bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Synthesis and Redox Behavior of Novel 9,10‐Diphenylphenanthrenes
Authors: Schreivogel Alina , Sieger Monika , Baro Angelika , Laschat Sabine
Published: October 2010

The synthesis and electrochemical investigations of 9,10‐diphenylphenanthrene 2a and its derivatives 2b–2e are reported. The cyclic voltammetry of derivatives 2a–2c and 2e in different solvent/Bu4NPF6 electrolyte systems reveals that the redox properties are dependent on solvent, temperature, and sweep rate. The oxidation of 9,10‐diphenylphenanthrene 2a occurred as an irreversible process, while two fully reversible oxidation waves were observed for dimethoxy derivative 2c. The room‐temperature oxidation of brominated compound 2b is reversible, whereas AcO‐substituted phenanthrene 2e displayed a reversible oxidation peak only at low temperature. Furthermore, the electronic nature of the substituent affects the oxidation potentials. In the CH2Cl2‐based electrolyte system, the first oxidation potentials increase in the order 2c<2e<2b.
Chemical and Genetic Study of Ligularia anoleuca and L. veitchiana in Yunnan and Sichuan Provinces of China
Authors: Nagano Hajime , Kanda Midori , Yamada Hiroka , Hanai Ryo , Gong Xun , Kuroda Chiaki
Published: October 2010

Chemical and genetic study of Ligularia anoleuca and L. veitchiana, which belong to section Ligularia, series Speciosae, was carried out. From L. anoleuca samples, collected in Yunnan and Sichuan Provinces of China, a new compound, furanoeremophil‐1(10)‐en‐6α‐ol, was isolated together with known 6β‐{[2‐(hydroxymethyl)prop‐2‐enoyl]oxy}furanoeremophil‐1(10)‐ene and 1β,10β‐epoxy‐6β‐{[2‐(hydroxymethyl)prop‐2‐enoyl]oxy}furanoeremophilane. From L. veitchiana samples, collected in Yunnan Province, euparin, 2‐isopropenyl‐5,6‐dimethoxybenzofuran, and 6‐hydroxy‐3β‐methoxytrementone were isolated. DNA Sequencing of the internal transcribed spacers of the ribosomal RNA gene showed that the two species are not particularly close despite morphological similarities, in agreement with the chemical results.
Radiolabeled cetuximab: Dose optimization for epidermal growth factor receptor imaging in a head‐and‐neck squamous cell carcinoma model
Authors: Hoeben Bianca A.W. , Molkenboer‐Kuenen Janneke D.M. , Oyen Wim J.G. , Peeters Wenny J.M. , Kaanders Johannes H.A.M. , Bussink Johan , Boerman Otto C.
Published: October 2010

Noninvasive imaging of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) in head‐and‐neck squamous cell carcinoma could be of value to select patients for EGFR‐targeted therapy. We assessed dose optimization of 111Indium‐DTPA‐cetuximab (111In‐cetuximab) for EGFR imaging in a head‐and‐neck squamous cell carcinoma xenograft model. 111In‐cetuximab slowly internalized into FaDu cells in vitro, amounting to 1.0 × 104 molecules cetuximab per cell after 24 hr (15.8% of added activity). In nude mice with subcutaneous FaDu xenograft tumors, a protein dose escalation study with 111In‐cetuximab showed highest specific accumulation in tumors at protein doses between 1 and 30 μg per mouse (mean tumor uptake 33.1 ± 3.1%ID/g, 3 days postinjection (p.i.)). The biodistribution of 111In‐cetuximab and 125I‐cetuximab was determined at 1, 3 and 7 days p.i. at optimal protein dose. Tumor uptake was favorable for 111In‐cetuximab compared to 125I‐cetuximab. With pixel‐by‐pixel analysis, good correlations were found between intratumoral distribution of 111In‐cetuximab as determined by autoradiography and EGFR expression in the same tumor sections as determined immunohistochemically (mean r = 0.74 ± 0.14; all correlations p < 0.0001). Micro Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography (MicroSPECT) scans clearly visualized FaDu tumors from 1 day p.i. onward and tumor‐to‐background contrast increased until 7 days p.i. (tumor‐to‐liver ratios 0.58 ± 0.24, 3.42 ± 0.66, 8.99 ± 4.66 and 16.33 ± 11.56, at day 0, day 1, day 3 and day 7 p.i., respectively). Our study suggests that, at optimal cetuximab imaging dose, 111In‐cetuximab can be used for visualization of EGFR expression in head‐and‐neck squamous cell carcinoma using SPECT.
Anticancer drugs that target metabolism: Is dichloroacetate the new paradigm?
Authors: Papandreou Ioanna , Goliasova Tereza , Denko Nicholas C.
Published: October 2010

Recent findings in the fields of oncogenic regulation of metabolism, mitochondrial function and macromolecular synthesis have brought tumor metabolism and the Warburg effect back into the scientific limelight. A number of metabolic pathways that seem to be important for tumor growth are being touted as novel targets for anticancer drug development. One of the candidates in this class of drugs being investigated is dichloroacetate (DCA), a molecule used for over 25 years in the treatment of children with inborn errors in mitochondrial function. This pyruvate mimetic compound stimulates mitochondrial function by inhibiting the family of regulatory pyruvate dehydrogenase kinases (PDK1–4). The stimulation of mitochondrial function, at the expense of glycolysis, reverses the Warburg effect and is thought to block the growth advantage of highly glycolytic tumors. Interestingly, some of the recent in vitro findings have shown very modest “antitumor cell activity” of DCA when cells are treated in a dish. However, several studies have reported “antitumor activity” in model tumors. This apparent paradox raises the question, how do we evaluate cancer drugs designed to target tumor metabolism? Traditional approaches in cancer drug development have used in vitro assays as a first pass to evaluate potential lead compounds. The fact that DCA has better in vivo activity than in vitro activity suggests that there are unique aspects of solid tumor growth and metabolism that are difficult to recapitulate in vitro and may be important in determining the effectiveness of this class of drugs.
Cancer registration and healthcare access in West Bank, Palestine: A GIS analysis of childhood cancer, 1998–2007
Authors: Bailony M. Rami , Hararah Mohammad K. , Salhab Abdel Razzaq , Ghannam Ibrahim , Abdeen Ziad , Ghannam Jess
Published: October 2010

In low and middle income countries (LMIC), high‐quality disease registration is difficult to achieve in the setting of inadequate healthcare infrastructure and political or economical instability. In this article, we explore the potential of geographic information systems (GIS) to add value to the understanding of childhood cancer patterns in the West Bank, despite a variety of obstacles to disease registration. All incidence cases of childhood cancers (under the age 15) from 1998 to 2007 were collected from the West Bank Cancer Registry. Temporal, spatial and space–time analyses were performed using the SatScan software developed by Martin Kulldorff and the National Cancer Institute (NCI). The analyses were categorized into the following groups: all childhood cancer, leukemias, acute lymphocytic leukemia, lymphomas, brain and central nervous system (CNS) cancers and remaining cancers (excluding leukemia, lymphoma and CNS tumors). The temporal analysis revealed that cancer registration was more complete from 1998 to 2000 (p = 0.0162), and that leukemia registration was severely deficient from 2003 to 2005 (p = 0.0012). The spatial analysis showed a concentration of cancer in metropolitan districts where referral hospitals are based. Under registration was detected in the northern districts of Jenin and Tulkarm (RR = 0.59, p = 0.0059), more prominent from 2002 to 2005 (RR = 0.33, p = 0.0006). The analysis for high rates found a cluster of lymphoma in town of Dura and its surrounding agricultural villages (RR = 4.10, p = 0.0023). Our study reveals that the application of GIS tools to registry data in LMIC can help to identify geographical patterns in cancer registration and healthcare accessibility, generating priorities for future health research and policy in resource‐limited areas.
Increased Temperature Due to Global Warming Alters the Respiratory Potential in Aquatic Organisms from an Oligotrophic Lake
Authors: Simčič Tatjana , Germ Mateja
Published: October 2010

The influence of elevated temperature was studied on the respiratory potential of a microplankton community, two macrophytes species (Myriophyllum spicatum and Chara aspera), and sediments, all from an oligotrophic lake, in order to estimate their susceptibility to temperature change. Samples collected in winter, spring, summer and autumn were incubated at three different temperatures. The respiratory potential, measured as electron transport system (ETS) activity at a standard temperature of 20 °C was, in average, greater at higher incubation temperatures for 117% in microplankton and for 30% in sediments, indicating that elevated temperature influenced the respiratory capacity of the microbial communities for mineralization of organic matter through respiration. The large increases of respiratory potential in winter microplankton community (for 184% at the highest incubation temperature compared to the temperatures of the multiyear period) and spring microplankton community (190%), and in spring sediment (64%) reveal that those communities are most susceptible to elevated temperatures during the coldest period of a year and at the beginning of lake warming. The respiratory activity of Myriophyllum spicatum was independent of incubation temperature, indicating its wide physiological tolerance. The lower respiratory potential at higher temperatures in Chara aspera optimized the use of energy in plants. (© 2010 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Publications of BRIC‐ and Outreach Countries in International Journals on Limnology
Authors: Walz Norbert
Published: October 2010

Pollution, overexploitation and climate warming endanger the freshwater ecosystems in many regions, particularly in developing countries. This publication asks if at least the BRIC (Brazil, Russia, India and China) group and the Outreach countries (in addition South Africa and Mexico), have the scientific capacity in limnology to mitigate this development. For this reason the scientific output was analyzed between 1999 and 2007. With a share of 5.0% of all limnological papers in 2007 world wide the P.R. China (Peoples Republic of China) produced the largest numbers of publications, followed by Brazil and Mexico. For comparison, this year Germany's share was 5.8% and the USA had the highest share with 33.9%. The growth rate was also highest for the P. R. China and Brazil. Based on the journal impact factors, China's quality of papers was best followed by South Africa and Russia. Brazil was strong in fish biology, whereas China published the most papers in all other disciplines. (© 2010 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Effects of gallic acid on brain lipid peroxide and lipid metabolism in streptozotocin‐induced diabetic Wistar rats
Authors: Mainzen Prince P. Stanely , Kumar M. R. , Selvakumari C. J.
Published: October 2010

This study evaluated the protective effects of gallic acid on brain lipid peroxidation products, antioxidant system, and lipids in streptozotocin‐induced type II diabetes mellitus. Streptozotocin‐induced diabetic rats showed a significant increase in the levels of blood glucose, brain lipid peroxidation products, and lipids and a significant decrease in the activities of brain enzymic antioxidants. Oral treatment with gallic acid (10 mg and 20 mg/kg) for 21 days significantly decreased the levels of blood glucose, brain lipid peroxidation products, and lipids and significantly increased the activities of brain enzymic antioxidants in diabetic rats. Histopathology of brain confirmed the protective effects of gallic acid. Furthermore, in vitro study revealed the free radical scavenging action of gallic acid. Thus, our study shows the beneficial effects of gallic acid on brain metabolism in streptozotocin‐induced type II diabetic rats. A diet containing gallic acid may be beneficial to type II diabetic patients. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biochem Mol Toxicol 25:101–107, 2011; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/jbt.20365
Effect of histidine on autotaxin activity in experimentally induced liver fibrosis
Authors: El‐Batch Manal , Ibrahim Wafaa , Said Soha
Published: October 2010

The aim of this study was to explain whether serum autotaxin (ATX) activity might be a target for regulation of liver fibrosis and to evaluate the hepatoprotective and antifibrotic effects of histidine in thioacetamide (TAA)–induced liver fibrosis in rats. This study was carried out on 100 Wistar Albino rats, classified into five groups, each containing 20 rats: Group I (control group), Group II: rats were given histidine intraperitoneally, Group III: rats were injected intraperitoneally with TAA, Group IV: rats were injected with L‐histidine together with TAA, and Group V: rats were injected with TAA for 1 month then treated with intraperitoneal injection of L‐histidine for another month. At the end of experiment, blood and liver were collected for determination of some liver enzymes, plasma total antioxidant capacity (TAC), serum ATX activity, and liver tissue hydroxyproline. Thioacetamide treatment caused significant increases in liver enzymes, ATX activities, and liver hydroxyproline, but a significant decrease in plasma's TAC. Upon treatment with histidine, a significant decrease in liver enzymes, ATX activities, and liver hydroxyproline was observed with a significant increase in plasma TAC in Group IV and a significant decrease in Group V. Histidine as an antioxidant has a protective effect on TAA‐induced liver fibrosis; it is beneficial in rats not only by inhibition of collagen synthesis and increasing TAC but also by inhibition of ATX activities thus reducing its capacity to produce lysophosphatidic acid, which has a role in liver fibrosis. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biochem Mol Toxicol 25:143–150, 2011; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/jbt.20370
The chorionic bump: Radiologic and pathologic correlation
Authors: Tan Sinan , Ipek Ali , Akın Sivaslıoğlu Ahmet , Süngü Nuran , Sarıcı Özlem Ünal , Karaoğlanoğlu Mustafa
Published: October 2010

Chorionic bump is a rare abnormal condition of the gestational sac seen in the first trimester of pregnancies, extending from the choriodecidual surface to the gestational sac. We report the sonographic and histopathologic findings in a case involving three “chorionic bumps” extending from the choriodecidual surface to the gestational sac. Chorionic bump can be associated with a poor prognosis for the pregnancy. Therefore, cases with chorionic bumps must be followed with serial ultrasound examinations throughout the first trimester. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound, 2011
Adult human articular chondrocytes in a microcarrier‐based culture system: expansion and redifferentiation
Authors: Schrobback Karsten , Klein Travis Jacob , Schuetz Michael , Upton Zee , Leavesley David Ian , Malda Jos
Published: October 2010

Expanding human chondrocytes in vitro while maintaining their ability to form cartilage remains a key challenge in cartilage tissue engineering. One promising approach to address this is to use microcarriers as substrates for chondrocyte expansion. While microcarriers have shown beneficial effects for expansion of animal and ectopic human chondrocytes, their utility has not been determined for freshly isolated adult human articular chondrocytes. Thus, we investigated the proliferation and subsequent chondrogenic differentiation of these clinically relevant cells on porous gelatin microcarriers and compared them to those expanded using traditional monolayers. Chondrocytes attached to microcarriers within 2 days and remained viable over 4 weeks of culture in spinner flasks. Cells on microcarriers exhibited a spread morphology and initially proliferated faster than cells in monolayer culture, however, with prolonged expansion they were less proliferative. Cells expanded for 1 month and enzymatically released from microcarriers formed cartilaginous tissue in micromass pellet cultures, which was similar to tissue formed by monolayer‐expanded cells. Cells left attached to microcarriers did not exhibit chondrogenic capacity. Culture conditions, such as microcarrier material, oxygen tension, and mechanical stimulation require further investigation to facilitate the efficient expansion of clinically relevant human articular chondrocytes that maintain chondrogenic potential for cartilage regeneration applications. © 2010 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 29:539–546, 2011
Motion‐derived coordinate systems reduce inter‐subject variability of elbow flexion kinematics
Authors: Ferreira Louis M. , King Graham J. W. , Johnson James A.
Published: October 2010

The selection of a joint coordinate system affects the outcome of motion pathways. We developed coordinate systems for the ulna and humerus, which are generated from upper extremity motion. These Motion‐Derived Coordinate Systems (CS) were compared to traditional Anatomy‐Derived CS created using surface digitizations of anatomical features. Within‐subject repeatability of creating Motion‐Derived CS was quantified. In vitro elbow flexion was generated in the gravity‐dependent position using an active upper extremity motion simulator. Kinematic pathways of those motions were calculated in terms of valgus angulation and internal rotation of the ulna relative to the humerus, using both CS. The method of creating Motion‐Derived CS was highly repeatable—less than 0.5 mm and 1° for all coordinate directions measured. Inter‐subject variability of active flexion pathways was reduced with Motion‐Derived CS compared to Anatomy‐Derived CS (p < 0.05). The decrease in inter‐subject kinematic variability when using Motion‐Derived CS may increase the statistical power of biomechanical studies and allow for reduced sample sizes. This minimally invasive method, which also determines the elbow flexion and forearm rotation axes and center of the capitellum, may also be applicable in computer‐navigated surgery of the upper limb. © 2010 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 29:596–601, 2011
Deployment experiences and postdeployment PTSD symptoms in National Guard/Reserve service members serving in operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom
Authors: Renshaw Keith D.
Published: October 2010

This report provides basic data about risk and protective factors for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in 189 Utah National Guard and Reserve troops who served during Operations Enduring Freedom (OEF) and Iraqi Freedom (OIF). Based on comparisons with other published reports of active duty and National Guard/Reserve troops from prior conflicts, results suggest that OEF‐ and OIF‐era National Guard and Reserve troops' combat and postbattle experiences are similar to those of active duty troops from prior conflicts (and higher than those of National Guard and Reserve troops from prior conflicts). Additionally, reported family and career concerns during deployment appeared higher in this sample than in prior samples of active duty or National Guard and Reserve troops. Moreover, such concerns accounted for unique variance in postdeployment PTSD when controlling for combat experiences, postbattle experiences, and perceived threat.
Age at trauma exposure and PTSD risk in young adult women
Authors: McCutcheon Vivia V. , Sartor Carolyn E. , Pommer Nicole E. , Bucholz Kathleen K. , Nelson Elliot C. , Madden Pamela A.F. , Heath Andrew C.
Published: October 2010

The aim of the current study was to test the independent and joint contributions of 8 different types of trauma to posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) risk using data from a young adult female cohort. Associations of traumatic events with PTSD onset were examined using Cox proportional hazards models. Differences in risk as a function of age at trauma were tested. Childhood sexual assault, physical abuse, and neglect were stronger predictors of PTSD onset than adolescent and early adult occurrence of these events in individual models. In a model including all traumatic events, differential risk by age remained for sexual assault and physical abuse. Early sexual assault was the strongest predictor of risk, but additional traumatic events increased risk even in its presence.
Electrochemical Polymerization of (2‐Dodecyl‐4, 7‐di (thiophen‐2‐yl)‐2H‐benzo[d][1,2,3] triazole): A Novel Matrix for Biomolecule Immobilization
Authors: Ekiz Fulya , Yuksel Merve , Balan Abidin , Timur Suna , Toppare Levent
Published: October 2010

A recently synthesized conducting polymer [poly(2‐dodecyl‐4,7‐di(thiophen‐2‐yl)‐2H‐benzo[d][1,2,3]triazole (PTBT)] was tested as a platform for biomolecule immobilization. After electrochemical polymerization of the monomer (TBT) on graphite electrodes, immobilization of glucose oxidase (GOx, β‐D‐glucose: oxygen‐1‐oxidoreductase, EC 1.1.3.4) was carried out. To improve the interactions between the enzyme and hydrophobic alkyl chain on the polymeric structure, GOx and isoleucine (Ile) amino acid were mixed in sodium phosphate buffer (pH 7.0) with a high ionic strength (250 × 10−3 M). The solution is then casted on the polymer film, and the amino groups in the protein structure were crosslinked using glutaraldehyde (GA) as the bifunctional agent. Finally, the surface was covered with a perm‐selective membrane. Consequently, cross‐linked enzyme crystal (CLEC) like assembles with regular shapes were observed after immobilization. Microscopic techniques such as scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and fluorescence microscopy were used to monitor the surface morphologies of both the polymer and the bioactive layer. Electrochemical responses of the enzyme electrodes were measured by monitoring O2 consumption in the presence of glucose at –0.7 V. The optimized biosensor showed a very good linearity between 0.05 and 2.5 × 10−3 M with a 52 s response time and a detection limit (LOD) of 0.029 × 10−3 M to glucose. Also, kinetic parameters, operational and storage stabilities were determined. Km and Imax values were found as 4.6 × 10−3 M and 2.49 µA, respectively. It was also shown that no activity was lost during operational and storage conditions. Finally, proposed system was applied for glucose biomonitoring during fermentation in yeast culture where HPLC was used as the reference method to verify the data obtained by the proposed biosensor.

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Single‐Molecule Spectroscopy and AFM Morphology Studies of a Diblock Copolymer Consisting of Poly(3‐hexylthiophene) and Fullerene
Authors: Hu Zhongjian , Zou Jianhua , Deibel Carsten , Gesquiere Andre J. , Zhai Lei
Published: October 2010

A block copolymer containing P3HT and C60 is synthesized and subjected to single‐molecule spectroscopy (SMS) and AFM studies to investigate the impact of the C60 on the P3HT chain conformation and the phase‐separation behavior upon annealing, respectively. Both the SMS and the single‐molecule polarization investigations indicate that the grafting of the C60‐containing block to the P3HT moiety does not significantly change its conformational structure. AFM studies on thin films of the block copolymer indicate that they are stable with microphase separation, while blended films of the block‐copolymer precursor (without C60) with PCBM undergo macroscale phase separation upon thermal annealing.

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Spectral analysis of fourth order differential operators III
Authors: Behncke Horst
Published: October 2010

This paper extends the results of the two previous papers in several directions. For one we allow slower decay of the coefficients, but higher order differentiability. For this an expansion for the diagonalizing transformations is derived. Secondly unbounded coefficients are permitted. This requires further transformations in order to achieve Levinson's form, but also a modification with the usual M‐matrix approach. While the standard results carry over to weakly singular coefficients, very singular coefficients will generally lead to discrete spectra (© 2010 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Quantitative magnetisation transfer imaging in glioma: preliminary results
Authors: Tozer Daniel J. , Rees Jeremy H. , Benton Christopher E. , Waldman Adam D. , Jäger H. Rolf , Tofts Paul S.
Published: October 2010

Quantitative magnetisation transfer imaging (qMTI) is an extension of conventional MT techniques and allows the measurement of parameters that reflect tissue ultrastructure through the properties of macromolecule‐bound protons; these include the bound proton fraction and the relaxation times of free and bound proton pools. It has been used in multiple sclerosis and Alzheimer's disease, and has shown changes in some of the parameters, particularly the bound proton fraction. The purpose of this pilot study was to assess whether qMTI could distinguish between gliomas and normal brain tissue, and provide proof of principle for its use in tumour characterisation. Eight subjects [three men, five women; mean age, 44 years; range, 27–66 years; seven World Health Organization (WHO) Grade II, one Grade III] with biopsy‐proven glioma were imaged with a structural MRI protocol that included three‐dimensional qMTI. qMTI parameters were extracted from regions of interest selected from different tumour components visible on conventional MR sequences, normal‐appearing peritumoral tissue and distant normal‐appearing white matter. All patients gave informed consent and the study was approved by the Local Research Ethics Committee. Almost all of the qMTI parameters detected abnormalities in both glioma and the peritumoral region relative to the distant white matter. In particular, the bound proton fraction was reduced significantly from 6.0 percentage units (pu) [standard deviation (SD), 0.5 pu] in normal‐appearing white matter to 1.7 pu (SD = 0.5 pu) in solid tumour and 2.2 pu (SD = 0.5 pu) in peritumoral areas. This work shows that qMTI reveals abnormalities, not only in glioma, but also in the apparently normal tissue surrounding the conventionally defined tumour. Thus, qMTI shows promise for tumour characterisation and for studying tumour boundaries. These preliminary data justify larger studies in a range of different tumour types and grades. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Randomized trial of biofilm testing to select antibiotics for cystic fibrosis airway infection
Authors: Moskowitz Samuel M. , Emerson Julia C. , McNamara Sharon , Shell Richard D. , Orenstein David M. , Rosenbluth Daniel , Katz Marcia F. , Ahrens Richard , Hornick Douglas , Joseph Patricia M. , Gibson Ronald L. , Aitken Moira L. , Benton Wade W. , Burns Jane L.
Published: October 2010

Rationale

In cystic fibrosis (CF), conventional antibiotic susceptibility results correlate poorly with clinical outcomes. We hypothesized that biofilm testing would more accurately reflect the susceptibilities of bacteria infecting CF airways.

Methods

A multicenter randomized pilot trial was conducted to assess the efficacy and safety of using biofilm susceptibility testing of Pseudomonas aeruginosa sputum isolates to guide antibiotic regimens for chronic airway infections in clinically stable adolescent and adult CF patients. Thirty‐nine participants were randomized to biofilm or conventional treatment groups; 14‐day courses of two antibiotics were selected according to an activity‐based algorithm using the corresponding susceptibility results.

Results

Of the agents tested, meropenem was most active against biofilm‐grown bacteria, and was included in regimens for about half of each study group. For 19 of 39 randomized participants, randomization to the other study group would not have changed the antibiotic classes of the assigned regimen. Study groups were comparable at baseline, and had similar mean decreases in bacterial density, measured in log10 colony forming units per gram of sputum (biofilm, −2.94 [SD 2.83] vs. conventional, −3.27 [SD 3.09]), and mean increases in forced expiratory volume in 1 sec, measured in liters (0.18 [SD 0.20] vs. 0.12 [SD 0.22]).

Conclusions

In this pilot study, antibiotic regimens based on biofilm testing did not differ significantly from regimens based on conventional testing in terms of microbiological and clinical responses. The predictive value of biofilm testing may nonetheless warrant evaluation in an adequately powered clinical trial in younger CF patients or those experiencing acute pulmonary exacerbation. Pediatr. Pulmonol. 2011; 46:184–192. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Use of azithromycin for the prevention of bronchopulmonary dysplasia in preterm infants: a randomized, double‐blind, placebo controlled trial
Authors: Ballard Hubert O. , Shook Lori A. , Bernard Philip , Anstead Michael I. , Kuhn Robert , Whitehead Vicki , Grider Deb , Crawford Timothy N. , Hayes Don
Published: October 2010

Objective

Since preventive therapies for bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) are limited we treated preterm infants with azithromycin to decrease the incidence of BPD.

Methods

Infants less than 1,250 g birth weight were randomized to azithromycin or placebo within 12 hr of beginning mechanical ventilation and within 72 hr of birth. The treatment group received azithromycin 10 mg/kg/day for 7 days followed by 5 mg/kg/day for a maximum of 6 weeks. Aspirates were collected during the study to assay for Ureaplasma. The primary endpoints were incidence of BPD or mortality. (Clinical Trials Identifier: NCT00319956.)

Results

A total of 220 infants were enrolled (n = 111 azithromycin, and 109 placebo). Mortality was 18% for the azithromycin group versus 22% for the placebo group (P = 0.45). Incidence of BPD was 76% for the azithromycin group versus 84% for the placebo group (P = 0.2). The multiple logistic regression analysis demonstrated an odds ratio of 0.46 decrease in the chance of developing BPD or death for the azithromycin group, but was not statistically significant. The incidence of BPD in the Ureaplasma subgroup was 73% in the azithromycin group versus 94% in the placebo group (P = 0.03). Analysis of patients in the Ureaplasma subgroup only, using the exact logistic model demonstrated a decrease in BPD or death in the azithromycin group with an estimated odds ratio of 0.026 (0.001–0.618, 95% confidence interval).

Conclusions

Routine use of azithromycin therapy for the prevention of BPD cannot be recommended. The early treatment of Ureaplasma colonized/infected patients might be beneficial, but a larger multi‐centered trial is required to assess this more definitively. Pediatr. Pulmonol. 2011; 46:111–118. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Dickkopf‐1 (DKK‐1) stimulated prostate cancer growth and metastasis and inhibited bone formation in osteoblastic bone metastases
Authors: Thudi Nanda K. , Martin Chelsea K. , Murahari Sridhar , Shu Sherry T. , Lanigan Lisa G. , Werbeck Jillian L. , Keller Evan T. , McCauley Laurie K. , Pinzone Joseph J. , Rosol Thomas J.
Published: October 2010

BACKGROUND

Osteoblastic bone metastasis is the predominant phenotype observed in prostate cancer patients and is associated with high patient mortality and morbidity. However, the mechanisms determining the development of this phenotype are not well understood. Prostate cancer cells secrete several osteogenic factors including Wnt proteins, which are not only osteoinductive but also oncogenic. Therefore, the purpose of the study was to investigate the contribution of the Wnt signaling pathway in prostate cancer growth, incidence of bone metastases, and osteoblastic phenotype of bone metastases. The strategy involved overexpressing the Wnt antagonist, DKK‐1, in the mixed osteoblastic and osteolytic Ace‐1 prostate cancer cells.

METHODS

Ace‐1 prostate cancer cells stably expressing human DKK‐1 or empty vector were established and transduced with lentiviral yellow fluorescent protein (YFP)‐luciferase (Luc). The Ace‐1/vectorYFP‐LUC and Ace‐1/DKK‐1YFP‐LUC cells were injected subcutaneously, intratibially, or in the left cardiac ventricle in athymic mice.

RESULTS

Unexpectedly, DKK‐1 significantly increased Ace‐1 subcutaneous tumor mass and the incidence of bone metastases after intracardiac injection of Ace‐1 cells. DKK‐1 increased Ace‐1 tumor growth associated with increased phospho46 c‐Jun amino‐terminal kinase by the Wnt noncanonical pathway. As expected, DKK‐1 decreased the Ace‐1 osteoblastic phenotype of bone metastases, as confirmed by radiographic, histopathologic, and microcomputed tomographic analysis. DKK‐1 decreased osteoblastic activity via the Wnt canonical pathway evidenced by an inhibition of T‐cell factor activity in murine osteoblast precursor ST2 cells.

CONCLUSION

The present study showed that DKK‐1 is a potent inhibitor of bone growth in prostate cancer‐induced osteoblastic metastases. Prostate 71:615–625, 2011. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
FINDSITE‐metal: Integrating evolutionary information and machine learning for structure‐based metal‐binding site prediction at the proteome level
Authors: Brylinski Michal , Skolnick Jeffrey
Published: October 2010

The rapid accumulation of gene sequences, many of which are hypothetical proteins with unknown function, has stimulated the development of accurate computational tools for protein function prediction with evolution/structure‐based approaches showing considerable promise. In this article, we present FINDSITE‐metal, a new threading‐based method designed specifically to detect metal‐binding sites in modeled protein structures. Comprehensive benchmarks using different quality protein structures show that weakly homologous protein models provide sufficient structural information for quite accurate annotation by FINDSITE‐metal. Combining structure/evolutionary information with machine learning results in highly accurate metal‐binding annotations; for protein models constructed by TASSER, whose average Cα RMSD from the native structure is 8.9 Å, 59.5% (71.9%) of the best of top five predicted metal locations are within 4 Å (8 Å) from a bound metal in the crystal structure. For most of the targets, multiple metal‐binding sites are detected with the best predicted binding site at rank 1 and within the top two ranks in 65.6% and 83.1% of the cases, respectively. Furthermore, for iron, copper, zinc, calcium, and magnesium ions, the binding metal can be predicted with high, typically 70% to 90%, accuracy. FINDSITE‐metal also provides a set of confidence indexes that help assess the reliability of predictions. Finally, we describe the proteome‐wide application of FINDSITE‐metal that quantifies the metal‐binding complement of the human proteome. FINDSITE‐metal is freely available to the academic community at http://cssb.biology.gatech.edu/findsite‐metal/. Proteins 2011. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Current drug therapies used in the secondary prevention of MI
Authors: Lang Ninian , Fox Keith
Published: October 2010

Today's drug treatments used in the secondary prevention of MI include both well‐established and newer agents. Our Drug review considers the mode of action, efficacy and recommended use of the wide range of drugs available, followed by further sources of information in Resources.
De‐naturalising transit migration. Theory and methods of an ethnographic regime analysis
Authors: Hess Sabine
Published: October 2010

Against the background of the research project entitled ‘Transit Migration’ (2002–2004), on migration regimes in Turkey, Greece and the Balkan region, the article will discuss methodological and conceptual problems and challenges of qualitative studies of transit migration. By analysing diverse practices and conditions of ‘transit migrations’ the article will argue against attempts to qualitatively define the phenomena. Rather, it suggests applying the concept of ‘precarious transit zone’ in order to grasp the complexity, unsteadiness, and multi‐directionality of many migrational ‘transit‐biographies’. On an ethnographic level the concept of ‘transit zone’ allows a consideration of different figures of transit migrants from those in the traditional sense of the term, visa‐overstayers or rejected asylum seekers transiting diverse countries on their way forward and increasingly also on their difficult way back to their countries of origin as well as the increasing number of migrants ‘stuck in mobility’. Moreover, the concept urges migration research to adopt an ‘ethnographic regime approach’, which implies a multi‐dimensional research design. It combines ethnographic research with discourse analyses and an analytical focus on the macro level. This shows that transit migration is not only shaped by migration related policies by the EU, nation‐states and international/ intergovernmental organisations, but it is shaped by ‘economies of transit’. Additionally an ethnographic regime approach also analyses the impact of academic research itself in re‐constructing categories used by the governing bodies. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Temperature‐dependent photoluminescence measurements on a sub‐micrometer length scale on green light emitting InGaN/GaN quantum wells
Authors: Danhof J. , Vierheilig C. , Schwarz U. T. , Meyer T. , Peter M. , Hahn B.
Published: October 2010

For an InGaN/GaN multiquantum well sample with low threading dislocation density (TDD), temperature‐dependent microphotoluminescence measurements were performed. Evaluation of the behavior of the photoluminescence peak energy leads to the conclusion that even at a length scale of about 500 nm we still see the same S‐shape of the temperature‐dependent energy shift that was observed on a far larger scale. The behavior of the temperature‐dependent full width at half maximum of the spectra and the integrated intensity leads to similar conclusions. We therefore demonstrate that the phenomenon responsible for the S‐shape acts on a length scale that is far smaller than 500 nm. In addition, the behavior of the integrated intensity shows a fluctuation of local point defect density in the analyzed sample with its low TDD.
Accurate treatment of solids with the HSE screened hybrid
Authors: Henderson Thomas M. , Paier Joachim , Scuseria Gustavo E.
Published: October 2010

Density functional theory (DFT) is the most widely used technique in the realm of first‐principles electronic structure methods. Principally, this is because DFT in the Kohn–Sham (KS) formalism offers the appealing combination of relatively high accuracy and relatively low computational cost. Despite their great successes, traditional semilocal functionals fail to describe some important problems in solid state physics and materials science, the most conspicuous example being the notorious band gap problem. More sophisticated functionals providing greater accuracy without sacrificing computational efficiency are therefore needed. The Heyd–Scuseria–Ernzerhof (HSE) screened hybrid density functional [J. Heyd, G. E. Scuseria, and M. Ernzerhof, J. Chem. Phys. 118, 8207 (2003); J. Heyd and G. E. Scuseria, J. Chem. Phys. 121, 1187 (2004)] successfully addresses some of the chief problems which plague semilocal functionals by including only the important parts of exact nonlocal Hartree–Fock‐type exchange. This work discusses some of the concepts underlying HSE and provides illustrative examples highlighting the successes of HSE in numerous solid state applications.
Reference conditions for fish microhabitat use in foothill streams: A case study on undisrupted carpathian streams
Authors: Pekárik Ladislav , Koščo Ján , Švátora Miroslav
Published: October 2010

Foothill rivers characterized by a relatively high slope are frequently used for hydropower purposes or are highly regulated. These river sections are inhabited by many rheophilic species that are endangered by habitat degradation. Restoration/rehabilitation projects and fishway constructions could increase species favourable status, but relevant ecological requirements for several fish species are missing. We present a first insight into a complex microhabitat use of all species (excluding rare species) occurring within the model foothill stream and provide a comprehensive view on the most important microhabitat variables that influence the distribution of fish species within the model area. For two species, Balkan spined loach (Sabanejewia balcanica) and Carpathian barbel (Barbus carpathicus), we present the first description of such microhabitat use. The model we present (canonical correspondence analysis) significantly explains 64.5% (p < 0.01) of the variability, where water depth more than 40 cm, refuge stones and microhabitats in the bank area are the most influential microhabitat variables. Moreover, three species groups are apparent from the graphical expression of our proposed model, where species from the upper sites form the first group, young‐of‐the‐year, Balkan spined loach and common minnow (Phoxinus phoxinus) form the second group and abundant species inhabiting foothill river sections form the third group. In general, we assume that the preferences of a species for a given microhabitat are not only a function of, e.g. environmental variables or species length frequencies, but also strongly depend on the co‐occurring species. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Situational interest of high school students who visit an aquarium
Authors: Bonderup Dohn Niels
Published: October 2010

The purpose of this study was to investigate how situational interest of high school students was triggered during a field trip to an aquarium. Although the role of museums in stimulating interest among students has been acknowledged for some time, empirical evidence about how the specific variable of a museum setting might trigger situational interest is almost nonexistent. The present study was conducted as a case study to provide an inductive, explorative investigation of how situational interest emerged during the field trip. A situative approach to the study of interest was applied in the form of a combined analytical tool that captures both social and psychological aspects. Qualitative methods were used to generate data: observation, video recording, and interviews. The findings showed that the aquarium visit triggered a lot of situational interest among the students and led to positive emotions toward the topic. Five situational variables were found to trigger the students' interest: social involvement, hands‐on, surprise, novelty, and knowledge acquisition. The situational variables are largely under the control of the teacher and/or museum staff and should be considered when planning museum visits. This study suggests that teachers can find ways to foster students' involvement in specific content areas and increase levels of academic motivation regardless of prior interest. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Sci Ed 95:337–357, 2011
Taking a closer look at science teaching orientations
Authors: Friedrichsen Patrica , Driel Jan H. Van , Abell Sandra K.
Published: October 2010

In this position paper, we examine the science teaching orientation component of the S. Magnusson, J. Krajcik, and H. Borko (1999) pedagogical content knowledge (PCK) model for science teaching. We trace the origin of the construct in the literature, identifying multiple definitions that have lead to ambiguity. After examining published studies using the PCK model, we identified the following methodological issues: (a) using orientations in different or unclear ways, (b) unclear or absent relationship between orientations and the other model components, (c) simply assigning teachers to one of nine categories of orientations, and (d) ignoring the overarching orientation component. To bring clarity to the literature, we propose defining science teaching orientations as a set of beliefs with the following dimensions: goals and purposes of science teaching, views of science, and beliefs about science teaching and learning. Consequently, there is a need for new instruments to elicit these dimensions. We conclude by making recommendations to address the four issues identified in the literature. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Sci Ed 95:358–376, 2011
HYSA: HYbrid steganographic approach using multiple steganography methods
Authors: Sajedi Hedieh , Jamzad Mansour
Published: October 2010

The aim of image steganography is to hide data in an image with visual and statistical invisibility. There have been a number of steganography techniques proposed over the past few years. In sequence, the development of these methods has led to an increased interest in steganalysis techniques. Most of the steganalysis methods attempt to estimate cover image statistics. One way to provide a secure steganography method is to disturb the estimation of steganalyzers. The main concern of this paper is to resist against steganalysis methods and utilize a mechanism to securely embed more secret data into an image. We present HYbrid steganographic approach (HYSA), which embeds secret data with randomized embedding algorithms in randomized regions of the cover image. HYSA embeds secret data in only some regions of the image not all over the image. In addition, HYSA can employ more than one steganography method for embedding secret data in the image. Random selection of embedding regions and steganography methods leaves a combination of several types of distortion on the image, which are difficult to be recognized by the steganalysis methods. Experimental results by applying some well‐known and efficient steganalysis methods illustrate that the proposed steganographic approach is more undetectable than some popular steganography methods. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A robust TDT‐type association test under informative parental missingness
Authors: Chen J. H. , Cheng K. F.
Published: October 2010

Many family‐based association tests rely on the random transmission of alleles from parents to offspring. Among them, the transmission/disequilibrium test (TDT) may be considered to be the most popular statistical test. The TDT statistic and its variations were proposed to evaluate nonrandom transmission of alleles from parents to the diseased children. However, in family studies, parental genotypes may be missing due to parental death, loss, divorce, or other reasons. Under some missingness conditions, nonrandom transmission of alleles may still occur even when the gene and disease are not associated. As a consequence, the usual TDT‐type tests would produce excessive false positive conclusions in association studies. In this paper, we propose a novel TDT‐type association test which is not only simple in computation but also robust to the joint effect of population stratification and informative parental missingness. Our test is model‐free and allows for different mechanisms of parental missingness across subpopulations. We use a simulation study to compare the performance of the new test with TDT and point out the advantage of the new method. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Why PMO? Towards Functionality and Utility of Periodic Mesoporous Organosilicas
Authors: Wang Wendong , Lofgreen Jennifer E. , Ozin Geoffrey A.
Published: October 2010

Creative synthetic chemistry has endowed the class of periodic mesoporous organosilica materials, dubbed PMO, with a variety of new and exciting compositions, properties, and functions since its inception a decade ago. Using a handful of recent trendsetting case histories, the multidisciplinary applications of PMO materials in chemistry and physics, materials science and engineering, biology, and medicine are demonstrated in a most powerful way. In doing so, this Review aims to inspire more collaborative and ambitious endeavors in the second decade of PMO research.