bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A neutralization–reionization and reactivity mass spectrometry study of the generation of neutral hydroxymethylene
Authors: Lin Yawei , Crestoni Maria Elisa , Fornarini Simonetta , Mayer Paul M.
Published: June 2011

Neutral hydroxymethylene HCOH is an important intermediate in several chemical reactions; however, it is difficult to observe due to its high reactivity. In this work, neutral hydroxymethylene and formaldehyde were generated by charge exchange neutralization of their respective ionic counterparts and then were reionized and detected as positive‐ion recovery signals in neutralization–reionization mass spectrometry in a magnetic sector instrument of BEE geometry. The reionized species were characterized by their subsequent collision‐induced dissociation mass spectra. The transient hydroxymethylene neutral was observed to isomerize to formaldehyde with an experimental time span exceeding 13.9 µs. The vertical neutralization energy of the HCOH+• ion has also been assayed using charge transfer reactions between the fast ions and stationary target gases of differing ionization energy. The measured values match the result of ab initio calculations at the QCISD/6‐311 + G(d,p) and CCSD(T)/6‐311 + + G(3df,2p) levels of theory. Neutral hydroxymethylene was also produced by proton transfer from CH2OH+ to a strong base such as pyridine, confirmed by appropriate isotopic labeling. There is a kinetic isotope effect (KIE) for H+ versus D+ transfer from the C atom of the hydroxymethyl cation of ∼3, consistent with a primary KIE of a nearly thermoneutral reaction. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Gaseous cation chemistry and chain‐length effects in electron ionization and collision‐induced dissociation mass spectraof symmetric 1,n‐bis(9‐anthracenyl)alkanes
Authors: Schildcrout Steven M. , Masnovi John
Published: June 2011

The behavior of the gaseous cations resulting from EI (30 and 70 eV) of the bichromophoric title compounds 1–5 (for n = 1–5, respectively) is examined by ion‐trap mass spectrometry, including collision‐induced dissociation (CID) with variation in collision energy. These results are compared with those from anthracene and 9‐methylanthracene and with previously reported mass spectrometric results for 3 and dicarbazolylalkanes. Rather than using the kinetic method to obtain ion energetics where the fragmentation mechanism is clear, as commonly done, the method is used here with relative complementary‐ion abundances from CID to test the proposed fragmentation mechanisms using B3LYP calculations of relative ionization energies and optimized geometries of ionic and neutral fragments. Hydrogen migrations are common, and skeletal rearrangements including formation of expanded, fused and spiro rings are proposed in several cases. Of the chain cleavages, α‐homolysis giving C15H11+, likely as dibenzotropylium, is most important for each of 1–5 except 3, where β‐cleavage to C16H13+ dominates with a proposed methyldibenzotropylium structure. α‐Cleavage was important also in the dicarbazolylalkanes. A previous inference of a McLafferty rearrangement to explain C15H12+• from 3 is not supported by the present results. The fragmentation behavior of 1–5 depends strongly on n and implies significant interchromophoric interaction between anthracenyl groups. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Characterization of the human serum depletome by label‐free shotgun proteomics
Authors: Koutroukides Theodoros A. , Guest Paul C. , Leweke F. Markus , Bailey David M. D. , Rahmoune Hassan , Bahn Sabine , Martins‐de‐Souza Daniel
Published: June 2011

While it is known that immunoaffinity depletion of abundant proteins in serum removes additional proteins beyond those targeted, there has been little characterization of the co‐depleted proteins in the high abundant fraction, which we refer to here as the “depletome”. We present evidence of co‐depletion of non‐targeted proteins in human serum using a top‐20 immunodepletion column, as shown by label‐free liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (LC‐MSE) profiling. This led to identification of 147 proteins which were specific for this fraction and comprised proteins with functions predominantly in binding and transport of nucleotides, metal ions, carbohydrates and lipids. These results suggest that further studies on this commonly ignored serum fraction may provide new insights into clinical proteomics.
Predicting spatial distribution of human–black bear interactions in urban areas
Authors: Merkle Jerod A. , Krausman Paul R. , Decesare Nicholas J. , Jonkel James J.
Published: June 2011

Human–wildlife interactions are often associated with a myriad of stakeholder groups, intense political scrutiny, and limited biological data, creating complex decision‐making situations for wildlife management agencies. Limited research exists on the development and testing of tools (e.g., models to predict the spatial distribution of interactions) to reduce human–black bear (Ursus americanus) interactions (HBI). Available models predicting spatial distribution of HBI are usually developed at scales too large to predict across urban areas, are rarely tested against independent data sets, and usually do not incorporate both landscape and anthropogenic variables. Our objective was to develop a predictive modeling tool that could identify areas of high conflict potential across urban landscapes. We compared locations of HBI in Missoula, MT, recorded by Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks from 2003 to 2008, to random locations using logistic regression. The final model discriminated the relative spatial probability of HBI within Missoula well, and a second study area moderately. The probability of HBI in Missoula increased when residents lived close to forested patches and major rivers and streams and in intermediate housing densities (approx. 6.59 houses/ha). Our results provide a wildlife management tool and a repeatable statistical framework that predicts spatial distribution of HBI using only a small set of variables. © 2011 The Wildlife Society.
ASSESSING LANDSLIDE SUSCEPTIBILITY BY INCORPORATING THE SURFACE COVER INDEX AS A MEASUREMENT OF VEGETATIVE COVER
Authors: Miller A. J.
Published: June 2011

Local environmental conditions are known to be the most influential in landslide dynamics. Some variables, such as slope, elevation, lithology, vegetative cover, and soil type, are more common and influential than others. Every variable, except for vegetative cover, has been incorporated into many different statistical models as a continuous variable showing nuances and differentiation among the data. In regions where vegetative cover is the single most important variable in determining slope stability, a land cover classification cannot provide the level of information required for efficient modeling of landslide events. It is hoped that the surface cover index (SCI) can be used to numerically assess vegetative cover by using Landsat imagery and sub‐pixel analysis. Two models utilizing simple raster calculations involving slope and the SCI were created. Each model was then assessed and validated for accuracy by using a user‐created multi‐temporal landslide inventory of the Dominical, Costa Rica area. Results determined that normalized inputs of slope and SCI can produce an algorithm with a high degree of accuracy and proved that the SCI can be used in assessing landslide hazard in a tropical forest environment. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Odor identification deficits identify Parkinson's disease patients with poor cognitive performance
Authors: Damholdt Malene Flensborg , Borghammer Per , Larsen Lars , Østergaard Karen
Published: June 2011

Olfactory dysfunction is a prodromal and prevalent nonmotor symptom of Parkinson's disease. Unlike olfactory dysfunction in Alzheimer's disease, it is believed to be unrelated to cognitive impairment. However, recent research has implicated cholinergic denervation in Parkinson's disease hyposmia and linked it to verbal memory. This research hypothesized that severe odor identification deficits may identify patients with Parkinson's disease at risk for cognitive impairment. The current study tested this hypothesis by comparing 24 functionally anosmic, nondemented patients with Parkinson's disease and 39 nonanosmic, nondemented patients with Parkinson's disease with 29 healthy control participants on composite scores of memory, processing speed, executive function, and language. The functionally anosmic group had significantly poorer visual and verbal memory than the nonanosmic group, which was indistinguishable from the control group. Furthermore, the functionally anosmic group had reduced processing speed compared with the nonanosmic patients with Parkinson's disease, who, in turn, were outperformed by the control group. On the composite language score, the score of the functionally anosmic group was significantly reduced compared with that of the control group, whereas the nonanosmic group scored in the medium range. The 2 patient groups did not differ on executive functioning. These findings demonstrate co‐occurrence between reduced cognitive function and olfactory deficits in functionally anosmic patients with Parkinson's disease and support the notion of more severe cognitive deficits in this group. © 2011 Movement Disorder Society
Dietary‐resistant starch improves maternal glycemic control in Goto–Kakizaki rat
Authors: Shen Li , Keenan Michael J. , Raggio Anne , Williams Cathy , Martin Roy J.
Published: June 2011

Scope: Dietary prebiotics show potential in anti‐diabetes. Dietary resistant starch (RS) has a favorable impact on gut hormone profiles, including glucagon‐like peptide‐1 (GLP‐1) consistently released, a potent anti‐diabetic incretin. Also RS reduced body fat and improved glucose tolerance in rats and mice. In the current project, we hypothesize that dietary‐resistant starch can improve insulin sensitivity and pancreatic β cell mass in a type 2 diabetic rat model. Altered gut fermentation and microbiota are the initial mechanisms, and enhancement in serum GLP‐1 is the secondary mechanism.

Methods and results: In this study, GK rats were fed an RS diet with 30% RS and an energy control diet. After 10 wk, these rats were mated and went through pregnancy and lactation. At the end of the study, pancreatic β cell mass, insulin sensitivity, pancreatic insulin content, total GLP‐1 levels, cecal short‐chain fatty acid concentrations and butyrate producing bacteria in cecal contents were greatly improved by RS feeding. The offspring of RS‐fed dams showed improved fasting glucose levels and normal growth curves.

Conclusion: Dietary RS is potentially of great therapeutic importance in the treatment of diabetes and improvement in outcomes of pregnancy complicated by diabetes.
Response of a Lactobacillus plantarum human isolate to tannic acid challenge assessed by proteomic analyses
Authors: Curiel José Antonio , Rodríguez Héctor , de las Rivas Blanca , Anglade Patricia , Baraige Fabienne , Zagorec Monique , Champomier‐Vergès Marie , Muñoz Rosario , de Felipe Félix López
Published: June 2011

Scope: To gain insight on the mechanisms used by intestinal bacteria to adapt and resist the antimicrobial action of dietary tannins and identify targets for tannic acid in Lactobacillus plantarum. Methods and results: A proteomic analysis of an L. plantarum human isolate exposed to the tannic acid challenge was undertaken. Tannic acid targeted proteins involved in outstanding processes for bacterial stress resistance including cyclopropanation of membrane lipids, stress response at population scale and maintenance of cell shape. To respond to this aggression, tannic acid‐misfit cells of L. plantarum challenged with tannic acid reorganized their metabolic capacity to economize energy and express proteins involved in oxidative stress defense and cell wall biogenesis, indicating that the injury incurred by tannic acid was based on oxidative damage and disruption of the cell envelope. The induction of 3‐octaprenyl‐4‐hydroxybenzoate carboxy‐lyase, which is sensitive to changes in redox conditions and involved in ubiquinone biosynthesis in other bacteria, suggests for a tannic acid‐induced redox imbalance. Conclusion: The results reveal the adaptation of a gastrointestinal isolate of L. plantarum to tannic acid and identify antibacterial targets for this dietary compound. This provides the basis for the selection of tannin‐resistant microorganisms and their use to obtain health benefits from tannin‐containing diets.
Eomesodermin, HAND1, and CSH1 proteins are induced by cellular stress in a stress‐activated protein kinase‐dependent manner
Authors: Awonuga A.O. , Zhong W. , Abdallah M.E. , Slater J.A. , Zhou S.C. , Xie Y.F. , Puscheck E.E. , Rappolee D.A.
Published: June 2011

Eomesodermin (Eomes) is a transcription factor essential for trophoblast development. Stress stimuli activate stress‐activated protein kinase (MAPK8/9) and modulate transcription factors in trophoblast stem cells (TSC). In this study, we test the hypothesis that stress‐induced Eomes upregulation and downstream trophoblast development are MAPK8/9‐dependent. Immunocytochemical and immunoblot assays suggest that Eomes is induced by hyperosmolar stress in a dose‐ and time‐dependent manner. Two MAPK8/9 inhibitors that work by different mechanisms, LJNKl1 and SP600125, block induction of Eomes protein by stress. During normal TSC differentiation, the transcription factor heart and neural crest derivatives expressed 1 (HAND1) is dependent on Eomes, and chorionic somatomammotropin hormone 1 (CSH1) expression is dependent on HAND1. Similar to Eomes, HAND1 and CSH1 induction by stress are MAPK8/9‐dependent, and CSH1 is induced in nearly all stressed TSC. CSH1 induction normally requires downregulation of the transcription factor inhibitor of differentiation 2 (ID2) as well as HAND1 upregulation. It was shown previously that hyperosmolar stress induces AMP‐activated protein kinase (PRKAA1/2)‐dependent ID2 loss in a MAPK8/9‐independent manner. Inhibition of PRKAA1/2 with compound C and LJNKl1, more than MAPK8/9 inhibitors alone, inhibits the induction of CSH1 by stress. Taken together these data suggest that stress‐induced MAPK8/9 and PRKAA1/2 regulate transcription factors Eomes/HAND1 and ID2, respectively. Together this network mediates induction of CSH1 by stress. Therefore, stress triggers a proportional increase in a normal early TSC differentiation event that could be adaptive in inducing CSH1. But the flexibility of TSC to undergo stress‐induced differentiation could lead to pathophysiological consequences if stress endured and TSC differentiation became unbalanced. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 78:519–528, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A primer on meiotic resumption in starfish oocytes: The proposed signaling pathway triggered by maturation‐inducing hormone
Authors: Kishimoto Takeo
Published: June 2011

This short review updates the maturation‐inducing hormonal signaling in starfish oocytes. In this system, the activation of cyclin B‐Cdc2 kinase (Cdk1) that leads to meiotic resumption does not require new protein synthesis. The key intracellular mediator after hormonal stimulation by 1‐methyladenine is the protein kinase Akt/PKB, which in turn directly downregulates Myt1 and upregulates Cdc25 toward the activation of cyclin B‐Cdc2. Mitotic kinases including Aurora, Plk1 and Greatwall are activated downstream of cyclin B‐Cdc2. The starfish oocyte thus provides a simple model system for the study of meiotic resumption. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 78:704–707, 2011. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Conditional repression of STAT5 expression during lactation reveals its exclusive roles in mammary gland morphology, milk‐protein gene expression, and neonate growth
Authors: Reichenstein Moshe , Rauner Gat , Barash Itamar
Published: June 2011

The role of Stat5 in maintaining adequate lactation was studied in Stat5a−/− mice expressing a conditionally suppressed transgenic STAT5 in their mammary glands. This system enables distinguishing STAT5's effects on lactation from its contribution to mammary development during gestation. Females were allowed to express STAT5 during their first pregnancy. After delivery, STAT5 levels were manipulated by doxycycline administration and withdrawal. In two lines of genetically modified mice, the absence of STAT5 expression during the first 10 days of lactation resulted in a decrease of 29% or 41% in newborn weight gain. The STAT5‐dependent decrease in growth was recoverable, but not completely reversible, particularly when STAT5 expression was omitted for the first 4 days of lactation. Within the first 10 days of STAT5‐omitted lactation, alveolar occupancy regressed by 50% compared to that measured at delivery. By Day 10, only 18% of the fat‐pad area was involved in milk production. The alveolar regression caused by 4 days of STAT5 deficiency was reversible, but neonate growth remained delayed. STAT5 deficiency resulted in reduced estrogen receptor α and connexin 32 gene expression, accompanied by delayed induction of both anti‐ and pro‐apoptotic Bcl‐2 family members. An increase in Gata‐3 expression may reflect an attempt to maintain alveolar progenitors. A decrease of 39% and 23% in WAP and α‐lactalbumin expression, respectively, with no associated effects on β‐casein, also resulted from lack of STAT5 expression in the first 10 days of lactation. This deficiency enhances the major effect of alveolar regression on delayed weight gain in newborns. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 78:585–596, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Prognostic factors in carpal tunnel syndrome treated with a corticosteroid injection
Authors: Meys Vera , Thissen Sam , Rozeman Stan , Beekman Roy
Published: June 2011

Introduction: Symptoms often return in patients with carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) who are treated with a local corticosteroid injection. We aimed to determine prognostic factors for a successful long‐term outcome. Methods: We prospectively followed 113 patients who received an injection for CTS. Clinical, electrophysiological, and ultrasonographic tests were done at baseline, and clinical outcome was evaluated after 1, 3, 6, and 12 months. The primary outcome measure for success was no need for additional treatment (e.g., surgery) within 1 year. Results: After 1 month, most patients improved, but after 12 months 67.4% had surgery. Patients with a successful outcome had a lower median nerve ultrasonographic cross‐sectional area (CSA) at the pisiform bone, a lower swelling ratio, and a lower symptom severity score. Conclusions: Less pronounced median nerve swelling measured by ultrasonography may indicate a less severe stage of CTS, which is more likely to respond to treatment with a corticosteroid injection. Muscle Nerve, 2011
Four novel point mutations in the PMP22 gene with phenotypes of HNPP and Dejerine–Sottas neuropathy
Authors: Brožková Dana , Mazanec Radim , Rychlý Zdeněk , Haberlová Jana , Böhm Jiří , Staněk Jan , Plevová Pavlína , Lisoňová Jana , Sabová Jana , Sakmaryová Iva , Seeman Pavel
Published: June 2011

We report four novel point mutations in the PMP22 gene with two different phenotypes: mutation p.Ser79Thr arose de novo in a patient with the Dejerine–Sottas neuropathy (DSN) phenotype; and mutations c.78+5 G>A, c.320‐1 G>C, and p.Trp140Stop segregated with HNPP in 5 families.Our findings show that point mutations in PMP22 may be more likely in HNPP patients than in CMT1 patients after exclusion of CMT1A/HNPP. Muscle Nerve, 2011
Proteomics for routine identification of microorganisms
Authors: Welker Martin
Published: June 2011

The invention of MALDI‐TOF‐MS enormously contributed to the understanding of protein chemistry and cell biology. Without this technique proteomics would most likely not be the important discipline it is today. Besides ‘true’ proteomics, MALDI‐TOF‐MS was applied for the analysis of microorganisms for their taxonomic characterization from its beginning. This approach has since been developed as a diagnostic tool readily available for routine, high‐throughput analysis of microbial isolates from clinical specimens by intact‐cell mass spectrometry (ICMS), the direct analysis of whole bacterial cell without a preceding fractionation or separation by chromatography or electrophoresis. ICMS exploits the reproducibility of mass fingerprints for individual bacterial and fungal strains as well as the high similarity of mass fingerprints within a species. Comparison of mass spectral data to genomic sequences emphasized the validity of peak patterns as taxonomic markers. Supported by comprehensive databases, MALDI‐TOF‐MS‐based identification has been widely accepted in clinical laboratories within only a few years.
Proteomics of eukaryotic microorganisms: The medically and biotechnologically important fungal genus Aspergillus
Authors: Kniemeyer Olaf
Published: June 2011

Fungal species of the genus Aspergillus play significant roles as model organisms in basic research, as “cell factories” for the production of organic acids, pharmaceuticals or industrially important enzymes and as pathogens causing superficial and invasive infections in animals and humans. The release of the genome sequences of several Aspergillus sp. has paved the way for global analyses of protein expression in Aspergilli including the characterisation of proteins, which have not designated any function. With the application of proteomic methods, particularly 2‐D gel and LC‐MS/MS‐based methods, first insights into the composition of the proteome of Aspergilli under different growth and stress conditions could be gained. Putative targets of global regulators led to the improvement of industrially relevant Aspergillus strains and so far not described Aspergillus antigens have already been discovered. Here, I review the recent proteome data generated for the species Aspergillus nidulans, Aspergillus fumigatus, Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus terreus, Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus oryzae.
Can we use portable nitric oxide analyzer in young children?
Authors: Kalliola Satu , Malmberg Pekka , Rito Tuija , Pelkonen Anna S. , Mäkelä Mika J.
Published: June 2011

Objective

Management of asthma could be improved by measuring exhaled nitric oxide (FENO). Portable hand‐held FENO analyzer (NIOX MINO) is practical and small and could be used also in the primary care office. It has demonstrated good repeatability and correlation with stationary device (NIOX) in adults and school aged children, but so far there have been no reports on young children. The aim of this study was to compare conventional chemiluminescence device (NIOX) with a hand‐held electrochemical device (NIOX MINO) in young children.

Design

Paired measurements of FENO were performed with the stationary chemiluminescence‐based analyzer (NIOX) and with portable electrochemical device (NIOX MINO) in children with asthmatic symptoms and age‐matched controls.

Results

Fifty‐five children with mean (range) age of 5.7 (3.9–8.5) years were evaluated with both devices. Measurements were successful with both devices in 40 out of 57 children. NIOX MINO was more difficult to use than NIOX in this age group, success rates being 73% and 93%, respectively (P = 0.004). The reproducibility was similar and there was a close correlation between FENO measured by the two devices (r = 0.97, P < 0.001). However, Bland–Altman plot demonstrated limits of agreement that were relatively wide compared to low levels of FENO in the sample. Both devices were sensitive enough to distinguish higher FENO levels in children with asthmatic symptoms, compared to healthy controls.

Conclusions

We conclude that NIOX MINO can be used as a screening tool for the assessment of airway inflammation in children from the age of 4 years, but its applicability is limited by lower measurement success rate and relatively poor accuracy and detection limit at low levels of FENO. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2011; 46:627–631. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Domestic exposure to aeroallergens in Hong Kong families with asthmatic children
Authors: Leung Ting F. , Wong Yun S. , Chan Iris H.S. , Yung Edmund , Sy Hing Y. , Lam Christopher W.K. , Wong Gary W.K.
Published: June 2011

Indoor aeroallergen exposures increased asthma symptoms in Caucasians, but their determinants and relationship to asthma and allergy in Asians are unclear. This study investigated exposures to cat, cockroach, and Blomia tropicalis allergens in 115 Hong Kong families with asthmatic children. Patients underwent exhaled nitric oxide and spirometric measurements. Home visits were made within 2 weeks during which parents completed a standardized questionnaire. Fel d 1, Bla g 2, and Blo t 5 in dust samples collected from patients' mattresses, bedroom floors, and living room floors were measured by immunoassays. These aeroallergens were only detectable in some homes (38–55% for Fel d 1; 9–21% for Bla g 2, and 7–14% for Blo t 5). The presence of cat and/or dog was a strong determinant for Fel d 1 in all indoor sites. The timing and frequency of bedding change was associated with Bla g 2 levels, whereas the timing of bedroom floor cleaning was a consistent factor for Blo t 5 levels. Asthmatic children in families with high allergen exposure were more likely to have ≥4 wheezing attacks in preceding 12 months and exercise‐induced wheezing than those with normal allergen exposure (P = 0.051 and 0.030, respectively). Mattress levels of all three allergens were also associated with severity of several allergy symptoms (P = 0.025–0.005). None of these aeroallergens correlated with exhaled nitric oxide and spirometric parameters. This study identifies determinants for cat, cockroach, and B. tropicalis levels in Hong Kong families with asthmatic children. These exposures are associated with severity of allergy symptoms. Pediatr. Pulmonol. 2011; 46:632–639. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Granulomatous pleuritis caused by histoplasmosis in a healthy child
Authors: Zahn Matt , Hesson Michael , Morton Ronald , Wheat L. Joseph
Published: June 2011

Pneumonia with pleuritis is a rare presentation of histoplasmosis infection. We present a 12‐year old previously healthy boy in whom histoplasmosis presented with pleuritis, confirmed by detection of antigen in empyema fluid. Pediatr. Pulmonol. 2011; 46:729–731. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Bilateral lung transplantation for pediatric idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension: A multi‐center experience
Authors: Schaellibaum G. , Lammers A.E. , Faro A. , Moreno‐Galdo A. , Parakininkas D. , Schecter M.G. , Solomon M. , Boyer D. , Conrad C. , Frischer T. , Wong J. , Boehler A. , Benden C.
Published: June 2011

Many children with idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension (IPAH) experience disease progression despite advanced medical therapy. In these children, heart‐lung or bilateral lung transplantation (BLTx) remain the only therapeutic options when other treatments fail. Data on functional outcome after BLTx in children with IPAH are limited. We report a multi‐center experience of BLTx for pediatric IPAH.

We performed a retrospective study including 25 centers within the International Pediatric Lung Transplant Collaborative. Children with IPAH who underwent BLTx were included (1996–2006).

Twenty‐three children underwent BLTx for IPAH, most of whom were in WHO class III or IV level of function pre‐transplantation. At 6 months post‐transplantation, 82% of children reported improvement in level of function to WHO class I. The median FEV1 was 89% (12–126) of predicted at 12 months post‐transplantation. Ten patients (44%) developed BOS at a median of 42 months (3–85), of whom five died at a median of 27 months (4–86) post‐transplantation. Overall mortality was 4% at 3 months post‐transplantation. The median survival for children in this cohort was 45 months (2–123).

Our data suggest that BLTx is a valuable therapeutic option for children with end‐stage IPAH with outcomes comparable to that after heart‐lung transplantation in children with pulmonary arterial hypertension or those patients undergoing lung transplantation for other indications. In the majority of children, a good cardiopulmonary function is possible following BLTx, making BLTx a good therapeutic option and maximizing donor organ utilization by allowing more hearts to be available for children needing cardiac transplantation. Pediatr. Pulmonol. 2011; 46:1121–1127. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Anomalously low Ga incorporation in high Al‐content AlGaN grown on $(11{\bar {2}}0)$ non‐polar plane by molecular beam epitaxy
Authors: Ueta Shunsaku , Horita Masahiro , Kimoto Tsunenobu , Suda Jun
Published: June 2011

Crystalline orientation dependence of Ga incorporation in growth of high Al‐content AlGaN was investigated. Growth was carried out by molecular‐beam epitaxy (MBE) using elemental Al, Ga, and rf‐plasma‐excited nitrogen under various V/III ratios. 6H‐SiC (0001), 4H‐SiC ($1{\bar {1}}00$) and 4H‐SiC ($11{\bar {2}}0$) were used as substrates. Ga incorporation increased with increase of V/III ratio in the layers grown on (0001) and ($1{\bar {1}}00$) planes. On the other hand, Ga was not incorporated in the layer grown on ($11{\bar {2}}0$) plane even when the layer was grown under a nitrogen rich condition, indicating much lower Ga incorporation on ($11{\bar {2}}0$) plane than those of other planes. AlGaN with good quality was successfully grown on ($1{\bar {1}}00$) plane. Utilization of ($1{\bar {1}}00$) plane is suitable in MBE growth of AlGaN‐based deep‐ultraviolet light emitting devices.
HfO2‐insulated gate N‐polar GaN HEMTs with high breakdown voltage
Authors: Meyer D. J. , Katzer D. S. , Deen D. A. , Storm D. F. , Binari S. C. , Gougousi T.
Published: June 2011

In this paper, we present the first demonstration of a HfO2‐insulated gate N‐polar GaN inverted high‐electron‐mobility transistor (iHEMT). HfO2‐insulated gate devices showed an order of magnitude improvement in reverse‐bias gate leakage current as compared to reference Schottky devices. With the reduced gate leakage current, the insulated gate iHEMTs were able to simultaneously demonstrate breakdown voltages in excess of 130 V and maximum current density of 0.87 A/mm. Pulsed I–V gate‐lag measurements were performed to investigate the drain current transient behavior of these devices.
Electrical investigations of AlGaN/AlN structures for LEDs on Si(111)
Authors: Witte H. , Rohrbeck A. , Günther K.‐M. , Saengkaew P. , Bläsing J. , Dadgar A. , Krost A.
Published: June 2011

The carrier transport in AlGaN light emission diode (LED) structures on Si‐substrates including an AlN multilayer (ML) buffer for reduction of defects was investigated using I–V‐characteristics and admittance spectroscopy. Additionally, AlN on Si ML and AlN/AlGaN:Si on Si structures were grown and analyzed separately. The AlN‐ML/AlGaN:Si heterojunction, and the pn‐junction including the AlGaN/GaN multi quantum well (MQW)‐structure were identified. As the main space charge regions (SCRs) controlling the carrier transport through the ultraviolet‐light emission diode (UV‐LED) structure the Si‐substrate/AlN‐ML heterojunctions pointed out. The I–V‐characteristic of the LED structure is described by the series resistance of the AlN‐ML and a parallel resistance with respect to the pn‐junction. Interface defect states and/or deep defects impact the series resistance. The carrier transport through the LED structure is controlled by a tunnel process described by a Fowler–Nordheim (FN)‐emission mainly through the AlN‐ML buffer forming the series resistance.
Chemical Preparation of Graphene‐Based Nanomaterials and Their Applications in Chemical and Biological Sensors
Authors: Jiang Hongji
Published: June 2011

Graphene is a flat monolayer of carbon atoms packed tightly into a 2D honeycomb lattice that shows many intriguing properties meeting the key requirements for the implementation of highly excellent sensors, and all kinds of proof‐of‐concept sensors have been devised. To realize the potential sensor applications, the key is to synthesize graphene in a controlled way to achieve enhanced solution‐processing capabilities, and at the same time to maintain or even improve the intrinsic properties of graphene. Several production techniques for graphene‐based nanomaterials have been developed, ranging from the mechanical cleavage and chemical exfoliation of high‐quality graphene to direct growth onto different substrates and the chemical routes using graphite oxide as a precusor to the newly developed bottom‐up approach at the molecular level. The current review critically explores the recent progress on the chemical preparation of graphene‐based nanomaterials and their applications in sensors.
The Passage of Homopolymeric RNA through Small Solid‐State Nanopores
Authors: van den Hout Michiel , Skinner Gary M. , Klijnhout Sven , Krudde Vincent , Dekker Nynke H.
Published: June 2011

Solid‐state nanopores are widely acknowledged as tools with which to study local structure in biological molecules. Individual molecules are forced through a nanopore, causing a characteristic change in an ionic current that depends on the molecules' local diameter and charge distribution. Here, the translocation measurements of long (˜5‐30 kilobases) single‐stranded poly(U) and poly(A) molecules through nanopores ranging from 1.5 to 8 nm in diameter are presented. Individual molecules are found to be able to cause multiple levels of conductance blockade upon traversing the pore. By analyzing these conductance blockades and their relative incidence as a function of nanopore diameter, it is concluded that the smallest conductance blockades likely correspond to molecules that translocate through the pore in predominantly head‐to‐tail fashion. The larger conductance blockades are likely caused by molecules that arrive at the nanopore entrance with many strands simultaneously. These measurements constitute the first demonstration that single‐stranded RNA can be captured in solid‐state nanopores that are smaller than the diameter of double‐stranded RNA. These results further the understanding of the conductance blockades caused by nucleic acids in solid‐state nanopores, relevant for future applications, such as the direct determination of RNA secondary structure.
Web workload generation challenges – an empirical investigation
Authors: Hashemian Raoufehsadat , Krishnamurthy Diwakar , Arlitt Martin
Published: June 2011

Workload generators are widely used for testing the performance of Web‐based systems. Typically, these tools are also used to collect measurements such as throughput and end‐user response times that are often used to characterize the QoS provided by a system to its users. However, our study finds that Web workload generation is more difficult than it seems. In examining the popular RUBiS client generator, we found that reported response times could be grossly inaccurate, and that the generated workloads were less realistic than expected, causing server scalability to be incorrectly estimated. Using experimentation, we demonstrate how the Java virtual machine and the Java network library are the root causes of these issues. Our work serves as an example of how to verify the behavior of a Web workload generator. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Stages and Dimensions of Systems Intelligence
Authors: Jones Rachel , Corner James
Published: June 2011

Following the footsteps of emotional, social, cultural and other types of intelligence, systems intelligence offers a new perspective on how individuals act with a lesser or greater degree of intelligence within physical and social systems. First appearing in the published literature in 2004, systems intelligence has resonated with the related fields of decision making, communication and leadership, among others. However, to date, a taxonomy for considering systems intelligence has yet to be described. Building off Kegan's framework for human development and Hämäläinen and Saarinen's recent levels, we offer a new taxonomy of systems intelligence and describe its stages and dimensions. We focus on the three stages of attentive, active and inspired systems intelligence, incorporating three, four and eight dimensions, respectively. This taxonomy serves as a useful conceptualization for the future development of measurement tools for systems intelligence and as a basis for understanding how individuals might transition between stages. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Connecting the dots of the cerebro‐cerebellar role in cognitive function: Neuronal pathways for cerebellar modulation of dopamine release in the prefrontal cortex
Authors: Rogers Tiffany D. , Dickson Price E. , Heck Detlef H. , Goldowitz Dan , Mittleman Guy , Blaha Charles D.
Published: June 2011

Cerebellar involvement in autism, schizophrenia, and other cognitive disorders is typically associated with prefrontal cortical pathology. However, the underlying neuronal mechanisms are largely unknown. It has previously been shown in mice that stimulation of the dentate nucleus (DN) of the cerebellum evokes dopamine (DA) release in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC). Here, we investigated the neuronal circuitry by which the cerebellum modulates mPFC DA release. Fixed potential amperometry was used to determine the contribution of two candidate pathways by which the cerebellum may modulate mPFC DA release. In urethane anesthetized mice, DA release evoked by DN stimulation (50 Hz) was recorded in mPFC following local anesthetic lidocaine (0.02 μg) or ionotropic glutamate receptor antagonist kynurenate (0.5 μg) infusions into the mediodorsal or ventrolateral thalamic nucleus (ThN md; ThN vl), or the ventral tegmental area (VTA). Following intra‐VTA lidocaine or kynurenate infusions, DA release was decreased by ∼50%. Following intra‐ThN md and ThN vl infusions of either drug, DA release was decreased by ∼35% and 15%, respectively. Reductions in DA release following lidocaine or kynurenate infusions were not significantly different indicating that neuronal cells in the VTA and ThN were activated primarily if not entirely by glutamatergic inputs. The present study suggests that neuropathological changes in the cerebellum commonly observed in autism, schizophrenia, and other cognitive disorders could result in a loss of functionality of cerebellar‐mPFC circuitry that is manifested as aberrant dopaminergic activity in the mPFC. Additionally, these results specifically implicate glutamate as a modulator of mPFC dopaminergic activity. Synapse, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Antenna subset selection at multi‐antenna relay with adaptive modulation
Authors: Choi Seyeong , Hasna Mazen O. , Yang Hong‐Chuan , Alouini Mohamed‐Slim
Published: June 2011

In this paper, we proposed several antenna selection schemes for cooperative diversity systems with adaptive transmission. The proposed schemes were based on dual‐hop relaying where a relay with multiple‐antenna capabilities at reception and transmission is deployed between the source and the destination nodes. We analyzed the performance of the proposed schemes by quantifying the average spectral efficiency and the outage probability. We also investigated the trade‐off of performance and complexity by comparing the average number of active antennas, path estimations, and signal‐to‐noise ratio comparisons of the different proposed schemes. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Self‐assembly and applications of nucleic acid solid‐state films
Authors: Gajria Surekha , Neumann Thorsten , Tirrell Matthew
Published: June 2011

While most nucleic acid (NA)–lipid or NA–polymer complexes are studied in solution, there is growing interest in understanding their properties as naturally derived, biodegradable, biocompatible, solid‐state materials with tailorable properties influenced by environmental parameters. Therapeutic and cell programming applications comprise an important new research field, particularly in gene transfection and silencing using plasmid DNA and siRNA with targeted local delivery for use in cell culture. Dried solid films have lower nuclease degradation, fewer barriers to long term storage, and allow localized delivery by direct implantation in combination with controlled release and dosage adjustment. In contrast to particulate complexes or other methods of drug delivery which are prepared and must remain in solution, films can regain their biological activity once wetted. However our understanding of the types of cationic agents that predictably form self‐standing films with NA is still limited. The self‐assembly and structural, physical, and chemical properties of these materials are of key importance to maintaining their activity. We therefore discuss the material properties of NA–lipid and NA–polymer films as the focus of this article. Recent studies have indicated that there is also growing interest in NA films beyond bioengineering and medical applications in the fields of nano‐ and optoelectronics. We survey the self‐assembly of solid‐state materials composed of NA complexed with lipids, surfactants, or polymers, and summarize investigations of nanoscopic assembly, structure, optical, and macroscopic material properties. We further evaluate the current and future applications of NA–lipid and NA–polymer films and the benefits and drawbacks of each type. WIREs Nanomed Nanobiotechnol 2011 3 479–500 DOI: 10.1002/wnan.148

This article is categorized under:

Therapeutic Approaches and Drug Discovery > Emerging Technologies

Implantable Materials and Surgical Technologies > Nanomaterials and Implants

Nanotechnology Approaches to Biology > Nanoscale Systems in Biology
Media Coverage of Direct‐to‐Consumer Genetic Testing
Authors: Lynch John , Parrott Ashley , Hopkin Robert J. , Myers Melanie
Published: June 2011

Media coverage of Direct‐to‐Consumer (DTC) genetic testing shapes public perception of such testing. The purpose of this study was to determine and assess the themes presented by U.S. news media regarding DTC genetic testing. We performed a Lexis‐Nexis search with the keywords “Direct‐to‐Consumer” and “genetic test” for news stories published from 2006–2009. The sample was coded on themes of genetic determinism, privacy, discrimination, validity, regulation, the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (GINA), utility, and cost. Ninety‐two news stories were included. Stories displayed moderate genetic determinism and were neutral about validity and utility. Stories indicated that insurance and employers were the most likely sources of discrimination, yet identified the physicians and DTC companies as groups most likely to violate privacy. Stories claimed lack of regulation would harm consumers, but most post‐GINA stories did not discuss the law. The costs of tests were frequently included. The results of this study show a broad range of views toward DTC genetic testing and its potential impacts. The genetics community should be aware that the public has been exposed to multiple views of DTC genetic testing when discussing these tests.
Trade‐off between immune response and body mass in wintering house sparrows (Passer domesticus)
Authors: Moreno‐Rueda Gregorio
Published: June 2011

Immunity is necessary in order to fight parasites and pathogens, but immune protection also incurs a cost for the hosts. Therefore, immunity should be traded against other fitness‐related traits. Body mass, as a function of body reserves, is important in birds of temperate zones during winter. Sedentary temperate birds usually increase body mass just before winter to survive a period with low food availability and thermoregulatory requirements. Given that immunity is costly and affects body mass, a trade‐off is predicted between body mass and immunity in wintering birds. Such a trade‐off was tested experimentally by stimulating the immune system of a group of wintering house sparrows (Passer domesticus) from a Spanish population in an outdoor aviary with a lipopolysaccharide while another group served as control. The activation of the immune system negatively affected body mass, despite the relatively mild temperatures of the study zone. Such a trade‐off between body mass and immunity was found in other similar studies during breeding, but not during moult, suggesting that the trade‐off between immunity and body mass may vary seasonally.
Effect of Inorganic Additives on a Conventional Anionic–Nonionic Mixed Surfactants System in Aqueous Solution
Authors: Khimani Mehul , Vora Sambhav
Published: June 2011

The interaction between an anionic surfactant (sodium dodecyl sulfate) and a nonionic surfactant [polyoxyethylene (9.5) octyl phenyl ether] in aqueous salt solution was investigated using the surface tension method. The critical micelle concentration values were determined for the individual surfactants and their corresponding mixtures. The interaction parameter between the surfactants in the mixed micelles, the activity and activity coefficients in the mixed micelles, and the thermodynamic parameters were calculated using various approaches, viz., Clint, Rubingh, and Maeda models. It was observed that the critical micelle concentration of the mixed surfactants system reveals little deviation from ideality.
Effects of Degumming and Bleaching on 3‐MCPD Esters Formation During Physical Refining
Authors: Ramli Muhamad Roddy , Siew Wai Lin , Ibrahim Nuzul Amri , Hussein Rabeaah , Kuntom Ainie , Abd. Razak Raznim Arni , Nesaretnam Kalanithi
Published: June 2011

Crude palm oil (CPO) was physically refined in a 200‐kg batch pilot refining plant. A study of the possible role of degumming and bleaching steps in the refining process for a possible critical role in the formation of 3‐chloropropane‐1,2‐diol (3‐MCPD) esters was evaluated. For the degumming step, different percentages of phosphoric acid (0.02–0.1%) as well as water degumming (2.0%) were carried out. Six different types of bleaching clays, mainly natural and acid activated clays were used for bleaching process at a fixed dose of 1.0%. Deodorization of the bleached oils was performed at 260 °C for 90 min. Analyses showed that 3‐MCPD esters were not detected in the CPO. Phosphoric acid degumming (0.1%) in combination with acid activated clays produced the highest levels (3.89 ppm) of 3‐MCPD esters in the refined (RBD) oil. The esters were at the lowest levels (0.25 ppm) when the oil was water degummed and bleached with natural bleaching clays. However, the refined oil qualities were slightly compromised. Good correlation of 0.9759 and 0.9351 was obtained when concentration of the esters was plotted against acidity of the bleaching earths for the respective acid and water degumming processes. The findings revealed the contribution of acidic conditions on the higher formation of 3‐MCPD esters. In order to lower the esters formation, it is important to reduce acid dosage based on the crude oil qualities or to find alternatives to acid degumming process. Neutralization of the acidity prior to deodorization was effective in reducing the formation of 3‐MCPD esters.
The relationship between self‐reported severe pain and measures of socio‐economic disadvantage
Authors: Morgan Christopher Ll. , Conway Pete , Currie Craig J.
Published: June 2011

Aims: To determine the association of severe pain with socioeconomic characteristics.

Methods: Data was extracted from the Health Survey for England (HSE), 2005. The HSE is a series of annual cross‐sectional surveys designed to describe the health of people living in private homes in England, from a random sample of 720 postcode sectors. Interviewees were ≥16 years. Pain severity was characterised by the EQ‐5D. Socioeconomic status was classified by ability to work, social security benefits, the National Statistics Socio‐economic Classification (NS‐SEC) and the Index of Multiple Deprivation (IMD).

Results: Pain status was recorded for 9419 subjects of whom 431 (4.6%) reported severe pain. 156 of those reporting severe pain were of working age. Of these 68 (43.6%) stated they were unable to work due to sickness or disability and 64 (41.0%) claimed a state benefit. After adjusting for disease and demographic variables, severe pain was associated with the IMD with an odds ratio of 1.65 (95% CI 1.16–2.34, p = 0.005), NS‐SEC (OR = 2.94; 95% CI 1.76–4.91) and equivalised household income (lowest versus highest quintile; OR = 2.58 (95% CI 1.46–4.57, p = 0.001).

Conclusions: This study demonstrated significant associations between pain and socio‐economic disadvantage. Apart from the direct impact upon the individual, this clearly has wider societal implications in terms of additional health and social care costs for affected people.