bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A 137‐kb deletion within the Potocki–Shaffer syndrome interval on chromosome 11p11.2 associated with developmental delay and hypotonia
Authors: Montgomery Nathan D. , Turcott Christie M. , Tepperberg James H. , McDonald Marie T. , Aylsworth Arthur S.
Published: December 2012

Potocki–Shaffer syndrome (PSS) is a rare disorder caused by haploinsufficiency of genes located on the proximal short arm of chromosome 11 (11p11.2p12). Classic features include biparietal foramina, multiple exostoses, profound hypotonia, dysmorphic features, and developmental delay/intellectual disability. Fewer than 40 individuals with PSS have been reported, with variable clinical presentations due in part to disparity in deletion sizes. We report on a boy who presented for initial evaluation at age 13 months because of a history of developmental delay, hypotonia, subtle dysmorphic features, and neurobehavioral abnormalities. SNP microarray analysis identified a 137 kb deletion at 11p11.2, which maps within the classically defined PSS interval. This deletion results in haploinsufficiency for all or portions of six OMIM genes: SLC35C1, CRY2, MAPK8IP1, PEX16, GYLTL1B, and PHF21A. Recently, translocations interrupting PHF21A have been associated with intellectual disability and craniofacial anomalies similar to those seen in PSS. The identification of this small deletion in a child with developmental delay and hypotonia provides further evidence for the genetic basis of developmental disability and identifies a critical region sufficient to cause hypotonia in this syndrome. Additionally, this case illustrates the utility of high resolution genomic approaches in correlating clinical phenotypes with specific genes in contiguous gene deletion syndromes. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Social Knowledge and Signals in Primates
Authors: BERGMAN THORE J. , SHEEHAN MICHAEL J.
Published: December 2012

Primates are notable for having a rich and detailed understanding of their social environment and there has been great interest in the evolution and function of social knowledge in primates. Indeed, primates have been shown to have impressive understandings of not only other group members but also the complex relationships among them. To be useful, however, social knowledge requires memories from previous encounters and observations about individual traits that are stable. Here, we argue that social systems or traits that make social knowledge more costly or less accurate will favor signals that either supplement or replace social knowledge. Thus, the relationship between signals and social knowledge can be complementary or antagonistic depending on the type of signal. Our goal in this review is to elucidate the relationships between signals and social knowledge in primates. We categorize signals into three types, each with different relationships to social knowledge. (1) Identity signals directly facilitate social knowledge, (2) current‐state signals supplement information gained through social knowledge, and (3) badges of status replace social knowledge. Primates rely extensively on identity information, but it remains to be determined to what extent this is based on receiver perception of individual variation or senders using identity signals. Primates frequently utilize current‐state signals including signals of intent to augment their interactions with familiar individuals. Badges of status are rare in primates, and the cases where they are used point to a functional and evolutionary trade‐off between badges of status and social knowledge. However, the nature of this relationship needs further exploration. Am. J. Primatol. 75:683‐694, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Cerebral amyloid angiopathy burden associated with leukoaraiosis: A positron emission tomography/magnetic resonance imaging study
Authors: Gurol M. Edip , Viswanathan Anand , Gidicsin Christopher , Hedden Trey , Martinez-Ramirez Sergi , Dumas Andrew , Vashkevich Anastasia , Ayres Alison M. , Auriel Eitan , van Etten Ellis , Becker Alex , Carmasin Jeremy , Schwab Kristin , Rosand Jonathan , Johnson Keith A. , Greenberg Steven M.
Published: December 2012

Objective

We hypothesized that vascular amyloid contributes to chronic brain ischemia, therefore amyloid burden measured by Pittsburgh compound B retention on positron emission tomography (PiB PET) would correlate with the extent of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) white matter hyperintensities (WMH; or leukoaraiosis) in patients with high vascular amyloid deposition (cerebral amyloid angiopathy [CAA]) but not in patients with high parenchymal amyloid deposition (Alzheimer disease [AD]; mild cognitive impairment [MCI]) or in healthy elderly (HE) subjects.

Methods

Forty‐two nondemented CAA patients, 50 HE subjects, and 43 AD/MCI patients had brain MRI and PiB PET. Multivariate linear regression was used to assess the independent association between PiB retention and white matter disease volume, controlling for age, gender, apolipoprotein E genotype, and vascular risk factors within each group.

Results

CAA patients were younger than HE and AD subjects (68 ± 10 vs 73.3 ± 7 and 74 ± 7.4, p < 0.01) but had higher amounts of WMH (median = 21 vs 3.2 and 10.8 ml, respectively, p < 0.05 for both comparisons). Global PiB retention and WMH showed strong correlation (rho = 0.52, p < 0.001) in the CAA group but not in HE or AD. These associations did not change in the multivariate models. Lobar microbleed count, another marker of CAA severity, also remained as an independent predictor of WMH volume.

Interpretation

Our results indicate that amyloid burden in CAA subjects (with primarily vascular amyloid) but not AD subjects (with primarily parenchymal amyloid) independently correlates with WMH volume. These findings support the idea that vascular amyloid burden directly contributes to chronic cerebral ischemia and highlights the possible utility of amyloid imaging as a marker of CAA severity. Ann Neurol 2013;73:529–536
Associations of autoantibodies, autoimmune risk alleles, and clinical diagnoses from the electronic medical records in rheumatoid arthritis cases and non–rheumatoid arthritis controls
Authors: Liao Katherine P. , Kurreeman Fina , Li Gang , Duclos Grant , Murphy Shawn , Guzman Raul , Cai Tianxi , Gupta Namrata , Gainer Vivian , Schur Peter , Cui Jing , Denny Joshua C. , Szolovits Peter , Churchill Susanne , Kohane Isaac , Karlson Elizabeth W. , Plenge Robert M.
Published: December 2012

Objective

The significance of non–rheumatoid arthritis (RA) autoantibodies in patients with RA is unclear. The aim of this study was to assess associations of autoantibodies with autoimmune risk alleles and with clinical diagnoses from the electronic medical records (EMRs) among RA cases and non‐RA controls.

Methods

Data on 1,290 RA cases and 1,236 non‐RA controls of European genetic ancestry were obtained from the EMRs of 2 large academic centers. The levels of anti–citrullinated protein antibodies (ACPAs), antinuclear antibodies (ANAs), anti–tissue transglutaminase antibodies (AGTAs), and anti–thyroid peroxidase (anti‐TPO) antibodies were measured. All subjects were genotyped for autoimmune risk alleles, and the association between number of autoimmune risk alleles present and number of types of autoantibodies present was studied. A phenome‐wide association study (PheWAS) was conducted to study potential associations between autoantibodies and clinical diagnoses among RA cases and non‐RA controls.

Results

The mean ages were 60.7 years in RA cases and 64.6 years in non‐RA controls. The proportion of female subjects was 79% in each group. The prevalence of ACPAs and ANAs was higher in RA cases compared to controls (each P < 0.0001); there were no differences in the prevalence of anti‐TPO antibodies and AGTAs. Carriage of higher numbers of autoimmune risk alleles was associated with increasing numbers of autoantibody types in RA cases (P = 2.1 × 10−5) and non‐RA controls (P = 5.0 × 10−3). From the PheWAS, the presence of ANAs was significantly associated with a diagnosis of Sjögren's/sicca syndrome in RA cases.

Conclusion

The increased frequency of autoantibodies in RA cases and non‐RA controls was associated with the number of autoimmune risk alleles carried by an individual. PheWAS of EMR data, with linkage to laboratory data obtained from blood samples, provide a novel method to test for the clinical significance of biomarkers in disease.
Sclerostin is expressed in articular cartilage but loss or inhibition does not affect cartilage remodeling during aging or following mechanical injury
Authors: Roudier Martine , Li Xiaodong , Niu Qing‐Tian , Pacheco Efrain , Pretorius James K. , Graham Kevin , Yoon Bo‐Rin P. , Gong Jianhua , Warmington Kelly , Ke Hua Z. , Black Roy A. , Hulme Joanne , Babij Philip
Published: December 2012

Objective

Sclerostin plays a major role in regulating skeletal bone mass, but its effects in articular cartilage are not known. The purpose of this study was to determine whether genetic loss or pharmacologic inhibition of sclerostin has an impact on knee joint articular cartilage.

Methods

Expression of sclerostin was determined in articular cartilage and bone tissue obtained from mice, rats, and human subjects, including patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA). Mice with genetic knockout (KO) of sclerostin and pharmacologic inhibition of sclerostin with a sclerostin‐neutralizing monoclonal antibody (Scl‐Ab) in aged male rats and ovariectomized (OVX) female rats were used to study the effects of sclerostin on pathologic processes in the knee joint. The rat medial meniscus tear (MMT) model of OA was used to investigate the pharmacologic efficacy of systemic Scl‐Ab or intraarticular (IA) delivery of a sclerostin antibody–Fab (Scl‐Fab) fragment.

Results

Sclerostin expression was detected in rodent and human articular chondrocytes. No difference was observed in the magnitude or distribution of sclerostin expression between normal and OA cartilage or bone. Sclerostin‐KO mice showed no difference in histopathologic features of the knee joint compared to age‐matched wild‐type mice. Pharmacologic treatment of intact aged male rats or OVX female rats with Scl‐Ab had no effect on morphologic characteristics of the articular cartilage. In the rat MMT model, pharmacologic treatment of animals with either systemic Scl‐Ab or IA injection of Scl‐Fab had no effect on lesion development or severity.

Conclusion

Genetic absence of sclerostin does not alter the normal development of age‐dependent OA in mice, and pharmacologic inhibition of sclerostin with Scl‐Ab has no impact on articular cartilage remodeling in rats with posttraumatic OA.
President's page
Authors: Sonnenwald Diane H.
Published: December 2012

Editor's Summary

Closing her year as ASIS&T president, Diane Sonnenwald looks back with thanks to the many who volunteered time and effort as committee and task force chairs and members. Their accomplishments span promoting the discipline and advocating for information professionals, reaching beyond national boundaries through social media and meetings, and establishing an investment program to enhance finances. Committees also managed the awards process, expanded continuing education offerings and coordinated with ISO and NISO on standards. A name change will be voted on by the membership to recognize the association's international scope. Membership categories are under review, and organizational collaborations and conference partnerships are being examined, all to promote the discipline and the association.
Evaluating classification schema and classification decisions
Authors: Bedford Denise
Published: December 2012

Editor's Summary

Direction on the construction and application of classification schemes such as taxonomies is readily available, but relatively little has been offered on evaluating the schemes themselves and their use to categorize content. A classification scheme can be judged for how well it meets its purpose and complies with standards, and a strong evaluative framework is reflected in S.R. Ranganathan's principles of classification. The degree of certainty of classification decisions depends on objective understanding of the object to be classified, the scope and details of the class and the coverage and organization of the overall classification scheme. The more complete the information about each class, the more reliable the goodness‐ of‐fit for an object to a class is likely to be, whether chosen by human or machine classifiers. This information comes through definitions, examples, prior use and semantic relationships. The risk of misclassification can be reduced by analyzing the goodness‐of‐fit of objects to classes and the patterns of missed or erroneous selections.
Preparation of Nanoporous Carbon/Graphene Composites and Its Application in Direct Methanol Fuel Cell
Authors: Jin Xiuhua , Wei Qinglian , Huang Haojun , Wang Mengxue , Huang Yongmin
Published: December 2012

Nanoporous carbon/graphene composites (NCGC) are synthesized via one‐step hydrothermal approach combining carbonization, where phenol and formaldehyde are used as carbon sources and triblock copolymers F127 as template. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and nitrogen adsorption measurements show that the synthesized NCGC samples possess high surface area over 400 m2·g−1and mesoporous structures with interconnected pores. The electrochemical studies demonstrate that Pt catalyst with NCGC as support exhibits better eletrocatalytic activity for methanol oxidation as compared to the catalyst taking widely‐used VulcanXC‐72 as support. In addition, the potential formation mechanism of NCGC is discussed.
Highly Selective Fluorescence Turn‐on Chemosensor Based on Naphthalimide Derivatives for Detection of Trivalent Chromium Ions
Authors: Chen Zhijun , Wang Limin , Zou Gang , Teng Mingshuang , Yu Jianjun
Published: December 2012

A new fluorescent probe, NPQ‐C, was synthesized. NPQ‐C was based on the naphthalimide derivatives and exhibited high selectivity and sensitivity for Cr3+ ions. As a Cr3+‐amplified fluorescent probe, Its fluorescence spectrum showed 5.5‐fold enhancement in the intensity of the signal at 500 nm on binding with the Cr3+. Based on the fluorescence titration spectra and Job's‐plot analysis, binding mode of NPQ‐C with Cr3+ was proposed. Fluorescence intensity was linear with concentration of Cr3+ cation in a range from 0 to 10 µmol·L−1. NPQ‐C was also sensitive for Cr3+. The detection limit was calculated to be 0.20 µmol·L−1 which indicated that NPQ‐C was sensitive to Cr3+.
Degradation of Textile Dyeing Wastewater by a Modified Solar Photo‐Fenton Process Using Steel Scrap/H2O2
Authors: Ramachandran Ganesan , Kumarasamy Thanasekaran
Published: December 2012

This experimental research deals with using steel scrap as a heterogeneous catalyst. This catalyzes the oxidation reaction of real textile dye wastewater based on a modified solar photo‐Fenton oxidation process. Morphologic analysis and mapping of the elementary composition of the steel scrap have been carried out by scanning electron microscopy. The effects of concentration of H2O2, the pH of the solution and the catalyst loading on the degradation of textile dye wastewater are elucidated. Kinetic studies have been performed for the decolorization of wastewater under optimum conditions. It could be concluded that the steel scrap is a potential substitute for ferrous salts as a catalyst for the solar photo‐Fenton reaction.
A stochastic mathematical model to study the autoimmune progression towards type 1 diabetes
Authors: Portuesi R. , Cherubini C. , Gizzi A. , Buzzetti R. , Pozzilli P. , Filippi S.
Published: December 2012

Background

The integrity of the interactions and the 3D architecture among beta cell populations in pancreatic islets is critical for proper biosynthesis, storage and release of insulin. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect on electrophysiological signalling of beta cells that is produced by progressive lymphocytic islet cell infiltration (insulitis), by modelling the disruption of pancreatic islet anatomy as a consequence of insulitis and altered glucose concentrations.

Methods

On the basis of histopathological images of murine islets from non‐obese diabetic mice, we simulated the electrophysiological dynamics of a 3D cluster of mouse beta cells via a stochastic model. Progressive damage was modelled at different glucose concentrations, representing the different glycaemic states in the autoimmune progression towards type 1 diabetes.

Results

At 31% of dead beta cells (normoglycaemia) and 69% (hyperglycaemia), the system appeared to be biologically robust to maintain regular Ca2+ ion oscillations guaranteeing an effective insulin release. Simulations at 84%, 94% and 98% grades (severe hyperglycemia) showed that intracellular calcium oscillations were absent. In such conditions, insulin pulsatility is not expected to occur.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that the islet tissue is biophysically robust enough to compensate for high rates of beta cell loss. These predictions can be experimentally tested in vitro by quantifying space and time electrophysiological dynamics of animal islets kept at different glucose gradients. The model indicates the necessity of maintaining glycaemia within the physiological range as soon as possible after diabetes onset to avoid a dramatic interruption of Ca2+ pulsatility and the consequent drop of insulin release. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Brønsted Acid Catalyzed C–H Functionalization of N‐Protected Tetrahydroisoquinolines via Intermediate Peroxides
Authors: Schweitzer‐Chaput Bertrand , Klussmann Martin
Published: December 2012

An organocatalytic oxidative synthesis of N‐protected tetrahydroisoquinolines is described by C–H functionalization via intermediate peroxides. The peroxides were synthesized from tert‐butylhydroperoxide under metal‐free thermal conditions and were converted into the final products by Brønsted acid catalyzed substitution. The nucleophile scope was investigated in detail and proved to be broad; N‐deprotection of the coupling products could also be achieved.
Barriers to and facilitators of the implementation of health promoting hospitals in Taiwan: a top‐down movement in need of ground support
Authors: Lee Chiachi Bonnie , Chen Michael S. , Wang Ying Wei
Published: December 2012

This study investigates barriers to and facilitators of health promoting hospitals (HPH) in Taiwan. The findings are based on a cross‐sectional questionnaire survey involving 55 hospitals committed to health promotion (HP) as of the end of 2009, and 52 of them completed the questionnaire. The five most reported barriers are inadequate national health insurance coverage of HP, staff detachment, incoherence of government policies, weak inter‐sectoral link and resistance to change. The five most reported facilitators are support from hospital superintendents, support from unit/department directors, HP‐inclusive hospital development mission and goals, funding from the government, founding of HP‐related committees, resources and healthy policies. The study also found that organizational capacity building (OCB) had a significantly negative association with the number of barriers and a positive association with the number of facilitators. Stepwise linear regressions further found that OCB in structure was a significant predictor of the fewer number of barriers and that in‐staff participation was a significant predictor of the more perceived facilitators. It also confirmed the significant role of organizational capacity building and that of coordinators in the effective implementation of HPH. The transformational factors as well as transactional factors are very much at work as facilitators, but the transactional factors are trapped in a less‐than‐friendly environment. Comprehensive support from transformational factors as well as transactional factors is essential and further support for daily routine operations and staff participation are required to sustain the implementation of HPH in Taiwan. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Experimental masseter muscle pain alters jaw–neck motor strategy
Authors: Wiesinger B. , Häggman‐Henrikson B. , Hellström F. , Wänman A.
Published: December 2012

Background

A functional integration between the jaw and neck regions has been demonstrated during normal jaw function. The effect of masseter muscle pain on this integrated motor behaviour in man is unknown. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of induced masseter muscle pain on jaw–neck movements during a continuous jaw opening‐closing task.

Methods

Sixteen healthy men performed continuous jaw opening‐closing movements to a target position, defined as 75% of the maximum jaw opening. Each subject performed two trials without pain (controls) and two trials with masseter muscle pain, induced with hypertonic saline as a single injection. Simultaneous movements of the mandible and the head were registered with a wireless optoelectronic three‐dimensional recording system. Differences in movement amplitudes between trials were analysed with Friedman's test and corrected Wilcoxon matched pairs test.

Results

The head movement amplitudes were significantly larger during masseter muscle pain trials compared with control. Jaw movement amplitudes did not differ significantly between any of the trials after corrected Wilcoxon tests. The ratio between head and jaw movement amplitudes was significantly larger during the first pain trial compared with control.

Conclusions

Experimental masseter muscle pain in humans affected integrated jaw–neck movements by increasing the neck component during continuous jaw opening‐closing tasks. The findings indicate that pain can alter the strategy for jaw–neck motor control, which further underlines the functional integration between the jaw and neck regions. This altered strategy may have consequences for development of musculoskeletal pain in the jaw and neck regions.
Temporal summation of heat pain modulated by isometric exercise
Authors: Koltyn K.F. , Knauf M.T. , Brellenthin A.G.
Published: December 2012

Background

Little is known about the effects of isometric exercise on temporal summation of heat pain. Thus, the purposes of study 1 and study 2 were to examine the influence of exhaustive and non‐exhaustive isometric exercise on temporal summation of heat pain in men and women.

Methods

Forty‐four men and 44 women (mean age = 20 years) completed an informed consent document and a packet of questionnaires. Ten heat pulses were applied to the thenar eminence of the dominant hand using a standardized temporal summation protocol. Participants rated the intensity of the heat pulses using a 0–100 pain rating scale before and following isometric exercise consisting of squeezing a hand dynamometer at 40% of maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) to exhaustion (exhaustive exercise, study 1) and at 25% MVC for 3 min (non‐exhaustive exercise, study 2). Muscle pain and perceived exertion were rated every 30 s during exercise using validated rating scales. The data were analysed with repeated measures analysis of variance.

Results

The results indicated there were no sex differences (p > 0.05) in time to exhaustion (study 1), muscle pain or perceived exertion (studies 1 and 2). There was a significant reduction (p < 0.05) in temporal summation ratings following isometric exercise for men and women in both study 1 and study 2.

Conclusion

It is concluded that exhaustive and non‐exhaustive isometric exercise significantly reduced temporal summation of heat pain in men and women.
(E)‐2‐Benzylidene‐4‐phenyl‐1,3‐diselenole ameliorates signals of renal injury induced by cisplatin in rats
Authors: Bortolatto Cristiani F. , Wilhelm Ethel A. , Roman Silvane S. , Nogueira Cristina W.
Published: December 2012

The present study investigated the protective role of antioxidant (E)‐2‐benzylidene‐4‐phenyl‐1,3‐diselenole (BPD), an organoselenium compound, against the renal injury induced by cisplatin in rats. Canola oil or BPD (50 mg kg−1) was administered orally by gavage once a day for 6 days to rats. The first dose of BPD was given 24 h before a single intraperitoneal injection of saline or cisplatin (7 mg kg−1). At day 7, animals were killed and parameters related to renal injury were determined. The histological analysis showed that cisplatin caused renal injury in rats, which was accompanied by an increase in urea and creatinine levels in plasma. The increase of plasma creatinine levels negatively correlated with renal antioxidant defenses including ascorbic acid (AA) and reduced glutathione (GSH) content as well as glutathione S‐transferase (GST), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and catalase (CAT) activities. As revealed by histological analysis, BPD ameliorated tubular injury in rat kidney and reduced plasma markers altered by cisplatin. The administration of BPD to rats attenuated the reduction of renal AA and GSH content in animals exposed to cisplatin. The decrease of GST activity, but not GPx and CAT activities, in rats exposed to cisplatin was totally reversed by BPD administration. BPD was also effective in attenuating the inhibition of a sulfhydryl enzyme sensitive to oxidative stress, δ‐aminolevulinic dehydratase, in kidneys of rats exposed to cisplatin. The present study demonstrated that BPD reduced renal injury induced by cisplatin in rats and this effect seems to be related to antioxidant mechanisms. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Comparing phototoxicity during the development of a zebrafish craniofacial bone using confocal and light sheet fluorescence microscopy techniques
Authors: Jemielita Matthew , Taormina Michael J. , DeLaurier April , Kimmel Charles B. , Parthasarathy Raghuveer
Published: December 2012

The combination of genetically encoded fluorescent proteins and three‐dimensional imaging enables cell‐type‐specific studies of embryogenesis. Light sheet microscopy, in which fluorescence excitation is provided by a plane of laser light, is an appealing approach to live imaging due to its high speed and efficient use of photons. While the advantages of rapid imaging are apparent from recent work, the importance of low light levels to studies of development is not well established. We examine the zebrafish opercle, a craniofacial bone that exhibits pronounced shape changes at early developmental stages, using both spinning disk confocal and light sheet microscopies of fluorescent osteoblast cells. We find normal and aberrant opercle morphologies for specimens imaged with short time intervals using light sheet and spinning disk confocal microscopies, respectively, under equivalent exposure conditions over developmentally‐relevant time scales. Quantification of shapes reveals that the differently imaged specimens travel along distinct trajectories in morphological space. (© 2013 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Surface engineering of titanium substrates with chitosan‐atorvastatin conjugate for reduced inflammation responses and improved cytocompatibility
Authors: Xie Daichao , Cai Kaiyong , Hu Yan , Luo Zhong
Published: December 2012

In this study, chitosan‐atorvastatin (Chi‐AT) conjugate was immobilized onto the surfaces of titanium substrates to reduce inflammation responses and improve cytocompatibility. Polydopamine film was initially formed onto the titanium surfaces as the intermediate layer for the successful immobilization of Chi‐AT, which was confirmed by scanning electron microscopy, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and contact angle measurements, respectively. Endothelial cells grown onto Chi‐AT immobilized titanium substrates displayed significantly higher (p < 0.01) cell viability and statistically lower (p < 0.01) lactate dehydrogenase production than those of native titanium substrates (control) after culture for 4 days and 7 days, respectively. Furthermore, macrophages cells cultured onto Chi‐AT immobilized titanium substrates demonstrated significantly lower (p < 0.01) production levels of nitric oxide, acid phosphatase, reactive oxygen species, pro‐inflammatory cytokines of tumor necrosis factor α, and interleukin‐1 β than those of controls. All results indicated that the immobilization of Chi‐AT conjugate onto titanium substrates was beneficial for improving their cytocompatibility and inhibiting pro‐inflammatory responses. The study thus presents an alternative to fabricate bio‐functionalized titanium‐based implants for further clinical application. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A, 2013.
Soy isoflavone attenuates brain mitochondrial oxidative stress induced by beta‐amyloid peptides 1–42 injection in lateral cerebral ventricle
Authors: Ding Juan , Yu Huan‐ling , Ma Wei‐wei , Xi Yuan‐di , Zhao Xia , Yuan Lin‐hong , Feng Jin‐fang , Xiao Rong
Published: December 2012

The aim of this study is to investigate whether soy isoflavone (SIF) reduces oxidative stress and improves the antioxidant ability in mitochondria of rat brain damaged by injection of beta‐amyloid peptides 1–42 (Aβ1–42). Forty Wistar rats were randomly divided into control, Aβ1–42, SIF + Aβ1–42, and SIF groups according to body weight. The rats in the SIF + Aβ1–42 group and SIF group were intragastrically administered SIF suspension in 0.5% CMC‐Na for 28 days, whereas the rats in control group and Aβ1–42 group were administered the same volume of 0.5% CMC‐Na. On day 14, the rats in the Aβ1–42 group and SIF + Aβ1–42 group were injected with Aβ1–42 into the lateral cerebral ventricle with physiological saline. The rat brains were then sampled, and brain mitochondria were isolated. After this, the mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) and mitochondrial redox state were measured. The contents of brain nuclear factor E2‐related factor (Nrf2) and heme oxygenase‐1 (HO‐1) protein in brain tissue were quantitated by Western blot. The results showed that SIF maintained the MMP, elevated the reduced glutathione/oxidized glutathione (GSH/GSSG) ratio, and increased glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD) protein expression in brain mitochondria. Additionally, SIF reversed the Aβ1–42‐induced downregulation of the protein expression of Nrf2 and HO‐1 in brain tissue. These results indicated that SIF could alleviate the oxidative damage and maintain the redox imbalance in brain mitochondria damaged by Aβ1–42. This might result from regulation of the Nrf2/HO‐1 pathway. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Impact of authentic leadership on performance: Role of followers' positive psychological capital and relational processes
Authors: Wang Hui , Sui Yang , Luthans Fred , Wang Danni , Wu Yanhong
Published: December 2012

Authentic leadership has received considerable attention and research support over the past decade. Now the time has come to refine and better understand how it impacts performance. This study investigates the moderating role followers' positive psychological capital (PsyCap) and the mediating role that leader–member exchange (LMX) may play in influencing the relationship between authentic leadership and followers' performance. Specifically, we tested this mediated moderation model with matched data from 794 followers and their immediate leaders. We found that authentic leadership is positively related to LMX and consequently followers' performance, and to a larger degree, among followers who have low rather than high levels of PsyCap. Our discussion highlights the benefits of understanding the roles of relational processes and followers' positive psychological resources involved in the effectiveness of authentic leadership and how they can be practically implemented. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Improved performances in organic and polymer light‐emitting diodes using solution‐processed vanadium pentoxide as a hole injection layer
Authors: Lee Hyunkoo , Kwon Yongwon , Lee Changhee
Published: December 2012

We report that a solution‐processed vanadium pentoxide (V2O5) layer can be utilized as an effective and stable hole injection layer in organic light‐emitting diodes and polymer light‐emitting diodes instead of polyethylene dioxythiophene : polystyrenesulfonate (PEDOT : PSS). The organic light‐emitting diode and polymer light‐emitting diode with the V2O5 layer have driving voltages that are 2.2 and 0.3 V lower for 1000 cd/m2, respectively, than the devices with PEDOT : PSS. In addition, the devices with the V2O5 layer show improved operational stability compared with the devices with PEDOT : PSS. Therefore, a solution‐processed V2O5 layer can be utilized as an effective and stable hole injection layer instead of PEDOT : PSS.
Single‐drop liquid phase microextraction accelerated by surface acoustic wave
Authors: Zhang Anliang , Zha Yan
Published: December 2012

A single‐drop liquid phase microextraction method is presented, in which surface acoustic wave (SAW) is used for accelerating extraction speed. A pair of interdigital transducers with 27.5 MHz center frequency is fabricated on a 128° yx‐LiNbO3 substrate. A radio frequency signal is applied to one of interdigital transducers to excite SAW. Plastic straw is filled with PDMS, leaving 1 mL for holding sample solution. Plastic straw with sample solution droplet is then dipping into extractant, into which SAW is radiated. Mass transportation from sample solution to extractant drop is accelerated due to acoustic streaming, and extraction time is decreased. An ionic liquid and an acid green‐25 solution are used for extraction experiments. Results show that the extraction process is almost finished within 2 min, and extraction speed is increased with radio frequency signal power.
Radiation fibrosis of the vocal fold: From man to mouse
Authors: Johns Michael M. , Kolachala Vasantha , Berg Eric , Muller Susan , Creighton Frances X. , Branski Ryan C.
Published: December 2012

Objectives/Hypothesis:

To characterize fundamental late tissue effects in the human vocal fold following radiation therapy. To develop a murine model of radiation fibrosis in order to ultimately develop both treatment and prevention paradigms.

Design:

Translational study using archived human and fresh murine irradiated vocal fold tissue.

Methods:

1) Irradiated vocal fold tissue from patients undergoing laryngectomy for loss of function from radiation fibrosis was identified from pathology archives. Histomorphometry, immunohistochemistry, and whole‐genome microarray, as well as real‐time transcriptional analyses, were performed. 2) Focused radiation to the head and neck was delivered to mice in a survival fashion. One month following radiation, vocal fold tissue was analyzed with histomorphometry, immunohistochemistry, and real‐time PCR transcriptional analysis for selected markers of fibrosis.

Results:

Human irradiated vocal folds demonstrated increased collagen transcription, with increased deposition and disorganization of collagen in both the thyroarytenoid muscle and the superficial lamina propria. Fibronectin were increased in the superficial lamina propria. Laminin decreased in the thyroarytenoid muscle. Whole genome microarray analysis demonstrated increased transcription of markers for fibrosis, oxidative stress, inflammation, glycosaminoglycan production, and apoptosis. Irradiated murine vocal folds demonstrated increases in collagen and fibronectin transcription and deposition in the lamina propria. Transforming growth factor (TGF)‐β increased in the lamina propria.

Conclusion:

Human irradiated vocal folds demonstrate molecular changes leading to fibrosis that underlie loss of vocal fold pliability occurring in patients following laryngeal irradiation. The irradiated murine tissue demonstrates similar findings, and this mouse model may have utility in creating prevention and treatment strategies for vocal fold radiation fibrosis.
Functional elements associated with hepatic regeneration in living donors after right hepatic lobectomy
Authors: Everson Gregory T. , Hoefs John C. , Niemann Claus U. , Olthoff Kim M. , Dupuis Robert , Lauriski Shannon , Herman Andrea , Milne Norah , Gillespie Brenda W. , Goodrich Nathan P. , Everhart James E.
Published: December 2012

We quantified the rates of hepatic regeneration and functional recovery for 6 months after right hepatic lobectomy in living donors for liver transplantation. Twelve donors were studied pre-donation (baseline); 8 were retested at a mean ± SD of 11±3 days after donation (T1), 10 were retested at a mean of 91±9 days after donation (T2), and 10 were retested at a mean of 185±17 days after donation (T3). Liver and spleen volumes were measured with computed tomography (CT) and single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT). Hepatic metabolism was assessed with caffeine and erythromycin, and hepatic blood flow (HBF) was assessed with cholates, galactose, and the perfused hepatic mass (PHM) by SPECT. The regeneration rates (mL kg−1 of body weight day−1) by CT were 0.60±0.22 mL from the baseline to T1, 0.05±0.02 mL from T1 to T2, and 0.01±0.01 from T2 to T3; by SPECT they were 0.54±0.20, 0.04±0.01, and 0.01±0.02, respectively. At T3, the liver volumes were 84%±7% of the baseline according to CT and 92%±13% of the baseline according to SPECT. Changes in the hepatic metabolism did not achieve statistical significance. At T1, the unadjusted clearance ratios with respect to the baseline were 0.75±0.07 for intravenous cholate (P<0.001), 0.88±0.15 for galactose (P=0.07), 0.84±0.08 for PHM (P=0.002), and 0.83±0.19 for the estimated HBF (P=0.06). At T1, these ratios adjusted per liter of liver were up to 50% greater than the baseline values, suggesting recruitment of HBF by the regenerating liver. Increased cholate shunt, increased spleen volume, and decreased platelet count, were consistent with an altered portal circulation. In conclusion, initial hepatic regeneration is rapid, accounts for nearly two-thirds of total regeneration, and is associated with increases in HBF and cholate uptake. Right lobe donation alters the portal circulation of living donors, but the long-term clinical consequences, if there are any, are unknown.
Your best just got better
Authors: Womack Jason W.
Published: December 2012

Leaders with too much to do, and too little time, still must try to improve a little bit and become more productive each day, Womack contends. Start by sketching what an ideal day would look like. You can accomplish more by doing less, particularly if you do not hurry. Take “the magic five minutes” to look over completed work for mistakes. Then consider “the five people you spend the most mind‐share with through the week,” and how you interact with and learn from them. Focus is a precious resource, and Womack encourages you to consider where and when you do your deepest thinking.
Phage therapy treatment of the coral pathogen Vibrio coralliilyticus
Authors: Cohen Yossi , Joseph Pollock F. , Rosenberg Eugene , Bourne David G.
Published: December 2012

Vibrio coralliilyticus is an important coral pathogen demonstrated to cause disease outbreaks worldwide. This study investigated the feasibility of applying bacteriophage therapy to treat the coral pathogen V. coralliilyticus. A specific bacteriophage for V. coralliilyticus strain P1 (LMG23696), referred to here as bacteriophage YC, was isolated from the seawater above corals at Nelly Bay, Magnetic Island, central Great Barrier Reef (GBR), the same location where the bacterium was first isolated. Bacteriophage YC was shown to be a lytic phage belonging to the Myoviridae family, with a rapid replication rate, high burst size, and high affinity to its host. By infecting its host bacterium, bacteriophage YC was able to prevent bacterial‐induced photosystem inhibition in pure cultures of Symbiodinium, the photosymbiont partner of coral and a target for virulence factors produced by the bacterial pathogen. Phage therapy experiments using coral juveniles in microtiter plates as a model system revealed that bacteriophage YC was able to prevent V. coralliilyticus‐induced photoinactivation and tissue lysis. These results demonstrate that bacteriophage YC has the potential to treat coral disease outbreaks caused by the bacterial pathogen V. coralliilyticus, making it a good candidate for phage therapy treatment of coral disease.
Facile fabrication of superhydrophobic raspberry‐like SIO2/polystyrene composite particles
Authors: Shang Qianqian , Wang Mengyu , Liu Hu , Gao Lijing , Xiao Guomin
Published: December 2012

A facile and novel strategy was reported on the fabrication of raspberry‐like SiO2/polystyrene (SiO2/PS) composite particles by emulsion polymerization in the presence of vinyl‐functionalized silica (vinyl‐SiO2) particles, which were prepared via a one‐step sol–gel process using vinyltriethoxysilane as the precursor. The submicron vinyl‐SiO2 particles were used as the core, and nanosized PS particles were then adsorbed onto the vinyl‐SiO2 particles to form raspberry‐like composite particles during the polymerization process. The composition, morphology, and structure of the vinyl‐SiO2 particles and the SiO2/PS hybrid particles were characterized by thermogravimetric analysis, nuclear magnetic resonance, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and scanning electron microscopy. Superhydrophobic surface can be constructed by directly depositing the raspberry‐like SiO2/PS composite particles on glass substrate, and the water contact angle can be adjusted by the styrene/SiO2 weight ratio. In addition, the superhydrophobic film possessed a strong adhesive force to pin water droplet on the surface even when the film was turned upside down. POLYM. COMPOS., 2013. © 2012 Society of Plastics Engineers
Incidence of hemorrhagic stroke in the general population: validation of data from The Health Improvement Network
Authors: Gaist David , Wallander Mari‐Ann , González‐Pérez Antonio , García‐Rodríguez Luis Alberto
Published: December 2012

Purpose

The Health Improvement Network (THIN) is a UK healthcare database composed of computerized information from primary care physicians (PCPs). We analyzed the validity of our method for identifying cases of intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) and subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) within THIN and assessed the incidence of these events.

Methods

Patients aged 20–89 years were identified and followed until (i) ICH or SAH was detected, (ii) the patient reached 90 years old (iii) death, or (iv) the end of the study. Computerized patient profiles were reviewed manually; those not discarded became potential cases. A validation study was undertaken in 400 computer‐detected cases (333 confirmed as potential cases; 67 discarded). PCPs completed a questionnaire to determine the actual incidence of ICH and SAH among these cases. We also assessed the incidence of ICH and SAH in the total cohort.

Results

A total of 4330 patients with a READ code suggesting hemorrhagic stroke were identified. Computerized profiles with free‐text comments were reviewed manually to identify 3633 potential cases. Responses to the PCP questionnaire were received for 306 potential cases and 63 discarded cases (92% response rate); 82% of potential cases were confirmed. Finally, we identified 3137 cases of hemorrhagic stroke. Crude incidence was 15 per 100 000 person‐years for ICH and 11 per 100 000 person‐years for SAH; the overall incidence increased sharply with age.

Conclusions

Computer detection of cases of hemorrhagic stroke in THIN followed by manual review of clinical profiles is a valid method. The incidence of hemorrhagic stroke increases sharply with age. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Pervaporation study of ethylene glycol dehydration through synthesized (PVA–4A)/polypropylene mixed matrix composite membranes
Authors: Shahverdi Mahnaz , Baheri Bahareh , Rezakazemi Mashallah , Motaee Elahe , Mohammadi Toraj
Published: December 2012

Poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA)/zeolite 4A mixed matrix composite membranes supported on polypropylene microfiltration membranes were prepared by solution casting method and crosslinked with glutaraldehyde to investigate their pervaporation (PV) separation properties of water–ethylene glycol mixtures. Scanning electron microscopy images showed homogeneous distribution of zeolite nanoparticles within the polymer matrix without any visible macroscopic voids at the zeolite–polymer interface. The PV experiments were accomplished to investigate the effects of water concentration (10–40 wt%) and temperature (60–80°C) on separation performance of the membranes. It was found out that 5 wt% loading of the 4A nanoparticles into the PVA matrix is optimal to obtain the best separation performance. The experimental results revealed that loading of zeolite 4A enhanced the membrane performance [both permeation flux (5%) and separation factor (32%) at 5 wt% zeolite loading]. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2013. © 2012 Society of Plastics Engineers
Reduction of residual stress in SiO2‐matrix silicon nano‐crystal thin films by a combination of rapid thermal annealing and tube‐furnace annealing
Authors: Huang Junjun , Zeng Yuheng , Wang Weiyan , Yang Ye , Huang Jinhua , Tan Ruiqin , Dai Shixun , Dai Ning , Song Weijie
Published: December 2012

In this work, SRO thin films were prepared by magnetron sputtering and converted to Si nano‐crystals (Si‐NCs) by rapid thermal annealing (RTA). Further tube‐furnace annealing was performed on the Si‐NC films in order to reduce residual stress. The residual stress in the Si‐NC thin films after RTA at 1100 and 1200 °C were determined as 2.41 and 1.87 GPa, respectively, and the following tube‐furnace annealing can obviously decrease the residual stress. The residual stress decreased with increasing annealing temperature and time. The following tube‐furnace annealing at 1100 °C for 60 min and 1000 °C for 180 min reduced the residual stress to 1.46 and 1 GPa, respectively, for the Si‐NC thin films with prior RTA at 1200 °C. The reduction of residual stress was ascribed to the larger density of extended defects and the lower surface‐to‐volume ratio of the thin films.
Globally asymptotically stable saturated PID controllers for a double integrator with constant disturbance
Authors: Hu Jinchang , Zhang Honghua
Published: December 2012

This paper provides a deep insight into the saturated PID control of a double integrator with bounded disturbance. On the basis of the nested saturation functions, a simple PID‐like controller is proposed. The main difficulty in saturation control with bounded disturbances is to prove that the unsaturated regions are invariant. By phase plane and singular perturbation analysis, we prove that the saturation restrictions on the controller can be removed one by one in finite time, and the closed‐loop system can be finally reduced to a nonsaturated PID controlled double integrator. The sufficient conditions for the stability of the closed loop with disturbance are also derived. Finally, numerical simulations are conducted to validate the effectiveness of the proposed control scheme. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Reversible Phase Transition of 4‐Ethoxybenzenammonium Iodide
Authors: Wang Wen‐Xiang , Fu Xue‐Qun
Published: December 2012

A new phase transition compound 4‐ethoxybenzenammonium iodide (1) (C8H12ON+·I–) was determined. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) results show sharp peaks appear at 157.93 K (–115.22 °C) on heating and 157.00 K (–116.15 °C) on cooling with ΔH = 120.34 J·mol–1, ΔS = 0.762 J·mol–1·K–1. The dielectric measurements appear clear slope change, which matches well as observed in the DSC results. The crystal structure analyze shows that the space group changes from P21 at 103(2) K to P21/c at 298(2) K during the phase transition process. The essential difference between the two temperature structures is the relative orientation of the oxyethyl group to the benzene ring, slight displacements of the anionic iodine and the packing of the molecular species.