bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pooled analysis of AIDS malignancy consortium trials evaluating rituximab plus CHOP or infusional EPOCH chemotherapy in HIV‐associated non‐Hodgkin lymphoma
Authors: Barta Stefan K. , Lee Jeannette Y. , Kaplan Lawrence D. , Noy Ariela , Sparano Joseph A.
Published: December 2011

BACKGROUND:

Improved outcomes have recently been reported for rituximab (R) plus rituximab plus infusional etoposide, prednisone, vincristine, cyclophosphamide, and doxorubicin (R‐EPOCH) chemotherapy in patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)‐associated, aggressive B‐cell, non‐Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL). The objective of the current analysis was to assess whether patient selection or other factors contributed to this improvement and to identify patients who are at the greatest risk for lethal toxicity.

METHODS:

The authors performed a pooled analysis of 2 consecutive trials that included 150 patients with HIV‐associated NHL who received either R‐CHOP (n = 99; Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome [AIDS] Malignancy Consortium Trial 010 [AMC010]) or R‐EPOCH (n = 51; AMC034). Age‐adjusted International Prognostic Index (aaIPI), CD4 count at lymphoma diagnosis (<100/μL vs ≥100/μL), and treatment (R‐CHOP vs R‐EPOCH) were included as variables in a multivariate logistic regression model for complete response (CR) and in a Cox proportional hazards regression models for event‐free survival (EFS) and overall survival (OS).

RESULTS:

Features that were associated significantly with an improved CR rate and improved EFS and OS included a low aaIPI score and a baseline CD4 count ≥100/μL. When the analysis was adjusted for aaIPI and CD4 count, patients who received concurrent R‐EPOCH had improved EFS (hazard ratio [HR] 0.40; 95% confidence intervals [CI], 0.23, 0.69; P < .001) and OS (HR, 0.38; 95% CI, 0.21, 0.69; P < .01). Treatment‐associated death occurred significantly more often in patients with CD4 counts <50/μL (37% vs 6%; P < .01).

CONCLUSIONS:

The current analysis provided additional level 2 evidence supporting the use of concurrent R‐EPOCH in patients with HIV‐associated lymphoma and a CD4 count >50/μL, and the results support the design of an ongoing phase 3 trial comparing concurrent R‐EPOCH with R‐CHOP in immunocompetent patients with diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma (National Clinical Trial no. NCT00118209). Cancer 2012. © 2011 American Cancer Society.
Selective radiotherapy for the treatment of head and neck Merkel cell carcinoma
Authors: Lok Benjamin , Khan Sabrina , Mutter Robert , Liu Jeffrey , Fields Ryan , Pulitzer Melissa , Shi Weiji , Zhang Zhigang , Kraus Dennis , Pfister David , Busam Klaus J. , Brownell Isaac , Lee Nancy
Published: December 2011

BACKGROUND.

The role of radiotherapy (RT) in the management of Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is controversial. The authors of this report evaluated the rates and patterns of failure in a selected group of patients who underwent RT for MCC of the head and neck (HN).

METHODS.

The records of 145 consecutive patients with MCC of the HN who presented to the authors' institution between 1988 and 2009 were reviewed. Only patients who received RT at the institution were included. The cumulative incidence of locoregional failure (LRF), distant metastatic failure (DMF), disease progression (DP) and disease‐specific death (DSD) were estimated with death as a competing risk.

RESULTS.

Forty‐eight patients were identified. The median follow‐up was 51 months (range, 6‐220 months) for living patients. LRF developed in 5 patients (10%), and those patients had a median time to recurrence of 3 months. Two of the 5 LRFs were local and developed at the edge of the treatment field; the remaining 3 LRFs were in lymph nodes and occurred outside the treatment field. DMF developed in 12 patients (25%). The estimated 5‐year cumulative incidences of LRF, DP, and DSD were 10%, 30%, and 21%, respectively. Acute toxicities included 5 episodes (10%) of grade 3 dermatitis and 1 episode (2%) of grade 3 mucositis.

CONCLUSIONS.

The authors report a site‐specific series of patients with HN MCC who received RT. In this group of patients with adverse features, RT was well tolerated, and LRF was low. The propensity for MCC to recur at the edge of the treatment field suggests that generous margins are appropriate when RT is administered. Cancer 2012. © 2011 American Cancer Society.
Spinal projections of the A5, A6 (locus coeruleus), and A7 noradrenergic cell groups in rats
Authors: Bruinstroop Eveline , Cano Georgina , Vanderhorst Veronique G.J.M. , Cavalcante Judney C. , Wirth Jena , Sena‐Esteves Miguel , Saper Clifford B.
Published: December 2011

The pontine noradrenergic cell groups, A5, A6 (locus coeruleus), and A7, provide the only noradrenergic innervation of the spinal cord, but the individual contribution of each of these populations to the regional innervation of the spinal cord remains controversial. We used an adeno‐associated viral (AAV) vector encoding green fluorescent protein under an artificial dopamine beta‐hydroxylase (PRSx8) promoter to trace the spinal projections from the A5, A6, and A7 groups. Projections from all three groups travel through the spinal cord in both the lateral and ventral funiculi and in the dorsal surface of the dorsal horn, but A6 axons take predominantly the dorsal and ventral routes, whereas A5 axons take mainly a lateral and A7 axons a ventral route. The A6 group provides the densest innervation at all levels, and includes all parts of the spinal gray matter, but it is particularly dense in the dorsal horn. The A7 group provides the next most dense innervation, again including all parts of the spinal cord, but is it denser in the ventral horn. The A5 group supplies only sparse innervation to the dorsal and ventral horns and to the cervical and lumbosacral levels, but provides the densest innervation to the thoracic intermediolateral cell column, and in particular to the sympathetic preganglionic neurons. Thus, the pontine noradrenergic cell groups project in a roughly topographic and complementary fashion onto the spinal cord. The pattern of spinal projections observed suggests that the locus coeruleus might have the greatest effect on somatosensory transmission, the A7 group on motor function, and the A5 group on sympathetic function. J. Comp. Neurol. 520:1985–2001, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Electrical Bistability and WORM Memory Effects in Donor–Acceptor Polymers Based on Poly(N‐vinylcarbazole)
Authors: Zhang Bin , Liu Gang , Chen Yu , Wang Cheng , Neoh Koon‐Gee , Bai Ting , Kang En‐Tang
Published: December 2011

Bistable electrical conductivity switching behavior and write‐once, read‐many‐times (WORM) memory effects have been demonstrated in Al/polymer/ITO sandwich devices. These devices were constructed from two poly(N‐vinylcarbazole) derivatives with pendant donor–trap–acceptor (D‐T‐A) structures. The observed electrical bistability can be attributed to the field‐induced charge‐transfer interaction between the carbazole electron‐donor unit and the terminal electron‐acceptor unit, and subsequent charge trapping at the intermediate azobenzene chromophores. The charge‐transfer and trapping processes are further stabilized by the conformational relaxation of the total energy of the D‐T‐A system through donor–acceptor electrostatic interaction. The proposed switching and conduction mechanism is supported by density functional theory calculations, UV/Visible absorption spectra, core‐level X‐ray photoelectron spectra, and high‐resolution transmission electron microscopy images of the polymer thin films. The influence of the charge‐trapping effect of the azobenzene mediator is further explored by studying the electronic properties of two other poly(N‐vinylcarbazole) derivatives as the control samples, in which nitro or cyano acceptor groups are directly bonded to the carbazole electron‐donor moieties.
Recent advances in hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography (HILIC) for structural glycomics
Authors: Zauner Gerhild , Deelder André M. , Wuhrer Manfred
Published: December 2011

This review presents recent progress in employing hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography (HILIC) for glycan and glycopeptides analysis. After an introduction of this technique, the following themes are addressed: (i) implementation of HILIC in large‐scale studies for analyzing the human plasma N‐glycome; (ii) the use of HILIC UPLC (ultrahigh pressure liquid chromatography) for fast high‐resolution runs and its successful application with online MS for glycan and glycopeptide analysis; (iii) high‐throughput profiling using HILIC solid‐phase extraction in combination with MS detection; (iv) HILIC sample preparation for CE and CGE; (v) the latest glycoproteomic approaches implementing HILIC separation; (vi) future perspectives of HILIC including its use in large‐scale glycoproteomics studies such as the analysis of entire glycoproteomes at the glycopeptide level.
A reliable and efficient first principles‐based method for predicting pKa values. III. Adding explicit water molecules: Can the theoretical slope be reproduced and pKa values predicted more accurately?
Authors: Zhang Shuming
Published: December 2011

A popular method for predicting pKa values for organic molecules in aqueous solution is to establish empirical linear least‐squares fits between calculated deprotonation energies and known experimental pKa values. In virtually all such calculations, the empirically observed slope of the pKa vs. ΔE fit is significantly less than the theoretical value, 1/(2.303RT) (which is 0.73 mol/kcal at room temperature). In our own continuum solvation calculations (Zhang et al., J Phys Chem A 2010, 114, 432), the empirical slope for carboxylic acids was only 0.23 mol/kcal, despite the excellent fit to the experimental pKa values. There has been much speculation about the reason for this phenomenon. Although the ΔE – pKa relation neglects entropic effects, these are expected to largely cancel. The most likely cause for the strange behavior of the fitted slope is explicit solute–solvent (water) interactions, especially involving the ions, which cannot be described accurately by continuum solvation models. We used our previously developed pKa protocol (OLYP/6‐311+G(d,p)//3‐21G(d) with the COSMO solvation model) to investigate the effect of adding one or two explicit water molecules to the system. The slopes for organic acids (especially carboxylic acids) are much closer to the theoretical value when explicit water molecules are added to both the neutral molecule and the anion. However, explicit water molecules have almost no effect on the slopes for organic bases. Adding explicit water molecules to the ions only produces intermediate results. Unfortunately, linear fits involving explicit water molecules have much larger errors than with continuum solvation models alone and are also much more expensive. Consequently, they are not suitable for large‐scale pKa calculations. The results compared with literature values showed that our predicted pKas are more accurate. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comput Chem, 2011
Nanoleakage evaluation of resin luting systems to dental enamel and leucite‐reinforced ceramic
Authors: Prieto Lúcia Trazzi , Souza‐júnior Eduardo José , Araújo Cíntia Tereza Pimenta , Lima Adriano Fonseca , Dias Carlos Tadeu , Paulillo Luís Alexandre Maffei Sartini
Published: December 2011

Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate the nanoleakage patterns between dental enamel and reinforced leucite ceramic, bonded with resin luting systems and a flowable composite resin. Materials and Methods: Twelve crowns of bovine incisors were randomly divided into four groups (n = 3) according to the luting procedure: Excite/Variolink II, Clearfil SE Bond/Panavia F, Scotchbond Multi‐Purpose Plus/RelyX ARC, and Single Bond 2/Filtek Z350 Flow. To evaluate the nanoleakage patterns, IPS Empress Esthetic disks (5 mm Ø and 1.2‐mm thick) were bonded to enamel, and, after 24 h, the specimens were immersed in a 50% (w/v) solution of silver nitrate (24 h), fixed, dehydrated, and processed scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Results: None nanoleakage on interface of the groups that Single Bond 2 followed by the flowable composite were used. The highest percentage of nanoleakage was shown by the Excite/Variolink II protocol. Also, in all conditions tested, none silver nitrate uptake was observed between the leucite‐reinforced ceramic and the resin luting cement. Conclusions: The use of a two‐step etch‐and‐rinse adhesive with flowable composite was able to promote an adequate seal of the bond interface at the enamel. Moreover, the conventional dual‐cured resin cements associated with simplified and dual‐cured adhesives tested are also indicated to bond thin ceramics to enamel, since all presented low silver nitrate uptake. Microsc. Res. Tech., 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Split‐face randomized treatment of facial telangiectasia comparing pulsed dye laser and an intense pulsed light handpiece
Authors: Tanghetti Emil A.
Published: December 2011

Background and Objective

Facial telangiectasia and other vascular lesions have historically been effectively treated with the pulsed dye laser (PDL). This study compares the safety and efficacy of the PDL to an intense pulsed‐light (IPL) handpiece with dual‐band spectral absorption, shorter pulse widths, and constant output power.

Study Design/Materials and Methods

Sixteen subjects were enrolled with facial telangiectasia in this single‐site study. Subjects were randomized to receive up to two split‐face treatments 1 month apart with PDL on one side and IPL on the other. PDL treatments were performed at 595 nm with either a 10 or 7 mm spot at a fluence range of 8.1–14.5 J/cm2, and either 10 or 40 mseconds pulse width. Zimmer air cooling (setting of 4) and ultrasound gel were used for patient comfort. IPL treatments were performed with a spectral range of 500–670 and 870–1,200 nm, a 10 mm × 15 mm spot, fluence range of 34–70 J/cm2, either a 10 or 100 mseconds pulse width, and 5°C contact cooling. Safety assessments were conducted by the study investigator immediately, 48–96 hours and 1–2 months post‐treatment. Independent, blinded‐review assessments were conducted 3 months post‐treatment. Efficacy was evaluated using a seven‐point Telangiectasia Grading Scale (TGS: −1 to 5). Subject self‐assessment data were also collected.

Results

The difference in incidence rate and severity of adverse side effects between the two devices were not statistically significant (P ≥ 0.39, Fisher's exact test) at any of the three evaluation periods. Per blinded‐review assessment, the mean TGS score for both devices was 3.3 (IPL 95% CI: 2.8–3.7; PDL 95% CI: 2.9–3.8). The difference in blinded‐ratings for the two devices were not statistically significant (P = 0.82, ANOVA for repeated measures).

Conclusion

The IPL studied here successfully treated facial telangiectasia, resulting in equivalent safety and efficacy outcomes as compared to the PDL. Lasers Surg. Med. 44:97–102, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Simultaneous estimation of T2 and apparent diffusion coefficient in human articular cartilage in vivo with a modified three‐dimensional double echo steady state (DESS) sequence at 3 T
Authors: Staroswiecki Ernesto , Granlund Kristin L. , Alley Marcus T. , Gold Garry E. , Hargreaves Brian A.
Published: December 2011

T2 mapping and diffusion‐weighted imaging complement morphological imaging for assessing cartilage disease and injury. The double echo steady state sequence has been used for morphological imaging and generates two echoes with markedly different T2 and diffusion weighting. Modifying the spoiler gradient area and flip angle of the double echo steady state sequence allows greater control of the diffusion weighting of both echoes. Data from two acquisitions with different spoiler gradient areas and flip angles are used to simultaneously estimate the T2 and apparent diffusion coefficient of each voxel. This method is verified in phantoms and validated in vivo in the knee; estimates from different regions of interest in the phantoms and cartilage are compared to those obtained using standard spin‐echo methods. The Pearson correlations were 0.984 for T2 (∼2% relative difference between spin‐echo and double echo steady state estimates) and 0.997 for apparent diffusion coefficient (˜1% relative difference between spin‐echo and double echo steady state estimates) for the phantom study and 0.989 for T2 and 0.987 for apparent diffusion coefficient in regions of interest in the human knee in vivo. High accuracy for simultaneous three‐dimensional T2 and apparent diffusion coefficient measurements are demonstrated, while also providing morphologic three‐dimensional images without blurring or distortion in reasonable scan times. Magn Reson Med, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Absence of biallelic TCRγ deletion predicts induction failure and poorer outcomes in childhood T‐cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Authors: Yang Yung‐Li , Hsiao Chih‐Cheng , Chen Hsuan‐Yu , Lin Kai‐Hsin , Jou Shiann‐Tarng , Chen Jiann‐Shiuh , Chang Te‐Kau , Sheen Jiunn‐Ming , Yu Sung‐Liang , Lu Meng‐Yao , Cheng Chao‐Neng , Wu Kang‐Hsi , Wang Shih‐Chung , Wang Jiaan‐Der , Chang Hsiu‐Hao , Lin Shu‐Rung , Lin Shu‐Wha , Lin Dong‐Tsamn
Published: December 2011

Background

The absence of biallelic TCRγ deletion (ABD) is a characteristic of early thymocyte precursors before V(D)J recombination. The ABD was reported to predict early treatment failure in T‐cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). This study aimed to investigate its prognostic value in Taiwanese patients with T‐cell ALL.

Procedure

Forty‐five children with T‐cell ALL were enrolled from six medical centers in Taiwan. Quantitative DNA polymerase chain reaction (Q‐PCR) was performed to check the status of TCRγ deletion. The threshold for homozygous deletions by Q‐PCR was defined as a fold‐change <0.35.

Results

ABD was found in 20 patients [20:45] who had higher incidences of induction failure than those without ABD (P = 0.03; hazard ratio [HR] = 8.13; 95% confidence interval [95% CI] = 1.23–53.77) after multivariate regression analysis. Patents with ABD also had inferior EFS and OS (P = 0.071 and 0.0196, respectively). Multivariate Cox analysis indicated that the association between ABD and overall survival was independent of age and leukocyte count on presentation (P = 0.036; HR = 4.25; 95% CI = 1.10–16.42).

Conclusions

The absence of TCRγ deletion is a predictor of a poor response to induction chemotherapy for pediatric patients with T‐cell ALL in Taiwan. Providing patients with T‐cell ALL and ABD with alternative regimens may be worthwhile to test in future clinical trials. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2012; 58: 846–851. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Parameters Affecting the Efficient Delivery of Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticle Materials and Gold Nanorods into Plant Tissues by the Biolistic Method
Authors: Martin‐Ortigosa Susana , Valenstein Justin S. , Sun Wei , Moeller Lorena , Fang Ning , Trewyn Brian G. , Lin Victor S.‐Y. , Wang Kan
Published: December 2011

Applying nanotechnology to plant science requires efficient systems for the delivery of nanoparticles (NPs) to plant cells and tissues. The presence of a cell wall in plant cells makes it challenging to extend the NP delivery methods available for animal research. In this work, research is presented which establishes an efficient NP delivery system for plant tissues using the biolistic method. It is shown that the biolistic delivery of mesoporous silica nanoparticle (MSN) materials can be improved by increasing the density of MSNs through gold plating. Additionally, a DNA‐coating protocol is used based on calcium chloride and spermidine for MSN and gold nanorods to enhance the NP‐mediated DNA delivery. Furthermore, the drastic improvement of NP delivery is demonstrated when the particles are combined with 0.6 μm gold particles during bombardment. The methodology described provides a system for the efficient delivery of NPs into plant cells using the biolistic method.
Promoting entrepreneurship to alleviate poverty in India: An overview of government schemes, private‐sector programs, and initiatives in the citizens' sector
Authors: Goel Geetika , Rishi Meenakshi
Published: December 2011

In recent years, entrepreneurship has achieved significance as a driver of economic growth and poverty alleviation. This article focuses on various initiatives and entities that promote capacity building and entrepreneurship development among the poor in India and pays special attention to examining the ways in which these entities can better coordinate their efforts. The article first reviews the general literature on entrepreneurship and poverty eradication followed by a conceptual framework that models the efforts of the Indian government, the private sector, and the citizens' sector in promoting entrepreneurship and capacity building. This conceptual framework is utilized to discuss efforts of social entrepreneurs and self‐help groups (SHGs) in India as well as to present a general sectoral assessment of the poverty‐alleviation schemes in the subcontinent. The article's conclusions emphasize that neither markets alone nor governments alone are enough to eradicate poverty, especially in the Indian context. Instead, a trisectoral approach that recognizes the complementarities between the government, the private sector, and the citizens' sector and encourages these sectors to collaborate may be vital to the common goal of capacity building among India's poor. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
At the crossroads: Social and faith‐based entrepreneurship
Authors: Alderson Keanon J.
Published: December 2011

The term social entrepreneurship is relatively recent, coming into favor over the last 30 years (Dray‐ton, 2002). When discussing social entrepreneurship, it may be helpful to explore the role faith‐based organizations play within social entrepreneurship, a topic that has not received adequate attention in the scholarly literature. This article features a case study of a 118‐year‐old faith‐based organization and explores its ability to create positive change, both locally and internationally. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Skewed Sex Ratios at Birth and Future Marriage Squeeze in China and India, 2005–2100
Authors: Guilmoto Christophe Z.
Published: December 2011

I examine the potential impact of the anticipated future marriage squeeze on nuptiality patterns in China and India during the twenty-first century. I use population projections from 2005 to 2100 based on three different scenarios for the sex ratio at birth (SRB). To counteract the limitations of cross-sectional methods commonly used to assess the severity of marriage squeezes, I use a two-sex cohort-based procedure to simulate marriage patterns over the twenty-first century based on the female dominance model. I also examine two more-flexible marriage functions to illustrate the potential impact of changes in marriage schedules as a response to the marriage squeeze. Longitudinal indicators of marriage squeeze indicate that the number of prospective grooms in both countries will exceed that of prospective brides by more 50% for three decades in the most favorable scenario. Rates of male bachelorhood will not peak before 2050, and the squeeze conditions will be felt several decades thereafter, even among cohorts unaffected by adverse SRB. If the SRB is allowed to return to normalcy by 2020, the proportion of men unmarried at age 50 is expected to rise to 15% in China by 2055 and to 10% in India by 2065. India suffers from the additional impact of a delayed fertility transition on its age structures.
14‐3‐3σ regulation by p53 mediates a chemotherapy response to 5‐fluorouracil in MCF‐7 breast cancer cells via Akt inactivation
Authors: Zheng Guopei , Xiong Yan , Yi Sisi , Zhang Weijia , Peng Bo , Zhang Qiong , He Zhimin
Published: December 2011

We previously demonstrated that 14‐3‐3σ was downregulated in 5‐fluorouracil (5‐Fu)‐resistant MCF‐7 breast cancer cells (MCF‐7/5‐Fu). Here, we found that stably enhanced 14‐3‐3σ expression strengthened the effects of 5‐Fu, Mitoxantrone and cDDP. 14‐3‐3σ stabilised the p53 protein and bound Akt to inhibit its activity and its downstream targets: survivin, Bcl‐2 and NF‐κB‐p50. In addition, decreased p53 expression, but not promoter hypermethylation, was responsible for the downregulation of 14‐3‐3σ in MCF‐7/5‐Fu cells. Meanwhile, initial treatments with high concentrations of 5‐Fu clearly induced 14‐3‐3σ and p53 expression in a time‐dependent manner. 14‐3‐3σ‐mediated molecular events that synergise with p53 may play important roles in the chemotherapy of breast cancer.
Development of the child abuse and neglect reporting self‐efficacy questionnaire for nurses
Authors: Lee Pei‐Yu , Dunne Michael P. , Chou Fan‐Hao , Fraser Jennifer A.
Published: December 2011

Taiwan nurses are mandated to report known or suspected child abuse and neglect (CAN), and self‐efficacy is known to have an important influence on professional behaviors. The aim of this study was to develop and test the CAN reporting self‐efficacy (CANRSE) scale as a measure of nurses’ self‐efficacy to report CAN. A sample of 496 nurses from Southern Taiwanese hospitals used the CANRSE scale. The psychometric evaluation of the scale included content validity, exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses, convergent validity, as well as Cronbach's α and test−retest reliability. Satisfactory internal consistency (Cronbach's α = 0.92) and test−retest reliability were demonstrated. Confirmatory factor analysis supported the proposed models as having acceptable model fit. Exploratory factor analysis and regression analyses showed that the CANRSE scale had good construct validity and criterion‐related validity, respectively. Convergent validity was tested using the general self‐efficacy scale and was found to be satisfactory (r = 0.53). The results indicate the CANRSE is reliable and valid, and further testing of its predictive validity is recommended. It can be used to examine the influence of professional self‐efficacy in recognizing and reporting CAN cases and to evaluate the impact of training programs aimed at improving CAN reporting.
From discrete- to continuous-time ergodic theorems
Authors: BERGELSON V. , LEIBMAN A. , MOREIRA C. G.
Published: December 2011

We introduce methods that allow us to derive continuous-time versions of various discrete-time ergodic theorems. We then illustrate these methods by giving simple proofs and refinements of some known results as well as establishing new results of interest.
Risperidone normalizes increased inflammatory parameters and restores anti-inflammatory pathways in a model of neuroinflammation
Authors: MacDowell Karina S. , García-Bueno Borja , Madrigal José L. M. , Parellada Mara , Arango Celso , Micó Juan A. , Leza Juan C.
Published: December 2011

Inflammation, caused by both external and endogenous factors, has been implicated as a main pathophysiological feature of chronic mental illnesses, including schizophrenia. An increase in pro-inflammatory cytokines has been described both in experimental models and in schizophrenia patients. However, not much is known about the effects that antipsychotic drugs have on intra- and intercellular mechanisms controlling inflammation. The aim of the present study was to investigate the possible anti-inflammatory effect of a standard schizophrenia treatment not only at the level of soluble mediators, but also at intra- and intercellular inflammatory pathways. The present study was conducted in a model of mild neuroinflammation using a lipopolysaccharide (LPS) challenge that was not an endotoxaemic dose (0.5 mg/kg i.p.) in young adult rats. Main results: single doses of risperidone (0.3–3.0 mg/kg i.p.) prevented increased inflammatory parameters induced by LPS in brain cortex [expression of inflammatory cytokines, interleukin (IL)-1β and tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α, activity of the inducible inflammatory enzymes nitric oxide synthase and cyclooxygenase, p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and inflammatory nuclear transcription factor κB] and restored anti-inflammatory pathways decreased by LPS challenge (deoxyprostaglandins and peroxisome proliferator activated receptor γ). This is the first study demonstrating that risperidone elicits a preventive effect on the anti-inflammatory arm of the homeostatic mechanism controlling inflammation in a model of mild encephalitis in rats. Our findings suggest a possible protective effect of risperidone on brain cells.
Development of reduced tillage systems in organic farming in Europe
Authors: Mäder Paul , Berner Alfred
Published: December 2011

No-tillage and reduced tillage are considered sustainable options of conservation tillage. While US organic farming researchers have focused on no-tillage, European organic farming researchers have concentrated on reduced tillage through the reduction of tillage depth or the application of noninversion tillage practices. Combinations of these two approaches have been implemented by the use of the two-layer plow or the layer cultivator. These innovations often came from farmers, aiming at reducing off-farm inputs such as fuel, and saving costs and labor, while at the same time building up soil fertility. Systematic, documented research on reduced tillage systems in Europe started only 1–2 decades ago, with experiments in Germany, Switzerland and France. While most experiments mimic stockless farms, other experiments include fodder crops such as grass–clover ley and applications of manure and slurry as is typical for mixed farms with animals and crops. Soil organic carbon, microbial activity and soil structure are often improved in the upper soil layer under reduced tillage compared with plowed soils. However, these positive findings were confounded by lower yields in some cases and enhanced weed pressure, except for the two-layer plow. Often it was not possible to determine whether and to what extent yield reduction was due to weed competition or to nitrogen shortage, because of retarded nitrogen mineralization in spring in reduced tillage systems. In systems with manure use, also higher soil fertility measures concomitant with increased yields were reported under reduced tillage. Indeed, it is difficult to gain an overview on research activities dealing with reduced tillage in organic farming in Europe due to dispersed experimental infrastructures and the scarcity of peer-reviewed published literature. To close this knowledge gap a European Network is being established aiming at further developing reduced tillage systems in organic farming, addressing the issue of carbon sequestration and N2O emissions, as well as weed and nutrient management.
Encoding Tasks Dissociate the Effects of Divided Attention on Category-Cued Recall and Category-Exemplar Generation
Authors: Parker Andrew , Dagnall Neil , Munley Gary
Published: December 2011

The combined effects of encoding tasks and divided attention upon category-exemplar generation and category-cued recall were examined. Participants were presented with pairs of words each comprising a category name and potential example of that category. They were then asked to indicate either (i) their liking for both of the words or (ii) if the exemplar was a member of the category. It was found that divided attention reduced performance on the category-cued recall task under both encoding conditions. However, performance on the category-exemplar generation task remained invariant across the attention manipulation following the category judgment task. This provides further evidence that the processes underlying performance on conceptual explicit and implicit memory tasks can be dissociated, and that the intentional formation of category-exemplar associations attenuates the effects of divided attention on category-exemplar generation.
Decadal variability of the upper ocean heat content in the East/Japan Sea and its possible relationship to northwestern Pacific variability
Authors: Na Hanna , Kim Kwang‐Yul , Chang Kyung‐Il , Park Jong Jin , Kim Kuh , Minobe Shoshiro
Published: December 2011

The upper ocean heat content variability in the East/Japan Sea was investigated using a 40 year temperature and salinity data set from 1968 to 2007. Decadal variability was identified as the dominant mode of variability in the upper ocean (0–300 m) aside from the seasonal cycle. The decadal variability is strong to the west of northern Honshu, west of the Tsugaru Strait, and west of southern Hokkaido. Temperature anomalies at 50–125 m exhibit a large contribution to the decadal variability, particularly in the eastern part of the East/Japan Sea. The vertical structure of regressed temperature anomalies and the spatial patterns of regressed 10°C isotherms in the East/Japan Sea suggest that the decadal variability is related to upper ocean circulation in the East/Japan Sea. The decadal variability also exhibits an increasing trend, which indicates that the regions showing large decadal variations experienced warming on decadal time scales. Further analysis shows that the decadal variability in the East/Japan Sea is not locally isolated but is related to variability in the northwestern Pacific.
The existence of the edge region of the Antarctic stratospheric vortex
Authors: Roscoe Howard K. , Feng Wuhu , Chipperfield Martyn P. , Trainic Miriam , Shuckburgh Emily F.
Published: December 2011

New evidence from models, ozone measurements and balloon trajectories is presented that confirms the existence of a broad cohesive region of air at the edge of the Antarctic stratospheric vortex that is only weakly mixed with the core of the vortex. Comprehensive measurements by Antarctic ozonesondes in 2003 show quite different evolution in the edge region than in the core. With one exception, long duration balloons launched from Antarctica in spring 2005 remained confined to either the edge region of the vortex or its core. Calculations of effective diffusivity for 2003 and 2005 show similarly weak mixing in the edge region as earlier calculations for 1996. They again show that the edge region is a significant proportion of the area of the ozone hole. Its importance lies in the possibility that, unmixed, it can have more polar stratospheric clouds during the course of the 21st century, thereby delaying the recovery of the ozone hole.
Transport of Asian ozone pollution into surface air over the western United States in spring
Authors: Lin Meiyun , Fiore Arlene M. , Horowitz Larry W. , Cooper Owen R. , Naik Vaishali , Holloway John , Johnson Bryan J. , Middlebrook Ann M. , Oltmans Samuel J. , Pollack Ilana B. , Ryerson Tomas B. , Warner Juying X. , Wiedinmyer Christine , Wilson John , Wyman Bruce
Published: December 2011

Many prior studies clearly document episodic Asian pollution in the western U.S. free troposphere. Here, we examine the mechanisms involved in the transport of Asian pollution plumes into western U.S. surface air through an integrated analysis of in situ and satellite measurements in May–June 2010 with a new global high‐resolution (∼50 × 50 km2) chemistry‐climate model (GFDL AM3). We find that AM3 with full stratosphere‐troposphere chemistry nudged to reanalysis winds successfully reproduces observed sharp ozone gradients above California, including the interleaving and mixing of Asian pollution and stratospheric air associated with complex interactions of midlatitude cyclone air streams. Asian pollution descends isentropically behind cold fronts; at ∼800 hPa a maximum enhancement to ozone occurs over the southwestern U.S., including the densely populated Los Angeles Basin. During strong episodes, Asian emissions can contribute 8–15 ppbv ozone in the model on days when observed daily maximum 8‐h average ozone (MDA8 O3) exceeds 60 ppbv. We find that in the absence of Asian anthropogenic emissions, 20% of MDA8 O3exceedances of 60 ppbv in the model would not have occurred in the southwestern USA. For a 75 ppbv threshold, that statistic increases to 53%. Our analysis indicates the potential for Asian emissions to contribute to high‐O3episodes over the high‐elevation western USA, with implications for attaining more stringent ozone standards in this region. We further demonstrate a proof‐of‐concept approach using satellite CO column measurements as a qualitative early warning indicator to forecast Asian ozone pollution events in the western U.S. with lead times of 1–3 days.
An extended “perfect‐plasticity” method for estimating ice thickness along the flow line of mountain glaciers
Authors: Li Huilin , Ng Felix , Li Zhongqin , Qin Dahe , Cheng Guodong
Published: December 2011

Direct measurement of the thickness of mountain glaciers is difficult over large areas, yet knowledge of the thickness is essential for calculating their volumes and future evolution. We develop a new method for estimating the ice thickness along glacier flow lines, using the “perfect‐plasticity” rheological assumption that relates the thickness and surface slope to a yield stress. Previous studies have used this assumption with the shallow‐ice approximation to estimate the ice thickness, but the standard approach neglects the effect of side drag on glacier stress balance. Our method addresses this shortcoming and extends the standard method by accounting for the side drag via the glacier width. Besides the assumed yield stress, the inputs for our method are the outline and surface topography of the glacier; surface velocity and mass balance data are unnecessary. We validated the extended method on five glaciers in northwest China where thickness data are available from radio echo soundings, finding that it can reproduce measured thicknesses with a mean absolute error of 11.8% (like the standard method). Moreover, for long glacier tongues confined to flow between parallel valley sides, this method is found to give more accurate thickness estimates than does the standard method, with a mean absolute error of as low as 5.3%. Sensitivity analysis shows that the estimated ice thickness depends strongly on yield stress and surface slope and less strongly on glacier width. Because this method is physically more realistic than the standard method and its inputs are easily derivable from remote‐sensing observations, it has the potential to be used for processing large glacier data sets.
Preferential Ductus Venosus Streaming Toward the Right Heart Is Associated with Left Heart Underdevelopment and Aortic Arch Hypoplasia in Human Fetuses
Authors: Stressig R. , Axt-Fliedner R. , Gembruch U. , Kohl T.
Published: December 2011

Purpose: Preferential left heart underdevelopment in human fetuses with diaphragmatic hernia is almost uniformly associated with preferential streaming of the ductus venosus toward the right side of the heart. The purpose of our study was to examine whether this flow anomaly might also be present in other fetuses with hypoplasia of left-sided cardiovascular structures.

Materials and Methods: We studied 32 fetuses with left heart hypoplasia as defined by gestational age-related Z-scores by echocardiography. Apart from defining cardiovascular morphology as detailed as possible, particular focus was put on the presence or absence of preferential streaming of the ductus venosus and inferior caval vein toward the right side of the heart.

Results: 8 of 32 fetuses with hypoplasia of one or more left-sided cardiovascular structures exhibited preferential streaming of the ductus venosus toward the right side of the heart. In all eight fetuses, this finding was associated with additional cardiovascular anomalies like aortic valve stenosis, ventricular septal defect, left superior caval vein-to-coronary sinus, pulmonary vein stenosis and/or aortic arch hypoplasia.

Conclusion: As in human fetuses with left diaphragmatic hernia, preferential ductus venosus streaming toward the right side of the heart can be found in a subgroup of fetuses with hypoplasia of left-sided cardiovascular structures.
Electronic structure of NiO layers grown on Al2O3 and SiO2 using metallo-organic chemical vapour deposition
Authors: Chou H. Y. , Badylevich M. , Afanas’ev V. V. , Houssa M. , Stesmans A. , Meersschaut J. , Goux L. , Kittl J. A. , Wouters D. J.
Published: December 2011

Analysis of electron states in nanometer-thin NiO layers grown by metallo-organic chemical vapor deposition on SiO2 or Al2O3 by means of spectroscopic ellipsometry and internal photoemission measurements points to the presence of a metal-like electron density, in correlation with the enhanced electrical conductivity of the films. These metallic states are suggested to be related to Ni clusters formed by partial reduction of NiO by hydrogen-containing by-products of the deposition reaction.
Size effect of flexible proof mass on the mechanical behavior of micron-scale cantilevers for energy harvesting applications
Authors: Kim Miso , Hong Seungbum , Miller Dean J. , Dugundji John , Wardle Brian L.
Published: December 2011

Mechanical behavior of micron-scale cantilevers with a distributed, flexible proof mass is investigated to understand proof mass size effects on the performance of microelectromechanical system energy harvesters. Single-crystal silicon beams with proof masses of various lengths were fabricated using focused ion beam milling and tested using atomic force microscopy. Comparison of three different modeling results with measured data reveals that a “two-beam” method has the most accurate predictive capability in terms of both resonant frequency and strain. Accurate strain prediction is essential because energy harvested scales with strain squared and maximum strain will be a design limit in fatigue.
Emission and detection of surface acoustic waves by AlGaN/GaN high electron mobility transistors
Authors: Shao Lei , Zhang Meng , Banerjee Animesh , Bhattacharya Pallab , Pipe Kevin P.
Published: December 2011

Using integrated interdigital transducers (IDTs), we demonstrate the emission of surface acoustic waves (SAWs) by AlGaN/GaN high electron mobility transistors (HEMTs) under certain bias conditions through dynamic screening of the HEMTs vertical field by modulation of its two-dimensional electron gas. We show that a strong SAW signal can be detected if the IDT geometry replicates the HEMT electrode geometry at which RF bias is applied. In addition to characterizing SAW emission during both gate-source and drain-source modulation, we demonstrate SAW detection by HEMTs. Integrated HEMT-IDT structures could enable real-time evaluation of epitaxial degradation as well as high-speed, amplified detection of SAWs.
Influence of frequency tuning and double-frequency heating on ions extracted from an electron cyclotron resonance ion source
Authors: Maimone F. , Celona L. , Lang R. , Mäder J. , Roßbach J. , Spädtke P. , Tinschert K.
Published: December 2011

The electromagnetic field within the plasma chamber of an electron cyclotron resonance ion source (ECRIS) and the properties of the plasma waves affect the plasma properties and ion beam production. We have experimentally investigated the “frequency tuning effect” and “double frequency heating” on the CAPRICE ECRIS device. A traveling wave tube amplifier, two microwave sweep generators, and a dedicated experimental set-up were used to carry out experiments in the 12.5–16.5 GHz frequency range. During the frequency sweeps the evolution of the intensity and shape of the extracted argon beam were measured together with the microwave reflection coefficient. A range of different ion source parameter settings was used. Here we describe these experiments and the resultant improved understanding of these operational modes of the ECR ion source.
Microwell perfusion array for high-throughput, long-term imaging of clonal growth
Authors: Chen Huaying , Li Jingjing , Zhang Han , Li Musen , Rosengarten Gary , Nordon Robert E.
Published: December 2011

Continuous cell tracking by time-lapse microscopy has led to detailed study of cell differentiation pathways using single cell fate maps. There are a multitude of cell fate outcomes, so hundreds of clonal division histories are required to measure these stochastic branching processes. This study examines the principle of condensing cell imaging information into a relatively small region to maximize live cell imaging throughput. High throughput clonal analysis of non-adherent cells by continuous live cell tracking was possible using a microwell perfusion array with an internal volume of 16 μl and 600 microwells at the base. This study includes examination of biocompatibility of buffer systems, connecting tubing, cell culture substrates, and media degradation. An intermittent perfusion protocol was selected for long-term time-lapse imaging of KG1a cells in the microwell array; 1500 clones were simultaneously cultured and scanned every 3 min at 100 × magnifications for 6 days. The advantages of perfusion microwell culture are continuous long-term cell tracking, higher cell imaging throughput, and greater control over cell microenvironment. Microwell devices facilitate high throughput analysis of cell lineage development and measurement of the probability distribution for cell life events such as mitosis.
Perforin activity at membranes leads to invaginations and vesicle formation
Authors: Praper Tilen , Sonnen Andreas F.-P. , Kladnik Aleš , Andrighetti Alberto O. , Viero Gabriella , Morris Keith J. , Volpi Emanuela , Lunelli Lorenzo , Serra Mauro Dalla , Froelich Christopher J. , Gilbert Robert J. C. , Anderluh Gregor
Published: December 2011

The cytotoxic cell granule secretory pathway is essential for immune defence. How the pore-forming protein perforin (PFN) facilitates the cytosolic delivery of granule-associated proteases (granzymes) remains enigmatic. Here we show that PFN is able to induce invaginations and formation of complete internal vesicles in giant unilamellar vesicles. Formation of internal vesicles depends on native PFN and calcium and antibody labeling shows the localization of PFN at the invaginations. This vesiculation is recapitulated in large unilamellar vesicles and in this case PFN oligomers can be seen associated with the necks of the invaginations. Capacitance measurements show PFN is able to increase a planar lipid membrane surface area in the absence of pore formation, in agreement with the ability to induce invaginations. Finally, addition of PFN to Jurkat cells causes the formation of internal vesicles prior to pore formation. PFN is capable of triggering an endocytosis-like event in addition to pore formation, suggesting a new paradigm for its role in delivering apoptosis-inducing granzymes into target cells.
Energetics of short hydrogen bonds in photoactive yellow protein
Authors: Saito Keisuke , Ishikita Hiroshi
Published: December 2011

Recent neutron diffraction studies of photoactive yellow protein (PYP) proposed that the H bond between protonated Glu46 and the chromophore [ionized
p
-coumaric acid (
p
CA)] was a low-barrier H bond (LBHB). Using the atomic coordinates of the high-resolution crystal structure, we analyzed the energetics of the short H bond by two independent methods: electrostatic
pK

a

calculations and a quantum mechanical/molecular mechanical (QM/MM) approach. (
i
) In the QM/MM optimized geometry, we reproduced the two short H-bond distances of the crystal structure: Tyr42-
p
CA (2.50 Å) and Glu46-
p
CA (2.57 Å). However, the H atoms obviously belonged to the Tyr or Glu moieties, and were not near the midpoint of the donor and acceptor atoms. (
ii
) The potential-energy curves of the two H bonds resembled those of standard asymmetric double-well potentials, which differ from those of LBHB. (
iii
) The calculated
pK

a

values for Glu46 and
p
CA were 8.6 and 5.4, respectively. The
pK

a

difference was unlikely to satisfy the prerequisite for LBHB. (
iv
) The LBHB in PYP was originally proposed to stabilize the ionized
p
CA because deprotonated Arg52 cannot stabilize it. However, the calculated
pK

a

of Arg52 and QM/MM optimized geometry suggested that Arg52 was protonated on the protein surface. The short H bond between Glu46 and ionized
p
CA in the PYP ground state could be simply explained by electrostatic stabilization without invoking LBHB.