bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analysis of alpha‐1‐acid glycoprotein isoforms using CE‐LIF with fluorescent thiol derivatization
Authors: Garrido‐Medina Raúl , Puerta Angel , Rivera‐Monroy Zuly , de Frutos Mercedes , Guttman Andras , Diez‐Masa José Carlos
Published: April 2012

The analysis of glycoprotein isoforms is of high interest in the biomedical field and clinical chemistry. Many studies have demonstrated that some glycoprotein isoforms could serve as biomarkers for several major diseases, such as cancers and vascular diseases, among others. Capillary zone electrophoresis (CZE) is a well‐established technique to separate glycoprotein isoforms, however, it suffers from limited sensitivity when UV‐Vis detection is used. On the other hand, with laser‐induced fluorescence (LIF) detection, derivatization reaction to render the proteins fluorescent can destroy the resolution of the isoforms. In this work, a derivatization procedure through the thiol groups of glycoproteins using either 5‐(iodoacetamide) fluorescein (5‐IAF) or BODIPY iodoacetamide is presented with the model protein of alpha‐1‐acid glycoprotein (AGP). The derivatization process presented enabled high‐resolution analysis of AGP isoforms by CZE‐LIF. The derivatization procedure was successfully applied to label AGP from samples of serum and secretome of artery tissue, enabling the separation of the AGP isoforms by CE‐LIF in natural samples at different concentration levels.
Cationic detergents enable the separation of membrane proteins of Plasmodium falciparum‐infected erythrocytes by 2D gel electrophoresis
Authors: Philipp Stephan , Jakoby Thomas , Tholey Andreas , Janssen Ottmar , Leippe Matthias , Gelhaus Christoph
Published: April 2012

The intraerythrocytic stage of Plasmodium falciparum alters the characteristics of its host cell by exporting selected plasmodial proteins. Although it is clear that the physicochemical and immunobiological properties of the host cell are modulated during parasite development, the involved plasmodial proteins and their mode of action are not completely known. Using cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) or benzyldimethyl‐n‐hexadecylammonium chloride (16‐BAC) for the first dimension and SDS for the second dimension, we separated proteins from membranes of human erythrocytes and of erythrocytes infected with the malaria parasite P. falciparum. Protein spots were analyzed by MALDI‐TOF/TOF MS and annotated in respective 2D master gels. By using the alternative 2D approach, characteristic host cell membrane proteins and, more importantly, membrane‐associated and exported plasmodial proteins were identified that might play a role in parasite‐induced host cell modulation.
A Three‐phase Model of the Social Emotional Functioning in Eating Disorders
Authors: Treasure Janet , Corfield Freya , Cardi Valentina
Published: April 2012

Background

Problems with social emotional functioning are an important part of eating disorder psychopathology.

Aim

This study aimed to propose a model of social emotional functioning before and during the illness and to explain the consequences for those involved.

Method

We propose a three‐phase model of social and emotional processes as both causal and maintaining factors in anorexia nervosa. The predictions from this model are examined, and we consider the relevance for treatment.

Results

The evidence base for the theoretical model is presented: Phase 1 describes causal predispositions and environments, Phase 2 notes the way in which the symptoms themselves impact on brain function and social cognition and Phase 3 explains the reactions of close others.

Conclusions

A three‐phase model including interpersonal and socio‐emotional elements can be used to shape and plan treatment interventions. Understanding causal chains and consequences can give a rationale for change and frame therapeutic interventions. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and Eating Disorders Association.
Application of 210Pbex inventories to measure net hillslope erosion at burned sites
Authors: Perreault Lauren M. , Yager Elowyn M. , Aalto Rolf
Published: April 2012

Fallout radionuclides, including lead‐210 excess (210Pbex), have been broadly and successfully used to quantify net hillslope sediment transport in agricultural, pastoral and forested landscapes but have only recently been applied in burned terrain. Quantifying post‐fire erosion is important because fires can amplify hillslope erosion, impacting terrestrial and aquatic habitat and water quality. However, we lack a basic understanding of the fate of 210Pbex in fires. To address this knowledge gap, we collected over 400 soil samples from unburned, moderately and severely burned forested sites in central Idaho. We measured soil 210Pbex content at stable reference and eroding sites and in mineral and organic soil components. At all sites, organic matter had the highest concentration of 210Pbex, representing 30% to 73% of the total activity. At the severely and moderately burned sites, 210Pbex reference inventories were lower by 58% and 41%, with about 40% less organic mass, relative to the unburned site. These results indicate that most 210Pbex in our semi‐arid, forested sites was bound to organic matter, and that a substantial portion of this lead was lost due to forest fires. These losses likely occurred through volatilization and wind transport of smoke and ash. In the moderately burned site, 210Pbex losses were more spatially variable, potentially due to spatially uneven fire intensity and effects. Despite equal percent losses of 210Pbex, lower inventories at the burned sites produced lower calculated net erosion rates relative to the unburned site. Thus, given methodological uncertainties, 210Pbex losses due to fire, and the subsequent sensitivity of calculated net erosion rates to these lower 210Pbex inventories, we suggest this method should not be used in burned terrain to calculate absolute net erosion and deposition rates. However, within a given burned site, 210Pbex inventories still provide useful information describing relative soil losses and storage across the landscape. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Splitting rivers at their seams: bifurcations and avulsion
Authors: Kleinhans Maarten G. , Ferguson Robert I. , Lane Stuart N. , Hardy Richard J.
Published: April 2012

River bifurcations are critical but poorly understood elements of many geomorphological systems. They are integral elements of alluvial fans, braided rivers, fluvial lowland plains, and deltas and control the partitioning of water and sediment through these systems. Bifurcations are commonly unstable but their lifespan varies greatly. In braided rivers bars and channels migrate, split and merge at annual or shorter timescales, thereby creating and abandoning bifurcations. This behaviour has been studied mainly by geomorphologists and fluid dynamicists. Bifurcations also exist during avulsion, the process of a river changing course on a floodplain or in a delta, which may take 102–103 years and has been studied mainly by sedimentologists. This review synthesizes our current understanding of bifurcations and brings together insights from different research communities and different environmental settings. We consider the causes and initiation of bifurcations and avulsion, the physical mechanisms controlling bifurcation and avulsion evolution, mathematical and numerical modelling of these processes, and the possibility of stable bifurcations. We end the review with some open questions. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Plasma neopterin level as a marker of peripheral immune activation in amnestic mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Parker Daniel C. , Mielke Michelle M. , Yu Qilu , Rosenberg Paul B. , Jain Alka , Lyketsos Constantine G. , Fedarko Neal S. , Oh Esther S.
Published: April 2012

Objective

Alterations of the immune system play important roles in Alzheimer's disease (AD). The primary purpose of this study was to compare the plasma levels of neopterin, a marker of cellular immune activity, in amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI), early (mild to moderate) AD, and cognitively normal controls. In addition, the correlation of plasma neopterin with interferon‐gamma (IFN‐γ) and interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) was also examined.

Methods

Plasma samples from patients with mild‐to‐moderate AD (N = 34), aMCI (N = 27), and cognitively normal controls (N = 30) were obtained from the Johns Hopkins Alzheimer's Disease Research Center. Plasma neopterin, IFN‐γ, and IL‐6 levels were measured using commercially available ELISAs. Multiple linear regression was performed to study differences in the baseline neopterin levels between normal, aMCI, and AD patients. Pearson correlation coefficients were estimated for neopterin and IFN‐γ and IL‐6 levels. All analyses were conducted using SAS (SAS Institute, Inc., Cary, NC) and GraphPad Prism version 5.00 for Window (GraphPad Software, San Diego, CA, USA).

Results

AD subjects had significantly higher neopterin values compared with aMCI (β = 0.202, p = 0.004) and normal (β = 0.263, p = 0.0004) subjects. There was no statistically significant difference between normal and aMCI subjects. Significant associations between neopterin and IFN‐γ (r = 0.41, p < 0.0001) and IL‐6 (r = 0.35, p = 0.0006) levels were found.

Conclusions

Our study demonstrates that peripheral immune response may be stronger in later stages of AD pathophysiology, when dementia has developed. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Oxidative metal‐free cross‐coupling of secondary phosphine chalcogenides and benzenediols: Synthesis of phosphinochalcogenoic O‐diesters
Authors: Gusarova Nina K. , Volkov Pavel A. , Ivanova Nina I. , Larina Ludmila I. , Trofimov Boris A.
Published: April 2012

Benzenediols react with 2 equiv of secondary phosphine chalcogenides in the CCl4–Et3N system under mild conditions (50–52°C, 1.5–13 h) to give phosphinochalcogenoic O‐diesters in 62–91% isolated yields. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Heteroatom Chem 23:322–328, 2012; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/hc.21020
Oncologic outcome in surgical management of jugular paraganglioma and factors influencing outcomes
Authors: Lope Ahmad Raja Ahmad R. , Sivalingam Shailendra , Konishi Masaya , De Donato Giuseppe , Sanna Mario
Published: April 2012

Background

The purpose of this study was to identify the factors that may influence the management outcome in patients with jugular paragangliomas.

Methods

The surgical records of 121 cases of jugular paraganglioma (Fisch classifications C and D) were reviewed.

Results

The average follow‐up was 88 months. Intracranial extension (ICE; Fisch classification De and Di) constitutes 55.4% of the cases. Two cases had a malignant jugular paraganglioma. Complete tumor resection was achieved in 81.8% of the cases, and there was evidence of recurrence in 4.0% from this group. Surgical tumor control was achieved in 96% of cases. Perioperative complications consisted mainly of cerebrospinal fluid leakage in 1.6% of the cases. The lower cranial nerve (CN) was preserved in 63% of the patients mainly in the cases without ICE.

Conclusion

The infratemporal fossa approach type A allows for complete tumor resection with low perioperative morbidity and recurrence rates. The significant influential factors were the severity of ICE and internal carotid artery involvement. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2013
CD11b+ Gr1+ bone marrow cells ameliorate liver fibrosis by producing interleukin-10 in mice
Authors: Suh Yang-Gun , Kim Ja Kyung , Byun Jin-Seok , Yi Hyon-Seung , Lee Young-Sun , Eun Hyuk Soo , Kim So Yeon , Han Kwang-Hyub , Lee Kwan Sik , Duester Gregg , Friedman Scott L. , Jeong Won-Il
Published: April 2012

Clinical trials and animal models suggest that infusion of bone marrow cells (BMCs) is effective therapy for liver fibrosis, but the underlying mechanisms are obscure, especially those associated with early effects of BMCs. Here, we analyzed the early impact of BMC infusion and identified the subsets of BMCs showing antifibrotic effects in mice with carbon tetrachloride–induced liver fibrosis. An interaction between BMCs and activated hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) was investigated using an

in vitro

coculturing system. Within 24 hours, infused BMCs were in close contact with activated HSCs, which was associated with reduced liver fibrosis, enhanced hepatic expression of interleukin (IL)-10, and expanded regulatory T cells but decreased macrophage infiltration in the liver at 24 hours after BMC infusion. In contrast, IL-10–deficient (IL-10−/−) BMCs failed to reproduce these effects in fibrotic livers. Intriguingly, in isolated cells, CD11b+Gr1highF4/80− and CD11b+Gr1+F4/80+ BMCs expressed more IL-10 after coculturing with activated HSCs, leading to suppressed expression of collagen and α-smooth muscle actin in HSCs. Moreover, these effects were either enhanced or abrogated, respectively, when BMCs were cocultured with IL-6−/− and retinaldehyde dehydrogenase 1−/− HSCs. Similar to murine data, human BMCs expressed more IL-10 after coculturing with human HSC lines (LX-2 or hTERT), and serum IL-10 levels were significantly elevated in patients with liver cirrhosis after autologous BMC infusion.

Conclusion :

Activated HSCs increase IL-10 expression in BMCs (CD11b+Gr1highF4/80− and CD11b+Gr1+F4/80+ cells), which in turn ameliorates liver fibrosis. Our findings could enhance the design of BMC therapy for liver fibrosis.
Pericentral activity of alpha-fetoprotein enhancer 3 and glutamine synthetase upstream enhancer in the adult liver are regulated by β-catenin in mice
Authors: Clinkenbeard Erica L. , Butler James E. , Spear Brett T.
Published: April 2012

We previously showed that mouse alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) enhancer 3 activity is highly restricted to pericentral hepatocytes in the adult liver. Here, using transgenic mice, we show that the upstream enhancer of the rat glutamine synthetase gene is also active, specifically in pericentral regions. Activity of both enhancers is lost in the absence of β-catenin, a key regulator of zonal gene expression in the adult liver. Both enhancers contain a single, highly conserved T-cell factor/lymphoid enhancer factor binding site that is required for responsiveness to β-catenin. We also show that endogenous AFP messenger RNA levels in the perinatal liver are lower when β-catenin is reduced.

Conclusion:

These data identify the first distinct zonally active regulatory regions required for β-catenin responsiveness in the adult liver, and suggest that postnatal AFP repression and the establishment of zonal regulation are controlled, at least in part, by the same factors.
The “Purification” for Multiagent Textile Production Manufacturing and Management System and Its Optimization Design
Authors: Shao Jingfeng , Liu Sheng , Wang Jinfu , Li Yonggang , Liu Haiping
Published: April 2012

To solve the backward status of the textile enterprise, which included the inefficiency of management work, the complexity of business process, and the isolation of business data, first, through using multiagent technology, a production manufacturing and management system structure model based on multiagents was proposed, the rationality of the model was introduced, and the existed production planning was optimized. Then, a flexible collaboration management platform was formed, which was for production manufacturing and management. Meanwhile, the correlation degree among production data was analyzed, and the influencing factors affecting the accuracy of production data was introduced via brittleness theory and fuzz C means clustering algorithm (FCM). Third, a coupling relationship model for analyzing influencing factor, and a dynamic quality performance model based on brittleness theory was designed, respectively. As proved in practice, the multiagent system has strengthened the interactivity of both the user and the system, met the requirements of production manufacturing and management, ensured the correctness of business data, achieved the heterogeneous integration of production data, and promoted the information development of the textile industry. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Model uncertainty in economic impacts of climate change: Bernoulli versus Lotka Volterra dynamics
Authors: Cooke Roger M
Published: April 2012

The dynamic economic behavior in most integrated assessment models linking economic growth to climate change involves a differential equation solved by Jacob Bernoulli in 1695. Using the dynamic integrated climate economy (DICE) model and freezing exogenous variables at initial values, this dynamic is shown to produce implausible projections on a 60-year time frame. If world capital started at US$1, after 60 years the world economy would be indistinguishable from one starting with 10 times the current capitalization. Such behavior points to uncertainty at the level of the fundamental dynamics, and suggests that discussions of discounting, utility, damage functions, and ethics should be conducted within a more general modeling vocabulary. Lotka Volterra dynamics is proposed as an alternative with greater prime facie plausibility. With near universality, economists assume that economic growth will go on forever. Lotka Volterra dynamics alert us to the possibility of collapse. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2013; 9: 2–6. © 2012 SETAC
Pattern and Density of Vascularization in Mammalian Testes, Ovaries, and Ovotestes
Authors: LUPIÁÑEZ DARÍO G. , REAL FRANCISCA M. , DADHICH RAJESH K. , CARMONA FRANCISCO D. , BURGOS MIGUEL , BARRIONUEVO FRANCISCO J. , JIMÉNEZ RAFAEL
Published: April 2012

According to the classical paradigm, the vasculature of the embryonic testis is more dense and complex than that of the ovary, but recent studies based on whole‐mount detection of Caveolin‐1 (CAV1) as an endothelial cell marker, have suggested that the level of ovarian vascularization is higher than previously assumed. However, this new hypothesis has been neither tested using alternative methodology nor investigated in other mammalian species. In this paper, we have studied the vascularization process in the gonads of males and females of two mammalian species, the mouse (Mus musculus) and the Iberian mole (Talpa occidentalis). Our results show that the pattern of testis vascularization is very well conserved among mammals, including both pre‐ and postnatal stages of development and, at least in the mole, it is conserved irrespectively of whether the testicular tissue is XY or XX. We have shown that CAV1 is present not only in endothelial cells but also in prefollicular oocytes and in an ovarian population of somatic cortical cells. These data clearly establish that: (1) according to the classical hypothesis, the degree of vascularization of the developing ovary is lower than that of the testis, (2) ovarian vascularization is also evolutionarily conserved as it occurs similarly both in moles and in mice, and (3) that the degree of vascular development of the mammalian ovary is age‐dependent increasing significatively at puberty. The expression of CAV1 in the ovary of most animal taxa, from nematodes to mammals, strongly suggests a role for this gene in the female meiosis. J. Exp. Zool. (Mol. Dev. Evol.) 318:170–181, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Expression Patterns of runx2, sparc, and bgp During Scale Regeneration in the Goldfish Carassius auratus
Authors: IIMURA KURIN , TOHSE HIDEKAZU , URA KAZUHIRO , TAKAGI YASUAKI
Published: April 2012

Teleost fish scale is a dermal skeleton equipped with a strong regenerative ability. Owing to this regenerative ability, teleost fish scale can be used as a model for the regeneration of the dermal skeleton. However, there is insufficient fundamental knowledge of the regeneration, and this limits the usage of fish scale. In this study, as a first step toward understanding the molecular mechanism of the cellular differentiation during scale regeneration, we cloned the cDNAs for osteoblast‐related proteins (Runx2, Sparc, and Bgp) in goldfish, and analyzed their expressions during scale regeneration. The expression profiles of these genes during scale regeneration were similar to those during mammalian osteoblastic differentiation. Specifically, runx2 expression was increased at the earliest time point, followed by sparc expression and then bgp expression. In the earlier stages, these genes were expressed in cells that formed cellular condensations and the flat cells surrounding them in the scale pocket. As the regeneration proceeded, the expressions became restricted to the episquamal, hyposquamal, and marginal scleroblasts and the cells around the marginal area of the regenerating scale. These results strongly suggest that (1) the differentiation mechanism of scleroblasts is similar to that of mammalian osteoblasts and odontoblasts, (2) scleroblast differentiation occurs around the cellular condensations at the early regeneration stage and is restricted to the marginal area of the scale at the later stage, and (3) the differentiation mechanisms are similar between the episquamal scleroblasts that produce the external layer and the hyposquamal scleroblasts that produce the basal plate. J. Exp. Zool. (Mol. Dev. Evol.) 318:190–198, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A Small Number of Genes Underlie Male Pigmentation Traits in Lake Malawi Cichlid Fishes
Authors: O'QUIN CLAIRE T. , DRILEA ALEXI C. , ROBERTS READE B. , KOCHER THOMAS D.
Published: April 2012

Pigmentation patterns are one of the most recognizable forms of phenotypic diversity and an important component of organismal fitness. While much progress has been made in understanding the genes controlling pigmentation in model systems, many questions remain about the genetic basis of pigment traits observed in nature. Lake Malawi cichlid fishes are known for their diversity of male pigmentation patterns, which have been shaped by sexual selection. To begin the process of identifying the genes underlying this diversity, we quantified the number of pigment cells on the body and fins of two species of the genus Metriaclima and their hybrids. We then used the Castle–Wright equation to estimate that differences in individual pigmentation traits between these species are controlled by one to four genes each. Different pigmentation traits are highly correlated in the F2, suggesting shared developmental pathways and genetic pleiotropy. Melanophore and xanthophore traits fall on opposite ends of the first principal component axis of the F2 phenotypes, suggesting a tradeoff during the development of these two pigment cell types. J. Exp. Zool. (Mol. Dev. Evol.) 318:199–208, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
An Epigenetic Model for Pigment Patterning Based on Mechanical and Cellular Interactions
Authors: Caballero Lorena , BenÍtez Mariana , Alvarez‐buylla Elena R. , HernÁndez Sergio , Arzola Alejandro V. , Cocho Germinal
Published: April 2012

Pigment patterning in animals generally occurs during early developmental stages and has ecological, physiological, ethological, and evolutionary significance. Despite the relative simplicity of color patterns, their emergence depends upon multilevel complex processes. Thus, theoretical models have become necessary tools to further understand how such patterns emerge. Recent studies have reevaluated the importance of epigenetic, as well as genetic factors in developmental pattern formation. Yet epigenetic phenomena, specially those related to physical constraints that might be involved in the emergence of color patterns, have not been fully studied. In this article, we propose a model of color patterning in which epigenetic aspects such as cell migration, cell–tissue interactions, and physical and mechanical phenomena are central. This model considers that motile cells embedded in a fibrous, viscoelastic matrix—mesenchyme—can deform it in such a way that tension tracks are formed. We postulate that these tracks act, in turn, as guides for subsequent cell migration and establishment, generating long‐range phenomenological interactions. We aim to describe some general aspects of this developmental phenomenon with a rather simple mathematical model. Then we discuss our model in the context of available experimental and morphological evidence for reptiles, amphibians, and fishes, and compare it with other patterning models. We also put forward novel testable predictions derived from our model, regarding, for instance, the localization of the postulated tension tracks, and we propose new experiments. Finally, we discuss how the proposed mechanism could constitute a dynamic patterning module accounting for pattern formation in many animal lineages. J. Exp. Zool. (Mol. Dev. Evol.) 318:209–223, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A procedure for the detection of undocumented multiple abrupt changes in the mean value of daily temperature time series of a regional network
Authors: Rienzner M. , Gandolfi C.
Published: April 2012

This paper presents the new procedure MAC‐D for the automated detection of undocumented Multiple Abrupt Changes in the mean value of Daily temperature series, recorded in a network of meteorological stations. MAC‐D can be applied to series containing seasonality, multiple change points, outliers, and with a noise component that can be autocorrelated and non‐normally distributed. The main novelties of the procedure are (1) the pretreatment of the observed series, to derive a series of daily values that complies with the theoretical requirements of the change point detection tests and in (2) the combined use of the reference series and pairwise comparison approaches. MAC‐D consists of three phases in sequence. In phase 1, the seasonal and climatic fluctuations are estimated and removed, using the reference series approach. Phase 2 combines a linear filtering with a change point detection test in an iterative algorithm, which runs until full compliance between the characteristics of the filtered series and the test requirements is achieved. Phase 3 is aimed at removing the false change points, due to error propagation in the reference series analysis, by double checking the detected change points with the pairwise comparison approach. Monte Carlo estimations of the actual significance and overall performance of the procedure for different series features and test resolutions are provided. Results demonstrate that MAC‐D performs very well with daily series having a wide range of different characteristics. Copyright © 2012 Royal Meteorological Society
Systematic differences in future 20 year temperature extremes in AR4 model projections over Australia as a function of model skill
Authors: Perkins S. E. , Pitman A. J. , Sisson S. A.
Published: April 2012

The projection of temperature extremes by climate models participating in the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change Fourth Assessment Report (AR4) are examined regionally over Australia. Minimum and maximum temperature extremes are defined as the 20 year return value calculated using extreme value theory. Three measures of model evaluation, a means‐based, a distribution‐based [via probability density functions (PDFs)] and an extreme‐based (via the tails of PDFs) method, are used to compare daily model data to observed daily data over various climatic regions for a 20 year period. Model ensembles consisting of the ‘better’ and ‘poorer’ models determined by each measure of skill are created for each region. These are compared with an all‐model ensemble to examine the difference in more skilled ensemble projections of temperature extremes in the A2 (high emissions) scenario for 2046‐2065 and 2081‐2100. If either of the distribution‐based evaluation methods were used to distinguish models, the higher skilled models projected smaller increases in the 20 year return values than the all‐model ensemble for both maximum temperature and minimum temperature. For some regions, the 90% confidence intervals of the better and poorer ensemble ranges did not overlap, indicating that projections are statistically significantly different. We show that the means‐based evaluation produces less consistent results to the two distribution‐based evaluation methods. We conclude that specific AR4 models, shown to be relatively poor over most regions of Australia by different skill metrics, bias the projected increase in the 20 year temperature extremes towards higher values. We also suggest that performance in simulating the mean climate is an unreliable measure of climate model capacity used to select models for projecting changes in extremes over Australia. Copyright © 2012 Royal Meteorological Society
Imaging cortical vasculature with stimulated Raman scattering and two‐photon photothermal lensing microscopy
Authors: Moger Julian , Garrett Natalie. L. , Begley David , Mihoreanu Larisa , Lalatsa Aikaterini , Lozano Maria Victoria , Mazza Mariarosa , Schatzlein Andreas , Uchegbu Ijeoma
Published: April 2012

The ability to map microvascular morphology and hemodynamic parameters, such as blood volume, is desirable for many biomedical studies and will lead to a deeper understanding of the mechanisms of angiogenesis and vascular disease. Capillary networks can be delineated in three dimensions with two‐photon excited fluorescence microscopy; however, this requires the intravenous infusion of a fluorescent dye into the blood plasma, which often complicates in vivo imaging and only provides an indirect estimate of local haematocrit volume. Moreover, visualising the spatial distribution of capillaries is often insufficient; ideally, one would wish to correlate the proximity of the blood vessels with the surrounding local tissue structure. We present in this study a novel multimodal approach that combines stimulated Raman scattering and two‐photon photothermal lensing to provide simultaneous visualisation of cortical microvasular morphology and surrounding cellular structures. We show that volumetric analysis of the nonlinear photothermal contrast of erythrocytes allows a direct quantification of local haematocrit volume rather than relying upon average plasma volume‐to‐haematocrit ratios. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Sampling large landscapes with small‐scale stratification
Authors: Bart Jonathan , Dunn Leah , Leist Amy , Sabin Laura
Published: April 2012

This study, carried out for the United States Bureau of Reclamation (BOR), demonstrated methods for surveying large landscapes using small‐scale, habitat‐based stratification, a common problem that has heretofore received little attention. The goal was to design a sampling plan for detecting change in the density of breeding birds of 6 species occurring along the Colorado River around and south of Lake Mead in the southwestern United States. The main problem in designing the study was that the focal species were concentrated in small, irregularly shaped patches of habitat. We partitioned the study area into >15,000 plots configured to enclose the high‐quality habitat in the fewest possible plots with the constraint that plots could be surveyed in 1 morning by 1 person. Because of the irregular plot shapes and extremely dense vegetation, we used area searches to carry out the surveys. We used double‐sampling, including a large sample of plots surveyed with a rapid method and a subsample of plots surveyed intensively, to estimate detection ratios. A simulation study helped allocate effort between rapid and intensive surveys and indicated that conducting 80 surveys per year would achieve high power to detect a 50% decline occurring during 20 years. This is one of the first studies to show how large landscapes can be sampled using small‐scale stratification so that effort can be concentrated in the habitats of greatest interest. © 2012 The Wildlife Society.
Habitat and landscape correlates of southern flying squirrel use of red‐cockaded woodpecker clusters
Authors: Loeb Susan C. , Reid Shawna L. , Lipscomb Donald J.
Published: April 2012

Southern flying squirrels (Glaucomys volans) can have significant negative impacts on red‐cockaded woodpecker (Picoides borealis) reproductive success and group size. Although direct control of southern flying squirrels may be necessary in small red‐cockaded woodpecker populations (<30 groups), creation of high quality habitat through landscape management is the preferred method for managing larger woodpecker populations. Thus, we determined the habitat and landscape factors within 100 m, 400 m, and 800 m of cluster centers that were related to southern flying squirrel use of red‐cockaded woodpecker cavities at the Carolina Sandhills National Wildlife Refuge, South Carolina. At all spatial scales, the number of cavities in the cluster was the most influential variable determining use by southern flying squirrels. At the 400‐m and 800‐m scales, the amount of stream length was also positively associated with the presence of flying squirrels. The proximity and amount of hardwoods surrounding clusters were not related to southern flying squirrel use at any spatial scale; thus, removal or conversion of hardwood stands surrounding red‐cockaded woodpeckers may not be necessary for reducing cavity kleptoparasitism by flying squirrels. However, when establishing recruitment clusters, areas with streams should be avoided and addition of artificial cavities to existing clusters should be done judiciously to minimize the number of excess cavities. Published 2012. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.
Multi‐scale assessment of greater sage‐grouse fence collision as a function of site and broad scale factors
Authors: Stevens Bryan S. , Connelly John W. , Reese Kerry P.
Published: April 2012

Previous research in Europe and North America suggested grouse are susceptible to collision with infrastructure, and anecdotal observation suggested greater sage‐grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus) fence collision in breeding habitats may be prevalent. However, no previous research systematically studied greater sage‐grouse fence collision in any portion of their range. We used data from probability‐based sampling of fences in greater sage‐grouse breeding habitats of southern Idaho, USA, to model factors associated with collision at microsite and broad spatial scales. Site‐scale modeling suggested collision may be influenced by technical attributes of fences, with collisions common at fence segments absent wooden fence posts and with segment widths >4 m. Broad‐scale modeling suggested relative probability of collision was influenced by region, a terrain ruggedness index (TRI), and fence density per square km. Conditional on those factors, collision counts were also influenced by distance to nearest active sage‐grouse lek. Our models provide a conceptual framework for prioritizing sage‐grouse breeding habitats for collision mitigation such as fence marking or moving, and suggest mitigation in breeding habitats should start in areas with moderate‐high fence densities (>1 km/km2) within 2 km of active leks. However, TRI attenuated other covariate effects, and mean TRI/km2 >10 m nearly eliminated sage‐grouse collision. Thus, our data suggested mitigation should focus on sites with flat to gently rolling terrain. Moreover, site‐scale modeling suggested constructing fences with larger and more conspicuous wooden fence posts and segment widths <4 m may reduce collision. © 2012 The Wildlife Society.
“Assessing the RAFT Equilibrium Constant via Model Systems: An EPR Study”—Response to a Comment
Authors: Meiser Wibke , Buback Michael
Published: April 2012

We have presented an EPR‐based approach for deducing the RAFT equilibrium constant, Keq, of a dithiobenzoate‐mediated system [Meiser, W. and Buback M. Macromol. Rapid Commun. 2011, 32, 1490]. Our value is by four orders of magnitude below Keq from ab initio calculations for the identical monomer‐free system. Junkers et al. [Macromol. Rapid Commun. 2011, 32, 1891] claim that our EPR approach would be model dependent and our data could be equally well fitted by assuming slow addition of radicals to the RAFT agent and slow fragmentation of the so‐obtained intermediate radical as well as high cross‐termination rate. By identification of all side products, our EPR‐based method is shown to be model independent and to provide reliable Keq values, which demonstrate the validity of the intermediate radical termination model.
Sequential stability of weak solutions in compressible self‐gravitating fluids and stationary problem
Authors: Wang Weiwei , Jiang Fei , Gao Zhensheng
Published: April 2012

In this paper, we prove the sequential stability of weak solutions over time, in relation to the Navier–Stokes system of compressible self‐gravitating fluids in a three‐dimensional domain. As a byproduct, we show that there exists at least one non‐negative solution to the stationary problem in any bounded domain with a given mass for the adiabatic constantγ > 3 ∕ 2. In particular, for the spherically symmetric case, these conclusions still hold forγ > 4 ∕ 3 orγ = 4 ∕ 3 with a small mass. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
13C NMR quantification of mono and diacylglycerols obtained through the solvent‐free lipase‐catalyzed esterification of saturated fatty acids
Authors: Fernandes Jane Luiza Nogueira , de Souza Rodrigo Octavio Mendonça Alves , de Vasconcellos Azeredo Rodrigo Bagueira
Published: April 2012

In the present investigation, we studied the enzymatic synthesis of monoacylglycerols (MAG) and diacylglycerols (DAG) via the esterification of saturated fatty acids (stearic, palmitic and an industrial residue containing 87% palmitic acid) and glycerol in a solvent‐free system. Three immobilized lipases (Lipozyme RM IM, Lipozyme TL IM and Novozym 435) and different reaction conditions were evaluated. Under the optimal reaction conditions, esterifications catalyzed by Lipozyme RM IM resulted in a mixture of MAG and DAG at high conversion rates for all of the substrates. In addition, except for the reaction of industrial residue at atmospheric pressure, all of these products met the World Health Organization and European Union directives for acylglycerol mixtures for use in food applications. The products were quantified by 13C NMR, with the aid of an external reference signal which was generated from a sealed coaxial tube filled with acetonitrile‐d3. After calibrating the area of this signal using the classical external reference method, the same coaxial tube was used repeatedly to quantify the reaction products. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Intracerebral injection of human mesenchymal stem cells impacts cerebral microvasculature after experimental stroke: MRI study
Authors: Moisan Anaïck , Pannetier Nicolas , Grillon Emmanuelle , Richard Marie‐Jeanne , de Fraipont Florence , Rémy Chantal , Barbier Emmanuel L. , Detante Olivier
Published: April 2012

Stroke, the leading cause of disability, lacks treatment beyond thrombolysis. The acute injection of human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) provides a benefit which could be mediated by an enhancement of angiogenesis. A clinical autologous graft requires an hMSC culture delay incompatible with an acute administration. This study evaluates the cerebral microvascular changes after a delayed injection of hMSCs. At day 8 after middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAo), two groups of rats received an intracerebral injection in the damaged brain of either 10 μL of cell suspension medium (MCAo‐PBS, n = 4) or 4 × 105 hMSCs (MCAo‐hMSC, n = 5). Two control groups of healthy rats underwent the same injection procedures in the right hemisphere (control‐PBS, n = 6; control‐hMSC, n = 5). The effect of hMSCs on the microvasculature was assessed by MRI using three parameters: apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC), cerebral blood volume (CBV) and vessel size index (VSI). At day 9, eight additional rats were euthanised for a histological study of the microvascular parameters (CBV, VSI and vascular fraction). No ADC difference was observed between MCAo groups. One day after intracerebral injection, hMSCs abolished the CBV increase observed in the lesion (MCAo‐hMSC: 1.7 ± 0.1% versus MCAo‐PBS: 2.2 ± 0.2%) and delayed the VSI increase (vasodilation) secondary to cerebral ischaemia. Histological analysis at day 9 confirmed that hMSCs modified the microvascular parameters (CBV, VSI and vascular fraction) in the lesion. No ADC, CBV or VSI differences were observed between control groups. At the stroke post‐acute phase, hMSC intracerebral injection rapidly and transiently modifies the cerebral microvasculature. This microvascular effect can be monitored in vivo by MRI. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Further results on H ∞  control for discrete‐time uncertain singular systems with interval time‐varying delays in state and input
Authors: Zhu Huanyu , Zhang Xian , Cui Shaochun
Published: April 2012

This paper investigates the state feedback robust H ∞  control problem of a class of discrete‐time singular systems with norm‐bounded uncertainties and interval time‐varying delays in state and input. A new bounded real lemma for discrete‐time singular systems with a pair of time‐varying interval state delays is first investigated. Mathematical comparisons of the new bounded real lemma and two existing ones are presented. Then, on the basis of the bounded real lemma proposed here, a sufficient condition in the form of nonlinear matrix inequality, such that the considered state feedback robust H ∞  control problem is solvable, is given. In order to solve the nonlinear matrix inequality, a cone complementarity linearization algorithm is offered. Several numerical examples are presented to show the applicability of the proposed approach. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Expression and stability of hypoxia inducible factor 1α in osteosarcoma
Authors: El Naggar Amal , Clarkson Paul , Zhang Fan , Mathers Joan , Tognon Cristina , Sorensen Poul H.
Published: April 2012

Background

Hypoxia contributes to both physiological and pathological processes and its effects are mainly mediated through the transcription factors hypoxia‐inducible factor 1α and 2α (HIF1α and HIF2α). The purpose of this study was to examine the role of these proteins in osteosarcoma progression.

Procedures

We developed a method to isolate primary human osteoblast cell lines. HIF1α and HIF2α expression were then compared in osteoblast and osteosarcoma cell lines under 21% oxygen (normoxia) and 1% oxygen (hypoxia). We also used hypoxia‐responsive element (HRE)‐driven reporter constructs in conjunction with siRNAs specific to HIF1α or HIF2α to determine the contribution of each protein to HRE‐mediated transcription. Finally, we measured HIF1α expression in primary osteosarcoma tumors by immunohistochemistry.

Results

We found that mainly HIF1α transcript was significantly higher in osteosarcoma cell lines compared to normal osteoblasts under both normoxia and hypoxia. At the protein level, HIF1α was preferentially stabilized in osteosarcoma cell lines under both conditions. HIF1α expression was required for the observed increases in HRE activity. Finally, nuclear or nucleocytoplasmic HIF1α staining in osteosarcoma cases was associated with high‐grade tumors.

Conclusions

These findings point to a role for HIF1α in osteosarcoma progression and suggest that the observed differences in HIF1α oxygen dependent degradation may play an important pathophysiological role in this disease. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2012; 59: 1215–1222. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Validation of a claims‐based diagnostic code for Stevens–Johnson syndrome in a commercially insured population
Authors: Eisenberg Debra F , Daniel Gregory W , Jones Judith K , Goehring Earl L , Wahl Peter M , Winters Peter , Levin Jay , Bohn Rhonda L
Published: April 2012

Purpose

To validate the administrative claims identification of a diagnosis of Stevens–Johnson syndrome (SJS) using medical records as the “gold standard” in a large, commercially insured US population.

Methods

Patients with >1 medical claim with the International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification code 695.1x between 1 July 2000 and 31 May 2007 were queried in the HealthCore Integrated Research DatabaseSM, which contains administrative claims data for 14 commercial health insurance plans. Trained nurses and pharmacists abstracted pertinent information from the identified patients' medical records, which were then reviewed by two independent dermatologists to identify criteria to determine SJS diagnosis. Positive predictive values (PPVs) based on the claims and chart data were computed for all the cases.

Results

Medical charts for 200 claims‐identified cases, with the International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification code 695.1x, were abstracted and reviewed by the dermatologists. A total of five cases (PPV = 2.50%, 95%CI = 0.8%–5.7%) were determined to be SJS with clinical certainty. PPVs varied with data stratification: PPV for inpatient claims only (PPV = 2.00%, 95%CI = 0.24%–7.04%), inpatient claims with 695.1x in first diagnosis field (PPV = 4.11%, 95%CI = 0.86%–11.54%), and final decisions of either clinical certainty or probable cases of SJS (PPV = 6.00%, 95%CI = 3.14%–10.25%).

Conclusion

These findings demonstrate the difficulties associated with identifying rare disorders, which lack specific diagnostic criteria, within administrative claims databases. They underscore the challenges of using claims data to monitor ill‐defined clinical conditions as well as the need to validate claims‐identified cases with information from other sources, such as medical charts. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Packaging materials with tailor made light transmission properties for food protection
Authors: Intawiwat Natthorn , Myhre Elina , Øysæd Harry , Jamtvedt Svein H. , Pettersen Marit Kvalvåg
Published: April 2012

Packaging material with optimal light barrier properties can prevent food quality deterioration. For dairy products, wavelength in the visible region between 400–450 nm and 600–650 nm should be blocked out due to the content of chlorophyll in dairy products. Six low density polyethylene blown films were formulated with the combination of four different pigments and additives: green, yellow, silver additive, and optical brightener, in addition to four reference samples. All films were transparent. Optical properties and light transmission were measured for each film, and microscopy analyses were used to investigate the surface topography. The sample containing high concentration of both green and yellow pigments had the lowest value in gloss and transmittance. This film blocked the light below 450 nm and transmitted 10% at 600–650 nm. Optical brightener had an effect only on visual appearance but not on light transmission properties. Samples containing silver additive were more intense green and gave a higher light transmission in blue region (380–500 nm) and lower in red region (600–700 nm) compared with samples without silver additive. These developed films can be applied in dairy products and other food products in the future. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 52:2015–2024, 2012. © 2012 Society of Plastics Engineers