bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Biofilm Formation on Chromatic Sol–Gel/Polydiacetylene Films
Authors: Ritenberg Margarita , Kolusheva Sofiya , Ganin Hadas , Meijler Michael M. , Jelinek Raz
Published: June 2012

Bacterial biofilms are integrated, single‐ or multi‐species communities of cells that play profound roles in human health and disease. The formation of biofilms requires interactions between bacteria and the surfaces they colonize, and the surface can specifically impact the structure, function, and composition of these communities. Investigating biofilm formation in situ, their assembly kinetics, and particularly identifying substances that could interfere with or inhibit biofilm growth is thus a major scientific and practical goal. It is shown that thin dip‐coated films comprising a transparent sol–gel framework and polydiacetylene, a unique conjugated polymer that can undergo color and fluorescence transitions, both promote rapid growth of bacterial biofilms as well as allow colorimetric and fluorescence detection of biofilm formation. Microscopy data demonstrate that the bacterial cells and resultant biofilm specifically target the polydiacetylene domains embedded within the silica‐gel matrix, consequently inducing dramatic colorimetric and fluorescence transitions. The mesoporous silica/polydiacetylene matrix can further host other chemical substances allowing evaluation of their biofilm inhibitory effects through simple chromatic screening. Overall, the polydiacetylene/sol–gel films constitute a novel generic platform for promoting bacterial biofilms and their in situ analysis.
Sequence‐Specific Metallization of Single Divalent DNA–Nanoparticle Conjugates: A Potential Route to Single‐Electron Devices
Authors: Wang Guoqing , Ishikawa Ayako , Eguchi Asumi , Suzuki Yasunobu , Tanaka Shukichi , Matsuo Yasutaka , Niikura Kenichi , Ijiro Kuniharu
Published: June 2012

Although progress has been made in the construction of single‐electron devices (SEDs), few of the reported approaches have proved practically applicable, mainly owing to their cost‐ineffectiveness and need for sophisticated instrumentation. Herein, a conceptually new method for fabricating SEDs through the metallization of divalent DNA‐nanoparticle conjugates is described. Specifically, divalent DNA copolymers that are conjugated to gold nanoparticles (AuNP) were synthesized by application of the enzymatic extension of DNA conjugated on quantum‐sized AuNPs. This conjugate structure allows the distance between the resulting poly(dG)‐poly(dC) and the AuNP to be controlled by an ssDNA spacer. To afford poly(dG)‐poly(dC) sequence‐specific metal deposition, Cisplatin capable of specific chemisorption on the poly(dG)‐poly(dC) is incubated with the divalent DNA copolymer–AuNP conjugates, followed by reduction of the Cisplatin to Pt metal at base resolution. As a result, AuNPs separated from the Pt “electrodes” by the ssDNA barriers in a single conjugate could be created as a double‐tunnel junction for SEDs. This study is thought to be an important step toward the programmable organization of DNA for use in SEDs.
Slits affect the timely migration of neural crest cells via robo receptor
Authors: Giovannone Dion , Reyes Michelle , Reyes Rachel , Correa Lisa , Martinez Darwin , Ra Hannah , Gomez Gustavo , Kaiser Joshua , Ma Le , Stein Mary‐Pat , de Bellard Maria Elena
Published: June 2012

Background: Neural crest cells emerge by delamination from the dorsal neural tube and give rise to various components of the peripheral nervous system in vertebrate embryos. These cells change from non‐motile into highly motile cells migrating to distant areas before further differentiation. Mechanisms controlling delamination and subsequent migration of neural crest cells are not fully understood. Slit2, a chemorepellant for axonal guidance that repels and stimulates motility of trunk neural crest cells away from the gut has recently been suggested to be a tumor suppressor molecule. The goal of this study was to further investigate the role of Slit2 in trunk neural crest cell migration by constitutive expression in neural crest cells. Results: We found that Slit gain‐of‐function significantly impaired neural crest cell migration while Slit loss‐of‐function favored migration. In addition, we observed that the distribution of key cytoskeletal markers was disrupted in both gain and loss of function instances. Conclusions: These findings suggest that Slit molecules might be involved in the processes that allow neural crest cells to begin migrating and transitioning to a mesenchymal type. Developmental Dynamics 241:1274–1288, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Assessing the roles of population density and predation risk in the evolution of offspring size in populations of a placental fish
Authors: Schrader Matthew , Travis Joseph
Published: June 2012

Population density is an ecological variable that is hypothesized to be a major agent of selection on offspring size. In high‐density populations, high levels of intraspecific competition are expected to favor the production of larger offspring. In contrast, lower levels of intraspecific competition and selection for large offspring should be weaker and more easily overridden by direct selection for increased fecundity in low‐density populations. Some studies have found associations between population density and offspring size consistent with this hypothesis. However, their interpretations are often clouded by a number of issues. Here, we use data from a 10‐year study of nine populations of the least killifish, Heterandria formosa, to describe the associations of offspring size with habitat type, population density, and predation risk. We found that females from spring populations generally produced larger offspring than females from ponds; however, the magnitude of this difference varied among years. Across all populations, larger offspring were associated with higher densities and lower risks of predation. Interestingly, the associations between the two ecological variables (density and predation risk) and offspring size were largely independent of one another. Our results suggest that previously described genetic differences in offspring size are due to density‐dependent natural selection.
Hiding deep in the trees: discovery of divergent mitochondrial lineages in Malagasy chameleons of the Calumma nasutum group
Authors: Gehring Philip‐Sebastian , Tolley Krystal A. , Eckhardt Falk Sebastian , Townsend Ted M. , Ziegler Thomas , Ratsoavina Fanomezana , Glaw Frank , Vences Miguel
Published: June 2012

We conducted a comprehensive molecular phylogenetic study for a group of chameleons from Madagascar (Chamaeleonidae: Calumma nasutum group, comprising seven nominal species) to examine the genetic and species diversity in this widespread genus. Based on DNA sequences of the mitochondrial gene (ND2) from 215 specimens, we reconstructed the phylogeny using a Bayesian approach. Our results show deep divergences among several unnamed mitochondrial lineages that are difficult to identify morphologically. We evaluated lineage diversification using a number of statistical phylogenetic methods (general mixed Yule‐coalescent model; SpeciesIdentifier; net p‐distances) to objectively delimit lineages that we here consider as operational taxonomic units (OTUs), and for which the taxonomic status remains largely unknown. In addition, we compared molecular and morphological differentiation in detail for one particularly diverse clade (the C. boettgeri complex) from northern Madagascar. To assess the species boundaries within this group we used an integrative taxonomic approach, combining evidence from two independent molecular markers (ND2 and CMOS), together with genital and other external morphological characters, and conclude that some of the newly discovered OTUs are separate species (confirmed candidate species, CCS), while others should best be considered as deep conspecific lineages (DCLs). Our analysis supports a total of 33 OTUs, of which seven correspond to described species, suggesting that the taxonomy of the C. nasutum group is in need of revision.
IL‐13‐producing Th1 and Th17 cells characterize adaptive responses to both self and foreign antigens
Authors: Gallo Eugenio , Katzman Shoshana , Villarino Alejandro V.
Published: June 2012

In helper T cells, IL‐13 is traditionally considered a Th2‐type cytokine that is coexpressed with IL‐4. Using mouse models of immunization and autoimmunity, we demonstrate that IL‐13 is frequently uncoupled from IL‐4, and that it can be produced by both IFN‐γ+ Th1 cells and IL‐17+ Th17 cells. We report that these IL‐13‐producing Th1 and Th17 cells are distinct from classical IL‐4+ Th2 cells and that they are relatively common, appearing in the context of both protective and pathogenic T‐cell responses. We also demonstrate that IL‐13 and Th2‐type cytokines can have important consequences in Th1‐ and Th17‐dominated settings, such as lymphopenia‐induced autoimmune disease, where they can be either pro‐ or anti‐inflammatory, depending on whether they act on innate or adaptive immune cells. Taken together, our studies indicate that IL‐13 production is more widespread than previously appreciated and that blocking this cytokine may have therapeutic benefits even in settings where traditional IL‐4‐driven Th2‐type responses are not evident.
Modulation of cellular immunity by antibodies against calreticulin
Authors: Qiu Xiang , Hong Chao , Zhong Zhaoyan , Li Yue , Zhang Tengteng , Bao Wanrong , Xiong Sidong , Gao Xiao‐Ming
Published: June 2012

Although caltreticulin (CRT) is mainly a residential ER protein, it is also expressed on the membrane surface of various types of cells exhibiting multiple functions. We report here that intraperitoneal administration of a soluble recombinant CRT fragment (rCRT/39‐272) led to a substantial decrease in delayed type hypersensitivity (DTH) responses in BALB/c mice and EAE in C57BL/6 mice. In the recall response against keyhole limpet hemocyanin (KLH) in vitro, draining lymph node cells from the rCRT/39‐272‐treated mice produced less IFN‐γ but more IL‐4 as compared with the cells from the control group. The immunomodulating effect of intraperitoneally administered rCRT/39‐272 was attributed to anti‐CRT Abs thereby induced, because, in passive transfer experiments, the CRT‐specific antiserum could suppress DTH in BALB/c mice. B‐cell‐deficient μMT mice were not susceptible to rCRT/39‐272‐mediated DTH suppression. Furthermore, CRT appears on the surface of murine T cells soon after activation and remains detectable (at relatively low level) by flow cytometry for approximately 5 days in vitro. Anti‐CRT Abs were able to inhibit AKT phosphorylation, proliferation, and cytokine production by activated murine T cells. We propose that cell surface CRT could play a role in the function of effector T cells and may be considered a target for immunological manipulation.
Different inhibitory capacities of human and mouse KLRG1 are linked to distinct disulfide‐mediated oligomerizations
Authors: Hofmann Maike , Schweier Oliver , Pircher Hanspeter
Published: June 2012

The killer cell lectin‐like receptor G1 (KLRG1) is a cadherin‐binding inhibitory receptor expressed by NK and T cells in humans and mice. Although structural and ligand‐binding properties of human (h) and mouse (m) KLRG1 are very similar, KLRG1‐mediated inhibition under physiological conditions is only observed with human lymphocytes. Using a well‐defined in vitro system, we demonstrate here that mKLRG1 exhibits a significantly lower inhibitory capacity compared with the human homolog. Biochemical analyses further showed that mKLRG1 formed monomers and disulfide‐linked dimers, trimers, and tetramers whereas hKLRG1 was exclusively present as disulfide‐linked dimer. Mutational analysis revealed a crucial role of Cys62 present in the stalk region of mKLRG1 but not of hKLRG1 for oligomer formation. Strikingly, mimicking hKLRG1 by replacement of Cys62 in mKLRG1 by glutamine prevented tri‐ and tetramer formation and increased the inhibitory capacity. Furthermore, mutated mKLRG1 molecules that were unable to form disulfide‐linked dimers at all or at a decreased level lacked inhibitory activity. These data indicate that only dimeric KLRG1 entities exhibit potent inhibitory capacities. The lower inhibitory capacity of mKLRG1 compared with hKLRG1 can thus be rationalized by a decreased proportion of dimeric entities, which can be pinpointed to a single amino acid.
Type I and III interferons enhance IL‐10R expression on human monocytes and macrophages, resulting in IL‐10‐mediated suppression of TLR‐induced IL‐12
Authors: Liu Bi‐Sheng , Janssen Harry L.A. , Boonstra André
Published: June 2012

Currently, only about 30–50% of chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) and hepatitis B virus (HBV) patients respond to IFN‐based therapy. It has been suggested that IL‐10 is involved in suppressing the activity of type I IFNs on antigen‐presenting cells (APCs). However, the interaction between type I IFNs and IL‐10 is still not clear. Here we report that IFN‐α priming upregulated the expression of IL‐10R1 on monocytes, and subsequently IL‐10 induced a higher level of STAT3 phosphorylation in IFN‐primed cells. This indicates that IFN‐α increased the sensitivity of monocytes to IL‐10, and as a result, TLR‐induced IL‐12p70 by IFN‐pretreated cells was suppressed. Interestingly, both IFN‐β and IL‐29, a member of the type III IFN family, comparably sensitized monocytes and macrophages to IL‐10 stimulation, indicating a general effect of IFN on the activity of IL‐10 in APCs. In summary, we demonstrate that one of the consequences of priming human APCs with IFN is to promote the cells’ sensitivity to IL‐10, which leads to the inhibition of TLR‐induced IL‐12p70 production. Therefore, type I and III IFNs induce a suboptimal activation of immune cells. These findings are relevant for the development of strategies to further improve IFN‐based therapy for patients with multiple sclerosis or viral hepatitis.
Hepatitis C virus NS3/4A protease blocks IL‐28 production
Authors: Ding Qiang , Huang Bing , Lu Jie , Liu Yong‐Jun , Zhong Jin
Published: June 2012

Type I interferons (IFNs), including IFN‐α, ‐β, and ‐ω, play a critical role in innate immune responses against viral infection. IFN‐λ, including IL‐29, IL‐28A, and IL‐28B, recently identified as a new subfamily of IFN named type III IFN, has also been demonstrated to suppress virus replication in vitro and in vivo. However, the molecular mechanisms that regulate the induction of type III IFNs during viral infection remain elusive. Here, we demonstrate that IL‐28 (IFN‐λ 2/3) IFN production, similar to type I IFN, represents a primary and direct host response to HCV genomic RNA transfection. IL‐28 (IFN‐λ2/3) induction by HCV genomic RNA was dependent upon the activation of NF‐κB and IRF3. We identified a minimal IL‐28 promoter region consisting of putative NF‐κB and IRF3‐binding sites. Furthermore, we showed that HCV infection can inhibit HCV genomic RNA‐induced IL‐28 expression, and that the viral NS3/4A protease activity was responsible for this inhibitory effect. Our results present important evidence for the control of type III IFN response by HCV, and shed more light on the molecular mechanisms underlying the persistence of HCV infection.
Breakfast at Tiffany's? Only with a low‐abundance proteomic signature!
Authors: Boschetti Egisto , Righetti Pier Giorgio
Published: June 2012

Food science is a complex domain where modern analytical technologies interact with each other. Named as “Foodomics,” this domain assembles a variety of investigational fields such as genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, peptidomics, and metabolomics. All these technologies are at the service of several goals that are essentially dictated by fundamental understanding, safety, and consistency. In this report, open questions are summarized around proteins and selected technologies recommended for a proper analytical determination not only of composition, but also considering the low‐abundance expressed species difficult to detect for their presence, their function, and their adverse effects such as allergic action. In particular, this review covers the proteome of foodstuff and beverages, as detected via combinatorial peptide ligand libraries, such as: bovine and donkey's milk, egg white, and yolk, white and red wine, beer, and a number of nonalcoholic beverages, such as almond's milk and orgeat syrup, Cola, ginger ale, and vinegar.
Ba and Gd Doping Effect in (BaxSr1–x)0.95Gd0.05Co0.8Fe0.2O3–δ (x = 0.1–0.9) Cathode on the Phase Structure and Electrochemical Performance
Authors: Li Z. , Wei B. , Lü Z. , Zhu X. , Huang X. , Zhang Y. , Guo Z. , Su W.
Published: June 2012

In this study, BaxSr1–xCo0.8Fe0.2O3–δ (BSCF) doped with trace of Gd were studied for phase structures and properties about thermal expansion, electrical conductivity, and electrocatalytic activity. The solution range of barium in BaxSr1–xCo0.8Fe0.2O3–δ can be extended to 0.1 ≤ x ≤ 0.7 after the introduction of small amount of Gd3+ ions (only for 5%) into the Ba/Sr‐site. The calculation results of the crystal structure and the crystal lattice energy show that the ratio of Ba/Sr and doping of Gd3+ lead to increase the lattice parameter and the Co/Fe ionic average valence state in B‐site. Moreover, the ratio of Ba/Sr and doping of Gd3+ were found to have significant impacts on the high‐temperature physical properties and electrochemical characteristics. All oxides exhibited decreases in the thermal expansion coefficient (TEC) and electrical conductivity with increasing Ba/Sr ratio. Barium insertion was found to change the area‐specific resistance (ASR) of porous (not dense) cathodes. An ASR values of 0.048, 0.072, 0.064, 0.121, and 0.059 Ω cm2 under air condition were observed at 650 °C for BSGCF with x = 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.5, and 0.7, respectively.
Astrocyte elevated gene-1 promotes hepatocarcinogenesis: Novel insights from a mouse model
Authors: Srivastava Jyoti , Siddiq Ayesha , Emdad Luni , Santhekadur Prasanna Kumar , Chen Dong , Gredler Rachel , Shen Xue-Ning , Robertson Chadia L. , Dumur Catherine I. , Hylemon Phillip B. , Mukhopadhyay Nitai D. , Bhere Deepak , Shah Khalid , Ahmad Rushdy , Giashuddin Shah , Stafflinger Jillian , Subler Mark A. , Windle Jolene J. , Fisher Paul B. , Sarkar Devanand
Published: June 2012

Astrocyte elevated gene-1 (AEG-1) is a key contributor to hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) development and progression. To enhance our understanding of the role of AEG-1 in hepatocarcinogenesis, a transgenic mouse with hepatocyte-specific expression of AEG-1 (Alb/AEG1) was developed. Treating Alb/AEG-1, but not wild-type (WT) mice, with N-nitrosodiethylamine resulted in multinodular HCC with steatotic features and associated modulation of expression of genes regulating invasion, metastasis, angiogenesis, and fatty acid synthesis. Hepatocytes isolated from Alb/AEG-1 mice displayed profound resistance to chemotherapeutics and growth factor deprivation with activation of prosurvival signaling pathways. Alb/AEG-1 hepatocytes also exhibited marked resistance toward senescence, which correlated with abrogation of activation of a DNA damage response. Conditioned media from Alb/AEG-1 hepatocytes induced marked angiogenesis with elevation in several coagulation factors. Among these factors, AEG-1 facilitated the association of factor XII (FXII) messenger RNA with polysomes, resulting in increased translation. Short interfering RNA–mediated knockdown of FXII resulted in profound inhibition of AEG-1-induced angiogenesis.

Conclusion:

We uncovered novel aspects of AEG-1 functions, including induction of steatosis, inhibition of senescence, and activation of the coagulation pathway to augment aggressive hepatocarcinogenesis. The Alb/AEG-1 mouse provides an appropriate model to scrutinize the molecular mechanism of hepatocarcinogenesis and to evaluate the efficacy of novel therapeutic strategies targeting HCC.
Statins modulate transcriptional activity of heme‐oxygenase‐1 promoter in NIH 3T3 Cells
Authors: Mrad May F. , Mouawad Charbel A. , Al‐Hariri Moustafa , Eid Assaad A. , Alam Jawed , Habib Aïda
Published: June 2012

Statins, inhibitors of HMG CoA reductase, have pleiotropic effects independent of their capacity to lower cholesterol. Heme‐oxygenase‐1(HO‐1) plays an important role as an anti‐oxidant and anti‐inflammatory enzyme. In the present study, we used NIH 3T3 cells which express HO‐1 to investigate the molecular mechanisms of HO‐1 induction by statins. Simvastatin or fluvastatin induced a significant increase in HO‐1 protein expression and mRNA levels. Both statins stimulated activity of a mouse HO‐1 promoter (−1,287 to +73 bp)/luciferase reporter gene, 3.25 ± 0.23 (Mean ± S.E.M., n = 15, P < 0.001, t‐test) and 3.13 ± 0.33 (Mean ± S.E.M., n = 6, P < 0.001, t‐test), respectively. This effect was more pronounced in the short proximal promoter than the full promoter of HO‐1. Gel retardation experiments for C/EBP and upstream stimulatory factor (USF) DNA‐binding activities using simvastatin‐ or fluvastatin‐treated cells showed significant nuclear protein‐DNA complexes which were supershifted with antibodies specific for C/EBP β and δ or USF‐1 and USF‐2. Point mutations of the proximal HO‐1 promoter (−149 to +73 bp) for the myc/max which binds USF or the C/EBP binding sequences showed a reduction in statin‐induced reporter activity whereas no role of the distal C/EBP binding elements located at −4 kb was observed. Moreover, overexpression of mutated C/EBP β and USF factor or the siRNA for both factors supported a role of these transcription factors in statin‐dependent induction of HO‐1, with a clearer effect for C/EBP. J. Cell. Biochem. 113: 3466–3475, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The Effect of Exogenous Testosterone on Ectoparasite Loads in Free‐Ranging Western Fence Lizards
Authors: POLLOCK NICHOLAS B. , VREDEVOE LARISA K. , TAYLOR EMILY N.
Published: June 2012

Numerous factors impact the dynamics of host‐parasite relationships, such as host sex, hormonal state, reproductive condition, host health, and behavior. In particular, males from a variety of taxa frequently carry heavier parasite burdens than females, particularly during breeding season when testosterone concentrations are elevated. Using western fence lizards (Sceloporus occidentalis), we tested the hypothesis that high circulating testosterone concentrations in male lizards induce high tick and mite loads. We implanted male lizards with either testosterone or control implants in the field during the spring, when tick and mite loads are highest. One month later, testosterone‐implanted males had significantly higher tick loads, but lower mite loads, than control males. These results suggest that testosterone differentially impacts ectoparasitic acarine burdens. Testosterone may modulate aspects of lizard physiology and behavior that enhance or diminish parasitism by certain acarines during periods of peak reproductive effort.J. Exp. Zool. 00A:1‐9, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) with retrospective motion correction for large‐scale pediatric imaging
Authors: Holdsworth Samantha J. , Aksoy Murat , Newbould Rexford D. , Yeom Kristen , Van Anh T. , Ooi Melvyn B. , Barnes Patrick D. , Bammer Roland , Skare Stefan
Published: June 2012

Purpose:

To develop and implement a clinical DTI technique suitable for the pediatric setting that retrospectively corrects for large motion without the need for rescanning and/or reacquisition strategies, and to deliver high‐quality DTI images (both in the presence and absence of large motion) using procedures that reduce image noise and artifacts.

Materials and Methods:

We implemented an in‐house built generalized autocalibrating partially parallel acquisitions (GRAPPA)‐accelerated diffusion tensor (DT) echo‐planar imaging (EPI) sequence at 1.5T and 3T on 1600 patients between 1 month and 18 years old. To reconstruct the data, we developed a fully automated tailored reconstruction software that selects the best GRAPPA and ghost calibration weights; does 3D rigid‐body realignment with importance weighting; and employs phase correction and complex averaging to lower Rician noise and reduce phase artifacts. For select cases we investigated the use of an additional volume rejection criterion and b‐matrix correction for large motion.

Results:

The DTI image reconstruction procedures developed here were extremely robust in correcting for motion, failing on only three subjects, while providing the radiologists high‐quality data for routine evaluation.

Conclusion:

This work suggests that, apart from the rare instance of continuous motion throughout the scan, high‐quality DTI brain data can be acquired using our proposed integrated sequence and reconstruction that uses a retrospective approach to motion correction. In addition, we demonstrate a substantial improvement in overall image quality by combining phase correction with complex averaging, which reduces the Rician noise that biases noisy data. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2012;36:961–971. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Identification and characterization of proanthocyanidins of 16 members of the Rhododendron genus (Ericaceae) by tandem LC–MS
Authors: Jaiswal Rakesh , Jayasinghe Lalith , Kuhnert Nikolai
Published: June 2012

The proanthocyanidins of the leaves of 16 taxa of the Rhododendron genus (Ericaceae) [Rhododendron ‘Catawbiense Grandiflorum’, Rhododendron ‘Cunningham's White’, Rhododendron smirnowii Trautv., Rhododendron calophytum Franch., Rhododendron dichroanthum ssp. scyphocalyx (Balf. f. & Forrest ) Cowan, Rhododendron micranthum Turcz., Rhododendron praevernum Hutch., Rhododendron ungernii Trautv., Rhododendron kaempferi Planch., Rhododendron degronianum ssp. heptamerum var. hondoense (Nakai ) H. Hara, Rhododendron fortunei Lindl., Rhododendron ponticum L., Rhododendron galactinum Balf. f. ex Tagg., Rhododendron oreotrephes W. W. Sm., Rhododendron brachycarpum ssp. brachycarpum D. Don ex G. Don, and Rhododendron insigne Hemsl. & E. H. Wilson ] were investigated qualitatively by liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry in series. Twenty‐nine dimeric proanthocyanidins based on (epi)catechin and (epi)gallocatechin were detected and characterized on the basis of their unique fragmentation pattern in the negative ion mode tandem mass spectrometry spectra. All of them were extracted for the first time from these sources, and ten of them were not reported previously in nature. The position of the galloyl residue was assigned on the basis of the retro‐Diels–Alder fragmentation and the dehydrated retro‐Diels–Alder fragmentation; it resulted from the loss of gallic acid as a neutral loss in the negative ion mode. Furthermore, four caffeoylquinic acids, six p‐coumaroylquinic acids, epigallocatechin, gallocatechin, catechin, epicatechin, epigallocatechin gallate, catechin gallate, epicatechin gallate, gallocatechin gallate, two quercetin‐O‐hexosides, quercetin‐O‐galloyl‐hexoside, quercetin‐O‐pentoside, quercetin‐O‐rhamnoside, quercetin‐O‐pentoside‐O‐hexoside, quercetin‐O‐rhamnoside‐O‐hexoside, quercetin‐O‐feruloyl‐hexoside, quercetin‐O‐(p‐hydroxy)benzoyl‐hexoside, taxifolin‐O‐pentoside, myricetin‐O‐rhamnoside, two myricetin‐O‐pentosides, three myricetin‐O‐hexosides, and two myricetin‐O‐galloyl‐hexosides were detected and shown to possess characteristic tandem mass spectrometry spectra and were tentatively assigned on the basis of their retention time. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Aromatic C–H bond activation revealed by infrared multiphoton dissociation spectroscopy
Authors: Jašíková Lucie , Hanikýřová Eva , Schröder Detlef , Roithová Jana
Published: June 2012

Metal‐oxide cations are models of catalyst mediating the C–H bond activation of organic substrates. One of the most powerful reagents suggested in the gas phase is based on CuO+. Here, we describe the activation of the aromatic C–H bonds of phenanthroline in its complex with CuO+. The reaction sequence starts with a hydrogen atom abstraction by the oxygen atom from the 2‐position of the phenanthroline ring, followed by OH migration to the ring. Using infrared multiphoton spectroscopy, it is shown that the reaction can be energetically facilitated by additional coordination of a water ligand to the copper ion. As the reaction is intramolecular, a spectroscopic characterization of the product is mandatory in order to unambiguously address the reaction mechanism. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A ‘meta effect’ in the fragmentation reactions of ionised alkyl phenols and alkyl anisoles
Authors: Bouchoux Guy , Sablier Michel , Miyakoshi Tetsuo , Honda Takashi
Published: June 2012

The competition between benzylic cleavage (simple bond fission [SBF]) and retro‐ene rearrangement (RER) from ionised ortho, meta and para RC6H4OH and RC6H4OCH3 (R = n‐C3H7, n‐C4H9, n‐C5H11, n‐C7H15, n‐C9H19, n‐C15H31) is examined. It is observed that the SBF/RER ratio is significantly influenced by the position of the substituent on the aromatic ring. As a rule, phenols and anisoles substituted by an alkyl group in meta position lead to more abundant methylene‐2,4‐cyclohexadiene cations (RER fragmentation) than their ortho and para homologues. This ‘meta effect’ is explained on the basis of energetic and kinetic of the two reaction channels. Quantum chemistry computations have been used to provide estimate of the thermochemistry associated with these two fragmentation routes. G3B3 calculation shows that a hydroxy or a methoxy group in the meta position destabilises the SBF and stabilises the RER product ions. Modelling of the SBF/RER intensities ratio has been performed assuming two single reaction rates for both fragmentation processes and computing them within the statistical RRKM formalism in the case of ortho, meta and para butyl phenols. It is clearly demonstrated that, combining thermochemistry and kinetics, the inequality (SBF/RER)meta < (SBF/RER)ortho < (SBF/RER)para holds for the butyl phenols series. It is expected that the ‘meta effect’ described in this study enables unequivocal identification of meta isomers from ortho and para isomers not only of alkyl phenols and alkyl anisoles but also in other alkyl benzene series. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Dynamics of calling: A longitudinal study of musicians
Authors: Dobrow Shoshana R.
Published: June 2012

The dominant view of calling among management scholars is that it is a stable construct that does not change. This view has resulted in a research void about calling's early development and subsequent evolution. Insight into the dynamic process through which callings develop is fundamental to understanding its role in people's careers and lives. In this study, I focus on the antecedents of calling, a consuming, meaningful passion people can experience toward a domain. I propose a dynamic model in which calling can change over time and can be shaped by antecedent factors, specifically, through people's ability, behavioral involvement, and social comfort in the area toward which they feel a calling. I tested these ideas in a seven‐year, four‐wave prospective longitudinal survey study of 450 amateur musicians. Multilevel analyses indicate individuals who were more behaviorally involved and felt higher social comfort in the calling domain (e.g., music) experienced higher levels of calling early on but experienced a decline in calling over time. Individuals' ability in the calling domain was not related to initial calling or change in calling. I discuss the implications for theory and research on calling, meaning of work, and the dynamics of careers. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Probing reoxidation sites by in situ Raman spectroscopy: differences between reduced CeO2 and Pt/CeO2
Authors: Daniel Marlène , Loridant Stéphane
Published: June 2012

Raman spectroscopy is a powerful technique for detecting peroxo (O2)2– and superoxo (O2)– species adsorbed on defect sites of ceria. These sites are probed by reducing CeO2 at high temperature and then chemisorbing oxygen species at low temperature. In the present study, it is shown for the first time that such Raman characterization has to be achieved at very low laser power to avoid formation of oxygen species by photolysis and analyze only the chemisorbed species. Respecting this requirement, the (O2)2– and (O2)– species formed on 0.7% Pt/CeO2 compound, and the CeO2 support used to prepare it were compared after reduction for various times and at various temperatures. Superoxo species were more stabilized on reduced 0.7% Pt/CeO2 after short reduction at 773 K than on reduced CeO2. Additionally, the distributions of peroxo species adsorbed on defect sites of Pt/CeO2 and CeO2 were significantly different after long reduction at 773 K in spite of similar amounts. Indeed, less stable species were formed during the reduction of 0.7% Pt/CeO2. These two features revealed that new sites were created during the preparation and reduction of Pt/CeO2 compared to its bare support. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Indirect and mixed‐treatment comparison, network, or multiple‐treatments meta‐analysis: many names, many benefits, many concerns for the next generation evidence synthesis tool
Authors: Salanti Georgia
Published: June 2012

The ever increasing number of alternative treatment options and the plethora of clinical trials have put systematic reviews and meta‐analysis under a new perspective by emphasizing the need to make inferences about competing treatments for the same condition. The statistical component in reviews that compare multiple interventions, network meta‐analysis, is the next generation evidence synthesis toolkit which, when properly applied, can serve decision‐making better than the established pairwise meta‐analysis. The criticism and enthusiasm for network meta‐analysis echo those that greeted the advent of simple meta‐analysis. The main criticism is associated with the difficulty in evaluating the assumption underlying the statistical synthesis of direct and indirect evidence. In the present article, the assumption of the network meta‐analysis are presented using various formulations, the statistical and nonstatistical methodological considerations are elucidated, and the progress achieved in this field is summarized. Throughout, focus is put on highlighting the analogy between the concerns and difficulties that the scientific community had some time ago when advancing from individual trials to their quantitative synthesis via meta‐analysis and those currently expressed about the transition from head‐to‐head meta‐analyses to network meta‐analysis. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Solid‐pseudopapillary tumor of the pancreas: Clinical features, pathological characteristics, and origin
Authors: Ye Jinhua , Ma Mingzhe , Cheng Dongfeng , Yuan Fei , Deng Xiaxing , Zhan Qian , Shen Baiyong , Peng Chenghong
Published: June 2012

Objectve

To study clinically pathological features and origin of solid‐pseudopapillary tumor of pancreas (SPT).

Patients and Methods

Clinical and pathological data of 82 cases with SPT were retrospectively studied. SAS6.12 statistics package was used for analysis. P < 0.05 was regarded as statistically significant difference.

Results

The SPT patients included 70 females and 12 males, with a median age of 31 years old. The mean tumor size was 6.71 ± 4.42 cm. Vascular or organs was invaded in nine cases. The clinical and pathological characteristics show no significant difference between male and female patients. In the non‐encapsulate group (22 cases), the tumor was larger (P = 0.0015), exogenous growth pattern (P = 0.0194), and would probably involve major vascular or organs (P = 1.697E−06). The typical features of SPT include pseudopapillary pattern with fibro vascular stalks by uniform poorly cohesive polygonal cells. The tumor cell expresses a variety of immune markers in heterogeneity. Under electron microscope, there are some electron dense granules, about 8–1.2 µm in diameter, with membrane similar to the zymogen granules in SPT cell cytoplasm.

Conclusions

SPT with incomplete capsule often presents malignant behaviors. SPT shows multi‐heterogeneity, which is caused by the disorder in the development of pancreatic stem cell. J. Surg. Oncol. 2012; 106:728–735. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Squamous cell carcinoma of the buccal mucosa: Outcomes of Treatment in the modern era
Authors: Bachar Gideon , Goldstein David P. , Barker Emma , Lea Jane , O'Sullivan Brian , Brown Dale H. , Gullane Patrick J. , Gilbert Ralph W. , Xu Wei , Su Jie , Irish Jonathan C.
Published: June 2012

Objectives/Hypothesis:

The objective of this study was to analyze the patterns of failure and to determine clinical and pathologic factors predictive of recurrence and survival of patients treated for squamous cell carcinoma of the buccal mucosa at Princess Margaret Hospital.

Study Design:

Retrospective chart review.

Methods:

A retrospective chart review of patients treated for buccal carcinoma between 1994 and 2004 was performed. Seventy patients with newly diagnosed and previously untreated squamous cell carcinoma of the buccal mucosa were included. Demographic, clinical, and pathological parameters were identified and correlated with outcomes.

Results:

The patient cohort consisted of 33 males and 37 females. Most patients presented with early‐stage local disease (T1‐T2). Surgery was the primary treatment in 61 patients. Twenty‐three patients were treated with postoperative radiotherapy. Median follow‐up was 3.3 years. The 5‐year local, regional, and overall control rates were 57.5%, 83.5%, and 50%, respectively. The 5‐year overall survival rate was 69%. The 5‐year disease‐specific and recurrence‐free survival rates were 76.4% and 46%, respectively. The only significant predictors of survival were the nodal status and extranodal extension.

Conclusions:

Carcinoma of the buccal mucosa is an aggressive disease, characterized by a high rate of locoregional failure. Transoral wide excision is an adequate treatment for early‐stage lesions; however, a combined approach and an elective neck dissection should be considered in advanced lesions.
Social networking and professionalism in otolaryngology residency applicants
Authors: Golden J. Blake , Sweeny Larissa , Bush Ben , Carroll William R.
Published: June 2012

Objectives/Hypothesis:

To assess compliance with Accreditation Council for Graduation Medical Education standards of professionalism among otolaryngology residency applicants with publicly searchable Facebook profiles.

Study Design:

Case series.

Methods:

Applicants to an otolaryngology residency program were searched on the Facebook website. Multiple matches were narrowed by available information until the correct individual was identified. Searches were performed in a manner that would not allow access to restricted information, thus showing only what would be accessible publicly. Four reviewers evaluated all profiles and generated a professionalism score. Scores were collated with National Resident Matching Program data and match results to identify significant associations.

Results:

Of the 234 applicants to our institution, 119 had Facebook profiles. Of these, 85 profiles contained information beyond simple demographics. Eleven percent of applicant profiles contained pictures or text that at least one reviewer felt could be perceived as unprofessional. There were six profiles with content considered to be concerning and one profile that contained clear violations of professional boundaries. Professionalism score did not correlate with whether the applicant matched, was interviewed, or received a place on the rank list. Age, gender, marital status, and Step 1 score did not correlate with a lower professionalism score. Our series included 61% of all otolaryngology applicants.

Conclusions:

Publicly available Facebook profiles with questionable content existed for 11% of otolaryngology applicants in this series. This finding did not affect applicants' match outcomes, nor was it predicted by any data available on the applicants' applications. Laryngoscope, 2012
Posterior semicircular canal dehiscence following endolymphatic sac surgery
Authors: Kiumehr Saman , Mahboubi Hossein , Djalilian Hamid R.
Published: June 2012

Posterior semicircular canal dehiscence is a rare otologic entity that presents with third window signs and symptoms. Petrous apex cholesteatoma, fibrous dysplasia, high riding jugular bulb, and eosinophilic granuloma have been reported to be associated with posterior semicircular canal dehiscence. Here we report a case of development of posterior semicircular canal dehiscence following an endolymphatic sac surgery for the first time. Laryngoscope, 2012
Multiple solutions of a quasilinear elliptic system involving the nonlinear boundary conditions on exterior domain
Authors: Liu Shuai , Chen Caisheng
Published: June 2012

In this paper, we consider the multiplicity results of nontrivial nonnegative solutions of the quasilinear p‐Laplacian system with the nonlinear boundary conditions:

urn:x-wiley:1704214:media:mma2564:mma2564-math-0001 where Ω is a smooth exterior domain in is the outward normal derivative on the boundary Γ = ∂Ω, and . By the Nehari manifold and variational methods, we prove that the problem (0.1) has at least two nontrivial nonnegative solutions when the pair of the parameters (λ,μ) belongs to a certain subset of . Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The protection zone for biological population in random environment
Authors: Zou Xiaoling , Wang Ke
Published: June 2012

A biomathematical model is described by stochastic differential equations with Markovian switching. The long‐time dynamical properties are studied both theoretically and numerically. Results show that both the persistence and extinction have close relationship with environmental noises (white and color noises). These results are of important biological significance for biological conservation. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Granulocyte macrophage colony‐stimulating factor treatment of a patient in myasthenic crisis: Effects on regulatory T cells
Authors: Rowin Julie , Thiruppathi Muthusamy , Arhebamen Ebinehita , Sheng Jianrong , Prabhakar Bellur S. , Meriggioli Matthew N.
Published: June 2012

Introduction: In this study we describe a patient with a prolonged myasthenic crisis refractory to conventional immunomodulatory therapy who was treated with GM‐CSF (granulocyte macrophage colony‐stimulating factor, sargramostim). Methods: T‐regulatory cell (Treg) suppressive function and Foxp3 expression were evaluated before and after treatment with GM‐CSF. Results: Treatment with GM‐CSF was associated with clinical improvement, expansion in the circulating numbers of Foxp3+ cells, increase in Foxp3 expression levels in Tregs, early improvement in Treg suppressive capacity for AChR‐α–induced T‐cell proliferation, and subsequent enhancement in Treg suppression of polyclonal T‐cell proliferation. Conclusion: Although definitive conclusions cannot be drawn from a single case, the correlation with similar findings in GM‐CSF–treated animals with experimental autoimmune myasthenia gravis suggests further exploration of the effects of GM‐CSF in myasthenia gravis should be studied in a clinical trial setting. Muscle Nerve 46: 449–453, 2012
Homogenates of skeletal muscle injected with snake venom inhibit myogenic differentiation in cell culture
Authors: Saravia‐Otten Patricia , Robledo BáRbara , Escalante Teresa , Bonilla Llira , Rucavado Alexandra , Lomonte Bruno , Hernández Rosario , Flock Jan‐Ingmar , Gutiérrez José María , Gastaldello Stefano
Published: June 2012

Introduction: Viperid snakebite envenomings are characterized by muscle necrosis and a deficient regenerative response. Methods: Homogenates from gastrocnemius muscles of mice injected with the venom of the snake Bothrops asper or with 2 tissue‐damaging toxins were added to cultures of C2C12 myogenic cells. Myoblasts proliferation and fusion were assessed. Venom was detected by immunoassay in mouse muscle during the first week after injection. Results: Homogenates from venom‐injected muscle induced a drop in the number of proliferating myoblasts and a complete elimination of myotube formation. The inhibitory effect induced by homogenates from venom‐injected mice was abrogated by preincubation of the homogenate with antivenom antibodies but not with control antibodies. This finding provides evidence that the effect is due to the action of venom in the tissue. Conclusions: Our observations suggest that traces of venom in muscle tissue might inhibit myotube formation and preclude a successful regenerative response. Muscle Nerve, 2013
Contralateral weakness following botulinum toxin for poststroke spasticity
Authors: Thomas Anila M. , Simpson David M.
Published: June 2012

Introduction:

We describe 2 patients who received botulinum toxin A (BoNT) for poststroke spasticity and developed contralateral limb weakness.

Methods:

Both patients received high doses of BoNT with large dilution volumes and injection in the proximal upper extremity muscles, and developed weakness of the contralateral upper limb. These patients then underwent electrodiagnostic testing of the affected limb.

Results:

Repetitive nerve stimulation of the axillary and spinal accessory nerves revealed decrements of 23% and 16%, respectively. EMG revealed abnormal spontaneous activity and small polyphasic motor unit potentials with reduced recruitment. These findings indicated blockade of the neuromuscular junction. Both patients improved.

Conclusions:

Isolated weakness of the contralateral limb after BoNT injection for poststroke spasticity suggests diffusion of toxin through tissue planes from proximal upper extremity muscles, across the midline, to contralateral muscles. High doses of botulinum toxin, high dilution volumes, and injection of proximal upper extremity muscles appear to be risk factors for this adverse effect. Muscle Nerve 46: 443–448, 2012
Nonlinear model order reduction based on local reduced‐order bases
Authors: Amsallem David , Zahr Matthew J. , Farhat Charbel
Published: June 2012

A new approach for the dimensional reduction via projection of nonlinear computational models based on the concept of local reduced‐order bases is presented. It is particularly suited for problems characterized by different physical regimes, parameter variations, or moving features such as discontinuities and fronts. Instead of approximating the solution of interest in a fixed lower‐dimensional subspace of global basis vectors, the proposed model order reduction method approximates this solution in a lower‐dimensional subspace generated by most appropriate local basis vectors. To this effect, the solution space is partitioned into subregions, and a local reduced‐order basis is constructed and assigned to each subregion offline. During the incremental solution online of the reduced problem, a local basis is chosen according to the subregion of the solution space where the current high‐dimensional solution lies. This is achievable in real time because the computational complexity of the selection algorithm scales with the dimension of the lower‐dimensional solution space. Because it is also applicable to the process of hyper reduction, the proposed method for nonlinear model order reduction is computationally efficient. Its potential for achieving large speedups while maintaining good accuracy is demonstrated for two nonlinear computational fluid and fluid‐structure‐electric interaction problems. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.