bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Functional regulation of Slug / Snail2 is dependent on GSK‐3β‐mediated phosphorylation
Authors: Kim Jin Young , Kim Young Mee , Yang Chang Hee , Cho Somi K. , Lee Jung Weon , Cho Moonjae
Published: June 2012

Snail family proteins regulate transcription of molecules for cell–cell adhesion during epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT). Based on putative glycogen synthase kinase 3β (GSK‐3β) phosphorylation sites within the Slug/Snail2, we explored the significance of GSK‐3β‐mediated phosphorylation in Slug/Snail2 expression during EMT. Mutation of the putative GSK‐3β phosphorylation sites (S92/96A or S100/104A) enhanced the Slug/Snail2‐mediated EMT properties of E‐cadherin repression and vimentin induction, compared with wild‐type Slug/Snail2. S92/96A mutation inhibited degradation of Slug/Snail2 and S100/104A mutation extended nuclear stabilization. Inhibition of GSK‐3β activity caused similar effects, as did the phosphorylation mutations. Thus, our study suggests that GSK‐3β‐mediated phosphorylation of Slug/Snail2 controls its turnover and localization during EMT.
Use of negative pressure wound therapy to help facilitate limb preservation
Authors: Armstrong David G , Andros George
Published: June 2012

Because of changes in demography, non‐communicable diseases cause more deaths worldwide than infectious disease for the first time in history. One of the most prevalent of these maladies is diabetes mellitus, which resulted in 4·6 million deaths in 2011. There will be approximately 552 million people with diabetes worldwide by 2030. For these patients, one of the most common severe complications will be a foot wound. Patients with diabetes have at least a 25% lifetime risk of developing a foot ulcer. Many of these infections go on to amputation. Those patients have a 50% mortality rate in the 5 years following the initial amputation. Indeed, these problems are costly as well. In 2010, spending on diabetes was estimated to account for 11·6% of the total health care expenditure in the world. This review merges scientific evidence with expert experience to show the role of negative pressure wound therapy using reticulated open cell foam (V.A.C.® Therapy, KCI USA, Inc., San Antonio, TX) in limb preservation.
Activity of MMP‐9 after repair of abdominal wall defects with acellular and crosslinked bovine pericardium in rabbit
Authors: Singh Himani , Kumar Naveen , Sharma AK , Kataria Meena , Munjal Ashok , Kumar Amit , Dewangan Rukmani , Kumar Vineet , Devarathnam J , Kumar Sachin
Published: June 2012

This study was undertaken for the identification of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) in extracts obtained from native, acellular and crosslinked bovine pericardium (in vitro), as well as in the plasma after implantation of these biomaterials in rabbits (in vivo). Native pericardium (NP) expressed a 72 kDa (MMP‐2) band; whereas, in acellular pericardium (AP) two bands (10 kDa and 92 kDa) of MMPs were observed of which, 92 kDa band was very faint. AP crosslinked with glutaraldehyde did not show any gelatinase activity and thus reflects the creation of new additional chemical bonds between the collagen molecules which has been effectively removed. Gelatin zymography showed only one major band of 92 kDa in all the implanted and untreated rabbit plasma, but the relative amount of 92 kDa was 1–2 times higher in acellular bovine pericardium implanted rabbits as compared to crosslinked and native groups. In NP group, the 92 kDa band was the dullest among the three groups. This indicated that the level of MMP‐9 corresponds to the degree of collagen degradation.
Human leukocyte antigen‐A, ‐B, ‐C, ‐DRB1 and ‐DQB1 allele and haplotype frequencies in an Albanian population from Kosovo
Authors: Sulcebe G. , Cuenod M. , Sanchez‐Mazas A. , Tiercy J.‐M. , Zhubi B. , Shyti E. , Kardhashi V.
Published: June 2012

HLA‐A, HLA‐B, HLA‐C, HLA‐DRB1 and HLA‐DQB1 genotyping was performed in a sample of Albanian population from Kosovo. The comparison of the respective allele frequencies through Fst analysis resulted in a close relationship with the Albanians from Albania, the Bulgarians, FYROM Macedonians and Greeks, while the other neighbouring populations are slightly more distant.
Distribution of HLA‐G 14‐bp insertion/deletion polymorphism in six Chinese ethnic groups
Authors: Tao Y. , Chen J. , Yao Y. , Shi L. , Lin K. , Huang X. , Dong Z. , Chu J. , Shi L.
Published: June 2012

Recently, a 14‐bp insertion/deletion polymorphism (+14 bp/−14 bp) in exon 8 of the Human leucocyte antigen‐G (HLA‐G) gene has been studied extensively because this polymorphism has been associated with HLA‐G mRNA stability and could influence HLA‐G mRNA expression. We investigated the distribution of the 14‐bp insertion/deletion polymorphism in six different Chinese ethnic groups (Bulang, Wa, Hani, Jinuo, Maonan and Zhuang), which originated from three major ancient tribes (Di‐Qiang, Baipu and Baiyue) in China. Comparison of the 14‐bp insertion frequency in the six groups with other Chinese groups showed marked variation among the three ancient tribes, Di‐Qing (0.490–0.534), Baipu (0.470–0.609) and Baiyue (0.280–0.344). Furthermore, the frequencies of the 14‐bp insertion were similar in groups that came from the same ancient tribe, which indicated that the individuals who share the 14‐bp insertion have the most probably inherited the 14‐bp element from a common ancestor. In addition, an intra‐tribal comparison of the 14‐bp insertion/deletion frequencies between the descendants of the ancient ancestral tribes suggests that population histories or some environmental effects, such as founder effect or isolation, might also influence the distribution.
Increased severity of acute graft versus host disease as a result of differential expression following a homozygous gene deletion
Authors: Jervis S. , Collins P. , Tate D. , Foster L. , Bowman V. , Adhern C. , Bloor A. , Yin J. , Wynn R. , Poulton K.
Published: June 2012

Acute graft versus host disease (aGvHD) is a major cause of early morbidity post‐haematopoietic stem cell transplantation with minor histocompatibility antigens being a contributing factor. One mHA encoded by the UDP glycosyltransferase 2 family polypeptide B17 (UGT2B17) gene has been shown to be immunogenic because of differential expression in the donor and recipient. We investigated the effects of a homozygous gene deletion of UGT2B17 on the severity of acute aGvHD post‐HSCT in HLA‐matched related donors. 115 donor and recipient HLA and UGT2B17 genotypes were determined using PCR‐SSO and PCR‐SSP, respectively. aGvHD grading was determined using routine criteria and dichotomized into either nonclinically significant (0–I) or clinically significant (II–IV). For all analyses, P‐values of ≤ 0.05 were considered significant. The frequency of the gene deletion within the total cohort tested was 29.1%. A significant increase in aGvHD severity (grades II‐IV) was seen in UGT2B17 recipients expressing the protein when transplanted with a UGT2B17 disparate donor (P = 0.011). We observed a significant association between UGT2B17 expressing recipients and UGT2B17 deficient donors with the severity of aGvHD. This study provides additional evidence that genomic variations may predispose to more severe aGvHD, but are not a mechanism for GvHD.
Evaluating TCE Abiotic and Biotic Degradation Pathways in a Permeable Reactive Barrier Using Compound Specific Isotope Analysis
Authors: Lojkasek‐Lima Paulo , Aravena Ramon , Shouakar‐Stash Orfan , Frape Shaun K. , Marchesi Massimo , Fiorenza Stephanie , Vogan John
Published: June 2012

A pilot‐scale zero valent iron (ZVI) Permeable Reactive Barrier (PRB) was installed using an azimuth‐controlled ‐vertical hydrofracturing at an industrial facility to treat a chlorinated Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) plume. Following ZVI injection, no significant reduction in concentration was observed to occur with the exception of some multilevel monitoring wells, which also showed high levels of total organic carbon (TOC). These patterns suggested that the zero valent iron was not well distributed in the PRB creating leaky conditions. The geochemical data indicated reducing conditions in these areas where VOC reduction was observed, suggesting that biotic processes, associated to the guar used in the injection of the iron, could be a major mechanism of VOC degradation. Compound‐Specific Isotope Analysis (CSIA) using both carbon and chlorine stable isotopes were used as a complementary tool for evaluating the contribution of abiotic and biotic processes to VOC trends in the vicinity of the PRB. The isotopic data showed enriched isotope values around the PRB compared to the isotope composition of the VOC source confirming that VOC degradation is occurring along the PRB. A batch experiment using site groundwater collected near the VOC source and the ZVI used in the PRB was performed to evaluate the site‐specific abiotic isotopic fractionation patterns. Field isotopic trends, typical of biodegradations were observed at the site and were different from those obtained during the batch abiotic experiment. These differences in isotopic trends combined with changes in VOC concentrations and redox parameters suggested that biotic processes are the predominant pathways involved in the degradation of VOCs in the vicinity of the PRB.
Identification of a Novel, Recurrent SLC44A1‐PRKCA Fusion in Papillary Glioneuronal Tumor
Authors: Bridge Julia A. , Liu Xiao‐qiong , Sumegi Janos , Nelson Marilu , Reyes Christine , Bruch Leslie A. , Rosenblum Marc , Puccioni Mark J. , Bowdino Bradley S. , McComb Rodney D.
Published: June 2012

Mixed neuronal‐glial tumors are rare and challenging to subclassify. One recently recognized variant, papillary glioneuronal tumor (PGNT), is characterized by prominent pseudopapillary structures and glioneuronal elements. We identified a novel translocation, t(9;17)(q31;q24), as the sole karyotypic anomaly in two PGNTs. A fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH)‐based positional cloning strategy revealed SLC44A1, a member of the choline transporter‐like protein family, and PRKCA, a protein kinase C family member of serine/threonine‐specific protein kinases, as the 9q31 and 17q24 breakpoint candidate genes, respectively. Reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) analysis using a forward primer from SLC44A1 exon 5 and a reverse primer from PRKCA exon 10 confirmed the presence of a SLC44A1‐PRKCA fusion product in both tumors. Sequencing of each chimeric transcript uncovered an identical fusion cDNA junction occurring between SLC44A1 exon 15 and PRKCA exon 9. A dual‐color breakpoint‐spanning probe set custom‐designed for interphase cell recognition of the translocation event identified the fusion in a third PGNT. These results suggest that the t(9;17)(q31;q24) with the resultant novel fusion oncogene SLC44A1‐PRKCA is the defining molecular feature of PGNT that may be responsible for its pathogenesis. The FISH and RT‐PCR assays developed in this study can serve as valuable diagnostic adjuncts for this rare disease entity.
An unusually placed ectopic mandibular third molar: case report and discussion of management
Authors: Payne K. , Dickenson A. , Patel M.
Published: June 2012

We present the case of an ectopic mandibular third molar at the lower border of the ramus of the mandible associated with a dentigerous cyst. An extraoral surgical approach using a submandibular incision was used to extract the tooth. We discuss other reports of a similar nature and detail our management of this condition and the rationale for an extraoral surgical approach.
Role of prostaglandin D2 and the autonomic nervous system in niacin‐induced flushing (前列腺素D2与自主神经系统在烟酸引起的脸红中的作用)
Authors: PARSON Henri K. , HARATI Hadi , COOPER Deona , VINIK Aaron I.
Published: June 2012

Background:  Although niacin often has beneficial effects on the lipoprotein profile, flushing is an untoward effect associated with its use. Aspirin can only reduce the flushing response by 30–40%. Thus, the aim of the present study was to investigate the mechanisms of niacin‐induced flushing, with and without aspirin, in normal, healthy individuals.

Methods:  Niacin‐induced flushing was evaluated in 30 healthy individuals after oral administration of 1000 mg niacin alone or with 325 mg aspirin. Neurological, autonomic nervous system, and skin blood flow measurements (using laser Doppler on the glabrous and hairy skin of each participant) were made at various times after drug administration. In addition, the systemic release of 9α,11β‐prostaglandin (PG) F2 was determined. Flushing symptoms of redness, warmth, tingling, itching, and intensity were recorded using the modified Flushing ASsessment Tool (FAST).

Results:  After aspirin, the mean flushing scores for all symptoms decreased significantly; however, 36–53% of participants still had some degree of symptoms, even though aspirin completely blocked 11β‐PGF2 synthesis. Maximum skin blood flow (MaxSkBF) in both the glabrous and hairy forearm increased significantly after niacin, but decreased significantly after aspirin only in hairy skin. Regression analysis showed that, in glabrous skin, both PGF2 and parasympathetic activity were significant predictors of MaxSkBF after niacin, contributing 26% and 14%, respectively (total R2 = 40%).

Conclusions:  The present study indicates, for the first time, that the parasympathetic nervous system, in addition to PGD2, may play an important role in niacin‐induced flushing. Changing the sympathetic/parasympathetic balance in favor of parasympathetic activation may be a good therapeutic target to reduce niacin‐induced flushing.
A major shift to the retention approach for forestry can help resolve some global forest sustainability issues
Authors: Lindenmayer D.B. , Franklin J.F. , Lõhmus A. , Baker S.C. , Bauhus J. , Beese W. , Brodie A. , Kiehl B. , Kouki J. , Pastur G. Martínez , Messier C. , Neyland M. , Palik B. , Sverdrup‐Thygeson A. , Volney J. , Wayne A. , Gustafsson L.
Published: June 2012

Approximately 85% of the global forest estate is neither formally protected nor in areas dedicated to intensive wood production (e.g., plantations). Given the spatial extent of unprotected forests, finding management approaches that will sustain their multiple environmental, economic, and cultural values and prevent their conversion to other uses is imperative. The major global challenge of native forest management is further demonstrated by ongoing steep declines in forest biodiversity and carbon stocks. Here, we suggest that an essential part of such management—supplementing the protection of large reserves and sensitive areas within forest landscapes (e.g., aquatic features)—is the adoption of the retention approach in forests where logging occurs. This ecological approach to harvesting provides for permanent retention of important selected structures (e.g., trees and decayed logs) to provide for continuity of ecosystem structure, function, and species composition in the postharvest forest. The retention approach supports the integration of environmental, economic, and cultural values and is broadly applicable to tropical, temperate, and boreal forests, adaptable to different management objectives, and appropriate in different societal settings. The widespread adoption of the retention approach would be one of the most significant changes in management practice since the onset of modern high‐yield forestry.
Pathological changes in nephritis cases of non‐human primates in Assam
Authors: Nath Bichitra Gopal , Chakraborty Apurba , Rahman Taibur
Published: June 2012

Background and aim: Occurrence of nephritis in non‐human primates is not common. The present study examined 27 carcasses of non‐human primates of Assam State Zoo and Department of Forest and Environment, Government of Assam, during the period from December 2007 to November 2009. Methods: Tissue samples were collected in 10% formol saline solution to be processed, sectioned and stained by routine histopathological procedures. Whenever warranted, special staining such as Brown and Brenn, Zeihl‐Neelsen's and modified Periodic Acid‐Schiff stains were used as per standard techniques. Results: Out of 27 non‐human primates, two rhesus macaque (Macaca mulatta) and one slow loris (Nycticebus coucang) died due to nephritis. At postmortem examination, grossly the kidneys were enlarged and pale in colour and the microscopic picture revealed acute glomerulonephritis characterized by increased cellularity of glomeruli. The swollen glomerular tufts with leucocytic infiltration completely occupied the Bowman's capsular space. Conclusions: Death due to nephritis was 11.11% in non‐human primates of Assam State Zoo and Department of Forest and Environment, Government of Assam.
Greenhouse Gas and Energy Audits under the Newly Legislated Australian Audit Determination: Perceptions of Initial Impact
Authors: Martinov‐Bennie Nonna , Hoffman Rochel
Published: June 2012

This exploratory qualitative study, using interview data, provides perceptions of the preliminary impact of greenhouse gas and energy (GGE) audits in Australia within the context of the legislated Audit Determination, operational for the first time in the financial year ending 30 June 2010. Overall, the results suggest that the Australian Government's argued cost reductions are currently not being realised, and provide evidence of the accounting profession's perceived influence on the views and methodologies adopted in the Audit Determination. The results also indicate that accounting firms are perceived to be gaining an increasing share of the evolving GGE and broader sustainability assurance markets in Australia.
Legally‐Recognised Group Structures: An Exploratory Analysis
Authors: Huynh Tina , Christodoulou Demetris , van der Laan Sandra
Published: June 2012

Corporate groups are the dominant vehicle for organising business activity in Australia. For accounting purposes, a corporate group is treated as a single economic entity, and for this reason empirical research largely ignores the underlying legal structures. While the basic position at law is that each company within the corporate group is a separate legal entity, we demonstrate how the regulatory interventions of tax consolidation and the deed of cross‐guarantee may interfere with this fundamental notion. Using hand‐collected observations for the S&P/ASX200, we provide unique insights into individual group composition and identify corporate groups that have achieved optimal reporting efficiencies, as envisaged by the regulator, by adopting these legally‐recognised group structures. We also identify cases that appear to exploit these regimes for more strategic reasons, which may result in legal complications when untangling the complexities of group liability. It is clear from our analysis that there is very little homogeneity in group organisation among the large Australian public companies that we study.
Climate Change Policy in Australia: Organisational Responses and Influences
Authors: Herbohn Kathleen , Dargusch Paul , Herbohn John
Published: June 2012

This paper uses a case study approach to examine (a) the nature of organisational responses to climate change policy using the Kolk and Pinkse (2004, 2005) typology; and (b) key drivers for action on climate change. We find evidence consistent with the evolution of responses from setting emission targets (cautious planners, emergent planners) to process innovation and product development (internal explorers). The exception to such linear development is horizontal explorers, who explore competitive opportunities in markets outside their current business. Key drivers for action include managerial perceptions of business opportunities, product differentiation and an implicit regard for the environment. Major impediments include uncertainty about the detail of climate change policy and managerial perceptions of business risk. At present, the intended strategic trading behaviour of the case organisations is best described as muted. However, the national institutional environment of which a liberal market economy and a carbon service industry are key, appear conducive to the future acceptance and active adoption of emissions trading in Australia.
Emission Measurements and CH* Chemiluminescence of a Staged Combustion Rig for Stationary Gas Turbine Applications
Authors: Lamont Warren G. , Roa Mario , Meyer Scott E. , Lucht Robert P.
Published: June 2012

An optically accessible combustion rig was constructed to study the combustion characteristics of a reactive jet in a vitiated crossflow. The rig features two staged combustion zones. The main combustion zone is a swirl stabilized dump combustor. The second combustion zone, which is axially downstream from the main combustion zone, is formed by a transverse jet injecting either fuel or a premixed fuel/air mixture into the vitiated stream. The rig was designed to investigate the transverse jet conditions, equivalence ratio, and momentum ratios that produce low NOx and give an adequate temperature rise before the simulated high pressure turbine. A water-cooled sampling probe extracts exhaust gas downstream for emission measurements. As a baseline, the main combustion zone was fired without the transverse jet and the results compare closely to the work of previous researchers. The emission survey with the transverse jet found several conditions that show a benefit of staging compared to the baseline of firing only the main combustion zone. The flame structure from the transverse jet was captured using high speed CH* chemiluminescence, which shows the extent of the flame front and its penetration depth into the vitiated stream. The chemiluminescence images were averaged and compared to the Holdeman correlation, which showed good agreement for injection with fuel only but poorer agreement when premixed.
Reactivity Controlled Compression Ignition Using Premixed Hydrated Ethanol and Direct Injection Diesel
Authors: Dempsey Adam B. , Das Adhikary Bishwadipa , Viswanathan Sandeep , Reitz Rolf D.
Published: June 2012

The present study uses numerical simulations to explore the use of hydrated (wet) ethanol for reactivity controlled compression ignition (RCCI) operation in a heavy duty diesel engine. RCCI uses in-cylinder blending of a low reactivity fuel with a high reactivity fuel and has demonstrated significant fuel efficiency and emissions benefits using a variety of fuels, including gasoline and diesel. Combustion timing is controlled by the local blended fuel reactivity (i.e., octane number), and the combustion duration can be controlled by establishing optimized gradients in fuel reactivity in the combustion chamber. In the present study, the low reactivity fuel was hydrated ethanol while the higher reactivity fuel was diesel. First, the effect of water on ethanol/water/diesel mixtures in completely premixed HCCI combustion was investigated using GT-Power and single-zone CHEMKIN simulations. The results showed that the main impact of the water in the ethanol is to reduce the initial in-cylinder temperature due to vaporization cooling. Next, multi-dimensional engine modeling was performed using the KIVA code at engine loads from 5 to 17 bars IMEP at 1300 rev/min with various grades of hydrated ethanol and a fixed diesel fraction of the total fuel. The results show that hydrated ethanol can be used in RCCI combustion with gross indicated thermal efficiencies up to 55% and very low emissions. A 70/30 ethanol/water mixture (by mass) was found to yield the best results across the entire load range without the need for EGR.
An Experimental Study on the Oblique Collisions of Water Droplets With a Smooth Hot Solid
Authors: Fujimoto Hitoshi , Doi Ryota , Takuda Hirohiko
Published: June 2012

The motions of liquid droplets impinging on a solid substrate have been studied experimentally in fundamental research on various types of industrial applications, including spray cooling. The oblique collision of a single water droplet with a hot Inconel 625 alloy surface has been investigated by means of a two-directional flash photography technique that uses two digital still cameras and three flash units. The experiments were conducted under the following conditions. The preimpact diameter of the droplets was approximately 0.6 mm, the impact velocity was 1.9–3.1 m/s, and the temperature of the Inconel 625 alloy surface ranged from 170 °C to 500 °C. The impact angle of droplets on the solid surface was in the range 45 deg–90 deg. Experiments using 2.5 mm diameter droplets at an impact velocity of 0.84–1.4 m/s were also conducted at the surface temperature of 500 °C. At surface temperatures of 200 °C, 300 °C, and 400 °C, the droplet deforms into an asymmetric shape and moves downward along the tilted surface. Numerous secondary droplets jet upward from the deforming droplet as a result of the blowout of vapor bubbles into the atmosphere. At a surface temperature of 500 °C and a low Weber number Wen based on the normal velocity component to the solid surface, no secondary droplets are observed. The droplet rebounds off the solid without disintegrating. The droplet becomes almost axisymmetric in shape during the collision regardless of the impact angle. The dimensionless collision behaviors of large and small droplets were similar for the same Wen when the temperature was 500 °C. Using Wen, we investigated the deformation characteristics of droplets in oblique collisions.
Deformations Within Moving Kinetochores Reveal Different Sites of Active and Passive Force Generation
Authors: Dumont Sophie , Salmon E. D. , Mitchison Timothy J.
Published: June 2012

Never Let Me Go

Kinetochores are the structures within chromosomes that interact with the microtubules of the mitotic spindle during mitosis. By measuring the deformation of individual kinetochores in live mammalian cells,

Dumont
et al.

(p.
355
, published online 21 June) asked, how do kinetochores harness the free energy of microtubule depolymerization without losing grip of microtubules? Kinetochores contacted microtubules using two distinct mechanical interfaces: an active, force-generating interface near the microtubule tip, and a passive, frictional interface at least 20 nanometers away along the microtubule lattice. The separate active and passive interfaces allowed for intermittent force generation and persistent microtubule attachment—both required for accurate chromosome segregation.
PET/CT images of a patient with haemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis: Figure 1
Authors: Koç Zehra Pınar , Akarsu Saadet , Balci Tansel , Unal Kemal
Published: June 2012

Haemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) is a rare immune disorder that predominantly affects macrophages and T lymphocytes and leads to multiple organ disease and death. The characteristic pathological finding in the bone marrow and the other affected tissues is haemophagocytosis of macrophages (macrophages digesting erythrocyte). Primary (hereditary) and secondary (acquired) forms of the disease are present. A patient with documented HLH disease revealed by positron emission tomography/CT is reported in this paper.
Hyperosmolar non-ketotic hyperglycaemia: an important and reversible cause of acute bilateral ballismus: Figure 1
Authors: Milburn-McNulty Philip , Michael Benedict D , Woodford Henry J , Nicolson Andrew
Published: June 2012

An 83-year-old lady with type 2 diabetes mellitus was admitted to hospital with pneumonia. After 3 days of oral amoxicillin she developed ballism-choreiform movements of all four limbs. Her serum glucose and osmolality were raised. She had no factors suggestive of genetic or iatrogenic causes. A CT scan of the brain revealed bilateral putamen hyperintensities. She was started on tetrabenazine and subcutaneous insulin, which led to complete resolution of her symptoms.
HUMANOID ROBOT MOTION GENERATION SCHEME FOR TASKS UTILIZING IMPULSIVE FORCE
Authors: TSUJITA TEPPEI , KONNO ATSUSHI , KOMIZUNAI SHUNSUKE , NOMURA YUKI , MYOJIN TOMOYA , AYAZ YASAR , UCHIYAMA MASARU
Published: June 2012

In order to exert a large force on an environment, it is effective to apply impulsive force. We describe the motions in which tasks are performed by applying impulsive force as "impact motions." This paper proposes a way to generate impact motions for humanoid robots to exert a large force and the feedback control method for driving a nail robustly. The impact motion is optimized based on a three dimensional model using sequential quadratic programming (SQP). In this research, a nailing task is taken as an example of impact motion. A dominant parameter for driving a nail strongly is revealed and motions which maximize the parameter are generated considering the robot's postural stability. In order to evaluate the proposed scheme, a life-sized humanoid robot drives nails into a plate made of chemical wood. The optimized motion is compared with a motion designed heuristically by a human. Average driving depth is clearly increased by the proposed method.
Synthesis of glycosylated metal phthalocyanines and naphthalocyanines
Authors: Lyubimtsev Alexey , Iqbal Zafar , Crucius Göran , Syrbu Sergey , Ziegler Thomas , Hanack Michael
Published: June 2012

The first part of this review summarizes methods for the syntheses of mono-, di-, and tetra-substituted glycosylated phthalonitriles, which are the main starting materials for the preparation of the corresponding glycosylated metal phthalocyanines. In the second part the preparation of symmetrically and unsymmetrically tetra- and octa- glycosylated zinc phthalocyanines in which the sugar is attached either anomerically or via another one of its OH -groups to the phthalocyanine macrocycle as well as other structurally different glycosylated metal phthalocyanines are reviewed.
Synthesis and cellular studies of PPIX-homing peptide conjugates
Authors: Sibrian-Vazquez Martha , Hu Xiaoke , Jensen Timothy J. , Vicente M. Graça H.
Published: June 2012

Five amphiphilic protoporphyrin IX-peptide conjugates bearing the sequences ATWLPPR, AAhexPQRRSARLSA and cERGDPhe conjugated via the propionic side chains, were synthesized and evaluated in vitro using two cell lines: human carcinoma HEp2 and human leukemia HL-60. All conjugates were found to have low dark- and photo-toxicities in both cell lines, and 3 to 10-fold higher accumulation was observed within HL-60 vs. HEp2 cells, depending on the nature of the peptide sequence. The preferential subcellular sites of localization for all conjugates were found to be the lysosomes in HEp2 cells, and the mitochondria in HL-60 cells, suggesting different mechanisms of cellular internalization.
Decoupling the artificial special pair to slow down the rate of singlet energy transfer
Authors: Harvey Pierre D. , Langlois Adam , Filatov Mikhail , Fortin Daniel , Ohkubo Kei , Fukuzumi Shunichi , Guilard Roger
Published: June 2012

Trimer 2, composed of a cofacial heterobismacrocycle, octamethyl-porphyrin zinc(II) and bisarylporphyrin zinc(II) held by an anthracenyl spacer, and a flanking acceptor, bisarylporphyrin free-base ( Ar = -3,5-(t Bu )2 C 6 H 3), has been studied by means of absorption spectroscopy, "steady state and time-resolved fluorescence" and fs transient absorption spectroscopy, and density functional theory (DFT) in order to assess the effect of decoupling the chromophores' low energy MOs on the rate of the singlet, S1, energy transfer, k ET , compared to a recently reported work on a heavily coupled trimeric system, Trimer 1, [biphenylenebis(n-nonyl)porphyrin zinc(II)]-bisarylporphyrin free-base ( Ar = -3,5-(t Bu )2 C 6 H 3). The position of the 0–0 peaks of the absorption and fluorescence spectra of Trimer 2 indicates that these porphyrin units are respectively energy donor 1, donor 2, and acceptor. The DFT computations confirm that the MOs of the cofacial donor 1-donor 2 dyad are decoupled, but significant MO coupling between donor 2 and acceptor 1 is still present despite the strong dihedral angle between their respective average planes (77.5°: geometry optimization by DFT). The fs transient absorption spectra exhibit a clear S1–Sn fingerprint of the bisarylporphyrin zinc(II) chromophore and the kinetic trace exhibits a slow rise time of 87 ps, due to a S1 donor 1 → donor 2 ET. The transient species donor 2 and acceptor decay respectively in the short (~1.5) ns and 6 ns time scale.
Electronic absorption spectra of copper corroles: unexpected substituent effects in trans-meso-A2B-triarylcorrole complexes
Authors: Alemayehu Abraham , Conradie Marrigje M. , Ghosh Abhik
Published: June 2012

The Soret maxima of copper triarylcorroles are exquisitely sensitive to substitutions on the meso phenyl groups. Similar substituent effects are also known, in more muted form, for Mn and Fe corroles. In contrast, the Soret maxima Ag , CrO and MoO triarylcorroles are essentially invariant with respect to phenyl-group substituents. TDDFT calculations suggest that the unique substituent sensitivity in the copper case results from phenyl-to- Cu (dx2-y2) charge transfer character in the main peaks of the Soret region. To probe the phenonmenon in even greater depth, we have examined here the electrochemistry and electronic absorption spectra of a series of copper trans-A2B-triarylcorrole complexes, where the para substituents on the aryl groups include CF3 , H , CH3 , and OCH3 . Although both 5,15- and 10-substituents appear to influence the oxidation and reduction potentials of the copper corroles in a simple, additive manner, they affect the Soret maxima very differently. Thus, for a given 10-substituent, 5,15-aryl substituents exert a strong, "normal" substituent effect on the Soret maximum. For given 5,15-substituents, however, the 10-substituent has almost no effect on the Soret maximum. An attempt has been made to relate these somewhat curious observations to a molecular orbital picture based on copper triphenylcorrole.
Advanced Technologies for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy
Authors: Valdastri Pietro , Simi Massimiliano , Webster Robert J.
Published: June 2012

The gastrointestinal tract is home to some of the most deadly human diseases. Exacerbating the problem is the difficulty of accessing it for diagnosis or intervention and the concomitant patient discomfort. Flexible endoscopy has established itself as the method of choice and its diagnostic accuracy is high, but there remain technical limitations in modern scopes, and the procedure is poorly tolerated by patients, leading to low rates of compliance with screening guidelines. Although advancement in clinical endoscope design has been slow in recent years, a critical mass of enabling technologies is now paving the way for the next generation of gastrointestinal endoscopes. This review describes current endoscopes and provides an overview of innovative flexible scopes and wireless capsules that can enable painless endoscopy and/or enhanced diagnostic and therapeutic capabilities. We provide a perspective on the potential of these new technologies to address the limitations of current endoscopes in mass cancer screening and other contexts and thus to save many lives.
Optical Imaging Using Endogenous Contrast to Assess Metabolic State
Authors: Georgakoudi Irene , Quinn Kyle P.
Published: June 2012

Optical microscopic imaging offers opportunities to perform noninvasive assessments of numerous parameters associated with the biochemistry, morphology, and functional state of biological samples. For example, it is possible to detect the endogenous fluorescence from a small number of important biomolecules, including NADH and FAD, which are two coenzymes involved in key metabolic pathways such as glycolysis, the Krebs cycle, and oxidative phosphorylation. Here, we review different imaging approaches to isolate the fluorescence from these chromophores in two- and three-dimensional samples and discuss the origins and potential interpretation of the observed signals in terms of cell metabolic status. Finally, we discuss the challenges and limitations of these approaches, as well as important research directions that we expect will evolve in the near future.
Rapid Prototyping for Biomedical Engineering: Current Capabilities and Challenges
Authors: Lantada Andrés Díaz , Morgado Pilar Lafont
Published: June 2012

A new set of manufacturing technologies has emerged in the past decades to address market requirements in a customized way and to provide support for research tasks that require prototypes. These new techniques and technologies are usually referred to as rapid prototyping and manufacturing technologies, and they allow prototypes to be produced in a wide range of materials with remarkable precision in a couple of hours. Although they have been rapidly incorporated into product development methodologies, they are still under development, and their applications in bioengineering are continuously evolving. Rapid prototyping and manufacturing technologies can be of assistance in every stage of the development process of novel biodevices, to address various problems that can arise in the devices' interactions with biological systems and the fact that the design decisions must be tested carefully. This review focuses on the main fields of application for rapid prototyping in biomedical engineering and health sciences, as well as on the most remarkable challenges and research trends.
Mechanical Regulation of Nuclear Structure and Function
Authors: Martins Rui P. , Finan John D. , Farshid Guilak , Lee David A.
Published: June 2012

Mechanical loading induces both nuclear distortion and alterations in gene expression in a variety of cell types. Mechanotransduction is the process by which extracellular mechanical forces can activate a number of well-studied cytoplasmic signaling cascades. Inevitably, such signals are transduced to the nucleus and induce transcription factor–mediated changes in gene expression. However, gene expression also can be regulated through alterations in nuclear architecture, providing direct control of genome function. One putative transduction mechanism for this phenomenon involves alterations in nuclear architecture that result from the mechanical perturbation of the cell. This perturbation is associated with direct mechanical strain or osmotic stress, which is transferred to the nucleus. This review describes the current state of knowledge relating the nuclear architecture and the transfer of mechanical forces to the nucleus mediated by the cytoskeleton, the nucleoskeleton, and the LINC (linker of the nucleoskeleton and cytoskeleton) complex. Moreover, remodeling of the nucleus induces alterations in nuclear stiffness, which may be associated with cell differentiation. These phenomena are discussed in relation to the potential influence of nuclear architecture-mediated mechanoregulation of transcription and cell fate.
Responsive Surfaces for Life Science Applications
Authors: Kuroki Hidenori , Tokarev Ihor , Minko Sergiy
Published: June 2012

This review describes recent developments in stimuli-responsive biointerfaces based on surface-tethered organic molecules, polymer chains, and polymer networks. The existing systems are classified according to the length scale of transformations occurring in the stimuli-responsive material and interactions of the material with the biological environment. In particular, two types of biointerfaces are considered: those whose interactions with proteins and cells can be switched reversibly or one time due to stimuli-triggered changes in molecular conformations or chemical bonds in functional molecules, and those that undergo reversible stimuli-triggered reconstruction at mesoscale due to stimuli-responsive phase behavior. Specific examples of stimuli-responsive surfaces from the recent literature are supplemented with discussion of potential biomedical applications.
Bio-Inspired Self-Cleaning Surfaces
Authors: Liu Kesong , Jiang Lei
Published: June 2012

Self-cleaning surfaces have drawn a lot of interest for both fundamental research and practical applications. This review focuses on the recent progress in mechanism, preparation, and application of self-cleaning surfaces. To date, self-cleaning has been demonstrated by the following four conceptual approaches: (a) TiO2-based superhydrophilic self-cleaning, (b) lotus effect self-cleaning (superhydrophobicity with a small sliding angle), (c) gecko setae–inspired self-cleaning, and (d) underwater organisms–inspired antifouling self-cleaning. Although a number of self-cleaning products have been commercialized, the remaining challenges and future outlook of self-cleaning surfaces are also briefly addressed. Through evolution, nature, which has long been a source of inspiration for scientists and engineers, has arrived at what is optimal. We hope this review will stimulate interdisciplinary collaboration among material science, chemistry, biology, physics, nanoscience, engineering, etc., which is essential for the rational design and reproducible construction of bio-inspired multifunctional self-cleaning surfaces in practical applications.
Three-Dimensional Architecture of Engineering Multiphase Metals
Authors: Requena Guillermo , Degischer H. Peter
Published: June 2012

The thermomechanical properties of multiphase metals are determined by a combination of the properties of the microstructural phases and the internal architecture formed by them. The latter must be described using three-dimensional techniques in cases where the phases are distributed nonuniformly, have complex morphologies, form interconnected structures, and present contiguity between those structures. Furthermore, all these morphological aspects may change during service exposure. One of these techniques is X-ray tomography, which has experienced an increased interest from materials scientists during the past decade owing to the advances in spatial and time resolution to reveal nondestructively the internal structure of materials. The present review summarizes the main features of this technique in regard to its capabilities to image metal-based engineering materials three dimensionally. Special emphasis is put on the contributions of X-ray tomography to understand the relationships between architecture and thermomechanical properties with specific examples for lightweight metals, cast iron, steel, and metal matrix composites.
Gene-Environment Interactions in the Development of Type 2 Diabetes: Recent Progress and Continuing Challenges
Authors: Cornelis Marilyn C. , Hu Frank B.
Published: June 2012

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is thought to arise from the complex interplay of both genetic and environmental factors. Since the advent of genome-wide association studies (GWAS), we have seen considerable progress in our understanding of the role that genetics and gene-environment interactions play in the development of T2D. Recent work suggests that the adverse effect of several T2D loci may be abolished or at least attenuated by higher physical activity levels or healthy lifestyle, whereas low physical activity and dietary factors characterizing a Western dietary pattern may augment it. However, there still remain inconsistencies warranting further investigation. Lack of statistical power and measurement errors for the environmental factors continue to challenge our efforts for characterizing interactions. Although our recent focus on established T2D loci is reasonable, we may be overlooking many other potential loci not captured by recent T2D GWAS. Agnostic approaches to the discovery of gene and environment interactions may address this possibility, but their application to the field is currently limited and still faces conceptual challenges. Nonetheless, continued investment in gene-environment interaction studies through large collaborative efforts holds promise in furthering our understanding of the interplay between genetic and environmental factors.
Inflammation in Alcoholic Liver Disease
Authors: Wang H. Joe , Gao Bin , Zakhari Samir , Nagy Laura E.
Published: June 2012

Frank Burr Mallory's landmark observation in 1911 on the histopathology of alcoholic liver disease (ALD) was the first identification of a link between inflammation and ALD. In this review, we summarize recent advances regarding the origins and roles of various inflammatory components in ALD. Metabolism of ethanol generates a number of metabolites, including acetate, reactive oxygen species, acetaldehyde, and epigenetic changes, that can induce inflammatory responses. Alcohol and its metabolites can also initiate and aggravate inflammatory conditions by promoting gut leakiness of microbial products, by sensitizing immune cells to stimulation, and by activating innate immune pathways, such as complement. Chronic alcohol consumption also sensitizes nonimmune cells, e.g., hepatocytes, to inflammatory signals and impairs their ability to respond to protective signals. Based on these advances, a number of inflammatory targets have been identified with potential for therapeutic intervention in ALD, presenting new opportunities and challenges for translational research.
Causes and Consequences of Skewed Sex Ratios
Authors: Dyson Tim
Published: June 2012

Slightly more males are born in the world than females. But because male mortality is usually greater, in old age groups there are many more women than men. The situation is particularly stark in the former Soviet Union, where male adult death rates are exceptionally high. In much of Asia, strong son preference has long informed unusually high female child mortality. And the impact of this on population sex ratios has been reinforced by the recent spread of sex-selective abortion. Especially in China, there is an unusually large number of boys relative to girls. Sex ratios are also skewed by migration, most notably male labor migration. Unbalanced sex ratios have many effects. Among other things, research has focused on the consequences of male outmigration for those who are left behind and on the implications of the coming heightened masculinity of young adult populations in Asia, e.g., with respect to marriage and crime.
Youth Political Participation: Bridging Activism and Electoral Politics
Authors: Fisher Dana R.
Published: June 2012

What is the relationship between social movements and electoral politics? Although the empirical reality of American politics has increasingly blurred the lines between activism and electoral politics, sociology has yet to explore these changes and provide theoretical and methodological tools to understand them. Focusing on the experience of young Americans, this review explores this relationship and outlines opportunities for future research. It is broken down into three sections. First, I review the main themes in the study of youth political participation in America. Second, using examples from the 2008 election, the article examines recent increases in youth participation. Third and finally, this article discusses the case of the Obama campaign, its transition into the Democratic National Committee's Organizing for America, and aspects of the 2012 election to highlight the complex relationship between movements and electoral politics in America today. The paper concludes by highlighting opportunities for sociologists to bridge the connections between activism and electoral politics in new and meaningful ways.
Rational Choice Theory and Empirical Research: Methodological and Theoretical Contributions in Europe
Authors: Kroneberg Clemens , Kalter Frank
Published: June 2012

Rational choice theory (RCT) constitutes a major approach of sociological theorizing and research in Europe. We review key methodological and theoretical contributions that have arisen from the increasing empirical application of RCT and have the potential to stimulate the development of RCT and sociology more generally. Methodologically, discussions have evolved around how to test RCT empirically and how to realize its ambition to give theory-guidance to social research. These discussions have identified the strengths and shortcomings of direct and indirect test strategies using survey or experimental data. Metatheoretically, different views have emerged about how to deal with counterevidence from applied fields of sociological research. Whereas some argue for a wide version of RCT that allows a broad set of auxiliary assumptions about preferences, expectations, and constraints, others advocate a major overhaul of RCT's core assumptions by incorporating additional concepts and mechanisms.