bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Energy and Particle Balance Studies Under Full Boron and Lithium‐Coated Walls in TJ‐II
Authors: Tabarés F.L. , Ochando M. , Tafalla D. , Medina F. , McCarthy K. , Fontdecaba J. M. , Liniers M. , Guasp J. , Ascasíbar E. , Estrada T. , Pastor I. , TJ‐II Team
Published: July 2010

The Spanish stellarator TJ‐II has been operated under lithium wall conditions for two years so far. Important changes in plasma parameters and, in particular, on particle recycling have been recorded with respect to the normal, boronized wall conditions previously prevailing. The specific effects that the new recycling scenario could have on the improved plasma parameters, and in particular to the global energy balance of electrons and protons are addressed in the present work. In addition, the possible increase in ion energies impinging on the walls should be mirrored by the incoming flux of sputtered lithium atoms. However, a strong decrease of the corresponding sputtering yield is recorded. This effect is analyzed in terms of possible material mixing effects among others (© 2010 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Analysis of LHD Magnetic Configurations Based on a Boundary Shape Control for Improving Confinement Properties
Authors: Okamura S.
Published: July 2010

Magnetic configurations of LHD experiments are analyzed from a viewpoint of boundary shape. Effects of Fourier mode components on confinement properties are examined for three configurations with magnetic axis shift. It was confirmed that the basic confinement properties are determined by a small number of components. Contribution of components producing a non‐planar axis structure is necessary to obtain the fundamental confinement properties of inward shifted (favorable drift orbits) and outward shifted (creation of magnetic well) configurations of LHD. Further improvement is possible by controlling appropriate Fourier components (© 2010 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
A Monte‐Carlo‐Based Calculation of Neoclassical Flows and Viscosity for Nonaxisymmetric Toroidal Plasmas
Authors: Matsuyama A. , Hanatani K. , Watanabe K. Y. , Nakajima N.
Published: July 2010

This paper reports the Monte‐Carlo calculation of the neoclassical diffusion and viscosity coefficients with the incompressible E × B drift. A recently developed Monte‐Carlo code, based on the Einstein‐Helfand relation, is extended for this purpose. Present status of a Monte‐Carlo‐based moment transport code to evaluate the neoclassical flows for multiple species plasmas is also discussed (© 2010 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Simulation Study of the MHD Stability Beta Limit in LHD by TASK3D
Authors: Sato M. , Watanabe K. Y. , Nakamura Y. , Fukuyama A. , Murakami S. , Toda S. , Yokoyama M. , Funaba H. , Sakakibara S. , Ohdachi S. , Yamada H. , Nakajima N.
Published: July 2010

The numerical method for analysis of the “MHD stability beta limit” based on a hierarchy integrated simulation code TASK3D has been developed. The numerical model for the effect of the MHD instabilities is introduced such that the pressure profile is flattened around the rational surface due to the MHD instabilities. The width of the flattening of the pressure gradient is determined from the width of the eigenmode structure of the MHD instabilities (© 2010 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Three‐Dimensional Effects on Stochasticity in Non‐Axisymmetric Tori
Authors: Suzuki Y. , Geiger J. , Wiegmann C. , Liang Y. , Ohyabu N.
Published: July 2010

Three‐dimensional (3D) effects on the stochasticity of magnetic field lines in helical devices are investigated. The stochastization due to increased plasma pressure is an intrinsic property of the stellarator/heliotron because the pressure‐gradient driven currents are the source of perturbation fields. The stochastization depends on the plasma pressure profile. In an advanced stellarator, the stochastization due to the 3D effects is smaller. However, magnetic islands in the edge are affected by 3D effects. 3D effects in a tokamak plasma are studied,too, and differences from the vacuum approximation are found (© 2010 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
The effect of ant mounds on overland flow and soil erodibility following a wildfire in eastern Spain
Authors: Cerdà Artemi , Doerr Stefan H.
Published: July 2010

This study examines the soil hydrological and erosional effects of ant mounds during summer and winter conditions following a wildfire in scrub terrain in eastern Spain. Forty rainfall simulations (1 m2plots, 1 h duration, 78 mm h−1intensity) were carried out over plots with mounds (n= 20) and mound‐free control plots (n= 20) in August 2002, and repeated in December. By winter, some of the mound material had been removed and some vegetation regrowth occurred. Overall, mound presence increased soil erodibility in summer and winter due to the availability of highly erodible mound material. However, mound plots showed higher mean overland flow rates in summer (10·1 vs 6·9% for control plots) but lower rates in winter (59·3 vs 74·4% for control plots). This reversal is suggested to be caused by (i) post‐fire changes in ground cover and (ii) seasonal differences in antecedent soil moisture. First, immediately after burning, an absorbent ash layer covered much of the soil surface, but this was partially masked by less permeable mound material, reducing infiltration on mound plots. By winter, the ash layer had been largely removed and ash particles clogged soil surface pores, reducing overall infiltration on control plots compared to mound plots. Second, during summer, the dry soil underneath the absorbent ash cover has a high infiltration capacity. In winter, soils are near saturation, resulting in a much greater runoff coefficient. Under these wet soil conditions, the presence of macropores (i.e. nest entrances) becomes important, reducing overland flow in mound plots. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Allylic Amination of Internal Alkynes with Aromatic and Aliphatic Amines Using Polymer‐Supported Triphenylphosphane–Palladium Complex as a Heterogeneous and Recyclable Catalyst
Authors: Wagh Yogesh S. , Tambade Pawan J. , Sawant Dinesh N. , Bhanage Bhalchandra M.
Published: July 2010

A facile and novel protocol for the allylic amination of internal alkynes with amines by using a polymer‐supported triphenylphosphane–palladium complex [PS–TPP–Pd] as a highly active heterogeneous reusable catalyst was developed. The catalyst exhibited remarkable activity and is reusable over five consecutive cycles. The protocol was applicable for a variety of hindered and functionalized aromatic/aliphatic amines and afforded the desired allylic products in good to excellent yield.
Synthesis of A Bis‐Macrotricyclic Host and Its Complexation with Secondary Ammonium Salts: An Acid–Base Switchable Molecular Handcuff
Authors: Guo Jia‐Bin , Xiang Jun‐Feng , Chen Chuan‐Feng
Published: July 2010

A novel triptycene‐derived bis‐macrotricyclic host was designed and synthesized. The host was shown to form a 1:4 stable complex with 4 equiv. of dibenzylammonium salt in solution and in the solid state. Moreover, it was found that the host with multicavities could also self‐assemble with 2 equiv. of bis‐secondary ammonium salt to form a handcuff‐like structure under the tested condition ([1]0 = 3.0 mM). The complexation and decomplexation of the assembly could be further chemically controlled by the stimuli of acid and base.
New analytical portable instrument for microchip electrophoresis with electrochemical detection
Authors: Fernández‐la‐Villa Ana , Pozo‐Ayuso Diego F. , Castaño‐Álvarez Mario
Published: July 2010

A new portable instrument that includes a high voltage power supply, a bipotentiostat, and a chip holder has been especially developed for using microchips electrophoresis with electrochemical detection. The main unit of the instrument has dimensions of 150×165×70 mm (w×d×h) and consists of a four‐outputs high voltage power supply with a maximum voltage of ±3 KV and an acquisition system with two channels for dual amperometric (DC or pulsed amperometric detection) detection. Electrochemical detection has been selected as signal transduction method because it is relatively easily implemented, since nonoptical elements are required. The system uses a lithium‐ion polymer battery and it is controlled from a desktop or laptop PC with a graphical user interface based on LabVIEW connected by serial RS232 or Bluetooth®. The last part of the system consists of a reusable chip holder for housing the microchips, which contain all the electrical connections and reservoirs for making the work with microchips easy. The performance of the new instrument has been evaluated and compared with other commercially available apparatus using single‐ and dual‐channel pyrex microchips for the separation of the neurotransmitters dopamine, epinephrine, and 3,4‐dihydroxy‐L‐phenyl‐alanine. The reduction of the size of the instrument has not affected the good performance of the separation and detection using microchips electrophoresis with electrochemical detection. Moreover, the new portable instrument paves the way for in situ analysis making the use of microchips electrophoresis easier.
High‐resolution electrophoretic separation and integrated‐waveguide excitation of fluorescent DNA molecules in a lab on a chip
Authors: Dongre Chaitanya , van Weerd Jasper , Besselink Geert A. J. , van Weeghel Rob , Vazquez Rebeca Martinez , Osellame Roberto , Cerullo Giulio , Cretich Marina , Chiari Marcella , Hoekstra Hugo J. W. M. , Pollnau Markus
Published: July 2010

By applying integrated‐waveguide laser excitation to an optofluidic chip, fluorescently labeled DNA molecules of 12 or 17 different sizes are separated by CE with high operating speed and low sample consumption of ∼600 pL. When detecting the fluorescence signals of migrating DNA molecules with a PMT, the LOD is as low as 2.1 pM. In the diagnostically relevant size range (∼150–1000 base‐pairs) the molecules are separated with reproducibly high sizing accuracy (>99%) and the plug broadening follows Poissonian statistics. Variation of the power dependence of migration time on base‐pair size – probably with temperature and condition of the sieving gel matrix – indicates that the capillary migration cannot be described by a simple physical law. Integrated‐waveguide excitation of a 12‐μm narrow microfluidic segment provides a spatio‐temporal resolution that would, in principle, allow for a 20‐fold better accuracy than the currently supported by state‐of‐the‐art electrophoretic separation in microchips, thereby demonstrating the potential of this integrated optical approach to fulfill the resolution demands of future electrophoretic microchips.
A SOM‐based methodology for classifying air quality monitoring stations
Authors: Alvarez‐Guerra Enrique , Molina Abel , Viguri Javier R. , Alvarez‐Guerra Manuel
Published: July 2010

The application of mathematical tools can be necessary to provide an integrated analysis and interpretation of the abundant information that can be collected in air quality monitoring networks. This article develops a methodology based on the use of Self‐Organizing Map (SOM) artificial neural networks for integrating data about multiple measured pollutants to group monitoring stations according to their similar air quality. The proposed method considers the subsequent geographical mapping of the clusters of stations observed with the SOM, which can make it possible to detect geographically different areas but that share similar air pollution problems. This methodology is illustrated with its application to a case study in which 517 stations of the Spanish air quality monitoring network were classified considering simultaneously their levels of regulated pollutants in 2005, highlighting some implications of data normalization in the process. In particular, the use of legal limit values to normalize the concentrations of pollutants proved to be especially advisable. Results obtained with the SOM‐based methodology, when compared to classifications based directly on legislation, provided more useful classifications for further air quality management actions, and revealed that these types of tools can facilitate the design of air pollution reduction programs by discovering different areas with similar problems. © 2010 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 2011.
Toluene biodegradation in a two phase partitioning system—Use of a biodegradable solvent
Authors: Chikh Rebiha , Couvert Annabelle , Aït Amar Hamid , Amrane Abdeltif
Published: July 2010

A biodegradable solvent was used in a two‐phase aqueous‐organic system for hydrophobic VOC (volatile organic compounds) elimination by activated sludge. Unlike usual two‐phase aqueous‐organic systems where the organic phase is chosen nonbiodegradable in view of its recycling, in this study the solvent was assimilated by micro‐organisms simultaneously with the VOC. The chosen solvent and VOC were hexadecane and toluene. Experiments showed in a first step that activated sludge were able to assimilate part of hexadecane at different phase ratios (5and 10% v/v) and a higher biomass growth was obtained for the lower ratio. Toluene was removed simultaneously with organic solvent elimination; cells were readily able to completely consume the toluene available at low and even at high concentrations within 48 h (0.2 and 4.3 g L−1 in the organic phase), even if they were not previously preadapted to these substrates. Consequently, a two‐phase partitioning bioreactor conception with a biodegradable solvent can be envisaged. © 2010 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 2011.
Identification of community‐residing individuals with dementia and their unmet needs for care
Authors: Johnston D. , Samus Q.M. , Morrison A. , Leoutsakos J.S. , Hicks K. , Handel S. , Rye R. , Robbins B. , Rabins P.V. , Lyketsos C.G. , Black B.S.
Published: July 2010

Background

Innovative approaches to the widespread delivery of evidence‐based dementia care are needed. The aims of this study were to determine whether a telephone screening method could efficiently identify individuals in the community in need of care for dementia and to develop a multidimensional needs assessment tool for identifying the type and frequency of unmet needs related to memory disorders in the home setting.

Methods

This was a cross‐sectional evaluation of 292 community‐residing individuals aged 70 and older in Maryland. Participants were given a brief cognitive telephone screen. A subsample (n = 43) received a comprehensive in‐home assessment for dementia and dementia‐related needs. Cognitive, functional, behavioral, and clinical factors were assessed. The Johns Hopkins Dementia Care Needs Assessment (JHDCNA) was used to identify unmet needs related to dementia.

Results

Telephone screening for the sample took 350 h, and 27% screened positive for dementia. Virtually all participants with dementia who received an in‐home assessment had at least one unmet need, with the most frequent unmet needs being for a dementia workup, general medical care, environmental safety, assistance with ADL impairments, and access to meaningful activities. Caregivers, when present, also had a number of unmet needs, with the most common being caregiver education about dementia, knowledge of community resources, and caregiver mental health care.

Conclusions

Effective and efficient means for identifying community‐residing individuals with dementia are needed so that dementia care interventions can be provided to address unmet care needs of patients and their caregivers. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Lack of allelic exclusion by secondary rearrangements of tumour B‐cell receptor light chains in hairy cell leukaemia
Authors: Sozzi Elisa , Amato Teresa , Sahota Surinder S. , Nuti Sandra , Raspadori Donatella , Sicuranza Anna , Cencini Emanuele , Tosi Piero , Lauria Francesco , Forconi Francesco
Published: July 2010

Analyses of the tumour immunoglobulin (Ig) gene (IG) heavy (H) and light chains show heterogeneity of mutational status, but reveal common features of ongoing IGH isotype‐switching with multiple IGH isotype expression and preference of IG lambda (IGL) light chain with selective use of IGLJ3. Phenotypic and immunogenetic analyses were performed in a series of 105 HCL patients to estimate prevalence of multiple IG light chain expression by the tumour cells. By phenotype, 3/105 HCL (2.9%) expressed double tumour‐related Ig kappa (K) and L light chain proteins. By immunogenetic analysis, functional mutated double IGKI/IGKII, IGKI/IGLI and IGLI/IGLII transcripts were cloned and sequenced in 3/71 (4.2%) HCL. These latter three HCL expressed multiple IGH isotypes with mutated IGHVDJ rearrangements at the time of AID transcript expression. Most interestingly, the three cases had reinduced RAG1 transcript. In the double IGL expresser, single‐cell analysis documented co‐expression of the tumour‐related IGLs in 5/6 cells (83%). In the IGK/IGL co‐expresser, evidence of surface IgK/IgL isotype proteins confirmed functionality of the tumour‐derived transcripts. The evidence of double light chain expression in single HCs and the new observation of RAG re‐induction suggest ongoing selective influences on the BCR that may promote or maintain the HCL clone in the periphery. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Evaluation of prediagnostic prostate‐specific antigen dynamics as predictors of death from prostate cancer in patients treated conservatively
Authors: O'Brien M. Frank , Cronin Angel M. , Fearn Paul A. , Savage Caroline J. , Smith Brandon , Stasi Jason , Scardino Peter T. , Fisher Gabrielle , Cuzick Jack , Møller Henrik , Oliver R. Timothy , Berney Daniel M. , Foster Christopher S. , Eastham James A. , Vickers Andrew J. , Lilja Hans ,   on behalf of the Trans‐Atlantic Prostate Group
Published: July 2010

Prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) dynamics have been proposed to predict outcome in men with prostate cancer. We assessed the value of PSA velocity (PSAV) and PSA doubling time (PSADT) for predicting prostate cancer‐specific mortality (PCSM) in men with clinically localized prostate cancer undergoing conservative management or early hormonal therapy. From 1990 to 1996, 2,333 patients were identified, of whom 594 had two or more PSA values before diagnosis. We examined 12 definitions for PSADT and 10 for PSAV. Because each definition required PSA measurements at particular intervals, the number of patients eligible for each definition varied from 40 to 594 and number of events from 10 to 119. Four PSAV definitions, but no PSADT, were significantly associated with PCSM after adjustment for PSA in multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression. All four could be calculated only for a proportion of events, and the enhancements in predictive accuracy associated with PSAV had very wide confidence intervals. There was no clear benefit of PSAV in men with low PSA and Gleason grade 6 or less. Although evidence that certain PSAV definitions help to predict PCSM in the cohort exist, the value of incorporating PSAV in predictive models to assist in determining eligibility for conservative management is, at best, uncertain.
Exposure to house painting and the use of floor treatments and the risk of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Authors: Bailey Helen D. , Milne Elizabeth , de Klerk Nicholas H. , Fritschi Lin , Attia John , Cole Catherine , Armstrong Bruce K. ,   for the Aus‐ALL Consortium
Published: July 2010

Painting in the home has been identified as a potential risk factor for childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). The aim of this analysis was to investigate whether exposure to house painting or floor treatments before birth or during childhood increased the risk of childhood ALL. Data from 389 cases and 876 frequency‐matched controls were analyzed using unconditional logistic regression, adjusting for study matching variables and potential confounders. Overall, there was little evidence of an increased risk with painting inside the house in the year before the pregnancy, during the pregnancy, or after the child's birth; however, the risk appeared to be increased in certain circumstances. The odds ratio (OR) for more than three rooms being painted during pregnancy was 1.68 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.01, 2.80]. The OR for someone other than the parents painting inside the house in the year before the pregnancy was 2.37 (95% CI 1.30, 4.30) and 3.07 (95% CI 1.46, 6.46) when more than three rooms were painted. The OR for the mother painting the outside of the house with oil‐based paint in the year before the pregnancy was 2.97 (95% CI 1.06, 8.33). No association was found with having floor treatments in any time period. We found some evidence of an increased risk of ALL associated with house painting. An apparently increased risk associated with someone other than the parents painting inside the house may be related to the amount of paint used and the intensity of the dose received.
Nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs do not interfere with imiquimod treatment for usual type vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia
Authors: Terlou Annelinde , Kleinjan Alex , Beckmann Ilse , Heijmans‐Antonissen Claudia , van Seters Manon , Santegoets Lindy A.M. , van Beurden Marc , Helmerhorst Theo J.M. , Blok Leen J.
Published: July 2010

Imiquimod has been shown to be an effective treatment for usual type vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia (uVIN). Since local inflammation and burning are common side effects, patients often use nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Our study investigated whether NSAID‐use, which has been documented to inhibit the cell‐mediated immune response, interferes with the outcome of imiquimod treatment. Monocyte‐derived dendritic cells (moDCs) and Langerhans cells (moLCs) were cultured in the presence of NSAIDs. The expression of relevant surface markers (CD80, CD86, CD40, HLA‐DR, CCR6 and CCR7), stimulatory function, and cytokine production were evaluated. Furthermore, we analyzed in uVIN patients whether frequent NSAID‐use had an effect on the clinical response and on immunocompetent cell counts before and after imiquimod treatment. Although an effect was observed on the expression of moDC and moLC maturation markers, NSAIDs did not affect the ability of moDCs and moLCs to stimulate allogeneic T‐cell proliferation, or the production of cytokines in an allogeneic T‐cell stimulation assay. In agreement with this, in uVIN patients treated with imiquimod, no interference of frequent NSAID‐use with clinical outcome was observed. However, we did notice that high CD1a+ and CD207+ cell counts in frequent NSAID‐users before treatment seemed to predict a favourable response to imiquimod treatment. Our data indicate that NSAID‐use does not seem to interfere with moDC and moLC function and does not interfere with immunomodulatory properties of imiquimod in uVIN patients. Therefore, NSAIDs can safely be used to reduce imiquimod side effects in uVIN patients during treatment.
MiR‐125b targets BCL3 and suppresses ovarian cancer proliferation
Authors: Guan Yi , Yao Hailan , Zheng Zhihong , Qiu Guangrong , Sun Kailai
Published: July 2010

Micro‐RNAs (miRNAs) important for post‐transcriptional gene expression as negative regulators are endogenous 21‐ to 23‐nucleotide noncoding RNAs. Many miRNAs are expressed in ovarian cancer (OC). In this study, we reported that miR‐125b was underexpressed in human OC specimens. Ectopic expression of miR‐125b in OC cells induced cell cycle arrest and led to reduction in proliferation and clonal formation. This inhibitory effect on OC cell growth was mediated by miR‐125b inhibition of the translation of an mRNA encoding a proto‐oncogene, BCL3. Furthermore, expression of miR‐125b suppressed the tumor formation generated by injecting OC cells in nude mice. Our results suggest that aberrantly expressed miR‐125b may contribute to OC development.
Activation of nervous system development genes in bone marrow derived mesenchymal stem cells following spaceflight exposure
Authors: Monticone Massimiliano , Liu Yi , Pujic Natalija , Cancedda Ranieri
Published: July 2010

Stalled cell division in precursor bone cells and reduced osteoblast function are considered responsible for the microgravity‐induced bone loss observed during spaceflight. However, underlying molecular mechanisms remain unraveled. Having overcome technological difficulties associated with flying cells in a space mission, we present the first report on the behavior of the potentially osteogenic murine bone marrow stromal cells (BMSC) in a 3D culture system, flown inside the KUBIK aboard space mission ISS 12S (Soyuz TMA‐8 + Increment 13) from March 30 to April 8, 2006 (experiment “Stroma‐2”). Flight 1g control cultures were performed in a centrifuge located within the payload. Ground controls were maintained on Earth in another KUBIK payload and in Petri dishes. Half of the cultures were stimulated with osteo‐inductive medium. Differences in total RNA extracted suggested that cell proliferation was inhibited in flight samples. Affymetrix technology revealed that 1,599 genes changed expression after spaceflight exposure. A decreased expression of cell‐cycle genes confirmed the inhibition of cell proliferation in space. Unexpectedly, most of the modulated expression was found in genes related to various processes of neural development, neuron morphogenesis, transmission of nerve impulse and synapse, raising the question on the lineage restriction in BMSC. J. Cell. Biochem. 111: 442–452, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Deficiency in core circadian protein Bmal1 is associated with a prothrombotic and vascular phenotype
Authors: Somanath Payaningal R. , Podrez Eugene A. , Chen Juhua , Ma Yi , Marchant Kandice , Antoch Marina , Byzova Tatiana V.
Published: July 2010

Aging is associated with both the disturbances of circadian rhythms and a prothrombotic phenotype. It remains poorly understood how the circadian system regulates thrombosis, a critical outcome of aging‐related cardiovascular disease. Using multiple in vivo models, we now show that mice with genetic ablation of the core clock gene Bmal1, which display pre‐mature aging, have a dramatic prothrombotic phenotype. This phenotype is mechanistically linked to changes in the regulation of key risk factors for cardiovascular disease. These include circulating vWF, fibrinogen, and PAI‐1, all of which are significantly elevated in Bmal1−/− mice. We also show that major circadian transcriptional regulators CLOCK and Bmal1 directly regulate the activity of vWF promoter and that lack of Bmal1 results in upregulation of vWF both at mRNA and protein level. Here we report a direct regulation of vWF expression in endothelial cells by biological clock gene Bmal1. This study establishes a mechanistic connection between Bmal1 and cardiovascular phenotype. J. Cell. Physiol. 226: 132–140, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Nupr1: The Swiss‐knife of cancer
Authors: Cano Carla E. , Hamidi Tewfik , Sandi Maria José , Iovanna Juan L.
Published: July 2010

Nupr1 is a small, highly basic and loosely folded multifunctional protein whose expression is induced by several stresses. Its relation to cancer was first suggested by its overexpression in several human malignancies and the association of its expression with breast cancer metastasis. Accordingly, Nupr1 is structurally related to the high‐mobility group (HMG) of transcriptional regulators, which play a key role in the stress response and in cancer progression. Nupr1 interacts with numerous partners to regulate cell cycle, programmed cell death, autophagy, chromatin accessibility, and transcription, and its expression is required for regulation of TGFβ activity. Pleiotropic functions accomplished by Nupr1 depend on its molecular partners, its location into the cell, its expression level and on the cell‐type. Nupr1 might be a new drug‐targetable protein whose blockade would prevent cancer progression and metastasis development. J. Cell. Physiol. 226: 1439–1443, 2011. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Identification of human placenta‐derived mesenchymal stem cells involved in re‐endothelialization
Authors: Tran Tu Cam , Kimura Kenichi , Nagano Masumi , Yamashita Toshiharu , Ohneda Kinuko , Sugimori Haruhiko , Sato Fujio , Sakakibara Yuzuru , Hamada Hiromi , Yoshikawa Hiroyuki , Hoang Son Nghia , Ohneda Osamu
Published: July 2010

Human placenta is an attractive source of mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) for regenerative medicine. The cell surface markers expressed on MSC have been proposed as useful tools for the isolation of MSC from other cell populations. However, the correlation between the expression of MSC markers and the ability to support tissue regeneration in vivo has not been well examined. Here, we established several MSC lines from human placenta and examined the expression of their cell surface markers and their ability to differentiate toward mesenchymal cell lineages. We found that the expression of CD349/frizzled‐9, a receptor for Wnt ligands, was positive in placenta‐derived MSC. So, we isolated CD349‐negative and ‐positive fractions from an MSC line and examined how successfully cell engraftment repaired fractured bone and recovered blood flow in ischemic regions using mouse models. CD349‐negative and ‐positive cells displayed a similar expression pattern of cell surface markers and facilitated the repair of fractured bone in transplantation experiments in mice. Interestingly, CD349‐negative, but not CD349‐positive cells, showed significant effects on recovering blood flow following vascular occlusion. We found that induction of PDGFβ and bFGF mRNAs by hypoxia was greater in CD349‐negative cells than in CD349‐positive cells while the expression of VEGF was not significantly different in CD349‐negative and CD349‐positive cells. These findings suggest the possibility that CD349 could be utilized as a specialized marker for MSC isolation for re‐endothelialization. J. Cell. Physiol. 226: 224–235, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A scanning electron microscopy study of the embryonic development of Pycnogonum litorale (Arthropoda, Pycnogonida)
Authors: Machner Jakob , Scholtz Gerhard
Published: July 2010

The phylogenetic position of the enigmatic Pycnogonida (sea spiders) is still controversial. This is in part due to a lack of detailed data about the morphology and ontogenesis of this, in many aspects, aberrant group. In particular, studies on the embryonic development of pycnogonids are rare and in part contradictory. Here, we present the first embryological study of a pycnogonid species using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). We describe the late embryogenesis of Pycnogonum litorale from the first visible appendage anlagen to the hatchling in 11 embryonic stages. The three pairs of appendage anlagen gain in length by growth, as well as by extension of furrows into the embryo. The opening of the stomodaeum is located far in front of the anlagen of the chelifores and has a Y‐shaped lumen from the onset. During further embryogenesis, the position of the mouth shifts ventrally, until it is located between the chelifores. The proboscis anlage grows out as a circumoral wall‐like structure, which is initially more pronounced ventrally. Hypotheses about the evolution of the proboscis by fusion of originally separated components are critically discussed, because the proboscis anlage of P. litorale shows no indications of a composite nature. In particular, a participation of post‐cheliforal elements in proboscis formation is rejected by our data. Further, no preoral structure and no stage in proboscis formation was found, which could plausibly be homologized with the labrum of othereuarthropods. Thus, our study supports the assumption of a complete lack of a labrum in Pycnogonida. J. Morphol., 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Liquid chromatography on a monolithic column microfluidic chip coupled with “three‐T” sample injection mode and amperometric detection
Authors: Wang ZongWen , Wang WenJian , Chen GuoNan , Wang Wei , Fu FengFu
Published: July 2010

An LC microfluidic chip (LC chip) with amperometric detection was developed. The LC chip employed a 7.5 cm long reversed‐phase polymethacrylate monolithic column as a stationary phase and a “three‐T” injection mode. A convenient interface was designed to conduct pump pressure into the microfluidic chip to drive solution, and a home‐made device was used to control the distance between the working electrode and the LC chip accurately. The “three‐T” sample injection mode completely avoided the problem of sample dilution and sample leakage during separation, which is usually observed in traditional and “T” type LC chip, without the using of valve and finally results in a better resolution, reproducibility and relatively high sensitivity. Using the proposed LC chip system, we have successfully separated two isomers, catechol and hydroquinone, within 12 min with a RSD (n=3) <3.0% for retention time and <2.4% for peak area. We have also successfully separated and determined 5‐hydroxy‐L‐tryptophan, dopamine and 5‐hydroxytryptamine within 25 min with a RSD (n=3) <5% (for peak area) and a detection limit of 0.16–0.51 μmol/L.
A comprehensive LC‐MS‐based quantitative analysis of fentanyl‐like drugs in plasma and urine
Authors: Cooreman Sarah , Deprez Christa , Martens Frank , Van Bocxlaer Jan , Croes Kathleen
Published: July 2010

Fentanyl, norfentanyl, alfentanil, sufentanil, remifentanil and 3‐methylfentanyl are potent, short‐acting, synthetic narcotic analgesics that are not revealed in standard opiate immunoassays. In this article, a fully validated analytical method for the determination of these fentanyl‐type compounds in plasma and urine is presented, consisting of a liquid–liquid extraction followed by a LC‐MS/MS analysis using electrospray ionisation in the positive ionisation mode. Fentanyl‐d5 and norfentanyl‐d5 were used as internal standards. The lower LOQ in plasma and urine was 0.1 ng/mL for fentanyl, norfentanyl, alfentanil, remifentanil and 3‐methylfentanyl, and 0.2 ng/mL for sufentanil. The method proved linear over a concentration range of 0.2–50 ng/mL for sufentanil and 0.1–50 ng/mL for all other analytes, with correlation coefficients of 0.998 or better. The analytical procedure showed excellent selectivity and precision (all CVs below 15%) for all analytes. Accuracy was good, except for sufentanil, where deviations of more than 15% from nominal concentrations were observed. No matrix effects were observed, and stability of stock and internal standard solutions was within acceptability limits.
Analysis of contributing factors to production of highly transparent isotactic polypropylene extrusion sheets. Part I
Authors: Funaki Akira , Kanai Toshitaka , Saito Yuta , Yamada Toshiro
Published: July 2010

To obtain highly transparent isotactic polypropylene sheet by an industrial process, various factors contributing to transparency were analyzed. Two kinds of sheets were prepared for analysis. The one was extruded by a direct single belt process as the quick quenching system. And the other was extruded by a conventional air knife process as the slow cooling system. The higher order structure of each sample sheet was investigated by phase‐contrast microscopy, polarizing microscopy, light scattering, wide‐angle X‐ray diffraction (WAXD), small angle X‐ray scattering (SAXS), and transmission electron microscope (TEM). In the case of the quick quenching sheet, many spherical substances were generated near sheet surfaces. Comparing with static cooling experiments, it was thought that the main cause was the orientation crystallization by the residual stress. The spherical substances in a phase‐contrast micrograph were extremely coincident with the maltese cross pattern in a polarizing micrograph. Other analysis results also showed that these spherical substances were spherulites. And after the heat treatment, the matrix was transformed from smectic structure to α‐monoclinic crystal phase. The density and refractive index differences between spherulite and matrix were decreased, and the transparency was drastically improved. In addition, some guideline for the improvement of transparency was indicated. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2010. © 2010 Society of Plastics Engineers
Photoelectrochemical properties of porous silicon based novel photoelectrodes
Authors: Betty C A , Sasikala R , Jayakumar O D , Sakuntala T , Tyagi A K
Published: July 2010

Porous silicon interfaces have been modified with nitrided TiO2 (TiON) nanoparticles to develop highly efficient photoelectrodes. Photoelectrodes were prepared by impregnating the electrochemically prepared porous silicon microchannels with titanium oxynitride. Photocatalytic measurements were carried out on titanium oxynitride particles in water‐methanol mixture and the results showed a dependence on the nitrogen concentration. Among the photoelectrodes used for photocurrent measurements, porous silicon impregnated with TiO2 nitrided at 600 °C showed maximum photocurrent increase after exposure to sunlight‐type radiation. The enhancement in photocurrent was one order more for the porous silicon/titanium oxynitride hetero‐structure than that of polished silicon/titanium oxynitride hetero‐structure. Photoelectrodes thus prepared were found to have stable performance for a period of six months. This observation promises the possibility of using porous silicon/titanium oxynitride hetero‐structures as efficient electrodes for photovoltaic cells. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Inhaled colistin for the treatment of tracheobronchitis and pneumonia in critically ill children without cystic fibrosis
Authors: Falagas Matthew E. , Sideri Georgia , Korbila Ioanna P. , Vouloumanou Evridiki K. , Papadatos John H. , Kafetzis Dimitris A.
Published: July 2010

Data regarding the role of inhaled colistin in critically ill pediatric patients without cystic fibrosis are scarce. Three children (one female), admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) of a tertiary‐care pediatric hospital in Athens, Greece, during 2004–2009 received inhaled colistin as monotherapy for tracheobronchitis (two children), and as adjunctive therapy for necrotizing pneumonia (one child). Colistin susceptible Acinetobacter baumannii and Pseudomonas aeruginosa were isolated from the cases' bronchial secretions specimens. All three children received inhaled colistin at a dosage of 75 mg diluted in 3 ml of normal saline twice daily (1,875,000 IU of colistin daily), for a duration of 25, 32, and 15 days, respectively. All three children recovered from the infections. Also, a gradual reduction, and finally total elimination of the microbial load in bronchial secretions was observed during inhaled colistin treatment in the reported cases. All three cases were discharged from the ICU. No bronchoconstriction or any other type of toxicity of colistin was observed. In conclusion, inhaled colistin was effective and safe for the treatment of two children with tracheobronchitis, and one child with necrotizing pneumonia. Further studies are needed to clarify further the role of inhaled colistin in pediatric critically ill patients without cystic fibrosis. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2010;45:1135–1140. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Variations in How Physiotherapists Understand Their Work on Organizational and Societal Levels
Authors: Boll Madeleine , Rosenqvist Urban
Published: July 2010

Background and Purpose. Many physiotherapists have moved from treating persons on individual and group levels to working in different service positions on organizational and societal levels within healthcare organizations. The present study has investigated how physiotherapists working on those levels understand their job. The aim of the study was to describe variations in physiotherapists' understanding of their work on organizational and societal levels within healthcare organizations. The research question was: how do physiotherapists understand their work on organizational and societal levels? Method. A phenomenographic approach was chosen. Physiotherapists working in different positions on organizational and societal levels were interviewed. Results. Among our 21 informants we found three logically interrelated categories: ‘exploring and performing an assignment’, ‘interactive learning and balancing support’ and ‘moving within a continually changing structure’. These three categories of descriptions formed an outcome space of ways of understanding work on organizational and societal levels within healthcare organizations. Conclusions. The findings in this study can be used as tools in professional discussions on how ways of understanding work have an impact on how work is performed and how change is achieved. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Protein–protein docking benchmark version 4.0
Authors: Hwang Howook , Vreven Thom , Janin Joël , Weng Zhiping
Published: July 2010

We updated our protein–protein docking benchmark to include complexes that became available since our previous release. As before, we only considered high‐resolution complex structures that are nonredundant at the family–family pair level, for which the X‐ray or NMR unbound structures of the constituent proteins are also available. Benchmark 4.0 adds 52 new complexes to the 124 cases of Benchmark 3.0, representing an increase of 42%. Thus, benchmark 4.0 provides 176 unbound–unbound cases that can be used for protein–protein docking method development and assessment. Seventeen of the newly added cases are enzyme‐inhibitor complexes, and we found no new antigen‐antibody complexes. Classifying the new cases according to expected difficulty for protein–protein docking algorithms gives 33 rigid body cases, 11 cases of medium difficulty, and 8 cases that are difficult. Benchmark 4.0 listings and processed structure files are publicly accessible at http://zlab.umassmed.edu/benchmark/ Proteins 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Social stress in young people with specific language impairment
Authors: Wadman Ruth , Durkin Kevin , Conti‐Ramsden Gina
Published: July 2010

Social interactions can be a source of social stress for adolescents. Little is known about how adolescents with developmental difficulties, such as specific language impairment (SLI), feel when interacting socially. Participants included 28 adolescents with SLI and 28 adolescents with typical language abilities (TL). Self‐report measures of social stress, social skills and social acceptance were obtained. Participants with SLI reported experiencing significantly more social stress than did participants with TL. Both groups judged themselves as having adequate social skills and positive social acceptance. Expressive language ability was negatively associated with social stress, but did not predict social stress when social factors were included in the regression model. Perceived social skills and social acceptance scores predicted social stress, in that poorer scores predicted more social stress. Despite perceiving themselves as having adequate social skills and as being socially accepted, social interactions are nonetheless a source of stress for adolescents with SLI.
Mortality and employment after in-patient opiate detoxification
Authors: Naderi-Heiden A. , Gleiss A. , Bäcker C. , Bieber D. , Nassan-Agha H. , Kasper S. , Frey R.
Published: July 2010

Aim

We considered that completed opiate detoxification resulted in increased life expectancy and earning capacity as compared to non-completed detoxification.

Methods

The cohort study sample included pure opioid or poly-substance addicts admitted for voluntary in-patient detoxification between 1997 and 2004. Of 404 patients, 58.7% completed the detoxification program and 41.3% did not. The Austrian Social Security Institution supplied data on survival and employment records for every single day in the individual observation period between discharge and December 2007. Statistical analyses included the calculation of standardized mortality rates for the follow-up period of up to 11 years.

Results

The standardized mortality ratios (SMRs) were between 13.5 and 17.9 during the first five years after discharge, thereafter they fell clearly with time. Mortality did not differ statistically significantly between completers and non-completers. The median employment rate was insignificantly higher in completers (12.0%) than in non-completers (5.5%). The odds for being employed were higher in pure opioid addicts than in poly-substance addicts (p = 0.003).

Conclusions

The assumption that completers of detoxification treatment have a better outcome than non-completers has not been confirmed. The decrease in mortality with time elapsed since detoxification is interesting. Pure opioid addicts had better employment prospects than poly-substance addicts.
The MRN complex in double‐strand break repair and telomere maintenance
Authors: Lamarche Brandon J. , Orazio Nicole I. , Weitzman Matthew D.
Published: July 2010

Genomes are subject to constant threat by damaging agents that generate DNA double‐strand breaks (DSBs). The ends of linear chromosomes need to be protected from DNA damage recognition and end‐joining, and this is achieved through protein–DNA complexes known as telomeres. The Mre11–Rad50–Nbs1 (MRN) complex plays important roles in detection and signaling of DSBs, as well as the repair pathways of homologous recombination (HR) and non‐homologous end‐joining (NHEJ). In addition, MRN associates with telomeres and contributes to their maintenance. Here, we provide an overview of MRN functions at DSBs, and examine its roles in telomere maintenance and dysfunction.
Somatocognitive therapy in the management of chronic gynaecological pain. A review of current approach and historical background
Authors: Haugstad Gro Killi , Kirste Unni , Leganger Siv , Haakonsen Elin , Haugstad Tor S
Published: July 2010

Introduction

We have developed somatocognitive therapy as a hybrid of Mensendieck physiotherapy and cognitive psychotherapy. Womenwith chronic pelvic pain (CPP) and vulvodynia (chronic pain of the vulvae and vestibulum, VD) were recruited into two separate treatment protocols as described.

Methods

60 patients with CPP were recruited from the Department of Gynaecology at the Oslo University Hospital into a randomized, controlled intervention study. The patients were randomized into three treatment groups, receiving (1) treatment as usual, (2) somatocognitive therapy, and (3) in addition receiving cognitive therapy. The patients were assessed by means of SMT, Visual Analogue Score of Pain (VAS), and General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-30) at baseline, after three months of out-patient therapy and at 1 year follow-up. 9 women with VD were treated in an outpatient setting by physiotherapy students under senior supervision, each receiving in all 16 therapy sessions over 8 weeks, and scored for motor patterns (SMT) and pain (VAS) before and after therapy.

Results

In the control group, no significant change was found. In the group receiving somatocognitive therapy, significant reduction in pain score and improvement in motor function were found the end of therapy, and the significant improvement continued through the follow-up period. GHQ scores were significantly improved for the scores representing level of anxiety and coping, and improved for depression. In the group receiving cognitive therapy in addition, the VAS scores were reduced to the same level as the group receiving only somatocognitive therapy, whereas the motor patterns showed slightly less improvement than for those women that did not receive cognitive intervention. In the women with VD somatocognitive therapy resulted in significantly reduction in pain scores (by an average of 66%), and significant improvement of motor patterns, especially for the scores for gait (56%) and respiration (88%).

Conclusions

Somatocognitive therapy is a new approach that appears to be very promising in the management of chronic gynaecological pain.

Short-term out-patient treatment significantly reduces pain scores and improves motor function, especially with respect to respiration, gait and movement (ability to relax).

The approach is now being used in a randomized, controlled intervention study including patient with chronic low back, neck and shoulder, and widespread pain.