bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Real-World Anti-Tumor Necrosis Factor Treatment in Rheumatoid Arthritis, Psoriatic Arthritis, and Ankylosing Spondylitis: Cost-Effectiveness Based on Number Needed to Treat to Improve Health Assessment Questionnaire
Authors: BARRA LILLIAN , POPE JANET E. , PAYNE MICHAEL
Published: June 2009

Objective.

To determine the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of anti-tumor necrosis factor (anti-TNF) medications in a real-world environment for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), psoriatic arthritis (PsA), and ankylosing spondylitis (AS) using the Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ).

Methods.

We created a database of patients with RA, PsA, or AS treated with anti-TNF agents (etanercept, infliximab, or adalimumab) at a large outpatient rheumatology clinic. Patient characteristics, baseline HAQ prior to treatment, subsequent yearly HAQ, and reasons for termination were collected. The cost based on percentage of patients achieving ≥ 0.2 improvement in HAQ (minimal clinically important difference, MCID) was calculated using the 2008 direct cost (Cdn) of the medication.

Results.

Data were available on 297 patients (206 with RA, 57 PsA, 34 AS). The mean age was 55 years, with 12 years of disease, and the mean baseline HAQ (standard error, SE) was 1.37 (0.04). The changes in HAQ (SE) at Years 1, 2, and 3 were −0.31 (0.04), −0.24 (0.06), and −0.27 (0.07) for annual cost to achieve MCID of $41,636, $42,077, and $42,147, respectively. The number needed to treat (NNT) was 1.94 (RA), 1.88 (PsA), and 2.30 (AS). There were no statistical differences between the diseases studied.

Conclusion.

We obtained data on the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of anti-TNF drugs using the HAQ score, which is known to be an excellent predictor of work disability, morbidity, and mortality. HAQ scores decreased with treatment and were sustained throughout the 3–5 years of followup. The NNT of approximately 2 seems favorable and was similar between diseases.
Silicon Nanowires: A Review on Aspects of their Growth and their Electrical Properties
Authors: Schmidt Volker , Wittemann Joerg V. , Senz Stephan , Gösele Ulrich
Published: June 2009

This paper summarizes some of the essential aspects of silicon‐nanowire growth and of their electrical properties. In the first part, a brief description of the different growth techniques is given, though the general focus of this work is on chemical vapor deposition of silicon nanowires. The advantages and disadvantages of the different catalyst materials for silicon‐wire growth are discussed at length. Thereafter, in the second part, three thermodynamic aspects of silicon‐wire growth via the vapor–liquid–solid mechanism are presented and discussed. These are the expansion of the base of epitaxially grown Si wires, a stability criterion regarding the surface tension of the catalyst droplet, and the consequences of the Gibbs–Thomson effect for the silicon wire growth velocity. The third part is dedicated to the electrical properties of silicon nanowires. First, different silicon nanowire doping techniques are discussed. Attention is then focused on the diameter dependence of dopant ionization and the influence of interface trap states on the charge carrier density in silicon nanowires. It is concluded by a section on charge carrier mobility and mobility measurements.
Dynamic Nuclear Polarization with a Rigid Biradical
Authors: Matsuki Yoh , Maly Thorsten , Ouari Olivier , Karoui Hakim , Le Moigne François , Rizzato Egon , Lyubenova Sevdalina , Herzfeld Judith , Prisner Thomas , Tordo Paul , Griffin Robert G.
Published: June 2009

Eine starre Spirobrückeverknüpft zwei 2,2,6,6‐Tetramethylpiperidin‐1‐oxyl(TEMPO)‐Einheiten in einem neuen diradikalischen Polarisierungsmittel für DNP‐Experimente. Die beobachteten NMR‐Signalintensitäten sind 1.4mal größer als für TOTAPOL, ein zuvor beschriebenes Diradikal aus zwei TEMPO‐Einheiten und einer flexiblen Brücke.

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Comparison of Cyanide and Carbon Monoxide as Ligands in Iron(II) Porphyrinates
Authors: Li Jianfeng , Noll Bruce C. , Schulz Charles E. , Scheidt W. Robert
Published: June 2009

Spot the difference: The five‐coordinate iron(II) cyanoporphyrinates, which are spin‐crossover compounds, can be used to synthesize previously unknown six‐coordinate complexes. Bis(cyano) and (cyano)imidazole complexes are presented, and the five‐ and six‐coordinate (cyano)iron(II) derivatives are compared with analogous CO complexes.

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The motile cilium in development and disease: emerging new insights
Authors: Roy Sudipto
Published: June 2009

In this paper, I review a collection of recently published papers that have provided significant new information about the biogenesis and functions of motile cilia. In vertebrates, the activity of motile cilia has been associated with a fascinating diversity of developmental and physiological processes. Despite the importance, much remains to be learned about the genetic control and cellular events that are involved in the differentiation of motile cilia. We also need to better understand the mechanisms by which cilia‐driven fluid flow is able to influence such a variety of developmental and physiological processes. The Foxj1 family of proteins has now been definitively established as master regulators of motile ciliogenesis.1,2 Identification of the Kintoun/PF13 protein has shed light on the assembly of dynein arms,3 whereas live imaging of ciliary motility has led to the discovery of an intriguing new role for motile cilia in otolith formation in the ear.4
Measures of Disassortativeness and their Application to Directly Transmitted Infections
Authors: Farrington C. P. , Whitaker H. J. , Wallinga J. , Manfredi P.
Published: June 2009

We propose a measure of disassortativeness to summarize contact patterns relevant to the transmission of directly transmitted infections. We discuss the properties of this measure, describe standardization relative to homogeneous mixing, and generalize it to multivariate contact structures. We explore some of its properties and apply our methods to serological surveys of close contact infections and surveys of self‐reported social contacts obtained in several European countries.
Flow‐through imaging cytometry for characterization of Salmonella subpopulations in alfalfa sprouts, a complex food system
Authors: Bisha Bledar , Brehm‐Stecher Byron F.
Published: June 2009

We recently developed an approach combining fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) and flow cytometry for detecting low levels of Salmonella spp. (∼103 cells/mL sprout wash) against high levels of naturally occurring sprout flora (∼107–108 CFU/g sprouts). Although this “FISH and flow” approach provided rapid presence/absence testing for Salmonella in this complex food system, it was not capable of more nuanced tasks, such as probing the phenotypic complexity of the microbes present in sprouts or determining the physical interactions of Salmonella with these microbes, or with sprout debris. In the present study, we have combined rapid FISH‐based labeling of Salmonella spp. in sprout washes with flow‐through imaging cytometry (FT‐IC), using the ImageStream® 100, a commercial FT‐IC instrument. This approach enables image‐based characterization of various subpopulations of interest occurring within these samples. Here, we demonstrate the ability of FT‐IC to unambiguously identify cells, cell aggregates and other events within these subpopulations based on both cell morphology and hybridization status after reaction with a Salmonella‐targeted probe cocktail. Our ability to directly explore the nature of these events expands the layers of information possible from cytometric analyses of these complex samples and clearly demonstrates that “a picture is worth a thousand dots”.
Modification of protein crystal packing by systematic mutations of surface residues: Implications on biotemplating and crystal porosity
Authors: Wine Yariv , Cohen‐Hadar Noa , Lamed Raphael , Freeman Amihay , Frolow Felix
Published: June 2009

Bioinspired nano‐scale biotemplating for the development of novel composite materials has recently culminated in several demonstrations of nano‐structured hybrid materials. Protein crystals, routinely prepared for the elucidation of protein 3D structures by X‐ray crystallography, present an ordered and highly accurate 3D array of protein molecules. Inherent to the 3D arrangement of the protein “building blocks” in the crystal, a complementary 3D array of interconnected cavities—voids array, exhibiting highly ordered porosity is formed. The porous arrays of protein crystal may serve as a nano‐structured, accurate biotemplate by a “filling” process. These cavities arrays are shaped by the mode of protein packing throughout the crystallization process. Here we propose and demonstrate feasibility of targeting site specific mutations to modify protein's surface to affect protein crystal packing, enabling the generation of a series of protein crystal “biotemplates” all originating from same parent protein. The selection of these modification sites was based on in silico analysis of protein–protein interface contact areas in the parent crystal. The model protein selected for this study was the N‐terminal type II cohesin from the cellulosomal scaffold in ScaB subunit of Acetivibrio cellulolyticus and mutations were focused on lysine residues involved in protein packing as prime target. The impact of systematically mutating these lysine residues on protein packing and its resulting interconnected cavities array were found to be most significant when surface lysine residues were substituted to tryptophan residues. Our results demonstrate the feasibility of using pre‐designed site directed mutations for the generation of a series of protein crystal biotemplates from a “parent” protein. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2009; 104: 444–457 © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Flow, Solidification, and Solute Transport in a Continuous Casting Mold with Electromagnetic Brake
Authors: Lei H. , Zhang H.‐W. , He J.‐C.
Published: June 2009

A three‐dimensional mathematical model is developed to study coupled turbulent flow, heat, solute transport, and solidification in a slab continuous caster with electromagnetic brake. Based on the analogy analysis, all the governing equations can be expressed as a general differential equation and be solved by a general numerical method. Numerical results show that a small corner‐vortex appears near the free surface due to the interaction between the moving solidified shell and the upward flow. Influenced by the fluid flow, the temperature and solute distribution can also be divided into the upper and lower recirculation zones but the distribution of carbon concentration is opposite to that of temperature. The three‐dimensional magnetic field can effectively damp the local flow and affect heat and solute transfer in the mold.
Mechanical dynamics of single cells during early apoptosis
Authors: Pelling Andrew E. , Veraitch Farlan S. , Chu Carol Pui‐Kei , Mason Chris , Horton Michael A.
Published: June 2009

Dynamic mechanical properties of cells are becoming recognized as indicators and regulators of physiological processes such as differentiation, malignant phenotypes and mitosis. A key process in development and homeostasis is apoptosis and whilst the molecular control over this pathway is well studied, little is known about the mechanical consequences of cell death. Here, we study the caspase‐dependent mechanical kinetics of single cells during early apoptosis initiated with the general protein‐kinase inhibitor staurosporine. This results in internal remodelling of the cytoskeleton and nucleus which is reflected in dynamic changes in the mechanical properties of the cell. Utilizing simultaneous confocal and atomic force microscopy (AFM), we measured distinct mechanical dynamics in the instantaneous cellular Young's Modulus and longer timescale viscous deformation. This allowed us to visualize time‐dependent nuclear and cytoskeletal control of force dissipation with fluorescent fusion proteins throughout the cell. This work reveals that the cell death program not only orchestrates biochemical dynamics but also controls the mechanical breakdown of the cell. Importantly, the consequences of mechanical disregulation during apoptosis may be a contributing factor to several human pathologies through the poorly timed release of dead cells and cell debris. Cell Motil. Cytoskeleton 66: 409–422, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Hierarchical algorithm of composite element containing drainage holes
Authors: Chen Sheng‐Hong , Qin Nan , Xu Gui‐Sheng , Shahrour Isam
Published: June 2009

The hierarchical composite element algorithm is developed for drainage holes in rock masses. The composite elements containing drainage hole segments have definite sets of hydraulic potentials defined at their nodes. By the variational principle the governing equation for the solution of the nodal hydraulic potentials can be formulated. To deal with the complicated seepage pattern in the composite elements containing drainage hole segments, hierarchical shape functions are introduced. The method and algorithm have been implemented in the program. A comparative study using the finite element (FE) method with fine mesh and the composite element method (CEM) with simple mesh for pressure well problem has been carried out. The results show that as the upgrade of the shape function order, the calculation accuracy of the CEM can be improved even with a coarse mesh. The restraints of the drainage holes on the composite element mesh generation are therefore further reduced by the algorithm proposed in this paper. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Deforming DNA: From Physics to Biology
Authors: Prévost Chantal , Takahashi Masayuki , Lavery Richard
Published: June 2009

DNA molecules do the twist: The DNA double helix is a remarkably adaptable molecule that can undergo major conformational rearrangements without being irreversibly damaged. Indeed, DNA deformation is an intrinsic feature of many biological processes. In this Minireview, the authors summarize recent advances in the study of DNA deformation. The picture shows five different conformations of the double helix of DNA.

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The DNA double helix has become a modern icon which symbolizes our understanding of the molecular basis of life. It is less widely recognized that the double helix proposed by Watson and Crick more than half a century ago is a remarkably adaptable molecule that can undergo major conformational rearrangements without being irreversibly damaged. Indeed, DNA deformation is an intrinsic feature of many of the biological processes in which it is involved. Over the last two decades, single‐molecule experiments coupled with molecular modeling have transformed our understanding of DNA flexibility, while the accumulation of high‐resolution structures of DNA–protein complexes have demonstrated how organisms can exploit this property as a useful feature for preserving, reading, replicating, and packaging the genetic message. In this Minireview we summarize the information now available on the extreme—and the less extreme—deformations of the double helix.
Initiated CVD of Poly(2‐Hydroxyethyl Methacrylate) Hydrogels: Synthesis, Characterization and In‐vitro Biocompatibility
Authors: Bose Ranjita K. , Lau Kenneth K. S.
Published: June 2009

Initiated (i)CVD, an all‐dry, one‐step surface polymerization technique, was used to synthesize thin film hydrogels of poly (2‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate) (PHEMA). Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopies showed stoichiometric PHEMA films obtained by iCVD. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) revealed a high glass transition temperature, indicative of high molecular mass polymer. In‐vitro cell studies using adult human dermal fibroblasts (HDF) demonstrated the nontoxic nature and good cell adhesion properties of iCVD PHEMA films.
Neuroimaging in pediatric traumatic brain injury: Current and future predictors of functional outcome
Authors: Suskauer Stacy J. , Huisman Thierry A.G.M.
Published: June 2009

Although neuroimaging has long played a role in the acute management of pediatric traumatic brain injury (TBI), until recently, its use as a tool for understanding and predicting long‐term brain‐behavior relationships after TBI has been limited by the relatively poor sensitivity of routine clinical imaging for detecting diffuse axonal injury (DAI). Newer magnetic resonance‐based imaging techniques demonstrate improved sensitivity to DAI. Early research suggests that these techniques hold promise for identifying imaging predictors and correlates of chronic function, both globally and within specific neuropsychological domains. In this review, we describe the principles of new, advanced imaging techniques including diffusion weighted and diffusion tensor imaging, susceptibility weighted imaging, and 1H‐magnetic resonance spectroscopy. In addition, we summarize current research demonstrating their early success in establishing relationships between imaging measures and functional outcomes after TBI. With the ongoing research, these imaging techniques may allow earlier identification of possible chronic sequelae of tissue injury for each child with TBI, thereby facilitating efficacy and efficiency in delivering successful rehabilitation services. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc. Dev Disabil Res Rev 2009;15:117–123.
Changes in hyporesponsiveness to acute amphetamine and age differences in tyrosine hydroxylase immunoreactivity in the brain over adolescence in male and female rats
Authors: Mathews Iva Z. , Waters Patti , McCormick Cheryl M.
Published: June 2009

We investigated hyposensitivity after amphetamine in early (postnatal Day 30; P30) and late (P45) adolescent rats compared to adults (P70) in experiment 1. Locomotor activity was measured for 1 hr after the first (acute) and second (24 hr later) injection of amphetamine (0.5 or 1.5 mg/kg). P30 and P45 rats were transiently hypoactive compared to adults, as indicated by reduced locomotor activity after acute amphetamine and enhanced activity after the second injection in adolescents only. In experiment 2, ovariectomy did not alter locomotor activity during habituation at any age compared to intact rats, and, as for intact adolescents, ovariectomized adolescents continued to be less active after amphetamine than adults, suggesting gonadal immaturity alone cannot account for age differences in experiment 1. However, ovariectomy attenuated the increase in activity after the second treatment. In experiment 3 involving untreated rats, tyrosine hydroxylase immunoreactivity was reduced in P30, P40, and P50 compared to P90 rats in the nucleus accumbens core and the medial prefrontal cortex. Thus, adolescents may have an increased threshold of behavioral activation that can be overcome with either a higher dose or with repeated amphetamine treatment, and may be related to changes in the dopamine system over development. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Dev Psychobiol 51: 417–428, 2009.
Linking upstream channel instability to downstream degradation: Grenada Lake and the Skuna and Yalobusha River Basins, Mississippi
Authors: Bennett Sean J. , Rhoton Fred E.
Published: June 2009

Unstable fluvial systems are characterized by actively migrating knickpoints, incising channel beds, failing banks, and recruitment of large woody debris and it would appear that river corridors downstream of these processes would be adversely affected or impaired because of higher fluxes of sediment and other riverine products. In north‐central Mississippi, the Yalobusha River is one such system and the characteristics of two downstream locations are examined to explore this geomorphic linkage between upstream instability and downstream degradation. For the large woody debris plug along the Yalobusha River, it is found that (1) the deposit is composed mostly of sand covered with a veneer of silt and clay, (2) agrichemicals and enriched concentrations of elements are prevalent, and (3) excessive sedimentation and wood accumulation have forced river flow entirely out‐of‐bank. For Grenada Lake, it is found that (1) the impounded sediment is predominantly clay, (2) agrichemicals and elements observed throughout the reservoir show no spatial variation, (3) little difference exists in the amount and quality between the sediments deposited in Skuna and Yalobusha River arms, and (4) only a small fraction of the reservoir's storage capacity has been lost because of sedimentation. While excessive sedimentation and large woody debris recruitment have had a marked affect on stream corridor function in the area of the debris plug, the high sediment loads associated with the unstable portions of the Yalobusha River and their associated products have not been communicated to Grenada Lake. The fish consumption advisories within Grenada Lake and its tributaries due to bioaccumulated trace elements and agrichemicals, appear to be independent of the pervasive river channel instability occurring upstream. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Modelling variable source area dynamics in a CEAP watershed
Authors: Dahlke Helen E. , Easton Zachary M. , Fuka Daniel R. , Lyon Steve W. , Steenhuis Tammo S.
Published: June 2009

In the Northeast US, saturation excess is the most dominant runoff process and locations of runoff source areas, typically called variable source areas (VSAs), are determined by the available soil water storage and the landscape topographic position. To predict runoff generated from VSAs some water quality models use the Soil Conservation Service Curve Number equation (SCS‐CN), which assumes a constant initial abstraction of rainfall is retained by the watershed prior to the beginning of runoff. We apply a VSA interpretation of the SCS‐CN runoff equation that allows the initial abstraction to vary with antecedent moisture conditions. We couple this modified SCS‐CN approach with a semi‐distributed water balance model to predict runoff, and distribute predictions using a soil topographic index for the Town Brook watershed in the Catskill Mountains of New York State. The accuracy of predicted VSA extents using both the original and the modified SCS‐CN equation were evaluated for 14 rainfall‐runoff events through a comparison with average water table depths measured at 33 locations in Town Brook from March–September 2004. The modified SCS‐CN equation captured VSA dynamics more accurately than the original equation. However, during events with high antecedent rainfall VSA dynamics were still under‐predicted suggesting that VSA runoff is not captured solely by knowledge of the soil water deficit. Considering the importance of correctly predicting runoff generation and pollutant source areas in the landscape, the results of this study demonstrate the feasibility of integrating VSA hydrology into water quality models to reduce non‐point source pollution. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Mre11 inhibition by oncolytic adenovirus associates with autophagy and underlies synergy with ionizing radiation
Authors: Rajecki Maria , Hällström Taija af , Hakkarainen Tanja , Nokisalmi Petri , Hautaniemi Sampsa , Nieminen Anni I. , Tenhunen Mikko , Rantanen Ville , Desmond Reneé A. , Chen Dung‐Tsa , Guse Kilian , Stenman Ulf‐Håkan , Gargini Ricardo , Kapanen Mika , Klefström Juha , Kanerva Anna , Pesonen Sari , Ahtiainen Laura , Hemminki Akseli
Published: June 2009

New treatment approaches are needed for hormone refractory prostate cancer. Oncolytic adenoviruses are promising anti‐cancer agents, and their efficacy can be improved by combining with conventional therapies such as ionizing radiation. The aim of this study was to determine the timing of oncolytic adenovirus treatment with regard to radiation and study the mechanisms of synergy in combination treatment. Prostate cancer cells were infected with oncolytic adenoviruses, irradiated and synergy mechanisms were assessed. In vivo models of combination treatment were tested. Radiation and oncolytic viruses were synergistic when viral infection was scheduled 24 hr after irradiation. Combination of oncolytic adenovirus with radiotherapy significantly increased antitumor efficacy in vivo compared to either agent alone. Microarray analysis showed dysregulated pathways including cell cycle, mTOR and antigen processing pathways. Functional analysis showed that adenoviral infection was accompanied with degradation of proteins involved in DNA break repair. Mre11 was degraded for subsequent inactivation of Chk2‐Thr68 in combination treated cells, while γH2AX‐Ser139 was elevated implicating the persistence of DNA double strand breaks. Increased autophagocytosis was seen in combination treated cells. Combination treatment did not increase apoptosis or virus replication. The results provide evidence of the antitumor efficacy of combining oncolytic adenoviruses with irradiation as a therapeutic strategy for the treatment of prostate cancer. Further, these findings propose a molecular mechanism that may be important in radiation induced cell death, autophagy and viral cytopathic effect. © 2009 UICC
Challenging the model minority myth: Engaging Asian American students in research on Asian American college student experiences
Authors: Suyemoto Karen L. , Kim Grace S. , Tanabe Miwa , Tawa John , Day Stephanie C.
Published: June 2009

Using students as researchers can yield useful empirical data and result in a plethora of benefits for students, researchers, and institutions.
Critical race theory and research on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders in higher education
Authors: Teranishi Robert T. , Behringer Laurie B. , Grey Emily A. , Parker Tara L.
Published: June 2009

Critical race theory can be a useful alternative framework for understanding Asian American and Pacific Islander populations in higher education.
Reclamation problems for the area of a former borehole sulphur mine with particular reference to soil air properties
Authors: Bryk M. , Kołodziej B.
Published: June 2009

In order to select appropriate methods of reclamation of anthropogenic soil in the area of the former ‘Jeziórko’ borehole mine, the air capacity and air permeability of the soil were measured. A field covering an area of 6·25 ha in which the former mining boreholes were only eliminated and no other reclamation treatments carried out was chosen for the study. The control stand was located in phytocoenosis Querco‐Fagetea situated in the vicinity of the sulphur mine, but outside the area of direct mining activities on Haplic Gleysol. Samples were collected from 0–10, 10–20 and 20–30 cm layers in 25 equally distributed locations of anthropogenic soil and 1 of natural soil. The soil water‐air properties at the soil water potential of −9·81 kPa and at the potential at the time of soil collection (the so‐called actual state) were determined. Spatial relations in the capacity and air permeability observation series were assessed for post‐industrial soil by geostatistical methods. Kriging with a linear variogram was used. Geostatistical analysis made mapping of the air properties of heterogenic soil cover in the study area possible. Non‐reclaimed soils of the experimental field were characterized by faulty aeration resulting from a relatively low air capacity and, additionally, insufficient air permeability. The important objective of reclamation should be the homogenisation of the reconstructed soil in order to achieve equally good soil structure and air conditions favourable for vegetation within the whole investigated area. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Characterization of two Roman coins from an archaeological site in Portugal
Authors: Mata A. L. , Salta M. M. L. , Neto M. M. M. , Mendonça M. H. , Fonseca I. T. E.
Published: June 2009

This paper reports a study carried out on two Roman coins found in the archaeological site of São Pedro, in Fronteira (Alentejo, Portugal). One coin was in a quite well preserved state, allowing its reading and historical identification, while the other was quite deteriorated and its reading difficult. The coins have been identified as: an Antoninianus of Galilenus (267–268 A.D.) and an AE 3 (337–340 A.D.) in which is impossible to identify the emperor. Energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) has given the following average composition: 42%C + 30%O + 12%Cu + 1%Ag + 2%Sn + 4%Pb + 6%Si and 17%C + 31%O + 5%Cu + 7%Pb + 27%Fe + 5%Si, for the outer layers of the Antoninianus and of the AE 3, respectively. The exact substrate composition of the AE 3 could be determined: 84%Cu + 10%Pb + 2%Ag + 2%Sn + 2%Fe. The chemical composition found for the AE 3 is consistent with historical investigations, since silver‐plated Cu–Pb–Sn alloys was the material used in the production of the AE 3. X‐ray powder diffraction spectroscopy (XRD) has identified as possible crystalline compounds: a mixture of two silicates, namely the lead aluminium silicate, Pb4Al4Si3O16, and the lead copper silicate, Pb8Cu(Si2O7)3, pyromorphite, Pb5(PO4)3Cl, on the Antoninianus and only oxides, namely Cu2O, and iron oxides, Fe2O3 and/Fe3O4, on the AE 3 outer layer. The chemical composition of the corrosion products is related with the soil composition, a sandy neutral soil, rich in P, Mn, Si, K, Fe and organic matter (9%). The hydrogeological context plays also its role on the formation of the corrosion products.
On the complex oscillation theory of f ″ + A (z)f = 0 where A (z) is analytic in the unit disc
Authors: Cao Ting‐Bin , Yi Hong‐Xun
Published: June 2009

In this paper, we investigate the complex oscillation theory of the second order linear differential equation

f ″ + A (z)f = 0,

where the coefficient A (z) is an analytic function in the unit disc Δ = {z: |z | < 1} (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Phase contrast ultrashort TE: A more reliable technique for measurement of high‐velocity turbulent stenotic jets
Authors: O'Brien Kieran R. , Myerson Saul G. , Cowan Brett R. , Young Alistair A. , Robson Matthew D.
Published: June 2009

Accurate measurement of peak velocity is critical to the assessment of patients with stenotic valvular disease. Conventional phase contrast (PC) methods for imaging high‐velocity jets in aortic stenosis are susceptible to intravoxel dephasing signal loss, which can result in unreliable measurements. The most effective method for reducing intravoxel dephasing is to shorten the echo time (TE); however, the amount that TE can be shortened in conventional sequences is limited. A new sequence incorporating velocity‐dependent slice excitation and ultrashort TE (UTE) centric radial readout trajectories is proposed that reduces TE from 2.85 to 0.65 ms. In a high‐velocity stenotic jet phantom, a conventional sequence had >5% flow error at a flow rate of only 400 mL/s (velocity >358 cm/s), whereas the PC‐UTE showed excellent agreement (<5% error) at much higher flow rates (1080 mL/s, 965 cm/s). In vivo feasibility studies demonstrated that by measuring velocity over a shorter time the PC‐UTE approach is more robust to intravoxel dephasing signal loss. It also has less inherent higher‐order motion encoding. This sequence therefore demonstrates potential as a more robust method for measuring peak velocity and flow in high‐velocity turbulent stenotic jets. Magn Reson Med, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The epigenetic regulators Bmi1 and Ring1B are differentially regulated in pancreatitis and pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma
Authors: Martínez‐Romero Carles , Rooman Ilse , Skoudy Anouchka , Guerra Carmen , Molero Xavier , González Ana , Iglesias Mar , Lobato Tania , Bosch Almudena , Barbacid Mariano , Real Francisco X , Hernández‐Muñoz Inmaculada
Published: June 2009

Chronic pancreatitis and pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) are associated with major changes in cell differentiation. These changes may be at the basis of the increased risk for PDAC among patients with chronic pancreatitis. Polycomb proteins are epigenetic silencers expressed in adult stem cells; up‐regulation of Polycomb proteins has been reported to occur in a variety of solid tumours such as colon and breast cancer. We hypothesized that Polycomb might play a role in preneoplastic states in the pancreas and in tumour development/progression. To test these ideas, we determined the expression of PRC1 complex proteins (Bmi1 and Ring1b) during pancreatic development and in pancreatic tissue from mouse models of disease: acute and chronic pancreatic injury, duct ligation, and in K‐RasG12V conditional knock‐in and caerulein‐treated K‐RasG12V mice. The study was extended to human pancreatic tissue samples. To obtain mechanistic insights, Bmi1 expression in cells undergoing in vitro exocrine cell metaplasia and the effects of Bmi1 depletion in an acinar cancer cell line were studied. We found that Bmi1 and Ring1B are expressed in pancreatic exocrine precursor cells during early development and in ductal and islet cells—but not acinar cells—in the adult pancreas. Bmi1 expression was induced in acinar cells during acute injury, in acinar–ductal metaplastic lesions, as well as in pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PanIN) and PDAC. In contrast, Ring1B expression was only significantly and persistently up‐regulated in high‐grade PanINs and in PDAC. Bmi1 knockdown in cultured acinar tumour cells led to changes in the expression of various digestive enzymes. Our results suggest that Bmi1 and Ring1B are modulated in pancreatic diseases and could contribute differently to tumour development. Copyright © 2009 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Attitudes of physicians and parents towards discussing infertility risks and semen cryopreservation with male adolescents diagnosed with cancer
Authors: de Vries Martine C. , Bresters Dorine , Engberts Dirk P. , Wit Jan M. , van Leeuwen Evert
Published: June 2009

Background

In paediatric oncology, the risk of infertility due to treatment constitutes an important problem. For sexually mature male adolescents, sperm cryopreservation is an option, but discussing the topic is complex because of the sensitive nature and the limited time frame. In this article, we determined attitudes and preferred roles of physicians and parents towards discussing sperm banking with male adolescents.

Methods

Qualitative multi‐centre study, using in‐depth semi‐structured interviews with 14 physicians and 15 parents of male adolescents undergoing cancer treatment.

Results

Although physicians and parents agreed that infertility would have a major impact on the future quality of life, they sometimes disagreed on whether the topic should be discussed with adolescents. Physicians always wanted a separate discussion with adolescents because of the sensitive nature and the experience that parents sometimes misjudged the stage of maturity of their son. Parents, however, wanted control over whether physicians discussed the topic with their child and what was said. Physicians did not accept this control and, when necessary, were willing to bypass the parents and discuss the topic with the adolescent even when parents refused consent.

Conclusions

Physicians face the difficult task of balancing between their ideas of what is in the (future) interest of the adolescent and accommodating parental wishes. We argue that, because of the private character of sexuality and the potentially inadequate maturity assessment by parents, semen cryopreservation should be discussed separately with adolescent and parents. In addition, there should be an open communication with parents to address potential discomforts. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2009;53:386–391. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Physical activity reduces prostate carcinogenesis in a transgenic model
Authors: Esser Karyn A. , Harpole Clifford E. , Prins Gail S. , Diamond Alan M.
Published: June 2009

BACKGROUND

Several epidemiological studies have reported an inverse association between physical activity and the risk of prostate cancer. To date, there are few animal studies looking at physical activity and cancer incidence, although the results are consistent with the epidemiological evidence. In general, as exercise intensity increased in the rats/mice, the likelihood that physical activity inhibited carcinogenesis increased.

METHODS

The present study used voluntary wheel running with C3(1)Tag mice that are predisposed to prostate cancer due to the directed expression of SV40 oncogenes. After 10 weeks, the prostates were collected from run and non‐run mice and histopathology performed for the presence or absence of low grade or high grade PINS.

RESULTS

We found that for those mice that ran >5Km/group, 83% of the dorsolateral prostates were classified as within normal levels vs. 43% for the <5 km/day group (p = 0.16). In addition, there was a relationship between average distance run and pathologic progression to high‐grade PIN and local invasion, considered to be an early event in the formation of prostate adenocarcinoma. Forty three percent of dorsalateral prostates from mice that ran less than 5 km/day were classified with advanced pathology as compared to none (0) in mice that ran more than 5.0 km/day (p = 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The results presented herein indicate that prostatic cancer progression is likely delayed or diminished by wheel running activity in a dose dependent manner in transgenic mice. These findings provide further evidence that exercise acts to decrease the progression of prostate cancer and they establish a transgenic animal model for future studies to define mechanism(s). Prostate 69: 1372–1377, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Concentration–elastic instabilities in a solid half‐space
Authors: Mirzade F. Kh.
Published: June 2009

The generation of periodic structures due to concentration–elastic instability that appears in an ensemble of laser‐induced atomic point defects on the surface of a solid is studied. The dynamical model developed here is based on coupled evolution equations for the elastic and atomic defect density fields. The idea of an instability model is related to a reduction in the activation (formation and migration) energy of atomic defects under the influence of elastic fields. It is shown that the development of this instability creates various ordered surface structures of coupled strain and defect‐concentration fields (one‐ and two‐dimensional lattices, concentric rings, radial and radial‐ray structures). Dispersion relationships are derived for the growth increment of these structures and their characteristic scales (grating period, number of rays in a structure) are obtained. (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Molecular mass ranges of coal tar pitch fractions by mass spectrometry and size‐exclusion chromatography
Authors: Karaca F. , Morgan T. J. , George A. , Bull I. D. , Herod A. A. , Millan M. , Kandiyoti R.
Published: June 2009

A coal tar pitch was fractionated by solvent solubility into heptane‐solubles, heptane‐insoluble/toluene‐solubles (asphaltenes), and toluene‐insolubles (preasphaltenes). The aim of the work was to compare the mass ranges of the different fractions by several different techniques. Thermogravimetric analysis, size‐exclusion chromatography (SEC) and UV‐fluorescence spectroscopy showed distinct differences between the three fractions in terms of volatility, molecular size ranges and the aromatic chromophore sizes present. The mass spectrometric methods used were gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS), pyrolysis/GC/MS, electrospray ionization Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry (ESI‐FTICRMS) and laser desorption time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (LD‐TOFMS). The first three techniques gave good mass spectra only for the heptane‐soluble fraction. Only LDMS gave signals from the toluene‐insolubles, indicating that the molecules were too involatile for GC and too complex to pyrolyze into small molecules during pyrolysis/GC/MS. ESI‐FTICRMS gave no signal for toluene‐insolubles probably because the fraction was insoluble in the methanol or acetonitrile, water and formic acid mixture used as solvent to the ESI source. LDMS was able to generate ions from each of the fractions. Fractionation of complex samples is necessary to separate smaller molecules to allow the use of higher laser fluences for the larger molecules and suppress the formation of ionized molecular clusters. The upper mass limit of the pitch was determined as between 5000 and 10 000 u. The pitch asphaltenes showed a peak of maximum intensity in the LDMS spectra at around m/z 400, in broad agreement with the estimate from SEC. The mass ranges of the toluene‐insoluble fraction found by LDMS and SEC (400–10 000 u with maximum intensity around 2000 u by LDMS and 100–9320 u with maximum intensity around 740 u by SEC) are higher than those for the asphaltene fraction (200–4000 u with maximum intensity around 400 u by LDMS and 100–2680 u with maximum intensity around 286 u by SEC) and greater than values considered appropriate for petroleum asphaltenes (300–1200 u with maximum intensity near 700 u). Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Intrauterine sonographic measurement of the embryonic brain mantle
Authors: Tanaka H. , Hata T.
Published: June 2009

Objective

To evaluate embryonic brain mantle measurements using intrauterine sonography in the early first trimester.

Methods

In 85 women about to undergo therapeutic termination at 6–11 weeks' gestation we studied the embryonic brain mantle using a specially developed 20‐MHz, flexible, catheter‐based, high‐resolution, real‐time, miniature (1.8 mm in outer diameter) ultrasound transducer. Thickness of the embryonic brain telencephalon, diencephalon, mesencephalon and rhombencephalon was measured.

Results

We found a linear relationship between gestational age and telencephalon thickness (R2 = 51.9%, P < 0.0001), diencephalon thickness (R2 = 62.2%, P < 0.0001), mesencephalon thickness (R2 = 59.2%, P < 0.0001) and rhombencephalon thickness (R2 = 47.8%, P = 0.0043). There was also a linear relationship between crown–rump length and telencephalon thickness (R2 = 55.0%, P < 0.0001), diencephalon thickness (R2 = 59.6%, P < 0.0001), mesencephalon thickness (R2 = 55.0%, P < 0.0001) and rhombencephalon thickness (R2 = 52.3%, P = 0.0025).

Conclusions

Embryonic brain mantle measurements by intrauterine sonography are feasible, although the invasive nature of this technique limits its usefulness in routine clinical practice. It is possible, however, that further improvement in the resolution of transvaginal sonography will allow accurate and reproducible non‐invasive imaging of embryonic brain mantle development in the near future. Copyright © 2009 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Structure and Magnetic Property of a Cobalt(II) Complex Synthesized Through in situ Hydrothermal Reaction
Authors: Liu Ming‐Li , Fang Ming , Zhao Bin
Published: June 2009

A new cobalt(II) coordination polymer [Co(L1)(bpy)(H2O)]·H2O (1, H2L1 = 2‐sulfobenzoic acid and bpy = 4,4’‐bipyridine) was synthesized by in situ hydrothermal reaction. The single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction analysis shows that compound 1 belongs to monoclinic system with space group C2/c. The structure of compound 1 exhibits a 2D framework linked by ligand L1 and 4,4’‐bpy, of which L1 was produced by in situ hydrothermal reaction of 2‐(pyridinyl‐4‐methylsulfanyl) benzoic acid. The 2D structure was future connected into a 3D framework through hydrogen bonds. The magnetic analysis indicates the presence of weakly antiferromagnetic interaction between adjacent Co2+.
Cardiac performance of Chinese black sleeper (Bostrichthys sinensis) at early stages of development under hypoxic conditions
Authors: Chen Wei , Chen Shixi , Hong Wanshu
Published: June 2009

Cardiac performance of the Chinese black sleeper(Bostrichthys sinensis)was examined at early stages of development (the heartbeat, blood circulation and newly hatched larval stages) under different hypoxic oxygen concentrations. Exposure of the embryos at 25°C to 0.2 mg/l dissolved oxygen (DO) indicated periodic heartbeat at both the heartbeat stage and the blood circulation stage, but it started sooner after exposure at the blood circulation stage than at the heartbeat stage. With the appearance of the gill slits, the tolerance of the newly hatched larvae to hypoxia was improved. The larvae did not display periodic heartbeat at 0.2 mg/L DO, but periodic heartbeat occurred at 0.1 mg/L DO and 0.02 mg/L DO after 23.3±6.2 minutes and 13.2±3.4 minutes of exposure. With exposure of the embryos to hypoxia, the occurrence of periodic heartbeat of excised embryos was earlier than that of whole egg embryos at both the blood circulation and heartbeat stages. These results indicated that the tolerance of embryos to hypoxia decreased with the progress of embryogenesis and suggested that the perivitelline liquid can protect the embryos by conserving oxygen. In this study, we also found that a breakdance performance (an arrhythmic heart beat) occurred in the newly hatched larvae at 0.02 mg/l DO. The breakdance performance lasted about 10 minutes, and then the heartbeat became normal.
Schistosomiasis and soil-transmitted helminthiasis control in Cameroon and Côte d'Ivoire: implementing control on a limited budget
Authors: TCHUENTÉ L. A. TCHUEM , N'GORAN E. K.
Published: June 2009

Schistosomiasis and soil-transmitted helminthiasis occur throughout the developing world and remain a major public health problem in the poorest communities with enormous consequences for development. The extent of the problem has long been neglected because these diseases rarely kill at a young age and also because of their insidious nature. Today there exists a momentum and an unprecedented opportunity for a cost-effective control of these neglected tropical diseases. The control of these diseases has become a priority on the agenda of many governments, donors and international agencies. This paper highlights the progress made and future control activities in Cameroon and Côte d'Ivoire, where schistosomiasis and soil-transmitted helminthiasis control measures have been implemented over the past decade with limited budgets. In Cameroon, deworming activities were increased to encompass all ten regions in 2007 as a result of a co-ordinated effort of the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Education with national and international partners. In Côte d'Ivoire, focal control activities were achieved with support from various partners. Prospects, opportunities and challenges for the control of neglected tropical diseases in these two countries are discussed.
The influence of transmission season on parasitological cure rates and intensity of infection after praziquantel treatment of Schistosoma haematobium-infected schoolchildren in Mozambique
Authors: AUGUSTO G. , MAGNUSSEN P. , KRISTENSEN T. K. , APPLETON C. C. , VENNERVALD B. J.
Published: June 2009

Schistosoma haematobium is refractory to praziquantel (PZQ) during the prepatent period of infection. A hypothesis based on this observation is that in areas where S. haematobium transmission is seasonal, the outcome of chemotherapy depends on the timing of the treatment relative to the annual transmission pattern. To examine this hypothesis, a study was carried out in southern Mozambique. Following demonstration of seasonal transmission, PZQ was administered separately to two cohorts of S. haematobium-infected schoolchildren in (1) the high and (2) the low transmission seasons and followed up after two months when levels of infection and intensities were measured. The prevalence of infection decreased from 54·2% and 51·7% in cohorts 1 and 2 to 30·3% and 1·8%, respectively. The geometric mean intensity of infection decreased from 23·3 eggs/10 ml of urine at baseline to 15·6 eggs/10 ml of urine in cohort 1 (treated during high transmission season), and from 23·5 eggs/10 ml urine to 7·3 eggs/10 ml of urine in cohort 2 (treated during low transmission season). The observed cure rates in cohorts 1 and 2 were 69·7% and 98·2%, respectively. Differences in infection between the cohorts in terms of cure rate and level of infection two months post-treatment were statistically significant and indicate that in areas with a seasonal transmission pattern, the effect of PZQ can be enhanced if treatment takes place during the low transmission season. We conclude that appropriately timed PZQ administration will increase the impact of schistosomiasis control programmes.