bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Striking Improvement in Peroxidase Activity of Cytochrome c by Modulating Hydrophobicity of Surface‐Functionalized Gold Nanoparticles within Cationic Reverse Micelles
Authors: Maiti Subhabrata , Das Krishnendu , Dutta Sounak , Das Prasanta Kumar
Published: September 2012

This work demonstrates a remarkable enhancement in the peroxidase activity of mitochondrial membrane protein cytochrome c (cyt c) by perturbing its tertiary structure in the presence of surface‐functionalised gold nanoparticles (GNPs) within cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) reverse micelles. The loss in the tertiary structure of cyt c exposes its heme moiety (which is buried inside in the native globular form), which provides greater substrate (pyrogallol and H2O2) accessibility to the reactive heme residue. The surfactant shell of the CTAB reverse micelle in the presence of co‐surfactant (n‐hexanol) exerted higher crowding effects on the interfacially bound cyt c than similar anionic systems. The congested interface led to protein unfolding, which resulted in a 56‐fold higher peroxidase activity of cyt c than that in water. Further perturbation in the protein’s structure was achieved by doping amphiphile‐capped GNPs with varying hydrophobicities in the water pool of the reverse micelles. The hydrophobic moiety on the surface of the GNPs was directed towards the interfacial region, which induced major steric strain at the interface. Consequently, interaction of the protein with the hydrophobic domain of the amphiphile further disrupted its tertiary structure, which led to better opening up of the heme residue and, thereby, superior activity of the cyt c. The cyt c activity in the reverse micelles proportionately enhanced with an increase in the hydrophobicity of the GNP‐capping amphiphiles. A rigid cholesterol moiety as the hydrophobic end group of the GNP strikingly improved the cyt c activity by up to 200‐fold relative to that found in aqueous buffer. Fluorescence studies with both a tryptophan residue (Trp59) of the native protein and the sodium salt of fluorescein delineated the crucial role of the hydrophobicity of the GNP‐capping amphiphiles in improving the peroxidase activity of cyt c by unfolding its tertiary structure within the reverse micelles.
Geochemical and Spatial Appraisal of Fluoride in the Soils of Indo‐Gangetic Plains of India Using Multivariate Analysis
Authors: Jha Sunil K.
Published: September 2012

The geochemical characteristics and the spatial distribution of the fluoride were studied in the soils of Indo‐Gangetic plains using multivariate analysis. The fluoride (F) distribution in soil profiles and surface soil (0–15 cm) samples were studied. It was found that total fluoride (TF) in the profiles ranged from 248 to 786 mg kg−1with a mean of 515.1 mg kg−1whereas CaCl2extractable soluble fluoride (FCa) was found to be in the range of 1.68 to 99.1 mg F kg−1soil. On the other hand, in surface soils, the TF and FCaranged from 118 to 436 mg kg−1with a mean of 251.2 mg kg−1and 1.01 to 5.05 mg kg−1with a mean of 2.12 mg kg−1, respectively, in the study area. The principal component analysis revealed that the natural weathering of fluoride bearing rock and minerals, various ion‐exchange and dissolution processes in the soil, alkalinity, sodium adsorption ratio, calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), and clay contents of the soil are responsible for high fluoride occurrence in the area. The fluoride contamination index developed by using these factors could explain more than 76% variance of F contamination due to FCain soils. The interpolated kriged map of FCain surface soil indicated a distinct loop of 1.0–2.0, 2.0–3.0, 3.0–4.0, and >4.0 mg kg−1.
Decolourisation of Sugar Beet Molasses Vinasse by Ion Exchange
Authors: Krzywonos Małgorzata , Łapawa Aniceta
Published: September 2012

Sugar beet molasses vinasse is a by‐product of ethanol fermentation from sugar beet molasses. Its dark brown colour, which is attributable to the presence of caramels, melanoidins and invert alkaline degradation products, cannot be removed by biological methods. The novelty of this work lies in the use of conventional strongly alkaline ion‐exchange resins for the decolourisation of sugar beet molasses vinasse. The aim of the study was to determine the efficiency of two strong‐base ion‐exchange resins, Dowex 2 and Wofatit ES, when used for the decolourisation of sugar beet molasses vinasse. Optimal conditions and extent of decolourisation were related to the concentration and pH of the vinasse, the time of reaction with the resin, and also to the dose and type of the resin used. The greatest extent of decolourisation (92%) was achieved with Wofatit ES dosed in the amount of 5 g/100 mL of 25% vinasse with an initial pH of 10. The optimal time of reaction with the resin indispensable for attaining the maximal effect of decolourisation was 1.5 h for both resins. The highest extent of reduction in chemical oxygen demand (43%) during decolourisation of 25% vinasse (pH 10) was obtained with Dowex 2.
Achieving Effective Sustainable Management: A Small‐Medium Enterprise Case Study
Authors: Stewart Heather , Gapp Rod
Published: September 2012

In order to have a greater understanding of corporate social responsibility (CSR) within small to medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs), this paper investigates continual learning that has occurred in an exemplary SME. This qualitative case study used interviews, observations, and memorandums to investigate an SME that has achieved national recognition in sustainable management practices. Reflective and cyclical learning within a participative environment allowed for the internalisation of values, behaviours, beliefs, and actions required for the positive uptake of CSR and sustainable management practice. Measurable results were identified in terms of business performance that can be directly attributed to the SME's greater social and environmental engagement. This initial investigation highlights the relationship between learning, the development of organisational values that underpin CSR and improved business performance within an SME setting. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.
A brain–computer interface for motor assist by the prefrontal cortex
Authors: Misawa Tadanobu , Takano Shinya , Shimokawa Tetsuya , Hirobayashi Shigeki
Published: September 2012

Considerable research has been conducted on the development of brain–computer interfaces (BCIs). Although there have been several reports on BCIs that assist motor functions by measurement of brain activity in the motor cortex, only a few studies have discussed BCIs that assist motor functions by measurement of activity in areas other than the motor cortex. In this study, we experimentally develop a BCI that assists motor functions on the basis of brain activity in the prefrontal cortex. In this BCI system, subjects are presented with the labyrinth problem. Concretely, brain activity is measured using fNIRS and the data are acquired in real time. The signal processing module implements low‐pass filtering of these signals. Further, the pattern classification module used in this system currently is a support vector machine. Twenty‐two subjects, both male and female, volunteered to participate in this experiment. Eight of these twenty‐two subjects were able to solve the labyrinth problem. In this experiment, we could not obtain a high distinction. However, these results show that it is possible to develop BCI systems that assist motor functions using information from the prefrontal cortex. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electron Comm Jpn, 95(10): 1–8, 2012; Published online in Wiley Online Library (wileyonlinelibrary.com). DOI 10.1002/ecj.11426
Ecohydrology of Sphagnum moss hummocks: mechanisms of capitula water supply and simulated effects of evaporation
Authors: McCarter Colin P. R. , Price Jonathan S.
Published: September 2012

Maintaining sufficiently high surface (capitula) soil‐water pressures to avoid the draining of hyaline cells (desiccation) is paramount to hummock‐forming Sphagnum species' survival; however, the mechanisms of capitula water supply are poorly understood. This study investigates how the hydraulic characteristics of different Sphagnum species (Sphagnum fuscum, Sphagnum rubellum and Sphagnum magellanicum) contribute to desiccation avoidance, on the basis of numerical simulations parameterized with measured soil hydraulic characteristics for each species. Although having similar unsaturated hydraulic conductivity values, the upper 5 cm of S. magellanicum retains ~20% less moisture under tension than S. fuscum and S. rubellum; in fact, S. rubellum on average retained slightly more water than S. fuscum. Hydrus‐1D was used to simulate daytime and nighttime conditions over a 7‐day period, where daily potential evaporation was 4 mm, to explore the governing mechanisms controlling water supply to the capitula. The simulations showed that S. fuscum and S. rubellum were able to retain sufficiently high moisture content under the prevailing simulated water demand to sustain surface soil‐water pressure heads (greater than −100 cm), whereas S. magellanicum could not prevent depressurization and the concomitant desiccation of its surface layer. A similar number of the same size pores were observed in all species; however, there was lower pore connectivity in S. magellanicum leading to the desiccation of the capitula. Contrary to previous studies, the results of this study indicate that it is not only soil‐water retention but also pore connectivity that allows hummock species to thrive above the water table. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Analysis of regional zoobenthos status in the Huai River Basin, China, using two new ecological niche clustering approaches
Authors: Zhao Changsen , Sun Changlei , Liu Changming , Xia Jun , Yang Gang , Liu Xiaomang , Zhang Dan , Dong Bao'en , Sobkowiak Leszek
Published: September 2012

Two new ecological niche clustering approaches are presented in this paper: first, an importance/dominance evaluation model, based on both density and biomass, is devised to evaluate the importance (contribution) of a specific species in its community; second, an integrated index encoding approach is constructed to spatially cluster all dominant species at a sampling site. Two approaches are employed to study ecological niche clustering of the Huai River Basin zoobenthos in order to identify key regions for ecosystem restoration. Results show that habitat changes will significantly impact Corbicula fluminea (Müller), whereas influences on Corbicula nitens (Philippi) will be the least significant. Total phosphorus has the greatest impact on zoobenthos, and high‐concentrated ammonia nitrogen is also detrimental. Decreasing the discharge of both phosphorus and ammonia nitrogen in the Huai River Basin is therefore required to facilitate restoration. Changing habitat parameters has only a limited effect on alteration of zoobenthos structure. The application of these niche clustering approaches has identified priority locations for ecological restoration in the Huai River Basin. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Issues for power system operation for future renewable energy penetration: Robust power system security
Authors: Yorino Naoto , Sasaki Yutaka , Fujita Shoki , Zoka Yoshifumi , Okumoto Yoshiharu
Published: September 2012

A large amount of PV penetration may introduce uncertainties in future power system planning and operations. This paper proposes the concept of “Robust Security (RS)” and the “RS region” in order to investigate power system security in the presence of a large amount of uncertainties. The RS region is defined as the region of power system operation where the system is secure under uncertainties. It is shown that the region tends to shrink and disappear for a high degree of PV penetration. Emerging problems concerned with security in future power systems are investigated. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electr Eng Jpn, 182(1): 30–38, 2013; Published online in Wiley Online Library (wileyonlinelibrary.com). DOI 10.1002/eej.22289
A fault location method for power cables using time–frequency analysis
Authors: Kobayashi Shin'ichi , Morimoto Nozomi , Miyajima Kazuhisa , Hozumi Naohiro
Published: September 2012

The pulse radar method is one of the fault location methods for power cables. It locates the breakdown point by measuring the delay time of the echo or the discharge signal coming from the breakdown point. The equipment for the pulse radar method is more compact compared to the Murray loop bridge, and its operation is simpler because sensitive adjustments to the proportions are not needed. However, the signal propagating through the cable may be distorted, depending on the distance and frequency, leading to poor location accuracy. In this report, signal processing in the time–frequency domain is proposed to resolve this problem. The pulse waveforms received at two different terminals of the cable were extracted by a window function, and subsequently Fourier‐transformed in order to calculate the phase difference at an appropriate frequency. Special care was taken for unwrapping the folded phase spectrum. The phase difference was interpreted as the time lag at an identical frequency. The technique was applied to fault location for a full‐size XPLE cable line. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electr Eng Jpn, 182(1): 10–17, 2013; Published online in Wiley Online Library (wileyonlinelibrary.com). DOI 10.1002/eej.22323
The influence of individual motor imagery ability on cerebral recruitment during gait imagery
Authors: van der Meulen Marian , Allali Gilles , Rieger Sebastian W. , Assal Frédéric , Vuilleumier Patrik
Published: September 2012

Motor imagery (MI) is often used in combination with neuroimaging techniques to study the cognitive control of gait. However, imagery ability (IA) varies widely across individuals, potentially influencing the pattern of cerebral recruitment during MI. The aim of the current study was to investigate this effect of IA on the neural correlates of gait control using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). Twenty healthy young subjects were subdivided into a good and bad imagers group, on the basis of their performance on two mental chronometry tests. For the whole group, MI activated a bilateral network of areas highly consistent with previous studies, encompassing primary motor cortex (BA 4), supplementary motor area, and other frontal and parietal areas, anterior insula, and cerebellum. Compared to bad imagers, good imagers showed higher activation in the right BA 4, left prefrontal cortex (BA 10), right thalamus, and bilateral cerebellum. Good imagers thus appear better able to recruit motor areas during MI, but also activate a prefrontal executive area (BA 10), which integrates information from the body and the environment and participates in higher‐order gait control. These differences were found even though the two groups did not differ in other imagery abilities according to a standard questionnaire for vividness of motor and visual imagery. Future studies on MI should take into account these effects, and control for IA when comparing different populations, using appropriate measures. A better understanding of the neural mechanisms that underlie MI ability is crucial to accurately evaluate locomotor skills in clinical measures and neurorehabilitation techniques. Hum Brain Mapp 35:455–470, 2014. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
CD43 in the nucleus and cytoplasm of lung cancer is a potential therapeutic target
Authors: Fu Qiangwei , Cash Steven E. , Andersen Jeremiah J. , Kennedy Colin R. , Oldenburg Darby G. , Zander Valerie B. , Foley Greta R. , Simon Shelley Carl
Published: September 2012

CD43 is a transmembrane sialoglycoprotein. Normally the molecule is only produced by white blood cells where it regulates functions such as intercellular adhesion, intracellular signaling, apoptosis, migration and proliferation. Two CD43 antibodies were used to interrogate 66 cases of non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and 24 cases of small cell lung cancer (SCLC). In addition, we engineered the CD43‐positive lung cancer cell line A549 to stably express either non‐targeted or CD43‐targeted small‐interfering RNA (siRNA). These lines were then subjected to in vitro assays of apoptosis, natural killer (NK) cell cytotoxicity, intercellular adhesion and transendothelial migration. A xenograft mouse model evaluated the ability of the lines to grow primary tumors in vivo. CD43 was found to be expressed in the majority of both SCLC and NSCLC. Inclusive of CD43‐negative tumors, differential patterns of nuclear and cytoplasmic expression of CD43 define four molecular subcategories of lung cancer. Targeting CD43 in A549 lung cancer cells, increased homotypic adhesion, decreased heterotypic adhesion and transendothelial migration, increased susceptibility to apoptosis and increased vulnerability to lysis by NK cells. Furthermore, targeting inhibited the growth of primary tumors in nude mice.
Human papillomavirus type 52 polymorphism and high‐grade lesions of the uterine cervix
Authors: Formentin Aurélie , Archambault Jacques , Koushik Anita , Richardson Harriet , Brassard Paul , Franco Eduardo L. , Coutlée Francois
Published: September 2012

The association between polymorphism of human papillomavirus type 52 (HPV52) and high‐grade cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN2,3) was investigated in Canadian women. HPV‐52‐positive endocervical specimens collected from 216 women selected from a total of 3,614 participants recruited in two case‐control and two cohort studies conducted in Canada, were further analyzed by PCR‐sequencing of the LCR and E6 gene. Overall, the HPV52 LCR prototype was detected more frequently in Caucasian women (69 of 132, 52.3%, 95% confidence interval (CI): 43.8%–60.6%) than in non‐Caucasian women (15 of 48, 31.3%, 95% CI 19.9%–45.4%). In two cohort studies, HPV52 prototype was detected in seven of 15 (46.7%, 95% CI 24.8–69.9) HPV52 persistent infections and 14 of 35 (40.0%, 95% CI 25.5–56.5) transient infections (p = 0.76). In two case‐control studies, 30 participants did not have CIN, 18 had low‐grade CIN (CIN1), 64 had CIN2,3, seven had cervical cancer and the diagnosis was undefined for 27 women. Variant MTL‐52‐LCR‐02 was detected more frequently in women with cancer (28.6%, 95% CI 7.6%–64.8%) than in women without cancer or CIN2,3 (0%, 95% CI 0.0%–9.2%; p = 0.015). CIN2,3 risk was significantly associated with a deletion at nucleotide position 7695 in the LCR (OR 4.9, 95% CI 1.2–20.8), the T7744C variation in the LCR (OR 5.7, 95% CI 1.1–32.0), and the K93R variation in E6 (OR 6.9, 95% CI 1.3–36.8), after adjusting for age, detection of HPV16 or 18 and study site. These findings indicate that HPV52 polymorphism influences risk of CIN‐2,3 and possibly invasive cancer.
Menstrual and reproductive factors in women, genetic variation in CYP17A1, and pancreatic cancer risk in the European prospective investigation into cancer and nutrition (EPIC) cohort
Authors: Duell Eric J. , Travier Noémie , Lujan‐Barroso Leila , Dossus Laure , Boutron‐Ruault Marie‐Christine , Clavel‐Chapelon Françoise , Tumino Rosario , Masala Giovanna , Krogh Vittorio , Panico Salvatore , Ricceri Fulvio , Redondo Maria Luisa , Dorronsoro Miren , Molina‐Montes Esther , Huerta José M. , Barricarte Aurelio , Khaw Kay‐Tee , Wareham Nick J. , Allen Naomi E. , Travis Ruth , Siersema Peter D. , Peeters Petra H.M. , Trichopoulou Antonia , Fragogeorgi Eirini , Oikonomou Eleni , Boeing Heiner , Schuetze Madlen , Canzian Federico , Lukanova Annekatrin , Tjønneland Anne , Roswall Nina , Overvad Kim , Weiderpass Elisabete , Gram Inger Torhild , Lund Eiliv , Lindkvist Björn , Johansen Dorthe , Ye Weimin , Sund Malin , Fedirko Veronika , Jenab Mazda , Michaud Dominique S. , Riboli Elio , Bueno‐de‐Mesquita H. Bas
Published: September 2012

Menstrual and reproductive factors and exogenous hormone use have been investigated as pancreatic cancer risk factors in case‐control and cohort studies, but results have been inconsistent. We conducted a prospective examination of menstrual and reproductive factors, exogenous hormone use and pancreatic cancer risk (based on 304 cases) in 328,610 women from the EPIC cohort. Then, in a case‐control study nested within the EPIC cohort, we examined 12 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in CYP17A1 (an essential gene in sex steroid metabolism) for association with pancreatic cancer in women and men (324 cases and 353 controls). Of all factors analyzed, only younger age at menarche (<12 vs. 13 years) was moderately associated with an increased risk of pancreatic cancer in the full cohort; however, this result was marginally significant (HR = 1.44; 95% CI = 0.99–2.10). CYP17A1 rs619824 was associated with HRT use (p value = 0.037) in control women; however, none of the SNPs alone, in combination, or as haplotypes were associated with pancreatic cancer risk. In conclusion, with the possible exception of an early age of menarche, none of the menstrual and reproductive factors, and none of the 12 common genetic variants we evaluated at the CYP17A1 locus makes a substantial contribution to pancreatic cancer susceptibility in the EPIC cohort.
The association of red blood cell n-3 and n-6 fatty acids with bone mineral density and hip fracture risk in the women's health initiative
Authors: Orchard Tonya S , Ing Steven W , Lu Bo , Belury Martha A , Johnson Karen , Wactawski-Wende Jean , Jackson Rebecca D
Published: September 2012

Omega-3 (n-3) and omega-6 (n-6) polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) in red blood cells (RBCs) are an objective indicator of PUFA status and may be related to hip fracture risk. The primary objective of this study was to examine RBC PUFAs as predictors of hip fracture risk in postmenopausal women. A nested case-control study (n = 400 pairs) was completed within the Women's Health Initiative (WHI) using 201 incident hip fracture cases from the Bone Mineral Density (BMD) cohort, along with 199 additional incident hip fracture cases randomly selected from the WHI Observational Study. Cases were 1:1 matched on age, race, and hormone use with non–hip fracture controls. Stored baseline RBCs were analyzed for fatty acids using gas chromatography. After removing degraded samples, 324 matched pairs were included in statistical analyses. Stratified Cox proportional hazard models were constructed according to case-control pair status; risk of fracture was estimated for tertiles of RBC PUFA. In adjusted hazard models, lower hip fracture risk was associated with higher RBC α-linolenic acid (tertile 3 [T3] hazard ratio [HR]: 0.44; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.23–0.85; p for linear trend 0.0154), eicosapentaenoic acid (T3 HR: 0.46; 95% CI, 0.24–0.87; p for linear trend 0.0181), and total n-3 PUFAs (T3 HR: 0.55; 95% CI, 0.30–1.01; p for linear trend 0.0492). Conversely, hip fracture nearly doubled with the highest RBC n-6/n-3 ratio (T3 HR: 1.96; 95% CI, 1.03–3.70; p for linear trend 0.0399). RBC PUFAs were not associated with BMD. RBC PUFAs were indicative of dietary intake of marine n-3 PUFAs (Spearman's rho = 0.45, p < 0.0001), total n-6 PUFAs (rho = 0.17, p < 0.0001) and linoleic acid (rho = 0.09, p < 0.05). These results suggest that higher RBC α-linolenic acid, as well as eicosapentaenoic acid and total n-3 PUFAs, may predict lower hip fracture risk. Contrastingly, a higher RBC n-6/n-3 ratio may predict higher hip fracture risk in postmenopausal women. © 2013 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Effects of zoledronate versus placebo on spine bone mineral density and microarchitecture assessed by the trabecular bone score in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis: A three-year study
Authors: Popp Albrecht W , Guler Sabina , Lamy Olivier , Senn Christoph , Buffat Helene , Perrelet Romain , Hans Didier , Lippuner Kurt
Published: September 2012

The trabecular bone score (TBS) is an index of bone microarchitectural texture calculated from anteroposterior dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scans of the lumbar spine (LS) that predicts fracture risk, independent of bone mineral density (BMD). The aim of this study was to compare the effects of yearly intravenous zoledronate (ZOL) versus placebo (PLB) on LS BMD and TBS in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis. Changes in TBS were assessed in the subset of 107 patients recruited at the Department of Osteoporosis of the University Hospital of Berne, Switzerland, who were included in the HORIZON trial. All subjects received adequate calcium and vitamin D3. In these patients randomly assigned to either ZOL (n = 54) or PLB (n = 53) for 3 years, BMD was measured by DXA and TBS assessed by TBS iNsight (v1.9) at baseline and 6, 12, 24, and 36 months after treatment initiation. Baseline characteristics (mean ± SD) were similar between groups in terms of age, 76.8 ± 5.0 years; body mass index (BMI), 24.5 ± 3.6 kg/m2; TBS, 1.178 ± 0.1 but for LS T-score (ZOL–2.9 ± 1.5 versus PLB–2.1 ± 1.5). Changes in LS BMD were significantly greater with ZOL than with PLB at all time points (p < 0.0001 for all), reaching +9.58% versus +1.38% at month 36. Change in TBS was significantly greater with ZOL than with PLB as of month 24, reaching +1.41 versus–0.49% at month 36; p = 0.031, respectively. LS BMD and TBS were weakly correlated (r = 0.20) and there were no correlations between changes in BMD and TBS from baseline at any visit. In postmenopausal women with osteoporosis, once-yearly intravenous ZOL therapy significantly increased LS BMD relative to PLB over 3 years and TBS as of 2 years. © 2013 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Theoretical description of dihydrogen/hydride and trihydride molybdocene complexes: An insight from static and molecular dynamics simulations
Authors: Piękoś Łukasz , Mitoraj Mariusz Paweł
Published: September 2012

In this studyab initioCar–Parrinello molecular dynamics simulations, extended transition state (ETS)‐natural orbitals for chemical valence (NOCV) and QTAIM bonding analyses, were performed to characterize the ansa‐bridged molybdocene complexes [(C5H4)2XMe2MoH3]+for X = C, Si, Ge, Sn, Pb, and nonbridged Cp2MoHsystem. The results have shown that the [(C5H4)2CMe2MoH(H2)]+complex exhibits nonclassical dihydrogen/hydride (H2/H) conformation (97.6% of time of simulation), contrary to trihydride (H3) structure noted for nonbridged Cp2MoH(86.9%) and ansa‐bridged [(C5H4)2SnMe2MoH3]+(84.8%), [(C5H4)2PbMe2MoH3]+(84.9%) systems. Further, [(C5H4)2SiMe2MoH3]+and [(C5H4)2GeMe2MoH3]+complexes, appeared to exist in both conformations (H2/H—55.4%, H3—44.6% for Si‐based system and H2/H—36.2%, H3—63.8 % for germanium congener). It has been proven that the “steric availability” of the metal center, measured by the changes in the CpMoCp angle (α), determines the existence of a given conformation—namely, the smaller value of the angle (molybdenum is sterically more accessible) the larger preference for the formation of dihydrogen/hydride structure. ETS‐NOCV method allowed to conclude that increase in the CpMoCp angle (from α ca. 120° to α ca. 150°) leads to the enhancement of donation from H2and back‐donation from Mo to the σ*(HH), what consequently leads to breaking of the HH bond and formation of the trihydride structure. Systematical increase in the charge depletion from the σ‐bonding orbital of H2can be related to the reduction of the energy gap between the major orbitals involved in this contribution, namely highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) of H2with lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) of [MoHL]+; ΔE= 0.0868 a.u. [for L =(C5H4)2C], ΔE= 0.0827a.u. [for L = (C5H4)2Si] ΔE= 0.0638 a.u. [for L = Cp2]. Further, the relatively low energetic barrier to hydrogen exchange (ΔE#= 3.3 kcal/mol) for carbon‐bridged complex, [(C5H4)2CMe2MoHc(HaHb)]+→ [(C5H4)2CMe2MoHa(HbHc)]+, is related to strengthening of the Mo–H bonds when going from the substrate to the transition state (TS). Notably higher barrier to hydrogen rotation (ΔE#= 10.1 kcal/mol) in [(C5H4)2CMe2MoH(H2)]+is due to lowering in the electrostatic stabilization as well as weakening of the donation (H2→ Mo charge transfer) and practically lack‐of back‐donation (Mo → H2) in the rotated TS. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Monitoring the initial delivery of an oncolytic measles virus encoding the human sodium iodide symporter to solid tumors using contrast‐enhanced computed tomography
Authors: Penheiter Alan R. , Dingli David , Bender Claire E. , Russell Stephen J. , Carlson Stephanie K.
Published: September 2012

Background

We aimed to determine the feasibility of monitoring viral delivery and initial distribution to solid tumors using iodinated contrast agent and micro‐computed tomography (CT).

Methods

Human BxPC‐3 pancreatic tumor xenografts were established in nude mice. An oncolytic measles virus with an additional transcriptional unit encoding the sodium iodide symporter (NIS), as a reporter for viral infection, was mixed with a 1:10 dilution of Omnipaque 300 (GE Healthcare, Milwaukee, WI, USA) contrast agent and injected directly into tumors. Mice were imaged with micro‐CT immediately before and after injection to determine the location of contrast agent/virus mixture. Mice were imaged again on day 3 after injection with micro‐single‐photon emission CT/CT to determine the location of NIS‐mediated 99mTcO4 transport.

Results

A 1:10 dilution of Omnipaque had no effect on viral infectivity or cell viability in vitro and was more than adequate for CT imaging of the intratumoral injectate distribution. The volume of tumor coverage with initial CT contrast agent and the 3‐day postinfection measurement of virally infected tumor volume were significantly correlated. Additionally, regions of the tumor that did not receive contrast agent from the initial injection were largely devoid of viral infection at early time points.

Conclusions

Contrast‐enhanced viral delivery enables a rapid and accurate prediction of the initial viral distribution within a solid tumor. This technique should enable real‐time monitoring of viral propagation from initially infected tumor regions to adjacent tumor regions. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Two new triterpenoid saponins from Pittosporum senacia Putterlick (Pittosporaceae)
Authors: Linnek Jens , Mitaine‐Offer Anne‐Claire , Paululat Thomas , Lacaille‐Dubois Marie‐Aleth
Published: September 2012

From the branches of Pittosporum senacia Putterlick (Pittosporaceae), two new triterpenoid saponins, senaciapittosides A and B (1, 2), were isolated. Their structures were elucidated by extensive analysis of one‐ and two‐dimensional nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, high‐resolution electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (HR‐ESIMS) and chemical evidence as 3‐O‐[β‐d‐glucopyranosyl‐(1 → 2)]‐[α‐l‐arabinopyranosyl‐(1 → 3)]‐[α‐l‐arabinofuranosyl‐(1 → 4)]‐β‐d‐glucuronopyranosyl oleanolic acid 28‐O‐β‐d‐glucopyranosyl ester (1) and 3‐O‐[β‐d‐glucopyranosyl‐(1 → 2)]‐[α‐l‐arabinopyranosyl‐(1 → 3)]‐[α‐l‐arabinofuranosyl‐(1 → 4)]‐β‐d‐glucuronopyranosyl‐22‐O‐α‐l‐arabinopyranosyl‐21‐acetoxy R1‐barrigenol (2). Compound 2 presents an unusual glycosylation at C‐22 of its aglycone. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Occupational therapy in rural India
Authors: Kenkre Indira R.
Published: September 2012

India is called the land of villages. In 1951, 82.7% of the Indian population lived in rural areas. Sanskritisation and urbanisation have changed the pattern. It is expected that by the year 2020 this percentage would come down to 55%. These villagers are relocating in urban slums. Thus from the rehabilitation point of view both problems pose challenges. An Indian village community is a political, economic and cultural unit. At the urban slum area at Malwani and in small villages near Juchandra, community rehabilitation programmes were found to be most pragmatic. Community education and preventive occupational therapy are found to be essential steps in rural rehabilitation. Therapists have to work on ‘disability, attitude and beliefs’ and change the behaviour to deal with the grass root (basic) causes. It is felt that for longer sustainment, community‐based rehabilitation should originate within the community. Heath professionals must recognise the capabilities of individuals within the support structure of the family and community, while helping individuals to improve the quality of their lives.
Cognitive rehabilitation: Models for intervention and research on cognition in occupational therapy
Authors: Katz Noomi
Published: September 2012

The theory and research supporting the application of cognitive rehabilitation into occupational therapy is explored in this article. Occupational therapy cognitive models for intervention divided according to functional and remedial approaches in cognitive rehabilitation are presented, as well as the published research on cognitive‐perceptual components in occupational therapy.
Oral sensorimotor therapy: Assessment, efficacy and future directions
Authors: Gisel Erika G.
Published: September 2012

This review addresses the current state of knowledge in oral sensorimotor therapy for children with neurological impairments and ingestive problems. Comprehensive assessment of the child with dysphagia looks at the interaction of oral performance and growth. These domains include eating efficiency, oral‐motor skills, oral sensory evaluation, classification of the severity of an eating problem, interaction of respiration and ingestion, aspiration, positioning for feeding, social skills assessment, careload and assessment technologies. Oral sensorimotor therapy improves eating but not drinking skills in children 3–12 years of age. Weight gain is sufficient so that children maintain their growth channel but they do not show catchup growth. Many factors thought to contribute to better ingestive performance need further study, such as jaw and lip control in association with drinking. The earliest possible identification of infants at risk for eating impairments needs to be rigorously pursued. Such an approach offers hope that the later growth deterioration now seen in children with eating impairments may be prevented. Finally, the effect of positioning and the use of eating equipment to promote self‐feeding need further study.
An interrater reliability study of the revised elderly persons' disability scale
Authors: Drever Fiona , Nicol Maggie
Published: September 2012

The aim of this study was to investigate the interrater reliability of the Revised Elderly Persons' Disability Scale (REPDS). In a correlational design four raters assessed 15 subjects all over the age of 65, and diagnosed as having dementia of varying stages of severity. All subjects attended day hospital facilities and were assessed by the raters. The raters comprised two staff nurses, one occupational therapist and one occupational therapy helper. Kendall's coefficient of concordance (W) was used to determine the overall interrater reliability of the REPDS as well as the seven subsections which make up this assessment tool. It was found that all of the subsections and the overall scale obtained significant values of W at the p < 0.05 level. The Spearman rank order correlation coefficient (rs) was used to compare the raters' scores individually, which suggested that the qualified members of the staff achieved slightly higher levels of interrater reliability in comparison to an unqualified staff member.
Clinical observations and developmental coordination disorder: Is there a relationship?
Authors: McConnell David B.
Published: September 2012

This exploratory investigation examined the validity of using Wilson's format of clinical observations to assess children with developmental coordination disorder (DCD). Wilson's Clinical Observations format closely follows the original format by Johnson and is based on the work of A. J. Ayres. Forty‐five children 6–9 years of age, including 15 children with DCD, 15 children below average and 15 children average or better in their motor skill performance were assessed using clinical observations. Differences among these three groups of children were significant or approached significance on 19 out of 36 observations. The implications of the findings for using clinical observations to assess children with DCD are discussed.
The impact on occupational therapists of the reorganisation of psychiatric care in Sweden
Authors: Gahnström‐Strandqvist Kitty , Andersson Lars , Josephsson Staffan
Published: September 2012

The present study focuses on the on‐going reorganisation of psychiatric care in a major county council in Sweden. The aim of this study is to describe the impact of these changes from the perspective of one group of occupational therapists. Data were collected by a mailed questionnaire. Results showed an acceptance of the current policies towards restructuring psychiatric care, especially on the focus on alternative living and work/occupational facilities. Strong criticism was raised concerning the lack of trans‐institutional facilities. Loneliness and isohtion were seen as a main problem of the patients. Strong doubts were raised concerning independent living as the best alternative for most of the patients. The new professional role in community psychiatric care has brought the occupational therapist closer to die individual patient. Feelings of shortcomings and frustration in this group of occupational therapists regarding the reorganisation of psychiatric care were linked to the insufficiency of community support facilities designed to meet these new challenges.
Historical research: The first decade of occupational therapy in Israel: 1946–1956
Authors: Sachs Dalia , Sussman Nira
Published: September 2012

The present study examined the first decade of the development of occupational therapy in Israel: 1946–1956. The structural‐functional approach to the study of professions, which provided the theoretical framework for this study, identifies three formal organisations in the professions: the practice, the educational system, and the association. The purpose of this article was to follow the development of occupational therapy and to examine the interrelations of the profession's three formal organisations in the reviewed period. The methodology of the study was based on qualitative historical methods. Data collection included oral histories, and published and unpublished written material. Data organisation and analysis were within the framework of the structural‐functional approach. Data analysis indicated that ‘expansion’ was a major theme affecting the development of occupational therapy, the reason for which lies within the historical background of the period under investigation. In addition, data indicated that the practice was the strongest and most active organisation in occupational therapy and that expansion in practice was beyond the capacity of both the educational system and the professional association. The interrelations of the three formal organisations, and the rapid expansion of occupational therapy practice, had a lasting effect on the development of occupational therapy in Israel.
Contribution of myeloid cell subsets to liver fibrosis in parasite infection
Authors: Beschin Alain , De Baetselier Patrick , Van Ginderachter Jo A
Published: September 2012

Accumulation of extracellular matrix components secreted by fibroblasts is a normal feature of wound healing during acute inflammation. However, during most chronic/persistent inflammatory diseases, this tissue repair mechanism is incorrectly regulated and results in irreversible fibrosis in various organs. Fibrosis that severely affects tissue architecture and can cause organ failure is a major cause of death in developed countries. Organ‐recruited lymphoid (mainly T cells) and myeloid cells (eosinophils, basophils, macrophages and DCs) have long been recognized in their participation to the development of fibrosis. In particular, a central role for recruited monocyte‐derived macrophages in this excessive connective tissue deposit is more and more appreciated. Moreover, the polarization of monocyte‐derived macrophages in classically activated (IFNγ‐dependent) M1 cells or alternatively activated (IL‐4/IL‐13) M2 cells, that mirrors the Th1/Th2 polarization of T cells, is also documented to contribute differentially to the fibrotic process. Here, we review the current understanding of how myeloid cell subpopulations affect the development of fibrosis in parasite infections. Copyright © 2012 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Prenatal detection of del(10)(q11.2) mosaicism in chorionic villus specimens likely caused by a common chromosomal fragile site FRA10G is associated with a normal phenotype
Authors: Liao Jun , Sathanoori Malini , Yatsenko Svetlana A. , Hu Jie , Kochmar Sally J. , Hoffner Lori , Hogge W. Allen , Surti Urvashi
Published: September 2012

Objective

To summarize the pregnancy outcomes of cases with mosaicism for chromosome 10q11.2 deletion detected by chorionic villus sampling (CVS) and determine whether extensive cytogenetic work‐up and follow‐up amniocentesis are necessary in such cases.

Methods

CVS was performed at 10–12 weeks of gestation. Chromosome analysis of chorionic villi was performed by standard G‐banding techniques.

Results

Mosaicism of chromosome 10q11.2 deletion was observed in 24 out of 6063 CVS cases (0.39%). A common fragile site, FRA10G is located at the breakpoint region. The level of mosaicism ranged from 4% to 25%. No evidence of mosaic 10q11.2 deletion was found in follow‐up amniocentesis, maternal peripheral blood cells, or from cytogenetic studies of other pregnancies from the same group of patients. All these cases resulted in the live birth of normal healthy infants.

Conclusion

The presence of del(10)(q11.2) mosaicism in chorionic villus specimens most likely represents an in vitro culture artifact due to FRA10G fragile site in this region without any clinical consequences. If ultrasound results are normal, it is not necessary to perform follow‐up amniocenteses and additional laboratory work‐up for such cases. © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
(GeTe)x–(Sb2Te3)1–x phase‐change thin films as potential thermoelectric materials
Authors: Sittner Ernst‐Roland , Siegert Karl Simon , Jost Peter , Schlockermann Carl , Lange Felix Rolf Lutz , Wuttig Matthias
Published: September 2012

Phase‐change materials form a unique material class, characterized by a rather unusual combination of physical properties. Exhibiting fast crystallization and a large contrast in optical reflectivity and electrical conductivity between the amorphous and the crystalline state, they are ideally suited for non‐volatile data storage. Here, we present the thermoelectric properties of Ge3Sb2Te6 and Ge8Sb2Te11 phase‐change alloys measured between room temperature and 120 °C. Both systems display intrinsically high Seebeck coefficients and low thermal conductivities. While low electrical conductivities preclude the employment of Ge3Sb2Te6 in thermoelectric applications, the GeTe rich Ge8Sb2Te11 exhibits high ZTs of up to 0.7 in the temperature range investigated, which renders this alloy a potential p‐type thermoelectric material.
Maximum edge‐cuts in cubic graphs with large girth and in random cubic graphs
Authors: Kardoš František , Král′ Daniel , Volec Jan
Published: September 2012

We show that for every cubic graph Gwith sufficiently large girth there exists a probability distribution on edge‐cuts in Gsuch that each edge is in a randomly chosen cut with probability at least 0.88672. This implies that Gcontains an edge‐cut of size at least 1.33008n, where nis the number of vertices of G, and has fractional cut covering number at most 1.127752. The lower bound on the size of maximum edge‐cut also applies to random cubic graphs. Specifically, a random n‐vertex cubic graph a.a.s. contains an edge‐cut of size 1.33008n‐ o(n). © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Random Struct. Alg., 2012
Transport layer enhancements on a satellite‐based mobile broadband system for high‐speed trains
Authors: Luglio Michele , Roseti Cesare , Zampognaro Francesco
Published: September 2012

The great diffusion of wireless portable and handheld devices, along with the growing availability of applications on the Internet, led to a significant increase in the demand of access. Users require to continue business or private activities when moving, with performance at least comparable with that experienced over fixed networks. A very interesting scenario encompasses broadband and uninterrupted access over high‐speed trains. Developments of new telecommunication standards as well as innovative network architectures give the potential to fully match the aforementioned requirements. Nevertheless, there is a significant number of issues, especially related to system integration, mobility management, and propagation channel conditions, that need a careful analysis with the aim to support the design of real systems. This paper deals with this challenging scenario proposing a satellite‐based architecture in which DVB‐S2 and DVB‐RCS standards, MIPv6 at layer 3 (for handover management), and an enhanced TCP version at layer 4, named TCP Noordwijk, allow to achieve good performance. An NS‐2 enhanced simulator has supported the whole analysis. Results show the effectiveness of the proposed scheme against different modulation and coding configurations and compared with a selected set of TCP‐enhanced versions. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Empirical assessment of methods for risk identification in healthcare data: results from the experiments of the Observational Medical Outcomes Partnership
Authors: Ryan Patrick B. , Madigan David , Stang Paul E. , Marc Overhage J. , Racoosin Judith A. , Hartzema Abraham G.
Published: September 2012

Background: Expanded availability of observational healthcare data (both administrative claims and electronic health records) has prompted the development of statistical methods for identifying adverse events associated with medical products, but the operating characteristics of these methods when applied to the real‐world data are unknown.

Methods: We studied the performance of eight analytic methods for estimating of the strength of association‐relative risk (RR) and associated standard error of 53 drug–adverse event outcome pairs, both positive and negative controls. The methods were applied to a network of ten observational healthcare databases, comprising over 130 million lives. Performance measures included sensitivity, specificity, and positive predictive value of methods at RR thresholds achieving statistical significance of p < 0.05 or p < 0.001 and with absolute threshold RR > 1.5, as well as threshold‐free measures such as area under receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC).

Results: Although no specific method demonstrated superior performance, the aggregate results provide a benchmark and baseline expectation for risk identification method performance. At traditional levels of statistical significance (RR > 1, p < 0.05), all methods have a false positive rate >18%, with positive predictive value <38%. The best predictive model, high‐dimensional propensity score, achieved an AUC  =  0.77. At 50% sensitivity, false positive rate ranged from 16% to 30%. At 10% false positive rate, sensitivity of the methods ranged from 9% to 33%.

Conclusions: Systematic processes for risk identification can provide useful information to supplement an overall safety assessment, but assessment of methods performance suggests a substantial chance of identifying false positive associations. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.