bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The influence of annealing treatment on the molecular structure and the mechanical properties of isotactic polypropylene fibers
Authors: Karacan Ismail , Benli Hüseyin
Published: July 2011

An investigation was carried out on the effects of annealing treatment on the molecular structure and the mechanical properties of isotactic polypropylene fibers annealed in an air heated environment at temperatures ranging from 60 to 140°C. Analysis of the equatorial X‐ray diffraction traces showed the presence of a three phase system of amorphous‐smectic‐monoclinic forms and revealed the transformation of the metastable smectic form to the highly stable monoclinic form as the annealing temperature is increased, resulting in an enhanced degree of crystallinity and the crystallite size. The improvements in the degree of crystallinity and the crystallite size became more remarkable above 120°C. Evaluation of the crystallinity was carried out using an analysis of density, infrared spectroscopy, and X‐ray diffraction methods whereas the state of the molecular orientation was evaluated using polarized infrared spectroscopy measurements only. Polarized infra‐red spectroscopy measurements after the curve fitting procedure showed a slight increase of the molecular orientation of the helical chain segments present in the crystalline phase represented by the IR bands at 841 and 998 cm−1 whereas the amorphous structure represented by the IR band at 974 cm−1 showed no significant change with increasing annealing temperature. The improvement in the molecular orientation of the crystalline phase became more remarkable above 120°C. Tensile strength of the annealed fibers increased with increasing annealing temperature but the elongation at break and the initial modulus were not affected as much as the tensile strength. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011.
Highly Active Copper‐Network Catalyst for the Direct Aldol Reaction
Authors: Ohta Hidetoshi , Uozumi Yasuhiro , Yamada Yoichi M. A.
Published: July 2011

The development of a highly active solid‐phase catechol–copper network catalyst for direct aldol reaction is described. The catalyst was prepared from an alkyl‐chain‐linked bis(catechol) and a copper(II) complex. The direct aldol reaction between carbonyl compounds (aldehydes and ketones) and methyl isocyanoacetate was carried out using 0.1–1 mol % [Cu] catalyst to give the corresponding oxazolines at yields of up to 99 % and a trans/cis ratio of >99:1. The catalyst was reused with no loss of catalytic activity. A plausible reaction pathway is also described.
Click Chemistry‐Based Functionalization on Non‐Oxidized Silicon Substrates
Authors: Li Yan , Cai Chengzhi
Published: July 2011

Copper‐catalyzed azide–alkyne cycloaddition (CuAAC), combined with the chemical stability of the SiC‐bound organic layer, serves as an efficient tool for the modification of silicon substrates, particularly for the immobilization of complex biomolecules. This review covers recent advances in the preparation of alkynyl‐ or azido‐terminated “clickable” platforms on non‐oxidized silicon and their further derivatization by means of the CuAAC reaction. The exploitation of these “click”‐functionalized organic thin films as model surfaces to study many biological events was also addressed, as they are directly relevant to the on‐going effort of creating silicon‐based molecular electronics and chemical/biomolecular sensors.
Nonthermal emission from the radio relic of the galaxy cluster A2256
Authors: Siemieniec‐Ozieblo G. , Pasternak B.M.
Published: July 2011

We aim to obtain a consistent description of non‐thermal emissions from Abell 2256 and to give a prediction for a gamma‐ray emission from this galaxy cluster. Assuming that a radio relic illuminates a localization of an ongoing merger, and that both radio and non‐thermal part of hard X‐ray emission are due to electron component of cosmic rays filling the relic, we derived from radio and hard X‐ray properties of the relic in A2256 the magnetic field strength and number densities for relativistic electrons and protons. Due to the interpretation of the radio relic as a structure formed just where a shock front is, we discuss a gamma‐ray emission at the cluster periphery. The estimated strength of the magnetic field in the relic is equal to 0.05 µG, while the amplitude of the electron number density varies from 3×10–4 to 3×10–5 cm–3 (respectively for the relic thickness of 50 to 500 kpc). We got a substantial degree of non‐equipartition between cosmic rays and magnetic field in the relic region, where the CR pressure is approaching that of thermal gas. Our prediction for LOFAR is a synchrotron flux from the relic region of the order of ∼6 Jy at 60MHz and ∼10 Jy at 30MHz. The lower limit of the γ ‐ray flux from the relic region calculated for a hadronic channel is of the order of 10–12 erg cm–2 (© 2011 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Creation, detection, and evolution of Jupiter Trojan families
Authors: Karlsson O.
Published: July 2011

An investigation is carried out looking at correlations between the orbital elements of collisional targets and projectiles, estimating the number of interlopers in Trojan collisional families, and at the possibility of determining the ages of the Jupiter Trojan families by orbital integration. Real Trojans are integrated and close encounters are recorded in order to evaluate collisional circumstances between Trojans. Fictitious collisional families are created and integrated for 10 MJyr (million Julian years) forward in time and back again to the time of the collision in order to check the performance of the integrator, and the behaviour of the fictitious collisional fragments. Proper elements are calculated for the detection of family clustering using the hierarchically clustering method. This method presents little difficulty finding fictitious families in the Trojan swarms even in areas with densely populated backgrounds. However, even when the background is relatively sparse in objects, several interlopers can be connected to the family at velocity differences below 100 m s–1. On the other hand, in densely populated backgrounds the contamination of interlopers should be less than 30%. Providing gravity is the only significant force acting on the Trojans and resonance effects are weak, the shape the collision fragments create in the proper element space are preserved on the GJyr scale, and collisions can be tracked with orbital integrations for ages of at least 100 MJyr. However, the shape of artificial families does not correspond to suggested real families. This points to the need of including non‐gravitational forces such as the Yarkovsky effect in order to simulate the family evolution. As a consequence age determination by orbital integration might be severely restricted and previous investigations involving long term orbital integrations might have tobe recalculated (© 2011 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Predatory Violence Aiming at Relief in a Case of Mass Murder: Meloy's Criteria for Applied Forensic Practice
Authors: Declercq Frédéric , Audenaert Kurt
Published: July 2011

Mass murder is the result of the complex interaction of several factors. What seems ubiquitous within mass murder are extreme feelings of anger and revenge. Yet despite these intense affective states, mass murders are, as a rule, not behaviorally impulsive, but rather prepared. The presence of extreme hate and anger evokes an impulsive outburst of rage, whereas planning and premeditation point in the direction of a cognitive, rather unemotional deed. This inconsistency is also reflected in reports of offenders' emotional states during the execution of their crimes: while some mass murderers have been described as calm, focused and emotionless during the events, others have shown signs of hostility, confusion, and distress. Considering mass murder from the perspective of its violence mode might shed some light on its nature and dynamics. With respect to the differentiation between affective and predatory violence, Meloy (1988) developed a model for applied forensic practice. The fully documented case of mass murder discussed in this study contains nine indices of predatory violence and one of affective violence. Furious affects of hate and anger were present but appeared to precede the cold‐blooded killings. As a matter of fact, it is argued that the offender carried out the predatory murder in order to alleviate the psychological tension and symptoms generated by these severe ego‐dystonic affects. The offender thus didn't seem to strive for narcissistic gratification of omnipotence, but rather seemed to aim to solve a problem. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effective Separation of Gas and Fluid Phases by Means of Selective Adsorption
Authors: Rosenfeld Henning , Peper Stefanie , Täffner Tim , Kötke Matthias , Fonka Moundih A. , Temme Heike , Niemeyer Bernd
Published: July 2011

Die Adsorption ist ein leistungsfähiges Verfahren zur Abtrennung von niedrig konzentrierten Stoffen aus komplexen Gemischen. Dabei sind die Affinität und die Selektivität des Adsorbens entscheidend für die Effizienz des Trennverfahrens. Dieser Beitrag gibt einen Überblick über die Mechanismen der Adsorption und zeigt anhand verschiedener Beispiele aus eigenen Forschungsarbeiten in den Bereichen Bioprozess‐, Umwelt‐ und Sicherheitstechnik die Relevanz für technische Anwendungen. Es wird sowohl die Flüssig‐ als auch die Gasphasenadsorption betrachtet und zwischen niedermolekularen Adsorptiven und Biomakromolekülen unterschieden.
A note from history: Landmarks in history of cancer, part 3
Authors: Hajdu Steven I.
Published: July 2011

In the early 19th century, microscopy in pathology replaced gross descriptive pathology of the 18th century. Cells became known as the most important and distinct elements of benign and cancerous tissues. Thus, by the mid‐1800s, a solid foundation had been laid for microscopy, and surgeons recognized that microscopic diagnosis by pathologists merited attention. In due course, preoperative microscopic diagnoses and classification of cancers in biopsy specimens were incorporated into choosing the most fitting surgical operation. Cancer 2012;. © 2011 American Cancer Society.
Xeroderma pigmentosum complementation group C single‐nucleotide polymorphisms in the nucleotide excision repair pathway correlate with prolonged progression‐free survival in advanced ovarian cancer
Authors: Fleming Nicole D. , Agadjanian Hasmik , Nassanian Hoorig , Miller Carl W. , Orsulic Sandra , Karlan Beth Y. , Walsh Christine S.
Published: July 2011

BACKGROUND:

The nucleotide excision repair (NER) pathway is the principal DNA repair pathway for removing bulky platinum DNA adducts. Suboptimal DNA repair may lead to improved response to platinum agents. The objective of this study was to determine whether single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in NER pathway genes could be markers of platinum response in ovarian cancer.

METHODS:

The authors identified patients with advanced‐stage, papillary serous ovarian cancer who underwent primary cytoreductive surgery followed by platinum‐based chemotherapy. DNA was isolated from peripheral blood specimens. Twenty‐two SNPs within NER genes (xeroderma pigmentosum [XP] complementation group A [XPA], XPB/excision repair cross‐complementing rodent repair deficiency, complementation group 3 [ERCC3], XPC, XPD/ERCC2, XPF/ERCC4, XPG/ERCC5, Cockayne syndrome group B protein [CSB]/ERCC8, ERCC1) were genotyped using polymerase chain reaction analysis.

RESULTS:

In total, 139 patients with stage III and IV papillary serous ovarian cancer were genotyped. The XPC (reference SNP 3731108 [rs3731108]) adenosine‐guanine (AG)/AA genotype versus the GG genotype was associated with prolonged a progression‐free survival (PFS) of 21.3 months versus 13.4 months (hazard ratio [HR], 0.63; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.42‐0.95; P = .03). The XPC (rs1124303) guanosine‐thymidine (GT)/GG genotype versus the TT genotype was associated with a prolonged PFS of 22.8 months versus 14.9 months (HR, 0.47; 95% CI, 0.24‐0.94; P = .03). The XPC poly(AT) (PAT) (−/+)/(−/−) genotype versus the (+/+) genotype was associated with a prolonged PFS of 17 months versus 11.6 months (HR, 0.56; 95% CI, 0.36‐0.89; P = .01). The XPF/ERCC4 (rs12926685) cytidine‐thymidine (CT)/CC genotype versus the TT genotype was associated with a prolonged PFS of 16.7 months versus 12.4 months (HR, 0.63; 95% CI, 0.41‐0.95; P = .03). On multivariate analysis adjusting for breast cancer (BRCA) gene and cytoreductive surgery status, the XPC SNPs remained significantly associated with prolonged PFS.

CONCLUSIONS:

The current results indicated that XPC is a key component of the NER pathway that participates in DNA damage repair. SNPs in the XPC gene may represent novel markers of ovarian cancer response to platinum‐based chemotherapy. Cancer 2012;. © 2011 American Cancer Society.
Cell surface receptor expression patterns in osteosarcoma
Authors: Hassan Sheref E. , Bekarev Mikhail , Kim Mimi Y. , Lin Juan , Piperdi Sajida , Gorlick Richard , Geller David S.
Published: July 2011

BACKGROUND:

Although the presence of numerous cell signaling receptors in osteosarcoma is known, their simultaneous characterization has not been performed to date. The current study sought to characterize and quantify the expression of cell surface receptors across a variety of osteosarcoma cell lines.

METHODS:

Standard (n = 4) and patient‐derived (n = 10) osteosarcoma cell lines were cultured and labeled with antibodies to epidermal growth factor receptor, human epidermal growth factor receptor (HER)‐2, HER‐3, HER‐4, insulin‐like growth factor 1 receptor (IGF‐1R), IGF‐2R, insulin receptor (IR), vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR)‐1, VEGFR‐2, VEGFR‐3, c‐Met, fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR)‐2, FGFR‐3, and platelet‐derived growth factor receptor (PDGFR)‐β. Cell surface examination was performed using flow cytometry, and the geometric fluorescent mean for each receptor was calculated and compared against a positive control.

RESULTS:

Significant overexpression of IGF‐2R was shown in all cell lines, with an average geometric mean above the upper expression quartile. A variable expression pattern was seen for c‐Met, PDGFR‐β, IR, IGFR‐1, HER‐2, and VEGFR‐3 with expression values for the remaining receptors mainly in the lower quartile. An apparent association between the expression of IGF‐1R and HER‐2 and between the expression of PDGFR‐β and IR was demonstrated.

CONCLUSION:

IGF‐2R was consistently overexpressed on the cell surface across all tested osteosarcoma cell lines. Substantial, although variable, expression of c‐Met, HER‐2, IGF‐1R, VEGFR‐3, IR, and PDGFR‐β was demonstrated as well, suggesting that these receptors may contribute to osteosarcoma aggressiveness and biological heterogeneity and may serve as potential targets within a subset of tumors. Associated receptor expression may provide new insight into common regulatory factors or pathways. Targeting either common factors or targeting multiple specific receptors may have therapeutic relevance. Cancer 2012;. © 2011 American Cancer Society.
Epoetin alpha decreases the number of erythrocyte transfusions in patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia, lymphoblastic lymphoma, and Burkitt leukemia/lymphoma
Authors: Cabanillas Maria E. , Kantarjian Hagop , Thomas Deborah A. , Mattiuzzi Gloria N. , Rytting Michael E. , Bruera Eduardo , Xiao Lianchun , Bekele B. Nebiyou , Foudray Maria C. , Cortes Jorge E.
Published: July 2011

BACKGROUND:

Anemia is an expected consequence of intensive chemotherapy regimens administered to patients with acute leukemia. This study was designed to determine whether epoetin alpha would decrease the number of transfusion events and units of packed erythrocytes (PRBCs) transfused, and the secondary objective was to study the effects of epoetin alpha on quality of life (QOL) and complete remission (CR) rates.

METHODS:

Patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), lymphoblastic lymphoma (LL), or Burkitt lymphoma (BL) who were receiving frontline myelosuppressive chemotherapy were randomized to receive epoetin alpha or no epoetin during the first 6 cycles of their planned chemotherapy. QOL was assessed by using the Edmonton Symptom Assessment Scale (ESAS) and the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy (FACT)‐Anemia questionnaires.

RESULTS:

Fifty‐five patients were randomized to receive epoetin alpha, and 54 patients received no epoetin. Transfusion data were available for 79 of 81 evaluable patients (98%) who completed the treatment/observation period. The trial was stopped early because of poor accrual before the target of 123 evaluable patients was met. A mean of 10.6 units of PRBCs over 5 months were administered to those who received epoetin alpha compared with 13 units for those who did not receive epoetin (P = .04). There was no significant difference in QOL as assessed by the FACT‐Anemia or ESAS instruments. The CR rate and the 3‐year CR duration were not affected adversely by use of epoetin alpha.

CONCLUSIONS:

Epoetin alpha decreased the number of PRBC transfusions and did not appear to have a negative impact on remission duration. No difference in QOL was observed. Cancer 2012;. © 2011 American Cancer Society.
Partial differential equation transform—Variational formulation and Fourier analysis
Authors: Wang Yang , Wei Guo‐Wei , Yang Siyang
Published: July 2011

Nonlinear partial differential equation (PDE) models are established approaches for image/signal processing, data analysis, and surface construction. Most previous geometric PDEs are utilized as low‐pass filters, which give rise to image trend information. In an earlier work, we introduced mode decomposition evolution equations (MoDEEs), which behave like high‐pass filters and are able to systematically provide intrinsic mode functions (IMFs) of signals and images. Because of their tunable time–frequency localization and perfect reconstruction, the operation of MoDEEs is called a PDE transform. By appropriate selection of PDE transform parameters, we can tune IMFs into trends, edges, textures, noise, and so forth, which can be further utilized in the secondary processing for various purposes. This work introduces variational formulation, performs the Fourier analysis, and conducts biomedical and biological applications of the proposed PDE transform. The variational formulation offers an algorithm to incorporate two image functions and two sets of low‐pass PDE operators in the total energy functional. Two low‐pass PDE operators have different signs, leading to energy disparity, while a coupling term, acting as a relative fidelity of two image functions, is introduced to reduce the disparity of two energy components. We construct variational PDE transforms by using Euler–Lagrange equation and artificial time propagation. Fourier analysis of a simplified PDE transform is presented to shed light on the filter properties of high‐order PDE transforms. Such an analysis also offers insight on the parameter selection of the PDE transform. The proposed PDE transform algorithm is validated by numerous benchmark tests. In one selected challenging example, we illustrate the ability of PDE transform to separate two adjacent frequencies of sin (x) and sin(1.1x). Such an ability is due to PDE transform's controllable frequency localization obtained by adjusting the order of PDEs. The frequency selection is achieved either by diffusion coefficients or by propagation time. Finally, we explore a large number of practical applications to further demonstrate the utility of the proposed PDE transform. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Near‐Infrared Fluorescent Sensors based on Single‐Walled Carbon Nanotubes for Life Sciences Applications
Authors: Boghossian Ardemis A. , Zhang Jingqing , Barone Paul W. , Reuel Nigel F. , Kim Jong‐Ho , Heller Daniel A. , Ahn Jin‐Ho , Hilmer Andrew J. , Rwei Alina , Arkalgud Jyoti R. , Zhang Cathy T. , Strano Michael S.
Published: July 2011

Many properties of single‐walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) make them ideal candidates for sensors, particularly for biological systems. Both their fluorescence in the near‐infrared range of 820–1600 nm, where absorption by biological tissues is often minimal, and their inherent photostability are desirable attributes for the design of in vitro and in vivo sensors. The mechanisms by which a target molecule can selectively alter the fluorescent emission include primarily changes in emission wavelength (i.e., solvatochromism) and intensity, including effects such as charge‐transfer transition bleaching and exciton quenching. The central challenge lies in engineering the nanotube interface to be selective for the analyte of interest. In this work, we review the recent development in this area over the past few years, and describe the design rules that we have developed for detecting various analytes, ranging from stable small molecules and reactive oxygen species (ROS) or reactive nitrogen species (RNS) to macromolecules. Applications to in vivo sensor measurements using these sensors are also described. In addition, the emerging field of SWCNT‐based single‐molecule detection using band gap fluorescence and the recent efforts to accurately quantify and utilize this unique class of stochastic sensors are also described in this article.
Visible‐Light Harvesting with Cyclometalated Iridium(III) Complexes Having Long‐Lived 3IL Excited States and Their Application in Triplet–Triplet‐Annihilation Based Upconversion (Eur. J. Inorg. Chem. 21/2011)
Authors: Sun Jifu , Wu Wanhua , Guo Huimin , Zhao Jianzhang
Published: July 2011

The cover picture shows the triplet‐triplet‐annihilation (TTA) upconversion between a visible‐light harvesting IrIII complex and 9,10‐diphenylanthracene (DPA). In the upper left‐hand corner is the qualitative Jablonski diagram describing the photophysical process involved in the TTA upconversion. Although the coumarin‐containing IrIII complexes are weakly phosphorescent, we proved that the long‐lived 3IL excited state was populated upon photoexcitation by using time‐resolved transient absorption spectroscopy, emission spectroscopy at 77 K, and DFT calculations. The complexes were used as triplet sensitizers for TTA upconversion, and an upconversion quantum yield of up to 23.4 ° was observed. Thus, we propose that the T1 excited state of the triplet sensitizers does not necessarily have to be emissive. Details are discussed in the article by J. Zhao et al. on p. 3165 ff. The cover art was produced by Dr. Xin Liu (Dalian University of Technology).
The Asymmetric Friedel–Crafts Reaction of Indoles with Fluoroalkylated Nitroalkenes Catalyzed by Chiral Phosphoric Acid
Authors: Lin Jin‐Hong , Xiao Ji‐Chang
Published: July 2011

The enantioselective Friedel–Crafts fluoroalkylation of indoles with fluoroalkylated nitroalkenes, catalyzed by chiral phosphoric acid is described. The regioselectivity of fluoroalkylated nitroalkenes is a problem worth discussing, and it was found that the carbon atom adjacent to the fluoroalkyl group is more reactive than that adjacent to NO2 group.
Prevalence and clinical correlates of restless legs syndrome among psychogeriatric patients
Authors: Agüera‐Ortiz Luis , Perez M. Isabel Ramos‐García , Osorio Ricardo S. , Sacks Hayley , Palomo Tomás
Published: July 2011

Objective

To evaluate the prevalence, clinical features, and comorbidities of restless legs syndrome (RLS) among psychogeriatric patients in an out‐patient clinical setting.

Methods

Cross‐sectional study of a sample of 100 non‐demented psychogeriatric outpatients that were assessed for the presence of RLS using the Revised International Restless Legs Syndrome Study Group criteria and other support criteria. Medical and psychiatric illnesses, drug treatments, and other risk factors for RLS were documented.

Results

Prevalence of definite RLS in our sample was 11.11% with an additional prevalence of 10.10% of possible RLS. None of these patients had received a diagnosis of RLS previously. RLS was associated with major depressive disorder and with hypertension, but not with other previously described risk factors as female gender, some medical conditions, or psychoactive drug treatments.

Conclusions

RLS is a frequent condition in psychogeriatric patients, especially among those with depression, and is commonly underdiagnosed and undertreated. Clinicians should routinely ask for RLS symptoms when assessing their patients in their regular clinical practice. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
X‐ray structural analysis and theoretical studies of new phosphite‐derived ylides
Authors: Rostamizadeh Mohsen , Maghsoodlou Malek Taher , Habibi‐Khorassani Sayyed Mostafa , Hazeri Nourallah , Charati Faramarz Rostami , Kazemian Mohammad Amin , Skelton Brian W. , Makha Mohamed
Published: July 2011

The reaction between dialkyl acetylenedicarboxylates and NH heterocyclic compounds in the presence of triethyl phosphite leads to stable phosphorus ylide derivatives in good yields. The X‐ray crystallographic data and theoretical study show that there is a resonance between two bonds of C19P1 and C191O191 in phosphorus ylide 4d. This compound crystallizes in the orthorhombic system, space group (Pca21), with unit cell parameters a = 17.3699(3) Å, b = 13.5500(2) Å, c = 18.4627(3) Å, α = 90°, β = 90°, γ = 90°, Z = 8, and V = 4345.4(12) Å3. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Heteroatom Chem 22:715–722, 2011; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/hc.20739
Neuroimmunomodulative properties of dipeptidyl peptidase IV/CD26 in a TNBS‐induced model of colitis in mice
Authors: Baticic Lara , Detel Dijana , Kucic Natalia , Buljevic Suncica , Pugel Ester Pernjak , Varljen Jadranka
Published: July 2011

Causal connections between dipeptidyl peptidase IV, also known as CD26 molecule (DPP IV/CD26) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) have been shown, but mechanisms of these interactions are unclear. Our hypothesis was that DPP IV/CD26 could affect the neuroimmune response during inflammatory events. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate its possible role and the relevance of the gut–brain axis in a model of IBD in mice. Trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid‐induced (TNBS) colitis was induced in CD26‐deficient (CD26−/−) and wild‐type (C57BL/6) mice. Pathohistological and histomorphometrical measurements were done. Concentrations and protein expressions of DPP IV/CD26 substrates neuropeptide Y (NPY) and vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) were determined. Concentrations of IL‐6 and IL‐10 were evaluated. Investigations were conducted at systemic and local levels. Acute inflammation induced increased serum NPY concentrations in both mice strains, more enhanced in CD26−/− mice. Increased NPY concentrations were found in colon and brain of C57BL/6 mice, while in CD26−/− animals only in colon. VIP and IL‐6 serum and tissue concentrations were increased in both mice strains in acute inflammation, more pronouncedly in CD26−/− mice. IL‐10 concentrations, after a decrease in serum of both mice strains, increased promptly in CD26−/− mice. Decreased IL‐10 concentration was found in brain of C57BL/6 mice, while it was increased in colon of CD26−/− mice in acute inflammation. DPP IV/CD26 deficiency affects the neuroimmune response at systemic and local levels during colitis development and resolution in mice. Inflammatory changes in the colon reflected on investigated parameters in the brain, suggesting an important role of the gut–brain axis in IBD pathogenesis. J. Cell. Biochem. 112: 3322–3333, 2011. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Involvement of ubiquitin–proteasome system in icariin‐induced cardiomyocyte differentiation of embryonic stem cells using two‐dimensional gel electrophoresis
Authors: Zhu Dan‐yan , Cui Rong , Zhang Ying‐ying , Li Huan , Zhou Li‐min , Lou Yi‐jia
Published: July 2011

Icariin has been shown to significantly facilitate the differentiation of embryonic stem (ES) cells into cardiomyocytes in vitro. However, the mechanism underlying the icariin‐induced cardiomyocyte differentiation is still not fully understood. In the present study, 52 differentially displayed proteins selected from two‐dimensional electrophoresis gels were identified by MALDI‐TOF mass spectrometry analysis. More than half of proteins could be assigned to six main categories: (1) protein synthesis, metabolism, processing and degradation, (2) stress response, (3) cytoskeleton proteins, (4) energy metabolism, (5) carbohydrate metabolism/transport, and (6) RNA/other nucleic acids metabolisms and transport, nuclear proteins. MALDI‐TOF/MS showed that icariin treatment resulted in the induction of five ubiquitin–proteasome system (UPS)‐related proteins, such as ubiquitin carboxy‐terminal hydrolase L1 (UCH‐L1), ubiquitin‐conjugating enzyme E2N, proteasome 26S, proteasome subunit‐alpha type 6, and proteasome subunit‐alpha type 2 in the differentiated cardiomyocytes. These results implied that UPS might play an important role in the control of cardiomyocyte differentiation. Epoxomicin (a proteasome inhibitor) significantly reduced the cardiomyocyte differentiation rate of ES cells and proteasome activities, as well as inhibited NF‐κB translocation into the nucleus, which were evidently reversed by presence of icariin. Meanwhile, icariin could significantly reverse the reduction of four proteins (proteasome subunit‐alpha type 6, proteasome subunit‐alpha type 2, UCH‐L1, and ubiquitin‐conjugating enzyme E2N) expressions owing to application of epoxomicin. These suggest UPS could be a means by which icariin may regulate expressions of key proteins that control cardiomyocyte differentiation. Taken together, these results indicated that UPS played an important role in ES cell differentiate into cardiomyocytes induced by icariin. J. Cell. Biochem. 112: 3343–3353, 2011. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Glucocorticoid receptor‐mediated transcriptional activation of S100P gene coding for cancer‐related calcium‐binding protein
Authors: Tothova Veronika , Isola Jorma , Parkkila Seppo , Kopacek Juraj , Pastorek Jaromir , Pastorekova Silvia , Gibadulinova Adriana
Published: July 2011

S100P is a member of the S100 family of calcium‐binding proteins involved in calcium sensing and signal transduction. Its abnormal expression and biological activities are linked to tumor phenotype, namely to increased survival, proliferation, invasion and metastatic propensity of tumor cells. Association of S100P with outcome of tumor treatment and preliminary data from S100P promoter analysis prompted us to study regulation of S100P expression by glucocorticoids, which are implicated in tumor response to chemotherapy. We showed that dexamethasone (DX), a representative glucocorticoid, was capable to induce activity of S100P promoter by means of increased expression, nuclear translocation, and transactivation properties of the glucocorticoid receptor (GR). Moreover, DX treatment led to decreased phosphorylation of ERK1/2, reduced transcriptional activity of AP1, and modulated activity of some additional transcription factors. We identified a promoter region responsible for DX‐mediated transactivation and proved GR binding to S100P promoter. We found that the effect of DX was enhanced by partial but not complete inhibition of the MAPK/ERK pathway, supporting an active crosstalk between GR and MAPK/ERK signal transduction in control of S100P expression. On the other hand, suppression of GR mRNA level by transient siRNA expression resulted in reduced S100P transcription. The role of GR activation in S100P regulation was supported by co‐expression of GR with S100P in cells treated with DX. These data suggest that S100P is a direct transcriptional target of glucocorticoid‐mediated signaling in tumor cells that is activated through the interplay of GR and MAPK pathways. J. Cell. Biochem. 112: 3373–3384, 2011. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Interleukin‐4 inhibits RANKL‐induced NFATc1 expression via STAT6: A novel mechanism mediating its blockade of osteoclastogenesis
Authors: Cheng Jing , Liu Jianzhong , Shi Zhenqi , Xu Duorong , Luo Shaokai , Siegal Gene P. , Feng Xu , Wei Shi
Published: July 2011

Interleukin‐4 (IL‐4) is an important immune regulatory protein that possesses potent anti‐osteoclastogenic properties, and does so via the transcription factor STAT6. Previous studies have shown that IL‐4 selectively blocks RANKL‐induced activation of NF‐κB and mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway molecules, suggesting that the cytokine arrests osteoclastogenesis by blockade of these signaling cascades. However, the fact that the inhibitory effect on these pathways requires prolonged IL‐4 pretreatment, and that the cytokine fails to exert an anti‐osteoclastogenic effect after short‐term pre‐exposure of RANKL to osteoclast precursors, suggests that an additional, more immediate mechanism may also be involved. In this study, we found that simultaneous exposure of IL‐4 did not alter RANKL‐dependent activation of NF‐κB or MAPKs, whereas the cytokine did block RANKL‐induced nuclear factor activated T cells c1 (NFATc1), a master osteoclastogenic transcription factor. This inhibitory effect of IL‐4 required STAT6, consistent with its functional role in osteoclastogenesis. In addition, the cytokine also partially impaired RANKL‐stimulated bone resorption. Furthermore, IL‐4 suppressed expression of RANKL‐induced osteoclast specific genes in a STAT6‐dependent manner, but failed to do so when osteoclast precursors were pre‐exposed to RANKL. Thus, we provide the first evidence that IL‐4 inhibits osteoclast formation by inhibiting RANKL induction of NFATc1 via STAT6 as an early event, in addition to its suppression of other signaling pathways. The inhibitory effect is ultimately regulated at the gene expression transcriptional level. J. Cell. Biochem. 112: 3385–3392, 2011. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Plasma glutamine decreases immediately after surgery and is related to incisiveness
Authors: Viggiano Emanuela , Passavanti Maria Beatrice , Pace Maria Caterina , Sansone Pasquale , Spaziano Giuseppe , Viggiano Alessandro , Aurilio Caterina , Monda Marcellino , Viggiano Andrea , Pota Vincenzo , De Luca Bruno , De Luca Elena
Published: July 2011

Glutamine (gln) is the most abundant free amino acid in the blood. It is involved in important metabolic and biochemical processes, like cell proliferation and oxidative stress. Previous studies have demonstrated that gln concentration in human plasma decreases in several conditions such as sepsis, ischemia‐reperfusion, trauma, major surgery and burn. The aim of the present work was to compare the acute effects of different types of surgical interventions and of anesthetization on blood gln concentration. Plasma samples from 88 subjects (30 males and 58 females) were collected before and after major or minor surgery and the gln concentration was analyzed with high‐performance liquid chromatography. The results showed that plasma gln concentration after surgery was lower than pre‐surgery values and that in major surgery the decrease of gln was higher than in minor surgery. No significant effect was shown for sex or type of anesthesia. These results demonstrate the importance of a gln supplementation before a surgical intervention and show that the amount of gln supplementation should also be adjusted based on the type of surgery. J. Cell. Physiol. 227: 1988–1991, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A multipotent clonal human periodontal ligament cell line with neural crest cell phenotypes promotes neurocytic differentiation, migration, and survival
Authors: Tomokiyo Atsushi , Maeda Hidefumi , Fujii Shinsuke , Monnouchi Satoshi , Wada Naohisa , Kono Kiyomi , Yamamoto Naohide , Koori Katsuaki , Teramatsu Yoko , Akamine Akifumi
Published: July 2011

Repair of injured peripheral nerve is thought to play important roles in tissue homeostasis and regeneration. Recent experiments have demonstrated enhanced functional recovery of damaged neurons by some types of somatic stem cells. It remains unclear, however, if periodontal ligament (PDL) stem cells possess such functions. We recently developed a multipotent clonal human PDL cell line, termed cell line 1‐17. Here, we investigated the effects of this cell line on neurocytic differentiation, migration, and survival. This cell line expressed the neural crest cell marker genes Slug, SOX10, Nestin, p75NTR, and CD49d and mesenchymal stem cell‐related markers CD13, CD29, CD44, CD71, CD90, CD105, and CD166. Rat adrenal pheochromocytoma cells (PC12 cells) underwent neurocytic differentiation when co‐cultured with cell line 1‐17 or in conditioned medium from cell line 1‐17 (1‐17CM). ELISA analysis revealed that 1‐17CM contained approximately 50 pg/ml nerve growth factor (NGF). Cell line 1‐17‐induced migration of PC12 cells, which was inhibited by a neutralizing antibody against NGF. Furthermore, 1‐17CM exerted antiapoptotic effects on differentiated PC12 cells as evidenced by inhibition of neurite retraction, reduction in annexin V and caspase‐3/7 staining, and induction of Bcl‐2 and Bcl‐xL mRNA expression. Thus, cell line 1‐17 promoted neurocytic differentiation, migration, and survival through secretion of NGF and possibly synergistic factors. PDL stem cells may play a role in peripheral nerve reinnervation during PDL regeneration. J. Cell. Physiol. 227: 2040–2050, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Decreased brain stiffness in Alzheimer's disease determined by magnetic resonance elastography
Authors: Murphy Matthew C. , Huston John , Jack Clifford R. , Glaser Kevin J. , Manduca Armando , Felmlee Joel P. , Ehman Richard L.
Published: July 2011

Purpose:

To test patient acceptance and reproducibility of the 3D magnetic resonance elastography (MRE) brain exam using a soft vibration source, and to determine if MRE could noninvasively measure a change in the elastic properties of the brain parenchyma due to Alzheimer's disease (AD).

Materials and Methods:

MRE exams were performed using an accelerated spin‐echo echo planar imaging (EPI) pulse sequence and stiffness was calculated with a 3D direct inversion algorithm. Reproducibility of the technique was assessed in 10 male volunteers, who each underwent four MRE exams separated into two imaging sessions. The effect of AD on brain stiffness was assessed in 28 volunteers, 7 with probable AD, 14 age‐ and gender‐matched PIB‐negative (Pittsburgh Compound B, a PET amyloid imaging ligand) cognitively normal controls (CN−), and 7 age‐ and gender‐matched PIB‐positive cognitively normal controls (CN+).

Results:

The median stiffness of the 10 volunteers was 3.07 kPa with a range of 0.40 kPa. The median and maximum coefficients of variation for these volunteers were 1.71% and 3.07%. The median stiffness of the 14 CN− subjects was 2.37 kPa (0.44 kPa range) compared to 2.32 kPa (0.49 kPa range) within the CN+ group and 2.20 kPa (0.33 kPa range) within the AD group. A significant difference was found between the three groups (P = 0.0055, Kruskal–Wallis one‐way analysis of variance). Both the CN+ and CN− groups were significantly different from the AD group.

Conclusion:

3D MRE of the brain can be performed reproducibly and demonstrates significantly reduced brain tissue stiffness in patients with AD. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2011;. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Four‐dimensional velocity mapping of the hepatic and splanchnic vasculature with radial sampling at 3 tesla: A feasibility study in portal hypertension
Authors: Frydrychowicz A. , Landgraf B.R. , Niespodzany E. , Verma R.W. , Roldán‐Alzate A. , Johnson K.M. , Wieben O. , Reeder S.B.
Published: July 2011

Purpose:

To demonstrate the feasibility of PC‐VIPR (Phase Contrast Vastly undersampled Imaging with Projection Reconstruction) for the depiction and hemodynamic analysis of hepatic and splanchnic vessels in patients with portal hypertension.

Materials and Methods:

Twenty‐four cirrhotic patients (55.9 ± 10.4years) were scanned using 5‐point PC‐VIPR for high spatial resolution imaging with large volume coverage at 3 Tesla (T) using a 32‐channel body coil. Vessel segmentation and hemodynamic visualization included color‐coded three‐dimensional (3D) streamlines and particle traces. Segmentation quality was compared with contrast‐enhanced multi‐phase liver imaging. Flow pattern analysis was performed in consensus of three readers. The MELD score was calculated to estimate disease severity and was correlated to image quality.

Results:

Good to excellent visualization quality was achieved in 23/24 cases. All arterial vessels and 144/168 vessels of the portal venous (PV) circulation were unambiguously identified. No correlation with the MELD score was found. Eight of 148 vessels of the PV circulation demonstrated reverse (hepatofugal) flow. Hepatofugal flow in small tributaries to PV flow were present in three cases despite hepatopetal flow in the PV.

Conclusion:

This feasibility study demonstrates the feasibility of PC‐VIPR for simultaneous morphological and hemodynamic assessment of the hepatic and splanchnic vasculature in cirrhosis and portal hypertension. Future studies with quantitative analyses are warranted. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2011;. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Automatic identification of landmarks for standard slice positioning in brain MRI
Authors: Iskurt Ali , Becerikli Yasar , Mahmutyazicioglu Kamran
Published: July 2011

Purpose:

To demonstrate a novel automatic slice‐positioning technique based on three new anatomical landmarks and to standardize prospective scans by lowering rotational and translational variances.

Materials and Methods:

After defining the interpeduncular fossa corner and the eyeball centers as landmarks, they are manually labeled on 25 different T1 MRI scans. New scans are produced according to the Eyeball centers–Mesencephalon (EM) plane. The comparison of angular deviations at EM and original scans is based on the comparison of rotational angles according to manually labeled Talairach points on both scans. The same variability comparison is also done with automatically captured landmarks to see the effects of segmentation errors.

Results:

Analysis of variances proved significant lowering of intersubject variability for pitch and yaw angles (Ppitch < 0.005, Pyaw < 0.001), which are the two basic causes of misalignments. Automatic segmentation accuracy is proved by paired t‐test and significance tests.

Conclusion:

A new field of view and slice orientation proposed by the EM technique will have fixed the follow‐up scans by significantly lowering the rotational and translational variances. The EM technique will precisely match the intrasubject scans and produce better standardized intersubject scans. The distinguishing features of landmarks are sufficient for robust automatic capture. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2011;. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Atlantic surface water inflow to the Nordic seas during the Pleistocene–Holocene transition (mid–late Younger Dryas and Pre‐Boreal periods, 12 450–10 000 a BP)
Authors: Rasmussen Tine L. , Thomsen Erik , Nielsen Tove , Wastegård Stefan
Published: July 2011

The inflow of Atlantic Water to the Nordic seas from mid–late Younger Dryas to earliest Holocene (12 450–10 000 a BP) is reconstructed on the basis of a high‐resolution core (LINK14) from 346 m water depth on the east Faroe shelf. We have analysed the distribution of planktic and benthic foraminifera, stable isotopes and ice‐rafted debris (IRD), and calculated absolute temperatures and salinities by transfer functions. During the investigated time period there was almost continuous inflow of Atlantic Water to the Nordic seas. Deposition of IRD during the mid–late Younger Dryas and Pre‐Boreal coolings indicates the presence of melting icebergs and that summer sea surface temperatures were low. The east–west temperature gradient across the Faroe–Shetland Channel was much steeper than today. The cold conditions around the Faroe Islands are attributed to stronger East Greenland and East Icelandic currents than at present. The near‐continuous inflow of Atlantic Water is consistent with published evidence suggesting that deep convection took place in the Nordic seas, although the convection sites probably had shifted to a more easterly position than at present. Around the time of deposition of the Saksunarvatn Tephra c. 10 350 a BP, sea surface temperatures increased to the present level. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) of the breast: Perspectives on biology and controversies in current management
Authors: Schmale Isaac , Liu Stephen , Rayhanabad Jessica , Russell Christy A. , Sener Stephen F.
Published: July 2011

The incidence of ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) has increased because of increasing use of sensitive imaging modalities. MRI is commonly used for the detection of breast cancer but has not yet been validated in randomized trials. There have not been randomized trials addressing optimal margins of excision or axillary sampling. Whole breast radiation after lumpectomy decreases the risk of recurrence but may be omitted in selected patients. Adjuvant Tamoxifen reduces the risk of recurrence but has no impact on overall survival rates. J. Surg. Oncol. 2012; 105:212–220. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Preoperative serum thyroglobulin concentration is an independent predictive factor of malignancy in follicular neoplasms of the thyroid gland
Authors: Petric Rok , Perhavec Andraz , Gazic Barbara , Besic Nikola
Published: July 2011

Background

A distinction between a benign follicular neoplasm (FN) and a malignant FN based entirely on cytologic examination of fine‐needle aspiration biopsy is not possible. The aim of this retrospective study was to find predictive factors of carcinoma in patients with FN.

Methods

A chart review of 388 patients (314 females, 74 males; mean age 50 years, range 9–81 years) with FN, who were surgically treated between 1988 and 2009, was performed. Predictive factors for malignancy were identified by the chi‐squared test and multivariate logistic regression.

Results

The histopathological diagnoses were carcinoma, adenoma, and benign goiter in 127 (33%), 126 (32%), and 135 (35%) patients, respectively. The independent predictors of malignancy as shown by multivariate logistic regression were age of patients (OR 1.88, P = 0.008), solitary tumor (OR 1.72, P = 0.037), and Tg concentration (OR 2.36, P = 0.001). Carcinoma was more common in patients younger than 45 years, with solitary tumor and with preoperative serum Tg concentration more than 400 ng/ml.

Conclusions

The independent predictors of malignancy in FN were age of patients, solitary tumor, and preoperative Tg concentration. The determination of Tg concentration may be useful in the patients with FN in order to decrease the number of completion thyroidectomies. J. Surg. Oncol. 2012;105:351–356. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Visceral obesity is associated with outcomes of total mesorectal excision for rectal adenocarcinoma
Authors: Ballian Nikiforos , Lubner Meghan G. , Munoz Alejandro , Harms Bruce A. , Heise Charles P. , Foley Eugene F. , Kennedy Gregory D.
Published: July 2011

Background and Objectives

General obesity, measured by the body mass index (BMI), increases the technical difficulty of total mesorectal excision (TME) but does not affect oncologic outcomes. The purpose of this study is to compare visceral and general obesity as predictors of outcomes of TME for rectal adenocarcinoma.

Methods

Adult patients undergoing TME for rectal adenocarcinoma were retrospectively identified. Preoperative computed tomography scans were used to measure abdominal circumference (AC), visceral (VFA), and subcutaneous fat area (SFA). BMI, AC, VFA, SFA, total fat area (TFA, sum of VFA and SFA), and VFA/SFA ratio were examined for association with operative, postoperative, oncologic, and survival outcomes in a univariate analysis model.

Results

Between 1999 and 2009, 113 patients met inclusion criteria. Increasing VFA and VFA/SFA ratio were associated with reduced lymph node retrieval (P = 0.03 and P = 0.009, respectively). The association between increasing VFA/SFA ratio with delayed resumption of oral intake (P = 0.05) and prolonged overall survival (P = 0.003) were also significant. Increasing BMI was associated with improved overall (P = 0.02) but not disease‐free survival (P = 0.14).

Conclusion

Visceral obesity, measured by VFA/SFA ratio, is a better predictor of postoperative, oncologic, and survival outcomes after TME for rectal adenocarcinoma than general obesity measured by the BMI. J. Surg. Oncol. 2012;105:365–370. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.