bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Unitals of PG(2,q2) Containing Conics
Authors: Durante Nicola , Siciliano Alessandro
Published: May 2012

Aunitalin PG(2,q2) is a setofpoints such that each line meetsin 1 orpoints. The well‐known example is the classical unital consisting of all absolute points of a unitary polarity of PG(2,q2). Unitals other than the classical one also exist in PG(2,q2) for every. Actually, all known unitals are of Buekenhout–Metz type [see F. Buekenhout, Geom Dedicata 5 (1976), 189–194, R. Metz, Geom Dedicata 8 (1979), 125–126.], and they can be obtained by a construction due to F. Buekenhout, (Geom Dedicata 5 (1976), 189–194).. The unitals constructed by R. D. Baker and G. L. Ebert (J Combin Theory Ser A 60 (1992), 67–84), and independently by J. W. P. Hirschfeld and T. Szőnyi (Discrete Math 97 (1991), 229–242), are the union ofqconics. Our Theorem  1.1 shows that this geometric property characterizes the Baker–Ebert–Hirschfeld–Szőnyi unitals. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Combin. Designs 21: 101–111, 2013
Familial Predictors of Obsessive‐Compulsive Symptom Dimensions (Contamination/Cleaning and Symmetry/Ordering) in a Nonclinical Sample
Authors: Taberner Joan , Fullana Miquel A. , Caseras Xavier , Pertusa Alberto , Bados Arturo , van den Bree Marianne , Torrubia Rafael
Published: May 2012

Introduction

Obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD) is a heterogeneous condition, which can be expressed as various symptom dimensions, including contamination/cleaning and symmetry/ordering. Previous research suggests that these obsessive‐compulsive (OC) dimensions may show specific associations with certain traits such as disgust sensitivity and “not just right” experiences (NJREs), but whether a familial association between these variables exists is unknown.

Objectives

The goal of this study was to test whether parental disgust sensitivity and NJREs predicted contamination/cleaning and symmetry/ordering respectively in the offspring.

Method

Contamination/cleaning, symmetry/ordering, disgust sensitivity, NJREs, and negative affect were assessed in a nonclinical sample (n = 184 triads comprising 184 female undergraduates and their parents). Associations between parental and offspring variables were investigated by means of bivariate correlations and multiple regression models, controlling for relevant variables.

Results

Neither disgust sensitivity nor NJREs in parents were significant predictors of contamination/cleaning or symmetry/ordering in the offspring.

Conclusions

Combined with previous research, our results suggest that the best familial predictors of OC symptom dimensions are the same symptom dimensions themselves.
Mechanisms of apoptosis by the tumor suppressor Par‐4
Authors: Hebbar Nikhil , Wang Chi , Rangnekar Vivek M.
Published: May 2012

Par‐4 is a pro‐apoptotic, tumor suppressor protein that induces apoptosis selectively in cancer cells. Endoplasmic reticulum‐stress and higher levels of protein kinase A in tumor cells confer the coveted feature of cancer selective response to extracellular and intracellular Par‐4, respectively. Recent studies have shown that systemic Par‐4 confers resistance to tumor growth in mice, and that tumor‐resistance is transferable by bone‐marrow transplantation. Moreover, recombinant Par‐4 inhibits the growth of tumors in mice. As systemic Par‐4 induces apoptosis via cell surface GRP78, strategies that promote GRP78 trafficking to the cell surface are expected sensitize cancer cells to circulating levels of Par‐4. This review illustrates the domains and mechanisms by which Par‐4 orchestrates the apoptotic process in both cell culture models and in physiological settings. J. Cell. Physiol. 227: 3715–3721, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Involvement of CaMK‐IIδ and gelsolin in Cd2+‐dependent cytoskeletal effects in mesangial cells
Authors: Liu Ying , Templeton Douglas M.
Published: May 2012

Cadmium is a toxic metal with pleiotropic effects on cell death and survival. The mesangial cell is particularly responsive to Cd's effects on kinase signaling pathways and cytoskeletal dynamics. Here we show that CaMK‐II is a participant in the cytoskeletal effects of Cd2+. A major mesangial cell isoform, CaMK‐IIδ, was identified in pellets of DNase I pull‐downs and cytosolic immunoprecipitates of G‐actin. CaMK‐IIδ was also present in Triton X‐100‐insoluble cytoskeletal preparations and translocated to the cytoskeleton in a concentration‐dependent manner in Cd‐treated cells. Translocation was suppressed by KN93, an inhibitor of CaMK‐II phosphorylation. In vitro actin polymerization studies indicated that recombinant CaMK‐IIδ sequestered actin monomer. Cytoskeletal preparations from Cd‐treated cells decrease the rate of polymerization, but KN93 co‐treatment prevents this effect. Over‐expressed CaMK‐IIδ also translocated to the cytoskeleton upon Cd exposure, and this was prevented by KN93. Conversely, siRNA silencing of CaMK‐IIδ increases the effect of cytoskeletal extracts on actin polymerization, and abrogates the effect of Cd. The actin capping and severing protein, gelsolin, translocates to the cytoskeleton in the presence of Cd2+, dependent upon the phosphorylation of CaMK‐II, and is recovered together with actin and CaMK‐IIδ in G‐actin pull‐downs and F‐actin sedimentation. Translocation is accompanied by generation of a 50 kDa gelsolin fragment whose appearance is prevented by KN93 and CaMK‐IIδ silencing. We conclude that cytoskeletal effects of Cd in mesangial cells are partially mediated by Cd‐dependent activation of CaMK‐IIδ, binding of CaMK‐IIδ and gelsolin to actin filaments, and cleavage of gelsolin. J. Cell. Physiol. 228: 78–86, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Synthesis of a 35S‐labeled dinucleoside phosphorothioate prodrug, an orally bioavailable anti‐HBV agent
Authors: Rhee Sung‐Whi , Iyer Radhakrishnan P. , Coughlin John E. , Padmanabhan Seetharamaiyer , Malerich Jeremiah P. , Tanga Mary J.
Published: May 2012

The 35S‐labeled, dinucleoside phosphorothioate 1, an orally available agent against hepatitis B virus, was prepared in eight steps with high specific activity and radiochemical purity. Radiolabeled 3H‐benzodithiole‐3‐one‐1,1‐dioxide was synthesized in four steps from 35S8 and was used as the sulfurizing reagent. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Optimum scaling factors for one‐dimensional finite‐difference time‐domain scheme in Maxwell–Boltzmann system
Authors: Oh Il‐Young , Kim Deok‐Kyu , Yook Jong‐Gwan
Published: May 2012

This paper proposes a new one‐dimensional finite‐difference time‐domain (1D‐FDTD) method to achieve accurate electromagnetic (EM) wave characteristics in plasma region for wideband signals. This paper utilizes Maxwell–Boltzmann system, which can analyze EM wave properties without effective permittivity model, such as Debye, Drude, or Lorentz model. It is the advantage of the proposed method that does not increase the complexity of the conventional FDTD algorithm while it provides accurate results. The proposed method employs two scaling factors that control electron density and collision frequency of plasma. And they are optimized to achieve minimum error in the frequency band of interest, and the optimized scaling factors are applied to the conventional FDTD method. The validity and effectiveness of the proposed method is verified by comparing electric field intensity in infinite plasma region with that of the analytic solution and the conventional FDTD method. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Critical carbon inputs to maintain soil organic carbon stocks under long‐term finger‐millet (Eleusine coracana [L.] Gaertn.) cropping on Alfisols in semiarid tropical India
Authors: Srinivasarao Cherukumalli , Venkateswarlu Bandi , Kumar Singh Anil , Pandu Ranga Vittal Kanuparthy , Kundu Sumanta , Ravindra Chary Gajjala , Narayanaiyer Gajanan Ganjigunte , Kogganur Ramachandrappa Basavapura
Published: May 2012

Enrichment of soil organic carbon (SOC) stocks through sequestration of atmospheric CO2 in agricultural soils is important because of its impacts on adaptation to and mitigation of climate change while also improving crop productivity and sustainability. In a long‐term fertility experiment carried out over 27 y under semiarid climatic condition, we evaluated the impact of crop‐residue C inputs through rainfed fingermillet (Eleusine coracana [L.] Gaertn.) cropping, fertilization, and manuring on crop yield sustainability and SOC sequestration in a Alfisol soil profile up to a depth of 1 m and also derived the critical value of C inputs for maintenance of SOC. Five treatments, viz., control, farmyard manure (FYM) 10 Mg ha–1, recommended dose of NPK (50 : 50 : 25 kg N, P2O5, K2O ha–1), FYM 10 Mg ha–1 + 50% recommended dose of NPK, and FYM 10 Mg ha–1 + 100% recommended dose of NPK imposed in a randomized block design replicated four times. Application of FYM alone or together with mineral fertilizer resulted in a higher C input and consequently built up a higher C stock. After 27 y, higher profile SOC stock (85.7 Mg ha–1), C build up (35.0%), and C sequestration (15.4 Mg C ha–1) was observed with the application of 10 Mg FYM ha–1 along with recommended dose of mineral fertilizer and these were positively correlated with cumulative C input and well reflected in sustainable yield index (SYI). For sustenance of SOC level (zero change due to cropping) a minimum quantity of 1.13 Mg C is required to be added per hectare per annum as inputs. While the control lost C, the application of mineral fertilizer served to maintain the priori C stock. Thus, the application of FYM increased the C stock, an effect which was even enhanced by additional amendment of mineral fertilizer. We conclude that organic amendments contribute to C sequestration counteracting climate change and at the same time improve soil fertility in the semiarid regions of India resulting in higher and more stable yields.
Spectral stability estimates for the eigenfunctions of second order elliptic operators
Authors: Burenkov Victor I. , Feleqi Ermal
Published: May 2012

Stability of the eigenfunctions of nonnegative selfadjoint second‐order linear elliptic operators subject to homogeneous Dirichlet boundary data under domain perturbation is investigated. Let Ω, \documentclass{article}\usepackage{amssymb}\begin{document}\pagestyle{empty}$\Omega ^{\prime } \subset \mathbb {R}^n$\end{document} be bounded open sets. The main result gives estimates for the variation of the eigenfunctions under perturbations Ω′ of Ω such that \documentclass{article}\usepackage{amssymb}\begin{document}\pagestyle{empty}$\Omega _{\varepsilon } = \lbrace x \in \Omega : {\rm dist}(x,\, \mathbb {R}^n \!\setminus \! \Omega ) > \varepsilon \rbrace \subset \Omega ^{\prime } \subset \overline{\Omega ^{\prime }} \subset \Omega$\end{document} in terms of powers of ε, where the parameter ε > 0 is sufficiently small. The estimates obtained here hold under some regularity assumptions on Ω, Ω′. They are obtained by using the notion of a gap between linear operators, which has been recently extended by the authors to differential operators defined on different open sets.
Extension of Beckert's Continuation Method to Variational Inequalities
Authors: Miersemann Erich , Mittelmann Hans D.
Published: May 2012

A theoretical foundation is given for a recently proposed continuation method for parameter‐dependent nonlinear variational inequalities in Hilbert space. The second derivative of one of the functional in the inequality is assumed to generate a quadratic form that is equivalent to the norm of the Hilbert space. The value of this functional is used as continuation parameter. Existence of local continuations is shown using a generalization of Beckert's continuation method for eigenvalue equations and extending continuation results obtained recently by the nuthors. In addition, uniqueness and monotonicity results are proven for these continuations.
Well Posed Variational Problems and Friedrichs Extensions
Authors: Dinca G. , Mateescu D.
Published: May 2012

In this paper the concept of well posed variational problem is studied for the pair (P, Ff where P is a multivoque operator from B(P) c X into 2 X and 3,. is a convex functiont, Convenient hypotheses show that if the variational problem for the pair (P, 3 p) is well will then P can be extended up to a maximal monotone and surjective operator. Several applitint A (“temperature control” included) are also considered.
Assessing Advertising Effectiveness: The Potential of Goal‐Directed Behavior
Authors: Berger Sebastian , Wagner Udo , Schwand Christopher
Published: May 2012

Advertising clutter and declining audience attention means advertisers need pretesting to ensure the effectiveness of their advertisements. This study uses, for the first time, a variable‐resolution display to measure viewers’ visual attention to advertising. The display features only the part of an ad that corresponds with the observer's eye gaze with high acuity, whereas the resolution of the other parts reflects the decline in spatial resolution of the human visual system. Participants keep the highest resolution area aligned with their foveal vision using manual cursor movements. In accordance with neuroscientific theory, recorded cursor movements parallel the eye gaze patterns observed in a control group. However, unlike tracking eye movements, the instrument offers a simple, unobtrusive, low‐cost, and time‐efficient way to measure the effectiveness of visual advertising. The results encourage the use of goal‐directed manual pointing movements to indicate attentional signals generated in the brain.
Trust, Commitment, and Older Women: Exploring Brand Attachment Differences in the Elderly Segment
Authors: Jahn Steffen , Gaus Hansjoerg , Kiessling Tina
Published: May 2012

Understanding older adults’ product consumption behavior is of high importance to consumer and marketing research. Prior studies have mainly focused on older adults’ cognitive decline and compared their behavior to that of younger consumers. A neglected area of research has been older consumers’ brand attachment that is associated with potential differences between consumers in their fifties and in their seventies. In this article, the authors provide insights into the under‐researched field of elderly women's brand attachment. Drawing on socioemotional selectivity theory, a shift toward emotional aspects in brand relationships is proposed. A model involving trust and commitment processes is developed and empirically tested in a survey among 341 older women. Moderator analyses reveal significant differences between the “younger elderly” and the “older elderly” in relationships among self‐concept connection, partner quality, trust, and commitment. For the younger elderly, how a brand is (based on trust judgments) seems to be more important. For the older elderly, what a brand does in its role as relationship partner becomes more relevant.
Dazing Diversity: Investigating the Determinants and Consequences of Decision Paralysis
Authors: Huber Frank , Köcher Sören , Vogel Johannes , Meyer Frederik
Published: May 2012

This article makes new contributions to the assessment of negative effects on consumer choice behavior due to high product variety by (1) developing a holistic framework to identify the determinants and, for the first time, consequences of decision paralysis; (2) introducing a novel construct, namely, tendencies toward paralysis, that refers to the extent of decision makers’ preference (a) to maintain the status quo, (b) to omit, and/or (c) to delay choice, as well as providing an appropriate measurement model incorporating these three dimensions of decision paralysis that previously have been analyzed only separately; and (3) analyzing potential moderating effects of decision makers’ predisposition toward maximizing on the proposed model. The developed structural equation model as well as the conceptualization and operationalization of the novel construct are verified using data from the German cellular phone market. The model constructs of preference uncertainty and anticipated regret are evidenced to be the fundamental drivers of the formation of tendencies toward paralysis. In this context, the characteristics of variety under consideration—number, alignability, and complexity of alternatives—turn out to be appropriate parameters in avoiding decision paralysis. Moreover, a significant negative relationship between tendencies toward paralysis and subsequent customer satisfaction points out the importance of these findings for future research and business practice.
A theoretical and experimental proteome map of Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1
Authors: Lecoutere Elke , Verleyen Peter , Haenen Steven , Vandersteegen Katrien , Noben Jean‐Paul , Robben Johan , Schoofs Liliane , Ceyssens Pieter‐Jan , Volckaert Guido , Lavigne Rob
Published: May 2012

A total proteome map of the Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1 proteome is presented, generated by a combination of two‐dimensional gel electrophoresis and protein identification by mass spectrometry. In total, 1128 spots were visualized, and 181 protein spots were characterized, corresponding to 159 different protein entries. In particular, protein chaperones and enzymes important in energy conversion and amino acid biosynthesis were identified. Spot analysis always resulted in the identification of a single protein, suggesting sufficient spot resolution, although the same protein may be detected in two or more neighboring spots, possibly indicating posttranslational modifications. Comparison to the theoretical proteome revealed an underrepresentation of membrane proteins, though the identified proteins cover all predicted subcellular localizations and all functional classes. These data provide a basis for subsequent comparative studies of the biology and metabolism of P. aeruginosa, aimed at unraveling global regulatory networks.
Dystonia in corticobasal degeneration: A review of the literature on 404 pathologically proven cases
Authors: Stamelou Maria , Alonso‐Canovas Araceli , Bhatia Kailash P.
Published: May 2012

Dystonia is considered one of the classical features of corticobasal degeneration and is reported in up to 83% in clinical, not pathologically confirmed, series. Here, we aimed to establish the frequency and the clinical characteristics of dystonia in CBD by reviewing the literature on 404 pathologically proven cases. Further, we aimed to identify the frequency and characteristics of dystonia in all described phenotypes with CBD pathology. Dystonia was present in only 37.5% of the 296 cases with adequate information. The majority of the cases with dystonia presented with a corticobasal syndrome, and dystonia occurred in the first 2 years from disease onset, affecting the upper limb. In cases with dystonia that presented with a “dementia” phenotype, dystonia tended to appear later in the disease course and to more affect the cervical region and the face. With regard to the distribution of the phenotypes, fifty‐four percent of 374 cases presented as corticobasal syndrome, 15% as frontotemporal dementia, and 10.7% as progressive supranuclear palsy. Dystonia and myoclonus were present in about half of all cases with corticobasal syndrome, implying that these features may not be as frequent in corticobasal syndrome as are akinetic‐rigid syndrome and apraxia (100% and 86.3%, respectively). Dystonia and myoclonus almost co‐occurred in our analysis, suggesting a possible association. In conclusion, despite dystonia being an inclusion criterion in all sets of clinical criteria for corticobasal degeneration, this was present in only one third of the pathologically proven cases presented here. More accurate characterization of dystonia in corticobasal degeneration would be of importance for clinical diagnosis and development of treatment strategies. © 2012 Movement Disorder Society
Small Molecule Modulators of Keap1‐Nrf2‐ARE Pathway as Potential Preventive and Therapeutic Agents
Authors: Magesh Sadagopan , Chen Yu , Hu Longqin
Published: May 2012

Kelch‐like ECH‐associated protein 1 (Keap1)‐nuclear factor erythroid 2‐related factor 2 (Nrf2)‐antioxidant response elements (ARE) pathway represents one of the most important cellular defense mechanisms against oxidative stress and xenobiotic damage. Activation of Nrf2 signaling induces the transcriptional regulation of ARE‐dependent expression of various detoxifying and antioxidant defense enzymes and proteins. Keap1‐Nrf2‐ARE signaling has become an attractive target for the prevention and treatment of oxidative stress‐related diseases and conditions including cancer, neurodegenerative, cardiovascular, metabolic, and inflammatory diseases. Over the last few decades, numerous Nrf2 inducers have been developed and some of them are currently undergoing clinical trials. Recently, overactivation of Nrf2 has been implicated in cancer progression as well as in drug resistance to cancer chemotherapy. Thus, Nrf2 inhibitors could potentially be used to improve the effectiveness of cancer therapy. Herein, we review the signaling mechanism of Keap1‐Nrf2‐ARE pathway, its disease relevance, and currently known classes of small molecule modulators. We also discuss several aspects of Keap1–Nrf2 interaction, Nrf2‐based peptide inhibitor design, and the screening assays currently used for the discovery of direct inhibitors of Keap1‐Nrf2 interaction. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Med Res Rev., 32, No. 4, 687‐726, 2012
DNA‐Binding Small Molecules as Inhibitors of Transcription Factors
Authors: Leung Chung‐Hang , Chan Daniel Shiu‐Hin , Ma Victor Pui‐Yan , Ma Dik‐Lung
Published: May 2012

Accumulating evidence implicating the role of aberrant transcription factor signaling in the pathogenesis of various human diseases such as cancer and inflammation has stimulated the development of small molecule ligands capable of targeting transcription factor activity and modulating gene expression. The use of DNA‐binding small molecules to selectively inhibit transcription factor–DNA interactions represents one possible approach toward this goal. In this review, we summarize the development of DNA‐binding small molecule inhibitors of transcription factors from 2004 to 2011, and their binding mode and therapeutic potential will be discussed.
Networks of ProteinProtein Interactions: From Uncertainty to Molecular Details
Authors: Garcia‐Garcia Javier , Bonet Jaume , Guney Emre , Fornes Oriol , Planas Joan , Oliva Baldo
Published: May 2012

Proteins are the bricks and mortar of cells. The work of proteins is structural and functional, as they are the principal element of the organization of the cell architecture, but they also play a relevant role in its metabolism and regulation. To perform all these functions, proteins need to interact with each other and with other bio‐molecules, either to form complexes or to recognize precise targets of their action. For instance, a particular transcription factor may activate one gene or another depending on its interactions with other proteins and not only with DNA. Hence, the ability of a protein to interact with other bio‐molecules, and the partners they have at each particular time and location can be crucial to characterize the role of a protein. Proteins rarely act alone; they rather constitute a mingled network of physical interactions or other types of relationships (such as metabolic and regulatory) or signaling cascades. In this context, understanding the function of a protein implies to recognize the members of its neighborhood and to grasp how they associate, both at the systemic and atomic level. The network of physical interactions between the proteins of a system, cell or organism, is defined as the interactome. The purpose of this review is to deepen the description of interactomes at different levels of detail: from the molecular structure of complexes to the global topology of the network of interactions. The approaches and techniques applied experimentally and computationally to attain each level are depicted. The limits of each technique and its integration into a model network, the challenges and actual problems of completeness of an interactome, and the reliability of the interactions are reviewed and summarized. Finally, the application of the current knowledge of protein‐protein interactions on modern network medicine and protein function annotation is also explored.
Matrix‐assisted diffusion‐ordered spectroscopy: application of surfactant solutions to the resolution of isomer spectra
Authors: Tormena Cláudio F. , Evans Robert , Haiber Stephan , Nilsson Mathias , Morris Gareth A.
Published: May 2012

The component spectra of a mixture of isomers with nearly identical diffusion coefficients cannot normally be distinguished in a standard diffusion‐ordered spectroscopy (DOSY) experiment but can often be easily resolved using matrix‐assisted DOSY, in which diffusion behaviour is manipulated by the addition of a co‐solute such as a surfactant. Relatively little is currently known about the conditions required for such a separation, for example, how the choice between normal and reverse micelles affects separation or how the isomer structures themselves affect the resolution. The aim of this study was to explore the application of sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) normal micelles in aqueous solution and sodium 1,4‐bis(2‐ethylhexyl)sulfosuccinate (AOT) aggregates in chloroform, at a range of concentrations, to the diffusion resolution of some simple model sets of isomers such as monomethoxyphenols and short chain alcohols. It is shown that SDS micelles offer better resolution where these isomers differ in the position of a hydroxyl group, whereas AOT aggregates are more effective for isomers differing in the position of a methyl group. For both the normal SDS micelles and the less well‐defined AOT aggregates, differences in the resolution of the isomers can in part be rationalised in terms of differing degrees of hydrophobicity, amphiphilicity and steric effects. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Comparison of quality of life measures in Korean menopausal women
Authors: Shin Hyunjeong
Published: May 2012

The psychometric properties of two menopause‐specific quality of life (QoL) measures, the Menopausal Quality of Life (MQOL), and the Women's Health Questionnaire (WHQ), were evaluated and compared in a convenience sample of 304 Korean women in menopausal transition. Data were collected with a self‐report questionnaire. Evaluation of validity included factor analysis, convergent and discriminant validity, and known‐groups validity. Evaluation of reliability included internal consistency reliability and item analysis. The results indicated that both QoL instruments were valid, but the WHQ was more internally consistent in measuring QoL although with a factor structure different from previous research. Replication studies to identify factor structures are needed for both measures. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Res Nurs Health 35:383–396, 2012
Optical Fibres for High‐Power Single‐Mode Beam Delivery
Authors: Abdou‐Ahmed Marwan , Voss Andreas
Published: May 2012

The unique flexibility of fibre‐based single‐mode beam delivery enables a broad range of applications, including laser materials processing. But, due to certain nonlinear effects, the power that can be delivered through an optical fibre is limited. Therefore, an overview of the fibres useful for high‐power single‐mode beam delivery is presented. For example, certain multi‐mode fibres, which can deliver single‐mode radiation despite their multi‐modedness, are an interesting alternative to the more common true single‐mode fibres.
Light Fields Can Tailor the Microscopic World
Authors: Woerdemann Mike , Alpmann Christina , Denz Cornelia
Published: May 2012

The manipulation of microscopic particles solely by light has reached a high level of sophistication and versatility. While simple optical tweezers have become a standard technology in many laboratories nowadays, in particular the holographic shaping of laser light fields has dramatically increased potential applications of optical micromanipulation. In this article, we briefly introduce the basic concepts of holographic beam shaping, and show a selection of cuttingedge applications in the field of optical micromanipulation.
Testing the Limits
Authors: Mikhail Ra'ef
Published: May 2012

Reflective and refractive optics such as mirrors, windows, lenses, filters, polarizers, and prisms are used to reliably manipulate high energy laser beams. A designer must consider variables such as wavelength, cost, and system geometry to select the appropriate optics to produce highly reliable and robust systems. An often overlooked factor is Laser Damage Threshold (LDT).
Photonic Integrated Circuits for Optical Communication
Authors: Meister Stefan , Franke Bülent , Eichler Hans Joachim , Kupijai Sebastian , Rhee Hanjo , Al‐Saadi AWS , Zimmermann Lars
Published: May 2012

Integrated optics especially on silicon wafer allows fabrication of highly complex Photonic Integrated Circuits (PIC) for optical communications. PICs are a promising approach to handle the quickly growing data traffic in the near future where pure copper based electronic will fail to satisfy the requirements of bandwidth and distance. For the realization of industrial applications an optical components library containing the individual passive and active devices, e.g. waveguides, filters, eo‐modulators, etc., for the PICs is needed.
Plasma leakage through glomerular basement membrane ruptures triggers the proliferation of parietal epithelial cells and crescent formation in non‐inflammatory glomerular injury
Authors: Ryu Mi , Migliorini Adriana , Miosge Nicolai , Gross Oliver , Shankland Stuart , Brinkkoetter Paul T , Hagmann Henning , Romagnani Paola , Liapis Helen , Anders Hans‐Joachim
Published: May 2012

Glomerular crescents are most common in rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis but also occur in non‐inflammatory chronic glomerulopathies; thus, factors other than inflammation should trigger crescent formation, eg vascular damage and plasma leakage. Here we report that Alport nephropathy in Col4A3‐deficient Sv129 mice is complicated by diffuse and global crescent formation in which proliferating parietal epithelial cells are the predominant cell type. Laminin staining and transmission and acellular scanning electron microscopy of acellular glomeruli documented disruptions and progressive disintegration of the glomerular basement membrane in Col4A3‐deficient mice. FITC‐dextran perfusion further revealed vascular leakage from glomerular capillaries into Bowman's space, further documented by fibrin deposits in the segmental crescents. Its pathogenic role was validated by showing that the fibrinolytic activity of recombinant urokinase partially prevented crescent formation. In addition, in vitro studies confirmed an additional mitogenic potential of serum on murine and human parietal epithelial cells. Furthermore, loss of parietal cell polarity and unpolarized secretion of extracellular matrix components were evident within fibrocellular crescents. Among 665 human Alport nephropathy biopsies, crescent formation was noted in 0.4%. We conclude that glomerular vascular injury and GBM breaks cause plasma leakage which triggers a wound healing programme involving the proliferation of parietal cells and their loss of polarity. This process can trigger cellular and fibrocellular crescent formation even in the absence of cellular inflammation and rupture of the Bowman's capsule. Copyright © 2012 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Behandlung der akuten lymphoblastischen Leukämie im Kindesalter
Authors: Stanulla Martin , Bourquin Jean‐Pierre
Published: May 2012

Die akute lymphoblastische Leukämie (ALL) ist die häufigste maligne Erkrankung des Kindesalters und besitzt sowohl für klinische als auch Grundlagen‐orientierte Forschung seit den frühen 1960er Jahren Modellcharakter. Dank dieser langen und gut organisierten Forschungsanstrengungen können Kinder mit ALL heute in über 80 % erfolgreich therapiert werden.
Spätfolgen nach erfolgreicher Therapie einer ALL im Kindes‐ und Jugendalter
Authors: Langer Thorsten
Published: May 2012

Aufgrund der hohen Heilungsraten nach der Behandlung einer akuten lymphoblastischen Leukämie (ALL) bei Kindern und Jugendlichen wächst die Kohorte der überlebenden ehemaligen Patienten und viele erreichen das Erwachsenenalter.
Immuntherapien mit allogenen NK‐Zellen nach Stammzelltransplantation
Authors: Klöß Stephan , Köhl Ulrike
Published: May 2012

Natürliche Killer‐Zellen (NK‐Zellen) sind als essentieller Bestandteil des angeborenen Immunsystems an der Zerstörung von malignen Körperzellen beteiligt, wobei die Zellerkennung über eine Balance von Signalen aktivierender und inhibierender Rezeptoren vermittelt wird.
Nicht‐agonistische Inhibitoren der Cdk5‐abhängigen Phosphorylierung von PPARγ als Insulin‐Sensitizer der Zukunft?
Authors: Merk Daniel , Schubert‐Zsilavecz Manfred
Published: May 2012

Nukleäre Rezeptoren haben als pharmakologische Targets in den letzten Jahrzehnten großes pharmazeutisches und medizinisches Interesse erfahren. Insbesondere die Familie der Peroxisome‐Proliferator‐activated Receptors (PPAR) wurde intensiv sowohl auf dem akademischen wie auf dem industriellen Sektor beforscht und galt lange Zeit als guter Angriffspunkt zur Behandlung metabolischer Erkrankungen wie Diabetes mellitus Typ 2 (T2DM) und Hypertriglyceridämie.
Comparative study of aluminum diethylphosphinate and aluminum methylethylphosphinate‐filled epoxy flame‐retardant composites
Authors: Liu Xue‐qing , Liu Ji‐yan , Cai Shao‐jun
Published: May 2012

Epoxy resin (EP) is one of the main polymers in electrical and electronic applications. In this work, flame‐retardant epoxy resin composites based on aluminum diethylphosphinate (Al(DEP)) and aluminum methylethylphosphinate (Al(MEP) were prepared using aromatic amine 4, 4‐diaminodiphenylmethane as curing agent. The flammability, thermal degradation, flexural properties, and morphologies of composites were investigated with respect to the filler loading and filler type. Results showed that both Al(MEP) and Al(DEP) were efficient flame retardants for EP and a low dosage (15 wt%) is enough to achieve the important criterion UL 94 V‐0. Limiting oxygen index (LOI) of composites is increased with filler loading (phosphorus content) and reached of 32.2% for 15 wt% of Al(MEP) and 29.8 for 15 wt% of Al(DEP). The char formation and flexural modulus of composites are also improved by adding the two fillers. However, the flexural strength of all the composites decreased with increasing filler loading. In comparison with Al(DEP)/EP, Al(MEP)/EP provides a higher flammability, better thermal stability and char formation but inferior flexural properties. Scanning electron microscopy revealed that the dispersion of Al(DEP) filler in the EP matrix is more uniform and exhibits better compatibility with EP matrix, which in turn generates better flexural strength and higher modulus when compared with Al(MEP)‐filled EP composites. POLYM. COMPOS., 2012. © 2012 Society of Plastics Engineers
Evaluation of Anti‐oxidant Activity and Identification of Major Polyphenolics of the Invasive Weed Oxalis pes‐caprae
Authors: Güçlütürk Ilknur , Detsi Anastasia , Weiss Erika Krisztina , Ioannou Efstathia , Roussis Vassilios , Kefalas Panagiotis
Published: May 2012

Introduction

Phytochemical analyses of weeds, many of which have been used in traditional medicine worldwide, could lead to the identification of secondary metabolites with significant biological activity.

Objective

To perform an assessment of the chemical composition and exploitation potential of the invasive weed Oxalis pes‐caprae. To evaluate the anti‐oxidant activity of its extracts and isolate and characterise polyphenolic metabolites using LC‐DAD‐MS (ESI+) and NMR methods.

Methodology

Aerial parts of the invasive weed O. pes‐caprae were extracted with solvents of increasing polarity and their major polyphenolic metabolites were identified by LC‐DAD‐MS (ESI+). The total phenolic content of the extracts was determined using the Folin–Ciocalteu method, while their anti‐oxidant activity was evaluated on the basis of their ability to scavenge the stable free radical 1,1‐diphenyl‐2‐picrylhydrazyl and hydrogen peroxide.

Results

The major polyphenolic constituents of the extracts were tentatively characterised as chlorogenic acid, quinic ferulate, luteolin glucoside and cernuoside according to their MS and UV spectroscopic data. Cernuoside, an aureusidin glucoside, was isolated from the methanolic extract of the weed's flowers and its structure was unambiguously identified by 1D‐ and 2D‐NMR spectroscopy. The butanol extract of O. pes‐caprae displayed the highest anti‐oxidant activity.

Conclusion

The metabolic profile of O. pes‐caprae was studied and the structures of the major polyphenolic metabolites based on their MS and UV–vis spectra were tentatively assigned. The aureusidin glucoside cernuoside was isolated and characterised for the first time from O. pes‐caprae. The extracts exhibited high levels of anti‐oxidant activity. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Linkage of routinely collected oncology clinical data with health insurance claims data—an example with aromatase inhibitors, tamoxifen, and all‐cause mortality
Authors: Dore David D. , Liang Caihua , Ziyadeh Najat , Norman Heather , Bayliss Martha , Seeger John D.
Published: May 2012

Purpose

Studies of cancer based solely on health insurance claims data typically lack information on cancer clinical characteristics that are strong predictors of treatment and prognosis. Our objective was to evaluate routinely collected cancer clinical data for adjustment of confounding using an example evaluation of mortality associated with aromatase inhibitors and tamoxifen.

Methods

This cohort study identified women with breast cancer from 2008 through 2010 using health insurance claims data linked to clinical information on stage at diagnosis, current clinical status, histology, and other clinical markers. Estimated mortality rates (MRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were compared between users of aromatase inhibitors or tamoxifen, adjusted for claims‐identified covariates and additionally for the clinical variables using propensity scores and proportional hazards regression models.

Results

The overall (n = 7974) estimated MR was 69/1000 person‐years (95%CI = 62–76 person‐years), 308/1000 person‐years (95% CI = 273–345 person‐years) for women with metastasis, and 12/1000 person‐years (95%CI = 8–16 person‐years) for women without active cancer. Propensity score matching of aromatase inhibitor users (n = 777) with tamoxifen users (n = 535) removed many, but not all, covariate imbalances. The hazard ratios (HRs) of all‐cause mortality comparing users of aromatase inhibitors with tamoxifen users ranged from 1.0 to 1.6, with the HR most similar to previous clinical trials (0.87) coming from the claims‐only analysis.

Conclusions

We were able to address potential unmeasured confounders by linking clinical information to the claims data; however, there was no apparent improvement in confounding control in the chosen example. Conditioning eligibility on the clinical data restricted the sample size substantially. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Methacrylated calix[4]arene phosphonic acids as functionalized crosslinker for radical polymerization
Authors: Garska Bernd , Tabatabai Monir , Fischer Urs , Moszner Norbert , Utterodt Andreas , Ritter Helmut
Published: May 2012

We describe the synthesis of 5,11,17,23‐tetra‐tert‐butyl‐25,27‐dioxypropylphosphonic acid‐26,28‐dimethacryloyloxy‐calix [4]arene and 5,11,17,23‐tetra‐tert‐butyl‐25‐oxypropylphosphonic acid‐27‐hydroxy‐26,28‐dimethacryloyloxy‐calix[4]arene starting from para‐tert‐butyl‐calix[4]arene. The complete reaction was proved by matrix‐assisted laser desorption ionization time of flight mass spectrometry and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. The influence of these compounds on the kinetics of the radical polymerization of methyl methacrylate was shown by dilatometry. Furthermore, the adhesive properties of dental adhesives containing these calix[4]arene derivatives were investigated. Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Synthesis of highly soluble and transparent polyimides
Authors: Huang Xiaohua , Huang Wei , Liu Jinyao , Meng Lili , Yan Deyue
Published: May 2012

A novel aromatic diamine, 3,3′‐diisopropyl‐4,4′‐diaminophenyl‐4″‐methyltoluene with a 4‐methylphenyl pendant group and isopropyl side groups, was designed and synthesized in this study. Then it was polymerized with various aromatic dianhydrides including pyromellitic dianhydride, 3,3′,4,4′‐biphenyltetracarboxylic dianhydride, 4,4′‐oxydiphthalic anhydride, 3,3′,4,4′‐benzophenone tetracarboxylic dianhydride and 4,4′‐(hexafluoroisopropylidene)diphthalic anhydride via a one‐pot high temperature polycondensation procedure to produce a series of aromatic polyimides. These polyimides exhibited excellent solubility even in common organic solvents, such as chloroform and tetrahydrofuran. The flexible and tough films can be conveniently obtained by solution casting. The films were nearly colorless and exhibited high optical transparency, with the UV cutoff wavelength in the range 302–365 nm and the wavelength of 80% transparency in the range 385–461 nm. Moreover, they showed low dielectric constants (2.73–3.23 at 1 MHz) and low moisture absorption (0.13%–0.46%). Furthermore, they also possessed good thermal and thermo‐oxidative stability with 10% weight loss temperatures (T10%) in the range 489–507 °C in a nitrogen atmosphere. The glass transition temperatures of all polyimides are in the range 262–308 °C. Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Polymerization kinetics and thermal properties of poly(alkyl methacrylate)/organomodified montmorillonite nanocomposites
Authors: Achilias Dimitris S , Siafaka Panoraia , Nikolaidis Alexandros K
Published: May 2012

The effect of the presence of organomodified nano‐montmorillonite (MMT) on the free radical polymerization kinetics of either ethyl methacrylate or butyl methacrylate was investigated. The in situ polymerization technique was selected with dispersion of the MMT nanoparticles into the corresponding monomer and subsequent bulk radical polymerization. Different types and amounts of MMT were used, including a sodium and several organomodified clays under the trade names Cloisite Na+ and Cloisite 15A, 25A and 30B. Reaction kinetics was measured gravimetrically and the nanocomposites formed were characterized with X‐ray diffraction (structure), gel permeation chromatography (molar mass distribution) and differential scanning calorimetry (glass transition temperature). Thermal degradation characteristics were measured with thermogravimetric analysis. Additional experiments with styrene as monomer were carried out in order to make clear the effect of the nanofiller on the polymerization kinetics. It was found that the presence of the bulk ammonium salt used as the organic modifier in MMT could influence the reaction kinetics when diffusion‐controlled phenomena occur. Reaction rate was slightly enhanced and nanocomposites with improved thermal stability were formed. In addition, the average molar mass and glass transition temperature of the polymer in the nanocomposites were slightly higher compared to the neat polymer. Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Fotografieren in der vierten Dimension
Authors: Ehrmann Andrea , Błachowicz Tomasz
Published: May 2012

Plenoptische Kameras können das Lichtfeld einer Szenerie komplett inklusive der Richtung der einfallenden Lichtstrahlen erfassen. Mit dieser Information erzeugen sie Bilder, in denen sich nachträglich die Schärfeebene beliebig wählen lässt. Das macht sie etwa für die Sportfotografie interessant. Andere mögliche Anwendungen des Prinzips sind dreidimensionale Bilder und 3D‐Fernsehen, Bilder mit durchgehend hoher Tiefenschärfe zur Materialprüfung oder die Erhöhung der Tiefenschärfe in der Mikroskopie. Erste Kameras mit akzeptabler Auflösung sind kommerziell erhältlich. Aktuelle Prototypen belegen, dass eine weitere deutliche Steigerung der Auflösung möglich ist.
Molekülleuchten in einer OLED
Authors: Nothaft Maximilian
Published: May 2012

Organische Leuchtdioden (OLEDs) basieren auf kleinen Molekülen oder Polymeren, auf denen bei Anlegen einer elektrischen Spannung Ladungen rekombinieren und dabei Licht aussenden. Eine zusätzliche Dotierung mit Fremdmolekülen eröffnet die Möglichkeit, diese Emissionseigenschaften gezielt anzupassen. Unserer Kooperation von Wissenschaftlern der Universitäten in Stuttgart, Ulm und Würzburg ist es kürzlich erstmals gelungen, ein einzelnes Dotierungsmolekül zur Emission einzelner Photonen anzuregen. Dies ebnet den Weg zu nanoskopischen Photonenquellen, die bei Raumtemperatur arbeiten und Anwendungen in der Quanteninformation versprechen.
Theoretical study of substituent effects on the gas‐phase stabilities of phenoxide anions
Authors: Nakata Kazuhide , Fujio Mizue , Nishimoto Kichisuke , Tsuno Yuho
Published: May 2012

Relative gas‐phase stabilities of 25 kinds of ring‐substituted phenoxide anions were determined theoretically using proton transfer reactions. The energies and geometries of phenoxide anions and their corresponding phenols, which are involved in the reactions, were calculated at the B3LYP/6‐311+G(2d,p) level of theory. The comparison of the obtained substituent effects with those of benzylic anions revealed that the stabilities of phenoxide anions were governed by the inductive effect and two additive effects of ring substituents in a manner similar to that of benzylic anions. Statistical analyses elucidated that the behavior of the substituent effects of phenoxide anions as well as benzylic anions can be described quantitatively by three terms using an extended Yukawa‐Tsuno equation: . Through examinations of the structural changes and charge distributions in the anions, these additional effects were identified as the resonance and saturation effects, which stabilize anions by the para + R groups and the electron‐releasing groups, respectively. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Evaluation of the intestinal current measurement method as a diagnostic test for cystic fibrosis
Authors: Cohen‐Cymberknoh Malena , Yaakov Yasmin , Shoseyov David , Shteyer Eyal , Schachar Edna , Rivlin Joseph , Bentur Lea , Picard Elie , Aviram Micha , Israeli Eran , Kerem Eitan , Wilschanski Michael
Published: May 2012

Background

The sweat test and nasal potential difference measurement are now established tools in the diagnostic work up of cystic fibrosis (CF). Intestinal current measurement (ICM) is under consideration as an aid in the diagnosis of CF especially in young children. The aim of this study is to evaluate the diagnostic reliability of ICM.

Methods

Rectal biopsies were obtained from three groups: CF patients, controls, and patients who were suspected for CF. ICMs were performed by mounting the rectal biopsy in an Ussing chamber and sequentially adding secretagogues while recording current changes.

Results

Twenty‐one CF patients (aged 3.0 ± 3.8 years) and 16 controls (aged 15.6 ± 15.1 years) were examined and have remarkably different results (presented as µA/cm2): carbachol 16.3 ± 6.9, histamine 13.2 ± 8.9, and cAMP/forskolin 4.8 ± 4.0 for control group and carbachol −1.5 ± 5.3 (P < 0.0001), histamine −1.5 ± 3.1 (P < 0.0001), and cAMP/forskolin 0.36 ± 0.67 (P < 0.0001) for the CF group. Our suggested reference values are: +5.40, +3.52, +2.19 for carbachol, histamine, and cAMP/forskolin, respectively. The combination parameter (the arithmetic sum of carbachol, histamine, and cAMP/forskolin) of +7.19 differentiates normal from abnormal (ROC curve analysis, area under the curve = 1.00, both sensitivity and specificity are 100%). This statistical model was applied to 71 patients suspected for CF and revealed that 66 patients had normal ICM results (combination >7.19) and five patients had abnormal ICM results (combination <7.19).

Conclusion

We have shown that ICM tests may be useful to differentiate between patients suspected to have CF. These results require confirmation so that ICM may be included in diagnostic algorithms. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2013; 48:229–235. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.