bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nitrate removal from water by quaternized pine bark using choline based ionic liquid analogue
Authors: Karachalios Antonis , Wazne Mahmoud
Published: July 2012

BACKGROUND: The objective of this study was to quaternize pine bark (PB) wood residues using green chemistry and to use the quaternized PB to remove nitrate (NO3−) from water. The quaternization process was achieved by reacting the wood residues with an ionic liquid analogue comprised of a choline chloride derivative and urea. Batch adsorption tests were used to delineate the NO3− uptake by the modified pine bark (MPB). Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis and Zeta potential measurements were used to characterize the changes at the surface of the PB due to quaternization and NO3− uptake.

RESULTS: The MPB has a maximum NO3− uptake capacity of 2.91 mmol g−1. The NO3− uptake kinetics indicated that diffusion through the boundary layer of the MPB was the rate limiting step. The Langmuir adsorption model provided a better fit for the uptake data than the Freundlich model, indicating monolayer adsorption. The uptake process was found dependent on concentration, pH and ionic strength, and was also spontaneous and exothermic. The desorption–regeneration experimental results indicated a 95% efficiency after five consecutive regeneration cycles.

CONCLUSIONS: The quaternization technique was found very effective for developing effective and green anion exchange resins to remove NO3− from water. © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Low molecular weight liquid media development for Lactobacilli producing bacteriocins
Authors: Zacharof Myrto‐Panagiota , Lovitt Robert W.
Published: July 2012

BACKGROUND

Contemporary purification techniques of Lactobacilli bacteriocins include chemical precipitation and separation through solvents to obtain highly potent semi‐purified bacteriocins. These methods are laborious and bacteriocin yields are low. To address this problem a set of new, efficient, cost effective media, was created, containing low molecular weight nutrient sources (LMWM). Using these media future separation and concentration of the desired metabolic products, using ultra‐ and nano‐filtration from the cultured broth was possible.

RESULTS

The LMWM were made through serial filtration (filters varying in pore size 30 kDa, 4 kDa and 1 kDa MWCO) of a modified optimum liquid medium for Lactobacilli growth. The developed media were tested for bacteriocin production and biomass growth, using three known bacteriocin‐producing Lactobacilli strains, Lactobacillus casei NCIMB 11970, Lactobacillus plantarum NCIMB 8014, Lactobacillus lactis NCIMB 8586. All were successfully grown (µmax 0.16 to 0.18 h−1) on the LMWM and produced a significant amount of bacteriocins in the range 110 to 130 IU mL−1.

CONCLUSIONS

LMWM do support Lactobacilli growth and bacteriocin production, establishing an alternative to the current production nutrient media. The uptake of the nutrient sources is facilitated as nitrogen sources, which were primarily responsible for growth, were supported in less complex forms. Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Expression of Calcium Transport Proteins in the Extraembryonic Membranes of a Viviparous Snake, virginia striatula
Authors: FREGOSO SANTIAGO P. , STEWART JAMES R. , ECAY TOM W.
Published: July 2012

Yolk is the primary source of calcium for embryonic growth and development for most squamates, irrespective of mode of parity. The calcified eggshell is a secondary source for embryonic calcium in all oviparous eggs, but this structure is lost in viviparous lineages. Virginia striatula is a viviparous snake in which embryos obtain calcium from both yolk and placental transport of uterine calcium secretions. The developmental pattern of embryonic calcium acquisition in V. striatula is similar to that for oviparous snakes. Calbindin‐D28K is a marker for epithelial calcium transport activity and plasma membrane Ca2+‐ATPase (PMCA) provides the energy to catalyze the final step in calcium transport. Expression of calbindin‐D28K and PMCA was measured by immunoblotting in yolk sac splanchnopleure and chorioallantois of a developmental series of V. striatula to test the hypothesis that these proteins mediate calcium transport to embryos. In addition, we compared the expression of calbindin‐D28K in extraembryonic membranes of V. striatula throughout development to a previously published expression pattern in an oviparous snake to test the hypothesis that the ontogeny of calcium transport function is independent of reproductive mode. Expression of calbindin‐D28K increased in yolk sac splanchnopleure and chorioallantois coincident with calcium mobilization from yolk and uterine sources and with embryonic growth. The amount of PMCA in the chorioallantois did not change through development suggesting its expression is not rate limiting for calcium transport. The pattern of expression of calbindin‐D28K and PMCA confirms our initial hypothesis that these proteins mediate embryonic calcium uptake. In addition, the developmental pattern of calbindin‐D28K expression in V. striatula is similar to that of an oviparous snake, which suggests that calcium transport mechanisms and their regulation are independent of reproductive mode. J. Exp. Zool. (Mol. Dev. Evol.) 318:250–256, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The “Eyes absent” (eya) Gene in the Eye‐Bearing Hydrozoan Jellyfish Cladonema radiatum: Conservation of the Retinal Determination Network
Authors: GRAZIUSSI DARIA FEDERICA , SUGA HIROSHI , SCHMID VOLKER , GEHRING WALTER JAKOB
Published: July 2012

Eyes absent (Eya) is a member of the Retinal Determination Gene Network (RDGN), a set of genes responsible for eye specification in Drosophila. Eya is a dual function protein, working as a transcription factor in the nucleus and as a tyrosine phosphatase in the cytoplasm. It had been shown that Pax and Six family genes, main components of the RDGN, are present in the hydrozoan Cladonema radiatum and that they are expressed in the eye. However, nothing had been known about the Eya family in hydrozoan jellyfish. Here we report the presence of an Eya homologue (CrEya) in Cladonema. Real‐time PCR analysis and in situ hybridization showed that CrEya is expressed in the eye. Furthermore, the comprehensive survey of eukaryote genomes revealed that the acquisition of the N‐terminal transactivation domain, including the EYA Domain 2 and its adjacent sequence shared by all eumetazoans, happened early in evolution, before the separation of Cnidaria and Bilateria. Our results uncover the evolution of the two domains and show a conservation of the expression pattern of the Eya gene between Cnidaria and Bilateria, which, together with previous data, supports the hypothesis of the monophyletic origin of metazoans eyes. We additionally show that CrEya is also expressed in the oocytes, where two other members of the RDGN, CrPaxB, and Six4/5‐Cr, are known to be expressed. These data suggest that several members of the RDGN have begun to be localized also into the different context of egg development early in the course of metazoan evolution. J. Exp. Zool. (Mol. Dev. Evol.) 318:257–267, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The Père David's Deer MHC Class I Genes Show Unexpected Diversity Patterns, With Monomorphic Classical Genes but Polymorphic Nonclassical Genes and Pseudogenes
Authors: Zhang Pei , Kuang Ye‐ye , Wu Hai‐long , Li Ling , Ge Yun‐fa , Wan Qiu‐hong , Fang Sheng‐GUO
Published: July 2012

Père David's deer (Elaphurus davidianus) is a highly inbred species that arose from 11 founders but now comprises a population of about 3,000 individuals, making it interesting to investigate the adaptive variation of this species from the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) perspective. In this study, we isolated Elda‐MHC class I loci using magnetic bead‐based cDNA hybridization, and examined the molecular variations of these loci using single‐strand conformation polymorphism (SSCP) and sequence analysis. We obtained seven MHC class I genes, which we designated F1, F12, G2, I7, AF, I8, and C1. Our analyses of stop codons, phylogenetic trees, amino acid conservation, and G+C content revealed that F1, F12, G2, and I7 were classical genes, AF was a nonclassical gene, and I8 and C1 were pseudogenes. Our subsequent molecular examinations showed that the diversity pattern in the Père David's deer was unusual. Most mammals have more polymorphic classical class I loci vs. the nonclassical and neutral genes. In contrast, the Père David's deer was found to be monomorphic at classical genes F1, F12, G2, and I7, dimorphic at the nonclassical AF gene, dimorphic at pseudogene I8, and tetramorphic at pseudogene C1. The adverse polymorphism patterns of Elda‐I genes might provide evidence for selection too faster deplete MHC variation than drift in the bottlenecked populations, while the postbottleneck tetramorphism of the C1 pseudogene appears to be evidence of strong historical balancing selection. J. Exp. Zool. (Mol. Dev. Evol.) 318:294–307, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Ovarian follicular development in the hawksbill turtle (Cheloniidae: Eretmochelys imbricata L.)
Authors: Pérez‐Bermúdez Emir , Ruiz‐Urquiola Ariel , Lee‐González Idania , Petric Benjamin , Almaguer‐Cuenca Nilda , Sanz‐Ochotorena Ana , Espinosa–López Georgina
Published: July 2012

Ovarian follicular development is an essential process in the determination of maturation stages associated with size. This association acquires importance when managing populations of threatened species. We histologically processed 11 prepubescent ovaries, four pubescent ovaries, and one breeding adult ovary with vitellogenic follicles using specific staining techniques to identify the follicular stages of Eretmochelys imbricata. Follicular stages were compared with maturation stages [including straight carapace length (SCL)]. The ovary presented several germinal beds and a lacunar system less histochemically and morphologically heterogeneous than that of crocodiles. During previtellogenesis (four stages), the oocyte grows rapidly due to the strong transcriptional activity of lampbrush chromosomes and numerous nucleoli, and the strong metabolism associated with lipid synthesis. The Stage III ooplasm showed a Sudan positive band. This stage was the most frequent in all ovarian sections and it was independent of maximal follicular stage. Stage IV, more frequent in pubescent and adult ovaries, presented a lipid vacuole‐rich ooplasm and a broadening of the zona pellucida and the theca. The vitellogenesis begins with the penetration and accumulation of spherical glycoprotein yolk platelets and chemically neutral lipid droplets which are observed to be mixed, but spatially and chemically segregated. Both the yolk platelets and lipid droplets increase in size, density, and proximity to the periphery of the oocyte due to their coalescence. The SCL of the immature females did not determine the maximal follicular stage nor its frequency in the ovaries. Straight carapace length turned out to be an imprecise measure in identifying the presence of follicular stages in females larger than the minimum legal size limit in Cuba. Consequently, for a national conservation program to be successful, it must emphasize the critically endangered status of E. imbricata, as well as the maturity of the most frequent hawksbill sizes encountered in the Cuban archipelago fishery. J. Morphol. , 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Effect of chitosan coating on maintenance of aril quality, microbial population and PPO activity of pomegranate (Punica granatum L. cv. Tarom) at cold storage temperature
Authors: Ghasemnezhad Mahmood , Zareh Somayeh , Rassa Mehdi , Sajedi Reza H.
Published: July 2012

BACKGROUND: Chitosan edible coating was used in an attempt to extend the storage life of pomegranate arils during 12 days at 4 °C. Prior to storage, treated arils were dipped in 0.25, 0.5 and 1% (w/v) chitosan aqueous solutions and 1% (v/v) acetic acid for 1 min, while control arils were dipped in distilled water with 1% (v/v) acetic acid.

RESULTS: Chitosan coating inhibited bacterial and fungal growth on the surface of arils. The water content of arils coated with 0.5 and 1% chitosan was maintained during 12 days of storage. Chitosan reduced the increase in total soluble solids (TSS) and titratable acidity (TA) of arils during storage. The lowest TSS and TA were detected in arils coated with 0.5 and 1% chitosan, which maintained the highest TSS/TA ratio after 12 days of storage. In contrast, application of chitosan delayed the decrease in total phenolics, total anthocyanins and antioxidant capacity during storage. The results also showed that chitosan coating suppressed the monophenolase activity of polyphenol oxidase (PPO) with pyrogallol substrate and the diphenolase activity of PPO with dopamine hydrochloride substrate, but the diphenolase activity of PPO with pyrocatechol substrate increased during storage.

CONCLUSION: The results suggest that chitosan coating has the potential to extend the storage life of pomegranate arils by reducing the microbial population on their surface. Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Analysis of potential fumonisin‐producing Fusarium species in corn products from three main maize‐producing areas in eastern China
Authors: Zhang Liping , Wang Jiansheng , Zhang Chulong , Wang Qiaomei
Published: July 2012

BACKGROUND: Fusarium species are common fungal contaminants of maize and a number of them can produce mycotoxin fumonisins. China is one of the largest maize producers in the world. This study investigated the contamination of maize samples from three areas in eastern China by Fusarium and fumonisin‐producing fungi as well as their fumonisin‐producing potential.

RESULTS: A total of 22 Fusarium strains were isolated, 19 of which were able to produce fumonisin. Among the 19 strains, 16 belonged to F. verticillioides, two to F. subglutinans and one to F. proliferatum. The majority (17/19) of the fumonisin‐forming strains were high FB1 producers, which is a potential health risk for the population in these areas. Fusarium contamination in samples from the mideastern area was the most serious (11 Fusarium strains, with nine producing fumonisin, isolated from 24 samples), followed by the northeastern area (nine Fusarium strains, with all nine producing fumonisin, isolated from 21 samples) and the southeastern area (two Fusarium strains, with one producing fumonisin, isolated from 19 samples).

CONCLUSION: Although the overall levels of FBs and contamination by fumonisin‐producing fungi in corn samples were not serious, the contaminating Fusarium strains possessed fairly strong toxicogenic ability and potential risk for food safety. © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
1‐Methylcyclopropene effects on temporal changes of aroma volatiles and phytochemicals of fresh‐cut cantaloupe
Authors: Amaro Ana L , Fundo Joana F , Oliveira Ana , Beaulieu John C , Fernández‐Trujillo Juan Pablo , Almeida Domingos PF
Published: July 2012

BACKGROUND: Orange‐fleshed cantaloupe melons have intense aroma and flavor but are very perishable during storage life. Fresh‐cut processing enhances ethylene‐mediated quality losses. Post‐cutting 1‐methylcyclopene (1‐MCP) application to fresh‐cut cantaloupe was evaluated for its effects on quality attributes, phytochemical content and aroma volatiles.

RESULTS: Fresh‐cut cantaloupe (Cucumis melo var. cantalupensis ‘Fiesta’) cubes treated with 1.0 µL L−1 of 1‐MCP for 24 h at 5 °C, packaged in vented plastic clamshells and stored under normal atmosphere at 5 °C for 9 days, preserved their soluble solids, total phenolics, total carotenoids and β‐carotene contents, but significant softening occurred. A significant increase of non‐acetate esters and a decrease of aldehydes occurred during storage. Most quality attributes of fresh‐cut cantaloupe were unaffected by the treatment with 1‐MCP. 1‐MCP‐treated fresh‐cut cantaloupe accumulated higher levels of propyl acetate, 2‐methylbutyl acetate, methyl butanoate, methyl 2‐methyl butanoate, methyl hexanoate, 2‐methylbutyl alcohol and phenethyl alcohol, and lower levels of benzyl alcohol and heptanal than untreated controls.

CONCLUSION: Post‐cutting treatment with 1‐MCP affected nine of the flavor‐important volatiles, particularly those derived from the amino acids isoleucine and phenylalanine, but had no practical effect on phytochemicals or other quality attributes. © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Improvement in antioxidant activity, angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitory activity and in vitro cellular properties of fermented pepino milk by Lactobacillus strains containing the glutamate decarboxylase gene
Authors: Tsai‐Hsin Chiu , Shwu‐Jene Tsai , Tsung‐Yen Wu , Szu‐Chieh Fu , Yi‐Ting Hwang
Published: July 2012

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the functional potential of fermented pepino extract (PE) milk by Lactobacillus strains containing the glutamate decarboxylase (GAD) gene. Three Lactobacillus strains were selected, including L. brevis BCRC 12310, L. casei BCRC 14082 and L. salivarius subsp. salivarius BCRC 14759. The contents of free amino acids, total phenolics content, total carotenoids and the associated functional and antioxidant abilities were analyzed, including angiotensin‐converting enzyme (ACE) inhibition activity, 1,1‐diphenyl‐2‐picylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical‐scavenging ability and oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC). Cell proliferation of fermented PE milk was also evaluated by MTT (3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyltetrazolium bromide) assay.

RESULTS: Compared to the unfermented PE, fermented PE milk from Lactobacillus strains with the GAD gene showed higher levels of total phenolics, γ‐aminobutyric acid, ACE inhibitory activity, DPPH, and ORAC. The viability of human promyelocytic leukemia cells (HL‐60) determined by the MTT method decreased significantly when the cells were incubated with the PE and the fermented PE milk extracts.

CONCLUSION: The consumption of fermented PE milk from Lactobacillus strains with the GAD gene is expected to benefit health. Further application as a health food is worthy of investigation. © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Development, reliability, and validity of the posttraumatic stress disorder interview for vietnamese refugees: A diagnostic instrument for vietnamese refugees
Authors: Dao Tam K. , Poritz Julia M. P. , Moody Rachel P. , Szeto Kim
Published: July 2012

The Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Interview for Vietnamese Refugees (PTSD‐IVR) was created specifically to assess for the presence of current and lifetime history of premigration, migration, encampment, and postmigration traumas in Vietnamese refugees. The purpose of the present study was to describe the development of and investigate the interrater and test‐retest reliability of the PTSD‐IVR and its validity in relation to the diagnoses obtained from the Longitudinal, Expert, and All Data (LEAD; Spitzer, 1983) standard. Clinicians conducted the diagnosis process with 127 Vietnamese refugees using the LEAD standard and the PTSD‐IVR. Assessment of the reliability and validity of the PTSD‐IVR yielded good to excellent AUC (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve; .86, .87) and κ values (.66, .74) indicating the reliability of the PTSD‐IVR and the agreement between the LEAD procedure and the PTSD‐IVR. The results of the present study suggest that the PTSD‐IVR performs successfully as a diagnostic instrument specifically created for Vietnamese refugees in their native language.
The structure of peritraumatic dissociation: A cross validation in clinical and nonclinical samples
Authors: Sijbrandij Marit , Engelhard Iris M. , Opmeer Brent C. , van de Schoot Rens , Carlier Ingrid V. E. , Gersons Berthold P. R. , Olff Miranda
Published: July 2012

Empirical data have challenged the unidimensionality of the Peritraumatic Dissociative Experiences Questionnaire (PDEQ), a widely used measure for peritraumatic dissociation. The aim of this study was to assess the factor structure of the PDEQ in 3 trauma‐exposed samples: (a) trauma‐exposed police officers (N = 219); (b) trauma‐exposed civilians (N = 158); and (c) treatment‐seeking trauma‐exposed civilians (N = 185). Confirmatory factor analyses using measurement invariance testing supported a 2‐factor structure (CFIs .96–.98; RMSEAs .07–.09), but excluded 2 of the original items. Factor 1 was termed Altered Awareness; Factor 2 was termed Derealization. Altered Awareness reflected disturbances in information processing during the traumatic event, whereas Derealization reflected distortions in perception. Hierarchical linear regression analysis showed that Derealization predicted posttraumatic stress severity at 26.5 weeks follow‐up only in the sample of police officers (R2 = .45). Future longitudinal research shortly following trauma is required to elucidate causality and underlying mechanisms of peritraumatic dissociation, which may contribute to the development of more accurate screening strategies, as well as more effective strategies for prevention and early intervention.
The influence of comorbid MDD on outcome after residential treatment for veterans with PTSD and a history of TBI
Authors: Walter Kristen H. , Barnes Sean M. , Chard Kathleen M.
Published: July 2012

Among military personnel, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), major depressive disorder (MDD), and a history of traumatic brain injury (TBI) are frequently reported, highlighting the need for treatment outcome research with this population. This study examined the influence of the presence or absence of comorbid MDD on the outcome of a residential treatment program at the midpoint and end of the program for 47 male veterans with PTSD and a history of TBI. Results demonstrated significant decreases of self‐reported symptoms on the PTSD Checklist‐Stressor Specific Version (PCL‐S; MDD, d = 1.19; No MDD, d = 1.17) and the Beck Depression Inventory–II (BDI‐II; MDD, d = 0.98; No MDD, d = 1.09) following treatment for both groups. There were no differences in the rate of symptom reduction between groups. Individuals who also met criteria for MDD at pretreatment, however, evidenced higher scores on symptom measures at all assessment time points (ds = 0.60–1.25).
Is liver transplantation a risk factor for cardiovascular disease? a meta-analysis of observational studies
Authors: Madhwal Surabhi , Atreja Ashish , Albeldawdi Mazen , Lopez Rocio , Post Anthony , Costa Marco A.
Published: July 2012

Up to two-thirds of patients develop metabolic syndrome within the first 5 years after orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT). However, data on overall cardiovascular (CV) morbidity and mortality among OLT recipients and particularly those who develop metabolic syndrome remain elusive. A literature search using MEDLINE, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, and meeting abstracts (along with their bibliographies) was performed to identify studies. Data on ischemic CV events were extracted from each study and were used for pooled analyses. Overall pooled estimates and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the incidence of CV events and deaths were obtained with a random effects model. Twelve observational studies reporting CV outcomes for 4792 post-OLT recipients who were followed for 28,783 person-years were included. Pooled estimates showed that the 10-year risk of developing CV events among the post-OLT recipients was 13.6% (95% CI = 9%-8.1%). Pooled estimates from case-control studies showed that the post-OLT group had an approximately 64% greater risk of experiencing CV events than controls (standardized incidence ratio = 1.64, 95% CI = 1.18-2.20). Among OLT recipients, those with metabolic syndrome were approximately 4 times more likely to have a CV event [odds ratio (OR) = 4.01, 95% CI = 1.94-8.32] without any significant increase in all-cause mortality (OR = 1.15, 95% CI = 0.63-2.10). In conclusion, this systematic review suggests that OLT recipients and particularly those with metabolic syndrome have a high risk for CV events. However, the literature is limited and lacks high-quality studies. Future prospective studies are warranted to confirm these findings and determine whether aggressive risk-reduction strategies can attenuate the increased CV risk seen in this population. Liver Transpl 18:1140–1146, 2012. © 2012 AASLD.
Multi‐loci analysis reveals the importance of genetic variations in sensitivity of platinum‐based chemotherapy in non‐small‐cell lung cancer
Authors: Liu Li , Wu Jing , Zhong Rong , Wu Chen , Zou Li , Yang Beifang , Chen Wei , Zhu Beibei , Duan Shengyu , Yu Dianke , Tan Wen , Nie Shaofa , Lin Dongxin , Miao Xiaoping
Published: July 2012

Polymorphisms in DNA repair and apoptotic pathways may cause variations in chemosensitivity of non‐small‐cell lung cancer (NSCLC) through complex gene–gene and gene–environment interactions. A total of 200 advanced NSCLC patients who received platinum‐based chemotherapies were recruited. The short‐term clinical outcomes were classified as chemosensitive group, including complete remission (CR) and partial remission (PR), and chemoresistant group, namely stable disease (SD) and progression disease (PD) at the end of treatment. We applied multifactor dimensionality reduction (MDR), classification and regression tree (CART) and traditional logistic regression (LR) to explore high‐order gene–gene and gene–environment interactions among 11 functional single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), smoking status, cancer stages and treatment regimens in the response to chemotherapy. Multi‐loci analyses consistently indicated that interactions among XRCC1 Arg194Trp, XPC PAT, FAS G–1377A, and FASL T–844C were associated with sensitivity to platinum‐based chemotherapy. In MDR analysis, the four‐factor model yielded the highest test accuracy of 0.72 (permutation P = 0.001). In CART analysis, these four SNPs were the determinant nodes of the growth of regression tree. Patients carrying XRCC1 Arg194Arg, FAS–1377GG, and FASL–844T allele displayed completely no response to platinum, whereas patients with XRCC1 194Trp allele and XPC PAT +/+ had 68.8% response rate to platinum. In LR analysis, a significant gene–dosage effect was detected along with the increasing number of favorable genotypes of these four polymorphisms (Ptrend = 0.00002). Multi‐loci analysis reveals the importance of genetic variations involved in DNA repair and apoptotic pathways in sensitivity of platinum‐based chemotherapy in NSCLC. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A viable isolated tissue system: A tool for detailed MR measurements and controlled perturbation in physiologically stable tissue
Authors: Richardson S. , Siow B. , Batchelor A. M. , Lythgoe M. F. , Alexander D. C.
Published: July 2012

In vivo magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) assessment of neuronal tissue is prone to artifacts such as movement, pulsatile flow, and tissue susceptibility. Furthermore, stable in vivo scans of over 3 h are difficult to achieve, experimental design is therefore limited. Using isolated tissue maintained in a viable physiological state can mitigate many of these in vivo issues. This work describes the fabrication and validation of an MRI compatible viable isolated tissue maintenance chamber. Parameters measured from maintained rat optic nerves did not change significantly over 10 h: (i) mean axon radius [electron microscopy — 0 h: 0.75 ± 0.46; 5 h: 0.74 ± 0.35; 10 h: 0.76 ± 0.35 μm (P >> 0.05, t‐test], (ii) action potentials [grease‐gap electrophysiology − 4.89 ± 0.16 mv, (P >> 0.05, Pearson test], and (iii) diffusion tensor imaging parameters [fractional anisotropy: 0.86 ± 0.02 (P >> 0.05, Pearson test), mean diffusivity: 1.48E‐06 ± 9.74E‐08 cm2/s, (P >> 0.05, Pearson test)]. In addition, a thorough diffusion‐weighted MR protocol demonstrated the comparable stability of viable isolated and chemically fixed rat optic nerve. This MRI compatible viable isolated tissue system allows researchers to probe neuronal physiology in a controlled environment by limiting in vivo artifacts and allowing extended MRI acquisitions. Magn Reson Med, 2013. © 2012 The Authors Magnetic Resonance in Medicine published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine.
Phosphoglycerate mutase deficiency with tubular aggregates in a patient from panama
Authors: Salameh Johnny , Goyal Namita , Choudry Rabia , Camelo‐Piragua Sandra , Chong Peter Siao Tick
Published: July 2012

Introduction:

Phosphoglycerate mutase deficiency (PGAM) is a rare metabolic myopathy that results in terminal block in glycogenolysis. Clinically, patients with PGAM deficiency are asymptomatic, except when they engage in brief, strenuous efforts, which may trigger myalgias, cramps, muscle necrosis, and myoglobinuria. An unusual pathologic feature of PGAM deficiency is the association with tubular aggregates.

Methods:

We report an African‐American patient from Panama with partial deficiency of PGAM who presented with asymptomatic elevation of creatine kinase levels and tubular aggregates on muscle biopsy.

Results:

Muscle biopsies showed subsarcolemmal and sarcolemmal tubular aggregates in type 2 fibers. Muscle PGAM enzymatic activity was decreased and gene sequencing revealed a heterozygous mutation in codon 78 of exon 1 of the PGAM2 gene, which is located on the short arm of chromosome 7.

Conclusions:

PGAM deficiency has been reported in 14 patients, 9 of whom were of African‐American ethnicity, and in 5 (36%) tubular aggregates were seen on muscle biopsy. Contrary to previously reported cases, our patient was initially asymptomatic. This further expands the PGAM deficiency phenotype. Muscle Nerve, 2013
Reasons for using swelling ratio in sonographic diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome and a reliable method for its calculation
Authors: Ulaşli Alper Murat , Duymuş Mahmut , Nacir Bariş , Rana Erdem Hatice , Koşar Uğur
Published: July 2012

Introduction

The aim of this study was to investigate factors affecting median nerve cross‐sectional area (CSA) and determine a dependable swelling ratio (SR) calculation method.

Methods

Using ultrasonography, median nerve CSAs were measured at the tunnel inlet, midtunnel, and outlet, and at 4 cm and 12 cm proximal to the wrist. We used CSAmax as the largest of the tunnel measurements and calculated swelling ratios (SRs) by using the CSAmax. Sonographic measurements were correlated with electrophysiologic findings. We evaluated the effects of gender, weight, and height on median nerve thickness.

Results

We studied 95 wrists of 55 CTS patients and 48 wrists of 27 volunteers. Gender, weight, and height had effects on certain median nerve CSA measurements. CSAmax, SRmax4, and SRmax12 had superior correlations with electrophysiologic findings. The correlation between 4‐cm and 12‐cm median nerve CSAs was statistically significant (r = 0.879 and P < 0,001).

Conclusion

We have developed a reliable SR method considering factors affecting median nerve CSA. Muscle Nerve 47:396‐402, 2013
Split least‐squares finite element methods for non‐Fickian flow in porous media
Authors: Rui Hongxing , Guo Hui
Published: July 2012

In this article, we introduce two least‐squares finite element procedures for parabolic integro‐differential equations arising in the modeling of non‐Fickian flow in porous media. By selecting the least‐squares functional properly the presented procedure can be split into two independent subprocedures, one subprocedure is for the primitive unknown and the other is for the flux. The optimal order convergence analysis is established. Numerical examples are given to show the efficiency of the introduced schemes. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Numer Methods Partial Differential Eq, 2013
Photostabilizing efficiency of ultraviolet light stabilizers for rigid poly(vinyl chloride) against photo‐oxidation
Authors: Zhang Xiaofei , Pi Hong , Guo Shaoyun
Published: July 2012

The photostabilizing efficiency of different light stabilizers in poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) was investigated by discoloration, ultraviolet (UV) reflection experiment, Fourier transform infrared spectrum (FTIR), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The results show that the addition of light stabilizers can slow down discoloration of PVC. The UV reflection results verify that this change is due to the distribution of light stabilizers on irradiated surfaces, which can absorb (such as organic stabilizers) or reflect (such as titanium dioxide) UV light differently. The order of stabilizers that can slower the extent of discoloration is titanium dioxide (TiO2) > Tinuvin 234 (U4) > XT 833 (H2), U4 > Tinuvin 531 (U3) > Chimassorb 944 (H1), phenyl salicylate (U1). FTIR results show that the carbonyl group of pure PVC, TiO2, and H1‐doped PVC increases significantly, indicating that the photo‐oxidation reactions of these irradiated samples are relatively serious. The SEM results show that the surface damages of PVC doped with U2, U4, and H2 are somehow slighter, with only small holes or cavities on the surface, whereas the surfaces of pure PVC and H1‐doped PVC are full of big and deep holes and some holes or cavities of 10 μm are detected. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2013. © 2012 Society of Plastics Engineers
High impact poly(lactic acid)/poly(ethylene octene) blends prepared by reactive blending
Authors: Feng Yulin , Hu Yuexin , Yin Jinghua , Zhao Guiyan , Jiang Wei
Published: July 2012

Poly(ethylene octene) grafted with glycidyl methacrylate (POE‐g‐GMA) was prepared and used to toughen poly (lactic acid) (PLA) via reactive blending. It was found that the notched Izod impact strength of PLA/POE‐g‐GMA blends improved dramatically when the content of elastomer was higher than 10 wt%. Reactive compatibilization between PLA and POE‐g‐GMA were studied by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and “Molau test,” the results showed the end carboxyl groups of PLA reacted with the epoxide groups of POE‐g‐GMA during blending. This considerably improved the compatibilization, leading to better wetting of the dispersed phase by the PLA matrix and finer dispersed POE‐g‐GMA particles with narrow distribution. Moreover, the critical interparticle distance (Lc) of the dispersed domains for PLA/POE‐g‐GMA blends system at room temperature was also identified. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2013. © 2012 Society of Plastics Engineers
Calcium binding and allosteric signaling mechanisms for the sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ ATPase
Authors: Kekenes‐Huskey Peter M. , Metzger Vincent T. , Grant Barry J. , Andrew McCammon J.
Published: July 2012

The sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ ATPase (SERCA) is a membrane‐bound pump that utilizes ATP to drive calcium ions from the myocyte cytosol against the higher calcium concentration in the sarcoplasmic reticulum. Conformational transitions associated with Ca2+‐binding are important to its catalytic function. We have identified collective motions that partition SERCA crystallographic structures into multiple catalytically‐distinct states using principal component analysis. Using Brownian dynamics simulations, we demonstrate the important contribution of surface‐exposed, polar residues in the diffusional encounter of Ca2+. Molecular dynamics simulations indicate the role of Glu309 gating in binding Ca2+, as well as subsequent changes in the dynamics of SERCA's cytosolic domains. Together these data provide structural and dynamical insights into a multistep process involving Ca2+ binding and catalytic transitions.
Comparative analysis of periprostatic implantation and intracavernosal injection of human adipose tissue‐derived stem cells for erectile function recovery in a rat model of cavernous nerve injury
Authors: You Dalsan , Jang Myoung Jin , Lee Jiyeon , Suh Nayoung , Jeong In Gab , Sohn Dong Wan , Kim Sae Woong , Ahn Tai Young , Kim Choung‐Soo
Published: July 2012

BACKGROUND

We compared periprostatic implantation (PPI) and intracavernosal injection (ICI) of human adipose tissue‐derived stem cell (ADSC) to facilitate recovery of erectile function in a rat model of cavernous nerve (CN) injury.

METHODS

Bilateral CN dissection (BCND) was induced in Sprague–Dawley rats. After BCND 10 rats each were treated with PPI and/or ICI of ADSCs. After 4 weeks erectile responses to electric pelvic ganglion stimulation were studied. Each penis was evaluated in terms of the expression of neuronal nitric oxide synthase and smooth muscle content.

RESULTS

The ratio of maximal intracavernosal pressure to mean arterial pressure was significantly decreased in the BCND group (24.5%) compared to the sham group (64.2%). PPI and ICI significantly improved erectile function (46.7% and 47.9%, respectively) compared to the BCND group. A combination of PPI and ICI (42.5%) did not afford any incremental effect on erectile function. After stem cell therapy, the expression of neuronal nitric oxide synthase increased slightly in the ICI group without statistical relevance, whereas the PPI and combination groups showed marginally significant increases (P = 0.08). In both the PPI and ICI groups, the smooth muscle content was similar to the sham group. The combination group showed remarkable increase in smooth muscle content to an extent greater than that seen when either treatment was given alone, although statistically not significant.

CONCLUSION

PPI or ICI of ADSCs in a rat model of CN injury were equally effective in recovering penile erection, but may address different types of pathophysiology. Prostate 73: 278–286, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Indigenous climate knowledges
Authors: Smith Heather A. , Sharp Karyn
Published: July 2012

This article describes, assesses, and explains the growing status of indigenous knowledges (IKs) in climate science and politics. Informed by a critical environmental perspective we review the literature on traditional ecological knowledge (TEK), explore the contested nature of this concept, and identify the numerous epistemological obstacles to the appropriate and respectful inclusion of traditional ecological knowledge. While we believe that TEK and Western science are complementary, the inclusion of TEK in climate science and politics has been uneven. In support of our argument, we present a framework for assessment of degrees of inclusion of TEK and apply the framework to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), the Kyoto Protocol, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change's Fourth Assessment Report (AR4), and the Arctic Climate Impact Assessment (ACIA). We find that the UNFCCC and the Kyoto Protocol do not account for either indigenous peoples or indigenous people's knowledges. The AR4 includes some references to indigenous peoples but they are often buried in regional chapters. The ACIA is the most inclusive of all the documents examined and represents an important starting point for the inclusion of IKs. Based on the findings of our assessment, we conclude with recommendations for moving forward with greater inclusion of IKs. WIREs Clim Change 2011 DOI: 10.1002/wcc.185

This article is categorized under:

Social Status of Climate Change Knowledge > Sociology/Anthropology of Climate Knowledge
Overexpression of genes of the fatty acid biosynthetic pathway leads to accumulation of sterols in Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Shin Ga‐Hee , Veen Markus , Stahl Ulf , Lang Christine
Published: July 2012

Saccharomyces cerevisiae strains with deregulated sterol and fatty acid biosynthesis pathways were analysed for sterol and fatty acid content and mRNA profiles, with the aim of identifying interactions between lipid biosynthesis pathways. Acetyl CoA carboxylase ACC1 and fatty acid synthases FAS1/FAS2 were overexpressed in wild‐type and squalene‐overproducing strains. ACC1 overexpression led to decreased fatty acid content in the squalene‐overproducing strain (factor of 0.7), while sterols and squalene were increased (factor of 1.5). In the wild‐type strain, ACC1 overexpression led to increased levels of both fatty acids and squalene/sterols (factors of 4.0 and 1.7, respectively). This parallel activation of the two pathways seems to be due to transcriptional co‐regulation of ACC1 and HMG1. While FAS1 and FAS2 overexpression had no effect in the wild‐type strain, FAS2 overexpression induced significant increase of sterols and squalene (factors of 7.2 and 1.3, respectively) and a concomitant decrease of both saturated and unsaturated fatty acids in the squalene‐overproducing strain (factor of 0.6). The microarray expression profiles showed that genes upregulated in ACC1‐overexpressing strains are FAS1, ERG11, ERG28, ERG5, ERG2 and ERG20, supporting the observed increase of zymosterol and saturated fatty acids. The high ACC1 expression level due to overexpression correlated with increased transcript levels of sphingolipid and sterol biosynthesis genes. The relationship between was shown using the Pathway Studio™ program. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Survival Benefit of Palliative Gastrectomy in Gastric Cancer Patients with Peritoneal Metastasis
Authors: Tokunaga Masanori , Terashima Masanori , Tanizawa Yutaka , Bando Etsuro , Kawamura Taiichi , Yasui Hirofumi , Boku Narikazu
Published: July 2012

Background

The survival benefit of palliative gastrectomy in patients with peritoneal metastasis as a single incurable factor remains unclear.

Methods

A total of 148 gastric cancer patients with peritoneal metastasis underwent gastrectomy or chemotherapy at the Shizuoka Cancer Center between September 2002 and December 2008 and were included in this study. The effects of gastrectomy and chemotherapy on their long‐term outcome were investigated. Multivariate analysis was also performed to identify independent prognostic factors.

Results

Gastrectomy was performed in 82 patients and subsequent chemotherapy was administered to 55. Chemotherapy was selected as an initial treatment for 66 patients. Median survival time (MST) was identical between patients with and without gastrectomy (13.1 vs. 12.0 months; P = 0.410). Conversely, MST was significantly longer in patients who received chemotherapy (13.7 months) than those who did not (7.1 months; P = 0.048). According to the results of multivariate analysis, chemotherapy (hazards ratio [HR] = 0.476; 95 % CI = 0.288–0.787) was selected as an independent prognostic factor, while gastrectomy was not.

Conclusions

The results of the present study did not show a survival benefit of palliative gastrectomy in selected patients with peritoneal metastasis. Instead, chemotherapy has to be considered as an initial treatment for these patients.
Evaluating Medical Marijuana Dispensary Policies: Spatial Methods for the Study of Environmentally‐Based Interventions
Authors: Freisthler Bridget , Kepple Nancy J. , Sims Revel , Martin Scott E.
Published: July 2012

In 1996, California was the first state to pass a Compassionate Use Act allowing for the legal use of marijuana for medical purposes. Here we review several current policy and land use environmental interventions designed to limit problems related to the influx of medical marijuana dispensaries across California cities. Then we discuss the special challenges, solutions, and techniques used for studying the effects of these place‐based policies. Finally, we present some of the advanced spatial analytic techniques that can be used to evaluate the effectiveness of environmental interventions, such as those related to reducing problems associated with the proliferation of medical marijuana dispensaries. Further, using data from a premise survey of all the dispensaries in Sacramento, this study will examine what characteristics and practices of these dispensaries are related to crime within varying distances from the dispensaries (e.g., 100, 250, 500, and 1,000 feet). We find that some security measures, such as security cameras and having a door man outside, implemented by medical marijuana dispensary owners might be effective at reducing crime within the immediate vicinity of the dispensaries.
Optimal Designs for the Rasch Model
Authors: Grasshoff Ulrike , Holling Heinz , Schwabe Rainer
Published: July 2012

In this paper, optimal designs will be derived for estimating the ability parameters of the Rasch model when difficulty parameters are known. It is well established that a design is locally D-optimal if the ability and difficulty coincide. But locally optimal designs require that the ability parameters to be estimated are known. To attenuate this very restrictive assumption, prior knowledge on the ability parameter may be incorporated within a Bayesian approach. Several symmetric weight distributions, e.g., uniform, normal and logistic distributions, will be considered. Furthermore, maximin efficient designs are developed where the minimal efficiency is maximized over a specified range of ability parameters.
Clinical and pathological staging of the cancer at the nanoscale
Authors: Moawad Emad Y.
Published: July 2012

Clinical staging model at the nanoscale (CSMN) has been performed on adenocarcinoma of the colon from five patients ranging in age from 57 to 76 years based on determining their malignant size, estimating their doubling time through imaging techniques, and thus by measuring the average of the tumor nanoparticle doubling time their histologic grade has been identified at the nanoscale. Another two pathologic staging models at the nanoscale PSM [H-3] N and PSM [C-14] N for evaluating the histologic grade have been performed on those tumors based on the in vitro measuring of cell proliferating of tumor slices by either of the [H-3] tritiated and [C-14] thymidine incorporation hypothesizing in PSM [H-3] N that the malignant fraction of the detected tumor is the unlabeled fraction of the tumor by the [H-3] tritiated thymidine, while positing in PSM [C-14] N that the percentage increase of the tumor nanoparticle doubling time than that of the normal tissue at the Natural Background Radiation is equivalent to the percentage deficit of [C-14] incorporation in tumor cells. The consistency of results of the three staging models has been analyzed using ANOVA. Identical histologic grades have been identified by the three staging models for tumors of early stages (p < 0.0001). While for those of advanced disease, evaluation of the histologic grade was identical by CSMN and PSM [H-3] N only (p < 0.0001), whereas was invalid by PSM [C-14] N.
Conformal deformations of the Ebin metric and a generalized Calabi metric on the space of Riemannian metrics
Authors: Clarke Brian , Rubinstein Yanir A.
Published: July 2012

We consider geometries on the space of Riemannian metrics conformally equivalent to the widely studied Ebin

L^{2}

metric. Among these we characterize a distinguished metric that can be regarded as a generalization of Calabiʼs metric on the space of Kähler metrics to the space of Riemannian metrics, and we study its geometry in detail. Unlike the Ebin metric, its geodesic equation involves non-local terms, and we solve it explicitly by using a constant of the motion. We then determine its completion, which gives the first example of a metric on the space of Riemannian metrics whose completion is strictly smaller than that of the Ebin metric.