bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Amino acids in atmospheric droplets: perturbation of surface tension and critical supersaturation predicted by computer simulations
Authors: Li X. , Hede T. , Tu Y. , Leck C. , Ågren H.
Published: November 2011

Abstract. Atmospheric amino acids constitute an important fraction of the water-soluble organic nitrogen compounds in both marine and continental aerosols, and have been confirmed as effective cloud condensation nuclei materials in laboratory tests. We here present a molecular dynamics study of amino acids representative for the remote marine atmospheric aerosol-cloud system, in order to investigate molecular distributions, orientations and induced changes in surface tension, and to evaluate their indirect effects on optical properties of clouds. These L-amino acids, including serine, glycine, alanine, valine, methionine and phenylalanine, are categorized as hydrophilic and hydrophobic according to their affinities to water. Different amino acids show distinct effects on the surface tension; even the same amino acid has different influence on the surface tension for planar and spherical interfaces. The curvature dependence of the surface tension is modelled by a quadratic polynomial function of the inverse of droplet radius, and such relationship is used to improve the Köhler equation in predicting the critical water vapour supersaturation of the droplet activation.
Nonlinear controls on evapotranspiration in arctic coastal wetlands
Authors: Liljedahl A. K. , Hinzman L. D. , Harazono Y. , Zona D. , Tweedie C. E. , Hollister R. D. , Engstrom R. , Oechel W. C.
Published: November 2011

Abstract. Projected increases in air temperature and precipitation due to climate change in Arctic wetlands could dramatically affect ecosystem function. As a consequence, it is important to define controls on evapotranspiration, the major pathway of water loss from these systems. We quantified the multi-year controls on midday Arctic coastal wetland evapotranspiration, measured with the eddy covariance method at two vegetated, drained thaw lake basins near Barrow, Alaska. Variations in near-surface soil moisture and atmospheric vapor pressure deficits were found to have nonlinear effects on midday evapotranspiration rates. Vapor pressure deficits (VPD) near 0.3 kPa appeared to be an important hydrological threshold, allowing latent heat flux to persistently exceed sensible heat flux. Dry (compared to wet) soils increased bulk surface resistance (water-limited). Wet soils favored ground heat flux and therefore limited the energy available to sensible and latent heat flux (energy-limited). Thus, midday evapotranspiration was suppressed from both dry and wet soils but through different mechanisms. We also found that wet soils (ponding excluded) combined with large VPD, resulted in an increased bulk surface resistance and therefore suppressing evapotranspiration below its potential rate (Priestley-Taylor α < 1.26). This was likely caused by the limited ability of mosses to transfer moisture during large atmospheric demands. Ultimately, in addition to net radiation, the various controlling factors on midday evapotranspiration (i.e., near-surface soil moisture, atmospheric vapor pressure, and the limited ability of saturated mosses to transfer water during high VPD) resulted in an average evapotranspiration rate of up to 75% of the potential evapotranspiration rate. These multiple limitations on midday evapotranspiration rates have the potential to moderate interannual variation of total evapotranspiration and reduce excessive water loss in a warmer climate. Combined with the prevailing maritime winds and projected increases in precipitation, these curbing mechanisms will likely prevent extensive future soil drying and hence maintain the presence of coastal wetlands.
First continuous phosphate record from Greenland ice cores
Authors: Kjær H. A. , Svensson A. , Vallelonga P. , Kettner E. , Schüpbach S. , Bigler M. , Steffensen J. P. , Hansson M. E.
Published: November 2011

Abstract. A continuous and highly sensitive absorption method for detection of soluble phosphate in ice cores has been developed using a molybdate reagent and a 2 m liquid waveguide (LWCC). The method is optimized to meet the low concentrations of phosphate in Greenland ice, it has a detection limit of around 0.1 ppb and a depth resolution of approximately 2 cm. The new method has been applied to obtain phosphate concentrations from segments of two Northern Greenland ice cores: from a shallow firn core covering the most recent 120 yr and from the recently obtained deep NEEM ice core in which sections from the late glacial period have been analysed. Phosphate concentrations in 20th century ice are around 0.32 ppb with no indication of anthropogenic influence in the most recent ice. In the glacial part of the NEEM ice core concentrations in the cold stadial periods are significantly higher, in the range of 6–24 ppb, while interstadial ice concentrations are around 2 ppb. In the shallow firn core, a strong correlation between concentrations of phosphate and insoluble dust suggests a similar deposition pattern for phosphate and dust. In the glacial ice, phosphate and dust also correlate quite strongly, however it is most likely that this correlation originates from the phosphate binding to dust during transport, with only a fraction coming directly from dust. Additionally a constant ratio between phosphate and potassium concentrations shows evidence of a possible biogenic land source. Please note: The technique for continuous phosphate determination reported here has been subsequently improved and published in Environmental Science & Technology. The technique reported here determines an unquantifiable mixture of soluble and insoluble phosphate, and hence may lead to variable phosphate recoveries from in ice core samples from different climatic periods. This deficiency has been avoided in the Environ. Sci. Technol. publication, by filtering insoluble particles from the sample before the addition of a reagent.
Development of an ensemble-adjoint optimization approach to derive uncertainties in net carbon fluxes
Authors: Ziehn T. , Scholze M. , Knorr W.
Published: November 2011

Abstract. Accurate modelling of the carbon cycle strongly depends on the parametrization of its underlying processes. The Carbon Cycle Data Assimilation System (CCDAS) can be used as an estimator algorithm to derive posterior parameter values and uncertainties for the Biosphere Energy Transfer and Hydrology scheme (BETHY). However, the simultaneous optimization of all process parameters can be challenging, due to the complexity and non-linearity of the BETHY model. Therefore, we propose a new concept that uses ensemble runs and the adjoint optimization approach of CCDAS to derive the full probability density function (PDF) for posterior soil carbon parameters and the net carbon flux at the global scale. This method allows us to optimize only those parameters that can be constrained best by atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) data. The prior uncertainties of the remaining parameters are included in a consistent way through ensemble runs, but are not constrained by data. The final PDF for the optimized parameters and the net carbon flux are then derived by superimposing the individual PDFs for each ensemble member. We find that the optimization with CCDAS converges much faster, due to the smaller number of processes involved. Faster convergence also gives us much increased confidence that we find the global minimum in the reduced parameter space.
Climate change impact on water resource extremes in a headwater region of the Tarim basin in China
Authors: Liu T. , Willems P. , Pan X. L. , Bao An. M. , Chen X. , Veroustraete F. , Dong Q. H.
Published: November 2011

Abstract. The Tarim river basin in China is a huge inland arid basin, which is expected to be highly vulnerable to climatic changes, given that most water resources originate from the upper mountainous headwater regions. This paper focuses on one of these headwaters: the Kaidu river subbasin. The climate change impact on the surface and ground water resources of that basin and more specifically on the hydrological extremes were studied by using both lumped and spatially distributed hydrological models, after simulation of the IPCC SRES greenhouse gas scenarios till the 2050s. The models include processes of snow and glacier melting. The climate change signals were extracted from the grid-based results of general circulation models (GCMs) and applied on the station-based, observed historical data using a perturbation approach. For precipitation, the time series perturbation involves both a wet-day frequency perturbation and a quantile perturbation to the wet-day rainfall intensities. For temperature and potential evapotranspiration, the climate change signals only involve quantile based changes. The perturbed series were input into the hydrological models and the impacts on the surface and ground water resources studied. The range of impact results (after considering 36 GCM runs) were summarized in high, mean, and low results. It was found that due to increasing precipitation in winter, snow accumulation increases in the upper mountainous areas. Due to temperature rise, snow melting rates increase and the snow melting periods are pushed forward in time. Although the qualitive impact results are highly consistent among the different GCM runs considered, the precise quantitative impact results varied significantly depending on the GCM run and the hydrological model.
Spatio-temporal impact of climate change on the groundwater system
Authors: Dams J. , Salvadore E. , Van Daele T. , Ntegeka V. , Willems P. , Batelaan O.
Published: November 2011

Abstract. Given the importance of groundwater for food production and drinking water supply, but also for the survival of groundwater dependent terrestrial ecosystems (GWDTEs) it is essential to assess the impact of climate change on this freshwater resource. In this paper we study with high temporal and spatial resolution the impact of 28 climate change scenarios on the groundwater system of a lowland catchment in Belgium. Our results show for the scenario period 2070–2101 compared with the reference period 1960–1991, a change in annual groundwater recharge between −20% and +7%. On average annual groundwater recharge decreases 7%. Seasonally, in most scenarios the recharge increases during winter but decreases during summer. The altered recharge patterns cause the groundwater level to decrease significantly from September to January. On average the groundwater level decreases about 7 cm with a standard deviation between the scenarios of 5 cm. Groundwater levels in interfluves and upstream areas are more sensitive to climate change than groundwater levels in the river valley. Groundwater discharge to GWDTEs is expected to decrease during late summer and autumn as much as 10%, though the discharge remains at reference-period level during winter and early spring. As GWDTEs are strongly influenced by temporal dynamics of the groundwater system, close monitoring of groundwater and implementation of adaptive management measures are required to prevent ecological loss.
Combined Intravitreal Bevacizumab and Grid Laser Photocoagulation for Macular Edema Secondary to Branch Retinal Vein Occlusion
Authors: Donati Simone , Barosi Paolo , Bianchi Marco , Oum Muna Al , Azzolini Claudio
Published: November 2011

Purpose

To evaluate long-term efficacy of intravitreal bevacizumab (IVB) versus combined IVB and macular grid laser photocoagulation for the treatment of macular edema secondary to branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO).

Methods

In this prospective study, 18 eyes were randomized into 2 groups according to treatment: Group 1 (9 eyes) underwent IVB at baseline, at month 1, and at month 2; Group 2 (9 eyes) underwent same IVB protocol combined with macular grid laser photocoagulation. Macular edema and visual acuity represented the endpoints of the study. IVB reinjections were performed in both groups if recurrent macular edema was diagnosed. Spectral domain optical coherence tomography examination as well as visual acuity examination were performed during follow-up. Statistical evaluation was performed for a matched-pair analysis.

Results

In Group 1, median baseline central retinal thickness (CRT) decreased from 420 μm (95% confidence interval 355.6-484.4) to 323 μm (261.44-384.56) at month 12 (p=0.06); median baseline BCVA improved from 0.7 logMAR (0.54-0.86) to 0.4 logMAR (0.29-0.51) at month 12 (p<0.01). In Group 2, baseline CRT decreased from 386 μm (353.91-418.09) to 238 μm (200.58-275.42) at month 12 (p<0.01); median BCVA improved from 0.6 logMAR (0.45-0.75) to 0.2 logMAR (0.12-0.28) at month 12 (p<0.01). A statistically significant difference (p=0.03) was found regarding the median number of injections (Group 1: 4±1.1; Group 2: 3±0.4).

Conclusions

Both treatment modalities appeared effective to control BRVO-induced macular edema. In the combined-treatment Group, we observed a lower number of reinjections during follow-up, suggesting the efficacy of grid laser photocoagulation to reduce the number of intravitreal injections and maintain short- and long-term results of the therapy.
A Classification-System Improves the Intra- and Interobserver Reliability of Radiographic Diagnosis of “Pistol-Grip-Deformity”
Authors: Ipach Ingmar , Arlt Eva-Maria , Mittag Falk , Kunze Beate , Wolf Petra , Kluba Torsten
Published: November 2011

Early detection of pistol-grip-deformity may be beneficial in optimising the outcome and the cost effectiveness of surgery. It is important to identify reliable radiographic parameters in assessing femoro-acetabular impingement (FAI) to develop a treatment algorithm.

Radiographs of 47 patients ranging from “pistol grip deformity” to a normal head-neck-junction were measured for alpha angle and head ratio, and then classified by two different observers. The Bland-Altman plot was used for inter- and intraobserver agreement of alpha angle and head ratio. Inter- and intraobserver agreement for classification of “pistol grip deformity” was determined using weighted Cohen's kappa coefficient.

Observer I achieved a kappa coefficient of 0.97. Observer II achieved a kappa coefficient of 0.92. An interobserver kappa coefficient between 0.87 and 0.92 was achieved by using a classification system. By testing for interobserver agreement, a bias of –0.004 with an upper limit of 0.461 and a lower limit of –0.47 was seen for the ratio and a bias of –3.7 with an upper limit of 17.2 and a lower limit of –24.6 for the alpha angle.

Therefore, poor results were seen for intra- and interobserver reliability by using only a single plane for classification of “pistol grip deformity”. The strength of agreement could be improved by using a classification system (based on two planes).
Hammering Sound Frequency Analysis and Prevention of Intraoperative Periprosthetic Fractures during Total Hip Arthroplasty
Authors: Sakai Rina , Kikuchi Aki , Morita Towa , Takahira Naonobu , Uchiyama Katsufumi , Yamamoto Takeaki , Moriya Mistutoshi , Uchida Kentaro , Fukushima Kensuke , Tanaka Kensei , Takaso Masashi , Itoman Moritoshi , Mabuchi Kiyoshi
Published: November 2011

Adequate fixation at the time of cementless stem implantation depends on the operator's experience. An objective evaluation method to determine whether the stem has been appropriately implanted may be helpful. We studied the relationship between the hammering sound frequency during stem implantation and internal stress in a femoral model, and evaluated the possible usefulness of hammering sound frequency analysis for preventing intraoperative fracture.

Three types of cementless stem (BiCONTACT®, SL-PLUS®, and AI-Hip®) were used. Surgeons performed stem insertion using a procedure similar to that employed in a routine operation. Stress was estimated by finite element analysis, the hammering force was measured, and frequency analysis of hammering sound data obtained using a microphone.

Finite element analysis showed a decrease in the hammering sound frequency with an increase in the estimated maximum stress. When a decrease in frequency was observed, adequate hammering had occurred, and the continuation of hammering risked fracture. Based on the relationship between stress and frequency, the evaluation of changes in frequency may be useful for preventing the development of intraoperative fractures. Using our method, when a decrease in frequency is observed, the hammering force should be reduced. Hammering sound frequency analysis may allow the prediction of bone fractures that can be visually confirmed, and may be a useful objective evaluation method for the prevention of intraoperative periprosthetic fractures during stem insertion.
Recovery after Hip Fractures: Influence of Bipolar Hemiarthroplasty on Physical Disability and Social Dependency in the Elderly
Authors: Schneppendahl Johannes , Betsch Marcel , Petrov Vanco , Böttner Friedrich , Thelen Simon , Grassmann Jan-Peter , Hakimi Mohssen , Windolf Joachim , Wild Michael
Published: November 2011

Surgical treatment of femoral neck fractures is associated with a significant impact on quality of life. The aim of this study was to determine the long-term influence of displaced femoral neck fractures treated by bipolar hemiarthroplasty on the activities of daily living, quality of life and social dependency.

We studied 487 geriatric patients treated in the years 1989 to 2003. At the beginning of follow-up in 2004, 166 patients were alive and evaluation was carried out on 145 patients (87.3%) at 91.3 (14 - 244) months postoperatively by a standardized questionnaire. All enrolled patients had been treated with cemented bipolar hemiarthroplasty for a displaced femoral neck fracture. Patients were evaluated concerning their average pre- and postoperative ability to walk, the need for assisting devices, type of residency and the SF-12® Score.

Femoral neck fracture and hemiarthroplasty had a significant influence on all recorded aspects of quality of life. Even though almost two thirds of the patients needed assisting devices to walk after surgery, about two thirds returned to their original type of accommodation and the majority reached their original degree of mobility. Compared to a normal population no significant impact was observed on the quality of life measured by the SF-12® score.

We consider bipolar hemiarthroplasty an effective treatment option for displaced femoral neck fractures in geriatric patients. Most patients returned to their original type of accommodation and level of mobility, even though the majority required a number of assisting devices to do so.
Gaucher Disease: Outcome following Total Hip Replacements and Effect of Enzyme Replacement Therapy in a Cohort of Uk Patients
Authors: Donaldson James , Khan Wasim S. , Tailor Hiteshkumar , Hughes Derralynn A. , Mehta Atul B. , Maruthainar Nimalan
Published: November 2011

Only a limited number of reports of total hip replacements (THRs) in patients with Gaucher disease (GD) have been published, with the majority showing high rates of early aseptic loosening as well as an increased number of peri-operative complications.

We present a series of twelve THRs in nine affected patients, with a mean age of 39 years at the time of surgery (median 37 years; range 27–60 years). We examine the medium- to long-term results and present the outcome scores, survival, and assess the effect of enzyme replacement therapy (ERT).

Four hips (33.3%) required revision for aseptic loosening at a mean time of 11.5 years. There was no significant difference in survival between the group on ERT at the time of surgery and group not on ERT. Those on ERT did, however, have fewer peri-operative complications and there was a trend to better outcome scores. Five of the 12 THRs were performed when the diagnosis of GD was unknown and all of these had early complications.

Our results show better survival of THRs in patients with GD than previously thought. The use of ERT pre-operatively did not have an effect on survival, nor outcome scores, but did reduce the peri-operative complication rate. Those not on ERT at the time of surgery were commenced on it at some point in their treatment (at an average of 8.6 years following THR) and we believe the use of ERT, at any time in the treatment, could have contributed to the improved survival seen in our series compared to historical results in the literature.
Natalie Wood
Authors: Lucia Cynthia
Published: November 2011

A 1963
Look
magazine article asks about 24‐year‐old actress Natalie Wood, “How long does it take to grow up in the movies?” Born in 1938, Wood was raised and schooled mostly on studio lots, having worked steadily in film from the age of six. She made a successful transition from child actor to teenage idol in 1955, opposite James Dean in
Rebel Without a Cause
, and came of age as an adult star in the early 1960s, just as the system (as it had existed in the previous three decades) had all but vanished. If not
the
very last star to emerge from the studio system, Wood was certainly the last to have done so as a child of the system. The title of the article, “Natalie Wood: Child of Change” (
Look
1963, 91), succinctly establishes two qualities that were crucial to defining the star: Natalie‐as‐child would never completely fade from her adult star image — whether in Hollywood publicity or in the press — and “change” would become a lingering part of that image. A third defining quality — her Russian heritage — would find frequent though less consistent expression in press accounts and indirect expression in several roles that defined her as ethnically or racially “other.”
The Actors Studio in the Early Cold War
Authors: Baron Cynthia , Warren Beckett
Published: November 2011

The Actors Studio has come to be identified as “the home of the American Method,” which is often seen not “merely as an approach [or] the locus of American acting since the late forties [but also] the goal toward which serious American acting was striving” (Vineberg 1991, 1, 20). In many accounts of film acting, the formation of the Actors Studio is described as a watershed, with productions emblematic of nineteenth‐century theatrical realism and work by the Group Theatre in the 1930s framed as developments that led toward the kind of modern American acting that finally became fully realized because of acting techniques formulated by Lee Strasberg. However, in theater and performance studies, it is well known that actor training “did not begin and end with Lee Strasberg, the Method, and Marlon Brando” (Watson 2001, 61, 70) and that practitioners have been rejecting the “domination of the Method” since the 1960s, to the point that in universities and professional schools “Method acting has fallen out of favor” (Krasner 2000, 6).
Mesenchymal Stem Cells Differentiation on Hierarchically Micro/Nano‐Structured Titanium Substrates
Authors: Chen Xiuyong , Cai Kaiyong , Lai Min , Zhao Li , Tang Liling
Published: November 2011

Surface topography of a biomaterial plays an essential role in the regulation of cell adhesion, proliferation, and differentiation. To investigate the influence of hierarchically micro/nano‐structured substrates on the differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), a series of micro‐, nano‐, and micro/nano‐structured titanium substrates were fabricated via dual acid etching and/or anodic oxidation. The morphologies of titanium substrates were characterized by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE‐SEM) and contact angle measurement, respectively. The differentiation of MSCs adhered to different substrates was investigated in vitro. Compared to native titanium, micro/nano‐structured titanium substrates improved the alkaline phosphatase (ALP) production and mineralization of MSCs. More importantly, micro/nano‐structured titanium substrates demonstrated great potential to induce the differentiation of MSCs, which was revealed by the expressions of osteocalcin (OCN) and osteopontin (OPN). The study provides a potential alternative to generate hierarchically micro/nano‐structured titanium‐based implant for enhanced osseointegration.
Organic Mixed‐Valence Compounds: A Playground for Electrons and Holes
Authors: Heckmann Alexander , Lambert Christoph
Published: November 2011

Mixed‐valence (MV) compounds are excellent model systems for the investigation of basic electron‐transfer (ET) or charge‐transfer (CT) phenomena. These issues are important in complex biophysical processes such as photosynthesis as well as in artificial electronic devices that are based on organic conjugated materials. Organic MV compounds are effective hole‐transporting materials in organic light emitting diodes (OLEDs), solar cells, and photochromic windows. However, the importance of organic mixed‐valence chemistry should not be seen in terms of the direct applicability of these species but the wealth of knowledge about ET phenomena that has been gained through their study. The great variety of organic redox centers and spacer moieties that may be combined in MV systems as well as the ongoing refinement of ET theories and methods of investigation prompted enormous interest in organic MV compounds in the last decades and show the huge potential of this class of compounds. The goal of this Review is to give an overview of the last decade in organic mixed valence chemistry and to elucidate its impact on modern functional materials chemistry.
A mathematical modeling arising in the chemical systems and its approximate numerical solution
Authors: Kumar Sunil , Khan Yasir , Yildirim Ahmet
Published: November 2011

In this paper, a mathematical modeling of reaction–diffusion Brusselator system with fractional time derivative is proposed. Reaction–diffusion response is obtained with fractional‐order elements as well as integer‐order elements. Fractional reaction–diffusion Brusselator system is used for modeling of certain chemical reaction‐diffusion processes. The implementation of homotopy perturbation method proved extremely effective and highly suitable. Numerical results are presented graphically and reveal that the homotopy perturbation method is an effective and convenient method to solve fractional‐order reaction–diffusion Brusselator system. © 2011 Curtin University of Technology and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Ca3(PO4)2‐incorporated poly(ethylene oxide)‐based nanocomposite electrolytes for lithium batteries. Part II. Interfacial properties investigated by XPS and a.c. impedance studies
Authors: Stephan Arul Manuel , Prem Kumar Thiruvikraman , Thomas Sabu , Bongiovanni Roberta , Nair Jijeesh Ravi , Angulakshmi Natarajan , Pollicino Antonino
Published: November 2011

The surface layer and elemental composition of a lithium‐metal electrode before and after in contact with nanocomposite polymer electrolytes (NCPEs) comprising poly(ethylene oxide)/Ca3(PO4)2/LiX (X = N(CF3SO2)2, ClO4) were analyzed by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The presence of Li2CO3/LiOH in the outer layer of the native film was identified. The formation of LiF was detected on lithium surface when in contact with NCPE containing LiN(CF3SO2)2 and is attributed to the reaction between the native film and impurities. Li/NCPE/Li symmetric cells were assembled, and the thickness of the solid electrolyte interface as a function of time was analyzed at 60°C. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Effects of Precaudal Elongation on Visceral Topography in a Basal Clade of Ray‐Finned Fishes
Authors: Ward Andrea B. , Kley Nathan J.
Published: November 2011

Elongate body forms have evolved numerous times independently within Vertebrata. Such body forms have evolved in large part via changes to the vertebral column, either through addition or lengthening of vertebrae. Previous studies have shown that body elongation in fishes has evolved most frequently through the addition of caudal vertebrae. In contrast, however, body elongation in Polypteriformes, a basal clade of ray‐finned fishes (Actinopterygii), has evolved through the addition of precaudal vertebrae; one genus, Erpetoichthys, has approximately twice as many precaudal vertebrae as do members of its sister genus, Polypterus. Thus, polypteriform fishes provide an excellent opportunity to study the effects of precaudal elongation on the gross morphology and organization of visceral organs contained within the body cavity. In this study, we document the anteroposterior positions of most major visceral organs in representative species of both genera (E. calabaricus and P. palmas), relative to both vertebral number and percent pre‐anal length. We found that, whereas the positions of the anterior and posterior borders of the visceral organs relative to percent pre‐anal length were generally similar between the two species, most visceral organs were positioned further posteriorly in E. calabaricus than in P. palmas with respect to vertebral number. Based on previous determinations of the molecular control of anteroposterior patterning of the visceral organs, we discuss which possible changes in gene expression may have led to the anatomical modifications seen in the visceral morphology of Erpetoichthys. Anat Rec, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Hippocampal Subregions are Differentially Affected in the Progression to Alzheimer's Disease
Authors: Greene Sarah J. , Killiany Ronald J. ,   The Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative
Published: November 2011

Atrophy within the hippocampus (HP) as measured by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a promising biomarker for the progression to Alzheimer's disease (AD). Subregions of the HP along the longitudinal axis have been found to demonstrate unique function, as well as undergo differential changes in the progression to AD. Little is known of relationships between such HP subregions and other potential biomarkers, such as neuropsychological (NP), genetic, and cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) beta amyloid and tau measures. The purpose of this study was to subdivide the hippocampus to determine how the head, body, and tail were affected in normal control, mild cognitively impaired, and AD subjects, and investigate relationships with HP subregions and other potential biomarkers. MRI scans of 120 participants of the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative were processed using FreeSurfer, and the HP was subdivided using 3D Slicer. Each subregion was compared among groups, and correlations were used to determine relationships with NP, genetic, and CSF measures. Results suggest that HP subregions are undergoing differential atrophy in AD, and demonstrate unique relationships with NP and CSF data. Discriminant function analyses revealed that these regions, when combined with NP and CSF measures, were able to classify by diagnostic group, and classify MCI subjects who would and would not progress to AD within 12 months. Anat Rec, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Contribution of taxane biosynthetic pathway gene expression to observed variability in paclitaxel accumulation in Taxus suspension cultures
Authors: Patil Rohan A. , Kolewe Martin E. , Normanly Jennifer , Walker Elsbeth L. , Roberts Susan C.
Published: November 2011

Variability in product accumulation is one of the major obstacles limiting the widespread commercialization of plant cell culture technology to supply natural product pharmaceuticals. Despite extensive process engineering efforts, which have led to increased yields, plant cells exhibit variability in productivity that is poorly understood. Elicitation of Taxus cultures with methyl jasmonate (MeJA) induces paclitaxel accumulation, but to varying extents in different cultures. In the current study, cultures with different aggregation profiles were established to create predictable differences in paclitaxel accumulation upon MeJA elicitation. Expression of known paclitaxel biosynthetic genes in MeJA‐elicited cultures exhibiting both substantial (15‐fold) and moderate (2‐fold) differences in paclitaxel accumulation was analyzed using quantitative reverse transcriptase PCR. Each population exhibited the characteristic large increase in paclitaxel pathway gene expression following MeJA elicitation; however, differences in expression between populations were minor, and only observed for the cultures with the 15‐fold variation in paclitaxel content. These data suggest that although upregulation of biosynthetic pathway gene expression contributes to observed increases in paclitaxel synthesis upon elicitation with MeJA, there are additional factors that need to be uncovered before paclitaxel productivity can be fully optimized.
Determinants of Traditional Sustainability Reporting Versus Integrated Reporting. An Institutionalist Approach
Authors: Jensen Julia Catharina , Berg Nicola
Published: November 2011

The aim of this study is to analyze similarities and differences between companies with traditional sustainability reporting (TSR) and those that publish integrated reports. Based on institutional theory we identify potential determinants of integrated reporting (IR) and test their relevance empirically in a sample of 309 companies. Our analysis shows that IR companies are different from TSR companies with regard to several country‐level determinants. In particular, investor and employment protection laws, the intensity of market coordination and ownership concentration, the level of economic, environmental and social development, the degree of national corporate responsibility and the value system of the country of origin proved to be relevant. Based on these results, both implications for practice and future studies are derived. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.
Huge Dielectric Response and Molecular Motions in Paddle‐Wheel [CuII2(Adamantylcarboxylate)4(DMF)2]⋅(DMF)2
Authors: Ye Qiong , Takahashi Kiyonori , Hoshino Norihisa , Kikuchi Takemitsu , Akutagawa Tomoyuki , Noro Shin‐ichiro , Takeda Sadamu , Nakamura Takayoshi
Published: November 2011

The temperature‐dependent dynamic properties of [CuII2(ADCOO)4(DMF)2]⋅(DMF)2 (1) and [CuII2(ADCOO)4(AcOEt)2] (2) crystals were examined by X‐ray crystallography, 1H NMR spectroscopy, and measurements of the dielectric constants and magnetic susceptibilities (ADCOO=adamantane carboxylate, DMF=N,N‐dimethylformamide, and AcOEt=ethyl acetate). In both crystals, four ADCOO groups bridged a binuclear CuIICuII bond, forming a paddle‐wheel [CuII2(ADCOO)4] structure. The oxygen atoms of two DMF molecules in crystal 1 and two AcOEt molecules in crystal 2 were coordinated at axial positions of the [CuII2(ADCOO)4] moiety, forming [CuII2(ADCOO)4(DMF)2] and [CuII2(ADCOO)4(AcOEt)2], respectively. Two additional DMF molecules were included in the unit cell of crystal 1, whereas AcOEt was not included in the unit cell of crystal 2. The structural analyses of crystal 1 at 300 K showed three‐fold rotation of the adamantyl groups, whereas rotation of the adamantyl groups of crystal 2 at 300 K was not observed. Thermogravimetric measurements of crystal 1 indicated a gradual elimination of DMF upon increasing the temperature above 300 K. The dynamic behavior of the crystallized DMF yielded significant temperature‐dependent dielectric responses in crystal 1, which showed a huge dielectric peak at 358 K in the heating process. In contrast, only small frequency‐dependent dielectric responses were observed in crystal 2 because of the freezing of the molecular rotation of the adamantyl groups. The magnetic behavior was dominated by the strong antiferromagnetic coupling between the two S=1/2 spins of the CuIICuII site, with magnetic exchange energies (J) of −265 K (crystal 1) and −277 K (crystal 2).
Comparative analysis of type II classic cadherin mRNA distribution patterns in the developing and adult mouse somatosensory cortex and hippocampus suggests significant functional redundancy
Authors: Lefkovics Kornél , Mayer Mátyás , Bercsényi Kinga , Szabó Gábor , Lele Zsolt
Published: November 2011

The type II classic cadherin subfamily contains a number of extensively studied genes (cdh6, cdh8, cdh11); however, the expression and function of the other members have only been partially described. Here we employed reverse‐transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) and in situ hybridization to characterize cortical and hippocampal expression of all type II cadherins (with the exception of the nonneural Cdh5) in the developing and adult mouse brain. Many of these genes have ubiquitous mRNA distribution patterns throughout development, indicating high functional redundancy, which might be necessary for safe production of the strictly laminated structure of these regions. A few of the genes examined, however, exhibit a unique spatiotemporal pattern of expression, particularly during cortical development, indicating a potentially specific function. In the developing and adult hippocampus, almost all of these genes are strongly expressed in glutamatergic neurons of the CA1‐CA3 pyramidal cell layer and the granular layer of the dentate gyrus. In contrast, there are significant expression differences within the GABAergic cells of the adult hippocampus. Our results indicate that selective expression of type II cadherins may generate a flexible cell‐adhesion machinery for developing neurons to selectively bind to each other, but can also provide a high level of security due to the multiple overlaps in the expression domains. J. Comp. Neurol. 520:1387–1405, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Undersized dendritic arborizations in retinal ganglion cells of the rd1 mutant mouse: A paradigm of early onset photoreceptor degeneration
Authors: Damiani Devid , Novelli Elena , Mazzoni Francesca , Strettoi Enrica
Published: November 2011

Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) is a family of inherited diseases causing progressive photoreceptor death. Retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) form the biological substrate for various therapeutic approaches designed to restore vision in RP individuals. Assessment of survival and preservation of RGCs in animal paradigms mimicking the human disease is of key importance for appropriate implementation of vision repair strategies. Here we studied the survival of RGCs in the rd1 mutant mouse, a known model of early onset, autosomic recessive RP, at various stages of photoreceptor degeneration. Furthermore, we analyzed the morphology of various types of RGCs using the newly generated transgenic mouse rd1/Thy1‐GFP, in which the rd1 mutation is associated with green fluorescent protein (GFP) expression in a small population of different RGCs. We found excellent survival of cells at up to 1 year of age, a time at which the inner retina is known to have severely reorganized and partially degenerated. However, 50% of the cells analyzed within all RGC types exhibit an undersized dendritic tree, spanning about half of the normal area. Undersized cells are found both in adult and in very young (1‐month‐old) mice. This suggests that their aberrant phenotype is due to incomplete dendritic development, possibly as a consequence of altered visual input at the time of dendritic arbor refinement. These data show the importance of the timing of photoreceptor death in RGC dendritic development. J. Comp. Neurol. 520:1406–1423, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Bilateral connectivity in the brainstem respiratory networks of lampreys
Authors: Gariépy Jean‐François , Missaghi Kianoush , Chartré Shannon , Robert Maxime , Auclair François , Dubuc Réjean
Published: November 2011

This study examines the connectivity in the neural networks controlling respiration in the lampreys, a basal vertebrate. Previous studies have shown that the lamprey paratrigeminal respiratory group (pTRG) plays a crucial role in the generation of respiration. By using a combination of anatomical and physiological techniques, we characterized the bilateral connections between the pTRGs and descending projections to the motoneurons. Tracers were injected in the respiratory motoneuron pools to identify pre‐motor respiratory interneurons. Retrogradely labeled cell bodies were found in the pTRG on both sides. Whole‐cell recordings of the retrogradely labeled pTRG neurons showed rhythmical excitatory currents in tune with respiratory motoneuron activity. This confirmed that they were related to respiration. Intracellular labeling of individual pTRG neurons revealed axonal branches to the contralateral pTRG and bilateral projections to the respiratory motoneuronal columns. Stimulation of the pTRG induced excitatory postsynaptic potentials in ipsi‐ and contralateral respiratory motoneurons as well as in contralateral pTRG neurons. A lidocaine HCl (Xylocaine) injection on the midline at the rostrocaudal level of the pTRG diminished the contralateral motoneuronal EPSPs as well as a local injection of 6‐cyano‐7‐nitroquinoxaline‐2,3‐dione (CNQX) and (2R)‐amino‐5‐phosphonovaleric acid (AP‐5) on the recorded respiratory motoneuron. Our data show that neurons in the pTRG send two sets of axonal projections: one to the contralateral pTRG and another to activate respiratory motoneurons on both sides through glutamatergic synapses. J. Comp. Neurol. 520:1442–1456, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Localization of endogenous morphine‐like compounds in the mouse spinal cord
Authors: Laux Alexis , Delalande François , Mouheiche Jinane , Stuber Denise , Van Dorsselaer Alain , Bianchi Enrica , Bezard Erwan , Poisbeau Pierrick , Goumon Yannick
Published: November 2011

Morphine, codeine, morphine‐6‐glucuronide, and morphine‐3‐glucuronide are synthesized de novo in mammalian cells and in the central nervous system. Knowledge on endogenous morphine‐like compound distribution in the adult mouse brain has been recently improved, and new hypotheses have been suggested about the potential implications in brain physiology. Endogenous morphine‐like compounds have been shown to be synthesized in the spinal cord, but their localization is unknown. Here we describe the distribution of endogenous morphine‐like compounds (morphine and/or its glucuronides and/or codeine) in the adult mouse spinal cord using a well‐validated antibody. By using different microscopy approaches, we found the presence of morphine, codeine, or morphine glucuronides in γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA)‐ergic neurons and astrocytes of the spinal cord. Whereas GABAergic neurons containing endogenous morphine‐like compounds were located primarily in the ventral horn, astrocytes that were labeled for morphine‐like compounds were found throughout the gray matter and the white matter. Our study demonstrates the possibility that endogenous morphine‐like compounds in the central nervous system have other functions beyond their analgesic functions. J. Comp. Neurol. 520:1547–1561, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Role of adenylate cyclase 1 in retinofugal map development
Authors: Dhande Onkar S. , Bhatt Shivani , Anishchenko Anastacia , Elstrott Justin , Iwasato Takuji , Swindell Eric C. , Xu Hong‐Ping , Jamrich Milan , Itohara Shigeyoshi , Feller Marla B. , Crair Michael C.
Published: November 2011

The development of topographic maps of the sensory periphery is sensitive to the disruption of adenylate cyclase 1 (AC1) signaling. AC1 catalyzes the production of cAMP in a Ca2+/calmodulin‐dependent manner, and AC1 mutant mice (AC1−/−) have disordered visual and somatotopic maps. However, the broad expression of AC1 in the brain and the promiscuous nature of cAMP signaling have frustrated attempts to determine the underlying mechanism of AC1‐dependent map development. In the mammalian visual system, the initial coarse targeting of retinal ganglion cell (RGC) projections to the superior colliculus (SC) and lateral geniculate nucleus (LGN) is guided by molecular cues, and the subsequent refinement of these crude projections occurs via an activity‐dependent process that depends on spontaneous retinal waves. Here, we show that AC1−/− mice have normal retinal waves but disrupted map refinement. We demonstrate that AC1 is required for the emergence of dense and focused termination zones and elimination of inaccurately targeted collaterals at the level of individual retinofugal arbors. Conditional deletion of AC1 in the retina recapitulates map defects, indicating that the locus of map disruptions in the SC and dorsal LGN of AC1−/− mice is presynaptic. Finally, map defects in mice without AC1 and disrupted retinal waves (AC1−/−;β2−/− double KO mice) are no worse than those in mice lacking only β2−/−, but loss of AC1 occludes map recovery in β2−/− mice during the second postnatal week. These results suggest that AC1 in RGC axons mediates the development of retinotopy and eye‐specific segregation in the SC and dorsal LGN. J. Comp. Neurol. 520:1562–1583, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Fine needle aspiration cytology of Sertoli–Leydig cell tumors of ovary masquerading as dysgerminoma
Authors: Arora Sandeep Kumar , Dey Pranab
Published: November 2011

Herein, we described a case of a 29‐year‐old female with a large ovarian mass. Fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) of the mass showed discrete round to oval cells in a fatty vacuolated background. FNAC diagnosis of dysgerminoma was suggested. The histology of the tumors showed features of poorly differentiated Sertoli–Leydig cell tumors. We discussed the diagnostic pitfalls of this case on FNAC. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2013. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Endoscopic ultrasound guided fine‐needle aspiration of a splenic hemangioma with extramedullary hematopoiesis
Authors: Hudson Jena B. , Murad Faris M. , Kunkel Julie E. , Collins Brian T.
Published: November 2011

Extramedullary hematopoiesis (EMH) is the production of mature blood elements outside of the bone marrow and can occur as a compensatory result of a marrow replacing process or from marrow space occupying lesions such as tumor or marrow fibrosis. EMH can also be induced by factors elicited by neoplasms, such as vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Usually, EMH is a diffuse process most commonly observed in lymph nodes, liver, and spleen. Rarely, EMH can form a mass lesion. Although the spleen is a common site for diffuse EMH, it is a rare location for a mass forming EMH. Hemangiomas are the most common benign tumors of the spleen.

A case of a discrete, 8 cm lesion was noted incidentally on CT scan in a 59‐year‐old man with no significant past medical history. Endoscopic ultrasound guided fine‐needle aspiration (EUS FNA) biopsy was performed and cytologic examination revealed trilinear hematopoiesis, with the most distinctive elements being megakaryocytes and erythroid precursors. A diagnosis of EMH was made. On resection, the mass was a hemangioma with EMH.

EUS guided FNA is a useful tool for diagnosing splenic masses. Awareness of EMH, both as a mass forming lesion and a feature associated with benign and malignant vascular lesions is important, especially in patients with hematologic malignancies or marrow replacing processes. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2013;41:1086–1090. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.