bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An accurate and efficient method to predict the electronic excitation energies of BODIPY fluorescent dyes
Authors: Wang Jia‐Nan , Jin Jun‐Ling , Geng Yun , Sun Shi‐Ling , Xu Hong‐Liang , Lu Ying‐Hua , Su Zhong‐Min
Published: November 2012

Recently, the extreme learning machine neural network (ELMNN) as a valid computing method has been proposed to predict the nonlinear optical property successfully (Wang et al., J. Comput. Chem. 2012, 33, 231). In this work, first, we follow this line of work to predict the electronic excitation energies using the ELMNN method. Significantly, the root mean square deviation of the predicted electronic excitation energies of 90 4,4‐difluoro‐4‐bora‐3a,4a‐diaza‐s‐indacene (BODIPY) derivatives between the predicted and experimental values has been reduced to 0.13 eV. Second, four groups of molecule descriptors are considered when building the computing models. The results show that the quantum chemical descriptions have the closest intrinsic relation with the electronic excitation energy values. Finally, a user‐friendly web server (EEEBPre: Prediction of electronic excitation energies for BODIPY dyes), which is freely accessible to public at the web site: http://202.198.129.218, has been built for prediction. This web server can return the predicted electronic excitation energy values of BODIPY dyes that are high consistent with the experimental values. We hope that this web server would be helpful to theoretical and experimental chemists in related research. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Calculating standard reduction potentials of [4Fe–4S] proteins
Authors: Perrin Bradley Scott , Niu Shuqiang , Ichiye Toshiko
Published: November 2012

The oxidation–reduction potentials of electron transfer proteins determine the driving forces for their electron transfer reactions. Although the type of redox site determines the intrinsic energy required to add or remove an electron, the electrostatic interaction energy between the redox site and its surrounding environment can greatly shift the redox potentials. Here, a method for calculating the reduction potential versus the standard hydrogen electrode, E°, of a metalloprotein using a combination of density functional theory and continuum electrostatics is presented. This work focuses on the methodology for the continuum electrostatics calculations, including various factors that may affect the accuracy. The calculations are demonstrated using crystal structures of six homologous HiPIPs, which give E° that are in excellent agreement with experimental results. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Shared Pathogeneses of Posttrauma Pathologies: Attachment, Emotion Regulation, and Cognitions
Authors: Lilly Michelle M. , Hong (Phylice) Lim Ban
Published: November 2012

Objective

To demonstrate how intrapersonal functioning variables related to attachment, cognition, and emotion are implicated in mental health outcomes for two samples of interpersonal trauma survivors, including undergraduates and women from the community.

Method

Two samples of survivors of interpersonal trauma were included: undergraduates (n = 290, 60% female) and intimate partner violence survivors from the community (n = 114). Participants completed self‐report measures that assessed psychopathology, emotion dysregulation, attachment processes, and cognitions about the world, self, and others.

Results

Emotion dysregulation was strongly linked to symptoms of depression, posttraumatic stress disorder, and somatization in both samples. Cognitions also accounted for unique variance in predicting symptoms of depression and somatization in both samples.

Conclusions

Results suggest that disruption in the ability to regulate emotions is the most consistent predictor of mental health in survivors of interpersonal trauma, followed by cognitions regarding the world, self, and others. Treatment implications are discussed.
Ascites, hydrocolpos, hydrometrocolpos with normal amniotic fluid in a fetus with partial urorectal septum malformation sequence
Authors: Lee Shawn , Carlan S. J. , Locksmith Greg , Perez Jose
Published: November 2012

Urorectal septum malformation sequence (URSMS) describes a range of anatomic anomalies in the urogenital and lower gastrointestinal organs caused by incomplete urorectal membrane septation and persistence of the cloacal membrane. Partial URSMS is a milder version characterized by a single perineal opening. We report a case of partial URSMS that associated an intact Mullerian system, single perineal opening, blind colon, imperforate anus and vagina, urethrovaginal connection, and ambiguous genitalia. Hydrocolpos, hydrometrocolpos, and ascites were seen in utero and confirmed on postnatal surgery. This case describes the changes in sonographic findings that evolved throughout the gestation. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound 41:28–31, 2013
Recurrent peritoneal carcinomatosis in the scrotum in a patient with a history of mucocele of the appendix
Authors: Markovich Brian M. , Alexander Alan A. , Gaur Rakesh , Ansari Shaya
Published: November 2012

Paratesticular metastases are rare entities and a paratesticular metastasis of a mucinous appendiceal adenocarcinoma with peritoneal carcinomatosis has not been reported in the literature in the last 15 years. We present a case of mucinous appendiceal adenocarcinoma that progressed to peritoneal carcinomatosis. Twenty months following surgery and intraperitoneal therapy, the patient presented with testicular pain and swelling. Ultrasound examination raised suspicion for a neoplastic process and pathology confirmed a metastatic mucinous adenocarcinoma of appendiceal origin. Radiologists should be cognizant of potential paratesticular metastases in patients with a known history of malignancy with new testicular pain and swelling. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound 41:42–45, 2013
Software for automated MRI‐based quantification of abdominal fat and preliminary evaluation in morbidly obese patients
Authors: Thörmer Gregor , Bertram Henriette Helene , Garnov Nikita , Peter Veronika , Schütz Tatjana , Shang Edward , Blüher Matthias , Kahn Thomas , Busse Harald
Published: November 2012

Purpose:

To present software for supervised automatic quantification of visceral and subcutaneous adipose tissue (VAT, SAT) and evaluates its performance in terms of reliability, interobserver variation, and processing time, since fully automatic segmentation of fat‐fraction magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is fast but susceptible to anatomical variations and artifacts, particularly for advanced stages of obesity.

Materials and Methods:

Twenty morbidly obese patients (average BMI 44 kg/m2) underwent 1.5‐T MRI using a double‐echo gradient‐echo sequence. Fully automatic analysis (FAA) required no user interaction, while supervised automatic analysis (SAA) involved review and manual correction of the FAA results by two observers. Standard of reference was provided by manual segmentation analysis (MSA).

Results:

Average processing times per patient were 6, 6+4, and 21 minutes for FAA, SAA, and MSA (P < 0.001), respectively. For VAT/SAT assessment, Pearson correlation coefficients, mean (bias), and standard deviations of the differences were R = 0.950, +0.003, and 0.043 between FAA and MSA and R = 0.981, +0.009, and 0.027 between SAA and MSA. Interobserver variation and intraclass correlation were 3.1% and 0.996 for SAA, and 6.6% and 0.986 for MSA, respectively.

Conclusion:

The presented supervised automatic approach provides a reliable option for MRI‐based fat quantification in morbidly obese patients and was much faster than manual analysis. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2013;37:1144–1150. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Copper signaling in the mammalian nervous system: Synaptic effects
Authors: Gaier E.D. , Eipper B.A. , Mains R.E.
Published: November 2012

Copper is an essential metal present at high levels in the CNS. Its role as a cofactor in mitochondrial ATP production and in essential cuproenzymes is well defined. Menkes and Wilson's diseases are severe neurodegenerative conditions that demonstrate the importance of Cu transport into the secretory pathway. In the brain, intracellular levels of Cu, which is almost entirely protein bound, exceed extracellular levels by more than 100‐fold. Cu stored in the secretory pathway is released in a Ca2+‐dependent manner and can transiently reach concentrations over 100 μM at synapses. The ability of low micromolar levels of Cu to bind to and modulate the function of γ‐aminobutyric acid type A (GABAA) receptors, N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate (NMDA) receptors, and voltage‐gated Ca2+ channels contributes to its effects on synaptic transmission. Cu also binds to amyloid precursor protein and prion protein; both proteins are found at synapses and brain Cu homeostasis is disrupted in mice lacking either protein. Especially intriguing is the ability of Cu to affect AMP‐activated protein kinase (AMPK), a monitor of cellular energy status. Despite this, few investigators have examined the direct effects of Cu on synaptic transmission and plasticity. Although the variability of results demonstrates complex influences of Cu that are highly method sensitive, these studies nevertheless strongly support important roles for endogenous Cu and new roles for Cu‐binding proteins in synaptic function/plasticity and behavior. Further study of the many roles of Cu in nervous system function will reveal targets for intervention in other diseases in which Cu homeostasis is disrupted. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Heat‐related mortality in Moldova: the summer of 2007
Authors: Corobov Roman , Sheridan Scott , Opopol Nicolae , Ebi Kristie
Published: November 2012

Heat waves of 2007 in Chisinau (Moldova) were used to study the relationship between elevated temperatures and excess mortality caused by these events. As reference information, daily temperature and mortality data for an 8‐year reference period (2000–2008 without 2007) were used. Mean (Tmean), maximum (Tmax) and minimum (Tmin) daily air temperatures, and corresponding apparent temperatures (ATs) in the warm season (April to September) were correlated with excess total mortality in 2007, taken as the difference of daily death counts or their 7‐d moving averages with those of the reference period. Observed excess mortality was totalled about 190–200 deaths or 6.5–6.9% of the reference mortality. The average daily excess deaths above the threshold temperatures (TTs), in terms of a used ‘estimator’ (a temperature variable), were in the range of 2.0–4.4% per 1 °C. TTs were identified as the lowest 2 °C class intervals above which the excess mortality rates began a sharp increase from their zero reference value. For Tmean, Tmax and Tmin they were estimated as ∼25, 31 and 19 °C; TTs for ATs were somewhat lower. The heat waves were defined as a continuous period satisfying three conditions for daily Tmax: (1) it is above the 99th percentile of its reference distribution (2000–2008) for at least three consecutive days, (2) its average value is equal to at least this percentile for the entire period and (3) all daily values are above 90th percentile for the entire period. On the whole, eight heat events caused 146 excess deaths or about 73–77% of their total number in the warm period of 2007. Temperature–excess mortality relationships become stronger with an increasing time lag; maximal effects were revealed on the second–third days for Tmean and Tmax, and on the first–second days for Tmin. The total effect of mortality displacement was estimated as about 17–25% of ‘positive’ excess deaths.
Improved statistical downscaling of daily precipitation using SDSM platform and data‐mining methods
Authors: Tavakol‐Davani H. , Nasseri M. , Zahraie B.
Published: November 2012

In this paper, an extension of the statistical downscaling model (SDSM), namely data‐mining downscaling model (DMDM), has been developed. DMDM has the same platform as the most cited statistical downscaling models, namely SDSM and ASD. Multiple linear regression (MLR), ridge regression (RR), multivariate adaptive regression splines (MARS) and model tree (MT) constitute the mathematical core of DMDM. DMDM uses linear basis functions in MARS and linear regression rules in MT to keep the linear structure of SDSM; therefore, all of the SDSM assumptions are also valid in DMDM. These methods highlight the effect of data partitioning for meteorological predictors in the downscaling procedure. Inputs and output of the presented approaches are the same as SDSM and ASD. In the case study of this research, NCEP/NCAR databases have been used for calibration and validation. According to the inherent linearity of the methods, suitable predictor selection has been done with stepwise regression as a preprocessing stage. The results of DMDM have been compared with observed precipitation in 12 rain gauge stations that are scattered in different basins in Iran and represent different climate regimes. Comparison between the results of SDSM and DMDM has indicated that the presented approach can highly improve downscaling efficiency in terms of reproducing monthly standard deviation and skewness for both calibration and validation datasets. Among the proposed methods in DMDM, the results of the case study have shown that MT has provided better performances both in modelling occurrence and amount of precipitation. Also, MT is potentially recognized as a powerful diagnostic tool that could extract information in key atmospheric drivers affecting local weather. It also has fewer parameters during dry seasons, in which the number of historical precipitation events might not be enough for calibrating SDSM model in many arid and semi‐arid regions.
Validation of TMPA and GPCP 1DD against the ground truth rain‐gauge data for Indian region
Authors: Joshi Manish K. , Rai Archana , Pandey A. C.
Published: November 2012

The satellite datasets, namely, the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) MultiSatellite Precipitation Analysis (TMPA) product, 3B42 version 6 and Global Precipitation Climatology Project (GPCP) one‐degree‐daily (1DD) from NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, have been validated against the ‘ground truth’ rain‐gauge data from the India Meteorological Department for all‐India during the period 1998–2007. The comparisons reveal that both the satellite datasets are good enough in representing the spatial rainfall distribution over India. The categorical statistics provides an insight in evaluating the satellite's ability and its accuracy in estimating the precipitation. The average bias along the heavy‐rainfall regions (e.g. Western coast, Arunachal Pradesh, Sub‐Himalayan West Bengal, Sikkim, and east Uttaranchal) for the TMPA (GPCP 1DD) is −8.03 (−8.29) mm d−1, whereas the mean is 7.47 (6.97) mm d−1, which signifies that the satellite datasets underestimate the Indian summer monsoon rainfall in sharp rainfall regions. Albeit, the TMPA excels over GPCP 1DD where the rainfall is mainly attributed to orography, yet both fail in capturing the extreme rainfall year, 2005. The satellite datasets do capture the intraseasonal oscillations as is evident from spectral analysis, whereas the empirical orthogonal function analysis of standardized daily and seasonal anomalies exemplifies that the satellite datasets also capture the dominant modes. Additionally, the active and the break spells calculated for the months of July and August for the satellite datasets are in agreement with the ones obtained for the rain‐gauge.
Homogenization of mean monthly temperature time series of Greece
Authors: Mamara A. , Argiriou A. A. , Anadranistakis M.
Published: November 2012

During the last decades due to the increased interest about climate change, many studies have been conducted trying to detect shifts in climatic series. The necessity of the homogenization of meteorological observations becomes obvious to all these studies. In practice, inhomogeneities are hardly ever avoided, because the meteorological station networks are constantly changing. A myriad of methods for detecting and adjusting inhomogeneities in climate series have been developed. In this study two homogeneity methodologies, namely MASH and Climatol, were applied to 49 monthly temperature series of synoptic stations, covering almost all climatic zones of Greece, belonging to the operational weather network of the Hellenic National Meteorological Service (HNMS). Time series cover periods ranging from 35 to 45 years. Only 8.2% of the stations passed both tests successfully, another 10.2% passed the MASH homogeneity test successfully without any breakpoint, but not the Climatol test. On the other hand, 14.3% of the stations passed the Climatol test successfully but not the MASH test. The remaining stations presented one or more breaks or outliers in both homogeneity methods. Due to lack of metadata only 15% of the breaks could be explained by the stations' history. Station relocations as well as changes in observation practices caused most of the temperature anomalies. The adjustments in seasonal series were in the range from −2.54 to 1.39 °C for MASH and from −2.30 to 1.50 °C for Climatol. Seasonal and annual mean temperature trends were analyzed and their statistical significance calculated. The most pronounced seasonal trends were recorded in summer. Also, the differences of climatological normals for the period 1961–1990 between raw and homogenized annual series were computed. The absolute values of differences ranged from 0.0 to 0.8 °C for MASH and from 0.0 to 1.0 °C for Climatol.
Exploring American and Italian consumer preferences for Californian and Italian red wines
Authors: Torri Luisa , Noble Ann Curtis , Heymann Hildegarde
Published: November 2012

Background

To increase the market share of Californian wines in other countries, wine preferences need to be explored in potential markets. This work studied the preferences of American and Italian consumers for red wines produced in California and Italy, focusing on wines made from the same varieties in each location. Descriptive analysis and consumer preference tests were performed.

Results

Americans scored each of the Californian wines significantly higher in preference than the Italian wines. In contrast, the Italian consumer preference scores for many Italian and Californian wines overlapped. By external preference mapping of the American consumer segments, the ideal flavour of one cluster was closest to the Californian Zinfandel, Merlot and Syrah, which had the ‘most balanced’ flavour profiles. Another cluster of Italians also preferred the Californian wines. In addition, one Italian cluster was driven by a dislike of the leather, band‐aid and medicinal aromas of the Italian Merlot and Refosco.

Conclusion

The results provided information that can contribute to wine marketing research necessary for successfully exporting Californian red wines to Italy and vice versa.© 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Adoption Potential for Conservation Agriculture in Africa: A Newly Developed Assessment Approach (QAToCA) Applied in Kenya and Tanzania
Authors: Ndah H. T. , Schuler J. , Uthes S. , Zander P. , Triomphe B. , Mkomwa S. , Corbeels M.
Published: November 2012

Conservation agriculture (CA) is often promoted as a set of cropping practices to reduce soil erosion and maintain soil fertility, while decreasing production costs and increasing crop yields. However, CA adoption is extremely low in Africa. Most investigations on constraints of its adoption leave out (i) the characteristics of CA as an emerging innovation and (ii) the wider institutional context. A comprehensive self‐assessment tool for a systematic evaluation of factors influencing the CA adoption process at the field, farm and regional scale in a variety of regional contexts in Africa is still lacking. In an attempt to fill this knowledge gap, this article presents the motivation, development and testing of a Qualitative expert Assessment Tool for CA adoption in Africa (QAToCA) and its application. QAToCA is directed to regional experts, research teams and managers of development projects with a focus on CA, and allows them to assess their CA activities along a systematic, expert‐based list of questions and criteria. Specifically, it aims at assessing the adoption potential of CA under the varied agro‐ecological, socio‐economic, cultural and institutional conditions of Africa as well as the specific supporting and hindering factors influencing this process.

As an example, its application in Kenya and Tanzania identified a relatively high CA adoption potential. The following factors, however, are noticed to require further improvement: accessibility of markets for CA products and inputs; adaptation of machinery and seeds to the CA practices; introduction of quality implementation measures; and a renewed motivation (interest) among CA service providers. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Using Local Archive Sources to Reconstruct Historical Landslide Occurrence in Selected Urban REgions of the Czech Republic: Examples from Regions with Different Historical Development
Authors: Raska P. , Klimes J. , Dubisar J.
Published: November 2012

Historical documentary sources from two regions with contrasting historical and social development were examined for information about landslide occurrence and characteristics. The archive search was complemented with limited field work to acquire information about the degree of recent landslide activity and land use. The results from two study areas (Ústí nad Labem in North Bohemia and Zlín in East Moravia) show considerable differences in the types of historical documentary source, their availability and the information they record. It is concluded that local newspapers that include special sections focusing on regional events are the best data sources for the landslide study. The reliability of the acquired historical landslide occurrence frequencies is generally not very good, but it does show notable regional differences caused by not only the availability of documentary sources but also the dynamics of the natural processes responsible for the landslide events. A reconstruction of the landslide activity during the last 70 or more years was carried out for selected sites. The reconstruction showed that the occurrence of historical landslides is only rarely respected in recent land use within both studied urban areas. Historical landslide information could be well used for site‐specific landslide hazard assessment. Nevertheless, the use of this information to construct a historical landslide database on the regional or country level is limited only to certain regions of the Czech Republic. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Tracking Injectable Microspheres in Dynamic Tissues With Encapsulated Superparamagnetic Iron Oxide Nanoparticles
Authors: Franklin‐Ford Travelle , Shah Nehal , Leiferman Ellen , Chamberlain Connie S. , Raval Amish , Vanderby Ray , Murphy William L.
Published: November 2012

Trackable spheres of similar size to those typically used for sustained protein delivery are prepared by incorporating superparamagnetic iron oxide (SPIO) nanoparticles into the core of poly(lactide‐co‐glycolide) microspheres. The visibility of injections in static and temporally in dynamic tissue systems is demonstrated. This method improves upon other, less sensitive imaging modalities in their ability to track injectable delivery systems. The results obtained confirm the localization of microspheres to the injected target area and highlight the novelty of tracking delivery vehicles for other applications.

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Characterization of Small Molecule Controlled Release From Silk Films
Authors: Hines Daniel J. , Kaplan David L.
Published: November 2012

Release data for several dyes from untreated, water‐annealed, and methanol‐treated silk films are collected and modeled. Through modeling, Fickian diffusion is identified as the major release mechanism. Estimated diffusivities are compared with dye properties to characterize parameter–property relationships. FTIR–ATR spectra of the silk films confirm an increase in the crystalline beta‐sheet content within the silk films for methanol‐treated and water‐annealed films. An aqueous binding study is completed and shows weak binding of three dyes to the silk films. The Langmuir equation is fit to each of the binding curves and compared. The rate of diffusion from silk films is highly impacted by the molecular structure, water solubility, and molecular charge of the releasing solute and the matrix crystallinity.
Carbon Nanopaper Enabled Shape Memory Polymer Composites for Electrical Actuation and Multifunctionalization
Authors: Lu Haibao , Liu Yanju , Leng Jinsong
Published: November 2012

Shape memory polymers (SMPs) are fascinating materials, with promising potential in a range of applications as actively moving polymers, which can undergo significant macroscopic deformation in a predefined manner between/among shapes in the presence of an appropriate stimulus. This work aims to present a systematic and up‐to‐date account of a carbon nanopaper enabled SMP composite from electrical actuation to multifunctionalization. Studies exploring nanopaper enabled SMP composites in various design principles in manufacturing, characterization, improvement, and development were included, especially for those induced by electricity and rendered multifunctional; making the article a comprehensive account of and systemic progress in SMP composite incorporated with carbon nanopaper.

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Explaining freezing of gait in Parkinson's disease: Motor and cognitive determinants
Authors: Vercruysse Sarah , Devos Hannes , Munks Liesbeth , Spildooren Joke , Vandenbossche Jochen , Vandenberghe Wim , Nieuwboer Alice , Heremans Elke
Published: November 2012

Freezing of gait (FOG) is part of a complex clinical picture in Parkinson's disease (PD) and is largely refractory to standard care. Diverging hypotheses exist about its origins, but a consolidated view on what determines FOG is lacking. The aim of this study was to develop an integrative model of FOG in people with PD. This cross‐sectional study included 51 Parkinson subjects: 24 patients without FOG and 27 with FOG matched for age, gender, and disease severity. Subjects underwent an extensive clinical test battery evaluating general disease characteristics, gait and balance, nongait freezing, and cognitive functions. The relative contribution of these outcomes to FOG was determined using logistic regression analysis. The combination of the following four independent contributors provided the best explanatory model of FOG (R2 = 0.49): nongait freezing; levodopa equivalent dose (LED); cognitive impairment; and falls and balance problems. The model yields a high‐risk profile for FOG (P > 95%) when Parkinson patients are affected by at least one type of nongait freezing (e.g., freezing of other repetitive movements), falls or balance problems during the last 3 months, and a Scales for Outcomes in Parkinson's Disease‐Cognition score below 28. A high LED further increases the risk of FOG to 99%. Nongait freezing, increased dopaminergic drug dose, cognitive deficits, and falls and balance problems are independent determinants of FOG in people with PD and may play a synergistic role in its manifestation. © 2012 Movement Disorder Society
Enlarged hyperechogenic substantia nigra as a risk marker for Parkinson's disease
Authors: Berg Daniela , Behnke Stefanie , Seppi Klaus , Godau Jana , Lerche Stefanie , Mahlknecht Philipp , Liepelt‐Scarfone Inga , Pausch Christoph , Schneider Niko , Gaenslen Alexandra , Brockmann Kathrin , Srulijes Karin , Huber Heiko , Wurster Isabel , Stockner Heike , Kiechl Stefan , Willeit Johann , Gasperi Arno , Fassbender Klaus , Gasser Thomas , Poewe Werner
Published: November 2012

Background

SN hyperechogenicity (SN+), determined by transcranial sonography, has been proposed as a risk factor for Parkinson's disease (PD). Recently, we reported a 17.4‐fold increased risk for PD in individuals with SN+ older than 50 years within 3 years.

Methods

This is the second follow‐up of a prospective, longitudinal, three‐center observational study after 5 years. Of the initial 1,847 at baseline PD‐free participants 50 years or older, 1,271 underwent the 5‐year reassessment.

Results

Within 5 years, 21 individuals developed incident PD. Participants with SN+ at baseline had a more than 20.6 times increased risk to develop PD in this time span than those without this echo feature.

Conclusion

We thus confirm our finding of the 3‐year follow‐up examination in a longer observation time and higher number of individuals with incident PD and suggest SN+ as an important risk marker for PD. © 2012 Movement Disorder Society
Long‐term course of substantia nigra hyperechogenicity in Parkinson's disease
Authors: Behnke Stefanie , Runkel Anne , Kassar Hadia Al‐Sibai , Ortmann Mirjam , Guidez Daniel , Dillmann Ulrich , Fassbender Klaus , Spiegel Jörg
Published: November 2012

A hyperechogenicity of the (SN+) in transcranial sonography corroborates the diagnosis of idiopathic Parkinson's disease (iPD). Although it is thought to represent a biomarker of the disease that is independent of disease severity and progression, differing results have been reported describing a positive correlation of the size and advancing clinical stage. In 50 parkinsonian patients, transcranial ultrasound and clinical examination was performed twice with a mean time interval of 6.4 years. SN+ did not change in size significantly between the first and second examination, whereas clinical parkinsonian symptoms—as determined by the motor part of the UPDRS—significantly worsened (P < 0.001). We found a highly significant intraindividual correlation in SN+ sizes between both examinations (P < 0.001). The size of SN+ did not correlate with the UPDRS part III at the time of first or second ultrasound examination. Progression of motor symptoms between the first and second investigation did not correlate with the size of SN+ at baseline. Furthermore, even in the subgroup of patients with an interval of ≥8 years between examinations, there was no significant change in SN+ size. SN+ represents a largely stable biomarker in iPD and does not reflect disease progression. The size of SN+ does not predict the further course of the disease. © 2012 Movement Disorder Society
Atypical parkinsonism and cerebrotendinous xanthomatosis: Report of a family with corticobasal syndrome and a literature review
Authors: Rubio‐Agusti Ignacio , Kojovic Maja , Edwards Mark J. , Murphy Elaine , Chandrashekar Hoskote S. , Lachmann Robin H. , Bhatia Kailash P.
Published: November 2012

Cerebrotendinous xanthomatosis is an autosomal recessive inborn error of cholesterol metabolism. It presents with systemic and neurological symptoms, rarely including parkinsonism. Presented here are a clinical description of a new family with cerebrotendinous xanthomatosis and parkinsonism and a review of 13 additional cases reported in the literature. The index case developed corticobasal syndrome, previously not reported in cerebrotendinous xanthomatosis. His brother had parkinsonism with cerebellar features and cognitive impairment. In a literature review, median age of onset of parkinsonism was found to be 40 years. Nearly all patients had other neurological symptoms: cognitive (93%), pyramidal (93%), or cerebellar (53%). All patients had walking difficulties, with falls in 27%. Systemic features were common: cataracts (93%) or tendon xanthomata (87%). Frequent MRI abnormalities included cerebellar atrophy (100%), cerebral atrophy (80%), and dentate nuclei signal changes (80%). Functional dopaminergic imaging often demonstrated presynaptic denervation. Improvement with levodopa was frequent (91%) but mild. Progressive neurological decline occurred in 92% of patients despite treatment with chenodeoxycholic acid. Cerebrotendinous xanthomatosis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of atypical parkinsonism, including corticobasal syndrome, particularly with early age of onset and in the context of a complex neurological phenotype. Tendon xanthomata, early‐onset cataracts, and radiological findings of cerebellar atrophy with lesions of the dentate nuclei are useful clinical clues. Symptomatic treatment with levodopa may help, but progressive neurological decline is frequent despite treatment with chenodeoxycholic acid. © 2012 Movement Disorder Society
Overcoming obstacles in Parkinson's disease
Authors: Sherer Todd B. , Chowdhury Sohini , Peabody Katherine , Brooks Deborah W.
Published: November 2012

Improved symptomatic and disease‐modifying treatments are needed for Parkinson's disease (PD). Although significant advances have been made in the understanding of PD etiology, the translation of these discoveries into novel transformative therapies has been limited as a result of systemic challenges in PD drug development. Preclinical testing lacks clear standards and prioritization criteria for advancing therapies to the clinic. Clinical testing is marked by expensive, long, and uninformative studies. In parallel to these scientific challenges, funding of late‐stage drug development has become increasingly scarce and risk averse. In this context, novel models of collaboration and funding are opening up new avenues for pursuing treatments. This review will discuss the most critical challenges in PD drug development and the innovative approaches being developed to overcome these hurdles. © 2012 Movement Disorder Society
Influence of age on wound healing and fibrosis
Authors: Kapetanaki Maria G , Mora Ana L , Rojas Mauricio
Published: November 2012

The incidence and severity of fibrotic lung diseases increase with age, but very little is known about how age‐related changes affect the mechanisms that underlie disease emergence and progression. Normal ageing includes accumulation of DNA mutations, oxidative and cell stresses, mitochondria dysfunction, increased susceptibility to apoptosis, telomere length dysfunction and differential gene expression as a consequence of epigenetic changes and miR regulation. These inevitable ageing‐related phenomena may cause dysfunction and impaired repair capacity of lung epithelial cells, fibroblasts and MSCs. As a consequence, the composition of the extracellular matrix changes and the dynamic interaction between cells and their environment is damaged, resulting ultimately in predisposition for several diseases. This review summarizes what is known about age‐related molecular changes that are implicated in the pathobiology of lung fibrosis in lung tissue.
A methodology to analyse and simulate mechanical characteristics of poly(2‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate) hydrogel
Authors: Zhao Weiwei , Lenardi Cristina , Webb Patrick , Liu Changqing , Santaniello Tommaso , Gassa Federico
Published: November 2012

In the present work, the mechanical properties of poly(2‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate) (PHEMA) such as ultimate strength, ultimate strain and shear modulus under compression were measured. Mathematical models for hyperelastic materials, which are often used to study rubbers or tyres and include the Mooney–Rivlin and neo‐Hookean models, were also used to theoretically analyse mechanical nonlinear behaviour of the hydrogel. The simulations based on these models were then implemented and validated by analysis with experimental data for comparison. The accuracy of simulations using the two models was subsequently assessed and discussed in order to determine which model is a feasible representation and reflection of the true behaviour of the hydrogel. This study on the mechanical behaviour of PHEMA under compression stress will ultimately serve for optimization of the design and manufacture of multilayer microfluidic devices in terms of the distribution of pressure induced in the packaging process, since the implementation of thin PHEMA hydrogel free‐standing films is required to be incorporated with harder polymeric material components, such as thermoplastics or thermoset microfabricated platforms. © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Proteomics of nonmodel plant species
Authors: Champagne Antoine , Boutry Marc
Published: November 2012

Until recently, large scale proteomic investigations in the plant field have only been possible for a few model species for which the whole genome sequence had been fully determined. In contrast, for many other species with a strong economic interest as sources of human food and animal feed, as well as industrial and pharmacological molecules, little was known about their genome sequence and identifying the proteome in these species was still considered challenging. However, progress has been made as a result of several recent advances in proteomics tools, e.g. in MS technology and data search programs, and the increasing availability of genomic and cDNA sequences from various species. Moreover, next‐generation sequencing technologies now make it possible to rapidly determine, at a reasonable cost, the genome or RNA sequence of species not currently considered as models, thus considerably expanding the plant sequence databases. This review will show how these advances make it possible to identify a large set of proteins, even for species for which few sequences are currently available.
(Co)polymers of oligo(ethylene glycol) methacrylates—temperature‐induced aggregation in aqueous solution
Authors: Trzebicka Barbara , Szweda Dawid , Rangelov Stanislav , Kowalczuk Agnieszka , Mendrek Barbara , Utrata‐Wesołek Alicja , Dworak Andrzej
Published: November 2012

The synthesis and aggregation behavior of well‐defined thermosensitive (co)polymers of oligo(ethylene glycol) methacrylates (POEGMA) in aqueous solutions were investigated. The cloud points of the POEGMAs solutions were determined by turbidimetry and dynamic light scattering. For POEGMA (co)polymers the cloud point temperature (TCP) increased linearly with increasing content of more hydrophilic comonomer. The mesoglobules formed by POEGMAs in dilute aqueous solutions above TCP were studied by light scattering. The size of mesoglobules depended on the concentration and the heating procedures. The aggregates became smaller with decreasing initial concentration of polymer and increasing rates of temperature change. By selecting the proper heating and dilution procedures, the influence of the (co)polymer structure on the size of the mesoglobules could be determined. The size of the mesoglobules decreased with the length of the OEG side chains and increased with increasing content of more hydrophilic comonomer. The light scattering parameters of the mesoglobules—A2 values and shape factors
${R_{\rm g}\over R_{\rm h}}$—suggested that the hydrophilic OEG side chains placed at the periphery of the mesoglobules in direct contact with the surrounding water controlled the size of mesoglobules and their stability. Shape factors for all POEGMA mesoglobules indicated that the mesoglobules remained highly hydrated after formation. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2013
Shear modulus determination in model hydrogels by means of elongated magnetic nanoprobes
Authors: Roeder Lisa , Bender Philipp , Tschöpe Andreas , Birringer Rainer , Schmidt Annette M.
Published: November 2012

The mechanical characterization of complex soft matter by quasi‐static magnetometry using nanoscopic magnetic probes is demonstrated for model hydrogels doped with two types of elongated magnetic nanoparticles. Chemically crosslinked poly(acrylamide) (PAAm) hydrogels serve as the matrix in which nickel nanorods or weakly magnetized hematite (α‐Fe2O3) ellipsoids are embedded as local probes. We investigated the swelling behavior of the ferrogels in order to verify that their equilibrium swelling degree in water is not influenced by the probes, shows a good correlation with the Frenkel–Flory–Rehner model. The proposed magnetomechanical method relies on a correlation between the shear modulus of the PAAm hydrogel matrix and the coercive fields of the corresponding isotropic ferrogels. By extending the Stoner–Wohlfarth model for single‐domain blocked magnetic particles by a term for particle rotation in an elastic matrix, information on the shear modulus of the matrix can be obtained. Comparison of the results with the expected relation from rubber elasticity theory illustrates both the general potential as well as the limits of the approach. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys, 2012
Chemical vapor deposition of carbon nanotube forests
Authors: Robertson J. , Zhong G. , Esconjauregui S. , Zhang C. , Fouquet M. , Hofmann S.
Published: November 2012

We review the growth mechanisms of vertically aligned carbon nanotube forests, in terms of what controls the growth rate and control of the catalyst lifetime. We also review the production of very high‐density forests, in terms of increasing the catalyst particle density.
Carbon nanowalls synthesis by means of atmospheric dcPECVD method
Authors: Meško Marcel , Vretenár Viliam , Kotrusz Peter , Hulman Martin , Šoltýs Ján , Skákalová Viera
Published: November 2012

Carbon nanowalls (CNWs) were grown by atmospheric dc plasma enhanced chemical vapour deposition method. Maintaining plasma at atmospheric pressure give us possibility to synthetize CNWs at high rate. By using two different liquid carbon sources we can control CNWs density. Growth of sparsely distributed CNWs can be achieved by using ethanol, while hexane gives densely packed CNWs films.
All‐optical structure assignment of individual single‐walled carbon nanotubes from Rayleigh and Raman scattering measurements
Authors: Berciaud Stéphane , Deshpande Vikram V. , Caldwell Robert , Miyauchi Yuhei , Voisin Christophe , Kim Philip , Hone James , Heinz Tony F.
Published: November 2012

We present an all‐optical method for structure assignment of individual single‐walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) based on combined measurements of the elastically (Rayleigh) and inelastically (Raman) scattered light by individual freestanding specimens. The optical resonances of a single SWNT are identified from the Rayleigh spectra. These measurements are complemented with an independent estimation of the SWNT diameter and chiral angle from its radial breathing and G Raman modes, respectively. An assignment of the (n,m) chiral indices can thus be provided. In the most simple cases, a reliable structure assignment can be inferred from the Rayleigh spectra alone. However, we also show that SWNTs with different structures may display similar Rayleigh spectra within a given photon energy window. In these situations, Raman measurements provide unambiguous criteria for a proper structure assignment. This approach is particularly helpful in order to identify the high‐symmetry armchair and zig‐zag structures.
Executive turnover in the stock option backdating wave: The impact of social context
Authors: Wiersema Margarethe F. , Zhang Yan (Anthea)
Published: November 2012

While boards are known to react to corporate misconduct by removing the executives responsible, little is known about whether the board's response is shaped by the firm's social context. Using the 2006 stock option backdating scandal, in which firms manipulated stock option grant dates, we examine the impact of two dimensions of social context—the pervasiveness of the misconduct and the media attention to the misconduct. We find that firms implicated later in the backdating scandal are less likely to experience executive turnover than those implicated earlier. We also find that the amount of media attention to backdating at the time a firm is implicated in the scandal increases the likelihood that the firm experiences executive turnover.Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Independent Reading: Perspectives and Practices of Highly Effective Teachers
Authors: Sanden Sherry
Published: November 2012

This article summarizes conclusions reached regarding the independent reading perspectives and practices of eight elementary teachers, acknowledging the significant role teacher understandings and practices play on the literacy learning process and specifically on classroom independent reading. The commonalities in beliefs and practices regarding independent reading of these eight highly effective elementary teachers may lead to better insight for other teachers regarding the use of independent reading as a component of literacy learning. Included are practical outcomes of these findings, including independent reading events that incorporate teacher guidance, focus on student learning, and privilege student needs. Classroom implications of these findings might allow other teachers to more confidently embed independent reading in their literacy programs.
Essential role of Ubr11, but not Ubr1, as an N‐end rule ubiquitin ligase in Schizosaccharomyces pombe
Authors: Fujiwara Hidenobu , Tanaka Nobukazu , Yamashita Ichiro , Kitamura Kenji
Published: November 2012

The N‐end rule pathway degrades proteins bearing a destabilization‐inducing amino acid at the N‐terminus. In this proteolytic system, Ubr ubiquitin ligases recognize and ubiquitylate substrates intended for degradation. Schizosaccharomyces pombe has two similar Ubr proteins, Ubr1 and Ubr11. Both proteins have unique roles in various cellular processes, although the ubr1∆ strain shows more severe defects. However, their involvement in the N‐end rule pathway is unclear, and even the N‐end rule pathway‐dependent proteolytic activity has not been demonstrated in Sz. pombe. Here, we show that: (a) Sz. pombe has the N‐end rule pathway in which only Ubr11, but not Ubr1, is responsible; and (b) the C‐terminal fragment of the meiotic cohesin Rec8 (denoted as Rec8c) generated by separase‐mediated cleavage is an endogenous substrate of the N‐end rule pathway. Forced overexpression of stable Rec8c was deleterious in mitosis and caused a loss of the mini‐chromosome. In unperturbed mitosis without overexpression, the rate of mini‐chromosome loss was five‐fold higher in the ubr11∆ strain. Since Rec8 is normally produced in meiosis, we examined whether meiosis and sporulation were affected in the ubr11∆ strain. In unperturbed meiosis, chromosome segregation occurred almost normally and viable spores were produced in the ubr11∆ cells, irrespective of the presence of undegraded endogenous Rec8c peptides. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synthesis and Properties of a Novel Linear Alkylated Diphenylmethane Sulfonate Gemini Surfactant
Authors: Hujun Xu , Hui Geng , Peng Kang , Dandan Chen
Published: November 2012

The linear alkylated diphenylmethane sulfonate (C12‐DSDM) was synthesized by a four‐step reaction with lauric acid, diphenylmethane and chlorosulfonic acid as raw materials. The structure of the final product was characterized by MS. The air–liquid surface tensions at various temperatures and salt solutions (NaCl) were measured by using the drop‐volume technique and the thermodynamic parameters of the micellization were calculated. The results show that the critical micelle concentration (CMC) and γCMC of the surfactant are 1.452 mmol L−1 and 38.49 mN m−1 at 298 K. With an increase in temperature, the CMC gradually increases, the γCMC and the maximum surface adsorption capacity Γmax decrease. The free energy of micelle formation is negative (−51.2 to −60.5 kJ mol−1).
Synthesis and Properties of Dicephalic Cationic Surfactants Containing a Quaternary Ammonium and a Guanidine Group
Authors: Song Yongbo , Li Qiuxiao , Li Yunling , Zhi Lifei
Published: November 2012

Novel dicephalic surfactants containing a quaternary ammonium and a guanidine group were synthesized, and the effect of the alkyl chain length on micellization and antimicrobial activity were investigated. Surface tension and conductivity were applied to study the self‐aggregation of the amphiphilic molecule in aqueous solution. The results indicated that these compounds reduce the surface tension to a level of 30–36 mN/m at the air/water interface and that there is a characteristic chain length dependence of the micellization process of surfactants. The antimicrobial activity was evaluated against Gram‐negative, Gram‐positive bacteria and fungi, indicating strong antibacterial activity against tested strains.