bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The relationship between continence and perineal body tone before and after radical prostatectomy: A pilot study
Authors: Rigatti Lorenzo , Centemero Antonia , Lughezzani Giovanni , Larcher Alessandro , Giraudo Donatella , Scapaticci Emanuele , Sangalli Mattia , Lista Giuliana , Lazzeri Massimo , Montorsi Francesco , Rigatti Patrizio , Guazzoni Giorgio
Published: March 2012

Introduction

Recent preliminary studies showed that tonic‐trophic characteristics of the pelvic muscles are related to postoperative male urinary incontinence. The aim of the current study was to test whether perineal body tone (PBT), evaluated using the Beco perineometer (Perineocaliper), is related to urinary continence recovery after robot‐assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy (RALP).

Materials and Methods

The study population consisted of 48 patients who underwent RALP between January and July 2009. Surgical interventions were performed by a single surgeon and patients were evaluated by a single physiotherapist. All patients were taught pelvic floor muscle exercises (PFME). PBT was evaluated in each patient preoperatively, as well 30 days and 3 months after surgery. In addition, patients were evaluated with a 24‐hr pad‐test and the International Consultation on Incontinence‐questionnaire (ICI‐Q).

Results

Mean age at surgery was 65.5 years (range 46–63). Twenty‐four patients underwent a bilateral nerve‐sparing procedure (50%). One‐month after surgery, 25 (52.1%) patients were continent while 23 (47.9%) patients were still incontinent. A statistically significant difference in preoperative perineometric measures was observed between continent and incontinent patients (mean 1.36 cm vs. 0.80 cm; P < 0.001). This difference was even more pronounced when comparing postoperative perineometric measures (mean 1.24 cm vs. 0.43 cm; P < 0.001). Evaluation of patients 3 months after surgery showed an increase in perineometric measures (mean increase 0.76 cm). The increase was significantly higher in patients who became continent after 3 months relative to patients who were still incontinent despite PFME (mean perineometric measures 1.45 cm vs. 1.00 cm; P = 0.021).

Conclusions

Our results demonstrate that urinary continence recovery is related to PBT recovery. Further studies are needed to confirm whether perineometric measures may be used as a predictive tool for the risk‐stratification of postoperative UI. Neurourol. Urodynam. 31:513–516, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The use of social media: an exploratory study of usage among digital natives
Authors: Williams David L. , Crittenden Victoria L. , Keo Teeda , McCarty Paulette
Published: March 2012

Word‐of‐mouth has long been an important concept in marketing communications. In today's world of Web 2.0, electronic word‐of‐mouth has materialized as a phenomenon of critical interest to marketers. Within the context of electronic word‐of‐mouth has emerged consumer‐generated content in which consumers can quickly and easily create and distribute messages via the worldwide web. Given that today's college students are considered digital natives and comprise the Generation C market segment, one might suspect that this group would be active in creating and disseminating product/service content within their social groups. This research reports on an exploratory study that examined college student behaviors in the vast world of social media. On the basis of a content analysis of self‐report behaviors, these digital natives are content with current technology and capabilities for their general role as spectators. They appear content with what they know and what they are doing. The research raises identity questions as to who the active innovators in marketing's social media ecosystem might be. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The application of Ce‐doped titania nanotubes in the intumescent flame‐retardant PS/MAPP/PER systems
Authors: Wu Yu , Kan Yongchun , Song Lei , Hu Yuan
Published: March 2012

In this work, we reported the synthesis, characterization of Ce‐doped titania nanotubes (Ce‐TNTs), and application in flame retardancy of an intumescent flame‐retardant polystyrene (PS/IFR) system. The flame retardancy of polystyrene (PS) composite that was composed of pentaerythritol, microencapsulated ammonium polyphosphate, and PS was enhanced significantly by adding a small amount (0.1 wt%) of (Ce‐TNTs). The thermal properties of the flame‐retardant PS were investigated by thermogravimetric analysis, limiting oxygen index (LOI), vertical burning test (UL‐94), scanning electronic microscopy, dynamic mechanical thermal analysis, and the real‐time Fourier transform infrared spectrometry (FTIR). The maximal decomposition rate temperature of PS/IFR containing Ce‐TNTs in air is much higher than that of other PS composite without Ce‐TNTs. The LOI value of PS/IFR that contained 0.1 wt% of Ce‐TNTs was increased from 27.0 to 28.5, and the UL‐94 rating was also enhanced to V‐0 from no rating when the total loading of additive was the same. The real‐time FTIR showed that the degradation process was changed after the addition of TNTs. All results indicated that Ce‐TNTs had a significant synergistic effect on the flame retardancy of PS/IFR. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Simultaneous Extraction and Separation of Flavonols and Flavones from Chamaecyparis obtusa by Multi‐phase Extraction using an Ionic Liquid‐modified Microsphere Polymer
Authors: Tian Minglei , Bi Wentao , Row Kyung Ho
Published: March 2012

Introduction

Flavonols and flavones, especially quercitrin, myricetin and amentoflavone, are the main anti‐bacterial and anti‐cancer compounds in Chamaecyparis obtuse. Multi‐phase extraction is a new method that can extract and separate target compounds simultaneously.

Objective

An amino ionic liquid immobilised microsphere polymer was used as a multi‐phase extraction sorbent to extract and separate quercitrin, myricetin and amentoflavone from Chamaecyparis obtusa.

Methodology

The sorbent and Chamaecyparis obtusa powder were packed into a single cartridge. Using a fixed volume of methanol with five repetitions, the target compounds were extracted from the powder to the sorbent. The sorbent was then washed with n‐hexane to remove any interfering species and the target compounds were eluted sequentially using water, methanol and methanol containing 1% acetic acid (vol.).

Results

Under the optimised conditions, 0.45 mg/g of quercitrin, 0.18 mg/g of myricetin and 0.12 mg/g of amentoflavone from 2.0 g of powder were obtained by multi‐phase extraction using 0.3 g of sorbent.

Conclusion

The method described has a low deviation error, requires a small amount of solvent and is highly selective and reproducible. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Use of thiazolidinediones and risk of osteoporotic fracture: disease or drugs?
Authors: Bazelier Marloes T. , Gallagher Arlene M. , van Staa Tjeerd‐Pieter , Cooper Cyrus , Leufkens Hubert G. M. , Vestergaard Peter , de Vries Frank
Published: March 2012

Purpose

Clinical and observational studies suggest that use of thiazolidinediones (TZDs) is associated with an increased fracture risk. In addition, type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a risk factor for osteoporotic fracture. Our aim was to estimate fracture risks in TZD users and users of other antidiabetic drugs, classified according to proxies of disease severity.

Methods

We conducted a population‐based cohort study utilizing the Dutch PHARMO database (1998–2008). PHARMO links pharmacy‐dispensing data to the National Hospital Registry. Oral antidiabetic users (n = 123 452) were matched 1:4 by year of birth and sex to non‐users. Cox proportional hazards models were used to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) of fracture in TZD users. We created a proxy indicator for disease severity. The first stage was defined as current use of either a biguanide or a sulfonylureum, the second stage as current use of a biguanide and a sulfonylureum at the same time, the third stage was assigned to patients using TZDs and the fourth stage to patients using insulin.

Results

The risk of osteoporotic fracture was increased 1.5‐fold (HR 1.49, 95%CI 1.28–1.73) in patients who currently used TZDs (stage 3), and for patients using insulin (stage 4), the risk was increased 1.2‐fold (HR 1.24, 1.14–1.36), as compared with controls. In the first and second stages, risks were lower: HR 1.11 (1.06–1.17) for stage 1 and HR 1.03 (0.96–1.11) for stage 2.

Conclusions

When observational studies assess risk of fracture in patients with TZDs, the severity of T2DM should be taken into account. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
α‐Propargyl amino acid‐derived optically active novel substituted polyacetylenes: Synthesis, secondary structures, and responsiveness to ions
Authors: Sogawa Hiromitsu , Shiotsuki Masashi , Sanda Fumio
Published: March 2012

Novel optically active substituted acetylenes HC CCH2CR1(CO2CH3)NHR2 [(S)‐/(R)‐1: R1 = H, R2 = Boc, (S)‐2: R1 = CH3, R2 = Boc, (S)‐3: R1 = H, R2 = Fmoc, (S)‐4: R1 = CH3, R2 = Fmoc (Boc = tert‐butoxycarbonyl, Fmoc = 9‐fluorenylmethoxycarbonyl)] were synthesized from α‐propargylglycine and α‐propargylalanine, and polymerized with a rhodium catalyst to provide the polymers with number‐average molecular weights of 2400–38,900 in good yields. Polarimetric, circular dichroism (CD), and UV–vis spectroscopic analyses indicated that poly[(S)‐1], poly[(R)‐1], and poly[(S)‐4] formed predominantly one‐handed helical structures both in polar and nonpolar solvents. Poly[(S)‐1a] carrying unprotected carboxy groups was obtained by alkaline hydrolysis of poly[(S)‐1], and poly[(S)‐4b] carrying unprotected amino groups was obtained by removal of Fmoc groups of poly[(S)‐4] using piperidine. Poly[(S)‐1a] and poly[(S)‐4b] also exhibited clear CD signals, which were different from those of the precursors, poly[(S)‐1] and poly[(S)‐4]. The solution‐state IR measurement revealed the presence of intramolecular hydrogen bonding between the carbamate groups of poly[(S)‐1] and poly[(S)‐1a]. The plus CD signal of poly[(S)‐1a] turned into minus one on addition of alkali hydroxides and tetrabutylammonium fluoride, accompanying the red‐shift of λmax. The degree of λmax shift became large as the size of cation of the additive. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2012
Antimuscarinics: properties and use in overactive bladder
Authors: Chaplin Steve , Lee Frank
Published: March 2012

Steve Chaplin and Mr Frank Lee provide an overview of the properties of anti ‐ muscarinics and their current recommended place in the treatment of over ‐ active bladder. Copyright © 2012 Wiley Interface Ltd
Hexapeptide fragment of carcinoembryonic antigen which acts as an agonist of heterogeneous ribonucleoprotein M
Authors: Palermo Nicholas Y. , Thomas Peter , Murphy Richard F. , Lovas Sándor
Published: March 2012

Colorectal cancers with metastatic potential secrete the glycoprotein carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA). CEA has been implicated in colorectal cancer metastasis by inducing Kupffer cells to produce inflammatory cytokines which, in turn, make the hepatic micro‐environment ideal for tumor cell implantation. CEA binds to the heterogeneous ribonucleoprotein M (hnRNP M) which acts as a cell surface receptor in Kupffer cells. The amino acid sequence in CEA, which binds the hnRNP M receptor, is Tyr‐Pro‐Glu‐Leu‐Pro‐Lys. In this study, the structure of Ac‐Tyr‐Pro‐Glu‐Leu‐Pro‐Lys‐NH2 (YPELPK) was investigated using electronic circular dichroism, vibrational circular dichroism, and molecular dynamics simulations. The binding of the peptide to hnRNP M was also investigated using molecular docking calculations. The biological activity of YPELPK was studied using differentiated human THP‐1 cells, which express hnRNP M on their surface and secrete IL‐6 when stimulated by CEA. YPELPK forms a stable polyproline‐II helix and stimulates IL‐6 production of THP‐1 cells at micromolar concentrations. Copyright © 2012 European Peptide Society and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Efficient formation of heterodimers from peptides and proteins using unsymmetrical polyfluorophenyl esters of dicarboxylic acids
Authors: Ślósarczyk Adam T. , Baltzer Lars
Published: March 2012

An efficient method for the heteroconjugation of biomolecules carrying free amino groups was reported previously, where mixed polyfluorophenyl diesters of dicarboxylic acids with varied aliphatic chain length were shown to be efficient reagents for the conjugation of a variety of model biomolecules. The concept was based on the differential reactivity of the esters towards amines. The concept has now been further optimized, and a 2,6‐difluorophenyl‐pentafluorophenyl diester combination has been demonstrated to be the most efficient, both with respect to selectivity and to reaction rate. A pentafluorophenyl ester reacts faster with an amino group and requires a weaker base than a 2,6‐difluorophenyl ester that requires a stronger base and longer reaction time. With the use of this combination of esters, we obtained considerably shortened reaction times compared with those reported previously, yet still retaining the desired selectivity in heteroconjugation. The increased reactivity of the bifunctional reagent allowed the construction of sophisticated peptide heteroconjugates from peptides, carbohydrates and proteins, showing a wide scope of applicability in the field of assembling functional bioconjugates. Copyright © 2012 European Peptide Society and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Hypersonic surface waves in 2D titanium nanostructure on silicon
Authors: Mielcarek Slawomir , Trzaskowska Aleksandra , Graczykowski Bartlomiej , Sarkar Jayanta
Published: March 2012

The non‐destructive method of Brillouin spectroscopy was applied to investigate the vibrations of 2D titanium nanoislands. Simulations realized by the Finite Element Method permitted determination of the dispersion relations of the surface waves propagating in the island structure and silicon substrate as well as the width of the frequency gap for the system studied. 3D maps of unit cell deformation for the structure with nanoislands for individual modes were obtained. The Brillouin experiment is shown as an excellent tool for direct experimental determination of the presence of eigenvibrations and the frequency gap in phononic structures in the GHz range.

magnified image

Exemplary 3D map of unit cell deformation for the structure with titanium nanoislands of 150 nm.

(© 2012 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Accelerating convergence in the antisymmetric product of strongly orthogonal geminals method
Authors: Tarumi Moto , Kobayashi Masato , Nakai Hiromi
Published: March 2012

Antisymmetric product of strongly orthogonal geminals (APSG) method is a wavefunction theory that can effectively treat the static electron correlation using two‐electron wavefunctions, called geminals. However, the APSG method has the problem of slow convergence in the optimization of the geminal function. In this study, we introduced the direct inversion in the iterative subspace (DIIS) method, for both closed‐ and open‐shell systems, for accelerating its convergence. Two types of error vectors, that is, unitary transformation and orbital gradient, were examined for the DIIS procedure. Numerical assessments revealed that the orbital‐gradient error vector shows better performance than the unitary‐transformation one. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Application of modified Neumann expansion for analytical evaluation of two‐center, two‐electron integrals over slater‐type orbitals
Authors: Budziński Jan
Published: March 2012

A modified form of the Neumann expansion in terms of products of orthogonal polynomials for the inverse interelectronic distance r112 is proposed. This expansion has been applied in order to derive a unified analytical formula for two‐center and two‐electron integrals over Slater‐type orbitals. The results are equivalent to those given recently by Yasui and Saika, but the expansion itself can be used for building up a realistic algorithm for evaluation of three‐ and four‐electron integrals determined by using correlated variational wave functions.
The use of parallel segmented outlet flow columns for enhanced mass spectral sensitivity at high chromatographic flow rates
Authors: Camenzuli Michelle , Goodie Tiffany A. , Bassanese Danielle N. , Francis Paul S. , Barnett Neil W. , Ritchie Harald , LaDine James , Shalliker R. Andrew , Conlan Xavier A.
Published: March 2012

RATIONALE

Speed of analysis is a significant limitation to current high‐performance liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (HPLC/MS) and ultra‐high‐pressure liquid chromatography (UHPLC)/MS systems. The flow rate limitations of MS detection require a compromise in the chromatographic flow rate, which in turn reduces throughput, and when using modern columns, a reduction in separation efficiency. Commonly, this restriction is combated through the post‐column splitting of flow prior to entry into the mass spectrometer. However, this results in a loss of sensitivity and a loss in efficiency due to the post‐extra column dead volume.

METHODS

A new chromatographic column format known as 'parallel segmented flow' involves the splitting of eluent flow within the column outlet end fitting, and in this study we present its application on a HPLC electrospray ionization time‐of‐flight mass spectrometer.

RESULTS

Using parallel segmented flow, column flow rates as high as 2.5 mL/min were employed in the analysis of amino acids without post‐column splitting to the mass spectrometer. Furthermore, when parallel segmented flow chromatography columns were employed, the sensitivity was more than twice that of conventional systems with post‐column splitting when the same volume of mobile phase was passed through the detector.

CONCLUSIONS

These finding suggest that this type of column technology will particularly enhance the capabilities of modern LC/MS enabling both high‐throughput and sensitive mass spectral detection. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Science in discussions: An analysis of the use of science content in socioscientific discussions
Authors: Nielsen Jan Alexis
Published: March 2012

This paper presents a normative pragmatics analysis of students' use of science content in eight socioscientific group discussions about human gene therapy. The specific focus of the paper is on the argumentative role that invocations of science had in the dialectics of the discussions. The analysis suggests that science content occasionally played an informative role in attempts to establish the factual background of parts of the deliberations, but that speakers often invoked science content creatively and selectively in argumentative strategies that aligned with an attempt to frame the issue of the discussion in ways that were favorable for the speaker. The paper aims at explaining how strategies that contained invocations of science worked pragmatically in the dialectical context of the discussions. The findings are discussed in relation to previous findings in the science education community as well as to more general questions pertaining to how science fits into socioscientific discussions in which the arguers deliberate about what to do, not just what is true. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Sci Ed 96:428–456, 2012
Study of the Combined TWIP/TRIP Effect in a High Mn Steel During Cold Rolling
Authors: Ofei Kirk Anguah , Zhao Lie , Sietsma Jilt
Published: March 2012

A combined TWIP/TRIP effect has been observed in a high Mn cold rolled steel. The change in the magnetic property of the material with strain due to the austenite‐to‐martensite transformation has been measured and it shows increasing ferromagnetic behavior with strain. The texture development with strain has been analyzed via the Schmid factor for slip and twin systems in the material. The phase transformation has been related to changes occurring in the {110} <001> and {112} <111> texture components as well as to the profiles of XRD peaks at different strain levels.
Prospective Electromyographic Evaluation of Functional Postthyroidectomy Voice and Swallowing Symptoms
Authors: Lombardi Celestino P. , D’Alatri Lucia , Marchese Maria R. , Maccora Daria , Monaco Mauro Lo , De Crea Carmela , Raffaelli Marco
Published: March 2012

Background

Voice and swallowing symptoms following thyroidectomy in the absence of any demonstration of laryngeal nerves injury are usually considered a functional outcome of uncomplicated operations, mainly related to scar formation and emotional reaction. They could be related to unapparent laryngeal nerve or cricothyroid (CT) muscle injuries detectable only by laryngeal electromyography (LEMG). We correlated such symptoms with LEMG patterns.

Methods

A total of 33 consenting patients undergoing total thyroidectomy (TT) were enrolled. Video‐strobolaryngoscopy (VSL), acoustic voice analysis (AVA), and maximum phonation time (MPT) were performed preoperatively and 3 months postoperatively. Subjective evaluation of voice (Voice Impairment Score, or VIS) and swallowing (Swallowing Impairment Score, or SIS) were obtained preoperatively and 1 and 3 months postoperatively. At 1 month postoperatively LEMG was performed examining thyroarytenoid (TA) and CT muscles to evaluate the inferior laryngeal nerve (ILN) and the external branch of the superior laryngeal nerve (EBSLN), respectively.

Results

One patient experienced transient vocal cord palsy and was excluded. The remaining 32 patients completed the postoperative evaluation. No significant difference was found between preoperative and postoperative AVA and MPT parameters. Mean VIS was significantly worse than preoperatively 1 and 3 months after TT. No significant difference was found between preoperative and postoperative SIS. LEMG evaluation of TA muscle showed decreased voluntary activity and spontaneous fibrillation potentials in one patient. LEMG of the CT muscle did not reveal any sign of EBSLN injury.

Conclusions

Patients frequently complain of subjective symptoms early after TT. LEMG demonstrated the absence of subclinical laryngeal nerve injury in all but one patient, confirming their functional nature.
Laparoscopic‐Assisted and Open High Anterior Resection within an ERAS Protocol
Authors: Gustafsson Ulf O. , Tiefenthal Marit , Thorell Anders , Ljungqvist Olle , Nygrens Jonas
Published: March 2012

Background

Due to potentially superior short‐term outcomes compared with open colorectal surgery, laparoscopic surgery is currently being implemented in clinical practice worldwide. In parallel, enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) programs are shown to improve postoperative recovery in open colorectal surgery. This study reports outcomes in laparoscopic versus open surgery in conjunction with compliance to the ERAS protocol.

Methods

The association between surgical approach (laparoscopic or open surgery), compliance to the ERAS protocol, postoperative symptoms, complications, and length of stay after surgery was studied. Between January 2007 to December 2010, 114 consecutive patients underwent elective high anterior resection with laparoscopic‐assisted (n = 55) or open resection (n = 59). All clinical data (114 variables) were prospectively recorded.

Results

The overall preoperative ERAS‐protocol compliance was 77% for both the laparoscopic and open group. Laparoscopic surgery resulted in shorter total length of stay (median 4 vs. 6 days, p = 0.04), earlier pain control (median 2 vs. 3 days, p = 0.008), shorter need for intravenous infusions, improved mobilization on the first postoperative day (POD1), and lower inflammatory response (CRP (POD1) 54 ± 24 vs. 67 ± 31 mg/l, p = 0.017) compared with open resection. The trends in fewer postoperative complications (9.1 vs. 16.9%; odds ratio (OR) 0.55; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.17–1.81) and overall postoperative symptoms delaying recovery (20 vs. 30.5%; OR 0.63; 95% CI 0.22–1.34) in laparoscopic surgery were not statistically significant.

Conclusions

The use of laparoscopy in colorectal surgery within an ERAS protocol results in faster recovery compared with open resection.
Tissue‐Engineered Heart Valve: Future of Cardiac Surgery
Authors: Rippel Radoslaw A. , Ghanbari Hossein , Seifalian Alexander M.
Published: March 2012

Background

Heart valve disease is currently a growing problem, and demand for heart valve replacement is predicted to increase significantly in the future. Existing “gold standard” mechanical and biological prosthesis offers survival at a cost of significantly increased risks of complications. Mechanical valves may cause hemorrhage and thromboembolism, whereas biologic valves are prone to fibrosis, calcification, degeneration, and immunogenic complications.

Methods

A literature search was performed to identify all relevant studies relating to tissue‐engineered heart valve in life sciences using the PubMed and ISI Web of Knowledge databases.

Discussion

Tissue engineering is a new, emerging alternative, which is reviewed in this paper. To produce a fully functional heart valve using tissue engineering, an appropriate scaffold needs to be seeded using carefully selected cells and proliferated under conditions that resemble the environment of a natural human heart valve. Bioscaffold, synthetic materials, and preseeded composites are three common approaches of scaffold formation. All available evidence suggests that synthetic scaffolds are the most suitable material for valve scaffold formation. Different cell sources of stem cells were used with variable results. Mesenchymal stem cells, fibroblasts, myofibroblasts, and umbilical blood stem cells are used in vitro tissue engineering of heart valve. Alternatively scaffold may be implanted and then autoseeded in vivo by circulating endothelial progenitor cells or primitive circulating cells from patient’s blood. For that purpose, synthetic heart valves were developed.

Conclusions

Tissue engineering is currently the only technology in the field with the potential for the creation of tissues analogous to a native human heart valve, with longer sustainability, and fever side effects. Although there is still a long way to go, tissue‐engineered heart valves have the capability to revolutionize cardiac surgery of the future.
Shotgun proteomic monitoring of Clostridium acetobutylicum during stationary phase of butanol fermentation using xylose and comparison with the exponential phase
Authors: Sivagnanam Kumaran , Raghavan Vijaya G S , Shah Manesh , Hettich Robert L , Verberkmoes Nathan C , Lefsrud Mark G
Published: March 2012

Economically viable production of solvents through acetone–butanol–ethanol (ABE) fermentation requires a detailed understanding of Clostridium acetobutylicum. This study focuses on the proteomic profiling of C. acetobutylicum ATCC 824 from the stationary phase of ABE fermentation using xylose and compares with the exponential growth by shotgun proteomics approach. Comparative proteomic analysis revealed 22.9% of the C. acetobutylicum genome and 18.6% was found to be common in both exponential and stationary phases. The proteomic profile of C. acetobutylicum changed during the ABE fermentation such that 17 proteins were significantly differentially expressed between the two phases. Specifically, the expression of five proteins namely, CAC2873, CAP0164, CAP0165, CAC3298, and CAC1742 involved in the solvent production pathway were found to be significantly lower in the stationary phase compared to the exponential growth. Similarly, the expression of fucose isomerase (CAC2610), xylulose kinase (CAC2612), and a putative uncharacterized protein (CAC2611) involved in the xylose utilization pathway were also significantly lower in the stationary phase. These findings provide an insight into the metabolic behavior of C. acetobutylicum between different phases of ABE fermentation using xylose.
Characteristics of bifunctional acidic endoglucanase (Cel5B) from Gloeophyllum trabeum
Authors: Kim Ho Myeong , Lee Yoon Gyo , Patel Darshan H , Lee Kwang Ho , Lee Dae-Seok , Bae Hyeun-Jong
Published: March 2012

The endoglucanase (Cel5B) from the filamentous fungus Gloeophyllum trabeum was cloned and expressed without a signal peptide, and alanine residue 22 converted to glutamine in Pichia pastoris GS115. The DNA sequence of Cel5B had an open reading frame of 1,077 bp, encoding a protein of 359 amino acid residues with a molecular weight of 47 kDa. On the basis of sequence similarity, Cel5B displayed active site residues at Glu-175 and Glu-287. Both residues lost full hydrolytic activity when replaced with alanine through point mutation. The purified recombinant Cel5B showed very high specific activity, about 80- to 1,000-fold and 13- to 70-fold in comparison with other endoglucanases and cellobiohydrolase, on carboxymethylcellulose and filter paper, respectively, at pH 3.5 and 55°C. Cel5B displayed bifunctional characteristics under acidic conditions. The kinetic properties of the enzyme determined using a Lineweaver–Burk plot indicated that Cel5B is a catalytically efficient cellulolytic enzyme. These results suggest that Cel5B has high bifunctional endo- and exoglucanase activity under acidic conditions and is a good candidate for bioconversion of lignocellulose.
Compactness of immersions with local Lipschitz representation
Authors: Breuning Patrick
Published: March 2012

We consider immersions admitting uniform representations as a

λ

-Lipschitz graph. In codimension 1, we show compactness for such immersions for arbitrary fixed

\lambda < \infty

and uniformly bounded volume. The same result is shown in arbitrary codimension for

\lambda ⩽\frac{1}{4}

.
New phosphate binding sites in the crystal structure of Escherichia coli purine nucleoside phosphorylase complexed with phosphate and formycin A
Authors: Štefanić Zoran , Narczyk Marta , Mikleušević Goran , Wielgus-Kutrowska Beata , Bzowska Agnieszka , Luić Marija
Published: March 2012

PNP and PNP bind by x‐ray crystallography (View interaction)
Multiparametric image analysis reveals role of Caveolin1 in endosomal progression rather than internalization of EGFR
Authors: Schmidt-Glenewinkel Hannah , Reinz Eileen , Bulashevska Svetlana , Beaudouin Joel , Legewie Stefan , Alonso Angel , Eils Roland
Published: March 2012

Endosomes constitute a central layer in the regulation of growth factor signaling. We applied flow cytometry, confocal microscopy and automated image quantification to define the role of Caveolin1 (Cav1) in epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor (i) internalization and (ii) endosomal trafficking. Antisense‐downregulation of Cav1 did not affect internalization of EGF:EGFR‐complexes from the plasma membrane. Instead, Cav1‐knockdown had a profound effect on endosomal trafficking and caused a shift in EGF vesicle distribution towards Rab7‐negative compartments at late timepoints. Moreover, image quantification with single‐endosome resolution revealed that EGF:Cav1‐complexes undergo a maturation pattern reminiscent of late endosomes. Our data suggest a model in which Caveolin1 acts upon EGF endosomes internalized via the Clathrin‐pathway and functions at the transition from early to late endosomes.
Stability characteristics of a counter-rotating unequal-strength Batchelor vortex pair
Authors: Ryan Kris , Butler Christopher J. , Sheard Gregory J.
Published: March 2012

A Batchelor vortex represents the asymptotic solution of a trailing vortex in an aircraft wake. In this study, an unequal-strength, counter-rotating Batchelor vortex pair is employed as a model of the wake emanating from one side of an aircraft wing; this model is a direct extension of several prior investigations that have considered unequal-strength Lamb–Oseen vortices as representations of the aircraft wake problem. Both solution of the linearized Navier–Stokes equations and direct numerical simulations are employed to study the linear and nonlinear development of a vortex pair with a circulation ratio of$\Lambda = \ensuremath{-} 0. 5$. In contrast to prior investigations considering a Lamb–Oseen vortex pair, we note strong growth of the Kelvin mode$[\ensuremath{-} 2, 0] $coupled with an almost equal growth rate of the Crow instability. Three stages of nonlinear instability development are defined. In the initial stage, the Kelvin mode amplitude becomes sufficiently large that oscillations within the core of the weaker vortex are easily observable and significantly affect the profile of the weaker vortex. In the secondary stage, filaments of secondary vorticity emanate from the weaker vortex and are convected around the stronger vortex. In the tertiary stage, a transition in the dominant instability wavelength is observed from the short-wavelength Kelvin mode to the longer-wavelength Crow instability. Much of the instability growth is observed on the weaker vortex of the pair, although small perturbations in the stronger vortex are observed in the tertiary nonlinear growth phase.
Nonlinear impulse of ocean waves on floating bodies
Authors: Sclavounos Paul D.
Published: March 2012

A new formulation is presented of the nonlinear loads exerted on floating bodies by steep irregular surface waves. The forces and moments are expressed in terms of the time derivative of the fluid impulse which circumvents the time-consuming computation of the temporal and spatial derivatives in Bernoulli’s equation. The nonlinear hydrostatic force on a floating body is shown to point vertically upwards and the nonlinear Froude–Krylov force and moment are derived as the time derivative of an impulse that involves the time derivative of a simple integral of the ambient velocity potential over the time-dependent body wetted surface. The nonlinear radiation and diffraction forces and moments are expressed as time derivatives of two impulses, a body impulse and a free surface impulse that represents higher-order wave loads acting along the body waterline. Numerical results are presented illustrating the accuracy of the new force expressions. Applications discussed include the nonlinear seakeeping of ships and offshore platforms and the extreme wave loads and responses of offshore wind turbines.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and efficacy of antidepressants in major depressive disorder
Authors: Uher R. , Carver S. , Power R. A. , Mors O. , Maier W. , Rietschel M. , Hauser J. , Dernovsek M. Z. , Henigsberg N. , Souery D. , Placentino A. , Farmer A. , McGuffin P.
Published: March 2012

Background

It has been proposed that non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may interfere with the efficacy of antidepressants and contribute to treatment resistance in major depressive disorder (MDD). This effect requires replication and a test of whether it is specific to serotonin-reuptake inhibiting (SRI) antidepressants.

Method

We tested the effect of concomitant medication with NSAIDs on the efficacy of escitalopram, a SRI antidepressant, and nortriptyline, a tricyclic antidepressant, among 811 subjects with MDD treated for up to 12 weeks in the GENDEP study. Effects of NSAIDs on improvement of depressive symptoms were tested in mixed-effect linear models. Effects on remission were tested in logistic regression. Age, sex, baseline severity and centre of recruitment were considered as potential confounding factors.

Results

Ten percent (n=78) of subjects were taking NSAIDs during the antidepressant treatment. Older subjects were significantly more likely to take NSAIDs. After controlling for age, sex, centre of recruitment and baseline severity, concomitant medication with NSAIDs did not significantly influence the efficacy of escitalopram [β=0.035, 95% confidence interval (CI) −0.145 to 0.215, p=0.704] or nortriptyline (β=0.075, 95% CI −0.131 to 0.281, p=0.476). Although slightly fewer subjects who took NSAIDs reached remission [odds ratio (OR) 0.80, 95% CI 0.49–1.31, p=0.383], this non-significant effect was reversed after controlling for age, sex, baseline severity and recruitment centre effects (OR 1.04, 95% CI 0.61–1.77, p=0.882).

Conclusions

NSAIDs are unlikely to affect the efficacy of SRI or other antidepressants. Concurrent use of NSAIDs and antidepressants does not need to be avoided.
New departures, new worlds: World Englishes literature
Authors: Dawson Varughese Emma
Published: March 2012

This article focuses on Anglophone writing of a British postcolonial legacy as opposed to writing of a Lusophone, Francophone, Belgian, Dutch, or German legacy. Moreover, this specific phrase of ‘Anglophone writing of a British postcolonial legacy’ is employed in recognition of a moveawayfrom the label ‘postcolonial writing’. The article will suggest that recently published texts are engaged in new departures which seemingly appear to be taking us away from the classic ‘postcolonial’ text. Thus, in recognition of these new departures, the terminology used in this article will attempt to better encapsulate the sense of the provenance of the writing and yet at the same time move the terminology ‘forward’,awayfrom the label of the ‘postcolonial’.
English in the Canaries: past and present
Authors: González Cruz Isabel
Published: March 2012

The Canary Islands are very well known as an all-year-round tourist resort, thanks to their mild climate. References to the Islands have been many and varied since ancient times. Caught between legends and reality, the Canaries were described as marvellous islands on the limits of the world. They were referred to as ‘the Isles of the Blest’, the Hesperides or the Elysian Fields by the Greek poets of the Golden Age.
English, ‘so to say’
Authors: Davidson Keith
Published: March 2012

Among common speculations about the ultimate demise of English as the world's lingua franca (see Jeffrey Gil in ET 105, March 2011, reconsidering Chinese as a possible replacement) Nicholas Ostler (2010) is one more to project ‘the breakdown of English-speaking hegemony’, but his case is more curious than most. After an exhaustive, not to say exhausting, survey of ancient empires and modes of communication, in which Latin as the last lingua franca has but a late bit part, he arrives at an unrelated conclusion: ready machine translation sooner or later rendering a global ‘lingua-franca’ irrelevant (his hyphenation to legitimise an English plural – ‘lingua-francas’). Our springtime island-hopping pilgrimage rather gave the lie to this.
Are the scientific foundations of temperate marine reserves too warm and hard?
Authors: CAVEEN A.J. , SWEETING C.J. , WILLIS T.J. , POLUNIN N.V.C.
Published: March 2012

The scientific literature (including some of the most high-profile papers) on the ecological and fisheries effects of permanent no-take marine reserves is dominated by examples from hard tropical and warm temperate ecosystems. It appears to have been tacitly assumed that inference from these studies can directly inform expectations of marine reserve effects in cooler temperate and cold temperate waters. Trends in peer-reviewed studies indicate that the empirical basis for this assumption is tenuous because of a relative lack of research effort in cooler seas, and differences between tropical and temperate regions in ecology, seasonality, the nature of fisheries and prevailing governance regimes.
State and Society in the English Countryside: The Rural Community Movement 1918–39
Authors: BURCHARDT JEREMY
Published: March 2012

This paper assesses the relationship between state and society in interwar rural England, focusing on the hitherto neglected role of the Rural Community Councils. The rise of statutory social provision in the early twentieth century created new challenges and opportunities for voluntarism, and the rural community movement was in part a response to this. The paper examines the early development of the movement, arguing that a crucial role was played by a close-knit group of academics and local government officials. While largely eschewing party politics, they shared a commitment to citizenship, democracy and the promotion of rural culture. Many of them had been close associates of Sir Horace Plunkett. The Rural Community Councils engaged in a wide range of activities, including advisory work, adult education, local history, village hall provision, support for rural industries and an ambivalent engagement with parish councils. The paper concludes with an assessment of the achievements of the rural community movement, arguing that it was constrained by its financial dependence on voluntary contributions.
Semantic subtyping with an SMT solver
Authors: BIERMAN GAVIN M. , GORDON ANDREW D. , HRIŢCU CĂTĂLIN , LANGWORTHY DAVID
Published: March 2012

We study a first-order functional language with the novel combination of the ideas of refinement type (the subset of a type to satisfy a Boolean expression) and type-test (a Boolean expression testing whether a value belongs to a type). Our core calculus can express a rich variety of typing idioms; for example, intersection, union, negation, singleton, nullable, variant, and algebraic types are all derivable. We formulate a semantics in which expressions denote terms, and types are interpreted as first-order logic formulas. Subtyping is defined as valid implication between the semantics of types. The formulas are interpreted in a specific model that we axiomatize using standard first-order theories. On this basis, we present a novel type-checking algorithm able to eliminate many dynamic tests and to detect many errors statically. The key idea is to rely on a Satisfiability Modulo Theories solver to compute subtyping efficiently. Moreover, using a satisfiability modulo theories solver allows us to show the uniqueness of normal forms for non-deterministic expressions, provide precise counterexamples when type-checking fails, detect empty types, and compute instances of types statically and at run-time.
Ventriculocoronary fistulae in a patient with transposition of the great arteries, hypoplastic left heart, and pulmonary atresia
Authors: Hayes Denise , Arya Bhawna , Kleinman Charles
Published: March 2012

We present a rare case of ventriculocoronary fistulae in a patient with d-transposition of the great arteries, hypoplastic left heart, and pulmonary atresia. To our knowledge, this is the first report of this anatomic variant, and raises an important discussion about the development and implications of such fistulous connections.
The cannabinoid CB1 receptor biphasically modulates motor activity and regulates dopamine and glutamate release region dependently
Authors: Polissidis Alexia , Galanopoulos Andreas , Naxakis George , Papahatjis Demetris , Papadopoulou-Daifoti Zeta , Antoniou Katerina
Published: March 2012

Cannabinoid administration modulates both dopaminergic and glutamatergic neurotransmission. The present study examines the effects of high and low dose WIN55,212-2, a CB1 receptor agonist, on extracellular dopamine and glutamate release in vivo via brain microdialysis in the nucleus accumbens (NAc), striatum and prefrontal cortex (PFC) in parallel to its effects on locomotor activity. WIN55,212-2 increased extracellular dopamine in the NAc (1 mg/kg i.p.), striatum (0.1 and 1 mg/kg i.p.) and PFC (1 mg/kg i.p.). Glutamate release was also elevated by WIN55,212-2 in the PFC (1 mg/kg i.p.) whereas in the NAc (0.1 and 1 mg/kg i.p.) and striatum, it was reduced (1 mg/kg i.p.). WIN55,212-2 administration produced hyperlocomotion at the lower dose (0.1 mg/kg i.p.) and hypolocomotion at the higher dose (1 mg/kg i.p.). Co-administration with the CB1 antagonist, SR-141716A (0.03 mg/kg i.p.), prevented the above effects. According to the present results, WIN55,212-2 affected locomotor activity biphasically while exerting converging effects on dopamine activity but diverging effects on glutamate release between cortical and subcortical regions, especially at the higher dose. These findings emphasize the involvement of the CB1 receptor in the simultaneous modulation of dopaminergic and glutamatergic neurotransmission in brain regions involved in reward and locomotion and suggest possible underlying mechanisms of acute cannabinoid exposure and its psychoactive and behavioural manifestations.
Therapeutische Hausaufgaben in der klinischen Praxis: Einsatz, Erledigung und Beziehungen zum Therapieverlauf
Authors: Helbig-Lang Sylvia , Hagestedt Daniela , Lang Thomas , Petermann Franz
Published: March 2012

Zusammenfassung.Meta-Analysen belegen positive Effekte des Einsatzes und der Erledigung therapeutischer Hausaufgaben auf das Therapieergebnis. Gleichzeitig ist die Aussagekraft der vorhandenen Studien eingeschränkt durch den starken Bezug auf retrospektive Urteile und Daten aus kontrollierten klinischen Studien an selegierten Patientengruppen. Zum konkreten Einsatz und den Effekten von Hausaufgabenvereinbarungen in der klinischen Praxis liegen nur wenige Daten vor. Vor diesem Hintergrund wurden therapie- und hausaufgabenrelevante Daten aus insgesamt 1’413 Therapiesitzungen von 79 Patienten einer psychotherapeutischen Ambulanz ausgewertet. Es zeigte sich, dass Hausaufgaben in der Ambulanz regelmäßig und bei allen Patienten, jedoch nur selten systematisch vereinbart wurden. Die Hausaufgabenerledigung konnte als überwiegend gut eingeschätzt werden, wobei kein Einfluss von Patientenvariablen auf die Compliance festgestellt wurde. Dafür gingen Probleme in der therapeutischen Beziehung während der Sitzung häufiger mit einer nachfolgend eingeschränkten Hausaufgabenerledigung einher. Hausaufgabenvergabe und Erledigung standen nicht in Beziehung zur symptomatischen Veränderung während der Therapie; allerdings konnten niedrigere Compliance-Raten bei Therapien, die abgebrochen wurden, beobachtet werden. Entsprechend sollte die Hausaufgabenerledigung durch den Patienten in die adaptive Therapieplanung einbezogen werden.
Selbst- und Fremdwahrnehmung von Beeinträchtigungen exekutiver Funktionen bei Erwachsenen mit ADHS
Authors: Rizzo Patrizia , Steinhausen Hans-Christoph , Drechsler Renate
Published: March 2012

Zusammenfassung.Es wurde untersucht, ob bei der Diagnostik exekutiver Störungen bei Erwachsenen mit Aufmerksamkeits-Defizit/Hyperaktivitätsstörung (ADHS) Diskrepanzen zwischen Selbst- und Fremdangaben sowie zwischen Fragebögen und Testergebnissen auftreten. Erwachsene mit ADHS und Kontrollprobanden füllten das Dysexecutive Questionnaire (DEX) und die Frankfurter Selbstkonzeptskalen (FSKN) aus und bearbeiteten exekutive Testverfahren. Es zeigte sich, dass Erwachsene mit ADHS sowohl in Selbst- als auch Fremdurteil im DEX auffälliger waren als Kontrollprobanden. Selbst- und Fremdurteile stimmten in beiden Gruppen etwa gleich gut überein. Bei Patienten und bei Kontrollen erbrachte die Selbsteinschätzung auffälligere Werte als die Fremdeinschätzung durch Angehörige. Zusammenhänge zwischen DEX-Einschätzungen und Testleistungen waren gering bis höchstens moderat. Die Ergebnisse zeigen, dass Selbstangaben von Erwachsenen mit ADHS zu exekutiven Funktionsbeeinträchtigungen als überwiegend zuverlässig angesehen werden können.
Zur Wirksamkeit des JobFit-Trainings für Jugendliche
Authors: Schultheiß Jan , Petermann Franz , Petermann Ulrike
Published: March 2012

Zusammenfassung.Die vorliegende Studie untersucht die Effekte des JobFit-Trainings für Jugendliche (JFT, Petermann & Petermann, 2010 ) anhand einer Stichprobe von 87 Schülern. Es wurden zwei Prämessungen (2 Monate vor Trainingsbeginn und unmittelbar vor Trainingsbeginn) durchgeführt und mit den Ergebnissen einer Postmessung verglichen. Hierzu füllten die Jugendlichen Selbstbeurteilungsbögen zum Sozial- und Lernverhalten aus. Es zeigten sich zwischen den beiden Prämessungen insbesondere im Bereich des Sozialverhaltens keine signifikanten Differenzen in den Mittelwerten. Zwischen den Prämessungen und der Postmessung wurden hingegen in einigen dem Sozialverhalten zugeordneten Skalen signifikante Verbesserungen mit mittleren bis großen Effektstärken belegt. Das JobFit-Training stellt damit eine wirksame, schulbasierte Präventionsmaßnahme zur Verbesserung der sozialen Kompetenzen dar.