bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
How the epigenome contributes to the development of psychiatric disorders
Authors: Bredy Timothy W. , Sun Yi E. , Kobor Michael S.
Published: February 2010

Epigenetics commonly refers to the developmental process by which cellular traits are established and inherited without a change in DNA sequence. These mechanisms of cellular memory also orchestrate gene expression in the adult brain and recent evidence suggests that the “epigenome” represents a critical interface between environmental signals, activation, repression and maintenance of genomic responses, and persistent behavior. We here review the current state of knowledge regarding the contribution of the epigenome toward the development of psychiatric disorders. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Dev Psychobiol 52: 331–342, 2010.
Development of role‐differentiated bimanual manipulation during the infant's first year
Authors: Kimmerle Marliese , Ferre Claudio L. , Kotwica Kathleen A. , Michel George F.
Published: February 2010

Role‐differentiated bimanual manipulation (RDBM) is a complementary movement of both hands that requires differentiation between actions of the hands. Previous research showed that RDBM can be observed in infants as early as 7 months. However, RDBM could be considered a skill only when its frequency, duration, and use is appropriate for the type of manual task, and there is some evidence of intentionality in use. Twenty‐four normally developing infants were studied longitudinally at 7, 9, 11, and 13 months to assess the frequency and duration of five clearly different types of RDBM with three “single‐part” and three “two‐part” toys as they emerge during development. Also, the sequences of actions that lead to RDBM were examined for evidence of “intentionality.” The results show that although the each type of RDBM appears early in infancy, RDBM only begins to exhibit the characters of a skill by 13 months. Moreover, the type of toy influences not only the likelihood of eliciting role differentiation, but also the type of RDBM behavior and the organization of the sequence of actions that lead to RDBM. Some useful criteria for defining an infant sensorimotor skill are provided in discussion. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Dev Psychobiol 52:168–180, 2010
Night eating syndrome and weight loss outcome in obese patients
Authors: Grave Riccardo Dalle , Calugi Simona , Ruocco Antonella , Marchesini Giulio
Published: February 2010

Objective:

The clinical significance of diagnosing the night eating syndrome (NES) in obese individuals has not been clearly demonstrated. We aimed to test the effect of NES on weight loss outcome in obesity.

Method:

In an observational case‐control study, we measured weight loss outcome in obese individuals with NES (32 cases) and 68 non‐NES matched participants entering a weight‐loss program. The diagnosis of NES was generated by a two‐stage assessment, including the Night Eating Questionnaire (screening test) and the Night Eating Syndrome History and Inventory. The program included a 21‐day inpatient treatment based on a low‐calorie diet, exercise, and psycho‐educational groups, followed by a 6‐month outpatient follow‐up. Body weight, metabolic parameters, and questionnaires of psychopathology were assessed at baseline, at the end of the inpatient period and at the end of follow‐up.

Results:

NES participants were only characterized by significantly higher scores of the Beck Depression Inventory and the Night Eating Questionnaire. The time course of weight loss did not differ between groups throughout the study period. Only eight NES participants were still classified as NES at study end.

Discussion:

The presence of NES does not affect weight loss outcome of an obesity treatment based on lifestyle modification. © 2010 by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The refeeding syndrome and glucose load
Authors: O'Connor Graeme , Goldin Jonathon
Published: February 2010

Objective:

A 10‐year‐old girl with anorexia nervosa developed the refeeding syndrome following cautious reintroduction of nutrition, emphasizing that even with cautious refeeding a shift in fluid, glucose, and electrolytes can still occur, increasing the risk of morbidity and mortality in this ever growing vulnerable group.

Method:

Biochemical, nutritional, and anthropometrical monitoring in the patient, who followed a conservative refeeding program after a prolonged period of nutritional inadequacy.

Results:

The refeeding syndrome presented itself with hypophosphatemia, hypotension, and cardiac abnormalities whilst refeeding at 25 kcal/kg (600 kcal/day).

Discussion:

Comprises of a literature review, highlighting this case as the youngest reported case of refeeding syndrome in anorexia nervosa. Discussion focuses on the possible deleterious affects that carbohydrates may have in exacerbating the refeeding syndrome. © 2010 by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Factors associated with binge eating disorder in pregnancy
Authors: Knoph Berg Cecilie , Torgersen Leila , Von Holle Ann , Hamer Robert M. , Bulik Cynthia M. , Reichborn‐Kjennerud Ted
Published: February 2010

Objective:

To identify factors associated with incidence and course of broadly defined binge eating disorder (BED) in pregnancy.

Method:

As a part of the Norwegian Mother and Child Cohort Study (MoBa), 45,644 women completed a questionnaire at approximately 18 weeks of gestation.

Results:

Incidence of BED was significantly associated with lifetime sexual abuse, lifetime physical abuse, lifetime major depression, symptoms of anxiety and depression, low life satisfaction, low self‐esteem, low partner relationship satisfaction, smoking, alcohol use, lack of social support, and several weight‐related factors. Continuation was negatively associated with thoughts of being overweight before pregnancy. Remission was positively associated with thoughts of being overweight before pregnancy and negatively associated with overvaluation of weight.

Discussion:

Onset of BED in pregnancy was associated with psychological, social and weight‐related factors, as well as health behaviors and adverse life events. In women with prepregnancy BED, thoughts of being overweight before pregnancy and overvaluation of weight were associated with course of BED during pregnancy. © 2010 by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The proof of the pudding is in the eating: Is the DEBQ ‐ external eating scale a valid measure of external eating?
Authors: Jansen Anita , Nederkoorn Chantal , Roefs Anne , Bongers Peggy , Teugels Teresa , Havermans Remco
Published: February 2010

Objective:

To test the construct validity and discriminative validity of the widely used Dutch Eating Behavior Questionnaire's (DEBQ) External Eating (EE) subscale.

Method:

After being exposed to food cues or not participants completed a bogus taste test. Subjective cue reactivity during food exposure and actual food intake after food exposure were measured.

Results:

EE scores were unrelated to food intake. A robust main effect of food cue exposure was found but contrary to what was predicted, low EE scorers ate more after food cue exposure than without whereas high EE scorers did not. The actual eating behavior of high and low scorers on the other DEBQ subscales ‐ emotional and restrained eating ‐ demonstrated that the EE also lacks discriminative validity.

Discussion:

The EE showed no predictive validity and no discriminative validity. The usefulness of the distinction of different types of concerned eaters is questioned. © 2010 by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Template‐Free Synthesis of Magnetic Chains Self‐Assembled from Urchin‐Like Hierarchical Ni Nanostructures
Authors: Zhu Lu‐Ping , Liao Gui‐Hong , Zhang Wei‐Dong , Yang Yang , Wang Ling‐Ling , Xie Hong‐Yong
Published: February 2010

Magnetic chains self‐assembled from urchin‐like hierarchical Ni nanostructures have been successfully synthesized by a simple hydrothermal method requiring 4 h at 115 °C without any template or surfactant. The individual urchin‐like hierarchical nanostructures have an average diameter of 2–4 μm and are composed of well‐aligned sword‐like nanopetals growing radially from the surfaces of the spherical particles. The products were characterized by means of X‐ray powder diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy analysis (EDX), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, thermogravimetric and differential scanning calorimetric analysis (TGA‐DSC). A rational formation mechanism of magnetic chains was proposed. Magnetic hysteresis measurements revealed that the as‐synthesized Ni chain‐like architectures display ferromagnetic behavior with saturation magnetization, remanent magnetization, and coercivity values of 52.58 emu/g, 5.82 emu/g, and 211.67 Oe, respectively.
Mg‐Assisted Autoclave Synthesis of RB6 (R = Sm, Eu, Gd, and Tb) Submicron Cubes and SmB6 Submicron Rods
Authors: Zhang Maofeng , Jia Ying , Xu Guogen , Wang Pengfei , Wang Xiaoqing , Xiong Shenglin , Wang Xuanjun , Qian Yitai
Published: February 2010

Submicron crystalline rare‐earth hexaborides (RB6; R = Sm, Eu, Gd, and Tb) have been successfully prepared by a facile one‐step solid‐state reaction of RCl3·6H2O, B2O3, and Mg powder in an autoclave at the relatively low temperature of 500 °C. By controlling the reaction conditions, submicron‐sized cubes (RB6) and rod‐ and needlelike SmB6 are obtained. The possible growth mechanism of the 1D SmB6 structures has also been discussed. The XRD patterns of the products show that all of the hexaborides can be indexed to a cubic phase with high crystallinity and high purity. The field‐emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and TEM images display their cube‐, rod‐, and needlelike morphologies. The selected‐area electron diffraction (SAED) patterns reveal the single‐crystalline nature of the products.
Ag/Graphene Heterostructures: Synthesis, Characterization and Optical Properties
Authors: Li Jing , Liu Chun‐yan
Published: February 2010

The Ag/graphene heterostructures were synthesized through a simple thermal reduction process. The interaction between Ag nanoparticles and graphene supports along with the surface plasmon resonance properties of Ag nanoparticles on graphene were investigated for the first time.
Moral prototypes and moral behavior: Specific effects on emotional precursors of moral behavior and on moral behavior by the activation of moral prototypes
Authors: Osswald Silvia , Greitemeyer Tobias , Fischer Peter , Frey Dieter
Published: February 2010

The present studies investigated the extent to which three basic moral prototypes, “just,” “brave”, and “caring”, are related to moral, prosocial behavior. In five studies, we tested (a) whether people would associate three basic types of moral behavior (helping behavior, moral courage, and heroism) with three moral prototypes, and (b) whether specific emotional precursors of moral behavior and moral behavior itself could be promoted by activating the respective moral prototype. As expected, Studies 1–3 revealed that people associated helping behavior with the caring prototype, moral courage with the just prototype, and heroism with the brave prototype. Studies 4 and 5 showed that the activation of the three prototypes differentially influenced emotional precursors of the three types of moral behavior (Study 4) as well as actual moral behavior (Study 5). Thus, the five studies revealed that people associate different moral behaviors with different moral prototypes and that a certain moral behavior can be activated by the priming of the related prototype. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Reflections on intersections between cognitive and social psychology: A personal exploration
Authors: Roediger Henry L.
Published: February 2010

I appreciate the opportunity offered by the editor to reflect on the relationship between cognitive and social psychology. This topic has interested me my entire professional life, because I was admitted to graduate school to study social psychology and then eventually migrated to cognitive psychology. The organization of this paper is as follows: I first relate my (somewhat puzzling) personal experiences that led me to wonder about relations between cognitive and social psychology. I suggest that, for many topics, the placement of a topic of study in one field or the other is arbitrary. Next I selectively review some common historical influences on the development of both fields, ones that have made them similar. Both grew from common seeds, which include Gestalt psychology as it became applied to a wider array of topics, experimental psychologists becoming interested in attitude change during and after World War II, and Bartlett's famous book on Remembering: A study in experimental and social psychology. Next I review some research from my lab that picked up themes from Bartlett's work and that, in some aspects, combines cognitive and social approaches. I also discuss the issue of memory conformity or the social contagion of memory, and conclude with thoughts about how social and cognitive psychologists might collaborate on an exciting new arena, creating empirical studies of collective memory. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Rainfall variability and hydrological and erosive response of an olive tree microcatchment under no‐tillage with a spontaneous grass cover in Spain
Authors: Taguas E. V. , Peña A. , Ayuso J. L. , Pérez R. , Yuan Y. , Giráldez J. V.
Published: February 2010

Most studies on runoff and soil loss from olive orchards were performed on plots, despite the fact that measurements that examine a range of erosive processes on different scales are essential to evaluate the suitability of the use and soil management of this type of land. The main environmental limitations of much of the land used for olive orchards in the Mediterranean are the steep slopes and the shallow soil depth – and this was the case in the study area. Soil erosion and runoff over two hydrological years (2005–2006 and 2006–2007) were monitored in an olive orchard microcatchment of 6·1 ha under no‐tillage with spontaneous grass in order to evaluate its hydrological and erosive behaviour. Moreover, soil parameters such as organic matter (%OM), bulk density (BD) and hydraulic saturated conductivity (Ks) were also examined in the microcatchment to describe management effects on hydrological balance and on erosive processes.

In the study period, the results showed runoff coefficients of 6·0% in the first year and 0·9% in the second. The differences respond to the impact of two or three yearly maximum events which were decisive in the annual balances. On the event scale, although maximum rainfall intensity values had a big influence on peak flows and runoff, its importance on mean sediment concentrations and sediment discharges was difficult to interpret due to the likely control of grass cover on volume runoff and on soil protection. In the case of annual soil erosion, they were measured as 1·0 Mg ha−1 yr−1and 0·3 Mg ha−1 yr−1. Both are lower than the tolerance values evaluated in Andalusia (Spain). These results support the implementation of no‐tillage with spontaneous grass cover for sloping land, although the reduced infiltration conditions determined by Ks in the first horizon suggest grass should be allowed to grow not only in spring but also in autumn. In addition, specific measurements to control gullies, which have formed in the terraced area in the catchment, should be included since it is expected that they could be the main sources of sediments. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
High resolution quantification of gully erosion in upland peatlands at the landscape scale
Authors: Evans Martin , Lindsay John
Published: February 2010

The upland peatlands of the UK are severely eroded, with large areas affected by gully erosion. The peatlands are important areas of carbon storage and provide a range of other ecosystem services including water supply and biodiversity all of which are negatively impacted by erosion of the upland surface. The magnitude of the gully erosion, and consequent adjustment of the peatland morphology, is such that in degraded peatlands the extent and magnitude of erosion is a major control on peatland function. Accurate mapping of gully form is therefore a necessary precondition to the understanding and management of these systems. This paper develops an approach to extracting gully maps from high resolution digital elevation models (DEMs). Gully maps of the Bleaklow Plateau in northern England were derived from a 2 m LiDAR DEM by combining areas of low difference from mean elevation and high positive plan curvature. Gully depth was modelled by interpolating between gully edges. Testing of the gully mapping and depth modelling against aerial photography, manual interpretation of the DEM and ground survey revealed that gully plan form is well represented and gully width and depth are modelled with tolerances close to the horizontal and vertical resolution of the LiDAR imagery. Estimates of gully width and depth were less reliable for gullies with total width of less than four pixels. The approach allows for the first time the derivation of accurate estimates of gully extent and magnitude over large areas and provides the basis for modelling a range of processes controlled by gullying. The approach has wider applicability to mapping gully erosion in a wide range of environments. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Spatial variability of three‐dimensional Reynolds stresses in a developing channel bend
Authors: Jamieson E.C. , Post G. , Rennie C.D.
Published: February 2010

Experimental results of the mean flow field and turbulence characteristics for flow in a model channel bend with a mobile sand bed are presented. Acoustic Doppler velocimeters (ADVs) were used to measure the three components of instantaneous velocities at multiple cross sections in a 135° channel bend for two separate experiments at different stages of clear water scour conditions. With measurements at multiple cross sections through the bend it was possible to map the changes in both the spatial distribution of the mean velocity field and the three Reynolds shear stresses. Turbulent stresses are known to contribute to sediment transport and the three‐dimensionality inherent to flow in open channel bends presents a useful case for determining specific relations between three‐dimensional turbulence and sediment entrainment and transport. These measurements will also provide the necessary data for validating numerical simulations of turbulent flow and sediment transport. The results show that the magnitude and distribution of three‐dimensional Reynolds stresses increase through the bend, with streamwise‐cross stream and cross stream‐vertical components exceeding the maximum principal Reynolds stress through the bend. The most intriguing observation is that near‐bed maximum positive streamwise‐cross stream Reynolds stress coincides with the leading edge of the outer bank scour hole (or thalweg), while maximum cross stream‐vertical Reynolds stress (in combination with high negative streamwise‐cross stream Reynolds stress near the bend apex) coincides with the leading edge of the inner bank bar. Maximum Reynolds stress and average turbulent kinetic energy appear to be greater and more localized over the scour hole before final equilibrium scour is reached. This suggests that the turbulent energy in the flow is higher while the channel bed is developing, and both lower turbulent energy and a broader distribution of turbulent stresses near the bed are required for cessation of particle mobilization and transport. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effects of acute psychosocial stress on working memory related brain activity in men
Authors: Weerda Riklef , Muehlhan Markus , Wolf Oliver T. , Thiel Christiane M.
Published: February 2010

Acute psychosocial stress in humans triggers the release of glucocorticoids (GCs) and influences performance in declarative and working memory (WM) tasks. These memory systems rely on the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex (PFC), where GC‐binding receptors are present. Previous studies revealed contradictory results regarding effects of acute stress on WM‐related brain activity. We combined functional magnetic resonance imaging with a standardized psychosocial stress protocol to investigate the effects of acute mental stress on brain activity during encoding, maintenance, and retrieval of WM. Participants (41 healthy young men) underwent either a stress or a control procedure before performing a WM task. Stress increased salivary cortisol levels and tended to increase WM accuracy. Neurally, stress‐induced increases in cortical activity were evident in PFC and posterior parietal cortex (PPC) during WM maintenance. Furthermore, hippocampal activity was modulated by stress during encoding and retrieval with increases in the right anterior hippocampus during WM encoding and decreases in the left posterior hippocampus during retrieval. Our study demonstrates that stress increases activity in PFC and PPC specifically during maintenance of items in WM, whereas effects on hippocampal activity are restricted to encoding and retrieval. The finding that psychosocial stress can increase and decrease activity in two different hippocampal areas may be relevant for understanding the often‐reported phase‐dependent opposing behavioral effects of stress on long‐term memory. Hum Brain Mapp, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Individual differences in socioaffective skills influence the neural bases of fear processing: The case of alexithymia
Authors: Pouga Lydia , Berthoz Sylvie , de Gelder Beatrice , Grèzes Julie
Published: February 2010

Being exposed to fear signals makes us feel threatened and prompts us to prepare an adaptive response. In our previous studies, we suggested that amygdala (AMG) and premotor cortex (PM) play a role in the preparation of the observers' motor response required by the situation. The present experiment aimed at assessing how interindividual differences in alexithymia—a personality trait associated with deficits in emotional reactivity and regulation—influence the neural network associated with the perception of fear. Using fMRI, we scanned 34 healthy subjects while they were passively observing fearful body expressions. Applying a dimensional approach, we performed correlation analyses between fear‐related brain areas and alexithymia scores among all participants. Using a categorical approach, we conducted a between‐group comparison (13 high vs. 12 low‐alexithymia subjects). Our results were threefold. First, the right AMG activity in response to fearful stimuli was negatively correlated with the level of difficulty to identify emotions. Second, PM activity was linked to reduced subjective emotional reactivity. Third, the between‐group comparison revealed greater activity in anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) for high than low‐alexithymia scorers. Moreover, the relationship between ACC and PM was in opposite direction in individuals with high (negative link) and low (positive link) alexithymia. Therefore, compared to our previous findings, we hereby further reveal how ACC interacts with PM to sustain self‐regulation of one's own emotional state in response to threatening social signals. Moreover, this neural mechanism could account for the description of the “cold‐blooded” personality of individuals with alexithymia. Hum Brain Mapp, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
CCR9 mediates PI3K/AKT‐dependent antiapoptotic signals in prostate cancer cells and inhibition of CCR9‐CCL25 interaction enhances the cytotoxic effects of etoposide
Authors: Sharma Praveen K. , Singh Rajesh , Novakovic Kristian R. , Eaton John W. , Grizzle William E. , Singh Shailesh
Published: February 2010

Despite recent advances in treatment and management of prostate cancer (PCa), it remains the second leading cause of cancer‐related deaths among men in the US. Chemotherapy is one of the treatment alternatives for hormone refractory metastatic PCa. However, current chemotherapeutic regimens provide palliative benefit but relatively modest survival advantage primarily due to chemo‐resistance and upregulated antiapoptotic machineries in PCa cells. Therefore, blocking the mechanisms responsible for suppression of apoptosis might improve current chemotherapeutic regimens. In this study, we show that CC chemokine receptor‐9 (CCR9) and its natural ligand CCL25 interaction upregulates antiapoptotic proteins (i.e., PI3K, AKT, ERK1/2 and GSK‐3β) and downregulate activation of caspase‐3 in PCa cells. Significant downregulation of these CCR9‐mediated antiapoptotic proteins in the presence of a PI3K inhibitor (wortmannin), further suggests that the antiapoptotic action of CCR9 is primarily regulated through PI3K. Furthermore, the cytotoxic effect of etoposide was significantly inhibited in the presence of CCL25, and this inhibitory effect of CCL25 was abrogated when CCR9‐CCL25 interaction was blocked using anti‐CCR9 monoclonal antibodies. In conformation to these in vitro studies, significant reduction in tumor burden was found in mice receiving CCL25 neutralizing antibodies and etoposide together as compared to both as a single agent. These results suggest that the CCR9‐CCL25 axis mediates PI3K/AKT‐dependent antiapoptotic signals in PCa cells and could be a possible reason for low apoptosis and modest chemotherapeutic response. Therefore, targeting CCR9‐CCL25 axis with cytotoxic agents may provide better therapeutic outcomes than using cytotoxic agents alone.
Oral benzo[a]pyrene‐induced cancer: Two distinct types in different target organs depend on the mouseCyp1genotype
Authors: Shi Zhanquan , Dragin Nadine , Miller Marian L. , Stringer Keith F. , Johansson Elisabet , Chen Jing , Uno Shigeyuki , Gonzalez Frank J. , Rubio Carlos A. , Nebert Daniel W.
Published: February 2010

Benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) is a prototypical polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) found in combustion processes. Cytochrome P450 1A1 and 1B1 enzymes (CYP1A1 and CYP1B1) can both detoxify PAHs and activate them to cancer‐causing reactive intermediates. Following high dosage of oral BaP (125 mg/kg/day), ablation of the mouseCyp1a1gene causes immunosuppression and death within ∼28 days, whereasCyp1(+/+) wild‐type mice remain healthy for >12 months on this regimen. In this study, maleCyp1(+/+) wild‐type,Cyp1a1(−/−) andCyp1b1(−/−) single‐knockout andCyp1a1/1b1(−/−) double‐knockout mice received a lower dose (12.5 mg/kg/day) of oral BaP. Tissues from 16 different organs—including proximal small intestine (PSI), liver and preputial gland duct (PGD)—were evaluated; microarray cDNA expression and >30 mRNA levels were measured.Cyp1a1(−/−) mice revealed markedly increased CYP1B1 mRNA levels in the PSI, and between 8 and 12 weeks developed unique PSI adenomas and adenocarcinomas.Cyp1a1/1b1(−/−) mice showed no PSI tumors but instead developed squamous cell carcinoma of the PGD.Cyp1(+/+) andCyp1b1(−/−) mice remained healthy with no remarkable abnormalities in any tissue examined. PSI adenocarcinomas exhibited striking upregulation of theXistgene, suggesting epigenetic silencing of specific genes on the Y‐chromosome; theRab30oncogene was upregulated; theNr0b2tumor suppressor gene was downregulated; paradoxical overexpression of numerous immunoglobulin kappa‐ and heavy‐chain variable genes was found—although the adenocarcinoma showed no immunohistochemical evidence of being lymphatic in origin. This oral BaP mouse paradigm represents an example of “gene‐environment interactions” in which the same exposure of carcinogen results in altered target organ and tumor type, as a function of just 1 or 2 globally absent genes.
Fabrication and characterization of poly(D,L‐lactide‐co‐glycolide)/hydroxyapatite nanocomposite scaffolds for bone tissue regeneration
Authors: Aboudzadeh Neda , Imani Mohammad , Shokrgozar Mohammad Ali , Khavandi Alireza , Javadpour Jafar , Shafieyan Yousef , Farokhi Mehdi
Published: February 2010

Conventional methods in fabrication of scaffolds based on polymer/bioceramic composites frequently make use of solution casting then particle leaching. The residues of common organic solvents can get trapped in this technique hence provide safety concerns on final scaffold. In this study, N‐methyl pyrrolidone was used as an approved solvent for parenteral pharmaceutical products especially implants with acceptable toxicological profile. A combined freeze drying and solvent casting methods were adopted for complete removal of the solvent from final scaffold structure. Biodegradable scaffolds based on poly (D,L‐lactide‐co‐glycolide) and different percentages of nanohydroxyapatite (25, 35, and, 45% w/w) were characterized thoroughly regarding porosity, pore distribution as well as their bioactivity and biocompatibility. The results showed 70–80% porosity with a size distribution in the range of 50–200 μm for different conditions. Bioactivity of the scaffolds was directly dependent on the bioceramic content in the samples according to the results. Composites and neat samples showed the same cytocompatibility profile. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2010
Growth factor‐mediated effects on chondrogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells in 3D semi‐IPN poly(vinyl alcohol)–poly(caprolactone) scaffolds
Authors: Mohan Neethu , Nair Prabha D. , Tabata Yasuhiko
Published: February 2010

Cells, signaling molecules and three‐dimensional (3D) scaffolds are the major contributors to the in vitro regeneration of cartilage. This study evaluates the differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells to chondrocytes, in a 3D semi‐interpenetrating polymer network (semi‐IPN) scaffold that gives an appropriate niche for chondrogenic differentiation. The 3D semi‐IPN scaffold poly(vinyl alcohol) and poly(caprolactone) mimics the properties of extracellular matrix of native cartilage. The chondrogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells on the 3D scaffolds is carried out by supplementing signaling molecules like TGFβ1, TGFβ3, and BMP2 individually and in two different combinations. The results indicate that each growth factor supplement or combinations showed a different influence on cell morphology, overall distribution of cells, and secretion of cartilage specific molecules. We conclude from our results, that a combination of TGFβ3 and BMP2 promotes better differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells to chondrocytes in our scaffold. This study hence points out that an appropriate combination of 3D scaffolds and signaling molecules are required in the differentiation and maintenance of the chondrogenic phenotype during in vitro regeneration of cartilage tissue. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2010
Inorganic–organic hybrid scaffolds for osteochondral regeneration
Authors: Munoz‐Pinto Dany J. , McMahon Rebecca E. , Kanzelberger Melissa A. , Jimenez‐Vergara Andrea C. , Grunlan Melissa A. , Hahn Mariah S.
Published: February 2010

Ligament graft failure frequently results from poor integration of the replacement tissue with associated bone. Thus, the ability to regenerate the bone‐ligament osteochondral interface would be advantageous in ligament reconstruction. At the osteochondral interface, the tissue transitions from a bone‐like matrix to fibrocartilage. Therefore, a scaffold which promotes a spatially regulated transition in cell behavior from osteoblast‐like to chondrocyte‐like would be desirable. Previous research indicates that addition of inorganic components to organic scaffolds can enhance the deposition of bone‐like matrix by associated osteoblasts. We therefore reasoned that a gradient in the inorganic content of a hybrid inorganic–organic scaffold may induce an osteochondral‐like transition in cell phenotype and matrix production. To test this hypothesis, hydrogels were prepared from poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) and star poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMSstar). As anticipated, both the matrix deposition and phenotype of encapsulated osteoblasts varied with scaffold inorganic content, although the directionality of this modulation was contrary to expectation. Specifically, osteoblasts appeared to transdifferentiate into chondrocyte‐like cells with increasing scaffold inorganic content, as indicated by increased chondroitin sulfate and collagen type II production and by upregulation of sox9, a transcription factor associated with chondrocytic differentiation. Furthermore, the deposition of bone‐like matrix (collagen type I, calcium phosphate, and osteocalcin) decreased with increasing PDMSstar content. The resistance of the PDMSstar‐PEG scaffolds to protein adsorption and/or the changes in gel modulus/mesh structure accompanying PDMSstar incorporation may underlie the unexpected increase in chondrocytic phenotype with increasing inorganic content. Combined, the present results indicate that PDMSstar‐PEG hybrid gels may prove promising for osteochondral regeneration. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2010
The combination of micron and nanotopography by H2SO4/H2O2 treatment and its effects on osteoblast‐specific gene expression of hMSCs
Authors: Mendonça Gustavo , Mendonça Daniela B. S. , Aragão Francisco J. L. , Cooper Lyndon F.
Published: February 2010

H2SO4/H2O2 treatment of titanium implants imparts nanofeatures to the surface and alters the osteoblast response. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of H2SO4/H2O2 treatment of commercially pure Titanium (cpTi) surfaces on gene expression of human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) differentiated into osteoblasts. Commercially pure grade IV titanium disks (20.0 mm × 1.0 mm) were polished or polished and subsequently treated by grit blasting or grit‐blasting/acid etching with an H2SO4/H2O2 solution. The surfaces were divided into three groups: smooth (S), grit‐blasted (Gb), and nanostructured: grit‐blasted/acid etched (Nano). Surfaces were examined by scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy. HMSCs were grown on the disks. The data points analyzed were at 3, 7, 14, and 28 days. Real‐time PCR was used to measure the mRNA levels of ALP, BSP, Runx2, OCN, OPN, and OSX. The housekeeping gene GAPDH was used as a control. Descriptive statistics were calculated using Microsoft Excel. T‐test was performed for comparison of mRNA levels when compared with S surfaces (p < 0.05). All osteoblast‐specific genes were regulated in surface‐dependent patterns and most of them were upregulated on the Nano surfaces. Runx2 and OSX mRNAs were more than threefold upregulated at days 14 and 28 on Nano. Higher levels for ALP (38‐fold), BSP (76‐fold), and OCN (3‐fold) were also observed on the Nano surfaces. A grit‐blasted surface imparted with nanofeatures by H2SO4/H2O2 treatment affected adherent cell bone‐specific gene expression. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2010
Matrix accumulation by articular chondrocytes during mechanical stimulation is influenced by integrin‐mediated cell spreading
Authors: Spiteri Caroline , Raizman Igal , Pilliar Robert M. , Kandel Rita A.
Published: February 2010

We have shown previously that cyclic compression of newly forming bioengineered cartilage in vitro results in improved tissue formation via changes in expression of matrix metalloproteases, such as, MT1‐MMP (membrane type metalloprotease), and increased synthesis of matrix molecules. Several studies have suggested an association between MT1‐MMP and integrins, which are known to influence cell shape. Thus, the objectives of this study were to determine the effect of compressive mechanical stimulation on cell shape and the role of integrins and MT1‐MMP in mediating these changes and influencing matrix accumulation. Bovine articular chondrocytes were grown on the surface of a porous ceramic substrate for 72 h and then cyclically compressed for 30 min. Scanning electron microscopy and morphometric analysis demonstrated that compression induced a rapid, transient increase in chondrocyte spreading by 10 min, followed by a retraction to prestimulated size within 6 h. This was associated with increased accumulation of newly synthesized proteoglycans, as determined by quantification of radioisotope incorporation. Blocking the α5β1 integrin, or its β1 subunit, inhibited cell spreading and resulted in a partial inhibition of compression‐induced increase in matrix accumulation. Knockdown of MT1‐MMP expression partially inhibited cell retraction and resulted in a reduced matrix accumulation as well. These results suggest that chondrocyte spreading and retraction following cyclic compression in vitro regulates matrix accumulation. Understanding the mechanisms that regulate chondrocyte mechanotransduction may ultimately lead to the design of improved repair tissue for cartilage damage. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2010
Effect of pro‐inflammatory and immunoregulatory cytokines on human tenocytes
Authors: John Thilo , Lodka Dörte , Kohl Benjamin , Ertel Wolfgang , Jammrath Jennifer , Conrad Claudia , Stoll Christiane , Busch Catharina , Schulze‐Tanzil Gundula
Published: February 2010

Tendon injury induces a local inflammatory response, characterized by the induction of pro‐inflammatory cytokines. The aim of the present study was to analyze the effects of TNFα, IL‐6 and IL‐10 on key parameters of tendon homeostasis. Cultured primary human tenocytes were treated with the recombinant cytokines IL‐6, IL‐10, TNFα, or combinations of TNFα with IL‐6 and IL‐10 (10 ng/mL, 6, 24 h). Expression of type I collagen, elastin, MMP‐1, TNFα, IL‐1β, IL‐6, IL‐10, and suppressors of cytokine signaling (SOCS1, 3) was analyzed with the use of RTD‐PCR, immunocytochemistry, and Western blot analysis. In response to TNFα, tenocytes reduced their type I collagen deposition but increased their elastin gene expression and highly upregulated their expression for MMP‐1, pro‐inflammatory (TNFα, IL‐1β) and immunoregulatory (IL‐6, IL‐10) cytokines. TNFα stimulation augmented SOCS1, whereas SOCS3 expression in tenocytes was also induced by IL‐6. The treatment of tenocytes with IL‐6 and IL‐10 had no effect on cytokine expression. Neither IL‐6 nor IL‐10 modulated the observed effects of TNFα significantly. These results indicate that TNFα strongly activates the tenocytes to amplify their own TNFα expression and, subsequently, that of other regulatory cytokines and matrix degrading enzymes. However, the impact of IL‐6 and IL‐10 on tenocytes remains unclear. © 2010 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 28:1071–1077, 2010
Prognostic factors in stage IB–IIB cervical adenocarcinoma patients treated with radical hysterectomy and pelvic lymphadenectomy
Authors: Kodama Junichi , Seki Noriko , Masahiro Satoko , Kusumoto Tomoyuki , Nakamura Keiichiro , Hongo Atsushi , Hiramatsu Yuji
Published: February 2010

Objectives

The purpose of the present study was to identify prognostic factors and patterns of recurrence in patients with stage IB–IIB cervical adenocarcinoma who had undergone radical surgery and to compare these patterns with those observed in squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) patients.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed 303 patients (97 with adenocarcinoma and 206 with SCC) with stage IB–IIB cervical cancer who had undergone radical hysterectomy and pelvic lymphadenectomy.

Results

In the case of the adenocarcinoma patients, lymph node metastasis and parametrial invasion were independent indicators of disease‐free survival, whereas lymph node metastasis was the only independent prognostic factor for the overall survival of the patients. The sites of recurrence did not significantly differ between the adenocarcinoma and SCC patients. In parametrium‐positive patients, adenocarcinoma was found to be an independent prognostic factor for disease‐free survival. In patients with positive pelvic lymph node, adenocarcinoma was found to be an independent prognostic factor for both disease‐free and overall survival.

Conclusions

Adenocarcinoma was found to be an independent prognostic factor for survival in patients with positive pelvic node or parametrial extension. Furthermore, the patterns of recurrence did not differ significantly between the adenocarcinoma and SCC patients. J. Surg. Oncol. 2010; 101:413–417. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Rapid screening and identification of the antioxidants in Hippocampus japonicus Kaup by HPLC‐ESI‐TOF/MS and on‐line ABTS free radical scavenging assay
Authors: Chen Junhui , Zhao Hengqiang , Shi Qian , Zhang Daolai , Cheng HongYan , Wang Xiaoru , Sen‐Chun Lee Frank
Published: February 2010

In this paper, a method based on HPLC coupled with ESI‐TOF/MS and on‐line to a stable free radical scavenging detection system has been developed to rapidly screen and identify the major antioxidants in the water extract of Hippocampus japonicus Kaup, a kind of marine medicinal organism. The developed on‐line stable free radical scavenging detection method of water extract from H. japonicus Kaup revealed the presence of three radical scavenging compounds, which were simultaneously identified as hypoxanthine, phenylalanine and tryptophane by high‐resolution TOF‐MS. To the best of our knowledge, it is original to demonstrate the rapid and successful use of HPLC‐ESI‐TOF/MS and on‐line 2,2′‐azino‐bis(3‐ethylbenzothiazoline‐6‐sulfonate) diammonium salt free radical scavenging assay to directly and simultaneously screen and identify the antioxidants in the water extracts of H. japonicus Kaup without any purification. The present method provides a useful improvement on the reducing of workload and a powerful tool for rapid screening and identification of free radical scavenging compounds in complex natural products.
Screening of N‐nitrosamines in tap and swimming pool waters using fast gas chromatography
Authors: Jurado‐Sánchez Beatriz , Ballesteros Evaristo , Gallego Mercedes
Published: February 2010

N‐Nitrosamines (NAms) are suspected human carcinogens that have been identified as drinking water and wastewater pollutants. In this work, a sensitive screening/confirmation method was proposed for the determination of the most toxic NAms that can be found in water samples (N‐nitrosodimethylamine, N‐nitrosodiethylamine, N‐nitrosodibutylamine, N‐nitrosomorpholine, N‐nitrosopiperidine, and N‐nitrosopyrrolidine). A sample volume of 250 mL was first preconcentrated in an automatic SPE unit and then the extract was concentrated to a final volume of 10 μL (providing a preconcentration factor of 25 000). Aliquots of the extract were subjected to a rapid screening process (1.6 min) by using a short capillary polar column (1.5 m length) and GC with nitrogen–phosphorous detection. In this way, the high number of samples to be tested routinely in a water laboratory is simplified due to a reduction in the analysis time. Thus, the screening method acts as a filter that indicates whether target analytes are present, above or below the cut‐off level (3.8 or 10.4 ng/L), giving no false negatives at concentrations below the guide values for NAms in drinking water established by different countries. Positive samples (tap and swimming pool waters) were then confirmed by GC‐MS detection.
Characterization of stationary phases for reversed‐phase chromatography
Authors: Molíková Martina , Jandera Pavel
Published: February 2010

Retention characteristics of seven silica‐based chromatographic columns (Bidentate C18, Silica‐hydride, Spherisorb ODS‐1, Resolve C18, XTerra C18, XBridge Phenyl and Blaze C8 Polydentate) were compared. The columns differ in the character of the support, including silica type B, hydrosilated silica, and hybrid silica gel with incorporated methyl groups, or ethylene bridges; further in the type of chemically bonded stationary phase, including C18, C8 and phenyl ligands, endcapped and non‐endcapped with single point, bidentate and polydentate multi‐point attachment to the adsorbent surface. Special attention was focused on hydrophobic and polar selectivity, silanol activity and anion‐exclusion. The columns were compared and classified on the basis of the results of the classical column performance tests, retention of homologous n‐alkylbenzenes over a broad composition range of aqueous‐organic mobile phases and of naphthalene sulphonic acids in aqueous mobile phases without organic solvents.
Size exclusion chromatography – A blessing and a curse of science and technology of synthetic polymers
Authors: Berek Dušan
Published: February 2010

Size exclusion chromatography, SEC is one of the most popular methods for the separation of different kinds of macromolecules. This critical review gives concise information about macromolecules and their behavior in solution, basic understanding about principles, instrumentation, and application possibilities of SEC, and more in detail discusses drawbacks and pitfalls of the method with the emphasis on synthetic polymers. Selected practical advices are included to help enhance the quality of SEC results.
Smoothed aggregation for Helmholtz problems
Authors: Olson Luke N. , Schroder Jacob B.
Published: February 2010

We outline a smoothed aggregation algebraic multigrid method for 1D and 2D scalar Helmholtz problems with exterior radiation boundary conditions. We consider standard 1D finite difference discretizations and 2D discontinuous Galerkin discretizations. The scalar Helmholtz problem is particularly difficult for algebraic multigrid solvers. Not only can the discrete operator be complex‐valued, indefinite, and non‐self‐adjoint, but it also allows for oscillatory error components that yield relatively small residuals. These oscillatory error components are not effectively handled by either standard relaxation or standard coarsening procedures. We address these difficulties through modifications of SA and by providing the SA setup phase with appropriate wave‐like near null‐space candidates. Much is known a priori about the character of the near null‐space, and our method uses this knowledge in an adaptive fashion to find appropriate candidate vectors. Our results for GMRES preconditioned with the proposed SA method exhibit consistent performance for fixed points‐per‐wavelength and decreasing mesh size. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Convergence of adaptive edge finite element methods for H(curl)‐elliptic problems
Authors: Zhong Liuqiang , Shu Shi , Chen Long , Xu Jinchao
Published: February 2010

The standard adaptive edge finite element method (AEFEM), using first/second family Nédélec edge elements with any order, for the three‐dimensional H(curl)‐elliptic problems with variable coefficients is shown to be convergent for the sum of the energy error and the scaled error estimator. The special treatment of the data oscillation and the interior node property are removed from the proof. Numerical experiments indicate that the adaptive meshes and the associated numerical complexity are quasi‐optimal. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
An algebraic generalization of local Fourier analysis for grid transfer operators in multigrid based on Toeplitz matrices
Authors: Donatelli M.
Published: February 2010

Local Fourier analysis (LFA) is a classical tool for proving convergence theorems for multigrid methods (MGMs). In particular, we are interested in optimal convergence, i.e. convergence rates that are independent of the problem size. For elliptic partial differential equations (PDEs), a well‐known optimality result requires that the sum of the orders of the grid transfer operators is not lower than the order of the PDE approximated. Analogously, when dealing with MGMs for Toeplitz matrices, a well‐known optimality condition concerns the position and the order of the zeros of the symbols of the grid transfer operators. In this work we show that in the case of elliptic PDEs with constant coefficients, the two different approaches lead to an equivalent condition. We argue that the analysis for Toeplitz matrices is an algebraic generalization of the LFA, which allows to deal not only with differential problems but also for instance with integral problems. The equivalence of the two approaches gives the possibility of using grid transfer operators with different orders also for MGMs for Toeplitz matrices. We give also a class of grid transfer operators related to the B‐spline's refinement equation and study their geometric properties. Numerical experiments confirm the correctness of the proposed analysis. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.