bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Simple and economical route to generate functional hepatocyte‐like cells from hESCs and their application in evaluating alcohol induced liver damage
Authors: Pal Rajarshi , Mamidi Murali Krishna , Das Anjan Kumar , Gupta Pawan Kumar , Bhonde Ramesh
Published: September 2011

The in vitro derived hepatocytes from human embryonic stem cells (hESC) is a promising tool to acquire improved knowledge of the cellular and molecular events underlying early human liver development under physiological and pathological conditions. Here we report a simple two‐step protocol employing conditioned medium (CM) from human hepatocellular carcinoma cell line, HepG2 to generate functional hepatocyte‐like cells from hESC. Immunocytochemistry, flow cytometry, quantitative RT‐PCR, and biochemical analyses revealed that the endodermal progenitors appeared as pockets in culture, and the cascade of genes associated with the formation of definitive endoderm (HNF‐3β, SOX‐17, DLX‐5, CXCR4) was consistent and in concurrence with the up‐regulation of the markers for hepatic progenitors [alpha‐feto protein (AFP), HNF‐4α, CK‐19, albumin, alpha‐1‐antitrypsin (AAT)], followed by maturation into functional hepatocytes [tyrosine transferase (TAT), tryptophan‐2, 3‐dioxygenase (TDO), glucose 6‐phosphate (G6P), CYP3A4, CYP7A1]. We witnessed that the gene expression profile during this differentiation process recapitulated in vivo liver development demonstrating a gradual down‐regulation of extra embryonic endodermal markers (SOX‐7, HNF‐1β, SNAIL‐1, LAMININ‐1, CDX2), and the generated hepatic cells performed multiple liver functions. Since prenatal alcohol exposure is known to provoke irreversible abnormalities in the fetal cells and developing tissues, we exposed in vitro generated hepatocytes to ethanol (EtOH) and found that EtOH treatment not only impairs the survival and proliferation, but also induces apoptosis and perturbs differentiation of progenitor cells into hepatocytes. This disruption was accompanied by alterations in the expression of genes and proteins involved in hepatogenesis. Our results provide new insights into the wider range of destruction caused by alcohol on the dynamic process of liver organogenesis. J. Cell. Biochem. 113: 19–30, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The effect of structure and phase transformation on the mechanical properties of Re2N and the stability of Mn2N
Authors: Du Xiang Po , Lo Veng Cheong , Wang Yuan Xu
Published: September 2011

First‐principles calculations were carried out on recently synthesized Re2 and Re3 as well as hypothetical Tc and Mn nitrides. It is found that structure and covalent bonds play an important role in determining mechanical properties. Under a large strain along (0001)〈1010〉direction, Re2N undergoes a phase transformation with a slight increase in ideal shear strength. On the other hand, it is transformed into a phase with weaker mechanical properties, if the strain is along Re2〈1210〉 direction. Mn2N can be synthesized under moderate conditions due to its more negative formation energy. Re2N, Re3N, and Mn2N show structure‐related mechanical property under larger strains to ReB2 but exhibit much lower ideal strengths, which is attributed to the larger ionicity of cation–anion bond. Three‐dimensional framework of strong covalent bonds is thus highly recommended to design superhard materials. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comput Chem, 2011
Linear‐scaling soft‐core scheme for alchemical free energy calculations
Authors: Buelens Floris P. , Grubmüller Helmut
Published: September 2011

Alchemical free energy calculations involving the removal or insertion of atoms into condensed phase systems generally make use of soft‐core scaling of nonbonded interactions, designed to circumvent numerical instabilities that arise from weakly interacting “hard” atoms in close proximity. Current methods model soft‐core atoms by introducing a nonlinear dependence between the shape of the interaction potential and the strength of the interaction. In this article, we propose a soft‐core method that avoids introducing such a nonlinear dependence, through the application of a smooth flattening of the potential energy only in a region that is energetically accessible under normal conditions. We discuss the benefits that this entails and explore a selection of applications, including enhanced methods for the estimation of free energy differences and for the automated optimization of the placement of intermediate states in multistage alchemical calculations. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comput Chem, 2011
Pairwise verlet lists: Combining cell lists and verlet lists to improve memory locality and parallelism
Authors: Gonnet Pedro
Published: September 2011

Verlet lists, which are commonly used in many particle‐based simulations, are not suited for modern, shared‐memory parallel multicore architectures. In this article, we introduce pairwise Verlet lists: local Verlet lists containing only interacting particle pairs between a pair of neighboring computational cells. We show that these pairwise Verlet lists are more efficient and scale much better than the traditional global Verlet list, both on a single processor as well as on multiple shared‐memory cores. The improved performance on a single core makes them an interesting option for distributed‐memory simulations as well. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comput Chem, 2011
Synthesis and Bioactivity of Novel Bis‐heterocyclic Compounds Containing Pyrazole and Oxadiazoline
Authors: Yang Jin‐Feng , Cao Hong , Liu Hong , Li Bing‐Qi , Ma Yan‐Mei
Published: September 2011

Nucleophilic addition of the starting material 3‐aryl‐1‐phenyl‐4‐formylpyrazoles (1∼3) and 4‐substituted aryloxyacetyl hydrazine (4a∼4e) afford hydrazone compounds containg pyrazolyl (5a∼5e, 6a∼6e, 7a∼7e) in the ethanol. These adducts were refluxed in Ac2O and furnished a series of novel bis‐hetero‐cyclic compounds. (8a∼8e, 9a∼9e, 10a∼10e) via cyclic reaction. The structures of all newly synthesized compounds were established by IR, 1H NMR, MS and elemental analysis. New compounds conducted preliminary tests of antibacterial activities about Fusarium oxyaporium, Verticillium dahliae, Rhizoctonia solani, Pychium aphanidermatum, Alternaria solani, Sclerotinia sclerotiorum. The results showed that the inhibiting rate of the bis‐heterocyclic compounds (8a∼8e, 9a∼9e, 10a∼10e) was higher than the pyrazolyl hydrazones (5a∼5e, 6a∼6e, 7a∼7e) obviously.
Mechanistic Study on the Ozone‐Mercury Reaction and the Effect of Water and Water Dimer Molecules
Authors: Vahedpour Morteza , Tozihi Manijeh , Nazari Fariba
Published: September 2011

The thermodynamics and mechanism of the reaction of elemental mercury with ozone has been studied computationally. The effect of water and water dimer molecules on the reaction has also been investigated. For dry reaction, we obtained two pathways and geometry optimization, atoms in molecules analysis and vibrational frequencies of all component of reaction have been used for confirming of reaction mechanism. Thermodynamic variable of reaction has been calculated. For the reaction in the presence of the water, our studies focus on ozone‐mercury complex reaction with water and water dimer and obtained the mechanism of reactions. Comparison of wet and dry reaction shows the energy profile of reaction decreases with water molecule correspond to experimental prediction. Calculated thermodynamic variable of all reaction shows the Gibbs free energy of reaction decreases with the number of water molecule.
Fischelactone B: A New Eremophilane Dimer from Ligularia fischeri
Authors: Xie Wei‐Dong , Liu Yong‐Heng , Weng Cheng‐Wu , Zhao Hong , Row Kyung Ho
Published: September 2011

A new eremophilane dimer, namely fischelactone B, was isolated from the roots of Ligularia fischeri. Its structure was established on the basis of spectroscopic data, including IR, HR‐ESI‐MS, and 1D NMR and 2D NMR spectroscopy.
Prenatal sonographic monitoring of idiopathic megacystis
Authors: Cavoretto Paolo , Lesma Arianna , Spagnolo Daniele , Valsecchi Luca , Negretto Alice , Candiani Massimo
Published: September 2011

This case report is of a female fetus diagnosed with severe idiopathic megacystis at 21 weeks of pregnancy. Sonographic monitoring demonstrated normal amniotic fluid volume and renal structures, absence of hydronephrosis, ureteral dilation, and associated abnormalities. Conservative management was chosen with postnatal confirmation of diagnosis. The neonate presented seizures, and subsequent magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated transverse sinus thrombosis with adjacent ischemic damage. At present, the infant is 2 years old, and she is thriving normally and maintains urinary continence with spontaneous voidings. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound, 2013
Diet restriction and life history trade‐offs in short‐ and long‐lived species of Daphnia
Authors: Latta Leigh Clark , Frederick Shannon , Pfrender Michael Eugene
Published: September 2011

The life‐extending effects of diet restriction are well documented. One evolutionary model that accounts for this widespread conservation is the resource allocation model, where the selected individuals are those that can delay reproduction during periods of resource limitation. In this study, we use closely related species of a model organism, Daphnia, with widely divergent lifespans to address the relationship between diet restriction and longevity and assess whether the relationships are owing to trade‐offs between reproductive and somatic investment. Specifically, we conducted a common garden experiment and constructed reaction norms for lifespan, fecundity, and body size as a function of food concentration. Our study provides evidence that the short‐lived species in our study, D. pulex, shows the classically observed relationship of enhanced lifespan in response to reduced diet intake, but does not divert resources to somatic maintenance at the expense of reproduction during chronic diet restriction. In contrast, we find no evidence that the long‐lived species in our study, D. pulicaria, gains any life‐extending effects through diet restriction. Combined, our results provide evidence that the resource allocation model is not sufficient to explain the evolution of diet‐mediated lifespan plasticity. J. Exp. Zool. 315:610–617, 2011. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Endonucleases: tools to correct the dystrophin gene
Authors: Rousseau Joel , Chapdelaine Pierre , Boisvert Sébastien , Almeida Luciana P. , Corbeil Jacques , Montpetit Alexandre , Tremblay Jacques P.
Published: September 2011

Background

Various endonucleases can be engineered to induce double‐strand breaks (DSBs) in chosen DNA sequences. These DSBs are spontaneously repaired by nonhomologous‐end‐joining, resulting in micro‐insertions or micro‐deletions (INDELs). We detected, characterized and quantified the frequency of INDELs produced by one meganuclease (MGN) targeting the RAG1 gene, six MGNs targeting three introns of the human dystrophin gene and one pair of zinc finger nucleases (ZFNs) targeting exon 50 of the human dystrophin gene. The experiments were performed in human cells (i.e. 293 T cells, myoblasts and myotubes).

Methods

To analyse the INDELs produced by the endonucleases the targeted region was polymerase chain reaction amplified and the amplicons were digested with the Surveyor enzyme, cloned in bacteria or deep sequenced.

Results

Endonucleases targeting the dystrophin gene produced INDELs of different sizes but there were clear peaks in the size distributions. The positions of these peaks were similar for MGNs but not for ZFNs in 293 T cells and in myoblasts. The size of the INDELs produced by these endonucleases in the dystrophin gene would have permitted a change in the reading frame. In a subsequent experiment, we observed that the frequency of INDELs was increased by re‐exposition of the cells to the same endonuclease.

Conclusions

Endonucleases are able to: (i) restore the normal reading of a gene with a frame shift mutation; (ii) delete a nonsense codon; and (iii) knockout a gene. Endonucleases could thus be used to treat Duchenne muscular dystrophy and other hereditary diseases that are the result of a nonsense codon or a frame shift mutation. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Worldviews and leadership: Thinking and acting the bigger pictures
Authors: Valk John , Belding Stephan , Crumpton Alicia , Harter Nathan , Reams Jonathan
Published: September 2011

Leadership is about ideas and actions. Put simply, it is about implementing new ideas into creative actions to achieve desired results. Doing so, however, is far from simple. We know leadership requires considerable skills and abilities. It requires knowledge and insight—about one's organization or entity, its people, goals, strengths and market niche. Yet, something more is needed. Leadership also requires a kind of awareness beyond the immediate, an awareness of the larger pictures—of paradigms that direct us, beliefs that sustain us, values that guide us and principles that motivate us, our worldviews.

This article will, first, briefly examine how the concept of worldviews is used in leadership study and the contexts in which it arises. Second, it will critically look at worldviews, recognizing that they are not always coherent and that our belief systems are often fragmented and incomplete. Third, it will argue for the relevance of the concept worldview in leadership study as a way to explore various visions of life and ways of life that may be helpful in overcoming the challenges we face today. Fourth, it will examine how national and global issues impact worldview construction, especially among the millennial generation. Our conclusions set some directions for leadership action in light of worldview issues.
The leadership labyrinth
Authors: de Jong Annemarie
Published: September 2011

Forty years ago, the questions most discussed among those who cared about leadership were “is leadership possible among those who don't have titles and positions?”; “what are the characteristics possessed by effective leaders?”; and “how do we find the people who are the best leaders and help them prepare for positions that will allow them to have an impact?” After many conversations, conferences, research studies, and books, the terrain has shifted among scholars. Now the conversations focus on questions such as “If leadership is a shared responsibility among members of groups, how can the full leadership potential of all be cultivated?”; “What role do collaborators play in empowering positive leadership and defending against those who misuse it?”; and “How can organizations cultivate cultures that support and encourage visionary leadership dedicated to benefitting all?”

The shift in the questions that leadership educators now explore, coupled with the breadth and variety of the initiatives dedicated to nurturing it, demonstrate that leadership can be taught. More importantly, the practice of leadership demonstrates that many can pursue leadership and that they must if the opportunities of the 21st century are to be fulfilled. The conversations and the needs for leadership have both shifted and it is now incumbent on those who value leadership most to agree to unifying perspectives that can draw us together in common purpose. From your vantage point, what are the crucial conversations, next steps, and/or thoughts for consideration as we enter the second decade of the 21st century?
Spinal cord regeneration in a tail autotomizing urodele
Authors: Dawley Ellen M. , O. Samson Shoji , Woodard Kenton T. , Matthias Kathryn A.
Published: September 2011

Adult urodele amphibians possess extensive regenerative abilities, including lens, jaws, limbs, and tails. In this study, we examined the cellular events and time course of spinal cord regeneration in a species, Plethodon cinereus, that has the ability to autotomize its tail as an antipredator strategy. We propose that this species may have enhanced regenerative abilities as further coadaptations with this antipredator strategy. We examined the expression of nestin, vimentin, and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) after autotomy as markers of neural precursor cells and astroglia; we also traced the appearance of new neurons using 5‐bromo‐2′‐deoxyuridine/neuronal nuclei (BrdU/NeuN) double labeling. As expected, the regenerating ependymal tube was a major source of new neurons; however, the spinal cord cranial to the plane of autotomy showed significant mitotic activity, more extensive than what is reported for other urodeles that cannot autotomize their tails. In addition, this species shows upregulation of nestin, vimentin, and GFAP within days after tail autotomy; further, this expression is upregulated within the spinal cord cranial to the plane of autotomy, not just within the extending ependymal tube, as reported in other urodeles. We suggest that enhanced survival of the spinal cord cranial to autotomy allows this portion to participate in the enhanced recovery and regeneration of the spinal cord. J. Morphol. 2011. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Finite element modeling for optimization of microwave heating of in‐shell eggs and experimental validation
Authors: Dev Satyanarayan R. S. , Gariépy Yvan , Orsat Valérie , Raghavan G.S.Vijaya
Published: September 2011

Considering microwave (MW) heating as a viable alternative for in‐shell pasteurization of eggs, after the simulation of the MW heating process by using a finite element model, process optimization was carried out to determine the most effective procedure and design for the process. The varying parameters obtained by using different modeling techniques for MW heating of in‐shell eggs were optimized. Laboratory‐scale experimental trials were conducted to test the validity and effectiveness of the optimized parameters. The optimal parameters set forth were found to be more efficient in terms of heating time and uniformity. MW heating appeared to be a viable alternative for the pasteurization of in‐shell eggs. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Interaction of endophytic microbes with legumes
Authors: Dudeja S. S. , Giri Rupa , Saini Ranjana , Suneja‐Madan Pooja , Kothe Erika
Published: September 2011

Large numbers of bacterial and fungal endophytes have been reported from different plant tissues: roots, nodules, leaves, flowers and sprouts of legumes, with numbers ranging from few to more than 150. Endophytes can accelerate seedling emergence, promote plant establishment under adverse conditions and enhance plant growth. Endophytic microbes promote plant growth by helping plants in acquiring nutrients, e.g. via nitrogen fixation, phosphate solubilization or iron chelation, by preventing pathogen infections via antifungal or antibacterial agents, by outcompeting pathogens for nutrients by siderophore production, or by establishing the plant's systemic resistance. Further growth promotion is affected by producing phytohormones such as auxin or cytokinin, or by producing the enzyme 1‐aminocyclopropane‐1‐carboxylate (ACC) deaminase, which lowers plant ethylene levels. For establishment of endophytes in different tissues, endophytic microbes must be compatible with the host plants and able to colonize the tissues of the host plants without being recognized as pathogens. A particular bacterium or fungus may affect plant growth and development using one or more of these mechanisms, and they may use different mechanisms at various times. The population density of endophytes is highly variable, depending mainly on the microbial species and host genotypes, developmental stage and environmental conditions. Genotypic and cultivar specific endophytes have also been reported. The quantum benefit derived by plants from an endophyte and vice versa is still not clear. It seems that the endophytic genus or species best adapted for living inside a plant is naturally selected. Here, we concentrate on soil or rhizosphere‐derived endophytes recruited out of a large pool of soil or rhizospheric microbes. Some endophytes are more aggressive colonizers and displace others, but seeming lack of strict specificity has been observed. However, the processes of host‐microbe signaling and colonization and the mechanisms leading to mutual benefits are less‐well characterized. It is still not clear which population of microorganisms (endophytes or rhizospheric) promotes plant growth and the way the interactions among endophytes influence plant productivity. Though attempts to know the molecular ecology and interactions are underway, a high amount of progress is required to fully understand the mechanism of establishment, the way interactions take place in planta, between different microbes and plants and exlusive benefits by endophytes and plants. (© 2012 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Significant damage‐rescuing effects of wood vinegar extract in living Caenorhabditis elegans under oxidative stress
Authors: Cai Kezhou , Jiang Shaotong , Ren Chong , He Yujie
Published: September 2011

BACKGROUND: Wood vinegar (WV), a byproduct from the charcoal production process, has been reported to have excellent antioxidant capability by chemical examination. However, the biological effect of WV in living animals is still unknown. In this study, a simple model organism, the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans, was used as an in vivo system to assess the biological effects of wood vinegar through the development, lifespan, brood size, germline cell apoptosis and superoxide dismutase (SOD) level.

RESULTS: Wood vinegar extract (WVE) promoted the development, prolonged the lifespan and increased the brood size in reactive oxidative species (ROS)‐sensitive mutant worms. WVE treatment rescued the effects of damage in germline cell apoptosis and SOD upregulation induced by paraquat, an ROS generator, to the control level. Additionally, WVE showed comparative ability in rescuing damage as compared with L‐ascorbic acid and α‐tocopherol.

CONCLUSION: WVE treatment exhibits a remedial/beneficial effect on ROS‐sensitive mutant under normal cultural conditions and on wild‐type worms under oxidative stress. ROS scavenging is involved in the damage‐rescuing mechanism. This study will provide a basal biological and nutritional exploration for the use of WV as a functional food, and for the substitution of chemical antioxidants with side effects in food. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry
Simulating response of N2O emissions to fertiliser N application and climatic variability from a rain‐fed and wheat‐cropped soil in Western Australia
Authors: Li Yong , Barton Louise , Chen Deli
Published: September 2011

BACKGROUND: Besides land management and soil properties, nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions from the soil may be responsive to climatic variation. In this study the Water and Nitrogen Management Model (WNMM) was calibrated and validated to simulate N2O emissions from a rain‐fed and wheat‐cropped system on a sandy duplex soil at Cunderdin, Western Australia, from May 2005 to May 2007, then it was deployed to simulate N2O emissions for seven scenarios of fertiliser N application under various climatic conditions (1970–2006).

RESULTS: The WNMM satisfactorily simulated crop growth, soil water content and mineral N contents of the surface soil (0–10 cm), soil temperatures at depths and N2O emissions from the soil compared with field observations in two fertiliser treatments during calibration and validation. About 70% of total N2O emissions were estimated as nitrification‐induced. The scenario analysis indicated that the WNMM‐simulated annual N2O emissions for this rain‐fed and wheat‐cropped system were significantly correlated with annual average minimum air temperature (r = 0.21), annual pan evaporation (r = 0.20) and fertiliser N application rate (r = 0.80). Both annual rainfall and wheat yield had weak and negative correlations with annual N2O emissions. Multiple linear regression models for estimating annual N2O emissions were developed to account for the impacts of climatic variation (including temperature and rainfall), fertiliser N application and crop yield for this rain‐fed and wheat‐cropped system in Western Australia, which explained 64–74% of yearly variations of the WNMM‐estimated annual N2O emissions.

CONCLUSION: The WNMM was tested and capable of simulating N2O emissions from the rain‐fed and wheat‐cropped system. The inclusion of climatic variables as predictors in multiple linear regression models improved their accuracy in predicting inter‐annual N2O emissions. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry
Retention of butt‐end aluminum leg bands by wild turkeys
Authors: Butler Matthew J. , Collier Bret A. , Holt R. Douglas , Ballard Warren B. , Peterson Markus J. , Silvy Nova J. , Wallace Mark C.
Published: September 2011

We examined retention of butt‐end aluminum leg bands on Rio Grande wild turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo intermedia) captured in Texas and Kansas, USA, 2000–2009. We examined 187 recaptured or harvested radiotagged wild turkeys to determine band retention and modeled band retention with Program MARK. We did not detect differences in band retention among age and gender classes or that band retention probability was time dependent. We estimated monthly probability of band retention was 0.990 (SE = 0.002). Band retention probability was 0.971 (SE = 0.006) at 3 months post‐banding and 0.864 (SE = 0.028) at 15 months post‐banding. Butt‐end aluminum leg band retention was not 100% for wild turkeys marked during our work; however, our band retention rates were 3.7–5.7 times greater than described previously. © 2011 The Wildlife Society.
Mountain goat survival in coastal Alaska: Effects of age, sex, and climate
Authors: White Kevin S. , Pendleton Grey W. , Crowley David , Griese Herman J. , Hundertmark Kris J. , Mcdonough Thomas , Nichols Lyman , Robus Matt , Smith Christian A. , Schoen John W.
Published: September 2011

Ecological theory predicts that individual survival should vary between sex and age categories due to differences in allocation of nutritional resources for growth and reproductive activities. During periods of environmental stress, such relationships may be exacerbated, and affect sex and age classes differently. We evaluated support for hypotheses about the relative roles of sex, age, and winter and summer climate on the probability of mountain goat (Oreamnos americanus) survival in coastal Alaska. Specifically, we used known‐fates analyses (Program MARK) to model the effects of age, sex, and climatic variation on survival using data collected from 279 radio‐marked mountain goats (118 M, 161 F) in 9 separate study areas during 1977–2008. Models including age, sex, winter snowfall, and average daily summer temperature (during Jul–Aug) best explained variation in survival probability of mountain goats. Specifically, our findings revealed that old animals (9+ yr) have lower survival than younger animals. In addition, males tended to have lower survival than females, though differences only existed among prime‐aged adult (5–8 yr) and old (9+ yr) age classes. Winter climate exerted the strongest effects on mountain goat survival; summer climate, however, was significant and principally influenced survival during the following winter via indirect effects. Furthermore, old animals were more sensitive to the effects of winter conditions than young or prime‐aged animals. These findings detail how climate interacts with sex and age characteristics to affect mountain goat survival. Critically, we provide baseline survival rate statistics across various age, sex, and climate scenarios. These data will assist conservation and management of mountain goats by enabling detailed, model‐based demographic forecasting of human and/or climate‐based population impacts. © 2011 The Wildlife Society.
Effects of capture, shearing, and release on the ecology and behavior of wild vicuñas
Authors: Arzamendia Yanina , Vilá Bibiana
Published: September 2011

The goals of sustainable use of wildlife include minimizing long term deleterious impacts of management. We evaluated the ethoecological and demographic responses of wild vicuñas (Vicugna vicugna) to capture, shearing, and release in northern Argentina, as well as effects on behavior, by comparing captured and shorn versus non‐captured animals for 2 yr after capture events. We observed subtle and short‐term changes in the movement behavior of individuals, likely due to thermal and behavioral stress following capture. We did not observe changes in survival and birth rates, social organization, or distribution of animals following capture. Therefore, we concluded that the capture techniques used resulted in low impacts on the wild vicuña population. © 2011 The Wildlife Society.
Nonconventional versus conventional application of pseudo‐first‐order kinetics to fundamental organic reactions
Authors: Parker Vernon D. , Hao Weifang , Li Zhao , Scow Russell
Published: September 2011

Three new analysis procedures for pseudo‐first‐order kinetics are introduced and applied to eight different fundamental organic reactions. The reactions belong to the following classes: nitroalkane proton transfer, formal hydride ion transfers from NADH model compounds, and SN2 reactions of alkyl halides with ionic and neutral nucleophiles. The three methods consist of (1) half‐life dependence of kapp, (2) sequential linear pseudo‐first‐order correlation, and (3) revised instantaneous rate constant analysis. Each of the three procedures is capable of distinguishing between one‐ and multistep mechanisms, and the combination of the three procedures provides a powerful strategy for differentiating between the two mechanistic possibilities. The data from the eight reactions chosen as examples clearly show how the procedures work in practice. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Chem Kinet 44: 2–12, 2012
Nanoplasmonics: Engineering and observation of localized plasmon modes
Authors: Sonnefraud Y. , Leen Koh A. , McComb D.W. , Maier S.A.
Published: September 2011

This review article focuses on the basic physics of LSPR modes, and how they can be observed. For dipolar modes, observation is rather straightforward. However, higher order modes often require the use of more advanced experimental conditions or dedicated spectroscopic techniques such as electron energy‐loss spectroscopy (EELS). Eventually, bespoke LSPR modes can be engineered when different cavities are brought together to interact, giving rise to super‐ or sub‐radiant modes, as well as Fano resonances, which in the right conditions can evolve into plasmonic induced transparency.
Acne scars in ethnic skin treated with both non‐ablative fractional 1,550 nm and ablative fractional CO2 lasers: Comparative retrospective analysis with recommended guidelines
Authors: Alajlan Abdulmajeed M. , Alsuwaidan Sami N.
Published: September 2011

Background

Fractional technology has changed the dermatologists view in how to treat acne scars in ethnic skin as a result of its favorable safety profile.

Objectives

To evaluate the safety and efficacy of non‐ablative fractional (NAF) 1,550 nm and ablative fractional (AF) CO2 Lasers in the treatment of acne scars in ethnic skin.

Methodology

In this retrospective analysis patients with acne scars who were treated with NAF 1,550 nm or AF CO2 lasers from January 2008 until July 2009 were included. Evaluation was made through comparing pre‐ and post‐photographs and physician global assessment. Patients' satisfaction rate was also recorded. Assessment of improvement was based on a quartile grading scale. Bleaching creams and oral antibiotics were routinely given after each session. Adverse effects were recorded. Follow up visits were scheduled at weeks 1 and 4 of each session and 12 weeks post‐last session.

Results

A total of 82 patients were recruited in the study. Forty‐five patients treated with NAF 1,550 nm laser and 37 patients with AF CO2 laser. Skin phototype was mainly type IV (III–V). An overall patient satisfaction was 71% for NAF 1,550 nm laser group and 65% for AF CO2 laser group. Thirty‐five percent and 37% of patients attained more than 50% improvement with NAF 1,550 nm and AF CO2 lasers, respectively. Patients treated with NAF 1,550 nm laser had less down time. Transient post‐inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) was noted in 17% of patients treated with NAF 1,550 nm laser compared to 14% with AF CO2.

Conclusion

Both NAF 1,550 nm and AF CO2 lasers are effective in treating acne scars in ethnic skin with good patient satisfaction rate and high safety profile. PIH decreased with routine use of prophylactic bleaching creams. Fractional laser resurfacing open a wide horizon for treating acne scars in ethnic skin. Lasers Surg. Med. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The weak topology on q‐convex Banach function spaces
Authors: Agud L. , Calabuig J. M. , Sánchez Pérez E. A.
Published: September 2011

Let X(μ) be a Banach function space. In this paper we introduce two new geometric notions, q‐convexity and weak q‐convexity associated to a subset S of the unit ball of the dual of X(μ), 1 ≤ q < ∞. We prove that in the general case both notions are not equivalent and we study the relation between them, showing that they can be used for describing the weak topology in these spaces. We define the canonical q‐concave weak topology τq on X(μ)—a topology generated by q‐concave seminorms—for obtaining our main result: A σ‐order continuous Banach function space X(μ) is q‐convex if and only if the following topological inclusions τw⊆τq⊆τ‖ · ‖ hold. As an application, in the last section we prove a suitable Maurey‐Rosenthal type factorization theorem for operators from a Banach function space X(μ) into a Banach space that holds under weaker assumptions on the q‐convexity requirements for X(μ).
Modeling Studies on the Synthesis of Superabsorbent Hydrogels Using Population Balance Equations
Authors: Gonçalves Miguel A. D. , Pinto Virgínia D. , Dias Rolando C. S. , Costa Mário Rui P. F. N.
Published: September 2011

The synthesis of super‐absorbent hydrogels is simulated using a kinetic model based upon population balance equations of generating functions. Dynamics in a batch reactor of properties such as the weight fraction of gel or average molecular weights of the soluble fraction can be predicted. This kinetic model neglects intramolecular cyclization reactions for simplicity (hence predictions can be valid only for very small amounts of crosslinker) but it can accommodate the operation with different kinds of crosslinking agents, namely bifunctional (e.g. N,N′‐methylenebisacrylamide), trifunctional (e.g. trimethylolpropane triacrylate) and tetrafunctional (e.g. tetraallyloxyethane). The influence of the use of such different kinds of crosslinkers on the dynamics of gelation is discussed. It is also assessed the impacts of the rate propagation coefficient of the monofunctional monomer (typically acrylic acid), of the reactivity of the pendant double bonds (PDB) and of the initial composition on the dynamics of gel production. Some crucial details concerning the numerical solution of the two‐point boundary value problems (TPBVP) associated with this simulation tool are also presented. Predictions of the proposed kinetic approach are compared with those obtained using the Theory of the Branching Processes which is not strictly valid with kinetically controlled polymerization systems such as those here considered. Important differences between the predictions of the two approaches are shown. Superabsorbent hydrogels were synthesized with a 2.5 L batch reactor and the experimental data are used to show that the simple kinetic model developed is able to capture the main features of this polymerization system.
QUIPSS II with window‐sliding saturation sequence (Q2WISE)
Authors: Song Ruitian , Loeffler Ralf B. , Hillenbrand Claudia M.
Published: September 2011

A series of periodic saturation pulses used to minimize the error caused by varying transit delays in assessing perfusion using quantitative imaging of perfusion using a single subtraction II with thin‐slice TI1 periodic saturation (Q2TIPS) increases the specific absorption rate. Quantitative imaging of perfusion using a single subtraction II with window‐sliding saturation sequence (Q2WISE) has been developed, in which numerous thin saturation pulses are replaced by two thin pulses and one thick saturation pulse arranged in a window‐sliding manner within the labeling region to maintain a sharp slice profile while reducing specific absorption rate. Q2WISE essentially is a hybrid between Q2TIPS and quantitative imaging of perfusion using a single subtraction II for use in specific absorption rate intensive applications. Q2WISE was implemented on a 3 T MRI scanner to measure perfusion rates in the brain and kidneys of eight healthy volunteers and results were compared with those from Q2TIPS. Mean perfusion values of both methods for the brain (75 ± 17 [Q2WISE] and 74 ± 13 mL/100 g/min [Q2TIPS]) and kidney (308 ± 48 [Q2WISE] and 299 ± 43 mL/100 g/min [Q2TIPS]) were in very good agreement. Magn Reson Med, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Exchange‐mediated contrast agents for spin‐lock imaging
Authors: Cobb Jared G. , Xie Jingping , Li Ke , Gochberg Daniel F. , Gore John C.
Published: September 2011

Measurements of relaxation rates in the rotating frame with spin‐locking techniques are sensitive to substances with exchanging protons with appropriate chemical shifts. The authors develop a novel approach to exchange‐rate selective imaging based on measured T1ρ dispersion with applied locking field strength, and demonstrate the method on samples containing the X‐ray contrast agent Iohexol with and without cross‐linked bovine serum albumin. T1ρ dispersion of water in the phantoms was measured with a Varian 9.4‐T magnet by an on‐resonance spin‐locking pulse with fast spin‐echo readout, and the results used to estimate exchange rates. The Iohexol phantom alone gave a fitted exchange rate of ∼1 kHz, bovine serum albumin alone was ∼11 kHz, and in combination gave rates in between. By using these estimated rates, we demonstrate how a novel spin‐locking imaging method may be used to enhance contrast due to the presence of a contrast agent whose protons have specific exchange rates. Magn Reson Med, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Reinnervation of urethral and anal sphincters with femoral motor nerve to pudendal nerve transfer
Authors: Ruggieri Michael R. , Braverman Alan S. , Bernal Raymond M. , Lamarre Neil S. , Brown Justin M. , Barbe Mary F.
Published: September 2011

Aims

Lower motor neuron damage to sacral roots or nerves can result in incontinence and a flaccid urinary bladder. We showed bladder reinnervation after transfer of coccygeal to sacral ventral roots, and genitofemoral nerves (L1, 2 origin) to pelvic nerves. This study assesses the feasibility of urethral and anal sphincter reinnervation using transfer of motor branches of the femoral nerve (L2–4 origin) to pudendal nerves (S1, 2 origin) that innervate the urethral and anal sphincters in a canine model.

Methods

Sacral ventral roots were selected by their ability to stimulate bladder, urethral sphincter, and anal sphincter contraction and transected. Bilaterally, branches of the femoral nerve, specifically, nervus saphenous pars muscularis [Evans HE. Miller's anatomy of the dog. Philadelphia: W.B. Saunders; 1993], were transferred and end‐to‐end anastomosed to transected pudendal nerve branches in the perineum, then enclosed in unipolar nerve cuff electrodes with leads to implanted RF micro‐stimulators.

Results

Nerve stimulation induced increased anal and urethral sphincter pressures in five of six transferred nerves. Retrograde neurotracing from the bladder, urethral sphincter, and anal sphincter using fluorogold, fast blue, and fluororuby, demonstrated urethral and anal sphincter labeled neurons in L2–4 cord segments (but not S1–3) in nerve transfer canines, consistent with reinnervation by the transferred femoral nerve motor branches. Controls had labeled neurons only in S1–3 segments. Postmortem DiI and DiO labeling confirmed axonal regrowth across the nerve repair site.

Conclusions

These results show spinal cord reinnervation of urethral and anal sphincter targets after sacral ventral root transection and femoral nerve transfer (NT) to the denervated pudendal nerve. These surgical procedures may allow patients to regain continence. Neurourol. Urodynam. Neurourol. Urodynam. 30: 1695–1704, 2011. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Quantifying the effect of urodynamic catheters on urine flow rate measurement
Authors: Harding C. , Horsburgh B. , Dorkin T.J. , Thorpe A.C.
Published: September 2011

Introduction

The effect of urodynamic catheters on urine flow rate (Qmax) is well documented but under‐researched. Several studies show reduced Qmax but methodologies and patient demographics differ. The aims of this study were to further quantify the effect of urodynamic catheters on Qmax and to explore if this was consistent across different urodynamic diagnoses.

Methods

Four groups of 50 consecutive men attending for urodynamic studies (UDS) were retrospectively analyzed: Group 1 comprised 50 men with normal UDS, Group 2 was 50 men with BOO, and Group 3 contained 50 men with detrusor underactivity. Groups 1–3 had UDS performed using both 10 Fr filling and 4 Fr measuring catheters in situ. Group 4 comprised 50 men who had UDS performed with a smaller catheter assembly (8 Fr dual‐lumen). Values of Qmax with and without catheters present were compared using paired Student's t‐tests. Differences between groups were compared using ANOVA.

Results

Qmax measured during UDS in men from Groups 1–3 showed a mean reduction of 38% compared to Qmax from “free” uroflowmetry. ANOVA indicated this reduction was significantly greater among men with normal UDS. Interestingly the group who underwent UDS with a smaller catheter assembly showed no significant reduction in Qmax measured with catheters in situ.

Conclusion

Our findings are in line with previous work suggesting that smaller calibre urethral catheters do not cause a significant obstructive effect during voiding. In addition it would appear that the reduction in Qmax with larger urethral catheters in situ is greatest in those with normal urodynamics. Neurourol. Urodynam. 31:139–142, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Increased bladder activity is associated with elevated oxidative stress markers and proinflammatory cytokines in a rat model of atherosclerosis‐induced chronic bladder ischemia
Authors: Nomiya Masanori , Sagawa Koji , Yazaki Junji , Takahashi Norio , Kushida Nobuhiro , Haga Nobuhiro , Aikawa Ken , Matsui Takahiro , Oka Michiko , Fukui Tomomi , Andersson Karl‐Erik , Yamaguchi Osamu
Published: September 2011

Aims

To further characterize, in a rat model, the effects of atherosclerosis‐induced chronic bladder ischemia on bladder function and associated changes in oxidative stress markers and proinflammatory cytokines.

Methods

Adult Sprague‐Dawley male rats were divided into three groups (arterial endothelial injury: AI, sham, naïve). The AI group (n = 14) underwent endothelial injury of the iliac arteries and received a 2% cholesterol diet. The sham group (n = 12) underwent sham operation and received a 2% cholesterol diet. The naïve group (n = 12) received a regular diet. After 8 weeks, cystometrograms (CMG) without anesthesia or restraint were performed. In bladders from each group, oxidative stress markers (8‐hydroxy‐2′‐deoxyguanosine: 8‐OHdG; malondialdehyde: MDA) and proinflammatory cytokines (IL‐8 like cytokine CXCL1/CINC‐1, TNF‐α, IL‐6) were quantified. Histological examination of the iliac arteries was also performed.

Results

At 8 weeks, the body and bladder wet weights were not significant different among the three groups. The micturition interval in the AI group decreased significantly compared with those in the other two groups, but maximum pressure during micturition did not change. The iliac arteries in the AI group revealed thickening of intima as well as diffuse media fibrosis at the sites of balloon injury. The levels of oxidative stress markers and proinflammatory cytokines were significantly higher in the AI than in the other groups.

Conclusion

Oxidative stress and inflammation may be key factors in the development of bladder overactivity in atherosclerosis‐induced chronic bladder ischemia. Neurourol. Urodynam. 31:185–189, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
In vivo characterization of several rodent glioma models by 1H MRS
Authors: Doblas Sabrina , He Ting , Saunders Debra , Hoyle Jessica , Smith Nataliya , Pye Quentin , Lerner Megan , Jensen Randy L. , Towner Rheal A.
Published: September 2011

The assessment of metabolites by 1H MRS can provide information regarding glioma growth, and may be able to distinguish between different glioma models. Rat C6, 9 L/LacZ, F98 and RG2, and mouse GL261, cells were intracerebrally implanted into the respective rodents, and human U87 MG cells were implanted into athymic rats. Ethyl‐nitrosourea induction was also used. Glioma metabolites [e.g. total choline (tCho), total creatine (tCr), N‐acetylaspartate (NAA), lactate (Lac), glutamine (Gln), glutamate (Glu), aspartate (Asp), guanosine (Gua), mobile lipids and macromolecules (MMs)] were assessed from 1H MRS using point‐resolved spectroscopy (PRESS) [TE = 24 ms; TR = 2500 ms; variable pulse power and optimized relaxation delay (VAPOR) water suppression; 27‐μL and 8‐μL voxels in rats and mice, respectively] at 7 T. Alterations in metabolites (Totally Automatic Robust Quantitation in NMR, TARQUIN) in tumors were characterized by increases in lipids (Lip1.3: 8.8–54.5 m m for C6 and GL261) and decreases in NAA (1.3–2.0 m m for RG2, GL261 and C6) and tCr (0.8–4.0 m m for F98, RG2, GL261 and C6) in some models. F98, RG2, GL261 and C6 models all showed significantly decreased (p < 0.05) tCr, and RG2, GL261 and C6 models all exhibited significantly decreased (p < 0.05) NAA. The RG2 model showed significantly decreased (p < 0.05) Gln and Glu, the C6 model significantly decreased (p < 0.05) Asp, and the F98 and U87 models significantly decreased (p < 0.05) Gua, compared with controls. The GL261 model showed the greatest alterations in metabolites. 1H MRS was able to differentiate the metabolic profiles in many of the seven rodent glioma models assessed. These models are considered to resemble certain characteristics of human glioblastomas, and this study may be helpful in selecting appropriate models. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Work productivity and health of informal caregivers of persons with advanced cancer
Authors: Mazanec Susan R. , Daly Barbara J. , Douglas Sara L. , Lipson Amy R.
Published: September 2011

The purpose of this study was to describe health promotion behaviors and work productivity loss in informal caregivers of individuals with advanced stage cancer. Using a cross‐sectional, correlational design, 70 caregivers completed measures of health behaviors, mood, social support, and burden. Absenteeism and presenteeism were evaluated in employed caregivers (n = 40). Caregivers reported low levels of physical activity. The mean percentage of work productivity loss due to caregiving was 22.9%. Greater work productivity loss was associated with greater number of caregiving hours, higher cancer stage, married status, and greater anxiety, depression, and burden related to financial problems, disrupted schedule, and health. Nurses should assess caregivers and provide health promotion interventions, which may ultimately reduce the economic impact of caregiving. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Res Nurs Health 34:483–495, 2011
Understanding students' responses to university‐led charity campaigns: a study of a Haitian earthquake relief campaign
Authors: Ranganathan Sampath Kumar , Loebl James F. , Radosevich David J.
Published: September 2011

The primary focus of this paper is to understand determinants of behavioral intentions of individuals towards a university‐led charitable campaign. We build a comprehensive model of determinants of behavioral intentions of students towards a university‐led charitable campaign at an individual level. This study identified perceived importance of the cause, social value, and recognition as determinants of behavioral intentions. The results indicated that to increase donations, charitable campaigns should stress the importance of the cause to potential donors and publicly recognize volunteers and donors. Implications and recommendations such as leveraging the university's internal channels of communication to reinforce the importance of the cause are discussed. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.