bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Absolute quantification of metabolites in breast cancer cell extracts by quantitative 2D 1H INADEQUATE NMR
Authors: Martineau Estelle , Tea Illa , Akoka Serge , Giraudeau Patrick
Published: February 2012

Metabolomic studies by NMR spectroscopy are increasingly employed for a variety of biomedical applications. A very standardized 1D proton NMR protocol is generally employed for data acquisition, associated with multivariate statistical tests. Even if targeted approaches have been proposed to quantify metabolites from such experiments, quantification is often made difficult by the high degree of overlap characterizing 1H NMR spectra of biological samples. Two‐dimensional spectroscopy presents a high potential for accurately measuring concentrations in complex samples, as it offers a much higher discrimination between metabolite resonances. We have recently proposed an original approach relying on the 1H 2D INADEQUATE pulse sequence, optimized for fast quantitative analysis of complex metabolic mixtures. Here, the first application of the quantitative 1H 2D INADEQUATE experiment to a real metabonomic study is presented. Absolute metabolite concentrations are determined for different breast cancer cell line extracts, by a standard addition procedure. The protocol is characterized by high analytical performances (accuracy better than 1%, excellent linearity), even if it is affected by relatively long acquisition durations (15 min to 1 h per spectrum). It is applied to three different cell lines, expressing different hormonal and tyrosine kinase receptors. The absolute concentrations of 15 metabolites are determined, revealing significant differences between cell lines. The metabolite concentrations measured are in good agreement with previous studies regarding metabolic profile changes of breast cancer. While providing a high degree of discrimination, this methodology offers a powerful tool for the determination of relevant biomarkers. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Non‐stick Polymer Coatings for Energy‐based Surgical Devices Employed in Vessel Sealing
Authors: Kang Sung Kil , Kim Paul Y. , Koo Il Gyo , Kim Ho Young , Jung Jae‐Chul , Choi Myeong Yeol , Lee Jae Koo , Collins George J.
Published: February 2012

Energy‐based surgical devices are widely used to fuse tissues and seal vessels, but tissue adhesion to the instrument complicates the procedure. We deposit a robust non‐stick coating on the jaws of LigaSureTM tissue fusion devices by employing an atmospheric pressure RF‐driven plasma with hexamethyldisiloxane (HMDSO) entrained in argon carrier gas. The hydrophobicity, surface energy, surface topography, and chemical characteristics of deposited films are characterized by water contact angle measurements, surface energy test pens, atomic force microscopy, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, respectively. We demonstrate significantly reduced tissue adhesion to HMDSO polymer film‐coated instruments during the tissue fusion procedure in comparison with uncoated and chromium nitride‐coated instruments.

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Laser lift‐off of AlN/sapphire for UV light‐emitting diodes
Authors: Aoshima Hiroki , Takeda Kenichiro , Takehara Kosuke , Ito Shun , Mori Mikiko , Iwaya Motoaki , Takeuchi Tetsuya , Kamiyama Satoshi , Akasaki Isamu , Amano Hiroshi
Published: February 2012

We report on laser lift‐off (LLO) of AlN/sapphire for UV light‐emitting diodes (LEDs). Underfill between chip and submount is a key factor for the successful LLO of AlN/sapphire. We fabricated thin‐film‐flip‐chip UV LEDs with a peak wavelength of 343 nm using the LLO. Moreover surface texturing was carried out on the exfoliated AlN surface. The light output power from the UV LED after the LLO and the surface texture at exfoliated surface is 1.7 times higher than that before the LLO at 20 mA (© 2012 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Development of a liquid chromatography/atmospheric pressure photo‐ionization high‐resolution mass spectrometry analytical method for the simultaneous determination of polybrominated diphenyl ethers and their metabolites: application to BDE‐47 metabolism in human hepatocytes
Authors: Marteau Charlotte , Chevolleau Sylvie , Jouanin Isabelle , Perdu Elisabeth , De Sousa Georges , Rahmani Roger , Antignac Jean‐Philippe , LeBizec Bruno , Zalko Daniel , Debrauwer Laurent
Published: February 2012

Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) are flame retardants widely used in electronic and domestic goods. These persistent pollutants are present in the environment and in humans, and their toxicological properties are of growing concern. PBDEs can be metabolised into compounds suspected to be responsible for their toxicity. These metabolites have been characterised quite well in rodents and fish, but available information in humans remains scarce. For their identification, an efficient method for the simultaneous analysis of PBDEs, hydroxylated PBDEs (OH‐PBDEs), and other PBDE metabolites in a single run was needed and has been developed in this work. Atmospheric pressure ionisation modes were compared, and Atmospheric Pressure Photo‐Ionization (APPI) was selected. After careful setting of APPI parameters such as dopant and operating temperature, the optimised method was based on APPI ionization coupled to High‐Resolution Mass Spectrometry operating in the full scan mode at a resolution of 60 000. This provided excellent sensitivity and specificity, allowing the discrimination of signals which could not be resolved on a triple quadrupole used as a reference. The full‐scan high‐resolution acquisition mode allowed monitoring of both parent PBDEs and their metabolites, including hydroxylated PBDEs, with detection limits ranging from 0.1 pg to 4.5 pg injected on‐column based on the investigated standard compounds. The method was applied to the study of BDE‐47 metabolism after incubation with human primary cultures of hepatocytes, and proved to be efficient not only for monitoring the parent compound and expected hydroxylated metabolites, but also for the identification of other non‐targeted metabolites. In addition to hydroxy‐BDE‐47, several conjugated metabolites could be located, and the formation of a dihydrodiol derivative was evidenced for the first time in the case of PBDEs in this work. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Potential biomarkers for identification of mycobacterial cultures by proton transfer reaction mass spectrometry analysis
Authors: Crespo E. , de Ronde H. , Kuijper S. , Pol A. , Kolk A. H. J. , Cristescu S. M. , Anthony R. M. , Harren F. J. M.
Published: February 2012

RATIONALE

Several mycobacterial species can produce serious infections in humans, and the treatment required depends on the infecting species. Fast identification, ideally with minimal manipulation of the infecting species, is therefore critical; here, we propose a method potentially allowing cultures to be identified by headspace analysis and use it to screen for differences between mycobacterial species based on the volatiles released during growth.

METHODS

Short‐chain volatile organic compound emissions from two non‐tuberculosis slow growing mycobacterial species, Mycobacterium avium and Mycobacterium kansasii, and a non‐pathogenic fast growing species, Mycobacterium smegmatis, in Middlebrook M7H9 culturing media were followed online with a proton transfer reaction quadrupole mass spectrometer.

RESULTS

Measurable differences between the headspace of the two slow growing mycobacteria M. kansasii and M. avium were found, as well as differences with respect to the faster growing mycobacteria M. smegmatis. Three compounds, attributed to sulfur‐containing volatiles – dimethyl sulfide, propanethiol and dimethyl disulfide – were found to be specific to M. avium.

CONCLUSIONS

Clear differences were detected in the low molecular weight volatile emissions compounds of the mycobacterial species under study, without the need for sample manipulation. Further studies with other mycobacterial species will reveal if the differences observed are specific to the species studied here. Furthermore, the use of an ion trap as a mass analyzer with the same ionization technique, allowing molecular detection over a wider molecular range, could allow the detection of additional biomarkers thus capturing a wider molecular range. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Analysis of cancer cell lipids using matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization 15‐T Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry
Authors: Yang Hyo‐Jik , Park Kyu Hwan , Lim Dong Wan , Kim Hyun Sik , Kim Jeongkwon
Published: February 2012

A combination of methodologies using the extremely high mass accuracy and resolution of 15‐T Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance (FT‐ICR) mass spectrometry (MS) was introduced for the identification of intact cancer cell phospholipids. Lipids from a malignant glioma cell line were initially analyzed at a resolution of >200 000 and identified by setting the mass tolerance to ±1 mDa using matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) 15‐T FT‐ICR MS in positive ion mode. In most cases, a database search of potential lipid candidates using the exact masses of the lipids yielded only one possible chemical composition. Extremely high mass accuracy (<0.1 ppm) was then attained by using previously identified lipids as internal standards. This, combined with an extremely high resolution (>800 000), yielded well‐resolved isotopic fine structures allowing for the identification of lipids by MALDI 15‐T FT‐ICR MS without using tandem mass spectrometric (MS/MS) analysis. Using this method, a total of 38 unique lipids were successfully identified. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Comparison of different tandem mass spectrometric techniques (ESI‐IT, ESI‐ and IP‐MALDI‐QRTOF and vMALDI‐TOF/RTOF) for the analysis of crocins and picrocrocin from the stigmas of Crocus sativus L.
Authors: Koulakiotis Nikolaos Stavros , Pittenauer Ernst , Halabalaki Maria , Tsarbopoulos Anthony , Allmaier Günter
Published: February 2012

RATIONALE

The expensive spice saffron originating from the stigmas of Crocus sativus L. and also applied in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) constitutes a complex mixture of glycoconjugates varying not only in the aglycon structure, but also in glycosylation pattern. Therefore, various tandem mass spectrometric techniques were evaluated for their usefulness in structural elucidation.

METHODS

Three selected constituents of the stigmas of Crocus sativus L., trans‐ and cis‐crocin‐4 as well as picrocrocin, were isolated and purified by HPLC and finally analyzed by ESI‐MS (ion trap, QqRTOF), IP‐MALDI‐MS (QqRTOF) and vMALDI‐MS (TOF/RTOF) in combination with tandem mass spectrometry in collision energy regimes ranging from a few eV (LE) to 20 keV (HE) collisions for the first time. These data aid in structurally elucidating minor, unknown glycoconjugates originating from this plant‐derived spice.

RESULTS

LE‐CID of isomeric crocins on either an ion trap with ESI or a QqRTOF‐instrument with ESI or IP‐MALDI as desorption/ionization technique only yielded a limited number of structurally diagnostic sodiated product ions related to the carbohydrate moiety as well as to the intact aglycon in contrast to true HE‐CID. The low MW constituent picrocrocin did not yield useful LE‐CID spectra, but showed a high number of structurally diagnostic product ions by HE‐CID utilizing a vMALDI TOF/RTOF‐instrument.

CONCLUSIONS

The highest number of structurally diagnostic product ions allowing also determination of the carbohydrate linkage of the gentiobiose‐moiety of isomeric crocins (0,4A2, 3,5A2 product ions indicating a 1→6 carbohydrate linkage) was only achievable by HE‐CID. Fragmentation of the aglycon was not observed by any collision energy regime applied. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
ISO‐CADICA: Isotopic – continuous, automated dissolved inorganic carbon analyser
Authors: Bass Adrian M. , Bird Michael I. , Munksgaard Niels C. , Wurster Christopher M.
Published: February 2012

RATIONALE

Quantifying the processes that control dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) dynamics in aquatic systems is essential for progress in ecosystem carbon budgeting. The development of a methodology that allows high‐resolution temporal data collection over prolonged periods is essential and is described in this study.

METHODS

A novel sampling instrument that sequentially acidifies aliquots of water and utilises gas‐permeable ePTFE tubing to measure the dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) concentration and δ13CDIC values at sub‐hourly intervals by Cavity Ring‐down spectrometry (CRDS) is described.

RESULTS

The minimum sensitivity of the isotopic, continuous, automated dissolved inorganic carbon analyser (ISO‐CADICA) system is 0.01 mM with an accuracy of 0.008 mM. The analytical uncertainty in δ13CDIC values is proportional to the concentration of DIC in the sample. Where the DIC concentration is greater than 0.3 mM the analytical uncertainty is ±0.1 ‰ and below 0.2 mM stability is < ± 0.3 ‰. The isotopic effects of air temperature, water temperature and CO2 concentrations were found to either be negligible or correctable. Field trials measuring diel variation in δ13CDIC values of coral reef associated sea water revealed significant, short‐term temporal changes and illustrated the necessity of this technique.

CONCLUSIONS

Currently, collecting and analysing large numbers of samples for δ13CDIC measurements is not trivial, but essential for accurate carbon models, particularly on small scales. The ISO‐CADICA enables on‐site, high‐resolution determination of DIC concentration and δ13CDIC values with no need for sample storage and laboratory analysis. The initial tests indicate that this system can offer accuracy approaching that of traditional IRMS analysis. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Study on the reactive transient α‐λ3‐iodanyl‐acetophenone complex in the iodine(III)/PhI(I) catalytic cycle of iodobenzene‐catalyzed α‐acetoxylation reaction of acetophenone by electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Wang Hao‐Yang , Zhou Juan , Guo Yin‐Long
Published: February 2012

RATIONALE

Hypervalent iodine compounds are important and widely used oxidants in organic chemistry. In 2005, Ochiai reported the PhI‐catalyzed α‐acetoxylation reaction of acetophenone by the oxidation of PhI with m‐chloroperbenzoic acid (m‐CPBA) in acetic acid. However, until now, the most critical reactive α‐λ3‐iodine alkyl acetophenone intermediate (3) had not been isolated or directly detected.

METHODS

Electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (ESI‐MS/MS) was used to intercept and characterize the transient reactive α‐λ3‐iodine alkyl acetophenone intermediate in the reaction solution.

RESULTS

The trivalent iodine species was detected when PhI and m‐CPBA in acetic acid were mixed, which indicated the facile oxidation of a catalytic amount of PhI(I) to the iodine(III) species by m‐CPBA. Most importantly, 3·H+ was observed at m/z 383 from the reaction solution and this ion gave the protonated α‐acetoxylation product 4·H+ at m/z 179 in MS/MS by an intramolecular reductive elimination of PhI.

CONCLUSIONS

These ESI‐MS/MS studies showed the existence of the reactive α‐λ3‐iodine alkyl acetophenone intermediate 3 in the catalytic cycle. Moreover, the gas‐phase reactivity of 3·H+ was consistent with the proposed solution‐phase reactivity of the α‐λ3‐iodine alkyl acetophenone intermediate 3, thus confirming the reaction mechanism proposed by Ochiai. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
(S)‐(−)‐N‐(Pentafluorobenzylcarbamoyl)prolyl chloride: a chiral derivatisation reagent designed for gas chromatography/negative ion chemical ionisation mass spectrometry of amino compounds
Authors: Leis Hans J. , Windischhofer Werner
Published: February 2012

RATIONALE

The synthesis of a novel chiral derivatisation reagent, (S)‐(−)‐N‐(pentafluorobenzylcarbamoyl)prolyl chloride is described which is preferably useful for negative‐ion chemical ionisation mass spectrometry.

METHODS

Preparation of the reagent followed a general strategy used to prepare enantioselective reagents based on the N‐substitution of L‐proline. Pentafluorobenzyl chloroformate smoothly reacted with L‐proline to give the desired derivatisation reagent after conversion into the acyl chloride. The product was sufficiently pure to be used in the following steps without any additional purification.

RESULTS

The reagent was tested against selected chiral and non‐chiral analytical targets. Chromatographic enantioseparation was at least equal to the commonly used (S)‐(−)‐N‐(heptafluorobutyryl)prolyl derivatives. The derivatives exhibit excellent mass spectral properties under negative ion chemical ionisation, i.e. reduced fragmentation and thus high ion current for the targeted m/z during analysis. With electron ionisation, the fragmentation that occurs is mainly directed by the introduced group. Enantioseparation with gas chromatography/negative‐ion chemical ionisation mass spectrometry of the derivatives was demonstrated for the enantiomers of amphetamine, α‐aminocaprylic acid methyl ester and threo‐methylphenidate.

CONCLUSIONS

The new derivatisation reagent shows highly improved mass spectral properties for negative‐ion chemical ionisation mass spectrometry and is thus suitable for sensitive chiral detection of amino compounds. The reagent extends the applicability of dissociative resonance electron capture using pentafluorobenzyl derivatives to chiral analysis. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
An exclusion list based label‐free proteome quantification approach using an LTQ Orbitrap
Authors: Muntel Jan , Hecker Michael , Becher Dörte
Published: February 2012

RATIONALE

Label‐based mass spectrometry is a powerful tool for large‐scale protein identification and quantification. However, it requires the chemical or metabolic incorporation of the labeled compound(s) which can be difficult to attain, e.g. for non‐cultivable organisms or scarce sample, such as biopsies. Therefore, we set out to develop and validate an efficient label‐free liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS) workflow based on optimized instrument settings and incremental exclusion lists.

METHODS

To increase the number of quantified peptides an incremental exclusion list was incorporated along with optimized instrument settings for the used LTQ Orbitrap. As a proof of concept, label‐free quantification data from this optimized approach were compared to the results of control measurements without exclusion lists and of an in vivo metabolic labeling GeLC/MS/MS experiment. The data were drawn from Staphylococcus aureus whole cell lysates of non‐stressed and nitric oxide (NO)‐stressed cells.

RESULTS

Compared to MS analysis without exclusion lists the new approach resulted in an increased number of identified peptides, enabling label‐free quantification of more than 990 S. aureus proteins. With respect to the number of quantified proteins and differences in protein levels between the control and NO‐treated samples the results of the new method were consistent with those of the GeLC/MS/MS experiment.

CONCLUSIONS

The application of exclusion lists and optimized instrument settings in LC/MS/MS analysis significantly enhances the sensitivity and resolution of label‐free protein identification and quantification. Therefore, the new workflow is a powerful alternative to label‐based quantification methods. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
On‐target separation of analyte with 3‐aminoquinoline/α‐cyano‐4‐hydroxycinnamic acid liquid matrix for matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry
Authors: Sekiya Sadanori , Taniguchi Kenichi , Tanaka Koichi
Published: February 2012

3‐Aminoquinoline/α‐cyano‐4‐hydroxycinnamic acid (3AQ/CHCA) is a liquid matrix (LM), which was reported by Kumar et al. in 1996 for matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) mass spectrometry. It is a viscous liquid and has some advantages of durability of ion generation by a self‐healing surface and quantitative performance. In this study, we found a novel aspect of 3AQ/CHCA as a MALDI matrix, which converges hydrophilic material into the center of the droplet of analyte‐3AQ/CHCA mixture on a MALDI sample target well during the process of evaporation of water derived from analyte solvent. This feature made it possible to separate not only the buffer components, but also the peptides and oligosaccharides from one another within 3AQ/CHCA. The MALDI imaging analyses of the analyte‐3AQ/CHCA droplet indicated that the oligosaccharides and the peptides were distributed in the center and in the whole area around the center of 3AQ/CHCA, respectively. This 'on‐target separation' effect was also applicable to glycoprotein digests such as ribonuclease B. These features of 3AQ/CHCA liquid matrix eliminate the requirement for pretreatment, and reduce sample handling losses thus resulting in the improvement of throughput and sensitivity. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Comparing inactivation protocols of Yersinia organisms for identification with matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry
Authors: Couderc Carine , Nappez Claude , Drancourt Michel
Published: February 2012

RATIONALE

It is recommended that harmful Biosafety Level 3 (BSL‐3) bacteria be inactivated prior to identification by mass spectrometry, yet optimal effects of inactivation protocol have not been defined.

METHODS

Here, we compare trifluoroacetic acid inactivation (protocol A) with ethanol inactivation (protocol B) of Yersinia organisms prior to identification by matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (MALDI‐TOF‐MS).

RESULTS

The total number of peaks detected was 10.5 ± 1.7 for protocol A and 15.7 ± 4.2 for protocol B (ρ <0.001, ANOVA test). The signal‐to‐noise ratio for the m/z 6049 peak present in all of the tested Yersinia isolates was 9.7 ± 3.1 for protocol A and 18.1 ± 4.6 for protocol B (ρ < 0.001). Compared with spectra in our local database containing 48 Yersinia spp., including 20 strains of Y. pestis, the identification score was 1.79 ± 0.2 for protocol A and 1.97 ± 0.19 for protocol B (ρ = 0.0024).

CONCLUSIONS

Our observations indicate that for the identification of Yersinia organisms, ethanol inactivation yielded MALDI‐TOF‐MS spectra of significantly higher quality than spectra derived from trifluoroacetic acid inactivation. Combined with previously published data, our results permit the updating of protocols for inactivating BSL‐3 bacteria. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Resolving Forest Property Rights Disputes in China: The Bailian Case
Authors: Lin Zhen , Dai Fan , Sonnenfeld David A.
Published: February 2012

Millions of forest property rights disputes have occurred in the course of collective forest tenure reform in contemporary rural China. Although most disputes were settled, some developed into serious, violent conflicts. This article examines such a case in Bailian Town, Fujian Province. Findings suggest that there were three essential factors in the failure of dispute resolution efforts in Bailan: lack of trust and collaboration between citizens and government; lack of channels for citizen participation in policymaking and dispute resolution; and lack of neutral and professional third‐party mediation. The Chinese government is now taking steps to innovate, strengthen and professionalize the country's conflict resolution system in order to address such limitations. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A node discovery protocol for ad hoc underwater acoustic networks
Authors: Patil Ashish , Stojanovic Milica
Published: February 2012

Motivated by the advances in acoustic modem technology and the growing number of applications that call for ad hoc deployable autonomous underwater systems (floating sensors, crawlers, vehicles), we address the problem of network initialization upon deployment. A neighbor discovery protocol is proposed, whose goal is to establish communication links over a large area, with a finite power budget that mandates multi‐hopping to provide full coverage. The protocol uses random access to eliminate the need for scheduling (i.e., enable system operation without a global clock reference) and power control to ensure that full connectivity is provided using shortest links (i.e., to conserve batteries and prolong the system's lifetime). Transmit power allocation takes into account the acoustic propagation loss, while additional large‐scale variation in the average received power is modeled via log‐normal fading which is confirmed by experimental observations. System performance is assessed through simulation, by measuring the energy consumption, time to completion, and reliability in the presence of fading. Fading is shown to have a degrading effect on the system reliability, and protocol adjustments are proposed to recover the performance under the constraint on maximum power. The key features of the protocol are simplicity of implementation and efficient use of power.Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Modification of CusSR bacterial two-component systems by the introduction of an inducible positive feedback loop
Authors: Ravikumar Sambandam , Pham Van Dung , Lee Seung Hwan , Yoo Ik-keun , Hong Soon Ho
Published: February 2012

The CusSR two-component system (TCS) is a copper-sensing apparatus of E. coli that is responsible for regulating the copper-related homeostatic system. The dynamic characteristics of the CusSR network were modified by the introduction of a positive feedback loop. To construct the feedback loop, the CusR, which is activated by the cusC promoter, was cloned downstream of the cusC promoter and reporter protein. The feedback loop system, once activated by environmental copper, triggers the activation of the cusC promoter, which results in the amplification of a reporter protein and CusR expression. The threshold copper concentration for the activation of the modified CusSR TCS network was lowered from 2,476.5 μg/l to 247.7 μg/l, which indicates a tenfold increase in sensitivity. The intensity of the output signal was increased twofold, and was maintained for 16 h. The strategy proposed in this study can also be applied to modify the dynamic characteristics of other TCSs.
Fatal Heyting Algebras and Forcing Persistent Sentences
Authors: Esakia Leo , Löwe Benedikt
Published: February 2012

Hamkins and Löwe proved that the modal logic of forcing isS4.2. In this paper, we consider its modal companion, the intermediate logicKCand relate it to the fatal Heyting algebraHof forcing persistent sentences. This Heyting algebra is equationally generic for the class of fatal Heyting algebras. Motivated by these results, we further analyse the class of fatal Heyting algebras.
A nonlinear model for inextensible rods as a low energy Γ-limit of three-dimensional nonlinear elasticity
Authors: Mora Maria Giovanna , Müller Stefan
Published: February 2012

Using a variational approach we rigorously deduce a nonlinear model for inextensible rods from three-dimensional nonlinear elasticity, passing to the limit as the diameter of the rod goes to zero. The theory obtained is analogous to the Föppl–von Kármán theory for plates. We also derive an asymptotic expansion of the solution and compare it to a similar expansion which Murat and Sili obtained starting from three-dimensional linear elasticity.

Par une méthode variationnelle on dérive rigoureusement un modèle non linéaire de poutre inextensionelle. Le modèle est déduit de l’élasticité non linéaire tridimensionnelle, après une mise à l’échelle adéquate, en passant à la limite lorsque le diamètre de la poutre tend vers zéro. On obtient ainsi une théorie analogue à celle de Föppl–von Kármán pour les plaques. On dérive aussi une expansion asymptotique des solutions et on la compare avec une expansion similaire que Murat et Sili ont obtenue à partir de la théorie linéaire de l’élasticité.
Phosphatases in SMAD regulation
Authors: Bruce David L. , Sapkota Gopal P.
Published: February 2012

SMAD transcription factors are key mediators of the transforming growth factor‐beta (TGFß) family of cytokines. Reversible phosphorylation of SMAD proteins plays a key role in regulating their function. Several phosphatases have been proposed to act on SMAD proteins to influence TGFß/BMP signalling. Here we provide an overview of the SMAD regulation by different protein phosphatases and review the evidence supporting each phosphatase as a candidate SMAD‐phosphatase.
Myelodysplasia followed by Good's Syndrome: A unique manifestation associated with thymoma
Authors: Chen Ling‐Ping , Tsai Jui‐Shan , Lai Wei‐Ming , Yen Ling‐Jung , Yu Ming‐Sun , Lin Shyh‐Jer
Published: February 2012

Good's syndrome, also known as thymoma with combined immunodeficiency, is rare. The immunodeficiency may precede, arise concurrently with or follow the diagnosis of thymoma. In addition to myasthenia gravis and Good's syndrome, paraneoplastic syndromes associated with thymoma can also be manifested with hematological disorders, such as pure red cell aplasia, aplastic anemia, agranulocytosis, hemolytic anemia, pernicious anemia, and paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria. Myelodysplastic syndrome is a group of clonal hematopoietic stem cell diseases characterized by cytopenia(s), dysplasia in one or more lineages, ineffective hematopoiesis, and potential precursors of acute leukemia. One proposed pathogenesis of myelodysplasia is autoantibodies that directly reject against hematopoietic cells, but this situation is rare in thymoma. Herein, we report a thymoma patient with unique paraneoplastic syndromes who developed myelodysplasia prior to Good's syndrome. Early and accurate diagnosis of myelodysplastic syndrome is important for disease management, especially in patients whose myelodysplastic syndrome is possibly derived from autoimmunity. For thymoma patients with recurrent infections, comprehensive immunologic studies to exclude the possibility of Good's syndrome and prophylactic intravenous immunoglobulin infusion in suitable candidates are warranted.
Weakening climatic signal since mid-20th century in European larch tree-ring chronologies at different altitudes from the Adamello-Presanella Massif (Italian Alps)
Authors: Coppola Anna , Leonelli Giovanni , Salvatore Maria Cristina , Pelfini Manuela , Baroni Carlo
Published: February 2012

Tree rings from temperature-limited environments are highly sensitive climate proxies, widely used to reconstruct past climate parameters for periods prior to the availability of instrumental data and to analyse the effect of recent global warming on tree growth. An analysis of the climatic signal in five high-elevation tree-ring width chronologies of European larch (Larix decidua Mill.) from the tops of five different glacial valleys in the Italian Central Alps revealed that they contain a strong summer-temperature signal and that tree-ring growth is especially influenced by June temperatures. However, a moving correlation function analysis revealed a recent loss of the June temperature signal in the tree-ring chronologies. This signal reduction primarily involves the two lowest-altitude chronologies. It is probable that the observed increasing importance of late-summer temperature for tree-ring growth over the past 50 yr is an effect of the lengthening growing season and of the variations in the climate/tree-ring relationship over time. All the chronologies considered, especially those at the highest altitudes, show an increasing negative influence of June precipitation on tree-ring growth. The climatic signal recorded in tree-ring chronologies from the Italian Central Alps varies over time and is also differentially influenced by climatic parameters according to site elevation.
Comparison of novel and existing tools for studying drug sensitivity against the hookworm Ancylostoma ceylanicum in vitro
Authors: TRITTEN LUCIENNE , BRAISSANT OLIVIER , KEISER JENNIFER
Published: February 2012

The motility assay is the current gold standard for evaluating drug effects on hookworm larvae and adults, however, among other drawbacks the assay is time consuming, and prone to individual subjectivity. We evaluated six alternative in vitro assays, namely the feeding inhibition assay, the colourimetric AlamarBlue®, MTT formazan and acid phosphatase activity assays, as well as isothermal calorimetry and the xCELLigence System using Ancylostoma ceylanicum third-stage larvae, stimulated third-stage larvae and adults. The performances of the assays were compared to the motility assay using three standard drugs: albendazole, levamisole and ivermectin (100–1 μg/ml). None of the assays investigated offered an advantage over the motility assay, because they were all inapplicable to third-stage larvae, which were presumably metabolically and physically too inactive. Among all assays tested the xCELLigence System performed best on adult worms as the test was accurate, simple, required a minimal number of worms and offered the possibility for conducting a medium-throughput screening.
Fundamental Modifications to Archaeological Heritage Protection Regulations in Hungary: A Brief Report
Authors: Bánffy Eszter , Gyucha Attila , Csiky Gergely
Published: February 2012

Continuous changes are happening in the legislation of preventive archaeology in Hungary. The protection of cultural heritage in Hungary is currently regulated by the Cultural Heritage Law Nr. LXIV of 2001, according to which, if an development project endangers an archaeological site and its replanning would raise the budget considerably, preventive excavation is needed. All the costs of the excavation should be covered by the investor, but the financing should be at least 0.9% of the total budget of the project. Normally, the archaeological works covered 1–5% of the overall cost of the constructions. This law made possible the complete excavation, documentation, deposition, and primary study of the finds endangered by the development.
UNINTENTIONAL PUNISHMENT
Authors: Kolber Adam J.
Published: February 2012

Criminal law theorists overwhelmingly agree that for some conduct to constitute punishment, it must be imposed intentionally. Some retributivists have argued that because punishment consists only of intentional inflictions, theories of punishment can ignore the merely foreseen hardships of prison, such as the mental and emotional distress inmates experience. Though such distress is foreseen, it is not intended, and so it is technically not punishment. In this essay, I explain why theories of punishment must pay close attention to the unintentional burdens of punishment. In two very important contexts—punishment measurement and justification—we use the term “punishment” to capture not only intentional harsh treatment but certain unintentional harsh treatment as well. This means that the widely accepted view that punishment is an intentional infliction requires substantial caveats. It also means that any purported justification of punishment that addresses only the intentional infliction of punishment is woefully incomplete.
Listening Through the Firewall: Semiotics of sound in networked improvisation
Authors: Mills Roger , Beilharz Kirsty
Published: February 2012

Maturation of network technologies and high-speed broadband has led to significant developments in multi-user platforms that enable synchronous networked improvisation across global distances. However sophisticated the interface, nuances of face-to-face communication such as gesture, facial expression, and body language are not available to the remote improviser. Sound artists and musicians must rely on listening and the semiotics of sound to mediate their interaction and the resulting collaboration. This paper examines two case studies of networked improvisatory performances by the inter-cultural tele-music ensemble Ethernet Orchestra.It focuses on qualities of sound (e.g. timbre, frequency, amplitude) in the group's networked improvisation, examining how they become arbiters of meaning in dialogical musical interactions without visual gestural signifiers. The evaluation is achieved through a framework of Distributed Cognition, highlighting the centrality of culture, artefact and environment in the analysis of dispersed musical perception. It contrasts salient qualities of sound in the groups’ collective improvisation, highlighting the interpretive challenges for cross-cultural musicians in a real-time ‘jam’ session. As network technologies provide unprecedented opportunities for diverse inter-cultural collaboration, it is sound as the carrier of meaning that mediates these new experiences.
Imposing a Networked Vibrotactile Communication System for Improvisational Suggestion
Authors: Hayes Lauren , Michalakos Christos
Published: February 2012

This paper describes the implementation ofNeVIS, a local network system that establishes communication between individual performers, as well as between laptop and performers. Specifically, this is achieved by making use of vibrotactile feedback as a signalling tool within an improvisational setting. A discussion of the current developments regarding the use of networks within improvisation is presented, followed by an outline of the benefits of utilising the haptic feedback channel as a further sensory information pathway when performing digital music. We describe a case study of the system within the context of our computer-mediated improvisational duo Můstek, involving piano, percussion and live electronics. Here, a cueing system or framework is imposed over the improvisation and is transmitted directly to the skin of the performers via tiny vibrations. Additionally, performers may make use of simple vibrotactile signals to enhance traditional visual cues that are often employed within performance. A new work,Socks and Ammo, was created using NeVIS, and was presented at various international conferences and festivals. We also tested the system itself within a group of postgraduate researchers and composers. Qualitative evaluation of the musical outcomes as experienced both by the performers and by the listeners at these events is offered, as well as implications about the nature of collaborative music-making.
Surface energy partitioning over four dominant vegetation types across the United States in a coupled regional climate model (Weather Research and Forecasting Model 3–Community Land Model 3.5)
Authors: Lu Yaqiong , Kueppers Lara M.
Published: February 2012

Accurate representation of surface energy partitioning is crucial for studying land surface processes and the climatic influence of land cover and land use change using coupled climate‐land surface models. A critical question for these models, especially for newly coupled ones, is whether they can adequately distinguish differences in surface energy partitioning among different vegetation types. We evaluated 3 years (2004–2006) of surface energy partitioning and surface climate over four dominant vegetation types (cropland, grassland, needleleaf evergreen forest, and broadleaf deciduous forest) across the United States in a recently coupled regional climate model, Weather Research and Forecasting Model 3–Community Land Model 3.5 (WRF3‐CLM3.5), by comparing model output to observations (AmeriFlux, Clouds and the Earth's Radiant Energy System (CERES), and Parameter‐elevation Regressions on Independent Slopes Model (PRISM) data) and to standard WRF model output. We found that WRF3‐CLM3.5 can capture the seasonal pattern in energy partitioning for needleleaf evergreen forest but needs improvements in cropland, grassland, and broadleaf deciduous forest. Correcting the leaf area index representation for cropland and grassland could immediately improve the simulation of latent heat flux and hence the energy partitioning. Adding an irrigation scheme is especially important for cropland in the Midwest, where the strongly coupled soil moisture and precipitation can form a positive feedback that reduces latent heat flux and increases the warm bias. For deciduous forest, the simulated excess latent heat flux before leaf emergence is mainly from soil evaporation, requiring further improvement in the soil evaporation scheme. Finally, the domain‐wide overestimated net radiation contributes to positive biases in sensible, latent, and ground heat flux, as well as surface temperature. The standard WRF simulation has a similar warm bias, implicating errors in modules other than the land surface code. A sensitivity test suggests that improved simulation of downward solar radiation could reduce the energy flux and temperature biases. After adding irrigation process and correcting the leaf area index, WRF3‐CLM3.5 appears reliable for studying conversions between natural grassland and irrigated cropland and between needleleaf evergreen forest and grassland.
Medullary Thyroid Nodules by Measurement of Calcitonin (Ct) in Aspiration Needle Washout in Patients with Multinodular Goiter and Moderately Elevated Serum Ct
Authors: Trimboli P. , Nigri G. , Romanelli F. , Cicciarella Modica D. , Crescenzi A. , Valabrega S. , Giovanella L.
Published: February 2012

The accuracy of fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) is low in medullary thyroid carcinomas (MTC). Recently, a few papers analyzed the measurement of calcitonin (Ct) in washout of the needle after aspiration (WO-Ct) suggesting that this approach may be useful in patients with high serum Ct.

Here we reported, for the first time in our best knowledge, 3 patients with multinodular goiter, moderately elevated serum Ct, high value of WO-Ct, and medullary outcome. These findings suggest that in presence of high serum Ct, FNAC should be performed in all nodules, and it should be combined with WO-Ct in all cases.
Treatment of Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA) with 2 Different Regimens Regarding Fluid Substitution and Insulin Dosage (0.025 vs. 0.1 units/kg/h)
Authors: Kapellen T. , Vogel C. , Telleis D. , Siekmeyer M. , Kiess W.
Published: February 2012

Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is still the most dangerous acute complication in type 1 diabetes. The aim of this study was to compare treatment of DKA with a regimen of a low insulin dose (0.025 units/kg/h) vs. a standard insulin dose (0.1 units/kg/h).

We retrospectively analysed all cases of children and adolescents (age 0–18 years) with type 1 diabetes and DKA who needed treatment in the ICU in the time period of 1998–2005 in 2 pediatric diabetes centers. In a chart review of the first 48 h after onset of DKA the following parameters where evaluated: pH, blood glucose, sodium, potassium, and ketones in urine. Consciousness, neurological status and complications such as cerebral edema, hypoglycaemia or hypokalemia were also recorded.

23 children were treated in center A (low insulin dose) whereas 41 where treated in center B (standard insulin dose). Mean age of the patients was 8.9 (range 1.58–17.7) and 13.5 years (1.25–17.7) respectively (p=0.134). Mean pH was 7.1 and HCO3 was 9.05 and 7.79 respectively (p=0.122). Initial blood glucose was 26 mmol/l (no difference between the 2 centres). Treatment with the standard insulin dose resulted in a slightly shorter duration of acidosis (8 h in center A, 6.5 h in center B) and a significantly faster normalization of blood glucose (18 h in A, vs. 10.5 h in B) (p<0.005). During the first day we found similar and very low rates of hypoglycaemia. In center B one case of suspected cerebral edema and cerebral infarction occurred.

Low dose insulin substitution is as safe as the recommended standard dose in respect to the occurrence of acute complications. Acidosis is broken slightly earlier with the standard dose. Implications of this earlier normalisation of pH remain unclear.
A 10-year Retrospective Study of Primary Hyperparathyroidism in Children
Authors: Li C.-C. , Yang C. , Wang S. , Zhang J. , Kong X.-R. , Ouyang J.
Published: February 2012

Primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) in children is thought to be extremely rare. The exact incidence is unknown and little is known of the characteristics of the disease. We reviewed our experience with PHPT to better characterize these patients.

We carried out a retrospective study in 12 patients (age 9–16 years) who had surgical treatment between 2001 and 2011 in a single institution.

There were 5 male subjects and 7 female subjects. The diagnosis of PHPT in pediatric patients is frequently delayed with an average time of 41 months. The main signs of PHPT were urinary and bone disorders, as well as non-specific signs. All patients had preoperative localization studies prior to operation. Combined using of neck sonography, MIBI-scintigraphy and CT and/or MRI, our patients had a positive predictive value of 100%. After operation, all patients were confirmed to have parathyroid adenoma. 1 patient had 2 adenomas, 1 of which was an ectopic adenoma located in the mediastinum. 9 patients experienced symptomatic hypocalcemia postoperatively. No patients had any serious long-term effects from parathyroidectomy at our institution. All patients were cured after removal of the parathyroid adenoma. No permanent complication was observed for all patients.

PHPT in children is rare, the commonest signs are urinary and bone tissue impairment, as well as non-specific signs. Evaluation of serum calcium and PTH levels is diagnostic in suspected patients. Preoperative localization is essential. Surgery is without significant complications. Surgical treatment of PHPT is curative and definitive.
Influence of Adrenal Subclinical Hypercortisolism on Hypertension in Patients with Adrenal Incidentaloma
Authors: Oki K. , Yamane K. , Nakanishi S. , Shiwa T. , Kohno N.
Published: February 2012

The purpose of our study was to clarify whether subtle cortisol-producing tumors, such as not only subclinical Cushing’s syndrome (SubCS) but also subclinical hypercortisolism (SH), influence the prevalence of hypertension, since numerous basic research studies have noted that glucocorticoid excess influences blood pressure.

80 patients with adrenocortical adenomas (39 women and 41 men; mean age 62.1 years) were enrolled. SubCS was diagnosed using a diagnostic criteria, and SH was diagnosed as the presence of a serum cortisol level greater than 50 nmol/L following 1-mg dexamethasone suppression test (DST).

SubCS, SH, or non-functioning adrenocortical adenoma (NF) was diagnosed in 14, 13, or 53 patients, respectively. The prevalence of hypertension differed significantly among the diagnoses (SubCS, 78.6%; SH, 84.6%; NF, 39.6%; P=0.002), whereas no differences in other clinical characteristics such as age, sex, or waist girth were observed. The patients with SH had an 11.7-fold increased risk (95% confidence interval: 1.9–72.7, P=0.009) and those with SubCS had a 9.5-fold increased risk (95% confidence interval: 1.9–48.3, P=0.007) for hypertension compared to those with NF using a multivariate analysis.

We demonstrated that subtle cortisol-producing tumors, such as SH as well as SubCS, were an independent risk factor for hypertension. The cut-off value of the 1-mg DST would be appropriate to predict the development of hypertension.
Development of low-energy and high-current-density ion beam system
Authors: Sakakita H. , Kiyama S. , Hirano Y. , Koguchi H. , Shimada T. , Sato Y.
Published: February 2012

A low-energy ion beam system operating at a dc voltage of less than 300 V was developed using an ion source with a multicusp magnetic field. A high-current-density ion beam of 6.9 mA/cm2 was successfully extracted at the electrode. The beam extraction characteristics for flat and concave electrodes were compared. In the case of a concave electrode with a designed focal length of 350 mm, it was observed that the beam profile was sharper than that obtained using a flat electrode.