bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Porous tantalum stimulates the proliferation and osteogenesis of osteoblasts from elderly female patients
Authors: Sagomonyants Karen B. , Hakim‐Zargar Mariam , Jhaveri Ankur , Aronow Michael S. , Gronowicz Gloria
Published: October 2010

Porous tantalum (Ta) implants have been successful in various orthopedic procedures for patients with compromised bone‐forming abilities. Previous studies demonstrated that human osteoblast (HOB) cultures from older female patients produced less bone on implant materials in vitro compared to HOBs from age‐matched male and younger female patients. In this study, the responses of HOBs from younger (<45) and older (>60 years old) female patients were compared on Ta, titanium fiber mesh (TFM) and tissue culture plastic. Adhesion, proliferation, and mineralization were greater in cells from younger patients than from older patients. Cell adhesion was slightly higher on Ta than TFM or plastic. However, Ta highly stimulated cell proliferation with a 4‐ and 6‐fold increase compared to TFM for cells from younger and older patients, respectively, and 12‐ and 16‐fold increase in proliferation compared to cells on plastic (p ≤ 0.001). At 3 weeks, mineralization was significantly higher on Ta compared to TFM for HOBs from older patients (p ≤ 0.05). Expression levels of bone matrix markers demonstrated differences dependent on age and substrate. Scanning electron micrographs revealed HOBs covering the surfaces and entering the pores of both Ta and TFM. In conclusion, tantalum greatly stimulates cell proliferation, and improves the ability of HOBs from older patients to form bone. © 2010 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 29:609–616, 2011
The medial–lateral force distribution in the ovine stifle joint during walking
Authors: Taylor William R. , Poepplau Berry M. , König Christian , Ehrig Rainald M. , Zachow Stefan , Duda Georg N. , Heller Markus O.
Published: October 2010

Knowledge of the load distribution in the knee is essential for understanding the interaction between mechanics and biology in both the healthy and diseased joint. While the sheep stifle joint is a predominant model for better understanding regeneration after injury, little is known about the compartmental force distribution between the medial and lateral condyles. By including sheep specific anatomy and gait analyses, we used computational musculoskeletal analyses to estimate the medial–lateral joint contact force distribution in ovine stifle joints during walking by simplifying the system of equations into a 2D problem that was solved directly. Gait analysis was conducted using bone markers in three female Merino‐mix sheep. Joint contact forces were computed with respect to the specific anatomy of the ovine tibia, resulting in low (<0.13 bodyweight) mean anteroposterior shear forces throughout the gait cycle, with mean peak contact forces perpendicular to the tibial plateau of 2.2 times bodyweight. The medial–lateral compartmental load distribution across the tibial condyles was determined and revealed loading predominantly on the medial condyle, bearing approximately 75% of the total load during phases of peak loading. By considering the anatomical characteristics of the ovine stifle joint, together with the dynamic forces during gait, this study provides evidence for predominantly medial loading in sheep, somewhat similar to the distribution reported in man. However, the exact conditions under which the loading in the ovine stifle joint is representative of the human situation will need to be elucidated in further studies. © 2010 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 29:567–571, 2011
Hyaluronan Up‐Regulates IL‐10 Expression in Fibroblast‐Like Synoviocytes from Patients with Tibia Plateau Fracture
Authors: Huang Teng‐Le , Hsu Horng‐Chaung , Yang Kai‐Chiang , Lin Feng‐Huei
Published: October 2010

Progression to osteoarthritis (OA) is a frequent sequela of severe articular fracture, particularly when weight‐bearing joints are involved. Prevention from post‐traumatic OA remains a challenge. Hyaluronan (HA) therapy is reported to represent a safe and effective treatment for patients with OA and rheumatoid arthritis. However, the capacity of HA to prevent the occurrence of osteoarthritic changes in fractured joints has not been demonstrated. The present study was undertaken to examine the effects of HA on expression of six OA‐related proteins in fibroblast‐like synoviocytes (FLS) from 10 patients with tibia plateau fracture. OA‐related factors were quantified using a sandwich enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. Regardless of induction of the FLS with interleukin (IL)‐1β, HA was found to down‐regulate expression of catabolic factors (IL‐1β, matrix metalloproteinase‐3, and tumor necrosis factor‐α) and to up‐regulate production of anti‐catabolic factors (tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinase‐1 and metalloproteinase‐2). HA also enhanced expression of IL‐10, an anti‐inflammatory cytokine, in FLS. Our results indicated that HA can promote the expression of both antiinflammatory and structure‐protective factors in FLS of patients with tibia plateau fracture. © 2010 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 29:495–500, 2011
The histone deacetylase inhibitor vorinostat selectively sensitizes fibrosarcoma cells to chemotherapy
Authors: Sampson Erik R. , Amin Vinit , Schwarz Edward M. , O'Keefe Regis J. , Rosier Randy N.
Published: October 2010

Soft tissue sarcoma (STS) is a rare malignancy that is generally resistant to chemotherapy. We investigated the ability of the histone deacetylase inhibitor vorinostat to sensitize STS cells versus normal fibroblasts to chemotherapy. Fibrosarcoma, leiomyosarcoma, and liposarcoma cells and normal fibroblasts were treated with vorinostat to determine effects on proliferation and basal apoptosis as measured by total cell number and cleaved caspase 3 staining. Effects on histone deacetylases (HDAC) activity were confirmed by Western blotting for acetylated histone H3. A clinically relevant dose of vorinostat that had no effect on basal apoptosis was selected to examine altered sensitivity to doxorubicin. The effects of vorinostat, doxorubicin, or the combination on fibrosarcoma growth in vivo were determined in a xenograft model. Tumor volume was measured biweekly and HDAC activity and cell death were assessed by immunohistochemical analysis of acetylated histone H3, cleaved caspase 3, and TUNEL staining. Vorinostat inhibited proliferation and induced histone acetylation without affecting basal apoptosis levels. Combined treatment with vorinostat and doxorubicin synergistically induced apoptosis in vitro in fibrosarcoma but not leiomyosarcoma, liposarcoma, or normal fibroblasts. In nude mice, the combination of vorinostat and doxorubicin inhibited fibrosarcoma xenograft growth further than either agent alone. Cell death, as measured by cleaved caspase 3 and TUNEL staining, was greatest in xenografts from mice treated with vorinostat and doxorubicin. Vorinostat inhibits growth and induces chemosensitivity in fibrosarcoma cells in vitro and in vivo, suggesting that the combination of vorinostat and chemotherapy may represent a novel treatment option for this STS subtype. © 2010 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 29:623–632, 2011
Activation of cyclic amp/protein kinase: A signaling pathway enhances osteoblast cell adhesion on biomaterials for regenerative engineering
Authors: Lo Kevin W.‐H. , Ashe Keshia M. , Kan Ho Man , Lee Duron A. , Laurencin Cato T.
Published: October 2010

Osteoblast cell adhesion on biomaterials is an important goal for implants to be useful in bone regeneration technologies. The adhesion of osteoblastic cells to biomaterials has been investigated in the field of bone regenerative engineering. Previous work from our group demonstrated that osteoblastic cells adhering to biodegradable biomaterials require the expression of integrins on the cell surface. However, the underlying molecular signaling mechanism is still not fully clear. We report here that cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP), a small signaling molecule, regulates osteoblast cell adhesion to biomaterial surfaces. We used an in vitro cell adhesion assay to demonstrate that at 0.1 mM, 8‐Br‐cAMP, a cell‐permeable cAMP analog, significantly enhances osteoblast‐like cells' (MC3T3‐E1) adherence to biomaterials. Moreover, we demonstrate that a commonly used cAMP‐elevating agent, forskolin, promotes cell adhesion similar to that of the cell permeable cAMP analog. By using different target‐specific cAMP analogs: 8‐CPT‐2Me‐cAMP which specifically activates exchange protein activated by cAMP (Epac), and 6‐Bnz‐cAMP which specifically activates protein kinase A (PKA), we observed that the PKA signaling pathway plays a dominant role in this process. Thus, this report suggests a new method to enhance osteoblast cell adhesion on biodegradable biomaterials for bone regenerative engineering applications. © 2010 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 29:602–608, 2011
Synthesis, Characterization, and Selectivity of Bifunctional Couplers
Authors: He Yingchun , Goel Vishal , Keul Helmut , Möller Martin
Published: October 2010

Bifunctional couplers based on carbonate chemistry – Series A, B, and C – that are able to combine molecules bearing amine groups via substitution and addition reaction (Series A) or only via addition (Series B and C) were synthesized and characterized. The reactivity and selectivity of the two functional groups of couplers toward primary amines in different conditions were studied. The reactivity of couplers of Series B towards secondary and tertiary amines was investigated. The effect of adjacent groups (α/δ‐position to O/N sides of urethane groups orα‐position to ether groups) on the reactivity of the five‐membered cyclic carbonates was studied using model compounds4,5,13, and16.

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Surface Patterning of Poly(ε‐caprolactone): Epitaxial Crystallization and Enzymatic Degradation
Authors: Kikkawa Yoshihiro , Takahashi Mayuko , Aoyagi Masaru , Suga Hiroshi , Kanesato Masatoshi , Abe Hideki
Published: October 2010

Surface patterning was carried out by the epitaxial crystallization of biodegradable PCL on a HOPG, and the surface morphologies were observed by atomic force microscopy. Edge‐on view lamellae were aligned along the HOPG lattice to display stripe patterns in the threefold symmetry. The intervals of stripe patterns composed of ridges and valleys increased with an increase in the crystallization temperature. Enzymatic degradation of the PCL nanopattern allowed the different depth profiles of the fringed structure. The persistence length of the nanopattern could be tuned by the molecular weight of PCL.

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Amphiphilic Block‐Graft Copolymers with a Degradable Backbone and Polyethylene Glycol Pendant Chains Prepared via Ring‐Opening Polymerization of a Macromonomer
Authors: Zhang Xiaojin , Chen Fujie , Zhong Zhenlin , Zhuo Renxi
Published: October 2010

Well‐defined amphiphilic block‐graft copolymers PCL‐b‐[DTC‐co‐(MTC‐mPEG)] with polyethylene glycol methyl ether pendant chains were designed and synthesized. First, monohydroxyl‐terminated macroinitiators PCL‐OH were prepared. Then, ring‐opening copolymerization of 2,2‐dimethyltrimethylene carbonate (DTC) and cyclic carbonate‐terminated PEG (MTC‐mPEG) macromonomer was carried out in the presence of the macroinitiator in bulk to give the target copolymers. All the polymers were characterized by 1H NMR and gel permeation chromatography (GPC). The polymers have unimodal molecular weight distributions and moderate polydispersity indexes. The amphiphilic block‐graft copolymers self‐assemble in water forming stable micelle solutions with a narrow size distribution.

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Multiple Sol‐Gel Transitions of PEG‐PCL‐PEG Triblock Copolymer Aqueous Solution
Authors: Hwang Min Ji , Joo Min Kyung , Choi Bo Gyu , Park Min Hee , Hamley Ian W. , Jeong Byeongmoon
Published: October 2010

An aqueous solution of a poly(ethylene glycol)‐polycaprolactone‐poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG‐PCL‐PEG) with a composition of EG13CL23EG13 undergoes multiple transitions, from sol‐to‐gel (hard gel)‐to‐sol‐to‐gel (soft gel)‐to‐sol, in the concentration range 20.0∼35.0 wt.‐%. Through dynamic mechanical analysis, UV‐vis spectrophotometry, small angle X‐ray scattering, differential scanning calorimetry, microcalorimetry and 13C NMR spectroscopy, the mechanism of these transitions was investigated. The hard gel and soft gel are distinguished by the crystalline and amorphous state of the PCL. The extent of PEG dehydration and the molecular motion of each block also played a critical role in the multiple transitions. This paper suggests a new mechanism for these multiple transitions driven by temperature changes.

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The development and psychometric analysis of the short‐form pulmonary functional status scale (PFSS‐11©)
Authors: Chen Yea‐Jyh , Narsavage Georgia L. , Culp Stacey L. , Weaver Terri E.
Published: October 2010

This article describes the development and psychometric evaluation of the short‐form Pulmonary Functional Status Scale (PFSS‐11©) derived from the previously validated 35‐item PFSS, using data from 179 subjects (120 Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease [COPD]/59 normative, non‐COPD). Items were extracted based on item‐response distribution and commonality >.60. Factor analysis yielded a three‐factor solution, accounting for 65.6% of total variance. Construct validity was supported by PFSS‐11© scores for COPD versus norms (p < .001). The PFSS‐11© was robustly associated with the PFSS‐35 (r = .93), accounting for 88% of variance in the longer version. Internal consistency was satisfactory and significant response to treatment was shown by score changes pre/post‐rehabilitation. The PFSS‐11© has solid psychometric properties useful in research and clinical practice, similar to the PFSS‐35. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Res Nurs Health 33:477–485, 2010
Cancer biology and genomics: translating discoveries, transforming pathology
Authors: Ladanyi Marc , Hogendoorn Pancras CW
Published: October 2010

Advances in our understanding of cancer biology and discoveries emerging from cancer genomics are being translated into real clinical benefits for patients with cancer. The 2011 Journal of Pathology Annual Review Issue provides a snapshot of recent rapid progress on multiple fronts in the war on cancer or, more precisely, the wars on cancers. Indeed, perhaps the most notable recent shift is reflected by the sharp increase in understanding the biology of multiple specific cancers and using these new insights to inform rationally targeted therapies, with often striking successes. These recent developments, as reviewed in this issue, show how the long‐term investments in basic cancer research are finally beginning to bear fruit. Copyright © 2010 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Vigilant Self–Regulation, Cues of being Watched and Cooperativeness
Authors: Keller Johannes , Pfattheicher Stefan
Published: October 2010

The present research examined the interplay of individual differences in self–regulatory mechanisms as outlined in regulatory focus theory (promotion– and prevention–focus) and a cue of being watched in the context of cooperative behaviour. Study 1 revealed that the more individuals’ habitual self–regulatory orientation is dominated by a vigilant prevention focus, the more likely they are to act cooperatively (i.e. to donate money to natural conservation organizations) when a subtle cue of being watched renders reputational concerns salient. In contrast, when no such cue is provided individuals’ habitual vigilant self–regulatory orientation is negatively related to cooperative behaviour. Study 2 replicated the results of the initial study and examined interpersonal sensitivity (empathic concern) as a potential mediator of the observed effects. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Theoretical studies on aromaticity of selected hydroxypyrones. Part 3#. Chelatoaromaticity phenomenon in metalcomplexes of hydroxypyrones
Authors: Zborowski Krzysztof K. , Solà Miquel , Poater Jordi , Proniewicz Leonard M.
Published: October 2010

The aim of this project is to study the aromatic properties of various forms (neutral, cationic, and anionic) of selected hydroxypyrones (pyromeconic acid, maltol, and ethylmaltol) and their metalcomplexes with aluminum, gallium, and indium ions. Aromaticity of hydroxypyrone metalcomplexes is important because it can influence the stability of such complexes, which is crucial for their applications in medicinal and environmental chemistry. Results from ten different indices of aromaticity (HOMA, NICS(0), NICS(1), NICSscan, ASEiso, PDI, FLU,Iring, MCI, and KMCI) show that aromaticity in hydroxypyrones decreases in the order cations > neutral molecules > anions. Performed calculations situate the aromaticities of ligands in metalcomplexes close to their respective cations. This means that complexation causes a significant increase of the aromaticity of ligands, which stabilizes formed chelatocomplexes. On the other hand, we clearly show that rings that are involved in binding metal ions are not aromatic. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Metal Angle Correction in the Cylinder Test
Authors: Souers P. Clark , Garza Raul , Hornig Howard , Lauderbach Lisa , Owens Cinda , Vitello Peter
Published: October 2010

Cylinder test data show that the copper wall angle increases with time in a given shot and becomes much larger if the wall is at half‐thickness. The true velocity is suggested to be that perpendicular to the wall, and this brings full‐ and half‐wall data in closer agreement. The previously published Gurney‐type equation for calculating the detonation energy density at each relative volume is modified by the angle of the wall and the angle of the measuring probe. This provides a unique solution to the energy density that does not require empirical coefficients or standards. We derive the length of the cone perpendicular to the cylinder surface and we use this as a description of the constant relative volume, creating a unified model for the first time. As a standard for full‐wall cylinders, we obtain relative volumes of 2.4, 4.4, and 7.0 at the scaled wall displacements of 6, 12.5, and 19 mm. For a full‐wall copper cylinder at the three points, the wall angles average 10.0, 11.0, and 11.6°. Besides Cylinder test data on copper, previously unpublished framing camera pictures also measure angles for eight different metals. The angles are a function of wall thickness and relative volume but of nothing else, including the type of metal. For modeling, our simulation code calculates the wall velocity as seen along a particular probe direction, as this is a more realistic comparison to measurements than a zone particle velocity.
LL‐37 as a therapeutic target for late stage prostate cancer
Authors: Hensel Jonathan A. , Chanda Diptiman , Kumar Sanjay , Sawant Anandi , Grizzle William E. , Siegal Gene P. , Ponnazhagan Selvarangan
Published: October 2010

BACKGROUND

The antimicrobial peptide, leucine–leucine‐37 (LL‐37), stimulates proliferation, angiogenesis, and cellular migration, inhibits apoptosis and is associated with inflammation. Since these functional processes are often exaggerated in cancer, the aim of the present study was to investigate the expression and role of LL‐37 in prostate cancer (PCa) and establish its value as a therapeutic target.

METHODS

We evaluated the expression of LL‐37 and the murine orthologue, cathelicidin‐related antimicrobial peptide (CRAMP) in human and murine prostate tumors, respectively. Compared to normal/benign prostate tissue, both LL‐37 and CRAMP were increasingly over‐expressed with advancing grades of primary PCa and its metastasis in human tissues and in the transgenic adenocarcinoma mouse prostate (TRAMP) model, correspondingly. We subsequently knocked‐down CRAMP in the highly tumorigenic TRAMP‐C1 cell line via a RNA interference strategy to examine the importance of CRAMP on cellular proliferation, angiogenesis, invasion, apoptosis, activation of signaling pathways and tumor kinetics.

RESULTS

Abrogation of CRAMP expression led to decreased proliferation, invasion, type IV collagenase, and the amount of phosphorylated Erk1/2 and Akt signaling in vitro. These results were paralleled in vivo. Syngenic implantation of TRAMP‐C1 cells subjected to CRAMP knock‐down resulted in a decreased tumor incidence and size, and the down‐regulation of pro‐tumorigenic mechanisms.

CONCLUSIONS

CRAMP knock‐down in a murine PCa model analogously demonstrated the tumorigenic contributions of LL‐37 in PCa and its potential as a novel therapeutic target for the treatment of PCa and potentially, other cancers over‐expressing the peptide. Prostate 71:659–670, 2011. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Fabrication of ultra‐high‐density InAs quantum dots using the strain‐compensation technique
Authors: Akahane Kouichi , Yamamoto Naokatsu , Kawanishi Tetsuya
Published: October 2010

Highly‐stacked InAs quantum dots (QDs) were successfully grown on InP(311)B substrates using a novel strain‐compensation technique. The number of stacked layer was increased to 300, the density of the QDs reaches 2 × 1013/cm2; this value cannot be obtained using conventional QD fabrication techniques. In a highly stacked sample, the QDs show good size uniformity with a lateral and vertical ordered structure. In addition, this sample exhibits strong 1.55 µm photoluminescence (PL) emission at room temperature.
Enhancement‐mode AlGaN/GaN HEMT and MIS‐HEMT technology
Authors: Chen Kevin J. , Zhou Chunhua
Published: October 2010

AlGaN/GaN heterostructure devices are capable of delivering high‐frequency power amplifiers and power switches with performances far superior than those offered by the mainstream silicon technology and other advanced semiconductor technologies. Primarily driven by applications' need, the last few years have witnessed major effort in the development of AlGaN/GaN enhancement‐mode (E‐mode) HEMTs and MIS‐HEMT. This paper attempts to review the latest progresses in this technology, including alternative approaches and device characteristics. Application examples of the E‐mode HEMT technology are also discussed.
Experimental study on the effect of wire bonding by Cu electroplating on GMI stability of Co‐based amorphous wires
Authors: Liu Jing‐Shun , Sun Jian‐Fei , Xing Da‐Wei , Xue Xiang , Zhang Shu‐Ling , Wang Huan , Wang Xiao‐Dong
Published: October 2010

In order to study the effect of wire bonding by Cu electroplating on giant magneto‐impedance (GMI) stability of microwires for potential sensor application. The electroplated microstructure was observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and GMI was studied by a precision impedance analyzer placed in a magnetically shielded space. Experimental results indicated that after electroplating at a current intensity of 395.0 A/dm2holding for 60 s with a two‐terminal electroplated length of 4 mm of the microwire, the Cu layer with a homogeneous and compact granular structure has higher adhesive strength between the wire and the Cu layer, better wettability between wire and SAC, lower contact resistance and coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE). Consequently, the wire bonding by Cu electroplating could enhance the conductivity and impedance stability under different applied field. It can, therefore, be concluded that the wire bonding by a Cu electroplating technique is suitable for electronic packaging for sensor applications.
A novel hybrid algorithm for passive localization of victims in emergency situations
Authors: Tassetto Dimitri , Fazli Eriza Hafid , Werner Markus
Published: October 2010

Responding to a disaster means, above all, enabling the rescue teams to acquire information such as the number of victims involved, their health condition and how to reach them. For this purpose, an accurate estimate of the position of emergency workers and victims is required; although the former may be equipped with devices supporting positioning capabilities (e.g. GPS‐embedded terminals), the latter may simply own a common mobile phone or a laptop.

The present work addresses the most challenging issue of achieving the information concerning victims without relying on their active involvement in the overall procedure. An effective and simple algorithm, called Hybrid Algorithm, suitable for 2D passive localization in cellular networks is presented. This novel method fulfils the stringent requirements of the system developed within the EC FP6 research project WISECOM that aims at restoring GSM or 3G infrastructure, besides providing WiFi and Wimax connections, thanks to the backhauling over satellite and to support logistics of rescue teams during emergency situations by tracking victims as well as themselves.

The proposed novelHybrid Algorithmis capable of providing reliable information to rescue workers regarding every person owing nothing else but an ordinary mobile phone. Moreover, it does not require any software or hardware change in the user's terminal and is fully consistent with GSM standards.

Its implementation on a cell phone is even less involved and may represent a convenient option for network providers to offer additional features to their subscribers. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A robust video hash scheme based on 2D‐DCT temporal maximum occurrence
Authors: Chen Qian , Tian Jun , Yang Lei , Wu Dapeng
Published: October 2010

In this paper, we propose a video hash scheme that utilizes image hash and spatio‐temporal information contained in video to generate video hash. A video clip is firstly segmented to shots, and video hash is derived in unit of shot. We notice that for video hash applications in identification and verification, reference video and suspected video always appear in pair. Therefore, we propose to derive the shot hash in a pairwise manner. For both reference and suspected shot, we apply 2‐Dimensional Discrete Cosine Transform (2D‐DCT) to each frame in the shot, quantize the Discrete Cosine Transform (DCT) coefficient, and record the temporal occurrence of the co‐located coefficient. We then choose a pair of the closet value as the DCT coefficient for every collocated entry, inverse transform to the spatial domain, and derive image hashes from two feature frames by hash based on Radial projections (Radial hASH). Experiment results show that the proposed 2D‐DCT temporal maximum occurrence (2D‐DCT TMO) scheme successfully derives shot hash that represents the content, and is very robust in video identification, authentication, and verification. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Logic‐Embedded Vectors for Intracellular Partitioning, Endosomal Escape, and Exocytosis of Nanoparticles
Authors: Serda Rita E. , Mack Aaron , van de Ven Anne L. , Ferrati Silvia , Dunner Kenneth , Godin Biana , Chiappini Ciro , Landry Matthew , Brousseau Louis , Liu Xuewu , Bean Andrew J. , Ferrari Mauro
Published: October 2010

A new generation of nanocarriers, logic‐embedded vectors (LEVs), is endowed with the ability to localize components at multiple intracellular sites, thus creating an opportunity for synergistic control of redundant or dual‐hit pathways. LEV encoding elements include size, shape, charge, and surface chemistry. In this study, LEVs consist of porous silicon nanocarriers, programmed for cellular uptake and trafficking along the endosomal pathway, and surface‐tailored iron oxide nanoparticles, programmed for endosomal sorting and partitioning of particles into unique cellular locations. In the presence of persistent endosomal localization of silicon nanocarriers, amine‐functionalized nanoparticles are sorted into multiple vesicular bodies that form novel membrane‐bound compartments compatible with cellular secretion, while chitosan‐coated nanoparticles escape from endosomes and enter the cytosol. Encapsulation within the porous silicon matrix protects these nanoparticle surface‐tailored properties, and enhances endosomal escape of chitosan‐coated nanoparticles. Thus, LEVs provide a mechanism for shielded transport of nanoparticles to the lesion, cellular manipulation at multiple levels, and a means for targeting both within and between cells.
Mesenchymal Stromal Cells Expressing Heme Oxygenase-1 Reverse Pulmonary Hypertension
Authors: Liang Olin D. , Mitsialis S. Alex , Chang Mun Seog , Vergadi Eleni , Lee Changjin , Aslam Muhammad , Fernandez-Gonzalez Angeles , Liu Xianlan , Baveja Rajiv , Kourembanas Stella
Published: October 2010

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) remains a serious disease, and although current treatments may prolong and improve quality of life, search for novel and effective therapies is warranted. Using genetically modified mouse lines, we tested the ability of bone marrow-derived stromal cells (mesenchymal stem cells [MSCs]) to treat chronic hypoxia-induced PAH. Recipient mice were exposed for 5 weeks to normobaric hypoxia (8%–10% O2), MSC preparations were delivered through jugular vein injection and their effect on PAH was assessed after two additional weeks in hypoxia. Donor MSCs derived from wild-type (WT) mice or heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) null mice (Hmox1KO) conferred partial protection from PAH when transplanted into WT or Hmox1KO recipients, whereas treatment with MSCs isolated from transgenic mice harboring a human HO-1 transgene under the control of surfactant protein C promoter (SH01 line) reversed established disease in WT recipients. SH01-MSC treatment of Hmox1KO animals, which develop right ventricular (RV) infarction under prolonged hypoxia, resulted in normal RV systolic pressure, significant reduction of RV hypertrophy and prevention of RV infarction. Donor MSCs isolated from a bitransgenic mouse line with doxycycline-inducible, lung-specific expression of HO-1 exhibited similar therapeutic efficacy only on doxycycline treatment of the recipients. In vitro experiments indicate that potential mechanisms of MSC action include modulation of hypoxia-induced lung inflammation and inhibition of smooth muscle cell proliferation. Cumulatively, our results demonstrate that MSCs ameliorate chronic hypoxia-induced PAH and their efficacy is highly augmented by lung-specific HO-1 expression in the transplanted cells, suggesting an interplay between HO-1-dependent and HO-1-independent protective pathways.
Toxic effect on tissues and differentially expressed genes in hepatopancreas identified by suppression subtractive hybridization of freshwater pearl mussel (Hyriopsis cumingii) following microcystin‐LR challenge
Authors: Yang Ziyan , Wu Hongjuan , Li Yuan
Published: October 2010

Microcystins are a family of potent hepatotoxins produced by freshwater cyanobacteria and can cause animal intoxications and human diseases. In this study, the effect of microcystin‐LR (MC‐LR) on the tissues of freshwater pearl mussel (Hyriopsis cumingii) was evaluated and differentially expressed genes in the hepatopancreas of the mussel exposed to MC‐LR were identified. HPLC analysis of cell extracts from various tissues of the mussel indicated that the hepatopancreas had the highest MC‐LR levels (55.78 ± 6.73 μg g−1 DW) after15‐day exposure. The MC‐LR concentration in gill or muscle was an order of magnitude less than in hepatopancreas or gonad. Subtractive cDNA library was constructed by suppression subtractive hybridization (SSH), and ∼400 positive clones were sequenced, from which 98 high quality sequences were obtained by BLAST analysis. The screening identified numerous genes involved in apoptosis, signal transduction, cytoskeletal remodel, innate immunity, material and energy metabolism, translation and transcription which were extensively discussed. The results of this study add large amount of information to the mussel genome data, and for the first time present the basic data on toxicity effect of MC‐LR on mussel. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol, 2012.
The biological basis of audition
Authors: Recanzone Gregg H.
Published: October 2010

Audition is one of the fundamental extrasensory percepts in mammals. Two of the primary objectives of audition are to determine where sounds originate from in space and what those sounds are. Neural processing of acoustic signals, which are commonly quite complex under natural conditions, is extensive in the brainstem, midbrain, and thalamus. This processing extracts multiple salient features that are then transmitted to the cerebral cortex. The cerebral cortex is a necessary neural structure for audition, or the perception of acoustic auditory objects and/or events. This entry will review the early processing along the ascending auditory central nervous system from the cochlea to the cerebral cortex. The neural mechanisms of audition will then be explored for spatial and non‐spatial perception, drawing largely on examples from non‐human primates, but insights gained from other mammalian species will also be covered. How these models relate to current studies in human subjects, using both functional imaging and invasive techniques, will also be explored as well as the types of future studies that will enable us to better understand the neural mechanisms of audition. WIREs Cogni Sci 2011 2 408–418 DOI: 10.1002/wcs.118

This article is categorized under:

Neuroscience > Physiology
Outcomes from Prehospital Cardiac Arrest in Blunt Trauma Patients
Authors: Moriwaki Yoshihiro , Sugiyama Mitsugi , Yamamoto Toshiro , Tahara Yoshio , Toyoda Hiroshi , Kosuge Takayuki , Harunari Nobuyuki , Iwashita Masayuki , Arata Shinju , Suzuki Noriyuki
Published: October 2010

Background

There are few strategies for treating patients who have suffered cardiopulmonary arrest due to blunt trauma (BT‐CPA). The aim of this population‐based case series observational study was to clarify the outcome of BT‐CPA patients treated with a standardized strategy that included an emergency department thoracotomy (EDT) under an emergency medical service (EMS) system with a rapid transportation system.

Methods

The 477 BT‐CPA registry data were augmented by a review of the detailed medical records in our emergency department (ED) and action reports in the prehospital EMS records.

Results

Of those, 76% were witnessed and 20% were CPA after leaving the scene. In all, 18% of the patients went to the intensive care unit (ICU), the transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE) room, or the operating room (OR). Only 3% survived to be discharged. Among the 363 witnessed patients—11 of whom had ventricular fibrillation (VF) as the initial rhythm, 134 exhibiting pulseless electrical activity (PEA), and 221 with asystole—13, 1, and 3%, respectively, survived to discharge. The most common initial rhythm just after collapse was not VF but PEA, and asystole increased over the 7 min after collapse. There were no differences in the interval between arrival at the hospital and the return of spontaneous circulation between the patients that survived to discharge and deceased patients in the ED, OR, TAE room, or ICU. The longest interval was 17 min.

Conclusions

In BT‐CPA patients, a 20‐min resuscitation effort and termination of the effort are thought to be relevant. The initial rhythm is not a prognostic indicator. We believe that the decision on whether to undertake aggressive resuscitation efforts should be made on a case‐by‐case basis.
Femoral-head vascularity after hip surface arthroplasty
Authors: Kannan Arun , Bal Chandra Sekhar , Kumar Vijay , Mittal Ravi , Damle Nishikant , Malhotra Rajesh
Published: October 2010

Background

Iatrogenic devascularization of the femoral head is as an area of concern following hip resurfacing arthroplasty, with probable implications on short-term failure and long-term survival of the implant.

Materials and methods

We assessed the vascularity of 25 resurfaced femoral heads in 20 patients by comparison with preoperative and postoperative Tc-99m methylene diphosphonate (MDP) bone scintigraphy images, the postoperative scans being done 9 months after the surgery.

Results

Eight out of 25 hips (32%) showed <55% of their preoperative uptake at a mean of 9 months after surgery and were categorized as showing reduced vascularity.

Conclusion

Our study reveals reduction in vascularity of the femoral-head remnant as a frequent occurrence after hip resurfacing. Our study also highlights the role of bone scintigraphy as tool in assessing the vascularity of resurfaced femoral heads.
Can ‘Baby Bonds’ Eliminate the Racial Wealth Gap in Putative Post-Racial America?
Authors: Hamilton Darrick , Darity William
Published: October 2010

Despite an enormous and persistent black-white wealth gap, the ascendant American narrative is one that proclaims that our society has transcended the racial divide. The proclamation often is coupled with the claim that remaining disparities are due primarily to dysfunctional behavior on the part of blacks. In such a climate it appears the only acceptable remedial social policies are those that are facially race neutral. However, even without the capacity to redistribute assets directly on the basis of race, our nation still can do so indirectly by judiciously using wealth as the standard for redistributive measures. We offer a bold progressive child development account type program that could go a long way towards eliminating the racial wealth gap.
Implementing Methods to Improve Perioperative Hemostasis in the Surgical and Trauma Settings
Authors: Neveleff Deborah J. , Kraiss Larry W. , Schulman Christine S.
Published: October 2010

Achieving perioperative hemostasis is vital to surgical success. Inadequate control of bleeding is associated with serious adverse outcomes, including extended duration of surgery, unanticipated blood transfusions, shock, infection, impaired wound healing, longer hospital stays, and mortality. Appropriate clinical management of bleeding in the surgical and trauma settings requires careful collaborative planning and coordination by the entire perioperative team. Perioperative nurses, because of their strategic role in patient care, must be familiar with risk factors for excessive bleeding and the fundamental roles of hemostatic agents, environmental temperature, and blood transfusion in controlling bleeding in the surgical patient. Knowledge of the characteristics, safety, efficacy, and costs of available topical hemostatic agents promotes their appropriate selection in the OR. By incorporating evidence‐based approaches into practice, perioperative nurses can support effective intraoperative hemostasis, thereby improving patient outcomes.
Motivating consumer behavior by subliminal conditioning in the absence of basic needs: Striking even while the iron is cold
Authors: Veltkamp Martijn , Custers Ruud , Aarts Henk
Published: October 2010

Previous research suggests that priming of behavioral concepts (e.g., drinking water) motivates consumers outside conscious awareness, but only if primes match a current need (e.g., fluid deprivation). The present article reports two studies testing whether subliminal conditioning (subliminally priming a behavioral concept and linking it to positive affect) can motivate such need‐related behaviors even in the absence of deprivation. Both studies showed an interaction effect: Motivation to drink water increased with fluid deprivation, and subliminally conditioning drinking water more positive only motivated drinking in the absence of deprivation. Furthermore, Study 2 suggests that motivation resulting from conditioning is more specific than following deprivation, as only the latter can be reduced by pursuing alternative behaviors (i.e., eating high‐liquid foods). Thus, although traditionally the motivation for need‐related behaviors is thought to depend on deprivation, this research shows subliminal conditioning can motivate consumers as if they were deprived.
Maximizing the migration policy buck: Uniting temporary labor, development and foreign policy goals in New Zealand
Authors: Barker Fiona
Published: October 2010

Beyond the immediate goal of filling a labor market “gap”, temporary labor migration schemes can be seen to serve a multiplicity of policy goals, including development, foreign policy, public diplomacy and trade objectives. The paper examines state motivations, policy design and goals across three temporary worker programs in New Zealand – the Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) scheme for workers from Pacific states, the working holiday maker program, and inclusion of temporary migration in free trade agreements. New Zealand represents a relatively non-exploitative environment for temporary migrants, in part due to an underlying expectation that many temporary workers are “permanent residents in waiting”. However, it is argued that proliferation of micro guest worker programs may risk producing conflicting policy consequences, which could in turn be damaging to the goals and success of individual temporary worker programs, notably in the case of the RSE scheme.
The Triassic stage of mafic magmatism in the Dzhugdzhur–Stanovoi superterrane (southern framing of the North Asian craton)
Authors: Buchko I.V. , Sorokin A.A. , Sal’nikova E.B. , Kotov A.B. , Velikoslavinskii S.D. , Larin A.M. , Izokh A.E. , Yakovleva S.Z.
Published: October 2010

With U-Pb zircon dating, the ages of the Ul’degit (228 ± 1 Ma) and Chek-Chikan (203 ± 1 Ma) mafic massifs were determined. These massifs were earlier considered to form at the Early Precambrian stage of the geologic evolution of the Dzhugdzhur–Stanovoi superterrane. In geochemical features the igneous rocks of the massifs show relation with a within-plate source, on the one hand, and are similar to igneous rocks of subduction zones, on the other. They might have formed after subduction, which caused the intrusion of gabbroids of the Lucha massif (248 ± 1 Ma) and diorites of the Tok-Algoma complex (238 ± 2 Ma), followed by the fracturing of the subducted plate.
The regularities of distribution of radionuclides and rare-earth elements in bottom sediments of Siberian lakes
Authors: Strakhovenko V.D. , Shcherbov B.L. , Malikova I.N. , Vosel’ Yu.S.
Published: October 2010

Geochemical studies of the ecosystems of 184 Siberian lakes in three largest zones of northern Asia (humid, arid, and semiarid) and in mountainous area were carried out. The contents of natural radionuclides, radiocesium, and rare-earth elements in conjugate components of the systems and the types of the main sources of the bottom sediment material have been determined.

Dating of the bottom sediments was made by the activity of radioisotopes 137Cs and 210Pb, which permitted estimation of the sedimentation rates in lakes in different regions of Siberia: 0.35 cm/year in the south and 0.25–0.3 cm/year in the north.

Six main ions have been determined in the waters of the studied lakes: Ca2+, Mg2+, Na+, HCO3−, SO42−, and Cl−. The distribution of natural radionuclides in the stratified sections of bottom sediments of Siberian lakes evidences the stable sedimentation and characterizes their contents in the soils of water-catchment areas, which can be considered background contents there. Sediments enriched in organic matter have higher concentrations of U and lower ones of Th and K. The Th/K ratio in the studied bottom sediments is the same as in the soils. The Th/U ratios are somewhat lower than those in the soils because U is accumulated by chemogenic and organic components. The overall 137Cs pollution of bottom sediments of Siberian lakes is close to the global background (40 mCi/km2 in 2000), but in the Altai Territory and Buryatia and Altai Republics it is twice higher. The uneven areal and temporal distribution of residual radiocesium is observed not only in the lacustrine sediments but also in the lake water areas. The REE patterns of bottom sediments of different mineral types are similar to those of continental crust and clays of the Russian Platform, though organogenic and carbonate sediments have higher absolute REE contents than terrigenous ones. Pelitic fraction is the main REE concentrator in the bottom sediments.
TEM surveys for magnetic viscosity of rocks in situ
Authors: Stognii Vas.V. , Kozhevnikov N.O. , Antonov E.Yu.
Published: October 2010

We discuss the results of a field experiment in the Malaya Botuobiya area (West Yakutia) at a site where earlier surveys revealed slowly decaying transient responses. That time-dependent voltage decay indicated magnetic viscosity effects associated with magnetic relaxation of superparamagnetic grains in rocks. In this study, we have applied a high-resolution array TEM survey to contour the anomaly and parametric soundings with systems of different configurations to explore the vertical pattern of magnetic viscosity. The parametric data have been inverted, by means of manual and automated fitting, with a reference model of a layered magnetically viscous earth, using, respectively, analytical formulas and simulation based on a forward solution by separation of variables. According to both automated and manual inversion, the section at the center of the anomalous site fits a three-layer earth model with an intermediate magnetically viscous layer between two nonmagnetic layers. This model is consistent with a priori evidence of local geology and may provide more details of the latter. The inversion results have been further used to estimate the volumetric percentage of superparamagnetic grains in the magnetically viscous layer, assuming magnetite to be the main ferrimagnetic phase.
Current concepts for determining the postpalatal seal in complete dentures
Authors: Rashedi Behnoush , Petropoulos Vicki C.
Published: October 2010

Purpose In 2001, a survey of U.S. dental schools was conducted to determine the concepts and techniques used for establishing the postpalatal seal (PPS) in a predoctoral dental curriculum.

Materials and methods The questionnaire was mailed to the chairperson of the prosthodontic/restorative departments of 54 U.S. dental schools. Of these, 44 returned the completed survey, resulting in a response rate of 82%.

Results Results from this survey show that 80% of the schools are teaching a combination of phonation with other methods for locating the vibrating line. The 1 vibrating line concept for establishing the PPS is taught by 80% of schools; 77% of these schools locate the posterior termination of the maxillary denture on the vibrating line. Carving the PPS in the maxillary master cast is taught by 95% of the schools. Most of the schools teach the students to carve the PPS to a depth of 1.0–1.5 mm in the maxillary master cast. Compressibility of the palatal tissues is a consideration during PPS carving for 91% of the schools. The butterfly pattern is the most frequently (75%) described pattern for PPS carving.

Conclusions There is some variability from school to school on performing the PPS in the maxillary denture, although some trends are evident.
Gastroesophageal reflux disease, tooth erosion, and prosthodontic rehabilitation: A clinical report
Authors: Van Roekel Ned B.
Published: October 2010

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a relatively common gastrointestinal disorder in the United States. The reflux of acid adversely affects the mucosal lining of the esophagus and is responsible for dental erosion. This article briefly reviews the etiology, risk factors, and medical management of GERD. The patient presentation describes the rehabilitation of a young adult with GERD who needed multidisciplinary care.
Fabrication of a functionally generated, implant‐retained fixed partial denture
Authors: Sutton Alan J. , Sheets Donald W. , Ford Douglas E.
Published: October 2010

Partially edentulous patients are frequently restored with implant‐supported restorations between and opposing natural teeth. Differences in horizontal and vertical mobility of teeth and dental implants necessitate occlusal contact modification to create prostheses that harmonize with the opposing dentition. This article describes a functionally generated path technique to achieve optimal articulation between an implant‐retained fixed partial denture and the patient's dentition.