bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tol2 gene trap integrations in the zebrafish amyloid precursor protein genes appa and aplp2 reveal accumulation of secreted APP at the embryonic veins
Authors: Liao Hsin‐Kai , Wang Ying , Noack Watt Kristin E. , Wen Qin , Breitbach Justin , Kemmet Chelsy K. , Clark Karl J. , Ekker Stephen C. , Essner Jeffrey J. , McGrail Maura
Published: December 2011

Background: The single spanning transmembrane amyloid precursor protein (APP) and its proteolytic product, amyloid‐beta (Aβ) peptide, have been intensely studied due to their role in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease. However, the biological role of the secreted ectodomain of APP, which is also generated by proteolytic cleavage, is less well understood. Here, we report Tol2 red fluorescent protein (RFP) transposon gene trap integrations in the zebrafish amyloid precursor protein a (appa) and amyloid precursor‐like protein 2 (aplp2) genes. The transposon integrations are predicted to disrupt the appa and aplp2 genes to primarily produce secreted ectodomains of the corresponding proteins that are fused to RFP. Results: Our results indicate the Appa‐RFP and Aplp2 fusion proteins are likely secreted from the central nervous system and accumulate in the embryonic veins independent of blood flow. Conclusions: The zebrafish appa and aplp2 transposon insertion alleles will be useful for investigating the biological role of the secreted form of APP. Developmental Dynamics 241:415–425, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Synthesis and Cytotoxicity of Ring C‐Functionalized Derivatives of the Marine Natural Product (–)‐Dibromophakellstatin
Authors: Moldovan Rareş‐Petru , Zöllinger Michael , Jones Peter G. , Kelter Gerhard , Fiebig Heinz‐Herbert , Lindel Thomas
Published: December 2011

A structure–activity relationship study of ring C‐functionalized derivatives of the cytotoxic marine natural product(–)‐dibromophakellstatin from the sponge Phakellia mauritiana is reported. Functionalization of the pyrrolidine ring was achieved starting from the hydroxy derivative by conversion to the triflate followed by etherification by epimerizing nucleophilic substitution. We identified (12R)‐dibromo‐12‐hydroxyphakellstatin as the most cytotoxic derivative, which exhibited an average IC50 value of 1.4 μM against a panel of twelve human cancer cell lines. However, the 12S diastereomer was inactive. Dehydrophakellstatin was synthesized as the first example of a phakellin skeleton with an unsaturated ring C.
Constant versus Time‐Varying Beta Models: Further Forecast Evaluation
Authors: Reeves Jonathan J. , Wu Haifeng
Published: December 2011

Recent advances in the measurement of beta (systematic return risk) and volatility (total return risk) demonstrate substantial advantages in utilizing high‐frequency return data in a variety of settings. These advances in the measurement of beta and volatility have resulted in improvements in the evaluation of alternative beta and volatility forecasting approaches. In addition, more precise measurement has also led to direct modeling of the time variation of beta and volatility. Both the realized beta and volatility literature have most commonly been modeled with an autoregressive process. In this paper we evaluate constant beta models against autoregressive models of time‐varying realized beta. We find that a constant beta model computed from daily returns over the last 12 months generates the most accurate quarterly forecast of beta and dominates the autoregressive time series forecasts. It also dominates (dramatically) the popular Fama–MacBeth constant beta model, which uses 5 years of monthly returns. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Delayed yet persistent hippocampal molecular and structural alteration after learning: New players in the debate on time‐dependent long‐lasting memory processes
Authors: Routtenberg Aryeh , Tabatadze Nino , McGonigal Rhona
Published: December 2011

Two articles in this issue concern the presynaptic structural remodeling and the molecular events that are important novel mechanisms underlying long‐term memory storage processes. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Selective presynaptic terminal remodeling induced by spatial, but not cued, learning: A quantitative confocal study
Authors: McGonigal R. , Tabatadze N. , Routtenberg A.
Published: December 2011

The hippocampal mossy fibers (MFs) are capable of behaviorally selective, use‐dependent structural remodeling. Indeed, we previously observed a new layer of Timm's staining induced in the stratum oriens (SO) in CA3 after spatial but not cued water maze learning (Rekart et al., (2007) Learn Mem 14:416‐421). This led to the prediction that there is a learning‐specific induction of presynaptic terminal plasticity of MF axons. This study confirms this prediction demonstrating, at the confocal level of analysis, terminal‐specific, and behavior‐selective presynaptic structural plasticity linked to long‐term memory. Male adult Wistar rats were trained for 5 days to locate a hidden or visible platform in a water maze and a retention test was performed 7 days later. MF terminal subtypes, specifically identified by an antibody to zinc transporter 3 (ZnT3), were counted from confocal z‐stacks in the stratum lucidum (SL) and the SO. In hidden platform trained rats, there was a significant increase in the number of large MF terminals (LMTs, 2.5–10 μm diameter, >2 μm2 area) compared to controls both in the proximal SL (P < 0.05) and in the SO (P < 0.01). Surprisingly, there was no detectable increase in small MF terminals (SMTs, 0.5–2 μm diameter, <2 μm2 area) in either SL or SO as a consequence of training. This distinction of the two MF terminal types is functionally important as LMTs synapse on CA3 pyramidal neurons, while SMTs are known to target inhibitory interneurons. The present findings highlight the pivotal role in memory of presynaptic structural plasticity. Because the “sprouting” observed is specific to the LMT, with no detectable change in the number of the SMT, learning may enhance net excitatory input to CA3 pyramidal neurons. Given the sparse coding of the MF‐CA3 connection, and the role that granule cells play in pattern separation, the remodeling observed here may be expected to have a major impact on the long‐term integration of spatial context into memory. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Microwave Preparation of Ag Nanoparticles for Chemiluminescence Enhancement
Authors: Creixell‐Echeagaray Santiago , Ibanez Jorge G. , Borghino‐De La Pena Rodrigo , Corea Monica , Ramírez‐Menesesa Esther
Published: December 2011

Chemiluminescence applications frequently require signal enhancement. We report a major improvement of the chemiluminescence of luminol in alkaline peroxide solutions by silver nanoparticles prepared by chemical reduction of AgNO3 by NaH2PO2 in ethylene glycol solution, with polyvinylpirrolidone as capping agent and using a simple microwave approach and set up. The luminescence emission is also shown to be much faster. The nanoparticles were characterized spectroscopically and by dynamic light scattering showing an average particle size of 36 nm.
Comparative Studies on the Quick Recognition of Melamine Using Unmodified Gold Nanoparticles and p‐Nitrobenzenesulfonic Grafted Silver Nanoparticles
Authors: Bai Lian‐Yang , Dong Cai‐Xia , Zhang Yu‐Ping , Li Wei , Chen Jun
Published: December 2011

Both unmodified gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) and p‐nitrobenzenesulfonic (p‐NBS) grafted silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were prepared by chemical synthesis, respectively. They could be used for visual detection via the interaction with the twelve amide compounds including melamine. These color changes could be seen with the naked eye directly and monitored by ultraviolet visible (UV‐Vis) absorbance spectra. The recognition mechanism for both nanoparticles was comparatively investigated by the addition of glutathione (GSH) in the presence of melamine, respectively. The triple hydrogen bonding recognition and the attractive van der Waals interactions between melamine (0.5 mg/L) and AuNPs were responsible for the color change during its aggregation (red‐to‐purple or blue), whilst the electron donor‐acceptor interaction between melamine (0.2 mg/L) and p‐NBS modified on the surface of AgNPs resulted in the color changes (yellow‐to‐grey or dark green).
A Novel Hydrogen Peroxide Biosensor Based on the PDDA‐GNPs/MWNTs Nanocomposite Matrix
Authors: Sun Aili , Zheng Jianbin , Sheng Qinglin
Published: December 2011

A novel nanocomposite designed by the assembly of the positively charged poly(diallyldimethylammonium chloride) protected gold nanoparticles (PDDA‐GNPs), and the negatively charged multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) on ITO electrode via electrostatic interaction, was used as a supporting matrix for immobilizing hemoglobin (Hb) to develop a high‐performance hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) biosensor. The cyclic voltammetrys of immobilized Hb showed a pair of well‐defined and quasi‐reversible redox peaks with the formal potential of ‐0.205V (vs. SCE) and the peak‐to‐peak potential separation of 44 mV at a scan rate of 100 mV×s−1 in 0.1 mol×L−1 pH 7.0 PBS. Under the optimized experimental conditions, a linearity range for determination of H2O2 was from 2.0 × 10−6 to 5.2 × 10−4 mol×L−1 with a correlation coefficient of 0.9994 (n = 37) and a detection limit of 8.4 × 10−7 mol×L−1. The biosensor displayed excellent electrochemical and electrocatalytic response to the reduction of H2O2, high sensitivity, long‐term stability, good bioactivity and selectivity.
Microwave‐assisted Synthesis of Novel 3,4‐Bis‐chalcone‐N‐arylpyrazoles and Their Anti‐inflammatory Activity
Authors: Abdel‐Aziz Hatem A. , Al‐Rashood Khalid A. , ElTahir Kamal Eldin H. , Ibrahim Hany S.
Published: December 2011

A series of 3,4‐bis‐chalcone‐N‐arylpyrazoles 3a‐h was prepared conveniently from diacetyl pyrazoles 2a,b. All reactions were carried out under conventional thermal heating and/or microwave irradiation. The structure of the latter functionally pyrazoles was confirmed under the bases of their IR, mass, 1H NMR and 13C NMR. The X‐ray diffraction of compound 3e not only confirmed the chemical structure of 3a‐h, but also showed the E configuration of their chalcone moieties. Treatment of compound 3e with phenyl hydrazine in presence of acetic acid afforded the tri‐pyrazle 4. The anti‐inflammatory activity of the newly synthesized compounds was investigated. Some of these compounds showed a moderate activity when compared with indomethacin as a reference drug. The combination between chalcone and pyrazole moieties revealed a variable effect in anti‐inflammatory activity.
Screening and Identification of Peptides that Bind Specifically to the X gene Promoter of Hepatitis B Virus Using a Combinatorial Peptide Library Approach
Authors: Liao Hsien‐Hua , Nawarak Jiraporn , Chang Ken‐lin , Hsieh Wei‐Ying , Tsai Hsien‐Yu , Chen Shui‐Tein , Cheng Sun‐Long
Published: December 2011

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) X protein (HBx) plays a key role in the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in HBV carriers. A drug that can bind to the promoter region of HBV may shut down the expression of HBx and subsequently prevent the development of HCC in the HBV carrier. We have constructed a seven amino acid residue peptide library on a TentaGel resin using a combinatorial one‐bead one‐sequence peptide synthesis method. The fluorescently labeled eicosanucleotide (5′‐(6‐FAM) CTTTTGGGCT TTGCTGCCCC‐3′) of the HBx promoter region was used as a monitor to screen for peptides that have high binding affinity to the HBx promoter. Two heptapeptides, KAPLFSI and SRVRMTW, were identified, and synthesized. The binding affinities of the peptides to the HBx promoter oligonucleotide were determined using Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR). The peptide KAPLFSI had a greater binding affinity constant (ka) and equilibrium constant (KD) than SRVRMTW. The ka and KD values with the full X‐promoter sequence were found to be 1.425 E+5 (1/Ms) and 1.186 E‐8 (M), respectively. The peptide may open a new route for tumor suppression in HBV carriers.
Development of Dispersive Liquid‐Liquid Microextraction Based on Solidification of Floating Organic Drop for the Determination of Trace Cobalt in Water Samples
Authors: Zhang Jing‐Wen , Ke Xiao‐Jing , Wang Yu‐Kun , Du Xin , Ma Jing‐Jun , Li Jing‐Ci
Published: December 2011

A liquid‐phase microextraction technique was developed using dispersive liquid‐liquid microextraction based on solidification of floating organic drop combined with flame atomic absorption spectrometry, for the extraction and determination of trace amounts of cobalt in water samples. Microextraction efficiency factors, such as the type and volume of extraction and dispersive solvents, pH, extraction time, the chelating agent amount, and ionic strength were investigated and optimized. Under optimum conditions, an enrichment factor of 160 was obtained from 10.0 mL of water sample. The calibration graph was linearin the range of 1.15‐110 μg L−1 with a detection limit of 0.35 μg L−1. The relative standard deviation for ten replicate measurements of 10 and 100 μg L−1 of cobalt were 3.26% and 2.57%, respectively. The proposed method was assessed through the analysis of certified reference water or recovery experiments.
Determination of Adrenaline by Atomic Absorption Spectrometry Using Copper as Probe Reagent in Pharmaceutical and Serum Samples
Authors: Zheng Li‐qing , Liu Li‐tao , Li Jing , Li Quan‐min
Published: December 2011

In this paper, an atomic absorption spectrometric method has been established to determine adrenaline using Cu(II) as probe reagent. In the presence of SCN−, it has been demonstrated that Cu(II) is reduced to Cu(I) by adrenaline at pH 6.0, and the in situ formed Cu(I) reacts with SCN‐ to form the white emulsion of CuSCN. According to the amount of residual Cu(II) which is measured by atomic absorption spectrometry, the amount of adrenaline can be determined indirectly. Beer's law is obeyed in the range of adrenaline concentration of 0.080‐6.00 mg mL‐1, and the linear regression equation is A = 0.20342 ‐ 0.02756C (μg mL−1) with a correlation coefficient of 0.9998. The detection limit is 0.033 μg mL−1 and R.S.D. is 0.56%. This method has been successfully applied to determine adrenaline in pharmaceutical and serum samples with satisfactory results.
Kinetic and Thermodynamic Investigations of Zn(II) Adsorption on Microcrystalline Anthracene Modified with 8‐Hydroxyquinoline and Its Application to the Preconcentration and Determination of Trace Zinc
Authors: Wang Xu , Zhang Yan , Li Quan‐min
Published: December 2011

A new method that utilizes microcrystalline anthracene modified with 8‐hydroxyquinoline as an adsorbent has been developed for the preconcentration of trace Zinc(II). The possible reaction mechanism is discussed in detail. The influences of different parameters, such as acidity, other metal ions, the amounts of 8‐hydroxyquinoline and anthracene, etc. on the enrichment yield of Zn(II) have been studied to optimize the experimental conditions. The experimental data were fitted well with the pseudo‐second‐order kinetic model and Langmuir model at all studied temperatures and the maximum adsorption capacity was 32.58 mg·g−1 (300 K). The thermodynamic parameters (ΔGθ, ΔHθ and ΔSθ) showed the feasibility, exothermic and spontaneous nature of the adsorption at 280∼320 K. Experiments indicate that Zn(II) can be completely separated from Cu(II), Co(II), Cd(II), Mn(II), Ni(II) in the eluent. The recovery of this method is in the range of 96.0%∼105.0% with preconcentration factor of 100 and the limit of detection after preconcentration is 0.068 μg·L−1. The proposed method has been successfully applied to the determination of trace Zn(II) in effluents and synthetic water sample having a composition similar to certified water sample SLRS‐4 (NRC, Canada). Analytical results obtained by this recommended method were very satisfactory.
Small embeddings for partial 5‐cycle systems
Authors: Martin Geoffrey , McCourt Thomas A.
Published: December 2011

It has been conjectured that any partial 5‐cycle system of orderucan be embedded in a 5‐cycle system of ordervwheneverv≥3u/2+1andv≡1,5 (mod 10). The smallest known embeddings for any partial 5‐cycle system of orderuis10u+5. In this paper we significantly improve this result by proving that for any partial 5‐cycle system of orderu≥255, there exists a 5‐cycle system of order at most(9u+146)/4into which the partial 5‐cycle system of orderucan be embedded. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Combin Designs
Graphic Sequences Have Realizations Containing Bisections of Large Degree
Authors: Hartke Stephen G. , Seacrest Tyler
Published: December 2011

A bisection of a graph is a balanced bipartite spanning sub‐graph. Bollobás and Scott conjectured that every graph G has a bisection H such that degH(v) ≥ ⌊degG(v)/2⌋ for all vertices v. We prove a degree sequence version of this conjecture: given a graphic sequence π, we show that π has a realization G containing a bisection H where degH(v) ≥ ⌊(degG(v) − 1)/2⌋ for all vertices v. This bound is very close to best possible. We use this result to provide evidence for a conjecture of Brualdi (Colloq. Int. CNRS, vol. 260, CNRS, Paris) and Busch et al. (2011), that if π and π − k are graphic sequences, then π has a realization containing k edge‐disjoint 1‐factors. We show that if the minimum entry δ in π is at least n/2 + 2, then π has a realization containing edge‐disjoint 1‐factors. We also give a construction showing the limits of our approach in proving this conjecture. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Graph Theory
Synthesis and antimicrobial activities of new 4,6‐diaryl‐ 4,5‐dihydro‐3‐hydroxy‐2H‐indazoles
Authors: Amutha Parasuraman , Nagarajan Samuthira
Published: December 2011

A series of new 4,6‐diaryl‐4,5‐dihydro‐3‐hydroxy‐2H‐indazoles 5a, 5b, 5c, 5d, 5e, 5f, 5g, 5h, 5i, 5j, 5k were synthesized by the cyclization of ethyl 2‐oxo‐4,6‐diarylcyclohex‐3‐ene carboxylates 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d, 4e, 4f, 4g, 4h, 4i, 4j, 4k. The compounds were characterized by IR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR, 2D NMR, and elemental analysis. The synthesized compounds were evaluated for in vitro antibacterial and antifungal activities against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhimurium, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Candida albicans, Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus flavus, and Rhizopus sp. Most of the compounds exhibited good activity against the tested organisms. J. Heterocyclic Chem.,, (2012).
Accurate modeling of microwave devices using kriging‐corrected space mapping surrogates
Authors: Koziel Slawomir , Bandler John W.
Published: December 2011

We present an accurate modeling technique that exploits standard space mapping (SM) as a trend function and the correction layer implemented with kriging. The kriging process allows us to efficiently utilize all available fine model data (not possible in the standard SM approach) and to obtain accuracy better than both the SM and recently published combinations of SM and radial basis function interpolation and fuzzy systems. We present application examples of design optimization and statistical analysis of several microwave filters. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Use of indirect comparison methods in systematic reviews: a survey of Cochrane review authors
Authors: Abdelhamid Asmaa S. , Loke Yoon K. , Parekh‐Bhurke Sheetal , Chen Yen‐Fu , Sutton Alex , Eastwood Alison , Holland Richard , Song Fujian
Published: December 2011

Because of insufficient evidence from direct comparison trials, the use of indirect or mixed treatment comparison methods has attracted growing interest recently. We investigated the views and knowledge of Cochrane systematic review authors regarding the use of indirect comparison and related methods in the evaluation of competing healthcare interventions.

An online survey was sent to 84 authors of Cochrane systematic review reviews between January and March 2011. The response rate was 57%. Most respondents (87%) had heard of/had some knowledge of indirect comparison, and 23% actually used indirect comparison methods. Some were suspicious of the methods (9%). Most authors (89%) felt they needed more training, especially in assessing the validity of indirect evidence. Almost all felt that the validity of indirect comparison could potentially be influenced by a large number of effect modifiers. Many reviewers (76%) accepted that indirect evidence is needed as it may be the only source of information for relative effectiveness of competing interventions, provided that review authors and readers are conscious of its limitations. Time commitment and resources needed were identified as an important concern for Cochrane reviewers.

In summary, there is an acceptance of the increasing demand for indirect comparison and related methods and an urgent need to develop structured guidance and training for its use and interpretation. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The clinical implications of antitumor immunity in head and neck cancer
Authors: Allen Clint T. , Judd Nancy P. , Bui Jack D. , Uppaluri Ravindra
Published: December 2011

Recent developments have renewed interest in understanding the interaction between transformed cells and the immune system in the tumor microenvironment. Here, we provide a comprehensive review addressing the basics of tumor immunology in relation to head and neck cancer and the cellular components potentially involved in antitumor immune responses. In addition, we describe the mechanisms by which head and neck cancer cells escape immune‐mediated killing and progress to form clinically significant disease. Further, we detail what effects standard anticancer therapies may have on antitumor immune responses and how these responses may be altered by current and investigational immunotherapies. Finally, we discuss future directions that need to be considered in the development of new immunotherapeutics designed to durably alter the immune response in favor of the host.Laryngoscope, 122:144–157, 2012
Does mucosal remodeling in chronic rhinosinusitis result in irreversible mucosal disease?
Authors: Bassiouni Ahmed , Naidoo Yuresh , Wormald Peter‐John
Published: December 2011

Mucosal remodeling in the sinuses is a recently described phenomenon in which the mucosa undergoes potentially irreversible changes as a result of ongoing underlying inflammatory processes. Research into remodeling that occurs in the bronchial airways in asthmatic patients has led to modification of asthma treatment guidelines. However, remodeling in the sinuses has still not led to changes in current medical or surgical management of chronic rhinosinusitis. Upper airway remodeling constitutes a new area of research that poses many unanswered clinical questions and may potentially alter the management of patients with severe chronic rhinosinusitis.Laryngoscope, 122:225–229, 2012
Comprehensive assessment of thyroidectomy skills development: A pilot project
Authors: Diaz Voss Varela David A. , Malik Mohammad U. , Thompson Carol B. , Cummings Charles W. , Bhatti Nasir I. , Tufano Ralph P.
Published: December 2011

Objectives/Hypothesis:

To test the validity, reliability, and feasibility of an evaluation tool designed to measure the development of trainees' surgical skills in the operating room for thyroid surgery.

Study Design:

Prospective validation study.

Methods:

A modified Delphi technique was employed to develop a new Objective Structured Assessment of Technical Skills–based instrument for thyroid surgery. During a 1‐year period, 16 otolaryngology–head and neck surgery residents (ranging from postgraduate year 2 to 6) and one endocrine surgery fellow were evaluated by one faculty member obtaining a total of 94 evaluations. Performance was rated using a task‐based checklist (TBC) and a global rating scale (GRS). The TBC measured trainees' thyroidectomy technical skills, and the GRS assessed their overall surgical performance.

Results:

Based on four clinical levels (junior, intermediate, senior, and surgical fellow) our tool demonstrated construct validity for both components of the assessment instrument, specifically for the TBC showing a mean difference of 0.9 (95% confidence interval: 0.5‐1.3, P < .001) between the contiguous clinical levels senior versus intermediate. Cronbach α, a measure of internal consistency, was 0.96 for both components of the instrument. The correlation between the TBC and GRS was also high within trainee (r = 0.62, n = 94, P < .001) and across trainees (r = 0.96, n = 17, P < .001).

Conclusions:

Our tool proved to be a valid, reliable, and feasible instrument for assessing competency in thyroid surgery. It is effective in providing timely formative feedback during and upon the conclusion of the surgical procedure by identifying procedural tasks for which additional training is necessary. In addition, it enables longitudinal tracking of residents' surgical performance, thus ensuring their appropriate development. Laryngoscope, 122:103–109, 2012
Acyclic Triene Metathesis Polymerization of Plukenetia Conophora Oil: Branched Polymers by Direct Polymerization of Renewable Resources
Authors: Akintayo Cecilia O. , Mutlu Hatice , Kempf Michael , Wilhelm Manfred , Meier Michael A. R.
Published: December 2011

Oil from the Plukenetia conophora seed, a tropical oilseed consisting mainly of linolenic acid, is polymerized via acyclic triene metathesis using different ruthenium benzylidene and indenylidene catalysts to yield highly branched and functionalized polyesters. The influence of the synthesis conditions on the structure and molar mass characteristics of the obtained hyperbranched polyesters as well as an in‐depth melt and solution material property investigation are presented.
Durability of advanced fabricated structures
Authors: Marquis G. B.
Published: December 2011

Materials and fabrication technologies for welded structures are continually evolving and developing. The drives to reduce weight and cost, increase energy efficiency, improve performance and reduce the environmental footprint of end products that included welded structures continue to provide challenges in the fatigue design and production of welded structures. This presentation attempts to provide a brief overview of selected research topics and recent technological developments related to fatigue assessment for welded structures. Much of the work has been performed and reported within the scope of the International Institute of Welding (IIW), but other groups and individuals have also made important contributions. While many themes could have been selected, this paper provides brief discussions on several active research topics: the definition of weld quality for fatigue performance, advanced high strength steel for welded structures, high frequency mechanical impact treatment and developments in fatigue assessment procedures.
Redefining the Wilhelmy and Young equations to imaginary number space and implications for wettability measurements
Authors: Jennissen H. P.
Published: December 2011

Although Wilhelmy balance measurements have been reported to yield undefined values of the type cos θ > 1, this phenomenon often goes unnoticed because commercial instruments fail to report this error, listing a contact angle of zero instead. On rough superhydrophilic surfaces such “undefined” values appear much more frequent, but a mathematical framework for evaluation and quantification is lacking. A solution to the problem of cos θ > 1 was found by implementing the imaginary number i. It will be shown that both the classical and novel contact angles can be described by numbers in an imaginary space hitherto not accessible to the Wilhelmy and Young equation system. It will be exemplified that Wilhelmy balance data classed as undefined because of cos θ > 1, can easily be converted to imaginary numbers allowing the extrapolation of a novel imaginary advancing θai,AH2O = 0.36i rad and receding contact angle θai,RH2O = 0.37i rad at zero immersion depth as in classical tensiometry. The two imaginary angles compare to classical angles of ∣20°∣–∣25°∣ . The postulated core wettability range for superhydrophilicity in the special case of the “inverse lotus effect” is suggested to extend from the classical angle of cos (10°) to the imaginary angle of cos (0.37i rad). Knowledge obtained from such analyses should be of use in constructing novel artificial surfaces of extreme wettability, e. g. superhydrophilicity, not only in the medical field of implantology but also in chemistry, physics and engineering.
Quantitative MR estimates of blood oxygenation based on T2*: A numerical study of the impact of model assumptions
Authors: Christen Thomas , Zaharchuk Greg , Pannetier Nicolas , Serduc Raphaël , Joudiou Nicolas , Vial Jean‐Claude , Rémy Chantal , Barbier Emmanuel L.
Published: December 2011

Several MR methods have been proposed over the last decade to obtain quantitative estimates of the tissue blood oxygen saturation (StO2) using a quantification of the blood oxygen level dependent effect. These approaches are all based on mathematical models describing the time evolution of the MR signal in biological tissues in the presence of magnetic field inhomogeneities. Although the experimental results are very encouraging, possible biases induced by the model assumptions have not been extensively studied. In this study, a numerical approach was used to examine the influence on T2*, blood volume fraction, and StO2 estimates of possible confounding factors such as water diffusion, intravascular signal, and presence of arterial blood in the voxel. To evaluate the impact of the vessel geometry, straight cylinders and realistic data from two‐photon microscopy for microvascular geometry were compared. Our results indicate that the models are sufficiently realistic, based on a good correlation between ground truth and MR estimates of StO2. Magn Reson Med, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Improved encoding strategy for CPMG‐based Bloch‐Siegert B mapping
Authors: Sturm V. J. F. , Basse‐Lüsebrink T. C. , Kampf T. , Stoll G. , Jakob P. M.
Published: December 2011

Bloch‐Siegert (BS) based B mapping methods use off‐resonant pulses to encode quantitative B information into the signal phase. It was recently shown that the principle behind BS‐based B mapping can be expanded from spin echo (BS‐SE) and gradient‐echo (BS‐FLASH) based BS B mapping to methods such as Carr, Purcell, Meiboom, Gill (CPMG)‐based turbo‐spin echo (BS‐CPMG‐TSE) and multi‐spin echo (BS‐CPMG‐MSE) imaging. If CPMG conditions are preserved, BS‐CPMG‐TSE allows fast acquisition of the B information and BS‐CPMG‐MSE enables simultaneous mapping of B, M0, and T2. To date, however, two separate MRI experiments must be performed to enable the calculation of B maps. This study investigated a modified encoding strategy for CPMG BS‐based methods to overcome this limitation. By applying a “bipolar” off‐resonant BS pulse before the refocusing pulse train, the needed phase information was able to be encoded into different echo images of one echo train. Thus, this technique allowed simultaneous B and T2 mapping in a single BS‐CPMG‐MSE experiment. To allow single‐shot B mapping, this method was also applied to turbo‐spin echo imaging. Furthermore, the presented modification intrinsically minimizes phase‐based image artifacts in BS‐CPMG‐TSE experiments. Magn Reson Med, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Altered β‐adrenergic response in mice lacking myotonic dystrophy protein kinase
Authors: Llagostera Esther , Jesús Álvarez López María , Scimia Cecilia , Catalucci Daniele , Párrizas Marcelina , Ruiz‐Lozano Pilar , Kaliman Perla
Published: December 2011

The protein kinase product of the gene mutated in myotonic dystrophy 1 (DMPK) is reported to play a role in cardiac pathophysiology. To gain insight into the molecular mechanisms modulated by DMPK, we characterize the impact of DMPK ablation in the context of cardiac β‐adrenergic function. Our data demonstrate that DMPK knockout mice present altered β‐agonist–induced responses and suggest that this is due, at least in part, to a reduced density of β1‐adrenergic receptors in cardiac plasma membranes. Muscle Nerve 45: 128–130, 2012
Human muscle fascicle behavior in agonist and antagonist isometric contractions
Authors: Simoneau Emilie M. , Longo Stefano , Seynnes Olivier R. , Narici Marco V.
Published: December 2011

Introduction: The aim of this study was to compare, at a given level of electromyographic (EMG) activity, the behavior of dorsiflexor and plantarflexor muscles as assessed via their architecture (pennation angle and fiber length) during agonist or antagonist isometric contractions. Methods: Real‐time ultrasonography and EMG activity of gastrocnemius medialis (GM) and tibialis anterior (TA) muscles were obtained while young males performed ramp isometric contractions in dorsi‐ and plantarflexion. Results: For both muscles, at a similar level of EMG activity, fiber length was longer, and pennation angle was smaller, during antagonist than during agonist contractions. Conclusions: These results indicate that, at similar levels of EMG activity, GM and TA muscles elicit a higher mechanical output while acting as an antagonist. These findings have important implications for muscle function testing. They show that estimation of antagonistic force using the common method based on the EMG/net torque relationship yields underestimated values. Muscle Nerve 45: 92–99, 2012
Group testing procedures with quantitative features and incomplete identification
Authors: Bar‐Lev Shaul K. , Boxma Onno , Löpker Andreas , Stadje Wolfgang , Van der Duyn Schouten Frank A.
Published: December 2011

We present a group testing model for items characterized by marker random variables. An item is defined to be good (defective) if its marker is below (above) a given threshold. The items can be tested in groups; the goal is to obtain a prespecified number of good items by testing them in optimally sized groups. Besides this group size, the controller has to select a threshold value for the group marker sums, and the target number of groups which by the tests are classified to consist only of good items. These decision variables have to be chosen so as to minimize a cost function, which is a linear combination of the expected number of group tests and an expected penalty for missing the desired number of good items, subject to constraints on the probabilities of misclassifications. We treat two models of this kind: the first one is based on an infinite population size, whereas the second one deals with the case of a finite number of available items. All performance measures are derived in closed form; approximations are also given. Furthermore, we prove monotonicity properties of the components of the objective function and of the constraints. In several examples, we study (i) the dependence of the cost function on the decision variables and (ii) the dependence of the optimal values of the decision variables (group size, group marker threshold, and stopping rule for groups classified as clean) and of the target functionals (optimal expected number of tests, optimal expected penalty, and minimal expected cost) on the system parameters.© 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Naval Research Logistics, 2011
BRCA1 is an essential mediator of vinorelbine‐induced apoptosis in mesothelioma
Authors: Busacca Sara , Sheaff Michael , Arthur Kenneth , Gray Steven G , O'Byrne Kenneth J , Richard Derek J , Soltermann Alex , Opitz Isabelle , Pass Harvey , Harkin D Paul , Quinn Jennifer E , Fennell Dean A
Published: December 2011

The rapeutic options for malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) are limited despite the increasing incidence globally. The vinca alkaloid vinorelbine exhibits clinical activity; however, to date, treatment optimization has not been achieved using biomarkers. BRCA1 regulates sensitivity to microtubule poisons; however, its role in regulating vinorelbine‐induced apoptosis in mesothelioma is unknown. Here we demonstrate that BRCA1 plays an essential role in mediating vinorelbine‐induced apoptosis, as evidenced by (1) the strong correlation between vinorelbine sensitivity and BRCA1 expression level; (2) induction of resistance to vinorelbine by BRCA1 using siRNA oligonucleotides; (3) dramatic down‐regulation of BRCA1 following selection for vinorelbine resistance; and (4) the re‐activation of vinorelbine‐induced apoptosis following re‐expression of BRCA1 in resistant cells. To determine whether loss of BRCA1 expression in mesothelioma was potentially relevant in vivo, BRCA1 immunohistochemistry was subsequently performed on 144 primary mesothelioma specimens. Loss of BRCA1 protein expression was identified in 38.9% of samples. Together, these data suggest that BRCA1 plays a critical role in mediating apoptosis by vinorelbine in mesothelioma, warranting its clinical evaluation as a predictive biomarker. Copyright © 2012 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The strange case of the lost NRAS mutation in a child with juvenile myelomonocytic leukemia
Authors: De Filippi Paola , Zecca Marco , Novara Francesca , Lisini Daniela , Maserati Emanuela , Pasquali Francesco , Rosti Vittorio , Carlo‐Stella Carmelo , Zavras Niki , Cagioni Claudia , Zuffardi Orsetta , Pagliara Daria , Danesino Cesare , Locatelli Franco
Published: December 2011

Juvenile myelomonocytic leukemia (JMML) is a rare myelodysplastic/myeloproliferative disorder of early childhood characterized by mutations of the RAS‐RAF‐MAP kinase signaling pathway. We report the case of a child with a diagnosis of JMML carrying two mutations of NRAS gene (c.37G>C and c.38G>A) independently occurring in long‐term culture initiating cells. However, only the former was consistently found in more mature hematopoietic cells, suggesting that cancer transformation may lead to the loss of a mutation. This case also indicates that molecular analysis on cell types other than peripheral blood leukocytes may be useful to obtain relevant biological information on JMML pathogenesis. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2012;59:580–582. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Leukapheresis in children weighing less than 20 kg
Authors: Sauer Harald , Roland Haase , Ulla Lieser , Ortrud Diwan , Jürgen Föll
Published: December 2011

Augmentation of standard chemotherapy with peripheral blood stem cells (PBSC) rescue is a standard treatment strategy. However, in pediatric patients weighing less than 20 kg, the collection of PBSC presents a challenge. We report our experience with nine pediatric patients weighing between 4.33 and 19.9 kg and a total of 23 PBSC collection aphereses. None of our patients experienced any major complications. We conclude that PBSC apheresis in children is a safe method. It should be based on a standardized procedure that includes the determination of clinical and laboratory parameters and appropriate monitoring. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2012; 58: 627–629. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Modern Regression Methods that can Substantially Increase Power and Provide a more Accurate Understanding of Associations
Authors: Wilcox Rand R. , Keselman H. J.
Published: December 2011

During the last half century, hundreds of papers published in statistical journals have documented general conditions where reliance on least squares regression and Pearson's correlation can result in missing even strong associations between variables. Moreover, highly misleading conclusions can be made, even when the sample size is large. There are, in fact, several fundamental concerns related to non–normality, outliers, heteroscedasticity, and curvature that can result in missing a strong association. Simultaneously, a vast array of new methods has been derived for effectively dealing with these concerns. The paper (i) reviews why least squares regression and classic inferential methods can fail, (ii) provides an overview of the many modern strategies for dealing with known problems, including some recent advances, and (iii) illustrates that modern robust methods can make a practical difference in our understanding of data. Included are some general recommendations regarding how modern methods might be used. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Video self‐modeling to improve academic performance: A literature review
Authors: Prater Mary Anne , Carter Nari , Hitchcock Caryl , Dowrick Peter
Published: December 2011

Video self‐modeling (VSM) has been used for decades to effectively improve individuals' behaviors and skills. The purpose of this review is to locate and analyze published studies that used VSM for typical school‐based academic skills to determine the effect of VSM interventions on students' academic performance. Only eight studies were located that met the selection criteria. Based on the results of these 8 studies, VSM shows promise for improving academic performance, although the small number of studies limits our ability to draw strong conclusions about the efficacy of VSM across the school age span and across various academic skills. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Video self‐modeling
Authors: Buggey Tom , Ogle Lindsey
Published: December 2011

Video self‐modeling (VSM) first appeared on the psychology and education stage in the early 1970s. The practical applications of VSM were limited by lack of access to tools for editing video, which is necessary for almost all self‐modeling videos. Thus, VSM remained in the research domain until the advent of camcorders and VCR/DVD players and, more recently, video‐editing software. In this article, the authors trace the history and development of VSM, summarize the research, and provide suggestions for future directions. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Erratum: A life cycle framework for the investigation of environmentally benign nanoparticles and products [Phys. Status Solidi RRL 5, No. 9, 312–317 (2011)]
Authors: Theis Thomas L. , Bakshi Bhavik R. , Durham Delcie , Fthenakis Vasilis M. , Gutowski Timothy G. , Isaacs Jacqueline A. , Seager Thomas , Wiesner Mark R.
Published: December 2011

The name of a further author and contributor to this work, Roland Clift, has been added to the author list of the article in agreement with all co‐authors. It had been inadvertently omitted from the original version of the paper (© 2012 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Creativity and Organizational Learning as Means to Foster Sustainability
Authors: Lozano Rodrigo
Published: December 2011

This article argues that creativity and organizational learning can help to challenge the traditional Newtonian and Cartesian mental models and foster more sustainable societies. The recognition and acceptance of creativity by individuals, groups, organizations, and finally society can create new knowledge and metanoia. Creativity helps to break through the knowledge barrier of current reductionist mental models, while learning helps to consolidate and institutionalize the new mental models. This is especially the case where learning questions underlying assumptions and develops new theories and methodologies that constantly challenge the status quo for the present and the future, instead of mere reaction to immediate problems. Eventually, these mental models would need to be questioned by future creative thinkers in a continuous process; hence, solving today's problems with tomorrow's ideas, and ensuring progress towards more sustainable societies. The paper takes the example of Gaia theory to illustrate how creativity can be institutionalized. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment
Surface plasmon resonance as a probe of interactions between a thin‐film gold electrode and an aqueous supporting electrolyte containing 1‐ethyl‐3‐methyl‐imidazolium ethyl sulfate ionic liquid
Authors: Sulyma C. M. , Pettit C. M. , Garland J. E. , Roy D.
Published: December 2011

Surface plasmon resonance (SPR) and electrochemical measurements are combined in this work to study the interactions of a gold film electrode with aqueous electrolytes of an ionic liquid (IL), 1‐ethyl‐3‐methyl‐imidazolium ethyl sulfate. The optical response of the bulk electrolyte strongly affects the SPR angles, and the critical angle data help to separate these bulk effects from those arising strictly from the electrode surface. The optical parameters of the Au‐electrolyte system are determined by fitting the SPR angle‐spectra to calculated results of a multilayer reflectivity model. Both in the absence and in the presence of externally applied voltages, the SPR signal of the experimental interface is dominated by the dielectric behavior of the bulk electrolyte. No significant chemisorptions are detected for the IL contents (0.036–0.087 mole fraction) of the electrolytes used. The results demonstrate how angle resolved SPR measurements can be employed to determine the suitability of specific ILs as solutes for aqueous background electrolytes in electrochemical SPR sensing experiments. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Developing a philosophy of supervision: One step toward self‐authorship
Authors: McNair Delores E.
Published: December 2011

This chapter focuses on developing a philosophy of supervision as a step toward self‐authorship. Articulating values and beliefs about supervision helps support our shift from relying on external voices to trusting our internal voice.
Managing conflict from the middle
Authors: Cooper Mary‐Beth , Boice‐Pardee Heath
Published: December 2011

This chapter outlines the middle manager's role in relation to common sources of conflict within student affairs.
Supervising across cultures: Navigating diversity and multiculturalism
Authors: Roper Larry D.
Published: December 2011

This chapter draws upon research and experiences of the author to provide insights on diversity and multiculturalism in supervision.
Case studies in middle management supervision
Authors: White Lori S.
Published: December 2011

The author uses case studies to explore challenging supervisory situations and draws upon her experience to suggest possible approaches.
Comparison of nonlinear behavior of steel moment frames accompanied with RC shear walls or steel bracings
Authors: Esmaeili Hamed , Kheyroddin Ali , Kafi Mohammad Ali , Nikbakht Hamed
Published: December 2011

In this paper, the seismic behavior of dual structural systems in forms of steel moment‐resisting frames accompanied with reinforced concrete shear walls and steel moment‐resisting frames accompanied with concentrically braced frames, have been studied. The nonlinear behavior of the mentioned structural systems has been evaluated as, in earthquakes, structures usually enter into an inelastic behavior stage and, hence, the applied energy to the structures will be dissipated. As a result, some parameters such as ductility factor of structure (μ), over‐strength factor (Rs) and response modification factor (R) for the mentioned structures have been under assessment. To achieve these objectives, 30‐story buildings containing such structural systems were used to perform the pushover analyses having different load patterns. Analytical results show that the steel moment‐resisting frames accompanied with reinforced concrete shear walls system has higher ductility and response modification factor than the other one, and so, it is observed to achieve suitable seismic performance; using the first system can have more advantages than the second one. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.