bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Preserving sarcomere number after tenotomy requires stretch and contraction
Authors: Van Dyke Jonathan M. , Bain James L.W. , Riley Danny A.
Published: September 2011

Introduction: Passive stretch therapy is utilized to improve the range of motion of chronically shortened muscles. However, human studies show conflicting results as whether passive stretch is clinically effective. Methods: The soleus muscles of adult rats were tenotomized to induce muscle shortening adaptation. Muscles included were non‐treated normal, subjected to daily static stretch, or lengthened and isometrically contracted for 20 min/day. Muscle fiber structure was analyzed histochemically. Sarcomeres per millimeter length were counted to assess the effect of treatment. Results: Passive stretch significantly reduced central core lesion formation, but sarcomere loss was not prevented. The addition of isometric contraction during static stretch significantly (P < 0.001) reduced sarcomere loss. Conclusions: Passive stretch alone does not prevent shortening adaptation. Contraction is required in combination with stretch to preserve the number of sarcomeres in series. The combination of stretch and contraction is necessary to maintain proper muscle fiber length. Muscle Nerve, 2012
Clinical utility of sensory nerve conduction of medial femoral cutaneous nerve
Authors: Oh Shin J. , Hatanaka Yuki , Ohira Masayuki , Kurokawa Katsuimi , Claussen Gwen C.
Published: September 2011

Introduction: In this investigation we report on the clinical utility of sensory nerve conduction studies of the medial femoral cutaneous (MFC) nerve.

Methods:

Sensory nerve conduction of the MFC nerve was assessed in 22 patients for whom this test was considered clinically necessary.

Results:

MFC nerve conduction was abnormal in 4 cases of MFC neuropathy. The most common cause was iatrogenic in 14 femoral neuropathy cases. MFC nerve conduction showed absent or low‐amplitude sensory nerve action potential (SNAP) in 13 cases, with femoral motor nerve conduction abnormal in 5 cases. In 2 cases with acute lumbar plexopathy, the MFC SNAP was absent unilaterally. MFC nerve conduction was normal in 1 case with diabetic lumbar radiculopathy and in another case with postpolio syndrome.

Conclusion:

Assessment of MFC nerve conduction is extremely useful in the diagnosis of femoral neuropathy, medial femoral cutaneous neuropathy, and lumbar plexopathy. Muscle Nerve, 2012
Effects of Alzheimer's disease transgenes on neurochemical expression in the mouse brain determined by 1H MRS in vitro
Authors: Forster D. M. , James M. F. , Williams S. R.
Published: September 2011

Transgenic models of human disease can be used to understand pathology and to discover biomarkers of disease presence, progression and response to therapy. Here we report a study of longitudinal metabolic differences between TASTPM transgenic Alzheimer's disease (AD) mice and their wild type counterparts using 1H magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) to look for potential biomarkers for use in AD research and drug discovery. Chloroform methanol extractions were performed on the brains of mice aged between 3 and 18 months. 1H MR spectra were recorded from the aqueous fractions. Absolute metabolite concentrations, determined from resonance integrals relative to an internal standard, were analysed by 2‐way ANOVA (genotype x age). Significant effects of age alone were identified for creatine, glutamine and total choline‐containing compounds. There was a marked increase in creatine in the oldest (15–18 mo) TASTPM mice. The increase in creatine was unexpected and may be caused by osmotic stress in older animals as plaque load increases. Care should be taken when using creatine as a reference metabolite during scans of these animals in vivo. A significant effect of genotype alone was identified for myo‐inositol (MI), which was higher in TASTPM mice at all ages. Succinate, glycerophosphocholine and choline all showed significant effects of age and genotype. No significant effects were detected in N‐acetylaspartate (NAA) levels. Increased MI could be a marker of gliosis or microglial activation in TASTPM mice, but the absence of an age dependence for MI levels means it may be a biomarker of disease, but not of disease progression. Decreased succinate is indicative of disrupted neuronal energy metabolism, an effect that has been seen in human AD. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
An interface‐enriched generalized FEM for problems with discontinuous gradient fields
Authors: Soghrati Soheil , Aragón Alejandro M. , Armando Duarte C. , Geubelle Philippe H.
Published: September 2011

A new generalized FEM is introduced for solving problems with discontinuous gradient fields. The method relies on enrichment functions associated with generalized degrees of freedom at the nodes generated from the intersection of the phase interface with element edges. The proposed approach has several advantages over conventional generalized FEM formulations, such as a lower computational cost, easier implementation, and straightforward handling of Dirichlet boundary conditions. A detailed convergence study of the proposed method and a comparison with the standard FEM are presented for heat transfer problems. The method achieves the optimal rate of convergence using meshes that do not conform to the interfaces present in the domain while achieving a level of accuracy comparable to that of the standard FEM with conforming meshes. Various application problems are presented, including the conjugate heat transfer problem encountered in microvascular materials. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Numerical approximation of Quasi‐Newtonian flows by ALE‐FEM
Authors: Lee Hyesuk
Published: September 2011

The aim of this work is to investigate the numerical approximation of a nonlinear, time‐dependent quasi‐Newtonian flow problem formulated in the framework of Arbitrary Lagrangian Eulerian method. We present some stability results and convergence analysis of finite element solutions for semidiscrete and fully discretized problems, respectively. Numerical results supporting the derived error estimate are also presented. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Numer Methods Partial Differential Eq, 2012
Modeling the effects of past relationship and obligation on changes in the health and health promotion of women caregivers of family members with dementia
Authors: Hodgins Marilyn J. , Wuest Judith , Malcolm Jeannie
Published: September 2011

Wuest's (1998, 2001) caregiving theory was tested with 282 women self‐identified as caregivers of family members with dementia to examine how quality of past relationship within caregiving dyads and sense of obligation to care affected their health outcomes and health promotion over 9 months, using latent growth curve analysis. The model explained 62% of the variance in women's health (Time 4). Health was affected positively by past relationship and negatively by obligation. Health promotion was positively affected by health (Time 1) and by obligation. Change observed in health promotion was nonlinear and positively affected health (Time 4). Findings suggest past relationship and obligation to care predict health outcomes for caregivers and that interventions to increase caregivers' health promotion may improve health outcomes. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Res Nurs Health 34:440–456, 2011
Middle Palaeolithic Cave Taphonomy: Discerning Humans from Hyenas at Arcy‐sur‐Cure, France
Authors: Enloe J. G.
Published: September 2011

Recent excavations at the Grotte du Bison, Arcy‐sur‐Cure, demonstrate essential continuity in industrial succession from the late Mousterian into the Châtelperronian. The faunal assemblage, however, demonstrates considerable occupation by hyenas and bears in alternation with that by humans in the underlying Mousterian levels. This demonstrates one of the fundamental problems of cave stratigraphies. The archaeological record of the Middle Palaeolithic rarely presents unambiguous associations and spatial configuration. A substantial proportion of the Middle Palaeolithic archaeological record has been investigated in cave mouth and rock shelter sites. Cave taphonomy most often results in complex palimpsests of depositional history, mixing debris from prehistoric human occupations with those from other processes, both geological and faunal. Spatial analysis may be one way of deciphering portions of complex depositions. Data from one Middle Palaeolithic level of the Grotte du Bison are presented here to illustrate the potential for discerning differential activity and occupation areas resulting from Neanderthals, hyenas and other animals. Signatures of associations of bone fragments with other classes of material recovered from recent excavations are offered to identify those portions of the palimpsest attributable to human activities. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Employees' perceptions of institutional values and employer‐employee relationships at the North‐West University
Authors: Holtzhausen Lida , Fourie Lynnette
Published: September 2011

A multicultural and multilingual tertiary environment—the North‐West University (NWU), with an endorsed corporate identity—had recently gone through an incorporation process (where other tertiary institutions had been merged into the main institutional structure). This created an ideal environment for an article aimed at the relationship between employees' perceptions of how effective the institution upheld its values and the continued quality of its employee relationships. The university consists of three independent campuses, each with their own corporate identity, ethos and employer–employee relationship structure. This article sets out to determine the nature of the NWU's employer–employee relationships and employees' perceptions of the institution's newly established corporate identity. Furthermore, values, integrity, commitment, accountability and respect were only recently established and are currently in a process of being incorporated as institutional philosophy drivers into the corporate identity of the NWU. Against this background, the following research question is asked: what is the relationship between NWU employees' perceptions of the institution's values and employer–employee relationships? The article indicates that there is a connection between the do‐value, integrity and the establishment of a communal relationship between the institution and its employees. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
THE POWER OF THE PURSE AND BUDGETARY ACCOUNTABILITY: EXPERIENCES FROM SUBNATIONAL GOVERNMENTS IN CHINA
Authors: Lu Yi , Xue Chenghai
Published: September 2011

Accountability is the cornerstone of fiscal administration. This research studies the relationship between accountability and the sharing of budgetary power. We found that the accountability in China is supported by the superior of bureaucratic power, instead of the comprehensiveness of various accountability components. The implication is that the accountability is facilitated in terms of emphasising to whom government officials are accountable within the chain of command, reducing goal conflicts and improving strategic goal attainment. However, it is hindered at the same time in terms of lacking evaluations perceived to be impartial, limited room for democratic accountability, over‐implementation of policies at all costs, and weak comprehensive awareness of ‘accountable for what’ (as long as it is a policy direction from the top). The structure of the power of the purse both enables and limits the tone and terrain of budget accountability in particular and government accountability in general. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Neuropilin‐1 expression in cancer and development
Authors: Jubb Adrian M , Strickland Laura A , Liu Scot D , Mak Judy , Schmidt Maike , Koeppen Hartmut
Published: September 2011

Neuropilin (NRP)‐1 is a co‐receptor for vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Preclinical data suggest that blockade of NRP1 suppresses tumour growth by inhibiting angiogenesis, in addition to directly inhibiting tumour cell proliferation in certain models. A humanized monoclonal antibody to NRP1 is currently being evaluated as a potential anti‐cancer therapy in clinical trials. However, the expression of NRP1 in cancer and physiological angiogenesis has yet to be systematically described. Here we characterize the in situ expression of NRP1 in human cancer and during mammalian development. A monoclonal antibody to human NRP1 was generated and validated for immunohistochemistry by western blotting, use of formalin‐fixed cell pellets transfected with NRP1, immunofluorescence, and comparison with in situ hybridization. NRP1 expression was assessed in whole sections of 65 primary breast carcinomas, 95 primary colorectal adenocarcinomas, and 90 primary lung carcinomas. An additional 59 human metastases, 16 xenografts, and three genetically engineered mouse tumour models were also evaluated. Immunoreactivity for NRP1 was seen in vessels from normal tissues adjacent to cancer and in 98–100% of carcinomas. Tumour cell expression of NRP1 was also observed in 36% of primary lung carcinomas and 6% of primary breast carcinomas, but no colorectal adenocarcinomas. NRP1 was evaluated in mouse embryos, where expression was limited to the nervous system, endocardium, vascular smooth muscle, and, focally, endothelium on subsets of vessels. Moreover, in a model of VEGF‐dependent angiogenesis in the postnatal mouse trachea, blockade of NRP1 signalling resulted in defective angiogenesis and recapitulated the effects of anti‐VEGF treatment. These observations confirm NRP1 as a valid anti‐angiogenic target in malignancy, and as a potential direct anti‐tumour target in a subset of cancers. The data also confirm a role for NRP1 in physiological, VEGF‐mediated angiogenesis. Copyright © 2011 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Alcohol consumption and binge drinking in young adult childhood cancer survivors
Authors: Rebholz Cornelia E. , Kuehni Claudia E. , Strippoli Marie‐Pierre F. , Rueegg Corina S. , Michel Gisela , Hengartner Heinz , Bergstraesser Eva , von der Weid Nicolas X. ,   for the Swiss Pediatric Oncology Group (SPOG)
Published: September 2011

Background

This study compared frequency of alcohol consumption and binge drinking between young adult childhood cancer survivors and the general population in Switzerland, and assessed its socio‐demographic and clinical determinants.

Procedure

Childhood cancer survivors aged <16 years when diagnosed 1976–2003, who had survived >5 years and were currently aged 20–40 years received a postal questionnaire. Reported frequency of alcohol use and of binge drinking were compared to the Swiss Health Survey, a representative general population survey. Determinants of frequent alcohol consumption and binge drinking were assessed in a multivariable logistic regression.

Results

Of 1,697 eligible survivors, 1,447 could be contacted and 1,049 (73%) responded. Survivors reported more often than controls to consume alcohol frequently (OR = 1.7; 95%CI = 1.3–2.1) and to engage in binge drinking (OR = 2.9; 95%CI = 2.3–3.8). Peak frequency of binge drinking in males occurred at age 24–26 years in survivors, compared to age 18–20 in the general population. Socio‐demographic factors (male gender, high educational attainment, French and Italian speaking, and migration background from Northern European countries) were most strongly associated with alcohol consumption patterns among both survivors and controls.

Conclusions

The high frequency of alcohol consumption found in this study is a matter of concern. Our data suggest that survivors should be better informed on the health effects of alcohol consumption during routine follow‐up, and that such counseling should be included in clinical guidelines. Future research should study motives of alcohol consumption among survivors to allow development of targeted health interventions for this vulnerable group. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2012; 58: 256–264. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Bone density in post‐pubertal adolescent survivors of childhood brain tumors
Authors: Cohen Laurie E. , Gordon Joshua H. , Popovsky Erica Y. , Sainath Nina N. , Feldman Henry A. , Kieran Mark W. , Gordon Catherine M.
Published: September 2011

Background

Childhood cancer survivors are at high risk for reduced bone mineral density (BMD). Our objective was to determine whether post‐pubertal adolescent survivors of brain tumors, whose tumor or treatments placed them at risk for pituitary hormone deficiencies, have low BMD near time of peak bone mass accrual, and to assess risk factors for decreased BMD.

Procedure

Chart review of 36 post‐pubertal adolescents with history of tumor or radiation therapy (RT) of the hypothalamic–pituitary area who had undergone BMD screening via dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry (DXA).

Results

Age at DXA was 16.9 ± 1.9 years (mean ± SD). Time since diagnosis was 8.5 ± 3.6 years. Median BMD Z scores were –0.95 (range −2.7 to 1.7) at the femoral neck, −1.20 (−3.6 to 1.8) at the hip, and −0.90 (−3.7 to 1.8) at the spine. Bone mineral apparent density (BMAD) Z scores were −0.23 (−2.7 to 1.9) at the femoral neck and −0.45 (−3.0 to 2.3) at the spine. Those with history of ≥1 fracture had lower BMD Z scores of the femoral neck, total hip, and spine (P < 0.05). Those with treated GH deficiency (GHD) had a higher BMD Z‐score at the femoral neck, total hip, and spine (P < 0.05) than those not treated. There was no difference in BMD with respect to treatment with chemotherapy, cranial or spinal RT, or hypogonadism. Spontaneous menarche and regular periods did not correlate with BMD.

Conclusions

In post‐pubertal adolescent survivors of childhood brain tumors, fracture history and untreated GHD are risk factors for decreased BMD. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2012; 58: 959–963. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Intra‐abdominal kaposiform hemangioendothelioma and the benefits of laparoscopic surveillance
Authors: Thompson Chris V. , Wells Jon M. , Bowen Claire , Brundler Marie‐Anne , Kearns Pamela , Arul G. Suren
Published: September 2011

We report a case of a neonate presenting with the rare vascular tumor, Kaposiform hemangioendothelioma. She had a lesion arising from the left ovary with multiple intraperitoneal metastases causing small bowel obstruction. We managed this case with primary surgical resection followed by laparoscopic surveillance of the peritoneal cavity and metastectomy. The child is fit and well and free of tumor after 32 months. Neither this presentation of this tumor nor this management approach has been previously described in the literature. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2012; 58: 992–993. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Effect of the nature of clay on the thermo‐mechanodynamical and electrical properties of epoxy/clay nanocomposites
Authors: Thelakkadan A.S. , Coletti G. , Guastavino F. , Fina A.
Published: September 2011

The effect of nature of clay on the thermo–mechanodynamical and electrical properties of epoxy/clay nanocomposites prepared from bisphenolic epoxy resins and different nanoclays are presented. The thermal–mechanodynamical properties of the nanocomposites were studied by DMTA, showing significant increase in both elastic modulus and glass transition temperature. Short time AC dielectric breakdown strength measurements carried out on the nanocomposites showed an increase in dielectric breakdown strength for the nanocomposites prepared with organically modified clays. The space charges accumulated in the materials as studied by pulsed electroacoustics method showed a significant decrease in the space charge accumulation in the nanocomposites with organoclays as the nanofiller. Similarly the space charge decays almost completely in the nanocomposites prepared with organoclays as nanofiller. POLYM. COMPOS., 2011. © 2011 Society of Plastics Engineers
Separation of bitter and nonbitter glucolipid from Lycopersicon Pennellii by liquid/liquid partition
Authors: Nair Muraleedharan , Burke Basil , Mudd Brian
Published: September 2011

Solvent extraction of the aerial portions of Lycopersicon pennellii afforded a dark green lipid extract with bitter taste and unpleasant odour. This total lipid was separted into colorless, odourless, bitter and nonbitter glucolipid fractions by liquid/liquid partition. This method was highly successful in the scale up production of bitter and nonbitter glucolipids.
High performance liquid chromatography, thin layer chromatography and ultraviolet behaviour of flavone aglycones with unsubstituted B rings
Authors: Tomás‐Barberán Francisco A. , Iniesta‐Sanmartin Esther , Ferreres Federico , Tomás‐Lorente Francisco
Published: September 2011

Structural identification of flavonoid aglycones with unsubstituted B rings is rather difficult using the classical techniques, especially with respect to chemotaxonomic studies when only minute amounts of substances are available. In the present work, the thin layer chromatography and high performance liquid chromatography behaviour of these substances has been evaluated, and correlations between structural features, Rf values and elution order (tR) have been established. In addition, their ultraviolet spectra in methanol have proved useful to ascertain substitution patterns and location of free hydroxyls. Additional Information can be obtained by analysis of the permethylated derivatives obtained by methylation of the naturally occurring compounds.
Interference of intracellular inorganic phosphate analysis by phosphatase in Papaver somniferum cell suspensions
Authors: Curtis Wayne R.
Published: September 2011

The analysis of intracellular inorganic phosphate in aqueous homogenates of Papaver somniferum cell suspensions results in an overestimation of intracellular inorganic phosphate (Pi) levels by as much as 300% due to protein interference and apparent phosphatase activity. Precipitation of protein with zinc sulfate results in a better estimate of intracellular Pi; however, phosphatase activity is still significant. Trichloroacetic acid (TCA) extraction effectively precipitates protein and eliminates phosphatase activity. Neutralization of the TCA extract prevents residual acid interference with subsequent colorimetric inorganic phosphate analysis. TCA extraction is shown to be a superior method for the analysis of intracellular Pi, especially in phosphate‐depleted plant cells.
Validation of ICD‐9‐CM codes to identify gastrointestinal perforation events in administrative claims data among hospitalized rheumatoid arthritis patients
Authors: Curtis Jeffrey R. , Chen Shih‐Yin , Werther Winifred , John Ani , Johnson David A.
Published: September 2011

Purpose

To validate, using physician review of abstracted medical chart data as a gold standard, a claims‐based algorithm developed to identify gastrointestinal (GI) perforation cases among rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients.

Methods

Patients with established RA, aged 18 years or older with hospital admissions between January 2004 and September 2009, were selected from a large US‐hospital‐based database. An algorithm with International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD‐9‐CM) diagnosis codes for GI perforation and combinations of GI‐related diagnosis codes and Current Procedural Terminology (CPT‐4) procedure codes for relevant GI surgeries was used to identify potential GI perforation cases. Two senior experienced specialist physicians independently reviewed abstracted chart data and classified cases as confirmed or unconfirmed GI perforations. Positive predictive values (PPVs) to identify confirmed GI perforation were calculated and stratified by upper versus lower GI tract.

Results

Overall, 86 of 92 GI perforation cases were confirmed, yielding an overall PPV of 94% (95%confidence interval [CI] = 86%–98%). PPV was 100% (95%CI = 100%–100%) for upper GI perforation (esophagus, stomach) and 91% (95%CI = 90%–97%) for lower GI perforation (small intestine, PPV = 100%; large intestine, PPV = 94%; unspecified lower GI, PPV = 89%).

Conclusions

This algorithm, consisting of a combination of ICD‐9‐CM diagnosis and CPT‐4 codes, could be used in future safety studies to evaluate GI perforation risk factors in RA patients. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Concentration photovoltaic optical system irradiance distribution measurements and its effect on multi‐junction solar cells
Authors: Herrero Rebeca , Victoria Marta , Domínguez César , Askins Stephen , Antón Ignacio , Sala Gabriel
Published: September 2011

This paper proposes an indoor procedure based on charge‐coupled device camera measurements to characterize the non‐uniform light patterns produced by optical systems used in concentration photovoltaic (CPV) systems. These irradiance patterns are reproduced on CPV solar cells for their characterization at concentrated irradiances by using a concentrator cell tester and placing high‐resolution masks over the cells. Measured losses based on the masks method are compared with losses in concentrator optical systems measured by using the Helios 3198 solar simulator for CPV modules. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Proteomic analysis of the sea‐island cotton roots infected by wilt pathogenVerticillium dahliae
Authors: Wang Fu‐Xin , Ma Yin‐Ping , Yang Chun‐Lin , Zhao Pi‐Ming , Yao Yuan , Jian Gui‐Liang , Luo Yuan‐Ming , Xia Gui‐Xian
Published: September 2011

Verticillium wilt of cotton is a vascular disease mainly caused by the soil‐born filamentous fungusVerticillium dahliae. To study the mechanisms associated with defense responses in wilt‐resistant sea‐island cotton (Gossypium barbadense) uponV.dahliaeinfection, a comparative proteomic analysis between infected and mock‐inoculated roots ofG. barbadensevar. Hai 7124 (a cultivar showing resistance againstV. dahliae) was performed by 2‐DE combined with local EST database‐assisted PMF and MS/MS analysis. A total of 51 upregulated and 17 downregulated proteins were identified, and these proteins are mainly involved in defense and stress responses, primary and secondary metabolisms, lipid transport, and cytoskeleton organization. Three novel clues regarding wilt resistance ofG. barbadenseare gained from this study. First, ethylene signaling was significantly activated in the cotton roots attacked byV. dahliaeas shown by the elevated expression of ethylene biosynthesis and signaling components. Second, the Bet v 1 family proteins may play an important role in the defense reaction against Verticillium wilt. Third, wilt resistance may implicate the redirection of carbohydrate flux from glycolysis to pentose phosphate pathway (PPP). To our knowledge, this study is the first root proteomic analysis on cotton wilt resistance and provides important insights for establishing strategies to control this disease.
Analysis of the serine/threonine/tyrosine phosphoproteome of the pathogenic bacterium Listeria monocytogenes reveals phosphorylated proteins related to virulence
Authors: Misra Sandeep K. , Milohanic Eliane , Aké Francine , Mijakovic Ivan , Deutscher Josef , Monnet Véronique , Henry Céline
Published: September 2011

Phosphorylation is the most common and widely studied post‐translational protein modification in bacteria. It plays an important role in all kinds of cellular processes and controls key regulatory mechanisms, including virulence in certain pathogens. To gain insight into the role of protein phosphorylation in the pathogen Listeria monocytogenes, the serine (Ser), threonine (Thr) and tyrosine (Tyr) phosphoproteome of this bacterium was determined. We used the “gel free” proteomic approach with high accuracy mass spectrometry after enrichment of phosphopeptides. A total of 143 sites of phosphorylation were clearly identified, on 155 unique peptides of 112 phosphoproteins. The Ser/Thr/Tyr phosphorylation site distribution was 93:43:7. All identified phosphopeptides are monophosphorylated, except one and many identified phosphoproteins are related to virulence, translation, phosphoenolpyruvate:sugar phosphotransferase system, glycolysis and stress response. A description of these phosphoproteins is provided together with a comparison of the phosphosites in the L. monocytogenes proteins and in their homologues of other bacteria for which the phosphoproteome has been determined. Compared with the previous studies, we noticed a more extended conservation of the phosphorylation sites in glycolytic enzymes as well as ribosomal proteins.
Effect of irradiation on ethyl 2‐amino‐4,5,6,7‐tetrahydrobenzo[b]thiophene‐3‐carboxylate: an ESR study
Authors: Usta Ayhan , Birey Mehmet , Sari Nursen , Altundas Aliye , Nartop Dilek
Published: September 2011

Ethyl 2‐amino‐4,5,6,7‐tetrahydrobenzo[b]thiophene‐3‐carboxylate [C11H15NO2S] was synthesized by the Gewald method. Its single crystals were grown from an alcohol/ethyl acetate solution at 15 °C and characterized using IR and 1H‐NMR. These single crystals were irradiated for 72 h at 298 K by a 60Co gamma source with a dose speed of 0.864 kGy/h. After irradiation, electron spin resonance (ESR) measurements were carried out to study radiation‐induced radicals in the temperature range from 120 to 450 K. Additionally, for the single crystal, ESR angular dependencies were measured in the xy, xz and yz planes of the substance. This irradiated single crystal was analyzed based on the ESR spectra. Analysis of the spectra revealed that the radical was formed by a C–H bond fission at the carbon end of the substance. It was also observed that the color of the sample changed after irradiation. The hyperfine and g parameters were determined from the experimental spectra. It was inferred from these results that the hyperfine parameters and g value exhibited anisotropic behavior. The average values of these parameters were calculated as follows: g = 2.0088, AH1=H2 = 20.70 G, AH3=H4 = 10.80 G, AHa = 4.59 G, AHb = 3.24 G and, AN = 6.10 G. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Physical properties of diblock methylcellulose derivatives with regioselective functionalization patterns: First direct evidence that a sequence of 2,3,6‐tri‐O‐methyl‐glucopyranosyl units causes thermoreversible gelation of methylcellulose
Authors: Nakagawa Atsushi , Fenn Dominik , Koschella Andreas , Heinze Thomas , Kamitakahara Hiroshi
Published: September 2011

This article describes detailed structure‐property relationships of 5 regioselectively methylated celluloses and 10 diblock cellulose derivatives with regioselective functionalization patterns: methyl 2,3,6‐tri‐O‐ (1, 236MC), methyl 2,3‐di‐O‐ (2, 23MC), methyl 2,6‐di‐O‐ (3, 26MC), methyl 3‐O‐ (4, 3MC), methyl 6‐O‐methyl‐cellulosides (5, 6MC), methyl β‐D‐glucopyranosyl‐(1→4)‐2,3,6‐tri‐O‐methyl‐ (6, G‐236MC), methyl β‐D‐glucopyranosyl‐(1→4)‐2,3‐di‐O‐methyl‐ (7, G‐23MC), methyl β‐D‐glucopyranosyl‐(1→4)‐2,6‐di‐O‐methyl‐ (8, G‐26MC), methyl β‐D‐glucopyranosyl‐(1→4)‐3‐O‐methyl‐ (9, G‐3MC), methyl β‐D‐glucopyranosyl‐(1→4)‐6‐O‐methyl‐ (10, G‐6MC), methyl β‐D‐glucopyranosyl‐(1→4)‐β‐D‐glucopyranosyl‐(1→4)‐2,3,6‐tri‐O‐methyl‐ (11, GG‐236MC), methyl β‐D‐glucopyranosyl‐(1→4)‐β‐D‐glucopyranosyl‐(1→4)‐2,3‐di‐O‐methyl‐ (12, GG‐23MC), methyl β‐D‐glucopy‐ranosyl‐(1→4)‐β‐D‐glucopyranosyl‐(1→4)‐2,6‐di‐O‐methyl‐ (13, GG‐26MC), methyl β‐D‐glucopyranosyl‐(1→4)‐β‐D‐glucopyranosyl‐(1→4)‐3‐O‐methyl‐ (14, GG‐3MC), and methyl β‐D‐glucopyranosyl‐(1→4)‐β‐D‐glucopyranosyl‐(1→4)‐6‐O‐methyl‐cellulosides (15, GG‐6MC). Surface tension, differential scanning calorimetry, fluorescence, and dynamic light scattering measurements of aqueous solutions of compounds 1–15 revealed that there was no relationship between aggregation behaviors and gel formation, gelation occurred only when the hydrophobic environments formed by hydrophobic interactions between the sequences of 2,3,6‐tri‐O‐methyl‐glucopyranosyl units upon heating. The diblock structure consisting of cellobiosyl block and approx. ten 2,3,6‐tri‐O‐methyl‐glucopyranosyl units was of crucial importance for thermoreversible gelation of methylcellulose. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 49: 1539–1546, 2011
Matched and mismatched cognitive appraisals in patients with breast cancer and their partners: implications for psychological distress
Authors: Bigatti Silvia M. , Steiner Jennifer L. , Makinabakan Nermin , Hernandez Ann Marie , Johnston Erica , Storniolo Anna Maria
Published: September 2011

Backround

The present study sought to identify couples' cognitive appraisals of breast cancer and the extent to which matched or mismatched appraisals within a couple contribute to distress.

Methods

Women with breast cancer (n = 57) and their partners completed the Cognitive Appraisals of Health Scale along with two self‐report measures of distress, the Profile of Mood States and the Impact of Events Scale. Four groups were created based on their cognitive appraisals. Couples where both patient and partner scored highest on challenge or benign appraisals formed the positive outlook group (P+S+); when both scored highest on threat or harm/loss, they formed the negative outlook group (P−S−). In the mismatched groups, the patient had a positive outlook, and their partner had a negative outlook (P+S−), or vice versa (P−S+).

Results

In general, lower distress was related to participants' own positive outlook. Higher distress for patients was found in the matched group P−S−; for partners, it was found in the mismatched group P+S−.

Conclusions

These findings suggest partner effects for both patients and partners. When the patient had a negative outlook, a partner negative outlook was associated with the highest psychological distress. When the partner had a negative outlook, a patient positive outlook was associated with the highest psychological distress. There are several possible explanations for these findings, each with different implications for clinical practice. Future research with different groups of cancer patients and longitudinal, mixed methods designs may clarify their meaning. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Psychological treatment outcomes for cancer patients: what do meta‐analyses tell us about distress reduction?
Authors: Linden Wolfgang , Girgis Afaf
Published: September 2011

Objective

The effectiveness of psychological treatment for distress reduction in cancer patients has been frequently studied and reviewed in systematic reviews but reviewer conclusions vary considerably. Clear and consistent evidence is needed to assist clinicians and administrators with their decision‐making. We hypothesized that uneven handling of confounding methodological features are at least partly the reason for disagreements and reviewed the literature in this light.

Method

A systematic review of 14 published meta‐analyses was conducted to determine whether due consideration of moderating variables in psycho‐oncological treatments permits clearer recommendations. Quality of the reviews, treatment type, dosage, therapist qualities, outcomes at follow‐up, and screening versus not screening for elevated distress were examined as moderator variables.

Results: Treatment effects are consistently positive but also vary greatly in magnitude. There is lacking evidence for many important questions, in particular, differential treatment effects for different cancer types and stages. Regarding moderators of outcome, quality of review had no impact on results for depression but including lower quality reviews actually lead to underestimation of treatment effects for anxiety. The most potent negative moderator variable, however, is a floor effect that arises when patients are recruited for treatment studies without being selected for high levels of distress. Such indiscriminate recruitment is very frequent in psycho‐oncology and leads to small reported treatment effects; when, however, patients are first screened for elevated distress, the ratio of observed treatment effects sizes is roughly three times greater.

Conclusion

Sweeping judgments about the effectiveness of psycho‐oncological treatments for distress reduction are somewhat misleading and counter‐productive. Among moderator variables, floor effects are particularly pervasive and have a large suppressor effect on observed outcomes. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Generation of monospecific antibodies based on affinity capture of polyclonal antibodies
Authors: Hjelm Barbara , Forsström Björn , Igel Ulrika , Johannesson Henrik , Stadler Charlotte , Lundberg Emma , Ponten Fredrik , Sjöberg Anna , Rockberg Johan , Schwenk Jochen M. , Nilsson Peter , Johansson Christine , Uhlén Mathias
Published: September 2011

A method is described to generate and validate antibodies based on mapping the linear epitopes of a polyclonal antibody followed by sequential epitope‐specific capture using synthetic peptides. Polyclonal antibodies directed towards four proteins RBM3, SATB2, ANLN, and CNDP1, potentially involved in human cancers, were selected and antibodies to several non‐overlapping epitopes were generated and subsequently validated by Western blot, immunohistochemistry, and immunofluorescence. For all four proteins, a dramatic difference in functionality could be observed for these monospecific antibodies directed to the different epitopes. In each case, at least one antibody was obtained with full functionality across all applications, while other epitope‐specific fractions showed no or little functionality. These results present a path forward to use the mapped binding sites of polyclonal antibodies to generate epitope‐specific antibodies, providing an attractive approach for large‐scale efforts to characterize the human proteome by antibodies.
Binding and inhibition of human spermidine synthase by decarboxylated S‐adenosylhomocysteine
Authors: Šečkutė Jolita , McCloskey Diane E. , Thomas H. Jeanette , Secrist John A. , Pegg Anthony E. , Ealick Steven E.
Published: September 2011

Aminopropyltransferases are essential enzymes that form polyamines in eukaryotic and most prokaryotic cells. Spermidine synthase (SpdS) is one of the most well‐studied enzymes in this biosynthetic pathway. The enzyme uses decarboxylated S‐adenosylmethionine and a short‐chain polyamine (putrescine) to make a medium‐chain polyamine (spermidine) and 5′‐deoxy‐5′‐methylthioadenosine as a byproduct. Here, we report a new spermidine synthase inhibitor, decarboxylated S‐adenosylhomocysteine (dcSAH). The inhibitor was synthesized, and dose‐dependent inhibition of human, Thermatoga maritima, and Plasmodium falciparum spermidine synthases, as well as functionally homologous human spermine synthase, was determined. The human SpdS/dcSAH complex structure was determined by X‐ray crystallography at 2.0 Å resolution and showed consistent active site positioning and coordination with previously known structures. Isothermal calorimetry binding assays confirmed inhibitor binding to human SpdS with Kd of 1.1 ± 0.3 μM in the absence of putrescine and 3.2 ± 0.1 μM in the presence of putrescine. These results indicate a potential for further inhibitor development based on the dcSAH scaffold.
Downregulation of phosphodiesterase 4B (PDE4B) activates protein kinase A and contributes to the progression of prostate cancer
Authors: Kashiwagi Eiji , Shiota Masaki , Yokomizo Akira , Itsumi Momoe , Inokuchi Junichi , Uchiumi Takeshi , Naito Seiji
Published: September 2011

BACKGROUND

Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed non‐cutaneous cancer in American men. Unfortunately, few successful therapies for castration‐resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) exist. The protein kinase A (PKA) pathway is a critical mediator of cellular proliferation and differentiation in various normal and cancerous cells. However, the PKA activity and the mechanism of regulation in CRPC remain unclear. Then, in this study, we intended to reveal the PKA activity and the mechanism of regulation in CRPC.

METHODS

Western blotting, quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction, cytotoxicity analysis, and cell proliferation assay were used to resolve the regulatory role of PKA in prostate cancer cell line, LNCaP and their derivatives.

RESULTS

cAMP‐specific phosphodiesterase 4B (PDE4B) was downregulated and the PKA pathway was activated in castration‐resistant LNCaP derivatives (CxR cells). Rolipram activated the PKA pathway via inhibition of PDE4B, resulting in AR transactivation while the PKA inhibitor, H89 reduced AR transactivation. In response to hydrogen peroxide and in hydrogen peroxide‐resistant LNCaP derivatives (HPR50 cells) PDE4B was decreased and as a result PKA activity was increased. Moreover, PDE4B expression was reduced in advanced prostate cancer and PDE4B knockdown promoted castration‐resistant growth of LNCaP cells.

CONCLUSIONS

Oxidative stress may suppress PDE4B expression and activate the PKA pathway. The PDE4B/PKA pathway contributed to progression of androgen‐dependent prostate cancer to CRPC. This pathway may represent an attractive therapeutic molecular target. Prostate 72:741–751, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Tumor focality is not associated with biochemical outcome after radical prostatectomy
Authors: Iremashvili Viacheslav , Pelaez Liset , Manoharan Murugesan , Acosta Kristell , Rosenberg Daniel L. , Soloway Mark S.
Published: September 2011

BACKGROUND

The clinical and prognostic significance of unifocal prostatic carcinoma is not clearly understood. In the current study, we sought to characterize the clinical and pathologic characteristics of unifocal and multifocal prostate cancers and to investigate the effects of tumor focality on biochemical outcome after radical prostatectomy.

METHODS

Our analysis included 1,444 radical prostatectomy patients with available information concerning the number and location of tumor foci in the specimen. Each patient was assigned to one of three groups depending on whether they had unifocal, multifocal, or extensive cancer. Clinical and pathological features as well as biochemical outcomes were compared between the groups.

RESULTS

Two hundred and seventy‐two mens in the study cohort (18.8%) had unifocal cancer. The rates of unifocal cancer did not differ significantly between the three studied time intervals (17.3% in 1992–1998, 20.5% in 1999–2004, and 17.8% in 2005–2011). The number of positive biopsy cores was slightly lower in the unifocal group, while the overall amount of biopsy tissue containing cancer was similar in both groups. The patients in the multifocal group had higher pathologic Gleason scores, increased incidence of positive surgical margin, and larger tumors. The rate of clinically significant Gleason score upgrade was significantly higher in the multifocal group compared to the unifocal group (35.7% vs. 21.7%, respectively, P < 0.001). The biochemical outcome after radical prostatectomy did not differ between patients with unifocal and multifocal cancers both on univariate and multivariate analyses.

CONCLUSIONS

Tumor focality is not an independent prognostic factor of biochemical outcome in radical prostatectomy patients. Prostate 72:762–768, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Organic photovoltaic devices based on graphene as an electron‐acceptor material and P3OT as a donor material
Authors: Wang Haiteng , He Dawei , Wang Yongsheng , Liu Zhiyong , Wu Hongpeng , Wang Jigang
Published: September 2011

We present the fabrication and performance studies of organic photovoltaic (OPV) devices with bulk heterojunction (BHJ) structure that use organic solution‐processable functionalized graphene (SPFGraphene) as an electron‐acceptor material and poly(3‐octylthiophene) (P3OT) as a donor material. The structural configuration of the device is ITO/PEDOT:PSS/P3OT:PCBM–SPFGraphene/LiF/Al. After mixing graphene into the device, the performance enhanced significantly. Given illumination at 100 mW/cm2 AM1.5 and P3OT/PCBM (1:1) mixture with 9 wt% of SPFGraphene, we recorded the best performances. The open‐circuit voltage (Voc) is 0.67 V. The short‐circuit current density (Jsc) is 4.6 mA/cm2. The FF is 0.37. And the power conversion efficiency is 1.14%. In the P3OT:PCBM–SPFGraphene composite, the SPFGraphene acts as exciton dissociation sites and provides the transport pathway of LUMO–graphene–Al. Adding SPFGraphene into P3OT produces an appropriate energetic distance between the HOMO and the LUMO of the donor/acceptor, which leads to a high open‐circuit voltage. Besides, doping SPFGraphene provides a higher exciton dissociation volume mobility of carrier transport, which leads to a large short‐circuit current density.
Monitoring of peptide induced disruption of artificial lipid membrane constructed on boron‐doped nanocrystalline diamond by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy
Authors: Petrák Václav , Grieten Lars , Taylor Andrew , Fendrych František , Ledvina Miroslav , Janssens Stoffel D. , Nesládek Miloš , Haenen Ken , Wagner Patrick
Published: September 2011

With the rise of antibiotic resistance of pathogenic bacteria there is an increased demand for monitoring of the functionality of bacteria membranes, whose disruption can be induced by peptide–lipid interactions. In this work we attempt to monitor formation and subsequent peptide induced disruption of supported lipid membranes (SLBs) on boron‐doped nanocrystalline diamond (B‐NCD). Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) was used to study in situ changes related to lipid membrane formation and disruption by peptide‐induced interactions. The observed impedance changes were minimal for oxidized B‐NCD samples. The sensitivity for the detection of membrane formation and disruption was significantly higher for hydrogenated B‐NCD surfaces. Data modelling indicates large differences in the structure of electrical double layer at the B‐NCD/SLB interface for hydrogen and oxygen terminated B‐NCD surfaces. For oxidized B‐NCD surfaces, EIS changes are negligible.
Doping of p‐type ZnSb: Single parabolic band model and impurity band conduction
Authors: Böttger P. H. Michael , Pomrehn Gregory S. , Snyder G. Jeffrey , Finstad Terje G.
Published: September 2011

Even though the ZnSb compound has been known for decades and used in the earliest thermoelectric devices, the potential of the material as a modern thermoelectric may be underestimated. We synthesized p‐type doped samples using ball‐milling and hot‐pressing and measured their thermoelectric properties including mobility and carrier concentration. Establishing a single parabolic band (SPB) model using these measurements on the Cu, Sn, and self‐doped samples allows for predictions on the optimum thermoelectric efficiency. It is projected to reach zT = 0.75 at 700 K. Deviations from the SPB model at low carrier concentrations are discussed and impurity band conduction is brought in as a possible explanation.
Effect of Ce3+‐codoping on the spectroscopic properties of Er‐doped YAG particles
Authors: Wang Qingguo , Su Liangbi , Li Hongjun , Zheng Lihe , Xu Xiaodong , Tang Huili , Guo Xin , Jiang Dapeng , Xu Jun
Published: September 2011

The Er3+‐single‐doped and Er3+/Ce3+‐codoped YAG particles were synthesized by solid‐phase synthesis method. The luminescence spectra of infrared and visible regions were measured at room temperature. Compared with the Er3+‐single‐doped YAG, the sample with 1%Er3+ and 10%Ce3+ has the highest luminescence intensity at ∼1.5 µm band, and the samples with Ce3+ have the weaker upconversion visible emission and the shorter lifetime of 4I11/2 level. That codoping with Ce3+ was confirmed to be an effective method to improve the quantum efficiency of Er3+ ∼1.5 µm radiation and to decrease the energy loss from the excited state absorption of Er3+.
Synthesis and photoluminescence properties of self‐assembled Eu‐doped ZnO hollow microspheres
Authors: Xu Jin , Wang Nating , Wang Weiqiang
Published: September 2011

ZnO hollow microspheres with a shell wall consisting of crystalline ZnO nanosheets were synthesized by using Zn5(CO3)2(OH)6 microspheres as spherical templates. Zn5(CO3)2(OH)6 microspheres were first fabricated by a solvothermal procedure in an ethylene glycol (EG)–water solution. ZnO microspheres with a hexagonal structure were identified by means of X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and selected‐area electron diffraction (SAED). On the basis of the results, a possible self‐assembly growth mechanism was proposed. It reveals that the EG played an important role in determining the hollow morphologies of Zn5(CO3)2(OH)6 structures. In addition, photoluminescence (PL) investigation of ZnO:Eu3+ suggested that a direct energy transfer occurred, which was ascribed to the energy transfer from ZnO host to Eu3+ ions.