bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fluvial carbon flux from headwater peatland streams: significance of particulate carbon flux
Authors: Pawson R. R. , Evans M. G. , Allott T. E. H. A.
Published: April 2012

The extensive blanket peatlands of the UK uplands account for almost half of total national terrestrial carbon storage. However, much of the blanket peat is severely eroded so that the contemporary role of the peatland system in carbon sequestration is compromised by losses of organic carbon in dissolved (DOC) and particulate (POC) form in the fluvial system. This paper presents the first detailed assessment of dissolved and organic carbon losses from a severely eroded headwater peatland (River Ashop, South Pennines, UK). Total annual fluvial organic carbon losses range from 29–106 Mg C km,‐2 decreasing from the headwaters to the main catchment outlet. In contrast to less eroded systems fluvial organic carbon flux is dominated by POC. POC:DOC ratios decrease from values of 4 in the headwaters to close to unity at the catchment outlet. These results demonstrate the importance of eroding headwater sites as sources of POC to the fluvial system. Comparison with a range of catchment characteristics reveals that drainage density is the best predictor of POC:DOC but there is scatter in the relation in the headwaters. Steep declines in specific POC yield from headwater catchments are consistent with storage of POC within the fluvial system. Key to the significance of fluvial carbon flux in greenhouse gas budgets is understanding the fate of fluvial carbon. Further work on the fate of POC and the role of floodplains in fluvial carbon cycling is urgently required. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Computational algorithms for tracking dynamic fluid–structure interfaces in embedded boundary methods
Authors: Wang K. , Grétarsson J. , Main A. , Farhat C.
Published: April 2012

A robust, accurate, and computationally efficient interface tracking algorithm is a key component of an embedded computational framework for the solution of fluid–structure interaction problems with complex and deformable geometries. To a large extent, the design of such an algorithm has focused on the case of a closed embedded interface and a Cartesian computational fluid dynamics grid. Here, two robust and efficient interface tracking computational algorithms capable of operating on structured as well as unstructured three‐dimensional computational fluid dynamics grids are presented. The first one is based on a projection approach, whereas the second one is based on a collision approach. The first algorithm is faster. However, it is restricted to closed interfaces and resolved enclosed volumes. The second algorithm is therefore slower. However, it can handle open shell surfaces and underresolved enclosed volumes. Both computational algorithms exploit the bounding box hierarchy technique and its parallel distributed implementation to efficiently store and retrieve the elements of the discretized embedded interface. They are illustrated, and their respective performances are assessed and contrasted, with the solution of three‐dimensional, nonlinear, dynamic fluid–structure interaction problems pertaining to aeroelastic and underwater implosion applications. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Smoking and Genetic Risk Variation Across Populations of European, Asian, and African American Ancestry—A Meta‐Analysis of Chromosome 15q25
Authors: Chen Li‐Shiun , Saccone Nancy L. , Culverhouse Robert C. , Bracci Paige M. , Chen Chien‐Hsiun , Dueker Nicole , Han Younghun , Huang Hongyan , Jin Guangfu , Kohno Takashi , Ma Jennie Z. , Przybeck Thomas R. , Sanders Alan R. , Smith Jennifer A. , Sung Yun Ju , Wenzlaff Angie S. , Wu Chen , Yoon Dankyu , Chen Ying‐Ting , Cheng Yu‐Ching , Cho Yoon Shin , David Sean P. , Duan Jubao , Eaton Charles B. , Furberg Helena , Goate Alison M. , Gu Dongfeng , Hansen Helen M. , Hartz Sarah , Hu Zhibin , Kim Young Jin , Kittner Steven J. , Levinson Douglas F. , Mosley Thomas H. , Payne Thomas J. , Rao D. C. , Rice John P. , Rice Treva K. , Schwantes‐An Tae‐Hwi , Shete Sanjay S. , Shi Jianxin , Spitz Margaret R. , Sun Yan V. , Tsai Fuu‐Jen , Wang Jen C. , Wrensch Margaret R. , Xian Hong , Gejman Pablo V. , He Jiang , Hunt Steven C. , Kardia Sharon L. , Li Ming D. , Lin Dongxin , Mitchell Braxton D. , Park Taesung , Schwartz Ann G. , Shen Hongbing , Wiencke John K. , Wu Jer‐Yuarn , Yokota Jun , Amos Christopher I. , Bierut Laura J.
Published: April 2012

Recent meta‐analyses of European ancestry subjects show strong evidence for association between smoking quantity and multiple genetic variants on chromosome 15q25. This meta‐analysis extends the examination of association between distinct genes in the CHRNA5‐CHRNA3‐CHRNB4 region and smoking quantity to Asian and African American populations to confirm and refine specific reported associations. Association results for a dichotomized cigarettes smoked per day phenotype in 27 datasets (European ancestry (N = 14,786), Asian (N = 6,889), and African American (N = 10,912) for a total of 32,587 smokers) were meta‐analyzed by population and results were compared across all three populations. We demonstrate association between smoking quantity and markers in the chromosome 15q25 region across all three populations, and narrow the region of association. Of the variants tested, only rs16969968 is associated with smoking (P < 0.01) in each of these three populations (odds ratio [OR] = 1.33, 95% CI = 1.25–1.42, P = 1.1 × 10−17 in meta‐analysis across all population samples). Additional variants displayed a consistent signal in both European ancestry and Asian datasets, but not in African Americans. The observed consistent association of rs16969968 with heavy smoking across multiple populations, combined with its known biological significance, suggests rs16969968 is most likely a functional variant that alters risk for heavy smoking. We interpret additional association results that differ across populations as providing evidence for additional functional variants, but we are unable to further localize the source of this association. Using the cross‐population study paradigm provides valuable insights to narrow regions of interest and inform future biological experiments. Genet. Epidemiol. 36:340–351, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
hTERT Cancer Risk Genotypes Are Associated With Telomere Length
Authors: Melin Beatrice S , Nordfjäll Katarina , Andersson Ulrika , Roos Göran
Published: April 2012

Telomere biology is associated with cancer initiation and prognosis. Collected data suggest that blood cell telomere length (TL) can change over time, which may be related to development of common disorders, such as cardiovascular diseases and cancer. Recently, single nucleotide polymorphisms in the region of the human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) gene were associated with various malignancies, including glioma, lung and urinary bladder cancer, and telomerase RNA gene hTERC genotypes were recently linked to TL. In the present study a hypothetical association between identified genotypes in hTERT and hTERC genes and TL were investigated. We analyzed 21 polymorphisms, covering 90% of the genetic variance, in the hTERT gene, two genetic variants in hTERC, and relative TL(RTL) at average age 50 and 60 in 959 individuals with repeated blood samples. Mean RTL at age 60 was associated with four genetic variants of the hTERT gene (rs2736100, rs2853672, rs2853677, and rs2853676), two of which reported to be associated with cancer risk. Two alleles (rs12696304, rs16847897) near the hTERC gene were confirmed as also being associated with RTL at age 60. Our data suggest that hTERT and hTERC genotypes have an impact on TL of potential relevance and detectable first at higher ages, which gives us further insight to the complex regulation of TL. Genet. Epidemiol. 36:368–372, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Increased systemic inflammatory interleukin‐1ß and interleukin‐6 during agitation as predictors of Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Honma T. , Hatta K. , Hitomi Y. , Kambayashi Y. , Hibino Y. , Konoshita T. , Nakamura H.
Published: April 2012

Objects

Identification of biomarkers for Alzheimer's disease (AD) is important for its early diagnosis and prevention and a key in advancing our understanding of its pathophysiology. The aim of this study was to determine whether systemic inflammatory interleukin‐1ß (IL‐1ß) and interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) as well as hypertension (HT), diabetes mellitus (DM), and body mass index (BMI) are predictors of AD.

Methods

We performed a 10‐year follow‐up study on 133 elderly who were institutionalized in a nursing home. The associations of IL‐1ß and IL‐6 at both rest and agitation, as well as HT, DM, and BMI at baseline, were analyzed with the incidences of vascular dementia (VD) and AD during a 10‐year follow‐up period.

Results

The Kaplan–Meier method with log‐rank test and Cox regression analyses for the total of 133 subjects showed significantly higher incidences of both VD and AD in subjects with DM or HT at baseline. Resting IL‐1ß or IL‐6 value, or agitation score, was not significantly associated with the subsequent development of VD or AD. The analyses of 40 subjects who had shown agitation at least once in the previous 3 months demonstrated that IL‐1ß and IL‐6 values at the agitation stage were significantly associated with AD, but not with VD.

Conclusion

Our results indicate that systemic inflammatory IL‐1ß and IL‐6 at the agitation stage are risk factors for the development of AD, but not VD. Inflammatory mechanisms for AD seem to be causal and specific to the development of AD. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
LecT-hepa, a glyco-marker derived from multiple lectins, as a predictor of liver fibrosis in chronic hepatitis C patients
Authors: Ito Kiyoaki , Kuno Atsushi , Ikehara Yuzuru , Sugiyama Masaya , Saito Hiroaki , Aoki Yoshihiko , Matsui Teppei , Imamura Masatoshi , Korenaga Masaaki , Murata Kazumoto , Masaki Naohiko , Tanaka Yasuhito , Hige Shuhei , Izumi Namiki , Kurosaki Masayuki , Nishiguchi Shuhei , Sakamoto Michiie , Kage Masayoshi , Narimatsu Hisashi , Mizokami Masashi
Published: April 2012

Assessment of liver fibrosis in patients with chronic hepatitis C (CHC) is critical for predicting disease progression and determining future antiviral therapy. LecT-Hepa, a new glyco-marker derived from fibrosis-related glyco-alteration of serum alpha 1-acid glycoprotein, was used to differentiate cirrhosis from chronic hepatitis in a single-center study. Herein, we aimed to validate this new glyco-marker for estimating liver fibrosis in a multicenter study. Overall, 183 CHC patients were recruited from 5 liver centers. The parameters

Aspergillus oryzae

lectin (AOL) /

Dature stramonium

lectin (DSA) and

Maackia amurensis

lectin (MAL)/DSA were measured using a bedside clinical chemistry analyzer in order to calculate LecT-Hepa levels. The data were compared with those of seven other noninvasive biochemical markers and tests (hyaluronic acid, tissue inhibitor of metalloproteases-1, platelet count, aspartate aminotransferase-to-platelet ratio index [APRI], Forns index, Fib-4 index, and Zeng's score) for assessing liver fibrosis using the receiver-operating characteristic curve. LecT-Hepa correlated well with the fibrosis stage as determined by liver biopsy. The area under the curve (AUC), sensitivity, and specificity of LecT-Hepa were 0.802, 59.6%, and 89.9%, respectively, for significant fibrosis; 0.882, 83.3%, and 80.0%, respectively, for severe fibrosis; and 0.929, 84.6%, and 88.5%, respectively, for cirrhosis. AUC scores of LecT-Hepa at each fibrosis stage were greater than those of the seven aforementioned noninvasive tests and markers.

Conclusion

: The efficacy of LecT-Hepa, a glyco-marker developed using glycoproteomics, for estimating liver fibrosis was demonstrated in a multicenter study. LecT-Hepa given by a combination of the two glyco-parameters is a reliable method for determining the fibrosis stage and is a potential substitute for liver biopsy. (Hepatology 2012)
Dynamics of decision‐related activity in hippocampus
Authors: Catanese Julien , Cerasti Erika , Zugaro Michaël , Viggiano Alessandro , Wiener Sidney I.
Published: April 2012

Place‐selective activity in hippocampal neurons can be modulated by the trajectory that will be taken in the immediate future (“prospective coding”), information that could be useful in neural processes elaborating choices in route planning. To determine if and how hippocampal prospective neurons participate in decision making, we measured the time course of the evolution of prospective activity by recording place responses in rats performing a T‐maze alternation task. After five or seven alternation trials, the routine was unpredictably interrupted by a photodetector‐triggered visual cue as the rat crossed the middle of central arm, signaling it to suddenly change its intended choice. Comparison of the delays between light cue presentation and the onset of prospective activity for neurons with firing fields at various locations after the trigger point revealed a 420 ms processing delay. This surprisingly long delay indicates that prospective activity in the hippocampus appears much too late to generate planning or decision signals. This provides yet another example of a prominent brain activity that is unlikely to play a functional role in the cognitive function that it appears to represent (planning future trajectories). Nonetheless, the hippocampus may provide other contextual information to areas active at the earliest stages of selecting future paths, which would then return signals that help establish hippocampal prospective activity. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Smoking at diagnosis and survival in cancer patients
Authors: Warren Graham W. , Kasza Karin A. , Reid Mary E. , Cummings K. Michael , Marshall James R.
Published: April 2012

The effect of smoking on survival in cancer patients is limited by the lack of structured prospective assessments of smoking at diagnosis. To assess the effect of smoking at diagnosis on survival, structured smoking assessments were obtained in a cohort of 5,185 cancer patients within 30 days of a cancer diagnosis between 1982 and 1998. Hazard ratios (HRs) or odds ratios were generated to analyze the effects of smoking at diagnosis on overall mortality (OM) and disease‐specific mortality (DSM) in a patient cohort from 13 disease sites containing at least 100 patients in each disease site. With a minimum of 12 years of follow‐up, current smoking increased OM risk versus recent quit (HR 1.17), former (HR 1.29) and never smokers (HR 1.38) in the overall cohort. Current smoking increased DSM risk versus former (HR 1.23) and never smokers (HR 1.18). In disease sites with proportionately large (>20%) recent quit cohorts (lung and head/neck), current smoking increased OM and DSM risks as compared with recent quit. Current smoking increased mortality risks in lung, head/neck, prostate and leukemia in men and breast, ovary, uterus and melanoma in women. Current smoking was not associated with any survival benefit in any disease site. Data using prospective structured smoking assessments demonstrate that current smoking increased long‐term OM and DSM. Standardized smoking assessment at diagnosis is an important variable for evaluating outcomes in cancer patients.
Sample Size Influences the Variation of Invertebrate Diversity among Different Levels of a Stream Habitat Hierarchy
Authors: Schmera Dénes , Erős Tibor
Published: April 2012

We quantified how sample size influences the variation of the diversity of caddisfly assemblages among different levels of a stream habitat hierarchy. Caddisflies were collected using a Surber sampler and these Surber units were used in a computer algorithm to generate samples in a variety of sample sizes. Our results show that the sample size has a primary role on how the variation of diversity among the levels of the habitat hierarchy is distributed. Thus, a practical implication of this study is that projects using different number of replicate samples cannot be directly compared. This finding calls the attention to the careful consideration of sampling issues in biodiversity assessment and monitoring (© 2012 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Life History and Secondary Production of Mayflies (Ephemeroptera) Indicate Disturbance in Two Small Carpathian Streams
Authors: Bottová Kvetoslava , Derka Tomáš , Svitok Marek
Published: April 2012

The life histories and the secondary production of 9 mayflies (Ephemeroptera) species were studied at two sites in a submountain stream (West Carpathians, Slovakia). The disturbed site has a deforested and converted to meadows and pastures catchment and the undisturbed one is a well‐preserved submountain stream with 60% of the catchment covered by spruce forests. Differences in the forest cover and in the thermal regime of both streams were reflected in the structural as well as the functional measures. At the undisturbed site, the total secondary production of mayfly community was more than two times higher (3568 mg DW m–2 y–1) than at the disturbed site (1446 mg DW m–2 y–1). Species could be divided according to their affinity to particular disturbance level. Ecdyonurus picteti, Rhithrogena carpatoalpina, Habrophlebia lauta and Habroleptoides confusa appeared to prefer undisturbed conditions. On the contrary, Ecdyonurus aurantiacus and Habrophlebia fusca occurred only at the disturbed site. The dominant species Baetis rhodani and Electrogena samalorum did not show any clear preference regarding the catchment disturbance. However, nymphs of Electrogena samalorum seem to be more successful at the disturbed site, where they reached bigger body sizes (© 2012 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Living Apart Together: On the Biology of two Sympatric Leuctra Species (Plecoptera, Leuctridae) in an Apenninic Stream, Italy
Authors: López‐Rodríguez Manuel Jesús , Tierno de Figueroa José Manuel , Bo Tiziano , Mogni Alessandro , Fenoglio Stefano
Published: April 2012

Leuctridae is the richest stonefly family on the European continent, with many species of Leuctra often coexisting in sympatry in the same lotic environment. In this work we studied the life cycle and feeding habits of two species, Leuctra fusca and L. hippopus, coexisting in a small Italian Apennine stream. The life cycles of the two species are non‐overlapping, i.e., periods of nymphal growth and adult emergence are separated. Nymphs of both species feed mainly on detritus, but quantities of coarse particulate organic matter (CPOM) and diatoms are also ingested. Larger nymphs of both species ingest more CPOM and fewer diatoms. This suggests a similar trophic behaviour through their development. For example, they act as collector‐gatherers in their earlier instars and as collector‐gatherers or as shredders in their later instars (© 2012 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
A novel nuclear FGF Receptor‐1 partnership with retinoid and Nur receptors during developmental gene programming of embryonic stem cells
Authors: Lee Yu‐Wei , Terranova Christopher , Birkaya Barbara , Narla Sridhar , Kehoe Daniel , Parikh Abhirath , Dong Shuo , Ratzka Andreas , Brinkmann Hella , Aletta John M. , Tzanakakis Emmanuel S. , Stachowiak Ewa K. , Claus Peter , Stachowiak Michal K.
Published: April 2012

FGF Receptor‐1 (FGFR1), a membrane‐targeted protein, is also involved in independent direct nuclear signaling. We show that nuclear accumulation of FGFR1 is a common response to retinoic acid (RA) in pluripotent embryonic stem cells (ESC) and neural progenitors and is both necessary and sufficient for neuronal‐like differentiation and accompanying neuritic outgrowth. Dominant negative nuclear FGFR1, which lacks the tyrosine kinase domain, prevents RA‐induced differentiation while full‐length nuclear FGFR1 elicits differentiation in the absence of RA. Immunoprecipitation and GST assays demonstrate that FGFR1 interacts with RXR, RAR and their Nur77 and Nurr1 partners. Conditions that promote these interactions decrease the mobility of nuclear FGFR1 and RXR in live cells. RXR and FGFR1 co‐associate with 5′‐Fluorouridine‐labeled transcription sites and with RA Responsive Elements (RARE). RA activation of neuronal (tyrosine hydroxylase) and neurogenic (fgf‐2 and fgfr1) genes is accompanied by increased FGFR1, Nur, and histone H3.3 binding to their regulatory sequences. Reporter‐gene assays show synergistic activations of RARE, NBRE, and NurRE by FGFR1, RAR/RXR, and Nurs. As shown for mESC differentiation, FGFR1 mediates gene activation by RA and augments transcription in the absence of RA. Cooperation of FGFR1 with RXR/RAR and Nurs at targeted genomic sequences offers a new mechanism in developmental gene regulation. J. Cell. Biochem. 113: 2920–2936, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Temperature Preference During Forelimb Regeneration in the Red‐Spotted Newt Notophthalmus Viridescens
Authors: TATTERSALL GLENN J. , TYSON TEALA M. , LENCHYSHYN JESSIKA R. , CARLONE ROBERT L.
Published: April 2012

Red‐spotted newts (Notophthalmus viridescens) are model organisms for regenerative research. These animals can regenerate limbs, tails, jaws, spinal cords, as well as the lens of the eye. Newts are small ectotherms that are aquatic as adults; as ectotherms, they naturally conform to the temperature of their surroundings. Environmental temperatures, however, can increase or decrease the red‐spotted newt's metabolic processes, including their rate of tissue regeneration; whether an optimal temperature for this rate of regeneration exists is unknown. However, newts do exhibit behavioral preferences for certain temperatures, and these thermal preferences can change with season or with acclimation. Given this flexibility in behavioral thermoregulation, we hypothesized that the process of tissue regeneration could also affect thermal preference, given the metabolic costs or altered temperature sensitivities of tissue regrowth. It was predicted that regenerating newts would select an environmental temperature that maximized the rate of regeneration, however, this prediction was not fully supported. Thermal preference trials revealed that newts consistently selected temperatures between 24 and 25°C throughout regeneration. This temperature selection was warmer than that of uninjured conspecifics, but was lower than temperatures that would have further augmented the rate of regeneration. Interestingly, regenerating newts maintained a more stable temperature preference than sham newts, suggesting that accuracy in thermoregulation may be more important to regenerating individuals, than to noninjured individuals. J. Exp. Zool. 317:248–258, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Experience‐dependent recruitment of Arc expression in multiple systems during rest
Authors: Gheidi Ali , Satvat Elham , Marrone Diano F.
Published: April 2012

The patterns of ensemble activity in the hippocampal formation during wakeful, attentive behavior are recapitulated during subsequent resting states. This replay of activity has also been found in several brain regions across many species, indicating a very general biological phenomenon. Concomitantly, transcription of immediate‐early genes (IEGs) such as Arc also reoccurs in the same hippocampal neurons, suggesting that IEGs contribute to “off‐line” consolidation. If continued IEG expression during rest reflects a correlate of ensemble replay, then the same generality should be observed in IEG transcription patterns. This hypothesis was tested by examining Arc in F344 rats engaging in spatial exploration alongside a rest episode. The probability that an individual neuron participates in “constitutive” Arc expression during rest is increased by recent experience in multiple cortical regions as well as across the septal and temporal poles of the hippocampus, consistent with memory trace reactivation. That is, neurons that were recently active during spatial exploration are preferentially recruited into further Arc expression during subsequent rest. The continued Arc expression, however, occurs in only a small fraction of the cells that were engaged in transcription during previous behavior. This fraction is greatest in CA3 and progressively decreases in CA1, superficial, and deep cortical layers and is consistent with the idea that consolidation occurs rapidly in the hippocampus (centering on the CA3 recurrent network) while changes are much more gradual in neocortical synaptic networks. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Functional interaction between mesenchymal stem cells and spiral ligament fibrocytes
Authors: Sun Guang‐wei , Fujii Masato , Matsunaga Tatsuo
Published: April 2012

Spiral ligament fibrocytes (SLFs) play an important role in normal hearing as well as in several types of sensorineural hearing loss attributable to inner ear homeostasis disorders. Our previous study showed that transplantation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) into the inner ear of rats with damaged SLFs significantly accelerates hearing recovery compared with rats without MSC transplantation. To elucidate this mechanism of SLF repair and to determine the contribution of transplanted MSCs in this model, we investigated the mutual effects on differentiation and proliferation between MSCs and SLFs in a coculture system. Factors secreted by SLFs had the ability to promote the transdifferentiation of MSCs into SLF‐like cells, and the factors secreted by MSCs had a stimulatory effect on the proliferation of SLFs. Cytokine antibody array analysis revealed the involvement of transforming growth factor‐β (TGF‐β) in SLF proliferation induced by MSCs. In addition, a TGF‐β inhibitor reduced SLF proliferation induced by MSC stimulation. Our results suggest that there are two mechanisms of hearing recovery following transplantation of MSCs into the inner ear: 1) MSCs transdifferentiate into SLF‐like cells that compensate for lost SLFs, and 2) transplanted MSCs stimulate the regeneration of host SLFs. Both mechanisms contribute to the functional recovery of the damaged SLF network. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Postinjury treatment with rolipram increases hemorrhage after traumatic brain injury
Authors: Atkins C.M. , Kang Y. , Furones C. , Truettner J.S. , Alonso O.F. , Dietrich W.D.
Published: April 2012

The pathology caused by traumatic brain injury (TBI) is exacerbated by the inflammatory response of the injured brain. Two proinflammatory cytokines that contribute to inflammation after TBI are tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) and interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β). From previous studies using the parasagittal fluid‐percussion brain injury model, we reported that the anti‐inflammatory drug rolipram, a phosphodiesterase 4 inhibitor, reduced TNF‐α and IL‐1β levels and improved histopathological outcome when administered 30 min prior to injury. We now report that treatment with (±)‐rolipram given 30 min after injury significantly reduced TNF‐α levels in the cortex and hippocampus. However, postinjury administration of (±)‐rolipram significantly increased cortical contusion volume and increased atrophy of the cortex compared with vehicle‐treated animals at 10 days postinjury. Thus, despite the reduction in proinflammatory cytokine levels, histopathological outcome was worsened with post‐TBI (±)‐rolipram treatment. Further histological analysis of (±)‐rolipram‐treated TBI animals revealed significant hemorrhage in the contused brain. Given the well‐known role of (±)‐rolipram of increasing vasodilation, it is likely that (±)‐rolipram worsened outcome after fluid‐percussion brain injury by causing increased bleeding. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Integrating virtual simulations
Authors: Abair Paul H.
Published: April 2012

The author explores the theory of simulations; explains current trends in instructional theory, digital media, and change management; discusses the impact on instructional and simulation development design; provides an integrated simulation development and implementation model; and provides recommendations for practitioners who are ready to cross the threshold of integrating software‐based simulations into their learning environment. Current trends of pervasive computations, contextual fidelity, increasing demand for flexible constructive learning environments, and improved affordability suggest that digital simulations are likely to play a larger role in mainstream education and learning in the 21st century.
Equality and diversity in the health service: An evidence‐led culture change
Authors: Ali Shahnaz , Burns Christine , Grant Loren
Published: April 2012

Nine years after the first human rights legislation came into effect, many public sector organizations struggle to demonstrate meaningful and sustainable outcomes for protected groups. The workforce stubbornly fails to reflect the diversity of the communities it serves. Equality stakeholders report that services ignore the specific needs of their section of the communities, resulting in poor outcomes. To redress this, National Health Service (NHS) North West developed an evidence‐based strategy, supported by the introduction of tools and best practice methods. It applied cultural change management, defined the leadership competencies required, and introduced a consistent and objective framework for measuring outcomes across a range of 13 key areas. Three years into the strategy, outcomes include the national adoption of a leadership competency framework and outcome‐based performance measurement tool, as well as demonstrable improvements in the cultural competencies of NHS bodies in the region. Within 18 months, the number of primary care trusts able to evidence tangible “achieving” outcomes affecting at least three equality target groups has doubled.
Health biomarkers in a rat model after intake of organically grown carrots
Authors: Jensen Maja Melballe , Jørgensen Henry , Halekoh Ulrich , Watzl Bernhard , Thorup‐Kristensen Kristian , Lauridsen Charlotte
Published: April 2012

BACKGROUND: Organic food is perceived as being of better quality and healthier than conventional foods although the scientific research on organic foodstuffs is highly contradictory. The aim of the present study was to investigate if intake of carrots from four different cultivation systems grown in two consecutive years would influence various biomarkers of health in a rat model. All rats were fed a diet with 40% carrot content. The carrots were grown under conventional (C), ‘minimalistic’ organic (O1), organic (O2), or ‘very’ organic cultivation systems (O3). A control group (CO) being fed standard rat chow was included.

RESULTS: The plasma α‐tocopherol concentration was higher in the O2 carrot‐based diet group than in the C carrot based‐diet group in one year, while all other health biomarkers or nutrient content differences were observed between the CO diet and the carrot‐based diets.

CONCLUSION: This well‐controlled field study demonstrated no clear influence of cultivation methods or harvest year on the nutritional quality of carrots or effect of cultivation methods on health‐related biomarkers in a sensitive rat model. However, the experimental set‐up and selected biomarkers could be used as a framework for further studies of health in relation to organic foodstuff. Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Production, health aspects and potential food uses of dairy prebiotic galactooligosaccharides
Authors: Lamsal Buddhi P
Published: April 2012

Galactooligosaccharides are sugars composed of 3‐10 molecules of galactose and glucose via a transgalactosylation reaction mediated by the enzyme β‐galactosidase. Prebiotics are non‐digestible food ingredients that pass through the upper digestive system relatively intact and ferment in the lower colon, producing short‐chain fatty acids that support the growth of supplemented or indigenous colonic microbiota. Galactooligosaccharides and other prebiotic ingredients are increasingly being recognized as useful dietary tools for the modulation of the colonic microflora toward a healthy balance. Galactooligosaccharides compare well to other oligosaccharides in terms of their prebiotic, immunomodulation, and functional properties in foods. This review elucidates the galactooligosaccharide production process from refined lactose and/or cheese whey permeates, galactooligosaccharide market share and economic value, their health properties, and potential food applications. Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Microkinetic model for NO–CO reaction: Model reduction
Authors: Ravikeerthi T. , Thyagarajan Raghuram , Kaisare Niket S. , Aghalayam Preeti
Published: April 2012

The objective of this work is to elucidate controlling mechanisms in NOx reduction, develop reduced‐order reaction models, and analyze the reactor performance using the reduced‐order reaction model for the NO–CO reaction. We start with the microkinetic model on platinum, which describes the mechanism of catalytic reduction of NO by CO. The formation of the main product N2O and the competitive formation of the side product N2 are accounted for in the microkinetic model. Sensitivity and reaction path analysis have been carried out to determine the rate‐limiting steps as well as the most abundant reactive intermediates in the system. Owing to the differences between system performance at high and low temperatures, the model has been analyzed in detail in these temperature regimes. Two closed‐form expressions, corresponding to the two global reactions involved, have been derived. The characteristic features of the microkinetic model such as the sharp increase in NO conversion and the selectivity to N2O are captured well by the reduced model. The reduced‐order model has been extended to the rhodium catalyst as well. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Chem Kinet 44: 577–585, 2012
Cancer of unknown primary: Does treatment modality make a difference?
Authors: Balaker Ashley E. , Abemayor Elliot , Elashoff David , St. John Maie A.
Published: April 2012

Objectives/Hypothesis:

We systematically reviewed the published experience on the treatment outcomes of patients with head and neck cancer of unknown primary (CUP) to determine if treatment modality affects survival outcomes.

Study Design:

Meta‐analysis.

Methods:

A comprehensive literature search was performed for articles reporting survival outcomes for CUP in the head and neck published within the last 12 years.

Results:

Eighteen studies with 1,726 patients met the inclusion criteria. All studies reported at least 5‐year survival outcomes. Thirteen of the 18 studies also reported 5‐year survival based on N stage, and six reported 5‐year survival based on presence of extracapsular extension (EC). Overall 5‐year survival in the entire group was 48.6%. Five‐year survival based on N stage was as follows: N1 = 60.8%, all N2 = 51.1%, N2a = 63.6%, N2b = 42.5%, N2c = 37.5%, and N3 = 26.3%, with P < .001 on multivariate analysis. Patients who underwent surgical treatment with either postoperative radiation or chemoradiation had a 5‐year survival of 52.4% compared to 46.6% for those treated with chemoradiation alone; however, this difference was not statistically significant. Patients with EC had a 5‐year disease‐specific survival of 56.9% compared to 81.5% for those without EC (P = .01).

Conclusions:

In patients with CUP, survival outcomes are most significantly influenced by clinical stage at time of diagnosis. No significant 5‐year survival difference was seen between patients treated with radiation or chemoradiation alone when compared to patients who also received surgical treatment.
Prevalence of over‐the‐counter and complementary medication use in the otolaryngology preoperative patient: A patient safety initiative
Authors: Sugumaran Manikandan , Cohen Justin C. , Kacker Ashutosh
Published: April 2012

Objectives/Hypothesis:

To determine the prevalence of over‐the‐counter and complementary and alternative medication use in the preoperative otolaryngology patient population.

Study Design:

Cross‐sectional survey.

Methods:

Data were collected from preoperative surveys given to all patients undergoing surgery by a single physician with an academic practice over a 6‐month period from March to September 2010. Responses were compiled and combined with demographic information obtained from the computer‐based chart system.

Results:

A total of 92 patients, with ages ranging from 5 to 84 years old (average, 41), completed the survey. Fifty‐three (58%) patients were female, and 39 (42%) were male. Forty‐two (46%) patients reported the use of nonprescription medications, and 48% reported the use of multiple medications. Of those who reported using medication, 11 (26%) were male and 31 (74%) were female. The average age of nonprescription medication users was 49 years. The most commonly reported over‐the‐counter medications were aspirin and ibuprofen. The most commonly reported complementary and alternative medications were green tea, fish oil, and vitamin E.

Conclusions:

The use of nonprescription medications in the otolaryngology preoperative population is very common, especially in the female patient. The most commonly reported medications are associated with serious potential complications, and awareness of their use is critical before the patient undergoes surgery.
The effect of flashlamp pulsed dye laser on the expression of connective tissue growth factor in keloids
Authors: Yang Qiaorong , Ma Ying , Zhu Rongyi , Huang Guiqing , Guan Ming , Avram Mathew M. , Lu Zhong
Published: April 2012

Objective

To investigate connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) expression before and after pulsed dye laser (PDL, 595 nm) treatment, and to better understand the mechanism of PDL treatment of keloids.

Method

Twenty‐six patients with keloids were recruited for this study. For each patient, two keloids of similar anatomic location, duration, texture, and appearance were chosen for study; one of these keloids was treated and the other served as a control. Three sessions of PDL treatment, with pulse duration of 1.5 milliseconds, spot size 7 mm, DCD duration 20 milliseconds/delay 10 milliseconds and fluence of 10 J/cm2, were performed on the keloids at 3‐ to 4‐week intervals. Punch biopsies were performed both on the treated and untreated keloids prior to the first treatment and after the final treatment. The specimens underwent realtime polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and immunohistochemistry (IHC) to investigate the CTGF mRNA and protein expression after PDL treatment.

Results

According to realtime PCR, the CTGF mRNA was significantly down‐regulated after PDL treatment in 80.77% of patients as compared to the control group. IHC investigation showed that after treatment the CTGF positive cells also significantly decreased in number as compared to the control group in 80.77% of patients. Using the Vancouver scar scale (VSS), there was an average decrease of 20.85 ± 12.33% after PDL treatment.

Conclusions

Pulsed dye laser treatment of keloids significantly down‐regulates the expression of CTGF in most cases. This may partially explain the mechanism of action of PDL treatment of keloids. Lasers Surg. Med. 44: 377–383, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A class of spline functions for landmark‐based image registration
Authors: Allasia G. , Cavoretto R. , De Rossi A.
Published: April 2012

A class of spline functions, called Lobachevsky splines, is proposed for landmark‐based image registration. Analytic expressions of Lobachevsky splines and some of their properties are given, reasoning in the context of probability theory. Because these functions have simple analytic expressions and compact support, landmark‐based transformations can be advantageously defined using them. Numerical results point out accuracy and stability of Lobachevsky splines, comparing them with Gaussians and thin plate splines. Moreover, an application to a real‐life case (cervical X‐ray images) shows the effectiveness of the proposed method. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Extended scaling invariance of one‐dimensional models of liquid dynamics in a horizontal capillary
Authors: Fazio Riccardo , Iacono Salvatore , Jannelli Alessandra , Cavaccini Giovanni , Pianese Vittoria
Published: April 2012

In this paper, we consider the adaptive numerical solution of one‐dimensional models of liquid dynamics in a horizontal capillary. The bulk liquid is assumed to be initially at rest and is put into motion by capillarity: the smaller is the capillary radius, the steeper becomes the initial transitory of the meniscus location derivative, and as a consequence, the numerical solution to a prescribed accuracy becomes harder to achieve. Therefore, in order to solve a capillary problem effectively, it would be advisable to apply an adaptive numerical method.

Here, we show how an extended scaling invariance that can be used to define a family of solutions from a computed one. In the viscous case, the similarity transformation involves solutions of liquids with different density, surface tension, viscosity, and capillary radii, whereas in the inviscid case, we can generate a family of solutions for the same liquid and capillaries with different radii. With our study, we are able to prove that the monitor function, used in the adaptive algorithm, is invariant with respect to the considered scaling group. It follows, from this particular results, that all the solutions within the generated family verify the adaptive criteria used for the computed one. Moreover, all the solutions have the same order of accuracy even if the maximum value of the step size varies under the action of the scaling group. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
On the blow‐up criterion of the periodic incompressible fluids
Authors: Benameur Jamel
Published: April 2012

Kato, Ponce, Beale and Majda prove the existence and uniqueness of maximal solution of Euler and Navier–Stokes equations and some blow‐up criterion. In the periodic case, we establish that if the maximum time T* is finite, then the growth of is at least of the order of (T* − t)−2m / 5. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A finite element semi‐Lagrangian method with L2 interpolation
Authors: El‐Amrani Mofdi , Seaïd Mohammed
Published: April 2012

High‐order accurate methods for convection‐dominated problems have the potential to reduce the computational effort required for a given order of solution accuracy. The state of the art in this field is more advanced for Eulerian methods than for semi‐Lagrangian (SLAG) methods. In this paper, we introduce a new SLAG method that is based on combining the modified method of characteristics with a high‐order interpolating procedure. The method employs the finite element method on triangular meshes for the spatial discretization. An L2 interpolation procedure is developed by tracking the feet of the characteristic lines from the integration nodes. Numerical results are illustrated for a linear advection–diffusion equation with known analytical solution and for the viscous Burgers’ equation. The computed results support our expectations for a robust and highly accurate finite element SLAG method. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Alder‐ene addition of maleic anhydride to polyisobutene: nuclear magnetic resonance evidence for an unconventional mechanism
Authors: Balzano Federica , Pucci Andrea , Rausa Riccardo , Uccello‐Barretta Gloria
Published: April 2012

In this work, the thermal Alder‐ene functionalization of highly reactive, vinylidene‐terminated, polyisobutene (PIB) with stoichiometric amounts of maleic anhydride at 200 °C was investigated by NMR spectroscopy. The thorough interpretation of the complex NMR spectra of PIB derivatives collected at different reaction times (from 4 to 21 h) was based on the combined use of one‐ and two‐dimensional techniques which allowed the precise structure of all the reaction products as well as their relative content to be ascertained. The analysis evidenced the formation of large amounts of derivatives generated by the classic Alder‐ene mechanism and involving the more reactive vinylidene ‘exo’ double bonds of PIB. More interestingly, the investigation also the investigation allowed also to detect the formation of a noteworthy amount of not expected structure generated by the thermal maleination of the less reactive PIB ‘endo’ β‐form provided by the isomerization of residual PIB ‘exo’ α‐form during the functionalization reaction. Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Surface analysis of chalcopyrite materials for photovoltaics
Authors: Rockett Angus
Published: April 2012

Chalcopyrite‐structure semiconductors are leading candidates for photovoltaic applications. The nature of the surface of these materials is critical to determining the properties of the heterojunctions that collect current in the devices and can determine whether or not carrier recombination at the heterojunction limits device performance. This paper reviews the author's group work on surface microchemical and microstructural analysis of Cu(In1‐yGay)Se2 chalcopyrite alloys. This includes various scanning probe and electron microscopies, photoelectron spectroscopy, and other techniques. Results demonstrate mechanisms of growth of the material along with the nanostructure of surfaces. The close‐packed {112} type surfaces have the lowest surface energies. When the materials are grown using a multistage deposition process, the grain boundaries include significant void volume. The chemical bath deposition method used to form the junction then fills the grain boundaries with CdS and dopes all surfaces of the grains, including much of the grain boundaries, with Cd. The grain boundaries are also anion deficient in the final material. It is concluded that the final structure is effectively a self‐assembled radial‐junction solar cell and that this is the mechanism by which grain boundaries are rendered not only harmless but actually helpful to device performance. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Proteomic analysis of latex from the rubber‐producing plant Taraxacum brevicorniculatum
Authors: Wahler Daniela , Colby Thomas , Kowalski Natalie A. , Harzen Anne , Wotzka Sandra Y. , Hillebrand Andrea , Fischer Rainer , Helsper Johannes , Schmidt Jürgen , Schulze Gronover Christian , Prüfer Dirk
Published: April 2012

Many plants produce latex, a specialized, metabolically active cytoplasm. This is generally regarded as a defensive trait but latex may also possess additional functions. We investigated the role of latex in the dandelion species Taraxacum brevicorniculatum that contains considerable amounts of high‐quality natural rubber by carrying out a comprehensive analysis of the latex proteome. We developed reliable protocols for the preparation of protein samples for one‐dimensional gel electrophoresis, two‐dimensional gel electrophoresis, and subsequent mass spectrometry analysis, which led to 278 unique identifications. A gene ontology classification system based on comparisons with known Arabidopsis thaliana root proteins showed that dandelion proteins involved in lipid metabolism and transport were enriched in the latex proteome, whereas those involved in stress responses were not. We also found that proteins involved in rubber biosynthesis were distributed among different fractions of the latex proteome.