bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Optimization of L‐asparaginase production by Aspergillus terreus MTCC 1782 using response surface methodology and artificial neural network‐linked genetic algorithm
Authors: Baskar Gurunathan , Renganathan Sahadevan
Published: October 2010

The sequential optimization strategy of design of experiments and back propagation algorithm of artificial neural network‐linked genetic algorithm were used to find the significant fermentation media components and optimum concentration for maximum L‐asparaginase production by Aspergillus terreus MTCC 1782 in submerged fermentation. Components such as L‐proline, sodium nitrate, L‐asparagine and glucose were identified as significant fermentation media components using Plackett–Burman design. The central composite design was used to fit the second‐order polynomial model describing the effect of significant media components on L‐asparaginase production with coefficient of determination (R2) 0.973. A nonlinear model was developed with high coefficient of determination (R2) 0.997 using incremental back propagation algorithm of neural network. The high value of coefficient of determination for artificial neural network model justified an excellent correlation between variables and L‐asparaginase activity and found to be more efficient than the second‐order polynomial model of central composite design. Hence, the optimum concentration of the significant media components was determined using artificial neural network‐linked genetic algorithm. The predicted optimum concentration of the media components was L‐proline 1.7% (w/v), sodium nitrate 1.99% (w/v), L‐asparagine 1.38% (w/v) and glucose 0.65% (w/v) with an experimentally confirmed L‐asparaginase activity of 40.86 IU mL−1. Copyright © 2010 Curtin University of Technology and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Viscoelastic behavior of crude oil–polymer emulsions
Authors: Ghannam Mamdouh T.
Published: October 2010

This study focuses on the investigation of the viscoelastic behavior of crude oil–Alcoflood polymer (AFP) emulsions in terms of storage modulus, loss modulus, and complex modulus. Three different types of AFP were examined in this investigation. North Sea crude oil was used to prepare the oil–polymer emulsions. The polymer and oil concentrations exhibit a strong influence on the behavior of complex modulus vs frequency. The effect of polymer and oil concentrations is more pronounced at low frequency. This effect diminishes with frequency. For the three polymers used, the apparent complex modulus increases significantly with the concentration of polymer and crude oil. The crude oil phase gradually increases the complex modulus of the emulsions. The complex modulus values of AF1275 and AF1285 emulsions are similar to each other and significantly higher than that of the emulsions of AF1235. The polymer concentration strongly increases the emulsion complex modulus. For a low polymer concentration of 2000 ppm, the aqueous solutions and oil emulsions exhibit viscoelastic behavior with a liquid‐like response at low frequencies and a solid‐like response at high frequencies. The addition of crude oil lowers the crossover frequency. However, at a higher polymer concentration of 10 000 ppm, both aqueous solutions and emulsions exhibit only elastic behavior. Copyright © 2010 Curtin University of Technology and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Shape‐memory polyurethanes minimally crosslinked with hydroxyl‐terminated AB2‐type hyperbranched polyurethanes
Authors: Sivakumar Chickiyan , Sultan Nasar A.
Published: October 2010

A series of shape‐memory polyurethanes based on poly(ϵ‐caprolactone) diol were prepared with novel hydroxyl‐terminated hyperbranched polyurethanes as crosslinkers and were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, 1H‐NMR, gel permeation chromatography, differential scanning calorimetry, scanning electron microscopy, wide‐angle X‐ray diffraction, dynamic mechanical analysis, tensile testing, and shape‐memory testing. The molecular weight of the soluble polymers ranged from 5.1 × 104 to 29.0 × 104 g/mol. The differential scanning calorimetry and wide‐angle X‐ray diffraction data indicated that when the crystallinities of the crosslinked polymers were compared to that of linear polyurethane, this parameter was improved when the crosslinker was in low quantity. The storage modulus ratios obtained from the dynamic mechanical analyses data of the crosslinked polymers were also high compared to that of the linear polyurethane. As a result, crosslinked polymers showed better shape‐memory properties compared to the linear polyurethanes. Also, the that incorporation of the hyperbranched polymer as a crosslinker into the polyurethane chain improved the thermal and mechanical properties of the polymer. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
Tumor necrosis factor alpha increases P‐glycoprotein expression in a BME‐UV in vitro model of mammary epithelial cells
Authors: Al‐Bataineh Mohammad M. , van der Merwe Deon , Schultz Bruce D. , Gehring Ronette
Published: October 2010

P‐glycoprotein is an efflux pump belonging to the ATP‐binding cassette super‐family that influences the bioavailability and disposition of many drugs. Mammary epithelial cells express various drug transporters including P‐glycoprotein, albeit at low level during lactation. During inflammatory reactions, which can be associated with changes in epithelial barrier functions, pro‐inflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF‐α) are elevated in milk and serum. In this study, the role of TNF‐α in the regulation of P‐glycoprotein was determined in cultured BME‐UV cells, an immortalized bovine mammary epithelial cell line. The protein production of P‐glycoprotein and mRNA expression of bABCB1, the gene encoding P‐glycoprotein, were increased after 24 h of TNF‐α exposure. The highest observed effects for TNF‐α on the regulation of P‐glycoprotein was after 72 h of exposure. Protein and mRNA expression also increased significantly after 120 h of TNF‐α exposure, but was lower than the level observed in the cells exposed to TNF‐α for 72 h. The apical to basolateral flux of digoxin, a P‐glycoprotein substrate, was decreased in the TNF‐α‐exposed epithelium. This effect was reversed when verapamil or ketoconazole, compounds known to interact with P‐glycoprotein, were added together with digoxin into the donor compartment. Probenecid, a compound known to interact with organic anion transporters, but not P‐glycoprotein, did not increase the flux of digoxin. This model has important implications for understanding the barrier function of the mammary epithelium and provides insight into the role of P‐glycoprotein in the accumulation and/or removal of xenobiotics from milk and/or plasma. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A flow injection chemiluminescence method for the determination of lincomycin in serum using a diperiodato‐cuprate (III)–luminol system
Authors: Hu Yufei , Li Gongke , Zhang Zhujun
Published: October 2010

In this paper, the novel trivalent copper–periodate complex {K5[Cu(HIO6)2], DPC} has been applied in a luminol‐based chemiluminescence (CL) reaction. Coupled with flow injection (FI) technology, the FI‐CL method was proposed for the determination of lincomycin hydrochloride. The CL reaction between luminol and DPC occurred in an alkaline medium. The CL intensity could be greatly enhanced by lincomycin hydrochloride. The relative CL intensity was proportional to the concentration of lincomycin hydrochloride in the range of 1 × 10−8 to 5 × 10−6 g mL−1 and the detection limit was at the 3.5 × 10−9 g mL−1 level. The relative standard deviation at 5 × 10−8 g mL−1 was 1.7% (n = 9). The sensitive method was successfully applied to the direct determination of lincomycin hydrochloride (ng mL−1) in serum. A possible mechanism of the lumonol–DPC CL reaction was discussed by the study of the CL kinetic characteristics and the spectra of CL reaction. The oxidability of DPC was studied by means of its electrochemical response. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Numerical simulation of lateral migration of red blood cells in Poiseuille flows
Authors: Shi Lingling , Pan Tsorng‐Whay , Glowinski Roland
Published: October 2010

A spring model is applied to simulate the skeleton structure of the red blood cell (RBC) membrane and to study the RBC rheology in two‐dimensional Poiseuille flows using an immersed boundary method. The lateral migration properties of the cells in Poiseuille flows have been investigated. The simulation results show that the rate of migration toward the center of the channel depends on the swelling ratio and the deformability of the cells. We have also combined the above methodology with a fictitious domain method to study the motion of RBCs in a two‐dimensional micro‐channel with a constriction with an application to blood plasma separation. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Challenges and advances in computational docking: 2009 in review
Authors: Yuriev Elizabeth , Agostino Mark , Ramsland Paul A.
Published: October 2010

Docking is a computational technique that places a small molecule (ligand) in the binding site of its macromolecular target (receptor) and estimates its binding affinity. This review addresses methodological developments that have occurred in the docking field in 2009, with a particular focus on the more difficult, and sometimes controversial, aspects of this promising computational discipline. These developments aim to address the main challenges of docking: receptor representation (such aspects as structural waters, side chain protonation, and, most of all, flexibility (from side chain rotation to domain movement)), ligand representation (protonation, tautomerism and stereoisomerism, and the effect of input conformation), as well as accounting for solvation and entropy of binding. This review is strongly focused on docking advances in the context of drug design, specifically in virtual screening and fragment‐based drug design. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Accuracy and clinical relevance of computed tomography scan interpretation of peritoneal cancer index in colorectal cancer peritoneal carcinomatosis: A multi‐institutional study
Authors: Esquivel J. , Chua T.C. , Stojadinovic A. , Melero J. Torres , Levine E.A. , Gutman M. , Howard R. , Piso P. , Nissan A. , Gomez‐Portilla A. , Gonzalez‐Bayon L. , Gonzalez‐Moreno S. , Shen P. , Stewart J.H. , Sugarbaker P.H. , Barone R.M. , Hoefer R. , Morris D.L. , Sardi A. , Sticca R.P.
Published: October 2010

Background

Evaluation of peritoneal metastases by computed tomography (CT) scans is challenging and has been reported to be inaccurate.

Methods

A multi‐institutional prospective observational registry study of patients with peritoneal carcinomatosis from colorectal cancer was conducted and a subset analysis was performed to examine peritoneal cancer index (PCI) based on CT and intraoperative exploration.

Results

Fifty‐two patients (mean age 52.6 ± 12.4 years) from 16 institutions were included in this study. Inaccuracies of CT‐based assessment of lesion sizes were observed in the RUQ (P = 0.004), LLQ (P < 0.0005), RLQ (P = 0.003), distal jejunum (P = 0.004), and distal ileum (P < 0.0005). When CT‐PCI was classified based on the extent of carcinomatosis, 17 cases (33%) were underestimations, of which, 11 cases (21%) were upstaged from low to moderate, 4 cases (8%) were upstaged from low to severe, and 2 cases (4%) were upstaged from moderate to severe. Relevant clinical discordance where an upstage occurred to severe carcinomatosis constituted a true inaccuracy and was observed in six cases (12%).

Conclusions

The actual clinical impact of inaccuracies of CT‐PCI was modest. CT‐PCI will remain as a mandatory imaging tool and may be supplemented with other tools including positron emission tomography scan or diagnostic laparoscopy, in the patient selection for cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy. J. Surg. Oncol. 2010;102:565–570. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Cytoplasmic overexpression with membrane accentuation of stratifin in intrahepatic mass‐forming cholangiocarcinoma after hepatectomy: Correlation with clinicopathologic features and patient survival
Authors: Yeh Chun‐Nan , Pang See‐Tong , Jung Shih‐Ming , Chen Tsung‐Wen , Jan Yi‐Yin , Chen Miin‐Fu
Published: October 2010

Purpose

Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is a lethal malignancy that afflicts thousands of patients worldwide. Stratifin has been shown to participate in mediating G2 arrest in several cancers, and cells that express stratifin could contribute to the chemo‐ and radioresistance of cancers and poor prognosis. However, the clinical impact of stratifin on clinicopathological features of mass forming (MF)‐CCA is still unclear.

Methods

Seventy‐eight patients with MF‐CCA who had undergone hepatectomy were selected for an immunohistochemical study of stratifin. Sixteen clinicopathological variables were used for the survival analyses.

Results

Seventy‐eight MF‐CCA patients (36 men and 42 women) were studied. Cytoplasmic immunostaining with membrane prominence was found in 52.6% (41/78) of patients with MF‐CCA after hepatectomy; this was significantly associated with elevated carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) levels. During the median follow‐up duration of 13.6 months, the 5‐year overall survival (OS) rate was 14.9%. Univariate analysis showed that an absence of clinical symptoms, better nutritional status, lower alkaline phosphatase, smaller tumor, negative lymph node metastasis, negative stratifin staining, and curative hepatic resection were associated with favorable OS rate for MF‐CCA patients after hepatectomy. Multivariate Cox proportional hazard analysis showed that the absence of clinical symptoms, negative lymph node metastasis, and curative hepatectomy independently predicted MF‐CCA patients with favorable OS rate after hepatectomy.

Conclusions

Overexpression of stratifin was significantly associated with elevated CEA levels in patients with MF‐CCA. The favorable OS for MF‐CCA patients depends on the absence of clinical symptoms, negative lymph node metastasis, and curative hepatectomy. J. Surg. Oncol. 2010;102:608–614. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Surgical management in metastatic gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) patients after imatinib mesylate treatment
Authors: Yeh Chun‐Nan , Chen Tsung‐Wen , Tseng Jeng‐Hwei , Liu Yu‐Yin , Wang Shang‐Yu , Tsai Chun‐Yi , Chiang Kun‐Chun , Hwang Tsann‐Long , Jan Yi‐Yin , Chen Miin‐Fu
Published: October 2010

Purpose

Imatinib mesylate (IM) demonstrates substantial efficacy in most patients with metastatic gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs). However, progression of GIST eventually develops and emerges as a challenge. To assess the role of surgery in the multidisciplinary management of GISTs, we studied the surgical outcomes in GIST patients receiving IM.

Materials and Methods

Between 2001 and May 2009, 161 metastatic GIST patients received IM. Among them, 35 patients undergoing 38 surgeries were investigated. Patients were categorized based on extent of disease before surgery (responsive or stable disease (PR, SD), local progression (LP), and generalized progression (GP)). Each tumor was investigated for genetic alteration before and after surgery.

Results

Disease status before surgery was significantly associated with surgical result. Gross tumor clearance was achieved in 42.9% of patients with responsive disease, but only 4.8% of those with focal resistance and 0% of those with disease progression (P = 0.022). GIST patients with PR, SD, and LP had significant better 2‐year progression‐free survival and overall survival than those with GP. Secondary mutations tended to be found more frequently in GIST patients with LP after surgery than those with response (10/21 (47.6%) vs. 2/14 (14.3%); P = 0.07), indicating that surgery may prevent potential development of secondary mutation in GIST patients with response. Secondary kit mutations were also found more frequently with primary exon 11 mutation than those with exon 9 mutation (38.7% vs. 16.7%; P = 0.394).

Conclusions

Surgery may benefit selected GIST patients with PR, SD, and LP, especially for patients with LP because patients with LP had comparable survival to that of patients with responsive lesion. Surgery may prevent potential development of secondary mutations in selected patients with response after IM treatment. Secondary kit mutation was found more frequently in GIST patients with a primary kit exon 11 mutation than those with a primary kit exon 9 mutation. J. Surg. Oncol. 2010;102:599–603. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The extent of lymph node dissection for gastric cancer: A critical appraisal
Authors: de Bree Eelco , Charalampakis Vasilis , Melissas John , Tsiftsis Dimitris D.
Published: October 2010

The extent of lymphadenectomy during therapeutic gastrectomy for gastric cancer remains a protracted and controversial issue. While traditionally extended lymphadenectomy is performed in Eastern Asia, limited lymphadenectomy is advocated by most western surgeons. Two large western randomized trials, meta‐analyses and a recent systematic review were unable to demonstrate overall benefit from extended lymphadenectomy. In this review, the currently available data on this topic are critically evaluated, while ongoing studies and future perspective are discussed. J. Surg. Oncol. 2010;102:552–562. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Florid cutaneous papillomatosis
Authors: Janniger Edmund J. , Schwartz Robert A.
Published: October 2010

Florid cutaneous papillomatosis is an obligate paraneoplastic syndrome. Originally described by Schwartz and Burgess, and also known as the Schwartz–Burgess syndrome, it is a widespread eruption resembling viral warts yet with no evidence of human papilloma virus infection. We review this entity and its implications. J. Surg. Oncol. 2010;102:709–712. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Novel influenza a (H1N1) viral infection in pediatric patients with sickle‐cell disease
Authors: Jacobs James E. , Quirolo Keith , Vichinsky Elliott
Published: October 2010

Background

The 2009 novel influenza A (H1N1) pandemic has had profound public health implications all over the world. The majority of patients infected with the novel strain have recovered uneventfully. However, certain populations have been defined who appear to be at increased risk of complications due to H1N1 infections. This review summarizes the clinical course of five patients with sickle cell, four of whom had confirmed H1N1 infection, and one whom had a presumed H1N1 infection.

Procedure

The clinical presentation, hospital course, and treatment of five pediatric patients with sickle‐cell disease and H1N1 infection were reviewed retrospectively.

Results

In this case series, our patients experienced complications such as the acute chest syndrome, acute marrow suppression of red cell production, pain crisis, and hematuria.

Conclusions

In this population, who are at increased risk for bacterial superinfection as well as complications from the influenza virus itself, vigilance toward diagnosis and aggressive treatment will continue to be important as long as the novel virus is in circulation. Pediatr Blood Cancer. 2010;56:95–98. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
TEL/AML1‐positive patients lacking TEL exon 5 resemble canonical TEL/AML1 cases
Authors: Zaliova Marketa , Meyer Claus , Cario Gunnar , Vaskova Martina , Marschalek Rolf , Stary Jan , Zuna Jan , Trka Jan
Published: October 2010

Background

The TEL/AML1 fusion gene which represents the most frequent genetic abnormality in childhood ALL, usually results from genomic breakpoints in TEL intron 5 and AML1 intron 1 or 2. At the protein level, the helix–loop–helix domain and exon 5‐coded central region of TEL are typically fused to almost entire AML1 including DNA‐binding domain.

Procedure

We identified two ALL patients with genomic breakpoints within TEL intron 4 resulting in variant TEL/AML1 fusion lacking the TEL exon 5‐coded central region. This region was supposed to play an important role in TEL/AML1 function, particularly in TEL/AML1‐mediated transcriptional repression of AML1 targets. We aimed at investigating the impact of the loss of this region on disease behavior and TEL/AML1 function. We compared clinical and biological characteristics, treatment response, and outcome of the variant versus classical TEL/AML1 cases, analyzed genome wide gene expression profiles and performed reporter gene assay.

Results

No distinct differences between variant and classical TEL/AML1 cases were observed including gene expression profiling and detailed immunophenotyping. By using reporter gene assay, we showed that the loss of the central region does not influence the TEL/AML1‐mediated transcriptional repression.

Conclusions

The deletion of the central region did not affect the TEL/AML1‐specific phenotype; we did not find any relevant differences in clinical and biological features when variant versus classical TEL/AML1‐positive cases were compared. Thus, our data does not support hypothesis that the central region of TEL is indispensable for TEL/AML1 driven leukemogenesis. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2011;56:217–225. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
2009 pandemic influenza a (H1N1) virus infection in pediatric oncology and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation patients
Authors: Cost Carrye , Brock Evangeline , Adams‐Huet Beverley , Siegel Jane D. , Ardura Monica I.
Published: October 2010

Background

Pediatric oncology and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) patients are at high risk for influenza infection and its associated complications. Little is known about infection with novel 2009 influenza A (H1N1) in this population.

Procedure

Prospective laboratory surveillance identified all children with positive influenza test results from 4/27/09–12/5/09. 2009 H1N1 infection was confirmed by PCR subtyping; cases in which subtyping was not performed were considered probable. Medical records of all pediatric oncology and HSCT cases were reviewed.

Results

Thirty children with cancer or HSCT had laboratory‐confirmed influenza A. Patients with ALL (18), CNS tumors (4), CML (1), Ewing sarcoma (1), Hodgkin lymphoma (1), LCH (1), severe aplastic anemia (1), and HSCT (3), had confirmed (5) and probable (25) H1N1 by rapid (22; 73%), DFA (4; 13%), or RVP (4; 13%) assays. Most frequent presenting signs and symptoms were fever (93%; median 38.6°C), cough (97%), and rhinorrhea (83%). Ten patients required hospitalization for a median of 5 days, most commonly for fever and neutropenia (8). Imaging demonstrated lower respiratory tract involvement in three patients. There were no concomitant bacteremias; one patient had rhinovirus co‐infection. Three patients required ICU care; 1 developed ARDS, multi‐organ failure, and died after 5 days. Chemotherapy was delayed in five patients. Oseltamivir was administered to 28 patients; 1 patient developed an oseltamivir‐resistant strain and was treated with zanamivir.

Conclusions

2009 influenza A H1N1 infection in children with cancer and HSCT is mild in most patients, but can lead to serious complications. Pediatr Blood Cancer. 2010;56:127–133. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Outcome of second allogenic stem cell transplantation in pediatric patients with non‐malignant hematological and immune deficiency disorders
Authors: Ayas Mouhab , Al‐Jefri Abdullah , Eldali Abdelmoneim , Al‐Seraihi Amal , Al‐Mahr Mohammed , Al‐Ghonaium Abdulaziz , Al‐Ahmari Ali , Al‐Muhsen Saleh , Al‐Mousa Hamoud , Al‐Dhekri Hasan , Al‐Saud Bandar , El‐Solh Hassan
Published: October 2010

Background

Second stem cell transplantation (SCT) is usually associated with high morbidity and mortality and the data on its outcome in pediatric patients with non‐malignant disorders are scarce.

Patients and Methods

We present 30 children with non‐malignant conditions who underwent second SCT at our institution for graft failure after the first SCT; 20 had a non‐malignant hematological disorder and 10 had an immune deficiency disorder. Median age at the second SCT was 6.1 years (range, 0.4–13 years) and median time from the first SCT to the second SCT was 6.2 months (range, 1.2–96 months).

Results

Twenty patients (70%) engrafted; severe acute GVHD developed in four patients (13%), and chronic GVHD developed in two patients of those at risk (10%). Thirteen deaths occurred and nine were considered treatment related. The 5‐year overall (OS) and event free survival (EFS) for all patients were 53% and 47% respectively. The interval between the two transplants seemed to affect the outcome; patients who had the second SCT ≥6 months from the first SCT had better survival; the 5‐year OS for the two groups (<6 months and ≥6 months) respectively were 30% and 74% (P = 0.004), and the 5‐year EFS were 27% and 66% (P = 0.004). The underlying disease did not affect the outcome nor did the use of radiation in the conditioning regimen for the second SCT.

Conclusions

Second SCT for graft failure should be considered for children with non‐malignant hematological and immune deficiency disorders. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2011;56:289–293. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Simultaneous tumors: Acute myeloid leukemia infiltrating mediastinal ganglioneuroblastoma
Authors: Di Cataldo Andrea , Mazzocco Katia , Magro Gaetano , Mirabile Elena , Nigro Luca Lo , Defferrari Raffaella , Tonini Gian Paolo
Published: October 2010

We report the case of a child presenting with concurrent thoracic ganglioneuroblastoma and acute myeloid leukemia. The peculiarity was the close relation between the two tumors with the latter infiltrating the former one. Histological and genomic studies indicate the different clonal origins of the malignancies in the patient, and we hypothesized that GNB and AML developed independently. Our observation suggests that in patients with more than one tumor, though discovered at different times, one neoplasm is not always secondary. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2011;56:298–300. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Pediatric histiocytic sarcoma clonally related to precursor B‐cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia with homozygous deletion of CDKN2A encoding p16INK4A
Authors: Kumar Riten , Khan Shakila P. , Joshi Divya‐Devi , Shaw Gene R. , Ketterling Rhett P. , Feldman Andrew L.
Published: October 2010

Histiocytic sarcoma (HS) is a rare malignancy of tissue histiocytes with a dismal prognosis. We report a 4‐year‐old male who developed HS during maintenance chemotherapy for precursor B‐cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (pre‐B ALL). Both tumors showed identical clonal immunoglobulin and T‐cell receptor gene re‐arrangement patterns, as well as homozygous deletion of the CDKN2A gene encoding p16INK4A. These data suggest a clonal relationship between the two neoplasms despite their distinct lineages. Since CDKN2A deletion predisposes to development of HS in experimental models, the cytogenetic features of the patient's pre‐B ALL may have predisposed to this change in lineage. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2011;56:307–310. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A “self‐pinning” adhesive based on responsive surface wrinkles
Authors: Chan Edwin P. , Karp Jeffrey M. , Langer Robert S.
Published: October 2010

Surface wrinkles are interesting since they form spontaneously into well‐defined patterns. The mechanism of formation is well‐studied and is associated with the development of a critical compressive stress that induces the elastic instability. In this work, we demonstrate surface wrinkles that dynamically change in response to a stimulus can improve interfacial adhesion with a hydrogel surface through the dynamic evolution of the wrinkle morphology. We observe that this control is related to the local pinning of the crack separation pathway facilitated by the surface wrinkles during debonding, which is dependent on the contact time with the hydrogel. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys, 2010
Characterization of sugar juice heat exchanger tube deposit
Authors: East C. P. , Doherty W. O. S. , Fellows C. M. , Yu H.
Published: October 2010

Fouling of heat exchanger surfaces during sugar manufacture reduces productivity and increases energy demand. This study characterizes a deposit (including its internal structure) formed in a sugar factory's evaporator unit using a variety of X‐ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy techniques (including X‐ray powder diffraction, X‐ray fluorescence, elemental mapping with energy dispersive spectroscopy and backscattered electron imaging). Calcium sulfate dihydrate, calcium oxalate mono‐ and dihydrate, hydroxyapatite, amorphous silica and organic matter are present in the deposit. The composition of the deposit (which contains three layers) varies along the height of the tube. There are noticeable differences in the composition and porosity among the layers in the deposit. A porous structure consisting of a mixture of amorphous silica, calcium oxalate dihydrate and organic matter is attached to the surface of the deposit in contact with sugar juice, while a denser morphology of amorphous silica and hydroxyapatite is attached to the tube wall. Elemental mapping identifies an association between Si, Al, Mg, Fe and O, suggesting the presence of a silicate compound as a minor component in the deposit. An attempt is made to rationalize the formation of the observed phases. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Electrical, structural and morphological characteristics of rapidly annealed Ni/Pd Schottky rectifiers on n‐type GaN
Authors: Siva Pratap Reddy M. , Rajagopal Reddy V. , Jyothi I. , Choi Chel‐Jong
Published: October 2010

Schottky rectifiers are fabricated on n‐type GaN using Ni/Pd metallization scheme and its characteristics have been investigated by current‐voltage (I‐V), Capacitance‐Voltage (C‐V), X‐Ray Diffraction (XRD) and SIMS measurements as a function of annealing temperature. The calculated Schottky barrier height of the as‐deposited contact was found to be 0.60 eV (I‐V), 0.71 eV (C‐V) with an ideality factor of 1.44. However, the barrier height slightly increases after annealing at 300, 400 and 500 °C. On the basis of the experimental results, a high‐quality Schottky contact with barrier height and ideality factor of 0.81 eV (I‐V), 0.88 eV (C‐V) and 1.13 respectively, can be obtained after annealing at 600 °C for 1 min in a nitrogen atmosphere. Further, after annealing at 700 °C, it is found that the barrier height slightly decreased to 0.74 eV (I‐V) and 0.85 eV (C‐V). From the above observations, one can note that Ni/Pd Schottky contact exhibits excellent electrical properties after a rapid thermal annealing at 600 °C. According to the SIMS and XRD analysis, the formation of gallide phases at the Ni/Pd/n‐GaN interface could be the reason of the barrier height increase at elevated annealing temperatures. The Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) results show that the overall surface morphology of Ni/Pd Schottky contacts on n‐GaN is fairly smooth. The above observations reveal that Ni/Pd Schottky metallization scheme was a good choice for the fabrication of high‐temperature and high‐power device applications. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
SIMS depth profiling of semiconductor interfaces: Experimental study of depth resolution function
Authors: Kudriavtsev Yu. , Gallardo S. , Koudriavtseva O. , Escobosa A. , Sanchez–R V. M. , Avendaño M. , Asomoza R. , Lopez‐Lopez M.
Published: October 2010

Reconstruction of original element distribution at semiconductor interfaces using experimental SIMS profiles encounters considerable difficulties because of the matrix effect, sputtering rate change at the interface, and also a sputtering‐induced broadening of original distributions. We performed a detailed depth profiling analysis of the Al step‐function distribution in GaAs/AlxGa1−xAs heterostructures by using Cs+ primary ion beam sputtering and CsM+ cluster ion monitoring (where M is the element of interest) to suppress the matrix effect. The experimental Depth Resolution Function (DRF) was obtained by differentiation of the Al step‐function profile and compared with the ‘reference’ DRF found from depth profiling of an Al delta layer. The difference between two experimental DRFs was explained by the sputtering rate change during the interface profiling. We experimentally studied the sputtering rate dependence on the AlxGa1−xAs layer composition and applied it for a reconstruction of the DRF found by differentiating the Al step‐function distribution: the ‘reconstructed’ and ‘reference’ DRFs were found to be in good agreement. This confirmed the correctness of the treatment elaborated. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Efficient and rapid exact gene replacement without selection
Authors: Cross Frederick R. , Pecani Kresti
Published: October 2010

We describe a highly efficient method for exact gene replacement in budding yeast. Induction of rapid and efficient recombination in an entire cell population results in at least 50% of the recombinants undergoing a switch of the endogenous copy to a specific mutated allele, with no remaining markers or remnant of foreign DNA, without selection. To accomplish this, a partial copy of the replacement allele, followed by an HO cut site, is installed adjacent to the wild‐type locus, in a GAL‐HO MATa‐inc background. HO induction results in near‐quantitative site cleavage and recombination/gene conversion, resulting in either regeneration of wild‐type or switch of the endogenous allele to the mutant, with accompanying deletion of intervening marker sequences, yielding an exact replacement. Eliminating the need for selection (over days) of rare recombinants removes concerns about second‐site suppressor mutations and also allows direct phenotypic analysis, even of lethal gene replacements, without the need of a method to make the lethality conditional or to employ regulated promoters of unknown strength compared to the endogenous promoter. To test this method, we tried two known lethal gene replacements, substituting the non‐essential CDH1 gene with a dominantly lethal version mutated for its Cdk phosphorylation sites and substituting the essential CDC28 gene with two recessively lethal versions, one containing an early stop codon and another inactivating Cdc28 kinase activity. We also tested a gene replacement of unknown phenotypic consequences: replacing the non‐essential CLB3 B‐type cyclin with a version lacking its destruction box. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synthesis and Self‐Assembly Behavior of Comb‐Like Surfactant Polymethyl Methacrylate‐g‐Methoxy Polyethylene Glycol
Authors: Sun Lian‐lian , Du Zhi‐ping , Wang Wan‐xu , Liu Ying
Published: October 2010

Comb‐like surfactant of polymethyl methacrylate‐g‐methoxy polyethylene glycol (PMMA‐g‐MPEG) with well‐defined structure was synthesized and characterized by FT‐IR, 1H NMR and gel permeation chromatography. Its surface activity and aggregation behavior in aqueous solution were investigated by surface tension measurement, dye encapsulation experiment, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and dynamic light scattering (DLS). The CMC and surface tension at the CMC of PMMA‐g‐MPEG were 0.2 g/L and 47 mN/m, respectively. DLS and TEM analysis revealed that PMMA‐g‐MPEG could self‐assemble into spherical micelles with the average hydrodynamic diameters in the range from 20 to 300 nm in aqueous solution.
Serum Opacity Factor Enhances HDL‐Mediated Cholesterol Efflux, Esterification and Anti Inflammatory Effects
Authors: Tchoua Urbain , Rosales Corina , Tang Daming , Gillard Baiba K. , Vaughan Ashley , Lin Hu Yu , Courtney Harry S. , Pownall Henry J.
Published: October 2010

Serum opacity factor (SOF) is a streptococcal protein that disrupts the structure of human high density lipoproteins (HDL) releasing lipid‐free apo A‐I while forming a large cholesteryl ester‐rich particle and a small neo HDL. Given its low cholesterol and high phospholipid contents, we tested the hypotheses that neo HDL is a better substrate for cholesterol esterification via lecithin:cholesterol acyltransferase (LCAT), better than HDL as an acceptor of THP‐1 macrophage cholesterol efflux, and improves reduction of oxidized LDL‐induced production of inflammatory markers. We observed that both cholesterol efflux and esterification were improved by recombinant (r)SOF treatment of whole plasma and that the underlying cause of the improved cholesterol esterification in plasma and macrophage cholesterol efflux to rSOF‐treated plasma was due to the rSOF‐mediated conversion of HDL to neo HDL. Moreover, the reduction of secretion of TNF‐α and IL‐6 by THP‐1 cells by neo HDL was twice that of HDL. Studies in BHK cells overexpressing cholesterol transporters showed that efflux to neo HDL occurred primarily via ABCA1 not ABCG1. Thus, rSOF improves two steps in reverse cholesterol transport with a concomitant reduction in the release of macrophage markers of inflammation. We conclude that rSOF catalyzes a novel reaction that might be developed as a new therapy that prevents or reverses atherosclerosis via improved reverse cholesterol transport.
Development and Characterization of Water‐Blown Polyurethane Foams from Diethanolamides of Karanja Oil
Authors: Palanisamy Aruna , Karuna M. S. L. , Satyavani T. , Rohini Kumar D. B.
Published: October 2010

The present study focuses on the use of renewable resource, namely karanja oil for the development of polyurethane foams. The non‐edible oil was chemically modified into the diethanolamide by hydroxylation followed by transamidation. The structure of the diethanolamide was confirmed by proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, infrared spectroscopy and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry and used as polyol to prepare water‐blown polyurethane foams. Polyurethane foams were produced with carbon dioxide as the blowing agent generated by the reaction between excess polymeric MDI with water. Foams were prepared by a hand mixing process which involved blending of the diethanolamide with polypropylene glycol, polymeric MDI, water, catalyst and surfactant. The hydroxyamide content, catalyst nature and molecular weight of polypropylene glycol were varied and the effect on the properties was studied. Foam rise time and other physical properties such as density, compression strength and flexural strength were evaluated. Optical microscopy was used to study the morphology to reveal the closed cell nature and other structure–property relationships.
Image perception and interpretation of abnormalities; can we believe our eyes? Can we do something about it?
Authors: Sabih Durr-e- , Sabih Ayan , Sabih Quratulain , Khan Ali N.
Published: October 2010

The radiologist’s visual impression of images is transmitted, via non-visual means (the report), to the clinician. There are several complex steps from the perception of the images by the radiologist to the understanding of the impression by the clinician. With a process as complex as this, it is no wonder that errors in perception, cognition, interpretation, transmission and understanding are very common. This paper reviews the processes of perception and error generation and possible strategies for minimising them.
Adolescent substance use, sleep, and academic achievement: Evidence of harm due to caffeine
Authors: James Jack E. , Kristjánsson Álfgeir Logi , Sigfúsdóttir Inga Dóra
Published: October 2010

Using academic achievement as the key outcome variable, 7377 Icelandic adolescents were surveyed for cigarette smoking, alcohol use, daytime sleepiness, caffeine use, and potential confounders. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was used to examine direct and indirect effects of measured and latent variables in two models: the first with caffeine excluded and the second with caffeine included. A substantial proportion of variance in academic achievement, which might otherwise have been attributed to the harmful effects of cigarette smoking and alcohol use, was found to be attributable to caffeine. Evidence was obtained that daytime sleepiness, which was found to be independently associated with usage of licit substances (nicotine and alcohol) and caffeine, may be an important mediator of the negative impact of those substances on academic achievement. Findings suggest the importance of including measurements of caffeine consumption in future studies of adolescent substance use.
Public or Private Magnetic Resonance Imaging: What Do the Patients Think?
Authors: Cheng Gordon , Hopman Wilma M. , Islam Omar , Shortt Samuel
Published: October 2010

Purpose

We described the demographic, clinical, and attitudinal profiles of patients awaiting magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) at a private and at a hospital-based facility, and hypothesized that they would not differ significantly.

Methods

A survey of patients attending a hospital facility and a privately owned venue in an Ontario city. Descriptive, bivariate, and logistic regression analyses were performed.

Results

A total of 314 patients provided data, with a higher response rate at the private clinic than at the hospital-based clinic (97% vs 60%). For the majority of patients (58%), the MRI was scheduled to follow up known disease; 55.8% waited more than 4 weeks; 6.4% waited more than 6 months. One-third of patients expressed a willingness to travel to the United States and pay for the MRI, 41% expressed a willingness to pay within Ontario, and 66% were willing to travel elsewhere in Ontario. They were more likely to be at the hospital-based MRI if they were being followed up for known disease and had a diagnosis of cancer, whereas those patients at the private MRI facility reported significantly more pain; 59% of the hospital-based sample and 72% of the private clinic sample reported significantly reduced quality of life because of their health problem.

Discussion

These data provide interesting insights into the characteristics of patients awaiting an MRI and the attitudes of patients towards public and private MRI clinics. There were significant attitudinal differences between those patients attending the 2 facilities. Pain, coupled with a long wait, may create an incentive for patients to conclude that private clinics should be permitted if the hospital environment is unable to improve access times.
Physical capacity, respiratory quotient and energy expenditure during exercise in male patients with schizophrenia compared with healthy controls
Authors: Nilsson B.M. , Olsson R.M. , Öman A. , Wiesel F.-A. , Ekselius L. , Forslund A.H.
Published: October 2010

Background

Despite massive research on weight gain and metabolic complications in schizophrenia there are few studies on energy expenditure and no current data on physical capacity.

Aim

To determine oxygen uptake capacity, respiratory quotient (RQ) and energy expenditure during a submaximal exercise test in patients with schizophrenia and healthy controls.

Method

Ten male patients and 10 controls were included. RQ and energy expenditure were investigated with indirect calorimetry during a cycle ergometer test. The submaximal work level was defined by heart rate and perceived exhaustion. Physical capacity was determined from predicted maximal oxygen uptake capacity (VO2-max).

Results

The patients exhibited significantly higher RQ on submaximal workloads and lower physical capacity. A significant lower calculated VO2-max remained after correction for body weight and fat free mass (FFM). Energy expenditure did not differ on fixed workloads.

Conclusion

RQ was rapidly increasing in the patients during exercise indicating a faster transition to carbohydrate oxidation and anaerobic metabolism that also implies a performance closer to maximal oxygen uptake even at submaximal loads. This may restrict the capacity for everyday activity and exercise and thus contribute to the risk for weight gain. Physical capacity was consequently significantly lower in the patients.
A mammalian insulysin homolog is regulated by enzyme IIAGlc of the glucose transport system in Vibrio vulnificus
Authors: Kim You-Jin , Ryu Yangkyun , Koo Byoung-Mo , Lee Na Yeon , Chun Se-Jin , Park Soon-Jung , Lee Kyu-Ho , Seok Yeong-Jae
Published: October 2010

MINT‐8045817, MINT‐8045967: IIA glu (uniprotkb:Q7MBY2) physically interacts (MI:0915) with vIDE (uniprotkb:Q7MIS6) by pull down (MI:0096)
Activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome by intracellular poly I:C
Authors: Rajan Jayant V. , Warren Sarah E. , Miao Edward A. , Aderem Alan
Published: October 2010

Several RNA viruses can be detected by the inflammasome, which promotes IL‐1β and IL‐18 secretion, but the underlying mechanisms of detection remain unclear. Cytosolic dsRNA is a replication intermediate of many RNA viruses. We show here that transfection of the dsRNA analogue poly I:C activates the NLRP3 inflammasome via a pathway requiring endosomal acidification. This detection is independent of the other poly I:C sensors: TLR3 and MDA5. These results suggest a mechanism by which cytosolic dsRNA produced during viral infection could activate the NLRP3 inflammasome.
GC‐rich intra‐operonic spacers in prokaryotes: Possible relation to gene order conservation
Authors: Dutta Anirban , Paul Sandip , Dutta Chitra
Published: October 2010

Genome‐scale compositional analyses of non‐coding sequences from 410 microbes of varying GC‐content, lineage, environment/life‐style, reveal presence of a distinct trend in GC‐usage in spacers between intra‐operonic and extra‐operonic gene‐pairs. For most of the microbes, average GC‐content of the intra‐operonic spacers are consistently higher than those between extra‐operonic unidirectional gene‐pairs. Also, unidirectional gene‐pairs exhibiting higher cross‐species conservation, irrespective of their operonic context, house relatively GC‐rich spacers. A few prokaryotes, most of which represent known cases of genome degradation, stand out as exceptions defying this trend. GC‐enrichment of intra‐operonic spacers therefore appears to be an evolutionary strategy facilitating preservation of operonic gene‐order.
Glucocorticoid induces mesenchymal‐to‐epithelial transition and inhibits TGF‐β1‐induced epithelial‐to‐mesenchymal transition and cell migration
Authors: Zhang Liang , Lei Weiwei , Wang Xunde , Tang Yunneng , Song Jianguo
Published: October 2010

Epithelial‐to‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) has been implicated in various physiological and pathological events. In this study, we found that the synthetic glucocorticoid dexamethasone (Dex) can inhibit transforming growth factor‐beta1‐induced EMT and cell migration. We also demonstrated that Dex inhibits EMT through a mechanism involving the suppression of ROS generation. Surprisingly, Dex alone induced mesenchymal‐to‐epithelial transition (MET). Dexamethasone treatment abolished Snail1 binding to the E‐cadherin promoter, suggesting that suppression of Snail1 contributes to the above roles of Dex. Our findings demonstrate that Dex functions as both a suppressor of EMT and as an inducer of MET and therefore may be implicated in certain pathophysiological events.
When ethnic returnees arede factoguestworkers: What does the introduction of Latin American JapaneseNikkeijin(Japanese descendants) (LAN) suggest for Japan's definition of nationality, citizenship, and immigration policy?
Authors: Sharpe Michael Orlando
Published: October 2010

Japan officially bans unskilled foreign labor. A 1990 change in Japanese immigration law provides Nikkeijin (Japanese descendants) a renewable visa that allows them to live and work in Japan on the basis of their Japanese blood descent.1 Some argue this was a government initiated de facto guestworker program to satisfy demands for cheap labor under the guise of a policy to facilitate “ethnic return” migration. Since 1990, over 300,000 Latin American Japanese (LAN) descendants have emigrated to Japan. However, despite Japanese mythic notions of common ethnic ancestry and ethnic affinity, a spring 2009 program facilitates the paid voluntary repatriation of unemployed Latin American Nikkeijin workers. This article discusses these policies and programs what they imply for the realities of Japan's immigration policy and society. The findings suggest an emergent separation of the traditional notion of a simultaneous Japanese nationality and citizenship away from jus sanguinus with ethnicity less of a criteria for membership and point to a need for a more coordinated approach to Japanese immigration policy amidst the growing realities of an increasingly multicultural society.