framework Elements
Authors: Shi Xun , Yang Jiong , Bai Shengqiang , Yang Jihui , Wang Hsin , Chi Miaofang , Salvador James R. , Zhang Wenqing , Chen Lidong , Wong‐Ng Winnie
Published: February 2010

Type I clathrates have recently been identified as prospective thermoelectric materials for power generation purposes due to their very low lattice thermal conductivity values. The maximum thermoelectric figure of merit of almost all type I clathrates is, however, less than 1 and occurs at, or above, 1000 K, making them unfavorable especially for intermediate temperature applications. In this report, the Zintl–Klemm rule is demonstrated to be valid for Ni, Cu, and Zn transition metal substitution in the framework of type I clathrates and offers many degrees of freedom for material modification, design, and optimization. The cross‐substitution of framework elements introduces ionized impurities and lattice defects into these materials, which optimize the scattering of charge carriers by the substitution‐induced ionized impurities and the scattering of heat‐carrying lattice phonons by point defects, respectively, leading to an enhanced power factor, reduced lattice thermal conductivity, and therefore improved thermoelectric figure of merit. Most importantly, the bandgap of these materials can be tuned between 0.1 and 0.5 eV by adjusting the cross‐substitution ratio of framework elements, making it possible to design clathrates with excellent thermoelectric properties between 500 and 1000 K.
Soft Template Synthesis of Yolk/Silica Shell particles
Authors: Wu Xue‐Jun , Xu Dongsheng
Published: February 2010

Yolk/shell particles possess a unique structure that is composed of hollow shells that encapsulate other particles but with an interstitial space between them. These structures are different from core/shell particles in that the core particles are freely movable in the shell. Yolk/shell particles combine the properties of each component, and can find potential applications in catalysis, lithium ion batteries, and biosensors. In this Research News article, a soft‐template‐assisted method for the preparation of yolk/silica shell particles is presented. The demonstrated method is simple and general, and can produce hollow silica spheres incorporated with different particles independent of their diameters, geometry, and composition. Furthermore, yolk/mesoporous silica shell particles and multishelled particles are also prepared through optimization of the experimental conditions. Finally, potential applications of these particles are discussed.
Liquid–solid mass transfer for cocurrent gas–liquid upflow through solid foam packings
Authors: Wenmakers P. W. A. M. , van der Schaaf J. , Kuster B. F. M. , Schouten J. C.
Published: February 2010

This article presents the liquid–solid mass transfer characteristics for cocurrent upflow operated gas–liquid solid foam packings. Aluminum foam was used with 10, 20, and 40 pores per linear inch (PPI), coated with 5 wt % Pd on γ‐alumina. The effects of gas velocity (ug = 0.1−0.8 m m s−1) and liquid velocity (ul = 0.02 and 0.04 m m s−1) are studied using the Pd/Bi catalyzed oxidation of glucose. The volumetric liquid–solid mass transfer coefficient, klsals, is approximately the same for 10 PPI and 20 PPI solid foams, ranging from 2 × 10−2 to 9 × 10−2 m m s−1. For 40 PPI solid foam, somewhat lower values for klsals were found, ranging from 6 × 10−3 to 4 × 10−2 m m s−1. The intrinsic liquid–solid mass transfer coefficient, kls, increases with increasing liquid velocity and was found to be proportional to u. Initially, kls decreases with increasing gas velocity and after reaching a minimum value increases with increasing gas velocity. The values for kls range from 5.5 × 10−6 to 8 × 10−4 m m s−1, which is in the same range as found for random packings and corrugated sheet packings. © 2010 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2010
Kinetics and mechanism of solid reactions in a micro fluidized bed reactor
Authors: Yu Jian , Yue Junrong , Liu Zhouen , Dong Li , Xu Guangwen , Zhu Jianhong , Duan Zhengkang , Sun Lixin
Published: February 2010

A novel gas–solid Micro Fluidized Bed Reaction Analyzer (MFBRA) was developed to deduce reaction rates and kinetic parameters through measuring time‐dependent composition changes of evolved gases from the reactions. Application of the MFBRA to the decomposition of CaCO3 powder resulted in an apparent activation energy of 142.73 kJ/mol and a pre‐exponential factor of 399,777 s−1. This apparent activation energy was much lower than the thermogravimetry‐measured value of 184.31 kJ/mol, demonstrating a quicker reaction in the MFBRA. This was further verified by CuO reduction in CO, as accelerated by the fast diffusion and high heating rate in the MFBRA. Measurement of pyrolysis of coal and biomass in MFBRA found that the reaction process was completed in about 10 s, a time much shorter than the literature‐reported values in larger fluidized bed reactors. By monitoring the release of gas species from reactions at different temperatures, the MFBRA also allowed deeper insight into the mechanism of pyrolysis reactions. © 2010 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2010
Nest groups of wild bonobos at Wamba: selection of vegetation and tree species and relationships between nest group size and party size
Authors: Mulavwa Mbangi N. , Yangozene Kumugo , Yamba‐Yamba Mikwaya , Motema‐Salo Balemba , Mwanza Ndunda N. , Furuichi Takeshi
Published: February 2010

We examined the location of nest groups, spatial distribution of nests within a nest group, and attributes of individual nests of wild bonobos at Wamba, Democratic Republic of Congo. We also examined the seasonal factors influencing nesting behavior and compared the nest group size with the 1 hr party size during daytime. We defined a nest group to be a cluster of nests that were built in the same evening and found within 30 m from the other nearest nest. Examination of the largest gap within a nest group suggested that 30 m was an acceptable cutoff value. Monthly rainfall or fruit abundance did not significantly influence the monthly mean nest group size. Nests were built in the swamp forest for as many as 13% observation days, suggesting the need for reevaluation of the use of swamp forest by bonobos. The use of swamp forest was influenced not by seasonal rainfall or fruit abundance, but by the fruiting of specific species. Preferred tree species for building nests accounted for 19.8% of standing trees, which suggested that the selection of sleeping sites was not largely restricted by the distribution of specific species. The mean 1 hr party size was almost identical through the day and was similar to the mean nest group size. Parties of bonobos sometimes split into smaller nest groups, especially when feeding on non‐preferred fruits during fruit scarcity. By contrast, when feeding on preferred fruits while ranging in large parties, they often aggregated to form even larger nest groups. When sleeping in small‐ or middle‐sized nest groups, they tended to aggregate the next morning. These tendencies may reflect the gregarious nature of bonobos who prefer to range or sleep together as far as circumstances allow. Am. J. Primatol. 72:575–586, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Combination antibiotics as a treatment for chronic Chlamydia‐induced reactive arthritis: A double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, prospective trial
Authors: Carter J. D. , Espinoza L. R. , Inman R. D. , Sneed K. B. , Ricca L. R. , Vasey F. B. , Valeriano J. , Stanich J. A. , Oszust C. , Gerard H. C. , Hudson A. P.
Published: February 2010

Objective

Chlamydia trachomatis and Chlamydophila (Chlamydia) pneumoniae are known triggers of reactive arthritis (ReA) and exist in a persistent metabolically active infection state in the synovium, suggesting that they may be susceptible to antimicrobial agents. The goal of this study was to investigate whether a 6‐month course of combination antibiotics is an effective treatment for patients with chronic Chlamydia‐induced ReA.

Methods

This study was a 9‐month, prospective, double‐blind, triple‐placebo trial assessing a 6‐month course of combination antibiotics as a treatment for Chlamydia‐induced ReA. Eligible patients had to be positive for C trachomatis or C pneumoniae by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Groups received 1) doxycycline and rifampin plus placebo instead of azithromycin; 2) azithromycin and rifampin plus placebo instead of doxycycline; or 3) placebos instead of azithromycin, doxycycline, and rifampin. The primary end point was the number of patients who improved by 20% or more in at least 4 of 6 variables without worsening in any 1 variable in both combination antibiotic groups combined and in the placebo group at month 6 compared with baseline.

Results

The primary end point was achieved in 17 of 27 patients (63%) receiving combination antibiotics and in 3 of 15 patients (20%) receiving placebo. Secondary efficacy end points showed similar results. Six of 27 patients (22%) randomized to combination antibiotics believed that their disease went into complete remission during the trial, whereas no patient in the placebo arm achieved remission. Significantly more patients in the active treatment group became negative for C trachomatis or C pneumoniae by PCR at month 6. Adverse events were mild, with no significant differences between the groups.

Conclusion

These data suggest that a 6‐month course of combination antibiotics is an effective treatment for chronic Chlamydia‐induced ReA.
Transcription of proteinase 3 and related myelopoiesis genes in peripheral blood mononuclear cells of patients with active Wegener's granulomatosis
Authors: Cheadle Chris , Berger Alan E. , Andrade Felipe , James Regina , Johnson Kristen , Watkins Tonya , Park Jin Kyun , Chen Yu‐Chi , Ehrlich Eva , Mullins Marissa , Chrest Francis , Barnes Kathleen C. , Levine Stuart M.
Published: February 2010

Objective

Wegener's granulomatosis (WG) is a systemic inflammatory disease that is associated with substantial morbidity. The aim of this study was to understand the biology underlying WG and to discover markers of disease activity that would be useful for prognosis and treatment guidance.

Methods

Gene expression profiling was performed using total RNA from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and granulocyte fractions from 41 patients with WG and 23 healthy control subjects. Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) was performed to search for candidate WG‐associated molecular pathways and disease activity biomarkers. Principal components analysis was used to visualize relationships between subgroups of WG patients and controls. Longitudinal changes in proteinase 3 (PR3) gene expression were evaluated using reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction, and clinical outcomes, including remission status and disease activity, were determined using the Birmingham Vasculitis Activity Score for WG (BVAS‐WG).

Results

Eighty‐six genes in WG PBMCs and 40 in WG polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMNs) were significantly up‐regulated relative to controls. Genes up‐regulated in WG PBMCs were involved in myeloid differentiation, and these included the WG autoantigen PR3. The coordinated regulation of myeloid differentiation genes was confirmed by GSEA. The median expression values of the 86 up‐regulated genes in WG PBMCs were associated with disease activity (P = 1.3 × 10−4), and WG patients with low‐level expression of the WG signature genes showed expression profiles that were only modestly different from that in healthy controls (P = 0.07). PR3 transcription was significantly up‐regulated in WG PBMCs (P = 1.3 × 10−5, false discovery rate [FDR] 0.002), but not in WG PMNs (P = 0.03, FDR 0.28), and a preliminary longitudinal analysis showed that the fold change in PR3 RNA levels in WG PBMCs corresponded to changes in the BVAS‐WG score over time.

Conclusion

Transcription of PR3 and related myeloid differentiation genes in PBMCs may represent novel markers of disease activity in WG.
Osteopontin deficiency impairs wear debris–induced osteolysis via regulation of cytokine secretion from murine macrophages
Authors: Shimizu Sadanori , Okuda Naoki , Kato Norihiko , Rittling Susan R. , Okawa Atsushi , Shinomiya Kenichi , Muneta Takeshi , Denhardt David T. , Noda Masaki , Tsuji Kunikazu , Asou Yoshinori
Published: February 2010

Objective

To investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying particle‐induced osteolysis, we focused on osteopontin (OPN), a cytokine and cell‐attachment protein that is associated with macrophage chemoattractant and osteoclast activation.

Methods

We compared OPN protein levels in human periprosthetic osteolysis tissues with those in osteoarthritis (OA) synovial tissues. To investigate the functions of OPN during particle‐induced osteolysis in vivo, titanium particles were implanted onto the calvaria of OPN‐deficient mice and their wild‐type (WT) littermates. Mice were killed on day 10 and evaluated immunohistologically. The effects of OPN deficiency on the secretion of inflammatory cytokines were examined using cultured bone marrow–derived macrophages (BMMs). BMMs from OPN‐deficient and WT mice were cultured with titanium particles for 12 hours, and the concentrations of inflammatory cytokines in the conditioned media were measured by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay.

Results

Expression of OPN protein was enhanced in human periprosthetic osteolysis tissues as compared with OA synovial tissues. In the particle‐induced model of osteolysis of the calvaria, bone resorption was significantly suppressed by OPN deficiency via inhibition of osteoclastogenesis, whereas an inflammatory reaction was observed regardless of the genotype. Results of immunostaining indicated that OPN protein was highly expressed in the membrane and bone surface at the area of bone resorption in WT mice. When BMMs were exposed to titanium particles, the concentration of proinflammatory cytokines, such as tumor necrosis factor α, interleukin‐1α (IL‐1α), IL‐1β, and IL‐6, as well as chemotactic factors, such as monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 and macrophage inflammatory protein 1α, in the conditioned medium were significantly reduced by OPN deficiency. Whereas phagocytic activity of BMMs was not attenuated by OPN deficiency, phagocytosis‐mediated NF‐κB activation was impaired in OPN‐deficient BMMs. These data indicated that OPN was implicated in the development of particle‐induced osteolysis via the orchestration of pro‐/antiinflammatory cytokines secreted from macrophages.

Conclusion

OPN plays critical roles in wear debris–induced osteolysis, suggesting that OPN is a candidate therapeutic target for periprosthetic osteolysis.
Do rheumatoid arthritis and lymphoma share risk factors?: A comparison of lymphoma and cancer risks before and after diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Hellgren Karin , Smedby Karin E. , Feltelius Nils , Baecklund Eva , Askling Johan
Published: February 2010

Objective

Patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), in particular those with the most severe disease, are at increased risk of developing malignant lymphoma. Whether this increase is entirely a consequence of the RA disease and/or its treatment or is reflective of shared susceptibility to the two diseases remains unclear. We undertook this study to assess whether patients with RA are already at increased risk of lymphoma or of other cancers before the diagnosis of RA, and if the relative risk increases with time since RA diagnosis.

Methods

Patients with incident RA (symptom duration <1 year) (n = 6,745) registered in the Swedish Early Arthritis Registry from 1997 through 2006 were identified. For each patient, 5 general population controls were randomly matched by sex, age, marital status, and residence (n = 33,657). For all study subjects, inclusion in the nationwide Swedish Cancer Register in 1958–2006 was determined. Relative risks (RRs) (with 95% confidence intervals [95% CIs]) of lymphoma and of cancer overall, before and after diagnosis of RA, were estimated using conditional logistic regression and Cox regression, respectively.

Results

Before diagnosis of RA, there was no observed increase in the risk of lymphoma (RR [odds ratio] 0.67 [95% CI 0.37–1.23]) or other cancers (RR 0.78 [95% CI 0.70–0.88]). During the first 10 years following diagnosis of RA, the overall RR (hazard ratio) of lymphoma development was 1.75 (95 % CI 1.04–2.96).

Conclusion

These findings indicate that overall, a history of cancer, including lymphoma, does not increase the risk of subsequent RA development. Shared susceptibility to RA and lymphoma may thus be of limited importance. In contrast, increased lymphoma risks were observed within the first decade following RA diagnosis.
Decreased lymphatic vessel counts in patients with systemic sclerosis: Association with fingertip ulcers
Authors: Akhmetshina Alfiya , Beer Jürgen , Zwerina Karin , Englbrecht Matthias , Palumbo Katrin , Dees Clara , Reich Nicole , Zwerina Jochen , Szucs Gabriella , Gusinde Johannes , Nevskaya Tatiana , Distler Oliver , Kerjaschki Dontscho , Schett Georg , Distler Jörg H. W.
Published: February 2010

Objective

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a connective tissue disease that is characterized by microvascular disease and tissue fibrosis. Progressive loss and irregular architecture of the small blood vessels are well characterized, but the potential involvement of the lymphatic vessel system has not been analyzed directly in SSc. This study was undertaken to assess whether the lymphatic vascular system is affected in SSc, and whether changes to the lymphatic vessels are associated with dystrophic changes and tissue damage in patients with SSc.

Methods

Lymphatic endothelial cells in skin biopsy samples from patients with SSc and age‐ and sex‐matched healthy volunteers were identified by staining for podoplanin and prox‐1, both of which are specifically expressed in lymphatic endothelial cells but not in blood vascular endothelial cells. CD31 was used as a pan–endothelial cell marker. Statistical analyses were performed using Kruskal‐Wallis, Mann‐Whitney U, and Spearman's rank correlation tests.

Results

The numbers of podoplanin‐ and prox‐1–positive lymphatic vessels were significantly reduced in patients with SSc as compared with healthy individuals. The number of podoplanin‐positive lymphatic precollector vessels was significantly lower in SSc patients with fingertip ulcers than in SSc patients without ulcers. Moreover, the number of lymphatic vessels correlated inversely with the number of fingertip ulcers at the time of biopsy and with the number of fingertip ulcers per year. The inverse correlation between lymphatic precollector vessel counts and fingertip ulcers remained significant after statistical adjustment for the blood vessel count, age, and modified Rodnan skin thickness score.

Conclusion

These results demonstrate a severe reduction in the number of lymphatic capillaries and lymphatic precollector vessels in patients with SSc. Patients with decreased lymphatic vessel counts may be at particularly high risk of developing fingertip ulcers.
Helicobacter bilis colonization of the biliary system in patients with pancreaticobiliary maljunction
Authors: Kosaka T , Tajima Y , Kuroki T , Mishima T , Adachi T , Tsuneoka N , Fukuda K , Kanematsu T
Published: February 2010

Background

Helicobacter bilis is considered to be a causative factor in the pathogenesis of biliary cancer. This study investigated the prevalence of H. bilis colonization of the biliary system of patients with pancreaticobiliary maljunction (PBM).

Methods

Bile juice and biliary tissue samples were collected from 17 patients with PBM and 27 controls who had benign biliary disease without PBM. DNA extracted from each biliary sample was subjected to polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis for H. bilis and Helicobacter pylori.

Results

PCR assays revealed that 12 of the 17 patients with PBM were positive for H. bilis DNA, compared with eight of 27 patients without PBM (P = 0·009). Among patients with PBM, H. bilis DNA was identified in six of eight children, including a 2-month-old infant, and in six of nine adults. The high prevalence of H. bilis DNA in the biliary system of patients with PBM was independent of age, sex, common bile duct dilatation, configuration of the pancreatic and bile ducts, and amylase activity in bile.

Conclusion

H. bilis colonization of the biliary system is extremely common in patients with PBM. This may point to a role in the pathogenesis of biliary cancer.
Near-infrared Raman spectroscopy for early diagnosis and typing of adenocarcinoma in the stomach
Authors: Teh S K , Zheng W , Ho K Y , Teh M , Yeoh K G , Huang Z
Published: February 2010

Background

The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of using near-infrared (NIR) Raman spectroscopy for early diagnosis and typing of intestinal and diffuse adenocarcinoma of the stomach.

Methods

A dispersive-type NIR Raman system was used for tissue measurements. One hundred gastric tissue samples from 62 patients who underwent endoscopy or gastrectomy were used (70 normal tissue specimens and 30 adenocarcinomas). Principal components analysis (PCA) and multinomial logistic regression (MNLR) were used to develop diagnostic algorithms for tissue classification.

Results

High-quality Raman spectra ranging from 800 to 1800 cm−1 were acquired from gastric tissue within 5 s. There were significant differences in Raman spectra between normal stomach and the two gastric adenocarcinoma subtypes, particularly in the spectral ranges 850–1150, 1200–1500 and 1600–1750 cm−1, which contain signals related to proteins, nucleic acids and lipids. PCA–MNLR achieved predictive accuracies of 88, 92 and 94 per cent for normal stomach, and intestinal- and diffuse-type gastric adenocarcinomas respectively.

Conclusion

NIR Raman spectroscopy can detect gastric malignancy and identify the subtype of gastric adenocarcinoma.
Interim analysis of the Stockholm III trial of preoperative radiotherapy regimens for rectal cancer
Authors: Pettersson D , Cedermark B , Holm T , Radu C , Påhlman L , Glimelius B , Martling A
Published: February 2010

Background

To address issues regarding the fractionation of radiotherapy (RT) and timing of surgery for rectal cancer, a multicentre trial has randomized patients to preoperative short-course RT with two different intervals to surgery, or long-course RT with delayed surgery. The present interim analysis assessed feasibility, compliance and complications after RT and surgery.

Methods

Some 303 patients were randomized to either short-course RT (5 × 5 Gy) and surgery within 1 week (group 1), short-course RT and surgery after 4–8 weeks (group 2) or long-course RT (25 × 2 Gy) and surgery after 4–8 weeks (group 3).

Results

Demographic data were similar between groups and there were few protocol violations (5·0–6 per cent). Eight patients (2·6 per cent) developed radiation-induced acute toxicity. There were no significant differences in postoperative complications between groups (46·6, 40·0 and 32 per cent in groups 1, 2 and 3 respectively; P = 0·164). Patients receiving short-course RT with surgery 11–17 days after the start of RT had the highest complication rate (24 of 37).

Conclusion

Compliance was acceptable and severe acute toxicity was low, irrespective of fractionation. Short-course RT with immediate surgery had a tendency towards more postoperative complications, but only if surgery was delayed beyond 10 days after the start of RT. Registration number: NCT00904813 (http://www.clinicaltrials.gov).
Vibrational and chiroptical spectroscopic characterization of γ‐turn model cyclic tetrapeptides containing two β‐Ala residues
Authors: Vass Elemér , Majer Zsuzsa , Kőhalmy Krisztina , Hollósi Miklós
Published: February 2010

The optical spectroscopic characterization of γ‐turns in solution is uncertain and their distinction from β‐turns is often difficult. This work reports systematic ECD and vibrational circular dichroism (VCD) spectroscopic studies on γ‐turn model cyclic tetrapeptides cyclo(Ala‐β‐Ala‐Pro‐β‐Ala) (1), cyclo(Pro‐β‐Ala‐Pro‐β‐Ala) (2) and cyclo(Ala‐β‐Ala‐Ala‐β‐Ala) (3). Conformational analysis performed at the 6‐31G(d)/B3LYP level of theory using an adequate PCM solvent model predicted one predominant conformer for 1‐3, featuring two inverse γ‐turns. The ECD spectra in ACN of 1 and 2 are characterized by a negative n→π* band near 230 nm and a positive π→π* band below 200 nm with a long wavelength shoulder. The ECD spectra in TFE of 1‐3 show similar spectra with blue‐shifted bands. The VCD spectra in ACN‐d3 of 1 and 2 show a +/−/+/− amide I sign pattern resulting from four uncoupled vibrations in the case of 1 and a sequence of two positive couplets in the case of 2. A −/+/+/− amide I VCD pattern was measured for 3 in TFE‐d2. All three peptides give a positive couplet or couplet‐like feature (+/−) in the amide II region. VCD spectroscopy, in agreement with theoretical calculations revealed that low frequency amide I vibrations (at ∼1630 cm−1 or below) are indicative of a C7 H‐bonded inverse γ‐turns with Pro in position 2, while γ‐turns encompassing Ala absorb at higher frequency (above 1645 cm−1). Chirality, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Which Controls the Depolymerization of Cellulose in Ionic Liquids: The Solid Acid Catalyst or Cellulose?
Authors: Rinaldi Roberto , Meine Niklas , vom Stein Julia , Palkovits Regina , Schüth Ferdi
Published: February 2010

Cellulose is a renewable and widely available feedstock. It is a biopolymer that is typically found in wood, straw, grass, municipal solid waste, and crop residues. Its use as raw material for biofuel production opens up the possibility of sustainable biorefinery schemes that do not compete with food supply. Tapping into this feedstock for the production of biofuels and chemicals requires—as the first‐step—its depolymerization or its hydrolysis into intermediates that are more susceptible to chemical and/or biological transformations. We have shown earlier that solid acids selectively catalyze the depolymerization of cellulose solubilized in 1‐butyl‐3‐methylimidazolium chloride (BMIMCl) at 100 °C. Here, we address the factors responsible for the control of this reaction. Both cellulose and solid acid catalysts have distinct and important roles in the process. Describing the depolymerization of cellulose by the equivalent number of scissions occurring in the cellulosic chains allows a direct correlation between the product yields and the extent of the polymer breakdown. The effect of the acid strength on the depolymerization of cellulose is discussed in detail. Practical aspects of the reaction, concerning the homogeneous nature of the catalysis in spite of the use of a solid acid catalyst, are thoroughly addressed. The effect of impurities present in the imidazolium‐based ionic liquids on the reaction performance, the suitability of different ionic liquids as solvents, and the recyclability of Amberlyst 15DRY and BMIMCl are also presented.
Substituent Effects on Structural, Electronic, and Redox Properties of Bis(N‐alkyl‐2‐oxy‐1‐naphthaldiminato)copper(II) Complexes Revisited – Inequivalence in Solid‐ and Solution‐State Structures by Electronic Spectroscopy and X‐ray Diffraction Explained by DFT
Authors: Villagrán Manuel , Caruso Francesco , Rossi Miriam , Zagal José H. , Costamagna Juan
Published: February 2010

Bis(N‐alkyl‐2‐oxy‐1‐naphthaldiminato)copper(II) complexes in the solid state and in N,N′‐dimethylformamide (DMF) solutions were studied by electronic spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction, DFT calculations, and cyclic voltammetry. The established correlation between the bulkiness of the imine nitrogen substituent, deformation of the copper coordination sphere, and the CuII/CuI couple potential in DMF solutions has been re‐evaluated, and its inconsistencies explained by using results from DFT calculations and spectroscopic data. According to these DFT calculations, the coordination sphere of the N‐ethyl derivative has a flat‐tetrahedral geometry. The N–Cu–N′ and O–Cu–O′ angles and the dihedral angle between the planes N–Cu–O and N′–Cu–O′ in the solid state found by X‐ray diffraction in this study are affected by crystal packing forces. UV/Vis spectra of the N‐ethyl, N‐iPr, and N‐tBu derivatives suggest that the first two compounds have fluxional behavior characterized by a centrosymmetric transition state, whereas the tBu group in the N‐tBu derivative prevents such dynamic action. In the crystal, this N‐tBu complex changes upon DFT geometry optimization to a more tetrahedral configuration. Therefore, in contrast to X‐ray crystal structures reported in the literature of complexes with primary N‐alkyl substituents that show a planar Cu coordination sphere (i.e. N–Cu–N′ and O–Cu–O′ bond angles of 180°), these complexes are not planar in solution or as isolated molecules.
Volatile, Monomeric, and Fluorine‐Free Precursors for the Metal Organic Chemical Vapor Deposition of Zinc Oxide
Authors: Bekermann Daniela , Rogalla Detlef , Becker Hans‐Werner , Winter Manuela , Fischer Roland A. , Devi Anjana
Published: February 2010

Two new bis(ketoiminato)zinc(II) compounds that show excellent precursor properties for the chemical vapor deposition (CVD) of zinc oxide materials are presented. The synthesis of the ketoiminato zinc complexes [Zn{[(CH2)xOCH3]NC(CH3)=C(H)C(CH3)=O}2] (1: x = 2; 2: x = 3) is straightforward and can easily be scaled up. Compounds 1 and 2 were analyzed by 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopy, elemental analysis, single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction analysis, and electron ionization mass spectrometry. The compounds exist as monomers with a distorted tetrahedral zinc center. Thermogravimetric studies, sublimation, and solubility tests reveal very promising properties for metal–organic CVD related applications. Preliminary metal–organic CVD experiments with the use of compound 1 were performed as a screening for the suitability of the new bis(ketoiminato)zinc complexes as precursors for the growth of ZnO thin films in the presence of oxygen. The films were characterized by X‐ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive analysis of X‐ray, and Rutherford backscattering measurements. The as‐deposited ZnO films were stoichiometric; the crystalline films exhibited strong preferred orientation along the c‐axis.
Synthesis and Characterisation of a Novel Chiral Bidentate Pyridine‐N‐Heterocyclic Carbene‐Based Palladacycle
Authors: Chiang Minyi , Li Yongxin , Krishnan Deepa , Sumod Pullarkat , Ng Kim Hong , Leung Pak‐Hing
Published: February 2010

A novel chiral six‐membered bidentate pyridine‐N‐heterocyclic carbene palladacycle was prepared via optical resolution of the racemic palladacycle. This is the first successful demonstration of the synthesis of a chiral carbene palladacycle via fractional crystallization of its chiral amino acid derivatives. Upon formation of (RC,SC) and (SC,SC)‐phenylalanate derivatives, the (RC,SC)‐phenylalanate diastereomer crystallized out spontaneously. Optically active (R)‐ and (S)‐dichloropalladacycles can then be achieved by subsequent cleavage of the chiral amino acid auxiliary in the presence of aqueous HCl from their respective diastereomers. The absolute configurations of both the (R)‐ and (S)‐palladacycles were determined by X‐ray diffraction studies.