bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
IQcat: Multiplexed protein quantification by isoelectric QconCAT
Authors: Austin Ryan J. , Chang Deborah K. , Holstein Carly A. , Lee Lik W. , Risler Jenni , Wang Jonathan H. , Adams Lee , Krusberski Nicolle B. , Martin Daniel B.
Published: May 2012

Expression of isotopically labeled peptide standards as artificial concatamers (QconCATs) allows for the multiplex quantification of proteins in unlabeled samples by mass spectrometry. We have developed a generalizable QconCAT design strategy, which we term IQcat, wherein concatenated peptides are binned by pI to facilitate MS‐sample enrichment by isoelectric focusing. Our method utilizes a rapid (∼2 weeks), inexpensive and scalable purification of arg/lys labeled IQcat standards in the Escherichia coli auxotroph AT713. With this pipeline, we assess the fidelity of IQcat‐based absolute quantification for ten yeast proteins over a broad concentration range in a single information‐rich isoelectric fraction. The technique is further employed for a quantitative study of androgen‐dependent protein expression in cultured prostate cancer cells.
Proteomic analysis of the role of S‐nitrosoglutathione reductase in lipopolysaccharide‐challenged mice
Authors: Ozawa Kentaro , Tsumoto Hiroki , Wei Wei , Tang Chi‐Hui , Komatsubara Akira T. , Kawafune Hiroto , Shimizu Kazuharu , Liu Limin , Tsujimoto Gozoh
Published: May 2012

S‐Nitrosoglutathione reductase (GSNOR) is a key regulator of protein S‐nitrosylation, the covalent modification of cysteine residues by nitric oxide that can affect activities of many proteins. We recently discovered that excessive S‐nitrosylation from GSNOR deficiency in mice under inflammation inactivates the key DNA repair protein O6‐alkylguanine‐DNA alkyltransferase and promotes both spontaneous and carcinogen‐induced hepatocellular carcinoma. To explore further the mechanism of tumorigenesis due to GSNOR deficiency, we compared the protein expression profiles in the livers of wild‐type and GSNOR‐deficient (GSNOR−/−) mice that were challenged with lipopolysaccharide to induce inflammation and expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS). Two‐dimensional difference gel electrophoresis analysis identified 38 protein spots of significantly increased intensity and 31 protein spots of significantly decreased intensity in the GSNOR−/− mice compared to those in the wild‐type mice. We subsequently identified 19 upregulated and 19 downregulated proteins in GSNOR−/− mice using mass spectrometry. Immunoblot analysis confirmed in GSNOR−/− mice a large increase in the expression of the pro‐inflammatory mediator S100A9, a protein previously implicated in human liver carcinogenesis. We also found a decrease in the expression of multiple members of the protein disulfide‐isomerase (PDI) family and an alteration in the expression pattern of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) chaperones in GSNOR−/− mice. Furthermore, altered expression of these proteins from GSNOR deficiency was prevented in mice lacking both GSNOR and iNOS. In addition, we detected S‐nitrosylation of two members of the PDI protein family. These results suggest that S‐nitrosylation resulting from GSNOR deficiency may promote carcinogenesis under inflammatory conditions in part through the disruption of inflammatory and ER stress responses.
Computer simulation of solitary waves in a common or auxetic elastic rod with both quadratic and cubic nonlinearities
Authors: Bui Dinh T. , Long V. Cao , Xuan K. Dinh , Wojciechowski K. W.
Published: May 2012

Results of numerical simulations are presented for propagation of solitary waves in an elastic rod of positive or negative Poisson's ratio, i.e. of a common or auxetic material. Splitting of various initial pulses during propagation into a sequence of solitary waves is considered in frames of a model which contains both quadratic and cubic nonlinear terms. The obtained results are compared with some exact analytic solutions, called solitons, what leads to the conclusion that the solitons describe well the more complicated wave fields which are obtained by numerical simulations. This is because the analytic solutions reflect complete balance between various orders of nonlinearity and dispersion. Collisions between some obtained solitary waves are also presented.
Silibinin Triggers Apoptosis and Cell‐Cycle Arrest of SGC7901 Cells
Authors: Zhang Yuanxin , Li Quanshun , Ge Yakun , Chen Yunpeng , Chen Jun , Dong Ying , Shi Wei
Published: May 2012

Silibinin, a flavonoid compound, has shown to be of chemopreventive potential against many cancers. However, its efficacy against gastric cancer has not been well elucidated. Here, we assessed the activity of Silibinin on apoptosis and cell‐cycle arrest in human gastric cells culture system using SGC‐7901 as the model. Silibinin treatment could inhibit the cell growth and cause a prominent G2 phase arrest and apoptosis in dose‐ and time‐dependent manner. In mechanistic studies, Silibinin decreased the protein level of p34cdc2, which might be the possible molecular mechanism of Silibinin efficacy on the growth inhibition in SGC‐7901 cells. In addition, Silibinin caused an increase in p53 and p21 protein level as well as mRNA levels. Interestingly, Silibinin‐induced apoptosis in SGC‐7901 cells was independent of caspases activation. These results indicated that Silibinin is a cell‐cycle regulator and apoptosis inducer in human gastric carcinoma SGC‐7901 cells and might be used as a candidate chemopreventive agent for gastric carcinoma prevention and intervention. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Automated assessment of learners' understanding in complex dynamic systems
Authors: Kopainsky Birgit , Pirnay‐Dummer Pablo , Alessi Stephen M.
Published: May 2012

Research on learning via system‐dynamics based learning environments depends on accurate measurement of learning. Most such research considers at least two aspects of learning: participants' understanding of the models and problems; and participants' performance in the environment, i.e. quality of decision making. Understanding is much more difficult to measure than performance. Measurement of understanding is often done by eliciting verbal protocols from participants. Coding and analysis of verbal protocols are subjective and time consuming. To facilitate measurement and analysis of understanding via verbal protocols, we investigate the utility of a software application which performs such analysis automatically. We assess this automated analysis methodology using data from a system‐dynamics based learning environment. The results from the automated analysis are comparable to the results from a manual analysis when we analyze how participants' understanding compares to experts and how it changes over time. Additionally, the automated analysis facilitates investigating relationships between understanding and performance. Copyright © 2012 System Dynamics Society.
Assembly of Graphene Sheets into 3D Macroscopic Structures
Authors: Yin Shengyan , Niu Zhiqiang , Chen Xiaodong
Published: May 2012

Integration of graphene sheets, 2D nanoscale building blocks, into 3D macroscopic assemblies and ultimately into a functional system is essential to explore the advanced properties of individual graphene sheets for macroscopic applications. This Concept paper summarizes different ways, such as flow‐directed assembly, layer‐by‐layer deposition, template‐directed method, and leavening strategy to assemble graphene sheets into the layered and porous 3D macroscopic structures. The obtained structures show unique properties, such as flexible network, high specific surface area, and outstanding electrical and mechanical properties. Furthermore, the functional systems based on such graphene 3D macroscopic structures have shown enhanced performance in the applications of energy storage, catalysis, environmental remediation, and sensing.
M13 Bacteriophage‐Activated Superparamagnetic Beads for Affinity Separation
Authors: Muzard Julien , Platt Mark , Lee Gil U.
Published: May 2012

The growth of the biopharmaceutical industry has created a demand for new technologies for the purification of genetically engineered proteins.The efficiency of large‐scale, high‐gradient magnetic fishing could be improved if magnetic particles offering higher binding capacity and magnetization were available. This article describes several strategies for synthesizing microbeads that are composed of a M13 bacteriophage layer assembled on a superparamagnetic core. Chemical cross‐linking of the pVIII proteins to a carboxyl‐functionalized bead produces highly responsive superparamagnetic particles (SPM) with a side‐on oriented, adherent virus monolayer. Also, the genetic manipulation of the pIII proteins with a His6 peptide sequence allows reversible assembly of the bacteriophage on a nitrilotriacetic‐acid‐functionalized core in an end‐on configuration. These phage–magnetic particles are successfully used to separate antibodies from high‐protein concentration solutions in a single step with a >90% purity. The dense magnetic core of these particles makes them five times more responsive to magnetic fields than commercial materials composed of polymer–(iron oxide) composites and a monolayer of phage could produce a 1000 fold higher antibody binding capacity. These new bionanomaterials appear to be well‐suited to large‐scale high‐gradient magnetic fishing separation and promise to be cost effective as a result of the self‐assembling and self‐replicating properties of genetically engineered M13 bacteriophage.
Measuring True Young's Modulus of a Cantilevered Nanowire: Effect of Clamping on Resonance Frequency
Authors: Qin Qingquan , Xu Feng , Cao Yongqing , Ro Paul I. , Zhu Yong
Published: May 2012

The effect of clamping on resonance frequency and thus measured Young's modulus of nanowires (NWs) is systematically investigated via a combined experimental and simulation approach. ZnO NWs are used in this work as an example. The resonance tests are performed in situ inside a scanning electron microscope and the NWs are cantilevered on a tungsten probe by electron‐beam‐induced deposition (EBID) of hydrocarbon. EBID is repeated several times to deposit more hydrocarbons at the same location. The resonance frequency increases with the increasing clamp size until approaching that under the “fixed” boundary condition. The critical clamp size is identified as a function of NW diameter and NW Young's modulus. This work: 1) exemplifies the importance of considering the effect of clamping in measurements of Young's modulus using the resonance method, and 2) demonstrates that the true Young's modulus can be measured if the critical clamp size is reached. Design guidelines on the critical clamp size are provided. Such design guidelines can be extended to other one‐dimensional nanostructures such as carbon nanotubes.
Lateral‐torsional buckling checks of steel frames using second‐order analysis
Authors: Wieschollek Matthias , Schillo Nicole , Feldmann Markus , Sedlacek (dec.) Gerhard
Published: May 2012

This article summarizes the rules given in EN 1993‐1‐1 [2] for using second‐order analysis to check the flexural and lateral‐torsional buckling of members and systems loaded in the strong plane of their cross‐section which may not fail due to out‐of‐plane instability.

The rules relevant in EN 1993‐1‐1 [2] are those for equivalent geometrical imperfections resulting from the elastic buckling modes with amplitudes derived from column buckling tests according to EN 1990 Annex D [1] plus those for the linear superposition of utilization rates in the strong and weak planes as used for evaluating tests to determine the amplitude of imperfections and the partial factors.

Computer assistance is generally required for determining the elastic buckling modes; the computer outputs gives both modal out‐of‐plane displacements and modal out‐of‐plane bending moments for the relevant flanges of the sections. The use of out‐of‐ plane bending moments makes the assessment clear and simple. It leads to a magnification factor for the in‐plane‐utilization rate that allows the design point x = xd to be found along the length of the member or system where the cross‐sectional check is relevant. It also shows that the results of the second‐order analysis for this design point and the use of buckling curves for member checks at this design point are identical.

The assessment procedure with second‐order analysis is generic and applicable to all design cases, whereas the member checks with buckling curves as specified in EN 1993‐1‐1 [2] are intended to be valid for specific loadings and boundary conditions only (object‐oriented rules). They should be consistent with the generic rules. In this respect, this article is a contribution towards the further evolution of EN 1993‐1‐1 [2].
Component method for end plate joints, modeling of 3D frames: literature review
Authors: Heinisuo Markku , Perttola Henri , Ronni Hilkka
Published: May 2012

Literature of modelling steel frames in 3D using beam finite elements is presented. The development of member modelling is described first followed by joint modelling. The review ends with a brief introduction of the 3D component model for end plate joints. The next part includes three examples of the 3D component method: base bolt joint, beam‐ to‐column joint and member splice joint.
Abnormal expression of stathmin 1 in brain tissue of patients with intractable temporal lobe epilepsy and a rat model
Authors: Zhao Fenghua , Hu Yida , Zhang Ying , Zhu Qiong , Zhang Xiaogang , Luo Jing , Xu Yali , Wang Xuefeng
Published: May 2012

Microtubule dynamics have been shown to contribute to neurite outgrowth, branching, and guidance. Stathmin 1 is a potent microtubule‐destabilizing factor that is involved in the regulation of microtubule dynamics and plays an essential role in neurite elongation and synaptic plasticity. Here, we investigate the expression of stathmin 1 in the brain tissues of patients with intractable temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) and experimental animals using immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence and western blotting. We obtained 32 temporal neocortex tissue samples from patients with intractable TLE and 12 histologically normal temporal lobe tissues as controls. In addition, 48 Sprague Dawley rats were randomly divided into six groups, including one control group and five groups with epilepsy induced by lithium chloride‐pilocarpine. Hippocampal and temporal lobe tissues were obtained from control and epileptic rats on Days 1, 7, 14, 30, and 60 after kindling. Stathmin 1 was mainly expressed in the neuronal membrane and cytoplasm in the human controls, and its expression levels were significantly higher in patients with intractable TLE. Moreover, stathmin 1 was also expressed in the neurons of both the control and the experimental rats. Stathmin 1 expression was decreased in the experimental animals from 1 to 14 days postseizure and then significantly increased at Days 30 and 60 compared with the control group. Many protruding neuronal processes were observed in the TLE patients and in the chronic stage epileptic rats. These data suggest that stathmin 1 may participate in the abnormal network reorganization of synapses and contribute to the pathogenesis of TLE. Synapse 66:781–791, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Quantitative analysis of binding sites for 9‐fluoropropyl‐(+)‐dihydrotetrabenazine ([18F]AV‐133) in a MPTP‐lesioned PD mouse model
Authors: Chao Ko‐Ting , Tsao Hsin‐Hsin , Weng Yi‐Hsin , Hsiao Ing‐Tsung , Hsieh Chia‐Ju , Wey Shiaw‐Pyng , Yen Tzu‐Chen , Kung Mei‐Ping , Lin Kun‐Ju
Published: May 2012

[18F]AV‐133 is a novel PET tracer for targeting the vesicular monoamine transporter 2 (VMAT2). The aim of this study is to characterize and quantify the loss of monoamine neurons with [18F]AV‐133 in the MPTP‐lesioned PD mouse model using animal PET imaging and ex vivo quantitative autoradiography (QARG). Methods: Optimal imaging time window of [18F]AV‐133 was first determined in normal C57BL/6 mice (n = 3) with a 90‐min dynamic scan. The reproducibility of [18F]AV‐133 PET imaging was evaluated by performing a test–retest study within 1 week for the normal group (n = 6). For MPTP‐lesioned studies, normal, and MPTP‐treated [25 mg mg/kg once (Group A) and twice (Group B), respectively, daily for 5 days, i.p., groups of four normal and MPTP‐treated] mice were used. PET imaging studies at baseline and at Day 4 post‐MPTP injections were performed at the optimal time window after injection of 11.1 MBq [18F]AV‐133. Specific uptake ratio (SUr) of [18F]AV‐133 was calculated by [(target uptake–cerebellar uptake)/cerebellar uptake] with cerebellum as the reference region. Ex vitro QARG and immunohistochemistry (IHC) studies with tyrosine hydroxylase antibody were carried out to confirm the abundance of dopaminergic neurons. Results: The variability between [18F]AV‐133 test–retest striatal SUr was 6.60 ± 3.61% with less than 5% standard deviation between animals (intervariability). The percentages of MPTP lesions were Group A 0.94 ± 0.29, −42.1% and Group B 0.65 ± 0.09, −60.4%. By QARG, specific binding of [18F]AV‐133 was reduced relative to the control groups by 50.6% and 60.7% in striatum and by 30.6% and 46.4% in substantia nigra (Groups A and B, respectively). Relatively small [18F]AV‐133 SUr decline was noted in the serotonin and norepinephrine‐enriched regions (7.9% and 9.4% in mid‐brain). Results obtained from IHC consistently confirmed the sensitivity and selectivity of dopaminergic neuron loss after MPTP treatment. Conclusions: [18F]AV‐133 PET SUr displayed a high test–retest stability. The SUr significantly declined in the caudate putamen but not in the hypothalamus and midbrain regions after MPTP treatment in the mouse brain. The results obtained for QARG and IHC were consistent and correlated well with the PET imaging studies. On the basis of these concordant results, we find that [18F]AV‐133 should serve as a useful and reliable PET tracer for evaluating nigrostriatal degeneration. Synapse 66:823–831, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Molecular characterization of Candida boidinii MIG1 and its role in the regulation of methanol‐inducible gene expression
Authors: Zhai Zhenyu , Yurimoto Hiroya , Sakai Yasuyoshi
Published: May 2012

Methanol‐inducible gene promoters in methanol‐utilizing yeasts are used in high‐level heterologous gene expression systems. Generally, expression of methanol‐inducible genes is completely repressed by the presence of glucose. In this study we identified the MIG1 gene in Candida boidinii, which encodes a homologue of the glucose repressor Mig1p of Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Disruption of the CbMIG1 gene had no growth effect on various carbon sources. Activation of the methanol‐inducible AOD1 gene, which encodes alcohol oxidase, was increased in the early stage of methanol induction when cells of the CbMIG1‐disrupted strain were transferred from glucose medium to methanol medium. Furthermore, CbMig1p tagged with yellow fluorescent protein was primarily localized in the nucleus of glucose‐grown cells, but was diffuse in the cytosol of methanol‐grown cells. This cytosolic diffusion in methanol‐grown cells occurred in a CbMsn5p‐dependent manner. These results suggest that CbMig1p is involved in negative regulation of methanol‐inducible gene expression in C. boidinii. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Dolphin Shows and Interaction Programs: Benefits for Conservation Education?
Authors: Miller L.J. , Zeigler‐Hill V. , Mellen J. , Koeppel J. , Greer T. , Kuczaj S.
Published: May 2012

Dolphin shows and dolphin interaction programs are two types of education programs within zoological institutions used to educate visitors about dolphins and the marine environment. The current study examined the short‐ and long‐term effects of these programs on visitors' conservation‐related knowledge, attitude, and behavior. Participants of both dolphin shows and interaction programs demonstrated a significant short‐term increase in knowledge, attitudes, and behavioral intentions. Three months following the experience, participants of both dolphin shows and interaction programs retained the knowledge learned during their experience and reported engaging in more conservation‐related behaviors. Additionally, the number of dolphin shows attended in the past was a significant predictor of recent conservation‐related behavior suggesting that repetition of these types of experiences may be important in inspiring people to conservation action. These results suggest that both dolphin shows and dolphin interaction programs can be an important part of a conservation education program for visitors of zoological facilities. Zoo Biol. 32:45‐53, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Fingerprinting Higgs suspects at the LHC
Authors: Espinosa J. R. , Grojean C. , Mühlleitner M. , Trott M.
Published: May 2012

Abstract

We outline a method for characterizing deviations from the properties of a Standard Model (SM) Higgs boson. We apply it to current data in order to characterize up to which degree the SM Higgs boson interpretation is consistent with experiment. We find that the SM Higgs boson is consistent with the current data set at the 82 % confidence level, based on data of excess events reported by CMS and ATLAS, which are interpreted to be related to the mass scale m

h
∼ 124 − 126 GeV, and on published CLs exclusion regions. We perform a global fit in terms of two parameters characterizing the deviation from the SM value in the gauge and fermion couplings of a Higgs boson. We find two minima in the global fit and identify observables that can remove this degeneracy. An update for Moriond 2012 data is included in the appendix, which finds that the SM Higgs boson is now consistent with the current data set at only the 89 % confidence level (which corresponds to ∼ 2 σ tension compared to the best fit point).
Fitting neutrino physics with a U(1)
R
lepton number
Authors: Bertuzzo Enrico , Frugiuele Claudia
Published: May 2012

Abstract

We study neutrino physics in the context of a supersymmetric model where a continuous R-symmetry is identified with the total Lepton Number and one sneutrino can thus play the role of the down type Higgs. We show that R-breaking effects communicated to the visible sector by Anomaly Mediation can reproduce neutrino masses and mixing solely via radiative contributions, without requiring any additional degree of freedom. In particular, a relatively large reactor angle (as recently observed by the Daya Bay collaboration) can be accommodated in ample regions of the parameter space. On the contrary, if the R-breaking is communicated to the visible sector by gravitational effects at the Planck scale, additional particles are necessary to accommodate neutrino data.
A Single Bout of Exercise Increases the Expression of Glucose but not Fatty Acid Transporters in Skeletal Muscle of IL‐6 KO Mice
Authors: Łukaszuk B. , Bialuk I. , Górski J. , Zajączkiewicz M. , Winnicka M. M. , Chabowski A.
Published: May 2012

IL‐6 is a biologically active cytokine released during exercise by contracting skeletal muscles. It appears to be highly involved in the regulation of muscles energy substrate utilization. Whether an ablation of IL‐6 (IL‐6 KO) in mice subjected to a single bout of exercise affects lipid and/or glucose metabolism is currently unknown. In the present study we examined fatty acid (FAT/CD36, FABPpm, FATP‐1, FATP‐4) as well as glucose (GLUT‐1, GLUT‐4) transporters expression in IL‐6 KO mice. In addition, intramuscular glycogen and lipid content was also evaluated. The expression of all fatty acid transporters (FAT/CD36: +25 %; FATP‐1: +31 %; FABPpm: +12.7 %; FATP‐4: +7.2 %) was increased in muscles from IL‐6 KO mice compared to wild type (WT) mice. Accordingly intramuscular lipid content was also increased in these muscles (FFA: +38 %; DAG: +36 % and TAG: +160 %). Interestingly, IL‐6 deficiency had only minor effect on glucose transporters expression (GLUT‐1: −4 %, and GLUT‐4: −5.1 %), with no apparent difference in muscular glycogen content. A single bout of exercise increased the glucose transporters (GLUT‐1: +8 %; GLUT‐4: +15 %) as well as FA transporters (FAT/CD36: +13 %; FABPpm: +4.5 %; FATP: +2.5 %, FATP‐4: +10 %) expression but only in WT skeletal muscles. In muscles from IL‐6 KO mice exercise induced changes only in glucose (GLUT‐1: +20 %; GLUT‐4: +35 %) but not in the content of FA transporters. Concomitantly, IL‐6 KO mice displayed shorter time toward exhaustion with more pronounced reductions in intramuscular lipid and glycogen content. We may speculate, that IL‐6 deficiency provokes more pronounced glucose utilization over lipid oxidation during a single bout of exhausting exercise.
Sarcomas of the Spermatic Cord and Para-Testicular Tissues: Our Experience and Review of Current Literature
Authors: Kay M.D. , Desai A. , Gourevitch D.
Published: May 2012

Sarcomas of the spermatic cord and para-testicular tissues are an uncommon cause of lumps in the groin or scrotum. The diagnosis is frequently not suspected prior to surgical exploration and excision. The aim of this review is to increase awareness of the diagnosis of spermatic cord sarcoma by presenting four cases which demonstrate some of the pitfalls in diagnosis and delay appropriate management. The take-home message is that spermatic cord sarcoma should be suspected in any patient presenting with an unusual groin or scrotal lump, and early referral to a specialist sarcoma unit is paramount for definitive management.
Minimally Invasive Versus Conventional Joint Arthroplasty
Authors: Kenney Nicholas A. , Farmer Kevin W.
Published: May 2012

With an aging population, as well as a heightened interest in physical activity, the demand for surgical treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee, hip, and shoulder has continued to expand. This demand traditionally has been met with total joint replacements as the definitive treatment. However, with the development of newer, minimally invasive techniques, patients are being offered a greater variety of options for pain relief and improvement in function. These surgical options, varying widely from arthroscopic treatment to partial joint replacements, have been met with mixed results as they have been applied to the treatment of osteoarthritis. Although they are limited in their application and target population, minimally invasive procedures may greatly enhance the outcome of the patient, as well as prevent or delay the need for future total joint arthroplasty. The purpose of this article is to review minimally invasive surgical options for the treatment of osteoarthritis of the hip, knee, and shoulder. We also examine their appropriate application, limitations, clinical outcomes, and associated complications. A brief review of total joint arthroplasty for the aforementioned joints has been included to provide a comparison of the associated clinical outcomes and surgical complications.
Bracing and Orthoses: A Review of Efficacy and Mechanical Effects for Tibiofemoral Osteoarthritis
Authors: Segal Neil A.
Published: May 2012

The knee is the weight‐bearing joint most commonly affected by osteoarthritis. Bracing of the knee or the foot can be a useful nonoperative and nonpharmacologic treatment for persons with osteoarthritis that predominantly involves either the medial or lateral tibiofemoral compartment. The aim of wedged insoles and realigning knee braces is to reduce articular contact stress in the more involved tibiofemoral compartment. There is evidence that even knee sleeves that do not have an effect on alignment may confer symptomatic relief and enhance joint position sense. This review summarizes the current state of knowledge regarding the degree to which bracing at the knee or foot can effectively correct tibiofemoral malalignment, improve knee joint pain, and enhance physical function, and provides clinical recommendations for prescription of these devices to optimize effectiveness.
Imaging Techniques in Osteoarthritis
Authors: Hunter David J. , Guermazi Ali
Published: May 2012

Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis and is one of the leading causes of disability in older adults. The measures of disease progression currently being used to better understand the disease pathogenesis and to measure structural change in clinical trials are most clearly documented in late stages of disease and not early in the disease process, when intervention may be more effective. A large number of epidemiologic and clinical trials currently are underway to identify the most valid and responsive set of end points. Recent studies have provided unique insights into the relationship between the structure identified on imaging and symptom and disease genesis. The purpose of this narrative review is to briefly consider radiographic developments, appraise the developments in magnetic resonance imaging as it pertains to osteoarthritis, and suggest potential areas for further development.
Injectable Medications for Osteoarthritis
Authors: Hameed Farah , Ihm Joseph
Published: May 2012

Osteoarthritis is one of the most frequent and chronic conditions that affect the U.S. population. Use of intra‐articular injections is one of the established treatment options available in the nonoperative care for the management of symptomatic osteoarthritis. Common injectable medications include corticosteroids, hyaluronic acid, and other less traditional compounds (for example, botulinum toxin). Corticosteroids work by anti‐inflammatory and antinociceptive actions. Corticosteroids have been shown to decrease pain and symptoms associated with osteoarthritis for up to 3 weeks. Hyaluronic acid has an unclear mechanism of action, but it is thought to promote the restoration of hyaluronic acid within an osteoarthritic joint. The efficacy of hyaluronic acid is modest and is most beneficial between 5 and 13 weeks after treatment. Other injectable compounds have been studied and include botulinum toxin type A, which has been theorized to work as an antinociceptive agent. One must be aware of the potential adverse effects associated with these medications. For all of these injectable treatments, the placebo effect must not be overlooked, because it has be demonstrated in multiple studies that these medications provide similar relief of pain when compared with placebo. Image guidance with ultrasound or fluoroscopy may be considered when performing intra‐articular injections to improve accurate placement of medication.
Does Running Cause Osteoarthritis in the Hip or Knee?
Authors: Hansen Pamela , English Michael , Willick Stuart E.
Published: May 2012

Running is an excellent activity to promote general health and well‐being. However, running injuries are common, and concern is sometimes raised that running might lead to osteoarthritis in weight‐bearing joints. This article reviews the relevant in vitro and in vivo literature that looks at possible associations between running and the development of osteoarthritis. Also reviewed is the limited literature on running barefoot and with minimalist footwear. Low‐ and moderate‐volume runners appear to have no more risk of developing osteoarthritis than nonrunners. The existing literature is inconclusive about a possible association between high‐volume running and the development of osteoarthritis. The early literature on running barefoot and running with minimalist footwear has primarily focused on biomechanics but has not yet focused on any effect on cartilage health. Experienced and beginner runners should be encouraged to allow the body adequate time to adapt to changes in gait biomechanics caused by changing footwear, which can be done by slowly increasing running mileage in the new footwear. Clinicians can improve the health of runners by encouraging appropriate treatment of musculoskeletal injuries, encouraging maintenance of an optimal body mass index, and correcting gait abnormalities caused by deficits in flexibility, strength, or motor control along the kinetic chain.
Physical Therapy in Persons With Osteoarthritis
Authors: Brakke Rachel , Singh Jaspal , Sullivan William
Published: May 2012

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a leading cause of musculoskeletal pain and disability. According to a study by Lawrence et al, an estimated 27 million Americans were living with OA in 2008. This number will continue to increase as the population of persons older than 65 years grows. Because of the increasing number of persons who have this chronic condition that causes pain and decreases function, the prevalence of this diagnosis in primary care and musculoskeletal clinics likely will increase. The reduction of pain and improvement in function should be goals of providers who treat these patients. Physical therapy (PT) is a commonly used treatment modality for persons with OA. Many treatment modalities are available within the scope of PT, including strength training, manual therapy, aquatic therapy, electrical stimulation, and balance and perturbation training. A review of the most recent and highest‐quality literature regarding these modalities found that strength training, aquatic therapy, and balance and perturbation therapy were the most beneficial with respect to reducing pain and improving function. Evidence clearly indicates that electrical stimulation likely has very little impact on these variables, and evidence regarding manual therapy is equivocal. Literature reviewing prognostic indicators for persons with OA who will likely respond to PT reveal that persons with milder disease (ie, unilateral OA, symptoms for less than 1 year, and a 40‐m self‐paced walking test of less than 25.9 seconds) and those who have pain of 6 or greater on the numerical pain rating scale are likely to have better outcomes with PT, which suggests that earlier referral is preferable. Barriers to the acceptance of PT as a therapeutic treatment for OA include fatalistic patient and provider perspectives, inadequate analgesia, and a fear among some patients and providers that increased activity will lead to progression of their OA.
Nutritional Interventions to Prevent and Treat Osteoarthritis. Part II: Focus on Micronutrients and Supportive Nutraceuticals
Authors: Lopez Hector L.
Published: May 2012

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common cause of musculoskeletal disability in the elderly, and it places an enormous economic burden on society, which will remain a major health care challenge with an aging population. Management of OA is primarily focused on palliative relief using agents such as nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAID) and analgesics. However, such an approach is limited by a narrow therapeutic focus that fails to address the progressive and multimodal nature of OA. Given the favorable safety profile of most nutritional interventions, identifying disease‐modifying pharmaconutrients capable of improving symptoms and also preventing, slowing, or even reversing the degenerative process in OA should remain an important paradigm in translational and clinical research. The goals of pharmaconutrition for metabolic optimization are to drive biochemical reactions in a desired direction and to meet health condition–specific metabolic demands. Applying advances in nutritional science to musculoskeletal medicine remains challenging, given the fluid and dynamic nature of the field, along with a rapidly developing regulatory climate over manufacturing and commerce requirements. The purpose of this article is to review the available literature on effectiveness and potential mechanism for OA of micronutrient vitamins; minerals; glycosaminoglycans; avocado‐soybean unsaponifiable fractions; methylsulfonylmethane; s‐adenosylmethionine; undenatured and hydrolyzed collagen preparations; phytoflavonoid compounds found in fruits, vegetables, spices, teas, and nuts; and other nutrients on the horizon. There also is a discussion on the concept of rational polysupplementation via the strategic integration of multiple nutraceuticals with potential complementary mechanisms for improving outcomes in OA. As applied nutritional science evolves, it will be important to stay on the forefront of proteomics, metabolomics, epigenetics, and nutrigenomics, because they hold enormous potential for developing novel therapeutic and prognostic breakthroughs in many areas of medicine, including OA.
Athena's retinue: nineteenth-century scientists embedded in the army
Authors: PYENSON LEWIS
Published: May 2012

Between 1860 and 1880, scientists in the United States, Argentina and Russia accompanied military expeditions on the northern Great Plains, in Patagonia, and in northeastern Asia. The extent to which the scientists were able to remain at arm's length from the slaughter of war is seen in the publications resulting from their travels. In the context of consolidating or extending national territory during the modern age, military patronage did not invalidate the research findings of attentive naturalists, who adhered to transnational disciplinary norms. There is only weak evidence to suggest that local prejudice determined the form of natural knowledge stemming from the expeditions.
Neural and metabolic regulation of macronutrient intake and selection
Authors: Berthoud Hans-Rudolf , Münzberg Heike , Richards Brenda K. , Morrison Christopher D.
Published: May 2012

There is considerable disagreement regarding what constitutes a healthy diet. Ever since the influential work of Cannon and Richter, it was debated whether the ‘wisdom of the body’ will automatically direct us to the foods we need for healthy lives or whether we must carefully learn to eat the right foods, particularly in an environment of plenty. Although it is clear that strong mechanisms have evolved to prevent consumption of foods that have previously made us sick, it is less clear whether reciprocal mechanisms exist that reinforce the consumption of healthy diets. Here, we review recent progress in providing behavioural evidence for the regulation of intake and selection of proteins, carbohydrates and fats. We examine new developments in sensory physiology enabling recognition of macronutrients both pre- and post-ingestively. Finally, we propose a general model for central neural processing of nutrient-specific appetites. We suggest that the same basic neural circuitry responsible for the homoeostatic regulation of total energy intake is also used to control consumption of specific macro- and micronutrients. Similar to salt appetite, specific appetites for other micro- and macronutrients may be encoded by unique molecular changes in the hypothalamus. Gratification of such specific appetites is then accomplished by engaging the brain motivational system to assign the highest reward prediction to exteroceptive cues previously associated with consuming the missing ingredient. A better understanding of these nutrient-specific neural processes could help design drugs and behavioural strategies that promote healthier eating.
Interaction between catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) Val158Met genotype and genetic vulnerability to schizophrenia during explicit processing of aversive facial stimuli
Authors: Lo Bianco L. , Blasi G. , Taurisano P. , Di Giorgio A. , Ferrante F. , Ursini G. , Fazio L. , Gelao B. , Romano R. , Papazacharias A. , Caforio G. , Sinibaldi L. , Popolizio T. , Bellantuono C. , Bertolino A.
Published: May 2012

Background

Emotion dysregulation is a key feature of schizophrenia, a brain disorder strongly associated with genetic risk and aberrant dopamine signalling. Dopamine is inactivated by catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT), whose gene contains a functional polymorphism (COMT Val158Met) associated with differential activity of the enzyme and with brain physiology of emotion processing. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether genetic risk for schizophrenia and COMT Val158Met genotype interact on brain activity during implicit and explicit emotion processing.

Method

A total of 25 patients with schizophrenia, 23 healthy siblings of patients and 24 comparison subjects genotyped for COMT Val158Met underwent functional magnetic resonance imaging during implicit and explicit processing of facial stimuli with negative emotional valence.

Results

We found a main effect of diagnosis in the right amygdala, with decreased activity in patients and siblings compared with control subjects. Furthermore, a genotype × diagnosis interaction was found in the left middle frontal gyrus, such that the effect of genetic risk for schizophrenia was evident in the context of the Val/Val genotype only, i.e. the phenotype of reduced activity was present especially in Val/Val patients and siblings. Finally, a complete inversion of the COMT effect between patients and healthy subjects was found in the left striatum during explicit processing.

Conclusions

Overall, these results suggest complex interactions between genetically determined dopamine signalling and risk for schizophrenia on brain activity in the prefrontal cortex during emotion processing. On the other hand, the effects in the striatum may represent state-related epiphenomena of the disorder itself.
Living translation in US Chinese medicine
Authors: Pritzker Sonya E.
Published: May 2012

This article demonstrates the ongoing, culturally situated and co-constructed nature of the translation of Chinese medicine from Chinese into English. Building upon scholarship in anthropology, sociolinguistics, and translation studies, this article contributes to the building of an anthropologically grounded theory of translation as an ongoing lived event, with implications far beyond the simple transfer of meaning from “source” to “target” languages. Through the examination of video and audio data collected over two years, I show how participants in classroom interactions at a southern California school of Chinese medicine not only interactively accomplish the work of translating specific Chinese terms, but also accomplish a great deal socially with such translation activity. Participants are thus shown to use translation as a platform for social positioning as well as a tool for socializing interlocutors into various notions of evidence and ideologies of language, both of which have implications for clinical decision-making in practice. (Translation, language ideologies, classroom interaction, Chinese medicine)*
The brain basis of emotion: A meta-analytic review
Authors: Lindquist Kristen A. , Wager Tor D. , Kober Hedy , Bliss-Moreau Eliza , Barrett Lisa Feldman
Published: May 2012

Researchers have wondered how the brain creates emotions since the early days of psychological science. With a surge of studies in affective neuroscience in recent decades, scientists are poised to answer this question. In this target article, we present a meta-analytic summary of the neuroimaging literature on human emotion. We compare the locationist approach (i.e., the hypothesis that discrete emotion categories consistently and specifically correspond to distinct brain regions) with the psychological constructionist approach (i.e., the hypothesis that discrete emotion categories are constructed of more general brain networks not specific to those categories) to better understand the brain basis of emotion. We review both locationist and psychological constructionist hypotheses of brain–emotion correspondence and report meta-analytic findings bearing on these hypotheses. Overall, we found little evidence that discrete emotion categories can be consistently and specifically localized to distinct brain regions. Instead, we found evidence that is consistent with a psychological constructionist approach to the mind: A set of interacting brain regions commonly involved in basic psychological operations of both an emotional and non-emotional nature are active during emotion experience and perception across a range of discrete emotion categories.
A constructionist account of emotional disorders
Authors: Cramer Angélique O. J. , Kendler Kenneth S. , Borsboom Denny
Published: May 2012

Lindquist et al. present a strong case for a constructionist account of emotion. First, we elaborate on the ramifications that a constructionist account of emotions might have for psychiatric disorders with emotional disturbances as core elements. Second, we reflect on similarities between Lindquist et al.'s model and recent attempts at formulating psychiatric disorders as networks of causally related symptoms.
A rigorous approach for testing the constructionist hypotheses of brain function
Authors: Deshpande Gopikrishna , Sathian K. , Hu Xiaoping , Buckhalt Joseph A.
Published: May 2012

Although the target article provides strong evidence against the locationist view, evidence for the constructionist view is inconclusive, because co-activation of brain regions does not necessarily imply connectivity between them. We propose a rigorous approach wherein connectivity between co-activated regions is first modeled using exploratory Granger causality, and then confirmed using dynamic causal modeling or Bayesian modeling.
A rapprochement between emotion and cognition: Amygdala, emotion, and self-relevance in episodic-autobiographical memory
Authors: Staniloiu Angelica , Markowitsch Hans J.
Published: May 2012

Lindquist et al. remark that not all fear instances lead to heightened amygdalar activity and, instead, point to roles of the amygdala in detecting “motivationally salient “or “emotionally impactful” stimuli. By reviewing research on the amygdala's functions in episodic-autobiographical memory, we further emphasize the involvement of the amygdala in coding the subjective relevance and extracting the biological and social significance of the stimuli.
Beyond brain regions: Network perspective of cognition–emotion interactions
Authors: Pessoa Luiz
Published: May 2012

Lindquist et al. provide a convincing case against what they call thelocationistaccount of emotion. Their quantitative approach elegantly illustrates the shortcomings of this still-entrenched viewpoint. Here, I discuss how a network perspective will advance our understanding of structure-function mappings in general, and the relationship between emotion and cognition in the brain.
Invariants of human emotion
Authors: Smaldino Paul E. , Schank Jeffrey C.
Published: May 2012

Because of the complexity of human emotional responses, invariants must be sought not in the responses themselves, but in their generating mechanisms. Lindquist et al. show that functional locationism is a theoretical dead end; their proposed mechanistic framework is a first step toward better models of emotional behavior. We caution, however, that emotions may still be quasi-naturalperceptualtypes.
Feeling the strain: Predicting the third dimension of core affect
Authors: Stapleton Mog
Published: May 2012

This commentary (1) raises the question about the possible conflation of core affect with the neural representation of interoceptive changes in regard to whether biological value is subpersonal or must be experienced, and (2) proposes that Wundt's third dimension of core affect – strain-relaxation – can be accounted for in the target model under a generalised predictive model of attention.
Timing: A missing key ingredient in typical fMRI studies of emotion
Authors: Waugh Christian E. , Schirillo James A.
Published: May 2012

Lindquist et al. provide a compelling summary of the brain bases of the onset of emotion. Their conclusions, however, are constrained by typical fMRI techniques that do not assess a key ingredient in emotional experience – timing. We discuss the importance of timing in theories of emotion as well as the implications of neural temporal dynamics for psychological constructionism.
Need for more evolutionary and developmental perspective on basic emotional mechanisms
Authors: Weisfeld Glenn , LaFreniere Peter
Published: May 2012

Lindquist et al.'s meta-analysis focuses on adult humans; the authors' emotion model might be strengthened by considering research on infants and animals, highlighting the importance of the limbic system. Reliance on the James–Lange theory is questionable; emotions typically occur instantaneously, with dubious dependence on bodily feedback for affect. Stronger evidence for localization might be obtained using more precise emotion terms and alterative localization methods.