bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Does lightness obey a log or a power law? Or is that the right question?
Authors: Brill Michael H. , Carter Robert C.
Published: October 2012

The dichotomy between the logarithmic and power‐law models of lightness perception is revisited. Both laws (and no other) are permitted by the luminance scale‐invariance of the equality of lightness differences. The logarithmic law, which emerges out of integration of Weber's law for just‐noticeable differences (JNDs), is the only one of these that is compatible with the observed background‐lightness‐invariance of the lowest JND and also with the additivity of JNDs. The power law, although defensible as a fit to empirical data, is not compatible with JND additivity. Both laws must be compromised in form to fit other mathematical necessities (e.g., continuity and domain), hence the remaining question is: can JNDs be summed to total lightness. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Col Res Appl, 39, 99–101, 2014
Effect of a particular coupling on the dynamic behavior of nonlinear systems
Authors: Cannas Barbara , Pisano Fabio
Published: October 2012

In this paper, the dynamics of particular nonlinear dynamic systems of order six, characterized by two positive Lyapunov exponents, is analyzed. Transformation techniques are applied to the study of these systems; in particular, the analysis of the transverse and tangent systems showed that they are equivalent to two uncoupled identical chaotic systems of order three. Examples of polynomial and piecewise linear systems are proposed. Both numerical simulation and circuit implementation have been performed. Moreover, a systematic method to project these systems is presented. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Normalized shape and location of perturbed craniofacial structures in the Xenopus tadpole reveal an innate ability to achieve correct morphology
Authors: Vandenberg Laura N. , Adams Dany S. , Levin Michael
Published: October 2012

COVER PHOTOGRAPH: Visualization of the developing neural tube and craniofacial structures using pH and membrane voltage reporter dyes in Xenopus laevis embryos. Manipulation of pH and membrane voltage via misexpression of subunit c of the H+‐V‐ATPase produces craniofacial abnormalities that are capable of normalizing themselves as the animal develops and ages. From Vandenberg et al., Developmental Dynamics 241:863–878, 2012.
Synthesis of Atorvastatin Lactone Linker Constructs for Target Fishing
Authors: Sawant Pramod , Maier Martin E.
Published: October 2012

With the aim of connecting atorvastatin lactone 9 to a linker for affinity‐based target fishing, a concise route to the pyrrolecarboxylic acid 8 was developed. Key features of the synthesis of the diol‐containing side‐chain were a catalytic enantioselective vinylogous aldol reaction resulting in 5‐hydroxy‐enoate 14 (88 % ee). Subsequent intramolecular oxa‐Michael addition and amide reduction furnished key building block 5. As we have described previously, Paal–Knorr reaction of amine 5 with diketone 6 led to pyrrole 7, which – after carboxylation – provided acid 8. Since atorvastatin lactone is an aniline derivative of acid 7, we prepared two linkers having an aniline terminus. For this purpose ethylene glycol based allyl ethers 20 and 27 were combined with nitrostyrene 22 by cross‐metathesis. After hydrogenation of the nitro group and the double bond, anilines 25 and 29, respectively, were obtained. The anilines were condensed with carboxylic acid 8 to afford the corresponding amides 30 and 35. Elaboration of the side‐chain then provided atorvastatin lactone linker constructs 34 and 39, respectively.
Revisiting the agentic shift: Weakening personal control increases susceptibility to social influence
Authors: Fennis Bob M. , Aarts Henk
Published: October 2012

What happens when people experience a reduced sense of personal control? Among the various strategies to defend against a perception of randomness, people may show an increased acceptance of external sources of control. Indeed, in one of the most classic studies in social psychology, Stanley Milgram referred to an “agentic shift”—the tendency to relinquish personal control to an external agent—to explain his dramatic obedience effects. We propose that his account is a specific manifestation of a more general phenomenon: the tendency for increased susceptibility to various forms of external social influence when perceived personal control is reduced. In a series of (lab and field) studies using a variety of perceived control manipulations, we demonstrate that a reduction in the sense of personal control increases people's vulnerability to the bystander effect, promotes obedience to authority and fosters compliance with behavioral requests. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Protein and peptide profiling as a tool for biomarker discovery in depression
Authors: AlAwam Khaled , Dudley Ed , Donev Rossen , Thome Johannes
Published: October 2012

This study sought to determine whether protein and/or peptide profiles from serum were able to distinguish patients suffering from depression from healthy control subjects and thereby act as biomarker candidates with potential diagnostic value. Serum samples were collected from patients (n = 39) and controls (n = 30). A C8 magnetic bead protocol was used to prepare serum proteins, while a microextraction C18 packed tip was used to isolate serum peptides. Both protein and peptide profiles were recorded by MALDI‐MS and the data were exported for further analysis. No protein signals differentiated patients from controls and principle component analysis of the entire peptide profile did not allow for distinct clustering of the two groups. Further analysis of individual peptides however identified three peptide signals whose intensities were significantly different between patients and control subjects. The efficacy of these potential biomarker candidates to identify the patients was therefore studied using a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and the combined use of all three candidates together offered the most specific and sensitive identification of true positive cases of depression.
Hypothermic regulation of astrocyte proteome profile in experimental stroke
Authors: Seo Minchul , Kim Jong‐Heon , Cho Young‐Eun , Baek Moon‐Chang , Suk Kyoungho
Published: October 2012

Astrocytes provide physical and metabolic support for neurons in the central nervous system. Reactive astrocytes, however, play a crucial role in neuroinflammation after brain injury. Therapeutic hypothermia has been shown to be neuroprotective in brain injury patients. In order to understand the effect of therapeutic hypothermia on astrocytes in stroke patients, we performed a proteomic profiling of astrocytes following transient focal cerebral ischemia in rats under normothermic (37°C) or mild hypothermic condition (33°C). Primary astrocytes were prepared from rat brain using a Percoll gradient method, and their proteome profiles were determined by using LC/ESI‐MS/MS followed by high‐throughput label‐free quantification. Comparison of proteome profiles of astrocytes following transient focal ischemia revealed that hypothermia upregulated (≥1.5‐fold) 86 proteins and downregulated (≤0.6‐fold) 47 proteins compared to normothermic condition. The changes of protein expression were validated by Western blot or RT‐PCR. Ingenuity Pathways Analysis and Database for Annotation, Visualization and Integrated Discovery analyses of the up‐ or downregulated proteins indicate that hypothermia influences glutamatergic signaling, cell death, and stress response of astrocytes in the ischemic brain. Therefore, therapeutic hypothermia may be neuroprotective in stroke patients by modulating astrocytic functions and survival.
Prion protein as a mediator of neurocardiosympathetic interactions
Authors: Rubenstein Richard , Chiu Allen , Salciccioli Louis , Kamran Haroon , Lazar Jason
Published: October 2012

A proteomic approach to study cardiovascular disease includes the examination of proteins associated with risk factors such as left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH). PrPC is a host‐coded membrane‐bound glycoprotein found in most cell types, including myocardium, and whose physiological function is uncertain. We have taken a selective proteomic approach and performed mechanistic studies to determine whether PrPC levels are related to left ventricular (LV) structure or function. Echocardiograms were performed at baseline in 65 mice comprising three strains of the same C57Bl/6J × 129SV genetic background but expressing different levels of PrPC (wild‐type mice (WT), PrP−/−, and PrPC over‐expressing transgenic mice (tga20)). There were no significant differences in LV mass or LV ejection fraction between the three groups. Either normal saline (n = 60) or isoproterenol (n = 55) was then administered intraperitoneally (50 mg/kg/day) for 5 days/wk for two consecutive weeks to induce LVH. Body weight decreased significantly in the PrP−/− group (18%). On multivariate analysis, higher LV mass index posttreatment was independently associated with the tga20 group (versus PrP−/− versus WT, p = 0.002) after adjusting for treatment (isoproterenol versus saline), and weight change (r2 = 0.13 for model, p = 0.016). Therefore, PrPC appears unrelated to LV mass and function in the basal state. Isoproterenol causes transient enhancement of PrPC expression in WT mice and a more pronounced increase in tga20 mice at 2 h posttreatment. Overexpression of PrPC in the tga20 group may be associated with higher LV mass after a 2 wk regimen of isoproterenol.
Kinetics of photocatalytic decolorization of paramagenta at buffer solutions using nanotitanium dioxide under aerobic condition
Authors: Montazerozohori Morteza , Hasanalian Javad
Published: October 2012

The photocatalytic degradation of paramagenta (PM) using nanotitanium dioxide (99.9% anatase, 70–100 nm) as photocatalyst in aqueous buffer solutions under 400 W high pressure mercury lamp irradiation under aerobic condition is presented. Some effectual parameters such as amount of photocatalyst, irradiation time of mercury lamp and pH of buffer solution are investigated. Kinetics of phocatalytic decolorization process with optimum amount of nanotitanium dioxide at various buffer pHs under air bubbling conditions was studied. The observed rate constant (kobs), photodegradation rate (kr) and adsorption constant KA based on Langmuir–Hinshelwood model were found to have spans 1.5 × 10−3 to 9.0 × 10−3 min−1, 1.37–212.76 mg min−1 L−1 and 3.41 × 10−5 to 4.11 × 10−3, respectively at buffer pHs of 2, 5, 7, and 9. © 2012 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 32: 1061–1065, 2013
Association between genomic alterations and metastatic behavior of colorectal cancer identified by array‐based comparative genomic hybridization
Authors: Sawada Takeshi , Yamamoto Eiichiro , Suzuki Hiromu , Nojima Masanori , Maruyama Reo , Shioi Yoshihiro , Akasaka Risaburo , Kamimae Seiko , Harada Taku , Ashida Masami , Kai Masahiro , Adachi Yasushi , Yamamoto Hiroyuki , Imai Kohzoh , Toyota Minoru , Itoh Fumio , Sugai Tamotsu
Published: October 2012

Colorectal cancers (CRCs) exhibit multiple genetic alterations, including allelic imbalances (copy number alterations, CNAs) at various chromosomal loci. In addition to genetic aberrations, DNA methylation also plays important roles in the development of CRC. To better understand the clinical relevance of these genetic and epigenetic abnormalities in CRC, we performed an integrative analysis of copy number changes on a genome‐wide scale and assessed mutations of TP53, KRAS, BRAF, and PIK3CA and DNA methylation of six marker genes in single glands isolated from 39 primary tumors. Array‐based comparative genomic hybridization (array‐CGH) analysis revealed that genomic losses commonly occurred at 3q26.1, 4q13.2, 6q21.32, 7q34, 8p12‐23.3, 15qcen and 18, while gains were commonly found at 1q21.3‐23.1, 7p22.3‐q34, 13q12.11‐14.11, and 20. The total numbers and lengths of the CNAs were significantly associated with the aberrant DNA methylation and Dukes' stages. Moreover, hierarchical clustering analysis of the array‐CGH data suggested that tumors could be categorized into four subgroups. Tumors with frequent DNA methylation were most strongly enriched in subgroups with infrequent CNAs. Importantly, Dukes' D tumors were enriched in the subgroup showing the greatest genomic losses, whereas Dukes' C tumors were enriched in the subgroup with the greatest genomic gains. Our data suggest an inverse relationship between chromosomal instability and aberrant methylation and a positive association between genomic losses and distant metastasis and between genomic gains and lymph node metastasis in CRC. Therefore, DNA copy number profiles may be predictive of the metastatic behavior of CRCs. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
CO2 capture from ethanol production and storage into the Mt Simon Sandstone
Authors: Gollakota Sai , McDonald Scott
Published: October 2012

Under the Industrial Carbon Capture and Storage (ICCS) program, funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) of 2009, the United States Department of Energy (DOE) is co‐sponsoring the Archer Daniels Midland Company's (ADM's) large‐scale carbon capture and storage (CCS) project in Illinois. The Office of Fossil Energy's National Energy Technology Laboratory manages this project, which receives $141.4 million in ARRA funding and another $66.5 million in private sector cost‐sharing. This project, also referred to as the Illinois ICCS project, is under construction in Decatur, Illinois, and is scheduled to begin operations in 2013. The project team members are ADM, DOE, Schlumberger Carbon Services, Illinois State Geological Survey (ISGS), and Richland Community College (RCC). The Illinois ICCS project will demonstrate an integrated system for collecting up to 907 000 tonnes per year of CO2 from ADM's ethanol plant in Decatur and geologically sequestering it in the Mt Simon Sandstone, a saline reservoir. The project scope includes the design, construction, and integrated operation of CO2 compression, dehydration, and injection facilities, and monitoring, verification, and accounting of the stored CO2. Significant field work has been completed, i.e. design of the integrated CCS system, 3‐D seismic survey and site characterization, and mechanical construction of the compression and dehydration facilities. This is the largest saline storage project under construction in the USA. This paper will provide an overview and benefits of the Illinois ICCS project, present the field work results, and highlight the current status and future plans. © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
Solution processable polymer‐based nanocomposite coatings for large‐area carbon capture and conversion
Authors: Ashley Michael , Ramidi Punnamchandar , Magiera Charles , Ghosh Anindya , Bontrager Timothy , Scott Timothy G. , Blackburn Gary , Dervishi Enkeleda , Biris Alexandru S. , Wang Tao , Bayer Ilker S , Biswas Abhijit
Published: October 2012

We present synthesis and characterization of multicomponent polymer‐based nanocomposites for carbon dioxide capture and conversion into stable carbonates. Using a simple drop‐casting method, several metal oxide nanoparticles were homogeneously mixed into a polymer matrix. Our formulation is based on the combination of metal oxide nanoparticles and photocatalysts, such as titanium dioxide, silicon dioxide, magnesium oxide, copper oxide, and iron oxide. In this formulation, each metal oxide exhibits its own catalytic function of trapping carbon dioxide. In a mixture with several of these inorganic components, the nanocomposites exhibit the characteristics from each, with a potential of displaying multifunctionality. The liquid phase of the polymer‐based nanocomposite enables it to be sprayed onto any surface that could potentially lead to large‐area carbon capture. The combination of low‐cost materials, easy large‐scale applications, and multifunctionality offers huge potential of these multicomponent nanocomposites for effective CO2 capture and conversion into stable carbonates and other useful by‐products. © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
Increasing skilled birth attendance through midwifery workforce management
Authors: Rosskam Ellen , Pariyo George , Hounton Sennen , Aiga Hirotsugu
Published: October 2012

Policy makers and development partners struggle to help find solutions to the high rates of maternal and newborn mortality in many low and middle income countries. Increasing access to midwives and health workers skilled in midwifery can help to alleviate the situation. We aim to contribute to the debate on strategies to increase access to skilled birth attendance by sharing our views, illustrated with as yet unpublished case stories that were recognized with Awards of Excellence at the Second Global Forum on Human Resources for Health, 2011, held in Bangkok, Thailand.

The correlation between access to skilled birth attendance and the density of midwives, nurses and doctors has been well established in the literature. How to cost‐effectively scale up skilled birth attendance in low and middle income countries, however, remains a matter of debate. This article is based on a review of success stories in midwifery workforce management and innovations in increasing population access to midwives and other health workers skilled in midwifery. We draw on case stories from three low resource settings: Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Nigeria.

Addressing the problem of access to skilled birth attendance, some countries are making good progress towards achieving Millennium Development Goals 4 and 5. Unshakeable political will and financial commitment are fundamental. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Differential methylation of E2 binding sites in episomal and integrated HPV 16 genomes in preinvasive and invasive cervical lesions
Authors: Chaiwongkot Arkom , Vinokurova Svetlana , Pientong Chamsai , Ekalaksananan Tipaya , Kongyingyoes Bunkerd , Kleebkaow Pilaiwan , Chumworathayi Bandit , Patarapadungkit Natcha , Reuschenbach Miriam , von Knebel Doeberitz Magnus
Published: October 2012

Enhanced expression of the HPV 16 E6‐E7 oncogenes may trigger neoplastic transformation of the squamous epithelial cells at the uterine cervix. The HPV E2 protein is a key transcriptional regulator of the E6‐E7 genes. It binds to four E2 binding sites (E2BSs 1–4) in the viral upstream regulatory region (URR). Modification of E2 functions, for example, by methylation of E2BSs is hypothesized to trigger enhanced expression of the viral E6‐E7 oncogenes. In the majority of HPV‐transformed premalignant lesions and about half of cervical carcinomas HPV genomes persist in an extra‐chromosomal, episomal state, whereas they are integrated into host cells chromosomes in the remaining lesions. Here we compared the methylation profile of E2BSs 1–4 of the HPV 16 URR in a series of 18 HPV16‐positive premalignant lesions and 33 invasive cervical cancers. CpGs within the E2BSs 1, 3, and 4 were higher methylated in all lesions with only episomal HPV16 genomes compared with lesions displaying single integrated copies. Samples with multiple HPV16 integrated copies displayed high methylation levels for all CpGs suggesting that the majority of multiple copies were silenced by extensive methylation. These data support the hypothesis that differential methylation of the E2BSs 1, 3 and 4 is related to the activation of viral oncogene expression in cervical lesions as long as the viral genome remains in the episomal state. Once the virus becomes integrated into host cell chromosomes these methylation patterns may be substantially altered due to complex epigenetic changes of integrated HPV genomes.
RAD51 overexpression is a negative prognostic marker for colorectal adenocarcinoma
Authors: Tennstedt Pierre , Fresow Robert , Simon Ronald , Marx Andreas , Terracciano Luigi , Petersen Cordula , Sauter Guido , Dikomey Ekkehard , Borgmann Kerstin
Published: October 2012

RAD51 is the central protein in the homologous recombination pathway and is therefore of great relevance in terms of both therapy resistance as well as genomic stability. By using a tissue microarray analysis of 1,213 biopsies taken from colorectal adenocarcinomas (CRCs), we investigated whether RAD51 expression can be used as a prognostic marker as well as potential associations between this and the expression of other proteins known to be related to CRC. Strong RAD51 expression was observed in 1% of CRC, moderate in 11%, weak in 34% and no expression in 44%. No correlation was found between RAD51 expression and clinicopathological parameters. RAD51 expression correlated significantly (p = 0.001) with overall survival, with a median survival of 11 months for patients with strong, 46 with moderate, 76 with weak and 68 with negative expression. Multivariate analyses revealed that in addition to tumor stage (p < 0.0001) and nodal status (p < 0.0001), RAD51 expression is also an independent prognostic parameter (p = 0.011). Strong RAD51 expression was found to be associated with the loss of the two DNA mismatch repair proteins MSH (p = 0.0003), MLH (p = 0.002) and β‐catenin (p = 0.012) as well as with elevated p21 (p = 0.003) and EGFR expression (p = 0.0001). However, a correlation with overall survival could only be found for EGFR expression (p = 0.008), although no added benefit in risk stratification could be determined when evaluated together with RAD51. Overexpression of RAD51 is a predictor of poor outcome in CRC. This finding indicated the promise of future studies using RAD51 as a prognostic marker and therapeutic target.
KRAS G>A mutation favors poor tumor differentiation but may not be associated with prognosis in patients with curatively resected duodenal adenocarcinoma
Authors: Fu Tao , Guzzetta Angela A. , Jeschke Jana , Vatapalli Rajita , Dave Pujan , Hooker Craig M. , Morgan Richard , Iacobuzio‐Donahue Christine A. , Liu Baohua , Ahuja Nita
Published: October 2012

KRAS mutations have been found in duodenal adenocarcinomas and may have prognostic significance. The purpose of this study was to classify clinicopathological characteristics, microsatellite instability and KRAS mutations and identify possible prognostic role of KRAS mutations in duodenal adenocarcinomas. Demographics, tumor characteristics and survival were recorded for 78 patients with duodenal adenocarcinomas (Stages I–III). KRAS mutations were detected in 27 (34.6%) cases, of which the majority (74.1%) were G>A transitions. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that KRAS G>A mutation was significantly associated with late stage (p = 0.025) and poor tumor differentiation (p = 0.035), when compared with wild‐type and other than G>A mutations. KRAS G>A mutation carriers were at increased risk for distant relapse (p = 0.022) and had significantly shorter overall survival (OS; log‐rank p = 0.045) and a trend toward shorter relapse‐free survival (RFS; log‐rank p = 0.062) when compared with those who did not carry the KRAS G>A mutation. In multivariate analyses, there was a significant correlation between ≥ 3 positive lymph nodes and poor OS (p < 0.001) and RFS (p = 0.001) and KRAS G>A mutation carriers demonstrated no effect on clinical outcome. In conclusion, KRAS G>A mutation correlates significantly with late stage and poor tumor differentiation in duodenal adenocarcinoma. Among patients who undergo a curative resection of duodenal adenocarcinoma, KRAS G>A mutation carriers will more likely experience distant relapse but may not exhibit a poor prognosis. The number of positive lymph nodes should be incorporated in future staging systems.
Identification of NUCKS1 as a colorectal cancer prognostic marker through integrated expression and copy number analysis
Authors: Kikuchi Akifumi , Ishikawa Toshiaki , Mogushi Kaoru , Ishiguro Megumi , Iida Satoru , Mizushima Hiroshi , Uetake Hiroyuki , Tanaka Hiroshi , Sugihara Kenichi
Published: October 2012

We identified a novel prognostic biomarker for the distant metastasis of colorectal cancer (CRC) using comprehensive combined copy number and gene expression analyses. Expression of mRNA in CRC tissue was profiled in 115 patients using an Affymetrix Gene Chip, and copy number profiles were generated for 122 patients using an Affymetrix 250K Sty array. Genes showing both upregulated expression and copy number gains in cases involving distant CRC metastasis were extracted as candidate biomarkers. Expression of the candidate gene mRNA was validated in 86 patients using quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction assays. Expression of the protein encoded by the candidate gene was assessed using immunohistochemical staining of tissue from 269 patients. The relationship between protein expression and clinicopathologic features was also examined. Following combined copy number and gene expression analyses, three genes linked to distant metastasis of CRC were extracted as candidate biomarkers. The expression of NUCKS1, reportedly overexpressed in several cancers other than CRC, was significantly higher in CRC tissue than in normal tissue. Overexpression of the NUCKS1 protein in CRC cells was found to be associated with significantly worse overall survival and relapse‐free survival, indicating that NUCKS1 is an independent risk factor for CRC recurrence. The overexpression of NUCKS1 in cancer cells could be used as a CRC prognostic marker and might also be a target for treatment of this disease.
Liquid Crystalline Inorganic Nanosheet Colloids Derived From Layered Materials
Authors: Miyamoto Nobuyoshi , Nakato Teruyuki
Published: October 2012

Inorganic layered crystals such as clay minerals, layered niobates, and graphite are exfoliated in solvents to form colloidal dispersions of extremely thin inorganic nanosheets. Recently, the liquid crystal phases of these “nanosheet colloids” have been rediscovered and are attracting interest as new types of inorganic liquid crystals. The huge anisotropy of the mesogenic nanosheets compared to other liquid crystal systems is an important feature of the nanosheet liquid crystals for fundamental studies in the fields of colloid science and soft matter physics. In addition, the rich functionalities intrinsic to inorganic materials open a variety of applications such as smart colloids and composite materials with structural regularity. In this article, the recent progress of the emerging new materials of inorganic nanosheet liquid crystals is reviewed with a focus on the behaviors of each system, alignment by external field, and theoretical aspects.
Increased in vivo stability and functional lifetime of an implantable glucose sensor through platinum catalysis
Authors: Colvin Arthur E. , Jiang Hui
Published: October 2012

Understanding and improving in vivo materials related to signal stability and preservation for active chemical sensor and biosensor transduction systems is critical in achieving implantable medical sensors for long‐term in vivo applications. During human in vivo clinical testing of an implantable glucose sensor based on a glucose sensitive hydrogel, post‐explant analysis showed that the boronate recognition element had been oxidized from the fluorescent indicator, causing a rapid loss of signal within hours after implant. Additional wet‐bench analytical evidence and reproduction in vitro suggests reactive oxygen species, particularly hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), stemming from natural inflammatory response to the material, to be the cause of the observed oxidative de‐boronation. A 3‐nm thick deposition of metallic platinum (Pt) placed by plasma sputtering onto the porous surface of the hydrogel, showed immediate protection from sensor signal loss due to oxidation both in vitro and in vivo, greatly extending the useful lifetime of the implantable glucose sensor from 1 day to an expected ≥6 months. This finding may represent a new strategy to protect an implanted material and/or device from in vivo oxidative damage, leading to much improved overall stability and reliability for long‐term applications. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A, 2013.
Positive modulation of osteogenesis‐ and osteoclastogenesis‐related gene expression with strontium‐containing microstructured Ti implants in rabbit cancellous bone
Authors: Park Jin‐Woo , Kim Youn‐Jeong , Jang Je‐Hee , Song Hwangjun
Published: October 2012

This study investigated the in vivo osteoblast and osteoclast gene expression in the peri‐implant bone tissue of the strontium (Sr)‐incorporated microstructured Ti implants (SLA/Sr) in order to evaluate whether local Sr delivery to the implant surface as in the form of SrTiO3 also exerts original bone healing enhancement effect of Sr that take place through the dual modes of action of a stimulation of osteogenesis and an inhibition of osteoclastogenesis. The in vivo mRNA expression of osteoblast‐ and osteoclast‐related genes in the peri‐implant bone and removal torque forces of the SLA/Sr implants were compared with a chemically modified super‐hydrophilic SLA implants (SLActive®) in rabbit cancellous bone after 2 weeks of implantation. There was no significant difference in the removal torque values between the two groups. Both the torque‐tested SLA/Sr and SLActive implants exhibited a considerable quantity of bone attached to the surface. Real‐time PCR analysis revealed notably increased mRNA expression of osteoblast genes (Runx2, osterix and osteocalcin) in the peri‐implant bone of the SLA/Sr implants compared with the SLActive implants (p < 0.05), whereas osteoclast phenotype gene (TRAP) expression was markedly decreased in the SLA/Sr implant (p < 0.05). The results at the molecular level suggest that local Sr delivery as in the form of the Sr‐incorporated Ti oxide layer favors early osseointegration of microrough Ti implants via a positive modulation of bone healing, that is, a promotion of osteoblast differentiation and suppression of osteoclastogenesis, in the bone–implant interface of cancellous bone. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 101A:298–306, 2013.
Electrospinning collagen/chitosan/poly(L‐lactic acid‐co‐ϵ‐caprolactone) to form a vascular graft: Mechanical and biological characterization
Authors: Yin Anlin , Zhang Kuihua , McClure Michael J. , Huang Chen , Wu Jinglei , Fang Jun , Mo Xiumei , Bowlin Gary L. , Al‐Deyab Salem S. , El‐Newehy Mohamed
Published: October 2012

For blood vessel tissue engineering, an ideal vascular graft should possess excellent biocompatibility and mechanical properties. For this study, a elastic material of poly (L‐lactic acid‐co‐ϵ‐caprolactone) (P(LLA‐CL)), collagen and chitosan blended scaffold at different ratios were fabricated by electrospinning. Upon fabrication, the scaffolds were evaluated to determine the tensile strength, burst pressure, and dynamic compliance. In addition, the contact angle and endothelial cell proliferation on the scaffolds were evaluated to demonstrate the structures potential to serve as a vascular prosthetic capable ofin situregeneration. The collagen/chitosan/P(LLA‐CL) scaffold with the ratio of 20:5:75 reached the highest tensile strength with the value of 16.9 MPa, and it was elastic with strain at break values of ∼112%, elastic modulus of 10.3 MPa. The burst pressure strength of the scaffold was greater than 3365 mmHg and compliance value was 0.7%/100 mmHg. Endothelial cells proliferation was significantly increased on the blended scaffolds versus the P(LLA‐CL). Meanwhile, the endothelial cells were more adherent based on the increase in the degree of cell spreading on the surface of collagen/chitosan/P(LLA‐CL) scaffolds. Such blended scaffold especially with the ratio of 20:5:75 thus has the potential for vascular graft applications. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A, 2013.
Etoposide encapsulation in surface‐modified poly(lactide‐co‐glycolide) nanoparticles strongly enhances glioma antitumor efficiency
Authors: Callewaert Maïté , Dukic Sylvain , Van Gulick Laurence , Vittier Mélanie , Gafa Valérie , Andry Marie‐Christine , Molinari Michaël , Roullin V. Gaëlle
Published: October 2012

Etoposide (VP‐16) is a hydrophobic anticancer agent inhibiting Topoisomerase II, commonly used in pediatric brain chemotherapeutic schemes as mildly toxic. Unfortunately, despite its appropriate solubilization in vehicle solvents, its poor bioavailability and limited passage of the blood–brain barrier concur to disappointing results requiring the development of new delivery system forms. In this study, etoposide formulated as a parenteral injectable solution (Teva®) was loaded into all‐biocompatible poly(lactide‐co‐glycolide) (PLGA) or PLGA/P188‐blended nanoparticles (size 110–130 nm) using a fully biocompatible nanoprecipitation technique. The presence of coprecipitated P188 on encapsulation efficacies and in vitro drug release was investigated. Drug encapsulation was determined using HPLC. Inflammatory response was checked by FACS analysis on human monocytes. Cytotoxic activity of the various simple (Teva®) or double (Teva®‐loaded NPs) formulations was studied on the murine C6 and F98 cell lines. Obtained results suggest that, although noninflammatory neither nontoxic by themselves, the use of PLGA and PLGA/P188 nanoencapsulations over pre‐existing etoposide formulation could induce a greatly improved cytotoxic activity. This approach demonstrated a promising perspective for parenteral delivery of VP16 and potential development of a therapeutic entity. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A, 2013.
Affinity proteins and their generation
Authors: Ståhl Stefan , Kronqvist Nina , Jonsson Andreas , Löfblom John
Published: October 2012

Engineered affinity proteins have, together with antibodies and antibody derivatives, become indispensable tools in many areas of life science and with an increasing number of applications. The need for high‐throughput methods for generation of these different affinity proteins is evident. Today, combinatorial protein engineering is the most successful strategy to generate novel affinity proteins of non‐immunoglobulin origin. In this approach, high‐complexity combinatorial libraries are constructed from which affinity proteins are isolated using appropriate selection methods, thus circumventing the need for detailed knowledge of the protein structure and the binding mechanism that is necessary in more rational approaches. Since the introduction of the phage display technology, several alternative selection systems have been developed for this purpose. This review presents briefly some of the more commonly used affinity proteins, and gives an overview of the different methods and challenges related to the generation of library diversity and the selection methods available for the isolation of affinity proteins with desired properties. Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Identification of naturally isolated Southern Louisiana's algal strains and the effect of higher CO2 content on fatty acid profiles for biodiesel production
Authors: Moreno Reynaldo , Aita Giovanna M. , Madsen Lee , Gutierrez Dina L. , Yao Shaomian , Hurlburt Barry , Brashear Suzanne
Published: October 2012

BACKGROUND: Microalgae, with both high biomass productivity and oil content, are regarded as attractive candidates for the production of alternative biodiesel as well as for CO2 biofixation. In the present study, four microalgal strains native to southeastern Louisiana's waters were isolated and identified to evaluate their potential for the production of biodiesel. Selected strains were identified through genomic DNA in sequencing of either 16S rRNA or 18S rRNA genes followed by lipid and fatty acid content characterization and quantification.

RESULTS: High correlation was found with known nucleotide sequence identities at 98% with Sellaphora pupula, and 99% with Synechococcus sp., Chlorella sorokiniana, Scenedesmus abundans, and Chlorella vulgaris (control). The fatty acid profiles of these organisms changed when using 5% CO2 aeration. Total fatty acids (TFA) decreased from 20.63 to 17.62, 54.83 to 24.4, and 29.82 to 23.99 g kg−1 in Synechococcus sp., Sellaphora pupula and Chlorella sorokiniana, respectively. TFA increased from 14.14 to 31.49 and 15.14 to 47.52 g kg−1 dry biomass in Scenedesmus abundans and Chlorella vulgaris (control), respectively.

CONCLUSION: Chlorella sorokiniana, with a lower C18:3 and the highest biomass yield at 5% CO2 aeration, was found to be the best candidate for biodiesel production. © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Communicating discharge instructions to patients: A survey of nurse, intern, and hospitalist practices
Authors: Ashbrook Liza , Mourad Michelle , Sehgal Niraj
Published: October 2012

BACKGROUND:

Comprehensive discharge education can improve patient understanding and may reduce unnecessary rehospitalization.

OBJECTIVES:

To understand nurse and physician communication practices around patient discharge education.

SETTING:

University of California, San Francisco Medical Center (UCSFMC).

PARTICIPANTS:

Nurses, interns, and hospitalists caring for hospitalized medicine patients.

MEASUREMENTS:

Participants were surveyed regarding discharge education practices. The survey asked respondents about 13 elements of discharge education found in the literature. For each element, participants were queried regarding: 1) the provider responsible for this element of patient education; 2) the frequency with which they communicate this teaching to patients; 3) how often they directly communicate with the nurse or physician caring for the patient about each element; and 4) tools to improve nurse–physician communication.

RESULTS:

A total of 129/184 (70%) nurses, interns, and hospitalists responded to the survey. The majority of respondents in all 3 groups felt that 9 of 13 elements were a combined responsibility. Nurses reported educating patients on these 9 items significantly more often than physicians (P < 0.05). All groups also agreed that instruction on 2 of the elements, summary of hospital findings and pending results, should be primarily the physicians' responsibility; these were the elements least often discussed by any provider. Despite the majority of items being agreed upon as a shared responsibility, communication between nurses and physicians regarding discharge education was low. Standardized verbal communication on the day of discharge was supported most strongly by all providers.

CONCLUSIONS:

Ambiguous responsibility for providing discharge education and poor communication between nurses and physicians offers an opportunity for improvement. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2013. © 2012 Society of Hospital Medicine
Therapeutic effects of human mesenchymal and hematopoietic stem cells on rotenone‐treated parkinsonian mice
Authors: Inden Masatoshi , Takata Kazuyuki , Nishimura Kaneyasu , Kitamura Yoshihisa , Ashihara Eishi , Yoshimoto Kanji , Ariga Hiroyoshi , Honmou Osamu , Shimohama Shun
Published: October 2012

To appreciate the potential applications of stem cell technology in neurodegenerative diseases, including Parkinson's disease (PD), it is important to understand the characteristics of the various types of stem cells. In this study, we designed a set of experiments to compare the ability of three types of human stem cells—mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), bone marrow CD34+cells (BM), and cord blood CD34+cells (CB)—using rotenone‐treated NOD/SCID mice. Rotenone was orally administered once daily at a dose of 30 mg/kg for 56 days to induce a parkinsonian phenotype. Intravenous delivery of CB into rotenone‐treated mice was slightly more beneficial than that of MSCs or BM according to both histological and behavioral analyses. Human nucleus (hNu)+cells, which are a specific marker of human cells, were observed in the striatum of rotenone‐treated mice transplanted with stem cells. These hNu+cells expressed tyrosine hydroxylase (TH). Additionally, α‐synuclein+/TH+cells in the substantia nigra pars compacta decreased significantly following stem cell transplantation. Immunohistochemical analysis also revealed that chronic exposure to rotenone decreased glial cell line‐derived neurotrophic factor immunoreactivity and that the reduction was improved by each stem cell transplantation. Gene expression analyses revealed that MSCs, BM, and CB expressed several neurotrophic factors. These results suggest that the beneficial effects of intravenous delivery of stem cells into rotenone‐treated mice may result not only from a neurotrophic effect but also from endogenous brain repair mechanisms and the potential of intravenous delivery of stem cells derived from an autologous source for clinical applications in PD. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Calcineurin–nuclear factor of activated t cells regulation of Krox‐20 expression in Schwann cells requires elevation of intracellular cyclic AMP
Authors: Kipanyula Maulilio J. , Woodhoo Ashwin , Rahman Mary , Payne Donna , Jessen Kristján R. , Mirsky Rhona
Published: October 2012

The transcription factor Krox‐20 (Egr2) is a master regulator of Schwann cell myelination. In mice from which calcineurin B had been excised in cells of the neural crest lineage, calcineurin–nuclear factor of activated T cells (NFAT) signaling was required for neuregulin‐related Schwann cell myelination (Kao et al. [2009] Immunity 12:359–372). Whether NFAT signaling required simultaneous elevation of intracellular cAMP levels was not explored. In vivo, Krox‐20 expression requires continuous axon–Schwann cell signaling that in Schwann cell cultures can be mimicked by elevation of intracellular cAMP. We have investigated the role of the calcineurin–NFAT pathway in Krox‐20 induction in purified rat Schwann cell cultures. Activation of this pathway requires elevation of intracellular Ca2+ levels. The calcium ionophore A23187 or ionomycin was used to increase intracellular Ca2+ levels in Schwann cell cultures that had been treated with dibutyryl cAMP to induce Krox‐20. Increase in Ca2+ levels significantly potentiated Krox‐20 induction, determined by Krox‐20 immunolabeling of individual cells and Western blotting. Levels of the myelin proteins periaxin and P0 were also elevated. The potentiating effect was blocked by cyclosporin A, a specific blocker of the calcineurin–NFAT pathway. We found that, in the absence of cAMP elevation, treatment with A23187 alone failed to induce Krox‐20 expression, indicating that NFAT upregulation of Krox‐20 requires elevation of cAMP levels in Schwann cells. P‐VIVIT, another specific inhibitor of calcineurin–NFAT interaction, blocked Krox‐20 induction in response to dibutyryl cAMP and ionophore. HA‐NFAT1 (1–460)‐GFP translocated to the nucleus on treatment with dibutyryl cAMP with or without added ionophore. NFAT isoforms 1–4 were detected in purified Schwann cells by quantitative RT‐PCR. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Changes in atmospheric circulation and temperature trends in major vineyard regions of New Zealand
Authors: Sturman Andrew , Quénol Hervé
Published: October 2012

This paper contributes to knowledge of the impact of global warming on viticulture, using major vineyard regions of New Zealand as a case study to illustrate regional disparities in climate change impacts resulting from downscale effects of larger scale atmospheric circulation. Recent trends in air temperature in New Zealand vineyard areas are investigated. Trends since 1941 in Marlborough show an increase in temperature range, with both rising maximum temperatures and declining minimum temperatures, but no change in the annual mean. More hot days and frosts are of concern to viticulturalists, and this trend not only differs from other major vineyard areas, but also occurs at other sites in eastern parts of the country. The relationship between changes in atmospheric circulation over New Zealand and observed trends in temperature and frost occurrence at Blenheim is investigated using the Kidson weather type classification for the period 1958–2010 and the Trenberth M1 index. The increased temperature range is expected to be associated with more frequent clear skies along the east coast of the country, resulting from changes in weather patterns (more frequent anticyclones, fewer low‐pressure systems, increased zonal and southerly flow). These changes in weather patterns are shown to be closely linked to larger scale changes in atmospheric circulation via the Southern Annular Mode (SAM) and Southern Oscillation. The results show that significant regional variations in the impact of global warming can occur over areas of complex terrain such as New Zealand. Observed differences in local temperature and frost trends can be caused by the interaction of changing weather systems with mountainous terrain. These changing weather systems themselves are seen to be the result of major shifts in the larger scale atmospheric circulation. These results are important for assessing possible impacts on viticulture and in developing adaptation strategies for agriculture in response to predicted future climates.
Cell‐based tissue engineering augments tendon‐to‐bone healing in a rat supraspinatus model
Authors: Loeffler Bryan J. , Scannell Brian P. , Peindl Richard D. , Connor Patrick , Davis Daniel E. , Hoelscher Gretchen L. , Norton H. James , Hanley Edward N. , Gruber Helen E.
Published: October 2012

Rotator cuff pathology causes substantial pain/disability and health care costs. Cell‐based tissue engineering offers promise for improved outcomes in tendon to bone healing. Cells from the tendon‐bone interface were used here to amplify surgical defect healing in a rat model. Cells from tendon‐to‐bone interface of the rotator cuff were seeded in sponges and implanted into critical rotator cuff defects: Group I, control; II, surgical defect only; III, suture‐repaired defect; IV, surgical defect, repair with sponge only; V, surgical defect, repair with sponge with cells. Three, 6‐, and 12‐week results were assessed for histologic features. At 3 weeks, histologic indices in Group V were significantly increased versus other treatment groups. Group V (12 weeks) showed significantly improved collagen organization versus other treatment groups; there was no difference in collagen organization in Group I versus V. In summary, increased cellularity, inflammation, vascularity, and collagen organization were present at 3 weeks; increased collagen organization at 12 weeks in Group V provides evidence for improved healing with cells. Data further support the utility of tendon‐bone interface cells in rotator cuff healing. © 2012 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 31: 407–412, 2013
Automatic identification system of Raman spectra in binary mixtures of pigments
Authors: González‐Vidal J. J. , Perez‐Pueyo R. , Soneira M. J. , Ruiz‐Moreno S.
Published: October 2012

In an art historical context, pigments identification is exceedingly important for the conservation, interpretation and preservation of art works. In practice, the pigments may have been used in mixtures (or in admixtures) with other pigments to produce special effects or tonal qualities. Binary mixtures are the more frequently mixtures used in paintings; for instance, it is commonly used the mixture of a yellow pigment with a blue pigment to produce green colors. In this situation, the pigments identification is actually done on Raman spectra of pigment mixtures and may turn out to be a complex and tedious task, especially when analyzing spectra with a large number of bands located close together as it is the case of mixtures of synthetic organic pigments. To decrease complexity whilst also speeding up the identification process, a system to automatically identify Raman spectra of binary mixtures of pigments is presented in this work. The system is able to identify the two different pigments in the mixture from spectroscopic signature obtained by Raman spectroscopy. The technique has been proved with mixtures showing its robustness against some of the critical factors that could affect the application of Raman spectroscopy for pigments identification as distortion and wavenumber shifts in key Raman bands due to different measurement environmental conditions. The results led to conclude that the system could be a useful tool to help the analyst to make a decision. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.