bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Variability of in‐stream and riparian storage in a beaded arctic stream
Authors: Merck M. F. , Neilson B. T. , Cory R. M. , Kling G. W.
Published: October 2011

The extent and variability of water storage and residence times throughout the open water season in beaded arctic streams are poorly understood. Data collected in Imnavait Creek, a beaded stream located north of the Brooks Range in Alaska, were used to better understand the effects of in‐pool and riparian storage on heat and mass movement through beaded streams. Temperature data of high spatial resolution within the pools and surrounding sediments were used with volumetric discharge and electrical conductivity to identify storage areas within the pools, banks, and other marshy areas within the riparian zone, including subsurface flow paths that connect the pools. These subsurface flows were found to alter water conductivity and the character of dissolved organic matter (DOM) in short reaches (10 s of m) while influencing the chemistry of downstream pools. During low flow periods, persistent stratification occurred within the pools due to absorption of solar radiation by DOM coupled with permafrost below and low wind stress at the pool surface. Additionally, one of the shallow pools (<0.5 m depth) remained stratified during higher flow periods and lower radiation inputs due to dense subsurface flows entering the bottom of the pools. This consistent separation of surface and bottom water masses in each pool will increase the travel times through this and similar arctic watersheds, and therefore will affect the evolution of water chemistry and material export. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Changing freeze‐thaw seasons in northern high latitudes and associated influences on evapotranspiration
Authors: Zhang Ke , Kimball John S. , Kim Youngwook , McDonald Kyle C.
Published: October 2011

Seasonal frozen states in the northern terrestrial cryosphere limit vegetation photosynthetic activities and evapotranspiration (ET) through cold temperature constraints to biological processes and chemical unavailability of water as a result of being frozen. Seasonal transitions of the landscape between predominantly frozen and thawed conditions are analogous to a biospheric and hydrological on/off switch, with marked differences in ET, vegetation productivity and other biological activity between largely dormant winter and active summer conditions. We investigated changes in freeze–thaw (FT) seasons and ET from 1983 to 2006 and their connections in the northern cryosphere by analyzing independent satellite remote sensing derived FT and ET records. Our findings show that the northern cryosphere (≥ 40°N) has experienced advancing (−2.5 days/decade; P = 0.005) and lengthening (3.5 days/decade; P = 0.007) non‐frozen season trends over the 24‐year period, coinciding with an upward trend (6.4 mm/year/decade; P = 0.014) in regional mean annual ET over the same period. Regional average timing of spring primary thaw and the annual non‐frozen period are highly correlated with regional annual ET (|r| ≥ 0.75; P < 0.001), with corresponding impacts to annual ET of approximately 0.6 and 0.5% per day, respectively. The impact of primary fall freeze timing on ET is relatively minor compared with primary spring thaw timing. Earlier onset of the non‐frozen season generally promotes annual ET in colder areas but appears to suppress summer ET by increasing drought stress in the southernmost parts of the domain where water supply is the leading constraint to ET. The cumulative effect of future freeze‐thaw changes on ET in the region will largely depend on future changes of large‐scale atmosphere circulations and rates of vegetation disturbance and adaptation to continued warming. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Exploring cell compatibility of a fibronectin‐functionalized physically crosslinked poly(vinyl alcohol) hydrogel
Authors: Millon Leonardo E. , Padavan Donna T. , Hamilton Amanda M. , Boughner Derek R. , Wan Wankei
Published: October 2011

Physically crosslinked poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) hydrogels prepared using a low‐temperature thermally cycled process have tunable mechanical properties that fall within the range of soft tissues, including cardiovascular tissue. An approach to render it hemocompatible is by endothelization, but its hydrophilic nature is not conducive to cell adhesion and spreading. We investigated the functionalization reaction of this class of PVA hydrogel with fibronectin (FN) for adhesion and spreading of primary porcine radial artery cells and vascular endothelial cells. These are cells relevant to small‐diameter vascular graft development. FN functionalization was achieved using a multistep reaction, but the activation step involving carbonyl diimidazole normally required for chemically crosslinked PVA was found to be unnecessary. The reaction resulted in an increase in the elastic modulus of the PVA hydrogel but is still well within the range of cardiovascular tissue. Confocal microscopy confirmed the adhesion and spreading of both cell types on the PVA–FN surfaces, whereas cells failed to adhere to the PVA control. This is a first step toward an alternative for the realization of a synthetic replacement small‐diameter vascular graft. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2012.
Teriparatide increases bone mineral density in a man with osteoporosis pseudoglioma
Authors: Arantes Henrique Pierotti , Barros Elizabete Ribeiro , Kunii Ilda , Bilezikian John P , Lazaretti-Castro Marise
Published: October 2011

Osteoporosis Pseudoglioma (OPPG) is characterized by severe juvenile-onset osteoporosis and ocular abnormalities. It is caused by one of several inactivating mutations in LRP5, a gene importantly involved in bone formation. The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of teriparatide in a young man with OPPG. The subject of this case report is a 19-year-old man with congenital blindness and low trauma fractures because of OPPG. A 2-year course of teriparatide, 20 µg/day, was initiated after a 6-year course of intravenous pamidronate infusions, the latter 3 years of which had minimal effects on bone mineral density (BMD). Measurements in serum were made of C-terminal telopeptide of type I collagen (CTX), N-terminal propeptide of type I collagen (P1NP), total and ionized calcium, phosphate, uric acid, complete blood count, and renal and liver function tests. Urinary calcium/creatinine ratio was determined. BMD was measured by DXA yearly. BMD increased by 9.7% in lumbar spine and 10.2% in right femur hip. CTX rose early, peaking in month 3, followed by an increase in P1NP, peaking in month 9. Both indices returned to baseline by month 24. The increase in CTX followed by P1NP is an unusual time course when teriparatide is used to treat osteoporosis but may be typical of low bone turnover states. There were no adverse events. In a patient with OPPG, teriparatide markedly increased BMD in the lumbar spine and femur hip. © 2011 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research
An efficient one‐pot synthesis of a new heterocyclic system with high‐fluorescent properties
Authors: Rahimizadeh Mohammad , Pordel Mehdi , Ranaei Mahsa , Bakavoli Mehdi
Published: October 2011

Nucleophilic substitution of hydrogen in nitro derivative of imidazo[1,2‐a]pyridine has been used as a key step in the one‐pot synthesis of a new highly fluorescent heterocyclic system pyrido [1″,2″:1′,2′]imidazo[4′,5′:5,6]pyrido[2,3‐b]indole. J. Heterocyclic Chem., (2012).
Four‐component tandem reaction to synthesize dihydrotetrazolopyrimidinyl carbamides
Authors: Zeng Li‐Yan , Ji Fei , Cai Chun
Published: October 2011

Four‐component tandem procedure to prepare a series of dihydrotetrazolopyrimidinyl carbamides starting from diketene, amine, 5‐aminotetrazole, and aldehyde was newly developed in the presence of iodine. Most of the products were obtained in moderate to good yield after simple workup of the final reaction mixture, the scope and limitation was also probed into. J. Heterocyclic Chem., (2012).
Optimization of automated matrix deposition for biomolecular mapping using a spotter
Authors: Delvolve Alice M. , Woods Amina S.
Published: October 2011

Imaging mass spectrometry using matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization allows the detailed mapping of biomolecules directly from tissue. Matrix deposition is the key step for successful imaging. The appropriate concentration and deposition of matrix is critical for extraction, desorption, and ionization of molecules from tissue without losing molecular localization. The main challenge to meet these criteria is to deposit matrix droplets homogeneously on the tissue section. This work shows how a chemical inkjet printer was used for this purpose resulting in the imaging of phosphatidylcholines and sulfatides. The intricacies involved in effective matrix deposition are discussed. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
rhBMP‐2 has adverse effects on human oral carcinoma cell lines in vivo
Authors: Kokorina Natalia A. , Lewis James S. , Zakharkin Stanislav O. , Krebsbach Paul H. , Nussenbaum Brian
Published: October 2011

Objectives/Hypothesis:

To establish the relevance of the bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signaling pathway in human oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCCA) cell lines and determine if there is a biologic impact of stimulating this pathway with recombinant human (rh) BMP‐2.

Study Design:

In vitro laboratory investigations and in vivo analysis using an orthotopic animal model for oral cancer.

Methods:

Gene expression profiles for BMP‐2 and components of the BMP‐signaling pathway were determined using reverse transcriptase‐polymerase chain reaction. In vivo effects were evaluated using Kaplan‐Meier survival analysis and studying histopathologic changes in established tumor xenografts with or without rhBMP‐2 pretreatment. A phosphokinase array was used to detect levels of activation in signaling kinases.

Results:

The BMP‐2 gene was expressed in 90% of the 30 OSCCA cell lines tested. Gene expression of all components of the BMP‐signaling pathway was highly conserved. Tumor xenografts established with rhBMP‐2–treated cells showed more rapid local growth that resulted in worse animal survival as compared to the control group. These tumors had a more poorly differentiated morphology. Changes in protein kinases suggested interactions of BMP‐2 signaling with the Wnt‐β‐catenin, and Janus kinase/signal transducers and activators of transcription (JAK/STAT) pathways.

Conclusions:

Human OSCCA cell lines frequently express BMP‐2 and all necessary components of the BMP‐signaling pathway. Exogenous treatment of human OSCCA cell lines with rhBMP‐2 prior to engraftment in an orthotopic animal model caused the subsequent tumors to be more locally aggressive with worse survival. Continued caution should be used for considering rhBMP‐2 for reconstruction of bone defects in oral cancer patients.
Elderly patients benefit from cochlear implantation regarding auditory rehabilitation, quality of life, tinnitus, and stress
Authors: Olze Heidi , Gräbel Stefan , Förster Ulrike , Zirke Nina , Huhnd Laura E. , Haupt Heidemarie , Mazurek Birgit
Published: October 2011

Objectives/Hypothesis:

To determine the effect of cochlear implantation on quality of life, speech performance, tinnitus, perceived stress, and coping strategy in patients aged ≥70 years in comparison with younger patients.

Study Design:

Retrospective study.

Methods:

A total of 55 postlingually deafened adults who were unilaterally implanted with a multichannel cochlear implant for at least 6 months were included in the study. Twenty patients were aged ≥70 years (70–84 years), and 35 patients were <70 years (19–67 years). Speech perception was measured using the Freiburg monosyllable test in quiet and the Hochmair‐Schulz‐Moser sentence test. In addition, the patients filled in six validated questionnaires.

Results:

Speech perception and subjectively assessed auditory ability were similar in the two age groups after implantation. Disease‐specific quality of life was improved in patients aged ≥70 years and even to a higher extent as compared to younger patients. Tinnitus annoyance and perceived stress were reduced in elderly patients to the same extent as in younger patients in the case of high initial severity level. The scores for the coping subdomain “seeking support” were reduced in elderly patients.

Conclusions:

The present study provides evidence that cochlear implantation constitutes a very successful procedure of auditory rehabilitation, even for patients aged ≥70 years. In addition, elderly patients benefit from implantation, with increased quality of life and reduced tinnitus and stress.
Protein‐Resistant and Fibrinolytic Polyurethane Surfaces
Authors: Wu Zhaoqiang , Chen Hong , Liu Xiaoli , Brash John L.
Published: October 2011

Surfaces with resistance to non‐specific protein adsorption and a high capacity to bind plasminogen from plasma are developed for application as fibrinolytic surfaces in blood contact. A new method is reported for grafting poly(OEGMA‐co‐HEMA) copolymers on polyurethane surfaces. The OEGMA provides effective protein resistance due to the PEG side chains and the HEMA provides a high density of OH groups for attachment of lysine. Adsorption of fibrinogen from buffer and plasma to these surfaces is low, indicating significant protein resistance. Plasminogen binding from plasma is high, and clot dissolution on surfaces where plasminogen adsorbed from plasma is converted to plasmin is rapid.

magnified image
Dendrimer‐Based Macromolecular Conjugate for the Kidney‐Directed Delivery of a Multitargeted Sunitinib Analogue
Authors: Dolman M. E. (Emmy) M. , van Dorenmalen Kim M. A. , Pieters Ebel H. E. , Sparidans Rolf W. , Lacombe Marie , Szokol Bálint , Őrfi László , Kéri György , Bovenschen Niels , Storm Gert , Hennink Wim E. , Kok Robbert J.
Published: October 2011

The development of a macromolecular conjugate of a multitargeted tyrosine kinase inhibitor is described that can be used for renal‐specific delivery into proximal tubular cells. A novel sunitinib analogue, that is, 17864, is conjugated to a NH2‐PAMAM‐G3 dendrimer via the platinum (II)‐based Universal Linkage System (ULS™). The activity of 17864 is retained after coordination to the ULS linker alone or when coupled to NH2‐PAMAM‐G3. 17864‐UlS‐NH2‐PAMAM‐G3 is non‐toxic to proximal tubular cells in vitro. After intravenous administration to mice, 17864‐UlS‐NH2‐PAMAM‐G3 rapidly and efficiently accumulates in the kidneys. These results are encouraging for future studies focusing on the development of novel therapeutics for the treatment of renal diseases.

magnified image
Ionic Liquids as Internal Phase for Non‐Aqueous PolyHIPEs
Authors: Shirshova Natasha , Bismarck Alexander , Steinke Joachim H.G.
Published: October 2011

Stable high internal phase emulsions (HIPEs) with the ionic liquid 1‐ethyl‐3‐methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethyl‐sulfonyl)imide as dispersed phase were prepared and polymerised thermally into polyHIPEs. All polyHIPEs exhibited pore morphologies similar to that of polyHIPEs obtained with an aqueous dispersed phase. PolyHIPEs containing the dispersed phase possess a low Tg and are thermally stable in excess of 200 °C, offering the potential for new porous materials where water as dispersed phase is chemically or physically undesirable.
Pisa syndrome in Parkinson's disease: Clinical, electromyographic, and radiological characterization
Authors: Tassorelli Cristina , Furnari Anna , Buscone Simona , Alfonsi Enrico , Pacchetti Claudio , Zangaglia Roberta , Pichiecchio Anna , Bastianello Stefano , Lozza Alessandro , Allena Marta , Bolla Monica , Sandrini Giorgio , Nappi Giuseppe , Martignoni Emilia
Published: October 2011

Abnormal postures of the trunk are a typical feature of Parkinson's disease (PD). These include Pisa syndrome (PS), a tonic lateral flexion of the trunk associated with slight rotation along the sagittal plane. In this study we describe clinical, electromyographic (EMG), and radiological features of PS in a group of 20 PD patients. All patients with trunk deviation underwent EMG and radiological (RX and CT scan) investigation. Clinical characteristics of patients with PS were compared with a control group of PD patients without trunk deviation. PD patients with PS showed a significantly higher score of disease asymmetry compared with the control group. In the majority of patients with PS, trunk bending was contralateral to the side of symptom onset. EMG showed abnormal tonic hyperactivity on the side of the deviation in the paravertebral thoracic muscles and in the abdominal oblique muscles. CT of the lumbar paraspinal muscles showed muscular atrophy more marked on the side of the deviation, with a craniocaudal gradient. PS may represent a complication of advanced PD in a subgroup of patients who show more marked asymmetry of disease and who have detectable hyperactivity of the dorsal paravertebral muscles on the less affected side. This postural abnormality deserves attention and proper early treatment to prevent comorbidities and pain. © 2011 Movement Disorder Society
Pharmacologic approaches to the treatment of Huntington's disease
Authors: Venuto Charles S. , McGarry Andrew , Ma Qing , Kieburtz Karl
Published: October 2011

Huntington's disease (HD) is an inherited, progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by chorea, cognitive impairment, and behavioral disturbances. Despite advances in diagnosis and improved understanding of HD, treatment remains difficult due to challenging symptoms and a paucity of approved therapeutic interventions. Nonpharmacologic and pharmacologic strategies have been evaluated; regarding the latter, over 80 agents of various classes have been investigated in clinical trials or examined in case reports. Symptomatic treatment, however, is generally confined to antidopaminergic agents for motor dysfunction and antidepressants for mood disorders, while treatment for cognitive dysfunction remains vacant. Several different mechanisms to modify symptoms and disease progression have been targeted in clinical trials. This article reviews some of the more common pharmacologic treatments used for HD, discusses data regarding suboptimal agents that have been tested, and surveys treatments under investigation. © 2011 Movement Disorder Society
Role of gamma radiation and EGDMA on the physico–mechanical properties of jute fabrics/polypropylene composites
Authors: Zaman Haydar U. , Khan Mubarak A. , Akter Nousin , Ghoshal Sushanta , Khan Ruhul A.
Published: October 2011

Jute fabrics reinforced polypropylene (PP) composites (45 wt % fiber) were prepared by compression molding and their mechanical properties were investigated. Both jute fabrics and PP sheets were treated with gamma radiation (250–1,000 krad dose) at a rate of 350 krad/h. Irradiated jute fabrics were soaked into ethylene glycol dimethacrylate (EGDMA) solutions (5–40% by weight) and cured in an oven at different temperatures (40–100°C) for 60 min. The percentage of polymer loading (PL) was evaluated and found that 20% EGDMA‐treated jute fabrics contains the highest PL. Composites made of 20% EGDMA‐treated jute fabrics were studied further. It was found that the treatment using the EGDMA improved the mechanical properties of the composites significantly. Scanning electron microscopy and aging properties of untreated and treated composites were performed. POLYM. COMPOS., 2011. © 2011 Society of Plastics Engineers
Multiwalled carbon nanotube/polysulfone composites: Using the Hildebrand solubility parameter to predict dispersion
Authors: Dooher Thomas , Dixon Dorian
Published: October 2011

Polysulfone composites were prepared by solution casting, using various types of treated carbon nanotubes (CNTs) at loadings of up to 5 wt%. The CNT types tested were: as‐received, acid treated, OCA surfactant, OCA functionalized and Poly(methyl methacrylate) functionalized nanotubes prepared using both as‐received and acid treated CNT. The treatment types investigated were selected based upon their solubility parameters and on the results of previous studies. The treated CNTs, CNT/solvent dispersions and the final composite samples were characterised using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), thermal analysis, Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), Ultraviolet‐Visible (UV‐vis) spectroscopy, optical microscopy, electrical conductivity and tensile testing. It was observed that the all the treatments studied improved the stability of CNT in the solvent. Of the CNT types studied, composites containing OCA functionalised CNT displayed the lowest percolation threshold (3 wt%) and highest mechanical performance. While the use of Hildebrand solubility parameters is useful in indentifying promising CNT treatments, their use can not fully predict CNT dispersion behaviour and composite performance. It is also critical to consider the influence of any treatments on CNT length and residual solvent levels. POLYM. COMPOS., 2011. © 2011 Society of Plastics Engineers
On the Validity of Idiographic and Generic Self–Concept Implicit Association Tests: A Core–Concept Model
Authors: Bluemke Matthias , Friese Malte
Published: October 2011

We present a core–concept model (CCM) suggesting that stimulus centrality is an important factor in category representations in implicit measures. We tested the hypothesis that idiographic stimuli (first name, birthday) are more central and therefore assess self–concept in Implicit Association Tests (IATs) more validly than generic and nonspecific stimuli (me, you). Superior validity of the idiographic variant emerged across three different domains of self–concept. First, an idiographic self–esteem IAT displayed higher correlations than a generic IAT with self–assessments and observer–assessments of self–esteem. Second, an idiographic body scheme–IAT predicted subjective ratings of body image and objective body–mass index. Third, an idiographic aggressiveness–IAT had higher incremental validity for unprovoked aggression when interacting with explicit measures of aggressiveness. We conclude that idiographic stimuli focus participants’ attention on the core features of the self, hence, tapping into self–related associations to a stronger degree than generic stimuli. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Optical transmission as a fast and non‐destructive tool for determination of ethylene‐co‐vinyl acetate curing state in photovoltaic modules
Authors: Li Heng‐Yu , Perret‐Aebi Laure‐Emmanuelle , Théron Ricardo , Ballif Christophe , Luo Yun , Lange Ronald F. M.
Published: October 2011

Poly(ethylene‐co‐vinyl acetate) (EVA) is the primary polymer used for encapsulation of photovoltaic (PV) modules. Its degree of cross‐linking (gel content) is taken as a major quality reference. The EVA gel content is normally measured by Soxhlet extraction and more recently also by Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC). The DSC method is proven here to be fast and effective but is, as the Soxhlet extraction method, destructive to the PV module. With the aim of developing a fast and non‐destructive method to determine the gel content, a number of analytical techniques are presented. The most promising method is ultraviolet/visible/near‐infrared (UV/Vis/NIR) optical transmission. The measured diffuse transmission reflects the EVA crystallite size, which is related to the EVA gel content. This opens the possibility to apply an in‐line analysis of every PV module immediately after the lamination step and could significantly contribute to the process quality control that is needed in future high‐throughput production lines of PV modules. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Photovoltaic Degradation Rates—an Analytical Review
Authors: Jordan D. C. , Kurtz S. R.
Published: October 2011

As photovoltaic penetration of the power grid increases, accurate predictions of return on investment require accurate prediction of decreased power output over time. Degradation rates must be known in order to predict power delivery. This article reviews degradation rates of flat‐plate terrestrial modules and systems reported in published literature from field testing throughout the last 40 years. Nearly 2000 degradation rates, measured on individual modules or entire systems, have been assembled from the literature, showing a median value of 0·5%/year. The review consists of three parts: a brief historical outline, an analytical summary of degradation rates, and a detailed bibliography partitioned by technology. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Selective differential ammonia gas sensor based on N‐doped SWCNT films
Authors: Battie Yann , Ducloux Olivier , Thobois Philippe , Susi Toma , Kauppinen Esko I. , Loiseau Annick
Published: October 2011

The sensing performance of a micro‐sensor based on a thick film of nitrogen‐doped single‐walled carbon nanotube (SWCNTs) is compared to a pristine SWCNTs film. Transfer length method analysis is used to extract the film sheet resistance from electrical measurements and reveals that the gas sensing mechanism is mainly attributed to the charge transfer between gas molecules and SWCNTs. We demonstrate that the sensitivity to NH3 can be improved by using a sensor based N‐doped SWCNTs films while the sensitivity to NO2 and water vapour is unmodified. These unique gas‐sensing properties can be used to develop a new NH3‐selective differential gas sensor.
Effect of SOCl2 doping on electronic properties of single‐walled carbon nanotube thin film transistors
Authors: Kim D. H. , Lee J. K. , Huh J. H. , Kim Y. H. , Kim G. T. , Roth S. , Dettlaff‐Weglikowska U.
Published: October 2011

We report on SOCl2 doping of separated single‐walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) having different properties (metallic, semiconducting, and mixed). SWCNTs were doped by dropping SOCl2 on a percolated network which was prepared on a Si substrate and the doping effect was evaluated by measuring electrical characteristics. Pristine semiconducting SWCNTs showed p‐type transfer characteristics. After SOCl2 doping, the conductivity of semiconducting SWCNTs increased about two times and the on/off ratio decreased by a factor of 3. Mixed pristine samples showed slight p‐type characteristics and turned to metallic characteristics after doping. The network of metallic SWCNTs did not show any significant change of conductivity before and after doping.
Conductance fluctuations in graphene devices with superconducting contacts in different charge density regimes
Authors: Freitag Frank , Trbovic Jelena , Schönenberger Christian
Published: October 2011

Conductions fluctuations (CF) are studied in single layer graphene devices with superconducting source and drain contacts made from aluminium. The CF are found to be enhanced by superconductivity by a factor of 1.4–2. This (near) doubling of the CF indicates that the phase coherence length is $l_{\phi }$ ≳ $ L/2$. As compared to previous work, we find a relatively weak dependence of the CF on the gate voltage, and hence on the carrier density. We also demonstrate that whether the CF are larger or smaller at the charge neutrality point (CNP) can be strongly dependent on the series resistance RC, which needs to be subtracted.
The Sustained Influence of Short Term Exposure to a Proprietary Extract of North American Ginseng on the Hemopoietic Cells of the Bone Marrow, Spleen and Blood of Adult and Juvenile Mice
Authors: Miller Sandra C. , Ti Lianping , Shan Jacqueline J.
Published: October 2011

This study assessed the influences of CVT‐E002, a proprietary extract of North American ginseng, Panax quinquefolius (Afexa Life Sciences, Inc., Edmonton, AB, Canada), in vivo, on murine hemopoietic and immune cells when administered as a dietary additive. The extract was given daily to young, adult mice for a period of 4 weeks, immediately following which one group was euthanized and the hemopoietic and immune cells of their bone marrow, spleen and blood were assayed for CVT‐E002‐mediated alterations in any of five cell lineages (lymphocytes, nucleated erythroid cells, granulocytes, immature granuloid precursors and monocytes). Another group of these mice was left for a subsequent 8 weeks on control diet, following which the same organs and cell lineages were analysed. In another study, juvenile mice immediately upon weaning (age: 4 weeks), were subjected to the above protocol, and their organs/cell lineages assayed. The results revealed that CVT‐E002 had a long‐lasting, positive quantitative effect on the lymphocytes and monocytes, regardless of age at commencement of daily, dietary CVT‐E002. CVT‐E002 may therefore have a prophylactic disease defense, immunostimulatory role, or potentially, even a therapeutic role. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Holography: a behavior‐based profiler for malware analysis
Authors: Dai Shih‐Yao , Fyodor Yarochkin , Wu Ming‐Wei , Huang Yennun , Kuo Sy‐Yen
Published: October 2011

Behavior‐based detection and signature‐based detection are two popular approaches to malware (malicious software) analysis. The security industry, such as the sector selling antivirus tools, has been using signature and heuristic‐based technologies for years. However, this approach has been proven to be inefficient in identifying unknown malware strains. On the other hand, the behavior‐based malware detection approach has a greater potential in identifying previously unknown instances of malicious software. The accuracy of this approach relies on techniques to profile and recognize accurate behavior models. Unfortunately, with the increasing complexity of malicious software and limitations of existing automatic tools, the current behavior‐based approach cannot discover many newer forms of malware either. In this paper, we implement ‘holography platform’, a behavior‐based profiler on top of a virtual machine emulator that intercepts the system processes and analyzes the CPU instructions, CPU registers, and memory. The captured information is stored in a relational database, and data mining techniques are used to extract information. We demonstrate the breadth of the ‘holography platform’ by conducting two experiments: a packed binary behavior analysis and a malvertising (malicious advertising) incident tracing. Both tasks are known to be very difficult to do efficiently using existing methods and tools. We demonstrate how the precise behavior information can be easily obtained using the ‘holography platform’ tool. With these two experiments, we show that the ‘holography platform’ can provide security researchers and automatic malware detection systems with an efficient malicious software behavior analysis solution. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
CD34 Promotes Satellite Cell Motility and Entry into Proliferation to Facilitate Efficient Skeletal Muscle Regeneration
Authors: Alfaro Leslie Ann So , Dick Sarah A. , Siegel Ashley L. , Anonuevo Adam S. , McNagny Kelly M. , Megeney Lynn A. , Cornelison D.D.W. , Rossi Fabio M.V.
Published: October 2011

Expression of the cell surface sialomucin CD34 is common to many adult stem cell types, including muscle satellite cells. However, no clear stem cell or regeneration-related phenotype has ever been reported in mice lacking CD34, and its function on these cells remains poorly understood. Here, we assess the functional role of CD34 on satellite cell-mediated muscle regeneration. We show that Cd34−/− mice, which have no obvious developmental phenotype, display a defect in muscle regeneration when challenged with either acute or chronic muscle injury. This regenerative defect is caused by impaired entry into proliferation and delayed myogenic progression. Consistent with the reported antiadhesive function of CD34, knockout satellite cells also show decreased motility along their host myofiber. Altogether, our results identify a role for CD34 in the poorly understood early steps of satellite cell activation and provide the first evidence that beyond being a stem cell marker, CD34 may play an important function in modulating stem cell activity.
Concise Review: Alchemy of Biology: Generating Desired Cell Types from Abundant and Accessible Cells
Authors: Pournasr Behshad , Khaloughi Keynoush , Salekdeh Ghasem Hosseini , Totonchi Mehdi , Shahbazi Ebrahim , Baharvand Hossein
Published: October 2011

A major goal of regenerative medicine is to produce cells to participate in the generation, maintenance, and repair of tissues that are damaged by disease, aging, or trauma, such that function is restored. The establishment of induced pluripotent stem cells, followed by directed differentiation, offers a powerful strategy for producing patient-specific therapies. Given how laborious and lengthy this process can be, the conversion of somatic cells into lineage-specific stem/progenitor cells in one step, without going back to, or through, a pluripotent stage, has opened up tremendous opportunities for regenerative medicine. However, there are a number of obstacles to overcome before these cells can be widely considered for clinical applications. Here, we focus on induced transdifferentiation strategies to convert mature somatic cells to other mature cell types or progenitors, and we summarize the challenges that need to be met if the potential applications of transdifferentiation technology are to be achieved.
Myb Controls Intestinal Stem Cell Genes and Self-Renewal
Authors: Cheasley Dane , Pereira Lloyd , Lightowler Sally , Vincan Elizabeth , Malaterre Jordane , Ramsay Robert G.
Published: October 2011

Rapid advances have been made in the understanding of how the highly proliferative gastrointestinal tract epithelium is regulated under homeostasis and disease. The identification of putative intestinal stem cell (ISC) genes and the ability to culture ISC capable of generating all four lineages plus the architecture of small intestinal (SI) crypts has been transformative. Here, we show that transcription factor Myb governs ISC gene expression, particularly Lgr5. Lgr5 is associated with cells that have the capacity to generate all cell lineages in SI organoid cultures and colorectal cancer cells, which overexpress Myb. Furthermore, Wnt signaling and Myb cooperate in maximal Lgr5 promoter activation while hypomorphic Myb (plt4/plt4) mice have decreased Lgr5 expression. After ionizing radiation (IR), ISC genes are elevated; but in plt4/plt4 mice, this response is substantially subdued. ISC genes bmi-1 and olfm4 are expressed at subnormal levels in plt4/plt4 mice, and bmi-1 is induced with IR to half the level in mutant mice. dcamkl-1 and olfm4 failed to recover after IR in both wild-type (wt) and mutant mice. Although not considered as an ISC gene, cyclinE1 is nevertheless used to assist cells in the emergence from a quiescent state (an expectation of ISC following IR) and is overexpressed after IR in wt mice but does not change from a very low base in plt4/plt4 mice. Self-renewal assays using organoid cultures and inducible Myb knockout studies further highlighted the dependence of ISC on Myb consistent with role in other stem cell-containing tissues.
Prenatal management of diaphragmatic rhabdomyosarcoma presenting with fetal hydrops
Authors: Reitter A. , Peters J. , Wittekindt B. , Buxmann H. , Geka F. , Rolle U. , Schlößer R. , Louwen F.
Published: October 2011

Fetal malignant tumors are rare. We present a case of intrauterine diagnosis of a diaphragmatic tumor presenting with fetal hydrops at 32 weeks' gestation. The sonographic findings were bilateral pleural effusion, ascites and skin edema. A large right‐sided diaphragmatic tumor was identified. Owing to the findings on ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging a solid malignant tumor was suspected. The pleural effusions were drained and malignant cells identified. Because of rapid tumor progression Cesarean section was performed and a hydropic female newborn was delivered at 34 + 0 weeks' gestation. There was no sign of metastatic disease. Postnatally tumor biopsy revealed an alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma. Therapy included chemotherapy and secondary surgical intervention. After a good primary response with complete remission after 6 months, the rhabdomyosarcoma relapsed at 12 months with cerebral metastasis. The prognosis was poor. Copyright © 2012 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Preoperative diagnosis of metastatic ovarian cancer is related to origin of primary tumor
Authors: Guerriero S. , Alcazar J. L. , Pascual M. A. , Ajossa S. , Olartecoechea B. , Hereter L.
Published: October 2011

Objective

To describe the gray‐scale and color Doppler ultrasound features as well as some clinical and biochemical features of metastatic ovarian tumors according to the origin of the primary tumor in a large study population,

Methods

This was a retrospective analysis of 116 masses in 92 patients (mean age, 51 years) evaluated and treated at three European university centers for a metastatic tumor in the ovary. All patients had undergone transvaginal color Doppler ultrasound according to a standardized protocol prior to surgery and tumor removal. Ultrasound features analyzed were bilaterality, tumor volume, morphologic gray‐scale appearance and color score. CA 125 was also recorded.

Results

Primary tumor histological diagnosis was as follows: colon‐sigmoid (n = 32), stomach (n = 28), breast (n = 20), uterus (n = 17), lymphoma (n = 4), liver‐pancreas‐biliary tract (n = 4) and miscellaneous (n = 11). There were no differences in age, menopausal status or CA 125 values according to origin of primary tumor. Bilaterality was significantly more frequent in stomach metastases (56%) in comparison with colon‐sigmoid and liver‐pancreas‐biliary tract metastases (18.5% and 0%, respectively, P < 0.05). Median tumor volume was significantly lower in breast metastases (33.5 mL) compared with other metastases (P < 0.05) except stomach metastases and metastatic tumors from the miscellaneous group. Ovarian metastases from breast cancers were significantly more frequently solid in comparison to stomach, colorectal and uterine cancer metastases (95.0% vs. 60.8%, 46.8% and 70.6%, respectively, P < 0.05), and tended to appear moderately or highly vascularized. There were no differences in color score among all groups, although the percentage of masses with abundant color was high (50–82%).

Conclusions

Ovarian metastases derived from breast cancers tend to be small, solid and vascularized; they seem to be the only ovarian metastases whose primary tumor origin can be suspected by ultrasonography preoperatively. Color score does not seem to help suspect the origin of the primary tumor. Copyright © 2012 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Molecular control of neuromuscular junction development
Authors: Ferraro Elisabetta , Molinari Francesca , Berghella Libera
Published: October 2011

Skeletal muscle innervation is a multi‐step process leading to the neuromuscular junction (NMJ) apparatus formation. The transmission of the signal from nerve to muscle occurs at the NMJ level. The molecular mechanism that orchestrates the organization and functioning of synapses is highly complex, and it has not been completely elucidated so far. Neuromuscular junctions are assembled on the muscle fibers at very precise locations called end plates (EP). Acetylcholine receptor (AChR) clusterization at the end plates is required for an accurate synaptic transmission. This review will focus on some mechanisms responsible for accomplishing the correct distribution of AChRs at the synapses. Recent evidences support the concept that a dual transcriptional control of AChR genes in subsynaptic and extrasynaptic nuclei is crucial for AChR clusterization. Moreover, new players have been discovered in the agrin–MuSK pathway, the master organizer of postsynaptical differentiation. Mutations in this pathway cause neuromuscular congenital disorders. Alterations of the postynaptic apparatus are also present in physiological conditions characterized by skeletal muscle wasting. Indeed, recent evidences demonstrate how NMJ misfunctioning has a crucial role at the onset of age‐associated sarcopenia.
Clusters in dense-inertial granular flows
Authors: Campbell Charles S.
Published: October 2011

In the dense-inertial regime of granular flow, the stresses scale inertially, but the flow is dominated by clusters of particles. This paper describes observations of cluster development in this regime. Clusters were seen to form for both elastic and inelastic reasons: elastic when the shear rate pushes the particles together faster than the contacts can elastically disperse them, and inelastic as large energy dissipation leads to cluster formation. Furthermore, large particle surface friction leads to cluster formation both for structural reasons, because it generates stronger clusters, and for energetic reasons, as friction dissipates energy. However, the most intriguing result of this work is that clusters appear to have little effect on the rheology of the dense inertial regime, which suggests that one can model the dense inertial regime with entirely collisional hard sphere models, and not have to worry about the complexities of modelling clusters. But at the same time it presents a physical puzzle, as one would normally expect the rheology to be strongly dependent on microstructural features such as clusters, particularly as they present an elastic pathway for internal momentum transport. There is no completely satisfying explanation for why the clusters can be ignored, but two possibilities suggest themselves. Because the clusters are short-lived, it is possible that they do not survive long enough to make a significant contribution to the momentum transport. And it is also possible for the granular temperature that governs transport between clusters to act as a rate-limiting bottleneck that is in overall control of the momentum transport rate.
MAKING A LIVELIHOOD IN (AND BEYOND) THE AFRICAN CITY: THE EXPERIENCE OF ZIMBABWE
Authors: Potts Deborah
Published: October 2011

The formal labour markets and economies of many cities in sub-Saharan Africa have been very weak for decades and this has led to significant adaptations in the nature of the livelihoods of most urban households. The lack of formal and reasonably paid jobs has also had a strong impact on population growth in cities, although this is often not recognized. This article reviews some of these trends and illustrates them with case study material from Harare, Zimbabwe. There, many urban residents have increasingly struggled to get by and their perceptions of the city and their future within it show a strong negative trend. Links to rural areas and the possibility of making livelihoods there in the future have become more important. These adaptations build on the long history of rural–urban linkages in sub-Saharan Africa but contemporary practices, including patterns of circular migration, are influenced by the harsh realities of African urban economies. The decisions and future plans of some migrants may not, therefore, fit with their aspirations – and the degree and nature of this mismatch are influenced by factors such as gender, age and position in the urban household, and links to rural areas. It is suggested that it helps to analyse the consequent migration patterns in terms of a framework in which migrants’ decisions to stay in the city or leave it are conceptualized as either willing or reluctant.
SEEING AND BEING SEEN: POLITICS, ART AND THE EVERYDAY IN OMAR BADSHA'S DURBAN PHOTOGRAPHY, 1960s–1980s
Authors: Hayes Patricia
Published: October 2011

There is an assumption that the photographic iconography of the South African struggle against apartheid is universally known and familiar. It is however dominated by certain tropes and categories that obscure the many complexities and nuances of its origins, its practitioners and its effects. This article focuses on one photographer, Omar Badsha, and explores his own narrations about city and family life in the Indian Ocean port city of Durban, and the artistic and political trajectories in which he was embedded that gave rise to his own photographic work and the organization of other photographers into the collective known as Afrapix. Badsha grew up in ‘the imperial ghetto’ of Grey Street in Durban within a rich legacy of radical political and cultural debate, becoming an artist and later a trade union organizer. It is the imperatives of the latter work that pushed him into photography as a medium of literacy. Many of his own photographs started as a personal visual diary when he re-explored the spaces of his childhood as an adult, and in the process became increasingly sensitized to the parallels between political and religious ritual. In particular he was fascinated by the dynamics between the leaders and the led, and the techniques and theatricalities of the different genres of mobilization. His work and the multiple forces and influences at play suggest that there were (and are) plural and competing aesthetic regimes during (and after) apartheid that are little recognized, mostly due to a deeply entrenched (and ongoing) separation between the domains of aesthetics and politics in South Africa and elsewhere outside the African continent.
ERM for insurance companies – adding the investor's point of view
Authors: Hitchcox A. N. , Klumpes P. J. M. , McGaughey K. W. , Smith A. D. , Taverner N. H.
Published: October 2011

A major outcome of ERM activities in insurance companies has been the bringing together of all of the key risks in the company, to be managed collectively in a holistic fashion. The authors of this paper believe that an ERM framework also needs to look beyond the company, and have regard to the risk management needs of investors, from the point of view of the contribution of the insurance company to the overall risk and reward of their total investment portfolios. To meet these needs, the ERM framework needs to provide sufficient information on topics such as systematic risk, potential correlations of earnings from future new business with macroeconomic trends, other risks to franchise value, and sources of model risk within the company. The paper does not provide solutions for the issues described above; but limits itself to describing and discussing the direction for some important new initiatives in ERM activities.
Psychotherapie bei Patienten mit Psychose und Sucht – Behandlungsoptionen und ihre Grenzen
Authors: Schnell Thomas , Gouzoulis-Mayfrank Euphrosyne
Published: October 2011

Fragestellung: Die aktuelle Studienlage zeigt, dass die Komorbidität Psychose und Sucht ein häufiges Phänomen ist und den Verlauf der Erkrankungen und die Therapie ungünstig beeinflusst. Unter Therapeuten herrscht häufig eine gewisse nihilistische Grundhaltung diesen Patienten gegenüber. Dies erscheint jedoch nicht gerechtfertigt, wenn die Patienten in geeigneten Behandlungssettings therapiert werden. Ergebnis: Geeignet erscheinen Strukturen, welche die traditionell recht unterschiedlichen Konzepte der psychiatrischen Krankenversorgung und der Suchttherapie integrativ zusammenführen. Ferner sollten die Therapien langfristig angelegt sein und schwerpunktmäßig im ambulanten Setting auf die Stärkung der Motivation für eine Reduktion des Konsums oder Abstinenz setzen.
Suizidalität bei Patienten mit Suchterkrankung
Authors: Schneider Barbara , Roland Thorsten , Grebner Kristin , Wetterling Tilman
Published: October 2011

Fragestellung und Methodik: Suchterkrankungen gehören zu den häufigsten psychischen Erkrankungen, die bei Suizidopfern vorliegen. In diesen Übersichtsartikel werden epidemiologische und klinische Studien zu Suizidversuchen und Suizid bei Suchterkrankungen eingeschlossen. Ergebnisse: In Studien mit der Methode der psychologischen Autopsie litten zwischen 19 % und 63 % aller Suizidopfer unter Suchterkrankungen, meistens unter Alkoholismus. Das Suizidrisiko ist bei Suchterkrankungen erhöht, insbesondere bei Alkoholismus und Komorbidität von Alkoholismus und Depression sowie bei Opiatabhängigkeit und Polytoxikomanie. Bei Alkoholismus sind einige Risikofaktoren für Suizid bekannt. Schlussfolgerung: Trotz der umfangreichen Literatur gibt es zahlreiche offene Fragen, die Gegenstand zukünftiger Forschung sein sollten.