bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mutagenicity of industrial wastewaters collected from two different stations in northern India
Authors: Tabrez Shams , Ahmad Masood
Published: February 2011

Mutagenicity of wastewaters taken from two different cities was compared by means of Ames plate test and Ames fluctuation test. TA100 and TA98 strains of S. typhimurium exhibited the highest sensitivity against the Saharanpur sample (SWW) in terms of the slope (m) of the dose–response curve in the plate incorporation assay. However, the most sensitive strain against the test samples from Aligarh (AWW) was TA98. Interestingly, TA100 and TA98 strains also displayed the highest susceptibility towards the samples from Saharanpur in the fluctuation test. However, TA102 and TA100 responded maximally to AWW in this bioassay. Interestingly, S9 supplementation resulted in the decline in mutagenic potential of SWW contrary to significant increase with AWW by both the tests. Both samples were found to generate different types of ROS as predominant species. While SWW were shown to generate a high concentration of superoxide radicals and hydrogen peroxide, hydroxyl radicals were predominantly occurring in AWW. From our result, we conclude that both the test water samples were highly genotoxic. In view of the complementary nature of these two testing systems, we recommend both bioassays for the genotoxicity assessment of complex water samples. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Investigation of anticholinergic and non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory prodrugs which reduce chemically induced skin inflammation
Authors: Young Sherri C. , Fabio Karine M. , Huang Mou‐Tuan , Saxena Jaya , Harman Meredith P. , Guillon Christophe D. , Vetrano Anna M. , Heck Diane E. , Flowers Robert A. , Heindel Ned D. , Laskin Jeffrey D.
Published: February 2011

As part of a continuous effort to develop efficient counter measures against sulfur mustard injuries, several unique NSAID prodrugs have been developed and screened for anti‐inflammatory properties. Presented herein are three classes of prodrugs which dually target inflammation and cholinergic dysfunction. Compounds 1–28 contain common NSAIDs linked either to choline bioisosteres or to structural analogs of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitors. These agents have shown utility as anti‐vesicants and anti‐inflammatory agents when screened in a mouse ear vesicant model (MEVM) against both 2‐chloroethyl ethyl sulfide (CEES), a blistering agent, and 12‐O‐tetradecanoylphorbol‐13‐acetate (TPA), a common topical irritant. Many of the prodrugs have activity against CEES, with 5, 18, 22 and 27 reducing inflammation by more than 75% compared with a control. Compounds 12, 13, 15 and 22 show comparable activity against TPA. Promising activity in the MEVM is related to half‐lives of NSAID release in plasma, moderate to high lipophilicity, and some degree of inhibition of AChE, a potential contributor to sulfur mustard‐mediated tissue damage. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effect of molecular weight of chitosan degraded by microwave irradiation on lyophilized scaffold for bone tissue engineering applications
Authors: Mecwan Marvin M. , Rapalo Gabriel E. , Mishra Sanjay R. , Haggard Warren O. , Bumgardner Joel D.
Published: February 2011

Chitosan (CTS) is biocompatible, biodegradable, and can be formed into 3D porous structures for bone tissue engineering applications. Although studies have reported on the effects of molecular weight (MW) on CTS physicochemical properties, studies evaluating CTS biological property relationships often do not account for MW that confounds interpretation of study results. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of MW on CTS physicochemical and biological properties. CTS materials were treated for 6, 18, and 30 min by microwave irradiation to decrease MW without affecting deacetylation (DDA). Materials were evaluated for crystallinity using X‐ray diffraction, thermal degradation using differential scanning calorimetry, water content, swelling ratio, and in vitro compatibility using Saos‐2. Results showed that microwave treatments did not affect DDA but decreased MW and swelling ratio by 45.78% and 36.75%, respectively, after 30 min of microwave treatment. Microwave‐treated CTS showed reduced or no crystalline peaks. Initial increase in exothermic peak temperatures with short (6 min) microwave treatment times were followed by a decrease with longer (18 and 30 min) treatment times. Cell growth over 7 days on samples was proportional to MW with the number of cells being 62% higher on CTS with the highest MW (3.71 ± 0.25 × 105 g/mol) when compared with the lower MW CTS (2.38 ± 0.12 × 105 g/mol). These results demonstrate the importance of MW of CTS to both its physicochemical characteristics and biological properties, providing researchers with another tool for the modulation and optimization of CTS for different biomedical applications. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A:, 2011.
Blood protein‐polymer adsorption: Implications for understanding complement‐mediated hemoincompatibility
Authors: Engberg Anna E. , Rosengren‐Holmberg Jenny P. , Chen Hui , Nilsson Bo , Lambris John D. , Nicholls Ian A. , Ekdahl Kristina N.
Published: February 2011

The aim of this study was to create polymeric materials with known properties to study the preconditions for complement activation. Initially, 22 polymers were screened for complement activating capacity. Based on these results, six polymers (P1–P6) were characterized regarding physico–chemical parameters, for example, composition, surface area, pore size, and protein adsorption from human EDTA‐plasma. P2, P4, and reference particles of polystyrene and polyvinyl chloride, were hydrophobic, bound low levels of protein and were poor complement activators. Their accessible surface was limited to protein adsorption in that they had pore diameters smaller than most plasma proteins. P1 and P3 were negatively charged and adsorbed IgG and C1q. A 10‐fold difference in complement activation was attributed to the fact that P3 but not P1 bound high amounts of C1‐inhibitor. The hydrophobic P5 and P6 were low complement activators. They selectively bound apolipoproteins AI and AIV (and vitronectin), which probably limited the binding of complement activators to the surface. We demonstrate the usefulness of the modus operandi to use a high‐throughput procedure to synthesize a great number of novel substances, assay their physico–chemical properties with the aim to study the relationship between the initial protein coat on a surface and subsequent biological events. Data obtained from the six polymers characterized here, suggest that a complement‐resistant surface should be hydrophobic, uncharged, and have a small available surface, accomplished by nanostructured topography. Additional attenuation of complement can be achieved by selective enrichment of inert proteins and inhibitors. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: , 2011.
Comparison of three types of preparations for abdominal sonography
Authors: Pinto Paula N. V. , Chojniak Rubens , Cohen Marcela P. , Yu Liao S. , Queiroz‐Andrade Marcony , Bitencourt Almir G. V.
Published: February 2011

Purpose:

The purpose of this randomized, prospective study was to evaluate the effect of three preparation types on the abdominal sonographic examination quality and on patient acceptance.

Methods:

Examinations were performed on 611 patients in the imaging department of a referral oncology center. Patients were divided into three groups: preparation with fasting, water, laxatives, and antiflatulents (Group I), preparation with fasting, water, and antiflatulents alone (Group II), or preparation with fasting and water alone (Group III). The examination quality was evaluated both objectively through grades and subjectively through impressions. Statistical significance was set at the p ≤ 0.05 level.

Results:

No difference in examination quality was seen among patients with or without medication. Improved visualization of the retroperitoneum in the mid abdomen was observed among Group I patients. Patients in Groups II and III displayed fewer side effects. Other variables, such as obesity and increased abdominal wall thickness, also impacted the image quality.

Conclusions:

Visualization of the abdominal organs was satisfactory even in patients who had only fasted and received water. The use of laxative and antiflatulent preparations is not required before routine abdominal ultrasound examinations. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound, 2011
Does gestational temperature or prenatal sex ratio influence development of sexual dimorphism in a viviparous skink?
Authors: Hare Kelly M. , Yeong Charlene , Cree Alison
Published: February 2011

Prenatal sex ratio (through exposure to hormones from siblings in utero) can influence sexually dimorphic traits of many mammals; but research on viviparous reptiles has contrasting outcomes, which have yet to be resolved. The thermal environment experienced during gestation has a strong effect on the phenotype of reptiles, but whether this thermal effect overrides that of prenatal sex ratio has yet to be explored. We experimentally investigated whether the gestation temperature, or litter sex ratio, influences sexually dimorphic traits (head width and axilla–groin length) in a viviparous skink (Oligosoma maccanni). We found that gestation temperature had a significant influence on sexually dimorphic traits of neonates, and at 3 months of age still influenced head width. We found no evidence that traits in either sex were masculinized or feminized in response to litter sex ratio. The development of external sexual dimorphisms increased gradually (all thermal regimes pooled), with neonates showing no sexual dimorphism, 3‐month‐old juveniles showing some sexual dimorphism in head width, and adults having stronger, but incompletely separated, sexual dimorphism for both traits. We suggest that the overlap in sexually dimorphic traits of adult O. maccanni (and perhaps other reptiles) may be better explained by natural variation in temperatures experienced during embryonic development, rather than hormonal effects arising from litter sex ratio. The interaction of hormones and temperature during gestation and the effect of these factors on sexual dimorphism within reptiles deserve further exploration. J. Exp. Zool. 315A:215–221, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Tight products and graph expansion
Authors: Daniely Amit , Linial Nathan
Published: February 2011

In this article, we study a new product of graphs called tight product. A graph H is said to be a tight product of two (undirected multi) graphs G1 and G2, if V(H) = V(G1) × V(G2) and both projection maps V(H)→V(G1) and V(H)→V(G2) are covering maps. It is not a priori clear when two given graphs have a tight product (in fact, it is NP‐hard to decide). We investigate the conditions under which this is possible. This perspective yields a new characterization of class‐1 (2k+ 1)‐regular graphs. We also obtain a new model of random d‐regular graphs whose second eigenvalue is almost surely at most O(d3/4). This construction resembles random graph lifts, but requires fewer random bits. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Graph Theory
Overlap number of graphs
Authors: Cranston Daniel W. , Korula Nitish , LeSaulnier Timothy D. , Milans Kevin G. , Stocker Christopher J. , Vandenbussche Jennifer , West Douglas B.
Published: February 2011

An overlap representation of a graph G assigns sets to vertices so that vertices are adjacent if and only if their assigned sets intersect with neither containing the other. The overlap number φ(G) (introduced by Rosgen) is the minimum size of the union of the sets in such a representation. We prove the following: (1) An optimal overlap representation of a tree can be produced in linear time, and its size is the number of vertices in the largest subtree in which the neighbor of any leaf has degree 2. (2) If δ(G)⩾2 and G≠K3, then φ(G)⩽|E(G)| − 1, with equality when G is connected and triangle‐free and has no star‐cutset. (3) If G is an n‐vertex plane graph with n⩾5, then φ(G)⩽2n − 5, with equality when every face has length 4 and there is no star‐cutset. (4) If G is an n‐vertex graph with n⩾14, then φ(G)⩽n2/4 − n/2 − 1, with equality for even n when G arises from Kn/2, n/2 by deleting a perfect matching. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Graph Theory
Effects of medicinal herb salvia miltiorrhiza on osteoblastic cells in vitro
Authors: Chin Alice , Yang Yanqi , Chai Lei , Wong Ricky W. K. , Rabie Abou‐Bakr M.
Published: February 2011

Sufficient osteoinduction is essential for the success and effectiveness of bone grafting. It was previously found that Salvia Miltiorrhiza (SM), a commonly used Chinese herb increased osteogenesis in vivo. The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of SM on bone cells in vitro, in an attempt to get a better understanding on how SM can promote bone remodeling. MC3T3‐E1, an osteoblastic cell line, was cultured with SM for different time intervals (24, 48, and 72 h), whereas the control group consisted of cells cultured without any intervention. The mRNA expression of alkaline phosphatase (ALP), osteocalcin (OCN), osteoprotegerin (OPG), and the receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa B ligand (RANKL) were examined by real‐time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). The expression of ALP showed an early increase at 24 h by 50% (p < 0.001) and at 48 h by 13% (p < 0.001). OCN was decreased by 22% at 24 h (p < 0.001) but increased by 50% and 88% at 48 and 72 h, respectively (p < 0.001). RANKL showed an early increase at the first two time points of 24 and 48 h by 45% (p < 0.001) and 36% (p < 0.01), respectively, while OPG was up‐regulated at the latter two time points by 10% at 48 h (p < 0.01) and 68% at 72 h (p < 0.001). Thus, OPG/RANKL was down‐regulated first, and then up‐regulated. SM enhances bone remodeling by regulating the gene expression of ALP, OCN, OPG, and RANKL. It is a potential medicinal herb to be utilized in the application that requires stimulation in bone cell activities. © 2011 Orthopaedic Research Society Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 29: 1059–1063, 2011
Effects of surgical correction for the treatment of adult acquired flatfoot deformity: A computational investigation
Authors: Iaquinto Joseph M. , Wayne Jennifer S.
Published: February 2011

Computational models of the foot/ankle complex were developed to predict the biomechanical consequences of surgical procedures that correct for Stage II adult acquired flatfoot deformity. Cadaveric leg and foot bony anatomy was captured by CT imaging in neutral flexion and imported to the modeling software. Ligaments were approximated as tension only springs attached at insertion sites. Muscle contraction of the gastrocnemius/soleus complex was simulated through force vectors and desired external loads applied to the model. Ligament stiffnesses were modified to reflect Stage II flatfoot damage, followed by integration of corrective osteotomies—medializing calcaneal osteotomy (MCO) and Evans and calcaneocuboid distraction arthrodesis (CCDA)—to treat flatfoot. Joint angles, tissue strains, calcaneocuboid contact force, and plantar loads were analyzed. The flatfoot simulation demonstrated clinical signs of disease evidenced by degradation of joint alignment. Repair states corrected these joint misalignments with MCO having greatest impact in the hindfoot, and Evans/CCDA having greatest effect in the mid‐ and forefoot. The lateral procedures unevenly strained plantar structures, while offloading the medial forefoot, and increased loading on the lateral forefoot, which was amplified by combining with MCO. The Evans procedure raised calcaneocuboid joint contact force to twice intact levels. Computational results are in agreement with clinical and experimental findings. The model demonstrated potential precursors to such complications as lateral tightness and arthritic development and may thus be useful as a predictor of surgical outcomes. © 2011 Orthopaedic Research Society Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 29: 1047–1054, 2011
Silver‐decorated carbon nanotube networks as SERS substrates
Authors: Chen Yi‐Chieh , Young Robert J. , Macpherson Julie V. , Wilson Neil R.
Published: February 2011

We report on investigations upon a surface‐enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) substrate produced from a two‐dimensional single‐walled carbon nanotube (SWNT) network decorated with Ag nanoparticles. Using the strong and unique Raman spectrum of SWNTs as a reference, the SWNT/Ag nanostructure can be considered to provide two regions: one with an ultrasensitive SERS response for single‐molecule SERS (SMSERS) study; and another with uniform SERS enhancement over an area of several square millimeters for general SERS measurements. We report the appearance of an anomalous Raman feature at around 2180 cm−1 in the high‐sensitivity region which exhibits the characteristics of SMSERS. The SERS performance of the uniform area was characterized using pyridine vapor adsorbed onto the substrate. The presence of the SWNT/Ag nanostructure enhanced the Raman intensity by over seven orders of magnitude, a factor comparable to or exceeding that obtained on SERS substrates reported by other groups. The results indicate great potential to produce highly sensitive, uniform SERS substrates via further fine‐tuning of the nanostructure. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Probing the phase transition behavior of acetonitrile confined in mesoporous silica by FT Raman spectroscopy
Authors: Li Dongxu , Huang Yining
Published: February 2011

Phase transitions of acetonitrile confined in mesoporous silica SBA‐15 and mesocellular silica foam (MCF) having different pore diameters of 39.0, 39.9, 28.4, 8.7, and 4.6 nm with corresponding pore openings of 20.9, 12.1, 10.0, 8.7, and 4.6 nm were investigated by FT Raman spectroscopy. Melting and freezing temperature depressions were found for acetonitrile confined in mesoporous silica with pore opening sizes of 20.9, 12.1, 10.0 and 8.7 nm. A thermal hysteresis between the cooling and heating cycles was also observed. It appears that the smaller the pore opening, the larger the depression of melting or freezing temperature. Although two solid (${\bf \alpha}$ and ${\bf \beta}$) phases exist in bulk acetonitrile, only the liquid →β phase transition was detected for acetonitrile confined in the nanopores of mesoporous silica. The ${\bf \beta} \rightarrow {\bf \alpha}$ solid‐to‐solid phase transition was not observed. For the mesoporous silica with the smallest pore size of 4.6 nm, neither the liquid $\rightarrow {\bf \beta}$ nor the ${\bf \beta} \rightarrow {\bf \alpha}$ transition was observed for the confined acetonitrile. The results demonstrate that FT Raman spectroscopy is a useful technique for studying the phase transition behavior of organic compounds confined in silica‐based hosts. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
High‐pressure Raman spectroscopy of nanoparticle polyacetylene in a poly(vinyl‐butyral) matrix
Authors: McIntire Michael , Zhao Liang , Kobryanskii Valerii , Chronister Eric
Published: February 2011

The pressure‐induced Raman shifts of six vibrational bands of 20% and 50% trans‐polyacetylene nanoparticles in poly(vinyl‐butyral) matrix films (NPA/PVB) were studied from 0 to 45 kbar using a diamond anvil cell (DAC). The Raman shifts did not depend on the thickness of the two samples studied. Two of the vibrational bands displayed peak positions that depended on the isomeric compositions, with the 20% trans‐NPA/PVB bands being slightly blue‐shifted relative to the 50% trans‐NPA/PVB bands over the 45 kbar pressure range. The Raman bands of NPA/PVB associated with the trans form initially exhibited a relatively large shift at low pressures (P < 10 kbar) along with a drastic change in their band profile. In order to investigate the relative shielding of the vibrational modes studied, a Grüneisen analysis of the pressure‐induced shifts was conducted by estimating the parameters of the Murnaghan equation of state for solid polyacetylene (PA). Four of the six vibrational modes were found to be sensitive to compression of the interchain void space, while the other two modes were insensitive, indicating that they are relatively shielded from the compression of the sample. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Raman evidence of the interaction between multiwalled carbon nanotubes and nanostructured TiO2
Authors: Inoue Fabiana , Ando Rômulo Augusto , Corio Paola
Published: February 2011

Nanocomposites of carbon nanotubes and titanium dioxide (TiO2) have attracted much attention due to their photocatalytic properties. Although many examples in the literature have visualized these nanocomposites by electron microscopic images, spectroscopic characterization is still lacking with regard to the interaction between the carbon nanotube and TiO2. In this work, we show evidence of the attachment of nanostructured TiO2 to multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) by Raman spectroscopy. The nanostructured TiO2 was characterized by both full‐width at half‐maximum (FWHM) and the Raman shift of the TiO2 band at ca 144 cm−1, whereas the average diameter of the crystallite was estimated as approximately 7 nm. Comparison of the Raman spectra of the MWNTs and MWNTs/TiO2 shows a clear inversion of the relative intensities of the G and D bands, suggesting a substantial chemical modification of the outermost tubes due to the attachment of nanostructured TiO2. To complement the nanocomposite characterization, scanning electronic microscopy and X‐ray diffraction were performed. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Ultrafast nonlinear spectroscopy of a single silver nanoparticle
Authors: Baida H. , Christofilos D. , Maioli P. , Crut A. , Del Fatti N. , Vallée F.
Published: February 2011

The time‐domain nonlinear spectroscopy of a single silver nano‐object is investigated by combining the spatial modulation linear spectroscopy technique with a high‐sensitivity femtosecond pump–probe setup. The investigated single nanoparticle is first optically characterized for size and shape via quantitative measurement of its linear absorption spectrum, and time‐resolved nonlinear pump‐probe measurements are subsequently performed on the same particle. The breathing mode period of a single nanoparticle measured in the time domain is found to be in good agreement with that inferred by the optically deduced particle characteristics, opening the way of full optical investigation of the acoustic response of the characterized single nanoparticles. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The effects of moderately oxidised dietary oil with or without vitamin E supplementation on performance, nutrient digestibility, some blood traits, lipid peroxidation and antioxidant defence of male broilers
Authors: Açıkgöz Zümrüt , Bayraktar Hakan , Altan Özge , Akhisaroglu Serpil Tanriverdi , Kırkpınar Figen , Altun Zekiye
Published: February 2011

BACKGROUND: The experiment was conducted to determine the effects of dietary supplementation of oxidised oil with or without vitamin E on performance, nutrient digestibility, some blood traits, lipid peroxidation and antioxidant defence system of male broilers.

RESULTS: The supplementation of oxidised oil with or without vitamin E to the grower diets did not significantly affect performance, the pH and viscosity values of excreta and nutrient digestibilities in male broilers. Oxidised oil supplementation slightly increased plasma triglyceride and cholesterol concentrations but did not alter plasma glucose concentration. Although malondialdehyde (MDA) and nitric oxide concentrations tended to be higher in the oxidised oil group, these increases were not significant. Birds fed the diet containing oxidised oil had significantly lower superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity. However, no differences were observed in glutathione peroxidase (GSH‐Px) activity and uric acid concentrations of broilers fed oxidised oil as compared to the control group. Dietary vitamin E supplementation decreased MDA concentration whereas increasing SOD activity, suggesting that vitamin E supplementation reduced susceptibility to lipid peroxidation.

CONCLUSION: The results showed that a milder oxidative stress occurred by supplementation of moderately oxidised oil to the diet of broilers and vitamin E supplementation had been helpful in alleviating lipid peroxidation. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry
Improved solvent collection system for a dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction of organochlorine pesticides from water using low‐density organic solvent
Authors: Chang Chu‐Chi , Wei Shuo‐Yang , Huang Shang‐Da
Published: February 2011

In this study, the organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) levels in lake and tap water samples were determined by a dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction method using a low‐density organic solvent and an improved solvent collection system (DLLME‐ISCS). This method used a very small volume of a solvent of low toxicity (11 μL of 1‐nonanol and 400 μL of methanol) to extract OCPs from 10 mL water samples prior to the analysis by GC. After centrifugation in the dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction, there was a liquid organic drop floating between the water surface and the glass wall of the centrifuge tube. The liquid organic drop (with some water phase) was transferred into a microtube (3 mm×15 mm) with a syringe. The organic and aqueous phases were separated in the microtube immediately. Then, 1 μL of the organic solvent (which was in the upper portion of liquid in the microtube) was easily collected by a syringe and injected into the GC‐ECD system for the analysis. Under optimum conditions, the linear range of this method was 5–5000 ng/L for most of the analytes. The correlation coefficient was higher than 0.997. Enrichment factors ranged from 1309 to 3629. The relative recoveries ranged from 73 to 119% for lake water samples. The LODs of the method ranged from 0.7 to 9.4 ng/L. The precision of the method ranged from 1.0 to 10.8% for lake water.
Novel criteria for fast searching for optimal method in gradient ion chromatography: An integrated approach
Authors: Ukić Šime , Bolanča Tomislav , Rogošić Marko
Published: February 2011

In this article, an integrated approach for prediction and optimization in ion chromatography (IC) was presented. The approach provides a fast and reliable insight in the elution behavior of an IC system. The predictions are based on a mathematical model that predicts ion retentions (for both isocratic and gradient modes) by using an empirical isocratic model. Other chromatographic values significant for the optimal elution conditions (resolution, peak asymmetry) are calculated quickly and easily from the predicted retention values of characteristic points of a chromatographic peak. Every day, IC users might find this approach a suitable tool for finding optimal IC elution conditions in a given system.
Optical‐fiber microcoil waveguides and resonators and their applications for interferometry and sensing
Authors: Scheuer J. , Sumetsky M.
Published: February 2011

In this work, recent progress in the theoretical and experimental studies of optical‐fiber microcoil waveguides and resonators, as well as their various applications are reviewed. In particular, the focus is set on sensing and interferometry applications. It is shown that due to its inherently low propagation and fiber‐coupling losses, fiber‐microcoil based sensors and interferometers offer substantial enhancement of sensitivity and compactness compared to other types of devices. Recent progress in the realization and experimental characterization of such structures is presented and the theoretical tools to analyze the impact of real‐world nonuniformities on the characteristics of fiber‐microcoil structures are provided.
Upper leg conduction time distinguishes demyelinating neuropathies
Authors: Maccabee Paul J. , Eberle Larry P. , Stein Ian A.G. , Willer Justin A. , Lipitz Mark E. , Kula Roger W. , Marx Tatiana , Muntean Eugeniu V. , Amassian Vahe E.
Published: February 2011

Background: The objective of this study was to determine whether differentiation between demyelinating and axonal neuropathies could be enhanced by comparing conduction time changes in defined segments of the total peripheral nerve pathway. Methods: Compound muscle action potentials (CMAPs) were elicited by cathodal stimulation of the tibial nerve at the ankle and popliteal fossa, and by paravertebral neuromagnetic stimulation at proximal and distal cauda equina while recording from muscles of the foot, shin, and thigh. Segmental conduction times were calculated in normal subjects; in patients with lumbosacral radiculopathy, distal symmetric diabetic neuropathy, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, acute and chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy; and in patients with anti–myelin‐associated glycoprotein, myelomatous, and Charcot–Marie–Tooth type 1a polyneuropathies. Results: Distal cauda equina latency and CMAP duration and segmental conduction times in upper leg and cauda equina facilitated differentiation of demyelinating from axonal neuropathies, even in the presence of a range of reduced amplitude CMAPs. Conclusions: Within the demyelinating neuropathy spectrum, it was further possible to distinguish subtypes. Muscle Nerve, 2011
Single‐and multi‐objective genetic algorithm optimization for identifying soil parameters
Authors: Papon A. , Riou Y. , Dano C. , Hicher P.‐Y.
Published: February 2011

This paper discusses the quality of the procedure employed in identifying soil parameters by inverse analysis. This procedure includes a FEM‐simulation for which two constitutive models—a linear elastic perfectly plastic Mohr–Coulomb model and a strain‐hardening elasto‐plastic model—are successively considered. Two kinds of optimization algorithms have been used: a deterministic simplex method and a stochastic genetic method. The soil data come from the results of two pressuremeter tests, complemented by triaxial and resonant column testing. First, the inverse analysis has been performed separately on each pressuremeter test. The genetic method presents the advantage of providing a collection of satisfactory solutions, among which a geotechnical engineer has to choose the optimal one based on his scientific background and/or additional analyses based on further experimental test results. This advantage is enhanced when all the constitutive parameters sensitive to the considered problem have to be identified without restrictions in the search space. Second, the experimental values of the two pressuremeter tests have been processed simultaneously, so that the inverse analysis becomes a multi‐objective optimization problem. The genetic method allows the user to choose the most suitable parameter set according to the Pareto frontier and to guarantee the coherence between the tests. The sets of optimized parameters obtained from inverse analyses are then used to calculate the response of a spread footing, which is part of a predictive benchmark. The numerical results with respect to both the constitutive models and the inverse analysis procedure are discussed. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
In vivo detection of intermediate metabolic products of [1‐13C]ethanol in the brain using 13C MRS
Authors: Xiang Yun , Shen Jun
Published: February 2011

In this study, in vivo 13C MRS was used to investigate the labeling of brain metabolites after intravenous administration of [1‐13C]ethanol. After [1‐13C]ethanol had been administered systemically to rats, 13C labels were detected in glutamate, glutamine and aspartate in the carboxylic and amide carbon spectral region. 13C‐labeled bicarbonate HCO (161.0 ppm) was also detected. Saturating acetaldehyde C1 at 207.0 ppm was found to have no effect on the ethanol C1 (57.7 ppm) signal intensity after extensive signal averaging, providing direct in vivo evidence that direct metabolism of alcohol by brain tissue is minimal. To compare the labeling of brain metabolites by ethanol with labeling by glucose, in vivo time course data were acquired during intravenous co‐infusion of [1‐13C]ethanol and [13C6]‐D‐glucose. In contrast with labeling by [13C6]‐D‐glucose, which produced doublets of carboxylic/amide carbons with a J coupling constant of 51 Hz, the simultaneously detected glutamate and glutamine singlets were labeled by [1‐13C]ethanol. As 13C labels originating from ethanol enter the brain after being converted into [1‐13C]acetate in the liver, and the direct metabolism of ethanol by brain tissue is negligible, it is suggested that orally or intragastrically administered 13C‐labeled ethanol may be used to study brain metabolism and glutamatergic neurotransmission in investigations involving alcohol administration. In vivo 13C MRS of rat brain following intragastric administration of 13C‐labeled ethanol is demonstrated. Published in 2011 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Solution of FE‐BE coupled eigenvalue problems for the prediction of the vibro‐acoustic behavior of ship‐like structures
Authors: Junge Michael , Brunner Dominik , Gaul Lothar
Published: February 2011

To predict the vibro‐acoustic behavior of structures, both a structural problem and an acoustic problem have to be solved. For thin structures immersed in water, a strong interaction between the structural domain and fluid domain occurs. This significantly alters the resonance frequencies. In this work, the structure is modeled by the finite element method. The exterior acoustic problem is solved by a fast boundary element method employing hierarchical matrices. An FE‐BE formulation is presented, which allows the solution of the coupled eigenvalue problem and thus the prediction of the coupled eigenfrequencies and mode shapes. It is based on a Schur complement formulation of the FE‐BE system yielding a generalized eigenvalue problem. A Krylov–Schur solver is applied for its efficient solution. Hereby, the compressibility of the fluid is neglected. The coupled eigensolution is then used for a model reduction strategy allowing fast frequency sweep calculations. The efficiency of the proposed formulations is investigated with respect to memory consumption, accuracy, and computation time. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A level set‐based topology optimization method targeting metallic waveguide design problems
Authors: Yamasaki Shintaro , Nomura Tsuyoshi , Kawamoto Atsushi , Sato Kazuo , Nishiwaki Shinji
Published: February 2011

In this paper, we propose a level set‐based topology optimization method targeting metallic waveguide design problems, where the skin effect must be taken into account since the metallic waveguides are generally used in the high‐frequency range where this effect critically affects performance. One of the most reasonable approaches to represent the skin effect is to impose an electric field constraint condition on the surface of the metal. To implement this approach, we develop a boundary‐tracking scheme for the arbitrary Lagrangian Eulerian (ALE) mesh pertaining to the zero iso‐contour of the level set function that is given in an Eulerian mesh, and impose Dirichlet boundary conditions at the nodes on the zero iso‐contour in the ALE mesh to compute the electric field. Since the ALE mesh accurately tracks the zero iso‐contour at every optimization iteration, the electric field is always appropriately computed during optimization. For the sensitivity analysis, we compute the nodal coordinate sensitivities in the ALE mesh and smooth them by solving a Helmholtz‐type partial differential equation. The obtained smoothed sensitivities are used to compute the normal velocity in the level set equation that is solved using the Eulerian mesh, and the level set function is updated based on the computed normal velocity. Finally, the utility of the proposed method is discussed through several numerical examples. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Optimal trajectories for angular systems on the projective line
Authors: Rodr íguez J. C. , Ayala V.
Published: February 2011

We analyze two optimal problems for a class of nonlinear system on the real projective line Popf1 induced by a class of bilinear control system: the angular system. Two functional costs are considered: time‐optimal and quadratic. According to the Pontryagin Maximum Principle, in the time‐optimal case we show that if the angle system ℙΣ satisfies the controllability property, then there exists a minimal time bang‐bang trajectory connecting any two points on ℙ1, the noncontrollable case was discussed in closed form in (SIAM J. Control Optim. 2009; 48(4):2636–2650). On the other hand, in the quadratic cost, the optimal control is a continuous function (Proyecciones J. Math. 2010; 29(2):145–164). A comparison is also established between the structure of the solutions for the two optimal problems: time‐optimal and quadratic in the controllable and noncontrollable cases. The extremals are obtained from the adjoint system given by the Pontryagin Maximum Principle onto ℙ1 via radial projection. An example is given. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Progressive miRNA expression profiles in cervical carcinogenesis and identification of HPV‐related target genes for miR‐29
Authors: Li Yang , Wang Fenfen , Xu Junfen , Ye Feng , Shen Yuanming , Zhou Jiansong , Lu Weiguo , Wan Xiaoyun , Ma Ding , Xie Xing
Published: February 2011

miRNAs have the potential to act on diverse downstream genes, and miRNA signatures of HPV‐infected tissues may provide insight into HPV‐related carcinogenesis. We set out to profile miRNA expression in HPV‐infected samples and relate this to histological and grade‐specific alterations in the spectrum of cervical carcinogenesis in vivo. A total of 31 miRNAs showed significant and continuous expression along with the progression from normal cervical tissue to cancer, and six of them were validated in 133 samples. By bioinformatics analyses, we established a putative HPV‐associated miRNA–mRNA regulatory network, showing that miR‐29 is the most highly enriched. We also found that YY1 and CDK6 were both positively correlated with E6/E7 RNA expression and targeted by tumour‐suppressive miR‐29. Evidence of miR‐29 involvement in HPV infection was further verified in patient samples and by various experimental approaches. Taken together, our results suggest that HPVs have oncogenic properties at least in part by reshaping the milieu of cellular miRNAs. miR‐29 restrains cell cycle progression and induces apoptosis via YY1 and CDK6 promoting malignant transformation induced by HPV, although the abnormality of miR‐29 in HPV‐infected cells might be regulated in an indirect way. Copyright © 2011 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Molecular characteristics and biological behaviours of the oncocytic and pancreatobiliary subtypes of intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms
Authors: Xiao Hong D , Yamaguchi Hiroshi , Dias‐Santagata Dora , Kuboki Yuko , Akhavanfard Sara , Hatori Takashi , Yamamoto Masakazu , Shiratori Keiko , Kobayashi Makio , Shimizu Michio , Fernandez‐del Castillo Carlos , Mino‐Kenudson Mari , Furukawa Toru
Published: February 2011

Intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm (IPMN) consists of four epithelial subtypes. Of those, pancreatobiliary and oncocytic types are recently recognized and relatively uncommon, and usually exhibit high‐grade dysplasia. The biological properties and molecular characteristics of these two types have not been well documented. The few molecular studies of the oncocytic type showed absence of KRAS mutations commonly seen in the other subtypes, raising the possibility that the oncocytic type is distinct from the other subtypes. Thus, we examined clinicopathological features and molecular alterations of the two subtypes. The study cohort consisted of 12 pancreatobiliary and 18 oncocytic IPMN cases. KRAS, BRAF, and PIK3CA mutations and TP53, SMAD4, and β‐catenin expression were analysed, and the results of molecular and clinicopathological profiles were compared between the two subtypes. KRAS mutations were identified in the oncocytic type, but less frequently than the pancreatobiliary type (17% versus 58%, p = 0.048). BRAF mutation was found in a single oncocytic tumour, and no PIK3CA mutations were seen in any of the study cohort. TP53 overexpression was less frequent in the oncocytic type than in the pancreatobiliary type (11% versus 58%, p = 0.013). Invasive components were present in 50% of the oncocytic and 92% of the pancreatobiliary types, with lymph node metastasis more frequently seen in the latter, corresponding to better outcomes in the former (5‐year survival rates: 93% versus 32%, p = 0.014). Our demonstration of KRAS and BRAF mutations in the oncocytic‐type IPMN supports a role for the activation of the RAS‐MAPK pathway in this tumour type. However, the less frequent TP53 overexpression associated with the significantly lower rates of invasion and nodal disease in the oncocytic type correlates with better outcomes compared to the pancreatobiliary type. Copyright © 2011 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Myd88 deficiency influences murine tracheal epithelial metaplasia and submucosal gland abundance
Authors: Giangreco Adam , Lu Liwen , Mazzatti Dawn J , Spencer‐Dene Bradley , Nye Emma , Teixeira Vitor Hugo , Janes Sam M
Published: February 2011

Tracheal epithelial remodelling, excess mucus production, and submucosal gland hyperplasia are features of numerous lung diseases, yet their origins remain poorly understood. Previous studies have suggested that NF‐κB signalling may regulate airway epithelial homeostasis. The purpose of this study was to determine whether deletion of the NF‐κB signalling pathway protein myeloid differentiation factor 88 (Myd88) influenced tracheal epithelial cell phenotype. We compared wild‐type and Myd88‐deficient or pharmacologically inhibited adult mouse tracheas and determined that in vivo Myd88 deletion resulted in increased submucosal gland number, secretory cell metaplasia, and excess mucus cell abundance. We also found that Myd88 was required for normal resolution after acute tracheal epithelial injury. Microarray analysis revealed that uninjured Myd88‐deficient tracheas contained 103 transcripts that were differentially expressed relative to wild‐type and all injured whole tracheal samples. These clustered into several ontologies and networks that are known to functionally influence epithelial cell phenotype. Comparing these transcripts to those expressed in airway progenitor cells revealed only five common genes, suggesting that Myd88 influences tracheal epithelial homeostasis through an extrinsic mechanism. Overall, this study represents the first identification of Myd88 as a regulator of adult tracheal epithelial cell phenotype. Copyright © 2011 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
miR‐338‐3p suppresses invasion of liver cancer cell by targeting smoothened
Authors: Huang Xiao‐Hui , Chen Jing‐Song , Wang Qian , Chen Xi‐Lin , Wen Li , Chen Lian‐Zhou , Bi Jiong , Zhang Long‐Juan , Su Qiao , Zeng Wen‐Tao
Published: February 2011

MicroRNAs are involved in human carcinogenesis and cancer progression. Our previous study has shown that loss of miR‐338‐3p expression is associated with clinical aggressiveness of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, the exact roles and mechanisms of miR‐338‐3p remain unknown in HCC. To determine whether and how miR‐338‐3p influences liver cancer cell invasion, we studied miR‐338‐3p in the liver cancer cell lines, and we found that miR‐338‐3p is down‐regulated in treated cells. Forced expression of miR‐338‐3p in SK‐HEP‐1 cells suppressed cell migration and invasion, whereas inhibition of miR‐338‐3p in SMMC‐7721 cells induced cell migration and invasion. Furthermore, smoothened (SMO) was identified as a direct target of miR‐338‐3p. Forced expression of miR‐338‐3p down‐regulated SMO and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)‐9 expression, but inhibition of miR‐338‐3p up‐regulated SMO and MMP9 expression. However, small interfering RNA targeted SMO reversed the effects induced by blockade of miR‐338‐3p. SMO and MMP9 were overexpressed and associated with invasion and metastasis in HCC tissues. These data indicate that miR‐338‐3p suppresses cell invasion by targeting the smoothened gene in liver cancer in vitro and miR‐338‐3p might be a novel potential strategy for liver cancer treatment. Copyright © 2011 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Congenital amegakaryocytic thrombocytopenia
Authors: Geddis Amy E.
Published: February 2011

Congenital amegakaryocytic thrombocytopenia (CAMT) is clinically characterized by thrombocytopenia presenting at birth in a child without congenital or skeletal malformations, reduced or absent bone marrow megakaryocytes, and eventual progression to bone marrow failure. Molecular studies in most cases confirm homozygous or compound heterozygous mutations in the thrombopoietin receptor c‐Mpl. In addition to the clinical importance of recognizing this disorder, characterization of mutations identified in patients with CAMT has led to insights into thrombopoietin receptor structure and function. This review will summarize the diagnosis, pathophysiology, and management of CAMT. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2011; 57: 199–203. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
ADHD and secondary ADHD criteria fail to identify many at‐risk survivors of pediatric ALL and brain tumor
Authors: Kahalley Lisa S. , Conklin Heather M. , Tyc Vida L. , Wilson Stephanie J. , Hinds Pamela S. , Wu Shengjie , Xiong Xiaoping , Hudson Melissa M.
Published: February 2011

Background

Post‐treatment attention problems experienced by pediatric cancer survivors have been described as similar to symptoms of Attention‐Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) experienced in physically healthy children. Accordingly, the objectives of this study were to: (a) estimate the rate of occurrence of ADHD and secondary ADHD (SADHD) in a sample of pediatric cancer survivors, (b) compare the rate of ADHD/SADHD among survivors to the prevalence of ADHD in the general population, and (c) examine clinical correlates of ADHD/SADHD in this sample.

Procedure

Survivors of pediatric ALL or brain tumor (n = 100) participated in an assessment of attention including a Computerized Performance Measure [Conners' Continuous Performance test‐II (CPT‐II)], parent and self‐report measures (Conners 3), and a structured diagnostic interview for ADHD and other psychological disorders [Diagnostic Interview for Children and Adolescents‐IV (DICA‐IV)].

Results

Binomial tests revealed that the rate of ADHD/SADHD in our sample (9%) was significantly greater than the lower limits of ADHD prevalence among children in the US (3%; P < 0.001), while no difference was identified compared to the upper limits of ADHD prevalence (7%; P > 0.05). Many additional survivors (>25% of the sample) obtained clinical elevations on Conners 3 scales but did not meet ADHD/SADHD criteria.

Conclusions

Attentional deficits experienced by pediatric cancer survivors do not appear to resemble the clinical presentation of ADHD or SADHD. Many survivors with cognitive and behavioral difficulties related to attention were not identified using this diagnostic approach. Findings offer needed clarification to guide researchers and clinicians in conceptualizing, assessing, and intervening on attentional late effects. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2011;57:110–118. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.