bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Microscale Gradients of Oxygen, Hydrogen Peroxide, and pH in Freshwater Cathodic Biofilms
Authors: Babauta Jerome T. , Nguyen Hung Duc , Istanbullu Ozlem , Beyenal Haluk
Published: June 2013

Cathodic reactions in biofilms employed in sediment microbial fuel cells is generally studied in the bulk phase. However, the cathodic biofilms affected by these reactions exist in microscale conditions in the biofilm and near the electrode surface that differ from the bulk phase. Understanding these microscale conditions and relating them to cathodic biofilm performance is critical for better‐performing cathodes. The goal of this research was to quantify the variation in oxygen, hydrogen peroxide, and the pH value near polarized surfaces in river water to simulate cathodic biofilms. We used laboratory river‐water biofilms and pure culture biofilms of Leptothrix discophora SP‐6 as two types of cathodic biofilms. Microelectrodes were used to quantify oxygen concentration, hydrogen peroxide concentration, and the pH value near the cathodes. We observed the correlation between cathodic current generation, oxygen consumption, and hydrogen peroxide accumulation. We found that the 2 e− pathway for oxygen reduction is the dominant pathway as opposed to the previously accepted 4 e− pathway quantified from bulk‐phase data. Biofouling of initially non‐polarized cathodes by oxygen scavengers reduced cathode performance. Continuously polarized cathodes could sustain a higher cathodic current longer despite contamination. The surface pH reached a value of 8.8 when a current of only −30 μA was passed through a polarized cathode, demonstrating that the pH value could also contribute to preventing biofouling. Over time, oxygen‐producing cathodic biofilms (Leptothrix discophora SP‐6) colonized on polarized cathodes, which decreased the overpotential for oxygen reduction and resulted in a large cathodic current attributed to manganese reduction. However, the cathodic current was not sustainable.
Novel membrane‐bound reporter molecule for sorting high producer cells by flow cytometry
Authors: Helman Daniel , Toister‐Achituv Mira , Bar‐Shimon Meirav , Cohen Benny , Otmi Issaschar , Berger Nir , Kalimi Doron , Kimalov Boaz , Medina Tali , Sapir Ashi , Rotemberg Ofer , Zabavnik Natalia , Zauberman Arie , Smolarsky Moshe
Published: June 2013

We developed a membrane bound reporter and selection molecule for sorting by fluorescence activated cell sorting (FACS) of cells producing a protein of interest. This molecule is composed of a transmembrane (TM) domain, fused on its extracellular end to a biotin mimetic peptide (BMP) and on its intracellular side to puromycin N‐acetyl transferase (PAC). In this format BMP is displayed on the cell membrane surface and PAC faces the cell cytoplasm. BMP was detected and quantified on the cell surface by fluorescently labelled streptavidin, allowing cell sorting by FACS, according to the reporter expression level. The reporter and a gene of interest (GOI) were connected on the same transcript via an internal ribosomal entry site (IRES). The reporter expression level was found to correlate with that of the GOI, enabling sorting of high producer cells by FACS. Thus, the highest fluorescent cells sorted had also the highest protein of interest (POI) productivity level. © 2013 International Society for Advancement of Cytometry
New violet‐excitable reagents for multicolor flow applications
Authors: Abrams Barny , Diwu Zhenjun , Guryev Oleg , Suni Maria , Dubrovsky Tim
Published: June 2013

We have recently added three new fluorophores–BD Horizon™ V450, BD Horizon V500, and BD Horizon V550 (V450, V500, and V550; BD Biosciences, San Jose, CA) to our existing AmCyan product, forming a group of four violet‐excitable dyes from which we have produced functional antibody conjugates. These conjugates, with emission maxima that range from 450 to 535 nm, are compatible with multilaser flow cytometry (FCM) and can be used for polychromatic FCM in three‐color or two‐color combinations; in fact, V500 fills a spectral opening that has thus far not been exploited by other manufacturers of FCM reagents. We here report that conjugates based on BD Horizon dyes performed well within a useful sensitivity range, established by testing a representative group of violet‐excitable FCM reagents currently available, and that V500 has better compatibility with FITC in multicolor applications than does AmCyan. © 2013 International Society for Advancement of Cytometry
Reacquisition, reinstatement, and renewal of a conditioned taste aversion in preweanling rats
Authors: Revillo D. A. , Castello S. , Paglini G. , Arias C.
Published: June 2013

Pavlovian extinction is defined as a reduction of the conditioned response (CR) as a consequence of repeated and nonreinforced presentations of the conditioned stimulus (CS). This phenomenon has been explained through two nonexclusive associative hypotheses. One of them proposes that the CS–unconditioned stimulus (US) association is weakened during extinction, while the second one explains extinction by the formation of a new inhibitory association between the CS, and the US (CS–noUS) which competes with the excitatory one acquired at conditioning (CS–US). Research supporting this second hypothesis is based on the demonstration that the CR can be recovered after extinction. However, in preweanling rats, renewal, and reinstatement treatments have failed to recover a conditioned fear response, suggesting that extinction during this ontogenetic period may involve erasure of the CS–US association. The goal of the present study was to explore whether this conclusion can be extended to the extinction of a conditioned taste aversion by evaluating infant rats in three different procedures (reacquisition, ABA renewal, and reinstatement). The results are consistent with the idea that extinction of a taste aversive memory during infancy involves relearning about the relationship between the CS and the US, with the initial CS–US association remaining relatively intact. Extinction of a taste aversive memory and a fear memory may involve different biological mechanisms during infancy. The conclusion that the only psychological mechanism for extinction during infancy is unlearning should be confined to a particular type of memory. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Dev Psychobiol 56: 713–725, 2014.
Recent physical connections may explain weak genetic structure in western Alaskan chum salmon (Oncorhynchus keta) populations
Authors: Garvin Michael R. , Kondzela Christine M. , Martin Patrick C. , Finney Bruce , Guyon Jeffrey , Templin William D. , DeCovich Nick , Gilk‐Baumer Sara , Gharrett Anthony J.
Published: June 2013

Low genetic divergence at neutral loci among populations is often the result of high levels of contemporary gene flow. Western Alaskan summer‐run chum salmon (Oncorhynchus keta) populations demonstrate weak genetic structure, but invoking contemporary gene flow as the basis for the low divergence is problematic because salmon home to their natal streams and some of the populations are thousands of kilometers apart. We used genotypes from microsatellite and single nucleotide polymorphism loci to investigate alternative explanations for the current genetic structure of chum salmon populations from western Alaska. We also estimated current levels of gene flow among Kuskokwim River populations. Our results suggest that weak genetic structure is best explained by physical connections that occurred after the Holocene Thermal Maximum among the Yukon, Kuskokwim, and Nushagak drainages that allowed gene flow to occur among now distant populations.
Ligand Effects on Bonding and Ion Pairing in Cationic Gold(I) Catalysts Bearing Unsaturated Hydrocarbons
Authors: Zuccaccia Daniele , Belpassi Leonardo , Macchioni Alceo , Tarantelli Francesco
Published: June 2013

We critically review recent experimental and theoretical investigations into some key aspects of the chemistry of gold(I) complexes of the type [L–Au–S]+X– (L = NHC carbenes and phosphanes, S = alkenes and alkynes, and X– = weakly coordinating counterion). These systems are important intermediates formed during gold‐catalyzed nucleophilic additions to an unsaturated substrate, and their specific activity is largely governed by two fundamental factors: the nature of the gold–substrate bond and the role of the ion‐pair structure in solution. Both are crucially influenced by the nature and properties of the auxiliary ligand L, and on this interplay we focus our discussion. The relative anion–cation orientation, investigated by NOE NMR spectroscopy and DFT calculations, shows that the exact position of the counterion is determined by the natures of the ancillary ligand and substrate: the counterion is located near the substrate in the phosphane complexes, while for the NHC complexes the preferred position of the counterion is near the ligand. This tunable interionic structure opens the way to greater control over the properties and activity of these catalysts. The bond between AuI and the unsaturated substrate is investigated using an original and powerful theoretical method of analysis. Our approach permits a rigorous definition and assessment of the charge‐displacement (CD) components at the heart of the Dewar–Chatt–Duncanson model: substrate‐to‐metal (σ donation) and metal‐to‐substrate (π back‐donation) and how these change with different ligands. The results consistently reveal that π back‐donation is a large and crucially important component of the AuI–substrate bond in all systems: π back‐donation penetrates the external side of coordinated alkynes, where nucleophile attack is directed, thus partially mitigating the electron depletion caused by σ donation.
LC‐MS3 quantification of O‐glycopeptides in human serum
Authors: Sanda Miloslav , Pompach Petr , Benicky Julius , Goldman Radoslav
Published: June 2013

Quantitative analysis of site‐specific glycosylation of proteins is a challenging part of glycoproteomic research. Multiple enrichment steps are typically required in the analytical workflows to achieve adequate characterization of the site‐specific glycoforms. In spite of recent advances, quantitative workflows need further development. Here, we report a selective and sensitive MS2 followed by further fragmentation in the linear IT‐MS analyzer (MS3) multiple reaction monitoring workflow mass spectrometric method for direct analysis of O‐glycopeptides in difficult matrix such as serum. Method optimization was performed using two serum glycoproteins, hemopexin (HPX) and sex hormone binding globulin. With the optimized MS3 workflow, we were able to analyze major glycoforms of HPX directly in human serum. Quantification of the minor glycoforms of HPX and glycoforms of sex hormone binding globulin required enrichment of the protein because these analytes were below the sensitivity of the 4000 quadrupole ion trap hybrid mass spectrometer in the complex serum background. In conclusion, we present a quantitative method for site‐specific analysis of O‐glycosylation with general applicability to mucin‐type glycoproteins. Our results document reliable application of the optimized MS3 multiple reaction monitoring workflow to the relative quantification of O‐glycosylation microheterogeneity of HPX in human serum. Introduction of isotopically labeled standards would be desirable to achieve absolute quantification of the analytes. The possibility to analyze serum samples directly represents a significant improvement of the quantitative glycopeptide workflows with the potential for use in clinical applications.
Modification of Bombyx mori silk fabrics by tyrosinase‐catalyzed grafting of chitosan
Authors: Wang Ping , Yu Meilan , Cui Li , Yuan Jiugang , Wang Qiang , Fan Xuerong
Published: June 2013

Tyrosinase could oxidize tyrosyl residues in silk fibroin and result in the production of activated o‐quinone residues, which could facilitate the grafting of the functional amino‐compounds onto silk fibers. In this study, the enzymatic modifications of Bombyx mori silk fibroin with tyrosinase and chitosan were investigated, aiming at improving the properties of silk fabrics, including dyeability, crinkling resistance, and antibacterial activity. The grafting grades of chitosan were evaluated by a color‐development method using bromocresol green. The result indicated that chitosan molecules were not only adsorbed on silk fibers via electrostatic interactions, they also could react with the oxidized silk fibers with tyrosinase. For the silk fabric combinedly treated with tyrosinase and chitosan, tensile strength and crinkling resistance were noticeably increased as compared to that of the chitosan‐treated. The antibacterial activity and its durability measurements revealed the actions of the tyrosinase‐catalyzed grafting of chitosan. The efficacy of the graft reaction might be further enhanced by increasing the accessibility of reactive sites in silk fibers.
Aftershock risk assessment and the decision to open traffic on bridges
Authors: Alessandri S. , Giannini R. , Paolacci F.
Published: June 2013

Critical issues in emergency management after a seismic event are assessing the functionality of the main infrastructures (hospitals, road network, etc.) and deciding on their usability just after the mainshock. The use of a pure analytical tool to assess the aftershock risk of a structure can be contrasted with the limited time available to make a decision about the usability of a structure. For this reason, this paper presents a method for evaluating post‐earthquake bridge practicability based on a rational combination of information derived from numerical analyses and in situ inspections. In particular, we propose an effective tool to speed up the decision‐making process involved in evaluating the seismic risk of mainshock‐damaged bridges in the context of aftershocks. The risk is calculated by combining the aftershock hazard using the Omori law and the fragility curves of the structure, which are calculated using the regression analysis of a sample of results obtained with data randomly generated by the Latin Hypercube Sampling technique and updated based on the results of in situ inspection. Different decision criteria regarding the practicability of bridges are discussed, and a new criterion is proposed. This tool was applied to an old highway RC viaduct. There are two main findings, including the high sensitivity to Bayesian updating (especially when the damage predicted by numerical analysis does not match the real damage) and the criteria used to decide when re‐open bridges to traffic. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Adolescents with Anorexia Nervosa Have Their Say: A Review of Qualitative Studies on Treatment and Recovery from Anorexia Nervosa
Authors: Bezance Jessica , Holliday Joanna
Published: June 2013

Anorexia nervosa often begins in adolescence, and there is a growing body of quantitative literature looking at the efficacy of treatment for adolescents. However, qualitative research has a valuable contribution to make to the understanding of treatment and recovery. This paper aims to review qualitative studies on the experience of treatment and recovery for adolescents with anorexia nervosa. Key themes from the 11 studies identified the role of family, peers and professionals, family therapy, the inpatient setting, emphasis on physical versus psychological and conceptualisation of recovery. Future studies would benefit from relating their findings to adolescent theory and considering reflexivity. Implications for clinical practice are also discussed. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and Eating Disorders Association.
Common chromosomal fragile site FRA16D tumor suppressor WWOX gene expression and metabolic reprograming in cells
Authors: Dayan Sonia , O'Keefe Louise V. , Choo Amanda , Richards Robert I.
Published: June 2013

The WWOX gene spans the FRA16D common chromosomal fragile site and is able to suppress tumor growth. FRA16D is a frequent site of DNA instability in cancer resulting in reduced levels of WWOX expression. Altered levels of WWOX have been shown to affect metabolism. Whereas metabolic reprograming of cells from oxidative phosphorylation to aerobic glycolysis is a major hallmark of tumors, the relationship between common chromosomal fragile site genes and altered metabolism has been unclear. Here we report that altering metabolism from glycolysis to oxidative phosphorylation causes stable increase in steady‐state levels of transcripts of the WWOX gene. Consistent with this, exposure to hypoxic conditions, in which cells rely on glycolysis, causes a downregulation of WWOX mRNA. The function of WWOX is therefore intimately integrated with metabolism, as WWOX not only contributes to the metabolic state of cells, its transcript levels are also linked to intracellular metabolic state. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Comprehensive genetic analysis identifies a pathognomonic NAB2/STAT6 fusion gene, nonrandom secondary genomic imbalances, and a characteristic gene expression profile in solitary fibrous tumor
Authors: Mohajeri Arezoo , Tayebwa Johnbosco , Collin Anna , Nilsson Jenny , Magnusson Linda , von Steyern Fredrik Vult , Brosjö Otte , Domanski Henryk A. , Larsson Olle , Sciot Raf , Debiec‐Rychter Maria , Hornick Jason L. , Mandahl Nils , Nord Karolin H. , Mertens Fredrik
Published: June 2013

Solitary fibrous tumor (SFT) is a mesenchymal neoplasm displaying variable morphologic and clinical features. To identify pathogenetically important genetic rearrangements, 44 SFTs were analyzed using a variety of techniques. Chromosome banding and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) showed recurrent breakpoints in 12q13, clustering near the NAB2 and STAT6 genes, and single nucleotide polymorphism array analysis disclosed frequent deletions affecting STAT6. Quantitative real‐time PCR revealed high expression levels of the 5'‐end of NAB2 and the 3'‐end of STAT6, which at deep sequencing of enriched DNA corresponded to NAB2/STAT6 fusions. Subsequent reverse‐transcriptase PCR (RT‐PCR) analysis identified a NAB2/STAT6 fusion in 37/41 cases, confirming that this fusion gene underlies the pathogenesis of SFT. The hypothesis that the NAB2/STAT6 fusions will result in altered properties of the transcriptional co‐repressor NAB2 ‐ a key regulator of the early growth response 1 (EGR1) transcription factor – was corroborated by global gene expression analysis; SFTs showed deregulated expression of EGR1 target genes, as well as of other, developmentally important genes. We also identified several nonrandom secondary changes, notably loss of material from 13q and 14q. As neither chromosome banding nor FISH analysis identify more than a minor fraction of the fusion‐positive cases, and because multiple primer combinations are required to identify all possible fusion transcripts by RT‐PCR, alternative diagnostic markers might instead be found among deregulated genes identified at global gene expression analysis. Indeed, using immunohistochemistry on tissue microarrays, the top up‐regulated gene, GRIA2, was found to be differentially expressed also at the protein level. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Plausible reasons for the inconsistencies between the modeled and observed temperatures in the tropical troposphere
Authors: Varotsos Costas A. , Efstathiou Maria N. , Cracknell Arthur P.
Published: June 2013

We hereby attempt to detect plausible reasons for the discrepancies between the measured and modeled tropospheric temperature anomalies in the tropics. For this purpose, we calculate the trends of the upper‐minus‐lower tropospheric temperature anomaly differences (TAD) for both the measured and modeled time series during 1979–2010. The modeled TAD trend is significantly higher than that of the measured ones, confirming that the vertical amplification of warming is exaggerated in models. To investigate the cause of this exaggeration, we compare the intrinsic properties of the measured and modeled TAD by employing detrended fluctuation analysis (DFA). The DFA exponent obtained for the measured values reveals white noise behavior, while the exponent for the modeled ones shows that they exhibit long‐range power law correlations. We suggest that the vertical amplification of warming derived from modeled simulations is weighted with a persistent signal, which should be removed in order to achieve better agreement with observations.
ONE MAN'S TALL IS ANOTHER MAN'S SMALL: HOW THE FRAMING OF PORTION SIZE INFLUENCES FOOD CHOICE
Authors: Just David R. , Wansink Brian
Published: June 2013

Labels such as ‘Large’ or ‘Super‐size’ are often used to describe portion sizes. How do these normative labels influence consumer choice and how much they ultimately either consume or waste? Although one might believe that firms use normative labels to impact choice behavior through loss aversion, a field experiment shows consumer's willingness to pay is inconsistent with a loss aversion explanation. Although portions were clearly visible, individuals appeared to use the labels as objective information about their size. Importantly, a second study showed these labels also led people to eat less when food was given a larger sounding name than a smaller name (double vs. regular; regular vs. half‐size). If labels are used as size information, policies governing normative names could help reduce food consumption or reduce waste. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
What Does an Executive Coaching Intervention Add Beyond Facilitated Multisource Feedback? Effects on Leader Self‐Ratings and Perceived Effectiveness
Authors: Nieminen Levi R. G. , Smerek Ryan , Kotrba Lindsey , Denison Daniel
Published: June 2013

Multisource ratings and feedback are now central components of many leader development programs. Research evaluating the outcomes of multisource feedback (MSF) underscores the importance of facilitation strategies that help leaders to interpret and use their feedback throughout the development process. Scholars and practitioners have recommended executive coaching as one such facilitation strategy. However, there is little empirical basis to substantiate the benefits of executive coaching beyond other less costly strategies, most notably feedback workshops with groups of leaders. This quasi‐experiment followed 469 managers from a large government agency participating in a 15‐month leader development program. Changes over time in MSF ratings of leadership behaviors and effectiveness were compared for two groups of leaders. The first group of uncoached managers participated in a feedback workshop shortly after the premeasure MSF, and the second group participated in the feedback workshop plus several sessions with an executive coach thereafter. Results indicated that managers in both groups improved similarly as rated by direct reports, peers, and supervisors, whereas only those managers who received the executive coaching improved according to self‐ratings. Specifically, the executive coaching intervention had a unique positive effect on managers' self‐rated involvement, consistency, and mission‐focused leadership behaviors. These findings are discussed in light of “psychometric” and self‐efficacy perspectives, and in relation to exploratory regression analyses linking managers' self‐ratings to others' ratings of their effectiveness at the conclusion of the program.
Individual and Contextual Inhibitors of Sexual Harassment Training Motivation
Authors: Walsh Benjamin M. , Bauerle Timothy J. , Magley Vicki J.
Published: June 2013

Studies have evaluated the outcomes of sexual harassment training, but considerably less research has focused on variables that influence sexual harassment training effectiveness. To address this need, we developed and tested a model of individual and contextual inhibitors of sexual harassment training motivation to learn. Survey data collected from male and female participants across three time points were used to test the mediating role of pessimism about sexual harassment change in the relationship between sexual harassment myth endorsement and motivation to learn, as well as the moderating role of organizational tolerance for sexual harassment on the relation between sexual harassment myth endorsement and pessimism. Results were consistent with the hypotheses, and exploratory analyses also revealed unhypothesized sex differences. The strengths and limitations of the study, implications for practitioners, and directions for future research are discussed.
Response to Nieminen et al.'s Feature Article on Executive Coaching and Facilitated Multisource Feedback: Toward Better Understanding of a Growing HRD Practice
Authors: Egan Toby
Published: June 2013

Executive coaching is a booming, but understudied, HRD‐related practice. Given the limited number of available studies that have been deployed with rigor and systematic methods, the study by Nieminen et al. adds to our understanding of the impact of executive coaching and multisource feedback on leadership development. Explored in the context of a U.S. government agency, the study used two large groups of respondents. One group received executive coaching as part of a leadership development program and was compared to a group not receiving coaching. The study design and limitations articulated by the authors provide both interesting results and insights regarding design improvement for future studies.
Influence of red algal sulfated polysaccharides on blood coagulation and platelets activation in vitro
Authors: Sokolova Ekaterina V. , Byankina Anna O. , Kalitnik Alexandra A. , Kim Yong H. , Bogdanovich Larisa N. , Solov'eva Tamara F. , Yermak Irina M.
Published: June 2013

The influence of sulfated polysaccharides (λ‐, κ‐, and κ/β‐carrageenan and porphyran) – on platelet activation was studied. Carrageenans were much weaker inhibitors of a coagulation process than heparin, while porphyran had not that effect. Results of the aPTT and PT assays suppose that carrageenans affected mostly intrinsic pathway of coagulation, while their effect on the extrinsic pathway is extremely low (λ and κ/β) or absent (κ, LMW derivative of κ‐carrageenan). λ‐Carrageenan was the most potent anticoagulant agent in TT, aPTT, PT, and anti‐factor Xa activity. This sample was also the strongest inhibitor of collagen‐induced platelet aggregation in PRP. Generally, the correlation of anticoagulant and antithrombotic action in PRP is preserved for carrageenans but not for heparin. Carrageenans and porphyran affected platelet adhesion to collagen by influencing glycoprotein VI. Low molecular weight κ‐carrageenan had a similar effect on platelet adhesion mediated with both major collagen receptors: integrin α2β1 and glycoprotein VI as native polysaccharide had. Carrageenans resulted in activation of platelets under platelet adhesion mediated by integrin αIIbβ3 with less degree than heparin. The least sulfated κ/β‐carrageenan that possessed an inhibiting effect on thrombin‐ and collagen‐induced aggregation of washed platelets and on the PT test but it had no significant effect on TT was the weakest promoter of integrin αIIbβ3 mediated platelet activation. In summary, our study showed that the polysaccharide action was complex, since it depended on its molecular mass, sulfation degree, and monosaccharide contents (3,6‐anhydrogalactose). © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 102A: 1431–1438, 2014.
Ground‐based total ozone column measurements and their diurnal variability
Authors: Silva Abel A.
Published: June 2013

Three Brewer spectrophotometers were set up in three tropical sites of South America (in the Bolivian Altiplano and seashore and biomass burning areas of Brazil) to measure the total ozone column (TOC). Only TOC measurements with uncertainties ≤1% (1σ) were considered. Typically, the standard deviation for the diurnal sets of measurements was predominantly ≤1% for two of these sites. The average variability in TOC ranged from 6.3 Dobson units (DU) to 16.8 DU, and the largest variability reached 54.3 DU. Comparisons between ground‐based and satellite (Total Ozone Mapping Spectrometer (TOMS)) data showed good agreement with coefficients of determination ≤0.83. However, the quality of the ground‐based measurements was affected by the weather condition, especially for one of the sites. Visual observation of the sky from the ground during the measurements with one of the Brewers added to the satellite data of reflectivity and aerosol index supports that statement.
Hepatitis B and C virus infection among hemodialysis patients in yogyakarta, Indonesia: Prevalence and molecular evidence for nosocomial transmission
Authors: Rinonce Hanggoro Tri , Yano Yoshihiko , Utsumi Takako , Heriyanto Didik Setyo , Anggorowati Nungki , Widasari Dewiyani Indah , Lusida Maria Inge , Soetjipto  , Prasanto Heru , Hotta Hak , Hayashi Yoshitake
Published: June 2013

Hemodialysis patients are at an increased risk of acquiring hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. However, the prevalence of hepatitis viral infection and its genotype distribution among hemodialysis patients in Indonesia are unclear. In order to investigate these issues and the possibility of nosocomial transmission, 161 hemodialysis patients and 35 staff members at one of the hemodialysis unit in Yogyakarta, Indonesia, were tested for serological and virological markers of both viruses. HBV surface antigen (HBsAg) was detected in 18 patients (11.2%) and in two staff members (5.7%). Anti‐HCV was detected in 130 patients (80.7%) but not in any staff members. Occult HBV and HCV infection were detected in 21 (14.7%) and 4 (12.9%) patients, respectively. The overall prevalence rates of HBV and HCV infection among patients were 24.2% and 83.2%, respectively. HCV infection was independently associated with hemodialysis duration and the number of blood transfusions. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that 23 of 39 tested HBV strains (59%) were genotype B, 11 (28.2%) were genotype C, and 5 (12.8%) were genotype A. HCV genotype 1a was dominant (95%) among 100 tested HCV strains. Nosocomial transmission was suspected because the genotype distribution differed from that of the general population in Indonesia, and because the viral genomes of several strains were identical. These findings suggest that HBV and HCV infection is common among hemodialysis patients in Yogyakarta, and probably occurs through nosocomial infection. Implementation of strict infection‐control programs is necessary in hemodialysis units in Indonesia. J. Med. Virol. 85:1348–1361, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Spectrum of respiratory viruses circulating in eastern India: Prospective surveillance among patients with influenza‐like illness during 2010–2011
Authors: Roy Mukherjee Tapasi , Chanda Shampa , Mullick Satarupa , De Papiya , Dey‐Sarkar Malay , Chawla‐Sarkar Mamta
Published: June 2013

In developing countries, viruses causing respiratory disease are a major concern of public health. During January 2010–December 2011, 2,737 patients with acute respiratory infection from the outpatient departments as well as patients admitted to hospitals were screened for different respiratory viruses. Nasal and or throat swabs were collected and transported to the laboratory where initial screening of influenza A and influenza B viruses was performed. The samples were tested further for influenza C virus, parainfluenza viruses 1–4, human rhinovirus, metapneumovirus and respiratory syncytial virus by conventional RT‐ PCR. The study revealed that the majority of the patients were under 5 years of age; both due to their higher susceptibility to respiratory infections and presentation to hospitals. Out of 2,737 patients enrolled in this study, 59% were found positive for one or more respiratory viruses. Influenza B infection was detected in 12% of patients followed by influenza A (11.7%), respiratory syncytial virus (7.1%), parainfluenza virus‐2 (6%), metapneumovirus (3%), parainfluenza virus‐3 (1%), parainfluenza virus‐4 (0.6%), parainfluenza virus‐1 (0.3%), influenza C (0.2%) and human rhinovirus (0.2%). Distinct seasonal infection was observed only for influenza A and influenza B viruses. J. Med. Virol. 85:1459–1465, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Reconstruction of summer temperatures in Eastern Carpathian Mountains (Rodna Mts, Romania) back to AD 1460 from tree‐rings
Authors: Popa Ionel , Bouriaud Olivier
Published: June 2013

Tree‐ring series from a single site and a single species were used as proxies to reconstruct past summer temperatures over 550 years in the Eastern Carpathian Mountains. The chronology was built using standard procedures in order to provide comparable information about this under‐sampled region while preserving the low‐frequency signals. The studied site offered abundant samples of both living trees and dead wood, which were carefully selected in order to minimize heterogeneity sources owing to a reduced availability of suitable material as e.g. in the Alps. The ring‐width chronology spanned over 550 years with satisfying replication and showed an even segment length. The chronology correlated to temperature over quite a narrow window, temperatures of June and July only being significant. The reconstruction showed that the last 180 years was the warmest period with only three short episodes of anomalies. We present evidence that the summer temperatures in the Eastern Carpathian Mountains showed divergences as compared to the Alps and a clear regionality, the coolest period over the last 600 years occurring during 1720–1850.
Antisense suppression of donor splice site mutations in the dystrophin gene transcript
Authors: Fletcher Sue , Meloni Penny L. , Johnsen Russell D. , Wong Brenda L. , Muntoni Francesco , Wilton Stephen D.
Published: June 2013

We describe two donor splice site mutations, affecting dystrophin exons 16 and 45 that led to Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), through catastrophic inactivation of the mRNA. These gene lesions unexpectedly resulted in the retention of the downstream introns, thereby increasing the length of the dystrophin mRNA by 20.2 and 36 kb, respectively. Splice‐switching antisense oligomers targeted to exon 16 excised this in‐frame exon and the following intron from the patient dystrophin transcript very efficiently in vitro, thereby restoring the reading frame and allowing synthesis of near‐normal levels of a putatively functional dystrophin isoform. In contrast, targeting splice‐switching oligomers to exon 45 in patient cells promoted only modest levels of an out‐of‐frame dystrophin transcript after transfection at high oligomer concentrations, whereas dual targeting of exons 44 and 45 or 45 and 46 resulted in more efficient exon skipping, with concomitant removal of intron 45. The splice site mutations reported here appear highly amenable to antisense oligomer intervention. We suggest that other splice site mutations may need to be evaluated for oligomer interventions on a case‐by‐case basis.
In Silico and In Vitro Studies of Truncated Forms of Flagellin (FliC) of Enteroaggregative Escherichia coli (EAEC)
Authors: Savar Nastaran Sadat , Sardari Soroush , Jahanian‐Najafabadi Ali , Bouzari Saeid
Published: June 2013

Enteroaggregative Escherichia coli (EAEC) is an important cause of acute and chronic diarrhea worldwide. It has been shown that flagellin (FliC), a major bacterial surface protein of EAEC, causes IL‐8 release from certain epithelial cell lines via activation of TLR‐5. Based on the ability of this protein to activate innate immunity, flagellin can be considered as a potent adjuvant in new vaccines and adjuvant effects of native or recombinant forms of flagellin have been demonstrated. In the current study we designed various truncated forms of FliC‐EAEC based on its interaction site with TLR‐5 and assessed the interactions via docking protocols. Then, the most appropriate truncated forms were PCR amplified, cloned in to pGEX‐5X‐1 plasmid and expressed. Finally, the expressed proteins were tested for pro‐inflammatory properties. Our in silico and in vitro results indicated that two truncated forms of FliC‐ EAEC (amino acids 79–117 and 477–508) effectively interact with TLR‐5, thus could be capable of inducing in vivo immune responses.
The prevalence and risk factors of OAB in middle‐aged and old people in China
Authors: Wen Jian G. , Li Jin S. , Wang Zhi M. , Huang Chen X. , Shang Xiao P. , Su Zhi Q. , Lu Yu T. , Suo Zhen H. , Wang Yan , Qin Gui J. , Zhang Wei X. , Heesakkers John P.
Published: June 2013

Aims

To evaluate the prevalence of associated risk factors of over active bladder (OAB) in people ≥40 years old in mainland of China.

Methods

A randomized community‐based, cross‐sectional study was performed on 10,160 residents (≥40 years old) in the mainland of China using a questionnaire. The overactive bladder symptom score (OABSS) was filled upon site. The chi‐square test was used to determine the differences of prevalence between sex, age groups, body mass index (BMI) and people with and without diabetes mellitus (DM).

Results

A total of 9,805 (96.5%) subjects qualified for the final statistical analysis. The overall prevalence of OAB was 2.1% (209/9,805), of whom 1.0% had OABdry and 1.1% had OABwet. The prevalence of OAB was more common in men than in women over the age of 60 (4.6% vs. 2.6%, P < 0.05). The prevalence of OAB in subjects with DM was significantly higher than those without DM in patients with BMI ≥ 25 (P < 0.05). The subjects with a BMI over 29 were more likely to have OAB (3.2% vs. 1.8%, P < 0.05).

Conclusions

In this population, the prevalence of OAB increased with age for both sexes, but was higher for males over 60 years of age. The study also showed that diabetics with BMI ≥ 25 and people suffering from obesity are more likely to have OAB. Neurourol. Urodynam. 33:387–391, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Mapping of prostate cancer by 1H MRSI
Authors: Kobus Thiele , Wright Alan J. , Scheenen Tom W. J. , Heerschap Arend
Published: June 2013

In many studies, it has been demonstrated that 1H MRSI of the human prostate has great potential to aid prostate cancer management, e.g. in the detection and localisation of cancer foci in the prostate or in the assessment of its aggressiveness. It is particularly powerful in combination with T2‐weighted MRI. Nevertheless, the technique is currently mainly used in a research setting. This review provides an overview of the state‐of‐the‐art of three‐dimensional MRSI, including the specific hardware required, dedicated data acquisition sequences and information on the spectral content with background on the MR‐visible metabolites. In clinical practice, it is important that relevant MRSI results become available rapidly, reliably and in an easy digestible way. However, this functionality is currently not fully available for prostate MRSI, which is a major obstacle for routine use by inexperienced clinicians. Routine use requires more automation in the processing of raw data than is currently available. Therefore, we pay specific attention in this review on the status and prospects of the automated handling of prostate MRSI data, including quality control. The clinical potential of three‐dimensional MRSI of the prostate is illustrated with literature examples on prostate cancer detection, its localisation in the prostate, its role in the assessment of cancer aggressiveness and in the selection and monitoring of therapy. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Iterative methods in penalty finite element discretizations for the Steady Navier–Stokes equations
Authors: Huang Pengzhan
Published: June 2013

Three penalty finite element methods are designed to solve numerically the steady Navier–Stokes equations, where the Stokes, Newton, and Oseen iteration methods are used, respectively. Moreover, the stability analysis and error estimate for these nine algorithms are provided. Finally, the numerical tests confirm the theoretical results of the presented algorithms. Meanwhile, the numerical investigations are provided to show that the proposed methods are efficient for solving the steady Navier–Stokes equations with the different viscosity. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Numer Methods Partial Differential Eq 30: 74‐94, 2014
A numerical method for solving the nonlinear fermi–pasta–ulam problem
Authors: Ren Jincheng , Sun Zhi‐zhong , Cao Hai‐yan
Published: June 2013

An effective finite difference scheme for solving the nonlinear Fermi–Pasta–Ulam (FPU) problem is derived. The most important feature of the scheme inherits energy conservation property from the nonlinear FPU problem. The unique solvability and the convergence of the difference scheme are proved by the energy method. The convergence order is in the maximum norm, where τ is the temporal grid size and h is the spatial grid size, respectively. In addition, the stability of the difference scheme is obtained. Numerical results are presented to support the theoretical analysis and verify numerically the energy conservation property.© 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Numer Methods Partial Differential Eq 30: 187‐209, 2014
Development and Initial Testing of Functional Task Exercise on Older Adults with Cognitive Impairment at Risk of Alzheimer's Disease – FcTSim Programme – A Feasibility Study
Authors: Law Lawla L. F. , Barnett Fiona , Yau Matthew K. , Gray Marion A.
Published: June 2013

The purpose of this study was to illustrate the development of a new functional task‐based exercise programme and initially test its feasibility as well as effectiveness for older adults with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). This study used a single‐group repeated‐measures design. A total of 11 patients (mean age 71.8 years) were recruited to participate in a structured functional task exercise programme for 10 weeks. All outcome measures were undertaken at baseline, post‐intervention and post‐3‐month follow‐up using the Neurobehavioral Cognitive Status Examination (NCSE), Verbal Fluency Test (VFT), Chinese Version Verbal Learning Test (CVVLT), Lawton Instrumental Activities of Daily Living Scale (Lawton IADL) and Problems in Everyday Living test (PEDL). Data were analysed using a repeated‐measures analysis of variance. Cohen'sdeffect size was used to assess the practical significant effects. The participants showed significant improvement in NCSE composite score, VFT, CVVLT total free recall, CVVLT 10‐minute delayed free recall, Lawton IADL and PEDL. Results of this study demonstrate that the newly designed functional task exercise programme, which uses simulated tasks, is feasible and beneficial to cognitive functions and functional status of older persons with MCI. The findings of the current study further reinforce occupational therapy practitioners' understanding that “occupation” is a “means” and an “end”. Further study with a larger population is needed to draw more definitive conclusions. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Intensity‐modulated radiation therapy with dose‐painting for pediatric sarcomas with pulmonary metastases
Authors: Yang Joanna C. , Wexler Leonard H. , Meyers Paul A. , Happersett Laura , La Quaglia Michael P. , Wolden Suzanne L.
Published: June 2013

Background

We examined patterns of failure in pediatric patients with thoracic sarcoma and pulmonary metastases treated with intensity‐modulated radiation therapy with dose‐painting (DP‐IMRT).

Procedure

Eleven pediatric patients, five with Ewing sarcoma family tumors (ESFT) and six with rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS), with primary thoracic tumors and pulmonary metastases underwent DP‐IMRT with chemotherapy for definitive treatment. Eight patients also underwent surgery. Median time to RT was 21 (15–31) weeks. Nine patients received 45–50.4–Gy in 1.8 Gy fractions to the primary tumor (n = 3) or post‐operative tumor bed (n = 6). Two patients ≤4 years received 12 Gy intraoperative radiation therapy and 30.6–36 Gy IMRT postoperatively to the tumor bed. All patients received 14–16.8 Gy in 0.54–0.88 Gy fractions to the whole lungs (n = 6) or hemithorax (n = 5) using dose‐painting technique. A representative case was re‐planned with IMRT plus standard AP/PA whole lung irradiation (WLI) for dosimetric comparison.

Results

With 27‐month median follow‐up, 3‐year pulmonary relapse‐free survival in all patients was 61%: 80% for RMS and 40% for ESFT. Five patients (4 ESFT and 1 RMS) experienced pulmonary relapse at median 16 (9–41) months. There were no local failures. Our representative case demonstrated more homogeneous target volume coverage of the whole lungs and decreased mean dose to esophagus (15%), heart (31%), spinal cord (15%), and liver (19%) with DP‐IMRT.

Conclusions

The treatment of children with a primary thoracic tumor and pulmonary metastases poses a significant challenge. DP‐IMRT is one solution to this technical problem. Initial data from this small series suggest DP‐IMRT is feasible and produces superior sparing of critical normal tissues. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2013;60:1616–1620. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Indane‐based bismaleimide and cloisite 15a nanoclay blends: Kinetics of thermal curing and degradation of particulate nanocomposites
Authors: Surender Rajendran , Mahendran Arunjunai Raj , Alam Sarfaraz , Vijayakumar Chinnaswamy Thangavel
Published: June 2013

Bismaleimide, 5(6)‐maleimide‐1(4′‐maleimidophenyl)‐1,3,3′‐trimethyl indane (BMII) was prepared, different weight ratios (1, 3, 5, 7, and 9%) of cloisite 15a were blended with BMII ultrasonically and thermally polymerized at 230°C for 6 h. The Fourier transform infrared spectrophotometry (FTIR) studies of the polymerized materials reveal that the clay particles affect only the indane nucleus present in the bismaleimide. Differential scanning calorimetry results reveal that the nanoclay particles affect the enthalpy of curing and the extent of this effect depends on the degree of clay loading. In the case of particulate nanocomposites, irrespective of the amount of clay loading, the endset degradation temperatures of the nanocomposites were found to increase (35–60°C). The change noted in the apparent activation energies (Ea) for curing and degradation with respect to the extent of the reaction (α) is much dependent on the amount of cloisite 15a present in BMII. The TG‐FTIR studies showed the compounds such as CO, CO2, aromatic amine, and aromatic isocyanates are the major degradation products from polyBMII. Possible degradation mechanism of polyBMII is presented and discussed. The scanning electron microscopy results show that the aggregation of clay particles are noted for higher level loadings (5 and 7%) of cloisite 15a nanoclay particles in BMII. POLYM. COMPOS. 34:1279–1297, 2013. © 2013 Society of Plastics Engineers
Polymer/clay nanocomposites and their gas barrier properties
Authors: Kalendova Alena , Merinska Dagmar , Gerard Jean Francois , Slouf Miroslav
Published: June 2013

Polymer organic–inorganic hybrids, where the high‐aspect ratio inorganic filler can be delaminated at the nanometer scale, are able to increase their enhancement very significantly at very low‐filler volume. Necessary requirement for the use of materials in packaging and storage applications are presented by gas barrier properties. Modified type of montmorillonite (MMT) 30B, 25A, 93A and natural type of MMT Na+ were used as the inorganic phase. Fillers were incorporated to the linear low‐density polyethylene (LLDPE) and poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) matrix. The nanofiller particles were generated via melt compounding in KO‐kneader. In case of PVC, the plasticizers act as the intercalation agents. The ion–dipole method was used for intercalation process. Prepared samples were tested for water vapor transmission (WVT), O2, and CO2 permeability. Next, the PVC samples were tested for the migration behavior of plasticizers. The structure was determined using X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The results showed that the high level of exfoliation could positively affect tested properties. POLYM. COMPOS., 34:1418–1424, 2013. © 2013 Society of Plastics Engineers