bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Improvement of β‐cell function after achievement of optimal glycaemic control via long‐term continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion therapy in non‐newly diagnosed type 2 diabetic patients with suboptimal glycaemic control
Authors: Choi Soo‐Bong , Lee Jun‐Ho , Lee Ju‐Han , Kim Seonguk , Han Sang‐Don , Kim Ick‐Hee , Noh Yun‐Hee
Published: April 2013

Background

Achieving euglycaemia by continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) therapy alone has been shown to restore β‐cell function in patients with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes. However, the efficacy has not been evaluated in patients with non‐newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes and suboptimal glycaemic control.

Methods

Of the 1220 patients with type 2 diabetes who began CSII therapy from March 2000 to March 2007, we retrospectively selected patients using the following inclusion criteria: glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1c) ≥ 7.0%, diabetes duration ≥ 1 year before CSII therapy, and duration of CSII therapy ≥ 6 months. We evaluated sequential changes in HbA1c and serum C‐peptide levels measured at a 6‐ to 12‐month intervals during CSII therapy.

Results

In the 521 subjects included in this study [median diabetes duration 10 years; interquartile range (IQR) 6.0–17.0; CSII therapy ≤30 months], median HbA1c decreased from 8.7% (IQR 7.7–10.0) at baseline to 6.3% (IQR 5.9–6.9) after 6 months of CSII therapy (p < 0.0001). During the subsequent 24 months, median HbA1c levels were maintained between 6.3% and 6.5% (p < 0.0001 for all time points vs baseline). At 12 months after CSII therapy, median C‐peptide levels began to increase compared with baseline (fasting level 23% increase, p < 0.0001; 2‐h postprandial level 26% increase, p = 0.022), and the increase was maintained at 30 months (fasting level 39%; 2‐h postprandial level 53%; p < 0.0001 for all vs baseline).

Conclusions

β‐Cell function was significantly improved in patients with non‐newly diagnosed and suboptimally controlled type 2 diabetes after achieving and maintaining optimal glycaemic control with long‐term CSII therapy alone. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Improved adjuvanting of seasonal influenza vaccines: Preclinical studies of MVA‐NP+M1 coadministration with inactivated influenza vaccine
Authors: Mullarkey Caitlin E. , Boyd Amy , van Laarhoven Arjan , Lefevre Eric A. , Veronica Carr B. , Baratelli Massimiliano , Molesti Eleonora , Temperton Nigel J. , Butter Colin , Charleston Bryan , Lambe Teresa , Gilbert Sarah C.
Published: April 2013

Licensed seasonal influenza vaccines induce antibody (Ab) responses against influenza hemagglutinin (HA) that are limited in their ability to protect against different strains of influenza. Cytotoxic T lymphocytes recognizing the conserved internal nucleoprotein (NP) and matrix protein (M1) are capable of mediating a cross‐subtype immune response against influenza. Modified vaccinia Ankara (MVA) virus encoding NP and M1 (MVA‐NP+M1) is designed to boost preexisting T‐cell responses in adults in order to elicit a cross‐protective immune response. We examined the coadministration of HA protein formulations and candidate MVA‐NP+M1 influenza vaccines in murine, avian, and swine models. Ab responses postimmunization were measured by ELISA and pseudotype neutralization assays. Here, we demonstrate that MVA‐NP+M1 can act as an adjuvant enhancing Ab responses to HA while simultaneously inducing potent T‐cell responses to conserved internal Ags. We show that this regimen leads to the induction of cytophilic Ab isotypes that are capable of inhibiting hemagglutination and in the context of H5 exhibit cross‐clade neutralization. The simultaneous induction of T cells and Ab responses has the potential to improve seasonal vaccine performance and could be employed in pandemic situations.
An evolutionarily conserved mutual interdependence between Aire and microRNAs in promiscuous gene expression
Authors: Ucar Olga , Tykocinski Lars‐Oliver , Dooley James , Liston Adrian , Kyewski Bruno
Published: April 2013

The establishment and maintenance of central tolerance depends to a large extent on the ability of medullary thymic epithelial cells to express a variety of tissue‐restricted antigens, the so‐called promiscuous gene expression (pGE). Autoimmune regulator (Aire) is to date the best characterised transcriptional regulator known to at least partially coordinate pGE. There is accruing evidence that the expression of Aire‐dependent and ‐independent genes is modulated by higher order chromatin configuration, epigenetic modifications and post‐transcriptional control. Given the involvement of microRNAs (miRNAs) as potent post‐transcriptional modulators of gene expression, we investigated their role in the regulation of pGE in purified mouse and human thymic epithelial cells (TECs). Microarray profiling of TEC subpopulations revealed evolutionarily conserved cell type and differentiation‐specific miRNA signatures with a subset of miRNAs being significantly upregulated during terminal medullary thymic epithelial cell differentiation. The differential regulation of this subset of miRNAs was correlated with Aire expression and some of these miRNAs were misexpressed in the Aire knockout thymus. In turn, the specific absence of miRNAs in TECs resulted in a progressive reduction of Aire expression and pGE, affecting both Aire‐dependent and ‐independent genes. In contrast, the absence of miR‐29a only affected the Aire‐dependent gene pool. These findings reveal a mutual interdependence of miRNA and Aire.
Therapeutical potential of a peptide mimicking the SOCS1 kinase inhibitory region in skin immune responses
Authors: Madonna Stefania , Scarponi Claudia , Doti Nunzianna , Carbone Teresa , Cavani Andrea , Scognamiglio Pasqualina Liana , Marasco Daniela , Albanesi Cristina
Published: April 2013

IFN‐γ‐activated keratinocytes are key contributors to the pathogenetic mechanisms leading to type‐1 immune‐mediated skin disorders. In these epidermal cells, SOCS1 negatively regulates the molecular cascades triggered by IFN‐γ by disabling JAK2 phosphorylation through its kinase inhibitory region (KIR). Aimed at potentiating the SOCS1 inhibitory function on JAK2/STAT1 axis in keratinocytes, we recently developed a set of peptides mimicking the SOCS1 KIR domain, which are capable of efficiently binding JAK2 in vitro. Here, the effects of one such SOCS1 KIR mimetic named PS‐5 on IFN‐γ‐activated human keratinocytes were evaluated. We found that IFN‐γ‐activated keratinocytes treated with PS‐5 exhibited impaired JAK2, IFN‐γRα, and STAT1 phosphorylation. We also observed reduced levels of the IRF‐1 transcription factor, and a strong reduction in ICAM‐1, HLA‐DR, CXCL10, and CCL2 inflammatory gene expression. ICAM‐1 reduced expression resulted in an impaired adhesiveness of T lymphocytes to autologous keratinocytes. Consistently, the migration of T cells toward supernatants from PS‐5‐treated keratinocytes was drastically reduced. Finally, PS‐5 treatment hampered STAT1 activation and the expression of STAT1‐dependent inflammatory genes in IFN‐γ‐treated explants of human skin. These data collectively indicate that PS‐5 has an important therapeutic potential in the treatment of type‐1 immune‐mediated skin diseases.
Evanescent‐wave particle velocimetry measurements of zeta‐potentials in fused‐silica microchannels
Authors: Cevheri Necmettin , Yoda Minami
Published: April 2013

The wall ζ‐potential ζw, the potential at the shear plane of the electric double layer, depends on the properties of the BGE solution such as the valence and type of electrolyte, the pH and the ionic strength. Most of the methods estimate ζw from measurements of the EOF velocity magnitude ueo, usually spatially averaged over the entire capillary. In these initial studies, evanescent‐wave particle velocimetry was used to measure ueo in steady EOF for a variety of monovalent aqueous solutions to evaluate the effect of small amounts of divalent cations, as well as the pH and ionic strength of BGE solutions. In brief, the magnitude of the EOF velocity of NaCl‐NaOH and borate buffer‐NaOH solutions was estimated from the measured velocities of radius α = 104 nm fluorescent polystyrene particles in 33 μm fused‐silica microchannels. The particle ζ‐potentials were measured separately using laser‐Doppler micro‐electrophoresis; ζw was then determined from ueo. The results suggest that evanescent‐wave particle velocimetry can be used to estimate ζw for a variety of BGE solutions, and that it can be used in the future to estimate local wall ζ‐potential, and hence spatial variations in ζw.
Preventing the mixed detergent micelle effect in two‐dimensional electrophoresis on Tris‐Tricine gels
Authors: Konečná Hana , Fridrichová Dana , Lochmanová Gabriela , Bárta Jan , Zdráhal Zbyněk
Published: April 2013

Application of Tris‐N‐[Tris(hydroxymethyl)methyl]glycine gels for 2DE is hampered by formation of mixed CHAPS–SDS micelles resulting in typical swirling pattern in the low mass range, which makes reliable quantitative and qualitative gel evaluation impossible. Modification of 2DE strip equilibration procedure prevented the direct interaction between both detergents during equilibration process, thus substantially improving gel separation.
Cell response of nanographene platelets to human osteoblast‐like MG63 cells
Authors: Zhang X. , Li M. , Wang Y. B. , Cheng Y. , Zheng Y. F. , Xi T. F. , Wei S. C.
Published: April 2013

The biologic/cytotoxic effects of dispersed nanographene platelets (NGPs) on human osteosarcoma cells (MG63 cell line) were first studied by examining cell viability, cycle, apoptosis, change in morphology, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, and inflammation. The results shown that the cell cytotoxicity of the dispersed NGPs exhibited dose‐dependent characters, which had no obvious cytotoxic effects to MG63 cells at the concentration less than 10 μg mL−1, whereas could postpone cell cycle, promote cell apoptosis, damage cell microstructure, induce serious tumor necrosis factor‐α expression and greatly reduce ALP activity of MG63 cells at higher concentration of NGPs (>10 µg mL−1). Besides, NGPs had little influence on the LDH leakage. The cytotoxic mechanism of NGPs to MG63 cells was speculated to be intracellular activity with no physical damage of plasma membrane. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 102A: 732–742, 2014.
Influence of substrate metal alloy type on the properties of hydroxyapatite coatings deposited using a novel ambient temperature deposition technique
Authors: Barry J. N. , Cowley A. , McNally P. J. , Dowling D. P.
Published: April 2013

Hydroxyapatite (HA) coatings are applied widely to enhance the level of osteointegration onto orthopedic implants. Atmospheric plasma spray (APS) is typically used for the deposition of these coatings; however, HA crystalline changes regularly occur during this high‐thermal process. This article reports on the evaluation of a novel low‐temperature (<47°C) HA deposition technique, called CoBlast, for the application of crystalline HA coatings. To‐date, reports on the CoBlast technique have been limited to titanium alloy substrates. This study addresses the suitability of the CoBlast technique for the deposition of HA coatings on a number of alternative metal alloys utilized in the fabrication of orthopedic devices. In addition to titanium grade 5, both cobalt chromium and stainless steel 316 were investigated. In this study, HA coatings were deposited using both the CoBlast and the plasma sprayed techniques, and the resultant HA coating and substrate properties were evaluated and compared. The CoBlast‐deposited HA coatings were found to present similar surface morphologies, interfacial properties, and composition irrespective of the substrate alloy type. Coating thickness however displayed some variation with the substrate alloy, ranging from 2.0 to 3.0 μm. This perhaps is associated with the electronegativity of the metal alloys. The APS‐treated samples exhibited evidence of both coating, and significantly, substrate phase alterations for two metal alloys; titanium grade 5 and cobalt chrome. Conversely, the CoBlast‐processed samples exhibited no phase changes in the substrates after depositions. The APS alterations were attributed to the brief, but high‐intensity temperatures experienced during processing. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 102A: 871–879, 2014.
Osteodifferentiation of mesenchymal stem cells on chitosan/hydroxyapatite composite films
Authors: Yang Julin , Liu Aiming , Han Yuanyuan , Li Qingning , Tian Jinhuan , Zhou Changren
Published: April 2013

Chitosan (Ch) is one of the most commonly used natural biomaterials. Osteodifferentiation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) on Ch has drawn extensive interest. Hydroxyapatite (HA) is a component of skeleton and teeth with good biocompatibility. Combination with HA may be a good method to modify Ch to facilitate cellular behaviors and functions on it. In this study, Ch/HA film was prepared and characterized. Its potential to benefit cellular behaviors and osteodifferentiation of MSCs was evaluated. Resultantly, physical properties of composite Ch/HA, including water‐in‐air contact angle, tensile strength, elastic modulus, and breaking elongation were favorably modified. In cellular culture medium, Ch/HA films absorbed more Ca2+ than Ch films, and more HA crystalline growths on Ch/HA films. 3‐(4,5‐Dimethythiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyl tetrazolium bromide assay and morphological features showed better proliferation and adhesion of MSCs on Ch/HA films. Osteodifferentiation of MSCs on Ch/HA was promoted, indicated by modified transcription level of osteocalcin, osteopontin, collagen I, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and induced ALP activity. These data suggest biocompatibility of Ch is modified after being blended with HA, which promotes osteodifferentiation of MSCs. This can be a promising approach to modify Ch for its applications in bone tissue engineering. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 102A: 1202–1209, 2014.
‐Relative Difference Sets and Their Representations
Authors: Zhou Yue
Published: April 2013

We show that every ‐relative difference set D in relative to can be represented by a polynomial , where is a permutation for each nonzero a. We call such an f a planar function on . The projective plane Π obtained from D in the way of M. J. Ganley and E. Spence (J Combin Theory Ser A, 19(2) (1975), 134–153) is coordinatized, and we obtain necessary and sufficient conditions of Π to be a presemifield plane. We also prove that a function f on with exactly two elements in its image set and is planar, if and only if, for any .
Helping Vulnerable Populations: A Comprehensive Review of the Treatment Outcome Literature on Substance Use Disorder and PTSD
Authors: Najavits Lisa M. , Hien Denise
Published: April 2013

We review treatment studies for comorbid substance use disorder (SUD) and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Results show positive outcomes on multiple domains. Most models had more effect on PTSD than SUD, suggesting SUD is harder to treat. Seeking Safety (SS) is the most studied model. It shows positive outcomes, and is the only treatment outperforming a control on both PTSD and SUD. Partial‐dose SS had more mixed results than the full dose. This first‐generation of PTSD/SUD research addresses complex samples excluded from “gold standard” PTSD‐alone literature. Treatments for PTSD/SUD are generally longer than PTSD‐alone treatments and present‐focused, emphasizing stabilization and coping. The few models with past‐focused (exposure‐based) components also incorporated present‐focused approaches for these vulnerable clients. We discuss public health perspectives to advance the field.
Rapid detection and quantitation of ganciclovir resistance in cytomegalovirus quasispecies
Authors: Ruiz‐Carrascoso Guillermo , Romero‐Gómez María Pilar , Plaza Diego , Mingorance Jesús
Published: April 2013

Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) may cause severe or fatal disease among immunocompromised patients. The first line prophylaxis and systemic HCMV disease therapy is ganciclovir (GCV). The presence of GCV‐resistant virus has been linked to fatal HCMV disease. The implementation of rapid and sensitive techniques for the early detection and monitoring of GCV‐resistance may be helpful to support antiviral therapy management. A pyrosequencing assay for the detection and quantitation of the most frequent mutations conferring moderate‐ and high‐grade GCV resistance was implemented. The pyrosequencing achieved an analytical sensitivity for adequate interpretation of ≥103 copies/ml. The assay was validated with 18 whole blood samples taken over a 6‐month period from an umbilical cord blood recipient infected persistently with HCMV and allowed the detection and monitoring of the M460I and A594V GCV‐resistant mutations. The percentage of resistant quasispecies ranged from 7.9% to 55.2% for the M460I mutation and from 19.8% to 43% for the A594V mutation. Clearance of the M460I mutation occurred in parallel with a decrease in the HCMV viremia, while the A594V mutation persisted. The pyrosequencing method for detection of GCV is sensitive enough to be used directly on clinical samples for the early identification of resistance mutations and allows the quantitation of resistant and wild type virus quasispecies within hours. The quantitation of minor resistant variants is an important issue to understand their relationship with viral load modification, and potentially anticipate treatment adjustment. J. Med. Virol. 85:1250–1257, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Polystyrene Brushes on Fully Deuterated Organic Nanoparticles by Surface‐Initiated Nitroxide‐Mediated Radical Polymerization
Authors: Mazurowski Markus , Sondergeld Katrin , Elbert Johannes , Kim Chang Jong , Li Junyu , Frielinghaus Henrich , Gallei Markus , Stühn Bernd , Rehahn Matthias
Published: April 2013

The synthesis of polystyrene (PS) brushes on fully deuterated PS nanoparticles by surface‐initiated nitroxide‐mediated radical polymerization (SI‐NMRP) is reported. Due to the high demand of deuterated monomers, an efficient deuteration procedure of suitable and readily available precursors is developed. SI‐NMRP of styrene is improved regarding reaction control, grafting density, and conversion. Insights into the scaling behavior and conformational features of surface‐attached PS chains on deuterated particles are investigated by using dynamic light scattering measurements, proving that polymer brushes are formed. The particles with surface‐attached initiator are shown to be uniform spherical core‐shell particles by small‐angle neutron scattering measurements.

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Free‐Radical Polymerization of N‐Vinylimidazole and Quaternized Vinylimidazole in Aqueous Solution
Authors: Santanakrishnan Sandhya , Hutchinson Robin A.
Published: April 2013

Aqueous‐phase free‐radical batch polymerizations of N‐vinylimidazole (NVI) and quaternized N‐vinylimidazole (QVI) are conducted with varying initial monomer and initiator concentrations at 70 and 85 °C. The polymerization rate of NVI is very slow at the natural pH of 9 due to degradative radical addition to monomer. The rates are increased by lowering the pH, wherein the degradative addition to NVI monomer is partially (at pH 4) and completely (at pH 1) hindered, with the polymerization rate matching that of QVI at pH 1. The initial rates of polymerization for both NVI and QVI are independent of temperature. A kinetic model developed in Predici that includes the pH‐dependent side reactions can reasonably represent both QVI and NVI polymerization.

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Fire properties of silylated α‐zirconium phosphate composites based on polystyrene
Authors: Cai Guipeng , Lu Hongdian , Xu Shaorong , Wang Zhengzhou , Wilkie Charles A.
Published: April 2013

α‐zirconium phosphate (ZrP) (prepared by both reflux and hydrothermal methods) is silylated with chlorotrimethylsilane and characterized by X‐ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy. Polystyrene/silylated‐ZrP composites show higher thermal stability as the ZrP content increases. Cone calorimetry suggests that the reduction of the peak heat release rate of polystyrene (PS)/ZrP composites does not increase as the ZrP loading increases; the aspect ratio of ZrP has little effect in fire performance of PS/ZrP composites. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A method for noninvasive detection of fetal large deletions/duplications by low coverage massively parallel sequencing
Authors: Chen Shengpei , Lau Tze Kin , Zhang Chunlei , Xu Chenming , Xu Zhengfeng , Hu Ping , Xu Jian , Huang Hefeng , Pan Ling , Jiang Fuman , Chen Fang , Pan Xiaoyu , Xie Weiwei , Liu Ping , Li Xuchao , Zhang Lei , Li Songgang , Li Yingrui , Xu Xun , Wang Wei , Wang Jun , Jiang Hui , Zhang Xiuqing
Published: April 2013

Objective

To report the feasibility of fetal chromosomal deletion/duplication detection using a novel bioinformatic method of low coverage whole genome sequencing of maternal plasma.

Method

A practical method Fetal Copy‐number Analysis through Maternal Plasma Sequencing (FCAPS), integrated with GC‐bias correction, binary segmentation algorithm and dynamic threshold strategy, was developed to detect fetal chromosomal deletions/duplications of >10 Mb by low coverage whole genome sequencing (about 0.08‐fold). The sensitivity/specificity of the resultant FCAPS algorithm in detecting deletions/duplications was firstly assessed in silico and then tested in 1311 maternal plasma samples from those with known G‐banding karyotyping results of the fetus.

Results

Deletions/duplications, ranged from 9.01 to 28.46 Mb, were suspected in four of the 1311 samples, of which three were consistent with the results of fetal karyotyping. In one case, the suspected abnormality was not confirmed by karyotyping, representing a false positive case. No false negative case was observed in the remaining 1307 low‐risk samples. The sensitivity and specificity for detection of >10‐Mb chromosomal deletions/duplications were100% and 99.92%, respectively.

Conclusion

Our study demonstrated FCAPS has the potential to detect fetal large deletions/duplications (>10 Mb) with low coverage maternal plasma DNA sequencing currently used for fetal aneuploidy detection. © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Long‐term health and development of children diagnosed prenatally with a de novo apparently balanced chromosomal rearrangement
Authors: Sinnerbrink Ingrid B. , Sherwen Amanda , Meiser Bettina , Halliday Jane , Amor David J. , Waters Elizabeth , Rea Felicity , Evans Elizabeth , Rahman Belinda , Kirk Edwin P.
Published: April 2013

Objective

This study aimed to determine if liveborn children with prenatally detected de novo apparently balanced chromosome rearrangements (ABCR) have more long‐term health, developmental or behavioural concerns compared with children in a normal Australian population.

Methods

This was a retrospective ascertainment of all liveborn children with prenatally detected de novo ABCRs in two Australian states over a 10‐year period (1994–2003). Child health, development and behaviour were assessed by maternal report using standardised measures; educational ability and achievement were measured by direct child assessment. Data were compared with relevant population norms, and one sample t‐test performed to test for statistical differences.

Results

Of 39 eligible cases, 16 (41%) participated in the study. One child (6%) was born with a congenital anomaly, and two children (12.5%) reported a chronic health concern. Compared with population norms, no significant differences were observed with respect to intelligence, mental health, child development and educational ability; children had significantly higher scores indicative of better functioning on bodily pain, social–emotional behaviour and physical functioning. No child satisfied the criteria for having a special health care need.

Conclusion

Children in this study with a prenatally detected de novo ABCR have similar long‐term health, developmental and behavioural outcomes compared with population norms. © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
δ13C and δ2H measurement of methane from ecological and geological sources by gas chromatography/combustion/pyrolysis isotope‐ratio mass spectrometry
Authors: Yarnes Chris
Published: April 2013

RATIONALE

The carbon and hydrogen isotopes of methane are useful in differentiating biological (e.g. wetlands, ruminants, biomass burning) and geological methane sources (e.g. fossil fuels, gas hydrates), as well as quantifying pathways of methanotrophism. Continuous‐flow isotopic measurements of methane present a set of analytical challenges, including sample size restrictions and separation of CH4 from atmosphere, hydrocarbons, and CO2.

METHODS

Small‐scale modifications were made to a commercial trace‐gas preconcentration and sampling unit (Thermo Scientific PreCon‐GasBench) for improved isotopic analysis of methane (δ13C/δ2H) across a range of gas concentrations.

RESULTS

The long‐term reproducibility of δ13C‐CH4 values is less than ±0.2‰ (1σ). The limit‐of‐quantitation of δ13C‐CH4 values is less than 0.8 nmol, conveniently measurable within standard gas sampling vials. A reproducibility of better than ±4‰ (1σ) is regularly achieved for δ2H values from sample sizes greater than 2 nmol. The range of measurement, for both δ13C and δ2H values, is easily extended from ambient concentration (~1.7 ppm‐v) for preconcentrated samples to percent methane concentrations under subsampling.

CONCLUSIONS

The automated measurement of δ13C‐CH4 and δ2H‐CH4 values, from ambient to percentage concentrations, is possible with minimal modifications to a commercial preconcentration/gas chromatography inlet. Sample matrix interferences (CO2, CnHy, air) are eliminated and simultaneous isotopic measurements of methane and CO2 and/or C1‐C4 light hydrocarbons are possible, while still retaining functionality for isotopic measurements of other gas species (e.g. CO2, N2, O2). Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Quantification of the ionization probability during desorption/ionization of oligopeptides induced by neutral cluster impact
Authors: Lee B.‐J. , Baur M. , Gebhardt C. R. , Dürr M.
Published: April 2013

RATIONALE

Desorption‐and‐ionization induced by neutral cluster impact is a soft and matrix‐free method, which leads to the formation of free ions of oligopeptides and smaller proteins without fragmentation. As a prerequisite for its successful application in bioanalytics, especially with respect to sensitivity, the ionization efficiency, i.e., the ion‐to‐neutral ratio of the desorbing molecules, was determined.

METHODS

Neutral SO2 clusters of 103 to 104 molecules in size were seeded in a pulsed He beam and used to desorb and ionize oligopeptides by means of cluster surface impact. The samples were prepared by drop casting a well‐defined amount of substance on the substrate surface; the desorbing ions were identified by means of time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry. Furthermore, the ion current leaving the surface was determined for positive ions, which predominate in the investigated oligopeptides.

RESULTS

For angiotensin II, bradykinin (1‐7), and adrenocorticotropic hormone (34‐39), the number of ions desorbed from the respective samples was compared with the amount of substance applied on the substrate. Assuming that all biomolecules were desorbed during the experiment, the ion‐to‐neutral ratio or ionization efficiency η was determined. For the tested molecules, values of η between 0.5% and 3% were observed; the substrate material and the total amount of substance applied were shown to have a minor effect on the results.

CONCLUSIONS

The ion‐to‐neutral ratio in desorption/ionization of oligopeptides induced by neutral cluster impact was determined to be of the order of 10−3 to 10−2. The soft and matrix‐free nature of the method in combination with this value of η might be interesting for applications in bioanalytics. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Applying Electromagnetic Field Theory to Study the Synergistic Relationships Between Technology Standardization and Technology Development
Authors: Jiang Hong , Zhao Shukuan , Wang Xiangyu , Bi Zhuming
Published: April 2013

Science and technology are the primary drivers of the nations’ economies. Advanced technologies play an irreplaceable role in modern societies, industrial enterprises and public services. Advanced science and technologies make it possible to integrate number of simple systems into a large‐scale complex system, where the behaviours of system components must be highly coordinated and collaborated to achieve optimized system performance of integrated systems. The perquisites of system coordination and collaboration are interoperability and standardization of system components. To meet these requirements, it is of great significance to clarify the interaction mechanism between technology standardization and technology development. In this paper, the characteristics of technology standardization and technology development at different stages are analysed; the synergistic relations between these two factors are elaborated with the consideration of external driving forces. Moreover, the electromagnetic field theory is applied to analogize the interactions and develop a new model for the representation of the dynamic mechanisms of technology standardization and technology development. The reasonableness of the analog of the interactions by the electromagnetic field has been illustrated through theoretical analysis and case studies. Finally, the directions of the study on technology standardization and technology development are discussed. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Surgeons and Surgery from Ancient Persia (5,000 Years of Surgical History)
Authors: Zargaran Arman , Fazelzadeh Afsoon , Mohagheghzadeh Abdolali
Published: April 2013

The development of surgery is indebted to scientists and surgeons from various civilizations throughout history. The present study considers surgery in the ancient Persian civilization. It highlights aspects of the subject, such as findings of the first trephinated skulls in Iran; surgeons’ social class (kareto baēšaza in the Avestan language—dating back 3,000 years); surgical operations such as cesarean section and procedures to treat breast cancer; and the use of anesthetic compounds and surgical practice in the military. It is hoped that this catalogue of historical evidence of surgical practice in ancient Persian civilization will contribute to the history of surgery, as an important field in medical science.
Flow Behavior of Oleic Acid Liposomes in Sucrose Ester Glycolipid Oil‐in‐Water Emulsions
Authors: Chia Si Wai , Misran Misni
Published: April 2013

Liposomes have been used widely as carriers for active ingredients in cosmetics because of their ability to encapsulate both hydrophilic and hydrophobic compounds. In this work, fatty acid liposomes were prepared and introduced into olive oil‐in‐water emulsions stabilized by C14–C18 sucrose ester mixtures at pH 8.5. Light microscopy images of the emulsions showed evidence of the coexistence of oleic acid liposomes with the emulsions. As the alkyl chain length of the sucrose ester increased, the average droplet size decreased, while the zeta potential became more negative. Further decrease in droplet size was observed when borate buffer was added to the aqueous phase. The free fatty acids in the sucrose esters and olive oil are neutralized in borate buffer; consequently, fatty acid salts were produced and served as co‐surfactants. The synergistic stabilization of emulsions by the mixture of sucrose esters and fatty acid salt resulted in higher stability, smaller droplet size, and lower polydispersity. The drastic increase in negative zeta potential was possibly due to the presence of free fatty acid salts in the emulsion systems. The flow curves at steady rate displayed five distinctive regions. The polydispersity of droplets enhanced the shear thickening effect at low shear rates and shear‐banding effect at middle shear rates. Formation of fatty acid salts as co‐surfactants caused the viscosities of the emulsions to increase by an order of magnitude. The presence of oleic acid liposome significantly reduced the viscosities of the emulsion by half an order of magnitude; this decreased viscosity helped enhance better spreadability.
Introducing an instrument to assess time orientation and time relation in adolescents
Authors: Mello Zena R. , Finan Laura J. , Worrell Frank C.
Published: April 2013

We report on two studies that examine new instruments that assess time orientation and time relation in adolescents. These concepts refer to how individuals think about the past, the present, and the future, with time orientation defined as the emphasis one gives toward each time period and time relation defined as the degree one perceives that the time periods are related to one another. Study 1 showed that time orientation predicted academic achievement and self‐esteem and time relation predicted academic achievement and hope. Study 2, which included revised versions of the instruments, replicated most findings and demonstrated that both time orientation and time relation were related to engaging in risky behaviors. As hypothesized, in both studies, there were no gender differences in time orientation or time relation. These instruments provide a new way to assess how adolescents' perceive time and how this relates to their development and behavior.
Economic and Political Hybridity: Patrimonial Capitalism in the Post-Soviet Sphere
Authors: Robinson Neil
Published: April 2013

Hybridity in non-democratic states can be economic as well as political. Economic hybridity is produced by the same kind of pressures that create political hybridity, but the relationship between economic and political hybridity has not been as much studied by political scientists. This article uses the concept of patrimonial capitalism to look at economic hybridity, its stability and relationship to political hybridity. Using examples from Russia and other former Soviet states it argues that economic hybridity is unstable and that it has a potentially negative affect on political stability generally.
Two leucines in the N‐terminal MAPK‐docking site of tomato SlMKK2 are critical for interaction with a downstream MAPK to elicit programmed cell death associated with plant immunity
Authors: Oh Chang-Sik , Hwang JeeNa , Choi Min-Seon , Kang Byoung-Cheorl , Martin Gregory B.
Published: April 2013

Tomato MAPK kinase SlMKK2 is a key protein regulating immunity‐associated programmed cell death (PCD) in plants. We examined the role of the N‐terminal MAPK‐docking site (or D‐site) of SlMKK2 in PCD elicitation. In vivo assays revealed that SlMKK2 interacted with the downstream MAPK SlMPK3 independent of PCD elicitation and two conserved leucines in the D‐site were required for both interaction with SlMPK3 and PCD elicitation. These results demonstrate that two leucines in the D‐site of SlMKK2 play a critical role in regulation of signal transfer to the downstream MAPK by regulating their physical interaction.
HY5 regulates anthocyanin biosynthesis by inducing the transcriptional activation of the MYB75/PAP1 transcription factor in Arabidopsis
Authors: Shin Dong Ho , Choi MyungGoo , Kim Keunhwa , Bang Geul , Cho Misuk , Choi Sang-Bong , Choi Giltsu , Park Youn-Il
Published: April 2013

Several positive transcription factors regulate Arabidopsis anthocyanin biosynthesis. HY5, a component of light‐signaling pathways, and PAP1, an R2R3‐MYB transcription factor, share common regulatory targets on anthocyanin biosynthesis genes. The epistatic interactions between the two transcription factors are currently unknown. To address this problem, we analyzed crosses between hy5 and pap1 mutants (hy5pap1) or pap1D overexpressors (hy5pap1D), performed chromatin immunoprecipitation‐qPCR, and determined the PAP1 promoter region through deletion analysis. The results show that HY5 regulates PAP1 expression via direct binding to G‐ and ACE‐boxes in the promoter region, which suggests bifurcate regulation of anthocyanin biosynthesis by HY5 via transcriptional activation of PAP1.
Quasi-geostrophic shallow-water doubly-connected vortex equilibria and their stability
Authors: Płotka Hanna , Dritschel David G.
Published: April 2013

We examine the form, properties, stability and evolution of doubly-connected (two-vortex) relative equilibria in the single-layer $f$-plane quasi-geostrophic shallow-water model of geophysical fluid dynamics. Three parameters completely describe families of equilibria in this system: the ratio $\gamma = L/ {L}_{D} $ between the horizontal size of the vortices and the Rossby deformation length; the area ratio $\alpha $ of the smaller to the larger vortex; and the minimum distance $\delta $ between the two vortices. We vary $0\lt \gamma \leq 10$ and $0. 1\leq \alpha \leq 1. 0$, determining the boundary of stability $\delta = {\delta }_{c} (\gamma , \alpha )$. We also examine the nonlinear development of the instabilities and the transitions to other near-equilibrium configurations. Two modes of instability occur when $\delta \lt {\delta }_{c} $: a small-$\gamma $ asymmetric (wave 3) mode, which is absent for $\alpha \gtrsim 0. 6$; and a large-$\gamma $ mode. In general, major structural changes take place during the nonlinear evolution of the vortices, which near ${\delta }_{c} $ may be classified as follows: (i) vacillations about equilibrium for $\gamma \gtrsim 2. 5$; (ii) partial straining out, associated with the small-$\gamma $ mode, where either one or both of the vortices get smaller for $\gamma \lesssim 2. 5$ and $\alpha \lesssim 0. 6$; (iii) partial merger, occurring at the transition region between the two modes of instability, where one of the vortices gets bigger, and (iv) complete merger, associated with the large-$\gamma $ mode. We also find that although conservative inviscid transitions to equilibria with the same energy, angular momentum and circulation are possible, they are not the preferred evolutionary path.
Coarsening and solidification via solvent-annealing in thin liquid films
Authors: Yu Tony S. , Bulović Vladimir , Hosoi A. E.
Published: April 2013

We examine solidification in thin liquid films produced by annealing amorphous ${\mathrm{Alq} }_{3} $ (tris-(8-hydroxyquinoline) aluminium) in methanol vapour. Micrographs acquired during annealing capture the evolution of the film: the initially-uniform film breaks up into drops that coarsen, and single crystals of ${\mathrm{Alq} }_{3} $ nucleate randomly on the substrate and grow as slender ‘needles’. The growth of these needles appears to follow power-law behaviour, where the growth exponent, $\gamma $, depends on the thickness of the deposited ${\mathrm{Alq} }_{3} $ film. The evolution of the thin film is modelled by a lubrication equation, and an advection–diffusion equation captures the transport of ${\mathrm{Alq} }_{3} $ and methanol within the film. We define a dimensionless transport parameter, $\alpha $, which is analogous to an inverse Sherwood number and quantifies the relative effects of diffusion- and coarsening-driven advection. For large $\alpha $-values, the model recovers the theory of one-dimensional, diffusion-driven solidification, such that $\gamma \rightarrow 1/ 2$. For low $\alpha $-values, the collapse of drops, i.e. coarsening, drives flow and regulates the growth of needles. Within this regime, we identify two relevant limits: needles that are small compared to the typical drop size, and those that are large. Both scaling analysis and simulations of the full model reveal that $\gamma \rightarrow 2/ 5$ for small needles and $\gamma \rightarrow 0. 29$ for large needles.
Breakfast high in whey protein or carbohydrates improves coping with workload in healthy subjects
Authors: Sihvola Nora , Korpela Riitta , Henelius Andreas , Holm Anu , Huotilainen Minna , Müller Kiti , Poussa Tuija , Pettersson Kati , Turpeinen Anu , Peuhkuri Katri
Published: April 2013

Dietary components may affect brain function and influence behaviour by inducing the synthesis of neurotransmitters. The aim of the present study was to examine the influence of consumption of a whey protein-containing breakfast drink v. a carbohydrate drink v. control on subjective and physiological responses to mental workload in simulated work. In a randomised cross-over design, ten healthy subjects (seven women, median age 26 years, median BMI 23 kg/m2) participated in a single-blinded, placebo-controlled study. The subjects performed demanding work-like tasks after having a breakfast drink high in protein (HP) or high in carbohydrate (HC) or a control drink on separate sessions. Subjective states were assessed using the NASA Task Load Index (NASA-TLX), the Karolinska sleepiness scale (KSS) and the modified Profile of Mood States. Heart rate was recorded during task performance. The ratio of plasma tryptophan (Trp) to the sum of the other large neutral amino acids (LNAA) and salivary cortisol were also analysed. The plasma Trp:LNAA ratio was 30 % higher after the test drinks HP (median 0·13 (μmol/l)/(μmol/l)) and HC (median 0·13 (μmol/l)/(μmol/l)) than after the control drink (median 0·10 (μmol/l)/(μmol/l)). The increase in heart rate was smaller after the HP (median 2·7 beats/min) and HC (median 1·9 beats/min) drinks when compared with the control drink (median 7·2 beats/min) during task performance. Subjective sleepiness was reduced more after the HC drink (median KSS − 1·5) than after the control drink (median KSS − 0·5). There were no significant differences between the breakfast types in the NASA-TLX index, cortisol levels or task performance. We conclude that a breakfast drink high in whey protein or carbohydrates may improve coping with mental tasks in healthy subjects.
Silencing of cytochrome P450 CYP6B6 gene of cotton bollworm (Helicoverpa armigera) by RNAi
Authors: Zhang X. , Liu X. , Ma J. , Zhao J.
Published: April 2013

RNA interference (RNAi) induced through double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) has been used widely to study gene function in insects. In this paper we demonstrate the efficacy of RNAi in the cotton bollworm, Helicoverpa armigera. Using CYP6B6 as the target gene, which is expressed in the fat baby and midgut of the lepidopteran pest H. armigera, we constructed the vector which expressed dsRNA of CYP6B6. Northern blot analysis showed that dsRNA expressed in the Escherichia coli (HT115) was target gene. The results also showed that the gene expression level and protein expression level of H. armigera larvae fed with dsRNA expressed by E. coli were significantly lower than those of all controls, but the gene expression level was more obvious than that at the protein level; significant lethality differences were also found between HT115 bacteria containing L4440-dsC1 treatment and HT115 bacteria containing L4440 vector or CK (ddH2O) in instar larvae on 4 day when continuous feeding, 32.45% mortality was recorded in the group of feeding HT115 bacteria containing L4440-dsC1 on 10 day. Our results suggest that the RNAi pathway can be exploited to control insect pests.
Emotion and Strategy in the Korean War
Authors: Mercer Jonathan
Published: April 2013

What makes a diplomatic or military signal credible? In strategic settings where deception is possible, rational actors' interpretations rely on their beliefs, intuition, and imagination—they rely on emotion. Two properties of emotion—as an assimilation mechanism and its use as evidence—are key to addressing four strategic problems. First, emotion explains why actors worry needlessly about their reputations. Second, emotion is important to understanding costly signals. Third, emotion explains radical changes in preferences. Fourth, emotion sharpens understanding of strategic problems without being self-invalidating: common knowledge of emotion's effects do not always change those effects. Understanding how rational actors think requires turning to emotion. Evidence from the Korean War captures strengths and weaknesses of competing perspectives.
Theorizing Agency in Hobbes's Wake: The Rational Actor, the Self, or the Speaking Subject?
Authors: Epstein Charlotte
Published: April 2013

The rationalist-constructivist divide that runs through the discipline of International Relations (IR) revolves around two figures of agency, the rational actor and the constructivist “self.” In this article I examine the models of agency that implicitly or explicitly underpin the study of international politics. I show how both notions of the rational actor and the constructivist self have remained wedded to individualist understandings of agency that were first incarnated in the discipline's self-understandings by Hobbes's natural individual. Despite its turn to social theory, this persistent individualism has hampered constructivism's ability to appraise the ways in which the actors and structures of international politics mutually constitute one another “all the way down.” My purpose is to lay the foundations for a nonindividualist, adequately relational, social theory of international politics. To this end I propose a third model of agency, Lacan's split speaking subject. Through a Lacanian reading of theLeviathan, I show how the speaking subject has in fact laid buried away in the discipline's Hobbesian legacy all along.
Delayed Ratification: The Domestic Fate of Bilateral Investment Treaties
Authors: Haftel Yoram Z. , Thompson Alexander
Published: April 2013

Some treaties are signed and then ratified quickly while others languish in legal limbo, unratified by one or more parties. What explains this variation in the time between signature and ratification? The international relations literature has not taken the ratification stage seriously enough, despite its obvious importance from a legal and a political perspective. We offer a systematic study of this question in the context of bilateral investment treaties. We develop and test a set of theoretical propositions related to domestic-level constraints on the executive, the varying ability of governments to rationally anticipate ratification obstacles, and the bilateral relationship between treaty partners. We generally find support for these propositions but report some surprising findings as well. The article presents implications for investment agreements and treaty making more generally, and raises a number of issues for further study at the intersection of international politics and law.
A survey of entomopathogenic nematode species in continental Portugal
Authors: Valadas V. , Laranjo M. , Mota M. , Oliveira S.
Published: April 2013

Entomopathogenic nematodes (EPN) are lethal parasites of insects, used as biocontrol agents. The objectives of this work were to survey the presence of EPN in continental Portugal and to characterize the different species. Of the 791 soil samples collected throughout continental Portugal, 53 were positive for EPN. Steinernema feltiae and Heterorhabditis bacteriophora were the two most abundant species. Analysis of EPN geographical distribution revealed an association between nematode species and vegetation type. Heterorhabditis bacteriophora was mostly found in the Alentejo region while S. feltiae was present in land occupied by agriculture with natural vegetation, broadleaved forest, mixed forest and transitional woodland-shrub, agro-forestry areas, complex cultivated patterns and non-irrigated arable land. Although no clear association was found between species and soil type, S. feltiae was typically recovered from cambisols and H. bacteriophora was more abundant in lithosols. Sequencing of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region indicated that S. feltiae was the most abundant species, followed by H. bacteriophora. Steinernema intermedium and S. kraussei were each isolated from one site and Steinernema sp. from two sites. Phylogenetic analyses of ITS, D2D3 expansion region of the 28S rRNA gene, as well as mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COXI) and cytochrome b (cytb) genes, was performed to evaluate the genetic diversity of S. feltiae and H. bacteriophora. No significant genetic diversity was found among H. bacteriophora isolates. However, COXI seems to be the best marker to study genetic diversity of S. feltiae. This survey contributes to the understanding of EPN distribution in Europe.