bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Serum Lipid Hydroperoxide Levels and Paraoxonase Activity in Patients With Lung, Breast, and Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Balci H. , Genc H. , Papila C. , Can G. , Papila B. , Yanardag H. , Uzun H.
Published: May 2012

Objectives

The objectives of this article are to investigate the serum lipid hydroperoxide (LOOH) levels and paraoxonase‐1 (PON1) and arylesterase (ARE) activity in patients with lung, breast, and colorectal cancer.

Design and methods

Serum PON1 and ARE activities and LOOH levels were measured in 110 patients with cancer and same number of age‐ and sex‐matched controls.

Results

Serum LOOH levels were found to be increased while serum PON1 and ARE activities were found to be decreased in patients compared to controls. PON1 activity was found to be lower in patients with breast cancer than in patients with lung and colorectal cancer. There were positive correlations between the serum PON1 and ARE activities in patients with colorectal cancer.

Conclusion

We concluded that decreased PON1 and ARE activities and increased LOOH levels might have a connection to carcinogenesis. PON1 activity is decreased in all patients but it does not seem to be related to metastase status except for colorectal cancer. J. Clin. Lab. Anal. 26:155‐160, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Molecular imaging of adrenal neoplasms
Authors: Chen Clara C. , Carrasquillo Jorge A.
Published: May 2012

The adrenal glands are complex structures from which a variety of benign and malignant tumors may arise and are a common site of metastatic disease. Several radiopharmaceuticals are used for imaging the adrenals, including I‐123/I‐131 metaiodobenzylguanidine (MIBG), norcholesterol derivatives, In‐111 pentetreotide and Ga‐68 somatostatin analogs, [F‐18]fluorodeoxyglucose, [F‐18]fluorodopa, [F‐18]fluorodopamine, C‐11 meta hydroxyephedrine, and C‐11/F‐18/I‐123 Metomidate (MTO) or its analogs. In this review we focus on the role of these reagents in metastatic lesions, cortical neoplasms, pheochromocytoma/paraganglioma, and neuroblastoma (NB). J. Surg. Oncol. 2012; 106:532–542. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Reconstructing the past from imprecise knowledge of the present: Effective non‐uniqueness in solving parabolic equations backward in time
Authors: Carasso Alfred S.
Published: May 2012

Identifying sources of ground water pollution and deblurring astronomical galaxy images are two important applications generating growing interest in the numerical computation of parabolic equations backward in time. However, while backward uniqueness typically prevails in parabolic equations, the precise data needed for the existence of a particular backward solution is seldom available. This paper discusses previously unexplored non‐uniqueness issues, originating from trying to reconstruct a particular solution from imprecise data. Explicit 1D examples of linear and nonlinear parabolic equations are presented, in which there is strong computational evidence for the existence of distinct solutions wred(x,t) and wgreen(x,t), on  0 ≤ t ≤ 1. These solutions have the property that the traces wred(x,1) and wgreen(x,1) at time t = 1 are close enough to be visually indistinguishable, while the corresponding initial values wred(x,0) and wgreen(x,0) are vastly different, well‐behaved, physically plausible functions, with comparable L2 norms. This implies effective non‐uniqueness in the recovery of wred(x,0) from approximate data for wred(x,1). In all these examples, the Van Cittert iterative procedure is used as a tool to discover unsuspected, valid, additional solutions wgreen(x,0). This methodology can generate numerous other examples and indicates that multidimensional problems are likely to be a rich source of striking non‐uniqueness phenomena. Published 2012. This article is a US Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.
Effects of plant sterols and stanols on intestinal cholesterol metabolism: Suggested mechanisms from past to present
Authors: Smet Els De , Mensink Ronald P. , Plat Jogchum
Published: May 2012

Plant sterols and stanols are natural food ingredients found in plants. It was already shown in 1950 that they lower serum low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL‐C) concentrations. Meta‐analysis has reported that a daily intake of 2.5 g plant sterols/stanols reduced serum LDL‐C concentrations up to 10%. Despite many studies, the underlying mechanism remains to be elucidated. Therefore, the proposed mechanisms that have been presented over the past decades will be described and discussed in the context of the current knowledge. In the early days, it was suggested that plant sterols/stanols compete with intestinal cholesterol for incorporation into mixed micelles as well as into chylomicrons. Next, the focus shifted toward cellular processes. In particular, a role for sterol transporters localized in the membranes of enterocytes was suggested. All these processes ultimately lowered intestinal cholesterol absorption. More recently, the existence of a direct secretion of cholesterol from the circulation into the intestinal lumen was described. First results in animal studies suggested that plant sterols/stanols activate this pathway, which also explains the increased fecal neutral sterol content and as such could explain the cholesterol‐lowering activity of plant sterols/stanols.
Time homogenization for clays subjected to large numbers of cycles
Authors: Papon A. , Yin Z.‐Y. , Riou Y. , Hicher P.‐Y.
Published: May 2012

This paper discusses the reliability and the efficiency of a time homogenization method employed to reduce the computational time during cyclic loading for two common geotechnical tests and two elastoplastic models for clays. The method of homogenization is based upon splitting time into two separate scales. The first time scale relates to the period of cyclic loading and the second to the characteristic time of the fatigue phenomenon. The time homogenization method is applied to simulate an undrained triaxial test (homogeneous stress state) and a pressuremeter test (nonhomogeneous stress state) under one‐way cyclic loading on normally consolidated clay. This method is coupled with two elastoplastic models dedicated to cyclic behavior of clay (a bounding surface plasticity model and a bubble model). Both linear and nonlinear elasticities are considered. The difficulty encountered when applying this method to models introducing nonlinear elasticity and kinematic hardening is pointed out. The performance of time homogenization related to the main parameters is numerically investigated by comparison with conventional finite element simulations. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Durable immune response to inactivated H1N1 vaccine is less likely in children with sickle cell anemia receiving chronic transfusions
Authors: Purohit Saroj , Alvarez Ofelia , O'Brien Robert , Andreansky Samita
Published: May 2012

Background

Defects in the immune system may affect vaccine responsiveness. Because of the splenic hypofunction and abnormal opsonic activity, it was unknown whether patients with sickle cell disease (SCD) would respond appropriately to H1N1 vaccination. The objective of this study was to assess seroprotective post‐vaccine H1N1 antibody response in children with SCD.

Procedure

Serum antibody titers were measured by hemagglutination inhibition and microneutralization (MN) assays. Correlations were established between clinical and treatment parameters and immune response.

Results

Twenty‐nine of 38 (76.3%) subjects (mean age 11 ± 5.4 years) had durable protective antibody titers 8 ± 1.6 months (range 5–12 months) post‐vaccination. Lessened immune response was not associated with time interval from vaccination, splenectomy, or hydroxyurea treatment. Lack of antibody response was associated with age less than 3 years and treatment with chronic transfusions. Of the nine non‐responders, seven were on chronic transfusions (39% unresponsiveness rate in the transfused group). The difference in the number of patients with seropositivity between the non‐transfused and the transfused groups was statistically significant (P = 0.039).

Conclusions

Most subjects were able to mount an influenza‐specific antibody response against the inactivated H1N1 vaccine. Similar to the general population, children less than 3 years were less likely to respond. In addition, patients on chronic transfusions were less likely to respond when compared to non‐transfused children. Clinicians should be aware of the possibility of decreased vaccine response in patients with SCD on chronic transfusions. We postulate that transfusion‐related immunomodulation (TRIM) may be related to decreased response. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2012; 59: 1280–1283. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Effect of a hybrid compatibilizer on the mechanical properties and interfacial tension of a ternary blend with polypropylene, poly(lactic acid), and a toughening modifier
Authors: Lee Hyun Sup , Kim Jong Duk
Published: May 2012

This study examined the effect of three compatibilizers, namely, a hybrid compatibilizer composed of polypropylene‐maleic anhydride (PP‐g‐MAH) and polyethylene‐glycidyl methacrylate (PE‐g‐GMA), a single compatibilizer composed of PP‐g‐MAH, and a single compatibilizer composed of PE‐g‐GMA, on the mechanical, morphological, and rheological properties of a ternary blend of polypropylene (PP), poly(lactic acid; PLA), and a toughening modifier. The results of tensile strength, flexural strength, and impact strength tests for the ternary blends before and after hydrolysis, revealed that the ternary blend with a hybrid compatibilizer content of 3 phr exhibited better material properties than the blend containing a single compatibilizer. In the weighted relaxation spectra of the ternary blend using the Palierne emulsion model, the ternary blend containing the hybrid compatibilizer, exhibited only one relaxation spectrum peak at ∼ 0.16 s. This result suggests that the ternary blend with the hybrid compatibilizer exhibits uncharacteristic morphological properties, that is, a single‐phase microstructure. The above results suggest that the hybrid mixture is an effective compatibilizer for the ternary blend of PP, PLA, and a toughening modifier. POLYM. COMPOS., 2012. © 2012 Society of Plastics Engineers
Disinfection Through Different Textiles Using Low‐Temperature Atmospheric Pressure Plasma
Authors: Zimmermann Julia L. , Shimizu Tetsuji , Boxhammer Veronika , Morfill Gregor E.
Published: May 2012

A series of experiments to investigate the bactericidal efficiency of plasmas acting through porous obstacles was conducted. The purpose was to assess the potential of cold atmospheric plasmas (CAP) for disinfecting and sterilizing objects through different materials, which can open up broad application fields in medicine, hygiene, and packaging. The plasma source was a surface micro‐discharge (SMD) device operating in the atmosphere under ambient temperature and humidity. A 105–106 reduction of Escherichia coli cultures on agar plates was achieved within 60–120 s of plasma application, depending on the material that had to be penetrated (Tyvek, KC fleece, a paper envelope and a medical compress) and on the distance between the bacteria layer and the SMD electrode. Compared with an “open” plasma treatment (without an obstacle) the efficiency was decreased by about a factor 2, a result compatible with the porosity of the materials used. An unexpected finding was that the bactericidal effect was identical with the “open” plasma results when the porous obstacle was placed directly on the electrode. This suggests that the CAP microdischarges were then actually located on the other side of the obstacle – the one not facing the electrode.

magnified image
Bond formation in diatomic transition metal hydrides: Insights from the analysis of domain‐averaged fermi holes
Authors: Cooper David L. , Ponec Robert
Published: May 2012

The analysis of domain‐averaged Fermi holes (DAFHs) is used to provide detailed insights into the electron reorganization that accompanies the splitting of the bonding electron pairs in simple diatomic transition metal hydrides MH (M = Sc–Cr). The dissociation process is followed by monitoring the geometry dependence of the dominant DAFH functions, as well as their populations and overlaps. In addition to providing a highly appealing visual picture of the geometry‐induced changes in the bonding interactions, the DAFH approach clearly confirms the close link between the progress of the dissociation and the extent of electron sharing. The results of the various DAFH analyses straightforwardly reveal the anticipated close parallel in the nature of the MH bonds in the different systems studied, as well as the smooth character of the splitting of the associated shared electron pairs. In addition to a very basic resemblance between the different cases, subtle differences are revealed for individual systems. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The electronic spectrum of AgBr2: Ab initio benchmark calculations on the 2Πu and 2Σu+ charge transfer states including spin‐orbit effects
Authors: Ramírez‐Solís A.
Published: May 2012

The 2Πu and 2Σu+ charge transfer (CT) states of AgBr2 have been studied through benchmark ab initio HF, complete active space SCF, CASPT2, NEVPT2, and averaged coupled pair functional (ACPF) multireference calculations using especially developed valence basis sets to study the transition energies, geometries, vibrational frequencies, and Mulliken charges. The spin‐orbit (SO) effects have been included through the effective Hamiltonian formalism using the ACPF energies as |ΛSΣ> diagonal elements. The equilibrium Ag–Br distance for both CT states is larger than that of the X2Πg ground state. The ACPF adiabatic excitation energies of the 2Πu and 2Σu+ states are 4620 and 7006 cm‐1, respectively. Using previous ACPF benchmark studies showing that the 2Δg ligand field (LF) state lies more than 20,000 cm‐1 above the ground state, these new results lead to the following energetic ordering for the five lowest electronic states of AgBr2: X2Πg, 2Σg+, 2Πu, 2Σu+, and 2Δg, in sharp contradiction with Hartree–Fock theory. When considering the coupling of the LF and CT states, the inclusion of the SO effects leads to a pure Ω = 3/2 (X2Πg) ground state, Ω = 1/2 (92% 2Πg + 8% 2Σg+) A state, Ω = 3/2 (pure 2Πu) B state, Ω = 1/2 (68% 2Πu+32% 2Σu+) C state, Ω = 1/2 (8% 2Πg + 92% 2Σg+) D state, and an Ω = 1/2 (32% 2Πu + 68% 2Σu+) E state. We present here what we consider the most complete and accurate account of the electronic spectrum of AgBr2. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Room‐temperature diffusion coefficients for oxygen and water in UO2 matrices: a SIMS study
Authors: Marchetti I. , Carbol P. , Himbert J. , Belloni F. , Fanghänel T.
Published: May 2012

To understand the mechanism of fuel oxidation, in the event of exposure of spent nuclear fuel to groundwater in a final repository, the key parameters are the diffusion coefficients for oxygen and water in UO2. In the temperature range relevant for geological disposal (20–100 °C), we conducted static corrosion experiments, for 3–6 months, with 18O‐labelled water on different UO2 matrices (single‐crystal, polycrystalline UO2, SIMFUEL) so that we could evaluate the penetration of the 18O‐tracer by means of secondary ion mass spectrometry depth profiling, measuring the 18O/16O ratio. Fick's second law was applied to fit the diffusion profiles in the single crystal and to determine the chemical diffusion coefficient of oxygen, which was found to be in good agreement with the Arrhenius plot extrapolation from high‐temperature literature data. Profiles of polycrystalline UO2 could be fitted with the Levine–MacCallum model, showing that grain boundaries behave like high‐diffusivity paths. The presence of secondary phases precipitated along the grain boundaries, as in the case of SIMFUEL, showed a hindering effect for this grain‐boundary diffusion, reducing the measured penetration depth. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
High Basal γH2AX Levels Sustain Self-Renewal of Mouse Embryonic and Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells
Authors: Turinetto Valentina , Orlando Luca , Sanchez-Ripoll Yolanda , Kumpfmueller Benjamin , Storm Michael P. , Porcedda Paola , Minieri Valentina , Saviozzi Silvia , Accomasso Lisa , Cibrario Rocchietti Elisa , Moorwood Kim , Circosta Paola , Cignetti Alessandro , Welham Melanie J. , Giachino Claudia
Published: May 2012

Phosphorylation of histone H2AX (γH2AX) is known to be the earliest indicator of DNA double-strand breaks. Recently, it has been shown that mouse embryonic stem cells (mESCs) have very high basal levels of γH2AX, even when they have not been exposed to genotoxic agents. As the specialized role of high basal γH2AX levels in pluripotent stem cells is still debated, we investigated whether H2AX phosphorylation is important in maintaining self-renewal of these cells. Here, we report that not only mESCs but also mouse-induced pluripotent stem cells (miPSCs), have high basal levels of γH2AX. We show that basal γH2AX levels decrease upon ESC and iPSC differentiation and increase when the cells are treated with self-renewal-enhancing small molecules. We observe that self-renewal activity is highly compromised in H2AX−/− cells and that it can be restored in these cells through reconstitution with a wild-type, but not a phospho-mutated, H2AX construct. Taken together, our findings suggest a novel function of H2AX that expands the knowledge of this histone variant beyond its role in DNA damage and into a new specialized biological function in mouse pluripotent stem cells.
Neuronal Properties, In Vivo Effects, and Pathology of a Huntington's Disease Patient-Derived Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells
Authors: Jeon Iksoo , Lee Nayeon , Li Jia-Yi , Park In-Hyun , Park Kyoung Sun , Moon Jisook , Shim Sung Han , Choi Chunggab , Chang Da-Jeong , Kwon Jihye , Oh Seung-Hun , Shin Dong Ah , Kim Hyun Sook , Do Jeong Tae , Lee Dong Ryul , Kim Manho , Kang Kyung-Sun , Daley George Q. , Brundin Patrik , Song Jihwan
Published: May 2012

Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) generated from somatic cells of patients can be used to model different human diseases. They may also serve as sources of transplantable cells that can be used in novel cell therapies. Here, we analyzed neuronal properties of an iPSC line derived from a patient with a juvenile form of Huntington's disease (HD) carrying 72 CAG repeats (HD-iPSC). Although its initial neural inducing activity was lower than that of human embryonic stem cells, we found that HD-iPSC can give rise to GABAergic striatal neurons, the neuronal cell type that is most susceptible to degeneration in HD. We then transplanted HD-iPSC-derived neural precursors into a rat model of HD with a unilateral excitotoxic striatal lesion and observed a significant behavioral recovery in the grafted rats. Interestingly, during our in vitro culture and when the grafts were examined at 12 weeks after transplantation, no aggregate formation was detected. However, when the culture was treated with a proteasome inhibitor (MG132) or when the cells engrafted into neonatal brains were analyzed at 33 weeks, there were clear signs of HD pathology. Taken together, these results indicate that, although HD-iPSC carrying 72 CAG repeats can form GABAergic neurons and give rise to functional effects in vivo, without showing an overt HD phenotype, it is highly susceptible to proteasome inhibition and develops HD pathology at later stages of transplantation. These unique features of HD-iPSC will serve as useful tools to study HD pathology and develop novel therapeutics.
An advisory service for men's sexual concerns
Authors: Fernandes Linford , Tomlinson John M.
Published: May 2012

The authors investigate the prevalence of different types of sexual problems experienced by men who contacted an advisory service. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons
Thomas Hughes's temperature record for Stroud, 1775–1795
Authors: Rowntree Peter R.
Published: May 2012

Outdoor temperature data for England needed for assessing climate change are increasingly available from about 1770 onwards. However, most series of observations suffer from problems such as breaks in the data lasting months to years and discontinuities due to changes in instrument and/or exposure. The morning observations by Thomas Hughes at Stroud in Gloucestershire from 1775 to 1795 are thus of considerable potential value, although there are problems with missing data and variable observation times. Adjustments both to estimate for missing data and to align to a fixed time of 0700 local time have been applied to create monthly averages.
Dynamic control of a reconfigurable stair-climbing mobility system
Authors: Morales R. , Somolinos J. , Cerrada J.
Published: May 2012

Electric-powered wheelchairs improve the mobility of people with physical disabilities, but the problem to deal with certain architectural barriers has not been resolved satisfactorily. In order to solve this problem, a stair-climbing mobility system (SCMS) was developed. This paper presents a practical dynamic control system that allows the SCMS to exhibit a successful climbing process when faced with typical architectural barriers such as curbs, ramps, or staircases. The implemented control system depicts high simplicity, computational efficiency, and the possibility of an easy implementation in a microprocessor-/microcontroller-based system. Finally, experiments are included to support theoretical results.
Alerting Network Dysfunction in Early Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Crivelli Lucía , Farez Mauricio F. , González Claudio D. , Fiol Marcela , Amengual Alejandra , Leiguarda Ramón , Correale Jorge
Published: May 2012

The objective of this study is to assess attention in recently diagnosed relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis patients. Twenty-seven patients with early multiple sclerosis and low clinical disability scores (EDSS<2) and 27 sex-, age-, and education-matched healthy controls underwent attention assessment using the Attentional Network Test, a computerized task designed to measure efficiency independently in 3 attentional networks (Alerting, Orienting and Executive Control). MS patients had significantly less efficiency in the Alerting network (p = .006). In contrast, in the Orienting and Executive Control networks, they did not differ from controls. A significant interaction between Alerting and Executive Control was also found in the MS patients (p = .007). Early relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis particularly affects the Alerting domain of attention, whereas the Orienting and Executive Control domains are not affected. (JINS, 2012, 18, 1–7)
WHICH INFLATION TO TARGET? A SMALL OPEN ECONOMY WITH STICKY WAGES
Authors: Campolmi Alessia
Published: May 2012

There is common agreement on price inflation stabilization being one of the objectives of monetary policy. But, in an open economy, two alternative measures of inflation coexist: domestic inflation and consumer price inflation. Which of the two should be the target variable? Most of the new open economy macroeconomics (NOEM) literature suggests that the monetary authority should stabilize domestic inflation. This is in sharp contrast with the practice of many inflation-targeting central banks that are using consumer price index (CPI) inflation as target variable. The paper shows that the standard result in the NOEM literature is derived under the simplifying assumption of flexible wages. The inclusion of sticky wages in an otherwise standard small open economy model is shown to rationalize CPI inflation targeting. This conclusion is robust to changes in key parameters, including the trade elasticity.
A low-cost millimeter-wave whispering gallery-mode-based sensor: design considerations and accurate analysis
Authors: Taeb Aidin , Neshat Mohammad , Gigoyan Suren , Safavi-Naeini Safieddin
Published: May 2012

A dielectric waveguide-based structure coupled to a whispering gallery mode (WGM) disc resonator is introduced as a low-cost integrable millimeter-wave (mm-wave) bio-sensor. An efficient variational analysis method is developed and applied to the WGM. Three sets of sensors, operating in different ranges of frequency from 85 to 220 GHz, are fabricated and tested. The performance of the fabricated bio-sensor is demonstrated for sensing different concentrations of glucose solution samples at D-band. Also, the sensitivity, selectivity, and repeatability of these sensors are examined.
Wave activity in the tropical tropopause layer in seven reanalysis and four chemistry climate model data sets
Authors: Fujiwara M. , Suzuki J. , Gettelman A. , Hegglin M. I. , Akiyoshi H. , Shibata K.
Published: May 2012

Sub‐seasonal variability including equatorial waves significantly influence the dehydration and transport processes in the tropical tropopause layer (TTL). This study investigates the wave activity in the TTL in 7 reanalysis data sets (RAs; NCEP1, NCEP2, ERA40, ERA‐Interim, JRA25, MERRA, and CFSR) and 4 chemistry climate models (CCMs; CCSRNIES, CMAM, MRI, and WACCM) using the zonal wave number‐frequency spectral analysis method with equatorially symmetric‐antisymmetric decomposition. Analyses are made for temperature and horizontal winds at 100 hPa in the RAs and CCMs and for outgoing longwave radiation (OLR), which is a proxy for convective activity that generates tropopause‐level disturbances, in satellite data and the CCMs. Particular focus is placed on equatorial Kelvin waves, mixed Rossby‐gravity (MRG) waves, and the Madden‐Julian Oscillation (MJO). The wave activity is defined as the variance, i.e., the power spectral density integrated in a particular zonal wave number‐frequency region. It is found that the TTL wave activities show significant difference among the RAs, ranging from ∼0.7 (for NCEP1 and NCEP2) to ∼1.4 (for ERA‐Interim, MERRA, and CFSR) with respect to the averages from the RAs. The TTL activities in the CCMs lie generally within the range of those in the RAs, with a few exceptions. However, the spectral features in OLR for all the CCMs are very different from those in the observations, and the OLR wave activities are too low for CCSRNIES, CMAM, and MRI. It is concluded that the broad range of wave activity found in the different RAs decreases our confidence in their validity and in particular their value for validation of CCM performance in the TTL, thereby limiting our quantitative understanding of the dehydration and transport processes in the TTL.
Increased rectal microbial richness is associated with the presence of colorectal adenomas in humans
Authors: Sanapareddy Nina , Legge Ryan M , Jovov Biljana , McCoy Amber , Burcal Lauren , Araujo-Perez Felix , Randall Thomas A , Galanko Joseph , Benson Andrew , Sandler Robert S , Rawls John F , Abdo Zaid , Fodor Anthony A , Keku Temitope O
Published: May 2012

Differences in the composition of the gut microbial community have been associated with diseases such as obesity, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis and colorectal cancer (CRC). We used 454 titanium pyrosequencing of the V1–V2 region of the 16S rRNA gene to characterize adherent bacterial communities in mucosal biopsy samples from 33 subjects with adenomas and 38 subjects without adenomas (controls). Biopsy samples from subjects with adenomas had greater numbers of bacteria from 87 taxa than controls; only 5 taxa were more abundant in control samples. The magnitude of the differences in the distal gut microbiota between patients with adenomas and controls was more pronounced than that of any other clinical parameters including obesity, diet or family history of CRC. This suggests that sequence analysis of the microbiota could be used to identify patients at risk for developing adenomas.
Regional Differences in Subcutaneous Adipose Tissue Gene Expression
Authors: Rehrer Charles W. , Karimpour‐Fard Anis , Hernandez Teri L. , Law Christopher K. , Stob Nichole R. , Hunter Lawrence E. , Eckel Robert H.
Published: May 2012

Adipose tissue (AT) located in the viscera is considered to be functionally and metabolically different from that found in the subcutaneous depot. However, subcutaneous AT (SAT) in generalized regions is considered to be homogeneous in nature. Affymetrix GeneChip Human Exon 1.0 ST Arrays were used to determine differential gene expression in four subcutaneous adipose depots (upper abdomen, lower abdomen, flank and hip) in normal weight women. A total of 2,890/24,409 transcripts were differentially expressed between all sites. When comparing the hip and flank to the lower abdomen, 248 and 83 genes were differentially expressed, respectively. When comparing the hip and flank to the upper abdomen, 2,480 and 79 genes were differentially expressed, respectively. No genes were significantly different when the lower abdomen was compared to the upper abdomen and the hip to the flank. Genes involved in the complement and coagulation cascades and immune responses showed increased expression in the lower abdomen compared to the flank. In addition, two genes involved in the complement and coagulation cascade, CR1 and C7, were expressed more highly in the lower abdomen compared to the hip. Genes involved in basic biochemical metabolism including insulin signaling, the urea cycle, glutamate metabolism, arginine and proline metabolism and aminosugar metabolism had higher expression in the lower abdomen compared to the hip. These results in normal weight healthy women provide a new perspective on regional differences in SAT biology that may have pathophysiologic implications when adiposity increases.
Interaction of diabetes and ACE2 in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular disease in experimental diabetes
Authors: Tikellis Chris , Pickering Raelene , Tsorotes Despina , Du Xiao-Jun , Kiriazis Helen , Nguyen-Huu Thu-Phuc , Head Geoffrey A. , Cooper Mark E. , Thomas Merlin C.
Published: May 2012

Local and systemic AngII (angiotensin II) levels are regulated by ACE2 (angiotensin-converting enzyme 2), which is reduced in diabetic tissues. In the present study, we examine the effect of ACE2 deficiency on the early cardiac and vascular changes associated with experimental diabetes. Streptozotocin diabetes was induced in male C57BL6 mice and Ace2-KO (knockout) mice, and markers of RAS (renin–angiotensin system) activity, cardiac function and injury were assessed after 10 weeks. In a second protocol, diabetes was induced in male ApoE (apolipoprotein E)-KO mice and ApoE/Ace2-double-KO mice, and plaque accumulation and markers of atherogenesis assessed after 20 weeks. The induction of diabetes in wild-type mice led to reduced ACE2 expression and activity in the heart, elevated circulating AngII levels and reduced cardiac Ang-(1–7) [angiotensin-(1–7)] levels. This was associated structurally with thinning of the LV (left ventricular) wall and mild ventricular dilatation, and histologically with increased cardiomyocyte apoptosis on TUNEL (terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick-end labelling) staining and compensatory hypertrophy denoted by an increased cardiomyocyte cross-sectional area. By contrast Ace2-KO mice failed to increase circulating AngII concentration, experienced a paradoxical fall in cardiac AngII levels and no change in Ang-(1–7) following the onset of diabetes. At the same time the major phenotypic differences between Ace2-deficient and Ace2-replete mice with respect to BP (blood pressure) and cardiac hypertrophy were eliminated following the induction of diabetes. Consistent with findings in the heart, the accelerated atherosclerosis that was observed in diabetic ApoE-KO mice was not seen in diabetic ApoE/Ace2-KO mice, which experienced no further increase in plaque accumulation or expression in key adhesion molecules beyond that seen in ApoE/Ace2-KO mice. These results point to the potential role of ACE2 deficiency in regulating the tissue and circulating levels of AngII and their sequelae in the context of diabetes, as well as the preservation or augmentation of ACE2 expression or activity as a potential therapeutic target for the prevention of CVD (cardiovascular disease) in diabetes.
Early Hearing Detection and Intervention: Parent Experiences With the Diagnostic Hearing Assessment
Authors: Larsen Rebecca , Muñoz Karen , DesGeorges Janet , Nelson Lauri , Kennedy Sara
Published: May 2012

Purpose

The aim of this study was to investigate parent experiences with the infant diagnostic hearing evaluation process.

Method

This study used a cross-sectional survey design. Surveys were distributed via parent support organizations in December 2009 to parents of children with hearing loss. A total of 416 completed surveys were received from 43 states.

Results

The median age of diagnosis of hearing loss has decreased over time from 11 months of age to 2 months. For babies born between 2006 and 2009, the most frequently reported challenge to obtaining a diagnostic hearing evaluation by 3 months of age was a delay in appointment availability (36%). Just >¼ (27%) of parents reported that they did not feel comfortable in knowing what they needed to do next after talking with the audiologist at the time their child was diagnosed with hearing loss.

Conclusion

Significant progress has been made over the past 2 decades in reducing the age of hearing loss identification. However, many parents in this study experienced challenges that resulted in delays that exceeded Joint Committee on Infant Hearing (2007) recommendations of diagnosis by 3 months of age. The parent-reported experiences provide valuable information about areas that need further investigation to improve the early hearing detection and intervention process for children with hearing loss.
Acoustics as a physical science
Authors: Beyer Robert T.
Published: May 2012

In late 1969, the National Academy of Sciences created a committee, chaired by D. Allan Bromley of Yale University, to survey the state of physics. In due course, Bromley organized a set of panels, dividing physics into such recognizable areas as nuclear physics, elementary particles, condensed matter and the like. The first part of the report of this committee has now appeared, and more will follow.
Some strains of
Plasmodium falciparum
, a human malaria parasite, evade the complement-like system of
Anopheles gambiae
mosquitoes
Authors: Molina-Cruz Alvaro , DeJong Randall J. , Ortega Corrie , Haile Ashley , Abban Ekua , Rodrigues Janneth , Jaramillo-Gutierrez Giovanna , Barillas-Mury Carolina
Published: May 2012

Plasmodium falciparum
lines differ in their ability to infect mosquitoes. The
Anopheles gambiae
L3-5 refractory (R) line melanizes most
Plasmodium
species, including the Brazilian
P. falciparum
7G8 line, but it is highly susceptible to some African
P. falciparum
strains such as 3D7, NF54, and GB4. We investigated whether these lines differ in their ability to evade the mosquito immune system. Silencing key components of the mosquito complement-like system [thioester-containing protein 1 (TEP1), leucine-rich repeat protein 1, and
Anopheles Plasmodium
-responsive leucine-rich repeat protein 1] prevented melanization of 7G8 parasites, reverting the refractory phenotype. In contrast, it had no effect on the intensity of infection with NF54, suggesting that this line is able to evade TEP1-mediated lysis. When R females were coinfected with a line that is melanized (7G8) and a line that survives (3D7), the coinfection resulted in mixed infections with both live and encapsulated parasites on individual midguts. This finding shows that survival of individual parasites is parasite-specific and not systemic in nature, because parasites can evade TEP1-mediated lysis even when other parasites are melanized in the same midgut. When females from an extensive genetic cross between R and susceptible
A. gambiae
(G3) mosquitoes were infected with
P. berghei
, encapsulation was strongly correlated with the
TEP1-R1
allele. However,
P. falciparum
7G8 parasites were no longer encapsulated by females from this cross, indicating that the
TEP1-R1
allele is not sufficient to melanize this line. Evasion of the
A. gambiae
immune system by
P. falciparum
may be the result of parasite adaptation to sympatric mosquito vectors and may be an important factor driving malaria transmission.
RNA 3'-end mismatch excision by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus nonstructural protein nsp10/nsp14 exoribonuclease complex
Authors: Bouvet Mickaël , Imbert Isabelle , Subissi Lorenzo , Gluais Laure , Canard Bruno , Decroly Etienne
Published: May 2012

The replication/transcription complex of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus is composed of at least 16 nonstructural proteins (nsp1–16) encoded by the ORF-1a/1b. This complex includes replication enzymes commonly found in positive-strand RNA viruses, but also a set of RNA-processing activities unique to some nidoviruses. The nsp14 protein carries both exoribonuclease (ExoN) and (guanine-N7)-methyltransferase (N7-MTase) activities. The nsp14 ExoN activity ensures a yet-uncharacterized function in the virus life cycle and must be regulated to avoid nonspecific RNA degradation. In this work, we show that the association of nsp10 with nsp14 stimulates >35-fold the ExoN activity of the latter while playing no effect on N7-MTase activity. Nsp10 mutants unable to interact with nsp14 are not proficient for ExoN activation. The nsp10/nsp14 complex hydrolyzes double-stranded RNA in a 3′ to 5′ direction as well as a single mismatched nucleotide at the 3′-end mimicking an erroneous replication product. In contrast, di-, tri-, and longer unpaired ribonucleotide stretches, as well as 3′-modified RNAs, resist nsp10/nsp14-mediated excision. In addition to the activation of nsp16-mediated 2′-O-MTase activity, nsp10 also activates nsp14 in an RNA processing function potentially connected to a replicative mismatch repair mechanism.
Structural basis of hepatitis C virus neutralization by broadly neutralizing antibody HCV1
Authors: Kong Leopold , Giang Erick , Robbins Justin B. , Stanfield Robyn L. , Burton Dennis R. , Wilson Ian A. , Law Mansun
Published: May 2012

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infects more than 2% of the global population and is a leading cause of liver cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma, and end-stage liver diseases. Circulating HCV is genetically diverse, and therefore a broadly effective vaccine must target conserved T- and B-cell epitopes of the virus. Human mAb HCV1 has broad neutralizing activity against HCV isolates from at least four major genotypes and protects in the chimpanzee model from primary HCV challenge. The antibody targets a conserved antigenic site (residues 412–423) on the virus E2 envelope glycoprotein. Two crystal structures of HCV1 Fab in complex with an epitope peptide at 1.8-Å resolution reveal that the epitope is a β-hairpin displaying a hydrophilic face and a hydrophobic face on opposing sides of the hairpin. The antibody predominantly interacts with E2 residues Leu
413
and Trp
420
on the hydrophobic face of the epitope, thus providing an explanation for how HCV isolates bearing mutations at Asn
415
on the same binding face escape neutralization by this antibody. The results provide structural information for a neutralizing epitope on the HCV E2 glycoprotein and should help guide rational design of HCV immunogens to elicit similar broadly neutralizing antibodies through vaccination.
Flexure-FET biosensor to break the fundamental sensitivity limits of nanobiosensors using nonlinear electromechanical coupling
Authors: Jain Ankit , Nair Pradeep R. , Alam Muhammad A.
Published: May 2012

In this article, we propose a Flexure-FET (flexure sensitive field effect transistor) ultrasensitive biosensor that utilizes the nonlinear electromechanical coupling to overcome the
fundamental
sensitivity limits of classical electrical or mechanical nanoscale biosensors. The stiffness of the suspended gate of Flexure-FET changes with the capture of the target biomolecules, and the corresponding change in the gate shape or deflection is reflected in the drain current of FET. The Flexure-FET is configured to operate such that the gate is biased near pull-in instability, and the FET-channel is biased in the subthreshold regime. In this coupled nonlinear operating mode, the sensitivity (
S
) of Flexure-FET with respect to the captured molecule density (
N

s

) is shown to be
exponentially
higher than that of any other electrical or mechanical biosensor. In other words, while

, classical electrical or mechanical biosensors are limited to
S
classical
 ∼ 
γ
3
N

S

or
γ
4
 ln(
N

S

), where
γ

i

are sensor-specific constants. In addition, the proposed sensor can detect both charged and charge-neutral biomolecules, without requiring a reference electrode or any sophisticated instrumentation, making it a potential candidate for various low-cost, point-of-care applications.
Exposure therapy triggers lasting reorganization of neural fear processing
Authors: Hauner Katherina K. , Mineka Susan , Voss Joel L. , Paller Ken A.
Published: May 2012

A single session of exposure therapy can eliminate recalcitrant and disabling fear of phobogenic objects or situations. We studied neural mechanisms of this remarkable outcome by monitoring changes in brain activity as a result of successful 2-h treatment. Before treatment, phobogenic images excited activity in a network of regions, including amygdala, insula, and cingulate cortex, relative to neutral images. Successful therapy dampened responsiveness in this fear-sensitive network while concomitantly heightening prefrontal involvement. Six months later, dampened fear-network activity persisted but without prefrontal engagement. Additionally, individual differences in the magnitude of visual cortex activations recorded shortly after therapy predicted therapeutic outcomes 6 mo later, which involved persistently diminished visual responsiveness to phobogenic images. Successful therapy thus entailed stable reorganization of neural responses to initially feared stimuli. These effects were linked to fear-extinction mechanisms identified in animal models, thus opening new opportunities for the treatment and prevention of debilitating anxiety disorders.
Emotions promote social interaction by synchronizing brain activity across individuals
Authors: Nummenmaa Lauri , Glerean Enrico , Viinikainen Mikko , Jääskeläinen Iiro P. , Hari Riitta , Sams Mikko
Published: May 2012

Sharing others’ emotional states may facilitate understanding their intentions and actions. Here we show that networks of brain areas “tick together” in participants who are viewing similar emotional events in a movie. Participants’ brain activity was measured with functional MRI while they watched movies depicting unpleasant, neutral, and pleasant emotions. After scanning, participants watched the movies again and continuously rated their experience of pleasantness–unpleasantness (i.e., valence) and of arousal–calmness. Pearson’s correlation coefficient was used to derive multisubject voxelwise similarity measures [intersubject correlations (ISCs)] of functional MRI data. Valence and arousal time series were used to predict the moment-to-moment ISCs computed using a 17-s moving average. During movie viewing, participants' brain activity was synchronized in lower- and higher-order sensory areas and in corticolimbic emotion circuits. Negative valence was associated with increased ISC in the emotion-processing network (thalamus, ventral striatum, insula) and in the default-mode network (precuneus, temporoparietal junction, medial prefrontal cortex, posterior superior temporal sulcus). High arousal was associated with increased ISC in the somatosensory cortices and visual and dorsal attention networks comprising the visual cortex, bilateral intraparietal sulci, and frontal eye fields. Seed-voxel–based correlation analysis confirmed that these sets of regions constitute dissociable, functional networks. We propose that negative valence synchronizes individuals’ brain areas supporting emotional sensations and understanding of another’s actions, whereas high arousal directs individuals’ attention to similar features of the environment. By enhancing the synchrony of brain activity across individuals, emotions may promote social interaction and facilitate interpersonal understanding.
Habitat Suitability Modeling to Evaluate Conservation and Enhancement Efforts for Gulf‐Strain Striped Bass in Mississippi Coastal Rivers
Authors: Dieterich Jay W. , Fulford Richard S.
Published: May 2012

Conservation of native populations such as Gulf‐strain striped bass Morone saxatilis is a priority for preserving historic fisheries and maintaining biodiversity. Habitat alteration is thought to be the primary driver of native striped bass decline in Mississippi coastal rivers, so it is a priority to understand current habitat suitability as part of a comprehensive restoration plan. A bioenergetics model is a useful tool to examine habitat suitability by using growth rate potential as an indicator of habitat quality. The purpose of this study was to develop a habitat suitability model for Gulf‐strain striped bass that incorporates seasonal and spatial variability in temperature, salinity, and dissolved oxygen in an index river system along the Gulf of Mexico coast, Mississippi. Environmental data collected with a stratified‐random survey during fall, winter, spring, and summer of 2008–2009 were incorporated into a spatially explicit bioenergetics model. Model‐predicted growth rates were analyzed by season and salinity zone in a geographical information system framework. Model results suggested that growth rate patterns significantly differed spatially and between summer and the other seasons. Habitat suitability is greatly reduced during summer and concentrated in specific parts of the river system, suggesting the existence of habitat hot spots that are potentially important to population viability. Gulf‐strain striped bass appear to be nonmigratory; therefore, high summer temperatures in the river system make upper thermal tolerance the most important factor limiting summer distributions and growth of these fish. Additional laboratory studies on Gulf‐strain striped bass’ environmental tolerances and habitat use are needed. Nonetheless, this study demonstrates the value of habitat suitability assessment as a tool for fish conservation planning.
Assessment reform: students' and teachers' responses to the introduction of stretch and challenge at A‐level
Authors: Daly Anthony L. , Baird Jo-Anne , Chamberlain Suzanne , Meadows Michelle
Published: May 2012

This paper describes an exploration into a reform of the A‐level qualification in England in 2008; namely, the introduction of the ‘stretch and challenge' policy. This policy was initiated by the exams regulator and determined that exam papers should be redesigned to encourage the application of higher order thinking skills, both in the classroom and in examinations. The present study comprised two strands that explored the perceptions of students (n = 39) and teachers (n = 27) regarding the degree to which the incorporation of opportunities for stretch and challenge in the new examination papers had been achieved, and the likely effects on teaching, learning and exam preparation. On the whole, students and teachers welcomed the stretch and challenge policy and there were some indications that changes to the design of question papers could have some positive backwash effects.
Exploring the role of student researchers in the process of curriculum development
Authors: Leat David , Reid Anna
Published: May 2012

Contemporary interest in student voice has evolved to include participation of ‘students as researchers' in school affairs, which has been encouraged by political developments underpinning the rights of children. Although there has been little exploration of the role of student researchers in curriculum development, this paper provides a case study of their role in a Knowledge Transfer Partnership involving a secondary school in England working on developing enquiry‐based learning. We use Basil Bernstein%s concept of framing and Clarke and Hollingsworth%s model of teacher professional learning to explore the dimensions of consequence when teachers start the process of pedagogic and curriculum innovation. There is considerable evidence of an impact on relationships between students and teachers and it is argued that this is an important lens through which to understand the role of student researchers.