bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ungulate damage to safflower in Utah
Authors: Haney Michael J. , Conover Michael R.
Published: August 2012

In Utah, farmers are concerned that ungulates are damaging safflower (Carthamus tinctorius) fields. We examined elk (Cervus elaphus) and mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus) damage to safflower production in San Juan County, Utah during 2009 and 2010. We collected data on damaged safflower plants within 28 fields, totaling 1,581 ha (13 fields totaling 963 ha during 2009; 15 fields totaling 618 ha during 2010). We compared 3 methods to assess yield losses: ungulate‐proof exclosures, adjacent plant compensation method, and counting the number of damaged plants in 50‐m transects (safflower count method). Exclosures were of limited use because they could not be erected until farmers stopped cultivating their fields. Hence, this method did not account for ungulate damage to young plants. The adjacent plant compensation method assessed yields within 1 m of a randomly selected damaged plant to account for any compensatory growth of neighboring plants, but this method proved inaccurate because ungulate herbivory was concentrated so that a browsed plant was often surrounded by other browsed plants so no compensatory growth by surrounding plants occurred. The most accurate method was the safflower count method, which determined the number of damaged plants within a field and then multiplied this number by the decrease in yield from an average damaged plant. We used this method to examine 981,000 plants for damage. Deer and elk damaged or killed 7.2% of safflower plants during 2009 and 1.4% of plants during 2010. Overall yield reduction was 2.9% during 2009 and 0.6% in 2010. The value of safflower loss within all surveyed fields in 2009 was $9,023 for a loss of $9.42/ha. The loss of value within surveyed fields in 2010 was $2,330, or $3.77/ha. The best model for predicting ungulate damage during 2009 included distance to a canyon and the percent of a field bordered by a fallow field, whereas the best model for 2010 included distance to a canyon and the percent of a field bordered by a wheat field. We surveyed safflower farmers during the spring of 2010 to compare perceived losses in their fields during 2009 to those measured that same year. Farmers believed that damage by deer and elk reduced their yields by 20% with most damage caused by elk (${\bar {x}}$ = 12% by elk, 7% by deer, 1% by other wildlife). On average, perceptions of damage were 5.2 times greater than the actual levels we measured during 2009. This was not surprising because farmers usually surveyed their field from the field's edge where ungulate damage was concentrated. © 2012 The Wildlife Society.
Patterns of human–coyote conflicts in the Denver Metropolitan Area
Authors: Poessel Sharon A. , Breck Stewart W. , Teel Tara L. , Shwiff Stephanie , Crooks Kevin R. , Angeloni Lisa
Published: August 2012

In many cities throughout North America, human–coyote conflicts are an emerging problem. Little research has described temporal and spatial patterns of human–coyote conflicts, although such information can be an important step in developing and optimizing management efforts. We used reports from 22 entities within the Denver Metropolitan Area (DMA) in Colorado that provided information on coyote observations (signs, sightings, and encounters) and conflicts (incidents, pet‐attacks, and human‐attacks). Our objectives were to 1) define, quantify, and map categories of coyote observations and conflicts, and 2) investigate temporal and spatial patterns of conflicts, particularly related to land cover types and housing density classes. We compiled 4,006 coyote reports, including 78 signs (1.9%), 3,023 sightings (75.5%), 395 encounters (9.9%), 26 incidents (0.6%), 471 pet‐attacks (11.8%), and 13 human‐attacks (0.3%). We found a strong seasonal pattern with reports of both observations and conflicts highest during December–March and lowest during July–September. Numbers of coyote conflicts were disproportionately greater in open space and development land cover types (in contrast to natural and agricultural land cover) and in suburban housing areas (in contrast to urban, exurban, and rural areas). Hotspots of coyote conflicts were apparent in the southern region of the DMA, possibly because coyotes had better access to development, and hence interaction with residents, via natural areas bordering urban areas; reporting bias may have also influenced this outcome. Our results will help target management efforts, particularly those focused on people (e.g., education), but also highlight the critical need for improved methods of collecting conflict information via a standardized reporting mechanism to help reduce bias. © 2012 The Wildlife Society.
Split Scope of Negative Indefinites
Authors: Penka Doris
Published: August 2012

Negative indefinites, i.e. expressions like English nobody and no boy, give rise to split scope readings where another operator takes scope in between the negative and the indefinite meaning component. Split readings are puzzling under the standard analysis of negative indefinites as negative quantifiers. This article surveys recent approaches to split scope.
Words without Boundaries: Computational Approaches to Chinese Word Segmentation
Authors: Huang Chu‐Ren , Xue Nianwen
Published: August 2012

The fact that words are not conventionally demarcated in Chinese orthography makes the process of word segmentation non‐trivial. Chinese word segmentation remains a challenging topic in Chinese computational linguistics. We survey previous approaches to Chinese word segmentation, including dictionary look‐up, strength of internal binding, as well as character tagging and machine learning. The Word Boundary Decision (WBD) approach which requires no prior lexical knowledge is proposed. It is shown that the WBD model greatly reduces the complexity of Chinese word segmentation and may provide a promising approach to address domain adaption and robustness issues.
Combinations of Elements: a New Paradigm for Fire Retardancy
Authors: Mariappan Thirumal , Wilkie Charles A.
Published: August 2012

This trend article describes some recent work related to the development of flame retardancy of six common plastic materials, polypropylene, polystyrene, poly(methyl methacrylate), unsaturated polyester, polyurethane, and epoxy resin. Conventionally, a single fire retardant element is used to achieve fire retardancy but in this paper, there is a description of combinations of fire retardant elements, including a nano‐sized material.
Shell Cross‐linking of Cyclodextrin‐Based Micelles via Supramolecular Chemistry for the Delivery of Drugs
Authors: Yhaya Firdaus , Binauld Sandra , Kim Yoseop , Stenzel Martina H.
Published: August 2012

A block copolymer based on poly(N‐isopropyl acrylamide) (PNIPAAm) and a block with a statistical distribution of poly(2‐hydroxyethyl acrylate) (PHEA) and repeating unit with carrying β‐cyclodextrin was prepared via reversible addition–fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization and click reaction. Addition of poly(2‐hydroxyethyl acrylate‐s‐adamantylmethyl acrylate) P(HEA17‐s‐AdMA7) above the LCST of the block copolymer led to capture of the micelle structure of 36 nm against disassembly. The drug‐ (albendazole) loaded supramolecular assembly, which was fixed via host–guest complexation between β‐cyclodextrin and adamantane, was then tested as a drug carrier. Cell viability studies using human ovarian carcinoma cell line (OVCAR‐3) cell lines show a higher toxicity of the shell cross‐linked micelle compared with the free block copolymer.
Trial designs used to study neuroprotective therapy in Parkinson's disease
Authors: Lang Anthony E. , Melamed Eldad , Poewe Werner , Rascol Olivier
Published: August 2012

There have been numerous trials conducted to evaluate putative disease‐modifying or neuroprotective treatments in Parkinson's disease. These trials have used several different study designs and outcome measures. Each of these has its own strengths and weaknesses. Confounding all studies is the potential symptomatic benefit that the treatment might have on the features of Parkinson's disease. In addition, patient‐related factors such as age of onset and the nature of the dominant symptoms may have important impacts that are often not addressed. Here we provide an overview of the various trial designs that have been used and emphasize the challenges faced in attempting to study neuroprotection in Parkinson's disease and the advances needed before this goal can be successfully achieved. © 2013 Movement Disorder Society
A randomized trial of oral betamethasone to reduce ataxia symptoms in ataxia telangiectasia
Authors: Zannolli Raffaella , Sabrina Buoni  , Betti Gianni , Salvucci Sara , Plebani Alessandro , Soresina Annarosa , Pietrogrande Maria C. , Martino Silvana , Leuzzi Vincenzo , Finocchi Andrea , Micheli Roberto , Rossi Livia Nicoletta , Brusco Alfredo , Misiani Filippo , Fois Alberto , Hayek Joseph , Kelly Colleen , Chessa Luciana
Published: August 2012

No controlled studies exist regarding the pharmaceutical reduction of ataxia symptoms in ataxia telangiectasia (A‐T). In a multicenter, double‐blind, randomized, placebo‐controlled crossover trial, oral betamethasone (BETA) and placebo were compared in terms of their reduction of ataxia symptoms as assessed with the International Cooperative Ataxia Rating Scale (ICARS). In this study of 13 A‐T children, betamethasone reduced the ICARS total score by a median of 13 points in the intent‐to‐treat population and 16 points in the per‐protocol population (ie, median percent decreases of ataxia symptoms of 28% and 31%, respectively). In conclusion, Oral betamethasone could be a promising therapy to relieve ataxia symptoms in A‐T patients; however, long‐term effectiveness and safety must be established. (Current Controlled Trials, number ISRCTN08774933.) © 2012 Movement Disorder Society
Lysosome‐dependent pathways as a unifying theme in Parkinson's disease
Authors: Tofaris George K.
Published: August 2012

Although the pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease (PD) is considered multifactorial, evidence from genetics and cell biology has implicated specific molecular pathways. This article summarizes evidence that suggests that the level of intracellular alpha‐synuclein is critical for the onset of neurodegeneration with Lewy bodies and dependent, to a large extent, on lysosomal degradation. The function of other key proteins that emerged from genetics is discussed: Pink1 and Parkin regulate the degradation of damaged mitochondria by the lysosome (mitophagy). Glucocerebrosidase and ATP13A2 are important components of this degradative organelle. VPS35 and LRRK2 may regulate trafficking within lysosome‐dependent pathways, such as autophagy and endosomal vesicle recycling. Clinically, diffuse alpha‐synucleinopathy or dementia seems to correlate with mutations which interfere with the broader function of lysosomal pathways, whereas a predominantly motor syndrome and nigrostriatal degeneration is associated with specific defects in mitophagy. Based on these studies, it is proposed that a protein network involved in trafficking to, or degradation by, lysosomes could be sufficient to explain the phenotypic spectrum within PD in a unifying biochemical pathway. © 2012 Movement Disorder Society
Characterization of periodic upper limb movement disorder in a patient with restless arms syndrome
Authors: Ruppert Elisabeth , Cretin Benjamin , Meyer Christelle , Kilic‐Huck Ulker , Bourgin Patrice
Published: August 2012

Background:

Restless legs syndrome (RLS) and the frequently associated periodic limb movements (PLM) are common neurological disorders whose pathophysiology remains elusive. We report on the case of a 40‐year‐old patient presenting with severe restlessness in the upper limbs, a poorly known variant of RLS.

Case Report:

Video‐polysomnography was performed because of the associated poor sleep quality and daytime sleepiness evocative of PLM. An electromyogram of the extensor carpi radialis muscle was added. Remarkably, our patient had movements of repeated extension of the small finger that contrasted with the extension of the hallux, characteristic for PLM. Pramipexol was an effective treatment relieving the patient's upper limbs of discomfort and ameliorating her restless sleep.

Conclusions:

Involvement of the upper limbs in RLS is relatively common, but restlessness may be located on the upper limbs solely. One should be aware of the upper limb variant, and that treatment by dopaminergic agonists proves to be very efficient. © 2012 Movement Disorder Society
Modelling of steady‐state fluid flow in 3D fractured isotropic porous media: application to effective permeability calculation
Authors: Vu Minh‐Ngoc , Pouya Ahmad , Seyedi Darius M.
Published: August 2012

In this paper, 3D steady‐state fluid flow in a porous medium with a large number of intersecting fractures is derived numerically by using collocation method. Fluid flow in the matrix and fractures is described by Darcy's law and Poiseuille's law, respectively. The recent theoretical development presented a general potential solution to model the steady‐state flow in fractured porous media under a far‐field condition. This solution is a hypersingular integral equation with pressure field in the fracture surfaces as the main unknown. The numerical procedure can resolve the problem for any form of fractures and also takes into account the interactions and the intersection between fractures. Once the pressure field and then the flux field in fractures have been determined, the pressure field in the porous matrix is computed completely. The basic problem of a single fracture is investigated, and a semi‐analytical solution is presented. Using the solution obtained for a single fracture, Mori‐Tanaka and self‐consistent schemes are employed for upscaling the effective permeability of 3D fractured porous media. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Optimal control of one‐dimensional cellular uptake in tissue engineering
Authors: Kishida Masako , Ford Versypt Ashlee N. , Pack Daniel W. , Braatz Richard D.
Published: August 2012

A control problem motivated by tissue engineering is formulated and solved, in which control of the uptake of growth factors (signaling molecules) is necessary to spatially and temporally regulate cellular processes for the desired growth or regeneration of a tissue. Four approaches are compared for determining one‐dimensional optimal boundary control trajectories for a distributed parameter model with reaction, diffusion, and convection: (i) basis function expansion, (ii) method of moments, (iii) internal model control, and (iv) model predictive control (MPC). The proposed method of moments approach is computationally efficient while enforcing a nonnegativity constraint on the control input. Although more computationally expensive than methods (i)–(iii), the MPC formulation significantly reduced the computational cost compared with simultaneous optimization of the entire control trajectory. A comparison of the pros and cons of each of the four approaches suggests that an algorithm that combines multiple approaches is most promising for solving the optimal control problem for multiple spatial dimensions. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The public's perspectives on antibiotic resistance and abuse among Chinese in Hong Kong
Authors: Wun Yuk Tsan , Lam Tai Pong , Lam Kwok Fai , Ho Pak Leung , Yung Wai Hung Raymond
Published: August 2012

Purpose

Antibiotic abuse and resistance impose a continuing threat to the world. The awareness of antibiotic resistance is said to be inversely associated with the prevalence of abuse. We examined the public's perspectives on antibiotic resistance in our study of the public's knowledge, attitude and practice with antibiotics.

Methods

The study adopted a combined qualitative and quantitative approach. Eight focus groups were conducted with 56 participants purposively selected from community centres and of different socio‐economic strata. The qualitative data collected were used to construct a questionnaire for the telephone survey which surveyed 2471 adults from randomly selected residential numbers.

Results

The focus‐group participants were unclear about the nature and causes of antibiotic resistance; they also attributed antibiotic abuse to the doctors’ responsibility. Of the questionnaire respondents, 9.0% had not heard of the term, 7.8% had ever acquired non‐prescribed antibiotics, 6.6% had ever kept the leftover and only 69.8% had always finished the full course of antibiotics. Furthermore, 77.3 % and 75.1%, respectively, agreed that the purchase of antibiotics without prescription and incomplete courses of antibiotics would lead to undesirable consequences. Of the respondents who had heard about antibiotic resistance, 38.7% agreed that they could help the prevention of resistance. They were more likely to complete the full course of antibiotics and less likely to keep the leftovers.

Conclusions

The public in general was not aware of the causes of, nor their role and capability in preventing, antibiotic resistance. Future campaigns and health education should empower everyone to restrain antibiotic resistance. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Buckyball maracas: exploring the inside and outside properties of endohedral fullerenes
Authors: Rivera‐Nazario Danisha M. , Pinzón Julio R. , Stevenson Steven , Echegoyen Luis A.
Published: August 2012

Since the experimental observation of the encapsulation of different species inside fullerene (endohedral fullerenes) cages, several research groups have focused their research in the elaboration of new and novel compounds. Exohedral functionalization of the carbon cages has helped in the discovery of new species and has expanded their potential applications in material science and medicine. Our research group has contributed to the discovery, functionalization, and characterization of new and interesting compounds that have been explored in different applications, but mainly in the field of organic photovoltaics. Here, we report the contribution and progress of our research group in the field of buckyball “maracas.” Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synthesis and Energetic Properties of 4,4′,5,5′‐Tetranitro‐2,2′‐biimidazolate(N4BIM) Salts
Authors: Chavez David E. , Parrish Damon , Preston Daniel N. , Mares Isaac W.
Published: August 2012

This paper describes the synthesis and characterization of several salts of 4,4′,5,5′‐tetranitro‐2,2′‐biimidazolate (N4BIM). Each of the salts were characterized chemically, thermally, morphologically, as well as with respect to destructive stimuli (impact, electrostatic discharge, friction, thermal). These salts show promise as propellant ingredient additives, and in particular, the bis‐triaminoguanidinium salt of N4BIM displays excellent burn rate and combustion behavior. Our combustion studies have shown that TAGN4BIM displays a fast burning rate and has the lowest pressure dependence exponent yet measured for a triaminoguanidinium salt.
Replacing the Equations of Fano and Fisher for Cased Charge Blast Impulse‐II‐Fracture Strain Method
Authors: Hutchinson M. D.
Published: August 2012

Previous papers by the author [1, 2] pointed to a discovery by Fisher [3] that an equation by Fano [4], when used to predict blast impulse from cased munitions, did not fit the available data. These previous papers showed that an alternative equation for casing‐modified blast impulse could be derived directly from an equation by Gurney [5] for the kinetic energy balance between the mass of casing metal and the mass of explosive gases. However, this equation was derived for very ductile casings that are accelerated to their ideal Gurney velocity before they fracture. Many real casings, even under high dynamic strain rates, fracture before they can receive the full drive available from the explosive gases. This paper shows how the equation in reference [2] can be modified to allow for casing fracture at finite dynamic strain and provides validation for this modified equation from previously unpublished AWE archive experimental data.
Large dielectric tunability in Na0.5Bi0.5TiO3–x %BaTiO3 single crystals
Authors: Ge Wenwei , Luo Chengtao , Zhang Qinhui , Li Jiefang , Luo Haosu , Viehland D.
Published: August 2012

Dielectric tunability in [001] and [110] oriented Na0.5Bi0.5TiO3–5.6%BaTiO3 crystals was investigated as functions of temperature and frequency. A tunability of the dielectric constant as high as 58% and 46% was obtained at room temperature under an electric field of E = 20 kV/cm applied along [001] and [110]. Our findings demonstrate that Na0.5Bi0.5TiO3–5.6%BaTiO3 crystals are potential voltage‐tunable materials. (© 2012 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Electronic, spectra, and spin orbit interaction for FrAr van der Waals system
Authors: Berriche Hamid
Published: August 2012

The potential energy curves and spectroscopic constants of the ground and many excited states of the FrAr van der Waals system have been determined using a one‐electron pseudopotential approach. The Fr+ core and the electron–Ar interactions are replaced by effective potentials. The Fr+Ar core–core interaction is incorporated using the accurate CCSD(T) potential of Hickling et al. (Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys. 2004, 6, 4233). This approach reduces the number of active electrons of the FrAr van der Waals system to only one valence electron, which permits the use of very large basis sets for the Fr and Ar atoms. Using this technique, the potential energy curves of the ground and many excited states are calculated at the self consistent field (SCF) level. In addition, the spin–orbit interaction is also considered using the semiempirical scheme for the states dissociating into Fr (7p) and Fr (8p). The FrAr system is not studied previously and its potential interactions, spectroscopic constants and dipole functions are presented here for the first time. Furthermore, we have predicted the X2Σ+–A2Π1/2, X2Σ+–AΠ3/2, X2Σ+–B2Σ1/2+, X2Σ+–32Π1/2, X2Σ+–32Π3/2, and X2Σ+–52Σ1/2+ absorption spectra. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
New criteria for exponential stability of nonlinear time‐varying differential systems
Authors: Ngoc Pham Huu Anh
Published: August 2012

General nonlinear time‐varying differential systems are considered. An explicit criterion for exponential stability is presented. Furthermore, an explicit robust stability bound for systems subjected to nonlinear time‐varying perturbations is given. In particular, it is shown that the generalized Aizerman conjecture holds for positive linear systems. Some examples are given to illustrate obtained results.Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Composite hierarchical anti‐disturbance control for nonlinear systems with DOBC and fuzzy control
Authors: Wei Xinjiang , Chen Nan
Published: August 2012

Anti‐disturbance control and estimation problem is introduced for a class of nonlinear system subject to disturbances. The adaptive disturbance observers are constructed separately from the controller design to estimate the disturbance with partial known information. By integrating disturbance‐observer‐based control with fuzzy control, a novel type of composite hierarchical anti‐disturbance control scheme is presented for a class of nonlinear system with unknown nonlinear dynamics. Simulations for a flight control system are given to demonstrate the effectiveness of the results compared with the previous schemes.Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Quadratic approximate dynamic programming for input‐affine systems
Authors: Keshavarz Arezou , Boyd Stephen
Published: August 2012

We consider the use of quadratic approximate value functions for stochastic control problems with input‐affine dynamics and convex stage cost and constraints. Evaluating the approximate dynamic programming policy in such cases requires the solution of an explicit convex optimization problem, such as a quadratic program, which can be carried out efficiently. We describe a simple and general method for approximate value iteration that also relies on our ability to solve convex optimization problems, in this case, typically a semidefinite program. Although we have no theoretical guarantee on the performance attained using our method, we observe that very good performance can be obtained in practice.Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Structure and Function of Glucose Binding Protein–Single Walled Carbon Nanotube Complexes
Authors: McNicholas Thomas P. , Yum Kyungsuk , Ahn Jin‐Ho , Mu Bin , Plettenburg Oliver , Gooderman Annlouise , Natesan Sridaran , Strano Michael S.
Published: August 2012

Understanding the structure and function of glucose binding proteins (GBP) complexed with single walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) is important for the development of applications including fluorescent sensors and nanostructure particle tracking. Herein, circular dichroism (CD), thermal denaturation, photo‐absorption spectroscopy and atomic force microscopy are used to study these nanostructures. The protein retains its glucose‐binding activity after complexation and is thermally stable below 36 °C. However, the SWNT lowers the midpoint denaturation temperature (Tm) by 5 °C and 4 °C in the absence and presence of 10 mM glucose, respectively. This data highlights that using techniques such as CD and thermal denaturation may be necessary to fully characterize such protein‐nanomaterial nanostructures.
Negatively Charged Gold Nanoparticles Inhibit Alzheimer's Amyloid‐β Fibrillization, Induce Fibril Dissociation, and Mitigate Neurotoxicity
Authors: Liao Yi‐Hung , Chang Yu‐Jen , Yoshiike Yuji , Chang Yun‐Chorng , Chen Yun‐Ru
Published: August 2012

Amyloids are pathogenic hallmarks in many neurodegenerative diseases such as amyloid‐β (Aβ) fibrils in Alzheimer's disease (AD). Here, the effect of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) on amyloids is examined using Aβ as a model system. It is found that bare AuNPs inhibited Aβ fibrillization to form fragmented fibrils and spherical oligomers. Adding bare AuNPs to preformed Aβ fibrils results in ragged species where AuNPs bind preferentially to fibrils. Similar results are demonstrated with carboxyl‐ but not amine‐conjugated AuNPs. Co‐incubation of negatively charged AuNPs with Aβ relieved Aβ toxicity to neuroblastoma. Overall, it is demonstrated that AuNPs possessing negative surface potential serve as nano‐chaperones to inhibit and redirect Aβ fibrillization, which could contribute to applications for AD.
An agent‐based simulation model of human‐robot team performance in military environments
Authors: Giachetti Ronald E. , Marcelli Veronica , Cifuentes José , Rojas José A.
Published: August 2012

Prior to deploying human‐robot teams on military missions, system designers need to understand how design decisions affect team performance. This paper describes a multiagent simulation model that captures both team coordination and human‐robot interaction. The purpose of the model is to evaluate proposed team designs in uncertain Military Operations in Urban Terrain (MOUT) scenarios and determine which design factors are most critical to team performance. The simulation model is intended to be a tool in the systems engineering iterations of proposing designs, testing them, and then evaluating them during the conceptual design phase. To illustrate the model's usefulness for this purpose, a fractional factorial design of experiments is conducted to evaluate team design factors and the two‐factor interaction between controllable factors and noise factors that described the environment and robot reliability. The experimental results suggest that (1) larger teams have more robust performance over the noise factors, (2) robot reliability is critical to the formation of human‐robot teams, and (3) high centralization of decision‐making authority created communication bottlenecks at the commander in large teams. This work contributes to the agent‐based modeling of teams, and to understanding how the U.S. Army can attain its goal of greater utilization of robots in future military operations. ©2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Syst Eng 15
Tissue characterization using mean gray value analysis in deep infiltrating endometriosis
Authors: Guerriero S. , Pilloni M. , Alcazar J. L. , Sedda F. , Ajossa S. , Mais V. , Melis G. B. , Saba L.
Published: August 2012

Objectives

To investigate differences in tissue characterization using three‐dimensional sonographic mean gray value (MGV) between retrocervical and rectosigmoid deeply infiltrating endometriosis, and to assess intra‐ and interobserver concordance in MGV quantification.

Methods

In this retrospective study, stored ultrasound volumes from 50 premenopausal women (mean age, 32 years) with 57 histologically confirmed nodules of deep endometriosis were retrieved from our database for analysis. A single experienced operator had acquired all volumes. For each nodule, the MGV was evaluated using Virtual Organ Computer‐aided AnaLysis (VOCAL) software with semiautomated sphere‐sampling (1 cm3) from the central part of the nodule. In these patients the MGV was also quantified from the myometrium of the fundal part of the uterus. In addition, two observers calculated the MGV in a subset of 24 volumes in order to quantify inter‐ and intraobserver agreement using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC).

Results

Mean MGV was significantly higher in rectosigmoid nodules (n = 34) than in nodules with a retrocervical location (n = 23) (23.863 vs 17.705; P < 0.001). MGV of the myometrium was significantly higher in comparison with that of nodules in both locations (P < 0.001 for both). Intra‐ and interobserver measurement reproducibility was excellent (ICC > 0.95).

Conclusions

Retrocervical and rectosigmoid endometriotic nodules display significantly different MGVs. Measurement of MGV is highly reproducible and its clinical value in the diagnosis and assessment of distribution of deep endometriosis should be assessed in future studies. Copyright © 2012 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Microfabricated platforms to modulate and monitor T cell synapse assembly
Authors: Jung Hong‐Ryul , Choi Jong‐Cheol , Cho Wonhwa , Doh Junsang
Published: August 2012

Immunological synapse (IS) is a complex supramolecular structure formed at the interface between T cells and antigen presenting cells (APCs) during T cell antigen recognition. Microfabricated platforms have made great contributions to our understanding of the assembly dynamics and functional roles of the T cell synapses over the last decade. Here, we review three different types of microfabricated platforms developed to modulate and monitor the T cell synapse assembly. Firstly, multi‐protein micropatterned surfaces presenting key ligands for T cell activation that can modulate the spatial distribution of receptors/signaling molecules in T cell synapses are described. Secondly, micropatterned supported bilayers that can modulate the dynamics of T cell receptor (TCR) microclusters are introduced. Lastly, T‐APC pair arrays that allow for improved fluorescence live cell imaging are discussed. WIREs Nanomed Nanobiotechnol 2013, 5:67–74. doi: 10.1002/wnan.1182

This article is categorized under:

Nanotechnology Approaches to Biology > Cells at the Nanoscale

Nanotechnology Approaches to Biology > Nanoscale Systems in Biology
Stem cell bioengineering at the interface of systems‐based models and high‐throughput platforms
Authors: Underhill Gregory H.
Published: August 2012

Stem cell functions are regulated by a combination of molecular signals that are provided both intrinsically and from the local microenvironment. The complexity of these mechanisms has encouraged the use of interdisciplinary experimental strategies, such as bioengineering methods, to address fundamental questions in stem cell biology. These approaches have primarily aimed to (1) develop tools for the improved control of microenvironmental cues and genetic perturbations, (2) integrate high‐throughput technologies to broaden the experimental state space and facilitate systematic examination of combinatorial signals, and (3) construct systems‐based models to better define stem cell processes through an understanding of the interdependence of the individual signaling components. Cooperative advancements in these areas will continue to contribute to the evolution of stem cell‐based therapeutics. WIREs Syst Biol Med 2012, 4:525–545. doi: 10.1002/wsbm.1189

This article is categorized under:

Models of Systems Properties and Processes > Cellular Models

Laboratory Methods and Technologies > Genetic/Genomic Methods

Developmental Biology > Stem Cell Biology and Regeneration

Translational, Genomic, and Systems Medicine > Translational Medicine
Fragment screening of cyclin G-associated kinase by weak affinity chromatography
Authors: Meiby Elinor , Knapp Stefan , Elkins Jonathan M. , Ohlson Sten
Published: August 2012

Fragment-based drug discovery (FBDD) has become a new strategy for drug discovery where lead compounds are evolved from small molecules. These fragments form low affinity interactions (dissociation constant (K
D) = mM − μM) with protein targets, which require fragment screening methods of sufficient sensitivity. Weak affinity chromatography (WAC) is a promising new technology for fragment screening based on selective retention of fragments by a drug target. Kinases are a major pharmaceutical target, and FBDD has been successfully applied to several of these targets. In this work, we have demonstrated the potential to use WAC in combination with mass spectrometry (MS) detection for fragment screening of a kinase target—cyclin G-associated kinase (GAK). One hundred seventy fragments were selected for WAC screening by virtual screening of a commercial fragment library against the ATP-binding site of five different proteins. GAK protein was immobilized on a capillary HPLC column, and compound binding was characterized by frontal affinity chromatography. Compounds were screened in sets of 13 or 14, in combination with MS detection for enhanced throughput. Seventy-eight fragments (46 %) with K
D < 200 μM were detected, including a few highly efficient GAK binders (K
D of 2 μM; ligand efficiency = 0.51). Of special interest is that chiral screening by WAC may be possible, as two stereoisomeric fragments, which both contained one chiral center, demonstrated twin peaks. This ability, in combination with the robustness, sensitivity, and simplicity of WAC makes it a new method for fragment screening of considerable potential.
Phase II trial of single-agent foretinib (GSK1363089) in patients with recurrent or metastatic squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck
Authors: Seiwert Tanguy , Sarantopoulos John , Kallender Howard , McCallum Stewart , Keer Harold N. , Blumenschein George
Published: August 2012

Background Foretinib is a small-molecule, oral multikinase inhibitor primarily targeting the mesenchymal epithelial transition (MET) factor receptor, and the vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2. We conducted a phase II study to evaluate the single-agent activity and tolerability of foretinib in patients with recurrent/metastatic squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN). Methods An open-label, single-arm, multicenter trial employing a Simon 2-stage design was conducted with a total of 41 patients planned for the study. One or more responses in the first 14 patients were required in order to progress to the second stage. Foretinib was administered as 240 mg orally for 5 consecutive days of a 14-day treatment cycle (5/9 schedule) to patients with recurrent and/or metastatic SCCHN. Results Fourteen patients were enrolled. The study did not meet criteria for continuing to the second stage. A maximum of 30 cycles were administered (median = 4.0). Fifty percent of patients (7/14) showed stable disease (SD), 43 % of patients (6/14) experienced tumor shrinkage and two patients had prolonged disease stabilization for ≥13 months. The most common adverse events were fatigue, constipation and hypertension, which were manageable with additional medication or adjustments to the dosing schedule. Conclusion Foretinib 240 mg on a 5/9 schedule was generally well tolerated. SD was the best-observed outcome, with minor tumor shrinkage detected in nearly half of all patients. The efficacy results, prolonged disease stabilization and tolerable side-effect profile, support further investigation, possibly in combination with other targeted agents or cytotoxic chemotherapy for SCCHN.
Genetic Disorders of Intellectual Disability: Expanding our Concepts of Phenotypes and of Family Outcomes
Authors: Hodapp Robert M. , Dykens Elisabeth M.
Published: August 2012

Over the past two decades, great strides have been made in our understandings of how genetic conditions influence behavior and how such so‐called “behavioral phenotypes” influence parent and family stress and coping. In this paper, we call for expansions in two directions. First, as a field we need to go beyond behavior in our concepts of phenotypes, to also include the many medical, physical, and other “non‐behavioral” phenotypes that influence children's everyday lives. Second, in examining how etiology‐related phenotypes affect others, we need to go beyond the outcome of parental stress. In this regard, we focus on parental health, well‐being, and various life choices, as well as how parenting children with specific genetic disorders can often lead to positive perceptions and outcomes. We end by discussing remaining research issues and how these two expansions relate to clinical practice.
Preparation of Some Eco‐friendly Corrosion Inhibitors Having Antibacterial Activity from Sea Food Waste
Authors: Hussein Mohamed H. M. , El‐Hady Mohamed F. , Shehata Hassan A. H. , Hegazy Mohammad A. , Hefni Hassan H. H.
Published: August 2012

Chitosan is one of the important biopolymers and it is extracted from exoskeletons of crustaceans in sea food waste. It is a suitable eco‐friendly carbon steel corrosion inhibitor in acid media; the deacetylation degree of prepared chitosan is more than 85.16 %, and the molecular weight average is 109 kDa. Chitosan was modified to 2‐N,N‐diethylbenzene ammonium chloride N‐oxoethyl chitosan (compound I), and 12‐ammonium chloride N‐oxododecan chitosan (compound II) as soluble water derivatives. The corrosion inhibition efficiency for carbon steel of compound (I) in 1 M HCl at varying temperature is higher than for chitosan and compound (II). However, the antibacterial activity of chitosan for Enterococcus faecalis, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Candida albicans is higher than for its derivatives, and the minimum inhibition concentration and minimum bacterial concentration of chitosan and its derivatives were carried out with the same strain.
Synthesis of Didodecylmethylcarboxyl Betaine and Its Application in Surfactant–Polymer Flooding
Authors: Cui Zheng‐gang , Du Xiang‐rui , Pei Xiao‐mei , Jiang Jian‐zhong , Wang Feng
Published: August 2012

Enhanced crude oil recovery by chemical flooding has been a main measure for postponing the overall decline of crude oil output in China, and surfactant‐polymer (SP) flooding may replace alkali‐surfactant‐polymer flooding in the future for avoiding the undesired effects of using alkali. In this paper the synthesis of a surfactant with a large hydrophobe, didodecylmethylcarboxyl betaine (diC12B), and its adaptability in SP flooding were investigated. The results show that diC12B can be synthesized by reaction of didodecylmethyl amine, a product commercially available, with chloroacetic acid in the presence of NaOH, with a resulting yield as high as 80 wt% under appropriate conditions. With double dodecyl chain diC12B is highly surface active as displayed by its low CMC, 3.7 × 10−6 mol L−1, low γCMC, 27 mNm−1, as well as high adsorption and small cross section area (≤0.25 nm2) at both air/water and oil/water interfaces at 25 °C. By mixing with conventional hydrophilic surfactants diC12B can be well dissolved in Daqing connate water and reduce the Daqing crude oil/connate water interfacial tension to about 10−3 mN m−1 at 45 °C in a wide total surfactant concentration range, from 0.01 to 0.5 wt%. And a tertiary oil recovery, 18 ± 1.5 % OOIP, can been achieved by SP flooding using natural cores without adding any alkaline agent or neutral electrolyte. DiC12B seems thus to be a good surfactant for enhanced oil recovery by SP flooding.
Reduction of Rat Cardiac Hypertrophy by Osthol is Related to Regulation of Cardiac Oxidative Stress and Lipid Metabolism
Authors: Zhou Feng , Zhong Wen , Xue Jie , Gu Zhen‐lun , Xie Mei‐lin
Published: August 2012

The objective of this study was to examine the therapeutic effect of osthol, a coumarin compound isolated from the fruit ofCnidium monnieri(L.) Cusson, on cardiac hypertrophy in rats and investigate its potential mechanisms. The rats with cardiac hypertrophy induced by renovascular hypertension were given osthol orally by gavage for 4 weeks. The results showed that in the osthol 20 mg/kg group, the blood pressure, heart weight index and myocardial malondialdehyde content were lowered (p< 0.001,p= 0.002 andp= 0.025, respectively), the myocardial superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase contents were increased (p< 0.001), and the elevated unesterified fatty acids and triacylglycerols in myocardial tissues were decreased (p= 0.017 andp= 0.004, respectively). At the same time, the myocardial peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor (PPAR)‐α and carnitine palmitoyltransferase (CPT)‐1a mRNA expressions were increased and the myocardial diacylglycerol acyltransferase (DGAT) mRNA expression was decreased in the osthol 20 mg/kg group (p< 0.001). Osthol treatment was associated with a decreased cross‐sectional area of cardiomyocytes (p< 0.001). These findings suggest that osthol may exert a therapeutic effect on cardiac hypertrophy in rats, and its mechanisms may be related to the improvement of myocardial oxidative stress and lipid metabolism via regulation of PPARα‐mediated target gene expressions including an increase in CPT‐1a mRNA expression and a decrease in DGAT mRNA expression.
Study of Structured Lipid‐Based Oil‐in‐Water Emulsion Prepared with Sophorolipid and its Oxidative Stability
Authors: Xue Cheng‐Lian , Solaiman Daniel K. Y. , Ashby Richard D. , Zerkowski Jonathan , Lee Jeung Hee , Hong Soon‐Taek , Yang Dan , Shin Jung‐Ah , Ji Chen‐Ming , Lee Ki‐Teak
Published: August 2012

In this study, the stability of oil‐in‐water (O/W) emulsions prepared with structured lipid (SL) were evaluated in which the SL was produced through lipase‐catalyzed interesterification between soybean oil and rice bran oil. After interesterification, the major TAG species in the SL were PLP (22.5 %), PLL/OOLn (21.8 %), LPL (16.1 %), and LLS/PLO (16.1 %), and the total amount of tocopherol and tocotrienol was 20.9 mg/100 g of SL. Sophorolipid was used as an emulsifier for preparing SL‐based O/W emulsions, and the effect of pH (pH 5.8, 7 and 7.2) on stability was studied by analyzing the fat globule size. From the results, SL‐based O/W emulsions showed similar stabilities to those prepared with Tween 20 at the neutral environment. In the oxidation study, any antioxidant addition of propyl gallate (PG), ascorbic acid 6‐palmitate (AP) or quercetin hydrate (Que) distinctively prevented peroxide formation on the SL‐based O/W emulsion throughout the 23 days of storage while AP was less effective to lower TBARS values than PG and Que.
Systems Approaches to Biology and Disease Enable Translational Systems Medicine
Authors: Hood Leroy , Tian Qiang
Published: August 2012

The development and application of systems strategies to biology and disease are transforming medical research and clinical practice in an unprecedented rate. In the foreseeable future, clinicians, medical researchers, and ultimately the consumers and patients will be increasingly equipped with a deluge of personal health information, e.g., whole genome sequences, molecular profiling of diseased tissues, and periodic multi-analyte blood testing of biomarker panels for disease and wellness. The convergence of these practices will enable accurate prediction of disease susceptibility and early diagnosis for actionable preventive schema and personalized treatment regimes tailored to each individual. It will also entail proactive participation from all major stakeholders in the health care system. We are at the dawn of predictive, preventive, personalized, and participatory (P4) medicine, the fully implementation of which requires marrying basic and clinical researches through advanced systems thinking and the employment of high-throughput technologies in genomics, proteomics, nanofluidics, single-cell analysis, and computation strategies in a highly-orchestrated discipline we termed translational systems medicine.
Cell lineage tracing techniques for the study of brain development and regeneration
Authors: Solek Cynthia M. , Ekker Marc
Published: August 2012

Characterization of the means by which cells are generated and organized to make an organ as complex as the brain is a formidable task. Understanding how adult stem cells give rise to progeny that integrate into the existing structures during regeneration or in response to injury is equally challenging. Lineage tracing techniques are essential to studying cell behaviors such as proliferation, migration and differentiation, since they allow stem or precursor cells to be marked and their descendants followed and characterized over time. Here, we describe some of the key lineage tracing techniques available to date, highlighting advantages and drawbacks and focusing on their application in neural fate mapping. The more traditional methods are now joined by exciting new approaches to provide a vast array of tools at the disposal of neurobiologists.
Alteration of brain volume in IL‐6 overexpressing mice related to autism
Authors: Wei Hongen , Mori Susumu , Hua Kegang , Li Xiaohong
Published: August 2012

Abnormal neuroimmune responses have been reported to be associated with autism and could be appropriate targets for pharmacologic intervention. Our previous studies showed that neuroimmune factor, interleukin (IL)‐6, was significantly elevated in the fontal cortex and cerebellum of autistic subjects. The IL‐6 overexpressing mice displayed several autism‐like features as well as an abnormal dendritic spine morphology and synaptic function. The purpose of this study was to examine the volumetric differences in the brain of IL‐6 overexpressing mice and compare with corresponding control mice using magnetic resonance imaging. Here we show that IL‐6 overexpressing mice display an increase in the total brain volume. In addition, the lateral ventricle is also enlarged in the IL‐6 overexpressing mice. The brain structures surrounding the lateral ventricle were squeezed and deformed from the normal location. These results indicate that IL‐6 elevation in the brain could mediate neuroanatomical abnormalities. Taking together with our previous findings, a mechanism by which IL‐6 may be involved in the pathogenesis of autism is proposed.
Prevalence of atrial fibrillation in Asia and the world
Authors: Kodani Eitaro , Atarashi Hirotsugu
Published: August 2012

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common arrhythmia in persons of advanced age, and it is a potent risk factor for cardiogenic ischemic stroke. The overall prevalence of AF is less than 1%, but in people aged 80 years or older the rate is approximately 7–14% in Western countries and 2–3% in Japan. The number of people with AF has been increasing worldwide as the population has aged, and continued increases in the prevalence and incidence of AF are expected with the aging of society. It is predicted that 5–16 million in the United States and more than 1 million in Japan will be affected by 2050. Therefore, AF is one of important diseases that needs to be managed because it is a common disease in aged populations.