bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Short, powerful, and agile current drivers for magnetic resonance
Authors: Shtirberg Lazar , Blank Aharon
Published: July 2011

A system for the generation of short, powerful, and agile pulses of current drive is described. The system is made of several submodules, most of them “home‐made” and is capable of producing current pulses ranging from 9 A for 150 ns pulses to 94 A for 1400 ns pulse duration, when connected to a nominal 0.6 Ω/2.75 μH coil. The amplitude of successive current pulses can be updated in the ∼μs time scale. Such capabilities are very useful in the field of electron spin resonance microimaging and for the measurements of diffusion by electron spin resonance. A variant of the system can also be used for the nuclear magnetic resonance imaging of samples located in grossly inhomogeneous magnetic field or for solid‐state nuclear magnetic resonance imaging. Details of the system electronic design as well as some representative experimental results are provided. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Concepts Magn Reson Part B (Magn Reson Engineering) 39B: 119–127, 2011
Magnetic resonance imaging in nonlinear fields with nonlinear reconstruction
Authors: Tieng Quang M. , Vegh Viktor
Published: July 2011

Imaging in the presence of nonlinear static and gradient magnetic fields is outlined. Analytic expressions are provided for the signal obtained using specific magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) sequences with the addition of field nonlinearities. We show that using nonlinear Fourier transform image reconstruction, high‐quality images can be obtained for the case when the static magnetic field has large peak‐to‐peak error, and the gradient field exhibits variations beyond currently acceptable levels over the imaging field‐of‐view. Our results show that MRI can be performed in nonlinear magnetic fields, provided that a versatile technique is used to reconstruct the images. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Concepts Magn Reson Part B (Magn Reson Engineering) 39B: 128–140, 2011
Semipermeable hollow fiber phantoms for development and validation of perfusion‐sensitive mr methods and signal models
Authors: Anderson J.R. , Ackerman J.J.H. , Garbow J.R.
Published: July 2011

Two semipermeable, hollow fiber phantoms for the validation of perfusion‐sensitive magnetic resonance methods and signal models are described. Semipermeable hollow fibers harvested from a standard commercial hemodialysis cartridge serve to mimic tissue capillary function. Flow of aqueous media through the fiber lumen is achieved with a laboratory‐grade peristaltic pump. Diffusion of water and solute species (e.g., Gd‐based contrast agent) occurs across the fiber wall, allowing exchange between the lumen and the extralumenal space. Phantom design attributes include: i) small physical size, ii) easy and low‐cost construction, iii) definable compartment volumes, and iv) experimental control over media content and flow rate. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Concepts Magn Reson Part B (Magn Reson Engineering) 39B: 149–158, 2011
Inference‐Based Therapy for Body Dysmorphic Disorder
Authors: Taillon Annie , O'Connor Kieron , Dupuis Gilles , Lavoie Marc
Published: July 2011

Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) is a debilitating disorder characterized by an excessive pre‐occupation with an imagined or very slight defect in one's physical appearance. Despite the overall success of cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) in treating BDD, some people do not seem to benefit as much from this approach. Those with high overvalued ideation (OVI), for instance, have been shown to not respond well with CBT. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of an inference‐based therapy (IBT) in treating BDD. IBT is a cognitive intervention that was first developed for obsessive–compulsive disorder with high OVI, but whose focus on beliefs can also apply to a BDD population. IBT conceptualizes BDD obsessions (e.g., ‘I feel like my head is deformed’) as idiosyncratic inferences arrived at through inductive reasoning processes. Such primary inferences represent the starting point of obsessional doubt and the treatment focuses on addressing the faulty inferences that maintain the doubt. Thirteen BDD participants, of whom 10 completed, underwent a 20‐week IBT for BDD. The participants improved significantly over the course of therapy, with large diminutions in BDD and depressive symptoms. OVI also decreased throughout therapy and was not found to be related to reduction in BDD symptoms. Although a controlled‐trial comparing CBT with IBT is needed, it is proposed that IBT constitutes a promising treatment alternative for BDD especially in cases where OVI is high. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Key Practitioner Message

An inference‐based therapy (IBT) may be effective in treating BDD.

Unlike CBT, in IBT, overvalued ideation does not appear to negatively impact decrease in BDD symptomatology.
Identifying QoS violations through statistical end‐to‐end analysis
Authors: Zhou LiFeng , Chen Lei , Pung Hung Keng , Ngoh Lek Heng
Published: July 2011

Multimedia transmission over the network is susceptible to various runtime impairments such as process failure, network congestion or link error. Existing work usually determines such quality of service (QoS) violations through condition–action rules, which trigger corresponding actions once pre‐described conditions are satisfied. However, the results of such rigid rules are often not satisfactory in practice in that there has been little serious study with respect to the relationship between the root cause of a QoS violation and the observed violation phenomenon.

In this paper, we introduce a statistical approach to the analysis of QoS violations. We propose and validate through experiments that: (1) a type of QoS violation will present consistent symptoms in terms of the observed application performance and end‐to‐end traffic pattern. Such a violation can be recognized once the similar symptoms repeat during a QoS session. (2) QoS violations of different nature (e.g. caused by shortage of different resources) will present diverse symptoms. Using a set of end‐to‐end statistics, we are able to describe and differentiate between QoS violations. We propose a fast orthonormal algorithm for real‐time training/classification of QoS violations and prove that this algorithm is universal approximation. We also extend the scope of hidden neurons from kernel functions to additive functions for higher classification accuracy. Our experiments validate our ideas and show the effectiveness of our approach in terms of training overhead and classification accuracy. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Extracellular matrix molecules, their receptors, and secreted proteases in synaptic plasticity
Authors: Wlodarczyk Jakub , Mukhina Irina , Kaczmarek Leszek , Dityatev Alexander
Published: July 2011

Neural cells secrete diverse molecules, which accumulate in the extracellular space and form the extracellular matrix (ECM). Interactions between cells and the ECM are well recognized to play the crucial role in cell migration and guidance of growing axons, whereas formation of mature neural ECM in the form of perineuronal nets is believed to restrict certain forms of developmental plasticity. On the other hand, major components of perineuronal nets and other ECM molecules support induction of functional plasticity, the most studied form of which is long‐term potentiation. Here, we review the underlying mechanisms by which ECM molecules, their receptors and remodeling proteases regulate the induction and maintenance of synaptic modifications. In particular, we highlight that activity‐dependent secretion and activation of proteases leads to a local cleavage of the ECM and release of signaling proteolytic fragments. These molecules regulate transmitter receptor trafficking, actin cytoskeleton, growth of dendritic spines, and formation of dendritic filopodia. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Develop Neurobiol 71: 1040‐1053, 2011
SH2‐domain mutations in STAT3 in hyper‐IgE syndrome patients result in impairment of IL‐10 function
Authors: Giacomelli Mauro , Tamassia Nicola , Moratto Daniele , Bertolini Patrizia , Ricci Giampaolo , Bertulli Cristina , Plebani Alessandro , Cassatella Marco , Bazzoni Flavia , Badolato Raffaele
Published: July 2011

Autosomal‐dominant hyper‐IgE syndrome (AD‐HIES) is a primary immunodeficiency caused by STAT3 mutations. This inherited condition is characterized by eczema, staphylococcal cold abscesses and recurrent pulmonary infections. Given that STAT3 is involved in IL‐10 signaling, we examined the immunoregulatory role of IL‐10 in inflammation by studying the effects of IL‐10 on monocytes, neutrophils and monocyte‐derived DCs from HIES subjects. Analysis of gene expression in PBMCs and neutrophils isolated from HIES patients and stimulated with LPS in the presence of IL‐10 showed reduced expression of IL1RN, which encodes IL‐1 receptor antagonist (IL‐1ra), and SOCS3 mRNA but increased CXCL8 mRNA expression. Moreover, secretion of the anti‐inflammatory protein IL‐1ra was reduced in AD‐HIES patients. DCs from HIES patients secreted higher levels of TNF‐α, IL‐6 and, to a lesser extent, IL‐12 when these cells were cultured in the presence of IL‐10. These results suggest that IL‐10 activity is affected in myeloid cells (e.g. monocytes, DCs) of HIES patients. Impairment of IL‐10 signaling in patients with AD‐HIES might result in an altered balance between pro‐inflammatory and anti‐inflammatory signals and might lead to persistent inflammation and delayed healing after infections.
Copper‐Catalyzed Domino One‐Pot Synthesis of 2‐(Arylselanyl)arylcyanamides
Authors: Ramana Tamminana , Punniyamurthy Tharmalingam
Published: July 2011

Domino C–Se cross‐coupling of 2‐(iodoaryl)selenoureas with aryl iodides has been accomplished in the presence of a copper(I)–1,1‐phenanthroline complex at moderate temperature. The reactions involve intra‐ and intermolecular C–Se cross‐coupling to give the substituted 2‐(arylselanyl)arylcyanamides. Aryl iodides having electron‐donating and ‐withdrawing substituents are compatible, affording the targetselanyl ethers in high yield.
Controls of microalgal biomass and lipid production in municipal wastewater‐fed bioreactors
Authors: Sturm Belinda S.M. , Peltier Edward , Smith Val , deNoyelles Frank
Published: July 2011

The use of wastewater as a nutrient source for algal growth as a biodiesel feedstock could increase the viability of this process and reduce wastewater discharge of nitrogen‐ and phosphorus‐bearing compounds. In this study, four algal bioreactors were fed continuously with municipal wastewater effluent over a 6‐month period; these were monitored weekly to determine algal biomass and lipid production, nutrient removal, and carbon and nutrient availability. Algal biomass production ranged from 0.78 to 15.9 g dry weight m−2 d−1 over the experimental period. Algal reactors removed 19% of dissolved nitrogen and 43% of dissolved phosphorus from wastewater effluent. A stoichiometric analysis of particulates revealed that algal biomass had far lower C:P ratios (67:1) and N:P ratios (6:1), but higher C:N ratios (17:1), than Redfield values. These data suggest that the algae produced were rich in phosphorus, and that nitrogen was likely to be growth‐limiting in these systems. Nonetheless, numerous studies suggest that algal biomass can be enhanced by providing CO2 in excess of normal atmospheric concentrations, and that algal biofuel production can contribute to CO2 sequestration efforts. To optimize nutrient removal in wastewater‐fed algal reactors, and to determine the potential for CO2 sequestration, future reactor engineering research should continue to incorporate the expertise of ecological stoichiometry. © 2011 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 2012
Motivation‐focused Treatment for Eating Disorders: A Sequential Trial of Enhanced Cognitive Behaviour Therapy with and without Preceding Motivation‐Focused Therapy
Authors: Allen Karina L. , Fursland Anthea , Raykos Bronwyn , Steele Anna , Watson Hunna , Byrne Susan M.
Published: July 2011

Objective

To evaluate the effectiveness of a motivation‐focused intervention prior to individual cognitive behavioural eating disorder treatment.

Method

Enhanced cognitive–behavioural therapy (CBT‐E) in its usual form was compared with CBT‐E preceded by four sessions of motivation‐focused therapy (MFT) (MFT + CBT‐E). Participants were adult outpatients seen at a specialist eating disorder clinic in Western Australia, who met criteria for a Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition eating disorder. A sequential trial of CBT‐E as usual (n = 43) and MFT + CBT‐E (n = 52) was conducted over a 40‐month period.

Results

The MFT phase was associated with significant increases in readiness to change. There were no significant between‐group differences in treatment completion rates, and treatment completers in both conditions reported comparable reductions in eating disorder symptoms over time.

Conclusion

In this sample, MFT + CBT‐E was not associated with superior treatment outcome when compared with CBT‐E as usual. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and Eating Disorders Association.
The Meaning of Food (MOF): The Development of a New Measurement Tool
Authors: Ogden Jane , Liakopoulou Efi , Antilliou George , Gough Gary
Published: July 2011

This paper aimed to develop a reliable measurement tool to evaluate the meanings of food that could be used in both practice and research and to examine possible gender differences. A new meaning of food questionnaire (MOF) was refined across two studies (study 1, n = 451 and study 2, n = 170). The final questionnaire consisted of 25 items and 8 reliable subscales: food and sex, emotional regulation, treat, guilt, social interaction, control over life, control over food, family. The new Meaning of Food (MOF) questionnaire could be used in both research and clinical practice to profile patients and explore predictors of eating behaviour. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and Eating Disorders Association.
Vitamin D: An innate antiviral agent suppressing hepatitis C virus in human hepatocytes
Authors: Gal-Tanamy Meital , Bachmetov Larisa , Ravid Amiram , Koren Ruth , Erman Arie , Tur-Kaspa Ran , Zemel Romy
Published: July 2011

Vitamin D supplementation was reported to improve the probability of achieving a sustained virological response when combined with antiviral treatment against hepatitis C virus (HCV). Our aim was to determine the in vitro potential of vitamin D to inhibit HCV infectious virus production and explore the mechanism(s) of inhibition. Here we show that vitamin D3 remarkably inhibits HCV production in Huh7.5 hepatoma cells. These cells express CYP27B1, the gene encoding for the enzyme responsible for the synthesis of the vitamin D hormonally active metabolite, calcitriol. Treatment with vitamin D3 resulted in calcitriol production and induction of calcitriol target gene CYP24A1, indicating that these cells contain the full machinery for vitamin D metabolism and activity. Notably, treatment with calcitriol resulted in HCV inhibition. Collectively, these findings suggest that vitamin D3 has an antiviral activity which is mediated by its active metabolite. This antiviral activity involves the induction of the interferon signaling pathway, resulting in expression of interferon-β and the interferon-stimulated gene, MxA. Intriguingly, HCV infection increased calcitriol production by inhibiting CYP24A1 induction, the enzyme responsible for the first step in calcitriol catabolism. Importantly, the combination of vitamin D3 or calcitriol and interferon-α synergistically inhibited viral production. Conclusion: This study demonstrates for the first time a direct antiviral effect of vitamin D in an in vitro infectious virus production system. It proposes an interplay between the hepatic vitamin D endocrine system and HCV, suggesting that vitamin D has a role as a natural antiviral mediator. Importantly, our study implies that vitamin D might have an interferon-sparing effect, thus improving antiviral treatment of HCV-infected patients. (Hepatology 2011;)
Effect of dynamic load on heat transfer characteristic of a two‐phase pipe boiling flow
Authors: Yao Qiuping , Song Baoyin , Zhao Mei
Published: July 2011

An experimental investigation was performed to obtain the flow and heat transfer characteristics of a single‐phase water flow and a two‐phase pipe boiling water flow under dynamic load in the present work. By analyzing the fluid resistance, effective heat, flow pattern, and heat transfer coefficient of the experimental data, the effects of dynamic load on the flow and heat transfer characteristics of single‐phase water and two‐phase boiling water flow were investigated. The results show that the dynamic load significantly influences the flow characteristic and boiling heat transfer of the two‐phase pipe flow. It will enhance the fluid resistance and heat dissipation toward the ambient environment, and reduce the heat transferred to the two‐phase fluid. The impact mixing flow caused by the dynamic load breaks the uniform and varying principle of the wall temperatures. As a result of that, the greater the dynamic load, the lower the wall inner bottom temperature and the higher the wall inner top temperature in a certain extent. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Heat Trans Asian Res; Published online in Wiley Online Library (wileyonlinelibrary.com/journal/htj). DOI 10.1002/htj.20378
Mechanisms of FGFR3 actions in endocrine resistant breast cancer
Authors: Tomlinson D.C. , Knowles M.A. , Speirs V.
Published: July 2011

Although endocrine therapy has dramatically improved the treatment of breast cancer therapeutic resistance and tumour recurrence occurs, even in estrogen receptor (ER) positive cases. Identifying and understanding the molecular mechanisms which underpin endocrine resistance is therefore important if future therapeutic strategies are to be developed. Members of the fibroblast growth factor (FGF) and fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR) families have been implicated in breast cancer development and progression. Our results demonstrate that culture of michigan cancer foundation ‐ 1 (MCF)7 cells with FGF1 results in reduced sensitivity to tamoxifen in vitro. Furthermore, our tissue microarray expression data demonstrates that FGFR3 expression is increased in tamoxifen resistant breast tumours. To confirm that activation of FGFR3 reduced sensitivity to tamoxifen we used an inducible activation system and a constitutively active mutant of FGFR3 expressed in MCF7 cells. Activation of FGFR3 reduced sensitivity to tamoxifen and Fulvestrant but did not lead to phosphorylation of ER demonstrating that FGFR3 does not feedback to modulate ER activity. FGFR3 activation in MCF7 cells stimulated activation of the mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) and phosphoinositide 3‐kinase (PI3K) signalling pathways, both of which have been implicated in tamoxifen resistance in breast cancer. Furthermore, our data indicates that activation of phospholipase C gamma is a key‐signalling event regulating MAPK and PI3K activation and that its activation reduces sensitivity to tamoxifen. Therefore, we hypothesise that FGFRs could play an integral part, not only in breast cancer development but also in resistance to endocrine‐therapy.
Luteolin induces apoptosis in multidrug resistant cancer cells without affecting the drug transporter function: Involvement of cell line‐specific apoptotic mechanisms
Authors: Rao Prema S. , Satelli Arun , Moridani Majid , Jenkins Marjorie , Rao U. Subrahmanyeswara
Published: July 2011

Bioflavonoids are of considerable interest to human health as these serve as antioxidant and anticancer agents. Although epidemiological and experimental studies suggest that luteolin, a natural bioflavonoid, exhibits chemopreventive properties, its effectiveness as an antiproliferative agent against multidrug resistant (MDR) cancers is unclear. Thus, we assessed the antiproliferative effects of luteolin and associated molecular mechanisms using two MDR cancer cell lines that express high levels of P‐glycoprotein and ABCG2. In this article, we demonstrate that luteolin induces apoptosis in P‐glycoprotein‐ and ABCG2‐expressing MDR cancer cells without affecting the transport functions of these drug transporters. Analysis of various proliferative signaling pathways indicated that luteolin‐induced apoptosis involves reactive oxygen species generation, DNA damage, activation of ATR → Chk2 → p53 signaling pathway, inhibition of NF‐kB signaling pathway, activation of p38 pathway and depletion of antiapoptotic proteins. Importantly, use of luteolin in these analyses also identified specific molecular characteristics of NCI‐ADR/RES and MCF‐7/MitoR cells that highlight their different tissue origins. These results suggest that luteolin possesses therapeutic potential to control the proliferation of MDR cancers without affecting the physiological function of drug transporters in the body tissues.
Toward standardizing and reporting colorectal cancer screening indicators on an international level: The international colorectal cancer screening network
Authors: Benson Victoria S. , Atkin Wendy S. , Green Jane , Nadel Marion R. , Patnick Julietta , Smith Robert A. , Villain Patricia ,   on behalf of the International Colorectal Cancer Screening Network
Published: July 2011

The International Colorectal Cancer Screening Network was established in 2003 to promote best practice in the delivery of organized colorectal cancer screening programs. To facilitate evaluation of such programs, we defined a set of universally applicable colorectal cancer screening measures and indicators. To test the feasibility of data collection, we requested data on these variables and basic program characteristics from 26 organized full programs and 9 pilot programs in 24 countries. The size of the target population for each program varied considerably from a few thousand to 36 million. The majority of programs used fecal occult blood tests for primary screening, with more using guaiac than immunochemical tests. There was wide variation in the ability of screening programs to report the requested measures and in the values reported. In general, pilot programs were more likely to provide screening measure values than were full programs. As expected, detection rates for polyps and neoplasia were substantially higher in programs screening with endoscopy than in those using fecal occult blood tests. It is hoped that the screening measures and indicators, once revised in the light of this survey, will be adopted and used by existing programs and those in the early planning stages, allowing international comparison with the goal of improved colorectal cancer screening quality.
Progress against cancer in the Netherlands since the late 1980s: An epidemiological evaluation
Authors: Karim‐Kos Henrike E. , Kiemeney Lambertus A.L.M. , Louwman Marieke W.J. , Coebergh Jan Willem W. , de Vries Esther
Published: July 2011

Progress against cancer through prevention and treatment is often measured by survival statistics only instead of analyzing trends in incidence, survival and mortality simultaneously because of interactive influences. This study combines these parameters of major cancers to provide an overview of the progress achieved in the Netherlands since 1989 and to establish in which areas action is needed. The population‐based Netherlands Cancer Registry and Statistics Netherlands provided incidence, 5‐year relative survival and mortality of 23 major cancer types. Incidence, survival and mortality changes were calculated as the estimated annual percentage change. Optimal progress was defined as decreasing incidence and/or improving survival accompanied by declining mortality, and deterioration as increasing incidence and/or deteriorating survival accompanied by increasing mortality rates. Optimal progress was observed in 12 of 19 cancer types among males: laryngeal, lung, stomach, gallbladder, colon, rectal, bladder, prostate and thyroid cancer, leukemia, Hodgkin and non‐Hodgkin lymphoma. Among females, optimal progress was observed in 12 of 21 cancers: stomach, gallbladder, colon, rectal, breast, cervical, uterus, ovarian and thyroid cancer, leukemia, Hodgkin and non‐Hodgkin lymphoma. Deterioration occurred in three cancer types among males: skin melanoma, esophageal and kidney cancer, and among females six cancer types: skin melanoma, oral cavity, pharyngeal, esophageal, pancreatic and lung cancer. Our conceptual framework limits misinterpretations from separate trends and generates a more balanced discussion on progress.
Polymerizable superoxide dismutase mimetic protects cells encapsulated in poly(ethylene glycol) hydrogels from reactive oxygen species‐mediated damage
Authors: Hume Patrick S. , Anseth Kristi S.
Published: July 2011

A polymerizable superoxide dismutase mimetic (SODm) was incorporated into poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) hydrogels to protect encapsulated cells from superoxide‐mediated damage. Superoxide and other small reactive oxygen species (ROS) can cause oxidative damage to donor tissue encapsulated within size exclusion barrier materials. To enzymatically breakdown ROS within biomaterial cell encapsulation systems, Mn(III) Tetrakis[1‐(3‐acryloxy‐propyl)‐4‐pyridyl] porphyrin (MnTTPyP‐acryl), a polymerizable manganese metalloporphyrin SOD mimetic, was photopolymerized with PEG diacrylate (PEGDA) to create functional gels. In unmodified PEG hydrogels, a significant reduction in metabolic activity was observed when encapsulated Min6 β‐cells were challenged with chemically generated superoxide. Cells encapsulated within MnTPPyP‐co‐PEG hydrogels, however, demonstrated greatly improved metabolic activity following various superoxide challenges. Further, cells were encapsulated and cultured for 10 days within MnTPPyP‐co‐PEG hydrogels and challenged with superoxide on days 4, 6, and 8. At the conclusion of this study, cells in blank PEG hydrogels had no observable metabolic activity but when encapsulated in MnTPPyP‐functionalized hydrogels, cells retained 60 ± 5% of the metabolic activity compared to untreated controls. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 99A: 29–37, 2011.
Covalent stabilization of alginate hydrogel beads via Staudinger ligation: Assessment of poly(ethylene glycol) and alginate cross‐linkers
Authors: Gattás‐Asfura Kerim M. , Fraker Christopher A. , Stabler Cherie L.
Published: July 2011

Cellular encapsulation within alginate hydrogel capsules has broad applications in tissue engineering. In seeking to improve the inherent instability of ionically cross‐linked alginate hydrogels, we previously demonstrated the covalent stabilization of Ba2+ cross‐linked alginate‐azide beads via chemoselective Staudinger ligation using a 1‐methyl‐2‐diphenylphosphino‐terephthalate (MDT) terminated poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) linker. In this study, we functionalized variant PEG, linear and branched, and alginate polymers with MDT groups to evaluate the effect of size, structural design, number of functional groups, and charge on the resulting hydrogel bead. All cross‐linkers resulted in enhanced covalent stabilization of alginate beads, with significant decreases in swelling and resistance to dissolution via Ba2+ chelation. The MDT‐functionalized alginate resulted in the most stable and homogeneous bead, with the most restrictive permeability even after EDTA exposure. Co‐encapsulation of MIN6 cells within the cross‐linked alginate hydrogel beads resulted in minimal effects on viability, whereas the degree of proliferation following culture varied with cross‐linker type. Altogether, the results illustrate that manipulating the cross‐linker structural design permits flexibility in resulting alginate beads characteristics. Covalent stabilization of alginate hydrogel beads with these chemoselective alginate and PEG‐based cross‐linkers provides a unique platform for cellular encapsulation. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 99A: 47–57, 2011.
Reconsideration on hydrogen bond strengthening or cleavage of photoexcited coumarin 102 in aqueous solvent: A DFT/TDDFT study
Authors: Miao Chuang , Shi Ying
Published: July 2011

In this work, the excited‐state hydrogen bonding dynamics of photoexcited coumarin 102 in aqueous solvent is reconsidered. The electronically excited states of the hydrogen bonded complexes formed by coumarin 102 (C102) chromophore and the hydrogen donating water solvent have been investigated using the time‐dependent density functional theory method. Two intermolecular hydrogen bonds between C102 and water molecules are considered. The previous works (Wells et al., J Phys Chem A 2008, 112, 2511) have proposed that one intermolecular hydrogen bond would be strengthened and the other one would be cleaved upon photoexcitation to the electronically excited states. However, our theoretical calculations have demonstrated that both the two intermolecular hydrogen bonds between C102 solute and H2O solvent molecules are significantly strengthened in electronically excited states by comparison with those in ground state. Hence, we have confirmed again that intermolecular hydrogen bonds between C102 chromophore and aqueous solvents are strengthened not cleaved upon electronic excitation, which is in accordance with Zhao's works. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comput Chem, 2011
The Use and Efficacy of Empathy in Police Interviews with Suspects of Sexual Offences
Authors: Oxburgh Gavin , Ost James
Published: July 2011

Many researchers have argued that the use of empathy in police interviews is beneficial to the rapport building process, with some arguing that its use may actually increase the number of admissions from specific cohorts of suspected offenders. Many police training protocols and guidelines also suggest that officers should use empathy during investigative interviews, yet no distinct definition is provided. This paper will provide a review of the current literature in the area and will discuss the meaning of empathy and its effectiveness during police interviews with those suspected of committing sexual offences. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Interviewing Suspects of Crime: The Impact of PEACE Training, Supervision and the Presence of a Legal Advisor
Authors: Clarke Colin , Milne Rebecca , Bull Ray
Published: July 2011

In 1992, the police service of England and Wales adopted PEACE as a framework for interviewing suspects. This study was to evaluate the impact of PEACE interview training, workplace supervision and the presence of a legal advisor on the performance of police officers' interviewing suspects. One hundred seventy‐four real‐life interviews with suspects were obtained from six police forces in England and Wales. Officers trained and untrained in PEACE, and from police forces that did or did not have an interview supervision policy conducted the interviews. Interviews in this sample were generally of average standard. Whilst PEACE‐trained officers conducted longer interviews, there were no other statistical differences dependent on training. Nor were there any statistical differences dependent on the presence of a legal advisor. A workplace supervision policy was found to be related to performance, particularly during the engage and explain phases of the interview. Supervision also appeared to provide some safeguards for suspects who did not have a legal advisor. Because the performance of PEACE‐trained officers did not differ from those who had not received this training, further improvement in training is needed, especially regarding a number of communication skills. It is argued that such improvement would be facilitated by a more consistent approach to interviewer training and to the effective supervision of interviews. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Changes and function of circulating endothelial progenitor cells in patients with cerebral aneurysm
Authors: Wei Huijie , Mao Qun , Liu Li , Xu Yong , Chen Jieli , Jiang Rongcai , Yin Long , Fan Yimu , Chopp Michael , Dong Jingfei , Zhang Jianning
Published: July 2011

Endothelial dysfunction is a trigger for the formation of cerebral aneurysm (CA). The circulating endothelial progenitor cell (EPC) plays an important role in postnatal vasculogenesis and reduction of endothelial injury. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that decreased number and impaired function of circulating EPCs correlate with CA formation in patients. Blood circulating EPCs were identified by flow cytometry. The level of plasma vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) was measured by ELISA. Circulating EPCs from patients (n = 27) were cultured in vitro, and the function of EPCs was evaluated by cell migration and senescence‐associated β‐galactosidase activity. The number of circulating EPCs was significantly decreased in both unruptured and ruptured CA patients compared with healthy control subjects. Impaired migratory capacity and elevated cellular senescence of cultured EPCs were observed in patients with CA (ruptured and unruptured). The percentages of EPC senescence in patients with CAs were significantly and negatively correlated with the number of circulating EPCs. In addition, there were higher levels of plasma VEGF in CA patients compared with healthy control subjects. Our results show that the numbers and functions of circulating EPCs are reduced in patients with CAs. These findings suggest that the decreased number and impaired function of circulating EPCs in CA patients may contribute to the pathophysiological process of aneurysm formation. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Estradiol attenuates the adenosine triphosphate‐induced increase of intracellular calcium through group II metabotropic glutamate receptors in rat dorsal root ganglion neurons
Authors: Chaban Victor , Li Jichang , McDonald John S. , Rapkin Andrea , Micevych Paul
Published: July 2011

Estradiol attenuates the ATP‐induced increase of intracellular calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i) in rat dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons by blocking the L‐type voltage gated calcium channel (VGCC). Because ATP is a putative nociceptive signal, this action may indicate a site of estradiol regulation of pain. In other neurons, 17β‐estradiol (E2) has been shown to modulate L‐type VGCC through a membrane estrogen receptor‐group II metabotropic glutamate receptor (mGluR2/3). The present study investigated whether the rapid estradiol attenuation of the ATP‐induced increase in [Ca2+]i requires mGluR2/3. Previously we showed that DRG (L1–S3) express ERα, P2X3, and mGluR2/3 receptors. DRG were acutely dissociated by enzyme digestion and grown in short‐term culture for imaging analysis. DRG neurons were stimulated twice, once with ATP (50 μM) for 5 sec and then again in the presence of E2 (100 nM) or E2 (100 nM) + LY341495 (100 nM), an mGluR2/3 inhibitor. ATP induced a transient increase in [Ca2+]i (216.3 ± 41.2 nM). This transient increase could be evoked several times in the same DRG neurons if separated by a 5‐min washout. Treatment with estradiol significantly attenuated the ATP‐induced [Ca2+]i increase in 60% of the DRG neurons, to 163.3 ± 20.9 nM (P < 0.001). Coapplication of E2 and the mGluR2/3 inhibitor LY341495 blocked the 17β‐estradiol attenuation of the ATP‐induced [Ca2+]i transient (209.1 ± 32.2 nM, P > 0.05). These data indicate that the rapid action of E2 in DRG neurons is dependent on mGluR2/3 and demonstrate that membrane estrogen receptor‐α‐initiated signaling involves interaction with mGluRs. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Identification and definition of primary and reworked tephra in Late Glacial and Holocene marine shelf sediments off North Iceland
Authors: Gudmundsdóttir Esther Ruth , Eiríksson Jón , Larsen Gudrún
Published: July 2011

Nine tephra layers in marine sediment cores (MD99‐2271 and MD99‐2275) from the North Icelandic shelf, spanning the Late Glacial and the Holocene, have been investigated to evaluate the effectiveness of methods to detect tephra layers in marine environments, to pinpoint the stratigraphic level of the time signal the tephra layers provide, and to discriminate between primary and reworked tephra layers in a marine environment. These nine tephra layers are the Borrobol‐like tephra, Vedde Ash, Askja S tephra, Saksunarvatn ash, and Hekla 5, Hekla 4, Hekla 3, Hekla 1104 and V1477 tephras. The methods used were visual inspection, magnetic susceptibility, X‐ray photography, mineralogical counts, grain size and morphological measurements, and microprobe analysis. The results demonstrate that grain size measurements and mineralogical counts are the most effective methods to detect tephra layers in this environment, revealing all nine tephra layers in question. Definition of the tephra layers revealed a 2–3 cm diffuse upper boundary in eight of the nine tephra layers and 2–3 cm diffuse lower boundary in two tephra layers. Using a multi‐parameter approach the stratigraphic position of a tephra layer was determined where the rate of change of the parameters tested was the greatest compared with background values below the tephra. The first attempt to use grain morphology to distinguish between primary and reworked tephra in a marine environment suggests that this method can be effective in verifying whether a tephra layer is primary or reworked. Morphological measurements and microprobe analyses in combination with other methods can be used to identify primary tephra layers securely. The study shows that there is a need to apply a combination of methods to detect, define (the time signal) and discriminate between primary and reworked tephra in marine environments. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Reconstructing palaeoprecipitation from an active cave flowstone
Authors: Boch Ronny , Spötl Christoph
Published: July 2011

Several drill cores were obtained from a laminated, actively forming flowstone from a shallow cave in Austria. Highly resolved petrographic and geochemical analyses combined with multi‐annual cave monitoring reveal a distinct sensitivity of flowstone growth and composition to late Holocene meteoric precipitation. The regular sub‐millimetre‐scale lamination consists of thicker, translucent laminae and thinner (organic) inclusion‐rich laminae. There is also a macroscopic millimetre‐scale banding of darker and lighter bands comprising several laminae. Stable isotope analyses of drill cores and modern calcite precipitates show a pronounced positive covariation of δ13C and δ18O values indicative of kinetic isotope effects. Comparing the isotope values with petrography shows gradual changes across several of the annual laminae, i.e. changes of several per mille on a multi‐annual to decadal timescale. The stable isotope and trace‐element composition, as well as the flowstone petrography, are mainly controlled by the variable drip‐water discharge controlling the water‐film thickness and water residence time on the flowstone surface and consequently the intensity of CO2‐degassing, kinetic isotope enrichment and concomitant calcite precipitation. Drill core PFU6 provides an isotope record of the last ca. 3000 years at near‐annual resolution. A distinct phase of low C and O isotope values – interpreted as increased discharge and hence higher meteoric precipitation – occurred from ca. 300 to 140 a b2k (second half of the Little Ice Age) and another wet interval occurred around 700 a, corresponding to reported Medieval glacier advances. The Roman Warm Period was also dominated by relatively wet conditions, although significant decadal variability prevailed. Increased precipitation further characterized the intervals from ca. 2480 to 2430 and 2950 to 2770 a. Dry conditions persisted during the Medieval Climate Anomaly, although this trend towards reduced precipitation started earlier. The highest C isotope values of the last 2 ka are recorded around 750 a and another dry phase is centred at 1480 a. This new record shows that inter‐annual to decadal oscillations are a dominant mode of variation during the last 3 ka in the Alps. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Detailed seismic stratigraphy of Lago Puyehue: implications for the mode and timing of glacier retreat in the Chilean Lake District
Authors: Heirman Katrien , De Batist Marc , Charlet Francois , Moernaut Jasper , Chapron Emmanuel , Brümmer Robert , Pino Mario , Urrutia Roberto
Published: July 2011

Lago Puyehue is a glacigenic lake in the Chilean Lake District (40°S) with a complex deglaciation history. A detailed seismic–stratigraphic study of its sedimentary infill indicates a much earlier retreat of the glacier from the Lago Puyehue basin than the neighbouring glacier from the Lago Rupanco basin. Because of their close proximity, Rupanco meltwater streams played an important part in the depositional processes of Lago Puyehue. A timing discrepancy between the in‐lake ages of a sediment core and the outer‐lake ages of moraine deposits (re)opens the discussion on the timing of deglaciation in the Southern Hemisphere. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The ratio of intra‐tumoral regulatory T cells (Foxp3+)/helper T cells (CD4+) is a prognostic factor and associated with recurrence pattern in gastric cardia cancer
Authors: Kim Hyoung‐Il , Kim Haeryoung , Cho Hyoung Won , Kim Sang Yong , Song Ki Jun , Hyung Woo Jin , Park Chung‐Gyu , Kim Choong‐Bai
Published: July 2011

Background

TILs have been reported to be a prognostic factor in human cancers. We assessed the prognostic significance of tumor‐infiltrating regulatory T cells in gastric cardia cancer.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed the database of Severance Hospital for patients who underwent curative resection of gastric cardia cancer from Jan 2000 to Dec 2006 and identified 180 patients. Immunohistochemistry for TIL subsets was performed against CD3, CD4, CD8, Foxp3, and granzyme B in the resected tumor specimens. The absolute numbers and relative ratios of positively stained lymphocytes for each subset were evaluated.

Results

A high Foxp3/CD4 ratio was identified as an unfavorable prognostic factor for overall survival (OS) using univariate and multivariate analysis of all immunologic variables. Patients group with high Foxp3/CD4 ratio was associated with loco‐regional recurrence (P = 0.033). In multivariate analysis for clinical and immunologic variables, the nodal status (hazards ratio—HR: 3.863, confidence interval—CI: 1.664–8.966, P = 0.002), depth of invasion (HR: 3.607, CI: 1.443–9.019, P = 0.006), and Foxp3/CD4 ratio (HR: 1.812, CI: 1.022–3.212, P = 0.042) were identified as independent prognostic factors for OS.

Conclusions

A higher regulatory T cells/helper T cells ratio is associated with an unfavorable prognosis and loco‐regional recurrence pattern in gastric cardia cancer. J. Surg. Oncol. 2011; 104:728–733. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Effect of intra‐operative fluid volume on peri‐operative outcomes after pancreaticoduodenectomy for pancreatic adenocarcinoma
Authors: Melis Marcovalerio , Marcon Francesca , Masi Antonio , Sarpel Umut , Miller George , Moore Harvey , Cohen Steven , Berman Russell , Pachter H Leon , Newman Elliot
Published: July 2011

Background

Excess use of intravenous fluid can increase post‐operative complications. We examined the influence of intra‐operative crystalloid (IOC) administration on complications following pancreaticodudenectomy (PD) for pancreatic adenocarcinoma.

Methods

We categorized 188 patients who underwent PD for adenocarcinoma (1990–2009) into two groups: Group I received <6,000 ml and Group II received ≥6,000 ml IOC. Differences between groups in length of stay, overall morbidity, and 30‐day mortality were evaluated.

Results

There were 86 patients in Group I and 102 in Group II. Group I patients were older and with higher percentage of women, but similar in regards to performance status, ASA score, underlying comorbidities, and administration of neo‐adjuvant treatment. Group II patients had longer operations, increased blood loss, and higher rates of intra‐operative blood transfusions. There were two post‐operative deaths, both in the Group II (P = 0.5). Post‐operative overall morbidity was 45.7%, without differences between the two groups (44.2% vs. 47.1%, P = 0.7). Likewise, length of post‐operative stay was similar in both groups (13.8 days vs. 14.5 days, P = 0.5).

Conclusions

The volume of IOC increased with duration of surgery, intra‐operative blood losses, and intra‐operative blood transfusion, but did not correlate with post‐operative morbidity. J. Surg. Oncol. 2012; 105:81–84. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Trauma centrality and PTSD symptom severity in adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse
Authors: Robinaugh Donald J. , McNally Richard J.
Published: July 2011

Theorists have posited that regarding a trauma as central to one's identity leads to greater posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptom severity. To test this hypothesis, we administered the Centrality of Events Scale (CES) to women reporting a history of childhood sexual abuse (N = 102). The CES scores were correlated with PTSD symptom severity, depression severity, and self‐esteem. In addition, we conducted a principal component analysis (PCA) to evaluate factors underlying the CES. The PCA yielded 3 factors reflecting (a) the centrality and integration of the trauma, (b) whether the event is regarded as a turning point in one's life story, and (c) whether the event is a reference point for expectations about the future. Each factor was associated with PTSD symptom severity.
Group cognitive processing therapy delivered to veterans via telehealth: A pilot cohort
Authors: Morland Leslie A. , Hynes Anna K. , Mackintosh Margaret‐Anne , Resick Patricia A. , Chard Kathleen M.
Published: July 2011

The authors report clinical findings from the pilot cohort of the first prospective, noninferiority‐designed randomized clinical trial evaluating the clinical outcomes of delivering a cognitive–behavioral group intervention for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), cognitive processing therapy (CPT), via video teleconferencing (VT) compared to the in‐person modality. The treatment was delivered to 13 veterans with PTSD residing on the Hawaiian Islands. Results support the general feasibility and safety of using VT. Both groups showed clinically meaningful reductions in PTSD symptoms and no significant between‐group differences on clinical or process outcome variables. In keeping with treatment manual recommendations, a few changes were made to the CPT protocol to accommodate this population. Novel aspects of this trial and lessons learned are discussed.
The role of state wildlife professionals under the public trust doctrine
Authors: Smith Christian A.
Published: July 2011

The Public Trust Doctrine (PTD) is considered the cornerstone of the North American Model of Wildlife Conservation. Effective application of the PTD requires a clear understanding of the doctrine and appropriate behavior by trustees, trust managers, and beneficiaries. Most PTD literature refers generically to the role of the government as the people's trustee, without addressing the differences between the legislative, executive, and judicial branches of government in the United States or recognizing the distinction between elected and appointed officials and career civil servants. Elected and appointed officials, especially in the legislative branch, have policy‐level decision‐making authority that makes them trustees of the people's wildlife under the PTD. In contrast, career professionals working for state wildlife agencies (SWA's) have ministerial duties as trust managers. The differences between the roles of trustees and trust managers are important. By focusing on their role as trust managers, while supporting and respecting the role of elected and appointed officials as trustees, SWA professionals can more effectively advance application of the PTD. © 2011 The Wildlife Society.