bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Partial support for ZNF804A genotype‐dependent alterations in prefrontal connectivity
Authors: Paulus Frieder M. , Krach Sören , Bedenbender Johannes , Pyka Martin , Sommer Jens , Krug Axel , Knake Susanne , Nöthen Markus M. , Witt Stephanie H. , Rietschel Marcella , Kircher Tilo , Jansen Andreas
Published: October 2011

Genome‐wide association studies identified the single nucleotide polymorphism rs1344706 in ZNF804A as a common risk‐variant for schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Whereas the molecular function of ZNF804A is yet unclear, recent imaging genetics studies have started to characterize the neural systems architecture linking rs1344706 genotype to psychosis. Carring rs1344706 risk‐alleles was associated with a decrease in functional connectivity within the dorsolateral prefrontal cortices (DLPFCs) as well as an increase in connectivity between the DLPFC and the hippocampal formation (HF) in the context of a working memory task. The present study aimed at replicating these findings in an independent sample of 94 healthy subjects. Subjects were genotyped for rs1344706 and performed a working memory task during functional magnetic resonance imaging. Results indicate no support for a decrease of functional coupling between the bilateral DLPFCs at higher ZNF804A risk status. However, the current data show the previously described alteration in functional coupling between the right DLPFC and the HFs, albeit with weaker effects. Decoupled by default, the functional connectivity between the right DLPFC and anterior HFs increased with the number of rs1344706 risk alleles. The present data support fronto‐hippocampal dysconnectivity as intermediate phenotype linking rs1344706 genotype to psychosis. We discuss the issues in replicating the interhemispheric DLPFC coupling in light of the effect sizes rs1344706 genotype has on brain function, concluding that further independent replication studies are fundamentally needed to ascertain the role of rs1344706 in the functional integration of neural systems. Hum Brain Mapp, 2013. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The relationship between level of processing and hippocampal–cortical functional connectivity during episodic memory formation in humans
Authors: Schott Björn H. , Wüstenberg Torsten , Wimber Maria , Fenker Daniela B. , Zierhut Kathrin C. , Seidenbecher Constanze I. , Heinze Hans‐Jochen , Walter Henrik , Düzel Emrah , Richardson‐Klavehn Alan
Published: October 2011

New episodic memory traces represent a record of the ongoing neocortical processing engaged during memory formation (encoding). Thus, during encoding, deep (semantic) processing typically establishes more distinctive and retrievable memory traces than does shallow (perceptual) processing, as assessed by later episodic memory tests. By contrast, the hippocampus appears to play a processing‐independent role in encoding, because hippocampal lesions impair encoding regardless of level of processing. Here, we clarified the neural relationship between processing and encoding by examining hippocampal–cortical connectivity during deep and shallow encoding. Participants studied words during functional magnetic resonance imaging and freely recalled these words after distraction. Deep study processing led to better recall than shallow study processing. For both levels of processing, successful encoding elicited activations of bilateral hippocampus and left prefrontal cortex, and increased functional connectivity between left hippocampus and bilateral medial prefrontal, cingulate and extrastriate cortices. Successful encoding during deep processing was additionally associated with increased functional connectivity between left hippocampus and bilateral ventrolateral prefrontal cortex and right temporoparietal junction. In the shallow encoding condition, on the other hand, pronounced functional connectivity increases were observed between the right hippocampus and the frontoparietal attention network activated during shallow study processing. Our results further specify how the hippocampus coordinates recording of ongoing neocortical activity into long‐term memory, and begin to provide a neural explanation for the typical advantage of deep over shallow study processing for later episodic memory. Hum Brain Mapp, 2013. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Transcallosal sensorimotor fiber tract structure‐function relationships
Authors: Fling Brett W. , Benson Bryan L. , Seidler Rachael D.
Published: October 2011

Recent studies have demonstrated neuroanatomically selective relationships among white matter tract microstructure, physiological function, and task performance. Such findings suggest that the microstructure of transcallosal motor fibers may reflect the capacity for interhemispheric inhibition between the primary motor cortices, although full characterization of the transcallosal inhibitory sensorimotor network is lacking. Thus, the goal of this study was to provide a comprehensive description of transcallosal fibers connecting homologous sensorimotor cortical regions and to identify the relationship(s) between fiber tract microstructure and interhemispheric inhibition during voluntary cortical activity. To this end, we assessed microstructure of fiber tracts connecting homologous sensorimotor regions of the cortex with diffusion tensor imaging. We also assessed interhemispheric inhibition by eliciting the ipsilateral silent period (iSP) within the same participants. We mapped mutually exclusive transcallosal connections between homologous sensorimotor regions and computed quantitative metrics of each fiber tract. Paralleling work in non‐human primates, we found the densest interhemispheric sensorimotor connections to be between the medial motor areas. Additionally, we provide a midsagittal callosal atlas in normalized Montreal Neurological Institute (MNI) space for future studies to use when investigating callosal fiber tracts connecting primary and secondary sensorimotor cortices. Finally, we report a strong, positive relationship (r = 0.76) between strength of interhemispheric inhibition (iSP) and microstructure of interhemispheric fibers that is specific to tracts connecting the primary motor cortices. Thus, increased fiber microstructure in young adults predicts interhemispheric inhibitory capacity. Hum Brain Mapp, 2013. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Impact of acute stress on human brain microstructure: An MR diffusion study of earthquake survivors
Authors: Chen Long , Lui Su , Wu Qi‐Zhu , Zhang Wei , Zhou Dong , Chen Hua‐Fu , Huang Xiao‐Qi , Kuang Wei‐Hong , Chan Raymond C. , Mechelli Andrea , Gong Qi‐Yong
Published: October 2011

A characterization of the impact of natural disasters on the brain of survivors is critical for a better understanding of posttraumatic responses and may inform the development of more effective early interventions. Here we report alterations in white matter microstructure in survivors soon after Wenchuan earthquake in China in 2008. Within 25 days after the Wenchuan earthquake, 44 healthy survivors were recruited and scanned on a 3T MR imaging system. The survivors were divided into two groups according to their self‐rating anxiety scale (SAS) score, including the SAS(+) (SAS > 55 after correction) group and “SAS(−)” (SAS < 55 after correction) group. Thrity‐two healthy volunteers were also recruited as control group before earthquake. Individual maps of fractional anisotropy (FA) were calculated and voxel‐based analysis (VBA) was performed to allow the comparison between survivors and controls using ANCOVAs in SPM2. In addition, a correlation between SAS score and regional FA value was examined using Pearson's correlation analysis in SPSS 11.5. Compared with the healthy cohort, the whole group of 44 survivors showed significantly decreased FA values in the right prefrontal lobe, the parietal lobe, the basal ganglia, and the right parahippocampus. These effects did not appear to depend on self‐rating anxiety. For the first time we provide evidence that acute trauma altered cerebral microstructure within the limbic system; furthermore, these alterations are evident shortly after the traumatic event, highlighting the need for early evaluation and intervention for trauma survivors. Hum Brain Mapp, 2013. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Synthesis and dynamic 1H NMR study around the carbon–carbon double bond in the new stable phosphorus ylides derived from the reaction between hexamethyl phosphorous triamide and dimethyl acetylenedicarboxylate in the presence of NH‐heterocyclic compounds
Authors: Ziyaadini Morteza , Maghsoodlou Malek Taher , Hazeri Nourollah , Habibi‐Khorassani Sayyed Mostafa
Published: October 2011

New and stable phosphorous ylides are obtained from a simple and efficient one‐pot three‐component reaction between hexamethyl phosphorous triamide and dimethyl acetylenedicarboxylate in the presence of NH‐heterocyclic compounds in excellent yields at an ambient temperature. These stable ylides exist in solution as a mixture of two geometrical isomers as a result of the restricted rotation around the carbon–carbon partial double bond resulting from the conjugation of the ylide moiety with the adjacent carbonyl group. Dynamic effects are observed in the 1H NMR spectra that are attributed to the restricted rotation around the carbon–carbon double bond. The experimental rotational energy barrier (Δ G#) and other activation parameters on the basis of the 1H NMR study for the rotational interchangeable process of major and minor isomers in ylides 4a–d are reported. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Heteroatom Chem 23:131–137, 2012; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/hc.20761
Hyoid osteoradionecrosis associated with carotid rupture: Report of 2 cases
Authors: Chard Rachel , Monroe Marcus M. , Andersen Peter E.
Published: October 2011

Background

Osteoradionecrosis (ORN) of the hyoid bone is a rare but reported complication of head and neck irradiation. Here we describe 2 cases in which carotid rupture was associated with hyoid ORN.

Methods

This study was conducted through a retrospective chart review and case reports of 2 patients.

Results

Both patients had a history of radiation therapy for head and neck cancer; 1 patient had undergone previous surgical resection. Both patients had a history of painful swelling in the neck preceding presentation with hemorrhage. Acute hemorrhage was controlled in all patients using a combination of techniques including embolization, stent grafting, and vessel ligation.

Conclusion

ORN of the hyoid can be associated with life‐threatening carotid rupture. In patients with a history of head and neck irradiation who present with painful swelling in the region of the hyoid, this entity should be considered. Early intervention may prevent subsequent rupture of the carotid artery and hemorrhage. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2013
Simultaneous left maxillary and right mandibular reconstructions with a split osteomyocutaneous peroneal artery–based combined flap
Authors: Nguyen Dung H. , Wu Chih‐Wei , Huang Jung‐Ju , Chang Chun‐Shin , Cheng Ming‐Huei
Published: October 2011

Background

Traditionally, reconstruction of concurrent maxillary and mandibular defects on opposite sides of the facial skeleton often requires use of 2 free osseocutaneous flaps. A new technique of using a differentially split osteomyocutaneous peroneal artery–based combined (OPAC) flap for 1‐stage reconstruction of left maxillary and right mandibular defects is presented.

Methods

An OPAC flap with 1 skin paddle and a cuff of soleus muscle was harvested. The fibula was split; the distal osseous flap was used for right mandibular reconstruction, and the proximal OPAC flap composing of proximal fibula, skin paddle, and soleus muscle was used for the maxillary reconstruction. Bilateral facial vessels were used as recipient vessels.

Results

No complications were encountered. The patient showed good functional and cosmetic outcomes at 1‐year follow‐up.

Conclusion

The split OPAC flap allows for simultaneous reconstruction of bony defects that are spatially far apart without the need for a second free flap. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2013
Highly selective A1‐adenosine‐agonist (2‐chloro‐N6‐cyclopentyladenosine) and reduction of flap necrosis in adipocutaneous flaps in rats
Authors: Dacho Andreas K. , Lyutenski Stefan , Aust Gabriela , Dietz Andreas
Published: October 2011

Background

The 2‐chloro‐N6‐cyclopentyladenosine (CCPA) was proven to be a protective factor in ischemic reperfusion injury in myocardium and to reduce the infarct size in the heart. The purpose of this study was to determine whether flap necrosis could be reduced by intravenous administration of CCPA.

Methods

Fifty‐six male Wistar rats were divided into 4 experimental groups. An epigastric adipocutaneous flap was raised, and the area of flap necrosis was assessed for all groups on the fifth postoperative day with planimetry software.

Results

The control group had a significantly lower rate of flap necrosis than the ischemic control group (p < .05). The nonischemic CCPA group had a significantly lower rate of flap necrosis than the nonischemic control group (p < .05). The ischemic CCPA group had a highly significant (p < .0001) rate of lower flap necrosis than the ischemic control group.

Conclusion

Our data show that reduction of flap necrosis can be achieved both with and without ischemic periods by intravenous administration of CCPA. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2011
Participative Approach to Strategy Communication: A Case of Small‐ and Medium‐Sized Metal Enterprises with a Review after Seven Years
Authors: Rajala Hanna‐Kaisa , Väyrynen Seppo
Published: October 2011

This article considers design science issues raised by research on a participative approach to strategy communication (PASC) in small‐ and medium‐sized enterprises in the metal industry to create new visions for the future. It discusses the views of applying participative narrative methods in prescriptively driven research for supporting participation and communication. The article concludes by offering an outline of a framework for an innovative approach to method‐assisted research for a PASC. The target year for the focus group (FG) review was arranged to be 2010 because that particular year was set to be the most opportune and interesting after seven years of the first study. A case study showed that narrative scenarios and storytelling are suitable in a PASC to make a strategy illustrative and plausible as well as to construct a mental model of it. The FG review showed, however, that the anticipated development has not occurred in all matters. A new concept, a “mental model of the future company,'' is tentatively proposed as a tool for a PASC. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Radiolabeled iodohypericin as tumor necrosis avid tracer: diagnostic and therapeutic potential
Authors: Van de Putte Marie , Marysael Thierry , Fonge Humphrey , Roskams Tania , Cona Marlein Miranda , Li Junjie , Bormans Guy , Verbruggen Alfons , Ni Yicheng , de Witte Peter A.M.
Published: October 2011

It is estimated that 30–80% of solid tumor mass represents necrotic tissue that consists out of a significant number of dead and dying cells. The fact that these necrotic zones are restricted to dysplastic and malignant tissue and are rarely present in normal tissue makes necrosis an interesting target both for cancer diagnosis and therapy. In this study, the avidity of hypericin, [123I]iodohypericin and [131I]iodohypericin to tumor necrosis was explored for both diagnosis and therapy of experimental malignancies. The intratumoral distribution in RIF‐1 tumors was investigated by means of fluorescence microscopy (hypericin) and autoradiography ([123I]iodohypericin). Results show high uptake of the tracers in necrosis at 24 hr, lasting for up to 72 hr p.i. Ratios of activity of [123I]iodohypericin in necrotic tissue over viable tumor reached up to 19.63 ± 4.66, correlating with 9.20% ID/g in necrosis. Nude mice bearing RIF‐1 tumors that received three injections of 300 μCi over a 3‐week treatment period showed stabilization in tumor growth for 5 days, as measured by caliper and micro‐positron emission tomography using [18F]fluorodeoxyglucose. Based on these results, we suggest the potentials of radiolabeled hypericin (1) in diagnostic aspects including prognosis or staging assessment of bulky necrotic cancers, monitoring of treatments and therapeutic follow‐up; and (2) in cancer treatment based on tumor necrosis. In conclusion, we showed that hypericin radiolabeled with iodine is a necrosis avid tracer that can be used both as a tumor diagnostic and therapeutic.
Epithelial–mesenchymal transition in breast cancer lines is mediated through PDGF‐D released by tissue‐resident stem cells
Authors: Devarajan Eswaran , Song Yao‐Hua , Krishnappa Srinivasalu , Alt Eckhard
Published: October 2011

Epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) generates tumor cells with stem cell properties. The aim of our study was to investigate the effects of adipose tissue‐derived stem cells (ASCs) on EMT of cancer cells and to further investigate the mechanisms involved. We demonstrate that conditioned medium from ASCs induces breast cancer cells (4T1) to express mesenchymal markers such as fibronectin, alpha smooth muscle actin and vimentin. Flow cytometry analyses show that ASC‐conditioned medium promotes the expansion of CD44high/CD24low cancer stem cells. Soft agar assays using T47D, BT474 and MCF‐7 breast cancer cells reveals that ASC conditioned medium promotes the anchorage‐independent growth of cancer cells. These effects were inhibited by a neutralizing antibody against platelet‐derived growth factor‐D (PDGF‐D). Furthermore, PDGF‐D treated breast cancer cells grow faster in a mouse model, and this effect could be neutralized by a PDGF antibody. In conclusion, our data show that tissue‐resident stem cells interact with the cancer microenvironment via PDGF‐D, induce EMT in the cancer cells in a paracrine fashion, thereby increasing the number of cancer stem cells and increase tumor growth in a PDGF dependent manner. Our findings shed new light on mechanisms where local tissue‐resident stem cells are able to promote the growth of breast cancer cells. Possibly this could open up a novel selective therapeutic strategy targeting EMT pathways and the specific communication between tissue‐resident normal stem cell and cancer stem cells, assuming that the blockage of PDGF‐D pathways is critical for tumor growth but would not affect normal tissue homeostasis.
High‐resolution analysis of alterations in medullary thyroid carcinoma genomes
Authors: Flicker Karin , Ulz Peter , Höger Harald , Zeitlhofer Petra , Haas Oskar A. , Behmel Annemarie , Buchinger Wolfgang , Scheuba Christian , Niederle Bruno , Pfragner Roswitha , Speicher Michael R.
Published: October 2011

Hereditary and sporadic medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) are closely associated with RET proto‐oncogene mutations. However, the role of additional changes in the tumor genomes remains unclear. Our objective was the identification of chromosomal regions involved in MTC tumorigenesis and to assess their significance by using MTC‐derived cell lines. We used array‐CGH (comparative genomic hybridization) to map chromosomal imbalances in 52 primary tumors and ten metastases. Eleven tumors (11/52, 21%) were hereditary and 41 (41/52, 79%) were sporadic. Among the latter, 15 tumors (15/41, 37%) harbored RET mutations. Furthermore, we characterized five MTC cell lines in detail and evaluated the tumorigenicity by severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID)‐mouse experiments. Most MTCs had only few copy number changes, and losses of chromosomes 1p, 4q, 19p and 22q were observed most frequently. The number of chromosomal aberrations increased in metastases. Twenty‐three percent (12/52) of the primary tumors did not even show any chromosomal gains and losses. We injected three cell lines (two of these were without chromosomal changes and pathogenic RET mutations) into immune deficient SCID mice, and in each case, we observed rapid tumor growth at the injection sites. Our data suggest that MTCs—in contrast to most other tumor entities—do not acquire a multitude of genomic imbalances. SCID mouse experiments performed with chromosomally normal cell lines and without RET mutations suggest that presently unknown submicroscopic genomic changes are sufficient in MTC tumorigenesis.
Polyvinylidene fluoride for proliferation and preservation of bovine corneal endothelial cells by enhancing type IV collagen production and deposition
Authors: Wang Tsung‐Jen , Wang I‐Jong , Chen Yi‐Hsin , Lu Jui‐Nan , Young Tai‐Horng
Published: October 2011

In this study, biomaterials with different hydrophobic properties including polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), poly(ethylene‐co‐vinyl alcohol) (EVAL), tissue culture polystyrene (TCPS), and polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) were examined in the bovine corneal endothelial cells (BCECs) culture system to elucidate their possible impact on clinical demand and scientific interest. It was found that BCECs were inhibited to attach onto the PVA surface. Conversely, relatively more hydrophobic biomaterials EVAL, TCPS, and PVDF successfully initiate BCEC adhesion. Compared to EVAL, cultured BCECs on TCPS and PVDF exhibited higher viability. Furthermore, fibroblastic transformation on EVAL and TCPS was observed at day 17, but BCECs maintained typical hexagonal shape on the PVDF surface at day 21. This phenomenon can be rescued by previously coating type IV collagen on TCPS but not on EVAL. In addition, when BCECs were cultured on PVDF, the expressions of gap junction connexin‐43, differentiation marker N‐cadherin, and tight junction ZO‐1 were well‐developed, resembling the physiological phenotypes. After examining the type IV collagen expression by Western blot analysis and protein absorption test, a possible explanation for the better proliferation and preservation of BCECs on the PVDF substrate is that PVDF is a bioactive substratum which enables BCECs to synthesize and reserve more extracellular matrix type IV collagen, paving an important way to provide a more preferential environment for BCEC cultures. Accordingly, promoting CEC growth effects after cell‐biomaterial association may be applied to the tissue engineering of corneal endothelium. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A, 2012.
Adjunct therapeutic plasma exchange for anti‐N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate receptor antibody encephalitis: A case report and review of literature
Authors: Kamran Mirza M. , Pogoriler Jennifer , Paral Kristen , Ananthanarayanan Vijayalakshmi , Mandal Saptarshi , Mazin Abdul , Baron Beverly , Richa Elie
Published: October 2011

Encephalitis associated with autoantibodies directed against the N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate receptor (NMDAR) is usually a paraneoplastic syndrome that presents in young females with ovarian teratomas. We report a case of a previously healthy 14‐year‐old girl with sudden‐onset paranoia, hallucinations, hyperactivity, increased speech, decreased sleep, seizures, and violent behavior deteriorating to catatonia. Her cerebrospinal fluid tested positive for anti‐NMDAR antibodies. She was treated with five sessions of therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) after having failed therapy with antibiotics, intravenous steroids, intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG), one dose of rituximab, and seven sessions of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). The American Society for Apheresis assigns a Category III (Grade 2C) recommendation for TPE in paraneoplastic neurologic syndromes; however, apheresis specifically for anti‐NMDAR encephalitis has not been well studied. Literature review revealed two case reports describing outstanding improvement in patients with anti‐NMDAR encephalitis following TPE. We report no improvement in our patient's symptoms after plasma exchange and discuss possible reasons for why it failed along with review of the literature. J. Clin. Apheresis, 2011. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Impact of heart failure on hip fracture outcomes: A population‐based study
Authors: Cullen Michael W. , Gullerud Rachel E. , Larson Dirk R. , Melton L. Joseph , Huddleston Jeanne M.
Published: October 2011

BACKGROUND:

Hip fracture and heart failure are becoming more prevalent conditions in hospitalized patients. Despite differences in postoperative outcomes from other intermediate risk procedures, guidelines classify hip fracture repair as an intermediate risk operation.

OBJECTIVE:

This population‐based study sought to examine the prevalence and incidence of heart failure in hip fracture patients.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PATIENTS:

We conducted a population‐based historical cohort study of 1116 Olmsted County, MN residents undergoing 1212 hip surgeries from 1988 through 2002. Data were obtained through medical record review. Heart failure was defined by Framingham criteria.

RESULTS:

The prevalence of preoperative heart failure in our study population was 27% (327 of 1212 cases). Those with preoperative heart failure demonstrated longer lengths of stay, were more often discharged to a skilled facility, and had higher inpatient mortality rates. Rates of postoperative heart failure were 6.7% at seven days and 21.3% at one year. Postoperative heart failure was more common among those with preoperative heart failure (HR 3.0), and those with preoperative heart failure demonstrated higher postoperative mortality rates. Men had a higher risk of postoperative mortality compared to women. Overall survival was lowest among those with both preoperative and postoperative heart failure.

CONCLUSIONS:

Heart failure represents a common and serious perioperative condition in hip fracture patients. Hip fracture patients with and without heart failure carry higher postoperative risk than guidelines may suggest. Future work must focus on the perioperative management of hip fracture patients with and without heart failure to mitigate postoperative morbidity. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2011; © 2011 Society of Hospital Medicine.
Calcium signaling in response to fluid flow by chondrocytes in 3D alginate culture
Authors: Degala Satish , Williams Rebecca , Zipfel Warren , Bonassar Lawrence J.
Published: October 2011

Quantifying the effects of mechanical loading on the metabolic response of chondrocytes is difficult due to complicated structure of cartilage ECM and the coupled nature of the mechanical stimuli presented to the cells. In this study we describe the effects of fluid flow, particularly hydrostatic pressure and wall shear stress, on the Ca2+ signaling response of bovine articular chondrocytes in 3D culture. Using well‐established alginate hydrogel system to maintain spherical chondrocyte morphology, we altered solid volume fraction to change scaffold mechanics. Fluid velocities in the bulk of the scaffolds were directly measured via an optical technique and scaffold permeability and aggregate modulus was characterized to quantify the mechanical stimuli presented to cells. Ca2+ signaling response to direct perfusion of chondrocyte‐seeded scaffolds increased monotonically with flow rate and was found more directly dependent on fluid velocity rather than shear stress or hydrostatic pressure. Chondrocytes in alginate scaffolds responded to fluid flow at velocities and shear stresses 2–3 orders of magnitude lower than seen in previous monolayer studies. Our data suggest that flow‐induced Ca2+ signaling response of chondrocytes in alginate culture may be due to mechanical signaling pathways, which is influenced by the 3D nature of cell shape. © 2011 Orthopaedic Research Society Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 30:793–799, 2012
Geochemistry of Quaternary sediments of the Jeongokri archaeological site, Korea: implications for provenance and palaeoenvironments during the Late Pleistocene
Authors: Kim Jin Cheul , Lee Yong Il , Lim Hyoun Soo , Yi Seonbok
Published: October 2011

The geochemical characteristics of an approximately 6‐m‐long sediment core collected from the Jeongokri archaeological site (Hantan River, Korea) were examined to determine the provenance of the sediments and to reconstruct the palaeoenvironment of the study area during the Late Pleistocene (200–127 ka). The core sediments were subdivided into two parts based on grain size: an upper (0–380 cm depth) and lower part (>380 cm depth). The lower part was deposited primarily by fluvial processes during an interglacial period [marine isotope stage (MIS) 7] with warm and humid conditions. Conversely, the upper part was mainly deposited by aeolian processes during a cold and dry glacial period (MIS 6). Geochemical characteristics, represented by major, trace and rare earth element (REE) compositions, and textures of the Jeongokri core sediments show distinct differences between the upper and lower parts. The mineralogy and major, trace and REE compositions indicate that the influence of felsic source rocks (e.g. granite) was dominant in the lower sediments, which were derived from the Hantan River. In contrast, increased quartz content and the very fine and homogeneous grain size in the upper sediments indicate an aeolian origin. REE ratios and distribution patterns, and geochemical signatures indicate that these sediments were derived predominantly from Chinese loess deposits and partially from local sediments from the Korean Peninsula; the possible source area of the upper sediments is the northern part of the Yellow Sea basin. The Yellow Sea basin, having mixed geochemical signatures between Chinese loess and Korean‐derived sediments, was exposed because of low sea levels during MIS 6. The exposed Yellow Sea basin was located in the path of winter‐monsoon winds, which may have carried a great deal of airborne sediments from the basin to the Jeongokri area. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Metabolic profiling of β‐cryptoxanthin and its fatty acid esters by supercritical fluid chromatography coupled with triple quadrupole mass spectrometry
Authors: Wada Yusuke , Matsubara Atsuki , Uchikata Takato , Iwasaki Yugo , Morimoto Satoshi , Kan Katsuta , Okura Tetsuya , Fukusaki Eiichiro , Bamba Takeshi
Published: October 2011

In this study, a high‐throughput and high‐sensitivity profiling system for β‐cryptoxanthin (βCX) and β‐cryptoxanthin fatty acid ester (βCXFA) was constructed by supercritical fluid chromatography (SFC) coupled with triple quadrupole mass spectrometry (QqQMS). βCX and nine βCXFAs were successfully separated within 20 min using a column packed with octadecylsilyl‐bonded silica particles. The limit of detection was 540 fmol for the free form and 32–130 fmol for the esterified forms. These results demonstrate that both the throughput and the sensitivity of this SFC‐QqQMS system are considerably higher than those of conventional methods. When this system was applied for the analysis of Citrus unshiu, βCX and five βCXFAs were directly detected with much simpler sample pre‐preparation. The analysis of other citrus fruits indicated that the βCXFA profiles varied with their breed variety. Furthermore, gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry was used to analyze total fatty acid profiles in C. unshiu, and the results revealed that the profiles of fatty acids located in βCXFA were distinct. This is the first report on the analysis of βCX and its fatty acid derivatives by SFC‐QqQMS. The profiling system developed in this study will be a powerful tool for investigating xanthophyll fatty acid esters.
The comparison of two column classification systems during the chromatographic analysis of steroids
Authors: Plenis Alina , Balakowska Edyta , Bączek Tomasz
Published: October 2011

Nowadays, due to the availability of hundreds of brands of reversed‐phase liquid chromatographic columns, the selection of suitable columns can be difficult. Therefore, a good characterization and classification system is very important. Among published papers, the classification system based on quantitative structure–retention relationships and a method developed at the Katholieke Universiteit Leuven also exist. In quantitative structure–retention relationships, retention is evaluated in terms of the chemical structure of the analytes and the physicochemical properties of both the stationary and mobile phase. The second system allows to rank columns due to the values of four parameters and the calculation of specific FKUL‐values for a reference column and to be compared with others. In this paper, the classification systems based both on quantitative structure–retention relationships and the FKUL‐values using principal components analysis were compared. Moreover, the proposed column ranking systems have been checked in clinical practice case considering liquid chromatography determination of six steroid hormones in urine samples. Despite that the matching of both methods is not exactly the same, both classification systems provide simple, reliable and comparable results.
Influence of Swelling on the Shear Mechanical Properties of Monodomain Side‐Chain Liquid‐Crystal Elastomers: Gaussian Versus Non‐Gaussian Elasticity
Authors: Rogez Daniel , Brömmel Felicitas , Finkelmann Heino , Martinoty Philippe
Published: October 2011

The shear mechanical properties of nematic side‐chain liquid‐crystal elastomers swollen with a nematic solvent are studied. The results show that the elasticity of the network is Gaussian for elastomers oriented before crosslinking and non‐Gaussian for the usual twice‐crosslinked elastomers oriented by stretching the network formed after the first crosslinking step. For systems oriented before crosslinking, a crossover between Gaussian and non‐ Gaussian behavior is observed at a particular weight concentration of solvent. In contrast to the current belief, the neoclassical model based on Gaussian rubber elasticity cannot provide a correct description of the twice‐crosslinked systems.
An approximative approach for construction of the Glauber dynamics in continuum
Authors: Finkelshtein Dmitri , Kondratiev Yuri , Kutoviy Oleksandr , Zhizhina Elena
Published: October 2011

We develop a new approach for the construction of the Glauber dynamics in continuum. Existence of the corresponding strongly continuous contraction semigroup in a proper Banach space is shown. Additionally we present the finite‐ and infinite‐volume approximations of the semigroup by families of bounded linear operators.
Catechols in caffeic acid phenethyl ester are essential for inhibition of TNF‐mediated IP‐10 expression through NF‐κB‐dependent but HO‐1‐ and p38‐independent mechanisms in mouse intestinal epithelial cells
Authors: Mapesa Job O. , Waldschmitt Nadine , Schmoeller Ingrid , Blume Carolin , Hofmann Thomas , Mahungu Symon , Clavel Thomas , Haller Dirk
Published: October 2011

Scope: Caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE) is an active constituent of honeybee propolis inhibiting nuclear factor (NF)‐κB. The aims of our study were to provide new data on the functional relevance and mechanisms underlying the role of CAPE in regulating inflammatory processes at the epithelial interface in the gut and to determine the structure/activity relationship of CAPE.

Methods and results: CAPE significantly inhibited TNF‐induced IP‐10 expression in intestinal epithelial cells. Using various analogues, we demonstrated that substitution of catechol hydroxyl groups and addition of one extra hydroxyl group on ring B reversed the functional activity of CAPE to inhibit IP‐10 production. The anti‐inflammatory potential of CAPE was confirmed in ileal tissue explants and embryonic fibroblasts derived from TNFΔARE/+ mice. Interestingly, CAPE inhibited both TNF‐ and LPS‐induced IP‐10 production in a dose‐dependent manner, independently of p38 MAPK, HO‐1 and Nrf2 signaling pathways. We found that CAPE did not inhibit TNF‐induced IκB phosphorylation/degradation or nuclear translocation of RelA/p65, but targeted downstream signaling events at the level of transcription factor recruitment to the gene promoter.

Conclusion: This study reveals the structure–activity effects and anti‐inflammatory potential of CAPE in the intestinal epithelium.
The vehicle routing problem with time windows and temporal dependencies
Authors: Dohn Anders , Rasmussen Matias Sevel , Larsen Jesper
Published: October 2011

In this article, we formulate the vehicle routing problem with time windows and temporal dependencies. The problem is an extension of the well studied vehicle routing problem with time windows. In addition to the usual constraints, a scheduled time of one visit may restrain the scheduling options of other visits. Special cases of temporal dependencies are synchronization and precedence constraints. Two compact formulations of the problem are introduced and the Dantzig–Wolfe decompositions of these formulations are presented to allow for a column generation‐based solution approach. Temporal dependencies are modeled by generalized precedence constraints. Four different master problem formulations are proposed and it is shown that the formulations can be ranked according to the tightness with which they describe the solution space. A tailored time window branching is used to enforce feasibility on the relaxed master problems. Finally, a computational study is performed to quantitatively reveal strengths and weaknesses of the proposed formulations. It is concluded that, depending on the problem at hand, the best performance is achieved either by relaxing the generalized precedence constraints in the master problem, or by using a time‐indexed model, where generalized precedence constraints are added as cuts when they become severely violated. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. NETWORKS, Vol. 58(4), 273–289 2011
Improved exact method for the double TSP with multiple stacks
Authors: Lusby Richard M. , Larsen Jesper
Published: October 2011

The Double TSP with Multiple Stacks is a logistics problem where one must, using a container, transport a given number of orders from a set of pickup customers to a set of delivery customers at minimum cost. Each order corresponds to the movement of one pallet, all pickups must be completed before the first delivery, and the container cannot be repacked once packed. In this paper we improve the previously proposed exact method of Lusby et al. (Int Trans Oper Res 17 (2010), 637–652) through an additional preprocessing technique that uses the longest common subsequence between the respective pickup and delivery problems. The results suggest an impressive improvement, and we report, for the first time, optimal solutions to several unsolved instances from the literature containing 18 customers. Instances with 28 customers are also shown to be solvable within a few percent of optimality. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. NETWORKS, Vol. 58(4), 290–300 2011
Worldwide first fully up‐scaled fabrication of 60 × 100 cm2 dye solar module prototypes
Authors: Hinsch Andreas , Veurman Welmoed , Brandt Henning , Loayza Aguirre Ramiro , Bialecka Katarzyna , Flarup Jensen Katrine
Published: October 2011

Large‐scale (6000 cm2) dye solar cell modules were developed using a meander and integrated series connection design in combination with a glass frit‐sealing technique. The manufacturing process, as developed at Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems (ISE) for glass frit‐sealed dye solar cell modules, is based entirely on screen printing and does not require the interconnection of sub‐modules. With the same technique and appropriate quality control, a good reproducibility on smaller‐scaled modules (10 × 10 cm²) is already achieved and a solar efficiency of 7.1% on the active area has been reached, resulting in 5.3% efficiency on total aperture area. The scope of the recent work is to prove that the manufacturing concept is up‐scalable to attractive areas for the building‐integrated photovoltaic market. For the size of 60 × 100 cm² to be reached, it was necessary to transfer each process step into an industrial environment. Additionally, a half‐automated station for coloring and electrolyte filling made out of standard parts was constructed, which forms the basis for the final processing steps. Additional functions (processes and quality control) to ensure the long‐term stability are integrated into the station. First operating module prototypes have been manufactured with this equipment. Different processing steps and the electrical characterization of these first 60 × 100 cm2 prototypes are presented along with an overview of the advantages of this module concept in terms of cost effective up‐scaling and transfer to industrial production. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synthesis and thermal crosslinking of carbosiloxane and oligo(oxyethylene) polymers
Authors: Delgado Paula A. , Matloka Piotr , Zuluaga Fabio , Wagener Kenneth B.
Published: October 2011

Acyclic diene metathesis (ADMET) polymerization has been used in the synthesis of telechelic materials using alkoxy‐functionalized carbosiloxane or oligo(oxyethylene)‐based polymers, varying from internal to terminal cured materials or the combination of them. Previous investigations demonstrated that introduction of chain‐end crosslinking improves the stress–strain behavior of such materials. A series of saturated and unsaturated carbosiloxane and oligo(oxyethylene)‐based polymers were synthesized by ADMET polymerization using silacyclobutane as chain‐end, thermally induced crosslinker. The carbosiloxane derivatives presented pure amorphous behavior, whereas the oligo(oxyethylene) polymers were semicrystalline. The thermal curing process was monitored by differential scanning calorimetry via the exotherm between 160 and 210 °C. Mechanical properties on thermoset polymers were measured, where cured polymers showed moduli from 0.6 to 9.3 MPa, tensile strengths from 0.3 to 1.0 MPa, and elongations from 12 to 76%. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2011
PDB‐scale analysis of known and putative ligand‐binding sites with structural sketches
Authors: Ito Jun‐Ichi , Tabei Yasuo , Shimizu Kana , Tomii Kentaro , Tsuda Koji
Published: October 2011

Computational investigation of protein functions is one of the most urgent and demanding tasks in the field of structural bioinformatics. Exhaustive pairwise comparison of known and putative ligand‐binding sites, across protein families and folds, is essential in elucidating the biological functions and evolutionary relationships of proteins. Given the vast amounts of data available now, existing 3D structural comparison methods are not adequate due to their computation time complexity. In this article, we propose a new bit string representation of binding sites called structural sketches, which is obtained by random projections of triplet descriptors. It allows us to use ultra‐fast all‐pair similarity search methods for strings with strictly controlled error rates. Exhaustive comparison of 1.2 million known and putative binding sites finished in ∼30 h on a single core to yield 88 million similar binding site pairs. Careful investigation of 3.5 million pairs verified by TM‐align revealed several notable analogous sites across distinct protein families or folds. In particular, we succeeded in finding highly plausible functions of several pockets via strong structural analogies. These results indicate that our method is a promising tool for functional annotation of binding sites derived from structural genomics projects. Proteins 2011. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Novel high‐affinity binders of human interferon gamma derived from albumin‐binding domain of protein G
Authors: Ahmad Jawid N. , Li Jingjing , Biedermannová Lada , Kuchař Milan , Šípová Hana , Semerádtová Alena , Černý Jiří , Petroková Hana , Mikulecký Pavel , Polínek Jiří , Staněk Ondřej , Vondrášek Jiří , Homola Jiří , Malý Jan , Osička Radim , Šebo Peter , Malý Petr
Published: October 2011

Recombinant ligands derived from small protein scaffolds show promise as robust research and diagnostic reagents and next generation protein therapeutics. Here, we derived high‐affinity binders of human interferon gamma (hIFNγ) from the three helix bundle scaffold of the albumin‐binding domain (ABD) of protein G from Streptococcus G148. Computational interaction energy mapping, solvent accessibility assessment, and in silico alanine scanning identified 11 residues from the albumin‐binding surface of ABD as suitable for randomization. A corresponding combinatorial ABD scaffold library was synthesized and screened for hIFNγ binders using in vitro ribosome display selection, to yield recombinant ligands that exhibited Kd values for hIFNγ from 0.2 to 10 nM. Molecular modeling, computational docking onto hIFNγ, and in vitro competition for hIFNγ binding revealed that four of the best ABD‐derived ligands shared a common binding surface on hIFNγ, which differed from the site of human IFNγ receptor 1 binding. Thus, these hIFNγ ligands provide a proof of concept for design of novel recombinant binding proteins derived from the ABD scaffold. Proteins 2011. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Structural studies of a signal peptide in complex with signal peptidase I cytoplasmic domain: The stabilizing effect of membrane‐mimetics on the acquired fold
Authors: De Bona Paolo , Deshmukh Lalit , Gorbatyuk Vitaliy , Vinogradova Olga , Kendall Debra A.
Published: October 2011

A protein destined for export from the cell cytoplasm is synthesized as a preprotein with an amino‐terminal signal peptide. In Escherichia coli, typically signal peptides that guide preproteins into the SecYEG protein conduction channel are subsequently removed by signal peptidase I. To understand the mechanism of this critical step, we have assessed the conformation of the signal peptide when bound to signal peptidase by solution nuclear magnetic resonance. We employed a soluble form of signal peptidase, which laks the two transmembrane domains (SPase I Δ2‐75), and the E. coli alkaline phosphatase signal peptide. Using a transferred NOE approach, we found clear evidence of a weak peptide‐enzyme complex formation. The peptide adopts a U‐turn shape originating from the proline residues within the primary sequence that is stabilized by its interaction with the peptidase and leaves key residues of the cleavage region exposed for proteolysis. In dodecylphosphocholine (DPC) micelles the signal peptide also adopts a U‐turn shape comparable with that observed in association with the enzyme. In both environments this conformation is stabilized by the signal peptide phenylalanine side chain‐interaction with enzyme or lipid mimetic. Moreover, in the presence of DPC, the N‐terminal core region residues of the peptide adopt a helical motif and based on PRE (paramagnetic relaxation enhancement) experiments are shown to be buried within the membrane. Taken together, this is consistent with proteolysis of the preprotein occurring while the signal peptide remains in the bilayer and the enzyme active site functioning at the membrane surface. Proteins 2011. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Case‐to‐case variability of predictability of deep convection in a mesoscale model
Authors: Done J. M. , Craig G. C. , Gray S. L. , Clark P. A.
Published: October 2011

Successful quantitative precipitation forecasts under convectively unstable conditions depend on the ability of the model to capture the location, timing and intensity of convection. Ensemble forecasts of two mesoscale convective outbreaks over the UK are examined with a view to understanding the nature and extent of their predictability. In addition to a control forecast, twelve ensemble members are run for each case with the same boundary conditions but with perturbations added to the boundary layer. The intention is to introduce perturbations of appropriate magnitude and scale so that the large‐scale behaviour of the simulations is not changed. In one case, convection is in statistical equilibrium with the large‐scale flow. This places a constraint on the total precipitation, but the location and intensity of individual storms varied. In contrast, the other case was characterised by a large‐scale capping inversion. As a result, the location of individual storms was fixed, but their intensities and the total precipitation varied strongly. The ensemble shows case‐to‐case variability in the nature of predictability of convection in a mesoscale model, and provides additional useful information for quantitative precipitation forecasting. Copyright © 2011 Royal Meteorological Society and British Crown Copyright, the Met Office