bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Adenoviral transduction supports matrix expression of alginate cultured articular chondrocytes
Authors: Pohle D. , Kasch R. , Herlyn P. , Bader R. , Mittlmeier T. , Pützer B.M. , Müller‐Hilke B.
Published: March 2012

The present study examines the effects of adenoviral (Ad) transduction of human primary chondrocyte on transgene expression and matrix production. Primary chondrocytes were isolated from healthy articular cartilage and from cartilage with mild osteoarthritis (OA), transduced with an Ad vector and either immediately cultured in alginate or expanded in monolayer before alginate culture. Proteoglycan production was measured using dimethylmethylene blue (DMMB) assay and matrix gene expression was quantified by real‐time PCR. Viral infection of primary chondrocytes results in a stable long time transgene expression for up to 13 weeks. Ad transduction does not significantly alter gene expression and matrix production if chondrocytes are immediately embedded in alginate. However, if expanded prior to three dimension (3D) culture in alginate, chondrocytes produce not only more proteoglycans compared to non‐transduced controls, but also display an increased anabolic and decreased catabolic activity compared to non‐transduced controls. We therefore suggest that successful autologous chondrocyte transplantation (ACT) should combine adenoviral transduction of primary chondrocytes with expansion in monolayer followed by 3D culture. Future studies will be needed to investigate whether the subsequent matrix production can be further improved by using Ad vectors bearing genes encoding matrix proteins. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2012;109: 2402–2408. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Increased resistance to oxysterol cytotoxicity in fibroblasts transfected with a lysosomally targeted Chromobacterium oxidase
Authors: Mathieu Jacques M. , Wang Fan , Segatori Laura , Alvarez Pedro J.
Published: March 2012

7‐Ketocholesterol (7KC) is a cytotoxic oxysterol that plays a role in many age‐related degenerative diseases. 7KC formation and accumulation often occurs in the lysosome, which hinders enzymatic transformations that reduce its toxicity and increase the sensitivity to lysosomal membrane permeabilization. We assayed the potential to mitigate 7KC cytotoxicity and enhance cell viability by overexpressing 7KC‐active enzymes in human fibroblasts. One of the enzymes tested, a cholesterol oxidase engineered for lysosomal targeting, significantly increased cell viability in the short term upon treatment with up to 50 µM 7KC relative to controls. These results suggest targeting the lysosome for optimal treatment of oxysterol‐mediated cytotoxicity, and support the use of introducing novel catalytic function into the lysosome for therapeutic and research applications. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2012;109: 2409–2415. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Multi‐core scalable and efficient pathfinding with Parallel Ripple Search
Authors: Brand Sandy , Bidarra Rafael
Published: March 2012

Game developers are often faced with very demanding requirements on huge numbers of agents moving naturally through increasingly large and detailed virtual worlds. With the advent of multi‐core architectures, new approaches to accelerate expensive pathfinding operations are worth being investigated. Traditional single‐processor pathfinding strategies, such as A* and its derivatives, have been long praised for their flexibility. We implemented several parallel versions of such algorithms to analyze their intrinsic behavior, concluding that they have a large overhead, yield far from optimal paths, do not scale up to many cores or are cache unfriendly. In this article, we propose Parallel Ripple Search, a novel parallel pathfinding algorithm that largely solves these limitations. It utilizes a high‐level graph to assign local search areas to CPU cores at “equidistant” intervals. These cores then use A* flooding behavior to expand towards each other, yielding good “guesstimate points” at border touch on. The process does not rely on expensive parallel programming synchronization locks but instead relies on the opportunistic use of node collisions among cooperating cores, exploiting the multi‐core's shared memory architecture. As a result, all cores effectively run at full speed until enough way‐points are found. We show that this approach is a fast, practical and scalable solution and that it flexibly handles dynamic obstacles in a natural way. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Annual Report to the Nation on the status of cancer, 1975‐2008, featuring cancers associated with excess weight and lack of sufficient physical activity
Authors: Eheman Christie , Henley S. Jane , Ballard‐Barbash Rachel , Jacobs Eric J. , Schymura Maria J. , Noone Anne‐Michelle , Pan Liping , Anderson Robert N. , Fulton Janet E. , Kohler Betsy A. , Jemal Ahmedin , Ward Elizabeth , Plescia Marcus , Ries Lynn A. G. , Edwards Brenda K.
Published: March 2012

BACKGROUND:

Annual updates on cancer occurrence and trends in the United States are provided through collaboration between the American Cancer Society (ACS), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the National Cancer Institute (NCI), and the North American Association of Central Cancer Registries (NAACCR). This year's report highlights the increased cancer risk associated with excess weight (overweight or obesity) and lack of sufficient physical activity (<150 minutes of physical activity per week).

METHODS:

Data on cancer incidence were obtained from the CDC, NCI, and NAACCR; data on cancer deaths were obtained from the CDC's National Center for Health Statistics. Annual percent changes in incidence and death rates (age‐standardized to the 2000 US population) for all cancers combined and for the leading cancers among men and among women were estimated by joinpoint analysis of long‐term trends (incidence for 1992‐2008 and mortality for 1975‐2008) and short‐term trends (1999‐2008). Information was obtained from national surveys about the proportion of US children, adolescents, and adults who are overweight, obese, insufficiently physically active, or physically inactive.

RESULTS:

Death rates from all cancers combined decreased from 1999 to 2008, continuing a decline that began in the early 1990s, among men and among women in most racial and ethnic groups. Death rates decreased from 1999 to 2008 for most cancer sites, including the 4 most common cancers (lung, colorectum, breast, and prostate). The incidence of prostate and colorectal cancers also decreased from 1999 to 2008. Lung cancer incidence declined from 1999 to 2008 among men and from 2004 to 2008 among women. Breast cancer incidence decreased from 1999 to 2004 but was stable from 2004 to 2008. Incidence increased for several cancers, including pancreas, kidney, and adenocarcinoma of the esophagus, which are associated with excess weight.

CONCLUSIONS:

Although improvements are reported in the US cancer burden, excess weight and lack of sufficient physical activity contribute to the increased incidence of many cancers, adversely affect quality of life for cancer survivors, and may worsen prognosis for several cancers. The current report highlights the importance of efforts to promote healthy weight and sufficient physical activity in reducing the cancer burden in the United States.*
Cancer 2012;. © 2012 American Cancer Society.
An integrated scheme based on service classification in pervasive mobile services
Authors: Liu Yang , Chen Zhikui , Xia Feng , Lv Xiaoning , Bu Fanyu
Published: March 2012

Internet of Things and broadband communication are promoting the pervasive mobile services with their advanced features. However, security problems baffled the development. This paper proposes a trust model to protect the user's security. The billing or trust operator works as an agent to provide a trust authentication for all the service providers. The services are classified by sensitive value calculation. With the combined location‐aware and identity‐aware information and authentication history, the user's trustiness for corresponding service can be obtained. For decision, three trust regions are divided and referred to three ranks as follows: high, medium and low. The trust region tells the customer which authentication methods should be used for access. Penalty coefficient is also involved for forbidding force‐crack. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Kβ Detected High‐Resolution XANES of FeII and FeIII Models of the 2‐His‐1‐Carboxylate Motif: Analysis of the Carboxylate Binding Mode (Eur. J. Inorg. Chem. 10/2012)
Authors: Mijovilovich Ana , Hayashi Hisashi , Kawamura Naomi , Osawa Hitoshi , Bruijnincx Pieter C. A. , Klein Gebbink Robertus J. M. , de Groot Frank M. F. , Weckhuysen Bert M.
Published: March 2012

The cover picture shows the work described in the paper: High‐resolution XANES spectra of model compounds of Fe dioxygenase show features with enhanced accuracy, which can be analyzed with simulation codes to obtain the electronic structure at the active metal site of the model. Three compounds showing three metal sites, ferrous hexacoordinate, ferric pentacoordinate, and ferrous pentacoordinate, were studied. The results show that there is subtle correlation between the structure and the absorption edge features; in particular, the influence of the orientation of the carboxylate ligand on these features is demonstrated. Details are discussed in the article by A. Mijovilovich, B. M. Weckhuysen et al. on p. 1589 ff.

magnified image
Linear and curvilinear correlations of brain white matter volume, fractional anisotropy, and mean diffusivity with age using voxel‐based and region‐of‐interest analyses in 246 healthy children
Authors: Taki Yasuyuki , Thyreau Benjamin , Hashizume Hiroshi , Sassa Yuko , Takeuchi Hikaru , Wu Kai , Kotozaki Yuka , Nouchi Rui , Asano Michiko , Asano Kohei , Fukuda Hiroshi , Kawashima Ryuta
Published: March 2012

In this study, we examined linear and curvilinear correlations of fractional anisotropy (FA), mean diffusivity (MD), and white matter volume with age by using brain structural and diffusion‐tensor magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in a large number of healthy children and voxel‐based morphometry (VBM) and region‐of‐interest (ROI) analyses. We collected data by brain structural MRI in 246 healthy children, aged 5–18 years. FA and MD images were normalized using the normalization parameter of the corresponding structural MRI. Next, we analyzed the correlations between FA and age and between MD and age by estimating linear and logarithmic functions. We also analyzed the correlation between white matter volume and age by linear, quadratic, and cubic functions. Correlations between FA and age and between MD and age showed exponential trajectories in most ROIs in boys and girls, except for several fibers, such as the corpus callosum connecting the bilateral rectal gyri in boys. The correlation between white matter volume and age showed significant positive linear trajectories in most ROIs in boys and girls, except for a few fibers, such as the bilateral uncinate fasciculus. Additionally, maturational rates differed among major fibers, and in girls, the left superior longitudinal fasciculus, which connects the frontal and temporal lobes, showed a slower rate of maturation than other fibers. Our results may help to clarify the mechanisms of normal brain maturation from the viewpoint of brain white matter. Hum Brain Mapp, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
WATER PRODUCTIVITY OF VEGETABLES UNDER MODERN IRRIGATION METHODS IN OMAN
Authors: Al‐Said F. A. , Ashfaq M. , Al‐Barhi M. , Hanjra Munir A. , Khan I. A.
Published: March 2012

Improving water productivity can make a sterling contribution to global food production and poverty alleviation. Groundwater has always been a critical resource for agriculture. Scientific understanding of water productivity can help address water scarcity concerns through more productive use of scarce water resources and higher socio‐economic benefits from available water. This study examined the water productivity in the Al Batinah region of Oman using farm‐level data. In total 124 crops grown during the 4 years 2005–2008 were examined. Field studies were carried out for 4 years (2005–2008) on 18 field plots to examine yield, inputs, irrigation, costs and economic return of sweet melon, sweet pepper, cabbage and tomatoes grown under drip irrigation vs Rhodes grass grown under sprinkler irrigation using groundwater. The aim was to identify suitable combinations of vegetable crops grown under drip irrigation that can maximize the profitability of the farmers by optimizing water productivity. Results from the 4‐year data show that tomato and cabbage performed better than sweet pepper or melon as far as water productivity was concerned, while the drip irrigation method had shown better performance than sprinkler irrigation. Average crop water productivity was estimated at 7.8 and 11.9 kg m‾3 for the cabbage and tomato crops, respectively. The cabbage crop also gave the highest gross return of RO105 for each riyal Omani (RO 1.00 = US$2.59 in June, 2005) of investment in irrigation water. It has also been analysed that the drip irrigation system performed better in terms of crop water productivity and economic water productivity per cubic metre of water applied. So the research results represent decision‐making options of vegetable growers at farm scale but also offer important insights for the adoption of the drip irrigation system as well as the design of water policy incentives for irrigation modernization in Oman and other water‐scarce regions. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Pregnancy‐induced analgesia: a combined psychophysical and neurophysiological study
Authors: Draisci G. , Catarci S. , Vollono C. , Zanfini B.A. , Pazzaglia C. , Cadeddu C. , Virdis D. , Valeriani M.
Published: March 2012

Background

To investigate changes in heat pain threshold and modifications in heat pain processing during pregnancy and labour, seventy‐six nulliparous pregnant women were enrolled in two studies.

Methods

In the first study (psychophysical), 60 pregnant women underwent a quantitative sensory testing (QST) investigating heat perception in two body areas (right forearm and T10 dermatome) according to these groups: 32–33 gestational weeks (GW), 39–40 GW, early stage of active labour and 24 h after the delivery. In the other study (neurophysiological), contact heat‐evoked potentials (CHEPs) were recorded in other 16 women at the 32nd GW and in 11 of these also at the 40th GW.

Results

The psychophysical study showed that heat pain threshold was significantly increased at the forearm at 32–33 GW (median ± IQR: 39.6 ± 0.7 °C), at 39–40 GW (40.6 ± 1.1 °C) and at early stage of active labour (40.8 ± 1.5 °C) as compared to 20 non‐pregnant controls (p < 0.001). Heat pain threshold tested at T10 level was significantly increased at 32–33 GW (41.0 ± 1.6 °C), at 39–40 GW (42.1 ± 1.8 °C), and at early stage of active labour (42.3 ± 1.3 °C) as compared to the non‐pregnant women (p < 0.001).

The N2‐P2 CHEP amplitude (main negative N2 and positive P2 components of the vertex biphasic potential) recorded from the pregnant women was significantly lower at the 40th than at the 32nd GW, after stimulation of both the forearm (p < 0.001) and the abdomen (p < 0.001).

Conclusions

In pregnant women, there is a progressive increase of heat pain threshold and a reduction of the CHEP amplitude, suggesting that a general inhibitory mechanism may be involved.
Polyaspartamide‐polylactide electrospun scaffolds for potential topical release of Ibuprofen
Authors: Pitarresi G. , Fiorica C. , Palumbo F. S. , Calascibetta F. , Giammona G.
Published: March 2012

In this work, the production and characterization of electrospun scaffolds of the copolymer α,β‐poly(N‐2‐hydroxyethyl)‐DL‐aspartamide‐graft‐polylactic acid (PHEA‐g‐PLA), proposed for a potential topical release of Ibuprofen (IBU), are reported. The drug has been chemically linked to PHEA‐g‐PLA and/or physically mixed to the copolymer before electrospinning. Degradation studies have been performed as a function of time in Dulbecco phosphate buffer solution pH 7.4, for both unloaded and drug‐loaded scaffolds. By using an appropriate ratio between drug physically blended to the copolymer and drug‐copolymer conjugate, a useful control of its release can be obtained. MTS assay on human dermal fibroblasts cultured onto these scaffolds, showed the absence of toxicity as well as their ability to allow cell adhesion. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A, 2012.
In vitro biocompatibility assessment of functionalized magnetite nanoparticles: Biological and cytotoxicological effects
Authors: Mbeh D. A. , França R. , Merhi Y. , Zhang X. F. , Veres T. , Sacher E. , Yahia L.
Published: March 2012

In the biomedical field, nanomaterials have the potential for use in the targeted delivery of drugs in the human body and in the diagnosis and therapy of certain diseases. In the category of targeted delivery, magnetite (Fe3O4) nanoparticles have received much attention. As with any similar new therapy, when such nanoparticles are functionalized with chemical groups designed to permit the specific attachment of drugs, cytotoxicological testing is necessary before moving to animal models. Here, we consider several variously functionalized magnetite nanoparticles, including those prepared with (1) a monolayer of oleic acid (Fe3O4@OA), which is subsequently converted to (2) a shell of amine‐containing silane (Fe3O4@NH2), (3) a shell of silica (Fe3O4@SiO2), and (4) a shell of amine‐containing silane over a shell of silica (Fe3O4@SiO2@NH2). These latter three functionalities were evaluated for biocompatibility, cellular morphology, mitochondrial function (MTT assay), lactate dehydrogenase membrane leakage (LDH assay), and proinflammatory potential through enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for interleukin 6 (IL‐6). Controlled tests were performed over a period of 72 h, with results showing LDH leakage and abnormal Il‐6 secretion at high concentrations (>50 μg/mL). The tests showed that, in addition to the surface characteristics of the nanoparticles, both the nutrient medium and the time of suspension before exposure to cells also contribute to nanoparticle cytotoxicity. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A, 2012.
A novel rotating electrochemically anodizing process to fabricate titanium oxide surface nanostructures enhancing the bioactivity of osteoblastic cells
Authors: Chang Chih‐Hung , Lee Hsin‐Chun , Chen Chia‐Chun , Wu Yi‐Hau , Hsu Yuan‐Ming , Chang Yin‐Pen , Yang Ta‐I , Fang Hsu‐Wei
Published: March 2012

Titanium oxide (TiO2) surface layers with various surface nanostructures (nanotubes and nanowires) have been developed using an anodizing technique. The pore size and length of TiO2 nanotubes can be tailored by changing the anodizing time and applied voltage. We developed a novel method to transform the upper part of the formed TiO2 nanotubes into a nanowire‐like structure by rotating the titanium anode during anodizing process. The transformation of nanotubes contributed to the preferential chemical dissolution of TiO2 on the areas with intense interface tension stress. Furthermore, we further compared the effect of various TiO2 surface nanostructures including flat, nanotubes, and nanowires on bioactive applications. The MG‐63 osteoblastic cells cultured on the TiO2 nanowires exhibited a polygonal shape with extending filopodia and showed highest levels of cell viability and alkaline phosphatase activity (ALP). The TiO2 nanowire structure formed by our novel method can provide beneficial effects for MG‐63 osteoblastic cells in attachment, proliferation, and secretion of ALP on the TiO2 surface layer. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A, 2012.
Antioxidant capacity and environmentally friendly synthesis of dihydropyrimidin‐(2H)‐ones promoted by naturally occurring organic acids
Authors: de Vasconcelos Alana , Oliveira Pathise S. , Ritter Marina , Freitag Rogério A. , Romano Renato L. , Quina Frank H. , Pizzuti Lucas , Pereira Claudio M. P. , Stefanello Francieli M. , Barschak Alethéa G.
Published: March 2012

The Biginelli reaction is a multicomponent reaction involving the condensation between an aldehyde, a β‐ketoester, and urea or thiourea, in the presence of an acid catalyst, producing dihydropyrimidinones (DHPMs). Owing to their important pharmacological properties, the DHPMs have been studied by many authors. However, most of the methodologies used for the synthesis of these compounds require drastic reaction conditions. In the current study, we report an efficient and clean procedure for preparing DHPMs by the use of citric acid or tartaric acid as a promoter of the Biginelli synthesis in ethanol as solvent. In addition, we have evaluated the antioxidant capacity of the compounds synthesized by the 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging assay and the thiobarbituric acid‐reactive species test. Two compounds presented antioxidant activity and also reduced lipid peroxidation at concentrations of 200 and 300 µM. In summary, we report an environmentally friendly procedure for the preparation of DHPMs and demonstrate the antioxidant capacity of some of the compounds. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biochem Mol Toxicol 26:155–161, 2012; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/jbt.20424
Insulin‐Like growth factor I receptor involvement in proliferation of NOR‐P1 cells in serum‐free media
Authors: Tomizawa Minoru , Shinozaki Fuminobu , Sugiyama Takao , Yamamoto Shigenori , Sueishi Makoto , Yoshida Takanobu
Published: March 2012

Insulin‐like growth factor (IGF)‐I is up‐regulated in pancreatic cancer tissues. Pancreatic cancer cell lines were analyzed in serum‐free media as a model of the fibrous tissues that these cells often invade. Pancreatic cancer surgical specimens were immunostained with anti‐IGF‐I receptor (IGF‐IR)β antibody. The growth of pancreatic cancer cells in serum‐free media was also analyzed. Cell lysates were analyzed for protein by western blot analysis. Cells cultured in the presence of picropodophyllin (PPP), LY294002, or PD98059, were subjected to cell proliferation and scratch assays. In addition, BrdU uptake and apoptosis were analyzed in these cells. IGF‐IRβ was detected in pancreatic cancer cells invading fibrous tissues. NOR‐P1 grew most rapidly in serum‐free media. The concentrations of IGF‐I and IGF‐II in the media were higher in NOR‐P1 than the other cell lines. Cell proliferation in NOR‐P1 cells was enhanced by IGF‐I or IGF‐II treatment more than in MIA‐Paca2 or PK‐1 cells. PPP, LY294002, and PD98059 suppressed proliferation and motility of NOR‐P1 cells and inhibited BrdU uptake, while PPP induced apoptosis. IGF‐IRβ may be a potential therapeutic target to inhibit invasion of pancreatic cancer. J. Cell. Biochem. 113: 2714–2720, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Protein arginine methylation of SERBP1 by protein arginine methyltransferase 1 affects cytoplasmic/nuclear distribution
Authors: Lee Yu‐Jen , Hsieh Wan‐Yu , Chen Ling‐Yun , Li Chuan
Published: March 2012

Protein arginine methylation regulates a broad array of cellular processes. SERBP1 implicated in tumor progression through its putative involvement in the plaminogen activator protease cascade, is an RNA‐binding protein containing an RG‐rich domain and an RGG box domain that might be methylated by protein arginine N‐methyltransferases (PRMTs). Asymmetric dimethylarginine (aDMA) was detected in SERBP1 and an indirect methyltransferase inhibitor adenosine dialdehyde (AdOx) significantly reduced the methylation signals. Arginines in the middle RG and C‐terminal RGG region of SERBP1 are methylated based on the analyses of different deletion constructs. The predominant type I protein arginine methyltransferase PRMT1 co‐immunoprecipitated with SERBP1 and the level of bound PRMT1 decreased upon the addition of AdOx. Recombinant PRMT1 methylated SERBP1 and knockdown of PRMT1 significantly reduced the aDMA level of SERBP1, indicating that SERBP1 is specifically methylated by PRMT1. Immunofluorescent analyses of endogenous SERBP1 showed predominant cytoplasmic localization of SERBP1. Treatment of AdOx or PRMT1 siRNA increased the nuclear localization of SERBP1. Analyses of different deletions indicated that the middle RG region is important for the nuclear localization while both N‐ and C‐ terminus are required for nuclear export. Low methylation of the C‐terminal RGG region also favors nuclear localization. In conclusion, the RG‐rich and RGG box of SERBP1 is asymmetrically dimethylated by PRMT1 and the modification affects protein interaction and intracellular localization of the protein. These findings provide the basis for dissecting the roles of SERBP1. J. Cell. Biochem. 113: 2721–2728, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Short‐term degradation of semiarid grasslands—results from a controlled‐grazing experiment in Northern China
Authors: Wiesmeier Martin , Kreyling Olivia , Steffens Markus , Schoenbach Philipp , Wan Hongwei , Gierus Martin , Taube Friedhelm , Kölbl Angelika , Kögel‐Knabner Ingrid
Published: March 2012

The assessment of grassland degradation due to overgrazing is a global challenge in semiarid environments. In particular, investigations of beginning steppe degradation after a change or intensification of the land use are needed in order to detect and adjust detrimental land‐use management rapidly and thus prevent severe damages in these sensitive ecosystems. A controlled‐grazing experiment was established in Inner Mongolia (China) in 2005 that included ungrazed (UG) and heavily grazed plots with grazing intensities of 4.5 (HG4.5) and 7.5 (HG7.5) sheep per hectare. Several soil and vegetation parameters were investigated at all sites before the start of the experiment. Topsoil samples were analyzed for soil organic C (SOC), total N (Ntot), total S (Stot), and bulk density (BD). As vegetation parameters, aboveground net primary productivity (ANPP), tiller density (TD), and leaf‐area index (LAI) were determined. After 3 y of the grazing experiment, BD increased and SOC, Ntot, Stot, ANPP, and LAI significantly decreased with increasing grazing intensity. These sensitive parameters can be regarded as early‐warning indicators for degradation of semiarid grasslands. Vegetation parameters were, however, more sensitive not only to grazing but also to temporal variation of precipitation between 2006 and 2008. Contrary, soil parameters were primarily affected by grazing and resistant against climatic variations. The assessment of starting conditions in the study area and the application of defined grazing intensities is essential for the investigation of short‐term degradation in semiarid environments.
A new heart: Somatic stem cells and myocardial regeneration
Authors: Mullenix Philip S. , Huddleston Steven J. , Stojadinovic Alexander , Trachiotis Gregory D. , Alexander Edmund P.
Published: March 2012

End‐stage heart failure is a global scourge. Current therapies merely delay its inexorable progression. Heart transplantation is resource‐intensive and limited by organ availability. Bone marrow‐derived and cardiac‐specific stem cells have demonstrated potential for cardiac regeneration and repair, but the magnitude and durability of these promising findings are inconsistent. The purpose of this review is to (1) describe cells currently being investigated, (2) outline the status of current trials, and (3) discuss key objectives of future research. J. Surg. Oncol. 2012; 105:475–480. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Comparison of clinical outcomes for patients with clinical N0 and pathologic N2 non‐small cell lung cancer after thoracoscopic lobectomy and open lobectomy: A retrospective analysis of 76 patients
Authors: Li Yun , Wang Jung
Published: March 2012

Objective

To compare outcomes between thoracoscopic and thoracotomy lobectomy for patients with cN0‐pN2 NSCLC.

Methods

One hundred eighty‐two cN0 patients (including 29 pN2) underwent VATS lobectomy between September 2006 and December 2009, and 204 cN0 patients (including 47 pN2) underwent thoracotomy lobectomy between July 2000 and December 2009. Pre‐ and intraoperative status and postoperative survival between two groups were compared.

Results

There was no difference in preoperative conditions between two groups except Quantity of smoking. Operation time and blood loss of VATS group was significantly lower than thoracotomy group. Number of dissected lymph node (LN) stations was 3.3 ± 1.1 in VATS group versus 3.3 ± 1.3 in thoracotomy group, and the total number of LN was 12.7 ± 8.9 in VATS group versus 10.5 ± 7.2 in thoracotomy group. One‐ and 3‐year disease‐free survival rate was 82.6% in VATS group versus 72.0% in thoracotomy group, and 49.3% in VATS group versus 51.3% in thoracotomy group (P = 0.996). One‐ and 3‐year survival rate was 84.9% in VATS group versus 71.2% in thoracotomy group, and 64.0% in VATS group versus 42.7% in thoracotomy group (P = 0.121).

Conclusions

VATS lobectomy is comparable with thoracotomy in both safety and curability for the treatment of cN0‐pN2 NSCLC, without necessity of conversion to open surgery. J. Surg. Oncol. 2012; 106:431–435. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Low SPINK5 expression in chronic rhinosinusitis
Authors: Fruth Kai , Goebel Gyula , Koutsimpelas Dimitrios , Gosepath Jan , Schmidtmann Irene , Mann Wolf J. , Brieger Juergen
Published: March 2012

Objectives/Hypothesis:

Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is a multifactorial disease that probably arises as a result of genetic diversity and environmental factors. SPINK5 is a serine protease inhibitor, which is supposed to be an important regulator of epithelial barrier maintenance. The role of SPINK5 polymorphisms and expression in CRS, especially in individuals with aspirin intolerance, is unclear.

Study Design:

SPINK5 single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and SPINK5 expression levels were correlated with CRS without (CRSsNP) and with nasal polyps (CRSwNP), aspirin intolerance, asthma, and allergies.

Methods:

One hundred four nasal tissue samples, 15 from patients with CRSsNP, 59 from patients with CRSwNP, and 30 from healthy controls of the inferior turbinate, were analyzed for their SPINK5 status. Genotypes of four SPINK5 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNPs; G1258A, G2475T, A2915G, and A1103G), as well as SPINK5 mRNA expression levels, were determined by polymerase chain reaction.

Results:

No correlation between any SPINK5 SNP and CRSsNP, CRSwNP, or allergies and asthma was observed. The heterozygous SNPs G1258A and A1103G were observed more frequently in aspirin‐intolerant patients; the homozygous (A/A) genotype of SNP 1258 and the homozygous (G/G) genotype SNP 1103 were less frequent. There was no correlation between the analyzed SNPs and the level of SPINK5 expression. It was noted that in individuals with CRSwNP, aspirin intolerance, and allergies, SPINK5 expression was lowered.

Conclusions:

G1258A and A1103G polymorphisms are distinctive for the aspirin intolerance syndrome. Lowered SPINK5 expression might be a contributing factor leading to CRS, and appears to be characteristic for patients suffering from aspirin intolerance and from allergies. Laryngoscope, 2012
Thyroid cancer characteristics in the population surrounding three mile island
Authors: Goyal Neerav , Camacho Fabian , Mangano Joseph , Goldenberg David
Published: March 2012

Objectives/Hypothesis:

To determine differences in disease characteristics between the thyroid cancer populations in the area around the Three Mile Island (TMI) nuclear power plant and the rest of the state of Pennsylvania.

Study Design:

Retrospective cross‐sectional study.

Methods:

Data from the Pennsylvania Cancer Registry from 1985 to 2008 were reviewed and information regarding age at diagnosis, sex, race, residential status, county of residence, thyroid pathology, thyroid surgery, and staging was recorded. Dauphin, Lancaster, and York counties were defined as the TMI area.

Results:

Records of 26,357 thyroid cancer patients were reviewed, with 2,611 patients within the TMI area. A higher proportion of papillary thyroid cancer (P < .001) and lower proportion of follicular thyroid cancer (P < .001) were noted in the TMI area population. Thyroid cancer cases from the TMI area were found to be more likely to be diagnosed before the age of 65 years (P < .001), be Pennsylvania born (P < .001), be well differentiated (P < .001), be <10 mm in size (P < .001), and be localized without spread (P < .001). Although the TMI area shows a higher incidence of thyroid cancer as compared to the rest of the state, this was not statistically significant.

Conclusions:

The TMI population showed a higher proportion of papillary thyroid cancer and less aggressive pathology and earlier diagnosis compared to the rest of Pennsylvania. No statistically significant difference in thyroid cancer incidence was noted. Overall, the study does not show a clear link with more advanced thyroid cancer and proximity to the TMI nuclear reactors. Laryngoscope, 2012
Asymptotics of solutions of the heat equation in cones and dihedra
Authors: Kozlov V. A. , Rossmann J.
Published: March 2012

The authors deal with the asymptotics of solutions of the first boundary value problem for the heat equation near vertices of cones or edges. They obtain estimates for the remainder in weighted Lp, q Sobolev spaces. The paper generalizes the main result of Kozlov and Maz’ya 6 to the case \documentclass{article}\usepackage{amssymb}\begin{document}\pagestyle{empty}$p,q\not=2$\end{document} and to edges.
Nitrogen‐Doped Carbon Capsules via Poly(ionic liquid)‐Based Layer‐by‐Layer Assembly
Authors: Zhao Qiang , Fellinger Tim‐Patrick , Antonietti Markus , Yuan Jiayin
Published: March 2012

Layer‐by‐layer (LbL) assembly technique is applied for the first time for the preparation of nitrogen‐doped carbon capsules. This approach uses colloid silica as template and two polymeric deposition components, that is, poly(ammonium acrylate) and a poly (ionic liquid) poly(3‐cyanomethyl‐1‐vinylimidazolium bromide), which acts as both the carbon precursor and nitrogen source. Nitrogen‐doped carbon capsules are prepared successfully by polymer wrapping, subsequent carbonization and template removal. The as‐synthesized carbon capsules contain ≈7 wt% of nitrogen and have a structured specific surface area of 423 m2 g−1. Their application as supercapacitor has been briefly introduced. This work proves that LbL assembly methodology is available for preparing carbon structures of complex morphology.
Comparison of reconstruction plate and double flap for reconstruction of an extensive mandibular defect
Authors: Miyamoto Shimpei , Sakuraba Minoru , Nagamatsu Shogo , Kamizono Kenichi , Hayashi Ryuichi
Published: March 2012

Functional reconstruction of the anterior mandibular defect in combination with a significant glossectomy is a challenging problem for reconstructive micro‐surgeons. In this retrospective study, clinical results were compared between mandibular reconstruction plate (MRP) procedures and double flap transfers. The subjects were 23 patients who underwent immediate reconstruction, after an anterior segmental mandibulectomy in combination with a significant glossectomy, from 1993 to 2009. The patients were divided into two groups based on the reconstructive methods used: MRP and soft tissue free flap transfer (MRP group: 12 patients) or double free flap transfer (double flap group: 11 patients). Operative stress, postoperative complications and oral intake ability were compared between the groups. The rate of recipient‐site complication in the double flap group tended to be lower than that in the MRP group. The most frequent complications in the MRP group included infection and orocutaneous fistula. Operative stresses (operation time and blood loss) were significantly less in the MRP group than in the double flap group. Overall, 19 patients (82.6%) were able to tolerate an oral diet without the need for tube feeding. This study demonstrates that laryngeal preservation is possible in more than 80% of patients even after such an extensive ablation. Double flap transfer provides a more stable wound closure than MRP and should be the preferred reconstructive procedure if the patients can tolerate the associated operative stresses. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microsurgery, 2012.
3D numerical modelling of bit–rock fracture mechanisms in percussive drilling with a multiple‐button bit
Authors: Saksala Timo
Published: March 2012

This paper considers numerical modelling of rock fracture induced by dynamic bit–rock interaction in percussive drilling. The work presented here extends the author's earlier research on the topic from the axisymmetric case to 3D case. The numerical method for modelling rock fracture includes a constitutive model for rock and a contact mechanics‐based technique to simulate the bit–rock interaction. The constitutive model is based on a combination of the recent viscoplastic consistency model, the isotropic damage concept and a parabolic compression cap. This model is improved here from its earlier state by calibrating the softening laws using fracture energies GIc and GIIc in tension and compression, respectively. Moreover, the viscosity modulus in tension is calibrated based on the dynamic Brazilian disc test. With these enhancements, the developed method is applied to 3D case of the bit–rock interaction problem assuming one symmetry plane. Single impact with single and multiple‐button bits is simulated. In the latter case, an initial borehole is modelled in order to simulate the usual in‐situ drilling conditions. The different failure types observed in the experiments as well as the interaction between the buttons resulting in chipping are realistically captured in the simulations. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Desmopressin orally disintegrating tablet effectively reduces nocturia: Results of a randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial
Authors: Weiss Jeffrey P. , Zinner Norman R. , Klein Bjarke M. , Nørgaard Jens Peter
Published: March 2012

Aims

The primary objective was to investigate the efficacy of desmopressin orally disintegrating tablet versus placebo in patients with nocturia. Pharmacodynamics, safety and patient‐reported quality of life (QoL) outcomes were also evaluated. One of several benefits of the new formulation is increased bioavailability. Exploring lower doses allows for a better evaluation of therapeutic effect versus tolerability.

Methods

This was a 4‐week, randomized, double‐blind study comparing 10, 25, 50, or 100 µg desmopressin versus placebo in adults with defined nocturia.

Results

The intent to treat population comprised 757 patients experiencing ∼3 voids/night and a high prevalence of nocturnal polyuria (∼90%). Increasing doses of desmopressin were associated with decreasing numbers of nocturnal voids and voided volume, greater proportions of subjects with >33% reduction in nocturnal voids, and increased duration of first sleep period. The lowest dose reaching statistical significance (P < 0.05 vs. placebo) varied by endpoint. Improvements were clinically meaningful, meaning that patients actually had fewer nightly voids. Post hoc analyses by gender suggested a lower minimum effective dose for women. Desmopressin was generally well tolerated. Reductions in serum sodium to <125 mmol/L in six women (taking >25 µg desmopressin) and two men (aged 67 and 82) taking 100 µg, support lower and gender‐specific dosing to reduce the small but clinically significant risk of hyponatraemia. Each void reduced/hour of sleep gained was associated with significant improvements in QoL.

Conclusions

Desmopressin orally disintegrating tablet is an effective and well‐tolerated treatment for patients with nocturia. Further exploration of the lower dose range is warranted. Neurourol. Urodynam. 31:441–447, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Approaching an organic semimetal: Electron pockets at the Fermi level for a p‐benzoquinonemonoimine zwitterion
Authors: Rosa Luis G. , Velev Julian , Zhang Zhengzheng , Alvira Jose , Vega Omar , Diaz Gerson , Routaboul Lucie , Braunstein Pierre , Doudin Bernard , Losovyj Yaroslav B. , Dowben Peter A.
Published: March 2012

There is compelling evidence of electron pockets, at the Fermi level, in the band structure for an organic zwitterion molecule of the p‐benzoquinonemonoimine type. The electronic structure of the zwitterion molecular film has a definite, although small, density of states evident at the Fermi level as well as a nonzero inner potential and thus is very different from a true insulator. In spite of a small Brillouin zone, significant band width is observed in the intermolecular band dispersion. The results demonstrate that Bloch's theorem applies to the wave vector dependence of the electronic band structure formed from the molecular orbitals of adjacent molecules in a molecular thin film of a p‐benzoquinonemonoimine type zwitterion.

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Preface: Indium nitride and related alloys
Authors: Ruterana Pierre
Published: March 2012

The present proceedings, which comprise 25 articles in a joint issue of physica status solidi (a) and (c), contain recent advances in the properties and applications of indium based nitride alloys and heterostructures. The manuscripts have been submitted to the Symposium H of the 2011 European Materials Research Society (E‐MRS) Spring l Meeting, held in Nice on 9–13th May. The goal of the symposium was to highlight the developments in growth and characterization of InN material as well as in related alloys and heterostructures for device applications.

Research on indium nitride and related alloys received a significant boost in Europe through the Marie Curie Initial Training Network (ITN) called “RAINBOW”, where 19 Ph.D. students and 8 post‐docs are trained in materials growth, characterization and related physics (EC funding 4.8 M€ for 2008–2012). This three‐days symposium was organized in the scope of the RAINBOW ITN. Such an organization proved to be highly successful: from the initially registered 80 contributors, the sessions were overcrowded all along with participants attracted from other symposia.

The symposium discussed over 70 contributions, metal organic vapour phase epitaxy and molecular beam epitaxy of InN were covered, and special attention was given to the electronic, optical and structural quality of thin films. 16 invited speakers provided the current status of the research in this exciting field. In addition to invited papers, 45 oral presentations contributed to the sessions ranging from structural and optical properties to devices. Moreover, a poster session, which presented 21 reports, provided an important forum for detailed discussions. From the papers that were submitted for publication, 18 were highly rated, each by two reviewers and are published in physica status solidi (a). This issue is organised in three sections which reflect the topical sessions of the symposium. The first deals with the growth, optical and structural properties of indium nitride and related alloys, the second reports on the current theoretical investigations and the third section is devoted to the transport and point defects (© 2012 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Effect of Polyethylene Packaging Modified with Silver Particles on the Microbial, Sensory and Appearance of Dried Barberry
Authors: Valipoor Motlagh N. , Hamed Mosavian M.T. , Mortazavi S. A.
Published: March 2012

Low‐density polyethylene (LDPE) packages containing submicrometre‐sized silver particles (Ag‐LDPE) were produced by extrusion method and used as packaging material for barberry packaging. The effects of Ag‐LDPE packages on the microbial factors, apparent color and sensory factors of dried barberry were investigated in comparison with the pure polystyrene packages. Ag‐LDPE packages showed antimicrobial effects on barberry compared with pure polystyrene packages. In comparison with pure polystyrene packages, Ag‐LDPE film with 2 weight percent (wt%) of silver particles revealed antimicrobial activity against mold and total bacteria count of approximately 2.3 and 2.84 log10 reductions in colony‐forming units, respectively. Ag‐LDPE packages in concentration of more than 1 wt% of silver particles preserved the appearance quality of the barberry better than pure polystyrene packages. The barberries packaged in Ag‐LDPE film with 1 wt% of silver particles retained their red color and brightness for approximately 2 to 3 weeks more than barberries packaged in pure polystyrene films. Ag‐LDPE packages assisted in the improvement of aroma, taste and total acceptance of barberry in comparison with pure polystyrene packages except in the low concentration of silver particles of approximately 0.02 wt%. The taste, aroma, appearance and also total acceptance of barberries packaged in Ag‐LDPE film with 1 wt% silver particles were preserved for approximately 2 to 3, 1 to 4, 2 to 5 and 2 to 4 weeks, respectively, more than barberries packaged in pure polystyrene films. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Expanding the data depth for the analysis of complex crude oil samples by Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry using the spectral stitching method
Authors: Gaspar Andras , Schrader Wolfgang
Published: March 2012

RATIONALE

Crude oil samples are very complex mixtures of compounds and only Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry (FT‐ICR MS) provides the ultra‐high mass resolution necessary to resolve them. However, FT‐ICR MS operates best when only a small amount of ions is present during each transient. This cannot be accomplished with crude oil samples without chromatography because more than 50 000 compounds can be present, with the result that species with low intensity may be suppressed and are detected either with low intensity or not at all.

METHODS

Spectral stitching was used to overcome the problems associated with suppression effects, where only short mass windows of 30 amu were scanned to reduce the amount of ions present in each individual scan. Afterwards, all the scans were co‐added and the subsequent spectrum was used to calculate individual class distributions.

RESULTS

A heavy crude oil sample was analyzed using spectral stitching and this approach was compared with analysis using a broadband‐method in order to illustrate the enhancement in depth of information. Although both methods took the same analysis time a seven‐times increase in the number of detected species was observed when the spectral stitching method was used compared with the commonly applied broadband method in a 900 amu mass window.

CONCLUSIONS

Spectral stitching using smaller selected ion monitoring (SIM) windows for complex crude oil samples allows better class distribution to be obtained because less ion suppression is observed. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Dual approaches to strictly positive real controller synthesis with a performance using linear matrix inequalities
Authors: Forbes James Richard
Published: March 2012

The synthesis of controllers that minimize a performance index subject to a strictly positive real (SPR) constraint is considered. Two controller synthesis methods are presented that are then combined into an iterative algorithm. Each method synthesizes optimal SPR controllers by posing a convex optimization problem where constraints are enforced via linear matrix inequalities. Additionally, each method fixes the controller state‐feedback gain matrix and finds an observer gain matrix such that an upper bound on the closed‐loop ‐norm is minimized and the controller is SPR. The first method retools the standard ‐optimal control problem by using a common Lyapunov matrix variable to satisfy both the criteria and the SPR constraint. The second method overcomes bilinear matrix inequality issues associated with the performance and the SPR constraint by employing a completing the square method and an overbounding technique. Both synthesis methods are used within an iterative scheme to find optimal SPR controllers in a sequential manner. Comparison of our synthesis methods to existing methods in the literature is presented. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.