bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
EBV‐Encoded LMP‐1 Sensitizes Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Cells to Genotoxic Drugs by Down‐Regulating Cabin1 Expression
Authors: Chang Pu‐Yuan , Wu Zchong‐Zcho , Sun Nian‐Kang , Chao Chuck C.‐K.
Published: August 2013

The oncogenic latent membrane protein 1 (LMP1) of Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) is involved in the pathogenesis of human nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) and lymphoma. We and other authors have shown earlier that LMP1 induces apoptosis and inhibits xenograft tumor growth in mice, but the mechanism underlying these processes has not been investigated so far. In the present study, we show that knockdown of LMP1 renders the EBV‐positive NPC cell line CG‐1 resistant to various genotoxic drugs (cisplatin, etoposide, and adriamycin). LMP1 inhibits the expression of Cabin1, a Ca2+ regulated protein shown earlier to inhibit calcineurin. Knockdown of calcineurin binding protein (Cabin1) with small hairpin RNA sensitizes CG‐1 cells to genotoxic drugs. In contrast, LMP1 overexpression reduces Cabin1 level and renders both CG‐1 cells and EBV‐negative NPC cell lines sensitive to cisplatin. The c‐Jun‐N‐terminal kinase (JNK) and ERK pathways are required for LMP1‐induced suppression of Cabin1 at the transcriptional level. Chromatin immunoprecipitation assays further confirm that the JNK‐activated transcription factor AP‐1 mediates the LMP1‐induced down‐regulation of Cabin1 gene expression. LMP1 knockdown also increases the resistance of xenograph tumors to cisplatin in mice, therefore confirming the relevance of our findings in vivo. This study reveals the molecular mechanism underlying the pro‐apoptotic activity of LMP1 during cisplatin‐based NPC chemotherapy. J. Cell. Physiol. 229: 309–322, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Transport characteristics and origins of carbon monoxide and ozone in Hong Kong, South China
Authors: Ding Aijun , Wang Tao , Fu Congbin
Published: August 2013

Transport characteristics and origins of carbon monoxide (CO) and ozone (O3) transported to Hong Kong were investigated using backward Lagrangian particle dispersion modeling (LPDM) and measurement data collected at a regional background station, Hok Tsui, in South China during 2005–2007. LPDM was conducted using the Hybrid Single‐Particle Lagrangian Integrated Trajectory model (HYSPLIT) driven by Global Data Assimilation System (GDAS) data and emission inventories of CO. The LPDM simulations showed very good performance in characterizing temporal variations in CO on both seasonal and synoptic scales during the 3 years. Based on the LPDM simulations, the seasonal cycles of the source origins and transport age of CO were investigated. Carbon monoxide at the background station was found to originate mainly from the coastal regions in southern China and from eastern China, with averaged transport time of about 1 day and 2–4 days, respectively. The O3 annual maximum in autumn was influenced by regional transport of O3 precursors originating from eastern China, suggesting a strong continental outflow and its regional impacts. Photochemical processes contributed to occurrence of O3 episodes with sharp daytime O3 peaks produced from fresh subregional emissions from Hong Kong and the Pearl River Delta region, mixed with inland continental air. By examining the O3‐CO relationship and Lagrangian transport time, the roles of transport and photochemical processes in different seasons at Hok Tsui were also investigated. This study demonstrated unique applications of backward LPDM in observational data analysis as well as in understanding source‐receptor relationships and multiscale transport of CO and O3.
Eastward propagating planetary waves with periods of 1–5 days in the winter Antarctic stratosphere as revealed by MERRA and lidar
Authors: Lu Xian , Chu Xinzhao , Fuller‐Rowell Tim , Chang Loren , Fong Weichun , Yu Zhibin
Published: August 2013

This study presents the first report of planetary wave (PW) influences on significant temperature perturbations (10–20 K) within a course of one day detected by an Fe lidar from 35 to 51 km in the austral winter of 2011 at McMurdo (77.8°S, 166.7°E), Antarctica. Such large temperature perturbations are captured in the Modern Era Retrospective‐Analysis for Research and Applications (MERRA) data and correspond to various phases of eastward propagating PWs with periods of 1–5 days as revealed in MERRA. The strongest PW dominating the temperature perturbations has a period of 4–5 days with wavenumber −1. A 2−day wave with wavenumber −2 and a 1.25−day wave with wavenumber −3 also have significant influences. We find that these eastward propagating PWs are highly confined to winter high latitudes, likely because negative refractive indices equatorward of ~45°S result in evanescent wave characteristics and prevent the PWs from propagating to lower latitudes. The Eliassen‐Palm flux divergence and instability analyses suggest that barotropic/baroclinic instability at 50°S–60°S induced by the stratospheric polar night jet and/or the “double‐jet” structure is the most likely wave source. Such instability in the region poleward of 70°S is a complementary source for the 4−day wave, where we find that the heat flux of the 4−day wave is large and transported from ~70°S toward the pole above 40 km. This transport direction is likely linked to the meridional gradient of background temperature. The migrating diurnal tide near 78°S in the upper stratosphere is discernable, but significantly smaller than that of the dominant 4−day wave.
Understanding the role of the ground surface in HONO vertical structure: High resolution vertical profiles during NACHTT‐11
Authors: VandenBoer Trevor C. , Brown Steven S. , Murphy Jennifer G. , Keene William C. , Young Cora J. , Pszenny A. A. P. , Kim S. , Warneke Carsten , de Gouw Joost A. , Maben John R. , Wagner Nicholas L. , Riedel Theran P. , Thornton Joel A. , Wolfe Daniel E. , Dubé William P. , Öztürk Fatma , Brock Charles A. , Grossberg Nicole , Lefer Barry , Lerner Brian , Middlebrook Ann M. , Roberts James M.
Published: August 2013

A negative‐ion proton‐transfer chemical ionization mass spectrometer was deployed on a mobile tower‐mounted platform during Nitrogen, Aerosol Composition, and Halogens on a Tall Tower (NACHTT) to measure nitrous acid (HONO) in the winter of 2011. High resolution vertical profiles revealed (i) HONO gradients in nocturnal boundary layers, (ii) ground surface dominates HONO production by heterogeneous uptake of NO2, (iii) significant quantities of HONO may be deposited to the ground surface at night, (iv) daytime gradients indicative of ground HONO production or emission, and (v) an estimated surface HONO reservoir comparable or larger than integrated daytime HONO surface production. Nocturnal integrated column observations of HONO and NO2 allowed direct evaluation of nocturnal ground surface uptake coefficients for these species (γNO2, surf = 2 × 10−6 to 1.6 × 10−5 and γHONO, surf = 2 × 10−5 to 2 × 10−4). A chemical model showed that the unknown source of HONO was highest in the morning, 4 × 106 molecules cm−3 s−1 (600 pptv h−1), declined throughout the day, and minimized near 1 × 106 molecules cm−3 s−1 (165 pptv h−1). The quantity of surface‐deposited HONO was also modeled, showing that HONO deposited to the surface at night was at least 25%, and likely in excess of 100%, of the calculated unknown daytime HONO source. These results suggest that if nocturnally deposited HONO forms a conservative surface reservoir, which can be released the following day, a significant fraction of the daytime HONO source can be explained for the NACHTT observations.
Labeling of benzodioxin piperazines with fluorine‐18 as prospective radioligands for selective imaging of dopamine D4 receptors
Authors: Kügler Fabian , Ermert Johannes , Coenen Heinz H.
Published: August 2013

The D4 receptor is of high interest for research and clinical application but puts high demands on appropriate radioligands to be useful tools for investigation. Search for adequate radioligands suitable for in vivo imaging is therefore still in progress. The potential neuroleptic drug 6‐(4‐[4‐fluorobenzyl]piperazin‐1‐yl)benzodioxin shows high affinity and selectivity to the D4 receptor. Derivatization of this lead structure by adding hydrophilic moieties was carried out in order to lower its lipophilicity what led to three new putative dopamine receptor D4 ligands. A comprehensive description of the syntheses of standard compounds and corresponding labeling precursors is given which were obtained in satisfactory yields. Furthermore, the radiosyntheses by direct 18F‐labeling and build‐up synthesis were compared. All derivatives of 6‐(4‐[4‐fluorobenzyl]‐piperazin‐1‐yl)benzodioxin were successfully synthesized in 18F‐labeled form with radiochemical yields of 9–35% and molar activities of 30–60 GBq/µmol using one‐pot procedures. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The role of the Sun in atmosphere–ocean coupling
Authors: Roy Indrani
Published: August 2013

An overview of the processes involved in determining the Sun's influence on climate is presented in the form of a flow chart. Evidence and hypotheses concerning the combined influences of the El Niño‐Southern Oscillation, the Quasi‐Biennial Oscillation and the Solar Cycle on the Hadley and Walker circulations are discussed in the context of atmosphere–ocean coupling, focussing on the Pacific region. It is shown that the Sun plays a crucial role in ocean–atmosphere coupling but that this coupling appears to be disturbed during the latter half of the 20th century, probably related to climate change. The identification of a solar influence can lead to improved skill in prediction so as to better inform communities to address/mitigate some of the crucial issues that are associated with climate change.
Estimating long‐wave radiation at the Earth's surface from measurements of specific humidity
Authors: Rosa Rafael , Stanhill Gerald
Published: August 2013

The relationship between specific humidity (q) and down‐welling long‐wave radiation (El↓) was investigated on a daily, monthly and annual basis for 39 widely distributed sites of the Baseline Surface Radiation Network (BSRN) and validated using two additional BSRN sites. A power relationship between El↓ and q was fitted to the data for each site; the constant did not change significantly with time and geographic location. Neither the mean value of q nor the residual value of El↓ changed significantly between 1998 and 2011, suggesting the applicability of the relationship over periods without large changes in the Earth's temperature and/or concentration of H2O. The root mean square error for both the calibration and validation sites was comparable to that reported for both direct measurements and satellite‐derived estimates for daily, monthly and annual periods. The power relationships were weaker for three tropical sites located in the Pacific Ocean, where the seasonal variation in q was smaller than at the other sites. For the remaining stations, a common power relationship, El↓ = 212.64 q0.22, enabled monthly values of El↓ to be accurately estimated from widely available measurements of air temperature, humidity and pressure at the Earth's surface.
Simultaneous determination of chlordiazepoxide and selected antidepressants using CZE
Authors: Mansour Marwa F. , El‐Kady Ehab F. , El‐Guindi Nabawia M. , El‐Moghazy Samir M. , Van Schepdael Ann
Published: August 2013

A simple CE method was developed and validated for the simultaneous determination of chlordiazepoxide (CHL), amitriptyline, and nortriptyline (mixture I) or the determination of CHL and imipramine (mixture II) using the same BGE. Sertraline and amitriptyline were used as internal standards for the first and second mixtures, respectively. The method allows amitriptyline to be completely separated from its impurity and main metabolite nortriptyline, which can be quantified from 0.2 μg/mL. The separation was achieved using 20 mM potassium phosphate buffer pH 5 containing 12 mM β‐cyclodextrin and 1 mM carboxymethyl‐β‐cyclodextrin. UV detection was performed at 200 nm and a voltage of 15 kV was applied on an uncoated fused‐silica capillary at 25°C. These experimental conditions allowed separation of the compounds to be obtained in 7 min. Calibration graphs proved the linearity up to 40 μg/mL for CHL, up to 100 μg/mL for amitriptyline and imipramine, and up to 5 μg/mL for nortriptyline. The accuracy and precision of the method have been determined by analyzing synthetic mixtures and pharmaceutical formulations. The analytical results were quite good in all cases indicating that the method was linear, sensitive, precise, accurate, and selective for both mixtures.
The Tourism Industry and the Process of Internationalization in the Middle East: The Example of Jordan
Authors: Pillmayer Markus , Scherle Nicolai
Published: August 2013

Ongoing internationalization processes have resulted in significant changes on the supply side in many fields of the economy and specifically in tourism. Although the scientific discourse is working hard to keep pace with these rapid changes, there is nevertheless a considerable deficit in research on the problems and risks as well as the potential and opportunities associated with intensifying processes of internationalization. This paper focuses on the internationalization process of small and medium‐sized tourism enterprises (SMTEs) in the Middle East, specifically in the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, which continues to be a tourist destination for Westerners in spite of major political and other crises. Internationalization of SMTEs is a complex process, and studies that take a more holistic view of this phenomenon are needed. This paper will therefore attempt to investigate the internationalization process in Jordan from a problem‐centred perspective and to critically examine and discuss it on the basis of comments made by leading actors in the Jordanian tourism business. The thus gained insights should help to reduce the still existing theoretical deficits in the study of the internationalization process. Particularly, the impact of the Arab Spring on the Jordanian tourism market must be included in a critical assessment. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Soil Quality Indicators Response to Land Use and Soil Management Systems in Northern Ethiopia's Catchment
Authors: Tesfahunegn Gebreyesus Brhane
Published: August 2013

Assessment of soil quality (SQ) indicators that detect soil degradation in different land use and soil management systems (LUSMS) is desirable to achieve sustainable management strategies. The LUSMS identified for evaluation included natural forest (LS1), plantation of protected area (LS2), grazed land (LS3), teff(Eragrostis tef)‐faba bean(Vicia faba)rotation (LS4), teff‐wheat(Triticum vulgare)/barley(Hordeum vulgare)rotation (LS5), teff mono‐cropping (LS6), maize(Zea mays)mono‐cropping (LS7), and uncultivated marginal land (LS8). The SQ indicators were significantly influenced (p ≤ 0·05) by the LUSMS. The first four principal components with eigenvalue > 1 explain about 88% of the SQ variability across the LUSMS. The final principal component chosen indicators that mainly influence SQ variability were organic carbon, total nitrogen, cation exchange capacity, total phosphorus, silt, bulk density, and iron. In this study, a higher SQ was found in LS1 followed by LS2, whereas a seriously degraded SQ was observed in LS8 followed by LS6. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Changes in the NMR characteristics of 3,6‐di‐tert‐butylquinone on formation of paramagnetic complexes
Authors: Voronov Vladimir K. , Ushakov Igor А. , Grishmanovskii Dmitrii S. , Cherkasov Vladimir K.
Published: August 2013

High‐resolution NMR spectra of 3,6‐di‐tert‐butylquinone were recorded and analyzed for the first time in a wide range of temperatures. The spectra were transformed by paramagnetic additives of cobalt, nickel, and copper complexes synthesized on the basis of metal semiquinolates. Chloroform, dimethylsulfoxide, toluene, and acetone were used as solvents. It was shown that the spectra changed by paramagnetic additives can contain valuable information on the nature of a superfine interaction in paramagnetic complexes and on peculiarities of intramolecular dynamics inherent in these compounds. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effective strength of saturated double porous media with a Drucker–Prager solid phase
Authors: Shen Wanqing , He Zheng , Dormieux Luc , Kondo Djimédo
Published: August 2013

This study aims at determining the macroscopic strength of porous materials having a Drucker–Prager solid phase at microscale and two populations of saturated pores with different pressures at both micro and meso scales. To this end, and taking account of the available results by Maghous et al. (2009), we first derive a closed‐form expression of approximate criterion for a dry porous medium whose matrix obeys to a general elliptic criterion. The methodology to formulate this criterion is based on limit analysis of a hollow sphere subjected to a uniform strain rate boundary conditions. The obtained results are then implemented in a two‐step homogenization procedure, which interestingly delivers analytical expression of the macroscopic criterion for dry double porous media whose solid phase at microscale obeys to a Drucker–Prager criterion. After a brief discussion of the results, we propose an extension to double porous saturated media, allowing therefore to quantify the simultaneous effects of the different pore pressures applied on each voids population. The results are discussed in terms of the existence or not of effective stresses. Finally, they are assessed by comparing them to recently available results. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
SALS, WAXS and mechanical properties of heat‐treated thermotropic polymers
Authors: Reyes‐Mayer Adriana , Alvarado‐Tenorio Bonifacio , Romo‐Uribe Angel , Jaffe Michael
Published: August 2013

The influence of heat treatment on the texture, microstructure and tensile mechanical properties of extruded thin films of a series of high‐performance thermotropic liquid crystal polymers (LCPs) was investigated. LCPs based on random units of hydroxybenzoic acid (B), hydroxynaphthoic acid (N), terephthalic acid (TA) and biphenol (BP) were kindly supplied by the former Hoechst Celanese Corp as 50 µm thick extruded tapes. The LCPs, denoted B‐N, COTBP and RD1000, have B and N as common comonomers and vary the other comonomers. Thus, this study also enables the investigation of the influence of monomer composition on microstructure and mechanical properties. Heat treatments were carried out at temperatures close to the solid‐to‐nematic transition (Ts→n) for periods up to 5 h, under dry air conditions. The thermal treatment produced either two endotherms or a small increase of Ts→n (B‐N and RD1000), or increased significantly Ts→n (COTBP). Moreover, when heat treatment was carried out approximately 40°C below the respective Ts→n, the mechanical Young's modulus, E, along the extrusion axis, increased for all LCPs. Strikingly, for COTBP, E increased over 100% relative to the as‐extruded film. The results also showed that the optimum treatment time for improving the Young modulus, under dry air atmosphere, was between 3 and 4 h. Wide‐angle X‐ray scattering showed a significant sharpening of crystalline reflections and concentration of the 002 meridional reflection as a result of thermal treatment, suggesting the elimination of defects and a better alignment of the molecular chains along the extrusion axis. This would explain the increase in tensile modulus. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Investigation of current‐voltage characteristics and current conduction mechanisms in composites of polyvinyl alcohol and bismuth oxide
Authors: Yıldırım Mert , Gökçen Muharrem , Tunç Tuncay , Uslu İbrahim , Altındal Şemsettin
Published: August 2013

Temperature dependent current‐voltage (I–V) measurements of Au/Polyvinyl Alcohol + Bi2O3/n‐Si structure were conducted between 100 and 350 K for investigating the temperature dependence of I–V characteristics and current conduction mechanisms in the structure. Series resistance of the structure is calculated using Ohm's law and Cheungs' method. Ideality factor (n) and zero‐bias barrier height (ΦBo) were obtained considering thermionic emission theory. From 100 to 350 K, n changed from 32.1 to 3.54, and ΦBo changed from 0.27 to 0.99 eV. Obtained temperature dependent values of n and ΦBo suggested that thermionic emission is not the dominant current conduction mechanism. Therefore, Ln(I)–Ln(V) curves of the studied structure were plotted for investigating current conduction mechanisms in the structure and current flow is explained considering space charge limited current. Moreover, density of interface states (Dit) in the structure were calculated and its temperature dependence was investigated such that Dit values are reduced to the order of ∼1013 eV−1 cm−2 from ∼1014 eV−1 cm−2 with increasing temperature. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 54:1811–1816, 2014. © 2013 Society of Plastics Engineers
Variability of 13C‐labeling in plant leaves
Authors: Nguyen Tu Thanh Thuy , Biron Philippe , Maseyk Kadmiel , Richard Patricia , Zeller Bernd , Quénéa Katell , Alexis Marie , Bardoux Gérard , Vaury Véronique , Girardin Cyril , Pouteau Valérie , Billiou Daniel , Bariac Thierry
Published: August 2013

RATIONALE

Plant tissues artificially labeled with 13C are increasingly used in environmental studies to unravel biogeochemical and ecophysiological processes. However, the variability of 13C‐content in labeled tissues has never been carefully investigated. Hence, this study aimed at documenting the variability of 13C‐content in artificially labeled leaves.

METHODS

European beech and Italian ryegrass were subjected to long‐term 13C‐labeling in a controlled‐environment growth chamber. The 13C‐content of the leaves obtained after several months labeling was determined by isotope ratio mass spectrometry.

RESULTS

The 13C‐content of the labeled leaves exhibited inter‐ and intra‐leaf variability much higher than those naturally occurring in unlabeled plants, which do not exceed a few per mil. This variability was correlated with labeling intensity: the isotope composition of leaves varied in ranges of ca 60‰ and 90‰ for experiments that led to average leaf 13C‐content of ca +15‰ and +450‰, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The reported variability of isotope composition in 13C‐enriched leaves is critical, and should be taken into account in subsequent experimental investigations of environmental processes using 13C‐labeled plant tissues. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Electric Arc Furnace Off‐Gas Heat Recovery and Experience with a Testing Plant
Authors: Steinparzer Thomas , Haider Markus , Zauner Florian , Enickl Gerhard , Michele‐Naussed Marcel , Horn Andreas Christian
Published: August 2013

This paper deals with electric arc furnace off‐gas heat recovery and first experiences with a testing plant. The testing plant based on molten salt as heat transfer fluid was installed inside the existing off‐gas system of a German mini mill. Targets of the testing plant are to evaluate tube materials and to measure the influence of hot corrosion and dust settlement. First experimental results are presented. Besides experimental measurements numerical simulations were performed. A process simulation was necessary to describe process dynamics. A computational fluid dynamic simulation of the testing heat exchanger was done to calculate the off‐gas flow profile around the heat exchanger.
Pigment Epithelium-Derived Factor Enhances Differentiation and Mineral Deposition of Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells
Authors: Li Feng , Song Na , Tombran-Tink Joyce , Niyibizi Christopher
Published: August 2013

Pigment epithelium-derived factor (PEDF) is a potent antiangiogenic factor found in a wide variety of tissues. Recent findings indicated that lack of PEDF leads to osteogenesis imperfecta type VI whose hallmark is a defect in mineralization. We investigated the effects of PEDF on human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) and signaling pathways through which PEDF displays its activities in hMSCs. hMSCs incubated in a medium supplemented with PEDF induced expression of osteoblastic-related genes. In addition, PEDF induced alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity in MSCs at 14 days of incubation in maintenance medium; hMSCs incubated in osteogenic medium in presence of PEDF expressed 19% more ALP activity (35.655 ± 1.827 U/mg protein, p = .041 than cells incubated in the same medium without PEDF supplementation (29.956 ± 2.100 U/μg protein). hMSCs incubated in osteogenic medium in presence of PEDF deposited 50% more mineral (2.108 ± 0.306 OD/ml per well per 1 × 104 cells per square centimeter, p = .017) than MSCs incubated in absence of the protein (1.398 ± 0.098 OD/ml per well per 1 × 104 cells per square centimeter) as determined by Alizarin Red quantitation. Reduction in PEDF expression in MSCs by siRNA led to decreased ALP activity (33.552 ± 2.009 U/ng protein of knockdown group vs. 39.269 ± 3.533 U/ng protein of scrambled siRNA group, p = .039) and significant reduction in mineral deposition (0.654 ± 0.050 OD/ml per well per 1 × 104 cells per square centimeter of knockdown group vs. 1.152 ± 0.132 OD/ml per well per 1 × 104 cells per square centimeter of wild-type group, p = .010). Decreased ALP activity and mineral deposition were restored by supplementation with exogenous PEDF protein. PEDF activated ERK and AKT signaling pathways in MSCs to induce expression of osteoblastic-related genes. These data suggest that PEDF is involved in MSCs osteoblastic differentiation. Stem Cells  2013;31:2714–2723
Unveiling the critical role of REX1 in the regulation of human stem cell pluripotency
Authors: Son Mi-Young , Choi Hoonsung , Han Yong-Mahn , Sook Cho Yee
Published: August 2013

Reduced expression 1 (REX1) is a widely used pluripotency marker, but little is known about its roles in pluripotency. Here, we show that REX1 is functionally important in the reacquisition and maintenance of pluripotency. REX1-depleted human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) lose their self-renewal capacity and full differentiation potential, especially their mesoderm lineage potential. Cyclin B1/B2 expression was found to parallel that of REX1. REX1 positively regulates the transcriptional activity of cyclin B1/B2 through binding to their promoters. REX1 induces the phosphorylation of DRP1 at Ser616 by cyclin B/CDK1, which leads to mitochondrial fission and appears to be important for meeting the high-energy demands of highly glycolytic hPSCs. During reprogramming to pluripotency by defined factors (OCT4, SOX2, KLF4, and c-MYC), the reprogramming kinetics and efficiency are markedly improved by adding REX1 or replacing KLF4 with REX1. These improvements are achieved by lowering reprogramming barriers (growth arrest and apoptosis), by enhancing mitochondrial fission, and by conversion to glycolytic metabolism, dependent on the cyclin B1/B2-DRP1 pathway. Our results show that a novel pluripotency regulator, REX1, is essential for pluripotency and reprogramming.
Concise review: Bone marrow autotransplants for liver disease?
Authors: Saramipoor Behbahan Iman , Keating Armand , Peter Gale Robert
Published: August 2013

There are increasing reports of using bone marrow-derived stem cells to treat advanced liver disease. We consider several critical issues that underlie this approach. For example, are there multipotent stem cell populations in human adult bone marrow? Can they develop into liver cells or supporting cell types? What are stromal stem/progenitor cells, and can they promote tissue repair without replacing hepatocytes? Does reversal of end-stage liver disease require new hepatocytes, a new liver microenvironment, both, neither or something else? Although many of these questions are unanswered, we consider the conceptual and experimental bases underlying these issues and critically analyze results of clinical trials of stem cell therapy of end-stage liver disease.
A small molecule p75NTR ligand protects neurogenesis after traumatic brain injury
Authors: Shi Jian , Longo Frank M. , Massa Stephen M.
Published: August 2013

The p75 neurotrophin receptor (p75NTR) influences the proliferation, survival, and differentiation of neuronal precursors and its expression is induced in injured brain, where it regulates cell survival. Here, we test the hypotheses that pharmacologic modulation of p75NTR signaling will promote neural progenitor survival and proliferation, and improve outcomes of traumatic brain injury (TBI). LM11A-31, an orally available, blood-brain barrier-permeant small-molecule p75NTR signaling modulator, significantly increased proliferation and survival, and decreased JNK phosphorylation, in hippocampal neural stem/progenitor cells in culture expressing wild-type p75NTR, but had no effect on cells expressing a mutant neurotrophin-unresponsive form of the receptor. The compound also enhanced the production of mature neurons from adult hippocampal neural progenitors in vitro. In vivo, intranasal administration of LM11A-31 decreased postinjury hippocampal and cortical neuronal death, neural progenitor cell death, gliogenesis, and microglial activation, and enhanced long-term hippocampal neurogenesis and reversed spatial memory impairments. LM11A-31 diminished the postinjury increase of SOX2-expressing early progenitor cells, but protected and increased the proliferation of endogenous polysialylated-neural cell adhesion molecule positive intermediate progenitors, and restored the long-term production of mature granule neurons. These findings suggest that modulation of p75NTR actions using small molecules such as LM11A-31 may constitute a potent therapeutic strategy for TBI.
Fostering student sense making in elementary science learning environments: Elementary teachers' use of science curriculum materials to promote explanation construction
Authors: Zangori Laura , Forbes Cory T. , Biggers Mandy
Published: August 2013

While research has shown that elementary (K‐5) students are capable of engaging in the scientific practice of explanation construction, commonly‐used elementary science curriculum materials may not always afford them opportunities to do so. As a result, elementary teachers must often adapt their science curriculum materials to better support students' explanation construction and foster student sense making. However, little research has been conducted to explore if and, if so, how and why, elementary teachers modify science curriculum materials to engage students in explanation construction. We use an embedded mixed methods research design to explore elementary teachers' (n = 45) curricular adaptations and pedagogical reasoning. We collected and quantitatively analyzed a matched set of 121 elementary science lesson plans and video recorded lesson enactments to investigate the extent to which inservice elementary teachers engage in instruction to more productively support students' explanation construction. Our findings suggest that the curriculum materials heavily emphasized hands‐on engagement and data collection over explanation construction and that the teachers' adaptations did not fundamentally alter scientific sense‐making opportunities afforded students in the lesson plans. Interviews and other artifacts were also collected and analyzed to construct a multiple‐case study of four of these elementary teachers. Findings from the case study suggest that the teachers' conceptions of explanation construction and concerns about the abilities of their students to engage in scientific explanations impacted their curricular adaptations. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Res Sci Teach 50: 989–1017, 2013
TRADE: A truthful online combinatorial auction for spectrum allocation in cognitive radio networks
Authors: Zhong Lei , Huang Qianyi , Wu Fan , Chen Guihai
Published: August 2013

Auctions have been shown to be able to tackle the problem of spectrum scarcity effectively, but most of existing works only focus on static scenarios. They cannot deal with the requests of spectrum users as they arrive and leave dynamically. Bidders can either cheat by bidding untruthfully or cheat about the arrival and departure time. In this paper, we model the radio spectrum allocation problem as a sealed‐bid online combinatorial auction and propose a truthful mechanism called TRADE. TRADE is a truthful and an individual rational mechanism with polynomial time complexity. It can prevent bidders from cheating in the auction while achieving good bidder satisfaction, spectrum utilization, and social welfare. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Prospective Randomized Trial of Hybrid NOTES Colectomy Versus Conventional Laparoscopic Colectomy for Left‐sided Colonic Tumors
Authors: Leung Alex Lik Hang , Cheung Hester Yui Shan , Fok Benny Ka Lung , Chung Cliff Chi Chiu , Li Michael Ka Wah , Tang Chung Ngai
Published: August 2013

Background

We conducted a randomized study of a laparoscopic technique for removing left‐sided colon tumors that can reduce postoperative pain and other wound‐related complications compared to the conventional technique. It is a novel technique of hybrid natural orifice translumenal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) colectomy (HNC) whereby laparoscopic colonic mobilization, transection, and anastomosis are performed intracorporeally. The specimen is then delivered through the anus using the transanal endoscopic operation (TEO) device, precluding the need for mini‐laparotomy. We compared the short‐term outcomes of patients who underwent HNC with those who underwent conventional laparoscopic colectomy (CL).

Methods

Patients suffering left‐sided colonic tumor were recruited and were randomized into two groups: HNC and CL. Operative data and complications were prospectively recorded and analyzed.

Results

During a 3‐year period, we recruited 70 patients (35 per group). No significant difference was observed between the two groups with respect to operating time (105 vs. 100 min, p = 0.851), blood loss (30 vs. 30 ml, p = 0.954), or length of hospital stay (5 vs. 5 days, p = 0.990). The maximum pain score during the first week was significantly lower in the HNC group (1 vs. 2, p = 0.017). No patients in the HNC group developed wound infection, whereas four patients in the CL group did so (p = 0.005).

Conclusions

With this hybrid NOTES technique, selected patients with left‐sided colonic tumors can enjoy the full benefits of minimally invasive surgery with significantly less wound pain and a lower wound infection rate than are observed with CL.
Heavy and Trace Metals in Carcinoma of the Gallbladder
Authors: Basu Somprakas , Singh Manish K. , Singh Tej B. , Bhartiya Satyanam K. , Singh Sureshwar P. , Shukla Vijay K.
Published: August 2013

Background

Carcinoma of the gallbladder is the commonest malignancy of the biliary tract in northern India The etiologic relation of specific metals (heavy and trace) and their compounds to neoplasia has been a topic of investigation for some time but not adequately described for carcinoma of the gallbladder. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the relation of heavy and trace metals to this malignancy.

Methods

The levels of selenium, zinc, copper, manganese, cadmium, chromium, lead, and nickel were estimated in serum, bile, gallstones, and gallbladder tissue using atomic absorption spectrophotometry. The tests were carried out in 30 patients with gallbladder cancer and 30 sex‐matched patients with cholelithiasis.

Results

Selenium and zinc levels were significantly reduced (p < 0.001) and copper concentration was found to be significantly higher (p < 0.001) in serum, bile, and gallbladder tissue from patients with carcinoma of the gallbladder. Lead, cadmium, chromium, and nickel levels were elevated in serum and bile in patients with carcinoma of the gallbladder.

Conclusions

The present study demonstrated a significant decrease in serum, biliary, and tissue levels of selenium and zinc but increased copper, lead, cadmium, chromium, and nickel levels in patients with carcinoma of the gallbladder, indicating a strong relation between the concentrations of these metals and gallbladder cancer.
Outcome of Surgical Resection as a First Line Therapy in T3 Non‐small Cell Lung Cancer Patients
Authors: Takenaka Tomoyoshi , Katsura Masakazu , Shikada Yasunori , Takeo Sadanori
Published: August 2013

Background

The T3 category of the 7th Edition of the TNM classification of non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) has added two factors that do not appear in the 6th Edition, large tumor size (>7 cm) and pulmonary metastasis of the same lobe. These factors are considered to have different biological and clinical features. In the present study we assessed the outcome of surgical resection as a first line therapy for T3 NSCLC.

Methods

A total of 145 patients who were diagnosed according to the TNM 7th Edition with pathologic T3 NSCLC received surgical resection in our institution as a first line treatment. The outcomes of their treatment were analyzed.

Results

The 5‐year survival rate was 46.9 %. On the basis of the 6th TNM Edition, the 5‐year survival rate was 63.1 % for patients diagnosed with T2 disease (large tumor size), 44.3 % for patients diagnosed with T3 disease, and 33.1 % for patients diagnosed with T4 disease (pulmonary metastasis of the same lobe). There were no significant correlations between these categories and overall survival (OS). Nevertheless, 6th Edition T factors were found to be significantly correlated with lymph node status (p < 0.01). The univariate analyses showed that age, lymph node metastasis, and curative resection had significant effects on OS. In addition, the multivariate analysis identified age and N factor as independent prognostic factors in this cohort.

Conclusions

Indications for surgical resection as a first line therapy in T3 NSCLC should be based on N factors and patient age. Lymph node metastasis, especially N2 disease, was increasingly frequent in patients with 6th Edition T classifications.
Isolation and characterization of a thermostable esterase from a metagenomic library
Authors: Shao Hua , Xu Li , Yan Yunjun
Published: August 2013

A novel esterase gene was isolated by functional screening of a metagenomic library prepared from an activated sludge sample. The gene (est-XG2) consists of 1,506 bp with GC content of 74.8 %, and encodes a protein of 501 amino acids with a molecular mass of 53 kDa. Sequence alignment revealed that Est-XG2 shows a maximum amino acid identity (47 %) with the carboxylesterase from Thermaerobacter marianensis DSM 12885 (YP_004101478). The catalytic triad of Est-XG2 was predicted to be Ser192-Glu313-His412 with Ser192 in a conserved pentapeptide (GXSXG), and further confirmed by site-directed mutagenesis. Phylogenetic analysis suggested Est-XG2 belongs to the bacterial lipase/esterase family VII. The recombinant Est-XG2, expressed and purified from Escherichia coli, preferred to hydrolyze short and medium length p-nitrophenyl esters with the best substrate being p-nitrophenyl acetate (K  m and k  cat of 0.33 mM and 36.21 s−1, respectively). The purified enzyme also had the ability to cleave sterically hindered esters of tertiary alcohols. Biochemical characterization of Est-XG2 revealed that it is a thermophilic esterase that exhibits optimum activity at pH 8.5 and 70 °C. Est-XG2 had moderate tolerance to organic solvents and surfactants. The unique properties of Est-XG2, high thermostability and stability in the presence of organic solvents, may render it a potential candidate for industrial applications.
An Overview of Genetic Counseling in Cuba
Authors: Cruz Araceli Lantigua
Published: August 2013

This brief report provides an overview of the history and current status of genetic services in Cuba. In 1971, the University of Medical Sciences of Havana began to train doctors in medical genetics according to the medicine development plan in Cuba. With the aim of introducing genetic services to the population, two main issues were identified: the impact of neural tube defects as a cause of infantile mortality, and a founder effect resulting in a high frequency of sickle cell anemia, which increased the mortality rate and impacted the quality of peoples' lives. The impact of consanguinity is variable; it depends on the isolation of the population, with rates of 1 to 11% in different regions for first and second cousin marriages. From 1981, the services of medical genetics began to expand to the entire country, according to a government directive, and the need to design a program for the specialty became evident. From 1995 to 2000, two Masters‐level programs were designed by professors of the Department of Medical Genetics, University of Medical Sciences of Havana, and authorized by the Ministry of Higher Education. One program in medical genetics was designed for physicians with other specialties, and the second program was designed to train professionals to become genetic counselors. The majority of graduates from the latter program are working at the primary level of healthcare
How the Internet is Changing Gambling: Findings from an Australian Prevalence Survey
Authors: Gainsbury Sally M. , Russell Alex , Hing Nerilee , Wood Robert , Lubman Dan , Blaszczynski Alex
Published: August 2013

Interactive gambling as a regulated activity, coupled with easy accessibility to offshore providers represents a new mode and format of gambling superimposed on traditional land-based opportunities. This paper aimed to investigate the prevalence of gambling among Australian adults and the relationship between various gambling activities and interactive modes of access. A second aim was to compare interactive and non-interactive gamblers in terms of socio-demographic characteristics, attitudes and beliefs about gambling and gambling participation. In a nationally representative telephone survey, 15,006 Australian adults completed measures assessing past 12-month gambling participation and a sub-sample completed questions about interactive gambling and beliefs. The majority of participants (64.3 %) reported gambling at least once, with 8.1 % having gambled online. Interactive gamblers gambled on a greater number of activities overall and more frequently. Interactive gamblers were more likely to be male, younger, have home Internet access, participate in more forms of gambling and have higher gambling expenditure. Almost half of the interactive gamblers preferred land-based gambling although a small proportion also noted a number of disadvantages of interactive gambling. This study shows that the nature of gambling participation is shifting with interactive gambling having a significant and growing impact on overall gambling involvement.
Purification and Characterization of Highly Alkaline Lipase from Bacillus licheniformis MTCC 2465: and Study of its Detergent Compatibility and Applicability
Authors: Bora Limpon
Published: August 2013

An extracellular alkaline lipase from Bacillus licheniformis MTCC 2465 has been studied and analyzed for its applicability as a detergent additive. The lipase obtained from Bacillus licheniformis MTCC 2465 was purified by ammonium sulfate fractionation and gel filtration chromatography. The enzyme was precipitated with a 60 % saturated ammonium sulfate fraction showed 6.73 fold purification with the fold purification of 10.4 and specific activity of 398 U/mg of protein with gel filtration chromatography. The optimal pH and temperature for activity were 10 and 60 °C respectively. The enzyme was found to be stable in the pH range of 8–11 with 90 % retention of activity at pH 11. The enzyme retained 90 % activity at 60 °C and 70 % of activity at 70 °C for 1 h. The enzyme activity was maximally enhanced by Hg2+ followed by Co2+ and Fe2+. The lipase was found to be stable in organic solvents with maximum stability in acetone followed by ethanol. The lipase exhibited remarkable stability in the presence of commercial detergents and found to be stable in bleaching agents. Wash performance analysis resulted in improvement of 10 % more grease removal ability of the present lipase in comparison to commercially available lipase.
Factors that Affect the Efficacy of Fluoroscopically Guided Selective Spinal Nerve Root Block in the Treatment of Radicular Pain: A Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Mallinson Paul I. , Tapping Charles R. , Bartlett Richard , Maliakal Paul
Published: August 2013

Aim

The fluoroscopically guided selective nerve root block (SNRB) is being used increasingly as a therapy for radicular pain as well as a diagnostic tool. However, studies and the literature reviews have yet to reach a definite conclusion on the efficacy in this setting. Our aim was to prospectively investigate factors that may affect the success of this procedure.

Materials and Methods

A total of 301 treatment episodes with 283 patients were assessed over 25 months by patient questionnaire over a 7-day period. Changes in analgesic benefit over time, by operating consultant, referring specialty, spinal level, and the presence of periprocedural symptom provocation were evaluated. Statistical analysis was performed by using the χ2 test, Wilcoxon test, and Kruskal-Wallis rank sum test, and the asymptotic marginal-homogeneity test. P < .05 was considered significant.

Results

There was a statistically significant increase in pain relief over the 7 days after the procedure. Pain provocation during the procedure did not improve analgesic success. Cervical, lumbar, and sacral level procedures were equally efficacious. The specialist who referred the patient and the use of contrast to verify needle position during the procedure also did not affect the analgesic outcome. Overall, 69.1% of patients experienced some pain relief by day 7.

Conclusion

Analgesic success rates of selective nerve root blocks did not vary with spinal level, or use of contrast or periprocedural replication of symptoms, when using fluoroscopic guidance. Patients may expect a continued significant improvement in their symptoms for at least a week after the procedure.
Influenza NS1 interacts with p53 and alters its binding to p53‐responsive genes, in a promoter‐dependent manner
Authors: Terrier Olivier , Diederichs Audrey , Dubois Julia , Cartet Gaëlle , Lina Bruno , Bourdon Jean-Christophe , Rosa-Calatrava Manuel
Published: August 2013

p53
physically interacts with
NS1
by anti bait coimmunoprecipitation (View interaction)
E2F1 activates p53 transcription through its distal site and participates in apoptosis induction in HPV‐positive cells
Authors: Massip Anthony , Arcondéguy Tania , Touriol Christian , Basset Céline , Prats Hervé , Lacazette Eric
Published: August 2013

The p53 tumor suppressor protein, one of the most extensively studied proteins, plays a pivotal role in cellular checkpoints that respond to DNA damage to prevent tumorigenesis. However, the transcriptional control of the p53 gene has not been fully characterized. We report that the transcription factor E2F1 binds only to the E2F1 distal site of the p53 promoter in the human papillomavirus positive carcinoma HeLa cell line. Moreover, we showed that etoposide, a DNA damaging agent, activates p53 transcription through the E2F1 pathway. This increase correlates with apoptosis induction as disruption of this pathway led to reduced apoptosis stimulation by the DNA damaging agent.
Insertion of an active fixation lead in the inferior interatrial septum via a 9.0 Fr guiding catheter
Authors: Mori Shumpei , Otomo Kiyoshi , Osai Norichika , Takizawa Kaname , Otomo Tatsushi , Inoue Naoto , Meguro Taiichiro , Hirata Ken‐ichi
Published: August 2013

Placing an atrial lead in the inferior interatrial septum (IAS) reportedly reduces the incidence of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF) and slows the progression to chronic AF; however, in certain cases, inferior IAS pacing is technically difficult. When this procedure is unsuccessful, insertion of the lead in the right atrial appendage can be considered, but it is associated with a risk of cardiac perforation. Here, we describe a technique for lead insertion in the inferior IAS via a 9.0 Fr guiding catheter, which may serve as an alternative technique for inferior IAS pacing when the conventional stylet‐guided insertion is not successful.