bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Histology‐specific nomogram for primary retroperitoneal soft tissue sarcoma
Authors: Ardoino Ilaria , Miceli Rosalba , Berselli Mattia , Mariani Luigi , Biganzoli Elia , Fiore Marco , Collini Paola , Stacchiotti Silvia , Casali Paolo Giovanni , Gronchi Alessandro
Published: March 2010

BACKGROUND:

This study was conducted to develop a histology‐specific nomogram to predict postoperative overall survival (OS) at 5 and 10 years in primary retroperitoneal soft tissue sarcoma (STS).

METHODS:

Data registered at a single institution (National Cancer Institute, Milan, Italy) prospective sarcoma database were used. In the present analysis, patients with primary localized retroperitoneal STS resected with curative intent between 1985 and 2007 were included. A parametric piecewise exponential survival multivariate model was used for nomogram development, and internal validation was performed with standard methodologies. Known prognostic variables, such as age, tumor burden, histologic variant (as reviewed by a sarcoma pathologist), grade, and surgical margins were considered as putative predictors.

RESULTS:

Among the 192 patients analyzed, within 10 years from surgery, 114 patients were alive, with a median follow‐up time of 55 months (interquartile range, 25‐104 months). Among the investigated factors, only histologic subtype did not reach significance at the 10% level. The relative hazard increased while increasing tumor size up to about 25 cm, and decreased thereafter.

CONCLUSIONS:

A histology‐specific nomogram for retroperitoneal STS is now available. It can be used for better assessing the risk of the single patient and then making individualized decisions within the specific subset of retroperitoneal sarcomas. Cross‐check external validation should be performed. Cancer 2010. © 2010 American Cancer Society.
BD focalpoint slide profiler performance with atypical glandular cells on SurePath Papanicolaou smears
Authors: Chute Deborah J. , Lim Harumi , Kong Christina S.
Published: March 2010

BACKGROUND:

The FocalPoint Slide Profiler is an automated cervical cytology screening system that is approved for primary screening. It identifies up to 25% of slides as requiring No Further Review. However, few studies have evaluated FocalPoint performance with glandular abnormalities.

METHODS:

Sixty‐six SurePath Papanicolaou (Pap) tests with a diagnosis of atypical glandular cells were identified. A total of 172 Pap tests with a diagnosis of “endometrial cells present” were included as controls. Follow‐up histology was abnormal if diagnosed as high‐grade squamous intraepithelial lesions, adenocarcinoma in situ, carcinoma, or complex endometrial hyperplasia. The FocalPoint software ranked each case into 1 of 7 categories: quintiles 1 (high risk) through 5 (low risk), No Further Review, and Process Review.

RESULTS:

A total of 215 slides were qualified for review; 38 (57.6%) atypical glandular cells cases were abnormal on follow‐up biopsy, and 27 (71.1%) atypical glandular cells with abnormal follow‐up qualified for review; no cases were classified No Further Review, and 9 (33%) were ranked in quintile 1. Twenty‐three (82.1%) atypical glandular cells with benign follow‐up were qualified for review; 3 (11%) cases were classified No Further Review, and 4 (17%) were ranked in quintile 1. There was a statistically significant difference between the ranking of benign atypical glandular cells cases, abnormal atypical glandular cells cases, and control cases (P = .03). However, when collapsed into No Further Review versus all other quintiles, the differences were not significant (P = .20).

CONCLUSIONS:

The FocalPoint Slide Profiler did not classify glandular lesions with abnormal follow‐up in the No Further Review category. However, these cases were not preferentially ranked in quintile 1. FocalPoint‐screened slides need to be carefully reviewed for glandular abnormalities, regardless of the quintile ranking. Cancer (Cancer Cytopathol) 2010. © 2010 American Cancer Society.
A step towards refining and translating B control annotations to Handel‐C
Authors: Ifill W. , Schneider S.
Published: March 2010

The design and implementation of critical controllers benefit from development in a formal method such as the B‐Method. However, B does not support direct specification of executions, but this is a requirement in controller design. The aim here is to develop a set of annotations so that they can be used by a B design engineer to capture execution requirements while creating the B model. The annotations, once shown to be consistent with the B machine, can be used independently to assess the correctness of the proposed CSP controllers. CSP||B is an alternative formal method integration that can be used to develop critical controllers with both state and event behaviour. The advantage of using annotations is that the execution requirements can be captured and shown to be consistent with the state during operation development, and that a control loop invariant to establish correctness does not have to be independently developed. Handel‐C is used on route to hardware synthesis as it supports the implementation of concurrency and the manipulation of state. Annotations are again used to guide the translation of the B and control annotations into Handel‐C. This work has three main aims. First, we introduce a set of annotations to describe control directives to permit controller development in B. The annotations capture execution requirements. They give rise to proof obligations that when discharged prove that the annotations are consistent with the machine they are written in, and therefore will not cause the machine to diverge. Second, we prove that CSP controllers that are consistent with the annotations will preserve the non‐divergence property established between the machine and the annotations. Third, we show how annotation refinement is possible, and show a range of mappings from annotated B and consistent controllers to Handel‐C. The development of mappings demonstrates the feasibility of automatic translation of annotated B to Handel‐C. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
In Situ Synthesis of Platinum Nanocatalysts on a Microstructured Paperlike Matrix for the Catalytic Purification of Exhaust Gases
Authors: Koga Hirotaka , Umemura Yuuka , Tomoda Akihiko , Suzuki Ryo , Kitaoka Takuya
Published: March 2010

The successful in situ synthesis of platinum nanoparticles (PtNPs) on a microstructured paperlike matrix, comprising ceramic fibers as main framework and zinc oxide whiskers as selective support for the PtNPs, is reported. The as‐prepared hybrid material (PtNPs@ZnO “paper”) resembles ordinary paper products because it is flexible, lightweight, and easy to handle. In the catalytic reduction of nitrogen oxide (NOx) with propene for exhaust gas purification, the PtNPs@ZnO paper demonstrates a high catalytic performance at a low reaction temperature, with one‐third the dosage of precious platinum compared to conventional platinum‐loaded honeycomb catalysts. These results imply that the combination of easily synthesized PtNPs and a unique fiber‐network microstructure can provide excellent performances, promoting the effective transport of heat and reactants to the active sites of the platinum nanocatalysts. Thus, PtNPs@ZnO materials with paperlike practical aspects are promising catalytic materials for efficient NOx gas purification.
Roll‐to‐Roll Atmospheric Plasma Treatment: A Green and Efficient Process to Improve the Hydrophilicity of a PET Surface
Authors: Bonandini Luca , Barbero Nadia , Costabello Katiuscia , Pavan Chiara , Parisi Francesco , Viscardi Guido
Published: March 2010

Poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) fibers are widely used in various fields owing to their good physical properties and chemical resistance, but PET hydrophobicity heavily compromises its use in many applications. Wet‐chemical treatments are often required to induce hydrophilicity, but these can damage the polymer matrix and produce large volumes of liquid wastes. Atmospheric‐pressure glow‐discharge plasma (APGDP) is an alternative and ecofriendly method to obtain similar or better results with polymeric materials, compared to wet‐chemical treatments. The hydrophilic behavior of PET samples is investigated after a roll‐to‐roll APGDP treatment by varying the plasma gas mixture, gas fluxes, and electrode temperatures. The reactive species formed in the plasma chamber are characterized by optical emission spectroscopy. The induced surface functionalization and roughness are characterized by contact‐angle measurements, atomic force microscopy, and UV/Vis absorbance of a probe dye.
The 5‐HTTLPR polymorphism and eating disorders: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Calati Raffaella , De Ronchi Diana , Bellini Maurizio , Serretti Alessandro
Published: March 2010

Objective:

Eating disorders are influenced by both environmental factors and genes. The 5‐HTTLPR polymorphism of serotonin transporter gene has been suggested as a good candidate. This meta‐analysis was undertaken: (1) to investigate the association between 5‐HTTLPR and eating disorders considered as a whole, including anorexia (AN), bulimia (BN), and binge eating disorder (BED); (2) to extend recently reported findings on the association between 5‐HTTLPR and AN‐BN.

Method:

PubMed, ISI, and PsycINFO databases were searched for studies published until October 2009. Fifteen studies have been included. Data were analyzed with the Cochrane Collaboration Review Manager Software. Quality of studies and publication bias were assessed.

Results:

An association between S allele and eating disorders, in particular AN, has been found.

Discussion:

To be carrier of the 5‐HTTLPR S allele seem to represent a risk factor for eating disorders, especially for AN. However, considering the reported high between‐study heterogeneity, future studies should focus on more homogeneous endophenotype. © 2010 by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. (Int J Eat Disord 2011; 44:191–199)
Here today – not gone tomorrow: Roles for activating receptors in sustaining NK cells during viral infections
Authors: Lee Seung‐Hwan , Biron Christine A.
Published: March 2010

The conclusive evidence supporting a role for NK cells in defense against viruses has been obtained under conditions of NK cell deficiencies prior to infections. NK cell proliferation can be induced during infections, but the advantages of resulting expansion have been unclear because NK cell basal frequency is already high. However, NK cell decreases are also observed during certain conditions of viral infection. Given the range of potent antiviral and immunoregulatory functions of NK cells, such “disappearance” dramatically changes the resources available to the host. New studies demonstrate that proliferation dependent on activating receptors for virus‐induced ligands is key for NK cell maintenance, and allows their continued availability for control of adaptive immune responses and immunopathology. This pathway for sustaining NK cells may represent a system used generally to select subsets for rescue during homeostatic purging. In the case of NK cells, though, nonselection limits continued access to the many beneficial functions of NK cells. The observations resolve the long‐standing conundrum of reported NK cell increases and decreases during viral infections. Moreover, they demonstrate a previously unappreciated role for activating receptors, i.e. to keep NK cells here today and also tomorrow.
Analysis of buserelin in urine by online combination of capillary zone electrophoresis with electrospray mass spectrometry
Authors: Staňová Andrea , Marák Jozef , Maier Vítězslav , Ranc Václav , Znaleziona Joanna , Ševčík Juraj , Kaniansky Dušan
Published: March 2010

A fast and precise analysis of the synthetic peptide buserelin in urine using CZE‐ESI‐MS method has been demonstrated. Formic acid at 50 mmol/L concentration served as backgroud electrolyte in CZE stage and it is compatible with MS detection in positive ionization mode. Two injection modes were tested, i.e. pressure (50 mbar for 5 s) and electrokinetic injection (5 kV for 5 s), of which electrokinetic injection provided better calibration parameters. Buserelin LODs were 0.47 μg/mL in water and 0.63 μg/mL in ten times diluted urine samples using pressure injection, while they were 0.32 μg/mL in water and 0.34 μg/mL in ten times diluted urine samples using electrokinetic injection. Repeatability of buserelin migration times was below 6% (pressure injection mode) and 1% (electrokinetic injection mode). Repeatability of buserelin peak area in SIM mode (m/z=620.5±0.5) was less than 12% (pressure injection mode) and 5.8% (electrokinetic injection mode). In this work, no interferences were observed during the analyses of spiked urine samples.
Analysis of peptides using N‐methylpolyvinylpyridium as silica surface modifier for CE‐ESI‐MS
Authors: Elhamili Anisa , Wetterhall Magnus , Sjödin Marcus , Sebastiano Roberto , Bergquist Jonas
Published: March 2010

In this study, the N‐methylpolyvinylpyridinuim polymer has for the first time been used as a silica surface modifier for CE in combination with ESI MS (CE‐ESI‐MS). The compatibility for ESI‐MS was demonstrated by the analysis of peptides and protein digests. The N‐methylpolyvinylpyridium surface interacts electrostatically with the ionized silanol groups, giving a cationic surface with a reversed EOF. The surface modifier gave rapid and repeatable separations of peptides, proteins and protein digests at acidic pH for more than 4 h of continuous use. The CE separation yielded peak efficiencies of up to 4.3×105 plates/m. The surface coating is highly compatible with ESI and facilitates the separation and analysis of complex peptide mixtures as shown by the analysis of BSA digests.
Mitochondria as decision‐makers in cell death
Authors: Borutaite Vilmante
Published: March 2010

Mitochondria play an essential role in both cell health and death. Increasing experimental evidence suggests that mitochondria are involved in active control of cell death processes at several levels including (1) mitochondrial membrane permeabilization and release of proapoptotic proteins, (2) post‐cytochrome c regulation of caspase activation, and (3) supply of energy for execution of death program. The purpose of this review is to discuss the main mechanisms by which alterations in mitochondrial outer membrane permit the translocation of proapoptotic proteins into cytosol, how mitochondria “make decisions” on the mode of cell death, and how they regulate caspase activation by changing the redox state of cytosolic cytochrome c. The interventions into these processes may constitute an important strategy for the pharmacological prevention of unwanted cell death in various pathologies or, conversely, for facilitation of anticancer therapy. Environ. Mol. Mutagen., 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Intraperitoneal injections as a possible means of generating varied levels of methylmercury in the eggs of birds in field studies
Authors: Heinz Gary H. , Hoffman David J. , Klimstra Jon D. , Stebbins Katherine R.
Published: March 2010

The ideal study of the effects of methylmercury on the reproductive success of a species of bird would be one in which eggs contained mercury concentrations ranging from controls to very heavily contaminated, all at the same site. Such a study cannot be realized at a Hg-contaminated area or under laboratory conditions but could be achieved by introducing methylmercury into breeding females and allowing them to deposit Hg in their eggs. Female mallards (Anas platyrhynchos) were intraperitoneally injected with solutions of methylmercury chloride dissolved in corn oil, propylene glycol, dimethyl sulfoxide, mineral oil, Olestra, Crisco, lard, hard paraffin, and a combination of hard and soft paraffin. In some cases, egg laying was delayed, as a result of either the solvent itself (in the case of Olestra, Crisco, and lard) or the highest concentration of methylmercury chloride (500 µg/g) in some of the solvents. Mercury in eggs ranged from a control level (<0.1 µg/g) to approximately 14 µg/g on a wet weight basis, which more than covers the range of concentrations reported in wild bird eggs. Mercury concentrations in a series of eggs from the same female declined mostly as a result of excretion of Hg in prior eggs and not because of the length of time since the injection. Intraperitoneal injections hold promise in field studies in which one would like to study the reproductive effects of a wide range of methylmercury levels in the eggs of a wild bird and under the natural conditions that exist in the field. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 2010;29:1079–1083. © 2010 SETAC
Toxicity of dispersed weathered crude oil to early life stages of Atlantic herring (Clupea harengus)
Authors: McIntosh Stephen , King Tom , Wu Dongmei , Hodson Peter V.
Published: March 2010

Reports of the chronic toxicity of dispersed crude oil to early life stages of fish perpetuate uncertainty about dispersant use. However, realistic exposures to dispersed oil in the water column are thought to be much briefer than exposures associated with chronic toxicity testing. To address this issue, the toxicity of dispersed weathered oil to early life stages of Atlantic herring (Clupea harengus) was tested for short exposure durations, ranging from 1 to 144 h. Toxicity was a function of concentration and duration of exposure, as well as of the life stage exposed. Medium South American crude oil dispersed with Corexit 9500 caused blue sac disease in embryos, but not in free-swimming embryos. The age of embryos was negatively correlated with their sensitivity to oil; those freshly fertilized were most sensitive. Sensitivity increased after hatch, with free-swimming embryos showing signs of narcosis. Gametes were also tested; dispersed oil dramatically impaired fertilization success. For exposures of less than 24 h, gametes and free-swimming embryos were the most sensitive life stages. For those of more than 24 h, young embryos (<1 d old) were most sensitive. The results are presented as statistical models that could assist decisions about dispersant use in the vicinity of fish spawning habitats. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 2010;29:1160–1167. © 2010 SETAC
A comparative study of direct‐forcing immersed boundary‐lattice Boltzmann methods for stationary complex boundaries
Authors: Kang Shin K. , Hassan Yassin A.
Published: March 2010

In this study, we assess several interface schemes for stationary complex boundary flows under the direct‐forcing immersed boundary‐lattice Boltzmann methods (IB‐LBM) based on a split‐forcing lattice Boltzmann equation (LBE). Our strategy is to couple various interface schemes, which were adopted in the previous direct‐forcing immersed boundary methods (IBM), with the split‐forcing LBE, which enables us to directly use the direct‐forcing concept in the lattice Boltzmann calculation algorithm with a second‐order accuracy without involving the Navier–Stokes equation. In this study, we investigate not only common diffuse interface schemes but also a sharp interface scheme. For the diffuse interface scheme, we consider explicit and implicit interface schemes. In the calculation of velocity interpolation and force distribution, we use the 2‐ and 4‐point discrete delta functions, which give the second‐order approximation. For the sharp interface scheme, we deal with the exterior sharp interface scheme, where we impose the force density on exterior (solid) nodes nearest to the boundary. All tested schemes show a second‐order overall accuracy when the simulation results of the Taylor–Green decaying vortex are compared with the analytical solutions. It is also confirmed that for stationary complex boundary flows, the sharper the interface scheme, the more accurate the results are. In the simulation of flows past a circular cylinder, the results from each interface scheme are comparable to those from other corresponding numerical schemes. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A high‐resolution scheme for compressible multicomponent flows with shock waves
Authors: Kawai Soshi , Terashima Hiroshi
Published: March 2010

A simple methodology for a high‐resolution scheme to be applied to compressible multicomponent flows with shock waves is investigated. The method is intended for use with direct numerical simulation or large eddy simulation of compressible multicomponent flows. The method dynamically adds non‐linear artificial diffusivity locally in space to capture different types of discontinuities such as a shock wave, contact surface or material interface while a high‐order compact differencing scheme resolves a broad range of scales in flows. The method is successfully applied to several one‐dimensional and two‐dimensional compressible multicomponent flow problems with shock waves. The results are in good agreement with experiments and earlier computations qualitatively and quantitatively. The method captures unsteady shock and material discontinuities without significant spurious oscillations if initial start‐up errors are properly avoided. Comparisons between the present numerical scheme and high‐order weighted essentially non‐oscillatory (WENO) schemes illustrate the advantage of the present method for resolving a broad range of scales of turbulence while capturing shock waves and material interfaces. Also the present method is expected to require less computational cost than popular high‐order upwind‐biased schemes such as WENO schemes. The mass conservation for each species is satisfied due to the strong conservation form of governing equations employed in the method. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A Three‐Dimensional Non‐isothermal Model of High Temperature Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells with Phosphoric Acid Doped Polybenzimidazole Membranes
Authors: Jiao K. , Li X.
Published: March 2010

High temperature proton exchange membrane fuel cells (HT‐PEMFCs) with phosphoric acid doped polybenzimidazole (PBI) membranes have gained tremendous attentions due to its attractive advantages over conventional PEMFCs such as faster electrochemical kinetics, simpler water management, higher carbon monoxide (CO) tolerance and easier cell cooling and waste heat recovery. In this study, a three‐dimensional non‐isothermal model is developed for HT‐PEMFCs with phosphoric acid doped PBI membranes. A good agreement is obtained by comparing the numerical results with the published experimental data. Numerical simulations have been carried out to investigate the effects of operating temperature, phosphoric acid doping level of the PBI membrane, inlet relative humidity (RH), stoichiometry ratios of the feed gases, operating pressure and air/oxygen on the cell performance. Numerical results indicate that increasing both the operating temperature and phosphoric acid doping level are favourable for improving the cell performance. Humidifying the feed gases at room temperature has negligible improvement on the cell performance, and further humidification is needed for a meaningful performance enhancement. Pressurising the cell and using oxygen instead of air all have significant improvements on the cell performance, and increasing the stoichiometry ratios only helps prevent the concentration loss at high current densities.
Runoff formation in a small catchment at hillslope and catchment scales
Authors: Hrnčíř Miroslav , Šanda Martin , Kulasová Alena , Císlerová Milena
Published: March 2010

The study is focused on runoff formation processes at two scales: the scale of a small mountainous catchment at its outlet and the scale of an experimental plot located in a typical hillslope subregion. The heterogeneous soil profile of the catchments is formed by Cambisols developed on granite bedrocks. The surface runoff appears rarely, the subsurface flow forms a dominant part of the hydrograph. From the period 1998–2008, a set of 44 rainfall–runoff episodes was selected to analyse the rainfall–runoff relationship using multiple regression analysis. From a set of physical parameters, the initial soil water content came out as the statistically significant parameter that controls the runoff forming process at the catchment scale. The rainfall–runoff relationship at the experimental plot scale is more scattered. The dynamic thresholds of rainfall totals apparently control the ratio and the magnitude of stormflow at both scales. Up to the threshold value, the runoff strongly depends on the initial saturation conditions. Above the threshold value, the initial soil moisture conditions are less important. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Teacher–child interactions: relations with children's self‐concept in second grade
Authors: Leflot Geertje , Onghena Patrick , Colpin Hilde
Published: March 2010

This study examined whether teacher–child interactions characterized by teacher involvement, structure, and autonomy support at the beginning of second grade predicted children's global, academic, social, and behavioural self‐concept at the end of second grade. The study was conducted in 30 second grade classrooms with 570 children and their teachers. Data included teacher reports of teacher–child interactions and child reports of self‐concept. Results showed that, when controlling for the initial level of self‐concept, children's social self‐concept was predicted by teacher involvement, structure, and autonomy support. In addition, teacher autonomy support predicted high academic self‐concept. Finally, these teacher–child interaction characteristics did not contribute to the behavioural and global self‐concept. The results were similar for boys and girls. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
History of cholelithiasis and the risk of prostate cancer: The Ohsaki Cohort Study
Authors: Li Qiang , Kuriyama Shinichi , Kakizaki Masako , Yan Hong , Nagai Masato , Sugawara Yumi , Ohmori‐Matsuda Kaori , Hozawa Atsushi , Nishino Yoshikazu , Tsuji Ichiro
Published: March 2010

An association between cholelithiasis and prostate cancer has been reported sporadically in previous case‐control and experimental studies, suggesting that cholesterol may play a promotional role in prostate cancer development and progression. However, this relationship remains poorly understood, and population evidence based on a strict study design is needed. The authors examined the history of cholelithiasis and the development of prostate cancer in the Ohsaki cohort followed from 1995 to 2003, in which 230 new cases of prostate cancer were ascertained among 22,458 Japanese men. Baseline information, including history of cholelithiasis, was collected using a self‐administered questionnaire. The Cox proportional hazards regression model was used to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). The results showed that patients with a history of cholelithiasis had a higher risk of prostate cancer with a multivariate adjusted HR of 1.72 (95% CI: 1.12–2.66), and especially for advanced prostate cancer, the corresponding value was 2.29 (95% CI: 1.21–4.35). The associations were robust after adjustment for different potential confounders. This population‐based prospective cohort study indicates that a history of cholelithiasis is associated with an increased incidence of prostate cancer.
Smoking, snus use and risk of right‐ and left‐sided colon, rectal and anal cancer: A 37‐year follow‐up study
Authors: Nordenvall Caroline , Nilsson Per J. , Ye Weimin , Nyrén Olof
Published: March 2010

Although some authorities consider smoking to be an established risk factor for colorectal cancer, the international literature is not entirely consistent. Further, only 1 study has addressed the association with smokeless tobacco and none with Scandinavian moist snuff (snus). This retrospective cohort study included 336,381 male Swedish construction workers with detailed information on tobacco use at cohort entry in 1971–1992. Complete follow‐up through 2007 was accomplished by means of linkage to population and health registers. Hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) derived from Cox proportional hazards regression models estimated relative risks, adjusted for age and body mass index. Subjects who were never‐users of any tobacco served as reference. After up to 37 years of follow‐up, pure smoking was associated with a marginally increased risk of colon cancer (HR 1.08, 95% CI 0.99–1.19), a modestly elevated risk of rectal cancer (HR 1.16, 95% CI 1.04–1.30) and a substantial excess risk of anal cancer (HR 2.41, 95% CI 1.06–5.48). Snus use was not significantly associated with an increased risk of colorectal or anal cancer, although the point estimate for colon cancer was similar to that observed among smokers. Swedish data provide meager support for the association between tobacco use and colorectal cancer. A general tendency among Swedish men to quit smoking in recent decades might have attenuated true associations. A link between smoking and anal cancer was confirmed.
Matrix metalloproteinase 11/stromelysin‐3 exerts both activator and repressor functions during the hematogenous metastatic process in mice
Authors: Brasse David , Mathelin Carole , Leroux Khadija , Chenard Marie‐Pierre , Blaise Sébastien , Stoll Isabelle , Tomasetto Catherine , Rio Marie‐Christine
Published: March 2010

MMP11 expression is a poor prognosis factor in human carcinomas. Although it has been shown to favor primary tumor development, its role in metastatic processes remains unclear. We studied the hematogenous metastatic activity of C26 mouse colon cancer cells injected into the tail vain of wild‐type or MMP11‐deficient mice during 2 months. Using X‐ray computed tomography to image metastasis development in recipient living mice, lung metastases were found to occur earlier and to grow faster in wild‐type mice. Histological analyses of the lung, liver, kidney, adrenal gland, mammary gland, ovary and salivary gland, performed at the end of experiment, also showed lower numbers of metastases in wild‐type mice, regardless of organ. Lung metastases showed similar Factor VIII‐positive vascular networks regardless of the mouse MMP11 status. However, those found in MMP11‐deficient mice also exhibited vessel‐like structures that did not express Factor VIII, Lyve‐1 and vimentin, and were not stained with PAS. Consequently, they did not correspond to vascular or lymphatic vessels or to vascular mimicry channels. Collectively, these results revealed significant spatio‐temporal variability that is dependent on host MMP11 status. Furthermore, they point‐out the paradoxical role of MMP11 in favoring the onset and growth of lung metastases but limiting lung foci number, and inhibiting the cancer cell dissemination to other organs. These data highlight the complexity of the metastatic process in which the same factor can play activator or repressor functions depending on the metastatic step.
Antitumor activity of gold(III)‐dithiocarbamato derivatives on prostate cancer cells and xenografts
Authors: Cattaruzza Lara , Fregona Dolores , Mongiat Maurizio , Ronconi Luca , Fassina Ambrogio , Colombatti Alfonso , Aldinucci Donatella
Published: March 2010

Among the nonplatinum antitumor drugs, gold(III)‐dithiocarbamato derivatives have recently attracted considerable attention due to their strong in vitro and in vivo antiproliferative activity and reduced renal toxicity. Some of them, namely [AuCl2(DMDT)] (compound 1) and [AuBr2(ESDT)] (compound 2), have shown to be highly active against the androgen‐resistant prostate cancer cell lines PC3 and DU145, both inhibiting cell proliferation in a dose‐dependent way, and are more active than the reference drug cisplatin (cis‐[PtCl2(NH3)2]). In particular, [AuCl2(DMDT)] was proved cytotoxic against cisplatin‐resistant R‐PC3 cells, with activity levels comparable to those induced on the parent cisplatin‐sensitive PC3 cells, ruling out the occurrence of cross‐resistance phenomena. Moreover, it causes early cell damage, slightly affecting the cell cycle, thus suggesting a different mechanism of action from clinically established platinum‐based drugs. In fact, the investigated gold(III) complex alters mitochondrial functions, promoting mitochondrial membrane permeabilization and Cyt‐c release, stimulating ROS generation, and strongly inhibiting the activity of the selenoenzyme TrxR, which is overexpressed in prostate cancer and associated with the onset of drug resistance. In addition, it induces apoptosis, caspase activation, Bcl‐2 downregulation and Bax upregulation, reduces the expression of the phosphorylated form of the EGFR, and it inhibits PC3 cell migration. Finally, the treatment of PC3 prostate tumor‐bearing nude mice with [AuCl2(DMDT)] significantly inhibited tumor growth in vivo, causing minimal systemic toxicity. Altogether, our results confirm that these gold(III)‐dithiocarbamato derivatives have potential for the treatment of prostate cancer.
Problematic dyadic interaction among toddlers and their polydrug‐cocaine‐using mothers
Authors: Molitor Adriana , Mayes Linda C.
Published: March 2010

Dyadic interactions between 84 at‐risk toddlers and their nondrug‐, polydrug‐non‐cocaine‐, or polydrug‐cocaine‐using mothers were examined during unstructured play. Coded videotaped behaviors revealed two maternal constructs (interactive competence, maladaptive engagement) and three toddler constructs (responsiveness, active positive initiation, play). Cocaine‐using mothers displayed more maladaptive engagement than did prenatal nondrug users; however, poorer interactive competence further distinguished them from polydrug‐but‐noncocaine users. Toddlers of cocaine‐using mothers displayed less responsiveness and positive initiation than non‐drug‐group peers; however, these behaviors did not reliably differ from polydrug‐non‐cocaine counterparts. Play interest remained relatively similar across groups. Results suggest that difficulties in social interaction appear to continue among cocaine‐using mothers during dyadic exchanges with their offspring in the second year; however, toddler deficits do not appear to be greater than those experienced by polydrug‐non‐cocaine counterparts.
Posttraumatic play in young children exposed to terrorism: An empirical study
Authors: Cohen Esther , Chazan Saralea , Lerner Moran , Maimon Efrat
Published: March 2010

The phenomenon of “posttraumatic play” (PTP) has received much clinical recognition and little empirical support. The objective of this study was to examine various aspects of PTP in young children exposed to terror events and their relation to posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Individual play sessions, conducted with 29 young Israeli children directly exposed to terrorism (M age = 5.47, SD = 1.34) and 25 matched unexposed children (M age = 5.62, SD = 0.87), were coded using the Children's Play Therapy Instrument–Adaptation for Terror Research (CPTI‐ATR; S.E. Chazan & E. Cohen, 2003). Analyses using these ratings showed (a) significant differences between the two groups, (b) significant associations with the caregiver's reports on child's exposure, and (c) significant associations with the caregiver's reports on the child's PTSD symptoms. Play activity ratings of predominant negative affects, frequent acting‐out/morbid themes, lowered developmental level, and reduced awareness of the child of him‐ or herself as a player significantly predicted more PTSD symptoms. PTP which included more coping strategies classified as “overwhelmed reexperiencing” and less “reenactment with soothing” was associated with a higher level of PTSD. Play analysis with the CPTI‐ATR may be helpful in identifying PTSD in children and also guide the selection of therapeutic techniques.
The protein family of glucose transport facilitators: It's not only about glucose after all
Authors: Augustin Robert
Published: March 2010

The protein family of facilitative glucose transporters comprises 14 isoforms that share common structural features such as 12 transmembrane domains, N‐ and C‐termini facing the cytoplasm of the cell, and a N‐glycosylation side either within the first or fifth extracellular loop. Based on their sequence homology, three classes can be distinguished: class I includes GLUT1‐4 and GLUT14, class II the “odd transporters” GLUT5, 7, 9, 11, and class III the “even transporters” GLUT6, 8, 10, 12 and the proton driven myoinositol transporter HMIT (or GLUT13). With the cloning and characterization of the more recent class II and III isoforms, it became apparent that despite their structural similarities, the different isoforms not only show a distinct tissue‐specific expression pattern but also show distinct characteristics such as alternative splicing, specific (sub)cellular localization, and affinities for a spectrum of substrates. This review summarizes the current understanding of the physiological role for the various transport facilitators based on human genetically inherited disorders or single‐nucleotide polymorphisms and knockout mice models. The emphasis of the review will be on the potential functional role of the more recent isoforms. © 2010 IUBMB IUBMB Life, 62(5): 315–333, 2010
Dynamic treatment effect analysis of TV effects on child cognitive development
Authors: Huang Fali , Lee Myoung‐Jae
Published: March 2010

We investigate whether TV watching at ages 6–7 and 8–9 affects cognitive development measured by math and reading scores at ages 8–9, using a rich childhood longitudinal sample from NLSY79. Dynamic panel data models are estimated to handle the unobserved child‐specific factor, endogeneity of TV watching, and dynamic nature of the causal relation. A special emphasis is placed on the last aspect, where TV watching affects cognitive development, which in turn affects future TV watching. When this feedback occurs, it is not straightforward to identify and estimate the TV effect. We develop a two‐stage estimation method which can deal with the feedback feature; we also apply the ‘standard’ econometric panel data approaches. Overall, for math score at ages 8–9, we find that watching TV during ages 6–7 and 8–9 has a negative total effect, mostly due to a large negative effect of TV watching at the younger ages 6–7. For reading score, there is evidence that watching no more than 2 hours of TV per day has a positive effect, whereas the effect is negative outside this range. In both cases, however, the effect magnitudes are economically small. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Pollen characterization and identification by elastically scattered light
Authors: Surbek Mario , Esen Cemal , Schweiger Gustav , Ostendorf Andreas
Published: March 2010

The authors recorded the elastic light‐scattering pattern of pollen over a large spatial angle range to investigate the potential light scattering for pollen identification. The scattering from elm, hazel, birch, chestnut, willow, sunflower, ragweed and pine was measured. The scattering patterns show distinct differences that can be used for the classification of pollen with simple algorithms. (© 2011 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Self‐stigma and coming out about one's mental illness
Authors: Corrigan Patrick W. , Morris Scott , Larson Jon , Rafacz Jennifer , Wassel Abigail , Michaels Patrick , Wilkniss Sandra , Batia Karen , Rüsch Nicolas
Published: March 2010

Self‐stigma can undermine self‐esteem and self‐efficacy of people with serious mental illness. Coming out may be one way of handling self‐stigma and it was expected that coming out would mediate the effects of self‐stigma on quality of life. This study compares coming out to other approaches of controlling self‐stigma. Eighty‐five people with serious mental illness completed measures of coming out (called the Coming Out with Mental Illness Scale, COMIS), self‐stigma, quality of life, and strategies for managing self‐stigma. An exploratory factor analysis of the COMIS uncovered two constructs: benefits of being out (BBO) and reasons for staying in. A mediational analysis showed BBO diminished self‐stigma effects on quality of life. A factor analysis of measures of managing self‐stigma yielded three factors. Benefits of being out was associated with two of these: affirming strategies and becoming aloof, not with strategies of shame. Implications for how coming out enhances the person's quality of life are discussed. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Assessing Sense of Community on adolescents: validating the brief scale of Sense of Community in adolescents (SOC‐A)
Authors: Chiessi Monica , Cicognani Elvira , Sonn Christopher
Published: March 2010

Sense of Community (SoC) is a key theoretical construct in community psychology. This study validated a SoC scale for adolescents (SoC‐A) in Italy. The scale comprises 20 items and five components: satisfaction of needs and opportunities for involvement; support and emotional connection with peers; support and emotional connection in the community; sense of belonging; and opportunities for influence. The sample included 661 Italian high school students (47% male and 53% female) between the ages of 15 and 18 years old. Factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis confirmed five components corresponding to the original work of Cicognani, Albanesi, and Zani (2006). The boys scored higher on SoC than girls. There were no differences between age groups. Results showed differences in SoC between types of schools (lycee, vocational and technical institutes). These findings provide support for the 20‐item SoC‐A scale and its underlying multidimensional theory of SoC. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Neighborhood context and the development of aggression in boys and girls
Authors: Vanfossen Beth , Brown C. Hendricks , Kellam Sheppard , Sokoloff Natalie , Doering Susan
Published: March 2010

We examine the roles of neighborhood characteristics in the development of the aggressive behavior of 1,409 urban boys and girls between the first and seventh grades. The multilevel, longitudinal growth analyses find strong neighborhood effects in all models, while controlling for individual‐level variables. Results indicated that the effects of neighborhood violence, employment, income, and percentages of single males and female‐headed households do not manifest in first grade, but affect the trajectory of child aggression between first and seventh grades. The influence of family income and frequent physical discipline on boys' and girls' aggression occurs at first grade, and family income has a modest effect on the trajectory. The findings strongly suggest that the neighborhood sources of the development of child aggression are independent and different from early childhood experiences. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Depression stigma, race, and treatment seeking behavior and attitudes
Authors: Brown Charlotte , Conner Kyaien O. , Copeland Valire Carr , Grote Nancy , Beach Scott , Battista Deena , Reynolds Charles F.
Published: March 2010

This study examined the relationship between internalized and public stigma on treatment‐related attitudes and behaviors in a community sample of 449 African American and white adults aged 18 years and older. Telephone surveys were administered to assess level of depressive symptoms, demographic characteristics, stigma, and treatment‐related attitudes and behaviors. Multiple regression analysis indicated that internalized stigma mediated the relationship between public stigma and attitudes toward mental health treatment. Within group analyses indicated that the mediating effect of internalized stigma was significant for whites only. Among African Americans, internalized stigma did not mediate public stigma; it was directly related to attitudes toward mental health treatment. The internalization of stigma is key in the development of negative attitudes toward mental health treatment, and future research should focus on this aspect of stigma in both individual and community‐based efforts to reduce stigma. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A peptide derived from a trans‐homophilic binding site in neural cell adhesion molecule induces neurite outgrowth and neuronal survival
Authors: Køhler Lene B. , Soroka Vladislav , Korshunova Irina , Berezin Vladimir , Bock Elisabeth
Published: March 2010

The neural cell adhesion molecule (NCAM) plays a key role in neural development, regeneration, and synaptic plasticity. The crystal structure of a fragment of NCAM comprising the three N‐terminal immunoglobulin (Ig)‐like modules indicates that the first and second Ig modules bind to each other, thereby presumably mediating dimerization of NCAM molecules expressed on the same cell surface (cis‐interactions), whereas the third Ig module, through interactions with the first or second Ig module, mediates interactions between NCAM molecules expressed on the surface of opposing cells (trans‐interactions). We have designed a new potent peptide ligand of NCAM, termed plannexin, based on a discontinuous sequence in the second NCAM Ig module that represents a homophilic binding site for an opposing third Ig module. The peptide was found by surface plasmon resonance analysis to bind the third NCAM Ig module. It promoted survival of cultured cerebellar granule neurons (CGNs) and also induced neurite extension in cultures of dopaminergic neurons and CGNs; the latter effect was shown to be dependent on NCAM expression, indicating that plannexin mimics the neuritogenic effect of homophilic NCAM binding. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Regulation of spontaneous Ca2+ spikes by metabotropic glutamate receptors in primary cultures of rat cortical neurons
Authors: Koga Kazumi , Iwahori Yuki , Ozaki Satoshi , Ohta Hisashi
Published: March 2010

Periodic and spontaneous Ca2+ spikes are observed in neurons during development of the central nervous system, and spontaneous changes in intracellular Ca2+ concentration in neurons play important roles in the development of neural circuits. To clarify the roles of metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRs) in the regulation of spontaneous Ca2+ spikes, we investigated the effects of selective and nonselective mGluRs ligands on primary cultures of rat cortical neurons. Cultured cortical neurons expressed all eight mGluR subtypes on reverse transcription‐PCR. The mGluR2 and mGluR3 agonists LY379268, LY354740, and (2R,4R)‐APDC increased the amplitude but decreased the frequency of spontaneous Ca2+ spikes in cultured cortical neurons. The effects of these mGluR2 and mGluR3 agonists were completely inhibited by the presence of a potent mGluR2 and mGluR3 antagonist, LY341495, and by pretreatment with pertussis toxin. No significant effect was observed with either activation or inhibition of mGluR1, mGluR4, mGluR5, mGluR6, mGluR7, and mGluR8 on the spontaneous Ca2+ spikes in cultured cortical neurons. These findings indicate that, among mGluRs, the group II mGluR subtypes mGluR2 and mGluR3 play principal roles in modulation of spontaneous Ca2+ spikes. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.