bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Imaging Techniques for Microwave Diagnostics
Authors: Tobias B. , Donné A.J.H. , Park H.K. , Boom J.E. , Choi M.J. , Classen I.G.J. , Domier C.W. , Kong X. , Lee W. , Liang T. , Luhmann N.C. , Munsat T. , Yu L. , Yun G.S.
Published: March 2011

Imaging diagnostics, such as Electron Cyclotron Emission Imaging (ECEI) and Microwave Imaging Reflectometry (MIR), exhibit unique characteristics that make them particularly well suited to the validation of theoretical models for plasma instabilities and turbulent fluctuations. A 2‐D picture of plasma phenomena is provided unambiguously, from localized, time‐resolved measurements. After more than a decade of development and successful demonstrations on RTP [1,2] and TEXTOR [3, 4, 5, 6], ECEI has come into maturity as an electron temperature diagnostic technique, and systems at ASDEX‐UG [7] and DIII‐D [8] are making regular contributions to plasma physics. The next generation ECEI diagnostic is currently being installed on KSTAR [9, 10]. MIR is a radar reflectometric density fluctuation diagnostic, and hence the perfect complement to ECEI when realized to simultaneously image the same plasma volume. Experiments with MIR at TEXTOR have guided a recent surge in analysis and laboratory experiments aimed at resolving remaining issues [11, 12]. Both techniques are discussed in this tutorial with brief examples of data which illustrate the capabilities of these techniques and motivate future development for application on ITER and burning plasma experiments to come (© 2011 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Copper Seed Layer Deposition by a New Liquid Precursor
Authors: Kang Sang‐Woo , Shin Yong‐Hyeon , Kim Jin‐Tae , Yun Ju‐Young , Chang Yun‐Hee , Yang Il‐Doo
Published: March 2011

Cu(hfac)2(TEA) (hfac = 1,1,1,5,5,5‐hexafluoroacetylacetonate, TEA (triethylamine, N(C2H5)3)) is a new liquid CuII precursor. Using Cu(hfac)2(TEA), we successfully deposit Cu thin films as a seed layer, even at the low deposition temperature of 373 K. To explain this behavior, the bonding status of Cu(hfac)2 in the presence of TEA is determined by density‐functional theory. The theoretical bond length of Cu‐O in Cu(hfac)2 is significantly greater (by 0.06 Å) than that without an adduct ligand.
A Metallocorrole with Orthogonal Pyrrole Rings
Authors: Thomas Kolle E. , Conradie Jeanet , Hansen Lars K. , Ghosh Abhik
Published: March 2011

In contrast to sterically hindered metalloporphyrins, which are almost always strongly nonplanar, similarly substituted metallocorroles are generally relatively planar. A crystal structure of a copper β‐octakis(trifluoromethyl)‐meso‐triarylcorrole, however, has revealed a corrole macrocycle with an unprecedented degree of saddling. With the exception of the bipyrrole unit, any two adjacent pyrrole rings are essentially orthogonal to each other. Furthermore, the C2‐symmetric molecular structure is chiral and NMR spectroscopy and DFT calculations suggest that the enantiomers do not interconvert readily. Once resolved, the molecule may provide us with a novel example of an inherently chiral chromophore.
DBU‐Promoted Nucleophilic Activation of Carbonic Acid Diesters
Authors: Carafa Marianna , Mesto Ernesto , Quaranta Eugenio
Published: March 2011

The reactivity of carbonic acid diesters in the presence of the amidine base DBU (1,8‐diazabicyclo[5.4.0]undec‐7‐ene) has been investigated for the first time. Organic carbonates can be activated by DBU through the formation of N‐alkoxycarbonyl ketene aminal 2 as the ultimate product. The latter species may form through deprotonation of the corresponding N‐alkoxycarbonyl‐amidinium cation 1+ by the amidine base. We have for the first time isolated and characterized, both in the solid state (X‐ray crystal structure determination, IR) and in solution (NMR), a few 1+ chloride salts and studied their reactivity towards the organic base. The reactivity of both 1+ and 2 with methanol has also been explored. Ketene aminal 2 behaves as a “CO2R” carrier, as it can selectively transfer the alkoxycarbonyl group to the alcohol and regenerate the amidine base.
Nickel Nanoparticle Modified BDD Electrode Shows an Electrocatalytic Response to Adenine and DNA in Aqueous Alkaline Media
Authors: Harfield John C. , Toghill Kathryn E. , Batchelor‐McAuley Christopher , Downing Clive , Compton Richard G.
Published: March 2011

The electrooxidation of adenine, guanine and DNA was investigated under alkaline conditions at unmodified (BDDE) and at a nickel nanoparticle modified boron‐doped diamond electrodes (Ni‐BDDE). An oxidative response was observed at the Ni‐BDDE for each analyte, particularly notable of the adenine as the oxidation overpotential was reduced to below 0.5 V vs. SCE, and was otherwise unobserved at the unmodified electrode.
Laryngeal function preservation following supracricoid partial laryngectomy
Authors: Castro Alejandro , Sanchez‐Cuadrado Isabel , Bernaldez Ricardo , Del Palacio Antonio , Gavilan Javier
Published: March 2011

Background

Supracricoid partial laryngectomy is a surgical technique that preserves laryngeal function.

Methods

A retrospective review of clinical records identified 41 patients that underwent supracricoid partial laryngectomy at our institution since 1998. In all, 26 patients with a minimum follow‐up of 3 months were alive with a functioning larynx. All of them accepted participation in a functional evaluation.

Results

Ninety‐seven percent of the patients were decannulated, and every patient achieved oral intake. The 5‐year actuarial laryngoesophageal dysfunction‐free survival was 66.5%. Median Voice Handicap Index (VHI) score was 26, with 75% of patients scoring <40. The Median MD Anderson Dysphagia Inventory (MDADI) score was 92, with 75% of patients scoring ≥80. Median maximum phonation time (MPT) was 12 seconds. Median maximum intensity (Imax) was 99 dB.

Conclusions

Supracricoid partial laryngectomy allows laryngeal function preservation at a rate similar to that of chemoradiation protocols. When a careful preoperative patient selection is performed, long‐term functional results are outstanding. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2012
Adult weight change and incidence of premenopausal breast cancer
Authors: Michels Karin B. , Terry Kathryn L. , Eliassen A. Heather , Hankinson Susan E. , Willett Walter C.
Published: March 2011

Overweight and obesity are inversely related to the risk of breast cancer among premenopausal women. We assessed the association between adult weight change since age 18 years with the risk of breast cancer among premenopausal women to explore whether weight gain was associated with a decrease in risk and weight loss was associated with an increase in risk. A total of 56,223 premenopausal participants in the Nurses' Health Study and 109,385 premenopausal participants in the Nurses' Health Study II were prospectively followed for up to 32 years and 18 years, respectively, and weight change since age 18 years was assessed biennially. The incidence of invasive breast cancer was assessed throughout follow‐up. Weight loss of 5 kg or more since age 18, maintained for at least 4 years, was related to lower incidence of premenopausal breast cancer, compared to maintaining a stable weight, but this relation was of borderline statistical significance (covariate‐adjusted HR = 0.75; 95% CI 0.52–1.09). Weight gain since age 18 years was also inversely related to breast cancer incidence among premenopausal women (covariate‐adjusted p for trend = 0.01), but the association weakened after controlling for weight at age 18 and did not reach statistical significance (p for trend = 0.08). Although obesity and breast cancer among premenopausal women are inversely related, weight loss since age 18 years did not increase and weight gain did not significantly decrease the risk of premenopausal breast cancer among participants in the large prospective cohorts of NHS and NHS II.
Systems biology provides new insights into the molecular mechanisms that control the fate of embryonic stem cells
Authors: Mallanna Sunil K. , Rizzino Angie
Published: March 2011

During the last 5 years there has been enormous progress in developing a deeper understanding of the molecular mechanisms that control the self‐renewal and pluripotency of embryonic stem cells (ESC). Early progress resulted from studying individual transcription factors and signaling pathways. Unexpectedly, these studies demonstrated that small changes in the levels of master regulators, such as Oct4 and Sox2, promote the differentiation of ESC. More recently, impressive progress has been made using technologies that provide a global view of the signaling pathways and the gene regulatory networks that control the fate of ESC. This review provides an overview of the progress made using several different high‐throughput technologies and focuses on proteomic studies, which provide the first glimpse of the protein–protein interaction networks used by ESC. The latter studies indicate that transcription factors required for the self‐renewal of ESC are part of a large, highly integrated protein–protein interaction landscape, which helps explain why the levels of master regulators need to be regulated precisely in ESC. J. Cell. Physiol. 227: 27–34, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Malignant mesothelioma: Facts, Myths, and Hypotheses
Authors: Carbone Michele , Ly Bevan H. , Dodson Ronald F. , Pagano Ian , Morris Paul T. , Dogan Umran A. , Gazdar Adi F. , Pass Harvey I. , Yang Haining
Published: March 2011

Malignant mesothelioma (MM) is a neoplasm arising from mesothelial cells lining the pleural, peritoneal, and pericardial cavities. Over 20 million people in the US are at risk of developing MM due to asbestos exposure. MM mortality rates are estimated to increase by 5–10% per year in most industrialized countries until about 2020. The incidence of MM in men has continued to rise during the past 50 years, while the incidence in women appears largely unchanged. It is estimated that about 50–80% of pleural MM in men and 20–30% in women developed in individuals whose history indicates asbestos exposure(s) above that expected from most background settings. While rare for women, about 30% of peritoneal mesothelioma in men has been associated with exposure to asbestos. Erionite is a potent carcinogenic mineral fiber capable of causing both pleural and peritoneal MM. Since erionite is considerably less widespread than asbestos, the number of MM cases associated with erionite exposure is smaller. Asbestos induces DNA alterations mostly by inducing mesothelial cells and reactive macrophages to secrete mutagenic oxygen and nitrogen species. In addition, asbestos carcinogenesis is linked to the chronic inflammatory process caused by the deposition of a sufficient number of asbestos fibers and the consequent release of pro‐inflammatory molecules, especially HMGB‐1, the master switch that starts the inflammatory process, and TNF‐alpha by macrophages and mesothelial cells. Genetic predisposition, radiation exposure and viral infection are co‐factors that can alone or together with asbestos and erionite cause MM. J. Cell. Physiol. 227: 44–58, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Chromosomal instability in mouse embryonic fibroblasts null for the transcriptional co‐repressor Ski
Authors: Marcelain Katherine , Armisen Ricardo , Aguirre Adam , Ueki Nobuhide , Toro Jessica , Colmenares Clemencia , Hayman Michael J
Published: March 2011

Ski is a transcriptional regulator that has been considered an oncoprotein given its ability to induce oncogenic transformation in avian model systems. However, studies in mouse and in some human tumor cells have also indicated a tumor suppressor activity for this protein. We found that Ski−/− mouse embryo fibroblasts exhibit high levels of genome instability, namely aneuploidy, consistent with a tumor suppressor function for Ski. Time‐lapse microscopy revealed lagging chromosomes and chromatin/chromosome bridges as the major cause of micronuclei (MN) formation and the subsequent aneuploidy. Although these cells arrested in mitosis after treatment with spindle disrupting drugs and exhibited a delayed metaphase/anaphase transition, spindle assembly checkpoint (SAC) was not sufficient to prevent chromosome missegregation, consistent with a weakened SAC. Our in vivo analysis also showed dynamic metaphase plate rearrangements with switches in polarity in cells arrested in metaphase. Importantly, after ectopic expression of Ski the cells that displayed this metaphase arrest died directly during metaphase or after aberrant cell division, relating SAC activation and mitotic cell death. This increased susceptibility to undergo mitosis‐associated cell death reduced the number of MN‐containing cells. The presented data support a new role for Ski in the mitotic process and in maintenance of genetic stability, providing insights into the mechanism of tumor suppression mediated by this protein. J. Cell. Physiol. 227: 278–287, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
TGF‐β1 enhances Kv2.1 potassium channel protein expression and promotes maturation of cerebellar granule neurons
Authors: Zhuang Jia‐Li , Wang Chang‐Ying , Zhou Meng‐Hua , Duan Kai‐Zheng , Mei Yan‐Ai
Published: March 2011

Members of the transforming growth factor‐β (TGF‐β) family of cytokines are involved in diverse physiological processes. Although TGF‐β is known to play multiple roles in the mammalian central nervous system (CNS), its role in neuronal development has not been explored. We have studied the effects of TGF‐β1 on the electrophysiological properties and maturation of rat primary cerebellar granule neurons (CGNs). We report that incubation with TGF‐β1 increased delayed rectifier potassium current (IK) amplitudes in a dose‐ and time‐dependent manner, but did not affect the kinetic properties of the channel. Exposure to TGF‐β1 (20 ng/ml) for 36 h led to a 37.2% increase in IK amplitudes. There was no significant change in mRNA levels for the key Kv2.1 channel protein, but translation blockade abolished the increase in protein levels and channel activity, arguing that TGF‐β1 increases IK amplitudes by upregulating translation of the Kv2.1 channel protein. Although TGF‐β1 treatment did not affect the activity of protein kinase A (PKA), and constitutive activation of PKA with forskolin failed to increase IK amplitudes, inhibition of PKA prevented channel upregulation, demonstrating that basal PKA activity is required for TGF‐β1 stimulation of IK channel activity. TGF‐β1 also promoted the expression of the γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABAA) receptor α6 subunit, a marker of mature CGNs, and calcium influx during depolarizing stimuli was reduced by TGF‐β1. The effects of TGF‐β1 were only observed during a narrow developmental time‐window, and were lost as CGNs matured. These findings suggest that TGF‐β1 upregulates K+ channel expression and IK currents and thereby promotes CGN maturation. J. Cell. Physiol. 227: 297–307, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Scanning electron microscopy studies of antennal sensilla of Ooencyrtus phongi (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae)
Authors: Xi Yu‐Qiang , Yin Xin‐Ming , Zhu Chao‐Dong , Guerrieri Emilio , Zhang Yan‐Zhou
Published: March 2011

Ooencyrtus phongi (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae) is an important egg parasitoid of the litchi stink bug, Tessaratoma papillosa (Drury) (Hemiptera: Tessaratomidae). Antennae of parasitic Hymenoptera are important sensory organs and play an important role in host location, host discrimination, courtship, and mating behavior. In this article, we examined the external morphology of the antennal sensilla of female and male of O. phongi using scanning electron microscopy. Twelve morphological sensillar types were recognized in both sexes, including the placoid sensilla, basiconic sensilla, two types of sensilla trichodea, and eight types of sensilla chaetica. Major differences were found between the sexes, in number, distribution, shape, structure, and size of the identified sensilla. These results are discussed in relation to the possible role of these sensilla in the host location behavior of O. phongi. Microsc. Res. Tech. 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Scanning electron microscopy with an ionic liquid reveals the loss of mitotic protrusions of cells during the epithelial–mesenchymal transition
Authors: Ishigaki Yasuhito , Nakamura Yuka , Takehara Teruaki , Shimasaki Takeo , Tatsuno Takanori , Takano Fumihide , Ueda Yoshimichi , Motoo Yoshiharu , Takegami Tsutomu , Nakagawa Hideaki , Kuwabata Susumu , Nemoto Noriko , Tomosugi Naohisa , Miyazawa Shichiro
Published: March 2011

Epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a key event in cancer metastasis and is characterized by increase in cell motility, increase in expression of mesenchymal cell markers, loss of proteins from cell‐to‐cell junction complexes, and changes in cell morphology. Here, the morphological effects of a representative EMT inducer, transforming growth factor (TGF)‐β1, were investigated in human lung adenocarcinoma (A549) cells and pancreatic carcinoma (Panc‐1) cells. TGF‐β1 caused morphological changes characteristic of EMT, and immunostaining showed loss of E‐cadherin from cell‐to‐cell junction complexes in addition to the upregulation of the mesenchymal marker vimentin. During scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with an ionic liquid, we observed EMT‐specific morphological changes, including the formation of various cell protrusions. Interestingly, filopodia in mitotic cells were clearly observed by SEM, and the number of these filopodia in TFG‐β1‐treated mitotic cells was reduced significantly. We conclude that this reduction in such mitotic protrusions is a novel effect of TGF‐β1 and may contribute to EMT. Microsc. Res. Tech., 2011. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Phenotypic and genomic analysis of serotype 3 sabin poliovirus vaccine produced in MRC‐5 Cell substrate
Authors: Alirezaie Behnam , Taqavian Mohammad , Aghaiypour Khosrow , Esna‐Ashari Fatemeh , Shafyi Abbas
Published: March 2011

The cell substrate has a pivotal role in live virus vaccines production. It is necessary to evaluate the effects of the cell substrate on the properties of the propagated viruses, especially in the case of viruses which are unstable genetically such as polioviruses, by monitoring the molecular and phenotypical characteristics of harvested viruses. To investigate the presence/absence of mutation(s), the near full‐length genomic sequence of different harvests of the type 3 Sabin strain of poliovirus propagated in MRC‐5 cells were determined. The sequences were compared with genomic sequences of different virus seeds, vaccines, and OPV‐like isolates. Nearly complete genomic sequencing results, however, revealed no detectable mutations throughout the genome RNA‐plaque purified (RSO)‐derived monopool of type 3 OPVs manufactured in MRC‐5. Thirty‐six years of experience in OPV production, trend analysis, and vaccine surveillance also suggest that: (i) different monopools of serotype 3 OPV produced in MRC‐5 retained their phenotypic characteristics (temperature sensitivity and neuroattenuation), (ii) MRC‐5 cells support the production of acceptable virus yields, (iii) OPV replicated in the MRC‐5 cell substrate is a highly efficient and safe vaccine. These results confirm previous reports that MRC‐5 is a desirable cell substrate for the production of OPV. J. Med. Virol. 83:897–903, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Phylogenetic and virulence analysis of tick‐borne encephalitis virus field isolates from Switzerland
Authors: Gäumann Rahel , Růžek Daniel , Mühlemann Kathrin , Strasser Marc , Beuret Christian M.
Published: March 2011

Tick‐borne encephalitis (TBE) is an endemic disease in Switzerland, with about 110–120 reported human cases each year. Endemic areas are found throughout the country. However, the viruses circulating in Switzerland have not been characterized so far. In this study, the complete envelope (E) protein sequences and phylogenetic classification of 72 TBE viruses found in Ixodes ricinus ticks sampled at 39 foci throughout Switzerland were analyzed. All isolates belonged to the European subtype and were highly related (mean pairwise sequence identity of 97.8% at the nucleotide and 99.6% at the amino acid level of the E protein). Sixty‐four isolates were characterized in vitro with respect to their plaque phenotype. More than half (57.8%) of isolates produced a mixture of plaques of different sizes, reflecting a heterogeneous population of virus variants. Isolates consistently forming plaques of small size were associated with recently detected endemic foci with no or only sporadic reports of clinical cases. All of six virus isolates investigated in an in vivo mouse model were highly neurovirulent (100% mortality) but exhibited a relatively low level of neuroinvasiveness, with mouse survival rates ranging from 50% to 100%. Therefore, TBE viruses circulating in Switzerland belong to the European subtype and are closely related. In vitro and in vivo surrogates suggest a high proportion of isolates with a relatively low level of virulence, which is in agreement with a hypothesized high proportion of subclinical or mild TBE infections. J. Med. Virol. 83:853–863, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Comparison of human parechovirus and enterovirus detection frequencies in cerebrospinal fluid samples collected over a 5‐year period in edinburgh: HPeV type 3 identified as the most common picornavirus type
Authors: Harvala Heli , McLeish Nigel , Kondracka Jasmina , McIntyre Chloe L. , McWilliam Leitch E. Carol , Templeton Kate , Simmonds Peter
Published: March 2011

Human enteroviruses (EVs) and more recently parechoviruses (HPeVs) have been identified as the principal viral causes of neonatal sepsis‐like disease and meningitis. The relative frequencies of specific EV and HPeV types were determined over a 5‐year surveillance period using highly sensitive EV and HPeV PCR assays for screening 4,168 cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) specimens collected from hospitalized individuals between 2005 and 2010 in Edinburgh. Positive CSF samples were typed by sequencing of VP1. From the 201 EV and 31 HPeV positive (uncultured) CSF samples on screening, a high proportion of available samples could be directly typed (176/182, 97%). Highest frequencies of EV infections occurred in young adults (n = 43; 8.6%) although a remarkably high proportion of positive samples (n = 98; 46%) were obtained from young infants (<3 months). HPeV infections were seen exclusively in children under the age of 3 months (31/1,105; 2.8%), and confined to spring on even‐numbered years (22% in March 2006, 25% in April 2008, and 22% in March 2010). In contrast, EV infections were distributed widely across the years. Twenty different EV serotypes were detected; E9, E6, and CAV9 being found most frequently, whereas all but one HPeVs were type 3. Over this period, HPeV3 was identified as the most prevalent picornavirus type in CNS‐related infections with similarly high incidences of EV infection frequencies in very young children. The highly sensitive virus typing methods applied in this study will assist further EV and HPeV screening of sepsis and meningitis cases as well as in future molecular epidemiological studies and population surveillance. J. Med. Virol. 83:889–896, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Exposure to multiple subgenotypes of hepatitis a virus during an outbreak using matched serum and saliva specimens
Authors: Amado Luciane Almeida , Villar Livia Melo , de Paula Vanessa Salete , Pinto Marcelo Alves , Gaspar Ana Maria Coimbra
Published: March 2011

Matched serum and saliva samples were collected simultaneously from 124 subjects exposed during a hepatitis A virus (HAV) outbreak at a daycare center in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. All samples were tested for IgM and total anti‐HAV antibodies by enzyme immunoassay (EIA). HAV was detected by nested PCR in serum, saliva, and water samples employing primers for the VP1/2A region of the viral RNA; all positive products were then sequenced. The viral load of the matched samples was determined by real‐time PCR using the TaqMan system. HAV‐RNA was identified by nested PCR in 37.7% of the saliva samples, 29% of the serum samples, and one drinking water sample. The mean HAV viral load was similar in the serum and saliva specimens (103 copies/ml). HAV genotypes IA and IB were detected in both specimen types, and the water sample isolate was classified as genotype IB, indicating the existence of more than one source of infection at the daycare center. In six infected patients, a different HAV subgenotype was found in their serum than in their saliva, and this unusual pattern of mixed HAV infection was investigated further by molecular cloning followed by nucleotide sequencing. All clones derived from the saliva samples belonged to subgenotype IB and shared 96.5–100% identity. However, clones derived from their corresponding serum sample belonged to subgenotype IA and shared 90.5–100% identity. This study showed the important role that non‐invasive saliva samples can play in the molecular epidemiological analysis of a hepatitis A outbreak. J. Med. Virol. 83:768–775, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Translocase of outer mitochondrial membrane 70 expression is induced by hepatitis C virus and is related to the apoptotic response
Authors: Takano Takashi , Kohara Michinori , Kasama Yuri , Nishimura Tomohiro , Saito Makoto , Kai Chieko , Tsukiyama‐Kohara Kyoko
Published: March 2011

The localization of hepatitis C virus (HCV) proteins in cells leads to several problems. The translocase of outer mitochondrial membrane 70 (TOM70) is a mitochondrial import receptor. In this study, TOM70 expression was induced by HCV infection. TOM70 overexpression induced resistance to tumor necrosis factor‐alpha (TNF‐α)‐mediated apoptosis but not to Fas‐induced apoptosis in HepG2 cells. TOM70 was found to be induced by the HCV non‐structural protein (NS)3/4A protein, and silencing of TOM70 decreased the levels of the NS3 and Mcl‐1 proteins. These results indicate that TOM70 can directly interact with the NS3 protein. In hepatoma cells, silencing of TOM70 induced apoptosis and increased caspase‐3/7 activity but did not modify caspase‐8 and caspase‐9 activity. TOM70 silencing‐induced apoptosis was impaired in HCV NS3/4A protein‐expressing cells. Thus, this study revealed a novel finding, that is, TOM70 is linked with the NS3 protein and the apoptotic response. J. Med. Virol. 83:801–809, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Kinetics and mechanism of the interaction of adenosine withcis‐diaqua(cis‐1,2‐diaminocyclohexane)platinum(II) perchlorate in aqueous medium
Authors: Karmakar Parnajyoti , Mallick Subhasis , Mondal Subala , Bera Biplab K. , Mandal Arup , Mukhopadhyay Sudip K. , Ghosh Alak K.
Published: March 2011

The kinetics of the interaction of adenosine withcis‐[Pt(cis‐dach)(OH2)2]2+(dach = diaminocyclohexane) was studied spectrophotometrically as a function of [cis‐[Pt(cis‐dach)(OH2)2]2+], [adenosine], and temperature at a particular pH (4.0), where the substrate complex exists predominantly as the diaqua species and the ligand adenosine exists as a neutral molecule. The substitution reaction shows two consecutive steps: the first is the ligand‐assisted anation followed by a chelation step. The activation parameters for both the steps have been evaluated using Eyring equation. The low negative value of ΔH≠1(43.1 ± 1.3 kJ mol−1) and the large negative value of ΔS≠1(−177 ± 4 J K−1mol−1) along with ΔH≠2(47.9 ± 1.8 kJ mol−1) and ΔS≠2(−181 ± 6 J K−1mol−1) indicate an associative mode of activation for both the aqua ligand substitution processes. The kinetic study was substantiated by infrared and electrospray ionization mass spectroscopic analysis. © 2011 Wiley Peiodicals, Inc. Int J Chem Kinet 43: 219–229, 2011
Cardiomyopathy of duchenne muscular dystrophy: Current understanding and future directions
Authors: Spurney Christopher F.
Published: March 2011

Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is the most common and severe form of muscular dystrophy and occurs in 1 in 3500 male births. Improved survival due to improvements in clinical care of the musculoskeletal and respiratory systems has led to an increased incidence of cardiomyopathy. Cardiac‐related deaths are now seen in approximately 20% of DMD patients. Our current understanding of DMD cardiomyopathy has increased significantly over the past 10 years, but further research is required to improve cardiac treatment and outcomes in DMD. This review provides a summary of the current literature and discussion of potential new therapies for DMD cardiomyopathy. Muscle Nerve 44: 8–19, 2011
Regional body composition and functional impairment in patients with myotonic dystrophy
Authors: Pruna Lelia , Chatelin Jerome , Pascal‐Vigneron Veronique , Kaminsky Pierre
Published: March 2011

Introduction: In this study we determined regional body composition in myotonic dystrophy (DM1) and able‐bodied controls and evaluated the relationship between fat and lean tissue mass and functional impairment in DM1 patients. Methods: Dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry (DEXA) was used to obtain regional measurements of fat‐free mass index (FFMI) and fat mass index (FMI) in 48 DM1 and anthropometrically matched control pairs. Results: DM1 patients had lower regional FFMI and higher FMI than controls (P < 0.01–0.001). In DM1 patients, total FMI increased significantly with increased muscular disability rating, decreased motor function measurement, and with both decreasing vital capacity and total lung capacity. Hypertriglyceridemia correlated with increasing FMI. Conclusions: Regional FFMI is decreased in DM1, whereas FMI is underestimated by body mass index and is negatively correlated with patients' functional capacity. DEXA may provide valuable supporting evidence in the management of DM1. Muscle Nerve, 2011
Hyperpolarized 129Xe NMR signature of living biological cells
Authors: Boutin Céline , Desvaux Hervé , Carrière Marie , Leteurtre François , Jamin Nadège , Boulard Yves , Berthault Patrick
Published: March 2011

We show that the differentiation between internal and external compartments of various biological cells in suspension can be made via simple NMR spectra of hyperpolarized 129Xe. The spectral separation between the signals of 129Xe in these two compartments is already known for red blood cells, because of the strong interaction of the noble gas with hemoglobin. The observation of two separate peaks in the 200‐ppm region can be seen with both eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells, some of which are not known to contain paramagnetic proteins in large quantities. Using different experiments in which the cells are lysed, swell or are blocked in G2 phase, we demonstrate that the low‐field‐shifted peak observed corresponds to xenon in the aqueous pool inside the cells and not in the membranes. The presence of this additional peak is a clear indication of cell integrity, and its integration allows the quantification of the total cell volume. The relaxation time of intracellular xenon is sufficiently long to open up promising perspectives for cell characterization. The exchange time between the inner and outer cell compartments (on the order of 30 ms) renders possible the targeting of intracellular receptors, whereas the observation of chemical shift variations represents a method of revealing the presence of toxic species in the cells. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Polynomial preserving recovery for quadratic elements on anisotropic meshes
Authors: Huang Can , Zhang Zhimin
Published: March 2011

Polynomial preserving gradient recovery technique under anisotropic meshes is further studied for quadratic elements. The analysis is performed for highly anisotropic meshes where the aspect ratios of element sides are unbounded. When the mesh is adapted to the solution that has significant changes in one direction but very little, if any, in another direction, the recovered gradient can be superconvergent. The results further explain why recovery type error estimator is robust even under nonstandard and highly distorted meshes. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Numer Methods Partial Differential Eq, 2011
Composites of chitosan with acid‐soluble collagen from jumbo squid (Dosidicus gigas) by‐products
Authors: Arias‐Moscoso Joe L , Soto‐Valdez Herlinda , Plascencia‐Jatomea Maribel , Vidal‐Quintanar Reyna‐Luz , Rouzaud‐Sández Ofelia , Ezquerra‐Brauer Josafat M
Published: March 2011

Biodegradable films of chitosan with acid‐soluble collagen (ASC) isolated from jumbo squid by‐products were prepared using solution‐mixing and film‐casting techniques. The main goal of the study reported was to evaluate the potential application of ASC as an additive in the preparation of biofilms in composites with commercial chitosan (85% deacetylated, viscosity > 400 MPa s and molecular weight of 570.3 kDa). Thermal properties, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images, mechanical properties, water vapor barrier properties and water solubility of the films obtained were assessed. SEM images revealed that the surface morphology of chitosan films was influenced by the ASC. The ASC led to a structure with a less compact morphology than chitosan films. The incorporation of ASC to chitosan induced an increase in the percentage of elongation at break and a decrease of the elastic modulus of films. However, the addition of ASC to chitosan films had a negative effect on the water barrier properties and increased the solubility. The glass transition temperature of chitosan films was found to be ca 159 °C and shifted to ca 148 °C for ASC/chitosan films containing 50% ASC. ASC from jumbo squid by‐products might be useful as a new source of additive in the preparation of biofilms in composites with chitosan. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry
Porous silicone hydrogel interpenetrating polymer networks prepared using a template method for biomedical use
Authors: Tang Qi , Yu Jun‐Rong , Chen Lei , Zhu Jing , Hu Zu‐Ming
Published: March 2011

Porous interpenetrating polymer networks (IPNs) of polydimethylsiloxane with hydrophilic components synthesized by radical homopolymerization and copolymerization of 2‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) and N,N‐dimethylacrylamide (DMAA) were obtained using a template method. Surface modification of CaCO3 microsphere templates improved their dispersibility, leading to the realization of IPN films with an interconnected porous structure. Results showed that these porous IPN films exhibited higher swelling abilities, and thus better drug loading capabilities than the corresponding non‐porous films. In addition, IPNs comprised of DMAA exhibited higher swelling abilities and faster drug release rates than those of only HEMA. These silicone hydrogels were also tested for their cytotoxicity against L929 cells, confirming their non‐toxicity to cells and their potential use as materials for biomedical applications. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry
Screening systems and decision making at the preschool level: Application of a comprehensive validity framework
Authors: Kettler Ryan J. , Feeney‐Kettler Kelly A.
Published: March 2011

Universal screening is designed to be an efficient method for identifying preschool students with mental health problems, but prior to use, screening systems must be evaluated to determine their appropriateness within a specific setting. In this article, an evidence‐based validity framework is applied to four screening systems for identifying preschool students with mental health problems. The framework is influenced by the most recent standards for educational and psychological testing, research on test accessibility, and considerations for evaluating screening systems. Suggestions are provided for evaluating the accessibility (Step 1), reliability (Step 2), construct validity (Step 3), and consequential validity (Step 4) of an instrument. Other factors for consideration (i.e., developmental stage, incremental validity, and generalizability) are also identified. Special attention is given to conditional probability indices, which are highly relevant to evaluation of screening systems, given the dichotomous nature of decision making in preschool mental health. The authors suggest that this framework be used, along with specification of the construct of interest and characteristics of the environment, to identify the appropriate method to be used for each preschool screening decision. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Collaboration in the assessment and diagnosis of preschoolers: Challenges and opportunities
Authors: Finello Karen Moran
Published: March 2011

The preschool assessment and diagnostic process offers many opportunities for collaboration across disciplines that can enrich the professional's understanding of the young child. This article addresses the advantages and complexities of such collaboration including opportunities for infusing collaboration across the multiple steps of assessment. Challenges commonly seen in a collaborative process, involving issues of time, decisions regarding diagnosis and recommended interventions, shared responsibilities, conflict across disciplines, and the need for administrative support, are explored. Special issues around creating meaningful partnerships with families are examined with attention to fully including families at whatever level they are comfortable. Finally, trends in consultation and collaboration that require the specialized expertise of preschool psychologists are described, along with promising models of training that incorporate collaboration, consultation, and policy work into the pre‐service experience. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Toward prediction of functional protein pockets using blind docking and pocket search algorithms
Authors: Hetényi Csaba , Spoel David van der
Published: March 2011

Location of functional binding pockets of bioactive ligands on protein molecules is essential in structural genomics and drug design projects. If the experimental determination of ligand‐protein complex structures is complicated, blind docking (BD) and pocket search (PS) calculations can help in the prediction of atomic resolution binding mode and the location of the pocket of a ligand on the entire protein surface. Whereas the number of successful predictions by these methods is increasing even for the complicated cases of exosites or allosteric binding sites, their reliability has not been fully established. For a critical assessment of reliability, we use a set of ligand‐protein complexes, which were found to be problematic in previous studies. The robustness of BD and PS methods is addressed in terms of success of the selection of truly functional pockets from among the many putative ones identified on the surfaces of ligand‐bound and ligand‐free (holo and apo) protein forms. Issues related to BD such as effect of hydration, existence of multiple pockets, and competition of subsidiary ligands are considered. Practical cases of PS are discussed, categorized and strategies are recommended for handling the different situations. PS can be used in conjunction with BD, as we find that a consensus approach combining the techniques improves predictive power.
Wettability of soybean (Glycine max L.) leaves by foliar sprays with respect to developmental changes
Authors: Puente Diana W Moran , Baur Peter
Published: March 2011

BACKGROUND: Leaf wettability considerably defines the degree of retention of water and agrochemical sprays on crop and non‐target plant surfaces. Plant surface structure varies with development therefore the goal was to characterise the wettability of soybean leaf surfaces as a function of growth stage (GS).

RESULTS: Adaxial surfaces of leaves developed at GS 16 (BBCH) were 10 times more wettable with water than leaves at the lower canopy (GS 13). By measuring contact angles of a liquid having an intermediate surface tension on different leaf patches, an illustrative wetting profile was elucidated, showing to what degree wetting varies (from > 120° to < 20°) depending on leaf patch and GS. While the critical surface tension of leaf surfaces at different GSs did not correlate with the observed changes, the slope of the Zisman plot accurately represented the increase in wettability of leaves at the upper canopy and lateral shoots (GSs 17 to 19, 21 and 24). The discrimination given by the slopes was even better than that by water contact angles. SEM observations revealed that the low wettability observed at early GSs is mainly due to a dense layer of epicuticular wax crystals. The Zisman plot slope does not represent the changes in leaf roughness (i.e. epicuticular wax deposition), but provides an insight into chemical and compositional surface characteristics at the droplet–leaf interface.

CONCLUSIONS: The results with different wettability measurement methods demonstrated that wetting is a feature that characterises each developmental stage of soybean leaves. Positional wettability differences among leaves at the same plant and within the same leaf are relevant for performance, selectivity and plant compatibility of agrochemicals. Implications are discussed. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry
Aminopyralid soil residues affect rotational vegetable crops in Florida
Authors: Fast Brandon J , Ferrell Jason A , MacDonald Gregory E , Sellers Brent A , MacRae Andrew W , Krutz L Jason , Kline William N
Published: March 2011

BACKGROUND: Bahiagrass (Paspalum notatum Flueggé) is a poor host of several soilborne pests of vegetable crops; therefore vegetable crops are commonly grown in a rotation with bahiagrass pastures in Florida. The herbicide aminopyralid provides foliar and soil residual weed control and increases forage production in bahiagrass pastures; however, the soil residual activity of aminopyralid makes carryover injury likely in subsequent sensitive vegetable crops. Field research was conducted to determine the sensitivity of five vegetable crops to soil residues of aminopyralid.

RESULTS: At an aminopyralid soil concentration of 0.2 µg kg−1 (the limit of quantitation for aminopyralid in this research), crop injury ratings were 48% (bell pepper), 67% (eggplant), 71% (tomato), 3% (muskmelon) and 3% (watermelon), and fruit yield losses (relative to the untreated control) at that concentration were 61, 64, 95, 8 and 14% in those respective crops.

CONCLUSIONS: The crops included in this research were negatively affected by aminopyralid at soil concentrations less than the limit of quantitation (0.2 µg kg−1). Therefore, it was concluded that a field bioassay must be used to determine whether carryover injury will occur when these crops are planted on a site where aminopyralid has been previously applied. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry
Statistico‐dynamical downscaling for Mediterranean heavy precipitation
Authors: Beaulant A‐L. , Joly B. , Nuissier O. , Somot S. , Ducrocq V. , Joly A. , Sevault F. , Deque M. , Ricard D.
Published: March 2011

Mediterranean regions are regularly affected by high‐precipitating events (HPEs) that often lead to devastating flash floods. The evolution of the occurrence and severity of such extreme events in the frame of climate change remains an open question. To address this issue, we have designed a statistico‐dynamical downscaling method to apply to climate‐model outputs. This statistico‐dynamical downscaling is based on a two‐step method: first, representative situations are selected among an ensemble of propitious synoptic environments to HPEs for the present (1961–2000) and future (2070–2099) climates and second, for these situations simulations are carried out with a fine‐scale non‐hydrostatic model. Large‐scale circulation patterns (LSCs) propitious to high‐impact weather events have been identified by a statistical method. This has been applied to the coupled atmosphere–ocean regional climate model ARPEGE Climate/OPAMED simulation considering an enhanced greenhouse climate following the IPCC‐SRES‐A2 scenario. Then dynamical downscaling is performed by simulating the 21 selected cases with the French MESO‐NH numerical model at 2.5 km horizontal resolution. Initial and boundary conditions are provided by the climate‐model scenarios. The high‐resolution simulations for the 21 cases give accumulated rainfall exceeding 100 mm, often 300 mm and even 500 mm. Results highlight that the statistico‐downscaling method is able to select LSCs leading to HPEs and to reproduce precipitating systems typical of Mediterranean events. This study also shows that it is possible to infer some conclusions about the evolution of the geographical location, occurrence and intensity of these intense events. The number of days with LSCs propitious to heavy precipitation significantly increases in the future climate. In particular, the simulated rainfall for the selected 21 cases shows an increase in the spatial variability of such events in the future climate associated with a slight increase of rainfall maxima. Copyright © 2011 Royal Meteorological Society
Spectroscopic properties of mono‐ and bis‐azopyrroles
Authors: Jacquemin Denis
Published: March 2011

We use density functional theory and time‐dependent density functional theory to evaluate the structure and electronic properties of a series of recently‐synthesized mono‐ and bi‐azopyrrole dyes. The selected ab initio approach relies on hybrid functionals, large basis sets and systematic modeling of solvent effects. For simulating the absorption spectra, three functionals are benchmarked (PBE0, BMK, and CAM‐B3LYP), and it turns out that these three hybrids are able to provide accurate theoretical estimates (average deviations ∼ 0.1 eV) of the longest wavelength of maximal absorption. New structures are proposed to minimize the transition energy and the impact of the relative position of donor and acceptor groups is discussed. The linear and nonlinear optical properties of the proposed dyes are investigated with a long‐range corrected approach. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2012
Behavior of the Hartree‐Fock energy at short internuclear distances
Authors: Gilka Natalie , Solovej Jan Philip , Taylor Peter R.
Published: March 2011

There are well‐established mathematical relationships for the energy of a diatomic molecule (the exact energy, but also both the Hartree‐Fock and Thomas‐Fermi energies) in the limit of large nuclear charge of the atoms and small internuclear distances. We present calculated energies for a number of homonuclear diatomic molecules at short internuclear distances for numerical comparison with these established relationships. Intriguingly, they hold in practice for relatively small nuclear charges and for relatively long internuclear distances. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem 111:3324–3328, 2011
Conformational and thermodynamic analysis of the COXIB scaffold using quantum chemical calculations
Authors: Owen Michael C. , Szó´ri Milán , Jojárt Balázs , Viskolcz Bela , Csizmadia Imre G.
Published: March 2011

Selective cyclo‐oxygenase‐2 inhibitors (COXIBs) are prominent members of the nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs. The neutral and protonated COXIB scaffold has been subjected to molecular computations in the gas phase and implicit solvent to measure the relative changes in the thermodynamic functions, enthalpy (Hrel), potential energy (Urel), Gibbs free energy (Grel) and entropy (Srel) induced by selected substituents. Conformational analysis of the COXIB scaffold indentified four pairs of atropisomeric conformers (from I, I′ to IV, IV′) associated with a molecular structure containing a double rotor system. All conformers had similar stability. Para‐substitution with substituents that cover a wide range of Hammett sigma values did not alter the geometries of the neutral COXIB conformers; however, the protonated COXIB scaffold was showed an increase in structural and thermodynamic perturbations due to inductive effects. Flexibility and structural resilience of the COXIB scaffold under the conditions studied herein could be an important feature of the COXIBs, especially considering the previously proposed flexibility of the cyclo‐oxygenase binding site. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2011