bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Lower and upper bound estimation of isotropic and orthotropic fracture mechanics problems using elements with rotational degrees of freedom
Authors: de Klerk Antoinette , Visser A. G. , Groenwold Albert A.
Published: December 2006

We use Rice's path‐independent J integral, as well as its dual, the I* integral, to estimate lower and upper bounds of the stress intensity factor K in linear elastic fracture mechanics problems.

The elements used contain rotational degrees of freedom, and are derived from the correct energy principles to guarantee path independence of the integrals. That is, the displacement‐based elements used in calculating the J integral are derived from the principle of potential energy; the assumed stress elements used in calculating the I* integral are derived from complementary energy principles.

For lower bound estimation in particular, elements with drilling degrees of freedom are advantageous, due to their superior accuracy.

Numerical results are presented for isotropic and orthotropic mode I and mode II fracture mechanics problems. In addition, we reflect on suitable finite element integration schemes, and applicable values for the problem dependent penalty parameter γ which is used in deriving the elements. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Boundary‐value recovery by the Trefftz approach in structural inverse problems
Authors: Karaś M. S. , Zieliński A. P.
Published: December 2006

The main idea of the Trefftz approach to numerical modelling consists in the application of trial functions identically fulfilling governing partial differential equations of a considered problem. When boundary conditions of the problem are defined a priori (direct formulation), they can be used to calculate the unknown solution coefficients. In structural inverse problems, the above conditions can be partly unknown (its shape is assumed to be unchanged). Instead, we can measure certain quantities inside the investigated structure and then approximately define the whole boundary‐value problem.

Usually, solutions of inverse problems are connected with minimization of certain functionals, which results in optimization procedures. This kind of formulation is presented in detail and illustrated by numerical examples. The properties of the Trefftz approach allow to formulate alternative, much more effective, simple direct algorithms, which considerably shorten the time of computer calculations. This is clearly shown in several computational benchmarks for 2D elastic inverse problems. The proposed algorithms can be applied to any inverse boundary‐value problem, for which the complete T‐function sets are known. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cover Picture: Electric‐Field‐Driven Deracemization (ChemPhysChem 1/2007)
Authors: Kane Alexander , Shao Ren‐Fan , Maclennan Joseph E. , Wang Lixing , Walba David M. , Clark Noel A.
Published: December 2006

The cover picture shows domains (black and orange, lower right) of opposite sign of enantiomeric excess formed by applying an electric field to an initially racemic smectic C liquid crystal. The racemic smectic C symmetry is locally monoclinic (C2h) but becomes chiral (C2) in presence of an electric field applied along the C2 axis, driving deracemization. If the field is removed the domain boundaries are blurred by diffusion (center), but reform once the field is reapplied (upper left). Find out more in the Article by Kane et al. on page 170.
Scalable rate control for video transmission over UMTS
Authors: Alexiou Antonios , Bouras Christos , Igglesis Vaggelis
Published: December 2006

This paper proposes a mechanism for the congestion control for video transmission over Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS). Our scheme is applied when the mobile user experiences real time multimedia content and adopts the theory of a widely accepted rate control method in wired networks, namely equation‐based rate control. In this approach, the transmission rate of the multimedia data is determined as a function of the packet loss rate, the round trip time and the packet size and the server explicitly adjusts its sending rate as a function of these parameters. Through a number of simulations and experiments we validate the correctness and measure the performance and efficiency of the mechanism. A first level of evaluation is carried out using the ns‐2 simulator. A second level then validates the proposed mechanism in real world traffic scenarios by performing experiments in a commercial UMTS network. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Structural Trends in Alkaline Earth and Rare Earth Metal 3,5‐Diisopropylpyrazolates
Authors: Hitzbleck Julia , Deacon Glen B. , Ruhlandt‐Senge Karin
Published: December 2006

A series of 3,5‐diisopropylpyrazolates of magnesium, calcium, and strontium in addition to a divalent europium analog continues our investigation on the differences and similarities between the alkaline earth and divalent rare earth metal elements. The alkane elimination reaction between dibutylmagnesium and excess 3,5‐diisopropylpyrazole (iPr2pzH) in toluene afforded the dinuclear magnesium pyrazolate [{Mg(iPr2pz)2(iPr2pzH)}2] (1). [{Ca(iPr2pz)2(iPr2pzH)2}2] (2) and [{Eu(iPr2pz)2(iPr2pzH)2}2] (3) were obtained as the product of redox‐transmetallation/ligand‐exchange reactions between an excess of the corresponding metal, 2 equiv. of iPr2pzH, and Hg(C6F5)2 in toluene. This reaction with Sr metal led to the isolation of a unique byproduct, [Hg3(iPr2pz)4(C6F5)2] (4). High‐temperature direct metallation of barium with iPr2pzH afforded [{Ba(iPr2pz)2(py)3}2] (5) upon treatment of the hydrocarbon‐insoluble homoleptic [{Ba(iPr2pz)2}n] with pyridine (py). X‐ray crystal structure analyses revealed dinuclear structures for compounds 1–3 and 5 with μ‐ηn:ηm bridging pyrazolato ligands, including the new μ‐η1:η5 linkage, and further stabilization of 1–3 by intramolecular hydrogen bonding between the terminal pyrazole donor and terminal 1 or bridging pyrazolato ligands in 2 and 3. The trinuclear 4 displays the first example of a complex with an open, triangular Hg3 unit. It has μ‐η1:η1 bridging pyrazolato ligands and terminal pentafluorophenyl groups.(© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2007)
Application of CE for determination of DNA base composition
Authors: Hua Ngoc‐Phuc , Naganuma Takeshi
Published: December 2006

DNA base composition expressed as mol% of guanine plus cytosine (% GC) or GC content is a key parameter of bacterial taxonomy and genomic analyses. Direct chemical determination methods such as HPLC as well as indirect methods based on physical properties of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), melting point (Tm), and buoyant density (Bd) have been conventionally applied to determine the GC content. However, these methods require relatively large amounts of sample DNA, time, and labor. We have developed a protocol to determine the GC content by fine separation of nucleosides with CZE. Genomic DNAs with known GCcontent from 23 bacterial strains were determined by CE at the optimized conditions of 27°C, 20 kV in 50 mM of NaHCO3 (pH 9.0) and 70 mM SDS added. Nucleosides from <1 µg of DNA hydrolyzed with nuclease‐P1 and bacterial alkaline phosphatase were separated in a 75 µm wide and 80 cm long silica capillary. The nucleoside peak areas were determined at 254 nm in less than 12 min. The CE‐based determination of GC content requires only small amounts of DNA, and thus should be applicable to environmental genomics (metagenomics), as >90% of environmental micro‐organisms are nonculturable and produce only small amounts of genomic DNA.
Development of a CZE method for the determination of mizolastine and its impurities in pharmaceutical preparations using response surface methodology
Authors: Orlandini Serena , Giannini Iacopo , Gotti Roberto , Pinzauti Sergio , La Porta Enzo , Furlanetto Sandra
Published: December 2006

A fast and selective CZE method for the determination of mizolastine and related impurities is described. Response surface methodology was applied to study the influence of phosphate/triethanolamine (TEA) buffer concentration, heptakis(2,3,6‐tri‐O‐methyl)‐β‐CD (TMβCD) concentration, voltage and temperature. The optimum conditions were: 105 mM phosphate/TEA buffer (pH 3.0) containing 10 mM TMβCD, temperature 19°C and voltage 30 kV. Validation of the method was performed in drug substance and drug product. Robustness was evaluated using a Plackett–Burman design, including pH among the considered factors. Applying the optimal conditions, the nine peaks were baseline separated in about 10 min. The method was applied to the quality control of mizolastine in controlled‐release tablets.
Alkaline extraction of human plasma proteins from nondenaturing micro‐2‐D gels for protein/polypeptide mass measurement and peptide mass fingerprinting using MALDI‐TOF MS
Authors: Jin Ya , Manabe Takashi
Published: December 2006

Previously, we have reported a high‐efficiency method of protein extraction from CBB‐stained polyacrylamide gels for molecular mass measurement with MALDI‐TOF MS [1]. In the present work, the alkaline extraction method was applied to CBB‐stained 2‐DE gels on which human plasma proteins were separated in the absence of denaturant. In order to examine the performance of the method, ten spots with apparent molecular masses (MMapp) in the range of 65 to 1000 kDa were selected and the proteins were extracted from the gel pieces. The extracts were subjected to whole‐mass measurement by MALDI‐TOF MS, with and without DTT treatment. In addition, the extracts were subjected to in‐solution trypsin digestion followed by MALDI‐TOF MS and PMF analysis. Successful extraction of proteins from the ten spots, up to MMapp 1000 kDa, has been ascertained by the significant PMF assignment (MASCOT) with high sequence coverage of the respective proteins or polypeptides. When direct mass measurement of the extracted proteins was attempted, three spots in MMapp range 65–100 kDa provided mass peaks. Five spots in MMapp range 150–400 kDa did not give mass peaks of the intact proteins, but showed those of the constituent polypeptides after the DTT treatment. Extraction of proteins prior to trypsin digestion enabled the procedure of PMF analysis to be much simpler than the conventional in‐gel digestion method, providing comparable protein scores and sequence coverage. The technique presented here suggests a new strategy for the characterization of proteins separated by nondenaturing 2‐DE.
Mercury speciation by CE: A review
Authors: Kubáň Petr , Houserová Pavlína , Kubáň Pavel , Hauser Peter C. , Kubáň Vlastimil
Published: December 2006

CE methods for the speciation of inorganic and organomercury compounds are reviewed. Sample preparation, separation conditions and detection modes are discussed. Efficient separation and sensitive determination of mercury species by CE typically involves complexation with various thiols, chromogenic and other chelating agents; however, some methods do not require complexation. Spectrophotometric detection based on UV‐visible absorption is by far the most commonly used. Hyphenated techniques, such as CE/inductively coupled plasma (ICP)‐MS, hydride generation coupled to ICP‐MS or atomic fluorescence spectrometry and CE/atomic absorption spectrometry are gaining popularity due to their high sensitivity and selectivity. Last, but not least, the potential and applications of electrochemical methods for detection of separated mercury species are outlined.
Patients with Lewy body dementia use more resources than those with Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Boström Fredrik , Jönsson Linus , Minthon Lennart , Londos Elisabet
Published: December 2006

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to compare resource use and costs in patients with dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) and Alzheimer's disease (AD) and to assess determinants of costs of care in DLB.

Method

Thirty‐four patients with DLB were included in a cross‐sectional study. The patients were matched with respect to age, gender and Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) score to 34 patients with AD. Both groups were examined using Resource Utilisation in Dementia (RUD Lite), MMSE and the Neuropsychiatric inventory (NPI). The DLB patients were additionally examined using the Disability Assessment for Dementia Scale (DAD).

Results

Costs of care in patients suffering from DLB was on average 348,000 SEK (37,500€) per year compared to 169,000 SEK (18,200€) in the AD group (p < 0.001). Within the DLB group, care costs correlated significantly (rc = 2.77, p < 0.001) with dependency in instrumental activities of daily living measured with DAD, whereas MMSE and NPI were not significantly correlated to resource use in the DLB group.

Conclusions

DLB patients use more resources, and are more costly than AD patients. Dependency in instrumental activities of daily living is strongly correlated to resource use in DLB patients. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Controlled trial of dementia training with a peer support group for aged care staff
Authors: Davison Tanya E. , McCabe Marita P. , Visser Sarah , Hudgson Catherine , Buchanan Greg , George Kuruvilla
Published: December 2006

Objective

This study evaluated the impact of an eight‐session training program for aged care staff in managing dementia‐related challenging behaviours. Participation in the training program with an additional five‐session peer support group was compared with both participation in training only and a wait‐list control condition.

Methods

Outcomes were evaluated for 90 participating staff members and 113 residents with challenging behaviours from six aged care facilities. Measures of staff attitudes and the behaviours of staff and residents were collected pre‐ and post‐intervention, and at six month follow‐up.

Results

Staff members in both dementia training groups reported improved attitudes regarding their knowledge and skills in managing residents with challenging behaviours, immediately after the training and six months later. Facility supervisors rated the nursing performance of trained staff more positively, particularly those who participated in a peer support group. The dementia training programs, whether with or without the inclusion of peer support, did not impact on levels of staff burnout or substantially reduce the level of challenging behaviours among aged care residents.

Conclusions

While training programs may impact positively on staff performance, organisational characteristics of aged care facilities, including low levels of management support for staff training initiatives, limit the potential outcomes. Methodological limitations are discussed. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Multilevel models for estimating incremental net benefits in multinational studies
Authors: Grieve Richard , Nixon Richard , Thompson Simon G. , Cairns John
Published: December 2006

Multilevel models (MLMs) have been recommended for estimating incremental net benefits (INBs) in multicentre cost‐effectiveness analysis (CEA). However, these models have assumed that the INBs are exchangeable and that there is a common variance across all centres. This paper examines the plausibility of these assumptions by comparing various MLMs for estimating the mean INB in a multinational CEA. The results showed that the MLMs that assumed the INBs were exchangeable and had a common variance led to incorrect inferences. The MLMs that included covariates to allow for systematic differences across the centres, and estimated different variances in each centre, made more plausible assumptions, fitted the data better and led to more appropriate inferences. We conclude that the validity of assumptions underlying MLMs used in CEA need to be critically evaluated before reliable conclusions can be drawn. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effects of adjunctive antidepressant therapy with quetiapine on clinical outcome, quality of sleep and daytime motor activity in patients with treatment‐resistant depression
Authors: Baune B. T. , Caliskan S. , Todder D.
Published: December 2006

Objective

To investigate the effects of antidepressant therapy plus quetiapine on major depression, motor activity, daytime sleepiness and quality of sleep.

Methods

Patients (N = 27) with major depressive disorder received a standard antidepressant treatment (Venlafaxine, Escitalopram) plus flexible dose of quetiapine. Patients' depression was monitored with HAM‐D‐21, motor activity was continuously measured with actigraphy and sleep parameters with the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) over 4 weeks.

Results

Whereas depression, quality of sleep and daytime sleepiness showed a significant improvement over 4 weeks, change of daytime motor activity was significant only between the wash out period and the last 2 days of the study. Repeated measures of variance indicate an independent influence of quetiapine on improved depression, motor activity and sleep. While we found only a mild decrease of daytime sleepiness during the first week of treatment, the further decline of daytime sleepiness got significant after 2 weeks of treatment with quetiapine, even at high mean daily doses and despite the sedative effects of quetiapine.

Conclusions

Antidepressant treatment plus quetiapine is possibly a suitable treatment strategy to improve clinical depression, quality of sleep and motor activity. Future research is needed to understand the pharmacological interactions between antidepressants and quetiapine in major depression. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Possible predictors of response to clonazepam augmentation therapy in patients with protracted depression
Authors: Morishita Shigeru , Arita Seizaburo
Published: December 2006

Introduction

Clonazepam has been shown to be an effective supplementary treatment for depression. Thus, it would be useful to determine which patient characteristics are associated with response to clonazepam.

Aims

The purpose of this study was to examine the possible predictors of response to clonazepam in the treatment of depression.

Method

A retrospective cohort analysis was carried out in 120 patients with protracted depression who were being treated with clonazepam.

Results

A variety of clinical factors, including age, gender, type of depression, frequency of episodes, family history; and daily dose of clonazepam, were analyzed as possible predictors of response to clonazepam. A Weibull regression analysis showed that the factors that best predicted improvement with clonazepam augmentation were negative family history of psychiatric illness (ecoef = 0.378), daily clonazepam dose of 2.5–4.0 mg (ecoef = 0.160), and unipolar depression (ecoef = 0.147).

Conclusions

These factors should be considered when clonazepam augmentation therapy is selected for protracted depression. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Lower weight gain with the orally disintegrating olanzapine than with standard tablets in first‐episode never treated psychotic patients
Authors: Arranz B. , San L. , Dueñas R.M. , Centeno M. , Ramirez N. , Salavert J. , del Moral E.
Published: December 2006

Objective

A post‐hoc analysis of the data from a randomised clinical trial involving prescription of antipsychotic treatment to never treated first‐onset psychotic patients was used to compare the weight change after 6‐week olanzapine treatment (standard tablets vs. orally disintegrating formulation).

Method

In the subgroup of 38 patients randomised to olanzapine, standard olanzapine tablets were non‐randomly and consecutively prescribed to the first 19 patients, with the orally disintegrating formulation being prescribed to the following 19 patients.

Results

After 6‐week treatment with olanzapine, a significant higher increase in weight was noted in those patients on standard tablets (mean weight increase 6.3 ± 1.9 Kg) as compared to those on orally disintegrating olanzapine (mean weight increase 3.3 ± 3.2 Kg) (F = 7.7; p = 0.009). BMI increase was also significantly higher in the olanzapine tablet group (mean increase of 2.1 Kg/m2 as compared with 1.1 Kg/m2 in the orally disintegrating group) (F = 4.7; p = 0.036). Substantial weight gain (SWG) (≥7% increase from baseline weight) was noted in 84.2% (n = 16) of the olanzapine tablet patients and in 31.6% (n = 6) of the orally disintegrating olanzapine patients, with the olanzapine tablet group showing a significant increase in the mean percentage of weight gain (F = 4.0; p = 0.014).

Conclusions

Partial sublingual absorption occurring with orally disintegrating olanzapine may bypass gastrointestinal metabolisation and hence lead to differences in metabolite versus parent compound ratios. However, the need arises to replicate the present study with a longer follow‐up. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Induced and repressed genes after irradiation sensitizing by pentoxyphylline
Authors: Waldeck Waldemar , Strunz Anke M. , Müller Gabriele , Hotz‐Wagenblatt Agnes , Wijenne Jürgen , Langowski Jörg , Didinger Bernd , Debus Jürgen , Braun Klaus
Published: December 2006

Aim in cancer therapy is to increase the therapeutic ratio eliminating the disease while minimizing toxicity to normal tissues. Radiation therapy is a main component in targeting cancer. Radiosensitizing agents like pentoxyphylline (PTX) have been evaluated to improve radiotherapy. Commonly, cells respond to radiation by the activation of specific early and late response genes as well as by inhibition of genes, which are expressed under normal conditions. A display of the genetic distinctions at the level of transcription is given here to characterize the molecular events underlying the radiosensitizing mechanisms. The method of suppression subtractive hybridization allows the visualization of both induced and repressed genes in irradiated cells compared with cells sensitized immediately after irradiation. The genes were isolated by cDNA‐cloning, differential analysis and sequence similarity search. Genes involved in protein synthesis, metabolism, proteolysis and transcriptional regulation were detected. It is important that genes like KIAA280, which were only known as unidentified EST sequences before without function, but inaccessible by array technology were recovered as functional genes. Database searches for PTX‐induced genes detected a human mRNA completely unknown. In case of suppressed genes, we detected several mRNAs; one thereof shows homology to a hypothetical protein possibly involved in signal transduction. A further mRNA encodes the protein BM036 supposed to associate with the E2F transcription factor. A hypothetical protein H41 was detected, which may repress the Her‐2/neu receptor influencing breast cancer, gliomas and prostate tumors. Radiation combined with PTX may lead to a better prognosis by down regulation of the Her‐2/neu, which will be proven by clinical studies in the near future. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Selective inhibition of PED protein expression sensitizes B‐cell chronic lymphocytic leukaemia cells to TRAIL‐induced apoptosis
Authors: Garofalo Michela , Romano Giulia , Quintavalle Cristina , Romano Maria Fiammetta , Chiurazzi Federico , Zanca Ciro , Condorelli Gerolama
Published: December 2006

B‐cell chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (B‐CLL) cells fail to undergo apoptosis. The mechanism underlying this resistance to cell death is still largely unknown. Tumour necrosis factor‐related apoptosis‐inducing ligand (TRAIL) effectively kills tumour cells but not normal cells, and thus represents an attractive tool for the treatment of cancer. Unfortunately, lymphocytes from B‐CLL patients are resistant to TRAIL‐mediated apoptosis. Thus, we aimed to study the involvement of PED, a DED‐family member with a broad antiapoptotic action, in this resistance. We demonstrate that B lymphocytes obtained from patients with B‐CLL express high levels of PED. Treatment of B‐CLL cells with specific PED antisense oligonucleotides, a protein synthesis inhibitor or HDAC inhibitors, induced a significant downregulation of PED and sensitized these cells to TRAIL‐induced cell death. These findings suggest a direct involvement of PED in resistance to TRAIL‐induced apoptosis in B‐CLL. It also identifies this DED‐family member as a potential therapeutic target for this form of leukaemia. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Flavonoids and risk of squamous cell esophageal cancer
Authors: Rossi Marta , Garavello Werner , Talamini Renato , La Vecchia Carlo , Franceschi Silvia , Lagiou Pagona , Zambon Paola , Maso Luigino Dal , Bosetti Cristina , Negri Eva
Published: December 2006

The relation between 5 classes of flavonoids (flavanones, flavan‐3‐ols, flavonols, flavones and anthocyanidines) and esophageal cancer was investigated using data from a case‐control study conducted between 1992 and 1997 in 3 areas of northern Italy. The study included 304 cases (275 men, 29 women) with a first diagnosis of squamous‐cell carcinoma of the esophagus and 743 controls (593 men, 150 women) with no history of cancer, admitted for acute illnesses, unrelated to tobacco and alcohol consumption, to major hospitals of the areas under surveillance. Dietary habits were investigated using a validated food frequency questionnaire. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were computed after allowance for age, sex, study centre, years of education, alcohol drinking, tobacco smoking, body mass index and energy intake. An inverse association emerged between flavanone intake and esophageal cancer risk (OR = 0.38 for the highest vs. the lowest quintile, 95% CI = 0.23–0.66). The inverse relation between flavanones and esophageal cancer tended to be stronger in those who drank ≥6 drinks/day. In conclusion, this study suggests that flavanone intake is inversely associated with esophageal cancer risk and may account, with vitamin C, for the protective effect of fruit, especially citrus fruit, on esophageal cancer. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Antiangiogenic activity of the endocannabinoid anandamide: Correlation to its tumor‐suppressor efficacy
Authors: Pisanti Simona , Borselli Cristina , Oliviero Olimpia , Laezza Chiara , Gazzerro Patrizia , Bifulco Maurizio
Published: December 2006

Endocannabinoids are now emerging as suppressors of key cell‐signaling pathways involved in cancer cell growth, invasion, and metastasis. We have previously observed that the metabolically stable anandamide analog, 2‐methyl‐2′‐F‐anandamide (Met‐F‐AEA) can inhibit the growth of thyroid cancer in vivo. Our hypothesis was that the anti‐tumor effect observed could be at least in part ascribed to inhibition of neo‐angiogenesis. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the anti‐angiogenic activity of Met‐F‐AEA, to investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying this effect and whether Met‐F‐AEA could antagonize tumor‐induced endothelial cell sprouting. We show that Met‐F‐AEA inhibited bFGF‐stimulated endothelial cell proliferation, in a dose‐dependent manner, and also induced apoptosis, both effects reliant on cannabinoid CB1 receptor stimulation. Analyzing the signaling pathways implicated in angiogenesis, we observed that the bFGF‐induced ERK phosphorylation was antagonized by Met‐F‐AEA, and we found that p38 MAPK was involved in Met‐F‐AEA‐induced apoptosis. Moreover, Met‐F‐AEA was able to inhibit bi‐dimensional capillary‐like tube formation and activity of matrix metalloprotease MMP‐2, a major matrix degrading enzyme. Importantly, we demonstrated that Met‐F‐AEA is also functional in vivo since it inhibited angiogenesis in the chick chorioallantoic neovascularization model. Finally, Met‐F‐AEA inhibited tumor‐induced angiogenesis in a three‐dimensional model of endothelial and thyroid tumor cell (KiMol) spheroids co‐cultures in different 3‐D polymeric matrices that resemble tumor microenvironment and architecture. Thus, our results suggest that anandamide could be involved in the control of cancer growth targeting both tumor cell proliferation and the angiogenic stimulation of the vasculature. J. Cell. Physiol. 211: 495–503, 2007. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
R115777 (Zarnestra®)/Zoledronic acid (Zometa®) cooperation on inhibition of prostate cancer proliferation is paralleled by Erk/Akt inactivation and reduced Bcl‐2 and bad phosphorylation
Authors: Caraglia Michele , Marra Monica , Leonetti Carlo , Meo Giuseppina , D'Alessandro Anna Maria , Baldi Alfonso , Santini Daniele , Tonini Giuseppe , Bertieri Raffaello , Zupi Gabriella , Budillon Alfredo , Abbruzzese Alberto
Published: December 2006

Zoledronic acid (ZOL) has proved activity in bone metastases from prostate cancer through inhibition of mevalonate pathway and of prenylation of intracellular proteins. We have reported that ZOL synergizes with R115777 farnesyltransferase inhibitor (FTI, Zarnestra) in inducing apoptosis and growth inhibition on epidermoid cancer cells. Here, we have studied the effects of the combination of these agents in prostate adenocarcinoma models and, specifically, on androgen‐independent (PC3 and DU145) and ‐dependent (LNCaP) prostate cancer cell lines. We have found that ZOL and R115777 were synergistic in inducing both growth inhibition and apoptosis in prostate adenocarcinoma cells. These effects were paralleled by disruption of Ras→Erk and Akt survival pathways, consequent decreased phosphorylation of both mitochondrial bcl‐2 and bad proteins, and caspase activation. Finally, ZOL/R115777 combination induced cooperative effects also in vivo on tumor growth inhibition of prostate cancer xenografts in nude mice with a significant survival increase. These effects were paralleled by enhanced apoptosis and inactivation of both Erk and Akt. In conclusions, the combination between ZOL and FTI leads to enhanced anti‐tumor activity in human prostate adenocarcinoma cells likely through a more efficacious inhibition of ras‐dependent survival pathways and consequent bcl‐related proteins‐dependent apoptosis. J. Cell. Physiol. 211: 533–543, 2007. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Role of human LZIP in differential activation of the NF‐κB pathway that is induced by CCR1‐dependent chemokines
Authors: Jang Sung‐Wuk , Kim Yoon Suk , Lee Young Han , Ko Jesang
Published: December 2006

Human leucine zipper protein (LZIP) associates with CC chemokine receptor 1 (CCR1) and this protein–protein interaction should play an important role in leukocyte cell mobility. LZIP is known to regulate leukotactin‐1 (Lkn‐1)‐dependent cell migration without affecting the chemotactic activities of other CC chemokines that bind to CCR1. Since Lkn‐1 is engaged in the transcriptional activation of nuclear factor κB (NF‐κB) and subsequent activation of the chemoattractant ability of leukocytes, we investigated the regulatory role of LZIP in the NF‐κB pathway that is induced by CCR1‐dependent chemokines. LZIP increased NF‐κB‐dependent luciferase activity in response to Lkn‐1 in HOS/CCR1 cells and THP‐1 cells. However, the NF‐κB‐dependent luciferase activities induced by other CCR1‐dependent chemokines were not affected by LZIP overexpression. LZIP also increased Lkn‐1‐induced chemotactic activity through activation of the NF‐κB pathway, whereas LZIP did not affect either the transactivation of NF‐κB or the chemotactic activities induced by other CCR1‐dependent chemokines. Western blot analysis showed that LZIP increased the degradation of IκBα induced by Lkn‐1 but not by other CCR1‐dependent chemokines. Results from electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA) showed that LZIP enhanced the Lkn‐1‐induced DNA‐binding activity of NF‐κB. These data indicate that LZIP functions as a positive regulator in the NF‐κB activation pathway that is triggered by Lkn‐1 without affecting the transcriptional activation of NF‐κB induced by other CCR1‐dependent chemokines. J. Cell. Physiol. 211: 630–637, 2007. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Sonographic diagnosis of acute injuries of the ulnar collateral ligament of the metacarpophalangeal joint of the thumb
Authors: Shinohara Takaaki , Horii Emiko , Majima Masataka , Nakao Etsuhiro , Suzuki Masataka , Nakamura Ryogo , Hirata Hitoshi
Published: December 2006

Purpose.

To evaluate the significance of the ultrasonographic appearance of the aponeurosis for deciding the best treatment for ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) injuries of the thumb metacarpophalangeal joint.

Methods.

Fourteen patients (11 men, 3 women; mean age, 41 years; range, 15–66 years) who had an acute UCL tear were included. All patients were examined by ultrasonography (US) with a 7.5‐MHz transducer and subsequently underwent surgery. The ultrasonographic findings were compared to the intraoperative findings.

Results.

UCL injuries were classified into two types by US according to the appearance of aponeurosis and its spatial relationship with the UCL: the intra‐aponeurosis type (5 patients) and the extra‐aponeurosis type (9 patients). In the 5 patients with intra‐aponeurosis, ultrasonographic findings were well consistent with intraoperative findings. In contrast, extra‐aponeurosis cases contained two different pathologies: of the 9 patients, 7 had so‐called ‘Stener lesions’, one showed folding of a ruptured capsule, and one showed a ruptured aponeurosis.

Conclusions.

Because US is highly reliable in differentiating intra‐aponeurosis from extra‐aponeurosis types of injuries, the aponeurosis is a more reliable reference than Stener lesion for treatment decision by US. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound, 2007.
Open‐tubular capillary electrochromatography‐mass spectrometry with sheathless nanoflow electrospray ionization for analysis of amino acids and peptides
Authors: Chen Zilin , Boggess Bill , Chang Hsueh‐Chia
Published: December 2006

A novel, rugged sheathless capillary electrochromatography‐electrospray ionization (CEC‐ESI) device, in which an open‐tubular separation capillary and an electrospray tip are integrated with a Nafion tubing junction, is coupled to mass spectrometry (MS) for the analysis of amino acids and peptides. A stable electrospray was generated at nanoflow rates by applying a positive electrical potential at the Nafion membrane junction. To sustain the stable spray, an electroosmotic flow (EOF) to the spray was supported by coating the fused silica capillary with Lupamin, a high‐molecular‐weight linear positively charged polyvinylamine (PVAm) polymer, which also minimizes analyte adsorption. Electrochromatographic separation of amino acids and peptides was further enhanced by the chromatographic selectivity of Lupamin stationary phase for these molecules. The device was very reliable and reproducible for CEC‐ESI‐MS analyses of amino acids and peptides for over a hundred injections. The separation and detection behaviors of amino acids and peptides under different conditions including pH, concentration, and composition of mobile phases on Lupamin‐coated and uncoated capillaries have been investigated. The relationship between nano electrospray stability and EOF is discussed. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Negative storm surges in the port of Buenos Aires
Authors: Campetella Claudia M. , D'onofrio Enrique , Cerne S. Bibiana , Fiore Mónica E. , Possia Norma E.
Published: December 2006

Storm surges are water‐level anomalies linked to meteorological conditions which interact with astronomical tides. This study presents the first approach to the atmospheric circulation patterns in the Río de la Plata estuary (port of Buenos Aires) that cause negative storm surges (NSS) lower than − 120 cm.

The aim of this work is to make a comprehensive statistical analysis of the NSS and to examine their variability on monthly to interdecadal scales. These events occur with a frequency of 4.64 events per year and take place during the whole year but are more usual during the austral winter. They persist from 10 to 50 h and take more time to reach their maximum depth than to recover.

The interdecadal variability of all NSS lower than − 120 cm indicates a reduction in the number of cases. However, a detailed analysis shows that the more intense events (lower than − 180 cm) increase not only in their number but in their depth as well.

NSS are caused by different atmospheric patterns that promote the generation of west component winds. Observational winds recorded at two synoptic stations suggest that the most frequent wind directions are north, northwest and west at the beginning of the events.

Storm surges lower than − 180 cm are related to a cyclone located in the east of Buenos Aires province. This system intensifies and moves towards the southeast, favouring westerly winds over the Río de la Plata. The interdecadal variability analysis of the deepest surges suggests a deepening of the cyclone since 1970. Copyright © 2006 Royal Meteorological Society
Assessment of the dehydration‐greenhouse feedback over the Arctic during February 1990
Authors: Girard Eric , Stefanof Alexandru
Published: December 2006

The effect of pollution‐derived sulfuric acid aerosols on the aerosol‐cloud‐radiation interactions is investigated over the Arctic for February 1990. Observations suggest that acidic aerosols can decrease the heterogeneous nucleation rate of ice crystals and lower the homogeneous freezing temperature of haze droplets. On the basis of these observations, we hypothesize that the cloud thermodynamic phase is modified in polluted air mass (Arctic haze). Cloud ice number concentration is reduced, thus promoting further ice crystal growth by the Bergeron–Findeisen process. Hence, ice crystals reach larger sizes and low‐levkel ice crystal precipitation from mixed‐phase clouds increases. Enhanced dehydration of the lower troposphere contributes to decreased water vapour greenhouse effect and cools the surface. A positive feedback is created between surface cooling and air dehydration, accelerating cold air production. This process is referred to as the dehydration‐greenhouse feedback (DGF).

Simulations performed using an Arctic regional climate model for February 1990 are used to assess the potential effect of the DGF on the Arctic climate during February. Results show that the DGF has an important effect on cloud, atmospheric dehydration, and temperature over the Central and Eurasian Arctic, which is the coldest part of the Arctic. Cloud ice is significantly reduced and the total atmospheric water path is decreased by as much as 12%. This results in a surface cooling ranging between 0 and − 3 K. Moreover, the lower tropospheric cooling over the Eurasian and Central Arctic strengthens the atmospheric circulation at the upper level, thus increasing the aerosol transport from the mid‐latitudes and enhancing the DGF. Over warmer areas, the increased aerosol concentration (caused by the DGF) leads to longer cloud lifetime, which contributes to warm these areas. Copyright © 2006 Royal Meteorological Society
Simulation of New Zealand's climate using a high‐resolution nested regional climate model
Authors: Drost Frank , Renwick James , Bhaskaran B. , Oliver Hilary , McGregor James
Published: December 2006

A regional climate model (RCM) for New Zealand has been developed. The RCM is embedded within a GCM and both models are run under pre‐industrial conditions. Seasonal mean output of the RCM is compared against NCEP data and the New Zealand national climate database. Regional and seasonal aspects of modelled surface temperature and precipitation are to a large extent simulated correctly. The main anomalies are related to the difficulty of incorporating New Zealand's orography appropriately and to the initial and lateral boundary conditions, which were supplied by the GCM. The largest anomalies occur over the Southern Alps, where the modelled temperatures are too low and where the amount of precipitation is too high. Many parts of the east coasts in both the North and South Island are too warm and too dry. Correlation patterns of temperature and precipitation with mean sea‐level pressure differ considerably from the equivalent patterns constructed from NCEP data, but do show in general the dominant relationships between wind direction and temperature and precipitation. Copyright © 2006 Royal Meteorological Society
Textural and pasting properties of potatoes (Solanum tuberosum L.) as affected by storage temperature
Authors: Kaur Lovedeep , Singh Jaspreet , Singh Narpinder , Ezekiel Rajrathnam
Published: December 2006

Fresh tubers from five potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) cultivars were stored at different temperatures (4, 8, 12, 16 and 20 °C) and 80–90% relative humidity for 18 weeks after harvest to examine the effect of storage temperature on their textural and pasting properties. Texture profile analysis was performed on raw and cooked potatoes using an Instron universal testing machine to measure textural parameters such as fracturability, hardness, cohesiveness, adhesiveness and springiness. Both raw and cooked potato tubers showed a considerable reduction in all textural parameters upon storage, irrespective of the storage temperature employed. Raw potatoes showed a decrease in fracturability and hardness with increasing storage temperature, whereas their cooked counterparts showed the opposite trend. The extent of change in the textural properties of both raw and cooked potatoes also varied among the different cultivars. Fresh and stored tubers from all cultivars were freeze‐dried, ground into flours and analysed for amylose content and pasting properties. The amylose content of flours prepared from potatoes stored at 4 and 8 °C was observed to be considerably lower than that of flours prepared from potatoes stored at 16 and 20 °C. Pasting characteristics such as peak viscosity, setback and final viscosity increased with increasing storage temperature, while the reverse was observed for pasting temperature, when studied using a rapid visco analyser. Breakdown in viscosity of the flour pastes from all cultivars was considerably reduced during storage, irrespective of the storage temperature employed. Copyright © 2006 Society of Chemical Industry
A cardiogastric fistula after gastric tube interposition. A case report and review of literature
Authors: Schouten van der Velden A.P. , Ruers T.J.M. , Bonenkamp J.J.
Published: December 2006

A patient is presented with massive hematemesis caused by a fistula between the left cardiac atrium and a gastric tube interposition, which was constructed after esophagectomy for esophageal cancer 3 years earlier. J. Surg. Oncol. 2007;95:79–82. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Long term administration of granulocyte‐macrophage colony stimulating factor decreases development of 1‐2 dimethylhydrazine‐induced colon cancer in rats
Authors: Dinc Soykan , Ozbirecikli Bulent , Kuru Bekir , Gulcelik Mehmet Ali , Ustun Huseyin , Alagol Haluk , Oz Murat
Published: December 2006

Background and Objectives

The antitumoral activities of granulocyte‐macrophage colony stimulating factor (GM‐CSF) were shown earlier. In this study, the effects of GM‐CSF were investigated on colon cancer induced by 18 weeks of 1–2 dimethylhydrazine (DMH) administration in rats.

Methods

Four groups received subcutaneous saline (n = 20), 15 mg/kg DMH (n = 30), DMH +6 µg/kg GM‐CSF (n = 30), and DMH +12 µg/kg (n = 30) GM‐CSF.

Results

The average number of tumors (2.8 vs. 1.5) and mean tumor volume (179 ± 36 vs. 27 ± 9 mm3; means ± SEM) were reduced in DMH + GM‐CSF groups as compared to the DMH group (n = 30, P < 0.01). DMH‐induced enhancement of free radicals and lipid peroxidation were decreased in DMH + GM‐CSF group (n = 8–12, P < 0.05). The magnitude of DMH‐induced alterations in superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activities was lowered in the DMH + GM‐CSF group (n = 12–16, P < 0.05). DMH‐induced increases in the total nitrite/nitrate levels and the nitric oxide synthase (NOS) activity (n = 10–12, P < 0.05) were also reduced in the DMH + GM‐CSF group (n = 8–9, P < 0.05).

Conclusions

The results indicate that GM‐CSF inhibits the development of DMH‐induced colon cancer in rats and suggest that inhibition of oxidative stress and NO pathway are involved in the observed antitumoral effects. J. Surg. Oncol. 2007;95:12–21. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Silkclasy: A simple way for liver transection during anatomic hepatectomies
Authors: Herman Paulo , Machado Marcel Autran C. , Machado Marcel C.C.
Published: December 2006

Background

Parenchymal transection is the most important step of liver resection, and during this phase, blood loss may lead to morbidity and mortality. Liver parenchyma can be transected by different ways such as finger fracture, clamp crushing, or instrument‐based techniques.

Methods

A simple and cost‐efficient method has been developed for liver transection using a technique based on silk crushing of the liver substance.

Results

We have successfully employed this technique in 278 consecutive liver resections from July 2001 to March 2006. The average duration of hepatic transection varied according to the type of liver resection: 22 min (range 15–42), 19 min (range 11–37), and 12 min (range 7–21) for right hepatectomy, left hepatectomy, and bisegmentectomy 2‐3, respectively. The mean transection speed was 6.9 ± 2.3 cm2/min. Blood transfusions were necessary in 42 patients (15.1%), and there were three operative deaths (1.1%). Morbidity rate was 20.9% (58 patients).

Conclusions

This technique allows a safe and quick liver transection without the use of expensive hemostatic devices, and also precludes the use of inflow occlusion maneuvers. We recommend the use of this technique in centers with low economic resources. J. Surg. Oncol. 2007;95:86–89. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Outcome of surgical treatment for recurrent thymic epithelial tumors with reference to world health organization histologic classification system
Authors: Okumura Meinoshin , Shiono Hiroyuki , Inoue Masayoshi , Tanaka Hisaichi , Yoon Hyun‐Eng , Nakagawa Katsuhiro , Matsumura Akihide , Ohta Mitsunori , Iuchi Keiji , Matsuda Hikaru
Published: December 2006

Background and Objectives

The aim of this study was to clarify the significance of surgical treatment for recurrent thymic epithelial tumors with reference to the World Health Organization (WHO) histological classification system.

Patients

Among 67 patients with tumor recurrence, 22 underwent a re‐resection. There were 1 patient with a type AB tumor, 5 with type B1 tumors, 10 with type B2 tumors, 5 with type B3 tumors, and 1 with a carcinoma.

Results

The 10‐year survival rate following the initial resection was 70% in patients who underwent a re‐resection and 35% in those who did not. The average intervals from the initial resection to re‐resection were 10.3, 7.8, 6.0, 2.4, and 2.6 years for patients with type AB, B1, B2, B3 tumors, and carcinoma, respectively. The patient with a type AB tumor was alive at 2.4 years after re‐resection, 12.7 years after the initial resection. The 5‐year survival rates following re‐resection in the patients with type B1, B2, and B3 tumors were 100, 56, and 60, respectively. The patient with a carcinoma died as a result of the tumor 2 years after re‐resection.

Conclusion

WHO histological classification indicates the outcome of surgical treatment for recurrent thymic epithelial tumors. J. Surg. Oncol. 2007;95:40–44. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.