bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
School Innovation
Authors: McCharen Belinda , Song JiHoon , Martens Jon
Published: December 2011

The primary aim of this research is to identify cultural determinants of organizational learning and knowledge creation practices, which could be the driving factors for the innovation process in school settings ( Mulford, 1998 ; Silins et al., 2002 ). A conceptual process model for school innovation was developed. In contrast to previous approaches, this research primarily focused on environmental factors and practical processes rather than on individual and policy-related components. The major factors and processes included a supportive learning culture, school autonomy of teachers and departmental collaboration in the school setting. Furthermore, as an endogenous variable of this research, a practical organizational knowledge creation process among teachers and administrators was measured. Organizational knowledge creation is the critical component for school reform and innovation. A Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) approach was used to evaluate the complex structure of the proposed research constructs. Results suggest that a supportive organizational learning culture positively and significantly impacts all three constructs, but that school job autonomy does not have a statistically significant direct impact on departmental creativity and knowledge creation practices in school systems. Conclusions, limitations and recommendations for further research are discussed.
Democratizing Indonesia through Education? Community Participation in Islamic Schooling
Authors: Parker Lyn , Raihani R.
Published: December 2011

In 1998, Indonesia embarked on a journey to democracy. This journey involved the decentralization of education from 2002. The new school-based management (SBM) system required greater community and parental participation in schools—thereby, it was hoped, contributing to a deepening of democracy. Islamic schools ( madrasah) also adopted this policy reform. Here we present the findings of our research into community participation in madrasah in Indonesia. One of our principle findings, and concerns, is the low level of parental and community participation in madrasah governance. Parents feel they have no place in school governance or in teaching and learning. There is a concentration of power in the hands of principals, teachers and school founders (of private madrasah). In general, participation by teachers in madrasah governance is increasing. Also, there are examples of excellent madrasah, where the principals devolve power and responsibility to other teachers, cooperate with parents and community leaders, model exemplary behaviour and institutionalize a clear vision. The decentralization of education in Indonesia has not uniformly empowered citizens to become more involved in Islamic schools. The question remains how to extrapolate from practices at excellent madrasah to effectively articulate community enthusiasm for Islamic schooling and school governance nationwide.
Site-Structure Resonance as a Proxy for Structural Damage
Authors: Lang Dominik H. , Schwarz Jochen , Gülkan Polat
Published: December 2011

Since 1992, the reconnaissance teams of the German Task Force for Earthquakes have undertaken numerous field missions to disaster areas after strong earthquakes worldwide. During these missions, a unique database of damage cases has been collected, which serves as the basis for examining whether site-structure resonance effects contribute to building damage. The selected buildings that partly experienced slight to moderate damage during a recent major event have been experimentally tested in order to identify their structural parameters and to allow a calibration of the structural building models. In addition, instrumental noise recordings were made directly at the building sites to derive the ranges of predominant site periods. By correlating the ranges of predominant site periods with the building's capacity curves, representing the inelastic displacement behavior under lateral effects, a quick survey procedure has been developed to estimate the impact of agreements between periods of the site and the structure contributing to structural earthquake damage.
Development of a Drift Protocol for Seismic Performance Evaluation considering a Damage Index Concept
Authors: Hutchinson Tara C. , Zhang Jian , Eva Charles
Published: December 2011

In this paper, two new protocols are proposed, developed based on cycle counting and forward ordering of interstory drift time histories for representative mid- and low-rise building structures. The proposed drift protocols involve: (i) ground motion selection and scaling, (ii) representative building selection and modeling, (iii) nonlinear structural dynamic response calculations, and (iv) modified simple range counting to derive amplitude count information. In this work, demand sequencing is considered. This aspect is important, as excursions with the same amplitude occurring at different times will contribute differently to structural damage; therefore, they are sequenced and weighted differently. For this purpose, a damage index concept is used to evaluate each excursion and define instantaneous weight factors. The protocols are applied to a series of in-plane racking tests on window systems. Damage modes and associated drift limits are compared for the proposed protocols as well as several others, namely; a monotonic (static) push, the “Crescendo” (dynamic) loading protocol, and the FEMA 461 (quasistatic) loading protocol.
Exploring the breast cancer patient journey: do breast cancer survivors need menopause management support?
Authors: Tanna Nuttan , Buijs Helene , Pitkin Joan
Published: December 2011

Background

Breast cancer survivors can be expected to suffer from menopause symptoms with estrogen deprivation due to cancer treatments, in addition to natural menopause-related estrogen loss.

Objective

To gain an understanding of what support breast cancer patients have when they suffer from menopausal symptoms, and utilize findings to further inform National Health Service (NHS) care provision for breast cancer survivors.

Study design

Qualitative study with focus group sessions targeting Caucasian and Asian women with breast cancer.

Methods

Patient stories, with women describing their breast cancer journey and speaking about support received for any menopausal symptoms. Thematic data analysis of transcription.

Results

Breast cancer patients were not sure if they had menopausal symptoms or whether this was due to their breast cancer condition or treatment. Patients had an attitude of acceptance of menopausal symptoms and reported trying to cope with these by themselves.

Conclusions

This research identifies a need for more information that is culturally sensitive on managing menopause symptoms, both as side-effects of breast cancer treatments as well as for affect on quality of life during the survivorship phase. Our work also gives insight into cultural remedies used for hot flushes by Asian patients, which they consider as ‘cooling’ foods. Breast cancer patients want to know whether side-effects of cancer treatment persist long term and how these can be managed. There is a need for improved patient support within any new NHS service models that are developed along breast cancer patient pathways, and inclusion of personalized advice for menopause symptoms.
Prevention of osteoporosis: one step forward, two steps back
Authors: Stevenson John C
Published: December 2011

For many years, hormone replacement therapy (HRT) was the mainstay for osteoporosis prevention in postmenopausal women until a large randomized clinical trial raised serious safety concerns. This resulted in a big drop in HRT use and its demotion by regulatory authorities to second-line treatment. Many clinicians now feel that HRT is not safe to use, and recommend various alternatives for the treatment of osteoporosis. But how effective are these alternative therapies, are they any safer than HRT, and how do their costs compare? This review questions the validity of the safety concerns about HRT, and highlights the safety concerns about alternative therapies. It concludes that HRT is as safe as the other treatment options, and its efficacy and low cost demand that it be restored as a first-line treatment for the prevention of postmenopausal osteoporosis. Other therapies are available for use in osteoporosis, and the bisphosphonates are particularly effective for the treatment of the established disease. However, they must be used selectively and with caution, and are best restricted to those patients who are elderly or have severe disease. New treatments are emerging, but again caution must be taken until any long-term adverse effects have been identified.
Comparability ratios by age: based on deaths of Metropolitan policyholders.
Authors: Bale G S , Smith N J
Published: December 2011

Comparability ratios based on 42,229 deaths of Metropolitan policyholders in 1979 were computed by age between the 8th and 9th revision ICD codes for 72 selected causes of death. Comparability ratios by age are not available elsewhere. Except for accidents and adverse effects, the comparability ratios for the major causes of death at all ages combined were in close agreement with those computed by the National Center for Health Statistics.
Teaching Transfer Skills to Older Adults: Identification of Strategies Used by Occupational Therapists
Authors: Carrier Annie , Levasseur Mélanie , Bédard Denis , Desrosiers Johanne
Published: December 2011

Introduction:

Community occupational therapists frequently teach transfer skills to older adults. The teaching strategies used should be documented because they can affect the outcomes of interventions.

Objective:

The objective of the study was to identify the strategies used by community occupational therapists when teaching transfer skills to older adults.

Method:

Eleven community occupational therapists were recruited from six health and social services centres in Québec, Canada. Data were collected through observations of transfer interventions (n = 31), followed by in-depth interviews (n = 12). Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and grounded theory methods.

Findings:

Strategies consisted of nine methods, eight tools and nine intensity adjustments. The methods were explaining, demonstrating, having the client try, giving feedback on performance, involving the client, seeking and obtaining client's feedback, questioning, and involving a teaching assistant. Tools varied according to the teaching method. These tools were gestures, equipment, visual aids, written, verbal and somatosensory instructions, assistant as client and occupational therapist as client. Finally, intensity adjustments were related to the scope, directedness, duration, frequency and pace of teaching.

Conclusion:

A range of teaching strategies used by community occupational therapists were identified. Three methods, five tools and nine intensity adjustments were identified for the first time.
Knowledge Translation in Cancer Services: Implementing the Research and Evidence in Practice Model
Authors: Caldwell Elizabeth , Fleming Jennifer , Purcell Amanda , Whitehead Mary , Cox Ruth
Published: December 2011

Occupational therapy lacks intervention effectiveness studies, which are crucial to the profession's survival. Literature also describes problems in the translation of research findings into occupational therapy clinical practice. Despite this, there is limited information regarding specific organisational models of practice to facilitate both the generation and the translation of research evidence. In 2006, occupational therapists at the Princess Alexandra Hospital, Queensland, Australia, developed and implemented the Research and Evidence in Practice model. Over the past 5 years, the model has evolved to enable a more seamless and strategic approach to the generation and translation of evidence into practice. This practice analysis describes the current model, and provides a practical example from the cancer services clinical team to demonstrate its effectiveness.
New insights into nocturnal nucleation
Authors: Ortega I. K. , Suni T. , Boy M. , Grönholm T. , Manninen H. E. , Nieminen T. , Ehn M. , Junninen H. , Hakola H. , Hellén H. , Valmari T. , Arvela H. , Zegelin S. , Hughes D. , Kitchen M. , Cleugh H. , Worsnop D. , Kulmala M. , Kerminen V.-M.
Published: December 2011

Abstract. Formation of new aerosol particles by nucleation and growth is a significant source of aerosols in the atmosphere. New particle formation events usually take place during daytime, but in some locations they have been observed also at night. In the present study we have combined chamber experiments, quantum chemical calculations and aerosol dynamics models to study nocturnal new particle formation. All our approaches demonstrate, in a consistent manner, that the oxidation products of monoterpenes play an important role in nocturnal nucleation events. By varying the conditions in our chamber experiments, we were able to reproduce the very different types of nocturnal events observed earlier in the atmosphere. The exact strength, duration and shape of the events appears to be sensitive to the type and concentration of reacting monoterpenes, as well as the extent to which the monoterpenes are exposed to ozone and potentially other atmospheric oxidants.
Influence of polymer polarity on photochromic behavior of naphthodipyran doped in different polymeric matrixes
Authors: Zhao Xiancai , Wang Guang , Zhang Kuo
Published: December 2011

Photochromic polymer films were prepared by doping the naphthodipyran into different polymers such as Polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), styrene‐butadiene‐styrene (SBS) triblock copolymer, and polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) at different concentrations. The kinetics of the photochromism/decoloration in the thin films was quantified by fitting biexponential equations to their photochromic decay curves after UV irradiation. The results show that the fastest decoloration process was in SBS, and the slowest one was in PVP. The DSC results indicate that Tg of polymeric matrix has no obvious effect on the decoloration rate of naphthodipyran. The decreasing order of the decoloration constant of naphthodipyran was consistent with increasing polarity of polymer matrixes as PVP > PMMA > SBS. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Solubility and diffusivity of cyclohexane in high density polyethylene
Authors: Rausch Justin L. , Schulz Taylor C. , Danner Ronald P.
Published: December 2011

The diffusivity and solubility of cyclohexane in a high density polyethylene, HDPE, were studied using a gravimetric, quartz‐spring, sorption balance. Solvent concentrations up to a weight fraction of 0.15 over a temperature range of 90 to 160°C were measured. Diffusion coefficients in the range of 10−6 to 10−7 were determined. Two types of polymer samples were used: a commercial bead form and flat sheets prepared by melting the polymer. Within the experimental error no differences were observed between the two forms indicating that there were no significant effects caused by the melting and compression. The solubility of cyclohexane in the HDPE as a function of the activity of the cyclohexane was linear. Above the melt temperature the solubility data were predicted better by the group‐contribution, lattice‐fluid equation of state (GCLF‐EoS) than by the van der Waals free‐volume (UNIFAC‐vdw‐FV) model. Below the melt temperature a correction factor for the elasticity significantly improved the predictions for both models. Although the HDPE has a crystallinity of 77.6%, the experimental data and the Vrentas‐Duda free‐volume theory indicated no significant tortuosity effects. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Caspase‐activated DNase is required for maintenance of tolerance to lupus nuclear autoantigens
Authors: Jog Neelakshi R. , Frisoni Lorenza , Shi Qin , Monestier Marc , Hernandez Sairy , Craft Joe , Prak Eline T. Luning , Caricchio Roberto
Published: December 2011

Objective

Caspase‐activated DNase (CAD) is an endonuclease that is activated by active caspase 3 during apoptosis and is responsible for degradation of chromatin into nucleosomal units. These nucleosomal units are then included in apoptotic bodies. The presence of apoptotic bodies is considered important for the generation of autoantigen in autoimmune diseases, such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), that are characterized by the presence of antinuclear antibodies. The present study was carried out to determine the role of CAD in SLE and to investigate the ability of lupus autoantibodies to bind to CAD‐deficient or CAD‐sufficient apoptotic cells.

Methods

The Sle1, Sle123, and 3H9 mouse models of SLE, in which autoimmunity is genetically predetermined, were used. To determine the role of chromatin fragmentation in SLE, CAD deficiency was introduced in these mouse models.

Results

Deficiency of CAD resulted in increased anti–double‐stranded DNA antibody titers in lupus‐prone mice. Surprisingly, the absence of CAD exacerbated only genetically predetermined autoimmune responses. To further determine whether nuclear modifications are needed in order to maintain tolerance to nuclear autoantigens, we used the 3H9 mouse, an anti‐DNA heavy chain knockin; in this model, the autoreactive B cells are tolerized by anergy. In accordance with findings in the CAD‐mutant Sle1 and Sle123 mice, CAD‐deficient 3H9 mice spontaneously generated anti‐DNA antibodies. Finally, we showed that autoantibodies with specificities toward histone–DNA complexes bind more to CAD‐deficient apoptotic cells than to CAD‐sufficient apoptotic cells.

Conclusion

We propose that in mice that are genetically predisposed to lupus development, nuclear apoptotic modifications are needed to maintain tolerance. In the absence of these modifications, apoptotic chromatin is abnormally exposed, facilitating the autoimmune response.
Association of single‐nucleotide polymorphisms in CCR6, TAGAP, and TNFAIP3 with rheumatoid arthritis in African Americans
Authors: Perkins Elizabeth A. , Landis Dawn , Causey Zenoria L. , Edberg Yuanqing , Reynolds Richard J. , Hughes Laura B. , Gregersen Peter K. , Kimberly Robert P. , Edberg Jeffrey C. , Bridges S. Louis ,   Consortium for the Longitudinal Evaluation of African Americans with Early Rheumatoid Arthritis Investigators
Published: December 2011

Objective

We previously reported an analysis of single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in 3 validated European rheumatoid arthritis (RA) susceptibility loci, TAGAP, TNFAIP3, and CCR6, in African American patients with RA. Unexpectedly, the disease‐associated alleles were different in African Americans from those in Europeans. In an effort to better define their contribution, we performed additional SNP genotyping in these genes.

Methods

Seven SNPs were genotyped in 446 African American patients with RA and in 733 African American control subjects. Differences in minor allele frequency between the RA cases and controls were analyzed after controlling for the global proportion of European admixture, and pairwise linkage disequilibrium (LD) was estimated among the SNPs.

Results

Three SNPs were significantly associated with RA: the TNFAIP3 rs719149 A allele (OR 1.22 [95% confidence interval (95% CI) 1.03–1.44], P = 0.02), the TAGAP rs1738074 G allele (OR 0.75 [95% CI 0.63–0.89, P = 0.0012), and the TAGAP rs4709267 G allele (OR 0.74 [95% CI 0.60–0.91], P = 0.004). Pairwise LD between the TAGAP SNPs was low (r2 = 0.034). The haplotype containing minor alleles for both TAGAP SNPs was uncommon (4.5%). After conditional analysis of each TAGAP SNP, its counterpart remained significantly associated with RA (rs1738074 for rs4709267 P = 0.00001 and rs4709267 for rs1738074 P = 0.00005), suggesting independent effects.

Conclusion

SNPs in regulatory regions of TAGAP and an intronic SNP (TNFAIP3) are potential susceptibility loci in African Americans. Pairwise LD, haplotype analysis, and SNP conditioning analysis suggest that these 2 SNPs in TAGAP are independent susceptibility alleles. Additional fine‐mapping of this gene and functional genomic studies of these SNPs should provide further insight into the role of these genes in RA.
Enhanced interferon regulatory factor 3 binding to the interleukin‐23p19 promoter correlates with enhanced interleukin‐23 expression in systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Smith Siobhán , Gabhann Joan Nı´ , Higgs Rowan , Stacey Kevin , Wahren‐Herlenius Marie , Espinosa Alexander , Totaro Maria Grazia , Sica Antonio , Ball Elizabeth , Bell Aubrey , Johnston James , Browne Peter , O'Neill Lorraine , Kearns Grainne , Jefferies Caroline A.
Published: December 2011

Objective

To examine the role of interferon regulatory factor 3 (IRF‐3) in the regulation of interleukin‐23 (IL‐23) production in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).

Methods

Bone marrow–derived macrophages were isolated from both wild‐type and IRF3−/− C57BL/6 mice. These cells were stimulated with the Toll‐like receptor 3 (TLR‐3) agonist poly(I‐C), and IL‐23p19 cytokine levels were analyzed by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. IRF‐3 binding to the IL‐23p19 gene promoter region in monocytes from patients with SLE and healthy control subjects was analyzed by chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assay. Luciferase reporter gene assays were performed to identify key drivers of IL‐23p19 promoter activity. TANK‐binding kinase 1 (TBK‐1) protein levels were determined by Western blotting.

Results

ChIP assays demonstrated that IRF‐3 was stably bound to the human IL‐23p19 promoter in monocytes; this association increased following TLR‐3 stimulation. Patients with SLE demonstrated increased levels of IRF‐3 bound to the IL‐23p19 promoter compared with control subjects, which correlated with enhanced IL‐23p19 production in monocytes from patients with SLE. Investigations of the TLR‐3–driven responses in monocytes from patients with SLE revealed that TBK‐1, which is critical for regulating IRF‐3 activity, was hyperactivated in both resting and TLR‐3–stimulated cells.

Conclusion

Our results demonstrate for the first time that patients with SLE display enhanced IL‐23p19 expression as a result of hyperactivation of TBK‐1, resulting in increased binding of IRF‐3 to the promoter. These findings provide novel insights into the molecular pathogenesis of SLE and the potential role for TLR‐3 in driving this response.
Bach1 regulates osteoclastogenesis in a mouse model via both heme oxygenase 1–dependent and heme oxygenase 1–independent pathways
Authors: Hama Maasa , Kirino Yohei , Takeno Mitsuhiro , Takase Kaoru , Miyazaki Takuya , Yoshimi Ryusuke , Ueda Atsuhisa , Itoh‐Nakadai Ari , Muto Akihiko , Igarashi Kazuhiko , Ishigatsubo Yoshiaki
Published: December 2011

Objective

Reducing inflammation and osteoclastogenesis by heme oxygenase 1 (HO‐1) induction could be beneficial in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). However, the function of HO‐1 in bone metabolism remains unclear. This study was undertaken to clarify the effects of HO‐1 and its repressor Bach1 in osteoclastogenesis.

Methods

In vitro osteoclastogenesis was compared in Bach1‐deficient and wild‐type mice. Osteoclasts (OCs) were generated from bone marrow–derived macrophages by stimulation with macrophage colony‐stimulating factor and RANKL. Osteoclastogenesis was assessed by tartrate‐resistant acid phosphatase staining and expression of OC‐related genes. Intracellular signal pathways in OC precursors were also assessed. HO‐1 short hairpin RNA (shRNA) was transduced into Bach1−/− mouse bone marrow–derived macrophages to examine the role of HO‐1 in osteoclastogenesis. In vivo inflammatory bone loss was evaluated by local injection of tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα) into calvaria.

Results

Transcription of HO‐1 was down‐regulated by stimulation with RANKL in the early stage of OC differentiation. Bach1−/− mouse bone marrow–derived macrophages were partially resistant to the RANKL‐dependent HO‐1 reduction and showed impaired osteoclastogenesis, which was associated with reduced expression of RANK and components of the downstream TNF receptor–associated factor 6/c‐Fos/NF‐ATc1 pathway as well as reduced expression of Blimp1. Treatment with HO‐1 shRNA increased the number of OCs and expression of OC‐related genes except for the Blimp1 gene during in vitro osteoclastogenesis from Bach1−/− mouse bone marrow–derived macrophages. TNFα‐induced bone destruction was reduced in Bach1−/− mice in vivo.

Conclusion

The present findings demonstrate that Bach1 regulates osteoclastogenesis under inflammatory conditions, via both HO‐1–dependent and HO‐1–independent mechanisms. Bach1 may be worthy of consideration as a target for treatment of inflammatory bone loss in diseases including RA.
Electrochemically Fabricated Polypyrrole–Cobalt–Oxygen Coordination Complex as High‐Performance Lithium‐Storage Materials
Authors: Guo Bingkun , Kong Qingyu , Zhu Ying , Mao Ya , Wang Zhaoxiang , Wan Meixiang , Chen Liquan
Published: December 2011

Current lithium‐ion battery (LIB) technologies are all based on inorganic electrode materials, though organic materials have been used as electrodes for years. Disadvantages such as limited thermal stability and low specific capacity hinder their applications. On the other hand, the transition metal oxides that provide high lithium‐storage capacity by way of electrochemical conversion reaction suffer from poor cycling stability. Here we report a novel high‐performance, organic, lithium‐storage material, a polypyrrole–cobalt–oxygen (PPy‐Co‐O) coordination complex, with high lithium‐storage capacity and excellent cycling stability. Extended X‐ray absorption fine structure and Raman spectroscopy and other physical and electrochemical characterizations demonstrate that this coordination complex can be electrochemically fabricated by cycling PPy‐coated Co3O4 between 0.0 V and 3.0 V versus Li+/Li. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations indicate that each cobalt atom coordinates with two nitrogen atoms within the PPy‐Co coordination layer and the layers are connected with oxygen atoms between them. Coordination weakens the CH bonds on PPy and makes the complex a novel lithium‐storage material with high capacity and high cycling stability.
Sonochemical Coating of Cotton and Polyester Fabrics with “Antibacterial” BSA and Casein Spheres
Authors: Shimanovich Ulyana , Cavaco‐Paulo Artur , Nitzan Yeshayahu , Gedanken Aharon
Published: December 2011

A novel antibacterial coating for cotton and polyester fabrics has been developed by using drug‐loaded proteinaceous microspheres made of bovine serum albumin and casein proteins. The microbubbles were created and anchored onto the fabrics (see figure) in a one‐step reaction that lasts 3 min. The sonochemically produced “antibacterial fabrics” have been characterized. The efficiency of the sonochemical process in converting the native proteins into microspheres, encapsulating the drug, and coating the fabric has also been studied.
Accessing Lipophilic Ligands in Dendrimer‐Based Amphiphilic Supramolecular Assemblies for Protein‐Induced Disassembly
Authors: Yesilyurt Volkan , Ramireddy Rajasekharreddy , Azagarsamy Malar A. , Thayumanavan S.
Published: December 2011

Supramolecular nanoassemblies that respond to the presence of proteins are of great interest, as aberrations in protein concentrations represent the primary imbalances found in a diseased state. We present here a molecular design, syntheses, and study of facially amphiphilic dendrimers that respond to the presence of the protein, immunoglobulin G. It is of particular interest that the ligand functionality, utilized for causing the binding‐induced disassembly, be lipophilic. Demonstration of binding with lipophilic ligands greatly expands the repertoire of binding‐induced disassembly, since this covers a rather large class of ligand moieties designed for proteins and these provide specific insights into the mechanistic pathways that are available for the binding‐induced disassembly process. Here, we describe the details of the binding induced disassembly, including the change in size of the assembly in response to proteins, concurrent release of noncovalently encapsulated guest molecules, and the specificity of the disassembly process.
Towards Online‐Rheo‐TD‐NMR in Bypass Lines for Analysing of Batch Polymerization Processes
Authors: Herold Heike , Hardy Edme H. , Wassmer  Karl‐Heinz , Nestle Nikolaus
Published: December 2011

Zur Charakterisierung des Fortschritts einer Polymerisation in Reaktionskesseln mit bis zu 1 MPa Druck und 423 K wurde ein Online‐NMR‐Rheometer entwickelt. Die verschiedenen Möglichkeiten zur Bestimmung der Viskositätsfunktion werden vorgestellt und ein Verfahren umgesetzt. Zusätzlich werden NMR‐Relaxationsdaten zur Charakterisierung des Mediums aufgezeichnet. Zur Korrektur dieser im Fluss ermittelten Werte werden sowohl die Geschwindigkeitshäufigkeitsverteilung aus rheometrischen Untersuchungen benötigt als auch eine gute Kenntnis des Hochfrequenz‐Feldes. Die korrigierten Relaxationskurven stimmen gut mit der bei ruhendem Medium ermittelten Kurve überein. Somit können auch unter Fluss vergleichbare Werte für die Relaxationsraten der verschiedenen beteiligten Komponenten ermittelt werden.
Admiral Fitzroys legendäres Sturmglas
Authors: Kaempfe Paulina , Molt Karl , Epple Matthias
Published: December 2011

Es wurde die Zusammensetzung eines Sturmglases bestimmt und die Eignung zur Wettervorhersage dieses Instrumentes untersucht. Während der Luftdruck nur einen minimalen Einfluss auf den Zustand des Sturmglases hatte, spielte die Umgebungstemperatur eine große Rolle. Zyklische Temperaturwechsel zeigten, dass das Sturmglas bei einer bestimmten Temperatur immer eine identische Kristallhöhe ausbildete. Chemisch handelt es sich um ein komplexes System, das sich nahe an der temperaturabhängigen Löslichkeit des Camphers befindet. Eine Vorhersage des Wetters war nicht möglich.
Phase Separation in Mixtures of Ionic Liquids and Water
Authors: Chen Ye , Ke Fuyou , Wang Huaping , Zhang Yumei , Liang Dehai
Published: December 2011

The phase separation of ionic liquids (ILs) in water is studied by laser light scattering (LLS). For the ILs with longer alkyl chains, such as [C8mim]BF4 and [C6mim]BF4 (mim=methylimidazolium), macroscopic phase separation occurs in the mixture with water. LLS also reveals the coexistence of the mesoscopic phase, the size of which is in the order of 100–800 nm. In aqueous mixtures of ILs with shorter alkyl chains, such as [C4mim]BF4, only the mesoscopic phase exists. The mesoscopic phase can be effectively removed by filtration through a 0.22 μm filter. However, it reforms with time and can be enhanced by lowering the temperature, thus indicating that it is controlled by thermodynamics. The degree of mesoscopic phase separation can be used to evaluate the miscibility of ILs with water. This study helps to optimize the applications of ILs in related fields, as well as the recycling of ILs in the presence of water.
Statistical analysis of rare sequence variants: an overview of collapsing methods
Authors: Dering Carmen , Hemmelmann Claudia , Pugh Elizabeth , Ziegler Andreas
Published: December 2011

With the advent of novel sequencing technologies, interest in the identification of rare variants that influence common traits has increased rapidly. Standard statistical methods, such as the Cochrane‐Armitage trend test or logistic regression, fail in this setting for the analysis of unrelated subjects because of the rareness of the variants. Recently, various alternative approaches have been proposed that circumvent the rareness problem by collapsing rare variants in a defined genetic region or sets of regions. We provide an overview of these collapsing methods for association analysis and discuss the use of permutation approaches for significance testing of the data‐adaptive methods. Genet. Epidemiol. 35:S12–S17, 2011. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Analysis of exome sequences with and without incorporating prior biological knowledge
Authors: Namkung Junghyun , Raska Paola , Kang Jia , Liu Yunlong , Lu Qing , Zhu Xiaofeng
Published: December 2011

Next‐generation sequencing technology provides new opportunities and challenges in the search for genetic variants that underlie complex traits. It will also presumably uncover many new rare variants, but exactly how these variants should be incorporated into the data analysis remains a question. Several papers in our group from Genetic Analysis Workshop 17 evaluated different methods of rare variant analysis, including single‐variant, gene‐based, and pathway‐based analyses and analyses that incorporated biological information. Although the performance of some of these methods strongly depends on the underlying disease model, integration of known biological information is helpful in detecting causal genes. Two work groups demonstrated that use of a Bayesian network and a collapsing receiver operating characteristic curve approach improves risk prediction when a disease is caused by many rare variants. Another work group suggested that modeling local rather than global ancestry may be beneficial when controlling the effect of population structure in rare variant association analysis. Genet. Epidemiol. 35:S48–S55, 2011. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The many faces of the hairpin ribozyme: Structural and functional variants of a small catalytic rna
Authors: Müller Sabine , Appel Bettina , Krellenberg Tobias , Petkovic Sonja
Published: December 2011

The hairpin ribozyme is a small catalytic RNA that has been reengineered resulting in a number of variants with extended or even new functions. Thus, manipulation of the hairpin ribozyme structure has allowed for activity control by external effectors, namely oligonucleotides, flavine mononucleotide, and adenine. Hairpin ribozyme‐derived twin ribozymes that mediate RNA fragment exchange reactions as well as self‐processing hairpin ribozymes were designed. Furthermore, several hairpin ribozyme variants have been engineered for knock down of specific RNA substrates by adapting the substrate‐binding domain to the specific target sequence. This review will focus on hairpin ribozymes possessing structural extensions/variations and thus functionally differing from the parent hairpin ribozyme. © 2011 IUBMB, IUBMB Life,, 2011.
TRIM family: Pleiotropy and diversification through homomultimer and heteromultimer formation
Authors: Napolitano Luisa M. , Meroni Germana
Published: December 2011

The TRIM family is composed of multidomain ubiquitin E3 ligases characterized by the presence of the N‐terminal tripartite motif (RING, B‐boxes, and coiled coil). TRIM proteins transfer the ubiquitin moiety to specific substrates but are also involved in ubiquitin‐like modifications, in particular SUMOylation and ISGylation. The TRIM family members are involved in a plethora of biological and physiological processes and, when altered, are implicated in many pathological conditions. Growing evidence indicates the pleiotropic effect of several TRIM genes, each of which might be connected to very diverse cellular processes. As a way to reconcile a single family member with several functions, we propose that structural features, that is, their ability to homo‐ and hetero‐di(multi)merize, can increase and diversify TRIM ubiquitin E3 ligase capability. © 2011 IUBMB Life, 2011
Neuroprotective and neuroregenerative properties of metallothioneins
Authors: Santos Cecília R. A. , Martinho Ana , Quintela Telma , Gonçalves Isabel
Published: December 2011

Metallothioneins (MTs) are low‐molecular weight cysteine‐ and metal‐rich proteins with unquestionable metal binding capacity, antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory properties, and a clear involvement in diverse physiological actions as inhibition of proapoptotic mechanisms, enhancement of cell survival, and tissue regeneration. Concurrent with this wide array of functions, MT‐1/2 have been implicated in neuroprotection and neuroregeneration. The zinc binding capacity and antioxidant properties of MTs may account for most of their physiological features in the brain. However, some receptor‐mediated actions of MT‐1/2 have also been reported recently, a subject to be fully elucidated. This review analyses and updates the current knowledge on the actions of MTs related to neuroprotection and neuroregeneration in an effort to distinguish receptor‐mediated actions of MTs from those arising from its zinc binding capacity and its antioxidant properties. © 2011 IUBMB, IUBMB Life,, 2011.
Histopathologic host response to polypropylene‐based surgical mesh materials in a rat abdominal wall defect model
Authors: Huber Alexander , Boruch Alan V. , Nieponice Alejandro , Jiang Hongbin , Medberry Christopher , Badylak Stephen F.
Published: December 2011

Composite polypropylene‐based surgical mesh materials including various synthetic polymers and naturally occurring biomaterials have been developed to ameliorate device‐associated inflammatory response and associated reduced compliance of pure polypropylene meshes. This study evaluated the histomorphologic response of three composite polypropylene‐based surgical meshes, Revive™, a polycarbonate polyurethane reinforced monofilamentous polypropylene scaffold, Assure™, a polycarbonate polyurethane reinforced monofilamentous polypropylene scaffold with a resorbable anti‐adhesion layer of lactide caprolactone copolymer, and Proceed™, a polypropylene mesh modified with oxidized cellulose, in a soft tissue repair model in the rat. The host inflammatory response and neotissue formation were evaluated by semiquantitative histologic scoring including the amount of cellular infiltration, angiogenesis, presence of multinucleate giant cells, fibrous connective tissue formation, and host neo‐extracellular matrix deposition for up to 26 weeks. All three composite surgical mesh materials showed good integration with host tissue as indicated by rapid cellular infiltration, abundant neo‐vascularization, minimal shrinkage, and the lack of visible mesh degradation. The devices elicited a similar inflammatory response and the presence of a mild foreign body response in spite of the different composition and morphology of these composite mesh materials. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2012.
Fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva: Middle-age onset of heterotopic ossification from a unique missense mutation (c.974G > C, p.G325A) in ACVR1
Authors: Whyte Michael P , Wenkert Deborah , Demertzis Jennifer L , DiCarlo Edward F , Westenberg Erica , Mumm Steven
Published: December 2011

Fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva (FOP) is the rare mendelian disease characterized by congenital malformation of the great toes preceding heterotopic ossification (HO) and caused by heterozygous activating mutation of the ACVR1 gene, which encodes the ALK2 receptor for bone morphogenetic proteins. Early adult life is the latest reported presentation for the HO of FOP. The patient of our report first developed HO from FOP at 47 years of age. She had congenital hallux valgus deformity but despite various traumas was previously well. HO began several months after a brief, seemingly viral, illness. Sudden and progressive pain, redness, warmth, and swelling appeared over a scapula. Computed tomography was remarkable for asymmetrical thickening of muscles and fascial planes. At first, the significance of the great toe abnormalities went unrecognized elsewhere, and biopsy for suspected inflammatory fasciitis revealed proliferating fibroblasts with scattered inflammatory cells. Prednisone improved her symptoms but, when tapered, swellings developed on her chest, posterior thorax, and flank, and FOP was diagnosed. Methylprednisolone, methotrexate, and alendronate seemed to help her symptoms, but the lesions worsened and HO appeared and rapidly progressed. Mutation analysis of the ACVR1 gene revealed heterozygosity for a unique missense defect (c.974G > C, p.G325A) that predicted a conservative (mild) amino acid change within the kinase domain of ALK2. Hence, HO in FOP can be delayed until middle-age, and perhaps provoked by a viral illness. Nevertheless, progression of HO can then be rapid despite bisphosphonate and high-dose immunosuppressive therapy. Possibly, our patient's late-onset HO reflects her mild alteration of ALK2 or some protective and therapeutically useful genetic, epigenetic, or nongenetic factor. Recognition of presymptomatic individuals or late-onset HO in FOP should have these patients avoid traumas, treatments, and maybe viral illnesses that can initiate or exacerbate the HO. If the diagnosis of FOP is unclear, ACVR1 mutation analysis is available at certified laboratories. © 2012 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research
Cyclic even cycle systems of the complete graph
Authors: Wu Shung‐Liang
Published: December 2011

In this article, it is proved that for each even integer m⩾4 and each admissible value n with n>2m, there exists a cyclic m‐cycle system of Kn, which almost resolves the existence problem for cyclic m‐cycle systems of Kn with m even. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Combin Designs 20:23–39, 2012
Blind Dockings of Benzothiazoles to Multiple Receptor Conformations of Triosephosphate Isomerase from Trypanosoma cruzi and Human
Authors: Kurkcuoglu Zeynep , Ural Gulgun , Demet Akten E. , Doruker Pemra
Published: December 2011

We aim to uncover the binding modes of benzothiazoles, which have been reported as specific inhibitors of triosephosphate isomerase from the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi (TcTIM), by performing blind dockings on both TcTIM and human TIM (hTIM). Detailed analysis of binding sites and specific interactions are carried out based on ensemble dockings to multiple receptor conformers obtained from molecular dynamics simulations. In TcTIM dimer dockings, the inhibitors preferentially bind to the tunnel‐shaped cavity formed at the interface of the subunits, whereas non‐inhibitors mostly choose other sites. In contrast, TcTIM monomer binding interface and hTIM dimer interface do not present a specific binding site for the inhibitors. These findings point to the importance of the tunnel and of the dimeric form for inhibition of TcTIM. Specific interactions of the inhibitors and their sulfonate‐free derivatives with the receptor residues indicate the significance of sulfonate group for binding affinity and positioning on the TcTIM dimer interface. One of the inhibitors also binds to the active site, which may explain its relatively higher inhibition effect on hTIM.
The ability to achieve meiotic maturation in the dog oocyte is linked to glycolysis and glutamine oxidation
Authors: Songsasen Nucharin , Wesselowski Sonya , Carpenter James W. , Wildt David E.
Published: December 2011

We tested the hypothesis that meiotic competence of dog oocytes is tightly linked with donor follicle size and energy metabolism. Oocytes were recovered from small (<1 mm diameter, n = 327), medium (1–<2 mm, n = 292) or large (≥2 mm, n = 102) follicles, cultured for 0, 24, or 48 hr, and then assessed for glycolysis, glucose oxidation, pyruvate uptake, glutamine oxidation, and nuclear status. More oocytes (P < 0.05) from large follicles (37%) reached the metaphase‐II (MII) stage than from the small group (11%), with the medium‐sized class being intermediate (18%; P > 0.05). Glycolytic rate increased (P < 0.05) as oocytes progressed from the germinal vesicle (GV) to MII stage. After 48 hr of culture, oocytes completing nuclear maturation had higher (P < 0.05) glycolytic rates than those arrested at earlier stages. GV oocytes recovered from large follicle oocytes had higher (P < 0.05) metabolism than those from smaller counterparts at culture onset. MII oocytes from large follicles oxidized more (P < 0.05) glutamine than the same stage gametes recovered from smaller counterparts. In summary, larger‐sized dog follicles contain a more metabolically active oocyte with a greater chance of achieving nuclear maturation in vitro. These findings demonstrate a significant role for energy metabolism in promoting dog oocyte maturation, information that will be useful for improving culture systems for rescuing intraovarian genetic material. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 79: 186–196, 2012. Published 2011. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.
Microcoil‐based MR phase imaging and manganese enhanced microscopy of glial tumor neurospheres with direct optical correlation
Authors: Baxan Nicoleta , Kahlert Ulf , Maciaczyk Jaroslaw , Nikkhah Guido , Hennig Jürgen , von Elverfeldt Dominik
Published: December 2011

Susceptibility differences among tissues were recently used for highlighting complementary contrast in MRI different from the conventional T1, T2, or spin density contrasts. This method, based on the signal phase, previously showed improved image contrast of human or rodent neuroarchitecture in vivo, although direct MR phase imaging of cellular architecture was not available until recently. In this study, we present for the first time the ability of microcoil‐based phase MRI to resolve the structure of human glioma neurospheres at significantly improved resolutions (10 × 10 μm2) with direct optical image correlation. The manganese chloride property to function as a T1 contrast agent enabled a closer examination of cell physiology with MRI. Specifically the temporal changes of manganese chloride uptake, retention and release time within and from individual clusters were assessed. The optimal manganese chloride concentration for improved MR signal enhancement was determined while keeping the cellular viability unaffected. The presented results demonstrate the possibilities to reveal structural and functional observation of living glioblastoma human‐derived cells. This was achieved through the combination of highly sensitive microcoils, high magnetic field, and methods designed to maximize contrast to noise ratio. The presented approach may provide a powerful multimodal tool that merges structural and functional information of submilimeter biological samples. Magn Reson Med, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Mapping apparent eccentricity and residual ensemble anisotropy in the gray matter using angular double‐pulsed‐field‐gradient MRI
Authors: Shemesh Noam , Barazany Daniel , Sadan Ofer , Bar Leah , Zur Yuval , Barhum Yael , Sochen Nir , Offen Daniel , Assaf Yaniv , Cohen Yoram
Published: December 2011

Conventional diffusion MRI methods are mostly capable of portraying microarchitectural elements such as fiber orientation in white matter from detection of diffusion anisotropy, which arises from the coherent organization of anisotropic compartments. Double‐pulsed‐field‐gradient MR methods provide a means for obtaining microstructural information such as compartment shape and microscopic anisotropies even in scenarios where macroscopic organization is absent. Here, we apply angular double‐pulsed‐gradient‐spin‐echo MRI in the rat brain both ex vivo and in vivo for the first time. Robust angular dependencies are detected in the brain at long mixing time (tm). In many pixels, the oscillations seem to originate from residual directors in randomly oriented media, i.e., from residual ensemble anisotropy, as corroborated by quantitative simulations. We then developed an analysis scheme that enables one to map of structural indices such as apparent eccentricity (aE) and residual phase (φ) that enables characterization of the rat brain in general, and especially the rat gray matter. We conclude that double‐pulsed‐gradient‐spin‐echo MRI may in principle become important in characterizing gray matter morphological features and pathologies in both basic and applied neurosciences. Magn Reson Med, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.