bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The role of cytomorphology and proliferative activity in predicting biologic behavior of pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors
Authors: Chatzipantelis Paschalis , Konstantinou Panagiotis , Kaklamanos Michalis , Apostolou George , Salla Charitini
Published: April 2009

BACKGROUND:

The biologic behavior of pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) is difficult to predict in the absence of metastases or invasion into adjacent organs. In this study, the authors retrospectively evaluated the cytopathology and proliferative activity in cytology specimens obtained by endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)‐guided fine‐needle aspiration (FNA).

METHODS:

Thirty‐five patients who were diagnosed with pancreatic NET based on EUS‐guided FNA were studied retrospectively (2002‐2007). Cytopathology and proliferative activity (Ki‐67) in cytology specimens were reviewed. Patients were divided into 2 groups: Group A (all patients with simultaneous, suspicious, metastatic masses [unresectable tumors]) and Group B (patients with final histopathologic diagnosis). Moreover, the patients in Group B were classified into 4 risk subgroups according to the 2004 World Health Organization (WHO) classification (Subgroups 1a, 1b, 2, and 3).

RESULTS:

Thirteen of 35 patients who were diagnosed with unequivocally malignant tumors were placed in Group A (unresectable tumors), and 22 of 35 patients were placed in Group B. In Group A, >2% Ki‐67–positive cells were present in 12 of 13 patients (92.3%). In Group B, >2% Ki‐67–positive cells were present in 0 of 6 patients in WHO Subgroup 1a (0%), in 3 of 7 patients in WHO Subgroup 1b (42.86%), in 7 of 7 patients in WHO Subgroup 2 (100%), and in 2 of 2 patients in WHO Subgroup 3 (100%). In Group A, nuclear pleomorphism/multinucleation was observed in 8 or 13 patients (61.53%). In Group B, nuclear pleomorphism/multinucleation was observed in 4 of 7 patients in WHO Subgroup 2 (57.14%) and in 2 of 2 patients in WHO Subgroup 3 (100%). In Group A, nucleoli were present in 7 of 13 patients (53.85%); whereas, in Group B, nucleoli were present in 6 of 7 patients in WHO Subgroup 2 (85.7%) and in 2 of 2 patients in WHO Subgroup 3 (100%). None of the remaining cytologic features that were evaluated (necrosis, mitoses, spindle cells, and molding/crush artifact) were observed consistently in malignant NETs.

CONCLUSIONS:

The current results indicated that Ki‐67 evaluation in routine EUS‐FNA cytology specimens can be used as a potential prognostic marker in pancreatic NETs. Nuclear pleomorphism/multinucleation and the presence of nucleoli also are reliable for predicting malignant pancreatic NETs. Cancer (Cancer Cytopathol) 2009. © 2009 American Cancer Society.
Interior SPECT—exact and stable ROI reconstruction from uniformly attenuated local projections
Authors: Yu Hengyong , Yang Jiansheng , Jiang Ming , Wang Ge
Published: April 2009

Single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) is an important biomedical imaging modality. However, since gamma cameras are expensive and bulky, truncated projection data are either preferred or unavoidable. Inspired by the recent results on interior tomography in the X‐ray CT field, here we present the interior SPECT approach for exact and stable reconstruction of a region of interest (ROI) from uniformly attenuated local projection data, aided by prior knowledge of a sub‐region in the ROI. First, by analytic continuation we prove that interior SPECT is both exact and stable, and by singular value decomposition (SVD) we establish the stability of interior SPECT. Then, given the constant attenuation coefficient and object boundary, our interior SPECT reconstruction is achieved by inverting a generalized truncated Hilbert transform using the SVD technique. Preliminary numerical simulation data demonstrate that our work has practical utilities. The theoretical generalization of our work to the variable attenuation case is underway, and the same numerical approach can be applied. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A color temperature adjustment method for multiprimary displays using nonlinear programming
Authors: Cheng Yan , Liu Xu , Li Haifeng
Published: April 2009

Multiprimary display are now widely researched and used. There is little research concerning color temperature design, namely the relationship of the primaries. It is easy to design the relationship in three‐ primary display, because that is a simple 3 × 3 matrix inversion. But it is difficult when the number of primaries gets to be more than three, because the coefficient matrix is not in a square form, which always yields an infinite solution set. This article presents a method to design the relative primary luminances of multiprimary color display. It will be useful in the multiprimary color laser projection or multiprimary color LED‐based backlighting LCD display. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Col Res Appl, 34, 201–204, 2009
Experimental determination of the laws of color harmony. Part 4: Color preference and the color harmony content
Authors: Nemcsics Antal
Published: April 2009

In 1956, we decided at the Budapest University of Technology and Economics to start a large‐scale experiment on color harmony. The experiments and the processing of the experimental results have been completed in 2006. These experiments, described in this article, form a study of how much are people, participating in the experiment, influenced by their own personal color preference in judging the harmony content of a composition. These experiments have utilized the results of former (1958–1969) color preference experiments and the system of color preference indexes, which were developed by the generalization of those results. Within the framework of these experiments, conducted between 1998 and 2006 there were 24 compositions, shown to the participants, at first one by one, then in pairs and at last in groups of six. They had to assess the harmony content of the compositions and award a score on a scale between 0 and 10. Each composition possessed a specific amount of harmony content according to the rules of color space, based on the Coloroid harmony threshold and verified by former experiments. In these experiments the number of elementary observations were 135 568. The people participating in the experiment were approximately equal number of men and women, from the age group between 10 and 70 years. During processing, by using the color preference numerical indexing system, we compared the results of those experiments with the color preference of a similar age group, by using color compositions, identical to the ones used in the present experiment. We have found that the sensation of the color harmony and its intensity have a strong relation to how the observers relate to colors and also their color preferences. The sensation of color harmony is also influenced by the gender and the age of the observer. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Col Res Appl, 34, 210–224, 2009
Synergism of Activated Carbon and Undoped and Nitrogen‐doped TiO2 in the Photocatalytic Degradation of the Chemical Warfare Agents Soman, VX, and Yperite
Authors: Cojocaru Bogdan , Neaţu Ştefan , Pârvulescu Vasile I. , Şomoghi Vasile , Petrea Nicoleta , Epure Gabriel , Alvaro Mercedes , Garcia Hermenegildo
Published: April 2009

The degradation of chemical warfare agents is investigated. Active carbon, in minor quantities (5–25 wt %), renders nitrogen‐doped titania active towards the degradation of several such compounds. This cooperative effect is attributed to the preferential generation of reactive oxygen species on the photocatalyst and preferential adsorption of the chemical warfare agent onto carbon.

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Efficient photocatalytic decomposition of chemical warfare agents is a process that may find application in emergency situations or for the controlled destruction of chemical warfare stockpiles. A series of heterogeneous photocatalysts comprising TiO2–activated carbon or N‐TiO2–activated carbon composites exhibit excellent photocatalytic activity to effect the complete decomposition of yperite, soman, and VX in high concentrations. The remarkable photocatalytic activity arises from the synergism between adsorption on active carbon and photoactivity by titania. Nitridation makes the composite also active under visible‐light irradiation.
Anorexia nervosa and pregnancy: Having a baby when you are dying to be thin—Case report and proposed treatment guidelines
Authors: Mazer‐Poline Carrie , Fornari Victor
Published: April 2009

Objective:

Pregnant women with anorexia nervosa (AN) are at risk for multiple complications to both the woman and fetus. This report examines when to obtain a psychiatric evaluation or admission to an inpatient psychiatric unit to ensure the safety of both the woman and fetus.

Method:

A case report of a pregnant woman with AN describes the risks of extreme weight loss during pregnancy and the deleterious effects on the fetus's viability and mother's health.

Results:

Psychiatric intervention was not requested until late in gestation, when the patient's mental status and low weight had already deteriorated to a point of high risk to both the mother and fetus.

Discussion:

We propose the development of treatment guidelines for the pregnant patient with AN to ensure the delivery of optimal care for both the mother and the fetus. © 2008 by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Eat Disord 2009
A cross‐cultural comparison of the eating disorder inventory
Authors: Podar Iris , Allik Jüri
Published: April 2009

Objective:

A systematic analysis of data collected with the Eating Disorder Inventory (EDI) was made.

Method:

A literature search identified 94 sources in which the mean values of the EDI or EDI‐2 subscales were reported, comprising 310 samples differing by sex, age, diagnosis, language, ethnicity, or some other relevant attribute. The total number of respondents was 43,722, from 25 different countries, having used the EDI in one of the 16 languages (1–94).

Results:

The factorial structure of the aggregate means of the EDI subscales, for both clinical versus nonclinical and Western versus non‐Western samples, was almost identical suggesting generalizability across languages and cultures. Non‐Western participants scored higher than Western participants on virtually all EDI subscales, both in normal and eating‐disordered samples. It was shown that age is a risk factor when someone is already diagnosed with an eating disorder but, in the general population, increasing age reduces the likelihood of being afflicted by eating disorders.

Discussion:

Symptoms of eating disorders are more pronounced in non‐Western than in Western samples. © 2008 by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Eat Disord 2009
An integrative quantitative model of factors influencing the course of anorexia nervosa over time
Authors: Yackobovitch‐Gavan Michal , Golan Moria , Valevski Avi , Kreitler Shulamit , Bachar Eytan , Lieblich Amia , Mitrani Edith , Weizman Abraham , Stein Daniel
Published: April 2009

Objective:

To identify factors influencing the course of anorexia nervosa (AN) over time.

Method:

Former female patients with AN (36 remitted and 24 nonremitted) and 31 healthy females responded to standardized interviews and self‐rating questionnaires. Remitted patients maintained normal eating, normal weight, and regular menses for the past 12 months. Patients not fulfilling these criteria were considered nonremitted.

Results:

Using logistic regression, we identified that number of hospitalizations, duration of ambulatory treatment, past vegetarianism, past anxiety, and childhood sexual abuse differentiated remitted from nonremitted patients, predicting nonremission. A similar analysis identified that elevated follow‐up vegetarianism and eating‐related concerns and lower body mass index (BMI) differentiated remitted from nonremitted patients, contributing to nonremission. Univariate analyses identified that remitted patients had elevated anxiety and eating‐related obsessionality compared with the controls, suggesting these variables to potentially predispose to AN.

Discussion:

Elevated anxiety and eating‐related obsessionality may increase the risk for the development of AN and for nonremission. © 2008 by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Eat Disord 2009
An assessment of daily food intake in participants with anorexia nervosa in the natural environment
Authors: Burd Carlye , Mitchell James E. , Crosby Ross D. , Engel Scott G. , Wonderlich Stephen A. , Lystad Chad , Le Grange Daniel , Peterson Carol B. , Crow Scott
Published: April 2009

Objective:

To examine the caloric intake in women with anorexia nervosa (AN) and how it varies by day as a function of the presence or absence of binge eating and/or purging behaviors.

Method:

Female participants with AN (n = 84, mean age = 24.4, range 18–51) were recruited from three different sites. Data on food intake were obtained through the use of 24‐h dietary recall using the Nutritional Data Systems for Research, and data on binge eating and purging behaviors were collected on palmtop computers using an ecological momentary assessment paradigm. Daily macronutrient intake was compared on days during which binge eating and/or purging behaviors did or did not occur.

Results:

On days during which binge eating and purging behaviors both occurred, participants reported significantly greater kilocalorie intake when compared with days when neither behavior occurred, or when only binge eating or purging occurred. Binge eating episodes were only modest in size on days when purging did not occur. Energy intake overall was higher than expected.

Discussion:

Intake on days where binge eating occurred varied dramatically based on whether or not purging occurred. Whether markedly increased binge eating intake was causally related to purging is unclear. Nonetheless eating episodes were at times quite large and equivalent to those reported by participants with bulimia nervosa in other research. © 2008 by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Eat Disord 2009
Emotion regulation and binge eating in children
Authors: Czaja Julia , Rief Winfried , Hilbert Anja
Published: April 2009

Objective:

To examine the ability to regulate emotions in children with binge eating.

Method:

A community sample of 60 children ages 8–13 with at least one episode of loss of control (LOC) eating during the past 3 months and a matched control group without LOC (n = 60) underwent a clinical interview (Eating Disorder Examination adapted for Children) and completed self‐report questionnaires assessing emotion regulation strategies, eating pathology, and depressive symptoms.

Results:

Children with LOC eating made a significantly higher use of dysfunctional emotion regulation strategies (p < .01), especially for the regulation of anxiety (p < .01). Maladaptive strategies were associated with greater depressiveness (p < .001). Use of adaptive emotion regulation strategies did not differ between children with and without LOC eating.

Discussion:

Results document an association between LOC eating and difficulties in regulating negative emotions in children. Interventions targeting LOC eating in children should include training for coping with negative emotions. © 2008 by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Eat Disord 2009
Effect on bone health of estrogen preparations in premenopausal women with anorexia nervosa: A systematic review and meta‐analyses
Authors: Sim Leslie A. , McGovern Lauren , Elamin Mohamed B. , Swiglo Brian A. , Erwin Patricia J. , Montori Victor M.
Published: April 2009

Objective:

Because estrogen therapies are widely prescribed for amenorrhea associated with anorexia nervosa (AN), we conducted a systematic review and meta‐analyses to estimate the influence of estrogen preparations (EP) on bone mineral density in women with AN.

Method:

Prospective cohort studies and randomized clinical trials (RCTs) comparing the effect of EP use to no treatment or placebo on bone mineral density and bone fractures were included. Independent reviewers selected studies for inclusion and extracted study characteristics, markers of methodologic quality, and outcomes for the intention‐to‐treat population.

Results:

Using random‐effects meta‐analyses and inconsistency across trials using the I2 statistic, data were combined across two eligible prospective cohort studies and four RCTs; none reported effects on bone fractures. Compared with placebo or no treatment, low quality evidence found EPs have a moderate effect on bone mineral density in the lumbar spine [ES (effect size) 0.33, 95% CI (confidence interval) 0.09, 0.56; I2 = 0%)], but no significant effect on the femoral neck (ES 0.13, 95% CI −0.16, 0.43; I2 = 0%). There were no significant treatment‐subgroup interactions.

Discussion:

In general, EPs have uncertain benefit and should be avoided by women with AN in whom the success of weight and nutritional rehabilitation is judged by menses resumption. © 2009 by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Eat Disord 2010
Maternal psychopathology and child risk factors in infantile anorexia
Authors: Ammaniti Massimo , Lucarelli Loredana , Cimino Silvia , D'Olimpio Francesca , Chatoor Irene
Published: April 2009

Objective:

This study examines a transactional and multirisk model for Infantile Anorexia (IA) and investigates the contributions of the parent, the child, and dyadic interactional variables related to this feeding disorder.

Method:

The sample consisted of 371 mother‐child pairs (children aged 6–36 months), of which 187 pairs of mothers and normally developing children (ND‐group), and 184 mothers and IA children. All dyads were videotaped during feeding; mothers completed questionnaires assessing their psychological profiles and eating attitudes, as well as their children's temperament and emotional/ behavioral functioning.

Results:

Analyses revealed that the IA‐group showed higher scores in symptomatic characteristics both of the mother and of the child, and dysfunctional interactions during feeding as compared with the ND‐group. Further analyses revealed that both child and maternal characteristics are significant predictors of dyadic interactional conflict.

Discussion:

Results confirm that a multidimensional assessment is critical in the evaluation of IA. © 2009 by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Eat Disord 2010
Identification of the parameters of the high‐frequency equivalent circuit of PM synchronous motor based on genetic algorithm
Authors: Ito Kouhei , Sato Yasuyuki , Zanma Tadanao , Doki Shinji , Ishida Muneaki
Published: April 2009

This paper presents an identification technique of parameters of a high‐frequency equivalent circuit of permanent magnet synchronous motors (PMSM) driven by a PWM inverter. The high‐frequency oscillatory currents such as leakage current to the motor frame (common‐mode current) and high‐frequency oscillatory line current (normal‐mode current) are generated by switching instants of inverter transistors. The parameters of the high‐frequency equivalent circuit of PMSM which can simulate the oscillating current are identified by means of genetic algorithm. It is shown that the high‐frequency equivalent circuit with identified parameters can generate the oscillating current by some simulation results. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electr Eng Jpn, 167(4): 57–66, 2009; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/eej.20717
Forecasting electric power generation in a photovoltaic power system for an energy network
Authors: Kudo Mitsuru , Takeuchi Akira , Nozaki Yousuke , Endo Hisahito , Sumita Jiro
Published: April 2009

Recently, there has been an increase in concern about the global environment. Interest is growing in developing an energy network by which new energy systems such as photovoltaic and fuel cells generate power locally and electrical power and heat are controlled with a communication network. We developed the power generation forecast method for photovoltaic power systems in an energy network. The method makes use of weather information and regression analysis. We carried out forecasting power output of the photovoltaic power system installed in Expo 2005, Aichi Japan. As a result of comparing measurements with prediction values, the average prediction error per day was about 26% of the measured power. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electr Eng Jpn, 167(4): 16–23, 2009; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/eej.20755
Three‐dimensional eddy current analysis by multi‐order vector finite elements
Authors: Hano Mitsuo , Hotta Masashi
Published: April 2009

We propose a new method based on the use of multi‐order vector finite elements in three‐dimensional eddy current analysis. The edges, faces, and volumes of the multi‐order elements have the orders of the respective shape functions. In order to achieve high efficiency in numerical calculation, high‐order elements are assigned in the important areas of the eddy current model, low‐order elements in the surrounding areas, and multi‐order elements in the intermediate areas joining the two other types of areas. The results obtained by the use of multi‐order elements are compared with those obtained by full high‐order elements and by full low‐order elements. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electr Eng Jpn, 167(4): 9–15, 2009; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/eej.20774
Effect of power cable insulator for power line communication
Authors: Takato Kenji , Seki Kouichi , Arai Toshihiko
Published: April 2009

This paper describes a method for calculation of the effective relative dielectric constant εs of VVF cable. For power line communications (PLC), VVF cables in homes are used as 2‐ to 30‐MHz high‐frequency transmission media. As they are not designed and installed for such transmission media, there are many branches and impedance mismatch points that cause PLC signal reflections and standing waves. In order to estimate such standing wave generation and estimate undesirable PLC signal radio wave leakage, the length of the cable and the relative dielectric constant εs are important. However, the insulator of VVF cable is thin and not symmetric, so that it is not easy to calculate effective εs analytically. In this paper, the effective εs is calculated numerically using the PC software EXCEL by drawing the electrical fluxes and analyzing the effect of the insulator for each flux. The calculation result for VVF cable considering the limited insulator area around the conductors shows that the effective εs is about 13% less and the transmission speed is 7% faster than when the insulator occupies the full space around the cable. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electr Eng Jpn, 167(4): 24–31, 2009; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/eej.20862
Ly49Q ligand expressed by activated B cells induces plasmacytoid DC maturation
Authors: Toma‐Hirano Makiko , Namiki Sahori , Shibata Yasue , Ishida Koji , Arase Hisashi , Miyatake Shoichiro , Arai Ken‐ichi , Kamogawa‐Schifter Yumiko
Published: April 2009

Ly49Q, a type II C‐type lectin expressed on mouse plasmacytoid DC (pDC), contains a single carbohydrate recognition domain in its extracellular region and an ITIM in its cytoplasmic domain. We have identified the MHC class I molecule H‐2Kb as a Ly49Q ligand, confirming prior reports. Although H‐2Kb is expressed on essentially all hematopoietic cells, we found that only CpG‐stimulated B cells were able to activate Ly49Q. This discovery correlated with our finding that although H‐2Kb forms clusters on CpG‐activated B cells, it is diffusely expressed on resting B cells. Furthermore, CpG‐stimulated, but not resting, B cells up‐regulated co‐stimulatory molecules on pDC. This finding was confirmed by the fact that binding by anti‐Ly49Q mAb to Ly49Q led to pDC maturation in vitro. Our results suggest that clustered H‐2Kb on activated B cells act as ligands for Ly49Q and induce pDC maturation in vitro.
TLR2‐activated human langerhans cells promote Th17 polarization via IL‐1β, TGF‐β and IL‐23
Authors: Aliahmadi Ehsan , Gramlich Robert , Grützkau Andreas , Hitzler Manuel , Krüger Melanie , Baumgrass Ria , Schreiner Maximilian , Wittig Burghardt , Wanner Reinhard , Peiser Matthias
Published: April 2009

The cytokines IL‐6, IL‐1β, TGF‐β, and IL‐23 are considered to promote Th17 commitment. Langerhans cells (LC) represent DC in the outer skin layers of the epidermis, an environment extensively exposed to pathogenic attack. The question whether organ‐resident DC like LC can evoke Th17 immune response is still open. Our results show that upon stimulation by bacterial agonists, epidermal LC and LC‐like cells TLR2‐dependently acquire the capacity to polarize Th17 cells. In Th17 cells, expression of retinoid orphan receptor γβ was detected. To clarify if IL‐17+cells could arise per se by stimulated LC we did not repress Th1/Th2 driving pathways by antibodies inhibiting differentiation. In CD1c+/langerin+ monocyte‐derived LC‐like cells (MoLC), macrophage‐activating lipopeptide 2, and peptidoglycan (PGN) induced the release of the cytokines IL‐6, IL‐1β, and IL‐23. TGF‐β, a cytokine required for LC differentiation and survival, was found to be secreted constitutively. Anti‐TLR2 inhibited secretion of IL‐6, IL‐1β, and IL‐23 by MoLC, while TGF‐β was unaffected. The amount of IL‐17 and the ratio of IL‐17 to IFN‐γ expression was higher in MoLC‐ than in monocyte‐derived DC‐cocultured Th cells. Anti‐IL‐1β, ‐TGF‐β and ‐IL‐23 decreased the induction of Th17 cells. Interestingly, blockage of TLR2 on PGN‐stimulated MoLC prevented polarization of Th cells into Th17 cells. Thus, our findings indicate a role of TLR2 in eliciting Th17 immune responses in inflamed skin.
Notch ligands potentiate IL‐7‐driven proliferation and survival of human thymocyte precursors
Authors: Magri Maymouna , Yatim Ahmad , Benne Clarisse , Balbo Michèle , Henry Adeline , Serraf Alain , Sakano Seiji , Gazzolo Louis , Lévy Yves , Lelièvre Jean‐Daniel
Published: April 2009

Notch and IL‐7 are both well‐characterized factors involved in T‐cell development. In contrast to the mouse model, their precise requirements in the differentiation and/or proliferation of various stages of human thymic development have not been fully explored. Here, we demonstrate that IL‐7 alone is sufficient to induce the differentiation of ex vivo purified CD34+ triple negative (TN) surface (s) CD3− CD4−CD8− (CD3−CD4−CD8−), CD4 immature single positive (ISP) (sCD3−CD4+CD8−) and double positive (DP) (sCD3−CD4+CD8+) human thymic precursors to mature DP expressing sCD3 (sCD3+CD4+CD8+). We show that activation of Notch signaling by its ligands Delta‐1 or Delta‐4 potentiates IL‐7‐driven proliferation and survival of CD34+ TN and to a lesser extent of CD4+ ISP precursors. This effect of Notch is related to a sustained induction of IL‐7 receptor α chain expression on thymocytes through a decreased methylation of its gene promoter. Thus, we show here that proliferation and differentiation of T‐cell precursors are differentially modulated by IL‐7 depending on the presence or absence of external signals. These results may have important implications for the clinical use of this cytokine as a strategy aimed at improving immune restoration.
Expression and function of Na+/Ca2+ exchangers 1 and 3 in human macrophages and monocytes
Authors: Staiano Rosaria I. , Granata Francescopaolo , Secondo Agnese , Petraroli Angelica , Loffredo Stefania , Frattini Annunziata , Annunziato Lucio , Marone Gianni , Triggiani Massimo
Published: April 2009

The Na+/Ca2+ exchanger (NCX) is a membrane transporter that can switch Na+ and Ca2+ in either direction to maintain the homeostasis of intracellular Ca2+. Three isoforms (NCX1, NCX2, and NCX3) have been characterized in excitable cells, e.g. neurons and muscle cells. We examined the expression of these NCX isoforms in primary human lung macrophages (HLM) and blood monocytes. NCX1 and NCX3, but not NCX2, are expressed in HLM and monocytes at both mRNA and protein levels. Na+‐free medium induced a significant increase in intracellular calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i) in both cell types. This response was completely abolished by the NCX inhibitor 5‐(N‐4‐chlorobenzyl)‐20,40‐dimethylbenzamil (CB‐DMB). Moreover, inhibition of NCX activity during Ca2+‐signaling induced by histamine caused a delay in restoring baseline [Ca2+]i. Na+‐free medium induced TNF‐α expression and release in HLM comparable to that caused by LPS. TNF‐α release induced by Na+‐free medium was blocked by CB‐DMB and greatly reduced by RNAi‐mediated knockdown of NCX1. These results indicate that human macrophages and monocytes express NCX1 and NCX3 that operate in a bidirectional manner to restore [Ca2+]i, to generate Ca2+‐signals, and to induce TNF‐α production. Therefore, NCX may contribute to regulate Ca2+ homeostasis and proinflammatory functions in human macrophages and monocytes.
Prolactin enhances basal and IL‐17‐induced CCL20 production by human keratinocytes
Authors: Kanda Naoko , Shibata Sayaka , Tada Yayoi , Nashiro Kiyoko , Tamaki Kunihiko , Watanabe Shinichi
Published: April 2009

Psoriasis vulgaris is an autoimmune dermatosis with Th17 infiltration. Prolactin (PRL) may participate in the pathogenesis of psoriasis. The chemokine CCL20 recruits Th17 cells, and CCL20 production by epidermal keratinocytes is enhanced in psoriatic lesions. We examined the in vitro effects of PRL on CCL20 production in human keratinocytes. PRL increased basal and IL‐17‐induced CCL20 secretion, and mRNA expression in keratinocytes. CCL20 production by PRL was suppressed by antisense oligonucleotides against the AP‐1 components c‐Fos and c‐Jun, whereas that by IL‐17 was suppressed by antisense NF‐κB p50 and p65. CCL20 production induced by PRL plus IL‐17 was suppressed by antisense c‐Fos, c‐Jun, p50, and p65. PRL alone increased the transcriptional activity of AP‐1, and c‐Fos and c‐Jun expression; moderately enhanced NF‐κB activity and IκBα phosphorylation; and potently increased IL‐17‐induced NF‐κB activity. MEK and JNK inhibitors suppressed PRL‐ or PRL‐plus‐IL‐17‐induced CCL20 production and AP‐1 activities. MEK inhibitor suppressed PRL‐induced c‐Fos expression, whereas JNK inhibitor suppressed c‐Jun expression. PRL induced ERK and JNK phosphorylation. These results suggest that PRL may enhance basal and IL‐17‐induced CCL20 production in keratinocytes by AP‐1 and NF‐κB activation, which is partially mediated via MEK/ERK and JNK. PRL may promote Th17 infiltration into psoriatic lesions via CCL20.
Semi‐mature DC are immunogenic and not tolerogenic when inoculated at a high dose in collagen‐induced arthritis mice
Authors: Lim Dae‐Seog , Kang Mi‐Sun , Jeong Ju‐Ah , Bae Yong‐Soo
Published: April 2009

Semi‐mature DC (smDC) have been shown to be tolerogenic and thus applicable to the treatment of autoimmune disease. However, in our repeated experiments, even the same batches of smDC were found to be profoundly immunogenic rather than tolerogenic when inoculated at high doses into arthritic mice. In a cytokine chip assay, smDC were characterized by remarkable production of IL‐2, IL‐3, IL‐5, and IL‐13 together with well‐known Th2 cytokines. Low doses (2×105) of smDC showed excellent anti‐arthritic activity in collagen‐induced arthritis animals, whereas high doses (2×106) of smDC uniformly accelerated arthritic symptoms. SmDC, vaccinated at lower doses, markedly induced forkhead box P3 Treg, Th2 cytokines (IL‐4/IL‐10), and TGF‐â in their immune deviation. Interestingly, however, as the number of smDC increased from 2×105 to 2×106 in the same assay, the Treg population, Th2 cytokines, and TGF‐β were dramatically reduced. Our present study clearly indicates that smDC could induce either T‐cell tolerance or T‐cell activation, depending on the inoculum size. Special attention should be paid to the optimal range of smDC in DC‐mediated immunotherapy for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.
The DC‐HIL/syndecan‐4 pathway inhibits human allogeneic T‐cell responses
Authors: Chung Jin‐Sung , Bonkobara Makoto , Tomihari Mizuki , Cruz Ponciano D. , Ariizumi Kiyoshi
Published: April 2009

T‐cell activation is regulated by binding of ligands on APC to corresponding receptors on T cells. In mice, we discovered that binding of DC‐HIL on APC to syndecan‐4 (SD‐4) on activated T cells potently inhibits T‐cell activation. In humans, we now show that DC‐HIL also binds to SD‐4 on activated T cells through recognition of its heparinase‐sensitive saccharide moiety. DC‐HIL blocks anti‐CD3‐induced T‐cell responses, reducing secretion of pro‐inflammatory cytokines and blocking entry into the S phase of the cell cycle. Binding of DC‐HIL phosphorylates SD‐4's intracellular tyrosine and serine residues. Anti‐SD‐4 Ab mimics the ability of DC‐HIL to attenuate anti‐CD3 response more potently than Ab directed against other inhibitory receptors (CTLA‐4 or programmed cell death‐1). Among leukocytes, DC‐HIL is expressed highest by CD14+ monocytes and this expression can be upregulated markedly by TGF‐β. Among APC, DC‐HIL is expressed highest by epidermal Langerhans cells, an immature type of dendritic cells. Finally, the level of DC‐HIL expression on CD14+ monocytes correlates inversely with allostimulatory capacity, such that treatment with TGF‐β reduced this capacity, whereas knocking down the DC‐HIL gene augmented it. Our findings indicate that the DC‐HIL/SD‐4 pathway can be manipulated to treat T‐cell‐driven disorders in humans.
The hope but challenge for developing a vaccine that might control malaria
Authors: Good Michael F.
Published: April 2009

As World Malaria Day approaches again it is timely, as an immunologically focussed community, to consider the consequence of not yet having an efficacious vaccine but also the progress that is being made and the challenges that we face in developing one. Key issues that need to be addressed for the leading vaccine candidates include antigenic polymorphism and loss of immunological memory.
Dealing with deviants: The effectiveness of rejection, denial, and apologies on protecting the public image of a group
Authors: van Leeuwen Esther , van den Bosch Marieke , Castano Emanuele , Hopman Petra
Published: April 2009

Public transgressions by group members threaten the public image of a group when outside observers perceive them as representative of the group in general. In three studies, we tested the effectiveness of rejection of a deviant group member who made a racist comment in public, and compared this to several other strategies the group could employ to protect their image. In Study 1 (N = 75) and Study 2 (N = 51), the group was judged less racist after rejecting the deviant than after claiming a non‐racist position or not responding to the transgression. Perceived typicality of the deviant partially mediated this effect in Study 2. In Study 3 (N = 81), the group was judged least racist after forcing the deviant to apologize and as most racist after denying the severity of the transgression. Results also showed a negative side‐effect of rejection. Perceived exclusion of the deviant contributed to a perception of the group as disloyal to its members, which resulted in a less favorable overall group evaluation. Potential benefits and risks of rejection, denial, and apologies are further discussed in the General Discussion. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Sample stacking in CZE using dynamic thermal junctions II: Analytes with high dpKa/dT crossing a single thermal junction in a BGE with low dpH/dT
Authors: Mandaji Marcos , Rübensam Gabriel , Hoff Rodrigo Barcellos , Hillebrand Sandro , Carrilho Emanuel , Kist Tarso Ledur
Published: April 2009

In a previous work [M. Mandaji, et al., this issue] a sample stacking method was theoretically modeled and experimentally demonstrated for analytes with low dpKa/dT (analytes carrying carboxylic groups) and BGEs with high dpH/dT (high pH–temperature‐coefficients). In that work, buffer pH was modulated with temperature, inducing electrophoretic mobility changes in the analytes. In the present work, the opposite conditions are studied and tested, i.e. analytes with high dpKa/dT and BGEs that exhibit low dpH/dT. It is well known that organic bases such as amines, imidazoles, and benzimidazoles exhibit high dpKa/dT. Temperature variations induce instantaneous changes on the basicity of these and other basic groups. Therefore, the electrophoretic velocity of some analytes changes abruptly when temperature variations are applied along the capillary. This is true only if BGE pH remains constant or if it changes in the opposite direction of pKa of the analyte. The presence of hot and cold sections along the capillary also affects local viscosity, conductivity, and electric field strength. The effect of these variables on electrophoretic velocity and band stacking efficacy was also taken into account in the theoretical model presented. Finally, this stacking method is demonstrated for lysine partially derivatized with naphthalene‐2,3‐dicarboxaldehyde. In this case, the amino group of the lateral chain was left underivatized and only the alpha amino group was derivatized. Therefore, the basicity of the lateral amino group, and consequently the electrophoretic mobility, was modulated with temperature while the pH of the buffer used remained unchanged.
Human mitochondrial DNA complete amplification and sequencing: A new validated primer set that prevents nuclear DNA sequences of mitochondrial origin co‐amplification
Authors: Ramos Amanda , Santos Cristina , Alvarez Luis , Nogués Ramon , Aluja Maria Pilar
Published: April 2009

To date, there are no published primers to amplify the entire mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) that completely prevent the amplification of nuclear DNA (nDNA) sequences of mitochondrial origin. The main goal of this work was to design, validate and describe a set of primers, to specifically amplify and sequence the complete human mtDNA, allowing the correct interpretation of mtDNA heteroplasmy in healthy and pathological samples. Validation was performed using two different approaches: (i) Basic Local Alignment Search Tool and (ii) amplification using isolated nDNA obtained from sperm cells by differential lyses. During the validation process, two mtDNA regions, with high similarity with nDNA, represent the major problematic areas for primer design. One of these could represent a non‐published nuclear DNA sequence of mitochondrial origin. For two of the initially designed fragments, the amplification results reveal PCR artifacts that can be attributed to the poor quality of the DNA. After the validation, nine overlapping primer pairs to perform mtDNA amplification and 22 additional internal primers for mtDNA sequencing were obtained. These primers could be a useful tool in future projects that deal with mtDNA complete sequencing and heteroplasmy detection, since they represent a set of primers that have been tested for the non‐amplification of nDNA.
CE‐MS: A useful tool for the identification of water‐soluble polar organics in air and vehicular emitted particulate matter
Authors: Yassine Mahmoud M. , Dabek‐Zlotorzynska Ewa , Schmitt‐Kopplin Philippe
Published: April 2009

A CE‐ESI/quadrupole‐MS method using an ammonium acetate‐based BGE (pH 4.7) was developed for the determination of isomeric benzoic acids in atmospheric aerosols and vehicular emission. UltraTrol™ LN was employed as the pre‐coating polymer to suppress the EOF (0.3×10−9 m2 V−1 s−1) and achieve a baseline separation of the studied acids. Good repeatability for migration time (RSD<1%, N=10) was obtained without coating regeneration. The high pre‐coating stability allowed coupling of CE to MS without ion suppression in the MS. In scanning mode and using field‐amplified sample injection with electrokinetic injection (−5 kV for 60 s), LODs (S/N=3) ranged from 2.5 to 6 μg/L for standard target analytes prepared in DI water. In the presence of 100 mg/L of sulfate (added to simulate a sample matrix), LODs ranged from 8 to 90 μg/L. Several isomeric aromatic acids could be separated in atmospheric and diesel‐engine‐emitted particulate matter extracts based on their different acidities. Additional measurements with a flow infusion ESI Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance MS were used for further structural information acquisition on the unknown compounds and allowed their formula to be proposed.
The effects of nanoparticles uptaken by cells on electrorotation
Authors: Chuang Cheng‐Hsin , Hsu You‐Ming , Yeh Chen‐Che
Published: April 2009

Electrorotation (ER) has become a very powerful diagnostic technique for the measurement of dielectric properties of cells. However, only a few papers have investigated the electric‐induced rotation of particles in a stationary alternating (AC) electric field instead of a rotating electric field. In this study, a microchip composed of a top‐grounded electrode, flow chamber and bottom chess‐type electrode arrays was used to construct a stationary non‐uniform AC electric field for the manipulation of cells by dielectrophoretic force. We focused on the effects of metal and dielectric nanoparticles uptaken by cells under ER, by using human promyelocytic leukemia cells (HL‐60), 13 nm Au and 19 nm SiO2 nanoparticles. As revealed by the experimental results, both the percentage of cells in rotation and the range of rotational (ROT) frequency for the uptake of Au nanoparticle cells were higher and wider than in the case of SiO2 nanoparticles. In addition, the rotation of lone cells and pearl‐chain cells under non‐uniform and uniform electric field were quantitatively investigated, respectively. The membrane capacitance and membrane conductance of HL‐60 cells can be extracted from the ROT spectra as 10.18±1.92 mF/m2 and 1500±321 S/m2, respectively. In general, the ER of cells in a stationary AC electric field can be attributed to the highly non‐uniform electric field and non‐uniform dispersion of nanoparticles within cells; therefore, the electrical properties of uptaken nanoparticles and the aggregation phenomenon have significant influences on the resulting electrical torque.
Antigenotoxic effects of Citrus aurentium L. fruit peel oil on mutagenicity of two alkylating agents and two metals in the Drosophila wing spot test
Authors: Demir Eşref , Kocaoğlu Serap , Cetin Huseyin , Kaya Bülent
Published: April 2009

Antigenotoxic effects of Citrus aurentium L. (Rutaceae) fruit peel oil (CPO) in combination with mutagenic metals and alkylating agents were studied using the wing spot test of D. melanogaster. The four reference mutagens, potassium dichromate (K2Cr2O7), cobalt chloride (CoCl2), ethylmethanesulfonate (EMS), and N‐ethyl‐N‐nitrosourea (ENU) were clearly genotoxic. CPO alone at doses from 0.1 to 0.5% in Tween 80 was not mutagenic and did not enhance the mutagenic effect of the reference mutagens. However, antigenotoxic effects of CPO were clearly demonstrated in chronic cotreatments with mutagens and oil, by a significant decrease in wing spots induced by all four mutagens. The D. melanogaster wing spot test was found to be a suitable assay for detecting antigenotoxic effects in vivo. Environ. Mol. Mutagen., 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Inherent flammability parameters—Room corner test application
Authors: Quintiere J. G. , Lian Danjun
Published: April 2009

It has been hypothesized that four parameters are solely responsible for a material's performance in a flammability scenario. This excludes effects of material physical integrity, i.e. melting, delamination, etc. They are (1) the critical heat flux below which piloted ignition cannot occur (CHF), (2) the ratio of heat of combustion to heat of gasification (HRP), (3) the thermal response parameter related to the thermal inertia and the ignition temperature (TRP), and (4) the available energy per unit area (AEP). The fire scenario controls the process by its initial heat flux and region of ignition. The hypothesis is applied to 54 tests of the ISO Room Corner Test to assess its validity. It is shown that these four parameters give good correlations in predicting the time to flashover and whether it occurs. In principle, different correlations could be developed for other scenarios of tests and fire configurations. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Consistent discretization for simulations of flows with moving generalized curvilinear coordinates
Authors: Chou Y. J. , Fringer O. B.
Published: April 2009

We develop a consistent discretization of conservative momentum and scalar transport for the numerical simulation of flow using a generalized moving curvilinear coordinate system. The formulation guarantees consistency between the discrete transport equation and the discrete mass conservation equation due to grid motion. This enables simulation of conservative transport using generalized curvilinear grids that move arbitrarily in three dimensions while maintaining the desired properties of the discrete transport equation on a stationary grid, such as constancy, conservation, and monotonicity. In addition to guaranteeing consistency for momentum and scalar transport, the formulation ensures geometric conservation and maintains the desired high‐order time accuracy of the discretization on a moving grid. Through numerical examples we show that, when the computation is carried out on a moving grid, consistency between the discretized scalar advection equation and the discretized equation for flow mass conservation due to grid motion is required in order to obtain stable and accurate results. We also demonstrate that significant errors can result when non‐consistent discretizations are employed. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Investigation of a Novel Catalyst Coated Membrane Method to Prepare Low‐Platinum‐Loading Membrane Electrode Assemblies for PEMFCs
Authors: Leimin X. , Shijun L. , Lijun Y. , Zhenxing L.
Published: April 2009

In this work, a novel catalyst coated membrane (CCM) approach–a catalyst‐sprayed membrane under irradiation (CSMUI)–was developed to prepare MEAs for proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) application. Catalyst ink was sprayed directly onto the membrane and an infrared light was used simultaneously to evaporate the solvents. The resultant MEAs prepared by this method yielded very high performance. Based on this approach, the preparation of low‐platinum‐content MEAs was investigated. It was found that for the anode, even if the platinum loading was decreased from 0.2 to 0.03 mg cm–2, only a very small performance decrease was observed; for the cathode, when the platinum loading was decreased from 0.3 to 0.15 mg cm–2, just a 5% decrease was detected at 0.7 V, but a 35% decrease was observed when the loading was decreased from 0.15 to 0.06 mg cm–2. These results indicate that this approach is much better than the catalyst coated gas diffusion layer (GDL) method, especially for the preparation of low‐platinum‐content MEAs. SEM and EIS measurements indicated ample interfacial contact between the catalyst layer and the membrane.
Option implied cost of equity and its properties
Authors: Câmara António , Chung San‐Lin , Wang Yaw‐Huei
Published: April 2009

The estimation of the cost of equity capital (COE) is one of the most important tasks in financial management. Existing approaches compute the COE using historical data, i.e. they are backward‐looking methods. This study derives a method to calculate forward‐looking estimates of the COE using the current market prices of stocks and stock options. Our estimates of the COE reflect the expectation of the market investors about the COE during the life of the investment project. We test empirically our method and compare it with the Fama/French (1993) three‐factor model for the S&P 100 firms. The empirical results indicate that our COE estimates (1) are plausible and stable over the years as required by appropriate discount rates for capital budgeting, (2) yield an equity risk premium close to the market equity risk premium reported by Fama E. F. and French K. R. (2002), (3) generate strong return‐risk relationships, and (4) are significantly related with investor sentiment. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Jrl Fut Mark 29: 599–629, 2009