bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The effect of pregnancy on the uterine NK cell KIR repertoire
Authors: Male Victoria , Sharkey Andrew , Masters Leanne , Kennedy Philippa R. , Farrell Lydia E. , Moffett Ashley
Published: July 2011

The major leukocyte population in the decidua during the first trimester of pregnancy consists of NK cells that express receptors capable of recognizing MHC class I molecules expressed by placental trophoblast. These include members of the killer immunoglobulin‐like receptor (KIR) family, the two‐domain KIR (KIR2D), which recognize HLA‐C. Interactions between decidual NK (dNK) cell KIR2D and placental HLA‐C contribute to the success of pregnancy and dNK cells express KIR2D at higher frequency than peripheral NK (pNK) cells. Thus, they are biased toward recognizing HLA‐C. In order to investigate when this unusual KIR repertoire appears, we compared the phenotype of NK cells isolated from non‐pregnant (endometrium) and pregnant (decidua) human uterine mucosa. Endometrial NK (eNK) cells did not express KIR2D at a higher level than matched pNK cells, so the bias toward HLA‐C recognition occurs as a response to pregnancy. Furthermore, HLA‐C expression was upregulated on uterine stromal cells as the mucosa transformed from endometrium to decidua at the onset of pregnancy. As uterine NK (uNK) cells can mature from NK precursors and acquire KIR expression in utero, the pregnancy‐specific bias of uNK cells toward HLA‐C recognition could arise as developing uNK cells interact with uterine stromal cells, which express higher levels of HLA‐C during pregnancy.
Dicarbonylrhodium(I) Complexes of Bipyridine Ligands with Proximate H‐Bonding Substituents and Their Application in Methyl Acetate Carbonylation
Authors: Conifer Christopher M. , Law David J. , Sunley Glenn J. , Haynes Anthony , Wells John R. , White Andrew J. P. , Britovsek George J. P.
Published: July 2011

A series of cationic cis‐dicarbonylrhodium(I) complexes [Rh(L)(CO)2]SbF6 has been prepared containing 2,2′‐bipyridine ligands with proximate H‐bonding substituents R in the 6‐ and 6′‐position (R = OH, NH2, COOEt and PO(OEt)2). The solid‐state structures have been determined by X‐ray crystallography for the complexes where R = OH, NH2 and COOEt. The molecular structures have revealed metal–metal and π–π interactions between the square‐planar complexes resulting in the formation of molecular chains in the solid state. IR studies on the reaction of [Rh(bipy)(CO)2]SbF6 with MeI have shown the formation of a neutral complex [RhI(CO)(bipy)], which undergoes oxidative addition of MeI much faster than the cationic complex [Rh(bipy)(CO)2]+. Although all complexes show good activities for the carbonylation of methyl acetate, this is believed to be due to their instability and the formation of [RhI2(CO)2]– under the reaction conditions.
Solution‐Stable Triple Helicates of Quaterimidazole: Three‐Dimensional Crystal Structures and Optical Resolution by Chiral‐Column HPLC
Authors: Yakiyama Yumi , Murata Tsuyoshi , Ise Tomoaki , Shiomi Daisuke , Sato Kazunobu , Takui Takeji , Nakasuji Kazuhiro , Morita Yasushi
Published: July 2011

Complex formation of quaterimidazole with FeII, CoII, and NiII yielded dinuclear triple helicates in the solution state by the self‐assembling ability of the ligand based on the strong chelating coordination bonds. Crystallization of the CoII complex from aqueous solution afforded the CoIII complex with a triple‐helical structure. X‐ray crystal structure analyses revealed that the helicates are linked through N–H···X hydrogen bonds with counteranions and solvent molecules to form three‐dimensional networks. The spectrophotometric titration experiment showed that quaterimidazole forms triple helicates with various d‐block transition metal ions with high selectivity. The outward intermolecular interactions and high stability of the helicates from the rigid molecular structures combined with the intramolecular π–π interactions of imidazole moieties and their strong chelating coordination enabled the successful optical resolution of right‐ and left‐handed helicates by chiral‐column HPLC.
Application of short path distillation for recovery of polyphenols from deodorizer distillate
Authors: Meyer F. , Eggers R. , Oehlke K. , Harbaum‐Piayda B. , Schwarz K. , Siddiqi M.A.
Published: July 2011

During physical refining of oil derived from ‘high temperature short time’ (HTST) pretreated rapeseeds, polyphenols are separated from the oil during deodorization and accumulate together with other high‐value minor compounds in the so‐called deodorizer distillate. For recovery of these compounds single‐stage and multistage short path distillations were carried out in a laboratory scale apparatus at evaporation temperatures between 110 and 170°C and pressures between 0.006 and 0.01 mbar. In addition, the removal of traces of pesticides from rapeseed deodorizer distillate was investigated. It was observed that these compounds can be separated from deodorizer distillate by means of short path distillation very effectively. On the basis of these experiments, a recovery process for polyphenols was proposed involving short path distillation, acid catalyzed esterification with methanol, solvent crystallization and solvent extraction processes. The final product was a polyphenol enriched extract containing about 14% of polyphenols. A polyphenol recovery of 50% is considered to be reachable and fractions rich in tocopherols and sterols may be obtained as by‐products.
The First Benzo[1,2:4,5]dicyclobutenones and Their Tricarbonylchromium Complexes
Authors: Abdelhamid Ismail Abdelshafy , Habib Osama Mahmoud Ali , Butenschön Holger
Published: July 2011

Treatment of 1,4‐dibromo‐2,5‐dimethoxybenzene (6) with NaNH2 followed by 1,1‐dimethoxyethene (7) afforded the bi‐ and tricyclic acetals such as 8 and 9 as the products of [2+2] cycloadditions of the intermediate arynes. After chromatographic separation and acetal hydrolysis the title compounds 15 and 16 were obtained in high yields as the first representatives of their class. Complexation of the acetals with Cr(CO)6 gave the corresponding tricarbonylchromium complexes in excellent yields. Subsequent deacetalization afforded the diketone complexes 18 and rac‐20, which underwent stereoselective nucleophilic diadditions at –78 °C.
Immobilization of Xanthine Oxidase on Carbon Nanotubes Through Double Supramolecular Junctions for Biosensor Construction
Authors: Villalonga Reynaldo , Diez Paula , Gamella María , Reviejo Julio , Pingarrón José M.
Published: July 2011

A novel approach for the noncovalent functionalization of single‐walled carbon nanotubes with enzymes, using a β‐cyclodextrin‐modified pyrene derivative, mono‐6‐ethylenediamino‐(2‐pyrene carboxamido)‐6‐deoxy‐β‐cyclodextrin (Pyr‐βCD), as a molecular bridge for the construction of a supramolecular assembly between the nanotube surface and an adamantane‐modified enzyme, is reported. The Pyr‐βCD derivative was synthesized and its stacking to SWNT through π–π interactions accomplished. The functionalized nanotubes showed low capacity for the nonspecific adsorption of proteins, but were able to immobilize adamantane‐modified xanthine oxidase via host‐guest associations. This double supramolecular junctions‐based approach was employed to modify a glassy carbon electrode with the enzyme/nanotubes complex for designing a biosensor device toward xanthine. The biosensor showed fast electroanalytical response (10 s), high sensitivity (5.9 mA/M cm2) low detection limit (2 µM) and high stability.
A Prototype of Electrochemical Sensor for Measurements of Carbonyl Compounds in Air
Authors: Gębicki Jacek
Published: July 2011

The paper presents the results of investigation on a prototype sensor for measurements of benzaldehyde and formaldehyde in air. Sensitivity, limit of quantification and coefficient of selectivity of the sensor have been determined as a function of membrane thickness and electrode type using square wave voltammetry (SWV) technique. The working and counter electrodes were made of platinum and gold. Ionic liquids 1‐hexyl, 3‐methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide constituted an internal electrolyte. Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) membrane separated gaseous medium from the electrolyte.
Investigation of phosphoprotein signatures of archived prostate cancer tissue specimens via proteomic analysis
Authors: Chen Li , Fang Bin , Giorgianni Francesco , Gingrich Jeffrey R. , Beranova‐Giorgianni Sarka
Published: July 2011

Early detection of prostate cancer and determination of its aggressiveness are critical factors that influence treatment outcomes. To aid in the clinical decision making, novel biomarkers are being sought. Direct, global‐scale examination of primary human specimens provides the most relevant picture of the tumor machinery and its perturbations, and this information is highly significant in the context of biomarker discovery. In the pilot study reported here, we focused on mapping of the phosphoproteome in human prostate cancer specimens obtained from a tissue repository. A gel‐free proteomic strategy included whole proteome digestion, phosphopeptide enrichment with immobilized metal ion affinity chromatography (IMAC), and phosphoprotein identification via LC‐MS/MS and database searches. We applied this strategy to obtain phosphoprotein signatures from a set of five specimens. Phosphoproteins were characterized from each specimen. The phosphoprotein panels included 16–23 phosphoproteins that encompassed 18–30 phosphorylation sites. Some of proteins/sites were characterized in multiple specimens, whereas the majority of sites were found in single specimens. The characterized panels include caldesmone, desmin, HSP β‐1, synaptopodin‐2, filamin‐C, tensin‐1, and others. In summary, the study showed that cancer‐relevant phosphoproteins can be characterized directly from archived prostate tumor specimens, establishing the groundwork for further biomarker discovery.
Prediction of turbulence energy dissipation in flexible apron of barrages using numerical method
Authors: Mishra Kapileswar
Published: July 2011

Barrages form an important component of hydraulic structures constructed to intercept and divert part of the available flow of a river and use it for purposes like irrigation, hydropower and domestic or industrial water supply. A flexible apron is a protection system provided in the barrage to prevent the possibility of the scour hole traveling close to the stilling basin. The turbulence kinetic energy is predicted using a 3D VOF (volume of fluid) realizable k −ϵ model for both horizontal and depressed flexible aprons placed downstream of the stilling basin of the barrage. The turbulence kinetic energy at the downstream end of the inclined flexible apron is comparably less compared with the horizontal flexible apron for all the cases. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Remarks on the numerical solution of the adjoint quasi‐one‐dimensional Euler equations
Authors: Lozano C. , Ponsin J.
Published: July 2011

We examine the numerical solution of the adjoint quasi‐one‐dimensional Euler equations with a central‐difference finite volume scheme with Jameson‐Schmidt‐Turkel (JST) dissipation, for both the continuous and discrete approaches. First, the complete formulations and discretization of the quasi‐one‐dimensional Euler equations and the continuous adjoint equation and its counterpart, the discrete adjoint equation, are reviewed. The differences between the continuous and discrete boundary conditions are also explored. Second, numerical testing is carried out on a symmetric converging–diverging duct under subsonic flow conditions. This analysis reveals that the discrete adjoint scheme, while being manifestly less accurate than the continuous approach, gives nevertheless more accurate flow sensitivities. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A Comparison of US Police Interviewers' Notes with their Subsequent Reports
Authors: Gregory Amy Hyman , Compo Nadja Schreiber , Vertefeuille LeeAnn , Zambruski Gavin
Published: July 2011

Investigators often take notes during witness interviews, which may be used when reconstructing interviews and writing reports. Little research has evaluated the content of interviewers' notes and how (accurately) they are transferred to reports. Thirteen US police investigators' notes from a witness interview were evaluated and compared with their subsequent reports. Results indicate that although information contained in notes is accurate (98%), a high percentage of interview information (68%) is omitted. Notes focus mainly on witness responses while neglecting interviewer questions/utterances. Although 94% of information contained in notes is accurately transferred to reports, interviewers fail to account for 40% of crime‐relevant information in their reports. On average, reports contained a larger percentage of witness information than the notes, but police officers failed to account for how information was originally elicited via their questions/utterances. Subsequent interview reports also contained a higher percentage of peripheral crime details than notes, contributing to a decreased omission rate (28%) from notes to reports. Taken together, results indicate that interviewer notes and reports provide a fairly accurate picture of witness responses. However, they present a skewed picture of the entire interview content by omitting a high percentage of interview content and their own questions/utterances. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Raman spectroscopy and CARS microscopy of stem cells and their derivatives
Authors: Downes Andrew , Mouras Rabah , Bagnaninchi Pierre , Elfick Alistair
Published: July 2011

The characterisation of stem cells is of vital importance to regenerative medicine. Failure to separate out all stem cells from differentiated cells before therapies can result in teratomas—tumours of multiple cell types. Typically, characterisation is performed in a destructive manner with fluorescent assays. A truly non‐invasive method of characterisation would be a major breakthrough in stem cell‐based therapies. Raman spectroscopy has revealed that DNA and RNA levels drop when a stem cell differentiates into other cell types, which we link to a change in the relative sizes of the nucleus and cytoplasm. We also used Raman spectroscopy to investigate the biochemistry within an early embryo, or blastocyst, which differs greatly from colonies of embryonic stem cells. Certain cell types that differentiate from stem cells can be identified by directly imaging the biochemistry with CARS microscopy; examples presented are hydroxyapatite—a precursor to bone, and lipids in adipocytes. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Bent polyynes: ring geometry studied by Raman and IR spectroscopy
Authors: Lucotti Andrea , Tommasini Matteo , Chalifoux Wesley A. , Fazzi Daniele , Zerbi Giuseppe , Tykwinski Rik R.
Published: July 2011

Infrared (IR) and Raman spectroscopy have been used to examine the vibrational characteristics of a series of three macrocyclic tetraynes in comparison with an acyclic analog. By changing the length of the alkyl tether of the macrocycles, varying degrees of bending of the tetrayne moiety can be achieved, and the joint use of IR and Raman spectroscopies provides an avenue to probe the impact of bending on the sp‐chain. The spectroscopic data show a general trend toward decreasing activation of Raman bands in the IR spectra, and vice versa, as bending of the polyyne chain is decreased. Density functional theory calculations provide a detailed rationalization of the experimental observations. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Tumor size and presence of calcifications on ultrasonography are pre‐operative predictors of lymph node metastases in patients with papillary thyroid cancer
Authors: Gomez Nephtali R. , Kouniavsky Guennadi , Tsai Hua‐Ling , Somervell Helina , Pai Sara I. , Tufano Ralph P. , Umbricht Christopher , Kowalski Jeanne , Dackiw Alan P.B. , Zeiger Martha A.
Published: July 2011

Background and Objectives

Lymph node metastases in papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) are common and their presence can significantly alter the treatment for patients with PTC. We therefore sought to identify pre‐operative predictors of lymph node metastases in patients with PTC.

Methods

A thyroid tumor database was queried to identify patients with a pre‐operative diagnosis of PTC and underwent thyroidectomy between January 2006 and August 2009. One hundred and three patients who had a pre‐operative ultrasound and had lymph nodes surgically resected were identified. Clinical factors and tumor ultrasound characteristics were recorded. The pre‐operative ultrasound results, type of operation, and final pathology results were also recorded.

Results

Of the 103 patients, 74 (72%) were women and 29 (28%) were men with an age range of 15–78 years (median age of 43). Of the ultrasound characteristics evaluated only calcifications (P = 0.007) and size (P = 0.003) were statistically associated with positive cervical lymph nodes. None of the other demographic or clinical factors were significantly associated with lymph node metastases.

Conclusions

Thyroid nodule size and presence of calcifications on ultrasound were found to have a statistically significant association with lymph node metastases in patients with PTC. This information could be used to guide the surgical management of these patients. J. Surg. Oncol. 2011; 104:613–616. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Elevated expression of Rad51 is correlated with decreased survival in resectable esophageal squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Li Yong , Yu Hui , Luo Rong‐Zhen , Zhang Ying , Zhang Mei‐Fang , Wang Xin , Jia Wei‐Hua
Published: July 2011

Background

Rad51 plays a critical role in homologous recombination and correlates with many human malignancies. However, its role and clinical significance in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) has not been clarified. The purpose of this study was to explore the clinicopathological correlation and prognostic significance of Rad51expression in a group of ESCC patients.

Methods

We evaluated Rad51 expression in 230 surgically resected ESCC specimens by immunochemistry using tissue microarray and correlated with clinicopathological features including post‐operation survival.

Results

There was no significant correlation between Rad51 expression and clinicopathological characteristics in terms of age, sex, tumor location, histologic grade, T, N categories, and TNM stage. The Kaplan–Meier survival analysis showed that high expression of Rad51 indicated a poorer disease free survival (DFS) of ESCC patients compared with the patients with low expression of Rad51 (P = 0.031), similar result also shown in overall survival (OS) analysis (P = 0.034). Furthermore, Rad51 expression could stratify node positive patients in DFS (P = 0.021) and OS (P = 0.035). Multivariate analysis confirmed the Rad51 expression was an independent prognostic factor for DFS (HR = 1.603, P = 0.013) and OS (HR = 1.555, P = 0.021) of ESCC patients.

Conclusions

Elevated expression of Rad51 is associated with poor prognosis for resectable ESCC patients. J. Surg. Oncol. 2011; 104:617–622. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Prognostic impact of microscopic positive margin in gastric cancer patients
Authors: Nagata Tomoyuki , Ichikawa Daisuke , Komatsu Shuhei , Inoue Koji , Shiozaki Atsushi , Fujiwara Hitoshi , Okamoto Kazuma , Sakakura Chohei , Otsuji Eigo
Published: July 2011

Background

Complete resection with negative surgical margins has been a long‐held surgical philosophy based on the concept that even minimal remaining cancer cells will develop recurrences.

Objectives

This study investigated the clinical significance of microscopic positive margin on the outcome of patients with gastric cancers.

Methods

The relationships between the margin status and other clinicopathologic factors were examined in gastric cancer patients undergoing gastrectomy, and then the prognostic impact of the margin status was evaluated by univariate and multivariate analysis.

Results

The microscopic positive margin was identified in 23 patients (2.8%) by standard H&E staining. The positive margin showed a strong correlation significantly with tumor size (P < 0.05). Microscopic positive margin was found to be a significant prognostic factor on univariate analysis (5‐year survival rate 51.9% vs. 82.2%, P < 0.0001), as well as multivariate analysis (risk ratio 3.24, 95% CI: 1.24–6.50, P < 0.01). Detailed analysis of margin status demonstrated that patients with positive margin in a deep site and/or in multiple layers showed poor survival.

Conclusions

Microscopic positive margin was found to be an independent prognostic factor in gastric cancer patients. The status of the surgical margin might provide useful information for selecting additional treatments and performing intensive follow‐up. J. Surg. Oncol. 2011; 104:592–597. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Investigation of protein adsorption performance of Ni2+‐attached diatomite particles embedded in composite monolithic cryogels
Authors: Ünlü Nuri , Ceylan Şeyda , Erzengin Mahmut , Odabaşı Mehmet
Published: July 2011

As a low‐cost natural adsorbent, diatomite (DA) (2 μm) has several advantages including high surface area, chemical reactivity, hydrophilicity and lack of toxicity. In this study, the protein adsorption performance of supermacroporous composite cryogels embedded with Ni2+‐attached DA particles (Ni2+‐ADAPs) was investigated. Supermacroporous poly(2‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate) (PHEMA)‐based monolithic composite cryogel column embedded with Ni2+‐ADAPs was prepared by radical cryo‐copolymerization of 2‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) with N,N′‐methylene‐bis‐acrylamide (MBAAm) as cross‐linker directly in a plastic syringe for affinity purification of human serum albumin (HSA) both from aqueous solutions and human serum. The chemical composition and surface area of DA was determined by XRF and BET method, respectively. The characterization of composite cryogel was investigated by SEM. The effect of pH, and embedded Ni2+‐ADAPs amount, initial HSA concentration, temperature and flow rate on adsorption were studied. The maximum amount of HSA adsorption from aqueous solution at pH 8.0 phosphate buffer was very high (485.15 mg/g DA). It was observed that HSA could be repeatedly adsorbed and desorbed to the embedded Ni2+‐ADAPs in poly(2‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate) composite cryogel without significant loss of adsorption capacity. The efficiency of albumin adsorption from human serum before and after albumin adsorption was also investigated with SDS–PAGE analyses.
Application of thin metal film elements in bioanalysis
Authors: Juskova Petra , Foret Frantisek
Published: July 2011

Advanced metal deposition and microfabrication techniques enable preparation of metal surfaces with high precision and excellent control over their size and shape with subnanometer resolution. Thin metal films of different types and functions can be found in many analytical instruments. Surfaces with high optical quality serve as mirrors, beam splitters, antireflective coatings etc. Smooth metal coating is crucial in electron microscopy. Unique properties of the thin metal films are widely used in optical systems, as tools for sample manipulation but also for chemical sensing and detection. While some of the applications are widespread and belong to the basic curriculum in analytical chemistry, the newer or less common uses of thin metal films are well known only to the experts in the field. The purpose of this critical review is to highlight the role of thin metal films in bioanalysis and summarize some of their main applications in current bioanalytical instrumentation.
Preparation of metal wire supported solid‐phase microextraction fiber coated with multi‐walled carbon nanotubes
Authors: Feng Juanjuan , Sun Min , Xu Lili , Li Jubai , Liu Xia , Jiang Shengxiang
Published: July 2011

Multi‐walled carbon nanotubes‐coated solid‐phase microextraction fiber was prepared by a novel protocol involving mussel‐adhesive‐protein‐inspired polydopamine film. The polydopamine was used as binding agent to immobilize amine‐functionalized multi‐walled carbon nanotubes onto the surface of the stainless steel wire via Michael addition or Schiff base reaction. Surface properties of the fiber were characterized by field emission scanning electron microscope and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscope. Six phenols in aqueous solution were used as model compounds to investigate the extraction performance of the fiber and satisfactory results were obtained. Limit of detection was 0.10 μg/L for 2‐methylphenol (2‐MP) and 4‐methylphenol (4‐MP), and 0.02 μg/L for 2‐ethylphenol (2‐EP), 4‐ethylphenol (4‐EP), 2‐tert‐butylphenol (2‐t‐BuP), and 4‐tert‐butylphenol (4‐t‐BuP), which were much lower than commercial fiber and fibers made in laboratory. RSDs for one unique fiber are in the range of 1.92–7.00%. Fiber‐to‐fiber (n=3) reproducibility ranges from 4.44 to 8.41%. It also showed very high stability and durability to acid, alkali, organic solvent, and high temperature. Real water sample from Yellow river was applied to test the reliability of the established solid‐phase microextraction (SPME)‐GC method and recoveries with addition level at 5 and 100 μg/L were in the range from 81.5 to 110.0%.
Authentication of marine oils using 13C NMR spectroscopy
Authors: Standal Inger B. , Axelson David E. , Aursand Marit
Published: July 2011

NMR spectroscopy has been particularly valuable in the study of lipids, since it provides qualititative and quantitative information on chemically diverse compounds in a non‐destructive and non‐selective fashion. NMR gives a fingerprint of the sample analyzed and may be used as a rapid profiling technique. Combined with chemometrics and databases with relevant authentic samples, 13C NMR is a powerful tool for authentication of marine oils.
Metathesis applied to unsaturated lipid compounds
Authors: Behr Arno , Krema Stephanie
Published: July 2011

The metathesis of unsaturated oleochemicals is an excellent tool to generate useful products based on easily available raw materials. Through various types of metathesis different classes of substances can be produced. Metathesis reactions are of particular interest because they are 100% atom‐efficient, that is no by‐products are formed. Also, metathesis reactions can be carried out under mild reaction conditions with high conversions of the fatty substrates and high yields of target products. With oleochemical metathesis it may become possible to replace some petrochemical processes and to generate products which are otherwise only poorly accessible. In this short review, several homogeneous metathesis reactions that may lead to products of industrial importance are presented and discussed.
On harmonic functions for trace processes
Authors: Kim Panki , Song Renming , Vondraček Zoran
Published: July 2011

Let X be a standard Markov process with state space E and let F be a closed subset of E. A nonnegative function f on F is extended probabilistically to a function hf on the whole space E. We show that the extension hf is harmonic with respect to X provided that f is harmonic with respect to Y, the trace process on F of the process X. A consequence is that if the Harnack inequality holds for X, it also holds for the trace process Y. Several examples illustrating the usefulness of the result are given.
Minimal bundles and fine moduli spaces
Authors: Hein Georg
Published: July 2011

We study coherent sheaves E on a smooth projective curve X which are minimal with respect to the property that h0(E⊗L) > 0 for all line bundles L of degree zero on X. We show that these sheaves define ample divisors D(E) on the Picard torus Pic0(X) (see Theorem 3.3). Next we classify all minimal sheaves of rank one (see Theorem 4.3) and two (see Theorem 4.4). As an application we show (see Proposition 5.5) that the moduli space parameterizing rank two bundles of odd degree can be obtained as a Quot scheme.
PLCζ and its role as a trigger of development in vertebrates
Authors: Ito Junya , Parrington John , Fissore Rafael A.
Published: July 2011

A major unresolved issue in developmental biology is the precise mechanism whereby the sperm activates the oocyte. With the discovery that calcium signals are the primary trigger for oocyte activation, a key remaining question became the identification of the signaling protein that mediates such calcium signals at fertilization. A major step forward came in 2002 with the discovery of a sperm‐specific mammalian phospholipase C called phospholipase C zeta (PLCζ), which had the expected properties of the mammalian oocyte activation factor and was subsequently identified in other vertebrate groups. Most recently, defects in PLCζ have been shown to be linked to certain types of male infertility in humans. Despite these advances, many questions remain about the precise mechanism of action of PLCζ and the extent of its role during oocyte activation in the vertebrate kingdom. In this review, we will look at the current state of understanding of PLCζ's mechanism of action and physiological role in mammals and other vertebrates, and identify areas of uncertainty that still remain to be resolved. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 78:846–853, 2011. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Indistinguishable transcriptional profiles between in vitro‐ and in vivo‐produced bovine fetuses
Authors: Jiang Le , Marjani Sadie L. , Bertolini Marcelo , Anderson Gary B. , Yang Xiangzhong , Tian X. Cindy
Published: July 2011

During the past several decades, in vitro fertilization (IVF) has been increasingly used both in animal production and human infertility treatment. Animals derived from in vitro manipulation are occasionally associated with abnormal offspring syndrome (AOS) and other developmental abnormalities. By studying gene expression of in vitro‐produced (IVP) embryos/animals, we gain an indicator of how well this procedure mimics the in vivo environment. Most previous studies of this nature have focused on only a few genes at a time or have been limited to studying the pre‐implantation stage; a global view of how gene transcription may be influenced by in vitro procedures during fetal development has yet to be ascertained. To this end, we collected liver and placental tissue samples from IVP and in vivo control bovine fetuses at days 90 and 180 of gestation. We used a bovine 13K oligonucleotide microarray to investigate the transcriptional profiles in both tissues from IVP fetuses, and compared them with those of their age‐matched in vivo counterparts. Surprisingly, in both liver and placental tissues, the transcriptional profiles between IVP and control fetuses, at either 90 or 180 days of gestation, were indistinguishable. A total of 879 genes were found to be significantly regulated during liver development from 90 to 180 days of gestation, but there were no gene expression changes in the placental tissue during this developmental period. Quantitative real‐time RT‐PCR on 11 selected genes confirmed these results. Our results have certain implications for IVF technologies, both in agriculture and in human medicine. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 78:642–650, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma presenting as miller fisher syndrome
Authors: Usmani Nida , Bhatia Rita , Ikpatt Offiong F. , Sharma Khema R.
Published: July 2011

We report a patient with diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma (DLBCL) who initially presented as Miller Fisher syndrome (MFS) responsive to high‐dose immunoglobulin treatment. Detailed investigations for the recurrence of neurological symptoms revealed DLBCL that was responsive to chemotherapy. DLBCL should be considered in the differential diagnosis of patients with MFS who have worsening of their neurological condition after initial improvement with conventional therapy. Muscle Nerve 45: 138–143, 2011
Becker muscular dystrophy due to an inversion of exons 23 and 24 of the DMD gene
Authors: Flanigan Kevin M. , Dunn Diane , Larsen C. Aaron , Medne Livija , Bönnemann Carsten B. , Weiss Robert B.
Published: July 2011

The use of hybridization‐based methods for Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) mutation analysis is increasingly common. We report a case of Becker muscular dystrophy in which discrepant results between a polymerase chain reaction (PCR)‐based single‐condition amplification/internal primer (SCAIP) and a comparative genomic hybridization assay incompletely characterized the mutation (an inversion of exons 23 and 24). These results demonstrate the limits of sensitivity and specificity of both tests, and highlight the need for more detailed analysis when intronic deletions are detected by comparative genome hybridization methods. Muscle Nerve, 2011
Hematoma risk after needle electromyography
Authors: Boon Andrea J. , Gertken Jon T. , Watson James C. , Laughlin Ruple S. , Strommen Jeffrey A. , Mauermann Michelle L. , Sorenson Eric J.
Published: July 2011

Introduction: Although needle electromyography (EMG) appears to be a relatively safe procedure based primarily on clinical experience, no evidence‐based guidelines exist for EMG procedures in patients taking anticoagulant or antiplatelet medications. We sought to determine whether there is an increased risk of hematoma formation after EMG of potentially high‐risk muscles in patients taking anticoagulant or antiplatelet agents. Methods: After undergoing routine EMG, if any of seven predetermined high‐risk muscles were tested, study subjects then underwent ultrasound to evaluate for hematoma formation. Results: Patients were divided into three groups based on medication (warfarin, aspirin/clopidogrel, no blood‐thinning medication), with at least 100 muscles examined per group. Two small, subclinical hematomas were seen on ultrasound; there was no difference in hematoma risk between groups (P = 0.43). Conclusions: Our findings suggest that hematoma formation from standard needle EMG is rare even in high‐risk muscles, which have been avoided historically in anticoagulated patients. Muscle Nerve 45: 9–12, 2012
Dilated cardiomyopathy with conduction defects in a patient with partial merosin deficiency due to mutations in the laminin‐α2‐chain gene: A chance association or a novel phenotype?
Authors: Carboni Nicola , Marrosu Giovanni , Porcu Maurizio , Mateddu Anna , Solla Elisabetta , Cocco Eleonora , Maioli Maria A. , Oppo Valentina , Piras Rachele , Marrosu Maria G.
Published: July 2011

Patients with a partial reduction of merosin due to mutations in the laminin‐α2 chain gene usually present with a mild form of congenital muscular dystrophy or a limb‐girdle–like muscular dystrophy. To our knowledge, cardiac impairment has never been reported in such patients. A longitudinal study of a patient with partial laminin‐α2 deficiency secondary to mutations in the LAMA2 gene revealed dilated cardiomyopathy with ventricular arrhythmias. Is this a chance association or a novel phenotype? Muscle Nerve, 2011
A texture analysis approach to quantify ventilation changes in hyperpolarised 3He MRI of the rat lung in an asthma model
Authors: Risse Frank , Pesic Jelena , Young Simon , Olsson Lars E.
Published: July 2011

In preclinical research, allergic asthma is investigated in rats sensitised with the antigen ovalbumin (OVA), followed by a challenge with aerosolised OVA to induce an inflammatory reaction of the lower airways. This causes diffuse, nonfocal ventilation defects that lead to heterogeneously distributed signal intensities in hyperpolarised (HP) 3He MR images, which are difficult to assess directly by diagnostic grading or volumetry. Texture analysis can characterise these changes and does not require segmentation of the lung structures prior to the analysis. The aim of this work was to evaluate a texture analysis approach to quantify changes in lung ventilation in HP 3He MRI of OVA‐challenged rats. OVA‐challenged animals were treated with two different compound doses to evaluate the sensitivity of the texture analysis. Four groups were investigated using HP 3He MRI at 4.7 T: controls, vehicle‐treated, and low‐ and high‐dose budesonide‐treated rats. In addition, broncho‐alveolar lavage was performed and the eosinophil cell count was used as a biological reference marker. First‐order texture, geometrical features and features based on second‐order statistics using run‐length and grey‐level co‐occurrence matrices were calculated. In addition, wavelet transforms were applied to compute first‐order statistics on multiple scales. The texture analysis was able to show significant differences between the control and untreated vehicle groups as well as between the vehicle and treatment groups. This is in agreement with the findings of the eosinophil cell counts, which were used as a marker for the severity of inflammation. However, not all features used in the different texture analysis methods could differentiate between the treatment groups. In conclusion, texture analysis can be used to quantify changes in lung ventilation as measured with HP 3He MRI after therapeutic intervention with budesonide. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Feeling poor, acting stingy: the effect of money perceptions on charitable giving
Authors: Wiepking Pamala , Breeze Beth
Published: July 2011

In research on philanthropy, much attention has been given to the impact of the actual economic costs of giving. This paper argues that the perceived psychological costs of giving should also be taken into consideration when seeking to understand donations to charitable organizations. It is already known that people differ in their attitudes towards money, and that money attitudes are mostly independent from income, but these findings have been largely overlooked in the study of philanthropy and altruism. This paper seeks to rectify that omission by investigating the relationship between charitable giving and money perceptions. The analyses show that, regardless of the actual financial resources held by a donor, the size of their donations is negatively affected by feelings of retention (a careful approach to money) and inadequacy (people who worry about their financial situation). We conclude that an understanding of money perceptions is an additional important factor in the understanding of charitable behaviour. Fundraising professionals should not only select potential donors based on their absolute financial capacities but also take the potential donor's own financial perceptions into account when asking for donations. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cure characteristics and properties of NBR composites filled with co‐precipitates of black liquor and montmorillonite
Authors: Liao Zedong , Wang Xi , Xu Yuanhua , Feng Jianxiang , Zhu Jin , Su Shengpei
Published: July 2011

Acrylonitrile‐butadiene rubber (NBR) composites filled with co‐precipitates of black liquor and montmorillonite (CLM) were prepared by mechanical mixing on a two‐roll mill. The cure characteristics, mechanical properties, thermal properties, and thermo‐oxidative aging properties of NBR/CLM composites were evaluated. Scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy showed that the filler particles were well dispersed in the NBR/CLM composites. The scorch time and optimum cure time increase with increasing filler loading. A remarkable enhancement in tensile strength, elongation at break, 300% modulus, and shore “A” hardness was also observed. When the loading of CLM was 40 parts per hundred rubbers, it showed about seven times increase in tensile strength, about 1.8 times increase in elongation at break, about three times increase in 300% modulus, and about 1.3 times increase in shore A hardness, respectively, as compared with those of pure cured NBR. Thermal properties and thermal oxidative aging properties, in general, were also improved with loading of this novel filler. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A dose‐intensive approach (NB96) for induction therapy utilizing sequential high‐dose chemotherapy and stem cell rescue in high‐risk neuroblastoma in children over 1 year of age
Authors: Monnereau‐Laborde Sylvie , Munzer Caroline , Valteau‐Couanet Dominique , Ansoborlo Sophie , Coze Carole , Chastagner Pascal , Rubie Hervé , Demeocq François , Stephan Jean‐Louis , Hartmann Olivier , Perel Yves
Published: July 2011

Background

To improve outcome and overall survival (OS) in high‐risk neuroblastoma, NB96 induction therapy was intensified using sequential high‐dose chemotherapy and autologous stem cell rescue.

Procedure

Twenty children were included in this pilot study undertaken at seven reference centers in France, between May 1995 and October 1996. Induction began with one cycle of conventional chemotherapy followed by six sequential cycles of high‐dose chemotherapy comprising two cycles of etoposide 800 mg/m2/day over 3 days, two cycles of cyclophosphamide 2,000 mg/m2/day over 3 days, and two cycles of carboplatin 400 mg/m2/day over 5 days, followed by stem cell rescue.

Results

Thirteen patients (13/20) received this induction with acceptable toxicity and adequate stem cell harvest. Of these, nine (9/13) underwent surgery according to the protocol, while one patient was given a consolidation regimen prior to surgery. No toxic death was recorded. At the end of induction, complete remission was achieved in 10 cases (50%), with six still alive in July 2009. The 5‐year event‐free survival and OS were 35 ± 11% and 40 ± 11%, respectively.

Conclusion

NB96 therapy is feasible and tolerated without lethal toxicity. Nevertheless, given the small sample size and absence of randomization in our study, the effectiveness of this strategy based on metastasis complete response rates and long‐term outcome was not superior to other intensive chemotherapy regimens. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2011; 57: 965–971. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Massive accidental overdose of hydroxyurea in a young child with sickle cell anemia
Authors: Miller Scott T. , Rey Kathy , He Jin , Flanagan Jonathan , Fish Billie J. , Rogers Zora R. , Wang Winfred C. , Ware Russell E. ,   for the BABY HUG Investigators
Published: July 2011

The Pediatric Hydroxyurea Phase III Clinical Trial (BABY HUG) confirmed safety and efficacy of hydroxyurea therapy for infants with sickle cell anemia. Treatment was associated with reduction in rates of pain, acute chest syndrome, hospitalizations, and blood transfusions; improved hematologic values; and, perhaps, preservation of organ function. During the study, a 2‐year‐old ingested at one time an entire 35‐day supply of hydroxyurea (612 mg/kg body weight). Despite a serum level of 7,756 µM 4 hours post‐ingestion, the only toxicity was transient mild myelosuppression. With wider usage of hydroxyurea anticipated, conservative management of future overdoses seems reasonable (ClinicalTrials.gov NCT00006400). Pediatr Blood Cancer 2012; 59: 170–172. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Package Headspace Composition Changes of Chill‐Stored Perishable Foods in Relation to Microbial Spoilage
Authors: Kim Hwan Ki , An Duck Soon , Yam Kit L. , Lee Dong Sun
Published: July 2011

In order to find a convenient way to monitor and control the microbial quality and shelf life of chill‐stored perishable foods, microbial growth and package headspace gas concentration changes were measured during storage of three foods (seasoned pork meat, Manila clam and seasoned spinach) at 10°C, and their interrelationship was investigated. Aerobic bacterial count was the highest among the measured counts of microbial groups including specific spoilage organisms and thus may be potentially used as an index of microbial spoilage of the foods. Spoilage bacterial growth on the foods accompanied O2 depletion and CO2 build‐up in package headspace with some delay. There was a wide variation among the foods in the headspace package atmospheric change resulting from or related to microbial spoilage. Except for CO2 production of Manila clam, lag times of the O2 and CO2 changes, determined by applying logistic function, amounted to 105.1–107.3 CFU/g, which is in the range of the microbial quality limit commonly used for shelf life determination. Overall, lag times of gas concentration changes may be used as an indicator of shelf life periods of perishable foods to a limited extent. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Estimates of observation‐error characteristics in clear and cloudy regions for microwave imager radiances from numerical weather prediction
Authors: Bormann Niels , Geer Alan J. , Bauer Peter
Published: July 2011

This article provides estimates of effective observation errors and their inter‐channel and spatial correlations for microwave imager radiances currently used in the European Centre for Medium‐Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) system. The estimates include the error contributions from the observation operator used in the assimilation system. We investigate how the estimates differ in clear and cloudy/rainy regions. The estimates are obtained using the Desroziers diagnostic.

The results suggest considerable inter‐channel and spatial error correlations for current microwave imager radiances, with observation errors that are significantly higher than the measured instrument noise. Inter‐channel error correlations are even stronger for cloudy/rainy situations, where channels with the same frequency but different polarizations show error correlations larger than 0.9. The findings suggest that a large proportion of the observation error originates from errors of representativeness and errors in the observation operator. The latter includes the errors from the forecast model, which can be significant in the case of humidity or cloud and rain.

Assimilation experiments with single SSM/I fields of view highlight how the filtering properties of a four‐dimensional variational assimilation system are changed when inter‐channel error correlations are taken into account in the assimilation. Depending on the first‐guess (FG) departures in the channels used, increments can be larger as well as smaller in comparison with the use of diagonal observation errors. Copyright © 2011 Royal Meteorological Society
Soudano‐Saharan depressions and their importance for precipitation and dust: a new perspective on a classical synoptic concept
Authors: Schepanski K. , Knippertz P.
Published: July 2011

According to a classical synoptic concept, Soudano‐Saharan depressions (SSDs) are surface lows that track westward over tropical West Africa, curve anticyclonically across the Sahara and may then transform into eastward‐moving Mediterranean cyclones. Occurrence frequency and track location undergo a marked seasonal cycle. Interactions between troughs in the upper‐level westerlies and mid‐level African easterly waves have been suggested as a mechanism for their formation. SSDs have been reported to be associated with dust‐storms and precipitation over northern Africa.

This paper presents the first‐ever systematic investigation of SSDs using re‐analysis and satellite data. Depressions are identified and tracked objectively based on closed contours in 0000 UTC fields of 925 hPa geopotential height from the European Centre for Medium‐Range Weather Forecasts ERA‐Interim re‐analysis (1989–2008). To classify as potential SSDs, tracks must: (i) start to the south of 20°N; (ii) intersect 15°–30°N, 10°W–30°E; (iii) cover a meridional distance of at least 10° latitude; and (iv) have a minimum lifetime of 24 hours.

Even with a relatively low threshold of 4 gpm, only 50 potential SSDs are found (annual average 2.5, monthly range 0–6). Lagrangian and Eulerian composite analyses reveal that the identified systems: (i) are mostly shallow lee troughs of the central Saharan and Atlas Mountains during the warm season without a well‐defined cyclonic wind field; (ii) do not show the seasonal track variation described in the literature; (iii) mostly occur in association with high‐pressure anomalies over the Mediterranean Sea; and (iv) are not associated with significant increases in dustiness and precipitation. These results strongly suggest that the disturbances described as SSDs do not manifest themselves as traceable low‐level depressions, calling for a fundamental revision of the classical concept in the literature. Copyright © 2011 Royal Meteorological Society