bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Individual behavioral phenotypes: An integrative meta‐theoretical framework. Why “behavioral syndromes” are not analogs of “personality”
Authors: Uher Jana
Published: March 2011

Animal researchers are increasingly interested in individual differences in behavior. Their interpretation as meaningful differences in behavioral strategies stable over time and across contexts, adaptive, heritable, and acted upon by natural selection has triggered new theoretical developments. However, the analytical approaches used to explore behavioral data still address population‐level phenomena, and statistical methods suitable to analyze individual behavior are rarely applied. I discuss fundamental investigative principles and analytical approaches to explore whether, in what ways, and under which conditions individual behavioral differences are actually meaningful. I elaborate the meta‐theoretical ideas underlying common theoretical concepts and integrate them into an overarching meta‐theoretical and methodological framework. This unravels commonalities and differences, and shows that assumptions of analogy to concepts of human personality are not always warranted and that some theoretical developments may be based on methodological artifacts. Yet, my results also highlight possible directions for new theoretical developments in animal behavior research. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Dev Psychobiol 53:521–548, 2011.
Adrenocortical responses to strangers in preschoolers: Relations with parenting, temperament, and psychopathology
Authors: Hastings Paul D. , Ruttle Paula L. , Serbin Lisa A. , Mills Rosemary S.L. , Stack Dale M. , Schwartzman Alex E.
Published: March 2011

Previous research has provided inconsistent evidence for the relations between young children's hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) functioning and their temperament, parenting, and adjustment. Building biopsychosocial models of adjustment, we examined how temperamental inhibition and maternal punishment contributed to preschoolers' adrenocortical activity while interacting with adult strangers. We also examined whether HPA functioning moderated relations between dispositional and familial factors and children's internalizing and externalizing problems. A total of 402 preschool‐aged children from three independent samples with parallel and overlapping measures were studied. Salivary cortisol levels were measured twice while interacting with adult strangers during testing protocols. Mothers reported on temperamental inhibition, maternal punishment and children's problems. Maternal punishment predicted higher cortisol levels 20 and 65 min after meeting adult strangers. Prolonged cortisol elevation was associated with having fewer externalizing problems. Boys who experienced more maternal punishment and had higher cortisol 20 min after meeting strangers manifested more externalizing problems. Girls who were more inhibited and had prolonged cortisol elevations had more internalizing problems. In accord with biopsychosocial models of psychopathology, HPA functioning in preschoolers was sensitive to variations in socialization experiences, and moderated children's risk for emotional and behavioral problems. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Dev Psychobiol 53:694–710, 2011.
BDNF control of adult SVZ neurogenesis
Authors: Bath Kevin G. , Akins Michael R. , Lee Francis S.
Published: March 2011

The sensory processing of odorants is a dynamic process that requires plasticity at multiple levels. In the olfactory bulb (OB), inhibitory interneurons undergo lifelong replacement through a process known as adult neurogenesis. These newly born cells are incorporated in a learning‐dependent fashion, a process which has led some to suggest this as a primary mechanism through which the OB retains a high degree of plasticity throughout life. A continued focus of researchers in this field has been to understand the molecular mechanisms controlling adult subventricular zone (SVZ) neurogenesis and the innate functional role of these cells. Brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) has been identified as a strong candidate molecule regulating adult OB neurogenesis. We review what is known regarding the functional role of newly born cells, highlight the role of BDNF in this process, and describe preliminary findings from our lab implicating BDNF in the process of selecting of newly born cells for survival. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals,Inc. Dev Psychobiol 54: 578–589, 2012..
Long‐term visual recognition of familiar persons, peers, and places by young monkeys (Macaca fuscata)
Authors: Murai Chizuko , Tanaka Masayuki , Tomonaga Masaki , Sakagami Masamichi
Published: March 2011

Five‐year‐old Japanese monkeys were tested on long‐term visual recognition memory. The objects used were those that they had encountered daily during their first 2 years of life as to‐be‐remembered stimuli: persons, peers, and places. After a 3‐year delay, we conducted a recognition test using the preferential looking paradigm where the monkeys were presented with pictures of these familiar stimuli in combination with those of novel stimuli. The monkeys looked relatively longer at pictures of familiar stimuli than at those of novel stimuli, while participants in the control group, who had never seen the stimuli in question, showed no discriminative preference. The monkeys thus recognized the familiar stimuli through the pictures, suggesting retention of visual information on real objects encountered in their lives even after a 3‐year delay. Our present findings confirmed long‐term visual recognition in monkeys, which might be essential to ecologically and socially significant behaviors such as individual identification. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Dev Psychobiol 53:732–737, 2011.
Diabetes and bone health: the relationship between diabetes and osteoporosis‐associated fractures
Authors: Kurra Salila , Siris Ethel
Published: March 2011

It is well established that osteoporosis and diabetes are prevalent diseases with significant associated morbidity and mortality. The relationship between diabetes and bone disease is less well defined but recent data seem to suggest that diabetes and the complications associated with it can be detrimental to bone health. Furthermore, it appears that thiazolidinediones, medications used in the treatment of diabetes, can also cause bone loss and increase the risk of fracture. This article will review the relationship between diabetes and bone health. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Renal involvement and left ventricular hypertrophy are novel risk factors for morbidity and mortality in diabetes mellitus
Authors: Boner Geoffrey
Published: March 2011

Diabetes mellitus and its complications are major causes of morbidity and mortality. Traditionally hypertension and poor diabetic control have been considered to be major risk factors for the development of cardiac involvement. This review will examine two novel risk factors, namely renal involvement and left ventricular hypertrophy.

Renal involvement is manifested by increased excretion of protein in the urine and/or decreasing renal function. Several large studies have shown that both these factors are significant risk factors for cardiac involvement and increased mortality both in diabetic and non‐diabetic subjects. There is strong evidence to suggest an association between renal and cardiac involvement.

Cardiac hypertrophy is an important risk factor for the development of cardiac involvement. It is generally assumed that ventricular hypertrophy is a result of hypertension. However, it has been shown to be associated with metabolic disorders such as central obesity, diabetes mellitus and hypercholesterolemia, even in the absence of hypertension. The prevalence of ventricular hypertrophy is increased in patients with diabetes mellitus, especially in the presence of renal involvement. Diabetic patients with renal involvement and cardiac hypertrophy have also been shown to have an increased risk for developing cardiac complications and having an increased mortality rate.

Thus these two risk factors are important in the prognosis of the diabetic patient. Follow‐up of the diabetic patient should include careful examination for the presence of proteinuria, reduced renal function and left ventricular hypertrophy in the hope that treatment of these factors may reduce morbidity and mortality. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Efficient inducible Cre‐mediated recombination in Tcf21cell lineages in the heart and kidney
Authors: Acharya Asha , Baek Seung Tae , Banfi Serena , Eskiocak Banu , Tallquist Michelle D.
Published: March 2011

Tcf21 is a Class II bHLH family member with essential roles in the formation of the lungs, kidneys, gonads, spleen, and heart. Here, we report the utility of a mouse line with targeted insertion of a tamoxifen‐inducible Cre recombinase, MerCreMer at the Tcf21 locus. This mouse line will permit the inducible expression of Cre recombinase in Tcf21‐expressing cells. Using ROSA26 reporter mice, we show that Cre recombinase is specifically and robustly activated in multiple Tcf21‐expressing tissues during embryonic and postnatal development. The expression profile in the kidney is particularly dynamic with the ability to cause recombination in mesangial cells at one time of induction and podocytes at another time. These features make the Tcf21‐driven inducible Cre line (Tcf21iCre) a valuable genetic tool for spatiotemporal gene function analysis and lineage tracing of cells in the heart, kidney, cranial muscle, and gonads. genesis 49:870–877, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Periodicals, Inc.
Radical Coordination Chemistry and Its Relevance to Metal‐Mediated Radical Polymerization (Eur. J. Inorg. Chem. 10/2011)
Authors: Poli Rinaldo
Published: March 2011

The cover picture shows two different and interplaying processes involving a metal complex and organic radicals, which play a key role in the controlled radical polymerization of vinyl acetate by what has been termed “Organometallic Mediated Radical Polymerization” (OMRP). Bis(acetylacetonato)cobalt(II), Co(acac)2, reversibly adds the growing radical chain (symbolized by “M + R�”) to form a dormant metal‐capped (acac)2Co–PVAc chain (“M–R”), which contains a thermally fragile metal–carbon bond. The latter, however, in addition to the reversible radical chain dissociation, can also undergo an associative radical‐chain exchange through a transition state symbolized as “R···M···R”. This is just one example of how one‐electron processes involving metal complexes and radicals play a fundamental role in radical polymerization. It is the topic of the Microreview by R. Poli on p. 1513 ff, covering the coordination chemistry of organic radicals and its relevance to metal‐mediated radical polymerization. The background image represents a random conformation of a poly(vinyl acetate) chain segment.
AuI‐Catalyzed Intramolecular Cyclization of 2‐Alkenylphenyl Carbonyl Compounds: Exploring the Oxophilic Lewis Acidity of AuI Species
Authors: Jagdale Arun R. , Youn So Won
Published: March 2011

A AuI‐catalyzed intramolecular cyclization reaction of 2‐alkenylphenyl carbonyl compounds to afford a variety of indene, indenol, and indanone ring systems was developed. In this process, AuI serves to activate the carbonyl group of β‐keto esters, aldehydes, and ketones, preferentially exhibiting oxophilicity in the presence of C–C multiple bonds. Furthermore, β‐keto esters could participate as the electrophilic partner in reactions with carbon nucleophile such as alkenes.
The Course Concierge service
Authors: Neill Paul A.
Published: March 2011

A Course Concierge service helps students navigate a path through full classes and scheduling conflicts.
Partners in student success
Authors: Tatro Clayton N. , Hodson J. Bradford
Published: March 2011

Pittsburg State University and Fort Scott Community College built a bridge program to make education more accessible to students.
Knowledge sourcing in IT support services
Authors: Workman Sue B.
Published: March 2011

Indiana University uses technology and knowledge management to provide abundant leveraged IT support.
The Student Success Coach
Authors: Neuhauser Claudia , Weber Kendra
Published: March 2011

A new Health Sciences undergraduate major created a need for innovative support services on a recently established campus.
A proactive approach to serving military and veteran students
Authors: Moon Tracey L. , Schma Geraldine A.
Published: March 2011

Western Michigan University responded to the unique and growing needs of military and veteran students by creating an office that spearheaded a move to engage the entire academic community.
Isotopic analysis of water sources of mountainous plant uptake in a karst plateau of southwest China
Authors: Rong Li , Chen Xi , Chen Xunhong , Wang Shijie , Du Xuelian
Published: March 2011

Ecosystem in the karst region of southwest China is very fragile due to a very limited amount of water storage for plant uptake in the thin and rocky soils underlain by rock fractures. Plants in these karst regions are thought to take water from the soils and shallow fractured rock zone (subcutaneous zone) as well. However, the role of subcutaneous water in maintaining karst vegetation remains unclear, and proportions of the water sources for plant uptake in different environment conditions are unknown. In this study, five typical species of plants at two sites were selected in a karst plateau of Qingzhen, central Guizhou Province of China. Proportions of the possible water sources contributed for the plant uptake from two soil layers and subcutaneous zone were determined on the basis of δD and δ18O values of plant stem water, soil water and subcutaneous water. The analysis reveals that most plants take water from the soil layers and the subcutaneous zone as well, but proportions of these water contributions for plant uptake vary seasonally and depend on site‐specific conditions and plant species. Plant uptake of the subcutaneous water for all species averages less than 30% of the total monthly amount in June and September, compared with more than 60% in dry December. Plants tend to take a larger proportion of water from the upper soil layer at the bush site than at the forest site in June and September (63 vs 28% in July; 66 vs 54% in September for all species in average). In December, however, 98% of water is taken from the subcutaneous zone at the bush site which is much greater than 68% at the forest site. Compared to deciduous arbor, evergreen shrub takes a greater proportion of subcutaneous water in the December drought. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A practical estimation of Clark IUH parameters using root selection and linear programming
Authors: Seong Kee‐Won , Lee Yong‐Hak
Published: March 2011

The values of the parameters of the Clark instantaneous unit hydrograph (IUH) are often relying on the subjective decision of the researcher, which leads to large variations of their values. Therefore, an objective method minimizing the subjective judgement in the IUH modelling procedure while providing a reduced range of acceptable values is proposed. The proposed method uses a basin average IUH to mitigate the robustness problem of the Clark IUH parameters. Using linear system theory, the z‐transform is applied to the average IUH and then the IUH polynomial is factored into the recession and time‐area curve (TAC) components based on a convolution relation between the Clark IUH parameters. During this calculation, the root selection method was adopted to verify the storage coefficient R from the recession component and a linear programming technique was applied for determining the TAC for the basin of interest. The Wi River basin was used to test the applicability of the proposed method. The results showed that the components of a single reservoir and the TAC for Clark IUH were separated effectively, and acceptable values for the parameters were obtained. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Application of snowmelt runoff model for water resource management
Authors: Butt Mohsin Jamil , Bilal Muhammad
Published: March 2011

Snow‐covered areas (SCAs) are the fundamental source of water for the hydrological cycle for some region. Accurate measurements of river discharge from snowmelt can help manage much needed water required for hydropower generation and irrigation purposes. This study aims to apply the snowmelt runoff model (SRM) in the Upper Indus basin by the Astore River in northern Pakistan for the years 2000 to 2006. The Shuttle Radar Topographic Mission (SRTM) data are used to generate the Digital Elevation Model (DEM) of the region. Various variables (snow cover depletion curves (SCDCs), temperature and precipitation) and parameters (degree‐day factor, recession coefficient, runoff coefficients, time lag, critical temperature and temperature lapse rate) are used as input in the SRM. However, snow cover data are direct and an important input to the SRM. Satellite data from the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) are used to estimate the SCA. Normalized difference snow index (NDSI) algorithm is applied for snow cover mapping and to differentiate snow from other land features. Nash–Sutcliffe coefficient of determination (R2) and volume difference (DV) are used for quality assessment of the SRM. The results of the current research show that for the study years (2000–2006), the average value of R2 is 0·87 and average volume difference DV is 1·18%. The correlation coefficient between measured and computed runoff is 0·95. The results of the study further show that a high level of accuracy can be achieved during the snowmelt season. The simulation results endorse that the SRM in conjunction with MODIS snow cover product is very useful for water resource management in the Astore River and can be used for runoff forecasts in the Indus River basin in northern Pakistan. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Enhancement of vascularization and granulation tissue formation by growth factors in human platelet‐rich plasma‐containing fragmin/protamine microparticles
Authors: Takikawa Megumi , Nakamura Shin‐Ichiro , Nakamura Shingo , Nambu Masaki , Ishihara Masayuki , Fujita Masanori , Kishimoto Satoko , Doumoto Takashi , Yanagibayashi Satoshi , Azuma Ryuichi , Yamamoto Naoto , Kiyosawa Tomoharu
Published: March 2011

The purpose of this study was to evaluate effects of human platelet‐rich plasma (PRP)‐containing fragmin/protamine microparticles (F/P MPs) as a protein carrier on neovascularization and granulation tissue formation. Frozen and thawed PRP contains high concentrations of various growth factors (GFs) and F/P MPs effectively adsorb those GFs. Human microvascular endothelial cells (MVECs) and dermal fibroblast cells (DFCs) were optimally grown in medium containing 4% PRP and the addition of F/P MPs significantly maintained and protected the proliferative activity of PRP incubated at 37°C for more than 10 days. When PRP‐containing F/P MPs were subcutaneously injected into the back of mice, significant neovascularization was induced near the injected site with enhanced filtration of inflammatory cells from day 3 to day 30, compared with controls (injections of PRP, F/P MPs, and saline). Both PRP‐containing F/P MPs and PRP alone induced significant formation of granulation tissue at the injected site. However, thickness of induced granulation tissues was well maintained for 30 days only in PRP‐containing F/P MP‐injected group. Those bound GFs may be gradually diffused and released from F/P MPs in vitro and in vivo. Thereby, PRP‐containing F/P MPs offer significantly higher inductions of vascularization and fibrous tissue formation in vivo than PRP alone. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2011.
Effects of dilute acid pretreatment on enzyme saccharification of wheat stubble
Authors: Vancov Tony , McIntosh Shane
Published: March 2011

BACKGROUND: Prehydrolysis of wheat stubble using moderate temperatures and dilute acid strength is an effective means for solubilizing hemicellulose fractions and improving cellulose hydrolysis. Variation in prehydrolysis parameters (temperature, time, and acid strength) and enzymatic saccharification conditions were examined for conversion of wheat stubble into fermentable sugars.

RESULTS: Elevating temperature and acid strength maximized sugar release in prehydrolysate liquors. The optimal conditions of 2.0% H2SO4/60 min/121 °C effectively solubilized 79% of the available hemicellulose. Production of inhibitory hydrolysis and degradation products such as acetic acid and levulinic acid, were detected at levels of 3.4 g L−1 and 0.64 g L−1, respectively. Sugar yields in prehydrolysate and saccharified liquors were found to increase with treatment severity. Temperature had the greatest impact on sugar release, followed by acid concentration and time. Optimizing prehydrolysis conditions at 1.0% H2SO4/90 min/121 °C, produced a 3.2‐fold improvement in cellulose hydrolysis with recoveries approaching 82%. The addition of β‐glucosidase and xylanase to the cellulase preparations assisted monomeric sugar release.

CONCLUSION: Although treatment conditions for hemicellulose and cellulose hydrolysis differ, the study's findings suggest a good degree of overlap and process flexibility which should permit high recovery of pentose and hexose sugars. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry
Ultrafiltration and nanofiltration membranes applied to the removal of the pharmaceuticals amoxicillin, naproxen, metoprolol and phenacetin from water
Authors: Javier Benitez F. , Acero Juan L. , Real Francisco J. , Roldán Gloria , Rodriguez Elena
Published: March 2011

BACKGROUND: In the removal of pharmaceuticals present in aquatic systems by membrane processes, some important issues must be explored in order to obtain a better knowledge of the global process. Among these issues, a better understanding of the influences of the operating parameters on the membrane flux, an analysis of membrane resistances and fouling, and determination of the removal of specific substances, must be studied.

RESULTS: Four selected pharmaceuticals (amoxicillin, naproxen, metoprolol and phenacetin) were subjected to ultrafiltration (UF) and nanofiltration (NF) processes for their removal from several water matrices. The determined permeate fluxes at the steady state were affected by the main operating conditions: molecular weight cut‐off (MWCO) of the membrane, transmembrane pressure TMP, cross‐flow velocity and temperature. The retention coefficients with the UF membranes followed the sequence naproxen > metoprolol > amoxicillin > phenacetin, and with the NF membranes, followed the trend: amoxicillin > naproxen > metoprolol > phenacetin, due to the role of other mechanisms such as size exclusion and electrostatic repulsion. In the case of the selected water matrices, the retention coefficient was referred to some quality parameters (total organic carbon, chemical oxygen demand and absorbance at 254 nm), leading to moderate (UF) or high (NF) removals of the organic matter content.

CONCLUSIONS: The NF CK membrane achieved the highest retention of these pharmaceuticals (excepting phenacetin), and provided retentions for quality parameters around 80% in the four water systems tested. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry
Growth kinetics and lipid production using Chlorella vulgaris in a circulating loop photobioreactor
Authors: Sasi Divya , Mitra Pranabendu , Vigueras Andrea , Hill Gordon A.
Published: March 2011

BACKGROUND: Compared with agriculture, microalgae culture promises to be a novel way of producing lipids for both food consumption and transportation fuel (biodiesel) purposes while using a minimal amount of land area. A circulating loop photobioreactor has been used to study the growth kinetics and lipid yield of Chlorella vulgaris growing on carbon dioxide as the sole source of carbon.

RESULTS: Because of high photosynthetic active radiation (PAR) fluxes, C. vulgaris was observed to grow in exponential mode. The highest growth rate achieved was 0.049 h−1 at the optimum growth conditions of 71.8 mW L−1 PAR density, 10% CO2 (v/v) in air and with an applied 8 h dark phase. The microalgae was observed to grow in a Monod fashion with a PAR density saturation coefficient of 2.8 mW L−1. Light intensity showed the potential to significantly increase lipid yield, which reached a maximum of 30% (by mass) of cell dry weight.

CONCLUSION: The circulating loop photobioreactor is a low‐cost bioreactor technology capable of culturing photosynthetic microalgae at high PAR densities and with uniform mixing and lighting. C. vulgaris is able to grow exponentially in this bioreactor and produce lipids at concentrations up to 30% by cell dry weight. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry
Different process configurations for bioethanol production from pretreated olive pruning biomass
Authors: Manzanares Paloma , Negro Maria Jose , Oliva Jose Miguel , Saéz Felicia , Ballesteros Ignacio , Ballesteros Mercedes , Cara Cristobal , Castro Eulogio , Ruiz Encarnacion
Published: March 2011

BACKGROUND: In Mediterranean countries, olive tree pruning provides a widely available renewable agricultural residue with, currently, no industrial application. This residue could provide feedstock for the bioethanol industry. In the present study, olive tree pruning biomass pretreated with both ‘liquid hot water’ and ‘dilute‐sulfuric acid’ was tested as a substrate for ethanol production. Three different process configurations, separate hydrolysis and fermentation (SHF), simultaneous saccharification, fermentation and prehydrolysis (PSSF), and simultaneous saccharification and fermentation (SSF), were compared at different water‐insoluble solids concentrations.

RESULTS: High ethanol concentration of about 3.7% (v/v) was obtained by separate hydrolysis and fermentation or prehydrolysis and simultaneous saccharification and fermentation of liquid hot water pretreated at 23% (w/w) substrate loading.

CONCLUSION: The nature of the pretreated residue allows high substrate concentration (≥17% w/w) to be used in the enzymatic hydrolysis step. Substrate loading of 17% DM has been shown to provide a compromise between hydrolysis efficiency and glucose concentrations for the same enzyme/substrate ratio. Prehydrolysis prior to simultaneous saccharification and fermentation facilitated SSF performance at high substrate loading on liquid hot water pretreated olive pruning residue. This effect was not observed with dilute‐acid pretreated substrate. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry
Photo‐reduction and adsorption in aqueous Cr(VI) solution by titanium dioxide, carbon nanotubes and their composite
Authors: Tsai Yung‐Pin , Doong Ruey‐an , Yang Jhih‐Ci , Wu Ying‐Jie
Published: March 2011

BACKGROUND: This study compared the removal of aqueous Cr(VI) by multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (CNTs) modified by sulfuric acid, titanium dioxide (TiO2) and composite of CNTs and TiO2.

RESULTS: More than 360 h contact time was needed to completely adsorb 3 mg L−1 of Cr(VI) by CNTs, indicating that the rate of adsorption by CNTs alone was slow. The reaction time approaching equilibrium depended on the Cr(VI) concentration. XPS analysis of CNTs after adsorbing Cr(VI) showed that the Cr(VI) on the surface of CNTs was partially reduced to Cr(III). A 3 mg L−1 solution of Cr(VI) was fully photocatalyzed by commercial TiO2 (Degussa P25) in less than 0.5 h under UV irradiation. Unlike P25, reduction by another commercial TiO2 (Hombikat UV100) took 4 h and more than 2 h were necessary for reduction by the composite. Thus the efficiency of Cr(VI) photo‐reduction by the composite was lower than by TiO2, but higher than that by CNTs. XPS analysis of TiO2 and composite showed the existence of both Cr(VI) and Cr(III) on their surfaces.

CONCLUSION: In contrast to TiO2, the reduction rate of aqueous Cr(VI) using CNTs as adsorbent was slow. P25 had a markedly higher photocatalytic efficiency than the composite or UV100 alone. Using P25 to reduce aqueous Cr(VI) has a higher potential for practical application. The diameters of TiO2 and CNTs and the ratio of TiO2/CNTs are key problems in the preparation of TiO2/CNTs composite. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry
PAA‐Derived Gold Nanorods for Cellular Targeting and Photothermal Therapy
Authors: Kirui Dickson K. , Krishnan Sushmitha , Strickland Aaron D. , Batt Carl A.
Published: March 2011

A single‐step LbL procedure to functionalize CTAB‐capped GNRs via electrostatic self‐assembly is reported. This approach allows for consistent biomolecule/GNR coupling using standard carboxyl‐amine conjugation chemistry. The focus is on cancer‐targeting biomolecule/GNR conjugates and selective photothermal destruction of cancer cells by GNR‐mediated hyperthermia and NIR light. GNRs were conjugated to a single‐chain antibody selective for colorectal carcinoma cells and used as probes to demonstrate photothermal therapy. Selective targeting and GNR uptake in antigen‐expressing SW 1222 cells were observed using fluorescence microscopy. Selective photothermal therapy is demonstrated using SW 1222 cells, where >62% cell death was observed after cells are treated with targeted A33scFv‐GNRs.

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The Witten complex for singular spaces of dimension two with cone‐like singularities
Authors: Ludwig Ursula
Published: March 2011

The Witten deformation is a method proposed by Witten which, given a function \documentclass{article}\usepackage{amssymb}\pagestyle{empty}\begin{document}$f:M \longrightarrow \mathbb {R}$\end{document} on a smooth compact manifold M, allows to prove the Morse inequalities. Witten’s proof of the Morse inequalities is analytical and can thus be applied to situations where the Thom‐Smale method is not accessible. In these notes we generalise the Witten deformation to certain singular Riemannian manifolds X which are metric models for singular algebraic curves, and functions on X which we call admissible Morse functions. They are particular examples of stratified Morse functions in the sense of the theory developed by Goresky and MacPherson. © 2011 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim
Reduction of Graphene Oxide by Aniline with Its Concomitant Oxidative Polymerization
Authors: Xu Li Qun , Liu Yi Liang , Neoh Koon‐Gee , Kang En‐Tang , Fu Guo Dong
Published: March 2011

Graphene oxide (GO) nanosheets are readily reduced by aniline above room temperature in an aqueous acid medium, with the aniline simultaneously undergoing oxidative polymerization to produce the reduced graphene oxide‐polyaniline nanofiber (RGO‐PANi) composites. The resulting RGO‐PANi composites and RGO (after dissolution of PANi) were characterized by XPS, XRD analysis, TGA, UV–visible absorption spectroscopy, and TEM. It was also found that the RGO‐PANi composites exhibit good specific capacitance during galvanostatic charging–discharging when used as capacitor electrodes.

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Withaferin a suppresses estrogen receptor‐α expression in human breast cancer cells
Authors: Hahm Eun‐Ryeong , Lee Joomin , Huang Yi , Singh Shivendra V.
Published: March 2011

We have shown previously that withaferin A (WA), a promising anticancer constituent of Ayurvedic medicine plant Withania somnifera, inhibits growth of MCF‐7 and MDA‐MB‐231 human breast cancer cells in culture and MDA‐MB‐231 xenografts in vivo by causing apoptosis. However, the mechanism of WA‐induced apoptosis is not fully understood. The present study was designed to systematically determine the role of tumor suppressor p53 and estrogen receptor‐α (ER‐α) in proapoptotic response to WA using MCF‐7, T47D, and ER‐α overexpressing MDA‐MB‐231 cells as a model. WA treatment resulted in induction as well as increased S15 phosphorylation of p53 in MCF‐7 cells, but RNA interference of this tumor suppressor conferred modest protection at best against WA‐induced apoptosis. WA‐mediated growth inhibition and apoptosis induction in MCF‐7 cells were significantly attenuated in the presence of 17β‐estradiol (E2). Exposure of MCF‐7 cells to WA resulted in a marked decrease in protein levels of ER‐α (but not ER‐β) and ER‐α regulated gene product pS2, and this effect was markedly attenuated in the presence of E2. WA‐mediated down‐regulation of ER‐α protein expression correlated with a decrease in its nuclear level, suppression of its mRNA level, and inhibition of E2‐dependent activation of ERE2e1b‐luciferase reporter gene. Ectopic expression of ER‐α in the MDA‐MB‐231 cell line conferred partial but statistically significant protection against WA‐mediated apoptosis, but not G2/M phase cell cycle arrest. Collectively, these results indicate that WA functions as an anti‐estrogen, and the proapoptotic effect of this promising natural product is partially attenuated by p53 knockdown and E2‐ER‐α. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Methyl‐CpG binding column‐based identification of nine genes hypermethylated in colorectal cancer
Authors: Kober Paulina , Bujko Mateusz , Olędzki Janusz , Tysarowski Andrzej , Siedlecki Janusz A.
Published: March 2011

DNA methylation is an epigenetic event that plays a role in gene expression regulation. Alterations in DNA methylation contribute to cancer development and progression. The aim of this study was to identify gene promoters aberrantly methylated in colorectal tumor tissue in comparison to normal colonic mucosa. Analyses were performed on two pooled DNA samples: from normal and cancerous tissue obtained from CRC patients. DNA was fractionated according to methylation degree with the use of affinity column containing methyl‐CpG binding domain. To identify novel hypermethylated gene promoters, methylated DNA from normal and from cancerous tissues were analyzed with the use of promoter microarrays. We identified nine novel genes hypermethylated in colorectal cancer. The frequency of their promoter methylation was assessed in the larger group of patients (n = 77): KCNK12 (methylated in 41% of CRC patients), GPR101 (40%), CDH2 (45%), BARX1 (56%), CNTFR (22%), SYT6 (64%), SMO (21%), EPHA5 (43%), and GSPT2 (21%). The results of gene expression level analysis suggest the role of promoter methylation in downregulation of six out of nine genes examined. We did not find correlation between gene methylation and age, gender, tumor grade or stage. Importantly, in stage IV CRC methylation of GPR101 correlated with longer time to progression (P = 0.0042; HR = 2.5468; 95% CI 1.5391–10.0708). © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Genetic polymorphism in the 3′‐untranslated region of the E‐cadherin gene is associated with risk of different cancers
Authors: Li Yan , Tang Yuanjia , Zhou Rongmiao , Sun Donglan , Duan Yanan , Wang Na , Chen Zhifeng , Shen Nan
Published: March 2011

The genetic polymorphisms in E‐cadherin gene (CDH1) may affect invasive/metastatic disease development by altering gene transcriptional activity. In this paper, we investigated the effect of 3′‐UTR +54C/T polymorphism (rs1801026) in CDH1 gene on the risk and progression of several common cancers. Multiple completely independent case‐control analyses of 1081 cancer patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC), gastric cardiac adenocarcinoma (GCA), non‐small‐cell lung cancer (NSCLC), and cervical cancer and 1131 control subjects in northern Chinese populations. The results showed that the carriers with T allele were significantly decreased the risk of developing GCA, NSCLC, and cervical cancer, with an adjusted odds ratio of 0.67 (95% CI = 0.48–0.91), 0.68 (95% CI = 0.49–0.92), and 0.66 (95% CI = 0.48–0.92), respectively. There were no association between the frequency of genotype and the clinicopathological features of ESCC, GCA, and NSCLC, but the frequency of T allele was significantly lower in patients of stage III cervical cancer (P = 0.026). These results suggested that the 3′‐UTR +54C/T polymorphism in CDH1 may be a marker for genetic susceptibility of cancer. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Bromelain inhibits nuclear factor kappa‐B translocation, driving human epidermoid carcinoma A431 and melanoma A375 cells through G2/M arrest to apoptosis
Authors: Bhui Kulpreet , Tyagi Shilpa , Srivastava Amit Kumar , Singh Madhulika , Roy Preeti , Singh Richa , Shukla Yogeshwer
Published: March 2011

Bromelain, obtained from pineapple, is already in use clinically as adjunct in chemotherapy. Our objective was to test its ability to act as a sole anti‐cancer agent. Therefore, we describe its anti‐proliferative, anti‐inflammatory and subsequent anti‐cancer effects in vitro, against human epidermoid carcinoma‐A431 and melanoma‐A375 cells. Bromelain exhibited reduction in proliferation of both these cell‐lines and suppressed their potential for anchorage‐independent growth. Further, suppression of inflammatory signaling by bromelain was evident by inhibition of Akt regulated‐nuclear factor‐kappaB activation via suppression of inhibitory‐kappaBα phosphorylation and concomitant reduction in cyclooxygenase‐2. Since, the inflammatory cascade is well‐known to be closely allied to cancer; we studied the effect of bromelain on events/molecules central to it. Bromelain caused depletion of intracellular glutathione and generation of reactive oxygen‐species followed by mitochondrial membrane depolarization. This led to bromelain‐induced cell‐cycle arrest at G2/M phase which was mediated by modulation of cyclin B1, phospho‐cdc25C, Plk1, phospho‐cdc2, and myt1. This was subsequently followed by induction of apoptosis, indicated by membrane‐blebbing, modulation of Bax‐Bcl‐2 ratio, Apaf‐1, caspase‐9, and caspase‐3; chromatin‐condensation, increase in caspase‐activity and DNA‐fragmentation. Bromelain afforded substantial anti‐cancer potential in these settings; hence we suggest it as a potential prospect for anti‐cancer agent besides only an additive in chemotherapy. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Toward the Description and Prediction of Solvent Induced Variations in Methacrylate Propagation Rate Coefficients on the Basis of Solvatochromic Parameters
Authors: Jeličić Aleksandra , Yasin Muttaqin , Beuermann Sabine
Published: March 2011

Benzyl methacrylate (BzMA) propagation rate coefficients, kp, were determined in ionic liquids and common organic solvents via pulsed‐laser polymerizations with subsequent polymer analysis by size‐exclusion chromatography (PLP‐SEC). The aim of the work is to gain a deeper understanding of the solvent influence on kp and to develop a general correlation between solvent‐induced variations in kp and solvent properties. Applying a linear solvation energy relationship (LSER), which correlates kp to solvent solvatochromic parameters, suggests that dipolarity/polarizability determines the solvent influence on kp. To compare the solvent influence on BzMA kp with data for methyl methacrylate, hydroxypropyl methacrylate, and 2‐ethoxyethyl methacrylate normalized kp data were treated by a single LSER, providing a universal treatment of the solvent influence on the propagation kinetics of the four monomers. Further, the predictive capabilities of this universal correlation were tested with additional monomers from the methacrylate family.

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Real‐time optical motion correction for diffusion tensor imaging
Authors: Aksoy Murat , Forman Christoph , Straka Matus , Skare Stefan , Holdsworth Samantha , Hornegger Joachim , Bammer Roland
Published: March 2011

Head motion is a fundamental problem in brain MRI. The problem is further compounded in diffusion tensor imaging because of long acquisition times, and the sensitivity of the tensor computation to even small misregistration. To combat motion artifacts in diffusion tensor imaging, a novel real‐time prospective motion correction method was introduced using an in‐bore monovision system. The system consists of a camera mounted on the head coil and a self‐encoded checkerboard marker that is attached to the patient's forehead. Our experiments showed that optical prospective motion correction is more effective at removing motion artifacts compared to image‐based retrospective motion correction. Statistical analysis revealed a significant improvement in similarity between diffusion data acquired at different time points when prospective correction was used compared to retrospective correction (P < 0.001). Magn Reson Med, 2010. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Perfusion imaging with a freely diffusible hyperpolarized contrast agent
Authors: Grant Aaron K. , Vinogradov Elena , Wang Xiaoen , Lenkinski Robert E. , Alsop David C.
Published: March 2011

Contrast agents that can diffuse freely into or within tissue have numerous attractive features for perfusion imaging. Here we present preliminary data illustrating the suitability of hyperpolarized 13C labeled 2‐methylpropan‐2‐ol (also known as dimethylethanol, tertiary butyl alcohol and tert‐butanol) as a freely diffusible contrast agent for magnetic resonance perfusion imaging. Dynamic 13C images acquired in rat brain with a balanced steady‐state free precession sequence following administration of hyperpolarized 2‐methylpropan‐2‐ol show that this agent can be imaged with 2–4s temporal resolution, 2 mm slice thickness, and 700 μm in‐plane resolution while retaining adequate signal‐to‐noise ratio. 13C relaxation measurements on 2‐methylpropan‐2‐ol in blood at 9.4T yield T1 = 46 ± 4s and T2 = 0.55 ± 0.03s. In the rat brain at 4.7T, analysis of the temporal dynamics of the balanced steady‐state free precession image intensity in tissue and venous blood indicate that 2‐methylpropan‐2‐ol has a T2 of roughly 2–4s and a T1 of 43 ± 24s. In addition, the images indicate that 2‐methylpropan‐2‐ol is freely diffusible in brain and hence has a long residence time in tissue; this in turn makes it possible to image the agent continuously for tens of seconds. These characteristics show that 2‐methylpropan‐2‐ol is a promising agent for robust and quantitative perfusion imaging in the brain and body. Magn Reson Med, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Development of chemical exchange saturation transfer at 7T
Authors: Dula Adrienne N. , Asche Elizabeth M. , Landman Bennett A. , Welch E. Brian , Pawate Siddharama , Sriram Subramaniam , Gore John C. , Smith Seth A.
Published: March 2011

Chemical exchange saturation transfer (CEST) MRI is a molecular imaging method that has previously been successful at reporting variations in tissue protein and glycogen contents and pH. We have implemented amide proton transfer (APT), a specific form of chemical exchange saturation transfer imaging, at high field (7T) and used it to study healthy human subjects and patients with multiple sclerosis. The effects of static field inhomogeneities were mitigated using a water saturation shift referencing method to center each z‐spectrum on a voxel‐by‐voxel basis. Contrary to results obtained at lower fields, APT imaging at 7T revealed significant contrast between white and gray matters, with a higher APT signal apparent within the white matter. Preliminary studies of multiple sclerosis showed that the APT asymmetry varied with the type of lesion examined. An increase in APT asymmetry relative to healthy tissue was found in some lesions. These results indicate the potential utility of APT at high field as a noninvasive biomarker of white matter pathology, providing complementary information to other MRI methods in current clinical use. Magn Reson Med, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Uniqueness and existence theorems of solutions of the boundary value problems of the theory of consolidation with double porosity
Authors: Bitsadze Lamara , Basheleishvili Mikheil
Published: March 2011

In this paper we consider the Aifantis' theory of consolidation with double porosity and we prove the uniqueness and existence theorems of solutions of basic boundary value problems (BVPs) of statics for the two‐dimensional finite and infinite domains. (© 2010 Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Various Feedforward Schemes and a Passivity Based Backstepping Feedback Control of an Elastic Robot
Authors: Staufer Peter , Gattringer Hubert , Höbarth Wolfgang , Bremer Hartmut
Published: March 2011

Lightweight constructions in industry plants lead to elastic deflections causing vibrations and a loss in tracking precision. In order to keep the tracking error for these elastic multibody systems low, the proposed control strategies are combinations of feedforward and feedback schemes. In this work various implemented strategies for computing a feedforward control are proposed and compared, which can be calculated with some simplifications from the mathematical model of the elastic multibody system. Some of these are considering the elastic deflections. The stabilization of the error dynamics is achieved by a simple PD‐joint control or passivity based backstepping. In this algorithm the system is split into subsystems and for these subsystems simple control concepts can be applied. The feedback control law of the total system is obtained by means of backstepping theory, considering the internal energy flows in the system. Experimental results are presented to verify the control strategies. (© 2010 Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Mathematical Evaluation of EBSD Data
Authors: Melcher Andreas , Phan Van Tung , Schendel Simone , Böhlke Thomas
Published: March 2011

In this work, a short overview is given, how data resulting from Electron Backscatter Diffraction (EBSD) measurements can be used to obtain a discrete version of the Orientation Distribution Function (ODF). Discrete ODFs are necessary, e.g. for micromechanically based simulations of metal forming operations based on the finite element method. To use EBSD data for simulations several processing steps are necessary as conversion and segmentation of the EBSD measurement data [1], definition of a fundamental zone in Euler space and a procedure for the tesselation of this zone [2]. (© 2010 Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Computation of the Coupled Dynamics of Fibers in a Spray
Authors: Diffo Patrick , Wulf Peter , Breuer Michael
Published: March 2011

The PUR‐fiber‐spray molding technology is a manufacturing process which produces polyurethane‐based (PUR) composites by spraying the matrix together with reinforcing fibers in a tool form or on a substrate. Thereby chopped fibers are laterally (sidewise) injected in the polyurethane‐air spray cone for wetting before the entire composite is spread on the substrate, where it starts curing. To investigate and compute the fiber orientation and density distribution in the final composites manufactured by this process, a new approach simplifying the multiply coupled interaction of the three phases is presented in this paper. Hereby it is presumed that the final position and orientation of a fiber on a substrate results from its dynamics and coupled interactions with air, PUR‐droplets and other fibers within the spray cone. Thus, a model of the process is built, that computes the transient behavior of the air‐liquid droplets mixture by the CFD code ANSYS Fluent and its influence on the dynamics of the fibers by an extra code called FIDYST. For this multiphase problem two approaches are presented for the droplet‐fiber coupling using a concept called “homogenization” of the liquid phase (droplets in the continuous phase). (© 2010 Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)