bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ReX: a computer program for structural analysis using powder diffraction data
Authors: Bortolotti Mauro , Lutterotti Luca , Lonardelli Ivan
Published: May 2009

Multi-platform software has been developed for the analysis of powder diffraction data, with particular focus on structure solution. The program provides a Rietveld optimization engine, with the possibility of refining parameters describing both the sample and the instrument model. Geometric constraints such as rigid fragments and torsion angles can be defined for the atomic structure, to reduce the number of degrees of freedom of the model. An innovative hierarchical description of the asymmetric unit has been adopted, which allows, in principle, the definition of arbitrarily complex geometric relationships. Additionally, global optimization algorithms may be used in place of the standard nonlinear least squares, when particularly challenging problems are being faced.
A sample cell for diffraction studies with control of temperature, relative humidity and applied electric field
Authors: Mo Frode , Ramsøskar Kjell
Published: May 2009

Sample cells for applying an electric field on the sample during synchrotron X-ray diffraction experiments have been designed and built, both for small single crystals in an arbitrary orientation and for thin films. For the former type of sample, the cell also includes equipment for control of relative humidity and temperature. Cells of different design have been used successfully with single crystals of two distinct phases of the organic ferroelectric Rochelle salt and in studies of epitaxial thin films of ferroelectric PbTiO3on a SrTiO3substrate under weak electric fields.
Enantiomorph identification and stacking faults in κ-(BEDT-TTF)2Cu(NCS)2by convergent-beam electron diffraction
Authors: Fujio Satoshi , Tanaka Katsushi , Inui Haruyuki , Ueji Rintaro , Sumida Naoto , Yamochi Hideki , Saito Gunzi
Published: May 2009

The convergent-beam electron diffraction (CBED) method proposed recently for enantiomorph identification has been successfully applied to an ambient-pressure superconductor κ-(BEDT-TTF)2Cu(NCS)2[BEDT-TTF is bis(ethylenedithio)tetrathiafulvalene]. Enantiomorph identification (either the left-handed or right-handed form within the space groupP21) of each crystal grown of κ-(BEDT-TTF)2Cu(NCS)2was achieved at ambient temperature without the need to cool the specimens. Enantiomorph identification was possible within the framework of the proposed method only by taking an additional selected-area electron diffraction pattern to eliminate the ambiguity of 180° rotation of the relevant CBED pattern about the incident beam. In the present study, all four specimens investigated exhibit the right-handed form.
1-(2,4-Dichlorophenyl)-3-[4-(dimethylamino)phenyl]prop-2-enone
Authors: Bappalige Navin N. , Brinda  , Narayana Y. , Upadyaya V.
Published: May 2009

In the title compound, C17H15Cl2NO, the dimethylaminophenyl group is close to coplanar with the central propenone group [dihedral angle = 13.1 (1)° between the mean planes], while the dichlorophenyl group is twisted from the plane [dihedral angle = 64.0 (1)°]. In the crystal, C—H...O and weak C—H...π interactions are formed between molecules.
3-(4-Pyridyl)benzoic acid
Authors: Xing Jianxin
Published: May 2009

The molecule of the title compound, C12H9NO2, is not planar, the benzene and pyridine rings making a dihedral angle of 32.14 (7)°. The carboxy group is slightly twisted with respect to the benzene ring by 11.95 (10)°. In the crystal structure, intermolecular O—H...N hydrogen bonds link neighboring molecules into infinite chains along thecaxis.
2-[(E)-(Dimethylamino)methyleneamino]benzonitrile
Authors: Wei Xia , Shi Daxin , Fan Yanqiu , Zhang Ling , Li Jiarong
Published: May 2009

In the title compound, C10H11N3, the amidine unit, including the two methyl substituents, is virtually planar [maximum deviation = 0.016 (5) Å]. The plane of the benzene ring forms a dihedral angle of 46.5 (3)° with the amidine group.
2-Methoxy-6-(6-methyl-1H-benzimidazol-2-yl)phenol
Authors: Xiao Hui-Quan , Zhang Ming-Zhu , Wang Wei
Published: May 2009

The molecule of the title compound, C15H14N2O2is almost planar, the dihedral angle between the 6-methyl-1H-benzimidazole plane and the 2-methoxyphenol plane being 6.9 (2)°. An intramolecular O—H...N hydrogen bond is present. Adjacent molecules are linked by N—H...O hydrogen bonds into a three-dimensional network structure. The benzoimidazole methyl group and its attached C atom are positionally disordered in a 0.724 (4):0.276 (4) ratio.
4-(6-Quinolyloxymethyl)benzonitrile
Authors: Zhao Min Min , Li Yong Hua , Wu De Hong , Wan Qing
Published: May 2009

The title compound, C17H12N2O, was synthesized by an ether synthesis from quinolin-6-ol and 4-(bromomethyl)benzonitrile. The phenyl ring of the benzonitrile group makes a dihedral angle of 47.52 (6)° with the plane of the quinoline fragment. The crystal structure is stabilized by intermolecular C—H...π interactions between a benzene H atom of the benzonitrile group and the benzene ring of the quinoline fragment. In addition, the crystal structure also exhibits a weak intermolecular C—H...N hydrogen bond.
(E)-17β,19-Epoxymethano-17,23,24-tridemethyl-4-nor-5β,18α-olean-3-one oxime
Authors: Froelich Anna , Kazakova Oxana B. , Tolstikov Genrikh , Gzella Andrzej K.
Published: May 2009

In the pentacyclic triterpenoide skeleton of the title molecule, C27H43NO2[systematic name: (3E,3aS,5aR,5bR,7aR,11R,11aR,11bR,13aR,13bR)-5a,5b,10,10,13b-pentamethylicosahydro-1H-11,7a-(epoxymethano)cyclopenta[a]chrysen-3-one oxime], the five-membered ringAhas an envelope conformation, while the six-membered ringsB–Eadopt chair conformations. RingsAandBarecis-fused. The hydroximino group has anEconfiguration. Strong intermolecular O—H...O hydrogen bonds link the molecules into helical chains.
4-(Dimethylamino)pyridinium tribromide: whole molecule disorder of cation and anion
Authors: Ng Seik Weng
Published: May 2009

In the title salt, C7H11N2+·Br3−, the cation and the near-linear anion [Br—Br—Br = 179.41 (8)°] both show whole-molecule disorder about crystallographic twofold rotation axes. The cation is weakly hydrogen-bonded to the anion by an N—H...Br interaction. The crystal studied was found to be a racemic twin, with a twin component of nearly 50%.
Bis[4-(dimethylamino)pyridinium] pentabromidochloridostannate(IV)
Authors: Jang Yong , Lo Kong Mun , Ng Seik Weng
Published: May 2009

In the title compound, (C7H11N2)2[SnBr5Cl], there is Br/Cl disorder in 0.6561 (12):0.3439 (12) and 0.8438 (12):0.1561 (12) ratios over two of three halide sites in the centrosymmetric anion, such that an overall formulation of [SnBr5Cl]2−arises. In the crystal, associations of two cations and one anion linked by N—H...Br hydrogen bonds occur.
Tris(phenyl 2-pyridyl ketone oxime-κ2N,N′)cadmium(II) dinitrate
Authors: Yan Juan , Liu Guang-Xiang
Published: May 2009

The Cd atom in the title compound, [Cd(C12H10N2O)3](NO3)2, adopts a distorted octahedral geometry, being ligated by six N atoms from three different phenyl-2-pyridyl ketone oxime ligands. In the crystal structure, intermolecular O—H...O and C—H...O hydrogen bonds link the molecules into a chain structure propagating along [100]. The chains are further linked into a three-dimensional supramolecular structureviavan der Waals forces.
2,2′-Dimethoxy-4,4′-[rel-(2R,3S)-2,3-dimethylbutane-1,4-diyl]diphenol
Authors: Salinas-Salazar Carmen L. , Camacho-Corona María del Rayo , Bernès Sylvain , Waksman de Torres Noemi
Published: May 2009

The title molecule, C20H26O4, commonly known asmeso-dihydroguaiaretic acid, is a naturally occurring lignan extracted fromLarrea tridentataand other plants. The molecule has a noncrystallographic inversion center situated at the midpoint of the central C—C bond, generating themesostereoisomer. The central C—C—C—C alkyl chain displays an all-transconformation, allowing an almost parallel arrangement of the benzene rings, which make a dihedral angle of 5.0 (3)°. Both hydroxy groups form weak O—H...O—H chains of hydrogen bonds along [100]. The resulting supramolecular structure is an undulating plane parallel to (010).
4-Hexyloxy-3-methoxybenzaldehyde
Authors: Abbas Asghar , Khawar Rauf M. , Bolte Michael , Hasan Aurangzeb
Published: May 2009

The title compound, C14H20O3, is a synthetic analogue with a long aliphatic side chain of the important food additive and flavoring agent, vanillin. There are two independent molecules in the asymmetric unit, each having an essentially planar conformation (r.m.s. deviations of 0.023 and 0.051Å for all non–H atoms of the two molecules in the asymmetric unit).
N′-{2-[2-(4-Methoxyphenyl)ethenyl]phenyl}acetamide
Authors: Ahmad Kartini , Thomas Noel F. , Din Mohd Fadzli , Awang Khalijah , Ng Seik Weng
Published: May 2009

In the title compound, C17H17NO2, the phenylene rings are nearly coplanar [dihedral angle 7.3 (1)°]. The acetamido group is twisted out of the plane of the aromatic ring in order to form an N–H...O hydrogen bond to the acetamido group of an adjacent molecule, generating a helical chain running along thebaxis.
5-[(4-Acetylphenyl)aminomethylene]-2,2-dimethyl-1,3-dioxane-4,6-dione
Authors: Li Rui , Ding Zhen-Yu , Wei Yu-Quan , Ding Jian
Published: May 2009

In the title compound, C15H15NO5, the six-membered dioxane ring assumes an envelope conformation with the dimethyl substituted C atom as the flap atom. An intramolecular N—H...O interaction is also present. In the crystal structure the molecules are linkedviaC—H...O hydrogen bonds into supramolecular chains along thebaxis.
Resveratrol and quercetin cooperate to induce senescence‐like growth arrest in C6 rat glioma cells
Authors: Zamin Lauren L. , Filippi‐Chiela Eduardo C. , Dillenburg‐Pilla Patricia , Horn Fabiana , Salbego Christianne , Lenz Guido
Published: May 2009

Glioma is the most frequent and malignant primary human brain tumor with dismal prognosis despite multimodal therapy. Resveratrol and quercetin, two structurally related and naturally occurring polyphenols, are proposed to have anticancer effects. We report here that resveratrol and quercetin decreased the cell number in four glioma cell lines but not in rat astrocytes. Low doses of resveratrol (10 µM) or quercetin (25 µM) separately had no effect on apoptosis induction, but had a strong effect on caspase 3/7 activation when administered together. Western blot analyses showed that resveratrol (10 µM) and quercetin (25 µM) caused a reduction in phosphorylation of Akt, but this reduction was not sufficient by itself to mediate the effects of these polyphenols. Most important, resveratrol and quercetin chronically administered presented a strong synergism in inducing senescence‐like growth arrest. These results suggest that the combination of polyphenols can potentialize their antitumoral activity, thereby reducing the therapeutic concentration needed for glioma treatment. (Cancer Sci 2009; 100: 1655–1662)
Low expression of microphthalmia‐associated transcription factor, a potential molecular target for interferon‐alpha susceptibility, is associated with metastasis in renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Shimazui Toru , Kojima Takahiro , Yoshikawa Kazuhiro , Ami Yoshihiro , Oikawa Takehiro , Uchida Kazuhiko , Akaza Hideyuki
Published: May 2009

We previously reported that microarray expression profiling identified several candidate genes in association with interferon‐α (IFN‐α) response in renal cell carcinoma (RCC) cell lines (Cancer Sci 2007; 98: 529). Among them, we focused on microphthalmia‐associated transcription factor (MITF), because its expression profile correlated well with IFN‐α‐response status. In addition, we investigated the clinical significance of the expression level of MITF using surgical specimens. RNA was extracted from 14 RCC cell lines and 65 RCC samples and was used in this study. Transfection of MITF cDNA into IFN‐α‐resistant RCC cell lines resulted in elevation of MITF expression and acquisition of IFN‐α‐sensitivity by quantitative PCR and WST‐8 assay, respectively. Statistical analysis revealed that low MITF mRNA expression in RCC samples was significantly correlated with the presence of metastasis and poor survival of the patient. However, the correlation between MITF expression and IFN‐α response was not obvious in the clinical cases. MITF gene transfection elevated IFN‐α‐sensitivity in RCC cell lines, suggesting that this gene is a target molecule for modulation of the IFN‐α response. Quantification of MITF mRNA expression might be clinically useful to predict metastasis and survival of patients with RCC. (Cancer Sci 2009; 100: 1714–1718)
Response of secondary production by macroinvertebrates to large wood addition in three Michigan streams
Authors: ENTREKIN SALLY A. , TANK JENNIFER L. , ROSI‐MARSHALL EMMA J. , HOELLEIN TIMOTHY J. , LAMBERTI GARY A.
Published: May 2009

1. We measured responses in macroinvertebrate secondary production after large wood additions to three forested headwater streams in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. These streams had fine‐grained sediments and low retention capacity due to low amounts of in‐channel wood from a legacy of past logging. We predicted that wood addition would increase macroinvertebrate secondary production by increasing exposed coarse substrate and retention of organic matter.

2. Large wood (25 logs) was added haphazardly to a 100‐m reach in each stream, and a 100‐m upstream reach served as control; each reach was sampled monthly, 1 year before and 2 years after wood addition (i.e. BACI design). Macroinvertebrate secondary production was measured 1 year after wood addition in two habitat types: inorganic sediments of the main channel and debris accumulations of leaf litter and small wood.

3. Overall macroinvertebrate production did not change significantly because each stream responded differently to wood addition. Production increased by 22% in the main‐channel of one stream, and showed insignificant changes in the other two streams compared to values before wood addition. Changes in main‐channel macroinvertebrate production were related to small changes in substrate composition, which probably affected habitat and periphyton abundance. Macroinvertebrate production was much greater in debris accumulations than in the main‐channel, indicating the potential for increased retention of leaf litter to increase overall macroinvertebrate production, especially in autumn.

4. Surrounding land use, substrate composition, temperature and method of log placement are variables that interact to influence the response of stream biota to wood additions. In most studies, wood additions occur in altered catchments, are rarely monitored, and secondary production is not a common metric. Our results suggest that the time required for measurable changes in geomorphology, organic matter retention, or invertebrate production is likely to take years to achieve, so monitoring should span more than 5 years, and ecosystem metrics, such as macroinvertebrate secondary production, should be incorporated into restoration monitoring programs.
Analysis of nonstop mRNA translation in the absence of tmRNA in Escherichia coli
Authors: Kuroha Kazushige , Horiguchi Nobuo , Aiba Hiroji , Inada Toshifumi
Published: May 2009

tmRNA, a product of ssrA gene, plays a crucial role in the quality control system that eliminates aberrant products of nonstop mRNAs in prokaryotes. Although tmRNA recycles ribosomes stalled at the 3′ end of nonstop mRNAs, the fate of ribosomes that stall at the 3′ end in the absence of tmRNA has not been extensively examined. Here we report our analysis of the translation status of nonstop mRNAs. Polysome analysis showed that nonstop mRNAs were translated efficiently, and peptidyl‐tRNA was not found in any fraction in a ΔssrA strain. In vitro translation experiments using PURESYSTEM revealed that ribosomes translating nonstop mRNAs were dissociated from the 3′ end of mRNA, and the peptidyl‐tRNA was only weakly hydrolyzed in the monosome. These results suggest that the peptidyl‐tRNA of a nonstop mRNA is hydrolyzed by an unknown factor(s) in vivo, thereby allowing a nonstop mRNA to be translated as efficiently as a normal mRNA. Possible factors involved in the hydrolysis of the peptidyl‐tRNAs of nonstop mRNAs are discussed.
Factors controlling community structure in heterogeneous metacommunities
Authors: Davies Kendi F. , Holyoak Marcel , Preston Kim A. , Offeman Valerie A. , Lum Quenby
Published: May 2009

1. Modern theories of species coexistence recognize the importance of environmental heterogeneity.

2. Despite the existence of many observational studies, few experimental studies have evaluated the extent to which, and mechanisms by which, fixed spatial heterogeneity increases community diversity and alters community structure.

3  In experimental protist communities, we found that non‐spatial mechanisms unrelated to heterogeneity were responsible for a large component of baseline diversity. Above this baseline, fixed spatial heterogeneity produced small but predictable increases in metacommunity diversity through species sorting, while heterogeneity and dispersal together altered local community structure (composition and relative abundance) through mass effects.

4. Our study illustrates that heterogeneity is not always the strongest driver of diversity, while experimentally demonstrating mechanisms by which heterogeneity alters community structure.
Evolutionary history, biogeography and eco‐climatological differentiation of the genus Anthemis L. (Compositae, Anthemideae) in the circum‐Mediterranean area
Authors: Lo Presti Rosa Maria , Oberprieler Christoph
Published: May 2009

Aim  To reconstruct the temporal, geographical and eco‐climatological differentiation of the genus Anthemis (Compositae, Anthemideae) in the circum‐Mediterranean region, in order to evaluate the relative importance of geographical vs. climatological differentiation processes in influencing the actual distribution patterns in this plant group.

Location  The circum‐Mediterranean region, including the Iberian Peninsula, northern Africa, the Italian and Balkan peninsulas, the Aegean region and Anatolia, the Caucasus, the Arabian Peninsula and western Asia.

Methods  The phylogeny of the genus Anthemis was obtained from a maximum likelihood analysis based on nuclear ribosomal DNA (nrDNA) internal transcribed spacer (ITS) sequence data, and the chronology of diversification was derived using a penalized likelihood approach. The reconstruction of the spatial diversification of the genus was based on a dispersal/vicariance (DIVA) analysis. Eco‐climatological niche differentiation was inferred by optimizing 19 bioclimatic variables onto the phylogeny. A multi‐dimensional hypervolume, proposed as a representation of the eco‐climatological niche and defined by the combination of ranges for all bioclimatic variables, was calculated for each taxon and each internal node. To identify ‘eco‐climatological vicariance’ events in the phylogeny, the pairwise overlap among hypervolumes of sister groups was calculated. Finally, the temporal and clade‐wise relative importance of geographical vs. eco‐climatological vicariance events was estimated.

Results  The temporal reconstruction shows a constant increase of lineages through the last 12 Myr. The geographical reconstruction suggests that Anthemis diverged from the rest of the Compositae–Anthemideae in the eastern Mediterranean region, and from there radiated into the whole circum‐Mediterranean region through successive dispersal and vicariance events. The reconstruction of the eco‐climatological niches suggests a progressive adaptation from a montane‐humid climate towards arid environments and the typical mediterranean climate.

Main conclusions  The results presented here involved phylogenetic, geographical and eco‐climatological reconstructions; joint analyses of all of these aspects have assessed the relative importance of geological vs. climatic forces that have affected the distributional history of the genus Anthemis. Large‐scale differentiation patterns triggered by geological forces appear to have influenced the evolutionary history of the genus in a rather constant manner over the last 12 Myr, whereas climatic forces seem to have played an important role in two phases of the radiation process: at around 9 Ma, when the area experienced the onset of a trend towards aridification, and during the last 3.5 Myr, with the establishment of the typical mediterranean climate and the influence of Pleistocene climate oscillations.
Strong population structure characterizes weediness gene evolution in the invasive grass species Brachypodium distachyon
Authors: BAKKER ERICA G. , MONTGOMERY BROOKE , NGUYEN TRACY , EIDE KATHLEEN , CHANG JEFF , MOCKLER TODD C. , LISTON AARON , SEABLOOM ERIC W. , BORER ELIZABETH T.
Published: May 2009

Mediterranean annual grasses have invaded California and have replaced vast areas of native grassland. One of these invasive grasses is Brachypodium distachyon, a new model species for the grasses with extensive genomic resources and a nearly completed genome sequence. This study shows that the level of genetic variation in invaded California grasslands is lower compared to the native range in Eurasia. The invaded regions are characterized by highly differentiated populations of B. distachyon isolated by distance, most likely as a result of founder effects and a dearth of outcrossing events. EXP6 and EXP10 encoding α‐expansins responsible for rapid growth, and AGL11 and AGL13 encoding proteins involved in vegetative phase regulation, appear to be under purifying selection with no evidence for local adaptation. Our data show that B. distachyon has diverged only recently from related Brachypodium species and that tetraploidization might have been as recent as a few thousand years ago. Observed low genetic variation in EXP10 and AGL13 appears to have been present in Eurasia before tetraploidization, potentially as a result of strong selective pressures on advantageous mutations, which are most likely responsible for its fast growth and rapid completion of its life cycle.
FpvA bound to non‐cognate pyoverdines: molecular basis of siderophore recognition by an iron transporter
Authors: Greenwald Jason , Nader Mirella , Celia Hervé , Gruffaz Christelle , Geoffroy Valérie , Meyer Jean‐Marie , Schalk Isabelle J. , Pattus Franc
Published: May 2009

The first step in the specific uptake of iron via siderophores in Gram‐negative bacteria is the recognition and binding of a ferric siderophore by its cognate receptor. We investigated the molecular basis of this event through structural and biochemical approaches. FpvA, the pyoverdine–Fe transporter from Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 15692 (PAO1 strain), is able to transport ferric–pyoverdines originating from other species, whereas most fluorescent pseudomonads are only able to use the one they produce among the more than 100 known different pyoverdines. We solved the structure of FpvA bound to non‐cognate pyoverdines of high‐ or low‐affinity and found a close correlation between receptor–ligand structure and the measured affinities. The structure of the first amino acid residues of the pyoverdine chain distinguished the high‐ and low‐affinity binders while the C‐terminal portion of the pyoverdines, often cyclic, does not appear to contribute extensively to the interaction between the siderophore and its transporter. The specificity of the ferric–pyoverdine binding site of FpvA is conferred by the structural elements common to all ferric–pyoverdines, i.e. the chromophore, iron, and its chelating groups.
High intrathecal bupivacaine for severe pain in the head and neck
Authors: LUNDBORG C. , DAHM P. , NITESCU P. , BIBER B.
Published: May 2009

Background: Severe pain in the head and neck is associated with a lowered quality of life and conventional pain therapy often does not provide adequate relief. The aims of this study were to investigate the efficacy, pain relief, benefits and adverse effects of intracisternal or high cervical (IHC) administration of bupivacaine in patients with severe pain in the head, neck and face regions.

Methods: Between 1990 and 2005, 40 patients (age 27–84 years) were treated with continuous IHC infusions of bupivacaine for various non‐cancer (n=15) or cancer‐related (n=25) refractory pain conditions (duration 1 month–18 years) in the head, neck, mouth and shoulder regions.

Results: Visual analogue scale scores and opioid requirements decreased markedly after the start of the treatment and remained lowered throughout the study. No tachyphylaxis for bupivacaine was observed. Major side effects were few and most often transient. Most patients showed unchanged or improved mobility. There was no mortality, neurological damage or other severe events attributable to procedures in the study protocol.

Conclusion: For patients with severe and refractory pain in areas innervated by cranial and upper cervical nerves, cervical high spinal analgesia can provide safe and effective analgesia.
Expression of morphological and flowering time variation through allopolyploidization: an empirical study with 27 wheat synthetics and their parental Aegilops tauschii accessions
Authors: Takumi S. , Naka Y. , Morihiro H. , Matsuoka Y.
Published: May 2009

It was recently shown that allopolyploidy brings novel epistatic interactions to genes belonging to different genomes. However, systematic studies of the phenotypic relationships between synthetic hexaploid wheats and their parental lines have not been conducted. In this study, 27 synthetic hexaploid wheats were produced by crossing the tetraploid wheat cultivar ‘Langdon’ with 27 accessions of Aegilops tauschii. Variations in 20 morphological and flowering traits were analysed in both the synthetic wheat lines and the parental Ae. tauschii accessions. The 20 traits exhibited large variations in the wheat lines. For many of the traits, the degree of variation in the parental accessions was reduced in the hexaploid derivatives. Principal component analysis of floret‐related traits divided the Ae. tauschii accessions into two subspecies, ssp. tauschii and ssp. strangulata, but this parental pattern of subspecific division was not detectable in the hexaploids. Our results suggest that the ‘Langdon’ genome may have an alleviating effect on the expression of D‐genome‐derived variations in derived synthetics.
Changes in carbohydrate expression in the cervical spinal cord of rats during aging
Authors: Lozza Facundo A. , Chinchilla Leonardo A. , Barbeito Claudio G. , Goya Rodolfo G. , Gimeno Eduardo J. , Portiansky Enrique L.
Published: May 2009

Aging is a process where histochemical changes occur. Some of these may consist of age‐dependent loss of expression of some cell markers. Conversely, cell markers not expressed in young animals may be detectable in their older counterparts. Histochemical age changes in carbohydrate profiles in the spinal cord have not been documented. In order to fill this information gap lectin histochemistry and image analysis were used to characterize the histochemical age changes occurring in the cervical segments of the rat spinal cord. From a battery of 11 lectins, the more important age changes were detected with Glicine maximus (SBA)‐lectin. Thus, SBA‐lectin neuronal staining which was moderately positive in the cervical segments of young animals was negative in old rats. In contrast the same lectin which did not react with the ependyma of young animals strongly bound to the ependyma of senescent rats. None of the tested lectins bound to glial cells, either in young or old animals. In no case the senile animals evidenced anatomopathological changes. We conclude that although in the aged spinal cord changes in lectin histochemical binding patterns occur, they do not reflect a pathologic situation.
Non‐skin mesenchymal cell types support epidermal regeneration in a mesenchymal stem cell or myofibroblast phenotype‐independent manner
Authors: Aoki Shigehisa , Takezawa Toshiaki , Uchihashi Kazuyoshi , Sugihara Hajime , Toda Shuji
Published: May 2009

Skin‐derived fibroblasts, preadipocytes and adipocytes, and non‐skin‐derived bone marrow stromal cells support epidermal regeneration. It remains unclear, however, whether various organ‐derived mesenchymal cell (MC) types other than the aforementioned counterparts affect epidermal regeneration. Using a skin reconstruction model, it is shown here that heart‐, spleen‐, lung‐, liver‐ and kidney‐derived MC support epidermal regeneration by keratinocytes. Immunohistochemistry showed that these MC types described here allowed keratinocytes to express cytokeratin (CK) 10, CK14 and involucrin in a normal fashion, and to retain the epidermal progenitor cell marker, p63, within the basal layer. MC types constantly expressed vimentin, but they were heterogeneous in their expression of the mesenchymal stem cell markers, stage‐specific embryonic antigen‐4, CD105, CD90 and CD44, and the myofibroblast marker, α‐smooth muscle actin. The MC types expressed keratinocyte growth factor, stromal‐derived factor‐1 and interleukin‐6, which are all critical for dermal fibroblast–keratinocyte interaction. These results indicate that vimentin‐positive MC originating from the heart, spleen, lung, liver and kidney can support epidermal regeneration without the involvement of mesenchymal stem cell and myofibroblast phenotypes of MC.
Re‐classification of pTNM staging for lung cancer: Single‐institution report at a Japanese comprehensive cancer hospital
Authors: Teramoto Norihiro , Nishimura Rieko , Takahata Hiroyuki , Sawada Shigeki , Shinkai Tetsu , Mandai Koichi
Published: May 2009

Among the major cancer sites, the lung has the most complicated pTNM description. Reclassification of International Union Against Cancer (UICC)‐pTNM grading of 262 lung cancers resected at Shikoku Cancer Center was done using microscopy and audit of pathology reports. Of the 262 lung cancers, 222 were obtained at operation from 1999 to 2004 and 40 additional cases from 2006. Among 666 pTNM components of the former cases, 37 components (31T, 3N, 3M) in 35 cases were revised to different categories. The concordance rate (CR) of the original stage to the reclassified stage was 90% (210/222) in the five‐group staging system (5GSS) without subdivisions and 84% (187/222) in the 8GSS with subdivisions such as IA and IB. It decreased in advanced cases. For example, the CR was higher in stage I (97%, 158/163) than in stage II–IV (88%, 51/59) in five‐GSS (χ2 test, P < 0.05). The CR in 8GSS of the additional 40 cases, which were diagnosed after the review of the former 222 cases, was 98% (39/40), indicating that the knowledge gained from the review improved the accuracy significantly (χ2 test, P < 0.05). It is necessary to assess disparities in the accuracy of pTNM for lung cancer at each institution. This is also true for cancers at other sites.
Histological differences between invasive ductal carcinoma with a large central acellular zone and matrix‐producing carcinoma of the breast
Authors: Sasaki Yuka , Tsuda Hitoshi , Ueda Shigeto , Asakawa Hideki , Seki Kunihiko , Murata Tetsuya , Kuriki Ken , Tamai Seiichi , Matsubara Osamu
Published: May 2009

Carcinoma with a large central acellular zone (central acellular carcinoma, CAC) and matrix‐producing carcinoma (MPC) have been recently noted as basal‐like‐type breast cancers, but the two entities are often confused. To clarify their histological differences, the histopathological sections of 15 CAC and seven MPC were examined and the following features were compared by reviewing slides: (i) mode of invasion; (ii) alteration of cancer cell adhesion in the transitional area between cellular and acellular zones; (iii) staining of the stromal matrix; (iv) lymphocyte infiltration; and (v) tumor grade. Complete agreement was required between two observers for the assessments of these features. All CAC had relatively sharp margins but showed infiltrative growth accompanied by eosinophilic intercellular matrix. In CAC there was abrupt transition between peripheral cellular and central acellular zones without alteration of cancer cell adhesion. In contrast, all MPC showed expansive growth with a well circumscribed margin, accompanied by basophilic and myxoid intercellular matrix. In MPC there was gradual transition from cellular to acellular areas with gradual loss of cancer cell adhesion. Histological grade 3 and peripheral lymphocyte infiltration were common features. It is suggested that CAC and MPC are histologically distinct entities, and that the aforementioned features are helpful for differential diagnosis.
Unclassified epithelioid vascular tumor with hemangioendotheliomatous features and lymphatic differentiation
Authors: Oshiro Yumi , Kohashi Kenichi , Oda Yoshinao , Tsuneyoshi Masazumi , Shono Yoshitaka
Published: May 2009

Reported herein is an unusual vascular tumor that arose in the little finger of a 10‐year‐old boy. The tumor consisted of a vaguely demarcated nodular mass, which was located in the subcutaneous layer and measured 1 cm in diameter. Microscopic characteristic findings of this tumor were epithelioid nests, admixed with focal components with retiform features, intraluminal papillary tufts, and spindle cells. These features resemble those of subtypes of hemangioendotheliomas. On immunohistochemistry CD31, CD34 and D2‐40 were diffusely expressed in the tumor cells, representing prominent lymphatic differentiation. These findings are not characteristic of any established types of vascular tumors. The differential diagnosis for the current peculiar tumor are discussed.
Characterization of a complex chromosome aberration in two cases of peritoneal mesothelioma arising primarily in the hernial sac
Authors: Serio Gabriella , Gentile Mattia , Pennella Antonio , Marzullo Andrea , Buonadonna Antonia Lucia , Nazzaro Pietro , Testini Mario , Musti Marina , Scattone Anna
Published: May 2009

Malignant mesotheliomas of the hernial sac are uncommon and only a few cases have been diagnosed incidentally during herniorrhaphy procedures. The prognosis is poor and patient management is difficult because current treatment modalities do little to prolong survival. Molecular markers could be useful to identify potential therapeutic targets. Using microarray‐comparative genomic hybridization (aCGH), two cases of peritoneal mesothelioma that were found incidentally at the time of hernia repair, were investigated. A high number of genetic aberrations was detected in both cases. The gains were prevalent. The tumors showed identical lost regions at 2q13, 6q25.3, 6q26, 6q26→q27, 9q31.1→9q31.3, 10p15.3, 11q13.2, 13q14.2, 19q13.42→q43, and gains at 1p36.33, 3q29, 5p15.33, 7p22.3, 10p15.1→10p14, 11q13.2, 12q24.23, 12q24.33, 16p13.3, 17p13.3, 18p11.31, 19q13.43, 21q21.1→q21.2, 22q11.1→q11.22, Xp21.2, Xq28. Survival was longer in the patient with a lower total number of genetic defects. aCGH provides a high‐resolution map of copy number changes that may be critical to mesothelioma progression.
Benign myoepithelioma of the breast: Origin and development
Authors: Hikino Hajime , Nagaoka Saburo , Miura Hiroshi , Kurosumi Masafumi
Published: May 2009

A case of benign myoepithelioma of the breast in a 55‐year‐old woman is described. The tumor was a well‐circumscribed solid mass, measuring 13 × 12 mm. Histopathology indicated that the tumor was composed of entirely myoepithelial cells, which was confirmed by immunoreactivity to calponin and S‐100. There was no ductal differentiation in the tumor, and staining for pan‐cytokeratin and epithelial membrane antigen was weak and negative, respectively. Although the biological behavior of the tumor remains to be ascertained, the tumor was considered to be myoepithelioma with benign features due to mild nuclear pleomorphism, sparse mitotic figures, low Ki‐67 labeling index and low S‐phase fraction. Diagnostic confusion between benign myoepithelioma and other myoepithelial‐rich cell tumors is possible. Considering the classification of myoepithelial tumor in the salivary glands, benign myoepithelioma of the breast may possess a different development process from adenomyoepithelioma.
Airway inflammation and anti‐protease defences rapidly improve during treatment of an acute exacerbation of COPD
Authors: PANT Sushil , WALTERS Eugene H. , GRIFFITHS Anne , WOOD‐BAKER Richard , JOHNS David P. , REID David W.
Published: May 2009

Background and objective:  There are few data on the short‐term natural history of airway inflammation during severe episodes of acute exacerbation of COPD (AECOPD). An observational study was performed to determine how rapidly conventional treatment improves airway inflammation in patients admitted to hospital with AECOPD.

Methods:  Twenty‐four consecutive patients with AECOPD were recruited and changes in sputum inflammatory indices were assessed after 2 and 4 days of treatment. The primary end‐points included presence of bacteria and viruses, changes in sputum total cell counts (TCC) and polymorphonuclear leukocyte (PMN) differential counts, and levels of secretory leukocyte protease inhibitor (SLPI), IL‐8 and TNF‐α.

Results:  All patients received oral corticosteroids and 17 (71%) were also treated with oral antibiotics. A bacterial or viral pathogen was isolated from 12 patients (50%), and Aspergillus fumigatus was isolated from one. A positive bacterial culture was associated with increased sputum TCC and PMN count (P < 0.05), as well as higher levels of IL‐8 and TNF‐α (P < 0.05), and a trend towards lower sputum SLPI levels (P = 0.06). Sputum PMN numbers fell by 70% within the first 48 h of admission (P < 0.05), accompanied by an increase in sputum SLPI (P < 0.001) and reductions in the levels of TNF‐α (P < 0.005) and IL‐8 (P = 0.06), with no further significant change at 4 days.

Conclusions:  Conventional treatment for severe AECOPD is associated with rapid reduction of neutrophilic inflammation and improvement in anti‐protease defences.
Validation of a postoperative prognostic model consisting of tumor microvascular invasion, size, and grade to predict disease‐free and cancer‐specific survival of patients with surgically resected renal cell carcinoma
Authors: May Matthias , Brookman‐Amissah Sabine , Kendel Friederike , Knoll Nina , Roigas Jan , Hoschke Bernd , Miller Kurt , Gilfrich Christian , Pflanz Sandra , Gralla Oliver
Published: May 2009

Objectives:  To determine the value of microvascular invasion, tumor size, and Fuhrman grade to predict the survival of patients with surgically resected renal cell carcinoma (RCC).

Methods:  A total of 771 consecutive patients (T1–4, Nx, M0) were retrospectively reviewed. For each patient with RCC, the prognostic Sao Paulo score (SPS) was calculated using the following variables: tumor size (>7 cm vs ≤7 cm), nuclear grading, and microvascular invasion. On the basis of SPS, patients were subdivided into low‐risk (LR), intermediate‐risk (IR), and high‐risk (HR) groups. Disease‐free survival (DFS) and cancer‐specific survival (CSS) were estimated using the Kaplan–Meier method. Median follow‐up was 80 months.

Results:  Median follow‐up was 80 months. DFS rates after 5 years were 91.2%, 61.3%, and 51.9% in the original SPS LR, IR, and HR groups, respectively. CSS rates after 5 years were 94.3%, 79.8%, and 58.7%, respectively (P < 0.001). Each original SPS constituent revealed a significant influence on DFS and CSS in the multivariate analysis. By modification of the cut‐off value of the maximum tumor size from 7 to 5 cm the predictive value of the SPS sum score was marginally enhanced. Using a cut‐off value of 5 cm also resulted in a relatively better discrimination between the IR and the HR group regarding DFS and CSS.

Conclusions:  Stratifying RCC patients by SPS into LR, IR, and HR groups provides a clinically useful tool for outcome analysis and risk assessment. However, the prognostic value of the SPS could be enhanced by including a maximum tumor size with a cut‐off at 5 cm into the sum score.
Changes of aqueous vascular endothelial growth factor and pigment epithelium‐derived factor following intravitreal bevacizumab for macular oedema secondary to branch retinal vein occlusion
Authors: Park Sung P , Ahn Jae K
Published: May 2009

Abstract

Background:  To investigate sequential changes of aqueous vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and pigment epithelium‐derived factor (PEDF) in macular oedema secondary to branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO) following intravitreal injection of bevacizumab (IVB).

Methods:  We recruited 10 healthy controls and 40 patients with BRVO. Aqueous levels of VEGF and PEDF were measured by ELISA at the time of IVB and 6 weeks later. Non‐response to IVB was defined as showing persistent macular oedema based on reduction of central macular thickness by less than 20% from baseline measurements by optical coherence tomography and vision improvement by <0.3 logMAR at 6 weeks after IVB. Fluorescein angiography was performed after resolution of foveal haemorrhage. We compared aqueous levels of VEGF and PEDF between responders and non‐responders.

Results:  The aqueous levels of VEGF and PEDF were significantly higher in 16 non‐responders than in 24 responders at baseline measurements (491 ± 231 pg/mL vs. 250 ± 112 pg/mL, P < 0.001; 32 ± 4 ng/mL vs. 25 ± 5 ng/mL, P < 0.001, respectively). Six weeks after IVB, the aqueous levels of VEGF and PEDF were still higher in non‐responders than in responders (388 ± 141 pg/mL vs. 104 ± 40 pg/mL, P < 0.001; 30 ± 8 ng/mL vs. 18 ± 5 ng/mL, P < 0.001, respectively). Fluorescein angiography revealed that non‐responders showed higher frequencies of macular ischaemia and ischaemic BRVO.

Conclusions:  Our results indicate that aqueous VEGF levels are associated with persistent macular oedema secondary to ischaemic BRVO following IVB.
Seasonal and perennial allergic conjunctivitis: the possible role of nasal allergy
Authors: Pelikan Zdenek
Published: May 2009

Abstract

Background:  There is a link between conjunctiva and nose. Nasal allergy is suspected to be involved in some cases of conjunctivitis. This work aims to investigate the possible role of nasal allergy in seasonal (SAC) and perennial (PAC) allergic conjunctivitis and the value of nasal challenges with allergens (nasal provocation tests [NPTs]) for the diagnostic procedures of the conjunctivitis.

Methods:  In 61 adults suffering from SAC or PAC with a positive history and skin tests, but responding insufficiently to the local treatment, 122 NPTs and 61 control nasal challenges with phosphate‐buffered saline (PBS) were performed using rhinomanometry combined with recording of ocular response. In 16 control subjects suffering only from allergic rhinitis without a history of conjunctivitis, 16 positive NPTs were repeated and supplemented with registration of ocular features.

Results:  Of the 61 patients, 55 developed 103 positive nasal responses of various types (P < 0.01), 82 of which were accompanied by significant conjunctival response (P < 0.01) without any corneal involvement. No significant ocular responses were recorded during 61 control PBS challenges (P > 0.05) as well as during 16 challenges in control subjects (P > 0.1).

Conclusions:  These results illustrate a possible involvement of nasal allergy in some patients with allergic conjunctivitis (SAC and PAC) and the value of the nasal challenges with allergen combined with registration of the ocular features in the diagnostic approach to these disorders.
Pollinators of the invasive plant, yellow starthistle (Centaurea solstitialis), in north‐eastern Oregon, USA
Authors: MCIVER JAMES , THORP ROBBIN , ERICKSON KAREN
Published: May 2009

The potential pollinators of yellow starthistle (Centaurea solstitialis) were surveyed at six sites in north‐eastern Oregon, USA, between May and September from 2000 to 2002. The objective of the study was to determine the species composition and relative abundance of the insects that visited yellow starthistle throughout the flowering season and to assess the pollen loads on their bodies in order to infer which species might be the most effective pollinators of this invasive plant species in north‐eastern Oregon. A total of 1923 individual flower visitors were collected at the six sites over the 3 year study period, comprising four orders, 41 families, and 203 species of insects. The 20 most commonly collected species represented nearly 59% of the individuals and just ten of these species could be considered the key pollinators, judging by the combination of abundance and pollen carriage (the megachilids, Megachile apicalis (introduced) and Megachile perihirta, the apids, Apis mellifera (introduced), Bombus bifarius, Bombus centralis, Svastra obliqua, and Melissodes lutalenta, the halictids, Halictus tripartitus and Halictus ligatus, and the tachinid, Peleteria malleola. Over the 3 year study period, the six sites were consistently distinct in their flower visitor fauna, with the metropolitan Pendleton sites having a species composition distinct from the four mountain sites. Consistent patterns of interannual variation also were observed over the 3 year study. These patterns of flower visitation are interpreted in the context of the plant community within which yellow starthistle grows in north‐eastern Oregon.
Social Cynicism and Job Satisfaction: A Longitudinal Analysis
Authors: Leung Kwok , Ip Olivia K.M. , Leung Kwan‐Kwok
Published: May 2009

Social cynicism, a negative view about people and social institutions, was found to show a negative correlation with job satisfaction across societies. A preliminary study in Hong Kong showed that social cynicism and job satisfaction correlated negatively across individuals as well. To confirm the causal effect of social cynicism on job satisfaction, a longitudinal study in Shanghai, China, with three waves of surveys, was conducted. Results showed that social cynicism correlated negatively with job satisfaction measured concurrently, and was predictive of job satisfaction measured subsequently. Consistent with the buffering hypothesis, perceived well‐being was a significant moderator in that the negative relationship between social cynicism and job satisfaction was significant only when perceived well‐being was low.

On s'est aperçu que le cynisme social (une vision négative des gens et des institutions sociales) entretenait une corrélation négative avec la satisfaction professionnelle quelle que soit la société. Une étude préliminaire à Hong‐Kong a montré que le cynisme social et la satisfaction professionnelle présentaient également une corrélation négative au niveau de l'individu. Dans le but de confirmer le statut causal du cynisme social sur la satisfaction professionnelle, on a mené une étude longitudinale en Chine, à Shanghai, avec trois enquêtes successives. Les résultats montrent que le cynisme social est négativement reliéà la satisfaction professionnelle mesurée au même moment et prédit la satisfaction professionnelle mesurée ultérieurement. En accord avec l'hypothèse portant sur la résistance aux aléas de l'existence, le bien‐être perçu est un modérateur actif dans la mesure où la relation négative entre le cynisme social et la satisfaction professionnelle n'est significative que lorsque le bien‐être perçu est médiocre.