bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Using Chernobyl‐derived 137Cs to document recent sediment deposition rates on the River Plava floodplain (Central European Russia)
Authors: Belyaev V. R. , Golosov V. N. , Markelov M. V. , Evrard O. , Ivanova N. N. , Paramonova T. A. , Shamshurina E. N.
Published: June 2012

Floodplain sedimentation is one of the most dynamic geomorphic processes within plain and lowland landscapes. There is generally a good understanding of longer term floodplain evolution, but quantitative information on overbank deposition rates for recent shorter timescales is lacking. This paper describes the application of Chernobyl‐derived 137Cs to quantify floodplain aggradation rates for the River Plava (a small river draining a severely contaminated part of the upland region of Central European Russia), based on detailed sampling of four representative floodplain study sites. Two approaches have been employed for estimating post‐Chernobyl (1986–2009) floodplain accumulation rates. The first was based simply on locating the Chernobyl fallout‐associated 137Cs peak in overbank sediment sections. The second involved quantification of the increase in the total 137Cs inventory at individual sampling points associated with the post‐Chernobyl deposition of contaminated suspended sediment. It has been shown that considerable local‐scale variability of overbank deposition rates exists, with aggradation rates on the low level floodplain (6 ± 1.2–14 ± 2.8 mm year−1) exceeding by 1.5–3 times the values for the middle level floodplain (2 ± 0.4–9 ± 1.8 mm year−1) and by 3–6 times the values for the upper level floodplain (1 ± 0.2–5 ± 1.0 mm year−1) floodplain levels. Combining these estimates with information on the areas occupied by different floodplain levels within the 54 km long valley section, derived from detailed geomorphic surveys of the selected reaches, it has been estimated that about 9700 ± 1950 t of sediment have been stored on floodplain during the 1986–2009 period. The role of floodplain storage in the overall basin sediment budget and conveyance losses within the main channel system have been evaluated. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Noggin suppression decreases BMP‐2‐induced osteogenesis of human bone marrow‐derived mesenchymal stem cells In Vitro
Authors: Chen Chao , Uludağ Hasan , Wang Zhixiang , Jiang Hongxing
Published: June 2012

Numerous studies with rodent cells and animal models indicate that noggin inhibits osteogenesis by antagonizing bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs); however, the effect of noggin on osteogenesis of human cells remains ambiguous. This study aims to examine the effects of noggin suppression on viability and BMP‐2‐induced osteogenic differentiation of human bone marrow‐derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in vitro. Noggin expression in human MSCs was suppressed by noggin‐specific small interfering RNA (siRNA), and viability of human MSCs was determined by measuring the mitochondrial dehydrogenase activity, cellular DNA content and protein amount. The BMP‐2‐induced osteogenic differentiation of human MSCs was assessed by analyzing the expression levels of several osteoblastic genes, enzymatic alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity and calcification. Our study showed that noggin suppression significantly decreased human MSC metabolism and DNA content on Days 3 and 6, and decreased total protein amount on Day 14. Noggin suppression also reduced the expression levels of osteoblastic genes, ALP, integrin‐binding sialoprotein (IBSP), muscle segment homeobox gene (MSX2), osteocalcin (OC), osteopontin (OPN), and runt‐related transcription factor‐2 (RUNX2). Significantly decreased enzymatic ALP activity in noggin‐suppressed group was evident. Moreover, noggin suppression decreased calcium deposits by BMP‐2‐induced osteoblasts. Collectively, this study showed that noggin suppression decreased viability and BMP‐2‐induced osteogenic differentiation of human MSCs, which suggests that noggin is stimulatory to osteogenesis of human MSCs. J. Cell. Biochem. 113: 3672–3680, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The vitamin D analog ZK191784 normalizes decreased bone matrix mineralization in mice lacking the calcium channel TRPV5
Authors: van der Eerden Bram C.J. , Fratzl‐Zelman Nadja , Nijenhuis Tom , Roschger Paul , Zügel Ulrich , Steinmeyer Andreas , Hoenderop Joost G.J. , Bindels René J.M. , Klaushofer Klaus , van Leeuwen Johannes P.T.M.
Published: June 2012

Mice lacking the renal epithelial Ca2+ channel TRPV5 (TRPV5−/−) display impaired renal Ca2+ reabsorption, hypercalciuria, and intestinal Ca2+ hyperabsorption, due to secondary hypervitaminosis D. Using these mice, we previously demonstrated that ZK191784 acts as an intestine‐specific 1,25(OH)2D3 antagonist without affecting serum calcium levels. On the other hand, it acted as an agonist in the kidney and the effects of ZK191784 on bone were ambiguous. The present study was undertaken to further evaluate the effect of the vitamin D receptor antagonist on murine bone in mice lacking TRPV5. Eight‐week‐old female Trpv5+/+ and Trpv5−/− mice were treated for 4 weeks with or without 50 µg/kg/day ZK191784. Quantitative backscattered electron imaging showed that the reduced bone matrix mineralization found in femoral bones of Trpv5−/− mice was partially but significantly restored upon ZK191784 treatment, just as we observed for trabecular bone thickness. This supports the significance of 1,25(OH)2D3 and optimal control of Ca2+ homeostasis for bone formation and matrix mineralization. Restoration also took place at the bone gene expression level, where 1α‐hydroxylase (Cyp27b1) mRNA in femurs from ZK‐treated Trpv5−/− mice was upregulated compared to control levels. The downregulated 24‐hydroxylase (Cyp24a1) gene expression in femoral bone indicated local vitamin D resistance in the mice treated with ZK191784. Phosphate homeostasis was unaffected between the groups as shown by unaltered serum $PO_{4}^{3- } $ and fibroblast growth factor (FGF) 23 as well as Fgf23 mRNA expression in bone. In conclusion, circulating 1,25(OH)2D3 is important for optimal control of Ca2+ homeostasis but also for controlled bone formation and matrix mineralization. J. Cell. Physiol. 228: 402–407, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Inclined selective plane illumination microscopy adaptor for conventional microscopes
Authors: Cutrale Francesco , Gratton Enrico
Published: June 2012

Driven by the biological sciences, there is an increased need for imaging modalities capable of live cell imaging with high spatial and temporal resolution. To achieve this goal in a comprehensive manner, three‐dimensional acquisitions are necessary. Ideal features of a modern microscope system should include high imaging speed, high contrast ratio, low photo‐bleaching and photo‐toxicity, good resolution in a 3D context, and mosaic acquisition for large samples. Given the importance of collecting data in live sample further increases the technical challenges required to solve these issues. This work presents a practical version of a microscopy method, Selective Plane Illumination Microscopy re‐introduced by Huisken et al. (Science2004,305,1007–1009). This method is gaining importance in the biomedical field, but its use is limited by difficulties associated with unconventional microscope design which employs two objectives and a particular kind of sample preparation needed to insert the sample between the objectives. Based on the selective plane illumination principle but with a design similar to the Total Internal Reflection Fluorescence microscope, Dunsby (Dunsby, Opt Express2008,16,20306–20316) demonstrated the oblique plane microscope (OPM) using a single objective which uses conventional sample preparation protocols. However, the Dunsby instrument was not intended to be part of a commercial microscope. In this work, we describe a system with the advantages of OPM and that can be used as an adaptor to commonly used microscopes, such as IX‐71 Olympus, simplifying the construction of the OPM and increasing performance of a conventional microscope. We named our design inclined selective plane illumination microscope (iSPIM). Microsc. Res. Tech. 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Minimal Obstructions for 1‐Immersions and Hardness of 1‐Planarity Testing
Authors: Korzhik Vladimir P. , Mohar Bojan
Published: June 2012

A graph is 1‐planar if it can be drawn on the plane so that each edge is crossed by no more than one other edge (and any pair of crossing edges cross only once). A non‐1‐planar graph G is minimal if the graph is 1‐planar for every edge e of G. We construct two infinite families of minimal non‐1‐planar graphs and show that for every integer , there are at least nonisomorphic minimal non‐1‐planar graphs of order n. It is also proved that testing 1‐planarity is NP‐complete.
Dika nut oil as base oil for lubricants — effect of processing conditions on physicochemical properties
Authors: Abidakun O. A. , Koya O. A.
Published: June 2012

The paper presents a report on the effect of processing conditions of Dika nut oil on its physicochemical properties and also on the assessment of the oil for use as biodegradable lubricant. The oil was expressed mechanically from coarsely ground kernel meals at 3 and 9 wt.% moisture content (wet basis), preheated at 75, 100 and 150 °C for 10, 20 and 30 min. The plots showed that the chemical properties of the oil had quadratic and linear relationships with the heating temperature and heating time, respectively. At 95% confidence level, the free fatty acid content, the saponification, the iodine and the acid values of the oil were significantly affected by various processing conditions. The processing conditions therefore showed significant influence on the physicochemical properties of the oil and consequently on its suitability for use as lubricant. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Evaluating Fund Performance by Compromise Programming with Linear‐Quadratic Composite Metric: An Actual Case on The CaixaBank in Spain
Authors: Bravo Mila , Ballestero Enrique , Pla‐Santamaria David
Published: June 2012

This paper proposes an additive measure on the basis of compromise programming to evaluate fund performance from multiple criteria, of which the most usual are profitability and risk. This proposal is motivated by the fact that compromise programming is a sound decision support model to obtain scores of alternatives by minimizing weighted distances to an ideal point, the weights reflecting the investor's preferences for the criteria. To define the distance objective function, the linear‐quadratic composite metric is used, which combines advantages of linear and non‐linear objective functions. A critical advantage of compromise programming for fund performance evaluation is that the model can be extended to more than two financial criteria while other measures currently used (either ratio‐based or leverage‐based measures) only consider two criteria, say, profitability and risk. In the application, three investor's profiles are defined, which involve different weighting systems and lead to different fund rankings. These rankings are compared with domination relationships, the latter formulating if a fund is dominated or non‐dominated by convex combinations of other funds. Numerical tables are provided with data, computational process and results, which are analysed. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
QSAR, QSPR and QSRR in Terms of 3‐D‐MoRSE Descriptors for In Silico Screening of Clofibric Acid Analogues
Authors: Di Tullio Maurizio , Maccallini Cristina , Ammazzalorso Alessandra , Giampietro Letizia , Amoroso Rosa , De Filippis Barbara , Fantacuzzi Marialuigia , Wiczling Paweł , Kaliszan Roman
Published: June 2012

A series of 27 analogues of clofibric acid, mostly heteroarylalkanoic derivatives, have been analyzed by a novel high‐throughput reversed‐phase HPLC method employing combined gradient of eluent’s pH and organic modifier content. The such determined hydrophobicity (lipophilicity) parameters, log kw, and acidity constants, pKa, were subjected to multiple regression analysis to get a QSRR (Quantitative StructureRetention Relationships) and a QSPR (Quantitative Structure‐Property Relationships) equation, respectively, describing these pharmacokinetics‐determining physicochemical parameters in terms of the calculation chemistry derived structural descriptors. The previously determined in vitro log EC50 values – transactivation activity towards PPARα (human Peroxisome Proliferator‐Activated Receptor α) – have also been described in a QSAR (Quantitative StructureActivity Relationships) equation in terms of the 3‐D‐MoRSE descriptors (3D‐Molecule Representation of Structures based on Electron diffraction descriptors). The QSAR model derived can serve for an a priori prediction of bioactivity in vitro of any designed analogue, whereas the QSRR and the QSPR models can be used to evaluate lipophilicity and acidity, respectively, of the compounds, and hence to rational guide selection of structures of proper pharmacokinetics.
F···HO intramolecular hydrogen bond as the main transmission mechanism for 1hJF,H(O) coupling constant in 2′‐fluoroflavonol
Authors: Fonseca Tânia A. O. , Ramalho Teodorico C. , Freitas Matheus P.
Published: June 2012

Flavonoids are useful compounds in medicinal chemistry and exhibit conformational isomerism, which is ruled by intramolecular interactions. One of the main intramolecular forces governing the stability of conformations is the hydrogen bond. Hydrogen bond involving fluorine covalently bonded to carbon has been found to be rare, but it appears in 2′‐fluoroflavonol, although the F···HO hydrogen bond cannot be considered the main effect governing the conformational stability of this compound. Because 19F is magnetically active and suitable for NMR studies, the 1hJF,H(O) coupling constant can be used as a probe for such an interaction in 2′‐fluoroflavonol. In fact, the 1hJF,H(O) coupling was computationally analyzed in this work, and the F···HO hydrogen bond was found to be its main transmission mechanism, which modulates this coupling in 2′‐fluoroflavonol, rather than overlap of proximate electronic clouds, such as in 2‐fluorophenol. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Site‐specific reversible immobilization and purification of His‐tagged protein on poly(2‐acetamidoacrylic acid) hydrogel beads
Authors: Ha Eun‐Ju , Kim Bong‐Soo , Park Eun‐Kyoung , Song Ki‐Won , Lee Sun‐Gu , An Seong Soo A. , Paik Hyun‐jong
Published: June 2012

Ni2+‐complexed poly(2‐acetamidoacrylic acid) (PAAA) hydrogel beads were developed for the site‐specific reversible immobilization and purification of the histidine‐tagged green fluorescent protein (His‐tagged GFP). PAAA hydrogel beads were prepared by photopolymerization, and significantly improved mechanical properties of PAAA hydrogel beads were observed in comparison with PAAA hydrogel from our previous study. Confocal laser scanning microscopy was used to determine the binding of His‐tagged GFP to the hydrogel beads in three‐dimensional space. Photoluminescence spectroscopy revealed 89% of binding efficiency of His‐tagged GFP to the Ni2+‐PAAA hydrogel beads, 51% of yielding recovery. The maximum binding capacity of His‐tagged GFP was estimated to be 0.45 µg/mg of Ni2+‐PAAA hydrogel beads. The recombinant His‐tagged GFP from the soluble fraction of E. coli BL21(DE3) cell lysates was purified with Ni2+‐PAAA hydrogel beads. The major advantage of the Ni2+‐PAAA hydrogel beads system was simple preparation procedures of producing the matrix, because PAAA hydrogel beads had relatively enhanced mechanical strength than soft hydrogels. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
α‐Bis and α,ω‐tetrakis(4‐dimethylaminophenyl) functionalized polymers by atom transfer radical polymerization using 1,1‐bis[(4‐dimethylamino)phenyl]ethylene as tertiary diamine initiator precursor and functionalizing agent
Authors: Summers Gabriel J , Ndawuni M Patrick , Summers Carol A
Published: June 2012

The quantitative syntheses of α‐bis and α,ω‐tetrakis tertiary diamine functionalized polymers by atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) methods are described. A tertiary diamine functionalized 1,1‐diphenylethylene derivative, 1,1‐bis[(4‐dimethylamino)phenyl]ethylene (1), was evaluated as a unimolecular tertiary diamine functionalized initiator precursor as well as a functionalizing agent in ATRP reactions. The ATRP of styrene, initiated by a new tertiary diamine functionalized initiator adduct (2), affords the corresponding α‐bis(4‐dimethylaminophenyl) functionalized polystyrene (3). The tertiary diamine functionalized initiator adduct (2) was prepared in situ by the reaction of (1‐bromoethyl)benzene with 1,1‐bis[(4‐dimethylamino)phenyl]ethylene (1) in the presence of a copper (I) bromide/2,2′‐bipyridyl catalyst system. The ATRP of styrene proceeded via a controlled free radical polymerization process to afford quantitative yields of the corresponding α‐bis(4‐dimethylaminophenyl) functionalized polystyrene derivative (3) with predictable number‐average molecular weight (Mn) and narrow molecular weight distribution (Mw/Mn) in a high initiator efficiency reaction. The polymerization process was monitored by gas chromatography analysis. Quantitative yields of α,ω‐tetrakis(4‐dimethylaminophenyl) functionalized polystyrene (4) were obtained by a new post ATRP chain end modification reaction of α‐bis(4‐dimethylaminophenyl) functionalized polystyrene (3) with excess 1,1‐bis[(4‐dimethylamino)phenyl]ethylene (1). The tertiary diamine functionalized initiator precursor 1,1‐bis[(4‐dimethylamino)phenyl]ethylene (1) and the different tertiary amine functionalized polymers were characterized by chromatography, spectroscopy and non‐aqueous titration measurements. Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Preparation and characterization of porous scaffold composite films by blending chitosan and gelatin solutions for skin tissue engineering
Authors: Rahman Mohammed Mizanur , Pervez Shahed , Nesa Bodrun , Khan Mubarak A
Published: June 2012

Biodegradable polymers have significant potential in biotechnology and bioengineering. However, for some applications, they are limited by their inferior mechanical properties and unsatisfactory compatibility with cells and tissues. In the present investigation blends of chitosan and gelatin with various compositions were produced as candidate materials for biomedical applications. Fourier transform infrared spectral analysis showed good compatibility between these two biodegradable polymers. The composite films showed improved tensile properties, highly porous structure, antimicrobial activities, low water dissolution, low water uptake and high buffer uptake compared to pure chitosan or gelatin films. These enhanced properties could be explained by the introduction of free OH, NH2 and NHOCOCH3 groups of the amorphous chitosan in the blends and a network structure through electrostatic interactions between the ammonium ions (NH3+) of the chitosan and the carboxylate ions (COO−) of the gelatin. Scanning electron microscopy images of the blend composite films showed homogeneous and smooth surfaces which indicate good miscibility between gelatin and chitosan. The leafy morphologies of the scaffolds indicate a large and homogeneous porous structure, which would cause increased ion diffusion into the gel that could lead to an increase in stability in aqueous solution, buffer and temperature compared to the gelatin/chitosan system. In vivo testing was done in a Wistar rat (Rattus norvegicus) model and the healing efficiencies of the scaffolds containing various compositions of chitosan were measured. The healing efficiencies in Wistar rat of composites with gelatin to chitosan ratios of 10:3 and 10:4 were compared with that of a commercially available scaffold (Eco‐plast). It was observed that, after 5 days of application, the scaffold with a gelatin to chitosan ratio of 10:3 showed 100% healing in the Wistar rat; however, the commercial Eco‐plast showed only a little above 40% healing of the dissected rat wound. Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Prevalence and predictors of risky and heavy alcohol consumption among adult siblings of childhood cancer survivors
Authors: Lown E. Anne , Mertens Ann C. , Korcha Rachael A. , Leisenring Wendy , Hudson Melissa M. , Greenfield Thomas K. , Robison Leslie L. , Zeltzer Lonnie K.
Published: June 2012

Objective

To describe alcohol consumption patterns and risk factors for risky and heavy alcohol use among siblings of childhood cancer survivors compared with survivors and national controls.

Methods

Secondary analysis of prospectively collected data from two national surveys was performed including a cohort of 3034 adult siblings of childhood cancer survivors (age 18–56 years) and 10,398 adult childhood cancer survivors, both from the Childhood Cancer Survivor Study, plus 5712 adult participants from the population‐based National Alcohol Survey. Cancer‐related experiences, self‐reported current health, and mental health were examined in relation to alcohol consumption patterns including heavy and risky drinking.

Results

Adult siblings of childhood cancer survivors were more likely to be heavy drinkers (ORadj = 1.3; 1.0–1.6) and risky drinkers (ORadj = 1.3; 1.1–1.6) compared with controls from a national sample. Siblings were also more likely to drink at these two levels compared with survivors. Factors associated with heavy drinking among siblings included being 18–21 years old (ORadj = 2.9; 2.0–4.4), male (ORadj = 2.3; 1.7–3.0), having a high school education or less (ORadj = 2.4; 1.7–3.5), and drinking initiation at a young age (ORadj = 5.1; 2.5–10.3). Symptoms of depression, (ORadj = 2.1; 1.3–3.2), anxiety (ORadj = 1.9; 1.1–3.3), and global psychiatric distress (ORadj = 2.5; 1.5–4.3) were significantly associated with heavy alcohol use.

Conclusions

Siblings of children with cancer are more likely to be risky and heavy drinkers as adults compared with childhood cancer survivors or national controls. Early initiation of drinking and symptoms of psychological distress should be identified during early adolescence and effective sibling‐specific interventions should be developed and made available for siblings of children with cancer. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Gender differences in health‐related quality of life, physical function and psychological status among patients in the early phase following allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation
Authors: Morishita Shinichiro , Kaida Katsuji , Yamauchi Shinya , Wakasugi Tatsushi , Yoshihara Satoshi , Taniguchi Kyoko , Ishii Shinichi , Ikegame Kazuhiro , Kodama Norihiko , Ogawa Hiroyasu , Domen Kazuhisa
Published: June 2012

Objective

The aim of this study was to examine gender differences in quality of life (QOL), physical function and psychological status before and in the early phase after allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo‐HSCT).

Methods

One hundred patients (66 men, 34 women) who underwent allo‐HSCT between July 2007 and June 2011 at Hyogo College of Medicine Hospital were included in this study. Patients were evaluated for health‐related QOL using the Medical Outcome Study 36‐item Short Form Health Survey; exercise capacity was measured with the 6‐min walk test, hand grip strength and knee extensor strength. Fatigue and psychological status were measured by the Piper Fatigue Scale and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, respectively.

Results

Women had significantly lower scores for physical function and general health on health‐related QOL tests compared with men (p < 0.01). No difference between genders was found in decline of physical function. In women, exercise capacity was strongly associated with QOL (p < 0.01). In men, depression and anxiety were closely related to QOL (p < 0.01).

Conclusions

Gender‐appropriate rehabilitation in allo‐HSCT patients is important. Women may need more endurance exercises and training for activities of daily life. Men may need rehabilitation including a psychological approach. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Progress toward multi‐robot reconnaissance and the MAGIC 2010 competition
Authors: Olson Edwin , Strom Johannes , Morton Ryan , Richardson Andrew , Ranganathan Pradeep , Goeddel Robert , Bulic Mihai , Crossman Jacob , Marinier Bob
Published: June 2012

Tasks like search‐and‐rescue and urban reconnaissance benefit from large numbers of robots working together, but high levels of autonomy are needed to reduce operator requirements to practical levels. Reducing the reliance of such systems on human operators presents a number of technical challenges, including automatic task allocation, global state and map estimation, robot perception, path planning, communications, and human‐robot interfaces. This paper describes our 14‐robot team, which won the MAGIC 2010 competition. It was designed to perform urban reconnaissance missions. In the paper, we describe a variety of autonomous systems that require minimal human effort to control a large number of autonomously exploring robots. Maintaining a consistent global map, which is essential for autonomous planning and for giving humans situational awareness, required the development of fast loop‐closing, map optimization, and communications algorithms. Key to our approach was a decoupled centralized planning architecture that allowed individual robots to execute tasks myopically, but whose behavior was coordinated centrally. We will describe technical contributions throughout our system that played a significant role in its performance. We will also present results from our system both from the competition and from subsequent quantitative evaluations, pointing out areas in which the system performed well and where interesting research problems remain. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Current development in clinical trials: issues old and new
Authors: DeMets David L.
Published: June 2012

Clinical trials, especially the randomized clinical trial, have been and will remain the gold standard for the evaluation of new interventions, including pharmaceuticals, biologics, medical devices, procedures, or behavioral modifications. Despite more than five decades of experience, there are still challenges in their design, conduct, monitoring, and analyses. Some of these challenges remain and some are emerging, in part due to the progress in genomics and proteomics. These issues may be statistical, logistical, or a combination. Included are follow‐up of subjects who withdraw from intervention, the proposed use of recent adaptive designs, implementing noninferiority designs, reliance on surrogate markers, and gene transfer studies. Comparative effectiveness studies are of increasing interest but present major design and analysis issues. Forces external to the trial are also becoming more common. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The software value map — an exhaustive collection of value aspects for the development of software intensive products
Authors: Khurum Mahvish , Gorschek Tony , Wilson Magnus
Published: June 2012

In software intensive products such as cars or telecom systems, software has traditionally been associated with cost, and there has been no real perception of its value in relation to the entire product offering. However, because software is becoming a larger part of the main competitive advantage, driving innovation and product differentiation, hardware is becoming more standardized, thus the valuation of software is becoming critical. In existing literature, several value constructs and corresponding valuation/measurement solutions needed for making decisions about software product development are presented. However, the contributions are often isolated with respect to a certain perspective such as focusing on product's internal or external quality aspects only. Consequently, a complete view of value constructs relevant from different perspectives required for making decisions about software product development is missing. This paper presents a consolidated view of the software value concept utilizing the major perspectives and introduces a software value map. The created value map was evaluated through an industry case study through the development of impact evaluation patterns, which were subsequently used by professionals in industry, and experiences gathered. During industry evaluation, practitioners found substantial benefits of having a consolidated, vastly improved, and extended value aspect's view of software. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Concise Review: Human Pluripotent Stem Cells in the Treatment of Spinal Cord Injury
Authors: Lukovic Dunja , Moreno Manzano Victoria , Stojkovic Miodrag , Bhattacharya Shom Shanker , Erceg Slaven
Published: June 2012

Spinal cord injury (SCI) results in neural loss and consequently motor and sensory impairment below the injury. There are currently no effective therapies for the treatment of traumatic SCI in humans. Different kinds of cells including embryonic, fetal, and adult stem cells have been transplanted into animal models of SCI resulting in sensorimotor benefits. Transplantation of human embryonic stem cell (hESC)- or induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC)-derived neural cells is nowadays a promising therapy for SCI. This review updates the recent progress in preclinical studies and discusses the advantages and flaws of various neural cell types derived from hESCs and hiPSCs. Before introducing the stem cell replacement strategies in clinical practice, this complex field needs to advance significantly in understanding the lesion itself, the animal model adequacy, and improve cell replacement source. This knowledge will contribute to the successful translation from animals to humans and lead to established guidelines for rigorous safety screening in order to be implemented in clinical practice.
Perceptions of geoengineering: public attitudes, stakeholder perspectives, and the challenge of ‘upstream’ engagement
Authors: Corner Adam , Pidgeon Nick , Parkhill Karen
Published: June 2012

Geoengineering—the deliberate large‐scale manipulation of the planetary environment to counteract anthropogenic climate change—is receiving an increasing amount of attention from academics, policy and civil society stakeholders, and members of the general public. This article reviews the available literature on perceptions of geoengineering, including public attitudes and stakeholder perspectives. We describe some of the challenges of engaging with these audiences at such an ‘upstream’ phase in the development of geoengineering technologies. We conclude with reflections on the importance of eliciting public and stakeholder views, despite the challenges associated with upstream engagement, and identify a number of key research priorities for those involved in upstream engagement on geoengineering. WIREs Clim Change 2012 doi: 10.1002/wcc.176

This article is categorized under:

Perceptions, Behavior, and Communication of Climate Change > Perceptions of Climate Change
Cross‐layer scheduling for multi‐users in cognitive multi‐radio mesh networks
Authors: Kim Wooseong , Park Joon‐Sang
Published: June 2012

A wireless mesh network has been popularly researched as a wireless backbone for Internet access. However, the deployment of wireless mesh networks in unlicensed bands of urban areas is challenging because of interference from external users such as residential access points. We have proposed Urban‐X, which is a first attempt towards multi‐radio cognitive mesh networks in industrial, scientific, and medical bands. Urban‐X first controls network topology with a distributed channel assignment to avoid interference in large timescale. In such a topology, we develop a new link‐layer transmission‐scheduling algorithm together with source rate control as a small‐timescale approach, which exploits receiver diversity when receivers of multi‐flows can have different channel conditions because of varying interference. For this purpose, mesh nodes probe the channel condition of received mesh nodes using group Request to Send and group Clear to Send. In this study, we establish a mathematical Urban‐X model in a cross‐layer architecture, adopting a well‐known network utility maximization framework. We demonstrate the feasibility of our idea using a simulation on the model. Simulation results show improved network throughput from exploiting receiver diversity and distributed channel assignment under varying external user interference. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The Bin3 RNA methyltransferase targets 7SK RNA to control transcription and translation
Authors: Cosgrove Michael S. , Ding Ye , Rennie William A. , Lane Michael J. , Hanes Steven D.
Published: June 2012

Bicoid‐interacting protein 3 (Bin3) is a conserved RNA methyltransferase found in eukaryotes ranging from fission yeast to humans. It was originally discovered as a Bicoid (Bcd)‐interacting protein in Drosophila, where it is required for anterior–posterior and dorso‐ventral axis determination in the early embryo. The mammalian ortholog of Bin3 (BCDIN3), also known as methyl phosphate capping enzyme (MePCE), plays a key role in repressing transcription. In transcription, MePCE binds the non‐coding 7SK RNA, which forms a scaffold for an RNA–protein complex that inhibits positive‐acting transcription elongation factor b, an RNA polymerase II elongation factor. MePCE uses S‐adenosyl methionine to transfer a methyl group onto the γ‐phosphate of the 5′ guanosine of 7SK RNA generating an unusual cap structure that protects 7SK RNA from degradation. Bin3/MePCE also has a role in translation regulation. Initial studies in Drosophila indicate that Bin3 targets 7SK RNA and stabilizes a distinct RNA–protein complex that assembles on the 3′‐untranslated region of caudal mRNAs to prevent translation initiation. Much remains to be learned about Bin3/MeCPE function, including how it recognizes 7SK RNA, what other RNA substrates it might target, and how widespread a role it plays in gene regulation and embryonic development. WIREs RNA 2012 doi: 10.1002/wrna.1123

This article is categorized under:

RNA Interactions with Proteins and Other Molecules > Protein–RNA Interactions: Functional Implications

Translation > Translation Regulation

RNA Processing > Capping and 5' End Modifications

RNA in Disease and Development > RNA in Development
$ N = \frac{1}{2} $ deformations of chiral superspaces from new quantum Poincaré and Euclidean superalgebras
Authors: Borowiec A. , Lukierski J. , Mozrzymas M. , Tolstoy V. N.
Published: June 2012

Abstract

We present a large class of supersymmetric classical r-matrices, describing the supertwist deformations of Poincaré and Euclidean superalgebras. We consider in detail new family of four supertwists of N = 1 Poincaré superalgebra and provide as well their Euclidean counterpart. The proposed supertwists are better adjusted to the description of deformed D = 4 Euclidean supersymmetries with independent left-chiral and right-chiral supercharges. They lead to new quantum superspaces, obtained by the superextension of twist deformations of spacetime providing Lie-algebraic noncommutativity of space-time coordinates. In the Hopf-algebraic Euclidean SUSY framework the considered supertwist deformations provide an alternative to the
$ N = \frac{1}{2} $
SUSY Seiberg’s star product deformation scheme.
Effect of Anesthetic Methods on Cerebral Oxygen Saturation in Elderly Surgical Patients: Prospective, Randomized, Observational Study
Authors: Lee Aerina , Kim Sung‐Hoon , Hong Jeong‐Yeon , Hwang Jai‐Hyun
Published: June 2012

Background

Intraoperative cerebral oxygen desaturation was reported to be associated with postoperative cognitive dysfunction in elderly patients. The effect of the anesthesia method on regional cerebral oxygen saturation (rSO2) is still a question under debate. The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of three common anesthesia methods on intraoperative rSO2 changes in elderly patients.

Methods

In this prospective randomized clinical trial, 87 patients scheduled for elective transurethral prostatectomy were allocated to receive general inhalational anesthesia (GA group, n = 30), spinal anesthesia (SA group, n = 28), or spinal anesthesia plus sedation with midazolam (SA+S group, n = 29).

Results

The numbers of patients showing a decrease in rSO2 below the baseline value were higher in the SA (92.9 %) and SA+S (100 %) groups than in the GA group (33.3 %). The number of patients with a ≥50 % decrease in rSO2 below baseline was greater in the SA+S (31.0 %) group than in the GA (0 %) or SA (3.6 %) group. During surgery, patients subjected to general anesthesia had higher rSO2 than those with spinal anesthesia. Blood pressures and heart rates were similar in three groups except 5 and 10 min after anesthesia. Intraoperative SpO2 was higher in the GA group than in the two spinal anesthesia groups.

Conclusions

Spinal anesthesia is associated with more frequent cerebral desaturation than general anesthesia; and it was aggravated when combined with midazolam sedation. The cerebral effects of anesthesia should be considered when managing high‐risk elderly patients.
Value of Adrenal Venous Sampling for Lesion Localization in Primary Aldosteronism
Authors: Oh Eun Mee , Lee Kyu Eun , Yoon Kwan , Kim Seong Yeon , Kim Hyo‐Cheol , Youn Yeo‐Kyu
Published: June 2012

Background

Distinguishing between unilateral and bilateral adrenal lesions is mandatory for surgical treatment of primary aldosteronism (PA). Adrenal venous sampling (AVS) is considered the gold standard for identification and localization of the lesion or lesions causing PA. The objective of the present study was to determine the usefulness of AVS in PA patients.

Patients and methods

From January 2001 to October 2011, 86 patients with the biochemical diagnosis of PA were retrospectively analyzed. The study group included 45 males and 41 females with a mean age of 50.7 ± 12.6 years, and all patients underwent adrenal computed tomography (CT) and AVS.

Results

The catheterization success rate of AVS was 82.69 % (86/104). In addition, AVS revealed bilateral lesions in 15/75 patients with unilateral abnormalities diagnosed by CT. These patients underwent medical treatment instead of surgery. One patient had an adrenal mass on the right side, but AVS localized the lesion on the left side. This patient underwent left adrenalectomy. Furthermore, AVS revealed a unilateral lesion in 2/5 patients with bilateral abnormalities demonstrated by CT. These patients underwent unilateral adrenalectomy. Finally, AVS demonstrated localization in 1/6 of patients with no CT abnormalities who were subjected to surgery. Fifty‐three patients with unilateral lesion and one patient with bilateral hypersecretion underwent surgical removal of the affected gland(s). All patients had resolution of hypokalemia and clinical improvement of hypertension.

Conclusions

Many patients (19/86, or 22.09 %) would have been inappropriately managed if decision making had been based solely on CT findings. Therefore, AVS is recommended before determining definitive PA management.
Efficient feeding profile optimization for recombinant protein production using physiological information
Authors: Wechselberger Patrick , Sagmeister Patrick , Engelking Helge , Schmidt Torsten , Wenger Jana , Herwig Christoph
Published: June 2012

A multivariate study was performed aiming at the optimization of a recombinant rhamnose inducible E. coli induction system with alkaline phosphatase as target product. The effects of typical factors with impact on post- as well as pre-induction feeding rates were investigated with respect to the space–time yield of the target product. The goal was increased understanding as well as quantitative characterization of these factors with respect to their physiological impact on the model system. The optical density (OD) at which the culture was induced had a strong positive effect on the space–time yield. Pre-induction growth rate (k) had a second-order effect, while induction feed rate drop (J), a factor defining the linear post-induction feed rate, was interacting with (k). However, explanation of the observed effects to acquire more understanding regarding their effect on cell metabolism was not straight forward. Hence, the original process parameters were transformed into physiological more meaningful parameters and served as the basis for a multivariate data analysis. The observed variance with respect to observed volumetric activity was fully explained by the specific substrate uptake rate (q
s) and induction OD, merging the process parameters pre-induction growth rate (k) and feed rate drop (J) into the physiological parameter specific substrate uptake rate (q
s). After transformation of the response volumetric activity (U/ml) into the biomass specific activity (U/gbiomass), the observed variance was fully explained solely by the specific substrate uptake rate (q
s). Due to physiological multivariate data analysis, the interpretation of the results was facilitated and factors were reduced. On the basis of the obtained results, it was concluded that the physiological parameter q
s rather than process parameters (k, J, induction OD) should be used for process optimization with respect to the feeding profile.
The Evaluation of Arkansas Act 1220 of 2003 to Reduce Childhood Obesity: Conceptualization, Design, and Special Challenges
Authors: Phillips Martha M. , Raczynski James M. , West Delia S. , Pulley LeaVonne , Bursac Zoran , Leviton Laura C.
Published: June 2012

This article describes the evaluation of the Arkansas Act 1220 of 2003, a comprehensive legislative proposal to address the growing epidemic of childhood obesity through changes in the school environment. In addition, the article discusses specific components of the evaluation that may be applicable to other childhood obesity policy evaluation efforts. The conceptual framework for the evaluation, research questions, and evaluation design are described, along with data collection methods and analysis strategies. A mixed methods approach, including both quantitative (surveys, telephone interviews) and qualitative (key informant interviews, records reviews) approaches, was utilized to collect data from a range of informant groups including parents, adolescents, school principals, school district superintendents, and other stakeholders. Challenges encountered with the evaluation are discussed, as are strategies to overcome those challenges. Now in its 9th year, this evaluation has documented substantial changes to school policies and environments but fewer changes to student and family behaviors. The evaluation may inform the methods of other evaluations of childhood obesity prevention policies, as well as inform policymakers about how quickly they might expect implementation of such policies in their own states and localities and anticipate both positive and adverse outcomes.
Thirty years beyond discovery—Clinical trials in succinic semialdehyde dehydrogenase deficiency, a disorder of GABA metabolism
Authors: Vogel Kara R. , Pearl Phillip L. , Theodore William H. , McCarter Robert C. , Jakobs Cornelis , Gibson K. Michael
Published: June 2012

This review summarizes a presentation made at the retirement Symposium of Prof. Dr. Cornelis Jakobs in November of 2011, highlighting the progress toward clinical trials in succinic semialdehyde dehydrogenase (SSADH) deficiency, a disorder first recognized in 1981. Active and potential clinical interventions, including vigabatrin, L‐cycloserine, the GHB receptor antagonist NCS‐382, and the ketogenic diet, are discussed. Several biomarkers to gauge clinical efficacy have been identified, including cerebrospinal fluid metabolites, neuropsychiatric testing, MRI, EEG, and measures of GABAergic function including (11 C)flumazenil positron emission tomography (PET) and transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). Thirty years after its discovery, encompassing extensive studies in both patients and the corresponding murine model, we are now running an open‐label trial of taurine intervention, and are poised to undertake a phase II trial of the GABAB receptor antagonist SGS742.
Concerted action of the PHD, chromo and motor domains regulates the human chromatin remodelling ATPase CHD4
Authors: Morra Rosa , Lee Benjamin M. , Shaw Heather , Tuma Roman , Mancini Erika J.
Published: June 2012

CHD4, the core subunit of the Nucleosome Remodelling and Deacetylase (NuRD) complex, is a chromatin remodelling ATPase that, in addition to a helicase domain, harbors tandem plant homeo finger and chromo domains. By using a panel of domain constructs we dissect their roles and demonstrate that DNA binding, histone binding and ATPase activities are allosterically regulated. Molecular shape reconstruction from small‐angle X‐ray scattering reveals extensive domain‐domain interactions, which provide a structural explanation for the regulation of CHD4 activities by intramolecular domain communication. Our results demonstrate functional interdependency between domains within a chromatin remodeller.
STAT3 repressed USP7 expression is crucial for colon cancer development
Authors: Zhi Yang , ShouJun Huo , Yuanzhou Shan , Haijun Liu , Yume Xu , Kai Yao , Xianwei Li , Xueli Zhang
Published: June 2012

STAT3
physically interacts with
HDAC1
by anti bait coimmunoprecipitation (
View interaction
)
UNIVERSITY STUDENTS' KNOWLEDGE OF, AND ATTITUDES TOWARDS, HIV AND AIDS, HOMOSEXUALITY AND SEXUAL RISK BEHAVIOUR: A QUESTIONNAIRE SURVEY IN TWO FINNISH UNIVERSITIES
Authors: KORHONEN TEIJA , KYLMÄ JARI , HOUTSONEN JARMO , VÄLIMÄKI MARITTA , SUOMINEN TARJA
Published: June 2012

This study describes Finnish university students' knowledge and attitudes towards HIV and AIDS, homosexuality and sexual risk behaviour. Finnish-speaking students were randomly selected from all registered students at two universities in Finland (N=9715, n=950). The data were collected by using a modified version of the State University of New York at Buffalo School of Nursing AIDS Study Questionnaire on sexual risk behaviour developed by Held and Chng. The total response rate was 35% (n=333). The data were analysed using quantitative statistical methods. Normally distributed data were analysed by t-test and one-way ANOVA, with Bonferroni corrections. Non-normally distributed data were analysed using the Mann-Whitney U-test and Kruskal-Wallis test, followed by a post-hoc test. The majority of students were familiar with HIV and AIDS, including its mode of transmission. However, there were still some misconceptions concerning HIV and AIDS. The oldest students and women had a more positive attitude towards people living with HIV and AIDS (PLWHA). Of patients with HIV or AIDS, intravenous drug users were perceived most negatively. Male students had more homophobic attitudes. Students who reported that religion had an important role in their lives had significantly stricter attitudes towards sexual risk behaviour. Students' knowledge correlated positively with general attitudes towards HIV and AIDS. Knowledge about HIV and AIDS will lead to more positive attitudes towards HIV and AIDS as a disease, towards those infected as well as homosexual people. There is a need to focus on preventive health care and sexual health promotion by educating young people and changing their attitudes towards sexual risk behaviour.