bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Myoclonus in Creutzfeldt‐Jakob disease: Polygraphic and video‐electroencephalography assessment of 109 patients
Authors: Binelli Simona , Agazzi Pamela , Canafoglia Laura , Scaioli Vidmer , Panzica Ferruccio , Visani Elisa , Di Fede Giuseppe , Giaccone Giorgio , Bizzi Alberto , Bugiani Orso , Avanzini Guiliano , Tagliavini Fabrizio , Franceschetti Silvana
Published: October 2010

We used electroencephalography (EEG)‐polygraphic recordings to classify myoclonus in 109 patients with Creutzfeldt‐Jakob disease (CJD) on the basis of its electromyography (EMG) pattern, time course, distribution, and EEG correlates. We recorded myoclonic jerks in 55 patients (50.4%), and we classified them as periodic myoclonus in 28, rhythmic in 13, and irregular in 20 (6 patients showed two types of myoclonus). Myoclonus occurred as a prominently negative event (interrupting the EMG discharge) in 10. Periodic sharp‐wave complexes (PSWCs) were present in all but one patient with myoclonic jerks but were time‐locked with EMG‐bursts only in case of periodic myoclonus. Jerk‐locked back averaging revealed a variable EEG‐EMG transfer‐time commonly exceeding that characterizing cortical myoclonus. Myoclonus was frequently associated with Met/Met polymorphism at codon 129 of the prion protein gene, but it was also observed in association with Met/Val or Val/Val polymorphisms provided that the EEG showed the presence of the PSWC pattern. The presence of enlarged somatosensory evoked potentials significantly correlated with the myoclonic presentation, as did MR signal hyperintensity involving the cortical mantle. Our observations on the basis of standard polygraphic criteria suggest that CJD associates with a remarkable variety of myoclonic jerks, and therefore different brain structures are probably involved as generators. The significant association between the presence of all myoclonus types with PSWCs suggests that hyperexcitable corticosubcortical loops are always required to generate (or allow) both myoclonus and the EEG complexes, either they are time locked or not. © 2010 Movement Disorder Society
Sensory disturbances and pain complaints after brachial plexus root injury: A prospective study involving 150 adult patients
Authors: Bertelli Jayme Augusto , Ghizoni Marcos FlÁvio , Loure Iro Chaves Daniel Preissler
Published: October 2010

After injury of the brachial plexus, sensory disturbance in the affected limb varies according to the extent of root involvement. The goal of this study was to match sensory assessments and pain complaints with findings on CT myelo scans and surgical observations. One hundred fifty patients with supraclavicular stretch injury of the brachial plexus were operated upon within an average of 5.4 months of trauma. Preoperatively, upper limb sensation was evaluated using Semmes‐Weinstein monofilaments. Pain complaints were recorded for each patient. With lesions affecting the upper roots of the brachial plexus, hand sensation was largerly preserved. Sensory disturbances were identified over a longitudinal bundle on the lateral arm and forearm. In C8–T1 root injuries, diminished protective sensation was observed on the ulnar aspect of the hand. If the C7 root also was injured, sensation in the long finger was impaired. Eighty‐four percent of our 64 patients with total palsy reported pain, versus just 47% of our 72 patients with upper type palsies. This rate dropped to 29% in the 14 patients with a lower‐type palsy. C8 and T1, when injured, always were avulsed from the cord; when avulsion of these roots was the only nerve injury, pain was absent. Hand sensation was largely preserved in patients with partial injuries of the brachial plexus, particularly on the radial side. Even when T1 was the only preserved root, hand sensation was mostly spared. This indicates that overlapping of the dermatomal zones seems much more widespread than previously reported. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc. Microsurgery, 2011.
Reconstruction of the radial forearm free flap donor site using integra artificial dermis
Authors: Murray Ryan C. , Gordin Eli A. , Saigal Kapil , Leventhal Douglas , Krein Howard , Heffelfinger Ryan N.
Published: October 2010

Autologous skin grafting to the donor site in patients who undergo radial forearm free flap reconstruction (RFFF) is associated with cosmetic and functional morbidity. Integra artificial dermis (Integra Lifesciences, Plainsboro, NJ) is a bovine collagen based dermal substitute that can be used as an alternative to primary autologous skin transplantation of the donor site. We describe a staged reconstruction using Integra followed by ultrathin skin grafting that results in highly aesthetic and functional outcomes for these defects. A retrospective review of 29 patients undergoing extirpative head and neck oncologic resection were examined. Integra graft placement was performed at the time of RFFF harvest followed by autologous split thickness skin grafting at 1 to 5 weeks postoperatively. Healing fully occurred within 4–6 weeks with negligible donor site complications, excellent cosmesis, and minimal scar contracture. Composite reconstruction with Integra artificial dermis offers advantages over traditional methods of coverage for select cases of radial forearm free flap donor site closures. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc. Microsurgery, 2011.
One‐sided soft palatal reconstruction with an anterolateral thigh fasciocutaneous flap: Report of two cases
Authors: Tsuchiya Sunao , Nakatsuka Takashi , Sakuraba Minoru
Published: October 2010

Soft palate reconstruction is one of the greatest challenges for reconstructive surgeons. In the last 2 decades, anterolateral thigh (ALT) flaps have emerged as a popular reconstructive option because of the low donor morbidity, replacing radial forearm (RF) flaps. For soft palatal reconstructions, however, the RF flap remains the option of first choice, and only a few reports have described soft palatal reconstruction using an ALT flap. At our hospital, ALT flaps were utilized in two cases with soft palatal tumors. During the operation, the nasal side was left unepithelized. To prevent infection of the perforators and pedicles, we dissected a muscle cuff for the perforators and positioned the perforators near the edge of the flap. The postoperative courses were uneventful, and the patients gained almost normal function. ALT fasciocutaneous flaps are a feasible option for soft palatal reconstruction. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc. Microsurgery, 2011.
Curcumin induces heme oxygenase‐1 in normal human skin fibroblasts through redox signaling: Relevance for anti‐aging intervention
Authors: Lima Cristovao F. , Pereira‐Wilson Cristina , Rattan Suresh I. S.
Published: October 2010

Scope: Curcumin, a component of the spice turmeric, was tested for its potential hormetic anti‐aging effects as an inducer of mild stress.

Methods and results: Early passage young human skin fibroblasts treated with low doses of curcumin (below 20 μM) showed a time‐ and concentration‐dependent induction of heme oxygenase‐1 (HO‐1), followed by compensatory increase in glutathione‐S‐transferase activity, GSH levels and GSH/GSSG ratio. These effects were preceded by induction of oxidative stress (increased levels of reactive oxygen species and DNA damage) and impairment of cells' GSH redox state. Curcumin also induced nuclear factor‐erythroid‐2‐related factor 2 accumulation in the nuclei. The use of the antioxidant N‐acetyl cysteine prevented the induction of HO‐1 by curcumin. Pharmacological inhibition of phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase, but not other kinases, significantly prevented curcumin‐induced HO‐1 levels, which was corroborated by the induction of phospho‐Akt levels by curcumin. Late passage senescent cells already had higher HO‐1 levels, and further induction of HO‐1 by curcumin was considerably impaired. The induction of stress responses by curcumin in human cells led to protective hormetic effects to further oxidant challenge.

Conclusion: Curcumin induces cellular stress responses in normal human skin fibroblasts through phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase/Akt pathway and redox signaling, supporting the view that curcumin‐induced hormetic stimulation of cellular antioxidant defenses can be a useful approach toward anti‐aging intervention.
Comparative analysis of a large panel of non‐starch polysaccharides reveals structures with selective regulatory properties in dendritic cells
Authors: Wismar René , Brix Susanne , Lærke Helle Nygaard , Frøkiær Hanne
Published: October 2010

Scope: Structural‐based recognition of foreign molecules is essential for activation of dendritic cells (DCs) that play a key role in regulation of gut mucosal immunity. Orally ingested non‐starch polysaccharides (NSP) are ascribed many health‐promoting properties, but currently we lack insight into the impact of structure and size for their capacity to affect immune responses.

Methods and results: This study addresses the importance of chemical structure, size, origin and presence of contaminants for the capacity of both dietary and non‐food NSP to modulate DC. Of 28 NSP products, β‐glucans of microbial and plant origin and the galactomannan guar gum were found to modulate the DC cytokine pattern induced by the Toll‐like receptor 4‐ligand LPS giving rise to reduced IL‐12p70 and increased IL‐10 levels, whereas IL‐6 production was unaffected. A large proportion of the tested NSP were able to down‐regulate LPS‐induced IL‐12p70 production. The most potent NSP induced up‐regulation of CD86 on DC independently of LPS stimulation. Cereal‐based β‐glucans showed less potency than β‐glucans of microbial origin, but proper molecular weight composition and preparation may improve effectiveness.

Conclusions: Collectively, this comparative study revealed that some plant‐derived NSP besides those of microbial origin exert modulation of the DC phenotype, with the exact structure being important for the activity.
Biological effects of acrylamide after daily ingestion of various foods in comparison to water: A study in rats
Authors: Berger Franz Ingo , Feld Julia , Bertow Daniel , Eisenbrand Gerhard , Fricker Gert , Gerhardt Natalie , Merz Karl‐Heinz , Richling Elke , Baum Matthias
Published: October 2010

Scope:Acrylamide (AA), classified as a genotoxic carcinogen, is generated by heating foods. We studied whether the food matrix modulates bioavailability and/or biotransformation and investigated kinetics and biological effectiveness of AA in rats.

Methods and results:AA was given to the animals at a daily intake level of AA containing foods for up to 9 days, resulting in an exposure of 50 or 100 μg AA/kg body weight (b.w.)/day. Positive controls received the same dosages of AA in water, negative controls just water. As biomarkers urinary mercapturic acids, hemoglobin adducts, plasma levels of AA and glycidamide (GA) and DNA integrity in white blood cells and hepatocytes were measured. Altogether, no significant differences in bioavailability of AA from water and the different food matrices were observed. Only with bread crust, biomarkers indicated a slightly reduced bioavailability. Monitoring glycidamide valine adduct adducts did not provide evidence for treatment‐related significantly enhanced GA‐haemoglobin adduct formation in blood although glycidamide mercapturic acid excretion in urine indicated significant GA formation.

Conclusions:The results suggest AA at dietary intake levels, exceeding estimated human mean intake by a factor of at least 100 to become detoxified in Sprague–Dawley rats to a major extent through glutathione coupling.
Prenylated chalcones 4‐hydroxyderricin and xanthoangelol stimulate glucose uptake in skeletal muscle cells by inducing GLUT4 translocation
Authors: Kawabata Kyuichi , Sawada Keisuke , Ikeda Kazunori , Fukuda Itsuko , Kawasaki Kengo , Yamamoto Norio , Ashida Hitoshi
Published: October 2010

Scope: Glucose uptake in skeletal muscle is crucial for glucose homeostasis.

Methods and results: Insulin and muscle contraction increase glucose uptake accompanied by the translocation of glucose transporter (GLUT) 4. In a search for promising foods, which can increase glucose uptake in skeletal muscle, we screened for active polyphenols by assaying for uptake of 2‐deoxyglucose (2DG) in rat L6 muscle cells. Among 37 compounds, 4‐hydroxyderricin and xanthoangelol, prenylated chalcones abundant in Ashitaba (Angelica keiskei Koidzumi, family Apiaceae), significantly increased 2DG uptake in L6 cells by 1.9‐fold at 10 μM, compared with the level in DMSO‐treated control cells. Next, we investigated the effect of these chalcones on the translocation of GLUT4 and its underlying mechanisms. The chalcones increased the GLUT4 level in the plasma membrane of L6 cells, but activated neither protein kinase C ζ/λ, Akt, nor adenosine monophosphate‐activated protein kinase, all of which regulate the GLUT4 translocation. Interestingly, the oral administration of a titrated chalcone‐enriched Ashitaba extract containing 150.6 mg/g (dry base) of 4‐hydroxyderricin and 146.0 mg/g (dry base) of xanthoangelol suppressed acute hyperglycemia in oral glucose tolerance tests of mice.

Conclusions: Ashitaba is a promising functional food for the maintenance of the blood glucose level by inducing skeletal muscle‐associated glucose uptake.
A fast Edge‐preserving Bayesian reconstruction method for Parallel Imaging applications in cardiac MRI
Authors: Singh Gurmeet , Raj Ashish , Kressler Bryan , Nguyen Thanh D. , Spincemaille Pascal , Zabih Ramin , Wang Yi
Published: October 2010

Among recent parallel MR imaging reconstruction advances, a Bayesian method called Edge‐preserving Parallel Imaging reconstructions with GRAph cuts Minimization (EPIGRAM) has been demonstrated to significantly improve signal‐to‐noise ratio when compared with conventional regularized sensitivity encoding method. However, EPIGRAM requires a large number of iterations in proportion to the number of intensity labels in the image, making it computationally expensive for high dynamic range images. The objective of this study is to develop a Fast EPIGRAM reconstruction based on the efficient binary jump move algorithm that provides a logarithmic reduction in reconstruction time while maintaining image quality. Preliminary in vivo validation of the proposed algorithm is presented for two‐dimensional cardiac cine MR imaging and three‐dimensional coronary MR angiography at acceleration factors of 2–4. Fast EPIGRAM was found to provide similar image quality to EPIGRAM and maintain the previously reported signal‐to‐noise ratio improvement over regularized sensitivity encoding method, while reducing EPIGRAM reconstruction time by 25–50 times. Magn Reson Med, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Hippocampal blood flow in normal aging measured with arterial spin labeling at 3T
Authors: Rusinek Henry , Brys Miroslaw , Glodzik Lidia , Switalski Remigiusz , Tsui Wai‐Hon , Haas Francois , Mcgorty Kellyanne , Chen Qun , de Leon Mony J.
Published: October 2010

Due to methodological difficulties related to the small size, variable distribution of hippocampal arteries, and the location of the hippocampus in the proximity of middle cranial fossa, little is known about hippocampal blood flow (HBF). We have tested the utility of a pulsed arterial spin labeling sequence based on multi‐shot true fast imaging in steady precession to measure HBF in 34 normal volunteers (17 women, 17 men, 26–92 years old). Flow sensitivity to a mild hypercapnic challenge was also examined. Coregistered 3D MPRAGE sequence was used to eliminate from hippocampal and cortical regions of interest all voxel with <75% of gray matter. Large blood vessels were also excluded. HBF in normal volunteers averaged 61.2 ± 9.0 mL/(100 g min). There was no statistically significant age or gender effect. Under a mild hypercapnia challenge (end tidal CO2 pressure increase of 6.8 ± 1.9 mmHg over the baseline), HBF response was 14.1 ± 10.8 mL/(100 g min), whereas cortical gray matter flow increased by 18.0 ± 12.2 mL/(100 g min). Flow response among women was significantly larger than in the men. The average absolute difference between two successive HBF measures was 3.6 mL/(100 g min) or 5.4%. The 3T true fast imaging in steady precession arterial spin labeling method offers a HBF measurement strategy that combines good spatial resolution, sensitivity, and minimal image distortions. Magn Reson Med, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
In vivo brown adipose tissue detection and characterization using water–lipid intermolecular zero‐quantum coherences
Authors: Branca Rosa T. , Warren Warren S.
Published: October 2010

Brown adipose tissue and white adipose tissue depots are noninvasively characterized in vitro and in vivo in healthy and obese mice using intermolecular zero‐quantum coherence transitions between lipid and water spins. Intermolecular zero‐quantum coherences enable selective detection of spatial correlation between water and lipid spins and thereby the hydration of fatty deposits with subvoxel resolution. At about a 100 mm distance scale, the major observed peaks are between water, methylene protons at 1.3 ppm, and olefinic protons at 5.3 ppm. Our in vitro results show that the methylene–olefinic intermolecular zero‐quantum coherence signal is strong both in brown and white adipose tissues, but that the water–methylene intermolecular zero‐quantum coherence signal is characteristic only of brown adipose tissue. In vivo, the ratio of these peaks is substantially higher in lean or young mice than in old or obese mice. Magn Reson Med, 2011. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Dipolar anisotropy fiber imaging in a goat knee meniscus
Authors: Szeverenyi Nikolaus M. , Bydder Graeme M.
Published: October 2010

This study describes a method of utilizing unaveraged dipolar effects to characterize and compute collagen fiber tracks using magnetic resonance imaging. The technique yields information about fiber structure with some similarities to what can be obtained in brain using diffusion tensor imaging, but relies on a completely different physical mechanism, namely, unaveraged homonuclear dipolar interactions. The method is probably only appropriate for highly ordered collagen rich tissues. A goat knee meniscus was embedded in a spherical epoxy ball and the magnetic resonance signal intensity was examined as a function of sample orientation to a 3T static field using a three‐dimensional gradient echo sequence. Unaveraged dipolar interactions caused a sixfold signal variation with orientation. After correction for coil sensitivity and registration of the images, a principal dipolar direction was computed for each voxel. The data were analyzed and viewed as dipolar direction and standard deviation (anisotropy) maps. Circumferential fibers within the meniscus were visualized as fiber tracks grown using diffusion tensor imaging software. The acronym dipolar anisotropy fiber imaging is proposed for this technique. Magn Reson Med, 2011. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Further studies on the anisotropic distribution of collagen in articular cartilage by μMRI
Authors: Zheng ShaoKuan , Xia Yang , Badar Farid
Published: October 2010

To further study the anisotropic distribution of the collagen matrix in articular cartilage, microscopic magnetic resonance imaging experiments were carried out on articular cartilages from the central load‐bearing area of three canine humeral heads at 13 μm resolution across the depth of tissue. Quantitative T2 images were acquired when the tissue blocks were rotated, relative to B0, along two orthogonal directions, both perpendicular to the normal axis of the articular surface. The T2 relaxation rate (R2) was modeled, by three fibril structural configurations (solid cone, funnel, and fan), to represent the anisotropy of the collagen fibrils in cartilage from the articular surface to the cartilage/bone interface. A set of complex and depth‐dependent characteristics of collagen distribution was found in articular cartilage. In particular, there were two anisotropic components in the superficial zone and an asymmetrical component in the radial zone of cartilage. A complex model of the three‐dimensional fibril architecture in articular cartilage is proposed, which has a leaf‐like or layer‐like structure in the radial zone, arises in a radial manner from the subchondral bone, spreads and arches passing the isotropic transitional zone, and exhibits two distinct anisotropic components (vertical and transverse) in the surface portion of the tissue. Magn Reson Med, 2011. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Fast dynamic 3D MR spectroscopic imaging with compressed sensing and multiband excitation pulses for hyperpolarized 13C studies
Authors: Larson Peder E. Z. , Hu Simon , Lustig Michael , Kerr Adam B. , Nelson Sarah J. , Kurhanewicz John , Pauly John M. , Vigneron Daniel B.
Published: October 2010

Hyperpolarized 13C MR spectroscopic imaging can detect not only the uptake of the pre‐polarized molecule but also its metabolic products in vivo, thus providing a powerful new method to study cellular metabolism. Imaging the dynamic perfusion and conversion of these metabolites provides additional tissue information but requires methods for efficient hyperpolarization usage and rapid acquisitions. In this work, we have developed a time‐resolved 3D MR spectroscopic imaging method for acquiring hyperpolarized 13C data by combining compressed sensing methods for acceleration and multiband excitation pulses to efficiently use the magnetization. This method achieved a 2 sec temporal resolution with full volumetric coverage of a mouse, and metabolites were observed for up to 60 sec following injection of hyperpolarized [1‐13C]‐pyruvate. The compressed sensing acquisition used random phase encode gradient blips to create a novel random undersampling pattern tailored to dynamic MR spectroscopic imaging with sampling incoherency in four (time, frequency, and two spatial) dimensions. The reconstruction was also tailored to dynamic MR spectroscopic imaging by applying a temporal wavelet sparsifying transform to exploit the inherent temporal sparsity. Customized multiband excitation pulses were designed with a lower flip angle for the [1‐13C]‐pyruvate substrate given its higher concentration than its metabolic products ([1‐13C]‐lactate and [1‐13C]‐alanine), thus using less hyperpolarization per excitation. This approach has enabled the monitoring of perfusion and uptake of the pyruvate, and the conversion dynamics to lactate and alanine throughout a volume with high spatial and temporal resolution. Magn Reson Med, 2011. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Diffusion tensor echo planar imaging using surface coil transceiver with a semiadiabatic RF pulse sequence at 14.1T
Authors: van de Looij Yohan , Kunz Nicolas , Hüppi Petra , Gruetter Rolf , Sizonenko Stéphane
Published: October 2010

Diffusion magnetic resonance studies of the brain are typically performed using volume coils. Although in human brain this leads to a near optimal filling factor, studies of rodent brain must contend with the fact that only a fraction of the head volume can be ascribed to the brain. The use of surface coil as transceiver increases Signal‐to‐Noise Ratio (SNR), reduces radiofrequency power requirements and opens the possibility of parallel transmit schemes, likely to allow efficient acquisition schemes, of critical importance for reducing the long scan times implicated in diffusion tensor imaging. This study demonstrates the implementation of a semiadiabatic echo planar imaging sequence (echo time = 40 ms, four interleaves) at 14.1T using a quadrature surface coil as transceiver. It resulted in artifact free images with excellent SNR throughout the brain. Diffusion tensor derived parameters obtained within the rat brain were in excellent agreement with reported values. Magn Reson Med, 2011. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Study of stafne's defects in Late Neolithic, Late Roman, Medieval and Modern skeletal samples from Portugal
Authors: Wasterlain Sofia N. , Silva Ana Maria
Published: October 2010

Lingual mandibular cortical defects (Stafne's defects) are relatively uncommon in recent as well as past populations, but while this condition is often discussed in clinical reports, they are rarely the subject of anthropological research. In this paper, the prevalence of Stafne's bone defects in skeletal samples from Late Neolithic, Late Roman, Medieval and Modern Portugal is investigated (N = 704 complete mandibles and 111 incomplete mandibles). The aims of this paper are threefold: (1) to present and analyse for the first time in Portuguese osteological record prevalence data on Stafne's bone defect, (2) to analyse variations in defect prevalence between skeletal samples from a wide temporal array and (3) to verify if more tenuous lesions in which resorption of the lingual cortex was not yet extensive had the classic radiographic appearance described by Stafne in order to validate the hypothesis that lesions are present clinically in many more cases than published figures indicate. In all cases, differential diagnosis against other conditions that mimic Stafne's defects, namely odontogenic lesions, cysts and neoplasms, was done. In all samples, the evidence of Stafne's defect occurred in 12 individuals (1.7%), and males (2.84%) were more frequently affected than females (0.61%). When incomplete mandibles were considered, only one left fragment (0.90%) exhibited Stafne's defect. Accurate identification of all examples of Stafne's bone defects in antiquity is thought to represent an important contribution to elucidate which factors may be responsible for this trait's cultural, ecological, temporal and geographical patterning. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Examining listening previewing as a classwide strategy to promote reading comprehension and vocabulary
Authors: Hawkins Renee O. , Musti‐Rao Shobana , Hale Andrea D. , McGuire Shannon , Hailley Jennifer
Published: October 2010

Classwide instructional strategies to improve not only reading fluency but also comprehension and vocabulary knowledge are essential for student reading success. The current study examined the immediate effects of two classwide listening previewing strategies on reading comprehension and vocabulary knowledge. Twenty‐one, fourth‐grade general education students were exposed to three experimental conditions including a silent reading control condition, a listening previewing condition, and a listening previewing with vocabulary previewing condition. For all conditions, students read grade‐level passages, answered 10 comprehension questions, and completed a vocabulary‐matching task. Results showed that both listening previewing conditions led to improvements in comprehension as compared to silent reading. Adding a vocabulary previewing component to listening previewing procedures resulted in the highest levels of comprehension and vocabulary. Applied implications and directions for future research are discussed. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A comparison of behavioral and constructivist interventions for increasing math‐fact fluency in a second‐grade classroom
Authors: Poncy Brian C. , McCallum Elizabeth , Schmitt Ara J.
Published: October 2010

Although basic math skill deficits are commonly encountered across elementary and secondary school students, few empirically validated, group‐administered interventions are available for educators attempting to prevent or remedy such problems. This study compared the effectiveness of two theoretically distinct interventions for improving the subtraction‐fact fluency of a general education class of second‐grade students. An alternating treatments design was used to compare a behavioral intervention, Cover, Copy, and Compare (CCC), to an intervention from a constructivist‐oriented resource, Facts That Last (FTL). Results demonstrated that CCC led to increases in math‐fact fluency, whereas the classwide response to FTL activities did not differ from the control condition. Two months postintervention, maintenance data revealed that the fluency increases associated with CCC were sustained. Discussion focuses on practical implications of the study as well as possible theoretical explanations for the documented results. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Randomizing multiple contingency components to decrease disruptive behaviors and increase student engagement in an urban second‐grade classroom
Authors: McKissick Chele , Hawkins Renee O. , Lentz Francis E. , Hailley Jennifer , McGuire Shannon
Published: October 2010

Disruptive behaviors displayed in the classroom interfere with learning by taking time away from academic instruction. This study investigated the effects of randomizing components within an interdependent group contingency for group disruptive behavior and engagement levels of 26 students in a second‐grade classroom in an urban Midwestern school. Using a multiple‐baseline‐across‐settings design, baseline levels of group disruptive behavior and engagement were compared to intervention levels across three different class periods. Results suggest that the intervention decreased levels of disruptive behavior and increased levels of student engagement. Benefits of randomizing components within an interdependent group contingency are discussed as well as limitations to this study and suggested areas of future research. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The Effects of TATB Ratchet Growth on PBX 9502
Authors: Thompson Darla G. , Brown Geoff W. , Olinger Bart , Mang Joseph T. , Patterson Brian , DeLuca Racci , Hagelberg Stephanie
Published: October 2010

PBX 9502 is a plastic‐bonded explosive that contains 95 wt.‐% TATB, a graphitic‐structured high explosive known to undergo “ratchet growth,” i.e., irreversible volume change that accompanies temperature excursions. Earlier studies have reported changes in TATB‐based composites as a function of thermal cycling and density change, however, a clear distinction between density and ratchet‐growth effects has not been made. In the work reported here, an “as‐pressed density” baseline for the mechanical response of recycled PBX 9502 is established over a density range of interest, then high‐density specimens are thermally cycled between −55 and 80 °C to achieve “ratchet‐grown” parts in the same low‐density region. As‐pressed and ratchet‐grown specimens with identical densities are then analyzed using microX‐ray computed tomography and USANS techniques to obtain information about pore‐size distributions. Data show that after ratchet‐growth, PBX 9502 specimens contain, in general, more numerous and smaller voids than specimens that were pressed with lower compaction pressures to match the same density. The mechanical response of the ratchet‐grown material is consistent with damage, showing lower tensile stress and modulus, lower compressive modulus, and higher tensile and compressive strain, than as‐pressed specimens of the same density.
Evaluation of the Energy Fluence in the Small Scale Gap Test
Authors: Verbeek Ries , Bouma Richard H. B.
Published: October 2010

The Small Scale Gap Test is a relatively simple experimental tool to obtain a measure of the shock sensitivity of explosives. An evaluation of this test is carried out with use of a computer simulation. The simulated pressures in the water gap compare to experimental data and justify the obtained energy fluence in the shock wave versus distance in the water gap. The initiating shock pulse can be represented by an equivalent planar shock with an effective diameter of only 15 mm and a pulse duration of ≈1 µs. For the type of explosives that show some non‐ideal behavior and that have a relatively large critical diameter, the initiation pressure might provide an inadequate value for the shock sensitivity. It is recommended that besides using a critical shock pressure criterion also a critical energy fluence criterion is applied to rank the shock sensitivity of explosives.
A mechanism by which binding of the broadly neutralizing antibody b12 unfolds the inner domain α1 helix in an engineered HIV‐1 gp120
Authors: Emileh Ali , Abrams Cameron F.
Published: October 2010

Using all‐atom simulations, we examine the role of the I109C/Q428C disulfide “stitch” in altering the conformational distribution of engineered HIV‐1 gp120 core relevant for binding of the broadly neutralizing recombinant antibody b12. In particular, we propose that the I109C/Q428C stitch results in a conformational distribution favoring an unfolded inner‐domain α1‐helix upon binding of b12. Using targeted molecular dynamics, we show that folded α1 in the b12‐bound conformation of gp120 is stable both with and without the stitch, but that with folded α1, the stitch requires an orientation of the β20/β21 sheet that is sterically incompatible with b12 binding. Forcing β20/β21 into the orientation displayed by the b12‐bound conformation after folding α1 with the stitch intact results in partial unfolding of α1, whereas without the stitch, β20/β21 reorientation does not affect the conformation of α1. These findings collectively support the hypothesis that the disulfide stitch shifts the conformational distribution of α1 to the unfolded state, meaning an unfolded α1 is not a strict requirement of the b12‐bound conformational ensemble of gp120's lacking the I109C/Q428C stitch. Proteins 2011. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Structural basis for branching‐enzyme activity of glycoside hydrolase family 57: Structure and stability studies of a novel branching enzyme from the hyperthermophilic archaeon Thermococcus Kodakaraensis KOD1
Authors: Santos Camila R. , Tonoli Celisa C. C. , Trindade Daniel M. , Betzel Christian , Takata Hiroki , Kuriki Takashi , Kanai Tamotsu , Imanaka Tadayuki , Arni Raghuvir K. , Murakami Mário T.
Published: October 2010

Branching enzymes (BEs) catalyze the formation of branch points in glycogen and amylopectin by cleavage of α‐1,4 glycosidic bonds and subsequent transfer to a new α‐1,6 position. BEs generally belong to glycoside hydrolase family 13 (GH13); however TK1436, isolated from the hyperthermophilic archaeon Thermococcus kodakaraensis KOD1, is the first GH57 member, which possesses BE activity. To date, the only BE structure that had been determined is a GH13‐type from Escherichia coli. Herein, we have determined the crystal structure of TK1436 in the native state and in complex with glucose and substrate mimetics that permitted mapping of the substrate‐binding channel and identification of key residues for glucanotransferase activity. Its structure encompasses a distorted (β/α)7‐barrel juxtaposed to a C‐terminal α‐helical domain, which also participates in the formation of the active‐site cleft. The active site comprises two acidic catalytic residues (Glu183 and Asp354), the polarizer His10, aromatic gate‐keepers (Trp28, Trp270, Trp407, and Trp416) and the residue Tyr233, which is fully conserved among GH13‐ and GH57‐type BEs. Despite TK1436 displaying a completely different fold and domain organization when compared to E. coli BE, they share the same structural determinants for BE activity. Structural comparison with AmyC, a GH57 α‐amylase devoid of BE activity, revealed that the catalytic loop involved in substrate recognition and binding, is shortened in AmyC structure and it has been addressed as a key feature for its inability for glucanotransferase activity. The oligomerization has also been pointed out as a possible determinant for functional differentiation among GH57 members. Proteins 2011. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
In‐cell protein NMR and protein leakage
Authors: Barnes Christopher O. , Pielak Gary J.
Published: October 2010

In‐cell nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy is a tool for studying proteins under physiologically relevant conditions. In some instances, however, protein signals from leaked protein are observed in the liquid surrounding the cells. Here, we examine the expression of four proteins in Escherichia coli. We describe the controls that should be used for in‐cell NMR experiments and show that leakage is likely when the protein being studied exceeds ∼20% of the total cellular protein. Proteins 2011. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Recommended choice of antibacterial eye preparations
Authors: Chaplin Steve , Tey Adrian
Published: October 2010

Steve Chaplin and Dr Adrian Tey provide an overview of the indications and properties of antibacterial eye preparations and their current recommended place in therapy. Copyright © 2010 Wiley Interface Ltd
Safety vs efficacy in OA: has the pendulum swung too far?
Authors: Conaghan Philip , Davenport Graham , George Emmanuel
Published: October 2010

Osteoarthritis is a common problem in the UK and the safety of available treatment options has been under scrutiny in recent years. As a result, the management of osteoarthritis presents a considerable healthcare challenge for primary and secondary care. In this Expert Panel Discussion, the panel considers the current management guidelines and whether patients are receiving optimal pharmacological treatment. Copyright © 2010 Wiley Interface Ltd
Feeling at home: Producing and consuming things in Karenni refugee camps on the Thai‐Burma border
Authors: Dudley Sandra
Published: October 2010

This article concentrates on production and consumption, particularly of food and textiles, and the contribution of such processes and bodily action to feeling at home, for the highly heterogeneous population of Karenni refugees from Burma living in camps on the Thai border. Looking at eating, weaving and wearing, I examine the implications and associations of the production and consumption processes and their similarities and differences with pre‐exile life. I argue that an investigation into sensory aspects of such issues can illuminate how it feels to be a refugee, in a physical sense: to be out of one's familiar place and ecology, seeking actively to bring about a sense of being ‘at home’ in the exiled context of a border camp. Beingdisplaced inevitably alters forced migrants' connections with the physical world of places, objects and other people of which they are a part. To focus on this aspect of forced migration, rather than following the more usual emphases on causes, protection and assistance, or psychosocial impacts, facilitates exploration of the fundamentally cultural processes through which refugees make meaning out of the rupture they have experienced. It is an approach that demonstrates local agency and makes it clear that refugees are not passive victims, but active agents working hard to make the best of their circumstances. For the Karenni as for other displaced and non‐displaced peoples alike, an important part of feeling ‘at home’ is the cultivation of a sense of spatiotemporal continuity of place and of emplacement. Yet real, physical continuity of place is impossible for refugees: the camp is not and never will be the place whence they have come. I demonstrate that refugees make considerable efforts to create a sense of purpose and home in displacement, and that embodied knowledge and the opportunity for its repeated enactment, and especially, sensory experience, are central components in this. While the camp is in some ways perpetually becoming more like home, it will never quite be it. Nonetheless, repeated and active engagement in the present with the objects and actions of the past, are in a refugee setting particularly powerful and dynamic in forming and re‐forming connections with the pre‐exile past. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Detecting data fabrication in clinical trials from cluster analysis perspective
Authors: Wu Xiaoru , Carlsson Martin
Published: October 2010

Detecting data fabrication is of great importance in clinical trials. As the role of statisticians in detecting abnormal data patterns has grown, a large number of statistical procedures have been developed, most of which are based on descriptive statistics. Based upon the fact that substantial data fabrication cases have certain clustering structures, this paper discusses the potential for the use of statistical clustering method in fraud detection. Three clustering patterns, angular, neighborhood and repeated measurements clustering, are identified and explored. Correspondingly, simple and efficient test statistics are proposed and randomization tests are carried out. The proposed methods are applied to a 12‐week multi‐center study for illustration. Extensive simulations are conducted to validate the effectiveness of the procedures. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A ratio‐to‐control Williams‐type test for trend
Authors: Hothorn Ludwig A. , Djira Gemechis D.
Published: October 2010

Under certain conditions, many multiple contrast tests based on the difference of treatment means can also be conveniently expressed in terms of ratios. In this paper, a Williams test for trend is defined as ratios‐to‐control for ease of interpretation and to obtain directly comparable confidence intervals. Simultaneous confidence intervals for percentages are particularly helpful for interpretations in the case of multiple endpoints. Methods for constructing simultaneous confidence intervals are discussed under both homogeneous and heterogeneous error variances. This approach is available in the R extension packagemratios. The proposed method is used to test for trend in an immunotoxicity study with several endpoints as an example. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Adjoint sensitivity of the model forecast to data assimilation system error covariance parameters
Authors: Daescu Dacian N. , Todling Ricardo
Published: October 2010

The development of the adjoint of the forecast model and of the adjoint of the data assimilation system (adjoint‐DAS) makes feasible the evaluation of the local sensitivity of a model forecast aspect with respect to a large number of parameters in the DAS. In this study it is shown that, by exploiting sensitivity properties that are intrinsic to the analyses derived from a minimization principle, the adjoint‐DAS software tools developed at numerical weather prediction centres for observation and background sensitivity may be used to estimate the forecast sensitivity to observation‐ and background‐error covariance parameters and for forecast impact assessment. All‐at‐once sensitivity to error covariance weighting coefficients and first‐order impact estimates are derived as a particular case of the error covariance perturbation analysis. The use of the sensitivity information as a DAS diagnostic tool and for implementing gradient‐based error covariance tuning algorithms is illustrated in idealized data assimilation experiments with the Lorenz 40‐variable model. Preliminary results of forecast sensitivity to observation‐ and background‐error covariance weight parameters are presented using the fifth‐generation NASA Goddard Earth Observing System (GEOS‐5) atmospheric DAS and its adjoint developed at the Global Modeling and Assimilation Office. Copyright © 2010 Royal Meteorological Society
Characterization of the aminated agarose nanoparticles labeled with fluorescein isothiocyanate
Authors: Zhang Ling‐Min , Huang Jian‐Yan , Zhang Ling‐Hui , Chu Bin , Tang Shun‐Qing
Published: October 2010

Incorporating an organic fluorescence agent into nanoparticles can significantly promote its fluorescent efficiency. In this article, a novel fluorescein isothiocyanate labeling aminated agarose (FITC‐AA) was synthesized and tested as an effective fluorescent labeling agent. FITC‐AA could spontaneously form nanoparticles with a diameter less than 200 nm below 37°C due to gelling effect of the agarose. Cell culture experiments confirmed that 3T3 fibroblast cells could be marked by fluorescent FITC‐AA nanoparticles and the labeling time sustained longer than by FITC alone. This finding demonstrates that the fluorescent labeling of cells can be enhanced when fluorescent nanoparticles are used as markers. SCANNING 32: 361–368, 2010. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The AT1angiotensin II receptor blockade attenuates the development of amphetamine‐induced behavioral sensitization in a two‐injection protocol
Authors: Paz Maria Constanza , Assis Maria Amparo , Cabrera Ricardo J. , Cancela Liliana M. , Bregonzio Claudia
Published: October 2010

It has been shown that a single exposure to amphetamine is sufficient to induce long‐term behavioral, neurochemical, and neuroendocrine sensitization in rats. Dopaminergic neurotransmission in the nucleus accumbens and the caudate‐putamen plays a critical role in the addictive properties of drugs of abuse. Angiotensin (Ang) II receptors are found on the soma and terminals of mesolimbic dopaminergic neurons and it has been shown that Ang II acting through its AT1receptors facilitates dopamine release. The hypothesis was tested that Ang II AT1receptors are involved in the neuroadaptative changes induced by a single exposure to amphetamine and that such changes are related to the development of behavioral and neurochemical sensitization. For this purpose, the study examined the expression of amphetamine‐enhanced (0.5 mg kg−1i.p.) locomotor activity in animals pretreated with candesartan, an AT1blocker, (3 mg kg−1p.o × 5 days), 3 weeks after an amphetamine injection (5 mg kg−1i.p.). Dopaminergic hyperreactivity was tested by measuring the 3H‐DA release in vitro from caudate‐putamen and nucleus accumbens slices, induced by K+stimulus. It was confirmed the behavioral sensitization in the two‐injection protocol and candesartan pretreatment attenuate this response. It was also found that AT1blockade pretreatment did not affect the locomotor response to dopamine agonists. In respect to the neurochemical sensitization tested using ex vivo 3H‐DA release experiments it was found that AT1receptor pretreatment blunted the enhanced response induced by K+stimulus. The results support the idea that the development of neuroadaptive changes induced by amphetamine involves brain AT1Ang II receptor activation. Synapse, 2011. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Targeted mutations in the Na,K‐ATPase alpha 2 isoform confer ouabain resistance and result in abnormal behavior in mice
Authors: Schaefer Tori L. , Lingrel Jerry B , Moseley Amy E. , Vorhees Charles V. , Williams Michael T.
Published: October 2010

Sodium and potassium‐activated adenosine triphosphatases (Na,K‐ATPase) are ubiquitous, participate in osmotic balance and membrane potential, and are composed of α, β, and γ subunits. The α subunit is required for the catalytic and transport properties of the enzyme and contains binding sites for cations, ATP, and digitalis‐like compounds including ouabain. There are four known α isoforms; three that are expressed in the CNS in a regional and cell‐specific manner. The α2 isoform is most commonly found in astrocytes, pyramidal cells of the hippocampus in adults, and developmentally in several other neuronal types. Ouabain‐like compounds are thought to be produced endogenously in mammals, bind the Na,K‐ATPase, and function as a stress‐related hormone, however, the impact of the Na,K‐ATPase ouabain binding site on neurobehavioral function is largely unknown. To determine if the ouabain binding site of the α2 isoform plays a physiological role in CNS function, we examined knock‐in mice in which the normally ouabain‐sensitive α2 isoform was made resistant (α2R/R) while still retaining basal Na,K‐ATPase enzymatic function. Egocentric learning (Cincinnati water maze) was impaired in adult α2R/Rmice compared to wild type (WT) mice. They also exhibited decreased locomotor activity in a novel environment and increased responsiveness to a challenge with an indirect sympathomimetic agonist (methamphetamine) relative to WT mice. The α2R/Rmice also demonstrated a blunted acoustic startle reflex and a failure to habituate to repeated acoustic stimuli. The α2R/Rmice showed no evidence of altered anxiety (elevated zero maze) nor were they impaired in spatial learning or memory in the Morris water maze and neither group could learn in a large Morris maze. These results suggest that the ouabain binding site is involved in specific types of learning and the modulation of dopamine‐mediated locomotor behavior. Synapse, 2011. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.