bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Changes in the hydrological character of rainfall on the Canadian prairies
Authors: Shook Kevin , Pomeroy John
Published: May 2012

Many studies have examined trends in the amount and phase of precipitation on the Canadian prairies over the period of record but without considering the unusual hydrology and hydrography of the region. On the Canadian prairies, runoff is primarily due to spring snowmelt over frozen soils but can also be caused by intense rainfall from summer thunderstorms. The fraction of spring snowmelt forming runoff is strongly influenced by the rate of melt and the presence of ice layers near the surface in frozen soils or at the base of the snowpack, all of which can be influenced by rainfall in the spring and late fall. Precipitation intensities sufficient to cause runoff are generally due to small, intense convective storms, which are prevalent during the summer months.

Historical records of the fraction of monthly precipitation falling as rain, obtained from the Historical Adjusted Climate Database for Canada (HACDC), were found to display statistically significant increasing trends over the periods 1901–2000 and 1951–2000 at many locations on the Canadian prairies. The fraction of stations showing significant trends, and the importance of the trends, were strongly dependent on the month of the year.

Single‐day summer rainfalls are believed to be primarily convective in the Canadian prairies. Historical records obtained from HACDC indicate that the hydrological importance of single‐day summer rainfalls has not increased and has shown significant decreases at many locations over the periods 1901–2000 and 1951–2000. Conversely, the hydrological importance of summer multiple‐day rain events has not decreased and has significantly increased at many locations over the periods analysed.

Multiscaling analyses of summer rainfall events demonstrated that the temporal uniformity of rainfall on the Canadian prairies has increased over the periods 1901–2000 and 1951–2000. Analyses of the ratios of rainfall over multiple days demonstrate significant trends over the same periods, confirming the general tendency to temporal uniformity over scales between 1 and 32 days. Longer rain events strongly suggest greater spatial extents for storms and therefore the potential for increasing tendencies to promote basin‐scale rainfall–runoff events such as seen in 2011 in the region. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Climate change sensitivity assessment of streamflow and agricultural pollutant transport in California's Central Valley using Latin hypercube sampling
Authors: Ficklin Darren L. , Luo Yuzhou , Zhang Minghua
Published: May 2012

Bracketing the uncertainty of streamflow and agricultural runoff under climate change is critical for proper future water resource management in agricultural watersheds. This study used the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) in conjunction with a Latin hypercube climate change sampling algorithm to construct a 95% confidence interval (95CI) around streamflow, sediment load, and nitrate load predictions under changes in climate for the Sacramento and San Joaquin River watersheds in California's Central Valley. The Latin hypercube algorithm sampled 2000 combinations of precipitation and temperature changes based on Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change projections from multiple General Circulation Models. Average monthly percent changes of the upper and lower 95CI limits compared to the present‐day simulation and a statistic termed the “r‐factor” (average width of the 95CI band divided by the standard deviation of the 95CI bandwidth) were used to assess watershed sensitivities. 95CI results indicate that streamflow and sediment runoff in the Sacramento River watershed are more likely to decrease under climate change compared to present‐day conditions, whereas the increase and decrease for nitrate runoff were found to be equal. For the San Joaquin River watershed, streamflow slightly decreased under climate change, whereas sediment and nitrate runoff increased compared to present‐day climate. Comparisons of watershed sensitivities indicate that the San Joaquin River watershed is more sensitive to climate changes than the Sacramento River watershed, which is largely caused by the high density of agricultural land. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Exploring SETAC's roles in the global dialogue on sustainability—an opening debate
Authors: McCormick Ron , Kapustka Larry , Stahl Cynthia , Fava Jim , Lavoie Emma , Robertson Cory , Sanderson Hans , Scott Heidi , Seager Tom , Vigon Bruce
Published: May 2012

A combination platform–debate session was held at the Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry (SETAC) North America annual meeting in Boston (November 2011). The session was organized by members of the Advisory Group on Sustainability, newly formed and approved as a global entity by the SETAC World Council just prior to the meeting. The platform portion of the session provided a historical backdrop for the debate that was designed to explore SETAC's role in the sustainability dialogue. The debate portion presented arguments for and against the proposition that “Science is the primary contribution of SETAC to the global dialogue on sustainability.” Although the debate was not designed to achieve a definitive sustainability policy for SETAC, the audience clearly rejected the proposition, indicating a desire from the SETAC membership for an expanded role in global sustainability forums. This commentary details the key elements of the session, identifies the contribution the Advisory Group will have at the World Congress in Berlin (May 2012), and invites interested persons to become active in the Advisory Group. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2013; 9: 7–11. © 2012 SETAC
Assessing population-level effects of zinc exposure to brown trout (Salmo trutta) in the Arkansas River at Leadville, Colorado
Authors: Toll John , Garber Kristina , DeForest David , Brattin William
Published: May 2012

We assessed population-level risk to upper Arkansas River brown trout (Salmo trutta L.) due to juvenile exposure to Zn. During spring, individuals in the sensitive young-of-the-year life stage are exposed to elevated Zn concentrations from acid mine drainage. We built and used a simple life-history population model for the risk assessment, with survival and fecundity parameter values drawn from published data on brown trout populations located in the United States and Europe. From experimental data, we derived a toxicity model to predict mortality in brown trout fry after chronic exposure to Zn. We tested sensitivity of risk estimates to uncertainties in the life-history parameters. We reached 5 conclusions. First, population projections are highly uncertain. A wide range of estimates for brown trout population growth is consistent with the scientific literature. The low end of this range corresponds to an unsustainable population, a physically unrealistic condition due to combining minimum parameter values from several studies. The upper end of the range corresponds to an annual population growth rate of 281%. Second, excess mortality from Zn exposure is relatively more predictable. Using our exposure-response model for excess mortality to brown trout fry due to Zn exposure in the upper Arkansas River at the mouth of California Gulch in the years 2000 to 2005, we derived a mean estimate of 6.1% excess mortality (90% confidence interval = 1.6%–14.1%). Third, population projections are sensitive to all the parameters that contribute to the onset of reproduction. The weight of evidence suggests that young-of-the-year survival is most important; it is inconclusive about the ranking of other parameters. Fourth, population-level risk from Zn exposure is sensitive to young-of-the-year survival. If young-of-the-year survival exceeds 20% to 25%, then the marginal effect of excess juvenile mortality on population growth is low. The potential effect increases if young-of-the-year survival is less than 20%. Fifth, the effect of Zn on population growth is predictable despite high uncertainty in population projections. The estimate was insensitive to model uncertainties. This work could be useful to ecological risk assessors and managers interested in using population-level endpoints in other risk assessments. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2013; 9: 50–62. © 2012 SETAC
Applying biotic ligand models and Bayesian techniques: Ecological risk assessment of copper and nickel in Tokyo rivers
Authors: Hayashi Takehiko I
Published: May 2012

Biotic ligand models (BLMs) have been broadly accepted and used in ecological risk assessment of heavy metals for toxicity normalization with respect to water chemistry. However, the importance of assessing bioavailability by using BLMs has not been widely recognized among Japanese stakeholders. Failing to consider bioavailability may result in less effective risk management than would be possible if currently available state-of-the-art methods were used to relate bioavailable concentrations to toxic effects. In this study, an ecological risk assessment was conducted using BLMs for 6 rivers in Tokyo to stimulate discussion about bioavailability of heavy metals and the use of BLMs in ecological risk management in Japan. In the risk analysis, a Bayesian approach was used to take advantage of information from previous analyses and to calculate uncertainties in the estimation of risk. Risks were judged to be a concern if the predicted environmental concentration exceeded the 5th percentile concentration (HC5) of the species sensitivity distribution. Based on this criterion, risks to stream biota from exposure to Cu were judged not to be very severe, but it would be desirable to conduct further monitoring and field surveys to determine whether temporary exposure to concentrations exceeding the HC5 causes any irreversible effects on the river ecosystem. The risk of exposure to Ni was a concern at only 1 of the 6 sites. BLM corrections affected these conclusions in the case of Cu but were moot in the case of Ni. The use of BLMs in risk assessment calculations for Japanese rivers requires water quality information that is, unfortunately, not always available. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2013; 9: 63–69. © 2012 SETAC
Atomic force microscopy‐based force spectroscopy — biological and biomedical applications
Authors: Carvalho Filomena A. , Santos Nuno C.
Published: May 2012

The use of atomic force microscopy (AFM) applied to biological systems to generate high resolution images is gaining a wider acceptance. However, the most remarkable advances are being achieved on the use of the AFM to measure inter‐ and intramolecular interaction forces with piconewton resolution, not only to demonstrate this ability but also actually to solve biological and biomedical relevant questions. Single‐molecule force spectroscopy recognition studies enable the detection of specific interaction forces, based on the AFM sensitivity and the possibility of manipulating individual molecules. In this review, we describe the basic principles of this methodology and some of the practical aspects involved. The ability to measure interactions at the single‐molecule level is illustrated by some relevant examples. A special focus is given to the study of the fibrinogen–erythrocyte binding and its relevance as a cardiovascular risk factor. An approach to the latter problem by single‐molecule force spectroscopy allowed the molecular recognition, characterization, and partial identification of a previously unknown receptor for fibrinogen on human erythrocytes. © 2012 IUBMB IUBMB Life, 2012
Just Slammin! Adolescents’ Construction of Identity Through Performance Poetry
Authors: Rudd Lynn L.
Published: May 2012

Using a case study design, this study investigated the literacy identity, both collectively and individually, of the members of Slammin!, a slam poetry team from an urban high school. Participant observation of practices and performances was used to find how the involvement in this group uniquely impacted students’ academic and personal lives. Data was also collected from individual and small group interviews. Results show that the Slammin! poets were engaged in identity formation activities by means of their group experiences. Their efforts to be successful poets seem to be intimately connected to their efforts and goals to develop successful selves as artists, students, and members of a familial type of group. The poets consistently speak of their dedication to poetry and their team as part of their commitment to be different and the circumstances that define them as outcasts from the culture that surrounds them.
Students' and Teachers' Perceptions: An Inquiry Into Academic Writing
Authors: Wolsey Thomas DeVere , Lapp Diane , Fisher Douglas
Published: May 2012

Academic writing is a mainstay of expression in secondary schools. However, many students think of academic writing in terms of local operations that include spelling, punctuation, use of third person, and so on. Teachers may expect mastery of local operations, but often they want students to navigate the terrain of the content area or discipline by integrating sources, taking up academic vocabulary, synthesizing concepts, or creating new understanding. This article describes the expectations that students in one 10th‐grade class hold about their academic writing tasks as compared with that of their teachers. Length of writing tasks, features of academic register in written work, and purpose in writing assignments are explored, and recommendations are provided based on the data.
What We Know About Adolescents' Out‐of‐School Literacies, What We Need to Learn, and Why Studying Them Is Important: An Interview With Michael W. Smith
Authors: Smith Michael W. , Moore David W.
Published: May 2012

Michael W. Smith, a professor in Temple University's College of Education, focuses his research on how experienced readers read and talk about texts as well as what motivates adolescents' reading and writing in and out of school. He sees the recent research on adolescents' out‐of‐school literacies as a challenge to literacy educators to look at what kids do, what kids can do, and what educators ought to do in new ways. He would like to see more research that speaks to those outside the adolescent literacy specialization. One implication of the research on students' out‐of‐school literacies for classroom teachers is that students might be more engaged in school if it presented the conditions that foster engagement outside of school. As a teacher and teacher educator, Smith is coming to regard new literacies as important ends in themselves and not just as bridges to more conventionally academic literacies.
Occupying Youth Development: The Pitfalls and Potential of Literacy Policies and Youth Development
Authors: Zeller‐Berkman Sarah
Published: May 2012

This column explores the intersection between adolescent literacy policies and the field of youth development. The crisis framing of young people used in literacy policy documents has come to “occupy” the field of youth development in an all hands on deck approach to remediate young people who are considered “behind.” At the same time, there are spaces where literacy and youth development are melding beautifully. The author explores both the potentials and pitfalls when literacy policy and youth development intersect by examining a literacy initiative supported by the Youth Development Institute in a community‐based organization for young people involved in the juvenile justice system.
Matrix metalloproteinase–13 is required for osteocytic perilacunar remodeling and maintains bone fracture resistance
Authors: Tang Simon Y , Herber Ralf-Peter , Ho Sunita P , Alliston Tamara
Published: May 2012

Like bone mass, bone quality is specified in development, actively maintained postnatally, and disrupted by disease. The roles of osteoblasts, osteoclasts, and osteocytes in the regulation of bone mass are increasingly well defined. However, the cellular and molecular mechanisms by which bone quality is regulated remain unclear. Proteins that remodel bone extracellular matrix, such as the collagen-degrading matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-13, are likely candidates to regulate bone quality. Using MMP-13–deficient mice, we examined the role of MMP-13 in the remodeling and maintenance of bone matrix and subsequent fracture resistance. Throughout the diaphysis of MMP-13–deficient tibiae, we observed elevated nonenzymatic cross-linking and concentric regions of hypermineralization, collagen disorganization, and canalicular malformation. These defects localize to the same mid-cortical bone regions where osteocyte lacunae and canaliculi exhibit MMP-13 and tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) expression, as well as the osteocyte marker sclerostin. Despite otherwise normal measures of osteoclast and osteoblast function, dynamic histomorphometry revealed that remodeling of osteocyte lacunae is impaired in MMP-13−/− bone. Analysis of MMP-13−/− mice and their wild-type littermates in normal and lactating conditions showed that MMP-13 is not only required for lactation-induced osteocyte perilacunar remodeling, but also for the maintenance of bone quality. The loss of MMP-13, and the resulting defects in perilacunar remodeling and matrix organization, compromise MMP-13−/− bone fracture toughness and postyield behavior. Taken together, these findings demonstrate that osteocyte perilacunar remodeling of mid-cortical bone matrix requires MMP-13 and is essential for the maintenance of bone quality. © 2012 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Benefits for bone from resistance exercise and nutrition in long-duration spaceflight: Evidence from biochemistry and densitometry
Authors: Smith Scott M , Heer Martina A , Shackelford Linda C , Sibonga Jean D , Ploutz-Snyder Lori , Zwart Sara R
Published: May 2012

Exercise has shown little success in mitigating bone loss from long-duration spaceflight. The first crews of the International Space Station (ISS) used the “interim resistive exercise device” (iRED), which allowed loads of up to 297 lbf (or 1337 N) but provided little protection of bone or no greater protection than aerobic exercise. In 2008, the Advanced Resistive Exercise Device (ARED), which allowed absolute loads of up to 600 lbf (1675 N), was launched to the ISS. We report dietary intake, bone densitometry, and biochemical markers in 13 crewmembers on ISS missions from 2006 to 2009. Of these 13, 8 had access to the iRED and 5 had access to the ARED. In both groups, bone-specific alkaline phosphatase tended to increase during flight toward the end of the mission (p = 0.06) and increased 30 days after landing (p < 0.001). Most markers of bone resorption were also increased in both groups during flight and 30 days after landing (p < 0.05). Bone densitometry revealed significant interactions (time and exercise device) for pelvis bone mineral density (BMD) and bone mineral content (p < 0.01), hip femoral neck BMD (p < 0.05), trochanter BMD (p < 0.05), and total hip BMD (p < 0.05). These variables were unchanged from preflight only for ARED crewmembers, who also returned from flight with higher percent lean mass and lower percent fat mass. Body mass was unchanged after flight in both groups. All crewmembers had nominal vitamin D status (75 ± 17 nmol/L) before and during flight. These data document that resistance exercise, coupled with adequate energy intake (shown by maintenance of body mass determined by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry [DXA]) and vitamin D, can maintain bone in most regions during 4- to 6-month missions in microgravity. This is the first evidence that improving nutrition and resistance exercise during spaceflight can attenuate the expected BMD deficits previously observed after prolonged missions. © 2012 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Differing risk profiles for individual fracture sites: Evidence from the global longitudinal study of osteoporosis in women (GLOW)
Authors: FitzGerald Gordon , Boonen Steven , Compston Juliet E , Pfeilschifter Johannes , LaCroix Andrea Z , Hosmer David W , Hooven Frederick H , Gehlbach Stephen H ,   for the GLOW Investigators
Published: May 2012

The purposes of this study were to examine fracture risk profiles at specific bone sites, and to understand why model discrimination using clinical risk factors is generally better in hip fracture models than in models that combine hip with other bones. Using 3-year data from the GLOW study (54,229 women with more than 4400 total fractures), we present Cox regression model results for 10 individual fracture sites, for both any and first-time fracture, among women aged ≥55 years. Advanced age is the strongest risk factor in hip (hazard ratio [HR] = 2.3 per 10-year increase), pelvis (HR = 1.8), upper leg (HR = 1.8), and clavicle (HR = 1.7) models. Age has a weaker association with wrist (HR = 1.1), rib (HR = 1.2), lower leg (not statistically significant), and ankle (HR = 0.81) fractures. Greater weight is associated with reduced risk for hip, pelvis, spine, and wrist, but higher risk for first lower leg and ankle fractures. Prior fracture of the same bone, although significant in nine of 10 models, is most strongly associated with spine (HR = 6.6) and rib (HR = 4.8) fractures. Past falls are important in all but spine models. Model c indices are ≥0.71 for hip, pelvis, upper leg, spine, clavicle, and rib, but ≤0.66 for upper arm/shoulder, lower leg, wrist, and ankle fractures. The c index for combining hip, spine, upper arm, and wrist (major fracture) is 0.67. First-time fracture models have c indices ranging from 0.59 for wrist to 0.78 for hip and pelvis. The c index for first-time major fracture is 0.63. In conclusion, substantial differences in risk profiles exist among the 10 bones considered. © 2012 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Cell rounding in cultured human astrocytes and vascular endothelial cells upon inhibition of CK2 is mediated by actomyosin cytoskeleton alterations
Authors: Kramerov A.A. , Ahmed K. , Ljubimov A.V.
Published: May 2012

Protein kinase CK2 participates in a wide range of cellular events, including the regulation of cellular morphology and migration, and may be an important mediator of angiogenesis. We previously showed that in the retina, CK2 immunolocalizes mostly to vascular endothelium and astrocytes in association with the cytoskeleton. Additionally, CK2 inhibitors significantly reduced retinal neovascularization and stem cell recruitment in the mouse model of oxygen‐induced proliferative retinopathy. We have also shown that CK2 and F‐actin co‐localized in actin stress fibers in microvascular endothelial cells, and that highly specific CK2 inhibitors caused cell rounding in astrocytes and microvascular endothelial cells, which was alleviated by serum that promotes spreading by Rho/Rho‐kinase (RhoK) activation of myosin II. Therefore, we examined a possible role of CK2 in the regulation of actin–myosin II‐based contractility. Treatment with CK2 inhibitors correlated with disassembly of actomyosin stress fibers and cell shape changes, including cytoplasmic retraction and process formation that were similar to those occurring during astrocyte stellation. Low doses of specific inhibitors of kinases (RhoK and MLCK) that phosphorylate myosin light chain (MLC) enhanced the effect of suboptimal CK2 inhibition on cell shape. Such striking stellation‐like alteration was accompanied by decreased level of phospho‐MLC, thus implying a CK2 role in regulation of actomyosin cytoskeleton. Our results suggest an important role of CK2 in the control of cell contractility and motility, which may account for suppressing effect of CK2 inhibition on retinal neovascularization. Together, our data implicate protein kinase CK2 for the first time in stellation‐like morphological transformation. J. Cell. Biochem. 113: 2948–2956, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Stereoselection in the diels–alderase ribozyme: A molecular dynamics study
Authors: Bereźniak Tomasz , Jäschke Andres , Smith Jeremy C. , Imhof Petra
Published: May 2012

The Diels‐Alderase ribozyme is an in vitro‐evolved ribonucleic acid enzyme that catalyzes a [4 + 2] cycloaddition reaction between an anthracene diene and a maleimide dienophile. The ribozyme can in principle be used to selectively synthesize only one product enantiomer, depending on which of the two entrances to the catalytic pocket, “front” or “back”, the substrate is permitted to use. Here, we investigate stereoselection and substrate recognition in the ribozyme by means of multiple molecular dynamics simulations, performed on each of the two substrates individually in the pocket, on the reactant state, and on the product state. The results are consistent with a binding mechanism in which the maleimide likely binds first followed by the anthracene, which enters preferentially through the front door. The free energy profiles for anthracene binding indicate that the pre‐(R,R)‐enantiomer conformation is slightly preferred, in agreement with the experimentally observed small enantiomeric excess of the (R,R)‐enantiomer of the product. The reactant state is stabilized by the simultaneous presence of both substrates bound to their binding sites in the hydrophobic pocket as well as by stacking interactions between them. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Adsorption of metadiiodobenzene on Cu(110): A theoretical study
Authors: Panosetti Chiara , Hofer Werner A.
Published: May 2012

In this work, we have computationally modeled the adsorption of 1,3‐diiodobenzene (meta‐diiodobenzene or m‐DIB) on Cu(1 1 0) by means of density functional theory including van der Waals interaction using Grimme's method. We have compared the adsorption energies and structures of 23 possible configurations of the physisorbed molecule. Furthermore, we have simulated STM images for the four most stable configurations using the Tersoff–Hamann approach at different bias voltages. We find that all the adsorption orientations have comparable energy, and we discuss the relative probabilities of experimental observation. We find that the adsorption induces small distortions in the molecular structure of the adsorbate and in some cases an adsorption‐induced symmetry breakdown occurs. We also find evidence that the most stable arrangement is actually a bistable system with interesting symmetry properties. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The Physical, Chemical and Biological Effects by Room Temperature Ceramic Far‐infrared Ray Emitting Material Irradiated Water: A Pilot Study
Authors: Leung Ting‐Kai , Yang Jen‐Chang , Lin Yung‐Sheng
Published: May 2012

Far infrared ray (FIR) is non‐ionizing electromagnetic radiation with wavelengths of 4‐16 μm. Ceramic far infrared ray emitting materials (cFIR) are sources of FIR that exhibit only non‐thermal effects at room temperature. Certain physical, chemical and biological effects of cFIR irradiation were investigated in this study that heretofore has not been well characterized. We demonstrated that cFIR irradiation reduced the size of water clusters, and significantly increased the freezing temperature of water. We also observed an increase in the volatility of a complex mixture of alcohol, water and solutes and recorded elevated total phenol in green tea infusions prepared using cFIR irradiated water. The effects of cFIR irradiated water on living cells were also investigated. The MC3T3‐E1 murine osteoblast cells grown in the presence of cFIR irradiated water exhibited anti‐oxidative effects on H2O2‐mediated toxicity, as evidenced by late stage increase in intracellular alkaline phosphatase. The presence of cFIR irradiated water also resulted in significant decrease in COX‐2 production in the chondrosarcoma cell line, SW1353, in response to lipopolysaccharide induction. Based on our findings, the possible anti‐inflammatory effects of cFIR irradiated water and implications of our study with regard to bone and joint health were discussed.
Crystal Structure of Lanthanide‐oxalate‐pyridine‐2,4‐dicarboxylate Coordination Polymers Suggesting the Reductive Coupling of Carbon Dioxide to Oxalate
Authors: Shen Fwu‐Ming , Lush Shie‐Fu
Published: May 2012

Under the hydrothermal conditions, Nd(NO3)3·6H2O reacted with pyridine‐2,4‐dicarboxylic acid (2,4‐pydcH2) to give a 2D co‐ordination polymer with the empirical formula of C16H18N2Nd2O18×H2O (1). Pr(NO3)3·6H2O also reacted with 2,4‐pydcH2 to give another 2D coordination polymer (C8H9NO9Pr)2·H2O (2). The structure of both polymers have been determined by X‐ray diffraction. X‐ray structural analyses show that both polymers contain bridging oxalate (C2O42−) ligands, which might have been formed by the coupling of two CO2−× radicals, released from pydc2− ligands.
All λ‐Designs with Small λ are Type‐1
Authors: Puliyambalath Naushad Pasha , Seress Ákos , Weisz Iván
Published: May 2012

A λ‐design is a family of subsets of such that for all and not all are of the same size. Ryser's and Woodall's λ‐design conjecture states that each λ‐design can be obtained from a symmetric block design by a certain complementation procedure. Our main result is that the conjecture is true when λ < 63. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Combin. Designs 20: 408–431, 2012
Early and Later Predictors of Outcome in Brief Therapy: The Role of Real Relationship
Authors: Gullo Salvatore , Lo Coco Gianluca , Gelso Charles
Published: May 2012

Objectives

The study examined whether clients who continued longer in brief therapy reported stronger associations of real relationship and working alliance with therapy outcome than clients who received very brief treatment. It also examined whether real relationship and working alliance assessed early in treatment predicted outcome differently from that assessed later in therapy.

Method

Fifty clients (32 women; Mage = 22.3 years) were recruited from a university counseling center. Thirty‐two clients (very brief therapy) completed the post‐third session assessment of real relationship and working alliance, and 18 (brief therapy) had both the third and eighth assessment.

Results

The real relationship scores (both client and therapist rating) were significantly correlated with outcome in the 18 brief therapy clients, but not in the 32 very brief therapy clients. We found significant correlations between outcome and Bond element of the working alliance in the 18 brief therapy clients, and between outcome and working alliance‐Task in the 32 very brief therapy clients.

Conclusions

These findings suggested that the strength of the early real relationship, as well as later real relationship, are highly associated with outcome for clients who continue brief therapy past its earliest stages. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Clin. Psychol. 00:1–6, 2012.
Dissecting Pin1 and phospho‐pRb regulation
Authors: Rizzolio Flavio , Caligiuri Isabella , Lucchetti Chiara , Fratamico Robert , Tomei Valentina , Gallo Gaia , Agelan Alexis , Ferrari Giovanni , Toffoli Giuseppe , Klein‐Szanto Andres J. , Giordano Antonio
Published: May 2012

The activity of the Retinoblastoma protein, the master regulator of the cell cycle, is finely regulated by phosphorylation. CDKs and cyclins are major players in phosphorylation and it has been recently discovered that the prolyl isomerase Pin1 is an essential protein that orchestrates this process. In this article, we report new findings regarding the role of Pin1 in the pRb pathway. Our data suggest that PI3K, CDKs, and the Pin1 axis have a critical role in sustaining the complete phosphorylation of pRb. Furthermore, we analyze the correlation between Pin1 and pRb phosphorylation in vivo. We show that, in human malignant glioma tissue microarrays (TMA) and in Pin1 knockout (KO) mice, there is a positive correlation between Pin1 and pRb phosphorylation. Prospectively, our findings suggest that the synergism between CDKs, Pin1, and PI3K inhibitors hold great promise for targeted pharmacological treatment of cancer patients, with the possibility of reaching high effectiveness at tolerated doses. J. Cell. Physiol. 228: 73–77, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
P2Y2 receptor promotes intestinal microtubule stabilization and mucosal re‐epithelization in experimental colitis
Authors: Degagné Émilie , Degrandmaison Jade , Grbic Djordje M. , Vinette Valérie , Arguin Guillaume , Gendron Fernand‐Pierre
Published: May 2012

P2Y2 receptor expression is increased in intestinal epithelial cells (IECs) during inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs). In this context, P2Y2 stimulates PGE2 release by IECs, suggesting a role in wound healing. For this study, we have used the non‐cancerous IEC‐6 cell line. IEC‐6 cell migration was determined using Boyden chambers and the single‐edged razor blade model of wounding. The receptor was activated using ATP, UTP, or 2‐thioUTP. Pharmacological inhibitors, a blocking peptide, a neutralizing antibody and interfering RNAs were used to characterize the signaling events. Focal adhesions and microtubule (MT) dynamics were determined by immunofluorescence using anti‐vinculin and anti‐acetylated‐α‐tubulin antibodies, respectively. In vivo, the dextran sodium sulfate mouse model of colitis was used to characterize the effects of P2Y2 agonist 2‐thioUTP on remission. We showed that P2Y2 increased cell migration and wound closure by recruiting Go protein with the cooperation of integrin αv. Following P2Y2 activation, we demonstrated that GSK3β activity was inhibited in response to Akt activation. This leads to MT stabilization and increased number of focal adhesions. In vivo, P2Y2 activation stimulates remission, as illustrated by a reduction in the disease activity index values and histological scores as compared to control mice. These findings highlight a novel function for this receptor in IECs. They also illustrate that P2Y receptors could be targeted for the development of innovative therapies for the treatment of IBDs. J. Cell. Physiol. 228: 99–109, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
MRT letter: A fast and easy method for general fluorescent staining of cultured cells on transparent or opaque supports
Authors: Gayoso Manuel J.
Published: May 2012

Development of cell‐based therapy entails the use of different types of materials as support for cultured cells. Some of these materials are opaque. For a general microscope study of cell cultures prepared on transparent supports, Giemsa stain with bright field microscopy is useful. With opaque supports or scaffolds, epifluorescence microscopy is necessary. The method the authors describe uses eosin Y to stain cytoplasm and DAPI to stain nuclei under fluorescence microscopy. This method provides easy and fast fluorescent staining for a general morphological study of cultured cells on transparent or opaque supports. Microsc. Res. Tech. 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Pancyclicity of 4‐Connected, Claw‐Free, P10‐Free Graphs
Authors: Ferrara Michael , Morris Timothy , Wenger Paul
Published: May 2012

A graph G is said to be pancyclic if G contains cycles of all lengths from 3 to . We show that if G is 4‐connected, claw‐free, and P10‐free, then G is either pancyclic or it is the line graph of the Petersen graph. This implies that every 4‐connected, claw‐free, P9‐free graph is pancyclic, which is best possible and extends a result of Gould et al. Pancyclicity in 3‐connected graphs: Pairs of forbidden subgraphs, [J Graph Theory 47 (2004), 183–202].
A Note on Degenerate and Spectrally Degenerate Graphs
Authors: Alon Noga
Published: May 2012

A graph G is called spectrally d‐degenerate if the largest eigenvalue of each subgraph of it with maximum degree D is at most . We prove that for every constant M there is a graph with minimum degree M, which is spectrally 50‐degenerate. This settles a problem of Dvořák and Mohar (Spectrally degenerate graphs: Hereditary case, arXiv: 1010.3367).
The Merrifield–Simmons Conjecture Holds for Bipartite Graphs
Authors: Trinks Martin
Published: May 2012

Let be a graph and the number of independent (vertex) sets of G. Then the Merrifield–Simmons conjecture states that the sign of the term only depends on the parity of the distance of the vertices in G. We prove that the conjecture holds for bipartite graphs by considering a generalization of the term, where vertex subsets instead of vertices are deleted.
3D MRI provides improved visualization and detection of aortic arch plaques compared to transesophageal echocardiography
Authors: Harloff Andreas , Brendecke Stefanie Marie , Simon Jan , Assefa Dawit , Wallis Wolf , Helbing Thomas , Weber Johannes , Frydrychowicz Alex , Vach Werner , Weiller Cornelius , Markl Michael
Published: May 2012

Purpose:

To compare 3D magnetic resonance imaging (3D MRI) with transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) for the detection of complex aortic plaques (≥4 mm thick, ulcerated, or containing mobile thrombi).

Materials and Methods:

In all, 99 consecutive patients with acute cryptogenic stroke and ≥3 mm thick aortic plaques in TEE were prospectively included. 3D MRI comprised T1‐weighted bright blood MRI with complete aortic coverage (spatial resolution 1 mm3). Wall thickness and occurrence of complex plaques in ascending aorta (AAo), aortic arch (AA), and descending aorta (DAo) and image quality for each segment was rated for MRI and TEE.

Results:

MRI detected more complex plaques than TEE (MRI vs. TEE): AAo 13 vs. 7; AA 37 vs. 11; differences were smaller in the DAo: 101 vs. 70. Image quality was higher for MRI in AAo and AA (P < 0.001) and superior for TEE in DAo (P < 0.001). MRI revealed additional complex plaques in the proximal aorta in 19 of 58 patients (32.8%) categorized as cryptogenic after complete routine diagnostics including TEE.

Conclusion:

Due to improved visualization of the aorta 3D MRI allows to detect more complex plaques than TEE. This renders 3D MRI particularly valuable for patients with cryptogenic stroke and for trials evaluating optimal treatment in aortic atherosclerosis. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2012;36:604–611. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Comparison of MRI and 18F‐NaF PET/CT in patients with patellofemoral pain
Authors: Draper Christine E. , Quon Andrew , Fredericson Michael , Besier Thor F. , Delp Scott L. , Beaupre Gary S. , Gold Garry E.
Published: May 2012

Purpose:

To determine whether bone metabolic activity corresponds to bone and cartilage damage in patients with patellofemoral pain.

Materials and Methods:

We acquired magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and 18F‐NaF positron emission tomography (PET) / computed tomography (CT) scans of the knees of 22 subjects. We compared locations of increased tracer uptake on the 18F‐NaF PET images to bone marrow edema and cartilage damage visualized on MRI.

Results:

We found that increased bone activity on 18F‐NaF PET does not always correspond to structural damage in the bone or cartilage as seen on MRI.

Conclusion:

Our results suggest that 18F‐NaF PET/CT may provide additional information in patellofemoral pain patients compared to MRI. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2012;36:928–932. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Optimizing the functional diffusion map using Monte Carlo simulations
Authors: Reischauer Carolin , Gutzeit Andreas , Vorburger Robert S. , Froehlich Johannes M. , Binkert Christoph A. , Boesiger Peter
Published: May 2012

Purpose:

To optimize the diagnostic accuracy of the functional diffusion map for monitoring tumor treatment response in cancer patients.

Materials and Methods:

Using Monte Carlo simulations, measurement precision of the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC), and particularly accuracy of threshold determination from healthy reference tissue, are evaluated by investigating the repeatability limit of the ADC as a function of different degrees of diffusion weighting of the sequence. Phantom and in‐vivo experiments are performed to verify and illustrate the results of the simulations.

Results:

While diagnostic accuracy of the functional diffusion map is hardly diminished by differing values of the T2 relaxation time in tumor and reference tissue, it is shown to be impaired by differing ADCs, resulting in erroneously determined segmentation thresholds. This problem can be addressed by decreasing the maximum b‐factor and increasing the number of signal averages at the maximum b‐factor or, alternatively, the number of b‐factors while favoring schemes with higher b‐factors. Phantom experiments confirm the results of the simulations. In‐vivo data are presented to illustrate the effect of sequence optimization on the diagnostic accuracy of the functional diffusion map.

Conclusion:

The present work demonstrates that the diagnostic accuracy of the functional diffusion map can be impaired by inaccurate segmentation thresholds and derives means for its optimization that will increase the fidelity of future clinical studies. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2012;36:1002–1009. ©2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
TOF‐SIMS study of cystine and cholesterol stones
Authors: Ghumman C. A. A. , Moutinho A. M. C. , Santos A. , Tolstogouzov A. , Teodoro O. M. N. D.
Published: May 2012

Two different human stones, cystine and cholesterol from the kidney and gall bladder, were examined by time‐of‐flight secondary ion mass spectrometry using Ga+ primary ions as bombarding particles. The mass spectra of kidney stone were compared with those measured for the standard compounds, cystine and cysteine. Similar spectra were obtained for the stone and cystine. The most important identification was based on the existence of the protonated molecules [M + H]+ and deprotonated molecules [M‐H]‐. The presence of cystine salt was also revealed in the stone through the sodiated cystine [M + Na]+ and the associated fragments, which might be due to the patient treatment history. In the gallstone, the deprotonated molecules [M‐H]+ of cholesterol along with relatively intense characteristic fragments [M‐OH]+ were detected. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Sensitive detection of drug vapors using an ion funnel interface for secondary electrospray ionization mass spectrometry
Authors: Meier Lukas , Berchtold Christian , Schmid Stefan , Zenobi Renato
Published: May 2012

In this study, we use an ion funnel (IF) at ambient pressure to enhance the sensitivity of secondary electrospray ionization (SESI). Atenolol, salbutamol and cocaine as test compounds are delivered to the SESI interface in the gas phase and are charged with three nano electrosprays. In our experiments, we show that the compounds can be detected at concentrations in the low pptv range, which is an increase of two orders of magnitude compared with the results without the IF. With a standard SESI interface, the compounds could not be detected at all. With the use of the SESI IF interface for the headspace analysis of bananas and limes, we can detect many more compounds and at higher intensities than with a standard SESI interface. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
MALDI‐MS detection of noncovalent interactions of single stranded DNA with Escherichia coli single‐stranded DNA‐binding protein
Authors: Chen Fan , Mädler Stefanie , Weidmann Simon , Zenobi Renato
Published: May 2012

The Escherichia coli single‐stranded DNA binding protein (SSB) selectively binds single‐stranded (ss) DNA and participates in the process of DNA replication, recombination and repair. Different binding modes have previously been observed in SSB•ssDNA complexes, due to the four potential binding sites of SSB. Here, chemical cross‐linking, combined with high‐mass matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) mass spectrometry (MS), is used to determine the stoichiometry of the SSB•ssDNA complex. SSB forms a stable homotetramer in solution, but only the monomeric species (m/z 19 100) can be detected with standard MALDI‐MS. With chemical cross‐linking, the quaternary structure of SSB is conserved, and the tetramer (m/z 79 500) was observed. We found that ssDNA also functions as a stabilizer to conserve the quaternary structure of SSB, as evidenced by the detection of a SSB•ssDNA complex at m/z 94 200 even in the absence of chemical cross‐linking. The stability of the SSB•ssDNA complex with MALDI strongly depends on the length and strand of oligonucleotides and the stoichiometry of the SSB•ssDNA complex, which could be attributed to electrostatic interactions that are enhanced in the gas phase. The key factor affecting the stoichiometry of the SSB•ssDNA complex is how ssDNA binds to SSB, rather than the protein‐to‐DNA ratio. This further suggests that detection of the complex by MALDI is a result of specific binding, and not due to non‐specific aggregation in the MALDI plume. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Chemical composition, nutritional and toxicological evaluation of rice (Oryza sativa) grown in fly ash amended soils
Authors: Bhaskarachary Kandlakunta , Ramulu Punna , Udayasekhararao Paruchuri , Bapurao Sangras , Kamala Krishnaswamy , Syed Qadri , Udaykumar Putcha , Sesikeran Boindala
Published: May 2012

BACKGROUND: The purpose of the present study was to evaluate nutritional and toxicological aspects of rice grown in fly ash amended soils. Rice was grown on soils with fly ash (200 t ha−1) and without fly ash at two different geographical locations of India.

RESULTS: One kilogram each of 36 samples randomly collected from three replicates of rice grown with and without fly ash was subjected to various analytical techniques to determine the nutrient composition, mineral and heavy metal content. Moisture, protein and ash content of the rice samples showed no difference between fly ash treated and controls. Similar observations were also made on trace and heavy elements. Further, the rice grown on soils treated with fly ash was incorporated in the diet at 90% level and was fed to Wistar/NIN rats for 26 weeks for carrying out protein and toxicological evaluation.

CONCLUSION: Results indicated that there is no difference between rice samples grown in soils with or without fly ash. Studies also clearly indicated that there were no adverse effects on hematological, biochemical or histopathological parameters when rice was fed to rats for 6 months. This indicates that rice grown on fly ash treated soils may be safe for human consumption. Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Alleviation of chilling injury in postharvest tomato fruit by preconditioning with ultraviolet irradiation
Authors: Liu Changhong , Jahangir Muhammad Muzammil , Ying Tiejin
Published: May 2012

BACKGROUND: Tomato fruit is usually stored at low temperatures for delayed ripening and extended shelf life. However, tomato fruit is susceptible to chilling injury when exposed to low temperatures. In this study, the potential effects of preconditioning with UV‐C or UV‐B irradiation on chilling injury of postharvest tomato fruit were investigated.

RESULTS: Mature–green tomato fruit were exposed to 4 kJ m−2 UV‐C or 20 kJ m−2 UV‐B irradiation and stored for 20 days at 2 °C and subsequently 10 days at 20 °C. UV irradiation was effective in reducing chilling injury index and delaying ethylene peak. Furthermore, UV irradiation preserved storage quality as manifested by reduced weight loss, better retention of firmness, and higher contents of total soluble solids, soluble protein and soluble sugar during subsequent storage at 20 °C. UV‐C irradiation significantly delayed the development of the red colour after 10 days of storage at 20 °C. On the other hand, UV irradiation decreased total phenolics content and antioxidant capacity, suggesting possibly reduced stress response to low temperature resulted from enhanced physiological adaptation by UV preconditioning.

CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that preconditioning with UV‐C or UV‐B irradiation in appropriate doses had a positive effect on alleviating chilling injury in postharvest tomato fruit. Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry