bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Stimuli‐Sensitive Synthetic Polypeptide‐Based Materials for Drug and Gene Delivery
Authors: He Chaoliang , Zhuang Xiuli , Tang Zhaohui , Tian Huayu , Chen Xuesi
Published: December 2011

Stimuli‐sensitive synthetic polypeptides are unique biodegradable and biocompatible synthetic polymers with structures mimicking natural proteins. These polymers exhibit reversible secondary conformation transitions and/or hydrophilic–hydrophobic transitions in response to changes in environmental conditions such as pH and temperature. The stimuli‐triggered conformation and/or phase transitions lead to unique self‐assembly behaviors, making these materials interesting for controlled drug and gene delivery applications. Therefore, stimuli‐sensitive synthetic polypeptide‐based materials have been extensively investigatid in recent years. Various polypeptide‐based materials, including micelles, vesicles, nanogels, and hydrogels, have been developed and tested for drug‐ and gene‐delivery applications. In addition, the presence of reactive side groups in some polypeptides facilitates the incorporation of various functional moieties to the polypeptides. This Review focuses on recent advances in stimuli‐sensitive polypeptide‐based materials that have been designed and evaluated for drug and gene delivery applications. In addition, recent developments in the preparation of stimuli‐sensitive functionalized polypeptides are discussed.
Equilibrium ensembles of electromagnetic thermal radiation in layered media
Authors: Budaev B.V. , Bogy D.B.
Published: December 2011

This paper describes equilibrium ensembles of thermally excited electromagnetic fields in layered media. The obtained results complement Planck's law of thermal radiation that determines the spectrum of the radiation but supplies little information about the ensemble of eigenfields (normal modes) excited in the medium. The developments regarding these ensembles presented in this paper make it possible to apply perturbation techniques for the analysis of the ensembles of radiated fields in layered media with a steady heat flux.
Neurons and a Subset of Interstitial Cells of Cajal in the Enteric Nervous System Highly Express Stam2 Gene
Authors: Kapuralin Katarina , Van Ginneken Chris , Curlin Marija , Timmermans Jean‐Pierre , Gajovic Srecko
Published: December 2011

Signal transducing adaptor molecule 2 (STAM2) is a phosphotyrosine protein, which is a member of the endosomal sorting complex required for transport (ESCRT‐0) and is involved in the sorting process of the mono‐ubiquitinated endosomal cargo for degradation in the lysosome. Analysis of gene trap mice carrying lacZ in frame with Stam2 revealed beta‐galactosidase activity in the enteric nervous system (both in the myenteric and submucosal plexus) throughout the digestive tract. STAM2 immunostaining confirmed that the observed beta‐galactosidase activity coincided with high Stam2 expression. To identify cell types with high Stam2 expression, STAM2 immunostaining was colocalized with the neuronal markers microtubule‐associated protein 2 and protein gene product 9.5 and with c‐kit as a marker for interstitial cells of Cajal (ICCs). STAM2 and c‐kit positive cells comprised a subset of ICCs in the enteric nervous system. Qualitative and quantitative analysis of the morphology of the enteric nervous system in the homozygous mice carrying gene trap insertion in the Stam2 gene did not reveal phenotype changes; therefore, STAM2 function in the digestive tube remains elusive. Anat Rec, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Differential Expression of Cyclophilin A and EMMPRIN in Developing Molars of Rats
Authors: Yang So‐Young , Park Byung‐Il , Kim Hyun‐Jin , Kang Jee‐Hae , Jung Na‐Ri , Byun Ju‐Do , Kim Min‐Seok , Jung Ji‐Yeon , Koh Jung‐Tae , Kim Won‐Jae , Oh Won‐Mann , Kim Sun‐Hun
Published: December 2011

A complex and intricate cascade of gene expression is essential for late stage tooth development. This study was performed to detect molecules involved in dental hard tissue formation and tooth eruption by comparing gene expression in cap stage molar germs (before eruptive movement and dental hard tissue formation) with that in root formation stage molar germs (after eruptive movement and dental hard tissue formation). DD‐PCR revealed that cyclophilin A (Cyp‐A), a potent chemoattractant for monocytes as well as a ligand for extracellular matrix metalloproteinase inducer (EMMPRIN) was expressed differentially in the two stages molar germs. The levels of Cyp‐A and EMMPRIN mRNA were significantly higher at the root formation stage than at the cap and crown stages of the molar germs. Immunofluorescence showed that Cyp‐A and EMMPRIN were expressed strongly in the follicular cells overlaying the occlusal region of the molar germs at the root formation stage. In contrast, their immunoreactivity was weak in the follicular tissues and was not region‐specific in molar germs at the cap stage. In addition, the MCP‐1 and CSF‐1 mRNA levels increased in parallel to that of Cyp‐A mRNA and the increased number of osteoclasts at the occlusal region. Immunoreactivity against Cyp‐A and EMMPRIN was also observed in the fully differentiated ameloblasts and odontoblasts. This study suggests that Cyp‐A and EMMPRIN play roles in the maturation of dental hard tissue and the formation of an eruption pathway. Anat Rec, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Impact of microalgae characteristics on their conversion to biofuel. Part II: Focus on biomethane production
Authors: González‐Fernández Cristina , Sialve Bruno , Bernet Nicolas , Steyer Jean‐Philippe
Published: December 2011

Among biofuel production processes using microalgal biomass, biogas generation seems to be the least complex. This review summarizes information regarding anaerobic digestion of different microalgae species. Various operational parameters and microalgae characteristics (macromolecular distribution and cell wall) are reviewed in the light of their effects on methane production. Additionally, the enhancement of methane production rates achievable by applying biomass pre‐treatments and codigestion of substrates is also reported. The review finally covers the so‐claimed similarities of microalgal biomass and activated sludge as a substrate for anaerobic digestion. © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons Ltd
Zeitpfeile, Zeitfaltungen und Diskursanalyse: zu Kontinuitäten der Imaginationslehre
Authors: Malich Lisa
Published: December 2011

Time Lines, Folded Time, and Discourse Analysis: Continuities of Maternal Imagination. Focusing on a discourse‐oriented history of knowledge, this article deals with the relation between continuity and time. It will discuss concepts of linear and homogenous time and problematize a one‐sided focus on discontinuity and rupture in discourse analyses. After examining notions of continuity, discontinuity, and temporality in the work of Michel Foucault, I will ask how continuous elements can be theorized both as instruments and objects of research, without adopting a linear concept of time. Thus, Michel Serres' concept of folded time will be presented, because it implies a multiple, heterogenous and non‐linear temporality and entails both continuous and discontinuous entities. Thereby relations of power should be considered as factors influencing the shape of the folding. In this way, folded time can serve as a useful tool for discourse analysis, enabling to examine specific and local continuities that vary in different discursive formations. To give an example, I will briefly turn to the concept of women's imagination in pregnancy. According to most historical analyses, this concept declined in the middle of the 18th century and persisted afterwards only as an outdated remainder in folk knowledge. Nevertheless, a closer examination reveals that knowledge on imagination was actively produced in medical advice literature and some scientific discourses until the first decades of the 20th century. This demonstrates that an overemphasis both on rupture and on the timeline of academic medicine might conceal continuous elements and the folded time of specific knowledge formations.
A Metal–Organic Framework with Highly Polar Pore Surfaces: Selective CO2 Adsorption and Guest‐Dependent On/Off Emission Properties
Authors: Kanoo Prakash , Ghosh Ashta Chandra , Cyriac Soumya T. , Maji Tapas Kumar
Published: December 2011

A 3D porous ZnII metal–organic framework {[Zn2(H2dht)(dht)0.5(azpy)0.5(H2O)]⋅4 H2O} (1; H2dht=dihydroxyterphthalate, azpy=4,4′‐azobipyridine) has been synthesised by employing 2,5‐dihydroxyterephthalic acid (H4dht), a multidentate ligand and 4,4′‐azobipyridine by solvent‐diffusion techniques at room temperature. The as‐synthesised framework furnishes two different types of channels: one calyx‐shaped along the [001] direction and another rectangle‐shaped along the [101] direction occupied by guest water molecules. The dehydrated framework, {[Zn2(H2dht)(dht)0.5(azpy)0.5]} (1′) provides 52.7 % void volume to the total unit‐cell volume. The pore surfaces of 1′ are decorated with unsaturated ZnII sites and pendant hydroxyl groups of H2dht linker, thereby resulting in a highly polar pore surface. The dehydrated framework 1′ shows highly selective adsorption of CO2 over other gases, such as N2, H2, O2 and Ar, at 195 K. Photoluminescence studies revealed that compound 1 exhibits green emission (λmax≈530 nm) on the basis of the excited‐state intramolecular proton‐transfer (ESIPT) process of the H2dht linker; no emission was observed in dehydrated solid 1′. Such guest‐induced on/off emission has been correlated to the structural transformation and concomitant breaking and reforming of the OH⋅⋅⋅OCO hydrogen‐bonding interaction in the H2dht linker in 1′/1.
Optimisation of perforation distribution in HTHP vertical wells
Authors: Xu J. , Hu J. , Luo M. , Wang S. , Qi B. , Qiao Z.
Published: December 2011

Due to the variation in pressure drawdown along a well, a pressure drop can occur in a vertical well. A mathematical model is described to study how perforation distribution affects production in a vertical well under steady state inflow. Two types of optimisation problems are established which consider the effects of perforation density on the productivity of a vertical well, where the vertical well production is treated as an objective function and the perforation distribution is considered to be a decision‐making variable. A programming algorithm is applied to the vertical well optimisation models established under finite and infinite conductivity, respectively. A 7100 m HTHP (high‐temperature‐high‐pressure) gas well is studied to demonstrate how the model could be used to determine the optimal perforation distribution. The results show that inflow rate profiles are effectively improved through optimising the perforation position and there is a reasonable perforation density distribution. © 2011 Canadian Society for Chemical Engineering
Atypical squamous metaplasia in a benign cystic thyroid nodule mimicking high‐grade carcinoma
Authors: Pellicer Daniel L. , Sadow Peter M. , Stephen Antonia , Faquin William C.
Published: December 2011

Squamous metaplasia (SM) occurs in a variety of thyroid conditions, both neoplastic and non‐neoplastic. In a small subset of benign thyroid lesions, SM can create a diagnostic pitfall by mimicking a malignant process. Here, we describe the case of a 52‐year‐old male with a 1.5 cm right thyroid nodule. Ultrasound‐guided fine‐needle aspiration biopsy showed markedly atypical, mitotically active epithelial cells which were suspicious for high‐grade carcinoma. Resection of the nodule demonstrated a follicular adenoma with cystic changes and atypical SM of the cyst‐lining component. As illustrated here, SM of the thyroid represents an important diagnostic pitfall for the cytopathologist, and should be included in the differential diagnosis of thyroid nodules, particularly those with potentially benign cystic changes. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2013;41:706–709. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Differential effects of inhibition of bone morphogenic protein (BMP) signalling on T‐cell activation and differentiation
Authors: Yoshioka Yumiko , Ono Masahiro , Osaki Motonao , Konishi Ikuo , Sakaguchi Shimon
Published: December 2011

Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) are involved in patterning and cellular fate in various organs including the thymus. However, the redundancy of BMPs and their receptors have made it difficult to analyse their physiological roles. Here, we investigated the role of BMP signalling in peripheral CD4+ T cells by analysing the effects of an inhibitor of BMP signalling, dorsomorphin. Dorsomorphin suppressed phosphorylation of SMAD1/5/8, suggesting that BMP signalling naturally occurs in T cells. At high doses, dorsomorphin suppressed proliferation of T cells in a dose‐dependent manner, inducing G1 arrest. Also, dorsomorphin suppressed Th17 and induced Treg‐cell differentiation, while preserving Th2 differentiation. Dorsomorphin efficiently suppressed IL‐2 production even at low doses in mouse CD4+ T cells, suggesting that the BMP‐Smad signalling physiologically regulates IL‐2 transcription in these cells. In addition, recombinant BMP2 induced a dose‐dependent multiphasic pattern of IL‐2 production, while Noggin suppressed IL‐2 production at higher doses in Jurkat cells. Notably, BMP signalling controlled the phosphorylation of RUNX1, revealing the molecular nature of its effect. Collectively, we describe multiple effects of dorsomorphin and Noggin on T‐cell activation and differentiation, demonstrating a physiological role for BMP signalling in these processes.
CE and CEC analysis of phytochemicals in herbal medicines
Authors: Chen Xiao‐jia , Zhao Jing , Wang Yi‐tao , Huang Lu‐qi , Li Shao‐Ping
Published: December 2011

CE and CEC, due to their versatility and high efficiency, have attracted great interest in the analysis of phytochemicals in herbs and their preparations. Previously, we reviewed the analysis of phytochemical bioactive compounds by CE in 2006 (Electrophoresis 2006, 27, 4808–4819) or CEC in 2010 (Electrophoresis 2010, 31, 260–277). This review followed the previous studies and covered the literature published since 2006 for CE and 2009 for CEC (excluding those mentioned in the two previous reviews), which emphasized the development of CE and CEC techniques in phytochemical analysis. In addition, sample preparation and detection were also discussed.
QT prolongation of the antipsychotic risperidone is predominantly related to its 9‐hydroxy metabolite paliperidone
Authors: Suzuki Yutaro , Fukui Naoki , Watanabe Junzo , Ono Shin , Sugai Takuro , Tsuneyama Nobuto , Saito Mami , Inoue Yoshimasa , Someya Toshiyuki
Published: December 2011

Objective

A dose‐dependent increase in risk of sudden cardiac death for the antipsychotic drug risperidone was reported. However, few reports have so far addressed QT prolongation associated with the use of risperidone or its major active metabolite, which is also used as a separate antipsychotic drug, paliperidone.

Methods

The present study evaluated associations between risperidone metabolism and QT interval in 61 psychiatric patients who had been receiving risperidone for ≥4 weeks at an average dosage of 4.7 mg/day. Plasma risperidone and paliperidone levels were measured and electrocardiographic measurements were also obtained.

Results

There was no correlation between risperidone dosage and QTc or plasma risperidone levels and QTc. However, there was a significant positive correlation between plasma paliperidone levels and QTc (r = 0.361; p = 0.004). There was no correlation between age and dose‐corrected plasma risperidone levels or between age and QTc. There was a significant positive correlation between age and dose‐corrected plasma paliperidone levels (r = 0.290; p = 0.023).

Conclusion

Clinically, paliperidone is considered to play a more important role in QT prolongation than risperidone. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Ecosystem Functioning and Community Structure as Indicators for Assessing Environmental Impacts: Leaf Processing and Macroinvertebrates in Atlantic Forest Streams
Authors: Silva‐Junior Eduardo F. , Moulton Timothy P.
Published: December 2011

Programs for evaluating environmental impacts are often carried out with chemical analyses that are inadequate for evaluating ecological aspects of rivers. In recent times there has been a strong movement towards biomonitoring using indices based on the structure of communities of organisms. Less attention has been given to functional parameters (ecosystem level processes such as decomposition, primary production, nutrient cycling, etc.), despite recent work that demonstrates their applicability. The breakdown of leaf material in streams provides a system in which an aspect of ecosystem functioning (decomposition) can be measured along with the community structure of the fauna associated with the leaves.

We measured rate of leaf processing and the associated macroinvertebrates in 9 streams in 3 categories of environmental impact: Reference (pristine forest), Intermediate (pasture land‐use with intact riparian vegetation) and Impacted (pasture land‐use with degraded banks and stream‐bed). Leaf processing was fastest in the least impacted, “Reference”, streams. The abundance and taxon diversity of the associated fauna were not different among categories of impact. Thus this aspect of ecosystem functioning was more sensitive to perturbation than was the structure of the community in this case. We suggest that leaf processing can be a cheap and indicative parameter for biological assessment and monitoring. (© 2011 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Isolation and characterization of an acrylamide‐degrading yeast Rhodotorula sp. strain MBH23 KCTC 11960BP
Authors: Rahim M. B. H. , Syed M. A. , Shukor M. Y.
Published: December 2011

As well as for chemical and environmental reasons, acrylamide is widely used in many industrial applications. Due to its carcinogenicity and toxicity, its discharge into the environment causes adverse effects on humans and ecology alike. In this study, a novel acrylamide‐degrading yeast has been isolated. The isolate was identified as Rhodotorula sp. strain MBH23 using ITS rRNA analysis. The results showed that the best carbon source for growth was glucose at 1.0% (w/v). The optimum acrylamide concentration, being a nitrogen source for cellular growth, was at 500 mg l–1. The highest tolerable concentration of acrylamide was 1500 mg l–1 whereas growth was completely inhibited at 2000 mg l–1. At 500 mg l–1, the strain MBH completely degraded acrylamide on day 5. Acrylic acid as a metabolite was detected in the media. Strain MBH23 grew well between pH 6.0 and 8.0 and between 27 and 30 °C. Amides such as 2‐chloroacetamide, methacrylamide, nicotinamide, acrylamide, acetamide, and propionamide supported growth. Toxic heavy metals such as mercury, chromium, and cadmium inhibited growth on acrylamide. (© 2012 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Optimization of environmental factors for improved production of rhamnolipid biosurfactant by Pseudomonas aeruginosa RS29 on glycerol
Authors: Saikia Rashmi Rekha , Deka Suresh , Deka Manab , Sarma Hemen
Published: December 2011

A biosurfactant producing Pseudomonas aeruginosa RS29 (identified on the basis of 16S rDNA analysis) with good foaming and emulsification properties has been isolated from crude oil contaminated sites. Optimization of different environmental factors was carried out with an objective to achieve maximum production of biosurfactant. Production of biosurfactant was estimated in terms of surface tension reduction and emulsification (E24) index. It was recorded that the isolated strain produced highest biosurfactant after 48 h of incubation at 37.5 °C, with a pH range of 7–8 and at salinity <0.8% (w/v). Ammonium nitrate used in the experiment was the best nitrogen source for the growth of biomass of P. aeruginosa RS29. On the other hand sodium and potassium nitrate enhanced the production of biosurfactant (Surface tension, 26.3 and 26.4 mN/m and E24 index, 80 and 79% respectively). The CMC of the biosurfactant was 90 mg/l. Maximum biomass (6.30 g/l) and biosurfactant production (0.80 g/l) were recorded at an optimal C/N ratio of 12.5. Biochemical analysis and FTIR spectra confirmed that the biosurfactant was rhamnolipid in nature. GC‐MS analysis revealed the presence of C8 and C10 fatty acid components in the purified biosurfactant. (© 2012 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Ultrastructural characteristics and variability of vegetative reproduction in Fellomyces penicillatus
Authors: Kopecká Marie , Golubev Wladyslav , Ramíková Vladimíra , Klemová Dobromila , Ilkovics Ladislav
Published: December 2011

The yeast strains VKM Y‐2977 and VKM Y‐2978, derived from the isolate Pa‐202, were examined for their physiological properties and mycocin sensitivities and studied by light, phase‐contrast, fluorescence, transmission and scanning electron microscopy. The cells of the first strain produced long stalk‐like conidiophores, whereas the cells of the second one had the appearance of a typical budding yeast under the light microscope. Transmission and scanning electron microscopy showed the formation of stalk‐like conidiophores and long necks in VKM Y‐2977, similar in appearance to Fellomyces fuzhouensis. The actin cytoskeleton, microtubules and nuclei were similar as well, but due to presence of a capsule, they were not clearly visible. The second isolate, VKM Y‐2978, had very short stalk‐like conidiophores, and the neck, microtubules and actin cables were shorter as well. The actin patches, actin cables, and microtubules were similar in VKM Y‐2977 and VKM Y‐2978 and not clearly visible. The physiological characteristics and mycocin sensitivity patterns, together with the microscopic structures and ultrastructures, led us to conclude that both strains belong to Fellomyces penicillatus, even though they differ in the lengths of their stalk‐like conidiophores and necks. (© 2012 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
A novel technique to collect root exudates from mustard (Brassica juncea)
Authors: Wadhwa Kunal , Narula Neeru
Published: December 2011

A very simple, novel, cost effective, easy to use technique has been developed for the collection of root exudates from small seeded plants, under laboratory conditions. 200–1000 μl micro tips (Tarsons), kept in 100 ml glass beakers, were used as holders for the small seeds of Indian mustard (Brassica juncea) and the exudates were trapped in liquid culture medium. The exudates, so obtained, were authenticated and analyzed for organic compounds such as sugars, amino acids and organic acids, as well as chemotactic response towards rhizobacteria. Method was found to be suitable and easy to handle for small seeds. (© 2012 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Highly porous silica‐polyaniline nanocomposite as a novel solid‐phase microextraction fiber coating
Authors: Gholivand Mohammad B. , Abolghasemi Mir M. , Fattahpour Peyman
Published: December 2011

A highly porous fiber‐coated SBA‐15/polyaniline material was prepared for solid‐phase microextraction (SPME). The SBA‐15/polyaniline nanocomposite was synthesized via chemical polymerization. The prepared SBA‐15/polyaniline particles were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy analysis. The prepared nanomaterial was immobilized onto a stainless steel wire for fabrication of the SPME fiber. The fiber was evaluated for the extraction of some polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) from aqueous sample solutions in combination with gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry (GC‐MS). In optimum conditions (extraction temperature 60°C, extraction time 40 min, ionic strength 20%, stirring rate: 500 rpm, desorption temperature 260°C, desorption time 2 min), the repeatability for one fiber (n=3), expressed as relative standard deviation (RSD%), was between 5.3 and 8.6% for the test compounds. For deionized water, spiked with selected PAHs, the detection limits for the studied compounds were between 2 and 20 pg/mL.
Estimating the probability of illegal desert tortoise collection in the Sonoran Desert
Authors: Grandmaison David D. , Frary Vincent J.
Published: December 2011

The expansion of road networks in desert tortoise (Gopherus agassizii) habitat in the Sonoran Desert has raised questions concerning appropriate mitigation to reduce impacts at the population level. Although some effects, namely road‐kill and habitat loss, have been well documented, illegal tortoise collection has been insufficiently addressed. It has become increasingly important for wildlife and land‐use managers to understand the cumulative impacts of roads on tortoises and the effect that those impacts have on population persistence. We estimated the probability of desert tortoise detection and collection along 2‐lane paved, maintained gravel, and non‐maintained gravel roads to evaluate whether collection probabilities were related to road type. Although collection probability did not vary by road type, the probability of desert tortoise detection by passing motorists was greatest on maintained gravel roads and fewest on non‐maintained gravel and paved roads. These results have implications for effectively mitigating the impacts of roads on desert tortoises. Published 2011. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.
“One‐step” Preparation of Thiol‐Ene Clickable PEG‐Based Thermoresponsive Hyperbranched Copolymer for In Situ Crosslinking Hybrid Hydrogel
Authors: Dong Yixiao , Saeed Aram Omer , Hassan Waqar , Keigher Catherine , Zheng Yu , Tai Hongyun , Pandit Abhay , Wang Wenxin
Published: December 2011

A well‐defined poly(ethylene glycol) based hyperbranched thermoresponsive copolymer with high content of acrylate vinyl groups was synthesized via a “one‐pot and one‐step” deactivation enhanced atom transfer radical polymerization approach, which provided an injectable and in situ crosslinkable system via Michael‐type thiol‐ene reaction with a thiol‐modified hyaluronan biopolymer. The hyperbranched structure, molecular weight, and percentage of vinyl content of the copolymer were characterized by gel permeation chromatography and 1H NMR. The lower critical solution temperature of this copolymer is close to body temperature, which can result in a rapid thermal gelation at 37 °C. The scanning electron microscopy analysis of crosslinked hydrogel showed the network formation with porous structure, and 3D cell culture study demonstrated the good cell viability after the cells were embedded inside the hydrogel. This injectable and in situ crosslinking hybrid hydrogel system offers great promise as a new class of hybrid biomaterials for tissue engineering.
Testing the Short and Screener versions of the Social Adjustment Scale – Self‐report (SAS‐SR)
Authors: Gameroff Marc J. , Wickramaratne Priya , Weissman Myrna M.
Published: December 2011

The 54‐item Social Adjustment Scale – Self‐report (SAS‐SR) is a measure of social functioning used in research studies and clinical practice. Two shortened versions were recently developed: the 24‐item SAS‐SR: Short and the 14‐item SAS‐SR: Screener. We briefly describe the development of the shortened scales and then assess their reliability and validity in comparison to the full SAS‐SR in new analyses from two separate samples of convenience from a family study and from a primary care clinic.

Compared to the full SAS‐SR, the shortened scales performed well, exhibiting high correlations with full SAS‐SR scores (r values between 0.81 and 0.95); significant correlations with health‐related quality of life as measured by the Short Form 36 Health Survey; the ability to distinguish subjects with major depression versus other psychiatric disorders versus no mental disorders; and sensitivity to change in clinical status as measured longitudinally with the Symptom Checklist‐90 and Global Assessment Scale.

The SAS‐SR: Short and SAS‐SR: Screener retained the areas assessed by the full SAS‐SR with fewer items in each area, and appear to be promising replacements for the full scale when a shorter administration time is desired and detailed information on performance in different areas is not required. Further work is needed to test the validity of the shortened measures. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Functional magnetic resonance imaging using PROPELLER‐EPI
Authors: Krämer Martin , Jochimsen Thies H. , Reichenbach Jürgen R.
Published: December 2011

Periodically rotated overlapping parallel lines with enhanced reconstruction‐echo‐planar imaging (PROPELLER‐EPI) is a multishot technique that samples k‐space by acquisition of narrow blades, which are subsequently rotated until the entire k‐space is filled. It has the unique advantage that the center of k‐space, and thus the area containing the majority of functional MRI signal changes, is sampled with each shot. This continuous refreshing of the k‐space center by each acquired blade enables not only sliding‐window but also keyhole reconstruction. Combining PROPELLER‐EPI with a fast gradient‐echo readout scheme allows for high spatial resolutions to be achieved while maintaining a temporal resolution, which is suitable for functional MRI experiments. Functional data acquired with a novel interlaced sequence that samples both single‐shot EPI and blades in an alternating fashion suggest that PROPELLER‐EPI can achieve comparable functional MRI results. PROPELLER‐EPI, however, features different spatiotemporal characteristics than single‐shot EPI, which not only enables keyhole reconstruction but also makes it an interesting alternative for many functional MRI applications. Magn Reson Med, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Muscle velocity recovery cycles: Effects of repetitive stimulation on two muscles
Authors: BoËRio Delphine , Z'graggen Werner J. , Tan S. Veronica , Guetg Andri , Ackermann Karin , Bostock Hugh
Published: December 2011

Introduction:

We sought to characterize the excitability properties of tibialis anterior (TA) and brachioradialis (BR) muscles at rest and during electrically induced muscle activation in normal subjects.

Methods:

Two centers recruited 10 subjects each. Multi‐fiber velocity recovery cycles (VRCs) were recorded from TA (both centers) and BR (one center). VRCs were assessed at rest and during repetitive stimulation (intermittent 20 Hz for 6 min). Changes in latency and peak amplitude of the muscle action potential induced by a frequency ramp to 30 Hz were also characterized.

Results:

Excitability properties recorded from TA were very similar between centers. Repetitive stimulation generated marked excitability changes, which were similar between TA and BR.

Conclusions:

Standardized tests of muscle VRCs and responses to repetitive stimulation can provide consistent measures of membrane function and may encourage their wider use in clinical neurophysiology to investigate the pathophysiology of neuromuscular disorders. Muscle Nerve 46: 102–111, 2012
Myotonia associated with caveolin‐3 mutation
Authors: Milone Margherita , Mcevoy Kathleen M. , Sorenson Eric J. , Daube Jasper R.
Published: December 2011

Introduction: Caveolin‐3 is a major component of the caveolae in skeletal and cardiac muscle.Mutations in the caveolin‐3 gene (CAV3) lead to a spectrum of clinical phenotypes including limb‐girdle muscular dystrophy 1C, distal myopathy, rippling muscle disease, isolated hyperCKemia, and cardiomyopathy. Case Report: A 24‐year‐old man with myalgia, muscle stiffness, and fatigue has normal strength and prominent myotonic discharges in the gastrocnemius. He also has epilepsy. He harbors a heterozygous CAV3 mutation, p.V57M. He has no mutations in CLCN1 and SCN4A, and he had normal genetic testing for myotonic dystrophy type 1 and type 2. Conclusions: Mutations in CAV3, and in particular p.V57M in CAV3, previously reported in isolated familial hyperCKemia, can be associated with electrical myotonia. Muscle Nerve 45: 897‐900, 2012
Production and Characterization of crosslinked low‐density polyethylene foams using waste of foams with the same composition
Authors: Saiz‐Arroyo C. , de Saja J.A. , Rodríguez‐Pérez M.A.
Published: December 2011

A process to recover residues of crosslinked polyolefin foams is described in this paper. Low‐density foam scraps coming from discarded products or cuts from secondary manufacturing processes are heated and pressed to obtain a new material. The main target to reach with the used recovering process was to keep the density of the recycled specimens as low as possible, and similar to that of the starting products. The structure and properties of both recovered and virgin commercial materials with similar densities have been analyzed. It has been found that due to the recovering process cell size slightly decreased and at the same time the cells become orientated. Mechanical properties of recovered foams were lower than those of commercial products, even though thermal conductivity remained in the range of the values presented by virgin products, and recovered products were better sound absorbers than virgin foams. It is concluded that due to its low density and good balance of properties the recovered materials can substitute virgin materials in applications in which the key properties are excellent thermal insulation, good acoustic absorption, and medium compressive strength. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2011. © 2011 Society of Plastics Engineers
Gender differences in rat plasma proteome in response to high‐fat diet
Authors: Liu Hao , Choi Jung‐Won , Yun Jong Won
Published: December 2011

Knowledge of gender differences is important because nutritional recommendations on the basis of data collected using predominantly male subjects may not be valid for women. In the present study, we performed proteomic analysis in plasma of rats fed a high‐fat diet (HFD) using 2‐DE combined with MALDI‐TOF‐MS for analysis of differential regulation patterns between male and female plasma proteins. Male rats gained more body weight with increased values of biochemical parameters than female rats. Image analysis and further statistical analysis allowed detection and identification of 31 proteins that were significantly modulated in a gender‐dependent manner in response to HFD. Those differential expressed proteins were classified into three groups based on their regulation patterns in response to diet and gender. Consequently, we found 13 proteins showing gender‐different regulation in both normal diet (ND) and HFD, where 9 proteins showed identical regulation patterns (Group I) and 4 proteins exhibited opposite regulation mode (Group II) between the genders. Eighteen proteins showed no gender‐difference but HFD‐responsive regulation (Group III). Of these, Apo A‐IV, CRP precursor, Hp precursor, and FGG showed a clear gender difference in both ND and HFD, with the same regulation patterns. Present proteomic research into gender‐dimorphic protein modulation in plasma would aid in improvement of gender awareness in the health care system and in implementation of evidence‐based gender‐specific clinical recommendations.
Potential role of Hsp25 in calcium‐modulated cardiomyocytes
Authors: Das Tanuza , Yoo Young Sook , Rhim Hyewhon , Song Eun Joo
Published: December 2011

Cardiac muscle contraction is initiated by the entry of Ca2+ ions from the extracellular spaces and the Ca2+ stores in the sarcoplasmic reticulum into the myoplasm. Calcium signaling is the most important factor in cardiac cell homeostasis. In this study, we investigated the effect of caffeine, an inducer of intracellular Ca2+ accumulation, on HL‐1 cardiomyocytes by using a proteomic approach. Following the separation of the cell lysates and visualization of the protein spots using two‐dimensional gel electrophoresis and silver staining, respectively, we identified 24 differentially expressed protein spots in the caffeine‐treated group as compared with the controls by using MALDI‐TOF/TOF MS. Of these 24 spots, 8 proteins were up‐regulated and 16 proteins were down‐regulated. These differentially expressed proteins are predominantly involved in cellular metabolism, cellular organization, and ion/protein transport. Furthermore, we found that Hsp25, one of the differentially expressed proteins, is modified by caffeine treatment. Depletion of Hsp25 transcripts by siRNA increased caffeine‐mediated signaling, including ERK activation, and decreased the Ca2+ transient peak and expression of calsequestrin 2 in HL‐1 cardiomyocytes. These results suggest that proteins having various functions are involved in the regulation of Ca2+ homeostasis, and that Hsp25 plays an important role in regulating cardiac function during caffeine response.
How do thermophilic proteins resist aggregation?
Authors: Thangakani Anthony Mary , Kumar Sandeep , Velmurugan Devadasan , Gromiha Maria Siluvay Michael
Published: December 2011

Aggregation is an ancient threat that must be overcome by proteins from all organisms to maintain their native functional states. This is essential for the maintenance of metabolic flux and viability of their cellular machineries. Here, we compare the aggregation‐resistance strategies adapted by the thermophilic proteins and their mesophilic homologs using a dataset of 373 protein families. Like their mesophilic homologs, the thermophilic protein sequences also contain potential aggregation prone regions (APRs), capable of forming cross‐β motif and amyloid‐like fibrils. Tetrapeptide and hexapeptide amyloid‐like fibril forming sequence patterns and experimentally proven amyloid‐like fibril forming peptide sequences were also detected in the thermophilic proteins. Both the thermophilic and the mesophilic proteins use similar strategies to resist aggregation. However, the thermophilic proteins show superior utilization of these strategies. The thermophilic protein monomers show greater ability to “stow away” the APRs in the hydrophobic cores to protect them from solvent exposure. The thermophilic proteins are also better at gatekeeping the APRs by surrounding them with charged residues (Asp, Glu, Lys, and Arg) and Pro to a greater extent. While thermophilic and mesophilic proteins in our dataset are highly homologous and show strong overall sequence conservation, the APRs are not conserved between the homologs. These findings indicate that evolution is working to avoid amyloidogenic regions in proteins. Our results are also consistent with the observation that thermophilic cells often accumulate small molecule osmolytes capable of stabilizing their proteins and other macromolecules. This study has important implications for rational design and formulation of therapeutic proteins and antibodies. Proteins 2012; © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Conformational dynamics of capping protein and interaction partners: Simulation studies
Authors: Lukman Suryani , Robinson Robert C. , Wales David , Verma Chandra S.
Published: December 2011

Capping protein (CP) is important for the regulation of actin polymerization. CP binds to the barbed end of the actin filament and prevents actin polymerization. This interaction is modulated through competitive binding by regulatory proteins such as myotrophin (V‐1) and the capping protein interacting (CPI) motif from CARMIL. The binding site of myotrophin overlaps with the region of CP that binds to the barbed end of actin filament, whereas CPI binds at a distant site. The binding of CPI to the myotrophin‐CP complex dissociates myotrophin from CP. Detailed multicopy molecular dynamics simulations suggest that the binding of CPI shifts the conformational equilibria of CP away from states that favor myotrophin binding. This shift is underpinned by allosteric effects where CPI inhibits CP through suppression of flexibility and disruption of concerted motions that appear to mediate myotrophin binding. Accompanying these effects are changes in electrostatic interactions, notably those involving residue K142β, which appears to play a critical role in regulating flexibility. In addition, accessibility of the site on CP for binding the key hydrophobic residue W8 of myotrophin is modulated by CPI. These results provide insights into the modulation of CP by CPI and myotrophin and indicate the mechanism by which CPI drives the dissociation of the myotrophin‐CP complex. Proteins 2012;. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The CEO Performance Effect: Statistical Issues and a Complex Fit Perspective
Authors: Blettner Daniela P. , Chaddad Fernando R. , Bettis Richard A.
Published: December 2011

How CEOs affect strategy and performance is important to strategic management research. We show that sophisticated statistical analysis alone is problematic for establishing the magnitude and causes of CEO impact on performance. We discuss three problem areas that substantially distort the measurement and sources of a CEO performance effect: (1) the nature of performance time series, (2) confounding and (3) the discovery of many interactions associated with the CEO performance effect. We show that the aggregate of empirical research implies complex interdependency as the driver of the CEO performance effect. This suggests a ‘fit’ model requiring new research approaches. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Learning in the Context of Diversity. Distorted Discourses in Large‐Group Interventions
Authors: Saam Nicole J.
Published: December 2011

This article presents results from an empirical study. Here, seven different types of large‐group intervention methods that were applied to redesign organizational and societal structures have been explored, thus, relating change management literature to deliberative democracy literature. From a Habermasian perspective, distorted discourses are identified as a major factor hampering learning. Distortions produce a working consensus with a bias. It is shown that large‐group interventions are typically characterized by different types of distortions. The problem of bias in participative change management should be given more attention. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Early development of cephalochordates (amphioxus)
Authors: Holland Linda Z. , Onai Takayuki
Published: December 2011

The Phylum Chordata includes three groups—Vertebrata, Tunicata, and Cephalochordata. In cephalochordates, commonly called amphioxus or lancelets, which are basal in the Chordata, the eggs are small and relatively non‐yolky. As in vertebrates, cleavage is indeterminate with cell fates determined gradually as development proceeds. The oocytes are attached to the ovarian follicle at the animal pole, where the oocyte nucleus is located. The cytoplasm at the opposite side of the egg, the vegetal pole, contains the future germ plasm or pole plasm, which includes determinants of the germline. After fertilization, additional asymmetries are established by movements of the egg and sperm nuclei, resulting in a concentration of mitochondria at one side of the animal hemisphere. This may be related to establishment of the dorsal/ventral axis. Patterning along the embryonic axes is mediated by secreted signaling proteins. Dorsal identity is specified by Nodal/Vg1 signaling, while during the gastrula stage, opposition between Nodal/Vg1 and BMP signaling establishes dorsal/anterior (i.e., head) and ventral/posterior (i.e., trunk/tail) identities, respectively. Wnt/β‐catenin signaling specifies posterior identity while retinoic acid signaling specifies positions along the anterior/posterior axis. These signals are further modulated by a number of secreted antagonists. This fundamental patterning mechanism is conserved, with some modifications, in vertebrates. WIREs Dev Biol 2012, 1:167–183. doi: 10.1002/wdev.11

This article is categorized under:

Signaling Pathways > Global Signaling Mechanisms

Early Embryonic Development > Fertilization to Gastrulation

Early Embryonic Development > Gastrulation and Neurulation

Comparative Development and Evolution > Body Plan Evolution
Fixed and random effects models
Authors: Gurka Matthew J. , Kelley George A. , Edwards Lloyd J.
Published: December 2011

Traditional linear regression at the level taught in most introductory statistics courses involves the use of ‘fixed effects’ as predictors of a particular outcome. This treatment of the independent variable is often sufficient. However, as research questions have become more sophisticated, coupled with the rapid advancement in computational abilities, the use of random effects in statistical modeling has become more commonplace. Treating predictors in a model as a random effect allows for more general conclusions—a great example being the treatment of the studies that comprise a meta‐analysis as random rather than fixed. In addition, utilization of random effects allows for more accurate representation of data that arise from complicated study designs, such as multilevel and longitudinal studies, which in turn allows for more accurate inference on the fixed effects that tend to be of primary interest. It is important to note the distinctions between fixed and random effects in the most general of settings, while also knowing the benefits and risks to their simultaneous use in specific yet common situations. WIREs Comput Stat 2012, 4:181–190. doi: 10.1002/wics.201

This article is categorized under:

Statistical Models > Linear Models

Statistical Models > Classification Models
Corriggenda.–Excavations at Phylakopi
Authors: Hall H. R.
Published: December 2011

IN a review of Excavations at Phylakopí, Class. Rev. 1905, p. 80, I find I have misquoted Dr. Arthur Evans. In Ms article on the ‘Pottery-marks’ Dr. Evans writes (p. 184) that ‘the method of writing from right to left, instead of from left to right, is not found in the Cnossian linear inscriptions.’ By a slip which I much regret I wrote ‘Cretan’ for ‘Cnossian’ in quoting this sentence. I of course understood Dr. Evans to be referring to the Cnossian inscriptions only, not to the whole ‘Minoan’ system of picture-writing generally. He shews that right-to-left writing could be used in the Minoan system by the Melian example, which reads in the reverse direction to that of an otherwise identical Cnosaian sign-group. This being so, I still doubt whether all the Cnossian inscriptions will eventually prove to read from left to right.
The Consumption of the Sacred: Popular Piety in a Late Medieval Hungarian Town
Authors: ERDÉLYI GABRIELLA
Published: December 2011

This paper interprets late medieval religious culture by considering lay expectations of and attitudes towards the clergy. The analysis is prompted by and framed around a convent controversy, which was extensively documented in the course of an ecclesiastical trial. Contemporary ‘convent reform’ is not conceived as an ecclesiastical event, but rather as a symptom of the changing relationship between town and convent. The description of religious provision in the town shows that there was a strong lay demand for the clergy and the rituals performed by them, and that parishioners were ready to invest financially in maintaining local priests, even if it involved considerable additional expenses. The conflict between town and convent can therefore be considered as a result of a liturgical deficit in the spiritual market of the town. The parishioners' behaviour is interpreted as a symptom of the eucharistic and penitential devotional culture of the time, which was regulated in practice by the principle of intercession and the institution of good works. The paper argues that the divergent strands of late medieval religious culture generated a ‘consumption’ of the sacred. The mendicant friars had a special role in the late medieval religious market as they provided opportunities for religious experiences which differed in kind from parish observances.
Which Augustine? The Naming of the Abbey and Church of St Augustine, Bristol
Authors: HIGGINS DAVID H.
Published: December 2011

The abbey of St Augustine was named for Augustine ‘Apostle of the English’, as was its associated parish church, but was governed from its foundation by canons of the rule of St Augustine of Hippo. The two Augustines in the equation were a source of confusion. A reconstruction of the abbey's lost liturgical calendar suggests that the chapter sought to exploit this uncertainty in the matter of the foundation history of their abbey, with the aim of displacing, in the popular mind, the humble ‘English’ saint of the dedication in favour of the ‘Latin’ founder of the canons' rule.