bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Der Beitrag der Grünen Gentechnik
Authors: Sonnewald Uwe
Published: April 2012

Ein globaler Klimawandel, abnehmende Reserven an fossilen Rohstoffen, eine wachsende Weltbevölkerung sowie eine älter werdende Gesellschaft sind Herausforderungen, denen sich eine moderne Pflanzenzüchtung stellen muss. Zuchtziele werden deshalb zunehmend auch Fragen zur Produktion nachwachsender Rohstoffe und zur Sicherung ausreichender und qualitativ hochwertiger Lebens‐ und Futtermmittel sein. Insbesondere birgt ein weltweit steigender Energiebedarf die Gefahr, dass immer mehr landwirtschaftliche Nutzflächen für industrielle Anwendungen und nicht für die Lebensmittelproduktion verwendet werden. Deshalb ist die Züchtung von Hochleistungspflanzen zur Stoffproduktion von großer Bedeutung. Zur Optimierung der Produktion bestimmter Inhaltstoffe sind ein fundiertes molekulares und biochemisches Wissen der zugrunde liegenden Stoffwechselwege und die Verfügbarkeit von Technologien zur Übertragung dieser Erkenntnisse auf Nutzpflanzen erforderlich. Die Pflanzenbiotechnologie kann hierbei eine wesentliche Technologie darstellen, die sowohl bei der Entschlüsselung molekularer Zusammenhänge als auch bei der züchterischen Umsetzung von Bedeutung ist.
Zur Visualisierung von Evo‐Devo vor 100 Jahren
Authors: Markert Michael , Hoßfeld Uwe , Levit Georg S. , Olsson Lennart
Published: April 2012

Anlässlich einer noch bis 10. Juni 2012 stattfindenden Ausstellung “Tierische Bilder. Wandtafeln und Modelle mit Geschichte. Zeitgenössische Aquarelle” in der Galerie Stadtspeicher in Jena wird auch das “Modell eines menschlichen Embryos am Ende der 4. Woche (Embryo His Br3, nat. Größe 9,6 mm)” in restauriertem Zustand und der ursprünglichen Farbgebung gezeigt. Es gilt als eine der ersten didaktischen Visualisierungen der Entwicklungsbiologie (heute Evo‐Devo) in der deutschen Hochschullandschaft.
Drying Kinetics of Silica Gel: Statistical Discrimination Using Nonlinearity Measures
Authors: Souza G. F. M. V. , Miranda R. F. , Arruda E. B. , Mendoza O. S. H. , Barrozo M. A. S.
Published: April 2012

The objective of the present work was to analyze the drying kinetics of silica gel based on an experimental study performed in a thin‐layer dryer and a statistical discrimination of the main drying kinetic equations. Most semi‐empirical drying kinetics equations presented in the literature are nonlinear; thus, care should be taken when estimating parameters, since in some situations the estimators may not be appropriate. There are procedures available to validate the statistical properties of the least squares estimators of nonlinear models. In this study, five semi‐empirical drying kinetics equations were discriminated using measures of curvature and bias. The results showed that the Overhults equation is the best one to describe the drying kinetics of silica gel.
Halogenated Benzene Cation Radicals
Authors: Molski Matthias J. , Mollenhauer Doreen , Gohr Sebastian , Paulus Beate , Khanfar Monther A. , Shorafa Hashem , Strauss Steven H. , Seppelt Konrad
Published: April 2012

The halogenated benzenes C6HF5, 2,4,6‐C6H3F3, 2,3,5,6‐C6H2F4, C6F6, C6Cl6, C6Br6, and C6I6 were converted into their corresponding cation radicals by using various strong oxidants. The cation‐radical salts were isolated and characterized by electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy and by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. The thermal stability of the cation radicals increased with decreasing hydrogen content. As expected, the cation radicals [C6HF5]+ and 2,3,5,6‐[C6H2F4]+ had structures with the same geometry as C6HF5 and 2,3,5,6‐[C6H2F4]. In contrast, the cation radicals [C6F6]+, [C6Cl6]+, and possibly also [C6Br6]+ exhibited Jahn–Teller‐distorted geometries in the crystalline state. In the case of C6F6+Sb2F11−, two low‐symmetry geometries were observed in the same crystal. Interestingly, the structures of the cation radicals 2,4,6‐[C6H3F3]+ and C6I6+ did not exhibit Jahn–Teller distortions. DFT calculations showed that the explanation for the lack of distortion of these cations from the D3h or D6h symmetry of the neutral benzene precursor was different for 2,4,6‐[C6H3F3]+ than for [C6I6]+.
How Is Methane Formed and Oxidized Reversibly When Catalyzed by Ni‐Containing Methyl‐Coenzyme M Reductase?
Authors: Chen Shi‐Lu , Blomberg Margareta R. A. , Siegbahn Per E. M.
Published: April 2012

Ni‐containing methyl‐coenzyme M reductase (MCR) is capable of catalyzing methane formation and has recently been observed to also be able to catalyze the reverse reaction, the anaerobic oxidation of methane. The forward reaction has been extensively studied theoretically before and was found to consist of two steps. The first step is rate‐limiting and the second step was therefore treated at a lower level. For an accurate treatment of the reverse reaction, both steps have to be studied at the same level. In the present paper, the mechanisms for the reversible formation and oxidation of methane catalyzed by MCR have been investigated using hybrid density functional theory with recent developments, in particular including dispersion effects. An active‐site model was constructed based on the X‐ray crystal structure. The calculations indicate that the MCR reaction is indeed reversible and proceeds via a methyl radical and a Ni‐S(CoM) intermediate with reasonable reaction barriers in both directions. In a competing mechanism, the formation of the crucial Ni‐methyl intermediate, was found to be strongly endergonic by over 20 kcal mol−1 (including a barrier) with dispersion and entropy effects considered, and thus would not be reachable in a reasonable time under natural conditions.
More Efficiency in Plant Engineering with Digital Engineering
Authors: Schenk Michael
Published: April 2012

Neue Strategien und Konzepte sind gefragt, um die Effizienz von Anlagen über den gesamten Lebenszyklus zu steigern. Der Ansatz des Fraunhofer IFF zielt dabei auf die durchgängige Nutzung digitaler Methoden und Werkzeuge über den gesamten Produktentstehungs‐ und Produktionsprozess ab. Mit dem Lösungsansatz des Digital Engineerings kann die Vision der Virtuellen Anlage Wirklichkeit werden. Die Virtuelle Anlage integriert die Funktionen der innovativen Werkzeuge und Techniken einer Anlage mit dem Ziel, benötigte Informationen über den gesamten Anlagenlebenszyklus für alle am Produkt‐ und Produktionsprozess Beteiligten verfügbar zu machen.
Positronen‐Emissions‐Tomographie
Authors: Bauser Marcus , Lehmann Lutz
Published: April 2012

Die Positronen‐Emissions‐Tomographie (PET) hat nach mehr als 50 Jahren seit ihrer ersten Anwendung ihren festen Platz in der medizinischen Diagnostik gefunden. Möglich geworden ist dies durch die PET‐Tracer, die immer zahlreicher und ausgefeilter erforscht und entwickelt werden und durch die Beiträge der modernen medizinischen Chemie in enger Zusammenarbeit mit Radiochemikern. Es ist mit diesen Tracern möglich, Erkrankungen wie Alzheimer deutlich vor deren Ausbruch zu diagnostizieren, bei Krebs optimale Diagnosen und Therapien zu wählen und im Falle von Herz‐Kreislauf‐Erkrankungen eine effektive Herzinfarktnachsorge zu betreiben. Die neuen dynamischen Entwicklungen bei PET‐Tracern geht einher mit einer wachsenden Zahl von PET‐Scannern in den Radiologieabteilungen der Krankenhäuser. Jedoch wird diese Technologie noch nicht als Standarddiagnostik eingesetzt, weil die PET/CT‐Geräte noch sehr teuer und daher nicht flächendeckend in den radiologischen Abteilungen der Krankenhäuser verfügbar sind. Des Weiteren wird durch die komplexe Zubereitung des PET‐Tracers ein PET/CT‐Scan immer deutlich teurer sein als ein CT‐ oder MR‐Scan. Wir glauben jedoch, dass die Vorteile einer solchen Diagnostik den höheren Preis werden kompensieren können, denn diese faszinierende Technologie basierend auf Physik, Messtechnik und ausgefeilter Radiochemie liefert uns den Einstieg in eine genauere Diagnostik und damit eine bessere und “persönlichere” Therapie.
Brustimplantate
Authors: Sokolova Viktoriya , Epple Matthias
Published: April 2012

Brustimplantate werden in großer Zahl implantiert. Die verwendeten Materialien sind dabei bioinert, d.h. sie gehen mit dem Körper fast keine Wechselwirkungen ein. Als Material für Hülle und Füllung spielen Silikone eine wesentliche Rolle, wobei auch physiologische Kochsalzlösung als Füllung eingesetzt wird. Sofern Biomaterialien mit hoher Reinheit verwendet werden, ist der Einsatz von Brustimplantaten als medizinisch sicher anzusehen.
“Sie sind wohl doch nicht der richtige Mann”
Authors: Hübner Karl
Published: April 2012

Polyurethane zählen zu den vielseitigsten Polymeren überhaupt. Erfunden wurden sie in Leverkusen – im Jahr 1937. Doch ihr Entwickler Otto Bayer stieß zunächst auch auf Skepsis.
Rapid‐onset hypogonadism secondary to crizotinib use in men with metastatic nonsmall cell lung cancer
Authors: Weickhardt Andrew J. , Rothman Micol S. , Salian‐Mehta Smita , Kiseljak‐Vassiliades Katja , Oton Ana B. , Doebele Robert C. , Wierman Margaret E. , Camidge D. Ross
Published: April 2012

BACKGROUND:

The objective of this study was to document the differences in testosterone (T) levels between crizotinib‐treated and noncrizotinib‐treated patients with metastatic nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

METHODS:

Testosterone levels were measured in 19 men with metastatic NSCLC who received crizotinib and in 19 men with metastatic NSCLC who did not receive crizotinib. Clinical characteristics of the patients were compared, and additional hormone assays were performed as appropriate. Two patients who began crizotinib and 4 patients who had dose interruptions or who stopped crizotinib therapy had serial hormone measurements, permitting the documentation of dynamic hormone changes on and off crizotinib treatment.

RESULTS:

Total T levels were low (<241 ng/dL) in 19 of 19 (100%) crizotinib‐treated men and in 6 of 19 men (32%) with metastatic NSCLC who did not receive crizotinib (mean T levels, 131 ng/dL and 311 ng/dL, respectively; P = .0002). Only 1 in 5 patients who had anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) gene rearrangements and had not yet received crizotinib had low T. The initiation of crizotinib in 2 patients who had previously normal T levels was associated with a rapid decreases in T and in luteinizing hormone and follicle stimulating hormone levels within 14 to 21 days. Discontinuation of crizotinib led to increases back to normal T levels.

CONCLUSIONS:

Crizotinib therapy caused rapid suppression of T levels in men. The current results indicated that the site of action must include a central (hypothalamic or pituitary) effect, but additional direct testicular effects could not be excluded. Further work is required to assess the correlation between low T levels and crizotinib side effects as well as the exact molecular mechanism and site of drug toxicity. Cancer 2012. © 2012 American Cancer Society.
Sensory feedback alters spontaneous limb movements in newborn rats: Effects of unilateral forelimb weighting
Authors: Brumley Michele R. , Robinson Scott R.
Published: April 2012

Perinatal mammals show spontaneous movements that often appear random and uncoordinated. Here, we examined if spontaneous limb movements are responsive to a proprioceptive manipulation by applying a weight unilaterally to a forelimb of postnatal day 0 (P0; day of birth) and P1 rats. Weights were calibrated to approximate 0%, 25%, 50%, or 100% of the average mass of a forelimb, and were attached at the wrist. P0 and P1 pups showed different levels of activity during the period of limb weighting, in response to weight removal, and during the period after weighting. Pups exposed to 50% and 100% weights showed proportionately more activity in the nonweighted forelimb during the period of weighting, suggesting a threshold for evoking proprioceptive changes. Findings suggest that newborn rats use movement‐related feedback to modulate spontaneous motor activity, and corroborate studies of human infants that have suggested a role for proprioception during early motor development. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Dev Psychobiol 55: 323–333, 2013
Interactive effects of past and present environments on overwintering success—a reciprocal transplant experiment
Authors: Oksanen Tuula A. , Koivula Minna , Koskela Esa , Mappes Tapio , Soulsbury Carl D.
Published: April 2012

Life‐history traits are influenced by environmental factors throughout the lifespan of an individual. The relative importance of past versus present environment on individual fitness, therefore, is a relevant question in populations that face the challenge of temporally varying environment. We studied the interacting effects of past and present density on body mass, condition, and survival in enclosure populations of the bank vole (Myodes glareolus) using a reciprocal transplant design. In connection with the cyclic dynamics of natural vole populations, our hypothesis was that individuals born in low‐density enclosures would do better overwintering in low‐density enclosures than in high‐density enclosures and vice versa. Our results show that the effect of summer (past) density was strong especially on survival and body mass. The response of body mass to summer density was negative in both winter (present) density groups, whereas the response of survival probability was nonlinear and differed between the winter density groups. In particular, our data show a trend for higher overwintering success of individuals originating from the lowest summer densities in low winter density and vice versa. We therefore conclude that the capacity of individuals to respond to a change in density was constrained by the delayed density‐dependent effects of environment experienced in the past. These effects have the potential to contribute to vole population dynamics. Possible mechanisms mediating the effects of past environment into present performance include both intrinsic and environmental factors.
Synthesis and Solid‐State Investigations of Oligo‐Phenylene–Ethynylene Structures with Halide End‐Groups
Authors: Jenny Nicolas M. , Wang Hong , Neuburger Markus , Fuchs Harald , Chi Lifeng , Mayor Marcel
Published: April 2012

In the field of material science functionalization of substrate surfaces (e.g. metal, graphite) with organic molecules is of increasing interest. Desirable targets are molecules with functional groups providing for two‐dimensional assembly and three‐dimensional crystal growth. We have synthesized a series of halogen‐end‐capped oligo‐phenylene‐ethynylenes (OPEs) to study the interactions at the solid/liquid interface and in crystal structures. Organohalides can be involved in a wide variety of intermolecular interactions such as C–X···H, C–X···X–C and C–X···π‐orbitals. The range of halogen‐based interactions and the diversity of intermolecular forces along different crystal axes makes the investigation of such structures particular interesting and challenging. Here we probe the interplay of halide end‐groups and the backbone of an OPE to investigate the intermolecular interactions in both solution depositions (2D) and X‐ray crystal structures (3D). The STM images and the crystal structures of each OPE reveal striking packing similarities. For each molecule, a plane in the crystal structure with an arrangement of molecules resembling its two‐dimensional packing on a flat surface was found. These results support the hypothesis of sheet‐by‐sheet crystal growth and suggest that flat surfaces would be ideal interfaces to promote crystal growth for halide‐end‐capped OPEs.
A Nitro Sugar‐Mediated Stereocontrolled Synthesis of β2‐Amino Acids: Synthesis of a Polyhydroxylated trans‐2‐Amino­cyclohexanecarboxylic Acid
Authors: Otero José M. , Fernández Fernando , Estévez Juan C. , Nash Robert , Estévez Ramón J.
Published: April 2012

The first stereocontrolled nitro sugar‐mediated synthesis of polyhydroxylated β‐amino acids and their incorporation into peptides is described. The key steps of this approach are a Michael addition of the lithium salt of tris(phenylthio)methane (a carboxyl synthetic equivalent) to sugar nitro olefins, and the reduction of the nitro group to an amino group. Specifically, two glyceraldehyde‐based β‐amino acids and a polyhydroxylated cyclohexyl β‐amino acid were prepared. The latter, which could act as a water‐soluble mimic of the proline‐glycine δ‐turn, was easily transformed into the corresponding 5‐amino‐6‐(hydroxymethyl)cyclohexane‐1,2,3,4‐tetraol, a novel amino‐carbasugar. However, this did not show significant glycosidase inhibiting properties.
Electrochemical Behavior and Amperometric Detection of 4‐Chlorophenol on Nano‐Au Thin Films Modified Glassy Carbon Electrode
Authors: Qiu Cuicui , Dong Xiaoqiang , Ma Houyi , Hou Shifeng , Yang Jie
Published: April 2012

An amperometric sensor based on nano‐Au thin films was fabricated, by means of which a fast response to 4‐chlorophenol (4‐CP) can be achieved in the range of mM concentrations. The nanostructured Au thin film was prepared on glassy carbon electrodes by a template‐free, double‐potential step electrodeposition technique. Its structural feature can be controlled well by adjusting the deposition time. The amperometric detection of 4‐CP was performed at +0.85 V with a linear detection range from 0.2 to 4.8 mM and a detection limit of 0.11 mM (S/N=3). Besides, the effect of concentrations on the electrochemical behavior of 4‐CP on the Au thin film was investigated by linear sweep voltammetry, differential pulse voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy.
Fabrication of Acid Violet 34/Nickel Hydroxide Ultrathin Film and Its Electrocatalytic Performance for Glucose
Authors: Chen Li , Kong Xianggui , Yan Dongpeng , Wei Min , Duan Xue
Published: April 2012

This article reports the fabrication of Acid Violet 34 (AV34)/nickel hydroxide nanosheets ultrathin film on the glassy carbon electrode (GCE) via the electrostatic layer‐by‐layer (LBL) technique, and its electrocatalytic oxidation for glucose was demonstrated. UV‐vis absorption and electrochemical impedance spectra indicate the uniform deposition of the LBL film, with a continuous and smooth film surface observed by SEM and AFM. The electrochemical performance of the ultrathin film was studied by cyclic voltammetry and chronoamperometry. The (AV34/Ni(OH)2)5 ultrathin film modified electrode displays a fast direct electron transfer attributed to the Ni2+/Ni3+ redox couple as well as remarkable electrocatalytic activity towards the oxidation of glucose. The linear response was obtained in the range 0.5–13.5 mM (R=0.9994) with a low detection limit (14 µM), high sensitivity (25.9 µA mM−1 cm−2), rapid response (less than 1 s) and excellent anti‐interference properties to the species including ascorbic acid (AA), uric acid (UA), acetamidophenol (AP) and structurally related sugars. Therefore, the AV34/Ni(OH)2 ultrathin film can be potentially used as a feasible electrochemical sensor for the determination of glucose.
P‐selectin genotype is associated with the development of cancer cachexia
Authors: Tan Benjamin H. L. , Fladvad Torill , Braun Theodore P. , Vigano Antonio , Strasser Florian , Deans D. A. Christopher , Skipworth Richard J. E. , Solheim Tora S. , Damaraju Sambasivarao , Ross James A. , Kaasa Stein , Marks Daniel L. , Baracos Vickie E. , Skorpen Frank , Fearon Kenneth C. H. ,   European Palliative Care Research Collaborative
Published: April 2012

The variable predisposition to cachexia may, in part, be due to the interaction of host genotype. We analyzed 129 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in 80 genes for association with cachexia based on degree of weight loss (>5, >10, >15%) as well as weight loss in the presence of systemic inflammation (C‐reactive protein, >10 mg/l). 775 cancer patients were studied with a validation association study performed on an independently recruited cohort (n = 101) of cancer patients. The C allele (minor allele frequency 10.7%) of the rs6136 (SELP) SNP was found to be associated with weight loss >10% both in the discovery study (odds ratio (OR) 0.52; 95% confidence intervals (CI), 0.29–0.93; p = 0.026) and the validation study (OR 0.09, 95% CI 0.01–0.98, p = 0.035). In separate studies, induction of muscle atrophy gene expression was investigated using qPCR following either tumour‐induced cachexia in rats or intra‐peritoneal injection of lipopolysaccharide in mice. P‐selectin was found to be significantly upregulated in muscle in both models. Identification of P‐selectin as relevant in both animal models and in cachectic cancer patients supports this as a risk factor/potential mediator in cachexia.

See accompanying article http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/emmm.201200232
Microstructure of Gas Diffusion Layers for PEM Fuel Cells
Authors: Parikh N. , Allen J. S. , Yassar R. S.
Published: April 2012

The gas diffusion layer (GDL) is a critical component of a proton exchange membrane fuel cell, and can play a key role in fuel cell performance. In order to design reliable and durable fuel cells, knowledge of the GDL microstructure is necessary. Currently, characterization of GDLs is generally based on porosity measurements to obtain a pore size distribution. However, the pore size distribution in GDLs may not be the only factor that affects the fuel cell performance. Additional microstructural characterization of GDLs manufactured by three different vendors (Toray, SGL, and Freudenberg) has been investigated. In addition to the pore size distribution, other statistical information of GDL microstructure including size, shape, orientation, and distribution of pores have been characterized and compared. Among these GDLs, the Freudenberg sample was found to have the smallest pore size and orientation analysis indicated that the pores were randomly distributed. Pore roundness was the lowest and pore clustering was highest in Toray sample. The effect of threshold setting on pore size data was also studied and found to have negligible influence on the calculated distributions. The microstructures of the GDLs were reconstructed in three‐dimension using computer simulations and good agreement with the two‐dimensional image analysis data was observed. The present work opens new opportunities for experimentalists and modelers in the area of fuel cell research to take into account the statistical characteristics of GDL microstructure.
Glial glutamate transport modulates dendritic spine head protrusions in the hippocampus
Authors: Verbich David , Prenosil George A. , Chang Philip K.‐Y. , Murai Keith K. , McKinney R. Anne
Published: April 2012

Accumulating evidence supports the idea that synapses are tripartite, whereby perisynaptic astrocytes modulate both pre‐ and postsynaptic function. Although some of these features have been uncovered by using electrophysiological methods, less is known about the structural interplay between synapses and glial processes. Here, we investigated how astrocytes govern the plasticity of individual hippocampal dendritic spines. Recently, we uncovered that a subgroup of innervated dendritic spines is able to undergo remodeling by extending spine head protrusions (SHPs) toward neighboring functional presynaptic boutons, resulting in new synapses. Although glutamate serves as a trigger, how this behavior is regulated is unknown. As astrocytes control extracellular glutamate levels through their high‐affinity uptake transporters, together with their privileged access to synapses, we investigated a role for astrocytes in SHP formation. Using time‐lapse confocal microscopy, we found that the volume overlap between spines and astrocytic processes decreased during the formation of SHPs. Focal application of glutamate also reduced spine‐astrocyte overlap and induced SHPs. Importantly, SHP formation was prevented by blocking glial glutamate transporters, suggesting that glial control of extracellular glutamate is important for SHP‐mediated plasticity of spines. Hence, the dynamic changes of both spines and astrocytes can rapidly modify synaptic connectivity. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The role of the pulvinar in distractor processing and visual search
Authors: Strumpf Hendrick , Mangun George R. , Boehler Carsten N. , Stoppel Christian , Schoenfeld Mircea A. , Heinze Hans‐Jochen , Hopf Jens‐Max
Published: April 2012

The pulvinar nuclei of the thalamus are hypothesized to coordinate attentional selection in the visual cortex. Different models have, however, been proposed for the precise role of the pulvinar in attention. One proposal is that the pulvinar mediates shifts of spatial attention; a different proposal is that it serves the filtering of distractor information. At present, the relation between these possible operations and their relative importance in the pulvinar remains unresolved. We address this issue by contrasting these proposals in two fMRI experiments. We used a visual search paradigm that permitted us to dissociate neural activity reflecting shifts of attention from activity underlying distractor filtering. We find that distractor filtering, but not the operation of shifting attention, is associated with strong activity enhancements in dorsal and ventral regions of the pulvinar as well as in early visual cortex areas including the primary visual cortex. Our observations indicate that distractor filtering is the preponderant attentional operation subserved by the pulvinar, presumably mediated by a modulation of processing in visual areas where spatial resolution is sufficiently high to separate target from distractor input. Hum Brain Mapp, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Genetic and sex influence on neuropathic pain‐like behaviour after spinal cord injury in the rat
Authors: Dominguez C.A. , Ström M. , Gao T. , Zhang L. , Olsson T. , Wiesenfeld‐Hallin Z. , Xu X.‐J. , Piehl F.
Published: April 2012

Background

Chronic pain of neuropathic nature after spinal cord injury (SCI) is common and its underlying mechanisms are poorly understood. Genes, as well as sex, have been implicated, but not thoroughly investigated in experimental genetic models for complex traits. We have previously found that inbred Dark‐Agouti (DA) rats develop more severe SCI pain‐like behaviour than a major histocompatibility complex‐congenic Piebald Virol Glaxo (PVG)‐RT1av1 strain in a model of photochemically induced SCI.

Methods

In this study, a genome‐wide linkage study in an F2 cross between the susceptible DA and resistant PVG‐RT1av1 strains was performed in order to explore the influence of genes and sex for SCI pain.

Results

A consistent finding was that female rats in parental, F1 and F2 generations displayed increased pain sensitivity at testing before injury and also developed mechanical hypersensitivity more rapidly and to a greater extent than male rats. In addition, we could identify three quantitative trait loci (QTLs) associated with pain‐like behaviour: a sex‐specific QTL on chromosome 2, one on chromosome 15 and on chromosome 6. Animals carrying DA alleles at each of these loci were more susceptible to development of mechanical hypersensitivity compared with rats with PVG alleles.

Conclusion

This is the first whole genome QTL mapping of neuropathic pain‐like behaviour in a model of SCI. The results provide strong support for a significant genetic and sex component in development of pain after SCI and provide the basis for further genetic dissection and positional cloning of the underlying genes.
JERUSALEM and ATHENS: The Religious Worker on the College Campus
Authors: CAREY JOHN J.
Published: April 2012

Centuries ago when the Christian religion was beginning to make a serious impact upon the Greco‐Roman world, one of the leading thinkers of the early Church, Tertullian of Carthage, raised the question “What does Jerusalem have to do with Athens?” Just as this was a crucial question at the beginning of the third century, so it is a crucial question in our own time, for the traditions of Jerusalem and Athens are still very much with us. Jerusalem is still a symbol for the religious man, and represents faith, revelation, personal commitment, and the truth of personal experience; Athens remains a symbol for the academic man, and stands for reason, analysis, objectivity, and the truth of research and experiment. The tradition of Jerusalem is carried on by the church and synagogue; the tradition of Athens is upheld by our colleges and universities.
SOCIAL FACTORS IN VOCATIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Authors: LIPSETT LAURENCE
Published: April 2012

As the guidance movement developed in its first three or four decades, its progress was marked by refinement of tests and other measuring devices. From the development of intelligence tests, it proceeded to interest inventories, dexterity tests, and a variety of devices purporting to measure various aptitudes and personality traits.

While the counseling and guidance profession was emphasizing tests, sociologists and social psychologists had begun to discover the importance of social factors relevant to vocational development, such as the relationship between social class membership and attending college [8,14,15]. Some results of sociological studies are reflected in the theories of vocational choice or vocational development outlined by Ginzberg [7], Super [13], and Beilin [1]. The trend from “vocational guidance” to “counseling psychology” may also represent some implicit leaning toward a broader frame of reference which would give more consideration to social factors. It is the purpose of this paper to (1) bring together some of the published sociological information most relevant for counseling psychology, (2) suggest additional inferences from social factors, and (3) outline specific kinds of social information which counseling psychologists would need in order to incorporate sociological knowledge and theory into their professional practice.
THE VALUE PATTERNS OF MEN WHO VOLUNTARILY QUIT SEMINARY TRAINING
Authors: MAEHR MARTIN L. , STAKE ROBERT E.
Published: April 2012

The ministry is one of the oldest, most respected, and most unique professions. Its practitioners are men of uncommon dedication and talent. Although different assignments for ministers require different combinations of abilities and personality traits, it is widely believed that all who enter the ministry, regardless of the specific assignments they may receive, should be more than minimally intelligent and communicative and should have a commitment to a specific pattern of personal values. Although certain spokesmen for the churches deplore the idea of a uniform and regimented clergy, there is considerable agreement among the objectives of different seminaries, and there is a general feeling among lay persons that the minister should be a man of certain distinctions.

Measurement of these personal characteristics has become increasingly widespread in recent years as a result of the continuing development and refinement of interest inventories, attitude questionnaires, and value scales. Some writers anticipate that further psychometric exploration of these personality variables will facilitate and enhance the selection of candidates for the ministry [2, 4, 5, 7, 8]. This article reports the results of one such psychometric exploration.
Understanding Dispositions Toward Reading on the Internet
Authors: Coiro Julie
Published: April 2012

Students' perceptions about the Internet's usefulness and potential to engage them in academic learning tasks have been found to influence their success in reading for information in online tasks. This article helps to understand the types of dispositions that adolescents may have toward reading on the Internet and how to characterize these dispositions in ways that inform teaching. First, the author answers four key questions and summarizes findings from one of three instruments recently developed to assess adolescents' attitudes and beliefs about reading on the Internet. Then, a brief set of guidelines is provided to help teachers foster positive dispositions about online reading comprehension in ways that address today's rigorous standards‐based curricula.
Overexpression of synoviolin facilitates the formation of a functional synovial biomembrane
Authors: Chen Gang , Zhang Shao‐Xiang , Tao Zhong‐Fen , Xiong Yan , Sun Wei , Lu Ju , Pan Feng , Zhang Zheng‐Zhi
Published: April 2012

Digital flexor tendon repair poses a significant challenge for hand surgeons. Currently, extrasynovial tendon grafts are frequently used in clinical settings to bridge flexor tendon defects. However, the healing process is always accompanied by postoperative adhesion. This is mostly due to the fact that no synovial membrane covers the extrasynovial tendon surface, in contrast to the intrasynovial tendon. In this study, we present an efficient method of developing a functional synovial biomembrane on the surface of the extrasynovial tendon. Synoviocytes were isolated from the knee joint of a Japanese white rabbit. After being infected with lentivirus, the over‐expression of synoviolin in these synoviocytes was confirmed by semi‐quantitative RT‐PCR and western blotting. Cellular proliferation and increased hyaluronic acid secretion were confirmed in the synoviolin over‐expressing synoviocytes by MTT‐based method, cell cycle assays and ELISA. Furthermore, the synoviolin over‐expressing synoviocytes were co‐cultured with extrasynovial tendons that were harvested from the hind leg of rabbits. After being co‐cultured in vitro for 3 and 7 days, these infected synoviocytes were found to accelerate the formation of a biomembrane on the tendon surface compared to the control group. More importantly, Alcian blue staining confirmed the ability of this cultured biomembrane to produce specific matrices containing acidic carboxyl mucopolysaccharides (mainly hyaluronic acid). All these results demonstrate that the over‐expression of synoviolin stimulates the proliferation and HA secretion of synoviocytes and facilitates the formation of a functional synovial biomembrane. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A, 2012.
Antimicrobial peptide incorporated poly(2‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate) hydrogels for the prevention of Staphylococcus epidermidis‐associated biomaterial infections
Authors: Laverty Garry , Gorman Sean P. , Gilmore Brendan F.
Published: April 2012

The effectiveness of the antimicrobial peptide maximin‐4, the ultrashort peptide H‐Orn‐Orn‐Trp‐Trp‐NH2, and the lipopeptide C12‐Orn‐Orn‐Trp‐Trp‐NH2 in preventing adherence of pathogens to a candidate biomaterial were tested utilizing both matrix‐ and immersion‐loaded poly(2‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate) (poly(HEMA)) hydrogels. Antiadherent properties correlated to both the concentration released and the relative antimicrobial concentrations of each compound against Staphylococcus epidermidis ATCC 35984, at each time point. Immersion‐loaded samples containing C12‐Orn‐Orn‐Trp‐Trp‐NH2 exhibited the lowest adherence profile for all peptides studied over 1, 4, and 24 h. The results outlined in this article show that antimicrobial peptides have the potential to serve as an important weapon against biomaterial associated infections. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A, 2012.
Adhesion of Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa onto nanohydroxyapatite as a bone regeneration material
Authors: Grenho L. , Manso M. C. , Monteiro F. J. , Ferraz M. P.
Published: April 2012

In orthopedics due to the enormous number of surgical procedures involving invasive implant biomaterials, infections have a huge impact in terms of morbidity, mortality, and medical costs. In this study the initial adhesion of several strains namely Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, to nanohydroxyapatite, previously heat‐treated at 725°C and 1000°C was assessed. Adherent cells were evaluated by scanning electron microscopy and quantified by confocal laser scanning microscopy and as colony forming units after being released by sonication. The wettability and roughness of samples surfaces were assessed by contact angle measurements and atomic force microscopy, respectively. Nanohydroxyapatite heat‐treated at 1000°C appeared to be more resistant to bacterial adhesion, over time, in five of the six tested strains while the clinical strains isolated from orthopedic infections presented superior ability to adhere, as well as better capacity to produce slime. The increase in materials sintering temperature resulted in increased hydrophobicity and roughness; however, other surface features such as the decrease in surface area and on porosity as well as the decrease on zeta potential may be the aspects that contributed to a lower bacterial adhesion on the materials sintered at 1000°C. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A, 2012.
Structure–property investigations with dielectric study on phosphorylcholine‐based polyurethane
Authors: Zhang Qi , Zhu Dan , Su Fu , Xie Yun , Ma Zhenmao , Shen Jian
Published: April 2012

Polyurethane with zwitterionic phosphorylcholine on the main chain was synthesized and the structures were defined with FTIR and 1HNMR. The mechanical (tensile strength, elastic modulus) and biological (platelet adhesion) evaluations of its blend films with polyurethane were of satisfactory results, which were in accordance with the requirements of the medical devices, showing their potential applications as anticoagulant biomaterials. The dielectric spectroscopy was recorded with solid films and with films in water. The dielectric dispersion of the solid films demonstrated the existence of condensed ionic structures, which lead to the rigidity enhancement of the soft segment of the phosphorylcholine‐based polyurethane, so that its elastic modulus increased. The dielectric measurement with films in water, providing a measurement for the surface properties in the aqueous environment, offered a semiquantitative description of the interface dynamics of the material with a double‐layer model, based on which a new hypothesis on the mechanism of blood or bio‐compatibility was proposed that the hydrated surface of the satisfactory biomaterials can response to the outside electromagnetic stimuli with slight strength and prompt relaxation. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A, 2012.
A three‐prong strategy to develop functional food using protein isolates recovered from chicken processing by‐products with isoelectric solubilization/precipitation
Authors: Tahergorabi Reza , Sivanandan Litha , Beamer Sarah K , Matak Kristen E , Jaczynski Jacek
Published: April 2012

BACKGROUND: Skin‐on bone‐in chicken drumsticks were processed with isoelectric solubilization/precipitation to recover muscle proteins. The drumsticks were used as a model for dark chicken meat processing by‐products. The main objective of this study was conversion of dark chicken meat processing by‐products to restructured functional food product. An attempt was made to develop functional food product that would resemble respective product made from boneless skinless chicken breast meat. A three‐prong strategy to address diet‐driven cardiovascular disease (CVD)with a functional food was used in this study. The strategy included addition of three ingredients with well‐documented cardiovascular benefits: (i) ω‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acid‐rich oil (flaxseed‐algae, 9:1); (ii) soluble fiber; and (iii) salt substitute. Titanium dioxide, potato starch, polyphosphate, and transglutaminase were also added. The batters were formulated and cooked resulting in heat‐set gels.

RESULTS: Color (L*a*b*), texture (torsion test, Kramer shear test, and texture profile analysis), thermal denaturation (differential scanning calorimetry), and gelation (dynamic rheology) of chicken drumstick gels and chicken breast gels were determined and compared. Chicken drumstick gels generally had comparable color and texture properties to the gels made from chicken breast meat. The endothermic transition (thermal denaturation) of myosin was more pronounced and gelation properties were better for the drumstick gels.

CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated a feasibility to develop functional food made of muscle proteins recovered with isoelectric solubilization/precipitation from low‐value dark chicken meat processing by‐products. The functional food developed in this study was enriched with CVD‐beneficial nutrients and had comparable instrumental quality attributes to respective products made of chicken breast meat. Although the results of this study point towards the potential for a novel, marketable functional food product, sensory tests and storage stability study are recommended. Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Composition and health effects of phenolic compounds in hawthorn (Crataegus spp.) of different origins
Authors: Yang Baoru , Liu Pengzhan
Published: April 2012

Epicatechin, aglycons and glycosides of B‐type oligomeric procyanidins and flavonols, phenolic acids and C‐glycosyl flavones are the major groups of phenolic compounds in hawthorn (Crataegus spp). The total content of phenolic compounds is higher in the leaves and flowers than in the fruits. Procyanidins dominate in the fruits, whereas flavonol glycosides and C‐glycosyl flavones are most abundant in the leaves. Genotype and developmental/ripening stage have strong impacts. Procyanidin glycosides and C‐glycosyl flavones may be chemotaxonomic markers differentiating species and varieties of hawthorn. Future research shall improve the separation, identification and quantification of procyanidins with degree of polymerisation (DP) ≥ 6, procyanidin glycosides, C‐glycosyl flavones and some flavonol glycosides. In vitro and animal studies have shown cardioprotective, hypolipidaemic, hypotensive, antioxidant, radical‐scavenging and anti‐inflammatory potentials of hawthorn extracts, suggesting different phenolic compounds as the major bioactive components. However, the varying and insufficiently defined composition of the extracts investigated, as a result of different raw materials and extraction methods, makes comparison of the studies very difficult. Clinical evidence indicates that some hawthorn extracts may increase the exercise tolerance of patients with congestive heart failure. More clinical studies are needed to establish the effects of hawthorn, especially in healthy humans. Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Microwave ablation versus partial nephrectomy for small renal tumors: Intermediate‐term results
Authors: Guan Wei , Bai Jian , Liu Jihong , Wang Shaogang , Zhuang Qianyuan , Ye Zhangqun , Hu Zhiquan
Published: April 2012

Background and Objectives

Prospective randomized comparison of intermediate‐term outcomes of patients with small renal tumors who were treated with partial nephrectomy (PN) or microwave ablation.

Methods

Of 102 selected patients with solitary small renal tumors who had prospectively completed at least 2 years of follow‐up since December 2004, randomizedly, 54 had either open (19) or laparoscopic (35) PN and 48 had laparoscopic (28) or open (20) microwave ablation. Patient and tumor characteristics, surgical data, complications, histologic and oncologic data, and functional data of the two approaches were compared.

Results

Patients in microwave ablation group and PN group matched for age, sex, American Society of Anesthesiologists score, body mass index, and tumor size and were respectively followed for median 32 and 36 months. Surgical and hospitalization times were comparable in both groups. Estimated blood loss, complication rates, and decline of postoperative renal function were significantly less in the microwave ablation group (P = 0.0002, P = 0.0187, and P = 0.0092, respectively). The decrease in estimated glomerular filtration rate at the last available follow‐up was similar in both groups (P = 1.0000). There were no disease‐specific deaths. Kaplan–Meier estimates of overall local recurrence‐free survival at 3 years were 91.3% for microwave ablation and 96.0% for PN (P = 0.5414); the respective numbers for renal cell carcinomas were 90.4 and 96.6% (P = 0.4650).

Conclusions

Microwave ablation can be also safely and efficiently done for patients with small renal tumors. This intermediate analysis showed that microwave ablation provides favorable results compared to PN. However, longer term data are still needed. J. Surg. Oncol. 2012; 106:316–321. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Overexpression of CDC20 predicts poor prognosis in primary non‐small cell lung cancer patients
Authors: Kato Tatsuya , Daigo Yataro , Aragaki Masato , Ishikawa Keidai , Sato Masaaki , Kaji Mitsuhito
Published: April 2012

Background

This study examined the expression of CDC20 in human non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), explored its clinicopathological significance, and evaluated as a potential prognostic marker.

Methods

A total of 362 cases of NSCLCs were analyzed immunohistochemically on tissue microarrays (TMAs). Additionally, the immunoreactivity of mitotic arrest defective protein 2 (MAD2) was also studied. The clinicopathological implications of these molecules were analyzed statistically.

Results

High‐level CDC20 protein expression (CDC20‐H) was detected in 71 cases (19.6%). Additionally, CDC20‐H was correlated with male sex, pT status, pleural invasion, and non‐adenocarcinoma (non‐ADC) histology. Significant correlation between CDC20 and MAD2 expression was found. NSCLC patients with tumor exhibiting CDC20‐H showed significantly shorter 5‐year overall survival (P = 0.0007). According to subset analyses, CDC20‐H was associated with shorter survival than CDC20‐L only among ADC patients (P = 0.0008), and not among squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) patients (P = 0.5100). Importantly, CDC20‐H was also identified as an independent prognostic factor in multivariate analysis (P = 0.0065).

Conclusions

CDC20 was a negative prognostic marker with significance in patients with resected NSCLC, particularly those with ADC histology. These results provide additional information for determining postoperative adjuvant treatment. J. Surg. Oncol. 2012; 106:423–430. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Tumor‐associated macrophages promote angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis of gastric cancer
Authors: Wu Hui , Xu Jian‐Bo , He Yu‐Long , Peng Jian‐Jun , Zhang Xin‐Hua , CHEN Chuang‐Qi , Li Wen , Cai Shi‐Rong
Published: April 2012

Background and Objectives

This study was conducted to investigate whether and how macrophages recruited to tumor microenvironments (tumor‐associated macrophages, TAMs) were involved in angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis of gastric cancer (GC).

Methods

TAMs, microvessel density (MVD), and lymphatic vessel density (LVD) in 115 cases of GC tissue were assessed by immunohistochemistry (IHC) staining of CD68, CD34, and D2‐40, respectively. Preoperative blood samples from 43 patients were obtained to detect serum levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and VEGF‐C. A co‐culture system was also developed to study effects and underlying mechanisms of THP‐1 macrophages on SGC7901 GC cells.

Results

TAMs numbers were closely related to serosa invasion, lymph node metastasis and tumor, nodes, and metastases stage and a positive correlation existed between the TAMs count and MVD and LVD. Additionally, TAMs were associated with preoperative serum levels of VEGF and VEGF‐C, the expression of VEGF and VEGF‐C protein in macrophages was up‐regulated in the co‐culture system, and inhibition of the NF‐κB pathway in macrophages induced a significant reduction in the expression of VEGF and VEGF‐C in both macrophages and GC cells (all P < 0.05).

Conclusions

TAMs may promote angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis of GC, possibly by enhancing VEGF and VEGF‐C expression. J. Surg. Oncol. 2012; 106:462–468. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.