bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Maternal Responsiveness, Intrusiveness, and Negativity During Play with Infants: Contextual Associations and Infant Cognitive Status in A Low‐Income Sample
Authors: McFadden Karen E. , Tamis‐Lemonda Catherine S.
Published: December 2012

Maternal parenting behaviors during a mother–infant play interaction were examined in a sample of 160 low‐income mothers and their 15‐month‐old infants. Maternal responsive/didactic, intrusive, and negative behaviors were coded from videotapes and examined in relation to mothers’ age, marital status, stressful life events, and depressive symptoms, and infants’ cognitive scores at 15 and 25 months. Younger maternal age and increases in stressful life events were associated with increases in mothers’ negative behaviors whereas being married was positively associated with mothers’ responsive/didactic behaviors and inversely associated with their negative and intrusive behaviors. Mothers’ depressive symptoms were inversely associated with both responsive/didactic and intrusive behaviors and predicted lower cognitive scores in infants at 15 months, but not 25 months. Maternal responsive/didactic behaviors predicted infant cognitive scores at both ages after controlling for maternal characteristics and other parenting behaviors. Intrusiveness moderated associations between both responsive/didactic and negative parenting behaviors and infant 25‐month cognition. Maternal age, marital status, psychological resources, and contextual sources of stress play a central role in the quality of parenting among low‐income mothers, and positive mother–infant interactions are strong predictors of infants’ early cognitive status.
Using Holland's Theory in Employment Counseling: Focus on Service Occupations
Authors: Ohler Denise L. , Levinson Edward M.
Published: December 2012

This article presents the basic tenets of Holland's (1997) theory of vocational personalities and work environments and discusses its use by employment counselors in service occupations. The authors describe Holland's 6 personality types and research on the theory, as well as formal and informal assessment and counseling strategies within the context of the theory's use and resources for employment counselors. Growth trends within service occupations and the fastest growing occupational groups within the service sector are identified. A case study of a 20‐year‐old college student that combines Holland's theory with labor market trends in service occupations is presented.
Using values‐based approaches in employment counseling and assessment: professional and related occupations
Authors: VanVoorhis Richard W. , Protivnak Jake J.
Published: December 2012

This article describes growth trends in professional and related occupations from both historical and projected perspectives. Professional and related occupations that are considered “hot” (based on growth and demand) are described and grouped according to educational requirements. Next, the authors discuss applicable values‐based counseling theories, including person–environment fit, Brown's (2012) values‐based approach, Super's (1974) theory of vocational choice, and the theory of work adjustment. Related counseling strategies, assessment approaches, and resources are shared. Finally, a case study and practical examples that relate to professional and related occupations are presented.
A career story approach to management, business, and financial occupations
Authors: Brott Pamelia E.
Published: December 2012

Business, management, and financial occupations are found in organizations in which individuals direct activities and perform tasks related to business and finance. The career cluster includes 144 occupational titles across 57% of the 23 major Standard Occupational Classification groups, with almost half of the occupations considered “bright outlook” and 21% in the “green economy.” However, individuals seeking employment in these areas are not immune from the economic downturn in the United States and abroad. The storied approach (Brott, 2001) is presented in a case study that embraces the client's subjective goal in taking control and finding a place in today's workforce.
Using career construction theory in employment counseling for sales and office and administrative support occupations
Authors: Glavin Kevin , Berger Carolyn A.
Published: December 2012

Clients present for career counseling with an array of career concerns. A single career theory may prove necessary, but insufficient, in addressing these concerns. Career construction theory (CCT; Savickas, 2005) assists individuals with career decision making by integrating 3 different viewpoints of vocational behavior. This article explains how to use CCT in career counseling, focusing on the area of sales and office and administrative support occupations. Labor statistics and growth projections are described, and a case study relating CCT to these occupational areas is provided.
Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry‐based profiling of serum fatty acids in acetaminophen‐induced liver injured rats
Authors: Xiong Yin‐Hua , Xu Ying , Yang Li , Wang Zheng‐Tao
Published: December 2012

In this study, we have developed and validated a simple, accurate and sensitive gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC‐MS) method for simultaneous quantification of 18 fatty acids in rat serum, including both non‐esterified (NEFA) and esterified (EFA) fatty acids, and subsequent analysis of fatty acid metabolic profiles. This novel method was used to evaluate the serum levels of fatty acids from vehicle‐ and acetaminophen (APAP)‐treated rats. Serum levels of 7 NEFAs and 14 EFAs were significantly higher in APAP‐treated rats 24 h after APAP administration at 1500 mg kg–1 when compared with vehicle‐treated controls. Control and APAP‐treated rats could be differentiated based on their metabolic profiles using two different chemometric analysis methods: principle component analysis (PCA) and partial least squares‐discriminant analysis (PLS‐DA). More importantly, we identified the following NEFAs as potential biomarkers of APAP‐induced liver injury: oleic acid (C18:1n9), linoleic acid (C18:2n6), docosahexaenoic acid (C22:6n3) and arachidonic acid (C20:4n6). The serum concentrations of C18:1n9, C18:2n6 and C22:6n3 were all positively correlated (r > 0.8; Pearson's correlation analysis) with the activities of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST). These results suggest that a novel targeted metabolomics method based on the metabolic profiling of fatty acids analyzed by GC‐MS provides exact serum concentrations of fatty acids as well as a prospective methodology to evaluate chemically induced hepatotoxicity. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Regulation of bone resorption and sealing zone formation in osteoclasts occurs through protein kinase b–mediated microtubule stabilization
Authors: Matsumoto Takumi , Nagase Yuichi , Hirose Jun , Tokuyama Naoto , Yasui Tetsuro , Kadono Yuho , Ueki Kohjiro , Kadowaki Takashi , Nakamura Kozo , Tanaka Sakae
Published: December 2012

We investigated the role of protein kinase B (Akt), a downstream effector of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase, in bone-resorbing activity of mature osteoclasts. Treatment with a specific Akt inhibitor disrupted sealing zone formation and decreased the bone-resorbing activity of osteoclasts. The normal microtubule structures were lost and the Akt inhibitor reduced the amount of acetylated tubulin, which reflects stabilized microtubules, whereas forced Akt activation by adenovirus vectors resulted in the opposite effect. Forced Akt activation increased the binding of the microtubule-associated protein adenomatous polyposis coli (APC), the APC-binding protein end-binding protein 1 (EB1) and dynactin, a dynein activator complex, with microtubules. Depletion of Akt1 and Akt2 resulted in a disconnection of APC/EB1 and a decrease in bone-resorbing activity along with reduced sealing zone formation, both of which were recovered upon the addition of LiCl, a glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK-3β) inhibitor. The Akt1 and Akt2 double-knockout mice exhibited osteosclerosis due to reduced bone resorption. These findings indicate that Akt controls the bone-resorbing activity of osteoclasts by stabilizing microtubules via a regulation of the binding of microtubule associated proteins. © 2013 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
CaMKII activity is reduced in skeletal muscle during sepsis
Authors: Aversa Zaira , Alamdari Nima , Castillero Estibaliz , Muscaritoli Maurizio , Fanelli Filippo Rossi , Hasselgren Per‐Olof
Published: December 2012

Exercise‐induced muscle hypertrophy is associated with increased calcium/calmodulin‐dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII) expression and activity. In contrast, the influence of muscle atrophy‐related conditions on CaMKII is poorly understood. Here, we tested the hypothesis that sepsis‐induced muscle wasting is associated with reduced CaMKII expression and activity. Sepsis, induced by cecal ligation and puncture in rats, and treatment of rats with TNFα, resulted in reduced total CaMKII activity in skeletal muscle whereas autonomous CaMKII activity was unaffected. The expression of CaMKIIδ, but not β and γ, was reduced in septic muscle. In additional experiments, treatment of cultured myotubes with TNFα resulted in reduced total CaMKII activity and decreased levels of phosphorylated glycogen synthase kinase (GSK)‐3β, a downstream target of CaMKII. The present results suggest that sepsis‐induced muscle wasting is associated with reduced CaMKII activity and that TNFα may be involved in the regulation of CaMKII activity in skeletal muscle. Decreased phosphorylation (consistent with activation) of GSK‐3β may be a consequence of reduced CaMKII activity, indicating that inhibited CaMKII activity may be involved in the catabolic response to sepsis. J. Cell. Biochem. 114: 1294–1305, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Differential effects of exogenous and autocrine growth hormone on LNCaP prostate cancer cell proliferation and survival
Authors: Nakonechnaya Alona O. , Jefferson Holly S. , Chen Xiaofei , Shewchuk Brian M.
Published: December 2012

The prostate gland is regulated by multiple hormones and growth factors that may also affect prostate tumorigenesis. Growth hormone (GH) contributes to prostate development and function, but the direct effects of GH on prostate cancer cells are not well understood. The expression of endogenous GH in prostate cancer cell lines has also been observed, suggesting the potential for an effect of autocrine GH. In the present study, we measure the levels of GH and GH receptor (GHR) mRNA in multiple prostate cancer and normal prostate‐derived cell lines, and compare the effects of exogenous and autocrine GH on LNCaP prostate cancer cell proliferation and apoptosis, and the associated signal transduction pathways. We found that GHR and GH expression were higher in the prostate cancer cell lines, and that exogenous GH increased LNCaP cell proliferation, but had no effect on apoptosis. In contrast, autocrine GH overexpression reduced LNCaP cell proliferation and increased apoptosis. The distinct actions of exogenous and autocrine GH were accompanied by differences in the involvement of GHR‐associated signal transduction pathways, and were paralleled by an alteration in the subcellular localization of GHR, in which autocrine GH appeared to sequester GHR in the Golgi and endoplasmic reticulum. This alteration of GHR trafficking may underlie a distinct mode of GH‐mediated signaling associated with the effect of autocrine GH. These findings clarify the potential effects of GH on prostate cancer cell function, and indicate that the activity of autocrine GH may be distinct from that of endocrine GH in prostate cancer cells. J. Cell. Biochem. 114: 1322–1335, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Hyperglycemia accelerates ATP‐binding cassette transporter A1 degradation via an ERK‐dependent pathway in macrophages
Authors: Chang Yu‐Cheng , Sheu Wayne H.‐H. , Chien Yi‐Shen , Tseng Pei‐Chi , Lee Wen‐Jane , Chiang An‐Na
Published: December 2012

An elevation in blood glucose concentration leads to increased risk of developing diabetes‐associated atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease due to an excessive accumulation of cholesterol in arterial macrophages. ATP‐binding cassette transporter A1 (ABCA1) is an atheroprotective protein that mediates the export of cholesterol from macrophages. The present study aims to investigate the effect of hyperglycemia on the regulation of ABCA1 expression and to explore its underlying mechanisms of regulation in macrophages. Our results show that high glucose activates the extracellular signal‐regulated kinases (ERK) signaling pathway via reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, which in turn down‐regulates ABCA1 mRNA and protein expression. This down‐regulation is mediated by accelerating ABCA1 mRNA and protein degradation in macrophages exposed to high concentrations of glucose. Our results provide evidence for the first time that hyperglycemia inhibits ABCA1 expression by ERK‐modulated ABCA1 mRNA and protein stability. Overall, these results provide a mechanism for hyperglycemia‐induced reduction in ABCA1 expression, which suggests a promising strategy for the treatment of diabetes‐associated atherosclerosis. J. Cell. Biochem. 114: 1364–1373, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The MM2QM tool for combining docking, molecular dynamics, molecular mechanics, and quantum mechanics†
Authors: Nowosielski Marcin , Hoffmann Marcin , Kuron Aneta , Korycka‐Machala Malgorzata , Dziadek Jaroslaw
Published: December 2012

The use of the MM2QM tool in a combined docking + molecular dynamics (MD) + molecular mechanics (MM) + quantum mechanical (QM) binding affinity prediction study is presented, and the tool itself is discussed. The system of interest is Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) pantothenate synthetase in complexes with three highly similar sulfonamide inhibitors, for which crystal structures are available. Starting from the structure of MTB pantothenate synthetase in the “open” conformation and following the combined docking + MD + MM + QM procedure, we were able to capture the closing of the enzyme binding pocket and to reproduce the position of the ligands with an average root mean square deviation of 1.6 Å. Protein–ligand interaction energies were reproduced with an average error lower than 10%. The discussion on the MD part and a protein flexibility importance is carried out. The presented approach may be useful especially for finding analog inhibitors or improving drug candidates. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Notes on quantitative structure–property relationships (QSPR), part 3: Density functions origin shift as a source of quantum QSPR algorithms in molecular spaces
Authors: Carbó‐Dorca Ramon
Published: December 2012

A general algorithm implementing a useful variant of quantum quantitative structure–property relationships (QQSPR) theory is described. Based on quantum similarity framework and previous theoretical developments on the subject, the present QQSPR procedure relies on the possibility to perform geometrical origin shifts over molecular density function sets. In this way, molecular collections attached to known properties can be easily used over other quantum mechanically well‐described molecular structures for the estimation of their unknown property values. The proposed procedure takes quantum mechanical expectation value as provider of causal relation background and overcomes the dimensionality paradox, which haunts classical descriptor space QSPR. Also, contrarily to classical procedures, which are also attached to heavy statistical gear, the present QQSPR approach might use a geometrical assessment only or just some simple statistical outline or both. From an applied point of view, several easily reachable computational levels can be set up. A Fortran 95 program: QQSPR‐n is described with two versions, which might be downloaded from a dedicated web site. Various practical examples are provided, yielding excellent results. Finally, it is also shown that an equivalent molecular space classical QSPR formalism can be easily developed. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW PROCESS TO EVALUATE SUICIDE PREVENTION PROGRAMS: A SAMPLE CASE OF COMMUNITY‐BASED PROGRAMS
Authors: York Janet , Lamis Dorian A. , Friedman Lee , Berman Alan L. , Joiner Thomas E. , Mcintosh John L. , Silverman Morton M. , Konick Lisa , Gutierrez Peter M. , Pearson Jane
Published: December 2012

The Guide to Community Preventive Services (Guide), one of the most rigorous methods of systematic reviews, was adopted to evaluate the effectiveness of 16 community, primarily youth, suicide prevention interventions, through a multisectoral collaboration. The Guide steps for obtaining and evaluating evidence on effectiveness include: forming a multidisciplinary team; developing a conceptual approach to organizing, grouping, selecting, and evaluating the interventions; selecting the interventions; searching for and retrieving evidence; assessing the quality of and summarizing the body of evidence; translating the evidence of effectiveness into recommendations; considering additional evidence; and identifying and summarizing research gaps. The intervention effects were calculated using Hedge's g‐type (standardized mean differences) effect sizes. The strength of the body of evidence was characterized on the basis of suitability of the study design for assessing effectiveness and quality of study execution. Results indicated that student curriculum, combined curriculum and gatekeeper training, and competence programs have a positive effect on adolescent's knowledge and attitudes about suicide, but only a negligible effect on suicidal behaviors. Five of 7 studies with moderate to large effect sizes on outcomes were also those with both good quality of execution and the greatest suitability of the design. Policy recommendations are offered for the improved evaluation of the effectiveness of suicide prevention programs in youth.
TAKE THIS JOB AND LOVE IT: A MODEL OF SUPPORT, JOB SATISFACTION, AND AFFECTIVE COMMITMENT AMONG MANAGERS OF VOLUNTEERS
Authors: Gottlieb Benjamin H. , Maitland Scott B. , Shera Wes
Published: December 2012

Several job‐related and organizational features make the work of community‐based paid managers of volunteers distinctly different from conventional management practice. Based on self‐verification (Swann & Brown, 1990) and exchange (Blau, 1964) theories, we tested a multidimensional measurement model of support specific to these managers. The dimensions include support gained from their coworkers, volunteers, and supervisors, and from the prosocial, value‐expressive nature of the work. This model of support predicted the managers’ job satisfaction, which mediated the relationship between support and affective commitment, with value‐expressive work being the strongest predictor. Both the measurement model of support and the structural predictive model were found to be invariant across managers with greater and less than 10 years of work experience. The findings spotlight the importance of sources of workplace support that shore up employees’ valued identities.
Purification of arabitol from fermentation broth of Debaryomyces hansenii using glycerol as substrate
Authors: Loman Abdullah Al , Ju Lu‐Kwang
Published: December 2012

BACKGROUND

Arabitol has many potential industrial applications and it can be produced by fermentation from glycerol, a major byproduct of biodiesel industry. This work aims at developing a new process for collecting and purifying arabitol from the broth of osmophilic Debaryomyces hansenii containing arabitol, unconsumed glycerol, and other minor impurities. RESULTS: The process developed and optimized in this study had the following steps: first, the broth supernatant was treated with 8 g L−1 activated carbon at 30°C and pH 6 for removal of colored organics and some impurities. Then glycerol was selectively removed by acetone extraction at 30°C. The acetone amount was optimized according to the measured solubility data of simulative glycerol‐xylitol‐acetone systems and real fermentation broth. The glycerol‐removed remainder was next extracted for arabitol with butanol (90% of supernatant volume) at 90 °C. White arabitol crystals were collected from the cooled butanol extract. The overall recovery and purity of arabitol crystals were 66% and 95%, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Successful arabitol purification was achieved with an optimized process. Fundamental phase equilibrium data of glycerol‐xylitol‐acetone systems were obtained. The process developed would prove valuable for arabitol production and potentially for separation of other polyols. © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
The yield of EUS‐FNA in undiagnosed upper abdominal adenopathy is very high
Authors: Coe Adam , Conway Jason , Evans Jerry , Goebel Michael , Mishra Girish
Published: December 2012

Purpose:

Endoscopic ultrasound‐guided fine‐needle aspiration (EUS‐FNA) allows sampling of abdominal adenopathy easily and safely from locations that were previously deemed too risky and inaccessible. The efficacy of EUS‐FNA in a large cohort of patients with abdominal adenopathy has not been previously described in the literature.

Methods:

We conducted a large retrospective study at a tertiary referral center. Two hundred twenty‐five consecutive patients undergoing EUS‐FNA for only abdominal adenopathy between 2004 through August 2009 were included in our study. Patient demographics, indications, EUS findings, and final cytologic diagnoses were recorded.

Results:

A total of 230 lymph nodes were biopsied in 225 patients. Common locations of nodes included peripancreatic (19%), porta hepatis (18%), and celiac axis (18%). Adequate specimens were obtained in 200/230 nodes (87%) and the most common diagnoses based on cytology were: benign/reactive (50%), adenocarcinoma (20%), lymphoma (8%). The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and overall accuracy were 71%, 99%, 99%, 78%, and 85%, respectively, for EUS‐FNA. Based on EUS imaging alone, malignant nodes were more likely to be larger in diameter (17 mm versus 26 mm, p < 0.001), have a round shape (p = 0.002), well‐defined borders (p = 0.04), and hypoechic echotexture (p < 0.001).

Conclusions:

EUS‐FNA allows for excellent tissue acquisition in abdominal lymphadenopathy. Our study supports the use of traditional EUS imaging criteria to identify suspected malignant adenopathy. The results from our large cohort of patients show that EUS‐FNA should be considered as a first‐line diagnostic modality for ascertaining the etiology of abdominal lymphadenopathy. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound, 2013
Effects of gadoxetic acid on quantitative diffusion‐weighted imaging of the liver
Authors: Colagrande Stefano , Mazzoni Lorenzo Nicola , Mazzoni Elisa , Pradella Silvia
Published: December 2012

Purpose

To prospectively evaluate the effect of gadoxetic acid (Gd‐EOB‐DTPA; Primovist, Bayer‐Schering, Berlin, Germany) on quantitative diffusion‐weighted imaging (DWI) using the Le Bihan IntraVoxel Incoherent Motion model and considering separately the following parameters: slow diffusion coefficient (D), fast diffusion coefficient (D*), perfusion fraction (PF), and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC).

Materials and Methods

Twenty‐four consecutive patients were submitted to the same magnetic resonance (MR)‐DWI acquisition before and after gadoxetic acid administration. Patients were divided into four groups according to the time at which the DW sequence was repeated, then 5, 10, 15, 20 minutes after contrast agent administration. A total of 48 manually drawn regions of interest (ROIs) of about 1200 pixels were placed in the middle right liver lobe. The mean and standard deviation (SD) were calculated in each group/patient for every DWI‐related parameter. Analysis of variance was performed (threshold P = 0.05). Bonferroni and Games‐Howell post‐hoc tests were applied if significant differences were found among groups; otherwise, data were averaged together.

Results

D, D*, PF, and ADC did not show any significant difference before and after contrast agent administration, at any time.

Conclusion

It is possible to perform DW acquisitions after gadoxetic acid administration without any significant variation of the values of DW‐related parameters under consideration in this study. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2013;38:365–370. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Determining the in vivo transverse relaxation time of GABA in the human brain at 7T
Authors: Intrapiromkul Jarunee , Zhu He , Cheng Ying , Barker Peter B. , Edden Richard A.E.
Published: December 2012

Purpose

To measure in vivo transverse relaxation times (T2) of gamma‐aminobutyric acid (GABA) at 7T using the experimental spectral‐editing method.

Materials and Methods

Experiments were performed at 7T in a 10 mM GABA phantom to determine the intrinsic TE‐dependence of the edited signal. Then the same method was applied with editing‐based suppression of coedited macromolecular signals to five healthy volunteers to determine T2 of GABA in vivo.

Results

From in vivo data acquired at multiple echo times, the in vivo GABA T2 relaxation time was estimated to be 63 ± 19 msec.

Conclusion

We present a measurement of the T2 of edited GABA signal at 7T by first using phantom measurements to determine the echo time‐dependence of edited signal. The method is purely experimental and does not rely on prior knowledge of coupling constants or simulation of realistic experiments. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2013;38:1224–1229. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Embolization therapy for benign prostatic hyperplasia: Influence of embolization particle size on gland perfusion
Authors: Brook Olga Rachel , Faintuch Salomao , Brook Alexander , Goldberg S. Nahum , Rofsky Neil M. , Lenkinski Robert E.
Published: December 2012

Purpose

To assess the influence of embolic size on the therapy response of prostatic arterial embolization (PAE) based on perfusional changes seen on dynamic contrast‐enhanced (DCE) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Materials and Methods

Twelve beagles underwent PAE, four dogs with each particle size: A: 100–300 μm; B: 300–500 μm; and C: 500–700 μm. Prior to and 1 month after the embolization all dogs underwent prostate DCE MRI.

Results

After embolization, time to maximal perfusion intensity for prostate parenchyma increased in B (188 vs. 135 sec, P = 0.023) and C (200 vs. 120 sec, P = 0.001), while it did not change for A (139 vs. 124 sec, P = 0.39). The maximal relative intensity increased after embolization in C (3.84 vs. 2.38, P < 0.001), while it did not change for A (2.50 vs. 2.44, P = 0.36) and B (3.23 vs. 2.9, P = 0.21). The extent of visualized intraprostatic urethral wall increased after embolization in B compared with A and C, 239.5 ± 138.1% vs. 56.1 ± 34.3, P = 0.04. Enhancement changes correlated with prostate volume changes: prostate volumes in A decreased less as compared with B and C (77 ± 34% vs. 56 ± 14%), P = 0.02.

Conclusion

The enhancement and morphological data are useful to monitor response to therapy after embolization. Embolization with 300–500 and 500–700 μm particle may provide better results than with 100–300 μm particles in a canine model. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2013;38:380–387. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Viral infections of the central nervous system in Spain: A prospective study
Authors: de Ory F. , Avellón A. , Echevarría J.E. , Sánchez‐Seco M.P. , Trallero G. , Cabrerizo M. , Casas I. , Pozo F. , Fedele G. , Vicente D. , Pena M.J. , Moreno A. , Niubo J. , Rabella N. , Rubio G. , Pérez‐Ruiz M. , Rodríguez‐Iglesias M. , Gimeno C. , Eiros J.M. , Melón S. , Blasco M. , López‐Miragaya I. , Varela E. , Martinez‐Sapiña A. , Rodríguez G. , Marcos M.Á. , Gegúndez M.I. , Cilla G. , Gabilondo I. , Navarro J.M. , Torres J. , Aznar C. , Castellanos A. , Guisasola M.E. , Negredo A.I. , Tenorio A. , Vázquez‐Morón S.
Published: December 2012

The aim of the study was to determine the incidence of viruses causing aseptic meningitis, meningoencephalitis, and encephalitis in Spain. This was a prospective study, in collaboration with 17 Spanish hospitals, including 581 cases (CSF from all and sera from 280): meningitis (340), meningoencephalitis (91), encephalitis (76), febrile syndrome (7), other neurological disorders (32), and 35 cases without clinical information. CSF were assayed by PCR for enterovirus (EV), herpesvirus (herpes simplex [HSV], varicella‐zoster [VZV], cytomegalovirus [CMV], Epstein–Barr [EBV], and human herpes virus‐6 [HHV‐6]), mumps (MV), Toscana virus (TOSV), adenovirus (HAdV), lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV), West Nile virus (WNV), and rabies. Serology was undertaken when methodology was available. Amongst meningitis cases, 57.1% were characterized; EV was the most frequent (76.8%), followed by VZV (10.3%) and HSV (3.1%; HSV‐1: 1.6%; HSV‐2: 1.0%, HSV non‐typed: 0.5%). Cases due to CMV, EBV, HHV‐6, MV, TOSV, HAdV, and LCMV were also detected. For meningoencephalitis, 40.7% of cases were diagnosed, HSV‐1 (43.2%) and VZV (27.0%) being the most frequent agents, while cases associated with HSV‐2, EV, CMV, MV, and LCMV were also detected. For encephalitis, 27.6% of cases were caused by HSV‐1 (71.4%), VZV (19.1%), or EV (9.5%). Other positive neurological syndromes included cerebellitis (EV and HAdV), seizures (HSV), demyelinating disease (HSV‐1 and HHV‐6), myelopathy (VZV), and polyradiculoneuritis (HSV). No rabies or WNV cases were identified. EVs are the most frequent cause of meningitis, as is HSV for meningoencephalitis and encephalitis. A significant number of cases (42.9% meningitis, 59.3% meningoencephalitis, 72.4% encephalitis) still have no etiological diagnosis. J. Med. Virol. 85:554–562, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Severe metapneumovirus infections among immunocompetent and immunocompromised patients admitted to hospital with respiratory infection
Authors: Souza Juliana Sinohara , Watanabe Aripuana , Carraro Emerson , Granato Celso , Bellei Nancy
Published: December 2012

Human metapneumovirus (hMPV) is considered an important cause of acute respiratory infections. hMPV can cause morbidity in hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients and recent research has demonstrated that it is an important virus in patients admitted to hospital with respiratory infections and suspected of having pandemic 2009 influenza A (H1N1pdm09) virus. The purpose of this study was to investigate infections caused by hMPV in two groups of patients admitted to hospital: Immunocompromized patients with a potential risk of severe outcomes and immunocompetent patients with severe acute respiratory syndrome. A total of 288 samples were tested: 165 samples were collected from patients with suspected influenza A (H1N1) pdm09 infection during the first pandemic wave in 2009; and 123 samples were collected from patients of a hematopoietic stem cell transplantation program in 2008–2009. Amplification of the hMPV genes was performed by polymerase chain reaction. This was followed by sequencing and phylogenetic analysis. hMPV was detected in 14.2% (41/288) of all samples: 17% (28/165) of immunocompetent patients with suspected H1N1 infection and 10.6% (13/123) among hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients. hMPV accounted for 12.1% (8/66) of immunocompetent adults patients with severe respiratory infections (median age, 55.9 years). Two hMPV subtypes were identified, A2 (26.9%; 7/26) and B2 (73.1%; 19/26) but no difference was observed between the patient groups in terms of age or immunosuppression level. This study highlights the significance of hMPV in immunocompetent adult patients with severe infections and further investigations are recommended for understanding the impact of this virus. J. Med. Virol. 85:530–536, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
BMP‐2 stimulated non‐tenogenic differentiation and promoted proteoglycan deposition of tendon‐derived stem cells (TDSCs) in vitro
Authors: Rui Yun Feng , Lui Pauline Po Yee , Wong Yin Mei , Tan Qi , Chan Kai Ming
Published: December 2012

We hypothesized that BMP‐2 might induce non‐tenocyte differentiation and increase production of proteoglycans of tendon‐derived stem cells (TDSCs). This study investigated the effects of BMP‐2 on the differentiation and production of proteoglycans in TDSCs in vitro. Rat patellar TDSCs were treated without or with BMP‐2. The osteogenic, adipogenic, chondrogenic, and tenogenic differentiation of TDSCs were assessed by (1) Alizarin red‐S staining assay; (2) Oil Red‐O staining assay; (3) haematoxylin–eosin staining, Safranin‐O staining, immunohistochemical staining of Sox9, and collagen type II; and (4) qRT‐PCR analysis of lineage‐specific markers. The production of glycoaminoglycans (GAG) in the BMP‐2‐treated TDSCs was assessed by alcian blue staining. The mRNA expression of aggrecan (Acan), decorin (Dcn), biglycan (Bgn), and fibromodulin (Fmod) in TDSCs after BMP‐2 treatment was assessed by qRT‐PCR. BMP‐2 promoted the osteogenic, adipogenic, and chondrogenic differentiation but inhibited tenogenic marker expression of TDSCs. GAG production and Acan increased while Dcn, Bgn, and Fmod decreased in TDSCs after BMP‐2 stimulation. In conclusion, BMP‐2 promoted GAG deposition, aggrecan expression, and enhanced non‐tenocyte differentiation of TDSCs in vitro. The effect of BMP‐2 on TDSCs might provide insights into the histopathological changes of tendinopathy. © 2012 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 31: 746–753, 2013
Determination of cyanuric acid using exact matching isotope dilution mass spectrometry
Authors: Koh Guiwan , Gui Ee‐mei , Teo Tang‐Lin , Lee Tong‐Kooi
Published: December 2012

A high‐accuracy double isotope dilution mass spectrometric method using an exact matching approach with GC coupled to a mass spectrometer for the analysis of cyanuric acid in fortified milk powder was developed. Various parameters for sample clean‐up such as the type of SPE cartridge, GC column and type of derivatizing agent used were investigated. The method was found to be linear in the concentration range of 0.03 to 2 mg/kg of cyanuric acid in milk powder. LOD and LOQ were found to be 0.9 and 3 μg/kg, respectively. Recoveries in the range of 95.7 to 102.2% were obtained for the in‐house fortified milk powder samples, with RSD of measurements in the range of 0.2 to 3.0%. A metrological approach was undertaken to examine all possible biases that contributed to the combined measurement uncertainty of the method. This high‐accuracy method can serve as a reference method for techniques commonly applied in routine testing laboratories.
Key Foresight Attributes of Tourism Companies in the City of Krakow and the Region
Authors: Borodako Krzysztof
Published: December 2012

The purpose of this paper is to understand differences in tourism companies' potential participation in foresight projects (regional or tourism policy‐oriented) by focusing on companies' attitudes towards participation, cooperation and the culture of future‐oriented thinking. This study used an email survey sent out to tourism companies in the Malopolska region (Poland), and in particular its capital city, Krakow. The data received were statistically analysed using the cluster analysis method and the Mann–Whitney U test. The statistically significant results generated in the study made it possible to determine and understand the differences in the foresight orientation of tourism enterprises. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Recovery of Soil C and N in a Tropical Pasture: Passive and Active Restoration
Authors: Roa‐Fuentes L. L. , Martínez‐Garza C. , Etchevers J. , Campo J.
Published: December 2012

Soil degradation by deforestation and introduction of exotic grasses is a grave consequence of land‐use change in tropical regions during the last decades. Soil restoration following natural succession (i.e., passive restoration) is slow because of low tree establishment. Introduction of tree plantings by human intervention (i.e., active restoration) results in a promising strategy to accelerate forest succession and soil recovery in tropical region. The present research was carried out to explore the restoration of soil properties after cattle exclusion and of grazing combined with native tree planting introduction (legumes and nonlegumes) in a tropical pasture in Veracruz, southeast Mexico. Results indicate that land‐use changes decreased soil C and N pools in both litter and mineral soil. In addition, soil heterogeneity increased by land‐use changes at both temporal and spatial scales. In the short term, passive succession (i.e., cattle exclusion) favors the recovery of C and N content in labile soil pools, indicated by the increase in litter C and N masses as well as C and N concentrations in soil microbial biomass. Soils under active restoration showed trends to recover the N cycling, such as a greater accumulation of N in litter, in soil total N concentrations, soil microbial biomass N concentrations, rates of net N transformations, and extractable water and microbial biomass C:N ratios mainly under legumes species. Active restoration including legume introduction is a key factor for rapid recovery of soil fertility. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
High‐Throughput Screening of Substrate Chemistry for Embryonic Stem Cell Attachment, Expansion, and Maintaining Pluripotency
Authors: Zonca Michael R. , Yune Philip S. , Heldt Caryn L. , Belfort Georges , Xie Yubing
Published: December 2012

Appropriate surface attachment is essential for growing embryonic stem (ES) cells in an undifferentiated state. It is challenging to identify the optimal surface chemistry of the substrata for ES cell attachment and maintenance. Using a rapid, high‐throughput polymerization and screening platform with a comprehensive library of 66 monomer‐grafted membrane surfaces, the optimal substrate, N‐[3‐(dimethylamino)propyl] methacrylamide (DMAPMA) has been identified to support strong attachment, high expansion capacity, and long‐term self‐renewal of ES cells (up to 7 passages). This monomer‐based, chemically defined, scalable, sustainable, relatively inexpensive, covalently grafted, and controllable polymeric substrate provides a new opportunity to manipulate surface chemistry for pluripotent stem culture.

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Enzyme‐Catalyzed Crosslinking in a Partly Frozen State: A New Way to Produce Supermacroporous Protein Structures
Authors: Kirsebom Harald , Elowsson Linda , Berillo Dmitriy , Cozzi Séverine , Inci Ilyas , Piskin Erhan , Galaev Igor Yu. , Mattiasson Bo
Published: December 2012

In this study a new way to produce supermacroporous protein structures was investigated. Enzyme‐mediated crosslinking of gelatin or casein was performed in a partly frozen state, which yielded stable, protein‐based cryogels. The reaction kinetics for the formation of cryogels were found to be fairly slow, most likely due to the low temperature (−12 °C) used or due to an increased viscosity owing to the cryo‐concentration taking place. The produced cryogels were characterized with regards to their physical properties and in vitro degradation. Furthermore, cryogels produced from gelatin and casein were evaluated as potential scaffolds by fibroblast cultivation to confirm their in vitro biocompatibility. Gelatin‐ and casein‐based scaffolds both supported cell proliferation and migration through the scaffold.

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Volume Oscillation of Microphase‐Separated Gel
Authors: Maeda Shingo , Hashimoto Shuji
Published: December 2012

In this study, The volume oscillation of the microphase‐separated, self‐oscillating gel above the volume phase transition temperature is discussed. The self‐oscillating gel is composed of N‐isopropylacrylamide (NIPAAm) with a metal catalyst for the Belousov–Zhabotinsky (BZ) reaction, which is known as the oscillating reaction. The influence of temperature on the period and the self‐oscillating behavior is clarified. The volume change of the gel is explained by a change of the Flory–Huggins interaction parameter, χ, which is induced by the hydration and dehydration of the polymer chain due to a valance change of the metal catalyst (Ru(bpy)32+ ↔ Ru(bpy)33+) below the volume phase‐transition temperature. In contrast, the volume change of the gel is explained by a change of the Donnan osmotic pressure.
In‐Depth Investigation of Ethylene Solution Polymerization Kinetics With rac‐Et(Ind)2ZrCl2/MAO
Authors: Mehdiabadi Saeid , Soares João B. P.
Published: December 2012

The kinetics of ethylene polymerization with rac‐Et(Ind)2ZrCl2/methylaluminoxane (MAO) in a semibatch solution reactor are investigated. The effects of ethylene concentration, polymerization temperature, and MAO concentration are studied to determine the polymerization and chain‐transfer rate constants, including the activation energies for the main polymerization steps. The ethylene polymerization kinetics with rac‐Et(Ind)2ZrCl2/MAO are first order with respect to the ethylene concentration. Catalyst deactivation also follows first‐order kinetics. Chain transfer to the monomer is the dominant chain‐transfer reaction in this system; transfer to MAO also happens to a lesser extent, but β‐hydride elimination is negligible for the conditions investigated in this study.
Can the Structures of Semicrystalline Polymers be Controlled Using Interfacial Crystallographic Interactions?
Authors: Zhou Haixin , Yan Shouke
Published: December 2012

Polymer epitaxy defines the crystallographic orientation of overgrowing polymer. It controls several aspects of the structure of semicrystalline polymers, such as fixed mutual chain orientation, certain crystal structures of polymorphic polymers, and the spatial arrangement of planar backbone molecular chains. Therefore, epitaxial crystallization provides a simple and efficient way to fabricate special structures with improved properties and even introduce new functionality for polymeric materials. Besides achieving structural control of single polymer systems, technical development in the field of structural and morphological manipulation of multiphase and multicomponent polymer systems is another important and challenging issue for the advanced application of polymeric materials.
Facile Synthesis of p‐type Perovskite SrTi0.65Fe0.35O3–δ Nanofibers Prepared by Electrospinning and Their Oxygen‐Sensing Properties
Authors: Choi Seung‐Hoon , Choi Seon‐Jin , Min Byoung Koun , Lee Woon Young , Park Jin Seong , Kim Il‐Doo
Published: December 2012

Quaternary p‐type SrTi0.65Fe0.35O3–δ (STFO) nanofibers with diameters ranging from 70 to 500 nm were synthesized via electrospinning and subsequent calcination at 750 °C. The STFO fibers showed single perovskite structure and polycrystalline fiber morphologies composed of small nanocrystallites in the range of 10–12 nm. The semiconducting oxygen sensor using STFO fiber network exhibited a wide temperature‐independence of resistance (≈12 ± 4 kΩ) that exceeded the range of 600–950 °C, high oxygen response (${{R_{{\rm O}_{{\rm 2}} } } \mathord{\left/ {\vphantom {{R_{{\rm O}_{{\rm 2}} } } {R_{{\rm N}_{{\rm 2}} } }}} \right. \kern-\nulldelimiterspace} {R_{{\rm N}_{{\rm 2}} } }}$ = 4.08 at 20% O2), and a fast response time (t = 2.1 s at 20% O2) upon cyclic oxygen exposure. These superior properties were attributed to the high surface‐to‐volume ratio of STFO fiber network and the effective diffusion of oxygen gas onto highly porous STFO‐sensing layers.

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A Novel Approach to Population Balance Modeling of Reactive Polymer Modification Leading to Branching
Authors: Kryven Ivan , Iedema Piet D.
Published: December 2012

The mathematical treatment of polymer modification systems, described by population balances containing convolution is discussed. The two‐dimensional case (molecular weight vs. number of branch points) was considered by utilizing approximations of distributions, expanding them in terms of Gaussian basis functions. Three branching reactions were addressed: chain backbone to chain end point coupling; three‐functional coupling of chain ends; and crosslinking. The results were compared to those of Monte Carlo (MC) simulations. Good agreement was observed, although the quality of a distribution as generated by the numerical approach is much better in view of the strong scatter in the MC data.

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Modeling and Predicting the Glass Transition Temperature of Polymethacrylates Based on Quantum Chemical Descriptors by Using Hybrid PSO‐SVR
Authors: Pei Jun‐Fang , Cai Cong‐Zhong , Zhu Yi‐Ming , Yan Bin
Published: December 2012

Based on six quantum chemical descriptors (|L‐1.356|, Etotal, qC6, α, q−, and Etherm), the hybrid PSO‐SVR is proposed to establish a model for predicting the glass transition temperature (Tg) of 37 polymethacrylates. The prediction performance of SVR was compared with those of reported MLR and ANN models. The results show that the RMSE, MAPE, and R2 calculated by SVR are superior to those achieved by MLR or ANN model for the identical training set and test set. This investigation reveals that the SVR model is more suitable to be used for prediction of the Tg values for unknown polymethacrylates possessing similar structure than the conventional MLR or ANN model, and provides a clue that the method proposed in this study may be useful in computer‐aided design of new polymethacrylates with desired Tg.

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Unimpaired postprandial pancreatic polypeptide secretion in Parkinson's disease and REM sleep behavior disorder
Authors: Unger Marcus M. , Ekman Rolf , Björklund Anna‐Karin , Karlsson Gösta , Andersson Chatarina , Mankel Katharina , Bohne Katharina , Tebbe Johannes J. , Stiasny‐Kolster Karin , Möller Jens C. , Mayer Geert , Kann Peter H. , Oertel Wolfgang H.
Published: December 2012

Background:

Pancreatic polypeptide is released immediately after food ingestion. The release is operated by vagal‐abdominal projections and has therefore been suggested as a test for vagal nerve integrity. Pathoanatomical and clinical studies indicate vagal dysfunction in early Parkinson's disease (PD).

Methods:

We assessed the postprandial secretion of pancreatic polypeptide and motilin in healthy controls (n = 18) and patients with idiopathic rapid‐eye‐movement sleep behavior disorder (iRBD, n = 10), a potential premotor stage of PD, as well as in drug‐naive (n = 19) and treated (n = 19) PD patients.

Results:

The postprandial pancreatic polypeptide secretion showed a physiological pattern in all groups and even an enhanced response in drug‐naive PD and iRBD. Motilin concentrations correlated with pancreatic polypeptide concentrations.

Conclusions:

Postprandial pancreatic polypeptide secretion is not a suitable test for vagal nerve integrity in PD. The unimpaired pancreatic polypeptide response in iRBD and PD might be explained by partially intact vagal‐abdominal projections or compensatory mechanisms substituting a defective neuronal brain–gut axis. © 2012 Movement Disorder Society