bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Structure and properties of PVA/PEO hydrogel prepared by freezing/thawing method
Authors: Lian Zhe , Ye Lin
Published: December 2011

Poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA)/poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) hydrogel with various PVA/PEO compositions was prepared by freezing/thawing method. The effect of PEO content on the structure and property of the gel was investigated. The molecular chains of PEO with relatively high crystalline and molecular weight may limit the movement of PVA chains, resulting in the increase in glass transition temperature ( T g) of PVA and enhancement of the mechanical properties of PVA hydrogel. With increasing content of PEO, the equilibrium swelling ratio of PVA/PEO hydrogel films increased, resulting in the formation of porous structure with increasing pore size and capillary water absorption capacity. However, the swelling rate constant k decreased, because the formed loose network decreased the osmotic pressure, which weakened the driving force to absorb water. Most of the water in PVA hydrogel was in the form of free water and freezing bound water, and relatively less water was in the form of nonfreezing bound water. With increasing content of PEO, the free water content was remarkably increased and the weight ratio of freezing and nonfreezing bound water to dry gel weight increased, indicating that the interaction between PVA/PEO molecules and water molecules was enhanced.
Bringing the Beneficiary Closer
Authors: Kinsbergen Sara , Tolsma Jochem , Ruiter Stijn
Published: December 2011

In the Netherlands, charitable behavior for international development purposes is subject to important changes. Whereas established development organizations suffer from a declining support base, private development initiatives (PDIs) that execute concrete, small-scale projects within direct personalized aid networks can count on increasing enthusiasm from individual donors of money and time. We investigate to what extent cost-benefit evaluations of volunteers (supply side) and characteristics of PDIs (demand side) affect the time allocation for volunteering in these organizations. The study is based on a survey among 661 volunteers active in Dutch PDIs. PDI volunteers face time and budget restrictions, partly due to their position on the (paid) labor market. Volunteers who are skeptical toward established development organizations increase voluntary time investment in PDIs. Corroborating the proximity hypothesis, volunteers perceiving a smaller distance to beneficiaries, spend more volunteering hours in PDIs. Volunteers also spend more hours volunteering for PDIs with larger budgets and more staff.
The Proximate Polity
Authors: Minkoff Scott L.
Published: December 2011

The author develops a theory for understanding local developmental goods expenditures in metropolitan areas. The basis of the theory is that local officials seek to minimize the economic and political risks of policy failure by anticipating how their policy choices are likely to influence the movement of people and firms into and out of jurisdictions. The theory is tested on a data set of 1,500 cities that make up 15 randomly selected metropolitan areas using spatial-lag and spatial mixed models. Statistically significant spatial autocorrelation and spatially lagged explanatory variables support the theory and lead to inferences about which populations matter most to local politicians.
Effectiveness of a Program Using a Vehicle Tracking System, Incentives, and Disincentives to Reduce the Speeding Behavior of Drivers With ADHD
Authors: Markham Paula T. , Porter Bryan E. , Ball J. D.
Published: December 2011

Objective: In this article, the authors investigated the effectiveness of a behavior modification program using global positioning system (GPS) vehicle tracking devices with contingency incentives and disincentives to reduce the speeding behavior of drivers with ADHD. Method: Using an AB multiple-baseline design, six participants drove a 5-mile stable driving route weekly while GPS devices recorded speeds. The dependent variable was percentage of feet speeding. Following an initial baseline period, five participants received treatment. One participant remained at baseline. Results: Visual inspection of individual participant graphs, reductions in mean percentages of speeding from baseline to treatment across participants ( M = 82%), C-statistic analyses, and visual graphs with applied binomial formula supported a treatment effect. The between-participant analysis using R n Test of Ranks was significant, R n = 6, p < .01, and complemented a clean multiple-baseline result. Conclusion: Results indicated that this treatment program was effective in reducing speeding by drivers with ADHD and warrants replication.
Validation of the AQT Color–Form Additive Model for Screening and Monitoring Pharmacological Treatment of ADHD
Authors: Nielsen Niels Peter , Wiig Elisabeth Hemmersam
Published: December 2011

Objective:This retrospective study used A Quick Test of Cognitive Speed (AQT) processing-speed and efficiency measures for evaluating sensitivity and monitoring effects during pharmacological treatment of adults with ADHD. Method: Color (C), form (F), and color–form (CF) combination naming were administered to 69 adults during outpatient evaluation, and pre- and posttreatment results were compared for 64 adults. Results: At intake without medication, naming times (s) were significantly longer and overhead, CF − (C + F), larger than after stabilization of ADHD symptoms. Means for single-dimension naming were in the normal range, and for CF and overhead, means were in the atypical ranges. After treatment, CF and overhead improved to within normal ranges. On average, dual-dimension processing speed increased by 31% and efficiency by 73%. Sensitivity at intake was 91%, using fail-criteria for CF and/or overhead. Conclusion: Results support previous estimates of sensitivity and ability to monitor pharmacological-treatment effects in ADHD.
Differentiating Co-Occurring Behavior Problems in Children With ADHD
Authors: Graziano Paulo A. , McNamara Joseph P. , Geffken Gary R. , Reid Adam M.
Published: December 2011

Objective: This study examined whether “top-down” and “bottom-up” control processes can differentiate children with ADHD who exhibit co-occurring aggression and/or internalizing symptoms. Method: Participants included 74 children ( M age = 10.7 years) with a Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (4th ed.; DSM-IV) diagnosis of ADHD. The authors’ top-down measure was executive functioning (EF) indexed via two neuropsychological tasks whereas their bottom-up measure was emotional reactivity. Parents also reported on children’s aggression and internalizing symptoms. Results: Emotional reactivity was associated with co-occurring aggressive symptoms, regardless of the presence of internalizing symptoms or ADHD symptom severity, whereas EF deficits were less likely to occur in children with ADHD and co-occurring internalizing symptoms. Conclusion: The authors’ findings highlight the importance of integrating top-down and bottom-up regulatory measures when studying the multipathway conception of ADHD and its co-occurring problems.
Associations Between Sleep Characteristics, Seasonal Depressive Symptoms, Lifestyle, and ADHD Symptoms in Adults
Authors: Bijlenga Denise , van der Heijden Kristiaan B. , Breuk Minda , van Someren Eus J. W. , Lie Maria E. H. , Boonstra A. Marije , Swaab Hanna J. T. , Kooij J. J. Sandra
Published: December 2011

Objective: The authors explored associations between ADHD symptoms, seasonal depressive symptoms, lifestyle, and health. Method: Adult ADHD patients ( n = 202) and controls ( n = 189) completed the ASESA questionnaire involving lifestyle, eating pattern, and physical and psychological health, and validated measures on ADHD and sleep. ASESA is the Dutch acronym for Inattention, Sleep, Eating pattern, Mood, and General health questionnaire. Results: Indication for delayed sleep phase syndrome (DSPS) was 26% in patients and 2% in controls ( p < .001). Patients reported shorter sleep, longer sleep-onset latency, and later midsleep. Shorter ( R2 = .21) and later ( R2 = .27) sleep were associated with hyperactivity, male gender, younger age, and seasonal depressive symptoms. Seasonal depressive symptoms were related to hyperactivity, female gender, unemployment, and late sleep (pseudo R2 = .28). Higher body mass index (BMI) was associated with shorter sleep in patients (ρ = −.16; p = .04) and controls (ρ = −.17; p = .02). Longer sleep showed lower odds for indication of metabolic syndrome (OR = −0.17; p = .053). Conclusion: DSPS is more prevalent in ADHD and needs further investigation to establish treatment to prevent chronic health issues.
Are engineers religious? An interpretative approach to cross-cultural conflict and collective identities
Authors: Mahadevan Jasmin
Published: December 2011

This article views culture as collective identities from an interpretative, sense-making perspective. It analyses religion-based cross-cultural conflict through the example of two ethnographic studies of multicultural high-tech organizations undergoing change. Specifically, it looks at professional identity and the practice of religion among a diverse group of highly qualified technical employees. The aim is to show when and how difference in religious practice creates cross-cultural conflict. The examples given will be from various nationalities (German, Indian, Iranian) and from various religious practices (Christian, Hindu, Muslim). Based on these findings, a model of how to assess cross-cultural conflict from an interpretative perspective is developed. This article makes two contributions to cross-cultural conflict management. First, it gives an account of how transnational professional identities, external and organizational culture, religious practice and conflict are linked in two specific high-tech work environments. Second, it proposes a model of how to assess cross-cultural conflict in cultural complexity from an emic perspective.
Cultural vulnerability: A narrative approach to intercultural care
Authors: Gunaratnam Yasmin
Published: December 2011

This article uses analysis of focus group discussions with palliative care professionals in the United Kingdom to discuss the value of a stance of cultural vulnerability in intercultural social work. Cultural vulnerability recognizes mutual vulnerabilities in caring relationships. The meanings and potential of cultural vulnerability are explicated through an in-depth case study analysis of a group interview with hospice social workers. Narrative methods are advocated as a resource in supporting practitioners to recognize cultural vulnerability and to work with indeterminacy and difficult emotions. The representation and role of cultural knowledge and racism in social work narratives is given specific attention.
Getting reticent young male participants to talk: Using artefact-mediated interviews to promote discursive interaction
Authors: Bahn Susanne , Barratt-Pugh Llandis
Published: December 2011

During a pilot study that used interviews to collect data from young male apprentices about construction site safety, we were confronted with limited verbal responses. This article is about how we explored this research problem of ameliorating unresponsive interview interactions. The article reviews the options that previous researchers have trialled and developed, and specifically focuses on artefact-mediated interviews conducted with young male participants. We focus on the use of images within artefact-mediated interviews to draw out data from less communicative subjects. Our reflection upon this process proposes that the use of both abstract and concrete images within an artefact-mediated interview can produce diverse and enriched forms of data.
Rights-based narrative research with children and young people conducted over time,
Authors: McNamara Patricia
Published: December 2011

Narrative research conducted over time creates opportunities for the co-creation of knowledge about the lived experience of children and young people as they grow and change. This article revisits two Australian studies with young people confronted by difficult mental health and welfare circumstances who have been successfully engaged in narrative research over substantial periods of time. Rights-based critique of these studies from a collective standpoint of inclusion, participation, empowerment and advocacy illustrates both opportunity and challenge. A set of research principles is distilled from this critique to inform rights-based longitudinal narrative studies with children and young people.
Using feminist leadership to build a performance-based, peer education program
Authors: Christensen M. Candace
Published: December 2011

This article explores the experiences of six college students learning and using feminist leadership techniques for the creation and implementation of a performance-based, peer education, sexual assault prevention program. The program was established and governed through the use of two models for feminist leadership, Visions; Building a Feminist Community and Theatre for Community, Conflict, and Dialogue. Both models emphasize a collaborative leadership style and process, which includes a strengths focus, ethic of care, and modeling responsibility to the group. Data were collected via in-depth interviews, field notes, and written evaluations focusing on the group experience. Data reveal how the creation and implementation of this program impacts students’ engagement with feminist leadership practices and how this shapes them as leaders. Data also illustrate valuable implications for future practice, policy, and research development.
Commitment to care: A grounded theory of informal hospice caregivers’ development as symptom managers
Authors: Washington Karla
Published: December 2011

Individuals receiving home-based hospice services often rely upon family members and friends to serve as informal caregivers responsible for managing the full range of emotional, psychological, spiritual, and physical symptoms. The purpose of this in-depth, grounded theory study was to develop a theoretical model of the processes by which informal hospice caregivers, who often lack formal training, acquire knowledge and skills related to symptom management. Findings indicate that, motivated by a commitment to care, caregivers seek competence in symptom management by learning/doing, consulting with professionals, and personalizing their caregiving approach. The ongoing nature of the development of symptom management knowledge and skills provides multiple opportunities for intervention by hospice social workers and other members of the interdisciplinary team.
Image-Guided Robotic Radiosurgery (CyberKnife) for Pancreatic Insulinoma
Authors: Huscher Cristiano Germano Sigismondo , Mingoli Andrea , Sgarzini Giovanna , Mereu Andrea , Gasperi Maurizio
Published: December 2011

Insulinomas constitute about 25% of endocrine pancreatic tumors. Laparoscopic surgery is the treatment of choice. However, pancreas-related complications rate is very high, even in experienced hands, ranging up to 37%. Alternative procedures such as embolization with trisacryl have not been accepted by the surgical community. Image-guided robotic radiosurgery or stereotactic radiosurgery (CyberKnife) is a minimally invasive procedure delivering large doses of ionizing radiation to a well-defined target. CyberKnife radiosurgery is successfully used in brain cancer, lung cancer, prostate cancer, liver metastases, kidney cancer, and pancreatic cancer. The authors present the first case to their knowledge of a benign functioning insulinoma successfully treated by a CyberKnife technique with a 3-year follow-up.
Twilight of the television idols: Collective memory, network news and the death of Walter Cronkite
Authors: Carlson Matt , Berkowitz Daniel A
Published: December 2011

The death of legendary CBS News anchor Walter Cronkite in 2009 impelled former and present television journalists to revisit both Cronkite as an individual and the journalistic era of the 1960s and 1970s in which he worked. Through a qualitative analysis of television and National Public Radio (NPR) discourse in the four days following Cronkite’s death, this study examines emergent interpretive patterns in the memorializing of the anchor. Beyond a nostalgic return to the past, the death of Walter Cronkite provided the journalistic community with an occasion to discuss the state of television news. By comparing Cronkite and his era with the present, television journalists were able to contrast an era when television news was dominated by only a handful of powerful networks with the fragmented, heterogeneous news environment of the present. As this study demonstrates, collective memory reveals the conflicted state of television journalism through twin narratives of continuity linking a shared past to the present as well as a narrative of decline from an era of mass audiences and cultural power never to be repeated.
Doparies
Authors: Calabretta Raffaele
Published: December 2011

The failings of parties are one of the central problems of contemporary democracies. What can be done to revive citizen participation? In this article, we present a novel party participatory decision-making mechanism named “doparies”. They are procedures that are nationally or locally implemented within and by parties, and permit any voter who declares to be an elector of that party (open doparies) or party members (internal doparies) to vote regarding crucial and controversial decisions during the period between one election and another. Whereas primaries are done before elections for choosing party candidates, doparies are done after elections for making party choices on issues. Doparies represent a bidirectional communication system between voters and representatives, and would retain the advantages of primaries (party–voters relationship) and referenda (debate before the vote), but would limit the excessive personalization of politics focusing on issues and not on people. There are both propositional doparies, allowing citizens to raise problems that are absent from their party political agenda, and consultative ones, allowing parties to hear the true voice of their voters, who, differently from what happens in polls, are informed by debates in party circles. We suggest that doparies are a new combination of deliberative and aggregative processes, and hypothesize that they can counteract parties’ crisis and abstention. Procedures similar to doparies are now part of the Italian Democratic Party statute and prominent national leaders have gathered signatures to organize local consultations. The use of primaries by Italian left-wing parties has had a contagious effect on right-wing ones as well as European ones. The same could happen with doparies.
Expression of BMPRIA on human thymic NK cell precursors: role of BMP signaling in intrathymic NK cell development
Authors: Hidalgo Laura , Martínez Víctor G. , Valencia Jaris , Hernández-López Carmen , Vázquez Miriam N. , Nuñez José R. , Zapata Agustín G. , Sacedón Rosa , Varas Alberto , Vicente Angeles
Published: December 2011

The bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signaling pathway regulates survival, proliferation, and differentiation of several cell types in multiple tissues, including the thymus. Previous reports have shown that BMP signaling negatively regulates T-cell development. Here, we study the subpopulation of early human intrathymic progenitors expressing the type IA BMP receptor (BMPRIA) and provide evidence that CD34+CD1a−BMPRIA+ precursor cells mostly express surface cell markers and transcription factors typically associated with NK cell lineage. These CD34+ cells mostly differentiate into functional CD56+ natural killer (NK) cells when they are cocultured with thymic stromal cells in chimeric human-mouse fetal thymic organ cultures and also in the presence of SCF and IL-15. Moreover, autocrine BMP signaling can promote the differentiation of thymic NK cells by regulating the expression of key transcription factors required for NK cell lineage (eg, Id3 and Nfil3) as well as one of the components of IL-15 receptor, CD122. Subsequently, the resulting population of IL-15–responsive NK cell precursors can be expanded by IL-15, whose action is mediated by BMP signaling during the last steps of thymic NK cell differentiation. Our results strongly suggest that BMPRIA expression identifies human thymic NK cell precursors and that BMP signaling is relevant for NK cell differentiation in the human thymus.
Poor response to second-line kinase inhibitors in chronic myeloid leukemia patients with multiple low-level mutations, irrespective of their resistance profile
Authors: Parker Wendy T. , Ho Musei , Scott Hamish S. , Hughes Timothy P. , Branford Susan
Published: December 2011

Specific imatinib-resistant BCR-ABL1 mutations (Y253H, E255K/V, T315I, F317L, and F359V/C) predict failure of second-line nilotinib or dasatinib therapy in patients with chronic myeloid leukemia; however, such therapy also fails in approximately 40% of patients in the chronic phase of this disease who do not have these resistant mutations. We investigated whether sensitive mutation analysis could identify other poor-risk subgroups. Analysis was performed by direct sequencing and sensitive mass spectrometry on 220 imatinib-resistant patients before they began nilotinib or dasatinib therapy. Patients with resistant mutations by either method (n = 45) were excluded because inferior response was known. Of the remaining 175 patients, 19% had multiple mutations by mass spectrometry versus 9% by sequencing. Compared with 0 or 1 mutation, the presence of multiple mutations was associated with lower rates of complete cytogenetic response (50% vs 21%, P = .003) and major molecular response (31% vs 6%, P = .005) and a higher rate of new resistant mutations (25% vs 56%, P = .0009). Sensitive mutation analysis identified a poor-risk subgroup (15.5% of all patients) with multiple mutations not identified by standard screening.
How I treat childhood CML
Authors: Andolina Jeffrey R. , Neudorf Steven M. , Corey Seth J.
Published: December 2011

Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) is composed of 3% of pediatric leukemias, making evidence-based recommendations difficult. Imatinib has revolutionized the treatment for adult CML by eliminating allogeneic stem cell transplantation for almost all patients in chronic phase. Shown effective in pediatric CML, imatinib and successive tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI) have provided more therapeutic options. Because stem cell transplantation has been better tolerated in children and adolescents, the decision to treat by either TKI or transplantation is controversial. We present a recent case of a 12-month-old boy diagnosed with BCR-ABL+ CML to highlight the controversies in treatment recommendations. We review the pediatric stem cell transplantation outcomes as well as the pediatric experience with imatinib and other TKIs. Finally, we compare the side effects as well as costs associated with allogeneic stem cell transplantation versus TKI therapy. We recommend that frontline therapy for pediatric CML in chronic phase is TKI therapy without transplantation. Patients in accelerated or blast crisis or who fail to reach landmarks on TKIs either because of intolerance or resistance should pursue stem cell transplantation. Although we recommend adopting adult clinical experience to guide therapeutic decision making, the issues of infant CML, drug formulation, pharmacokinetics, and adolescent compliance merit clinical investigation.
Gene expression profiles predictive of outcome and age in infant acute lymphoblastic leukemia: a Children's Oncology Group study
Authors: Kang Huining , Wilson Carla S. , Harvey Richard C. , Chen I.-Ming , Murphy Maurice H. , Atlas Susan R. , Bedrick Edward J. , Devidas Meenakshi , Carroll Andrew J. , Robinson Blaine W. , Stam Ronald W. , Valsecchi Maria G. , Pieters Rob , Heerema Nyla A. , Hilden Joanne M. , Felix Carolyn A. , Reaman Gregory H. , Camitta Bruce , Winick Naomi , Carroll William L. , Dreyer ZoAnn E. , Hunger Stephen P. , Willman Cheryl L.
Published: December 2011

Gene expression profiling was performed on 97 cases of infant ALL from Children's Oncology Group Trial P9407. Statistical modeling of an outcome predictor revealed 3 genes highly predictive of event-free survival (EFS), beyond age and MLL status: FLT3, IRX2, and TACC2. Low FLT3 expression was found in a group of infants with excellent outcome (n = 11; 5-year EFS of 100%), whereas differential expression of IRX2 and TACC2 partitioned the remaining infants into 2 groups with significantly different survivals (5-year EFS of 16% vs 64%; P < .001). When infants with MLL-AFF1 were analyzed separately, a 7-gene classifier was developed that split them into 2 distinct groups with significantly different outcomes (5-year EFS of 20% vs 65%; P < .001). In this classifier, elevated expression of NEGR1 was associated with better EFS, whereas IRX2, EPS8, and TPD52 expression were correlated with worse outcome. This classifier also predicted EFS in an independent infant ALL cohort from the Interfant-99 trial. When evaluating expression profiles as a continuous variable relative to patient age, we further identified striking differences in profiles in infants less than or equal to 90 days of age and those more than 90 days of age. These age-related patterns suggest different mechanisms of leukemogenesis and may underlie the differential outcomes historically seen in these age groups.
Fork head transcription factor is required for ovarian mature in the brown planthopper, Nilaparvata lugens (Stål)
Authors: Dong Xiaolin , Zhai Yifan , Zhang Jianqing , Sun Zhongxiang , Chen Jing , Chen Jie , Zhang Wenqing
Published: December 2011

Background

The brown planthopper (BPH),Nilaparvata lugens, is the most devastating rice pest in many areas throughout Asia. The reproductive system of femaleN. lugensconsists of a pair of ovaries with 24-33 ovarioles per ovary in most individuals which determine its fecundity. The fork head (Fox) is a transcriptional regulatory molecule, which regulates and controls many physiological processes in eukaryotes. The Fox family has several subclasses and members, and several Fox factors have been reported to be involved in regulating fecundity.

Results

We have cloned a fork head gene inN. lugens. The full-length cDNA ofNlFoxA is 1789 bp and has an open reading frame of 1143 bp, encoding a protein of 380 amino acids. Quantitative real-time PCR (RT-qPCR) and Reverse Transcription- PCR (RT-PCR) analysis revealed thatNlFoxAmRNA was mainly expressed in the fat body, midgut, cuticle and Malpighian tube, and was expressed continuously with little change during all the developmental stages.NlFoxA belongs to the FoxA subfamily of the Fox transcription factors. Knockdown ofNlFoxAexpression by RNAi using artificial diet containing double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) significantly decreased the number of offspring and impacted the development of ovaries. ELISA and Western blot analyses showed that feeding-based RNAi ofNlFoxAgene also resulted in decreased expression of vitellogenin (Vg) protein.

Conclusion

NlFoxA plays an important role in regulation of fecundity and development of ovaries in the BPH via regulating vitellogenin expression.
Targeting condom distribution at high risk places increases condom utilization-evidence from an intervention study in Livingstone, Zambia
Authors: Sandøy Ingvild Fossgard , Zyaambo Cosmas , Michelo Charles , Fylkesnes Knut
Published: January 2012

Background

The PLACE-method presumes that targeting HIV preventive activities at high risk places is effective in settings with major epidemics. Livingstone, Zambia, has a major HIV epidemic despite many preventive efforts in the city. A baseline survey conducted in 2005 in places where people meet new sexual partners found high partner turnover and unprotected sex to be common among guests. In addition, there were major gaps in on-site condom availability. This study aimed to assess the impact of a condom distribution and peer education intervention targeting places where people meet new sexual partners on condom use and sexual risk taking among people socializing there.

Methods

The 2005 baseline survey assessed the presence of HIV preventive activities and sexual risk taking in places where people meet new sexual partners in Livingstone. One township was selected for a non-randomised intervention study on condom distribution and peer education in high risk venues in 2009. The presence of HIV preventive activities in the venues during the intervention was monitored by an external person. The intervention was evaluated after one year with a follow-up survey in the intervention township and a comparison township. In addition, qualitative interviews and focus group discussions were conducted.

Results

Young people between 17-32 years of age were recruited as peer educators, and 40% were females. Out of 72 persons trained before the intervention, 38 quit, and another 11 had to be recruited. The percentage of venues where condoms were reported to always be available at least doubled in both townships, but was significantly higher in the intervention vs. the control venues in both surveys (84% vs. 33% in the follow-up). There was a reduction in reported sexual risk taking among guests socializing in the venues in both areas, but reporting of recent condom use increased more among people interviewed in the intervention (57% to 84%) than in the control community (55% to 68%).

Conclusions

It is likely that the substantial increase in reported condom use in the intervention venues was partially due to the condom distribution and peer education intervention targeting these places. However, substantial changes were observed also in the comparison community over the five year period, and this indicates that major changes had occurred in overall risk taking among people socializing in venues where people meet new sexual partners in Livingstone.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01423357.
Estrogen receptor alpha deletion enhances the metastatic phenotype of Ron overexpressing mammary tumors in mice
Authors: Marshall Aaron M , McClaine Rebecca J , Gurusamy Devikala , Gray Jerilyn K , Lewnard Kara E , Khan Sohaib A , Waltz Susan E
Published: January 2012

Background

The receptor tyrosine kinase family includes many transmembrane proteins with diverse physiological and pathophysiological functions. The involvement of tyrosine kinase signaling in promoting a more aggressive tumor phenotype within the context of chemotherapeutic evasion is gaining recognition. The Ron receptor is a tyrosine kinase receptor that has been implicated in the progression of breast cancer and evasion of tamoxifen therapy.

Results

Here, we report that Ron expression is correlated within situ, estrogen receptor alpha (ERα)-positive tumors, and is higher in breast tumors following neoadjuvant tamoxifen therapy. We also demonstrate that the majority of mammary tumors isolated from transgenic mice with mammary specific-Ron overexpression (MMTV-Ron mice), exhibit appreciable ER expression. Moreover, genetic-ablation of ERα, in the context of Ron overexpression, leads to delayed mammary tumor initiation and growth, but also results in an increased metastasis.

Conclusions

Ron receptor overexpression is associated with ERα-positive human and murine breast tumors. In addition, loss of ERα on a Ron overexpressing background in mice leads to the development of breast tumors which grow slower but which exhibit more metastasis and suggests that targeting of ERα, as in the case of tamoxifen therapy, may reduce the growth of Ron overexpressing breast cancers but may cause these tumors to be more metastatic.
Sex-specific association of rs16996148 SNP in the NCAN/CILP2/PBX4 and serum lipid levels in the Mulao and Han populations
Authors: Yan Ting-Ting , Yin Rui-Xing , Li Qing , Huang Ping , Zeng Xiao-Na , Huang Ke-Ke , Aung Lynn Htet Htet , Wu Dong-Feng , Liu Cheng-Wu , Pan Shang-Ling
Published: December 2011

Background

The association of rs16996148 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in NCAN/CILP2/PBX4 and serum lipid levels is inconsistent. Furthermore, little is known about the association of rs16996148 SNP and serum lipid levels in the Chinese population. We therefore aimed to detect the association of rs16996148 SNP and several environmental factors with serum lipid levels in the Guangxi Mulao and Han populations.

Method

A total of 712 subjects of Mulao nationality and 736 participants of Han nationality were randomly selected from our stratified randomized cluster samples. Genotyping of the rs16996148 SNP was performed by polymerase chain reaction and restriction fragment length polymorphism combined with gel electrophoresis, and then confirmed by direct sequencing.

Results

The levels of apolipoprotein (Apo) B were higher in Mulao than in Han (P < 0.001). The frequencies of G and T alleles were 87.2% and 12.8% in Mulao, and 89.9% and 10.1% in Han (P < 0.05); respectively. The frequencies of GG, GT and TT genotypes were 76.0%, 22.5% and 1.5% in Mulao, and 81.2%, 17.4% and 1.4% in Han (P < 0.05); respectively. There were no significant differences in the genotypic and allelic frequencies between males and females in both ethnic groups. The levels of HDL-C, ApoAI, and the ratio of ApoAI to ApoB in Mulao were different between the GG and GT/TT genotypes in males but not in females (P < 0.01 for all), the subjects with GT/TT genotypes had higher serum levels of HDL-C, ApoAI, and the ratio of ApoAI to ApoB than the subjects with GG genotype. The levels of TC, TG, LDL-C, ApoAI, and ApoB in Han were different between the GG and GT/TT genotypes in males but not in females (P < 0.05-0.001), the T allele carriers had higher serum levels of TC, TG, LDL-C, ApoAI, and ApoB than the T allele noncarriers. The levels of HDL-C, ApoAI, and the ratio of ApoAI to ApoB in Mulao were correlated with the genotypes in males (P < 0.05-0.01) but not in females. The levels of TC, TG, HDL-C, LDL-C, ApoAI and ApoB in Han were associated with the genotypes in males (P < 0.05-0.001) but not in females. Serum lipid parameters were also correlated with several enviromental factors in both ethnic groups (P < 0.05-0.001).

Conclusions

The genotypic and allelic frequencies of rs16996148 SNP and the associations of the SNP and serum lipid levels are different in the Mulao and Han populations. Sex (male)-specific association of rs16996148 SNP in the NCAN/CILP2/PBX4 and serum lipid levels is also observed in the both ethnic groups.
Effect of the Cannabinoid Receptor-1 antagonist SR141716A on human adipocyte inflammatory profile and differentiation
Authors: Murumalla Ravi , Bencharif Karima , Gence Lydie , Bhattacharya Amritendu , Tallet Frank , Gonthier Marie-Paule , Petrosino Stefania , di Marzo Vincenzo , Cesari Maya , Hoareau Laurence , Roche Régis
Published: January 2012

Background

Obesity is characterized by inflammation, caused by increase in proinflammatory cytokines, a key factor for the development of insulin resistance. SR141716A, a cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1) antagonist, shows significant improvement in clinical status of obese/diabetic patients. Therefore, we studied the effect of SR141716A on human adipocyte inflammatory profile and differentiation.

Methods

Adipocytes were obtained from liposuction. Stromal vascular cells were extracted and differentiated into adipocytes. Media and cells were collected for secretory (ELISA) and expression analysis (qPCR). Triglyceride accumulation was observed using oil red-O staining. Cholesterol was assayed by a fluorometric method. 2-AG and anandamide were quantified using isotope dilution LC-MS. TLR-binding experiments have been conducted in HEK-Blue cells.

Results

In LPS-treated mature adipocytes, SR141716A was able to decrease the expression and secretion of TNF-a. This molecule has the same effect in LPS-induced IL-6 secretion, while IL-6 expression is not changed. Concerning MCP-1, the basal level is down-regulated by SR141716A, but not the LPS-induced level. This effect is not caused by a binding of the molecule to TLR4 (LPS receptor). Moreover, SR141716A restored adiponectin secretion to normal levels after LPS treatment. Lastly, no effect of SR141716A was detected on human pre-adipocyte differentiation, although the compound enhanced adiponectin gene expression, but not secretion, in differentiated pre-adipocytes.

Conclusion

We show for the first time that some clinical effects of SR141716A are probably directly related to its anti-inflammatory effect on mature adipocytes. This fact reinforces that adipose tissue is an important target in the development of tools to treat the metabolic syndrome.
Catalytic pyrolysis of waste rice husk over mesoporous materials
Authors: Jeon Mi-Jin , Kim Seung-Soo , Jeon Jong-Ki , Park Sung Hoon , Kim Ji Man , Sohn Jung Min , Lee See-Hoon , Park Young-Kwon
Published: January 2012

Catalytic fast pyrolysis of waste rice husk was carried out using pyrolysis-gas chromatography/mass spectrometry [Py-GC/MS]. Meso-MFI zeolite [Meso-MFI] was used as the catalyst. In addition, a 0.5-wt.% platinum [Pt] was ion-exchanged into Meso-MFI to examine the effect of Pt addition. Using a catalytic upgrading method, the activities of the catalysts were evaluated in terms of product composition and deoxygenation. The structure and acid site characteristics of the catalysts were analyzed by Brunauer-Emmett-Teller surface area measurement and NH3 temperature-programmed desorption analysis. Catalytic upgrading reduced the amount of oxygenates in the product vapor due to the cracking reaction of the catalysts. Levoglucosan, a polymeric oxygenate species, was completely decomposed without being detected. While the amount of heavy phenols was reduced by catalytic upgrading, the amount of light phenols was increased because of the catalytic cracking of heavy phenols into light phenols and aromatics. The amount of aromatics increased remarkably as a result of catalytic upgrading, which is attributed to the strong Brönsted acid sites and the shape selectivity of the Meso-MFI catalyst. The addition of Pt made the Meso-MFI catalyst even more active in deoxygenation and in the production of aromatics.
Composition and crystalline properties of TiNi thin films prepared by pulsed laser deposition under vacuum and in ambient Ar gas
Authors: Cha Jeong Ok , Nam Tae Hyun , Alghusun Mohammad , Ahn Jeung Sun
Published: January 2012

TiNi shape memory alloy thin films were deposited using the pulsed laser deposition under vacuum and in an ambient Ar gas. Our main purpose is to investigate the influences of ambient Ar gas on the composition and the crystallization temperature of TiNi thin films. The deposited films were characterized by energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometry, a surface profiler, and X-ray diffraction at room temperature. In the case of TiNi thin films deposited in an ambient Ar gas, the compositions of the films were found to be very close to the composition of target when the substrate was placed at the shock front. The in-situ crystallization temperature (ca. 400°C) of the TiNi film prepared at the shock front in an ambient Ar gas was found to be lowered by ca. 100°C in comparison with that of a TiNi film prepared under vacuum.
Effect of complexing agents on the electrochemical performance of LiFePO4/C prepared by sol-gel method
Authors: Yang Rong , Kang Erwei , Jiang Bailing , Ahn Jou-Hyeon
Published: January 2012

LiFePO4/C is synthesized via sol-gel method using Fe3+ as iron sources and different complexing agents, followed by sintering at high temperature for crystallization. The amount of carbon in these composites is less than 6.8 wt.%, and the X-ray diffraction experiment confirms that all samples are pure single phase indexed with the orthorhombic Pnma space group. The particle size of the LiFePO4/C synthesized by acetic acid as a complexing agent is very fine with a size of 200 nm. The electrochemical performance of this material, including reversible capacity, cycle number, and charge-discharge characteristics, is better than those of LiFePO4/C synthesized by other complexing agents. The cell of this sample can deliver a discharge capacity of 161.1 mAh g-1 at the first cycle. After 30 cycles, the capacity decreases to 157.5 mAh g-1, and the capacity fading rate is 2.2%. The mechanism is studied to explain the effect of a complexing agent on the synthesis of LiFePO4/C by sol-gel method. The results show that the complexing agent with a low stability constant may be proper for the synthetic process of LiFePO4/C via sol-gel method.
Performance characteristics of polymer photovoltaic solar cells with an additive-incorporated active layer
Authors: Kim Hyomin , Ok Sunseong , Chae Hyunhee , Choe Youngson
Published: January 2012

We have investigated the performance characteristics of bulk-heterojunction polymer solar cells based on poly(3-hexylthiophene-2,5-diyl) and [6,6]-phenyl C61 butyric acid methyl ester by adding 1,8-octanedithiol as a processing agent in an active layer. The effects of the additive, 1,8-octanedithiol, on the device performance parameter characteristics have been discussed. The current density-voltage measurements, UV-Vis absorption spectra, X-ray diffraction spectra, and scanning probe microscope images have been used to discuss the performance characteristics of polymer solar cells.
Wet-chemistry processing of powdery raw material for high-tech ceramics
Authors: Trusova Elena A , Vokhmintcev Kirill V , Zagainov Igor V
Published: January 2012

The purpose of this study was to develop wet-chemistry approaches for the synthesis of ultradispersed and mesoporous metal oxide powders and powdery composites intended for usage in the production of ceramic materials with desired properties. The focus is on the development of template synthesis of mesoporous metal silicates as well as obtaining nano- and subnanopowders by a modified sol-gel technique and template methods. Families of mesoporous (2 to 300 nm) metal silicates and nano-oxides and subnanopowders (4 to 300 nm) were synthesized by the template method and modified sol-gel technique, respectively. Texture and morphology of the obtained objects have been studied by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, Brunauer-Emmett-Teller analysis, and N2 adsorption-desorption. It was found that morphological parameters of the metal oxide obtained by the modified sol-gel technique depend nonlinearly on the initial molar ratio value of the sol stabilizer and metal in the reaction medium as well as the nature of the stabilizer. It has been shown that the nature of structure-directing components determines the morphology of the silicate obtained by the template method: dispersion and shape of its particles. The developed laboratory technology corresponds to the conception of soft chemistry and may be adapted to the manufacture of ultradispersed materials for catalysis, solar cells, fuel cells, semiconductors, sensors, low-sized electronic devices of new generation, etc.
LiNi0.4Co0.3Mn0.3O2 thin film electrode by aerosol deposition
Authors: Kim Icpyo , Nam Tae-Hyun , Kim Ki-Won , Ahn Jou-Hyeon , Park Dong-Soo , Ahn Cheolwoo , Chun Byong Sun , Wang Guoxiu , Ahn Hyo-Jun
Published: January 2012

LiNi0.4Co0.3Mn0.3O2 thin film electrodes are fabricated from LiNi0.4Co0.3Mn0.3O2 raw powder at room temperature without pretreatments using aerosol deposition that is much faster and easier than conventional methods such as vaporization, pulsed laser deposition, and sputtering. The LiNi0.4Co0.3Mn0.3O2 thin film is composed of fine grains maintaining the crystal structure of the LiNi0.4Co0.3Mn0.3O2 raw powder. In the cyclic voltammogram, the LiNi0.4Co0.3Mn0.3O2 thin film electrode shows a 3.9-V anodic peak and a 3.6-V cathodic peak. The initial discharge capacity is 44.6 μAh/cm2, and reversible behavior is observed in charge-discharge profiles. Based on the results, the aerosol deposition method is believed to be a potential candidate for the fabrication of thin film electrodes.
A novel SNP in COMT is associated with alcohol dependence but not opiate or nicotine dependence: a case control study
Authors: Voisey Joanne , Swagell Christopher D , Hughes Ian P , Lawford Bruce R , Young Ross MD , Morris C Phillip
Published: December 2011

Background

It is well established that COMT is a strong candidate gene for substance use disorder and schizophrenia. Recently we identified two SNPs in COMT (rs4680 and rs165774) that are associated with schizophrenia in an Australian cohort. Individuals with schizophrenia were more than twice as likely to carry the GG genotype compared to the AA genotype for both the rs165774 and rs4680 SNPs. Association of both rs4680 and rs165774 with substance dependence, a common comorbidity of schizophrenia has not been investigated.

Methods

To determine whether COMT is important in substance dependence, rs165774 and rs4680 were genotyped and haplotyped in patients with nicotine, alcohol and opiate dependence.

Results

The rs165774 SNP was associated with alcohol dependence. However, it was not associated with nicotine or opiate dependence. Individuals with alcohol dependence were more than twice as likely to carry the GG or AG genotypes compared to the AA genotype, indicating a dominant mode of inheritance. The rs4680 SNP showed a weak association with alcohol dependence at the allele level that did not reach significance at the genotype level but it was not associated with nicotine or opiate dependence. Analysis of rs165774/rs4680 haplotypes also revealed association with alcohol dependence with the G/G haplotype being almost 1.5 times more common in alcohol-dependent cases.

Conclusions

Our study provides further support for the importance of the COMT in alcohol dependence in addition to schizophrenia. It is possible that the rs165774 SNP, in combination with rs4680, results in a common molecular variant of COMT that contributes to schizophrenia and alcohol dependence susceptibility. This is potentially important for future studies of comorbidity. As our participant numbers are limited our observations should be viewed with caution until they are independently replicated.
Systems analysis of the transcriptional response of human ileocecal epithelial cells to Clostridium difficile toxins and effects on cell cycle control
Authors: D'Auria Kevin M , Donato Gina M , Gray Mary C , Kolling Glynis L , Warren Cirle A , Cave Lauren M , Solga Michael D , Lannigan Joanne A , Papin Jason A , Hewlett Erik L
Published: January 2012

Background

Toxins A and B (TcdA and TcdB) are Clostridium difficile's principal virulence factors, yet the pathways by which they lead to inflammation and severe diarrhea remain unclear. Also, the relative role of either toxin during infection and the differences in their effects across cell lines is still poorly understood. To better understand their effects in a susceptible cell line, we analyzed the transciptome-wide gene expression response of human ileocecal epithelial cells (HCT-8) after 2, 6, and 24 hr of toxin exposure.

Results

We show that toxins elicit very similar changes in the gene expression of HCT-8 cells, with the TcdB response occurring sooner. The high similarity suggests differences between toxins are due to events beyond transcription of a single cell-type and that their relative potencies during infection may depend on differential effects across cell types within the intestine. We next performed an enrichment analysis to determine biological functions associated with changes in transcription. Differentially expressed genes were associated with response to external stimuli and apoptotic mechanisms and, at 24 hr, were predominately associated with cell-cycle control and DNA replication. To validate our systems approach, we subsequently verified a novel G1/S and known G2/M cell-cycle block and increased apoptosis as predicted from our enrichment analysis.

Conclusions

This study shows a successful example of a workflow deriving novel biological insight from transcriptome-wide gene expression. Importantly, we do not find any significant difference between TcdA and TcdB besides potency or kinetics. The role of each toxin in the inhibition of cell growth and proliferation, an important function of cells in the intestinal epithelium, is characterized.