bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Treatment and survival of osseous renal cell carcinoma metastases
Authors: Evenski Andrea , Ramasunder Shalini , Fox William , Mounasamy Varatharaj , Temple H. Thomas
Published: May 2012

Background

Renal cell carcinoma is the seventh leading cause of cancer deaths. Studies have shown patients with solitary osseous metastases have a better prognosis; however, methods of resection are not well defined. The purpose of this study was to review factors associated with survival and assess the impact of wide versus intralesional management on function and disease‐specific outcomes in patients with renal cell carcinoma metastases.

Methods

Sixty‐nine patients with 86 osseous renal cell metastases were reviewed. Potential factors associated with survival were evaluated with Kaplan–Meier curves. ANOVA was performed to compare means between groups.

Results

One year survival for the group was 77% and 32.5% at 5 years. The absence of metastatic disease at presentation, nephrectomy, and pre‐operative status were associated with improved survival. There was a lower rate of local recurrence with wide resection (5%) versus intralesional procedures (27%).

Conclusions

Improved pre‐operative status, nephrectomy, and metachronous lesions had better overall survival. Wide resection results in decreased local recurrence and revision surgeries. However, it did not reliably predict improved survival. Our recommendation is for individual evaluation of each patient with osseous renal cell carcinoma metastases. Wide excision may be used for resectable lesions to prevent local progression and subsequent surgeries. J. Surg. Oncol. 2012; 106:850–855. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Evaluation and management of adrenal incidentaloma
Authors: Bittner James G. , Brunt L. Michael
Published: May 2012

Adrenal incidentaloma is the most common adrenal neoplasm encountered in clinical practice. The timely, accurate, and cost‐effective evaluation and management of adrenal lesions found incidentally can be challenging for clinicians. Evaluation begins with biochemical screening and additional imaging. Management strategies vary by patient factors and tumor characteristics. Adrenalectomy is indicated for lesions that are hormonally active, larger than 4–5 cm, symptom‐related, and have an imaging appearance that is atypical of a benign lesion. J. Surg. Oncol. 2012; 106:557–564. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Turning a Global Crisis into a Tourism Opportunity: the Perspective from Tuvalu
Authors: Prideaux Bruce , McNamara Karen Elizabeth
Published: May 2012

The Global Financial Crisis (GFC) of 2008/2009 had a major impact on many small island states. In the case of Tuvalu, the GFC uncovered structural weaknesses in the national economy including the need to build alternative sources of income. Given the country's location and its rich marine resources, tourism is possibly the only new industry that has some capacity to generate new revenue streams. This article examines the problems that the country will face if it decides to pursue tourism and offers three options for tourism development including diving, ‘off the beaten track’ experiences and voyeuristic ‘last chance’ tourism. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Well‐Defined Amphiphilic Poly(2‐oxazoline) ABA‐Triblock Copolymers and Their Aggregation Behavior in Aqueous Solution
Authors: Krumm Christian , Fik Christoph P. , Meuris Monika , Dropalla Georg J. , Geltenpoth Helma , Sickmann Albert , Tiller Joerg C.
Published: May 2012

Self‐organization of block copolymers in solution is a way to obtain advanced functional superstructures. The synthesis of well‐defined polymethyloxazoline‐block‐polyphenyloxazoline‐block‐polymethyloxazoline triblock copolymers is described and proven by 1H NMR spectroscopy, SEC, and ESI–MS. The surprisingly water‐ soluble block copolymers do self‐organize in aqueous solutions uniquely forming three coexisting well‐defined structures: unimolecular micelles, micellar aggregates, and very form‐stable polymersomes. This is the first example of a polymersome forming ABA‐triblock copolymer with a glassy middle block. The spherical vesicles are analysed by scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. It could be shown that these vesicles are indeed hollow spheres.
Predicting the extent of hydrophilicity on Si nano‐column surfaces
Authors: Can M.F. , Guvendik S. , Benli B. , Trabzon L. , Kizil H. , Celik M.S.
Published: May 2012

Controlling the wettability of nano textured surface structures is essential for understanding of its role particularly in biomedical applications. The main objective of this study is to explore the wetting mechanism of a water drop on a nano textured Si surface. Si nano‐columns with 4‐, 3‐ and 2‐fold in‐plane symmetries were grown on p‐type (100) Si wafer by oblique angle deposition (OAD). The surface morphology was characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The contact angle technique was used to reveal the wetting characteristics of these textured surfaces. Experimental results were compared with the theoretical contact angle calculations derived from the Young, Wenzel and Cassie‐Baxter equations in order to identify the conditions for the minimum free energy of the drop. Water droplets on all plenary symmetries water droplets showed good agreement with the Cassie‐Baxter model of Sunny side up. These findings were used to simulate the extent of the hydrophilicity on the fabricated textures by taking the contact angle hysteresis (CAH) into account.
Moving toward a more realistic material model of a ductile material with failure mode transition
Authors: Écsi L. , Élesztös P.
Published: May 2012

In this paper a universal mathematical model using fully coupled thermal‐structural finite element analysis capable of predicting ductile‐to‐brittle failure mode transition at high strain rates is presented. Appropriate equivalent strain measures describing the onset and the growth of ductile and total damage and heat generation rate per unit volume for dissipation‐induced heating have been proposed. The model was implemented into a finite element code using the updated Lagrangian formulation for finite strains, the von Mises material model with isotropic hardening and the Jaumann rate, in the form of the Green‐Naghdi rate, in the co‐rotational Cauchy's stress update calculation. Plastic bending of a cantilever was studied, applying constant pressure as stepped load to 1/3 of the upper surface of the beam. The analysis result shows that at higher strain rates the ductile damage value is significantly lower than the value of the total damage, while at low strain rates their values are approximately identical, thus the model is likely to open new perspectives in the study and numerical simulation of the behaviour of ductile materials.
Strength capacity of square reinforced concrete slabs
Authors: Matešan D. , Radnić J. , Grgić N. , Čamber V.
Published: May 2012

The results of three experimentally tested simply supported square concrete slabs with three different arrangements of the total bottom reinforcement are presented firstly. The slabs were incrementally loaded up to failure by a short‐term static force at the slab mid‐span. The previously developed numerical model of the authors for non‐linear analysis of concrete plates and shells was additionally verified by the determined experimental values. The effect of different bottom tensile reinforcement arrangements of simply supported square concrete slabs subjected to uniformly distributed load was examined by this model. The main conclusion related to the examined research is that the reinforcement arrangement of simply supported square concrete slab does not significantly affect its limit strength capacity and ductility.
Optimization of periodic truss materials including constitutive symmetry constraints
Authors: Guth D. C. , Luersen M. A. , Muñoz‐Rojas P. A.
Published: May 2012

Periodic truss materials (PTM) – or Lattice Block Materials (LBM) – belong to the family of the so called ultralight cellular materials, which have attractive engineering properties such as high stiffness/weight ratio and high energy absorption capability. These materials are obtained by the periodic repetition of a unit cell given by a truss structure, so that the orientation of the bars and the cross sectional areas define the material′s macroscopic behavior. In recent years, the development of new process technologies for manufacturing PTMs have brought increased interest in modeling their structural and thermal behavior. In addition to usual analytical and numerical approaches for analyzing the effect of different unit cell configurations on macroscopic properties, optimization techniques have been applied in order to tailor unit cells for achieving desired macroscopic constitutive properties. The present contribution uses mathematical programming for tailoring PTMs through a number of optimization problems in which selected homogenized elastic or thermal constitutive properties are maximized, at the same time that isotropy tries to be enforced by the inclusion of adequate material symmetry constraints. Cross sectional areas and nodal coordinates of the bars are adopted as design variables. 2D examples are presented showing qualitative agreement with results available for 2D elasticity.
Formation of 1‐dimensional (1D) and 3‐dimensional (3D) ZnO nanostructures by oxidation and chemical methods
Authors: Lockman Z. , Razak K. A. , Huat T. K. , Kian T. W. , Li L. C. , Kawamura G. , Matsuda A.
Published: May 2012

Thermal oxidation of Zn foils resulted in surface oxides with various morphologies depending on the oxidation temperature, time and atmosphere. Oxidation in air resulted in the formation of 3‐dimensional ZnO nanosheets at 350°C and at 400°C ZnO nanorods were observed. ZnO nanorods were formed due to the fast diffusion mechanism of Zn2+ at specific diffusion path whereas vapour‐solid growth at temperatures near the sublimation temperature of the Zn induced the nanosheets formation. At lower temperatures than 350°C and at shorter oxidation time, fine circular particulates formed on the Zn foil. This foil was then used as a seed layer for the growth of ordered nanostructures by either anodic oxidation or hydrothermal process. For the hydrothermal process, self‐aligned single crystalline hexagonal nanorods were formed perpendicular to the seeded substrate by the reaction between hexamethyletramine (HMT) and Zn2+. On the other hand, anodic oxidation of the seeded Zn foil in KOH at 20V resulted in the formation of the uniform 3‐dimensional nanosheets structure by dissolution and precipitation processes.
Substituting conventional steel alloys by carbon fibre composites in structural parts of an existing laser cutting equipment
Authors: Vieira D.G.P. , Meireles J.F. , Nunes J.P. , da Silva L.F.M.
Published: May 2012

In the present work, a finite element (FE) analysis was employed to validate the use of advanced carbon fibre composites as replacement of traditional low‐alloy steel in the construction of the main runway frame structure of a laser cutting equipment currently available in the market. This new composite solution was adopted to increase the current laser equipment precision and cutting speed. The main objective was to enhance the machine cutting performance by using much stiffer and lighter main structural runway frames to support the machine cutting head and all major laser beam mirrors and lens, which allows decreasing dramatically the inertial and vibration efforts developed in service through the use of carbon fibre composites. The paper presents, compares and discusses the mechanical and dynamical behaviour obtained in the FE simulations made by using both solutions, the current one based on a steel frame and the new innovative composite adopted structure. The processing method to be used in the production of the innovative composite structure is also proposed. Finally, as production costs may also have an important impact on final equipment commercial price and acceptation, an economical study considering both manufacturing situations (currently used and new one) are discussed.
Multi‐Criteria Evaluation for Collaborative Circulating Farming with Collective Operations Between Arable and Cattle Farmers
Authors: Hayashida Tomohiro , Nishizaki Ichiro , Ueda Yoshifumi , Honda Hikaru
Published: May 2012

Tokachi sub‐prefecture in Hokkaido is one of the most famous dairy and crop farming regions in Japan. It is known that Tokachi is faced with various difficult problems such as soil degradation, water contamination and unpleasant odours because of the excessive use of chemical fertilizers and inappropriate treatment of livestock excretion. In this paper, we focus on Shihoro town where agricultural outputs are relatively large in Tokachi, and propose collaborative circulating farming with collective operations between arable and cattle farmers. Under the assumption that the decision‐maker in this problem is a representative of a farming organization who hopes for sustainable agricultural development and values the intentions of local residents including arable and cattle farmers in this region, we employ multi‐attribute utility theory in order to evaluate multiple alternatives of the farming management problem. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Wisdom, Alterability, and Social Rules
Authors: Leeson Peter T. , Coyne Christopher J.
Published: May 2012

This paper uses cost–benefit analysis to evaluate the relative efficiency of three competing sources of social rules: legislation, norms, and private rules. On the benefit side, we consider the ‘wisdom’ and ‘alterability’ of social rules produced under each source. Wisdom refers to the extent to which social rules reflect society members' rule demands. Alterability refers to the ease with which society members can change social rules when their rule demands change. On the cost side, we consider the production and external costs associated with producing social rules under each source. We find that legislation is relatively alterable but unwise. Norms are wiser but unalterable. Private rules avoid the wisdom–alterability tradeoff and are both wise and alterable. However, private rules have higher external costs than legislation and may have higher production costs than norms. Many societies may be able to produce more efficient social rules privately. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The Corticotropin Releasing Factor System in the Kidney: Perspectives for Novel Therapeutic Intervention in Nephrology
Authors: Devetzis Vassilis , Zarogoulidis Paul , Kakolyris Stylianos , Vargemezis Vassilis , Chatzaki Ekaterini
Published: May 2012

The adaptation to endogenous and exogenous stress stimuli is crucial for survival but also for the onset of various diseases in humans. Corticotropin releasing factor (CRF) system is the major regulator of stress response and homeostasis. The members of this family of peptides extend their actions also outsideCNSto the periphery where they may affect various body systems independently, acting via vagal and/or autocrine/paracrine pathways. In search for peripheral targets, kidney has rarely been studied separately, regarding expression and action ofCRFandCRF‐related peptides. We reviewed the existing literature concerning expression and action of theCRFsystem in normal and pathological renal tissue and explored possible clinical implications in nephrology.CRFsystem components are expressed in the kidney of experimental animals and in humans. The intrarenal distribution is reported to be equally extensive, suggesting a physiological or pathophysiological role in renal function and in the occurrence of renal disease. Urocortins have given multiple interesting observations in experimental models of renal disease and clinical studies, showing robust effects in renal regulation mechanisms. We summarize the relevant data and put them in context, proposing applications with clinical significance in the field of hypertension, diabetic nephropathy, chronic kidney disease, cardiorenal syndrome, and peritoneal dialysis.
Optimization strategies for evaluation of brain hemodynamic parameters with qBOLD technique
Authors: Wang Xiaoqi , Sukstanskii Alexander L. , Yablonskiy Dmitriy A.
Published: May 2012

Quantitative blood oxygenation level dependent technique provides an MRI‐based method to measure tissue hemodynamic parameters such as oxygen extraction fraction and deoxyhemoglobin‐containing (veins and prevenous part of capillaries) cerebral blood volume fraction. It is based on a theory of MR signal dephasing in the presence of blood vessel network and experimental method—gradient echo sampling of spin echo previously proposed and validated on phantoms and animals. In vivo human studies also demonstrated feasibility of this approach but also recognized that obtaining reliable results requires high signal‐to‐noise ratio in the data. In this paper, we analyze in detail the uncertainties of the quantitative blood oxygenation level dependent parameter estimates in the framework of the Bayesian probability theory, namely, we examine how the estimated parameters oxygen extraction fraction and deoxygenated cerebral blood volume fraction depend on their “true values,” signal‐to‐noise ratio, and data sampling strategies. On the basis of this analysis, we develop strategies for optimization of the quantitative blood oxygenation level dependent technique for deoxygenated cerebral blood volume and oxygen extraction fraction evaluation. In particular, it is demonstrated that the use of gradient echo sampling of spin echo sequence allows substantial decrease of measurement errors as the data are acquired on both sides of spin echo. We test our theory on phantom mimicking the structure of blood vessel network. A 3D gradient echo sampling of spin echo pulse sequence is used for the acquisition of the MRI signal that was subsequently analyzed by Bayesian Application Software. The experimental results demonstrated a good agreement with theoretical predictions. Magn Reson Med 69:1034–1043, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Oxygenation in cervical cancer and normal uterine cervix assessed using blood oxygenation level‐dependent (BOLD) MRI at 3T
Authors: Hallac Rami R. , Ding Yao , Yuan Qing , McColl Roderick W. , Lea Jayanthi , Sims Robert D. , Weatherall Paul T. , Mason Ralph P.
Published: May 2012

Hypoxia is reported to be a biomarker for poor prognosis in cervical cancer. However, a practical noninvasive method is needed for the routine clinical evaluation of tumor hypoxia. This study examined the potential use of blood oxygenation level‐dependent (BOLD) contrast MRI as a noninvasive technique to assess tumor vascular oxygenation at 3T. Following Institutional Review Board‐approved informed consent and in compliance with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, successful results were achieved in nine patients with locally advanced cervical cancer [International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) stage IIA to IVA] and three normal volunteers. In the first four patients, dynamic T2*‐weighted MRI was performed in the transaxial plane using a multi‐shot echo planar imaging sequence whilst patients breathed room air followed by oxygen (15 dm3/min). Later, a multi‐echo gradient echo examination was added to provide quantitative R2* measurements. The baseline T2*‐weighted signal intensity was quite stable, but increased to various extents in tumors on initiation of oxygen breathing. The signal in normal uterus increased significantly, whereas that in the iliacus muscle did not change. R2* responded significantly in healthy uterus, cervix and eight cervical tumors. This preliminary study demonstrates that BOLD MRI of cervical cancer at 3T is feasible. However, more patients must be evaluated and followed clinically before any prognostic value can be determined. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Lower TGFß serum levels and higher frequency of IFNγ‐producing T cells during early immune reconstitution in surviving children after allogeneic stem cell transplantation
Authors: Wiegering Verena , Winkler Beate , Haubitz Imme , Wölfl Matthias , Schlegel Paul G. , Eyrich Matthias
Published: May 2012

Background

Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (SCT) is increasingly used as a salvage therapy for patients with high‐risk malignancies as well as life‐threatening non‐malignant diseases. However, only limited data about the association between outcome and functional parameters of recovering lymphocytes are available so far.

Procedures

In this prospective study of 19 pediatric SCT recipients, we serially evaluated immune parameters quantitatively and qualitatively before and throughout allogeneic SCT. These data were analyzed with respect to survival.

Results

Age, gender, GvHD, and type of graft were not different between surviving and non‐surviving patients. Notably, in our cohort there was no case of transplant‐related or infectious mortality. However, with the exception of two patients with advanced MDS, all patients not in complete remission (CR) relapsed in addition to three patients in higher CR (n = 7). All seven patients relapsing after allogeneic SCT later succumbed to their disease recurrence. Uni‐ and multivariate analysis showed that relapsing patients had higher TGFß serum levels as well as lower percentages of IFNγ‐producing T cells before and early after transplantation. Furthermore, relapsing patients had a further decline in their thymic function between day 60 and 120 whereas non‐relapsing patients already showed increasing TREC values during this time interval.

Conclusions

Collectively, patients who later relapse show a different pattern of immune reconstitution before and at early time points post‐transplantation. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2013; 60: 121–128. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Structure–property relationships in polyhydroxyurethanes produced from terephthaloyl dicyclocarbonate with various polyamines
Authors: Benyahya Sofia , Habas Jean‐Pierre , Auvergne Rémi , Lapinte Vincent , Caillol Sylvain
Published: May 2012

This article focuses on the synthesis and characterization of polyhydroxyurethanes (PHUs) obtained from the reaction between bis[(2‐oxo‐1,3‐dioxolan‐4‐yl)methyl]benzene‐1,4‐dicarboxylate (DCter) and various diamines (aliphatic, cycloaliphatic and oligomeric) or polyamines (diethylenetriamine (DETA) and diethylenetetramine (TETA)). The temperature and time conditions associated with each step‐growth polyaddition were defined by rheological tests directly performed on the reactive mixture. The chemical structures of DCter‐based PHUs containing primary and secondary alcohol groups were characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Differential scanning calorimetry experiments were performed on the various PHUs in order to investigate the influence of the chemical structure of the amines on the thermal properties of the polymers. Two different kinds of PHUs were obtained. On the one hand, the use of diamines led to thermoplastic polymers with a glass transition temperature (Tg) ranging from 4 to 78 °C depending on the flexibility of the diamine involved in the reaction. The hierarchy based on PHU Tg could be verified using the Van Krevelen methodology. On the other hand, PHUs produced from polyamines TETA and DETA were found to be insoluble and infusible due to the creation of polymeric networks. The DCter–DETA polymer had a higher Tg revealing a probable difference in the reactivity of primary and secondary amine groups. Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
World‐record Cu(In,Ga)Se2‐based thin‐film sub‐module with 17.4% efficiency
Authors: Wallin Erik , Malm Ulf , Jarmar Tobias , Edoff Olle Lundberg, Marika , Stolt Lars
Published: May 2012

We report a new certified world‐record efficiency for thin‐film Cu(In,Ga)Se2‐based photovoltaic sub‐modules of 17.4% (aperture area). The record efficiency of the 16 cm2, monolithically integrated, sub‐module has been independently confirmed by Fraunhofer ISE. The record device is the result of extensive co‐optimization of all processing steps. During the optimization process, strong focus has been put on the scalability of processes to cost‐effective mass production, as reflected, for example, in Cu(In,Ga)Se2 deposition time and substrate temperature. Device manufacturing as well as results of electrical and material characterization is discussed. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Workflow for analysis of high mass accuracy salivary data set using MaxQuant and ProteinPilot search algorithm
Authors: Jagtap Pratik , Bandhakavi Sricharan , Higgins LeeAnn , McGowan Thomas , Sa Rongxiao , Stone Matthew D. , Chilton John , Arriaga Edgar A. , Seymour Sean L. , Griffin Timothy J.
Published: May 2012

LTQ Orbitrap data analyzed with ProteinPilot can be further improved by MaxQuant raw data processing, which utilizes precursor‐level high mass accuracy data for peak processing and MGF creation. In particular, ProteinPilot results from MaxQuant‐processed peaklists for Orbitrap data sets resulted in improved spectral utilization due to an improved peaklist quality with higher precision and high precursor mass accuracy (HPMA). The output and postsearch analysis tools of both workflows were utilized for previously unexplored features of a three‐dimensional fractionated and hexapeptide library (ProteoMiner) treated whole saliva data set comprising 200 fractions. ProteinPilot's ability to simultaneously predict multiple modifications showed an advantage from ProteoMiner treatment for modified peptide identification. We demonstrate that complementary approaches in the analysis pipeline provide comprehensive results for the whole saliva data set acquired on an LTQ Orbitrap. Overall our results establish a workflow for improved protein identification from high mass accuracy data.
PepDistiller: A quality control tool to improve the sensitivity and accuracy of peptide identifications in shotgun proteomics
Authors: Li Ning , Wu Songfeng , Zhang Chengpu , Chang Cheng , Zhang Jiyang , Ma Jie , Li Liwei , Qian Xiaohong , Xu Ping , Zhu Yunping , He Fuchu
Published: May 2012

In this study, we presented a quality control tool named PepDistiller to facilitate the validation of MASCOT search results. By including the number of tryptic termini, and integrating a refined false discovery rate (FDR) calculation method, we demonstrated the improved sensitivity of peptide identifications obtained from semitryptic search results. Based on the analysis of a complex data set, approximately 7% more peptide identifications were obtained using PepDistiller than using MASCOT Percolator. Moreover, the refined method generated lower FDR estimations than the percentage of incorrect target (PIT) fixed method applied in Percolator. Using a standard data set, we further demonstrated the increased accuracy of the refined FDR estimations relative to the PIT‐fixed FDR estimations. PepDistiller is fast and convenient to use, and is freely available for academic access. The software can be downloaded from http://www.bprc.ac.cn/pepdistiller.
Roles of interferon‐gamma and its target genes in schizophrenia: Proteomics‐based reverse genetics from mouse to human
Authors: Kim Hak‐Jae , Eom Chi‐Yong , Kwon Joseph , Joo Jaesoon , Lee Sujeong , Nah Seong‐Su , Kim Il‐Chul , Jang Ik‐Soon , Chung Young‐Ho , Kim Seung Il , Chung Joo‐Ho , Choi Jong‐Soon
Published: May 2012

A decreased production of interferon gamma (IFNG) has been observed in acute schizophrenia. In order to explore the possible relationship between IFNG and schizophrenia, we attempted to analyze the differentially expressed proteins in the brains of interferon‐gamma knockout (Ifng‐KO) mice. Five upregulated and five downregulated proteins were identified with 2D gels and MALDI‐TOF/TOF MS analyses in Ifng‐KO mouse brain. Of the identified proteins, we focused on creatine kinase brain (CKB) and triose phosphate isomerase 1 (TPI1). Consistent with the proteomic data, reverse transcriptase‐mediated PCR, immunoblotting, and immunohistochemistry analyses confirmed that the levels of gene expressions of Ckb and Tpi1 were downregulated and upregulated, respectively. When we analyzed the genetic polymorphisms of the single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of their human orthologous genes in a Korean population, the promoter SNPs of CKB and TPI1 were weakly associated with schizophrenia. In addition, IFNG polymorphisms were associated with schizophrenia. These results suggest that IFNG and proteins affected by IFNG may play a role in the pathogenesis of schizophrenia.
Proteomic tracking and analysis of a bacterial mixed culture
Authors: Kluge Sabine , Hoffmann Marcus , Benndorf Dirk , Rapp Erdmann , Reichl Udo
Published: May 2012

To improve the understanding of microbial behaviors in communities, proteomic tracking, an approach for relative quantification of species‐specific population dynamics of mixed cultures, was developed. Therefore, a bacterial mixed culture was analyzed during batch cultivations with and without addition of the antibiotic Ceftazidime. The community was composed of Burkholderia cepacia, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Staphylococcus aureus, pathogens causing infections in cystic fibrosis patients. Gel‐based proteomics and mass spectrometry were used to obtain qualitative and quantitative proteomic data. During cultivation, P. aeruginosa became dominant within the mixed culture while S. aureus was inhibited in growth. Analysis of samples – taken along cultivation – revealed about 270 differentially expressed proteins. Some of those proteins are related to bacterial interactions, response to antibiotic treatment or metabolic shifts. For instance, the enzymes PhzS(flavin‐containing monooxygenase), PhzD (phenazine biosynthesis protein), and PhzG2 (pyridoxamine 5′‐phosphate oxidase) indicated the production of the antibiotic pigment pyocyanine by P. aeruginosa that is related to oxidative stress and therefore, might inhibit growth of S. aureus. Overall, the strategy applied not only allows species‐specific tracking of the community composition but also provides valuable insights into the behavior of mixed cultures.
Cerebrospinal fluid top‐down proteomics evidenced the potential biomarker role of LVV‐ and VV‐hemorphin‐7 in posterior cranial fossa pediatric brain tumors
Authors: Desiderio Claudia , D'Angelo Luca , Rossetti Diana Valeria , Iavarone Federica , Giardina Bruno , Castagnola Massimo , Massimi Luca , Tamburrini Gianpiero , Di Rocco Concezio
Published: May 2012

Posterior cranial fossa is the most frequent location of pediatric brain tumors. Its diagnosis is currently performed by postsurgery histopathology and the identification of biomarkers in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) could provide a less invasive tool. Patient CSF was collected during surgery before the tumor removal (PRE‐CSF) and 6 days after the resection (POST‐CSF) and analyzed by top down LC‐MS proteomics for comparison. The PRE‐CSFs generally exhibited a less complex LC‐MS profile than the relative POST‐CSFs suggesting a suppressive role of the tumor toward proteins and peptides production or release. Particularly, a panel of peptides, identified as alpha‐ and beta‐hemoglobin chains fragments, were generally absent in the PRE‐CSF and present in the POST ones independently from contaminant blood hemoglobin. Among them, the LVV‐ and VV‐hemorphin‐7 showed the most repeatable trend and with a few remarkable exceptions: their unusual absence in POST surgery CSF was in fact interestingly correlated to the presence of tumor in the patient despite surgery due to metastases or to subtotal resection. These results ascribed a relevant biological role to LVV‐ and VV‐h7 peptides in the disease and a strong potential as biomarkers. Their analysis in POST surgery CSF could be used to predict patient prognosis.
Direct comparison of MS‐based label‐free and SILAC quantitative proteome profiling strategies in primary retinal Müller cells
Authors: Merl Juliane , Ueffing Marius , Hauck Stefanie M. , von Toerne Christine
Published: May 2012

To better understand the involvement of retinal Müller glial (RMG) cells in retinal diseases, we phenotyped primary porcine RMGs in dependence of cultivation time using different quantitative proteomic strategies. A well‐established LC‐MS/MS‐based quantification method was employed: stable isotope labeling by amino acids in cell culture (SILAC) and directly compared to label‐free (LF) quantifications, based on total peak intensities using two different programs (MaxQuant and Progenesis LC‐MS). The overall numbers of detected proteins were largely similar (overlap of 1324 proteins), only a total of 173 proteins were significantly altered between the different culture conditions. However, among these, only 21 proteins were shared between the three analytical strategies. Hence, the majority of altered proteins only reached significance thresholds in one of the applied analyses with a larger overlap between the two LF approaches. Among the shared, differentially abundant proteins were known RMG markers as well as new proteins associated with glial cell transition. However, proteins correlated to cellular transitions and dedifferentiation were also found among the proteins only significant in one or two of the applied strategies. Consequently, the application of different quantification and analytical strategies could increase the analytical depths of proteomic phenotyping.
Global profiling of proteolytically modified proteins in human metastatic hepatocellular carcinoma cell lines reveals CAPN2 centered network
Authors: Shen Chengpin , Yu Yanyan , Li Hong , Yan Guoquan , Liu Mingqi , Shen Huali , Yang Pengyuan
Published: May 2012

Proteolysis affects every protein at some point in its life cycle. Many biomarkers of disease or cancer are stable proteolytic fragments in biological fluids. There is great interest and a challenge in proteolytically modified protein study to identify physiologic protease–substrate relationships and find potential biomarkers. In this study, two human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cell lines with different metastasis potential, MHCC97L, and HCCLM6, were researched with a high‐throughput and sensitive PROTOMAP platform. In total 391 proteins were found to be proteolytically processed and many of them were cleaved into persistent fragments instead of completely degraded. Fragments related to 161 proteins had different expressions in these two cell lines. Through analyzing these significantly changed fragments with bio‐informatic tools, several bio‐functions such as tumor cell migration and anti‐apoptosis were enriched. A proteolysis network was also built up, of which the CAPN2 centered subnetwork, including SPTBN1, ATP5B, and VIM, was more active in highly metastatic HCC cell line. Interestingly, proteolytic modifications of CD44 and FN1 were found to affect their secretion. This work suggests that proteolysis plays an important role in human HCC metastasis.
Adding microencapsulated pear ester to insecticides for control of Cydia pomonella (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) in apple
Authors: Knight Alan L , Light Douglas M
Published: May 2012

BACKGROUND: The possibility of improving the efficacy of various insecticides for codling moth, Cydia pomonella (L.), by the addition of a microencapsulated formulation of pear ester, ethyl (2E, 4Z)‐2,4‐decadienoate (PE‐MEC, 5% AI), was evaluated in field trials in apple from 2005 to 2009.

RESULTS: The addition of PE‐MEC (<3.0 g AI ha−1) significantly lowered fruit injury with low rates of organophosphate and neonicotinoid insecticides. The addition of PE‐MEC (1.48 g AI ha−1) to maximum label rates of insecticides with moderate activity for codling moth, such as ebamectin benzoate, spinosad and methoxyfenozide, significantly improved their effectiveness. However, PE‐MEC did not consistently improve the activity of maximum label rates of either rynaxypyr or spinetoram. The addition of PE‐MEC with seasonal spray programs of acetamiprid and azinphos‐methyl in combination with the use of sex pheromones for mating disruption provided the most effective control.

CONCLUSION: The addition of PE‐MEC can improve the effectiveness of some insecticides for codling moth in apple. Insecticides active via dermal toxicity are more strongly improved by the addition of PE‐MEC. Season‐long use of PE‐MEC can also augment the effectiveness of mating disruption. Adding PE‐MEC to variable integrated management programs for C. pomonella should be further investigated. Published 2012 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The influence of citrus rootstocks on the relationship between the mite Brevipalpus phoenicis and citrus leprosis disease
Authors: Andrade Daniel J , Falconi Rosangela S , Siqueira Diego S , Barbosa Crislany L , Ferraudo Antonio S , Oliveira Carlos AL
Published: May 2012

BACKGROUND: Leprosis is one of the most serious citrus plant diseases. Leprosis‐affected plants, especially sweet orange [Citrus sinensis (L.) Osbeck], which is the most widely cultivated citrus fruit worldwide, show reduced photosynthetic capacity and severe defoliation. The aim was to evaluate the relationship between the Brevipalpus phoenicis (Geijskes) vector mite and citrus leprosis disease in Pera sweet orange plants grafted on different rootstocks. Data were analysed using numerical classification and conventional statistical analysis (ANOVA).

RESULTS: Both viruliferous and non‐viruliferous B. phoenicis populations increased in number on plants maintained at low soil water content. Among the evaluated rootstocks, Sunki mandarin proved least favourable for mite population increase. Furthermore, the viruliferous mite population increased more rapidly than the non‐viruliferous mite population.

CONCLUSION: The Cleopatra rootstock showed low variability in leaf nitrogen content, low mite number and low leprosis severity, thereby producing the most favourable results. Under appropriate moisture conditions, the Sunki rootstock produced the best results, showing the least severe leprosis. Rangpur lime rootstock grown in soil with varying water content showed the greatest variation in foliar nitrogen content, mite number and severity of leprosis and is considered to be the most difficult rootstock to manage. Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Mobility, longevity and activity of chlorfenapyr in soils treated at a termiticidal rate
Authors: Peterson Chris J , Davis Robert W
Published: May 2012

BACKGROUND: The mobility, longevity and termiticidal activity of chlorfenapyr applied to soils at the termiticidal labeled rate was evaluated for 30 months after treatment (MAT) in a greenhouse study.

RESULTS: There was little dissipation of chlorfenapyr in soil treated at the labeled rate for perimeter treatments for the prevention and control of termite infestations. Chlorfenapyr was detected in soil immediately below the initially treated soil in the packed soil columns. This was likely due to settling of soil. The treated soil remained toxic to subterranean termites in 3 and 7 day bioassays over the duration of the study. The treated soil displayed slow‐acting properties regarding toxicity to termites. Trace amounts of chlorfenapyr were detected in the eluates of packed soil cones.

CONCLUSION: The commercial formulation of chlorfenapyr used in this study (21.45% concentrate diluted to 0.125% prior to application) killed 100% of the tested subterranean termites for at least 30 months. Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Factors affecting the level of damage by wild boar in farmland in north‐eastern Poland
Authors: Frackowiak Witold , Gorczyca Stanislaw , Merta Dorota , Wojciuch‐Ploskonka Marta
Published: May 2012

BACKGROUND: There was an unchecked increase in wild boar population and in the damaged crops in Poland in 2010, and the amount of compensation reached €12.4 million. The objective of the present study was to establish the factors affecting boar‐related damage and to verify the effectiveness of protective strips used again wild boar pressure upon fields.

RESULTS: Damage was positively correlated with the wild boar population density, the farmland‐forest ecotone index, the proportion of deciduous stands, the Simpson index for dominant tree species and the age class of forest stands. The relationship between level of damage and feeding strips was not significant. Stepwise regression explains 55.6% of the variability of a given feature affected by the wild boar density, the forest‐field ecotone index and the Simpson index for the age structure of the forest. During 5 years, the compensation for damage caused by boar amounted to €34.2 million, whereas the revenue from carcasses sold amounted to €9.5 million.

CONCLUSIONS: Protective strips do not reduce the damage to crops, and so the offer of high‐protein food on these strips, which increases reproduction rates among wild boar, should be discontinued. Reduction in the level of damage can only be achieved by a radical reduction in numbers of wild boar. © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Conformations of helical Aib peptides containing a pair of l‐amino acid and d‐amino acid
Authors: Demizu Yosuke , Yabuki Yu‐u , Doi Mitsunobu , Sato Yukiko , Tanaka Masakazu , Kurihara Masaaki
Published: May 2012

A pair of l‐leucine (l‐Leu) and d‐leucine (d‐Leu) was incorporated into α‐aminoisobutyric acid (Aib) peptide segments. The dominant conformations of four hexapeptides, Boc‐l‐Leu‐Aib‐Aib‐Aib‐Aib‐l‐Leu‐OMe (1a), Boc‐d‐Leu‐Aib‐Aib‐Aib‐Aib‐l‐Leu‐OMe (1b), Boc‐Aib‐Aib‐l‐Leu‐l‐Leu‐Aib‐Aib‐OMe (2a), and Boc‐Aib‐Aib‐d‐Leu‐l‐Leu‐Aib‐Aib‐OMe (2b), were investigated by IR, 1H NMR, CD spectra, and X‐ray crystallographic analysis. All peptides 1a,b and 2a,b formed 310‐helical structures in solution. X‐ray crystallographic analysis revealed that right‐handed (P) 310‐helices were present in 1a and 1b and a mixture of right‐handed (P) and left‐handed (M) 310‐helices was present in 2b in their crystalline states. Copyright © 2012 European Peptide Society and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Anti‐Inflammatory Sesquiterpene Lactones from Lychnophora trichocarpha Spreng. (Brazilian Arnica)
Authors: Ferrari Fernanda C. , Ferreira Leidiane C. , Souza Maíra R. , Grabe‐Guimarães Andrea , Paula Carmen A. , Rezende Simone A. , Saúde‐Guimarães Dênia A.
Published: May 2012

The aerial parts of Lychnophora trichocarpha Spreng. (Asteraceae) are used macerated in water or ethanol to treat inflammation, pain, rheumatism, contusions, bruises and insect bites in Brazilian traditional medicine. In this study, anti‐inflammatory activity of ethanol extract from aerial parts of L. trichocarpha and its ethyl acetate fraction was investigated. Sesquiterpene lactones, lychnopholide (Lyc) and eremantholide C (EreC), isolated of ethyl acetate fraction, were also assayed for in vitro and in vivo anti‐inflammatory activity. Topical treatment with ointments containing ethanol extract, its ethyl acetate fraction and sesquiterpene lactones significantly reduced carrageenan‐induced mice paw oedema. In vitro assays demonstrated that Lyc inhibited interferon ‐γ/lipopolysaccharide ‐stimulated nitric oxide (NO) production in J774A.1 macrophages and increased production of IL‐10 anti‐inflammatory cytokine. The reduction of tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) production by EreC was accompanied by an increased production of IL‐10 in a concentration‐dependent manner in J774A.1 macrophages. The anti‐inflammatory effect of Lyc seems to involve the inhibition of production of NO and increased production of IL‐10. The mechanism of the effect of EreC on the reduction of carrageenan‐induced paw oedema may be attributed to inhibition of production of TNF‐α and stimulation of IL‐10 production. The results corroborate the use of ethanol extract from Lychnophora trichocarpha in folk medicine for anti‐inflammatory action and indicate that the topical route is suitable for use. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Natural Flavone Jaceosidin is a Neuroinflammation Inhibitor
Authors: Nam Youngpyo , Choi Mijung , Hwang Heehong , Lee Maan‐Gee , Kwon Byoung‐Mog , Lee Won‐Ha , Suk Kyoungho
Published: May 2012

Jaceosidin is a naturally occurring flavone with pharmacological activity. Jaceosidin, as one of the major constituents of the medicinal herbs of the genus Artemisia, has been shown to exert anticancer, anti‐oxidative, anti‐inflammatory, and immunosuppressive effects. This study was undertaken to determine the effect of jaceosidin on microglia and neuroinflammation. Microglia are the innate immune cells in the central nervous system, and they play a central role in the initiation and maintenance of neuroinflammation. We report that jaceosidin inhibits inflammatory activation of microglia, reducing nitric oxide (NO) production and proinflammatory cytokine expression. IC50 for NO inhibition was 27 ± 0.4 μM. The flavone also attenuated microglial neurotoxicity in the microglia/neuroblastoma co‐culture. Systemic injection of jaceosidin ameliorated neuroinflammation in the mouse model of experimental allergic encephalomyelitis. These results indicate that plant flavone jaceosidin is a microglial inhibitor with anti‐neuroinflammation activity. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Epidermal Growth Factor–Ferritin H‐Chain Protein Nanoparticles for Tumor Active Targeting
Authors: Li Xu , Qiu Lihui , Zhu Pei , Tao Xinyi , Imanaka Tadayuki , Zhao Jing , Huang Youguo , Tu Yaping , Cao Xuni
Published: May 2012

Human ferritin H‐chain protein (FTH1)‐based nanoparticles possess a precisely assembled nanometer‐scale structure and high safety. However, their applications for imaging and drug delivery towards cancer cells remain limited due to a lack of target specificity. Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is overexpressed in many malignant tissues including breast cancer, and has been used as a therapeutic target for cancer treatment. Herein, a genetic method is shown to generate EGF‐FTH1 chimeric proteins. EGF‐FTH1 nanoparticles with EGF on the surface are then produced. The data demonstrate that EGF‐FTH1 nanoparticles, with a small size (11.8 ± 1.8 nm), narrow size distribution, and high biosafety, can specifically bind to and then be taken up by breast cancer MCF‐7 cells and MDA‐MB‐231 cells, but not normal breast epithelial MCF‐10A cells. In contrast, binding and absorption of nontargeted ferritin‐based nanoparticles to breast cancer cells are negligible. In vivo studies show that EGF‐FTH1 nanoparticles are accumulated in breast tumors in a mouse xenograft model. Interestingly, the concentration of EGF‐FTH1 nanoparticles in the tumor site is significantly reduced when mice are pretreated with an excess of free EGF. These results imply that EGF–EGFR interaction plays an important role in regulating the tumor retention of EGF‐FTH1 nanoparticles.
Fatigue assessment for deck plates in orthotropic bridge decks
Authors: Maljaars Johan , van Dooren Frank , Kolstein Henk
Published: May 2012

Since the 1960s, orthotropic deck plates of highway bridges have been built with large cold‐formed trapezoidal stiffeners supporting a deck plate with a thickness of approx. 12 mm. The maximum cross‐beam spacing is approx. 4 m. A number of these bridge decks in The Netherlands suffer from fatigue cracks in the deck plate. First cracks have been observed after about 30 years in service. In one particular movable bridge, the cracks were found after only seven years. In many other countries, this type of crack has not yet been observed.

This article provides a fatigue assessment procedure for deck plates. The procedure is calibrated with the conditions and observations in The Netherlands. It gives a fatigue life prediction and takes account of inspection results quantitatively. Although aspects such as the type and thickness of the surface finishes and the traffic load may vary between countries, the principles of the assessment procedure in this article are generally applicable and can be used to identify reasons for differences in fatigue life and to develop strategies for increasing the life.