bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modeling DSC Melting Curves of Isotactic Polypropylene – Source of Information on Isospecificity of Active Centers
Authors: Kissin Yury V.
Published: March 2013

A method is developed for modeling DSC melting curves of isotactic polypropylene produced with single-center and multi-center Ziegler-Natta catalysts. The modeling demonstrates that the use of a simple statistical model of an imperfectly isotactic polymer and the introduction of several assumptions about the crystallization pattern of isotactic blocks in propylene polymers are sufficient for the representation of most characteristic features of their DSC melting curves. This type of modeling can be a source of information on the distribution of active centers with respect to isospecificity. Several examples demonstrate the utility of this modeling approach.
Dual Filler Effect of Compatibilized Pure and Oil Extended Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer Nanocomposites
Authors: Rajasekar R. , Das C.K. , Nayak G.C. , Ramakrishnan S. , Harikrishnakumar M. , Muthukumar P.
Published: March 2013

Pure and oil extended ethylene propylene diene monomer nanocomposites were prepared using suitable compatibilizer. Since ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) is non-polar, incorporation of organically modified nanoclay may not lead to better dispersion in the rubber matrix. Hence a polar rubber like epoxidized natural rubber (ENR) can be used as a compatibilizer for dispersing nanoclay in the EPDM matrix. ENR - organically modified nanoclay composites (EC) were prepared by solution mixing. The nanoclay used in this study is Cloisite 20A. ENR-nanoclay composites were incorporated in EPDM and oil-extended EPDM (OE-EPDM) matrices along with carbon black. The morphological studies prove that the nanoclay platelets get intercalated in ENR. Low loading of EC in EPDM and OE-EPDM matrices enhances the dispersion of nanoclay forming partially exfoliated platelets. Curing study shows improvement in torque and faster cure time for the compatibilized EPDM and OE-EPDM nanocomposites containing dual filler system compared to pure and single filler (carbon black) containing rubber compounds. Dynamic mechanical thermal analysis shows high storage modulus and lesser damping characteristics for the dual fillers containing EPDM and OE-EPDM compounds. The same compounds show tremendous improvement in mechanical properties. Scanning electron microscopic (SEM) images of tensile fractured single and dual filler containing rubber specimens show rough and tortuous path of fracture, which may be due to physical interaction between filler and rubber.
Photodegradation of Polystyrene Films Containing UV-Visible Sensitizers
Authors: Pinto Leticia F.A. , Goi Beatriz E. , Schmitt Carla C. , Neumann Miguel G.
Published: March 2013

The photodegradation of polystyrene films has been investigated in the presence of sensitizers such as benzophenone (BP) and thioxanthone (TX). The phototransformations were studied by infrared and UV-Vis spectroscopy. The results indicate that these photosensitizers accelerate and increase the efficiency of the photodegradation and the photo-oxidation processes in polystyrene and increase the formation of double bonds in the polymer. In all these process, TX showed a larger photosensitization efficiency than BP. Flash photolysis experiments indicate that the triplet reactivity of both sensitizers towards polystyrene are similar, so that the higher efficiency of thioxanthone when compared with benzophenone should be assigned to its larger absorptivity, as well as to the absorptivity of its degradation products in the irradiating region.
A Case Study on the Eco-Efficiency Performance of a Composite Processing Industry: Evaluation and Quantification of Potential Improvements
Authors: Ribeiro M.C.S. , Castro A.C.M. , Silva F.J.G. , Meixedo J.P. , Oliveira L. , Alvim M.R. , Fiúza A. , Dinis M.L.
Published: March 2013

In this study, an attempt was made in order to measure and evaluate the eco-efficiency performance of a pultruded composite processing company. For this purpose the recommendations of World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WCSD) and the directives of ISO 14301 standard were followed and applied. The main general indicators of eco-efficiency, as well as the specific indicators, were defined and determined. With basis on indicators’ figures, the value profile, the environmental profile, and the pertinent eco-efficiency ratios were established and analyzed.
In order to evaluate potential improvements on company eco-performance, new indicators values and eco-efficiency ratios were estimated taking into account the implementation of new proceedings and procedures, at both upstream and downstream of the production process, namely:

i) Adoption of a new heating system for pultrusion die-tool in the manufacturing process, more effective and with minor heat losses;
ii) Recycling approach, with partial waste reuse of scrap material derived from manufacturing, cutting and assembly processes of GFRP profiles.

These features lead to significant improvements on the sequent assessed eco-efficiency ratios of the present case study, yielding to a more sustainable product and manufacturing process of pultruded GFRP profiles.
Collagen-hydroxyapatite/Cisplatin Drug Delivery Systems for Locoregional Treatment of Bone Cancer
Authors: Andronescu Ecaterina , Ficai Anton , Albu Madalina Georgiana , Mitran Valentina , Sonmez Maria , Ficai Denisa , Ion Raluca , Cimpean Anisoara
Published: March 2013

In this paper, the synthesis and characterization of novel cisplatin-loaded collagen (COLL)/hydroxyapatite (HA) composite materials are presented. The composite materials were designed to obtain a COLL: HA weight ratio close to the bone composition. The content of embedded cisplatin was chosen to assure a concentration of cisplatin of 6 and 10 μM, respectively, into the culture media used in cell culture experiments. These cisplatin delivery systems were characterized by determining the physico-chemical properties of the composite material, the drug release process as well as their biological activity. Based on the in vitro data that showed the cytotoxic, anti-proliferative and anti-invasive activities of these multifunctional systems on G292 osteosarcoma cells in dependence on the cisplatin concentration released in culture medium, we conclude that the newly developed COLL/HA-cisplatin drug delivery system could be a feasible approach for locoregional chemotherapy of bone cancer.
Tomotherapy Radiosurgery for Arteriovenous Malformations — Current Possibilities and Future Options with Helical Tomotherapy Dynamic Jaws?
Authors: Krause S. , Beck S. , Schramm O. , Schubert K. , Hauswald H. , Bois A. Zabel-du , Herfarth K. , Debus J. , Sterzing F.
Published: March 2013

This planning study was performed to compare stereotactic linac based radiosurgery of Arteriovenous Malformations (AVM) with current Helical Tomotherapy (HT) and future HT techniques. For 10 patients with AVM, dose distributions and treatment times of “regular” HT delivery (Reg 2.5/1/0.6 cm field width), Running-Start-Stop Treatment (RSS 5/2.5 cm), Axial Mode (Axial 5 cm) and Dynamic Jaw/Dynamic Couch delivery with a maximum field width of 5 cm (DJDC 5) were analysed and compared to linac-based stereotactic radiosurgery. Axial produced the fastest treatment (Axial 4:47 min vs. Linac 32:42 min) at the cost of large brain exposure (V10% 289 ml). Except for Reg 0.6, all other HT techniques achieved significantly shorter treatment times than linac-based treatment ( e.g. Reg 1, 19:42 min, DJDC 6:30 min). However, high-dose brain exposure (V60%) was higher in all HT plans ( e.g. Reg 0.6, 10 ml, Linac 9 ml), and only Reg 0.6 showed better low-dose exposure (V10% of 167 ml vs. 199 ml, not significant). Neither current nor future HT modes in their current version outperformed linac-based stereotactic radiosurgery. However, AVM with special geometry might still benefit from HT.
Cyclodextrin Polymers: Recent Applications
Authors: Kozlowski Cezary A. , Sliwa Wanda
Published: March 2013

In this article, the applications of CD polymers are presented. The text consists of two parts. In the first one, the applications of CD polymers in environmental protection, especially detoxification from heavy metals and organic contaminants, are described. The second part concerns application of CD polymers in pharmaceutics and cosmetics.
Intellectual Disability and Hemizygous GPD2 Mutation
Authors: Barge‐Schaapveld Daniela Q.C.M. , Ofman Rob , Knegt Alida C. , Alders Mariëlle , Höhne Wolfgang , Kemp Stephan , Hennekam Raoul C.M.
Published: March 2013

We report on a 25‐year‐old female with intellectual disability, mildly unusual face, and a pervasive developmental disorder, in whom routine aCGH showed a 298 kb de novo deletion at chromosome 2q24.1(156869529–157167986 × 1). The region contained two genes (NR4A2; GPD2). Molecular studies in the proposita showed an additional variant in GPD2 (c.614C > T, p.Pro205Leu), which was predicted to be pathogenic. The variant was also present in the healthy mother and sister. Functional analysis showed absent GPD2 activity in the proposita and 50% activity in mother and sister. We conclude that we have been able to find circumstantial evidence for the causative effect of the hemizygous GPD2 mutation but full proof remained lacking. Total costs for the work‐up in these patients were high (€21,975 [$27,029]). Similar results will increasingly be found when Next Generation Techniques will be applied widely in patients with intellectual disability, and proving pathogenicity by functional studies or in animal models will be expensive. We advocate the use of freely accessible international databases combining phenotype and genotype data using standard nomenclatures to facilitate proving pathogenicity of research data and to decrease costs of health care. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Preferential Associated Anomalies in 818 Cases of Microtia in South America
Authors: Luquetti Daniela V. , Cox Timothy C. , Lopez‐Camelo Jorge , Dutra Maria da Graça , Cunningham Michael L. , Castilla Eduardo E.
Published: March 2013

The etiology of microtia remains unknown in most cases. The identification of patterns of associated anomalies (i.e., other anomalies that occur with a given congenital anomaly in a higher than expected frequency), is a methodology that has been used for research into the etiology of birth defects. We conducted a study based on cases of microtia that were diagnosed from more than 5 million live (LB)‐ and stillbirths (SB) examined in hospitals participating in ECLAMC (Latin American Collaborative Study of Congenital Malformations) between 1967 and 2009. We identified 818 LB and SB with microtia and at least one additional non‐related major congenital anomaly (cases) and 15,969 LB and SB with two or more unrelated major congenital anomalies except microtia (controls). A logistic regression analysis was performed to identify the congenital anomalies preferentially associated with microtia. Preferential associations were observed for 10 congenital anomalies, most of them in the craniofacial region, including facial asymmetry, choanal atresia, and eyelid colobomata. The analysis by type of microtia showed that for anomalies such as cleft lip and palate, macrostomia, and limb reduction defects, the frequency increased with the severity of the microtia. In contrast, for other anomalies the frequency tended to be the same across all types of microtia. Based on these results we will integrate data on the developmental pathways related to preferentially associated congenital anomalies for future studies investigating the etiology of microtia. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Shape and volume of craniofacial cavities in intentional skull deformations
Authors: Khonsari R.H. , Friess M. , Nysjö J. , Odri G. , Malmberg F. , Nyström I. , Messo E. , Hirsch J.M. , Cabanis E.A.M. , Kunzelmann K.H. , Salagnac J.M. , Corre P. , Ohazama A. , Sharpe P.T. , Charlier P. , Olszewski R.
Published: March 2013

Intentional cranial deformations (ICD) have been observed worldwide but are especially prevalent in preColombian cultures. The purpose of this study was to assess the consequences of ICD on three cranial cavities (intracranial cavity, orbits, and maxillary sinuses) and on cranial vault thickness, in order to screen for morphological changes due to the external constraints exerted by the deformation device. We acquired CT‐scans for 39 deformed and 19 control skulls. We studied the thickness of the skull vault using qualitative and quantitative methods. We computed the volumes of the orbits, of the maxillary sinuses, and of the intracranial cavity using haptic‐aided semi‐automatic segmentation. We finally defined 3D distances and angles within orbits and maxillary sinuses based on 27 anatomical landmarks and measured these features on the 58 skulls. Our results show specific bone thickness patterns in some types of ICD, with localized thinning in regions subjected to increased pressure and thickening in other regions. Our findings confirm that volumes of the cranial cavities are not affected by ICDs but that the shapes of the orbits and of the maxillary sinuses are modified in circumferential deformations. We conclude that ICDs can modify the shape of the cranial cavities and the thickness of their walls but conserve their volumes. These results provide new insights into the morphological effects associated with ICDs and call for similar investigations in subjects with deformational plagiocephalies and craniosynostoses. Am J Phys Anthropol 151:110–119, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Die Ermittlung von Bemessungswindlasten von Gebäuden im Windkanal
Authors: Visser G. Th. , Geurts Ch. , van Staalduinen P.
Published: March 2013

Die Windlasten eines Gebäudes lassen sich anhand von Normen entwickeln. Bei diesen Normen mußten Vereinfachungen vorgenommen werden, weil es zum Beispiel nicht möglich ist, alle möglichen Gebäudeformen und ‐abmessungen in Normen aufzunehmen. Bei einer von der Norm abweichenden Gebäudeform muß dieses Gebäude zu einer Form schematisiert werden, die in der Norm beschrieben wird. Im allgemeinen führt dies zu einer konservativen Bestimmung der Bemessungswindlasten. Auch der Einfluß eines komplexen städtischen Umfelds oder eines Hochhauses in der unmittelbaren Nähe läßt sich nicht anhand der Norm errechnen. In bestimmten Fällen, wie bei zwei unmittelbar benachbartn Gebäuden, können die Windlasten höher sein als eine Norm angibt. Wenn dann anhand der Nrom vorgegangen würde, könnte dies zu einer unsicheren Konstruktion führen. In Windkanaluntersuchungen lassen sich die Wechselwirkungen sofort ermitteln. Die können dann im Entwurf mit einbezogen werden. Hier wird angegeben, wie eine solche Windkanaluntersuchung durchzuführen ist und wie die Ergebnisse zu Bemessungswindlasten verarbeitet werden können. Aus einigen hier gegebenen Beispielen geht hervor, daß die Bemessungswindlasten an Gebäuden, die nicht unmittelbar in Normen beschrieben werden oder die nur nach starker Schematisierung mit Normen berechnet werden können, sich hervorragend in Windkanaluntersuchungen ermitteln lassen. Dadurch kann die Berechnung und damit die Baukonstruktion von Gebäuden optimal vorgenommen werden.
Neue Fußgängerbrücken über Autobahnen
Authors: Gerold M. , Schmid H.
Published: March 2013

Im Brückenbau gab es schon frühzeitig ausgereifte Holzkonstruktionen. Die Entwicklung neuer Klebverfahren ("Hetzerträger", Furnierschichthölzer, Holzwerkstoffe, blockverklebte Querschnitte) und Verbindungsmitteltechniken, die Erforschung der dynamischen Beanspruchbarkeiten von Holzbauteilen und Verbindungsmitteln, der Einsatz geschlossener Beläge sowie intelligente Montagetechniken haben dem Ingenieurholzbau immer wieder viele neue Möglichkeiten erschlossen. Auch die Harmonisierung im Zuge der Schaffung europäischer und internationaler Normen trug ganz wesentlich zum Austausch von Erfahrungen und Erkenntnissen bei. Im folgenden wird insbesondere über zwei neue Autobahnüberführungen in Holzbauweise in Südwestdeutschland berichtet, bei denen diese Erkenntnisse zum Einsatz kamen.
Vereinfachungen beim Tragfähigkeitsnachweis für Querkraft nach E DIN 1045‐1 (9/2000)
Authors: Heydel G.
Published: March 2013

Die in DIN 1045‐1 für den Nachweis der Tragfähigkeit für Querkraft angegebenen Gleichungen werden umgeformt. Mit Beiwerten, die aus Tafeln zu entnehmen sind, wird die Berechnung einfacher und weniger fehleranfällig. Die Unterschiede in den Ergebnissen nach alter und neuer DIN 1045 werden aufgezeigt.
Ein variables Konzept zum Bau von Groß‐Sperrwerken
Authors: Schrader G.
Published: March 2013

Es wird über neue Lösungsansätze zum Bau von Groß‐Sperrwerken und ihren verträglichen Nutzungsmöglichkeiten berichtet.
Vom geometrischen Denken zum statisch‐konstruktiven Ansatz im Brückenentwurf
Authors: Falter H. , Kahlow A. , Kurrer K.‐E.
Published: March 2013

Während die großen Brücken der Spätrenaissance Innovationen vor allem durch die Anwendung der Geometrie vermittelten, blieb die Anwendung statischer Methoden in der Konstruktion dem Barock vorbehalten. Die genauere Variation möglicher Enwurfsgeometrien, der Einrüstung, der Gründung und des Bauablaufs usw. waren nunmehr durch zeichnerische Vorwegnahme, zunehmende Maßhaltigkeit und Exaktheit der Entwürfe möglich. Am Beispiel des Ponte Trinità in Florenz und der Fleischbrücke in Nürnberg wird gezeigt, wie diese neue Entwurfshaltung allmählich in den Brückenbau einzog. In den ersten Dezennien des 18. Jahrhunderts avancierte der Brückenbau dann über die Zwischenstufen erster Quantifizierungsversuche zum bevorzugten Objektbereich der Gewölbetheorie. Der Gedanke der Stützlinie tritt mittelbar ins Zentrum aller Überlegungen: Konzeptionelle Entwürfe zum Funktionsmechanismus von Brücken und intensive Fachkommunikation treiben die Theoretisierung des Brückenbaues voran.
Zur Kurzzeitstandsicherheit bei Baugrubenverbaukonstruktionen in weichen Böden
Authors: Hettler A. , Leibnitz St. , Biehl F.
Published: March 2013

In vielen Fällen sind bei Baugrubenverbaukonstruktionen in weichen Böden dränierte Verhältnisse maßgebend. Beim Nachweis von kurzzeitigen Bauzuständen dagegen sind in der Regel undränierte Bedingungen mit der Scherfestigkeit cu vorauszusetzen. Im Beitrag wird diskutiert, wie sich der Einfluß der Schergeschwindigkeit und der Anisotropie auf die cu‐Werte aus Flügelsondierungen auswirkt. Ferner wird gezeigt, daß die Bestimmung der Einbindetiefe mit dem cu‐Konzept zu Interpretationsschwierigkeiten der Lösung führt. Deshalb empfiehlt der Arbeitskreis Baugruben, mit Ersatzreibungswinkeln zu dimensionieren.
Neue Erfahrungen mit der KEM
Authors: Linneweber D. , Niemunis A. , Triantafyllidis Th.
Published: March 2013

Die kinematische Elementmethode (KEM) hat sich als ein Standardverfahren zur Berechnung von Traglastproblemen bewährt. In diesem Beitrag sind eigene Erfahrungen mit dieser Methode zusammengefaßt worden. Es werden Hinweise und Verbesserungsvorschläge angegeben, welche die Lösbarkeit des Optimierungsproblems erleichtern. In diesem Zusammenhang wird die Bedeutung der Dilatanz im Rahmen des Optimierungsverfahrens hervorgehoben und auf mögliche Fehler bei der bisherigen Praxis hingewiesen. Weitere Hinweise bei der Berücksichtigung von Ankern bei der KEM sind angegeben, wobei die Vorgaben der DIN 4084‐100 kritisch analysiert werden. In dieser Arbeit sind weitere Bemerkungen zu Verspannungseffekten, Lastannahmen und Bodenparametern zu finden, sowie kritische Anmerkungen bei der Anwendung von modernen Sicherheitskonzepten in der KEM sind angegeben.
Konzept zur Sicherstellung der Gebrauchstauglichkeit der Mubarak Pumping Station in Ägypten
Authors: Hildebrandt H. W. , Pierson R. , Schmidt R.
Published: March 2013

Das Herzstück des Toshka‐Projekts im Süden Ägyptens ist die Mubarak Pumping Station. Obwohl das Bauwerk relativ große Abmessungen hat und ungünstige Randbedingungen im Hinblick auf Zwangsbeanspruchungen im Projektgebiet vorliegen, wurde auf die Anordnung von Bewegungsfugen verzichtet. Die Gebrauchseigenschaften des Bauwerks wurden durch die Kombination von betontechnologischen Maßnahmen und sinnvollen Mindestbewehrungen sichergestellt.
Kaimauern in Blockbauweise
Authors: Zdansky V.
Published: March 2013

Nach einer einführenden Betrachtung über den Aufbau von Ufereinfassungen in Blockbauweise wird ausführlich und mit Begründung der einzelnen Tätigkeiten ein an mehreren Hafenbaustellen erfolgreich durchgeführtes Bauverfahren beschrieben.
Interleukin‐21 in chronic inflammatory diseases
Authors: Sarra Massimiliano , Pallone Francesco , Monteleone Giovanni
Published: March 2013

Interleukin‐21 (IL‐21), a cytokine produced by various subsets of activated CD4+ T cells, regulates multiple innate and adaptive immune responses. Indeed, IL‐21 controls the proliferation and function of CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocytes, drives the differentiation of B cells into memory cells and Ig‐secreting plasma cells, enhances the activity of natural killer cells and negatively regulates the differentiation and activity of regulatory T cells. Moroever, IL‐21 can stimulate nonimmune cells to synthesize various inflammatory molecules. Excessive production of IL‐21 has been described in many human chronic inflammatory disorders and there is evidence that blockade of IL‐21 helps attenuate detrimental responses in mouse models of immune‐mediated diseases. In this article we briefly review data supporting the pathogenic role of IL‐21 in immune‐inflammatory pathologies and discuss the benefits and risks of IL‐21 neutralization in patients with such diseases. © 2013 BioFactors, 39(4):368–373, 2013
Alcohol consumption and risk of lymphoid and myeloid neoplasms: Results of the Netherlands cohort study
Authors: Heinen Mirjam M. , Verhage Bas A. J. , Schouten Leo J. , Goldbohm R. Alexandra , Schouten Harry C. , van den Brandt Piet A.
Published: March 2013

Results from epidemiological studies suggest that alcohol drinkers have a decreased risk of lymphoid neoplasms, whereas results for myeloid neoplasms are inconsistent. However, most of these studies have used retrospective data. We examined prospectively whether alcohol consumption decreases the risk of both lymphoid and myeloid neoplasms, including most common subtypes. Moreover, we investigated whether this decreased risk is due to ethanol or other contents of specific alcoholic beverages (i.e., beer, wine and liquor). The Netherlands cohort study consisted of 120,852 individuals who completed a baseline questionnaire in 1986. After 17.3 years of follow‐up, 1,375 cases of lymphoid and 245 cases of myeloid neoplasms with complete exposure information were available for analysis. Compared with abstinence, we observed for plasma cell neoplasms hazard rate ratios (HR) of 1.66 (95% confidence interval (CI), 1.21–2.29), 1.63 (95% CI, 1.17–2.27), 1.11 (95% CI, 0.75–1.64) and 0.85 (95% CI, 0.51–1.42) with daily ethanol consumption of 0.1–<5, 5–<15, 15–<30 and ≥30 g, respectively. A similar pattern was observed for chronic lymphocytic leukemia/small lymphocytic lymphoma. No associations were observed for other subtypes and for myeloid neoplasms. When results were analyzed by beverage type, no clear associations were observed. In conclusion, our study did not show an inverse association between alcohol consumption and lymphoid neoplasms. Also, no inverse association was observed with myeloid neoplasms. If any association between alcohol consumption and lymphoid neoplasms exists, our study suggests an increased risk rather than a decreased risk.
Multiwalled CNT‐pHEMA composite conduit for peripheral nerve repair
Authors: Arslantunali D. , Budak G. , Hasirci V.
Published: March 2013

A nerve conduit is designed to improve peripheral nerve regeneration by providing guidance to the nerve cells. Conductivity of such guides is reported to enhance this process. In the current study, a nerve guide was constructed from poly(2‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate) (pHEMA), which was loaded with multiwalled carbon nanotubes (mwCNT) to introduce conductivity. PHEMA hydrogels were designed to have a porous structure to facilitate the transportation of the compounds needed for cell nutrition and growth and also for waste removal. We showed that when loaded with relatively high concentrations of mwCNTs (6%, w/w in hydrogels), the pHEMA guide was more conductive and more hydrophobic than pristine pHEMA hydrogel. The mechanical properties of the composites were better when they carried mwCNT. Elastic modulus of 6% mwCNT loaded pHEMA was twofold higher (0.32 ± 0.06 MPa) and similar to that of the soft tissues. Electrical conductivity was significantly improved (11.4‐fold) from 7 × 10−3 Ω−1.cm−1 (pHEMA) to 8.0 × 10−2 Ω−1.cm−1 (6% mwCNT loaded pHEMA). On application of electrical potential, the SHSY5Y neuroblastoma cells seeded on mwCNTs carrying pHEMA maintained their viability, whereas those on pure pHEMA could not, indicating that mwCNT helped conduct electricity and make them more suitable as nerve conduits. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 102A: 828–841, 2014.
Examining the formulation of emulsion electrospinning for improving the release of bioactive proteins from electrospun fibers
Authors: Briggs Tonye , Arinzeh Treena Livingston
Published: March 2013

Emulsion electrospinning has been sought as a method to prepare fibrous materials/scaffolds for growth factor delivery. Emulsion conditions, specifically sonication and the addition of a surfactant, were evaluated to determine their effect on the release and bioactivity of proteins from electrospun scaffolds. Polycaprolactone (PCL) and poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO/PCL) blends were evaluated where PEO, a hydrophilic polymer, was shown to enhance the incorporation of proteins. Electrospun scaffolds prepared with the addition of the nonionic surfactant Span® 80 at a concentration greater than the critical micelle concentration followed by mild sonication (10% amplitude) released lysozyme, the model protein, with a higher level of bioactivity as compared with other surfactant and sonication conditions. These conditions were then used to prepare emulsions of platelet‐derived growth factor‐BB (PDGF‐BB) in PEO/PCL blends. Electrospun mats prepared by emulsions consisting of PDGF‐BB incorporated with Span® 80 and sonicated at 10% amplitude exhibited a controlled release of PDGF‐BB over 96 h as compared with a more rapid release from solutions that were not emulsified (Direct Addition) or emulsions that did not receive Span® 80 or sonication. Bioactive PDGF‐BB incorporated in electrospun scaffolds enhanced the osteogenic differentiation of human mesenchymal stem cells as evidenced by increased alkaline phosphatase activity, improved cell attachment and reorganized cytoskeletal filaments. The findings in this study provide improved methods for achieving controlled release of bioactive proteins from electrospun materials. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 102A: 674–684, 2014.
Alternating block polyurethanes based on PCL and PEG as potential nerve regeneration materials
Authors: Li Guangyao , Li Dandan , Niu Yuqing , He Tao , Chen Kevin C. , Xu Kaitian
Published: March 2013

Polyurethanes with regular and controlled block arrangement, i.e., alternating block polyurethanes (abbreviated as PUCL‐alt‐PEG) based on poly(ε‐caprolactone) (PCL‐diol) and poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) was prepared via selectively coupling reaction between PCL‐diol and diisocyanate end‐capped PEG. Chemical structure, molecular weight, distribution, and thermal properties were systematically characterized by FTIR, 1H NMR, GPC, DSC, and TGA. Hydrophilicity was studied by static contact angle of H2O and CH2I2. Film surface was observed by scanning electron microscope (SEM) and atomic force microscopy, and mechanical properties were assessed by universal test machine. Results show that alternating block polyurethanes give higher crystal degree, higher mechanical properties, and more hydrophilic and rougher (deep ravine) surface than their random counterpart, due to regular and controlled structure. Platelet adhesion illustrated that PUCL‐alt‐PEG has better hemocompatibility and the hemacompatibility was affected significantly by PEG content. Excellent hemocompatibility was obtained with high PEG content. CCK‐8 assay and SEM observation revealed much better cell compatibility of fibroblast L929 and rat glial cells on the alternating block polyurethanes than that on random counterpart. Alternating block polyurethane PUC20‐a‐E4 with optimized composition, mechanical, surface properties, hemacompatibility, and highest cell growth and proliferation was achieved for potential use in nerve regeneration. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 102A: 685–697, 2014.
AKT primes snail‐induced EMT concomitantly with the collective migration of squamous cell carcinoma cells
Authors: Okui Gaku , Tobiume Kei , Rizqiawan Andra , Yamamoto Kazuhiro , Shigeishi Hideo , Ono Shigehiro , Higashikawa Koichiro , Kamata Nobuyuki
Published: March 2013

In this study, we found that wounding of a confluent monolayer of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) cells induced epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) specifically at the edge of the wound. This process required the combined stimulation of TGFβ, TNFα, and PDGF‐D. Such a combined cytokine treatment of confluent monolayers of the cells upregulated the expression levels of Snail and Slug via PI3K. The PI3K downstream effector, AKT, was dispensable for the upregulation of Snail and Slug, but essential for enabling EMT in response to upregulation of Snail and Slug. J. Cell. Biochem. 114: 2039–2049, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Tanshinone IIA inhibits breast cancer stem cells growth in vitro and in vivo through attenuation of IL‐6/STAT3/NF‐kB signaling pathways
Authors: Lin Caiyu , Wang Li , Wang Hong , Yang Liuqi , Guo Huijie , Wang Xiujie
Published: March 2013

Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are maintained by inflammatory cytokines and signaling pathways. Tanshinone IIA (Tan‐IIA) possesses anti‐cancer and anti‐inflammatory activities. The purpose of this study is to confirm the growth inhibition effect of Tan‐IIA on human breast CSCs growth in vitro and in vivo and to explore the possible mechanism of its activity. Human breast CSCs were enriched and expanded under serum‐free mammosphere culture condition, and identified through mammosphere formation, toluidine blue staining, immunofluorescence staining, and flow cytometry analysis of stemness markers of CD44/CD24 and ALDH, and tumorigenecity in vivo; the growth inhibition effect of Tan‐IIA on human breast CSCs in vitro were tested by cell proliferation and mammosphere formation assays; inflammatory signaling pathway related protein expression in response to Tan‐IIA, IL‐6, STAT3, phospho‐STAT3 (Tyr705), NF‐κBp65 in cytoplasm and nucleus and cyclin D1 were evaluated with Western blotting; the growth inhibition effect of Tan‐IIA on human breast CSCs growth were tested in vivo. A useful model of human breast CSCs for researching and developing the agents targeting CSCs was established. After Tan‐IIA treatment, cell proliferation and mammosphere formation of CSCs were decreased significantly; the expression levels of IL‐6, STAT3, phospho‐STAT3 (Tyr705), NF‐κBp65 in nucleus and cyclin D1 proteins were decreased significantly; the tumor growth and mean tumor weight were reduced significantly. Tan‐IIA has the potential to target and kill CSCs, and can inhibit human breast CSCs growth both in vitro and in vivo through attenuation of IL‐6/STAT3/NF‐kB signaling pathways. J. Cell. Biochem. 114: 2061–2070, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
SOCS‐1/3 participation in FGF‐2 signaling to modulate RANK ligand expression in paget's disease of bone
Authors: Sundaram Kumaran , Senn Joseph , Reddy Sakamuri V.
Published: March 2013

Paget's disease of bone (PDB) is a chronic focal skeletal disorder characterized by excessive bone resorption followed by disorganized new bone formation. Measles virus nucleocapsid (MVNP) is implicated in pathogenesis of PDB. RANK ligand (RANKL), a critical osteoclastogenic factor expressed on bone marrow stromal/preosteoblast cells is upregulated in PDB. We recently demonstrated that fibroblast growth factor‐2 (FGF‐2) which induces RANKL expression is elevated in PDB. In this study, we hypothesized that FGF‐2 modulates suppressors of cytokine signaling (SOCS) to induce RANKL expression in PDB. We identified increased levels of SOCS‐1/3 mRNA expression in bone marrow mononuclear cells derived from patients with PDB compared to normal subjects. Interestingly, conditioned media obtained from MVNP transduced osteoclast progenitor cells significantly increased SOCS‐1/3 mRNA expression in stromal/preosteoblast cells. We next examined if SOCS participates in FGF‐2 signaling to modulate RANKL gene expression. We showed that FGF‐2 stimulation significantly increased SOCS‐1/3 expression in human bone marrow stromal/preosteoblast cells. In addition, co‐expression of SOCS‐1/3 with hRANKL gene promoter‐luciferase reporter plasmid in marrow stromal cells demonstrated a significant increase in promoter activity without FGF‐2 stimulation. Furthermore, siRNA inhibition of STAT‐1 suppresses FGF‐2 increased SOCS‐1/3 expression in these cells. Thus, our results suggest that SOCS participates in FGF‐2 modulation of RANKL expression in PDB. J. Cell. Biochem. 114: 2032–2038, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
MicroRNA miR‐24 promotes cell proliferation by targeting the CDKs inhibitors p27Kip1 and p16INK4a
Authors: Giglio Simona , Cirombella Roberto , Amodeo Rachele , Portaro Luciano , Lavra Luca , Vecchione Andrea
Published: March 2013

Cell cycle progression is controlled by numerous mechanisms ensuring correct cell division. The transition from one cell cycle phase to another occurs in an orderly fashion and is regulated by different cellular proteins. Therefore an alteration of the regulatory mechanisms of the cell cycle results in uncontrolled cell proliferation, which is a distinctive feature of human cancers. Recent evidences suggest that microRNAs (miRs) may also control the levels of multiple cell cycle regulators and therefore control cell proliferation. In fact miRs are a class of small non‐coding RNAs, which modulate gene expression. They are involved in numerous physiological cellular processes and most importantly accumulating evidence indicates that many miRs are aberrantly expressed in human cancers. In this report we describe that miR‐24 directly targets p27Kip1 and p16Ink4a in primary keratinocyte and in different cancer derived cell lines promoting their proliferation, suggesting that miR‐24 is involved in cyclin‐dependent kinase inhibitors post‐transcriptional regulation and that upregulation of miR‐24 may play a role in carcinogenesis. J. Cell. Physiol. 228: 2015–2023, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Dimethylformamide Catalyzed Synthesis of Novel Heterocycles—Their Characterization and Antimicrobial Evaluation
Authors: Dabholkar Vijay V. , Patil Sunil R. , Pandey Rajesh V.
Published: March 2013

Indandione 1 was brominated to yield 2‐bromoIndandione 2, which further reacted with substituted thiocarbamides, carbamides, 2‐aminothiophenols, 2‐aminophenol, and triazole to furnished 3‐substituted aniline‐2‐thia‐4‐aza‐6,7‐benzo‐8‐oxo‐bicyclo[3.3.0]‐1(5),3‐octadiene 3, 3‐substituted aniline‐2‐oxa‐4‐aza‐6,7‐benzo‐8‐oxo‐bicyclo[3.3.0]‐1(5),3‐octadiene 4, 2‐Thia‐5‐aza‐9‐oxo‐3,4‐(3′‐substituted) benzo‐7,8‐benzo‐bicyclo[4.3.0]‐1(6) nonene 5, 2‐oxa‐5‐aza‐9‐oxo‐(3, 4)‐(7,8)‐dibenzo‐bicyclo[4.3.0]‐1(6) nonene 6, 3′‐substituted‐(1′,2′,4′)triazolo[5,6‐b][indeno(2,3‐e)]‐1,3,4‐thiadiazine 7, respectively. The structures of compounds were elucidated on the basis of spectral techniques, further the representative compounds were screened for their antimicrobial activity.
N‐Fluorobenzenesulfonimide as Catalyst for the Three‐Component Synthesis of Isoquinuclidines
Authors: Wu D. , He Y‐H. , Deng X. , Guan Z.
Published: March 2013

N‐Fluorobenzenesulfonimide was used for the first time as a catalyst to carry out the three‐component synthesis of isoquinuclidines with the use of various cyclohexenone (1), benzaldehydes (2), and anilines (3). The yields up to 80% and the endo/exo stereoselectivity ratios up to 19:81 were achieved.
Synthesis and Antimicrobial Activity of N‐[(2Z)‐3‐(4,6‐Substitutedpyrimidin‐2‐yl)‐4‐phenyl‐1,3‐thiazol‐2(3H)‐ylidene]‐3, 5‐dinitrobenzamide Analogues
Authors: Saeed Sohail , Hussain Rizwan , Ali Muhammad
Published: March 2013

In this study, we have synthesized 1‐(4,6‐disubstitutedpyrimidin‐2‐yl)‐3‐(3,5‐dinitrobenzoyl)‐thiourea derivatives (1a, 1b, 1c, 1d, 1e, 1f, 1g, 1h) and N‐[(2Z)‐3‐(4,6‐disubstitutedpyrimidin‐2‐yl)‐4‐phenyl‐1,3‐thiazol‐2(3H)‐ylidene]‐3, 5‐dinitrobenzamide (2a‐2h) analogues and characterized by IR spectroscopy, NMR spectroscopy, elemental analysis, and single crystal X‐ray diffraction data. The compounds (2a‐2h) were screened for antimicrobial activity against Gram positive, Gram negative, and fungal species. The results of antimicrobial study indicated that compounds showed most potential and appreciable antibacterial and antifungal activities.
Synthesis and Biological Activity of a Novel Pentacyclic Heterocycle
Authors: Das Biswanath , Satyakumar Avula , Ravikanth Bommena , Rao Bommena Vittal , Raju Tuniki Venugopal , Siddhardha Busi , Murty Upadyayula Suryanaryana
Published: March 2013

A novel pentacyclic heterocycle has been synthesized starting from D‐glucose involving two crucial conversions: the intramolecular cycloaddition of O‐allyloxy furanaldoxime derived from D‐glucose to furanopyran‐2‐isoxazoline and its diastereoselective reductive cleavage to the corresponding cis‐1,3‐amino alcohol. The antibacterial and antifungal activities of the synthesized heterocycle have been examined.
Changes in hospitals' credentialing requirements for board certification from 2005 to 2010
Authors: Freed Gary L. , Dunham Kelly M. , Gebremariam Acham
Published: March 2013

OBJECTIVE

In 2005, we conducted a study of the prevalence of board certification requirements for hospital privileging and found that one‐third of hospitals did not require pediatricians to be board certified. In 2010, the American Board of Pediatrics implemented the Maintenance of Certification (MOC) program. To examine changes in the policies of hospitals regarding requirements for board certification, we surveyed privileging personnel at hospitals across the country.

STUDY DESIGN

Telephone survey between April 2010 and June 2010 of privileging personnel at a random sample of 220 hospitals.

RESULTS

Of the 220 hospitals, 23 were ineligible because they had no pediatricians on staff, and 26 hospitals refused to participate. The remaining 154 hospitals completed the survey, resulting in a 78% participation rate. Compared with our findings in 2005, in 2010 a greater proportion of hospitals now require board certification for general pediatricians (80% vs 67%, P = 0.141) and pediatric subspecialists (86% vs 71%, P = 0.048). Among these hospitals, a larger proportion (24% vs 4%) now requires board certification for all pediatricians at the point of initial privileging. However, a greater proportion of hospitals reported that they make exceptions to their board certification policies (99% vs 41%).

CONCLUSION

In the 5 years since our previous study, a larger proportion of hospitals now require pediatricians to be board certified, although the proportion of hospitals that make exceptions to this policy has increased twofold. Hospitals appear to be incorporating the MOC program into their privileging policies. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2013;8:298–303. © 2013 Society of Hospital Medicine
Granulocytes of reptilian sauropsids contain beta‐defensin‐like peptides: A comparative ultrastructural survey
Authors: Alibardi Lorenzo
Published: March 2013

The ability of lizards to withstand infections after wounding or amputation of the tail or limbs has suggested the presence of antimicrobial peptides in their tissues. Previous studies on the lizard Anolis carolinensis have identified several beta‐defensin‐like peptides that may potentially be involved in protection from infections. The present ultrastructural immunocytochemical study has analyzed tissues in different reptilian species in order to localize the cellular source of one of the more expressed beta‐defensins previously sequenced in lizard indicated as AcBD15. Beta‐defensin‐like immunoreactivity is present in some of the larger, nonspecific granules of granulocytes in two lizard species, a snake, the tuatara, and a turtle. The ultrastructural study indicates that only heterophilic and basophilic granulocytes contain this defensin while other cell types from the epidermis, mesenchyme, and dermis, muscles, nerves, cartilage or bone are immunonegative. The study further indicates that not all granules in reptilian granulocytes contain the beta‐defensin peptide, suggesting the presence of granules with different content as previously indicated for mammalian neutrophilic leucocytes. No immunolabeling was instead observed in granulocytes of the alligator and chick using this antibody. The present immunocytochemical observations suggest a broad cross‐reactivity and conservation of beta‐defensin‐like sequence or steric motif across lepidosaurians and likely in turtles while archosaurian granulocytes may contain different beta‐defensin‐like or other peptides. J. Morphol. 274:877–886, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Protein kinase CK2 enhances Mcl‐1 gene expression through the serum response factor‐mediated pathway in the rat hippocampus
Authors: Chang Chia‐Ming , Chao Chih Chang
Published: March 2013

The protein kinase CK2 (casein kinase 2) is a ubiquitous serine/threonine protein kinase that suppresses apoptosis. CK2 is composed of catalytic and regulatory subunits, and CK2‐dependent phosphorylation is a global mechanism in the inhibition of caspase signaling pathways. The serum response factor (SRF) is an important regulator of cell growth and differentiation. Although CK2 has been shown to phosphorylate SRF in vitro, the biological relevance of this interaction remains largely unclear. We observed increased SRF phosphorylation and increased Mcl‐1 gene expression in hippocampal CA1 neurons following transfection with a plasmid expressing the wild‐type CK2α (CK2αWT) protein, whereas transfection with a plasmid expressing a catalytically inactive mutant of CK2α (CK2α156A) reduced Mcl‐1 gene expression. Cotransfection with a plasmid expressing the inactive SRF99A mutant inhibited the CK2αWT‐induced upregulation of Mcl‐1 gene expression. The expression of either the CK2α156A or the SRF99A mutant also inhibited the glutamate‐induced upregulation of Mcl‐1 protein expression in PC12 cells. Our results suggest that CK2‐mediated signaling represents a cellular mechanism that may aid in the development of alternative therapeutic strategies to attenuate apoptosis in hippocampal neurons. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Ligand‐induced μ opioid receptor internalization in enteric neurons following chronic treatment with the opiate fentanyl
Authors: Anselmi Laura , Jaramillo Ingrid , Palacios Michelle , Huynh Jennifer , Sternini Catia
Published: March 2013

Morphine differs from most opiates its poor ability to internalize μ opioid receptors (μORs). However, chronic treatment with morphine produces adaptational changes at the dynamin level, which enhance the efficiency of acute morphine stimulation to promote μOR internalization in enteric neurons. This study tested the effect of chronic treatment with fentanyl, a μOR‐internalizing agonist, on ligand‐induced endocytosis and the expression of the intracellular trafficking proteins, dynamin and β‐arrestin, in enteric neurons using organotypic cultures of the guinea pig ileum. In enteric neurons from guinea pigs chronically treated with fentanyl, μOR immunoreactivity was predominantly at the cell surface after acute exposure to morphine with a low level of μOR translocation, slightly higher than in neurons from naïve animals. This internalization was not due to morphine's direct effect, because it was also observed in neurons exposed to medium alone. By contrast, D‐Ala2‐N‐Me‐Phe4‐Gly‐ol5‐enkephalin (DAMGO), a potent μOR‐internalizing agonist, induced pronounced and rapid μOR endocytosis in enteric neurons from animals chronically treated with fentanyl or from naïve animals. Chronic fentanyl treatment did not alter dynamin or β‐arrestin expression. These findings indicate that prolonged activation of μORs with an internalizing agonist such as fentanyl does not enhance the ability of acute morphine to trigger μOR endocytosis or induce changes in intracellular trafficking proteins, as observed with prolonged activation of μORs with a poorly internalizing agonist such as morphine. Cellular adaptations induced by chronic opiate treatment might be ligand dependent and vary with the agonist efficiency to induce receptor internalization. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Microsomal prostaglandin E synthase‐1 is induced in alzheimer's disease and its deletion mitigates alzheimer's disease‐like pathology in a mouse model
Authors: Akitake Yoshiharu , Nakatani Yoshihito , Kamei Daisuke , Hosokawa Masato , Akatsu Hiroyasu , Uematsu Satoshi , Akira Shizuo , Kudo Ichiro , Hara Shuntaro , Takahashi Mitsuo
Published: March 2013

Epidemiological studies have suggested that long‐term use of nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs that inhibit cyclooxygenase (COX) activity can moderate the onset or progression of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Thus it has been suggested that prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), a major end‐product of COX, may play a pathogenic role in AD, but the involvement of PGE synthase (PGES), a terminal enzyme downstream from COX, has not been fully elucidated. Here we found that, among three PGES enzymes, only microsomal PGES‐1 (mPGES‐1) is induced, and its expression is associated with β‐amyloid (Aβ) plaques in the cerebral cortex in human AD patients and in Tg2576 mice, a transgenic AD mouse model. Furthermore, to investigate whether mPGES‐1 contributes to AD‐like pathology, we bred mPGES‐1‐deficient mice with Tg2576 mice. We found that mPGES‐1 deletion reduced the accumulation of microglia around senile plaques and attenuated learning impairments in Tg2576 mice. These results indicated that mPGES‐1 is induced in the AD brain and thus plays a role in AD pathology. Blockage of mPGES‐1 could form the basis for a novel therapeutic strategy for patients with AD. Inc. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Sulfiredoxin‐1 protects PC12 cells against oxidative stress induced by hydrogen peroxide
Authors: Li Qiong , Yu Shanshan , Wu Jingxian , Zou Yanyang , Zhao Yong
Published: March 2013

Oxidative stress results in protein oxidation and is implicated in cerebral disease, such as Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, and ischemic stroke. Sulfiredoxin‐1 (Srxn1) is an endogenous antioxidant protein that has neuroprotective effects. The mechanisms of Srxn1 in oxidative stress have not been well studied, however. This study used 180 μM H2O2 exposure for 24 hr to model oxidative stress. This experimental design allowed us to explore the protective effects and underlying mechanisms of Srxn1 in PC12 cells. To investigate Srxn1's role in oxidative stress protection, transient knockdowns of Srxn1 in PC12 cells were performed prior to treatment with 180 μM H2O2 for 24 hr. Knockdown of Srxn1 resulted in decreased cell viability and increased cellular damage as determined by 3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)−2,5‐diphenyl tetrazolium bromide and lactate dehyrogenase analysis, respectively. Intracellular superoxide dismutase and glutathione are important indexes of oxidative stress; these were reduced in Srxn1 knockdown PC12. We further found that the decreased Srxn1 correlated with a reduction in 2‐Cys Prdxs activity. Moreover, 2‐Cys Prdxs protein levels were increased in the H2O2‐dosed cells, as measured by RT‐PCR and immunoblot analysis. These results suggested that Srxn1 can protect PC12 cells from H2O2‐induced oxidative stress and are involve in Prdxs activity. Srxn1 play a protective role against oxidative injury and demonstrates potential as a target for neuroprotective intervention in oxidative stress. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.