bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Combinatorial peptide ligand library plasma treatment: Advantages for accessing low‐abundance proteins
Authors: Beseme Olivia , Fertin Marie , Drobecq Hervé , Amouyel Philippe , Pinet Florence
Published: July 2010

Depletion of major blood proteins is one of the most promising approaches to accessing low‐abundance biomarkers. This study compared the use of combinatorial peptide ligand library (CPLL) and albumin and immunoglobulins (IgGs) depletion technology for accessing these low‐abundance proteins in plasma using 2‐DE in an acidic restricted pH range (4–7). Compared with native plasma, both techniques enlarge the visibility of other proteins than albumin and IgG, but there were marked differences in their composition. An increase of the number of spots was detected compared with native plasma (157 spots) with 427 and 557 spots, respectively, detected with albumin and IgG depletion, and CPLL treatment. We selected 70 spots to be identified by MALDI‐TOF related to their absence in the 2‐D gels from native or albumin and IgG‐depleted plasma. The 42 spots identified corresponded to 24 different proteins, with more than half of the proteins which did not belong to the major plasma proteins. CPLL treatment allowed the accessibility to proteolytic fragments obtained from major plasma proteins. We found a large superiority of the CPLL approach over the albumin and IgG depletion process. These findings show the utility of depleting major blood proteins to be able to access low‐abundance proteins and the potential of CPLL to select and identify candidate biomarkers in clinical studies.
Migration and internal architecture of marine dunes in the eastern English Channel over 14 and 56 year intervals: the influence of tides and decennial storms
Authors: Ferret Y. , Le Bot S. , Tessier B. , Garlan T. , Lafite R.
Published: July 2010

Submarine dune dynamics are controlled by tidal currents and wind forces. According to the relative influence of these forces and the nature of dune sediment, different bedform behaviors can be observed. The footprint of the different hydrodynamic agents is recorded into the internal architecture of dunes. This paper is concerned with bedforms that compose the thick sediment wedge located in the eastern English Channel, off the Bay of Somme. This sedimentary archive constitutes an interesting feature to achieve a better understanding of seabed sediment dynamics and its timeline building stages. The dynamics of large submarine dunes, which are organized in fields, are studied thanks to bathymetric and seismic data over the periods 1937–1993 and 1993–2007.

Dune morphology presents low lee and stoss side slopes (on average 8° and 3°, respectively) and dune migration rate is not very high. Dune movements are in the direction of residual tidal currents, i.e. toward the east, with mean migration rates around 0·8 to 5 ± 0·25 m yr−1 and up to 6·6 ± 0·7 m yr−1, respectively, at multi‐decennial and decennial time scales. The dune internal architecture is complex with superimposed eastward prograding units, displaying locally opposite progradation. Second‐order discontinuities (dip of 0·5°–4° perpendicular to dune crests) constitute dune master bedding. By counting the number of second‐order reflectors between 1937–1993 and 1993–2007, the formation periodicity of these bounding surfaces is estimated to range from 4 to 18 years. These time intervals coincide with the long‐term tidal cyclicities and also with the inter‐annual to decennial variability of storm activity in northern Europe. Two theories were made to interpret the dune internal structures: the second‐order surfaces are interpreted either as the depositional surfaces corresponding to the marks of weak energy periods (weak tidal and storm action), or as erosive surfaces due to an opposite direction of dune migration provoked temporarily by exceptional storms from the northeast. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Geomorphic and cosmogenic nuclide constraints on escarpment evolution in an intraplate setting, Darling Escarpment, Western Australia
Authors: Jakica Sara , Quigley Mark C. , Sandiford Mike , Clark Dan , Fifield L. Keith , Alimanovic Abaz
Published: July 2010

The ∼900 km long Darling Scarp in Western Australia is one of the most prominent linear topographic features on Earth. Despite the presence of over‐steepened reaches in all westerly flowing streams crossing the scarp, and significant seismic activity within 100 km of the scarp, there is no historical seismicity and no reported evidence for Quaternary tectonic displacements on the underlying Darling Fault. Consequently, it is unclear whether the scarp is a rapidly evolving landform responding to recent tectonic and/or climatic forcing or a more slowly evolving landform. In order to quantify late Quaternary rates of erosion and scarp relief processes, we obtained measurements of the cosmic‐ray produced nuclide beryllium‐10 (10Be) from outcropping bedrock surfaces along the scarp summit and face, in valley floors, and at stream knickpoints. Erosion rates of bedrock outcrops along the scarp summit surface range from 0·5 to 4·0 m Myr−1. These are in the same range as erosion rates of 2·1 to 3·6 m Myr−1 on the scarp face and similar to river incision rates of 2·6 to 11·0 m Myr−1 from valley floor bedrock straths, indicating that the Darling Scarp is a slowly eroding ‘steady state’ landform, without any significant contemporary relief production over the last several 100 kyr and possibly several million years. Knickpoint retreat rates determined from 10Be concentrations at the bases of two knickpoints on small streams incised into the scarp are 36 and 46 m Myr−1. If these erosion rates were sustained over longer timescales, then associated knickpoints may have initiated in the mid‐Tertiary to early Neogene, consistent with early‐mid Tertiary marginal uplift. Ongoing maintenance of stream disequilibrium longitudinal profiles is consistent with slow, regional base level lowering associated with recently proposed continental‐scale tilting, as opposed to differential uplift along discrete faults. Cosmogenic 10Be analysis provides a useful tool for interpreting the palaeoseismic history of intraplate near‐fault landforms over 105 to 106 years. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Essential oil from fruits and roots of Ferulago campestris (Besser) Grecescu (Apiaceae): composition and antioxidant and anti‐Candida activity
Authors: Cecchini Cinzia , Coman Maria M. , Cresci Alberto , Tirillini Bruno , Cristalli Gloria , Papa Fabrizio , Sagratini Gianni , Vittori Sauro , Maggi Filippo
Published: July 2010

Essential oil from fruits and roots of Ferulago campestris (Apiaceae) growing in central Italy was analysed by GC–FID and GC–MS for composition and by agar diffusion and microdilution methods for antibacterial and anti‐Candida activity. The antioxidant activities were also investigated by 1,1‐diphenyl‐2‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical‐scavenging, β‐carotene/linoleic acid assay, scavenging of hydrogen peroxide (HRPO test), and hypochlorous acid scavenging (taurine test). High yields of essential oils (5.7–7.1%) were obtained by hydrodistillation from fruits, making these exploitable in the flavour and fragrance industry. Monoterpene hydrocarbons constituted the main fraction of both fruits (78.8–80.3%) and roots (67.2–81.4%), with myrcene (33.4–39.7%), α‐pinene (22.7–23.0%) and γ‐terpinene (8.1–10.9%) as the major components of fruits, and α‐pinene (58.3–75.0%) as the predominant compound in the oil from roots collected in summer. (2,3,6)‐Trimethyl benzaldehyde was an aromatic volatile detected in significant percentages (8.6–9.0% in fruits, 14.8–27.9% in roots collected in summer, 65.2% in roots collected in autumn) in both oils. The antioxidant activity was related as IC50 to Trolox or BHT; <2 ml oils had an activity equivalent to 1 mg Trolox in the DPPH radical‐scavenging, and about 1 ml oils could be compared with 1 mg Trolox or BHT in the β‐carotene/linoleic acid assay, HRPO and taurine tests. The essential oils from the roots were more active than those from fruits against the microorganisms tested, owing to the abundance of α‐pinene, a monoterpene hydrocarbon with known antimicrobial potency. In particular, it showed strong inhibition on clinically isolated Candida strains, namely C. albicans (MIC values of 39–78 μg/ml), C. tropicalis and C. glabrata (MIC values of 78 μg/ml). Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A study on the mechanism of high‐lift generation by an insect wing in unsteady motion at small Reynolds number
Authors: Hamdani Hossein Raza , Naqvi Ali
Published: July 2010

The aerodynamic force and flow structure of a wing performing an unsteady motion at small Reynolds number (Re=4000) is calculated by solving Navier–Stokes equations. Calculations were conducted for steady motion, simple unsteady motions suc as azimuth rotation, pure translation, feathering, etc., which can provide a basis for understanding the more complicated hovering flight. At Re=4000, the delayed stall mechanism was noted during the azimuth rotation of a wing due to span wise flow. In azimuth rotation and pure translation, large value of CL could be achieved due to fast acceleration of the airfoil from rest. Large value of CL could be maintained during azimuth rotation for many chord length of travel in comparison with the pure translation due to spanwise flow that causes Dynamic Stall Vortex (DSV) to remain attached. For feathering motion, pitch oscillation motion was dominated by the azimuth rotation. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A solution adaptive simulation of compressible multi‐fluid flows with general equation of state
Authors: Zheng H. W. , Shu C. , Chew Y. T. , Qin N.
Published: July 2010

The unstructured quadrilateral mesh‐based solution adaptive method is proposed in this article for simulation of compressible multi‐fluid flows with a general form of equation of state (EOS). The five equation model (J. Comput. Phys. 2002; 118:577–616) is employed to describe the compressible multi‐fluid flows. To preserve the oscillation‐free property of velocity and pressure across the interface, the non‐conservative transport equation is discretized in a compatible way of the HLLC scheme for the conservative Euler equations on the unstructured quadrilateral cell‐based adaptive mesh. Five numerical examples, including an interface translation problem, a shock tube problem with two fluids, a solid impact problem, a two‐dimensional Riemann problem and a bubble explosion under free surface, are used to examine its performance in solving the various compressible multi‐fluid flow problems with either the same types of EOS or different types of EOS. The results are compared with those calculated by the following methods: the method with ROE scheme (J. Comput. Phys. 2002; 118:577–616), the seven equation model (J. Comput. Phys. 1999; 150:425–467), Shyue's fluid‐mixture model (J. Comput. Phys. 2001; 171:678–707) or the method in Liu et al. (Comp. Fluids 2001; 30:315–337). The comparisons for the test problems show that the proposed method seems to be more accurate than the method in Allaire et al. (J. Comput. Phys. 2002; 118:577–616) or the seven‐equation model (J. Comput. Phys. 1999; 150:425–467). They also show that it can adaptively and accurately solve these compressible multi‐fluid problems and preserve the oscillation‐free property of pressure and velocity across the material interface. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
An efficient method for discretizing 3D fractured media for subsurface flow and transport simulations
Authors: Mustapha Hussein , Dimitrakopoulos Roussos , Graf Thomas , Firoozabadi Abbas
Published: July 2010

We introduce a new method to discretize inclined non‐planar two‐dimensional (2D) fractures in three‐dimensional (3D) fractured media for subsurface flow and transport simulations. The 2D fractures are represented by ellipsoids. We first discretize the fractures and generate a 2D finite element mesh for each fracture. Then, the mesh of fractures is analyzed by searching and treating critical geometric configurations. Based on that search, the method generates a quality mesh and allows for including finer grids. A solute transport problem in fractured porous media is solved to test the method. The results show that the method (i) adequately represents the fractured domain by maintaining the geometric integrity of input surfaces and geologic data, (ii) provides accurate results for both simple and complex fractured domains, (iii) is insensitive to spatial discretization, and (iv) is computationally very efficient. For inclined and vertical fractures, analytical and numerical solutions are shown to be in good agreement. The method is therefore suitable to discretize fracture networks for flow and transport simulations in fractured porous media. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Calculation of capillary jet
Authors: Zhang Kenn K. Q.
Published: July 2010

The Arbitrary Lagrangian Eulerian (ALE) framework coupled with some boundary tracking techniques is proven to be an effective method for simulation of free‐surface flows. In this paper, a special ALE framework is derived with clarification of three velocities, the notion of mesh‐frozen and field‐frozen, and the notion of tentatively inertial coordinates. A weighted integral ALE governing equations are formulated on generic coordinates and discretized with a finite element method and linear implicit time scheme. The system is solved with a discrete operator splitting technique and superposition‐based logistic parallelization. The formulation and implementation are verified through several fixed‐geometry problems and a reasonably good parallel performance is observed. Capillary jet flow is the main problem of the paper and the numerical techniques for boundary tracking are elaborated, which include an indirect boundary tracking of flux method and an iterative direct boundary tracking method. Also, a high‐order compact scheme for dynamic boundary condition and a squeeze technique for kinematic boundary condition are adopted. The axisymmetric jet breakup is studied in detail and numerical results match with the published data very well. Numerical accuracy and sensitivity are studied, including effects of element type, time scheme, compact scheme, and boundary tracking techniques. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The bile acid receptor TGR5 (Gpbar‐1) acts as a neurosteroid receptor in brain
Authors: Keitel Verena , Görg Boris , Bidmon Hans J. , Zemtsova Irina , Spomer Lina , Zilles Karl , Häussinger Dieter
Published: July 2010

TGR5 (Gpbar‐1) is a membrane‐bound bile acid receptor in the gastrointestinal tract and immune cells with pleiotropic actions. As shown in the present study, TGR5 is also expressed in astrocytes and neurons. Here, TGR5 may act as a neurosteroid receptor, which is activated by nanomolar concentrations of 5β‐pregnan‐3α‐ol‐20‐one and micromolar concentrations of 5β‐pregnan‐3α‐17α‐21‐triol‐20‐one and 5α‐pregnan‐3α‐ol‐20‐one (allopregnanolone). TGR5 stimulation in astrocytes and neurons is coupled to adenylate cyclase activation, elevation of intracellular Ca2+ and the generation of reactive oxygen species. In cultured rat astrocytes, TGR5 mRNA is downregulated in the presence of neurosteroids and ammonia already at concentrations of 0.5 mmol L−1. Furthermore, TGR5 protein levels are significantly reduced in isolated rat astrocytes after incubation with ammonia. A marked downregulation of TGR5 mRNA is also found in cerebral cortex from cirrhotic patients dying with hepatic encephalopathy (HE) when compared with brains from noncirrhotic control subjects. It is concluded that TGR5 is a novel neurosteroid receptor in brain with implications for the pathogenesis of HE. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Injury and differentiation following inhibition of mitochondrial respiratory chain complex IV in rat oligodendrocytes
Authors: Ziabreva Iryna , Campbell Graham , Rist Julia , Zambonin Jessica , Rorbach Joanna , Wydro Mateusz M. , Lassmann Hans , Franklin Robin J. M. , Mahad Don
Published: July 2010

Oligodendrocyte lineage cells are susceptible to a variety of insults including hypoxia, excitotoxicity, and reactive oxygen species. Demyelination is a well‐recognized feature of several CNS disorders including multiple sclerosis, white matter strokes, progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy, and disorders due to mitochondrial DNA mutations. Although mitochondria have been implicated in the demise of oligodendrocyte lineage cells, the consequences of mitochondrial respiratory chain defects have not been examined. We determine the in vitro impact of established inhibitors of mitochondrial respiratory chain complex IV or cytochrome c oxidase on oligodendrocyte progenitor cells (OPCs) and mature oligodendrocytes as well as on differentiation capacity of OPCs from P0 rat. Injury to mature oligodendrocytes following complex IV inhibition was significantly greater than to OPCs, judged by cell detachment and mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) changes, although viability of cells that remained attached was not compromised. Active mitochondria were abundant in processes of differentiated oligodendrocytes and MMP was significantly greater in differentiated oligodendrocytes than OPCs. MMP dissipated following complex IV inhibition in oligodendrocytes. Furthermore, complex IV inhibition impaired process formation within oligodendrocyte lineage cells. Injury to and impaired process formation of oligodendrocytes following complex IV inhibition has potentially important implications for the pathogenesis and repair of CNS myelin disorders. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Yield and costs of direct and stepped screening for depressive symptoms in subjects aged 75 years and over in general practice
Authors: van der Weele Gerda M , de Waal Margot WM , van den Hout Wilbert B , van der Mast Roos C , de Craen Anton JM , Assendelft Willem JJ , Gussekloo Jacobijn
Published: July 2010

Objective

To examine yield and costs of two screening methods for depressive symptoms in subjects ≥75 years in general practice.

Methods

In 73 general practices of 12.144 registered subjects ≥75 years 10.681 could be invited for screening. In the first 31 practices we invited 3797 subjects for direct screening which implied an invitation by letter followed by a home visit to administer the 15‐item Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS‐15). In the remaining 42 practices 6884 subjects were invited for stepped screening which implied that the GDS‐15 was sent by post, followed by a home visit only if the self‐administered GDS‐15‐score was ≥ 4 points. Being screen‐positive for depressive symptoms was defined as an interviewer‐administered GDS‐15‐score ≥5 points. Screening costs were estimated based on results in this study.

Results

Of all registered subjects 707 (5.8%) were already being treated for depression. The yield of direct screening was higher than of stepped screening (2.6% versus 1.9%, p = 0.009), with similar yields for subjects aged 75–79 years and for subjects aged ≥80 years. In a standard GP‐practice with 160 subjects ≥75 years estimated total screening costs are about twice as high for direct screening than for stepped screening. Estimated costs per screen positive subject are €350 for direct screening and €250 for stepped screening.

Conclusion

Direct screening has a higher yield, but is also more time consuming and more expensive. Whether the extra yield is clinically relevant and worth the extra costs, will depend on the subsequent treatment effect.

Trial registration: www.controlled‐trials.com/ISRCTN 71142851 Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Functional phenotyping of successful aging in long‐term memory: Preserved performance in the absence of neural compensation
Authors: Düzel Emrah , Schütze Hartmut , Yonelinas Andrew P. , Heinze Hans‐Jochen
Published: July 2010

We investigated whether preservation of encoding‐related brain activity patterns in older age reflects successful aging in long‐term memory. Using a statistical matching technique, we identified groups of healthy older adults with different degrees of Functional Activity Deviation during Encoding (FADE) from young adults in a memory network comprising hippocampal, temporal, occipital, and retrosplenial regions. High FADE scores were associated with impairment in recollection, abnormal activity in the default mode network, and lower gray matter density in bilateral ventral prefrontal cortex and left rhinal cortex; a constellation previously associated with increased risk for dementia. Low FADE scores functionally phenotyped successful aging because recollection was well preserved and there was no evidence for compensatory prefrontal activation. Thus, for some individuals successful aging in long‐term memory reflects the preservation of a functionally specific memory network, and can occur in the absence of compensatory brain activity. ©2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Emerging roles of prostanoids in T cell‐mediated immunity
Authors: Sakata Daiji , Yao Chengcan , Narumiya Shuh
Published: July 2010

Three distinct subsets of T helper (Th) cells, Th1, Th2, and Th17, not only contribute to host defense against pathogens, but also cause many types of immune diseases. Differentiation and functions of these T cell subsets are mainly regulated by specific cytokines. Intriguingly, recent studies have revealed that prostanoids including various types of prostaglandins (PGs) and thromboxane (TX) are also involved in these processes. Prostanoids exert their actions by binding to their specific receptors. They include PGD receptor, EP1, EP2, EP3, and EP4 subtypes of PGE receptor, PGF receptor, PGI receptor, and TX receptor. From many in vitro findings, prostanoids, especially PGE2, were traditionally believed to be an immunosuppressant. However, studies using mice deficient in each type or subtype of prostanoid receptors and their selective agonists and antagonists have revealed that prostanoids collaborate with cytokines, and critically regulate T cell proliferation, differentiation and functions. Recent studies have revealed that PGE2 facilitates Th1 cell differentiation and Th17 cell expansion in collaboration with IL‐12 and IL‐23, respectively, and that these PGE2 actions contribute to development of immune diseases mediated by these Th subsets. Furthermore, studies using the receptor‐deficient mice have also revealed that other prostanoids including PGD2 and PGI2 contribute to regulation of immune diseases of the Th2 type such as allergic asthma. These findings shed a new light on the roles of prostanoids in T cell‐mediated immunity and immune diseases. © 2010 IUBMB IUBMB Life, 62(8): 591–596, 2010.
Effects of corticosterone and 2,3,7,8‐tetrachloro‐ dibenzo‐p‐dioxin on epididymal antioxidant system in adult rats
Authors: Dhanabalan S. , D'cruz S.C. , Mathur P.P.
Published: July 2010

2,3,7,8‐Tetrachlorodibenzo‐p‐dioxin (TCDD), an endocrine disruptor, causes epididymal toxicity by inducing oxidative stress. Glucocorticoids have been found to influence TCDD action in vitro and in vivo. The present experiments were set up to analyze the effects of TCDD on rat epididymal antioxidant system under the influence of increased corticosterone level. Adult male Wistar/NIN rats (70–80 days old) numbering 24 (six per group) were used in the study. Corticosterone (3 mg/kg body weight per day) or TCDD (100 ng/kg body weight per day) were administered or coadministered to rats for 15 days. Treatment with corticosterone or TCDD decreased the levels of serum testosterone significantly. In caput, corpus, and cauda fractions, administration of corticosterone or TCDD increased the levels of lipid peroxidation and hydrogen peroxide and decreased the activities of superoxide dismutase and catalase significantly. Coadministration of corticosterone and TCDD to rats decreased the levels of serum testosterone significantly as compared with rats treated with TCDD alone. In caput, corpus, and cauda fractions, the levels of lipid peroxidation and hydrogen peroxide were increased and activities of superoxide dismutase and catalase were decreased significantly as compared with rats treated with TCDD alone. Stress, characterized by increased glucocorticoid levels and activity, may enhance TCDD‐induced epididymal toxicity. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biochem Mol Toxicol 24:242–249, 2010; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/jbt.20332
Lipopolysaccharide directly stimulates aldosterone production via toll‐like receptor 2 and toll‐like receptor 4 related PI3K/Akt pathway in rat adrenal zona glomerulosa cells
Authors: Huang Hsin‐Lei , Chiang Ming‐Fu , Lin Chia‐Wen , Pu Hsiao‐Fung
Published: July 2010

The level of circulating endotoxin is related to the severity of cardiovascular disease. One of the indexes for the prognosis of cardiovascular disease is the plasma aldosterone level. Recently, the Toll‐like receptors (TLRs), lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐regulated receptors, were found not only to mediate the inflammatory response but also to be important in the adrenal stress response. Whether LPS via TLRs induced aldosterone production in adrenal zona glomerulosa (ZG) cells was not clear. Our results suggest that LPS‐induced aldosterone secretion in a time‐ and dose‐dependent manner and via TLR2 and TLR4 signaling pathway. Administration of LPS can enhance steroidogenesis enzyme expression such as scavenger receptor‐B1 (SR‐B1), steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR) and P450 side chain cleavage (P450scc) enzyme. LPS‐induced SR‐B1 and StAR protein expression are abolished by TLR2 blocker. Furthermore, we demonstrated that phosphorylation of Akt was elevated by LPS treatment and reduced by TLR2 blockers, TLR4 blockers, and LY294002 (PI3K inhibitor). Those inhibitors of PI3K/Akt pathways also abolish LPS‐induced aldosterone secretion and SR‐B1 protein level. In conclusion, LPS‐induced aldosterone production and SR‐B1 proteins expression are through the TLR2 and TLR4 related PI3K/Akt pathways in adrenal ZG cells. J. Cell. Biochem. 111: 872–880, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A comparative study of the bactericidal effect of photocatalytic oxidation by TiO2 on antibiotic‐resistant and antibiotic‐sensitive bacteria
Authors: Tsai Ting‐Mi , Chang Hsin‐Hou , Chang Kia‐Chih , Liu Yu‐Lin , Tseng Chun‐Chieh
Published: July 2010

BACKGROUND: In recent decades, the increase in antibiotic‐resistant bacteria has become one of the most significant problems in public health. Titanium dioxide (TiO2) has the potential to inactivate antibiotic‐resistant bacteria.

RESULTS: In this study, TiO2 that had been activated by ultraviolet A (UV‐A) irradiation was used to inactivate the following three antibiotic‐resistant bacteria in suspension: methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), multidrug‐resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (MDRAB) and vancomycin‐resistant Enterococcus faecalis (VRE). For comparison, the following antibiotic‐sensitive strains were used as controls: S. aureus (MSSA), A. baumannii (MDSAB), E. faecalis (VSE), Escherichia coli and the bacteriophage MS2. Results demonstrated that MSSA and MRSA were equally susceptible to TiO2 photocatalysis, and the susceptibility of MDRAB was double that of MDSAB (P < 0.05). The susceptibility of VSE was 2.4 times that of VRE (P < 0.05). The results obtained from multiple regression analysis indicated that TiO2 reaction time had the greatest influence on microbial survival following TiO2 exposure in the presence of UV‐A.

CONCLUSION: The development of antibiotic resistance does not appear to be correlated to increased resistance to TiO2 photocatalysis, but TiO2 in the presence of UV‐A still effectively reduces the number of antibiotic‐resistant microbes in suspension by 1–3 logs. Copyright © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry
The performance of US hospitals as reflected in risk‐standardized 30‐day mortality and readmission rates for medicare beneficiaries with pneumonia
Authors: Lindenauer Peter K. , Bernheim Susannah M. , Grady Jacqueline N. , Lin Zhenqiu , Wang Yun , Wang Yongfei , Merrill Angela R. , Han Lein F. , Rapp Michael T. , Drye Elizabeth E. , Normand Sharon‐Lise T. , Krumholz Harlan M.
Published: July 2010

BACKGROUND:

Pneumonia is a leading cause of hospitalization and death in the elderly, and remains the subject of both local and national quality improvement efforts.

OBJECTIVE:

To describe patterns of hospital and regional performance in the outcomes of elderly patients with pneumonia.

DESIGN:

Cross‐sectional study using hospital and outpatient Medicare claims between 2006 and 2009.

SETTING:

A total of 4,813 nonfederal acute care hospitals in the United States and its organized territories.

PATIENTS:

Hospitalized fee‐for‐service Medicare beneficiaries age 65 years and older who received a principal diagnosis of pneumonia.

INTERVENTION:

None.

MEASUREMENTS:

Hospital and regional level risk‐standardized 30‐day mortality and readmission rates.

RESULTS:

Of the 1,118,583 patients included in the mortality analysis 129,444 (11.6%) died within 30 days of hospital admission. The median (Q1, Q3) hospital 30‐day risk‐standardized mortality rate for patients with pneumonia was 11.1% (10.0%, 12.3%), and despite controlling for differences in case mix, ranged from 6.7% to 20.9%. Among the 1,161,817 patients included in the readmission analysis 212,638 (18.3%) were readmitted within 30 days of hospital discharge. The median (Q1, Q3) 30‐day risk‐standardized readmission rate was 18.2% (17.2%, 19.2%) and ranged from 13.6% to 26.7%. Risk‐standardized mortality rates varied across hospital referral regions from a high of 14.9% to a low of 8.7%. Risk‐standardized readmission rates varied across hospital referral regions from a high of 22.2% to a low of 15%.

CONCLUSIONS:

Risk‐standardized 30‐day mortality and, to a lesser extent, readmission rates for patients with pneumonia vary substantially across hospitals and regions and may present opportunities for quality improvement, especially at low performing institutions and areas. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2010. © 2010 Society of Hospital Medicine.
Ontogeny of the collar cord: Neurulation in the hemichordateSaccoglossus kowalevskii
Authors: Kaul Sabrina , Stach Thomas
Published: July 2010

The chordate body plan is characterized by a central notochord, a pharynx perforated by gill pores, and a dorsal central nervous system. Despite progress in recent years, the evolutionary origin of each of theses characters remains controversial. In the case of the nervous system, two contradictory hypotheses exist. In the first, the chordate nervous system is derived directly from a diffuse nerve net; whereas, the second proposes that a centralized nervous system is found in hemichordates and, therefore, predates chordate evolution. Here, we document the ontogeny of the collar cord of the enteropneustSaccoglossus kowalevskiiusing transmission electron microscopy and 3D‐reconstruction based on completely serially sectioned stages. We demonstrate that the collar cord develops from a middorsal neural plate that is closed in a posterior to anterior direction. Transversely oriented ependymal cells possessing myofilaments mediate this morphogenetic process and surround the remnants of the neural canal in juveniles. A mid‐dorsal glandular complex is present in the collar. The collar cord in juveniles is clearly separated into a dorsal saddle‐like region of somata and a ventral neuropil. We characterize two cell types in the somata region, giant neurons and ependymal cells. Giant neurons connect via a peculiar cell junction that seems to function in intercellular communication. Synaptic junctions containing different vesicle types are present in the neuropil. These findings support the hypotheses that the collar cord constitutes a centralized element of the nervous system and that the morphogenetic process in the ontogeny of the collar cord is homologous to neurulation in chordates. Moreover, we suggest that these similarities are indicative of a close phylogenetic relationship between enteropneusts and chordates. J. Morphol., 2010. ©2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Morphology and function of the reproductive system of representatives of the genus Uca
Authors: Lautenschlager Agnes D. , Brandis Dirk , Storch Volker
Published: July 2010

The morphology of the reproductive organs of three species of fiddler crabs, Uca ecuadoriensis, Uca c.f. forcipata, and Uca tangeri were investigated to subsequently produce a model of their mode of operation. Vulva, vagina, and spermatheca in females, and the first and second gonopods in males were examined by applying histological techniques and electron microscopy. In all three species, vulva and vagina conform to the concave type, and the spermatheca complies with the ventral type. The tissue of the oviduct orifice is enlarged and bulges into the lumen of the spermatheca. Differences between the three species are apparent in the organization of the spermatheca, especially in the distribution and structure of glandular epithelium: In U. ecuadoriensis and U. c.f. forcipata the largest proportion of the spermathecal wall is lined with cuticle and only a small area consists of glandular epithelium, while in U. tangeri almost all of the lining is glandular. Furthermore, the glandular epithelia of the species differ in their histology and ultrastructure: In U. ecuadoriensis it is tubular and multilayered, while in U. c.f. forcipata it is mono‐layered. U. tangeri finally has both forms of this tissue. In the males, the terminal segments of the first gonopod exhibit a tight fit to female organs and narrow, tightly sealed sperm channels. These features suggest a tendency towards minimizing loss of fluids, which can be interpreted as an adaptation to mating on land. The tight fit of male gonopod and female opening seem to be protection from interbreeding, which points toward a strong sexual selection. In the terrestrial environment, these originally aquatic organisms experience serious competition for resources; therefore there is pressure on successful reproduction. According to the current results a model of the process of fertilization and egg‐laying involving the investigated organs was generated. J. Morphol., 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Dual structural color mechanisms in a scarab beetle
Authors: Xu Man , Seago Ainsley E. , Sutherland Tara D. , Weisman Sarah
Published: July 2010

The cuticle of a Mycterophallus cetoniine scarab species displays both red iridescence due to a multilayer reflector mechanism and rainbow iridescence due to a superimposed diffraction grating mechanism. This is the first reported example of an animal possessing two independent classes of structural colors arising from interference at the wavelengths of visible light. In this work, the Mycterophallus cuticle is characterized by light microscopy, spectrophotometry, scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. We compare the cuticle of the Mycterophallus species to two closely related Lomaptera scarab species, one with only a multilayer reflector and the second with only a diffraction grating. We calculate the correspondence between the nanostructural parameters and the optical properties of the Mycterophallus cuticle to determine the relative optical contributions of the two color mechanisms and the interactions between them. J. Morphol., 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Elucidating the higher‐order structure of biopolymers by structural probing and mass spectrometry: MS3D
Authors: Fabris Daniele , Yu Eizadora T.
Published: July 2010

Chemical probing represents a very versatile alternative for studying the structure and dynamics of substrates that are intractable by established high‐resolution techniques. The implementation of MS‐based strategies for the characterization of probing products has not only extended the range of applicability to virtually all types of biopolymers but has also paved the way for the introduction of new reagents that would not have been viable with traditional analytical platforms. As the availability of probing data is steadily increasing on the wings of the development of dedicated interpretation aids, powerful computational approaches have been explored to enable the effective utilization of such information to generate valid molecular models. This combination of factors has contributed to making the possibility of obtaining actual 3D structures by MS‐based technologies (MS3D) a reality. Although approaches for achieving structure determination of unknown targets or assessing the dynamics of known structures may share similar reagents and development trajectories, they clearly involve distinctive experimental strategies, analytical concerns and interpretation paradigms. This Perspective offers a commentary on methods aimed at obtaining distance constraints for the modeling of full‐fledged structures while highlighting common elements, salient distinctions and complementary capabilities exhibited by methods used in dynamics studies. We discuss critical factors to be addressed for completing effective structural determinations and expose possible pitfalls of chemical methods. We survey programs developed for facilitating the interpretation of experimental data and discuss possible computational strategies for translating sparse spatial constraints into all‐atom models. Examples are provided to illustrate how the concerted application of very diverse probing techniques can lead to the solution of actual biological systems. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Increased sequence coverage of thymine‐rich oligodeoxynucleotides by infrared multiphoton dissociation compared to collision‐induced dissociation
Authors: Parr Carol , Brodbelt Jennifer S.
Published: July 2010

Infrared multiphoton dissociation (IRMPD) of thymine‐rich oligodeoxynucleotides in a linear ion‐trap mass spectrometer affords far more extensive fragmentation than conventional collision‐induced dissociation (CID). For oligodeoxynucleotides containing one non‐thymine base, CID results primarily in cleavage on the 3′ side of the non‐thymine nucleobase, whereas IRMPD results in cleavages between all the nucleobases and thus provides complete sequence coverage. Furthermore, for oligodeoxynucleotides containing a single non‐thymine base, it is shown that the full series of diagnostic sequence ions observed in the IRMPD mass spectra arise from secondary dissociation of the two primary products formed from the initial cleavage site located next to the non‐thymine base. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Study of a cylindrical ion trap supplied by a periodic impulsional potential
Authors: Seddighi Chaharborj S. , Sadat Kiai S. M.
Published: July 2010

This article reports on some theoretical studies concerning the impulsional mode of a cylindrical ion trap (CIT) supplied with a periodic impulsional radio frequency (rf) voltage of the form VaccosΩt/(1 − kcos2Ωt) with 0 ≤ k < 1. The performance characteristics of CIT impulsional mode, for the twelve stability regions, were computed using fifth order Runge‐Kutta method and were compared to the classical sinusoidal mode k = 0. Also, the results show that, for the same equivalent operating point in two stability diagrams (having the same βz) the associated modulated secular ion frequencies behavior are the same. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Fatty Acid Derived Monomers and Related Polymers Via Thiol‐ene (Click) Additions
Authors: Türünç Oĝuz , Meier Michael A. R.
Published: July 2010

Thiol‐ene additions of methyl 10‐undecenoate, a castor oil derived renewable platform chemical, were studied with the goal of preparing a set of renewable monomers. Good to excellent yields were obtained for these solvent and initiator free thiol‐ene additions. The resulting monomers were then polymerized using TBD as a catalyst, to linear as well as hyperbranched polyesters that also contain thio‐ether linkages. All thus prepared polymers were fully characterized (NMR, GPC, DSC, and TGA) and the results of these investigations will be discussed within this contribution. The thermal analysis of these polymers revealed melting points in the range from 50 to 71 °C. Moreover, no significant weight loss was observed below 300 °C.

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Targeted projection NMR spectroscopy for unambiguous metabolic profiling of complex mixtures
Authors: Pontoizeau Clément , Herrmann Torsten , Toulhoat Pierre , Elena‐Herrmann Bénédicte , Emsley Lyndon
Published: July 2010

Unambiguous identification of individual metabolites present in complex mixtures such as biofluids constitutes a crucial prerequisite for quantitative metabolomics, toward better understanding of biochemical processes in living systems. Increasing the dimensionality of a given NMR correlation experiment is the natural solution for resolving spectral overlap. However, in the context of metabolites, natural abundance acquisition of 1H and 13C NMR data virtually excludes the use of higher dimensional NMR experiments (3D, 4D, etc.) that would require unrealistically long acquisition times. Here, we introduce projection NMR techniques for studies of complex mixtures, and we show how discrete sets of projection spectra from higher dimensional NMR experiments are obtained in a reasonable time frame, in order to capture essential information necessary to resolve assignment ambiguities caused by signal overlap in conventional 2D NMR spectra. We determine optimal projection angles where given metabolite resonances will have the least overlap, to obtain distinct metabolite assignment in complex mixtures. The method is demonstrated for a model mixture composition made of ornithine, putrescine and arginine for which acquisition of a single 2D projection of a 3D 1H–13C TOCSY‐HSQC spectrum allows to disentangle the metabolite signals and to access to complete profiling of this model mixture in the targeted 2D projection plane. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Real‐time visualization of muscle stiffness distribution with ultrasound shear wave imaging during muscle contraction
Authors: Shinohara Minoru , Sabra Karim , Gennisson Jean‐Luc , Fink Mathias , Tanter Mickaél
Published: July 2010

A stand‐alone ultrasound shear wave imaging technology has been developed to quantify and visualize Young's modulus distribution by remotely applying ultrasound radiation force and tracking the resulting microvibrations in soft tissues with ultrafast ultrasound imaging. We report the first preliminary data that detected the distribution of local muscle stiffness within and between resting and contracting muscles at different muscle lengths with this technology. This technique may assist clinicians in characterizing muscle injuries or neuromuscular disorders. Muscle Nerve, 2010
New implementation of radial basis functions for solving Burgers‐Fisher equation
Authors: Tatari Mehdi , Sepehrian Behnam , Alibakhshi Maryam
Published: July 2010

In this article, we consider the problem of solving Burgers‐Fisher equation. The approximate solution is found using the radial basis functions collocation method. Also for solving of the resulted nonlinear system of equations, we proposed a predictor corrector method based on the fixed point iterations. The numerical tests show that this method is accurate and efficient for finding a closed form approximation of the solution of nonlinear partial differential equations. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Numer Methods Partial Differential Eq 28: 248–262, 2012
Brachmann–de Lange syndrome: definition of prenatal sonographic features to facilitate definitive prenatal diagnosis
Authors: Pajkrt E. , Griffin D. R. , Chitty L. S.
Published: July 2010

Objective

The objective was to improve the prenatal diagnosis of Brachmann–de Lange syndrome (BDLS) by defining the sonographic criteria.

Methods

Retrospective review of Fetal Medicine Unit (FMU) notes from 1998 to 2009 to identify all cases seen with a final diagnosis of BDLS. Literature review undertaken to ascertain all cases where sonographic features of BDLS had been described. Information was pooled to define the most common features.

Results

Seven cases were identified from review of FMU records. The diagnosis was suspected prenatally in four of the seven. All had asymmetrical forearm defects with oligodactyly/polydactyly, five had intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) and five had abnormal facial features including micrognathia and/or a long overhanging philtrum. A further 28 cases were identified in the literature, but the diagnosis was only suspected prenatally in nine. Overall the most common feature was IUGR (80%); upper limb anomalies were detected in nearly half of cases. Other common features included facial anomalies (40%), diaphragmatic hernia (34%), increased nuchal translucency/fold (37%) and cardiac anomalies (14%).

Conclusions

Identification of asymmetrical oligodactyly with or without forearm anomalies associated with microcephaly and/or IUGR or diaphragmatic hernia are findings that should arouse suspicion of BDLS, although definitive diagnosis at present would have to await delivery in the majority of cases. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Preparation of the chitosan containing nanofibers by electrospinning chitosan–gelatin complexes
Authors: Haider Sajjad , Al‐Masry Waheed A. , Bukhari Nausheen , Javid Muhammad
Published: July 2010

Electrospinning is an interesting technique, which provides a facile and an effective mean in producing nonwoven fibrous materials; however, for producing nanofibers, investigation of the electrospinning conditions is very important. In this study, chitosan, gelatin, and their polyelectrolyte complexes (PECs) were electrospun to prepare nonwoven nanofibrous mats. The concentrations of chitosan and gelatin solutions and electric field (kV/cm) were optimized. The solutions were then blended in different ratios (0–100%) to get electrospun nanofibrous mats. Solution concentration and electric field showed pronounced effect on the electrospinnability and fiber diameter of these systems. Mostly large beads coexisted with the fibers were observed for chitosan at 1 wt% solution concentration, which then showed good electrospinnability at 2 wt% (nanofiber diameter was 145 and 122 nm at 15 and 20 kV/10 cm, respectively), whereas gelatin showed no electrospinnability below 15 wt% solution concentration and a homogenous fibers network at 15 wt% (149 nm at 20 kV/10 cm). The morphology and diameter of chitosan–gelatin PEC nanofibers varied with the chitosan/gelatin ratio. The crystallinity of chitosan was also observed to reduce with electrospinning and addition of gelatin. POLYM. ENG. SCI. 50:1887–1893, 2010. © 2010 Society of Plastics Engineers
Development and characterization of solid and porous polylactide‐multiwall carbon nanotube composites
Authors: Rizvi Reza , Khan Omer , Naguib Hani E.
Published: July 2010

This article describes the fabrication of solid and porous polylactide (PLA)‐multiwall carbon nanotube (MWNT) composites prepared using melt blending and subsequent batch processing of porous structures. The morphology and thermal, rheological and electrical properties of the PLA‐MWNT composites prepared with MWNT concentrations of 0, 0.5, 1, 2, and 5 wt% were characterized. The composite structure consisted of identifiable regions of MWNT aggregation and MWNT dispersion. Increasing MWNT content was found to increase the thermal stability and crystallization kinetics of PLA. The addition of MWNT to PLA significantly increased the melt viscosity and electrical conductivity of the composites. Based on rheological and electrical measurements, a continuous MWNT network structure in PLA was found to form when the concentration of MWNT is increased from 0.5 wt% (0.33 vol%) to 1 wt% (0.66 vol%). As many current day applications of polymers and polymer composites require lightweight and low‐density materials, porous PLA‐MWNT composites were fabricated from a batch porous structure processing technique. Porous PLA‐MWNT composites containing 2 and 5 wt% MWNT had lower relative densities, which is attributed to the higher viscosity of the composites suppressing collapse of the porous structure during processing. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2011. © 2010 Society of Plastics Engineers