bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Incremental Predictive Value of Red Cell Distribution Width for 12‐Month Clinical Outcome After Acute Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Lee Jang Hoon , Yang Dong Heon , Jang Se Yong , Choi Won Suk , Kim Kyun Hee , Lee Won Kee , Bae Myung Hwan , Park Hun Sik , Cho Yongkeun , Chae Shung Chull
Published: April 2013

Background

The incremental predictive value of red cell distribution width (RDW) for major adverse cardiac events (MACEs) has not been fully investigated in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI).

Hypothesis

The aim of this study was to determine the incremental value of RDW to the established risk factors in predicting clinical outcomes after AMI.

Methods

Between November 2005 and January 2010, 1596 patients with AMI (1070 male; mean age, 64.5 ± 11.9 years) were analyzed in this study. Baseline levels of RDW were measured at the time of admission. The 12‐month MACEs were defined as death and nonfatal MI.

Results

The RDW levels were significantly higher in patients with 12‐month MACEs (13.8 ± 1.3% vs 13.3 ± 1.2%, P < 0.001). In a Cox proportional hazards model, RDW (hazard ratio [HR]: 1.19, P = 0.016) was an independent predictor for 12‐month MACEs. Adding RDW to established risk factors and hemoglobin levels significantly improved prediction for 12‐month MACEs, as shown by the net reclassification improvement (0.297; P = 0.012) and integrated discrimination improvement (0.0143; P = 0.042). The likelihood ratio test showed that RDW added incremental predictive value to the combination of hemoglobin and established risk factors (P = 0.005). Patients were categorized into 4 groups according to quartiles of RDW at baseline. Adjusted HRs for 12‐month MACEs were 1 (RDW ≤12.6%, reference), 4.24 (RDW 12.7%–13.1%, P = 0.01), 4.36 (RDW 13.2%–13.9%, P = 0.008), and 6.18 (RDW 13.2%–13.9%, P = 0.001), respectively.

Conclusions

In post‐myocardial infarction patients, baseline RDW levels at admission could provide incremental predictive value to established risk factors for predicting 12‐month MACEs.
Small‐Molecule Regulators of Autophagy and Their Potential Therapeutic Applications
Authors: Zhou Mi , Wang Renxiao
Published: April 2013

Autophagy is a highly conserved process in which damaged proteins and organelles are sequestered in double‐membrane autophagosomes and delivered to lysosomes for degradation and recycling. As an efficient response to cellular stress, autophagy is essential for the maintenance of cellular homeostasis. Defective autophagy is associated with a variety of diseases, including cancer. This article summarizes current knowledge about the molecular mechanism of autophagy and its role in tumorigenesis. Particular focus is placed on the development of small‐molecule regulators of autophagy and their potential application as anticancer therapeutic agents.
Markov Chain Approximations to Nonsymmetric Diffusions with Bounded Coefficients
Authors: Deuschel Jean‐Dominique , Kumagai Takashi
Published: April 2013

We consider a certain class of nonsymmetric Markov chains and obtain heat kernel bounds and parabolic Harnack inequalities. Using the heat kernel estimates, we establish a sufficient condition for the family of Markov chains to converge to nonsymmetric diffusions. As an application, we approximate nonsymmetric diffusions in divergence form with bounded coefficients by nonsymmetric Markov chains. This extends the results by Stroock and Zheng to the nonsymmetric divergence forms. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
On an Isoperimetric Problem with a Competing Nonlocal Term I: The Planar Case
Authors: Knüpfer Hans , Muratov Cyrill B.
Published: April 2013

This paper is concerned with a study of the classical isoperimetric problem modified by an addition of a nonlocal repulsive term. We characterize existence, nonexistence, and radial symmetry of the minimizers as a function of mass in the situation where the nonlocal term is generated by a kernel given by an inverse power of the distance. We prove that minimizers of this problem exist for sufficiently small masses and are given by disks with prescribed mass below a certain threshold when the interfacial term in the energy is dominant. At the same time, we prove that minimizers fail to exist for sufficiently large masses due to the tendency of the low‐energy configuration to split into smaller pieces when the nonlocal term in the energy is dominant. In the latter regime, we also establish linear scaling of energy with mass, suggesting that for large masses low‐energy configurations consist of many roughly equal‐size pieces far apart. In the case of slowly decaying kernels, we give a complete characterization of the minimizers. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Provably secure certificate‐based key‐insulated signature scheme
Authors: Li Jiguo , Du Haiting , Zhang Yichen , Li Tao , Zhang Yuexin
Published: April 2013

Certificate‐based signature computation is often performed on insecure devices where the signature key is easy to be exposed. To reduce the influence of key exposure, we introduce key‐insulated mechanism into certificate‐based cryptography and formalize the notion and security model of the certificate‐based key‐insulated signature scheme. We then present a certificate‐based key‐insulated signature scheme, which is proven to be existentially unforgeable against adaptive chosen message attacks in the random oracle model. The proposed scheme has potential applications in trusted computing. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Enhanced Li Adsorption and Diffusion in Single‐Walled Silicon Nanotubes: An ab Initio Study
Authors: Kulish Vadym V. , Ng Man‐Fai , Malyi Oleksandr I. , Wu Ping , Chen Zhong
Published: April 2013

We report a first‐principles investigation of Li adsorption and diffusion in single‐walled Si nanotubes (SWSiNTs) of interest to Li‐ion battery anodes. We calculate Li insertion characteristics in SWSiNTs and compare them with the respective ones in carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and other silicon nanostructures. From our calculations, SWSiNTs show higher reactivity toward the adsorption of Li adatoms than CNTs and Si nanoclusters. Considering the importance of Li kinetics, we demonstrate that the interior of SWSiNTs may serve as a fast Li diffusion channel. The important advantage of SWSiNTs over their carbon analogues is a sevenfold reduction in the energy barrier for the penetration of the Li atoms into the nanotube interior through the sidewalls. This prepossesses easier Li diffusion inside the tube and subsequent utilization of the interior sites, which enhances Li storage capacity of the system. The improvements in both Li uptake and Li mobility over their analogues support the great potential of SWSiNTs as Li‐ion battery anodes.
Optimization of a Membraneless Glucose/Oxygen Enzymatic Fuel Cell Based on a Bioanode with High Coulombic Efficiency and Current Density
Authors: Shao Minling , Zafar Muhammad Nadeem , Falk Magnus , Ludwig Roland , Sygmund Christoph , Peterbauer Clemens K. , Guschin Dmitrii A. , MacAodha Domhnall , Ó Conghaile Peter , Leech Dónal , Toscano Miguel D. , Shleev Sergey , Schuhmann Wolfgang , Gorton Lo
Published: April 2013

After initial testing and optimization of anode biocatalysts, a membraneless glucose/oxygen enzymatic biofuel cell possessing high coulombic efficiency and power output was fabricated and characterized. Two sugar oxidizing enzymes, namely, pyranose dehydrogenase from Agaricus meleagris (AmPDH) and flavodehydrogenase domains of various cellobiose dehydrogenases (DHCDH) were tested during the pre‐screening. The enzymes were mixed, “wired” and entrapped in a low‐potential Os‐complex‐modified redox‐polymer hydrogel immobilized on graphite. This anode was used in combination with a cathode based on bilirubin oxidase from Myrothecium verrucaria adsorbed on graphite. Optimization showed that the current density for the mixed enzyme electrode could be further improved by using a genetically engineered variant of the non‐glycosylated flavodehydrogenase domain of cellobiose dehydrogenase from Corynascus thermophilus expressed in E. coli (ngDHCtCDHC310Y) with a high glucose‐turnover rate in combination with an Os‐complex‐modified redox polymer with a high concentration of Os complexes as well as a low‐density graphite electrode. The optimized biofuel cell with the AmPDH/ngDHCtCDHC310Y anode showed not only a similar maximum voltage as with the biofuel cell based only on the ngDHCtCDHC310Y anode (0.55 V) but also a substantially improved maximum power output (20 μW cm−2) at 300 mV cell voltage in air‐saturated physiological buffer. Most importantly, the estimated half‐life of the mixed biofuel cell can reach up to 12 h, which is apparently longer than that of a biofuel cell in which the bioanode is based on only one single enzyme.
Printable Magnetoelectronics
Authors: Makarov Denys , Karnaushenko Daniil , Schmidt Oliver G.
Published: April 2013

The field of printable electronics is well developed. A large variety of electronic components assembled as printable optoelectronic devices and communication modules are already available. However, the element responding to a magnetic field, which is highly demanded for the concept of printable electronics has only been realized very recently. A printable magnetic sensing device has been one of the remaining missing building blocks crucial to realize the concept of entirely printable electronics. Here, we position the novel topic of printable magnetic sensorics in a family of printable electronics and highlight possible application directions of this technology.
Oriented orthorhombic Lead Oxide film grown by vapour phase deposition for X‐ray detector applications
Authors: Benassi G. , Zambelli N. , Villani M. , Calestani D. , Pavesi M. , Zappettini A. , Zanotti L. , Paorici C.
Published: April 2013

Several materials are under investigations for flat panel x‐ray detector applications. Among them, PbO shows interesting properties, i.e. high sensitivity, large stopping power and high resistivity at room temperature. However, the exploitation of PbO is limited by the difficulty to obtain good quality films constituted by a single phase. In this paper, we describe a new approach for the vapour phase growth of orthorhombic PbO films. The grown layers show a single phase, good crystallinity, and preferential orientation along the c axis. Optical characterization evidenced the presence of a broad defect band. Gold contacted films showed very high electrical resistivity and appreciable response to X‐ray radiation.
One‐Pot Conversion of Sugar and Sugar Polyols to n‐Alkanes without CC Dissociation over the Ir‐ReOx/SiO2 Catalyst Combined with H‐ZSM‐5
Authors: Chen Kaiyou , Tamura Masazumi , Yuan Zhenle , Nakagawa Yoshinao , Tomishige Keiichi
Published: April 2013

Invited for this month′s cover is the group of Keiichi Tomishige at Tohoku University, Sendai (Japan). The image shows how OH groups of biomass‐derived compounds such as sugar polyols are selectively cut off by hydrogenolysis over an Ir‐ReOx/SiO2 catalyst, similar to how the skin of a pineapple can be cut off by using a knife. Read the full text of the article at 10.1002/cssc.201200940
CHIC—an automated approach for the detection of dynamic variations in complex microbial communities
Authors: Koch Christin , Fetzer Ingo , Harms Hauke , Müller Susann
Published: April 2013

Altering environmental conditions change structures of microbial communities. These effects have an impact on the single‐cell level and can be sensitively detected using community flow cytometry. However, although highly accurate, microbial monitoring campaigns are still rarely performed applying this technique. One reason is the limited access to pattern analysis approaches for the evaluation of microbial cytometric data. In this article, a new analyzing tool, Cytometric Histogram Image Comparison (CHIC), is presented, which realizes trend interpretation of variations in microbial community structures (i) without any previous definition of gates, by working (ii) person independent, and (iii) with low computational demand. Various factors influencing a sensitive determination of changes in community structures were tested. The sensitivity of this technique was found to discriminate down to 0.5% internal variation. The final protocol was exemplarily applied to a complex microbial community dataset, and correlations to experimental variation were successfully shown. © 2013 International Society for Advancement of Cytometry
High‐precision characterization of individual E. coli cell morphology by scanning flow cytometry
Authors: Konokhova Anastasiya I. , Gelash Andrey A. , Yurkin Maxim A. , Chernyshev Andrey V. , Maltsev Valeri P.
Published: April 2013

We demonstrate a flow‐cytometric method to measure length and diameter of single Escherichia coli cells with sub‐diffraction precision. The method is based on the original scanning flow cytometer that measures angle‐resolved light‐scattering patterns (LSPs) of individual particles. We modeled the shape of E. coli cells as a cylinder capped with hemispheres of the same radius, and simulated light scattering by the models using the discrete dipole approximation. We computed a database of the LSPs of individual bacteria in a wide range of model parameters and used it to solve the inverse light‐scattering problem by the nearest‐neighbor interpolation. The solution allows us to determine length and diameter of each individual bacterium, including uncertainties of these estimates. The developed method was tested on two strains of E. coli. The resulting precision of bacteria length and diameter measurements varied from 50 nm to 250 nm and from 5 nm to 25 nm, respectively. The measured distributions of samples over length and diameter were in good agreement with measurements performed by optical microscopy and literature data. The described approach can be applied for rapid morphological characterization of any rod‐shaped bacteria. © 2013 International Society for Advancement of Cytometry
Sparse least mean fourth algorithm for adaptive channel estimation in low signal‐to‐noise ratio region
Authors: Gui Guan , Adachi Fumiyuki
Published: April 2013

Both least mean square (LMS) and least mean fourth (LMF) are popular adaptive algorithms with application to adaptive channel estimation. Because the wireless channel vector is often sparse, sparse LMS‐based approaches have been proposed with different sparse penalties, for example, zero‐attracting LMS and Lp‐norm LMS. However, these proposed methods lead to suboptimal solutions in low signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) region, and the suboptimal solutions are caused by LMS‐based algorithms that are sensitive to the scaling of input signal and strong noise. Comparatively, LMF can achieve better solution in low SNR region. However, LMF cannot exploit the sparse information because the algorithm depends only on its adaptive updating error but neglects the inherent sparse channel structure. In this paper, we propose several sparse LMF algorithms with different sparse penalties to achieve better solution in low SNR region and take the advantage of channel sparsity at the same time. The contribution of this paper is briefly summarized as follows: (1) construct the cost functions of the LMF algorithm with different sparse penalties; (2) derive their lower bounds; and (3) provide experiment results to show the performance advantage of the propose method in low SNR region. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Monotopic modifications derived from in vitro glycation of albumin with ribose
Authors: Pataridis Statis , Štastná Zdeňka , Sedláková Pavla , Mikšík Ivan
Published: April 2013

Post‐translational modifications are significant reactions that occur to proteins. One of these modifications is a non‐enzymatic reaction between the oxo‐group(s) of sugars and amino‐group(s) of protein – glycation. This reaction plays an important role in the chronic complications of diabetes mellitus, or in the aging process of organisms, that is, it has an important role in the pathophysiology and “normal” physiology of animals. In the work presented here, we studied the glycation of albumins (HSA and BSA). Methodologically, we used nano‐LC coupled to a QTOF mass spectrometer. In vitro‐modified proteins were cleaved by trypsin and the arising peptides were separated on a C18 nano column with a trap‐column. Peptides and their modifications were analysed with a high‐resolution QTOF mass spectrometer with a mass determination precision of better than 5 ppm. Non‐enzymatic in vitro reaction products between albumin and ribose were identified. Besides well‐known carboxymethyl lysine, new modifications were determined – creating mass shifts of 78 and 218. The origin of the first modification is discussed and its possible structure is presented. In addition, a mass shift of 132 belonging to a Schiff base was also identified. The location of all the modifications within the structure of the proteins was determined and their reactivity to various oxo‐compounds was also examined.
A consistent on‐line Bayesian procedure for detecting change points
Authors: Moreno Elías , Javier Girón F. , García–Ferrer Antonio
Published: April 2013

Bayesian inference on the change points in a given sample is a statistical model selection problem that presents two main difficulties. The first one is the selection of a reasonable prior distribution over the set of models, the number of which depends exponentially on the sample size, and the second is the high computational burden involved even when Markov chain Monte Carlo methods are used.

We consider normal linear sampling models for describing the data between consecutive change points, the hierarchical uniform prior over the set of models, intrinsic priors over their model parameters, and to discuss an on‐line Bayesian procedure that alleviates the computational burden for moderate or large sample sizes. Under wide conditions, this procedure is shown to be consistent. Illustrations on simulated and real data sets are given, including the analysis of the change points in the annual mean temperature in central England for the years 1659 to 2011. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
DERIVING TIME DISCOUNTING CORRECTION FACTORS FOR TTO TARIFFS
Authors: Attema Arthur E. , Brouwer Werner B.F.
Published: April 2013

The Time Trade‐off (TTO) method is a popular method for valuing health state utilities and is frequently used in economic evaluations. However, this method produces utilities that are distorted by several biases. One important bias entails the failure to incorporate time discounting. This paper aims to measure time discounting for health outcomes in a sample representative for the general population. In particular, we estimate TTO scores alongside time discounting in order to derive a set of correction factors that can be employed to correct raw TTO scores for the downward bias caused by time discounting. We find substantial positive correction factors, which are increasing with the severity of the health state. Furthermore, higher discounting is found when using more severe health states in the discounting elicitation task. More research is needed to further develop discount rate elicitation procedures and test their validity, especially in general public samples. Moreover, future research should investigate the correction of TTO values for other biases as well, such as loss aversion, and to develop a criterion to test the external validity of TTO scores. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Interferon-lambda polymorphisms and hepatitis C virus clearance revisited
Authors: Lupberger Joachim , Felmlee Daniel J. , Baumert Thomas F.
Published: April 2013

Abstract

Chronic infection with hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a common cause of liver cirrhosis and cancer. We performed RNA sequencing in primary human hepatocytes activated with synthetic double-stranded RNA to mimic HCV infection. Upstream of IFNL3 (IL28B) on chromosome 19q13.13, we discovered a new transiently induced region that harbors a dinucleotide variant ss469415590 (TT or δG), which is in high linkage disequilibrium with rs12979860, a genetic marker strongly associated with HCV clearance. ss469415590[δG] is a frameshift variant that creates a novel gene, designated IFNL4, encoding the interferon-λ4 protein (IFNL4), which is moderately similar to IFNL3. Compared to rs12979860, ss469415590 is more strongly associated with HCV clearance in individuals of African ancestry, although it provides comparable information in Europeans and Asians. Transient overexpression of IFNL4 in a hepatoma cell line induced STAT1 and STAT2 phosphorylation and the expression of interferon-stimulated genes. Our findings provide new insights into the genetic regulation of HCV clearance and its clinical management.
Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy and associated hepatobiliary disease: A population-based cohort study
Authors: Marschall Hanns-Ulrich , Wikström Shemer Elisabeth , Ludvigsson Jonas F. , Stephansson Olof
Published: April 2013

Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP) is the most common liver disease in pregnancy. We aimed to estimate the risk of developing hepatobiliary disease in women with ICP and the odds of developing ICP in women with prevalent hepatobiliary disease. We analyzed data of women with births between 1973 and 2009 and registered in the Swedish Medical Birth Register. By linkage with the Swedish Patient Register, we identified 11,388 women with ICP who were matched to 113,893 women without this diagnosis. Diagnoses of preexisting or later hepatobiliary disease were obtained from the Patient Register. Main outcome measures were hazard ratios (HRs) for later hepatobiliary disease in women with ICP and odds ratios (ORs) for developing ICP in preexisting hepatobiliary disease. Risk estimates were calculated through Cox and logistic regression analyses. Women with ICP were more often diagnosed with later hepatobiliary disease (HR 2.62; 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.47-2.77; increment at 1% per year), hepatitis C or chronic hepatitis (HR 4.16; 3.14-5.51 and 5.96; 3.43-10.33, respectively), fibrosis/cirrhosis (HR 5.11; 3.29-7.96), gallstone disease or cholangitis (HR 2.72; 2.55-2.91, and 4.22; 3.13-5.69, respectively) as compared to women without ICP (

P

< 0.001 for all HRs). Later ICP was more common in women with prepregnancy hepatitis C (OR 5.76; 1.30-25.44;

P

= 0.021), chronic hepatitis (OR 8.66; 1.05-71.48;

P

= 0.045), and gallstone disease (OR 3.29; 2.02-5.36;

P

< 0.0001).

Conclusion

: Women with ICP have substantially increased risk for later hepatobiliary disease. Beyond gallstone-related morbidity we found a strong positive association between ICP and hepatitis C both before and after ICP diagnosis. Thus, we advocate testing for hepatitis C in women with ICP, in particular, since this potentially life-threatening infection can be treated successfully in the majority of patients. (Hepatology 2013;58:1385–1391)
Increased T Helper Type 17 Response To Pathogen Stimulation in Patients With Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis
Authors: Katt Janosch , Schwinge Dorothee , Schoknecht Tanja , Quaas Alexander , Sobottka Ingo , Burandt Eike , Becker Christoph , Neurath Markus F. , Lohse Ansgar W. , Herkel Johannes , Schramm Christoph
Published: April 2013

T helper (Th)17 cells are important for host defense against bacteria and fungi, but are also involved in the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases. In primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC), bile fluid is frequently colonized with pathogens and its strong association with inflammatory bowel disease suggests the contribution of pathogen responses to disease pathogenesis. Interleukin (IL)-17A, the signature cytokine of Th17 cells, was recently described to promote inflammation and fibrosis within the liver. Therefore, we investigated Th17 immune response to pathogens in patients with PSC. Bile fluid was obtained by endoscopic retrograde cholangiography, and bacterial and fungal species grew in the majority of samples. In addition, bacterial RNA was stained in liver sections using 16sRNA fluorescence in situ hybridization and was detected in the portal tracts in 12 of 13 tested PSC patients. Bacteria grown from patients' bile fluid were then used to stimulate peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and to assess their Th17 response. Compared to healthy controls or primary biliary cirrhosis patients, PBMCs from PSC patients manifested significantly higher frequencies of Th17 and Th1/Th17 cells after pathogen stimulation. The highest frequencies of Th17 cells were detected after stimulation with Candida albicans, a pathogen that has been linked to disease progression. Immunohistochemically, IL-17A-expressing lymphocytes were detected within the periductal areas of PSC patients. Th17 induction was also noted after stimulation of Toll-like receptor 5 or 7, but not of other pattern recognition receptors tested, pointing to signaling pathways potentially involved in Th17 induction in PSC. Conclusion: We demonstrate an increased Th17 response to microbial stimulation in patients with PSC. These data should prompt further studies investigating the link between pathogen responses, inflammation, and fibrosis in patients with PSC. (Hepatology 2013;53:1084–1093)
Beyond feedback control: the interactive use of performance management systems. Implications for process innovation in Italian healthcare organizations
Authors: Demartini Chiara , Mella Piero
Published: April 2013

This paper shows how the use of performance management systems affects managers' perception of satisfaction, the effectiveness of the control system and the performance related to process innovation. An exploratory empirical research has been conducted on 85 managers operating in Italian healthcare organizations. Empirical findings put forward that the interactive—as opposed to diagnostic—use of performance management systems enhances managerial satisfaction with the control system and managerial perception of effectiveness. The present study then showed that it is not the control itself that is an obstacle to innovation in organizations in general (and in health organizations in particular) but the diagnostic use of the control mechanisms, which impedes the interaction between the control personnel and those subject to the control. Finally, this paper addresses managerial implications and further research avenues. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Heat and mass transfer effects on MHD flow of a couple‐stress fluid in a horizontal wavy channel with viscous dissipation and porous medium
Authors: Muthuraj R. , Srinivas S. , Selvi R.K.
Published: April 2013

This paper looks at heat and mass transfer effects on an unsteady MHD flow of a couple‐stress fluid in a horizontal wavy porous space with travelling thermal waves in the presence of a heat source and viscous dissipation. Initially the temperatures of the walls are maintained at different constant temperatures. The analytical expressions for velocity, temperature, and concentration field are obtained by the regular perturbation technique. The results are presented graphically for various values of emerging dimensionless parameters of the problem and are discussed to show interesting aspects of the solution. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Heat Trans Asian Res; Published online in Wiley Online Library (wileyonlinelibrary.com/journal/htj). DOI 10.1002/htj.21040

PACS: 44.15.+a, 44.30.+f, 44.27.nd, 47.50.Cd
Conceptualizing Nonsuicidal Self‐Injury as a Process Addiction: Review of Research and Implications for Counselor Training and Practice
Authors: Buser Trevor J. , Buser Juleen K.
Published: April 2013

Nonsuicidal self‐injury (NSSI) may be characterized as a process addiction for some individuals who self‐injure. The authors review findings on the addictive features of NSSI, including compulsivity, loss of control, continued use despite negative consequences, and tolerance.
Assessing At‐Risk Youth Using the Reynolds Adolescent Adjustment Screening Inventory With a Latino Population
Authors: Balkin Richard S. , Cavazos Javier , Hernandez Arthur E. , Garcia Roberto , Dominguez Denise L. , Valarezo Alexandra
Published: April 2013

Factor analyses were conducted on scores from the Reynolds Adolescent Adjustment Screening Inventory (RAASI; Reynolds, 2001) representing at‐risk Latino youth. The 4‐factor model of the RAASI did not exhibit a good fit. However, evidence of generalizability for Latino youth was noted.
Family and Cultural Predictors of Depression Among Samoan American Middle and High School Students
Authors: Yeh Christine J. , Borrero Noah E. , Tito Patsy
Published: April 2013

This study investigated family intergenerational conflict and collective self‐esteem as predictors of depression in a sample of 128 Samoan middle and high school students. Simultaneous regression analyses revealed that each independent variable significantly contributed to an overall model that accounted for 13% of the variance in depression. Implications for counseling research and practice are discussed in terms of how schools may consider ways to promote these youth's cultural worth and positive family dynamics.

Este estudio investigó el conflicto familiar intergeneracional y la autoestima colectiva como predictores de depresión en una muestra de 128 estudiantes samoanos de enseñanza media y secundaria. Los análisis simultáneos de regresión revelaron que cada variable independiente contribuyó de forma significativa a un modelo general que explicó un 13% de la varianza en depresión. Se discuten las implicaciones para la investigación y práctica de la consejería, en términos de cómo las escuelas pueden considerar formas de promover el valor cultural de estos jóvenes y una dinámica familiar positiva.
Developing the Counselor as a Person and as a Professional: Attitudinal Changes in Core Counseling Courses
Authors: COLL KENNETH M. , DOUMAS DIANA M. , TROTTER ANN , FREEMAN BRENDA J.
Published: April 2013

This quantitative pilot study examined changes in counseling students’ professional attitudes in 3 master's‐level core courses. Results indicated significantly more change occurred during an ethics course than during the other courses. Changes occurred in attitudes consistent with humanistic philosophy, including self‐awareness, professional impairment and self‐care, healthy professional relationships, empathy, and multicultural awareness.
Burnout and Job Satisfaction Among Counselor Educators
Authors: SANGGANJANAVANICH VARUNEE FAII , BALKIN RICHARD S.
Published: April 2013

The relationship between burnout and job satisfaction among counselor educators was investigated. A total of 220 full‐time counselor educators participated in this quantitative research study. Emotional exhaustion seemed to be the most significant predictor of burnout among counselor educators. Implications for counselor education and future research are discussed.
Orienting Counseling Students Toward Multiculturalism: Exploring Privilege During a New Student Orientation
Authors: ESTRADA DIANE , POULSEN SHRUTI , CANNON EDWARD , WIGGINS MARSHA
Published: April 2013

New counseling students often have strong reactions to the concept of privilege and become anxious when expected to address issues of multiculturalism personally and professionally. In this article, the authors describe a new student orientation model that focuses on addressing privilege and offer steps toward embracing multiculturalism and social justice.
Degradation and antibacterial properties of magnesium alloys in artificial urine for potential resorbable ureteral stent applications
Authors: Lock Jaclyn Y. , Wyatt Eric , Upadhyayula Srigokul , Whall Andrew , Nuñez Vicente , Vullev Valentine I. , Liu Huinan
Published: April 2013

This article presents an investigation on the effectiveness of magnesium and its alloys as a novel class of antibacterial and biodegradable materials for ureteral stent applications. Magnesium is a lightweight and biodegradable metallic material with beneficial properties for use in medical devices. Ureteral stent is one such example of a medical device that is widely used to treat ureteral canal blockages clinically. The bacterial colony formation coupled with the encrustation on the stent surface from extended use often leads to clinical complications and contributes to the failure of indwelling medical devices. We demonstrated that magnesium alloys decreased Escherichia coli viability and reduced the colony forming units over a 3‐day incubation period in an artificial urine (AU) solution when compared with currently used commercial polyurethane stent. Moreover, the magnesium degradation resulted in alkaline pH and increased magnesium ion concentration in the AU solution. The antibacterial and degradation properties support the potential use of magnesium‐based materials for next‐generation ureteral stents. Further studies are needed for clinical translation of biodegradable metallic ureteral stents. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 102A: 781–792, 2014.
Synthesis of strong polycations with improved biological properties
Authors: Wytrwal Magdalena , Koczurkiewicz Paulina , Wójcik Kinga , Michalik Marta , Kozik Bartłomiej , Żylewski Marek , Nowakowska Maria , Kepczynski Mariusz
Published: April 2013

Poly(allylamine hydrochloride) (PAH) has found many applications both in biotechnology and biomedical fields. However, its high toxicity toward various mammalian cells significantly limits its effective usage. This study focuses on improving the biological properties of PAH by its modification to strong polyelectrolytes. The strong polycations were prepared by the direct quaternization of PAH amino groups or by the attachment of glycidyltrimethylammonium chloride to these groups. The biological properties, such as cytotoxicity toward human skin fibroblasts (HSFs), proliferation and migration of the cells on a polymeric surface, and antibacterial activities against two pathogenic bacteria, Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli, were determined. All the modified polyelectrolytes are considerably less toxic to HSFs as compared to PAH. Moreover, the directly quaternized polycations are stronger biocides against S. aureus than the parent polymer. Contrary to PAH, thin films of the modified polyelectrolytes improve or do not affect HSFs proliferation and can stimulate cell migration into the wound, as was demonstrated using an in vitro model. The relationship between the structure of the modified polymers (amount and localization of the quaternary ammonium groups) and the biological activity is discussed. Due to the improved biological properties, the obtained polycations may be potentially useful for a variety of biotechnological and biomedical applications. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 102A: 721–731, 2014.
In vitro characterization of macrophage interaction with mesenchymal stromal cell‐hyaluronan hydrogel constructs
Authors: King Suzanne N. , Hanson Summer E. , Chen Xia , Kim Jaehyup , Hematti Peiman , Thibeault Susan L.
Published: April 2013

Macrophages play a critical role in mediating not only normal tissue healing, but also the host reaction against biomaterial scaffolds. There is increasing interest in regenerative medicine to combine mesenchymal stromal/stem cells (MSCs) with biomaterial scaffolds to modulate inflammatory response while restoring tissue architecture. The objective of the current study was to investigate the interaction between MSCs (derived from bone marrow, adipose or vocal fold tissue) encapsulated in hyaluronan‐based hydrogel and differentiating macrophages as measured by extracellular matrix (ECM) gene expression and cytokine, chemokine, and growth factor concentrations. Gene expression was analyzed using real‐time polymerase chain reaction from MSCs embedded in Carbylan‐GSX after 7 days of coculture with or without CD14+ cells. Protein concentrations were measured using a Bio‐plex assay from cell culture supernatants on days 3 and 7 for all conditions. Following 7 days, we identified upregulation of collagen‐I, collagen‐III, procollagen, and matrix metalloproteinase‐9 genes compared to control conditions. We demonstrate increased concentrations of immunoregulatory cytokines [interleukin (IL)‐1β, tumor necrosis factor‐α, macrophage inflammatory protein‐1α, IFN‐γ, IL‐12, and IL‐10] and remodeling growth factors (vascular endothelial growth factor, hepatocyte growth factor) in MSC‐3D constructs cocultured with macrophages compared to control conditions, with some temporal variation. Our results indicate an alteration of expression of ECM proteins important to tissue regeneration and cytokines critical to the inflammatory cascade when 3D constructs were cultured with differentiating macrophages. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 102A: 890–902, 2014.
The TERE1 protein interacts with mitochondrial TBL2: Regulation of trans‐membrane potential, ROS/RNS and SXR target genes
Authors: Fredericks William J. , McGarvey Terry , Wang Huiyi , Zheng Yongmu , Fredericks Nathaniel J. , Yin Hankun , Wang Li‐Ping , Hsiao Wayland , Lee Rob , Weiss Jayne S. , Nickerson Michael L. , Kruth Howard S. , RauscherIII Frank J. , Malkowicz S. Bruce
Published: April 2013

We originally discovered TERE1 as a potential tumor suppressor protein based upon reduced expression in bladder and prostate cancer specimens and growth inhibition of tumor cell lines/xenografts upon ectopic expression. Analysis of TERE1 (aka UBIAD1) has shown it is a prenyltransferase enzyme in the natural bio‐synthetic pathways for both vitamin K‐2 and COQ10 production and exhibits multiple subcellular localizations including mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum, and golgi. Vitamin K‐2 is involved in mitochondrial electron transport, SXR nuclear hormone receptor signaling and redox cycling: together these functions may form the basis for tumor suppressor function. To gain further insight into mechanisms of growth suppression and enzymatic regulation of TERE1 we isolated TERE1 associated proteins and identified the WD40 repeat, mitochondrial protein TBL2. We examined whether disease specific mutations in TERE1 affected interactions with TBL2 and the role of each protein in altering mitochondrial function, ROS/RNS production and SXR target gene regulation. Biochemical binding assays demonstrated a direct, high affinity interaction between TERE1 and TBL2 proteins; TERE1 was localized to both mitochondrial and non‐mitochondrial membranes whereas TBL2 was predominantly mitochondrial; multiple independent single amino acid substitutions in TERE1 which cause a human hereditary corneal disease reduced binding to TBL2 strongly suggesting the relevance of this interaction. Ectopic TERE1 expression elevated mitochondrial trans‐membrane potential, oxidative stress, NO production, and activated SXR targets. A TERE1‐TBL2 complex likely functions in oxidative/nitrosative stress, lipid metabolism, and SXR signaling pathways in its role as a tumor suppressor. J. Cell. Biochem. 114: 2170–2187, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Insulin induces human acyl‐coenzyme A: cholesterol acyltransferase1 gene expression via MAP kinases and CCAAT/enhancer‐binding protein α
Authors: Ge Jing , Zhai Wei , Cheng Bei , He Ping , Qi Benling , Lu Han , Zeng Yongli , Chen Xin
Published: April 2013

Insulin resistance characterized by hyperinsulinemia is associated with increased risk of atherosclerosis. Acyl‐coenzyme A: cholesterol acyltransferase (ACAT) is an intracellular enzyme involved in cellular cholesterol homeostasis and in atherosclerotic foam cell formation. To investigate the relationship between hyperinsulinemia and atherosclerosis, we investigated whether insulin induced ACAT1 gene expression and found that insulin up‐regulated ACAT1 mRNA, protein and enzyme activity in human THP‐1 cells and THP‐1–derived macrophages. Moreover, luciferase assays revealed that insulin enhanced the ACAT1 gene P1 promoter activity but not the P7 promoter. To explore the molecular mechanisms involved, deletion analysis of the human ACAT1 P1 promoter revealed an insulin response element (IRE) upstream of the P1 promoter (from −603 to −580), EMSA experiments demonstrated that CCAAT/enhancer binding protein α(C/EBPα) bound to the P1 promoter IRE. Insulin‐induced ACAT1 upregulation was blocked by the presence of PD98059 (an inhibitor of extracellular signal‐regulated kinase, ERK) and SB203580 (an inhibitor of p38 mitogen‐activated protein kinase, p38MAPK) but not by Wortmannin (an inhibitor of phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase, PI3K) or U73122 (an inhibitor of phospholipase C‐γ, PLCγ). These studies demonstrate that insulin promotes ACAT1 gene expression at the transcriptional level. The molecular mechanism of insulin action is mediated via interaction of the functional IRE upstream of the ACAT1 P1 promoter with C/EBPα and is MAPK‐dependent. J. Cell. Biochem. 114: 2188–2198, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Relating Trp‐Glu dipeptide fluorescence to molecular conformation: The role of the discrete chi 1 and chi 2 angles
Authors: Eisenberg Azaria Solomon , Juszczak Laura J.
Published: April 2013

Molecular dynamics (MD), coupled with fluorescence data for charged dipeptides of tryptophanyl glutamic acid (Trp‐Glu), reveal a detailed picture of how specific conformation affects fluorescence. Fluorescence emission spectra and time‐resolved emission measurements have been collected for all four charged species. MD simulations 20 to 30 ns in length have also been carried out for the Trp‐Glu species, as simulation provides aqueous phase conformational data that can be correlated with the fluorescence data. The calculations show that each dipeptide species is characterized by a similar set of six, discrete Chi 1, Chi 2 dihedral angle pairs. The preferred Chi 1 angles—60°, 180°, and 300°—play the significant role in positioning the terminal amine relative to the indole ring. A Chi 1 angle of 60° results in the arching of the backbone over the indole ring and no interaction of the ring with the terminal amine. Chi 1 values of 180° and 300° result in an extension of the backbone away from the indole ring and a NH3 cation‐π interaction with indole. This interaction is believed responsible for charge transfer quenching. Two fluorescence lifetimes and their corresponding amplitudes correlate with the Chi 1 angle probability distribution for all four charged Trp‐Glu dipeptides. Fluorescence emission band maxima are also consistent with the proposed pattern of terminal amine cation quenching of fluorescence. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Response of E. faecalis biofilms to different associations of auxiliary substances during root canal preparation: A confocal laser microscopy analysis
Authors: Hohscheidt Gabriela Luisa , Böttcher Daiana Elisabeth , Fatturi Parolo Clarissa Cavalcanti , Montagner Francisco , Grecca Fabiana Soares
Published: April 2013

Objective: This in vitro study evaluated the effect of different endodontic auxiliary chemical substances over Enterococcus faecalis (Ef) biofilm through confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM). Methods: Forty‐five bovine incisors were infected with Ef for 21 days. Teeth were divided into five groups: group 1: 2.5% NaOCl + EDTA, group 2: 2% CHX gel + EDTA, group 3: 2% CHX liquid + EDTA, group 4: 2.5% NaOCl + 2% CHX gel + EDTA, group 5: 2.5% NaOCl + 2% CHX liquid + EDTA and a negative and a positive control group (NCG; PCG). The samples were stained with SYTO9 and propidium iodide and analyzed by CLSM. Bacterial viability was quantitatively analyzed by the proportions of dead and live bacteria in the biofilm remnants. Scores were standardized according to the total bacterial load (TBL)—1: ≤25%, 2: >25 ≤50%, 3: >50 ≤75%, 4: >75% and debris—1: absence of debris; 2: presence of debris. Statistical analysis was carried out through the Kruskal–Wallis and the Fischer exact tests (P = 0.05). Results: No statistical differences were observed to CFU, debris and bacterial viability. Conclusion: None of the tested substances could completely eliminate Ef from the root canal space. Microsc. Res. Tech. 76:658–662, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A two‐point dynamic model for the coupled evolution of channels and tidal flats
Authors: Mariotti G. , Fagherazzi S.
Published: April 2013

A dynamic model for the morphological evolution of channels and unvegetated tidal flats is proposed. Channels and tidal flats are schematized as two reservoirs that exchange sediment through the tidal dispersion mechanism, which stems from the presence of a tidal exchange flow and spatial gradients in sediment concentration. The reference concentration in each reservoir is determined by the shear stress associated to tidal currents and surface wind waves, which are a function of the geometry of the system. A simplified procedure to compute flow partition between channels and tidal flats is developed and compared to the numerical solution of the shallow water equations, showing good agreement. In the absence of wind waves, tidal flats reach a stable dynamic vertical equilibrium close to mean high water level, resembling a creek‐marsh morphology. For intermediate wind conditions, an additional stable dynamic vertical equilibrium, characterized by a channel flanked by tidal flats close to mean low water, arises. Such equilibrium stems from a sediment exchange dynamic balance between current‐dominated channels and wave‐dominated tidal flats, and it likely represents the morphological configuration of most tidal flats. Waves associated with intense winds suppress the channelization process. The model suggests that tidal flat elevation is primarily controlled by waves and can be decoupled from channels. Channel depth is also indirectly controlled by waves, through the influence of tidal flat elevation on channel hydrodynamics. Finally, the model predicts that variations in environmental parameters, such as sea level, storminess, and sediment availability, can induce catastrophic morphological shifts.
Synthesis of Bis Azole, Diazole, and Triazole Derivatives from N‐(4‐Chloro/Iodophenyl)‐N‐carboxyethyl‐β‐alanine Dihydrazides
Authors: Anusevicius Kazimieras , Vaickelioniene Rita , Mickevicius Vytautas , Mikulskiene Gema
Published: April 2013

A new potentially biologically active N‐(4‐chloro/iodophenyl)‐N‐carboxyethyl‐β‐alanine derivatives (2, 2a, 2b, 3, 3a, 3b, 4, 4a, 4b, 8, 8a, 8b, 9, 9a, 9b) and products of their cyclization 6, 6a, 6b, 7, 7a, 7b, 10, 10a, 10b, 11, 11a, 11b were obtained and characterized by the methods of 1H‐NMR, 13C‐NMR, IR, mass spectroscopy, and elemental analysis.
Green Synthesis of 1‐(1,2,4‐Triazol‐4‐yl)spiro[azetidine‐2,3′‐(3H)indole]‐2′,4′(1′H)‐diones as Potential Insecticidal Agents
Authors: Jain Renuka , Sharma Kanti , Kumar Deepak
Published: April 2013

One pot green synthesis of 1‐(1,2,4‐triazol‐4‐yl)spiro[azetidine‐2,3′‐(3H)‐indole]‐2′,4′(1′H)‐diones was carried out by the reaction of indole‐2,3‐diones,4‐amino‐4H‐1,2,4‐triazole and acetyl chloride/chloroacetyl chloride in ionic liquid [bmim]PF6 with/without using a catalyst. It was also prepared by conventional method via Schiff's bases, 3‐[4H‐1,2,4‐triazol‐4‐yl]imino‐indol‐2‐one. Further, the corresponding phenoxy derivatives were obtained by the reaction of chloro group attached to azetidine ring with phenols. The synthesized compounds were characterized by analytical and spectral (IR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR, and FAB mass) data. Evaluation for insecticidal activity against Periplaneta americana exhibited promising results.