bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Induction of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell chondrogenesis following short‐term suspension culture
Authors: Kisiday John D. , Lee Christina M. , McIlwraith C. Wayne , Frisbie David D.
Published: July 2010

The objective of this study was to evaluate mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) chondrogenesis following incubation in chondrogenic suspension cultures from which single cells were obtained. MSCs were maintained in suspension over a nonadherent surface for 3 days, dissociated into a suspension, and then evaluated for chondrogenesis in agarose in the presence or absence of transforming growth factor beta (TGFβ). In a second experiment, MSCs from suspension culture were returned to monolayer expansion for 2 days prior to testing for chondrogenesis. In both cases, undifferentiated MSCs were evaluated as controls. Suspension culture alone did not stimulate chondrogenesis. Suspension followed by expansion stimulated a four‐ to ninefold increase in extracellular matrix (ECM) synthesis in TGFβ‐free cultures, a finding that was attributed to an increase in viable MSCs that secreted a proteoglycan‐rich ECM. Gene expression of aggrecan and type II collagen increased with suspension culture, but decreased with postsuspension expansion. Therefore, stimulation of ECM synthesis without additional TGFβ exposure could not be attributed to an enhancement of chondrogenesis with monolayer culture. ECM synthesis of suspension/expansion‐conditioned MSCs without additional TGFβ exposure was less than samples maintained in TGFβ throughout the differentiation culture. Based on these findings, a better understanding of factors associated with early‐stage chondrogenesis and MSC differentiation to a highly active phenotype may lead to improved methods for stimulating chondrogenesis during short‐term culture. © 2010 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 29:26–32, 2011
Interleukin‐17 synergizes with IFNγ or TNFα to promote inflammatory mediator release and intercellular adhesion molecule‐1 (ICAM‐1) expression in human intervertebral disc cells
Authors: Gabr Mostafa A. , Jing Liufang , Helbling Antonia R. , Sinclair S. Michael , Allen Kyle D. , Shamji Mohammed F. , Richardson William J. , Fitch Robert D. , Setton Lori A. , Chen Jun
Published: July 2010

Interleukin‐17 (IL‐17) is a cytokine recently shown to be elevated, along with interferon‐γ (IFNγ) and tumor necrosis factor (TNFα), in degenerated and herniated intervertebral disc (IVD) tissues, suggesting a role for these cytokines in intervertebral disc disease. The objective of our study was to investigate the involvement of IL‐17 and costimulants IFNγ and TNFα in intervertebral disc pathology. Cells were isolated from anulus fibrosus and nucleus pulposus tissues of patients undergoing surgery for intervertebral disc degeneration or scoliosis. The production of inflammatory mediators, nitric oxide (NOx), prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and interleukin‐6 (IL‐6), as well as intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM‐1) expression, were quantified for cultured cells following exposure to IL‐17, IFNγ, and TNFα. Intervertebral disc cells exposed to IL‐17, IFNγ, or TNFα showed a remarkable increase in inflammatory mediator release and ICAM‐1 expression (GLM and ANOVA, p < 0.05). Addition of IFNγ or TNFα to IL‐17 demonstrated a synergistic increase in inflammatory mediator release, and a marked increase in ICAM‐1 expression. These findings suggest that IVD cells not only respond with a catabolic phenotype to IL‐17 and costimulants IFNγ and TNFα, but also express surface ligands with consequent potential to recruit additional lymphocytes and immune cells to the IVD microenvironment. IL‐17 may be an important regulator of inflammation in the IVD pathologies. © 2010 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 29:1–7, 2011
Robotic testing of proximal tibio‐fibular joint kinematics for measuring instability following total knee arthroplasty
Authors: Barsoum Wael K. , Lee Ho H. , Murray Trevor G. , Colbrunn Robb , Klika Alison K. , Butler S. , van den Bogert Antonie J.
Published: July 2010

Pain secondary to instability in total knee arthroplasty (TKA) has been shown to be major cause of early failure. In this study, we focused on the effect of instability in TKA on the proximal tibio‐fibular joint (PTFJ). We used a robotics model to compare the biomechanics of the PTFJ in the native knee, an appropriately balanced TKA, and an unbalanced TKA. The tibia (n = 5) was mounted to a six‐degree‐of‐freedom force/torque sensor and the femur was moved by a robotic manipulator. Motion at the PTFJ was recorded with a high‐resolution digital camera system. After establishing a neutral position, loading conditions were applied at varying flexion angles (0°, 30°, and 60°). These included: internal/external rotation (0 Nm, ±5 Nm), varus/valgus (0 Nm, ±10 Nm), compression (100 N, 700 N), and posterior drawer (0 N, 100 N). With respect to anterior displacement, external rotation had the largest effect (coefficient = 0.650; p < 0.0001). Polyethylene size as well as the interaction between polyethylene size and flexion consistently showed substantial anterior motion. Flexion and mid‐flexion instability in TKA have been difficult to quantify. While tibio‐femoral kinematics is the main aspect of TKA performance, the effects on adjacent tissues should not be overlooked. Our data show that PTFJ kinematics are affected by the balancing of the TKA. © 2010 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 29:47–52, 2011
Knowledge management in secondary care: a case study
Authors: Zigan Krystin , Macfarlane Fraser , Desombre Terry
Published: July 2010

The purpose of this research is to analyse the knowledge management activities of a university hospital and to examine what impact contextual factors have on these activities. For this research, a case study approach was chosen, encompassing 22 semi‐structured interviews with managers and front‐line staff from different organisational levels. The findings describe how at the top management level, knowledge management activities were neglected while at departmental level, such activities were purposefully undertaken. This suggests that knowledge management activities can be effectively implemented at departmental level without having the support and strategic objective of the top management of the hospital. The findings further show that factors, such as the effective utilisation of other intangible resources, such as social capital, highly contribute to the effectiveness of knowledge management activities. The paper shows some limitations due to the qualitative nature of the research with regard to sample size and the subjectivity of the interpretations. The paper proposes that knowledge management activities can be implemented in organisations, when having the right attitude of staff who support its implementation. The paper enhances the understanding of the meaning of knowledge management in the context of healthcare organisations. The paper further provides insights into contextual factors that influence the success of knowledge management initiatives. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Knowledge management opportunity space identification strategy
Authors: Barcelo Valenzuela Mario , Sanchez Schmitz Gerardo , Perez Soltero Alonso , Romero Dessens Luis Felipe , Martin Rubio Fernando , Palma Jose
Published: July 2010

This paper proposes that in contemporary organizations it is very important to have an analysis strategy that relates people, processes, technologies, and the key Knowledge Management (KM) elements involved before a KM project is initiated. This strategy is essential to determine the enterprise KM state of the art and its key processes identifying any company weakness and supporting the opportunity space identification. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Knowledge sharing and decision making in the peace corps
Authors: Gilbert Engels , Morabito Joseph , Stohr Edward A.
Published: July 2010

The Peace Corps has over 7,800 volunteers serving in 70 countries. These volunteers bring a broad array of skills and experiences to their posts and they acquire valuable additional knowledge on the job—knowledge that is often lost when a volunteer retires after the customary two years of service. While the Peace Corps is aware of the value of this knowledge and attempts to create conditions in which it can be shared, a case study conducted by one of the authors found that there currently is no formal strategy to manage the flow of information and knowledge between different members of the organization. This is unfortunate since the ability to effectively capture and share information and knowledge could significantly ease the jobs of volunteers, increase their productivity, and improve morale. We develop a framework for knowledge management in a volunteer organization such as the Peace Corps where quick personnel turnover hampers traditional approaches to knowledge management. We articulate a set of computer and non‐computer‐based mechanisms in terms of procedures, policies, and IT tools to capture, share and transform data and information into usable knowledge. We conclude by proposing a knowledge management system based on these prescriptions that could be used in the Peace Corps or other similar, largely volunteer, organizations with a rapid turnover of personnel.

Disclaimer:The Peace Corps had no connection with this project. The views in this report reflect only the personal views of the authors, and do not in any way describe or reflect the official views or position of the Peace Corps. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Beneficial Effect of Compatibilization on the Aging of Cellulose‐Reinforced Biopolymer Blends
Authors: Bessadok Atef , Belgacem Mohamed Naceur , Dufresne Alain , Bras Julien
Published: July 2010

The effect of aging on the thermo‐mechanical properties of new biocomposite materials obtained from renewable resources is studied. Cellulose was used as the reinforcing phase and the matrix was composed of a blend of two biopolymers (PEM and PLLA) in order to have a good compromise between stiffness and flexibility. Two grafting agents were used to compatibilize the filler with the matrix. The ensuing materials were then aged at 35 °C and 80% relative humidity during 45 days. Thermal and dynamic mechanical properties of the blends and composites were measured before and after aging. Important variations of crystallinity were observed and results show that grafting allowed obtaining high‐performance composites even after aging.

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Comparison of mechanomyographic sensors during incremental cycle ergometry for the quadriceps femoris
Authors: Malek Moh H. , Coburn Jared W. , York Rene , Ng Jason , Rana Sharon R.
Published: July 2010

The purpose of this study was to examine the mechanomyographic (MMG) amplitude and mean power frequency (MPF) versus power output relationships for the vastus lateralis and rectus femoris muscles during incremental cycle ergometry between the piezoelectric contact sensor (HP) and the accelerometer (ACC) sensor. Nine men performed an incremental cycle ergometry test to voluntary exhaustion. Polynomial regression analyses on a subject‐by‐subject basis indicated that the relationship between the normalized MMG amplitude versus normalized power output was best fit with either a linear, quadratic, or cubic model. These patterns were consistent between sensors for each muscle for each subject. No consistent relationship was found for MMG MPF within subjects and between muscle groups. In addition, there were no significant sensor × power output interactions for normalized MMG amplitude or MPF. These results suggest that, for cycle ergometry, the HP and ACC sensors provide similar information for the interpretation of motor control strategies during continuous exercise. Muscle Nerve, 2010
An adaptive procedure for routine measurement of light‐touch sensitivity threshold
Authors: Berquin Anne D. , Lijesevic Valéria , Blond Serge , Plaghki Léon
Published: July 2010

Quantitative sensory testing with Semmes–Weinstein monofilaments suffers from several pitfalls. Our aims were to assess the reliability of these filaments for touch–pressure threshold detection, develop and validate a rapid and accurate procedure for measurements at the bedside, and establish normative data. After calibration of the monofilaments, an adaptive staircase algorithm was validated and used to establish normative data in healthy subjects. Calibration showed significant differences between manufacturer‐ and investigator‐produced data. The relative humidity significantly affected the force exerted by the filaments. The adaptive procedure showed good accuracy and substantial time‐saving. Touch–pressure thresholds showed significant gender differences (mean ± 2 SD for females/males: 2.82–12.3/3.09–17.78 g/mm2). The influence of body site and age is small. Accurate use of Semmes–Weinstein monofilaments requires prior calibration, correction for humidity, and use of a validated procedure. In this study we provide normative data that can be used with our algorithm. Muscle Nerve, 2010
Electrophysiologic correlations with clinical outcomes in CIDP
Authors: Bril Vera , Banach Marta , Dalakas Marinos C. , Deng Chunqin , Donofrio Peter , Hanna Kim , Hartung Hans‐Peter , Hughes Richard A.C. , Katzberg Hans , Latov Norman , Merkies Ingemar S.J. , Van Doorn Pieter A. ,   on behalf of the ICE Study Group* (listed in the acknowledgments)
Published: July 2010

Data are lacking on correlations between changes in nerve conduction (NC) studies and treatment response in chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP). This report examined data from a randomized, double‐blind trial of immune globulin intravenous, 10% caprylate/chromatography purified (IGIV‐C [Gamunex]; n = 59) versus placebo (n = 58) every 3 weeks for up to 24 weeks in CIDP. Motor NC results and clinical measures were assessed at baseline and endpoint/week 24. Improvement from baseline in adjusted inflammatory neuropathy cause and treatment score correlated with improvement in proximally evoked compound muscle action potential (CMAP) amplitudes (r = −0.53; P < 0.001) of all nerves tested and with improvement in CMAP amplitude of the most severely affected motor nerve (r = −0.36; P < 0.001). Correlations were observed between improvement in averaged CMAP amplitudes and dominant‐hand grip strength (r = 0.44; P < 0.001) and Medical Research Council sum score (r = 0.38; P < 0.001). Overall, the change in electrophysiologic measures of NC in CIDP correlated with clinical response to treatment. Muscle Nerve, 2010
Alcock canal syndrome due to obturator internus muscle fibrosis
Authors: Insola Angelo , Granata Giuseppe , Padua Luca
Published: July 2010

Alcock canal syndrome is a rare entrapment neuropathy of the pudendal nerve. We report a case of perineal neuralgia where pudendal nerve compression was due to fibrosis of the obturator internus muscle following an injury of the muscle. After being misdiagnosed for 2 years, the patient was diagnosed only after a combined neurophysiologic and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) investigation. This case underlines the importance of performing focused neurophysiologic and neuroimaging studies in patients with neuropathic perineal pain in order to reach a correct diagnosis. Muscle Nerve, 2010
Inhibitory activity of α‐tocoferol on apoptosis in the rat bladder wall subjected to androgen deprivation
Authors: Ludwig Luana , Seraphim Deborah , Lorenzetti Fábio , Bertolla Ricardo Pimenta , Ortiz Valdemar , Dambros Miriam
Published: July 2010

Alpha‐tocopherol (2,5,7,8‐tetramethyl‐2‐(4,8,12‐trimethyltridecyl)‐chromon‐8‐ol) is used in many previous urological studies. Thus to add to this knowledge in this study we studied the potential inhibitory activity on oxidative stress and process apoptosis on bladder wall in male rats subjected to androgen deprivation. A causal relationship between lower testosterone levels and apoptosis, as a component of castration‐induced muscle atrophy, has been shown. Male Wistar rats (250–300 g) were used in this experiment, divided into four groups: control (sham operation; n = 10); castration (n = 10); castration, with alpha‐tocopherol supplementation over preceding four weeks (n = 10); and castration, with alpha‐tocopherol supplementation over preceding four weeks and subsequent eight weeks (n = 10). Activated caspase‐3 was detected using a previously described technique, with analysis using stereological methodology. Nonparametric methods were used to test statistical significance, taking a significance level of P < 0.005. This study was approved by the ethics committee of the university where the project was developed. The serum testosterone concentrations before castration were less than 20 pg/ml. Analysis of 8‐isoprostane showed statistical significance (P < 0.0003). The volumetric density of caspase‐3 showed significant differences between the groups. There was no statistical significance regarding caspase‐3 between sham and alpha‐tocopherol plus castration or between the groups that received alpha‐tocopherol supplementation. The observations showed that there was greater apoptosis in the group with castration alone than in the groups with alpha‐tocopherol supplementation. This finding, together with the induced androgen deprivation and higher 8‐isoprostane levels, corroborates the hypothesis that alpha‐tocopherol supplementation has an important protective effect under conditions of oxidative stress, thereby avoiding the apoptotic process, especially regarding aging. Neurourol. Urodyn. 30:194–198, 2011. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The safety and efficacy of the “inside‐out” trans‐obturator TVT in elderly versus younger stress‐incontinent women: A prospective study of 353 consecutive patients
Authors: Groutz Asnat , Cohen Aviad , Gold Ronen , Pauzner David , Lessing Joseph B. , Gordon David
Published: July 2010

Objectives

To analyze the safety and efficacy of the trans‐obturator tension‐free vaginal tape (TVT‐O) in elderly versus younger stress‐incontinent women.

Methods

Ninety‐seven consecutive elderly, aged 70 and older, and 256 younger women (mean age 75 and 55 years, respectively) who underwent TVT‐O for urodynamically confirmed stress urinary incontinence (SUI) were prospectively enrolled. Concomitant pelvic organ prolapse (POP) repair was performed in 90% of the elderly and 70% of the younger women. The surgical procedures, as well as all pre‐ and postoperative clinical and urodynamic evaluation, were performed in one university‐affiliated medical center. Main outcome measures were operative complications, early and late postoperative morbidity, postoperative urodynamically confirmed SUI (symptomatic, or asymptomatic), persistent, or de novo overactive bladder (OAB) and bladder outlet obstruction (BOO).

Results

Mean follow‐up of the patients was 30 ± 17 months (range 3–58 months). Early and late postoperative morbidity was similar in both groups, except for significantly more cases of postoperative recurrent UTI's among elderly women (13.7% vs. 6.2%). The incidence of persistent urodynamically confirmed overt SUI was similar in both age groups (5%). However, asymptomatic urodynamic SUI was significantly more common among elderly patients (19% vs. 3.7%, P < 0.05). The incidence of persistent OAB was similar in elderly and younger patients (68% and 62%, respectively), while de novo OAB was significantly more common in elderly patients (11.9% vs. 4.7%, P < 0.05).

Conclusions

TVT‐O is safe and efficient for both elderly and younger stress‐incontinent women. However, elderly patients are in increased risk for postoperative recurrent UTI's as well as de novo OAB. Neurourol. Urodynam. 30:380–383, 2011. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Note on optimal ordering policy with different lead times and convex ordering costs
Authors: Xu Ningxiong
Published: July 2010

This note generalizes Fukuda's two‐alternate‐lead‐times model (1964) with linear ordering costs to the case where the ordering costs are convex. We use lattice programming to show the qualitative properties of an optimal ordering policy if the ordering costs are convex and to further characterize the structure of an optimal ordering policy if the ordering costs are convex and piecewise linear. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
You can win by losing: p53 mutations in rhabdomyosarcomas
Authors: Post Sean M , Lozano Guillermina
Published: July 2010

Rhabdomyosarcomas are soft tissue sarcomas of mesenchymal origin. Unlike rhabdomyosarcomas observed in paediatric patients which typically respond well to chemotherapeutic treatment, adults generally present with pleomorphic rhabdomyosarcomas that are typically associated with poor prognosis. Therefore, understanding the molecular biology that gives rise to pleomorphic rhabdomyosarcomas is critical. In this issue of The Journal of Pathology, Doyle and colleagues have generated elegant tissue‐specific Cre/loxP‐dependent mouse models that mimic pleomorphic rhabdomyosarcoma development in humans. In this report, the authors employed KRasG12V‐expressing mouse models that concomitantly either express mutant p53 (p53R172H) or have deleted the p53 gene. Mice that express mutant p53 have decreased survival with development of aggressive metastases as compared to mice that have simply lost wild‐type p53. The data presented herein provide the first in vivo evidence that in rhabdomyosarcomas, expression of mutant p53 results in a more aggressive p53R172H‐dependent gain‐of‐function phenotype. Copyright © 2010 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Invited Commentary for Doyle B et al. p53 mutation and loss have different effects on tumourigenesis in a novel mouse model of pleomorphic rhabdomyosarcoma. Journal of Pathology, 2010; 222: 129–137.
Zytostatikaherstellung in der Apotheke. Trends und Perspektiven
Authors: Krämer Irene
Published: July 2010

Nach zaghaften Anfängen der zentralen Zytostatikaherstellung in Krankenhausapotheken vor mehr als 25 Jahren findet heute in Deutschland die Herstellung patientenindividueller applikationsfertiger Zytostatikazubereitungen selbstverständlich in den Apotheken statt. Dies gilt sowohl für die Anwendung der Produkte im Krankenhaus als auch für die Behandlung in onkologischen Praxen.
Magistrale Rezepturen aus der Sicht der Dermatologie. Obsolet oder Up‐to‐date?
Authors: Staubach Petra
Published: July 2010

Dermatologische Magistralrezepturen sind sinnvoll und haben ihren Stellenwert nicht nur in der Dermatologie. Die Leitlinien der dermatologischen Gesellschaft sollten die Magistralrezepturen forcieren und unterstützen (Abb. 5). Durch die interdisziplinäre Zusammenarbeit zwischen Dermatologen und Pharmazeuten können therapeutische Lücken schnell geschlossen werden. So wurden in den letzten Jahren Magistralrezepturen für Schleimhauterkrankungen (Cortison‐ und Tretinoinhaltige Haftpasten), Antiseptika, sowie Prednisolon‐Saft für die Notfallversorgung als Resultat einer fruchtbaren interdisziplinären Zusammenarbeit entwickelt und veröffentlicht. Eine verbesserte Compliance sowie sozioökonomische Aspekte unterstreichen den Wert von Magistralrezepturen. Die Verwendung der standardisierten Rezepturen des NRF sollte in der dermatologischen Praxis Vorrang haben und wird durch die Verfügbarkeit des “Ärzte NRF” im Kitteltaschenformat gezielt unterstützt.
Thermoplastic vibration welding: Review of process phenomenology and processing–structure–property interrelationships
Authors: Patham Bhaskar , Foss Peter H.
Published: July 2010

Vibration welding offers a robust method for physically joining thermoplastics to fabricate complex hollow assemblies from simpler injection‐molded articles without using an external heat source, adhesives, or mechanical fasteners. Vibration welding involves a complex interplay of several phenomena—solid (Coulomb) friction, melting, high strain‐rate, pressure‐driven, strong (high‐strain) melt flows, solidification, and microstructure development—which ultimately govern the strength and integrity of the weld. Defects in the weld region may lead to catastrophic failure of the welded assembly. In this article, the current understanding of the processing–structure–property relationships in the context of vibration welding of thermoplastics and polymer‐matrix composites is reviewed. Experimental as well as analytical methods of investigation of the vibration welding process phenomenology are presented. The interrelationships between the microstructure in the weld region and the resulting weld strength and fatigue behavior are then discussed in the light of this phenomenological information for neat polymers, filled polymers, polymer blends, and foams. This review is also aimed at identifying the areas requiring further investigation with regard to understanding vibration welding phenomenology and weld structure–property relationships. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2011. © 2010 Society of Plastics Engineers
Experimental and modeling studies on the solubility of sub‐ and supercritical carbon dioxide (scCO2) in potato starch and derivatives
Authors: Muljana Henky , Picchioni Francesco , Heeres Hero J. , Janssen Leon P.B.M.
Published: July 2010

The solubility of CO2 in native potato starch (NPS) and potato starch acetate (SA) at two different temperatures (50°C and 120°C) and various pressures (up to 25 MPa) was determined using a magnetic suspension balance. Within the experimental window, a maximum solubility of 31 mg CO2/gsample for NPS and 79.4 mg CO2/gsample for SA was obtained. The CO2 sorption behavior is highly depending on the temperature and pressure. The solubility data were modeled with the Sanchez Lacombe equation of state (S‐L EOS). The swelling (Sw) values, as predicted using the S‐L EOS, were relatively small and a maximum value of 6.1% was obtained for SA at 25 MPa and 120°C. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2011. © 2010 Society of Plastics Engineers
Simulation of screw pumping characteristics for intermeshing counter‐rotating twin screw extruders
Authors: Jiang Qibo , Yang Jinhai , White James L.
Published: July 2010

Intermeshing counter‐rotating twin screw extruders play an important role in polymer processing, especially for the extrusion of profiles and pipe, largely from polyvinyl chloride. There has been little effort on flow modeling of these machines and most of this has involved representing the machine as a “leaky” positive displacement pump and estimating leakages. In recent years, M.H. Hong and the authors have developed more general methods of simulation of flow in this machine and both applied and experimentally verified it for a few designs. Here we extend these efforts to a broader range of screw designs, especially with deeper screw channels where transverse shearing induced by the flights is important. Calculations are done for isothermal power law fluids. The results are compared with experiment. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2011. © 2010 Society of Plastics Engineers
Proteomic analysis of synaptosomal protein expression reveals that cerebral ischemia alters lysosomal Psap processing
Authors: Costain Willard J. , Haqqani Arsalan S. , Rasquinha Ingrid , Giguere Marie‐Soleil , Slinn Jacqueline , Zurakowski Bogdan , Stanimirovic Danica B.
Published: July 2010

Cerebral ischemia (CI) induces dramatic changes in synaptic structure and function that precedes delayed post‐ischemic neuronal death. Here, a proteomic analysis was used to identify the effects of focal CI on synaptosomal protein levels. Contralateral and ipsilateral synaptosomes, prepared from adult mice subjected to 60 min middle cerebral artery occlusion, were isolated following 3, 6 and 20 h of reperfusion. Synaptosomal protein samples (n=3) were labeled using the cleavable ICAT™ system prior to analysis with nanoLC‐MS/MS. Each sample was analyzed by LC‐MS to identify differential expressions using InDEPT software and differentially expressed peptides were identified by targeted LC‐MS/MS. A total of 62 differentially expressed proteins were identified and Gene Ontology classification (cellular component) indicated that the majority of the proteins were located in the mitochondria and other components consistent with synaptic localization. The observed alterations in synaptic protein levels poorly correlated with gene expression, indicating the involvement of post‐transcriptional regulatory mechanisms in determining post‐ischemic synaptic protein content. Additionally, immunohistochemistry analysis of prosaposin (Psap) and saposin C (SapC) indicates that CI disrupts Psap processing and glycosphingolipid metabolism. These results demonstrate that the synapse is adversely affected by CI and may play a role in mediating post‐ischemic neuronal viability.
A proteomics approach to study synergistic and antagonistic interactions of the fungal–bacterial consortiumFusarium oxysporumwild‐type MSA 35
Authors: Moretti Marino , Grunau Alexander , Minerdi Daniela , Gehrig Peter , Roschitzki Bernd , Eberl Leo , Garibaldi Angelo , Gullino Maria Lodovica , Riedel Kathrin
Published: July 2010

Fusarium oxysporumis an important plant pathogen that causes severe damage of many economically important crop species. Various microorganisms have been shown to inhibit this soil‐borne plant pathogen, including non‐pathogenicF. oxysporumstrains. In this study,F. oxysporumwild‐type (WT) MSA 35, a biocontrol multispecies consortium that consists of a fungus and numerous rhizobacteria mainly belonging to γ‐proteobacteria, was analyzed by two complementary metaproteomic approaches (2‐DE combined with MALDI‐Tof/Tof MS and 1‐D PAGE combined with LC‐ESI‐MS/MS) to identify fungal or bacterial factors potentially involved in antagonistic or synergistic interactions between the consortium members. Moreover, the proteome profiles ofF. oxysporumWT MSA 35 and its cured counter‐part CU MSA 35 (WT treated with antibiotics) were compared with unravel the bacterial impact on consortium functioning. Our study presents the first proteome mapping of an antagonisticF. oxysporumstrain and proposes candidate proteins that might play an important role for the biocontrol activity and the close interrelationship between the fungus and its bacterial partners.
Protein Information and Knowledge Extractor: Discovering biological information from proteomics data
Authors: Medina‐Aunon J. Alberto , Paradela Alberto , Macht Marcus , Thiele Herbert , Corthals Garry , Albar Juan Pablo
Published: July 2010

One of the main goals in proteomics is to solve biological and molecular questions regarding a set of identified proteins. In order to achieve this goal, one has to extract and collect the existing biological data from public repositories for every protein and afterward, analyze and organize the collected data. Due to the complexity of this task and the huge amount of data available, it is not possible to gather this information by hand, making it necessary to find automatic methods of data collection. Within a proteomic context, we have developed Protein Information and Knowledge Extractor (PIKE) which solves this problem by automatically accessing several public information systems and databases across the Internet. PIKE bioinformatics tool starts with a set of identified proteins, listed as the most common protein databases accession codes, and retrieves all relevant and updated information from the most relevant databases. Once the search is complete, PIKE summarizes the information for every single protein using several file formats that share and exchange the information with other software tools. It is our opinion that PIKE represents a great step forward for information procurement and drastically reduces manual database validation for large proteomic studies. It is available at http://proteo.cnb.csic.es/pike.
Investigation of the substituent specific cross‐interaction effects on 13C NMR of the CN bridging group in substituted benzylidene anilines
Authors: Cao Chenzhong , Lu Bingtao , Chen Guanfan
Published: July 2010

The substituent effect on 13C NMR of the CN in benzylidene anilines XPhCHNPhY was investigated, in which the substituents X and Y are in p‐position or in m‐position of the two aromatic rings. The substituent effects including the inductive effects of X and Y, the conjugative effects of X and Y, and the substituent specific cross‐interaction effect were put into one model to quantify the 13C NMR chemical shift δC(CN) of the CN in XPhCHNPhY. A penta‐parameter correlation equation with correlation coefficient 0.9975 and standard error 0.17 ppm was obtained for 80 samples of compounds. The result shows that the substituents X and Y have an opposite effect on the δC(CN). The electron‐withdrawing effects of X decrease the δC(CN); while the electron‐donating effects of X increase the δC(CN). In contrast, the electron‐withdrawing effects of Y increase the δC(CN); while the electron‐donating effects of Y decrease the δC(CN). A new substituent specific cross‐interaction effect parameter Δσ2 was proposed, which indicates that the most substituent specific cross‐interaction effect exists in the pair of max electron‐withdrawing group (EWG) and max electron‐donating group (EDG) or the pair of max EDG and max EWG. Further to verify the obtained correlation equation, 15 samples of model compounds were prepared and their δC(CN) was measured in this work. The predicted δC(CN) values with the obtained equation are in good agreement with the measured ones for these prepared compounds, which confirmed the reliability of the obtained equation. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Solvent effects on tautomerics equilibria in β‐ketonitriles: NMR and theoretical studies
Authors: Ruiz Danila L. , Albesa Alberto G. , Ponzinibbio Agustín , Allegretti Patricia E. , Schiavoni María M.
Published: July 2010

Solvent effects on tautomeric equilibria in several β‐ketonitriles has been investigated using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy and theoretical methods. The experimental chemical shifts were compared with theoretical values obtained by using gauge‐including atomic orbital (GIAO) calculations, implemented at Density Functional Theory (DFT) level with hybrid functionals, B3LYP calculations. The solvent effect on the calculated structures has been taken into account through the polarized continuum model (PCM) for chloroform, acetone and dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO). Also, some structural parameters were calculated in gas phase and in three different solvents. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Anti‐complement activity of isolated compounds from the roots of Clerodendrum bungei Steud.
Authors: Kim Soo‐Ki , Cho Sang‐Buem , Moon Hyung‐In
Published: July 2010

To determine the anti‐complement activity of natural diterpenes, chromatographic separation of the acetone‐soluble fraction from the roots of Clerodendrum bungei (Verbenaceae) led to the isolation of five diterpenoids. An acetone‐soluble extract of the roots of C. bungei exhibited significant anti‐complement activity on the classical pathway complement system, which was expressed as total hemolytic activity. Five compounds isolated from the roots of C. bungei, namely 12‐O‐β‐d‐glucopyranosyl‐3,11,16‐trihydroxyabieta‐8,11,13‐triene (1), 3,12‐O‐β‐d‐diglucopyranosyl‐11,16‐dihydroxyabieta‐8,11,13‐triene (2), ajugaside A (3), uncinatone (4) and 19‐hydroxyteuvincenone F (5). Compounds 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 showed inhibitory activity against complement system with 50% inhibitory concentrations (IC50) values of 24 µm, 138 µm, 116 µm, 87 µm and 232 µm. Among the compounds tested, 1 showed the most potent anti‐complement activity (IC50, 24 µm). Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Attitude stabilization of rigid spacecraft with finite‐time convergence
Authors: Zhu Zheng , Xia Yuanqing , Fu Mengyin
Published: July 2010

The problem of attitude control for a spacecraft model which is nonlinear in dynamics with inertia uncertainty and external disturbance is investigated in this paper. Two sliding mode controllers are proposed to force the state variables of the closed‐loop system to converge to the origin in finite time. Specially, the second control design consists of the estimation of the uncertainty and disturbance by adaptive method and thus it achieves the decrease of undesired chattering effectively. Also, simulation results are presented to illustrate the effectiveness of the control strategies. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Ultra‐low‐angle microtomy to back up S‐SIMS molecular depth profiling with C60+ and Bin+ for the nanoscale analysis of high‐tech industrial materials
Authors: De Mondt R. , Vercammen Y. , Dardenne R. , Vangaever F. , Van Luppen J. , Van Vaeck L.
Published: July 2010

Polyatomic projectiles such as C60+ have been used for molecular sputter depth profiling in time‐of‐flight static secondary ion mass spectrometry (ToF‐S‐SIMS). However, the practical application for nanoscale analysis problems still depends on the likely change of secondary ion yield with depth. Therefore, ultra‐low‐angle microtomy (ULAM) has been applied in conjunction with dual beam depth profiling (Bi3+C60+ + +) on polymer systems relevant to printing industry.

Sputter depth profiles have been recorded from two 200 nm poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) layers with additives. Furthermore, also a poly(vinyl pyrrolidone) (PVP)‐PMMA bilayer on Si (thickness of each layer 200 nm) was analyzed using sputter depth profile measurements. Identical samples have been prepared using UV‐cured acrylate as substrate allowing ULAM to be performed. The exposed surfaces have been analyzed using Binq+ liquid metal ion gun (LMIG). Use of a cutting angle of 0.3° and 0.1° makes that, in principle, surface analysis off the section with a spot of 150 nm characterises a depth range of 0.3–0.8 nm in the initial sample.

The results show that ULAM is a valuable tool to complement the exploratory use of direct sputter depth profiling. To the best of our knowledge, this feasibility study is the first to show the experimental verification of molecular C60+ sputter depth profiles. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The formation mechanism and biocorrosion property of CaSiO3/CaHPO4 · 2H2O composite conversion coating on the extruded Mg‐Zn‐Ca alloy for bone implant application·
Authors: Wei Zunjie , Du Hui , Zhang Erlin
Published: July 2010

In this work, a calcium silicate and calcium phosphate (CaSiO3/CaHPO4 · 2H2O) composite coating was applied by a chemical reaction to an extruded Mg‐Zn‐Ca magnesium alloy. SEM observation showed that a flat and sand‐like conversion coating was formed. X‐ray diffractometer (XRD) analysis indicated that the conversion coating was composed of CaHPO4 · 2H2O and a little amount of CaSiO3. The formation mechanism of CaSiO3/CaHPO4 · 2H2O composite conversion coatings was discussed. The electrochemical polarization tests showed that the conversion coating markedly improved the biocorrosion resistance of Mg‐Zn‐Ca alloy in Hank's solution. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Defect investigations of SiCGe epilayer grown on 6H‐SiC
Authors: Lianbi Li , Zhiming Chen , Ying Yang , Jia Li , Ning Wang
Published: July 2010

SiCGe/6H‐SiC heterojunction is essential to the development of SiC optoelectronic devices and light‐activated SiC switching devices. In this work, the ternary alloy SiCGe samples grown on 6H‐SiC substrates in a conventional hot‐wall chemical vapor deposition system have been studied by scanning electron microscope and transmission electron microscope. Selected area diffraction (SAED) patterns show that SiCGe thin films have a zinc‐blende structure. Typical double positioning boundaries, stacking faults and microtwins in SiCGe thin films were observed and validated by SAED patterns. The growth mechanisms of these defects were investigated. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Isotopic comparative method (ICM) for the determination of variations of the ion yields in boron‐doped silicon as a function of oxygen concentration in the 0–10 at.% range
Authors: Dupuy Jean‐Claude , Dubois Christiane , Prudon Gilles , Gautier Brice , Kögler Reinhard , Akhmadaliev Shavkat , Perrat‐Mabilon Angela , Peaucelle Christophe
Published: July 2010

Specific samples containing 18O and 16O are used to measure the variations of the relative ion yields of boron, oxygen and silicon as a function of oxygen concentration. 18O and 16O are used to implement an Isotopic Comparative Method (ICM) which allows to correct the matrix effects involved by the presence of a high concentration of oxygen in the sample: the near‐flat profile of 18O, measured in the ‘dilute’, linear regime (weak concentration) is used to calculate the real concentration of 16O. The ion yields of B+, O+, Si+, O− and Si− are measured as a function of the oxygen concentration. For B+ ion yield, the variation is important whereas they are weak for Si± and O± ion yields for the range [0–12 at.%]. This ICM applied to oxygen in silicon can be considered as an interesting complementary method of previous ‘16O implantation method’ and of ‘18O single marker method’. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Composite Yarns of Multiwalled Carbon Nanotubes with Metallic Electrical Conductivity
Authors: Randeniya Lakshman K. , Bendavid Avi , Martin Philip J. , Tran Canh‐Dung
Published: July 2010

Unique macrostructures known as spun carbon‐nanotube fibers (CNT yarns) can be manufactured from vertically aligned forests of multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs). These yarns behave as semiconductors with room‐temperature conductivities of about 5 × 102 S cm−1. Their potential use as, for example, microelectrodes in medical implants, wires in microelectronics, or lightweight conductors in the aviation industry has hitherto been hampered by their insufficient electrical conductivity. In this Full Paper, the synthesis of metal–CNT composite yarns, which combine the unique properties of CNT yarns and nanocrystalline metals to obtain a new class of materials with enhanced electrical conductivity, is presented. The synthesis is achieved using a new technique, self‐fuelled electrodeposition (SFED), which combines a metal reducing agent and an external circuit for transfer of electrons to the CNT surface, where the deposition of metal nanoparticles takes place. In particular, the Cu–CNT and Au–CNT composite yarns prepared by this method have metal‐like electrical conductivities (2–3 × 105 S cm−1) and are mechanically robust against stringent tape tests. However, the tensile strengths of the composite yarns are 30–50% smaller than that of the unmodified CNT yarn. The SFED technique described here can also be used as a convenient means for the deposition of metal nanoparticles on solid electrode supports, such as conducting glass or carbon black, for catalytic applications.
Stable cohesion metrics for evolving ontologies
Authors: Ma Yinglong , Wu Haijiang , Ma Xinyu , Jin Beihong , Huang Tao , Wei Jun
Published: July 2010

With the drastic development of semantic‐driven applications, assessing the quality of ontologies has received more attention. Measuring and assessing the quality of ontologies can help ontology engineers to control project management and reduce the risk of project failures. However, most of the existing ontology metrics for measuring and assessing the quality of ontologies are defined based on ontology structure, and neglect the stability of ontology measurement. In this paper, we concentrate on stable ontology measurement by using semantically derived ontology metrics. We propose four ontology cohesion metrics, which fully consider the implicitly expressed semantic information and are defined based on ontological semantics rather than ontology structure. Before measuring and assessing an ontology, we materialize a pre‐processing for stable ontology measurement by treating the ontology. The proposed ontology cohesion metrics are theoretically validated by the validation criteria of object‐oriented software. The experimental results show that we can successfully collect more semantic knowledge from the testing ontologies for stable ontology measurement by using the proposed ontology cohesion metrics. The ontology cohesion metrics proposed in this paper can be reasonably used as a cogent complementarity of existing ontology metrics. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Defectivity profiling with dynamic COQUALMO: An explication and product quality retrospective
Authors: Houston Dan , Buettner Douglas , Hecht Myron
Published: July 2010

A software development organization's process trustworthiness can be enhanced through development project retrospectives or postmortems, which seek to produce lessons from mistakes and successes in the project performance. Tool support for such retrospectives is usually limited to qualitative analysis. A new model, Dynamic COQUALMO, offers quantitative support through a defectivity profile that can be calibrated to a project's actual profile of defects found over time. The model inputs can then be varied to represent alternative project decisions and conditions, providing a basis for estimating the effects of project improvements on product quality. This paper describes Dynamic COQUALMO and demonstrates its use in a project retrospective. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Brain asymmetry (animal)
Authors: Vallortigara Giorgio , Chiandetti Cinzia , Sovrano Valeria Anna
Published: July 2010

Once considered a uniquely human attribute, brain asymmetry has been proved to be ubiquitous among non‐human animals. A synthetic review of evidence of animal lateralization in the motor, sensory, cognitive, and affective domains is provided, together with a discussion of its development and possible biological functions. It is argued that investigation of brain asymmetry in a comparative perspective may favor the link between classical neuropsychological studies and modern developmental and evolutionary biology approaches. WIREs Cogni Sci 2011 2 146–157 DOI: 10.1002/wcs.100

This article is categorized under:

Psychology > Comparative Psychology

Neuroscience > Behavior
Expandable endoprosthesis for limb-sparing surgery in children: Long-term results
Authors: Dotan Amit , Dadia Shlomo , Bickels Jacob , Nirkin Alexander , Flusser Gideon , Issakov Josephin , Neumann Yoram , Cohen Ian , Ben-Arush Myriam , Kollender Yehuda , Meller Isaac
Published: July 2010

Purpose

Most children today with bone sarcomas undergo limb-sparing surgery. When treating children younger than 12 years of age, the result is significant limb length discrepancy (LLD). One of the solutions is the use of an expandable endoprosthesis.

Methods

A retrospective analysis of 38 skeletally immature patients with bone sarcoma of the lower limb in whom different types of expandable endoprostheses were used from January 1988 to December 2005 were included. All patients were under the age of 14 years. There were 26 osteosarcoma and 12 Ewing's sarcomas. The data collected included the tumor characteristics, the surgical and other treatment modalities, complications and their treatment, and the final LLD and functional results.

Results

Fifty-five percent of the patients survived and had a mean follow-up of 113 months. All survivors reached skeletal maturity at the time of last follow-up. Seventy-one percent of the survivors had satisfactory function and 29% had a poor result. There were three secondary amputations due to local recurrence. Complications were documented in 58% of patients; the most common was infection that was diagnosed 56 times (primary 16% and secondary 84%). A significant correlation was found between function and final LLD (greater than 5 cm = inferior function), the number of complications, and the number of surgical procedures performed other than prosthesis elongation. The younger the patient was at definitive surgery, the shorter the time it took for the prosthesis to fail.

Conclusion

In order to improve results, the number of operations must be reduced. This can be achieved by the use of novel non-invasive expandable endoprostheses or biological reconstruction.