bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development of a novel vitrification method for chondrocyte sheets
Authors: Maehara Miki , Sato Masato , Watanabe Masahito , Matsunari Hitomi , Kokubo Mami , Kanai Takahiro , Sato Michio , Matsumura Kazuaki , Hyon Suong-Hyu , Yokoyama Munetaka , Mochida Joji , Nagashima Hiroshi
Published: July 2013

Background

There is considerable interest in using cell sheets for the treatment of various lesions as part of regenerative medicine therapy. Cell sheets can be prepared in temperature-responsive culture dishes and applied to injured tissue. For example, cartilage-derived cell sheets are currently under preclinical testing for use in treatment of knee cartilage injuries. The additional use of cryopreservation technology could increase the range and practicality of cell sheet therapies. To date, however, cryopreservation of cell sheets has proved impractical.

Results

Here we have developed a novel and effective method for cryopreserving fragile chondrocyte sheets. We modified the vitrification method previously developed for cryopreservation of mammalian embryos to vitrify a cell sheet through use of a minimum volume of vitrification solution containing 20% dimethyl sulfoxide, 20% ethylene glycol, 0.5 M sucrose, and 10% carboxylated poly-L-lysine. The principal feature of our method is the coating of the cell sheet with a viscous vitrification solution containing permeable and non-permeable cryoprotectants prior to vitrification in liquid nitrogen vapor. This method prevented fracturing of the fragile cell sheet even after vitrification and rewarming. Both the macro- and microstructures of the vitrified cell sheets were maintained without damage or loss of major components. Cell survival in the vitrified sheets was comparable to that in non-vitrified samples.

Conclusions

We have shown here that it is feasible to vitrify chondrocyte cell sheets and that these sheets retain their normal characteristics upon thawing. The availability of a practical cryopreservation method should make a significant contribution to the effectiveness and range of applications of cell sheet therapy.
miR-99b-targeted mTOR induction contributes to irradiation resistance in pancreatic cancer
Authors: Wei Feng , Liu Yan , Guo Yanhai , Xiang An , Wang Guangyi , Xue Xiaochang , Lu Zifan
Published: July 2013

Background

Radiation exerts direct antitumor effects and is widely used in clinics, but the efficacy is severely compromised by tumor resistance. Therefore uncovering the mechanism of radioresistance might promote the development of new strategies to overcome radioresistance by manipulating activity of the key molecules.

Methods

Immunohistochemistry were used to find whether mTOR were over-activated in radioresistant patients’ biopsies. Then Western blot, real-time PCR and transfection were used to find whether radiotherapy regulates the expression and activity of mTOR by modulating its targeting microRNA in human pancreatic cancer cell lines PANC-1, Capan-2 and BxPC-3. Finally efficacy of radiation combined with mTOR dual inhibitor AZD8055 was assessed in vitro and in vivo.

Results

Ionizing radiation promoted mTOR expression and activation in pancreatic cancer cells through reducing miR-99b expression, which negatively regulated mTOR. Novel mTOR inhibitor, AZD8055 (10 nM, 100 nM, 500 nM) synergistically promoted radiation (0–10 Gy) induced cell growth inhibition and apoptosis. In human pancreatic cancer xenografts, fractionated radiation combined with AZD8055 treatment further increased the anti-tumor effect, the tumor volume was shrinked to 278 mm3 after combination treatment for 3 weeks compared with single radiation (678 mm3) or AZD8055 (708 mm3) treatment (P < 0.01).

Conclusions

Our data provide a rationale for overcoming radio-resistance by combined with mTOR inhibitor AZD8055 in pancreatic cancer therapy.
Temperature dependence of the electrical transport properties in few-layer graphene interconnects
Authors: Liu Yanping , Liu Zongwen , Lew Wen Siang , Wang Qi Jie
Published: July 2013

We report a systematic investigation of the temperature dependence of electrical resistance behaviours in tri- and four-layer graphene interconnects. Nonlinear current–voltage characteristics were observed at different temperatures, which are attributed to the heating effect. With the resistance curve derivative analysis method, our experimental results suggest that Coulomb interactions play an essential role in our devices. The room temperature measurements further indicate that the graphene layers exhibit the characteristics of semiconductors mainly due to the Coulomb scattering effects. By combining the Coulomb and short-range scattering theory, we derive an analytical model to explain the temperature dependence of the resistance, which agrees well with the experimental results.
Influenza A/Hong Kong/156/1997(H5N1) virus NS1 gene mutations F103L and M106I both increase IFN antagonism, virulence and cytoplasmic localization but differ in binding to RIG-I and CPSF30
Authors: Dankar Samar K , Miranda Elena , Forbes Nicole E , Pelchat Martin , Tavassoli Ali , Selman Mohammed , Ping Jihui , Jia Jianjun , Brown Earl G
Published: July 2013

Background

The genetic basis for avian to mammalian host switching in influenza A virus is largely unknown. The human A/HK/156/1997 (H5N1) virus that transmitted from poultry possesses NS1 gene mutations F103L + M106I that are virulence determinants in the mouse model of pneumonia; however their individual roles have not been determined. The emergent A/Shanghai/patient1/2013(H7N9)-like viruses also possess these mutations which may contribute to their virulence and ability to switch species.

Methods

NS1 mutant viruses were constructed by reverse genetics and site directed mutagenesis on human and mouse-adapted backbones. Mouse infections assessed virulence, virus yield, tissue infection, and IFN induction. NS1 protein properties were assessed for subcellular distribution, IFN antagonism (mouse and human), CPSF30 and RIG-I domain binding, host transcription (microarray); and the natural prevalence of 103L and 106I mutants was assessed.

Results

Each of the F103L and M106I mutations contributes additively to virulence to reduce the lethal dose by >800 and >3,200 fold respectively by mediating alveolar tissue infection with >100 fold increased infectious yields. The 106I NS1 mutant lost CPSF binding but the 103L mutant maintained binding that correlated with an increased general decrease in host gene expression in human but not mouse cells. Each mutation positively modulated the inhibition of IFN induction in mouse cells and activation of the IFN-β promoter in human cells but not in combination in human cells indicating negative epistasis. Each of the F103L and M106I mutations restored a defect in cytoplasmic localization of H5N1 NS1 in mouse cells. Human H1N1 and H3N2 NS1 proteins bound to the CARD, helicase and RD RIG-I domains, whereas the H5N1 NS1 with the same consensus 103F and 106M mutations did not bind these domains, which was totally or partially restored by the M106I or F103L mutations respectively.

Conclusions

The F103L and M106I mutations in the H5N1 NS1 protein each increased IFN antagonism and mediated interstitial pneumonia in mice that was associated with increased cytoplasmic localization and altered host factor binding. These mutations may contribute to the ability of previous HPAI H5N1 and recent LPAI H7N9 and H6N1 (NS1-103L+106M) viruses to switch hosts and cause disease in humans.
A retrospective observational study comparing hair apposition technique, suturing and stapling for scalp lacerations
Authors: Ozturk Derya , Sonmez Bedriye Müge , Altinbilek Ertugrul , Kavalci Cemil , Arslan Engin Deniz , Akay Serhat
Published: July 2013

Aim

Scalp lacerations are commonly encountered in patients presenting to emergency department with trauma. Lacerations are repaired with suturing, stapling, adhesive tapes, and tissue adhesives. In this study, we aimed to compare the effectiveness of suturing, stapling, and hair apposition techniques used in repair of scalp lacerations in patients who presented to emergency department with scalp laceration.

Materials and method

After obtaining approval of local ethics committee, we examined the effects of the three technique used to repair scalp lacerations on wound healing, complication rate, and patient satisfaction by recording data. Categorical variables were expressed as n and %. X2 test was used for statistical analysis. A p value less than 0.05 was accepted statistically significant.

Results

Our study included a total of 134 patients of whom were treated 37 (27.6%) with hair apposition technique 49, 48 (35.8%) with suturing, and (36.6%) with stapling. There was a significant difference between the scalp repair technique and 7th and 15th day patient satisfaction rates in favor of the hair apposition technique (p < 0.05). There was a significant difference between the scalp repair technique and cosmetic problems after 15 days (p < 0.05). Cosmetic problems 15 days after the procedure were significantly lower in the hair apposition technique.

Conclusion

In patients presenting to emergency departments with linear scalp laceration suturing, stapling, and hair apposition techniques can be safely applied. However, hair apposition technique has the advantages of being more satisfying, and having lower cosmetic problem and complication rates compared with other techniques.
Levels of pro-apoptotic regulator Bad and anti-apoptotic regulator Bcl-xL determine the type of the apoptotic logic gate
Authors: Bogdał Marta N , Hat Beata , Kochańczyk Marek , Lipniacki Tomasz
Published: July 2013

Background

Apoptosis is a tightly regulated process: cellular survive-or-die decisions cannot be accidental and must be unambiguous. Since the suicide program may be initiated in response to numerous stress stimuli, signals transmitted through a number of checkpoints have to be eventually integrated.

Results

In order to analyze possible mechanisms of the integration of multiple pro-apoptotic signals, we constructed a simple model of the Bcl-2 family regulatory module. The module collects upstream signals and processes them into life-or-death decisions by employing interactions between proteins from three subgroups of the Bcl-2 family: pro-apoptotic multidomain effectors, pro-survival multidomain restrainers, and pro-apoptotic single domain BH3-only proteins. Although the model is based on ordinary differential equations (ODEs), it demonstrates that the Bcl-2 family module behaves akin to a Boolean logic gate of the type dependent on levels of BH3-only proteins (represented by Bad) and restrainers (represented by Bcl-xL). A low level of pro-apoptotic Bad or a high level of pro-survival Bcl-xL implies gate AND, which allows for the initiation of apoptosis only when two stress stimuli are simultaneously present: the rise of the p53 killer level and dephosphorylation of kinase Akt. In turn, a high level of Bad or a low level of Bcl-xL implies gate OR, for which any of these stimuli suffices for apoptosis.

Conclusions

Our study sheds light on possible signal integration mechanisms in cells, and spans a bridge between modeling approaches based on ODEs and on Boolean logic. In the proposed scheme, logic gates switching results from the change of relative abundances of interacting proteins in response to signals and involves system bistability. Consequently, the regulatory system may process two analogous inputs into a digital survive-or-die decision.
Alteration in protein profile of Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PTSOX4) coated with magnetic Fe3O4 nanoparticles
Authors: Bahrampour Fazeleh , Raheb Jamshid , Rabiei Zohreh
Published: July 2013

One of the remarkable features of bacterial species is their capacity for rapid growth when the appropriate environmental condition for growth is provided. Some bacteria, during their growth period, encounter stress factors in their natural environments, such as limitation in growth bioavailability, heat shock, heavy metal, etc. One stress factor not studied is the effect of magnetic Fe3O4 nanoparticles on bacterial growth rate. The effect of magnetic Fe3O4 nanoparticles on the protein profiles of genetically engineered bacterial strain Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PTSOX4), a strain with biological desulfurization characteristic, was investigated. The magnetic Fe3O4 nanoparticles were synthesized using co-sedimentation method, and their morphology was observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The topography of magnetic Fe3O4 nanoparticles was detected by X-ray diffraction, and the average nanoparticle size measured was 40 to 50 nm. The bacterial cells were coated with magnetic nanoparticles, and the SEM electrographs of the bacterial cells indicated that the nanoparticles were uniformly coated on the cell surface. Proteins from both uncoated and coated bacterial cells were extracted by sonication and subjected to two-dimensional sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Some novel protein bands appeared in the protein profiles of coated bacterial cells; however, some protein bands disappeared. The two-dimensional gel electrophoresis results highlighted the presence of two different polypeptide groups, with molecular weights of 30 to 56 kDa and 56 to 65 kDa.
New autoantibodies in early rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Charpin Caroline , Arnoux Fanny , Martin Marielle , Toussirot Eric , Lambert Nathalie , Balandraud Nathalie , Wendling Daniel , Diot Elisabeth , Roudier Jean , Auger Isabelle
Published: July 2013

Introduction

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory joint disease causing articular cartilage and bone destruction. Since irreversible joint destruction can be prevented by intervention at the early stages of disease, early diagnosis of RA is important. In this study, we identified new autoantibodies in the sera of patients with early (less than one year) RA.

Methods

We screened the sera of 20 RA patients with disease duration less than one year, 19 RA patients with disease duration more than five years and 23 controls on 8,268 human protein arrays. We confirmed the validity of protein array detection by ELISA assays. We then performed epitope mapping with overlapping 15-mers to analyze RA sera reactivity.

Results

WIBG (within BGCN homolog (Drosophila)), GABARAPL2 (GABA(A) receptor associated protein like 2) and ZNF706 (zinc finger protein 706) proteins are preferentially recognized by autoantibodies from early RA patients. Of interest, autoantibodies to WIBG are very specific for early RA. Indeed, 33% of early RA patients' sera recognize WIBG versus 5% of RA patients with disease duration more than 5 years and 2% of controls. We identified three linear peptides on WIBG GABARAPL2 and ZNF706 that are preferentially recognized by sera of early RA patients.

Conclusions

We identified new autoantibodies associated with RA with disease duration less than one year. These autoantibodies could be used as diagnosis markers in RA patients.
In Vivo Knockdown of Adipocyte Erythropoietin Receptor Does Not Alter Glucose or Energy Homeostasis
Authors: Luk Cynthia T. , Shi Sally Yu , Choi Diana , Cai Erica P. , Schroer Stephanie A. , Woo Minna
Published: July 2013

The growing prevalence of obesity and diabetes necessitate a better understanding of the role of adipocyte biology in metabolism. Increasingly, erythropoietin (EPO) has been shown to have extraerythropoietic and cytoprotective roles. Exogenous administration has recently been shown to have beneficial effects on obesity and diabetes in mouse models and EPO can modulate adipogenesis and insulin signaling in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. However, its physiological role in adipocytes has not been identified. Using male and female mice with adipose tissue-specific knockdown of the EPO receptor, we determine that adipocyte EPO signaling is not essential for the maintenance of energy homeostasis or glucose metabolism. Adipose tissue-specific disruption of EPO receptor did not alter adipose tissue expansion, adipocyte morphology, insulin resistance, inflammation, or angiogenesis in vivo. In contrast to the pharmacological effects of EPO, we demonstrate that EPO signaling at physiological levels is not essential for adipose tissue regulation of metabolism.
GPR41/FFAR3 and GPR43/FFAR2 as Cosensors for Short-Chain Fatty Acids in Enteroendocrine Cells vs FFAR3 in Enteric Neurons and FFAR2 in Enteric Leukocytes
Authors: Nøhr Mark K. , Pedersen Maria H. , Gille Andreas , Egerod Kristoffer L. , Engelstoft Maja S. , Husted Anna Sofie , Sichlau Rasmus M. , Grunddal Kaare V. , Seier Poulsen Steen , Han Sangdon , Jones Robert M. , Offermanns Stefan , Schwartz Thue W.
Published: July 2013

The expression of short-chain fatty acid receptors GPR41/FFAR3 and GPR43/ free fatty acid receptor 2 (FFAR2) was studied in the gastrointestinal tract of transgenic monomeric red fluorescent protein (mRFP) reporter mice. In the stomach free fatty acid receptor 3 (FFAR3)-mRFP was expressed in a subpopulation of ghrelin and gastrin cells. In contrast, strong expression of FFAR3-mRFP was observed in all cholecystokinin, glucose-dependent insulinotropic peptide (GIP), and secretin cells of the proximal small intestine and in all glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), peptide YY, and neurotensin cells of the distal small intestine. Throughout the colon and rectum, FFAR3-mRFP was strongly expressed in the large population of peptide YY and GLP-1 cells and in the neurotensin cells of the proximal colon. A gradient of expression of FFAR3-mRFP was observed in the somatostatin cells from less than 5% in the stomach to more than 95% in the rectum. Substance P-containing enterochromaffin cells displayed a similar gradient of FFAR3-mRFP expression throughout the small intestine. Surprisingly, FFAR3-mRFP was also expressed in the neuronal cells of the submucosal and myenteric ganglia. Quantitative PCR analysis of fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) purified FFAR3-mRFP positive cells confirmed the coexpression with the various peptide hormones as well as key neuronal marker proteins. The FFAR2-mRFP reporter was strongly expressed in a large population of leukocytes in the lamina propria of in particular the small intestine but surprisingly only weakly in a subpopulation of enteroendocrine cells. Nevertheless, synthetic ligands specific for either FFAR3 or FFAR2 each released GLP-1 from colonic crypt cultures and the FFAR2 agonist mobilized intracellular Ca2+ in FFAR2 positive enteroendocrine cells. It is concluded that FFAR3-mRFP serves as a useful marker for the majority of enteroendocrine cells of the small and large intestine and that FFAR3 and FFAR2 both act as sensors for short-chain fatty acids in enteroendocrine cells, whereas FFAR3 apparently has this role alone in enteric neurons and FFAR2 in enteric leukocytes.
Evidence for the Regulatory Role of Lipocalin 2 in High-Fat Diet-Induced Adipose Tissue Remodeling in Male Mice
Authors: Guo Hong , Bazuine Merlijn , Jin Daozhong , Huang Merry M. , Cushman Samuel W. , Chen Xiaoli
Published: July 2013

Lipocalin 2 (Lcn2) has previously been characterized as an adipokine/cytokine playing a role in glucose and lipid homeostasis. In this study, we investigate the role of Lcn2 in adipose tissue remodeling during high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obesity. We find that Lcn2 protein is highly abundant selectively in inguinal adipose tissue. During 16 weeks of HFD feeding, the inguinal fat depot expanded continuously, whereas the expansion of the epididymal fat depot was reduced in both wild-type (WT) and Lcn2−/− mice. Interestingly, the depot-specific effect of HFD on fat mass was exacerbated and appeared more pronounced and faster in Lcn2−/− mice than in WT mice. In Lcn2−/− mice, adipocyte hypertrophy in both inguinal and epididymal adipose tissue was more profoundly induced by age and HFD when compared with WT mice. The expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ protein was significantly down-regulated, whereas the gene expression of extracellular matrix proteins was up-regulated selectively in epididymal adipocytes of Lcn2−/− mice. Consistent with these observations, collagen deposition was selectively higher in the epididymal, but not in the inguinal adipose depot of Lcn2−/− mice. Administration of the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ agonist rosiglitazone (Rosi) restored adipogenic gene expression. However, Lcn2 deficiency did not alter the responsiveness of adipose tissue to Rosi effects on the extracellular matrix expression. Rosi treatment led to the further enlargement of adipocytes with improved metabolic activity in Lcn2−/− mice, which may be associated with a more pronounced effect of Rosi treatment in reducing TGF-β in Lcn2−/− adipose tissue. Consistent with these in vivo observations, Lcn2 deficiency reduces the adipocyte differentiation capacity of stromal-vascular cells isolated from HFD-fed mice in these cells. Herein Rosi treatment was again able to stimulate adipocyte differentiation to a similar extent in WT and Lcn2−/− inguinal and epididymal stromal-vascular cells. Thus, combined, our data indicate that Lcn2 has a depot-specific role in HFD-induced adipose tissue remodeling.
The polyubiquitin gene Ubi-p63E is essential for male meiotic cell cycle progression and germ cell differentiation in Drosophila
Authors: Lu Chenggang , Kim Jongmin , Fuller Margaret T.
Published: July 2013

The ubiquitin proteasome system (UPS) regulates many biological pathways by post-translationally ubiquitylating proteins for degradation. Although maintaining a dynamic balance between free ubiquitin and ubiquitylated proteins is key to UPS function, the mechanisms that regulate ubiquitin homeostasis in different tissues through development are not clear. Here we show, via analysis of the magellan (magn) complementation group, that loss of function of the Drosophila polyubiquitin Ubi-p63E results specifically in meiotic arrest sterility in males. Ubi-p63E contributes predominantly to maintaining the free ubiquitin pool in testes. The function of Ubi-p63E is required cell-autonomously for proper meiotic chromatin condensation, cell cycle progression and spermatid differentiation. magn mutant germ cells develop normally to the spermatocyte stage but arrest at the G2/M transition of meiosis I, with lack of protein expression of the key meiotic cell cycle regulators Boule and Cyclin B. Loss of Ubi-p63E function did not strongly affect the spermatocyte transcription program regulated by the testis TBP-associated factor (tTAF) or meiosis arrest complex (tMAC) genes. Knocking down proteasome function specifically in spermatocytes caused a different meiotic arrest phenotype, suggesting that the magn phenotype might not result from general defects in protein degradation. Our results suggest a conserved role of polyubiquitin genes in male meiosis and a potential mechanism leading to meiosis I maturation arrest.
Global-Local Optimization of Flapping Kinematics in Hovering Flight
Authors: Ghommem M. , Hajj M. R. , Mook D. T. , Stanford B. K. , Beran P. S. , Watson L. T.
Published: July 2013

The kinematics of a hovering wing are optimized by combining the 2-d unsteady vortex lattice method with a hybrid of global and local optimization algorithms. The objective is to minimize the required aerodynamic power under a lift constraint. The hybrid optimization is used to efficiently navigate the complex design space due to wing-wake interference present in hovering aerodynamics. The flapping wing is chosen so that its chord length and flapping frequency match the morphological and flight properties of two insects with different masses. The results suggest that imposing a delay between the different oscillatory motions defining the flapping kinematics, and controlling the way through which the wing rotates at the end of each half stroke can improve aerodynamic power under a lift constraint. Furthermore, our optimization analysis identified optimal kinematics that agree fairly well with observed insect kinematics, as well as previously published numerical results.
A Nonlinear Guidance Law for Visual Pursuit of a Cooperative Aerial Target in Wind
Authors: Nichols Joseph W. , McLain Timothy W.
Published: July 2013

A nonlinear guidance law for autonomously tracking a cooperative airborne target with a fixed, forward-looking camera is proposed. The method is called visual pursuit and it is intended for use with a vision sensor, but it is also compatible with inputs from other sensors like GPS. Line-of-sight angles are input into the guidance method that produces roll and flight path angle rate commands for tracking an aerial target and following it in close formation. Visual pursuit is based on the formation of a Lyapunov-based scalar system that is shown to be mathematically stable for a cooperative target. The method is shown to be effective at keeping the target in the camera field of view in strong cross winds by allowing the target position to float laterally within the camera field of view. The amount of movement of the target is governed by an optimization algorithm that keeps the line-of-sight errors within a specified region of the camera field of view. For comparison, a linear pursuit method is also implemented. Results showed effective tracking with less bank angle effort in strong winds. Simulation and flight test results are shown to demonstrate the suitability of the method.
CFD Analysis of Flapping Wings in Ultra-Low Reynolds Number Regime
Authors: Aram Shawn , Singh Rajneesh , Dinavahi Surya P. G.
Published: July 2013

Computational simulations are conducted to investigate the fluid dynamics of flapping wings at ultra-low Reynolds numbers for micro-aerial vehicle applications. Rigid solid wing and ‘comb’-like of the same planform and the equal thicknesses are considered in the current study. Incompressible flow simulations are carried out to compute flowfield and aerodynamic forces on the wings for two types of wing kinematic motions. A parametric study of geometric and kinematic parameters is also conducted to compare the two wings. The aerodynamic forces for Solid wing and the Comb wing are found to be quite similar at lower Reynolds number however the detailed examination of the forces showed that the force generation mechanisms on the two wings are quite different. Analysis suggests that the Comb wings can provide a significant weight savings with a minimal loss in the aerodynamic performance for ultra-low Reynolds number applications.
Crystal structure of 3WJ core revealing divalent ion-promoted thermostability and assembly of the Phi29 hexameric motor pRNA
Authors: Zhang Hui , Endrizzi James A. , Shu Yi , Haque Farzin , Sauter Claude , Shlyakhtenko Lyudmila S. , Lyubchenko Yuri , Guo Peixuan , Chi Young-In
Published: July 2013

The bacteriophage phi29 DNA packaging motor, one of the strongest biological motors characterized to date, is geared by a packaging RNA (pRNA) ring. When assembled from three RNA fragments, its three-way junction (3WJ) motif is highly thermostable, is resistant to 8 M urea, and remains associated at extremely low concentrations in vitro and in vivo. To elucidate the structural basis for its unusual stability, we solved the crystal structure of this pRNA 3WJ motif at 3.05 Å. The structure revealed two divalent metal ions that coordinate 4 nt of the RNA fragments. Single-molecule fluorescence resonance energy transfer (smFRET) analysis confirmed a structural change of 3WJ upon addition of Mg2+. The reported pRNA 3WJ conformation is different from a previously published construct that lacks the metal coordination sites. The phi29 DNA packaging motor contains a dodecameric connector at the vertex of the procapsid, with a central pore for DNA translocation. This portal connector serves as the foothold for pRNA binding to procapsid. Subsequent modeling of a connector/pRNA complex suggests that the pRNA of the phi29 DNA packaging motor exists as a hexameric complex serving as a sheath over the connector. The model of hexameric pRNA on the connector agrees with AFM images of the phi29 pRNA hexamer acquired in air and matches all distance parameters obtained from cross-linking, complementary modification, and chemical modification interference.
The influence of excipients on dissolution of caffeine from granules
Authors: Szumiło Michał , Zimmer Łukasz , Świąder Katarzyna , Belniak Piotr , Dwornicka Dorota , Paź Celina , Poleszak Ewa
Published: July 2013

Four formulas of granules with caffeine were chosen to examine the influence of excipients on dissolution profiles of active substance from this drug form. The formula I: caffeine 1.0 parts, potato starch 69,3 parts, lactose 29,7 parts, glycerol 86% 2.0 parts, gelatin mucilage 4% (w/w) 98.0 parts; the formula II: caffeine 1.0 parts, Avicel 49,5 parts, lactose 49,5 parts, glycerol 86% 2.0 parts, gelatin mucilage 4% (w/w) 98.0 parts; the formula III: caffeine 1.0 parts, D-Mannitol 99,0 parts, glycerol 86% 2.0 parts, gelatin mucilage 4% (w/w) 98.0 parts and the formula IV: caffeine 1.0 parts, Avicel 49,5 parts, lactose 49,5 parts, and 0.5% solution of PVP 100.0 parts. This solution was prepared by dissolution of 0.5 parts PVP in 95.5 parts of mixture of ethanol 96° and water 1:1 (w/w). The granules were obtained in wet granulator. Their flow properties, moisture content, disintegration time and dissolution of active substance were tested. All granules passed the pharmacopoeial dissolution test because 80% of caffeine dissolved in 10 minutes time.
The Role of Professional Academic Advisors in Curriculum Development Grants
Authors: McMillian Martha , Ivy William A.
Published: July 2013

Academic advisors can make important contributions in implementing curriculum development grants received by universities. Presented in case study form is the advising and orientation plan developed for a National Science Foundation grant to prepare future science and mathematics teachers. This plan discusses comprehensive recruitment strategies, a specially designed orientation course, off-campus retreats and field experiences, and academic advising and career counseling. The plan fostered a sense of community among students and faculty, as well as a commitment to the project. This contributed to the success of the project and could contribute to similar grants as well.
The Academic Advisor's Guide to Quality Rankings in Various Fields of Study
Authors: Webster David
Published: July 2013

The author discusses nearly 100 academic quality rankings, most of them published since 1980, of a variety of arts and sciences disciplines and professional school fields.
Democratic Pluralism: Placing African-American Student-Athletes in the Context of a New Agenda for Higher Education
Authors: Edwards Harry
Published: July 2013

Harry Edwards delivered the NACADA Journal symposium lecture at the 1990 NACADA National Conference. He was invited by the Journal's editors to expand the ideas he presented into an article to give the entire membership an opportunity to examine these ideas. We have also included responses from several professionals who are actively involved in exploring the issues that Edwards deals with. The editors welcome further responses to this article.

The character and dynamics of developments at the interface of intergroup relations, education, and sport are shown to be deeply embedded in the historical evolution and intertwined with the contemporary complexities and contradictions of race and ethnic relations more generally in American society. The proposition is developed that African-American student-athletes' patterned negative outcomes can be reliably understood and effectively addressed only if due consideration is given social, cultural, and political forces that serious-impact but that emanate far beyond the institutional functioning of academia and sport. Established and broadly accepted African-American advancement strategies and goals are critiqued and evaluated relative to their past viability and future remedial potential as adjunctive influences upon the content, contours, and direction of African-American education. Competing educational philosophies and methods are analysed and assessed as to the appropriateness and promise of each in a postindustrial, ever more ethnically diverse America. Democratic pluralism is posed as an alternative to both established Black liberal and incipient Black neoconservative integration/assimilation dispositions and change regimens, as well as to various Black separatist and separate development strategems relative to African-American individual and collective advancement in sport, education, and society. Broad perspectives and guidelines pertaining to the role responsibilities and realms of accountability of educational administrators (particularly college presidents and chancellors), counselling supervisors and academic advisors, teachers, African-American communities and families, and African-American student-athletes are discussed against a background of longstanding and ongoing Black/White intergroup tensions and heightened athletic and academic pressures upon the student-athlete.
Trends in Defamation Law: Let the Advisor Beware
Authors: King Robert D.
Published: July 2013

Although most lawsuits brought by students against the institution are grounded upon contract and due process theories, the courts have exhibited a willingness to consider students' suits using tort theories when the students allege claims of defamation. This article examines not only lawsuits where students have sued the institution for defamation but also examines recent changes in the law of defamation that have engendered an increase in litigation and an increase in the liability for faculty and advisors.
Advising Underprepared Transfer Students: Integrating English Assessment and Academic Advising
Authors: Cooper Elizabeth J. , Franke Johannah S.
Published: July 2013

Academic advisors make important contributions to preventing the academic difficulties of underprepared transfer students through active cooperation with the English composition program. Joint efforts to get students evaluated and placed at the appropriate level of English composition instruction can encourage reading, writing, and critical thinking competencies that enhance students' performance in their other academic courses.
Everything You Need To Know About Career Development You Already Know
Authors: Spokane Arnold R. , Richardson Tina Q.
Published: July 2013

Before we begin, we want you to dig deeply into your own career and focus on your feelings about it.

No, no, not like that—we mean dig really deeply, beyond the superficial reasons and into those early dreams, hopes, and aspirations.

That's right, look way down there, where all of those private feelings lie, feelings about what you wanted to do and what you've actually done with your life. These are feelings that you probably do not share with your closest friends or with your parents or with anyone for that matter.

All that you need to know to understand a student or an advisee is embedded in those personal experiences you probably acknowledge only rarely.
Evaluating Academic Advising in a Multiversity Setting
Authors: Hanson Gary R. , Raney Michael W.
Published: July 2013

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the advising system at a complex multiversity and provide answers to both summative and formative evaluation questions. The results suggest that most students (a) are advised, feel that their advising needs have been met, and are satisfied with the help they receive. Students, in general, are less satisfied with the help they receive with specific issues and concerns. However, the results also show that (a) relatively few students consider faculty to be their primary advisors, (b) many students seek advising help from multiple sources, and (c) a majority of students spend 15 minutes or less per semester with their primary advisor. Implications of these results for academic advising at multiversities are discussed.
The Longitudinal Relationship Between Extracurricular Activities and Congruence Between Initial and Final Major Among College Students
Authors: Patrick John , Niles Spencer , Margetiak Charlene J. , Cunning Tineke J.
Published: July 2013

This study investigated the relationship between high school and college extracurricular activities and congruence between initial and final major of students attending a lower division campus of a comprehensive public university. The results generally support the hypothesis that participation in extracurricular activities is related to congruence between initial and final major. The types of activities that were associated with congruence varied by type of degree (associate vs. baccalaureate) pursued.
Changing the Campus Environment
Authors: Teitelbaum Herta
Published: July 2013

Academic advisors often recognize areas where change in the campus environment can lead to greater student satisfaction, increased student retention, and improved institutional effectiveness. Advisors are well situated to recommend new policies and programs in response to the need for change. The author presents a method for proposing and implementing campus innovation and a case study illustrating how this approach has successfully brought about a change in the campus environment at a large, public research university.
An Academic Advising Model
Authors: O'Banion Terry
Published: July 2013

This classic article, upon which many of the subsequent articles reflect, originally appeared in 1972 in the Junior College Journal (volume 42, pp. 62, 64, & 66–69) and is reprinted with both permission and deep appreciation.
Communication Apprehension and Academic Advising: Advising the Communicatively Apprehensive Student
Authors: Hawkins Katherine
Published: July 2013

Communication apprehension, broadly defined, is the anxiety associated with communicating with others. As many as 20% of students may suffer from high levels of communication apprehension, interfering with their ability to communicate effectively with their acadrmic advisors. The author offers suggestions for responding to the needs of communicatively apprehensive advisees.
Fire! (Ready, Aim): Is Criticism of Faculty Advising Warranted?
Authors: Habley Wesley R.
Published: July 2013

This article uses normative data from the nearly 60,000 students who completed the ACT Survey of Academic Advising to examine perceptions of the quality of advising received from faculty advisors as opposed to that received from other advisor types.
Academic Advising Ain't What It Used To Be: Strangers in the University
Authors: Byrd Marquita L.
Published: July 2013

“Academic Advising Ain't What It Used To Be “ was the keynote address at the 1994 NACADA convention in Las Vegas, Nevada. Byrd discusses the way undergraduate education is changing in terms of student diversity, financing and time required for graduation and considers how these changes affect academic advisors. In response to calls from college administrators to adapt to the new face of undergraduate education, Byrd suggests equipping faculty for the task of advising by providing specific training and by making advising an official and evaluated aspect of faculty responsibility.
The McDonaldization of Advising
Authors: Matheson Betty , Moorman Richard , Winburn Diane
Published: July 2013

George Ritzer in his McDonaldization of Society addresses four basic and alluring dimensions of modern life: efficiency, predictability, quantifiable and calculated service, and control (Ritzer, 1993). With increasing and alarming frequency, academic advising in many commuter colleges has adopted the McDonaldization mindset. This is not a surprising evolvement given students' limited time on campus and the high percentages of nontraditional students who, while attending college, are often holding jobs and supporting families. Chesterfield-Marlboro Technical College adopted the McDonaldization mindset as they sought to make the advising process quick and efficient. In academic advising, however, faster is not always better.
The Excellence-Commitment-and-Effective-Learning (ExCEL) Program: A Group Intervention for Academically High-Risk Students
Authors: Ting Siu-Man Raymond
Published: July 2013

This article reports an evaluation of a group intervention for academically high-risk students. The Excellence-Commitment-and-Effective-Learning (ExCEL) program was developed using Sedlacek's noncognitive model for employing cognitive and noncognitive strategies in a group. Eleven academically high-risk freshmen in a public Midwestern university participated. The results show that participation in the group appears to have enhanced the students' academic performances and study skills.
The Student Learning Agenda: Implications for Academic Advisors
Authors: Kuh George D.
Published: July 2013

[George Kuh was the NACADA Journal keynote speaker at the annual conference in Kansas City, MO on October 5, 1997. Some of his ideas were also expressed in a presentation at the 1997 American Association of Higher Education Assessment Forum in Miami, Florida (Kuh, 1997), in a paper that will appear in About Campus (Kuh, 1998), and in a chapter on expectations for Good Practices for Student Affairs (Kuh, in press).]

By discussing the evolution and impact of the Student Learning Imperative (SLI) (American College Personnel Association, 1996), I place academic advising in the context of a larger movement in American higher education. The SLI asserts that professionals who work with students primarily outside the classroom can increase institutional productivity and enhance student learning by collaborating with faculty and others. I then offer suggestions for how advisors can contribute more directly to their institutions' educational missions by promoting higher levels of student engagement with learning opportunities.
Using the Learning and Study Strategies Inventory Scores as Additional Predictors of Student Academic Performance
Authors: Rugsaken Kris T. , Robertson Jacqueline A. , Jones James A.
Published: July 2013

This study focuses on the usefulness of the Learning and Study Strategies Inventory (LASSI) in predicting student academic performance. It examines whether LASSI scores enhance the accuracy of traditional predictors, namely SAT/ACT scores and high school rank. Findings indicated a slight, but not significant, increase in the predictability of student academic performance when LASSI scores, particularly the subscales of Motivation and Time Management, were considered along with traditional predictors.
Anxiety Levels Among Japanese Students on American Campuses: Implications for Academic Advisors
Authors: Kinoshita Akiko , Bowman Robert L.
Published: July 2013

International students face a variety of challenges related to language difficulties, immigration issues, and culture shock. Yet, Asian students are less likely to seek help for their emotional and interpersonal problems than their American counterparts due to culturally different help-seeking preferences. This study examines levels of anxiety among Japanese international students and then compares them to those of Americans. Implications for academic advisors are discussed.
Advisors' Attitudes Regarding Transfer Students
Authors: Mahon Patricia G. , Dannells Michael
Published: July 2013

This study allowed us to determine differences in advisors' attitudes toward students who matriculate at their 4-year institutions (native students), students who transfer from community colleges, and those that come from other 4-year institutions. Results show that advisors view transfer students to be less prepared, less motivated, less knowledgeable about requirements and procedures, and less able to adjust to the upper-division academic environment. Potential consequences of advisors' attitudes are discussed along with suggested avenues for addressing them.
Some Legal Implications in Academic Advising
Authors: Showell Jeffrey A.
Published: July 2013

This article is a summary of federal regulations relating to academic advising. Issues covered include defamation, negligence, privacy, disabilities, civil rights, duty to report crimes, and privilege. Relevant state laws, interpretations, hypothetical situations, and the possible institutional and personal penalties—both civil and criminal—for not following the current laws are presented.
Teaching Human Capital By Calculating the True Costs of Education
Authors: Shaffer Leigh S.
Published: July 2013

Human capital, defined as any individual characteristic that contributes to worker productivity, has been presented as a unifying theme for academic advising in higher education (Shaffer, 1997). An approach to calculating the true costs of a college education is presented as an exercise to maximize students' human capital. When considering college expenses, students usually overlook opportunity cost: that is, the income forgone while they are pursuing degrees. In addition to a true-cost calculation worksheet, the paper presents a strategy for making true costs salient to students: projecting the number of years needed for college graduates to recoup their investments. The article closes with suggestions for using the true-cost exercise in academic advising.
New Horizons: Learning From The Past and Preparing For The Future
Authors: Gordon Virginia
Published: July 2013

Reflecting the conference theme, a brief history of NACADA is presented and personal vignettes shared to lay the foundation for understanding the organization's role at the turn of the century. Specifically addressed are the characteristics of tomorrow's students and evolving issues in higher education—including the role of faculty and information technology—that affect advising. Futurists predictions for meeting the challenges of the changing education environment conclude the presentation.
Combining Academic Advising with a Freshman Orientation Course in an Integrated Baccalaureate–Medical Degree Program: Evaluation of the System
Authors: McBeth Dani L. , Richardson Susan M. , Cregler Louis L. , Meyer Jodie
Published: July 2013

The effectiveness of an advising system that combines a freshman seminar course taught by advisors for the students that they advise in a combined baccalaureate–medical degree program was analyzed. Students reported satisfaction with the seminar course, and more than 80% felt that they were more likely to seek out their advisor as a result of participating in this course. After the new advising system was implemented, the number of students receiving an A or B in a required biology course increased from nearly 70% to approximately 80%. In addition, students' first year grade-point averages increased modestly.
Advising College Students in the 21st Century
Authors: Jordan Peggy
Published: July 2013

At the beginning of the new millennium professional advisors are challenged to examine the theory and delivery of services to students. Professional advisors must adapt to changes in institutional and student needs and take full advantage of available resources. This article suggests that effective advising practices can be found on a continuum from prescriptive advising, developmental advising, and counseling. Technological tools of positive intervention with students, such as Web sites, listservs, and E-mail, are related while knowledge of developmental theories and the use of narrative, knowledge of defense mechanisms, and reframing are discussed in detail.
Style Over Substance in Interventions for At-Risk Students: The Impact of Intrusiveness
Authors: Molina Anthony , Abelman Robert
Published: July 2013

Academic advisors charged with developing and implementing student success strategies should ask: To what extent is the process of intervention, rather than the nature of any specific intervention, responsible for an influx in at-risk student performance and persistence? Students in varying degrees of academic probation were randomly assigned to one of three intervention strategies that incorporated controlled content but divergent levels of intrusiveness. The most intrusive intervention resulted in higher cumulative grade-point averages and higher retention rates for all students. Students with the highest risk of academic dismissal were the most responsive to the most intrusive intervention.