bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analysis of Single‐Molecule Fluorescence Spectroscopic Data with a Markov‐Modulated Poisson Process
Authors: Jäger Mark , Kiel Alexander , Herten Dirk‐Peter , Hamprecht Fred A.
Published: July 2009

We present a photon‐by‐photon analysis framework for the evaluation of data from single‐molecule fluorescence spectroscopy (SMFS) experiments using a Markov‐modulated Poisson process (MMPP). A MMPP combines a discrete (and hidden) Markov process with an additional Poisson process reflecting the observation of individual photons. The algorithmic framework is used to automatically analyze the dynamics of the complex formation and dissociation of Cu2+ions with the bidentate ligand 2,2′‐bipyridine‐4,4′dicarboxylic acid in aqueous media. The process of association and dissociation of Cu2+ions is monitored with SMFS. The dcbpy‐DNA conjugate can exist in two or more distinct states which influence the photon emission rates. The advantage of a photon‐by‐photon analysis is that no information is lost in preprocessing steps. Different model complexities are investigated in order to best describe the recorded data and to determine transition rates on a photon‐by‐photon basis. The main strength of the method is that it allows to detect intermittent phenomena which are masked by binning and that are difficult to find using correlation techniques when they are short‐lived.
PhotoMorphs™: A novel light‐activated reagent for controlling gene expression in zebrafish
Authors: Tomasini Amber J. , Schuler Aaron D. , Zebala John A. , Mayer Alan N.
Published: July 2009

Manipulating gene expression in zebrafish is critical for exploiting the full potential of this vertebrate model organism. Morpholino oligos are the most commonly used antisense technology for knocking down gene expression. However, morpholinos suffer from a lack of control over the timing and location of knockdown. In this report, we describe a novel light‐ activatable knockdown reagent called PhotoMorph™. PhotoMorphs can be generated from existing morpholinos by hybridization with a complementary caging strand containing a photocleavable linkage. The caging strand neutralizes the morpholino activity until irradiation of the PhotoMorph with UV light releases the morpholino. We generated PhotoMorphs to target genes encoding enhanced green fluorescent protein, No tail, and E‐cadherin to illustrate the utility of this approach. Temporal control of gene expression with PhotoMorphs permitted us to circumvent the early lethal phenotype of E‐cadherin knockdown. A splice‐blocking PhotoMorph directed to the rheb gene showed light‐dependent gene knockdown up to 72 hpf. PhotoMorphs thus offer a new class of laboratory reagents suitable for the spatiotemporal control of gene expression in the zebrafish. genesis 47:736–743, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Chiral Primary Amine–Polyoxometalate Acid Hybrids as Asymmetric Recoverable Iminium‐Based Catalysts
Authors: Li Jiuyuan , Li Xin , Zhou Pengxin , Zhang Long , Luo Sanzhong , Cheng Jin‐Pei
Published: July 2009

A new strategy for the immobilization of iminium organocatalysts through the acid–base assembly of multidentate chiral primary amines and solid polyacids is presented. A suitable structurally distinctive C2‐symmetric chiral primary amine (CPA) was identified in this study and the optimal CPA–POM hybrid obtained catalyzed the Diels–Alder cycloaddition of α‐substituted acroleins in high yields and fair‐to‐high selectivity under aqueous conditions. The primary amine in the metal–organic‐framework (MOF)‐like catalyst acted as the catalytic center as well as multidentate basic centers, whereas phosphotungstic acid played dual roles as both catalyst anchors and modulators of the activity and stereoselectivity. Furthermore, the MOF‐like catalyst showed both high reactivity and physical stability and thus could be recycled and reused six times with only a small loss of activity and selectivity. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2009)
Production of Pharmaceuticals from Papaver Cultivars in Vitro
Authors: Tisserat Brent , Berhow Mark
Published: July 2009

Iranian (Papaver bracteatum Lindl.) and opium poppy (P. somniferum L.) plantlets obtained from germinated seeds grown on a Murashige and Skoog basal medium (BM) readily manifest alkaloids. Temperature had a profound effect on growth and alkaloid production after 8 weeks in culture. Plantlets of poppy cultivars (cvs.) grew best at 18.5 and 20°C compared to 15 or 25°C. An alkaloid survey study with 24 Iranian and 21 opium poppy cvs. revealed that total morphinan alkaloids ranged from 0 to 6.55 mg/g dw. Prolific axillary branching was achieved from poppy cvs. by maintaining shoots on BM containing 1.0 mg/L N6‐benzyladenine and 0.01 mg/L α‐naphthalene acetic acid for an additional 16 weeks. The influence of vessel size on the growth response of established shoot clumps was determined by subculture in a variety of culture vessels for 8 weeks. The tested culture vessels included culture tubes (55 mm3 capacity (cap.)), babyfood jars (143 mm3 cap.), Magenta GA‐7 containers (365 mm3 cap.), and polycarbonate jars (1890 mm3 cap.) employing an in vitro hydroponics system (i.e. an automated plant culture system (APCS)). Highest growth rates occurred employing the APCS. The culture vessel capacity had a significant positive correlation on shoot length, fresh weight, number of leaves, and number of shoots. Shoot length, fresh weight, leaves, and shoots grown in the APCS exhibited increases of 1‐, 21.5‐, 7.8‐, and 8.3‐fold, respectively, compared to shoots grown in culture tubes. Higher culture growth rates that occurred in the larger‐size vessels were correlated with lower alkaloid production (mg alkaloids/g dw). However, the overall total alkaloids/vessel [(mg alkaloid/g dw)×g culture dw] increased because of greater biomass production per vessel. The alkaloid content was found to remain stable for shoots grown over a 6–month evaluation period.
Modeling and design of future multi‐energy generation and transmission systems
Authors: Favre‐Perrod Patrick , Kienzle Florian , Andersson Göran
Published: July 2009

Ongoing changes in energy systems offer the opportunity to reconsider the design of our current energy infrastructures. As many new grid participants like combined heat and power plants involve other forms of energy in addition to electricity, the consideration of multi‐energy networks represents a useful planning approach. This approach consists in an integrated analysis of combined infrastructures for conversion, transmission and storage of electricity, heat and chemical energy carriers. The integrated operation of systems with different energy carriers offers a new degree of freedom to system planners: energy can be generated, stored, and transmitted in various forms before being distributed to consumers in the adequate form. Different possible solutions for the design of multi‐energy systems will exhibit differences in costs and risks. In order to adequately assess these two quantities, mean‐variance portfolio theory is applied. Portfolio theory has been used in several cases of electricity generation planning. This paper shows the required modeling adaptations for the analysis of portfolios with multiple energy outputs and illustrates the application of portfolio theory in the context of multi‐energy infrastructures. The presented method can be used for the integrated planning of energy systems including the generation, the transmission and the possibility of additional conversion of multiple energy carriers. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Optimization based graph theoretic approach for corrective control strategies to mitigate overloads
Authors: Maharana Manoj Kumar , Swarup K. Shanti
Published: July 2009

This paper presents a novel Optimization based corrective strategy based on graph theory to mitigate overloads during contingencies. Generator rescheduling and/or load shedding is performed locally, to restore the system from abnormal to normal operating state. The directed acyclic graph (DAG) technique is used to identify the participating generators and load buses for corrective control action with respect to a contingency. Particle swarm optimization (PSO) is used to compute the optimal adjustments of generation and loads with security constraints such as line flows and bus voltage limits. The effectiveness of the proposed approach is demonstrated for different contingency cases in IEEE 14‐ and 30‐bus systems. The result shows that the proposed approach is computationally fast, reliable and efficient, in restoring the system to normal state after a contingency with minimal control actions. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
An estimation of the sensitivity of numerical error norm using adjoint model
Authors: Alekseev A. K. , Navon I. M.
Published: July 2009

A posteriori estimation of the numerical error sensitivity to the local truncation error is addressed using adjoint model endowed with the information on the error field. The numerical error is estimated from the solution of the linear tangent model (LTM) or from a Richardson extrapolation. The local truncation error used in the LTM is obtained by the action of a high‐order finite‐difference stencil on the field computed by the main (low‐order accuracy) algorithm. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Oral cavity cancer in developed and in developing countries: Population‐based incidence
Authors: de Camargo Cancela Marianna , Voti Lydia , Guerra‐Yi Marta , Chapuis François , Mazuir Mathieu , Curado Maria Paula
Published: July 2009

Background.

The incidence of oral cavity cancer (OCC) is not well documented because it is rarely described in accord with the anatomic definition but is usually grouped with oropharyngeal subsites. We studied the incidence of OCC in developed and in developing countries.

Methods.

The age‐standardized and age‐specific incidence rates of OCC were calculated for the period 1998‐2002, using the topographic definition used by the Union Internationale Contre le Cancer (UICC), based on data from CI5‐IX.

Results.

The highest rates are observed in Pakistan, Brazil, India, and France and were consistent with country‐specific risk factors and their prevalence.

Conclusions.

In developing countries, people are exposed to a wider range of risk factors, starting at younger ages, and primary prevention measures and policies are needed. Awareness of professionals must be improved to identify people at risk and target them for prevention and to minimize the consequences of OCC. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2010
Incident cancer burden attributable to excess body mass index in 30 European countries
Authors: Renehan Andrew G. , Soerjomataram Isabelle , Tyson Margaret , Egger Matthias , Zwahlen Marcel , Coebergh Jan Willem , Buchan Iain
Published: July 2009

Excess adiposity is associated with increased risks of developing adult malignancies. To inform public health policy and guide further research, the incident cancer burden attributable to excess body mass index (BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2) across 30 European countries were estimated. Population attributable risks (PARs) were calculated using European‐ and gender‐specific risk estimates from a published meta‐analysis and gender‐specific mean BMI estimates from a World Health Organization Global Infobase. Country‐specific numbers of new cancers were derived from Globocan2002. A ten‐year lag‐period between risk exposure and cancer incidence was assumed and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were estimated in Monte Carlo simulations. In 2002, there were 2,171,351 new all cancer diagnoses in the 30 countries of Europe. Estimated PARs were 2.5% (95% CI 1.5–3.6%) in men and 4.1% (2.3–5.9%) in women. These collectively corresponded to 70,288 (95% CI 40,069–100,668) new cases. Sensitivity analyses revealed estimates were most influenced by the assumed shape of the BMI distribution in the population and cancer‐specific risk estimates. In a scenario analysis of a plausible contemporary (2008) population, the estimated PARs increased to 3.2% (2.1–4.3%) and 8.6% (5.6–11.5%), respectively, in men and women. Endometrial, post‐menopausal breast and colorectal cancers accounted for 65% of these cancers. This analysis quantifies the burden of incident cancers attributable to excess BMI in Europe. The estimates reported here provide a baseline for future modelling, and underline the need for research into interventions to control weight in the context of endometrial, breast and colorectal cancer.
Citizenship under pressure: What's a “good soldier” to do?
Authors: Bolino Mark C. , Turnley William H. , Gilstrap J. Bruce , Suazo Mark M.
Published: July 2009

Organizational citizenship behaviors (OCBs) are typically defined as discretionary behaviors that contribute to the effective functioning of organizations. Prior research has generally focused on instances in which employees willingly engage in such behaviors; however, because OCBs are often informally encouraged and rewarded, workers may experience pressure to be “good soldiers” within their organizations. Using a sample of 245 employees, our findings indicate that citizenship pressure is related to increased levels of OCB, particularly among unmarried and less conscientious employees. However, there appear to be negative consequences associated with citizenship pressure, even when controlling for OCB and other job demands, such as role overload and hours worked. In particular, citizenship pressure is associated with work–family conflict, work–leisure conflict, job stress, and intentions to quit. Implications of this study and some directions for future research are also discussed. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effects of selenium addition on minimally processed leafy vegetables grown in a floating system
Authors: Malorgio Fernando , Diaz Karina E , Ferrante Antonio , Mensuali‐Sodi Anna , Pezzarossa Beatrice
Published: July 2009

BACKGROUND: In recent years the consumption of minimally processed leafy vegetables has been increasing. At the same time food quality and its effects on human health have become crucial issues. Since selenium (Se) is an important microelement due to its ability to defend human organisms against free radicals, we investigated the effects of Se on chicory and lettuce production, and assessed the feasibility of a floating system as a method of producing Se‐enriched vegetables.

RESULTS: The addition of 0.5 and 1.0 mg Se L−1 to the nutrient solution resulted in an increase in the selenium concentration in the leaves, which had a positive effect on the plant yield. Selenium was generally effective in decreasing the production of ethylene and phenylalanine ammonia lyase (PAL) activity, even though a seasonal effect seemed to be present, consequently improving the quality of leafy vegetables and the shelf life in both species. The amount of Se accumulated in plants grown in the nutrient solution containing 0.5 mg Se kg−1 could provide the rational Se intake for human nutrition in accordance with the recommended dietary allowance (RDA) guidelines.

CONCLUSIONS: The addition of Se in a nutrient solution can be a useful system for providing enriched leafy vegetables. The floating system can be used to modulate the availability of Se in nutrient solutions and to grow vegetables with the optimal Se content for human health. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry
Luxury shopping in tourism
Authors: Park Kwang‐Soo , Reisinger Yvette , Noh Eun‐Hee
Published: July 2009

This study explores the concept of luxury shopping behaviour in tourism and identifies the perceived importance of different types and characteristics of the luxury products and services that tourists buy on vacation, as well as the importance of various shopping venues and destinations for luxury shopping. The study examines the significant differences in luxury purchasing patterns among various types of tourists identified on the basis of the frequency of shopping and the degree of importance attached to shopping. The results show that three groups, infrequent shoppers, sometimes shoppers and frequent shoppers, as well as non‐shoppers, neutral shoppers and great shoppers, significantly differ in their luxury shopping behaviour. The implications of study results and recommendations for future studies are discussed. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A study of the non‐economic determinants in tourism demand
Authors: Cho Vincent
Published: July 2009

Traditionally, many studies have attempted to use economic demand models. This paper stresses on the influence of non‐economic factors on tourism demand. Some researchers have suggested that tourists from different origins have various cultural and nationalistic backgrounds, and they may interpret visual imagery and experiences differently. Aligning with this suggestion, we have investigated different underlying factors of tourism demand from four continents (Asia, the Americas, Europe and Oceania). Statistical data are collected from international organisations and 135 countries were covered. Our results showed that there are differences and similarities among the factors in determining the tourism demand. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The lifetime prevalence of traumatic events and posttraumatic stress disorder in the Netherlands
Authors: de Vries Giel‐Jan , Olff Miranda
Published: July 2009

Little information exists on the lifetime prevalence of traumatic events and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in the general population of the Netherlands. A national representative sample of 1087 adults aged 18 to 80 years was selected using random digit dialing and then surveyed by telephone using the Composite International Diagnostic Interview (CIDI) to determine the prevalence of trauma and DSM‐IV PTSD. The lifetime prevalence of any potential trauma was 80.7%, and the lifetime prevalence of PTSD was 7.4%. Women and younger persons showed higher risk of PTSD. It was concluded that PTSD is a fairly common disorder and exposure to trauma is high throughout the population. Unexpectedly, prevalence rates resemble those found in the United States and are higher than in several other European countries.
Midbrain hyperechogenicity in idiopathic REM sleep behavior disorder
Authors: Stockner Heike , Iranzo Alex , Seppi Klaus , Serradell Mónica , Gschliesser Viola , Sojer Martin , Valldeoriola Francesc , Molinuevo José L. , Frauscher Birgit , Schmidauer Christof , Santamaria Joan , Högl Birgit , Tolosa Eduardo , Poewe Werner ,   for the SINBAR (Sleep Innsbruck Barcelona) Group
Published: July 2009

Recent studies have reported an increased risk to develop Parkinson's disease (PD) in patients with idiopathic RBD (iRBD). Midbrain hyperechogenicity is a common transcranial sonography (TCS) finding in PD and has been suggested as a PD risk‐marker in nonparkinsonian subjects. The objective of this study is to assess midbrain echogenicity by TCS in patients with iRBD and compare the findings with the healthy controls. TCS was performed in 55 iRBD patients and in 165 age and sex‐matched controls. The area of echogenicity in the SN region in the iRBD group was significantly increased compared with the control group (P < 0.001). About 19 (37.3%) of patients with iRBD were found to have SN hyperechogenicity when compared with 16 (10.7%) of the controls (P < 0.001). This is the first case‐control study assessing midbrain echogenicity in a large iRBD cohort compared to age‐ and sex‐matched healthy individuals. The finding of an increased prevalence of hyperechogenicity in a subgroup of individuals with a priori increased risk for PD supports the potential role of hyperechogenicity as a risk marker for PD. The prospective follow‐up of this iRBD cohort is needed to establish if those with midbrain hyperechogenicity will go on to develop clinically defined PD or not. © 2009 Movement Disorder Society
Non‐therapeutic risk factors for onset of tardive dyskinesia in schizophrenia: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Tenback Diederik E. , van Harten Peter N. , van Os Jim
Published: July 2009

A meta‐analysis of prospective studies with schizophrenia patients was conducted to examine whether the evidence exists for risk factors for the emergence of Tardive Dyskinesia (TD) in schizophrenia. A computer assisted Medline/PubMed and Embase search was conducted in January 2008 for the years 1985–2007. Selected were truly prospective studies of incident cases of TD in a population with at least 80% patients with schizophrenia. Measures of relative risk were collected from the individual studies, either directly or by calculating the relative risk from the cox‐ or logistic regression coefficient provided in the article. Hazard Ratio's and Odds Ratio's were pooled using fixed and random effect models in case of multiple studies using the same measure of risk and outcome. Only eight studies satisfied the inclusion criteria reporting on 25 different single estimate risk factors. Of 25 risk factors, six concerned replicated estimates suitable for meta‐analysis. Of these, non‐white ethnic group and early extrapyramidal symptoms qualified as risk factors for the emergence of TD in schizophrenia. The association with older age was suggestive but inconclusive. Despite many reported risk factors for TD in schizophrenia, little conclusive evidence exists to corroborate this. However, the fact that early EPS predicts onset of TD has important clinical and research implications. © 2009 Movement Disorder Society
Local effects of the sphingosine 1‐phosphate on prostaglandin F2alpha‐induced luteolysis in the pregnant rat
Authors: Hernandez Fatima , Peluffo Marina C. , Bas Diana , Stouffer Richard L. , Tesone Marta
Published: July 2009

Since the regression of the corpus luteum (CL) occurs via a tightly controlled apoptotic process, studies were designed to determine if local administration of the antiapoptotic agent sphingosine 1‐phosphate (S1P) effectively blocks the luteolytic action of prostaglandin F‐2alpha (PGF‐2α). On day 19 of pregnancy, 2 hr before systemic PGF‐2α administration, rats were injected intrabursa with either S1P or vehicle (control). The activity of four caspases, which contribute to the initial (caspase‐2, ‐8, and ‐9) and final (caspase‐3) events in apoptosis was measured in pooled CL from four individual ovaries at 0 and 4 hr after PGF‐2α injection. The expression of the phosphorylated form of AKT (pAKT) and tumor necrosis factor‐alpha (TNF‐α) was analyzed by ELISA. In addition, cell death was evaluated by electronic microscopy (EM) in CL 4 and 36 hr after PGF‐2α injection. The activity of caspase‐2, ‐3, and ‐8 was significantly greater by 4 hr after PGF‐2α, but not caspase‐9 activity. In contrast, expression of pAKT and TNF‐α decreased significantly. Administration of S1P suppressed (P < 0.05) these effects, decreasing caspase activities and increasing pAKT and TNF‐α expression. The administration of S1P also significantly decreased the percentage of luteal apoptotic cells induced by PGF‐2α. PGF‐2α treatment increased the prevalence of luteal cells with advanced signs of apoptosis (i.e., multiple nuclear fragments, chromatin condensation, or apoptotic bodies). S1P treatment suppressed these changes and increased the blood vessel density. These results suggest that S1P blocks the luteolytic effect of the PGF‐2α by decreasing caspase‐2, ‐3, and ‐8 activities and increasing AKT phosphorylation and TNF‐α expression. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 76: 1153–1164, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Comparison of T1 relaxation times of the neurochemical profile in rat brain at 9.4 tesla and 14.1 tesla
Authors: Cudalbu Cristina , Mlynárik Vladimír , Xin Lijing , Gruetter Rolf
Published: July 2009

Knowledge of T1 relaxation times can be important for accurate relative and absolute quantification of brain metabolites, for sensitivity optimizations, for characterizing molecular dynamics, and for studying changes induced by various pathological conditions. 1H T1 relaxation times of a series of brain metabolites, including J‐coupled ones, were determined using a progressive saturation (PS) technique that was validated with an adiabatic inversion‐recovery (IR) method. The 1H T1 relaxation times of 16 functional groups of the neurochemical profile were measured at 14.1T and 9.4T. Overall, the T1 relaxation times found at 14.1T were, within the experimental error, identical to those at 9.4T. The T1s of some coupled spin resonances of the neurochemical profile were measured for the first time (e.g., those of γ‐aminobutyrate [GABA], aspartate [Asp], alanine [Ala], phosphoethanolamine [PE], glutathione [GSH], N‐acetylaspartylglutamate [NAAG], and glutamine [Gln]). Our results suggest that T1 does not increase substantially beyond 9.4T. Furthermore, the similarity of T1 among the metabolites (∼1.5 s) suggests that T1 relaxation time corrections for metabolite quantification are likely to be similar when using rapid pulsing conditions. We therefore conclude that the putative T1 increase of metabolites has a minimal impact on sensitivity when increasing B0 beyond 9.4T. Magn Reson Med, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Feasibility of T mapping for the evaluation of hip joint cartilage at 1.5T using a three‐dimensional (3D), gradient‐echo (GRE) sequence: A prospective study
Authors: Bittersohl Bernd , Hosalkar Harish S. , Hughes Tim , Kim Young‐Jo , Werlen Stefan , Siebenrock Klaus A. , Mamisch Tallal C.
Published: July 2009

This study defines the feasibility of utilizing three‐dimensional (3D) gradient‐echo (GRE) MRI at 1.5T for T mapping to assess hip joint cartilage degenerative changes using standard morphological MR grading while comparing it to delayed gadolinium‐enhanced MRI of cartilage (dGEMRIC). MRI was obtained from 10 asymptomatic young adult volunteers and 33 patients with symptomatic femoroacetabular impingement (FAI). The protocol included T mapping without gadolinium‐enhancement utilizing a 3D‐GRE sequence with six echoes, and after gadolinium injection, routine hip sequences, and a dual‐flip‐angle 3D‐GRE sequence for dGEMRIC T1 mapping. Cartilage was classified as normal, with mild changes, or with severe degenerative changes based on morphological MRI. T1 and T findings were subsequently correlated. There were significant differences between volunteers and patients in normally‐rated cartilage only for T1 values. Both T1 and T values decreased significantly with the various grades of cartilage damage. There was a statistically significant correlation between standard MRI and T (T1) (P < 0.05). High intraclass correlation was noted for both T1 and T. Correlation factor was 0.860 to 0.954 (T‐T1 intraobserver) and 0.826 to 0.867 (T‐T1 interobserver). It is feasible to gather further information about cartilage status within the hip joint using GRE T mapping at 1.5T. Magn Reson Med, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
High‐resolution diffusion tensor imaging of the human pons with a reduced field‐of‐view, multishot, variable‐density, spiral acquisition at 3 T
Authors: Karampinos Dimitrios C. , Van Anh T. , Olivero William C. , Georgiadis John G. , Sutton Bradley P.
Published: July 2009

Diffusion tensor imaging of localized anatomic regions, such as brainstem, cervical spinal cord, and optic nerve, is challenging because of the existence of significant susceptibility differences, severe physiologic motion in the surrounding tissues, and the need for high spatial resolution to resolve the underlying complex neuroarchitecture. The aim of the methodology presented here is to achieve high‐resolution diffusion tensor imaging in localized regions of the central nervous system that is motion insensitive and immune to susceptibility while acquiring a set of two‐dimensional images with more than six diffusion encoding directions within a reasonable total scan time. We accomplish this aim by implementing self‐navigated, multishot, variable‐density, spiral encoding with outer volume suppression. We establish scan protocols for achieving equal signal‐to‐noise ratio at 1.2 mm and 0.8 mm in‐plane resolution for reduced field‐of‐view diffusion tensor imaging of the brainstem. In vivo application of the technique on the human pons of three subjects shows a clear delineation of the multiple local neural tracts. By comparing scans acquired with varying in‐plane resolution but with constant signal‐to‐noise ratio, we demonstrate that increasing the resolution and reducing the partial volume effect result in higher fractional anisotropy values for the corticospinal tracts. Magn Reson Med, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Electromyographic sensitivity of peroneus tertius relative to abductor hallucis in assessment of peripheral neuropathy
Authors: Boon Andrea J. , Harper C. Michel
Published: July 2009

The objective of this study was to compare the sensitivity of needle electromyography of the abductor hallucis and peroneus tertius muscles in the diagnosis of mild length‐dependent peripheral neuropathy (PN). Nerve conduction studies and needle examination were performed on 50 patients with clinical evidence of mild PN. Results demonstrated that the peroneus tertius is as sensitive and is more specific than the abductor hallucis. It is particularly useful when more proximal muscles, such as the tibialis anterior and medial gastrocnemius, are not yet involved. Muscle Nerve, 2009
Effect of the free radical scavenger edaravone on peripheral nerve ischemia–reperfusion injury
Authors: Iida Haruyasu , Nagasaka Takamura , Shindo Kazumasa , Shiozawa Zenji
Published: July 2009

We investigated the effects of edaravone, a free radical scavenger, on peripheral nerve ischemia–reperfusion injury caused by ligation of vessels supplying the sciatic and tibial nerves in rats. The control group was administered a placebo, the standard‐dose group was given 3 mg/kg of edaravone intraperitoneally every 24 hours, and the low‐dose group was given 1 mg/kg of edaravone. At 7 days after reperfusion, neurological and electrophysiological parameters were improved in the standard‐dose group as compared with the control group. After 14 days, however, these differences were no longer observed. After 21 days, persistent edema and nerve fiber degeneration were noted in the standard‐dose group, but not in the control or low‐dose groups. Edaravone was effective during the early reperfusion period, but chronic inhibition of reactive oxygen species may be detrimental for nerve regeneration after ischemia–reperfusion injury. Further studies are necessary to confirm the long‐term influence of edaravone. Muscle Nerve, 2009
Pediatric monomelic amyotrophy: Evidence for poliomyelitis in vulnerable populations
Authors: McMillan Hugh J. , Darras Basil T. , Kang Peter B. , Saleh Firas , Jones H. Royden
Published: July 2009

Pediatric monomelic amyotrophy may present a diagnostic challenge. This is particularly true for immigrant or adopted children who have little or no available medical history. We present clinical and electrophysiological data from 11 children with monomelic amyotrophy who had electrophysiological evidence of a unilateral or profoundly asymmetric motor neuronopathy. The cause of amyotrophy in each case is most consistent with prior: (1) wildtype poliovirus myelitis; (2) “polio‐like” virus myelitis, or (3) vaccine associated paralytic poliomyelitis. Muscle Nerve, 2009
Synthesis, characterization, and crystallization of thermoplastic aromatic semi‐crystalline poly(ester‐imide)s based on bis(trimellitic acid anhydride) phenyl ester
Authors: Yao Guo , Wu Min , Gu Yi
Published: July 2009

A high molecular weight aromatic homopoly(ester‐imide) (homoPEI) was synthesized from homopoly(ester‐amic acids) (homoPEAA), which was obtained from the reaction of bis(trimellitic acid anhydride) phenyl ester (BTAH) with 4‐4'‐oxydianiline ether (ODA). This homoPEI was melt‐processable semi‐crystalline polymer and displayed dual endothermic transitions which were attributed to the different levels of crystal perfection and size in the crystal structures. Four high molecular weight aromatic copoly(ester‐imide)s (coPEIs) were synthesized via copoly(ester‐amic acids)s (coPEAA) from the reaction of 4, 4'‐oxydiphthalic anhydride (ODPA) and BTAH with ODA. The molar percentage of BTAH varied from 10 to 40%. When the molar percentages of BTAH were 30 and 40%, the resulting two coPEIs were crystallinable and their melting temperatures were 361°C and 356/371°C, respectively. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and wide angle X‐ray diffraction (WAXD) results indicated that the crystal structures included short segments of BTAH/ODA and ODPA/ODA. The initial crystallization of the two coPEIs took place during imidization process. Thermogravimetric (TA) and mechanical analysis confirmed that both homoPEI and coPEIs showed almost no weight loss until 400°C in N2 and good mechanical properties. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A low dielectric constant polyimide/polyoxometalate composite
Authors: Tan Lin , Liu Shumei , Zeng Fang , Zhang Shukun , Zhao Jianqing , Yu Yin‐e
Published: July 2009

A silane‐modified mono‐lacunary Keggin‐type polyoxometalate (POM), (Bu4N)4[SiW11O39{(CH2CHSi)2O}] (SiW11CHCH2), was obtained by reaction of vinyltrimethoxysilane with K8(SiW11O39) in acidic MeCN/H2O mixed solutions. Then, the modified polyoxometalate was physically blended with the pyromellitic dianhydride (PMDA)‐4,4′‐oxydianiline (ODA) poly(amic acid) and the blends were thermally imidized to form polyimide/ polyoxometalate composites. The X‐ray diffraction (XRD) analysis indicates that the polyoxometalate clusters cannot form crystalline structures in the composite, suggesting that the blending leads to improved compatibility between the polymer matrix and the modified polyoxometalate. The EDS (W‐mapping) studies on the composite films reveal that the polyoxometalate clusters are well dispersed in the polyimide matrix. The physical incorporation of modified POM into polyimide remarkably reduced the dielectric constant of the latter from 3.29 to 2.05 when 20 wt% of SiW11CHCH2 was used. Besides, the addition of the modified POM into polyimide increased the storage modulus of polyimide without severely affecting its thermal properties. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Redox imbalance provokes deactivation of macrophages in sepsis
Authors: Chen Ting , Lin Xuzhu , Xu Jiafa , Tan Renxiang , Ji Jianguo , Shen Pingping
Published: July 2009

Sepsis accounts for the majority of deaths in critically ill patients. Symptoms of septic disease are often associated with monocyte/macrophage desensitization. In the current study, impaired macrophage function was determined in a sepsis mouse model with decreased cytokine release and weak phagocytosis, coinciding with ectopic elevation of serum‐ROS levels. Furthermore, in the experimental cell model, RAW264.7 macrophages displayed a “deactivated” phenotype, characterized by impaired inflammatory and phagocytosis function. Cellular anti‐oxidative proteins were further investigated; lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐ and H2O2‐treated cells exhibited lower ratio of reductive‐to‐oxidized glutathione as compared with LPS‐treated cells only, without inducing cell death. 2‐DE and MALTI‐TOF/TOF were employed to illustrate protein expression differentiation patterns. A total of 33 proteins were found to be differently expressed. Among them, 33% of proteins were associated with oxidative stress. We further investigated the role of the ROS/LPS/Toll‐like receptor 4 (TLR4) axis in modulating the immunosuppression during sepsis. LPS‐ and H2O2‐treated macrophages demonstrated decreased cytokine release, whereas TLR4 expression was up‐regulated. Western blot analysis showed decreased levels of phosphorylation of MAP kinases and IκB. Electrophoretic mobility shift assay analysis demonstrated attenuated DNA‐binding activities of AP‐1 and NF‐κB, as compared with those of their control. Collectively, these findings indicate that ROS mediates critical aspects of innate immunity that result in an immunocompromised state through an imbalance of cellular oxidation/reduction during sepsis.
An integrated LC‐ESI‐MS platform for quantitation of serum peptide ladders. Application for colon carcinoma study
Authors: Bakun Magda , Karczmarski Jakub , Poznanski Jaroslaw , Rubel Tymon , Rozga Malgorzata , Malinowska Agata , Sands Dorota , Hennig Ewa , Oledzki Janusz , Ostrowski Jerzy , Dadlez Michal
Published: July 2009

Mounting evidence indicates that MS analysis of the human blood peptidome allows to distinguish between cancer and non‐cancer samples, giving promise for a new MS‐based diagnostic tool. However, several aspects of already published work have been criticized and demand for more methodical approach has been formulated. Motivated by this we undertook a systematic study of the plasma and serum peptidome using an integrated ESI‐LC‐MS‐based platform, equipped with new data analysis tools for relative and absolute peptide quantitation. We used a high resolution LC‐ESI‐MS to analyze well‐separated MS signals corresponding to peptides, and measured the variability of >1000 peptide signal amplitudes across a set of plasma and serum samples from healthy individuals. By spiking serum samples with known amounts of isotopically labeled versions of a selected set of peptides we measured the variability of their absolute concentration in this sample set and demonstrated a strong influence of clotting time on the concentration of these peptides in serum. Finally, we used this new LC‐ESI‐MS analytical platform for the differential analysis of healthy versus colon cancer serum samples and found that it was possible to distinguish the two groups with 89.8% sensitivity and 94.6% specificity.
A novel androgen‐dependent prostate cancer xenograft model derived from skin metastasis of a Japanese patient
Authors: Kimura Takahiro , Kiyota Hiroshi , Nakata Daisuke , Masaki Tsuneo , Kusaka Masami , Egawa Shin
Published: July 2009

BACKGROUND

The incidence of, and mortality from, prostate cancer (PCa) has increased in Asian countries over the past decades, partly due to a change in dietary habits. Recent reports have revealed differences in the molecular basis of PCa among people of differing racial or ethnic backgrounds. PCa xenograft models established from Asian patients would be useful for understanding the basis of PCa in Asian populations; we therefore established and characterized a novel PCa xenograft model, JDCaP, from a metastatic skin lesion of a Japanese hormone‐refractory prostate cancer (HRPC) patient.

METHODS

Skin metastatic tissue derived from poorly differentiated prostatic adenocarcinoma in a 61‐year‐old Japanese male was transplanted to nude mice and JDCaP was established by serial passage. Expression of androgen receptor (AR) and prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) was evaluated by immunohistochemistry and the AR sequence was analyzed. Hormone sensitivity of JDCaP was investigated in vivo by orchiectomy followed by administration of steroid hormones, including testosterone, estradiol, progesterone, and hydrocortisone. Therapeutic effects of leuprorelin acetate, bicalutamide, flutamide, diethylstilbestrol (DES), and estradiol were investigated.

RESULTS

JDCaP expressed wild‐type AR and PSA and showed androgen dependence. Only testosterone administration maintained tumor proliferation after orchiectomy. Administration of leuprorelin acetate, bicalutamide, and flutamide inhibited tumor growth. DES and estradiol also demonstrated significant antitumor effects.

CONCLUSIONS

JDCaP expresses wild‐type ARs and exhibits androgen dependence despite its origin from a HRPC patient. The model may be useful to elucidate the molecular basis of PCa in Asian populations and to develop prevention and therapeutic strategies. Prostate 69: 1660–1667, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
In vitro propagation and characterization of neoplastic stem/progenitor‐like cells from human prostate cancer tissue
Authors: Guzmán‐Ramírez Natalia , Völler Maureen , Wetterwald Antoinette , Germann Markus , Cross Neil A. , Rentsch Cyrill A. , Schalken Jack , Thalmann George N. , Cecchini Marco G.
Published: July 2009

BACKGROUND

According to the cancer stem cell hypothesis, tumor growth is sustained by a subpopulation of cancer stem/progenitor‐like cells. Self‐renewal and high clonogenic potential are characteristics shared by normal stem and neoplastic stem/progenitor‐like cells. We investigated whether human prostate cancer specimens contain cells with these properties.

METHODS

Self‐renewal and clonogenic potential were assessed by serial passaging of spheres and colony formation, respectively. Gene expression was analyzed by real time PCR. Protein expression was detected by immunocytochemistry. The neoplastic nature of the cells was verified by detection of the TMPRSS2/ERG gene fusion expression.

RESULTS

The epithelial fraction isolated from surgical specimens generated colonies in 68% (19/28) of the patients. Laminin adhesion selected for cells with high clonogenic potential. The epithelial fraction from 85% (42/49) of the patients generated primary prostaspheres. Serial passaging of prostaspheres demonstrated their self‐renewal capacity, which is also supported by their expression of the stem cell markers Oct‐4, Nanog, Bmi‐1, and Jagged‐1 mRNA. Cells derived from prostaspheres were more clonogenic than the parental epithelial fraction. The pattern of mRNA expression in prostaspheres resembled that of the basal compartment of the prostate (CK5+/CK14+/CK19high/CK18−/low/c‐met+/AR−/low/PSA−/low), but also included stem cell markers (CD49b+/CD49f+/CD44+/ΔNp63+/Nestin+/CD133+). The distribution of marker expression in prostaspheres suggests their heterogeneous cell composition. Prostaspheres expressed significantly higher PSCA mRNA levels than the epithelial fraction.

CONCLUSION

Human prostate cancer specimens contain neoplastic cells with self‐renewal and clonogenic potential, which can be enriched and perpetuated in prostaspheres. Prostaspheres should prove valuable for the identification of prostate cancer stem/progenitor‐like cells. Prostate 69: 1683–1693, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Comparison of ACINUS, caspase‐3, and TUNEL as apoptotic markers in determination of tumor growth rates of clinically localized prostate cancer using image analysis
Authors: Singh Swaroop S. , Mehedint Diana C. , Ford O. Harris , Jeyaraj D. Antony , Pop Elena A. , Maygarden Susan J. , Ivanova Anastasia , Chandrasekhar Rameela , Wilding Gregory E. , Mohler James L.
Published: July 2009

BACKGROUND

The balance between apoptotic and proliferative processes determines the enlargement of a tumor. Accurate measurement of apoptotic and proliferative rates from diagnostic prostate biopsies would allow calculation of tumor growth rates in a population‐based prostate cancer (CaP) study. Automated image analysis may be used if proliferation and apoptotic biomarkers provide clearly resolved immunostained images.

METHODS

Clinical CaP aggressiveness was assigned as low, intermediate or high using clinical criteria for 46 research subjects with newly diagnosed CaP. Diagnostic biopsy sections from the research subjects were dual‐labeled for proliferation biomarker, Ki‐67 and apoptotic biomarker, apoptotic chromatin condensation inducer in the nucleus (ACINUS). Apoptotic biomarkers, caspase‐3 and terminal deoxyribonucleotidyltransferase mediated dUTP‐biotin nick end labeling (TUNEL) were labeled separately. Images from immunostained sections were analyzed using automated image analysis and tumor growth rates computed. Association between clinical CaP aggressiveness and tumor growth rates was explored.

RESULTS

Sixteen subjects had high, 17 had intermediate, and 13 had low clinical CaP aggressiveness. Positive immunostaining was localized to the nucleus for Ki‐67, ACINUS, and TUNEL. A statistically significant linear trend across clinical CaP aggressiveness categories was found when tumor growth rates were calculated using ACINUS (P = 0.046). Logistic regression and ROC plots generated showed ACINUS (AUC = 0.677, P = 0.048) and caspase‐3 (AUC = 0.694, P = 0.038) to be better predictors than TUNEL (AUC = 0.669, P = 0.110).

CONCLUSIONS

ACINUS met the criteria for automated image analysis and for calculation of apoptotic rate. Tumor growth rates determined using automated image analysis should be evaluated for clinical prediction of CaP aggressiveness, treatment response, recurrence, and mortality. Prostate 69: 1603–1610, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A warfarin decision aid for patients on long‐term therapy
Authors: Osborne Peter , Dabin Sam , Rose Peter
Published: July 2009

The decision of whether to continue anticoagulation therapy can be difficult and there are currently no widely available tools to help reassess patient suitably. Here, the authors introduce a simple warfarin decision aid that may be of benefit to other clinicians. Copyright © 2009 Wiley Interface Ltd.
Targinact: targets opioid‐induced constipation
Authors: Simpson Karen , O'Connell Nicola
Published: July 2009

Targinact, licensed for severe pain, is a formulation of prolonged‐release oxycodone with the addition of naloxone to improve opioid‐induced bowel dysfunction. Here, the authors discuss the clinical data relating to its efficacy and adverse effects, and describe its place in treatment. Copyright © 2009 Wiley Interface Ltd.
Aromaticity of ionic structures: Investigation and application of NICS value and 4n + 2 rule
Authors: Xu Shuhong , Wang Chunlei , Cui Yiping
Published: July 2009

At DFT/B3LYP/6‐31G** theoretical level, C6H and C (n = 0, −2, and +2), C6H and C (n = 0, ±2, ±4, and ±6), C6H (n = 0–6), as well as C6H6‐A and C6‐A (A = Be, B, N, O, Mg, Al, Si, S, and Fe) structures were investigated. Comparing NICS values of C6H and C (n = 0, −2, and +2), we discovered that C6H, C6H were antiaromatic, and C6H6, C6, C, C had aromaticity with negative NICS values. According to research of C6H and C (n = 0, ±2, ±4, ±6), C6H (n = 0–6), we sustained that their σ and π orbit were different and the locations of electrons were difficult to confirm in ionic structures. Thus, neither 4n + 2 rule nor NICS values can precisely estimate the aromaticity of ionic structures. Besides, through WBI (NBO) research of C6H6‐A and C6‐A (A = Be, B, N, O, Mg, Al, Si, S, and Fe) structures, we found that C6H6 was easy to accept electrons, contrarily, C6 was prone to bestowing electrons. Moreover, C6H6 took the symmetrical carbon atoms form feeble interaction or bond, and C6 used all carbon atoms to impact with other atom. C6H6 generated two contrapuntal single bonds with oxygen, sulfur, and nitrogen atoms, whereas C6 molecule formed double bond with oxygen and nitrogen atoms, two conjoint single bonds with sulfur atom. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2010
Correlations between quantum chemical indices and the pKas of a diverse set of organic phenols
Authors: Kreye W. C. , Seybold Paul G.
Published: July 2009

In earlier studies (Gross and Seybold, Int J Quantum Chem, 2001, 85, 569; Gross et al., Int J Quantum Chem, 2002, 90, 445), it was shown that variations in several calculated quantum chemical charge and energy parameters were strongly correlated with the pKa variations in a set of substituted phenols. Here, we examine whether this approach can be extended to the pKas of a diverse set of more complex organic phenolic compounds. Three levels of theory were tested: (1) the RM1 semiempirical method, with and without the SM5.4 solvent model, (2) density functional theory at the B3LYP/6‐311G** level, and (3) single‐point B3LYP/6‐31+G* calculations with the self‐consistent reaction field SM8 solvent model. The best results were obtained with quantum chemical indices calculated using the SM8 solvent model. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2009