bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Paleoenvironmental analysis of the Mawaki archaeological site, central Japan, in relation to the stratigraphic position of dolphin bones
Authors: Itoh Yasuto , Takemura Keiji , Nakamura Toshio , Hasegawa Shin , Takada Hideki 
Published: June 2011

AbstractIn order to elucidate the paleoenvironment associated with the early Holocene Mawaki archaeological site on the Noto Peninsula of central Japan, a high‐resolution stratigraphic study was conducted of 17 boreholes drilled at the archaeological site. We selected three boreholes for which lithological and/or chronological data are reported. Initial magnetic susceptibility was utilized for correlation of clastic core samples with the assistance of 26 radiocarbon dates. Four lithological units (A, B, C, and D in ascending order) were identified and interpreted as a sequence in a cycle of marine transgression and regression. Dated coastal horizons were chosen to indicate former sea levels. A Holocene relative sea level curve was generated on the basis of the geological data, and a rapid rise from 8000cal. yr B.P. to 7000cal. yr B.P. and a succeeding minor sea level fall represent the basic eustatic trend around the Sea of Japan because hydroisostatic and tectonic effects are moderate in the study area. Abundant dolphin bones lay just above the top of the marine sequence (boundary between Units C and D), located in the seashore environment. Cultural artifacts are found in a subaerial deposit (Unit D) near the dolphin bone level that is assigned to a period of high, stable sea level after the post‐glacial eustatic highstand. Dolphin bones are associated with stone artifacts (arrowheads, knives, and scrapers) and ritual wood columns, indicating the presence of a longstanding fishery during the early Holocene on the Sea of Japan coast. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
ESTIMATING ADVERSE SELECTION AND MORAL HAZARD EFFECTS WITH HOSPITAL INVOICES DATA IN A GOVERNMENT‐CONTROLLED HEALTHCARE SYSTEM
Authors: Liu Xiangping , Nestic Danijel , Vukina Tomislav 
Published: June 2011

SUMMARYWe use invoices for hospital services from a regional hospital in Croatia to test for adverse selection and moral hazard. There are three categories of patients: with no supplemental insurance, who bought it, and who are entitled to it for free. Our identification procedure relies on the premise that the difference in the observed medical care consumption between the patients who bought the insurance and those entitled to free insurance is caused by pure selection effect, whereas the difference in healthcare consumption between the group that received the free insurance and the group that has no insurance is due to moral hazard. Results show favorable selection for patients in 20‐ to 30‐year‐old cohort and significant moral hazard for all age cohorts. The selection effect reverses its sign in older cohorts explained by the differences in risk aversion across cohorts caused by the timing of transition from socialism to market economy. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Retracted: A hybrid artificial intelligence sales‐forecasting system in the convenience store industry
Authors: Lee Wan‐I , Shih Bih‐Yaw , Chen Chen‐Yuan 
Published: June 2011

AbstractRecently, there has been increasing interest in computer‐aided ergonomics and its applications, such as in the fields of intelligent robots, intelligent mobiles, intelligent stores, and so on. The operation of convenience stores (CVS) in Taiwan is facing a crossover revolution by providing multiple services, including daily fresh foods, a café, ticketing, and a grocery. Therefore, forecasting the daily sales of fresh foods is getting more and more complex due to the influence of both internal and external factors. Eventually, a reliable sales‐forecasting system will play an important role in improving business strategies and increasing competitive advantages. The purpose of this study is the development of an enhanced hybrid sales‐forecasting model of fresh foods, called ECFM (Enhanced Cluster and Forecast Model), for CVSs by combining a self‐organization map (SOM) neural network and radial basis function (RBF) neural networks. The model is evaluated for a six‐month sales data set of daily fresh foods at a chained CVS in Taiwan. Meanwhile, the performance of the proposed model is compared with that of fuzzy neural network (FNN) and cluster and forecast model (CFM). The result reveals that the proposed model is not only amenable but can also promise the fresh food sales forecasting for CVSs. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Retracted: A novel viewpoint on information and interface design for auction web sites
Authors: Kuo Hui‐Ming , Chen Cheng‐Wu 
Published: June 2011

AbstractFor the reason of convenience, auction sites are one of the most popular and quickly developing of Internet shopping sites. There have been many problems, however, arising in relation to online auction commerce; these problems have been dealt with one by one. In addition to the important issue of security, some customers have faced problems such as complicated processes, insufficient product information, and bad interface design. Based on the consumer behavior model that we have built on auction sites, the purpose of this study is to evaluate the information and interface design for current domestic and foreign auction sites. The results indicated that some auction Web sites provided insufficient information and inconvenient interface design during some shopping steps. Foreign auction Web sites provided sufficient information and a more convenient interface design than did the domestic auction Web sites. The results, hopefully, can be used as the reference for online auction Web sites to provide customers more convenient shopping environments. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Single amino acid arginine starvation efficiently sensitizes cancer cells to canavanine treatment and irradiation
Authors: Vynnytska‐Myronovska Bozhena , Bobak Yaroslav , Garbe Yvette , Dittfeld Claudia , Stasyk Oleh , Kunz‐Schughart Leoni A. 
Published: June 2011

AbstractSingle amino acid arginine deprivation is a promising strategy in modern metabolic anticancer therapy. Its potency to inhibit tumor growth warrants the search for rational chemo‐ and radio‐therapeutic approaches to be co‐applied. In this report, we evaluated, for the first time, the efficacy of arginine deprivation as anticancer therapy in three‐dimensional (3D) cultures of human tumor cells, and propose a new combinatorial metabolic‐chemo‐radio‐treatment regime based on arginine starvation, low doses of arginine natural analog canavanine and irradiation. A sophisticated experimental setup was designed to evaluate the impact of arginine starvation on four human epithelial cancer cell lines in 2D monolayer and 3D spheroid culture. Radioresponse was assessed in colony formation assays and by monitoring spheroid regrowth probability following single dose irradiation using a standardized spheroid‐based test platform. Surviving fraction at 2 Gy (SF2Gy) and spheroid control dose50(SCD50) were calculated as analytical endpoints. Cancer cells in spheroids are much more resistant to arginine starvation than in 2D culture. Spheroid volume stagnated during arginine deprivation, but even after 10 days of starvation, 100% of the spheroids regrew. Combination treatment, however, was remarkably efficient. In particular, pretreatment of cancer cells with the arginine‐degrading enzyme arginase combined with or without low concentration of canavanine substantially enhanced cell radioresponse reflected by a loss in spheroid regrowth probability and SCD50values reduced by a factor of 1.5–3. Our data strongly suggest that arginine withdrawal alone or in combination with canavanine is a promising antitumor strategy with potential to enhance cancer cure by irradiation.
MDM2 promoter SNP309 is associated with an increased susceptibility to chronic lymphocytic leukemia and correlates with MDM2 mRNA expression in Chinese patients with CLL
Authors: Dong Hua‐Jie , Fang Cheng , Fan Lei , Zhu Dan‐Xia , Wang Dong‐Mei , Zhu Hua‐Yuan , Zhuang Yun , Miao Kou‐Rong , Liu Peng , Xu Wei , Li Jian‐Yong 
Published: June 2011

AbstractA single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) at position 309 in the promoter region of MDM2 leading to increased expression of MDM2 and attenuated function of p53 has recently been suggested as an unfavorable prognostic marker in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) although this has been questioned. The MDM2 SNP309 genotypes in 173 CLL patients and 260 healthy controls were detected by the polymerase chain reaction–restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR–RFLP) method, which was confirmed by direct DNA sequencing. Compared with the T/T genotype, the SNP309 G/G genotype instead of T/G heterozygote was associated with a significantly increased risk of CLL (OR = 2.84; 95% CI 1.61–5.03; p < 0.001). Age at onset of CLL was similar irrespective of MDM2 status. MDM2 mRNA expression within CLL of G/G genotype was significantly higher than that in T/G (p = 0.009) and T/T genotypes (p < 0.001). Excluding patients with p53 deletions or mutations enhanced the significance of the findings (G/G vs. T/T, p < 0.001; G/G vs. T/G p = 0.001), which prompted us to study the role of the polymorphism in p53 wild‐type individuals. In the p53 wild‐type groups, survival analysis showed that the patients with MDM2 SNP309 G/G and T/G genotypes both had significantly shorter treatment‐free survival (TFS) than SNP309 T/T genotype. Notably, univariate and multivariate analyses showed that MDM2 SNP309 genotypes were associated with TFS. These data show that MDM2 309G polymorphisms contribute to the risk of developing CLL. The unfavorable MDM2 SNP309 G/G genotype was associated with an increase of MDM2 mRNA expression. MDM2 SNP309 was found to be associated with TFS in p53 wild‐type Chinese CLL populations.
ARFGAP3, an androgen target gene, promotes prostate cancer cell proliferation and migration
Authors: Obinata Daisuke , Takayama Ken‐ichi , Urano Tomohiko , Murata Taro , Ikeda Kazuhiro , Horie‐Inoue Kuniko , Ouchi Yasuyoshi , Takahashi Satoru , Inoue Satoshi 
Published: June 2011

AbstractADP ribosylation factor GTPase‐activating protein 3 (ARFGAP3) is a GTPase‐activating protein that associates with the Golgi apparatus and regulates the vesicular trafficking pathway. In the present study, we examined the contribution of ARFGAP3 to prostate cancer cell biology. We showed that ARFGAP3 expression was induced by 100 nM of dihydrotestosterone (DHT) at both the mRNA and protein levels in androgen‐sensitive LNCaP cells. We generated stable transfectants of LNCaP cells with FLAG‐tagged ARFGAP3 or a control empty vector and showed that ARFGAP3 overexpression promoted cell proliferation and migration compared with control cells. We found that ARFGAP3 interacted with paxillin, a focal adhesion adaptor protein that is important for cell mobility and migration. Small interfering RNA (siRNA)‐mediated knockdown of ARFGAP3 showed that ARFGAP3 siRNA markedly reduced LNCaP cell growth. Androgen receptor (AR)‐dependent transactivation activity on prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) enhancer was synergistically promoted by exogenous ARFGAP3 and paxillin expression, as shown by luciferase assay in LNCaP cells. Thus, our results suggest that ARFGAP3 is a novel androgen‐regulated gene that can promote prostate cancer cell proliferation and migration in collaboration with paxillin.
Mesenchymal–epithelial transitions: Spontaneous and cumulative syntheses of epithelial marker molecules and their assemblies to novel cell junctions connecting human hematopoietic tumor cells to carcinomatoid tissue structures
Authors: Franke Werner W. , Rickelt Steffen 
Published: June 2011

AbstractUsing biochemical as well as light‐ and electron‐microscopic immunolocalization methods, in cultures of unicellular human blood tumor cells, we have studied the phenomenon of spontaneous and cumulative syntheses of certain epithelial proteins and glycoproteins and their assemblies to two major kinds of novel cell–cell junctions, adhering junctions (AJs) and junctions based on the epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM). More than two decades, we have selected and characterized clonal sublines of multipotential hematopoietic K562 cells, which are enriched in newly formed AJs based on cis‐clusters of desmoglein Dsg2, in some sublines accompanied by desmocollin Dsc2. Both desmosomal cadherins can be anchored in a submembranous plaque containing plakoglobin and plakophilins Pkp2 and Pkp3, with or without other armadillo proteins and desmoplakin. Also, these cells are often connected by an additional, extended junction system, in which the transmembrane epithelial glycoprotein EpCAM is associated with a cytoplasmic plaque rich in several actin‐binding proteins such as afadin, α‐actinin, ezrin and vinculin. Both kinds of junctions contribute to connections of K562 cells into epithelioid monolayers or even three‐dimensional, tissue‐like structures, thus markedly changing the cell biological nature and behavior of the resulting tumor subforms (mesenchymal–epithelial transitions). We discuss molecular mechanisms involved in the formation and function of these junctions, also with respect to tumor spread and metastasis, as well as diagnostic and therapeutic consequences.
Cell adhesion and proliferation studies on semi‐interpenetrating polymeric networks (semi‐IPNs) of polyacrylamide and gelatin
Authors: Jaiswal Maneesh , Koul Veena , Dinda Amit K. , Mohanty Sujata , Jain Krishan Gopal 
Published: June 2011

AbstractIn this study, the effect of feed composition, degree of hydrophilicity, and internal morphology has been investigated for cell proliferation potential of the polyacrylamide/gelatin (PAm/G) semi‐interpenetrating polymeric network (semi‐IPNs). Polycaprolactone diacrylate was used to cross‐link polyacrylamide chains. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) micrographs demonstrate uniformly distributed porous structure with internal diameter in the range of 75–175 μm, dependent on matrix compositions. Water–air contact angle was found in the range of 49° ± 0.22 to 89° ± 0.14 (p < 0.02) suggesting varying degree of hydrophilicity of the hydrogel surface. In addition, protein adsorption study showed 45 ± 0.14 μg to 64 ± 0.12 μg (p < 0.01) of protein adsorbed per cm2 of hydrogel. Quantitative estimation of cell adhesion and proliferation was carried out by DNA quantification using fluorimetric assay method (p < 0.02). Microscopic images of proliferative cells on semi‐IPNs by fluorescent and inverted phase contrast supported the findings of DNA quantification. Contact angle in the range of 63–69° in association with 52–59 μg/cm2 protein absorption and 115–150 μm pore size was found optimum for fibroblast proliferation on PAm/G semi‐IPN scaffolds. The newly developed semi‐interpenetrating network may serve as a potential scaffold for soft tissue‐engineering applications. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2011.
Spatiotemporal control of proliferation and differentiation of bone marrow–derived mesenchymal stem cells recruited using collagen hydrogel for repair of articular cartilage defects
Authors: Mimura Tomohiro , Imai Shinji , Okumura Noriaki , Li Liangman , Nishizawa Kazuya , Araki Susumu , Ueba Hiroaki , Kubo Mitsuhiko , Mori Kanji , Matsusue Yoshitaka 
Published: June 2011

AbstractArticular cartilage has a poor healing capacity, and cartilage regeneration is not always warranted to achieve healing. On the other hand, collagen scaffolds have been shown to support regeneration of articular cartilage defects in animal models, whereas bone morphogenetic protein‐2 (BMP‐2) is known to cause chondrogenic differentiation of marrow‐derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of intra‐articular administration of BMP‐2 into bone marrow–derived MSCs recruited to defects using original collagen hydrogel in rabbits at various time points. Full‐thickness defects were created in both knees, then collagen hydrogels were transplanted, and BMP‐2 was supplied for 1‐week periods, as follows. BMP‐2 was administered immediately after the operation for 1 week (BMP0‐1 group), and BMP‐2 was administered between weeks 1 and 2 after the operation (BMP1‐2 group). BMP2 was administered between weeks 2 and 3 (BMP2‐3 group). Specimens were then obtained, and bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU)–positive cells were enumerated and histologic grading was also performed. In addition, the gene expression analysis was performed using quantitative real‐time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) assays. Enumeration of BrdU‐positive cells showed a significant increase in the BMP0‐1 group compared with the other groups. Similarly, histologic scores in the BMP0‐1 group were superior for up to 8 weeks. Finally, RT‐PCR findings revealed that immediate BMP‐2 administration enhanced chondrogenic differentiation. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2011.
Electrochemical investigation of chromium oxide‐coated Ti‐6Al‐4V and Co‐Cr‐Mo alloy substrates
Authors: Swaminathan Viswanathan , Zeng Haitong , Lawrynowicz Daniel , Zhang Zongtao , Gilbert Jeremy L. 
Published: June 2011

AbstractHard coatings for articulating surfaces of total joint replacements may improve the overall wear resistance. However, any coating approach must take account of changes in corrosion behavior. This preliminary assessment analyzes the corrosion kinetics, impedance and mechanical–electrochemical stability of 100 μm thick plasma sprayed chromium oxide (Cr2O3) coatings on bearing surfaces in comparison to the native alloy oxide films on Co‐Cr‐Mo and Ti‐6Al‐6V. Cyclic potentiodynamic polarization, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, and mechanical abrasion under potentiostatic conditions were performed on coated and substrate surfaces in physiological saline. SEM analysis characterized the coating morphology. The results showed that the corrosion current density values of chromium oxide coatings (0.4–1.2 μA/cm2) were of the same order of magnitude as Ti‐6Al‐4V alloy. Mechanical abrasion did not increase corrosion rates of chromium oxide coatings but did for uncoated Co‐Cr‐Mo and Ti‐6Al‐4V. The impedance response of chromium oxide coatings was very different than Co‐Cr‐Mo and Ti‐6Al‐4V native oxides characterized by a defected coating model. More of a frequency‐independent purely resistive response was seen in mid‐frequency range for the coatings (CPEcoat: 40–280 nF/cm2 (rad/s)1‐α, α: 0.67–0.83) whereas a more capacitive character is seen for Co‐Cr‐Mo and Ti‐6Al‐4V (CPEox around 20 μF/cm2 (rad/s)1‐α, α around 0.9). Pores, interparticle gaps and incomplete fusion typical for thermal spray coatings were present in these oxides which could have influenced corrosion resistance. The coating microstructure could have allowed some fluid penetration. Overall, these coatings appear to have suitable corrosion properties for wear surfaces. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2011.
Deproteinized dentin: A favorable substrate to self‐bonding resin cements?
Authors: Barbosa De Souza Fábio , Sinclér Delfino Carina , Lacalle Turbino Míriam , Braz Rodivan 
Published: June 2011

AbstractThe adhesive performance on deproteinized dentin of different self‐adhesive resin cements was evaluated through microtensile bond strength (μTBS) analysis and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Occlusal dentin of human molars were distributed into different groups, according to the categories: adhesive cementation with two‐step bonding systems—control Groups (Adper Single Bond 2 + RelyX ARC/3M ESPE; One Step Plus + Duolink/Bisco; Excite + Variolink I/Ivoclar Vivadent) and self‐adhesive cementation—experimental groups (Rely X Unicem/3M ESPE; Biscem/Bisco; MultiLink Sprint/Ivoclar Vivadent). Each group was subdivided according to the dentin approach to: α, maintenance of collagen fibers and β, deproteinization. The mean values were obtained, and submitted to ANOVA and Tukey test. Statistical differences were obtained to the RelyX Unicem groups (α = 13.59 MPa; β = 30.19 MPa). All the BIS Group specimens failed before the mechanical tests. Dentinal deproteinization provided an improved bond performance for the self‐adhesive cement Rely X Unicem, and had no negative effect on the other cementing systems studied. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2011.
Surface characteristics and biological studies of hydroxyapatite coating by a new method
Authors: Lee Ki‐Won , Bae Cheol‐Min , Jung Jae‐Young , Sim Gi‐Bong , Rautray Tapash Ranjan , Lee Hyo‐Jin , Kwon Tae‐Yub , Kim Kyo‐Han 
Published: June 2011

AbstractHydroxyapatite was coated on the Ti implants by a new coating method called low temperature high speed collision (LTHSC). Higher roughness values were estimated in the formed thick coating on the implant surface. While the roughness value was lower than plasma sprayed HA coatings, LTHSC HA‐coated surface showed higher hydrophilicity. The cell proliferation of oseteoblastic cells evaluated by MTT assay showed that HA‐coated surface had significantly higher cell viability than the control. The HA‐coated surface showed higher mean total protein production even though there was no statistical difference between two surfaces. Osteoblast differentiation, ALP activity and expression of differentiation marker genes such as osteopontin and osteocalcin were elevated in the cells cultured on HA‐coated surface and this surface also showed higher collagen protein expression than titanium control. Moreover, in experimental group, BIC values were significantly increased after 12 weeks of implantation and about 30–50% cortical bone‐implant contact was observed. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2011.
The intrinsically high pitting corrosion resistance of mechanically polished nitinol in simulated physiological solutions
Authors: Bai Zhijun , Rotermund Harm H. 
Published: June 2011

AbstractNitinol wires have been widely used in many biomedical applications, such as cardiovascular stent due to their superelasticity and shape memory effect. However, their corrosion properties and the related biocompatibility are not well understood, and the reported results are controversial. In this study, we evaluate the pitting corrosion property of nitinol, titanium, nickel, and 316L stainless steel (316LSS) wires with different surface roughnesses in a saline solution at 37°C. The cyclic potentiodynamic polarization results show that mechanically polished nitinol and Ti wires are highly resistant to pitting corrosion, while Ni and 316LSS wires are susceptible to pitting corrosion. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy is used to study the interface of oxide film/solution and all mechanically polished nitinol wires are covered by 2–3 nm thick films formed under open circuit potential. Furthermore, the electronic structures and semiconducting properties of passive films on nitinol, Ti and Ni wires are studied by Mott–Schottky analysis. Passive films formed on nitinol and Ti exhibit n‐type semiconducting characteristics, whereas films on Ni show p‐type semiconducting characteristics. Scanning Kelvin Microscopy is used to measure the surface potential difference between common inclusions from the nitinol matrix and the results indicate that the inclusions are more electrochemically noble than the nitinol matrix. Band energy theory is used to model the electrochemical interface between the passive films of nitinol and the solution under different applied potential conditions. A mechanism for the strong pitting corrosion resistance of nitinol in saline solution is proposed. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2011.