bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Profiles of lacunar and nonlacunar stroke
Authors: Jickling Glen C. , Stamova Boryana , Ander Bradley P. , Zhan Xinhua , Tian Yingfang , Liu Dazhi , Xu Huichun , Johnston S. Claiborne , Verro Piero , Sharp Frank R.
Published: June 2011

Objective:

Determining which small deep infarcts (SDIs) are of lacunar, arterial, or cardioembolic etiology is challenging, but important in delivering optimal stroke prevention therapy. We sought to distinguish lacunar from nonlacunar causes of SDIs using a gene expression profile.

Methods:

A total of 184 ischemic strokes were analyzed. Lacunar stroke was defined as a lacunar syndrome with infarction <15mm in a region supplied by penetrating arteries. RNA from blood was processed on whole genome microarrays. Genes differentially expressed between lacunar (n = 30) and nonlacunar strokes (n = 86) were identified (false discovery rate ≤ 0.05, fold change >|1.5|) and used to develop a prediction model. The model was evaluated by cross‐validation and in a second test cohort (n = 36). The etiology of SDIs of unclear cause (SDIs ≥ 15mm or SDIs with potential embolic source) (n = 32) was predicted using the derived model.

Results:

A 41‐gene profile discriminated lacunar from nonlacunar stroke with >90% sensitivity and specificity. Of the 32 SDIs of unclear cause, 15 were predicted to be lacunar, and 17 were predicted to be nonlacunar. The identified profile represents differences in immune response between lacunar and nonlacunar stroke.

Interpretation:

Profiles of differentially expressed genes can distinguish lacunar from nonlacunar stroke. SDIs of unclear cause were frequently predicted to be of nonlacunar etiology, suggesting that comprehensive workup of SDIs is important to identify potential cardioembolic and arterial causes. Further study is required to evaluate the gene profile in an independent cohort and determine the clinical and treatment implications of SDIs of predicted nonlacunar etiology. ANN NEUROL 2011
Phosphorus‐containing soybean‐oil copolymers: Cross‐metathesis of fatty acid derivatives as an alternative to phosphorus‐containing reactive flame retardants
Authors: Sacristán Marta , Ronda Joan C. , Galià Marina , Cádiz Virginia
Published: June 2011

Two different approaches to the creation of phosphorus‐containing soybean‐oil copolymers were investigated. First, two phosphorus‐containing styrene (ST) derivatives, diphenyl styryl phosphine oxide and dimethyl‐p‐vinylbenzylphosphonate (STP2), where tested as comonomers in the cationic copolymerization of soybean oil (SOY), ST, and divinylbenzene (DVB), to obtain heterogeneous systems in all cases. To overcome this drawback, the cross‐metathesis reaction of methyl 10‐undecenoate and STP2 was carried out to link the phosphorus moiety to the vegetable‐oil derivative. This second approach permitted the synthesis of a new reactive phosphorus‐containing plant‐oil derivative, which was incorporated into the soybean oil, ST, and DVB system. The cationic copolymerization was investigated, and the structure, thermal stability, and mechanical and flame‐retardant properties of the resulting copolymers were studied. Thermosets with moderate glass‐transition temperatures were obtained; this showed that the cross‐metathesis reaction is a convenient way to produce oil‐compatible monomers able to undergo homogeneous polymerization reactions. The resulting thermosets with 1% phosphorus had limiting oxygen index values about 24.0; this indicated an improvement in the fire‐retardant properties of the soybean‐oil‐based copolymers. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
The Anatomy of the Dog Soft Palate. I. Histological Evaluation of the Caudal Soft Palate in Mesaticephalic Breeds
Authors: Arrighi Silvana , Pichetto Michela , Roccabianca Paola , Romussi Stefano
Published: June 2011

The gross anatomy and overall structure of the soft palate has been described in the average dog's head, however, no descriptive microanatomical studies of the dog soft palate are available, despite their possible utility in view of the manifold and important repercussions of this organ physiology. This is the first of two companion papers, dealing with the caudal part of the soft palate in the canine species, in mesaticephalic and brachycephalic dogs. Specimens from mesaticephalic healthy dogs (N = 8) were collected after euthanasia, processed for histology and sectioned at six transversal levels. Morphological stainings were used for a microscopic evaluation of the tissue layers composing the distal part of the soft palate in adult mesaticephalic dogs, and histochemical reactions were applied to assess mucin types within glandular tissue and to investigate the connective tissues. The organ was characteristically organized into a major deep musculo‐connective axis mixed with salivary glands and covered by the mucosal lining on either the nasopharyngeal or the oral sides. The results of this investigation add to the general knowledge of the anatomy of soft palate in the canine species and establish baseline information for the parallel study on the long and thickened soft palate, which is typical of adult brachycephalic dogs. Anat Rec, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Virtual Assessment of the Endocranial Morphology of the Early Modern European Fossil Calvaria From Cioclovina, Romania
Authors: Kranioti Elena F. , Holloway Ralph , Senck Sascha , Ciprut Tudor , Grigorescu Dan , Harvati Katerina
Published: June 2011

Endocasts provide evidence on size and shape characteristics, blood supply trajectories, and neurological features of the brain, allowing comparative analyses of fossil hominins crucial to our understanding of human brain evolution. Here, we assess the morphological features of the virtual endocast of the Cioclovina Upper Paleolithic calvarium, one of the earliest reliably dated European modern human fossils. Our study was conducted on a computed tomography (CT) scan of the original specimen. The endocranial profile was approximated via a semiautomatic segmentation of the CT data. Virtual reconstructions of the endocast were used for assessing the morphological features of the endocranium and for the estimation of the endocranial volume. Cioclovina exhibits a clockwise torque with a small anterior extension of the left frontal lobe over the right one and a protrusion of the right occipital lobe over the left, most likely due to the superior sagittal sinus coursing over the occipital pole. There is an obvious right predominance of the posterior drainage system. Interestingly, the area of the frontal sinus is occupied by dense bony tissue with small air cells corresponding probably to a natural bony loss in the diploë and to vascular spaces. An estimated endocranial volume of 1498.53 cc was calculated. The convolutional details of the third inferior frontal gyrus (Broca's caps) are indistinguishable from those found in modern Homo sapiens, and the left occipital lobe appears wider than the right, a possible correlate of right‐handedness. Our metric analysis of endocranial measurements also aligns Cioclovina with modern humans. Anat Rec, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Design of Embedded Filters for Inner‐Loop Power Control in Wireless CDMA Communication Systems
Authors: Quevedo Daniel E. , Wigren Torbjörn
Published: June 2011

We study inner‐loop power control for mobile wireless communication systems using code division multiple access transmission. We focus on the uplink, i.e., on communication from the mobile‐ to the base‐station, and show how to minimise the variance of the signal‐to‐interference ratio (SIR) tracking error through incorporation of recursive filters. These filters complement existing power controllers and are designed by using a linear model which takes into account quantisation of the power control signal, dynamics of channel gains, interference from other users, target SIR, and SIR estimation errors. Simulation results indicate that significant performance gains can be obtained, even in situations where the models used for design are only an approximation.

Copyright © 2011 John Wiley and Sons Asia Pte Ltd and Chinese Automatic Control Society
Computertomografische Untersuchung von Stahlfaserspritzbeton mit mehrdimensionalen Transferfunktionen
Authors: Pittino Gerhard , Geier Georg , Fritz Laura , Hadwiger Markus , Rosc Joerdis , Pabel Thomas
Published: June 2011

Der Verbundwerkstoff Stahlfaserbeton bzw. Stahlfaserspritzbeton (SFRSpC) findet in der Geotechnik eine breite Anwendung. Für die Modellierung des mechanischen Verhaltens ist das Wissen über die Verteilung und Ausrichtung der Fasern im Beton von entscheidender Bedeutung. In einer Bachelorarbeit wurden die Stahlfasern in Bohrkernproben mit Hilfe der Computertomografie (CT) am Österreichischen Gießerei‐Institut (ÖGI) sichtbar gemacht und die Orientierung jeder einzelnen Faser anhand der STL‐Schnittstelle und weiterer Software berechnet, statistisch ausgewertet und grafisch, ähnlich dem Schmidt'schen Netz, dargestellt. Dieses zeitaufwändige Verfahren wurde von VRVis durch ein Postprocessing automatisiert. Die Stahlfasern können bezüglich ihrer zwei Hauptwinkel in Echtzeit exploriert, klassifiziert und dabei visuell überwacht werden. Es bieten sich verschiedene Möglichkeiten der statistischen Auswertung an. Ein Richtungs‐Kugelhistogramm, ebenfalls dem Schmidt'schen Netz ähnlich, ermöglicht dem Anwender, die Richtungsverteilung der selektierten Stahlfasern auf einen Blick zu erkennen. Die Farbkodierung der Richtungen wird auch für die 3D‐Visualisierung der Stahlfasern übernommen, um die räumliche Erfassung der Richtungsverteilung im SFRSpC selbst zu erleichtern.

Computertomographic Investigation of Steel Fibre Reinforced Sprayed Concrete using Multi‐Dimensional Transfer Functions

The composite material steel fibre reinforced concrete or steel fibre reinforced sprayed concrete (SFRS) is widely used in geotechnics. For the modelling of the mechanical behaviour the knowledge of the distribution and orientation of the fibres in the concrete is of particular importance. For a bachelor thesis the steel fibres in drill cores were investigated by computed tomography (CT) at the Austrian Foundry Research Institute (ÖGI). The orientation of each fibre was calculated using a STL‐interface and further software tools. The results were statistically evaluated and graphically represented using Schmidt's net. This time consuming (expensive) method was automated by a post‐processing of VRVis. With that tool the steel fibres in the sample can be explored, classified and visually examined in real‐time regarding their orientation in two angles. Different possibilities of statistical evaluation can be implemented. A real‐time direction sphere histogram (DSH), comparable to Schmidt's net in 3D allows the user to recognise the distribution of orientations of the selected fibres at a glance. The colour‐coding of the different orientations is also used for the 3D‐volume‐view of the fibres, to easily identify the spatial distribution of orientations in the SFRS sample.
Umlagerungsverhalten von Plattentragwerken aus Stahlfaserbeton
Authors: Gödde Lars , Mark Peter
Published: June 2011

Das Tragverhalten von Platten aus Stahlfaserbeton ist von starker Nichtlinearität durch Rissbildung und großen traglaststeigernden Umlagerungen geprägt. Für ihre Berechnung und Bemessung wird ein nichtlineares Verfahren vorgestellt. Es basiert auf einer elasto‐plastischen Schädigungsbeschreibung des Faserbetons mit eingebetteter Betonstahlbewehrung und einer Finite Elemente Diskretisierung des Stabstahls und der Platte mit regularisierter Verschmierung der Rissbildung im Elementnetz. Das Verfahren wird an einer punktgestützen Stahlfaserbetonplatte eines Großversuchs angewendet und verglichen mit anderen gängigen Methoden, nämlich einer linear‐elastischen Schnittgrößenermittlung bzw. der Bruchlinientheorie. Zur Bemessung erweist es sich als sehr geeignet, allerdings – ähnlich den beiden anderen Verfahren – abhängig von der angenommen Rissbildung, der Nachrisszugfestigkeit und geometrischen Größen.

Redistribution Effects of Steel Fibre Reinforced Concrete Slabs Numerical Computation and Design

The bearing behaviour of steel fibre reinforced concrete (SFRC) slabs is mainly affected by nonlinearity due to cracking and redistribution effects leading to an increased bearing capacity. A nonlinear approach for structural analysis and design of such structures is presented. It is based on an elasto‐plastic damage theory to model material behaviour of SFRC and allows for additional embedded rebars. By adopting a finite element discretisation of the slab structure a regulated smeared modelling of cracking is achieved. Further the nonlinear model is applied to a full scale test of a SFRC flat slab structure and results are compared to alternative already well established methods, namely a linear elastic analysis and the yield line theory. The proposed method is proven to be very suitable for design but – alike the alternatives – depends on assumed crack patterns, residual tensile strength of the SFRC and geometrical parameters.
Clinical and technical outcomes from a randomized clinical trial of endovenous laser ablation compared with conventional surgery for great saphenous varicose veins
Authors: Carradice D , Mekako A I , Mazari F A K , Samuel N , Hatfield J , Chetter I C
Published: June 2011

Background

This report describes the clinical effectiveness and recurrence rates from a randomized trial of endovenous laser ablation (EVLA) and surgery for varicose veins.

Methods

Some 280 patients were randomized equally using sealed opaque envelopes to two parallel groups: surgery and EVLA. Inclusion criteria included symptomatic disease secondary to primary, unilateral, isolated saphenofemoral junction incompetence, leading to reflux into the great saphenous vein (GSV). Outcomes were: technical success, recurrent varicose veins on clinical examination, patterns of reflux on duplex ultrasound examination, and the effect of recurrence on quality of life, assessed by the Aberdeen Varicose Vein Questionnaire (AVVQ). Assessments were at 1, 6, 12 and 52 weeks after the procedure.

Results

Initial technical success was greater following EVLA: 99·3 versus 92·4 per cent (P = 0·005). Surgical failures related mainly to an inability to strip the above-knee GSV. The clinical recurrence rate at 1 year was lower after EVLA: 4·0 versus 20·4 per cent (P < 0·001). The number of patients needed to treat with EVLA rather than surgery to avoid one recurrence at 1 year was 6·3 (95 per cent confidence interval 4·0 to 12·5). Twelve of 23 surgical recurrences were related to an incompetent below-knee GSV and ten to neovascularization. Of five recurrences after EVLA, two were related to neoreflux in the groin tributaries and one to recanalization. Clinical recurrence was associated with worse AVVQ scores (P < 0·001).

Conclusion

EVLA treatment had lower rates of clinical recurrence than conventional surgery in the short term. Registration number: NCT00759434 (http://www.clinicaltrials.gov).
Highly sensitive LC‐MS/MS‐ESI method for simultaneous quantitation of albendazole and ricobendazole in rat plasma and its application to a rat pharmacokinetic study
Authors: Sharma Kuldeep , Kandaswamy Murugesh , Mithra Chandan , Meena Ashok Kumar , Giri Sanjeev , Rajagopal Sriram , Mullangi Ramesh
Published: June 2011

A highly sensitive and specific LC‐MS/MS‐ESI method was developed for simultaneous quantification of albenadazole (ABZ) and ricobendazole (RBZ) in rat plasma (50 μL) using phenacetin as an internal standard (IS). Simple protein precipitation was used to extract ABZ and RBZ from rat plasma. The chromatographic resolution of ABZ, RBZ and IS was achieved with a mobile phase consisting of 5 m m ammonium acetate (pH 6) and acetonitrile (20:80, v/v) at a flow rate of 1 mL/min on a Chromolith RP‐18e column. The total chromatographic run time was 3.5 min and the elution of ABZ, RBZ and IS occurred at 1.66, 1.50 and 1.59 min, respectively. A linear response function was established for the ranges of concentrations 2.01–2007 and 6.02–6020 ng/mL for ABZ and RBZ, respectively. The intra‐ and inter‐day precision values for ABZ and RBZ met the acceptance as per FDA guidelines. ABZ and RBZ were stable in battery of stability studies, viz. bench‐top, auto‐sampler and freeze–thaw cycles. The developed assay was applied to a pharmacokinetic study in rats. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Ciliary diffusion barrier: The gatekeeper for the primary cilium compartment
Authors: Hu Qicong , Nelson W. James
Published: June 2011

The primary cilium is a cellular antenna that detects and transmits chemical and mechanical cues in the environment through receptors and downstream signal proteins enriched along the ciliary membrane. While it is known that ciliary membrane proteins enter the cilium by way of vesicular and intraflagellar transport, less is known about how ciliary membrane proteins are retained in, and how apical membrane proteins are excluded from the cilium. Here, we review evidence for a membrane diffusion barrier at the base of the primary cilium, and highlight the recent finding of a septin cytoskeleton diffusion barrier. We also discuss candidate ciliopathy genes that may be involved in formation of the barrier, and the role of a diffusion barrier as a common mechanism for compartmentalizing membranes and lipid domains. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Simulating Taverna workflows using stochastic process algebras
Authors: Curcin Vasa , Missier Paolo , De Roure David
Published: June 2011

Scientific workflows provide powerful middleware for scientific computing in that they represent a central abstraction in the research task by simultaneously acting as an editable action plan, collaboration tool, and executable entity. Taverna workflows, in particular, have been widely accepted in the bioinformatics community, due to their flexible integration with web service analytical tools that are the essential tools of any bioinformatician. However, the semantics of Taverna have so far only been qualified in terms of the functional composition and data processing. While correct, and useful for reasoning about functional and trace equivalences, this aspect does not help with modelling the throughput and utilization of individual services in the workflow. In this paper we present a stochastic process model for Taverna, and use it to perform execution simulations in Microsoft's SPIM tool. The model also opens up the possibilities for further static analyses that are explored. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Growth and Optical Properties of Nonpolar ($10{\bar {1}}0$) Zn1‐xCoxO Epitaxial Film on a γ‐LiAlO2 Substrate
Authors: Wu Jih‐Jen , Lin Sian‐Jhang , Lin Wan‐Hsien , Chou Mitch M.C. , Chang Liuwen , Hwang Ten‐Hsing , Chuang Chia‐Hao , Chen Chun‐Wei
Published: June 2011

Nonpolar ($10{\bar {1}}0$) Zn1‐xCoxO films are grown on γ‐LiAlO2(100) substrates by CVD. X‐ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) results reveal that Co atoms become incorporated into the ZnO film via a substitution for Zn, when x ≤ 0.15. The epitaxial relationships between the nonpolar Zn1‐xCoxO film and γ‐LiAlO2 substrate are [0001]ZnCoO||[010]LAO and [$10{\bar {1}}0$]ZnCoO||[100]LAO, as determined by TEM. A decrease in the optical band‐gap of the nonpolar Zn1‐xCoxO film with increasing Co content is observed in absorption measurements.
A flow cytometric method to assess nanoparticle uptake in bacteria
Authors: Kumar Ashutosh , Pandey Alok K. , Singh Shashi S. , Shanker Rishi , Dhawan Alok
Published: June 2011

Toxicity of engineered nanomaterials (ENMs), such as metal oxides, has been of concern among environmental and health scientists. For ecotoxicity studies of ENMs, it is important to assess nanoparticle uptake and correlate it with the cellular response. However, due to nonavailability of adequate methods for assessing cellular uptake of ENMs, there is a lack of information in this important area. In the present study, a method has been developed using flow cytometry, which allows for rapid detection of ENM internalization in live bacteria under different experimental conditions for several generations. Our data demonstrate significant internalization of Zinc oxide (ZnO) and Titanium (IV) oxide (TiO2) nanoparticles (NPs) in Escherichia coli in a dose‐dependent manner. ZnO NPs treatment exhibited a significant increase in the intensity of side scatter (SSC) with liver‐S9 fraction (76, 94, and 181% increase) rather than without S9 (10.5, 24.5, and 125.9% increase) at 10, 40, and 80 μg/ml concentrations, respectively. This was due to the protein coating of NPs by the S9 fraction. A similar response was also observed on exposure to TiO2 NPs (139 and 203% with S9 and 128 and 198% without S9). In a multigeneration study, this new method was able to detect the presence of ENMs in E. coli up to four generations. Our data demonstrate that this method can be used for assessing the uptake of ENMs in bacteria and provides a handle to toxicologists for ecotoxicity studies of economically important ENMs to ensure safer products in the market. © 2011 International Society for Advancement of Cytometry
An imaging flow cytometric method for measuring cell division history and molecular symmetry during mitosis
Authors: Filby Andrew , Perucha Esperanza , Summers Huw , Rees Paul , Chana Prabhjoat , Heck Susanne , Lord Graham M. , Davies Derek
Published: June 2011

Asymmetric cell division is an important mechanism for generating cellular diversity, however, techniques for measuring the distribution of fate‐regulating molecules during mitosis have been hampered by a lack of objectivity, quantitation, and statistical robustness. Here we describe a novel imaging flow cytometric approach that is able to report a cells proliferative history and cell cycle position using dye dilution, pH3, and PI staining to then measure the spatial distribution of fluorescent signals during mitosis using CCD‐derived imagery. Using Jurkat cells, resolution of the fluorescently labeled populations was comparable to traditional PMT based cytometers thus eliminating the need to sort cells with specific division histories for microscopy. Subdividing mitotic stages by morphology allowed us to determine the time spent in each cell cycle phase using mathematical modeling approaches. Furthermore high sample throughput allowed us to collect statistically relevant numbers of cells without the need to use blocking agents that artificially enrich for mitotic events. The fluorescent imagery was used to measure PKCζ protein and EEA‐1+ endosome distribution during different mitotic phases in Jurkat cells. While telophase cells represented the favorable population for measuring asymmetry, asynchronously dividing cells spent approximately 43 seconds in this stage, explaining why they were present at such low frequencies. This necessitated the acquisition of large cell numbers. Interestingly we found that PKCζ was inherited asymmetrically in 2.5% of all telophasic events whereas endosome inheritance was significantly more symmetrical. Furthermore, molecular polarity at early mitotic phases was a poor indicator of asymmetry during telophase highlighting that, though rare, telophasic events represented the best candidates for asymmetry studies. In summary, this technique combines the spatial information afforded by fluorescence microscopy with the statistical wealth and objectivity of traditional flow cytometry, overcoming the key limitations of existing approaches for studying asymmetry during mitosis. © 2011 International Society for Advancement of Cytometry
Using Peer Mentors to screen for CKD at dialysis units: Targeting high‐risk family members
Authors: Swartz June E. , Perry Erica , Joy Sally , Swartz Richard D.
Published: June 2011

OBJECTIVE

The incidence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) is increasing and affects one in nine individuals in the United States. Genetics and lifestyle factors contribute to the incidence of CKD and serve as screening targets. We screened for predisposition to CKD at dialysis units in southeast Michigan, where obesity and hypertension are common. Families of dialysis patients, as well as non‐relatives and staff, were evaluated. Peer Mentors with CKD participated in the screening.

METHODS

“Prevention Fairs” utilized inexpensive screening to determine a predisposition to CKD: urine dipstick for protein, glucose, or blood; BP > 140/90; and body mass index (BMI) > 30. Peer Mentor participation, honoring long‐standing patients, and invitations to state legislators were included.

RESULTS

“Fairs” at 16 Michigan centers screened 497 individuals: 61% (305) had one finding, 18% (88) had two, and 6% (29) had three. Obesity was most common (220), and then hypertension (169), proteinuria (41), glycosuria (15), and hematuria (13). Although we had hypothesized that the highest risk would be found among genetic family members, positive screening was not statistically different between genetic relatives and other individuals. In addition, findings were distributed equally across varied demographic settings and races, underscoring the importance of social determinants of health.

DISCUSSION

Genetic factors are hypothesized to be predictors for CKD, but these results suggest that CKD risk may also be related to social determinants such as diet, exercise, health consciousness, socioeconomics, or cultural acceptance of obesity. Screening at dialysis centers, enhanced by participation of peers and social activities, contributes to referral for further treatment.
Bericht über die 71. Sitzung des Ständigen Ausschusses für das Bauwesen
Authors: Springborn Matthias
Published: June 2011

Am 17. und 18. Februar 2011 fand die 71. Sitzung des Ständigen Ausschusses für das Bauwesen (StAB) in Brüssel statt. Den Vorsitz hatte der Leiter des Referats “Baugewerbe” bei den Kommissionsdiensten. Im Folgenden werden die wesentlichen Beratungsinhalte kurz wiedergegeben.
Toward molecular genetic dissection of neural circuits for emotional and motivational behaviors
Authors: Guo Su , Wagle Mahendra , Mathur Priya
Published: June 2011

How does the brain process the emotional meaning of sensory stimuli and in turn drive behavior? Studies in the mammalian systems have identified various brain regions and neurotransmitter systems that are critical for emotional and motivational behaviors and have implicated their involvement in neuropsychiatric disorders including anxiety, depression, schizophrenia, and addiction. Despite these significant advancements, the precise neural circuitry underlying emotional and motivational behaviors remains to be understood at molecular and cellular levels. In this review, we discuss how the vertebrate model organism zebrafish can help us gain insights into the underlying circuitry. We first describe studies of several simple and relevant preference behaviors in this model organism, and then discuss approaches and technologies that can be used to uncover the development and function of neural circuits underlying these behaviors. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Develop Neurobiol 72: 358–365, 2012
The Xenopus retinal ganglion cell as a model neuron to study the establishment of neuronal connectivity
Authors: McFarlane Sarah , Lom Barbara
Published: June 2011

Neurons receive inputs through their multiple branched dendrites and pass this information on to the next neuron via long axons, which branch within the target. The shape the neuron acquires is thus the key to its proper functioning in the neural circuit in which it participates. Both axons and dendrites grow in a directed fashion to their target partner neurons by responding to a large number of molecular cues in the milieu through which they extend. They then go through the process of synaptogenesis, first choosing a neuron on which to synapse, and then the appropriate subcellular location. How a neuron acquires its unique shape, establishes and modifies appropriate synaptic connectivity, and the molecular signals involved, are key questions in developmental neurobiology. Such questions of nervous system wiring are being pursued actively with a variety of different animal models and neuron types, each with its own unique advantages. Among these, the developing retinal ganglion cell (RGC) of the South African clawed frog, Xenopus laevis, has proven particularly fruitful for revealing the secrets of how axons and dendrites acquire their final morphology and connectivity. In this review, we describe how this system can be used to understand the multiple molecular events that instruct the incorporation of RGCs into the neural circuit that controls vision. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Develop Neurobiol 72: 520–536, 2012
High‐speed multicolor microscopy of repeating dynamic processes
Authors: Ohn Jungho , Yang Jennifer , Fraser Scott E. , Lansford Rusty , Liebling Michael
Published: June 2011

Images of multiply labeled fluorescent samples provide unique insights into the localization of molecules, cells, and tissues. The ability to image multiple channels simultaneously at high speed without cross talk is limited to a few colors and requires dedicated multichannel or multispectral detection procedures. Simpler microscopes, in which each color is imaged sequentially, produce a much lower frame rate. Here, we describe a technique to image, at high frame rate, multiply labeled samples that have a repeating motion. We capture images in a single channel at a time over one full occurrence of the motion then repeat acquisition for other channels over subsequent occurrences. We finally build a high‐speed multichannel image sequence by combining the images after applying a normalized mutual information‐based time registration procedure. We show that this technique is amenable to image the beating heart of a double‐labeled embryonic quail in three channels (brightfield, yellow, and mCherry fluorescent proteins) using a fluorescence wide‐field microscope equipped with a single monochrome camera and without fast channel switching optics. We experimentally evaluate the accuracy of our method on image series from a two‐channel confocal microscope. genesis 49:514–521, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Ecohydrological niche of sagebrush ecosystems
Authors: Schlaepfer Daniel R. , Lauenroth William K. , Bradford John B.
Published: June 2011

Spatial and temporal patterns of soil water are major determinants of net primary production and plant functional composition in arid and semiarid ecosystems which cover approximately 30% of global land area. The ‘ecohydrological niche’ defines the components of species' niche that are described by the relationship between ecohydrological conditions and species occurrence. We modelled the ecohydrological niche of different sagebrush ecosystems types, which are widespread in the semiarid western United States, and identified characteristics, which, if altered, will potentially lead to changes in their geographic distribution. We ran a daily soil water simulation model, SOILWAT, to simulate the water balance in space and time for sites from across the geographic range of sagebrush ecosystems. Additionally, to evaluate the relative importance of weather type, soil texture, soil depth, vegetation biomass, and phenology, we performed a sensitivity analysis using output from SOILWAT. Our results demonstrated that soil water dynamics in sagebrush ecosystems are characterized by spring recharge followed by a dry period (timing dependent on ecosystem type), where top soil layers dry earlier and more completely than the bottom layers. Most response variables were strongly influenced by weather type, followed by phenology of biomass, and soil depth. Reducing the availability of deep soil water during summer dry periods by increasing evaporative demand or reducing spring recharge will potentially lead to shifts in the range of sagebrush ecosystems. Characterizing the ecohydrological niche will be essential for improving our understanding of how semiarid ecosystems will be affected by future climate and biological invasions. Published in 2011. This article is a US Government work and is in the publish domain in the USA.
Discotic Nickel Bis(dithiolene) Complexes – Synthesis, Optoelectrochemical and Mesomorphic Properties (Eur. J. Inorg. Chem. 17/2011)
Authors: Bui Thanh‐Tuan , Thiebaut Olivier , Grelet Eric , Achard Marie‐France , Garreau‐de Bonneval Bénédicte , Moineau‐Chane Ching Kathleen I.
Published: June 2011

The cover picture shows nickel bis‐dithiolene compounds in which different lengths of alkyl chains are grafted on the periphery of the octa‐substituted core molecule. The synthesis affords a mixture that was analyzed by X‐ray diffraction. The obtained X‐ray pattern at 70 °C is presented on background and is relative to a hexagonal columnar liquid‐crystalline phase. Such a pattern is not observed on the corresponding pure isolated compounds. Details are discussed in the article by B. Garreau‐de Bonneval, K. I. Moineau‐Chane Ching et al. On p. 2663 ff. The authors thank the French National Research Agency (ANR) for supporting this work.
Fear and uncertainty in the face of death: The role of life after death in group identification
Authors: Hohman Zachary P. , Hogg Michael A.
Published: June 2011

Terror management theory argues that mortality‐induced terror motivates group identification. Uncertainty–identity theory argues that uncertainty about what happens after death motivates group identification. Two experiments were conducted to test the latter reasoning. In Experiment 1 (n = 187), mortality salience was manipulated, and uncertainty about the afterlife was measured to predict national identification. As hypothesized, mortality salience strengthened identification only among those who were uncertain about the afterlife. In Experiment 2 (n = 177), mortality salience was manipulated as before, but belief in an afterlife was also manipulated—participants were primed to believe that there was an afterlife, there was not an afterlife, or the existence of an afterlife was uncertain. As in Experiment 1, mortality salience strengthened identification only among those who were existentially uncertain. These experiments show that uncertainty plays a significant role in reactions to mortality salience, and support uncertainty–identity theory's analysis of the role of self‐uncertainty in ideological conviction and group behavior. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Fluorescence optical spectrally resolved sensor based on molecularly imprinted polymers and microfluidics
Authors: Harz Stephanie , Schimmelpfennig Michael , Tse Sum Bui Bernadette , Marchyk Nataliya , Haupt Karsten , Feller Karl‐Heinz
Published: June 2011

Molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) are synthetic receptors that can be synthesized for a variety of target molecules. One of their possible applications is in chemical sensors. In this article, a microfluidic measurement setup with immobilized MIPs with fluorescence detection is described. Fluorescence measurements were performed on MIP films specific for the fluorescence‐labeled amino acid dansyl‐L‐phenylalanine. A conventional imprinting protocol with noncovalent interactions between the functional monomers and the template was used. We present the immobilization of the polymers on quartz substrates to form homogenous and stable films over at least six cycles of measurement and regeneration, and their use for microfluidic measurements in a spectrofluorometer. Furthermore, the design and buildup for a reproducible fluorescence measuring system is described. With this system, concentrations of 0.5 μM of dansyl‐L‐phenylalanine could be detected with 3 sigma certainty which is 50 times more sensitive compared with the detection of dansyl‐L‐phenylalanine without MIPs under the same conditions. The binding kinetics indicates that binding is completed after 30 min. Our results show that MIP films in combination with fluorescence detection and microfluidic devices can be a very sensitive tool for the detection of biologically relevant analytes.
Reduced‐order modeling based on POD of a parabolized Navier–Stokes equation model I: forward model
Authors: Du J. , Navon I.M. , Steward J.L. , Alekseev A.K. , Luo Z.
Published: June 2011

A proper orthogonal decomposition (POD)‐based reduced‐order model of the parabolized Navier–Stokes (PNS) equations is derived in this article. A space‐marching finite difference method with time relaxation is used to obtain the solution of this problem, from which snapshots are obtained to generate the POD basis functions used to construct the reduced‐order model. In order to improve the accuracy and the stability of the reduced‐order model in the presence of a high Reynolds number, we applied a Sobolev H1 norm calibration to the POD construction process. Finally, some numerical tests with a high‐fidelity model as well as the POD reduced‐order model were carried out to demonstrate the efficiency and the accuracy of the reduced‐order model for solving the PNS equations compared with the full PNS model. Different inflow conditions and different selections of snapshots were experimented to test the POD reduction technique. The efficiency of the H1 norm POD calibration is illustrated for the PNS model with increasingly higher Reynolds numbers, along with the optimal dissipation coefficient derivation, yielding the best root mean square error and correlation coefficient between the full and reduced‐order PNS models. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Does the price of crude oil respond to macroeconomic news?
Authors: Chatrath Arjun , Miao Hong , Ramchander Sanjay
Published: June 2011

In a recent study, Kilian L. and Vega C. (2011) indicate that the daily price of crude oil is mostly unresponsive to macroeconomic news, and at times exhibits response‐coefficients that are counterintuitive. The authors conclude that the price of crude oil is predetermined to macro aggregates, and hence determined in a flow demand/supply framework. We make the argument that inferences on commodity price determination should be drawn from news responses only after the standard tests are subject to inventory (or stock) controls. Using daily and intraday price data and proxies for inventory levels, we reexamine the responsiveness of crude prices to macroeconomic news. Our evidence suggests a very limited role for stock levels in the responsiveness of crude oil. The prior conclusion that crude oil is priced primarily in a flow‐environment is supported by our data. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Jrl Fut Mark 32:536–559, 2012
Molecular characterization of 9p21 deletions shows a minimal common deleted region removing CDKN2A exon 1 and CDKN2B exon 2 in diffuse large b‐cell lymphomas
Authors: Guney Suzan , Bertrand Philippe , Jardin Fabrice , Ruminy Philippe , Pierre Kerckaert Jean , Tilly Hervé , Bastard Christian
Published: June 2011

Diffuse large B cell lymphoma represent the most frequent subtype of non Hodgkin's lymphoma, accounting for 30–40% of cases. Several studies have shown that CDKN2A and CDKN2B deletions are frequent in these lymphomas. These genes encode the P14ARF, CDKN2A, and CDKN2B proteins which play a key role in the control of the G1/S transition of the cell cycle. Using array CGH and a quantitative multiplex PCR method, we have previously identified such deletions in 36% of cases at diagnosis. Using a walking strategy to approach the breakpoints of these deletions we could identify the breakpoints junction of thirteen deletions in 11 patients and of two unbalanced translocation leading to a loss of these genes. A minimal common deleted region of 22.4 kb containing exon 1β of CDKN2A encoding P14ARF and exon 2 of CDKN2B encoding CDKN2B was present in all cases but one. Analysis by quantitative RT PCR showed that the expression level of these genes was decreased in these patients as compared with non deleted cases and that this level was correlated with the deletion status of P14ARF, CDKN2A, and CDKN2B. Analysis of the breakpoint sequences showed that some of them were clustered within a few hundred base‐pairs suggesting, even if we failed to identify any clear recombination prone sequences, that in these deletions the rearrangement results from non‐random mechanisms. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Multiplex ligation‐dependent probe amplification and fluorescence in situ hybridization to detect chromosomal abnormalities in Chronic lymphocytic leukemia: A comparative study
Authors: Fabris Sonia , Scarciolla Oronzo , Morabito Fortunato , Cifarelli Rosa Anna , Dininno Caterina , Cutrona Giovanna , Matis Serena , Recchia Anna Grazia , Gentile Massimo , Ciceri Gabriella , Ferrarini Manlio , Ciancio Angela , Mannarella Clara , Neri Antonino , Fragasso Alberto
Published: June 2011

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is a clinically heterogeneous disease characterized by recurrent chromosomal aberrations of prognostic significance. We aimed to evaluate the potential of the multiplex ligation‐dependent probe amplification (MLPA) assay to detect genomic alterations in CLL. Highly purified (>90%) peripheral mononuclear CD19+ cell populations from 100 untreated CLL patients (pts) in early stage disease (Binet stage A) were included in this study. All samples were investigated by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) for the presence of trisomy 12 and 17p13.1, 11q22.3, and 13q14.3 deletions. For MPLA analysis, DNA was amplified by means of two commercially available probes sets allowing the simultaneous screening of 56 genomic sequences. Overall, a high degree of concordance (95%) between MPLA and FISH results was found, if the abnormal clone was present in more than 30% of the leukemic cell population. The use of multiple MPLA probes allowed the fine‐mapping of the 13q14 deletion and the identification of intragenic or small alterations undetected by FISH. Moreover, additional alterations in 2p24 (MYCN) (3 pts), 8q24 (MYC) (1 pt), 9p21 (CDKN2A2B) (1 pt), 1q21 (LMNA) (1 pt), and 6q25‐26 (1 pt) regions not covered by a standard FISH assay were detected and all confirmed by FISH. Our data extend previously limited evidence that MLPA may represent a useful technique for the characterization of well‐known lesions as well as the investigation of additional genomic changes in CLL. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Contributions to the understanding of time dependent behaviour in deep tunnels / Beiträge zum Verständnis des zeitabhängigen Verhaltens von Tunneln unter hoher Überlagerung
Authors: Barla Giovanni
Published: June 2011

This paper deals with the time dependent behaviour and the excavation of deep tunnels in weak rocks. Recent contributions to the formulation of a constitutive model for representing such a behaviour, advanced laboratory testing for parameters identification, and design analysis methods for use in engineering practice are discussed. The Stress Hardening ELasto VIscous Plastic constitutive model (SHELVIP), developed with the intent to analyse the rock mass behaviour of tunnels excavated in severely squeezing conditions in a relatively simple, but complete manner, is presented. Then, an innovative servo controlled triaxial apparatus (HPTA), designed and developed for testing weak rocks, with unconventional features such as accurate measurement systems, advanced mechanical set up, and a relatively high stress working range, both in terms of confining pressure, back pressure and axial load, is presented. Finally, consideration is given to numerical modelling of a tunnel excavated in a severely squeezing rock mass (the Carboniferous Formation along the Lyon‐Turin Base Tunnel), where the excavation process has been closely simulated in axisymmetric conditions, and the SHELVIP constitutive model has been introduced. Numerical results are discussed and compared with in situ measurements, in terms of tunnel convergence and stresses in the lining.

Dieser Beitrag befasst sich mit dem zeitabhängigen Verhalten und dem Bau von tiefen Tunneln im schwachen Gebirge. Ein kürzlich formuliertes Stoffgesetz, das dieses Verhalten abbildet, fortschrittliche Laborversuchsprozeduren zur Parameteridentifikation und Methoden zur Vorhersage des Systemverhaltens werden diskutiert. Zuerst wird das Stress Hardening ELasto VIscous Plastic (SHELVIP) Stoffgesetz vorgestellt, das mit der Absicht entwickelt wurde, das Gebirgsverhalten von Tunneln in extrem druckhaften Verhältnissen auf eine relativ einfache, aber vollständige Weise zu analysieren. Anschließend wird ein innovativer servo‐kontrollierter Triaxialversuchsaufbau, der für Versuche an schwachen Gesteinen entworfen und entwickelt wurde, dargestellt. Der Versuchsaufbau hat unkonventionelle Eigenschaften: Eine relativ breite Variation des Seitendrucks, des Porenwasserdrucks und der Axialspannung ist möglich. Abschließend wird ein praktisches Anwendungsbeispiel der numerischen Analyse bei extrem druckhaften Verhältnissen (Karbonformation im Saint Martin La Porte Zugangsstollen zum Basistunnel Lyon‐Turin) gezeigt. Darin wurde der Ausbruchsprozess in einem axialsymmetrischen Modell genau simuliert, unter gleichzeitigem Einsatz des SHELLVIP‐Stoffgesetzes. Die Resultate der numerischen Simulation werden diskutiert und mit den Verschiebungsmessdaten hinsichtlich auftretender Tunnelkonvergenzen und Spannungen im Ausbau verglichen.
Metabolism of thalidomide by human liver microsome cytochrome CYP2C19 is required for its antimyeloma and antiangiogenic activities in vitro
Authors: Li Yonghua , Jiang Zujun , Xiao Yang , Li Li , Gao Yang
Published: June 2011

In this study, we used a system of human liver microsomes to investigate the antimyeloma and antiangiogenic activities of thalidomide. Myeloma cells and human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were treated with thalidomide alone or thalidomide incubated with human liver microsomal protein. We found that thalidomide alone had no direct effect on several multiple myeloma cell lines (U266, NCI‐H929, RPMI 8226, LP‐1, CZ‐1) or on HUVECs in vitro. However, when incubated with human liver microsomal protein, thalidomide (100 µg/ml) caused a decrease of 34.9–46.7% in cell viability in myeloma cells and 12% in HUVECs. Cell cycle analysis and apoptosis detection indicated that the decreases in cell viability were correlated with the induction of apoptosis. Thalidomide incubated with microsomal protein also influenced HUVEC migration and tube formation. These effects were partially reversed by omeprazole (10 µmol/l), a potent inhibitor of CYP2C19, suggesting that CYP2C19 is required for thalidomide to exhibit its antimyeloma and antiangiogenic activities. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The road to recovery: Egypt's healthcare reform
Authors: Haley Donald Robert , Bég Sama A.
Published: June 2011

As many industrial and third‐world countries recover from the severe economic crisis of a global recession, they continue to struggle with its negative effect on their healthcare systems. Healthcare reform has become a leading policy agenda item for most countries. This is especially true for countries in the developing world who are struggling to allocate very limited resources to meet the growing health needs of their residents and the expectations of global health. In the late 1990s, the Egyptian government, in conjunction with the United States Agency for International Development, initiated a Health Sector Reform Program (HSRP) to completely reform the way healthcare was financed, organized and delivered with the intent to extend healthcare coverage to all of its citizens. Although some successes have resulted from the HSRP, Egypt's new government leaders will need to be informed on policies that may more effectively improve the health of the Egyptian population. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.