bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Biological properties of garlic and garlic‐derived organosulfur compounds
Authors: Iciek Małgorzata , Kwiecień Inga , Włodek Lidia
Published: February 2009

Medicinal properties of garlic (Allium sativum) have been widely known and used since ancient times till the present. Garlic enhances immune functions and has antibacterial, antifungal and antivirus activities. It is known to prevent platelet aggregation, and to have hypotensive and cholesterol‐ and triglyceride‐lowering properties, although the latter features have been questioned. This review is focused on anticancer efficacy of Allium sativum, and attempts to explain the mechanisms of this action. Medicinal properties of garlic rely upon organosulfur compounds mostly derived from alliin. Organosulfur compounds originating from garlic inhibit carcinogen activation, boost phase 2 detoxifying processes, cause cell cycle arrest mostly in G2/M phase, stimulate the mitochondrial apoptotic pathway, increase acetylation of histones. Garlic‐derived sulfur compounds influence also gap‐junctional intercellular communication and participate in the development of multidrug resistance. This review presents also other little known aspects of molecular action of garlic‐derived compounds, like modulation of cellular redox state, involvement in signal transduction and post‐translational modification of proteins by sulfane sulfur or by formation of mixed disulfides (S‐thiolation reactions). Environ. Mol. Mutagen. 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Nuclear powered CO2 capture from the atmosphere
Authors: Sherman Steven R.
Published: February 2009

A process for capturing CO2 from the atmosphere was recently proposed. This process uses a closed cycle of sodium and calcium hydroxide, carbonate, and oxide transformations to capture dilute CO2 from the atmosphere and to generate a concentrated stream of CO2 that is amenable to sequestration or subsequent chemical transformations. In one of the process steps, a fossil‐fueled lime kiln is needed, which reduces the net CO2 capture of the process. It is proposed to replace the fossil‐fueled lime kiln with a modified kiln heated by a high‐temperature nuclear reactor. This will have the effect of eliminating the use of fossil fuels for the process and increasing the net CO2 capture. Although the process is suitable to support sequestration, the use of a nuclear power source for the process provides additional capabilities, and the captured CO2 may be combined with nuclear‐produced hydrogen to manufacture liquid fuels via Fischer‐Tropsch synthesis or other technologies. Conceivably, such plants would be carbon‐neutral and could be placed virtually anywhere without being tied to fossil fuel sources or geological sequestration sites. © 2009 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 2009
Using LCA to enhance EMS: Pulp and paper case study
Authors: Gaudreault Caroline , Samson Réjean , Stuart Paul R.
Published: February 2009

Life cycle thinking and life cycle management (LCM) are concepts which have been gaining increasing attention from the industry. However, there is a need for tools and methods to make these concepts operational. Environmental management systems (EMS) and life cycle assessment (LCA) are mature tools that can be used to support the implementation of LCM within organizations. This article proposes a methodology for the integration of these tools. More specifically, it addresses the importance of LCA methodological choices in this context. A pulp and paper case study is used to illustrate the methodology. The potential of using such an integrated framework for assessing the environmental implications of capital investment projects is also underlined. It is concluded that the integration is possible but that conventional EMS evaluation is still required. © 2009 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 2009
Capital cost prediction for biogas installations in Africa: Lang factor approach
Authors: Amigun B. , von Blottnitz H.
Published: February 2009

Sub‐Saharan African countries are well‐suited for the biogas digester technology because of their warm climates and availability of animal manure. This technology could serve as a means to overcome energy poverty, which poses a constant barrier to economic development in Africa. A generative type of capital cost estimation based on knowledge of flowsheet and major equipment, which can be used by investors to indicate the magnitude of the proposed investment and help to provide other information, including the profitability of the project, was employed. In this study, three operating, small to medium scale biogas plants and one commercial scale biogas was used to determine the cost structure. Analysis of the breakdown of the fixed capital investment (FCI) cost, based on the principle of factorial method of capital cost estimation and using Lang factor (fL) analysis was used to create an econometric model for calculating FCI. A Lang factor (fL) value of 2.63, 2.91, and 3.04 has been obtained for small/medium scale biogas plants in two African locations. Calibration of the factors revealed that fL value of 2.63 gives a better cost prediction. The verification of the correctness of the performance model also revealed that the model satisfies all the three Conte's criteria indicating that the model is sufficient for the purpose of effort estimation. An estimated fL value of 1.79 was obtained for the large scale biogas plant. © 2009 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 2009
Seasonal soil aggregate stability variation in relation to rainfall and temperature under Mediterranean conditions
Authors: Dimoyiannis D.
Published: February 2009

Aggregate stability, one of the main factors controlling soil erodibility, varies over time. Knowledge of its variation would help to identify better soil management practices. In 10 soils from central Greece devoted to cereal cropping, seasonal wet aggregate stability (WAS) fluctuations were investigated over a period of two successive years. The wet‐sieving technique of air‐dried aggregates was used for WAS determinations, according to a test resulting in an instability index calculation. Over the first year, when typical Mediterranean climatic conditions dominated, WAS varied according to a nearly cyclic pattern, from a low in winter or early‐spring months to a high in summer months. The instability index varied from a high between 123–152% of annual average to a low between 58–83% of annual average. Total monthly rainfall (TR) and mean monthly air temperature (MAT) strongly correlated with seasonal WAS. Their ratio (TR/MAT, ombrothermic ratio) has been proved to be a good predictor of structural stability throughout the year, for most of the soils studied. Possible mechanisms deteriorating aggregation seemed to be raindrop impact, repeated soil drying and wetting and repeated soil freezing and thawing, while possible mechanisms promoting aggregation seemed to be soil drying and warming and biological activity. Over the second year, severe climatic inconsistencies complicated the seasonal pattern of WAS response. From January to March, WAS unexpectedly increased, obtaining its maximum value for most of the soils in March, then it varied inconsistently until October and thereafter decreased, obtaining its minimum value in December for all soils. The instability index varied from a high between 130–196% of annual average to a low between 61–83% of annual average. Uneven seasonal distribution of climatic characteristics and extreme events decisively modified the typical for Mediterranean conditions seasonal WAS variation pattern. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Analysis of the Ripple Current in a 5 kW Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cell Stack
Authors: Ladewig B. P. , Lapicque F.
Published: February 2009

Polymer electrolyte fuel cell systems are increasingly being used in applications requiring an inverter to convert the direct current (DC) output of the stack to an alternating current (AC). These inverters, and other time‐varying inputs to the stack such as the anode feed pressure, cause deviations from the average stack current, or ripple currents, which are undesirable for reasons of performance and durability. A dynamic fuel cell model has been developed and validated against experimental data for a 5 kW fuel cell stack, examining in detail the ripple current behaviour. It was shown that the ripple currents exceed the 2% maximum recommended value, and may lead to long‐term degradation of the fuel cell stack.
Pyridoxal‐5′‐phosphate phosphatase/chronophin inhibits long‐term potentiation induction in the rat dentate gyrus
Authors: Kim Ji‐Eun , Kim Dae‐Won , Kwak Sung‐Eun , Ryu Hea Jin , Yeo Seong‐Il , Kwon Oh‐Shin , Choi Soo‐Young , Kang Tae‐Cheon
Published: February 2009

Pyridoxal‐5′‐phosphate (PLP)‐phosphatase/chronophin (PLPP/CIN) directly dephosphorylates actin‐depolymerizing factor (ADF)/cofilin as well as PLP. Although PLPP/CIN plays a role in the regulation of F‐actin and vitamin B6metabolism, there is no direct evidence to support a correlation between PLPP/CIN and F‐actin polymerization during long‐term potentiation (LTP) induction. In this study, we investigated whether the expression of PLPP/CIN is altered following LTP induction, and whether Tat‐PLPP/CIN transduction affects LTP induction in the rat dentate gyrus (DG). PLPP/CIN immunoreactivity was markedly decreased in dentate granule cells after the induction of LTP. Tat‐PLPP/CIN transduction (20 and 200 μg/kg) decreased the efficiency of high frequency stimulus‐induced potentiation of populations spike amplitude as compared to saline or Tat‐protein‐treated animals. The PLPP/CIN protein level showed an inverse correlation with phosphorylated ADF/cofilin levels and F‐actin content. These findings suggest that PLPP/CIN‐mediated actin dynamics may play an important role in the changes of morphological properties (dendritic spine reorganization) of the hippocampus in LTP. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Genistein depletes telomerase activity through cross‐talk between genetic and epigenetic mechanisms
Authors: Li Yuanyuan , Liu Liang , Andrews Lucy G. , Tollefsbol Trygve O.
Published: February 2009

Genistein, a natural isoflavone found in soybean products, has been reported to down‐regulate telomerase activity and that this prevents cancer and contributes to the apoptosis of cancer cells. However, the precise molecular mechanism by which genistein represses telomerase is not clear. Here, we show that genistein inhibits the transcription of hTERT (human telomerase reverse transcriptase), the catalytic subunit of the human telomerase enzyme, in breast MCF10AT benign cells and MCF‐7 cancer cells in a time‐ and dose‐dependent manner. Three major DNA methyltransferases (DNMT1, 3a and 3b) were also decreased in genistein‐treated breast cancer cells suggesting that genistein may repress hTERT by impacting epigenetic pathways. Sequential depletion of the hTERT promoter revealed that the hTERT core promoter region is responsible for the genistein‐induced repression of hTERT transcription. Using a newly developed technique of chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP)‐related bifulfite sequencing analysis, we found an increased binding of E2F‐1 to the hTERT promoter is due to the site‐specific hypomethylation of the E2F‐1 recognition site. In addition, we found that genistein can remodel chromatin structures of the hTERT promoter by increasing trimethyl‐H3K9 but decreasing dimethyl‐H3K4 in the hTERT promoter. The repression of hTERT was enhanced by combination with genistein and the DNMT inhibitor, 5‐aza‐2′‐deoxycytidine (5‐aza‐dCyd). These findings collectively show that genistein is working, at least in part, through epigenetic mechanisms of telomerase inhibition in breast benign and cancer cells and may facilitate approaches to breast cancer prevention and treatment using an epigenetic modulator combined with genistein. © 2009 UICC
Interferon‐γ reverses the immunosuppressive and protumoral properties and prevents the generation of human tumor‐associated macrophages
Authors: Duluc Dorothée , Corvaisier Murielle , Blanchard Simon , Catala Laurent , Descamps Philippe , Gamelin Erick , Ponsoda Stéphane , Delneste Yves , Hebbar Mohamed , Jeannin Pascale
Published: February 2009

Tumor‐associated macrophages (TAM) are M2d‐polarized cells (IL‐10high, IL‐12low, ILT3high, CD86low) that accumulate in tumor microenvironment. TAM inhibit antitumor T lymphocyte generation and function, contribute to tumor tolerance and are trophic for tumors. In this study, we investigated whether some immunological factors may reverse TAM immunosuppressive properties. Among 32 cytokines, we have identified IFNγ on its ability to switch immunosuppressive TAM into immunostimulatory cells. Upon IFNγ exposure, TAM purified from ovarian cancer ascites recover a M1 phenotype (IL‐10low, IL‐12high), express high levels of CD86 and low levels of ILT3, enhance the proliferation of CD4+ T lymphocytes and potentiate the cytotoxic properties of a MelanA‐specific CD8+ T cell clone. IFNγ‐treated TAM also secreted reduced levels of mediators promoting suppressive T cell accumulation (CCL18) and trophic for tumors (VEGF and MMP9). As TAM derive from the local differentiation of peripheral blood monocytes, we investigated whether IFNγ may also affect TAM generation. In the presence of ovarian ascites, IFNγ skewed monocyte differentiation from TAM‐like cells to M1‐polarized immunostimulatory macrophages. Together, these data show that IFNγ overcomes TAM‐induced immunosuppression by preventing TAM generation and functions. These data highlight that IFNγ used locally at the tumor site could potentiate the efficacy of antitumor immunotherapies based on the generation of effector T cells. © 2009 UICC
The induction of autophagy by γ‐radiation contributes to the radioresistance of glioma stem cells
Authors: Lomonaco Stephanie L. , Finniss Susan , Xiang Cunli , DeCarvalho Ana , Umansky Felix , Kalkanis Steven N. , Mikkelsen Tom , Brodie Chaya
Published: February 2009

Malignant gliomas are characterized by a short median survival which is largely impacted by the resistance of these tumors tochemo‐ and radiotherapy. Recent studies suggest that a small subpopulation of cancer stem cells, which are highly resistant to γ‐radiation, has the capacity to repopulate the tumors and contribute to their malignant progression. γ‐radiation activates the process of autophagy and inhibition of this process increases the radiosensitivity of glioma cells; however, the role of autophagy in the resistance of glioma stem cells (GSCs) to radiation has not been yet reported. In this study we examined the induction of autophagy by γ‐radiation in CD133+ GSCs. Irradiation of CD133+ cells induced autophagy within 24–48 hr and slightly decreased the viability of the cells. γ‐radiation induced a larger degree of autophagy in the CD133+ cells as compared with CD133− cells and the CD133+ cells expressed higher levels of the autophagy‐related proteins LC3, ATG5 and ATG12. The autophagy inhibitor bafilomycin A1 and silencing of ATG5 and beclin1 sensitized the CD133+ cells to γ‐radiation and significantly decreased the viability of the irradiated cells and their ability to form neurospheres. Collectively, these results indicate that the induction of autophagy contributes to the radioresistance of these cells and autophagy inhibitors may be employed to increase the sensitivity of CD133+ GSCs to γ‐radiation. © 2009 UICC
Histone deacetylase inhibitors suppress thymidylate synthase gene expression and synergize with the fluoropyrimidines in colon cancer cells
Authors: Fazzone William , Wilson Peter M. , LaBonte Melissa J. , Lenz Heinz‐Josef , Ladner Robert D.
Published: February 2009

Despite recent therapeutic advances, the response rates to chemotherapy for patients with metastatic colon cancer remain at ∼50% with the fluoropyrimidine, 5‐fluorouracil (5‐FU), continuing to serve as the foundation chemotherapeutic agent for the treatment of this disease. Previous studies have demonstrated that overexpression of thymidylate synthase (TS) is a key determinant of resistance to 5‐FU‐based chemotherapy. Therefore, there is a significant need to develop alternative therapeutic strategies to overcome TS‐mediated resistance. In this study, we demonstrate that the histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACi) vorinostat and LBH589 significantly downregulate TS gene expression in a panel of colon cancer cell lines. Downregulation of TS was independent of p53, p21 and HDAC2 expression and was achievablein vivoas demonstrated by mouse xenograft models. We provide evidence that HDACi treatment leads to a potent transcriptional repression of the TS gene. Combination of the fluoropyrimidines 5‐FU or FUdR with both vorinostat and LBH589 enhanced cell cycle arrest and growth inhibition. Importantly, the downstream effects of TS inhibition were significantly enhanced by this combination including the inhibition of acute TS induction and the enhanced accumulation of the cytotoxic nucleotide intermediate dUTP. These data demonstrate that HDACi repress TS expression at the level of transcription and provides the first evidence suggesting a direct mechanistic link between TS downregulation and the synergistic interaction observed between HDACi and 5‐FU. This study provides rationale for the continued clinical evaluation of HDACi in combination with 5‐FU‐based therapies as a strategy to overcome TS‐mediated resistance. © 2009 UICC
Prediagnostic circulating follicle stimulating hormone concentrations and ovarian cancer risk
Authors: McSorley Meghan A. , Alberg Anthony J. , Allen Diane S. , Allen Naomi E. , Brinton Louise A. , Dorgan Joanne F. , Kaaks Rudolf , Rinaldi Sabina , Helzlsouer Kathy J.
Published: February 2009

Gonadotropins have been indicted in ovarian carcinogenesis but direct evidence has been limited and inconsistent. The aim of this study was to determine the association between prediagnostic levels of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and subsequent development of invasive epithelial ovarian cancer. A nested case‐control study was conducted using cases and controls drawn from three cohorts: CLUE I and CLUE II of Washington County, MD, and the Island of Guernsey Study, United Kingdom. In total, 67 incident invasive epithelial ovarian cancer cases were each matched to 1 to 2 controls on age, menopausal status, time since last menstrual period, current hormone use and other relevant factors. FSH concentrations were classified into ranked thirds of low, medium or high based on the distribution among controls. Conditional logistic regression was used to estimate the odds ratio (OR) across increasing thirds of FSH concentrations. Results of the analysis showed that ovarian cancer risk decreased with higher FSH concentrations (p‐trend = 0.005). Compared with the lowest third of FSH concentrations, the OR among those in the middle and highest thirds were 0.45 [95% Confidence Interval (CI): 0.20–1.00] and 0.26 (95% CI: 0.10–0.70), respectively. Associations persisted after excluding cases diagnosed within 5 years of follow‐up. In conclusion, a reduction in subsequent risk of invasive epithelial ovarian cancer was observed among women with higher circulating FSH concentrations. These findings contradict the hypothesized role of FSH as a risk factor in ovarian carcinogenesis. © 2009 UICC
Value of ADAMTS13 activity and inhibitor in the postmortem diagnosis of thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura
Authors: Dwyre Denis M. , Dursteler Bryce , Nashelsky Marcus , Friedman Kenneth D. , Raife Thomas J.
Published: February 2009

Background and Objectives:

Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) is a clinical diagnosis that can be difficult to establish in severely ill patients. We report a case of fulminant TTP in a woman who died before receiving plasma exchange. An autopsy plasma sample was analyzed for ADAMTS13 activity and inhibitor for correlation with the diagnosis of TTP. Recognizing that hemolysis in postmortem blood samples could interfere with ADAMTS13 activity, plasma samples from four additional decedents not suspected of having TTP were analyzed and correlated with their autopsy results. The purpose of this study was to assess whether testing postmortem samples for ADAMTS13 is useful in the postmortem diagnosis of TTP.

Material and Methods:

Plasma samples from the index case and four non‐TTP decedents were analyzed for ADAMTS13 activity, ADAMTS13 inhibitor levels, and plasma free hemoglobin (PFH). Autopsy tissues were evaluated for evidence of platelet microthrombi in all five cases.

Results:

The ADAMTS13 activity level in the index patient was <4%, and the inhibitor level was 1.0 inhibitor unit. Microthrombi were prominent in the heart, kidneys, pancreas, and adrenal glands, consistent with the clinical diagnosis of TTP. ADAMTS13 activity levels in the four non‐TTP decedents ranged from 4 to 82% (3/4 ≤ 26%), and inhibitor was present in two of the four samples. Postmortem PFH levels in the four non‐TTP decedents ranged from 64 to 3,917 mg/dL. No microthrombi were observed.

Conclusion:

Low postmortem ADAMTS13 activity and evidence of inhibitor can occur in decedents without clinical or histologic evidence of TTP. Postmortem ADAMTS13 activity levels may not be valid in establishing a diagnosis of TTP, and high inhibitor levels in this setting may be related to elevated PFH. Caution must be used in the interpretation of ADAMTS13 testing in the presence of hemolysis. J. Clin. Apheresis 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Infection of a malignant appendiceal mucocele masquerading as an appendiceal abscess: Role of preoperative sonography and CT
Authors: Jongsma Thomas E.F. , Puylaert Julien B.C.M.
Published: February 2009

We report the case of a 71‐year‐old lady with a suspected appendiceal abscess in whom preoperative sonography and CT demonstrated an infected appendiceal mucocele. The lesion was surgically removed and final pathologic examination revealed malignancy. Correct recognition of the mucocele prevented a potentially disastrous percutaneous drainage. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound, 2009
Foley catheter entrapment resulting from the formation of a true knot in a female infant: Sonographic findings
Authors: Bagheri M. H. , Nabavizadeh S. A. , Shirazi M. , Farahmand M. , As'adi K. , Mansouri S.
Published: February 2009

One of the rarest complications of bladder Foley catheter insertion is knotting of the catheter. We present a case of Foley entrapment secondary to formation of a true knot at the proximal end of the catheter in a 6‐month‐old female infant who was referred to our center for voiding cystourethrograthy. Sonography of the bladder revealed the knotted catheter in the urinary bladder. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound, 2009
Sonographic features of traumatic neuromas after neck dissection
Authors: Kwak Jin Young , Kim Eun‐Kyung , Kim Min Jung , Son Eunju
Published: February 2009

Purpose.

To evaluate the sonographic features of traumatic neuromas after neck dissection.

Methods.

This study included 8 patients whose ages ranged from 36–69 years (mean, 49 years). In all cases, traumatic neuromas were incidentally detected at neck sonography for evaluation of suspected recurrence of well‐differentiated papillary carcinoma of the thyroid. All sonograms and medical records were retrospectively reviewed.

Results.

This study covered 8 cases in which traumatic neuromas were diagnosed by clinical, laboratory, fine‐needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB), and other imaging modalities. None of the patients had clinical signs of neuromas, which were, incidentally, discovered by neck sonography. A noticeable sonographic feature in all cases was an isoechoic mass with internal parallel heterogeneous hyperechogenicity. All patients complained of severe pain during FNAB. The cytological results of 2 patients showed fragments of nerve tissue. The remaining 6 FNABs were nondiagnostic. Thyroglobulin (Tg) levels in washout fluids from FNAB of all patients were <0.2 ng/mL, indicating nonthyroidal origin.

Conclusion.

Distinctive sonographic features, sharp pain during FNAB, and low Tg levels in FNAB washout fluid can help to diagnose traumatic neuromas without surgery. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound, 2009
Primary hemangiopericytoma of the liver: Sonographic findings
Authors: Caruso Settimo , Gruttadauria Salvatore , Minervini Marta Ida , Miraglia Roberto , Milazzo Mariapina , Luca Angelo , Gridelli Bruno
Published: February 2009

Hemangiopericytoma (HP) is an uncommon vascular tumor that rarely develops in the liver. We present the case of a 68‐year‐old female with a primary HP involving the right lobe of the liver, detected during an abdominal screening sonography. The lesion was further evaluated using multidetector CT. The patient was treated with a right hepatectomy, and a pathologic diagnosis was made. Two years later, there was no evidence of recurrence. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound, 2009
Isolation and characterization of a novel γ‐radiation‐resistant bacterium from hot spring in Iran
Authors: Yazdani Mahnaz , Naderi‐Manesh Hossein , Khajeh Khosro , Soudi Mohammad Reza , Asghari S. Mohsen , Sharifzadeh Marziyeh
Published: February 2009

30 pure colonies with various colors and shapes were isolated from the samples of water and mud which were collected from the Abe‐Siah hot springs in Ramsar, a city in north of Iran, with high‐level of radiation (up to 4 Gy). Colonies were irradiated by 22 KGy radiations and only one of them survived. The survived bacterium with an optimum growth of 30 to 37 °C, pH 6 to 7, and at minimum of 5% NaCl concentration showed promising characteristics. This strain is aerobic, mesophilic, white colony, with catalase‐positive, oxidase‐negative, non motile, spore forming, rod‐shape and finally Gram positive. Strain Bacillus sp. WHO represented a strain of genus Bacillus megaterium according to a phylogenetic analysis of the 16S rDNA and biochemical features. Its radio‐resistancy was compared with E. coli and B. megaterium which were inactivated in 2 KGy and 5.9 KGy respectively. In order to reveal the mechanisms of this extreme radio‐resistancy and WHO DNA repair system we examined its proteomic map, following γ‐irradiation, using two‐dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and silver‐staining. The expression levels of majority number of protein spots showed significant changes under radiation stress. (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Time trends of daily maximum and minimum temperatures in Catalonia (ne Spain) for the period 1975–2004
Authors: Martínez M. D. , Serra C. , Burgueño A. , Lana X.
Published: February 2009

Daily maximum and minimum temperatures, Tmax and Tmin, and diurnal temperature range, DTR, from 37 temperature stations in Catalonia (NE Spain) are analyzed to detect significant daily time trends for the period 1975–2004. The homogeneity of the series is tested by means of the Standard Normal Homogeneity, the Buishand range and the Pettitt tests. The lack of randomness of the series, suggesting time trends, is also investigated by means of the Von Neumann ratio test. The daily time trends obtained and their spatial and temporal patterns are mainly in agreement with overall time trends recently derived for the Northern Hemisphere. The results indicate generalized increasing annual trends of daily Tmax and Tmin (0.5 °C/decade), especially relevant in spring and summer, with values reaching 0.8–0.9 °C/decade, and also remarkable for Tmax in winter (0.7 °C/decade). In autumn, however, average trends point at a decrease in Tmax (−0.5 °C/decade). As a result, an average annual decreasing trend of DTR is found, particularly relevant in autumn (−0.9 °C/decade). Several periods with an outstanding number of stations showing significant positive time trends are detected and analyzed during the spring and summer seasons both for daily Tmax and Tmin. The only period with a relevant number of significant negative trends is detected in February for daily Tmin, thus implying a significant increasing trend of DTR during this short winter period. Comparisons are established with large‐ and regional‐scale temperature trends, paying attention to the west Mediterranean atmospheric dynamics change. Copyright © 2009 Royal Meteorological Society
Sodium‐induced calcium deficiency in sugar beet during substitution of potassium by sodium
Authors: Wakeel Abdul , Abd‐El‐Motagally Fathi , Steffens Diedrich , Schubert Sven
Published: February 2009

Functions of sodium (Na+) and potassium (K+) are closely associated. In some crops, Na+ is able to prevent or reduce considerably the occurrence of K+ deficiency. Sugar beet (Beta vulgaris L.) is a natrophilic crop, and positive effects of Na+ applications on yield were observed when K+ was sufficiently supplied. However, it is not known which specific function of K+ can limit the growth of sugar beet when K+ is substituted by an equivalent amount of Na+. Therefore, K+ substitution by Na+ was investigated for sugar beet in hydroponics. Surprisingly, no K+‐deficiency symptoms were observed. However, calcium (Ca2+) concentrations in the leaves were significantly decreased. Moreover, Ca2+ uptake and translocation through xylem sap were reduced in Na+‐treated plants. It is concluded that Ca2+ uptake by roots and its translocation via xylem sap primarily limit the possibility of K+ substitution by Na+ in sugar beet nutrition.
Stimulated Raman scattering influenced by concentration, fluorescence profile and bandwidth of β‐carotene in liquid‐core optical fiber
Authors: Men Zhi‐Wei , Fang Wen‐Hui , Ding Yun‐Feng , Sun Xiu‐Ping , Li Zuo‐Wei , Cao Biao , Zuo Jian , Gao Shu‐Qin , Li Dong‐Fei , Lu Guo‐Hui
Published: February 2009

We demonstrated stimulated Raman scattering (SRS) of carbon disulfide (CS2) influenced by β‐carotene in a liquid‐core optical fiber (LCOF). Owing to the double fluorescence characteristics and large third‐order optical nonlinearity of β‐carotene, the high‐order Stokes lines, such as the seventh‐order Stokes line of CS2, can be observed at a relatively low input‐laser power. The thresholds of Stokes lines lowered with the addition of the carotenoid when the concentration of solution was within 10−12 and 10−7 mol/L; the threshold increments and intensities of Stokes lines were correlative with the fluorescence profile of β‐carotene: when the fluorescence intensity of the wavenumber region on the spectrum was high, the Stokes line intensity was also high and its threshold increment was small, and vice versa. These results are expected to be worthy of the applications on the tunable laser and the seeding laser. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Corrosion behaviour of aircraft coating systems in acetate‐ and formate‐based de‐icing chemicals
Authors: Huttunen‐Saarivirta E. , Kuokkala V.‐T. , Kokkonen J. , Paajanen H.
Published: February 2009

Corrosion behaviour of four coating systems, which are commonly used in aircraft components; namely cadmium‐coated and subsequently chromate‐treated steel AISI 4340, aluminium‐coated steel AISI 4340, anodised aluminium alloy 7075‐T6 and chromate‐treated aluminium alloy 7075‐T6, were investigated in six commercial acetate‐ and formate‐based de‐icing chemicals. The results show that the aluminium‐coated steel specimens experience least corrosion among the four coating systems; no corrosion is detected in potassium acetate‐based de‐icing chemicals (Safeway KA HOT, Safegrip and Safegrip+), although some corrosion is observed in the other three chemicals (Safeway SD, Safeway SF and Meltium). In contrast, the coatings in the other three coating systems are damaged in all six de‐icing chemicals. The thickness of the coating does not necessarily predict how well the coating will protect the substrate; the thickest coating, several tens of micrometres, is apparent on the cadmium‐ and chromate‐coated steel specimens, while only a few micrometres thin aluminium coating on the steel substrate is the only coating system that can survive the corrosion tests in some of the de‐icing chemicals. Comparison of the results from the two test methods used in this research, polarisation measurements and chemical exposure tests, shows that, for each coating system, the extent of corrosion, as evaluated on the basis of weight changes calculated from corrosion current density values and those experienced during chemical exposure tests, is different: the weight changes that materialise during exposure tests are, at least, from one to two orders of magnitude higher than those predicted by calculations. In this paper, these observations are discussed and explanations for them are presented.
The behavior of Gliclazide in solution and in the solid state: a case of organic compound presenting a solid‐solution structure
Authors: Santa María Dolores , Claramunt Rosa M. , Alkorta Ibon , Elguero José
Published: February 2009

The structure of the hypoglycemic agent Gliclazide has been studied by 1H, 13C, and 15N NMR in solution (CDCl3 and DMSO‐d6) and in the solid state. In the solid state, the compound crystallizes as an EZ isomer without dynamic properties. In CDCl3 solution, the structure is still EZ but with a slow nitrogen inversion about the pyrrolidine nitrogen: two invertomers have been observed and characterized. In DMSO‐d6, the rate is faster and only averaged signals were observed. GIAO calculated absolute shieldings were used to confirm the nature of the observed species. In the solid state, Gliclazide presents the phenomenon of solid‐solution with two disordered conformations present in the crystal at a 90:10 ratio. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Automatic vessel removal in gliomas from dynamic susceptibility contrast imaging
Authors: Emblem Kyrre E. , Due‐Tonnessen Paulina , Hald John K. , Bjornerud Atle
Published: February 2009

The presence of macroscopic vessels within the tumor region is a potential confounding factor in MR‐based dynamic susceptibility contrast (DSC)‐enhanced glioma grading. In order to distinguish between such vessels and the elevated cerebral blood volume (CBV) of brain tumors, we propose a vessel segmentation technique based on clustering of multiple parameters derived from the dynamic contrast‐enhanced first‐pass curve. A total of 77 adult patients with histologically‐confirmed gliomas were imaged at 1.5T and glioma regions‐of‐interest (ROIs) were derived from the conventional MR images by a neuroradiologist. The diagnostic accuracy of applying vessel exclusion by segmentation of glioma ROIs with vessels included was assessed using a histogram analysis method and compared to glioma ROIs with vessels included. For all measures of diagnostic efficacy investigated, the highest values were observed when the glioma diagnosis was based on vessel segmentation in combination with an initial mean transit time (MTT) mask. Our results suggest that vessel segmentation based on DSC parameters may improve the diagnostic efficacy of glioma grading. The proposed vessel segmentation is attractive because it provides a mask that covers all pixels affected by the intravascular susceptibility effect. Magn Reson Med, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Characterization of image heterogeneity using 2D Minkowski functionals increases the sensitivity of detection of a targeted MRI contrast agent
Authors: Canuto Holly C. , McLachlan Charles , Kettunen Mikko I. , Velic Marko , Krishnan Anant S. , Neves Andre' A , de Backer Maaike , Hu D‐E. , Hobson Michael P. , Brindle Kevin M.
Published: February 2009

A targeted Gd3+‐based contrast agent has been developed that detects tumor cell death by binding to the phosphatidylserine (PS) exposed on the plasma membrane of dying cells. Although this agent has been used to detect tumor cell death in vivo, the differences in signal intensity between treated and untreated tumors was relatively small. As cell death is often spatially heterogeneous within tumors, we investigated whether an image analysis technique that parameterizes heterogeneity could be used to increase the sensitivity of detection of this targeted contrast agent. Two‐dimensional (2D) Minkowski functionals (MFs) provided an automated and reliable method for parameterization of image heterogeneity, which does not require prior assumptions about the number of regions or features in the image, and were shown to increase the sensitivity of detection of the contrast agent as compared to simple signal intensity analysis. Magn Reson Med, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Detection of apoptotic cell death in vitro in the presence of Gd‐DTPA‐BMA
Authors: Bailey Colleen , Giles Anoja , Czarnota Gregory J. , Stanisz Greg J.
Published: February 2009

Due to variability in patient response to cancer therapy, there is a growing interest in monitoring patient progress during treatment. Apoptotic cell death is one early marker of tumor response to treatment. Using known extracellular concentrations of gadolinium diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid bismethylamide (Gd‐DTPA‐BMA) to vary the exchange regime, T1 and T2 relaxation data for acute myeloid leukemia (AML) cell samples were obtained and then analyzed using a two‐pool model of relaxation with exchange. Leukemia cells treated with cisplatin to induce apoptosis exhibited a statistically significant (P < 0.05) decrease in intracellular longitudinal relaxation time, T1I, from 1030 ms to 940 ms, a decrease (P < 0.001) in the intracellular water fraction, M0I, from 0.86 to 0.68 and a statistically significant increase (P < 0.01) in transmembrane water exchange rate, kIE, from 1.4 s−1 to 6.8 s−1. The changes in MR parameters correlated with quantitative histology, such as cellular cross‐sectional area and average nuclear area measurements. The results of this study emphasize the importance of accounting for water exchange in dynamic contrast‐enhanced MRI (DCE‐MRI) studies, particularly those that examine tumor response to therapies in which apoptotic changes occur. Magn Reson Med, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
From polymeric nanoparticles to dye‐containing photonic crystals: synthesis, self‐assembling, optical features, and possible applications
Authors: Yakimansky A. V. , Menshikova A. Yu. , Shevchenko N. N. , Shabsels B. M. , Bazhenova A. G. , Sel'kin A. V. , Sazonov S. K. , Vedernikov A. I. , Gromov S. P. , Sazhnikov V. A. , Alfimov M. V.
Published: February 2009

Poly(styrene‐co‐N‐vinylformamide) (poly(St‐co‐VFA)) nanoparticles with the diameter from 55 to 200 nm were prepared by emulsion copolymerization and their self‐assembling was studied. In the dispersions of these particles, the formation of iridescent periodic colloid structures is observed. The period of the structures is about 220 nm and shows no cymbate dependence on the nanoparticle size, indicating the possible variety of packing types occurring during the self‐assembling of nanoparticles in dispersions. For 250–300 nm sized poly(styrene‐co‐methacrylic acid) (poly(St‐co‐MAA)) particles, it was shown that ionization of their surface carboxylic groups in alkaline media leads to the considerable improvement of the photonic crystal structures obtained from the dispersions of these nanoparticles. It was demonstrated that cationic chromophores can be adsorbed on their negatively charged surface. In this way, chromophore‐modified polymer photonic crystal materials for applications as gas or liquid sensors could be prepared, as their measured fluorescence spectra show remarkable and reversible responses to the presence of polar organic solvent vapors, e.g. acetone. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Preclinical evaluation of carcinoembryonic cell adhesion molecule (CEACAM) 6 as potential therapy target for pancreatic adenocarcinoma
Authors: Strickland Laura A , Ross Jed , Williams Simon , Ross Sarajane , Romero Maria , Spencer Susan , Erickson Rich , Sutcliffe Julie , Verbeke Caroline , Polakis Paul , van Bruggen Nicholas , Koeppen Hartmut
Published: February 2009

Despite the availability of new targeted therapies, ductal pancreatic adenocarcinoma continues to carry a poor prognosis. Carcinoembryonic antigen‐related cell adhesion molecule (CEACAM)6 has been reported as a potential biomarker and therapy target for this malignancy. We have evaluated CEACAM6 as a potential therapy target, using an antibody–drug conjugate (ADC). Expression of CEACAM6 in pancreatic adenocarcinomas was determined using immunohistochemistry on tissue microarrays. The expression pattern in granulocytes and granulocytic precursors was measured by flow cytometry. Murine xenograft and non‐human primate models served to evaluate efficacy and safety, respectively. Robust expression of CEACAM6 was found in > 90% of invasive pancreatic adenocarcinomas as well as in intraepithelial neoplastic lesions. In the granulocytic lineage, CEACAM6 was expressed at all stages of granulocytic maturation except for the early lineage‐committed precursor cell. The anti‐CEACAM6 ADC showed efficacy against established CEACAM6‐expressing tumours. In non‐human primates, antigen‐dependent toxicity of the ADC consisted of dose‐dependent and reversible depletion of granulocytes and their precursors. This was associated with preferential and rapid localization of the antibody in bone marrow, as determined by sequential in vivo PET imaging of the radiolabelled anti‐CEACAM6. Localization of the radiolabelled tracer could be attenuated by predosing with unlabelled antibody confirming specific accumulation in this compartment. Based on the expression pattern in normal and malignant pancreatic tissues, efficacy against established tumours and limited and reversible bone marrow toxicity, we propose that CEACAM6 should be considered for an ADC‐based therapy approach against pancreatic adenocarcinomas and possibly other CEACAM6‐positive neoplasms. Copyright © 2009 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Soluble endoglin and transforming growth factor‐β1 in women who subsequently developed preeclampsia
Authors: Lim Ji Hyae , Kim Shin Young , Park So Yeon , Lee Moon Hee , Yang Jae Hyug , Kim Moon Young , Chung Jin Hoon , Lee Si Won , Ryu Hyun Mee
Published: February 2009

Objective

This study aimed to analyze the differences of soluble endoglin (sEng) and transforming growth factor‐beta1 (TGF‐β1) according to preeclamptic complications and to investigate the correlation between these factors and the clinical symptoms of preeclampsia.

Method

We estimated the levels of sEng and TGF‐β1 in plasma collected in the second trimester at the time of genetic amniocentesis from 60 women who subsequently developed preeclampsia and 124 contemporaneous normotensive women.

Results

sEng levels were higher in cases than in controls, whereas TGF‐β1 levels were lower (P < 0.001). sEng levels, but not TGF‐β1 levels, were higher in cases with severe or preterm delivery than in cases with mild preeclampsia or term delivery (P < 0.001) and were increased in cases destined to deliver a small gestational age neonate (P < 0.001). Moreover, sEng levels, but not TGF‐β1 levels, showed a positive correlation with maximum diastolic and systolic blood pressure (r = 0.57, P < 0.001; and r = 0.33, P < 0.001, respectively) and proteinuria (r = 0.42, P < 0.001).

Conclusion

Early midtrimester plasma levels of sEng are predictive of subsequence occurrence and severity of preeclampsia, in terms of severity of hypertension and proteinuria, prematurity, and association with small for gestational age neonates. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Validation of an LC‐MS based approach for profiling histones in chronic lymphocytic leukemia
Authors: Su Xiaodan , Lucas David M. , Zhang Liwen , Xu Hua , Zabrouskov Vlad , Davis Melanie E. , Knapp Amy R. , Young Donn C. , Payne Philip R. O. , Parthun Mark R. , Marcucci Guido , Grever Michael R. , Byrd John C. , Freitas Michael A.
Published: February 2009

The in vitro evaluation of histones and their PTMs has drawn substantial interest in the development of epigenetic therapies. The differential expression of histone isoforms may serve as a potential marker in the classification of diseases affected by chromatin abnormalities. In this study, protein profiling by LC and MS was used to explore differences in histone composition in primary chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) cells. Extensive method validations were performed to determine the experimental variances that would impact histone relative abundance. The resulting data demonstrated that the proposed methodology was suitable for the analysis of histone profiles. In 4 normal individuals and 40 CLL patients, a significant decrease in the relative abundance of histone H2A variants (H2AFL and H2AFA/M*) was observed in primary CLL cells as compared to normal B cells. Protein identities were determined using high mass accuracy MS and shotgun proteomics.
Role of translation by mitochondrial‐type ribosomes during sperm capacitation: An analysis based on a proteomic approach
Authors: Zhao Chun , Guo Xue‐Jiang , Shi Zhong‐Hua , Wang Fu‐Qiang , Huang Xiao‐Yan , Huo Ran , Zhu Hui , Wang Xin‐Ru , Liu Jia‐Yin , Zhou Zuo‐Min , Sha Jia‐Hao
Published: February 2009

Mammalian spermatozoa contain a complex population of mRNAs, some of which have been demonstrated to be translated de novo by mitochondrial‐type ribosomes using D‐chloramphenicol (CP), a specific inhibitor of mitochondrial translation. However, little is known about the functions of these mRNAs in mature sperm. In the present study, differential proteomic approaches were applied to study sperm protein profiles translated by mitochondrial‐type ribosomes using the inhibitor CP and 44 proteins were identified with lower expression in CP‐treated sperm in comparison to capacitated sperm (ratio ≥ 1.5, p<0.05). Results of Western blot and real‐time PCR suggest that four proteins were translated by mitochondrial‐type ribosomes. Bioinformatics analysis indicated that 26 of 44 proteins were involved in some critical processes correlated to sperm–egg interaction event. In addition, Mups, whose functions in reproduction have never been studied, were chosen for further study. Our results showed that Mups proteins were localized to the acrosome and flagellum of precapacitated sperm, and were also expressed in the equatorial segment of capacitated sperm. The depletion of Mups using neutralizing antibodies significantly inhibited capacitation in a dose‐dependent manner, subsequently inhibited acrosome reaction and sperm–egg fusion. In summary, mitochondrial translation during capacitation can store proteins beneficial for sperm–egg interaction.
Preliminary quantitative profile of differential protein expression between rat L6 myoblasts and myotubes by stable isotope labeling with amino acids in cell culture
Authors: Cui Ziyou , Chen Xiulan , Lu Bingwen , Park Sung Kyu , Xu Tao , Xie Zhensheng , Xue Peng , Hou Junjie , Hang Haiying , Yates John R. , Yang Fuquan
Published: February 2009

Defining the mechanisms governing myogenesis has advanced in recent years. Skeletal‐muscle differentiation is a multi‐step process controlled spatially and temporally by various factors at the transcription level. To explore those factors involved in myogenesis, stable isotope labeling with amino acids in cell culture (SILAC), coupled with high‐accuracy mass spectrometry (LTQ‐Orbitrap), was applied successfully. Rat L6 cell line is an excellent model system for studying muscle myogenesis in vitro. When mononucleate L6 myoblast cells reach confluence in culture plate, they could transform into multinucleate myotubes by serum starvation. By comparing protein expression of L6 myoblasts and terminally differentiated multinucleated myotubes, 1170 proteins were quantified and 379 proteins changed significantly in fully differentiated myotubes in contrast to myoblasts. These differentially expressed proteins are mainly involved in inter‐or intracellular signaling, protein synthesis and degradation, protein folding, cell adhesion and extracelluar matrix, cell structure and motility, metabolism, substance transportation, etc. These findings were supported by many previous studies on myogenic differentiation, of which many up‐regulated proteins were found to be involved in promoting skeletal muscle differentiation for the first time in our study. In summary, our results provide new clues for understanding the mechanism of myogenesis.