bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The City's Architectural Project: From Formless City to Forms of Architecture
Authors: Eisenschmidt Alexander
Published: September 2012

Is the city architecture's nemesis? Formless where architecture requires form, open where building projects require completion and closure; ceaseless in its development – growth and contraction – often simultaneously experiencing decay as well as expansion. Seeking to renegotiate the terms of architecture's engagement with the city, Alexander Eisenschmidt turns to some of the most significant architectural precedents of the recent past that are squarely set within the metropolis.
Patrons & Prototypes: Walmart's Catalytic Urbanism
Authors: LeCavalier Jesse
Published: September 2012

Bentonville in northwest Arkansas is a small town built on the successes of a global retail giant. Jessie LeCavalier traces the influence of Walmart on the development of this nascent city, triggering the Ventonville development of suppliers that surrounds the company's headquarters as well as the Walton family's endowments that are enabling the building of new cultural and educational spaces.
Revolution of the Ordinary
Authors: Fabricius Daniela
Published: September 2012

Across the world, the force of the ordinary is being felt. Needs must means that the majority of new urban development globally is driven by the settlement and actions of the poorest city dwellers. Where formal provision is not made for infrastructure, people are providing for themselves. Daniela Fabricius looks at how the impact of collective action by ‘ordinary’ people on the city might be assessed architecturally in cities as politically and geographically as diverse as Lima, Manila, Mumbai, Rio de Janeiro, Tehran and Mexico City.
We Will Be Making Active Form
Authors: Easterling Keller
Published: September 2012

In response to the relative redundancy of architect‐designed buildings and the proliferation of commercial structures that are rolled out to a highly formulaic spatial format across the world's cities, Keller Easterling advocates a new architecture of ‘active form’. These active forms potentially perform as ‘verbs’ rather than ‘nouns’ to the city's activities, providing ‘the means by which the field changes’ and the ‘repertoire for how it plays’.
Metropol Parasol, Seville
Authors: Mayer H Jürgen
Published: September 2012

In central Seville, a huge fungus‐like form floats over the Plaza de la Encarnación. Jürgen Mayer H describes how his Metropol Parasol has revitalised a historic square, providing new amenities such as a museum, market space and viewing platform, while also imbuing it with a formal identity that triggers informal activities and events.
African Water Cities
Authors: Adeyemi Kunlé
Published: September 2012

The impact of climate change is pronounced in Africa, where coastal cities are now experiencing a significant rise in sea level and increases in rainfall. In Nigeria, 30 per cent of Lagos is already under water. Made up of houses built on stilts, the informal settlement of Makoko in Lagos subsists on logging and fishing. Here, Kunlé Adeyemi of NLÉ explores Makoko as a potential contemporary model for adapting other African cities to the rise in water levels with minimal resources.
Importing the City into Architecture: An Interview with Bernard Tschumi
Authors: Eisenschmidt Alexander
Published: September 2012

The influential group of individuals that taught at the Architectural Association (AA) in London in the 1970s changed forever the way that we think about the city. The group included among its number Rem Koolhaas, Zaha Hadid and Nigel Coates, and perhaps most significantly Bernard Tschumi, who was to become one of the most influential designers and educators of the next few decades. Guest‐editor Alexander Eisenschmidt interviews Tschumi to give him the final word on the question of architecture and the city.
Hello Stranger: Phenomenology and Topography of the Megacity
Authors: Bos Caroline
Published: September 2012

Caroline Bos of UNStudio counters the city theme of this issue of Architectural Design with the spectre of the megacity. The very recent emergence and scale of the Asian megacity, she argues, requires a very different architectural treatment to the European or North American metropolis. It is one that should be understood through an experiential approach that brings to the fore spatial and visual relations between people, and people and things, asking, for instance, how so many strangers can be so visibly at home in public urban space.
High Hole Mobility and Thickness‐Dependent Crystal Structure in α,ω‐Dihexylsexithiophene Single‐Monolayer Field‐Effect Transistors
Authors: Mannebach Ehren M. , Spalenka Josef W. , Johnson Phillip S. , Cai Zhonghou , Himpsel F. J. , Evans Paul G.
Published: September 2012

Monolayer‐thickness two‐dimensional layers of α,ω‐dihexylsexithiophene (α,ω‐DH6T) exhibit field‐effect hole mobility of up to 0.032 cm2 V−1 s−1, higher than previously reported for monolayers of other small‐molecule organic semiconductors. In situ measurements during deposition show that the source‐drain current saturates rapidly after the percolation of monolayer‐high islands, indicating that the electrical properties of α,ω‐DH6T transistors are largely determined by the first molecular monolayer. The α,ω‐DH6T monolayer consists of crystalline islands in which the long axes of molecules are oriented approximately perpendicular to the plane of the substrate surface. In‐plane lattice constants measured using synchrotron grazing‐incidence diffraction are larger in monolayer‐thickness films than the in‐plane lattice constants of several‐monolayer films and of previously reported thick‐film structures. Near‐edge X‐ray absorption fine structure spectroscopy (NEXAFS) reveals that the larger in‐plane lattice constant of single‐monolayer films arises from a larger tilt of the molecular axis away from the surface normal. NEXAFS spectra at the C 1s and S 2p edges are consistent with a high degree of molecular alignment and with the local symmetry imposed by the thiophene ring. The high mobility of holes in α,ω‐DH6T monolayers can be attributed to the reduction of hole scattering associated with the isolation of the thiophene core from the interface by terminal hexyl chains.
Risk for ingestion of toxic substances in children with Prader–Willi syndrome
Authors: McCandless Shawn E. , Powell Karen Potter , Sandberg Ulrika
Published: September 2012

Individuals with Prader–Willi syndrome (PWS) have several common findings that may predispose to ingestion of potentially dangerous items. This study examined whether individuals with PWS have an increased prevalence of toxic ingestions. A survey regarding history of ingestions in PWS individuals and sibling controls was designed, piloted, and distributed on‐line. The subjects were individuals with PWS (N = 129). The subjects' non‐PWS siblings served as controls (N = 134). Participants who completed the anonymous online survey were either the parents or the primary caretaker of individuals with PWS. Responses were submitted by 141 participants, providing information about 130 PWS subjects (M/F: 66:64) and 134 sibling controls. Subjects and controls ranged in age from 2 to 18 years at the time of the survey. Eleven participants did not answer the questions regarding ingestions. History of toxic ingestion was more prevalent in PWS subjects (20% vs. 2% of controls). Several features of PWS, including history of searching for food and eating unusual objects, along with decreased cognitive ability, appeared to associate with increased prevalence of toxic ingestion in PWS individuals. PWS children appear to have an ∼12‐fold increased risk of ingesting toxins compared to the general population. Geneticists should include this information in counseling and in recommendations to primary care providers. Also, poison control centers need to be aware of this association and of the physiological and behavioral aspects of PWS that may complicate the diagnosis and management of a toxic ingestion. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Sleep‐disordered breathing in Beckwith–Wiedemann syndrome: Three patients
Authors: Kansagra Sujay , D'Cruz O'Neill , Noah Terry L. , Vaughn Bradley V.
Published: September 2012

Beckwith–Wiedemann syndrome is associated with craniofacial abnormalities that may predispose patients to sleep‐related breathing disorders. There is limited literature on the polysomnography findings for children with this syndrome. Three patients with Beckwith–Wiedemann syndrome underwent polysomnography in our sleep lab and were found to have a variety of sleep‐disordered breathing that ranged from obstructive apnea to isolated REM sleep‐related hypoxemia–hypoventilation without obstructive apnea. Suspicion for sleep‐disordered breathing should be high in children with Beckwith–Wiedemann syndrome. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Haploinsufficiency of STK11 and neighboring genes cause a contiguous gene syndrome including Peutz–Jeghers phenotype
Authors: Scollon Sarah , McWalter Kirsty , Abe Keith , King Jeremy , Kimata Kevin , Slavin Thomas P.
Published: September 2012

We report on clinical and molecular findings of a 15‐year‐old female referred to our genetics clinic for a diagnostic evaluation due to mild developmental delay, submucosal cleft palate, and seizure disorder. Chromosomal microarray technology revealed a cancer predisposition due to a terminal deletion on chromosome 19p that includes the tumor suppressor gene STK11. In addition to abnormal lip pigmentation on exam, further diagnostic workup with upper and lower gastrointestinal screening confirmed polyps consistent with Peutz–Jeghers syndrome. The purpose of this study is to present a full clinical description of a patient with a rare 19p13.3 chromosomal deletion and review the current literature of this newly emerging contiguous gene deletion syndrome. It also supports the screening for complications of Peutz–Jeghers syndrome in all patients with this deletion. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Enhancement of oxidative stabilization of viscose rayon fibers impregnated with ammonium sulfate prior to carbonization and activation steps
Authors: Karacan Ismail , Soy Taner
Published: September 2012

The oxidative thermal stability of microcrystalline plant‐based viscose rayon cellulose fiber was improved in the presence of an ammonium sulfate solution. The structural characterization of the oxidized samples was carried out using a combination of fiber thickness, linear density, burning test, X‐ray diffraction (XRD), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and infrared (IR) spectroscopy measurements. Oxidized viscose rayon fibers showed physical and chemical transformations with increasing oxidation temperature and were characterized by a reduction in fiber diameter and linear density values together with color changes with increasing oxidation temperature. The results obtained from XRD analysis showed the loss of crystallinity due to the amorphization processes. XRD analysis also showed increasing conversion to a highly crosslinked and cyclized structure with progressing temperature. The DSC and TGA measurements indicated that there was an improvement in thermal stability. The results obtained from IR spectra showed the progress of dehydrogenation and dehydration reactions. IR spectra in the 2000–800 cm−1 region showed a loss of crystalline structure confirming the results of XRD. The IR spectra of the oxidized samples also showed the conversion of primary hydroxyl (OH) groups to carbonyl (CO) groups and the presence of CC double bonds arising from the formation of a cyclized and crosslinked structure. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013
Fe‐mediated ARGET atom transfer radical polymerization of methyl methacrylate in ionic liquid‐based microemulsion
Authors: Wang Guo‐Xiang , Lu Mang , Liu Li‐Chao , Wu Hu , Zhong Ming
Published: September 2012

Poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) was synthesized by activator regenerated by electron transfer (ARGET) atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) of MMA in ionic liquid‐based microemulsion with polyoxyethylene sorbitan monooleate (Tween 80) as surfactant. The polymerization was carried out at 25°C with CCl4 as initiator, FeCl3·6H2O/N,N,N′,N′‐tetramethyl‐1,2‐ethanediamine (TMEDA) as catalyst complex in the presence of reducing agent ascorbic acid (VC). The polymerization kinetics showed the feature of controlled/″living″ process as evidenced by a linear first‐order plot. The well‐controlled polymers were obtained with narrow polydispersity indices and the ionic liquid‐based microemulsions were transparent with a particle size less than 30 nm. The obtained polymer was characterized by 1H NMR and gel permeation chromatography. The chain extension was successfully achieved by the obtained PMMA macroinitiator/FeCl3·6H2O/TMEDA/VC initiator system based on ARGET ATRP method. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013
Comparing the Distribution of Strains with the Distribution of Bone Tissue in a Human Mandible: A Finite Element Study
Authors: Gröning Flora , Fagan Michael , O'higgins Paul
Published: September 2012

Comparative anatomy and experimental studies suggest that the mass and distribution of tissue within a bone is adapted to the strains the bone experiences during function. Finite element analysis is a powerful tool that can be used to investigate this since it allows the creation of hypothetical models with unadapted morphology. Here we use FE models of a human mandible with modified internal morphology to study the relationships between the gross distribution of bone tissue (i.e., the presence or absence of bone in a certain area), the variation of cortical bone thickness within the mandible and the distribution of strain magnitudes. We created one model in which all internal cavities were filled with cortical bone material and a second, hollow model with constant cortical bone thickness. In both the models, several load cases representing bites at different positions along the tooth row were applied and peak strain magnitudes across these load cases were calculated. The peak strain distributions in both models show striking similarities with the gross distribution of bone tissue and the variation of cortical thickness in the real mandible, but the correlation coefficients are rather low. These low coefficients could be explained by confounding factors and by the limited spectrum of load cases that were simulated. However, the correspondences we find between strain magnitude and bone tissue distribution suggest that models with altered internal geometry are useful in studying the mechanical adaptation of bone, especially in the absence of any in vivo strain data. Anat Rec, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Strategies for discovery and validation of methylated and hydroxymethylated DNA biomarkers
Authors: Olkhov‐Mitsel Ekaterina , Bapat Bharati
Published: September 2012

DNA methylation, consisting of the addition of a methyl group at the fifth‐position of cytosine in a CpG dinucleotide, is one of the most well‐studied epigenetic mechanisms in mammals with important functions in normal and disease biology. Disease‐specific aberrant DNA methylation is a well‐recognized hallmark of many complex diseases. Accordingly, various studies have focused on characterizing unique DNA methylation marks associated with distinct stages of disease development as they may serve as useful biomarkers for diagnosis, prognosis, prediction of response to therapy, or disease monitoring. Recently, novel CpG dinucleotide modifications with potential regulatory roles such as 5‐hydroxymethylcytosine, 5‐formylcytosine, and 5‐carboxylcytosine have been described. These potential epigenetic marks cannot be distinguished from 5‐methylcytosine by many current strategies and may potentially compromise assessment and interpretation of methylation data. A large number of strategies have been described for the discovery and validation of DNA methylation‐based biomarkers, each with its own advantages and limitations. These strategies can be classified into three main categories: restriction enzyme digestion, affinity‐based analysis, and bisulfite modification. In general, candidate biomarkers are discovered using large‐scale, genome‐wide, methylation sequencing, and/or microarray‐based profiling strategies. Following discovery, biomarker performance is validated in large independent cohorts using highly targeted locus‐specific assays. There are still many challenges to the effective implementation of DNA methylation‐based biomarkers. Emerging innovative methylation and hydroxymethylation detection strategies are focused on addressing these gaps in the field of epigenetics. The development of DNA methylation‐ and hydroxymethylation‐based biomarkers is an exciting and rapidly evolving area of research that holds promise for potential applications in diverse clinical settings.
Preventive Effects of Flavonoid Extracts from Ilex hainanensisMerr. on Rats with Hepatic Steatosis Induced by a High‐Fat Diet
Authors: Wei Xiang‐lan , Chen Xiao‐qing , Fang Ru‐tang , Sun Xiao‐yan , Zhu Chang‐sheng , Yang Jie , Xue Xin , Wang Qiang
Published: September 2012

Strategy, Management and Health Policy

Preclinical Research

Ilex hainanensis Merr. leaves are widely used for their diuretic, antihypertensive, antilipemic, and anti‐inflammatory properties. The main chemical components in these leaves are flavonoids. To evaluate whether the total extract (TE) from I. hainanensis Merr. may improve hepatic steatosis and further investigate the preventive effects of the total flavonoid extract (TFE) from I. hainanensis Merr. on hepatic steatosis, rats were given either a high‐fat diet alone or the same diet plus the TE or the TFE for 4 weeks. TE and TFE improved liver histology with a reduction in the levels of serum alanine aminotransferase and the serum aspartate aminotransferase as well as a decrease in excess accumulated lipids in the serum and liver. TE and TFE decreased the levels of fasting serum glucose, fasting serum insulin, insulin resistance index, and tumor necrosis factor‐α levels in rats fed a high‐fat diet while improving the insulin sensitivity index. These benefits were associated with an increase in superoxide dismutase activity and a decrease in malondialdehyde in the livers of rats fed a high‐fat diet. In conclusion, TE and TFE exert protective effects against hepatic steatosis in rats that are fed a high‐fat diet, possibly through its ability to regulate lipid metabolism and antioxidants, enhance insulin sensitivity, and improve the release of adipocytokines.
Large‐scale longitudinal gradients of genetic diversity: a meta‐analysis across six phyla in the Mediterranean basin
Authors: Conord Cyrille , Gurevitch Jessica , Fady Bruno
Published: September 2012

Biodiversity is the diversity of life at all scales, from genes to ecosystems. Predicting its patterns of variation across the globe is a fundamental issue in ecology and evolution. Diversity within species, that is, genetic diversity, is of prime importance for understanding past and present evolutionary patterns, and highlighting areas where conservation might be a priority. Using published data on the genetic diversity of species whose populations occur in the Mediterranean basin, we calculated a coefficient of correlation between within‐population genetic diversity indices and longitude. Using a meta‐analysis framework, we estimated the role of biological, ecological, biogeographic, and marker type factors on the strength and magnitude of this correlation in six phylla. Overall, genetic diversity increases from west to east in the Mediterranean basin. This correlation is significant for both animals and plants, but is not uniformly expressed for all groups. It is stronger in the southern than in the northern Mediterranean, in true Mediterranean plants than in plants found at higher elevations, in trees than in other plants, and in bi‐parentally and paternally than in maternally inherited DNA makers. Overall, this correlation between genetic diversity and longitude, and its patterns across biological and ecological traits, suggests the role of two non‐mutually exclusive major processes that shaped the genetic diversity in the Mediterranean during and after the cold periods of the Pleistocene: east‐west recolonization during the Holocene and population size contraction under local Last Glacial Maximum climate in resident western and low elevation Mediterranean populations.
Little effect of seasonal constraints on population genetic structure in eusocial paper wasps
Authors: Lengronne Thibault , Leadbeater Ellouise , Patalano Solenn , Dreier Stephanie , Field Jeremy , Sumner Seirian , Keller Laurent
Published: September 2012

Climate has long been suggested to affect population genetic structures of eusocial insect societies. For instance, Hamilton [Journal of Theoretical Biology 7 (1964) 17] discusses whether temperate and tropical eusocial insects may show differences in population‐level genetic structure and viscosity, and how this might relate to differences in the degree of synchrony in their life cycles or modes of nest founding. Despite the importance of Hamilton's 1964 papers, this specific idea has not been tested in actual populations of wasps, probably due to the paucity of studies on tropical species. Here, we compare colony and population genetic structures in two species of primitively eusocial paper wasps with contrasting ecologies: the tropical species Polistes canadensis and the temperate species P. dominulus. Our results provide important clarifications of Hamilton's discussion. Specifically, we show that the genetic structures of the temperate and tropical species were very similar, indicating that seasonality does not greatly affect population viscosity or inbreeding. For both species, the high genetic differentiation between nests suggests strong selection at the nest level to live with relatives, whereas low population viscosity and low genetic differentiation between nest aggregations might reflect balancing selection to disperse, avoiding competition with relatives. Overall, our study suggests no prevalence of seasonal constraints of the life cycle in affecting the population genetic structure of eusocial paper wasps. These conclusions are likely to apply also to other primitively eusocial insects, such as halictine bees. They also highlight how selection for a kin structure that promotes altruism can override potential effects of ecology in eusocial insects.
Toward detection of DNA‐bound proteins using solid‐state nanopores: Insights from computer simulations
Authors: Comer Jeffrey , Ho Anthony , Aksimentiev Aleksei
Published: September 2012

Through all‐atom molecular dynamics simulations, we explore the use of nanopores in thin synthetic membranes for detection and identification of DNA binding proteins. Reproducing the setup of a typical experiment, we simulate electric field driven transport of DNA‐bound proteins through nanopores smaller in diameter than the proteins. As model systems, we use restriction enzymes EcoRI and BamHI specifically and nonspecifically bound to a fragment of dsDNA, and streptavidin and NeutrAvidin proteins bound to dsDNA and ssDNA via a biotin linker. Our simulations elucidate the molecular mechanics of nanopore‐induced rupture of a protein–DNA complex, the effective force applied to the DNA–protein bond by the electrophoretic force in a nanopore, and the role of DNA–surface interactions in the rupture process. We evaluate the ability of the nanopore ionic current and the local electrostatic potential measured by an embedded electrode to report capture of DNA, capture of a DNA‐bound protein, and rupture of the DNA–protein bond. We find that changes in the strain on dsDNA can reveal the rupture of a protein–DNA complex by altering both the nanopore ionic current and the potential of the embedded electrode. Based on the results of our simulations, we suggest a new method for detection of DNA binding proteins that utilizes peeling of a nicked double strand under the electrophoretic force in a nanopore.
Microwave and magnetic (M2) proteomics of the experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis animal model of multiple sclerosis
Authors: Raphael Itay , Mahesula Swetha , Kalsaria Karan , Kotagiri Venkat , Purkar Anjali B. , Anjanappa Manjushree , Shah Darshit , Pericherla Vidya , Jadhav Yeshwant Lal Avinash , Raghunathan Rekha , Vaynberg Michael , Noriega David , Grimaldo Nazul H. , Wenk Carola , Gelfond Jonathan A.L. , Forsthuber Thomas G. , Haskins William E.
Published: September 2012

We hypothesized that quantitative MS/MS‐based proteomics at multiple time points, incorporating rapid microwave and magnetic (M2) sample preparation, could enable relative protein expression to be correlated to disease progression in the experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) animal model of multiple sclerosis. To test our hypothesis, microwave‐assisted reduction/alkylation/digestion of proteins from brain tissue lysates bound to C8 magnetic beads and microwave‐assisted isobaric chemical labeling were performed of released peptides, in 90 s prior to unbiased proteomic analysis. Disease progression in EAE was assessed by scoring clinical EAE disease severity and confirmed by histopathologic evaluation for central nervous system inflammation. Decoding the expression of 283 top‐ranked proteins (p <0.05) at each time point relative to their expression at the peak of disease, from a total of 1191 proteins observed in four technical replicates, revealed a strong statistical correlation to EAE disease score, particularly for the following four proteins that closely mirror disease progression: 14‐3‐3ε (p = 3.4E‐6); GPI (p = 2.1E‐5); PLP1 (p = 8.0E‐4); PRX1 (p = 1.7E‐4). These results were confirmed by Western blotting, signaling pathway analysis, and hierarchical clustering of EAE risk groups. While validation in a larger cohort is underway, we conclude that M2 proteomics is a rapid method to quantify putative prognostic/predictive protein biomarkers and therapeutic targets of disease progression in the EAE animal model of multiple sclerosis.
Representation of three‐dimensional objects by the rat perirhinal cortex
Authors: Burke S.N. , Maurer A.P. , Hartzell A.L. , Nematollahi S. , Uprety A. , Wallace J.L. , Barnes C.A.
Published: September 2012

The perirhinal cortex (PRC) is known to play an important role in object recognition. Little is known, however, regarding the activity of PRC neurons during the presentation of stimuli that are commonly used for recognition memory tasks in rodents, that is, three‐dimensional objects. Rats in the present study were exposed to three‐dimensional objects while they traversed a circular track for food reward. Under some behavioral conditions, the track contained novel objects, familiar objects, or no objects. Approximately 38% of PRC neurons demonstrated “object fields” (a selective increase in firing at the location of one or more objects). Although the rats spent more time exploring the objects when they were novel compared to familiar, indicating successful recognition memory, the proportion of object fields and the firing rates of PRC neurons were not affected by the rats' previous experience with the objects. Together, these data indicate that the activity of PRC cells is powerfully affected by the presence of objects while animals navigate through an environment; but under these conditions, the firing patterns are not altered by the relative novelty of objects during successful object recognition. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Computational models of perirhinal cortex function
Authors: Cowell Rosemary A.
Published: September 2012

I review seven models of the contribution of perirhinal cortex (PRC) or neighboring neocortical regions to cognition. Five of the models address recognition memory function (Sohal and Hasselmo (2000) Network 11:169‐190; Bogacz et al. (2001) J Comput Neurosci 10:5‐23; Bogacz and Brown (2003a) Neurocomputing 52:1‐6; Norman and O'Reilly (2003) Psychol Rev 110:611‐646; Cowell et al. (2006) J Neurosci 26:12186‐12197) and two account for the role of PRC in visual discrimination learning (Bussey and Saksida (2002) Eur J Neurosci 15:355‐364; Cowell et al. (2010b) J Cogn Neurosci 22:2460‐2479). The models span a range of biological scales and target a variety of datasets, such that like for like comparison between them is not always possible. I lay out a novel framework for facilitating comparison by defining some general abstract principles concerning the organization of cognition in the brain about which all of the models make a statement. The controversies that are revealed by scrutinizing the models within this framework highlight the fundamental questions that remain to be answered by future research. Ultimately, it is by combining these disparate accounts to build a unified model that bridges several levels of biological scale and accounts for multiple psychological phenomena that a full account of PRC function will be achieved. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Single cell molecular recognition of migrating and invading tumor cells using a targeted fluorescent probe to receptor PTPmu
Authors: Burden‐Gulley Susan M. , Qutaish Mohammed Q. , Sullivant Kristin E. , Tan Mingqian , Craig Sonya E.L. , Basilion James P. , Lu Zheng‐Rong , Wilson David L. , Brady‐Kalnay Susann M.
Published: September 2012

Detection of an extracellular cleaved fragment of a cell–cell adhesion molecule represents a new paradigm in molecular recognition and imaging of tumors. We previously demonstrated that probes that recognize the cleaved extracellular domain of receptor protein tyrosine phosphatase mu (PTPmu) label human glioblastoma brain tumor sections and the main tumor mass of intracranial xenograft gliomas. In this article, we examine whether one of these probes, SBK2, can label dispersed glioma cells that are no longer connected to the main tumor mass. Live mice with highly dispersive glioma tumors were injected intravenously with the fluorescent PTPmu probe to test the ability of the probe to label the dispersive glioma cells in vivo. Analysis was performed using a unique three‐dimensional (3D) cryo‐imaging technique to reveal highly migratory and invasive glioma cell dispersal within the brain and the extent of colabeling by the PTPmu probe. The PTPmu probe labeled the main tumor site and dispersed cells up to 3.5 mm away. The cryo‐images of tumors labeled with the PTPmu probe provide a novel, high‐resolution view of molecular tumor recognition, with excellent 3D detail regarding the pathways of tumor cell migration. Our data demonstrate that the PTPmu probe recognizes distant tumor cells even in parts of the brain where the blood–brain barrier is likely intact. The PTPmu probe has potential translational significance for recognizing tumor cells to facilitate molecular imaging, a more complete tumor resection and to serve as a molecular targeting agent to deliver chemotherapeutics to the main tumor mass and distant dispersive tumor cells.
Developing scaffolds for tissue engineering using the Ca2+‐induced cold gelation by an experimental design approach
Authors: Ribeiro Artur J. A. M. , Gomes Andreia C. , Cavaco‐Paulo Artur M.
Published: September 2012

The Ca2+‐induced cold gelation technique was found suitable to prepare highly porous biodegradable scaffolds based on bovine serum albumin (BSA) and alpha‐casein from bovine milk for tissue engineering. A 23 full factorial design was used to study the influence and impact of each factor on the several responses of the scaffolds. In vitro degradation (ID), swelling ratio (SR), porosity (PO), and pore size (PS) as well cytotoxicity (CT) were evaluated and shown to be dependent on the pH of sample preparation and on the amount of BSA and casein present, making these scaffolds tunable structures. Under optimized working conditions (4.19% of BSA, 0.69% of Casein, pH 7.07), the ID attained was 37.97%, the SR observed was 11.87, the PO was 82.11%, the PS measured was 180.63 μm at surface, and 175.91 μm at fracture, whereas maximum cell viability was 84% in comparison to controls. Moreover, the scaffold supported cell adhesion and proliferation. These results, consistent with the prediction by the experimental design approach, support the use of this methodology to develop tunable scaffolds for tissue engineering using the Ca2+‐induced cold gelation. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2012.
Gamma ray treatment enhances bioactivity and osseointegration capability of titanium
Authors: Ueno Takeshi , Takeuchi Masato , Hori Norio , Iwasa Fuminori , Minamikawa Hajime , Igarashi Yoshimasa , Anpo Masakazu , Ogawa Takahiro
Published: September 2012

The time‐dependent degradation of titanium bioactivity (i.e., the biological aging of titanium) has been reported in previous studies. This phenomenon is caused by the loss of hydrophilicity and the inevitable occurrence of progressive contamination of titanium surfaces by hydrocarbons. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that gamma ray treatment, owing to its high energy to decompose and remove organic contaminants, enhances the bioactivity and osteoconductivity of titanium. Titanium disks were acid‐etched and stored for 4 weeks. Rat bone marrow–derived osteoblasts (BMOs) were cultured on titanium disks with or without gamma ray treatment (30 kGy) immediately before experiments. The cell density at day 2 increased by 50% on gamma‐treated surfaces, which reflected the 25% higher rate of cell proliferation. Osteoblasts on gamma‐treated surfaces showed 30% higher alkaline phosphatase activity at day 5 and 60% higher calcium deposition at day 20. The strength of in vivo bone–implant integration increased by 40% at the early healing stage of week 2 for gamma‐treated implants. Gamma ray–treated surfaces regained hydrophilicity and showed a lower percentage of carbon (35%) as opposed to 48% on untreated aged surfaces. The data indicated that gamma ray pretreatment of titanium substantially enhances its bioactivity and osteoconductivity, in association with the significant reduction in surface carbon and the recovery of hydrophilicity. The results suggest that gamma ray treatment could be an effective surface enhancement technology to overcome biological aging of titanium and improve the biological properties of titanium implants. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2012.
Segmental myocardial velocities in dilated cardiomyopathy with and without left bundle branch block
Authors: Foell Daniela , Jung Bernd A. , Germann Elfriede , Staehle Felix , Bode Christoph , Hennig Juergen , Markl Michael
Published: September 2012

Purpose:

To quantify three‐directional left ventricular (LV) myocardial velocities and intraventricular synchrony in dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) with and without left bundle branch block (LBBB) using MR tissue phase mapping (TPM).

Materials and Methods:

Regional velocities were assessed by TPM (spatial/temporal resolution = 1.3 × 1.3 mm2 × 8 mm/14 ms) in DCM patients with (n = 12) and without LBBB (n = 7) compared with age‐matched volunteers (n = 20). For the evaluation the AHA 16‐segment and an extended LV visualization model was used.

Results:

Radial velocities in DCM patients were reduced in 75% (systole) and in 94% (diastole) (P = 0.0001 – P = 0.0360), long‐axis velocities in 31% (systole) and in 75% (diastole) of the 16 segments compared with controls (P = 0.0001 – P = 0.0310). LBBB resulted in inferolaterally delayed diastolic long‐axis velocities (P = 0.0012 – P = 0.0464) and shortened TTP for septal systolic radial velocities (P = 0.0002). Intra‐ventricular radial systolic TTP differed up to 150 ms between segments in patients with LBBB (89 ms without LBBB, 34 ms in volunteers) reflecting an increased dyssynchrony. LV twist was altered in all patients with reduced and delayed systolic and diastolic peak velocities.

Conclusion:

TPM identified previously not described alterations of the spatial distribution and timing of all myocardial velocities in patients with DCM and LBBB. This may help to optimize therapy management in future. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2013;37:119–126. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Comparison among direct, indirect and index selections on agronomic traits and nutritional quality traits in common bean
Authors: Jost Evandro , Ribeiro Nerinéia Dalfollo , Maziero Sandra Maria , Possobom Micheli Thaise Della Flora , Rosa Daniele Piano , da Silva Domingues Lucas
Published: September 2012

BACKGROUND: Selection indices are linear combinations that allow the selection of several characters simultaneously. The objective of this study was to verify the efficiency of direct selection, indirect selection and selection indices in the identification of higher inbred common bean lines for grain yield, morphological, phenological and nutritional traits.

RESULTS: There is genetic variability for grain yield, lodging, general adaptation note, cycle, insertion of the first pod, calcium and iron concentrations in the seeds. Moderate phenotypic correlation coefficients were observed between grain yield and general adaptation note (r = − 0.57) and cycle (r = − 0.57). When direct selection was performed for grain yield, the insertion of the first pod, calcium and iron concentrations showed negative indirect selection gains. The classic index showed that the distribution of gains has become more balanced: grain yield (39.05%), calcium (8.29%) and iron concentration (1.64%).

CONCLUSION: Direct selection and indirect selection are not efficient in the simultaneous selection of agronomic traits and nutritional quality in common bean. The classical, base and multiplicative indexes provide responses of gain balanced among traits and superior genetic progress in the selection of inbred common bean lines, and have a high coincidence between the lines selected. © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Hot water, UV‐C and superatmospheric oxygen packaging as hurdle techniques for maintaining overall quality of fresh‐cut pomegranate arils
Authors: Maghoumi Mahshad , Gómez Perla A , Artés‐Hernández Francisco , Mostofi Younes , Zamani Zabihalah , Artés Francisco
Published: September 2012

BACKGROUND: In recent years there has been increasing consumer pressure to avoid the use of agrochemicals such as chlorine on fresh plant products for extending their shelf life. The combined use of eco‐sustainable techniques may be an alternative. The effect of hot water (HW), ultraviolet‐C (UV‐C) light and high oxygen packaging (HO) on the overall quality of fresh‐cut pomegranate arils stored under modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) for up to 14 days at 5 °C was studied.

RESULTS: Arils extracted manually, washed with chlorine (100 µL L−1 NaClO, pH 6.5, 5 °C water), rinsed and drained were exposed to single or combined (double and triple) hurdle techniques. The HW treatment consisted of a 30 s immersion in water at 55 °C followed by air surface drying. A 4.54 kJ m−2 dose was used for the UV‐C treatment before packaging. Active MAP with initial 90 kPa O2 was used in the HO treatment. The respiration rate remained relatively constant throughout shelf life, with no differences among treatments. CO2 accumulation was higher within HO packages. HW induced a slight reduction in total soluble solids, while no changes in titratable acidity were found. HO‐treated arils had the highest phenolic content, while the lowest was found in HW‐treated arils. The lowest antioxidant activity was found in HW + UV‐C + HO and the highest in UV‐C + HO and HO treatments. HW alone or in combination with UV‐C and HO inhibited mesophile, mould and yeast growth, while UV‐C + HO was most effective for controlling yeast and mould growth.

CONCLUSION: UV‐C and HO either alone or in combination are promising techniques to preserve the quality of pomegranate arils for up to 14 days at 5 °C. © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Lipid composition of Castanea sativa Mill. and Aesculus hippocastanum fruit oils
Authors: Zlatanov Magdalen D , Antova Ginka A , Angelova‐Romova Maria J , Teneva Olga T
Published: September 2012

Background

Sweet and horse chestnut fruit contain carbohydrates, fibers, proteins, lipids, vitamins, glycosides and coumarin. The lipids are rich in biologically active substances as fatty acids, phospholipids, sterols and tocopherols. The fruit has been used as food, and for medicinal purposes to treat inflammatory and vascular problems.

Results

The fruits of sweet and horse chestnut contain 20 and 81 g kg−1 glyceride oil respectively. The content of phospholipids in the oils was 49 and 3 g kg−1. Sterols were found to be 8 and 12 g kg−1. In the tocopherol fraction (1920 and 627 mg kg−1) γ‐tocopherol predominated in the sweet chestnut oil (927 g kg−1); γ‐tocopherol (591 g kg−1) and α‐tocopherol (402 g kg−1) in horse chestnut oil. Palmitic, oleic and linoleic acids predominated in the triacylglycerols. Higher quantities of palmitic and oleic acids were established in the phospholipids and sterol esters.

Conclusion

The fruits of horse and sweet chestnut have a close lipid composition. The oils are rich in essential fatty acids, such as linoleic and linolenic, as well as biologically active substances: phospholipids, sterols and tocopherols. This fact determines the good food value of sweet chestnut fruit and the possibilities for use of horse chestnuts in pharmacy and for technical purposes. © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Effect of foliar urea fertilisation on volatile compounds in Tempranillo wine
Authors: Ancín‐Azpilicueta Carmen , Nieto‐Rojo Rodrigo , Gómez‐Cordón Julio
Published: September 2012

Background

The impact of fertilisation with three doses of foliar urea (0, 2 and 4 kg N ha−1) on the concentration of volatile compounds in Tempranillo wine was studied.

Results

The total concentration of alcohols decreased with the application of urea. The concentrations of ethyl hexanoate, ethyl octanoate and ethyl decanoate were highest in the wine resulting from the 4 kg N ha−1 urea treatment. Fatty acids showed different individual responses to the application of urea. Sensory analysis indicated that the wines from urea‐treated grapevines had higher aroma intensity and a more fruity character than the control wine.

Conclusion

It may be concluded that foliar urea fertilisation shows itself to be efficient in small doses as a complement to soil fertilisation to improve wine aroma.
Ion Effects in Field‐Flow Fractionation of Aqueous Colloidal Polystyrene
Authors: Lang Thomas , Eslahian Kyriakos A. , Maskos Michael
Published: September 2012

We discuss the effect of electrolytes on retention of aqueous colloidal polystyrene particles in asymmetrical flow (AF‐FFF) and thermal field‐flow fractionation (ThFFF). In both FFF subtechniques, interparticle interaction leads to non‐ideal fractionation behavior, which can result in a sample load dependency. Electrostatic repulsion is reduced with increasing electrolyte concentration, resulting in a pronounced increase of retention. At higher salinities, hydrophobic interactions dominate, thus applications of AF‐FFF under physiological conditions are limited. In ThFFF, also the separation mechanism of thermophoresis is affected by ionic shielding and experimental data are in accordance with recent theoretical models of thermophoresis.
A Convenient Route to High‐Performance HDPE–CNT Conductive Nanocomposites by Control of Matrix Nucleation
Authors: Tao Fangfang , Bonnaud Leïla , Murariu Oltea , Auhl Dietmar , Dubois Philippe , Bailly Christian
Published: September 2012

We show how styrene‐ethylene‐propylene‐styrene (SEPS) triblock copolymer uniquely reduces the electrical percolation threshold after matrix crystallization of conductive nanocomposites based on high viscosity HDPE with low amounts of pristine multiwall carbon nanotubes (CNT). Rheo‐dielectric and Flash DSC techniques are used to demonstrate that SEPS interferes with the nucleation ability of CNT on HDPE crystallization in a way that favors contacts between the nanotubes after crystallization as well as it improves CNT dispersion.
Equilibrium vitrification of mouse embryos at various developmental stages
Authors: Jin Bo , Mochida Keiji , Ogura Atsuo , Koshimoto Chihiro , Matsukawa Kazutsugu , Kasai Magosaburo , Edashige Keisuke
Published: September 2012

Previously, we developed a new method by which 2‐cell mouse embryos can be vitrified in liquid nitrogen in a near‐equilibrium state, and then kept at −80°C for several days. In the present study, we examined whether or not the method was effective for mouse embryos at other developmental stages. Eight‐cell embryos, morulae, and expanded blastocysts of ICR mice were vitrified with ethylene glycol‐based solutions, named EFSc because of their composition of ethylene glycol (30–40%, v/v) and FSc solution. The FSc solution was PB1 medium containing 30% (w/v) Ficoll PM‐70 plus 1.5 M sucrose. The extent of equilibrium was assessed by examining how well vitrified embryos survived after being kept at −80°C. When 8‐cell embryos and morulae were vitrified with EFS35c or EFS40c and then kept at −80°C, the survival rate was high even after 4 days in storage and remained high after re‐cooling in liquid nitrogen. On the other hand, the survival of vitrified‐expanded blastocysts kept at −80°C was low. Therefore, 8‐cell embryos and morulae can be vitrified in a near‐equilibrium state using the same method as for 2‐cell embryos. A high proportion of C57BL/6J embryos at the 2‐cell, 8‐cell, and morula stages vitrified with EFS35c developed to term after transportation on dry ice, re‐cooling in liquid nitrogen, and transfer to recipients. In conclusion, the near‐equilibrium vitrification method, which is effective for 2‐cell mouse embryos, is also effective for embryos at the 8‐cell and morula stages. The method would enable handy transportation of vitrified embryos using dry ice. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 79: 785–794, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Possibility of intrinsic muscle contractile properties in force summation and postactivation potentiation as indices of maximal muscle strength and muscle fatigue
Authors: Ohta Yoichi , Takahashi Kyohei , Matsubayashi Takeo
Published: September 2012

Introduction

We investigated whether intrinsic muscle contractile properties in force summation and postactivation potentiation (PAP) can be used as indices of maximal muscle strength and muscle fatigue.

Methods

Twelve men participated in this study. The maximum voluntary contraction torque (MVC), torque evoked by several stimulations in the tibialis anterior (TA) muscle, force summation parameters, and PAP were evaluated with the progression of fatigue. The force summation parameters were evaluated with respect to responses of single, double, and triple stimulations.

Results

The percent decreases in the evoked torque parameters with or without PAP were greater than those during MVC. Force summation parameters were significantly related to MVC and fatigue resistance.

Conclusions

Intrinsic muscle contractile properties with or without PAP in the TA overestimate fatigue during MVC. However, force summation parameters can be used as indices of maximal muscle strength with or without fatigue and fatigue resistance capacity. Muscle Nerve 47: 894–902, 2013
A possible clinical tool to depict muscle elasticity mapping using magnetic resonance elastography
Authors: Debernard Laëtitia , Robert Ludovic , Charleux Fabrice , Bensamoun Sabine F.
Published: September 2012

Introduction

Characterization of muscle elasticity will improve the diagnosis and treatment of muscle disorders. The purpose is to compare the use of magnetic resonance elastography (MRE) and ultrasound elastography (USE) techniques to elucidate the MRE cartography of thigh muscles.

Methods

Both elastography techniques were performed on 5 children and 7 adults. Quantitative (MRE) and qualitative (USE) cartographies of muscle elasticity, as a function of muscle state and age, were obtained with shear waves and manual compression of the ultrasound probe, respectively.

Results

Similar cartographies of muscle elasticity were obtained with the 2 methods. The combination of both imaging techniques results in an improved depiction of the physiological changes associated with muscle state and age.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates the feasibility of MRE for use as a clinical tool in the characterization of neuromuscular pathologies and for assessing the efficacy of specific treatments for muscle related diseases. Muscle Nerve 47: 903–908, 2013