bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Process based model sheds light on climate signal of mediterranean tree rings
Authors: Touchan R. , Shishov V. V. , Meko D. M. , Nouiri I. , Grachev A.
Published: November 2011

Abstract. We use the process-based VS (Vaganov-Shashkin) model to investigate whether a regional Pinus halapensis tree-ring chronology from Tunisia can be simulated as a function of climate alone by employing a biological model linking day length and daily temperature and precipitation (AD 1959–2004) from a climate station to ring-width variations. We use two periods to calibrate (1982–2004) and verify (1959–1981) the model. We have obtained highly significant positive correlation between the residual chronology and estimated growth curve (r = 0.76 p < 0.001). The model shows that the average duration of the growing season is 191 days. On average, soil moisture limits tree-ring growth for 128 days and temperature for 63 days.
Soil carbon dynamics during secondary succession in a semi-arid Mediterranean environment
Authors: Novara A. , Gristina L. , La Mantia T. , Rühl J.
Published: November 2011

Abstract. Clarifying which factors cause an increase or decrease in soil organic carbon (SOC) after agricultural abandonment requires integration of data on the temporal dynamics of the plant community and SOC. A chronosequence of abandoned vineyards was studied on a volcanic island (Pantelleria, Italy). Vegetation in the abandoned fields was initially dominated by annual and perennial herbs, then by Hyparrhenia hirta (L.) Stapf, and finally by woody communities. As a consequence, the dominant photosynthetic pathway changed from C3 to C4 and then back to C3. Conversion of a plant community dominated by one photosynthetic pathway to another changes the 13C/12C ratio of inputs to soil organic carbon (SOC). Using the time since abandonment and the shift in belowground δ13C of SOC relative to the aboveground δ13C plant community, we estimated SOC turnover rate. SOC content (g kg−1) increased linearly (R2 = 0.79 and 0.73 for 0–15 and 15–30 cm soil depth) with the age of abandonment, increasing from 12 g kg−1 in cultivated vineyards to as high as 26 g kg−1 in the last stage of the succession. δ13C increased in the bulk soil and its three fractions during succession, but only for soil fractions the effects of soil depth and its interaction with succession age were significant. Polynomial curves described the change in δ13C over the chronosequence for both depths. δ13C in the bulk soil had increased from −28 to −24‰ by 30 yr after abandonment for both depths but then decreased to −26‰ at 60 yr after abandonment (corresponding with maturity of the woody plant community). Overall, the results indicate that abandoned vineyards on volcanic soil in a semi-arid environment are C sinks and that C storage in these soils is closely related to plant succession.
Validation of modelled forest biomass in Germany using BETHY/DLR
Authors: Tum M. , Buchhorn M. , Günther K. P. , Haller B. C.
Published: November 2011

Abstract. We present a new approach to the validation of modelled forest Net Primary Productivity (NPP), using empirical data on the mean annual increment, or MAI, in above-ground forest stock. The soil-vegetation-atmosphere-transfer model BETHY/DLR is used, with a particular focus on a detailed parameterization of photosynthesis, to estimate the NPP of forest areas in Germany, driven by remote sensing data from VEGETATION, meteorological data from the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF), and additional tree coverage information from the MODIS Vegetation Continuous Field (VCF). The output of BETHY/DLR, Gross Primary Productivity (GPP), is converted to NPP by subtracting the cumulative plant maintenance and growth respiration, and then validated against MAI data that was calculated from German forestry inventories. Validation is conducted for 2000 and 2001 by converting modelled NPP to stem volume at a regional level. Our analysis shows that the presented method fills an important gap in methods for validating modelled NPP against empirically derived data. In addition, we examine theoretical energy potentials calculated from the modelled and validated NPP, assuming sustainable forest management and using species-specific tree heating values. Such estimated forest biomass energy potentials play an important role in the sustainable energy debate.
Sand box experiments to evaluate the influence of subsurface temperature probe design on temperature based water flux calculation
Authors: Munz M. , Oswald S. E. , Schmidt C.
Published: November 2011

Abstract. Quantification of subsurface water fluxes based on the one dimensional solution to the heat transport equation depends on the accuracy of measured subsurface temperatures. The influence of temperature probe setup on the accuracy of vertical water flux calculation was systematically evaluated in this experimental study. Four temperature probe setups were installed into a sand box experiment to measure temporal highly resolved vertical temperature profiles under controlled water fluxes in the range of ±1.3 m d−1. Pass band filtering provided amplitude differences and phase shifts of the diurnal temperature signal varying with depth depending on water flux. Amplitude ratios of setups directly installed into the saturated sediment significantly varied with sand box hydraulic gradients. Amplitude ratios provided an accurate basis for the analytical calculation of water flow velocities, which matched measured flow velocities. Calculated flow velocities were sensitive to thermal properties of saturated sediment and to temperature sensor spacing, but insensitive to thermal dispersivity equal to solute dispersivity. Amplitude ratios of temperature probe setups indirectly installed into piezometer pipes were influenced by thermal exchange processes within the pipes and significantly varied with water flux direction only. Temperature time lags of small sensor distances of all setups were found to be insensitive to vertical water flux.
A Survey of Online Reading Habits of Rural Secondary School Students in Malaysia
Authors: Jafre Zainol Abidin Mohamad , Pour-Mohammadi Majid , Jesmin Anita
Published: November 2011

This study intends to determine if online reading has an impact on Malaysian rural secondary school students’ reading habits. It employed a quantitative approach and the survey method was used. The sample consisted of 200 secondary school students. The respondents’ gender, preferred language, access to the internet, place of access, frequency, duration, interests as well as websites accessed were investigated. They were also interviewed to verify the findings. The findings revealed that online reading is a highly potent strategy in enhancing reading habits among these students. Concerning gender and hours spent on online reading males appeared to read more hours than females. The gathered data provided interesting insights into online reading habits. The results are discussed and recommendations are finally provided.
Deep Venous Thrombosis after Mini-Posterior Total Hip Arthroplasty in Japanese Patients
Authors: Ishibe Motomi , Kariya Satoru
Published: November 2011

We conducted a retrospective study of the occurrence of deep venous thrombosis (DVT) following mini-posterior total hip arthroplasty (THA) in Japanese patients. From May 2004 to December 2009 mini-posterior THA was performed on 1659 cases, of whom 603 cases didn't receive anticoagulants (Group 1), 547 cases received 2.5 mg percutaneous injection of fondaparinux (a factor Xa inhibitor) daily for 7 days starting the day after surgery (Group 2), and 509 cases received 2000IU percutaneous injection of enoxaparin (low-molecular-weight heparin) twice daily for 7 days starting the day after surgery (Group 3). The baseline characteristics were very similar in each group. All patients started walking the day after surgery, were advised to wear graduated compression stockings for six weeks after the operation, and used a foot pump for 3 hours a day postoperatively for several days. A week after surgery Duplex ultrasound with colour-flow Doppler imaging of the lower extremities was performed. The occurrence of DVT was significantly different between Groups 1, 2, and 3 (p<0.001): 57 cases (9.5%), 4 cases (0.7%), and 0 cases (0%), respectively. No patients of any group had clinically detected pulmonary emboli. In this study we showed that adding anticoagulants with foot pumps further reduced the incidence of DVT, which seldom occurs following less invasive mini-posterior THA combined with early mobilisation, foot pumps, and anticoagulants.
Asynchronous distributed state estimation based on a continuous‐time stochastic model
Authors: Kowalczuk Z. , Domżalski M.
Published: November 2011

In this paper, the problem of state estimation in an asynchronous distributed multi‐sensor estimation (ADE) system is considered. In such an ADE system, the state of a plant of interest is estimated by a group of local estimators. Each local estimator based, for example, on a Kalman filter, performs fusion of data from its local sensor and other (remote) processors to compute possibly best state estimates. In performing data fusion, however, two important issues need to be addressed, namely, the problem of asynchronism of local processors and the one of unknown correlation between asynchronous data in local processors. Consequently, there are two main contributions proposed in this paper. The first is a method to deal with asynchronous discrete‐time data based on a continuous‐time stochastic plant model. The second contribution is an asynchronous distributed data‐fusion algorithm. Simulated experiments illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed ADE approach. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Frequent deletions of JARID2 in leukemic transformation of chronic myeloid malignancies
Authors: Puda Ana , Milosevic Jelena D. , Berg Tiina , Klampfl Thorsten , Harutyunyan Ashot S. , Gisslinger Bettina , Rumi Elisa , Pietra Daniela , Malcovati Luca , Elena Chiara , Doubek Michael , Steurer Michael , Tosic Natasa , Pavlovic Sonja , Guglielmelli Paola , Pieri Lisa , Vannucchi Alessandro M. , Gisslinger Heinz , Cazzola Mario , Kralovics Robert
Published: November 2011

Chronic myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN) and myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) have an inherent tendency to progress to acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Using high‐resolution SNP microarrays, we studied a total of 517 MPN and MDS patients in different disease stages, including 77 AML cases with previous history of MPN (N = 46) or MDS (N = 31). Frequent chromosomal deletions of variable sizes were detected, allowing the mapping of putative tumor suppressor genes involved in the leukemic transformation process. We detected frequent deletions on the short arm of chromosome 6 (del6p). The common deleted region on 6p mapped to a 1.1‐Mb region and contained only the JARID2 gene—member of the polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2). When we compared the frequency of del6p between chronic and leukemic phase, we observed a strong association of del6p with leukemic transformation (P = 0.0033). Subsequently, analysis of deletion profiles of other PRC2 members revealed frequent losses of genes such as EZH2, AEBP2, and SUZ12; however, the deletions targeting these genes were large. We also identified two patients with homozygous losses of JARID2 and AEBP2. We observed frequent codeletion of AEBP2 and ETV6, and similarly, SUZ12 and NF1. Using next generation exome sequencing of 40 patients, we identified only one somatic mutation in the PRC2 complex member SUZ12. As the frequency of point mutations in PRC2 members was found to be low, deletions were the main type of lesions targeting PRC2 complex members. Our study suggests an essential role of the PRC2 complex in the leukemic transformation of chronic myeloid disorders. Am. J. Hematol. 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Organische gemischtvalente Verbindungen: ein Spielplatz für Elektronen und Löcher
Authors: Heckmann Alexander , Lambert Christoph
Published: November 2011

Gemischtvalente (MV) Verbindungen sind ausgezeichnete Modellsysteme, um grundlegende Elektronentransport(ET)‐ und Ladungstransfer(CT)‐Phänomene zu untersuchen. Diese sind in komplexen biophysikalischen Prozessen wie der Photosynthese, aber auch in artifiziellen elektronischen Bauteilen von großer Bedeutung. So sind organische MV‐Verbindungen effiziente Lochtransportmaterialien in organischen lichtemittierenden Dioden (OLEDs), Solarzellen und photochromen Fenstern. Die Bedeutung der organischen gemischtvalenten Chemie sollte jedoch weniger in ihrer direkten Anwendbarkeit gesehen werden, als vielmehr in dem riesigen Kenntnisschatz über Elektronentransferphänomene, der durch ihr Studium gewonnen wurde. Die große Vielfalt an organischen Redoxzentren und Brückeneinheiten, die zu MV‐Verbindungen kombiniert werden können, sowie die stete Weiterentwicklung von ET‐Theorien und ET‐Untersuchungsmethoden förderten das enorme Interesse an organischen MV‐Verbindungen in den letzten Jahrzehnten und zeigen das große Potential dieser Verbindungsklasse auf. Das Ziel dieses Aufsatzes ist es, das letzte Jahrzehnt der organischen gemischtvalenten Chemie zusammenzufassen und ihren Einfluss auf moderne funktionelle Materialien hervorzuheben.
Terpen‐Biosynthese: Modularitätsregeln
Authors: Oldfield Eric , Lin Fu‐Yang
Published: November 2011

Terpene bilden die umfangreichste Klasse niedermolekularer Naturstoffe auf der Erde. Hier werden neuere Entwicklungen bei der Aufklärung von Struktur und Funktion der an der Terpen‐Biosynthese beteiligten Proteine zusammengefasst. Die Strukturen dieser Enzyme bestehen aus sechs Hauptbausteinen oder Modulen (α,β,γ,δ,ε und ζ): die αα‐ und αδ‐Kopf‐Schwanz‐trans‐Prenyltransferasen, die trans‐Isoprenoid‐Diphosphate aus C5‐Vorstufen synthetisieren; die ε‐Kopf‐Kopf‐Prenyltransferasen, die diese Diphosphate in die Tri‐ und Tetraterpen‐Vorstufen von Sterolen, Hopanoiden und Carotinoiden umwandeln; die βγ‐Di‐ und Triterpensynthasen; die ζ‐Kopf‐Schwanz‐cis‐Prenyltransferasen, welche die cis‐Isoprenoid‐Diphosphate für die Biosynthese der bakteriellen Zellwand aufbauen; und schließlich die α‐, αβ‐ und αβγ‐Terpensynthasen, die pflanzliche Terpene produzieren. Außerdem werden neue Erkenntnisse bezüglich Struktur und Funktion der beiden 4Fe‐4S‐Reduktasen vorgestellt, die bei der Bildung der C5‐Diphosphate in vielen Bakterien mitwirken, wo wiederum hochmodulare Strukturen auftreten.
Biomass char as a fuel for internal combustion engines
Authors: Ellem Gary K , Mulligan Cara J
Published: November 2011

Second generation liquid biofuels from lignocellulosic feedstocks are part of a suite of solutions to peak oil and a safe climate economy. Biofuels have technological advantages over electrification for applications with minimal refuelling or recharging options such as air travel, shipping, agriculture and low or intermittent frequency trucking and rail. We examined a fuel production concept combining slow pyrolysis chars and superfine commutation. Char is micronised and suspended in diesel or water to create a reduced cost, quality and energy density liquid biofuel. Process yields and efficiencies were derived from a review of the slow pyrolysis char, coal commutation and combustion literature and used to develop theoretical estimates of process performance. Char structure and composition were also reviewed in the context of commutation and management of ash and alkalis in the fuel. The paper concluded that char based fuels had potential applications where cost was critical, but quality was not, such as diesel engines for agriculture, trucks, trains, shipping and backup electricity supply. Char water fuels increase safety by being non‐flammable and are environmentally benign, a valuable trait in sensitive environments such as coastal shipping. © 2011 Curtin University of Technology and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Mutations in the Notch Pathway Alter the Patterning of Multifidus
Authors: Fisher Rebecca E. , Smith Heather F. , Kusumi Kenro , Tassone Erica E. , Rawls Alan , Wilson‐Rawls Jeanne
Published: November 2011

Clinical studies have suggested that defects in the epaxial muscles, particularly multifidus, may contribute to the etiology of idiopathic scoliosis. While the epaxial muscles and the vertebrae derive from the same embryonic segmentation process, the mechanisms that pattern the multisegmental back muscles are still unclear. The process of segmentation is regulated by the Notch signaling pathway, and mutations in the modulators delta‐like 3 (Dll3) and lunatic fringe (Lfng) are genetic models for spinal disorders such as scoliosis. Osteological defects have been characterized in these genetic models, but myological phenotypes have not previously been studied. We analyzed the multifidus muscle in the mouse (Mus musculus) and observed intriguing changes in the cranio‐caudal borders of multifidus in Dll3 and Lfng models. Statistical analysis did not find a significant association between the majority of the multifidus anomalies and the vertebral defects, suggesting a previously unappreciated role for Notch signaling in patterning epaxial muscle groups. These findings indicate an additional mechanism by which DLL3 and LFNG may play a role in the etiology of human idiopathic scoliosis. Anat Rec, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Histology‐Based Morphology of the Neurocentral Synchondrosis in Alligator Mississippiensis (Archosauria, Crocodylia)
Authors: Ikejiri Takehito
Published: November 2011

Morphology of the neurocentral synchondroses—thin cartilaginous layers between centra and neural arches—are documented in the extant crocodilian, Alligator mississippiensis (Archosauria, Crocodylia). Examination of dry skeletons demonstrates that neurocentral suture closure occurs in very late postnatal ontogeny (after reaching sexual maturity and/or body size ca. 40% from the upper range). Before sexual maturity (body length (BL) ≥ ca. 1.80 m), completely fused centra and neural arches are restricted to the caudal vertebral series. In contrast, the presacral vertebrae often remain unfused throughout postnatal ontogeny, retaining open sutures in very mature individuals (BL ≥ 2.80 m). These unfused centra and neural arches are structurally supported by the relatively large surface area of the neurocentral junctions, which results from primarily horizontal (mediolateral) increases with strong positive allometry. Cleared and stained specimens show that the cartilaginous neurocentral synchondrosis starts to form after approximately 40 embryonic days. Histological examination of the neurocentral junction in dorsal and anterior caudal vertebrae of six individuals (BL = 0.28–3.12 m) shows : (1) neurocentral fusion is the result of endochondral ossification of the neurocentral synchondrosis, (2) the neurocentral synchondrosis exhibits bipolar organization of three types of cartilaginous cells, and (3) complex neurocentral sutures (i.e., curved, zigzagged, and/or interdigitated boundaries) come from clumping of bone cells of the neural arches and centra into the neurocentral synchondrosis. The last two morphological features can be advantageous for delaying neurocentral fusion, which seems to be unique in crocodilians and possibly their close relatives, including nonavian dinosaurs and other Mesozoic archosaurs. Anat Rec, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Embryonic Liver Morphology and Morphometry by Magnetic Resonance Microscopic Imaging
Authors: Hirose Ayumi , Nakashima Takashi , Yamada Shigehito , Uwabe Chigako , Kose Katsumi , Takakuwa Tetsuya
Published: November 2011

Embryonic liver has a unique external morphology and quantitative morphometry, based on magnetic resonance imaging data of human embryos from the Kyoto Collection of Human Embryos. Liver morphogenesis is strongly affected by the adjacent organs and tissues. The left ventricle develops to the left medial‐caudal side, which results in the formation of a depression at left medial region and a prominence bilaterally at the cranial surface of the liver between Carnegie Stage (CS)17 and CS19. An imprint of the stomach that formed at the dorsal left‐medial region of the liver became more marked with development until CS23. A depression induced by the umbilicus formed at the ventral region of the liver between CS16 and CS19. An indentation caused by the right adrenal gland formed at the dorsal‐caudal region of the liver surface from CS20. Morphometric analysis revealed that the volume of the liver increased exponentially from CS14 through CS23. The liver developed preferentially along the dorsoventral axis and right/left axis until CS17, along the craniocaudal axis between CS17 and CS19, and then in all directions after CS19. Several important developmental phenomena, such as differentiation of the diaphragm, the extension of the body axis of the embryo, and the physiologic herniation of the intestine into the umbilical cord, may affect morphometric data. These data contribute to a better understanding of liver development as well as the morphogenesis of adjacent organs, both temporally and spatially, and serve as a useful reference for fetal medicine and prenatal diagnosis. Anat Rec, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Publish or patent: Bibliometric evidence for empirical trade‐offs in national funding strategies
Authors: Shelton R. D. , Leydesdorff Loet
Published: November 2011

Multivariate linear regression models suggest a trade‐off in allocations of national research and development (R&D). Government funding and spending in the higher education sector encourage publications as a long‐term research benefit. Conversely, other components such as industrial funding and spending in the business sector encourage patenting. Our results help explain why the United States trails the European Union in publications: The focus in the United States is on industrial funding—some 70% of its total R&D investment. Likewise, our results also help explain why the European Union trails the United States in patenting, since its focus on government funding is less effective than industrial funding in predicting triadic patenting. Government funding contributes negatively to patenting in a multiple regression, and this relationship is significant in the case of triadic patenting. We provide new forecasts about the relationships of the United States, the European Union, and China for publishing; these results suggest much later dates for changes than previous forecasts because Chinese growth has been slowing down since 2003. Models for individual countries might be more successful than regression models whose parameters are averaged over a set of countries because nations can be expected to differ historically in terms of the institutional arrangements and funding schemes.
Children's search roles at home: Implications for designers, researchers, educators, and parents
Authors: Foss Elizabeth , Druin Allison , Brewer Robin , Lo Phillip , Sanchez Luis , Golub Evan , Hutchinson Hilary
Published: November 2011

This paper presents the results of a large‐scale, qualitative study conducted in the homes of children aged 7, 9, and 11 investigating internet searching processes on Google. Seven search roles, representing distinct behavior patterns displayed by children when interacting with the Google search engine, are described, including Developing Searchers, Domain‐specific Searchers, Power Searchers, Nonmotivated Searchers, Distracted Searchers, Rule‐bound Searchers, and Visual Searchers. Other trends are described and selected to present a view of the whole child searcher. These roles and trends are used to make recommendations to designers, researchers, educators, and parents about the directions to take when considering how to best aid children to become search literate.
Decoration of Diatom Biosilica with Noble Metal and Semiconductor Nanoparticles (<10 nm): Assembly, Characterization, and Applications
Authors: Jantschke Anne , Herrmann Anne‐Kristin , Lesnyak Vladimir , Eychmüller Alexander , Brunner Eike
Published: November 2011

Diatom‐templated noble metal (Ag, Pt, Au) and semiconductor (CdTe) nanoparticle arrays were synthesized by the attachment of prefabricated nanoparticles of defined size. Two different attachment techniques—layer‐by‐layer deposition and covalent linking—could successfully be applied. The synthesized arrays were shown to be useful for surface‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) of components, for catalysis, and for improved image quality in scanning electron microscopy (SEM).
The molecular and mathematical basis of Waddington's epigenetic landscape: A framework for post‐Darwinian biology?
Authors: Huang Sui
Published: November 2011

The Neo‐Darwinian concept of natural selection is plausible when one assumes a straightforward causation of phenotype by genotype. However, such simple 1:1 mapping must now give place to the modern concepts of gene regulatory networks and gene expression noise. Both can, in the absence of genetic mutations, jointly generate a diversity of inheritable randomly occupied phenotypic states that could also serve as a substrate for natural selection. This form of epigenetic dynamics challenges Neo‐Darwinism. It needs to incorporate the non‐linear, stochastic dynamics of gene networks. A first step is to consider the mathematical correspondence between gene regulatory networks and Waddington's metaphoric ‘epigenetic landscape’, which actually represents the quasi‐potential function of global network dynamics. It explains the coexistence of multiple stable phenotypes within one genotype. The landscape's topography with its attractors is shaped by evolution through mutational re‐wiring of regulatory interactions – offering a link between genetic mutation and sudden, broad evolutionary changes.
Systematic review of the application of quality improvement methodologies from the manufacturing industry to surgical healthcare
Authors: Nicolay C R , Purkayastha S , Greenhalgh A , Benn J , Chaturvedi S , Phillips N , Darzi A
Published: November 2011

Background

The demand for the highest-quality patient care coupled with pressure on funding has led to the increasing use of quality improvement (QI) methodologies from the manufacturing industry. The aim of this systematic review was to identify and evaluate the application and effectiveness of these QI methodologies to the field of surgery.

Methods

MEDLINE, the Cochrane Database, Allied and Complementary Medicine Database, British Nursing Index, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, Embase, Health Business™ Elite, the Health Management Information Consortium and PsycINFO® were searched according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses statement. Empirical studies were included that implemented a described QI methodology to surgical care and analysed a named outcome statistically.

Results

Some 34 of 1595 articles identified met the inclusion criteria after consensus from two independent investigators. Nine studies described continuous quality improvement (CQI), five Six Sigma, five total quality management (TQM), five plan-do-study-act (PDSA) or plan-do-check-act (PDCA) cycles, five statistical process control (SPC) or statistical quality control (SQC), four Lean and one Lean Six Sigma; 20 of the studies were undertaken in the USA. The most common aims were to reduce complications or improve outcomes (11), to reduce infection (7), and to reduce theatre delays (7). There was one randomized controlled trial.

Conclusion

QI methodologies from industry can have significant effects on improving surgical care, from reducing infection rates to increasing operating room efficiency. The evidence is generally of suboptimal quality, and rigorous randomized multicentre studies are needed to bring evidence-based management into the same league as evidence-based medicine.
Prognostic significance of peritoneal washing cytology in patients with gastric cancer
Authors: Lee S D , Ryu K W , Eom B W , Lee J H , Kook M C , Kim Y-W
Published: November 2011

Background

Positive peritoneal washing cytology is a poor prognostic factor in patients with gastric cancer. The right therapeutic approach for this condition has not been well documented.

Methods

Patients who underwent surgery for gastric cancer with suspected serosal invasion and peritoneal washing cytology at the Korean National Cancer Centre between May 2001 and December 2009 were included in this retrospective study. Clinicopathological factors and overall survival were analysed with respect to the cytological results and presence of peritoneal metastases. Prognostic factors were analysed in patients with positive cytology but without overt peritoneal metastases.

Results

A total of 1072 patients were included in the analysis, of whom 900 had negative cytology (C0 group) and 172 had positive cytology (C1 group). No peritoneal metastases (P0) were found in 830 patients (92·2 per cent) in the C0 group. Peritoneal metastases (P1) were found in 76 patients (44·2 per cent) in the C1 group. Median overall survival times in the P0 C1, P1 C0 and P1 C1 subgroups were 20·0, 14·0 and 10·0 months respectively. Multivariable analysis of the P0 C1 subgroup revealed that clinical N0–2 category and gastric resection were significantly associated with better prognosis (median survival 24·0 versus 13·0 months for N0–2 versus N3, and 21·0 versus 4·0 months for resected versus non-resected).

Conclusion

Positive washing cytology in patients with gastric cancer is a negative prognostic factor for patients with, as well as those without, overt peritoneal metastases. Resection is an option in patients with clinical stage N0–2 disease without peritoneal metastases but with a positive washing cytology finding.
Effects of 2‐methoxyestradiol on proliferation, apoptosis and gene expression of cyclin B1 and c‐Myc in esophageal carcinoma EC9706 cells
Authors: Du Bin , Zhao Zhilan , Sun Huibin , Ma Sijia , Jin Jianwen , Zhang Zhenzhong
Published: November 2011

2‐Methoxyestradiol (2‐ME) is an endogenous metabolite of 17β‐estradiol. In this study, we determined the antitumour activities of 2‐ME on the well‐differentiated EC9706 esophageal carcinoma cells in vitro. 2‐ME had a strong antiproliferative effect on EC9706 cells and caused an increase in the population of apoptotic cells, detected by flow cytometry. A significant number of cells were blocked in the G2/M phase of the cell cycle. 2‐ME‐treated cells demonstrated an increase in cyclin B1 and c‐Myc protein levels, as well as an increase in the percentage of G2/M phase. Their up‐regulation may be involved in 2‐ME‐induced apoptosis and G2/M cell cycle arrest of the EC9706 cells, and it precedes the onset of apoptosis. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The effects of garlic‐derived sulfur compounds on cell proliferation, caspase 3 activity, thiol levels and anaerobic sulfur metabolism in human hepatoblastoma HepG2 cells
Authors: Iciek Małgorzata , Kwiecień Inga , Chwatko Grażyna , Sokołowska‐Jeżewicz Maria , Kowalczyk‐Pachel Danuta , Rokita Hanna
Published: November 2011

The aim of the present studies was to determine whether the mechanism of biological action of garlic‐derived sulfur compounds in human hepatoma (HepG2) cells can be dependent on the presence of labile sulfane sulfur in their molecules. We investigated the effect of allyl sulfides from garlic: monosulfide, disulfide and trisulfide on cell proliferation and viability, caspase 3 activity and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) production in HepG2 cells. In parallel, we also examined the influence of the previously mentioned compounds on the levels of thiols, glutathione, cysteine and cysteinyl‐glycine, and on the level of sulfane sulfur and the activity of its metabolic enzymes: rhodanese, 3‐mercaptopyruvate sulfurtransferase and cystathionase. Among the compounds under study, diallyl trisulfide (DATS), a sulfane sulfur‐containing compound, showed the highest biological activity in HepG2 cells. This compound increased the H2O2 formation, lowered the thiol level and produced the strongest inhibition of cell proliferation and the greatest induction of caspase 3 activity in HepG2 cells. DATS did not affect the activity of sulfurtransferases and lowered sulfane sulfur level in HepG2 cells. It appears that sulfane sulfur containing DATS can be bioreduced in cancer cells to hydroperthiol that leads to H2O2 generation, thereby influencing transmission of signals regulating cell proliferation and apoptosis. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Highlighting Important Parameters Often Neglected in Numerical Optimization of Preparative Chromatography
Authors: Samuelsson J. , Enmark M. , Forssén P. , Fornstedt T.
Published: November 2011

When a chromatographic separation process is numerically optimized, a number of input parameters to the column model need to be accurately determined, and the accuracy will affect the reliability of the predicted optimal operational conditions. Furthermore, the numerical accuracy of the solution to the column model will have similar impact. The input parameters holdup volume, injection profiles, and the selection of an algorithm for solving the column model were investigated. Errors in parameters or a numerical error in the solution of the column model were found to lead to a prediction of a product fraction where the set purity and/or yield requirements are not met.
Optimization and Performance of Silica‐Based Media for Industrial‐Scale Antibody Purification
Authors: Miyahara H. , Nakashima R. , Inoue M. , Katsuda T. , Yamaji H. , Katoh S.
Published: November 2011

A silica‐based medium with optimized pore size, pore volume, and coupling density was prepared for protein A affinity chromatography, to be used for industrial purification of IgG. Performance and durability of the silica‐based medium were studied during repeated use and compared with other protein A media available on the market. The silica‐based medium provided high dynamic binding capacities for human polyclonal IgG in the superficial liquid velocity range from 150 to 720 cm h–1 because of a high mass transfer coefficient and high mechanical strength. The dynamic binding capacity and IgG recovery were high and varied only slightly during 50–150 cycles of repeated use. The release of protein A ligand was low.
Mathematical Modeling of Protein Chromatograms
Authors: Lienqueo M. E. , Mahn A. , Salgado J. C. , Shene C.
Published: November 2011

The most used mathematical models with a phenomenological basis for simulating chromatographic curves of proteins in size exclusion chromatography, ion exchange chromatography, affinity chromatography, and hydrophobic interaction chromatography are reviewed. The plate model (PM) and the general rate model (GRM) are briefly described, followed by various applications of these models to the different chromatographic strategies. Based on these examples it is concluded that the GRM is the most complete and informative model, despite it needs several parameters that have to be estimated from theoretical correlations nonspecific for proteins. Additionally, values for the effective pore diffusion coefficient are not generally available. Appropriate calibration leads in most cases to predictions that compare favorably with experimental data. The possibility to predict chromatographic curves under different operational conditions similar to those used at industrial scale by applying mathematical models is still a challenge because it could contribute to the reduction of costs involved in suitable purification processes. In addition, new proteins are continually designed and for each case different conditions are needed.
Threshold Level of Low‐Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol for the Short‐Term Benefit of Statin Therapy in the Acute Phase of Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Lee Jang Hoon , Park Sun Hee , Yang Dong Heon , Park Hun Sik , Cho Yongkeun , Lee Won Kee , Jeong Myung Ho , Kim Young Jo , Jun Jae Eun , Chae Shung Chull ,   for the Korea Acute Myocardial Infarction Registry Investigators
Published: November 2011

Background:

Little is known about the threshold level of low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL‐C) for statin therapy in acute myocardial infarction (AMI).

Hypothesis:

The aim of this study was to investigate the short‐term benefit of the statin in post‐MI patients with low LDL‐C levels.

Methods:

Between November 2005 and January 2008, 6866 statin‐naive patients were selected from the Korea AMI registry. Major adverse cardiac event (MACE) was defined as a composite of death, recurrent MI, and revascularizations.

Results:

The 6‐month MACE and mortality showed a U‐shaped curve, with the lowest rate at 114–122 mg/dL. Propensity scores for statin use were calculated for patients with LDL‐C ≤ 113 mg/dL, and they were used to match the patients who received statin (statin user, n = 1031) with those who did not receive it (statin nonuser, n = 1031). The 6‐month MACE was not significantly different between statin users and statin nonusers (9.4% vs 11.0%; hazard ratio [HR]: 0.847, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.646‐1.111, P = 0.230), whereas the 6‐month mortality was significantly lower in statin users (7.2% vs 9.7%; HR: 0.728, 95% CI: 0.539–0.984, P = 0.039). However, when the analyses were repeated in the patients with LDL‐C ≤ 105 mg/dL, not only the 6‐month MACE (9.5% vs 9.9%; HR: 0.945, 95% CI: 0.700–1.277, P = 0.713) but also the 6‐month mortality (7.0% vs 8.7%; HR: 0.793, 95% CI: 0.566–1.111, P = 0.177) was not significantly different between statin users and statin nonusers (n = 876 in each group).

Conclusions:

The beneficial effects of statin therapy seem to vanish when LDL‐C is below a certain level in AMI patients. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Jeong, Kim and Chae received funding from the Korean Society of Cardiology. J.H. Lee, Yang, H.S. Park and Chae received grants from GlaxoSmithKline and Pfizer.
Heterogeneity and dynamics of lateral line afferent innervation during development in zebrafish (Danio rerio)
Authors: Haehnel Melanie , Taguchi Masashige , Liao James C.
Published: November 2011

The lateral line system of larval zebrafish is emerging as a model to study a range of topics in neurobiology, from hair cell regeneration to sensory processing. However, despite numerous studies detailing the patterning and development of lateral line neuromasts, little is known about the organization of their connections to afferent neurons and targets in the hindbrain. We found that as fish grow and neuromasts proliferate over the body surface, the number of afferent neurons increases linearly. The number of afferents innervating certain neuromasts increases over time, while it decreases for other neuromasts. The ratio of afferent neurons to neuromasts differs between the anterior and posterior lateral line system, suggesting potential differences in sensitivity threshold or spatial resolution. A single afferent neuron routinely contacts a group of neuromasts, suggesting that different afferent neurons can convey information about receptive fields along the body. When afferent projections are traced into the hindbrain, where a distinct somatotopy has been previously described, we find that this general organization is absent at the Mauthner cell. We speculate that directional input from the lateral line is less important at an early age, whereas the speed of the escape response is paramount, and that directional responses arise later in development. By quantifying morphological connections in the lateral line system, this study provides a detailed foundation to understand how hydrodynamic information is processed and ultimately translated into appropriate motor behaviors. J. Comp. Neurol. 520:1376–1386, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Rearrangement of the cone mosaic in the retina of the rat model of retinitis pigmentosa
Authors: Ji Yerina , Zhu Colleen L. , Grzywacz Norberto M. , Lee Eun‐Jin
Published: November 2011

In retinitis pigmentosa (RP), the death of cones normally follows some time after the degeneration of rods. Recently, surviving cones in RP have been studied and reported in detail. These cones undergo extensive remodeling in their morphology. Here we report an extension of the remodeling study to consider possible modifications of spatial‐distribution patterns. For this purpose we used S334ter‐line‐3 transgenic rats, a transgenic model developed to express a rhodopsin mutation causing RP. In this study, retinas were collected at postnatal (P) days P5–30, 90, 180, and P600. We then immunostained the retinas to examine the morphology and distribution of cones and to quantify the total cone numbers. Our results indicate that cones undergo extensive changes in their spatial distribution to give rise to a mosaic comprising an orderly array of rings. These rings first begin to appear at P15 at random regions of the retina and become ubiquitous throughout the entire tissue by P90. Such distribution pattern loses its clarity by P180 and mostly disappears at P600, at which time the cones are almost all dead. In contrast, the numbers of cones in RP and normal conditions do not show significant differences at stages as late as P180. Therefore, rings do not form by cell death at their centers, but by cone migration. We discuss its possible mechanisms and suggest a role for hot spots of rod death and the remodeling of Müller cell process into zones of low density of photoreceptors. J. Comp. Neurol., 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Onecut transcription factors are required for the second phase of development of the A13 dopaminergic nucleus in the mouse
Authors: Espana Agnès , Clotman Frédéric
Published: November 2011

The A13 dopaminergic nucleus belongs to the incerto‐hypothalamic area. It is thought to exert autonomous roles by integrating sensory input to autonomic, neuroendocrine, and motor output. Although its early development has been well characterized, the factors that contribute to later steps of its formation remain unknown. Transcription factors of the Onecut family have been detected in the A13 nucleus, raising the question of possible roles of these factors during A13 development. Using a combination of immunofluorescence analyses on sections and after whole‐mount labeling followed by 3D reconstructions, we further characterized the second phase of development of the A13 nucleus in the mouse, described the distribution of the Onecut proteins throughout A13 development, and analyzed the phenotype of this nucleus in single or compound mutant embryos for the Onecut factors. Here we show that A13 development can be divided into two successive phases. First, during radial migration toward the pial surface the A13 cells differentiate into dopaminergic neurons. Second, these cells gather in the vicinity of the third ventricle. Onecut factors are dynamically and differentially expressed in the A13 nucleus during these two phases of development. In Onecut mutant embryos, the A13 neurons differentiate normally but scatter in the diencephalon and fail to properly gather close to the third ventricle. Hence, Onecut factors are markers of the A13 nucleus throughout embryonic development. They are dispensable for the first phase of A13 development but are required for the second phase of development and for maintenance of this nucleus. J. Comp. Neurol. 520:1424–1441, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Expression of delta‐protocadherins in the spinal cord of the chicken embryo
Authors: Lin Juntang , Wang Congrui , Redies Christoph
Published: November 2011

Protocadherins constitute the largest subfamily of cadherin genes and are widely expressed in the nervous system. In the present study, we cloned eight members of the delta‐protocadherin subfamily of cadherins (Pcdh1, Pcdh7, Pcdh8, Pcdh9, Pcdh10, Pcdh17, Pcdh18, and Pcdh19) from the chicken, and investigated their expression in the developing chicken spinal cord by in situ hybridization. Our results showed that each of the investigated delta‐protocadherins exhibits a spatially restricted and temporally regulated pattern of expression. Pcdh1, Pcdh8, Pcdh18, and Pcdh19 are expressed in restricted dorsoventral domains of the neuroepithelial layer at early developmental stages (E2.5–E4). In the differentiating mantle layer, specific expression profiles are observed for all eight delta‐protocadherins along the dorsoventral, mediolateral, and rostrocaudal dimensions at intermediate stages of development (E6–E10). Expression profiles are especially diverse in the motor column, where different pools of motor neurons exhibit signal for subsets of delta‐protocadherins. In the dorsal root ganglion, subpopulations of cells express combinations of Pcdh1, Pcdh7, Pcdh8, Pcdh9, Pcdh10, and Pcdh17. The ventral boundary cap cells are positive for Pcdh7, Pcdh9, and Pcdh10. Signals for Pcdh8, Pcdh18, and Pcdh19 are found in the meninges. Surrounding tissues, such as the notochord, dermomyotome, and sclerotome also exhibit differential expression patterns. The highly regulated spatiotemporal expression patterns of delta‐protocadherins suggest that they have multiple and diverse functions during development of the spinal cord and its surrounding tissues. J. Comp. Neurol. 520:1509–1531, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Age‐related changes in the morphology of cerebral capillaries do not correlate with cognitive decline
Authors: Peters Alan , Sethares Claire
Published: November 2011

The effects of age on cerebral capillaries have been examined in area 46 of the prefrontal cortices of sixteen rhesus monkeys, ranging in age from 5 to 35 years. Fourteen of the monkeys had been behaviorally tested prior to their brains being prepared for electron microscopic examination. It was found that whereas the thickness of the outer basal lamina adjacent to the glial limiting membrane increased with age and showed increasing numbers of splits, the inner basal lamina between endothelial cells and pericytes did not become thicker with age, and did not show splitting. There were also no age‐related changes in the extent of the coverage of endothelial cells by pericytes and no change in the frequency of mitochondria in endothelial cells. The factors that did change with age, namely, the thickness of the outer basal lamina and the increased numbers of splits in this lamina showed no correlations with the cognitive status of the monkeys, suggesting that thickening of the outer basal lamina does not contribute to cognitive decline. J. Comp. Neurol. 520:1339–1347, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Higher brain centers for social tasks in worker ants, Camponotus japonicus
Authors: Nishikawa Michiko , Watanabe Hidehiro , Yokohari Fumio
Published: November 2011

Ants, eusocial insects, have highly elaborate chemical communication systems using a wide variety of pheromones. In the carpenter ant, Camponotus japonicus, workers and queens have the female‐specific basiconic sensilla on antennae. The antennal lobe, the primary processing center, in female carpenter ants contains about 480 glomeruli, which are divided into seven groups (T1–T7 glomeruli) based on sensory afferent tracts. The axons of sensory neurons in basiconic sensilla are thought to project to female‐specific T6 glomeruli. Therefore, these sensilla and glomeruli are thought to relate to female‐specific social tasks in the ants. By using dye filling into local neurons (LNs) and projection neurons (PNs) in the antennal lobe, we neuroanatomically revealed the existence of an isolated processing system for signals probably relating to social tasks in the worker ant. In the antennal lobe, two categories of glomeruli, T6 glomeruli and non‐T6 glomeruli, are clearly segregated by LNs. Furthermore, axon terminals of uniglomerular PNs from the respective categories of glomeruli (T6 uni‐PNs and non‐T6 uni‐PNs) are also segregated in the secondary olfactory centers, the calyces of the mushroom body and the lateral horn: T6 uni‐PNs terminate in the outer layers of the basal ring and lip of mushroom body calyces and in the posterior region of the lateral horn, whereas non‐T6 uni‐PNs terminate in the middle and inner layers of the basal ring and lip and in the anterior region of the lateral horn. These findings suggest that information probably relating to social tasks might be isolated from other olfactory information and processed in a separate subsystem. J. Comp. Neurol. 520:1584–1598, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.