bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Early Progressive Strength Training to Enhance Recovery After Fast‐Track Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Jakobsen Thomas Linding , Kehlet Henrik , Husted Henrik , Petersen Janne , Bandholm Thomas
Published: July 2014

Objective

To compare 7 weeks of supervised physical rehabilitation with or without progressive strength training (PST) commenced early after fast‐track total knee arthroplasty (TKA) on functional performance.

Methods

In total, 82 patients with a unilateral primary TKA were randomized to 2 different interventions: 7 weeks of supervised physical rehabilitation with PST (PST group) and without PST (CON group) commenced early after fast‐track TKA. The primary outcome was the maximal distance walked in 6 minutes (6‐minute walk test). Secondary outcomes were lower extremity strength and power, knee joint effusion and range of motion, knee pain, and self‐reported disability and quality of life. All outcome measures were assessed before TKA (baseline) and 4, 8, and 26 weeks after TKA.

Results

There was no statistically significant difference between the PST and CON groups in the change score from baseline to the 8‐week postoperative assessment (primary end point) for the 6‐minute walk test with unadjusted baseline scores (mean difference between groups: −11.3 meters [95% confidence interval −45.4, 22.7]; analysis of variance P = 0.51). There were no statistically significant or clinically meaningful differences between groups in change scores from baseline to any other time point for all secondary outcomes. The secondary outcome knee extension strength did not reach the level recorded before surgery in both groups.

Conclusion

Seven weeks of supervised physical rehabilitation with PST was not superior to 7 weeks of supervised physical rehabilitation without PST in improving functional performance, measured as the maximal walking distance in 6 minutes, at the primary end point 8 weeks after fast‐track TKA.
Do Cognitive and Physical Fatigue Tasks Enhance Pain, Cognitive Fatigue, and Physical Fatigue in People With Fibromyalgia?
Authors: Dailey Dana L. , Keffala Valerie J. , Sluka Kathleen A.
Published: July 2014

Objective

Fibromyalgia is a condition characterized by chronic widespread muscle pain and fatigue. The primary objective of this study was to determine if pain, perceived cognitive fatigue, and perceived physical fatigue were enhanced in participants with fibromyalgia compared to healthy controls during a cognitive fatigue task, a physical fatigue task, and a dual fatigue task.

Methods

In total, 24 people with fibromyalgia and 33 healthy controls completed pain, fatigue, and function measures. A cognitive fatigue task (Controlled Oral Word Association Test) and physical fatigue task (Valpar peg test) were done individually and combined for a dual fatigue task. Resting pain, perceived cognitive fatigue, and perceived physical fatigue were assessed during each task using visual analog scales. Function was assessed with shoulder range of motion and grip.

Results

People with fibromyalgia had significantly higher increases in pain, cognitive fatigue, and physical fatigue when compared to healthy controls after completion of a cognitive fatigue task, a physical fatigue task, or a dual fatigue task (P < 0.01) with the exception of perceived cognitive fatigue during the cognitive fatigue task. People with fibromyalgia performed equivalently on measures of physical performance and cognitive performance on the physical and cognitive fatigue tasks, respectively.

Conclusion

These data show that people with fibromyalgia show larger increases in pain, perceived cognitive fatigue, and perceived physical fatigue to both cognitive and physical fatigue tasks compared to healthy controls. The increases in pain and fatigue during cognitive and physical fatigue tasks could influence subject participation in daily activities and rehabilitation.
Best Practices for Cardiovascular Disease Prevention in Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Systematic Review of Guideline Recommendations and Quality Indicators
Authors: Barber Claire E. H. , Smith Alexa , Esdaile John M. , Barnabe Cheryl , Martin Liam O. , Faris Peter , Hazlewood Glen , Noormohamed Raheem , Alvarez Nanette , Mancini G. B. John , Lacaille Diane , Keeling Stephanie , Aviña‐Zubieta J. Antonio , Marshall Deborah
Published: July 2014

Objective

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a leading cause of mortality in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). This study systematically reviewed and appraised guidelines and quality indicators (QIs) pertaining to CVD risk management in patients with RA.

Methods

Four electronic medical databases (Medline, Embase, CINAHL, and Web of Science) and gray literature publications were searched using terms and keywords pertaining to guidelines, QIs, RA, and CVD (RA and general population literature searched). Abstracts were screened for inclusion and rated using the Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation II instrument independently by 2 of 3 reviewers.

Results

In total, 16,064 abstracts were screened and 808 underwent full‐text review. A total of 17 guidelines and 3 QI sets published between 2008 and 2013 were included. A number of consistent themes emerged, including the increased CV risk faced by RA patients and the need to address modifiable risk factors on a regular basis. The role of the multidisciplinary team in risk optimization was also highlighted. Ten guidelines provided recommendations for CVD prevention in patients with RA. Unfortunately, most recommendations lacked the specificity required to determine adherence to the recommendation. Only 4 RA‐specific CVD QIs were identified (1 general comorbidity screening, formal CVD risk estimation, exercise, and minimizing steroid use).

Conclusion

Regular screening for CVD risk factors is an important part of care in patients with RA. Unfortunately, existing RA‐specific CVD QIs do not adequately address risk factor management, and existing guideline recommendations lack specificity for measurement and use in quality improvement initiatives.
Incidence of Physical Disability Related to Musculoskeletal Disorders in the Elderly: Results From a Primary Care–Based Registry
Authors: Jover Juan A. , Lajas Cristina , Leon Leticia , Carmona Loreto , Serra Jose A. , Reoyo Agustin , Rodriguez‐Rodriguez Luis , Abasolo Lydia ,   for the Acute Physical Disability in the Elderly Group
Published: July 2014

Objective

To estimate the incidence of musculoskeletal‐related acute physical disability in the elderly (APDE).

Methods

A primary care–based registry was established in Madrid's Health Area 7 from October 1, 2005 to September 31, 2006. We included all persons age ≥65 years, who were non‐institutionalized and covered by the health cards assigned to the participating general practitioners (GPs). A case of APDE was defined as a moderate mobility alteration in the disability level within the Rosser's Classification System, in the last 3 months, related to a musculoskeletal cause. Incidence rates (IRs) were estimated per 10,000 person‐years by direct standardization with a 95% confidence interval (95% CI).

Results

Eight primary care centers and 23 GPs participated in the registry, covering 8,546 elderly patients. In the inclusion year, the GPs identified 147 new APDE cases in 106 patients. The annual estimated incidence of APDE was 331 cases per 10,000 person‐years (95% CI 280–389) and the IR of new patients with an APDE episode was 239 (95% CI 196–288); the IR was higher in women (344 cases; 95% CI 279.8–423.0) than in men (207 cases; 95% CI 127.0–338.2).

Conclusion

The incidence estimate of acute physical disability related to musculoskeletal disorders in the elderly should help us to determine the magnitude of this health problem, as well as the first step to establishing a specific practice for the recovery of cases and for the prevention of loss of functioning, mobility, and independence.
Analysis of Integrated Radiographic Data From Two Long‐Term, Open‐Label Extension Studies of Adalimumab for the Treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Landewé Robert , Østergaard Mikkel , Keystone Edward C. , Florentinus Stefan , Liu Shufang , van der Heijde Désirée
Published: July 2014

Objective

A longitudinal integration approach evaluated all radiographic scores assessed over 10 years, rather than only completer data, from 2 studies of adalimumab (ADA) for rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Methods

The DE019 (methotrexate [MTX]–inadequate responders, longstanding RA) and PREMIER (MTX‐naive, early RA) studies, respectively, had 1‐ or 2‐year double‐blind periods followed by 9‐ or 8‐year open‐label extensions (OLEs). Patients received ADA ± MTX in both OLEs. Radiographic progression was assessed using change from baseline in modified total Sharp score (ΔmTSS). A mixed‐effects model was used post hoc to evaluate repeated measurements of different data campaigns and to estimate ΔmTSS through up to 10 years of treatment based on original randomization groups (placebo [PBO] + MTX or standard dose ADA + MTX).

Results

Data from patients with baseline and ≥1 postbaseline radiograph were included (n = 327 for DE019; n = 452 for PREMIER). Integrated and 10‐year completer ΔmTSS progression curves differed slightly. In DE019, for patients originally assigned PBO + MTX, accrued ΔmTSS at year 10 was 6.6 units (integrated model) and 6.2 units (completers). For patients originally assigned ADA + MTX, accrued ΔmTSS was 0.9 units by integrated analysis and 0.7 units in completers. In PREMIER, for patients originally assigned PBO + MTX, accrued ΔmTSS at year 10 was 11.2 units (integrated analysis) and 11.0 units (completers). For patients originally assigned ADA + MTX, accrued ΔmTSS was 5.1 units (integrated analysis) and 4.0 units (completers). A higher radiographic progression rate was observed in patients who received delayed versus immediate ADA + MTX treatment.

Conclusions

Longitudinal integrated analysis provided robust estimates of radiographic progression that only slightly differed from completers‐only scores and confirmed the effects.
Preparation of the First Manganese(III) and Manganese(IV) Azides
Authors: Haiges Ralf , Buszek Robert J. , Boatz Jerry A. , Christe Karl O.
Published: July 2014

Fluoride‐azide exchange reactions of Me3SiN3 with MnF2 and MnF3 in acetonitrile resulted in the isolation of Mn(N3)2 and Mn(N3)3⋅CH3CN, respectively. While Mn(N3)2 forms [PPh4]2[Mn(N3)4] and (bipy)2Mn(N3)2 upon reaction with PPh4N3 and 2,2′‐bipyridine (bipy), respectively, the manganese(III) azide undergoes disproportionation and forms mixtures of [PPh4]2[Mn(N3)4] and [PPh4]2[Mn(N3)6], as well as (bipy)2Mn(N3)2 and (bipy)Mn(N3)4. Neat and highly sensitive Cs2[Mn(N3)6] was obtained through the reaction of Cs2MnF6 with Me3SiN3 in CH3CN.
Determination of a novel phosphodiesterase4 inhibitor, 3‐[1‐(3cyclopropylmethoxy‐4‐difluoromethoxybenzyl)‐1H‐pyrazol‐3‐yl]‐benzoic acid (PDE‐423) in rat plasma using liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Cho Woon‐Ki , Seo Hyewon , Choi Sung Heum , Kwak Hyun Jeong , Cheon Hyae Gyeong , Jeon Dong Ju , Kim Sang Kyum , Bae Myung Ae , Song Jin Sook
Published: July 2014

A method for determining a novel phosphodiesterase‐4 inhibitor, 3‐[1‐(3cyclopropylmethoxy‐4‐difluoromethoxybenzyl)‐1H‐pyrazol‐3‐yl]‐benzoic acid (PDE‐423), in rat plasma was developed and validated using liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry for further pharmacokinetic study for development as a novel anti‐asthmatic drug. PDE‐423 in the concentration range of 0.02–10 µg/mL was linear with a correlation coefficient of >0.99, and the mean intra‐ and inter‐assay precisions of the assay were 7.50 and 3.86%, respectively. The validated method was used successfully for a pharmacokinetic study of PDE‐423 in rats. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Development of a liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry method for determination of agrimol B in rat plasma: application to preclinical pharmacokinetics
Authors: Wang Zhenglin , Liu Peng , Liang Pin , Hu Xiang
Published: July 2014

A sensitive and accurate liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (LC‐MS) method was developed for the determination of agrimol B, a main active ingredient isolated from Agrimonia pilosa Ledeb., in rat plasma. Chromatographic separation was achieved on a Zorbax CN column (150 × 4.6 mm, 5 µm), with isocratic elution consisting of acetonitrile and water (15:85, v/v) at a flow rate of 0.6 mL/min. Agrimol B and dryocrassin ABBA, an internal standard (IS), were analyzed by selected ion monitoring at m/z transitions of 681.3 and 819.4, respectively. This assay exhibited a good linearity with a correlation coefficient >0.99 and showed no endogenous interference with the analyte and IS. The limit of quantification of agrimol B was 8.025 ng/mL with acceptable precision and accuracy. The method was successfully applied in the pharmacokinetic study of agrimol B in rats after intravenous (1 mg/kg) and oral (2, 5 and 10 mg/kg) doses of agrimol B. The absolute bioavailability of agrimol B was 16.4–18.0% in rat. Our study clarifies the pharmacokinetic behavior of agrimol B in animals. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Maltodextrins as Chiral Selectors in CE: Molecular Structure Effect of Basic Chiral Compounds on the Enantioseparation
Authors: Tabani Hadi , Fakhari Ali Reza , Nojavan Saeed
Published: July 2014

Prediction of chiral separation for a compound using a chiral selector is an interesting and debatable work. For this purpose, in this study 23 chiral basic drugs with different chemical structures were selected as model solutes and the influence of their chemical structures on the enantioseparation in the presence of maltodextrin (MD) as chiral selector was investigated. For chiral separation, a 100‐mM phosphate buffer solution (pH 3.0) containing 10% (w/v) MD with dextrose equivalent (DE) of 4‐7 as chiral selector at the temperature of 25°C and voltage of 20 kV was used. Under this condition, baseline separation was achieved for nine chiral compounds and partial separation was obtained for another six chiral compounds while no enantioseparation was obtained for the remaining eight compounds. The results showed that the existence of at least two aromatic rings or cycloalkanes and an oxygen or nitrogen atom or –CN group directly bonded to the chiral center are necessary for baseline separation. With the obtained results in this study, chiral separation of a chiral compound can be estimated with MD‐modified capillary electrophoresis before analysis. This prediction will minimize the number of preliminary experiments required to resolve enantiomers and will save time and cost. Chirality 26:620–628, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Committed Tc17 cells are phenotypically and functionally resistant to the effects of IL‐27
Authors: El‐Behi Mohamed , Dai Hong , Magalhaes Joao G. , Hwang Daniel , Zhang Guang‐Xian , Rostami Abdolmohamad , Ciric Bogoljub
Published: July 2014

IL‐17‐secreting CD8+ T cells (Tc17 cells) have been implicated in immunity to infections, cancer, and autoimmune diseases. Thus far, studies on Tc17 cells have primarily investigated their development from naïve precursors, while the biology of committed Tc17 cells has been less characterized, in particular during the effector phase of immune responses. IL‐27 is an important regulator of inflammation through the induction of regulatory Tr1 cells, as well as a suppressor of Th17‐cell development. IL‐27 suppresses the development of Tc17 cells, but its effects on committed Tc17 cells are unknown. Here we demonstrate that even though IL‐27 completely inhibited the development of C57BL/6 mouse Tc17 cells, it had little effect on previously committed Tc17 cells. Although committed Tc17 cells were capable of responding to IL‐27, it had no effect on expression of RORγt and RORα, or production of various cytokines. Committed Tc17 cells did not express granzyme B and lacked cytotoxicity in vitro, features that remained unaltered by IL‐27 treatment. Nonetheless, they efficiently induced diabetes, irrespective of treatment with IL‐27 prior to transfer into RIP‐mOVA mice. These findings suggest that use of IL‐27 to modulate autoimmune diseases might have limited therapeutic efficacy if autoaggressive Tc17 cells have already developed.
IgE and IL‐33−mediated triggering of human basophils inhibits TLR4−induced monocyte activation
Authors: Rivellese Felice , Suurmond Jolien , de Paulis Amato , Marone Gianni , Huizinga Tom W.J. , Toes René E.M.
Published: July 2014

Basophils are circulating granulocytes, best known as effector cells in allergic reactions. Recent studies in mice suggest that they might also participate in the suppression of chronic inflammation. The aim of this study was to assess the ability of purified human basophils to modulate monocyte responses upon IL‐33 and IgE triggering. Activation of human basophils with IL‐33 induced the production of IL‐4 and the release of histamine, and enhanced their IgE‐mediated activation. In addition, basophils triggered with IL‐33 and anti‐IgE significantly suppressed the LPS‐induced production of the proinflammatory cytokine TNF‐α and the upregulation of the costimulatory molecule CD80 by monocytes. These effects were mainly explained by the release of histamine, as they could be inhibited by the histamine receptor 2 antagonist ranitidine, with a smaller contribution of IL‐4. In contrast, basophil‐derived IL‐4 and histamine had opposing effects on the expression of the inhibitory Fc γ receptor IIb and the production of IL‐10 by monocytes. Our data show that basophils can influence monocyte activation and suggest a previously unrecognized role for human basophils in the modulation of monocyte‐mediated immune responses, through the balanced secretion of histamine and IL‐4.
Investigating the effects of knowledge and ideology on climate change beliefs
Authors: Guy Sophie , Kashima Yoshihisa , Walker Iain , O'Neill Saffron
Published: July 2014

The divergence of public opinion and climate science in the English‐speaking world, particularly the United States and Australia, has attracted a variety of explanations. One of the more interesting accounts, from a psychological perspective, is the influence of ideology on climate change beliefs. Previous work suggests that ideology trumps knowledge in shaping climate change beliefs. However, these studies have typically examined the influence of proxy measures of knowledge rather than specific climate change knowledge. The goal of the present research was to provide some clarification on the different influences of knowledge and ideology on beliefs about climate change. Specifically, we investigated the relationship between specific climate change knowledge, hierarchical and individualistic ideology, and climate change belief in a national sample (N = 335) of the Australian public. Contrary to research involving proxy knowledge measures, we found that people who had greater knowledge of climate change causes were more willing to accept that climate change is occurring. Furthermore, knowledge of causes attenuated the negative relationship between individualistic ideology and belief that climate change exists. Our findings suggest that climate change knowledge has the potential to positively influence public discourse on the issue. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Would you rule out going green? The effect of inclusion versus exclusion mindset on pro‐environmental willingness
Authors: McDonald Rachel I. , Newell Ben R. , Denson Thomas F.
Published: July 2014

Two experiments demonstrate that participants' willingness to endorse adopting pro‐environmental behaviors is influenced substantially by a decision‐framing effect: the inclusion–exclusion discrepancy. Participants were presented with a list of 26 pro‐environmental behaviors (e.g., take a shorter shower, buy local produce). In both experiments, participants asked to cross out the behaviors they would not be willing to engage in (exclusion mindset) generated 30% larger consideration sets than those asked to circle behaviors that they would be willing to do (inclusion mindset). Experiment 2 identified qualities of the behaviors that accounted for the differences in the size of consideration sets, namely effort and opportunity. The results suggest the counter‐intuitive notion that encouraging people to think about what they would not do for the environment might lead them to do more. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Quantitative analysis of a ubiquitin‐dependent substrate using capillary electrophoresis with dual laser‐induced fluorescence
Authors: Lee Hyunjung , Ban Eunmi , Kim Eunice EunKyeong , Yoo Young Sook , Lee Daekee , Song Eun Joo
Published: July 2014

Protein degradation by the ubiquitin‐proteasome system (UPS) affects many biological processes. Inhibition of the proteasome has emerged as a potential therapeutic target for cancer treatment. In this study, we developed a method for monitoring the degradation and accumulation of UPS‐dependent substrates in cells using CE with dual LIF. We used a green fluorescent protein (GFP)‐fusion of the ubiquitin substrate ribophorin 1 (GFP‐RPN1) along with red fluorescent protein (RFP) as an internal control to normalize transfection efficiency. Determination of GFP‐RPN1 and RFP in cell lysates were performed in an untreated capillary (75 μm × 50 cm) and 100 mM Tris‐CHES buffer (pH 9.0) containing 10 mM SDS. GFP‐RPN1 and RFP fluorescence were detected at excitation wavelengths of 488 and 635 nm, and emission wavelengths of 520 and 675 nm, respectively, without any interference or crosstalk. The intensity of GFP‐RPN1 fluorescence was normalized to that of RFP. Additionally, the proposed approach was used successfully to detect the degradation of GFP‐RPN1 and evaluate proteasome inhibitors. These results show that the developed method is effective and promising for rapid and quantitative monitoring of UPS‐dependent substrates compared to the current common methods, such as immunoblotting and pulse chase assays.
Discrimination of tomato plants under different irrigation regimes: analysis of hyperspectral sensor data
Authors: Rinaldi M. , Castrignanò A. , De Benedetto D. , Sollitto D. , Ruggieri S. , Garofalo P. , Santoro F. , Figorito B. , Gualano S. , Tamborrino R.
Published: July 2014

The development and implementation of both economically and environmentally sustainable precision crop management systems can be greatly enhanced through the use of hyperspectral sensing. In this study, the potential of narrow‐waveband hyperspectral observations for the discrimination of water‐stressed tomato plants (Solanum lycopersicum L.) was investigated in a field experiment conducted in southern Italy. The tomato crop was grown in a 1.8‐ha test field that was split into two plots with different irrigation treatments: optimal and deficit water supplies, with the deficit supply using half of the water of the optimal supply in the second half of the crop growing cycle. Hyperspectral measurements were taken with a field spectroradiometer. To reduce the number of variables, principal component analysis was applied to each of six wavelength band sub‐intervals across the whole wavelength interval from 400 to 1000 nm. The retained principal components were then submitted to canonical discriminant analysis. Finally, the principal components and the canonical component were interpolated using multivariate and univariate geostatistical techniques, respectively, and then mapped. The two irrigation treatments produced different plant biomass and leaf area indices, which were higher under optimal than deficit water conditions, as was the plant water potential. These data show that the correlation between the individual bands varied during the crop cycle, so it was not feasible to choose a specific band to discriminate between the water treatments. However, we show that only a combination of all of the bands that use the full spectral information with differential weighting leads to clear discrimination of the two differently irrigated areas, with a mean accuracy of 75% to 77%. The processing of hyperspectral reflectance data using canonical discriminant analysis can thus provide valuable information for the agricultural producer for the identification of within‐field areas of plant stress, so as to implement site‐specific irrigation strategies. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Nano-silicon dioxide mitigates the adverse effects of salt stress on Cucurbita pepo L
Authors: Siddiqui Manzer H. , Al-Whaibi Mohamed H. , Faisal Mohammad , Al Sahli Abdulaziz A.
Published: July 2014

Research into nanotechnology, an emerging science, has advanced in almost all fields of technology. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the role of nano-silicon dioxide (nano-SiO2) in plant resistance to salt stress through improvement of the antioxidant system of squash (Cucurbita pepo L. cv. white bush marrow). Seeds treated with NaCl showed reduced germination percentage, vigor, length, and fresh and dry weights of the roots and shoots. However, nano-SiO2 improved seed germination and growth characteristics by reducing malondialdehyde and hydrogen peroxide levels as well as electrolyte leakage. In addition, application of nano-SiO2 reduced chlorophyll degradation and enhanced the net photosynthetic rate (Pn), stomatal conductance (gs), transpiration rate, and water use efficiency. The increase in plant germination and growth characteristics through application of nano-SiO2 might reflect a reduction in oxidative damage as a result of the expression of antioxidant enzymes, such as catalase, peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione reductase, and ascorbate peroxidase. These results indicate that nano-SiO2 may improve defense mechanisms of plants against salt stress toxicity by augmenting the Pn, gs, transpiration rate, water use efficiency, total chlorophyll, proline, and carbonic anhydrase activity in the leaves of plants. Environ Toxicol Chem 2014;33:2429–2437. © 2014 SETAC
Hepatic inflammation and fibrosis: Functional links and key pathways
Authors: Seki Ekihiro , Schwabe Robert F.
Published: July 2014

Inflammation is one of the most characteristic features of chronic liver disease of viral, alcoholic, fatty, and autoimmune origin. Inflammation is typically present in all disease stages and associated with the development of fibrosis, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma. In the past decade, numerous studies have contributed to improved understanding of the links between hepatic inflammation and fibrosis. Here, we review mechanisms that link inflammation with the development of liver fibrosis, focusing on the role of inflammatory mediators in hepatic stellate cell (HSC) activation and HSC survival during fibrogenesis and fibrosis regression. We will summarize the contributions of different inflammatory cells, including hepatic macrophages, T and B lymphocytes, natural killer cells and platelets, as well as key effectors, such as cytokines, chemokines, and damage‐associated molecular patterns. Furthermore, we will discuss the relevance of inflammatory signaling pathways for clinical liver disease and for the development of antifibrogenic strategies. (Hepatology 2015;61:1066–1079)
Optimized MEGA‐SPECIAL for in vivo glutamine detection in the rat brain at 14.1 T
Authors: Craveiro Mélanie , Cudalbu Cristina , Mlynárik Vladimir , Gruetter Rolf
Published: July 2014

Glutamine has multiple roles in brain metabolism and its concentration can be altered in various pathological conditions. An accurate knowledge of its concentration is therefore highly desirable to monitor and study several brain disorders in vivo. However, in recent years, several MRS studies have reported conflicting glutamine concentrations in the human brain. A recent hypothesis for explaining these discrepancies is that a short T2 component of the glutamine signal may impact on its quantification at long echo times.

The present study therefore aimed to investigate the impact of acquisition parameters on the quantified glutamine concentration using two different acquisition techniques, SPECIAL at ultra‐short echo time and MEGA‐SPECIAL at moderate echo time. For this purpose, MEGA‐SPECIAL was optimized for the first time for glutamine detection.

Based on the very good agreement of the glutamine concentration obtained between the two measurements, it was concluded that no impact of a short T2 component of the glutamine signal was detected. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A new cubic nonconforming finite element on rectangles
Authors: Meng Zhaoliang , Luo Zhongxuan , Sheen Dongwoo
Published: July 2014

A new nonconforming rectangle element with cubic convergence for the energy norm is introduced. The degrees of freedom (DOFs) are defined by the 12 values at the three Gauss points on each of the four edges. Due to the existence of one linear relation among the above DOFs, it turns out the DOFs are 11. The nonconforming element consists of. We count the corresponding dimension for Dirichlet and Neumann boundary value problems of second‐order elliptic problems. We also present the optimal error estimates in both broken energy andnorms. Finally, numerical examples match our theoretical results very well. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Numer Methods Partial Differential Eq 31: 691–705, 2015
Analysis of the interactome of ribosomal protein S19 mutants
Authors: Caterino Marianna , Aspesi Anna , Pavesi Elisa , Imperlini Esther , Pagnozzi Daniela , Ingenito Laura , Santoro Claudio , Dianzani Irma , Ruoppolo Margherita
Published: July 2014

Diamond–Blackfan anemia, characterized by defective erythroid progenitor maturation, is caused in one‐fourth of cases by mutations of ribosomal protein S19 (RPS19), which is a component of the ribosomal 40S subunit. Our previous work described proteins interacting with RPS19 with the aim to determine its functions. Here, two RPS19 mutants, R62W and R101H, have been selected to compare their interactomes versus the wild‐type protein one, using the same functional proteomic approach that we employed to characterize RPS19 interactome. Mutations R62W and R101H impair RPS19 ability to associate with the ribosome. Results presented in this paper highlight the striking differences between the interactomes of wild‐type and mutant RPS19 proteins. In particular, mutations abolish interactions with proteins having splicing, translational and helicase activity, thus confirming the role of RPS19 in RNA processing/metabolism and translational control. The data have been deposited to the ProteomeXchange with identifier PXD000640 (http://proteomecentral.proteomexchange.org/dataset/PXD000640).
How the proteome packages the genome for cardiovascular development
Authors: Karbassi Elaheh , Vondriska Thomas M.
Published: July 2014

The devastating impact of congenital heart defects has made mechanisms of vertebrate heart and vascular development an active area of study. Because myocyte death is a common feature of acquired cardiovascular diseases and the adult heart does not regenerate, the need exists to understand whether features of the developing heart and vasculature—which are more plastic—can be exploited therapeutically in the disease setting. We know that a core network of transcription factors governs commitment to the cardiovascular lineage, and recent studies using genetic loss‐of‐function approaches and unbiased genomic studies have revealed the role for various chromatin modulatory events. We reason that chromatin structure itself is a causal feature that influences transcriptome complexity along a developmental continuum, and the purpose of this article is to highlight the areas in which ‘omics technologies have the potential to reveal new principles of phenotypic plasticity in development. We review the major mechanisms of chromatin structural regulation, highlighting what is known about their actions to control cardiovascular differentiation. We discuss emergent mechanisms of regulation that have been identified on the basis of genomic and proteomic studies of cardiac nuclei and identify current challenges to an integrated understanding of chromatin structure and cardiovascular phenotype.
Expanding the structure–activity relationship of sulfoxaflor: the synthesis and biological activity of N‐heterocyclic sulfoximines
Authors: Nugent Benjamin M , Buysse Ann M , Loso Michael R , Babcock Jon M , Johnson Timothy C , Oliver M Paige , Martin Timothy P , Ober Matthias S , Breaux Nneka , Robinson Andrew , Adelfinskaya Yelena
Published: July 2014

BACKGROUND

Sulfoxaflor, a new insect control agent developed by Dow AgroSciences, exhibits broad‐spectrum control of many sap‐feeding insect pests, including aphids, whiteflies, leafhoppers, planthoppers and lygus bugs. During the development of sulfoxaflor, structure–activity relationship (SAR) exploration of the sulfoximine functional group revealed that the nature of the sulfoximine nitrogen substituent significantly affects insecticidal acitivity. As part of the investigation to probe the various electronic, steric and lipophilic parameters at this position, a series of N‐heterocyclic sulfoximines were synthesized and tested for bioactivity against green peach aphid.

RESULTS

Using a variety of chemistries, the nitrile substituent was replaced with different substituted five‐ and six‐membered heterocycles. The compounds in the series were then tested for insecticidal acitivty against green peach aphid in foliar spray assays. In spite of the larger steric demand of these substituents, the resulting N‐heterocyclic sulfoximine analogs displayed good levels of efficacy. In particular, the N‐thiazolyl sulfoximines exhibited the greatest activity, with LC50 values as low as 1 ppm.

CONCLUSIONS

The novel series of N‐heterocyclic sulfoximines helped to advance the current knowledge of the sulfoxaflor SAR, and demonstrated that the structural requirement for the sulfoximine nitrogen position was not limited to small, electron‐deficient moeities, but rather was tolerant of larger functionality. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry
Conjugated Polymer/Nanocrystal Nanocomposites for Renewable Energy Applications in Photovoltaics and Photocatalysis
Authors: Su Yu‐Wei , Lin Wei‐Hao , Hsu Yung‐Jung , Wei Kung‐Hwa
Published: July 2014

Conjugated polymer/nanocrystal composites have attracted much attention for use in renewable energy applications because of their versatile and synergistic optical and electronic properties. Upon absorbing photons, charge separation occurs in the nanocrystals, generating electrons and holes for photocurrent flow or reduction/oxidation (redox) reactions under proper conditions. Incorporating these nanocrystals into conjugated polymers can complement the visible light absorption range of the polymers for photovoltaics applications or allow the polymers to sensitize or immobilize the nanocrystals for photocatalysis. Here, the current developments of conjugated polymer/nanocrystal nanocomposites for bulk heterojunction–type photovoltaics incorporating Cd‐ and Pb‐based nanocrystals or quantum dots are reviewed. The effects of manipulating the organic ligands and the concentration of the nanocrystal precursor, critical factors that affect the shape and aggregation of the nanocrystals, are also discussed. In the conclusion, the mechanisms through which conjugated polymers can sensitize semiconductor nanocrystals (TiO2, ZnO) to ensure efficient charge separation, as well as how they can support immobilized nanocrystals for use in photocatalysis, are addressed.
Comparative study on tensile properties and microstructure development in elastomer‐modified cyclic olefin copolymer
Authors: Jafari Seyed Hassan , Khonakdar Hossein Ali , Tarameshlou Mohammad , Saeb Mohammad Reza
Published: July 2014

Mechanical and morphological properties of blends of cyclic olefin copolymer (COC) with polyolefin‐octane copolymer (POE) and polyethylene‐vinyl acetate (EVA), as the second phase, are thoroughly discussed over full composition range. Scanning electron microscopy revealed that both the systems are immiscible pairs showing biphasic morphology; however, co‐continuity was seen upon varying composition. The mechanical characteristics, tensile modulus, yield strength, tensile strength, and elongation at break were evaluated varying blend composition. It was found that addition of POE to COC results in a higher decrease in tensile modulus when compared to COC/EVA pair. Mechanical results were correlated with several theoretical models and the best model for estimating tensile modulus was determined. Among examined models, the best fitting to experimental data for both series of the blends was provided by the Lyngaae‐Jorgensen model. J. VINYL ADDIT. TECHNOL., 22:222–230, 2016. © 2014 Society of Plastics Engineers
Thermomechanical reclaiming of ground tire rubber via extrusion at low temperature: Efficiency and limits
Authors: Formela Krzysztof , Cysewska Magdalena , Haponiuk Józef T.
Published: July 2014

Thermomechanical reclaiming of ground tire rubber (GTR) was performed at different temperatures (60, 120, and 180°C) using a co‐rotating twin‐screw extruder. Obtained samples were used in styrene‐butadiene rubber (SBR) blends. As reference samples, SBR compounds containing untreated GTR were used. Curing characteristics, static and dynamic mechanical properties, and morphology of the obtained blends were determined. The results show that the increase of barrel temperature during the thermomechanical reclaiming of GTR has a positive effect on the decrease of screw torque (lower machine load) and decrease of Mooney viscosity (better processing characteristics). However, mechanical properties and crosslink density of rubber revulcanizate decreased with increasing barrel temperature during the reclaiming process. SBR blends with 50 phr of reclaimed rubber showed increasing phase compatibility between SBR matrix and the reclaimed rubber, which was confirmed by mechanical properties and morphology measurements. J. VINYL ADDIT. TECHNOL., 22:213–221, 2016. © 2014 Society of Plastics Engineers
Scalable VANET content routing using hierarchical bloom filters
Authors: Yu Yu‐Ting , Gerla Mario , Sanadidi M. Y.
Published: July 2014

In this paper, we discuss scalable content‐oriented routing that enables storing, sharing, and searching data totally within the urban VANET. We introduce a scalable proactive content discovery scheme, hierarchical bloom‐filter routing (HBFR), to tackle mobility, large population, and rich content challenges of VANETs. Our simulation results show that HBFR achieves low latency and high content availability with relatively low overhead in practical VANET scenarios. In particular, HBFR improves the response time by up to 45% compared with the conventional Content Centric Networking (CCN) and reduces the traffic by up to 85% compared with timer‐based intelligent content search. HBFR suits the popular private data services the best and also achieves low response time comparable with that of flooding‐based content discovery when applying to popular public data services.Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Enhanced production of Thermomyces lanuginosus lipase in Pichia pastoris via genetic and fermentation strategies
Authors: Fang Zhonggang , Xu Li , Pan Dujie , Jiao Liangcheng , Liu Ziming , Yan Yunjun
Published: July 2014

This study attempted to enhance the expression level of Thermomyces lanuginosus lipase (TLL) in Pichia pastoris using a series of strategies. The tll gene was first inserted into the expression vector pPIC9 K and transformed into P. pastoris strain GS115. The maximum hydrolytic activity of TLL reached 4,350 U/mL under the optimal culture conditions of a 500 mL shaking flask containing 20 mL culture medium with the addition of 1.2 % (w/v) methanol, cultivation for 144 h at pH 7.0 and 27 °C. To further increase the TLL expression and copy number, strains containing two plasmids were obtained by sequential electroporation into GS115/9k-TLL #3 with a second vector, either pGAPZαA-TLL, pFZα-TLL, or pPICZαA-TLL. The maximum activity of the resultant strains GS115/9KTLL-ZαATLL #40, GS115/9KTLL-FZαATLL #46 and GS115/9KTLL-GAPTLL #45 was 6,600 U/mL, 6,000 U/mL and 4,800 U/mL, respectively. The tll copy number in these strains, as assessed by real-time quantitative PCR, was demonstrated to be seven, five, and three, respectively, versus two copies in GS115/9k-TLL #3. When a co-feeding strategy of sorbitol/methanol was adopted in a 3-L fermenter, the maximum TLL activity of GS115/9k-TLL #3 increased to 27,000 U/mL after 130 h of fed-batch fermentation, whereas, the maximum TLL activity was 19,500 U/mL after 145 h incubation when methanol was used as the sole carbon source.
Genetic Information, Non‐Discrimination, and Privacy Protections in Genetic Counseling Practice
Authors: Prince Anya E. R. , Roche Myra I.
Published: July 2014

The passage of the Genetic Information Non Discrimination Act (GINA) was hailed as a pivotal achievement that was expected to calm the fears of both patients and research participants about the potential misuse of genetic information. However, 6 years later, patient and provider awareness of legal protections at both the federal and state level remains discouragingly low, thereby, limiting their potential effectiveness. The increasing demand for genetic testing will expand the number of individuals and families who could benefit from obtaining accurate information about the privacy and anti‐discriminatory protections that GINA and other laws extend. In this paper we describe legal protections that are applicable to individuals seeking genetic counseling, review the literature on patient and provider fears of genetic discrimination and examine their awareness and understandings of existing laws, and summarize how genetic counselors currently discuss genetic discrimination. We then present three genetic counseling cases to illustrate issues of genetic discrimination and provide relevant information on applicable legal protections. Genetic counselors have an unprecedented opportunity, as well as the professional responsibility, to disseminate accurate knowledge about existing legal protections to their patients. They can strengthen their effectiveness in this role by achieving a greater knowledge of current protections including being able to identify specific steps that can help protect genetic information.
Streamlining the Imaging of Clinically Suspected Pheochromocytoma: Using Urine Metanephrines to Decrease Imaging Costs
Authors: Stamm Michael , Abele Jonathan T.
Published: July 2014

Purpose

To improve the cost efficiency of the imaging evaluation of clinically suspected pheochromocytoma by using 24-hour fractionated urine metanephrine (FUM) results.

Methods

A retrospective review of I-123 meta-iodo-benzyl-guanidine single photon emission tomography (SPECT) computed tomography (CT) studies performed at our institution between January 2007 and February 2011 for clinically suspected pheochromocytoma was performed. SPECT-CT results from 70 patients were compared with results from 24-hour FUM analysis (within 2 months of SPECT-CT) and with relevant CT or magnetic resonance imaging studies (within 6 months of SPECT-CT). An imaging algorithm was developed to maximize cost efficiency without altering the final imaging interpretation. Actual imaging costs for the studied cohort were compared with the expected costs if this algorithm had been applied.

Results

If the 24-hour FUMs were normal, then all the SPECT-CT studies were negative (16/70). Eighty-seven percent of patients with abnormal total metanephrine had a positive SPECT-CT. If the total metanephrine was normal but 1 or more of the metanephrine fractions were abnormal, then 39%-58% of the SPECT-CT studies were positive. Within this subgroup, none had a positive SPECT-CT if a CT or magnetic resonance image was negative or benign. The actual imaging costs averaged CAD$2833.19 per patient for this cohort. Applying a streamlined imaging algorithm guided by 24-hour FUM analysis would result in an average imaging cost of CAD$1225.97 per patient without an expected change in the final imaging impression.

Conclusion

By using 24-hour FUM results to streamline imaging, considerable cost savings per patient (56.7%) can be attained without a change in the final overall imaging interpretation.
Infiltrating T cells promote prostate cancer metastasis via modulation of FGF11→miRNA‐541→androgen receptor (AR)→MMP9 signaling
Authors: Hu Shuai , Li Lei , Yeh Shuyuan , Cui Yun , Li Xin , Chang Hong-Chiang , Jin Jie , Chang Chawnshang
Published: July 2014

Early clinical studies suggested infiltrating T cells might be associated with poor outcomes in prostate cancer (PCa) patients. The detailed mechanisms how T cells contribute to PCa progression, however, remained unclear. Here, we found PCa cells have a better capacity to recruit more CD4(+) T cells than the surrounding normal prostate cells via secreting more chemokines‐CXCL9. The consequences of more recruited CD4(+) T cells to PCa might then lead to enhance PCa cell invasion. Mechanism dissection revealed that infiltrating CD4(+) T cells might function through the modulation of FGF11→miRNA‐541 signals to suppress PCa androgen receptor (AR) signals. The suppressed AR signals might then alter the MMP9 signals to promote the PCa cell invasion. Importantly, suppressed AR signals via AR‐siRNA or anti‐androgen Enzalutamide in PCa cells also enhanced the recruitment of T cells and the consequences of this positive feed back regulation could then enhance the PCa cell invasion. Targeting these newly identified signals via FGF11‐siRNA, miRNA‐541 inhibitor or MMP9 inhibitor all led to partially reverse the enhanced PCa cell invasion. Results from in vivo mouse models also confirmed the in vitro cell lines in co‐culture studies. Together, these results concluded that infiltrating CD4(+) T cells could promote PCa metastasis via modulation of FGF11→miRNA‐541→AR→MMP9 signaling. Targeting these newly identified signals may provide us a new potential therapeutic approach to better battle PCa metastasis.
The contribution of narrative morphosyntactic quality to reading comprehension in French immersion students
Authors: HIPFNER-BOUCHER KATHLEEN , LAM KATIE , CHEN XI
Published: July 2014

This study investigated the relationship between L2 oral narrative morphosyntactic quality and L2 reading comprehension in a sample of 81 students enrolled in a Canadian French immersion program in Grade 1. Measures of French narrative generation and reading comprehension were administered concurrently. The proportion of utterances in the narratives that were judged to be grammatically acceptable was found to explain unique variance in reading comprehension, controlling for nonverbal intelligence, maternal education, phonological awareness, vocabulary and word reading. The results suggest that even in the earliest stages of L2 literacy acquisition, L2 oral language skills contribute to reading comprehension outcomes. The results of our study suggest that there may be value in providing L2 children with classroom-based story-related experiences that expose them to literate language.
Resolving the Morphology of Niobium Carbonitride Nano-Precipitates in Steel Using Atom Probe Tomography
Authors: Breen Andrew J. , Xie Kelvin Y. , Moody Michael P. , Gault Baptiste , Yen Hung-Wei , Wong Christopher C. , Cairney Julie M. , Ringer Simon P.
Published: July 2014

Atom probe is a powerful technique for studying the composition of nano-precipitates, but their morphology within the reconstructed data is distorted due to the so-called local magnification effect. A new technique has been developed to mitigate this limitation by characterizing the distribution of the surrounding matrix atoms, rather than those contained within the nano-precipitates themselves. A comprehensive chemical analysis enables further information on size and chemistry to be obtained. The method enables new insight into the morphology and chemistry of niobium carbonitride nano-precipitates within ferrite for a series of Nb-microalloyed ultra-thin cast strip steels. The results are supported by complementary high-resolution transmission electron microscopy.