bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Secondary lymphoid tissue as an important site for WU polyomavirus infection in immunocompetent children
Authors: Comar Manola , Zanotta Nunzia , Rossi Tatiana , Pelos Giorgio , D'Agaro Pierlanfranco
Published: June 2011

The polyomaviruses KI and WU (KIPyV and WUPyV) have been identified in respiratory specimens from children with acute respiratory infections, which suggests the respiratory tract as a possible site of infection. However, the persistence of infection in the lymphoid system is unknown. Fresh samples (n = 211) of tonsils, adenoids, and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from 83 immunocompetent children (mean age 4.8 years) were tested for amplification of the KIPyV VP1 and WUPyV VP2 genes. The known BK and JC polyomaviruses and the lymphotropic human herpesvirus (HHV)‐6 were also investigated by quantitative real‐time PCR and direct sequencing. In addition, 98 nasopharyngeal swabs collected from children (mean age 6.2 years) affected by seasonal influenza‐like illness were tested. Of the lymphoid tissues, 34.9% were positive for WUPyV, 4.8% for BK virus, and 33.8% for HHV‐6. KIPyV and JC virus were not detected in these specimens. None of the polyomaviruses were detected in PBMCs. Among the nasopharyngeal samples, the prevalence of WUPyV was 27.5%, although 70% of the positive samples were co‐infected with at least one of the following respiratory viruses: influenza virus, adenovirus, and respiratory syncytial virus. Phylogenetic analysis revealed high sequence homology (99%) between lymphoid‐ and nasopharynx‐derived WUPyV strains. These results suggest that the tonsils and adenoids of immunocompetent children are a reservoir for WUPyV infection; probably due to the respiratory route of transmission. In addition, the prevalence of WUPyV was high among the children, and the virus was identified more frequently in older children than during the first years of life. J. Med. Virol. 83:1446–1450, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Genotype diversity of group A rotavirus strains in children with acute diarrhea in urban Burkina Faso, 2008–2010
Authors: Bonkoungou Isidore J.O. , Damanka Susan , Sanou Idrissa , Tiendrébéogo Fidèle , Coulibaly Sheick O. , Bon Fabienne , Haukka Kaisa , Traoré Alfred S. , Barro Nicolas , Armah George E.
Published: June 2011

In this study, the diversity of G and P genotypes of rotavirus strains in Burkinabe children were examined. Between November 2008 and February 2010, 447 stool samples were collected from children <5 years of age with acute diarrhea visiting hospital in Ouagadougou. Group A rotavirus was previously detected in 151/447 (33.8%) of the samples tested by an immunochromatographic test and these samples were now tested further for rotavirus G and P genotypes by RT‐PCR. Of these, the rotavirus type genes were amplified by RT‐PCR for 140/151 (92.7%) samples and G and P genotypes were successfully determined for 81 (57.9%) and 130 (92.9%) samples, respectively. The most prevalent G genotypes were G1, 34/140 (24.3%), and G9, 21/140 (15%), while the predominant P genotypes were P[6], 56/140 (40%), and P[8], 54/140 (38.6%). Among the single infections, 63/140 (45%), the predominant G/P combinations were: G1P[8] (33%), G9P[8] (29%), and G2P[6] (14%). The unusual strains G1P[9] (3%), G12P[6] (3%), G10P[6] (2%), and G2P[8] (2%) were also detected. In a high number of strains 61/140 (43.6%), the G genotype could not be determined and mixed infections were determined in 17/140 (12.1%) of strains identified. This study highlights the high diversity and presence of unusual rotavirus strains in children in Burkina Faso. J. Med. Virol. 83:1485–1490, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
S100B and neurofibromin immunostaining and X‐inactivation patterns of laser‐microdissected cells indicate a multicellular origin of some NF1‐associated neurofibromas
Authors: Tucker Tracy , Riccardi Vincent M. , Brown Carolyn , Fee John , Sutcliffe Margaret , Vielkind Juergen , Wechsler Janine , Wolkenstein Pierre , Friedman Jan M.
Published: June 2011

Neurofibromatosis 1 (NF1) is an autosomal dominant disease that predisposes individuals to developing benign neurofibromas. Some features and consequences of NF1 appear to result from partial deficiency of neurofibromin (Nfn), the NF1 gene protein product, as a result of haploinsufficiency for the NF1 gene. Other features and consequences of NF1 appear to involve total deficiency of Nfn, which arises as a result of either loss of function of the second NF1 allele or excess degradation of Nfn produced by the second allele in a particular clone of cells. We used immunofluorescence to assess the presence of Nfn in putative Schwann cells (S100B+) and non‐Schwann cells (S100B−) in 36 NF1‐derived benign neurofibromas classified histologically as diffuse or encapsulated. The S100B+/Nfn− cell population made up only 18% ± 10% (mean ± standard deviation) of the neurofibroma cells in both the diffuse and encapsulated neurofibromas. The proportion of S100B+/Nfn+ cells was significantly higher and the proportion of S100B−/Nfn− cells was significantly lower in diffuse neurofibromas than in encapsulated neurofibromas. We isolated S100B+/Nfn+, S100B+/Nfn−, and S100B−/Nfn+ cells by laser microdissection and, using X‐chromosome inactivation profiles, assessed clonality for each cell type. We showed that, although some neurofibromas include a subpopulation of S100B+/Nfn− cells consistent with clonal expansion of a Schwann cell progenitor that has lost function of both NF1 alleles, other neurofibromas do not show evidence of monoclonal proliferation of Schwann cells. Our findings suggest that, although clonal loss of neurofibromin function is probably involved in the development of some NF1‐associated neurofibromas, other pathogenic processes also occur. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Neuroprotective effects of phytocannabinoid‐based medicines in experimental models of Huntington's disease
Authors: Sagredo Onintza , Pazos M. Ruth , Satta Valentina , Ramos José A. , Pertwee Roger G. , Fernández‐Ruiz Javier
Published: June 2011

We studied whether combinations of botanical extracts enriched in either Δ9‐tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9‐THC) or cannabidiol (CBD), which are the main constituents of the cannabis‐based medicine Sativex, provide neuroprotection in rat models of Huntington's disease (HD). We used rats intoxicated with 3‐nitropropionate (3NP) that were given combinations of Δ9‐THC‐ and CBD‐enriched botanical extracts. The issue was also studied in malonate‐lesioned rats. The administration of Δ9‐THC‐ and CBD‐enriched botanical extracts combined in a ratio of 1:1 as in Sativex attenuated 3NP‐induced GABA deficiency, loss of Nissl‐stained neurons, down‐regulation of CB1 receptor and IGF‐1 expression, and up‐regulation of calpain expression, whereas it completely reversed the reduction in superoxide dismutase‐1 expression. Similar responses were generally found with other combinations of Δ9‐THC‐ and CBD‐enriched botanical extracts, suggesting that these effects are probably related to the antioxidant and CB1 and CB2 receptor‐independent properties of both phytocannabinoids. In fact, selective antagonists for both receptor types, i.e., SR141716 and AM630, respectively, were unable to prevent the positive effects on calpain expression caused in 3NP‐intoxicated rats by the 1:1 combination of Δ9‐THC and CBD. Finally, this combination also reversed the up‐regulation of proinflammatory markers such as inducible nitric oxide synthase observed in malonate‐lesioned rats. In conclusion, this study provides preclinical evidence in support of a beneficial effect of the cannabis‐based medicine Sativex as a neuroprotective agent capable of delaying disease progression in HD, a disorder that is currently poorly managed in the clinic, prompting an urgent need for clinical trials with agents showing positive results in preclinical studies. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
High‐resolution analysis of daily precipitation trends in the central Alps over the last century
Authors: Brugnara Y. , Brunetti M. , Maugeri M. , Nanni T. , Simolo C.
Published: June 2011

In this work we present a homogenized high‐resolution data set composed of 200 daily precipitation series spanning the last 90 years, located over an area centred on the Trentino—South Tyrol region (central part of the European Alps), in a transition zone between the climates of the southern and northern slopes of the Alps. We analysed the trends of total precipitation (TP), wet days (WD) and average intensity (PI), as well as trends of the number of events and precipitation amounts belonging to 12 different daily intensity categories. For an easier understanding of geographical patterns, we set up a gridded data set in terms of anomalies, with a spatial resolution of 0.1°. All the statistics were analysed for trend over the entire period spanned by the data and on subperiods of variable length. On regional average, we found a weak decrease in TP (about 1%/decade with respect to the 1971–2000 mean) over the entire studied period (1922–2009), which was statistically significant only in spring. Gridded data show that the decrease is related to a reduction in the number of WD in the eastern part of the study area, and a decrement in PI in the western part, with orography playing a clear role in this differentiation. On a daily scale, trends of the strongest events present scarce spatial coherence and are only locally significant, however the results are highly dependent on the period analysed. Comparisons with previous low‐resolution studies on the same area underline the importance of a high‐resolution data set in characterizing spatial variability of climatic trends in precipitation. Copyright © 2011 Royal Meteorological Society
Quantifying the reliability of precipitation datasets for monitoring large‐scale East Asian precipitation variations
Authors: Sohn Soo‐Jin , Tam Chi‐Yung , Ashok Karumuri , Ahn Joong‐Bae
Published: June 2011

Early detection of extreme drought and flood events either over the whole globe or a broad geographical region, and timely dissemination of this information, is indispensable for mitigation and disaster preparedness. Recently, the APEC Climate Center (APCC) has launched a global precipitation variation monitoring product based on the Climate Anomaly Monitoring System‐Outgoing Longwave Radiation Precipitation Index (CAMS‐OPI) data. Here we quantify the reliability of CAMS‐OPI, as well as other gauge‐satellite‐merged and reanalysis precipitation datasets, for the purpose of monitoring large‐scale precipitation variability in East Asia. The ground truth is the newly available gauge‐based data from the project titled ‘Asian Precipitation—Highly‐Resolved Observational Data Integration Towards Evaluation (APHRODITE) of the Water Resources’. It is found that the seasonal‐to‐interannual rainfall deficit and surplus given by various reanalysis systems sometimes do not match the spatial patterns seen in the APHRODITE data. Moreover, maps showing the Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI) become less and less reliable as the time scale based on which values are calculated increases. In contrast, the performance of gauge‐satellite‐based rainfall datasets is satisfactory and the quality of SPI maps does not decay as the time scale increases. Overall, CAMS‐OPI is found to be reliable for monitoring large‐scale precipitation variations over the East Asian sector. Copyright © 2011 Royal Meteorological Society
Normal shoulder muscular activation and co‐ordination during a shoulder elevation task based on activities of daily living: An electromyographic study
Authors: Hawkes David H. , Alizadehkhaiyat Omid , Fisher Anthony C. , Kemp Graham J. , Roebuck Margaret M. , Frostick Simon P.
Published: June 2011

Studies of normal shoulder function have often failed to consider the inter‐relationship between different muscle groups in activities relevant to daily life. Upper limb functional status was assessed in 12 healthy male volunteers using the Functional Impairment Test‐Hand, Neck, Shoulder and Arm test (FIT‐HaNSA). Electromyography was then used to study the activity and coordination of 13 muscles (10 by surface electrodes, 3 by fine‐wire intramuscular electrodes) around the shoulder during a dynamic movement task based on the shelf‐lifting task in FIT‐HaNSA. Muscles were grouped for analysis into deltoid (anterior, middle, and posterior divisions), adductors (latissimus dorsi and teres major), rotator cuff (supraspinatus, infraspinatus, and subscapularis), and elbow flexor (brachioradialis, biceps brachii) groups. There were no significant inter‐session effects. Using cross‐correlation analysis to investigate the whole time‐course of activation, there were highly significant positive correlations (p < 0.001) between the deltoid and rotator cuff, the deltoid and adductor and the adductor and rotator cuff groups, and a significant negative correlation between the deltoid and elbow flexor groups (p = 0.031). We conclude that the deltoid, adductor, and rotator cuff muscles all contribute to the muscular component of glenohumeral joint stability. Muscular stability can be adapted as required to meet task‐specific demands. © 2011 Orthopaedic Research Society Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 30:53–60, 2012
Identification of a quantitative trait locus for spontaneous osteoarthritis in STR/ort mice
Authors: Watanabe Ken , Oue Yasuhiro , Miyamoto Yoshinari , Matsuura Makiko , Mizuno Yusuke , Ikegawa Shiro
Published: June 2011

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common joint disorder in humans. Most of the animal models of OA were developed by surgical destabilization of joints or through transgenic approaches, and information from naturally occurring models of OA is very limited. The mouse strain STR/ort is recognized as a spontaneous model of OA. This mouse is unique in that it develops late onset cartilage degeneration of the tibio‐femoral joint, similar to human OA. The purpose of this study was to identify quantitative trait loci (QTL) for the OA phenotype in STR/ort. Whereas the trait had been reported to be recessive, a significant population of the F1 generation exhibited OA phenotype. Thus, backcrossed (BC) mice generated by crossing F1 male to C57BL/6N female mice were used for genetic analysis. Degeneration of articular cartilage in BC mice was evaluated by scanning electron microscopy. Linkage analysis was carried out using microsatellite markers covering the entire genome. Cartilage degeneration in STR/ort mice was a polygenic trait. A QTL for the OA phenotype was mapped to a region 20 centimorgans proximal to the centromere of chromosome 4 (LOD = 3.37, p = 0.0065). A QTL associated with the onset of cartilage degeneration in C57BL/6N mice was also identified on chromosome 5 (LOD = 3.04, p = 0.0147). These results suggest that multiple loci are involved in the OA phenotype in mice. © 2011 Orthopaedic Research Society Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 30:15–20, 2012
Ultrafast Raman loss spectroscopy (URLS): instrumentation and principle
Authors: Mallick Babita , Lakhsmanna Adithya , Umapathy Siva
Published: June 2011

In this paper, we report on the concept and the design principle of ultrafast Raman loss spectroscopy (URLS) as a structure‐elucidating tool. URLS is an analogue of stimulated Raman scattering (SRS) but more sensitive than SRS with better signal‐to‐noise ratio. It involves the interaction of two laser sources, namely, a picosecond (ps) Raman pump pulse and a white‐light (WL) continuum, with a sample, leading to the generation of loss signals on the higher energy (blue) side with respect to the wavelength of the Raman pump unlike the gain signal observed on the lower energy (red) side in SRS. These loss signals are at least 1.5 times more intense than the SRS signals. An experimental study providing an insight into the origin of this extra intensity in URLS as compared to SRS is reported. Furthermore, the very requirement of the experimental protocol for the signal detection to be on the higher energy side by design eliminates the interference from fluorescence, which appears on the red side. Unlike CARS, URLS signals are not precluded by the non‐resonant background and, being a self‐phase‐matched process, URLS is experimentally easier. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
PSCA mRNA expression in preoperatively negative prostate biopsies predicts incidental prostate cancer in patients undergoing transurethral resection of the prostate for benign prostatic hyperplasia
Authors: Zhao Zhigang , Ma Wenjing , Zeng Guohua , Qi Defeng
Published: June 2011

Background

Recent data showed that prostate stem cell antigen (PSCA) mRNA expression is predictive of the subsequent cancer in BPH patients treated with TURP. This study was to determine whether PSCA mRNA expression in preoperatively negative biopsies identified the presence of incidental prostate cancer (IPCa) on TURP tissues analysis.

Methods

PSCA in situ hybridization was performed in preoperatively negative prostatic biopsies taken from 592 enrolled BPH patients. Predictive performance of PSCA mRNA for IPCa was evaluated by the Cox proportional hazards models.

Results

PSCA mRNA positivity in negative biopsy specimens was detected in 84 (14.2%) of 592 men. Of those 84 patients, 57 were histopathologically identified as having PCa on their TURP tissues. None of the rest 508 men with negative PSCA mRNA expression were diagnosed with IPCa. Spearman's rank correlation coefficient showed that PSCA mRNA expression levels were correlated significantly and positively with Gleason score (r = 0.80, P < 0.001) and clinical stage (r = 0.86, P < 0.001). A multivariate Cox model demonstrated that only PSCA mRNA positivity was predictive of the IPCa presence on TURP (HR = 4.04; 95% CI: 2.12–5.42; P < 0.001), with the concordance index of 0.878.

Conclusion

PSCA mRNA positivity in negative biopsies is a promising marker for the presence of IPCa in BPH patients. J. Surg. Oncol. 2011; 104:672–678. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
How Far does Overall Service Quality of a Destination Affect Customers' Post‐Purchase Behaviours?
Authors: Moutinho Luiz , Albayrak Tahir , Caber Meltem
Published: June 2011

In tourism management literature, there are numerous research papers focusing on the determinants of the customers' destination evaluations and how they affect each other. The chief variables to be examined in the literature have been customer satisfaction, perceived value, behavioural intention and service quality. In this study, the authors were inspired by the ‘indirect model’ by Cronin et al. (2000) and generated a conceptual model to determine the overall service quality of a destination and its effect on perceived value, customer satisfaction and behavioural intention by structural equation modelling technique. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Sub‐surface, micrometer‐scale incisions produced in rodent cortex using tightly‐focused femtosecond laser pulses
Authors: Nguyen John , Ferdman Jillian , Zhao Mingrui , Huland David , Saqqa Shatha , Ma Jan , Nishimura Nozomi , Schwartz Theodore H. , Schaffer Chris B.
Published: June 2011

Background and Objective

Techniques that allow targeted, micrometer‐scale disruption in the depths of biological tissue, without affecting overlying structures or causing significant collateral damage, could potentially lead to new surgical procedures. We describe an optical technique to make sub‐surface incisions in in vivo rodent brain and characterize the relationship between the cut width and maximum depth of these optical transections as a function of laser energy.

Materials and Methods

To produce cuts, high intensity, femtosecond laser pulses were tightly focused into and translated within the cortex, through a craniotomy, in anesthetized rodents. Imaging of stained brain slices was used to characterize cut width and maximum cutting depth.

Results

Cut width decreased exponentially as a function of depth and increased as the cube root of laser energy, but showed about 50% variation at fixed depth and laser energy. For example, at a laser energy of 13 µJ, cut width decreased from 158 ± 43.1 µm (mean ± standard deviation) to 56 ± 33 µm over depths of approximately 200–800 µm, respectively. Maximal cut depth increased logarithmically with laser energy, with cut depths of up to 1 mm achieved with 13 µJ pulses. We further showcased this technique by selectively cutting sub‐surface cortical dendrites in a live, anesthetized transgenic mouse.

Conclusions

Femtosecond laser pulses provide the novel capacity for precise, sub‐surface, cellular‐scale cuts for surgical applications in optically scattering tissues. Lasers Surg. Med. 43:382–391, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Noninvasive laser coagulation of the human vas deferens: Optical and thermal simulations
Authors: Schweinsberger Gino R. , Cilip Christopher M. , Trammell Susan R. , Cherukuri Harish , Fried Nathaniel M.
Published: June 2011

Background and Objectives

Successful noninvasive laser coagulation of the canine vas deferens, in vivo, has been previously reported. However, there is a significant difference between the optical properties of canine and human skin. In this study, Monte Carlo (MC) simulations of light transport through tissue and heat transfer simulations are performed to determine the feasibility of noninvasive laser vasectomy in humans.

Materials and Methods

A laser wavelength of 1,064 nm was chosen for deep optical penetration in tissue. MC simulations determined the spatial distribution of absorbed photons inside the tissue layers (epidermis, dermis, and vas). The results were convolved with a 3‐mm‐diameter laser beam, and then used as the spatial heat source for the heat transfer model. A laser pulse duration of 500 milliseconds, pulse rate of 1 Hz, and cryogen spray cooling were incident on the tissue for 60 seconds. Average laser power (5–9 W), cryogen pulse duration (60–100 milliseconds), cryogen cooling rate (0.5–1.0 Hz), and increase in optical transmission due to optical clearing (0–50%) were studied.

Results

After application of an optical clearing agent (OCA) to increase skin transmission by 50%, an average laser power of 6 W, cryogen pulse duration of 60 milliseconds, and cryogen cooling rate of 1 Hz resulted in vas temperatures of approximately 58°C, sufficient for thermal coagulation, while 1 mm of the skin surface (epidermis and dermis) remained at a safe temperature of approximately 45°C.

Conclusions

MC and heat transfer simulations indicate that it is possible to noninvasively thermally coagulate the human vas deferens without adverse effects (e.g., scrotal skin burns), if an OCA is applied to the skin prior to the procedure. Lasers Surg. Med. 43:443–449, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Multi‐excitation fluorescence spectroscopy for analysis of non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease
Authors: Sauvage Vincent R. , Levene Adam P. , Nguyen Hoa T. , Wood Tobias C. , Kudo Hiromi , Concas Danilo , Thomas Howard C. , Thursz Mark R. , Goldin Robert D. , Anstee Quentin M. , Elson Daniel S.
Published: June 2011

Background and Objectives

The increasing incidence of non‐alcoholic fatty liver diseases (NAFLD) and the consequent progression to cirrhosis is expected to become a major cause of liver transplantation. This will exacerbate the organ donor shortage and mean that ‘marginal’ fatty liver grafts are more frequently used. Autofluorescence spectroscopy is a fast, objective, and non‐destructive method to detect change in the endogenous fluorophores distribution and could prove to be a valuable tool for NAFLD diagnosis and transplant graft assessment.

Materials and Methods

A system was constructed consisting of a fibre probe with two laser diodes that provided excitation light at 375 and 405 nm, and an imaging spectrograph system. This was used to distinguish fluorescence spectra acquired from the harvested livers from mice with NAFLD of differing severity (healthy, mild steatotic and steatohepatitic). The fluorescence data were entered into a sparse multiclass probabilistic algorithm for disease classification. Histopathology, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and alanine transaminase (ALT) assays were conducted in addition to the fluorescence measurements

Results

TBARS and ALT assays enabled differentiation of the steatohepatitic group from the mild steatosis and control groups (P ≤ 0.028) but failed to separate the mild steatotic group from the control group. The three groups were all clearly differentiated from each other using fluorescence spectroscopy, and classification accuracy was found to be 95%.

Conclusion

Fluorescence spectroscopy appears to be a promising approach for the analysis of diseased liver tissue. Lasers Surg. Med. 43:392–400, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Photochemical tissue bonding: A potential strategy for treating limbal stem cell deficiency
Authors: Gu Chuan , Ni Tao , Verter Erol E. , Redmond Robert W. , Kochevar Irene E. , Yao Min
Published: June 2011

Background and Objective

To determine the feasibility of attaching human amniotic membrane (HAM), pre‐cultured with limbal stem cells (LSCs), to cornea using a novel, light‐activated tissue bonding method.

Materials and Methods

LSCs were isolated from rabbit eyes, and then cultured on de‐epithelialized HAM to create grafts (HAM/LSC). These were then transplanted onto rabbit eyes with surgically created limbal stem cell deficiency (LSCD). The grafts were secured either by sutures or by a light‐activated method called photochemical tissue bonding (PTB). Outcomes included corneal opacity, inflammation, neovascularization, and collagen alignment.

Results

The isolated and cultured cells were verified to be LSCs based on their K19+/intergrin β1+/P63+/K3 profile. Securing the HAM/LSC graft with PTB provided better outcomes. At 28 days post‐surgery, the corneal opacity scores were significantly lower after securing the graft with PTB compared with suture attachment (0.8 ± 0.5 vs. 1.8 ± 0.5, P < 0.01). Similarly, neovascularization scores were lower after PTB (0.8 ± 0.5 vs. 1.5 ± 0.6, P < 0.01). Quantification of MPO and CD31 levels from immunofluorecent staining indicated that PTB stimulated less neutrophil infiltration (5.3 ± 2.2 vs. 13.3 ± 3.1, P < 0.01) and less new blood vessels formation (2.0 ± 0.8 vs. 6.3 ± 1.3, P < 0.01) at the wound site. The collagen alignment in PTB‐treated corneas, as shown by immunofluorescence and second harmonic generation image, was better organized in the PTB‐treated group than in the suture group.

Conclusion

Bonding LSC grafts with PTB produced improved outcomes compared to suture attachment. This light‐activated method is a promising modality for treating patients with LSCD. Lasers Surg. Med. 43:433–442, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Existence and uniqueness for the p(x)‐Laplacian‐Dirichlet problems
Authors: Fan Xianling
Published: June 2011

Two results on the existence and uniqueness for the p(x)‐Laplacian‐Dirichlet problem −div(|∇u|p(x) − 2∇u) = f(x, u) in Ω, u = 0 on ∂Ω, are obtained. The first one deals with the case that f(x, u) is nonincreasing in u. The second one deals with the radial case in which f(r, u) is nondecreasing in u and satisfies the sub‐p− − 1 growth condition. © 2011 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim
Nimbolide retards tumor cell migration, invasion, and angiogenesis by downregulating MMP‐2/9 expression via inhibiting ERK1/2 and reducing DNA‐binding activity of NF‐κB in colon cancer cells
Authors: Babykutty Suboj , P.S. Priya , R.J. Nandini , Kumar M.A. Suresh , Nair Mangalam S. , Srinivas Priya , Gopala Srinivas
Published: June 2011

Nimbolide, a plant‐derived limonoid has been shown to exert its antiproliferative effects in various cell lines. We demonstrate that nimbolide effectively inhibited proliferation of WiDr colon cancer cells through inhibition of cyclin A leading to S phase arrest. It also caused activation of caspase‐mediated apoptosis through the inhibition of ERK1/2 and activation of p38 and JNK1/2. Further nimbolide effectively retarded tumor cell migration and invasion through inhibition of metalloproteinase‐2/9 (MMP‐2/9) expression, both at the mRNA and protein level. It was also a strong inhibitor of VEGF expression, promoter activity, and in vitro angiogenesis. Finally, nimbolide suppressed the nuclear translocation of p65/p50 and DNA binding of NF‐κB, which is an important transcription factor for controlling MMP‐2/9 and VEGF gene expression. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Generalized double‐acquisition imaging for radiofrequency inhomogeneity mitigation in high‐field MRI: Experimental proof and performance analysis
Authors: Ferrand Guillaume , Luong Michel , Amadon Alexis , Cloos Martijn A. , Giacomini Eric , Darrasse Luc
Published: June 2011

Transmit arrays have been developed to compensate for radiofrequency inhomogeneities in high‐field MRI using different excitation schemes. They can be classified into static or dynamic shimmings depending on the target: homogenizing the radiofrequency field directly or homogenizing the flip angle distribution using the Bloch equation. We have developed an intermediate solution to compare shimming performances between different transmit arrays. This solution, called generalized double‐acquisition imaging, is easier to implement than most dynamic shimming methods and offers more degrees of freedom than static shimmings. It uses two acquisitions so that the second acquisition complements the excitation of the first one to obtain by superposition an image that minimizes radiofrequency artefacts. For validation, the method is demonstrated experimentally for a gradient echo sequence on a spherical homogeneous phantom and by simulation on a human head model. Magn Reson Med, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Restricted or severely hindered diffusion of intramyocellular lipids in human skeletal muscle shown by in vivo proton MR spectroscopy
Authors: Brandejsky Vaclav , Kreis Roland , Boesch Chris
Published: June 2011

Although magnetic resonance spectroscopy can be used as a unique tool to study molecular diffusion, it is rarely used to measure the diffusion properties of intramyocellular and extramyocellular lipids. Lipids have very low apparent diffusion coefficients (ADCs), which make these measurements difficult and necessitate strong diffusion gradients and long diffusion times. Consequence is that these measurements have inherently low signal‐to‐noise ratio and are prone to artifacts. The addition of physiological triggering and individual storage and processing of the spectra is seen to be a possible approach to maximize signal intensity and achieve high reproducibility of the experiments. Thus, the optimized measurement protocol was used to investigate the diffusion properties of lipids in human skeletal muscle in vivo. At a diffusion time of about 110 ms, intramyocellular lipids show a significantly lower ADC (2.0 × 10−6 mm2/s, 95% confidence interval 1.10 × 10−6 to 2.94 × 10−6 mm2/s) than extramyocellular lipids (1.58 × 10−5 mm2/s, 95% confidence interval 1.41 × 10−5 to 1.75 × 10−5 mm2/s). Because the chemical properties of both lipid pools can be assumed to be similar, the difference can only be attributed to restricted or severely hindered diffusion in the intramyocellular droplets. Magn Reson Med, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The functional microstructure of tendon collagen revealed by high‐field MRI
Authors: Mountain Kelsey M. , Bjarnason Thorarin A. , Dunn Jeff F. , Matyas John R.
Published: June 2011

T2 was used in this study to assess tendon microstructure. Two unloaded digital extensor tendons were bent such that their long axes were imaged throughout 180° with respect to B0. T2‐weighted images reveal periodic banding (∼200 μm) when tendons were oriented at ±55° with respect to B0. Five pairs of tendons were used to study the influence of load on T2W MRI: one tendon of each pair was loaded with a 7.8‐N mass, and both tendons were fixed in formalin then imaged at 55° to B0. MRI banding was present in the unloaded, but not loaded, tendons. In unloaded tendons, polarized‐light microscopy revealed collagen crimp with a periodicity similar to MRI. In loaded tendons, there was a strain‐induced extinction of periodicity on both MRI and polarized‐light microscopy. These studies confirm that crimp is detectable by high‐field MRI and could serve as an in vivo index of physiological strains in collagenous tissues. Magn Reson Med, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
An interactive voice response diary for patients with non‐dystrophic myotonia
Authors: Statland Jeffrey M. , Wang Yunxia , Richesson Rachel , Bundy Brian , Herbelin Laura , Gomes Joe , Trivedi Jaya , Venance Shannon , Amato Anthony , Hanna Michael , Griggs Robert , Barohn Richard J. ,   The Cinch Consortium
Published: June 2011

Introduction: Non‐dystrophic myotonia (NDM) is caused by mutations in muscle chloride and sodium channels. Currently, there is no standardized instrument for documenting symptom frequency and severity in NDM. Methods: Subjects used an automated, interactive, telephone‐based voice response diary (IVR) to record frequency and severity of stiffness, weakness, pain, and tiredness once a week for 8 weeks, after their baseline visits. Results: We describe the IVR and report data on 76 subjects for a total of 385 person‐weeks. Overall there were 5.1 calls per subject. Forty‐eight subjects called in 5 or more times, and 14 called in 8 times. Stiffness was both the most frequent and severe symptom. Warm‐up and handgrip myotonia were associated with higher severity scores for stiffness. Conclusions: IVR is a convenient technology to allow patient reporting of repeated and real‐time symptom frequency and severity, and it is presently being used in a trial of mexiletine in NDM. Muscle Nerve 44: 30–35, 2011
Reinnervation by the contralateral facial nerve in patients with peripheral facial palsy
Authors: Casanova‐Molla Jordi , León Luci , Castillo Carlos David , Valls‐Solé Josep
Published: June 2011

Introduction: Reinnervation activity is triggered after complete unilateral peripheral facial palsy (PFP). Methods: In 27 patients with PFP we recorded electromyographic activity with a concentric needle electrode inserted 1 cm lateral to the oral commissure of the affected side. We applied electrical stimuli to the unaffected (contralateral) facial nerve from the tragus to the mid‐lower lip and measured the response latency variability and segmental conduction velocity. Results: Responses to electrical stimulation of the unaffected facial nerve were found in all patients. Mean conduction velocity was 49.6 ± 6.2 m/s between tragus and oral commissure, and 6.0 ± 1.9 m/s between oral commissure and mid‐lower lip. Latency variability was 0.27 ms to facial nerve stimulation and 0.08 ms to oral commissure stimulation. Conclusion: Short distance sprouting of axons that innervate muscle fibers, which originate from the unaffected facial nerve, results in propagation of impulses to muscle fibers in the midline. Muscle Nerve 2011
Repeated botulinum‐a toxin injection in the treatment of neuropathic bladder dysfunction and poor bladder compliance in children with myelomeningocele
Authors: Horst Maya , Weber Daniel M. , Bodmer Christine , Gobet Rita
Published: June 2011

Aims

To evaluate the efficacy of intradetrusor injection of Botulinum‐A toxin (BoNT/A) in children with neuropathic bladder dysfunction and poor bladder compliance, due to meningomyelocele.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed the charts of 11 children (mean age 6.7 ± 5.3 years) with neuropathic bladder and poor bladder compliance (mean 7 ml/cmH2O) treated with intradetrusor injection of BoNT/A. After urodynamic evaluation a standardized injection was performed. The authors describe their results in 11 children after the first (5×) or repeated (6×) BoNT/A injections. Re‐evaluation was performed 3 and 12 months after each injection.

Results

Three months after injection detrusor pressure decreased by 17% and bladder capacity increased by 33%. In all but 1 patient bladder compliance stayed poor. Twelve months after treatment patients still had an effect but the values were already reverting towards preoperative levels. With repeated injections we achieved a similar effect on capacity and detrusor pressure as after the first injection. Overall, bladder compliance normalized (>20 cmH2O) in only 1 patient.

Conclusions

The results confirmed the positive temporary effect of BoNT/A on detrusor pressure and bladder capacity in children with myelomeningocele, even after repeated injections. Nevertheless, bladder compliance stayed severely pathological. Whether an earlier treatment may prevent poor bladder compliance is a yet unanswered question. Neurourol. Urodynam. 30: 1546–1549, 2011. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Fourth‐order compact scheme with local mesh refinement for option pricing in jump‐diffusion model
Authors: Lee Spike T. , Sun Hai‐Wei
Published: June 2011

The value of a contingent claim under a jump‐diffusion process satisfies a partial integro‐differential equation. A fourth‐order compact finite difference scheme is applied to discretize the spatial variable of this equation. It is discretized in time by an implicit‐explicit method. Meanwhile, a local mesh refinement strategy is used for handling the nonsmooth payoff condition. Moreover, the numerical quadrature method is exploited to evaluate the jump integral term. It guarantees a Toeplitz‐like structure of the integral operator such that a fast algorithm is feasible. Numerical results show that this approach gives fourth‐order accuracy in space. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Numer Methods Partial Differential Eq 2011
Synergistic effects between boron phosphate and microencapsulated ammonium polyphosphate in flame‐retardant thermoplastic polyurethane composites
Authors: Zhao Kuimin , Xu Wenzong , Song Lei , Wang Bibo , Feng Hao , Hu Yuan
Published: June 2011

Microencapsulated ammonium polyphosphate (MAPP) with polyurethane resin has been prepared by in situ polymerization. The combination of MAPP and boron phosphate (BP) on the flammability properties of thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) was studied by vertical burning (UL‐94) tests, limiting oxygen index tests, cone calorimetry (CONE), and microscale combustion calorimeter (MCC) whereas thermal stability was investigated by thermogravimetric analysis and real‐time Fourier transform infrared. Results showed that a suitable substitution of MAPP by BP could improve flame retardancy of the TPU/MAPP composites and TPU composites with MAPP/BP (15.5/2 wt%) achieving UL‐94 V‐0 rating. The CONE and MCC data showed synergistic effects between BP and MAPP in the composites. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Thermoplastic elastomer based on epoxidized natural rubber/thermoplastic polyurethane blends: influence of blending technique
Authors: Pichaiyut S. , Nakason C. , Kummerlöwe C. , Vennemann N.
Published: June 2011

Epoxidized natural rubber (ENR) and thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) blends were prepared by simple blend and dynamic vulcanization. The main objective was to prepare a low‐hardness TPU material with good damping and elastic and mechanical properties. It was found that the incorporation of ENR into the blend shows a reduction in Young's modulus, hardness (i.e. <70 Shore A), damping properties (i.e. tan δ < 0.3), and tension set (i.e. <20%) compared with the pure TPU. This indicates the formation of softer TPU materials with superior damping and elastomeric properties. However, incorporation of ENR sacrificed mechanical properties in terms of tensile strength and elongation at break, but these still remain in the range of applicability for industrial uses. It was also found that dynamic vulcanization caused enhancement of mechanical properties, relaxation, damping, rheological properties, and elasticity of the blends. Temperature scanning stress relaxation measurements revealed an improvement in stress relaxation properties and thermal resistance of the dynamically cured ENR/TPU blend. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Adolescent spirituality and resilience: Theory, research, and educational practices
Authors: Kim Sangwon , Esquivel Giselle B.
Published: June 2011

Spirituality is a universal phenomenon and an inherent aspect of human nature that unfolds during adolescence as the individual searches for transcendence, meaning, and purpose in life. Recently, spirituality has received attention as a source of resilience for adolescents. Theoretical perspectives and empirical research suggest that spirituality (distinctly and in relation to religiosity) promotes healthy development in adolescents, enhances the ability to cope, and leads to positive outcomes in mental health, psychological well‐being, and academic learning. Given the value of spirituality as a source of resilience, implications for educational practices to foster adolescent spiritual development are discussed in the context of school, family, and community settings. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Attachment relationships as predictors of language skills for at‐risk bilingual preschool children
Authors: Oades‐Sese Geraldine V. , Li Yibling
Published: June 2011

Parental attachment and close teacher‐‐child relationships offer a protective mechanism to promote language development among bilingual preschool children from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. Research has shown that language skills are an integral part of resilience for young children. This is the first study to examine parental acculturation, parent‐‐child attachment, and teacher‐‐child relationships as predictors of English and Spanish oral language skills. Participants consisted of 468 Hispanic American preschool children, aged 3 to 5 years, from low‐income families of an urban public school district in the Northeast. Findings suggest that children's relationships with parents and teachers significantly contribute to their bilingual language skills. Higher quality teacher‐‐child relationships were associated with higher levels of language skills over and above quality parental attachments. The implications of the findings are discussed. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Electroweak constraints on new physics
Authors: del Aguila F. , de Blas J.
Published: June 2011

We briefly review the limits on new interactions implied by electroweak precision data. Special attention is payed to the bounds on the Higgs boson mass. We also comment on the required cancellation among the new contributions to precisely measured electroweak observables in any Standard Model extension, if the new particles have to evade the indirect constraints on their couplings and masses but still remain at the LHC reach.
Fumigant toxicity of lemon eucalyptus oil constituents to acaricide‐susceptible and acaricide‐resistant Tetranychus urticae
Authors: Han Jun , Kim Soon‐Il , Choi Byeoung‐Ryeol , Lee Sang‐Guei , Ahn Young‐Joon
Published: June 2011

BACKGROUND: This study was aimed at assessing the fumigant toxicity of 14 essential oil constituents from lemon eucalyptus, Eucalyptus citriodora Hook, and another ten known compounds to females of acaricide‐susceptible, chlorfenapyr‐resistant, fenpropathrin‐resistant, pyridaben‐resistant and abamectin‐resistant strains of Tetranychus urticae Koch.

RESULTS: Menthol (LC50, 12.9 µg cm−3) was the most toxic compound, followed by citronellyl acetate (16.8 µg cm−3), against the susceptible females. High toxicity was also produced by β‐citronellol, citral, geranyl acetate and eugenol (LC50, 21.7–24.6 µg cm−3). The fumigant toxicity of these compounds was almost identical against females from either of the susceptible and resistant strains, indicating that the compounds and acaricides do not share a common mode of action or elicit cross‐resistance.

CONCLUSION: Global efforts to reduce the level of highly toxic synthetic acaricides in the agricultural environment justify further studies on materials derived from lemon eucalyptus oil, particularly menthol and citronellyl acetate, as potential acaricides for the control of acaricide‐resistant T. urticae as fumigants with contact action. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry
Systemic resistance induced in Arabidopsis thaliana by Trichoderma asperellum SKT‐1, a microbial pesticide of seedborne diseases of rice
Authors: Yoshioka Yohei , Ichikawa Haruki , Naznin Hushna Ara , Kogure Atsushi , Hyakumachi Mitsuro
Published: June 2011

BACKGROUND: Trichoderma asperellum SKT‐1 is a microbial pesticide of seedborne diseases of rice. To investigate the mechanisms of disease suppression in SKT‐1, the ability to induce systemic resistance by SKT‐1, or its cell‐free culture filtrate (CF), was tested using Arabidopsis thaliana Col‐0 plants.

RESULTS: Both SKT‐1 and its CF elicit an induced systemic resistance against the bacterial leaf speck pathogen Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato DC3000 in Col‐0 plants. Involvement of plant hormones in the induced resistance by SKT‐1 and CF was assessed using Arabidopsis genotypes such as the jasmonic acid (JA)‐resistant mutant jar1, the ethylene (ET)‐resistant mutant etr1, the plant impaired in salicylic acid (SA) signalling transgenic NahG and the mutant npr1 impaired in NPR1 activity. In soil experiments using SKT‐1, no significant disease suppression effect was observed in NahG transgenic plants or npr1 mutant plants. Expression levels of SA‐inducible genes such as PR‐1, PR‐2 and PR‐5 increased substantially in the leaves of Col‐0 plants. Expression levels of JA/ET‐induced genes such as PDF1.2a, PR‐3, PR‐4 and AtVsp1 were also induced, but the levels were not as high as for SA‐inducible genes. In a hydroponic experiment using CF from SKT‐1, all Arabidopsis genotypes showed an induced systemic resistance by CF and increased expression levels of JA/ET‐ and SA‐inducible genes in leaves of CF‐treated plants.

CONCLUSION: The SA signalling pathway is important in inducing systemic resistance to colonisation by SKT‐1, and both SA and JA/ET signalling pathways combine in the signalling of induced resistance by CF. These results indicate that the response of A. thaliana is different from that found in root treatments with barley grain inoculum and CF from SKT‐1. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry
Monolitically grown dual wavelength InGaN LEDs for improved CRI
Authors: Stauss P. , Mandl M. , Rode P. , Laubsch A. , Biebersdorf A. , Windisch R. , Galler B. , Drechsel P. , Steegmüller U.
Published: June 2011

In this study we have grown dual wavelength epitaxial LED layer structures by MOCVD. A secondary InGaN MQW is added to the layer structure to optically convert a certain fraction of photons which have been electrically generated in the primary InGaN‐MQW. Photoluminescence spectra are compared to electrical ThinGaN® chip operation data. The emission spectra clearly display two peaks. The height of the peak generated by the converted photons was adjusted by the number of QWs used in the secondary MQW. Additionally, the influence of the optical ThinGaN® light extraction design on the final emission spectrum has been investigated. These emission spectra are discussed in dependence of current density and temperature. Finally, dual MQW ThinGaN® devices have been assembled into phosphor converted white high‐power LED packages. The measured spectra confirm improved CRI values and are compared to simulated data. (© 2011 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Influence of gallium additives on surface roughness for photoelectrochemical planarization of GaN
Authors: Sadakuni Shun , Murata Junji , Yagi Keita , Sano Yasuhisa , Arima Kenta , Okamoto Takeshi , Tachibana Kazuma , Yamauchi Kazuto
Published: June 2011

We developed a novel planarization method for GaN (0001) surfaces. In this method, a GaN wafer surface is oxidized by illumination with ultraviolet light in an electrolyte. The oxides are chemically removed from the topmost layer by using a catalyst plate having a flat surface. Gallium oxide is soluble in an acid solution as well as stable in a neutral solution. Therefore, surface flattening was realized when a neutral solution and a solid acid catalyst were used.

In this study, the composition of the neutral solution of the method was optimized. Also, the oxidized surface of GaN dissolves slightly in a neutral solution. Therefore, such dissolution of oxides must be prevented to obtain a smooth surface. Adding gallium ions to the neutral solution can suppress the dissolution of the oxides, improving the flatness of the planarized surfaces (© 2011 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)