bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Polymorphism in the protease‐activated receptor‐4 gene region associates with platelet activation and perioperative myocardial injury
Authors: Muehlschlegel Jochen D. , Perry Tjörvi E. , Liu Kuang‐Yu , Fox Amanda A. , Smith Shane A. , Lichtner Peter , Collard Charles D. , Shernan Stanton K. , Hartwig John H. , Body Simon C. , Hoffmeister Karin M.
Published: November 2011

Protease‐activated receptors (PAR)‐1 and ‐4 are the principal receptors for thrombin‐mediated platelet activation. Functional genetic variation has been described in the human PAR1 gene, but not in the PAR4 gene (F2RL3). We sought to identify variants in and around F2RL3 and to determine their association with perioperative myocardial injury (PMI) after coronary artery bypass graft surgery. We further explored possible mechanisms for F2RL3 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) associations with PMI including altered receptor expression and platelet activation. Twenty‐three SNPs in the F2RL3 gene region were genotyped in two phases in 934 Caucasian subjects. Platelets from 43 subjects (23 major allele, 20 risk allele) homozygous for rs773857 (SNP with the strongest association with PMI) underwent flow cytometry to assess PAR4 receptor number and response to activation by a specific PAR4 activating peptide (AYPGKF) measured by von Willebrand factor (vWf) binding and P‐selectin release and PAC‐1 binding. We identified a novel association of SNP rs773857 with PMI (OR = 2.4, P = 0.004). rs773857 risk allele homozygotes have significantly increased platelet counts and platelets showed a significant increase in P‐selectin release after activation (P = 0.004). We conclude that rs773857 risk allele homozygotes are associated with risk for increased platelet count and hyperactivity. Am. J. Hematol. 2011. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Ring‐opening polymerization of cyclohexene oxide by recyclable scandium triflate in room temperature ionic liquid
Authors: Ling Jun , You Lixin , Wang Yifei , Shen Zhiquan
Published: November 2011

In this article, we provide a concept of a two‐phase polymerization system consisting of immiscible monomer and room temperature ionic liquid (IL). The catalyst is immobilized in the IL phase where polymerization takes place. The produced polymer is extracted by the monomer, and the remaining IL phase is catalytically active for more polymerizations. Thus, common volatile organic solvents are no longer needed. Ring‐opening polymerization of cyclohexene oxide (CHO) in 1‐n‐butyl‐3‐methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate IL ([bmim][BF4]) using scandium triflate [Sc(OTf)3] catalyst serves as a realistic example of such concept. The yield of polyCHO in [bmim][BF4] is higher than that in bulk. IL containing Sc(OTf)3 can be used for at least three times. A circulatory polymerization process is carried out with added catalyst to keep a relatively high yield in following circulation processes. The assignments of proton signals of polyCHO in 1H NMR are discussed in detail. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Improvement of the mechanical and thermal properties of silica‐filled polychloroprene vulcanizates prepared from latex system
Authors: Rattanasom Nittaya , Kueseng Pattana , Deeprasertkul Chudej
Published: November 2011

In this work, well‐dispersed silica suspension having excellent storage stability was prepared by using an ultrasonic probe. The obtained silica suspension and curatives were added into the polychloroprene (CR) latex for preparing silica‐filled CR latex compounds having various silica loadings. Then, the silica‐filled CR vulcanizates were prepared via a dipping process. The thermal and mechanical properties of the dipped CR vulcanizates containing silica dispersed by using an ultrasonic probe were compared with those of the dipped CR vulcanizates containing silica dispersed by using a mechanical stirrer. By using thermogravimetric analysis, it could be seen that thermal resistance of the dipped CR films having silica prepared by ultrasonic probe is greater than that prepared by using the mechanical stirrer. This result corresponds well with their tensile strength after aging in the hot‐air oven. In addition, modulus, tensile strength, and tear strength of the vulcanizates prepared from CR latex compounds containing silica prepared by using the ultrasonic probe are obviously greater than those prepared by using the mechanical stirrer, especially at high silica loading. This is because the silica prepared using the ultrasonic probe is uniformly distributed and dispersed throughout the CR matrix, as can be observed in the scanning electron microscope micrographs. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Extruded/injection‐molded composites containing unripe plantain flour, ethylene–vinyl alcohol, and glycerol: Evaluation of mechanical property, storage conditions, biodegradability, and color
Authors: Vargas Apolonio , Berrios Jose De J. , Chiou Bor‐Sen , Wood Delilah , Bello Luis A. , Glenn Gregory M. , Imam Syed H.
Published: November 2011

Extruded/injection‐molded composites of excellent mechanical property were produced from plantain flour (PF) blended with ethylene–vinyl alcohol (EVA) and glycerol. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed that composites had a smooth surface, indicative of an excellent compatibility between PF, EVA, and glycerol. Generally, tensile strength (TS), elongation at break (%E), and the displacement (DM), all decreased with increased PF content in the composite accompanied by an increase in Young's modulus (M). The composites with higher PF contents (60% or higher) had more stable mechanical properties. Selected composites (60% PF content) stored at −20°C and 4°C for 40 h showed only minor changes in mechanical properties compared with controls (23°C). However, samples stored for a similar period at 80°C were drastically altered in their mechanical properties resulting in huge increases in TS and M and a 10‐fold decrease in the %E. Samples prestored at various relative humidities (RHs) for 40 h exhibited only slight decrease in TS and M and a concomitant increase in the %E with increased RH. Interestingly, sample prestored at both −20°C and 80°C exhibited significantly higher rates and extents of degradation. SEM analysis of samples left in compost for 8 weeks showed a rapid surface erosion and material deterioration with time. Evaluation of the color produced during heat processing of starch in PF as a result of Maillard reaction showed an increase in the values of luminosity (L*), chroma (C*), and hue angle (h*) with decreased PF content in the composite. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Recent regional surface solar radiation dimming and brightening patterns: inter‐hemispherical asymmetry and a dimming in the Southern Hemisphere
Authors: Hatzianastassiou N. , Papadimas C. D. , Matsoukas C. , Pavlakis K. , Fotiadi A. , Wild M. , Vardavas I.
Published: November 2011

Recent variations in surface solar radiation (SSR) at the beginning of the 21st century (2000–2007) were determined at scales ranging from local/regional to hemispherical/global, on the basis of radiative transfer computations and information from satellites, reanalyses and surface measurements. Under all‐sky conditions, in the Northern Hemisphere (NH) there is no clear dimming/brightening signal after 2000, whereas in the SH there is a more clear dimming arising from both increasing clouds and aerosols. Dimming is observed over land and ocean in the Southern Hemisphere (SH), and over oceans in the NH, whereas a slight brightening occurred over NH land. However, opposite tendencies are found even within the same continent, indicating the need to assess SSR changes at regional/local scales apart from hemispherical/global ones. Copyright © 2011 Royal Meteorological Society
A safe authentication system for distance education
Authors: Farshchi Seyyed Mohammad Reza , Toosizadeh Saeed
Published: November 2011

The importance of correctly identifying a student in a distance learning environment comes from the necessity to avoid fraud and the fact that the student plays the central role in this kind of learning process claims that the student should be correctly assessed, identified, and authenticated. The Learning Management Systems available nowadays provides only the user authentication engine based on username/password, which increases the susceptibility to fraud, when the authentication certainty level about the actual user, given for this mechanism, is practically void. In this article we proposed the safe and fast approach for authentication system for distance learning. The certification methods of face recognition were adopted in proposed system. The high recognition rate of the implemented system in four cities of Iran shows that the distance education systems are more secure and reliable than the traditional authentication system, and as a result, promote the development of distance education, in future.© 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Comput Appl Eng Educ 22:593–603, 2014; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com/journal/cae; DOI 10.1002/cae.20583
Water‐Soluble Distyrylbenzenes: One Core with Two Sensory Responses—Turn‐On and Ratiometric
Authors: Tolosa Juan , Bryant Jonathan J. , Solntsev Kyril M. , Brödner Kerstin , Tolbert Laren M. , Bunz Uwe H. F.
Published: November 2011

The synthesis of four water‐soluble distyrylbenzenes (compounds 1–4) is reported. Their acidochromicity in aqueous media was investigated. Blue shifts and increases in the quantum yields were observed as a general response. The pH‐dependent photophysics of 1 b–3 b in water reveal unexpected protonation sequences upon titration: compound 1 b is green–yellow fluorescent at high pH (10) but becomes very weakly fluorescent between pH 5 and pH 3, whereas below pH 2 strong blue fluorescence is observed. This behavior can be explained in terms of the interplay in the protonation of aniline and of the carboxylate groups. In compound 4, a higher basicity of the amino group is observed and ratiometric fluorescence change takes place upon protonation or on reaction with zinc salts in water. Compound 4 can therefore act as a weak ratiometric zinc ligand in water, even though it has only a dimethylamino unit as a binding motif.
Investigating the Antecedents of Green Brand Equity: A Sustainable Development Perspective
Authors: Kang Seongho , Hur Won‐Moo
Published: November 2011

This study proposed five novel constructs – green satisfaction, green affect, green trust, green brand loyalty, and green brand equity – and explored the positive relationships between these constructs. Electronics products in South Korea were the focus of this research. This empirical study was carried out by the one‐to‐one interview method using a structured questionnaire. The results showed that green brand satisfaction has a positive effect on green trust, affect, and loyalty. In addition, the results revealed that green brand, trust, and affect have a significantly positive influence on green brand loyalty. Furthermore, we found that green brand loyalty has a strongly positive influence on green brand equity. This study suggests that in addition to the perceived green trust arising from eco‐friendly attributes, green affect characterized by positive emotional consumption plays an important role in building green loyalty and green brand equity for sustainable development. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.
Reducing the Cost of Production of Bimetallic Aluminium Catalysts for the Synthesis of Cyclic Carbonates
Authors: North Michael , Young Carl
Published: November 2011

Bimetallic aluminium complexes of general formula [(salen)Al]2O or [(acen)Al]2O catalyse the formation of cyclic carbonates from carbon dioxide and terminal epoxides under exceptionally mild reaction conditions. To improve the potential for industrial scale application of these catalysts, the cost of their production has been evaluated and reduced significantly by optimization of the synthesis, including replacement of the most expensive chemicals by less expensive alternatives. The largest cost saving was associated with the formation of aluminium triethoxide in situ, which reduced the cost of the chemicals need for production of the catalysts by 49–87 %. Further savings were made by avoiding the use of tetrabutylammonium bromide and acetonitrile, resulting in overall cost savings of 68–93 %.
Cloning and expression of a retinoic acid receptor β2 subtype from the adult newt: Evidence for an early role in tail and caudal spinal cord regeneration
Authors: Carter Christopher , Clark Alysen , Spencer Gaynor , Carlone Robert
Published: November 2011

Retinoic acid receptor beta 2 (RARβ2) has been proposed as an important receptor mediating retinoid‐induced axonal growth and regeneration in developing mammalian spinal cord and brain. In urodele amphibians, organisms capable of extensive central nervous system (CNS) regeneration as adults, this receptor had not been isolated, nor had its function been characterized. We have cloned a full‐length RARβ2 cDNA from adult newt CNS. This receptor, NvRARβ2, is expressed in various adult organs capable of regeneration, including the spinal cord. Interestingly, both the NvRARβ2 mRNA and protein are up‐regulated during the first 2 weeks after amputation of the tail, primarily in the ependymoglial and meningeal tissues near the rostral cut surface of the cord. Treatment with LE135, a RARβ‐selective antagonist, caused a significant inhibition of ependymal outgrowth and a decrease in tail regenerate length. These data support an early role for this receptor in caudal spinal cord and tail regeneration in this amphibian. Developmental Dynamics 240:2613–2625, 2011. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Estimation of the complex‐valued mixing matrix by single‐source‐points detection with less sensors than sources
Authors: Li Hui , Shen Yue‐hong , Wang Jian‐gong , Ren Xi‐shun
Published: November 2011

This paper essentially considers the direction‐of‐arrival (DOA) estimation of far‐field source signals in the underdetermined blind separation, where the mixing matrix is complex‐valued. By distinguishing single‐source‐points (SSPs) from multi‐source‐points in the time‐frequency domain, a novel estimation algorithm is proposed based on the detection of SSPs, where only single source contributes and samples all correspond to one of the mixing column vectors. To further enhance the estimation accuracy, a modified version of the proposed algorithm is also presented, which utilizes the probability density distribution of the already detected SSPs and reselects those reliable SSPs with most likely probabilities. Finally, the mixing matrix as well as the DOAs can be obtained by performing the K‐means clustering algorithm on samples at selected SSPs. The results of numerical simulations validate the efficiency of both the two estimation algorithms. One of the outstanding superiorities for the SSPs‐based idea is that it can distinguish multiple DOAs using only two sensors; the other is that it relaxes the signal sparsity requirement to allow SSPs to merely occur at a small number of time‐frequency locations. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Multimodality treatment for sinonasal neuroendocrine carcinoma
Authors: Mitchell Elisabeth H. , Diaz Alvaro , Yilmaz Turker , Roberts Dianna , Levine Nicholas , DeMonte Franco , Hanna Ehab Y. , Kupferman Michael E.
Published: November 2011

Background

Neuroendocrine carcinoma (NEC) of the paranasal sinuses is rare, accounting for 5% of sinonasal malignancies. The purpose of this study was to assess prognostic factors and survival rates for sinonasal NEC.

Methods

A retrospective review of patients with NEC treated from 1990 to 2004 was performed. Patient demographics, TNM classification, treatment modality, recurrences, and survival were evaluated.

Results

NEC was identified in 28 patients; the most common primary site was the ethmoid sinuses. Most patients presented with advanced tumors; few had regional or distant metastasis. Local recurrence rate was 21%. Five‐year overall survival (OS) and disease‐specific survival (DSS) rates were 65% and 78%, respectively. Response to chemotherapy predicted for improved survival, although no differences in outcomes were noted between definitive management strategies.

Conclusion

NEC of the paranasal sinuses is an exceedingly rare malignancy of the paranasal sinuses. Our data suggests definitive management with surgery or radiotherapy offers durable control. The response to chemotherapy may predict for overall outcomes. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2011
A spatially and temporally explicit model for determining the exposure of juvenile salmon to agricultural pesticides in freshwater
Authors: Teply Mark , Cramer Steven P , Poletika Nicholas N
Published: November 2011

In this paper, we present a novel approach for determining the probable co-occurrence of juvenile salmon or steelhead with agricultural pesticides and apply it to spring Chinook (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) salmon in the Willamette Basin, Oregon. We adapted a published exposure analysis framework by explicitly considering fish migration among habitat units and assuming that habitat use is proportional to habitat quality. Temporal variability in habitat use was accounted for via biweekly time steps over the entire period when a single brood was expected to spawn until the last juvenile migrated to sea. Spatial variability was accounted for at the watershed and reach scale. Exposure to 6 acetylcholinesterase-inhibiting insecticides at any life stage was expressed in terms of the future adults (adult-equivalents; AEQ). Several datasets were available to inform our framework with input values on extent of spring Chinook fish use, habitat quality preferred by juvenile spring Chinook, choice of juvenile life-history pathways, timing of emergence, and timing of migration either in-stream or to sea. We used insecticide concentration profiles constructed from available monitoring data to demonstrate the effect of accounting for variation in space and time on predicted exposure to chemical residues. In contrast to the assumption commonly used in screening-level risk assessments that the entire population in a watershed is exposed, available data applied to our model framework indicate that a small fraction of AEQ juveniles in the Willamette Basin would co-occur with detectable concentrations of the 6 insecticides. Overall, our results indicated that the use of a spatially and temporally explicit framework yields a better understanding of the proportion of organisms potentially impacted by agricultural pesticides. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2012; 8: 271–284. © 2011 SETAC
Active‐specific immunotherapy of human cancers with the heat shock protein Gp96—revisited
Authors: Randazzo Marco , Terness Peter , Opelz Gerhard , Kleist Christian
Published: November 2011

The passive administration of specific antibodies that selectively target tumors is a well‐known strategy in cancer treatment. Active immunotherapy using peptide vaccines, in contrast, is expected to induce specific, cytolytic T cells in the patient, which react against tumor antigens and destroy malignant cells. Although several concepts exist, the identification and low immunogenicity of tumor‐specific peptides remain a serious problem. Heat shock proteins (HSPs), notably glycoprotein (Gp) 96, are of special interest, because they are able to take molecular peptide‐fingerprints of the protein array characteristic for a particular cell. Association of Gp96 with peptides has been shown to be essential for crosspresentation and activation of T cells. Consequently, Gp96–peptide complexes extracted from cancer cells harbor the tumor‐specific peptides and are immunogenic, thus offering a tool for active immunization against the tumor. Already, several immunotherapy studies of human cancers have been carried out, showing no severe adverse effects but unfortunately only limited improvement in the clinical outcome. Vitespen, a commercial HSP–peptide complex vaccine based on tumor‐derived Gp96, seems to induce an improved overall survival for subsets of early stage melanoma and kidney cancer patients. The limited access to vaccine material derived from the autologous tumor requires the development of alternative protocols. Moreover, counteracting immunosuppressive mechanisms induced by the malignancy might further improve the efficacy of vaccinations. This review critically analyzes the current state of clinical immunotherapy with Gp96, with special attention to Vitespen.
Visinin‐like protein‐1 overexpression is an indicator of lymph node metastasis and poor prognosis in colorectal cancer patients
Authors: Akagi Tomonori , Hijiya Naoki , Inomata Masafumi , Shiraishi Norio , Moriyama Masatsugu , Kitano Seigo
Published: November 2011

Lymph node metastasis is an important factor determining outcome from colorectal cancer (CRC). Identification of molecular markers useful to predict lymph node metastasis is urgently needed. Our objective was to identify genes useful for characterization and prediction of lymph node metastasis in CRC. Gene expression profiles of cancer were determined by human U133 Plus 2.0 GeneChip® in 24 CRC patients, and patients with and without lymph node metastasis were compared. We focused on the visinin‐like protein‐1 (VSNL‐1) gene and evaluated VSNL‐1 mRNA expression levels with reverse transcriptase‐polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemical methods. Immunohistochemical evaluation of VSNL‐1 mRNA expression was also performed in 143 other CRC patients to determine clinicopathological significance of VSNL‐1. Twenty‐four novel discriminating genes showed expression significantly different between patients with and without lymph node metastasis. Mean level of VSNL‐1 mRNA expression in tumor tissue with lymph node metastasis was significantly higher than that in tissue without lymph node metastasis. Immunohistochemical examination demonstrated immunoreactivity for VSNL‐1 in cytoplasm of the cancer cells with lymph node metastasis. High VSNL‐1 expression was significantly associated with lymphatic invasion in stage II disease (p = 0.0061) and number of lymph node metastases in stage III disease (p = 0.0461). Patients with high VSNL‐1 expression had significantly poorer prognosis than those with low expression in stage III disease (p = 0.045). This study is the first to demonstrate a prognostic role for VSNL‐1 at the mRNA level, suggesting the possible usefulness of VSNL‐1 as a predictor of lymph node metastasis and poor prognosis in CRC.
Performance of a fluidized‐bed bioreactor with hydrogel biomass carrier under extremely low‐nitrogen availability and effect of nitrogen amendments
Authors: Sevillano Xabier , Isasi José R. , Peñas Francisco J.
Published: November 2011

BACKGROUND: Because of the lower fluidization energy required and the protection against shock loading and starvation due to their sorption capacity, light adsorbents such as hydrogels could be used as biofilm carrier media in fluidized bed bioreactors for wastewater processing. This work explores the feasibility of a cyclodextrin hydrogel as biomass support to degrade phenol under extremely low‐nitrogen availability and under nitrogen amendments.

RESULTS: Phenol removal capacity was low (mean 0.589 kg m−3 day−1) under extreme nitrogen‐limited conditions (mean C:N ratio 3830). A pulsed nitrogen amendment increased the elimination capacity (up to 1.97 kg m−3 day−1) controlling the biofilm thickness. An 8‐h nitrogen pulse had a highly efficient long‐term effect removing 93.5 mg‐C mg−1‐N in 300 h. The continuous nitrogen amendment enhanced the elimination capacity (up to 5.84 kg m−3 day−1) although rapidly increasing the biomass growth. The inhibiting phenol concentration was smaller during the nitrogen‐limited period (below 100 mg L−1) than in the nitrogen‐amendment periods (140 mg L−1). Low liquid velocities were needed to fluidize the bioparticles (less than 3.1 mm s−1) during the entire experimentation.

CONCLUSION: This work shows that a fluidized‐bed bioreactor with mixed culture on cyclodextrin‐based particles can be operated for long periods at extreme nitrogen limitation, and that a limited nitrogen supply with periodic pulsed amendments would be adequate for controlling the biofilm thickness. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry
Household Expenditures for Leisure Tourism in the USA, 1996 and 2006
Authors: Zheng Bin , Zhang Yaoqi
Published: November 2011

Using Consumer Expenditure Survey data, this study compares the different impacts of household socio‐economic characteristics on leisure travel expenditure patterns between 1996 and 2006. The total expenditure is divided into food/beverage, lodging, transportation and sightseeing/entertainment to examine more specific changes. Results indicate that family size, gender, number of elderly family members, race and region/location had different impacts on leisure trip consumption patterns in 1996 and 2006. There is no evident change for the income elasticities of four categories between these two years. The upward direction in high‐income households reflects the potential for luxury sightseeing and entertainment activities. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Rheological Behavior of Polyelectrolytes Based on Cellulose and Ionic Liquids Dissolved in 1‐Ethyl‐3‐methyl Imidazolium Acetate
Authors: Gonsior Nina , Ritter Helmut
Published: November 2011

The regioselective derivatization of cellulose with three different ionic liquids via click chemistry is investigated. The novel polyelectrolytes are characterized in detail by elemental analysis, FT‐IR‐spectroscopy, and 1H and 13C‐NMR spectroscopy. In addition, the rheological behavior of the compounds is studied in 1‐ethyl‐3‐methyl imidazolium acetate as the solvent. A Newtonian flow behavior is recorded for all cellulose samples at a concentration of 5 wt%. Due to the modification, the viscosity is reduced by at least one decade compared to unmodified cellulose and can be further controlled by choice of the substituent of the imidazolium ring. Furthermore, the viscosity‐temperature dependence is analyzed with the Vogel–Fulcher–Tammann equation and the Arrhenius plot.
Simultaneous T1 measurements and proton resonance frequency shift based thermometry using variable flip angles
Authors: Hey S. , de Smet M. , Stehning C. , Grüll H. , Keupp J. , Moonen C.T.W. , Ries M.
Published: November 2011

A method is presented which allows precise temperature and longitudinal (T1) relaxation time measurements with high spatial and temporal resolution. This is achieved by combining dynamic variable flip angle based T1 relaxation mapping with proton resonance frequency shift based thermometry. Herein, dynamic T1 mapping is either used as a complementary measure of temperature or for the detection of T1 contrast agent release. For the first application, the temperature evolution during a high‐intensity focused ultrasound tissue ablation experiment was measured in both, porcine fat and muscle, simultaneously. In this application, temperature accuracies of 2.5 K for T1‐based thermometry in fat and 1.2 K for proton resonance frequency shift‐based thermometry in muscle were observed. The second application relates to MR‐guidance of high‐intensity focused ultrasound‐induced local drug delivery by means of thermo‐sensitive liposomes labeled with a T1 contrast agent (Gd‐HPDO3A). When the measured temperature exceeded the phase transition temperature of the liposomes, T1 was observed to decrease with a good temporal and spatial correlation due to the release of Gd‐HPDO3A. The presented results demonstrate the feasibility of the proposed method for two important applications in MR‐guided noninvasive therapy. It offers a high temporal resolution when compared with interleaved Look‐Locker based T1 mapping techniques and thus represents an interesting candidate for simultaneous real‐time monitoring of T1 and temperature changes. Magn Reson Med, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Influence of botulinum toxin on rabbit jaw muscle activity and anatomy
Authors: Korfage J.A.M. , Wang Jeffrey , Lie S.H.J.T.J. , Langenbach Geerling E.J.
Published: November 2011

Introduction: Muscles can adapt their fiber properties to accommodate to new conditions. We investigated the extent to which a decrease in muscle activation can cause an adaptation of fiber properties in synergistic and antagonistic jaw muscles. Methods: Three months after the injection of botulinum toxin type A in one masseter (anterior or posterior) muscle changes in fiber type composition and fiber cross‐sectional areas in jaw muscles were studied at the microscopic level. Results: The injected masseter showed a steep increase in myosin type IIX fibers, whereas fast fibers decreased by about 50% in size. Depending on the injection site, both synergistic and antagonistic muscles showed a significant increase in the size of their fast IIA fibers, sometimes combined with an increased number of IIX fibers. Conclusion: Silencing the activity in the masseter not only causes changes in the fibers of the injected muscle but also leads to changes in other jaw muscles. Muscle Nerve, 2012
Analytical particular solutions of augmented polyharmonic spline associated with Mindlin plate model
Authors: Tsai Chia‐Cheng , Wu Edward Ming‐Yang
Published: November 2011

Analytical particular solutions of the augmented polyharmonic spline (APS) associated with the polyharmonic and poly‐Helmholtz operators and their products were derived by Tsai et al. (Eng Anal Bound Elem 33 (2009), 514). In addition, it has been mentioned that the particular solution associated with a coupled system of partial differential equations (PDEs) can be derived from the prescribed solutions by using the Hörmander operator decomposition technique. In this article, this derivation procedure is demonstrated via Mindlin thick‐plate problems, which are governed by a coupled system of three second‐order PDEs. Analytical particular solutions of displacements, shear forces, and bending or twisting moments corresponding to the polyharmonic spline and monomials are all explicitly derived. These particular solutions are validated using numerical examples. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Numer Methods Partial Differential Eq, 2011
The stability and convergence of two linearized finite difference schemes for the nonlinear epitaxial growth model
Authors: Qiao Zhonghua , Sun Zhi‐zhong , Zhang Zhengru
Published: November 2011

The numerical simulation of the dynamics of the molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) growth is considered in this article. The governing equation is a nonlinear evolutionary equation that is of linear fourth order derivative term and nonlinear second order derivative term in space. The main purpose of this work is to construct and analyze two linearized finite difference schemes for solving the MBE model. The linearized backward Euler difference scheme and the linearized Crank‐Nicolson difference scheme are derived. The unique solvability, unconditional stability and convergence are proved. The linearized Euler scheme is convergent with the convergence order of O(τ + h2) and linearized Crank‐Nicolson scheme is convergent with the convergence order of O(τ2 + h2) in discrete L2‐norm, respectively. Numerical stability with respect to the initial conditions is also obtained for both schemes. Numerical experiments are carried out to demonstrate the theoretical analysis. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Numer Methods Partial Differential Eq, 2011
Delivering school‐based mental health services by school psychologists: Education, training, and ethical issues
Authors: Perfect Michelle M. , Morris Richard J.
Published: November 2011

Consistent with the priority goals of the 2002 Future of School Psychology Conference, the National Association of School Psychologists' Blueprint for Training and Practice III advocates for school psychologists becoming “leading mental health experts in schools.” In this regard, the present article reviews the prevalence and incidence of children's mental health problems in the schools, followed by a historical overview of the nature of school‐based mental health services. We discuss education and training issues and related ethical and professional practice issues that focus on the ethics codes of the National Association of School Psychologists and the American Psychological Association that are associated with the delivery of mental health services by school psychologists. Recommendations are offered for graduate‐level coursework and field experiences in the delivery of school‐based mental health services, as well as future directions for research in this area. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The structure–activity relationship in herbicidal monosubstituted sulfonylureas
Authors: Li Zheng‐Ming , Ma Yi , Guddat Luke , Cheng Pei‐Quan , Wang Jian‐Guo , Pang Siew S , Dong Yu‐Hui , Lai Cheng‐Ming , Wang Ling‐Xiu , Jia Guo‐Feng , Li Yong‐Hong , Wang Su‐Hua , Liu Jie , Zhao Wei‐Guang , Wang Bao‐Lei
Published: November 2011

BACKGROUND: The herbicide sulfonylurea (SU) belongs to one of the most important class of herbicides worldwide. It is well known for its ecofriendly, extreme low toxicity towards mammals and ultralow dosage application. The original inventor, G Levitt, set out structure–activity relationship (SAR) guidelines for SU structural design to attain superhigh bioactivity. A new approach to SU molecular design has been developed.

RESULTS: After the analysis of scores of SU products by X‐ray diffraction methodology and after greenhouse herbicidal screening of 900 novel SU structures synthesised in the authors' laboratory, it was found that several SU structures containing a monosubstituted pyrimidine moiety retain excellent herbicidal characteristics, which has led to partial revision of the Levitt guidelines.

CONCLUSIONS: Among the novel SU molecules, monosulfuron and monosulfuron‐ester have been developed into two new herbicides that have been officially approved for field application and applied in millet and wheat fields in China. A systematic structural study of the new substrate–target complex and the relative mode of action in comparison with conventional SU has been carried out. A new mode of action has been postulated. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry
Surface acoustic wave controlled carrier injection into self‐assembled quantum dots and quantum posts
Authors: Krenner Hubert J. , Völk Stefan , Schülein Florian J. R. , Knall Florian , Wixforth Achim , Reuter Dirk , Wieck Andreas D. , Kim Hyochul , Truong Tuan A. , Petroff Pierre M.
Published: November 2011

We report on recent progress in the acousto‐electrical control of self‐assembled quantum dot and quantum post using radio frequency surface acoustic waves (SAWs). We show that the occupancy state of these optically active nanostructures can be controlled via the SAW‐induced dissociation of photogenerated excitons and the resulting sequential bipolar carrier injection which strongly favors the formation of neutral excitons for quantum posts in contrast to conventional quantum dots. We demonstrate high fidelity preparation of the neutral biexciton which makes this approach suitable for deterministic entangled photon pair generation. The SAW driven acoustic charge conveyance is found to be highly efficient within the wide quantum well surrounding the quantum posts. Finally we present the direct observation of acoustically triggered carrier injection into remotely positioned, individual quantum posts which is required for a low‐jitter SAW‐triggered single photon source. (© 2012 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
InAs/AlGaSb heterojunction tunnel field‐effect transistor with tunnelling in‐line with the gate field
Authors: Li Rui , Lu Yeqing , Chae Soo Doo , Zhou Guangle , Liu Qingmin , Chen Chen , Shahriar Rahman M. , Vasen Tim , Zhang Qin , Fay Patrick , Kosel Tom , Wistey Mark , Xing Huili (Grace) , Koswatta Siyuranga , Seabaugh Alan
Published: November 2011

The first fabrication of a III‐V tunnel field‐effect transistor (TFET) with tunneling directed perpendicular to the gate is reported. This new transistor geometry utilizes an InAs/Al0.45Ga0.55Sb staggered‐gap tunnel junction intended for high on current and steep subthreshold swing. The first measurements of the transistor transport properties at room temperature and ‐50 °C are provided. Tunneling transport is confirmed by the observation of negative differential resistance in the tunnel junction in the forward bias polarity. Transistor on‐current of 21 μA/μm at 0.3 V and subthreshold swing of 830 mV/decade is found. The large subthreshold swing is consistent with the large density of interface traps at the oxide/semiconductor interface (© 2012 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Computational tools for protein–DNA interactions
Authors: Kauffman Christopher , Karypis George
Published: November 2011

Interactions between deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and proteins are central to living systems, and characterizing how and when they occur would greatly enhance our understanding of working genomes. We review the computational problems associated with protein–DNA interactions and the various methods used to solve them. A wide range of topics is covered including physics‐based models for direct and indirect recognition, identification of transcription‐factor‐binding sites, and methods to predict DNA‐binding proteins. Our goal is to introduce this important problem domain to data mining researchers by identifying the key issues and challenges inherent to the area as well as provide directions for fruitful future research. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

This article is categorized under:

Algorithmic Development > Biological Data Mining

Technologies > Machine Learning
Long‐Term Outcomes of Patients Treated with Primary Stenting for Transplant Renal Artery Stenosis: A 10‐year Case Cohort Study
Authors: Su Chun‐Hung , Lian Jong‐Da , Chang Horng‐Rong , Wu Sheng‐Wen , Chen Shiuan‐Chih , Tsai Chin‐Feng , Kao Pan‐Fu , Ueng Kwo‐Chang
Published: November 2011

Background

The purpose of the present study was to evaluate graft and patient survival and long‐term outcomes of primary endoluminal stenting (PES) as an initial treatment for transplant renal artery stenosis (TRAS).

Methods

From December 1999 to March 2010, 744 consecutive patients undergoing renal transplantation were enrolled. Patients were divided into one of two groups: the study group, comprised of 18 patients who underwent PES for TRAS > 60%, and a control group, including the remaining 726 recipients who did not develop TRAS post‐transplantation. Primary outcome measures were death‐censored graft failure and all‐cause mortality. The immediate and long‐term effects of PES were evaluated by assessing blood pressure (BP) control and biochemical graft function.

Results

The technical success rate for PES was 100%, and minor complication occurred in only one case (5.6% of the study group). With a mean follow‐up of 7.1 ± 3.7 and 6.9 ± 2.4 years in the study and control groups, respectively, 4 patients in the study group and 113 patients in the control group reached the primary outcome (log rank P = 0.418). The reduction in stenosis resulted in immediate improvement in BP control and graft function, which persisted throughout the 6 year follow‐up period. Restenosis occurred in only one patient (5.6%), but restenosis was not the cause of graft failure.

Conclusions

This study indicated that both the long‐term graft and patient survival were as good in TRAS patients treated with PES as in patients without TRAS. The data also supported the use of PES as an initial treatment for TRAS.
High Dose trans‐10,cis‐12 CLA Increases Lean Body Mass in Hamsters, but Elevates Levels of Plasma Lipids and Liver Enzyme Biomarkers
Authors: Liu Xiaoran , Joseph Shama V. , Wakefield Andrew P. , Aukema Harold M. , Jones Peter J. H.
Published: November 2011

The current study examined the efficacy of graded doses of c9,t11 and t10,c12 CLA isomers on body composition, energy expenditure, hepatic and serum lipid liver biomarkers in hamsters. Animals (n = 105) were randomized to seven treatments (control, 1, 2, 3% of c9,t11; 1, 2, 3% of t10,c12) for 28 days. After 28 days treatment, 1–3% of t10,c12 lowered (p < 0.05) body fat mass compared to the control group. The 1–3% t10,c12 and 3% c9,t11 fed groups showed higher (p < 0.05) lean mass compared to other groups. We observed unfavorable changes in plasma total cholesterol and non‐HDL cholesterol levels in animals fed with 3% t10,c12 CLA isomers. The 2%, 3% t10,c12 groups presented elevated (p < 0.05) ALT levels. The present data suggest that a diet enriched with more than 2% t10, c12 led to liver malfunction and poses unfavorable changes on plasma lipid profiles. The 1% t10,c12 CLA lowered (p < 0.05) body fat mass and increased (p < 0.05) lean body mass. The c9,t11 CLA has less potent actions than t10,c12 CLA. We conclude that the actions of CLA on energy and lipid metabolism are form and dose dependent in the hamster model.
Age‐ and gender‐dependent values of skeletal muscle mass in healthy children and adolescents
Authors: Webber Colin E. , Barr Ronald D.
Published: November 2011

Background

Skeletal muscle mass (SMM) can be extracted from whole‐body scans obtained by X‐ray‐based dual‐photon absorptiometry (DXA). There is a need to establish expected age‐dependent values for children and adolescents.

Methods

Appendicular lean tissue mass (ALM) was extracted from whole‐body DXA scans in 140 healthy children and adolescents (68 females and 72 males). Whole‐body SMM was calculated from ALM using equations developed by Kim et al. (Am J Clin Nutr 84:1014–1020, 2006). Age‐dependent patterns of increase in SMM were derived by fitting SMM values to equations that consisted of the sum of two logistic expressions, one accounting for SMM changes during growth and the other for SMM changes during puberty. Normal ranges were defined so that 95% of the SMM values were included. The reproducibility of SMM measurements was obtained from whole‐body DXA scans repeated on three occasions in each of a separate group of 32 normal children with repositioning between scans.

Results

Normal ranges are presented as equations describing the age‐dependent pattern of increase in SMM as well as population standard deviations that increased steadily with age. For 15 children below age 10, SMM reproducibility (95% CI) was 149 g (119–199 g) while for 17 children and adolescents over age 10, reproducibility was 170 g (138–223 g).

Conclusion

DXA‐based measurements of SMM in children and adolescents are reproducible and can be expressed in terms of age‐dependent Z scores.
Non‐coding RNAs in cancer initiation and progression and as novel biomarkers
Authors: Nana-Sinkam S. Patrick , Croce Carlo M.
Published: November 2011

Cancer represents a complex group of heterogeneous diseases. While many cancers share fundamental biological processes (hallmarks of cancer) necessary for their development and progression, cancers also distinguish themselves by their dependence on distinct oncogenic pathways. Over the last decade, targeted therapies have been introduced to the clinic with variable success. In truth, single targeted therapies may be successful in only a subset of malignancies but insufficient to address malignancies that often rely on multiple pathways, thus evading single targeted agents. Investigators have recently identified potentially functional components of the human genome that were previously thought to have no biological function. This discovery has added to the already established complexity of gene regulation in the pathogenesis of cancer. Non‐coding RNAs represent key regulators of gene expression. Improved knowledge of their biogenesis and function may in turn lead to a better understanding of the heterogeneity of malignancies and eventually be leveraged as diagnostic, prognostic and therapeutic targets. MicroRNAs (miRNAs or miRs) for example, have the capacity for the regulation of multiple genes and thus redirection or reprogramming of biological pathways. However, several other members of the non‐coding RNA family may be of equal biological relevance. In this review, we provide a perspective on emerging concepts in the clinical application of miRNA and other non‐coding RNAs as biomarkers in cancer with an eye on the eventual integration of both miRNA and other non‐coding RNA biology into our understanding of cancer pathogenesis and treatment.
Subjective Wellbeing in ASEAN: A Cross-Country Study
Authors: SIOK KUAN TAMBYAH , JIUAN TAN SOO
Published: November 2011

Our paper reports and discusses issues relating to subjective wellbeing in selected countries in ASEAN (The Association of Southeast Asian Nations), a regional organization that coordinates and promotes the economic, social and cultural interests of member countries in Southeast Asia. Comparisons will be made across the five founding members of ASEAN, namely Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore and Thailand using data from the 2004, 2006 and 2007 AsiaBarometer Surveys. The indicators of subjective wellbeing used are perceptions of happiness, enjoyment, and achievement. We also examined the impact of selected demographic and non-demographic variables on these indicators.
Cortical Metabolites as Biomarkers in the R6/2 Model of Huntington's Disease
Authors: Zacharoff Lori , Tkac Ivan , Song Qingfeng , Tang Chuanning , Bolan Patrick J , Mangia Silvia , Henry Pierre-Gilles , Li Tongbin , Dubinsky Janet M
Published: November 2011

To improve the ability to move from preclinical trials in mouse models of Huntington's disease (HD) to clinical trials in humans, biomarkers are needed that can track similar aspects of disease progression across species. Brain metabolites, detectable by magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS), have been suggested as potential biomarkers in HD. In this study, the R6/2 transgenic mouse model of HD was used to investigate the relative sensitivity of the metabolite profiling and the brain volumetry to anticipate the disease progression. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and 1H MRS data were acquired at 9.4 T from the R6/2 mice and wild-type littermates at 4, 8, 12, and 15 weeks. Brain shrinkage was detectable in striatum, cortex, thalamus, and hypothalamus by 12 weeks. Metabolite changes in cortex paralleled and sometimes preceded those in striatum. The entire set of metabolite changes was compressed into principal components (PCs) using Partial Least Squares-Discriminant Analysis (PLS-DA) to increase the sensitivity for monitoring disease progression. In comparing the efficacy of volume and metabolite measurements, the cortical PC1 emerged as the most sensitive single biomarker, distinguishing R6/2 mice from littermates at all time points. Thus, neurochemical changes precede volume shrinkage and become potential biomarkers for HD mouse models.
Modulation of glucokinase by glucose, small-molecule activator and glucokinase regulatory protein: steady-state kinetic and cell-based analysis
Authors: Bourbonais Francis J. , Chen Jing , Huang Cong , Zhang Yanwei , Pfefferkorn Jeffrey A. , Landro James A.
Published: November 2011

GK (glucokinase) is an enzyme central to glucose metabolism that displays positive co-operativity to substrate glucose. Small-molecule GKAs (GK activators) modulate GK catalytic activity and glucose affinity and are currently being pursued as a treatment for Type 2 diabetes. GK progress curves monitoring product formation are linear up to 1 mM glucose, but biphasic at 5 mM, with the transition from the lower initial velocity to the higher steady-state velocity being described by the rate constant kact. In the presence of a liver-specific GKA (compound A), progress curves at 1 mM glucose are similar to those at 5 mM, reflecting activation of GK by compound A. We show that GKRP (GK regulatory protein) is a slow tight-binding inhibitor of GK. Analysis of progress curves indicate that this inhibition is time dependent, with apparent initial and final Ki values being 113 and 12.8 nM respectively. When GK is pre-incubated with glucose and compound A, the inhibition observed by GKRP is time dependent, but independent of GKRP concentration, reflecting the GKA-controlled transition between closed and open GK conformations. These data are supported by cell-based imaging data from primary rat hepatocytes. This work characterizes the modulation of GK by a novel GKA that may enable the design of new and improved GKAs.