bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clinicopathologic variables predicting tumor response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy in patients with locally advanced gastric cancer
Authors: Wang Lin Bo , Teng Rong Yue , Jiang Zi Nong , Hu Wen Xian , Dong Min Jun , Yuan Xiao Ming , Chen Wen Jun , Jin Mei , Shen Jian Guo
Published: September 2011

Background and Objectives

To identify clinicopathologic variables that could predict pathologic tumor response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy for patients with locally advanced gastric cancer.

Methods

The study enrolled 108 patients who underwent neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by surgery between July 2004 and December 2010. Tumor responses to neoadjuvant chemotherapy were assessed in terms of tumor regression. Statistical analyses were performed to identify factors associated with pathologic tumor response.

Results

Tumor regression was found in 22.2% (24/108) patients, patients with tumor regression observed better overall survival as compared to that of patients without tumor regression. Univariate and multivariate analyses observed that both tumor differentiation and tumor size were independent predictors of tumor regression.

Conclusions

This study suggests that both tumor differentiation and tumor size is the most important clinical predicator of pathologic tumor response, it may be of benefit in the selection of treatment options in locally advanced gastric cancer. J. Surg. Oncol. 2012; 105:293–296. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Prognostic significance of intraoperative chemotherapy and extensive lymphadenectomy in patients with node‐negative gastric cancer
Authors: Wang Jin , Yu Jian‐Chun , Kang Wei‐Ming , Ma Zhi‐Qiang
Published: September 2011

Background and Objectives

Despite a relatively better prognosis, patients with node‐negative gastric cancer still suffer from metastasis and recurrence. To investigae the prognostic factors and appropriate therapies for these pN0 tumors, we analyzed the predictors and evaluated the impact of chemotherapy and extensive lymphadenectomy on survival.

Methods

Clinicopathologic features of 153 patients with pN0 gastric cancer were studied retrospectively. The prognostic factors were analyzed stratifying by pT1 and pT2–3 stage. The 5‐year survival rate (5‐YSR) of patients in different groups of chemotherapy and lymph nodes retrieved were compared.

Results

Multivariate analysis indicated pT, number of nodes retrieved, and chemotherapy as the independent predictors of advanced gastric cancer; anemia was the only independent predictor of early gastric cancer. Survival of patients with pT3 got improved significantly by intraoperative chemotherapy and retrieval of more than 25 nodes, but neither of them benefited patients with pT1–2. Moreover, in pT3 status, 5‐YSR of patients with intraoperative chemotherapy was still poorer than those with postoperative chemotherapy and combined chemotherapy.

Conclusions

In pN0 gastric cancers, prognostic factors differed significantly between early stage and advanced stage. For patients with pT3, besides curative gastrectomy and postoperative chemotherapy, it might be beneficial to perform intraoperative chemotherapy and extensive lymphadenectomy. J. Surg. Oncol. 2012;105:400–404. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Clinical significance of pathologic subtype in curatively resected ampulla of vater cancer
Authors: Kim Woo Seok , Choi Dong Wook , Choi Seoung Ho , Heo Jin Seok , You Dong Do , Lee Hyung Geun
Published: September 2011

Background

Ampullary cancer is considered to have a better prognosis than cancers of the distal bile duct and pancreas, and recent publications emphasize the prognostic importance of the histologic differentiation of the intestinal and pancreatobiliary types of ampullary cancer. The aims of this study were to identify those factors that affect recurrence after curative resection and to investigate differences between the clinicopathologic features of these two pathologic subtypes.

Patients and Methods

The medical records of patients that underwent pancreatoduodenectomy for ampullary carcinoma from February 1995 to March 2009 at our institute were retrospectively reviewed. One hundred and four patients that underwent curative resection for ampullary carcinoma were enrolled in this study. One pathologist reviewed all pathologic reports and histopathologic findings. Data on clinicopathologic factors and disease free and overall survival were analyzed.

Results

The 3‐ and 5‐year disease free survival rates of the 104 study subjects were 62.2% and 57.7%, respectively, and overall survival rates were 69.4% and 60.1%, respectively. Multivariate analysis showed that an advanced T stage (P = 0.049), the presence of lymph node metastasis (P = 0.003), poor differentiation (P = 0.039), and the pancreatobiliary type (P = 0.022) significantly increased the risk of recurrence. Furthermore, the pancreatobiliary type was found to be more associated with an advanced T stage (P = 0.009), regional lymph node metastasis (P = 0.007), and perineural invasion (P = 0.026) than the intestinal type. In addition, pathologic subtype analysis showed that Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) level and lymph node metastasis were important predictors of recurrence in patients with the intestinal (P = 0.013) and pancreatobiliary types, respectively (P = 0.003).

Conclusions

An advanced T stage, nodal metastasis, poor differentiation, and the pancreaticobiliary type were found to be independent predictors of recurrence after curative resection of ampullary carcinoma by multivariate analysis. In addition, the pancreatobiliary type tended to present in a more advanced T stage and more frequently with regional lymph node involvement and perineural invasion than the intestinal type. Furthermore, CEA level and lymph node metastasis were found to be independent predictors of recurrence for the intestinal and pancreatobiliary types, respectively. J. Surg. Oncol. 2012; 105:266–272. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Rapid simultaneous determination of isoflavones in Radix puerariae using high‐performance liquid chromatography–triple quadrupole mass spectrometry with novel shell‐type column
Authors: Du Gang , Zhao Haiyu , Song Yuelin , Zhang Qingwen , Wang Yitao
Published: September 2011

A high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) coupled with triple quadrupole mass spectrometry (MS/MS) method was developed for rapid determination of 13 isoflavones in Radix puerariae. A novel shell‐type column, namely Kinetex core‐shell C18 column (50 mm×2.1 mm id, 2.6 μm), and gradient elution were used during the analysis. The chromatographic peaks of 13 investigated compounds were identified by comparing their retention time and MS data with the related reference compounds. Multiple‐reaction monitoring (MRM) was employed for the quantitative analysis with negative ionization mode. All calibration curves showed good linearity (r2>0.9990) within test ranges. The LOD and LOQ were lower than 0.017 and 0.873 μg/mL on column, respectively. The intra‐ and inter‐day precisions for 13 analytes were <1.17 and 2.17%, respectively, and the recoveries were 93.1–104.4%. The validated method was applied for quantitative analysis of 13 isoflavones in 7 species of Radix puerariae. The result demonstrated that HPLC‐MS/MS system with Kinetex column could be a promising analytical tool for the determination of isoflavones in traditional Chinese medicines, which is helpful for comprehensive evaluation of quality of R. puerariae.
Adolescent exposure to the World Trade Center attacks, PTSD symptomatology, and suicidal ideation
Authors: Chemtob Claude M. , Madan Anita , Berger Pinchas , Abramovitz Robert
Published: September 2011

This study examined the associations between different types of trauma exposure, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms, and suicidal ideation among New York City adolescents 1 year after the World Trade Center attacks. A sample of 817 adolescents, aged 13–18, was drawn from 2 Jewish parochial high schools (97% participation rate). We assessed 3 types of trauma exposure, current (within the past month) and past (within the past year) suicidal ideation, and current PTSD symptoms. Findings indicated that probable PTSD was associated with increased risk for suicidal ideation. Exposure to attack‐related traumatic events increased risk for both suicidal ideation and PTSD. However, specific types of trauma exposure differentially predicted suicidal ideation and PTSD: knowing someone who was killed increased risk for PTSD, but not for suicidal ideation, and having a family member who was hurt but not killed, increased risk for suicidal ideation, but not for PTSD. This study extends findings from the adult literature showing associations between trauma exposure, PTSD, and increased suicidal ideation in adolescents.
Radical copolymerization of fullerene (C60) and n‐butyl methacrylate (BMA) using triphenylbismuthonium ylide and characterization of C60–BMA copolymers
Authors: Katiyar Rashmi , Bag Dibyendu S. , Nigam Indira
Published: September 2011

Radical copolymerization of fullerene (C60) and n‐butyl methacrylate (BMA) has been carried out using triphenylbismuthonium ylide as an initiator at 70°C for 4 h in a dilatometer under nitrogen atmosphere. The kinetic expression of the polymerization is Rpα [Ylide]0.5[C60]−1.0[BMA]1.2, which is similar to that expected for ideal kinetics. The rate of polymerization increases with an increase in the concentration of initiator and BMA. However, it decreases with an increase in the concentration of fullerene. Fullerene acts as radical scavengers causing retardation in polymerization. The activation energy of copolymerization was estimated to be 72.2 K J mol−1. The fullerene‐containing BMA copolymers were characterized by FTIR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR, UV–vis, and GPC analyses. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Chem Kinet 43: 608–619, 2011
Solubility and hydrolysis of HCFC‐22 (CHF2Cl): Upward revision of rate constants for aqueous reactions of CHF2Cl with OH− at elevated temperature
Authors: Kutsuna Shuzo , Hori Hisao , Naganuma Makoto , Shimono Akio
Published: September 2011

Henry's law constants of CHF2Cl in water at temperature T in K, KH(T) in M atm−1, were determined to be ln(KH(T))=−(11.1±1.5)+((2290±500)/T) at 313–363 K by means of a phase ratio variation headspace method. The temperature‐dependent rate constants for aqueous reactions of CHF2Cl with OH−, k(T) in M−1 s−1, were also determined to be 3.7×1013exp(−(11, 200/T)) at 313–353 K, by considering the gas–water equilibrium, the aqueous reaction at room temperature, and liquid‐phase diffusion control. The liquid‐phase diffusion control was approximated with a one‐dimensional diffusion first‐order irreversible chemical reaction model. The k(T) value we determined is 10 times (at 353 K) or 3 times (at 313 K) as large as the value reported (R. C. Downing, Fluorocarbon Refrigerants Handbook, Prentice Hall: Englewood Cliffs, NJ, 1988). This upward revision of k(T) indicates that the removal efficiency of CHF2Cl directly through the hydrolysis (CHF2Cl + OH−) is higher than previously expected at temperatures, such as 353 K, relevant to wet flue gas cleaning systems for ozone‐destruction substance‐destruction facilities. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Chem Kinet 43: 639–647, 2011
Revisiting human nose anatomy: Phylogenic and ontogenic perspectives
Authors: Jankowski Roger
Published: September 2011

This review suggests revisiting nose anatomy by considering the ethmoidal labyrinths as part of the olfactory nose and not as paranasal sinuses.

Phylogenetically, the olfactory and respiratory organs of the most primitive vertebrates are separated. Exaptation, a mechanism of evolution, may explain the fusion of the olfactory and respiratory organs in dipnoi. The respiratory and olfactory noses remain anatomically separated by the transverse lamina in most mammals, whose olfactory labyrinth is a blind recess housing the ethmoturbinates. In humans, the partitioning between the olfactory cleft and the ethmoid labyrinth seems to be a consequence of ethmoid bone remodeling induced by the acquisition of an upright posture. The ethmoid bone is derived from the cartilaginous nasal capsule of primitive vertebrates and considered to be a highly conserved region among the bony elements of the skull base. It appears to be involved only in housing and protecting the olfactory function.

During the early stages of human fetal development, rupture of the oronasal membrane leads to the integration of the primary olfactory sac in the future respiratory organ. The cartilaginous nasal capsule appears in the tissue under the brain and around the olfactory channels. Its early fetal development is classically regarded as the beginning of paranasal sinus formation. From phylogenic and ontogenic perspectives, it may be regarded as the development of the olfactory labyrinth as modified by the remodeling process of the human face and skull base. The endochondral bony origin of the ethmoid labyrinths makes them substantially different from the other paranasal sinuses.
Synthesis and in vitro Characterization of Semitelechelic Poly[N‐(2‐hydroxypropyl)methacrylamide]–Trastuzumab Conjugates Targeted to Breast Cancer
Authors: Lee Jun H. , Sabnis Gauri , Nan Anjan
Published: September 2011

Trastuzumab (TRZ) is a humanized monoclonal antibody that targets the extracellular domain of the human epidermal growth factor receptor type 2 (Her2). Semitelechelic (ST) poly[N‐(2‐hydroxypropyl)methacrylamide]–TRZ conjugates are successfully synthesized and evaluated as a potential drug delivery system that actively targets Her2‐overexpressing cancer cells. The ST backbone shows favorable characteristics when conjugated to TRZ. The conjugate exhibits comparable and prolonged anticancer activity when compared to free TRZ in Her2 overexpressing breast cancer cell lines.

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Micelles from Amphiphilic Block Copolyphosphates for Drug Delivery
Authors: Zhai Xiang , Huang Wei , Liu Jinyao , Pang Yan , Zhu Xinyuan , Zhou Yongfeng , Yan Deyue
Published: September 2011

Amphiphilic block copolyphosphates (PEP‐b‐PIPPs) are synthesized by two‐step ROP of cyclic phosphate monomers with different pedant groups. They can spontaneously self‐assemble into approximately spherical micelles ranging in size between 89 and 198 nm in water. A typical hydrophobic anti‐cancer drug DOX is encapsulated into the micelles. The release rate of DOX slows down with increasing hydrophobic block length of PIPP. DOX‐loaded micelles are investigated for the proliferation inhibition of Hela cells and the DOX dose required for 50% cellular growth inhibition is found to be 0.8 µg mL−1. It is demonstrated that PEP‐b‐PIPP micelles can be used as a safe and promising drug delivery system.

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Fluorescent Micelles Based on Star Amphiphilic Copolymer with a Porphyrin Core for Bioimaging and Drug Delivery
Authors: Zhang Luzhong , Lin Ying , Zhang Yajun , Chen Rui , Zhu Zhenshu , Wu Wei , Jiang Xiqun
Published: September 2011

Star‐shaped poly(ε‐caprolactone)‐b‐poly(ethylene oxide) amphiphilic copolymer with a tetrakis‐(4‐aminophenyl)‐terminated porphyrin core was synthesized. Paclitaxel (PTX)‐loaded polymeric micelles were prepared by the self‐assembly of the star copolymer and in situ encapsulation of PTX. The fluorescent characteristic of the porphyrin moiety allowed the cellular uptake and biodistribution of the PTX‐loaded micelles to be monitored by fluorescent imaging. The PTX‐loaded micelles can be readily internalized by cancer cells and have a slightly higher cytotoxicity than clinic PTX injection Taxol. In vivo real‐time fluorescent imaging revealed that the micelles could accumulate at tumor site via the blood circulation in tumor‐bearing mice. In vivo antitumor efficacy examinations indicated that the PTX‐loaded micelles had significantly superior efficacy in impeding tumor growth than Taxol and low toxicity to the living mice.

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Improved Tensile Strength and Ferroelectric Phase Content of Self‐Assembled Polyvinylidene Fluoride Fiber Yarns
Authors: Baji Avinash , Mai Yiu‐Wing , Du Xusheng , Wong Shing‐Chung
Published: September 2011

An electrospinning method to obtain well‐aligned self‐assembled PVDF fibers in the form of yarn structures is presented. Post‐treatments such as stretching at 100 °C and annealing improve the tensile modulus and strength of the fibers by 17 and 41%, respectively. The results reveal that post‐treatment on fiber yarns induce crystallinity and β‐crystalline phase formation, which in turn impart a noticeable effect on the strength and stiffness of the fibers. An ≈10% improvement in the ferroelectric β‐crystalline phase fraction is estimated for the post‐treated yarns. Such yarn structures with improved strength and ferroelectric β‐phase content can be useful for nanoscale and microscale electronic devices.

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Bequest giving: Revisiting donor motivation with dimensional qualitative research
Authors: Sargeant Adrian , Shang Jen
Published: September 2011

This research seeks to examine donor motivation for supporting nonprofits with a bequest. We employ dimensional qualitative research (DQR) procedures, demonstrating both the utility of the approach and how the framework can be employed to illuminate bequest giving. Employing an approach to data analysis based on grounded theory, our findings indicate that bequest gifts are motivated by a variety of factors, including a lack of family need, a need to live on, a desire to make a difference to a cause, reciprocity, and spite. In addition, we highlight a second‐order modality that emerged from the BASIC IDS analytical framework. Identification was found to be a highly influential factor in driving bequest‐giving behavior. A series of practical fund raising recommendations are offered to facilitate giving. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Gestalt modeling of international tourism behavior: Applying dimensional qualitative research in constructing grounded theory
Authors: Martin Drew , Woodside Arch G.
Published: September 2011

Conventional, dominant logic research methods include collecting and analyzing data to test hypotheses in a deductive theory using empirical positivistic methods. In contrast, grounded theory (i.e., building and revising propositional statements of relationships from questioning and observing informants in specific use contexts) constructs theory from data (Glaser & Strauss, 1967). This article demonstrates the application of McCracken's (1988) long interview method to collect data for grounded theory construction. Both emic (self) and etic (researcher) interpretations of international visitor experiences focus on making sense of leisure travel thinking processes (including unconscious/conscious beliefs, attitudes, and choices) and tourist behavior. In this article, long interviews of Japanese tourists visiting Hawaii's Big Island enable mapping and comparing visitors' plans, motivations, choices, and consequences. The results demonstrate nuanced complexities of visitors' travel‐related unconscious/ conscious thinking and behavior. Also, the findings uncover the emergence of a possible segment of visitors—the kyooiku tsuaa (education touring) segment for the State of Hawaii's largest island (i.e., Hawaii, also known as the Big Island). © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A dimensional qualitative research approach to understanding medically unnecessary aesthetic surgery
Authors: Markley Rountree Melissa , Davis Lenita
Published: September 2011

Consumers spend billions of dollars every year on products and services designed to help improve or change their physical appearance and performance. Such procedures, especially where surgery is involved, are not without risk of adverse consequences such as physical injury, irreversible nerve damage, or even permanent disfigurement. The popularity of appearance‐enhancing cosmetic surgery seems to be rising, despite the many risks associated with it. To qualitatively investigate the complex interplay of relevant factors (including variables related to individual motivation, risk tolerance, self‐concept, and societal standards of beauty), and to organize and analyze the resulting qualitative data, the systematic, psychologically sophisticated blueprint of dimensional qualitative research, or DQR (Cohen, 1999) was employed. Through in‐depth interviews, content analysis of written material found on the Internet, and three focus groups, an effort was made to better understand consumer motivation for cosmetic surgery where there was no medical necessity. Findings and implications of this research are discussed. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
pH Dependent Elasticity of Polystyrene‐block‐poly(acrylic acid) Vesicle Shell Membranes by Atomic Force Microscopy
Authors: Chen Qi , Vancso G. Julius
Published: September 2011

We assess the elastic properties of PS‐b‐PAA vesicle membranes under different pH values by AFM force measurements. We find that based on the shell deformation theory, the values of the estimated apparent Young's modulus of the vesicle membranes decrease as the pH of the solution increases. The onset of the decrease of E coincides with the surface pKa determined from ζ‐potential measurements. This decrease of E at higher pH is attributed to electrostatic repulsion between the deprotonated PAA chains resulting in the thinning of the vesicle membrane.

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Self‐Assembly of Poly(2‐alkyl‐2‐oxazoline)s by Crystallization in Ethanol–Water Mixtures Below the Upper Critical Solution Temperature
Authors: Diehl Christina , Dambowsky Ina , Hoogenboom Richard , Schlaad Helmut
Published: September 2011

Crystallization of poly(2‐isobutyl‐2‐oxazoline) and poly(2‐nonyl‐2‐oxazoline) is found to occur by room temperature annealing below the upper critical solution temperature in ethanol–water solvent mixtures. Both polymers produce similar self‐assembled structures (see image), resembling the previously reported crystalline hierarchical structures obtained from hot aqueous poly(2‐isopropyl‐2‐oxazoline) solutions above the lower critical solution temperature. These observations suggest that the crystallization induced self‐assembly process is a rather general phenomenon occurring for semicrystalline polymers in liquid–liquid two phase systems.

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Nickel(II) α‐Diimine Catalyst for Grignard Metathesis (GRIM) Polymerization
Authors: Magurudeniya Harsha D. , Sista Prakash , Westbrook Jacob K. , Ourso Taryn E. , Nguyen Khuong , Maher Marie C. , Alemseghed Mussie G. , Biewer Michael C. , Stefan Mihaela C.
Published: September 2011

A nickel α‐diimine catalyst was used for Grignard metathesis (GRIM) polymerization of 2,5‐dibromo 3‐hexylthiophene and 2‐bromo‐5‐iodo‐3‐hexylthiophene monomers. GRIM polymerization of 2‐bromo‐5‐iodo‐3‐hexylthiophene generated regioregular polymers with molecular weights ranging from 3 000 to 12 000 g · mol−1. The nickel α‐diimine catalyst was also successfully used for the GRIM polymerization of a bulky benzodithiophene monomer.

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Polymer Brushes with Phototriggered and Phototunable Swelling and pH Response
Authors: Cui Jiaxi , Azzaroni Omar , del Campo Aránzazu
Published: September 2011

Photolabile polymer brushes with tailored length containing a photoremovable protecting group (NVOC) are prepared via the SI‐ATRP method. Upon light irradiation, the NVOC group is removed to generate controlled densities of free amine groups (PAMA) randomly distributed along the brush. The presence of the ionizable groups induces a photo‐triggered swelling response. The swelling degree can be tuned by the irradiation dose. A dual (light and pH), tunable response is demonstrated.

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Stromal interaction molecule 2 (STIM2) is frequently overexpressed in colorectal tumors and confers a tumor cell growth suppressor phenotype
Authors: Aytes Alvaro , Molleví David G. , Martinez‐Iniesta Maria , Nadal Marga , Vidal August , Morales Albert , Salazar Ramón , Capellà Gabriel , Villanueva Alberto
Published: September 2011

Allelic imbalances at chromosome 4p have been largely documented in many different tumor types. In colorectal cancer, loss of heterozygosity (LOH) at 4p15 has been associated with tumor aggressiveness and poor patient outcome, however no target genes in the region have been identified to date. Since stromal interaction molecule 2 (STIM2) is located at 4p15.2 and has been proposed as a candidate gene for this region in glioblastoma multiforme, we aimed at investigating the role of STIM2 in colorectal cancer. We studied STIM2 transcript expression levels in a collection of xenografted primary colorectal tumors (n = 20) and a well‐annotated tumor series of colorectal cancer (n = 140). We observed an overexpression of STIM2 in 63.5% of the cases that was associated with a less invasive phenotype. In vitro and in vivo functional studies with colon cancer cell lines revealed that overexpression of STIM2 reduced cell proliferation and tumor growth, respectively. Our work presents several lines of evidence indicating that STIM2 overexpression is a frequent trait in colorectal cancer that results in cell growth suppression, certifying that even in the absence of somatic genetic or epigenetic alterations, recurrent regions of LOH should still be considered a hallmark for the presence of relevant genes for tumorigenesis. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Downregulation of tropomyosin‐1 in squamous cell carcinoma of esophagus, the role of Ras signaling and methylation
Authors: Zare Maryam , Jazii Ferdous Rastgar , Soheili Zahra‐Soheila , Moghanibashi Mohamad‐Mehdi
Published: September 2011

Tropomyosins (TMs) are a family of cytoskeletal proteins that bind to and stabilize actin microfilaments. Non‐muscle cells express multiple isoforms of TMs including three high molecular weight (HMW) isoforms: TM1, TM2, and TM3. While reports have indicated downregulation of TMs in transformed cells and several human cancers, nevertheless, little is known about the underlying mechanism of TMs suppression. In present study the expression of HMW TMs was investigated in squamous cell carcinoma of esophagus (SCCE), relative to primary cell cultures of normal esophagus by western blotting and real‐time RT‐PCR. Our results showed that TM1, TM2, and TM3 were significantly downregulated in cell line of SCCE. Moreover, mRNA level of TPM1 and TPM2 were markedly decreased by 93% and 96%, in tumor cell line relative to esophagus normal epithelial cells. Therefore, downregulation of TMs could play an important role in tumorigenesis of esophageal cancer. To asses the mechanism of TM downregulation in esophageal cancer, the role of Ras dependent signaling and promoter hypermethylation were investigated. We found that inhibition of two Ras effectory downstream pathways; MEK/ERK and PI3K/Akt leads to significant increased expression of TM1 protein and both TPM1 and TPM2 mRNAs. In addition, methyltransferase inhibition significantly upregulated TM1, suggesting the prominent contribution of promoter hypermethylation in TM1 downregulation in esophageal cancer. These data indicate that downregulation of HMW TMs occurs basically in SCCE and the activation of MEK/ERK and PI3K/Akt pathways as well as the epigenetic mechanism of promoter hypermethylation play important role in TM1 suppression in SCCE. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Curcumin attenuates diabetic nephropathy by inhibiting PKC‐α and PKC‐β1 activity in streptozotocin‐induced type I diabetic rats
Authors: Soetikno Vivian , Watanabe Kenichi , Sari Flori R. , Harima Meilei , Thandavarayan Rajarajan A. , Veeraveedu Punniyakoti T. , Arozal Wawaimuli , Sukumaran Vijayakumar , Lakshmanan Arun Prasath , Arumugam Somasundaram , Suzuki Kenji
Published: September 2011

Scope: We hypothesized that curcumin, a potent anti‐oxidant, might be beneficial in ameliorating the development of diabetic nephropathy through inhibition of PKC‐α and PKC‐β1 activity‐ERK1/2 pathway.

Methods and results: Diabetes was induced by a single intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (STZ) (55 mg/kg) in rats. Three weeks after STZ injection, rats were divided into three groups, namely, normal, diabetic and diabetic treated with curcumin at 100 mg/kg/day, p.o., for 8 wk. At 11 wk after STZ injection, diabetic rats exhibited renal dysfunction, as evidenced by reduced creatinine clearance, increased blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and proteinuria, marked increases in lipid peroxidation, NOX4 and p67phox and decrease in anti‐oxidant enzyme. All of these abnormalities were significantly reversed by curcumin. Furthermore, the high‐glucose‐induced PKC‐α and PKC‐β1 activities and phosphorylated ERK1/2 was significantly diminished by curcumin. Curcumin also attenuated the expression of TGF‐β1, CTGF, osteopontin, p300 and ECM proteins such as fibronectin and type IV collagen. The high‐glucose‐induced expression of VEGF and its receptor VEGF receptor II (flk‐1) was also ameliorated by curcumin.

Conclusion: These results prove that curcumin produces dual blockade of both PKC‐α and PKC‐β1 activities, which suggests that curcumin is a potential adjuvant therapy for the prevention and treatment of diabetic nephropathy.
Conjugated linoleic acid protects against gliadin‐induced depletion of intestinal defenses
Authors: Bergamo Paolo , Gogliettino Marta , Palmieri Gianna , Cocca Ennio , Maurano Francesco , Stefanile Rosita , Balestrieri Marco , Mazzarella Giuseppe , David Chella , Rossi Mauro
Published: September 2011

Scope: The involvement of oxidative stress in gluten‐induced toxicity has been evidenced in vitro and in clinical studies but has never been examined in vivo. We recently demonstrated the protective activity of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), which functions by the activation of nuclear factor erythroid 2‐related factor2 (Nrf2), a key transcription factor for the synthesis of antioxidant and detoxifying enzymes (phase 2). Here, we evaluate the involvement of nuclear factor erythroid 2‐related factor2 in gliadin‐mediated toxicity in human Caco‐2 intestinal cells and in gliadin‐sensitive human leukocyte antigen‐DQ8 transgenic mice (DQ8) and the protective activity of CLA.

Methods and results: Gliadin effects in differentiated Caco‐2 cells and in DQ8 mice, fed with a gliadin‐containing diet with or without CLA supplementation, were evaluated by combining enzymatic, immunochemical, immunohistochemical, and quantitative real‐time PCR (qRT‐PCR) assays. Gliadin toxicity was accompanied by downregulation of phase 2 and elevates proteasome‐acylpeptide hydrolase activities in vitro and in vivo. Notably, gliadin was unable to generate severe oxidative stress extent or pathological consequences in DQ8 mice intestine comparable to those found in celiac patients and the alterations produced were hampered by CLA.

Conclusion: The beneficial effects of CLA against the depletion of crucial intestinal cytoprotective defenses indicates a novel nutritional approach for the treatment of intestinal disease associated with altered redox homeostasis.
Relationships between the dynamics of iatrogenic DNA damage and genomic design in mammalian spermatozoa from eleven species
Authors: Gosálvez Jaime , López‐Fernández Carmen , Fernández José L. , Gouraud Anne , Holt William V.
Published: September 2011

The dynamic onset of DNA fragmentation in mammalian sperm populations varies widely in different species when the spermatozoa are incubated in vitro at body temperature for several hours, and recent studies have shown that the dynamic rate of DNA fragmentation within a species has considerable predictive value in terms of fertility. The reasons for such variation are unclear, but here we show that differences in protamine sequence and identity could be partially responsible. Sets of 10 normal semen samples from 11 species (ram, goat, boar, white‐tailed deer, rabbit, human, domestic and Spanish fighting bull, horse, donkey, rhinoceros, and koala) were cryopreserved, thawed, diluted in an appropriate extender for each species, and then incubated for 4 hr at 37°C. Semen samples from human infertility patients were also included for comparison with the donors. DNA fragmentation analysis was undertaken immediately after thawing (t0) and after 4 hr (t4) using the Halomax/Halosperm procedure, and the differences in DNA fragmentation between t0 and t4 were examined in the context of the respective protamine genomes. The expression of protamine 2 in a species significantly enhanced the likelihood of sperm DNA fragmentation; greater numbers of cysteine residues in protamine 1 tended to confer increased sperm DNA stability, and there were logical evolutionary relationships between species in terms of their sperm DNA stability. Human spermatozoa from infertility patients exhibited considerably higher DNA instability than the normal semen donors, a difference that could be indirectly attributed to unbalanced protamine 1‐to‐protamine 2 ratios. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 78:951–961, 2011. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
VERSE‐guided numerical RF pulse design: A fast method for peak RF power control
Authors: Lee Daeho , Grissom William A. , Lustig Michael , Kerr Adam B. , Stang Pascal P. , Pauly John M.
Published: September 2011

In parallel excitation, the computational speed of numerical radiofrequency (RF) pulse design methods is critical when subject dependencies and system nonidealities need to be incorporated on‐the‐fly. One important concern with optimization‐based methods is high peak RF power exceeding hardware or safety limits. Hence, online controllability of the peak RF power is essential. Variable‐rate selective excitation pulse reshaping is ideally suited to this problem due to its simplicity and low computational cost. In this work, we first improve the fidelity of variable‐rate selective excitation implementation for discrete‐time waveforms through waveform oversampling such that variable‐rate selective excitation can be robustly applied to numerically designed RF pulses. Then, a variable‐rate selective excitation‐guided numerical RF pulse design is suggested as an online RF pulse design framework, aiming to simultaneously control peak RF power and compensate for off‐resonance. Magn Reson Med 67:353–362, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Exploiting sparsity to accelerate noncontrast MR angiography in the context of parallel imaging
Authors: Storey Pippa , Otazo Ricardo , Lim Ruth P. , Kim Sooah , Fleysher Lazar , Oesingmann Niels , Lee Vivian S. , Sodickson Daniel K.
Published: September 2011

Noncontrast techniques for peripheral MR angiography are receiving renewed interest because of safety concerns about the use of gadolinium in patients with renal insufficiency. One class of techniques involves subtraction of dark‐blood images acquired during fast systolic flow from bright‐blood images obtained during slow diastolic flow. The goal of this work was to determine whether the inherent sparsity of the difference images could be exploited to achieve greater acceleration without loss of image quality in the context of generalized autocalibrating partially parallel acquisition (GRAPPA). It is shown that noise amplification at high acceleration factors can be reduced by performing subtraction on the raw data, before calculation of the GRAPPA weights, rather than on the final magnitude images. Use of the difference data to calculate the GRAPPA weights decreases the geometry factor (g‐factor), because the difference data represent a sparse image set. This demonstrates an inherent property of GRAPPA and does not require the use of compressed sensing. Application of this approach to highly accelerated data from healthy volunteers resulted in similar depiction of large arteries to that obtained with low acceleration and standard reconstruction. However, visualization of very small vessels and arterial branches was compromised. Magn Reson Med, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Ocular and generalized myasthenia gravis induced by human acetylcholine receptor γ subunit immunization
Authors: Wu Xiaorong , Tuzun Erdem , Li Jing , Xiao Tianlin , Saini Shamsher S. , Qi Huibin , Allman Windy , Christadoss Premkumar
Published: September 2011

Introduction: HLA‐DQ8 transgenic mice develop ocular myasthenia gravis (oMG), which then progresses to generalized MG (gMG) when immunized with the human acetylcholine receptor (H‐AChR) α subunit. Because the fetal AChR γ subunit is expressed in adult extraocular muscles, we anticipated that γ subunit immunization would generate an immune response to mouse AChR and induce MG in mice. Results: H‐AChR γ subunit immunization in HLA‐DQ8 mice induced an autoimmune response to mouse AChR and led to the destruction of AChR in the neuromuscular junction (NMJ) by anti‐AChR antibody and complement activation, and it triggered upregulation of AChR gene transcription. Conclusion: Our findings indicate that oMG may be induced by immunity to the AChR γ subunit. Muscle Nerve, 2012
High‐frequency sonography of the volar digital nerves of the hand
Authors: Kessler James M. , de la Lama Mauricio , Umans Hillary R. , Negron Judith
Published: September 2011

Introduction: The purpose of this study is to describe our technique for high‐frequency sonography of the volar digital nerves and to define the course, caliber, and morphology of normal volar digital nerves. Methods: The volar digital nerves of 10 volunteers were imaged in the long axis using a linear ultrasound transducer. Height, weight, glove size, and hand dominance were recorded. Each radial and ulnar nerve was divided into four segments. Segment thickness and depth were measured. A mixed model analysis for repeated measures was utilized (α = 0.05). Results: The average nerve thickness (NT) was 1.1 mm (± 0.01 SE), and the average nerve depth (ND) was 2.8 mm (± 0.04 SE). Neither NT nor ND demonstrated any significant correlation with height, age, weight, body mass index, or glove size. Nerves ranged in thickness from 0.7 to 1.5 mm and in depth from 0.7 to 6.8 mm. Conclusion: High‐frequency sonography permits high‐resolution imaging of the volar digital nerves. Muscle Nerve, 2012
A Winkler model approach for vertically and laterally loaded piles in nonhomogeneous soil
Authors: Hirai Hiroyoshi
Published: September 2011

An investigation is made to present analytical solutions provided by a Winkler model approach for the analysis of single piles and pile groups subjected to vertical and lateral loads in nonhomogeneous soils. The load transfer parameter of a single pile in nonhomogeneous soils is derived from the displacement influence factor obtained from Mindlin's solution for an elastic continuum analysis, without using the conventional form of the load transfer parameter adopting the maximum radius of the influence of the pile proposed by Randolph and Wroth. The modulus of the subgrade reaction along the pile in nonhomogeneous soils is expressed by using the displacement influence factor related to Mindlin's equation for an elastic continuum analysis to combine the elastic continuum approach with the subgrade reaction approach. The relationship between settlement and vertical load for a single pile in nonhomogeneous soils is obtained by using the recurrence equation for each layer. Using the modulus of the subgrade reaction represented by the displacement influence factor related to Mindlin's solution for the lateral load, the relationship between horizontal displacement, rotation, moment, and shear force for a single pile subjected to lateral loads in nonhomogeneous soils is available in the form of the recurrence equation. The comparison of the results calculated by the present method for single piles and pile groups in nonhomogeneous soils has shown good agreement with those obtained from the more rigorous finite element and boundary element methods. It is found that the present procedure gives a good prediction on the behavior of piles in nonhomogeneous soils. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Binary level set method for structural topology optimization with MBO type of projection
Authors: Mohamadian Mojtaba , Shojaee Saeed
Published: September 2011

In this paper, we use binary level set method and Merriman–Bence–Osher scheme for solving structural shape and topology optimization problems. In the binary level set method, the level set function can only take 1 and –1 values at convergence. Thus, it is related to phasefield methods. There is no need to solve the Hamilton–Jacobi equation so it is free of the CFL condition and the reinitialization scheme. This favorable property leads to the great time advantage of this method. We use additive operator splitting (AOS) and multiplicative operator splitting (MOS) schemes for solving optimization problems under some constraints In this work, we also combine the binary level set method with the Merriman–Bence–Osher scheme. The combined scheme is much more efficient than the conventional binary level set method. Several two‐dimensional examples are presented which demonstrate the effectiveness and robustness of proposed method. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
hp‐FEM for second moments of elliptic PDEs with stochastic data. I. Analytic regularity
Authors: Pentenrieder Bastian , Schwab Christoph
Published: September 2011

For a linear second order elliptic partial differential operator A : V → V′, we consider the boundary value problems Au = f with stationary Gaussian random data f over the dual V′ of the separable Hilbert space V in which the solution u is sought. The operator A is assumed to be deterministic and bijective. The unique solution u = A−1f is a Gaussian random field over V. It is characterized by its mean field Eu and its covariance Cu ∈ V ⊗ V. For a class of Gaussian data f with piecewise analytic covariance kernels Cf ∈ V′ ⊗ V′, we characterize analytic regularity of the covariance Cu of the Gaussian solution u in families of countably normed, weighted Sobolev spaces. To this end, we investigate shift theorems for the (nonhypoelliptic) deterministic tensor PDEs (A ⊗ A)Cu = Cf proposed by Schwab and Todor, (Numer Math 95 (2003), 707–734) for the computation of covariance Cu of the random solution u. The nonhypoelliptic nature of A ⊗ A implies that sing supp(Cu) is in general strictly larger than sing supp(Cf). For a model problem, analyticity and singular support of the solution is characterized completely. Based on our regularity results, we outline an hp‐finite element strategy (Pentenrieder, Ph.D thesis, ETHZurich, Dissertation No. 18729, 2009; Pentenrieder and Schwab, Research Report 2010‐08, Seminar for Applied Mathematics, ETH Zürich, Submitted) to approximate Cu stemming from covariances of stationary Gaussian data f. In the second part (Pentenrieder and Schwab, Research Report 2010–08, Seminar for Applied Mathematics, ETH Zürich, Submitted) of this work, we prove that this discretization gives exponential rates of convergence of the FE approximations, in terms of the number of degrees of freedom. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Numer Methods Partial Differential Eq, 2012
Like You Need a Hole in the Head: Tool Innovation a Possible Cause of Trephination. A Case from Kerma, Nubia
Authors: Martin D. C.
Published: September 2011

This paper presents one case from Kerma (ind‐14.1.595 or K317) which was initially reported to have a ‘fatal traumatic wound’ in the front of the skull. The individual has a dime sized, circular hole with no radiating or concentric fracture lines associated with it. It also shows clear evidence of healing along the inside edges of the pathology. This was according to the preliminary, and only, analysis performed when excavated at Kerma (1913–1916), which was most likely performed by a crew member not formerly trained in anthropology, or medical science. Differential diagnosis will be discussed with respect to this lesion actually being a form of traumatic injury, possible remnants of a bony tumour, and trephination, among other diagnoses. Trephination has been identified in ancient Egypt and Nubian studies, though it is a rarity. Although trephination is a possible cause for the present lesion, this example does not fit the morphology of any other examples of the practise from this region or time period. Given that there have been similar borings witnessed on architecture from the Egyptian Old Kingdom, this lesion may suggest implementation of an already present architectural tool for medical purposes among the Kerma Nubians. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Approaches to African communication management and public relations: a case for theory‐building on the continent
Authors: Mersham Gary , Skinner Chris , Rensburg Ronél
Published: September 2011

Most of the scholarly body of knowledge of public relations built up over the last three decades has been undertaken in Western countries. Naturally, these conceptual frameworks have been suited to those areas of the world. The focal point of the calls for a shift to a new, inclusive global economic order is the growing influence of the developing economies of the world. This, in turn, has important implications for public relations and communication management in these regions and internationally. Academic researchers could embark on building an African body of knowledge of public relations and theories based on an African philosophy and worldview. Against this background, the debate around whether a generic model of public relations in and for Africa is possible has been the subject of considerable debate. It has also been argued that shared, common African philosophical approaches can be identified, and that these have an important role in communication throughout Africa. This article describes some of the influences that might shape African theory‐building and raises a number of questions along the way such as: Can there be an exclusively African public relations model? What is the balance between Western and African influences in the synthesis of a hybrid model? What has Africa to offer to Western theory? Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Preparation and transport properties of PPy/PVDF composite membrane
Authors: Ozkorucuklu Sabriye Percin , Özdemir Kamile , Kır Esengül
Published: September 2011

In this work, composite cation‐exchange membrane was prepared by chemical polymerization of pyrrole on the surface of the poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) membrane using ferric ions. The changes in the surface morphologies of non‐modified and polymer‐modified PVDF membrane were investigated by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and atomic force microscopy. The ion‐exchange capacity, water uptake, and fixed group concentration of the composite membrane were investigated. The polypyrrole/PVDF composite membrane was used for the removal of copper (II), chromium (III), iron (III), and aluminum (III) ions from aqueous solution with Donnan dialysis experiments. The flux values (J) and recovery factors (RF) of Cu(II), Cr(III), Fe(III), and Al(III) were obtained. Because of the smaller ion charge and hydration volume, the transport of the Cu(II) ion is higher than that of the other metals. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Electrical resistance and heat generation of polypyrrole‐coated polyacrylonitrile nanofibrous and regular fibrous mats
Authors: Oroumei Azam , Tavanai Hossein , Morshed Mohammad
Published: September 2011

This article reports the effect of fiber diameter on the electrical resistance and heat generation of fibrous polyacrylonitrile (PAN) mats coated with polypyrrole during chemical in situ polymerization. Polypyrrole is one of the important intrinsically conducting polymers that perform similar to semiconductors. The electrical resistance of polypyrrole‐coated mats depends on the fiber diameter, the applied pressure on the surface of the mats, and the mat thickness. The electrical resistance of polypyrrole‐coated PAN fibrous mats decreases as fiber diameter decreases. Moreover, electrical resistance decreases considerably as the mat thickness as well as the applied pressure on it increases. It was also observed that the heat generated in polypyrrole‐coated PAN fibrous mats increases with voltage and duration of the applied voltage. Lower fiber diameter also leads to higher heat generation. Furthermore, electrical current increases rapidly in the initial stages of applying voltage and then shows a marginal increase. Considering their high specific surface area, nanofibers convey considerable improvement in the electrical conductivity as well as heat generation capacity of the mats made from them. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.