bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Novel actin rings within the secretory cells of honeybee royal jelly glands
Authors: Kheyri Homayoun , Cribb Bronwen W. , Reinhard Judith , Claudianos Charles , Merritt David J.
Published: August 2012

We describe a novel cytoskeletal element within secretory cells of an arthropod gland system, the hypopharyngeal gland of the honeybee, Apis mellifera. The hypopharyngeal secretory cells are the source of royal jelly in nurse bees and enzymes in foragers. Each cell possesses an elongate invagination that is occupied by a tubular cuticular structure, the end‐apparatus, that accumulates secretion and transfers it into a cuticular microtube and then into a collecting duct. Within the secretory cell, a conspicuous series of actin rings, about 3 μm in diameter, follows the same path as the end‐apparatus, surrounding it at spaced intervals. Transmission electron microscopy confirmed that the actin rings lie within septa of the secretory cell that are closely juxtaposed to the end‐apparatus at regularly spaced intervals. We speculate that the function of the actin rings is to hold the end apparatus in place as secretion swells the extracellular compartments between the end apparatus and the cell membrane. To our knowledge, no such cytoskeletal component has been described in animal cells. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc
A fairness adaptive TDMA scheduling algorithm for wireless sensor networks with unreliable links
Authors: Wang Zhiqi , Yu Fengqi , Tian Jian , Zhang Zusheng
Published: August 2012

Wireless sensor networks consist of a large number of wireless sensor nodes that organize themselves into multihop radio networks. With different link quality, different distance to the sink, nodes in a network are not treated equally, especially in a network with high traffic. In this paper, we propose a fairness adaptive time division multiple access scheduling algorithm (FATS) considering the fairness of network resource allocation. This algorithm, combining several heuristic algorithms, can assign network resources to the nodes to lead to maximizing the minimum end‐to‐end packet delivery success ratio. Because the wireless link is usually time‐varying, this algorithm can also assign the time slots to the nodes adaptively and energy‐efficiently according to the variation of link quality. We define several criteria for the slot assignment and adjustment. The change in slot assignment can be finished quickly during normal packet transmission, which causes little affect to the network. Meanwhile, considering the required data rate, FATS can achieve the maximum transmission capacity of the network with specified static or dynamic reliability. The simulation results show that the FATS can significantly reduce the difference of the end‐to‐end packet delivery ratio, track the variation of link quality quickly, and achieve the fairness of resource allocation.Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Jointly optimizing sensing time and resource allocation in multichannel cognitive radio networks
Authors: Li Li , Xu Changqing , He Jian
Published: August 2012

Spectrum sensing is a key technique for determining the spectrum available in cognitive radio (CR) networks. In this paper, we study how to jointly optimize sensing time and resource allocation to maximize the sum transmission rate of all CR users of a multichannel CR network. We take into consideration the transmission power and interference constraints to protect primary users from harmful interference, as well as constraints of detection probability and false alarm probability. Under these constraints, we propose an asymptotically optimal resource allocation algorithm. The optimal sensing time can be obtained using the traditional one‐dimensional exhaustive search. However, owing to the high complexity of searching for the sensing time, we propose a simplified method to get the optimal sensing time under the assumption that false alarm probability is small. Simulation results show that the simplified method can obtain the optimal sensing time efficiently under strict constraint of false alarm probability. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A bandwidth allocation algorithm with channel quality and QoS aware for IEEE 802.16 base stations
Authors: Yeh Yi‐Hsuan , Lai Yuan‐Cheng , Chen Yen‐Hung , Lai Ching‐Neng
Published: August 2012

Subscriber stations located in different places encounter various interferences in an IEEE 802.16 network, resulting in that their communication channels experience varying channel conditions. Thus, an excellent bandwidth allocation algorithm should not only satisfy various QoS required by heterogeneous traffic, but also consider the channel quality to maximize bandwidth utilization. In this paper, a bandwidth allocation algorithm with channel quality awareness and QoS guarantee, called CQQ, is proposed. CQQ not only satisfies each connection's QoS requirement, but also dynamically adjusts the downlink/uplink bandwidth to match current downlink/uplink traffic ratio. CQQ allocates more bandwidth to the connections having better channel quality by applying weighted fair queuing strategy to raise the bandwidth usage. CQQ provides lower delay violation ratio and higher goodput than the previous algorithms, as observed from the simulation results. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Recurrent subcutaneous emphysema as a consequence of bulimia nervosa
Authors: McCurdy John M. , McKenzie Courtney E. , El‐Mallakh Rif S.
Published: August 2012

Objective:

Pneumomediastinum is a rare complica‐tion of increased intrathoracic pressure. It is more likely to occur in individuals with nutritional deficiencies. Pneumomediastinum has been reported in some individuals with anorexia nervosa.

Method:

Case report.

Results:

Recurrent subcutaneous emphysema is probably secondary to recurrent pneumomediastinum in a woman with bulimia nervosa.

Discussion:

It is believed that increased intrathoracic pressure and nutritional deficiency associated with repeated induced vomiting contributed to this complication. This is the only case of recurrent subcutaneous emphysema. While in this case, and in most cases, the course was benign with eventual reabsorption of the subcutaneous air, pneumomediastinum can be a life‐threatening complication of bulimia nervosa. © 2012 by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. (Int J Eat Disord 2013)
Three‐Component, One‐Pot Sequential Synthesis of Tetracyclic Pyrido[2′,1′:2,3]imidazo[5,1‐a]isoquinolinium Compounds as Potent Anticancer Agents
Authors: Zhou Huayong , Wang Wei , Khorev Oleg , Zhang Yongliang , Miao Zehong , Meng Tao , Shen Jingkang
Published: August 2012

A new practical method for the synthesis of tetracyclic pyrido[2′,1′:2,3]imidazo[5,1‐a]isoquinolinium compounds by a Yb(OTf)3/AgOTf‐catalyzed (Tf = triflate) three‐component domino reaction was developed. Significantly, the strategy presents a straightforward and efficient approach to constructing a series of compounds with potent cytotoxic activities.
Discovery of a Robust and Efficient Homogeneous Silver(I) Catalyst for the Cycloaddition of Azides onto Terminal Alkynes
Authors: McNulty James , Keskar Kunal
Published: August 2012

A highly efficient, chemically stable, and well‐defined homogeneous silver(I) catalyst is reported for the cycloaddition of azides onto terminal alkynes (Ag‐AAC reaction). The Ag‐AAC reaction occurs at room temperature or with heating to deliver exclusively the corresponding 1,4‐triazole. A pronounced ligand effect was discovered through systematic modification to the ligand structure resulting in the discovery of a chemically stable active catalyst for this reaction.
Simultaneous determination of lappaconitine hydrobromide and isopropiram fumarate in rabbit plasma by capillary electrophoresis with electrochemiluminescence detection
Authors: Zhou Min , Li Yujie , Liu Caiyun , Ma Yongjun , Mi Juan , Wang Shulun
Published: August 2012

A CE electrochemiluminescence (CE–ECL) method for simultaneous determination of lappaconitine hydrobromide (LH) and isopropiram fumarate (IF) has been first established, with a chemically modified platinum electrode by europium (III)‐doped Prussian blue analogue film as a working electrode. The conditions for CE separation and ECL detection are discussed and optimized in detail. It has been proved that 20 mmol/L phosphate buffer (pH 8.5) containing 5% (v/v) ACN and 0.17 mol/L SDS could achieve the most favorable resolution, and the high sensitivity of detection was obtained by maintaining the detection potential at 1.23 V. Under optimized conditions, a baseline separation for the two analytes was achieved within 6 min, and the standard curves were linear in the range of 1.0×10−7 ∼ 5.0 × 10−5 g/mL for LH and 4.0 × 10−8 ∼ 1.0 × 10−5 g/mL for IF with the detection limits (3σ) of 6.6 × 10−8 g/mL for LH and 3.7 × 10−8 g/mL for IF, respectively. The precisions of intra‐ and interday measurements for LH and IF were less than 4.21 and 2.61%, respectively. The applicability of the proposed method was illustrated in the determination of LH and IF in rabbit plasma with recoveries between 95.6 and 103.0%.
Dielectrophoretic placement of quasi‐zero‐, one‐, and two‐dimensional nanomaterials into nanogap for electrical characterizations
Authors: Lin Yen‐Fu , Chiu Shao‐Chien , Wang Sheng‐Tsung , Fu Sheng‐Kai , Chen Chien‐Hsiang , Xie Wen‐Jia , Yang Sheng‐Hsiung , Hsu Chain‐Shu , Chen Jenn‐Fang , Zhou Xufeng , Liu Zhaoping , Fang Jiye , Jian Wen‐Bin
Published: August 2012

DEP is one of promising techniques for positioning nanomaterials into the desirable location for nanoelectronic applications. In contrast, the lithography technique is commonly used to make ultra‐thin conducting wires and narrow gaps but, due to the limit of patterning resolution, it is not feasible to make electrical contacts on ultra‐small nanomaterials for a bottom‐up device fabrication. Thus, integrating the lithography and dielectrophoresis, a real bottom‐up fabrication can be achieved. In this work, the device with the nanogap in between two nanofinger‐electrodes is made using electron‐beam lithography from top down and the ultra‐small nanomaterials, such as colloidalPbSe quantum dots, polyaniline nanofibers, and reduced‐graphene‐oxide flakes, are placed in the nanogap byDEPfrom bottom up. The threshold electric field for theDEPplacement ofPbSe nanocrystals was roughly estimated to be about 8.3 × 104V/cm under our experimental configuration. After theDEPprocess, several procedures for reducing contact resistances are attempted and measurements of intrinsic electron transport in versatile nanomaterials are performed. It is experimentally confirmed that electron transport in bothPbSe nanocrystal arrays and polyaniline nanofibers agrees well with Prof.PingSheng's model of granular metallic conduction. In addition, electron transport in reduced‐graphene‐oxide flakes followsMott's 2D variable‐range‐hopping model. This study illustrates an integration of the electron‐beam lithography and theDEPtechniques for a precise manipulation of nanomaterials into electronic circuits for characterization of intrinsic properties.
Nano‐liquid chromatography and capillary electrochromatography hyphenated with mass spectrometry for tryptic digest protein analysis: A comparison
Authors: Fanali Chiara , D'Orazio Giovanni , Fanali Salvatore
Published: August 2012

Nano‐LC and CEC were studied for the separation of cytochrome c tryptic digest. The peptides mixture was analyzed using either a nano‐LC commercial or a laboratory assembled instrumentation coupled with an IT‐ESI‐MS by using a nanospray interface. CEC experiments were carried out with a CE apparatus coupled with the IT‐ESI‐MS through a liquid junction interface. Analytes were separated utilizing C18 silica based stationary phases, of different properties and origin, silica derivatized with cyano groups and C18 monolithic material. The last column, just because the chemical composition (absence of charged/chargeable groups) was tested only using nano‐LC. Best results mainly related to the highest number of peptides separated and column equilibration time were obtained by nano‐LC employing the C18 stationary phase (detection of 20 peptides, coverage of 88%). Similar results were achieved using both commercial and laboratory assembled instrumentation. The use of CEC revealed a higher separation efficiency and shorter analysis time. However, the number of separated peptides were lower than those observed in nano‐LC. In CEC the use of capillaries packed with cyanosilica particles offered better results; however, less satisfactory than those observed in the miniaturized LC technique. Provided the use of the same stationary phase and taking into account the driving forces, the two techniques can be considered complementary, offering different information related to the retention times of the studied peptides.
A new soft lithographic route for the facile fabrication of hydrophilic sandwich microchips
Authors: Li Li , Bi Xiaodong , Yu Jianzhao , Ren Carolyn L. , Liu Zhen
Published: August 2012

Manufacturing materials are an essential element for the fabrication of microfluidic chips. PDMS, the most widely used polymeric material, is associated with apparent disadvantages such as hydrophobic nature, while other materials also suffer from some limitations. In this paper, a new soft lithographic route was proposed for the facile manufacturing of hydrophilic sandwich microchips, using bisphenol A based epoxy acrylate (BABEA) as a new patterning material. The BABEA copolymers are hydrophilic, highly transparent in visible range while highly untransparent when the wavelength is less than 290 nm, and of high replication fidelity. By combining with appropriate monomers, including glycidyl methacrylate, methylmethacrylate, and acrylic acid, the copolymers contain active functional groups, which allows for easy postmodification for desirable functional units. A fabrication procedure was proposed for manufacturing hybrid quartz/BABEA copolymer/quartz microchips. In the procedure, no micromachining equipments, wet etching, or imprinting techniques were involved, making the fabrication approach applicable in ordinary chemistry laboratories. The performance of the prepared microchips was demonstrated in terms of CIEF with UV‐whole channel imaging detection. The hydrophilic microchannel ensures stable focusing while the polymeric middle layer acts as a perfectly aligned optical slit for whole channel UV absorbance detection.
Modeling of a large‐scale magneto‐rheological damper for seismic hazard mitigation. Part I: Passive mode
Authors: Chae Yunbyeong , Ricles James M. , Sause Richard
Published: August 2012

Magneto‐rheological (MR) dampers are a promising device for seismic hazard mitigation because their damping characteristics can be varied adaptively using an appropriate control law. During the last few decades researchers have investigated the behavior of MR dampers and semi‐active control laws associated with these types of dampers for earthquake hazard mitigation. A majority of this research has involved small‐scale MR dampers. To investigate the dynamic behavior of a large‐scale MR damper, characterization tests were conducted at the Lehigh Network for Earthquake Engineering Simulation equipment site on large‐scale MR dampers. A new MR damper model, called the Maxwell Nonlinear Slider (MNS) model, is developed based on the characterization tests and is reported in this paper. The MNS model can independently describe the pre‐yield and post‐yield behavior of an MR damper, which makes it easy to identify the model parameters. The MNS model utilizes Hershel–Bulkley visco‐plasticity to describe the post‐yield non‐Newtonian fluid behavior, that is, shear thinning and thickening behavior, of the MR fluid that occurs in the dampers. The predicted response of a large‐scale damper from the MNS model along with that from existing Bouc–Wen and hyperbolic tangent models, are compared with measured response from various experiments. The comparisons show that the MNS model achieves better accuracy than the existing models in predicting damper response under cyclic loading. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effectiveness of superelastic bars for seismic rehabilitation of clay‐unit masonry walls
Authors: Shrestha Kshitij C. , Araki Yoshikazu , Nagae Takuya , Omori Toshihiro , Sutou Yuji , Kainuma Ryosuke , Ishida Kiyohito
Published: August 2012

This paper presents the results on shaking table tests of half‐scale brick walls performed to investigate the effectiveness of newly developed Cu–Al–Mn superelastic alloy (SEA) bars in retrofitting of historical masonry constructions. Problems associated with conventional steel reinforcing bars lie in degradation of stiffness and strength, or pinching phenomena, under cyclic loading, and presence of large residual cracks in structures during and after intense earthquakes. This paper attempts to resolve the problems by applying newly developed Cu–Al–Mn SEA bars, characterized by large recovery strain, low material cost, and high machinability, as partial replacements for steel bars. Sets of unreinforced, steel reinforced, and SEA‐reinforced specimens are subjected to scaled earthquake excitations in out‐of‐plane direction. Whereas steel‐reinforced specimens showed large residual inclinations, SEA‐reinforced specimens resulted in stable rocking response with slight residual inclinations. Corresponding nonlinear finite element (FE) models are developed to simulate the experimental observations. The FE models are further used to examine the sensitivity of the response with respect to the variations in experimental conditions. Both the experimental and numerical results demonstrate the superiority of Cu–Al–Mn SEA bars to conventional steel reinforcing bars in avoiding pinching phenomena. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
How do aquatic communities respond to contaminants? It depends on the ecological context
Authors: Clements William H. , Hickey Chris W. , Kidd Karen A.
Published: August 2012

Context dependency refers to variation in ecological patterns and processes across environmental or spatiotemporal gradients. Research on context dependency in basic ecology has focused primarily on variation in the relative importance of species interactions (e.g., competition and predation) among communities. In this Focus article, the authors extend this concept to include variation in responses of communities to contaminants and other anthropogenic stressors. Because the structure of communities varies naturally along environmental gradients, their responses to contaminants may also vary. Similar to the way in which aquatic toxicologists assess abiotic factors associated with contaminant bioavailability, observations about context dependency could be used to test hypotheses about ecological mechanisms responsible for differences in sensitivity among communities. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 2012; 31: 1932–1940. © 2012 SETAC
Recovery of photosynthesis and growth rate in green, blue–green, and diatom algae after exposure to atrazine
Authors: Brain Richard A. , Arnie Joshua R. , Porch John R. , Hosmer Alan J.
Published: August 2012

We evaluated the recovery of photosynthesis and growth rate in green (Pseudokirchneriella subcapitata), blue-green (Anabaena flos-aquae), and diatom (Navicula pelliculosa) algae after pulsed exposure to atrazine. Subsequent to a grow-up period of 24 to 72 h to establish requisite cell density for adequate signal strength to measure photosystem II (PSII) quantum yield, algae were exposed to a pulse of atrazine for 48 h followed by a 48-h recovery period in control media. Photosynthesis was measured at 0, 3, 6, 12, 24, and 48 h of the exposure and recovery phases using pulse amplitude modulation fluorometry; growth rate and cell density were also concomitantly measured at these time points. Exposure to atrazine resulted in immediate, but temporary, inhibition of photosynthesis and growth; however, these effects were transient and fully reversible in the tested species of algae. For all three algal species, no statistically significant reductions (p ≤ 0.05) in growth rate or PSII quantum yield were detected at any of the treatment concentrations 48 h after atrazine was removed from the test system. Effects at test levels up to the highest tested exposure levels were consequently determined to be algistatic (reversible). Both biochemically and physiologically, recovery of photosynthesis and growth rate occur immediately, reaching control levels within hours following exposure. Therefore, pulsed exposure profiles of atrazine typically measured in Midwestern U.S. streams are unlikely to result in biologically meaningful changes in primary production given that the effects of atrazine are temporary and fully reversible in species representative of native populations. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 2012; 31: 2572–2581. © 2012 SETAC
Sociodemographic characteristics, clinical factors, and genetic polymorphisms associated with Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Bicalho Maria Aparecida Camargos , Pimenta Fausto Aloísio , Bastos‐Rodrigues Luciana , de Oliveira Hansen Érika , Neves Samara Canguçu , Melo Marina , Rosa Daniela Valadão , de Souza Renan Pedra , de Miranda Débora Marques , de Moraes Edgar Nunes , Romano‐Silva Marco Aurélio , Marco Luiz De
Published: August 2012

Objective

Alzheimer's disease (AD) has a multifactorial etiology involving an interaction of genetic and environmental factors. The Apolipoprotein E ε4 (ApoE ε4) is the single most important genetic risk factor for sporadic AD. Our aim was to study the association between sociodemographic, clinical data and gene polymorphisms in patients with sporadic AD in a heterogeneous genomic Brazilian population with low educational levels.

Methods

We selected 169 sporadic AD patients and 97 controls older than 65 years and compared co‐variables between them: age, years of education, vascular risk factors, genomic ancestry, and functional polymorphisms of ApoE, BDNF, COMT, and 5‐HTTLPR. We also determined the genomic ancestry of all individuals.

Results

The average years of education was significantly smaller in the patient's group (p = 0.003), and they had a history of depression when compared with controls (p < 0.001). The carriers of ApoE ε4 have an earlier onset of the disease (76.9 years) (p = 0.001) than ApoE ε3 (79.5 years) (p = 0.024). Patients with Met allele of Val66Met have a tendency to later onset of disease (p = 0.056). There were no differences in the genomic ancestry between groups.

Conclusion

Low level of education and history of depression were associated with AD. Public policies and intensive observation of old‐age patients with lifetime history of depression, especially APOE ε4 carriers, could improve the well‐being of our population. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Ultrasound‐Assisted Synthesis of 3‐(Arylamino)‐1‐ferrocenylpropan‐1‐ones
Authors: Pejović Anka , Stevanović Dragana , Damljanović Ivan , Vukićević Mirjana , Novaković Sladjana B. , Bogdanović Goran A. , Mihajilov‐Krstev Tatjana , Radulović Niko , Vukićević Rastko D.
Published: August 2012

A successful aza‐Michael addition of arylamines to a conjugated enone, acryloylferrocene, has been achieved by ultrasonic irradiation of the mixture of these reactants and the catalyst, i.e., montmorillonite K‐10. This solvent‐free reaction, yielding ferrocene containing Mannich bases, 3‐(arylamino)‐1‐ferrocenylpropan‐1‐ones, considered as valuable precursors in organic synthesis, has been performed by using a simple ultrasonic cleaner. Among 17 synthesized β‐amino ketones, three were new ones, and these were fully characterized by spectroscopic means. X‐Ray crystallographic analysis of three of these crystalline products enabled the insight into the conformational details of these compounds. All compounds were evaluated for their antibacterial activities against six Gram‐positive and five Gram‐negative strains in a microdilution assay. The observed promising antibacterial activity (with a MIC value of 25 μg/ml (ca. 0.07 μmol/ml) as the best result for almost all tested compounds against Micrococcus flavus) seems not only to be compound but also bacterial species‐specific.
Preparation and Characterization of New C2‐ and C1‐Symmetric Nitrogen, Oxygen, Phosphorous, and Sulfur Derivatives and Analogs of TADDOL. Part II
Authors: Pichota Arkadius , Gramlich Volker , Bichsel Hans‐Ulrich , Styner Thomas , Knöpfel Thomas , Wünsch Ralf , Hintermann Tobias , Schweizer W. Bernd , Beck Albert K. , Seebach Dieter
Published: August 2012

TADDOL (=α,α,α′,α′‐Tetraaryl‐1,3‐dioxolane‐4,5‐dimethanol) and the corresponding dichloride are converted to TADDAMINs (=(4S,5S)‐2,2,N,N′‐tetramethyl‐α,α,α′,α′‐tetraphenyl‐1,3‐dioxolan‐4,5‐dimethanamines) (Scheme 2) and ureas, 12–15, and to TADDOP derivatives with seven‐membered OPO ester rings (Schemes 3 and 4). Cl/P‐Replacement via the MichaelisArbuzov reaction (Scheme 7) on mono‐ and dichlorides, derived from TADDOL, are described. It was not possible to obtain phosphines with the P‐atom attached to the benzhydrylic C‐atom of the TADDOL skeleton (Schemes 6 and 7). The X‐ray crystal structures (Figs. 1 and 2) of ten of the more than 30 new TADDOL derivatives are discussed. Full experimental details are presented.
Plasmablastic haemato‐lymphoid neoplasm with a complex genetic signature of Burkitt lymphoma responding to bortezomib
Authors: Dasanu Constantin A. , Bauer Frank , Codreanu Ion , Padmanabhan Premkumar , Rampurwala Murtuza
Published: August 2012

Plasmablastic lymphoma shares many morphologic features with plasmablastic plasma cell myeloma. The activation of MYC oncogene in these lymphomas may be an important pathogenetic element associated with Epstein–Barr virus infection. We describe herein an elderly man with a plasmablastic lymphoid neoplasm displaying unique morphologic, cytogenetic and clinical features. This case might offer additional insights to the complex but fascinating topic of hybrid haemato‐lymphoid neoplasms such as plasmablastic lymphoma‐myeloma. In addition, the patient responded to the treatment with bortezomib. Newer antimyeloma agents such as bortezomib have shown promise in the treatment of these neoplasms and should further be explored for their therapy. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Hepatic gene expression analysis of mice exposed to raw water from Meiliang Bay, Lake Taihu, China
Authors: Wu Bing , Liu Su , Cheng Shupei , Zhang Yan , Zhang Xuxiang
Published: August 2012

Lake water is a micro‐polluted water system, and characterization of its toxicity remains difficult. Microarray‐based determination of altered gene expression might be an alterative approach. We chose raw water from Meiliang Bay, Lake Taihu, China as the target water. Male mice were exposed to the lake water for 90 days. Total hepatic RNA was applied to interrogate the Affymetrix Mouse Genome 430A 2.0 array. Gene ontology analysis, pathway analysis and gene network analysis were used to identify biological effects of differently expressed genes. The results showed that the expressions of 170 genes were altered. Nine biological processes and nine biological pathways were significantly perturbed (P ≤ 0.01), mainly linked to the regulation of cell processes, DNA repair, chromatin modification, oxidative reduction and carbohydrate metabolism. Important genes, such as Prkca, Pik3r1, Fgfr1 and Zbtb16, were identified by gene network analysis. This study provided excellent insights into early toxicological effects related to raw Lake Taihu water, and illustrated that the toxicogenomic approach might be a useful tool to evaluate potential environmental health effects of raw lake water. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Hybrid nanocomposite films for laser‐activated tissue bonding
Authors: Matteini Paolo , Ratto Fulvio , Rossi Francesca , de Angelis Marella , Cavigli Lucia , Pini Roberto
Published: August 2012

We report new advancements in the biomedical exploitation of plasmonic nanoparticles as an effective platform for the photothermal repair of biological tissue. Chitosan films are loaded with gold nanorods with intense optical absorption in the “therapeutic window” of deepest light penetration through the body, and then activated by near infrared laser excitation to give adhesion with adjacent connective tissues. The adhesion consists of 0.07 mm2 welds of ∼20 kPa tensile strength at the film/tissue interface, which are obtained by administration of pulses with duration in the hundreds of millisecond timescale from a diode laser at ∼130 J cm–2. We investigate the adhesive effect as a function of pulse power and duration and identify an optimal operative window to achieve effective and reproducible welds with minimal detrimental superheating. These results may prove valuable to standardize laser bonding techniques and meet current needs for new knowledge which is urged by the penetration of nanotechnology into biomedical optics. (© 2012 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Disease modification of breast cancer–induced bone remodeling by cannabinoid 2 receptor agonists
Authors: Lozano-Ondoua Alysia N , Hanlon Katherine E , Symons-Liguori Ashley M , Largent-Milnes Tally M , Havelin Josh J , Ferland Henry L , Chandramouli Anupama , Owusu-Ankomah Mabel , Nikolich-Zugich Tijana , Bloom Aaron P , Jimenez-Andrade Juan Miguel , King Tamara , Porreca Frank , Nelson Mark A , Mantyh Patrick W , Vanderah Todd W
Published: August 2012

Most commonly originating from breast malignancies, metastatic bone cancer causes bone destruction and severe pain. Although novel chemotherapeutic agents have increased life expectancy, patients are experiencing higher incidences of fracture, pain, and drug-induced side effects; furthermore, recent findings suggest that patients are severely undertreated for their cancer pain. Strong analgesics, namely opiates, are first-line therapy in alleviating cancer-related pain despite the severe side effects, including enhanced bone destruction with sustained administration. Bone resorption is primarily treated with bisphosphonates, which are associated with highly undesirable side effects, including nephrotoxicity and osteonecrosis of the jaw. In contrast, cannabinoid receptor 2 (CB2) receptor-specific agonists have been shown to reduce bone loss and stimulate bone formation in a model of osteoporosis. CB2 agonists produce analgesia in both inflammatory and neuropathic pain models. Notably, mixed CB1/CB2 agonists also demonstrate a reduction in ErbB2-driven breast cancer progression. Here we demonstrate for the first time that CB2 agonists reduce breast cancer–induced bone pain, bone loss, and breast cancer proliferation via cytokine/chemokine suppression. Studies used the spontaneously-occurring murine mammary cell line (66.1) implanted into the femur intramedullary space; measurements of spontaneous pain, bone loss, and cancer proliferation were made. The systemic administration of a CB2 agonist, JWH015, for 7 days significantly attenuated bone remodeling, assuaged spontaneous pain, and decreased primary tumor burden. CB2-mediated effects in vivo were reversed by concurrent treatment with a CB2 antagonist/inverse agonist but not with a CB1 antagonist/inverse agonist. In vitro, JWH015 reduced cancer cell proliferation and inflammatory mediators that have been shown to promote pain, bone loss, and proliferation. Taken together, these results suggest CB2 agonists as a novel treatment for breast cancer–induced bone pain, in which disease modifications include a reduction in bone loss, suppression of cancer growth, attenuation of severe bone pain, and increased survival without the major side effects of current therapeutic options. © 2013 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research
EPA, an omega‐3 fatty acid, induces apoptosis in human pancreatic cancer cells: Role of ROS accumulation, caspase‐8 activation, and autophagy induction
Authors: Fukui Masayuki , Kang Ki Sung , Okada Kazushi , Zhu Bao Ting
Published: August 2012

In a recent study, we showed that eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), two common omega‐3 fatty acids, can cause ROS accumulation and subsequently induce caspase‐8‐dependent apoptosis in human breast cancer cells (Kang et al. [2010], PLoS ONE 5: e10296). In this study, we showed that the pancreas has a unique ability to accumulate EPA at a level markedly higher than several other tissues analyzed. Based on this finding, we sought to further investigate the anticancer actions of EPA and its analog DHA in human pancreatic cancer cells using both in vitro and in vivo models. EPA and DHA were found to induce ROS accumulation and caspase‐8‐dependent cell death in human pancreatic cancer cells (MIA‐PaCa‐2 and Capan‐2) in vitro. Feeding animals with a diet supplemented with 5% fish oil, which contains high levels of EPA and DHA, also strongly suppresses the growth of MIA‐PaCa‐2 human pancreatic cancer xenografts in athymic nude mice, by inducing oxidative stress and cell death. In addition, we showed that EPA can concomitantly induce autophagy in these cancer cells, and the induction of autophagy diminishes its ability to induce apoptotic cell death. It is therefore suggested that combination of EPA with an autophagy inhibitor may be a useful strategy in increasing the therapeutic effectiveness in pancreatic cancer. J. Cell. Biochem. 114: 192–203, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Identification of lysosomal sialidase NEU1 and plasma membrane sialidase NEU3 in human erythrocytes
Authors: D'Avila Francesca , Tringali Cristina , Papini Nadia , Anastasia Luigi , Croci Gianluigi , Massaccesi Luca , Monti Eugenio , Tettamanti Guido , Venerando Bruno
Published: August 2012

The sialylation level of molecules, sialoglycoproteins and gangliosides, protruding from plasma membranes regulates multiple facets of erythrocyte function, from interaction with endothelium to cell lifespan. Our results demonstrate that: (a) Both sialidases NEU1 and NEU3 are present on erythrocyte plasma membrane; (b) NEU1 is kept on the plasma membrane in absence of the protective protein/cathepsin A (PPCA); (c) NEU1 and NEU3 are retained on the plasma membrane, as peripheral proteins, associated to the external leaflet and released by alkaline treatments; (d) NEU1 and NEU3 are segregated in Triton X‐100 detergent‐resistant membrane domains (DRMs); (e) NEU3 shows activity also at neutral pH; and (f) NEU1 and NEU3 are progressively lost during erythrocyte life. Interestingly, sialidase activity released from erythrocyte membranes after an alkaline treatment preserves its functionality and recognizes sialoglycoproteins and gangliosides. On the other hand, the weak anchorage of sialidases to the plasma membrane and their loss during erythrocyte life could be a tool to preserve the cellular sialic acid content in order to avoid the early ageing of erythrocyte and processes of cell aggregation in the capillaries. J. Cell. Biochem. 114: 204–211, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Mitochondrial accumulation under oxidative stress is due to defects in autophagy
Authors: Luo Cheng , Li Yan , Wang Hui , Feng Zhihui , Li Yuan , Long Jiangang , Liu Jiankang
Published: August 2012

Mitochondrial dynamics maintains normal mitochondrial function by degrading damaged mitochondria and generating newborn mitochondria. The accumulation of damaged mitochondria influences the intracellular environment by promoting mitochondrial dysfunction, and thus initiating a vicious cycle. Oxidative stress induces mitochondrial malfunction, which is involved in many cardiovascular diseases. However, the mechanism of mitochondrial accumulation in cardiac myoblasts remains unclear. We observed mitochondrial dysfunction and an increase in mitochondrial mass under the oxidative conditions produced by tert‐butyl hydroperoxide (tBHP) in cardiac myoblast H9c2 cells. However, in contrast to the increase in mitochondrial mass, mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) decreased, suggesting that enhanced mitochondrial biogenesis may be not the primary cause of the mitochondrial accumulation. Therefore, we investigated changes in a number of proteins involved in autophagy. Beclin1, Atg12–Atg5 conjugate, Atg7 contents decreased but LC3‐II accumulated in tBHP‐treated H9c2 cells. Moreover, the capacity for acid hydrolysis decreased in H9c2 cells. We also demonstrated a decrease in DJ‐1 protein under the oxidative conditions that deregulate mitochondrial dynamics. These results reveal that autophagy became defective under oxidative stress. We therefore suggest that defects in autophagy mediate mitochondrial accumulation under these conditions. J. Cell. Biochem. 114: 212–219, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Macrophages modulate the viability and growth of human mesenchymal stem cells
Authors: Freytes Donald O. , Kang Jung W. , Marcos‐Campos Ivan , Vunjak‐Novakovic Gordana
Published: August 2012

Following myocardial infarction, tissue repair is mediated by the recruitment of monocytes and their subsequent differentiation into macrophages. Recent findings have revealed the dynamic changes in the presence of polarized macrophages with pro‐inflammatory (M1) and anti‐inflammatory (M2) properties during the early (acute) and late (chronic) stages of cardiac ischemia. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) delivered into the injured myocardium as reparative cells are subjected to the effects of polarized macrophages and the inflammatory milieu. The present study investigated how cytokines and polarized macrophages associated with pro‐inflammatory (M1) and anti‐inflammatory (M2) responses affect the survival of MSCs. Human MSCs were studied using an in vitro platform with individual and combined M1 and M2 cytokines: IL‐1β, IL‐6, TNF‐α, and IFN‐γ (for M1), and IL‐10, TGF‐β1, TGF‐β3, and VEGF (for M2). In addition, polarization molecules (M1: LPS and IFN‐γ; M2: IL‐4 and IL‐13) and common chemokines (SDF‐1 and MCP‐1) found during inflammation were also studied. Indirect and direct co‐cultures were conducted using M1 and M2 polarized human THP‐1 monocytes. M2 macrophages and their associated cytokines supported the growth of hMSCs, while M1 macrophages and their associated cytokines inhibited the growth of hMSCs in vitro under certain conditions. These data imply that an anti‐inflammatory (M2) environment is more accommodating to the therapeutic hMSCs than a pro‐inflammatory (M1) environment at specific concentrations. J. Cell. Biochem. 114: 220–229, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Altered mitochondrial functioning induced by preoperative fasting may underlie protection against renal ischemia/reperfusion injury
Authors: Verweij Mariëlle , Sluiter Wim , van den Engel Sandra , Jansen Eugène , IJzermans Jan N.M. , de Bruin Ron W.F.
Published: August 2012

We reported previously that the robust protection against renal ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury in mice by fasting was largely initiated before the induction of renal I/R. In addition, we found that preoperative fasting downregulated the gene expression levels of complexes I, IV, and V of the mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) system, while it did not change those of complexes II and III. Hence, we now investigated the effect of 3 days of fasting on the functioning of renal mitochondria in order to better understand our previous findings. Fasting did not affect mitochondrial density. Surprisingly, fasting significantly increased the protein expression of complex II of the mitochondrial OXPHOS system by 19%. Complex II‐driven state 3 respiratory activity was significantly reduced by fasting (46%), which could be partially attributed to the significant decrease in the enzyme activity of complex II (16%). Fasting significantly inhibited Ca2+‐dependent mitochondrial permeability transition pore opening that is directly linked to protection against renal I/R injury. The inhibition of the mitochondrial permeability transition pore did not involve the expression of the voltage‐dependent anion channel by fasting. In conclusion, 3 days of fasting clearly induces the inhibition of complex II‐driven mitochondrial respiration state 3 in part by decreasing the amount of functional complex II, and inhibits mitochondrial permeability transition pore opening. This might be a relevant sequence of events that could contribute to the protection of the kidney against I/R injury. J. Cell. Biochem. 114: 230–237, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Effectiveness and Feasibility of a Cognitive‐Behavioral Group Intervention for Body Image Disturbance in Women With Eating Disorders
Authors: Bhatnagar Kelly A.C. , Wisniewski Lucene , Solomon Mindy , Heinberg Leslie
Published: August 2012

Objective

The present study investigated the effectiveness and feasibility of a cognitive‐behavioral group intervention for the treatment of body image disturbance in women with eating disorders.

Method

The study used a multiple‐baseline design and enrolled 38 participants with a range of eating disorders. The intervention targeted attitudinal and behavioral components of body image disturbance using psychoeducation, self‐monitoring, systematic desensitization, and cognitive restructuring. Primary outcomes included multidimensional body image assessment (effectiveness) and treatment adherence and satisfaction (feasibility).

Results

Participants undergoing manualized group treatment reported significantly less body image disturbance than participants randomized to a waitlist control condition. However, differences disappeared after both groups had been through intervention. Participants also reported less depression and eating disorder pathology from baseline to posttreatment, however this difference was not considered statistically significant. Feasibility outcomes suggest the intervention was well received and highly acceptable to participants.

Conclusions

Findings emphasize the importance of adding an evidence‐based body image component to standard eating disorder treatment. ©2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Clin. Psychol. 00:1‐13, 2012.
A Survey of the 2010 Quartz Crystal Microbalance Literature
Authors: Speight Robert E. , Cooper Matthew A.
Published: August 2012

In 2010 there has again been an increase in the number of papers published involving piezoelectric acoustic sensors, or quartz crystal microbalances (QCM), when compared to the last period reviewed 2006‐2009. The average number of QCM publications per annum was 124 in the period 2001‐2005, 223 in the period 2006‐9, and 273 in 2010. There are trends towards increasing use of QCM in the study of protein adsorption to surfaces (93% increase), homeostasis (67% increase), protein‐protein interactions (40% increase), and carbohydrates (43% increase). New commercial systems have been released that are driving the uptake of the technology for characterisation of binding specificities, affinities, kinetics and conformational changes associated with a molecular recognition event. This article highlights theoretical and practical aspects of the principals that underpin acoustic analysis, then reviews exemplary papers in key application areas involving small molecular weight ligands, carbohydrates, proteins, nucleic acids, viruses, bacteria, cells, and membrane interfaces. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
FM‐AFM constant height imaging and force curves: high resolution study of DNA‐tip interactions
Authors: Cerreta Andrea , Vobornik Dusan , Di Santo Giovanni , Tobenas Susana , Alonso‐Sarduy Livan , Adamcik Jozef , Dietler Giovanni
Published: August 2012

Interaction of the atomic force microscopy (AFM) tip with the sample can be invasive for soft samples. Frequency Modulation (FM) AFM is gentler because it allows scanning in the non‐contact regime where only attractive forces exist between the tip and the sample, and there is no sample compression. Recently, FM‐AFM was used to resolve the atomic structure of single molecules of pentacene and of carbon nanotubes. We are testing similar FM‐AFM‐based approaches to study biological samples. We present FM‐AFM experiments on dsDNA deposited on 3‐aminopropyltriethoxysilane modified mica in ultra high vacuum. With flexible samples such as DNA, the substrate flatness is a sub‐molecular resolution limiting factor. Non‐contact topographic images of DNA show variations that have the periodicity of the right handed helix of B‐form DNA – this is an unexpected result as dehydrated DNA is thought to assume the A‐form structure. Frequency shift maps at constant height allow working in the non‐monotonic frequency shift range, show a rich contrast that changes significantly with the tip‐sample separation, and show 0.2 to 0.4 nm size details on DNA. Frequency shift versus distance curves acquired on DNA molecules and converted in force curves show that for small molecules (height < 2.5 nm), there is a contribution to the interaction force from the substrate when the tip is on top of the molecules. Our data shine a new light on dehydrated and adsorbed DNA behavior. They show a longer tip‐sample interaction distance. These experiments may have an impact on nanotechnological DNA applications in non‐physiological environments such as DNA based nanoelectronics and nanotemplating. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cardiac imaging techniques for physicians: Late enhancement
Authors: Kellman Peter , Arai Andrew E.
Published: August 2012

Late enhancement imaging is used to diagnose and characterize a wide range of ischemic and nonischemic cardiomyopathies, and its use has become ubiquitous in the cardiac MR exam. As the use of late enhancement imaging has matured and the span of applications has widened, the demands on image quality have grown. The characterization of subendocardial MI now includes the accurate quantification of scar size, shape, and characterization of borders which have been shown to have prognostic significance. More diverse patterns of late enhancement including patchy, mid‐wall, subepicardial, or diffuse enhancement are of interest in diagnosing nonischemic cardiomyopathies. As clinicians are examining late enhancement images for more subtle indication of fibrosis, the demand for lower artifacts has increased. A range of new techniques have emerged to improve the speed and quality of late enhancement imaging including: methods for acquisition during free breathing, and fat water separated imaging for characterizing fibrofatty infiltration and reduction of artifacts related to the presence of fat. Methods for quantification of T1 and extracellular volume fraction are emerging to tackle the issue of discriminating globally diffuse fibrosis from normal healthy tissue which is challenging using conventional late enhancement methods. The aim of this review will be to describe the current state of the art and to provide a guide to various clinical protocols that are commonly used. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2012;36:529–542. Published 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Computational approach to structural identification of phospholipids using raw mass spectra from nanoflow liquid chromatography–electrospray ionization–tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Lim Sangsoo , Byeon Seul Kee , Lee Ju Yong , Moon Myeong Hee
Published: August 2012

A qualitative analysis tool (LiPilot) for identifying phospholipids (PLs), including lysophospholipids (LPLs), from biological mixtures is introduced. The developed algorithm utilizes raw data obtained from nanoflow liquid chromatography–electrospray ionization–tandem mass spectrometry experiments of lipid mixture samples including retention time and m/z values of precursor and fragment ions from data‐dependent, collision‐induced dissociation. Library files based on typical fragmentation patterns of PLs generated with an LTQ‐Velos ion trap mass spectrometer are used to identify PL or LPL species by comparing experimental fragment ions with typical fragment ions in the library file. Identification is aided by calculating a confidence score developed in our laboratory to maximize identification efficiency. Analysis includes the influence of total ion intensities of matched and unmatched fragment ions, the difference in m/z values between observed and theoretical fragment ions, and a weighting factor used to differentiate regioisomers through data filtration. The present study focused on targeted identification of particular PL classes. The identification software was evaluated using a mixture of 24 PL and LPL standards. The software was further tested with a human urinary PL mixture sample, with 93 PLs and 22 LPLs identified. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.