bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Detailed analysis of immunologic effects of the cytotoxic T lymphocyte-associated antigen 4-blocking monoclonal antibody tremelimumab in peripheral blood of patients with melanoma
Authors: Comin-Anduix Begoña , Lee Yohan , Jalil Jason , Algazi Alain , de la Rocha Pilar , Camacho Luis H , Bozon Viviana A , Bulanhagui Cecile A , Seja Elisabeth , Villanueva Arturo , Straatsma Bradley R , Gualberto Antonio , Economou James S , Glaspy John A , Gomez-Navarro Jesus , Ribas Antoni
Published: June 2008

Background

CTLA4-blocking antibodies induce tumor regression in a subset of patients with melanoma. Analysis of immune parameters in peripheral blood may help define how responses are mediated.

Methods

Peripheral blood from HLA-A*0201-positive patients with advanced melanoma receiving tremelimumab (formerly CP-675,206) at 10 mg/kg monthly was repeatedly sampled during the first 4 cycles. Samples were analyzed by 1) tetramer and ELISPOT assays for reactivity to CMV, EBV, MART1, gp100, and tyrosinase; 2) activation HLA-DR and memory CD45RO markers on CD4+/CD8+ cells; and 3) real-time quantitative PCR of mRNA for FoxP3 transcription factor, preferentially expressed by T regulatory cells. The primary endpoint was difference in MART1-specific T cells by tetramer assay. Immunological data were explored for significant trends using clustering analysis.

Results

Three of 12 patients eligible for immune monitoring had tumor regression lasting > 2 years without relapse. There was no significant change in percent of MART1-specific T cells by tetramer assay. Additionally, there was no generalized trend toward postdosing changes in other antigen-specific CD8+ cell populations, FoxP3 transcripts, or overall changes in surface expression of T-cell activation or memory markers. Unsupervised hierarchical clustering based on immune monitoring data segregated patients randomly. However, clustering according to T-cell activation or memory markers separated patients with clinical response and most patients with inflammatory toxicity into a common subgroup.

Conclusion

Administration of CTLA4-blocking antibody tremelimumab to patients with advanced melanoma results in a subset of patients with long-lived tumor responses. T-cell activation and memory markers served as the only readout of the pharmacodynamic effects of this antibody in peripheral blood.

Clinical trial registration number

NCT00086489
A mouse plasma peptide atlas as a resource for disease proteomics
Authors: Zhang Qing , Menon Rajasree , Deutsch Eric W , Pitteri Sharon J , Faca Vitor M , Wang Hong , Newcomb Lisa F , DePinho Ronald A , Bardeesy Nabeel , Dinulescu Daniela , Hung Kenneth E , Kucherlapati Raju , Jacks Tyler , Politi Katerina , Aebersold Ruedi , Omenn Gilbert S , States David J , Hanash Samir M
Published: June 2008

We present an in-depth analysis of mouse plasma leading to the development of a publicly available repository composed of 568 liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry runs. A total of 13,779 distinct peptides have been identified with high confidence. The corresponding approximately 3,000 proteins are estimated to span a 7 logarithmic range of abundance in plasma. A major finding from this study is the identification of novel isoforms and transcript variants not previously predicted from genome analysis.
Laminin isoforms of lymph nodes and predominant role of α5-laminin(s) in adhesion and migration of blood lymphocytes
Authors: Gorfu Gezahegn , Virtanen Ismo , Hukkanen Mika , Lehto Veli-Pekka , Rousselle Patricia , Kenne Ellinor , Lindbom Lennart , Kramer Randall , Tryggvason Karl , Patarroyo Manuel
Published: June 2008

During extravasation and within lymph nodes (LNs), blood lymphocytes interact with laminins (Lms), major components of vascular basement membranes (BMs) and of reticular fibers (RFs), a fibrillar extracellular matrix. However, the identity and role of these laminin isoform(s) are poorly known. By using confocal microscopy examination of human LNs, we show that BMs of high endothelial venules (HEVs) express laminin α3, α4, α5, β1, β2, and γ1 chains and that the same chains, in addition to α2, are found in RFs. In functional studies with laminin isoforms covering all Lm α chains, α5-laminin (Lm-511) was the most adhesion- and migration-promoting isoform for human blood lymphocytes, followed by α3- (Lm-332) and α4- (Lm-411) laminins, and the lymphocytes used the α6β1 integrin as the primary receptor for the α5-laminin. Moreover, Lm-511 strongly costimulated T cell proliferation, and blood lymphocytes were able to secrete α4- and α5-laminins following stimulation. The LN cell number in laminin α4-deficient mice compared with wild-type did not differ significantly. This study demonstrates a predominant role for α5-laminin(s) in blood lymphocyte biology and identifies LN laminins and their integrin receptors in blood lymphocytes.
The multiple roles of PtdIns(4)P – not just the precursor of PtdIns(4,5)P2
Authors: D'Angelo Giovanni , Vicinanza Mariella , Di Campli Antonella , De Matteis Maria Antonietta
Published: June 2008

The phosphoinositides (PIs) are membrane phospholipids that actively operate at membrane-cytosol interfaces through the recruitment of a number of effector proteins. In this context, each of the seven different PI species represents a topological determinant that can establish the nature and the function of the membrane where it is located. Phosphatidylinositol 4-phosphate (PtdIns(4)P) is the most abundant of the monophosphorylated inositol phospholipids in mammalian cells, and it is produced by D-4 phosphorylation of the inositol ring of PtdIns. PtdIns(4)P can be further phosphorylated to PtdIns(4,5)P2 by PtdIns(4)P 5-kinases and, indeed, PtdIns(4)P has for many years been considered to be just the precursor of PtdIns(4,5)P2. Over the last decade, however, a large body of evidence has accumulated that shows that PtdIns(4)P is, in its own right, a direct regulator of important cell functions. The subcellular localisation of the PtdIns(4)P effectors initially led to the assumption that the bulk of this lipid is present in the membranes of the Golgi complex. However, the existence and physiological relevance of `non-Golgi pools' of PtdIns(4)P have now begun to be addressed. The aim of this Commentary is to describe our present knowledge of PtdIns(4)P metabolism and the molecular machineries that are directly regulated by PtdIns(4)P within and outside of the Golgi complex.
An analysis of building energy performances and benefits using solar façades
Authors: Li D H W , Lam T N T
Published: June 2008

Solar energy conversion systems and daylighting schemes are recognized as important strategies to generate clean energy, reduce peak electrical and cooling demands, and save overall building electricity expenditures. A solar façade is a building component generating electricity via photovoltaic (PV) modules and allowing daylight entering into the interior spaces to reduce electric lighting use. A key design issue for such façades is determining the overall energy benefits. The work for estimating building energy performances and savings using these building components is presented. The computer simulation tool, EnergyPlus, was used to demonstrate the likely electricity generation and saving, peak air-conditioning load, and electrical demand reductions for the façades with various window and PV panel areas. The weather database in 1989 was employed for the analysis. Important features for daylighting schemes and implications for building integrated photovoltaic designs were highlighted and elaborated. The environmental benefits and cost indications were also considered. The findings showed that proper solar façade designs could significantly contribute to environmental, energy, and economic aspects.
The extractable power from a channel linking a bay to the open ocean
Authors: Blanchfield J , Garrett C , Wild P , Rowe A
Published: June 2008

Interest in the power potential of tidal streams is growing worldwide. While the latest assessment for Canadian coastlines estimates a resource of approximately 42 GW, these results are based on the average kinetic energy flux through the channel. It has been shown, however, that this method cannot be used to obtain the maximum extractable power for electricity generation. This work presents an updated theory for the extractable power from a tidal stream in a channel linking a bay to the open ocean. The maximum average extractable power from a channel linking a bay to the open ocean may be estimated, within approximately 15 per cent, as 0.22ρ gaQ0, where a is the amplitude of the dominant tidal constituent in the open ocean and Q0 is the maximum volumetric flowrate in the undisturbed state.
Multi-zone diesel fuel spray combustion model for the simulation of a diesel engine running on biofuel
Authors: Kuleshov A , Mahkamov K
Published: June 2008

A mathematical model for the calculation of the multi-zone diesel fuel spray combustion process in compression ignition engines is refined in order to expand its capability to describe the operation of diesel engines running on different bio-fuel blends. As an illustration of the capacity of the proposed model to accurately describe the working process numerical simulations of a Caterpillar diesel engine operating on diesel oil and different soybean methyl ester (SME) blends are presented in this paper. A comparison of these theoretical results with published experimental data for the SME 20 and 40 per cent blends shows good agreement. As the proposed model provides a fairly accurate prediction of the heat release rate during the combustion process and the levels of NO x and PM emission formations the model may be used for the optimisation of the engine's design and its working process parameters.
Efficacy and Safety of Darusentan: A Novel Endothelin Receptor Antagonist
Authors: Epstein Benjamin J
Published: June 2008

Objective:

To summarize the role of the endothelin system (ETS) in cardiovascular disease (CVD) and evaluate the potential usefulness of darusentan, a selective endothelin type A (ETA) receptor antagonist, in the treatment of hypertension and chronic heart failure (CHF).

Data Sources:

A literature search was conducted in MEDLINE (1966–February 2008), International Pharmaceutical Abstracts (1970–February 2008), and EMBASE (1990–February 2008) using the search terms endothelin, darusentan, LU 135252, hypertension, and heart failure.

Study Selection and Data Extraction:

Studies evaluating the role of the ETS in CVD and the pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, safety, and efficacy of darusentan for the treatment of hypertension and CHF were included.

Data Synthesis:

Darusentan represents a novel treatment strategy for patients with resistant hypertension. Its safety and efficacy have been evaluated in the treatment of hypertension and CHF. Darusentan selectively blocks the ETAreceptor, promoting vasodilatation and preventing several proliferative and inflammatory processes, while promoting the actions of the ETB receptor. Studies in patients with stage 2 or resistant hypertension concluded that darusentan safety and effectively lowers blood pressure. Darusentan's unique mechanism of action, dose-dependent blood pressure–lowering profile, once-daily dosing regimen, and sustained 24-hour blood pressure–towering effect are valuable features. Darusentan is well tolerated, with only peripheral edema, headache, and nasal symptoms being reported more frequently than with placebo. Endothelin receptor antagonists, Including darusentan, have been associated with a decrease in hemoglobin and hematocrit and are teratogens. Darusentan does not appear to cause hepatotoxicity. Additional studies in CHF are warranted to assess the safety and efficacy of darusentan, especially given its association with peripheral edema and decreased red blood cell count.

Conclusions:

Given the important role of the ETS in hypertension and available data with darusentan, selective antagonism of the ETA receptor represents a promising approach to managing resistant hypertension. Darusentan's role will be more clearly elucidated by ongoing Phase 3 studies.
Lost in the Mystery of God: Childhood in the History of Christian Spirituality
Authors: Paulsell Stephanie
Published: June 2008

At the heart of much scholarship on religion, there is a child hiding, however unacknowledged. How might scholars of Christian spirituality contribute to a theological account of childhood that resists the tendency to essentialize? How might we take seriously children’s experience in all its complexity and uncontrollability? This essay finds in Augustine a way of understanding theological reflection on childhood as a spiritual practice that can only be appropriated through attention to the specificity of childhood experience. Our childhoods, according to Augustine, are lost in the mystery of God. For him, our struggle to understand childhood cannot be uncoupled from our search for God.
Prolonged interleukin-6 administration enhances glucose tolerance and increases skeletal muscle PPARα and UCP2 expression in rats
Authors: Holmes Anna G , Mesa Jose L , Neill Bronwyn A , Chung Jason , Carey Andrew L , Steinberg Gregory R , Kemp Bruce E , Southgate Robert J , Lancaster Graeme I , Bruce Clinton R , Watt Matthew J , Febbraio Mark A
Published: June 2008

Chronic elevations in interleukin (IL)-6 have been associated with insulin resistance, but acute IL-6 administration can enhance insulin sensitivity. Our aim was to exogenously administer IL-6 to rats to elicit either chronic or repeated acute elevations in systemic IL-6. We hypothesized that a continuous elevation of IL-6 would inhibit glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity while acute intermittent elevations would improve it. Male Wistar rats were treated for 14d with recombinant human IL-6 (2.4 μg/day) or saline administered either by miniosmotic pump (continuous IL-6) or via twice-daily injection (intermittent IL-6). Glucose and insulin tolerance tests were performed following 14-d treatment and 24 h later rats were administered a bolus of insulin (150 mU/g) or saline intraperitoneally. Approximately, 10 min after insulin injection soleus, gastrocnemius and liver were excised and rapidly frozen in liquid nitrogen for subsequent metabolic measures. Irrespective of the mode of delivery, IL-6 treatment increased basal insulin sensitivity, as measured by the homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance, and enhanced glucose clearance during an i.p. glucose tolerance test. IL-6 increased circulating fatty acids, but did not increase triglyceride accumulation in either skeletal muscle or liver, while it increased the protein expression of both PPARα and UCP2 in skeletal muscle, suggesting that IL-6 can enhance fat oxidation via mitochondrial uncoupling. These data demonstrate that, irrespective of the mode of delivery, IL-6 administration over 2 weeks enhances glucose tolerance. Our results do not support the notion that prolonged chronically elevated IL-6 impairs insulin action in vivo.
Adenosine Triphosphate Production by Bovine Spermatozoa and Its Relationship to Semen Fertilizing Ability
Authors: Garrett Louise J. A. , Revell Stuart G. , Leese Henry J.
Published: June 2008

ABSTRACT: This article's objectives are to investigate the relationship between adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production (oxidative phosphorylation and glycolysis) and fertility of bovine spermatozoa, determine the proportion of oxygen consumption devoted to proton leak and that due to nonmitochondrial processes, and discover whether freeze/thawing affects sperm oxygen consumption. Oxygen consumption of bovine spermatozoa was measured using a standard Clark electrode and, for the first time, in an Oxygen Biosensor System (OBS). Total ATP formation by bovine spermatozoa was calculated from the oxygen consumption and lactate production (glycolysis) by the same spermatozoa sample. ATP production varied from 1.99 to 8.09 μmol ATP per 108 spermatozoa per hour; glycolysis accounted for 16% to 38% of ATP. Nonmitochondrial oxygen consumption could not be detected in bovine spermatozoa using these methods. A significant proportion (16%–43%) of oxygen consumption was insensitive to oligomycin and was due to “proton leak.” There was no significant difference between oxygen consumption of frozen/thawed and fresh spermatozoa for 2 of the 3 bulls tested. However, oxygen consumption of frozen/thawed spermatozoa was significantly higher (P < .05) than fresh spermatozoa for the third bull. When ZO2 of frozen/thawed spermatozoa from 20 bulls was compared with their 49 day nonreturn rates (NRRs), oxygen consumption was correlated positively with NRR (ie, fresh spermatozoa with a higher ZO2 were more fertile). Moreover, total ATP production correlated with NNR better than ZO2. Bulls with a lower NRR produce spermatozoa that are susceptible to damage during the freeze/thawing process, causing an increase in ZO2, possibly due to mitochondrial membrane damage resulting in more energy being expended in maintaining the proton gradient, or capacitation‐like changes causing hyperactivation. Oxygen consumption measured in the OBS may be useful in assessing bovine sperm fertility.
Molecular Profiling of the Human Testis Reveals Stringent Pathway‐Specific Regulation of RNA Expression Following Gonadotropin Suppression and Progestogen Treatment
Authors: Bayne Rosemary A. L. , Forster Thorsten , Burgess Stewart T. G. , Craigon Marie , Walton Melanie J. , Baird David T. , Ghazal Peter , Anderson Richard A.
Published: June 2008

ABSTRACT: Gonadotropin withdrawal induces changes in gene expression in all 3 major cell types of the testis. Knowledge of the genes affected, in both the presence and absence of additional progestogen, will give insight into the regulation of human testicular function and aid development of novel contraceptive methods. We have undertaken a whole‐genome analysis of RNA expression in testicular biopsies from normal men and after 4 weeks of gonadotropin suppression induced by gonadotropin‐releasing hormone antagonist plus testosterone administration sufficient to cause marked suppression of spermatogenesis. Microarray analysis shows that interindividual variability is markedly low, and the response to treatment is focused on a small subset of genes particularly related to pathways in steroidogenesis and cholesterol biosynthesis or metabolism, the Leydig cell gene INSL3, and genes involved in early meiosis or Sertoli—germ cell junctions. These changes in expression were confirmed by quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction. No major changes in gene expression were identified in men additionally treated with a progestogen, although FLJ35767, an expressed sequence tag that is expressed in the germ cell compartment, did show a small but significant additional effect of progestogen. Overall, the results of this investigation disclose a remarkably stringent regulation of testicular gene expression, revealing the genes most sensitive to gonadotropin withdrawal, and might reflect the most labile pathways in the regulation of testicular function.
Mutation Screening and Association Study of the TSSK4 Gene in Chinese Infertile Men With Impaired Spermatogenesis
Authors: Su Dan , Zhang Wei , Yang Yuan , Deng Ying , Ma Yongxin , Song Hongxia , Zhang Sizhong
Published: June 2008

ABSTRACT: The testis‐specific serine/threonine kinase (TSSK) family is a specific kinase group with exclusive or dominant expression in testis and involvement in spermatogenesis and male infertility. TSSK4 is a newly identified member of the TSSK family. In order to investigate the possible relationships between variations, including mutations and polymorphisms of the TSSK4 gene and impaired spermatogenesis in humans, mutation screening of this gene in 372 patients with azoospermia or severe oligospermia and 220 controls was performed. In total, 4 novel single nucleotide changes including c.679G>A, c.987+108G>A, c.‐155C>G and c.765C>A were discovered. The latter 2 variations were found only in patients, not in controls. Bioinformatics analysis suggested that allele A of c.765C>A could decrease the activity of pre‐mRNA splicing of TSSK4. The frequency of allele A of c.679G>A was significantly higher in controls than in patients. On the contrary, allele A of c.987+108G>A was remarkably increased in patients compared with controls. Our investigation of TSSK4, a potentially important testicular gene, in Chinese infertile and control men identified the association of some single nucleotide polymorphisms in this gene with male infertility.
An Efficient Validation Method of Probabilistic Record Linkage Including Readmissions and Twins
Authors: Ravelli A. C. J. , Méray N. , Reitsma J. B. , Bonsel G. J. , Tromp M.
Published: June 2008

Objective:
To describe an efficient, generalizable approach to validate probabilistic record linkage results, in particular by a model-guided detection of linking errors, and to apply this approach to validate linkage of admissions of newborns.
Methods:
Our double-blind validation procedure consisted of three steps: sample selection, data collection and data analysis. The linked Dutch national newborn admission registry contained 30,082 records for 2001 including readmissions (7.4%) and twins (9.7%). A highly informative sample was selected from the linked file by oversampling uncertain links based on modelderived linking weight. Four hundred and eight fax forms with minimal registry information (admissions of 191 children) were sent out to different pediatric units. The pediatricians were asked to create a short detailed patient history from independent sources. The linkage status and additional record data was validated against this external information.

Results:
Response rate was 97% (395/408 faxes). Accuracy of the linkage of singleton admissions was high: except for some expected errors in the uncertain area (0.02% of record pairs), linkage was error-free. Validation of multiple birth readmissions showed 37% linkage errors due to low data quality of the multiple birth variables. The quality of the linked registry file was still high; only 1.7% of the children were from a multiple birth with multiple admissions, resulting in less than 1% linking error.

Conclusions:
Our external validation procedure of record linkage was feasible, efficient, and informative about identifying the source of the errors.
Polysaccharide‐based artificial extracellular matrix: Preparation and characterization of three‐dimensional, macroporous chitosan, and heparin composite scaffold
Authors: Yu Shu‐Huei , Wu Yu‐Bey , Mi Fwu‐Long , Shyu Shin‐Shing
Published: June 2008

Scaffold‐guided tissue engineering based on synthetic and natural occurring polymers has gained many interests in recent year. In this study, the development of a chitosan‐heparin artificial extracellular matrix (AECM) is reported. Three‐dimensional, macroporous composite AECMs composed of heparin (Hep) and chitosan (Chito) were prepared by an interpolyelectrolyte complex/lyophilization method. The Chito‐Hep composite AECMs were, respectively, crosslinked with glutaraldehyde, as well as cocrosslinked with N,N‐(3‐dimethylaminopropyl)‐N′‐ethyl carbodiimide (EDC/NHS) and N‐hydroxysuccinimide (NHS). The crosslinking reactions were examined by FT‐IR analysis. In physiological buffer solution (PBS), the EDC/NHS‐crosslinked Chito‐Hep composite AECM showed a relative lower water retention ratio than its glutaraldehyde‐crosslinked counterparts. The EDC/NHS‐crosslinked Chito‐Hep composite AECMs showed excellent biocompatibility, according to the results of the in vitro cytotoxic test. This result suggested that the EDC/NHS‐crosslinked Chito‐Hep composite AECMs might be a potential biomaterial for scaffold‐guided tissue engineering applications. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008
Effect of the addition of inert or TEMPO‐capped prepolymer on polymerization rate and molecular weight development in the nitroxide‐mediated radical polymerization of styrene
Authors: Roa‐Luna Martha , Nabifar Afsaneh , McManus Neil T. , Vivaldo‐Lima Eduardo , Lona Liliane M. F. , Penlidis Alexander
Published: June 2008

The importance of diffusion‐controlled (DC) effects on controlled radical polymerization (CRP) processes has been rather controversial and usually considered only if there is some mismatch between experimental data and model predictions of polymerization rate and molecular weight averages. Results from an experimental study designed to create conditions in which DC effects may be present from the outset for the bimolecular nitroxide‐mediated radical polymerization (NMRP) of styrene in the presence of 2,2,6,6‐tetramethyl‐1‐piperidinyloxy (TEMPO) and dibenzoyl peroxide (BPO), are presented herein. The experiments consisted of adding size exclusion chromatography (SEC) polystyrene (PS) standards or nitroxyl‐capped PS (of different molecular weights, in several proportions), to a conventional recipe of bimolecular NMRP of styrene, and studying the effect of their presence on polymerization rate and molecular weight development. A previously developed kinetic model for NMRP of styrene was modified to take into account the presence of prepolymer as an inert “solvent,” or as a monomolecular “controller” of high molecular weight. The effects of DC reactions (propagation, termination, activation, and deactivation of polymer radicals) were modeled using conventional free‐volume theory. Reasonably, good agreement between experimental data and model predictions with either modeling approach was obtained. It was concluded that DC effects are weak in the NMRP of styrene, even in the presence of prepolymer. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008
Toughening of recycled polystyrene used for TV backset
Authors: Fu Xiaoting , Ding Mingming , Tang Changyu , Li Bo , Zhao Zeyong , Chen Dai‐Qiang , Zhang Qin , Fu Qiang , Long Han , Tan Touwen
Published: June 2008

The recycled polystyrene (rPS) was toughened with ethylene‐octylene copolymer thermoplastic elastomer (POE) and high‐density polyethylene (HDPE) with various melt flow index (MFI), compatibilized by styrene‐butadiene‐styrene copolymer (SBS) to enhance the toughness of rPS for use as TV backset. The rPS/POE binary blends exhibited an increased impact strength with 5–10 wt % POE content followed by a decrease with the POE content up to 20 wt %, which could be due to poor compatibility between POE and rPS. For rPS/POE/SBS ternary blends with 20 wt % of POE content, the impact strength increased dramatically and a sharp brittle‐ductile transition was observed as the SBS content was around 3–5 wt %. Rheological study indicated a possible formation of network structure by adding of SBS, which could be a new mechanism for rPS toughening. In rPS/POE/HDPE/SBS (70/20/5/5) quaternary blends, a fibril‐like structure was observed as the molecular weight of HDPE was higher (with lower MFI). The presence of HDPE fibers in the blends could not enhance the network structure, but could stop the crack propagation during fracture process, resulting in a further increase of the toughness. The prepared quaternary blend showed an impact strength of 9.3 kJ/m2 and a tensile strength of 25 MPa, which can be well used for TV backset to substitute HIPS because this system is economical and environmental friendly. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008
Effect of addition of organic microspheres on proton conductivity property of sulfonated poly(arylene ether sulfone) membrane
Authors: Liang Cui , Nagami Chika , Maruyama Tatsuo , Sotani Tomohiro , Matsuyama Hideto
Published: June 2008

Sulfonated poly(arylene ether sulfone) (SPAES)/polystyrene(PS) and SPAES/polystyrene sulfonic acid (PSSA) composite membranes were studied for a proton‐exchange membrane used in a fuel cell. PS microspheres were synthesized by emulsion polymerization. PSSA microspheres with 5.3 mmol/g ion‐exchange capacity (IEC) were prepared by sulfonation of PS microspheres. The composite membranes were prepared by solution casting. SPAES/PSSA composite membranes showed higher proton conductivity than a SPAES membrane because of the IEC improved by adding PSSA. Although the addition of PSSA also brought about the increase of a methanol permeability, the proton/methanol selectivity defined as the ratio of the proton conductivity to the methanol permeability was improved at low humidity by adding 5 wt % of PSSA microspheres. Differential scanning calorimetry results indicated that the amount of free water varied in the cases of the addition of the two kinds of organic microspheres. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008
Fluorimetric determination of proteins using 4‐chloro‐(2′‐hydroxylophenylazo)rhodanine–Ti(IV) complex as a spectral probe
Authors: Sun Shuting , Ma Hongmin , Chen Xin , Zhang Nuo , Wu Dan , Du Bin , Wei Qin
Published: June 2008

A novel method for the determination of proteins was developed, based on the enhancement of fluorescence with 4‐chloro‐(2′‐hydroxylophenylazo)rhodanine–Ti(IV) [ClHARP–Ti(IV)] complex as a fluorescence probe. The excitation and emission wavelengths of the system were 335 nm and 376 nm, respectively. The presence of bis(2‐ethylhexyl)sulphosuccinate sodium salt (AOT) microemulsion greatly increased the sensitivity of the system. Under optimal conditions, four kinds of proteins, including bovine serum albumin (BSA), human serum albumin (HSA), egg albumin (Ova), and γ‐globin (γ‐G) were studied. The detection limits were 0.182 µg/mL for BSA, 0.0788 µg/mL for HSA, 0.216 µg/mL for Ova and 0.484 µg/mL for γ‐G. The linear ranges of the calibration were 0–12.0, 0–10.0, 0–18.0 and 0–18.0 µg/mL, respectively. The method possessed high sensitivity, good selectivity and was applied to the analysis of protein in milk powder and cornmeal with satisfactory results. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Hypnotizability and chronic pain: an ambiguous connection
Authors: Carli Giancarlo , Huber Alexa , Santarcangelo Enrica L.
Published: June 2008

We discuss the role of hypnotizability in the development and treatment of chronic pain, and in the prognosis of its possible cardiovascular consequences. Data indicate that high hypnotic susceptibility is not necessary for the relief of chronic pain obtained through hypnotic treatment. Moreover, and at variance with an earlier hypothesis, being highly susceptible to hypnosis does not represent a higher risk for developing chronic pain; in addition, high hypnotizability may be a favourable protective factor against the possible cardiovascular consequences of chronic pain. However, we cannot exclude that psychological factors such as mindfulness, well‐being and pain‐catastrophizing differ in ‘Highs’ versus ‘Lows’, and these may represent the real agents of the differences between the two groups in pain experience, the development of chronic pain, and possible vascular consequences of chronic pain. Copyright © 2008 British Society of Experimental & Clinical Hypnosis. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effective Photoinactivation of Alpha‐Amylase, Catalase and Urease at 222 nm Emitted by an KrCl‐Excimer Lamp
Authors: Clauß Marcus , Grotjohann Norbert
Published: June 2008

The inactivation of enzymes is of great interest for many industrial applications. The effectiveness of photoinactivation of alpha‐amylase, catalase, and urease with 222 nm radiation was investigated in comparison to that at 254 nm. The enzymes were irradiated with different fluence rates of 222 nm radiation emitted by a KrCl‐excimer lamp and with 254 nm radiation produced by a low‐pressure mercury lamp. The relative activities were calculated before and after irradiation. Degradation caused by UV‐radiation was assessed by SDS‐PAGE analysis. The results clearly demonstrated that inactivation of the proteins is much more effective with the 222 nm excimer lamp compared to the 254 nm mercury lamp. Irradiation with the excimer lamp and a UV‐fluence rate of 1000 J/m2 was sufficient to reduce the relative activities of amylase and urease to 15% and that of catalase to 60%. After irradiation with 4000 J/m2, the enzyme activity was almost completely inhibited. In contrast, after irradiation with the mercury lamp with an UV‐fluence rate of 4000 J/m2, the relative activity was still above 85%. The gel patterns showed no visible degradation after irradiation at 254 nm, but a strong and unspecific degradation was obvious after treatment at 222 nm, presumably caused by cleavage of the peptide bonds.
Getting more from your multicore: exploiting OpenMP from an open‐source numerical scripting language
Authors: Noble Michael S.
Published: June 2008

We introduce SLIRP, a module generator for the S‐Lang numerical scripting language, with a focus on its vectorization capabilities. We demonstrate how both SLIRP and S‐Lang were easily adapted to exploit the inherent parallelism of high‐level mathematical languages with OpenMP, allowing general users to employ tightly coupled multiprocessors in scriptable research calculations while requiring no special knowledge of parallel programming. Motivated by examples in the ISIS astrophysical modeling and analysis tool, performance figures are presented for several machine and compiler configurations, demonstrating beneficial speedups for real‐world operations. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The Weka4WS framework for distributed data mining in service‐oriented Grids
Authors: Talia Domenico , Trunfio Paolo , Verta Oreste
Published: June 2008

The service‐oriented architecture paradigm can be exploited for the implementation of data and knowledge‐based applications in distributed environments. The Web services resource framework (WSRF) has recently emerged as the standard for the implementation of Grid services and applications. WSRF can be exploited for developing high‐level services for distributed data mining applications. This paper describes Weka4WS, a framework that extends the widely used open source Weka toolkit to support distributed data mining on WSRF‐enabled Grids. Weka4WS adopts the WSRF technology for running remote data mining algorithms and managing distributed computations. The Weka4WS user interface supports the execution of both local and remote data mining tasks. On every computing node, a WSRF‐compliant Web service is used to expose all the data mining algorithms provided by the Weka library. The paper describes the design and implementation of Weka4WS using the WSRF libraries and services provided by Globus Toolkit 4. A performance analysis of Weka4WS for executing distributed data mining tasks in different network scenarios is presented. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A context‐ and role‐driven scientific workflow development pattern
Authors: Dou Wanchun , Chen Jinjun , Fan Shaokun , Chueng S. C.
Published: June 2008

Scientific workflow execution often demands data‐centric and computation‐intensive collaboration efforts, which is typically different from the process‐centric workflow execution with fixed execution specifications. Scientific workflow execution often challenges the traditional workflow development strategy in dynamic context management and role definition. In view of this observation, application context spectrums are firstly distinguished from different profiles of scientific workflow development. Then, a role enactment strategy is proposed for enabling workflow execution in certain application context. They jointly enhance the validity of a scientific workflow development through clearly articulating the correlation between computational subjects and computational objects engaged in scientific workflow system. Furthermore, a novel context‐ and role‐driven scientific workflow development pattern is proposed for enacting a scientific workflow system on the Grid. Finally, a case study is presented to demonstrate the generic natures of the methods in this paper. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Quantification of O‐GlcNAc protein modification in neutrophils by flow cytometry
Authors: Madsen‐Bouterse Sally A. , Xu Yi , Petty Howard R. , Romero Roberto
Published: June 2008

Observations of intracellular O‐linked β‐N‐acetylglucosamine (O‐GlcNAc) protein modification are primarily performed by Western blot or immunofluorescence microscopy. The goal of this study was to develop a flow cytometric‐based assay for O‐GlcNAc signaling and thus provide a more quantitative and rapid method to facilitate clinical analyses. Isolated peripheral blood neutrophils were stimulated with fMLF after adherence to glass cover slips. Cells in suspension were treated with either fMLF or PMA. Unstimulated cells served as controls. Neutrophils were fixed with formaldehyde and permeabilized with cold methanol before intracellular O‐GlcNAc staining. Cells on cover slips were analyzed by fluorescence microscopy, and suspension cell data were acquired by flow cytometry. O‐GlcNAc protein modification was increased following neutrophil stimulation with either 100 nM fMLF or 10 nM PMA. Increases were detected following either treatment using both flow cytometry and fluorescence microscopy. The time necessary for the completion of staining, data acquisition, and analysis was considerably less using flow cytometry. In addition, flow cytometry allows for the analysis of a substantially greater number of cells. Neutrophil protein modifications by O‐GlcNAc are rapidly detected using flow cytometry and provide information similar to that observed using fluorescence microscopy. Published 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Diagnostic usefulness and challenges in the diagnosis of mesothelioma by endoscopic ultrasound guided fine needle aspiration
Authors: Bakdounes Khldoun , Jhala Nirag , Jhala Darshana
Published: June 2008

Malignant mesothelioma is a rare neoplasm. It has been noted in the literature that fine needle aspiration (FNA) is a useful tool for the diagnosis of mesothelioma. However, the differential diagnosis may require use of a battery of immunohistochemical stains. Clinico‐radiologic correlation is also crucial. Real time endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) combined with FNA has been shown to be a very sensitive technique to obtain samples from different organ sites, including mediastinal lesions. The use of EUS‐FNA for the diagnosis of mesothelioma, reinforces the role of a cytopathologist as a cohesive team player along with a radiologist and a clinician during on‐site assessment for the proper triage of additional specimens for ancillary studies leading to a better patient management. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2008;36:503–507. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Cytology of metastatic prostate cancer following orchiectomy and antiandrogen therapy: A diagnostic challenge
Authors: Rapkiewicz Amy , Gorokhovsky Rimma , Farcon Eduardo , Das Kasturi
Published: June 2008

Androgen deprivation therapy induces apoptosis and decreases both cell proliferation and angiogenesis in prostate adenocarcinoma. The molecular alterations following androgen ablation translate into unique cytologic features in both primary and metastatic prostate adenocarcinoma. We describe the cytologic appearance of metastatic prostate carcinoma following both surgical castration and androgen deprivation therapy. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2008;36:499–502. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Salivary duct carcinoma cytologically diagnosed distinctly from salivary gland carcinomas with squamous differentiation
Authors: Kawahara Akihiko , Harada Hiroshi , Akiba Jun , Kage Masayoshi
Published: June 2008

It has been difficult cytologically to distinguish salivary duct carcinoma (SDC) from high‐grade carcinoma. We investigated the microscopic cytological findings, morphometric image analyses, and immunohistochemical features of SDC, focusing on how we achieved an accurate differential diagnosis distinguishing SDC from salivary gland carcinomas with squamous differentiation. Immunohistochemical staining was performed for androgen receptor (AR), gross cystic disease fluid protein‐15 (GCDFP15), mammaglobin, human gastric mucin, MUC1, MUC2, p63, and cytokeratin high molecular weight. Of the 13 cases of SDC, 9 cases showed typical cytological findings of sheet clusters with polygonal granular cytoplasm with fine chromatin. The other 4 cases showed unusual cytological findings of a pseudo‐papillary cluster or scattered cells only, and the tumor cells showed coarse chromatin. Morphometric image analysis showed that the nucleus area was statistically different between SDC and salivary gland carcinomas with squamous differentiation. AR‐positive expression (P = 0.008), GCDFP15‐positive expression (P = 0.005) and p63‐negative expression (P = 0.001) were effective as SDC‐specific markers in immunohistochemistry. An accurate cytological diagnosis of SDC can be determined by immunostaining with AR, GCDFP15, and p63, based on the nuclear findings. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2008;36:485–493. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Is it possible to start the treatment based on immediate cytologic evaluation of core needle biopsy of the spinal lesions?
Authors: Rezanko Turkan , Sucu Hasan Kamil , Akkalp Asli , Tunakan Mine , Sari Aysegul , Minoglu Mustafa , Bolat Betul
Published: June 2008

Core needle biopsy is widely used to diagnose spinal lesions. Final histopathological report of the specimen usually can be given after several days. These several days delay may prevent early treatment in some patients. Our aim was to investigate if treatment of spinal lesions could be started according to the immediate cytologic evaluation of the core needle biopsy. The cytological materials of the 213 core needle spinal biopsy were prepared immediately after biopsy procedure. Of these biopsies, only 101 core needle biopsy had a final diagnosis which formed the backbone of the current study. Cytological materials of these cases were compared with both histopathologic results of the core biopsy and with final diagnosis obtained by open surgery or clinical follow up. According to final diagnoses 40 patients had infections, 59 patients had neoplasms and 2 patients had no pathology. When the diagnosis that determines the treatment is considered, the overall success rates (positive predictive value:PPV) of cytology and histology were 0.65 and 0.76 respectively. Moreover when the specific diagnosis were analyzed separetely in the subgroups of tuberculous infection, lymphoma and plasmacytoma; PPV of both cytological and histological assessments was 1.00. In spinal metastasis, PPV was 0.97 for cytology and 1.00 for histology. Rapid cytologic interpretation of core needle biopsy material is a useful and reliable tool to determine the spinal lesions which require urgent treatment. When the cytological specimen reveals the diagnosis of spinal metastasis, lymphoma, plasmacytoma or tuberculosis, the treatment may be started without waiting the result of the histological examination. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2008;36:478–484. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Effects of a cognitive dissonance‐based eating disorder prevention program are similar for Asian American, Hispanic, and White participants
Authors: Rodriguez Rosalía , Marchand Erica , Ng Janet , Stice Eric
Published: June 2008

Objective:

This study explored the effects of participating in a dissonance‐based eating disorder prevention program on changes in thin ideal internalization, body dissatisfaction, and eating symptoms among White, Asian American, and Hispanic participants.

Method:

Participants were (n = 394), 13 to 20‐year‐old adolescent girls and young women who reported being White (n = 311), Hispanic/Latina (n = 61), or Asian‐American/Hawaiian/Pacific Islander (n = 33). The current study used data drawn from the pre‐ and post assessments of an efficacy trial and an effectiveness trial of this eating disorder prevention program.

Results:

The intervention reduced disordered eating behaviors and eating disorder risk factors for all three ethnic groups at post‐intervention assessment; there was no evidence of significantly stronger effects in any particular ethnic group.

Conclusion:

Results suggest that a cognitive dissonance‐based prevention program for eating disorders may be equally effective for Asian American, Hispanic, and White adolescent women. © 2008 by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Eat Disord 2008
New High Temperature Polymer Electrolyte Membranes. Influence of the Chemical Structure on their Properties
Authors: Gourdoupi N. , Papadimitriou K. , Neophytides S. , Kallitsis J. K.
Published: June 2008

New polymer electrolytes based on aromatic polyethers bearing main chain pyridine groups have been synthesised. They possess good mechanical properties, high thermal and oxidative stability and can be used as electrolytes for high temperature PEM fuel cells. A study of the influence of the chemical structure on the properties of these materials with respect to their ability to be used in high temperature PEM fuel cells was made, while a blend of the current reported polymers is tested in single cell giving encouraging preliminary results.
Fine‐needle aspiration cytology in a regional head and neck cancer center: Comparison with a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Tandon Sankalap , Shahab Riad , Benton James I. , Ghosh Samit K. , Sheard Jonathan , Jones Terry M.
Published: June 2008

Background

Fine‐needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) is used to diagnose masses presenting in the head and neck region. No systematic review of FNAC in this group has yet been performed.

Methods

A systematic review of the published literature and meta‐analysis of data extracted from the included studies were compared with a 10‐year review of head and neck FNAC from our institution.

Results

Systematic review identified 30 studies; 3459 FNAC aspirates from all head and neck sites were included. Overall results were as follows: sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) were 89.6%, 96.5%, 93.1%, 96.2%, and 90.3%, respectively. Two thousand seven hundred two head and neck aspirates were included in our institutional review. Sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV, and accuracy were 89.5%, 98.5%, 97.3%, 94.0%, and 95.1%, respectively.

Conclusion

Meta‐analysis and comparative systematic review confirm that FNAC is highly effective in the diagnosis of head and neck masses, with some limitations. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2008
Entorhinal theta phase precession sculpts dentate gyrus place fields
Authors: Molter Colin , Yamaguchi Yoko
Published: June 2008

It is known that the hippocampus facilitates memory formation and spatial representation and that hippocampal place cells establish spatial representations with firing activity modulated in terms of ‘theta phase precession’. Clarifying how these spatial and temporal activities interact to process information is essential for a more coherent understanding of the way the hippocampus works. Recently, it has been reported that layer II entorhinal cortical cells, which mediate the majority of the cortical inputs to the dentate gyrus (DG), located at the gate of the hippocampus, fire with theta phase precession according to a grid‐like pattern. Here we hypothesize that the temporal code of entorhinal grid neurons firing with theta phase precession provides selectivity in input integration of dentate neurons to support the emergence of place fields. Our large‐scale network model analyses demonstrated that, by assuming coincidence detection properties of dentate neurons, grid fields are reliably transformed to place fields in a novel environment. Furthermore, global remapping of place fields in sequential experiences of environments can be obtained in agreement with known experimental observation. These findings indicate a critical role of temporal coding for space computation in the entorhinal‐hippocampal system. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.