bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Resilin‐Based Hybrid Hydrogels for Cardiovascular Tissue Engineering
Authors: McGann Christopher L. , Levenson Eric A. , Kiick Kristi L.
Published: November 2012

The outstanding elastomeric properties of natural resilin, an insect protein, have motivated the engineering of resilin‐like polypeptides (RLPs) as a potential material for cardiovascular tissue engineering. The RLPs, which incorporate biofunctional domains for cell‐matrix interactions, are cross‐linked into RLP–PEG hybrid hydrogels via a Michael‐type addition of cysteine residues on the RLP with vinyl sulfones of an end‐functionalized multi‐arm star PEG. Oscillatory rheology indicated the useful mechanical properties of these materials. Assessments of cell viability via confocal microscopy clearly show the successful encapsulation of human aortic adventitial fibroblasts in the three‐dimensional matrices and the adoption of a spread morphology following 7 days of culture.
Spiropyran Main‐Chain Conjugated Polymers
Authors: Sommer Michael , Komber Hartmut
Published: November 2012

The first main‐chain conjugated copolymers based on alternating spiropyran (SP) and 9,9‐dioctylfluorene (F8) units synthesized via Suzuki polycondensation (SPC) are presented. The reaction conditions of SPC are optimized to obtain materials of type P(para‐SP‐F8) with appreciably high molecular weights up to Mw ≈ 100 kg mol−1. 13C NMR is used to identify the random orientation of the non‐symmetric SP unit in P(p‐SP‐F8). Ultrasound‐induced isomerization of P(p‐SP‐F8) to the corresponding merocyanine form P(p‐MC‐F8) yields a deep‐red solution. This isomerization reaction is followed by 1H NMR in solution using sonication, whereby the color increasingly changes to deep red. The possibility to incorporate multiple SP units into main‐chain polymers significantly broadens existing SP‐based polymeric architectures.
Diversity of symbioses between chemosynthetic bacteria and metazoans at theGuiness cold seep site (Gulf ofGuinea,WestAfrica)
Authors: Duperron Sébastien , Rodrigues Clara F. , Léger Nelly , Szafranski Kamil , Decker Carole , Olu Karine , Gaudron Sylvie M.
Published: November 2012

Fauna from deep‐sea cold seeps worldwide is dominated by chemosymbiotic metazoans. Recently, investigation of new sites in theGulf ofGuinea yielded numerous new species for which symbiosis was strongly suspected. In this study, symbioses are characterized in five seep‐specialist metazoans recently collected from theGuiness site located at ∼600 m depth. Four bivalve and one annelid species belonging to families previously documented to harbor chemosynthetic bacteria were investigated using bacterial marker gene sequencing, fluorescence in situ hybridization, and stable isotope analyses. Results support that all five species display chemosynthetic, sulfur‐oxidizing γ‐proteobacteria. Bacteria are abundant in the gills of bivalves, and in the trophosome of the siboglinid annelid. As observed for their relatives occurring at deeper sites, chemoautotrophy is a major source of carbon for animal nutrition. Although symbionts found in each host species are related to symbionts found in other metazoans from the same families, several incongruencies are observed among phylogenetic trees obtained from the different bacterial genes, suggesting a certain level of heterogeneity in symbiont strains present. Results provide new insights into the diversity, biogeography, and role of symbiotic bacteria in metazoans from theGulf ofGuinea, at a site located at an intermediate depth between the continental shelf and the deep sea.
Noncontrast‐enhanced renal angiography using multiple inversion recovery and alternating TR balanced steady‐state free precession
Authors: Dong Hattie Z. , Worters Pauline W. , Wu Holden H. , Ingle R. Reeve , Vasanawala Shreyas S. , Nishimura Dwight G.
Published: November 2012

Noncontrast‐enhanced renal angiography techniques based on balanced steady‐state free precession avoid external contrast agents, take advantage of high inherent blood signal from the

contrast mechanism, and have short steady‐state free precession acquisition times. However, background suppression is limited; inflow times are inflexible; labeling region is difficult to define when tagging arterial flow; and scan times are long. To overcome these limitations, we propose the use of multiple inversion recovery preparatory pulses combined with alternating pulse repetition time balanced steady‐state free precession to produce renal angiograms. Multiple inversion recovery uses selective spatial saturation followed by four nonselective inversion recovery pulses to concurrently null a wide range of background
species while allowing for adjustable inflow times; alternating pulse repetition time steady‐state free precession maintains vessel contrast and provides added fat suppression. The high level of suppression enables imaging in three‐dimensional as well as projective two‐dimensional formats, the latter of which has a scan time as short as one heartbeat. In vivo studies at 1.5 T demonstrate the superior vessel contrast of this technique. Magn Reson Med 70:527–536, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Tongue muscle plasticity following hypoglossal nerve stimulation in aged rats
Authors: Connor Nadine P. , Russell John A. , Jackson Michelle A. , Kletzien Heidi , Wang Hao , Schaser Allison J. , Leverson Glen E. , Zealear David L.
Published: November 2012

Introduction: Age‐related decreases in tongue muscle mass and strength have been reported. It may be possible to prevent age‐related tongue muscle changes using neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES). Our hypothesis was that alterations in muscle contractile properties and myosin heavy chain composition would be found after NMES. Methods: Fifty‐four young, middle‐aged, and old 344/Brown Norway rats were included in this study. Twenty‐four rats underwent bilateral electrical stimulation of the hypoglossal nerves for 8 weeks and were compared with control or sham rats. Muscle contractile properties and myosin heavy chain (MHC) in the genioglossus (GG), styloglossus (SG), and hyoglossus (HG) muscles were examined. Results: Compared with unstimulated control rats, we found reduced muscle fatigue, increased contraction and half‐decay times, and increased twitch and tetanic tension. Increased type I MHC was found, except for in GG in old and middle‐aged rats. Conclusion: Transitions in tongue muscle contractile properties and phenotype were found after NMES. Muscle Nerve, 2013
Effect of gestational age on first trimester maternal serum prenatal screening correction factors for ethnicity and IVF conception
Authors: Cowans Nicholas J. , Spencer Kevin
Published: November 2012

Objective

The aim of this study is to investigate gestational age effects of maternal ethnicity and in vitro fertilization (IVF) pregnancy correction factors of first trimester trisomy 21 screening markers pregnancy associated plasma protein A (PAPP‐A) and free‐β human chorionic gonadotropin (free hCGβ) in a large dataset.

Methods

Data from 205 341 normal singleton pregnancies were retrieved, and PAPP‐A and free hCGβ concentrations were converted to multiples of the medians (MoMs) uncorrected for either maternal ethnicity or IVF pregnancy. Log10 transformed MoMs were plotted against gestational age in each group to examine gestational age effects

Results

Significant gestational age effects were found for correction factors for PAPP‐A in Afro‐Caribbean, South Asian and East Asian, and for free hCGβ in Afro‐Caribbean and IVF pregnancy.

Conclusions

Current single correction factors for PAPP‐A and free hCGβ based on maternal ethnicity and IVF pregnancy are inappropriate, and future screening algorithms need to take into account the change in effect of these factors with gestational age. © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Disease risk score as a confounder summary method: systematic review and recommendations
Authors: Tadrous Mina , Gagne Joshua J. , Stürmer Til , Cadarette Suzanne M.
Published: November 2012

Purpose

To systematically examine trends and applications of the disease risk score (DRS) as a confounder summary method.

Methods

We completed a systematic search of MEDLINE and Web of Science® to identify all English language articles that applied DRS methods. We tabulated the number of publications by year and type (empirical application, methodological contribution, or review paper) and summarized methods used in empirical applications overall and by publication year (<2000, ≥2000).

Results

Of 714 unique articles identified, 97 examined DRS methods and 86 were empirical applications. We observed a bimodal distribution in the number of publications over time, with a peak 1979–1980, and resurgence since 2000. The majority of applications with methodological detail derived DRS using logistic regression (47%), used DRS as a categorical variable in regression (93%), and applied DRS in a non‐experimental cohort (47%) or case–control (42%) study. Few studies examined effect modification by outcome risk (23%).

Conclusion

Use of DRS methods has increased yet remains low. Comparative effectiveness research may benefit from more DRS applications, particularly to examine effect modification by outcome risk. Standardized terminology may facilitate identification, application, and comprehension of DRS methods. More research is needed to support the application of DRS methods, particularly in case–control studies. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Factors associated with spontaneous reporting of adverse drug reactions in Japan
Authors: Yamada Toru , Watanabe Yuka , Kusama Makiko , Sugiyama Yuichi , Ono Shunsuke
Published: November 2012

Purpose

Spontaneous reported adverse drug reactions (ADRs) are currently the main source of pharmacovigilance activities in each country. The number of ADRs reported to the authority warns of safety risks to patients, but it also reflects the efficiency and limitations of the reporting system itself. This article explored how the accumulation of safety information, status in foreign countries (e.g., US approval), drug company attributes, and regulatory actions (e.g., early post‐marketing phase vigilance; EPPV) were associated with the numbers of spontaneously reported ADRs in Japan.

Methods

All serious ADRs for drugs for which the active ingredients or route of administration were approved in Japan from 2000 through 2005 were collected from the national database. The numbers of serious ADRs within the first 2 and 3 years after launch were analyzed using the negative binominal distribution model.

Results

The launch lag and the presence of drugs with a similar mode of action were negatively associated with the ADR numbers, but the number of study subjects for the new drug application (NDA) showed no clear association. The number of sales representatives and the implementation of EPPV were positively associated with the ADR numbers.

Conclusion

The accumulation of foreign post‐market evidence seemed to be more important for drug safety in Japan than was the amount of pre‐approval safety data. The positive impacts of sales representatives and EPPV suggested a critical role for drug companies in drug safety and also the importance of considering how best to collect information in local situations with unique regulatory requirements. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Morphology and properties of polymer/organoclay nanocomposites based on poly(ethylene terephthalate) and sulfopolyester blends
Authors: Ghanbari Abbas , Heuzey Marie‐Claude , Carreau Pierre J , Ton‐That Minh‐Tan
Published: November 2012

Poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) nanocomposite films containing two different organoclays, Cloisite 30B® (C30B) and Nanomer I.28E® (N28E), were prepared by melt blending. In order to increase the gallery spacing of the clay particles, a sulfopolyester (PET ionomer or PETi) was added to the nanocomposites via a master‐batch approach. The morphological, thermal and gas barrier characteristics of the nanocomposite films were studied using several characterization techniques such as scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, X‐ray diffraction, differential scanning calorimetry, dynamic mechanical analysis, rheometry and oxygen permeability. PET and PETi were found to form immiscible polymer blends and the nanoparticles were preferentially located in the PETi dispersed phase. A better dispersion of clay was obtained for nanocomposites containing N28E with PETi. On the contrary, for nanocomposites containing C30B and PETi, the number of tactoids increased and the clay distribution and dispersion became worse than for C30B alone. Overall, the best properties were obtained for the PET/C30B nanocomposite without PETi. Higher crystallinity was found for all nanocomposite films in comparison to that of neat PET. © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Comparing Results from the Clinical Assessment of Behavior and Child Behavior Checklist with Referred Preschoolers
Authors: Myers Carl L.
Published: November 2012

Behavior rating scales are popular assessment tools but more research is needed on the preschool versions of the instruments, particularly with referred samples of preschoolers. This study examined the comparability of results from parent ratings on the preschool versions of the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL/1.5‐5, Achenbach & Rescorla, 2000) and the Clinical Assessment of Behavior‐Parent form (CAB‐P, Bracken & Keith, 2004) with 74 clinically referred preschoolers. While pairs of similarly named scales from the two instruments received significant correlations, mean scores from the CBCL/1.5‐5 were significantly higher than those from the CAB‐P. Classification consistency was a concern as well. School psychologists are urged to be cautious in their interpretation of results from preschool behavior rating scales.
Cognitive and motivational profile shape predicts mathematical skills over and above profile level
Authors: Reimann Giselle , Stoecklin Markus , Lavallee Kristen , Gut Janine , Frischknecht Marie‐Claire , Grob Alexander
Published: November 2012

The interpretation of subtest profiles from intelligence testing remains popular among many practitioners who use subtest performance to draw diagnostic conclusions, in spite of criticism by some researchers, who point to the low reliability and predictive validity of subtest scores in predicting achievement outcomes. Prior research outlines two approaches to the study of subtest variation: the examination of interindividual variation in specific cognitive domains or subtests as compared to a standard sample, and the examination of intraindividual strengths and weaknesses, regardless of overall level. The present study seeks to add to knowledge in this field with data from 567 children ages 5 to 10 years who exhibit meaningful subtest variation on a new test of intellectual abilities. Results from the present sample point to statistically significant utility, with small to medium effects, of intraindividual cognitive and motivational profile shape over and above profile level in predicting mathematical skills. We discuss implications for school psychological and educational assessment research.
Protein structure as a means to triage proposed PTM sites
Authors: Vandermarliere Elien , Martens Lennart
Published: November 2012

PTMs such as phosphorylation are often important actors in protein regulation and recognition. These functions require both visibility and accessibility to other proteins; that the modification is located at the surface of the protein. Currently, many repositories provide information on PTMs but structural information is often lacking. This study, which focuses on phosphorylation sites available in UniProtKB/Swiss‐Prot, illustrates that most phosphorylation sites are indeed found at the surface of the protein, but that some sites are found buried in the core of the protein. Several of these identified buried phosphorylation sites can easily become accessible upon small conformational changes while others would require the whole protein to unfold and are hence most unlikely modification sites. Subsequent analysis of phosphorylation sites available in PRIDE demonstrates that taking the structure of the protein into account would be a good guide in the identification of the actual phosphorylated positions in phophoproteomics experiments. This analysis illustrates that care must be taken when simply accepting the position of a PTM without first analyzing its position within the protein structure if the latter is available.
Structure and interfacial properties of semipolar s‐plane (1‐101) InN grown on r‐plane sapphire
Authors: Dimitrakopulos G. P. , Lotsari A. , Kehagias Th. , Ajagunna A. , Georgakilas A. , Karakostas Th. , Komninou Ph.
Published: November 2012

Based on bicrystal symmetry and transmission electron microscopy observations, we elaborate on the coexistence of the two orientation variants of semipolar s‐plane ($1{\bar {1}}01$) InN epilayers grown on r‐plane sapphire by plasma‐assisted molecular beam epitaxy (PAMBE). It is shown that variant coexistence is favored by a high order of coincident symmetry ensuring significant lattice continuity. The (0002) || ($01{\bar {1}}0$) low‐energy grain boundary was identified to principally delimit the two InN variants. Aside of the variant coexistence, the InN/sapphire interface was observed to comprise protrusions attributed to the InN buffer layer growth. Rapid thermal annealing was employed in order to improve the epilayer quality and it was found to induce defect reduction attributed to dislocation glide. However, the InN/sapphire interface was adversely affected by this process.
Delamination of organic coating on carbon steel studied by scanning Kelvin probe force microscopy
Authors: Pan Tongyan
Published: November 2012

Corrosion‐induced delamination of an epoxy coating on the AISI/SAE 1045 carbon steel was studied under a humid atmospheric condition (temperature of 25 °C, 1 standard atmospheric pressure, relative humidity of 90%) by the technique of scanning Kelvin probe force microscopy (SKPFM). Surface‐polished 1045 samples were first cold‐coated with the epoxy and then subject to the atmospheric corrosion under the specified condition. At predetermined time intervals, surface Volta potential differences of the samples were measured using the SKPFM over the dry surface of epoxy coating. The map of Volta potential differences demonstrated high contrasts among three characteristic zones: intact steel‐epoxy interface, delaminated interface, and interface with active corrosion, which was then linked to the actual corrosion potential of the steel (measured using a potentiostat with respect to a saturated calomel electrode) based on a rigorous calibration procedure. It was found that the SKPFM was able to provide direct and nondestructive detection of early active corrosion and coating delamination on steels at a submicroscopic resolution, which outperformed the conventional electrochemical techniques for the same purposes. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Estimating the intensity of ward admission and its effect on emergency department access block
Authors: Luo Wei , Cao Jiguo , Gallagher Marcus , Wiles Janet
Published: November 2012

Emergency department access block is an urgent problem faced by many public hospitals today. When access block occurs, patients in need of acute care cannot access inpatient wards within an optimal time frame. A widely held belief is that access block is the end product of a long causal chain, which involves poor discharge planning, insufficient bed capacity, and inadequate admission intensity to the wards. This paper studies the last link of the causal chain—the effect of admission intensity on access block, using data from a metropolitan hospital in Australia. We applied several modern statistical methods to analyze the data. First, we modeled the admission events as a nonhomogeneous Poisson process and estimated time‐varying admission intensity with penalized regression splines. Next, we established a functional linear model to investigate the effect of the time‐varying admission intensity on emergency department access block. Finally, we used functional principal component analysis to explore the variation in the daily time‐varying admission intensities. The analyses suggest that improving admission practice during off‐peak hours may have most impact on reducing the number of ED access blocks. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Combinatorial On‐Chip Study of Miniaturized 3D Porous Scaffolds Using a Patterned Superhydrophobic Platform
Authors: Oliveira Mariana B. , Salgado Christiane L. , Song Wenlong , Mano João F.
Published: November 2012

One of the main challenges in tissue engineering (TE) is to obtain optimized products, combining biomaterials, cells and soluble factors able to stimulate tissue regeneration. Multiple combinations may be considered by changing the conditions among these three factors. The unpredictable response of each combination requires time‐consuming tests. High‐throughput methodologies have been proposed to master such complex analyses in TE. Usually, these tests are performed using cells cultured into 2D biomaterials or by dispensing arrays of cell‐loaded hydrogels. For the first time an on‐chip combinatorial study of 3D miniaturized porous scaffolds is proposed, using a patterned bioinspired superhydrophobic platform. Arrays of biomaterials are dispensed and processed in situ as porous scaffolds with distinct composition, surface characteristics, porosity/pore size, and mechanical properties. On‐chip porosity, pore size, and mechanical properties of scaffolds based on chitosan and alginate are assessed by adapting microcomputed tomography equipment and a dynamic mechanical analyzer, as well as cell response after 24 hours. The interactions between cell types of two distinct origins—osteoblast‐like and fibroblasts—and the scaffolds modified with fibronectin are studied and validated by comparison with conventional destructive methods (dsDNA quantification and MTS tests). Physical and biological on‐chip analyses are coherent with the conventional measures, and conclusions about the most favorable conditions for each cell type are taken.
Co-Motif Discovery Identifies an Esrrb-Sox2-DNA Ternary Complex as a Mediator of Transcriptional Differences Between Mouse Embryonic and Epiblast Stem Cells
Authors: Hutchins Andrew Paul , Choo Siew Hua , Mistri Tapan Kumar , Rahmani Mehran , Woon Chow Thai , Keow Leng Ng Calista , Jauch Ralf , Robson Paul
Published: November 2012

Transcription factors (TF) often bind in heterodimeric complexes with each TF recognizing a specific neighboring cis element in the regulatory region of the genome. Comprehension of this DNA motif grammar is opaque, yet recent developments have allowed the interrogation of genome-wide TF binding sites. We reasoned that within this data novel motif grammars could be identified that controlled distinct biological programs. For this purpose, we developed a novel motif-discovery tool termed fexcom that systematically interrogates ChIP-seq data to discover spatially constrained TF–TF composite motifs occurring over short DNA distances. We applied this to the extensive ChIP-seq data available from mouse embryonic stem cells (ESCs). In addition to the well-known and most prevalent sox-oct motif, we also discovered a novel constrained spacer motif for Esrrb and Sox2 with a gap of between 2 and 8 bps that Essrb and Sox2 cobind in a selective fashion. Through the use of knockdown experiments, we argue that the Esrrb-Sox2 complex is an arbiter of gene expression differences between ESCs and epiblast stem cells (EpiSC). A number of genes downregulated upon dual Esrrb/Sox2 knockdown (e.g., Klf4, Klf5, Jam2, Pecam1) are similarly downregulated in the ESC to EpiSC transition and contain the esrrb-sox motif. The prototypical Esrrb-Sox2 target gene, containing an esrrb-sox element conserved throughout eutherian and metatherian mammals, is Nr0b1. Through positive regulation of this transcriptional repressor, we argue the Esrrb-Sox2 complex promotes the ESC state through inhibition of the EpiSC transcriptional program and the same trio may also function to maintain trophoblast stem cells.
Tumor-Associated Macrophages Regulate Murine Breast Cancer Stem Cells Through a Novel Paracrine EGFR/Stat3/Sox-2 Signaling Pathway
Authors: Yang Jian , Liao Debbie , Chen Cong , Liu Yan , Chuang Tsung-Hsien , Xiang Rong , Markowitz Dorothy , Reisfeld Ralph A. , Luo Yunping
Published: November 2012

The cancer stem cell (CSC) hypothesis has gained significant recognition as a descriptor of tumorigenesis. Additionally, tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) are known to promote growth and metastasis of breast cancer. However, it is not known whether TAMs mediate tumorigenesis through regulation of breast CSCs. Here, we report that TAMs promote CSC-like phenotypes in murine breast cancer cells by upregulating their expression of Sox-2. These CSC-like phenotypes were characterized by increased Sox-2, Oct-4, Nanog, AbcG2, and Sca-1 gene expression, in addition to increased drug-efflux capacity, resistance to chemotherapy, and increased tumorigenicity in vivo. Downregulation of Sox-2 in tumor cells by siRNA blocked the ability of TAMs to induce these CSC-like phenotypes and inhibited tumor growth in vivo. Furthermore, we identified a novel epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)/signal transducers and activators of transcription 3 (Stat3)/Sox-2 paracrine signaling pathway between macrophages and mouse breast cancer cells that is required for macrophage-induced upregulation of Sox-2 and CSC phenotypes in tumor cells. We showed that this crosstalk was effectively blocked by the small molecule inhibitors AG1478 or CDDO-Im against EGFR and Stat3, respectively. Therefore, our report identifies a novel role for TAMs in breast CSC regulation and establishes a rationale for targeting the EGFR/Stat3/Sox-2 signaling pathway for CSC therapy.
Prostaglandin E2 Increases Hematopoietic Stem Cell Survival and Accelerates Hematopoietic Recovery After Radiation Injury
Authors: Porter Rebecca L. , Georger Mary A. , Bromberg Olga , McGrath Kathleen E. , Frisch Benjamin J. , Becker Michael W. , Calvi Laura M.
Published: November 2012

Hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs), which continuously maintain all mature blood cells, are regulated within the marrow microenvironment. We previously reported that pharmacologic treatment of naïve mice with prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) expands HSPCs. However, the cellular mechanisms mediating this expansion remain unknown. Here, we demonstrate that PGE2 treatment in naïve mice inhibits apoptosis of HSPCs without changing their proliferation rate. In a murine model of sublethal total body irradiation (TBI), in which HSPCs are rapidly lost, treatment with a long-acting PGE2 analog (dmPGE2) reversed the apoptotic program initiated by TBI. dmPGE2 treatment in vivo decreased the loss of functional HSPCs following radiation injury, as demonstrated both phenotypically and by their increased reconstitution capacity. The antiapoptotic effect of dmPGE2 on HSPCs did not impair their ability to differentiate in vivo, resulting instead in improved hematopoietic recovery after TBI. dmPGE2 also increased microenvironmental cyclooxygenase-2 expression and expanded the α-smooth muscle actin-expressing subset of marrow macrophages, thus enhancing the bone marrow microenvironmental response to TBI. Therefore, in vivo treatment with PGE2 analogs may be particularly beneficial to HSPCs in the setting of injury by targeting them both directly and also through their niche. The current data provide rationale for in vivo manipulation of the HSPC pool as a strategy to improve recovery after myelosuppression.
Obese rats with deficient leptin signaling exhibit heightened sensitivity to olfactory food cues
Authors: Thanos Panayotis K. , Robison Lisa S. , Robinson John K. , Michaelides Michael , Wang Gene‐JACK , Volkow Nora D.
Published: November 2012

The Zucker rat is used as a model of genetic obesity, and while Zucker rats have been well studied for their reduced sensitivity to leptin signaling and subsequent weight gain, little work has examined their responses to environmental signals that are associated with “hedonic” feeding. This study evaluated the effects of a high‐fat food olfactory cue (bacon) in stimulating nose‐poke food‐seeking behavior on first exposure (novel) and after a period of access for consumption (familiar) in lean and obese Zucker rats at either 4 or 12 months of age, and under ad‐lib fed (unrestricted; U) or chronically food‐restricted (70% of ad‐lib; R) conditions. Baseline nose‐poke levels were comparable amongst all groups. At 4 months of age, only ObU rats displayed increased behavioral activation to familiar food cues. Twelve‐month‐old Ob rats, regardless of diet, exhibited substantially greater food‐seeking behavior when exposed to both the novel and familiar olfactory cues. A strong positive correlation between body weight and nose‐poke entries for the familiar food cue was observed at both ages, while this correlation for the novel food cue was significant in 12–month‐old rats only. Similarly, there were strong positive correlations between food intake and poke entries for the familiar food cue was observed at both ages, while this correlation for the novel food cue was significant in 12–month‐old rats only. Although it is possible that differences in olfactory sensitivity contribute to these behavioral effects, our findings support the interactions between food intake, obesity, and food‐seeking behavior and are consistent with leptin inhibiting the brain's reactivity to food cues and suggest that the enhanced sensitivity to the food cues with leptin deficiency is likely to contribute to overeating and weight gain. Synapse, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Channel estimation algorithms for cooperative spectrum sensing in amplify‐and‐forward cooperative system
Authors: Wu Xuan‐Li , Luo Mingxin , Liu Kai , Shen Qinghua
Published: November 2012

In amplify‐and‐forward (AF)‐based cooperative spectrum sensing system, the bit‐error‐rate (BER) performance and detection probability will decrease because of the existence of channel estimation error. In this paper, the influence of channel estimation error on system performance is firstly deduced, and then, linear minimum mean‐square error (LMMSE) channel estimation algorithm with filtering delay time‐domain windowing (LMMSE‐filtering‐DTW) technique and modified singular value decomposition‐based LMMSE algorithm are proposed to improve the channel estimation performance for code division multiple access system and orthogonal frequency division multiplexing system in AF cooperative scenario, respectively. Simulation results verify the effectiveness of the two proposed channel estimation algorithms in cooperative spectrum sensing, and when Eb/ N0 is bigger than 20 dB, given the required false alarm probability smaller than 15%, the difference of detection probability between the channel obtained using the proposed channel estimation algorithms and the ideal channel is less than 2.5%, respectively. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Sensitivity of southern California wind energy to turbine characteristics
Authors: Capps Scott B. , Hall Alex , Hughes Mimi
Published: November 2012

Using output from a high‐resolution meteorological simulation, we evaluate the sensitivity of southern California wind energy generation to variations in key characteristics of current wind turbines. These characteristics include hub height, rotor diameter and rated power, and depend on turbine make and model. They shape the turbine's power curve and thus have large implications for the energy generation capacity of wind farms. For each characteristic, we find complex and substantial geographical variations in the sensitivity of energy generation. However, the sensitivity associated with each characteristic can be predicted by a single corresponding climate statistic, greatly simplifying understanding of the relationship between climate and turbine optimization for energy production. In the case of the sensitivity to rotor diameter, the change in energy output per unit change in rotor diameter at any location is directly proportional to the weighted average wind speed between the cut‐in speed and the rated speed. The sensitivity to rated power variations is likewise captured by the percent of the wind speed distribution between the turbines rated and cut‐out speeds. Finally, the sensitivity to hub height is proportional to lower atmospheric wind shear. Using a wind turbine component cost model, we also evaluate energy output increase per dollar investment in each turbine characteristic. We find that rotor diameter increases typically provide a much larger wind energy boost per dollar invested, although there are some zones where investment in the other two characteristics is competitive. Our study underscores the need for joint analysis of regional climate, turbine engineering and economic modeling to optimize wind energy production. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Dab1 stabilizes its interaction with Cin85 by suppressing Cin85 phosphorylation at serine 587
Authors: Bior Bior K. , Ballif Bryan A.
Published: November 2012

Crk and CrkL adaptors play essential neuronal positioning roles downstream of Reelin‐induced Dab1 tyrosine phosphorylation. Recently we identified Cin85 to be a CrkL‐SH3 binding partner from embryonic murine brain while others found Cin85 binds directly to Dab1. Here using mass spectrometry, biochemical and mutational analyses we show that Dab1 suppresses Cin85 phosphorylation at Ser587. Furthermore a Cin85 Ser587 phosphomimetic disrupts the Dab1‐Cin85 complex without affecting the Cin85‐CapZ complex. These data provide an early glimpse into how Cin85 phosphorylation might alter the composition of its scaffolding partners to regulate its diverse roles including vesicular trafficking, receptor endocytosis and actin remodeling.
MicroRNA‐101 suppresses SOX9‐dependent tumorigenicity and promotes favorable prognosis of human hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Zhang Yanqiong , Guo Xiaodong , Xiong Lu , Kong Xiangying , Xu Ying , Liu Chunfang , Zou Lin , Li Zhiwei , Zhao Jingmin , Lin Na
Published: November 2012

We previously showed that high expression levels of SOX9 correlate with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) progression. However, the exact role that SOX9 plays in HCC remains unclear. In this study, we firstly confirmed that miRNA‐101 directly targets SOX9 in HCC. Ectopic expression of miR‐101 significantly inhibited HCC cell proliferation and tumorigenicity by targeting SOX9. Moreover, the down‐regulation of miR‐101 in clinical HCC tissues correlates with tumor aggressiveness and poor prognosis. Therefore, miR‐101 may suppress HCC tumor progression by down‐regulating SOX9. MiR‐101 may be a potential prognostic marker and therapeutic target for HCC.
miR‐137 inhibits the proliferation of lung cancer cells by targeting Cdc42 and Cdk6
Authors: Zhu Xiaolan , Li Yuefeng , Shen Huiling , Li Hao , Long Lulu , Hui Lulu , Xu Wenlin
Published: November 2012

MicroRNAs (miRNA) have emerged as key players in carcinogenesis. Here, we investigated the role of miR‐137 in the pathogenesis of lung cancer. The downregulation of miR‐137 in lung cancer cells could be rescued following inhibition of DNA methylation. Ectopic expression of miR‐137 in lung cancer cells significantly downregulated Cdc42, Cdk6 and induced G1 cell cycle arrest, leading to a significant decrease in cell growth in vivo and in vitro. Further, both Cdc42 and Cdk6 were confirmed as targets of miR‐137.
The experience of artificial urinary sphincter implantation by a single surgeon in 15 years
Authors: Shen Yuan‐Chi , Chiang Po‐Hui
Published: November 2012

Artificial urinary sphincter (AUS) is the gold standard treatment for urinary incontinence owing to sphincter incompetence. We reviewed our experience in AUS implantation. From 1995 to 2009, 19 patients underwent 25 AUS implantations performed by a single surgeon. The cause of incontinence was sphincter incompetence, which was secondary to prostate surgery, neurogenic bladder, radiation, and post‐traumatic urethral lesion. Twenty‐three prostheses were placed in the bulbar urethra for male patients: 11 AUS cuffs were placed through the perineal approach and 12 through the penoscrotal approach. Two procedures were applied over the bladder neck for the female patients. Through a retrospective review of charts, continence and complications were analyzed. The mean follow‐up time was 50.0 ± 42.9 months (range: 2–146 months). There were 16 successful surgeries (64%), and these patients were free from the need for a pad. In eight surgeries (32%), the devices were removed due to infection, while one implantation (4%) was unsuccessful due to perforation into the bulbar urethra. There was a statistically significant difference (p = 0.024) in failure rates between patients who received radiotherapy (100%) and other patients (22.7%). There was no statistically significant difference in dry and revision rates (p > 0.05) between the perineal and penoscrotal approach. Accordingly, over half of the patients with total incontinence benefitted from AUS implantation. In consideration of the high failure rate for patients receiving radiotherapy, caution should be exercised in the use of implantation. Secondary implantation has a satisfactory success rate in selected patients. The same success rate was noted for both perineal and penoscrotal approaches.
Lecturers' Satisfaction Levels Regarding Job-Related Variables in a Public Tertiary Institution in Singapore
Authors: Paul Emily Pakivathy , Kheng Phua Seok
Published: November 2012

The purpose of this study was to examine demographic effects on the satisfaction levels of lecturers from a Singapore public tertiary institution regarding job-related variables. The research findings indicated that demographic variables had an effect on the levels of satisfaction over specific job-related differentials. Satisfaction related to job stress levels increased significantly with being female, age, job position and length of employment; while satisfaction over salary levels rose significantly with being female and job position. Satisfaction with nature of the job was significantly affected positively with job position, academic qualification and length of employment; whereas satisfaction over supervision level decreased significantly with age, marital status, job position and length of employment. Satisfaction with organisational justice rose significantly with age, job position and length of employment, while satisfaction over communication was decreased significantly with age and years of service. These findings have practical implications for the management of the tertiary institution to reexamine their current institutional policies and make the necessary changes to enhance job satisfaction of the academics.
Excessive Daytime Sleepiness, Sleep Hygiene, and Work Hours Among Medical Residents in India
Authors: Mastin David F. , Siddalingaiah H. S. , Singh Amarjeet , Lal Vivek
Published: November 2012

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between sleep hygiene, excessive daytime sleepiness and work hours among resident physicians in Chandigarh, India. Data were collected from 350 volunteering junior resident doctors and included sociodemographic variables, excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) as measured by the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), sleep hygiene as measured by the Sleep Hygiene Index and hours worked. Almost half of the resident physicians studied reported a problem of EDS and maladaptive sleep hygiene practices. Physicians working more than 80 hours per week and physicians with more maladaptive sleep behaviours were much more likely to report EDS. The authors propose that sleep hygiene and number of hours slept should be considered as EDS prevention and treatment strategies, especially for physicians working less than 80 hours per week. The authors also propose that the most salient intervention for physicians working more than 80 hours per week is one of workplace advocacy, where the government is encouraged to adopt legally binding guidelines as seen in other countries.
ONE-POINT EXTENSIONS AND LOCAL TOPOLOGICAL PROPERTIES
Authors: KOUSHESH M. R.
Published: November 2012

A space $Y$ is called an extension of a space $X$ if $Y$ contains $X$ as a dense subspace. An extension $Y$ of $X$ is called a one-point extension of $X$ if $Y\setminus X$ is a singleton. P. Alexandroff proved that any locally compact non-compact Hausdorff space $X$ has a one-point compact Hausdorff extension, called the one-point compactification of $X$. Motivated by this, Mrówka and Tsai [‘On local topological properties. II’, Bull. Acad. Polon. Sci. Sér. Sci. Math. Astronom. Phys.19 (1971), 1035–1040] posed the following more general question: For what pairs of topological properties ${\mathscr P}$ and ${\mathscr Q}$ does a locally-${\mathscr P}$ space $X$ having ${\mathscr Q}$ possess a one-point extension having both ${\mathscr P}$ and ${\mathscr Q}$? Here, we provide an answer to this old question.
ON THE REGULAR DIGRAPH OF IDEALS OF COMMUTATIVE RINGS
Authors: AFKHAMI M. , KARIMI M. , KHASHYARMANESH K.
Published: November 2012

Let$R$be a commutative ring. The regular digraph of ideals of$R$, denoted by$\Gamma (R)$, is a digraph whose vertex set is the set of all nontrivial ideals of$R$and, for every two distinct vertices$I$and$J$, there is an arc from$I$to$J$whenever$I$contains a nonzero divisor on$J$. In this paper, we study the connectedness of$\Gamma (R)$. We also completely characterise the diameter of this graph and determine the number of edges in$\Gamma (R)$, whenever$R$is a finite direct product of fields. Among other things, we prove that$R$has a finite number of ideals if and only if$\mathrm {N}_{\Gamma (R)}(I)$is finite, for all vertices$I$in$\Gamma (R)$, where$\mathrm {N}_{\Gamma (R)}(I)$is the set of all adjacent vertices to$I$in$\Gamma (R)$.
Selenium inclusion decreases oxidative stress indicators and muscle injuries in sea bass larvae fed high-DHA microdiets
Authors: Betancor Mónica B. , Caballero M , Terova Genciana , Saleh Reda , Atalah Eyad , Benítez-Santana Tibiábin , Bell J. Gordon , Izquierdo Marisol
Published: November 2012

The objective of the present study was to determine the effect of Se inclusion in high-DHA and vitamin E microdiets (5 g DHA/100 g dry weight and 300 mg vitamin E/100 g dry weight; 5 g DHA/100 g dry weight and 300 mg vitamin E/100 g dry weight supplemented with Se) in comparison with a control diet (1 g DHA/100 g dry weight and 150 mg vitamin E/100 g dry weight) on sea bass larval growth, survival, biochemical composition, malonaldehyde (MDA) content, muscle morphology and antioxidant enzymes (AOE), insulin-like growth factors (IGF) and myosin expression. For a given DHA and vitamin E dietary content, Se inclusion favoured larval total length and specific growth rate, and reduced the incidence of muscular lesions, MDA contents and AOE gene expression. In contrast, IGF gene expression was elevated in the 5/300 larvae, suggesting an increased muscle mitogenesis that was corroborated by the increase in mRNA copies of myosin heavy chain. The results of the present study denoted the beneficial effect of Se not only in preventing oxidative stress, as a glutathione peroxidase cofactor, but probably due to other as yet unknown physiological functions.
Acute effects of mustard, horseradish, black pepper and ginger on energy expenditure, appetite,ad libitumenergy intake and energy balance in human subjects
Authors: Gregersen N. T. , Belza A. , Jensen M. G. , Ritz C. , Bitz C. , Hels O. , Frandsen E. , Mela D. J. , Astrup A.
Published: November 2012

Chilli peppers have been shown to enhance diet-induced thermogenesis (DIT) and reduce energy intake (EI) in some studies, but there are few data on other pungent spices. The primary aim of the present study was to test the acute effects of black pepper (pepper), ginger, horseradish and mustard in a meal on 4 h postprandial DIT. The secondary aim was to examine the effects on subjective appetite measures,ad libitumEI and energy balance. In a five-way placebo-controlled, single-blind, cross-over trial, twenty-two young (age 24·9 (sd4·6) years), normal-weight (BMI 21·8 (sd2·1) kg/m2) males were randomly assigned to receive a brunch meal with either pepper (1·3 g), ginger (20 g), horseradish (8·3 g), mustard (21 g) or no spices (placebo). The amounts of spices were chosen from pre-testing to make the meal spicy but palatable. No significant treatment effects were observed on DIT, but mustard produced DIT, which tended to be larger than that of placebo (14 %, 59 (se3)v.52 (se2) kJ/h, respectively,P= 0·08). No other spice induced thermogenic effects approaching statistical significance. Subjective measures of appetite (P>0·85),ad libitumEI (P= 0·63) and energy balance (P= 0·67) also did not differ between the treatments. Finally, horseradish decreased heart rate (P= 0·048) and increased diastolic blood pressure (P= 0·049) compared with placebo. In conclusion, no reliable treatment effects on appetite, EI or energy balance were observed, although mustard tended to be thermogenic at this dose. Further studies should explore the possible strength and mechanisms of the potential thermogenic effect of mustard actives, and potential enhancement by, for example, combinations with other food components.
Hypotensive and heart rate-lowering effects in rats receiving milk fermented by specific Lactococcus lactis strains
Authors: Rodríguez-Figueroa J. C. , González-Córdova A. F. , Astiazaran-García H. , Vallejo-Cordoba B.
Published: November 2012

Previous studies have demonstrated that milk fermented by specific Lactococcus lactis strains significantly inhibits the activity of angiotensin I-converting enzyme (ACE). However, the relationship between the ACE inhibitor and its in vivo action has revealed discrepancies. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to investigate the antihypertensive and heart rate (HR)-lowering effect of milk fermented by specific L. lactis in a murine model. Spontaneously hypertensive male rats (271 (SD14) g) were randomised into four treatment groups that were orally administered with milk fermented by L. lactis NRRL B-50 571 or L. lactis NRRL B-50 572 at 35 or 50 mg protein/kg body weight (BW), respectively. Further, two more groups were fed with different solutions as controls: a saline solution as the negative control and Captopril™ (40 mg/kg BW), a proven ACE inhibitor, as the positive control. Blood pressure and HR were monitored by the tail-cuff method before the treatments and at 2, 4, 6 and 24 h post-oral administration. The results demonstrated that milk fermented by L. lactis NRRL B-50 571 as well as by L. lactis NRRL B-50 572 presented an important systolic and diastolic blood pressure- and HR-lowering effect. Thus, milk fermented by specific L. lactis strains may present potential benefits in the prevention and treatment of CVD associated with hypertension in humans.