bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Design Principle of Conjugated Polyelectrolytes to Make Them Water‐Soluble and Highly Emissive
Authors: Lee Kangwon , Kim Hyong‐Jun , Kim Jinsang
Published: January 2012

The correlation between the molecular design of a conjugated polyelectrolyte (CPE) and its aggregated structure and the emissive properties in water is systematically investigated by means of UV–vis spectrometry, fluorescence spectroscopy, and scanning/transmission electron microscopy. Five different and rationally designed CPEs having carboxylic acid side chains are synthesized. All five conjugated polyelectrolytes are seemingly completely soluble in water in visual observation. However, their quantum yields are dramatically different, changing from 0.45 to 51.4%. Morphological analysis by electron microscopy combined with fluorescence spectrophotometry reveals that the CPEs form self‐assembled aggregates at the nanoscale depending on the nature of their side chains. The feature of the self‐assembled aggregates directly determines the emissive property of the CPEs. The nature and the length of the spacer between the carboxylic acid group and the CPE backbone have a strong influence on the quantum yield of the CPEs. Our study demonstrates that bulky and hydrophilic side chains and spacers are required to achieve complete water‐solubility and high quantum yield of CPEs in water, providing an important molecular design principle to develop functional CPEs.
Beyond the patient: The broader impact of genetic discrimination among individuals at risk of Huntington disease
Authors: Bombard Yvonne , Palin JoAnne , Friedman Jan M. , Veenstra Gerry , Creighton Susan , Bottorff Joan L. , Hayden Michael R. ,   The Canadian Respond‐HD Collaborative Research Group
Published: January 2012

We aimed to address gaps in current understanding of the scope and impact of discrimination, by examining a cohort of individuals at‐risk for Huntington disease (HD), to describe the prevalence of concern for oneself and one's family in multiple domains; strategies used to mitigate discrimination; and the extent to which concerns relate to experiences. We conducted a cross‐sectional survey of 293 individuals at‐risk for HD (80% response rate); 167 respondents were genetically tested and 66 were not. Fear of discrimination was widespread (86%), particularly in the insurance, family and social settings. Approximately half of concerned individuals experienced discrimination (40–62%, depending on genetic status). Concern was associated with “keeping quiet” about one's risk of HD or “taking action to avoid” discrimination. Importantly, concern was highly distressing for some respondents (21% for oneself; 32% for relatives). Overall, concerned respondents with high education levels, who discovered their family history at a younger age, and those who were mutation‐positive were more likely to report experiences of discrimination than others who were concerned. Concerns were rarely attributed to genetic test results alone. Concern about genetic discrimination is frequent among individuals at‐risk of HD and spans many settings. It influences behavioral patterns and can result in high levels of self‐rated distress, highlighting the need for practice and policy interventions. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Coordinated changes in AHRR methylation in lymphoblasts and pulmonary macrophages from smokers
Authors: Monick Martha M. , Beach Steven R.H. , Plume Jeff , Sears Rory , Gerrard Meg , Brody Gene H. , Philibert Robert A.
Published: January 2012

Smoking is associated with a wide variety of adverse health outcomes including cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, diabetes, depression, and heart disease. Unfortunately, the molecular mechanisms through which these effects are conveyed are not clearly understood. To examine the potential role of epigenetic factors in these processes, we examined the relationship of smoking to genome wide methylation and gene expression using biomaterial from two independent samples, lymphoblast DNA and RNA (n = 119) and lung alveolar macrophage DNA (n = 19). We found that in both samples current smoking status was associated with significant changes in DNA methylation, in particular at the aryl hydrocarbon receptor repressor (AHRR), a known tumor suppressor. Both baseline DNA methylation and smoker associated DNA methylation signatures at AHRR were highly correlated (r = 0.94 and 0.45, respectively). DNA methylation at the most differentially methylated AHRR CpG residue in both samples, cg0557592, was significantly associated with AHRR gene expression. Pathway analysis of lymphoblast data (genes with most significant methylation changes) demonstrated enrichment in protein kinase C pathways and in TGF beta signaling pathways. For alveolar macrophages, pathway analysis demonstrated alterations in inflammation‐related processes. We conclude that smoking is associated with functionally significant genome wide changes in DNA methylation in both lymphoblasts and pulmonary macrophages and that further integrated investigations of these epigenetic effects of smoking on carcinogenesis and other related co‐morbidities are indicated. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A systematic review of the global prevalence of low back pain
Authors: Hoy Damian , Bain Christopher , Williams Gail , March Lyn , Brooks Peter , Blyth Fiona , Woolf Anthony , Vos Theo , Buchbinder Rachelle
Published: January 2012

Objective

To perform a systematic review of the global prevalence of low back pain, and to examine the influence that case definition, prevalence period, and other variables have on prevalence.

Methods

We conduced a new systematic review of the global prevalence of low back pain that included general population studies published between 1980 and 2009. A total of 165 studies from 54 countries were identified. Of these, 64% had been published since the last comparable review.

Results

Low back pain was shown to be a major problem throughout the world, with the highest prevalence among female individuals and those aged 40–80 years. After adjusting for methodologic variation, the mean ± SEM point prevalence was estimated to be 11.9 ± 2.0%, and the 1‐month prevalence was estimated to be 23.2 ± 2.9%.

Conclusion

As the population ages, the global number of individuals with low back pain is likely to increase substantially over the coming decades. Investigators are encouraged to adopt recent recommendations for a standard definition of low back pain and to consult a recently developed tool for assessing the risk of bias of prevalence studies.
Proteomic profiling following immunoaffinity capture of high‐density lipoprotein: Association of acute‐phase proteins and complement factors with proinflammatory high‐density lipoprotein in rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Watanabe Junji , Charles‐Schoeman Christina , Miao Yunan , Elashoff David , Lee Yuen Yin , Katselis George , Lee Terry D. , Reddy Srinivasa T.
Published: January 2012

Objective

To identify protein biomarkers associated with proinflammatory high‐density lipoprotein (HDL) in patients with active rheumatoid arthritis (RA) by proteomic analysis.

Methods

Liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC‐MS/MS) was used to analyze proteins associated with immunoaffinity‐purified HDL from plasma obtained from 2 sets of RA patients, 1 with antiinflammatory HDL and 1 with proinflammatory HDL. Proteins were fractionated by Offgel electrophoresis and analyzed using an LC‐MS/MS system equipped with a high‐capacity high‐performance liquid chromatography chip incorporating C18 reverse‐phase trapping and analytical columns. Sandwich enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assays were used to validate the association between select proteins and proinflammatory HDL in a second cohort of RA patients.

Results

Seventy‐eight proteins were identified in the HDL complexes. The levels of 12 proteins were significantly increased in RA patients with proinflammatory HDL compared to RA patients with antiinflammatory HDL. These proteins included the acute‐phase proteins apolipoprotein J, fibrinogen, haptoglobin, serum amyloid A, and complement factors (B, C3, and C9). The associations between proinflammatory HDL and 4 of the proteins were validated in a second RA cohort.

Conclusion

Our findings indicate that proinflammatory HDL in patients with RA contains a significantly altered proteome, including increased amounts of acute‐phase proteins and proteins involved in the complement cascade. These findings suggest that HDL is significantly altered in the setting of chronic inflammation in active RA, with resultant loss of its antiinflammatory function. The characterization of the biomarkers described herein may identify novel molecular connections that contribute to the higher risk of cardiovascular disease in RA patients.
Remission, minimal disease activity, and acceptable symptom state in juvenile idiopathic arthritis: Defining criteria based on the juvenile arthritis disease activity score
Authors: Consolaro Alessandro , Bracciolini Giulia , Ruperto Nicolino , Pistorio Angela , Magni‐Manzoni Silvia , Malattia Clara , Pederzoli Silvia , Davì Sergio , Martini Alberto , Ravelli Angelo ,   for the Paediatric Rheumatology International Trials Organization
Published: January 2012

Objective

To determine cutoff values for defining remission, minimal disease activity, and parent and child acceptable symptom state in juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) using the Juvenile Arthritis Disease Activity Score (JADAS).

Methods

For the selection of cutoff values, data from a clinical database including 609 children with JIA were used. Optimal cutoff values were determined against external criteria by calculating the 75th percentile of cumulative score distribution and through receiver operating characteristic curve analysis. External criteria included formal definitions of inactive disease and minimal disease activity, subjective rating of remission by physicians, parents, and children, and rating of acceptable symptom state by parents and children. The choice of cutoffs was made based on clinical and statistical grounds. Cross‐validation was performed using 4 JIA patient samples that included a total of 1,323 patients, and was based on assessment of construct, discriminant, and predictive validity.

Results

With all versions of the JADAS, the cutoff score for classifying a patient as having inactive disease was 1, whereas the cutoff for classification of minimal disease activity was 2 for oligoarticular JIA and 3.8 for polyarticular JIA. Cutoffs for physicians', parents', and children's subjective rating of remission ranged from 2 to 2.3. Cutoffs for acceptable symptom state ranged from 3.2 to 5.4 for parents and from 3 to 4.5 for children. Results of cross‐validation analyses strongly supported the selected cutoff values.

Conclusion

Cutoff values for classifying various disease states in JIA using the JADAS were developed. In cross‐validation analyses, they proved to have good construct and discriminant validity and ability to predict disease outcome.
Delayed gastric emptying determined using the 13C–octanoic acid breath test in patients with systemic sclerosis
Authors: Marie Isabelle , Gourcerol Guillaume , Leroi Anne‐Marie , Ménard Jean‐François , Levesque Hervé , Ducrotté Philippe
Published: January 2012

Objective

To determine the prevalence of delayed gastric emptying using the 13C–octanoic acid breath test in unselected patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc), to evaluate whether findings of the 13C–octanoic acid breath test are associated with clinical digestive manifestations, gastric mucosal abnormalities detected by gastroscopy, motor activity dysfunction detected by antroduodenal manometry, and esophageal motor impairment and extradigestive manifestations of SSc, and to develop a risk prediction score of gastric emptying in SSc.

Methods

Consecutive patients with SSc (n = 57) underwent the 13C–octanoic acid breath test. All of the patients with SSc completed a questionnaire on digestive symptoms, and a global symptom score (GSS) was calculated.

Results

The prevalence of delayed gastric emptying was 47.4% in patients with SSc. A marked correlation was observed between a GSS of digestive symptoms ≥5 and the presence of delayed gastric emptying (P < 0.00001). The sensitivity of a GSS ≥5 for predicting delayed gastric emptying was as high as 0.93, while the specificity was 0.73. Moreover, a GSS ≥5, mucosal gastric abnormalities, severe esophageal motor impairment, and interstitial lung disease were factors that were independently associated with the presence of delayed gastric emptying, and these variables were used to create a risk prediction score. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for the risk prediction score was 0.90; the sensitivity of this score for the prediction of delayed gastric emptying was 0.93, while the specificity was 0.77.

Conclusion

The results indicate that delayed gastric emptying occurs often in patients with SSc. Interestingly, using risk models with routine clinical characteristics, a simple risk prediction score can be calculated, allowing prediction of the occurrence of delayed gastric emptying in patients with SSc.
The Importance of Stereochemically Active Lone Pairs For Influencing PbII and AsIII Protein Binding
Authors: Zampella Giuseppe , Neupane Kosh P. , De Gioia Luca , Pecoraro Vincent L.
Published: January 2012

The toxicity of heavy metals, which is associated with the high affinity of the metals for thiolate rich proteins, constitutes a problem worldwide. However, despite this tremendous toxicity concern, the binding mode of AsIII and PbII to proteins is poorly understood. To clarify the requirements for toxic metal binding to metalloregulatory sensor proteins such as AsIII in ArsR/ArsD and PbII in PbrR or replacing ZnII in δ‐aminolevulinc acid dehydratase (ALAD), we have employed computational and experimental methods examining the binding of these heavy metals to designed peptide models. The computational results show that the mode of coordination of AsIII and PbII is greatly influenced by the steric bulk within the second coordination environment of the metal. The proposed basis of this selectivity is the large size of the ion and, most important, the influence of the stereochemically active lone pair in hemidirected complexes of the metal ion as being crucial. The experimental data show that switching a bulky leucine layer above the metal binding site by a smaller alanine residue enhances the PbII binding affinity by a factor of five, thus supporting experimentally the hypothesis of lone pair steric hindrance. These complementary approaches demonstrate the potential importance of a stereochemically active lone pair as a metal recognition mode in proteins and, specifically, how the second coordination sphere environment affects the affinity and selectivity of protein targets by certain toxic ions.
When parents disclose BRCA1/2 test results: Their communication and perceptions of offspring response
Authors: Bradbury Angela R. , Patrick‐Miller Linda , Egleston Brian L. , Olopade Olufunmilayo I. , Daly Mary B. , Moore Cynthia W. , Sands Colleen B. , Schmidheiser Helen , Kondamudi Preethi K. , Feigon Maia , Ibe Comfort N. , Daugherty Christopher K.
Published: January 2012

BACKGROUND:

BRCA1/2 testing is not recommended for children, as risk reduction measures and screening are not generally recommended before 25 years old (YO). Little is known about the prevalence and predictors of parent communication to offspring and how offspring respond to this communication.

METHODS:

Semi‐structured interviews were conducted with parents who had BRCA1/2 testing and at least 1 child <25 YO. Logistic regressions were utilized to evaluate associations with communication. Framework analysis was utilized to analyze open‐ended responses.

RESULTS:

A total of 253 parents completed interviews (61% response rate), reporting on 505 offspring. Twenty‐nine percent of parents were BRCA1/2 mutation carriers. Three hundred thirty‐four (66%) offspring learned of their parent's test result. Older offspring age (P ≤ .01), offspring gender (female, P = .05), parents' negative test result (P = .03), and parents' education (high school only, P = .02) were associated with communication to offspring. The most frequently reported initial offspring responses were neutral (41%) or relief (28%). Thirteen percent of offspring were reported to experience concern or distress (11%) in response to parental communication of their test results. Distress was more frequently perceived among offspring learning of their parent's BRCA1/2 positive or variant of uncertain significance result.

CONCLUSIONS:

Many parents communicate their BRCA1/2 test results to young offspring. Parents' perceptions of offspring responses appear to vary by offspring age and parent test result. A better understanding of how young offspring respond to information about hereditary risk for adult cancer could provide opportunities to optimize adaptive psychosocial responses to risk information and performance of health behaviors, in adolescence and throughout an at‐risk life span. Cancer 2012. © 2012 American Cancer Society.
Glucose meter inaccuracy and the impact on the care of patients
Authors: Hellman Richard
Published: January 2012

Blood glucose testing utilizing point‐of‐care (POC) glucose meters has become increasingly common – in hospital settings, in outpatient areas, and in the self‐care of patients. It is rightly considered an essential tool for the management of diabetes. But many who rely on these meters are unaware of the pitfalls in their use and do not realize that there are settings where misleading results obtained by POC glucose meters may alter clinical decisions in the care of persons with diabetes and in some cases have caused catastrophic errors in care, even deaths. Their use in critical care settings is of great concern because many of the factors that increase the risk of inaccuracy of the POC glucose meters exist in critical care settings. Unfortunately, many clinicians are still uncritically accepting data from the POC glucose meters, to the potential detriment of the care of the patients.

To improve the quality of care of those with diabetes, we need to establish better standards for the evaluation of POC glucose meters, encourage wider use of technologies that have improved the accuracy and precision of the meters, and adopt clear rules, particularly in inpatient settings, as to when to avoid using POC glucose meters and also when to verify their results before accepting the results of the POC glucose measurement. Such strategies are essential if we are to use these meters successfully. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Diverse Coordination Behaviour of Phosphorus(V)‐Functionalised 6‐Chloroaminobenzothiazole Anions at Various Metal Centres
Authors: Coles Simon J. , Dale Sophie H. , Elsegood Mark R. J. , Gaw Kirsty G. , Gelbrich Thomas , Hursthouse Michael B. , Light Mark E. , Noble Thomas A. , Smith Martin B.
Published: January 2012

Aminobenzothiazole‐functionalised phosphane 1 and its corresponding phosphorus(V) analogues 2–4 were synthesised in high yields. New 1D polymeric salts K[ClC6H3NC(S)NP(E)Ph2]∞ (E = O 5; E = S 6) were shown, by using single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction, to exhibit unique potassium metal ion coordination through either κ3‐N2O tridentate (E = O) or κ2‐N2 bridging (E = S) modes. In contrast, κ2‐NE chelation (E = S, Se) was observed upon complexation to a range of metal fragments including {Ir(η5‐Cp*)Cl} (E = S 8; E = Se 9), {Rh(η5‐Cp*)Cl} (E = S 10; E = Se 11), {Ru(η6‐p‐MeC6H4iPr)Cl} (E = S 12), {Ru(η6‐C6Me6)Cl} (E = S 13) and {Pt(PMe2Ph)Cl} (E = S 14). All new compounds were characterised by a combination of multinuclear NMR, FTIR and microanalysis. Seven compounds were structurally characterised by using single‐crystal X‐ray crystallography.
A Novel Zr‐Based Porous Coordination Polymer Containing Azobenzenedicarboxylate as a Linker
Authors: Schaate Andreas , Dühnen Simon , Platz Georg , Lilienthal Sebastian , Schneider Andreas M. , Behrens Peter
Published: January 2012

A novel porous coordination polymer (PCP), Zr–abdc, composed of Zr‐based secondary building units (SBUs), [Zr6O4(OH)4]12+, and 4,4′‐azobenzenedicarboxylate (abdc2–) linkers, has been synthesized by a modulated synthetic approach. In accord with the twelve‐fold connecting SBU, Zr–abdc has a topology similar to the PCP series UiO‐66–UiO‐68, which is proposed from single‐crystal XRD and powder (P)XRD experiments. The linkers are strongly disordered, which made it impossible to determine the exact structure. The compound was further characterized by thermogravimetric analysis, scanning electron microscopy and Ar sorption measurements. Soxhlet extraction with ethanol instead of simple washing was helpful to remove guest molecules present in the pores after the synthesis. PXRD patterns measured at elevated temperatures show that a material stable up to 400 °C in air was obtained. After activation, it showed a specific surface area of 3000 m2 g–1 and a pore volume of 1.41 cm3 g–1.
Tetrakis(tetrathiafulvalene–tetrathiacrown ether)porphyrazine Triads: Synthesis, Photophysical, and Electrochemical Properties
Authors: Hou Ruibin , Li Bao , Zhong Keli , Li Hongda , Jin Long‐Yi , Yin Bingzhu
Published: January 2012

A series of tetrakis(tetrathiafulvalene‐tetrathiacrown ether)porphyrazine triads with long and flexible aliphatic side‐chains at the periphery have been synthesized and characterized. Electrochemical investigations show two reversible four‐electron oxidation waves, one reversible one‐electron oxidation wave and two irreversible one‐electron reduction waves, which indicates that these triads are good π‐electron donors. Selected triad 4a reacted with 2,3,5,6‐tetrafluoro‐7,7,8,8‐tetracyanoquinodimethane (F4TCNQ) to form a charge‐transfer complex, which exhibits absorption bands at around 760 and 860 nm. Selected triads 4a and 5a bind silver(I) and mercury(II) ions. In the case of triad 4a, the addition of silver(I) ions led to dimerization of the triad, which fragmented to form monomeric 4:1 host–guest complexes when more than 2 equiv. of the metal ions were added. X‐ray scattering at room temperature showed that triad 5c is a highly ordered oblique columnar structure in the bulk state. The crystal structures of the precursors 3b,c were also determined by X‐ray diffraction analysis.
Rapid Room‐Temperature 11C‐Methylation of Arylamines with [11C]Methyl Iodide Promoted by Solid Inorganic‐Bases in DMF
Authors: Cai Lisheng , Xu Rong , Guo Xuelei , Pike Victor W.
Published: January 2012

[11C]Methyl iodide is the most widely used reagent for labeling radiotracers with carbon‐11 (t1/2 = 20.4 min) for molecular imaging with positron emission tomography. However, some substrates for labeling, especially primary arylamines and pyrroles, are sluggishly reactive towards [11C]methyl iodide. We found that insoluble inorganic bases, especially Li3N or Li2O, effectively promote rapid reactions (≤ 10 min) of such substrates with no‐carrier‐added [11C]methyl iodide in N,N‐dimethylformamide (DMF) at room temperature to give 11C‐methylated products in useful radiochemical yields. In particular, we discovered that some primary arylamines in Li3N/DMF were converted into their corresponding formanilides, and that these were readily N‐methylated with [11C]methyl iodide, which preceded easy basic hydrolysis to the desired [11C]N‐methyl secondary arylamines. The use of a solid base permitted selective reaction at an arylamino group and, in some cases, avoided undesirable side reactions, such as ester group hydrolysis. An ultrasound device proved useful to provide remote and constant agitation of the radioactive heterogeneous reaction mixtures but imparted no ultrasound‐specific chemical effect.
Enterocyte STAT5 promotes mucosal wound healing via suppression of myosin light chain kinase‐mediated loss of barrier function and inflammation
Authors: Gilbert Shila , Zhang Rongli , Denson Lee , Moriggl Richard , Steinbrecher Kris , Shroyer Noah , Lin James , Han Xiaonan
Published: January 2012

Epithelial myosin light chain kinase (MLCK)‐dependent barrier dysfunction contributes to the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). We reported that epithelial GM‐CSF–STAT5 signalling is essential for intestinal homeostatic response to gut injury. However, mechanism, redundancy by STAT5 or cell types involved remained foggy. We here generated intestinal epithelial cell (IEC)‐specific STAT5 knockout mice, these mice exhibited a delayed mucosal wound healing and dysfunctional intestinal barrier characterized by elevated levels of NF‐κB activation and MLCK, and a reduction of zonula occludens expression in IECs. Deletion of MLCK restored intestinal barrier function in STAT5 knockout mice, and facilitated mucosal wound healing. Consistently, knockdown of stat5 in IEC monolayers led to increased NF‐κB DNA binding to MLCK promoter, myosin light chain phosphorylation and tight junction (TJ) permeability, which were potentiated by administration of tumour necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α), and prevented by concurrent NF‐κB knockdown. Collectively, enterocyte STAT5 signalling protects against TJ barrier dysfunction and promotes intestinal mucosal wound healing via an interaction with NF‐κB to suppress MLCK. Targeting IEC STAT5 signalling may be a novel therapeutic approach for treating intestinal barrier dysfunction in IBD.
European Tertiary Fagaceae with chinquapin‐like foliage and leaf epidermal characteristics
Authors: Kvaček Zlatko , Walther Harald
Published: January 2012

Foliage morphotypes of fossil Fagaceae similar to Castanea document for the Eocene and Oligocene of Europe important deciduous accessory elements of the Notophyllous Evergreen and Mixed Mesophytic Forest types. These detached leaf fossils with partially preserved cuticle structures allow us to discriminate two morphospecies: Castaneophyllum venosum (Rossmässler) Knobloch & Kvaček (Late Eocene) and Castaneophyllum lonchitiforme Kvaček & Walther, sp. n. (Oligocene). Both recall foliage of living representatives of Castanea sect. Balanocastanon Dode (chinquapins) and partly Quercus L. while detailed epidermal anatomy indicates more straightforward affinities to the Castaneoideae s.s., namely Castanea in particular, by broader bases of glandular trichomes (Castanea‐ type) and stellate appressed trichomes with thin bases. Similar Neogene morphospecies Quercus drymeja Ung. and Quercus kubinyii (Kováts ex Ettingsh.) Czeczott decidedly differ in almost hairless leaves with a strong hypodermal tissue and simple bases of glandular trichomes matching oaks of the Cerris group. (© 2010 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
A corrected symmetric SPH method to simulate viscoelastic free surface flows based on the PTT model
Authors: Ren Jinlian , Ouyang Jie , Jiang Tao , Li Qiang
Published: January 2012

In this work, a corrected symmetric and periodic density reinitialized SPH (CSPDR‐SPH) method is proposed and extended to simulate the viscoelastic free surface flows based on the Phan–Thien–Tanner model. The improvements mainly lie in deriving a corrected symmetric kernel gradient, and combining it with a periodic density reinitialization procedure. In addition, a simple artificial viscosity and a simple artificial stress form are adopted. Thus, the CSPDR‐SPH method has higher accuracy and better stability than the SPH method, and conserves both linear and angular momentums. The consistency and convergence of the CSPDR‐SPH method are justified by approximating a function in one and two dimensions. The merits of CSPDR‐SPH method are demonstrated by several benchmarks. The simple flow in a two‐dimensional channel is investigated to show the capability of the CSPDR‐SPH method to simulate the viscoelastic free surface flow. Then the CSPDR‐SPH method is extended to simulate the impacting drop problem. Numerical results show that the CSPDR‐SPH method can precisely capture the viscoelastic free surface. The Reynolds number, Weissenberg number and elongation parameter have remarkable effect on the flows. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Association of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease with a single nucleotide polymorphism on the gene encoding leptin receptor
Authors: Swellam Menha , Hamdy Nadia M.
Published: January 2012

Leptin (Lep), a 16‐kDa polypeptide hormone, exerts its action through the leptin receptor (LepRb), a member of the class I cytokine receptor family. Both leptin and LepRb probably have been implicated in pathogenesis of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). This study was designed to assess the role of soluble leptin and LepRb in NAFLD and to investigate whether leptin receptor gene (LepR) single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP; ID rs6700896) influences NAFLD complicated with or without type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Blood samples from 90 obese NAFLD cases and 30 lean controls of matched age and sex were recruited in the study. Among the NAFLD patients, 32 were T2DM. Plasma leptin and LepRb levels were measured by enzyme linked immunoassay (ELISA). Lipids profile, glucose metabolic parameters, and insulin concentration were measured for all participants. Body mass index (BMI) and insulin resistance (IR) were calculated as well. Genotyping was done using SNP (rs6700986) for LepR gene. Significant difference was reported between NAFLD with or without T2DM and control regarding biochemical markers and LepR genotype and allele frequencies. Mutant homozygous and heterozygous LepR genotype and mutant allele were significantly higher in mild–severe steatosis and in NAFLD with T2DM when compared with mild steatosis and those without T2DM. Frequencies of mutant LepR polymorphism were significantly associated with IR increment. Elevated leptin level seems to be a feature of steatosis, and it appears to increase as hepatocyte steatosis develops. Moreover, polymorphism of LepR gene contributes to the onset of NAFLD by regulating lipid metabolism and affecting insulin sensitivity. © 2011 IUBMB Life,, 2011.
Hyperspectral imaging of mucosal surfaces in patients
Authors: Gerstner Andreas O. H. , Laffers Wiebke , Bootz Friedrich , Farkas Daniel L. , Martin Ron , Bendix Jörg , Thies Boris
Published: January 2012

The aim of this study was to proof applicability of hyperspectral imaging for the analysis and classification of human mucosal surfaces in vivo. The larynx as a prototypical anatomically well‐defined surgical test area was analyzed by microlaryngoscopy with a polychromatic lightsource and a synchronous triggered monochromatic CCD‐camera. Image stacks (5 benign, 7 malignant tumors) were analyzed by established software (principal component analysis PCA, hyperspectral classification, spectral profiles). Hyperspectral image datacubes were analyzed and classified by conventional software. In PCA, images at 590–680 nm loaded most onto the first PC which typically contained 95% of the total information. Hyperspectral classification clustered the data highlighting altered mucosa. The spectral profiles clearly differed between the different groups. Hyperspectral imaging can be applied to mucosal surfaces. This approach opens the way to analyze spectral characteristics of histologically different lesions in order to build up a spectral library and to allow non‐touch optical biopsy. (© 2012 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Effect of coagulant‐flocculant reagents on aerobic granular biomass
Authors: Val del Río Ángeles , Morales Nicolás , Figueroa Mónica , Mosquera‐Corral Anuska , Campos José Luis , Méndez Ramón
Published: January 2012

BACKGROUND: Technologies based on aerobic granular biomass are presented as a new alternative application to wastewater treatment due to its advantages in comparison with the conventional activated sludge processes. However, the properties of the aerobic granules can be influenced by the presence of residual amounts of coagulant‐flocculant reagents, frequently used as pre‐treatment before the biological process. In this work the effect of these compounds on aerobic granular biomass development was tested.

RESULTS: The presence of coagulant‐flocculant reagents led to a worse biomass retention capacity with a lower VSS concentration compared with a control reactor (4.5 vs. 7.9 g VSS L−1) and with a higher SVI (70 vs. 40 mL [g TSS]−1) and diameter (5.0 vs. 2.3 mm). These reagents also caused a decrease in the maximum oxygen consumption rate, but the removal efficiencies of organic matter (90%) and nitrogen (60%) achieved were similar to those in the control reactor.

CONCLUSION: The continuous presence of residual levels of coagulant‐flocculant reagents from the pre‐treatment unit negatively affected the formation process and the physical properties of the aerobic granules; however, the removal of organic matter and nitrogen were not affected. Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Systematic literature searching in policy relevant, inter‐disciplinary reviews: an example from culture and sport
Authors: Schucan Bird Karen , Tripney Janice
Published: January 2012

Within the systematic review process, the searching phase is critical to the final synthesis product, its use and value. Yet, relatively little is known about the utility of different search strategies for reviews of complex, inter‐disciplinary evidence. This article used a recently completed programme of work on cultural and sporting engagement to conduct an empirical evaluation of a comprehensive search strategy. Ten different types of search source were evaluated, according to three dimensions: (i) effectiveness in identifying relevant studies; (ii) efficiency in identifying studies; and (iii) adding value by locating studies that were not identified by any other sources. The study found that general bibliographic databases and specialist databases ranked the highest on all three dimensions. Overall, websites and journals were the next most valuable types of source. For reviewers, these findings highlight that general and specialist databases should remain a core component of the comprehensive search strategy, supplemented with other types of sources that can efficiently identify unique or grey literature. For policy makers and other research commissioners, this study highlights the value of methodological analysis for improving the understanding of, and practice in, policy relevant, inter‐disciplinary systematic reviews. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effects of genotype, soil type, year and fertilisation on sensory and morphological attributes of carrots (Daucus carota L.)
Authors: Seljåsen Randi , Lea Per , Torp Torfinn , Riley Hugh , Berentsen Erling , Thomsen Mette , Bengtsson Gunnar B
Published: January 2012

BACKGROUND: The aim of the study was to investigate the effects of variety, soil type and fertilisation, and the interactions between these factors, on yield and quality traits of carrots.

RESULTS: Optimum fertilisation levels for yield and quality of grade one roots were found to be between 80 and 160 kg ha−1 for nitrogen and between 0 and 120 kg ha−1 for potassium depending on soil type and precipitation. Carrots grown in peat soil had the highest score for sweetness and the lowest scores for negatively associated characteristics such as bitterness, earthy flavour, terpene flavour and firmness. Nitrate content and the amounts of splitted and forked roots were lowest on sandy soil. Variety significantly affected number of grade 1 roots, dry matter, nitrate content and most of the sensory attributes tested. Interactions between variety, soil type and nitrogen fertilisation were found for most of the tested quality characteristics.

CONCLUSION: The investigations showed that year and variety had the highest impact on the carrot quality attributes studied, whereas soil type and fertilisation had less influence. Peat soil and moderate fertilisation with N and K gave optimal sensory quality while sand soil gave optimal quality as regards morphological characters like splitting and forking of roots as well as nitrate content. Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Antioxidant, antimicrobial and anticancer activities of three Parmelia species
Authors: Kosanić Marijana M , Ranković Branislav R , Stanojković Tatjana P
Published: January 2012

BACKGROUND: Lichens are symbiotic organisms consisting of algae and fungi. They are used for human and animal nutrition and in the production of colours, perfumes and alcohol. Lichens have also been used in traditional medicine to treat diseases such as jaundice, pulmonary, stomach and cranial diseases. In this study the acetone extracts of three lichens, Parmelia caperata, Parmelia sulcata and Parmelia saxatilis, were tested for their antioxidant, antimicrobial and anticancer potential.

RESULTS: Of the lichens tested, P. saxatilis had the highest free radical‐scavenging activity (55.3% inhibition). Moreover, all tested extracts showed effective reducing power and superoxide anion radical scavenging. Strong relationships between total phenolic and flavonoid contents and antioxidant effects of the tested extracts were observed. The extract of P. sulcata was most active in terms of antimicrobial ability, with minimum inhibitory concentration values ranging from 0.78 to 12.5 mg L−1. All extracts were found to have strong anticancer activity, with IC50 values ranging from 9.55 to 22.95 µg mL−1.

CONCLUSION: The present study showed that the tested lichen extracts exhibited strong antioxidant, antimicrobial and anticancer effects. This suggests that lichens may be used as possible natural antioxidant, antimicrobial and anticancer agents. Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Overexpression of thrombospondin‐1 in stromal myofibroblasts is associated with tumor growth and nodal metastasis in gastric carcinoma
Authors: Lin Xian‐Dong , Chen Shu‐Qin , Qi Yuan‐Lin , Zhu Jin‐Wei , Tang Yang , Lin Jian‐Yin
Published: January 2012

Background and Objectives

The roles of thrombospondin‐1 (THBS‐1) in tumor growth and metastasis are complicated and its function as a cancer inhibitor or promoter remains controversial. This clinical study investigated the functional roles of THBS‐1 in gastric carcinoma by examining the expression patterns of THBS‐1 protein and mRNA levels during gastric cancer development.

Methods

Eighty‐two gastric carcinomas were included in this study. THBS‐1, α‐smooth muscle actin, and CD34 proteins were localized by immunohistochemical staining, and the levels of THBS‐1 mRNA were quantified by real‐time polymerase chain reaction.

Results

THBS‐1 mRNA expression in gastric carcinoma tissues was significantly higher than in adjacent non‐cancerous stomach tissues (P = 0.03). Tumor THBS‐1 mRNA expression level was significantly related to lymph node metastasis (P = 0.031), tumor size (P = 0.021) and patient age (P = 0.005). THBS‐1 protein was mainly located in stromal myofibroblasts, and was undetectable in tumor cells. Myofibroblasts may be mainly derived from stromal fibroblasts in gastric cancer. The abundance of myofibroblasts was positively correlated with tumor growth and nodal metastasis in gastric carcinoma (P = 0.03, P = 0.0008, respectively).

Conclusions

This clinical study revealed that overexpression of THBS‐1 in stromal myofibroblasts is associated with tumor growth and nodal metastasis in gastric carcinoma. THBS‐1 may activate latent transforming growth factor‐β1 to stimulate fibroblasts to differentiate into myofibroblasts, though further studies are needed to validate this hypothesis. These results suggest that THBS‐1 and myofibroblasts may serve as novel targets for strategies aimed at protection against and treatment of gastric carcinoma. J. Surg. Oncol. 2012; 106:94–100. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Retention prediction of a set of amino acids under gradient elution conditions in hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography
Authors: Gika Helen , Theodoridis Georgios , Mattivi Fulvio , Vrhovsek Urska , Pappa‐Louisi Adriani
Published: January 2012

The analysis of amino acids presents significant challenges to contemporary analytical separations. The present paper investigates the possibility of retention prediction in hydrophilic interaction chromatography (HILIC) gradient elution based on the analytical solution of the fundamental equation of the multilinear gradient elution derived for reversed‐phase systems. A simple linear dependence of the logarithm of the solute retention (ln k) upon the volume fraction of organic modifier (φ) in a binary aqueous‐organic mobile is adopted. Utility of the developed methodology was tested on the separation of a mixture of 21 amino acids carried out with 14 different gradient elution programs (from simple linear to multilinear and curved shaped) using ternary eluents in which a mixture of methanol and water (1:1, v/v) was the strong eluting member and acetonitrile was the weak solvent. Starting from at least two gradient runs, the prediction of solute retention obtained under all the rest gradients was excellent, even when curved gradient profiles were used. Development of such methodologies can be of great interest for a wide range of applications.
Wire grill brush bristle as an unusual foreign body: Report of two pediatric cases
Authors: Arganbright Jill M. , Bruegger Daniel E. , Sykes Kevin J. , Wei Julie L.
Published: January 2012

Wire grill brushes are commonly used for cleaning grill grates. Accidental ingestion of a wire bristle from a grill‐cleaning brush is a rarely reported foreign body, with only three prior case reports. Although scarce in the literature, we encountered two pediatric cases at the regional children's hospital within 1 year. By presenting these two cases, our goal was to raise awareness of this potentially hazardous foreign body. Additionally, we raise a consumer safety issue associated with the use of wire grill‐cleaning brushes as there are currently no ingestion hazard warnings on these products. Laryngoscope,, 2011
Selection of a Third‐Party Logistics Provider: Capturing the Interaction and Influence of Performance Metrics with the Analytical Network Process
Authors: Cooper Orrin , Tadikamalla Pandu , Shang Jennifer
Published: January 2012

When a business decides to outsource its logistics operations to improve its performance, the organization will need to select a third‐party logistics provider (3PL) that shares common goals and satisfies service level requirements. In this paper, we identify a set of 3PL performance measures from the perspective of the supply chain and organize them into a time‐phased format, beginning with the post production stage and continuing through the delivery of the goods to the customer distribution center. The supply chain flow is presented as a Metrics Arrow. To integrate the performance metrics (PM) into one model, we propose an analytical network process (ANP) to capture all PM and to understand the interrelated influences among them. Additionally, to derive the weights for PM, the proposed ANP model offers managerial insight into the relative impact of each metric as well as warning signals or trigger points within the network of PM. The model provides a realistic framework to choose the 3PL that can help achieve the greatest improvements within the supply chain. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Board Determinants in Banking Industry. An International Perspective
Authors: de Andres Pablo , Romero‐Merino M. Elena , Santamaría Marcos , Vallelado Eleuterio
Published: January 2012

This paper explores the factors influencing the board composition of an international sample of commercial banks over the period 1996–2006. After considering the dual role of the board as monitor and advisor, our analysis shows that no one board composition is optimal for the banking industry and that any such recommendation could harm bank governance. Our results suggest that more complex banks that have a low ownership concentration and are headquartered in a civil law country should have larger and more independent boards. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Detecting brown adipose tissue activity with BOLD MRI in mice
Authors: Khanna Arjun , Branca Rosa T.
Published: January 2012

The recent discovery of active brown adipose tissue (BAT) in adult humans and the correlation found between the activity of this tissue and resting metabolic rate strongly suggest that this tissue may be implicated in the development of obesity in humans, as it is in rodents. Despite the possible physiological role of this tissue in the onset of human obesity, few noninvasive imaging techniques to detect BAT activity in humans exist. The scope of this work is to investigate the possibility of detecting BAT activity using blood‐oxygen‐level‐dependent MRI. Our results show that the strong increase in oxygen consumption and consequent increase in blood deoxyhemoglobin levels following BAT activation lead to a well‐localized signal drop in BAT. This strongly suggests the possibility to use blood‐oxygen‐level‐dependent MRI for the noninvasive detection of BAT activity. Magn Reson Med, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Isolation and Quantitation of Ecologically Important Phloroglucinols and Other Compounds from Eucalyptus jensenii
Authors: Sidana Jasmeen , Foley William J. , Singh Inder Pal
Published: January 2012

Introduction

Eucalyptus jensenii has not been explored for its phytoconstituents except for its essential oil although a formylated phloroglucinol compound jensenone has been the focus of several ecological studies.

Objective

i) To optimise the extraction conditions for preparative scale isolation of jensenone and other secondary metabolites from leaves. (ii) To develop an RP‐HPLC method for simultaneous determination of phloroglucinols and other compounds in Eucalyptus leaves.

Methodology

Jensenone and other compounds were isolated from acetone extract using VLC over TLC grade silica. HPLC quantitation of isolated compounds was undertaken on a C18‐column using acetonitrile–water (2% formic acid) gradient elution.

Results

Extraction conditions for isolation of jensenone were optimised and more than 99% pure jensenone was obtained in a yield of 2.1% from the dried leaves. Ten phloroglucinol compounds, including a new nuclear methylated phloroglucinol named 4‐O‐demethyl miniatone, and two triterpenoids were also isolated. A RP‐HPLC method was developed for simultaneous quantitation of phloroglucinols and other compounds in different extracts of E. jensenii leaves. A total of 19 compounds reported from different species of Eucalyptus was separated by this method.

Conclusion

The method described for isolation of jensenone is a simple, rapid and low‐cost procedure amenable to the preparative scale. A new monomeric phloroglucinol compound was isolated and characterised from the acetone extract of E. jensenii leaves. The HPLC method developed can be applied successfully to different eucalypt matrices for precise and accurate determination of 19 secondary metabolites belonging to different chemical classes. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.