bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A meta‐analysis of the neuropsychological sequelae of chemotherapy‐only treatment for pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Authors: Peterson Catherine C. , Johnson Courtney E. , Ramirez Lisa Y. , Huestis Samantha , Pai Ahna L.H. , Demaree Heath A. , Drotar Dennis
Published: March 2008

Background

Mixed findings on the neuropsychological sequelae of chemotherapy‐only treatment for pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), without radiation, indicate the need for a comprehensive meta‐analytic review. The purpose of the current study was to conduct a meta‐analysis assessing neuropsychological and academic functioning differences between children with ALL treated solely with chemotherapy and comparison groups.

Procedure

Thirteen articles met inclusion criteria for the meta‐analysis and were analyzed using a random effects model, weighted least squares methods.

Results

Mean effect sizes were significantly different from zero for multiple domains of intelligence and academic achievement; processing speed; verbal memory; and some aspects of executive functioning and fine motor skills, indicating worse functioning in ALL survivors. Effect sizes for visual‐motor skills and visual memory were not significantly different from zero.

Conclusions

Results support the presence of neuropsychological and academic sequelae for ALL survivors treated solely with chemotherapy and highlight the need for ongoing follow‐up of children with ALL using a standardized neuropsychological test battery and research methodology. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2008;51:99–104. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Assessing the effect of beauty treatments on psychological distress, body image, and coping: a longitudinal study of patients undergoing surgical procedures for breast cancer
Authors: Quintard Bruno , Lakdja Fabrice
Published: March 2008

Introduction: Women with breast cancer may have significant problems adjusting to disease and therapy due to their association with significant changes in body image and sexuality. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of beauty treatments in combination with routine cancer care.

Methods: One hundred women with breast cancer were randomly assigned to a group receiving beauty treatments during hospitalization or a control group. Psychological distress, body image and coping were assessed twice during the hospitalization period: the day before surgery (baseline) and 6 days later (Time 1). A follow‐up assessment was performed three months later (Time 2).

Results: Three months after surgery, patients who had received beauty treatments reported higher body‐image scores than the control group, but there was no effect in psychological distress. Helplessness/hopelessness increased over time in the control group but not in the group receiving beauty treatments.

Conclusion: Overall, this study provides evidence of the usefulness of beauty treatments for breast‐cancer patients, in combination with routine care. Although these treatments did not seem to alleviate psychological distress directly, they had a beneficial impact on body image and may strengthen patients' social support and self‐esteem. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Adolescent's stress responses and psychological functioning when a parent has early breast cancer
Authors: Edwards L. , Watson M. , St. James‐Roberts I. , Ashley S. , Tilney C. , Brougham B. , Osborn T. , Baldus C. , Romer G.
Published: March 2008

Objective: To identify factors associated with psychological functioning in adolescent children of early‐stage breast cancer patients.

Method: Adolescents' self‐reported psychological functioning using the Child Behaviour Checklist (YSR), Mental Health subscale of the Child Health Questionnaire (CHQ‐MH) and Child Impact of Events (C‐IES) scale. The Family Assessment Device (FAD) and the Family Environment Scale (FES cohesion subscale) assessed family functioning. Maternal depression was assessed on the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and quality of life using the SF8. Using a cross‐sectional within‐groups design, assessments were obtained for 56 adolescents of 11–17 years.

Results: High rates of stress were found (C‐IES) in 33% males and 45% females. Thirty percent of adolescents reported psychological problems (YSR) (28% males and 32% females) when compared with published norms. Poor family functioning was linked with YSR internalising and externalising problems; poor family cohesion with higher externalising and total YSR psychological problems. Maternal depression was linked with adolescent‐reported internalising problems.

Conclusions: When mothers have breast cancer, a substantial minority of their adolescent children have psychological and stress response‐related problems linked with poor family functioning. These results argue in favour of a family‐oriented approach to psychological support of breast cancer patients. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A recombinant form of chagasin from Trypanosoma cruzi: inhibitory activity on insect cysteine proteinases
Authors: dos Santos Monteiro Ana Carolina , de Oliveira Neto Osmundo Brilhante , Del Sarto Rafael Perseghini , de Magalhães Mariana Torquato Q , Lima Janaina Nascimento , Lacerda Ariane Ferreira , Oliveira Raquel Sampaio , Scharfstein Julio , da Silva Maria Cristina Mattar , Valencia Jorge W Arboleda , Jiménez Arnubio Valencia , Grossi‐de‐Sa Maria Fatima
Published: March 2008

BACKGROUND:

The activity of the major digestive cysteine proteinase detected in the intestinal tract of larvae of the bean weevil, Acanthoscelides obtectus (Say), was efficiently inhibited by the well‐characterized cysteine proteinase synthetic inhibitor E‐64 and also by a recombinant form of chagasin (r‐chagasin), a tight‐binding cysteine proteinase inhibitor protein from Trypanosoma cruzi.

RESULTS:

Incorporation of r‐chagasin into an artificial diet system at 0.1 g kg−1 retarded growth rate, decreased larval survival and led to complete mortality of A. obtectus at the end of the trial. The observed differences in growth rates occurred particularly in the first and second development stages. Artificial seeds containing high levels of r‐chagasin (0.5–30 g kg−1) completely inhibited larval penetration.

CONCLUSION:

Together, the results reported in this paper support the hypothesis that the inhibitory activity of r‐chagasin towards the major insect gut cysteine proteinase in vitro and in vivo is an accurate prediction of its insecticidal effects. The selectivity of this inhibitor against insect digestive proteinases supports the key role in parasite virulence by affecting the endogenous proteinase activity in its natural host. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry
Theory of laser cooling of semiconductor quantum wells
Authors: Rupper G. , Kwong N. H. , Gu B. , Binder R.
Published: March 2008

We present a microscopic many‐body theory of laser cooling of semiconductor quantum wells. The cooling mechanism is the upconversion of pump photons through absorption and subsequent luminescence by an electron–hole–exciton mixture maintained at steady state in the quantum well. Assuming this Coulomb plasma to be in quasi‐thermal equilibrium, our theory calculates its absorption/luminescence spectra within a diagrammatic (real‐time) Green's function approach at the self‐consistent T‐matrix level. These spectra are used in a cooling threshold analysis for GaAs quantum wells that also takes into account other losses into heat. We compare the present results with previous ones obtained for bulk GaAs. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Polariscopic imaging and vibrational characterization of hybrid films for packaging
Authors: Marino Iari‐Gabriel , Lottici Pier Paolo , Razzetti Carlo , Montenero Angelo , Rocchetti Marco , Toselli Maurizio , Marini Michele , Pilati Francesco
Published: March 2008

Polymeric films (low‐density polyethylene and oriented polypropylene) for packaging applications coated with organic–inorganic nanocomposite hybrids have been prepared by sol‐gel process. Tetraethoxysilane and two different organic phases, polyvinyl alcohol and a diblock copolymer polyethylene‐polyethylene glycol were used as precursors. Information about the hydrolysis and polycondensation degrees was obtained by investigating the vibrational features of the coatings by means of attenuated total reflectance‐Fourier transform infrared and Raman spectroscopies. Through a new polariscopic imaging technique, the bi‐dimensional maps of the optical anisotropy of the samples, both as‐prepared and under mechanical strain, were obtained. The maps showed inhomogeneous retardation and nearly flat azimuth distributions. The anisotropy properties of the samples depended mainly on the substrates and were not influenced by the coatings, while the optical transmission was slightly better for the tetraethoxysilane‐polyvinyl alcohol sample. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A numerical study of three catastrophic precipitating events over southern France. II: Mesoscale triggering and stationarity factors
Authors: Ducrocq V. , Nuissier O. , Ricard D. , Lebeaupin C. , Thouvenin T.
Published: March 2008

In the western Mediterranean basin, large amounts of precipitation can accumulate in less than a day when a Mesoscale Convective System (MCS) stays over the same area for several hours. Heavy Precipitating Events (HPEs) in this region (especially southern France) are not only characterized by significant precipitation rates (typically more than 200 mm in less than 24 or 48 hours) but also by quasi‐stationary behaviour. The aim of this present study is to use realistic simulations of past events to analyze and better understand the physical mechanisms which lead to the stationarity of HPEs over southern France using a high‐resolution (2.5 km) non‐hydrostatic mesoscale atmospheric model. We focused on three HPEs: 13–14 October 1995 (the Cévennes case), 12–13 November 1999 (the Aude case) and 8–9 September 2002 (the Gard case).

The experimental design for simulating realistic structures and evolutions of the HPEs with the Meso‐NH model has been presented in a companion paper. In that study, the evolution of the synoptic patterns in which the HPEs occurred were analysed. In this paper, the importance of mesoscale ingredients, such as the moist and conditionally unstable low‐level jet (LLJ), is examined in terms of their ability to focus the deep convection over the same area for several hours. The Cévennes case is typical of a so‐called ‘Cévenole’ event in France for which orographic forcing is the primary mechanism which acts to continuously generate convective cells upwind of the Massif Central. The unusual location of the Gard event is explained by a cold pool induced by the evaporation of precipitation which acts as a relief‐like feature to force the conditionally unstable and moist LLJ to rise. This constitutes a quasi‐stationary forcing as the cold pool is blocked in the Rhône Valley. For the third case, diabatic cooling and the Massif Central act to enhance the precipitation but have almost no impact on the location of the anchoring point of the precipitating system. Copyright © 2008 Royal Meteorological Society
A high‐latitude convective cloud feedback and equable climates
Authors: Abbot Dorian S. , Tziperman Eli
Published: March 2008

A convective cloud feedback on extratropical surface temperatures is identified in a zonally averaged two‐level atmospheric model. The model contains simplified parametrizations for convection, precipitation, and clouds, and a long‐wave radiation scheme that explicitly depends on carbon dioxide, water vapour, and cloud fraction. The convective cloud feedback occurs if the extratropical surface temperature is increased enough to initiate strong atmospheric convection. This results in a change from low to high clouds and from negative to neutral or positive cloud radiative forcing, which further warms the surface and leads to more convection. This positive feedback activates as the CO2concentration is increased and leads to a climate solution with high boundary‐layer temperatures, convection at mid and high latitudes, and an Equator to Pole temperature difference that is reduced by 8–10 °C. The reduction in Equator to Pole temperature difference is due to changes in high‐latitude local heat balance and occurs despite decreased meridional heat transport. The convective cloud feedback also leads to multiple equilibria and hysteresis with respect to CO2and other model variables, although these results may be due to the simplicity of the model. The possible connection of the behaviour of the model at high CO2with equable climates is considered. Copyright © 2008 Royal Meteorological Society
XPS study of the hematite–aqueous solution interface
Authors: Shchukarev Andrey , Boily Jean‐François
Published: March 2008

The interaction between the surface of hematite colloidal platelets and Na+ and Cl− ions was investigated by XPS using the cryogenic technique. Pastes in ionic strengths of 0 and 10 mM NaCl contained about 10 at. % water and water/NaCl atomic ratios of 3 to 6. These results fall within the range of values obtained for a variety of minerals studied with this technique. Pastes in 100 mM NaCl background electrolyte, however, contained an unusually larger water content of 25 at. %, yielding a Na+: Cl−: H2O ratio of 1:1:2. This result is in strong contrast with other minerals at the same ionic strength, which typically reveal about 10 at. % water. Substituting Na+ for Cs+ in the hematite paste with 100 mM CsCl yielded, on the other hand, the same amount of water as in the pastes with 0 and 10 mM NaCl, and underpinned the role of Na+ ions in the large water content of the hematite paste. As surface concentrations of Na+ and Cl− exceeded those of hematite surface structural hydroxyl groups and Na 1s and Cl 2p spectra exhibited energy loss features, the electrolyte ions are proposed to be distributed in a three‐dimensional array in the fast‐frozen paste, possibly in a hydrohalite‐like (NaCl·2H2O) phase. In addition, because the fast‐frozen solution of 100 mM NaCl yields a water/NaCl ratio of about 70, hematite is proposed to play an important role in the stabilization of this three‐dimensional distribution of Na+ and Cl− ions. The role of the neutrally charged {001} plane, a predominant feature in the hematite particles of this study, is notably discussed in the light of recent molecular models showing that this plane can stabilize several layers of hydrated ions up to 15 Å from the surface. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The influence of molybdenum and silicon on activity of Ni + W composite coatings in the hydrogen evolution reaction
Authors: Popczyk Magdalena
Published: March 2008

Ni + W, Ni + W + Si and Ni + W + Mo + Si composite coatings were obtained by electrolytic codeposition of crystalline nickel from an electrolyte containing suspension of W, Mo and Si powders. These coatings were obtained under galvanostatic conditions, at the current density of jdep. = 0.100 A cm−2 and at the temperature of 338 K. Chemical composition of obtained coatings was determined by energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDS) method. The electrochemical activity of these coatings was studied in the process of hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) from 5 M KOH solution using steady‐state polarisation and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) methods. On the basis of the results of EIS measurements, the rate constants of the HER as well as the surface roughness factor were determined. It was found that Ni + W + Mo + Si composite coatings are characterised by enhanced electrochemical activity toward hydrogen evolution as compared with Ni + W + Si and Ni + W coatings. The reason for this is connected with the presence of additional composite components (W, Mo, Si). Thus, obtained coatings may be useful in application as electrode materials for the hydrogen evolution reaction. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Optical trigger based on the molecules of bacteriorhodopsin adsorbed on AgBr nanocrystals
Authors: Zakharov V. N. , Kudryavtsev I. K. , Aslanov L. A.
Published: March 2008

It is well known that light absorption triggers transformation chain of bacteriorhodopsin (bR). Protein goes through the intermediate states which usually are denoted in alphabetic order: K,L,M,N, and O. These transformations and electric potential changes correlated with them occur in 10 ps. The value of electric potential photoinduced by bR molecules on single membrane is 100 mV. The energy is stored electrostatically in accordance with the mechanisms of molecular condenser appearing under flash action. To obtain high photopotentials (up to 10–12 V) it is necessary to use packs of oriented membranes of bR molecules.

We propose to use the molecules of bR adsorbed on silver halide crystals to overcome the threshold of spontaneous nucleation from small silver specks to colloidal ones in very short‐time interval. Earlier we demonstrated the kinetic curves of the chemical development process for ultrafine‐grained emulsion. Colloidal silver particles appeared to lead to effective scattering and absorption of actinic light. Such systems can be considered in the framework of integrated chemical systems. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Characterisation of rapidly solidified nanocrystalline soft magnetic ribbons based on FeSiB with P and Ga additions
Authors: Godec M. , Mandrino Dj. , Šuštaršič B. , Nolan D. , Jenko M.
Published: March 2008

Soft magnetic materials derived from rapidly solidified FeSiB alloys exhibit excellent soft magnetic properties due to the crystallisation of nanoscale α‐iron grains in an amorphous matrix. It has been proposed that decreasing the critical solidification rate by choosing the multi‐atomic alloying system with negative enthalpies of mixing among elements can lead to further grain refinement. In the present work, an alloy with P, Ga and Al additions to satisfy the rule for decreasing the critical solidification rate was produced. The structures of as‐cast and annealed alloys were investigated in detail using FESEM, supplemented by EDS, WDS and EBSD analytical tools. Additionally, surface analysis by AES and XPS was performed to characterise the phases. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
UPS of multilayer nitrogen‐bearing compounds on the Si(100) surface
Authors: Bush B. , Craig J. H. , Roos K. R. , Lozano J. , Field K. W.
Published: March 2008

Ultraviolet photoemission spectra (UPS) are presented for condensed layers of three ethylated amines; mono‐, di‐, and triethylamine (TEA) on the Si(100) surface at 100 K. The photoemission peaks associated with the nitrogen lone pair electrons are identified in the amines and compared with the corresponding spectra for condensed ammonia. Shifts in the lone pair binding energy for the ethyl‐substituted amines are shown to be consistent with conventional chemical paradigms. Also, for comparison purposes spectra for two nonethylated amines, trimethylamine (TMA), and its silicon analog, trisilylamine (TSA), are presented and discussed. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Migrating legacy video lectures to multimedia learning objects
Authors: De Lucia Andrea , Francese Rita , Passero Ignazio , Tortora Genoveffa
Published: March 2008

Video lectures are an old distance learning approach that offers only basic interaction and retrieval features to the user. Thus, to follow the new learning paradigms, we need to re‐engineer the e‐learning processes while preserving the investments made in the past. In this paper we present an approach for migrating video lectures to multimedia learning objects. Two essential problems are tackled: the detection of slide transitions and the generation of the learning objects. To this aim, the video of the lecture is scanned to detect the slide changes, while the learning object metadata and the slide pictures are extracted from the presentation document. A tool named VLMigrator (video lecture migrator) has been developed to support the migration of video lectures and the restructuring of their contents in terms of learning objects. Both the migration strategy and the tool have been experimented in a case study. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Link failure resilience in the dynamic source routing protocol
Authors: Aissani Mohamed , Mellouk Abdelhamid , Demigha Walid , Senouci Mustapha Réda
Published: March 2008

Reactive routing protocols for mobile ad hoc networks reduce the routing cost in high mobility environments where link failures are frequent. However, route discovery in these protocols is typically performedvianetwork‐wide flooding, which consumes a substantial amount of bandwidth and causes a significant latency to data packets. To improve the dynamic source routing (DSR) protocol and overcome these limitations, we propose two optimization techniques,viz. generalized salvaging mechanism and cache maintenance using a distributed topology discovery mechanism through mobile ant‐agents. We show, by simulations, that our contributions improve the DSR performance, and particularly in large scale networks with high mobility and heavy load that cause frequent link failures. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Open-Closed Field Algebras
Authors: Kong Liang
Published: March 2008

We introduce the notions of open-closed field algebra and open-closed field algebra over a vertex operator algebra V. In the case that V satisfies certain finiteness and reductivity conditions, we show that an open-closed field algebra over V canonically gives an algebra over a $${\mathbb{C}}$$ -extension of Swiss-cheese partial operad. We also give a tensor-categorical formulation and constructions of open-closed field algebras over V.
The Prevention Delivery System: Organizational Context and Use of Comprehensive Programming Frameworks
Authors: Livet Melanie , Courser Matthew , Wandersman Abraham
Published: March 2008

The purpose of this exploratory study is to investigate organizational‐level mechanisms in the Prevention Delivery System (PDS) and their influence on implementing comprehensive programming frameworks (e.g., Communities that Care‐CtC) as the innovation. The PDS is part of the Interactive Systems Framework for Dissemination and Implementation (ISF) and describes key characteristics of innovation implementation and dissemination. The study addresses two research questions: (1) What types of organizational characteristics are related to successful use of each of the programming processes (i.e., planning, implementation, evaluation, and sustainability) that are part of comprehensive programming frameworks?; and (2) What are the similarities and differences in the organizational patterns correlated with use of each of the programming processes? Surveys, interview data, and other documents designed to assess organizational characteristics and extent of use of a comprehensive programming framework over time, were collected from 8 Community boards and 23 provider agencies. These organizations were responsible for planning and delivering substance abuse prevention services as part of a statewide initiative in Ohio. Data were analyzed using Spearman rho (and rank‐biserial) correlations, with an emphasis on effect sizes. Results indicated that leadership, shared vision, process advocates, and technical assistance were common correlates of use across programming processes. However, the role played by these organizational variables differed for each programming process, pointing to complex interactions of the organizational infrastructure with other variables (i.e., characteristics of the innovation itself and external macro‐level factors). This exploratory study provides preliminary data on the organizational‐level mechanisms of the PDS and the complexity of their relationships with the other Systems in the Interactive Systems Framework.
Effects of Crude Rice Bran Oil Components on Alkali‐Refining Loss
Authors: Aryusuk Kornkanok , Puengtham Jiraporn , Lilitchan Supathra , Jeyashoke Narumon , Krisnangkura Kanit
Published: March 2008

The effects of minor components in crude rice bran oil (RBO) including free fatty acids (FFA), rice bran wax (RBW), γ‐oryzanol, and long‐chain fatty alcohols (LCFA), on alkali refining losses were determined. Refined palm oil (PO), soybean oil (SBO) and sunflower oil (SFO) were used as oil models to which minor component present in RBO were added. Refining losses of all model oils were linearly related to the amount of FFA incorporated. At 6.8% FFA, the refining losses of all the model oils were between 13.16 and 13.42%. When <1.0% of LCFA, RBW and γ‐oryzanol were added to the model oils (with 6.8% FFA), the refining losses were approximately the same, however, with higher amounts of LCFA greatly increased refining losses. At 3% LCFA, the refining losses of all the model oils were as high as 69.43–78.75%, whereas the losses of oils containing 3% RBW and γ‐oryzanol were 33.46–45.01% and 17.82–20.45%, respectively.
Treatment of early septic arthritis of the hip in children: Comparison of results of open arthrotomy versus arthroscopic drainage
Authors: El-Sayed Ahmed Mounir Moustafa
Published: March 2008

Purpose

The goal of this study was to compare results of open arthrotomy versus arthroscopic drainage in treating septic arthritis of the hip in children.

Methods

This prospective controlled study was conducted on twenty patients (20 hips) with acute septic arthritis of the hip. Diagnosis was suspected if there was: a history of fever, non-weight-bearing on the affected limb, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) of at least 40 mm/h, and white blood cell count of more than 12,000 cells per cubic millimeter. Diagnosis was established by ultrasonographic examination of the affected hip followed by ultrasound-guided aspiration of the joint. Patients were allocated to have either open arthrotomy or arthroscopic drainage of the joint. There were ten patients (ten hips) in each treatment group. The mean age of the patients was 7.3 years in the arthrotomy group, and 8 years in the arthroscopy group. The mean temperatures for the arthrotomy and arthroscopy groups were 38.8 and 38.7°C, respectively. All the children were unable to bear weight on the affected limb.

Results

Staphylococcus aureus was the most common causative microorganism in both groups. The mean duration of the children's hospital stay was 6.4 days in the arthrotomy group and 3.8 days in the arthroscopy group. The difference was highly significant. Infection could be eradicated in all patients of both groups. At the latest follow-up, seven children in the arthrotomy group (70%) had excellent results and three children (30%) had good results. In the arthroscopy group, nine children (90%) had excellent results and one child (10%) had good results. The difference was not statistically significant.

Conclusions

Arthroscopic drainage is an effective method in treating septic arthritis of the hip. It is a minimal invasive procedure which is associated with less hospital stay. Arthroscopic drainage of septic arthritis of the hip in children is a valid alternative procedure in early uncomplicated cases and for orthopedic surgeons skilled in pediatric arthroscopy.
Characterization of mesenchymal stem cells isolated from the human umbilical cord
Authors: Kestendjieva Snejana , Kyurkchiev Dobroslav , Tsvetkova Gergana , Mehandjiev Tzvetozar , Dimitrov Angel , Nikolov Assen , Kyurkchiev Stanimir
Published: March 2008

Numerous papers have reported that mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) can be isolated from various sources such as bone marrow, adipose tissue and others. Nonetheless it is an open question whether MSCs isolated from different sources represent a single cell lineage or if cells residing in different organs are separate members of a family of MSCs. Subendothelial tissue of the umbilical cord vein has been shown to be a promising source of MSCs.

The aim of this study was to isolate and characterize cells derived from the subendothelial layer of umbilical cord veins as regards their clonogenicity and differentiation potential. The results from these experiments show that cells isolated from the umbilical cord vein displayed fibroblast‐like morphology and grew into colonies. Immunophenotyping by flow cytometry revealed that the isolated cells were negative for the hematopoietic line markers HLA‐DR and CD34 but were positive for CD29, CD90 and CD73. The isolated cells were also positive for survivin, Bcl‐2, vimentin and endoglin, as confirmed by RT‐PCR and immunofluorescence. These cells can be induced to differentiate into osteogenic and adipogenic cells, but a new finding is that these cells can be induced to differentiate into endothelial cells expressing CD31, vWF and KDR‐2, and also form vessel‐like structures in Matrigel. The differentiated cells stopped expressing survivin, thus showing a diminished proliferative potential. It can be assumed that the subendothelial layer of the umbilical cord vein contains a population of cells with the overall characteristics of MSCs, with the additional capability to transform into endothelial cells.
Comparison between osteoblasts derived from human dental pulp stem cells and osteosarcoma cell lines
Authors: Palmieri Annalisa , Pezzetti Furio , Graziano Antonio , Riccardo D'Aquino , Zollino Ilaria , Brunelli Giorgio , Martinelli Marcella , Arlotti Marzia , Carinci Francesco
Published: March 2008

Stem cells derived from human dental pulp are able to differentiate into osteoblasts and are a potential source of autologous bone. The aim of this study was to compare genes differentially expressed in osteoblastoids from human dental pulp (OHDP) to osteosarcoma cells (OCs).

Human dental pulp was extracted and immersed in a digestive solution. Cells were cultured and selected using c‐kit, CD34, CD45 and STRO‐1 antibodies. In parallel, two OCs (i.e., SAOS2 and TE85) were cultured. RNA was extracted from different populations of cells and cDNA was used for the hybridisation of human 19.2 K DNA microarrays.

We identified several differences in gene expression between OHDP and OCs. Some down‐regulated OHDP genes, such as RUNX1, MAP4K4 and PRDM2, are involved in bone development, cell motility and transcript regulation. Gene expression in OHDP is significantly different from that in OCs, suggesting differences in cell function and activity between these cells.
Heat shock protein 72 associated with CD44v6 in human colonic adenocarcinoma
Authors: Wang Xiaoping , Chen Wei , Li Xu , Lin Huanping , Wang Qiaoxia
Published: March 2008

CD44v6 is a splice variant of CD44 (CD44v), probably promoting cancer cell adherence to vascular endothelium and base membranes and enhancing the invasion and metastasis of colonic carcinomas. Heat shock protein 72 (HSP72) as a molecular chaperone has been confirmed to be overexpressed in epithelial carcinoma cells. There may be a possible association between the expression of HSP72 and CD44v6 during the growth and progression of colonic carcinoma cells. The aim of the study was to investigate the interaction between heat shock protein 72 and CD44v6 in human colonic carcinomas. The localization of HSP72 and CD44v6 in human colonic carcinomas was determined by immunohistochemistry and confocal laser microscopy. The interaction between HSP72 and CD44v6 in colonic carcinoma cells was analyzed by immunoprecipitation and Western immunoblots. Our results revealed that colonic carcinoma synchronously co‐expressed higher levels of HSP72 and CD44v6 than that in adjacent normal colonic tissues. HSP72 and CD44v6 were mainly immunolocalized in the cytoplasm, and also immunolabelled on the cell membrane. Based on immunoprecipitation and Western immunoblots, we found that HSP72 was associated with CD44v6 precursor fragments in human colonic carcinoma cells. The interaction between HSP72 and CD44v6 in human colonic carcinoma cells may contribute to study the pathogenesis and immunotherapy of colonic carcinoma.
Chloroplast nitrite uptake is enhanced in Arabidopsis PII mutants
Authors: Ferrario-Méry Sylvie , Meyer Christian , Hodges Michael
Published: March 2008

In higher plants, the PII protein is a nuclear‐encoded plastid protein that regulates the activity of a key enzyme of arginine biosynthesis. We have previously observed that Arabidopsis PII mutants are more sensitive to nitrite toxicity. Using intact chloroplasts isolated from Arabidopsis leaves and 15N‐labelled nitrite we show that a light‐dependent nitrite uptake into chloroplasts is increased in PII knock‐out mutants when compared to the wild‐type. This leads to a higher incorporation of 15N into ammonium and amino acids in the mutant chloroplasts. However, the uptake differences do not depend on GS/GOGAT activities. Our observations suggest that PII is involved in the regulation of nitrite uptake into higher plant chloroplasts.
sll1961 is a novel regulator of phycobilisome degradation during nitrogen starvation in the cyanobacterium Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803
Authors: Sato Hanayo , Fujimori Tamaki , Sonoike Kintake
Published: March 2008

The sll1961 gene was reported to encode a regulatory factor of photosystem stoichiometry in the cyanobacterium Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803. We here show that the sll1961 gene is also essential for the phycobilisome degradation during nitrogen starvation. The defect in phycobilisome degradation was observed in the sll1961 mutant despite the increased expression of nblA, a gene involved in phycobilisome degradation during nitrogen starvation. Photosystem stoichiometry is not affected by nitrogen starvation in the sll1961 mutant nor in the wild‐type. The results indicate the presence of a novel pathway for phycobilisome degradation control independent of nblA expression.
Gas1 reduces Ret tyrosine 1062 phosphorylation and alters GDNF‐mediated intracellular signaling
Authors: López‐Ramírez Miguel A. , Domínguez‐Monzón Gabriela , Vergara Paula , Segovia José
Published: March 2008

The present results show that the expression of Growth Arrest Specific1 (Gas1) in SH‐SY5Y neuroblastoma cells significantly inhibits the increased phosphorylation of tyrosine 1062 of the Ret receptor tyrosine kinase induced by glial‐cell‐line‐derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF). We also observed that Gas1 significantly reduces the activation of Akt. GDNF and members of its family of ligands (GFLs), signal through a molecular complex consisting of one of its receptors (GFRαs) and the Ret receptor tyrosine kinase. GDNF is a key component to preserve several cell populations in the nervous system, including dopaminergic and motor neurons, and also participates in the survival and differentiation of peripheral neurons such as enteric, sympathetic and parasympathetic. On the other hand, Gas1 is a molecule involved in cell arrest that can induce apoptosis when over‐expressed in different cell lines, including cells of neuronal and glial origin. Although, Gas1 is widely expressed during development, its role in vivo has not yet been clearly defined. We recently showed the structural homology between Gas1 and GFRαs, thus suggesting that the physiological role of Gas1 is that of modulating the biological responses induced by GDNF and/or other members of this family of signaling molecules. The results of this work are consistent with the hypothesis of Gas1 acting as a negative modulator of GDNF signaling.
Momordica charantia (bitter melon) reduces plasma apolipoprotein B-100 and increases hepatic insulin receptor substrate and phosphoinositide-3 kinase interactions
Authors: Nerurkar Pratibha V. , Lee Yun Kyung , Motosue Megan , Adeli Khosrow , Nerurkar Vivek R.
Published: March 2008

Aqueous extracts or juice from unripened fruit of Momordica charantia (bitter melon) has traditionally been used in the treatment of diabetes and its complications. Insulin resistance is characterized by significant down-regulation of hepatic insulin signalling as documented by attenuated phosphorylation of insulin receptor (IR), IR substrates 1 and 2, phosphoinositide-3 kinase, protein kinase B, and over-expression of phosphotyrosine phosphatase 1B. We recently demonstrated that bitter melon juice (BMJ) is a potent inhibitor of apoB secretion and TAG synthesis and secretion in human hepatoma cells, HepG2, that may be involved in plasma lipid- and VLDL-lowering effects observed in animal studies. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of BMJ on plasma apoB levels and hepatic insulin signalling cascade in mice fed high-fat diet (HFD). Female C57BL/6 mice (4–6 weeks old) were randomized into three groups receiving regular rodent chow, HFD and HFD+BMJ. The data indicate that BMJ not only improves glucose and insulin tolerance but also lowers plasma apoB-100 and apoB-48 in HFD-fed mice as well as modulates the phosphorylation status of IR and its downstream signalling molecules. Investigating the biochemical and molecular mechanisms involved in amelioration of diabetic dyslipidaemia by BMJ may lead to identification of new molecular targets for dietary/alternative therapies.
Comparative uncertainty: theory and automation
Authors: CAPOTORTI ANDREA , FORMISANO ANDREA
Published: March 2008

In recent decades, qualitative approaches to probabilistic uncertainty have received more and more attention. We propose a characterisation of partial preference orders through a uniform axiomatic treatment of a variety of qualitative uncertainty notions. To this end, we prove a representation result that connects qualitative notions of partial uncertainty to their numerical counterparts. We describe an executable specification, in the declarative framework of Answer Set Programming, that constitutes the core engine for qualitative management of uncertainty. Some basic reasoning tasks are also identified.
Semantics for a basic relevant logic with intensional conjunction and disjunction (and some of its extensions)
Authors: GAO YING , CHENG JINGDE
Published: March 2008

This paper proposes a new relevant logic B+⊓⊔, which is obtained by adding two binary connectives, intensional conjunction ⊓ and intensional disjunction ⊔, to Meyer–Routley minimal positive relevant logic B+, where ⊓ and ⊔ are weaker than fusion ˚ and fission +, respectively. We give Kripke-style semantics for B+⊓⊔, with →, ⊓ and ⊔ modelled by ternary relations. We prove the soundness and completeness of the proposed semantics. A number of axiomatic extensions of B+⊓⊔, including negation-extensions, are also considered, together with the corresponding semantic conditions required for soundness and completeness to be maintained.
The Travelling Salesman Problem in symmetric circulant matrices with two stripes
Authors: GERACE IVAN , GRECO FEDERICO
Published: March 2008

The Symmetric Circulant Travelling Salesman Problem asks for the minimum cost tour in a symmetric circulant matrix. The computational complexity of this problem is not known – only upper and lower bounds have been determined. This paper provides a characterisation of the two-stripe case. Instances where the minimum cost of a tour is equal to either the upper or lower bound are recognised. A new construction providing a tour is proposed for the remaining instances, and this leads to a new upper bound that is closer than the previous one.
Climatic cycles as expressed in sediments of the PROMESS1 borehole PRAD1‐2, central Adriatic, for the last 370 ka: 2. Paleoenvironmental evolution
Authors: Piva Andrea , Asioli Alessandra , Andersen Nils , Grimalt Joan O. , Schneider Ralph R. , Trincardi Fabio
Published: March 2008

The multidisciplinary study of planktic and benthic foraminifera, alkenone SST, and O and C stable isotope records allowed reconstruction of the paleoenvironmental history of the central Adriatic basin over the last 360 ka B.P. In general, the main paleoclimatic changes documented in the central Adriatic appear in phase with climate change in the North Atlantic realm, except for intervals which correspond to the deposition of sapropel levels in the eastern Mediterranean. In particular, the interval between Marine Isotope Stage (MIS) 7.5 and MIS 5 appears to be strongly influenced by the monsoonal regime. The comparison with other Mediterranean records also suggests that the Adriatic Basin was affected by very low sea surface temperature (SST) (down to 2°C for MIS 2) during glacial intervals, which is uncommon for the Mediterranean Basin. In addition, the SST record indicates that this basin was unable to maintain warm interglacial/interstadial conditions for durations similar to the western Mediterranean. This fact can be explained by the landlocked position and shallow depth of this basin, which make it particularly exposed to atmospheric forcing (e.g., Siberian High) and to the strong influence of the nearby landmass during glacial intervals, producing a lag in the demise of glacial intervals. Moreover, the progressively higher values of the δ18O records of glacial intervals, alongside the SST record and the foraminifera assemblage, imply an increasing impact of the formation of cold and dense water since the penultimate glacial.
An analysis of the axisymmetric three‐dimensional low level wind field in a tornado using mobile radar observations
Authors: Kosiba Karen A. , Trapp Robert J. , Wurman Joshua
Published: March 2008

The purpose of this letter is to present an analysis of the three‐dimensional wind field retrieved from mobile Doppler radar data of the 12 May 2004 Harper, KS tornadoes. The derived three‐dimensional vortex structure and its surrounding flow show marked temporal and spatial variability. This has significant implications on the numerical modeling of tornado‐scale flow.
ReefTemp: An interactive monitoring system for coral bleaching using high‐resolution SST and improved stress predictors
Authors: Maynard Jeffrey A. , Turner Peter J. , Anthony Kenneth R. N. , Baird Andrew H. , Berkelmans Ray , Eakin C. Mark , Johnson Johanna , Marshall Paul A. , Packer Gareck R. , Rea Anthony , Willis Bette L.
Published: March 2008

Anomalously high sea surface temperatures (SST) have led to repeated mass coral bleaching events on a global scale. Existing satellite‐based systems used to monitor conditions conducive to bleaching are based on low‐resolution (0.5°, ∼50 km) SST data. While these systems have served the research and management community well, they have inherent weaknesses that limit their capacity to predict stress on coral reefs at local scales, over which bleaching severity is known to vary dramatically. Here we discuss the development and testing of ReefTemp, a new operational remote sensing application for the Great Barrier Reef that assesses bleaching risk daily using: high‐resolution (2 km) SST, regionally validated thermal stress indices, and color‐graded legends directly related to past observations of bleaching severity. Given projections of sea temperature rise, ReefTemp is timely as it can accurately predict bleaching severity at a local scale and therefore help to give focus to future research and monitoring efforts.
Clay‐clast aggregates: A new textural evidence for seismic fault sliding?
Authors: Boutareaud Sébastien , Calugaru Dan‐Gabriel , Han Raehee , Fabbri Olivier , Mizoguchi Kazuo , Tsutsumi Akito , Shimamoto Toshihiko
Published: March 2008

To determine the processes responsible for slip‐weakening in clayey gouge zones, rotary‐shear experiments were conducted at seismic slip rates (equivalent to 0.9 and 1.3 m/s) at 0.6 MPa normal stress on a natural clayey gouge for saturated and non‐saturated initial conditions. The mechanical behavior of the simulated faults shows a reproducible slip‐weakening behavior, whatever initial moisture conditions. Examination of gouge obtained at the residual friction stage in saturated and non‐saturated initial conditions allows the definition of two types of microstructures: a foliated type reflecting strain localization, and a non‐foliated type composed of spherical aggregates. Friction experiments demonstrate that liquid‐vapor transition of water within gouge due to frictional heating has a high capacity to explain the formation of spherical aggregates in the first meters of displacement. This result suggests that the occurrence of spherical aggregates in natural clayey fault gouges can constitute a new textural evidence for shallow depth pore water phase transition at seismic slip velocity and consequently for past seismic fault sliding.
On the wavelength‐dependent attenuation of UV radiation by clouds
Authors: Lindfors Anders , Arola Antti
Published: March 2008

We studied the wavelength‐dependence of the attenuation of incoming solar UV radiation by a homogeneous cloud layer. By systematic analysis of irradiances simulated with a radiative transfer model, we were able to separate the wavelength‐dependence of the cloud modification factor into different components, and thus achieve an understanding of the physical processes involved. Our results show that short wavelengths, in general, penetrate the cloud more effectively than longer wavelengths and that there are two important contributors to this wavelength‐dependence: (1) that induced by multiple scattering between the cloud top and the atmosphere above and (2) that introduced by the wavelength‐dependent radiance distribution at the cloud top (including the direct beam) together with the transmittance of the cloud alone as function of angle of incidence. Furthermore, we found that the former does not depend on solar zenith angle, whereas the latter does and hence also introduces a solar zenith angle dependence in the wavelength‐dependence of the cloud modification factor.
Validation and determination of ice water content‐radar reflectivity relationships during CRYSTAL‐FACE: Flight requirements for future comparisons
Authors: Sayres D. S. , Smith J. B. , Pittman J. V. , Weinstock E. M. , Anderson J. G. , Heymsfield G. , Li L. , Fridlind A. M. , Ackerman A. S.
Published: March 2008

In situ measurements of cirrus ice water content (IWC) by the Harvard water vapor and total water instruments during Cirrus Regional Study of Tropical Anvils and Cirrus Layers‐Florida Area Cirrus Experiment are compared with remote sensing data made by the Cloud Radar System instrument in order to derive and validate an empirical IWC‐radar relflectivity Ze relationship. The comparisons show that for measurements of in situ IWC and remotely measured radar reflectivity, collocated within 2 km of each other, a single IWC‐Ze relationship can be found that fits the data with an uncertainty of ±20–30%. A cloud resolving model shows this level of uncertainty to be consistent with sampling errors associated with comparing two measurements that are not collocated. Uncertainties are quantified in the use of in situ data to validate the retrieval algorithms used to derive the IWC of clouds from remote sensing observations, such as radar reflectivity Ze. Uncertainties are classified into instrumental uncertainties, uncertainties related to sampling errors, and uncertainties in using a single IWC‐Ze relationship to describe a cloud.
Influence of perched groundwater on base flow
Authors: Niswonger Richard G. , Fogg Graham E.
Published: March 2008

Analysis with a three‐dimensional variably saturated groundwater flow model provides a basic understanding of the interplay between streams and perched groundwater. A simplified, layered model of heterogeneity was used to explore these relationships. Base flow contribution from perched groundwater was evaluated with regard to varying hydrogeologic conditions, including the size and location of the fine‐sediment unit and the hydraulic conductivity of the fine‐sediment unit and surrounding coarser sediment. Simulated base flow was sustained by perched groundwater with a maximum monthly discharge in excess of 15 L/s (0.6 feet3/s) over the length of the 2000‐m stream reach. Generally, the rate of perched‐groundwater discharge to the stream was proportional to the hydraulic conductivity of sediment surrounding the stream, whereas the duration of discharge was proportional to the hydraulic conductivity of the fine‐sediment unit. Other aspects of the perched aquifer affected base flow, such as the depth of stream penetration and the size of the fine‐sediment unit. Greater stream penetration decreased the maximum base flow contribution but increased the duration of contribution. Perched groundwater provided water for riparian vegetation at the demand rate but reduced the duration of perched‐groundwater discharge nearly 75%.