bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Measurement of intrinsic rates for homogeneous gas‐phase reactions at high temperatures
Authors: Kallos Michael S. , Chin Hilton , Mehrotra Anil K. , Behie Leo A.
Published: May 2010

A coiled quartz tubular reactor has been designed to measure the intrinsic reaction kinetics for homogeneous reactions at high temperatures up to 1100°C. Actual gas residence times were less than 100 ms. A simple and well‐studied test reaction (i.e., the decomposition of nitrous oxide, N2O), with published intrinsic kinetics, was used to verify the operation of the experimental reactor. For this system, Peclet numbers (Pe = uL/DL) computed from experimental conversion data were greater than 1000, indicating that the plug flow assumption could be used with this reactor system to determine intrinsic rate expressions with errors of less than 5% for the conditions studied.
Determination of nucleation kinetics of lovastatin in acetone solution
Authors: Sun Hua , Wang Jingkang , Gong Junbo
Published: May 2010

The metastable zone widths of lovastatin in acetone solution were determined at different temperatures, cooling rates and initial concentrations by polythermal method. It decreases with the increase of temperature and initial concentration, increases with the increase of cooling rate. The induction periods of lovastatin in acetone solution were also investigated as a function of supersaturation ratios. The crystal‐liquid interfacial tension, thus the fundermental nucleation parameters including Gibbs free energy change for the formation of critical nucleus, radius of critical nucleus and number of molecules in the critical nucleus have been gotten based on the classical homogeneous nucleation theory. (© 2010 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Schottky diode characteristics: Aluminium with 500 and 1000 Å thicknesses on p type WSe2 crystal
Authors: Mathai A. J. , Patel K. D.
Published: May 2010

The conduction properties of Al‐p WSe2 Schottky barrier diodes prepared identically but with different metal thickness are reported here. The p type WSe2 semiconducting crystals used in the present study was grown by direct vapour transport technique. The current‐voltage characteristics of these diodes were analyzed from 140 K to 300 K on the basis of thermionic emission theory applying Gaussian distribution. Below 200 K, deviations were observed in barrier height, ideality factor and Richardson plot. Hence at lower temperatures, a model has been considered where the total current is assumed to be the sum of thermionic emission, generation recombination and tunneling components. The observed deviations in the diode parameters were successfully interpreted in terms of the contribution of these multiple charge transport mechanisms across the interface of the fabricated diodes. The diode with a thickness of 500 Å Al showed more homogeneous nature than with 1000 Å. (© 2010 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Magnetic Tops in Dusty Plasmas
Authors: Karasev V. Yu. , Dzlieva E. S. , Ermolenko M. A. , Ivanov A. Yu. , Golubev M. S.
Published: May 2010

Paper contains the results of investigation of separate dust granules mechanical state. Observations were performed in high optical resolution. Magnetic induction varied up to 400 G. Motion of particles of different shapes was studied separately. These shapes were: ideally spherical, spherical with defects and non‐spherical. The peculiar physical features of fast rotating dusty granules (tops) were observed. They are the emergence of magnetic moment of rotating charged granule and the orientation change of magnetic moment at magnetic field superimposition. The effects observed in magnetic field are supplied with qualitative interpretation (© 2011 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
DiffServ‐based bandwidth‐constrained anycast routing in a mobile IPv6 network
Authors: Hsu Wu‐Hsiao , Shieh Yuh‐Pyng , Yeh Sheng‐Cheng
Published: May 2010

This paper proposes a differentiated service (DiffServ)‐based bandwidth‐constrained network layer anycast routing for a mobile IPv6 network. The proposed algorithm comprises three steps: (1) When moving into a new foreign network, the mobile node (MN) chooses a feasible path to easily locate the nearest server that can serve it. To perform path selection, a multi‐level list structure (MLLS) is defined and used to store the available bandwidth and hop count of a path. (2) An ingress extended edge router (E‐ER) uses the multi‐level list algorithm (MLLA) to examine the MLLS for selecting the feasible path with the smallest number of hops that satisfies the MN bandwidth request. (3) The E‐ER uses a condition of path change (CPC) variable to determine whether it should optimize the route between itself and the server. Simulation results indicate that the proposed algorithm offers better performance than the existing related approaches in terms of the average running time, request blocking rate, and reducing the control overhead of the simulated network. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Comparison of ThinPrep UroCyte and cytospin slide preparations for gastrointestinal specimens: Evaluation and retrospective performance review
Authors: Smith G. Denice , Chadwick Barbara E. , Adler Douglas G. , Bentz Joel S.
Published: May 2010

Gastrointestinal (GI) tract cytology has high specificity but poor sensitivity for detecting GI tract cancer. Newer methods of slide preparation may improve cytology performance and additionally permit molecular slide‐based assays that could improve diagnostic accuracy. A split‐sample validation study compared slides prepared using ThinPrep UroCyte filters or a cytocentrifuge method with respect to cellularity, stain quality, and interpretation. In this 15‐slide split‐sample study, UroCyte slide preparations were judged to be superior to cytocentrifuge preparations, and the method was implemented for GI cytology in December 2006. To assess diagnostic performance for GI cytology, we retrospectively reviewed outcomes for one year before and after implementation of UroCyte filter slide preparation. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value for both slide preparations were largely equivalent to one another and compared favorably with values in the literature, but varied greatly depending on how atypical and suspicious‐atypical cases were defined for calculations. For biopsied biliary samples, the highest sensitivities were observed when all atypical and suspicious‐atypical cases were considered positive for malignancy, but were lower when suspicious‐atypical cases were considered positive and atypical cases were considered negative for malignancy. This highlights the difficulty with comparing studies that define atypical classes differently, and points to the need for a well‐defined approach to performance evaluation that relates directly to how diagnostic information is used clinically. We conclude that the UroCyte filter slide preparation is valid for evaluation of GI cytology specimens and may simplify adjunct molecular testing such as FISH. This is the first reported use of UroCyte filters for preparation of GI specimens. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2010;38:902–912. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Coexistence of gonadoblastoma and dysgerminoma in a dysgenetic gonad on touch preparation: A case report
Authors: Maleki Zahra , Loveless Meredith , Fraig Mostafa
Published: May 2010

Swyer syndrome is known as pure gonadal dysgenesis. Individuals with Swyer syndrome are phenotypically female with unambiguously female genital appearance at birth, and normal Mullerian structures. The condition usually first becomes apparent in adolescence with delayed puberty and amenorrhea due to the fact that the gonads have no hormonal or reproductive potential. These individuals are characterized by 46XY karyotype, primary amenorrhea, tall stature, female external genitalia and normal but hypoestrogenised vagina and cervix. A high incidence of gonadoblastoma and germ cell malignancies has been reported in dysgenetic gonads, and therefore, the current practice is to proceed to a gonadectomy once the diagnosis is made. Herein, we report a case of gonadoblastoma and dysgerminoma diagnosed on touch preparation in a dysgenetic gonad of a 16‐year‐old patient with Swyer syndrome. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2011;39:42–44. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Immunohistochemistry for the detection of renal cell carcinoma in effusion cytology
Authors: Chute Deborah J. , Kong Christina S. , Stelow Edward B.
Published: May 2010

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is known for its unpredictable behavior. RCC rarely involves serosal surfaces and, when present, can be difficult to distinguish from mesothelial cells in cytologic preparations. Immunohistochemical stains are frequently used with effusion cytology; however, RCCs express traditional glandular antigens less frequently than other adenocarcinomas. We investigated the utility of typical immunohistochemical stains for identifying effusion involvement by RCC, along with more specific RCC markers. The cytology databases from two academic institutions were searched for all effusions involved by RCC with retrievable cell‐block material. A four‐marker immunohistochemical panel we generally use for distinguishing adenocarcinoma from mesothelial proliferations was then applied (calretinin, WT1, MOC31, and B72.3). In addition, each case was stained for RCC antigen, CD10, and PAX2. Eleven cases of RCC involving serous effusions were identified: six conventional clear‐cell RCCs, three papillary RCCs, and two RCCs, not otherwise specified. Neoplastic cells were positive for MOC‐31 in 3 of 11 cases, RCC antigen in 5 of 11 cases, and CD10 in 10 of 11 cases. RCC cells were negative for B‐72.3, WT1, and calretinin in all cases. Background mesothelial cells showed high‐background cytoplasmic staining for PAX‐2; all RCC tumor cells were negative or equivocal. A conventional panel used for the diagnosis of adenocarcinoma in fluids will fail to detect most cases of metastatic RCC, particularly clear‐cell RCC. Additional antibodies, such as those to CD10 and RCC, may be helpful to identify these tumors. PAX2 shows high background in mesothelial cells, which makes interpretation of nuclear staining difficult. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2011;39:118–123. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A unique expression pattern of Tbx10 in the hindbrain as revealed by Tbx10LacZ allele
Authors: Xue Xiao Dong , Kimura Wataru , Wang Bo , Hikosaka Keisuke , Itakura Tatsuo , Uezato Tadayoshi , Matsuda Masashi , Koseki Haruhiko , Miura Naoyuki
Published: May 2010

To study the expression/function of Tbx10, a T‐box gene, Tbx10LacZ/+ mice were established by replacing the T‐box coding region with a LacZ gene. X‐gal staining showed that LacZ+ cells were localized to two‐cell populations in rhombomere 4 and rhombomere 6. No significant differences in the locations of LacZ+ cells were found between Tbx10LacZ/+ and Tbx10LacZ/LacZ mice, and the Tbx10LacZ/LacZ mice were viable and fertile. We found that the LacZ+ cells are present in both embryonic and adult mice. Histological studies suggest that the rhombomere 4‐derived LacZ+ cells are a subpopulation of the ventral interneurons in the pons.
Catalytic Generation of Hydrogen with Titanium Citrate and a Macrocyclic Cobalt Complex
Authors: Szajna‐Fuller Ewa , Bakac Andreja
Published: May 2010

Hydrogen evolution from acidic aqueous solutions of TiIIIcitrate is strongly catalyzed by Co(dmgBF2)2. The reaction generates an intermediate with maximum absorbance at 770 nm. The slow disappearance of this intermediate takes place simultaneously with the generation of H2 in a process that was most efficient at pH 1.6 (turnover number 53). The loss of the catalytic activity is caused by the loss of the macrocyclic ligand and formation of Coaq2+. Control experiments implicate CoIII as the most likely oxidation state responsible for catalyst destruction, and thus provide indirect evidence for the involvement of CoIII in the catalytic cycle. Taken together, the data suggest that hydrogen generation takes place at least in part by the H+/HCoIII(dmgBF2)2 route. Incitrate‐containing solutions at 7 ≤ pH ≤ 8, the protonation of CoI(dmgBF2)2– to yield HCoIII(dmgBF2)2 has a rate constant kH = 1.4 × 106 M–1 s–1. This reaction is about ten times slower in the absence of citrate.
AlMe3, GaMe3 and InMe3 Adducts of N,N‐Bis(2‐{pyrid‐2‐yl}ethyl)hydroxylaminato Rare‐Earth Metal Complexes and Their Molecular Dynamics
Authors: Hellmann Benjamin J. , Mix Andreas , Neumann Beate , Stammler Hans‐Georg , Mitzel Norbert W.
Published: May 2010

Reactions of hydroxylaminato rare‐earth metal complexes of the general type [Cp2Ln{η2‐ON(C2H4‐o‐Py)2}] (Cp = cyclopentadienyl, Py = pyridyl, Ln = Y, Sm, Nd, Pr, La) with the Lewis acids AlMe3, GaMe3 and InMe3 resulted in the formation of the oxygen bonded adducts [Cp2Ln{η2‐ON(C2H4‐η1‐o‐Py)(C2H4‐o‐Py)}·EMe3] where Ln = Y, Sm and E = Al, Ga, In. Combination of the corresponding Nd, Pr and La complexes with the Lewis acids EMe3 gave the doubly pyridyl coordinated complexes [Cp2Ln{η2‐ON(C2H4‐η1‐o‐Py)2}·EMe3] (E = Al, Ga, In). Reactions of the complexes [Cp2Ln{η2‐ON(C2H4‐o‐Py)2}] with two equivalents of the Lewis acids reveal complexes of the type [Cp2Ln{η2‐ON(C2H4‐η1‐o‐Py)(C2H4‐o‐Py)}·2EMe3] (Ln = Y, Sm and E = Al, Ga, In) in which one Lewis acid EMe3 coordinates to the hydroxylaminato oxygen atom and one interacts with a pyridyl nitrogen atom. The possibility of synthesising heterotrimetallic complexes was demonstrated by reacting the compound [Cp2Y{η2‐ON(C2H4‐η1‐o‐Py)(C2H4‐o‐Py)}·AlMe3] with GaMe3 to obtain the complex [Cp2Y{η2‐ON(C2H4‐η1‐o‐Py)(C2H4‐o‐Py)}·AlMe3·GaMe3]. The compounds have been characterised by elemental analysis, NMR spectroscopy (except paramagnetic substances) and single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction experiments. The aggregation trend is found to be directly related to the size of the metal ions. The new complexes exhibit a highly dynamic behaviour in solution. The two pyridyl nitrogen atoms are changing their coordination to the metal atom rapidly at ambient temperature even when the pyridine nitrogen donor atom is blocked by an EMe3 unit. VT‐NMR experiments showed that this dynamic exchange can be frozen on the NMR time scale.
Pyrrole‐2‐carbohydrazides as Ligands for Cu‐Catalyzed Amination of Aryl Halides with Amines in Pure Water
Authors: Xie Jianwei , Zhu Xinhai , Huang Manna , Meng Fei , Chen Weiwei , Wan Yiqian
Published: May 2010

Pyrrole‐2‐carbohydrazides were synthesized and found to be novel and efficient ligands for the Cu‐catalyzed amination of aryl halides with amines in pure water with high yields. A variety of aryl bromides or iodides could be aminated, promoted by the CuI/N′‐phenyl‐1H‐pyrrole‐2‐carbohydrazide (L13) system, under microwave irradiation or conventional heating without the protection by an inert gas.
Iron‐Catalyzed Cross‐Coupling between 1‐Bromoalkynes and Grignard‐Derived Organocuprate Reagents
Authors: Castagnolo Daniele , Botta Maurizio
Published: May 2010

An efficient iron‐catalyzed cross‐coupling reaction between alkynyl bromides and Grignard‐derived organocuprates has been developed. A series of alkynylarenes were successfully synthesised by starting from different 1‐bromoalkynes and Grignard reagents. The methodology was successfully used for the two‐step stereoselective synthesis of combretastatins and represents a valid alternative to the classical syntheses of alkynylarenes.
Analysis of a polymorphic microRNA target site in the purinergic receptor P2RX7 gene
Authors: Rahman Omar Abdul , Sasvari‐Szekely Maria , Szekely Anna , Faludi Gabor , Guttman Andras , Nemoda Zsofia
Published: May 2010

The recent discovery of post‐transcriptional regulation by microRNAs (miRNAs) drew our attention to SNPs of putative miRNA target sites in candidate genes of depression‐related psychiatric disorders. The P2RX7 (purinergic receptor P2X, ligand‐gated ion channel, 7) gene has been suggested as a candidate for major depressive and bipolar disorder, because of repeated associations with the rs2230912 (Gln460Arg) polymorphism. As this polymorphism is located at the end of the coding region, we considered a possible linkage with SNP(s) in putative miRNA target sites of the 3′ untranslated region. Based on our in silico search, the rs1653625 fulfilled this criterion. This SNP, however, is surrounded with polycytosine and polyadenine tracts, which hindered its analysis until now. In this study, we describe a readily applicable genotyping method for rs1653625 by applying a primer that introduces mismatched nucleotides to create a restriction enzyme cleavage site. The resulting allele‐specific products with 19 base pair difference were separated by both traditional horizontal agarose gel electrophoresis and multicapillary gel electrophoresis. The developed genotyping method was applied in our depression‐related association study.
Indications for cell stress in response to adenoviral and baculoviral gene transfer observed by proteome profiling of human cancer cells
Authors: Gerner Christopher , Haudek‐Prinz Verena J. , Lackner Andreas , Losert Annemarie , Peter‐Vörösmarty Barbara , Lorenz Olga , Grusch Michael
Published: May 2010

Gene transfer to cultured cells is an important tool for functional studies in many areas of biomedical research and vector systems derived from adenoviruses and baculoviruses are frequently used for this purpose. In order to characterize how viral gene transfer vectors affect the functional state of transduced cells, we applied 2‐D PAGE allowing quantitative determination of protein amounts and synthesis rates of metabolically labeled cells and shotgun proteomics. Using HepG2 human hepatoma cells we show that both vector types can achieve efficient expression of green fluorescent protein, which accounted for about 0.1% of total cellular protein synthesis 72 h after transduction. No evidence in contrast was found for expression of proteins from the viral backbones. With respect to the host cell response, both vectors induced a general increase in protein synthesis of about 50%, which was independent of green fluorescent protein expression. 2‐D PAGE autoradiographs identified a 3.6‐fold increase of γ‐actin synthesis in adenovirus transduced cells. In addition shotgun proteomics of cytoplasmic and nuclear extract fractions identified a slight induction of several proteins related to inflammatory activation, cell survival and chromatin function by both virus types. These data demonstrate that commonly used gene transfer vectors induce a response reminiscent of stress activation in host cells, which needs to be taken into account when performing functional assays with transduced cells.
Determination of salsolinol, norsalsolinol, and twenty‐one biogenic amines using micellar electrokinetic capillary chromatography–electrochemical detection
Authors: Kuklinski Nicholas J. , Berglund E. Carina , Engelbreksson Johan , Ewing Andrew G.
Published: May 2010

Micellar electrokinetic chromatography coupled to amperometric electrochemical detection was used to resolve and then quantify biogenic amines and metabolites within the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster. A new separation scheme was devised to allow resolution of 24 compounds of interest. This was accomplished by precisely controlling the amount of base added to the background buffer, optimizing the resolution of the separation, and then calculating the pH. Here we focused on measurements of six of the analytes that are thought to be involved in the response to alcohol, dopamine, salsolinol, norsalsolinol, N‐acetyloctopamine, octopamine, and N‐acetyldopamine. These were identified and quantified within the fly head. We believe that the identification of salsolinol and norsalsolinol in the fly brain is novel.
Simultaneous determination of memantine and amantadine in human plasma as fluorescein derivatives by micellar electrokinetic chromatography with laser‐induced fluorescence detection and its clinical application
Authors: Yeh Hsin‐Hua , Yang Yuan‐Han , Chen Su‐Hwei
Published: May 2010

A nonionic surfactant MEKC method with LIF detection was developed for the simultaneous determination of memantine, an anti‐Alzheimer's disease agent, and amantadine, an anti‐Parkinson's disease drug, in human plasma. Before analysis, the plasma samples were pretreated by liquid–liquid extraction with ethyl acetate, and derivatized with 6‐carboxyfluorescein N‐hydroxysuccinimide ester. The chemical derivatization is performed with 6‐carboxyfluorescein N‐hydroxysuccinimide ester in ACN – 5 mM pH 9.0 borate buffer (40:60, v/v) at 35°C for 3 h. After the derivatization reaction, hydrodynamic injection (0.5 psi, 8 s) was used to introduce the derivatized solution, and the separation was performed in borate buffer (30 mM, pH 9.5) with the nonionic surfactant Brij‐35® (0.07%, w/v); the separation voltage was 6 kV. The linear ranges of the method for the determination of memantine and amantadine in human plasma were over a range of 2.0–60.0 ng/mL. The detection limit was 0.5 ng/mL (S/N=3). This method was applied successfully to monitor the concentration of memantine or amantadine in patients with Alzheimer's disease or Parkinson's disease.
Astrocytic Aβ1‐42 uptake is determined by Aβ‐aggregation state and the presence of amyloid‐associated proteins
Authors: Nielsen Henrietta M. , Mulder Sandra D. , Beliën Jeroen A. M. , Musters René J. P. , Eikelenboom Piet , Veerhuis Robert
Published: May 2010

Intracerebral accumulation of amyloid‐β (Aβ) leading to Aβ plaque formation, is the main hallmark of Alzheimer's disease and might be caused by defective Aβ‐clearance. We previously found primary human astrocytes and microglia able to bind and ingest Aβ1‐42 in vitro, which appeared to be limited by Aβ1‐42 fibril formation. We now confirm that astrocytic Aβ‐uptake depends on size and/or composition of Aβ‐aggregates as astrocytes preferably take up oligomeric Aβ over fibrillar Aβ. Upon exposure to either fluorescence‐labelled Aβ1‐42 oligomers (Aβoligo) or fibrils (Aβfib), a larger (3.7 times more) proportion of astrocytes ingested oligomers compared to fibrils, as determined by flow cytometry. Aβ‐internalization was verified using confocal microscopy and live‐cell imaging. Neither uptake of Aβoligo nor Aβfib, triggered proinflammatory activation of the astrocytes, as judged by quantification of interleukin‐6 and monocyte‐chemoattractant protein‐1 release. Amyloid‐associated proteins, including α1‐antichymotrypsin (ACT), serum amyloid P component (SAP), C1q and apolipoproteins E (ApoE) and J (ApoJ) were earlier found to influence Aβ‐aggregation. Here, astrocytic uptake of Aβfib increased when added to the cells in combination with SAP and C1q (SAP/C1q), but was unchanged in the presence of ApoE, ApoJ and ACT. Interestingly, ApoJ and ApoE dramatically reduced the number of Aβoligo‐positive astrocytes, whereas SAP/C1q slightly reduced Aβoligo uptake. Thus, amyloid‐associated proteins, especially ApoJ and ApoE, can alter Aβ‐uptake in vitro and hence may influence Aβ clearance and plaque formation in vivo. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Smad3‐dependent signaling underlies the TGF‐β1‐mediated enhancement in astrocytic iNOS expression
Authors: Hamby Mary E. , Hewett James A. , Hewett Sandra J.
Published: May 2010

We previously demonstrated that transforming growth factor‐β1 (TGF‐β1), while having no effect alone, enhances nitric oxide (NO) production in primary, purified mouse astrocytes induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) plus interferon‐γ (IFN‐γ), by recruiting a latent population of astrocytes to respond, thereby enhancing the total number of cells that express Nos2. In this investigation, we evaluated the molecular signaling pathway by which this occurs. We found that purified murine primary astrocytes express mRNA for TGFβRII as well as the TGFβRI subunit activin‐like kinase 5 (ALK5), but not ALK1. Immunofluorescence microscopy confirmed the expression of TGFβRII and ALK5 protein in astrocytes. Consistent with ALK5 signaling, Smad3 accumulated in the nucleus of astrocytes as early as 30 min after TGF‐β1 (3 ng/mL) treatment and persisted upto 32 hr after TGF‐β1 administration. Addition of ALK5 inhibitors prevented TGF‐β1‐mediated Smad3 nuclear accumulation and NO production when given prior to the Nos2 induction stimuli, but not after. Finally, astrocyte cultures derived from Smad3 null mutant mice did not exhibit a TGF‐β1‐mediated increase in iNOS expression. Overall, this data suggests that ALK5 signaling and Smad3 nuclear accumulation is required for optimal enhancement of LPS plus IFNγ‐induced NO production in astrocytes by TGF‐β1. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Microglia express functional 11β‐hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1
Authors: Gottfried‐Blackmore Andres , Sierra Amanda , Mcewen Bruce S. , Ge Renshan , Bulloch Karen
Published: May 2010

Glucocorticoids are potent regulators of inflammation exerting permissive, stimulatory, and suppressive effects. Glucocorticoid access to intracellular receptors is regulated by the activity of two distinct enzymes known as 11β‐hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (11βHSD) Type 1 and Type 2, which catalyze the activation or deactivation of glucocorticoids. Although expression of these enzymes in major organ systems and their roles in the metabolic effects of glucocorticoids have been described, their role in the inflammatory response has only recently started to be addressed. In this report, we have studied the expression and activity of 11βHSD Type 1 and Type 2 in microglia cells. Microglia, the brain's resident macrophages, initiate and orchestrate CNS inflammatory responses. Importantly, activated microglia are implicated in most neurodegenerative conditions, making them key subjects of study. We found that microglia expressed 11βHSD‐1, but not 11βHSD‐2, both in ex vivo FACS‐sorted adult cells and in vitro primary cultures. 11βHSD‐1 expression was increased in LPS‐activated microglia. Moreover, 11βHSD‐1 catalyzed the metabolic conversion of 11‐dehydro‐corticosterone into corticosterone (CORT), which potently reduced cytokine production in activated microglia. We propose that 11βHSD‐1 may provide microglia with an intrinsic mechanism to autoregulate and inhibit proinflammatory mediator production through CORT formation. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
KLK15 is a prognostic marker for progression‐free survival in patients with radical prostatectomy
Authors: Rabien Anja , Fritzsche Florian R. , Jung Monika , Tölle Angelika , Diamandis Eleftherios P. , Miller Kurt , Jung Klaus , Kristiansen Glen , Stephan Carsten
Published: May 2010

In search of biomarkers for prostate cancer, we evaluated the expression of the human kallikrein‐related peptidase KLK15 in samples of prostatic adenocarcinomas from radical prostatectomies. Twenty‐five pairs of cancerous and adjacent normal prostatic tissue were selected by laser capture microdissection. The tissue was used for quantification of KLK15 mRNA by reverse‐transcriptase polymerase chain reaction. Immunohistochemical expression of the KLK15 protein in 193 samples of prostatic adenocarcinoma was analysed in relation to clinicopathological parameters of the patients and disease progression. Expression of KLK15 correlated with the pathological tumour stage and Gleason score of the cases, both at mRNA and at protein level. While mRNA expression in the tumour was elevated, the protein level of KLK15 was reduced compared with adjacent normal tissue and to prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia. Univariate Kaplan‐Meier analysis showed a significant association of dichotomised KLK15 levels with disease progression defined by prostate‐specific antigen relapse (p = 0.001). Multivariate analysis according to the Cox proportional hazards regression model identified dichotomised KLK15 expression, corrected for the patient parameters age, preoperative prostate‐specific antigen level, pathological tumour stage, Gleason score and surgical margin status, as an independent prognostic factor for poor outcome (inclusion model, hazard ratio 1.802, 95% confidence interval 1.037–3.132, p = 0.037). We suggest KLK15 as a new independent tumour marker for patients at risk for disease progression after radical prostatectomy.
A survey of methylated candidate tumor suppressor genes in nasopharyngeal carcinoma
Authors: Loyo Myriam , Brait Mariana , Kim Myoung S. , Ostrow Kimberly L. , Jie Chunfa C. , Chuang Alice Y. , Califano Joseph A. , Liégeois Nanette J. , Begum Shahnaz , Westra William H. , Hoque Mohammad O. , Tao Qian , Sidransky David
Published: May 2010

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is a rare malignancy with unique genetic, viral and environmental characteristic that distinguishes it from other head and neck carcinomas. The clinical management of NPC remains challenging largely due to the lack of early detection strategies for this tumor. In our study, we have sought to identify novel genes involved in the pathogenesis of NPC that might provide insight into this tumor's biology and could potentially be used as biomarkers. To identify these genes, we studied the epigenetics of NPC by characterizing a panel of methylation markers. Eighteen genes were evaluated by quantitative methylation‐specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in cell lines as well as in tissue samples including 50 NPC tumors and 28 benign nasopharyngeal biopsies. Significance was evaluated using Fisher's exact test and quantitative values were optimized using cut off values derived from receiver–operator characteristic curves. The methylation status of AIM1, APC, CALCA, deleted in colorectal carcinomas (DCC), DLEC, deleted in liver cancer 1 (DLC1), estrogen receptor alpha (ESR), FHIT, KIF1A and PGP9.5 was significantly associated with NPC compared to controls. The sensitivity of the individual genes ranged from 26 to 66% and the specificity was above 92% for all genes except FHIT. The combination of PGP9.5, KIF1A and DLEC had a sensitivity of 84% and a specificity of 92%. Ectopic expression of DCC and DLC1 lead to decrease in colony formation and invasion properties. Our results indicate that methylation of novel biomarkers in NPC could be used to enhance early detection approaches. Additionally, our functional studies reveal previously unknown tumor suppressor roles in NPC.
Recognizing young children in need of mental health assessment: Development and preliminary validity of the early childhood screening assessment
Authors: Gleason Mary Margaret , Zeanah Charles H. , Dickstein Susan
Published: May 2010

The Early Childhood Screening Assessment (ECSA) is a primary care screening measure developed to identify very young children (1½–5 years old) who need further emotional or behavioral assessment. The ECSA was developed specifically to meet the logistical constraints of primary care settings. This study assessed the preliminary psychometric properties of the ECSA by comparing it with extant validated measures of young children's emotional and behavioral development, comparing it with a diagnostic interview, and measuring test‐retest reliability. In the study, 309 mothers in two primary care clinics completed the ECSA and the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL; T. Achenbach & L. Rescorla, 2000). A subset (n = 69) also completed the Diagnostic Interview for the Preschool Age (DIPA; M. Scheeringa & N. Haslett, 2010). ECSA score correlated significantly and strongly with the CBCL Total Problem T score (Spearman's rho = 0.86, p ⩽ .01). The ECSA was 86% sensitive and 83% specific in identifying DIPA diagnoses. Internal consistency of the ECSA was 0.91. Test‐retest reliability at 10 days was excellent (Spearman's rho = 0.81, p ⩽ .01). The ECSA is an easy‐to‐use screening measure that demonstrates strong convergent validity, criterion validity, and test‐retest reliability in the pediatric setting. It shows potential as a feasible and psychometrically strong tool for busy primary care providers to identify preschoolers who need further socioemotional assessment.
Productivity and efficiency dynamics in Indian banking: An input distance function approach incorporating quality of inputs and outputs
Authors: Das Abhiman , Kumbhakar Subal C.
Published: May 2010

Banking technology is typically characterized by multiple inputs and multiple outputs that are associated with various attributes, such as different types of deposits, loans, number of accounts, classes of employees and location of branches. These quality differentials in inputs and outputs are mostly ignored in empirical studies. These omissions make the practical value of productivity studies in organizations like banks questionable because quality is a key component of performance. This paper proposes using hedonic aggregator functions (as a tool of aggregating inputs and outputs with quality attributes) within an input distance function framework and analyzes the impact of banking deregulation on efficiency and total factor productivity (TFP) change in the Indian banking industry using panel data for the period 1996–2005. Empirical results indicate that banks have improved their efficiency (from 61% in 1996 to 72% in 2005) during the post‐deregulation period, and the gain in efficiency of state‐owned banks has surpassed that of private banks. Improvement in capital base, as indicated by increased capital adequacy ratio, played an important role in ushering efficiency gain. The return to scale estimate suggests that state‐owned banks are operating far above their efficient scale and cost savings can be obtained by reducing their size of operations. Overall, TFP growth was above 3.5% annually. Both technical progress and technical efficiency change consistently played an important role in shaping TFP growth. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Jackknife instrumental variables estimation: replication and extension of angrist, imbens and krueger (1999)
Authors: Nakov Anton
Published: May 2010

I replicate most of the results in Angrist, Imbens, and Krueger (Journal of Applied Econometrics 1999; 14: 57–67), point to a possible error in and re‐estimate Model 3, and analyze some simple extensions. The programming code, data, and results are available at http://sites.google.com/site/antonnakov/software. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Identification and differentiation of single cells from peripheral blood by Raman spectroscopic imaging
Authors: Neugebauer Ute , Clement Joachim H. , Bocklitz Thomas , Krafft Christoph , Popp Jürgen
Published: May 2010

Medical diagnosis can be improved significantly by fast, highly sensitive and quantitative cell identification from easily accessible body fluids. Prominent examples are disseminated tumor cells circulating in the peripheral blood of cancer patients. These cells are extremely rare and therefore difficult to detect. In this contribution we present the Raman spectroscopic characterization of different cells that can be found in peripheral blood such as leukocytes, leukemic cells and solid tumor cells. Leukocytes were isolated from the peripheral blood from healthy donors. Breast carcinoma derived tumor cells (MCF‐7, BT‐20) and myeloid leukaemia cells (OCI‐AML3) were prepared from cell cultures. Raman images were collected from dried cells on calcium fluoride slides using 785 nm laser excitation. Unsupervised statistical methods (hierarchical cluster analysis and principal component analysis) were used to visualize spectral differences and cluster formation according to the cell type. With the help of supervised statistical methods (support vector machines) a classification model with 99.7% accuracy rates for the differentiation of the cells was built. The model was successfully applied to identify single cells from an independent mixture of cells based on their vibrational spectra. The classification was confirmed by fluorescence staining of the cells after the Raman measurement. (© 2010 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Density functional theory study of the oxidation of methanol to formaldehyde on a hydrated vanadia cluster
Authors: González‐Navarrete P. , Gracia L. , Calatayud M. , AndréS J.
Published: May 2010

Density functional theory was used to study the mechanism for the oxidation of methanol to formaldehyde. A vanadium oxide cluster OV(OH)3 has been utilized to represent the catalytic system under hydrated conditions, i.e., in the presence of VOH hydroxyl groups. Two types of methoxy‐intermediates have been considered: a penta‐coordinate methoxy‐intermediate (OH)4V(OCH3) and a tetrahedral methoxy‐intermediate (OH)2VO(OCH3)(H2O). The most plausible reaction pathway corresponds to the process involving first the formation of the tetrahedral methoxide, and a subsequent rate‐limiting step where hydrogen is transferred from the methoxy groups toward the oxygen atom of the vanadyl VO site. The reaction mechanism is a typical two‐state reactivity process due to a change of the multiplicity (reactive singlet → product triplet) along the reaction coordinate accompanied by a reduction of the vanadium center from VV (d0) to VIII (d2). Minimum energy crossing points were localized and possible spin inversion processes are discussed by means of the intrinsic reaction coordinate approach to find the most favorable reaction pathways. The hydration effect is found to be mainly the destabilization of the methoxy intermediates. An alternative reaction pathway with a lower apparent barrier is presented. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comput Chem, 2010
Bis‐8‐hydroxyquinoline and bis‐8‐hydroxyquinaldine N‐substituted amines: A single methyl group structural difference between the two heterocycles, which modulates the antiproliferative effects
Authors: Madonna Sébastien , Marcowycz Aline , Lamoral‐Theys Delphine , Van Goietsenoven Gwendoline , Dessolin Jean , Pirker Christine , Spiegl‐Kreinecker Sabine , Biraboneye César‐Alain , Berger Walter , Kiss Robert , Kraus Jean‐Louis
Published: May 2010

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The synthesis of a series of bis‐8‐hydroxyquinoline‐ and bis‐8‐hydroxyquinaldine‐substituted N‐benzyl or thiophenyl amines and their corresponding bis‐8‐hydroxyquinoline is reported. In vitro growth inhibitory effects of both series have been evaluated. It has been observed that analogs from the bis‐8‐hydroxyquinoline series exert nanomolar range activity, whereas the antiproliferative activity of the corresponding analogs from the bis‐8‐hydroxyquinaldine series was found to be drastically lower. Molecular docking and chemical–physical properties account for these observed growth inhibitory differences between the two series of analogs, which differ only by the presence of a methyl group at the 2 position of the heterocyclic ring. J. Heterocyclic Chem., (2010).
The first in situ Raman spectroscopic study of San rock art in South Africa: procedures and preliminary results
Authors: Tournié Aurélie , Prinsloo Linda C. , Paris Céline , Colomban Philippe , Smith Benjamin
Published: May 2010

Southern Africa has a rich heritage of hunter‐gatherer, herder and farmer rock art traditions made by using both painted and engraved techniques. Until now, there have been only a handful of studies on the chemical analysis of the paint, as all previous types of analysis required the removal of pigment samples from the sites a practice which has been avoided. Raman spectroscopy is an ideal techniques to analyse the paint non‐destructively and also offers the possibility of in situ work with portable instruments. This article describes the procedures and reports the preliminary results of the first in situ Raman spectroscopic study of rock art in South Africa (also a first worldwide), where we, first, evaluate the capability of a Raman portable instrument in very difficult conditions, second, analyse the paints in order to contribute to a better knowledge of the technology used and, third, evaluate the possible contribution of in situ analyses in conservation studies. The paintings from two different rock art sites were studied. The instrument proved to be highly suitable for in situ analyses in physically very challenging conditions. Most of the pigments and alteration products previously detected under laboratory conditions were identified, thereby giving information on both the pigments and conservation state of the paintings. A layered structure of alteration products and pigment was identified in situ for the first time by controlling the laser power, thereby obtaining the same results as in mapping experiments of cross sections of paint. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Claims data linked to hospital registry data enhance evaluation of the quality of care of breast cancer
Authors: Meguerditchian Ari‐Nareg , Stewart Andrew , Roistacher James , Watroba Nancy , Cropp Michael , Edge Stephen B.
Published: May 2010

Background

Complete treatment data is central to evaluation and improvement of cancer care quality. Cancer registries vary in completeness of radiation (RT), chemotherapy (CT), and hormone therapy (HT) data. Administrative claims from health payers may supplement these registries. This study assesses the ability to link private payer claims to the National Cancer Data Base (NCDB) and the extent of additional treatment data identified in claims.

Methods

Claims for patients with breast cancer surgery from one payer in Western New York (WNY) were matched with NCDB for participating hospitals for 2001–2003 using available identifiers (reporting hospital, gender, birth date, ZIP code). Claims were analyzed for breast and axillary surgery, RT, CT, and HT, and compared with treatment recorded in the NCDB.

Results

Four hundred seventy women had claims for breast cancer surgery and 439 (91%) matched to the NCDB. Seventeen had duplicate/incomplete records. Non‐matches included cases with surgery for cancer recurrence. Among 422 evaluable cases, stage was 0: 9%; I: 49%; II: 33%; III: 7%; and IV: 2%. Claims and registry were highly concordant for surgery. Registry identified RT, CT, and HT in 38%, 47%, 18%, respectively, of treatment reported in claims. Claims also provided information on drugs used and treatment duration.

Conclusions

The NCDB can be matched with private payer claims using available identifiers. Registry data in this convenience sample of hospitals did not include a substantial fraction of outpatient data identified by claims. Private payer claims may help enhance the completeness of NCDB treatment information. J. Surg. Oncol. 2010; 101:593–599. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Characteristics and prognosis of primary thyroid non‐Hodgkin's lymphoma in Chinese patients
Authors: Sun Tuan‐Qi , Zhu Xiao‐Li , Wang Zhuo‐Ying , Wang Chao‐Fu , Zhou Xiao‐Yan , Ji Qing‐Hai , Wu Yi
Published: May 2010

Background and Objectives

There exists no universally accepted treatment for primary thyroid non‐Hodgkin's lymphoma (TNHL) due to the rarity of this entity. The aim of this study is to assess the role of surgery and to explore prognostic factors in Chinese TNHL patients.

Methods

Patient presentations, pathologies, surgical interventions, multidisciplinary treatment, prognostic factors and the value of fine needle aspiration were analyzed.

Results

Between 1991 and 2007, 40 patients of TNHL were diagnosed. Thirty‐eight patients underwent an initial surgical procedure. Further treatments consisted of radiotherapy or chemotherapy alone, and the majority of patients were treated with combined chemo‐radiation. After a median follow‐up of 95 months, the 5‐year overall survival (OS) and relapse‐free survival (RFS) was 82% and 74%, respectively. Survival curves showed no significant difference between therapeutic operations when compared with diagnostic operations. A univariate analysis showed both International Prognostic Index (IPI) and staging significantly influenced OS and RFS. In multivariate analysis, IPI was found to be the only prognostic factor.

Conclusions

Combined chemotherapy and radiotherapy may offer better outcome without the need for extensive resection, and surgery should be reserved to providing tissue for diagnosis. The patients with low‐intermediate risk (IPI = 2) or stage IIE need be treated more aggressively. J. Surg. Oncol. 2010; 101:545–550. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
High performance liquid chromatography method for the detection of released purinergic and biogenic amine signaling molecules from in vitro ileum tissue
Authors: Lwin Ayemon , Patel Bhavik Anil
Published: May 2010

Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and serotonin (5‐HT) are known to play key roles in the function and activity of the gastrointestinal tract; however, no methods have been established for the monitoring of these signaling molecules within one assay. We have developed a simple chromatographic methodology using UV/visible detection for the analysis of purinergic and biogenic amine signaling molecules. The chromatographic separation was achieved in an isocratic mode, where the mobile phase consisted of 5% methanol and 95% ammonium phosphate buffer with 10 mM tetrabutylammonium bisulfate. Column temperature of 45°C provided the means to separate all analytes within 14.7 min. Good resolution and tailing factors were observed for all components within the separation. The LOD for ATP and 5‐HT was 30 and 317 nM, respectively, with a linear range from 10–0.02 μM. In vitro measurements were carried out by using aliquots from the buffer the tissue was stored in after 30 min to measure released molecules. In vitro assay of ileum tissue in the presence and absence of endogenous ATP was carried out. Results showed that ATP can elevate 5‐HT release. This method can be used to study alterations in these key signaling molecules with gastrointestinal disease.
Coupling stir bar sorptive extraction‐dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction for preconcentration of triazole pesticides from aqueous samples followed by GC‐FID and GC‐MS determinations
Authors: Farajzadeh Mir Ali , Djozan Djavanshir , Nouri Nina , Bamorowat Mehdi , Shalamzari Mohammad Safi
Published: May 2010

Stir bar sorptive extraction (SBSE) combined with dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction (DLLME) has been developed as a new approach for the extraction of six triazole pesticides (penconazole, hexaconazole, diniconazole, tebuconazole, triticonazole and difenconazole) in aqueous samples prior to GC‐flame ionization detection (GC‐FID). A series of parameters that affect the performance of both steps were thoroughly investigated. Under optimized conditions, aqueous sample was stirred using a stir bar coated with octadecylsilane (ODS) and then target compounds on the sorbent (stir bar) were desorbed with methanol. The extract was mixed with 25 μL of 1,1,2,2‐tetrachloroethane and the mixture was rapidly injected into sodium chloride solution 30% w/v. After centrifugation, an aliquot of the settled organic phase was analyzed by GC‐FID. The methodology showed broad linear ranges for the six triazole pesticides studied, with correlation coefficients higher than 0.993, lower LODs and LOQs between 0.53–24.0 and 1.08–80.0 ng/mL, respectively, and suitable precision (RSD < 5.2%). Moreover, the developed methodology was applied for the determination of target analytes in several samples, including tap, river and well waters, wastewater (before and after purification), and grape and apple juices. Also, the presented SBSE‐DLLME procedure followed by GC‐MS determination was performed on purified wastewater. Penconazole, hexaconazole and diniconazole were detected in the purified wastewater that confirmed the obtained results by GC‐FID determination. In short, by coupling SBSE with DLLME, advantages of two methods are combined to enhance the selectivity and sensitivity of the method. This method showed higher enrichment factors (282–1792) when compared with conventional methods of sample preparation to screen pesticides in aqueous samples.