bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Occurrence of l‐γ‐glutamyl‐S‐(1‐hydroxy‐2‐methyl‐3‐pentanyl)‐l‐cysteine and S‐(1‐ethyl‐3‐hydroxy‐2‐methylpropyl)‐l‐cysteine in fresh and processed Allium caepa L. cultivar
Authors: Starkenmann Christian , Niclass Yvan , Cayeux Isabelle
Published: March 2011

The long‐lasting presence of onion flavour in the mouth is due to the action of mouth microflora on non‐volatile flavour precursors. The key odorant for the fresh green onion tonality is (±)‐2‐methyl‐3‐sulfanyl‐pentan‐1‐ol and it should originate from its corresponding cysteine‐S‐conjugate. This paper describes the analysis of onion powder and fresh onion, focusing on the discovery of S‐(1‐ethyl‐3‐hydroxy‐2‐methylpropyl)‐l‐cysteine. This compound is a precursor of a potent volatile sulfur compound, (±)‐2‐methyl‐3‐sulfanyl‐pentan‐1‐ol. Authentic samples of the cysteine‐S‐conjugate (S‐(1‐ethyl‐3‐hydroxy‐2‐methylpropyl)‐l‐cysteine) and the γ‐glutamyl‐cysteine‐S‐conjugate (l‐γ‐glutamyl‐S‐(1‐hydroxy‐2‐methyl‐3‐pentanyl)‐l‐cysteine) were prepared and fully characterized. In the onion powder extract, the presence of l‐γ‐glutamyl‐S‐(1‐hydroxy‐2‐methyl‐3‐pentanyl)‐l‐cysteine was confirmed; the average concentration calculated from four extractions was 1.1 ± 0.3 μg/kg. The occurrence of S‐(1‐ethyl‐3‐hydroxy‐2‐methylpropyl)‐l‐cysteine was also confirmed and the concentration was about 1.3 ± 0.4 μg/kg. In fresh onion, the occurrence of both compounds was also confirmed; the γ‐glutamyl‐cysteine‐S‐conjugate was present at a higher concentration (1.0 μg/kg) compared with cysteine‐S‐conjugate (< 0.1 μg/kg). The formation of (±)‐2‐methyl‐3‐sulfanyl‐pentan‐1‐ol from an onion powder fraction by means of a β‐lyase enzyme (apotryptophanase) confirmed the natural occurrence of these precursors. This analysis is another example showing the role of the glutathione cycle to ultimately release volatile organic sulfur compounds. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Grid‐independent depth‐averaged simulations with a collocated unstructured finite volume scheme
Authors: Larmaei M. Moradi , Behzadi J. , Mahdi Tew‐Fik
Published: March 2011

In this article, the depth‐averaged transport equations are written in a new way so that it is possible to solve the transport equations for very small water depths. Variables are interpolated into the cell face with two different schemes and, the schemes are compared in terms of computational cost and accuracy. The bed source terms are computed using two different assumptions. The effect of these assumptions on numerical simulations is then investigated. Solutions of transport equations on different types of unstructured triangular grids are compared and, an appropriate choice of grid is suggested. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A Robust Data‐Mining Approach to Bankruptcy Prediction
Authors: Divsalar Mehdi , Roodsaz Habib , Vahdatinia Farshad , Norouzzadeh Ghassem , Behrooz Amir Hossein
Published: March 2011

In this study, new variants of genetic programming (GP), namely gene expression programming (GEP) and multi‐expression programming (MEP), are utilized to build models for bankruptcy prediction. Generalized relationships are obtained to classify samples of 136 bankrupt and non‐bankrupt Iranian corporations based on their financial ratios. An important contribution of this paper is to identify the effective predictive financial ratios on the basis of an extensive bankruptcy prediction literature review and upon a sequential feature selection analysis. The predictive performance of the GEP and MEP forecasting methods is compared with the performance of traditional statistical methods and a generalized regression neural network. The proposed GEP and MEP models are effectively capable of classifying bankrupt and non‐bankrupt firms and outperform the models developed using other methods. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Macrophage therapy for murine liver fibrosis recruits host effector cells improving fibrosis, regeneration, and function
Authors: Thomas James A. , Pope Caroline , Wojtacha Davina , Robson Andrew J. , Gordon-Walker Timothy T. , Hartland Stephen , Ramachandran Prakash , Van Deemter Marielle , Hume David A. , Iredale John P. , Forbes Stuart J.
Published: March 2011

Clinical studies of bone marrow (BM) cell therapy for liver cirrhosis are under way but the mechanisms of benefit remain undefined. Cells of the monocyte-macrophage lineage have key roles in the development and resolution of liver fibrosis. Therefore, we tested the therapeutic effects of these cells on murine liver fibrosis. Advanced liver fibrosis was induced in female mice by chronic administration of carbon tetrachloride. Unmanipulated, syngeneic macrophages, their specific BM precursors, or unfractionated BM cells were delivered during liver injury. Mediators of inflammation, fibrosis, and regeneration were measured. Donor cells were tracked by sex-mismatch and green fluorescent protein expression. BM-derived macrophage (BMM) delivery resulted in early chemokine up-regulation with hepatic recruitment of endogenous macrophages and neutrophils. These cells delivered matrix metalloproteinases-13 and -9, respectively, into the hepatic scar. The effector cell infiltrate was accompanied by increased levels of the antiinflammatory cytokine interleukin 10. A reduction in hepatic myofibroblasts was followed by reduced fibrosis detected 4 weeks after macrophage infusion. Serum albumin levels were elevated at this time. Up- regulation of the liver progenitor cell mitogen tumor necrosis factor-like weak inducer of apoptosis (TWEAK) preceded expansion of the progenitor cell compartment. Increased expression of colony stimulating factor-1, insulin-like growth factor-1, and vascular endothelial growth factor also followed BMM delivery. In contrast to the effects of differentiated macrophages, liver fibrosis was not significantly altered by the application of macrophage precursors and was exacerbated by whole BM.

Conclusion:

Macrophage cell therapy improves clinically relevant parameters in experimental chronic liver injury. Paracrine signaling to endogenous cells amplifies the effect. The benefits from this single, defined cell type suggest clinical potential. (HEPATOLOGY 2011;)
Carbon monoxide enhances early liver regeneration in mice after hepatectomy
Authors: Kuramitsu Kaori , Gallo David , Yoon Myunghee , Chin Beek Y. , Csizmadia Eva , Hanto Douglas W. , Otterbein Leo E.
Published: March 2011

Hepatocyte proliferation early after liver resection is critical in restoring liver mass and preserving function as the liver regenerates. Carbon monoxide (CO) generated by heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) strongly influences cellular proliferation and both HO-1 and CO are accepted hepatoprotective molecules. Mice lacking functional HO-1 were unable to mount an appropriate regenerative response following partial hepatectomy (PHTx) compared to wildtype controls. We therefore hypothesized that exogenous administration of CO at low, nontoxic concentrations would modulate hepatocyte (HC) proliferation and liver regeneration. Animals treated with a low concentration of CO 1 hour prior to 70% hepatectomy demonstrated enhanced expression of hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) in the liver compared to controls that correlated with a more rapid onset of HC proliferation as measured by phospho-histone3 staining, increased expression of cyclins D1 and E, phosphorylated retinoblastoma, and decreased expression of the mitotic inhibitor p21. PHTx also increased activation of the HGF receptor c-Met, which was detected more then 9 hours earlier in the livers of CO-treated mice. Blockade of c-Met resulted in abrogation of the CO effects on HC proliferation. Corresponding with increased HC proliferation, treatment with CO maintained liver function with normal prothrombin times versus a 2-fold prolongation in controls. In a lethal 85% PHTx, CO-treated mice showed a greater survival rate compared to controls. In vitro, CO increased HGF expression in hepatic stellate cells, but not HC, and when cocultured together led to increased HC proliferation. In summary, we demonstrate that administration of exogenous CO enhances rapid and early HC proliferation and, importantly, preserves function following PHTx. Taken together, CO may offer a viable therapeutic option to facilitate rapid recovery following PHTx. (HEPATOLOGY 2011;)
FACILITATION OF OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE ACTIVITIES OF IRRIGATION NETWORKS USING A K‐MEANS CLUSTERING METHOD: CASE STUDY OF THE GHAZVIN IRRIGATION NETWORK
Authors: Hashemy Seied Mehdy , Monem Mohamad Javad
Published: March 2011

One of the most important factors in saving limited water resources is improving the performance of irrigation canal networks. To achieve this purpose, improving the operation and maintenance (O&M) activities of irrigation networks is necessary. Most current O&M approaches do not consider the spatial differentiation of networks. Detection of homogeneous areas provides managers with guidelines for planning O&M activities and allocating budgets, labour, and machinery resources. In similar irrigation areas, operators exchange their experience more efficiently. In this paper, the application of K‐means clustering algorithms as a quantitative benchmark for exploring homogeneous areas with similar physical attributes outside the irrigation network region is presented. A K‐means clustering algorithm is applied for spatial clustering of the Ghazvin irrigation network. Five physical attributes of canal reaches, viz. length, capacity, number of off‐takes, number of conveyance structures and the irrigated area covered, are considered. Using a clustering validity index, the 162 canal reaches in the Ghazvin irrigation network are clustered in 10 groups, with members varying from 5 to 30 reaches. Regionalization and assigning the groups to colonies out of the irrigation network district provide a context for better and easier decision making by managers. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Individuals' uncertainty about future social security benefits and portfolio choice
Authors: Delavande Adeline , Rohwedder Susann
Published: March 2011

Little is known about the degree to which individuals are uncertain about their future Social Security benefits, how this varies within the US population, and whether this uncertainty influences financial decisions related to retirement planning. To illuminate these issues, we present empirical evidence from the Health and Retirement Study Internet Survey and document systematic variation in respondents' uncertainty about their future Social Security benefits by individual characteristics. We find that respondents with higher levels of uncertainty about future benefits hold a smaller share of their wealth in stocks. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Can subjective expectations data be used in choice models? evidence on cognitive biases
Authors: Zafar Basit
Published: March 2011

A pervasive concern with the use of subjective data in choice models is that they are biased and endogenous. This paper examines the extent to which cognitive biases plague subjective data, and specifically addresses the questions of: (1) whether cognitive dissonance affects the reporting of beliefs; and (2) whether individuals exert sufficient mental effort when probed about their subjective beliefs. For this purpose, I collect a unique panel dataset of Northwestern University undergraduates which contains their subjective expectations about major‐specific outcomes for their chosen major as well as for other alternatives in their choice set. I do not find evidence of cognitive biases systematically affecting the reporting of beliefs. By analyzing patterns of belief updating, I can rule out cognitive dissonance being of serious concern in the current setting. There does not seem to be any systematic (non‐classical) measurement error in the reporting of beliefs: I do not find systematic patterns in mental recall of previous responses, or in the extent of rounding in the reported beliefs for the various majors. Comparison of subjective beliefs with objective measures suggests that students have well‐formed expectations. Overall, the results paint a favorable picture for the use of subjective expectations data in choice models. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Measuring consumer uncertainty about future inflation
Authors: De Bruin Wändi Bruine , Manski Charles F. , Topa Giorgio , van der Klaauw Wilbert
Published: March 2011

We introduce a survey‐based measure of uncertainty about future inflation, asking consumers for density forecasts across inflation outcomes. Consumers are willing and able to express uncertainty, showing high response rates and response patterns that are reliably related to qualitative measures of uncertainty. Heterogeneity in expressed uncertainty is associated with demographic characteristics and financial literacy, and measures of central tendency derived from density forecasts are strongly correlated with point forecasts. Furthermore, expressed uncertainty is positively related to point forecast levels and to larger revisions in point forecasts over time. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The novel phloroglucinol PMT7 kills glycolytic cancer cells by blocking autophagy and sensitizing to nutrient stress
Authors: Broadley Kate , Larsen Lesley , Herst Patries M. , Smith Robin A.J. , Berridge Michael V. , McConnell Melanie J.
Published: March 2011

The switch from oxidative phosphorylation to glycolytic metabolism results in cells that generate fewer reactive oxygen species (ROS) and are resistant to the intrinsic induction of apoptosis. As a consequence, glycolytic cancer cells are resistant to radiation and chemotherapeutic agents that rely on production of ROS or intrinsic apoptosis. Further, the level of glycolysis correlates with tumor invasion, making glycolytic cancer cells an important target for new therapy development. We have synthesized a novel redox‐active quinone phloroglucinol derivative, PMT7. Toxicity of PMT7 was in part due to loss of mitochondrial membrane potential in treated cells with subsequent loss of mitochondrial metabolic activity. Mitochondrial gene knockout ρ0 cells, a model of highly glycolytic cancers, were only half as sensitive as the corresponding wild‐type cells and metabolic pathways downstream of MET were unaffected in ρ0 cells. However, PMT7 toxicity was also due to a block in autophagy. Both wild‐type and ρ0 cells were susceptible to autophagy blockade, and the resistance of ρ0 cells to PMT7 could be overcome by serum deprivation, a situation where autophagy becomes necessary for survival. The stress response class III deacetylase SIRT1 was not significantly involved in PMT7 toxicity, suggesting that unlike other chemotherapeutic drugs, SIRT1‐mediated stress and survival responses were not induced by PMT7. The dependence on autophagy or other scavenging pathways makes glycolytic cancer cells vulnerable. This can be exploited by induction of energetic stress to specifically sensitize glycolytic cells to other stresses such as nutrient deprivation or potentially chemotherapy. J. Cell. Biochem. 112: 1869–1879, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
β‐catenin mediates cyclic strain‐stimulated cardiomyogenesis in mouse embryonic stem cells through ROS‐dependent and integrin‐mediated PI3K/Akt pathways
Authors: Heo Jung Sun , Lee Jeong‐Chae
Published: March 2011

Wnt/β‐catenin signaling regulates various cellular events involved in the proliferation and differentiation and these events are affected sensitively by applying to mechanical stimuli. However, the mechanisms by which mechanical force stimulates cardiomyogenesis are not extensively explored. In this study we investigated the cellular mechanisms by which β‐catenin signaling regulates cardiac differentiation of strain‐subjected embryonic stem (ES) cells. The application of cells to cyclic strain increased beating cardiomyocyte foci with the attendant increases of Cx 43 and Nkx 2.5 proteins. Anti‐oxidants such as vitamin C or N‐acetyl cysteine (NAC) blocked the strain‐mediated increases of Cx 43, Nkx 2.5, and α5/β1 integrins. These anti‐oxidants also suppressed the activation of phosphoinositide 3‐kinase (PI3K) and Akt in cyclic strain‐subjected cells. Western blot analysis revealed that PI3K is a critical downstream effector of β1 integrin signaling and mediates Cx 43 and Nkx 2.5 expression in cyclic strain‐applied ES cells. Cyclic strain increased the expression of β‐catenin and stimulated its nuclear translocation from the cytosol, which was prevented by anti‐oxidant treatment. In addition, the application to cyclic strain increased mRNA expression of β‐catenin target genes, Axin2 and c‐myc, as well as the phosphorylation of glycogen synthase kinase‐3β. Furthermore, the blockage of β‐catenin by its specific siRNA transfection diminished the cellular levels of Cx 43 and Nkx 2.5 proteins and the number of beating cardiomyocyte foci. Collectively, these results suggest that β‐catenin‐mediated signaling is required for cyclic strain‐stimulated cardiomyogenesis through ROS‐dependent and integrin‐mediated PI3K–Akt signaling cascades. J. Cell. Biochem. 112: 1880–1889, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
IL‐1β favors osteoclastogenesis via supporting human periodontal ligament fibroblasts
Authors: Bloemen Veerle , Schoenmaker Ton , de Vries Teun J. , Everts Vincent
Published: March 2011

The balance between bone formation and bone resorption in inflammatory diseases is often disturbed. Periodontitis, a chronic inflammation of the tooth gums, leads to unwanted bone loss as a response to inflammatory compounds such as interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β). This excessive bone loss reflects an increased osteoclast formation and activity. Osteoclast formation is a multistep process driven by osteoclastogenesis supporting cells such as periodontal ligament fibroblasts. The inflammatory factors can induce osteoclastogenesis, probably also by affecting the periodontal ligament fibroblast. In this study we investigated how pre‐culture of periodontal ligament fibroblasts with IL‐1β affected osteoclastogenesis. Fibroblasts were pre‐cultured with IL‐1β and/or dexamethasone, a commonly used anti‐inflammatory compound, before being co‐cultured with peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). Pre‐culture with IL‐1β (1–100 ng/ml) resulted in an increased number of adhered PBMCs as well as an increased mRNA expression of intercellular adhesion molecule‐1 (ICAM‐1), macrophage colony stimulating factor (M‐CSF) and IL‐1β. Pre‐culture with IL‐1β also caused retraction of fibroblasts and an augmented formation of TRACP+ multinucleated cells. Our data suggest that stimulation of fibroblasts with IL‐1β has a long‐lasting effect, leading to a significantly increased osteoclastogenesis. These results provide new insights for understanding excessive bone loss in periodontitis. J. Cell. Biochem. 112: 1890–1897, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Simulated microgravity promoted differentiation of bipotential murine oval liver stem cells by modulating BMP4/notch1 signaling
Authors: Majumder Syamantak , Siamwala Jamila H. , Srinivasan Sundaramoorthy , Sinha Swaraj , Sridhara Sree Rama Chaitanya , Soundararajan Gowrishankar , Seerapu Himabindu Reddy , Chatterjee Suvro
Published: March 2011

Faster growth and differentiation of liver stem cells to hepatocyte is one of the key factors during liver regeneration. In recent years, simulated microgravity, a physical force has shown to differentially regulate the differentiation and proliferation of stem cells. In the present work, we studied the effect of simulated microgravity on differentiation and proliferation of liver stem cells. The cells were subjected to microgravity, which was simulated using indigenously fabricated 3D clinostat. Proliferation, apoptosis, immunofluorescence assays and Western blot analysis were carried out to study the effects of simulated microgravity on liver stem cells. Microgravity treatment for 2 h enhanced proliferation of stem cells by twofold without inducing apoptosis and compromising cell viability. Analysis of hepatocyte nuclear factor 4‐α (HNF4‐α) expression after 2 h of microgravity treatment revealed that microgravity alone can induce the differentiation of stem cells within 2–3 days. Probing bone morphogenic protein 4 (BMP4) and Notch1 in microgravity treated stem cells elaborated downregulation of Notch1 and upregulation of BMP4 after 2 days of incubation. Further, blocking BMP4 using dorsomorphin and chordin conditioned media from chordin plasmid transfected cells attenuated microgravity mediated differentiation of liver stem cells. In conclusion, microgravity interplays with BMP4/Notch1 signaling in stem cells thus inducing differentiation of stem cells to hepatocytes. Present findings can be implicated in clinical studies where microgravity activated stem cells can regenerate the liver efficiently after liver injury. J. Cell. Biochem. 112: 1898–1908, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Integrin αvβ3 promotes vitronectin gene expression in human ovarian cancer cells by implicating rel transcription factors
Authors: Reuning Ute
Published: March 2011

We previously showed that integrin αvβ3 expression upon engagement by its major ligand vitronectin (VN) correlated with enhanced human ovarian cancer cell adhesion, motility, and proliferation, by triggering intracellular signaling events, ultimately leading to altered gene expression. In the present study, we characterized cellular VN expression as a function of αvβ3 and noticed significant upregulation of VN protein which was reflected by elevated VN gene transcription. In order to identify specific transcription factors involved in the αvβ3‐regulatory effect on VN, we generated different VN promoter mutants. We noticed that disruption of the DNA consensus motif for Rel proteins did not only prominently reduce VN promoter activity but, moreover, led to a loss of responsiveness to αvβ3, suggesting a crucial role of Rel proteins in αvβ3‐provoked VN induction. In cell migration studies, we confirmed increased cell motility as a function of αvβ3/VN which was further enhanced by raising cellular Rel transcription factor levels. Thus, the data of the present study elucidated a positive feedback regulatory loop on VN expression by αvβ3 implicating transcription factors of the Rel family. Hence by altering the composition of the extracellular matrix upon additional VN synthesis and deposition, tumor cells might be enabled to modulate their surrounding reactive microenvironment towards enhanced αvβ3/VN‐interactions and, consequently, intrinsic intracellular signaling events affecting cancer progression. J. Cell. Biochem. 112: 1909–1919, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Packing of graphic n‐tuples
Authors: Busch Arthur H. , Ferrara Michael J. , Hartke Stephen G. , Jacobson Michael S. , Kaul Hemanshu , West Douglas B.
Published: March 2011

An n‐tuple π (not necessarily monotone) is graphic if there is a simple graph G with vertex set {v1, …, vn} in which the degree of vi is the ith entry of π. Graphic n‐tuples (d, …, d) and (d, …, d) pack if there are edge‐disjoint n‐vertex graphs G1 and G2 such that d(vi) = d and d(vi) = d for all i. We prove that graphic n‐tuples π1 and π2 pack if , where Δand δdenote the largest and smallest entries in π1 + π2 (strict inequality when δ = 1); also, the bound is sharp.

Kundu and Lovász independently proved that a graphic n‐tuple π is realized by a graph with a k‐factor if the n‐tuple obtained by subtracting k from each entry of π is graphic; for even n we conjecture that in fact some realization has k edge‐disjoint 1‐factors. We prove the conjecture in the case where the largest entry of π is at most n/2 + 1 and also when k⩽3. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Graph Theory
Evolution of the light organ system in ponyfishes (Teleostei: Leiognathidae)
Authors: Chakrabarty Prosanta , Davis Matthew P. , Smith Wm. Leo , Berquist Rachel , Gledhill Kristen M. , Frank Larry R. , Sparks John S.
Published: March 2011

Members of the leiognathid subfamily Gazzinae, comprising approximately two‐thirds of ponyfish species, are sexually dimorphic with regard to features of the light organ system (LOS). In Gazzinae, the circumesophageal light organ (LO) of males is enlarged and varies in shape compared with similarly sized conspecific females. In association with male species‐specific translucent external patches on the head and flank, these sexually dimorphic LO features are hypothesized to be correlated with species‐specific luminescence displays. Anatomical differences in LO shape, volume, and orientation, and its association with the gas bladder and other internal structures that function in light emission, are compared to observations of luminescence displays for every major lineage within Leiognathidae. We reconstruct the character evolution of both internal and external morphological features of the LOS to investigate the evolution of LO sexual dimorphism and morphology. Both internal and external sexual dimorphism in the ponyfish LOs were recovered as most likely to have evolved in the common ancestor of Leiognathidae, and likelihood‐based correlation analyses indicate that the evolution of internal and external dimorphism in males is statistically correlated. Magnetic resonance imaging technology was applied to examine the unique internal LOs of ponyfishes in situ, which provides a new metric (LO index) for comparison of LO structure across lineages. J. Morphol. 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Neurological and pathological improvements of cerebral infarction in mice with platinum nanoparticles
Authors: Takamiya Motonori , Miyamoto Yusei , Yamashita Toru , Deguchi Kentaro , Ohta Yasuyuki , Ikeda Yoshio , Matsuura Tohru , Abe Koji
Published: March 2011

Ischemic stroke is a major, urgent neurologic disorder in which reactive oxygen species (ROS) are deeply involved in the detrimental effects. Platinum nanoparticle (nPt) species are a novel and strong scavenger of such ROS, so we examined the clinical and neuroprotective effects of nPts in mouse ischemic brain. Mice were subjected to transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (tMCAO) for 60 min. Upon reperfusion, nPt or vehicle was administered intravenously. At 48 hr after the tMCAO, motor function, infarct volume, immunohistochemistry of neurovascular components (endothelial NAGO, tight junctional occludin, and basal laminal collagen IV), and zymography for MMP‐9 activity were examined. Superoxide anion generation at 2 hr after tMCAO was determined with oxidized hydroethidine. Compared with vehicle, treatment with nPts significantly improved the motor function and greatly reduced the infarct volume, especially in the cerebral cortex. Immunohistochemical analyses revealed that tMCAO resulted in a minimal decrease of NAGO and occludin but a great decrease of collagen IV and a remarkable increase of MMP‐9. Treatment with nPts greatly reduced this decrease of collagen IV and activation of MMP‐9 and, with large reductions of MMP‐9 activation on zymography and superoxide production. The present study demonstrates that treatment with nPts ameliorates the neurological scores with a large reduction in infarct size as well as the preservation of outer components of the neurovascular unit (collagen IV) and inactivation of MMP‐9. A strong reduction of superoxide anion production by nPts could account for such remarkable neurobehavioral and neuroprotective effects on ischemic stroke. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The allenic carotenoid fucoxanthin, a novel marine nutraceutical from brown seaweeds
Authors: Miyashita Kazuo , Nishikawa Sho , Beppu Fumiaki , Tsukui Takayuki , Abe Masayuki , Hosokawa Masashi
Published: March 2011

Obesity and type 2 diabetes are pathologies with rapidly growing prevalence throughout the world. A few molecular targets offer the most hope for anti‐obesity and anti‐diabetic therapeutics. One of the keys to success will be the induction of uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1) in abdominal white adipose tissue (WAT) and the regulation of cytokine secretions from both abdominal adipose cells and macrophage cells infiltrated into adipose tissue. Anti‐obesity and anti‐diabetic effects of fucoxanthin, a characteristic carotenoid found in brown seaweeds, have been reported. Nutrigenomic studies reveal that fucoxanthin induces UCP1 in abdominal WAT mitochondria, leading to the oxidation of fatty acids and heat production in WAT. Fucoxanthin improves insulin resistance and decreases blood glucose levels through the regulation of cytokine secretions from WAT. The key structure of carotenoids for the expression of anti‐obesity effect is suggested to be the carotenoid end of the polyene chromophore, which contains an allenic bond and two hydroxyl groups. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry
Substituent effects on the reactions of aromatic triflones with para‐X‐anilines in methanol: Low intrinsic reactivity and transition state imbalances
Authors: El Guesmi Nizar , Boubaker Taoufik
Published: March 2011

A kinetic study is reported for SNAr reactions of 2,4,6‐tris(trifluoromethanesulfonyl) anisole 1a with a series of para‐X‐substituted anilines 2a–e in a methanol solution at various temperatures. The substituent effects on free energy (Δ≠G), enthalpy (Δ≠H), and entropy (Δ≠S) of activation are examined. Aniline addition to triflone 1a is characterized by a βX=0.57, αZ=0.31, and an imbalance of I = αZ–βX=−0.26. The imbalance shows that resonance development lags behind CN bond formation at the transition state. Interestingly, analysis of the results in terms of Marcus theory reveals that these SNAr are associated with some extremely low intrinsic reactivity (log ko=−1.25& © 2011 Wiley Peiodicals, Inc. Int J Chem Kinet 43: 255–262, 2011
Interposition vein grafts in microvascular head and neck reconstruction
Authors: Furr Maxwell C. , Cannady Steven , Wax Mark K.
Published: March 2011

Objectives/Hypothesis:

To understand when interposition vein grafting may be needed in head and neck reconstruction and become familiar with the factors associated with use of interposition grafts and their effect on free flap survival.

Study Design:

Descriptive case‐series design in a tertiary referral center.

Methods:

Charts were reviewed in patients undergoing interposition vein grafts for microvascular reconstruction of head and neck defects between August 1998 and February 2009.

Results:

In a 10‐year period, interposition vein grafts were used in 20 free tissue transfers, representing 1.7% of all microvascular reconstruction cases (n = 1,143). Seventy percent of vein grafts were used in cases of secondary reconstruction or prior radiotherapy. Free flap survival in the interposition vein graft group was 95%, compared with 96% overall flap survival.

Conclusions:

Interposition vein grafts are used most often in cases involving a threatened flap, prior free flap, flap failure or radiation, and tumor recurrence. The use of interposition vein grafting in microvascular reconstruction is not associated with decreased flap survival. Laryngoscope, 2011
Fellowship and career path preferences in residents of otolaryngology–head and neck surgery
Authors: Golub Justin S. , Ossoff Robert H. , Johns III Michael M.
Published: March 2011

Objectives/Hypothesis:

Assess fellowship and academic/private practice career track preferences in residents of otolaryngology–head and neck surgery.

Study Design:

Cross‐sectional survey.

Methods:

A total of 1,364 U.S. otolaryngology residents were surveyed. Questions addressed demographics, work hours and sleep, fellowship preference, and career track preference (academic/private practice). Trends in fellowship and career track preference were analyzed by year of clinical otolaryngology training. Data were additionally analyzed after stratification by sex.

Results:

The response rate was 50%. The desire to complete a fellowship declined from 62% (year 2) to 58% (year 5), whereas the desire to not complete a fellowship increased from 31% (year 2) to 41% (year 5). Fellowship interest increased for rhinology and head and neck surgery by training year, whereas interest declined for neurotology and facial plastics. Expectation of an academic path increased from 29% (year 2) to 38% (year 5), whereas expectation of private practice declined slightly from 59% (year 2) to 57% (year 5). Women were initially more interested in both completing a fellowship (69% women, 60% men) and academics (40% women, 27% men). At the end of training, these sex differences were eliminated or reversed (59% men, 54% women for fellowship; 39% men, 35% women for academics). Residents interested in pursuing fellowship or academics reported working 2 hr/week more than those interested in no fellowship or private practice, respectively (P < 0.01).

Conclusions:

Fellowship and career track preferences suggest trends that may be useful to residency/fellowship program directors and residents making career choices. Inequalities producing differences according to sex should be addressed. Laryngoscope, 2011
The Gelfoam® plug: An alternative treatment for small eardrum perforations
Authors: Niklasson Anders , Tano Krister
Published: March 2011

Aim:

To examine if a Gelfoam® plug in combination with surgical removal of the perforation edges could be an alternative to the widely accepted fat plug treatment for smaller ear drum perforations.

Materials and Methods:

A prospective study of 17 consecutive patients with persistent small ear drum perforations considered for myringoplasty. The perforations were central perforations 2 to 4 mm in diameter. Patient ages ranged from 6 to 83 years, and the operation was performed under general anesthesia with mask ventilation in children and under topical local anesthesia in adults. A Gelfoam® plug was inserted into the perforation after surgical removal of the perforation edges. The follow‐up time was more than 3 months.

Results:

The closure rate of the ear drum was 83% (15/18). Pure tone average (PTA) was 19 dB preoperatively and 16 dB postoperatively.

Conclusions:

We show for the first time in humans that a Gelfoam® plug in combination with surgical removal of the perforation edges seems to result in about the same closure rate as the fat plug technique in persistent small ear drum perforations. Moreover, the method using Gelfoam® is simpler and faster than the fat plug technique. We suggest that randomized studies comparing the Gelfoam® plug technique with the fat plug technique should be performed. Laryngoscope, 2011
Tinnitus control by dopamine agonist pramipexole in presbycusis patients: A randomized, placebo‐controlled, double‐blind study
Authors: Sziklai István , Szilvássy Judit , Szilvássy Zoltán
Published: March 2011

Objectives/Hypothesis:

Since the concept of tinnitus dopaminergic pathway emerged, studies have been proposed to investigate if dopaminergic agents influence tinnitus. We hypothesized that pramipexole, an agonist on D2/D3 receptors, may antagonize tinnitus in the presbycusis patients (in the frequency range of 250 to 8,000 Hz) in a dose schedule accepted for the treatment of Parkinson's disease in elderly people.

Study Design:

We designed a randomized, prospective, placebo‐controlled and double‐blind trial.

Methods:

Forty presbycusis patients aged 50 years or older with subjective tinnitus were randomized to two groups (20 patients in both). Patients in the drug group took pramipexole over a period of 4 weeks according to a treatment schedule as follows: week 1, 0.088 mg t.i.d.; week 2, 0.18 mg t.i.d.; week 3, 0.7 mg t.i.d.; week 4, 0.18 mg t.i.d. over 3 days and 0.088 mg t.i.d. the rest of the week. Patients in the second group received placebo. Determination of subjective grading of tinnitus perception, the tinnitus handicap inventory (THI) questionnaire and electrocochleography (ECOG) examinations served as the end points. Subjective audiometry was used to produce secondary data. A significant improvement in tinnitus annoyance is found in the group treated with pramipexole versus placebo with respect to inhibition of tinnitus and a decrease of tinnitus loudness greater than 30 dB. However, neither ECOG nor subjective pure‐tone threshold audiometry revealed any change in hearing threshold in response to either pramipexole or placebo.

Conclusions:

Pramipexole is an effective agent against subjective tinnitus associated with presbycusis at a dose schedule used for the treatment of Parkinson's disease. The drug did not change hearing threshold. Laryngoscope, 2011
Phenotype of the first otosclerosis family linked to OTSC10
Authors: Weegerink Nicole J.D. , Schrauwen Isabelle , Huygen Patrick L.M. , Pennings Ronald J.E. , Cremers Cor W.R.J. , Van Camp Guy , Kunst Henricus P.M.
Published: March 2011

Objectives:

To report on the audiometric findings in the first otosclerosis family linked to OTSC10.

Study Design:

Retrospective cohort study.

Methods:

A family study in a large otosclerosis family was performed, and a pedigree was constructed. Examination of all family members consisted of medical history guided by a questionnaire, pure‐tone audiometry, otoscopy, and collection of blood samples for genetic linkage analysis. In addition, a selected group underwent stapedial reflex measurements and tympanometry. Cross‐sectional as well as longitudinal analyses of audiometric data were performed.

Results:

Eleven family members were identified as clinically affected and were all carriers of the disease haplotype. Twelve clinically unaffected family members carried the disease haplotype as well. Cross‐sectional analyses of clinically affected family members showed no significant progression of air conduction (AC) thresholds, bone conduction (BC) thresholds, and air‐bone gap (ABG) levels with increasing age. Longitudinal regression analyses in one family member revealed significant deterioration of AC thresholds at all frequencies. The BC thresholds showed a significant increase with advancing age at 0.5 kHz, 2 kHz, and 4 kHz. A significant progression of ABG was seen at 8 kHz.

Conclusions:

The intersubject variation, in terms of age of onset, level of progression, and audiogram configuration, was remarkable, probably due to reduced penetrance and variable expression of the disease. Long‐term audiometric data in one patient, however, were useful to demonstrate progression of hearing impairment. Laryngoscope, 2011
What is the impact of education on Huntington's disease?
Authors: López‐Sendón Jose Luis , Royuela Ana , Trigo Patricia , Orth Michael , Lange Herwig , Reilmann Ralf , Keylock Jennifer , Rickards Hugh , Piacentini Silvia , Squitieri Ferdinando , Landwehrmeyer Bernhard , Witjes‐Ane Marie‐Noelle , Jurgens Caroline. K. , Roos Raymund. A.C. , Abraira Victor , de Yébenes Justo. G. ,   and the European HD Network
Published: March 2011

Huntington's disease (HD) is a neurodegenerative disease caused by a cytosine adenosine guanine (CAG) expansion in the huntingtin gene. The length of the triplet repeat is the most important factor in determining age of onset and the severity of the disease, but substantial variability of these parameters is attributed to other factors. To investigate the relationship between the years of education and the age at onset and the severity of the phenotype in patients with HD, we applied multiple linear regression analysis to examine the impact of education on the age at onset and the severity of the clinical scores assessed by the Unified Huntington's Disease Rating Scale (UHDRS) of 891 patients with HD from the multinational observational study “Registry” conducted by the European Huntintgton's Disease Network. The model was adjusted for CAG repeat length and age at the time of assessment. Patients with lengthier education exhibited earlier estimated age at onset but less severe clinical scores (motor = −3.6, P = 0.006; cognitive = 27.0, P < 0.001; behavioral = −3.0, P < 0.001; and functional capacity = 1.1 points, P < 0.001) than those with shorter education, after controlling for age and number of CAG repeats. These differences persisted throughout all quartiles of disease severity. An earlier recognition of symptoms and manifestations among the more educated patients could explain the earlier estimated age at onset in this group. The link between better clinical UHDRS scores and higher education might reflect a beneficial effect of education or its covariates on the course of HD. © 2011 Movement Disorder Society
Prediction of occurrence of daily summer monsoon precipitation over Karnataka
Authors: Agnihotri Geeta , Mohapatra M.
Published: March 2011

Karnataka, a State in south peninsular India, receives 73% of its annual rainfall during the southwest monsoon season. Because of the complex physiographical features, the rainfall pattern over the State shows large spatial variation from 50 to 350 cm. The coefficient of interannual variation of the monsoon rainfall is about 15% over coastal Karnataka (CK) and between 20 and 30% over interior Karnataka. It is, therefore, a difficult task to predict the location specific daily rainfall over Karnataka. In this study, an attempt has been made to develop an objective tool for forecasting the occurrence and non‐occurrence of precipitation during a 24 h period for the 19 stations in Karnataka during the monsoon season. The probability of precipitation (POP) model is developed using forward stepwise regression with the available surface and upper air parameters from synoptic and radiosonde and radio wind stations in and around Karnataka as potential predictors. The POP model has been developed based on the data from 1981 to 1996 and verified with the data from 1997 to 2002. Different skill scores are computed using a yes/no contingency table. The POP model performs very well, with percentages of correct (PC) forecasts for occurrence/non‐occurrence of precipitation being 57–91% for the independent data. Comparing the results of the POP model with that of the conventional method of forecast for Bangalore City, the PC forecasts improves from 44 to 56% with the use of the POP model. Copyright © 2011 Royal Meteorological Society
Stochastic single‐site generation of daily and monthly rainfall in the Middle East
Authors: Mhanna Muamaraldin , Bauwens Willy
Published: March 2011

An important limitation of commonly used single site daily rainfall models is their inability to represent monthly characteristics of observed rainfall, whereas impact studies often demand the accommodation of such statistics of rainfall. In this study, a single‐site model for simulations of daily and monthly rainfall in arid and semi‐arid areas in the Middle East was developed. The rainfall generator is a Markov‐Gamma model in which a first‐order two‐state Markov chain was used to determine the occurrence of rainfall and a two‐parameter Gamma distribution was applied to simulate the rainfall amount on wet days. The basic structure of the generation process comprises the generation of a sequence of daily rainfall amounts and the adjustment of this daily rainfall by implementing the Thomas‐Fiering monthly model. This procedure guarantees that important statistical characteristics of the daily and monthly rainfall are reproduced. Copyright © 2011 Royal Meteorological Society
An improvement in clear‐air turbulence forecasting based on spontaneous imbalance theory: the ULTURB algorithm
Authors: McCann Donald W. , Knox John A. , Williams Paul D.
Published: March 2011

Recent research has shown that Lighthill–Ford spontaneous gravity wave generation theory, when applied to numerical model data, can help predict areas of clear‐air turbulence. It is hypothesized that this is the case because spontaneously generated atmospheric gravity waves may initiate turbulence by locally modifying the stability and wind shear. As an improvement on the original research, this paper describes the creation of an ‘operational’ algorithm (ULTURB) with three modifications to the original method: (1) extending the altitude range for which the method is effective downward to the top of the boundary layer, (2) adding turbulent kinetic energy production from the environment to the locally produced turbulent kinetic energy production, and, (3) transforming turbulent kinetic energy dissipation to eddy dissipation rate, the turbulence metric becoming the worldwide ‘standard’. In a comparison of ULTURB with the original method and with the Graphical Turbulence Guidance second version (GTG2) automated procedure for forecasting mid‐ and upper‐level aircraft turbulence ULTURB performed better for all turbulence intensities. Since ULTURB, unlike GTG2, is founded on a self‐consistent dynamical theory, it may offer forecasters better insight into the causes of the clear‐air turbulence and may ultimately enhance its predictability. Copyright © 2011 Royal Meteorological Society
32‐Channel RF coil optimized for brain and cervical spinal cord at 3 T
Authors: Cohen‐Adad J. , Mareyam A. , Keil B. , Polimeni J. R. , Wald L. L.
Published: March 2011

Diffusion and functional magnetic resonance imaging of the spinal cord remain challenging due to the small cross‐sectional size of the cord and susceptibility‐related distortions. Although partially addressable through parallel imaging, few highly parallel array coils have been implemented for the cervical cord. Here, we developed a 32‐channel coil that fully covers the brain and c‐spine and characterized its performance in comparison with a commercially available head/neck/spine array. Image and temporal signal‐to‐noise ratio were, respectively, increased by 2× and 1.8× in the cervical cord. Averaged g‐factors at 4× acceleration were lowered by 22% in the brain and by 39% in the spinal cord, enabling 1‐mm isotropic R = 4 multi‐echo magnetization prepared gradient echo of the full brain and c‐spine in 3:20 min. Diffusion imaging of the cord at 0.6 × 0.6 × 5 mm3 resolution and tractography of the full brain and c‐spine at 1.7‐mm isotropic resolution were feasible without noticeable distortion. Improvements of this nature potentially enhance numerous basic and clinical research studies focused on spinal and supraspinal regions. Magn Reson Med, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
THM analysis of a large‐scale heating test incorporating material fabric changes
Authors: Sánchez Marcelo , Gens Antonio , Olivella Sebastiá
Published: March 2011

Engineered barriers are basic elements in the design of repositories for the isolation of high‐level radioactive waste. This paper presents the thermo‐hydro‐mechanical (THM) analysis of a clay barrier subjected to heating and hydration. The study focuses on an ongoing large‐scale heating test, at almost full scale, which is being carried out at the CIEMAT laboratory under well‐controlled boundary conditions. The test is intensely instrumented and it has provided the opportunity to study in detail the evolution of the main THM variables over a long period of time. Comprehensive laboratory tests carried out in the context of the FEBEX and NF‐PRO projects have allowed the identification of the model parameters to describe the THM behaviour of the compacted expansive clay. A conventional THM approach that assumes the swelling clay as a single porosity medium has been initially adopted to analyse the evolution of the test. The model was able to predict correctly the global THM behaviour of the clay barrier in the short term (i.e. for times shorter than three years), but some model limitations were detected concerning the prediction of the long‐term hydration rate. An additional analysis of the test has been carried out using a double structure model to describe the actual behaviour of expansive clays. The double structure model explicitly considers the two dominant pore levels that actually exist in the FEBEX bentonite and it is able to account for the evolution of the material fabric. The simulation of the experiment using this enhanced model provides a more satisfactory reproduction of the long‐term experimental results. It also contributes to a better understanding of the observed test behaviour and it provides a physically based explanation for the very slow hydration of the barrier. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.