bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Face recognition under ambiguous visual stimulation: fMRI correlates of “encoding styles”
Authors: Frühholz Sascha , Godde Ben , Lewicki Paul , Herzmann Charlotte , Herrmann Manfred
Published: September 2010

Object categorization during ambiguous sensory stimulation generally depends on the activity of extrastriate sensory areas as well as top‐down information. Both reflect internal representations of prototypical object knowledge against which incoming sensory information is compared. However, besides these general mechanisms, individuals might differ in their readiness to impose internal representations onto incoming ambiguous information. These individual differences might be based on what was referred to as “Schema Instantiation Threshold” (SIT; Lewicki et al. [1992]: Am Pshycol 47:796–801), defining a continuum from very rapid (low threshold) to a rather controlled application of internal representations (high threshold). We collected fMRI scans while subjects with low SIT (“internal encoders”) and subjects with high SIT (“external encoders”) made gender categorizations of ambiguous facial images. Internal encoders made faster gender decisions during high sensory ambiguity, showed higher fusiform activity, and had faster BOLD responses in the fusiform (FFA) and occipital face area (OFA) indicating a faster and stronger application of face‐gender representations due to a low SIT threshold. External encoders made slower gender decisions and showed increased medial frontal activity, indicating a more controlled strategy during gender categorizations and increased decisional uncertainties. Internal encoders showed higher functional connectivity of the orbito‐frontal cortex (OFC) to seed activity in the FFA which might indicate both more readily generated predictive classificatory guesses and the subjective impressions of accurate classifications. Taken together, an “internal encoding style” is characterized by the fast, unsupervised and unverified application of primary object representations, whereas the opposite seems evident for subjects with an “external encoding style”. Hum Brain Mapp, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Human glioblastoma‐initiating cells invade specifically the subventricular zones and olfactory bulbs of mice after striatal injection
Authors: Kroonen Jérôme , Nassen Jessica , Boulanger Yves‐Gautier , Provenzano Fabian , Capraro Valérie , Bours Vincent , Martin Didier , Deprez Manuel , Robe Pierre , Rogister Bernard
Published: September 2010

In patients with glioblastoma multiforme, recurrence is the rule despite continuous advances in surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Within these malignant gliomas, glioblastoma stem cells or initiating cells have been recently described, and they were shown to be specifically involved in experimental tumorigenesis. In this study, we show that some human glioblastoma cells injected into the striatum of immunodeficient nude mice exhibit a tropism for the subventricular zones. There and similarily to neurogenic stem cells, these subventricular glioblastoma cells were then able to migrate toward the olfactory bulbs. Finally, the glioblastoma cells isolated from the adult mouse subventricular zones and olfactory bulbs display high tumorigenicity when secondary injected in a new mouse brain. Together, these data suggest that neurogenic zones could be a reservoir for particular cancer‐initiating cells.
Comparative anatomy and osteohistology of hyperelongate neural spines in the sphenacodontids Sphenacodon and Dimetrodon (Amniota: Synapsida)
Authors: Huttenlocker Adam K. , Rega Elizabeth , Sumida Stuart S.
Published: September 2010

Osteohistological investigations of hyperelongate vertebral spinous processes (neural spines) are presented to elucidate previously unknown aspects of dorsal sail form and function in two, closely related genera of “sail‐backed” synapsids: Sphenacodon and Dimetrodon. Although recent and classic surveys of bone histology in extinct vertebrates have sampled the genus Dimetrodon, new sectioning of Sphenacodon material allows a comparative analysis of these structures among Sphenacodontidae for the first time. Variability within the histological organization of the neural spine is assessed by examining multiple regions along its length, and implications for soft tissue correlates, growth and mechanics are considered here. Both genera exhibit extensive parallel‐fibered and fibrolamellar bone, in addition to lamellar bone. Several features vary along the length of the spine in each species. Muscle scars and extensive Sharpey's fibers are present at the base of the spine; no scars and fewer fibers are manifested ∼55–60 mm above the zygapophyses in mature individuals. The distal cortex of the spine does not exhibit greater vascularity than the proximal region in either genus. However, both genera manifest distinct vascular grooves of variable size along the distal periosteal surface, some of which become incorporated into the distal cortex. The observed histovariability appears to record the transition from the proximal (epaxial muscle embedded) to the distally protruding portion of the spine. These observations and independent pathological evidence support the existence of a short dorsal crest in Sphenacodon and possibly other basal sphenacodontids. Although the thermoregulatory capacity of such a crest remains uncertain, developmental and mechanical features are readily interpretable and are discussed with respect to the origins and early evolution of the dorsal sail in sphenacodontid synapsids. J.Morphol., 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A mechano‐regulation model of fracture repair in vertebral bodies
Authors: Boccaccio Antonio , Kelly Daniel J. , Pappalettere Carmine
Published: September 2010

In this study a multi‐scale mechano‐regulation model was developed in order to investigate the mechanobiology of trabecular fracture healing in vertebral bodies. A macro‐scale finite element model of the spinal segment L3–L4–L5, including a mild wedge fracture in the body of the L4 vertebra, was used to determine the boundary conditions acting on a micro‐scale finite element model simulating a portion of fractured trabecular bone. The micro‐scale model, in turn, was utilized to predict the local patterns of tissue differentiation within the fracture gap and then how the equivalent mechanical properties of the macro‐scale model change with time. The patterns of tissue differentiation predicted by the model appeared consistent with those observed in vivo. Bone formation occurred primarily through endochondral ossification. New woven bone was predicted to occupy the majority of the space within the fracture site approximately 7–8 weeks after the fracture event. Remodeling of cancellous bone architecture was then predicted, with complete new trabeculae forming due to bridging of the microcallus between the remnant trabeculae. © 2010 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 29:433–443, 2011
Activation of MKK3/6, SAPK, and ATF‐2/c‐jun in ACL fibroblasts grown in 3 dimension collagen gels in response to application of cyclic strain
Authors: Wright Vonda , Attia Erik , Bohnert Krista , Brown Haydee , Bhargava Madhu , Hannafin Jo A.
Published: September 2010

Signal transduction pathways involved in response to cyclic tensile strain and strain deprivation in anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) fibroblasts grown in 3D collagen gels were investigated. Application of cyclic tensile strain resulted in significant activation (phosphorylation) of MKK3/6, SAPK and their downstream target transcription factors, ATF‐2 and c‐jun, while strain deprivation resulted in a decrease in these kinases and transcription factors. These data suggest that ACL fibroblasts cultured in 3D collagen gels respond to the mechanical environment and provide a useful system for determination of the molecular mechanisms involved in the regulation of proliferation and matrix turnover by mechanical load. © 2010 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 29:397–402, 2011
Pamidronate, farnesyl transferase, and geranylgeranyl transferase‐I inhibitors affects cell proliferation, apoptosis, and OPG/RANKL mRNA expression in stromal cells of giant cell tumor of bone
Authors: Lau Carol P.Y. , Huang Lin , Tsui Stephen K.W. , Ng Patrick K.S. , Leung Pui‐Yin. , Kumta Shekhar M.
Published: September 2010

Giant cell tumor (GCT) is the most common nonmalignant primary bone tumor reported in Hong Kong. It usually affects young adults between the ages of 20 and 40. This tumor is well known for its potential to recur following treatment. To date no effective adjuvant therapy exists for GCT. Our project aimed to study the effects of pamidronate (PAM), farnesyl transferase inhibitor (FTI‐277), geranylgeranyl transferase inhibitor (GGTI‐298), and their combinations on GCT stromal cells (SC). Individual treatment with PAM, FTI‐277, and GGTI‐298, inhibited the cell viability and proliferation of GCT SC in a dose‐dependent way. Combination of FTI‐277 with GGTI‐298 caused synergistic effects in reducing cell viability, and its combination index was 0.49, indicating a strong synergism. Moreover, the combination of FTI‐277 with GGTI‐298 synergistically enhanced cell apoptosis and activated caspase‐3/7, ‐8, and ‐9 activities. PAM induced cell‐cycle arrest at the S‐phase. The combination of PAM with GGTI‐298 significantly increased OPG/RANKL mRNA ratio and activated caspase‐3/7 activity. Our findings support that the combination of bisphosphonates with GGTIs or FTIs with GGTIs may be used as potential adjuvants in the treatment of GCT of bone. © 2010 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 29:403–413, 2011
Organ‐level histological and biomechanical responses from localized osteoarticular injury in the rabbit knee
Authors: Vaseenon Tanawat , Tochigi Yuki , Heiner Anneliese D. , Goetz Jessica E. , Baer Thomas E. , Fredericks Douglas C. , Martin James A. , Rudert M. James , Hillis Stephen L. , Brown Thomas D. , McKinley Todd O.
Published: September 2010

The processes of whole‐joint osteoarthritis development following localized joint injuries are not well understood. To demonstrate this local‐to‐global linkage, we hypothesized that a localized osteoarticular injury in the rabbit knee would not only cause biomechanical and histological abnormalities in the involved compartment but also concurrent histological changes in the noninvolved compartment. Twenty rabbits had an acute osteoarticular injury that involved localized joint incongruity (a 2‐mm osteochondral defect created in the weight‐bearing area of the medial femoral condyle), while another 20 received control sham surgery. At the time of euthanasia at 8 or 16 weeks post‐surgery, the experimental knees were subjected to sagittal‐plane laxity measurement, followed by cartilage histo‐morphological evaluation using the Mankin score. The immediate effects of defect creation on joint stability and contact mechanics were explored in concomitant rabbit cadaver experimentation. The injured animals had cartilage histological scores significantly higher than in the sham surgery group (p < 0.01) on the medial femoral, medial tibial, and lateral femoral surfaces (predominantly on the medial surfaces), accompanied by slight (mean 20%) increase of sagittal‐plane laxity. Immediate injury‐associated alterations in the medial compartment contact mechanics were also demonstrated. Localized osteoarticular injury in this survival animal model resulted in global joint histological changes. © 2010 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 29:340–346, 2011
Is it time to reconsider the BCLC/AASLD therapeutic flow‐chart?
Authors: Livraghi Tito , Brambilla Giorgio , Carnaghi Carlo , Tommasini Maurizio A. , Torzilli Guido
Published: September 2010

Purpose:

Recommendations of the Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) therapeutic flow‐chart, endorsed by the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases (AASLD), are the most applied worldwide. Over recent years, however, several referral centers have questioned some of the BCLC treatment allocations and proposed alternative strategies. The present study plans to review and discuss these suggestions, with the aim to evaluate whether there are well‐grounded reasons to reconsider some of the BCLC/AASLD recommendations.

Methods:

A search was made into the MEDLINE database, focusing on randomized controlled trials, meta‐analysis reviews, case–control studies, concordant clinical trials on novel therapies and studies reporting the opinion of respected experts. Their results and conclusions were compared stage by stage with BCLC/AASLD recommendations.

Results: I

n stage 0 (very early, or single <2 cm, or carcinoma in situ, Child A) radiofrequency should replace resection. In stage A (early, or single or three nodules up to 3 cm, Child A–B) radiofrequency and resection should expand their indications. In stage B (intermediate, or multinodular, Child A–B) resection and transplantation should expand their indications, while intra‐arterial therapies are changing from conventional to selective treatments. In stage C (advanced, portal invasion or extrahepatic disease, Child A–B) systemic therapies should offer previously unknown promising options.

Conclusion: I

n our opinion, so much evidence leads to suggest it is time to reconsider several BCLC/AASLD recommendations. Some treatments are comparable in results but vary in costs, local availability, or complication rates. J. Surg. Oncol. 2010;102:868–876. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Prognostic impact of local treatment against postoperative oligometastases in non‐small cell lung cancer
Authors: Yano Tokujiro , Haro Akira , Yoshida Tsukihisa , Morodomi Yosuke , Ito Kensaku , Shikada Yasunori , Shoji Fumihiro , Maruyama Riichiroh , Maehara Yoshihiko
Published: September 2010

Objectives

In this study, we investigated prognostic factors associated with survival after distantly metastatic recurrence in surgically resected non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), and clarified the influence of local treatment on the prognosis for oligometastatic recurrence.

Methods

From 1994 through 2004, 418 consecutive patients with NSCLC underwent complete resection; 138 experienced a postoperative recurrence by December 2005. Of those, we reviewed 93 patients with only distant metastases for clinicopathological information, treatment modality, and survival.

Results

For the 93 patients with distant metastasis alone, the 2‐ and 5‐year survival rates after recurrence were 43.9% and 38.7%, respectively. Of those patients, 44 first received local treatment, including radiotherapy in 31 and a surgical resection in 13. Their recurrent disease (oligometastases) was limited with the potential to be controlled with local treatment. The targeted metastatic organs were brain in 14 patients, bone in 14, lungs in 12, and other organs in 4. Significant prognostic factors for postrecurrence survival included adenocarcinoma histology, long disease‐free interval (DFI) (1 year or longer), and the performance of local treatment for oligometastases.

Conclusion

Local therapy such as radiotherapy and surgery, might be considered first‐line treatment in patients with postoperative oligometastatic recurrence, especially those with a DFI ≥ 1 year. J. Surg. Oncol. 2010;102:852–855. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Purification of polar compounds from Radix isatidis using conventional C18 column coupled with polar‐copolymerized C18 column
Authors: Zeng Jing , Guo Zhimou , Xiao Yuansheng , Wang Chaoran , Zhang Xiuli , Liang Xinmiao
Published: September 2010

Regarding hydrophilic interaction chromatography and normal phase liquid chromatography, RPLC is another choice used to separate polar compounds with the improvement of polar‐modified C18 stationary phase. In this study, a method using conventional C18 column coupled with polar‐copolymerized C18 column was successfully developed for the separation and purification of polar compounds from Radix isatidis, which is one of the most commonly used traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs). An XTerra MS C18 column was used to fractionate the extract of R. isatidis and a homemade polar‐copolymerized C18 column was utilized for the final purification due to its good separation selectivity and high resolution for polar compounds. The established purification system demonstrated good orthogonality for the polar compounds. As a result, ten compounds were purified and three of them were identified as 3‐methyl‐5‐vinyloxazolidin‐2‐one (compound A), 5‐hydroxymethyl‐2‐furaldehyde (compound B) and 3‐methylfuran‐2‐carboxylic acid (compound G) based on the MS, IR and extensive NMR data, respectively. It was demonstrated to be a feasible and powerful technique for the purification of polar compounds under RPLC mode and more chemical information of TCMs will be obtained to interpret the efficiency of TCMs.
Electrochromatographic performance of conventional and polar‐embedded C16 silica monolithic stationary phases
Authors: Ye Fanggui , Huang Baojun , Wang Shun , Zhao Shulin
Published: September 2010

A novel monolithic silica column that has a polar‐embedded amide‐secondary amine group linking with C16 functionality for RP‐CEC is described. The amide‐secondary aminealkyloxysilane was synthesized by the reaction of 3‐(2‐aminoethylamino) propyltrimethoxysilane with hexadecanoyl chloride. Then, the silylant agent was bonded to the silica monolith matrix to produce hexadecanamide‐secondary amine bonded silica (HDAIS) monolithic column. The electrochromatographic performance of HDAIS monolithic column for the separation of neutral, basic and polar solutes was studied, which was compared to that using the hexadecyl bonded silica monolithic column. The HDAIS monolithic column displayed reduced hydrophobic retention characteristics in the separation of five hydrophobic n‐alkylbenzenes and four polar phenols when compared to the hexadecyl bonded silica monolithic column. A very much reduced silanol activity of HDAIS monolithic column was observed in the separation of test basic mixture including four aromatic amines, atenolol and metoprolol with 10 mM borate buffer (pH 7.5) containing 30% v/v ACN as the mobile phase. The comparison results indicate good performance for both polar and basic mixtures on HDAIS monolithic column in RP‐CEC, and also show promising results for further applications.
Weak anion and cation exchange mixed‐bed microcolumn for protein separation
Authors: Hou Chunyan , Yuan Huiming , Qiao Xiaoqiang , Liu Jinxiang , Shan Yichu , Zhang Lihua , Liang Zhen , Zhang Yukui
Published: September 2010

To separate proteins with a wide distribution of pIs under the conditions compatible to online tryptic digestion (with preferable pH=8.0), weak anion and cation exchange chromatography (WAX/WCX) mixed‐bed microcolumn has been developed. With a mixture of five proteins with pIs ranging from 4.2 to 11.4, the effect of WAX/WCX ratio on the separation performance was investigated, and an optimum packing ratio of 1:1 w/w was obtained. Moreover, the undesirable hydrophobic interaction between the proteins and the stationary phase was suppressed with 10% ACN v/v added in the mobile phases. Under the optimized conditions compatible to tryptic digestion, basic and acidic proteins were resolved simultaneously, with RSDs of relative retention time on six columns less than 6%, indicating the good resolution and packing reproducibility. Furthermore, one RPLC fraction of proteins extracted from rat middle brain and the whole protein mixture extracted from rat liver were analyzed, respectively. The results demonstrated better separation performance on WAX/WCX microcolumns than that on both weak anion exchange chromatography and weak cation exchange chromatography at pH ∼8. We anticipate that WAX/WCX microcolumns are promising for the integration of protein separation and tryptic digestion aiming at high‐throughput proteome study.
Highly Oriented Crystalline PE Nanofibrils Produced by Electric‐Field‐Induced Stretching of Electrospun Wet Fibers
Authors: Yoshioka Taiyo , Dersch Roland , Greiner Andreas , Tsuji Masaki , Schaper Andreas K.
Published: September 2010

In order to enhance the molecular orientation of electrospun nanofibers, a novel collection technique is proposed and applied to the spinning of polyethylene from high temperature solution. The technique makes use of a parallel‐electrode collector that acts before solidification of the fiber occurs. The resulting multiple‐necking morphology is composed of fine nanofibrils with very small diameter and narrow size distribution. The crystalline orientation of the nanofibrils was analyzed by TED. The formation mechanism of the nanofibrils is discussed. The strong elongational effect of the electric‐field‐induced stretching force in the parallel‐electrode collector is demonstrated by the orientational analysis and by observation of the multiple‐necking morphology.

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Gene expression of normal human epidermal keratinocytes modulated by trivalent arsenicals
Authors: Bailey Kathryn A. , Hester Susan D. , Knapp Geremy W. , Owen Russell D. , Thai Sheau‐Fung
Published: September 2010

Chronic exposure to inorganic arsenic (iAs) is associated with the development of benign and malignant human skin lesions including nonmelanoma skin cancers. The precise arsenical form(s) responsible for this carcinogenic effect are unknown, although trivalent inorganic arsenic (iAsIII) and two of its toxic metabolites, monomethylarsonous acid (MMAIII) and methylarsinous acid (DMAIII), are attractive candidates. In an effort to better understand and compare their toxic effects in the skin, we compared the global gene expression profiles of normal human epidermal keratinocytes (NHEKs) exposed to varying noncytotoxic/slightly cytotoxic concentrations of iAsIII, MMAIII, and DMAIIIfor 24 h. Exposure to each arsenical treatment group exhibited a dose effect in the number of altered genes and the magnitude of expression change in NHEKs. The most significant gene expression changes associated with iAsIIIand MMAIIIexposure were consistent with several key events believed to be important to As‐driven skin carcinogenesis, namely induction of oxidative stress, increased transcript levels of keratinocyte growth factors, and modulation of MAPK and NF‐κB pathways. At both comparable arsenical concentrations and comparable NHEK toxicity, greater potential carcinogenic effects were observed in MMAIII‐exposed NHEKs than those exposed to iAsIII, including involvement of more proinflammatory signals and increased transcript levels of more growth factor genes. In contrast, none of these above‐mentioned transcriptional trends were among the most significantly altered functions in the DMAIIItreatment group. This study suggests the relative capacity of each of the tested arsenicals to drive suspected key events in As‐mediated skin carcinogenesis is MMAIII > iAsIIIwith little contribution from DMAIII. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
α‐TEA induces apoptosis of human breast cancer cells via activation of TRAIL/DR5 death receptor pathway
Authors: Yu Weiping , Tiwary Richa , Li Jing , Park Sook‐Kyung , Jia Li , Xiong Ailian , Simmons‐Menchaca Marla , Sanders Bob G. , Kline Kimberly
Published: September 2010

Vitamin E derivative RRR‐α‐tocopherol ether‐linked acetic acid analog (α‐TEA) induces apoptosis in MCF‐7 and HCC‐1954 human breast cancer cells in a dose‐ and time‐dependent manner. α‐TEA induces increased levels of tumor necrosis factor‐related apoptosis‐inducing ligand (TRAIL) and death receptor‐5 (DR5) and decreased levels of antiapoptotic factor, cellular FLICE‐like inhibitory protein (c‐FLIP L). DR5/TRAIL induced apoptosis involves downregulation of c‐FLIP (L), caspase‐8 activation, activated proapoptotic mediators tBid and Bax, mitochondrial permeability transition, and activation of caspase‐9. siRNA knockdown of either DR5 or TRAIL blocks the ability of α‐TEA to enhance DR5 protein levels, downregulate c‐FLIP(L) protein levels and induce apoptosis. Combination of α‐TEA + TRAIL acts cooperatively to induce apoptosis, and increase DR5 and decrease c‐FLIP (L) protein levels. siRNA knockdown of c‐FLIP produces a low level of spontaneous apoptosis and enhances α‐TEA‐ and TRAIL‐induced apoptosis. Taken together, these studies show that α‐TEA induces TRAIL/DR5 mitochondria‐dependent apoptosis in human breast cancer cells, and that TRAIL/DR5‐dependent increases in DR5 and decreases in c‐FLIP expression are triggered by TRAIL or α‐TEA treatments. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Interactions between cigarette smoking and selected polymorphisms in xenobiotic metabolizing enzymes in risk for colorectal cancer: A case‐only analysis
Authors: Pande Mala , Amos Christopher I. , Eng Cathy , Frazier Marsha L.
Published: September 2010

The metabolism of xenobiotics is complex and involves multiple steps and multiple enzymes. Genetic variation in the genes encoding these enzymes as well as the level of exposure to the substrates of these enzymes could alter metabolism and clearance of potential carcinogens and thus alter cancer susceptibility. This study examined interaction effect between smoking and two single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs)—CYP1A1 c.1384A>G (p.Ile462Val) and EPHX1 c.337T>C (p.Tyr113His)—in modulating colorectal cancer (CRC) risk. The SNPs were selected a priori based on functional significance. In a case‐only analysis, unconditional logistic regression was used to examine the associations between smoking and each SNP and between the two SNPs in 786 patients with nonfamilial CRC. There was significant multiplicative interaction for CRC risk between smoking and EPHX1 c.337T>C (odds ratio [OR] = 1.37, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.03–1.81, P = 0.03), particularly among smokers with a history of greater than 20 pack‐years of smoking (OR = 1.52, 95% CI = 1.07–2.16, P = 0.02). In addition, there was gene–gene interaction between EPHX1 c.337T>C and CYP1A1 c.1384A>G (OR = 1.61, 95% CI = 1.02–2.55, P = 0.04). Smokers with any variant allele of EPHX1 were at increased risk for CRC, as were individuals with any variant allele of CYP1A1 together with any variant allele of EPHX1. Thus, the study of gene–environment and gene–gene interactions may help to identify high‐risk subgroups that can be targeted for intensive smoking cessation and CRC screening interventions. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Investigation of the clinical efficacy and safety of pregabalin alone or combined with tolterodine in female subjects with idiopathic overactive bladder
Authors: Marencak Josef , Cossons Nandini H. , Darekar Amanda , Mills Ian W.
Published: September 2010

Aims

To assess the efficacy and safety of pregabalin alone or in combination with tolterodine extended release (ER) in subjects with idiopathic OAB.

Methods

This 26‐week, multicenter, randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, three‐period crossover study enrolled women aged ≥18 years that were diagnosed with OAB and reported ≥8 micturitions/24 hr and ≥4 urgency episodes/week on 5‐day bladder diary at baseline. Subjects were randomized to 1 of 10 treatment sequences and received three of five treatments, each for 4 weeks with 4‐week washout periods: standard‐dose pregabalin/tolterodine ER (150 mg twice daily [BID]/4 mg once daily [QD], n = 102), pregabalin alone (150 mg BID, n = 105), tolterodine ER alone (4 mg QD, n = 104), low‐dose pregabalin/tolterodine ER (75 mg BID/2 mg QD, n = 105), and placebo (n = 103). Subjects completed 5‐day diaries at the end of treatment and washout periods. The primary endpoint was change from baseline to week 4 in mean voided volume (MVV) per micturition. The primary comparison was standard‐dose pregabalin/tolterodine ER versus tolterodine ER alone; secondary comparisons were pregabalin alone versus tolterodine ER alone and versus placebo.

Results

Baseline‐adjusted changes in MVV were significantly greater after treatment with standard‐dose pregabalin/tolterodine ER (39.5 ml) versus tolterodine ER alone (15.5 ml; P < 0.0001), and with pregabalin alone (27.4 ml) versus tolterodine ER alone (P = 0.005) and placebo (11.9 ml; P = 0.0006). Treatments were generally well tolerated; discontinuation rates due to adverse events were 4%, 2%, 5%, 0%, and 1% with standard‐ and low‐dose pregabalin/tolterodine ER, pregabalin, tolterodine ER, and placebo, respectively.

Conclusions

Pregabalin, alone or with tolterodine ER may offer an alternative treatment option for idiopathic OAB in women. Neurourol. Urodynam. 30:75–82, 2011. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Improved sub‐cellular resolution via simultaneous analysis of organelle proteomics data across varied experimental conditions
Authors: Trotter Matthew W. B. , Sadowski Pawel G. , Dunkley Tom P. J. , Groen Arnoud J. , Lilley Kathryn S.
Published: September 2010

Spatial organisation of proteins according to their function plays an important role in the specificity of their molecular interactions. Emerging proteomics methods seek to assign proteins to sub‐cellular locations by partial separation of organelles and computational analysis of protein abundance distributions among partially separated fractions. Such methods permit simultaneous analysis of unpurified organelles and promise proteome‐wide localisation in scenarios wherein perturbation may prompt dynamic re‐distribution. Resolving organelles that display similar behavior during a protocol designed to provide partial enrichment represents a possible shortcoming. We employ the Localisation of Organelle Proteins by Isotope Tagging (LOPIT) organelle proteomics platform to demonstrate that combining information from distinct separations of the same material can improve organelle resolution and assignment of proteins to sub‐cellular locations. Two previously published experiments, whose distinct gradients are alone unable to fully resolve six known protein–organelle groupings, are subjected to a rigorous analysis to assess protein–organelle association via a contemporary pattern recognition algorithm. Upon straightforward combination of single‐gradient data, we observe significant improvement in protein–organelle association via both a non‐linear support vector machine algorithm and partial least‐squares discriminant analysis. The outcome yields suggestions for further improvements to present organelle proteomics platforms, and a robust analytical methodology via which to associate proteins with sub‐cellular organelles.
Stability of Non‐isothermally Treated Double‐Base Propellants Containing Different Stabilizers in Comparison with Molecular Orbital Calculations
Authors: Zayed Mohamed A. , Hassan Mohamed A.
Published: September 2010

In this research work some malonanilide derivatives (M1‐M5) have been prepared and used as stabilizers for double‐base propellants (DBPs). Their stabilization effect has been compared with the effect of N,N‐diethyldiphenylurea (C1) as a classical stabilizer. Thermal analysis (TA) study under non‐isothermal conditions was carried out on propellant samples containing stabilizers. This study gave information about the thermal stability effect of different stabilizers on DBPs, thermal decomposition and some thermodynamic parameters. The non‐isothermal (TGA and DSC) results show that the o‐dinitromalonanilide (M3) has the highest thermal stability effect on the propellant samples. The molecular orbital calculations such as energy gap (ΔE), net charge, ELUMO, EHOMO, IP, and Ea were done and compared with TA experimental data. It was finally concluded that there is no single factor controlling the stabilizing effect of different stabilizers on thermal stability of DBPs. There is a group of factors that play important role in detecting the stabilizing effect of stabilizers on DBPs such as energy gap, charge density on the o‐position of the benzene ring and the net charge on the benzene ring itself.
Characterization of Three Types of Semtex (H, 1A, and 10)
Authors: Moore Stephanie , Schantz Michele , MacCrehan William
Published: September 2010

Solid phase microextraction and solvent extraction were used with GC/MS to determine the vapor and compositional profile of three samples of Semtex (1A, H, and 10). Semtex is reported to contain PETN and/or RDX, along with plasticizers, binding materials, and fuel oil components. In an effort to differentiate and compare these three variations of Semtex, this report summarizes the headspace and solvent extraction results for each material. Components that can be used to differentiate varieties of Semtex were identified and all three Semtex profiles were distinguished.
miR‐125b promotes growth of prostate cancer xenograft tumor through targeting pro‐apoptotic genes
Authors: Shi Xu‐Bao , Xue Lingru , Ma Ai‐Hong , Tepper Clifford G. , Kung Hsing‐Jien , White Ralph W. deVere
Published: September 2010

BACKGROUND

Increasing evidence demonstrates that aberrantly regulated microRNAs (miRNAs) contribute to the initiation and progression of human cancer. We previously have demonstrated that miR‐125b stimulated the growth of prostate cancer (CaP) cells. In this study, we further determined the influence of miR‐125b on the pathogenesis of CaP.

METHODS

To evaluate the effect of miR‐125b on xenograft tumor growth, male athymic mice were subcutaneously injected with PC‐346C‐miR‐125b cells that stably overexpressed miR‐125b. Potential direct target transcripts of miR‐125b were identified using a bioinformatics approach and three miR‐125b targeted molecules were confirmed by means of biochemical analyses.

RESULTS

Enforced expression of miR‐125b promoted tumor growth in both intact and castrated male nude mice. In an effort to define the molecular mechanism(s) mediating its tumor growth properties, we found that miR‐125b directly targets eight transcripts, including three key pro‐apoptotic genes: p53, Puma, and Bak1. Increasing the abundance of miR‐125b resulted in a dramatic decrease in the levels of these three proteins in CaP cells. A direct repressive effect on each of these was supported by the ability of miR‐125b to significantly reduce the activity of luciferase reporters containing their 3′‐untranslated regions of each gene encompassing the miR‐125b‐binding sites. Additionally, we found that repression of miR‐125b activity was able to sensitize CaP cells to different therapeutic interventions.

CONCLUSION

Data obtained in this study demonstrate that miR‐125b promotes growth of prostatic xenograft tumors by down‐regulating three key pro‐apoptotic genes. This suggests that miR‐125b is oncogenic and makes it an attractive therapeutic target in CaP. Prostate 77:538–549, 2011. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
First principles study of CO adsorption–CO2 desorption mechanisms on oxidized doped‐gold cationic clusters MAun O (M = Ti, Fe; n = 1,4–7; m = 1–2)
Authors: Fernández Eva M. , Torres Maria B. , Balbás Luis C.
Published: September 2010

A first principles study of the formation and desorption of CO2 on oxidized doped‐gold complexes MAun O is presented for n = 1,4–7, m = 1–2, and M = Ti, Fe. We start with the ground state geometry of MAun O complexes obtained in a previous work. After the adsorption of a first CO molecule on MAun O, two intermediate complexes with small energy difference are preferably formed, one of them with a preformed CO3 carbonate and the other one with a preformed CO2. The former is more bound than the later only for n = 6–7, and for FeAu4 O. Two mechanism for the desorption of CO2 are studied. In the first one, here called sequential mechanism, we choose the intermediate O‐MAu‐CO2 complex with a preformed CO2 as the preferential to desorb a CO2 molecule leaving the MAun O+ cluster. A second CO molecule is then adsorbed on that residual aggregate forming, among other equilibrium compositions, a MAu‐CO2 complex from which a CO2 molecule can be desorbed to yield the deoxidized MAu bimetallic cluster. In the second CO2 desorption mechanism, called here simultaneous mechanism, we consider the adsorption of a second CO on each one of MAu‐CO3 and O‐MAu‐CO2 intermediate complexes resulting from the first CO adsorption. Three types of new intermediate complexes are preferably formed: (a) MAu‐CO‐CO3 with preformed CO3 and CO radicals; (b) MAu‐C2 O4 with a preformed C2 O4 oxalate; (c) MAu‐CO2‐CO2 with two preformed CO2 molecules bonded on the M impurity. We calculate the simultaneous desorption of two CO2 molecules from the intermediate complex of case (c) leaving the deoxidized MAu cluster in the ground state, except for a few cases where FeAu structural deformation occurs following the optimization of intermediate complexes. The effects of cluster size and transition metal impurity on the CO adsorption and CO2 desorption energies are discussed. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2011
The role of self‐questioning: Problem solving in a security organization
Authors: Ng Koa Heng , Lee Chwee Beng , Teo Timothy
Published: September 2010

Self‐questioning plays an important role in problem solving. In this study, we examined the effects of self‐questioning techniques on problem solving and metacognition for ill‐structured workplace problems including counter‐terrorism, which is unconventional. The independent variable was the strategy training in self‐questioning techniques, structuring around the IDEAL model as a cognitive heuristics adaptation to resolve novel situations. The dependent variable metacognition was made up of two constructs i.e. knowledge about cognition and regulation of cognition. These were measured by using the Metacognitive Awareness Inventory (MAI) while overall problem solving performance was determined by assessing the participants' reasoning and the resulting consequences of their decision (outcome performance) in the pre‐ and post‐tests. Our results revealed that the intervention had significant positive effects on the novices' reasoning performance, outcome performance and overall problem solving performance. In addition, the level of correlation between reasoning performance and outcome performance was significantly positive. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Importance of Modeling in Estimation of Properties of Refining Slags
Authors: Matsumiya T.
Published: September 2010

Structures and various properties of refining slags can be estimated by the use of classical molecular dynamics simulation. The appropriateness of the estimation depends on the interatomic potentials used in the simulation. If modeling of the interatomic potentials is sound, the parameter values in the potential functions become equivalent to physical property values and their evaluation based on fitting of calculated properties with the measured values becomes equivalent to the measurement of the “physical properties”. This situation is also applicable to thermodynamic modeling. Once the parameter values, i.e. the “physical properties”, are evaluated by the use of some measurements or ab initio calculations, the simulation by the use of the model and the model itself have the ability of estimating a wide range of properties of refining slags. In this scope, a molecular dynamics approach of molten CaO‐SiO2, an evaluation method of energy parameter values in the Cell Model as a slag thermodynamic model by the use of NMR measurements are discussed. Estimation of viscosity and relative molar volume of slags by the use of thermodynamic properties is also mentioned.
An Analysis of Recirculatory Flow in Gas‐Stirred Ladles
Authors: Krishnapisharody K. , Irons G.A.
Published: September 2010

The paper is concerned with the fluid mechanics characterizing the bulk flow region in a gas‐stirred ladle. A theoretical framework, previously derived for the analysis of the gas‐liquid plume region, is extended to include the bulk flow phenomena. In this study, the liquid recirculation and mixing have been quantified in terms of simple dimensionless parameters related to the ladle geometry and gas flow rate. A new correlation for mixing time, consistent with the proper form of the Froude similitude criterion, is presented. The work has implications for the fundamental as well as applied aspects of ladle processing.
Mass Exchange at the Metal‐Mould Flux Interface
Authors: Scheller P.R.
Published: September 2010

Mass exchange between liquid steel and the mould flux leads to the oxidation of some elements in the steel and the reduction of slag components. In the continuous casting process, where metal initially solidifies at the metal‐slag interface, reaction products generated there can be cached by the growing solidification front. The disruptions of the interface promote the entrapment of flux particles additionally. They can cause surface defects with quality damages of the cast products as a consequence. These investigations are focused on the contact area between liquid mould flux and metal. The samples were taken from the mould during the continuous casting process.

The results show that layers up to approximately 300 nm from the slag/metal interface represent a specific reaction space. The transport of oxygen near the interface and the charge transfer is explained on the basis of the ionic character of the slag. Sodium in this layer on the slag side plays a special role in the oxygen transport besides of the iron ions. The mass transfer rate of oxygen crossing the interface is calculated from measured data and conclusions concerning the stability of the interfacial tension are made.
On Physico‐Chemical and Technical Limits in Clean Steel Production
Authors: Holappa L.
Published: September 2010

Great progresses in steel cleanliness have been attained during the last decades. In the measures of oxygen the lowest levels are approaching 5 ppm in Otot i.e. close to the thermodynamic limit of Al deoxidation. As the thermodynamics of the reaction system is firmly anchored to the steel chemistry and thus to the properties of steel and the final product, it is useful to examine the thermodynamic constraints for selected steels in the refining and casting processes. In most steels Al‐O equilibrium determines the limit of deoxidation. Calculations by applying thermodynamic software showed that in selected “common” steels the equilibrium oxygen content varied from below 5 ppm up to 30 ppm or higher depending on the aluminium content, interaction effect of other alloying elements and temperature.

For lower oxygen content there are several possibilities. The first one is to use stronger deoxidizing additions like Ca, Zr, Ce etc. However, they can be problematic as substitutes as they produce inclusions which influence steel properties. The second way is to intensify the deoxidizing power of certain elements e.g. Si by bringing the steel in intimate contact with a proper slag with low SiO2 activity in ladle treatment with violent stirring. In the calculation example it was possible to decrease oxygen content from 30 ppm to the level below 10 ppm in C/Mn/Si steel at very low Al level. The third potential but unused process is vacuum deoxidation especially for medium and high carbon steels. Equilibrium oxygen contents below 1 ppm are thermodynamically easily attainable. But in practice the vacuum treatment should be designed to intensify the carbon‐oxygen reaction on the top surface of the stirred steel liquid. Also the eventual reactions with refractory materials should be suppressed.
Arsenic trioxide (As2O3) inhibits murine WEHI‐3 leukemia in BALB/c mice in vivo
Authors: Lai Tung‐Yuan , Lin Jen‐Jyh , Huang Wen‐Wen , Kuo Shu‐Chu , Wen Yen‐Fang , Lai I‐Cheng , Lin Chin‐Chung , Yang Jai‐Sing , Chung Jing‐Gung
Published: September 2010

Arsenic trioxide (As2O3) is used clinically to treat acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) and has activity in vitro for induction of apoptosis in several solid tumor cell lines. To investigate the potential therapeutic application of As2O3 for leukemia, we analyzed the effects of As2O3 on the WEHI‐3 cells‐induced orthotopic leukemia animal model in vivo in this study. We established the WEHI‐3 cells leukemia mice through the injection of murine WEHI‐3 cells into BALB/c mice, and they were then treated with As2O3 (0.9 and 4.5 mg kg−1; p.o.) and/or combined with all‐trans‐retinoic acid (ATRA), (30 mg kg−1; i.p.). The results indicated that (1) As2O3 alone or As2O3 combined with ATRA promoted the total survival rate of leukemia mice and these effects are dose‐dependent; (2) As2O3 did not affect the body weight but decreased the spleen weight; however, it did not affect liver weight; (3) As2O3 alone or As2O3 combined with ATRA increased the levels of CD3 and CD19, indicating that the differentiation of T and B cells were promoted; and (4) As2O3 alone or As2O3 combined with ATRA did not change the levels of Mac‐3 and CD11b markers, indicating that the differentiation of the precursor of macrophage were not inhibited. Based on these observations, As2O3 alone or As2O3 combined with ATRA have efficacious antileukemia activity in WEHI‐3 cells leukemia in vivo. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol, 2012.
Bovine Adipose Triglyceride Lipase is Not Altered and Adipocyte Fatty Acid‐Binding Protein is Increased by Dietary Flaxseed
Authors: Deiuliis Jeffrey , Shin Jonghyun , Murphy Eric , Kronberg Scott L. , Eastridge Maurice L. , Suh Yeunsu , Yoon Jong‐Taek , Lee Kichoon
Published: September 2010

In this paper, we report the full‐length coding sequence of bovine ATGL cDNA and analyze its expression in bovine tissues. Similar to human, mouse, and pig ATGL sequences, bovine ATGL has a highly conserved patatin domain that is necessary for lipolytic function in mice and humans. This suggests that ATGL is functionally intact as a triglyceride lipase in cattle. Tissue distribution of ATGL gene expression was highest in fat and muscle (skeletal and cardiac) tissue, while protein expression was solely detectible in the adipose tissue. The effect of 109 days of flaxseed supplementation on ATGL and adipocyte fatty acid‐binding protein (FABP4 or A‐FABP, E‐FABP or FABP5) expression was examined in Angus steers. Supplemented steers had greater triacylglycerol (TAG) content in the muscle compared with unsupplemented ones. Additionally, supplementation increased A‐FABP expression and decreased stearoyl‐CoA desaturase 1 (SCD‐1) expression in muscle, while total ATGL expression was unaffected. In summary, supplementation of cattle rations with flaxseed increased muscle TAG concentrations attributed in part to increased expression of key enzymes involved in lipid trafficking (A‐FABP) and metabolism (SCD‐1).
Black-White Inequality in Reading and Math across K-12 Schooling: A Synthetic Cohort Perspective
Authors: Robinson Keith
Published: September 2010

While much has been written on the racial gap in achievement, few national studies have assessed the gap's trajectory over K-12 schooling. The reason for this is understandable—most national data sets do not contain respondent information for this entire educational period. I utilize survey data from three national data sets containing White and Black students to document the trajectory of reading and math inequality between school entry and the end of high school. An attempt to clarify these observed patterns is made by assessing changes in the score distributions of these students across grade level, and examining how Black score distributions would fare if held to the White score distributions. Findings suggest that efforts to equalize achievement disparities must not only focus on “bringing the bottom up”, but also on keeping the top Black achievers on pace with the top White achievers across grade level.