bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reactivity of the Malonaldehyde‐Glyoxal and Malonaldehyde‐Methylglyoxal Adducts of Adenine Nucleosides toward Amino Acid Cross‐Link Formation
Authors: Pluskota‐Karwatka Donata , Matysiak Dorota , Makarewicz Marta , Kronberg Leif
Published: July 2012

DNA–protein cross‐links are formed upon exposure to a variety of physical and exogenous, as well as endogenous chemical agents. This type of damage poses a threat to genomic integrity. Among the agents capable of inducing DNA–protein cross‐links bifunctional electrophiles arising from cellular processes deserve particular attention. Representatives of such electrophiles include glyoxal, methylglyoxal and malonaldehyde. Herein, we report that glyoxal and methylglyoxal adducts of 2′‐deoxyadenosine formed in the presence of malonaldehyde {M1Gx‐dA [8‐(diformylmethyl)‐3‐(2′‐deoxy‐β‐D‐ribofuranosyl)imidazo[2,1‐i]purine], and M1MGx‐dA [8‐(diformylmethyl)‐7‐methyl‐3‐(2′‐deoxy‐β‐D‐ribofuranosyl)imidazo[2,1‐i]purine], respectively}, display high reactivity towards lysine derivatives. In reactions with Nα‐acetyllysine M1Gx‐dA was found to form three adducts whereas M1MGx‐dA reacted with the lysine congener to form two stable products. All compounds were isolated and their structures determined on the basis of 2D NMR spectroscopy. Formation of the analogous products was shown in the individual reactions of M1Gx‐dA and M1MGx‐dA with Nϵ‐acetyllysine. Mechanisms proposed for formation of all characterised compounds are also discussed. This study reports identification of structures for a potentially new class of DNA–protein cross‐links.
Recombinant p53 displays heterogeneity during isoelectric focusing
Authors: Heukeshoven Jochen , März Annette , Warnecke Gabriele , Deppert Wolfgang , Tolstonog Genrich V.
Published: July 2012

Human recombinant, baculovirus‐expressed p53 protein focuses on 2D gels in multiple spots in the narrow pI range. Re‐electrophoresis of the individual spots resulted in the appearance of multiple spots. The strings of spots were neither species specific, nor characteristic for baculovirus‐expressed p53. Moreover, mutant p53 did not deviate from wild‐type p53, indicating that this is an inherent property of p53. Okadaic acid treatment of insect cells, phosphate substitution reaction of purified p53, and individual analysis of all spots by mass spectrometry revealed that only a fraction of the recombinant p53 is phosphorylated. This finding excluded that the individual p53 spots in 2D gels reflect charge isomers generated by phosphorylation, but rather suggest that they are due to conformational flexibility of urea‐denatured monomeric p53 molecules or deamidation of asparagine and glutamine residues. The latter possibility was confirmed by NanoLC‐ESI MS/MS analysis. Our data provide a putative hint for a novel regulatory level for function and stability of p53, particularly the long‐lived mutant p53 overexpressed in diverse tumor types.
Size distribution and filtration property of particles generated from laser ablation decontamination process
Authors: Jung Chong‐Hun , Park Hyun‐Seol , Won Hui‐Jun , Moon Jei‐Kwon , Choi Byung‐Seon , Choi Wang‐Kyu
Published: July 2012

This study investigated the size distribution of particles generated from a laser ablation process applied for the decontamination of a hot cell contaminated with radionuclides. To simulate the hot cell contamination conditions, a stainless steel 304 (STS 304) plate on which Co and Cs ions (water soluble radionuclides, WSRs) were deposited and STS 304 specimens coated with Eu2O3 and CeO2 (water insoluble radionuclides, WIRs) were prepared. The particle size distribution and concentration for each contamination condition were then measured. In addition, the filtration characteristics of the particles produced from the laser ablation processes were examined using a high efficiency air (HEPA) filter to completely remove these particles. Under the same laser ablation conditions, the particle concentrations for the water insoluble‐contaminated specimen were higher than those for the water soluble‐contaminated specimen. The mobility diameter of particles showing the highest concentration ranged from 70 to 80 nm for all tests. For the specimens contaminated with Cs ion, when a potassium salt such as KNO3 or KOH was added, the concentration of particles generated under the same fluence increased owing to a removal in the form of Cs oxide, such as Cs2O. The overall collection efficiency of the tested HEPA filter for the particles generated from the laser ablation was over 99.4% regardless of the type of contaminated specimen. Consequently, it was confirmed that a high efficiency air filter is very effective as a means to capture particles produced from the hot cell decontamination process using laser ablation technique. © 2012 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 32: 649–654, 2013
Personality Subtypes in Female Pre‐Bariatric Obese Patients: Do They Differ in Eating Disorder Symptoms, Psychological Complaints and Coping Behaviour?
Authors: Claes Laurence , Vandereycken Walter , Vandeputte An , Braet Caroline
Published: July 2012

In the pre‐bariatric psychological assessment of 102 morbidly obese women, two personality subtypes emerged: a resilient/high functioning subtype with a ‘normal’ personality profile and an emotional dysregulated/undercontrolled subtype, characterized by high neuroticism and low extraversion/conscientiousness. Emotional dysregulated/undercontrolled patients showed more concerns about eating/weight/shape, more binge eating driven by emotions and external triggers, more psychological complaints (such as depression and anxiety) and more avoidance and depressive coping reactions than resilient/high functioning patients. Further research should clarify whether these clearly different psychological profiles are related to different outcomes (weight loss or well‐being) of bariatric surgery. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and Eating Disorders Association.
Clinical and Temperamental Correlates of Body Image Disturbance in Eating Disorders
Authors: Zanetti Tatiana , Santonastaso Paolo , Sgaravatti Eleonora , Degortes Daniela , Favaro Angela
Published: July 2012

Objective

Although body image disturbance (BID) is considered a core symptom in anorexia nervosa (AN) and bulimia nervosa (BN), little is known about its psychopathological correlates. The present study aimed at analysing the correlation of aspects of BID with psychopathological and temperamental characteristics.

Method

A sample of 1288 patients (538 AN and 750 BN) were assessed through a structured diagnostic interview, the Eating Disorders Inventory and Tridimensional Personality Questionnaire. Cognition of body image distortion, weight checking, fear of weight gain and body dissatisfaction were assessed by specific questions during the interview.

Results

Various aspects of BID formed similar, but not identical, dimensions in AN and BN. In both groups, anticipatory anxiety and interoceptive awareness were significantly and independently associated with body image distortion, whereas ineffectiveness was associated with weight checking.

Discussion

Body image disturbance is a multidimensional characteristic linked to psychological features, such as anticipatory anxiety, ineffectiveness and interoceptive awareness. These findings have scientific and treatment implications, and should be considered by clinicians in adopting successful treatment strategies. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and Eating Disorders Association.
Using Maximal Segmental Score in Genome‐Wide Association Studies
Authors: Lin Ying‐Chao , Hsiao Ching‐Lin , Hsieh Ai‐Ru , Lian Ie‐Bin , Fann Cathy S.J.
Published: July 2012

Genome‐wide association studies (GWAS) have become the method of choice for identifying disease susceptibility genes in common disease genetics research. Despite successes in these studies, much of the heritability remains unexplained due to lack of power and low resolution. High‐density genotyping arrays can now screen more than 5 million genetic markers. As a result, multiple comparison has become an important issue especially in the era of next‐generation sequencing. We propose to use a two‐stage maximal segmental score procedure (MSS) which uses region‐specific empirical P‐values to identify genomic segments most likely harboring the disease gene. We develop scoring systems based on Fisher's P‐value combining method to convert locus‐specific significance levels into region‐specific scores. Through simulations, our result indicated that MSS increased the power to detect genetic association as compared with conventional methods provided type I error was at 5%. We demonstrated the application of MSS on a publicly available case‐control dataset of Parkinson's disease and replicated the findings in the literature. MSS provides an efficient exploratory tool for high‐density association data in the current era of next‐generation sequencing. R source codes to implement the MSS procedure are freely available at http://www.csjfann.ibms.sinica.edu.tw/EAG/program/programlist.htm.
HOW WELL DO DIAGNOSIS‐RELATED GROUP SYSTEMS GROUP BREAST CANCER SURGERY PATIENTS?—EVIDENCE FROM 10 EUROPEAN COUNTRIES
Authors: Scheller‐Kreinsen David ,   on behalf of the EuroDRG group
Published: July 2012

We analysed patient‐level data (n = 72 235) from 563 hospitals in 10 European countries to assess the ability of national diagnosis‐related group (DRG) systems to account for patient‐level variation in cost or lengths of stay of breast cancer surgery patients against a standard set of patient characteristics, treatment and quality variables. We find that European DRG systems use very different types of classification variables and numbers of DRGs (range: 3–7) to classify these patients. In 6 of 10 countries, the set of patient characteristics, treatment and quality variables, which we were able to define across countries, perform better than the set of national DRGs in accounting for patient‐level variation in resource consumption. Moreover, there appear to be factors that are consistently significant determinants of cost/length of stay of breast cancer surgery cases but are not, or at least not fully, considered in European DRG systems. Our results therefore raise concerns as to whether all systems rely on the most appropriate classification variables. In several countries, policymakers should reevaluate the appropriateness of their DRG algorithm for breast cancer surgery and of specific DRG weights. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
DRGs IN EUROPE: A CROSS COUNTRY ANALYSIS FOR CHOLECYSTECTOMY
Authors: Paat‐Ahi Gerli , Świderek Maria , Sakowski Paweł , Saluse Janek , Aaviksoo Ain ,   on behalf of the EURODRG group
Published: July 2012

Cholecystectomy is the surgical removal of the gallbladder. It is the most common method for treating symptomatic gallstones. Despite the existence of well‐established treatment guidelines, the rate of cholecystectomy varies widely across Europe. We analyse patients in 10 countries that had undergone surgery for the treatment of symptomatic gallstones. We test the performance of three models in explaining variation in the (log of) cost of the inpatient stay (seven countries) or length of stay (three countries). The first model includes only the diagnosis‐related group (DRG) variables to which cholecystectomy patients were coded (MD), the second uses a core set of patient characteristics and episode‐specific explanatory variables (MP), and finally, the third model combines both sets of variables (MF). Countries vary both in the number of DRGs used to classify cholecystectomy patients (range: 2–8), and in the percentage of patients covered by a single DRG (range: 50%–92%). The ability of combining both DRGs and patient level variables to explain cost variation among patients ranges from 58% in Spain to over 81% in Finland. The comparison of models' performance suggests that incorporating relevant patient characteristics may significantly improve DRG systems. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Development and comparative assessment of Raman spectroscopic classification algorithms for lesion discrimination in stereotactic breast biopsies with microcalcifications
Authors: Dingari Narahara Chari , Barman Ishan , Saha Anushree , McGee Sasha , Galindo Luis H. , Liu Wendy , Plecha Donna , Klein Nina , Dasari Ramachandra Rao , Fitzmaurice Maryann
Published: July 2012

Microcalcifications are an early mammographic sign of breast cancer and a target for stereotactic breast needle biopsy. Here, we develop and compare different approaches for developing Raman classification algorithms to diagnose invasive and in situ breast cancer, fibrocystic change and fibroadenoma that can be associated with microcalcifications. In this study, Raman spectra were acquired from tissue cores obtained from fresh breast biopsies and analyzed using a constituent‐based breast model. Diagnostic algorithms based on the breast model fit coefficients were devised using logistic regression, C4.5 decision tree classification, k‐nearest neighbor (k ‐NN) and support vector machine (SVM) analysis, and subjected to leave‐one‐out cross validation. The best performing algorithm was based on SVM analysis (with radial basis function), which yielded a positive predictive value of 100% and negative predictive value of 96% for cancer diagnosis. Importantly, these results demonstrate that Raman spectroscopy provides adequate diagnostic information for lesion discrimination even in the presence of microcalcifications, which to the best of our knowledge has not been previously reported. (© 2013 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
BMP‐2 tethered hydroxyapatite for bone tissue regeneration: Coating chemistry and osteoblast attachment
Authors: Shiels Stefanie M. , Solomon Kimberly D. , Pilia Marcello , Appleford Mark R. , Ong Joo L.
Published: July 2012

The goal of this study was to determine the effectiveness of using polyethyleneimine (PEI) and a polyethylene glycol (PEG) tether to bind human recombinant bone morphogenetic protein‐2 (rhBMP‐2) to hydroxyapatite (HAp) to enhance rhBMP‐2 loading, alter its release properties, and enhance cellular interaction with the material. By using a branched PEI that was derived to express free thiols, rhBMP‐2 was coated onto dense HAp surfaces at ∼43 ng/cm2. Using this novel attachment methodology, it was observed that the PEI‐SH coating did not change the morphology of the HAp surfaces and that the amount of rhBMP‐2 loaded was comparable to a direct adsorption method. In addition, it was also observed that the PEI and PEG tether significantly retained the rhBMP‐2 to the HAp surface, inhibiting the burst release effect. Using human fetal osteoblast cells, the PEI‐ and PEG‐tethered BMP‐2 was also observed to increase cellular attachment by 10‐fold when compared with uncoated HAp and adsorbed rhBMP‐2. It was concluded from this study that PEI and PEG tether significantly reduce the initial burst release effect of rhBMP‐2. It was also concluded that the rhBMP‐2 conjugation to PEI and PEG tether promoted an increase in cellular attachment to the HAp surface. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 100A:3117–3123, 2012.
Enhancement of chitosan nanoparticle‐facilitated gene transfection by ultrasound both in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Yang Shu‐Jyuan , Chang Szu‐Min , Tsai Kun‐Che , Tsai Han‐Min , Chen Wen‐Shiang , Shieh Ming‐Jium
Published: July 2012

In recent years, inefficiency of transfection and the lack of safe gene vectors have limited the feasibility of gene therapy. Fabrication of a vector that is safe and has high transfection efficiency is crucial for the development of successful gene therapies. Herein, we complexed chitosan to plasmids at various N/P ratios, the molar ratios of the amino groups of chitosan to the phosphate groups of DNA, to create chitosan–DNA nanoparticles (CDNs), and then measured CDNs size, zeta‐potential, efficiency of plasmid complexation, and plasmid integrity from enzyme digestion. We also used flow cytometry and fluorescence microscopy to examine the effect of an ultrasound (US) regimen on the efficiency of transfection of HeLa cells. The results revealed that the average size, zeta‐potential, and loading efficiency of plasmid DNA in CDNs were 180–200 nm, 26–35 mV, and greater than 80%, respectively. Moreover, the transgene expression could be enhanced efficiently while HeLa cells or tumor tissues were given CDNs and then treated with US. Therefore, the use of chitosan nanoparticles and an US regimen shows great promise as an effective method of gene therapy. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2012.
Construction and characterization of a tissue‐engineered oral mucosa equivalent based on a chitosan‐fish scale collagen composite
Authors: Terada Michiko , Izumi Kenji , Ohnuki Hisashi , Saito Taro , Kato Hiroko , Yamamoto Marie , Kawano Yoshiro , Nozawa‐Inoue Kayoko , Kashiwazaki Haruhiko , Ikoma Toshiyuki , Tanaka Junzo , Maeda Takeyasu
Published: July 2012

This study was designed to (1) assess thein vitrobiocompatibility of a chitosan–collagen composite scaffold (C3) constructed by blending commercial chitosan and tilapia scale collagen with oral mucosa keratinocytes, (2) histologically and immunohistochemically characterize anex vivo‐produced oral mucosa equivalent constructed using the C3 (EVPOME‐C), and (3) compare EVPOME‐C with oral mucosa constructs utilizing AlloDerm® (EVPOME‐A), BioMend® Extend™ (EVPOME‐B), and native oral mucosa. C3 scaffold had a well‐developed fibril network and a sufficiently small porosity to prevent keratinocytes from growing inside the scaffold after cell‐seeding. The EVPOME oral mucosa constructs were fabricated in a chemically defined culture system. After culture at an air‐liquid interface, EVPOME‐C and EVPOME‐B had multilayered epithelium with keratinization, while EVPOME‐A had a more organized stratified epithelium. Ki‐67 and p63 immunolabeled cells in the basal layer of all EVPOMEs suggested a regenerative ability. Compared with native oral mucosa, the keratin 15 and 10/13 expression patterns in all EVPOMEs showed a less‐organized differentiation pattern. In contrast to the β1‐integrin and laminin distribution in EVPOME‐A and native oral mucosa, the subcellular deposition in EVPOME‐C and EVPOME‐B indicated that complete basement membrane formation failed. These findings demonstrated that C3 has a potential application for epithelial tissue engineering and provides a new potential therapeutic device for oral mucosa regenerative medicine. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2012.
Religious Distress and Coping With Stressful Life Events: A Longitudinal Study
Authors: Harris J. Irene , Erbes Christopher R. , Engdahl Brian E. , Ogden Henry , Olson Raymond H. A. , Winskowski Ann Marie M. , Campion Kelsey , Mataas Saari
Published: July 2012

Objective(s)

Hypothesis: Religious strain would mediate the relationship between stress symptoms at baseline and stress symptoms 1 year later.

Method

Seventy‐nine people with a history of stressful life events (55 women, 23 men, one unknown gender, average age 58 years) from community churches reported stressful life events, spiritual adjustment, and posttraumatic stress symptoms at initial assessment and 1‐year follow‐up.

Results

Religious strain mediated the relationship between baseline and follow‐up posttraumatic stress symptoms.

Conclusions

Because religious distress contributed to prediction of stress symptoms over time, it appears that religious distress is related to adjustment to stressful life events.
FasL‐triggered death of Jurkat cells requires caspase 8‐induced, ATP‐dependent cross‐talk between fas and the purinergic receptor P2X7
Authors: Aguirre Adam , Shoji Kenji F. , Sáez Juan C. , Henríquez Mauricio , Quest Andrew FG
Published: July 2012

Fas ligation via the ligand FasL activates the caspase‐8/caspase‐3‐dependent extrinsic death pathway. In so‐called type II cells, an additional mechanism involving tBid‐mediated caspase‐9 activation is required to efficiently trigger cell death. Other pathways linking FasL–Fas interaction to activation of the intrinsic cell death pathway remain unknown. However, ATP release and subsequent activation of purinergic P2X7 receptors (P2X7Rs) favors cell death in some cells. Here, we evaluated the possibility that ATP release downstream of caspase‐8 via pannexin1 hemichannels (Panx1 HCs) and subsequent activation of P2X7Rs participate in FasL‐stimulated cell death. Indeed, upon FasL stimulation, ATP was released from Jurkat cells in a time‐ and caspase‐8‐dependent manner. Fas and Panx1 HCs colocalized and inhibition of the latter, but not connexin hemichannels, reduced FasL‐induced ATP release. Extracellular apyrase, which hydrolyzes ATP, reduced FasL‐induced death. Also, oxidized‐ATP or Brilliant Blue G, two P2X7R blockers, reduced FasL‐induced caspase‐9 activation and cell death. These results represent the first evidence indicating that the two death receptors, Fas and P2X7R connect functionally via caspase‐8 and Panx1 HC‐mediated ATP release to promote caspase‐9/caspase‐3‐dependent cell death in lymphoid cells. Thus, a hitherto unsuspected route was uncovered connecting the extrinsic to the intrinsic pathway to amplify death signals emanating from the Fas receptor in type II cells. J. Cell. Physiol. 228: 485–493, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Differential fatty acid profiles of Chlorella kessleri grown with organic materials
Authors: Wang Yan , Chen Tao , Qin Song
Published: July 2012

BACKGROUND: Integration of oleaginous microalgae cultivation with wastewater treatment is considered a low‐cost approach for manufacturing algae‐based biodiesel. However, autotrophic microalgae cannot survive in organic wastewater where the effluent is usually turbid and sunlight cannot penetrate into the wastewater. Thus mixotrophic microalgae should be explored. The objective of this study was to investigate the potential of using mixotrophic Chlorella kessleri to produce fatty acids from organic materials.

RESULTS: Results revealed that mixotrophic C. kessleri fatty acids display much greater productions (up to 54.67% of cell dry weight) and more suitable compositions for biodiesel production (moderate carbon chain length mainly with C16 and C18, down to 1.17 ∇/mol of unsaturation degree) than autotrophic ones. A suitable final pH (near neutral) after nitrate‐depletion and a high organic carbon consumption seemed to be the key factors manipulating fatty acids production under whichever organic substrate tested.

CONCLUSION: These characteristics increase the acceptability in using mixotrophic C. kessleri as a potential easy‐control candidate in biodiesel production. If fed with available organic effluent of wastewater as the nutrient supply, C. kessleri may have great potential for profitable biodiesel. © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Spatial prediction of monthly wind speeds in complex terrain with adaptive general regression neural networks
Authors: Robert Sylvain , Foresti Loris , Kanevski Mikhail
Published: July 2012

This paper presents the general regression neural networks (GRNN) as a nonlinear regression method for the interpolation of monthly wind speeds in complex Alpine orography. GRNN is trained using data coming from Swiss meteorological networks to learn the statistical relationship between topographic features and wind speed. The terrain convexity, slope and exposure are considered by extracting features from the digital elevation model at different spatial scales using specialised convolution filters. A database of gridded monthly wind speeds is then constructed by applying GRNN in prediction mode during the period 1968–2008. This study demonstrates that using topographic features as inputs in GRNN significantly reduces cross‐validation errors with respect to low‐dimensional models integrating only geographical coordinates and terrain height for the interpolation of wind speed. The spatial predictability of wind speed is found to be lower in summer than in winter due to more complex and weaker wind‐topography relationships. The relevance of these relationships is studied using an adaptive version of the GRNN algorithm which allows to select the useful terrain features by eliminating the noisy ones. This research provides a framework for extending the low‐dimensional interpolation models to high‐dimensional spaces by integrating additional features accounting for the topographic conditions at multiple spatial scales. Copyright © 2012 Royal Meteorological Society
Assessing the capability of multi‐scale drought datasets to quantify drought severity and to identify drought impacts: an example in the Ebro Basin
Authors: Morán‐Tejeda Enrique , Ceglar Andrej , Medved‐Cvikl Barbara , Vicente‐Serrano Sergio M. , López‐Moreno Juan I. , González‐Hidalgo José C. , Revuelto Jesús , Lorenzo‐Lacruz Jorge , Camarero Julio , Pasho Edmond
Published: July 2012

Assessing the risk, the severity and the likely evolution of droughts are key tasks for improving preparedness of regions prone to drought conditions, and mitigation of drought consequences. The access to real‐time and high‐quality climatic information is essential for this purpose. Different climatic databases are being developed and made available on real time by climatic research institutions, but their capability for quantifying droughts characteristics including severity, or spatio‐temporal variability, is uncertain given their low spatial resolution. In this study, we assessed the capability of three databases with contrasted spatial resolution for measuring spatial and temporal variability of drought occurrence. The standardized precipitation index, calculated for each database, showed that the low resolution datasets allow an acceptable measurement of the magnitude, intensity and duration of droughts, while failing mostly in detecting the spatial patterns of the specific drought episodes. Moreover, the capability of the datasets for assessing the impacts of droughts on surface hydrology and tree growth was examined. Results confirmed the usefulness of the drought index for assessing drought impacts on water resources and forest ecosystems even when low resolution databases are used. Copyright © 2012 Royal Meteorological Society
Kharif foodgrain yield and daily summer monsoon precipitation over India
Authors: Preethi B. , Revadekar J. V.
Published: July 2012

Foodgrain yield over India during kharif (summer) season is directly affected by day to day variations in summer monsoon precipitation (June through September). An increase (decrease) in foodgrain yield is generally associated with an increase (decrease) in rainfall. However, the reduction of rainfall or occurrence of heavy rainfall activity may cause adverse effect on the crop growth. This study is therefore aimed at understanding the impact of all possible values of daily precipitation from lowest to highest rainfall during summer monsoon on kharif foodgrain yield over India for the period 1966‐2003. The study also includes an impact of intense rainfall events (1 and 5 days maximum precipitation) on foodgrain yield. Analysis covers frequency of rainy days based on all fixed thresholds (1 mm and above) at the interval of 1 mm as well as percentile thresholds (1st percentile to 99th percentile) at the interval of 1 percentile. The study reveals that the kharif foodgrain yield increases with increase in all‐India summer monsoon precipitation and rainy days. Strong positive relationship (statistically significant at 1% level) is observed for lower range of threshold values from 1 to 50 mm (1st percentile to 90th percentile), and the magnitudes of correlation decreases with increase in threshold values. The negative impact of the heavy rainfall activity is more pronounced over the heavy rainfall regions of northeast India. It is found that the prolonged occurrence of intense rainfall activity increases their impact on the foodgrain yield. Normal (moderate) range of precipitation indices is seen to be associated with both positive and negative anomalies of foodgrain yield, which point towards the influence of other climatic factors in determining the better yield of kharif foodgrain. Copyright © 2012 Royal Meteorological Society
Micro Raman spectroscopy (MRS) and energy dispersive x‐ray microfluorescence (μEDXRF) analysis of pigments in the Iberian cemetery of Tutugi (from the fourth to the third century bc, Galera, Granada, Spain)
Authors: Sánchez Alberto , Tuñón José , Montejo Manuel , Parras David
Published: July 2012

Recent archaeological research on the Iberian cemetery of Tutugi (from fourth to third century bc), in the administrative term of Galera (Granada, Spain), has granted access to a range of materials revealing major features of Iberian culture. The only information available on pigments in the Iberian culture refers to domestic ceramic and the inside covering of burials. This paper expands on the previous discussion by incorporating pigment studies of the decoration of highly symbolic ceramic vessels, a funerary urn and a glass paste vessel of three burials of the cemetery of Tutugi.

Regarding the method, the pigment study relied on the mineralogical and elemental analysis using non‐destructive spectroscopic techniques such as micro Raman spectroscopy (MRS) and Energy Dispersive X‐Ray Microfluorescence (μEDXRF). These studies are used more and more frequently for research on archaeological items for their advantages over other techniques.

The results obtained indicate the use of hematite, cinnabar and gypsum in the decoration of ceramic vessels. The pigments used for the urn were made with hematite, gypsum and amorphous carbon. Naples yellow and Egyptian blue were used as pigments in the fragment of glass paste vessel.

Overall, joint use of MRS and μEDXRF provides highly valuable data on the processes used for pigment‐making, on the use of certain minerals that are highly symbolic among Iberians, such as cinnabar, and provides new evidence for the preservation of archaeological items retrieved from the burial site. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Molecular pathways in pancreatic carcinogenesis
Authors: Macgregor‐Das Anne M. , Iacobuzio‐Donahue Christine A.
Published: July 2012

Pancreatic cancer is a genetic disease. Pancreatic cancers develop from one of three precursor lesions, pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PanIN), intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms (IPMNs), and mucinous cystic neoplasms (MCNs), and each arises in association with distinct genetic alterations. These alterations not only provide insight into the fundamental origins of pancreatic cancer but provide ample opportunity for improving early diagnosis and management of cystic precursors. J. Surg. Oncol. 2013;107:8–14. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Laparoscopic posterior retroperitoneal adrenalectomy
Authors: Taskin Halit Eren , Siperstein Allan , Mercan Selcuk , Berber Eren
Published: July 2012

Almost more than a decade ago laparoscopic retroperitoneal adrenalectomy was introduced as an alternative to lateral approach. Today both of the techniques have become standard in removal of adrenal tumors and many surgeons showed favorable results in malignant tumors. This review outlines the technical details of the procedure and provides a summary of the literature. J. Surg. Oncol. 2012; 106:619–621. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Simultaneous determination of nine components in Anemarrhena asphodeloides by liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry combined with chemometric techniques
Authors: Sun Yingguang , Du Yingfeng , Liu Yong , Chang Lu , Ren Yanping , Cao Liang , Sun Qian , Shi Xiaowei , Wang Qiao , Zhang Lantong
Published: July 2012

A novel quantitative method using high‐performance liquid chromatography coupled to electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry was developed for simultaneous determination of the important active constituents including four steroidal saponins, two xanthone glycosides, two isoflavonoids, and one anthraquinone in different parts of Anemarrhena asphodeloides from different habitats. Hierarchical clustering analysis and principal components analysis were performed to differentiate and classify the samples. The separation was performed on a C18 column with acidified aqueous acetonitrile gradients. Quantification of the analytes was achieved by use of a hybrid quadrupole linear ion‐trap mass spectrometer. Multiple‐reaction monitoring scanning was employed with switching electrospray ion source polarity between positive and negative modes in a single run. The validation results of the method indicated that the method was simple, rapid, specific, and reliable. The results demonstrated that the quantitative difference in content of nine active compounds was useful not only for chemotaxonomy of many samples from different sources but also for the standardization and differentiation of many similar samples. Simultaneous quantification of bioactive components by HPLC‐ESI‐MS coupled with chemometric techniques would be a well‐acceptable strategy to comprehensively control the quality of A. asphodeloides.
Diagnosing PTSD in early childhood: An empirical assessment of four approaches
Authors: Scheeringa Michael S. , Myers Leann , Putnam Frank W. , Zeanah Charles H.
Published: July 2012

Prior studies have argued that the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition (DSM‐IV) criteria were insensitive for diagnosing posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in young children. Four diagnostic criteria sets were examined in 284 3‐ to 6‐year‐old trauma‐exposed children. The DSM‐IV criteria resulted in significantly fewer cases (13%) compared to an alternative algorithm for young children (PTSD‐AA, 45%), the proposed DSM‐5 posttraumatic stress in preschool children (44%), and the DSM‐5 criteria with 2 symptoms that are under consideration by the committee (DSM‐5‐UC, 49%). Using DSM‐IV as the standard, the misclassification rate was 32% for PTSD‐AA, 32% for DSM‐5, and 37% for DSM‐5‐UC. The proposed criteria sets showed high agreement on the presence (100%), but low agreement on the absence (58–64%) of diagnoses. The misclassified cases were highly symptomatic, M = 7 or more symptoms, and functionally impaired, median = 2 domains impaired. The additional symptoms had little impact. Evidence for convergent validation for the proposed diagnoses was shown with elevations on comorbid disorders and Child Behavior Checklist Total scores compared to a control group (n = 46). When stratified by age (3–4 years and 5–6 years), diagnoses were still significantly elevated compared to controls. These findings lend support to a developmental subtype for PTSD.
A toolbox of geometric elements for labyrinth model design and analysis
Authors: Pender Daniel J.
Published: July 2012

Objectives/Hypothesis:

To develop a toolbox of defined geometric shapes that can aid in the emulation of the architecture of the labyrinthine membranes.

Study Design:

Analytical review of geometric shapes that are candidates for inclusion in the toolbox.

Methods:

The mammalian labyrinth appears to have an overall tubular configuration. The bulges, bends and constrictions manifest by these chambers and conduits may be construed to be variations on an underlying core cylindrical structure. Four geometries that embrace the cylindrical shape are identified, namely the cylinder itself, the ellipsoid, the hyperboloid, and the torus. These can be exploited as model design tools and used to approximate the individual components of the labyrinth.

Results:

A toolbox of geometric elements is identified for use in modeling the mammalian labyrinth. The toolbox includes cylindrical, ellipsoidal, hyperboloidal, and toroidal elements, their figures and mathematical definitions, as well as derivative characteristics that relate to contour and curvature.

Conclusions:

This analysis suggests that there is a heuristic value in considering the underlying structure of the mammalian labyrinth to be cylindrical. Four principal geometric shapes that are based on the cylinder have been identified for use in a toolbox of design elements. This toolbox can be used to model any mammalian labyrinth. Laryngoscope, 2012
Nitric oxide mediates TNF‐α–induced apoptosis in the auditory cell line
Authors: Park Hun Yi , Lee Mi Hye , Kang Sung Un , Hwang Hye Sook , Park Keehyun , Choung Yun‐Hoon , Kim Chul‐Ho
Published: July 2012

Objectives/Hypothesis:

Tumor necrosis factor‐alpha (TNF‐α) is released in a variety of pathological states in the inner ear. Inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) can be induced by cytokines and other inflammatory factors, and is generally thought to be associated with inflammation and other pathological processes in the cochlea. The purpose of the present study was to reveal that TNF‐α could induce apoptosis in the auditory cell line and to investigate the role of nitric oxide (NO) in TNF‐α–induced auditory cell death.

Study Design:

Experimental study.

Methods:

UB‐OC1 cells and zebrafish were exposed to TNF‐α. Flow cytometry, terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase (TdT)‐mediated dUTP‐biotin nick end labeling (TUNEL) assay, assay of mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), and electron microscopy were used to show that TNF‐α could induce apoptosis. Western blot was used to measure iNOS expression and mitogen‐activated protein kinase pathway.

Results:

Flow cytometric analysis, TUNEL assay, MMP, and electron microscopy all demonstrated that TNF‐α could induce apoptosis in UB‐OC1 cells. TNF‐α significantly increased NO generation and iNOS expression. Pretreatment with iNOS blocker NG‐methyl‐L‐arginine (NMA) attenuated TNF‐α–induced cell death and caspase‐3 activation. Also, TNF‐α treatment increased p‐p38 and p‐ERK, and pretreatment of NMA reduced this increased expression of p‐p38 and p‐ERK.

Conclusions:

TNF‐α can induce apoptosis in the auditory cell line, and NO production in response to TNF‐α is essential for apoptosis. Laryngoscope, 2012
Synthesis of Triazole‐Based Amphiphilic Block Copolymers Containing Carbazole Moiety By RAFT Polymerization
Authors: Mori Hideharu , Ishikawa Kazunori , Abiko Yohei , Maki Yuya , Onuma Atsuhiko , Morishima Makoto
Published: July 2012

N‐Vinyl‐1,2,4‐triazole (NVTri), which is a nonconjugated N‐vinyl monomer having a basic aromatic heterocycle, was polymerized by reversible addition–fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization. With the xanthate‐type chain transfer agent (CTA), reasonable control of the polymerization of NVTri was confirmed by the formation of the relatively low polydispersity products, linear increase in the molecular weight with the conversion, feasibility to control molecular weight, and chain extension experiment. Chain extension from poly(NVTri) to N‐vinyl carbazole (NVC) could be well controlled under suitable conditions and provided novel amphiphilic block copolymers. We investigated assembled structures and basic optoelectronic properties of the block copolymers.
Phototriggered In‐Situ Generation of Triethylborane for Polymer Synthesis Under Air
Authors: Lalevée Jacques , Povie Guillaume , Tehfe Mohamad Ali , Telitel Sofia , Morlet‐Savary Fabrice , Graff Bernadette , Fouassier Jean Pierre
Published: July 2012

Upon demand, 1,3‐diamino‐propane‐triethylborane (DAPTB) is photolyzed in the presence of an acid generator such as a diphenyliodonium salt. Interestingly, triethylborane is released. In the presence of oxygen, ethyl radicals are generated and initiate an acrylate polymerization. This is the first example of a phototriggered production of a triethylborane usable in the photoinitiation of acrylate polymerizations. This approach is also worthwhile to overcome the oxygen inhibition for free‐radical polymerization processes.
Multiple system atrophy–parkinsonism with slow progression and prolonged survival: A diagnostic catch
Authors: Petrovic Igor N. , Ling Helen , Asi Yasmine , Ahmed Zeshan , Kukkle Prashanth L. , Hazrati Lili‐Naz , Lang Anthony E. , Revesz Tamas , Holton Janice L. , Lees Andrew J.
Published: July 2012

Background:

Multiple system atrophy (MSA) is a neurodegenerative disease leading to severe physical impairment, with a disease duration from onset to death of 6–9 years.

Methods:

The clinical and neuropathological features of 4 MSA cases with disease duration of 15 years or more were analyzed.

Results:

All patients presented with parkinsonism and had a mean latency of 11 years before the development of dysautonomia. Mean duration from onset of first symptoms to anterocollis, inspiratory stridor, and dysphagia was 9 years. Despite the limited levodopa response, all patients developed levodopa‐induced dyskinesia.

Conclusions:

Late appearance of dysautonomia is a favorable prognostic factor in MSA‐P. Greater awareness of this uncommon “benign” subgroup of MSA will improve diagnostic accuracy and help to more accurately inform treatment options. © 2012 Movement Disorder Society
Axonal regeneration and motor neuron survival after microsurgical nerve reconstruction
Authors: Fox Ida K. , Brenner Michael J. , Johnson Philip J. , Hunter Daniel A. , Mackinnon Susan E.
Published: July 2012

Rodent models are used extensively for studying nerve regeneration, but little is known about how sprouting and pruning influence peripheral nerve fiber counts and motor neuron pools. The purpose of this study was to identify fluctuations in nerve regeneration and neuronal survival over time. One hundred and forty‐four Lewis rats were randomized to end‐to‐end repair or nerve grafting (1.5 cm graft) after sciatic nerve transection. Quantitative histomorphometry and retrograde labeling of motor neurons were performed at 1, 3, 6, 9, 12, and 24 months and supplemented by electron microscopy. Fiber counts and motor neuron counts increased between 1 and 3 months, followed by plateau. End‐to‐end repair resulted in persistently higher fiber counts compared to the grafting for all time points (P < 0.05). Percent neural tissue and myelin width increased with time while fibrin debris dissipated. In conclusion, these data detail the natural history of regeneration and demonstrate that overall fiber counts may remain stable despite pruning. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microsurgery, 2012.
Simultaneous generation of WDM RoF signals in an all‐optical frequency upconverter utilizing a semiconductor optical amplifier
Authors: Kim Hyoung‐Jun , Song Jong‐In
Published: July 2012

All‐optical frequency upconversion utilizing a semiconductor optical amplifier (SOA) is experimentally demonstrated. Eight optical radiofrequency (RF) signals having the RF frequency of 26.5 GHz are simultaneously generated by four‐wave mixing in the SOA. Power penalties for simultaneous generation of eight optical RF signals are less than 1.1 dB. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 54:2420–2422, 2012; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/mop.27048
Manipulating microsized coupling gaps for reconfigurable antenna applications
Authors: Whittow William G.
Published: July 2012

Synthetically arranged microlines (width ≤ 1mm) have been considered for antennas and radiating structures at microwave frequencies. Finite‐difference time‐domain simulations show how the electrical size of the structure and multiple resonances can be controlled by carefully introducing microsized gaps. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 54:2444–2445, 2012; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/mop.27059
Study of a compact ring monopole UWB antenna with band‐notched characteristic
Authors: Yang M. K. , Gao G.P. , Niu S. F. , Zhang J. S.
Published: July 2012

In this article, a printed ring shaped monopole ultra‐wideband antenna with band‐notched feature is presented and investigated. To get the band‐notched characteristic, a quarter wavelength tuning stub is embedded into the ring radiator. The measured results show that the proposed antenna meets the requirement of wide working bandwidth of 3.1–10.6 GHz with VSWR < 2, while avoiding the interference with the wireless local area network band (5.150–5.825 GHz). The transfer function (amplitude of S21/group delay) and time domain characteristic (fidelity/power spectrum density) are also studied in this article. The proposed antenna has a compact size, good radiation characteristics, ultrawide bandwidth, and good time‐domain behaviors to satisfy the requirement of the current wireless communications systems. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 54:2387–2392, 2012; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/mop.27067
A new compact multiband antenna for stroke diagnosis system over 0.5–3 GHz
Authors: Abtahi Shirin , Yang Jian , Kidborg Stefan
Published: July 2012

We present a new compact multiband antenna for stroke diagnosis systems over 0.5–3 GHz—the miniaturized self‐grounded Bow‐Tie antenna in a compact water‐filled cylindrical bolus. A prototype of the antenna has been manufactured. Simulated and measured results have shown a low reflection coefficient, directional radiation characteristic, and a low radiation leakage‐out ratio of the antenna. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 54:2342–2346, 2012; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/mop.27073
Relative humidity sensor based on polarization maintaining fiber loop mirror with polymer coating
Authors: Liang Houhui , Jin Yongxing , Wang Jianfeng , Dong Xinyong
Published: July 2012

A relative humidity sensor based on polarization maintaining fiber (PMF) loop mirror is presented. The proposed sensors are created through coating a thin layer of polyvinyl alcohol, whose refractive index varies as a function of humidity level, onto a PMF, from which a portion of the cladding is removed. The relative humidity optical fiber sensor is tested with different surrounding humidity level, showing a linear response to parameter. The sensitivity of the relative humidity measurement of 0.98 nm/%RH in the range from 20% to 85% RH is experimentally achieved. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 54:2364–2366, 2012; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/mop.27085
Compact wideband circle ring resonator band‐pass filter with two tuning stubs
Authors: La Dong‐Sheng , Ma Xue‐Lian , Chen Hai‐Yan , Wu Ya‐Ping , Zhang Jin‐ling
Published: July 2012

This article presents a new compact, sharp‐rejection, wideband microstrip band‐pass filter.The novel wideband band‐pass filter is based on the circle ring resonator using two tuning stubs to construct a wideband passband with two sharp stop‐bands. Without coupling gaps between feed lines and rings, there are no mismatches and radiation losses between them and the novel filter shows low insertion loss. Using circle ring resonator with two tuning stubs, the proposed band‐pass filter has two sharp stop‐bands. The proposed band‐pass filter has compact size and simple structure. The proposed band‐pass filter is fabricated and measured. The measured results prove to be largely consistent with the simulated results. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 54:2270–2272, 2012; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/mop.27091
The power and Arnoldi methods in an algebra of circulants
Authors: Gleich David F. , Greif Chen , Varah James M.
Published: July 2012

Circulant matrices play a central role in a recently proposed formulation of three‐way data computations. In this setting, a three‐way table corresponds to a matrix where each ‘scalar’ is a vector of parameters defining a circulant. This interpretation provides many generalizations of results from matrix or vector‐space algebra. These results and algorithms are closely related to standard decoupling techniques on block‐circulant matrices using the fast Fourier transform. We derive the power and Arnoldi methods in this algebra. In the course of our derivation, we define inner products, norms, and other notions. These extensions are straightforward in an algebraic sense, but the implications are dramatically different from the standard matrix case. For example, the number of eigenpairs may exceed the dimension of the matrix, although it is still polynomial in it. It is thus necessary to take an extra step and carefully select a smaller, canonical set of size equal to the dimension of the matrix from which all possible eigenpairs can be formed. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.