bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Observations of cell size dynamics under osmotic stress
Authors: Kiehl Thomas R. , Shen Duan , Khattak Sarwat F. , Jian Li Zheng , Sharfstein Susan T.
Published: June 2011

Cultured mammalian cells [e.g., murine hybridomas, Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells] used to produce therapeutic and diagnostic proteins often exhibit increased specific productivity under osmotic stress. This increase in specific productivity is accompanied by a number of physiological changes, including cell size variation. Investigating the cell size variation of hyperosmotically stressed cultures may reveal, in part, the basis for increased specific productivity as well as an understanding of some of the cellular defense responses that occur under hyperosmotic conditions. The regulation of cell volume is a critical function maintained in animal cells. Although these cells are highly permeable to water, they are significantly less permeable to ionic solutes. Appropriate cell–water content is actively maintained in these cells by regulation of ion and osmolyte balances. Transport appropriate to extracellular conditions, leading to accrual or release of these species, is activated in response to acute cell volume changes. Osmotically induced regulatory volume increases (RVI) and regulatory volume decreases (RVD) are known to occur under a variety of conditions. We observed the time evolution of size variation in populations of two CHO cell lines under hyperosmotic conditions. Observations were made using multiple instruments, multiple cell lines, and multiple cell culture conditions. Size variation of CHO A1 was gauged by flow cytometry using an LSRII® flow cytometer while CHO B0 cells were quantified using a Cedex® cell analyzer. Hyperosmotic stress had a dose‐dependent effect on the regulatory control of cell volume. Stressed cultures of CHO cells grown in suspension exhibited a shift in mean cell diameter. This shift in mean was not due to a change in the whole population, but rather to the emergence of distinct subpopulations of cells with larger cell diameters than those in the bulk of the population. © 2011 International Society for Advancement of Cytometry
GCT of proximal phalanx of ring finger: A case report
Authors: Khare Pratima , Kishore Bimal , Gupta Rashmi Jain , Vanita  , Dhal Anil
Published: June 2011

Giant‐cell tumor (GCT) of bone arising from phalanx of a finger is extremely rare. Rizzoli Orthopedic Institute in their study on 900 treated cases of GCT from 1947–1997 reported only 0.9% incidence of GCT in bones of the hand. There was no case of GCT of the phalanges in that series. We report here a case of GCT of bone arising from phalanx of finger because of its very unusual location. The tumor was diagnosed on the basis of fine‐needle aspiration cytology and confirmed by histopathology. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
PCR study of a series of ASCUS cases HPV‐positive by HCII
Authors: Alameda Francesc , Bellosillo Beatriz , Lloveras Belén , Pairet Silvia , Musset Mercè , Pijuan Lara , Mariñoso Lluisa , Mancebo Gemma , Larrazabal Fernando , Carreras Ramón , Serrano Sergi
Published: June 2011

Most guidelines currently recommend the testing of human papillomavirus (HPV) in ASCUS cases. The most used method for this purpose is Hybrid Capture II (HCII), but PCR techniques with GP5+/6+ primers can be also applied. Furthermore, the HCII high‐risk probe test for detection of HPV shows cross‐reactivity with low‐risk HPV. Although this cross‐reactivity has been studied in screening populations, it has received little attention in ASCUS cases.

To compare the performance of the HCII high‐risk probe test and PCR for the detection of HPV in ASCUS cases.

We randomly selected 83 ASCUS cases that were positive for high‐risk HPV by HCII and applied the PCR test using MYO9‐11 and GP5+/6+ primers to samples from these cases.

Our results show cross‐reactivity with low‐risk HPV in 25.3% (21/83) of the HCII+ PCR+ cases. Regarding the follow‐up our results emphasize the importance of HPV typing, especially for HPV 16 infection.

We propose the use of PCR techniques using GP5+/6+ consensus primers for the screening of HPV in ASCUS. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Prolapsed fallopian tube: Cytological findings in a ThinPrep liquid based cytology vaginal vault sample
Authors: Nasir Nyla , Desai Mina , Marshall Janet , Gupta Nalini
Published: June 2011

Fallopian tube prolapse through the vaginal vault after hysterectomy is a rare complication. The clinical diagnosis is difficult and the patient may undergo unnecessary treatment. A cytological diagnosis of tubal prolapse is rare. There are very few descriptions of the cytological appearances of prolapsed fallopian tube and to our knowledge, they have not been described in liquid based cytology preparations. The presence of classic columnar cells with cilia and sheets of cells with small granular uniform nuclei in an orderly arrangement are the diagnostic appearances of cells originating from the fallopian tube. We describe a case in which the cells had undergone squamous metaplasia with nuclear enlargement and increased nuclear to cytoplasmic ratios corresponding to reactive atypia but with fine and evenly distributed chromatin and smooth nuclear contours, which indicated their benign nature. In addition, in this case intracytoplasmic polymorphs and associated extracellular infiltrates of inflammatory cells are noted. The description of this case may help others to consider a cytological diagnosis of prolapsed fallopian tube, thus preventing repeated cauterisations of vault granulation tissue on one hand, and possibly excessive surgical treatment of a mistaken malignant lesion on the other. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2013. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc
Slug regulates E‐cadherin expression in metastatic adenocarcinoma cells isolated from pleural fluid
Authors: Li Xiang‐Nan , Fang Chang‐Qing , Wang Ye‐Lin , Wang Xiu‐Ru , Wang En‐Hua , Li Jian‐Hua
Published: June 2011

Slug protein is a key regulator of epithelial‐mesenchymal transition, but its expression in cancer is less well studied. To evaluate the expression of slug, E‐cadherin and vimentin in adenocarcinoma cells from malignant pleural effusions, we analyzed 121 malignant pleural fluid specimens. Twenty‐eight nonmalignant pleural fluid specimens were analyzed as control. Besides clinical cytological diagnosis tests, immunofluorescence, immunocytochemistry and Western blotting methods were used. Results showed strong membrane staining of E‐cadherin in adenocarcinoma cells from pleural fluid. Slug mainly showed nucleus staining. Cytoplasma positive of vimentin was found in adenocarcinoma cells isolated from pleural fluid. Slug, E‐cadherin and vimentin expression was found in 43/121 (36%), 87/121 (72%) and 102/121 (84%) cases, respectively. Our data showed elevated levels of slug were accompanied by down regulation of E‐cadherin and the expression of vimentin in adenocarcinoma cells. In addition, there was no relationship between slug expression and patient's age or gender or tumor site. Hyperplasia epithelium cells from nonmalignant pleural fluid were uniformly negative for E‐cadherin and slug. In conclusion, the results demonstrated the inverse expression of slug and E‐cadherin in the majority of malignant pleural fluid cases compared with nonmalignant pleural fluid. The slug protein may be helpful to access the prognosis of patients with pleural fluid. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2013. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Differential associations between ovarian hormones and disordered eating symptoms across the menstrual cycle in women
Authors: Racine Sarah E. , Culbert Kristen M. , Keel Pamela K. , Sisk Cheryl L. , Alexandra Burt S. , Klump Kelly L.
Published: June 2011

Objective:

We examined changes in drive for thinness, body dissatisfaction, and dietary restraint across the menstrual cycle and associations between these symptoms and ovarian hormones in two independent samples of women (N = 10 and 8 women, respectively) drawn from the community.

Method:

Daily self‐report measures of disordered eating and negative affect were completed for 35‐65 days. Daily saliva samples were assayed for estradiol and progesterone in Study 2 only.

Results:

Levels of body dissatisfaction and drive for thinness were highest during the mid‐luteal/pre‐menstrual phases in both studies and were negatively associated with estradiol, and positively associated with progesterone. By contrast, dietary restraint showed less variation across the menstrual cycle and weaker associations with ovarian hormones.

Discussion:

Differential associations between ovarian hormones and specific disordered eating symptoms point to distinct etiological processes within the broader construct of disordered eating. © 2011 by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. (Int J Eat Disord 2012)
Fast synthesis of 1,3‐DAG by Lecitase® Ultra‐catalyzed esterification in solvent‐free system
Authors: Liu Ning , Wang Yong , Zhao Qiangzhong , Zhang Qingli , Zhao Mouming
Published: June 2011

Lecitase® Ultra, a phospholipase, was explored as an effective biocatalyst for direct esterification of glycerol with oleic acid to produce 1,3‐DAG. Experiments were carried out in batch mode, and optimal reaction conditions were evaluated. In comparison with several organic solvent mediums, the solvent‐free system was found to be more beneficial for this esterification reaction, which was further studied to investigate the reaction conditions including oleic acid/glycerol mole ratio, temperature, initial water content, enzyme load, and operating time. The results showed that Lecitase® Ultra catalyzed a fast synthesis of 1,3‐DAG by direct esterification in a solvent‐free medium. Under the optimal reaction conditions, a short reaction time 1.5 h was found to achieve the fatty acid esterification efficiency of 80.3 ± 1.2% and 1,3‐DAG content of 54.8 ± 1.6 wt% (lipid layer of reaction mixture mass). The reusability of Lecitase® Ultra was evaluated via recycling the excess glycerol layer in the reaction system. DAG in the upper lipid layer of reaction mixture was purified by molecular distillation and the 1,3‐DAG‐enriched oil with a purity of about 75 wt% was obtained.

Practical applications: The new Lecitase® Ultra catalyzed process for production of 1,3‐DAG from glycerol and oleic acid described in this study provides several advantages over conventional methods including short reaction time, the absence of a solvents and a high product yield.
A comparison of the indirect and direct quantification of glycidol ester by kinetic analysis
Authors: Shimizu Masao , Kudo Naoto , Shiro Hiroki , Yasunaga Koichi , Masukawa Yoshinori , Katsuragi Yoshihisa , Yasumasu Takeshi
Published: June 2011

In a comparison of the German society's official indirect method and the direct LC‐MS method to determine the levels of glycidol fatty acid esters (GEs) in edible oils, the indirect method showed lower GE levels in cases of a high level of GEs and/or containing partial acylglycerols (PGs). The present study used kinetic analysis to compare the scope of both methods. A kinetic model combination of reversible decomposition of GEs and 3‐monochloro‐1,2‐propanediol forming substances (MCPD‐FS) generated from PGs accurately predicted a persistent level of underestimation of commercial vegetable oils when the indirect method was used. The results of the kinetic prediction showed that the underestimation in the indirect method was proportional to the PG and GE levels in oils. Although most conventional cooking oils are low in GEs and PGs, significant error may occur in oils such as palm oil, which are reported to have a higher content of GEs and DAGs. The direct method was affected by neither the GEs nor the PGs, and proved to be a truer and more accurate determinant of GE levels in a wide range of edible oil products.
Antioxidant activity of Satureja bachtiarica Bunge essential oil in rapeseed oil irradiated with UV rays
Authors: Hashemi Mohammad Bagher , Niakousari Mehrdad , Saharkhiz Mohammad Jamal
Published: June 2011

In this study, application of two concentrations (0.03 and 0.06%) of Satureja bachtiarica Bunge essential oil (EO) were examined on oxidative stability of rapeseed oil (RO) during autoxidation and after irradiation with ultraviolet (UV) rays (exposition 30 min) at 60°C. The main compounds of EO extracted by the recently designed ohmic ultrasonic extractor (distillation unit) were identified as thymol (∼30%), carvacrol (∼15%) and caryophyllene oxide (∼12%). Antioxidant activity of EO was compared to butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) during autoxidation. The UV rays induced oxidation process in RO samples both with and without additives. This effect was more vigorous when irradiation was carried out prior to addition of the additives. It was further established that antioxidant activity of EO was better than BHT in samples treated by UV rays. Moreover, EO was able to reduce the stable free radical 2, 2′‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) with a 50% inhibition concentration (IC50) of 32.5 ± 0.6 µg/mL. The findings show the good potential of EO when it is used as a natural antioxidant in food lipids.
Comparison of CC Triple and Double Bonds as Spacers in Push–Pull Chromophores
Authors: Frank Brian B. , Laporta Philip R. , Breiten Benjamin , Kuzyk Mark C. , Jarowski Peter D. , Schweizer W. Bernd , Seiler Paul , Biaggio Ivan , Boudon Corinne , Gisselbrecht Jean‐Paul , Diederich François
Published: June 2011

We report the synthesis and properties of two series of homologous donor–acceptor (D–A) chromophores in which N,N‐dimethylanilino (DMA) or N,N‐dihexylanilino (DHA) donors and dicyanovinyl acceptors are separated by up to four C≡C triple‐bond spacers or up to three C=C double‐bond spacers. The intramolecular charge‐transfer (CT) interactions of the new D–A oligoynes and the known all‐trans D–A oligoenes were investigated by X‐ray crystallography, electrochemistry, UV/Vis spectroscopy, and theoretical calculations. In both series, the optical and electrochemical HOMO–LUMO gaps decrease with increasing spacer length. The HOMO–LUMO gaps for the D–A oligoynes and oligoenes with a given spacer length are nearly identical. The effect of the spacer length was found to level‐off for spacers with more than six carbon atoms. The third‐order optical nonlinearity of both series of molecules was determined by measuring the rotational averages of the third‐order polarizabilities γrot by degenerate four‐wave mixing.
Cleistanone: A Triterpenoid from Cleistanthus indochinensis with a New Carbon Skeleton
Authors: Thanh Van Trinh Thi , Pham Van Cuong , Nguyen Hung Huy , Mai Huong Doan Thi , Minh Hang Nguyen Thi , Nguyen Van Hung , Litaudon Marc , Guéritte Françoise , Chau Van Minh
Published: June 2011

Cleistanone (1) was isolated from the leaves of Cleistanthus indochinensis and features a new type of triterpenoid carbon skeleton. Its structure was confirmed by X‐ray diffraction analysis. A plausible biosynthetic pathway was proposed for 1 and is thought to proceed through a Wagner–Meerwein rearrangement. Cleistanone (1) was found to show cytotoxic activity against human oral epidermoid carcinoma KB cells.
Enhanced Efficiency of Thiourea Catalysts by External Brønsted Acids in the Friedel–Crafts Alkylation of Indoles
Authors: Marqués‐López Eugenia , Alcaine Ana , Tejero Tomás , Herrera Raquel P.
Published: June 2011

A novel study on the influence of external Brønsted acids on thiourea catalysts in the asymmetric Friedel–Crafts alkylation of indoles with nitroalkenes is reported. The final 3‐substituted indole derivatives were synthesized with better results because of cooperative effects between the chiral thiourea and a Brønsted acid additive (1a·HA). The effects of diverse catalysts, different acid additives, solvents, and temperatures in the reaction were also explored. The high reactivity and selectivity of the reaction is presumptively attributed to an appropriate assembly between the Brønsted acid and the thiourea structure, affording a more acidic and rigid catalytic complex.
Reactivity of the Pt/WO3/GC Electrode Towards Ethylene Glycol Oxidation in 0.1 M H2SO4
Authors: Ouf A. M.A. , Ibrahim A. A. , El‐Shafei A. A.
Published: June 2011

WO3 has been prepared via thermal decomposition of ammonium paratungstate. The obtained oxide has been characterized by X‐ray diffraction (XRD) spectroscopy. The particle size was found to increase with increasing calcination temperature. The modified Pt/WO3/GC electrode has been prepared and characterized using various analytical and electrochemical techniques. The electrochemical oxidation of ethylene glycol (EG) on the modified electrode was investigated and compared with that of a Pt/GC electrode in acidic solution. The presence of WO3 enhanced the electrode activity towards EG oxidation. The enhancement factor was found to depend on the ratio of WO3:Pt as well as on the calcination temperature during WO3 preparation
Pulmonary artery chemoembolization in a sheep model: Evaluation of performance and safety of irinotecan eluting beads (DEB‐IRI)
Authors: Baylatry Minh‐Tâm , Pelage Jean‐Pierre , Wassef Michel , Ghegediban Homayra , Joly Anne‐Christine , Lewis Andrew , Lacombe Pascal , Fernandez Christine , Laurent Alex
Published: June 2011

The purpose of this study was to evaluate and compare plasma pharmacokinetics, lung tissue concentration, and the potential toxicity of drug eluting beads loaded with irinotecan (DEB‐IRI) in a sheep pulmonary artery chemoembolization (PACE) model. Sheep (n = 24) were embolized with DEB‐IRI loaded with different doses (0, 20, 50, or 100 mg). Direct pulmonary artery (PA) injections of irinotecan were also performed at two doses (50 or 100 mg; n = 4 sheep). Irinotecan was quantified in plasma and lung tissue (liquid chromatography‐fluorescence detection); pathological examination of lungs was performed 4 days or 4 weeks after PACE. Irinotecan was detected in the systemic circulation within a few minutes after PACE, for several hours in DEB‐IRI 20 and DEB‐IRI 50 groups, and for 24 hours for DEB‐IRI 100. Both Cmax and AUC values increased significantly with dose (p = 0.0078 and p = 0.0008, respectively) after PACE. Cmax and AUC values were significantly reduced (by 80%, p = 0.0036, and by 50%, p = 0.0393, respectively) after PACE than after direct PA injection. Irinotecan was not detected in tissue 4 days after PACE. No sign of lung toxicity was observed, except a limited hemorrhagic angionecrosis seen 4 days after PACE with DEB‐IRI 100. Inflammatory response on beads was moderate in all DEB‐IRI groups. Compared to other routes of administration, DEB loaded with irinotecan at doses up to 100 mg was well tolerated. DEB loaded with 100 mg irinotecan seem a promising candidate for future PACE trials in patients. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2011.
Synthesis and efficient hepatocyte targeting of galactosylated chitosan as a gene carrier in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Cheng Mingrong , Li Qing , Wan Tao , Hong Xiaowu , Chen Houxiang , He Bing , Cheng Zhijian , Xu Hongzhi , Ye Tao , Zha Bingbing , Wu Jingbo , Zhou Runjiao
Published: June 2011

While chitosan (CS) has been researched widely as a non‐viral vector, its usefulness has been limited by its low cell specificity and transfection efficiency. Therefore, we successfully synthesized galactosylated chitosan (GC) and complexed it with an enhanced green fluorescent protein plasmid (pIRES‐EGFP) for transfection into cultured H22 cells (murine hepatic cancer cell line) using various GC/EGFP (N/P) charge ratios. Maximal gene transfection rates detected by flow cytometry occurred at an N/P ratio 5:1. Compared with those of lipofectin/EGFP and naked pIRES‐EGFP, GC/EGFP complexes show a very efficient cell‐selective transfection to hepatocytes. The MTT assay detected relatively low cytotoxicity in cells transfected with GC. A recombinant plasmid granulocyte‐macrophage colony‐stimulating factor (GM‐SCF) and interleukin (IL) 21 (pIRES/GM‐CSF‐IL21) was successfully constructed and GC/GM‐CSF‐IL21 nanoparticles (average diameter, 82.1 nm) were administered via the tail vein of mice with liver metastasis of colon cancer model, for 5 consecutive days. The GC/GM‐CSF‐IL21 nanoparticles exhibited hepatocyte and passive tumor specificity, increased therapeutic efficacy compared to control groups, promoted leukocytes to aggregate in tumor tissues, and activated the cytotoxicity of natural killer (NK) cells and cytolytic T lymphocyte (CTL). Our results indicate that GC can be used in gene therapy to improve transfection efficiency and can be used as an immunological stimulant in vivo. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2011.
Design and stereoselective synthesis of four peptide nucleic acid monomers with cyclic structures in backbone
Authors: Watanabe Akiko , Kiyota Naotoshi , Yamasaki Tetsuo , Tanda Kazuhiro , Miyagoe Tatsunori , Sakamoto Masanori , Otsuka Masami
Published: June 2011

Four isomers of the monomer of peptide nucleic acid (PNA) were derived from (2S,4R)‐4‐hydroxyproline; they had different stereochemistries at the C2 and C4 positions in the pyrrolidine ring. These different backbone conformations corresponding to four different stereochemistries were realized through a combination of inversions at the C2 and the C4 positions in pyrrolidine ring. The obtained backbone frameworks were reacted with N‐benzoyl thymine to give the corresponding PNA monomers. Spectroscopic comparison of the resultant monomers confirmed their stereochemistries. J. Heterocyclic Chem., (2011).
On the relationship between the premonsoonal rainfall climatology and urban land cover dynamics in Kolkata city, India
Authors: Mitra Chandana , Shepherd J. Marshall , Jordan Thomas
Published: June 2011

Empirical and modelling studies show that urbanization can have an impact on the environment. Relatively few studies have investigated urban effects on precipitation in India or other developing countries experiencing rapid urbanization. Furthermore, most precipitation‐related studies for India focus on monsoonal rainfall. However, premonsoonal periods (March–May) account for 12–14% of the annual cumulative rainfall in eastern India. The majority of premonsoonal rainfall (PMR) is convective and caused by mesoscale forcing, which may include urban effects. In this study, the area under scrutiny is a large urban area in eastern India, Kolkata city. Herein, our goal was to (1) produce a comprehensive characterization of historical land cover dynamics associated with the Kolkata megalopolis, (2) provide a spatio‐temporal climatology of PMR in the Kolkata region, and (3) identify possible associations between Kolkata's land cover and PMR. The analysis shows that the rate of change of urban land cover has increased by 50% compared to the period prior to India's independence in 1947. A multi‐scalar time series analysis with Mann–Kendall statistics indicated statistically significant increasing trends in rainfall over the last 50 years for two Kolkata stations and a nearby downwind station. Furthermore, there was no significant trend for cumulative PMR in less urbanized stations, the country of India, or the East Gangetic region. This finding suggests that the anomaly of the three stations, showing increasing trends in PMR, could be the effect of urban land cover change. Copyright © 2011 Royal Meteorological Society
The diagnostic value of circulating stanniocalcin‐1 mRNA in non‐small cell lung cancer
Authors: Du Yu‐Zhen , GU Xiao‐Hua , Li Li , Gao Feng
Published: June 2011

Background and Objectives

Previous studies have suggested that the aberrant expression of Stanniocalcin‐1 (STC1) occurs in tumor cells. In this study, we explored whether the circulating STC1 mRNA is a promising biomarker in the peripheral blood in patients with non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

Methods

The level of circulating STC1 mRNA was determined with a sensitive quantitative real‐time reverse transcription PCR assay. and the data were analyzed by the statistical methods of one‐way ANOVA, Mann–Whitney–Wilcoxon U‐Test, and Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis.

Results

The level of circulating STC1 mRNA in patients with NSCLC was significantly higher than in patients with benign pulmonary disease (P < 0.001) or healthy volunteers (P < 0.001). Higher levels of circulating STC1 mRNA were associated with more advanced tumor stages and histological subtypes. Using a cutoff of 0.055, the sensitivity and specificity of STC1 mRNA levels to differentiate between patients with NSCLC and patients with benign pulmonary diseases was 66.7 and 90.9%, and it was 63.7 and 99.8% for patients with NSCLC and healthy volunteers, respectively.

Conclusions

These findings support our hypothesis that circulating STC1 mRNA is a promising biomarker in the peripheral blood. J. Surg. Oncol. 2011; 104:836–840. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A meta‐analysis of prospective randomized trials comparing minimally invasive and open distal gastrectomy for cancer
Authors: Zorcolo Luigi , Rosman Alan S. , Pisano Michele , Marcon Francesca , Restivo Angelo , Nigri Giuseppe R. , Fancellu Alessandro , Melis Marcovalerio
Published: June 2011

Current literature suggests that minimally invasive distal gastrectomy (MIDG) may enhance post‐operative recovery and decrease morbidity compared to open surgery (ODG) in patients with gastric cancer. A meta‐analysis of six Prospective Randomized Trials comparing MIDG (343 patients) and ODG (323 patients) for gastric cancer was conducted. MIDG was associated with increased operative time, reduced blood loss and overall morbidity. There was not sufficient data to draw solid conclusions about the oncologic quality of MIDG. J. Surg. Oncol. 2011; 104:544–551. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Functional NBS1 polymorphism is associated with occurrence and advanced disease status of nasopharyngeal carcinoma
Authors: Zheng Jian , Zhang Chun , Jiang Lan , You Yonghe , Liu Yuehui , Lu Jiachun , Zhou Yifeng
Published: June 2011

As a component of the MRN (MRE11/RAD50/NBS1) complex, NBS1 plays an important role in cellular response to DNA damage and the maintenance of chromosomal integrity. The NBS1 E185Q polymorphism (8360G>C, rs1805794) has been frequently studied in some cancers with discordant results, but its association with nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) in Chinese population has not been investigated. Moreover, there is no report about the association between NBS1 3′UTR variant rs2735383 and the risk of NPC. A multiple center case–control analysis was performed to assess the association between NBS1 polymorphisms and NPC risk in Eastern and Southern Chinese population. The genotypes and haplotypes were determined in 1052 cases and 1168 controls and the associations with risk of NPC were estimated by logistic regression. Cell migration assays were performed in 24‐well transwell chambers to detect the effects of NBS1 E185Q SNP on cell migration. We observed significant difference in genotype frequencies at the rs1805794 C/G site between cases and controls (Ptrend < 0.0001). The C allele increases the risk for invasive disease or metastatic disease, compared with G allele. More over, CNE‐2 cells (NPC cell line) transfected with pcDNA‐NBS1‐185Q (8360CC) had significantly higher migration levels than those transfected with pcDNA‐NBS1‐185E (8360GG) (P = 0.024). These findings suggest that E185Q polymorphism in NBS1 may be a genetic modifier for the occurrence and aggression of NPC. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Right‐side and left‐side colon cancer follow different pathways to relapse
Authors: Bauer Kerry M. , Hummon Amanda B. , Buechler Steven
Published: June 2011

There is growing evidence that cancer of the ascending (right‐side) colon is different from cancer of the descending (left‐side) colon at the molecular level. Using microarray data from 102 right‐side colon carcinomas and 95 left‐side colon carcinomas we show that different pathways dominate progression to relapse in right‐side and left‐side colon cancer. Right‐side tumors at a high risk for relapse exhibit elevated expression of cell cycle control genes and elevated Wnt signaling. On the other hand, relapse‐prone left‐side tumors show elevated expression of genes that promote stromal expansion and reduced expression of tumor suppressor genes that initiate Wnt signaling. Single gene prognostic biomarkers are found separately for right‐side and left‐side disease. In left‐side tumors with low expression levels of NADPH oxidase 4 (NOX4) the 5‐yr relapse‐free survival probability is 0.89 95% CI (0.80–0.99), and in tumors with elevated NOX4 expression the probability is 0.51 95% CI (0.37–0.70). Right‐side tumors with elevated expression levels of caudal type homeobox 2 (CDX2) have a 5‐yr relapse‐free survival probability of 0.88 95% CI (0.80–0.96), and those with low CDX2 expression have a corresponding probability of 0.39 95% CI (0.15–0.78). Both NOX4 and CDX2 are much less prognostic on the opposite sides. This newly identified role of NOX4 in colon cancer is further investigated using the SW620 lymph node metastasis colon adenocarcinoma cell line and RNA interference. We show that NOX4 is expressed in the SW620 cell line and that application of NOX4 siRNA causes a significant reduction in reactive oxidative species production. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Investigating Collaborative R&D Using Patent Data: The Case Study of Robot Technology in Japan
Authors: Lechevalier Sébastien , Ikeda Yukio , Nishimura Junichi
Published: June 2011

The growing trend of collaborative R&D initiated by firms has been well documented. However, the evidences regarding basic questions such as the benefits of collaboration and the motives of firms are still mixed. The main novelty of this paper is to investigate these questions by using comprehensive patent data with a focus on information concerning inventors.

We consider the case of robot technology in Japan since early 1990s and get the following results. First, collaboration with external research partners lead to a higher quality of the invention. Second, the determinants and motives, which encourage firms to engage in collaborative research, differ depending on the partner they are collaborating with. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Longitudinal inter‐ and intra‐individual human brain metabolic quantification over 3 years with proton MR spectroscopy at 3 T
Authors: Kirov Ivan I. , George Ilena C. , Jayawickrama Nikhil , Babb James S. , Perry Nissa N. , Gonen Oded
Published: June 2011

The longitudinal repeatability of proton MR spectroscopy (1H‐MRS) in the healthy human brain at high fields over long periods is not established. Therefore, we assessed the inter‐ and intra‐subject repeatability of 1H‐MRS in an approach suited for diffuse pathologies in 10 individuals, at 3T, annually for 3 years. Spectra from 480 voxels over 360 cm3 (∼30%) of the brain, were individually phased, frequency‐aligned, and summed into one average spectrum. This dramatically increases metabolites' signal‐to‐noise‐ratios while maintaining narrow linewidths that improve quantification precision. The resulting concentrations of the N‐acetylaspartate, creatine, choline, and myo‐inositol are: 8.9 ± 0.8, 5.9 ± 0.6, 1.4 ± 0.1, and 4.5 ± 0.5 mM (mean ± standard‐deviation). the inter‐subject coefficients of variation are 8.7%, 10.2%, 10.7%, and 11.8%; and the longitudinal (intra‐subject) coefficients of variation are lower still: 6.6%, 6.8%, 6.8%, and 10%, much better than the 35%, 44%, 55%, and 62% intra‐voxel coefficients of variation. The biological and nonbiological components of the summed spectra coefficients of variation had similar contributions to the overall variance. Magn Reson Med, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Whole‐heart coronary MR angiography with 2D self‐navigated image reconstruction
Authors: Henningsson Markus , Koken Peter , Stehning Christian , Razavi Reza , Prieto Claudia , Botnar René M
Published: June 2011

Several self‐navigation techniques have been proposed to improve respiratory motion compensation in coronary MR angiography. In this work, we implemented a 2D self‐navigation method by using the startup profiles of a whole‐heart balanced Steady‐state free precession sequence, which are primarily used to catalyze the magnetization towards the steady‐state. To create 2D self‐navigation images (2DSN), we added phase encoding gradients to the startup profiles. With this approach we calculated foot–head and left–right motion and performed retrospective translational motion correction. The 2DSN images were reconstructed from 10 startup profiles acquired at the beginning of each shot. Nine healthy subjects were scanned, and the proposed method was compared to a 1D self‐navigation (1DSN) method with foot–head correction only. Foot–head correction was also performed with the diaphragmatic 1D pencil beam navigator (1Dnav) using a tracking factor of 0.6. 2DSN shows improved motion correction compared to 1DSN and 1Dnav for all coronary arteries and all subjects for the investigated diaphragmatic gating window of 10 mm. The visualized vessel length of the right coronary artery could be significantly improved with a multiple targeted 2D self‐navigation approach, compared to 2DSN method. Magn Reson Med, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Quantitative measurement of N‐acetyl‐aspartyl‐glutamate at 3 T using TE‐averaged PRESS spectroscopy and regularized lineshape deconvolution
Authors: Zhang Yan , Li Shizhe , Marenco Stefano , Shen Jun
Published: June 2011

This article introduces regularized lineshape deconvolution in conjunction with TE‐averaged PRESS spectroscopy to measure N‐acetyl‐aspartyl‐glutamate (NAAG). Averaging different echo times suppressed the signals of multiplets from strongly coupled spin systems near 2 ppm; thus, minimizing the interfering signals to detect the acetyl proton signal of NAAG. Signal distortion was corrected by lineshape deconvolution, and Tikhonov regularization was introduced to reduce noise amplification arising from deconvolution; as a result, spectral resolution was enhanced without significantly sacrificing signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR). This new approach was used to measure NAAG in the two regions of interest of healthy volunteers, dominated by gray matter and white matter, respectively. The acetyl proton signal of NAAG was directly quantified by fitting the deconvoluted spectra to a Voigt‐lineshape spectral model function, yielding the NAAG–N‐acetyl‐aspartate (NAA) ratios of 0.11 ± 0.02 for the gray matter voxels (n = 8) and 0.18 ± 0.02 for the white matter voxels (n = 12). Magn Reson Med, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Ta‐based barrier layer of ohmic interconnects for highly reliable GaN HEMTs
Authors: Kamada Yoichi , Okamoto Naoya , Ohki Toshihiro , Kanamura Masahito , Masuda Satoshi , Imanishi Kenji , Shigematsu Hisao , Kikkawa Toshihide , Hara Naoki , Joshin Kazukiyo
Published: June 2011

In this paper, we demonstrated a highly reliable Ta‐based barrier metal between Al‐based ohmic electrodes and Au interconnects for GaN‐based high electron mobility transistors (HEMTs). The thermal stability of various barrier metals including conventional Pt, Ta, TaN, bi‐layer Ta(lower layer)/TaN(upper layer) and bi‐layer TaN(lower layer)/Ta(upper layer) was investigated. After annealing at ambient temperature (Ta) of 450 °C in a nitrogen atmosphere, it was found that bi‐layer Ta/TaN barrier metal showed superior thermal stability of surface morphology and stack layer structure compared to other barrier metals. Furthermore, the reliability of the Ta/TaN applied GaN HEMT and the Pt applied one were investigated at Tj of 315 °C in the pinch‐off state (Vgs = ‐5 V, Vds = 50 V). Though the device with Pt barrier metal showed a nearly 50% reduction in maximum saturation drain current (Imax) within 34 hours, no reduction in Imax was observed for 482 hours in the device with the Ta/TaN barrier met al. Based on TEM‐EDX analysis, it was found that Au and Al inter‐diffusion could be completely suppressed by the Ta/TaN barrier metal (© 2011 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Surface recombination of hexagonal GaN crystals
Authors: Onuma Takeyoshi , Sakai Naoyuki , Okuhata Takashi , Yamaguchi Atsushi A. , Honda Tohru
Published: June 2011

The influences of the surface recombination on the emission properties of the freestanding GaN with different polarity (+c and –c orientations) and forms were investigated. The time‐resolved photoluminescence measurements for the GaN pieces fabricated by cleaving the substrate indicated that the increase in surface/volume ratio leaded to the increase in the surface recombination rate even at low temperature. The excitation power density dependent photoluminescence measurements on as‐received and buffered hydrofluoric acid treated c ‐plane GaN surfaces indicated that the surface band bending was closely related to the surface recombination processes. (© 2011 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Quaternary barriers for improved performance of GaN‐based HEMTs
Authors: Lim Taek , Aidam Rolf , Waltereit Patrick , Pletschen Wilfried , Quay Rüdiger , Kirste Lutz , Ambacher and Oliver
Published: June 2011

Nearly lattice‐matched InAlGaN‐barriers for GaN‐based high electron mobility transistors (HEMTs) have been grown by molecular beam epitaxy (MBE). Hall measurements reveal a sheet carrier density of 1.9 × 1013 cm‐2 and a mobility of 1590 cm2/Vs. HEMTs have been processed from both InAlGaN‐barrier and conventional AlGaN‐barrier heterostructures. The devices with quaternary barrier show advantages in both DC and RF characteristics including a HEMT with 150 nm gate length, a current density of 2.3 A/mm and a peak transconductance of 675 mS/mm (Lim et al., IEEE Electron Device Lett. 31, 671 (2010) [1]). On the other hand, the transistors with ternary barrier exhibit significantly better pinch‐off behaviour and lower gate leakage currents. These issues have been successfully addressed in a second process run by improving the MBE growth of InAlGaN and by adding a GaN cap layer to the HEMT heterostructure (© 2011 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Realization of two‐dimensional electron gas in AlGaN/GaN HEMT structure grown on Si(111) by PA‐MBE
Authors: Dharmarasu N. , Radhakrishnan K. , Sun Z. Z. , Agrawal M.
Published: June 2011

We report on the growth and characterization of AlN, GaN and AlGaN/GaN HEMT structure on 100‐mm Si (111) by PA‐MBE. AlN and GaN layers were grown as function of metal fluxes at a constant active nitrogen supply. Smooth surface morphology was achieved with metal rich growth conditions. Electrical properties of GaN were investigated as a function of Ga‐flux. For the first time, the presence of 2DEG is demonstrated in AlGaN/GaN HEMT structure on Si (111) substrate by PA‐MBE. A high electron mobility of 1100 cm2/V.sec is obtained with a sheet carrier density of 9 × 1012 cm‐2 (© 2011 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Dust impact on the West African heat low in summertime
Authors: Lavaysse Christophe , Chaboureau Jean‐Pierre , Flamant Cyrille
Published: June 2011

The impact of dust on a six‐day pulsation of the West African heat low (WAHL) in summertime (14–20 July 2006) is investigated, with convective rainfall and dust bursts being observed over the Sahel at the beginning and end of the episode. Three Meso‐NH simulations were designed which differed in their dust representation. All the simulations capture the variation in the WAHL intensity well, including the simulation without any dust effects. This shows the primary role of large‐scale forcing on the WAHL pulsation. In spite of additional daytime heating and night‐time cooling effects over the Sahara, the simulation with dust climatology resembles the simulation without any dust effects. In contrast, the simulation using a prognostic dust scheme enhances alternating northward advection of warm and dry air and southward advection of cold and wet air associated with the propagation of an African easterly wave, leading to a strengthening of the WAHL variabilities. This study highlights two effects of dust on the WAHL over the Sahara: a so‐called direct effect associated with dust radiative heating, which increases the WAHL thickness, and a so‐called indirect effect that intensifies both the African easterly jet and a related African easterly wave. Copyright © 2011 Royal Meteorological Society
LONG‐TERM IMPLICATIONS OF DAM REMOVAL FOR MACROINVERTEBRATE COMMUNITIES IN MICHIGAN AND WISCONSIN RIVERS, UNITED STATES
Authors: Hansen Jonathan F. , Hayes Daniel B.
Published: June 2011

The removal of the numerous ageing dams in the United States has become an important stream restoration technique. The extent to which the ecological damage done to streams by dams is reversed upon removal is unknown, especially on decadal time scales. The objectives of this study were to determine if macroinvertebrate assemblages within rivers recover following the removal of a dam and to estimate the time needed for recovery. A space‐for‐time substitution approach was used on eight rivers in various stages of recovery following a dam removal, ranging from <1 to 40 years post‐removal. Within each river, macroinvertebrates were sampled in a zone unaffected by the dam removal (reference zone) and two zones impacted by the dam removal (former impoundment and downstream zone). Insects were identified to the family level and placed into functional feeding groups. Various macroinvertebrate community metrics were compared between impacted and unimpacted zones to evaluate the extent of recovery, and plotted over time since removal to develop a temporal trajectory of recovery. Generally, the macroinvertebrate community recovered 3–7 years following removal both in terms of taxonomic similarity and richness, although densities could take decades to recover. Dam removals are a beneficial restoration technique, yet the recovery of important stream components can be variable and may take longer than previous research has suggested. Having realistic expectations of the ecological ramifications of dam removal efforts is paramount in ensuring the success and thus potential of future projects. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Multiwall carbon nano‐onions induce DNA damage and apoptosis in human umbilical vein endothelial cells
Authors: Xu Yuying , Wang Shuang‐Ying , Yang Jie , Gu Xiaomin , Zhang Jun , Zheng Yi‐Fan , Yang Jun , Xu Lihong , Zhu Xin‐Qiang
Published: June 2011

Growing evidence has indicated the potential adverse effects on cardiovascular system of some nanomaterials, including fullerenes. In this study, we have evaluated the biological effects of multiwall carbon nano‐onions (MWCNOs) (average size of 31.2 nm, ζ potential of 1.6 mV) on human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). It was found that MWCNOs exhibited a dose‐dependent inhibitory effect on cell growth; EC50 was 44.12 μg/mL. Thus, three concentrations were chosen (0.2, 1, and 5 μg/mL) for further experiments. Flow cytometry analysis revealed that 1 and 5 μg/mL MWCNOs could induce apoptosis in HUVECs, the apoptotic rates were 12% and 24% at 24 h after exposure. On the other hand, MWCNOs did not affect the cell cycle distribution during 24 h period. Using γH2AX foci formation as an indicator for DNA damage, it was shown that 5 μg/mL MWCNOs can induce γH2AX foci formation in HUVECs at 6, 12, and 24 h after treatment, whereas 0.2 μg/mL MWCNOs induced γH2AX foci formation only at 6 h after treatment. In addition, all three concentrations of MWCNOs induced the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), and inhibition of ROS generation can partially decrease the γH2AX foci formation induced by MWCNOs. Taken together, these data first suggested that MWCNOs can induce DNA damage and apoptosis in HUVECs, and that ROS might be involved in this process. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol 28: 442–450, 2013.
Synthesis, Spectroscopic Studies and Crystal Structures of [Et2Sn(O2AsMe2)2] and [Ph2Sn(O2AsMe2)(μ‐OMe)]2
Authors: Shihada Abdel‐Fattah , Weller Frank
Published: June 2011

[Et2Sn(O2AsMe2)2] (1) and [Ph2Sn(O2AsMe2)(μ‐OMe)]2 (2) were synthesized by treatment of Et2SnO and Ph2SnS with HO2AsMe2 in Methanol, respectively. The compounds were characterized by elemental analyses, vibrational spectroscopy and mass spectrometry. According to X‐ray diffraction measurements compound 1 crystallizes monoclinic in space group P21/n with cell parameters a = 804.89(3), b = 987.11(5), c = 966.42(4) pm, β = 113.354(3)°. The unit cell parameters of 2, which crystallizes in the same space group, are a = 974.4(1), b = 1463.3(1), c = 1228.9(1) pm, β = 111.324(3)°. The (SnOAsO)4 rings of 1 are linked and form a two‐dimensional network with the SnEt groups pointing into the holes of the next layer. Compound 2 occurs as a dimer with internal Sn(OMe)2Sn bridges in the (SnOAsO)2 rings. The vibrational and mass spectra are given and discussed.
A variant near the melanocortin-4 receptor gene regulates postprandial lipid metabolism in a healthy Caucasian population
Authors: Perez-Martinez Pablo , Garcia-Rios Antonio , Delgado-Lista Javier , Delgado-Casado Nieves , Malagon Maria M. , Marin Carmen , Gomez-Luna Purificacion , Caballero Javier , Perez-Jimenez Francisco , Lopez-Miranda Jose
Published: June 2011

The melanocortin-4 receptor (MC4R) is an essential regulator of food intake and energy homeostasis. Previous data suggest an influence of MC4R activity on TAG levels. Thus, the aim of the present study was to determine whether the presence of the rs12970134 polymorphism near theMC4Rgene could influence postprandial lipoprotein metabolism in healthy subjects. A total of eighty-eight volunteers were selected, fifty-three homozygous for the common genotype (G/G) and thirty-five carriers for the minor A-allele (G/A and A/A). They were given a fat-rich meal containing 1 g fat and 7 mg cholesterol/kg body weight and vitamin A (60 000 IU/m2body surface). Fat accounted for 60 % of energy, and protein and carbohydrates accounted for 15 and 25 % of energy, respectively. Blood samples were taken at time 0, every 1 h until 6 h and every 2·5 h until 11 h. Total cholesterol and TAG in plasma, and cholesterol, TAG and retinyl palmitate in TAG-rich lipoproteins (TRL, large and small TRL) were separated by ultracentrifugation. Individuals carrying the G/G genotype displayed a higher postprandial response of plasma TAG (P = 0·033), total cholesterol (P = 0·019) and large TRL–TAG (P = 0·023) than did carriers of the minor A-allele. Furthermore, G/G subjects showed a greater postprandial response of small TRL–apoB48 than did carriers of the A-allele (P = 0·032). These results suggest that the rs12970134 polymorphism near theMC4Rgene region may partly explain the inter-individual differences in postprandial lipoprotein response in healthy subjects.
Why Do Firms Form New Banking Relationships?
Authors: Gopalan Radhakrishnan , Udell Gregory F. , Yerramilli Vijay
Published: June 2011

Using a large loan sample from 1990 to 2006, we examine why firms form new banking relationships. Small public firms that do not have existing relationships with large banks are more likely to form new banking relationships. On average, firms obtain higher loan amounts when they form new banking relationships, while small firms also experience an increase in sales growth, capital expenditure, leverage, analyst coverage, and public debt issuance subsequently. Our findings suggest that firms form new banking relationships to expand their access to credit and capital market services, and highlight an important cost of exclusive banking relationships.