bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Zum Eurocode 6 – Fragen und Antworten
Authors: Jäger Wolfram
Published: December 2012

Unter dieser Rubrik werden Fragen beantwortet, die bei der Einarbeitung in den EC 6 entstehen. Die Wiedergabe erfolgt in jedem Falle anonymisiert. Sofern es um Verständnisfragen und Hintergrundinformationen geht, werden sie von den Beiratsmitgliedern beantwortet. Handelt es sich um Auslegungsfragen, wird der zuständige NABau‐Ausschuss NA 005‐06‐01 AA “Mauerwerksbau“ (Sp CEN/TC 125, CEN/TC 250/SC 6) mit einbezogen. Mit dem Leserforum zum EC 6 soll der Praxis die Einarbeitung in das neue Normenpaket mit seinen Nationalen Anhängen erleichtert werden. Auch Sie können als Leser gern von dieser Rubrik Gebrauch machen und Ihre Fragen stellen (mauerwerk@ernst‐und‐sohn.de).

Questions concerning the introduction of the EC 6. Under this heading questions are answered, arising from the application of EC 6. The questions are expressing anonymous in all cases. Provided that they concern the understanding and background information the answers will be given by members of the editorial board. If the questions are dealing with the interpretation of clauses of EC 6 the responsible code committee NA 005‐06‐01 AA “Masonry construction” (Sp CEN/TC 125, CEN/TC 250/SC 6) will be involved. The practice should get help for the adjustment in the EC 6 and its National Annexes with this new category of contributions. The readers are invited to avail oneself of this chance very active (mauerwerk@ernst‐und‐sohn.de).

Die nachfolgenden Fragen und Antworten beziehen sich auf den Teil 1‐1 [1] sowie Teil 3 [3] von DIN EN 1996 zusammen mit dem zugehörigen Nationalen Anhang [2] und [4].
Activation of the Canonical WNT Signaling Pathway Promotes Ovarian Surface Epithelial Proliferation Without Inducing β‐Catenin/Tcf‐Mediated Reporter Expression
Authors: Usongo Macalister , Li Xinfang , Farookhi Riaz
Published: December 2012

Background: In response to activation of the canonical WNT signaling pathway, β‐catenin cooperates with Lef/Tcf (lymphoid enhancer factor/T‐cell factor) transcription factors to drive expression of Wnt target genes. The canonical WNT signaling pathway is involved in development, wound repair, and tumorigenesis. Studies examining the involvement of the canonical WNT signaling pathway in the development of ovarian surface epithelium (OSE) and ovarian carcinogenesis, however, have recently begun to emerge. In this study, we investigated the modulation of β‐catenin and β‐catenin/Tcf‐signaling activity within the OSE using responsive transgenic mice and examined the response of primary OSE cells and ovarian cancer cell lines to activation of the canonical WNT signaling pathway. Results: β‐catenin was localized to the lateral membrane of the ovarian epithelium. Stimulation of primary OSE cells in vitro with LiCl or Wnt3a led to GSK‐3β inhibition and stabilization of β‐catenin but failed to induce β‐catenin/Tcf‐mediated lacZ expression. Furthermore, E‐cadherin expression was downregulated and the proliferative potency of OSE cells increased. Of four ovarian cancers cell lines screened, only the HEY cell line demonstrated induction of luciferase reporter upon canonical WNT stimulation. Conclusions: These observations suggest that in ovarian adenocarcinoma, dysregulated WNT signaling may not always be indicative of β‐catenin/Tcf‐mediated transcriptional activity. Developmental Dynamics 242:291–300, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
TLR ligands of ryegrass pollen microbial contaminants enhance Th1 and Th2 responses and decrease induction of Foxp3hi regulatory T cells
Authors: Mittag Diana , Varese Nirupama , Scholzen Anja , Mansell Ashley , Barker Gillian , Rice Gregory , Rolland Jennifer M. , O'Hehir Robyn E.
Published: December 2012

Microbial contamination of grass pollens could affect sensitization, subsequent allergic response, and efficacy of allergen‐specific immunotherapy. We investigated whether bacterial immunomodulatory substances can direct PBMC responses of allergic and nonatopic subjects against ryegrass pollen (RGP) toward Th1, Th2, or regulatory T (Treg) cells. Aqueous extracts of RGP with high or low LPS were fractionated into large and small molecular weight (MW) components by diafiltration. CFSE‐labeled PBMCs from allergic and nonatopic subjects were stimulated with RGP extracts (RGPEs) and analyzed for cytokine secretion and T‐cell responses. High LPS RGPE increased IFN‐γ+ Th1 and IL‐4+ Th2 effector cell induction and consistently decreased CD4+Foxp3hi Treg‐cell induction. IL‐10‐producing T‐cell frequency was unaltered, but IL‐10 secretion was increased by high LPS RGPE. RGPE‐stimulation of TLR‐transfected cell lines revealed that high LPS pollen also contained a TLR2‐ligand, and both batches a TLR9‐ligand. Beta‐1,3‐glucans were detected in large and small MW fractions and were also T‐cell stimulatory. In conclusion, coexposure to allergen and proinflammatory microbial stimuli does not convert an established Th2‐ into a Th1‐response. Instead, proinflammatory responses are exacerbated and Foxp3hi Treg‐cell induction is decreased. These findings show that adjuvants for specific immunotherapy should enhance Treg cells rather than target immune deviation from Th2 to Th1.
Pd‐Catalyzed Tandem Chemoselective Synthesis of 2‐Arylbenzofurans using Threefold Arylating Triarylbismuth Reagents
Authors: Rao Maddali L. N. , Jadhav Deepak N. , Dasgupta Priyabrata
Published: December 2012

A tandem chemoselective synthesis of 2‐arylbenzofurans was accomplished from o‐hydroxy‐gem‐(dibromovinyl)benzenes and BiAr3 reagents under palladium‐catalyzed conditions. This unique and synthetically valuable strategy proceeds through three consecutive coupling reactions involving triarylbismuth reagents and provides 2‐arylbenzofuran products in high yields.
Electrochemical Studies of Catalyst Free Carbon Nanotube Electrodes
Authors: Wang Tingting , Manamperi Hemanthi D. , Yue Wei , Riehl Bill L. , Riehl Bonnie D. , Johnson Jay M. , Heineman William R.
Published: December 2012

A novel catalyst free carbon nanotube (CNT) electrode was fabricated by a Carbo Thermo Carbide Conversion (CTCC) method. The morphology and nanostructure of the CNT electrodes were characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and Raman spectroscopy. Electrochemical characterization using potassium ferricyanide, ferroin and catechol shows these CNTs have higher current capacity, faster electron transfer rate and larger microscopic surface area than glassy carbon (GC) electrode.
Brain connectivity during verbal working memory in children and adolescents
Authors: van den Bosch Gerbrich E. , Marroun Hanan El , Schmidt Marcus N. , Tibboel Dick , Manoach Dara S. , Calhoun Vince D. , White Tonya J.H.
Published: December 2012

Working memory (WkM) is a fundamental cognitive process that serves as a building block for higher order cognitive functions. While studies have shown that children and adolescents utilize similar brain regions during verbal WkM, there have been few studies that evaluate the developmental differences in brain connectivity. Our goal was to study the development of brain connectivity related to verbal WkM in typically developing children and adolescents. Thirty‐five healthy children and adolescents, divided into three groups: 9–12 (children), 13–16 (young adolescents), and 17–19 (older adolescents) years, were included in this functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) study. The verbal WkM task involved a modified Sternberg item recognition paradigm using three different loads. Brain connectivity analysis was performed using independent component analyses and regressing the components with the design matrix to determine task‐related networks. Connectivity analyses resulted in four components associated solely with encoding, four solely with recognition and two with both. Two networks demonstrated age‐related differences with respect to load, (1) the left motor area and right cerebellum, and 2) the left prefrontal cortex, left parietal lobe, and right cerebellum. Post hoc analyses revealed that the first network showed significant effects of age between children and the two older groups. There was increasing connectivity with increasing load for adolescents. The second network demonstrated age‐related differences between children and older adolescents. Children have higher task‐related connectivity at lower loads, but they tend to equalize with the adolescents with higher loads. Finally, a non‐load related network involving the orbital frontal and anterior cingulate cortices showed less connectivity in children. Hum Brain Mapp 35:698–711, 2014. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Clinical use of p‐proteasome in discriminating metastatic melanoma patients: Comparative study with LDH, MIA and S100B protein
Authors: Henry Laurent , Fabre Cécile , Guiraud Isabelle , Bastide Sophie , Fabbro‐Peray Pascale , Martinez Jean , Lavabre‐Bertrand Thierry , Meunier Laurent , Stoebner Pierre‐Emmanuel
Published: December 2012

Plasmatic proteasome (p‐proteasome) has recently been described as a new marker for metastatic melanoma. The objective of this study was to compare the diagnostic and prognostic values of p‐proteasome with three other melanoma serological markers: S100B protein, melanoma inhibitory activity protein (MIA) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) in the plasma of 121 stage I–IV melanoma patients. Laboratory analyses were performed by standardized ELISA (p‐proteasome, MIA), immunoluminometric assay (S100B) and colorimetry (LDH). We found that all markers were relevant for discriminating metastatic from nonmetastatic patients but p‐proteasome displayed the highest diagnostic accuracy. P‐proteasome and S100B were the most sensitive (58.1%) and p‐proteasome and MIA the most specific (98.7 and 100%) in detecting metastatic disease. P‐proteasome and S100B had the highest area under receiver operating characteristics curve, 0.811 (95% CI: 0.725–0.897) and 0.822 (95% CI: 0.738–0.906), respectively. These two markers were the best in detecting patients with lymph node metastases. S100B, MIA and LDH diagnostic accuracy was increased when these markers were combined with p‐proteasome. As shown with univariate analysis, shorter progression‐free and overall survival rates were significantly associated with elevated plasma levels of each markers. The multivariate Cox regression analysis identified p‐proteasome as the only independent predictor of a poorer progression‐free survival (p = 0.030). In conclusion, this comparative study established that p‐proteasome quantification in combination with other melanoma biomarkers is an attractive approach for the biological follow‐up of melanoma patients.
Plasmonics with Doped Quantum Dots
Authors: Routzahn Aaron L. , White Sarah L. , Fong Lam‐Kiu , Jain Prashant K.
Published: December 2012

We review the discovery of localized surface plasmon resonances (LSPRs) in doped semiconductor quantum dots (QDs), an advance that has extended nanoplasmonics to materials beyond the classic gamut of noble metals. The initial demonstrations of near‐infrared LSPRs in QDs of heavily self‐doped copper chalcogenides and conducting metal oxides are setting the broad stage for this new field. We describe the key properties of QD LSPRs. Although the essential physics of plasmon resonances are similar to that in metal nanoparticles, the attributes of QD LSPRs represent a paradigm shift from metal nanoplasmonics. Carrier doping of quantum dots allows access to tunable LSPRs in the wide frequency range from the THz to the near‐infrared. Such composition or carrier density tunability is unique to semiconductor quantum dots and not achievable in metal nanoparticles. Most strikingly, semiconductor quantum dots allow plasmon resonances to be dynamically tuned or switched by active control of carriers. Semiconducting quantum dots thus represent the ideal building blocks for active plasmonics. A number of potential applications are discussed, including the use of plasmonic quantum dots as ultrasmall labels for biomedicine and electrochromic materials, the utility of LSPRs for probing nanoscale charge dynamics in semiconductors, and the exploitation of strong coupling between photons and excitons. Further advances in this field necessitate efforts toward generalizing plasmonic phenomena to a wider range of semiconductors, developing strategies for achieving controlled levels of doping and stabilizing them, investigating the spectroscopy of these systems on a fundamental level, and exploring their integration into optoelectronic devices.
Practice and Research in Career Counseling and Development—2011
Authors: Erford Bradley T. , Crockett Stephanie A.
Published: December 2012

The Career Development Quarterly celebrated its 100th anniversary during the past year and continues to provide high‐quality research and conceptual articles of import to the study of career development and intervention. This article reviews the 2011 career counseling and development literature to highlight advances in theory, assessment, and intervention presented within the following themes: (a) from the past to the future, (b) work and well‐being, (c) diversity and career, (d) career theory and concepts, (e) career assessment, (f) career intervention, (g) career development: life‐span perspectives, and (h) international perspectives.
Work‐to‐School Transitions in the Age of the Displaced Worker: A Psychology of Working Perspective
Authors: Hees Charles K. , Rottinghaus Patrick J. , Briddick William C. , Conrath Julia A.
Published: December 2012

Frank Parsons (1909) founded the vocational guidance movement more than 100 years ago within the context of a shift from an agricultural to an industrial workplace. Today, globalization, workforce diversity, and the financial instability related to the Great Recession present numerous challenges to workers across the economic spectrum. In addition to highlighting Parsons's continued influence on career counseling practice, the authors draw on David Blustein's (2006) psychology of working to enhance the understanding of the needs of dislocated workers. Using case examples, the authors demonstrate how to incorporate insights from the psychology of working to address social justice, financial, relational, and self‐determination concerns among this vulnerable population. Counseling strategies for clients in transition, especially those considering educational options, are provided.
Effects of Social Supports on the Career Choice Consideration of Chinese Farmers: A Social Cognitive Perspective
Authors: Zhao Li
Published: December 2012

Drawing from social cognitive career theory (Lent, Brown, & Hackett, 1994), this study explored social supports’ influence on the career choice consideration of farmers during China's current process of urbanization. A questionnaire was designed based on interviews with 140 people and a pretest with a sample of 419 participants. A total of 628 participants were involved in the formal questionnaire survey. Results indicated that social supports had a dual effect: Positive supports were indirectly related to career choice consideration through the mediation of career self‐efficacy, whereas negative supports were related to career choice consideration directly. Implications for future research and the development of a career guidance and social support system for Chinese farmers are discussed.
Inflammatory bowel disease and the risk of fracture after controlling for FRAX
Authors: Targownik Laura E , Bernstein Charles N , Nugent Zoann , Johansson Helena , Oden Anders , McCloskey Eugene , Kanis John A , Leslie William D
Published: December 2012

Subjects with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are at increased risk for hip and other major osteoporotic fractures. However, previous analyses have not fully accounted for differences in bone mineral density (BMD) and other clinical factors that affect the risk of fracture. The World Health Organization Fracture Risk Assessment tool (FRAX) can be used to predict the 10-year fracture risk from BMD and clinical risk factors. A population-based database containing clinical information on all IBD subjects in the province of Manitoba, Canada, was linked with the Manitoba Bone Mineral Density Database, which contains results of all dual X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scans in the province. FRAX probabilities were calculated for all subjects aged 50 years or more undergoing baseline DXA testing. Subjects were followed for occurrence of major osteoporotic fractures (MOF; hip, clinical spine, wrist, humerus). Cox proportional hazards models were used to determine whether IBD was independently predictive of MOF or hip fracture. After controlling for FRAX fracture probability computed with BMD, IBD was not associated with a significantly increased risk for MOF (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.12, 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.83–1.55) but was associated with an increased risk for hip fracture (HR = 2.14; 95% CI, 1.26–3.65). The addition of femoral neck T-score to FRAX probability without knowledge of BMD had a negligible effect on the estimated HRs for IBD, suggesting that IBD mediates any effect on fracture risk independently of femoral neck BMD. After controlling for FRAX probability, subjects with IBD are not at an increased risk for overall MOF, but may be at increased risk of hip fracture. © 2013 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
miR‐21 modulates the ERK–MAPK signaling pathway by regulating SPRY2 expression during human mesenchymal stem cell differentiation
Authors: Mei Yang , Bian Chunjing , Li Jing , Du Zhijian , Zhou Hong , Yang Zhuo , Zhao Robert C.H.
Published: December 2012

The ERK–MAPK signaling pathway plays a pivotal role during mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) differentiation. Studies have demonstrated that ERK–MAPK promotes adipogenesis and osteogenesis through the phosphorylation of differentiation‐associated transcription factors and that it is the only active signaling in all three lineages (adipogenic, chondrogenic, and osteogenic) during MSC differentiation. Recent studies pointed to the significant roles of microRNA‐21 (miR‐21) during several physiological and pathological processes, especially stem cell fate determination. The miR‐21 expression pattern is also correlated with ERK–MAPK activity. Here, we found that miR‐21 expression is elevated and associated with an increased differentiation potential in MSCs during adipogenesis and osteogenesis. The overexpression of miR‐21 elevated the expression level of the differentiation‐associated genes PPARγ and Cbfa‐1 during MSC differentiation, whereas miR‐21 knockdown reduced the expression level of both genes. The ERK–MAPK signaling pathway activity had an increasing tendency to respond to miR‐21 upregulation and a decreasing tendency to respond to miR‐21 down‐regulation during the first 4 days of adipogenesis and osteogenesis. Our data indicate that miR‐21 modulated ERK–MAPK signaling activity by repressing SPRY2 expression, a known regulator of the receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) signaling pathway, to affect the duration and magnitude of ERK–MAPK activity. The ERK–MAPK signaling pathway was regulated by Sprouty2 (SPRY2) expression via a miR‐21‐mediated mechanism during MSC differentiation. J. Cell. Biochem. 114: 1374–1384, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
EXPLORING THE CORE SERVICE DELIVERY PROCESSES OF AN EVIDENCE‐BASED COMMUNITY ADVOCACY PROGRAM FOR WOMEN WITH ABUSIVE PARTNERS
Authors: Allen Nicole E. , Larsen Sadie , Trotter Jennifer , Sullivan Cris M.
Published: December 2012

Once an intervention has been found to be effective, it is important to examine the processes and factors within the program that led to its success. The current study examined survivors’ reflections on the Community Advocacy Project, an empirically supported intervention for women with abusive partners. The study examined the service delivery processes that survivors affirmed or identified as core components of the intervention. Qualitative analysis of interviews with 51 survivors indicated that 3 main service delivery elements contributed to positive outcomes: orientation to the whole person, unconditional validation and acceptance, and an orientation to information provision and action. These overarching themes are described and implications for domestic violence services and dissemination are discussed.
THE ASSOCIATION OF MULTIPLE NEIGHBORHOOD PERCEPTIONS WITH DEPRESSION AMONG A HIGHLY IMPOVERISHED URBAN SAMPLE
Authors: Evans‐Polce Rebecca , Hulbert Alicia , Latkin Carl
Published: December 2012

Studies show a link between neighborhoods and depression. Multiple social processes may contribute to this relationship. This study examines multiple neighborhood social factors simultaneously and how each may contribute to depression. 717 individuals were recruited from high‐drug‐use areas in Baltimore, Maryland to be interviewed. Participants reported perceptions of their neighborhood and depressive symptoms. The influence of four neighborhood factors (social disorder, institutional control, individual control, and future risk) on presence of depression was assessed using logistic regression. Higher levels of social disorder (OR:1.36) and perceived future risk of crime (OR:1.41) were associated with greater odds of depression. These relationships remained even when accounting for other neighborhood and individual factors. These results suggest perceived social disorder and future risk of being a victim of crime may be particularly salient in exacerbating depressive symptoms. This research may be beneficial for individual and community‐based interventions for prevention and treatment of depression.
GENDER DIFFERENCES IN ACADEMIC OUTCOMES AMONG GHANAIAN YOUTH: THE ROLE OF PROTECTIVE AND RISK FACTORS
Authors: Abukari Ziblim , Laser Julie Anne
Published: December 2012

Impoverished Ghanaian youth often experience minimal early learning opportunities and under‐funded, over‐crowded, and woefully inadequate schools. Female youth face even more formidable challenges as a result of sex stereotypes and other forms of gender discrimination in education. This combination of factors also predisposes them to significant risk for dropping out of school and reduces their chances to attaining postsecondary education. Using ecological theory and a risk and resilience framework, we examined gender differences in risk and protective factors for academic outcomes in a sample of 276 Ghanaian youth recruited from 4 colleges in the northern and southern regions of the country. t tests and regression analyses revealed significant gender differences in risk and protection in relation to the presence of a school mentor, parental educational values, and delinquency at p<.05 significance level. Presence of a school mentor and poor neighborhood safety were significant but inversely related to achievement while region of residence predicted female achievement (Beta = .360, p <.01). Implications for practice and policy are discussed.
Inhibitory effect of sulfide on the nitrifying respiratory process
Authors: Bejarano Ortiz Diego Iván , Thalasso Frédéric , Cuervo López Flor de María , Texier Anne‐Claire
Published: December 2012

Background

Biological wastewater treatment by nitrification is widely used; however information on inhibition of nitrification by sulfide is still scarce. The aim of this study was to evaluate the inhibitory effect of different initial sulfide concentrations on ammonium and nitrite oxidizing processes.

Results

In the absence of sulfide, nitrification was completed after 24 h with an ammonium consumption efficiency (ENH4+) of 100.0 ± 2.1% and an ammonium to nitrate conversion yield (YNO3‐) of 0.90 ± 0.01 g NO3‐‐N g–1 NH4+‐N consumed. At sulfide concentrations lower than 13.5 ± 0.7 mg HS‐‐S L–1, ENH4+ was maintained at 100% after 60 h. At sulfide concentrations ranging from 3.1 to 112.0 mg HS‐‐S L–1, the YNO3‐ decreased from 0.9 to 0.3 due to an accumulation of nitrite, whereas specific rates decreased by 51 to 92% for NH4+ consumption and by 77 to 97% for NO3‐ production. The IC50 value (concentration causing 50% inhibition) for ammonium and nitrite oxidation was 2.6 ± 0.3 and 1.2 ± 0.2 mg HS‐‐S L–1, respectively.

Conclusion

Sulfide provoked an inhibitory effect on both ammonium and nitrite oxidizing processes, nitrite oxidation being the most affected step. This information is relevant for wastewater treatment, indicating that the presence of sulfide in effluents even at low concentration might strongly alter the nitrifying activity of activated sludge and provoke nitrite accumulation.© 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Potential of newly isolated bacterial strains for simultaneous removal of hexavalent chromium and reactive black‐5 azo dye from tannery effluent
Authors: Mahmood Shahid , Khalid Azeem , Mahmood Tariq , Arshad Muhammad , Ahmad Riaz
Published: December 2012

BACKGROUND

Effluents discharged from tannery industry contain significant amount of chromium and synthetic dyes. Both chromium and dyes can be transformed individually into less toxic forms, but very little is known about their simultaneous treatment. The present study was aimed at isolating bacteria capable of removing toxic hexavalent chromium (CrVI) and reactive black‐5 azo dye simultaneously in liquid mineral salt medium (MSM).

RESULTS

About 150 bacterial isolates were collected from tannery wastewater and sludge through enrichment of the MSM with CrVI (2 mg L−1) and reactive black‐5 dye (100 mg L−1) under static (batch) condition. Bacterial strains KI (Pseudomonas putida ) and SL14 (Serratia proteamaculans) were able to reduce simultaneously 93% CrVI and 100% color of reactive black‐5 azo dye in 24 h at pH 7.2 and 35 °C in a batch culture. Individually, 100% reduction of CrVI and reactive black‐5 dye was achieved in 12 h by strain KI and SL14.

CONCLUSION

These bacterial strains are one of the most efficient bacteria capable of reducing toxic CrVI and synthetic reactive dye simultaneously and could be used for developing bioreactors to treat tannery effluent prior to its discharge into the environment. © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Role of lignin in a biorefinery: separation characterization and valorization
Authors: Yuan Tong‐Qi , Xu Feng , Sun Run‐Cang
Published: December 2012

Lignin, a major component of the cell wall of vascular plants, has long been recognized for its negative impact and treated as a by‐product in a biorefinery. This highly abundant by‐product of the biorefinery is undervalued and underdeveloped due to its complex nature. The development of value‐added products from lignin would greatly improve the economics of the biorefinery. The inherent properties of lignin significantly affect the productivity of the biorefinery processes and its potential applications. Although the structure and biosynthetic pathway of lignin have been studied for more than a century, they have not yet been completely elucidated. In this mini‐review, the primary obstacles to elucidating the structure of native lignin, including separation and characterization, are highlighted. Several classical methods for separation and various NMR techniques, especially 2D HSQC NMR, for characterization of lignin are reviewed. Some potential applications of lignin are introduced. It is believed that a knowledge of the method to separate lignin from the cell wall and structural features of the lignin polymer from lignocellulosic materials will help to maximize the exploitation of lignocelluloses for the biorefinery as well as the utilization of lignin for novel materials and chemicals. © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Transvaginal sonography for preoperative assessment of deep endometriosis
Authors: Fratelli Nicola , Scioscia Marco , Bassi Emma , Musola Mariella , Minelli Luca , Trivella Giamberto
Published: December 2012

Purpose.

To determinate transvaginal scan (TVS) accuracy in the preoperative evaluation of deep endometriosis in a large cohort of patients with subsequent laparoscopic assessment.

Methods.

A retrospective study was performed in a tertiary referral center for endometriosis. Transvaginal scan reports were retrieved from an electronic database of all patients who underwent laparoscopy for pelvic pain or infertility in 2009. The accuracy of TVS was assessed for 10 different sites of pelvic endometriosis.

Results.

Four hundred twenty women were included in the study. Sensitivity and specificity of TVS were 61% and 99%, respectively, for bladder endometriosis, 52% and 96% for endometriosis of rectovaginal septum, 65% and 99% for rectum endometriosis, and 69% and 98% for endometriosis of the sigmoid colon.

Conclusions.

TVS appears to be useful for the detection of endometriosis located in the bladder and involving the sigmoid colon, the rectovaginal septum, and the rectum. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound, 2013
Liver T2‐weighted MR imaging: Assessment of a three‐dimensional fast spin‐echo with extended echo train acquisition sequence at 1.5 Tesla
Authors: Denoiseux Céline Cotereau , Boulay‐Coletta Isabelle , Nakache Jean‐Pierre , Claude Isabelle Dufour , Zins Marc
Published: December 2012

Purpose

To retrospectively compare image quality and lesion detectability with two T2‐weighted sequences at 1.5 Tesla (T): respiratory‐triggered three‐dimensional fat sat fast‐spin‐echo with extended echo‐train acquisition (3D FSE‐XETA) and respiratory‐triggered two‐dimensional fat‐sat fast recovery fast‐spin‐echo (2D FRFSE).

Materials and Methods

MR was performed at 1.5T in 53 consecutive patients. Two radiologists blinded to the sequence details reviewed the studies to determine: (i) signal and contrast to noise ratios, (ii) overall image quality, (iii) sensitivity for focal lesion detection.

Results

Image assessment scores for the 2D FRFSE sequence were significantly higher than those for the 3D FSE‐XETA sequence for overall image quality (P < 0.01) and artifacts (P < 0.001). Sensitivity for liver lesion detection was higher with the 3D FSE‐XETA sequence (69.3% versus 57.3%; P < 0.05) compared with the 2D FRFSE sequence. The 3D FSE‐XETA sequence improves the reader confidence score (P < 0.01) for liver lesions detection. Inter‐observer correlation was higher with the 3D FSE‐XETA sequence.

Conclusion

For T2‐weighted liver imaging at 1.5T, the 3D FSE‐XETA sequence improves sensitivity, reader confidence score and interobserver correlation for focal liver lesion detection, but it suffers from a lower overall image quality and higher artifacts. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2013;38:336–343. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Cerebral atrophy in elderly with subjective memory complaints
Authors: Palm Walter M. , Ferrarini Luca , van der Flier Wiesje M. , Westendorp Rudi G.J. , Bollen Eduard L.E.M. , Middelkoop Huub A.M. , Milles Julien R. , van der Grond Jeroen , van Buchem Mark A.
Published: December 2012

Purpose

To evaluate ventricular shape differences along the complete surface of the lateral and third ventricles of persons with subjective memory complaints (MC).

Materials and Methods

We included 28 controls and 21 persons with MC. FLAIR, T2, and PD‐weighted brain MRI scans were acquired at 1.5 Tesla, followed by semi‐automated segmentation of the lateral and third ventricles, and local shape difference analysis based on growing and adaptive meshes. Ventricular meshes were used to highlight local areas with significant differences between controls and persons with MC, determined by permutation tests with a predefined threshold (P = 0.01).

Results

Compared with control subjects, relevant differences were found in the shape of the ventricular surface adjacent to the thalamus and corona radiata in persons with MC. Before correction for multiple comparisons, relevant differences were also found in the shape of the ventricular surface adjacent to the corpus callosum, hippocampus, and amydala.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest the presence of localized structural brain differences in patients with subjective memory complaints in the thalamus and the corona radiata. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2013;38:358–364. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Characterization of gas phase aggregates of bis(2‐ethylhexyl)sulfosuccinate (AOT) and divalent metal ions. Elimination of radical species in the decomposition pathways of even‐electron [AOTMIICl2]– anions
Authors: Giorgi Gianluca , Ceraulo Leopoldo , Liveri Vincenzo Turco
Published: December 2012

Structure and properties of even‐electron anionic species formed by bis(2‐ethylhexyl)sulfosuccinate (AOT) and divalent metal ions (MII) with stoichiometry [AOTMIICl2]– have been investigated by using electrospray ionization and different mass spectrometry techniques, such as high resolution, accurate mass measurements, collision‐induced dissociation (CID) multiple‐stage mass spectrometry. Owing to CID, eliminations of neutrals, mainly consisting in hydrochloric acid, 2‐ethyl‐1‐hexene and 2‐ethylhexanol, and an unexpected loss of an alkyl radical have been observed. The radical anions [C4HO6SMIICl]–• so produced have been characterized by MS3 experiments. Density functional theory calculations have been carried out for investigating structure and stability of the ionic species formed in the decomposition pathways. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Peptide peak intensities enhanced by cysteine modifiers and MALDI TOF MS
Authors: Zabet‐Moghaddam Masoud , Shaikh Aarif L. , Niwayama Satomi
Published: December 2012

Two cysteine‐specific modifiers we reported previously, N‐ethyl maleimide (NEM) and iodoacetanilide (IAA), have been applied to the labeling of cysteine residues of peptides for the purpose of examining the enhancement of ionization efficiencies in combination with matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (MALDI TOF MS). The peak intensities of the peptides as a result of modification with these modifiers were compared with the peak intensities of peptides modified with a commercially available cysteine‐specific modifier, iodoacetamide (IA). Our experiments show significant enhancement in the peak intensities of three cysteine‐containing synthetic peptides modified with IAA compared to those modified with IA. The results showed a 4.5–6‐fold increase as a result of modification with IAA compared to modification with IA. Furthermore, it was found that IAA modification also significantly enhanced the peak intensities of many peptides of a commercially available proteins, bovine serum albumin (BSA), compared to those modified with IA. This significant enhancement helped identify a greater number of peptides of these proteins, leading to a higher sequence coverage with greater confidence scores in identification of proteins with the use of IAA. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Gas‐phase reactivity of 2‐hydroxy‐1,4‐naphthoquinones: a computational and mass spectrometry study of lapachol congeners
Authors: Vessecchi Ricardo , Emery Flávio S. , Galembeck Sérgio E. , Lopes Norberto P.
Published: December 2012

In order to understand the influence of alkyl side chains on the gas‐phase reactivity of 1,4‐naphthoquinone derivatives, some 2‐hydroxy‐1,4‐naphthoquinone derivatives have been prepared and studied by electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry in combination with computational quantum chemistry calculations. Protonation and deprotonation sites were suggested on the basis of gas‐phase basicity, proton affinity, gas‐phase acidity (ΔGacid), atomic charges and frontier orbital analyses. The nature of the intramolecular interaction as well as of the hydrogen bond in the systems was investigated by the atoms‐in‐molecules theory and the natural bond orbital analysis. The results were compared with data published for lapachol (2‐hydroxy‐3‐(3‐methyl‐2‐butenyl)‐1,4‐naphthoquinone). For the protonated molecules, water elimination was verified to occur at lower proportion when compared with side chain elimination, as evidenced in earlier studies on lapachol. The side chain at position C(3) was found to play important roles in the fragmentation mechanisms of these compounds. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Conversion of 3‐nitrotyrosine to 3‐aminotyrosine residues facilitates mapping of tyrosine nitration in proteins by electrospray ionization–tandem mass spectrometry using electron capture dissociation
Authors: Guo Jia , Prokai Laszlo
Published: December 2012

Protein tyrosine nitration is associated with oxidative stress and various human diseases. Tandem mass spectrometry has been the method of choice for the identification and localization of this posttranslational modification to understand the underlying mechanisms and functional consequences. Due to the electron predator effect of the nitro group limiting fragmentation of the peptide backbone, electron‐based dissociation has not been applicable, however, to nitrotyrosine‐containing peptides. A straightforward conversion of the nitrotyrosine to the aminotyrosine residues is introduced to address this limitation. When tested with nitrated ubiquitin and human serum albumin as model proteins in top‐down and bottom‐up approaches, respectively, this chemical derivatization enhanced backbone fragmentation of the corresponding nitroproteins and nitropeptides by electron capture dissociation (ECD). Increased sequence coverage has been obtained by combining in the bottom‐up strategy the conversion of nitrotyrosine to aminotyrosine and introducing, in addition to trypsin, a further digesting enzyme of complementary specificity, when protein nitration was mapped by liquid chromatography–electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry using both collision‐induced dissociation (CID) and ECD. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Application of LC‐MS and LC‐MS‐MS to the analysis of photo‐decomposed crystal violet in the investigation of cultural heritage materials aging
Authors: Favaro Gabriella , Confortin Daria , Pastore Paolo , Brustolon Marinarosa
Published: December 2012

In this work, the accurate liquid chromatography‐ultraviolet‐visible (LC‐UV‐Vis), LC‐mass spectrometry (MS) and LC‐MS‐MS analysis of the photo‐degradation products of crystal violet (CV) is reported. CV is a light fugitive early synthetic dye which had a widespread diffusion into the market starting from the end of the XIX century and was used among others by V. Van Gogh and P. Gauguin in their writings, drawings or paintings. On‐line photodiode array detector enabled simultaneous UV‐Vis spectra acquisition. Many degradation compounds were identified through their exact mass (2 ppm accuracy) and MS‐MS technique. In particular, all CV demethylated products, demethylated Michler's ketone and particularly some compounds that most likely contain oxygen, such as N‐oxides, were found. Fragmentation products are all justified by the proposed fragmentation scheme, in term of precursor exact mass and isotopic profile, characteristic losses in fragmentation and rebuilt structure formula. In particular, we hypothesized the presence of N‐imido oxides and hydroxylamine derivates, never reported before, together with the demethylated derivatives of the studied dyes. All these compounds, although at trace level in our samples, contribute to the discoloration and fading of works of arts made with CV. In particular, demethylation of CV by UV light leads to formation of compounds absorbing at shorter wavelengths than CV (blue shift) or no‐absorbing in visible range (yellow‐colourless) with an overall effect that may appear reddish‐brown. This phenomenon justifies drawings appearing grey or brown on aged yellowed paper, when CV‐based inks or paints were used. The final aim was to better characterize the photo‐degradation of early synthetic dyes (in particular of CV) and to gain a better insight into the discoloration and fading of purple ink strokes made of CV. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Seroprevalence of hepatitis E virus in Hong Kong, 2008–2009
Authors: Chiu Diana M.Y. , Chan Martin C.W. , Yeung Apple C.M. , Ngai Karry L.K. , Chan Paul K.S.
Published: December 2012

The public health impact of hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection varies across the world. An HEV vaccine has been recently approved for clinical use in China. Population‐specific seroprevalence data are essential for cost‐effective assessment of vaccination programs. Here, a cross‐sectional study was performed to provide an update on the local seroprevalence of HEV. An archive of serum samples submitted for virological investigation between 2008 and 2009 to a general hospital was used. A total of 450 samples with equal numbers from each gender covering the age groups from 1–10 to >80 years (25 samples per group) were tested for HEV immunoglobulin G (IgG) by enzyme‐linked immunoassay. Age‐ and gender‐specific seroprevalence were determined. The HEV IgG positive rate increased from 8% among 1–10 years to 56% among >80 years. The increase in prevalence was constant throughout all age groups without a steeper slope or plateau observed from any age group. The overall positive rate among males was significantly higher than among females (32.9% vs. 24.4%, P = 0.048). The best‐fitted seroprevalence curves also suggested a higher positive rate for males across all age groups. Increased HEV IgG positivity was noted in comparison with historical local studies. Collectively, the prevalence of HEV in Hong Kong has increased over the past decade. A large proportion of the population is still susceptible to infection, and all age groups are at risk. Territory‐wide vaccination program should be considered. J. Med. Virol. 85:459–461, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Infection with hepatitis E virus in kidney transplant recipients in southeastern France
Authors: Moal Valérie , Legris Tristan , Burtey Stéphane , Morange Sophie , Purgus Raj , Dussol Bertrand , Garcia Stéphane , Motte Anne , Gérolami René , Berland Yvon , Colson Philippe
Published: December 2012

Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is an emerging cause of acute hepatitis in Europe, particularly in southern France, and HEV is a new causative agent of chronic hepatitis and cirrhosis in immunocompromised patients. However, the data regarding HEV infection after kidney transplantation are still scarce with respect to the clinical issues that have been raised, and no study has specifically focused on kidney transplant recipients. This study described the clinical features and outcomes of HEV infections in a cohort of kidney transplant recipients living in southeastern France. The epidemiological, clinical, and virological characteristics of HEV infections diagnosed by PCR over a 53‐month period were retrospectively analyzed in a cohort of 1,350 kidney transplant recipients monitored at the Marseille University Hospital. Sixteen HEV infections were diagnosed, all of which were autochthonous and involved genotype 3 viruses (HEV‐3). Chronic infections occurred in 80% of these patients and resolved in half of the cases after a median time of 39 months. The rate of HEV clearance was 54% after a decrease in the dose of immunosuppressants. One patient developed liver cirrhosis 14 months after infection and experienced acute rejection after a decrease in the dose of immunosuppressants. Autochthonous HEV‐3 infections in kidney transplant recipients progress to chronicity in most cases and might be complicated by early liver cirrhosis. Chronic HEV infection can resolve following the reduction of immunosuppressive therapy, but ribavirin may be required if reduction of the immunosuppressant dose is not associated with HEV clearance or is inappropriate for the patient management. J. Med. Virol. 85:462–471, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
mTOR regulates fatty infiltration through SREBP‐1 and PPARγ after a combined massive rotator cuff tear and suprascapular nerve injury in rats
Authors: Joshi Sunil K. , Liu Xuhui , Samagh Sanjum P. , Lovett David H. , Bodine Sue C. , Kim Hubert T. , Feeley Brian T.
Published: December 2012

Rotator cuff tears (RCTs) are among the most common injuries seen in orthopedic patients. Chronic tears can result in the development of muscular atrophy and fatty infiltration. Despite the prevalence of RCTs, little is known about the underlying molecular pathways that produce these changes. Recently, we have shown that mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling plays an important role in muscle atrophy that results from massive RCTs in a rat model. The purpose of this study was therefore to extend our understanding of mTOR signaling and evaluate its role in fatty infiltration after a combined tendon transection and suprascapular nerve denervation surgery. Akt/mTOR signaling was significantly increased and resulted in the up‐regulation of two transcription factors: SREBP‐1 and PPARγ. We also saw an increase in expression of adipogenic markers: C/EBP‐α and FASN. Upon treatment with rapamycin, an inhibitor of mTOR, we observed a decrease in mTOR signaling, activity of transcription factors, and reduction in fatty infiltration. Therefore, our study suggests that mTOR signaling mediates rotator cuff fatty infiltration via SREBP‐1 and PPARγ. Clinically, our finding may alter current treatment methods to address rotator cuff fatty infiltration. © 2012 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 31: 724–730, 2013
Unfocused extracorporeal shock waves induce anabolic effects in osteoporotic rats
Authors: van der Jagt Olav P. , Waarsing Jan H. , Kops Nicole , Schaden Wolfgang , Jahr Holger , Verhaar Jan A.N. , Weinans Harrie
Published: December 2012

Unfocused extracorporeal shock waves (UESW) have been shown to have an anabolic effect on bone mass. Therefore we investigated the effects of UESW on bone in osteoporotic rats with and without anti‐resorptive treatment. Twenty‐week‐old rats were ovariectomized (n = 27). One group was treated with saline and another group with Alendronate (ALN) 2.4 µg/kg, 3×/week. UESW were applied 2 weeks after ovariectomy. Thousand UESW were applied to one hind leg, the contra‐lateral hind leg was not treated and served as control. With the use of in vivo micro‐CT scanning it was shown that in saline treated rats trabecular bone volume fraction (BV/TV) was higher at 2 weeks follow‐up in UESW treated legs compared to control legs. However, at 4 and 10 weeks no difference was found. In ALN treated animals UESW led to a pronounced anabolic response resulting in an increase in BV/TV at all time‐points. Furthermore, UESW resulted in increased cortical volume (CtV), higher trabecular connectivity and, more plate‐like and thicker trabeculae. Biomechanical testing showed that UESW lead to a higher maximum force before failure and higher stiffness in all treatment groups. With histology abundant areas of intramembranous bone formation along the periosteal cortex and within the bone marrow were observed. In conclusion this study shows promising results for the use of UESW in the treatment of osteoporosis, especially when this treatment is combined with an anti‐resorptive treatment. © 2012 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 31: 768–775, 2013
Anti‐gravity treadmills are effective in reducing knee forces
Authors: Patil Shantanu , Steklov Nikolai , Bugbee William D. , Goldberg Timothy , Colwell Clifford W. , D'Lima Darryl D.
Published: December 2012

Lower body positive pressure (LBPP) treadmills permit significant unweighting of patients and have the potential to enhance recovery following lower limb surgery. We determined the efficacy of an LBPP treadmill in reducing knee forces in vivo. Subjects, implanted with custom electronic tibial prostheses to measure forces in the knee, were tested on a treadmill housed within a LBPP chamber. Tibiofemoral forces were monitored at treadmill speeds from 1.5 mph (0.67 m/s) to 4.5 mph (2.01 m/s), treadmill incline from −10° to +10°, and four treadmill chamber pressure settings adjusted to decrease net treadmill reaction force from 100% to 25% of the subject's body weight (BW). The peak axial tibiofemoral force ranged from 5.1 times BW at a treadmill speed of 4.5 mph (2.01 m/s) and a pressure setting of 100% BW to 0.8 times BW at 1.5 mph (0.67 m/s) and a pressure setting of 25% BW. Peak knee forces were significantly correlated with walking speed and treadmill reaction force (R2 = 0.77, p = 0.04). The LBPP treadmill might be an effective tool in the rehabilitation of patients following lower‐extremity surgery. The strong correlation between tibiofemoral force and walking speed and treadmill reaction forces allows for more precisely achieving the target knee forces desired during early rehabilitation. © 2012 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 31: 672–679, 2013