bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Educational innovations for empowering teachers in acomplishing better education in Indonesia
Authors: Ramdhani Neila , Ancok Djamaludin
Published: December 2013

An assessment of Indonesian teacher competence, conducted nationally in 1999, indicated that
there were less than 25% of teachers meeting the national standard requirement. To address the
pressing need of improving their competence, the Ministry of National Education (MONE) issued
Regulation No. 16/2077 on teacher competence certification. The Teacher Quality Improvement
(TQI) program was invented to address the requirement in accordance with the regulation. TQI
focuses on facilitating teachers to be inspiring teachers and equipping them with capacity to
implement a sound teaching method.
Occupational standards quality procedure
Authors: Klaffke Henning
Published: December 2013

This paper was presented at the Global Innovators 2013 Conference in Doha, Qatar. The issue of
assessing the quality of occupational standards is important as a first step to identify the needs
of a countries vocational training system. Elaborate methods like DACUM and functional analysis
can be applied to develop occupational standards. Subject matter experts usually assess the
results and quality of the standard development. This assessment does not rely on objective
scientific evidence and is often driven by politics and subjective decision. This manuscript shows
an approach how to apply a quality procedure with reflect the needs of the labor market.
The Failure of Burton's Bank and its Aftermath
Authors: Dudley Rowena
Published: December 2013

Between c.1700 and its failure, in 1733, Burton's bank was run by a series of partnerships – Benjamin Burton and Francis Harrison (1700–1725); Benjamin and Samuel Burton (1725); Benjamin Burton, Samuel Burton and Daniel Falkiner (late 1725); finally Samuel Burton and Daniel Falkiner (1728–33). In 1733, concerns over Samuel's ill health prompted a run on the bank – the catalyst for its failure. After Samuel's death in 1733 responsibility for resolving the bank's difficulties fell to Falkiner. Although he promised to honour its commitments, a petition presented to Parliament by a group of influential creditors led to a parliamentary inquiry. It established the bank's insolvency as well as the partners' financial obligations to the bank. In the years that followed, despite various acts giving the parliamentary-appointed trustees considerable powers, the persistent obduracy of Abraham Creighton, responsible for meeting Harrison's debts, ensured progress in winding-up the bank was slow. Creighton's tactics prompted Robert Roberts, the creditors' agent, to write a book in which he sought to vindicate his actions. After 1757, matters ground to a virtual standstill; the next creditors' meeting was not called until 1778. Once again little was achieved and, in 1817, appeals were made to the Freeman's Journal asking it to use its influence so that the creditors' claims might finally be settled.
A Gentlemanly Tour on the Fringes of Europe
Authors: Byrne Angela
Published: December 2013

In 1837, 22-year-old William Hartigan Barrington (1815–72) made a five-month tour of northern Europe. His detailed diaries describe his encounters with the people and cultures of Scandinavia and Russia, and his interest in a range of topics considered suitable for an educated young gentleman, including systems of government, the arts, manufacturing and commerce, infrastructure, and the poor and poor relief. His tours were expected to provide certain educational and socio-cultural benefits, while his interests in industry, infrastructure and poverty reflect the general concerns of many of his peers. This article considers Barrington's observations and experiences as part of a process of gentlemanly self-fashioning, foreign travel and philanthropy as elite exercises, and Irish perceptions of Scandinavia and Russia, in the 1830s.
Marginal instability and deep cycle turbulence in the eastern equatorial Pacific Ocean
Authors: Smyth W. D. , Moum J. N.
Published: November 2013

Deep cycle mixing in the cold tongue of the equatorial Pacific Ocean is associated with a mean flow regime in which the gradient Richardson number Ri (a ratio of stratification to shear that affects the evolution of turbulence) fluctuates about a critical value near . This is the state of marginal instability (MI), a stable equilibrium between forcing by the trade winds (which works to reduce Ri) and turbulence (which works to increase Ri). Besides providing insight into the physics of deep cycle turbulence, MI is easily recognized in moored records of currents and density, and may therefore provide a valuable indicator of turbulence in historical data where direct turbulence measurements were not made. In this initial study, the seasonal cycle of MI is described. MI is present for 9 months of the year but disappears in March, April, and May, consistent with the recently discovered springtime minimum of equatorial turbulence.
Empirical model of Poynting flux derived from FAST data and a cusp signature
Authors: Cosgrove Russell B. , Bahcivan Hasan , Chen Steven , Strangeway Robert J. , Ortega Juan , Alhassan Mohamed , Xu Yuchen , Welie Megan Van , Rehberger James , Musielak Sebastian , Cahill Nicole
Published: November 2013

Empirical models of the Poynting flux and particle kinetic energy flux, associated with auroral processes, have been constructed using data from the FAST satellite and are available online. The models output flux maps as a function of several geophysical parameters: (1) clock angle of the interplanetary magnetic field (IMF), (2) magnitude of the IMF in the GSM y‐z plane, (3) solar wind speed, (4) solar wind number density, (5) magnetic dipole tilt angle, and (6) the AL index (optional for Poynting flux). The choice of parameters is motivated by the Weimer potential model. Because the Poynting flux distribution has a heavy tail, care must be taken in applying the model to events that may be uncommon, and the model output includes a measure of quality based on the density of FAST orbits in the parameter space. The models are constructed by fitting the data to a sum of empirical orthogonal functions (EOFs), with coefficients modeled by quadratic equations in the geophysical parameters. The EOFs are constructed from the same data set using singular value decomposition, along with a smoothing/interpolation algorithm that minimizes curvature and incorporates uncertainty. Potential applications include specification of the auroral energy input for general circulation models. Basic findings from the model include verification of the importance of the auroral electrojets as features of auroral Poynting flux deposition and identification of the cusp as a third important feature. The cusp makes an important contribution to the overall energy budget when the IMF is north of ±90°.
Mesoscale and large‐scale variability in high‐latitude ionospheric convection: Dominant modes and spatial/temporal coherence
Authors: Cousins E. D. P. , Matsuo Tomoko , Richmond A. D.
Published: November 2013

Empirical orthogonal function (EOF) analysis, a variant of principle component analysis, is applied to 20 months of plasma drift data from the Super Dual Auroral Radar Network radars in the high‐latitude region of the Northern Hemisphere. Dominant modes of ionospheric electric field variability are identified and the spatial and temporal coherence of this variability is quantified. The first three modes of variability, which, together with the mean, account for ∼50% of the observed squared electric field (E2), are characterized by global spatial scales and long time scales (∼1 h). The first and second modes of variability represent the strengthening/weakening of the global convection pattern and the shaping of the convection pattern into asymmetrical round‐ and crescent‐shaped cells. These two modes are correlated with the Bz and By components of the interplanetary magnetic field. The third mode represents the expansion/contraction of the convection pattern and is weakly correlated with the solar wind velocity. For EOFs beyond EOF 3, the power contained in the modes falls off rapidly, the characteristic spatial and temporal scales decrease, and weak correlations with external driving parameters are observed. These higher‐order EOFs likely capture more random behavior of the electric field variability. The notable exception to this trend is EOF 11, which captures midlatitude variations on the duskside and is enhanced during subauroral polarization stream events. The EOF technique described in this paper is applied in a companion paper to characterize the covariance of ionospheric electric fields for use in an assimilative mapping procedure.
Theoretical analysis of Poynting flux and polarization for ELF‐VLF electromagnetic waves in the Earth's magnetosphere
Authors: Verkhoglyadova O. P. , Tsurutani B. T. , Lakhina G. S.
Published: November 2013

We discuss properties of extremely low‐frequency (ELF) and very low‐frequency (VLF) electromagnetic waves in the Earth's magnetosphere. General expressions for wave magnetic field polarization and for the angle θP between the direction of the Poynting flux vector and the ambient magnetic field are derived for low‐amplitude (linear) waves taking into account first‐order finite gyroradius effects. The wave magnetic field is always in a plane perpendicular to the direction of the wave propagation, and the polarization depends on wave frequency (or wavelength), dispersion, and plasma parameters. In a warm plasma, the Poynting flux is not aligned with the group velocity and generally deviates from the wave propagation direction, except for parallel propagation. Numerical estimates for θP and wave polarization are made for plasmaspheric hiss (at L=2, 4, and 6) for typical plasma parameters and for the case of elevated electron temperature (5 keV). The plasmaspheric hiss wave magnetic field is right‐hand circularly polarized, except for highly oblique hiss waves which are elliptically polarized. We note a possible transition to the magnetosonic wave regime at short wavelengths. The maximum Poynting flux angle is ∼20°. Estimates for daytime outer zone chorus (L=6) show two regions of oblique Poynting flux corresponding to a low‐frequency band (ω<ωce/2) and to a high‐frequency band (ωce/2<ω<ωce) where ω and ωce are the wave frequency and the electron cyclotron frequency, respectively. The wave magnetic field polarization varies from circular to elliptical at shorter wavelengths. In a hot plasma, chorus is elliptically polarized. The maximum θP in the low‐frequency band is ∼20°. θP can reach ∼60° in the high‐frequency band. Our results are consistent with the Poynting flux statistics of Polar measurements.
Shift work and cancer screening: Do females who work alternative shifts undergo recommended cancer screening?
Authors: Tsai Rebecca J. , Luckhaupt Sara E. , Sweeney Marie Haring , Calvert Geoffrey M.
Published: November 2013

Background

Alternative shift work is classified as a probable human carcinogen. Certain cancer screening tests reduce cancer mortality.

Methods

The 2010 National Health Interview Survey was used to examine associations between adherence to breast, cervical, and colon cancer screening recommendations and alternative shift work among female workers.

Results

Workers on alternative shifts, compared to workers on daytime shifts, were more likely to be non‐adherent to screening recommendations for breast (34% vs. 23%) and colorectal (55% vs. 48%) cancer (P < 0.05). Workers on alternative shifts in two industries (“Manufacturing” and “Accommodation/Food Services”) and three occupations (“Food Preparation/Serving,” “Personal Care Services,” and “Production”) were more likely to be non‐adherent to screening recommendations for at least two cancers (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

The Affordable Care Act eliminates out‐of‐pocket screening expenses for these three cancers. Greater efforts are needed to promote this benefit, particularly among workers with demonstrated non‐adherence. Am. J. Ind. Med. 57:265–275, 2014. Published 2013. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.
Preparation of polyvinylchloride membranes from solvent mixture by immersion precipitation
Authors: Maghsoud Zahra , Famili Mohammad Hossein Navid , Madaeni Sayed Siavash
Published: December 2013

In this study, polyvinylchloride (PVC) membranes were prepared through the immersion precipitation method using a mixture of two solvents (tetrahydrofuran (THF) and dimethyl formamide (DMF)), which had different affinities with the nonsolvent (water). Membranes prepared from PVC/THF/water system showed a sponge‐like structure with isolated pores, which were impermeable to water even at a feed pressure of 20 bars, whereas those prepared from PVC/DMF/water exhibited a porous macrovoid containing morphology with a high water flux. The precipitation time and polymer concentration profiles were calculated by using a simple mathematical model and were in good agreement with the experimental findings on PVC/THF/water and PVC/DMF/water systems. By using a mixture of DMF and THF as solvent and changing the mixed solvent composition, membranes with different morphologies from sponge‐like to macrovoid containing were obtained. The membranes showed no water flux below a DMF concentration of 50 wt % and then became increasingly permeable with increasing DMF content in the casting solution. Measurement of the system cloud points showed a linear change of system thermodynamics with variation of the mixed solvent composition. The obtained results showed that although the system thermodynamics could explain the overall behavior of the system, but the local changes such as change of membrane performance from impermeable to permeable at a certain mixed solvent composition could not be explained by the thermodynamics alone. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 40206.
The effect of side chains on the reactive rate and surface wettability of pentablock copolymers by ATRP
Authors: Pan Aizhao , He Ling , Yang Shao , Niu Mingjun
Published: December 2013

The reactive rate and surface wettability of three pentablock copolymers PDMS‐b‐(PMMA‐b‐PR)2 (R = 3FMA, 12FMA, and MPS) obtained via ATRP for coatings are discussed. Poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) is used as difunctional macroinitiator, poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) as the middle block, while poly(trifluoroethyl methacrylate) (P3FMA), poly(dodecafluoroheptyl methacrylate) (P12FMA) and poly(3‐(trimethoxysilyl)propyl methacrylate) (PMPS) as the end block, respectively. Their reactive rates obtained by gas chromatography (GC) analysis indicate that 3FMA gains 8.053 × 10−5 s−1 reactive rate and 75% conversion, higher than 12FMA (4.417 × 10−5 s−1, 35%), but MPS has 1.9389 × 10−4 s−1 reactive rate and 96% conversion. The wettability of pentablock copolymer films is characterized by water contact angles (WCA) and hexadecane contact angles (HCA). The PDMS‐b‐(PMMA‐b‐P12FMA)2 film behaves much higher advancing and receding WAC (120° and 116°) and HCA (60° and 56°) than PDMS‐b‐(PMMA‐b‐P3FMA)2 film (110° and 106° for WAC, 38° and 32° for HAC) because of its fluorine‐rich surface (20.9 wt % F). However, PDMS‐b‐(PMMA‐b‐PMPS)2 film obtains 8° hysteretic contact angle in WAC (114°–106°) and HAC (32°–24°) due to its higher surface roughness (138 nm). Therefore, the fluorine‐rich and higher roughness surface could produce the lower water and oil wettability, but silicon‐rich surface will produce lower water wettability. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 40209.
POLYS 2.0: An open source software package for building three‐dimensional structures of polysaccharides
Authors: Engelsen Søren B. , Hansen Peter I. , Pérez Serge
Published: November 2013

This article describes an update of POLYS, the POLYSaccharide builder, for generating three‐dimensional structures of polysaccharides and complex carbohydrates (Engelsen et al., Biopolymers 1996, 39, 417–433). POLYS is written in portable ANSI C and is now released under an open source license. Using this software, complex branched carbohydrate structures and polysaccharides can be constructed from their primary structure and the relevant monosaccharides stored in database containing information on optimized glycosidic linkage geometries. The constructed three‐dimensional structures are described as Cartesian coordinate files which can be used as input to other molecular modeling software. The new version of POLYS includes a large database of monosaccharides and a helical generator to build and optimize regular single helix or double helix structures. To demonstrate the efficiency of POLYS to build carbohydrate structures, four examples of increasing complexity are presented in the manuscript, from simple alpha glucans over complex starch fragments and the double helical structure of amylopectin to the mega‐oligosaccharide RhamnoGalacturonan II. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers 101: 733–743, 2014.
A new mixed‐mode model for interpreting and predicting protein elution during isoelectric chromatofocusing
Authors: Choy Derek Y.C. , Creagh A. Louise , von Lieres Eric , Haynes Charles
Published: November 2013

Experimental data are combined with classic theories describing electrolytes in solution and at surfaces to define the primary mechanisms influencing protein retention and elution during isoelectric chromatofocusing (ICF) of proteins and protein mixtures. Those fundamental findings are used to derive a new model to understand and predict elution times of proteins during ICF. The model uses a modified form of the steric mass action (SMA) isotherm to account for both ion exchange and isoelectric focusing contributions to protein partitioning. The dependence of partitioning on pH is accounted for through the characteristic charge parameter m of the SMA isotherm and the application of Gouy–Chapman theory to define the dependence of the equilibrium binding constant Kbi on both m and ionic strength. Finally, the effects of changes in matrix surface pH on protein retention are quantified through a Donnan equilibrium type model. By accounting for isoelectric focusing, ion binding and exchange, and surface pH contributions to protein retention and elution, the model is shown to accurately capture the dependence of protein elution times on column operating conditions. Biotechnol. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2014;111: 925–936. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A quantitative assessment of the insertional footprints of the hip joint capsular ligaments and their spanning fibers for reconstruction
Authors: Telleria Jessica J.M. , Lindsey Derek P. , Giori Nicholas J. , Safran Marc R.
Published: November 2013

Quantitative descriptions of the hip joint capsular ligament insertional footprints have been reported. Using a three‐dimensional digitizing system, and computer modeling, the area, and dimensions of the three main hip capsular ligaments and their insertional footprints were quantified in eight cadaveric hips. The iliofemoral ligament (ILFL) attaches proximally to the anterolateral supra‐acetabular region (mean area = 4.2 cm2). The mean areas of the ILFL lateral and medial arm insertional footprints are 4.8 and 3.1 cm2, respectively. The pubofemoral ligament (proximal footprint mean area = 1.4 cm2) blends with the medial ILFL anteriorly and the proximal ischiofemoral ligament (ISFL) distally without a distal bony insertion. The proximal and distal ISFL footprint mean areas are 6.4 and 1.2 cm2, respectively. The hip joint capsular ligaments have consistent anatomic and insertional patterns. Quantification of the ligaments and their attachment sites may aid in improving anatomic repairs and reconstructions of the hip joint capsule using open and/or arthroscopic techniques. Clin. Anat. 27:489–497, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A journey from CABG to drug‐eluting balloon
Authors: Dhakam Sajid , Rahman Nasir
Published: November 2013

A middle aged male underwent series of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) of left main stenosis for Canadian cardiovascular society (CCS) IV angina. He developed recurrent severe proliferative in‐stent restenosis which was treated with different available options including drug‐eluting stents and finally with drug‐eluting balloons. During his treatment, challenges of PCI including left main chronic total occlusion PCI, complications like coronary perforation were encountered and treated successfully. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
AutoSLAM – A policy‐based framework for automated SLA establishment in cloud environments
Authors: Baruwal Chhetri M. , Vo Q. Bao. , Kowalczyk R.
Published: November 2013

Cloud computing offers a realization of SOA in which IT resources are dynamically provisioned as services to consumers using flexible provisioning and pricing models. When provisioning such services, providers and consumers must first agree over the service usage terms and conditions, which are captured in Service Level Agreements (SLAs). In this paper, we propose a policy‐based framework with corresponding models, mechanisms and tools for the automated establishment of SLAs in open, diverse and dynamic cloud environments. The Automated SLA Management framework allows entities to specify their requirements and capabilities, and preferences over them in a flexible and expressive manner. It also supports multiple interaction models for SLA establishment, giving consumers and providers the flexibility to select the one that is most appropriate in a given context, while simultaneously participating in multiple concurrent SLA interactions using different interaction models. As part of the framework, we define a formal model for the underlying policies, a corresponding physical model WS‐SLAM that extends WS‐Policy and a reference architecture that can be easily implemented. We validate the practicability of our framework through the Smart CloudPurchaser prototype that can automatically purchase computing resources from Amazon EC2 under different scenarios and contexts. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Prevalence of eating disorders in middle‐aged women
Authors: Mangweth‐Matzek Barbara , Hoek Hans W. , Rupp Claudia I. , Lackner‐Seifert Kerstin , Frey Nadja , Whitworth Alexandra B. , Pope Harrison G. , Kinzl Johann
Published: November 2013

Objective: Little is known about the prevalence and correlates of eating disorders (ED) in middle‐aged women. Method: We mailed anonymous questionnaires to 1,500 Austrian women aged 40–60 years, assessing ED (defined by DSM‐IV), subthreshold ED, body image, and quality of life. We broadly defined “subthreshold ED” by the presence of either (1) binge eating with loss of control or (2) purging behavior, without requiring any of the other usual DSM‐IV criteria for frequency or severity of these symptoms. Results: Of the 715 (48%) responders, 33 [4.6%; 95% confidence interval (CI): 3.3–6.4%] reported symptoms meeting full DSM‐IV criteria for an ED [bulimia nervosa = 10; binge eating disorder = 11; eating disorder not otherwise specified (EDNOS) = 12]. None displayed anorexia nervosa. Another 34 women (4.8%; CI: 3.4–6.6%) displayed subthreshold ED. These women showed levels of associated psychopathology virtually equal to the women with full‐syndrome diagnoses. Discussion: ED appear common in middle‐aged women, with a preponderance of binge eating disorder and EDNOS diagnoses as compared to the “classical” diagnoses of anorexia and bulimia nervosa. Interestingly, middle‐aged women with even very broadly defined subthreshold ED showed distress and impairment comparable to women with full‐scale ED. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. (Int J Eat Disord 2014; 47:320–324)
High LET 56Fe ion irradiation induces tissue‐specific changes in DNA methylation in the mouse
Authors: Lima Florence , Ding Dacheng , Goetz Wilfried , Yang Austin J. , Baulch Janet E.
Published: November 2013

DNA methylation is an epigenetic mechanism that drives phenotype and that can be altered by environmental exposures including radiation. The majority of human radiation exposures occur in a relatively low dose range; however, the biological response to low dose radiation is poorly understood. Based on previous observations, we hypothesized that in vivo changes in DNA methylation would be observed in mice following exposure to doses of high linear energy transfer (LET) 56Fe ion radiation between 10 and 100 cGy. We evaluated the DNA methylation status of genes for which expression can be regulated by methylation and that play significant roles in radiation responses or carcinogenic processes including apoptosis, metastasis, cell cycle regulation, and DNA repair (DAPK1, EVL, 14.3.3, p16, MGMT, and IGFBP3). We also evaluated DNA methylation of repeat elements in the genome that are typically highly methylated. No changes in liver DNA methylation were observed. Although no change in DNA methylation was observed for the repeat elements in the lungs of these same mice, significant changes were observed for the genes of interest as a direct effect and a delayed effect of irradiation 1, 7, 30, and 120 days post exposure. At delayed times, differences in methylation profiles among genes were observed. DNA methylation profiles also significantly differed based on dose, with the lowest dose frequently affecting the largest change. The results of this study are the first to demonstrate in vivo high LET radiation‐induced changes in DNA methylation that are tissue and locus specific, and dose and time dependent. Environ. Mol. Mutagen. 55:266–277, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A coral‐reef optimization algorithm for the optimal service distribution problem in mobile radio access networks
Authors: Salcedo‐Sanz S. , Sanchez‐Garcia J.E. , Portilla‐Figueras J.A. , Jimenez‐Fernandez S. , Ahmadzadeh A.M.
Published: November 2013

Mobile technology is currently one of the main pillars of worldwide economy. The constant evolution that mobile communications have undergone in the last decades, due to the appearance of new services and new technologies such as Universal Mobile Telecommunication Systems/High Speed Data Access and Long Term Evolution, has contributed to achieve this position in global economy. However, because of the crisis of the sector in the last 5 years, mobile operator's revenues and investments have been reduced. Thus, mobile network operators tend to exploit the existing infrastructure at maximum possible, trying to use the existing network in the most efficient way. In this paper, a novel bio‐inspired algorithm, the coral reef optimization algorithm (CRO) is introduced to minimise a network deployment investment cost problem. This is carried out by means of optimising the user demand of different services offered by mobile operators over the available technologies in the market, namely the optimal service distribution problem. The CRO is a recently proposed meta‐heuristic based on the computer simulation of corals reproduction and reefs’ formation. In this paper, this algorithm has been tested on several optimal service distribution problem scenarios in Spain, observing a significant reduction (up to 400 M€) on the total investment costs associated to the radio access network deployment. We compare the performance of the CRO approach with that of a classical (experience‐based) services distribution, and with alternative meta‐heuristics techniques, obtaining good results in all cases. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Corrections for mRNA extraction and sample normalization errors find increased mRNA levels may compensate for cancer haplo‐insufficiency
Authors: Weaver David A. , Nestor‐Kalinoski Andrea L. , Craig Kristen , Gorris Matthew , Parikh Tejal , Mabry Helen , Allison David C.
Published: November 2013

The relative mRNA levels of differentially expressed (DE) and housekeeping (HK) genes of six aneuploid cancer lines with large‐scale genomic changes identified by SNP/SKY analysis were compared with similar genes in diploid cells. The aneuploid cancer lines had heterogeneous genomic landscapes with subdiploid, diploid, and supradiploid regions and higher overall gene copy numbers compared with diploid cells. The mRNA levels of the haploid, diploid, and triploid HK genes were found to be higher after correction of easily identifiable mRNA measurement errors. Surprisingly, diploid and aneuploid HK gene mRNA levels were the same by standard expression array analyses, despite the higher copy numbers of the cancer cell HK genes. This paradoxical result proved to be due to inaccurate inputs of true intra‐cellular mRNAs for analysis. These errors were corrected by analyzing the expression intensities of DE and HK genes in mRNAs extracted from equal cell numbers (50:50) of intact cancer cell and lymphocyte mixtures. Correction for both mRNA extraction/sample normalization errors and total gene copy numbers found the SUIT‐2 and PC‐3 cell lines' cancer genes both had ∼50% higher mRNA levels per single allele than lymphocyte gene alleles. These increased mRNA levels for single transcribed cancer alleles may restore functional mRNA levels to cancer genes rendered haplo‐insufficient by the genetic instability of cancer. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Sex chromosome loss may represent a disease‐associated clonal population in chronic lymphocytic leukemia
Authors: Chapiro Elise , Antony‐Debre Ileana , Marchay Nathalie , Parizot Christophe , Lesty Claude , Cung Hong‐Anh , Mathis Stephanie , Grelier Aurore , Maloum Karim , Choquet Sylvain , Azgui Zahia , Uzunov Madalina , Leblond Veronique , Merle‐Beral Helene , Sutton Laurent , Davi Frederic , Nguyen‐Khac Florence
Published: November 2013

Whether sex chromosome loss (SCL) is an age‐related phenomenon or a cytogenetic marker of hematological disease is unclear. To address this issue in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), we investigated 20 cases with X or Y chromosome loss detected by conventional cytogenetics (CC). The frequency of SCL was low in CLL (2.3%). It was the sole abnormality, as detected by CC, in 10/20 (50%) patients. Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) analyses confirmed SCL in all patients tested, present in 5–88% of cells (median: 68%). Deletions of 13q were observed by FISH in 16/20 (80%) patients. Compared with CLL without SCL, SCL was significantly associated with 13q deletion, especially when bi‐allelic (P = 0.04). Co‐hybridization analyses showed that SCL could be a concomitant, primary or secondary change, or be present in an independent clone. FISH analyses were performed on blood sub‐populations isolated by Ficoll or flow cytometry. Comparing mononuclear cells (including CLL cells) and polynuclear cells separated by Ficoll, a maximum of 2% of polynuclear cells were found with SCL, whereas mononuclear cells exhibited a significantly higher loss frequency (range: 6–87%) (P = 0.03). Comparing B‐cells (including CLL cells) and T‐cells sorted by flow cytometry, the proportion of B‐CD19+ cells with SCL was significantly higher (range: 88–96%) than that observed in T‐CD3+ cells (range: 2–6%) (P = 0.008). We conclude that SCL has to be considered as a clonal aberration in CLL that may participate in the oncogenic process. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Biocompatibility of submicron Bioglass® powders obtained by a top‐down approach
Authors: Dörfler Anja , Detsch Rainer , Romeis Stefan , Schmidt Jochen , Eisermann Claudia , Peukert Wolfgang , Boccaccini Aldo R.
Published: November 2013

In this study in vitro bioactivity and biocompatibility of two submicron 45S5 Bioglass® powders obtained by top‐down processing have been evaluated and are compared to the as‐received powder. Both submicron powders exhibited flake‐like morphologies with lateral extensions of only a few microns; the flake thickness accounted for a few tens of nanometers. Enhanced in vitro bioactivity was found for the comminuted powders upon immersion in simulated body fluid. In vitro biocompatibility was evaluated by incubation of MG‐63 osteoblast‐like cells with various amounts (0–200 µg/mL) of the glass powders. Neither LDH‐activity nor mitochondrial activity (WST‐8) tests indicated cell toxicity. Increased mitochondrial activity was found for the submicron powders: incubation with high amounts revealed up to a threefold increase of osteoblast activity (ALP‐activity). An overgrowth of the formed mineralized phase with phenotypical MG‐63 cells was found by staining only for the submicron glasses. A distance ring is formed for the as‐received powder. Superior bioactivity markers are found for shorter process times, that is, lower mass specific surface areas. This is attributed to the formation of carbonates during the comminution process. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 102B: 952–961, 2014.
Spatial Heterogeneity in the Response of the Proximal Femur to Two Lower-Body Resistance Exercise Regimens
Authors: Lang Thomas F , Saeed Isra H , Streeper Timothy , Carballido-Gamio Julio , Harnish Roy J , Frassetto Lynda A , Lee Stuart MC , Sibonga Jean D , Keyak Joyce H , Spiering Barry A , Grodsinsky Carlos M , Bloomberg Jacob J , Cavanagh Peter R
Published: November 2013

Understanding the skeletal effects of resistance exercise involves delineating the spatially heterogeneous response of bone to load distributions from different muscle contractions. Bone mineral density (BMD) analyses may obscure these patterns by averaging data from tissues with variable mechanoresponse. To assess the proximal femoral response to resistance exercise, we acquired pretraining and posttraining quantitative computed tomography (QCT) images in 22 subjects (25–55 years, 9 males, 13 females) performing two resistance exercises for 16 weeks. One group (SQDL, n = 7) performed 4 sets each of squats and deadlifts, a second group (ABADD, n = 8) performed 4 sets each of standing hip abductions and adductions, and a third group (COMBO, n = 7) performed two sets each of squat/deadlift and abduction/adduction exercise. Subjects exercised three times weekly, and the load was adjusted each session to maximum effort. We used voxel-based morphometry (VBM) to visualize BMD distributions. Hip strength computations used finite element modeling (FEM) with stance and fall loading conditions. We used QCT analysis for cortical and trabecular BMD, and cortical tissue volume. For muscle size and density, we analyzed the cross-sectional area (CSA) and mean Hounsfield unit (HU) in the hip extensor, flexor, abductor, and adductor muscle groups. Whereas SQDL increased vertebral BMD, femoral neck cortical BMD and volume, and stance hip strength, ABADD increased trochanteric cortical volume. The COMBO group showed no changes in any parameter. VBM showed different effects of ABADD and SQDL exercise, with the former causing focal changes of trochanteric cortical bone, and the latter showing diffuse changes in the femoral neck and head. ABADD exercise increased adductor CSA and HU, whereas SQDL exercise increased the hip extensor CSA and HU. In conclusion, we observed different proximal femoral bone and muscle tissue responses to SQDL and ABADD exercise. This study supports VBM and volumetric QCT (vQCT) to quantify the spatially heterogeneous effects of types of muscle contractions on bone. © 2014 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
A Nonclassical IFITM5 Mutation Located in the Coding Region Causes Severe Osteogenesis Imperfecta With Prenatal Onset
Authors: Hoyer-Kuhn Heike , Semler Oliver , Garbes Lutz , Zimmermann Katharina , Becker Jutta , Wollnik Bernd , Schoenau Eckhard , Netzer Christian
Published: November 2013

Osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) is a hereditary connective tissue disorder characterized by a wide range of skeletal symptoms. Most patients have dominantly inherited or de novo mutations in COL1A1 or COL1A2. Up to 5% of patients have OI type V, characterized by hyperplastic callus formation after fractures, calcification of the interosseous membrane of the forearm, and a mesh-like lamellation pattern observed in bone histology. Recently, a heterozygous mutation in the 5′-untranslated region (UTR) of IFITM5 (c.–14C > T) was identified as the underlying cause of OI type V, and only this specific mutation was subsequently identified in all patient cohorts with this OI subtype. We now present a case of a heterozygous mutation within the coding region of IFITM5 (c.119C > T; p.S40L). The mutation occurred de novo in the patient and resulted in severe OI with prenatal onset and extreme short stature. At the age of 19 months, the typical clinical hallmarks of OI type V were not present. Our finding has important consequences for the genetic “work-up” of patients suspected to have OI, both in prenatal and in postnatal settings: The entire gene—not only the 5′-UTR harboring the “classical” OI type V mutation—has to be analyzed to exclude a causal role of IFITM5. We propose that this should be part of the initial diagnostic steps for genetic laboratories performing SANGER sequencing in OI patients. © 2014 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Protective effects of placental growth factor on retinal neuronal cell damage
Authors: Inoue Yuki , Shimazawa Masamitsu , Nakamura Shinsuke , Imamura Tomoyo , Sugitani Sou , Tsuruma Kazuhiro , Hara Hideaki
Published: November 2013

Placental growth factor (PlGF) is a member of the vascular endothelial growth factor family. Although it has been reported that PlGF protects against neuronal damage in the brain, little is known about the effects of PlGF in the retina. Therefore, we investigated the effects of PlGF on retinal neuronal cells. To evaluate the effects of PlGF against L‐buthionine‐(S,R)‐sulfoximine (BSO)/glutamate cell death, oxygen–glucose deprivation (OGD)‐induced cell death, and light‐induced cell death, RGC‐5 and 661W cells were used. We evaluated the mechanism responsible for the protective effects of PlGF against retinal neuronal cell death by performing the examinations with U1026, which is a mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MEK) inhibitor, and LY294002, which is a phosphoinositide 3‐kinase (PI3K) inhibitor. In addition, we measured caspase‐3/7 activity in RGC‐5 cells and 661W cells. PlGF protected against RGC‐5 cell death induced by BSO/glutamate and OGD and against 661W cell death induced by light irradiation. Moreover, an anti‐PlGF antibody negated these protective effects. The protective effects of PlGF against OGD‐induced RGC‐5 cell death and light‐induced 661W cell death were suppressed by using an anti‐PlGF antibody, U1026, and LY294002. Treatment with PlGF suppressed caspase‐3/7 activity in both cell lines. We demonstrated for the first time that PlGF exerts a protective effect by inhibiting the activation of caspase‐3/7 through the MEK and PI3K pathway in retinal neuronal cells. These data suggest that PlGF may be an important protective factor in the retina. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Down‐regulation of collagen synthesis and matrix metalloproteinase expression in myofibroblasts from dupuytren nodule using adenovirus‐mediated relaxin gene therapy
Authors: Kang Young‐Mi , Choi Yun‐Rak , Yun Chae‐Ok , Park Jin‐Oh , Suk Kyung‐Soo , Kim Hak‐Sun , Park Moon‐Soo , Lee Byung‐Ho , Lee Hwan‐Mo , Moon Seong‐Hwan
Published: November 2013

Dupuytren's disease is a fibroproliferative connective tissue disorder characterized by contracture of the palmer fascia of the hand. Relaxin (RLN) is a multifunctional factor which contributes to the remodeling of the pelvic ligament by inhibiting fibrosis and inflammatory activities. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of the RLN gene on the inhibition of fibrosis in myofibroblastic cells. Myofibroblast cells with adenovirus LacZ (Ad‐LacZ) as a marker gene or adenovirus relaxin (Ad‐RLN) as therapeutic gene showed transgene expressions in beta‐galactosidase assay and Western blot analysis. Myofibroblastic cells with Ad‐RLN demonstrated a 22% and 48% reduction in collagen I and III mRNA expressions respectively, a 50% decrease in MMP‐1, 70% decrease in MMP‐2, 80% decrease in MMP‐9, and a 15% reduction in MMP‐13 protein expression compared with cultures with viral control and saline control. In addition, myofibroblastic cells with Ad‐RLN showed a 40% decrease in TIMP 1 and a 15% increase in TIMP 3 protein expression at 48 h compared to cultures with viral control and saline control. Also, myofibroblastic cell with Ad‐RLN demonstrated a 74% inhibition of fibronectin and a 52% decrease in total collagen synthesis at 48 h compared with cultures with viral control and saline control. In conclusion, the RLN gene render antifibrogenic effect on myofibroblastic cells from Dupuytren's nodule via direct inhibition of collagen synthesis not through collagenolytic pathway such as MMP‐1, ‐13, TIMP 1, and 3. Therefore relaxin can be an alternative therapeutic strategy in initial stage of Dupuytren's disease by its antifibrogenic effect. © 2013 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 32:515–523, 2014.
PPARγ‐inactive Δ2‐troglitazone independently triggers ER stress and apoptosis in breast cancer cells
Authors: Colin‐Cassin Christelle , Yao Xiao , Cerella Claudia , Chbicheb Sarra , Kuntz Sandra , Mazerbourg Sabine , Boisbrun Michel , Chapleur Yves , Diederich Marc , Flament Stephane , Grillier‐Vuissoz Isabelle
Published: November 2013

Our aim was to better understand peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor gamma (PPARγ)‐independent pathways involved in anti‐cancer effects of thiazolidinediones (TZDs). We focused on Δ2‐troglitazone (Δ2‐TGZ), a PPARγ inactive TZD that affects breast cancer cell viability. Appearance of TUNEL positive cells, changes in mitochondrial membrane potential, cleavage of poly(ADP‐ribose) polymerase (PARP)‐1 and caspase‐7 revealed that apoptosis occurred in both hormone‐dependent MCF7 and hormone‐independent MDA‐MB‐231 breast cancer cells after 24 and 48 h of treatment. A microarray study identified endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress as an essential cellular function since many genes involved in ER stress were upregulated in MCF7 cells following Δ2‐TGZ treatment. Δ2‐TGZ‐induced ER stress was further confirmed in MCF7 cells by phosphorylation of pancreatic endoplasmic reticulum kinase‐like endoplasmic reticulum kinase (PERK) and its target eIF2α after 1.5 h, rapid increase in activating transcription factor (ATF) 3 mRNA levels, splicing of X‐box binding protein 1 (XBP1) after 3 h, accumulation of binding immunogloblulin protein (BiP) and CCAAT‐enhancer‐binding protein homologous protein (CHOP) after 6 h. Immunofluorescence microscopy indicated that CHOP was relocalized to the nucleus of treated cells. Similarly, in MDA‐MB‐231 cells, overexpression of ATF3, splicing of XBP1, and accumulation of BiP and CHOP were observed following Δ2‐TGZ treatment. In MCF7 cells, knock‐down of CHOP or the inhibition of c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase (JNK) did not impair cleavage of PARP‐1 and caspase‐7. Altogether, our results show that ER stress is an early response of major types of breast cancer cells to Δ2‐TGZ, prior to, but not causative of apoptosis. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The effects of glial cell line‐derived neurotrophic factor on the in vitro matured porcine oocyte transcriptome
Authors: Toms Derek , Tsoi Stephen , Dobrinsky John , Dyck Michael K. , Li Julang
Published: November 2013

It is well documented that oocytes from small antral follicles are less competent than those derived from large follicles, and we have previously shown that glial cell line‐derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) enhances developmental competence in oocytes from antral follicles. Exactly how GDNF effects this change and if it depends on the stage of oocyte development is currently unknown. The objective of this study was to examine the transcriptomic effects of follicle size and GDNF on the in vitro maturation of porcine oocytes. Microarray analysis uncovered differentially expressed transcripts among in vitro‐matured porcine oocytes from different‐size antral follicles, in the absence or presence of GDNF. Oocytes isolated from small follicles showed a lower state of maturation than those from large follicles, with several transcripts associated with meiotic arrest. Addition of GDNF to the culture media had effects that depended on the stage of the follicle from which the oocyte was isolated, with those from small follicles showing decreased expression of genes associated with acetyltransferase activity while those from large follicles showed decreased metabolic activity. In summary, our results revealed considerable differences between the transcriptomes of small‐ and large‐follicle‐derived oocytes. Furthermore, GDNF affects the developmental competence of oocytes in follicle‐stage dependent manner. Thus, improving our understanding of the requirements for successful in vitro maturation of porcine oocytes will inform current reproductive technologies, with implications for the future of animal and human health. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Functional consequences of chronic bladder ischemia
Authors: Yamaguchi Osamu , Nomiya Masanori , Andersson Karl‐Erik
Published: November 2013

The pathophysiology of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS), particularly in the elderly, seems to be multifactorial. One of the factors involved may be chronic ischemia of the bladder caused by bladder outflow obstruction (male) or atherosclerosis (male/female). The mechanisms by which chronic ischemia initiates and causes LUTS and progressive bladder dysfunction, and the time course of the effects, are incompletely known. Bladder ischemia and repeated ischemia/reperfusion during a micturition cycle may produce oxidative stress, leading to denervation of the bladder and the expression of tissue damaging molecules in the bladder wall. This may be responsible for the development of detrusor overactivity progressing to detrusor underactivity and inability to empty the bladder. The extent of bladder dysfunction in chronic bladder ischemia may depend on the degree and duration of ischemia. To prevent chronic bladder ischemia caused by atherosclerosis and to treat its consequences, more pathophysiological knowledge is needed. Several animal models of atherosclerosis‐induced chronic bladder ischemia are available and should be useful tools for further research. Neurourol. Urodynam. 33:54–58, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Melt‐processed polymer multilayer distributed feedback lasers: Progress and prospects
Authors: Andrews James H. , Crescimanno Michael , Singer Kenneth D. , Baer Eric
Published: November 2013

Reflecting recent progress in the functionalization of roll‐to‐roll processed polymer multilayers, this review describes the development and characterization of versatile large‐area multilayer distributed feedback (DFB) lasers. These developments are reviewed in the broader context of microresonator lasers, with a brief tutorial on the theory and experiment needed to understand their unique features. Of particular interest is the broad tunability of these DFB lasers by simple modification of their structure, mechanical stretching, and temperature. Prospects for commercialization of polymer multilayer DFB lasers are also discussed. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys.2014,52, 251–271