bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Lumbar lordosis of extinct hominins
Authors: Been Ella , Gómez‐Olivencia Asier , Kramer Patricia A.
Published: November 2011

The lordotic curvature of the lumbar spine (lumbar lordosis) in humans is a critical component in the ability to achieve upright posture and bipedal gait. Only general estimates of the lordotic angle (LA) of extinct hominins are currently available, most of which are based on the wedging of the vertebral bodies. Recently, a new method for calculating the LA in skeletal material has become available. This method is based on the relationship between the lordotic curvature and the orientation of the inferior articular processes relative to vertebral bodies in the lumbar spines of living primates. Using this relationship, we developed new regression models in order to calculate the LAs in hominins. The new models are based on primate group‐means and were used to calculate the LAs in the spines of eight extinct hominins. The results were also compared with the LAs of modern humans and modern nonhuman apes. The lordotic angles of australopithecines (41° ± 4), H. erectus (45°) and fossil H. sapiens (54° ± 14) are similar to those of modern humans (51° ± 11). This analysis confirms the assumption that human‐like lordotic curvature was a morphological change that took place during the acquisition of erect posture and bipedalism as the habitual form of locomotion. Neandertals have smaller lordotic angles (LA = 29° ± 4) than modern humans, but higher angles than nonhuman apes (22° ± 3). This suggests possible subtle differences in Neandertal posture and locomotion from that of modern humans. Am J Phys Anthropol, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Degradation assessment of LDPE multilayer films used as a greenhouse cover: Natural and artificial aging impacts
Authors: Dehbi Abdelkader , Mourad Abdel‐Hamid I. , Bouaza Amar
Published: November 2011

This article focuses on the assessment and understanding of the mechanism of natural and artificial aging processes of a triple‐layer film made of low‐density polyethylene (LDPE) used as greenhouse cover. The film material contains color dye and ultraviolet–A (UV–A) and infrared (IR) stabilizers and antioxidant. The combined effect of temperature variations and UV–A radiations, of the natural and artificial aging, on the physical properties (free surface energy and yellow color measurements), mechanical behavior (tensile tests), thermal stability (TGA and DSC analysis), and structural stability (FTIR analysis) was investigated. The natural aging was conducted on a greenhouse, located in northern Algeria, over a period of 7 months. However, the artificial aging was performed at four different agricultural greenhouse simulating conditions of temperature and UV–A radiation (namely, at 40°C, 40°C with UV–A, 50°C, and 50°C with UV–A) for periods of aging up to 5486 h (7.6 months). The results revealed that, the maximum loss of the yellow color additives occurs at 2981 h under the natural aging process and at 2440, 1096, 1340, and 121 h under the four artificial aging conditions, respectively. There was an observed increase in the films free surface energy and a significant degradation in the mechanical properties with aging time. This can be correlated with the film material structural changes. The natural aging of the film in North Africa is almost equivalent to artificial aging at 40°C. The concurrent effect of temperature and UV–A radiations induced polymer chains scission leading to faster degradation in the film material and consequently a reduction in its durability and service lifetime. The results show also that the measured parameters are directly related to the limit of use criterion for evaluating the lifespan of agricultural greenhouse LDPE covers. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Investigation on thermally‐induced conformation transition of soy protein film with variable‐temperature FTIR spectroscopy
Authors: Tian Kun , Shao Zhengzhong , Chen Xin
Published: November 2011

Soy proteins are important and versatile foodstuffs, and are potentially very valuable natural materials as replacements for synthetic polymers if mechanical properties and water sensitivity could be improved by changing its conformational structure during processing. As part of such investigations, the thermally‐induced conformation transitions of soy protein films were studied in detail with variable‐temperature FTIR spectroscopy and two‐dimensional correlation analysis. The results show that during the heating process, relatively mobile random coil segments in the soy protein chains reconfigure to a relatively stable β‐turn conformation as part of major structural changes. The observations in heated‐cooled‐heated experiments reveal that a fraction of such a conformation transition is reversible. As part of this analysis, we identify for the first time that the peak at 1500 cm−1 in the FTIR spectra can be assigned to the characteristic absorption of β‐turn, which is also associated with the peak at 1700 cm−1 and is seen in other important structural proteins such as silk fibroin. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Imparting conductivity and chromic behavior on polyester fibers by means of poly(3‐methylthiophene) nanocoating
Authors: Dashti Mahdieh , Mokhtari Javad , Nouri Mahdi , Shirini Farhad
Published: November 2011

Poly(3‐methylthiophene) (P3MT)‐coated polyester fabric is a conductive textile with specific electrical and optical properties; for instance, color change under external stimulus (chromic behavior) was successfully prepared by chemical polymerization with continuous, speed stirring technique. To investigate the striking effect of some variable conditions of polymerization process, the effect of reaction time, temperature, and oxidant concentration on conductivity of the P3MT‐coated fabric was studied. Scanning electron microscopy confirmed that the surface of fabric has entirely been coated with P3MT particles. The further characterizations were investigated using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy to provide evidence of forming particles onto the fabric, UV–vis absorption spectroscopy, electrical surface resistivity, and pressure dependence visible reflectance spectrophotometer measurements and X‐ray diffraction analysis. The blue shift in wavelength of maximum absorption of about 95 nm to a longer wavelength from that observed in the reflectance spectra of coated polyester fabric; under high‐pressure P3MT‐coated polyester fabric demonstrated piezochromism. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Miscibility of poly(3‐hydroxybutyrate‐co‐3‐hydroxyvalerate) with high molecular weight poly(lactic acid) blends determined by thermal analysis
Authors: Modi Sunny , Koelling Kurt , Vodovotz Yael
Published: November 2011

An important strategy used in the polymer industry in recent years is blending two bio‐based polymers to attain desirable properties similar to traditional thermoplastics, thus increasing the application potential for bio‐based and bio‐degradable polymers. Miscibility of poly(3‐hydroxybutyrate‐co‐3‐hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV) with poly(L‐lactic acid) (PLA) were characterized using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Three different grades of commercially available PLAs and one type of PHBV were blended in different ratios of 50/50, 60/40, 70/30, and 80/20 (PHBV/PLA) using a micro‐compounder at 175°C. The DSC and TGA analysis showed the blends were immiscible due to different stereo configuration of PLA polymer and two distinct melting temperatures. However, some compatibility between PHBV and PLA polymers was observed due to decreases in PLA's glass transition temperatures. Additionally, the blends do not show clear separation by SEM analysis, as observed in the thermal analysis. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Study on the enzymatic degradation of aliphatic polyester–PBS and its copolymers
Authors: Ding Mingliang , Zhang Min , Yang Jinming , Qiu Jian‐Hui
Published: November 2011

The catalytic degradation of prepared matrix poly(butylene succinate) (PBS) and its copolymers by immobilized lipase is carried out in the mixed organic solvent containing a small amount of water. The degradation products were studied with various characterizations techniques, including gel permeation chromatography (GPC), time of flight mass spectrum (TOF‐MS), nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), and Fourier transform‐infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR). The results showed that under atmospheric pressure, 60°C, after 24 h catalytic degradation of PBS and its copolymers by immobilized lipase, the yellow oil‐like degradation products can be obtained. The lipase has catalytic activity on various copolymers. At the first time, the monomer of BDO was found in the degradation products and the molecular weight of product with aromatic smell is below 1000. The products consisted of cyclic oligomer, linear oligomer and monomers, and cyclic oligomer is at least dimmer. The minimum and maximum degradation yields correspond to PBS (40%) and P(BS‐co‐CL‐co‐CHDM) (54%). © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Conjugation to octa‐arginine via disulfide bonds confers solubility to denatured proteins in physiological solution and enables efficient cell internalization
Authors: Kuwada Eri , Tadaki Toshimasa , Kambara Kaori , Egawa Kohji , Noguchi Katsuo
Published: November 2011

Some protein transduction methods have already been developed for regenerative medicine application. These methods can be applied to soluble proteins but not to insoluble proteins, such as those that originate from inclusion bodies, for example, Escherichia coli. We have developed a method that allows the in vitro solubilization of denatured proteins without refolding and their efficient cellular internalization through conjugation to the peptide, octa‐arginine (R8), via disulfide bonds with cysteine residues. Ovalbumin (OVA), denatured in urea solution containing dithiothreitol, was used as a model protein. The R8 peptide was conjugated with OVA in urea solution. Denatured OVA was recovered in the insoluble fraction after dialysis against phosphate‐buffered saline. However, almost all the R8‐conjugated OVA was recovered in the soluble fraction and used for translocation experiments in HeLa, Chinese hamster ovary‐K1, Cos‐7, and matured dendritic cells, where efficient internalization of the protein conjugate was observed. Furthermore, we formulated R8‐conjugated β‐galactosidase and R8‐conjugated luciferase using a similar procedure, and investigated how the conjugated proteins are processed after cell internalization. We also observed that only a small fraction of these proteins refolded and almost all underwent intracellular degradation. These results suggest that this method is suitable for the transduction of antigen‐presenting cells and will benefit research and innovation in vaccine design and discovery.
Relaxation‐expansion model for self‐driven retinal morphogenesis
Authors: Eiraku Mototsugu , Adachi Taiji , Sasai Yoshiki
Published: November 2011

The generation of complex organ structures such as the eye requires the intricate orchestration of multiple cellular interactions. In this paper, early retinal development is discussed with respect to the structure formation of the optic cup. Although recent studies have elucidated molecular mechanisms of retinal differentiation, little is known about how the unique shape of the optic cup is determined. A recent report has demonstrated that optic‐cup morphogenesis spontaneously occurs in three‐dimensional stem‐cell culture without external forces, indicating a latent intrinsic order to generate the structure. Based on this self‐organizing phenomenon, we introduce the “relaxation‐expansion” model to mechanically interpret the tissue dynamics that enable the spontaneous invagination of the neural retina. This model involves three consecutive local rules (relaxation, apical constriction, and expansion), and its computer simulation recapitulates the optic‐cup morphogenesis in silico.
Crystal Structures of Ziegler–Natta Catalyst Supports
Authors: Malizia Federica , Fait Anna , Cruciani Giuseppe
Published: November 2011

The crystal structures of three MgCl2⋅n EtOH complexes with n=1.5, 2.8, and 3.3 have been fully determined. Such complexes are the fundamental precursors for Ziegler–Natta polymerization catalysts used to produce polyolefins on a multimillion‐ton scale worldwide. The ab initio structure solution showed that the structure of MgCl2⋅n EtOH complexes with n=1.5 and 2.8 are based on ribbons of metal‐centered octahedra, whereas for n=3.3 this chainlike arrangement breaks into a threadlike structure of isolated octahedra linked by hydrogen bonds. A clear correlation between catalyst performance and the crystal structure of precursors has been found, and reveals the fundamental role of the latter in determining catalyst properties. The direct knowledge of building blocks in the precursor structures will help to develop more accurate models for activated catalysts. These models will not require the arbitrary and oversimplified assumption of locating the catalyst active sites on selected cut surfaces of the α‐MgCl2 crystal lattice.
The Multivalent Effect in Glycosidase Inhibition: Probing the Influence of Architectural Parameters with Cyclodextrin‐based Iminosugar Click Clusters
Authors: Decroocq Camille , Rodríguez‐Lucena David , Russo Virginie , Mena Barragán Teresa , Ortiz Mellet Carmen , Compain Philippe
Published: November 2011

In contrast to most lectins, glycosidases may appear to be unpromising targets for multivalent binding because they display only a single active site. To explore the potential of multivalency on glycosidase inhibition, unprecedented cyclodextrin‐based iminosugar conjugates have been designed and prepared. The synthesis was performed by way of CuI‐catalyzed azide–alkyne cycloaddition reaction under microwave activation between propargylated multivalent β‐cyclodextrins and an azide‐armedN‐alkyl 1‐deoxynojirimycin derivative. Evaluation with a panel of glycosidases of this new class of glycomimetic clusters revealed the strongest affinity enhancement observed to date for a multivalent glycosidase inhibitor, with binding enhancement up to four orders of magnitude over the corresponding monovalent ligand for α‐mannosidase. These results demonstrate that the multivalency concept extends beyond carbohydrate–lectin recognition processes to glycomimetic–enzyme inhibition.
The Synthesis of a New Class of Chiral Pincer Ligands and Their Applications in Enantioselective Catalytic Fluorinations and the Nozaki–Hiyama–Kishi Reaction
Authors: Deng Qing‐Hai , Wadepohl Hubert , Gade Lutz H.
Published: November 2011

A new class of chiral tridentate N‐donor pincer ligands, bis(oxazolinylmethylidene)isoindolines (boxmi), was synthesized in three steps starting from readily available phthalimides. Their reaction with ethyl (triphenylphosphoranylidene)acetate by means of a key‐step Wittig reaction gave the ligand backbones, which were condensed with amino alcohols and then cyclized to obtain the corresponding ligands. These ligands were subsequently applied in the nickel(II)‐catalyzed enantioselective fluorination of oxindoles and β‐ketoesters to obtain the corresponding products with enantioselectivities of up to >99 % ee and high yields. Application of the chiral pincer ligands in the chromium‐catalyzed enantioselective Nozaki–Hiyama–Kishi reaction of aldehydes gave the corresponding alcohols with an optimal enantioselectivity of 93 %.
Enantioselective Synthesis of cis‐1,2‐Disubstituted Cyclopentanes and Cyclohexanes by Suzuki–Miyaura Cross‐Coupling and Iridium‐Catalyzed Asymmetric Hydrogenation
Authors: Schumacher Andreas , Schrems Marcus G. , Pfaltz Andreas
Published: November 2011

A series of 1,2‐disubstituted cyclohexene derivatives was prepared through Suzuki–Miyaura cross‐coupling of 2‐bromo‐1‐cyclohexenecarbaldehyde or 2‐carbomethoxy‐1‐cyclohexen‐1‐yl triflate with arylboronates. These tetra‐substituted cyclic alkenes were subjected to Ir‐catalyzed asymmetric hydrogenation. In this way cis‐1‐methoxymethyl‐2‐arylcyclohexanes were obtained in high yield with excellent enantio‐ and diastereoselectivities (up to >99 % ee, >99 % cis) by using phosphinomethyloxazolines as ligands. Asymmetric hydrogenation of analogous cyclopentene derivatives, prepared by Suzuki–Miyaura cross‐coupling, proved to be more difficult and proceeded with lower enantioselectivities of up to 88 % ee. The synthetic potential of this cross‐coupling/asymmetric‐hydrogenation strategy was demonstrated by an enantioselective route to chiral hexahydrofluorenones.
ChemInform Abstract: Synthesis of Some New 1,3,5‐Trisubstituted Pyrazolines Bearing Benzene Sulfonamide as Anticancer and Antiinflammatory Agents.
Authors: Bashir Rafia , Ovais Syed , Yaseen Shafiya , Hamid Hinna , Alam M. S. , Samim Mohammad , Singh Surender , Javed Kalim
Published: November 2011

The title compounds (III) are tested for their anticancer and antiinflammatory activity.
ChemInform Abstract: Nickel‐Catalyzed Synthesis of 1,3,5‐Trisubstituted Hydantoins from Acrylates and Isocyanates.
Authors: Miura Tomoya , Mikano Yusuke , Murakami Masahiro
Published: November 2011

A novel synthetic route is developed which can be applied to a wide range of aromatic isocyanates and various acrylates.
ChemInform Abstract: The Norphthalocyanines Bearing Two TTF Units: Synthesis, Photophysical and Electrochemical Properties.
Authors: Hou Ruibin , Jiang Cuiping , Chen Tie , Jin Long‐Yi , Yin Bingzhu
Published: November 2011

Two new norphthalocyanine derivatives (III) and its free base, which are composed of two TTF units as electron donor and a norphthalocyanine ring as acceptor moiety, covalently linked with two ethylenedithio spacers, are synthesized by mixed condensation of phthalonitrile (II) in excess with dithiomaleonitrile (I) using Mg(II) as a template.
ChemInform Abstract: Carbon Dioxide Coordination Chemistry and Reactivity of Coordinated CO2
Authors: Mascetti Joelle
Published: November 2011

Review: 111 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Quantum Mechanical Investigations of Organocatalysis: Mechanisms, Reactivities, and Selectivities
Authors: Cheong Paul Ha‐Yeon , Legault Claude Y. , Um Joann M. , Celebi‐Olcum Nihan , Houk K. N.
Published: November 2011

Review: 479 refs.
Counteracting malicious adversaries via secret and reliable coding mechanism in random network coding
Authors: Chen Siguang , Wu Meng , Lu Weifeng
Published: November 2011

This paper investigates the problem of constructing a secret and reliable network coding communication scheme against an adversary that can reselect the μ tapping links in different time slices and inject z erroneous packets into the network, while the network suffers from ρ packet erasures. We first derive a necessary condition for keeping the transmitted information secret from the adversary, while the network is only subject to eavesdropping attack, and no errors are injected. We then provide two network coding schemes for error and erasure correction, which can decode the transmitted information correctly. With that, a secret and reliable network coding is proposed by combining two error and erasure correction schemes with secret communication. We show that under the requirement of 2z + ρ+ μ  <  k ⩽2z + 2ρ communication can achieve a rate of k −μ−z −ρ packets, where k denotes the network capacity. Moreover, it ensures that the communicated information has complete reliability and information‐theoretic security from the adversary. In particular, the requirement of packet length does not need to be sufficiently large, which is close to the practical packet length. Finally, we also compare our scheme's performance with existing work; the numeric results and security analyses illustrate the performance and security of our scheme. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Normative performance on the executive clock drawing task in a multi‐ethnic bilingual cohort: a project FRONTIER study
Authors: Menon Chloe , Hall James , Hobson Valerie , Johnson Leigh , O'Bryant Sid E.
Published: November 2011

Background

The executive clock drawing task (CLOX) test is a neuropsychological measure intended to aid in the assessment and detection of dementia in older populations. Few studies have provided normative data for this measure, with even less research available regarding the impact of sociodemographic factors on test scores. This study presents normative data for the CLOX in a sample of English and Spanish‐speaking Hispanic and non‐Hispanic Whites.

Methods

The total sample included 445 cognitively healthy older adults seen as part of an ongoing study of rural cognitive aging, project FRONTIER. Unlike previous studies, criteria for “normality” (i.e., unimpaired) for CLOX1 and CLOX2 were based not merely on global impairment, but also on domain‐specific impairment of executive functioning on the Executive Interview 25‐item Examination and/or Trail Making Test B, or visuospatial/constructional impairment on the Line Orientation and Figure Copy subtests of the Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychological Status, respectively.

Results

Hierarchical regression analyses revealed that CLOX1 scores require adjustment by Age across ethnicities, whereas Education and Gender are necessary stratification markers for CLOX1 performance only in non‐Hispanic Whites. None of the demographic variables were valid predictors of CLOX2 performance, negating the need for such adjustments.

Conclusion

In addition to being the first study to provide separate normative data for CLOX performance in Hispanic and non‐Hispanic White samples, the current study offers a novel approach to defining “normal” by cognitive domain. We also highlight the need to directly examine the impact of sociodemographic factors before applying normative corrections based on factors that have negligible impact on test scores. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Use of endoscopy with narrow‐band imaging system in evaluating oral leukoplakia
Authors: Yang Shih‐Wei , Lee Yun‐Shien , Chang Liang‐Che , Hwang Cheng‐Cheng , Luo Cheng‐Ming , Chen Tai‐An
Published: November 2011

Background

The purpose of this study was to analyze the relationship between clinical features of oral leukoplakia using endoscopy with broadband white light, narrow‐band imaging (NBI) illumination, and histopathology, and to discuss the clinical relevance of the NBI system.

Methods

Clinicopathologic data of patients receiving biopsy or excision after endoscopic examination for leukoplakia from April 2009 to December 2010 were reviewed and analyzed statistically.

Results

A total 154 patients, 130 men and 24 women (average age, 52.60 ± 10.86 years) were enrolled. The correlation between intraepithelium papillary capillary loop (IPCL) classification and stepwise increased severity of pathology (Pearson's r = .88, R2 = 0.78) was significantly better than that of broadband white light images (p < .001).

Conclusions

Flexible endoscopy can enhance detailed inspection of oral cavity mucosa and can be a powerful tool for examining oral leukoplakia. The IPCL patterns shown by NBI system can be helpful in detecting oral leukoplakia with higher grade dysplasia or invasive carcinoma. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2012
Chemoradiation for patients with large‐volume laryngeal cancers
Authors: Stenson Kerstin M. , MacCracken Ellen , Kunnavakkam Rangesh , W. Cohen Ezra E. , Portugal Louis D. , Villaflor Victoria , Seiwert Tanguy , Blair Elizabeth , Haraf Daniel J. , Salama Joseph K. , Vokes Everett E.
Published: November 2011

Background

Patients with T4 laryngeal cancers, including those with large‐volume (cartilage or tongue‐base invasion) lesions, are often excluded from organ‐preservation trials due to expectations of inferior outcome in terms of survival and function. We hypothesize that such patients indeed have acceptable survival and function when treated with organ‐preservation strategies.

Methods

Retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data of a cohort of patients with T4 laryngeal cancer was carried out. Follow‐up ranged from 0.18 to 15.6 years. All T4 laryngeal cancer patients who were enrolled in the University of Chicago concomitant chemoradiotherapy protocols from 1994 to the present were reviewed. This study was composed of 80 newly diagnosed T4 laryngeal cancer patients. Efficacy of treatment was determined through evaluations of survival and function. Survival was evaluated via Kaplan–Meier methods. Swallowing function was evaluated by an oropharyngeal motility (OPM) study and swallowing scores were assigned. Higher scores reflected increasing swallowing dysfunction.

Results

Fifty‐five of 80 patients (∼69%) had documented large‐volume tumor. Two‐ and 5‐year overall survivals were 60.0% and 48.7%, respectively. Disease‐specific 2‐ and 5‐year survivals for the group were 80.1% and 71.3%, and 79.4 and 74.3%, respectively, for the 55 patients with large volume status. Progression‐free survival rates were 52.6% and 47.6%. Forty‐four of 65 patients (∼68%) with OPM data had a Swallowing Performance Status Scale (SPSS) score of ≤5, indicating various degrees of swallowing abnormalities not requiring a gastrostomy tube. This is a functional‐preservation rate of 67.7%.

Conclusions

Chemoradiation for patients with T4 laryngeal cancer appears to be an effective and reasonable option, particularly in light of the satisfactory survival and function‐preservation rates. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2012
Modified type III cordectomy to improve voice outcomes after transoral laser microsurgery for early glottic canser
Authors: Chu Pen‐Yuan , Hsu Yen‐Bin , Lee Tsung‐Lun , Fu Sherry , Wang Li‐Mei , Kao Ya‐Chung
Published: November 2011

Background

We proposed a modified type III cordectomy for the treatment of early glottic cancer that removed the upper part of the vocalis muscle to improve glottic closure and voice outcomes.

Methods

Twenty‐two patients with early glottic cancer underwent type III cordectomy, including 9 classical (proposed by European Laryngological Society) and 13 modified resections. Multidimensional voice evaluations were performed.

Results

Voice parameters including GRBAS (overall grade [G], roughness of the voice [R], breathiness [B], asthenicity [A], and strain [S]), jitter, shimmer, noise‐to‐harmonic ratio, maximum phonation time, voice handicap index‐functional, physical, and total scores were better in modified resection. Eleven patients (85%) had complete glottic closure in modified resection and 3 (33%) in classical resection (p = .026). Only 2 patients had tumor recurrence, 1 (8%) in the modified resection and 1 (11%) in the classical resection group (p = 1.000).

Conclusions

Modified type III cordectomy proved to be an oncologically safe method. The voice outcomes were better than those in patients who underwent classical type III cordectomy. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2011
Impact of climate change on streamflow in the arid Shiyang River Basin of northwest China
Authors: Wang Zhonggen , Ficklin Darren L. , Zhang Yongyong , Zhang Minghua
Published: November 2011

Climate change may significantly affect the hydrological cycle and water resource management, especially in arid and semi‐arid regions. In this paper, output from the Providing Regional Climates for Impacts Studies (PRECIS) regional climate model were used in conjunction with the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) to analyse the effects of climate change on streamflow of the Xiying and Zamu rivers in the Shiyang River basin, an important arid region in northwest China. After SWAT model calibration and validation, streamflow in the Shiyang River Basin was simulated using the PRECIS climate model data for greenhouse gas emission scenarios A2 (high emission rate) and B2 (low emission rate) developed by Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. Monthly streamflow and hydrological extremes were compared for present‐day years (1961–1990), the 2020s (2011–2040), 2050s (2041–2070) and 2080s (2071–2100). The results show that mean monthly streamflow in Shiyang River Basin generally increased in the 2020s, 2050s and 2080s between 0.7–6.1% at the Zamu gauging station and 0.1–4.8% at the Xiying gauging station. The monthly minimum streamflow increased persistently, but the maximum monthly streamflows increased in the 2020s and slightly decreased in the 2050s and 2080s. This study provides valuable information for guiding future water resource management in the Shiyang River Basin and other arid and semi‐arid regions in China. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Association between polymorphisms of the cytokine and cytokine receptor genes and immune response to hepatitis B vaccination in a Chinese Han population
Authors: Pan Liping , Zhang Wei , Liang Zhenglun , Wu Xiaopan , Zhu Xilin , Li Jingyun , Li Tianjie , Wang Li , Li Hui , Liu Ying
Published: November 2011

The immune response to hepatitis B vaccination varies among individuals. It has been reported that polymorphisms in cytokine and cytokine receptor genes are associated with these individual differences. The aim of the current study was to investigate the association between polymorphisms of the Th1/Th2 cytokine and cytokine receptor genes and the response to hepatitis B vaccination in a Chinese Han population. A total of 10 single nucleotide polymorphisms distributed in 6 genes (TNFRSF1A, IL12A, IL12B, IFNG, IL4, and IL10) were genotyped in 214 high‐responders [hepatitis B surface antibody (anti‐HBs) ≥1,000 mIU/ml] and 107 low‐responders (anti‐HBs: 10–99 mIU/ml). The minor CTCTAA allele of rs17860508 in the IL12B gene was associated with a low response to hepatitis B vaccination (P = 0.039, odds ratio = 1.41, 95% confidence interval = 1.00–1.99). In addition, a significant gene–gene interaction was found: the frequency of the combined genotypes IL12A rs2243115 TT and IL12B rs17860508 CTCTAA/CTCTAA was significantly higher in the low‐response group than in the high‐response group (P = 0.008, odds ratio = 2.19, 95% confidence interval = 1.23–3.93). These findings suggest that polymorphisms in the IL12A and IL12B genes might play an important role jointly in determining the response to hepatitis B vaccination. J. Med. Virol. 84:26–33, 2011. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Structural changes of the sediment bacterial community in Meiliang Bay of Lake Taihu, China, during typhoon Morakot, 2009
Authors: Shao Keqiang , Gao Guang , Qin Boqiang , Tang Xiangming , Chi Kexu , Yao Xin , Dai Jiangyu
Published: November 2011

We investigated changes in bacterial communities of the sediment in a large, shallow, eutrophic, freshwater Lake Taihu, China, during typhoon Morakot (August 7 to 13, 2009). Based on cluster analysis of the DGGE banding patterns, bacterial communities in different sediment samples were very similar to each other. However, samples from the middle period of the typhoon were different from those of the early and late periods of the typhoon. Two bacterial groups, Bacteroidetes and Nitrospirae, rapidly appeared or increased in the sediment samples of the middle period of the typhoon, due to the strong turbulence in the water column caused by typhoon resulted in the exchange of surface sediment with a high level of organic matter with the water column, and severe disturbance to the anaerobic layer of the sediments. Redundancy analysis showed that organic matter contributed significantly to the changes in sediment bacterial communities during the typhoon. Our study demonstrated that the response of sediment bacterial communities to the typhoon event was very rapid but of short duration. (© 2012 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Producing cell‐free culture broth of rhamnolipids as a cost‐effective fungicide against plant pathogens
Authors: Sha Ruyi , Jiang Lifang , Meng Qin , Zhang Guoliang , Song Zhirong
Published: November 2011

Biosurfactants of rhamnolipids have been enthusiastically investigated for substitutes of synthetic agrochemicals against plant pathogens. However, all such studies have been conducted on rhamnolipids with high purity which have limitations due to high costs. This paper focused on the applicability of rhamnolipid‐containing cell‐free culture broth. It was found that rhamnolipids in cell‐free culture broth of Pseudomonas aeruginosa ZJU211 were largely composed of di‐rhamnolipid and mono‐rhamnolipid with the ratio varying with culture time. After 96 h of fermentation, the mass ratio of di‐rhamnolipid over mono‐rhamnolipid increased to 2.6:1. Crude rhamnolipids in a form of cell‐free culture broth showed high antifungal activity against colony growth and biomass accumulation of seven plant pathogens comprising two Oomycetes, three Ascomycota and two Mucor spp. fungi, among which three plant pathogens were firstly reported in this paper showing inhibition to rhamnolipids. Particularly, rhamnolipids showed potent activity against two Oomycetes that acquire resistance to commercial compound of metalaxyal. Furthermore, di‐rhamnolipid was elucidated to dominate the antifungal activity of crude rhamnolipids by in vitro studies. At last, the efficacy and safety of cell‐free culture broth was preliminarily illustrated on plants in vivo. So cell‐free culture broth as a crude rhamnolipid product could be served as a potential cost‐effective and environmental‐friendly fungicide in agriculture. (© 2012 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Using baicalin‐functionalized magnetic nanoparticles for selectively extracting flavonoids from Rosa chinensis
Authors: Qing Lin‐Sen , Xiong Jing , Xue Ying , Liu Yi‐Ming , Guang Bin , Ding Li‐Sheng , Liao Xun
Published: November 2011

An extraction agent featuring a natural product, baicalin, anchored on the surface of nanomagnetic particles (BMNPs) is herein reported. A facile solid‐phase extraction (SPE) procedure with high selectivity toward flavonoids using BMNPs has been established. BMNPs were proven very effective for enriching flavonoids from extracts of medicinal plants such as Rosa chinensis. The SPE protocol involving a convenient solid–liquid separation by using an external magnet field was easy to carry out. Further, the SPE sorbent (BMNPs) could be reused for many times reducing the operation cost. Importantly, flavonoids retained on the BMNPs were effectively recovered by eluting with methanol. Coupling the proposed SPE with ESI‐MS/MS allowed a quick quantification of flavonoids in herbal extracts. Simultaneous determination of eight flavonoids extracted from R. chinensis was demonstrated in this work.
Dextrin‐ and Conducting‐Polymer‐Containing Biocomposites: Properties and Behavior as Cellular Matrix
Authors: Teixeira‐Dias Bruno , del Valle Luis J. , Estrany Francesc , Mano João F. , Reis Rui L. , Alemán Carlos
Published: November 2011

Both α‐cyclodextrin and linear dextrin are used to prepare biocomposites with poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene). Materials are prepared electrochemically in aqueous solution. Comparison with the pure polymer indicates that the electroactivity and electrostability decrease with the incorporation of the dextrins while the electrical conductivity is retained. The different properties of the two biocomposites suggest that the linear dextrin is mainly located at the surface, whereas the cyclodextrin is homogeneously distributed in the polymeric matrix. Cell adhesion and proliferation assays indicate that the cellular activity is significantly higher in the dextrin‐containing biocomposites.

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2D‐Aligned Graphene Sheets in Transparent Polyimide/Graphene Nanocomposite Films Based on Noncovalent Interactions Between Poly(amic acid) and Graphene Carboxylic Acid
Authors: Kim Gwang Yeon , Choi Myeon‐Cheon , Lee Daewoo , Ha Chang‐Sik
Published: November 2011

Transparent polyimide (PI) and chemically modified graphene nanocomposite films are prepared from solutions of pyromellitic dianhydride (PMDA)/4,4′‐oxydianiline (ODA) poly(amic acid) with various amounts (0.2–0.8 wt%) of graphene carboxylic acid (GCA) in DMAc. The GCA is synthesized by modifying chemically oxidized graphene (COG) with many carboxylic acid groups (–COOH) and is well‐dispersed in DMAc, the organic solvent most frequently used for PI synthesis. The GCA sheets in the PI/GCA composite films are well‐dispersed and aligned two‐dimensionally in the direction parallel to the PI films, which enhances the mechanical properties of the nanocomposite films.

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Structurally Induced Dielectric Constant Promotion and Loss Suppression for Poly(vinylidene fluoride) Nanocomposites
Authors: Tang Zack Chih‐Wen , Sun Lili , Li Bin , Zhong Wei‐Hong
Published: November 2011

An increase in the dielectric constant (800 ± 15; 100 ≤ f ≤ 104 Hz) of PVDF without a coresponding increase in the dielectric loss is reported. This is realized by preparing sandwich structures composed of CNF/PVDF composite layers and a pure PVDF interlayer. The influence of the interlayer thickness on the dielectric properties is investigated. It is shown that a 30 µm interlayer is sufficient to prevent formation of the conductive network in the sandwich structures that would result in lower loss. It is demonstrated that with better CNF dispersion, a further increase of the dielectric constant and a lower loss can be obtained simultaneously. The sandwich approach thus leads to nanocomposites with enhanced dielectric constants while maintaining low loss.

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Correspondence between spirallike functions and starlike functions
Authors: Kim Yong Chan , Sugawa Toshiyuki
Published: November 2011

Let λ be a real number with −π/2 < λ < π/2. In order to study λ‐spirallike functions, it is natural to measure the angle according to λ‐spirals. Thus we are led to the notion of λ‐argument. This fits well the classical correspondence between λ‐spirallike functions and starlike functions. Using this idea, we extend deep results of Pommerenke and Sheil‐Small on starlike functions to spirallike functions. As an application, we solved a problem given by Hansen in 6.
The magnetic resonance imaging spectrum of facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy
Authors: Friedman Seth D. , Poliachik Sandra L. , Carter Gregory T. , Budech Christopher B. , Bird Thomas D. , Shaw Dennis W.W.
Published: November 2011

Introduction: Facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD) is associated with a repeat contraction in the D4Z4 gene locus on chromosome 4q35. We used a one‐step quantitative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) method to evaluate muscle, edema, and fat in patients spanning the range of severity. Methods: Fifteen patients with FSHD were compared with 10 healthy subjects using non‐negative linear least‐squares fitting of 32‐echo relaxation data (T2). The results were compared with a biexponential approach for characterizing muscle/fat ratio and T2 relaxation measurements from fat‐suppressed inversion recovery. Results: Increased T2 signal consistent with edema was common in FSHD subjects, a pattern not present in healthy controls. A varied pattern of edema and fatty replacement in muscles was shown. Conclusions: As a discrete biomarker, edema may be useful for following the clinical course of FSHD. Future work toward optimizing measurement is discussed. Muscle Nerve, 2012
Strong practical stability and stabilization of uncertain discrete linear repetitive processes
Authors: Dabkowski Pawel , Galkowski Krzysztof , Bachelier Olivier , Rogers Eric , Kummert Anton , Lam James
Published: November 2011

Repetitive processes are a distinct class of 2D systems of both theoretical and practical interest. The stability theory for these processes originally consisted of two distinct concepts termed asymptotic stability and stability along the pass, respectively, where the former is a necessary condition for the latter. Recently applications have arisen where asymptotic stability is too weak, and stability along the pass is too strong for meaningful progress to be made. This, in turn, has led to the concept of strong practical stability for such cases, where previous work has formulated this property and obtained necessary and sufficient conditions for its existence together with Linear Matrix Inequality based tests, which then extend to allow robust control law design. This paper develops considerably simpler, and hence computationally more efficient, stability tests that also extend to allow control law design. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Das beschleunigte Universum
Authors: Leibundgut Bruno , Bartelmann Matthias
Published: November 2011

Saul Perlmutter, Adam Riess und Brian Schmidt erhalten den diesjährigen Physik‐Nobelpreis für die Entdeckung der beschleunigten Expansion des Universums. Damit haben sie unser kosmologisches Weltbild grundlegend verändert.
Cross‐cultural differences in information disclosure evaluated through the EORTC questionnaires
Authors: Arraras Juan Ignacio , Greimel Eva , Chie Wei‐Chu , Sezer Orhan , Bergenmar Mia , Costantini Anna , Young Teresa , Vlasic Karin Kuljanic , Velikova Galina ,   on behalf of the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Group
Published: November 2011

Objective

Informational needs among cancer patients are similar, but the degree of information disclosure in different cultural areas varies. In this paper, we present the results of a cross‐cultural study on information received.

Methods

The EORTC information questionnaire, EORTC QLQ‐INFO25, was administered during the treatment process. This questionnaire evaluates the information that patients report they have received. Cross‐cultural differences in information have been evaluated using statistical tests such as Kruskall–Wallis and multivariate models with covariates to account for differences in clinical and demographic characteristics across areas.

Results

Four hundred and fifty‐one patients from three cultural areas, North–Middle Europe, South Europe, and Taiwan, were included in the study. Significant differences among the three cultural areas appeared in eight QLQ‐INFO25 dimensions: information about the disease; medical tests; places of care; written information; information on CD/tape/video; satisfaction; wish for more information; and information helpfulness. North–Middle Europe patients received more written information (mean = 67.2 (North) and 33.8 (South)) and South Europe patients received more information on different places of care (mean = 24.7 (North) and 35.0 (South)). Patients from North–Middle Europe and South Europe received more information than patients from Taiwan about the disease (mean = 57.9, 60.6, and 47.1, respectively) and medical tests (70.9, 70.4, and 54.5), showed more satisfaction (64.8, 70.2, and 35.0), and considered the information more helpful (71.9, 73.9, and 50.4). These results were confirmed when adjusting for age, education, and disease stage.

Conclusion

There are cross‐cultural differences in information received. Some of these differences are based on the characteristics of each culture. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Tetraethyl Orthosilicate and Acrylic Acid Forming Robust Carboxylic Functionalities on Plastic Surfaces for Biodiagnostics
Authors: Coyle Conor , Gandiraman Ram Prasad , Gubala Vladimir , Le Nam Cao Hoai , O'Mahony Christy Charlton , Doyle Colin , James Bryony , Swift Paul , Daniels Stephen , Williams David E.
Published: November 2011

Surface functionalisation and effects related to non‐specific binding of the detection molecules are the key aspects to be considered for fluorescence‐linked bioassays. Here, we present a deposition of polymeric structures with carboxylic acid functionalities by plasma enhanced chemical vapour deposition. We report on characterisation and some unique properties of the film formed as a result of sequential, plasma assisted fragmentation and deposition from vapours of acrylic acid (AA) and tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS). TEOS serves as an adhesion layer to the plastic substrate and also as a network building layer for further cross‐linking with AA, the sequential plasma deposition resulting in a film of composition graded from inside to outside. The presence of silanols (Si‐OH) can facilitate large uptake of water molecules and cause significant hydration of the layer, which in combination with high total negative charge lowers the non‐specific binding of biomolecules. Furthermore, the specific combination of TEOS and AA significantly increased the proportion of carboxyl groups in the layer, above that found from deposition of AA alone. The availability and reactivity of the carboxyl functionalities for covalent attachment of specific bioreceptor molecules was confirmed by a total internal reflection ellipsometry technique in a reaction with amino terminated ssDNA. The combination of low non‐specific binding and high specific binding amount gave a high signal/noise ratio. Ageing studies of the film showed long‐term stability over 50 d.

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Detection of nonopioid β‐endorphin receptor in the rat myocardium
Authors: Nekrasova Yulia N. , Zolotarev Yury A. , Navolotskaya Elena V.
Published: November 2011

Two selective agonists of nonopioid β‐endorphin receptor, synthetic peptides TPLVTLFK (octarphin) and SLTCLVKGFY (immunorphin), were labeled with tritium to specific activity of 29 and 25 Ci/mmol, respectively. Both labeled peptides were found to bind to high‐affinity naloxone‐insensitive binding sites on the membranes isolated from the rat myocardium (Kd = 2.0 ± 0.2 and 2.5 ± 0.3 nM, respectively). The [3H]octarphin specific binding to the myocardial membranes was inhibited by unlabeled β‐endorphin (Ki = 1.9 ± 0.2 nM) and immunorphin (Ki = 2.2 ± 0.3 nM). The [3H]immunorphin specific binding with the membranes was inhibited by unlabeled β‐endorphin (Ki = 2.3 ± 0.3 nM) and octarphin (Ki = 2.4 ± 0.3 nM). The binding specificity study revealed that these binding sites were insensitive not only to naloxone but also to α‐endorphin, γ‐endorphin, [Met5]enkephalin and [Leu5]enkephalin. Thus, β‐endorphin, immunorphin and octarphin bind to the common high‐affinity naloxone‐insensitive receptor of the rat myocardial membranes. Copyright © 2011 European Peptide Society and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Local sparse bump hunting reveals molecular heterogeneity of colon tumors
Authors: Dazard Jean‐Eudes , Sunil Rao J. , Markowitz Sanford
Published: November 2011

The question of molecular heterogeneity and of tumoral phenotype in cancer remains unresolved. To understand the underlying molecular basis of this phenomenon, we analyzed genome‐wide expression data of colon cancer metastasis samples, as these tumors are the most advanced and hence would be anticipated to be the most likely heterogeneous group of tumors, potentially exhibiting the maximum amount of genetic heterogeneity. Casting a statistical net around such a complex problem proves difficult because of the high dimensionality and multicollinearity of the gene expression space, combined with the fact that genes act in concert with one another and that not all genes surveyed might be involved. We devise a strategy to identify distinct subgroups of samples and determine the genetic/molecular signature that defines them. This involves use of the local sparse bump hunting algorithm, which provides a much more optimal and biologically faithful transformed space within which to search for bumps. In addition, thanks to the variable selection feature of the algorithm, we derived a novel sparse gene expression signature, which appears to divide all colon cancer patients into two populations: a population whose expression pattern can be molecularly encompassed within the bump and an outlier population that cannot be. Although all patients within any given stage of the disease, including the metastatic group, appear clinically homogeneous, our procedure revealed two subgroups in each stage with distinct genetic/molecular profiles. We also discuss implications of such a finding in terms of early detection, diagnosis and prognosis. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.