bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Preparation of dynamically vulcanized thermoplastic elastomer nanocomposites based on LLDPE/reclaimed rubber
Authors: Razmjooei Fatemeh , Naderi Ghasem , Bakhshandeh Gholamreza
Published: December 2011

Dynamically vulcanized thermoplastic elastomers nanocomposites (TPV nanocomposites) based on linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE)/reclaimed rubber/organoclay were prepared via one‐step melt blending process. Maleic anhydride grafted polyethylene (PE‐g‐MA) was used as a compatibilizing agent. The effects of reclaimed rubber content (10, 30, and 50 wt %), nanoclay content (3, 5, and 7 wt %), and PE‐g‐MA on the microstructure, thermal behavior, mechanical properties, and rheological behavior of the nanocomposites were studied. The TPV nanocomposites were characterized by X‐ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), differential scanning calorimeter, mechanical properties, and rheometry in small amplitude oscillatory shear. SEM photomicrographs of the etched samples showed that the elastomer particles were dispersed homogeneously throughout the polyethylene matrix and the size of rubber particles was reduced with introduction of the organoclay particles and compatibilizer. The effects of different nanoclay contents, different rubber contents, and compatibilizer on mechanical properties were investigated. Increasing the amount of nanoclay content and adding the compatibilizer result in an improvement of the tensile modulus of the TPV nanocomposite samples. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
Hydrolysis of SnCl2 on polyaniline: Formation of conducting PAni‐SnO2 composite with enhanced electrochemical properties
Authors: Rao Chepuri R. K. , Vijayan M. , Anwar Shahid , Jeyakumar D.
Published: December 2011

First time in the literature, we report that polyaniline‐EB can be doped by SnCl2 to give conducting SnO2 doped polyaniline novel material. The composite is characterized by Fourier transform infrared, ultraviolet‐visible, X‐ray diffraction, scanning electron micrograph, transmission electron microscopy, and electrochemical methods. The new composite exhibited improved electrochemical properties compared with the virgin polymer. The composite is also expected for its high sensitivity for recognizing volatile organic compounds. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
Clinical evaluation of polyethersulfone high‐flux hemodialysis membrane compared to other membranes
Authors: Su Bai‐Hai , Shi Yunying , Fu Ping , Tao Ye , Nie Shengqiang , Zhao Chang‐Sheng
Published: December 2011

In this study, the blood compatibility and performance of a new polyethersulfone (PES) high‐flux hemodialysis membrane were clinically investigated, and compared with two commercial high‐flux membranes, polysulfone (PSF) and polyamide (PA) membranes. The structure of the membranes was observed by scanning electron microscopy, and the membrane structure showed significant difference among the three membranes. However, there was no significant difference (no statistical difference, P > 0.05) in the solute clearance and the reduction ratio for small molecules (urea, creatinine, and phosphate) and middle molecule β2‐microglobulin. The changes of total bilirubin (TBIL) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) for the PES and PSF membranes showed no significant differences, both the TBIL and DBIL levels slightly increased compared to the initial levels. However, for the PA membrane, the TBIL and AST levels decreased obviously. The PES hollow fiber membrane hemodialyzer was effective and safe for the treatment of uremic patients, and the performances of PES, PSF and PA high‐flux hemodialysis membranes are comparable. The PES and PSF membranes showed similar blood compatibility and solute clearance, and might be better than the PA membrane. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Effect of air blowing on the morphology and nanofiber properties of blowing‐assisted electrospun polycarbonates
Authors: Hsiao Hung‐Yi , Huang Chao‐Ming , Liu Yi‐Yu , Kuo Yu‐Cheng , Chen Hui
Published: December 2011

Polycarbonate (PC) nanofibers are prepared using the air blowing‐assisted electrospinning process. The effects of air blowing pressure and PC solution concentration on the physical properties of fibers and the filtration performance of the nanofiber web are investigated. The air blowing‐assisted electrospinning process produces fewer beads and smaller nanofiber diameters compared with those obtained without air blowing. Uniform PC nanofibers with an average fiber diameter of about 0.170 μm are obtained using an applied voltage of 40 kV, an air blowing pressure of 0.3 MPa, a PC solution concentration of 16%, and a tip‐to‐collection‐screen distance (TCD) of 25 cm. The filtration efficiency improvement of the air blowing‐assisted electrospun web can be attributed to the narrow distribution of fiber diameter and small mean flow pore size of the electrospun web. Performance results show that the air blowing‐assisted electrospinning process can be applied to produce PC nanofiber mats with high‐quality filtration. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
Engineering Saccharomyces cerevisiae for efficient anaerobic xylose fermentation: Reflections and perspectives
Authors: Cai Zhen , Zhang Bo , Li Yin
Published: December 2011

Conversion of the abundant lignocellulosic biomass into ethanol is an environmentally sustainable solution to the energy crisis. Fermentation of lignocellulosic hydrolysates by Saccharomyces cerevisiae is not cost‐effective yet as substantial amounts of xylose in the hydrolysates cannot be utilized by native S. cerevisiae strains. Extensive studies including both metabolic and evolutionary engineering have been carried out to develop an efficient xylose‐fermenting S. cerevisiae strain, yet the ethanol yield and productivity from xylose fermentation of the best one are still far below expectation. This review compares the engineering approaches and resulted anaerobic xylose fermentation performance of recently reported xylose‐utilizing S. cerevisiae strains, with the aim to understand the intrinsic reason for their low xylose fermentation capabilities. These comparative analyses revealed that some of the current engineering targets and the so‐called “hot issues” might be overrated. Our opinions on the underrated parts and future efforts in this field are also presented. Overall, this review serves as a comprehensive reference to understanding xylose fermentation by S. cerevisiae.
Left‐ventricular outflow tract ventricular‐tachycardia event following corevalve transcatheter aortic‐valve implantation
Authors: Dvir Danny , Haim Moti , Kornowski Ran
Published: December 2011

We describe a patient with severe aortic stenosis who underwent CoreValve (Medtronic) implantation and presented several days later with a tachyarrhythmic episode. The electrocardiographic features of the arrhythmia were compatible with left‐ventricular outflow tract ventricular‐tachycardia. The life‐threatening event was not associated with ischemia or an electrolyte disorder and was not drug‐induced. A probable cause was the irritation of the myocardium by the prosthetic valve. Clinicians should be aware that the presence of anatomical parameters that increases the risk for myocardial injury and the need for pacemaker implantation might indicate an increased risk of a tachyarrhythmic episode. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Comparison of Two Rotor Bearing Systems for Blood Pumps
Authors: Hofmann Til M. , Mudimu Ompe Aime , Brauner Florian , Strauß Andreas
Published: December 2011

Bei einer akuten Erkrankung oder Fehlfunktion der Lunge zählt für den Patienten jede Sekunde. Die künstliche Aufrechterhaltung des Gasaustauschs sowie der Blutzirkulation gehört im stationären Bereich bei Operationen und chronischen Erkrankungen zum Stand von Wissenschaft und Technik. Allerdings gibt es kein geeignetes System für die Notfallrettung. Aus diesem Grund soll ein System entwickelt werden, das den Anforderungen für den Einsatz im Rettungsdienst in Gewicht und Kompaktheit entspricht. Zwei Rotorlagersysteme für Blutpumpen wurden mit Wasser und Schweineblut getestet und an mittels experimentell ermittelter Pumpenkennfelder verglichen.
Pervaporative enrichment of 2,3‐butanediol from its mixture with 1‐butanol using a polydimethylsiloxane and ZSM‐5 mixed matrix membrane: Effects of ethanol as a by‐product
Authors: Shao Pinghai , Kumar Ashwani
Published: December 2011

A ZSM‐5 filled polydimethylsiloxane membrane with 44.4 wt.% zeolite loading was used in the pervaporative removal of 1‐butanol from its mixtures with 1‐butanol. A small quantity of ethanol was added to the feed as a by‐product to test the response of the membrane. It was found that the permeation behaviour of other feed components was changed and membrane selectivity decreased. This change was attributed to the frequently‐observed inter‐component coupled transport in multi‐component feed systems. The impact of ethanol on recovery of 2,3‐butanediol was evaluated using a simulated continuous operation, which enriched 2,3‐butanediol to 99.5 wt.% from a feed containing 5 wt.% 2,3‐butanediol and less than 1.0 wt.% ethanol. It was observed that membrane selectivity improves as ethanol concentration decreases in the stream due to its preferential removal. The final recovery of 2,3‐butanediol was not significantly reduced as the concentration of ethanol was below 1.0 wt.%. © 2011 Canadian Society for Chemical Engineering
Productivity of GPUs under different programming paradigms
Authors: Malik Maria , Li Teng , Sharif Umar , Shahid Rabia , El‐Ghazawi Tarek , Newby Greg
Published: December 2011

Graphical processing units have been gaining rising attention because of their high performance processing capabilities for many scientific and engineering applications. However, programming such highly parallel devices requires adequate programming tools. Many such programming tools have emerged and hold the promise for high levels of performance. Some of such tools may require specialized parallel programming skills, while others attempt to target the domain scientist. The costs versus the benefits out of such tools are often unclear. In this work we examine the use of several of these programming tools such as Compute Unified Device Architecture, Open Compute Language, Portland Group Inc., and MATLAB in developing kernels from the (NAS) NASA Advanced Supercomputing parallel benchmarking suite. The resulting performance as well as the needed programmers' efforts were quantified and used to characterize the productivity of graphical processing units using these different programming paradigms. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Comprehensive 2‐dimensional gas chromatography fast quadrupole mass spectrometry (GC × GC‐qMS) for urinary steroid profiling: Mass spectral characteristics with chemical ionization
Authors: Zhang Ying , Tobias Herbert J. , Auchus Richard J. , Brenna J. Thomas
Published: December 2011

Comprehensive 2‐dimensional gas chromatography (GC × GC), coupled to either a time of flight mass spectrometry (TOF‐MS) or a fast scanning quadrupole MS (qMS) has greatly increased the peak capacity and separation space compared to conventional GC‐MS. However, commercial GC × GC‐TOFMS systems are not equipped with chemical ionization (CI) and do not provide dominant molecular ions or enable single ion monitoring for maximal sensitivity. A GC × GC‐qMS in mass scanning mode was investigated with electron ionization (EI) and positive CI (PCI), using CH4 and NH3 as reagent gases. Compared to EI, PCI‐NH3 produced more abundant molecular ions and high mass, structure‐specific ions for steroid acetates. Chromatography in two dimensions was optimized with a mixture of 12 endogenous and 3 standard acetylated steroids (SM15‐AC) relevant to doping control. Eleven endogenous target steroid acetates were identified in normal urine based on their two retention times, and EI and PCI‐NH3 mass spectra; nine of these endogenous target steroid acetates were identified in congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) patients. The difference between the urinary steroids profiles of normal individuals and those from CAH patients can easily be visually distinguished by their GC × GC‐qMS chromatograms. We focus here on the comparison and interpretation of the various mass spectra of the targeted endogenous steroids. PCI‐NH3 mass spectra were most useful for unambiguous molecular weight determination and for establishing the number of ‐OH by the losses of one or more acetate groups. We conclude that PCI‐NH3 with GC × GC‐qMS provides improved peak capacity and pseudomolecular ions with structural specificity. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Metal Complexes Based on Tetrathiafulvalene‐Fused π‐Extended Schiff Base Ligands – Syntheses, Characterization, and Properties
Authors: Qin Jie , Qian Chen‐Xi , Zhou Nan , Zhu Rong‐Mei , Li Yi‐Zhi , Zuo Jing‐Lin , You Xiao‐Zeng
Published: December 2011

π‐Conjugated tetrathiafulvalene (TTF)‐based donors with a monoamine moiety, 2‐[4,5‐bis(methylthio)‐1,3‐dithiol‐2‐ylidene]‐1,3‐benzodithiol‐5‐amine (La) and 2‐(5,6‐dihydro[1,3]dithiolo[4,5‐b][1,4]dithiin‐2‐ylidene)‐1,3‐benzodithiol‐5‐amine (Lb), have been synthesized. Condensation of the TTF amines with different pyridinecarbaldehydes afforded new TTF‐fused π‐extended Schiff base ligands, La‐imine‐4‐pyridyl (L1), La‐imine‐3‐pyridyl (L2), and Lb‐imine‐2‐pyridyl (L3). Four metal complexes based on these Schiff base pyridine ligands, M(hfac)2(L)2 (M = CuII, L = L1, 4; M = MnII, L = L1, 5; M = CuII, L = L2, 6; hfac = hexafluoroacetylacetonate) and [Re(CO)4(L3)][Re2(CO)6Cl3] (7), have been synthesized and structurally characterized. The ligands in all of the complexes show a near planar structure, and the different coordination modes of the metal ions and relative orientation of the terminal N donors result in a different crystalline organization in the solid state. The absorption spectra and redox behavior of these new compounds have been studied. These paramagnetic complexes are promising building blocks for the construction of multifunctional materials due to their planar structures and inherent redox properties.
Trace element geochemistry of primary mantle minerals in spinel‐peridotites from polygenetic MOR–SSZ suites of SW Turkey: constraints from an LA‐ICP‐MS study and implications for mantle metasomatism
Authors: Aldanmaz E.
Published: December 2011

Ophiolites exposed across the western Tauride Belt in SW Turkey represent tectonically emplaced fragments of oceanic lithosphere incorporated into continental margin following the closure of the Neotethys Ocean during the Late Cretaceous. The mantle sections of the ophiolites contain peridotites with diverse suites of geochemical signatures indicative of residual origin by melt depletion in both mid‐ocean ridge (MOR) and supra‐subduction zone (SSZ) settings. This study uses a laser‐ablation inductively‐coupled plasma‐mass spectrometry (LA‐ICP‐MS) for in situ measurements of trace elements in primary mantle phases in order to identify the upper mantle petrogenetic processes effective during variable stage of melt extraction in these discrete tectonic settings and to discriminate between the effects of reaction with chemically distinct mantle melts migrating through the solid residues. Trace element signatures in pyroxenes suggest small‐length scales of compositional variations which may be interpreted to be a result of post‐melting petrogenetic processes. Relative distribution of rare earth elements and Li between coexisting orthopyroxene‐clinopyroxene pairs in the peridotites suggests compositional disequilibrium in sub‐solidus conditions, which possibly reflects differential effects of diffusive exchange during melting and melt transport or interaction with subduction melts/fluids. On the basis of Ga abundances and Ga–Ti–Fe+3# [Fe+3/(Fe+3 + Cr + Al)] relationships of chrome‐spinels it is documented that the peridotites have experienced the combined effects of partial melting and variable extent of melt‐solid interaction. The MOR peridotites have spinels with geochemical signatures indicative of melt‐depleted residual origin with subsequent incompatible element enrichment through melt impregnation, while the Ga–Ti–Fe+3# relationships of chrome‐spinels in SSZ peridotites indicate that these highly depleted peridotites are not simple melt residues, but have been subject to significant compositional modification by interaction with subduction related melts/fluids. The observed compositional variations, which are related to long‐term tectonic reorganisation of oceanic lithosphere, provide evidence for a time integrated evolution from a mid‐ocean ridge to a supra‐subduction zone setting and may be a possible analogue to explain the coexistence of geochemically diverse MOR–SSZ suites in other Tethyan ophiolites. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Tissue plasminogen activator induces microglial inflammation via a noncatalytic molecular mechanism involving activation of mitogen‐activated protein kinases and Akt signaling pathways and AnnexinA2 and Galectin‐1 receptors
Authors: Pineda David , AmpurdanÉS Coral , Medina Manel G. , Serratosa Joan , Tusell Josep Maria , Saura Josep , Planas Anna M. , Navarro Pilar
Published: December 2011

Inflammatory responses mediated by glial cells play a critical role in many pathological situations related to neurodegeneration such as Alzheimer's disease. Tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) is a serine protease which best‐known function is fibrinolysis, but it is also involved in many other physiological and pathological events as microglial activation. Here, we found that tPA is required for Aβ‐mediated microglial inflammatory response and tumor necrosis factor‐α release. We further investigated the molecular mechanism responsible for tPA‐mediated microglial activation. We found that tPA induces a catalytic‐independent rapid and sustained activation of extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK)1/2, Jun N‐terminal kinase (JNK), Akt, and p38 signaling pathways. Inhibition of ERK1/2 and JNK resulted in a strong inhibition of microglial activation, whereas Akt inhibition led to increased inflammatory response, suggesting specific functions for each signaling pathway in the regulation of microglial activation. Furthermore, we demonstrated that AnnexinA2 and Galectin‐1 receptors are involved in tPA signaling and inflammatory response in glial cells. This study provides new evidences supporting that tPA plays a cytokine‐like role in glial activation by triggering receptor‐mediated intracellular signaling circuits and opens new therapeutic strategies for the treatment of neurological disorders in which neuroinflammation plays a pathogenic role. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Advice to presidents of struggling colleges
Authors: Puglisi Michael J.
Published: December 2011

The principles and practices described by the president of a small private college are relevant across all institutions of higher education.
Low‐dose probenecid selectively inhibits urinary excretion of phenolsulfonphthalein in rats without affecting biliary excretion
Authors: Shin Yong‐Jun , Lee Joo Hyun , Oh Ju‐Hee , Lee Young‐Joo
Published: December 2011

Renal organic anion transport systems play an important role in the excretion of anionic drugs and toxic compounds. Probenecid has been used as a potent inhibitor of urinary and biliary excretion of anionic compounds mediated by transporters such as organic anion transporters and multidrug resistance‐associated protein 2 (Mrp2). The purpose of this study was to optimize the dose of probenecid required for selective inhibition of urinary excretion of anionic compounds in rats, without inhibition of biliary excretion. Phenolsulfonphthalein (PSP), a model anionic compound that is excreted in urine and bile, was intravenously administered to rats after intraperitoneal injection of different doses of probenecid (0, 0.2, 2, 10, 100, 200 and 400 mg kg−1). Treatment with 100, 200 or 400 mg kg−1 probenecid decreased both renal clearance (CLr) and biliary clearance (CLb) of PSP, whereas 0.2 mg kg−1 probenecid did not have any effect. Probenecid administered at doses of 2 and 10 mg kg−1 decreased only CLr. The median effective doses of probenecid for inhibiting CLr and CLb were 0.925 and 23.9 mg kg−1, respectively. These data suggest that a low dose of probenecid selectively inhibits urinary excretion of PSP that may be mediated by organic anion transporters, without affecting biliary excretion that may be mediated by Mrp2. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Potential toxic effects of iron oxide nanoparticles in in vivo and in vitro experiments
Authors: Szalay Brigitta , Tátrai Erzsébet , Nyírő Gábor , Vezér Tünde , Dura Gyula
Published: December 2011

The aim of this study was to determine the potential toxic effects of iron(II,III)oxide nanoparticles (IONPs). In in vivo experiments, the toxic effects of IONPs were monitored in adult male Wistar rats by morphological methods after a single intratracheal instillation. For the control group 1 ml of physiological saline per animal was given, and the treatment group received the same volume of a suspension containing 1 and 5 mg kg−1 body weight IONPs. Lungs and internal organs underwent histopathological examination after 1, 3, 7, 14 and 30 days. The mutagenic effect of these nanoparticles was evaluated by the bacterial reverse mutation assay on Salmonella typhimurium TA98, TA100, TA1535 and TA1537 strains, and on Escherichia coli WP2uvrA strain, in the presence and absence of the mammalian metabolic activation system S9. The in vitro cytotoxic effect of IONPs was also examined in Vero cells after short‐term (4 h) and long‐term (24 h) exposure. There were no pathological changes in examined internal organs, except a very weak pulmonary fibrosis developing by the end of the first month in the treated rats. While in vitro MTT assay showed a moderate cytotoxic effect, IONPs proved to be devoid of mutagenic effect in the bacterial systems tested. The results may be a useful extension of our knowledge on the safety of magnetite nanoparticles in view of their possible medical applications, such as in hyperthermia and magnetic resonance imaging. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
InBr3‐ and AgOTf‐catalyzed beckmann rearrangement of (E)‐benzoheterocyclic oximes
Authors: Tandon Vishnu K. , Awasthi Anoop K. , Maurya Hardesh K. , Mishra Pushyamitra
Published: December 2011

Beckmann rearrangement of (E)‐4‐chromanone oxime, (E)‐5‐oximino‐3,4‐dihydro‐1(2H)‐benzoxepines, and (E)‐5‐oximino‐3,4‐dihydro‐1(2H)‐benzothiepine are catalyzed by InBr3 and AgOTf in refluxing acetonitrile resulting in the formation of pharmaceutically active heterocycles benzoxazepin‐4‐one, 5‐oxo‐benzoxazocines, and 5‐oxo‐benzothiazocine derivative, respectively, in excellent yield. J. Heterocyclic Chem., (2012).
Surface‐enhanced Raman microscopy of hemispherical shells stripped from templates of anodized aluminum
Authors: Krohne‐Nielsen Peter , Novikov Sergey M. , Beermann Jonas , Morgen Per , Bozhevolnyi Sergey I. , Albrektsen Ole
Published: December 2011

We report on the optical characterization of plasmonic metal nanostructures representing highly ordered interconnected hemispherical gold and silver shells that can be iteratively stripped from the same embossed templates (without template degradation) made from selectively etched anodized aluminum. By performing scanning high‐resolution confocal Raman microscopy of p‐aminothiophenol and Rhodamine 6G molecules homogeneously adsorbed to samples with different radii of shell curvature, we systematically investigate the applicability of the fabricated structures for surface‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy and correlate the results with linear reflection spectroscopy. We trace the origin of strong Raman signal enhancements (average relative enhancement of up to ~120) to electromagnetic hot‐spots located in sharp grooves and crevices at hemisphere shell junctions. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Analysis of the composition of the passive film on iron under pitting conditions in 0.05 M NaOH/NaCl using Raman microscopy in situ with anodic polarisation and MCR‐ALS
Authors: Nieuwoudt M. K. , Comins J. D. , Cukrowski I.
Published: December 2011

The composition of the surface film formed on pure iron was investigated in a solution of 0.05 M NaOH and 0.05 M NaCl. Raman spectra of the film were recorded in situ during anodic polarisation over the passive region after addition of the NaCl to the electrolyte, under conditions of preresonance enhancement using excitation at 636.4 nm. Multivariate curve resolution with alternating least squares analysis was applied to the spectra to measure the relative amounts of different iron oxide and oxyhydroxides in the film at different potentials. The water content was also determined in this way from Raman spectra recorded using excitation at 514.5 nm. It was found that the composition of the film and the amount of incorporated water were influenced by the applied anodic potential. The results show that stable pitting can occur when the composition changes from the primary constituents β‐FeOOH and Green Complex (a hydrated, amorphous magnetite) with smaller amounts of γ‐Fe2O3 and γ‐FeOOH, to δ‐FeOOH and Green Complex, simultaneously with a reduction in water content. These changes result in conditions that favour the rate of localised breakdown of the film by Cl− ions over the rate of repassivation by water in the passive film. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Encapsulation is a significant prognostic factor for better outcome in large hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Wu Tsung‐Han , Yu Ming‐Chin , Chen Tse‐Ching , Lee Chen‐Fang , Chan Kun‐Ming , Wu Ting‐Jung , Chou Hong‐Shiue , Lee Wei‐Chen , Chen Miin‐Fu
Published: December 2011

Background

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of tumor encapsulation of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) on long‐term survival.

Methods

A retrospective review of 1,240 patients who underwent hepatectomy from January 1993 to June 2005 was conducted. There were 891 patients with tumor encapsulation (EC type) and 349 patients without tumor encapsulation (NC type). Clinicopathological factors, surgical outcome, and long‐term survival were analyzed.

Results

Disease‐free survival (DFS) was affected by surgical margin involvement, the presence of surgical complications, vascular invasion, liver cirrhosis, tumor encapsulation, tumor size >5 cm, tumor rupture, and the presence of satellite lesions (all, P < 0.05). Overall survival (OS) was also affected by the same parameters, except for satellite lesions. When the patients were grouped by tumor size >5 or ≤5 cm, the protective effect of encapsulation was only observed when the tumor size was >5 cm [odds ratio (OR) for DFS = 0.75, P = 0.02; OR for OS = 0.68, P < 0.01].

Conclusions

Tumor encapsulation is a significant prognostic factor for HCC >5 cm. J. Surg. Oncol. 2012; 105:85–90. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Military to civilian questionnaire: A measure of postdeployment community reintegration difficulty among veterans using Department of Veterans Affairs medical care
Authors: Sayer Nina A. , Frazier Patricia , Orazem Robert J. , Murdoch Maureen , Gravely Amy , Carlson Kathleen F. , Hintz Samuel , Noorbaloochi Siamak
Published: December 2011

The primary objective of this study was to describe the development, reliability, and construct validity of scores on the Military to Civilian Questionnaire (M2C‐Q), a 16‐item self‐report measure of postdeployment community reintegration difficulty. We surveyed a national, stratified sample of 1,226 Iraq and Afghanistan veterans who used U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) medical care; 745 completed the M2C‐Q and validated mental health screening measures. All analyses were based on weighted estimates. The internal consistency of the M2C‐Q was .95 in this sample. Factor analyses indicated a single total score was the best‐fitting model. Total scores were associated with measures theoretically related to reintegration difficulties including perception of overall difficulty readjusting back into civilian life (R2 = .49), probable PTSD (d = 1.07), probable problem drug or alcohol use (d = 0.34), and overall mental health (r = −.83). Subgroup analyses revealed a similar pattern of findings in those who screened negative for PTSD. Nonwhite and unemployed veterans reported greater community reintegration difficulty (d = 0.20 and 0.45, respectively). Findings offer preliminary support for the reliability and construct validity of M2C‐Q scores.
Habitat as a potential factor limiting the recovery of a population of nocturnal seabirds
Authors: Major Heather L. , Lemon Moira J. F. , Hipfner J. Mark
Published: December 2011

We asked whether the lack of a population response by ancient murrelets (Synthliboramphus antiquus) to eradication of rats (Rattusspp.) at Langara Island could be due to a change in vegetative cover. We quantified ancient murrelet habitat associations on 12 islands and assessed changes in vegetation at Langara Island between 1981 and 2007. We found that ancient murrelets exhibit a high degree of flexibility in their use of available breeding habitats, and we noted no changes over time. Thus, recovery of ancient murrelets at Langara Island is unlikely to be limited by habitat quality. We propose artificial social attraction as a method to speed recovery. © 2011 The Wildlife Society.
Wetland food resources for spring‐migrating ducks in the Upper Mississippi River and Great Lakes Region
Authors: Straub Jacob N. , Gates Robert J. , Schultheis Richard D. , Yerkes Tina , Coluccy John M. , Stafford Joshua D.
Published: December 2011

Wetlands in the Upper Mississippi River and Great Lakes Region (UMRGLR) must annually sustain populations of migrating waterfowl from the mid‐continent of North America. We used multi‐stage sampling to estimate plant and invertebrate food biomasses (kg/ha) for ducks in 3 wetland habitat types at 6 stop‐over locations in the UMRGLR during 2006 and 2007. Total biomass was greatest in palustrine emergent (PEM; ${\bar {x}}$ = 208 kg/ha, SE = 23, median = 120), followed by palustrine forested (PF; ${\bar {x}}$ = 87 kg/ha, SE = 7; median = 43), and lacustrine–riverine (LR; ${\bar {x}}$ = 52 kg/ha, SE = 7; median = 27) wetlands. Ducks that foraged in forested and LR wetlands encountered the least food abundance during spring in the UMRGLR. Our estimates of food abundance were the lowest reported among other landscape scale surveys from mid‐continent North America. About 1 in every 5 PEM wetlands and over half of our PF and LR wetlands that we sampled contained <50 kg/ha of food, suggesting many had little or no forage value to ducks during spring. Biomass of plant foods generally exceeded invertebrate biomass in all habitat types, although invertebrate biomass estimates exceeded plant biomass in 8 of 29 sites when considered by wetland type and year. Total food biomass estimates varied widely (${\bar {x}}$ = 6–425 kg/ha) between years and among habitats; thus, using global arithmetic means to estimate food abundance for conservation planning obscures fine scale temporal and spatial variation that may be necessary for management on local and sub‐regional levels. Distributions of food biomass estimates were right‐skewed, causing us to question whether arithmetic means realistically represent levels of food abundance that all ducks encounter during spring migration. Alternative measures of central tendency (e.g., median) may be more biologically realistic, particularly if spring‐migrating ducks are not distributed in an ideal‐free manner with respect to food abundance. Future research should determine how ducks distribute themselves in relation to variation in food abundance in space and time during spring migration to strengthen the biological approach to conservation planning in non‐breeding Joint Venture areas of the North American Waterfowl Management Plan. © 2011 The Wildlife Society.
Effects of supplemental feeding and aggregation on fecal glucocorticoid metabolite concentrations in elk
Authors: Forristal Victoria E. , Creel Scott , Taper Mark L. , Scurlock Brandon M. , Cross Paul C.
Published: December 2011

Habitat modifications and supplemental feeding artificially aggregate some wildlife populations, with potential impacts upon contact and parasite transmission rates. Less well recognized, however, is how increased aggregation may affect wildlife physiology. Crowding has been shown to induce stress responses, and increased glucocorticoid (GC) concentrations can reduce immune function and increase disease susceptibility. We investigated the effects of supplemental feeding and the aggregation that it induces on behavior and fecal glucocorticoid metabolite concentrations (fGCM) in elk (Cervus elaphus) using observational and experimental approaches. We first compared fGCM levels of elk on supplemental feedgrounds to neighboring elk populations wintering in native habitats using data from 2003 to 2008. We then experimentally manipulated the distribution of supplemental food on feedgrounds to investigate whether more widely distributed food would result in lower rates of aggression and stress hormone levels. Contrary to some expectations that fed elk may be less stressed than unfed elk during the winter, we found that elk on feedgrounds had fecal GC levels at least 31% higher than non‐feedground populations. Within feedgrounds, fGCM levels were strongly correlated with local measures of elk density (r2 = 0.81). Dispersing feed more broadly, however, did not have a detectable effect on fGCM levels or aggression rates. Our results suggest that increases in aggregation associated with winter feedgrounds affects elk physiology, and the resulting increases in fGCM levels are not likely to be mitigated by management efforts that distribute the feed more widely. Additional research is needed to assess whether these increases in fGCMs directly alter parasite transmission and disease dynamics. © 2011 The Wildlife Society.
Management for oak regeneration: Short‐term effects on the bird community and suitability of shelterwood harvests for canopy songbirds
Authors: Newell Felicity L. , Rodewald Amanda D.
Published: December 2011

Interest in regenerating oaks (Quercusspp.) has promoted use of partial harvesting techniques that create an open forest structure. From 2007 to 2009, we studied songbirds in mixed‐oak forests in southeastern Ohio, comparing shelterwoods recently harvested to 50% stocking and closed‐canopy mature second‐growth. We surveyed birds using distance‐based methods (56 line transects in 18 stands at 4 forests). We intensively investigated suitability of shelterwoods for canopy‐nesting species by examining habitat preferences, as measured by settlement patterns, age distributions, and site fidelity; we also examined nesting success. Several midstory and ground‐nesting species were 26–73% less abundant in shelterwood than unharvested stands, whereas shrub‐nesting species increased >100% several years post‐harvesting. Canopy‐nesting species were 31–98% more abundant in shelterwoods, but cerulean warbler (Setophaga cerulea) responses varied by forest. Patterns of settlement and site fidelity were generally similar among stands. Proportions of young males were actually greater for several species in shelterwood than unharvested stands, which may have been a consequence of young birds colonizing newly created (or improved) habitat. Even in our predominantly forested study system, nesting success (>700 nests) was low, ranging from 15% to 19% for yellow‐throated vireos (Vireo flavifrons) and cerulean warblers, to 27–36% for scarlet tanagers, blue‐gray gnatcatchers (Polioptila caerulea) and eastern wood‐pewees (Contopus virens). However, nest survival did not differ between shelterwood and unharvested stands, possibly because numbers of avian predators did not change with harvesting. Despite increased numbers of brown‐headed cowbirds (Molothrus ater) in shelterwoods, only 2% of canopy nests in which young could be identified were parasitized. Although these results suggest shelterwood harvests containing abundant overstory trees can provide short‐term breeding habitat for canopy songbirds, long‐term responses of birds to partial harvesting may differ from those documented here depending on different management options employed. Management for oak regeneration will typically remove all overstory trees later in the cutting cycle, initially resulting in loss of nesting substrates and hence breeding habitat for canopy songbirds. © 2011 The Wildlife Society.
What is talent?
Authors: Ulrich Dave , Smallwood Norm
Published: December 2011

Leadership development, according to Ulrich and Smallwood, is not only about developing future generations of leaders. It's also about self‐development. Similarly, the concept of talent is multidimensional, and not completely understood by the C‐suite executives at the top of organizations. Ulrich and Smallwood provide a detailed and concrete examination of what talent really is, and how it can be developed through succession, customization, and modeling, along with suggestions for proper leadership investment. They have also synthesized their findings into the following formula: “Talent = competence × commitment × contribution.”
Tuning Size Scale and Crystallinity of PCL Electrospun Fibres via Solvent Permittivity to Address hMSC Response
Authors: Guarino Vincenzo , Cirillo Valentina , Taddei Paola , Alvarez‐Perez Marco A. , Ambrosio Luigi
Published: December 2011

The effect of solvent permittivity on the fibre morphology of PCL electrospun membranes for tissue engineering applications is studied. Morphological results indicate that polar solvents with higher permittivity are able to promote the formation of sub‐micrometric fibres, while apolar solvents yield microfibres with an average fibre diameter of 2.86 ± 0.31 µm. Polymer/solvent interactions and electrospinning process parameters influence the mechanism of fibre and bead formation. It is shown that the dielectric properties of solvents influence the fibre size scale and crystallinity and directly contribute to the biological response of stem cells. Solvent permittivity is a key factor in controlling the morphological and physical properties of electrospun fibre meshes.

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Photocrosslinked Co‐Networks from Glycidylmethacrylated Gelatin and Poly(ethylene glycol) Methacrylates
Authors: Pierce Benjamin F. , Tronci Giuseppe , Rößle Martin , Neffe Axel T. , Jung Friedrich , Lendlein Andreas
Published: December 2011

Biopolymer‐based systems with adjustable macroscopic properties that can be varied in a wide range using only small changes in chemical composition are promising candidates for biomaterial‐induced autoregeneration. Glycidylmethacrylated gelatin is photopolymerized with the addition of PEG mono‐ or dimethacrylate to form co‐networks in pH = 7.4 PBS. The degree of swelling (Q) and water uptake (H) in PBS at 37 °C are tailorable for PEGDMA co‐networks (Q ≈ 250–650 vol%), while the storage modulus of swollen networks at 37 °C can be adjusted by the PEG(D)MA content (G′ = 0.7–145 kPa). Indirect cytotoxicity tests on ethylene oxide sterilized films show non‐toxic responses for the homonetwork and all but one PEGDMA‐containing co‐networks materials.

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The morphology and corrosion resistance of electrodeposited Co‐TiO2 nanocomposite coatings
Authors: Sanjabi S. , Shirani A.
Published: December 2011

Co‐TiO2 nanocomposite coatings with various contents of TiO2 nanoparticles were prepared by electrodeposition in Co sulfate plating bath containing TiO2 nanoparticles. The influence of the TiO2 nanoparticles concentration in the bath, of the current density and of sodium dodecyle sulfate (SDS) as anionic surfactant on the morphology, composition, texture, roughness, and microhardness of the coatings was investigated. The morphology and composition of coatings were studied by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS). The phase structure of coatings was analyzed by X‐ray diffraction (XRD). The results showed that the maximum codeposition of TiO2 nanoparticles in Co matrix was around 4.5 vol% obtained in 60 g/L TiO2 in the bath, 30 mA/cm2 and 0.15 g/L SDS. The microhardness of coatings was increased up to 504 Hv by increasing TiO2 concentration in the bath to 60 g/L TiO2. The electrochemistry tests including potentiodynamic polarization and impedance spectroscopy revealed that by addition of TiO2 into Co matrix, the corrosion current density, polarization resistance, and charge transfer resistance of Co‐TiO2 coating were increased compared with Co coating.
Electrochemical characterization of Ni47.7Ti37.8Nb14.5 shape memory alloy in artificial saliva
Authors: Mareci D. , Chelariu R. , Cailean A. , Sutiman D.
Published: December 2011

Electrochemical corrosion behaviour of the studied Ni47.7Ti37.8Nb14.5 (NiTiNb) shape memory alloy was investigated for dental applications. An equiatomic NiTi alloy was used in some tests as reference material. Electrochemical techniques such as anodic potentiodynamic polarization, open circuit potential and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) were employed. Experiments were carried out using artificial saliva. Very low passive current densities were obtained from the anodic polarization curve, indicating a typical passive behaviour for NiTiNb alloy. Over the surface of the NiTiNb alloy uniform corrosion appears, while in case of the NiTi alloy surface pitting corrosion is developed. The role that Nb plays as an alloying element is by increasing the resistance of NiTi alloy to localized corrosion. The EIS results exhibited high impedance values (order of 106 Ω cm2) obtained from medium to low frequencies which are indicative of the formation of a highly stable passive film on NiTiNb alloy in the artificial saliva.
In vitro three‐dimensional (3D) models in cancer research: An update
Authors: Kimlin Lauren C. , Casagrande Giovanna , Virador Victoria M.
Published: December 2011

Tissues are three‐dimensional (3D) entities as is the tumor that arises within them. Though disaggregated cancerous tissues have produced numerous cell lines for basic and applied research, it is generally agreed that these lines are poor models of in vivo phenomena. In this review we focus on in vitro 3D models used in cancer research, particularly their contribution to molecular studies of the early stages of metastasis, angiogenesis, the tumor microenvironment, and cancer stem cells. We present a summary of the various formats used in the field of tissue bioengineering as they apply to mechanistic modeling of cancer stages or processes. In addition we list studies that model specific types of malignancies, highlight drastic differences in results between 3D in vitro models and classical monolayer culturing techniques, and establish the need for standardization of 3D models for meaningful preclinical and therapeutic testing. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Double‐targeted and double‐enhanced suicide gene therapy mediated by generation 5 polyamidoamine dendrimers for prostate cancer
Authors: Chen Yue , Wang Gang , Kong Deling , Zhang Zhihong , Yang Kuo , Liu Ranlu , Zhao Weiming , Xu Yong
Published: December 2011

Herpes simplex virus (HSV)‐thymidine kinase (TK)/ganciclovir (GCV) system is one of the most widely used and efficient suicide gene therapy for prostate cancer, but the lack of favorable gene vector and target limits its application. In this study, we established a novel system using nonviral gene vector G5‐PAMAM‐D to express HSV‐TK and connexin43 (Cx43) gene driven by prostate‐specific membrane antigen (PSMA) promoter, and evaluated the anti‐tumor effect of this system. G5‐PAMAM‐D delivered PSMAe/p‐TK‐Cx43 showed expression of TK and Cx43 only in LNCaP cells, but not in PC‐3 and other cells. The transfection efficiency of this system was comparable to lipofectamine 2000 by propidium iodide staining assay. With gemcitabine, folate‐G5‐PAMAM‐D delivered PSMAe/p‐TK‐Cx43 (folate‐G5‐PAMAM‐D/PSMAe/p‐TK‐Cx43) significantly decreased prostate cancer LNCaP cell proliferation and promoted apoptosis in vitro. With gemcitabine, the systemic deliver of folate‐G5‐PAMAM‐D/PSMAe/p‐TK‐Cx43 significantly inhibited tumor growth in the LNCaP xenograft animal model. Our study demonstrates that this double‐targeted and double‐enhanced system is effective in inducing cell growth inhibition and apoptosis in vitro and suppressing tumor growth in vivo. In conclusion, Cx43 and gemcitabine combined with HSV‐TK/GCV gene therapy using nonviral vector G5‐PAMAM‐D hold great potential as a novel approach for the gene therapy of prostate cancer. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Permeability of ergot alkaloids across the blood‐brain barrier in vitro and influence on the barrier integrity
Authors: Mulac Dennis , Hüwel Sabine , Galla Hans‐Joachim , Humpf Hans‐Ulrich
Published: December 2011

Scope Ergot alkaloids are secondary metabolites of Claviceps spp. and they have been in the focus of research for many years. Experiments focusing on ergotamine as a former migraine drug referring to the ability to reach the brain revealed controversial results. The question to which extent ergot alkaloids are able to cross the blood‐brain barrier is still not answered.

Methods and results In order to answer this question we have studied the ability of ergot alkaloids to penetrate the blood‐brain barrier in a well established in vitro model system using primary porcine brain endothelial cells. It could clearly be demonstrated that ergot alkaloids are able to cross the blood‐brain barrier in high quantities in only a few hours. We could further identify an active transport for ergometrine as a substrate for the BCRP/ABCG2 transporter. Investigations concerning barrier integrity properties have identified ergocristinine as a potent substance to accumulate in these cells ultimately leading to a weakened barrier function.

Conclusion For the first time we could show that the so far as biologically inactive described 8‐(S) isomers of ergot alkaloids seem to have an influence on barrier integrity underlining the necessity for a risk assessment of ergot alkaloids in food and feed.
Major Australian tropical fruits biodiversity: Bioactive compounds and their bioactivities
Authors: Pierson Jean T. , Dietzgen Ralf G. , Shaw Paul N. , Roberts‐Thomson Sarah J. , Monteith Gregory R. , Gidley Michael J.
Published: December 2011

The plant kingdom harbours many diverse bioactive molecules of pharmacological relevance. Temperate fruits and vegetables have been highly studied in this regard, but there have been fewer studies of fruits and vegetables from the tropics. As global consumers demand and are prepared to pay for new appealing and exotic foods, tropical fruits are now being more intensively investigated. Polyphenols and major classes of compounds like flavonoids or carotenoids are ubiquitously present in these fruits, as they are in the temperate ones, but particular classes of compounds are unique to tropical fruits and other plant parts. Bioactivity studies of compounds specific to tropical fruit plants may lead to new drug discoveries, while the synergistic action of the wide range of diverse compounds contained in plant extracts underlies nutritional and health properties of tropical fruits and vegetables. The evidence for in vitro and animal bioactivities is a strong indicator of the pharmacological promise shown in tropical fruit plant biodiversity. In this review, we will discuss both the occurrence of potential bioactive compounds isolated and identified from a selection of tropical fruit plants of importance in Australia, as well as recent studies of bioactivity associated with such fruits and other fruit plant parts.