bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Propriedades mecânicas de aloenxertos meniscais de coelhos após preservação em glicerina e reidratação em NaCl 0,9%
Authors: Vilela Liana Mesquita , Carlo Ricardo Junqueira Del , Oliveira Rubens Chaves de , Reis Amanda Maria Sena , Brito Ana Flora Sousa de , Melo Filho Edson Vilela de , Ferrari Gustavo de Freitas , Galvão Simone Rezende
Published: October 2013

Foram avaliadas as propriedades mecânicas, força, deformação e tensão ao limite elástico, tensão ao ponto de ruptura e índice de rigidez, de meniscos frescos e meniscos transplantados por 70 dias em joelhos de coelhos, após preservação em glicerina. O primeiro grupo (tratado) foi formado por seis meniscos mediais do joelho esquerdo, coletados de animais oriundos de criação comercial. Esses meniscos foram armazenados em glicerina 98% por um período de 45-60 dias; em seguida, foram reidratados em solução salina a 0,5% de enrofloxacina, por 12 horas, e implantados em joelhos de outros seis coelhos, submetidos à meniscectomia. Após 70 dias da cirurgia, foi realizada a eutanásia dos animais e retirada dos aloenxertos para avaliação mecânica. O segundo grupo (controle) foi composto por seis meniscos mediais, retirados dos joelhos contralaterais (direito) dos mesmos animais. Para a amostra estudada, não houve diferença estatisticamente significante entre os grupos controle e tratado para nenhuma das variáveis analisadas, demonstrando que a reidratação de aloenxertos meniscais, após preservação em glicerina, mantém as características mecânicas desses, após 70 dias de implantação, semelhantes às de meniscos frescos.
Biologically inspired synthesis of highly branched zinc oxide nanowires
Authors: Hou Wenting , Lancaster Louis , Li Dongsheng , Bowlus Ana , Bozhilov Krassimir , Kisailus David
Published: October 2013

Biological mineralization demonstrates how nature can produce elegant structures through controlled organic–mineral interactions. These organics are often used to control shape, size and orientation of mineral. Inspired from nature, the authors utilize an organic agent, ethylenediamine, as a mineralizer to inhibit rapid hydrolysis and condensation of zinc oxide, and thus control crystal growth behavior. Through adjustment of synthesis parameters, such as precursor concentration and the molar ratio of the inorganic precursor and organic ligands, the authors investigate the mechanism of formation of highly branched zinc oxide nanostructures, which can be used for improving efficiency in energy conversion and water purification applications.
Is componential strength analysis of concrete possible?
Authors: Ficker Tomáš , Topolář Libor , Kusák Ivo
Published: October 2013

Classical tests of compressive strength performed on hydraulic or electromechanical machines are capable of assessing the total strength of concrete, but from the single value it is not possible to infer anything about the strength of concrete constituents (cement matrix, aggregates and the interfaces between them). For this reason it would be useful to have a complementary method with the capability to assess the strength of concrete components and to enrich information on the integrity of this composite material. A microscopy assessment of the topography of fracture surfaces seems to be one possible method of fulfilling this goal. The basic ideas of the method supported by experimental measurements are presented.
Implementing Housing First in Rural Areas: Pathways Vermont
Authors: Stefancic Ana , Henwood Benjamin F. , Melton Hilary , Shin Soo-Min , Lawrence-Gomez Rebeka , Tsemberis Sam
Published: October 2013

The benefits of Pathways Housing First in addressing chronic homelessness for persons with severe mental illness have been well established. However, the implementation and effectiveness of such programs in rural areas has yet to be examined. We described the model’s adaptations in Vermont, including the use of hybrid assertive community treatment–intensive case management teams, which consisted of service coordinators with geographically based caseloads (staff/client ratio of 1:20) and regional multidisciplinary specialists. The program’s innovative and widespread inclusion of technology into operations facilitated efficiency and responsiveness, and a pilot telehealth initiative supplemented in-person client visits. The program achieved a housing retention rate of 85% over approximately 3 years, and consumers reported decreased time spent homeless, demonstrating that program adaptations and technological enhancements were successful.
Nicotine aqueous solutions: pH-measurements and salting-out effects - analysis of the effective Gibbs energies of hydration and ionic strengths of the solutions
Authors: Grozdanic Nikola , Calado Marta , Kijevcanin Mirjana , Serbanovic Slobodan , Visak Zoran
Published: October 2013

This work is a continuation of our previous studies on the phase demixing -
salting-out effects - in aqueous nicotine solutions. Thus, pH measurements
were carried out allowing a brief analysis of the existing hydrogen bond
interactions. Salting-out effects - the related experimental cloud point
shifts - provoked by the addition of two inorganic salts, potassium nitrate
and sodium sulfate, which were not studied so far, were determined. Analysis
of the current and our previously reported salting-out/or salting-in
phenomena in nicotine aqueous solutions was performed. In this respect, five
studied salts were included: four inorganic salts (sodium chloride,
potassium nitrate, sodium sulfate and sodium phosphate (Na3PO4)) and ionic
liquid 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium ethyl sulfate ([C2mim][EtSO4] or
ECOENG212?). Based on the pH measurements the effective Gibbs energies of
hydration and ionic strengths of the respective ternary solutions were
calculated and plotted against the related cloud-point shifts caused by the
addition of the salts. For the studied salts, the results and diagram
obtained within this work may be used to predict the cloud-points shifts,
based on the related quantities of the salts added and/or the molar Gibbs
energies of hydration and/or ionic strengths requested in each case.
Conditions governing the generalisation of threshold bound states by N attractive delta potentials in one and three dimensions
Authors: Dharani Marappan , Sahu Basudeb , Shastry Chakrakodi
Published: October 2013

This paper proves that for N attractive delta function potentials the number of bound states (Nb) satisfies 1 ≤ N
b ≤ N in one dimension (1D), and is 0 ≤ N
b ≤ N in three dimensions (3D). Algebraic equations are obtained to evaluate the bound states generated by N attractive delta potentials. In particular, in the case of N attractive delta function potentials having same separation a between adjacent wells and having the same strength λV, the parameter g=λVa governs the number of bound states. For a given N in the range 1–7, both in 1D and 3D cases the numerical values of gn, where n=1,2,..N are obtained. When g=gn, Nb ≤ n where Nb includes one threshold energy bound state. Furthermore, gn are the roots of the Nth order polynomial equations with integer coefficients. Based on our numerical calculations up to N=40, even when N becomes large, 0 ≤ g
n ≤ 4 and $\frac{{\Sigma g_n }}
{N} \simeq 2
$ and this result is expected to be generally valid. Thus, for g > 4 there will be no threshold or zero energy bound state, and if g≈ 2 for a given large N, the number of bound states will be approximately N/2. The empirical formula gn = 4/[1+exp((N
0 − n)/β)] gives a good description of the variation of gn as a function of n. This formula is useful in estimating the number of bound states for any N and g both in 1D and 3D cases.
Flexural Behavior of Hybrid Composite Beams
Authors: Nguyen Hai , Mutsuyoshi Hiroshi , Zatar Wael
Published: October 2013

This paper presents the development of composite beams, which consist of hybrid carbon and glass fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) I-beams and precast, ultra-high-performance, fiber-reinforced concrete (UHPFRC) slabs. Hybrid FRPs (HFRPs) provide the advantage of high resistance to corrosion, while UHPFRC has great strength and durability. The combination of these two materials is expected to benefit structures subjected to severe environmental conditions and to respond to the need for accelerated bridge construction. Three full-scale composite beams with varied UHPFRC slab width were tested under four-point flexural loading. Bolt shear connectors with and without epoxy bonding were used in the tested beams. The bolt shear connectors and epoxy were used to resist the horizontal shear flow at the interface between the HFRP I-beam and the UHPFRC slab. The composite action between the HFRP I-beam and UHPFRC slab was investigated. The test results showed that all of the composite beams exhibited significant improvements in stiffness and strength properties, above those of single HFRP I-beams without a UHPFRC slab. A fiber model was developed to predict the strength and stiffness of the composite beam, and the model accuracy was verified. Good agreement was found between the experimental and analytical results. The high tensile strength of a carbon FRP in an HFRP tensile flange could be used effectively, and the delamination failure of an HFRP compressive flange could be prevented through the addition of a UHPFRC slab on the top flange of the HFRP I-beam. The study revealed that HFRP–UHPFRC beams were efficient and could provide a competitive, cost-effective, and sustainable solution to bridge structures.
Qualitative Insights into the Effect on Travel Behavior of Joining a Carshare
Authors: Chatterjee Kiron , Andrews Geoff , Ricci Miriam , Parkhurst Graham
Published: October 2013

Carsharing organizations (carshares) provide collectively available vehicles that can be booked for exclusive use on a pay-as-you-go basis. Previous research has shown that two groups join carshares: (a) accessors, who do not have a car when they join the carshare and therefore gain access to one, and (b) shedders, who give up a car when they join the carshare. The paper examines the circumstances and motivations that cause accessors and shedders to join a carshare, the changes in their travel behavior in the short and longer run, and how the travel behavior might have changed if the carshare had not been joined. These objectives were achieved through in-depth interviews with 16 members of a carshare in Bath, United Kingdom. The interviewed members were selected to achieve a mix of accessors, shedders, recent members, and longstanding members. It was found that carshare attracted people who were already contemplating giving up their cars or who had been triggered by life events to consider giving up their cars. Joining a car-share prevented the acquisition of cars for some members, but some subsequently took opportunities to acquire a car as their circumstances changed. Once shedders became members, they adapted to managing without a personal car, used a variety of transport modes, planned their activity–travel schedules in advance, and took into account the costs and convenience of different options. The increasing popularity of new mobility options, such as carsharing, also has implications for the methods used to analyze and model travel behavior. The option of joining a carshare and using carshare vehicles should be included in transport models for areas in which carshares operate.
Accuracy evaluation of a two-wire technique for osteotomy positioning in the tibial plateau levelling procedure
Authors: Knuchel-Takano A. , Brissot H. , Nelissen P. , Bush M. , Owen M. , Woodbridge N.
Published: October 2013

Objectives: To evaluate a tibial plateau levelling osteotomy (TPLO) saw blade positioning technique and to retrospectively evaluate the accuracy of the osteotomy position.

Methods: Preoperative and postoperative radiographs of 72 cases that had a TPLO surgery using a two-wire technique were reviewed. Three measurements (A1, B1, C1) were obtained in preoperative planning using a computer template system (Orthoview Vet) which mapped the intended osteotomy position. The postoperative radiographs were analysed to determine the variability of these three measurements (A2, B2, C2) and therefore the accuracy of the osteotomy.

Results: On average the least variable measurement was B2 (5%) followed by C2 (7%) and then A2 (13%). The maximum mean difference between the intended position and achieved position was 1.5 mm.

Clinical significance: Despite there being a significant difference between the intended and the actual position of the osteotomy, the variation between the intended and actual tibial tuberosity width was small (5%). None of the cases suffered a tibial tuberosity fracture, which also supports the clinical value of this technique. Care must be taken to avoid inadvertent cutting of the Kirschner guide wires.
Chemotherapy (Gemcitabine, Docetaxel Plus Gemcitabine, Doxorubicin, or Trabectedin) in Inoperable, Locally Advanced, Recurrent, or Metastatic Uterine Leiomyosarcoma: A Clinical Practice Guideline
Authors: Gupta A.A. , Yao X. , Verma S. , Mackay H. , Hopkins L.
Published: October 2013

Questions: Does chemotherapy—that is, gemcitabine, gemcitabine plus docetaxel, doxorubicin, or trabectedin—improve clinical outcomes in women with inoperable, locally advanced, recurrent, or metastatic uterine leiomyosarcoma (lms)? Is there a difference in the tumour response rate to chemotherapy between recurrent pelvic disease and extrapelvic metastases in the target patients? Methods: This guideline was developed by Cancer Care Ontario’s Program in Evidence-Based Care, the Sarcoma Disease Site Group (dsg), and the Gynecologic Cancer dsg. The core methodology was the systematic review. The medline and embase databases (2004 to June 2011), the Cochrane Library, main guideline Web sites, and relevant annual meeting abstracts (2005–2010) were searched. Internal and external reviews were conducted, with final approval by the dsgs and the Program in Evidence-Based Care. Clinical Practice Guideline: Based on currently available evidence from the medical literature (four single-arm phase ii studies, one arm of a randomized controlled trial, and one abstract), doxorubicin alone, gemcitabine alone, or gemcitabine plus docetaxel may be treatment options in first- or second-line therapy (or both) for women with inoperable, locally advanced, recurrent, or metastatic uterine lms. Hematologic toxicity is common and should be monitored, and granulocyte colony–stimulating factor should be considered when gemcitabine plus docetaxel is used. Other toxicities, such as neurotoxicity, pulmonary toxicity, and cardiovascular toxicity should be monitored. No recommendation is made for or against the use of trabectedin in the targeted patients. No data were available concerning differences in response in recurrent pelvic disease or extrapelvic metastases, or concerning quality of life.
Provincial rates and time trends in pancreatic cancer outcomes
Authors: Fung S. , Forte T. , Rahal R. , Niu J. , Bryant H.
Published: October 2013

Pancreatic cancer, often called the “silent killer,” is the twelfth most common cancer in Canada, with an estimated 4600 new cases in 2012. [...]
CANCER-SPECIFIC GENE CARRIERS RESPONDING TO CANCER MICROENVIRONMENT: ACIDOSIS AND HYPER-ACTIVATED PROTEIN KINASES
Authors: Kushio Satoshi , Tsuchiya Akira , Nakamura Yuta , Nobori Takanobu , Kim Chan Woo , Zhao Guo Xi , Funamoto Taiki , Lee Eun Kyung , Niidome Takuro , Mori Takeshi , Katayama Yoshiki
Published: October 2013

Protein kinase (PK)-responsive gene carriers modified with polyethylene glycol (PEG) chains using an acid-labile linker were developed. These carriers were obtained by modifying the PEG chains and substrate peptides for the PKs (PKA or PKCα) on the branched polyethyleneimine main chain. Polyplexes formed from these carriers and plasmid DNA (pDNA) were stably dispersed under neutral pH medium. The polyplexes were also taken up by cells on the release of the PEG chains under the slightly acidic extracellular pH associated with cancer cells. The polyplexes taken up by cells resulted in gene expression when the substrate peptides were phosphorylated by the intracellular PKs to release pDNA from the polyplexes. These novel gene carriers are expected to be promising for cancer-specific gene therapy via intravenous administration.
Executive Functions in Digital Games
Authors: Boyle Elizabeth , Terras Melody M. , Ramsay Judith , Boyle James M. E.
Published: October 2013

Despite enhanced appreciation of the nature and scope of the cognitive advantages of playing games, our understanding of the actual mechanisms responsible for generating and maintaining these remains limited. In this chapter, the authors propose that viewing these changes from the information processing perspective of executive functions will help to elucidate the psychological infrastructure that underpins these gains. They apply Anderson’s model of executive functions to understanding how games support visual-perceptual processing and higher-level thinking and problem solving. As well as extending our appreciation of how digital games can support learning, research on executive functions highlights the implications of the limitations of our cognitive systems for game design.
What is the “Learning” in Games-Based Learning?
Authors: Orr Karen , McGuinness Carol
Published: October 2013

This chapter explores the nature of “learning” in games-based learning and the cognitive and motivational processes that might underpin that learning by drawing on psychological theories and perspectives. Firstly, changing conceptions of learning over the last few decades are reviewed. This is described in relation to the changes in formal learning theories and connections made between learning theory and GBL. Secondly, the chapter reviews empirical research on the learning outcomes that have been identified for GBL, with specific focus on cognitive benefits, school attainment, collaborative working, and the motivational and engaging appeal of games. Finally, an overview of the dominant theoretical perspectives/findings mostly associated with GBL is presented in an attempt to broaden understanding of the potential for GBL in the classroom.
Outline Shape Retrieval Using Textual Descriptors and Geometric Features
Authors: Aouat Saliha , Larabi Slimane
Published: October 2013

Content_based image retrieval is a promising approach because of its automatic indexing, recognition and retrieval. This paper is a contribution in the field of the content Based Image Retrieval (CBIR). Objects are represented by their outlines shapes (silhouettes) and described following the XLWDOS Textual Description (Larabi et al., 2003). Textual Descriptors are sensitive to noise. The authors have already developed an approach to smooth the outlines at different scales (Aouat & Larabi, 2010). The smoothing is performed by applying a convolution using the Gaussian Filter to process noisy shapes in order to match shapes descriptors. The authors have also applied an indexing process after silhouettes smoothing (Aouat & Larabi, 2009). The approaches (Aouat & Larabi, 2010; Aouat & Larabi, 2009) are very interesting for shape matching and indexing, but unfortunately, they are not appropriate to the recognition and retrieval processes because there is no use of similarity measures. In order to perform the retrieval process and select the best model for a query silhouette, the authors use in this paper Geometric features extracted from Textual Description of Outline Shapes.
The Amplification-Reduction Structure of Technology
Authors: Yakhlef Ali , Hipkin Ian
Published: October 2013

Information technology has long been recognised as a cause of social change. Recent developments in information technologies (IT), such as internet, intranet, and extranet, have stimulated considerable interest in how they will impact business organizations. Studies have largely examined the role that IT plays in improving information efficiency and synergies, in promoting collaboration and information sharing both inside and across organizations and in facilitating the transition to new forms of organizing. Most such studies take a technology-centric or human-centric approach. Whereas the former view reifies technology, assuming that its effects are predictable, stable, and performing as intended and designed across time, the latter minimizes IT to the point it becomes infinitely and flexibly interpreted. However, IT media are only significant to the extent that they do not only involve changes in and novel ways of communicating, but most importantly they change the meaning of what it is to communicate and the social and cultural frame that situates communication in unpredictable ways. Taking a communicational approach to organization, the present paper uses Jakobson’s 1960 semiotic model and ideas from Ihde (1990) to show how the implementation of intranets and email systems has amplifying and reducing effects on the interactions among members of a community. Finally, some implications for the theory of implementation of new technologies are drawn out.
Geology of the Precambrian Ramah Group and basement rocks in the Nachvak Fiord-Saglek Fiord area, North Labrador
Authors: Morgan W C
Published: October 2013

This report describes an area, in the Torngat Mountains, straddling the NainChurchill Structural Province boundary. Nain Province to the east, part of the North Atlantic Archean craton, is chiefly amphibolite facies rocks with minor areas of granulite facies.
Granitic gneisses and migmatites predominate and contain horizons of basic gneiss, paragneiss, iron formation and ultramafic rocks. A quartz monzonitic orthogneiss body is located in the north. These rocks, deformed and metamorphosed during the Kenoran Orogeny, form a steeply inclined, linear,
north-trending zone, cut by granite veins and by younger, early Aphebian, west-trending diabase dyke swarms. Uplift and erosion resulted in peneplanation of the craton. The Ramah Group forms 0 linear, north-trending Hudsonian fold-belt within Churchill Province. This supracrustal Aphebian group lies
unconformably on peneplaned Archean basement rocks of Nain Province and passes from slightly recrystallized platform deposits into highly deformed and metamorphosed equivalents in the west. Although metamorphic grade is Chiefly greenschist and low amphibolite facies, a southern extension, traced for
26 miles from Saglek Fiord to Hebron Fiord, is high amphibolite facies. Ramah Group rocks are preserved in an asymmetrical synclinorium, bounded on the west by a west-dipping thrust and by faults. The 5000 feet of stratified rocks, predominantly of sedimentary origin with one altered tholeiitic
basalt flow and several amphibolitized diabase sills, overlie a pre-Ramah regolith. Six unnamed formations mapped are, in ascending order, two lower quartzite units, two slate units separated by a dolomite unit, and a greywacke unit. Paleocurrent data indicate deposition by dominantly westward
directed currents. Miogeosynclinal rocks forming the bulk of the group were probably derived from a North Atlantic Archean craton to the east. Archean basement rocks, reworked by the Hudsonian Orogeny, form a mobile belt in Churchill Province west of the Ramah Group. The reworked zone contains
lithologies similar to the Archean but is Chiefly granulite facies. Fresh pre-Ramah diabase dykes that cut the Archean are metamorphosed and deformed in the mobile belt. An important cataclastic zone with extensive faults, thrusts, regional mylonites, blastomylonites, and pseudotachylyte
characterizes the belt. The boundary between the Hudsonian mobile belt and stable Archean craton is obscured in the basement by the overlying Ramah Group, but represents a Labrador continuation of the Greenland Nagssugtoquidian boundary. Overthrusting of the mobile belt over the Nain Archean craton
to the east and transcurrent sinistral movement took place in the boundary zone. Although no mineral occurrences of economic importance were discovered in lowgrade iron, copper, lead and zinc mineralization is present in places.
The effect of a group approach on the performance of high school mathematics learners
Authors: Dhlamini Joseph , Mogari David
Published: October 2013

In this study, we investigated the effects of a group approach versus a non-group approach on the mathematics performance of learners. A group approach refers to an arrangement in which learners sit together to discuss and solve mathematics tasks. We studied a convenience sample of low-performing Grade 10 mathematics learners using a quasi-experimental design with a non-equivalent control group. The experimental group was taught using a group approach and the control group using non-group approach instruction. To measure the effects of teaching approaches, we administered a Financial Mathematics Achievement Test (FMAT) before and after the experiment. Using a one-way analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) the study found that learners in a group approach learning environment performed significantly better than learners taught through a non-group teaching mode (p < 0.05). The theory of cognitive load was used to interpret the results. The results suggest that a group approach may be effective when teaching certain mathematics topics in Grade 10 classrooms.
Implementing combined decision models in healthcare settings: the Simon and Pauker- Kassirer models
Authors: Ben Assuli Ofir
Published: October 2013

Background: Modeling medical decision-making has attracted considerable attention over the years, and has become the topic of many investigations. Researchers have attempted to model this critical and extremely complex process from several different angles to enable hospital clinicians to engage in decision-making using empirical tools. Purpose: This paper takes a famous managerial model of decision-making in a non-medical setting and integrates it with a well- known model of medical decision-making to generate a unified illustration of the process. Both models deal with decision-making. However, Simon’s model is less easily applied to the unique process of medical decision making. The proposed integration may help bridge the gap between the models and approaches by creating a unified framework to deal with the challenge of medical decision making in hospital environments through empirical methods. Approach: Simon’s model of automation provides the general structure of the decision-making process by dividing it into three stages: Intelligence, Design and Choice. The Pauker & Kassirer model deals with probabilistic and statistical applications of clinical processes, and introduces a threshold approach and decision trees as the main decision tools. The discussion explores the advantages and disadvantages of each model and what can be gained by combining them. Research limitations: Although these models were used to form an integrated framework, they were developed almost three decades apart. Therefore, caution is of the essence when applying them to real-life circumstances, and further research is needed to validate this integration.
Les chroniques musicales de Léo-Pol Morin — vecteur d’influence pour une réception québécoise de la modernité musicale française
Authors: Bazin Paul
Published: October 2013

Figure d’importance du milieu musical québécois au début du XXe siècle,Léo-Pol Morin (1892–1941) a largement contribué à l’intégration du répertoire de la modernité surles scènes musicales du Canada français. Sa solide formation musicale, acquise autant au Québecqu’en France, ainsi que sa plume agile, ont fait de Morin un nom incontournable de la vie musicalemontréalaise. Interprète chevronné, ses idées et ses convictions sur la musique de son tempstrouvèrent une tribune de choix pendant plus de vingt ans dans des journaux tels que LaPatrie,La Presse et Le Canada. Cet article propose un survol des premières années de laparticipation de Léo-Pol Morin à la vie des concerts ainsi qu’une analyse de ses nombreux écritsportant sur les compositeurs de l’école moderne française, au coeur de laquelle il place GabrielFauré, Claude Debussy et Maurice Ravel.
Maritime English – What Does It Communicate?
Authors: Čulić-Viskota Adelija , Kalebota Sara
Published: October 2013

Maritime English is said to be a product of life on the ocean itself. It may be considered as the cradle of what is nowadays known as a type of ESP for the purposes of maritime communications. This paper presents an account of the rise of Maritime English as a type of ESP. It deals with the characteristics of ESP and how well Maritime English fits into the frame. Furthermore, the reciprocating influences of General English and Maritime English are presented and examples of both are provided to illustrate the vivid interaction between the two. Finally, an attempt is made to view the future development of Maritime English as based on the present-day conditions and future requirements.
Computational Large‐Scale Mapping of Protein‐Protein Interactions Using Structural Complexes
Authors: Shoemaker Benjamin , Wuchty Stefan , Panchenko Anna R.
Published: October 2013

Although the identification of protein interactions by high‐throughput methods progresses at a fast pace, “interactome” datasets still suffer from high rates of false positives and low coverage. To map the interactome of any organism, this unit presents a computational framework to predict protein‐protein or gene‐gene interactions utilizing experimentally determined evidence of structural complexes, atomic details of binding interfaces and evolutionary conservation. Curr. Protoc. Protein Sci. 73:3.9.1‐3.9.9. © 2013 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Site‐Specific Protein Labeling with SNAP‐Tags
Authors: Cole Nelson B.
Published: October 2013

Site‐specific labeling of cellular proteins with chemical probes is a powerful tool for studying protein function in living cells. A number of small peptide and protein tags have been developed that can be labeled with synthetic probes with high efficiencies and specificities and provide flexibility not available with fluorescent proteins. The SNAP‐tag is a modified form of the DNA repair enzyme human O6‐alkylguanine‐DNA‐alkyltransferase, and undergoes a self‐labeling reaction to form a covalent bond with O6‐benzylguanine (BG) derivatives. BG can be modified with a wide variety of fluorophores and other reporter compounds, generally without affecting the reaction with the SNAP‐tag. In this unit, basic strategies for labeling SNAP‐tag fusion proteins, both for live cell imaging and for in vitro analysis, are described. This includes a description of a releasable SNAP‐tag probe that allows the user to chemically cleave the fluorophore from the labeled SNAP‐tag fusion. In vitro labeling of purified SNAP‐tag fusions is briefly described. Curr. Protoc. Protein Sci. 73:30.1.1‐30.1.16. © 2013 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Harvesting, Isolation, and Functional Assessment of Primary Vagal Ganglia Cells
Authors: Dubuis Eric , Grace Megan , Wortley Michael A. , Birrell Mark A. , Belvisi Maria G.
Published: October 2013

Airway sensory nerves play an important defensive role in the lungs, being central in mediating protective responses like cough and bronchoconstriction. In some cases, these responses become excessive, hypersensitive, and deleterious. Understanding the normal function of airway nerves and phenotype changes associated with disease will help in developing new therapeutics for treating chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and chronic cough. Guinea pigs, and to a lesser extent ferrets, are commonly employed for studying the cough reflex because they have a cough response similar to humans. While rats and mice do not exhibit a cough response, they do possess sensory nerves that respond to the same range of tussive stimuli as guinea pigs and humans. Described in this unit are protocols for harvesting guinea pig, mouse, and rat sensory nerve cell bodies to assess molecular and functional changes associated with pulmonary disease, and to identify new targets for therapeutic intervention. Curr. Protoc. Pharmacol. 62:12.15.1‐12.15.27. © 2013 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
2′‐Hydroxy Protection of Ribonucleosides as 2‐Cyano‐2,2‐Dimethylethanimine‐N‐Oxymethyl Ethers in Solid‐Phase Synthesis of RNA Sequences
Authors: Cieślak Jacek , Ausín Cristina , Grajkowski Andrzej , Beaucage Serge L.
Published: October 2013

The reaction of 2′‐O‐aminooxymethylribonucleosides with 2‐cyano‐2‐methyl propanal leads to the formation of stable and yet reversible 2′‐O‐(2‐cyano‐2,2‐dimethylethanimine‐N‐oxymethyl)ribonucleosides in post‐purification yields of 54% to 82%. Phenoxyacetylation of the exocyclic amino functions of these ribonucleosides proceeds in yields of 74% to 89%, and subsequent 5′‐O‐dimethoxytritylation and 3′‐O‐phosphitylation of the corresponding N‐phenoxyacetylated ribonucleosides provide the fully protected ribonucleoside phosphoramidite monomers in isolated yields of 69% to 88%. These ribonucleoside phosphoramidites are employed in solid‐phase synthesis of three chimeric RNA sequences, each differing in purine/pyrimidine content. The stepwise coupling efficiency of the ribonucleoside phosphoramidites (as 0.15 M solutions in acetonitrile) averages 99% over a coupling time of 180 s when 5‐benzylthio‐1H‐tetrazole is used as an activator. Upon completion of RNA chain assembly, removal of the nucleobase‐ and phosphate‐protecting groups and release of sequences from the solid support are carried out under standard basic conditions. Finally, the 2′‐O‐(2‐cyano‐2,2‐dimethylethanimine‐N‐oxymethyl) protective groups are cleaved from the RNA sequences by treatment with 0.5 M tetra‐n‐butylammonium fluoride in dry DMSO for 24 to 48 hr at 55°C without releasing RNA‐alkylating side‐products. Characterization of the fully deprotected RNA sequences by PAGE, enzymatic hydrolysis, and MALDI‐TOF mass spectrometry confirms the identity and high quality of these sequences. Curr. Protoc. Nucleic Acid Chem. 54:3.22.1‐3.22.28. © 2013 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Tailored Hydrogel Membranes for Efficient Protein Crystallization
Authors: Profio Gianluca Di , Polino Mariella , Nicoletta Fiore P. , Belviso Benny D. , Caliandro Rocco , Fontananova Enrica , Filpo Giovanni De , Curcio Efrem , Drioli Enrico
Published: October 2013

Crystallization still represents the bottleneck in the process of protein structure determination at high resolution, despite high‐throughput structural genomics programs requiring optimized crystallization strategies regarding crystal quality, time, success rate, reproducibility, and used protein amount. On the other hand, the development of suitable materials for controlled heterogeneous nucleation might facilitate biomacromolecular crystallization in a variety of experimental conditions which are not conventionally fruitful. Here, the possibility to fabricate hydrogel membranes displaying controlled chemical composition and nanostructure and to use them as heterogeneous supports for biomacromolecular crystallization is demonstrated. Diverse gel morphologies are obtained by controlling phase separation kinetics during gel layer formation on membrane support. These composite materials are found to increase the efficiency of the crystallization process so that crystals with enhanced diffraction properties are produced at lower protein concentration than conventional technique, thus affording the possibility to improve current approaches to protein crystallization and to be adapted to specific targets.
Alkyl Chain Engineering of Solution‐Processable Star‐Shaped Molecules for High‐Performance Organic Solar Cells
Authors: Min Jie , Luponosov Yuriy N. , Gerl Andreas , Polinskaya Marina S. , Peregudova Svetlana M. , Dmitryakov Petr V. , Bakirov Artem V. , Shcherbina Maxim A. , Chvalun Sergei N. , Grigorian Souren , Kaush‐Busies Nina , Ponomarenko Sergei A. , Ameri Tayebeh , Brabec Christoph J.
Published: October 2013

The impact of alkyl side‐chain substituents on conjugated polymers on the photovoltaic properties of bulk heterojunction (BHJ) solar cells has been studied extensively, but their impact on small molecules has not received adequate attention. To reveal the effect of side chains, a series of star‐shaped molecules based on a triphenylamine (TPA) core, bithiophene, and dicyanovinyl units derivatized with various alkyl end‐capping groups of methyl, ethyl, hexyl and dodecyl is synthesiyed and studied to comprehensively investigate structure‐properties relationships. UV‐vis absorption and cyclic voltammetry data show that variations of alkyl chain length have little influence on the absorption and highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO)‐lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) levels. However, these seemingly negligible changes have a pronounced impact on the morphology of BHJ thin films as well as their charge carrier separation and transportation, which in turn influences the photovoltaic properties of these small‐molecule‐based BHJ devices. Solution‐processed organic solar cells (OSCs) based on the small molecule with the shortest methyl end groups exhibit high short circuit current (Jsc) and fill factor (FF), with an efficiency as high as 4.76% without any post‐treatments; these are among the highest reported for solution‐processed OSCs based on star‐shaped molecules.
Towards Functional Orthogonalisation of Protein Complexes: Individualisation of GroEL Monomers Leads to Distinct Quasihomogeneous Single Rings
Authors: Billerbeck Sonja , Calles Belén , Müller Christian L. , de Lorenzo Victor , Panke Sven
Published: October 2013

The essential molecular chaperonin GroEL is an example of a functionally highly versatile cellular machine with a wide variety of in vitro applications ranging from protein folding to drug release. Directed evolution of new functions for GroEL is considered difficult, due to its structure as a complex homomultimeric double ring and the absence of obvious molecular engineering strategies. In order to investigate the potential to establish an orthogonal GroEL system in Escherichia coli, which might serve as a basis for GroEL evolution, we first successfully individualised groEL genes by inserting different functional peptide tags into a robustly permissive site identified by transposon mutagenesis. These peptides allowed fundamental aspects of the intracellular GroEL complex stoichiometry to be studied and revealed that GroEL single‐ring complexes, which assembled in the presence of several functionally equivalent but biochemically distinct monomers, each consist almost exclusively of only one type of monomer. At least in the case of GroEL, individualisation of monomers thus leads to individualisation of homomultimeric protein complexes, effectively providing the prerequisites for evolving an orthogonal intracellular GroEL folding machine.
Zwitterionic Moieties from the Huisgen Reaction: A Case Study with Amphiphilic Dendritic Assemblies
Authors: Ramireddy Rajasekhar R. , Subrahmanyam Ayyagari V. , Thayumanavan S.
Published: October 2013

Supramolecular nano‐assemblies that reduce nonspecific interactions with biological macromolecules, such as proteins, are of great importance for various biological applications. Recently, zwitterionic materials have been shown to reduce nonspecific interactions with biomolecules, owing both to their charge neutrality and their ability to form a strong hydration layer around zwitterions via electrostatic interactions. Here, new triazole‐based zwitterionic moieties are presented that are incorporated as the hydrophilic functionalities in facially amphiphilic dendrons. The amphiphilic zwitterionic dendrons spontaneously self‐assemble in aqueous solutions forming micelle‐type aggregates, which were confirmed by DLS, TEM, and fluorescence techniques. The structural and functional characteristics of the zwitterionic dendrons are also compared with the corresponding charge‐neutral PEG‐based dendrons and anionic carboxylate‐based dendrons. Surface‐charge measurements, temperature sensitivity and evaluation of interactions of these assemblies with proteins form the bases for these comparisons.
Lack of tyramine pressor response effect with oral CX157: A specific reversible MAOI
Authors: Burch Daniel , Asgharnejad Mahnaz , Gerson William , Fielding Robert M. , Azzaro Albert J.
Published: October 2013

This Phase 1, single‐center, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, three‐period study assessed cardiovascular safety of CX157, a specific Reversible Inhibitor of Monoamine Oxidase A (RIMA), following the oral administration of tyramine. In Period 1, the sensitivity of each subject to orally administered tyramine was established by determining the dose of tyramine that elevates SBP ≥30 mmHg on ≥3 consecutive occasions (i.e., TYR303). Twelve subjects qualified for randomization in Period 2 during which an oral CX157 Modified Release Tablet (125 mg [N = 10]) or placebo (N = 2) were administered twice per day for 6 days to reach steady state. In Period 3, CX157 and placebo were administered with oral tyramine in fed state with daily increases in the tyramine dose of 20, 40, and 80 mg in an attempt to achieve the TYR303. CX157 Modified Release Tablet, 125 mg administered twice per day (250 mg daily dose), was not associated with a tyramine reaction (i.e., TYR303). It is generally agreed that a high tyramine meal would contain up to 40 mg of dietary tyramine. These data obtained with CX157 provide an adequate margin of safety with respect to tyramine interaction and suggest that future studies can be conducted without the need for dietary tyramine restrictions.
Stable Cycling of Fe2O3 Nanorice as an Anode through Electrochemical Porousness and the Solid–Electrolyte Interphase Thermolysis Approach
Authors: Liang Jianwen , Wei Denghu , Cheng Qiushi , Zhu Yongchun , Li Xiaona , Fan Long , Zhang Jingjing , Qian Yitai
Published: October 2013

A new thread for improving the cycling stability of Fe2O3 nanorice is proposed through combining the electrochemical porousness (EP) effect and solid–electrolyte interphase (SEI) thermolysis approach. Starting from solid Fe2O3 nanorice, this process could be applied to prepare porous Fe2O3 nanorice with a good coating of a porous SEI thermolysis layer composed of carbon and Li2O. The interconnecting pores and full coating of the SEI thermolysis layer provides not only mechanical resistance of the Fe2O3 nanorice against pulverization, but also high electrical and ionic conductivity over the electrode throughout long cell cycles. This method results in the enhancement of cycling ability and capacity, which is demonstrated by comparison with the starting Fe2O3 nanorice. After the EP and SEI thermolysis approach, the Fe2O3 nanorice exhibits an energy capacity retention about of 680 mAh g−1 at a current density of 1000 mA g−1 over 250 cycles, which is more than 82 % of the initial reversible capacity. Moreover, it also has an excellent rate capability and high coulombic efficiency. This strategy provides a simple and convenient route toward stable charge/discharge cycling for not only Fe2O3, but also for other electrode materials that are subject to large volume changes and low charge voltages. At the same time, it also contributes to a fundamental understanding of improved cycling stability and reversible capacity for electrode materials.
Peripheral blood CD56brightNK cells respond to stem cell factor and adhere to its membrane‐bound form after upregulation of c‐kit
Authors: Pradier Amandine , Tabone‐Eglinger Severine , Huber Vincent , Bosshard Carine , Rigal Emmanuel , Wehrle‐Haller Bernhard , Roosnek Eddy
Published: October 2013

CD56bright NK cells express receptors for IL‐2, IL‐7, IL‐15, and SCF. We found that human peripheral blood CD56bright NK cells responded to IL‐2, IL‐7, IL‐15 by phosphorylating STAT‐5, ERK, and Akt but did not respond to SCF. However, CD56bright NK cells in culture upregulated c‐kit transcription three to fourfold, which led to a steady increase in c‐kit and a concomitant acquisition of responsiveness to SCF. After 44 h, CD56bright NK cells had upregulated c‐kit approximately 20‐fold and phosphorylated ERK and Akt in response to SCF concentrations well below levels present in plasma. CD56bright NK cells cultured in IL‐15 maintained c‐kit transcription/expression at ex vivo levels and did not become responsive to SCF. Furthermore, SCF‐responsive, CD56brightc‐kithigh NK cells swiftly downregulated c‐kit and stopped responding to SCF after IL‐15 stimulation. However, commitment of CD56bright NK cells to a c‐kit‐negative, SCF‐unresponsive state did not occur, as after 5 days of culture, withdrawal of IL‐15 restored c‐kit to maximal levels and reestablished SCF‐responsiveness. CD56bright NK cells that had upregulated c‐kit firmly adhered to COS cells transfected with the membrane form of SCF. Furthermore, SCF signaling significantly increased the capacity of CD56bright NK cells to degranulate. Collectively, our data suggest that c‐kit on human CD56bright NK cells is a functional receptor that is downregulated in peripheral blood, possibly to render CD56bright NK cells unresponsive to the SCF therein.
A case of gallbladder perforation detected by sonography after a blunt abdominal trauma
Authors: Hongo Maiko , Ishida Hideaki , Naganuma Hiroko , Yoshioka Hiroshi , Kasuya Takamitu , Niwa Makoto
Published: October 2013

Gallbladder (GB) perforation is a very rare posttraumatic abdominal injury. It is potentially life‐threatening, and good outcome requires early diagnosis. We present a case of isolated posttraumatic GB perforation in which the precise sonographic (US) diagnosis led us to apply proper management. Color Doppler US showed a clear to‐and‐fro flow signal passing through the perforation site, and contrast‐enhanced US confirmed the presence of a small defect in the GB wall. When examining posttraumatic patients, the possibility of GB perforation must be kept in mind. Color Doppler US and contrast‐enhanced US are the examinations of choice to detect the perforation site and show bile movement through the perforation. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound 42:301–304, 2014
Synthesis of (E)‐5‐Methoxy‐2‐styryl‐4‐pyrones as Potent Growth‐Inhibitory Agents Against Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells
Authors: Chen Yu‐Hua , Lu Pei‐Jung , Hulme Christopher , Shaw Arthur Y.
Published: October 2013

The present study a series of (E)‐5‐methoxy‐2‐styryl‐4H‐pyran‐4‐ones 6a, 6b, 6c, 6d, 6e, 6f, 6g, 6h, 6i, 6j was synthesized and evaluated for growth inhibitory inhibition against carcinoma cells. The growth inhibition study of eight carcinoma cell lines was examined and demonstrated that SKHep cells exhibit significant structure‐activity relationship in response to the tested compounds. Among them, 6f showed the most potent activity against SKHep, A549, AGS, and H460 cell lines with GI50 values of 0.17, 8.3, 3.6, 8.0 μM, respectively.
Microwave‐Assisted Synthesis of Pyrrolo[2,1‐b]thiazoles Linked to a Carbohydrate Moiety
Authors: Barradas José Sebastián , Errea María Inés , Sepúlveda Claudia , Damonte Elsa Beatriz , D'Accorso Norma Beatriz
Published: October 2013

Herein, we describe the synthesis of pyrrolo[2,1‐b]thiazoles substituted on C‐2 or C‐5 with a protected carbohydrate moiety. The new fused bicyclic heterocycles were obtained via thiazole intermediates, and the N‐alkylation step was assisted by microwave irradiation. The new products were completely characterized by physical and spectroscopic techniques. The cytotoxicity and antiviral activity against Junín virus of the methylated derivates was also evaluated.