bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Profiling pluripotent stem cells and organelles using synchrotron radiation infrared microspectroscopy
Authors: Sandt Christophe , Frederick Joni , Dumas Paul
Published: November 2012

FTIR micro‐spectroscopy is a sensitive, non‐destructive and label‐free method offering diffraction‐limited resolution with high signal‐to‐noise ratios when combined with a synchrotron radiation source. The vibrational signature of individual cells was used to validate an alternative strategy for reprogramming induced pluripotent stem cells generated from amniocytes. The iPSC lines PB09 and PB10, were reprogrammed from the same amniocyte cell line using respectively the Oct54, Sox2, Lin28, and Nanog and the Oct4 and Sox2 transcription factor cocktail. We show that cells reprogrammed by the two different sets of transfection factors have similar spectral signatures after reprogramming, except for a small subpopulation of cells in one of the cell lines. Mapping HeLa cells at subcellular resolution, we show that the Golgi apparatus, the cytoplasm and the nucleus have a specific spectral signature. The CH3:CH2 ratio is the highest in the nucleus and the lowest in the Golgi apparatus/endoplasmic reticulum, in agreement with the membrane composition of these organelles. This is confirmed by specific staining of the organelles with fluorescent dyes. Subcellular differentiation of cell compartments is also demonstrated in living cells. (© 2013 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Quantitative analysis of dynamic behavior of osteoblasts during in vitro formation of micro‐mass cell cultures
Authors: Schäfer Susanne , Dekiff Markus , Plate Ulrich , Szuwart Thomas , Denz Cornelia , Dirksen Dieter
Published: November 2012

Improvements in bone tissue engineering require an understanding of cellular and tissue level behavior of osteoblast‐like cells. Experiments indicate that in the absence of an anchoring material, intercellular adhesion may be based on signals that promote cell activity resulting in the formation of a spheroid cell‐matrix. The aim of the present study is to investigate the formation of scaffold‐free three‐dimensional micro‐mass cell spheroids in vitro, and to characterize quantitatively the cell movement. A new correlation based automated tracking method is evaluated in order to optimize the processing parameters and to identify statistical parameters that characterize the cell behavior. Results suggest that the temporal development of the mean distance of the cells to the center of gravity may be described by an exponential function, thus providing a characteristic time constant as a quantitative measure of cell dynamics. (© 2013 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
An Experimental and Theoretical Study on Influence of H‐bonding on the Synthesized Azo Derivatives Structures
Authors: Amiri Rahebeh , Haghdadi Mina , Golshani Ashkan , Amiri Maryam Mohamadian , Barikani Maryam
Published: November 2012

We have reported a simple and efficient reaction for the synthesis of some new functionalized azo structures which were prepared by electron deficient acetylenic compounds in the presence of triphenylphosphine. The characterization of the synthesized azo compounds has been determined by FTIR, UV‐Vis, 1H NMR, 13C NMR and Mass spectroscopic techniques. The influence of H‐bonding on the products has been shown by different experimental analysis. Also, the regioselectivity of the reaction, tautomerization equilibrium and the stability of products was investigated using DFT calculations at the B3LYP/6‐31G level of theory.
Antimicrobial and Antimalarial Activity of Novel Synthetic Mononuclear Ruthenium(II) Compounds
Authors: Anchuri Shyam Sunder , Thota Sreekanth , Bongoni Raja Narender , Yerra Rajeshwar , Reddy Rama Narsimha , Dhulipala Satyavati
Published: November 2012

The present work was aimed that the two Ruthenium compounds namely, [Ru(A)2(B)]Cl2, where A = 1,10‐phenanthroline; B = 2‐NO2‐phenyl thiosemicarbazone (Compound R1)/2‐OH‐phenyl thiosemicarbazone (Compound R2) have been tested for antibacterial activity at the concentrations of 1 mg/mL against various Gram‐Positive organisms (Lactobacillus, Staphylococcus pyrogenes, Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus & Bacillus megatarium) and Gram‐Negative organisms (Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, Proteus vulgaris, Enterobacter aerogenes, Salmonella paratyphi, Klebsiella pneumonia & Proteus mirabilis). The compounds were also tested for antifungal activity against Aspergillus clavatus, Aspergillus niger, Colletotrichum & Penicillium notatum by using agar diffusion assay and antimalarial activity against Plasmodium falciparum (Strain 3D7) using MTT assay. The results concluded that the compound R1 exhibited significant antibacterial activity than R2 against Gram‐Negative bacteria with zones of inhibition ranging from 15‐20 mm. and mild antibacterial activity against Gram‐Positive bacteria in comparison to tetracycline, streptomycin and rifampicin. These complexes were found to have moderate antifungal activity with no activity was however observed against Aspergillus niger. The compound, R1 exhibited antimalarial activity at 10 μg/mL, whereas R2 did not show antimalarial activity upto 50 μg/mL. Sensitivity to the compounds was greatest in the gram‐negative bacteria, followed by the gram‐positive bacteria and fungi.
The Influence of Family Stability on Self‐Control and Adjustment
Authors: Malatras Jennifer Weil , Israel Allen C.
Published: November 2012

Objectives

The aim of the present study was to replicate previous evidence for a model in which self‐control mediates the relationship between family stability and internalizing symptoms, and to evaluate a similar model with regard to externalizing problems.

Method

Participants were 155 female and 134 male undergraduates—mean age of 19.03 years. Participants completed measures of stability in the family of origin (Stability of Activities in the Family Environment), self‐control (Self‐Control scale), current externalizing (Adult Self‐Report), and internalizing problems (Beck Depression Inventory II and Beck Anxiety Inventory).

Results

Multiple regression analyses largely support the proposed model for both the externalizing and internalizing domains.

Conclusions

Family stability may foster the development of self‐control and, in turn, lead to positive adjustment.
Value of pelvic sonography in the diagnosis of various forms of precocious puberty in girls
Authors: Eksioglu Ayse Secil , Yilmaz Sebahat , Cetinkaya Semra , Cinar Gokce , Yildiz Yasemin Tasci , Aycan Zehra
Published: November 2012

Purpose.

To evaluate the role of pelvic sonography (US) in the diagnosis and differentiation of various forms of precocious puberty in girls, and to explore reliable cutoff points of pelvic US measurements for differentiating between these conditions.

Methods.

Uterine length, uterine cross‐sectional area, uterine volume, fundocervical ratio, and ovarian volumes of 143 healthy girls were compared with those of 125 girls with different forms of sexual precocity. Ovaries were morphologically classified as homogenous, paucicystic, multicystic, macrocystic, and isolated cystic.

Results.

Almost all US measurements of girls with central precocious puberty in the 0‐ to 8‐year age group were significantly increased compared with controls and girls with premature thelarche and adrenarche (p < 0.05, except for ovarian volumes in premature thelarche group), whereas no statistically significant difference was found in the 8‐ to 10‐year group (p > 0.05). Ovarian morphology distributions did not differ significantly between patient subgroups, but all had more mature forms compared with controls. Due to the wide overlap between the measurements, no reliable cutoff points could be determined by charting receiver operating characteristics curves.

Conclusions.

Pelvic US can improve the diagnosis of central precocious puberty in girls of 0–8 years of age but provides no reliable type differentiation alone. It provides no valuable information for this diagnosis in girls of 8–10 years of age. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound, 2013.
Sonographic diagnosis of a viable abdominal pregnancy with planned delivery after fetal lung maturation
Authors: Kim Mi Ju , Bae Jin Young , Seong Won Joon , Lee Yoon Soon
Published: November 2012

We report a case of a viable abdominal pregnancy with successful outpatient management until fetal lung maturation and planned delivery. Advanced abdominal pregnancy is a very rare extrauterine pregnancy, which results in serious maternal and fetal morbidity. A 28‐year‐old nullipara was referred from the local clinic to our tertiary center at 18 weeks' gestation. We diagnosed an extrauterine fetus on sonographic examination. The patient had weekly antenatal sonographic examinations. We performed a planned laparotomy at 34 weeks' gestation, and a female baby weighing 2,100 g was delivered. The placenta was completely removed and the uterus was preserved. Both the mother and the baby had no postoperative morbidity. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound 41:563–565, 2013.
Quantitative determination of magnetic force on a coronary stent in MRI
Authors: Lopič Nina , Jelen Andreja , Vrtnik Stanislav , Jagličić Zvonko , Wencka Magdalena , Starc Radovan , Blinc Aleš , Dolinšek Janez
Published: November 2012

Purpose:

To introduce an analytical method for a quantitative determination of magnetic force on a coronary stent in the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) magnet that is generally applicable to metallic implants. Magnetic forces on metallic implants in the MRI magnets are traditionally determined empirically by measuring deflection from the vertical plane at the central axis of the magnet and at the point of the largest force along the longitudinal axis of the magnet.

Materials and Methods:

Magnetic and chemical characterization of the stents was performed by a commercial magnetometer and energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy. Magnetic force on the stents fabricated of paramagnetic alloys (surgical stainless steel and cobalt–chromium) was determined by measuring the stent's magnetic dipole moment and employing the on‐axis magnetic field profile of an MRI magnet.

Results:

The maximum force on the stainless steel stent was found to be FS,max = 0.18 mN, whereas on the cobalt–chromium stent it was FC,max = 0.06 mN.

Conclusion:

The magnetic force on the investigated paramagnetic stents is even smaller than the gravitational force acting on the stents in the Earth's gravity field, so that it has no physiological impact on the stented vessels. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2013;37:391–397. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Blood oxygen level‐dependent liver MRI: Can It predict microvascular invasion in HCC?
Authors: Jhaveri Kartik S. , Cleary Sean P. , Fischer Sandra , Haider Masoom A. , Pargoankar Vivek , Khalidi Karim , Moshonov Hadas , Gallinger Steven
Published: November 2012

Purpose:

To assess Blood Oxygen Level‐Dependent (BOLD) Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) for noninvasive preoperative prediction of Microvascular Invasion (MVI) in Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC).

Materials and Methods:

In this prospective, institutional review board approved study, 26 patients (21 men and 5 women age range, 34–77 years with mean age of 61 years) with HCC were evaluated preoperatively with liver MRI including baseline and post oxygen (O2) breathing BOLD MRI. Post processing of MRI data was performed to obtain R2* values (1/s) and correlated with histopathological assessment of MVI. Statistical analysis was performed to assess correlation of baseline R2*, post O2 R2* and R2* ratios to presence of MVI in HCC by binary logistic regression analysis.

Results:

MVI was present in 15/26 (58%) of HCC on histopathology. The mean R2* values ± SD at baseline and post O2 with and without MVI were 35 ± 12, 36 ± 12, 38 ± 10, 42 ± 17. The R2* values between the groups with and without MVI were not significantly different statistically.

Conclusion:

BOLD MRI is unable to accurately predict MVI in HCC. The noninvasive preoperative MRI detection of MVI in HCC remains elusive. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2013;37:692—699. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
BOLD Signal in memory paradigms in hippocampal region depends on echo time
Authors: Milian Monika , Zeltner Lena , Klamer Silke , Klose Uwe , Rona Sabine , Erb Michael
Published: November 2012

Purpose:

To evaluate the hypothesis that the entire hippocampus might be affected by susceptibility artifacts. Previous studies described susceptibility artifacts in the amygdala and the anterior hippocampus.

Materials and Methods:

We investigated 20 subjects with a verbal memory paradigm aiming at testing two different TEs (45 vs. 64 msec) at 1.5 T for hippocampal blood oxygenation level‐dependent (BOLD) activity. T2* maps were calculated from the normalized mean echo‐planar imaging (EPI) of the two echo times (TEs).

Results:

Within the hippocampal region of interest (ROI), the amount of suprathreshold voxels was significantly higher at TE = 64 msec compared to TE = 45 msec. When corrected for multiple comparisons (family‐wise error [FWE] in a small volume of interest, P < 0.05) we no longer found significant activations at TE = 45 msec, while a significant number of voxels remained after the small volume correction (P < 0.05, FWE) within the ROI at TE = 64 msec.

Conclusion:

Although a shorter TE demonstrates advantages, a TE of 45 msec leads to a significant loss of BOLD signal detection in memory functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) studies when compared to 64 msec. We assume that the hippocampal region, even the anterior part, is not strongly affected by susceptibility gradients. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2013;37:1064–1071. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Propagation of CR extendibility at the vertex of a complex sector
Authors: Baracco Luca , Pinton Stefano
Published: November 2012

We study propagation of CR extendibility at the vertex p of an analytic sector A contained in a CR manifold M. Let k be the weighted vanishing order of M and α the complex angle of A at p. Propagation takes place if and only if \documentclass{article}\usepackage{amssymb}\begin{document}\pagestyle{empty}$\alpha >\frac{1}{k}$\end{document}.
A case of α‐synuclein gene duplication presenting with head‐shaking movements
Authors: Itokawa Kaori , Sekine Takeshi , Funayama Manabu , Tomiyama Hiroyuki , Fukui Miki , Yamamoto Toshimasa , Tamura Naotoshi , Matsuda Hiroshi , Hattori Nobutaka , Araki Nobuo
Published: November 2012

Background

PARK4 is a candidate locus for familial Parkinson's disease (PD), combined with multiplication of the α‐synuclein gene (SNCA). The eventual phenotype is dependent on the copy number of SNCA. Mutations in leucine‐rich repeat kinase 2 (LRRK2) are also causative of parkinsonism. This report describes a man who presented at our hospital complaining of a stagger after running and difficulty in handling the mouse of a personal computer, having suffered tremors since his twenties. Nine months after treatment and discharge, he developed titubation and began to drag his right foot.

Methods

We examined the patient's family pedigree for SNCA dosage, using quantitative polymerase chain reaction. We also screened this pedigree for mutations in parkin and LRRK2, using gene‐sequencing techniques.

Results

We identified the proband, his sister, and his paternal uncle as carrying a duplication of SNCA. In addition, we found that the proband and his mother carried the G2385R variant of the LRRK2, a strong risk factor for PD in Asians and the rare V1450I variant, although only the proband showed symptoms of parkinsonism. No mutations were found in parkin.

Conclusions

The combination of SNCA gene duplication and LRRK2 G2385R variant may explain the early onset of disease in this patient. © 2012 Movement Disorder Society
Effects of dietary polyphenols on neuroregulatory factors and pathways that mediate food intake and energy regulation in obesity
Authors: Panickar Kiran S.
Published: November 2012

Polyphenols are natural substances and are enriched in vegetables, fruits, grains, bark, tea, and wine. Some polyphenols have insulin‐potentiating and anti‐inflammatory effects, both of which are important in obesity. Dietary supplementation with polyphenolic compounds is associated with reduced diet‐induced obesity and/or metabolic syndrome in animal and human studies. Insights into mechanisms that regulate food intake and satiety have led to an increased understanding of obesity but the pathogenesis underlying obesity is lacking. Food intake is subject to a complex regulation by the hypothalamus and other brain centers including the brain stem and the hippocampus. An intricate network of interacting feedback mechanisms that involve the aforementioned neural centers along with the stomach, gut, liver, thyroid, and adipose tissue in the periphery, influence the eventual outcome of food intake and satiety. Key peripheral signals, such as leptin, insulin, and ghrelin, have been linked to hypothalamic neuropeptide systems in energy regulation. This review will examine the neural centers important in food intake, the role of various neuropeptides, and the neurohormonal influence on food intake. The potential role of polyphenols in influencing the neuroregulatory factors, the neural signaling pathways and/or the peripheral feedback mechanisms that modulate food intake will also be examined.
Type 2 diabetes: tips and pitfalls in diagnosis and management
Authors: Nisal Kaustubh , Gholap Nitin , Davies Melanie
Published: November 2012

Our Drug review of type 2 diabetes provides useful tips and warns of various pitfalls in diagnosis and management, followed by sources of further information and an analysis of the prescription data.
Medicines management in the era of clinical commissioning groups
Authors: Chaplin Steve
Published: November 2012

CCGs will be operating on a tight budget while being expected to meet national quality standards. Prescriber has surveyed pharmacists currently delivering medicine management services on their future expectations and how they will face the challenges of the new NHS.
Guide to when and how to safely withdraw antipsychotics
Authors: Livingston Martin
Published: November 2012

Our series on stopping drugs provides practical advice on why, when and how to withdraw drug therapy. Here the author discusses the issues arising from discontinuing antipsychotics.
Predicted stabilities of endohedral metallo‐fullerenes La@C76
Authors: Uhlík Filip , Slanina Zdeněk , Akasaka Takeshi , Nagase Shigeru
Published: November 2012

Electronic and molecular structure calculations of 29 selected La@C76 isomers are presented. The obtained energies and structural parameters are used for prediction of the temperature dependence of their equilibrium molar fractions. The Gibbs energies are used for the evaluation. The results can be applied to the conventional electric‐arc preparation technique. At experimentally relevant temperatures 1500–2000 K not only the prevailing isolated‐pentagon‐rule (IPR) satisfying isomer, but also a non‐IPR one could be accessible to isolation.
Effect of chemical treatment on the thermoelectric properties of single walled carbon nanotube networks
Authors: Piao Mingxing , Alam Mina Rastegar , Kim Gyutae , Dettlaff‐Weglikowska Urszula , Roth Siegmar
Published: November 2012

Carbon nanotube networks showing superior electric properties, high chemical stability, strong mechanical properties, and flexibility are also known to exhibit thermoelectric effects. However, the experimental thermoelectric figure of merit, ZT, of pristine carbon nanotubes is typically in the range of 10−3–10−2, which is still not attractive for thermal energy conversion applications. In this work, we show possible ways to improve the thermoelectric properties of single walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) by means of chemical treatments. In this study, we primarily investigated the effect of chemical treatment on the electrical conductivity and thermoelectric power (TEP) of the entangled network of nanotubes, also, known as “buckypaper”. This chemical treatment increased the electrical conductivity due to p‐type doping, thereby, showing a decrease in the TEP given by the Seebeck coefficient, whereas the n‐type dopants changed the sign and value of the TEP from about 40 to −40 µV K−1. Neutral polymers, in terms of doping, such as PVDF, PMMA, PVA, PS, and PC, were expected to hinder phonon transport through the nanotube network, increasing the Seebeck coefficient up to ca. 50 µV K−1. Our results reveal the importance of chemical doping determining the sign and the magnitude of the TEP, and role of the polymer matrix in the development of more effective thermoelectric composites based on carbon nanotubes.
In situ and ex situ time resolved study of multi‐component FeCo oxide catalyst activation during MWNT synthesis
Authors: Kuznetsov Vladimir L. , Krasnikov Dmitry V. , Schmakov Alexander N. , Elumeeva Karina V.
Published: November 2012

Comparative in situ X‐ray diffraction (XRD) study of activation Fe, Co, and FeCo catalysts on different supports (Al2O3 and CaCO3) for multi‐walled carbon nanotube (MWNT) growth combined with ex situ high‐resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) characterization has been performed. The catalyst contained Fe as an active component (mono‐component Fe catalyst) demonstrates the simultaneous formation of FeC alloys (austenite and tetragonal ferrite like structure) with their subsequent transformation into stable iron carbide Fe3C (cohenite). The active component of bimetal FeCo catalysts (Fe:Co = 2:1) is FeCo alloyed nanoparticles, which does not demonstrate carbide formation. The absence of carbides promotes carbon diffusion through metal particle providing much higher activity of bimetal FeCo catalyst in comparison with the mono‐component Fe and Co catalysts. Tubes produced using the bimetal catalysts have a high degree of structural perfection and narrow diameter distribution. The most active metal catalyst particles formed under reaction conditions are solid or at least have crystalline core. Pechini‐type method used for FeCo catalyst production provides much higher MWNT yields than it was described elsewhere.

magnified image

Structure of active metal particles was proposed according to XRD data during MWNT growth on different type of catalysts with mono‐ and bimetal active component.
Linear antenna microwave plasma CVD diamond deposition at the edge of no‐growth region of CHO ternary diagram
Authors: Potocký Štěpán , Babchenko Oleg , Hruška Karel , Kromka Alexander
Published: November 2012

The process parametric window for diamond deposition using the chemical vapor deposition at low pressures is quite limited where addition of oxygen in the gas phase broadens this window. The lower boundary of the lens‐shaped domain in CHO ternary diagram concurs with the H2CO tie‐line (C/(C + O) = 0.5). In this work, we present the set of experiments where the ratio of C/(C + O) was kept at a constant value 0.385. The effect of hydrogen concentration (ratio O/(O + H) varied from 0.047 to 0.364) on plasma characteristics and deposited NCD films were investigated. Raman spectroscopy confirmed the diamond character of all deposited coatings while scanning electron microscopy showed transformation from not closed to continuous film and further decrease of grain size and finally growth of diamond nanowires while decreasing hydrogen concentration in a gas mixture.
Tensilely Strained Germanium Nanomembranes as Infrared Optical Gain Media
Authors: Boztug C. , Sánchez‐Pérez J. R. , Sudradjat F. F. , Jacobson RB , Paskiewicz D. M. , Lagally M. G. , Paiella R.
Published: November 2012

The use of tensilely strained Ge nanomembranes as mid‐infrared optical gain media is investigated. Biaxial tensile strain in Ge has the effect of lowering the direct energy bandgap relative to the fundamental indirect one, thereby increasing the internal quantum efficiency for light emission and allowing for the formation of population inversion, until at a strain of about 1.9% Ge is even converted into a direct‐bandgap material. Gain calculations are presented showing that, already at strain levels of about 1.4% and above, Ge films can provide optical gain in the technologically important 2.1–2.5 μm spectral region, with transparency carrier densities that can be readily achieved under realistic pumping conditions. Mechanically stressed Ge nanomembranes capable of accommodating the required strain levels are developed and used to demonstrate strong strain‐enhanced photoluminescence. A detailed analysis of the high‐strain emission spectra also demonstrates that the nanomembranes can be pumped above transparency, and confirms the prediction that biaxial‐strain levels in excess of only 1.4% are required to obtain significant population inversion.
steel research int. 11/2012
Authors: Chakraborty Anirban , McDermid Joseph R. , Kavitha Ranganathan , Voyzelle Benoit , Essadiqi Elhachmi , Goodwin Frank E.
Published: November 2012

Cover Photo: Mn Auger map of a C‐Mn‐Cr‐Si martensitic steel surface after annealing at 827°C for 60s under a N2‐5%H2, –30°C dewpoint atmosphere. Further details can be found in the article by J. R. McDermid et. al. on page 1103.
Protocol for Studying Aqueous Foams Stabilized by Surfactant Mixtures
Authors: Boos Julia , Drenckhan Wiebke , Stubenrauch Cosima
Published: November 2012

Even though foams have been the subject of intensive investigations over the last decades, many important questions related to their properties remain open. This concerns in particular foams which are stabilized by mixtures of surfactants. The present study deals with the fundamental question: which are the important parameters one needs to consider if one wants to characterize foams properly? We give an answer to this question by providing a measuring protocol which we apply to well‐known surfactant systems. The surfactants of choice are the two non‐ionic surfactantsn‐dodecyl‐β‐d‐maltoside (β‐C12G2) and hexaethyleneglycol monododecyl ether (C12E6) as well as their 1:1 mixture. Following the suggested protocol, we generated data which allow discussion of the influence of the surfactant structure and of the composition on the time evolution of the foam volume, the liquid fraction, the bubble size and the bubble size distribution. This paper shows that different foam properties can be assigned to different surfactant structures, which is the crucial point if one wants to tailor‐make surfactants for specific applications.
Use of Glycerol Carbonate in an Efficient, One‐Pot and Solvent Free Synthesis of 1,3‐sn‐Diglycerides
Authors: Kargar Mojgan , Hekmatshoar Rahim , Ghandi Mehdi , Mostashari AbdolJalil
Published: November 2012

An efficient solvent‐free synthesis of a variety of highly pure 1,3‐sn‐diglycerides (1,3‐sn‐diacylglycerols) in a two‐step one pot process is described. Heating glycerol carbonate (4‐hydroxymethyl‐1,3‐dioxolan‐2‐one) with fatty acid anhydrides 2a–d affords 1:1 mixtures of glycerol carbonate fatty esters 3a–3d and the corresponding fatty acids. Further heating the reaction mixtures in the presence of catalytic amounts of 1,4‐diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octane (DABCO) at 195–200 °C yields highly pure 1,3‐sn‐diglycerides 4a–4d.
Comparison of Fatty Acid, Sterol, and Tocol Compositions in Skin and Kernel of Turpentine (Pistacia terebinthus L.) Fruits
Authors: Ertas Erdal , Bekiroglu Somer , Ozdemir Ibrahim , Demirtas Ilknur
Published: November 2012

Pistacia terebinthus L. is an indigenous plant growing wild in the southern regions of Turkey. Its fruits are used in foods, pharmaceuticals and cosmetics due to its high oil content (ca. 45 g/100 g). In the present study, it was found out that the kernel and the skin parts of the fruit differ significantly (p < 0.05) both in terms of oil content and composition. Regardless of the geographical origin, the most abundant fatty acid was found to be monounsaturated oleic acid, 18:1n‐9 whose content was in the range of 51.2–67.5 g/100 g. β‐sitosterol is the predominant sterol in kernel and skin of the terebinthus fruits whose content was varying between 97.4 and 219.8 mg/100 g. Concerning different tocols (tocopherols and tocotrienols) detected in the kernel and skin, γ‐T was the one with highest concentration (437.2 mg/kg) in kernels, while the most abundant one in skin parts was found to be α‐T (348.7 mg/kg). In general the kernel of terebinthus fruits was more concentrated in PUFA, total sterol and tocopherols than skin, however, total tocotrienol content was higher in skin than kernel. On the basis of these findings it can be concluded that both kernel and skin are highly valuable in terms of bioactive compounds, whereas skin with a high amount saturated fatty acids is more suited to applications in cosmetic industry.
Depletion of CSN5 inhibits Ras‐mediated tumorigenesis by inducing premature senescence in p53‐null cells
Authors: Tsujimoto Ikuko , Yoshida Akihiro , Yoneda-Kato Noriko , Kato Jun-ya
Published: November 2012

The mammalian COP9 signalosome (CSN) complex is involved in cell transformation, but its molecular mechanism remains undetermined. Here we show that disruption of the fifth component (CSN5) prevented the formation of tumors by p53‐null cells transformed with an active form of Ras in subcutaneously injected mice. Depletion of CSN5 suppressed cell proliferation, and induced premature senescence characterized by upregulation of senescence‐associated‐β‐galactosidase activity and increased expression of CDK inhibitors. CSN5‐depleted cells exhibited enhanced activation of the PI3 kinase–Akt pathway, and chemical inhibition of this pathway reduced the level of senescence. Thus, CSN5 is suggested to be a novel target in cancer therapy and for drugs against tumor cells harboring mutated p53.
Evidence for zinc and cadmium binding in a CDF transporter lacking the cytoplasmic domain
Authors: Russell David , Soulimane Tewfik
Published: November 2012

Cation diffusion facilitators (CDFs) have been described as requiring the C‐terminal cytoplasmic domain for their function. With the identification of smaller proteins lacking the cytoplasmic portion but displaying sequential characteristics of CDFs, this assumption should be reconsidered. Here we describe the results showing that the MmCDF3, a 23‐kDa protein lacking a C‐terminal domain, interacts selectively with zinc and cadmium. Isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) binding results indicate that the truncated CDF may have an alternative means of acquiring ions from the cytoplasm in the form of an extended N‐terminus, a feature common to putative cation efflux proteins of a similar size.
Effects of the loss of the axial tyrosine ligand of the low‐spin heme of MauG on its physical properties and reactivity
Authors: Abu Tarboush Nafez , Shin Sooim , Geng Jiafeng , Liu Aimin , Davidson Victor L.
Published: November 2012

MauG catalyzes posttranslational modifications of methylamine dehydrogenase to complete the biosynthesis of its protein‐derived tryptophan tryptophylquinone (TTQ) cofactor. MauG possesses a five‐coordinate high‐spin and a six‐coordinate low‐spin ferric heme, the latter with His‐Tyr ligation. Replacement of this tyrosine with lysine generates a MauG variant with only high‐spin ferric heme and altered spectroscopic and redox properties. Y294K MauG cannot stabilize the bis‐Fe(IV) redox state required for TTQ biosynthesis but instead forms a compound I‐like species on reaction with peroxide. The results clarify the role of Tyr ligation of the five‐coordinate heme in determining the physical and redox properties and reactivity of MauG.
Apolipoprotein E genotype, dementia, and mortality in the oldest old: The 90+ Study
Authors: Corrada María M. , Paganini‐Hill Annlia , Berlau Daniel J. , Kawas Claudia H.
Published: November 2012

Background

Although the apolipoprotein E (APOE) ε4 allele is a major genetic risk factor for Alzheimer's disease (AD), it is not clear whether this relationship persists among the oldest old. Several European studies suggest that the effect of the APOE ε4 allele on dementia and mortality disappears in very old age. We describe the APOE allele and genotype frequencies and examine whether the presence of the APOE ε4 or APOE ε2 alleles is related to prevalent dementia, incident dementia, and mortality in a population‐based cohort of oldest‐old participants in the United States.

Methods

We studied 904 participants aged 90 years and older from The 90+ Study. Eight hundred two (89%) participants were genotyped and included in the prevalent dementia and mortality analyses. The 520 initially nondemented participants were included in the incident dementia analyses and were evaluated for dementia every 6 months.

Results

The APOE ε4 allele was significantly associated with prevalent dementia (odds ratio = 2.06) and AD (odds ratio = 2.37) in women but not in men. The APOE ε2 allele was not related to prevalent dementia in either sex. After an average follow‐up of 2.4 years, 188 incident dementia cases were identified. Neither the APOE ε4 nor the APOE ε2 allele was related to incident dementia or AD. Five hundred ten (64%) participants died after an average follow‐up of 2.3 years, and their mortality was not related to the presence of either the APOE ε2 or APOE ε4 allele.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that the associations between APOE ε4, dementia, and mortality are age dependent, and that APOE ε4 no longer plays a role in dementia and mortality at very old ages.
A prediction model to calculate probability of Alzheimer's disease using cerebrospinal fluid biomarkers
Authors: Spies Petra E. , Claassen Jurgen A.H.R. , Peer Petronella G.M. , Blankenstein Marinus A. , Teunissen Charlotte E. , Scheltens Philip , van der Flier Wiesje M. , Olde Rikkert Marcel G.M. , Verbeek Marcel M.
Published: November 2012

Background

We aimed to develop a prediction model based on cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) biomarkers, that would yield a single estimate representing the probability that dementia in a memory clinic patient is due to Alzheimer's disease (AD).

Methods

All patients suspected of dementia in whom the CSF biomarkers had been analyzed were selected from a memory clinic database. Clinical diagnosis was AD (n = 272) or non‐AD (n = 289). The prediction model was developed with logistic regression analysis and included CSF amyloid β42, CSF phosphorylated tau181, and sex. Validation was performed on an independent data set from another memory clinic, containing 334 AD and 157 non‐AD patients.

Results

The prediction model estimated the probability that AD is present as follows: p(AD) = 1/(1 + e – [–0.3315 + score]), where score is calculated from –1.9486 × ln(amyloid β42) + 2.7915 × ln(phosphorylated tau181) + 0.9178 × sex (male = 0, female = 1). When applied to the validation data set, the discriminative ability of the model was very good (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve: 0.85). The agreement between the probability of AD predicted by the model and the observed frequency of AD diagnoses was very good after taking into account the difference in AD prevalence between the two memory clinics.

Conclusions

We developed a prediction model that can accurately predict the probability of AD in a memory clinic population suspected of dementia based on CSF amyloid β42, CSF phosphorylated tau181, and sex.
Hierarchical Bayesian cognitive processing models to analyze clinical trial data
Authors: Shankle William R. , Hara Junko , Mangrola Tushar , Hendrix Suzanne , Alva Gus , Lee Michael D.
Published: November 2012

Identifying disease‐modifying treatment effects in earlier stages of Alzheimer's disease (AD)—when changes are subtle—will require improved trial design and more sensitive analytical methods. We applied hierarchical Bayesian analysis with cognitive processing (HBCP) models to the Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Scale—Cognitive subscale (ADAS‐Cog) and MCI (mild cognitive impairment) Screen word list memory task data from 14 Alzheimer's disease AD patients of the Myriad Pharmaceuticals' phase III clinical trial of Flurizan (a γ‐secretase modulator) versus placebo. The original analysis of 1649 patients found no treatment group differences. HBCP analysis and the original ADAS‐Cog analysis were performed on the small sample. HBCP analysis detected impaired memory storage during delayed recall, whereas the original ADAS‐Cog analytical method did not. The HBCP model identified a harmful treatment effect in a small sample, which has been independently confirmed from the results of other γ‐secretase inhibitor. The original analytical method applied to the ADAS‐Cog data did not detect this harmful treatment effect on either the full or the small sample. These findings suggest that HBCP models can detect treatment effects more sensitively than currently used analytical methods required by the Food and Drug Administration, and they do so using small patient samples.
The ADAS‐Cog revisited: Novel composite scales based on ADAS‐Cog to improve efficiency in MCI and early AD trials
Authors: Raghavan Nandini , Samtani Mahesh N. , Farnum Michael , Yang Eric , Novak Gerald , Grundman Michael , Narayan Vaibhav , DiBernardo Allitia ,   Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative
Published: November 2012

Background

The Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Scale‐Cognitive (ADAS‐Cog) has been used widely as a cognitive end point in Alzheimer's Disease (AD) clinical trials. Efforts to treat AD pathology at earlier stages have also used ADAS‐Cog, but failure in these trials can be difficult to interpret because the scale has well‐known ceiling effects that limit its use in mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and early AD. A wealth of data exists in ADAS‐Cog from both historical trials and contemporary longitudinal natural history studies that can provide insights about parts of the scale that may be better suited for MCI and early AD trials.

Methods

Using Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative study data, we identified the most informative cognitive measures from the ADAS‐Cog and other available scales. We used cross‐sectional analyses to characterize trajectories of ADAS‐Cog and its individual subscales, as well as other cognitive, functional, or global measures across disease stages. Informative measures were identified based on standardized mean of 2‐year change from baseline and were combined into novel composite endpoints. We assessed performance of the novel endpoints based on sample size requirements for a 2‐year clinical trial. A bootstrap validation procedure was also undertaken to assess the reproducibility of the standardized mean changes of the selected measures and the corresponding composites.

Results

All proposed novel endpoints have improved standardized mean changes and thus improved statistical power compared with the ADAS‐Cog 11. Further improvements were achieved by using cognitive–functional composites. Combining the novel composites with an enrichment strategy based on cerebral spinal fluid beta‐amyloid (Aβ1‐42) in a 2‐year trial yielded gains in power of 20% to 40% over ADAS‐Cog 11, regardless of the novel measure considered.

Conclusion

An empirical, data‐driven approach with e xisting instruments was used to derive novel composite scales based on ADAS‐Cog 11 with improved performance characteristics for MCI and early AD clinical trials. Together with patient enrichment based on Aβ1‐42 pathology, these modified endpoints may allow more efficient clinical trials in these populations and can be assessed without modifying current test administration procedures in ongoing trials.
A Prospective Study on the Outcome of Degenerative Lumbar Spinal Stenosis Treated with Open Laminotomy
Authors: Martin Wong Chung-Ting , Andrew Chan Pak-Ho , Ka-Kin Cheung
Published: November 2012

Background

Laminotomy is one of the surgical treatments for spinal stenosis.

Method

We conducted a prospective study including 58 patients with mean follow-up of 37.5 months, successful rate was 72%.

Result

There were significant improvement of mean Japanese Orthopaedic Association lumbar score, Oswestry Disability Index(ODI), and visual analogue scale (VAS). Male had significantly better result in ODI and VAS. There was no significant difference regarding to older age (>65) or the presence of preexisting degenerative spondylolisthesis. One patient was found to have increased lumbar instability after operation. The overall reoperation rate was 6.9%.
Forschung in den Gesundheitsfachberufen – Potenziale für eine bedarfsgerechte Gesundheitsversorgung in Deutschland
Authors: Höppner Heidi
Published: November 2012

Einleitung

2009-2011 erarbeitete eine Expertengruppe - eingesetzt durch den Gesundheitsforschungsrat (BMBF) ein Konzept, das Potentiale für die Gesundheitsversorgung durch Forschung in den Bereichen Logopädie, Hebammenwesen, Pflege sowie Ergo- und Logopädie aufzeigt. Der GFR sprach 2011 explizit Empfehlungen aus, künftig Forschung durch die Gesundheitsfachberufe zu fördern. Im 2012 veröffentlichten Konzept werden die unterschiedlichen Förderansätze aufgezeigt: z. B. das Nutzbarmachen der spezifischen Beiträge zu interdisziplinären Forschungsthemen, Bedingungen der wissenschaftlichen Nachwuchsförderung und vor allem die strukturellen Voraussetzungen von Forschung für eine bedarfsgerechte Versorgung durch Gesundheitsfachberufe vor dem Hintergrund veränderter Bedarfe und des sozialen Wandels.
Akkreditierung im Dienste der Qualitätssicherung von Studiengängen
Authors: Walkenhorst Ursula
Published: November 2012

Einleitung

Akkreditierungen bilden ein wesentliches Instrument zur Qualitätssicherung an Hochschulen im Bereich von Studium und Lehre. Sie dienen der Überprüfung der Qualität der Zielsetzung sowie der Qualität der Zielerreichung von Programmen und Systemen und orientieren sich dabei an hochschul- und programmunabhängigen Kriterien. Im Zuge der Akademisierung der Gesundheitsberufe erhalten Akkreditierungsverfahren eine besondere Bedeutung, da hochschulrechtliche und berufsgesetzliche Vorgaben meist nicht kompatibel sind.
Parametric forcing approach to rough-wall turbulent channel flow
Authors: Busse A. , Sandham N. D.
Published: November 2012

The effects of rough surfaces on turbulent channel flow are modelled by an extra force term in the Navier–Stokes equations. This force term contains two parameters, related to the density and the height of the roughness elements, and a shape function, which regulates the influence of the force term with respect to the distance from the channel wall. This permits a more flexible specification of a rough surface than a single parameter such as the equivalent sand grain roughness. The effects of the roughness force term on turbulent channel flow have been investigated for a large number of parameter combinations and several shape functions by direct numerical simulations. It is possible to cover the full spectrum of rough flows ranging from hydraulically smooth through transitionally rough to fully rough cases. By using different parameter combinations and shape functions, it is possible to match the effects of different types of rough surfaces. Mean flow and standard turbulence statistics have been used to compare the results to recent experimental and numerical studies and a good qualitative agreement has been found. Outer scaling is preserved for the streamwise velocity for both the mean profile as well as its mean square fluctuations in all but extremely rough cases. The structure of the turbulent flow shows a trend towards more isotropic turbulent states within the roughness layer. In extremely rough cases, spanwise structures emerge near the wall and the turbulent state resembles a mixing layer. A direct comparison with the study of Ashrafian, Andersson & Manhart (Intl J. Heat Fluid Flow, vol. 25, 2004, pp. 373–383) shows a good quantitative agreement of the mean flow and Reynolds stresses everywhere except in the immediate vicinity of the rough wall. The proposed roughness force term may be of benefit as a wall model for direct and large-eddy numerical simulations in cases where the exact details of the flow over a rough wall can be neglected.
A numerical study of granular shear flows of rod-like particles using the discrete element method
Authors: Guo Y. , Wassgren C. , Ketterhagen W. , Hancock B. , James B. , Curtis J.
Published: November 2012

The effect of particle aspect ratio and surface geometry on granular flows is assessed by performing numerical simulations of rod-like particles in simple shear flows using the discrete element method (DEM). The effect of particle surface geometry is explored by adopting two types of particles: glued-spheres particles and true cylindrical particles. The particle aspect ratio varies from one to six. Compared to frictionless spherical particles, smaller stresses are obtained for the glued-spheres and cylindrical particle systems in dilute and moderately dense flows due to the loss of translational energy, which is partially converted to rotational energy, for the non-spherical particles. For dilute granular flows of non-spherical particles, stresses are primarily affected by the particle aspect ratio rather than the surface geometry. As the particle aspect ratio increases, the effective particle projected area in the plane perpendicular to the flow direction increases, so that the probability of the occurrence of the particle collisions increases, leading to a reduction in particle velocity fluctuation and therefore a decrease in the stresses. Hence, a simple modification is made to the kinetic theory for granular flows to describe the stress tensors for dilute flows of non-spherical particles by incorporating a normalized effective particle projected area to account for the effect of particle collision probability. For dense granular flows, the stresses depend on both the particle aspect ratio and the surface geometry. Sharp stress increases at high solid volume fractions are observed for the glued-spheres particles with large aspect ratios due to the bumpy surfaces, which impede the flow. However, smaller stresses are obtained for the true cylindrical particles with large aspect ratios at high solid volume fractions. This trend is attributed to the combined effects of the smooth particle surfaces and the particle alignments such that the major/long axes of particles are aligned in the flow direction. In addition, the apparent friction coefficient, defined as the ratio of shear to normal stresses, is found to decrease as the particle aspect ratio increases and/or the particle surface becomes smoother at high solid volume fractions.
Formation process of the vortex ring generated by an impulsively started circular disc
Authors: Yang An-long , Jia Lai-bing , Yin Xie-zhen
Published: November 2012

We present an experimental study on the axisymmetric vortex ring generated by a thin circular disc. The velocity and vorticity fields are measured by digital particle image velocimetry (DPIV). The finite-time Lyapunov exponent fields and the Lagrangian coherent structures (LCSs) of the vortex flow are computed in order to analyse the transport of the fluid during its formation and identify the boundary of the vortex ring. The volume, circulation and energy of the vortex ring are calculated. It is found that the formation of the vortex ring basically includes three phases: a rapid growth phase, a stable growth phase and a non-axisymmetric phase. In the rapid growth phase (dimensionless time $0\lt {T}_{n} \lt 0. 2$) during which Taylor’s inviscid estimation is valid, the circulation of the vortex ring grows and the translational velocity of the vortex ring decreases. In the stable growth phase ($0. 2\lt {T}_{n} \lt 4$), the growth rate of the circulation decreases gradually. In the non-axisymmetric phase (${T}_{n} \gt 4$), the ring loses axisymmetry due to instability. Compared with the vortex ring generated by the laminar flow from an orifice, the one generated by a circular disc always moves with the disc, and the entrained fluid decreases and the saturated circulation increases. The temporal impulse exerted by the moving disc on the fluid is estimated by DPIV measurements and is calculated using the direct momentum conservation method. The momentum of the control volume enclosing the LCS is found to occupy 64–68 % of the entire impulse exerted by the disc on the fluid.