bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prerecovery Liver Biopsy in the Brain-Dead Donor: A Case-Control Study of Logistics, Safety, Precision, and Utility
Authors: Oliver Joseph Benton , Peters Stephen , Bongu Advaith , Beidas Abdel-Kareem , Dikdan George , Brown Lloyd , Koneru Baburao
Published: October 2013

Prerecovery liver biopsy (PLB) can potentially to decrease futile recovery and increase utilization of marginal brain-dead donor (BDD) livers. A case-control study was conducted to examine the logistics, safety, histological precision, and liver utilization associated with PLB in BDDs. Twenty-three cases between January 2008 and January 2013 were compared to 2 groups: 48 sequential and 69 clinically matched controls. Compared to the sequential controls, the cases were older (53 versus 46 years), heavier (30.2 versus 25.8 kg/m2), had higher prevalences of hypertension (78.3% versus 44.7%) and alcohol use (56.5% versus 23.4%), and a lower United Network for Organ Sharing expected organ yield (0.73 versus 0.81 livers/donor; P < 0.05 for all). Baseline characteristics were similar between cases and clinical controls. Donor management time was longer for the cases (22.4 hours) versus sequential controls (16.5 hours, P = 0.01) and clinical controls (15.9 hours, P = 0.01). Complications for cases (8.7%) were not different from either group of controls (18.8% for sequential controls, P = 0.46; 17.4% for clinical controls, P = 0.50). The agreement between the donor hospital and study pathologists was substantial regarding evaluation of steatosis (κ = 0.623) and fibrosis (κ = 0.627) and moderate regarding inflammation (κ = 0.495). The proportions of livers that were transplanted were similar for the cases and the clinical controls (60.9% versus 59.4%). In contrast, the proportion of donors for whom liver recovery was not attempted was higher (30.4% versus 8.7%), and the proportion of attempted liver recoveries that did not result in transplantation was lower (8.7% versus 31.9%). These differences were significant at P = 0.009. Overall, PLB is logistically feasible with only a minimal delay and is safe, its interpretation at donor hospitals is reproducible, and it appears to decrease futile liver recovery. Liver Transpl 20:237-244, 2014. © 2013 AASLD.
Asymptotic properties of a new Sturm–Liouville problem with retarded argument
Authors: Şen Erdoğan , Araci Serkan , Acikgoz Mehmet
Published: October 2013

In this work, we study the asymptotic properties of a new Sturm–Liouville problem with retarded argument. Contrary to previous works, differential equation includes eigenparameter as a quadratic function. In the considered problem arise new difficulties. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Nonlocal boundary value problem for fractional differential equations with p‐Laplacian
Authors: Zhi Ertao , Liu Xiping , Li Fanfan
Published: October 2013

In this paper, we are concerned with the existence of positive solutions for the following nonlocal BVP of fractional DEs with p‐Laplacian operator
urn:x-wiley:1704214:media:mma3005:mma3005-math-0001
By using the fixed point theorem in a cone, multiplicity solutions of the BVP are obtained. An example is also given to show the effectiveness of the obtained result. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Director‐based beam finite elements relying on the geometrically exact beam theory formulated in skew coordinates
Authors: Eugster S.R. , Hesch C. , Betsch P. , Glocker Ch.
Published: October 2013

In the present work, a new director‐based finite element formulation for geometrically exact beams is proposed. The new beam finite element exhibits drastically improved numerical performance when compared with the previously developed director‐based formulations. This improvement is accomplished by adjusting the underlying variational beam formulation to the specific features of the director interpolation. In particular, the present approach does not rely on the assumption of an orthonormal director frame. The excellent performance of the new approach is illustrated with representative numerical examples. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The use of 2D‐DIGE to understand the regeneration of somatic embryos in avocado
Authors: Guzmán‐García Eva , Sánchez‐Romero Carolina , Panis Bart , Carpentier Sebastien Christian
Published: October 2013

Avocado embryogenic cell cultures can be classified into two groups based on their morphology when cultured on a medium containing auxin: somatic embryo (SE) and proembryonic masses (PEM) type cultures. The calli of SE‐type cell lines are able to go through the maturation process, whereas the calli of PEM cell lines rarely mature. We have investigated four independent avocado cell cultures (two SE and two PEM). The aim of this study was to link the differential regeneration capacity of the four cell cultures to a proteomic pattern and to gain insight into the regeneration capacity. A 2D‐DIGE analysis followed by a blind multivariate analysis was able to separate the two SE lines from the PEM lines indicating that the protein profiles of SE and PEM calli are different. Based on the variable importance, that is, the differential protein pattern, we hypothesize that the regeneration capacity in avocado is correlated to the ability to overcome the physicochemical stress stimuli associated with the in vitro culture. Our identical culture conditions do not seem to trigger an appropriate response in PEM lines.
Proteomic identification of rainbow trout seminal plasma proteins
Authors: Nynca Joanna , Arnold Georg J. , Fröhlich Thomas , Otte Kathrin , Flenkenthaler Florian , Ciereszko Andrzej
Published: October 2013

In the study, the combination of protein fractionation by 1DE and HPLC‐ESI‐MS/MS was used to characterize the rainbow trout seminal plasma proteome. Our results led to the creation of a catalogue of rainbow trout seminal plasma proteins (152 proteins) and significantly contributed to the current knowledge regarding the protein composition of fish seminal plasma. The major proteins of rainbow trout seminal plasma, such as transferrin, apolipoproteins, complement C3, serum albumin, and hemopexin‐, alpha‐1‐antiproteinase‐, and precerebellin‐like protein, were recognized as acute‐phase proteins (proteins that plasma concentration changes in response to inflammation). This study provides the basis for further functional studies of fish seminal plasma proteins, as well as for the identification of novel biomarkers for sperm quality. The MS data have been deposited in the ProteomeXchange with identifier PXD000306 (http://proteomecentral.proteomexchange.org/dataset/PXD000306).
Comprehensive proteomic datasets for studying adipocyte–macrophage cell–cell communication
Authors: Freiwald Anja , Weidner Christopher , Witzke Annabell , Huang Sheng‐Yu , Meierhofer David , Sauer Sascha
Published: October 2013

Cellular communication is a fundamental process in biology. The interaction of adipocytes with macrophages is a key event in the development of common diseases such as type 2 diabetes. We applied an established bilayer cell coculture system and comprehensive MS detection to analyse on a proteome‐wide scale the paracrine interaction of murine adipocytes and macrophages. Altogether, we identified 4486 proteins with at least two unique peptides, of which 2392 proteins were informative for 3T3‐L1 adipocytes and 2957 proteins for RAW 264.7 macrophages. Further, we observed over 12000 phosphorylation sites, of which we could assign 3200 informative phosphopeptides with a single phosphosite for adipocytes and 4514 for macrophages. Using protein set enrichment and phosphosite analyses, we deciphered regulatory protein pathways involved in cellular stress and inflammation, which can contribute to metabolic impairment of cells including insulin resistance and other disorders. The generated datasets provide a holistic, molecular pathway‐centric view on the interplay of adipocytes and macrophages in disease processes and a resource for further studies.
Facile removal of high mannose structures prior to extracting complex type N‐glycans from de‐N‐glycosylated peptides retained by C18 solid phase to allow more efficient glycomic mapping
Authors: Lin Chi‐Hung , Kuo Chu‐Wei , Jarvis Donald L. , Khoo Kay‐Hooi
Published: October 2013

The relative amount of high mannose structures within an N‐glycomic pool differs from one source to another, but quite often it predominates over the larger size complex type structures carrying biologically important glyco‐epitopes. An efficient method to separate these two classes of N‐glycans would significantly aid in detecting the lower abundant components by MS. Capitalizing on an initial observation that only high mannose type structures were recovered in the flow‐through fraction when peptide‐N‐glycosidase F digested peptides were passed through a C18 cartridge in 0.1% formic acid, we demonstrated here that native complex type N‐glycans can be retained by C18 cartridge and to be efficiently separated from both the smaller high mannose type structures, as well as de‐N‐glycosylated peptides by stepwise elution with increasing ACN concentration. The weak retention of the largely hydrophilic N‐glycans on C18 resin is dependent not only on size but also increased by the presence of α6‐fucosylation. This was shown by comparing the resulting N‐glycomic profiles of the washed and low‐ACN eluted fractions derived from both a human cancer cell line and an insect cell line.
Light Trapping and Down‐Shifting Effect of Periodically Nanopatterned Si‐Quantum‐Dot‐Based Structures for Enhanced Photovoltaic Properties
Authors: Xu Jun , Sun Shenghua , Cao Yunqing , Lu Peng , Li Wei , Chen Kunji
Published: October 2013

Periodically nanopatterned Si structures have been prepared by using a nanosphere lithography technique. The formed nanopatterned structures exhibit good anti‐reflection and enhanced optical absorption characteristics. The mean surface reflectance weighted by AM1.5 solar spectrum (300–1200 nm) is as low as 5%. By depositing Si quantum dot/SiO2 multilayers (MLs) on the nanopatterned Si substrate, the optical absorption is higher than 90%, which is significantly improved compared with the same multilayers deposited on flat Si substrate. Furthermore, the prototype n‐Si/Si quantum dot/SiO2 MLs/p‐Si heterojunction solar cells has been fabricated, and it is found that the external quantum efficiency is obviously enhanced for nanopatterned cell in a wide spectral range compared with the flat cell. The corresponding short‐circuit current density is increased from 25.5 mA cm−2 for flat cell to 29.0 mA cm−2 for nano‐patterned one. The improvement of cell performance can be attributed both to the reduced light loss and the down‐shifting effect of Si quantum dots/SiO2 MLs by forming periodically nanopatterned structures.
Application of two‐dimensional gel‐based mass spectrometry to functionally dissect resistance to targeted cancer therapy
Authors: Klein Oliver , Rohwer Nadine , de Molina Katja Freitag , Mergler Stefan , Wessendorf Petra , Herrmann Marion , Klose Joachim , Cramer Thorsten
Published: October 2013

Purpose

The majority of gastric cancers are diagnosed at advanced stages, characterized by robust therapy resistance. The oncoprotein hypoxia‐inducible factor 1 (HIF‐1) is associated with therapy resistance, partly via activation of the DNA damage response. We have noted a robust ability of gastric cancer cells to functionally compensate the loss of HIF‐1 in vitro. The purpose of this study was to identify molecular pathways that underlie this compensation.

Experimental design

We performed 2DE to compare the nuclear proteome of wild‐type and HIF‐1‐deficient gastric cancer cells. Differently expressed protein spots were identified via MS). After bioinformatic evaluation, functional validation of selected identified pathways was performed.

Results

2DE displayed a total of 2523 protein spots, from which 87 were identified as regulated by HIF‐1. Seventy of the identified spots were different proteins and 17 were isoforms. Bioinformatic analyses revealed that a significant amount of the identified proteins were related to cellular survival pathways. Specifically, members of the proteasome pathway were found upregulated upon loss of HIF‐1. Combined inhibition of HIF‐1 and the proteasome inflicted significant DNA damage, supporting the hypothesis that the proteasome is of functional importance to compensate the loss of HIF‐1.

Conclusions and clinical relevance

Our data show robust and functional changes of the nuclear proteome upon inactivation of the HIF‐1 oncoprotein in gastric cancer cells. We propose that 2DE‐MS represents a useful tool to functionally dissect resistance mechanisms to targeted therapy and to identify novel targets for antiproliferative combination therapy.
Src‐dependent Tks5 phosphorylation regulates invadopodia‐associated invasion in prostate cancer cells
Authors: Burger Karen L. , Learman Brian S. , Boucherle Amy K. , Sirintrapun S. Joseph , Isom Scott , Díaz Begoña , Courtneidge Sara A. , Seals Darren F.
Published: October 2013

BACKGROUND

The Src tyrosine kinase substrate and adaptor protein Tks5 had previously been implicated in the invasive phenotype of normal and transformed cell types via regulation of cytoskeletal structures called podosomes/invadopodia. The role of Src‐Tks5 signaling in invasive prostate cancer, however, had not been previously evaluated.

METHODS

We measured the relative expression of Tks5 in normal (n = 20) and cancerous (n = 184, from 92 patients) prostate tissue specimens by immunohistochemistry using a commercially available tumor microarray. We also manipulated the expression and activity of wild‐type and mutant Src and Tks5 constructs in the LNCaP and PC‐3 prostate cancer cell lines in order to ascertain the role of Src‐Tks5 signaling in invadopodia development, matrix‐remodeling activity, motility, and invasion.

RESULTS

Our studies demonstrated that Src was activated and Tks5 upregulated in high Gleason score prostate tumor specimens and in invasive prostate cancer cell lines. Remarkably, overexpression of Tks5 in LNCaP cells was sufficient to induce invadopodia formation and associated matrix degradation. This Tks5‐dependent increase in invasive behavior further depended on Src tyrosine kinase activity and the phosphorylation of Tks5 at tyrosine residues 557 and 619. In PC‐3 cells we demonstrated that Tks5 phosphorylation at these sites was necessary and sufficient for invadopodia‐associated matrix degradation and invasion.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggest a general role for Src‐Tks5 signaling in prostate tumor progression and the utility of Tks5 as a marker protein for the staging of this disease. Prostate 74:134–148, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Princeton_TIGRESS: Protein geometry refinement using simulations and support vector machines
Authors: Khoury George A. , Tamamis Phanourios , Pinnaduwage Neesha , Smadbeck James , Kieslich Chris A. , Floudas Christodoulos A.
Published: October 2013

Protein structure refinement aims to perform a set of operations given a predicted structure to improve model quality and accuracy with respect to the native in a blind fashion. Despite the numerous computational approaches to the protein refinement problem reported in the previous three CASPs, an overwhelming majority of methods degrade models rather than improve them. We initially developed a method tested using blind predictions during CASP10 which was officially ranked in 5th place among all methods in the refinement category. Here, we present Princeton_TIGRESS, which when benchmarked on all CASP 7,8,9, and 10 refinement targets, simultaneously increased GDT_TS 76% of the time with an average improvement of 0.83 GDT_TS points per structure. The method was additionally benchmarked on models produced by top performing three‐dimensional structure prediction servers during CASP10. The robustness of the Princeton_TIGRESS protocol was also tested for different random seeds. We make the Princeton_TIGRESS refinement protocol freely available as a web server at http://atlas.princeton.edu/refinement. Using this protocol, one can consistently refine a prediction to help bridge the gap between a predicted structure and the actual native structure. Proteins 2014; 82:794–814. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Implementation of an aerosol–cloud‐microphysics–radiation coupling into the NASA unified WRF: Simulation results for the 6–7 August 2006 AMMA special observing period
Authors: Shi J. J. , Matsui T. , Tao W.‐K. , Tan Q. , Peters‐Lidard C. , Chin M. , Pickering K. , Guy N. , Lang S. , Kemp E. M.
Published: October 2013

Aerosols affect the Earth's radiation balance directly and cloud microphysical processes indirectly via the activation of cloud condensation and ice nuclei. These two effects have often been considered separately and independently, hence the need to assess their combined impact given the differing nature of their effects on convective clouds. To study both effects, an aerosol–microphysics–radiation coupling, including Goddard microphysics and radiation schemes, was implemented into the NASA Unified Weather Research and Forecasting model (NU‐WRF). Fully coupled NU‐WRF simulations were conducted for a mesoscale convective system (MCS) that passed through the Niamey, Niger area on 6–7 August 2006 during an AMMA special observing period. The results suggest that rainfall is reduced when aerosol indirect effects are included, regardless of the aerosol direct effect. Daily mean radiation heating profiles in the area traversed by the MCS showed the aerosol (mainly mineral dust) direct effect had the largest impact near cloud tops just above 200 hPa where short‐wave heating increased by about 0.8 K day−1; the weakest long‐wave cooling was at around 250 hPa. It was also found that more condensation and ice nuclei as a result of higher aerosol/dust concentrations led to increased amounts of all cloud hydrometeors because of the microphysical indirect effect, and the radiation direct effect acts to reduce precipitating cloud particles (rain, snow and graupel) in the middle and lower cloud layers while increasing the non‐precipitating particles (ice) in the cirrus anvil. However, when the aerosol direct effect was activated, regardless of the indirect effect, the onset of MCS precipitation was delayed about 2 h, in conjunction with the delay in the activation of cloud condensation and ice nuclei. Overall, for this particular environment, model set‐up and physics configuration, the effect of aerosol radiative heating due to mineral dust overwhelmed the effect of the aerosols on microphysics.
The potential impact of changes in lower stratospheric water vapour on stratospheric temperatures over the past 30 years
Authors: Maycock A. C. , Joshi M. M. , Shine K. P. , Davis S. M. , Rosenlof K. H.
Published: October 2013

This study investigates the potential contribution of observed changes in lower stratospheric water vapour to stratospheric temperature variations over the past three decades using a comprehensive global climate model (GCM). Three case studies are considered. In the first, the net increase in stratospheric water vapour (SWV) from 1980–2010 (derived from the Boulder frost‐point hygrometer record using the gross assumption that this is globally representative) is estimated to have cooled the lower stratosphere by up to ∼0.2 K decade−1 in the global and annual mean; this is ∼40% of the observed cooling trend over this period. In the Arctic winter stratosphere there is a dynamical response to the increase in SWV, with enhanced polar cooling of 0.6 K decade−1 at 50 hPa and warming of 0.5 K decade−1 at 1 hPa. In the second case study, the observed decrease in tropical lower stratospheric water vapour after the year 2000 (imposed in the GCM as a simplified representation of the observed changes derived from satellite data) is estimated to have caused a relative increase in tropical lower stratospheric temperatures by ∼0.3 K at 50 hPa. In the third case study, the wintertime dehydration in the Antarctic stratospheric polar vortex (again using a simplified representation of the changes seen in a satellite dataset) is estimated to cause a relative warming of the Southern Hemisphere polar stratosphere by up to 1 K at 100 hPa from July–October. This is accompanied by a weakening of the westerly winds on the poleward flank of the stratospheric jet by up to 1.5 m s−1 in the GCM. The results show that, if the measurements are representative of global variations, SWV should be considered as important a driver of transient and long‐term variations in lower stratospheric temperature over the past 30 years as increases in long‐lived greenhouse gases and stratospheric ozone depletion.
Elucidating the sequence of intact bioactive peptides by using electron capture dissociation and hot electron capture dissociation in a linear radio‐frequency quadrupole ion trap
Authors: Satake Hiroyuki , Manri Naomi , Kaneko Akihito , Hirabayashi Atsumu , Hasegawa Hideki , Hashimoto Yuichiro , Baba Takashi , Sakamoto Takeshi , Masuda Katsuyoshi
Published: October 2013

RATIONALE

Electron capture dissociation (ECD) is useful tool for sequencing of peptides and proteins with post‐translational modifications. To increase the sequence coverage for peptides and proteins, it is important to develop ECD device with high fragmentation efficiency.

METHODS

Sequence analysis of intact undigested bioactive peptides (3000–5000 Da) was performed by use of electron capture dissociation (rf‐ECD) and collision‐induced dissociation (CID) in a linear radio‐frequency quadrupole ion trap that was coupled to a time‐of‐flight mass spectrometer. We applied rf‐ECD, hot rf‐ECD (rf‐ECD with high electron energy), and CID for intact bioactive peptide ions of various charge states and evaluated the sequence coverage of their fragment spectra.

RESULTS

Hot rf‐ECD produced a higher number of c‐ and z‐type fragment ions of modified peptide ions as electron energy increased in lower charged peptide ions, and sequence coverage greater than 80% was obtained compared with the CID case (40–80%).

CONCLUSIONS

The result indicates that intact bioactive modified peptides (Ghrelin, ANP) were correctly identified by use of hot rf‐ECD. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Design of a Microchannel‐Nanochannel‐Microchannel Array Based Nanoelectroporation System for Precise Gene Transfection
Authors: Gao Keliang , Li Lei , He Lingna , Hinkle Kevin , Wu Yun , Ma Junyu , Chang Lingqian , Zhao Xi , Perez Daniel Gallego , Eckardt Sigrid , Mclaughlin John , Liu Boyu , Farson Dave F. , Lee L. James
Published: October 2013

A micro/nano‐fabrication process of a nanochannel electroporation (NEP) array and its application for precise delivery of plasmid for non‐viral gene transfection is described. A dip‐combing device is optimized to produce DNA nanowires across a microridge array patterned on the polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) surface with a yield up to 95%. Molecular imprinting based on a low viscosity resin, 1,4‐butanediol diacrylate (1,4‐BDDA), adopted to convert the microridge‐nanowire‐microridge array into a microchannel‐nanochannel‐microchannel (MNM) array. Secondary machining by femtosecond laser ablation is applied to shorten one side of microchannels from 3000 to 50 μm to facilitate cell loading and unloading. The biochip is then sealed in a packaging case with reservoirs and microfluidic channels to enable cell and plasmid loading, and to protect the biochip from leakage and contamination. The package case can be opened for cell unloading after NEP to allow for the follow‐up cell culture and analysis. These NEP cases can be placed in a spinning disc and up to ten discs can be piled together for spinning. The resulting centrifugal force can simultaneously manipulate hundreds or thousands of cells into microchannels of NEP arrays within 3 minutes. To demonstrate its application, a 13 kbp OSKM plasmid of induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) is injected into mouse embryonic fibroblasts cells (MEFCs). Fluorescence detection of transfected cells within the NEP biochips shows that the delivered dosage is high and much more uniform compared with similar gene transfection carried out by the conventional bulk electroporation (BEP) method.
Age‐related motor dysfunction and neuropathology in a transgenic mouse model of multiple system atrophy
Authors: Fernagut P.O. , Meissner W.G. , Biran M. , Fantin M. , Bassil F. , Franconi J.M. , Tison F.
Published: October 2013

Multiple system atrophy (MSA) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by a progressive degeneration of the striatonigral, olivo‐ponto‐cerebellar, and autonomic systems. Glial cytoplasmic inclusions (GCIs) containing alpha‐synuclein represent the hallmark of MSA and are recapitulated in mice expressing alpha‐synuclein in oligodendrocytes. To assess if oligodendroglial expression of human wild‐type alpha‐synuclein in mice (proteolipid promoter, PLP‐SYN) could be associated with age‐related deficits, PLP‐SYN and wild‐type mice were assessed for motor function, brain morphometry, striatal levels of dopamine and metabolites, dopaminergic loss, and distribution of GCIs. PLP‐SYN displayed age‐related impairments on a beam‐traversing task. MRI revealed a significantly smaller brain volume in PLP‐SYN mice at 12 months, which further decreased at 18 months together with increased volume of ventricles and cortical atrophy. The distribution of GCIs was reminiscent of MSA with a high burden in the basal ganglia. Mild dopaminergic cell loss was associated with decreased dopamine turnover at 18 months. These data indicate that PLP‐SYN mice may recapitulate some of the progressive features of MSA and deliver endpoints for the evaluation of therapeutic strategies. Synapse 68:98–106, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Regional brain imaging of vesicular acetylcholine transporter using o‐[125I]iodo‐trans‐decalinvesamicol as a new potential imaging probe
Authors: Kozaka Takashi , Uno Izumi , Kitamura Yoji , Miwa Daisuke , Anwar‐Ul Azim Mohammad , Ogawa Kazuma , Shiba Kazuhiro
Published: October 2013

In this study, the regional rat brain distribution of radioiodinated o‐iodo‐trans‐decalinvesamicol ([125I]OIDV) was determined in vivo to evaluate its potential as a single‐photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) imaging probe for vesicular acetylcholine transporter (VAChT). Following intravenous injection, [125I]OIDV passed freely across the blood–brain barrier and accumulated in rat brain. The accumulation of [125I]OIDV in rat brain was significantly reduced by coadministration of (+/−)‐vesamicol (0.125 µmol). In contrast, the coadministration of σ‐receptor ligands, such as (+)‐pentazocine (0.125 µmol) as a σ‐1 receptor ligand and (+)−3‐(3‐hydroxyphenyl)‐N‐propylpiperidine (0.125 µmol) as a σ‐1 and σ‐2 receptor ligands, barely affected the accumulation of [125I]OIDV in rat brain. These findings in vivo were corroborated by autoradiographic analysis ex vivo. The authors found that the tracer binds with pharmacological selectivity to VAChT in rat brain and predicted that it may likewise serve in translational SPECT imaging studies of this marker in the integrity of cholinergic innervations. Synapse 68:107–113, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Transient response of a thermoelastic half‐space to mechanical and thermal buried sources
Authors: Raoofian Naeeni M. , Eskandari‐Ghadi M. , Ardalan A.A. , Sture S. , Rahimian M.
Published: October 2013

With the aid of a complete set of two scalar potential functions, the transient responses of an isotropic thermoelastic half‐space subjected to time dependent tractions and heat flux applied to a finite patch at an arbitrary depth below a free surface are derived. Using the displacements‐ and temperature‐potential function relationships, the coupled equations of motion and energy equation are uncoupled, resulting in two (6th and 2nd order) partial differential equations in the cylindrical coordinate system, which are solved with the aid of Fourier series expansion and joint Hankel‐Laplace integral transforms. The solutions are also investigated in details for tractions varying with time in terms of a Heaviside step function and heat flux as a Dirac delta function, which may be used as a kernel in any integral based method for more complicated thermoelastodynamic initial‐boundary value problems. Due to the complexity of the integrands involved in the general case, the integrals cannot be resolved analytically and thus an appropriate numerical algorithm is used for the inversion of the Laplace and Hankel integral transforms. To demonstrate the pattern of deformations as well as the distribution of change of temperature at the free surface of the half‐space, numerical evaluations for these functions are presented for an isotropic material.
Breaking a magnetic zero locus: model operators and numerical approach
Authors: Bonnaillie‐Noël V. , Raymond N.
Published: October 2013

This paper is devoted to the spectral analysis of a Schrödinger operator in presence of a vanishing magnetic field. The influence of the smoothness of the magnetic zero locus is studied. In particular, it is proved that breaking the magnetic zero locus induces discrete spectrum below the essential spectrum. Numerical simulations illustrate the theoretical results.
Flow Disruptions During Trauma Care
Authors: Shouhed Daniel , Blocker Renaldo , Gangi Alex , Ley Eric , Blaha Jennifer , Margulies Daniel , Wiegmann Douglas A. , Starnes Ben , Karl Cathy , Karl Richard , Gewertz Bruce L. , Catchpole Ken R.
Published: October 2013

Background

Flow disruptions (FDs) are deviations from the progression of care that compromise safety or efficiency. The frequency and specific causes of FDs remain poorly documented in trauma care. We undertook this study to identify and quantify the rate of FDs during various phases of trauma care.

Methods

Seven trained observers studied a Level I trauma center over 2 months. Observers recorded details on FDs using a validated Tablet‐PC data collection tool during various phases of care—trauma bay, imaging, operating room (OR)—and recorded work‐system variables including breakdowns in communication and coordination, environmental distractions, equipment issues, and patient factors.

Results

Researchers observed 86 trauma cases including 72 low‐level and 14 high‐level activations. Altogether, 1,759 FDs were recorded (20.4/case). High‐level trauma comprised a significantly higher number (p = 0.0003) and rate of FDs (p = 0.0158) than low‐level trauma. Across the three phases of trauma care, there was a significant effect on FD number (p < 0.0001) and FD rate (p = 0.0005), with the highest in the OR, followed by computed tomography. The highest rates of FD per case and per hour were related to breakdowns in coordination.

Conclusions

This study is the largest direct observational study of the trauma process conducted to date. Complexities associated with the critical patient who arrives in the trauma bay lead to a high prevalence of disruptions related to breakdowns in coordination, communication, equipment issues, and environmental factors. Prospective observation allows individual hospitals to identify and analyze these systemic deficiencies. Appropriate interventions can then be evaluated to streamline the care provided to trauma patients.
Influence of Intraoperative Radiotherapy (IORT) on Perioperative Outcome after Surgical Resection of Rectal Cancer
Authors: Klink Christian Daniel , Binnebösel M. , Holy R. , Neumann U. P. , Junge K.
Published: October 2013

Background

Intraoperative radiotherapy (IORT) for locally advanced or recurrent rectal cancer as an integral part of multimodal treatment might be an option to reduce local cancer recurrence. The aim of the present study was to determine the influence of IORT on the postoperative outcome and complications rates in the treatment of patients with adenocarcinoma of the rectum in comparison to patients with rectum resection only.

Methods

A total of 162 patients underwent operation for International Union against Cancer stage III/IV rectal cancer or recurrent rectal cancer at our surgical department between 2004 and 2012. They were divided into two groups depending on whether they received IORT or not. General patient details, tumor, and operation details, as well as perioperative major and minor complications, were registered and compared.

Results

Of the 162 patients treated for stage III/IV rectal cancer, 52 underwent rectal resection followed by IORT. Complication rates were similar in the two groups. Operative time was significantly longer in the IORT group (248 ± 84 vs 177 ± 68 min; p < 0.001). No significant differences were found concerning anastomotic leakage rate, hospital stay, or wound infection rate.

Conclusions

Intraoperative radiotherapy appears to be a safe treatment option in patients with locally advanced or recurrent rectal cancer with acceptable complication rates. The effect on local recurrence rate has to be estimated in long‐term follow‐up.
Perioperative Immunonutrition in Surgical Cancer Patients: A Summary of a Decade of Research
Authors: Klek Stanislaw , Szybinski Piotr , Szczepanek Kinga
Published: October 2013

Background

Immunonutrition is assumed to enhance immune system function. In surgical patients, it is supposed to reduce postoperative complications. However, results of recent clinical trials have been puzzling and have not supported this theory.

Aim

The aim of our study was to evaluate the value of enteral and parenteral postoperative immunonutrition.

Methods

After initial evaluation of 969 patients, the intent‐to‐treat analysis included 776 patients (female 407, male 466, mean age 61.1 years) undergoing gastric or pancreatic resections between 2001 and 2009. All patients were randomly assigned after surgery to one of the following groups: standard enteral nutrition (SEN), immunomodulating enteral nutrition (IMEN), standard parenteral nutrition (SPN), or immunomodulating parenteral nutrition (IMPN). All malnourished patients received preoperative parenteral nutrition. Number and type of postoperative complications, length of hospitalization (length of stay [LOS]), and vital organ function were assessed.

Results

No statistically significant differences were observed in well‐nourished patients, during either enteral or parenteral intervention, independent of the type of intervention (standard or immunomodulating). However, analysis of the malnourished group revealed the positive impact of enteral immunonutrition on reduction of postoperative complications (28.3 vs. 39.2 %, respectively; p = 0.043) and LOS (17.1 and 13.1 days, respectively; p < 0.05) compared with a standard enteral diet. The cross‐analysis of SEN, IMEN, SPN, and IMPN was insignificant.

Conclusions

The type of postoperative nutrition was of no importance in well‐nourished patients. However, in malnourished patients, enteral immunonutrition helped to improve treatment outcome. These findings suggest its use as a method of choice during the postoperative period.
Wheat–barley hybridization: the last 40 years
Authors: Molnár-Láng Márta , Linc Gabriella , Szakács Éva
Published: October 2013

Several useful alien gene transfers have been reported from related species into wheat (Triticum aestivum), but very few publications have dealt with the development of wheat/barley (Hordeum vulgare) introgression lines. An overview is given here of wheat × barley hybridization over the last forty years, including the development of wheat × barley hybrids, and of addition and translocation lines with various barley cultivars. A short summary is also given of the wheat × barley hybrids produced with other Hordeum species. The meiotic pairing behaviour of wheat × barley hybrids is presented, with special regard to the detection of wheat–barley homoeologous pairing using the molecular cytogenetic technique GISH. The effect of in vitro multiplication on the genome composition of intergeneric hybrids is discussed, and the production and characterization of the latest wheat/barley translocation lines are presented. An overview of the agronomical traits (β-glucan content, earliness, salt tolerance, sprouting resistance, etc.) of the newly developed introgression lines is given. The exploitation and possible use of wheat/barley introgression lines for the most up-to-date molecular genetic studies (transcriptome analysis, sequencing of flow-sorted chromosomes) are also discussed.
Classifying Married Adults Diagnosed With Alpha‐1 Antitrypsin Deficiency Based on Spousal Communication Patterns Using Latent Class Analysis: Insights for Intervention
Authors: Smith Rachel A. , Wienke Sara E. , Baker Michelle K.
Published: October 2013

Married adults are increasingly exposed to test results that indicate an increased genetic risk for adult‐onset conditions. For example, a SERPINA1 mutation, associated with alpha‐1 antitrypsin deficiency (AATD), predisposes affected individuals to diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and cancer, which are often detected in adulthood. Married adults are likely to discuss genetic test results with their spouses, and interpersonal research suggests that spouses’ communication patterns differ. Latent class analysis was used to identify subgroups of spousal communication patterns about AATD results from a sample of married adults in the Alpha‐1 Research Registry (N = 130). A five‐class model was identified, and the subgroups were consistent with existing spousal‐communication typologies. This study also showed that genetic beliefs (e.g., genetic stigma), emotions, and experiences (e.g., insurance difficulties) covaried with membership in particular subgroups. Understanding these differences can serve as the foundation for the creation of effective, targeted communications interventions to address the specific needs and conversational patterns of different kinds of couples.
Renal Cyclooxygenase Products are Higher and Lipoxygenase Products are Lower in Early Disease in the pcy Mouse Model of Adolescent Nephronophthisis
Authors: Yamaguchi Tamio , Lysecki Clara , Reid Ashleigh , Nagao Shizuko , Aukema Harold M.
Published: October 2013

Nephronophthisis (NPHP) is a pediatric form of hereditary polycystic kidney disease (PKD), and is the leading cause of end stage renal disease in children. The pcy mouse is an orthologous model of human NPHP, with a mutation in the Nphp3 gene. Renal phospholipase A2, cyclooxygenase (COX) 1 and cyclic AMP are elevated in this model, suggesting that eicosanoid formation may be altered. In another type of PKD observed in the Han:SPRD‐Cy rat, inhibition of eicosanoid production slows disease progression. If renal eicosanoids are similarly altered in NPHP, potential for pharmacologic intervention also may exist for this disorder. Therefore, renal fatty acids and eicosanoids were determined in pcy and normal mice at 15, 30 and 60 days of age by gas chromatography and HPLC–tandem mass spectrometry, respectively. Renal cysts in enlarged kidneys were observed in pcy mice by 15 days of age and increased over time. Renal phospholipid ARA levels were higher in pcy compared to normal mice at 15 and 30 days. Eicosanoid differences were observed starting at 30 days, when the COX products 6‐keto‐prostaglandin (PG) F1α, thromboxane B2 and PGE2 were higher in pcy compared to normal kidneys. Overall, total COX products were elevated at 30 and 60 days. In contrast, the levels of the lipoxygenase (LOX) products were not altered until 60 days of age and these were lower in pcy kidneys compared to normal. These findings suggest that altered eicosanoids play a role in NPHP, and that manipulating these levels with pharmacologic agents may have therapeutic potential.
Genetisches Modell der autosomal-rezessiv erblichen proximalen spinalen Muskelatrophie
Authors: Langer S. , Rudnik-Schöneborn S. , Zerres K. , Grimm T.
Published: October 2013

Die proximale infantile und juvenile spinale Muskelatrophie (SMA) ist eine der häufigsten autosomal-rezessive Erbkrankheiten. Man unterteilt die Patienten in 3 Gruppen, SMA Typ I-III, abhängig von der Schwere der Erkrankung (den erreichten Meilensteinen). Das hauptsächlich verantwortliche Gen, das Survival-motor-neuron(SMN1)-Gen, ist auf Chromosom 5 lokalisiert. Während das Normalallel meist mit einer oder 2SMN1-Kopien vorliegt, sind die Defektallele bei den meisten Patienten von einer Deletion betroffen; bei einigen liegen Punktmutationen vor. Bei den Deletionen wiederum unterscheidet man zwischen einfacher und großer Deletion, die über dasSMN1-Gen hinausgeht. Ein homozygotes Auftreten letzterer führt zu pränataler Letalität.

Für die vorliegende Arbeit wurden zahlreiche in der Literatur verfügbare Daten zur SMA Typ I-III zusammengetragen und in ihrer Abhängigkeit in einem genetischen Modell zusammengefasst. So war es möglich, fehlende Parameter zu schätzen, um genauere Aussagen über Genotypen machen zu können. Die einzelnen Allelfrequenzen konnten wie folgt geschätzt werden:

Normalallel b (1 SMN1-Kopie): ≈ 0,9527; Normalallel c (2 SMN1-Kopien): ≈ 0,0362; einfache Deletion a (0 SMN1-Kopien): ≈ 0,0104; Punktmutation d (1 SMN1-Kopie): ≈ 0,0003; große Deletion g (0 SMN1-Kopien): ≈ 0,0004. Die Genhäufigkeit beträgt etwa 1:90 mit einer Heterozygtenfrequenz von 1:46.
Schwangerschaftsverlauf und geburtshilfliche Risiken bei 178 Frauen mit hereditären neuromuskulären Erkrankungen
Authors: Awater C. , Zerres K. , Rudnik-Schöneborn S.
Published: October 2013

Hintergrund

Informationen zu Schwangerschaft und Entbindung bei Frauen mit hereditären neuromuskulären Erkrankungen (NMD) sind aufgrund der Seltenheit meist auf kleine Fallserien und Kasuistiken beschränkt.

Ziel der Arbeit

Die Frage, ob erhöhte geburtshilfliche Risiken und eine mögliche Beeinflussung des Krankheitsverlaufes bestehen, ist auch für die genetische Beratung von großer Bedeutung und soll in der vorliegenden Studie untersucht werden.

Methode

Die Schwangerschaftsverläufe von Frauen mit myotoner Dystrophie Typ 1 (DM1) und Typ 2 (DM2), Charcot-Marie-Tooth-Neuropathie (CMT), proximaler spinaler Muskelatrophie (SMA), Gliedergürtelmuskeldystrophie (LGMD), fazioskapulohumeraler Muskeldystrophie (FSHD) und kongenitaler Myopathie (CM) wurden retrospektiv untersucht. Es wurden 380 Schwangerschaften mit 315 Neugeborenen von 178 Patientinnen dokumentiert.

Ergebnisse und Schlussfolgerung

Die Fehlgeburtenrate war im Normbereich. Frühgeburten, vaginale Operation und Kaiserschnitte stellten v. a. bei DM1 und SMA wichtige Komplikationen dar, während fetale Lageanomalien gehäuft bei DM1, LGMD und rollstuhlpflichtigen Patientinnen auftraten. Abgesehen von DM1-Geburten mit kongenitaler Form war der Gesundheitszustand der Neugeborenen gut. Eine erhebliche Verschlechterung während der Schwangerschaft gaben insbesondere Frauen mit LGMD an.
Prolonged maternal separation disturbs the serotonergic system during early brain development
Authors: Ohta Ken‐ichi , Miki Takanori , Warita Katsuhiko , Suzuki Shingo , Kusaka Takashi , Yakura Tomiko , Liu Jun‐Qian , Tamai Motoki , Takeuchi Yoshiki
Published: October 2013

Early life stress interrupts brain development through the disturbance of various neurotransmitter and neurotrophic factor activities, but the details remain unclear. In the current study, we focused on the serotonergic system, which plays a critical role in brain development, and examined the time‐dependent influence of prolonged maternal separation on male Sprague‐Dawley rats. The rats were separated from their dams for 3 h twice‐daily during postnatal days (PDs) 2–20. The influence of prolonged maternal separation was analyzed on PDs 7, 14, 21, and 28 using HPLC to assess concentrations of serotonin and 5‐hydroxyindoleacetic acid and using real‐time RT‐PCR to measure mRNA expression of the serotonin 1A and 2A receptors in various brain regions. HPLC revealed imbalance between serotonin and 5‐hydroxyindoleacetic acid in midbrain raphe nuclei, the amygdala, the hippocampus, and the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) on PDs 7 and 14. Furthermore, real‐time RT‐PCR showed attenuation of mRNA expression of the serotonin 1A receptor in the hippocampus and the mPFC and of the serotonin 2A receptor only in the mPFC on PDs 7 and 14. The observed alterations returned to control levels after maternal separation ended. These findings suggest that the early life stress of prolonged maternal separation disturbs the serotonergic system during a crucial period of brain development, which might in part be responsible for emotional abnormalities later in life.
EVIDENCE OF EVIDENCE IS EVIDENCE UNDER SCREENING-OFF
Authors: Roche William
Published: October 2013

An important question in the current debate on the epistemic significance of peer disagreement is whether evidence of evidence is evidence. Fitelson argues (persuasively in my view) that, at least on some renderings of the thesis that evidence of evidence is evidence, there are cases where evidence of evidence isnotevidence. I introduce a ‘screening-off’ condition and show that under this condition evidence of evidenceisevidence.
CRITICAL NOTICE OF HILARY KORNBLITH'S ON REFLECTION
Authors: Pust Joel
Published: October 2013

Hilary Kornblith's On Reflection is a sustained and detailed criticism of philosophical appeals to reflection. Kornblith argues, on both conceptual and empirical grounds, that a large number of appeals to reflective belief and desire in philosophical theorizing about knowledge and justification, reasoning, free will and normativity are deeply flawed. In this paper, I discuss Kornblith's arguments, finding some quite compelling and some wanting. Moreover, I argue that an important ambiguity about the nature of reflection renders the book less clear than it ought to be and undermines some of the book's criticisms.
RISK FACTORS FOR ABDOMINAL OBESITY IN CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS FROM CRACOW, POLAND (1983–2000)
Authors: SUDER AGNIESZKA , CHRZANOWSKA MARIA
Published: October 2013

The aim of this study was to determine abdominal obesity risk factors in two successive cohorts of children and adolescents aged 4–18 from Cracow, Poland, examined during the years of political transformation. The influence of biological, socio-demographic and lifestyle factors on abdominal obesity was analysed by calculating odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals using logistic regression analysis. It was found that for girls obesity in both parents (OR=4.31; 95% CI 1.73–20.70) and high birth weight (OR=1.78; 95% CI 1.12–2.82) were significant risk factors for abdominal obesity in the 1983 cohort. In the 2000 cohort obesity in both parents for boys and girls (boys: OR=5.85; 95% CI 1.36–25.10; girls: OR=4.82; 95% CI 1.17–19.77), low level of parental education in girls (OR=2.06; 95% CI 1.15–3.69), having only one son (OR=1.96; 95% CI 1.36–3.40), parents' smoking habits in girls (OR=2.94; 95% CI 1.46–5.91) and lack of undertaking physical activity in sport clubs in boys (OR=6.11; 95% CI 1.46–25.47) were significant abdominal obesity risk factors. Higher number of hours of leisure time physical activity (OR=0.89; 95% CI 0.81–0.97) significantly lowered the risk of abdominal obesity in boys in the 2000 cohort. The greater differentiation of abdominal obesity risk factors in the 2000 cohort in comparison to the 1983 cohort may have resulted from the social and economic changes taking place in Poland at the end of the 20th century.
New combinations and names inGyalectafor formerBeloniaandPachyphiale(Ascomycota,Ostropales) species
Authors: BALOCH Elisabeth , LUMBSCH H. Thorsten , LÜCKING Robert , WEDIN Mats
Published: October 2013

BeloniaandPachyphialewere recently shown to be nested withinGyalecta. Here, new combinations and names are introduced for species earlier classified inBelonia:Gyalecta calcicola(Walt. Watson) Baloch & Lücking comb. nov.,G. herculina(Rehm) Baloch, Lumbsch & Wedin comb. nov.,G. incarnata(Th. Fr. & Graewe) Baloch & Lücking comb. nov.,G. lumbrispora(Etayo) Baloch & Lücking comb. nov.,G. lyngeiBaloch & Lücking nom. nov. (forBelonia arcticaLynge),G. mediterranea(Nav.-Ros. & Llimona) Baloch & Lücking comb. nov.,G. nidarosiensis(Kindt) Baloch & Lücking comb. nov.,G. pellucida(Coppins & Malcolm) Baloch & Lücking comb. nov.,G. russula(Körb. ex Nyl.) Baloch, Lumbsch & Wedin comb. nov.,G. uncinata(P. M. McCarthy & Kantvilas) Baloch & Lücking comb. nov., andG. vezdana(Malcolm & Coppins) Baloch & Lücking comb. nov.; and for species earlier placed inPachyphiale:Gyalecta arbuti(Bagl.) Baloch & Lücking comb. nov.,G. gyalizella(Nyl.) Baloch & Lücking comb. nov.,G. himalayensis(Vězda & Poelt) Baloch & Lücking comb. nov., andG. ophiospora(Bagl.) Baloch & Lücking comb. nov.