bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Challenges of Cardiovascular Risk Assessment in the Routine Rheumatology Outpatient Setting: An Observational Study of 110 Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients
Authors: Gossec L. , Salejan F. , Nataf H. , Nguyen M. , Gaud‐Listrat V. , Hudry C. , Breuillard P. , Dernis E. , Boumier P. , Durandin‐Truffinet M. , Fannius J. , Fechtenbaum J. , Izou‐Fouillot M.‐A. , Labatide‐Alanore S. , Lebrun A. , LeDevic P. , LeGoux P. , Sacchi A. , Salliot C. , Sparsa L. , d'André F. Lecoq , Dougados M. ,   on behalf of the RHEVER Rheumatology Network
Published: January 2013

Objective

An annual assessment of cardiovascular (CV) risk factors in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is recommended, but its practical modalities have not been determined. The objective was to assess the feasibility and usefulness of a standardized CV risk assessment in RA, performed by rheumatologists during outpatient clinics.

Methods

We used a cross‐sectional design within a network of rheumatologists. Each rheumatologist included 5 consecutive unselected patients with definite RA. Data collection included standardized assessment of CV risk factors: blood pressure, interpretation of glycemia and of lipid levels, and calculation of the Framingham CV risk score. Outcome criteria included feasibility (missing data and time taken to assess the patients) and usefulness (the CV risk assessment was considered useful if at least 1 modifiable and previously unknown CV risk factor was evidenced).

Results

Twenty‐two rheumatologists (77% in office‐based practice) assessed 110 RA patients. The mean ± SD age was 57 ± 10 years, and the mean ± SD RA duration was 11 ± 9 years; 50 patients (45%) were treated with biologic agents, and 76% were women. Regarding feasibility, missing data were most frequent for glycemia (27% of patients) and cholesterolemia (14% of patients). The mean ± SD duration of the CV risk assessment was 15 ± 5 minutes. The CV risk assessment was considered useful in 33 patients (30%), evidencing dyslipidemia (15% of patients) or high blood pressure (9% of patients) as the most frequently previously unknown CV risk factor.

Conclusion

The assessment of CV risk factors is feasible, but labor intensive, during an outpatient rheumatology clinic. This assessment identified modifiable CV risk factors in 30% of the patients. These results suggest that RA patients are not sufficiently assessed and treated for CV risk factors.
Laser Welding of Zr41Ti14Cu12Ni10Be23 Bulk Metallic Glass: Experiment and Temperature Field Simulation
Authors: Chen Biao , Shi Tielin , Li Mo , Zhang Zhaobo , Zhu Zhijing , Liao Guanglan
Published: January 2013

We investigate laser bonding of Zr41Ti14Cu12Ni10Be23 bulk metallic glass (BMG) using experiments and finite element simulation. The specimen plates with 5 × 30 × 1.3 mm3 are welded together successfully and the welded joint maintains fully amorphous under the welding parameters of 1.3 kW and 7 m min−1. To examine in detail the thermal stability of the welded joint, we employ the SYSWELD software to simulate the distribution of temperature field and thermal cycle curves. The simulation results are consistent with the laser welding experiments, and there is no intersection point between the thermal cycle curves and time–temperature‐transformation diagram, indicating that the joint retains amorphous structure.
Coordination strategies used in stone knapping
Authors: Rein Robert , Bril Blandine , Nonaka Tetsushi
Published: January 2013

Stone tool‐use and manufacture is seen as an important skill during the evolution of our species and recently there has been increased interest in the understanding of perceptual‐motor abilities underlying this skill. This study provides further information with respect to the motor strategies used during stone knapping. Kinematics of the striking arm were recorded in expert and novice knappers while producing flakes of two different sizes. Using Uncontrolled Manifold Analysis, the results showed that knappers structure joint angle movements such that the hammer trajectory variability is minimized across trials, with experts displaying significantly smaller variability compared with novices. Principal component analysis further revealed that a single component captures the complexity of the strike and that the strike is governed by movements of the elbow and the wrist. Analysis of movement velocities indicated that both groups adjusted movement velocities according to flake size although experts used smaller hammer, wrist, and elbow velocities in both flake conditions compared with novices. The results suggest that while the gross striking movement is easy to replicate for a novice knapper, it requires prolonged training before a knapper becomes attuned to the finer details necessary for controlled flaking. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Say Nothing! How Pathology within Catholicism Created and Sustained the Institutional Abuse of Children in 20th Century Ireland
Authors: McLoone‐Richards Claire
Published: January 2013

The article will offer an historical perspective on the origins of institutionalised care for children in Ireland during 1914 to 2000; the relevant period of inquiry for the Commission to Inquire into Child Abuse (CICA) (2009a), commonly known in Ireland as the Ryan Report. This includes an account of the concerns and extent of the abuse of children and the responses to a number of these concerns. The article presents a socio‐cultural analysis of how and why the Irish Roman Catholic Church (IRCC) during the 20th century perpetuated the abuse of children in the care of its institutions. The rise of Ireland's new state of independence, following release from British rule, saw the emergence of a new power for the IRCC, in addition to a reinforced sexual morality for the people. The culture of honour towards the Church and its agents, together with the collusion of state agents themselves, permeates testimonies of victims and survivors in the CICA (2009c) inquiry. The article considers the power and control of this ecclesiastical authority, its relation to state affairs, governance over family life and particularly its impact on children. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

‘An historical perspective on the origins of institutionalised care for children in Ireland during 1914 to 2000’

‘The culture of honour towards the Church and its agents, together with the collusion of state agents themselves, permeates testimonies’

Key Practitioner Messages

Cultures of obedience and the unchallenged power of religious institutions may compromise the safety and wellbeing of children.

Deficit thinking in public debates on child clerical abuse needs to shift to a more enlightened and progressive understanding of the problem. Properly resourced and managed staff providing institutional care for children is critical in meeting their sometimes complex needs, or simply, to ensure that staff have a kind disposition to children.
Determination of chitin content in fungal cell wall: An alternative flow cytometric method
Authors: Costa‐de‐Oliveira Sofia , Silva Ana P. , Miranda Isabel M. , Salvador Alexandre , Azevedo Maria M. , Munro Carol A. , Rodrigues Acácio G. , Pina‐Vaz Cidália
Published: January 2013

The conventional methods used to evaluate chitin content in fungi, such as biochemical assessment of glucosamine release after acid hydrolysis or epifluorescence microscopy, are low throughput, laborious, time‐consuming, and cannot evaluate a large number of cells. We developed a flow cytometric assay, efficient, and fast, based on Calcofluor White staining to measure chitin content in yeast cells. A staining index was defined, its value was directly related to chitin amount and taking into consideration the different levels of autofluorecence. Twenty‐two Candida spp. and four Cryptococcus neoformans clinical isolates with distinct susceptibility profiles to caspofungin were evaluated. Candida albicans clinical isolate SC5314, and isogenic strains with deletions in chitin synthase 3 (chs3Δ/chs3Δ) and genes encoding predicted GlycosylPhosphatidylInositol (GPI)—anchored proteins (pga31Δ/Δ and pga62Δ/Δ), were used as controls. As expected, the wild‐type strain displayed a significant higher chitin content (P < 0.001) than chs3Δ/chs3Δ and pga31Δ/Δ especially in the presence of caspofungin. Ca. parapsilosis, Ca. tropicalis, and Ca. albicans showed higher cell wall chitin content. Although no relationship between chitin content and antifungal drug susceptibility phenotype was found, an association was established between the paradoxical growth effect in the presence of high caspofungin concentrations and the chitin content. This novel flow cytometry protocol revealed to be a simple and reliable assay to estimate cell wall chitin content of fungi. © 2013 International Society for Advancement of Cytometry
Hydroxy fatty acid production by Pediococcus sp.
Authors: Takeuchi Michiki , Kishino Shigenobu , Tanabe Kaori , Hirata Akiko , Park Si‐Bum , Shimizu Sakayu , Ogawa Jun
Published: January 2013

Through the screening of about 300 strains of lactic acid bacteria, Pediococcus sp. AKU 1080 was selected as a strain with the ability to hydrate linoleic acid (cis‐9,cis‐12‐octadecadienoic acid) to three hydroxy fatty acids, i.e., 10‐hydroxy‐cis‐12‐octadecenoic acid, 13‐hydroxy‐cis‐9‐octadecenoic acid, and 10,13‐dihydroxyoctadecanoic acid. The strain hydrated one of two cis double bonds at Δ9 and Δ12 positions to produce 10‐hydroxy‐cis‐12‐octadecenoic acid and 13‐hydroxy‐cis‐9‐octadecenoic acid, respectively, then further hydrated these two mono‐hydroxy fatty acids to 10,13‐dihydroxyoctadecanoic acid. The growing cells of this strain were applied to the production of 13‐hydroxy‐cis‐9‐octadecenoic acid, that is potential as polymer substrates and functional foods but its specific and efficient production was not established. Under the optimum conditions, 2.3 mg/mL of 13‐hydroxy‐cis‐9‐octadecenoic acid was produced from 12.3 mg/mL of linoleic acid with 0.04 mg/mL 10‐hydroxy‐cis‐12‐octadecenoic acid (HYA) and 0.05 mg/mL 10,13‐dihydroxyoctadecanoic acid in the cultivation medium. Specific production of 13‐hydroxy‐cis‐9‐octadecenoic acid was attained using cell‐free extracts of the strain as the catalyst. Under the optimum conditions, 0.4 mg/mL of 13‐hydroxy‐cis‐9‐octadecenoic acid was produced from 2.0 mg/mL of linoleic acid without HYA and 10,13‐dihydroxyoctadecanoic acid.

Practical applications: Hydroxy fatty acids are useful as starting materials for industrial chemicals, functional foods, and pharmaceuticals. Regioselective introduction of hydroxyl group to unsaturated fatty acids by microorganisms was applied to hydroxy fatty acid production. Especially, specific production of 13‐hydroxy‐cis‐9‐octadecenoic acid, which is useful for the production of 13‐oxo‐fatty acids with anti‐obesity activity, was established in this work.
The influence of genetic polymorphisms in XRCC3 and ADH5 genes on the frequency of genotoxicity biomarkers in workers exposed to formaldehyde
Authors: Ladeira Carina , Viegas Susana , Carolino Elisabete , Gomes Manuel C. , Brito Miguel
Published: January 2013

The International Agency for Research on Cancer classified formaldehyde as carcinogenic to humans because there is “sufficient epidemiological evidence that it causes nasopharyngeal cancer in humans”. Genes involved in DNA repair and maintenance of genome integrity are critically involved in protecting against mutations that lead to cancer and/or inherited genetic disease. Association studies have recently provided evidence for a link between DNA repair polymorphisms and micronucleus (MN) induction. We used the cytokinesis‐block micronucleus (CBMN assay) in peripheral lymphocytes and MN test in buccal cells to investigate the effects of XRCC3 Thr241Met, ADH5 Val309Ile, and Asp353Glu polymorphisms on the frequency of genotoxicity biomarkers in individuals occupationally exposed to formaldehyde (n = 54) and unexposed workers (n = 82). XRCC3 participates in DNA double‐strand break/recombination repair, while ADH5 is an important component of cellular metabolism for the elimination of formaldehyde. Exposed workers had significantly higher frequencies (P < 0.01) than controls for all genotoxicity biomarkers evaluated in this study. Moreover, there were significant associations between XRCC3 genotypes and nuclear buds, namely XRCC3 Met/Met (OR = 3.975, CI 1.053–14.998, P = 0.042) and XRCC3 Thr/Met (OR = 5.632, CI 1.673–18.961, P = 0.005) in comparison with XRCC3 Thr/Thr. ADH5 polymorphisms did not show significant effects. This study highlights the importance of integrating genotoxicity biomarkers and genetic polymorphisms in human biomonitoring studies. Environ. Mol. Mutagen. 54:213–221, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The effects of nanostructured hydroxyapatite coating on the biodegradation and cytocompatibility of magnesium implants
Authors: Iskandar Maria Emil , Aslani Arash , Liu Huinan
Published: January 2013

Magnesium (Mg) alloys, a novel class of degradable, metallic biomaterials, have attracted growing interest as a promising alternative for medical implant and device applications due to their advantageous mechanical and biological properties. Although its biodegradability is an attractive property, rapid degradation of Mg in the physiological environments imposes a major obstacle that limits the translation of Mg‐based implants to clinical applications. Therefore, the objective of this study was to develop a nanostructured hydroxyapatite (nHA) coating on polished Mg substrates to mediate the rapid degradation of Mg while improving its integration with bone tissue for orthopedic applications. The nHA coatings were deposited on polished Mg using the patented transonic particle acceleration (Spire Biomedical) process. Surface morphology, elemental compositions, and crystal structures were characterized using scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy, and X‐ray diffraction (XRD) analysis, respectively. The degradation of nHA‐coated and non‐coated Mg samples was investigated by incubating the samples in phosphate buffered saline and revised simulated body fluid, under standard cell culture conditions. Rat bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs) were harvested and cultured with nHA‐coated and non‐coated Mg samples to determine cytocompatibility. The degradation results suggested that the nHA coatings decreased Mg degradation. Improved BMSC adhesion was observed on the surfaces of the nHA‐coated and non‐coated Mg samples, in comparison with the cells on the culture plate surrounding the Mg samples. In conclusion, nHA coatings showed promise for improving the biodegradation and cytocompatibility properties of Mg‐based orthopedic implants and should be further studied. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A, 2013.
Hydrogel‐PLGA delivery system prolongs 2‐methoxyestradiol‐mediated anti‐tumor effects in osteosarcoma cells
Authors: Maran Avudaiappan , Dadsetan Mahrokh , Buenz Colleen M. , Shogren Kristen L. , Lu Lichun , Yaszemski Michael J.
Published: January 2013

Osteosarcoma is a bone tumor that affects children and young adults. 2‐Methoxyestradiol (2‐ME), a naturally occurring estrogen metabolite, kills osteosarcoma cells, but does not affect normal osteoblasts. In order to effectively target osteosarcoma and improve the therapeutic index of the drug 2‐ME, we have encapsulated 2‐ME in a composite of oligo‐(polyethylene glycol) fumarate (OPF) hydrogel and poly (lactic‐co‐glycolic acid) (PLGA) microspheres and investigated the effect of polymer composition on 2‐ME release kinetics and osteosarcoma cell survival. The in vitro study shows that 2‐ME can be released in a controlled manner over 21‐days. The initial burst releases observed on day 1 were 50% and 32% for OPF and OPF/PLGA composites, respectively. The extended release kinetics show that 100% of the encapsulated 2‐ME is released by day 12 from OPF, whereas the OPF/PLGA composites showed a release of 85% on day 21. 2‐ME released from the polymers was biologically active and blocked osteosarcoma cell proliferation in vitro. Also, comparison of 2‐ME delivery in osteosarcoma cells in culture, shows that direct treatment has no effect after 3 days, whereas polymer‐mediated delivery produces anti‐tumor effects that could be sustained for 21 days. These findings show that the OPF and PLGA polymeric system may prove to be useful in controlled and sustained delivery of 2‐ME and could be further explored in the treatment of osteosarcoma. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 101A: 2491–2499, 2013.
Activation and promotion of adipose stem cells by tumour necrosis factor‐alpha preconditioning for bone regeneration
Authors: Lu ZuFu , Wang GuoCheng , Dunstan Colin R. , Chen YongJun , Yenn‐Ru Lu William , Davies Ben , Zreiqat Hala
Published: January 2013

There is a major medical need for developing novel and effective approaches for repairing non‐union and critical‐sized bone defects. Although the mechanisms remain to be determined, it is known that inflammation plays a crucial role in initiating bone repair and regeneration. This study investigated the effect of short‐term (3 days) preconditioning with tumor necrosis factor‐alpha (TNF‐α) on proliferation, mobilization, and differentiation of adipose tissue‐derived mesenchymal stem cells (ASCs). We demonstrated that TNF‐α pre‐conditioning increased proliferation, mobilization, and osteogenic differentiation of ASCs and up‐regulated bone morphogenetic protein‐2 (BMP‐2) protein level. BMP‐2 silencing by siRNA partially inhibited osteogenic differentiation of ASCs induced by TNF‐α; BMP‐2 pre‐conditioning also significantly increased osteogenic differentiation of ASCs but the effects were significantly smaller than those observed for TNF‐α preconditioning. Furthermore, TNF‐α treatment promoted extracellular‐signal‐regulated kinases(Erk)1/2 and p38 mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathways, but only Erk1/2 inhibition reduced the BMP‐2 levels and osteogenic differentiation induced by TNF‐α preconditioning. Together, these results support the hypothesis that inflammation contributes to bone regeneration by promoting proliferation, mobilization, and osteogenic differentiation of ASCs; 3 days of TNF‐α preconditioning, mimicking the short boost of inflammation normally occurring after bone injury, might serve as a feasible approach for directing stem cells into osteogenic differentiation. J. Cell. Physiol. 9999: XX–XX, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Cell. Physiol. 228: 1737–1744, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Synthesis of New Tetrahydro‐1,5‐benzodiazepin‐3‐yl‐2‐phenylacetamides via Isocyanide‐Based Multicomponent Reactions
Authors: Astaraki Ali Mohammad , Bazgir Ayoob
Published: January 2013

New tetrahydro‐1H‐1,5‐benzodiazepin‐2‐phenylacetamides were synthesized in good yields by a four‐component reaction of benzylidene Meldrum's acid, benzene‐1,2‐diamines, isocyanides, and water in CH2Cl2 at room temperature.
Pd‐Assisted Cross‐Coupling Reactions with 4‐Chlorocinnoline
Authors: Heiter Helmut Julian , Vilkauskaite Gyte , Holzer Wolfgang
Published: January 2013

A series of 4‐ethynylcinnolines 3a–e was prepared by Sonogashira reaction of 4‐chlorocinnoline (1) with appropriate alkynes. Moreover, Suzuki coupling of 1 with boronic esters gave the corresponding 4‐arylcinnolines 5a–c. Detailed NMR spectroscopic data including unambiguous chemical shift assignments of all 1H, 13C, and 15N resonances of the obtained cinnoline derivatives are reported.
Synthesis of Coumarin Substituted Triazolothiadiazine Derivatives via Ring Transformation Reaction
Authors: Chunduru Venkata Sreenivasa Rao , Rajeswar Rao Vedula
Published: January 2013

A novel ring transformation reaction for the synthesis of 3‐(3‐aryl‐7H‐[1,2,4]triazolo[3,4‐b][1,3,4]thiadiazin‐6‐yl)‐2H‐chromen‐2‐ones has been described. Reaction of 3‐(2‐bromoacetyl)coumarins (1) with 5‐aryl‐1,3,4‐oxadiazole‐2‐thiol (2) gave ketones (4a–h). The in situ formed ketones (4a–h) were reacted with hydrazine hydrate to give 3‐(3‐aryl‐7H‐[1,2,4]triazolo[3,4‐b][1,3,4]thiadiazin‐6‐yl)‐2H‐chromen‐2‐ones (3a–h) and not 5 or 6. The compounds (3a–h) can also be prepared by the reaction of 3‐(2‐bromoacetyl)coumarins (1) with 5‐aryl‐1,3,4‐oxadiazole‐2‐thiol (2) in anhydrous ethanol to give corresponding 3‐(2‐(5‐aryl‐1,3,4‐oxadiazol‐2‐ylthio)acetyl)‐2H‐chromen‐2‐ones (4a–h). These on reaction with hydrazine hydrate in acetic acid gave corresponding 3‐(3‐aryl‐7H‐[1,2,4]triazolo[3,4‐b][1,3,4]thiadiazin‐6‐yl)‐2H‐chromen‐2‐ones (3a–h).
One‐Pot Three‐Component Synthesis of Spirooxindoles Catalyzed by Hexamethylenetetramine in Water
Authors: Wang Guo‐Dong , Zhang Xiao‐Nan , Zhang Zhan‐Hui
Published: January 2013

A simple, convenient, and multicomponent strategy for synthesis of spirooxindole derivatives has been developed. This strategy provides a rapid access to construct a diversity‐oriented library of spirooxindoles by using three simple and readily available isatin, malononitrile or cyanoacetic ester, and 1,3‐dicarbonyl compound catalyzed by hexamethylenetetramine in water.
Conservation of placentation during the tertiary radiation of mammals in South America
Authors: Carter Anthony Michael , Mess Andrea Maria
Published: January 2013

The eutherian placenta is considered to possess great plasticity, but it is not clear how this variation reflects adaptation to different ecological niches. Because South America was isolated for most of the Tertiary, it represents a natural laboratory to examine this question. We here describe placentation in three South American groups: Xenarthra have been part of the fauna from at least the mid‐Paleocene whereas caviomorph rodents and Neotropical primates are each derived from a single founder that reached South America in the Eocene and Oligocene, respectively. The common ancestor of Xenarthra had a villous, haemochorial placenta, from which the labyrinthine, endotheliochorial placenta of sloths later evolved. Placentation in Caviomorpha follows an extraordinary stable pattern, characterized by a haemomonochorial, labyrinthine and highly lobed structure with specialized growing areas. This pattern was present before arrival of these rodents in South America and enabled a successful radiation especially during the spread of grasslands. Neotropical primates have haemochorial, trabecular placentas with a specialized maternal blood supply; a pattern that contrasts with that of Old World monkeys and may have been present in the founder generation on arrival in South America. In conclusion, there is a dichotomy within Xenarthra but otherwise the ancient South American mammals do not show much variation in principal placental characters. Thus, the successful radiation of these three groups, and their adaptation to diverse ecological niches, did not require substantial alterations in placentation. J. Morphol., 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Locomotor muscle profile of a deep (Kogia breviceps) versus shallow (Tursiops truncatus) diving cetacean
Authors: Kielhorn Caitlin E. , Dillaman Richard M. , Kinsey Stephen T. , McLellan William A. , Mark Gay D. , Dearolf Jennifer L. , Ann Pabst D.
Published: January 2013

When a marine mammal dives, breathing and locomotion are mechanically uncoupled, and its locomotor muscle must power swimming when oxygen is limited. The morphology of that muscle provides insight into both its oxygen storage capacity and its rate of oxygen consumption. This study investigated them. longissimus dorsi, an epaxial swimming muscle, in the long duration, deep‐diving pygmy sperm whale (Kogia breviceps) and the short duration, shallow‐diving Atlantic bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus). Muscle myoglobin content, fiber type profile (based upon myosin ATPase and succinate dehydrogenase assays), and fiber size were measured for five adult specimens of each species. In addition, a photometric analysis of sections stained for succinate dehydrogenase was used to create an index of mitochondrial density. Them. longissimus dorsiofK. brevicepsdisplayed significantly a) higher myoglobin content, b) larger proportion of Type I (slow oxidative) fibers by area, c) larger mean fiber diameters, and d) lower indices of mitochondrial density than that ofT. truncatus. Thus, this primary swimming muscle ofK. brevicepshas greater oxygen storage capacity, reduced ATP demand, and likely a reduced rate of oxygen consumption relative to that ofT. truncatus.The locomotor muscle ofK. brevicepsappears able to ration its high onboard oxygen stores, a feature that may allow this species to conduct relatively long duration, deep dives aerobically. J. Morphol., 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
In Vivo Biological Responses to Silk Proteins Functionalized with Bone Sialoprotein
Authors: Gomes Sílvia , Gallego‐Llamas Jabier , Leonor Isabel B. , Mano João F. , Reis Rui L. , Kaplan David L.
Published: January 2013

Recombinant 6mer + BSP protein, combining six repeats of the consensus sequence for Nephila clavipes dragline (6mer) and bone sialoprotein sequence (BSP), shows good support for cell viability and induces the nucleation of hydroxyapatite and tricalcium phosphate during osteoblast in vitro culture. The present study is conducted to characterize this bioengineered protein‐based biomaterial further for in vivo behavior related to biocompatibility. 6mer + BSP protein films are implanted in subcutaneous pouches in the back of mice and responses are evaluated by flow cytometry and histology. The results show no major differences between the inflammatory responses induced by 6mer + BSP films and the responses observed for the controls. Thus, this new chimeric protein could represent an alternative for bone regeneration applications.

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Inhibition of atypical protein kinase Cι induces apoptosis through autophagic degradation of β‐catenin in esophageal cancer cells
Authors: Wang Bo‐Shi , Yang Yang , Lu Hai‐Zhen , Shang Li , Zhang Yu , Hao Jia‐Jie , Shi Zhi‐Zhou , Wang Xiao‐Min , Liu Yi‐Zhen , Zhan Qi‐Min , Jia Xue‐Mei , Wang Ming‐Rong
Published: January 2013

Atypical protein kinase Cι (PKCι) has been identified as an oncoprotein in esophageal squamous cell carcinomas. However, the mechanisms underlying the role of PKCι in this disease remain unclear. In the present work, we found that inhibition of PKCι expression by RNAi induced apoptosis via the down‐regulation of β‐catenin in esophageal cancer cells. Furthermore, we found that PKCι regulated β‐catenin in an autophagy dependent way. Since down‐regulation of β‐catenin induced by knockdown of PKCι could be rescued by autophagy inhibition; knockdown of PKCι activated autophagy and promoted the recruitment of β‐catenin into autophagosome. These results suggested that PKCι positively regulated β‐catenin through negatively regulated autophagy and depletion of PKCι promoted apoptosis via autophagic degradation of β‐catenin in esophageal cancer cells. These data provide new insights into PKCι signaling in human cancer. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Turkish adaptation of the short form of the pelvic organ prolapse/urinary incontinence sexual function questionnaire (PISQ‐12): A validation and reliability study
Authors: Celik Dilek Bilgic , Beji Nezihe Kizilkaya , Yalcin Onay
Published: January 2013

Aim

The purpose of this methodological study is to evaluate the reliability and validity of a Turkish adaptation of the short form of the Pelvic Organ Prolapse/Urinary Incontinence Sexual Function Questionnaire (PISQ‐12) used in assessing sexuality function in women with POP/UI.

Methods

The PISQ‐12 was translated into Turkish; the adaptation of the PISQ‐12 to Turkish language was performed via back‐translation, the content validity of the questionnaire was conducted by experts in the field, test–retest reliability was examined with 40 women with UI and/or POP. PISQ‐12 was administered to 120 women with pelvic floor dysfunction. The reliability and validity of the PISQ‐12 were analyzed. Evaluation of the data was performed using Content Validity Index (CVI), Cronbach's alpha, test–retest reliability, item total correlation, and confirmatory factor analysis.

Results

CVI of the Turkish PISQ‐12 was found 1.00 (% 100). Item‐total correlations were between 0.42 and 0.68 (P < 0.001). The PISQ‐12 had an adequate and high internal consistency (Cronbach's α = 0.74) as well as a high test–retest reliability (Pearson correlation coefficient, r = 0.961; P < 0.001). Factor analysis results revealed strong construct validity.

Conclusion

The Turkish version of the PISQ‐12 is a reliable, consistent and valid instrument to assess sexual function in women with urinary incontinence and/or pelvic organ prolapse. It is also a comprehensive and easily applicable instrument which as a treatment outcome or research tool in clinical practices. Neurourol. Urodynam. 32:1068–1073, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Longitudinal evaluation of hepatic lipid deposition and composition in ob/ob and ob/+ control mice
Authors: Ye Qiong , Danzer Carsten Friedrich , Fuchs Alexander , Vats Divya , Wolfrum Christian , Rudin Markus
Published: January 2013

Obesity is associated with insulin resistance (IR) and hepatosteatosis. Understanding the link between IR and hepatosteatosis could be relevant to chronic clinical outcomes. The objective of this study was to quantitatively assess lipid deposition (fractional lipid mass, fLM) and composition (fraction of polyunsaturated lipids, fPUL and mean chain length, MCL) in livers of ob/ob mice, a genetic model of obesity and mild diabetes, and ob/+ heterozygous control animals in a noninvasive manner using 1H‐MRS at 9.4T. For accurate quantification, intensity values were corrected for differences in T2 values while T1 effects were considered minimal due to the long TR values used. Values of fLM, fPUL and MCL were derived from T2‐corrected signal intensities of lipids and water resonance. Hepatic lipid signals were compared with fasted plasma insulin, glucose and lipid levels. Statistically significant correlations between fPUL and fasting plasma insulin/glucose levels were found in adolescent ob/ob mice. A similar correlation was found between fLM and fasting plasma insulin levels; however, the correlation between fLM and fasting plasma glucose levels was less obvious in adolescent ob/ob mice. These correlations were lost in adult ob/ob mice. The study showed that in adolescent ob/ob mice, there was an obvious link between lipid deposition/composition in the liver and plasma insulin/glucose levels. This correlation was lost in adult animals, probably due to the limited lipid storage capacity of the liver. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The orienteering problem with variable profits
Authors: Erdoǧan Güneş , Laporte Gilbert
Published: January 2013

This article introduces, models, and solves a generalization of the orienteering problem, called the the orienteering problem with variable profits (OPVP). The OPVP is defined on a complete undirected graph G = (V,E), with a depot at vertex 0. Every vertex i∈V \{0} has a profit pi to be collected, and an associated collection parameter αi∈[0, 1]. The vehicle may make a number of “passes,” collecting 100αi percent of the remaining profit at each pass. In an alternative model, the vehicle may spend a continuous amount of time at every vertex, collecting a percentage of the profit given by a function of the time spent. The objective is to determine a maximal profit tour for the vehicle, starting and ending at the depot, and not exceeding a travel time limit. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. NETWORKS, 2013
Comparison of Computer and Audio Teleconferencing: One Instructor's View
Authors: Coombs Norman
Published: January 2013

Telecommunications has opened up the possibility of personal and group communications for distance education. Both computer and audio conferencing permit the introduction of class discussions without the group needing to meet face to face. Phone calls and electronic mail can replace personal office visits. The distance learner can now have almost all the means of contact and interaction as the student on campus. Adult learners are often distant learners, and these enhancements have special meaning for adult education.
High polymer/surfactant ratio in the seeded semicontinuous heterogeneous polymerization of vinyl acetate
Authors: Martínez‐Gutiérrez Hugo , Ovando‐Medina Víctor M. , Peralta René D. , Mendizábal Eduardo , Puig Jorge E.
Published: January 2013

Vinyl acetate (VAc) was polymerized by a seeded semicontinuous heterogeneous process. Stable latexes with a polymer/surfactant weight ratio of 65 were obtained, which is comparable with the highest value reported in the literature for emulsion polymerization but with the advantage of obtaining smaller particles (average diameter, Dp = 53 nm) which are similar to those obtained by microemulsion polymerization. The surfactant (sodium dodecylsulfate, SDS) concentration used in the recipe (0.32 wt%) is much lower than those typically used in microemulsion polymerization. Although molar masses increased during the continuous monomer addition period, they were small at the end of the reaction (Mn = 69 × 103 g·mol–1) and this was attributed to bimolecular termination inside the particles. The values of polymerization rate (Rp) and monomer addition rate (Fm) were nearly the same, indicating that polymerization was performed under monomer starved conditions. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2013. © 2013 Society of Plastics Engineers
Resolving spectral overlap issue of intermediate band solar cells using non‐uniform sub‐bandgap state filling
Authors: Lin Albert , Phillips Jamie
Published: January 2013

Intermediate band solar cell provides novel alternative to multi‐junction solar cell, but its efficiency is significantly degraded when spectral overlap exists between different absorption bands. Here, a scheme using non‐uniform sub‐bandgap state filling together with intermediate band transport is proposed to resolve the spectral overlap issue. On the basis of detailed balance calculation, spectrally decoupled devices using low–high state filling is shown to achieve 52.8% conversion efficiency when 4 eV spectral overlap is present between absorption coefficients of different bands, compared with baseline efficiency equal to 35.1% for conventional half‐filled intermediate band devices. If a base material without intermediate band is added to the two section low–high state filling devices, the efficiency is further increased to 61.5%, which approaches efficiency of 63.2% for intermediate band devices with no spectral overlap and 63.8% for unconstrained triple‐junction tandem cells. The junction thermalization loss associated with proposed new structures is shown to be equal to conventional half‐filled intermediate band devices. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Organic sol–gel synthesis of microporous molecular networks containing spirobifluorene and tetraphenylmethane nodes
Authors: Moon Su‐Young , Mo Hye‐Rim , Ahn Min‐Kyoon , Bae Jae‐Sung , Jeon Eunkyung , Park Ji‐Woong
Published: January 2013

The microporous molecular networks based on rigid tetrafunctional units are synthesized via organic sol–gel polymerization of 2,2′,7,7′‐tetraamino‐9,9′‐spirobifluorene (TASBF) and/or tetrakis(4‐aminophenyl)methane (TAPM) with a diisocyanate, hexamethylene diisocyanate (HDI), or p‐phenylene diisocyanate. This study is performed as an extension of our previous report on the first organic sol–gel method, which enabled the synthesis of microporous molecular networks via a two‐stage mechanism involving the formation of colloidal dispersions of the nanoparticulate molecular networks and their subsequent growth to monolithic networks on solvent evaporation. The sol–gel‐synthesized molecular networks obtained by incorporating TASBF as a network former show improved porosity, processability, and thermal stability than the TAPM‐based system. The improved porosity of TASBF‐based networks is attributed to higher rigidity of the spirobifluorene compared with the tetraphenylmethane units. We also demonstrate the synthesis of mixed organic molecular networks by sol–gel copolymerization of the two network formers, TASBF and TAPM, and a diisocyanate monomer. The sol–gel transformation of TASBF/TAPM/HDI occurred at longer reaction times with increasing the amount of TASBF in the TASBF/TAPM/HDI mixture. The results indicate that the organic sol–gel method can be further optimized by adjusting various synthesis parameters to create new functional organic molecular network materials. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2013
Structural insight for the roles of fas death domain binding to fadd and oligomerization degree of the fas–fadd complex in the death‐inducing signaling complex formation: A computational study
Authors: Yan Qi , McDonald Jay M. , Zhou Tong , Song Yuhua
Published: January 2013

Fas binding to Fas‐associated death domain (FADD) activates FADD–caspase‐8 binding to form death‐inducing signaling complex (DISC) that triggers apoptosis. The Fas–Fas association exists primarily as dimer in the Fas–FADD complex, and the Fas–FADD tetramer complexes have the tendency to form higher order oligomer. The importance of the oligomerized Fas–FADD complex in DISC formation has been confirmed. This study sought to provide structural insight for the roles of Fas death domain (Fas DD) binding to FADD and the oligomerization of Fas DD–FADD complex in activating FADD–procaspase‐8 binding. Results show Fas DD binding to FADD stabilized the FADD conformation, including the increased stability of the critical residues in FADD death effector domain (FADD DED) for FADD–procaspase‐8 binding. Fas DD binding to FADD resulted in the decreased degree of both correlated and anticorrelated motion of the residues in FADD and caused the reversed correlated motion between FADD DED and FADD death domain (FADD DD). The exposure of procaspase‐8 binding residues in FADD that allows FADD to interact with procaspase‐8 was observed with Fas DD binding to FADD. We also observed different degrees of conformational and motion changes of FADD in the Fas DD–FADD complex with different degrees of oligomerization. The increased conformational stability and the decreased degree of correlated motion of the residues in FADD in Fas DD–FADD tetramer complex were observed compared to those in Fas DD–FADD dimer complex. This study provides structural evidence for the roles of Fas DD binding to FADD and the oligomerization degree of Fas DD–FADD complex in DISC formation to signal apoptosis. Proteins 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Structure refinement of protein model decoys requires accurate side‐chain placement
Authors: Olson Mark A. , Lee Michael S.
Published: January 2013

In this study, the application of temperature‐based replica‐exchange (T‐ReX) simulations for structure refinement of decoys taken from the I‐TASSER dataset was examined. A set of eight nonredundant proteins was investigated using self‐guided Langevin dynamics (SGLD) with a generalized Born implicit solvent model to sample conformational space. For two of the protein test cases, a comparison of the SGLD/T‐ReX method with that of a hybrid explicit/implicit solvent molecular dynamics T‐ReX simulation model is provided. Additionally, the effect of side‐chain placement among the starting decoy structures, using alternative rotamer conformations taken from the SCWRL4 modeling program, was investigated. The simulation results showed that, despite having near‐native backbone conformations among the starting decoys, the determinant of their refinement is side‐chain packing to a level that satisfies a minimum threshold of native contacts to allow efficient excursions toward the downhill refinement regime on the energy landscape. By repacking using SCWRL4 and by applying the RWplus statistical potential for structure identification, the SGLD/T‐ReX simulations achieved refinement to an average of 38% increase in the number of native contacts relative to the original I‐TASSER decoy sets and a 25% reduction in values of Cα root‐mean‐square deviation. The hybrid model succeeded in obtaining a sharper funnel to low‐energy states for a modeled target than the implicit solvent SGLD model; yet, structure identification remained roughly the same. Without meeting a threshold of near‐native packing of side chains, the T‐ReX simulations degrade the accuracy of the decoys, and subsequently, refinement becomes tantamount to the protein folding problem. Proteins 2013. 2012 Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Starting‐structure dependence of nanosecond timescale intersubstate transitions and reproducibility of MD‐derived order parameters
Authors: Zeiske Tim , Stafford Kate A. , Friesner Richard A. , Palmer Arthur G.
Published: January 2013

Factors affecting the accuracy of molecular dynamics (MD) simulations are investigated by comparing generalized order parameters for backbone NH vectors of the B3 immunoglobulin‐binding domain of streptococcal protein G (GB3) derived from simulations with values obtained from NMR spin relaxation (Yao L, Grishaev A, Cornilescu G, Bax A, J Am Chem Soc 2010;132:4295‐4309.). Choices for many parameters of the simulations, such as buffer volume, water model, or salt concentration, have only minor influences on the resulting order parameters. In contrast, seemingly minor conformational differences in starting structures, such as orientations of sidechain hydroxyl groups, resulting from applying different protonation algorithms to the same structure, have major effects on backbone dynamics. Some, but not all, of these effects are mitigated by increased sampling in simulations. Most discrepancies between simulated and experimental results occur for residues located at the ends of secondary structures and involve large amplitude nanosecond timescale transitions between distinct conformational substates. These transitions result in autocorrelation functions for bond vector reorientation that do not converge when calculated over individual simulation blocks, typically of length similar to the overall rotational diffusion time. A test for convergence before averaging the order parameters from different blocks results in better agreement between order parameters calculated from different sets of simulations and with NMR‐derived order parameters. Thus, MD‐derived order parameters are more strongly affected by transitions between conformational substates than by fluctuations within individual substates themselves, while conformational differences in the starting structures affect the frequency and scale of such transitions. Proteins 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Validation of the forecast skill of the Global Modeling and Assimilation Office Observing System Simulation Experiment
Authors: Privé N. C. , Errico R. M. , Tai K.‐S.
Published: January 2013

A global Observing System Simulation Experiment (OSSE) framework has been developed at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Global Modeling and Assimilation Office (NASA/GMAO). The OSSE uses a 13‐month integration of the European Centre for Medium‐Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) operational model as the Nature Run, and the Goddard Earth Observing System version‐5 (GEOS‐5) forecast model with Gridpoint Statistical Interpolation (GSI) data assimilation as the forecast model. Synthetic observations have been developed with correlated observation errors to replicate the observing network from 2005–2006.

The performance of the GMAO OSSE in terms of forecast skill and observation impacts is evaluated against real observational data for the same period. Metrics of anomaly correlation of 500 hPa geopotential and root‐mean‐square error of temperature and wind fields for 120 h forecasts are calculated for once‐daily forecasts from July 2005, and an adjoint is used to measure observation impacts of different data types. The forecast skill of the OSSE is found to be slightly higher than for real data, with smaller observation impacts overall, possibly due to insufficient model error in the OSSE. While there is similar relative ranking of observation impact for most data types in the OSSE compared with real data, for individual satellite channels the agreement is not as good. Some caveats and difficulties of using the OSSE system are discussed along with recommendations of how to avoid potential pitfalls when performing OSSEs.
A storm surge inundation model of the northern Bay of Bengal using publicly available data
Authors: Lewis Matt , Bates Paul , Horsburgh Kevin , Neal Jeff , Schumann Guy
Published: January 2013

A computationally inexpensive inundation model has been developed from freely available data sources for the northern Bay of Bengal region to estimate flood risk from storm surges. This is the first time Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM) terrain data have been used in a dynamic coastal inundation model. To reduce SRTM noise, and the impact of vegetation artefacts on the ground elevation, the SRTM data were up‐scaled from their native 90 m resolution to 900 m. A sub‐grid routine allowed estuary channels with widths less than this resolution to be simulated efficiently, and allowed six major river flows to be represented. The inundation model was forced with an IIT‐D model hindcast of the 2007 cyclone Sidr flood event, using parameters from two cyclone databases (IBTrACs and UNISYS). Validation showed inundation prediction accuracy with a root mean squared error (RMSE) on predicted water level of ∼ 2 m, which was of the same order of magnitude as the forcing water‐level uncertainties. Therefore, SRTM and other publicly available data can be useful for coastal flood risk management in data‐poor regions, although the associated uncertainty needs to be expressed to end users. Better SRTM processing techniques may improve inundation model performance, and future work should also seek to improve storm tide uncertainties in this region. Copyright © 2012 Royal Meteorological Society
The ethics of carbon offsetting
Authors: Hyams Keith , Fawcett Tina
Published: January 2013

Carbon offsetting can be loosely characterized as a mechanism by which an organization or individual contributes to a scheme that is projected either to remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere or to deliver carbon dioxide emission reductions on the part of other organizations or individuals. An activity that has been offset therefore purports to make no long‐term net contribution to atmospheric greenhouse gas concentrations. The ethical basis for using carbon offsetting as an approach to tackling climate change is very much contested. We seek to expose some of the underlying reasons for these ethical disagreements. We show that they relate both to empirical disagreements about what the likely benefits of offsetting are and, more fundamentally, to principled disagreements about the right way to discharge duties to deliver carbon reductions. WIREs Clim Change 2013, 4:91–98. doi: 10.1002/wcc.207

This article is categorized under:

Climate, Nature, and Ethics > Ethics and Climate Change
Behaving badly or goodly: Is it because I feel guilty, shameful, or sympathetic? Or is it a matter of what I think?
Authors: Carlo Gustavo , McGinley Meredith , Davis Alexandra , Streit Cara
Published: January 2013

The article provides a brief review of theory and research on the roles of guilt, shame, and sympathy in predicting moral behaviors. Two models are presented and contrasted. The guilt‐based model proposes that guilt and shame jointly predict prosocial and aggressive behaviors. In contrast, the sympathy‐based model suggests that perspective taking and sympathy are linked to such behaviors. In both models, prosocial moral reasoning is proposed as a possible mediator in these relations. Results from a study of college students suggest support for both models. Moreover, there is evidence that prosocial moral reasoning mediates the relations between these moral emotions and moral behaviors. The implications for the need to incorporate moral emotions and cognitions into existing models of morality are discussed and emphasized.
Crystal structure of Cmr5 from Pyrococcus furiosus and its functional implications
Authors: Park Jeong-Hoh , Sun Jiali , Park Suk-Youl , Hwang Hyo-Jeong , Park Mi-Young , Shin Minsang , Kim Jeong-Sun
Published: January 2013

pfCmr5 and pfCmr4 bind by ion exchange chromatography (View interaction)