bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Greater endothelial cell responses on submicron and nanometer rough titanium surfaces
Authors: Lu Jing , Khang Dongwoo , Webster Thomas J.
Published: March 2010

An in vitro competitive coculture system was designed in this study to investigate vascular cell functions on submicron (lateral feature sizes larger than 100 nm) and nanometer (lateral and vertical feature sizes smaller than 50 nm) rough titanium surface features created via e‐beam evaporation with identical chemistry to that of control (unmodified) titanium. Rat aortic endothelial cells (RAEC) and rat aortic smooth muscle cells (RASMC) were individually cultured and cocultured on such substrates for 4 h as well as 1, 3, and 5 days. In addition, RAEC and RASMC intracellular collagen and elastin synthesis were determined for up to 14 days on the various substrates. Compared to control flat titanium surfaces, the results showed for the first time that submicron rough surface features on titanium enhanced RAEC proliferation (followed by nanometer surface features), while simultaneously inhibiting RASMC proliferation. In addition, protein synthesis assays demonstrated enhanced collagen and elastin production by RAEC cultured on submicron rough titanium substrates (followed by nano rough) compared to control flat titanium substrates. Surface characterization results showed that submicron rough featured titanium possessed the greatest hydrophilicity (followed by nanometer surface featured), which may have promoted select protein adsorption to increase RAEC over RASMC function. In contrast to RASMC, RAEC morphology was significantly altered by the underlying titanium surface features, which may also explain the altered vascular cell functions on the different substrates. Thus, this study suggested that submicron to nanometer rough surface features should be further studied for improving titanium for vascular stent applications. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A, 2010.
Microbial adhesion to surface‐grafted polyacrylamide brushes after long‐term exposure to PBS and reconstituted freeze‐dried saliva
Authors: Fundeanu Irina , van der Mei Henny C. , Schouten Arend J. , Busscher Henk J.
Published: March 2010

Polyacrylamide (PAAm) brushes, covalently grafted from silicon wafer surfaces were examined for their ability to inhibit microbial adhesion after long‐term exposure to PBS or reconstituted freeze‐dried saliva for time intervals from 48 h up to 1 month at 37°C. Microbial adhesion after exposure was studied in a parallel plate flow chamber. Infrared spectra showed that PAAm brushes exhibit good chemical stability upon incubation in both PBS and reconstituted freeze‐dried saliva up to 1 month. Reductions in microbial adhesion on PAAm brushes after exposure to PBS or reconstituted freeze‐dried saliva varied from 63 to 93% depending on the microbial strain considered, even after 1 month of exposure of the brushes to reconstituted freeze‐dried saliva. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A, 2010.
The study of specific and nonspecific hepatoma cells behavior by means of plasma‐treated substrates
Authors: Nardulli M. , Belviso M. , Favia P. , d'Agostino R. , Gristina R.
Published: March 2010

Physical‐chemical surface modifications represent a formidable tool to drive a suitable cell behavior on materials intended to be used in the biomedical field. Plasma processes are among the more powerful methods utilized to modify the surface of materials without altering their bulk intrinsic properties. In particular, by means of plasma treatment processes it is possible to graft chemical functional groups on polymer substrate. Functional groups grafted on the surface can improve per se cell adhesion and can also represent suitable anchor sites for biomolecule immobilization. The aim of this work was to determine the effect of plasma treatment and biomolecule immobilization on Polystyrene (PS) Petri dishes on the behavior of a human hepatocellular carcinoma cell line (HepG2). For this aim Petri dishes were grafted with N‐containing groups in order to obtain grafted N‐functionalities, to be used as anchor groups for the immobilization of galactosamine. In this way two different modified surfaces, NH3 grafted polystyrene (PS‐NH3) and polystyrene owing galactosamine moieties (PS‐NH3‐GalNH2), have been obtained. Differences in cell morphology, urea and plasma Fibronectin (pFN) production were clearly observed on HepG2 seeded on PS‐NH3 and PS‐NH3‐GalNH2. These results highlight the role of specific and non specific cell response in the in vitro study of materials intended to be used for biomedical purposes. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2010.
Asymptomatic deep vein thrombosis in advanced cancer patients: The value of venous sonography
Authors: Beck‐Razi Nira , Kuzmin Alexander , Koren Dorith , Sarig Galit , Brenner Benjamin , Haim Nissim , Gaitini Diana
Published: March 2010

Purpose.

Although guidelines for venous thromboembolism prevention are available, the implementation of anticoagulant prophylaxis in patients with advanced cancer has yet to be more clearly defined. We aim to determine the incidence of lower extremity deep vein thrombosis (DVT) diagnosed by Doppler sonography (USD) in asymptomatic nonambulatory patients with advanced cancer.

Method.

In a prospective study, 44 nonambulatory cancer patients with grade 3–4 World Health Organization performance status, asymptomatic for lower extremity DVT, underwent bilateral venous USD studies of the lower extremities. Different risk factors and laboratory data were registered and correlated with the incidence of DVT.

Result.

Asymptomatic DVT was detected in 15 of 44 patients (34%, 95% CI, 0.21–0.49). Twenty‐three percent of all patients had isolated deep calf vein thrombi and 11% of all patients had thrombi in the proximal veins. The only significant risk factor was the number of metastatic sites. DVT was found in 4 of 23 (17.4%) patients with one metastatic site as opposed to 11 of 21 (52.3%) with two or more sites (p < 0.01).

Conclusion.

USD of the lower extremities detected asymptomatic DVT in 34% of advanced nonambulatory cancer patients and may serve as an additional decision‐making tool in the consideration of anticoagulant therapy for this specific population. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound, 2010
Selectivity of N‐aroyl‐N′‐arylthioureas towards 2‐(1,3‐dioxo‐1H‐inden‐2(3H)‐ylidene)malononitrile. New synthesis of (Z)‐N‐((E)‐4‐amino‐1‐aryl‐5‐cyano‐6‐oxo‐1H‐indeno[1,2‐d][1,3]‐ thiazepin‐2(6H)‐ylidene)‐4‐arylamides of antitumor and antioxidant activities
Authors: Aly Ashraf A. , Brown Alan B. , Ramadan Mohamed , Abdel‐Aziz Mohamed , Abuo‐Rahma Gamal El‐Din A. A. , Radwan Mohamed F. , Gamal‐Eldeen Amira M.
Published: March 2010

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The reaction between N‐aroyl‐N′‐arylthioureas with 2‐(1,3‐dioxoindan‐2‐ylidene)malononitrile furnished indeno[1,2‐d][1,3]thiazepines in 70–85% yields. The mechanism of the products' formation is discussed. Some of the products showed effective antitumor and antioxidant activities. The results revealed that compound indenothiazepine derivative showed a high inhibition of the cell growth of Hep‐G2 cells is compared with the growth of untreated control cells, as concluded from their low IC50 value 21.73 μM. On the other hand, two indenothiazepine derivatives have an effective antioxidant activity with SC50 values of 62.5 mM and 87.4 mM, respectively. J. Heterocyclic Chem., (2010).
Construction of 3,4‐dihydro‐1,2‐diazete ring through 4π electron cyclization of 4‐hydroxy‐2‐oxo‐2H chromene‐3‐carbaldehyde [(1E)‐arylmethylene] hydrazone
Authors: Pansuriya Akshay M. , Savant Mahesh M. , Bhuva Chirag V. , Singh Jyoti , Kapuriya Naval , Naliapara Yogesh T.
Published: March 2010

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A new, short and efficient synthesis of 4‐hydroxy‐3‐(4‐aryl‐3,4‐dihydro‐1,2‐diazet‐3‐yl)‐2H‐chromen‐2‐one is described in which the 3,4‐dihydro‐1,2‐diazete ring is constructed from arylmethylene hydrazone by 4π electron cyclization as per electrocyclic reaction. J. Heterocyclic Chem., (2010).
Synthesis, characterization and biological activity of99mTc‐labeled piperidine analogues targeting sigma receptors
Authors: Satpati Drishty , Bapat Ketaki , Sarma Haladhar Dev , Venkatesh Meera , Banerjee Sharmila
Published: March 2010

Sigma receptors are expressed in high density in various types of cancer cells including brain tumours and are also involved in various diseases of central nervous system. This makes ligands that bind to these receptors, attractive molecular vectors for targeting radiation to the specific sites with the purpose of imaging and therapy of neurological disorders. We report synthesis of three derivatives of 4‐amino‐N‐benzylpiperidine namely, 4‐dithiocarbamato‐N‐benzylpiperidine, 4‐iminodiacetato‐N‐benzylpiperidine and 4‐(N‐benzylpiperidine)‐pyridin‐2‐ylmethyl‐amino)‐acetic acid and their radiolabeling with technetium‐99m. Thein vivoevaluation of these radiolabeled compounds has been carried out in mice, for assessment of their binding affinity with sigma receptors. Of the three complexes, [99mTcN]‐4‐dithiocarbamato‐N‐benzylpiperidine, [99mTcN]Pip‐DTC exhibited the most promising characteristics with brain uptake of 0.6% ID/g at 5 min.p.i. that reduced to 0.3% ID/g after 2 h.p.i. Competition experiment carried out with [99mTcN]Pip‐DTC complex, using (+)‐pentazocine showed its specificity towards sigma receptors, as was found to be evident from reduction in the brain uptake of this complex. Introduction of iminodiacetate and pyridine moieties and subsequent radiolabeling did not result in complexes with significant potential of targeting and binding with sigma receptors. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Evolving anomalous SST patterns leading to ENSO extremes: relations between the tropical Pacific and Atlantic Oceans and the influence on the South American rainfall
Authors: Toshie Kayano Mary , Valéria Andreoli Rita , Ferreira de Souza Rodrigo Augusto
Published: March 2010

Several studies have provided observational and numerical evidence that the tropical Pacific and Indian Oceans are influenced by the tropical Atlantic within a one season time scale. The influence of the Atlantic equatorial mode (AEM) in the Pacific El Niño‐Southern Oscillation (ENSO) mode is observationally re‐examined. The analyses focus on the ENSO‐related evolving sea surface temperature (SST) and sea level pressure (SLP) anomalies in the Tropics that follow the occurrences of AEM events and those that are independent of the AEM. The cold (warm) AEM followed by El Niño (La Niña) shows a sequence of maps that might be explained by the mechanism previously outlined on the relationship of the tropical Atlantic and the other tropical Oceans. This mechanism involves an anomalous Atlantic Walker circulation and a Gill–Matsuno‐type atmospheric response to anomalous cooling or warming in the tropical Atlantic. The seasonal timing of the relationship studied differs from that of the previous studies. Here, it is noted that the Atlantic SST anomalous conditions are persistent and might be noted 5–6 months before that proposed in previous results. Furthermore, the ENSO extreme conditions are reinforced and maintained by the east–west SST anomalous gradient in the tropical Pacific. Also, the precipitation composites over South America for the ENSO extremes, which are AEM‐dependent and AEM‐independent cases, are discussed. The AEM‐dependent ENSO extremes combine the effects from the tropical Pacific, and equatorial and tropical South Atlantic on the rainfall over South America. The results presented here, to the authors' knowledge, have not been discussed before and might represent a potential for long lead predictability of the climate variations in the tropical Pacific. Copyright © 2010 Royal Meteorological Society
Organic‐carbon fractions in an agricultural topsoil assessed by the determination of the soil mineral surface area
Authors: Séquaris Jean‐Marie , Guisado Gregorio , Magarinos Maria , Moreno Carlos , Burauel Peter , Narres Hans‐Dieter , Vereecken Harry
Published: March 2010

According to recent conceptual models, the organic carbon (OC) of soils can be divided into OC fractions of increasing stability from labile free OC to resistant OC associated with the soil mineral phase. In this study, we present a method for quantifying two OC fractions based on soil aggregate–size fractionation and the N2 gas–adsorption method. For this purpose, we analyzed soil material of the plow layer of a Haplic Chernozem subjected to different fertilizer treatments (no fertilizer, mineral fertilizer, mineral and organic fertilizer). The total organic‐C concentration (TOC) and the clay content of the different size fractions were determined as well as the specific surface area (SSAmineral) and the sample pore volume after thermal oxidation (OC‐free). The TOC of the different soil‐aggregate fractions was linearly related to SSAmineral. Clay‐associated OC and nonassociated OC fractions of the different soil samples were quantified using two methods based on the OC surface loading at the clay fraction. The application of organic fertilizer increased the amount of nonassociated OC but hardly affected the concentration of clay‐associated OC. This finding agrees with previous studies on C dynamics in soils and indicates a finite capacity of soil materials to sequester OC. Even without any addition of organic fertilizer, the mineral phase of the analyzed soil material appears to be C‐saturated.
Regionalization of organic pollutants in Bavarian soils: The performance of Indicator Kriging
Authors: Hangen Edzard , Olbricht Walter , Joneck Michael
Published: March 2010

The evaluation of the impact of additional soil pollutants has to be contrasted against the naturally occurring pollutant concentration, i.e., the background concentration. Because background concentrations have to represent areal entities, point information has to be extrapolated into the area using interpolation methods. Thus, the accuracy of the interpolation method is crucial for the correct designation of background values to the areas. For the area of Bavaria (SE Germany), the actual background values of organic and inorganic soil pollutants were derived from >337,000 data from 5000 horizons based upon 1134 soil profiles. Background values were determined for the different soil depth compartments (O layer, topsoil, subsoil, and parent material) and land uses (agriculture, forestry). For interpolation between the nodes, Indicator Kriging was applied. The kriged total area was subdivided into 6 subareas of different background concentrations using percentile thresholds. To derive representative background concentrations, the reliable segregation of the total area into subareas and, thus, a robust interpolation method is a prerequisite. In this study, the robustness of the applied Indicator Kriging should be tested. Influences of data transformations and different kriging methods upon the demarcation of subareas should be investigated for the organic sum‐parameter EPA‐PAH. Neither a data transformation nor the comparison with Ordinary Kriging yielded significant deviations in the assigned subareas. Furthermore, cross‐validation as well as addition of synthetic noise was used to check the susceptibility of the method to artifacts and changes in the data set. After random splitting of the original data set into 4 subsets and re‐arrangement to 6 half‐sets, subsequent Indicator Kriging produced 6 results with mainly identical subarea configurations. Cross‐validation, i.e., comparison of points from the kriging surface (validation data set) with the calibration data set, yielded considerable residuals between estimates and measurements. Based on these normally distributed residuals, random numbers with identical statistical moments were generated and used as measurement errors for another kriging run. This synthetic noise was added to the corresponding result based on the calibration half‐set. The resulting subareas changed only slightly for the most polluted region, but considerably for the other regions. The chosen interpolation method provides sufficient stability to demarcate the relevant areas with elevated pollution in Bavaria. For other areas, its stability is less clear. Here, additional soil samples are required.
Surface Modification of Nickel/Titanium Alloy and Titanium Surfaces via a Polyelectrolyte Multilayer/Calcium Phosphate Hybrid Coating
Authors: Schweizer Sylvia , Schuster Thomas , Junginger Mathias , Siekmeyer Gerd , Taubert Andreas
Published: March 2010

The report shows that simple LbL deposition of positively charged chitosan and negatively charged heparin can be used to efficiently modify the native surface of both NiTi and Ti without any previous treatments. Moreover, mineralization of the polymer multilayers with calcium phosphate leads to surfaces with low contact angles around 70 and 20° for NiTi and Ti, respectively. This suggests that a polymer multilayer/calcium phosphate hybrid coating could be useful for making NiTi or Ti implants that are at the same time antibacterial (via the chitosan), suppress blood clot formation (via the heparin), and favor fast endothelialization (via the improved surface hydrophilicity compared to the respective neat material).

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Rapamycin regulates Akt and ERK phosphorylation through mTORC1 and mTORC2 signaling pathways
Authors: Chen Xian‐Guo , Liu Fei , Song Xing‐Fu , Wang Zhi‐Hua , Dong Zi‐Qiang , Hu Zhi‐Quan , Lan Ru‐Zhu , Guan Wei , Zhou Tian‐Gui , Xu Xiao‐Ming , Lei Hong , Ye Zhang‐Qun , Peng E‐Jun , Du Li‐Huan , Zhuang Qian‐Yuan
Published: March 2010

Numerous studies have shown that mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibitor activates Akt signaling pathway via a negative feedback loop while inhibiting mTORC1 signaling. In this report, we focused on studying the role of mTORC1 and mTORC2 in rapamycin‐mediated Akt and ERK phosphorylation, and the antitumor effect of rapamycin in cancer cells in combination with Akt and ERK inhibitors. Moreover, we analyzed the effect of mTORC1 and mTORC2 on regulating cell cycle progression. We found that low concentrations rapamycin increased Akt and ERK phosphorylation through a mTORC1‐dependent mechanism because knockdowned raptor induced the activation of Akt and ERK, but higher doses of rapamycin inhibited Akt and ERK phosphorylation mainly via the mTORC2 signaling pathway because that the silencing of rictor led to the inhibition of Akt and ERK phosphorylation. We further showed that mTORC2 was tightly associated with the development of cell cycle through an Akt‐dependent mechanism. Therefore, we combined PI3K and ERK inhibitors prevent rapamycin‐induced Akt activation and enhanced antitumor effects of rapamycin. Collectively, we conclude that mTORC2 plays a much more important role than mTORC1 in rapamycin‐mediated phosphorylation of Akt and ERK, and cotargeting AKT and ERK signaling may be a new strategy for enhancing the efficacy of rapamycin‐based therapeutic approaches in cancer cells. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
MicroRNAs and their role in gynecological tumors
Authors: Torres Anna , Torres Kamil , Maciejewski Ryszard , Harvey William H.
Published: March 2010

There have been only few events in the history of molecular biology that could be compared to the discovery of microRNAs and their role in cell physiology and pathology. MicroRNAs are small, single‐stranded, noncoding RNAs composed of 19–25 nucleotides (∼22 nt), which have been proven to regulate gene expression at the posttranscriptional level. The regulatory function of microRNAs was demonstrated in normal and diseased conditions. In particular, it has been linked to cell cycle regulation, cell proliferation and differentiation, inflammatory response, and apoptosis. Altered expression profiles of microRNA have been observed in many pathologies, including diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, and several cancers. To date, more than 700 human microRNAs have been identified and in silico‐based analyses estimate at least 500 more to be identified. The purpose of this review is to present the current perspective on microRNAs structure and biogenesis as well as their contribution to the etiopathogenesis of gynecological tumors. We discuss results of the recent publications that indicate possibilities of microRNAs use as novel markers for tumors screening, early diagnosis, and treatment monitoring. The possible utilization of microRNAs as prognostic factors and specific therapy targets is also reviewed. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Med Res Rev 31:895‐923, 2011
Grade Transition Dynamic Optimization of the Living Nitroxide‐Mediated Radical Polymerization of Styrene in a Tubular Reactor
Authors: Zitlalpopoca‐Soriano Angel Guillermo , Vivaldo‐Lima Eduardo , Flores‐Tlacuahuac Antonio
Published: March 2010

In this work, the dynamic optimization of tubular reactors where nitroxide‐mediated radical polymerization (NMRP) of styrene takes place is performed. The effect of potential manipulated variables is addressed. The system is governed by partial differential equations (PDEs). The PDEs are discretized spatially giving rise to a differential‐algebraic equation (DAE) system. The DAE optimization problem is then solved using a simultaneous approach wherein the differential and the algebraic variables are fully discretized leading to a large‐scale nonlinear programming (NLP) problem. The resulting optimization problem is solved using an interior point algorithm capable of handling large‐scale NLPs.

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Upper and lower bounds for natural frequencies: A property of the smoothed finite element methods
Authors: Zhang Zhi‐Qian , Liu G. R.
Published: March 2010

Node‐based smoothed finite element method (NS‐FEM) using triangular type of elements has been found capable to produce upper bound solutions (to the exact solutions) for force driving static solid mechanics problems due to its monotonic ‘soft’ behavior. This paper aims to formulate an NS‐FEM for lower bounds of the natural frequencies for free vibration problems. To make the NS‐FEM temporally stable, an α‐FEM is devised by combining the compatible and smoothed strain fields in a partition of unity fashion controlled by α∈[0, 1], so that both the properties of stiff FEM and the monotonically soft NS‐FEM models can be properly combined for a desired purpose. For temporally stabilizing NS‐FEM, α is chosen small so that it acts like a ‘regularization parameter’ making the NS‐FEM stable, but still with sufficient softness ensuring lower bounds for natural frequency solution. Our numerical studies demonstrate that (1) using a proper α, the spurious non‐zero energy modes can be removed and the NS‐FEM becomes temporally stable; (2) the stabilized NS‐FEM becomes a general approach for solids to obtain lower bounds to the exact natural frequencies over the whole spectrum; (3) α‐FEM can even be tuned for obtaining nearly exact natural frequencies. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The effect of covalent immobilization of sialic acid on the removal of lipopolysaccharide and reactive oxygen species for polyethylene terephthalate
Authors: Chang Jung‐Jhih , Lin Po‐Ju , Lee Yen‐Hsien , Yang Ming‐Chien , Chien Chiang‐Ting
Published: March 2010

Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) was aminolyzed with 1,6‐diaminohexane (DAH) and then sialic acid (NANA) was immobilized via amidation onto the surface. The surface concentration of NANA was determined by 2‐thiobarbituric acid (TBA) test. The hemocompatibility of the resulting PET fabrics was evaluated based on complete blood count (CBC), coagulating times, and protein adsorption. The ability to remove lipopolysaccharide (LPS) was also determined. In addition, the effect of contacting NANA‐immobilizing PET on the suppression of reactive oxygen species (ROS) production was measured by the chemiluminescence (CL) method. The results show that by immobilizing NANA onto PET, the adhesion of platelet (PLt) was reduced, and oxidative stress was suppressed. The level of LPS was also greatly reduced. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Results of a prospective study for the treatment of unilateral retinoblastoma
Authors: Chantada Guillermo L. , Fandiño Adriana C. , Guitter Myriam R. , Raslawski Elsa C. , Dominguez Julieta L. , Manzitti Julio , de Dávila María T.G. , Zubizarreta Pedro , Scopinaro Marcelo
Published: March 2010

Background

Few prospective studies about the management of unilateral retinoblastoma with pathology risk factors (PRFs) have been published.

Methods

Patients (n = 114) were divided into four groups: Group 1 (initial chemoreduction) (n = 17). Groups 2 and 3, included patients initially enucleated with no, or lower risk PRFs: (n = 65) and with higher risk PRFs (n = 30), respectively. The later included postlaminar optic nerve involvement (PLONI) (n = 23), tumor at resection margin of optic nerve (n = 5) or isolated scleral invasion (n = 2). Group 3 received adjuvant chemotherapy including a total eight cycles of carboplatin and etoposide, alternating with cyclophosphamide, idarubicin, and vincristine. Orbital radiotherapy (45 Gy) was given to patients with invasion to the resection margin. Group 4 included patients with metastatic disease (n = 2). They were given neoadjuvant therapy followed by surgery and high‐dose chemotherapy and autologous stem cell rescue.

Results

Five‐year event‐free survival is 0.94 (1 for Group 1, 0.94 for Group 2, 0.96 for Group 3, and 0 for Group 4). Events included. Group 2: Systemic relapse (n = 2) and combined orbital and CNS relapse (n = 1). Relapsing patients had PLONI (n = 2) and isolated focal choroidal invasion (n = 1). Group 3: CNS relapse (n = 1) in a patient with tumor at the resection margin of optic nerve. Group 4: CNS relapse (n = 2). Only one relapsed patient survived. Eight of 17 eyes treated conservatively were preserved.

Conclusions

The survival of patients with unilateral retinoblastoma was excellent and 60% were spared from adjuvant treatment. Our intensive regimen was likely to be effective for prevention of metastasis in patients with higher risk PRFs. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2010;55:60–66. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Serum derivative of reactive oxygen metabolites (d‐ROMs) in pediatric hemato‐oncological patients with neutropenic fever
Authors: Nishikawa Takuro , Okamoto Yasuhiro , Kodama Yuichi , Tanabe Takayuki , Shinkoda Yuichi , Kawano Yoshifumi
Published: March 2010

Background

Early markers for predicting the severity of neutropenic fever (NF) in patients with hemato‐oncological patients have not yet been established. Reactive oxygen species are known to play an important role in the antimicrobial function of neutrophils. The aim of this study was to determine the serum levels of derivatives of reactive oxygen metabolites (d‐ROMs) and the biological antioxidant potential (BAP) levels in these patients, and to investigate the associations between these levels and the severity of NF.

Procedure

Twenty‐seven pediatric hemato‐oncological patients were enroled in this prospective study. Their median age was 10 years (range 1–19). Laboratory samples for C‐reactive protein (CRP), d‐ROMs, and BAP were collected at the onset of NF. The Free Radical Analytical System 4® was used to measure levels of d‐ROMs and BAP.

Results

A total 36 NF episodes were evaluated. Levels of d‐ROMs in NF patients with systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS, n = 7) were significantly lower than those in subjects without SIRS (n = 29; 197.6 vs. 314.1 U.CARR, P = 0.017). There were no statistically significant differences in CRP, BAP, WBC count, or neutrophil count at the onset. The peak levels of CRP were significantly higher in patients with SIRS than in those without SIRS (23.9 vs. 6.1 mg/dl, P = 0.0003).

Conclusion

Patients with low level of d‐ROMs at the onset of NF should be observed stringently since they possibly have severe NF. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2010;55:91–94. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The presence of central nervous system disease at diagnosis in pediatric acute myeloid leukemia does not affect survival: A Children's Oncology Group study
Authors: Johnston Donna L. , Alonzo Todd A. , Gerbing Robert B. , Lange Beverly J. , Woods William G.
Published: March 2010

Background

The presence of central nervous system (CNS) disease in pediatric acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is often thought to confer a worse prognosis. This study examined the outcome of children with AML who had CNS disease at diagnosis.

Methods

Patients enrolled on Children's Cancer Group protocols 2861, 2891, 2941, and 2961 being treated for de novo AML were classified for the presence of CNS disease at diagnosis as CNS1 (<5 WBC in the CSF without blasts), CNS2 (<5 WBC in the CSF with blasts), or CNS3 (≥5 WBC in the CSF with blasts). CNS disease at diagnosis was then analyzed regarding patient characteristics and outcome.

Results

There was an incidence of CNS disease (i.e., CNS3 status) of 11% in the 1,459 patients analyzed in this study. The risk factors found are young age, high white cell count, hepatomegaly or splenomegaly at diagnosis, M4 subtype, chromosome 16 abnormalities, and hyperdiploid cytogenetics. There were no significant differences in overall survival, event free survival, or remission rates between the groups; however, a significant difference was seen between the CNS1 and CNS3 groups in disease free survival and isolated CNS relapse risk.

Conclusions

Patients with CNS disease at diagnosis have similar survival to those without CNS disease, although they have an increased incidence of isolated CNS relapse. Patients with CNS disease at diagnosis may warrant more aggressive CNS directed therapy. Pediatr Blood Cancer. 2010;55:414–420. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Characteristics of responders to a request for a buccal cell specimen among survivors of childhood cancer and their siblings
Authors: Ness Kirsten K. , Li Chenghong , Mitby Pauline A. , Radloff Gretchen A. , Mertens Ann C. , Davies Stella M. , Hammond Sue , Armstrong Gregory T. , Robison Leslie L.
Published: March 2010

Purpose

Analysis of biological samples in large cohort studies may provide insight into the mechanism of, and risk factors for, disease onset and progression.

Methods

This study describes the methods used to collect biological samples from a large multi‐center cohort of childhood cancer survivors and siblings of childhood cancer survivors and evaluates the predictors of a positive response among these individuals.

Results

Among survivors, female sex, white race/ethnicity, college graduation, never smoking, accessing the healthcare system in the past 2 years, and having a second malignant neoplasm were the strongest predictors of returning a sample. Among siblings, a similar demographic profile defined those likely to submit the requested sample.

Conclusion

To reduce selection bias and increase the value of these samples for future analysis, additional phone calls and reminders targeting non‐responders are needed to improve response rates among those least likely to respond to a single mailed request. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2010;55:165–170. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Suicide risk during anticonvulsant treatment
Authors: Pompili Maurizio , Tatarelli Roberto , Girardi Paolo , Tondo Leonardo , Baldessarini Ross J.
Published: March 2010

Recent research findings suggest possible increases in risk of suicidal behaviors among patients treated with anticonvulsants. The available evidence appears to support such a risk more clearly for patients diagnosed with epilepsy rather than with primary psychiatric disorders. However, the studies involved are limited by providing associational findings that may be confounded by several uncontrolled variables. Such limitations should be considered in future research on adverse effects of anticonvulsants and other centrally acting drugs. For now, however, clinical prudence calls for routine, ongoing assessment of mood and suicidal thoughts among neurological or psychiatric patients, whether or not treated with particular drugs. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The Relationship between Individual Differences in Intraindividual Variability in Core Affect and Interpersonal Behaviour
Authors: Timmermans Tinneke , Van Mechelen Iven , Kuppens Peter
Published: March 2010

How people's feelings and interpersonal behaviour change across time can be represented as movements within a core affect and an interpersonal space. To gain insight into the relationship between affect and behaviour dynamics, the present study examined how individual differences in intraindividual variability in core affect relate to those in interpersonal behaviour, and how both are related to personality traits. In an experience sampling study, 63 participants were asked to monitor their core affect during one week and their interpersonal behaviour during another one. The results demonstrated a fairly consistent correspondence between several indices of people's variability in core affect and interpersonal behaviour, indicating that emotional lability also signals behavioural volatility and vice versa. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Honesty–Humility and a Person–Situation Interaction at Work
Authors: Zettler Ingo , Hilbig Benjamin E.
Published: March 2010

Person–situation interactions have attracted researchers’ attention for decades. Likewise, the current work focuses on the interaction of honesty–humility and situational conditions in bringing about counterproductive work behaviour (CWB). As such, we introduce perceptions of organizational politics as a situational construct representing an opportunity for CWB. In a sample of N = 148 employees we found that particularly individuals low in honesty–humility were affected by situational circumstances. By contrast, those high in honesty–humility reported practically the same (lower) amount of CWB independent of the level of perceptions of organizational politics. In other words, employees low in honesty–humility were especially likely to condition their behaviour on environmental factors, a result that mirrors previous findings. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Sequential bromination reactions from beads with methyltriphenylphosphonium tribromide groups
Authors: Cristiano Rodrigo , Walls Andrew D. , Weiss Richard G.
Published: March 2010

A reusable bromination reagent based on polystyrene beads with covalently appended methyltriphenylphosphonium tribromide groups has been developed. The results from bromination reactions of several structurally diverse unsaturated substrates with the beads and with solutions of a non‐polymeric model brominating reagent, methyltriphenylphosphonium tribromide, are described. It is shown that the reactions are highly regio‐ and stereo‐selective and can be conducted easily. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Comparative Study of the Carbonisation of CoTMPP by Low Temperature Plasma and Heat Treatment
Authors: Herrmann Iris , Kramm Ulrike Ingrid , Fiechter Sebastian , Brüser Volker , Kersten Holger , Bogdanoff Peter
Published: March 2010

Low temperature plasma (LTP) treatment of cobalt‐tetramethoxyphenylporphyrin (CoTMPP) has been applied as a promising alternative method to the conventional heat treatment in order to attain highly active catalysts for the electroreduction of oxygen. In this contribution it is shown that CoTMPP can be completely transformed into a carbon matrix by adjusting adequate LTP parameters. The carbonisation process of CoTMPP is investigated at different operation conditions by Raman and IR spectroscopy and compared with the structural features of the heat‐treated samples. As a result it appears that the LTP occurs via a different carbonisation process, which yields in a more homogeneously defined molecular carbon structure.

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Synthesis and characterization of Cu2ZnSnS4
Authors: Chory Christine , Zutz Folker , Witt Florian , Borchert Holger , Parisi Jürgen
Published: March 2010

We report on the characterization of Cu2ZnSnS4 (CZTS) polycrystalline powder that was prepared in a facile one‐pot synthesis of colloidal nanoparticles and characterized with thermal analysis and X‐ray diffraction. For the investigation of impurities and trap states in CZTS, electron spin resonance (ESR) measurements were performed. Defect states for charge carriers as well as the existence of Cu(II) ions in varying amounts depending on the precursors used were observed. (© 2010 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
The impact of front contact ZnO:Al/Zn1‐xMgxO layer on Cu(In,Ga)Se2 thin‐film solar cells
Authors: Li Xiaonan , Kanevce Ana , Li Jian V. , Repins Ingrid
Published: March 2010

We studied the impact of the front‐window layer on Cu(In,Ga)Se2 (CIGS) solar cells. A bi‐layer structure of ZnO:Al/ZnO was used as a standard front‐window layer, and a replacement of ZnO by Zn1‐xMgxO was analyzed. A numerical simulation was performed to understand the device characterization results. The results clearly indicate that any variation on the front‐window layer and deposition condition impacts the underlying CdS/CIGS junction. Therefore, it is important to carefully choose the component of the front‐window layer and sputtering parameters to protect the junction formation. With careful front‐window layer design and modeling, an optimized device performance with a Zn1‐xMgxO layer has been achieved (© 2010 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Role of excitons in the excitation of deep‐level emission in ZnO crystals
Authors: Kushnirenko V. I. , Markevich I. V. , Borkovska L. V. , Bulakh B. M.
Published: March 2010

In undoped ZnO crystals, photoluminescence excitation (PLE) spectra of deep‐level green and orange PL bands as well as photocurrent (PC) spectra were measured at 77 and 290 K. Some PLE and PC peaks whose energy positions coincided with that of free exciton and its excited states were observed, the intensity of PL and PC excited in these peaks being higher than under excitation by band‐to‐band light. At the same time, a sharp minimum was found in PLE and PC spectra at the position of donor‐bound exciton. Obtained results were accounted for by the interaction of excitons with lattice defects. A number of longer wavelength PLE and PC peaks whose energy positions coincided in fact with that of the first, second and third phonon replicas of free exciton were also observed. The origin of these peaks is discussed. (© 2010 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Epitaxial growth of ZnSe and ZnSe/CdSe nanowires on ZnSe
Authors: Bellet‐Amalric E. , Elouneg‐Jamroz M. , Bougerol C. , Den Hertog M. , Genuist Y. , Bounouar S. , Poizat J.P. , Kheng K. , André R. , Tatarenko S.
Published: March 2010

We report the molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) growth of ZnSe nanowires (NWs) on a ZnSe(100) epilayer assisted by gold catalyst. Gold dewetting assists in the formation of nanotrenches along the [0‐1‐1] direction in the ZnSe buffer layer. Nucleation of the gold catalyst in the trenches leads to the growth of NWs preferentially in directions orthogonal to the trenches. The wires adopt mostly the wurtzite type structure and grow along the c‐axis. CdSe quantum dots were inserted in the ZnSe NWs. The CdSe insertions systematically adopt a cubic zinc‐blende arrangement with a [111] growth axis, as confirmed by transmission electron microscopy. (© 2010 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Cascade upconversion of photoluminescence in ensembles of II‐VI semiconductor nanocrystals
Authors: Malainho E. , Santos J. R. , Vasilevskiy M. I. , Filonovich S. A. , Rakovich Y. P. , Rogach A.
Published: March 2010

We present the theory of the thermally activated photoluminescence upconversion, also known as anti‐Stokes photoluminescence (ASPL), based on the quantum dot (QD) polaron effect and explaining all the principal features of the ASPL in colloidal solutions of chemically grown nanocrystals (NCs). The results obtained by Monte‐Carlo simulations reproduce all the experimentally observed ASPL trends in colloidal NC solutions and are being extended to dense QD systems, such as films composed by layers of closely packed NCs (© 2010 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Multi‐band theory of magnetoexcitons in ZnO/ZnMnO quantum wells
Authors: Bardyszewski Witold
Published: March 2010

We present a multiband magnetoexciton absorption model in ZnO/ZnMnO quantum wells which takes into account the details of the valence band structure. In our model we incorporate the k·p as well as the Coulomb coupling between valence sub‐bands. The s,p‐d interaction between the carriers and the magnetic ions in the barrier is taken into account within the mean field approximation.

The effect of the electric field is accounted for using proper potential profile of the quantum well. As a result we obtain electric and magnetic field dependent excitonic absorption spectra from which the exciton binding energies and life‐times as well as the overlap with the magnetic barrier material may be deduced (© 2010 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry for investigating the biochemical effects induced by aristolochic acid in rats: the plasma metabolome
Authors: Lin Shuhai , Chan Wan , Li Jinhua , Cai Zongwei
Published: March 2010

In this study, high‐performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry in conjunction with chemometric methods including principal components analysis was used to investigate metabolic profiling in plasma samples from rats dosed with aristolochic acid (AA). Differentiating metabolites were identified by high‐resolution mass spectrometry and tandem mass spectrometry analyses, database searching and comparison with the analytical results of authentic standards. Several metabolites in plasma including a glucuronide conjugate, bile acids, lysophosphatidylcholines and fatty acids were detected in rats exposed to AA. To improve visualization, a z‐score plot and a cluster heat map were generated for the concentration fluctuations of the metabolites in different dosage groups. The results obtained from this study indicated that class‐specific metabolomic patterns were obviously differentiated for each metabolite in the different dosage groups of AA. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
River impoundment and sunfish growth
Authors: Rypel A. L.
Published: March 2010

Impoundment of rivers by dams is widespread and one of the most devastating anthropogenic impacts to freshwater environments. Linking theoretical and applied research on river impoundment requires an improved capacity for predicting how varying degrees of impoundment affects a range of species. Here, growth of 14 North American sunfish species resilient to river impoundment was compared in rivers versus impoundments. Growth response to river impoundment varied widely, but consistently among taxa: five species (shadow bass, rock bass, flier, redbreast sunfish and green sunfish) showed significantly higher growth in riverine ecosystems, four species (largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, spotted bass and longear sunfish) showed significantly higher growth in impounded ecosystems, and five species (bluegill, black crappie, white crappie, redear sunfish and warmouth) displayed no difference in growth between rivers and impoundments. Furthermore, significant linear models were developed for predicting growth of two species (largemouth bass, R2 = 0.75 and warmouth, R2 = 0.44) based on a physiographically specific index of reservoir retention time. For another species (white crappie), growth could not be predicted by the retention time index in Central Lowlands rivers (R2 = 0.001), but was strongly predicted by this factor in southeastern Coastal Plain rivers (R2 = 0.76) showing how impacts of impoundment, and prediction of its consequences, can vary across river landscape types. Further analysis of fish growth in response to river impoundment, regulation and fragmentation could greatly enhance conservation biology, restoration ecology and basic land use decisions in riverine landscapes. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Movement of three non‐salmonid fish species through a low‐gradient vertical‐slot fishway
Authors: White L. J. , Harris J. H. , Keller R. J.
Published: March 2010

Well‐designed fishways have assisted in restoring migrations and rehabilitating riverine fish species in all continents. The performance of fishways varies greatly with their type, design and operating regime, and with the species involved. Vertical‐slot fishways are widely used to overcome low‐level barriers, especially for non‐salmonids. Important issues remain in the design of fishways to meet performance and cost criteria, including the relationship between fishway bed gradient and the fish that ascend, and whether resting pools are needed. Models of species' movement patterns can inform fishway designers about likely fish response to various design options, and can lead to improved efficiency and effectiveness.

Models of general movement patterns of three potamodromous non‐salmonid fishes in the Murray River, Australia, were developed from empirical data in a low‐gradient vertical‐slot fishway. The models integrate data on times of entry and exit, ascent rates, and whether fish continued to ascend during the night. These fish species did not favour resting pools. Ascent rates of fish ≥120 mm were more closely related to fish behaviour than to length; for a given fishway height, reducing bed slope by increasing the number of pools may slow the ascent of such fish, whereas enlarging pool volumes increases costs. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Reinterpretation of Three Crystal Structures of Alkali Oxoiodate(V) – Description of the [I3O8]–Anion and the Infinite 2D [I3O8–]∞Anion
Authors: Gautier‐Luneau Isabelle , Suffren Yan , Jamet Hélène , Pilmé Julien
Published: March 2010

Two Cs2(IO3)(I3O8) polymorph phases and the Rb2(I3O8)(IO3)(HIO3)2(H2O) compound were prepared by hydrothermal syntheses and characterised by X‐ray single crystal diffraction.α‐Cs2(IO3)(I3O8) crystallises in the hexagonal space groupP63(a= 7.366(1) Å;c= 13.883(1) Å;V= 652.3(1) Å3;Z′ = 2) whereasβ‐Cs2(IO3)(I3O8) crystallises in monoclinic space groupP21/n(a= 12.733(1) Å;b= 7.437(1) Å;c= 14.359(2) Å;β= 106.98(1)°;V= 1300.4(2) Å3;Z= 4) and Rb2(I3O8)(IO3)(HIO3)2(H2O) in triclinic space groupP$\bar{1}$(a= 7.043(1) Å,b= 7.496(1) Å,c= 18.203(3) Å;α= 79.70(2)°;β= 85.04(2)°;γ= 70.66 (1)°;V= 891.8(2) Å3;Z= 2).β‐Cs2(IO3)(I3O8) and Rb2(I3O8)(IO3)(HIO3)2(H2O) reveal the presence of [I3O8]–anion. These compounds have already been characterised asβ‐Cs2I4O11and Rb2I6O15(OH)2·(H2O) for which the descriptions do not reflect the chemical structure. The previous descriptions are based on different choices for the I–O bonding character. In Rb2(I3O8)(IO3)(HIO3)2(H2O), the shortest I···O interaction (2.316(5) Å) observed between a [IO3–] anion and HIO3is in the same range of I–O bond length (2.201(4) Å) in the [I3O8]–anion. Bond valence calculations clearly show three classes of I–O interactions. Finally, DFT calculations coupled to the Electron Localisation Function analysis were performed to describe chemical schemes of these bonds, which justified our chemical description of the structures. The non‐centrosymmetricα‐Cs2(IO3)(I3O8) compound, revealed the presence of the infinite two‐dimensional [I3O8–]∞, which was obtained by condensation of iodate anions.
The Combination of 4‐Hydroxythiazoles with Azaheterocycles: Efficient Bidentate Ligands for Novel Ruthenium Complexes
Authors: Menzel Roberto , Täuscher Eric , Weiß Dieter , Beckert Rainer , Görls Helmar
Published: March 2010

Herein the syntheses of three novel ligands, in which an azaheterocycle is connected with a thiazole subunit: 4‐methoxy‐5‐methyl‐2‐pyridine‐2‐yl‐1,3‐thiazole (1), 4‐methoxy‐5‐methyl‐2‐pyrimidine‐2‐yl‐1,3‐thiazole (2) and 4‐methoxy‐5‐phenyl‐2‐pyridine‐2‐yl‐1,3‐thiazole (3) are reported. Because these ligands are cyclic versions of 1,4‐diazadienes, they offer good prerequisites for the synthesis of metal complexes and were employed as chelating ligands. Three novel heteroleptic cationic complexes of the type Ru(bpy)2(L), with bpy = 2,2′‐bipyridine were successfully synthesised. The RuII complexes as well as the ligands were characterised by means of mass spectrometry, NMR, UV/Vis and IR spectroscopy and elemental analysis. Furthermore, an X‐ray structure of Ru(bpy)22(PF6), as far as we know the first example where a thiazole is directly connected to a RuII core, is presented in this paper.