bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of Deep Brain Stimulation on Parkinson's Nonmotor Symptoms following Unilateral DBS: A Pilot Study
Authors: Hwynn Nelson , Ul Haq Ihtsham , Malaty Irene A. , Resnick Andrew S. , Dai Yunfeng , Foote Kelly D. , Fernandez Hubert H. , Wu Samuel S. , Oyama Genko , Jacobson Charles E. , Kim Sung K. , Okun Michael S.
Published: December 2011

Parkinson’s disease (PD) management has traditionally focused largely on motor symptoms. Deep brain stimulation (DBS) of the subthalamic nucleus (STN) and globus pallidus internus (GPi) are effective treatments for motor symptoms. Nonmotor symptoms (NMSs) may also profoundly affect the quality of life. The purpose of this pilot study was to evaluate NMS changes pre- and post-DBS utilizing two recently developed questionnaires.Methods. NMS-Q (questionnaire) and NMS-S (scale) were administered to PD patients before/after unilateral DBS (STN/GPi targets).Results. Ten PD patients (9 STN implants, 1 GPi implant) were included. The three most frequent NMS symptoms identified utilizing NMS-Q in pre-surgical patients were gastrointestinal (100%), sleep (100%), and urinary (90%). NMS sleep subscore significantly decreased (−1.6 points ± 1.8, ). The three most frequent NMS symptoms identified in pre-surgical patients using NMS-S were gastrointestinal (90%), mood (80%), and cardiovascular (80%). The largest mean decrease of NMS scores was seen in miscellaneous symptoms (pain, anosmia, weight change, and sweating) (−7 points ± 8.7), and cardiovascular/falls (−1.9, ).Conclusion. Non-motor symptoms improved on two separate questionnaires following unilateral DBS for PD. Future studies are needed to confirm these findings and determine their clinical significance as well as to examine the strengths/weaknesses of each questionnaire/scale.
Large Inclusion Cyst Complicating Female Genital Mutilation
Authors: Aziem-AbdAllah-Ali Abdel , Mohammed Abdalla Ali , Ali Awadia Khojali Mohammed
Published: December 2011

We report a case of an inclusion cyst, resulting from female genital mutilation (FGM), which enlarged to such a degree that it restricted the patient’s movement. This report aims to raise the awareness of the medical community to the dangers that arise from a common remote complication of FGM.
Haematological changes in Bufo maculatus treated with sublethal concentrations of Cadmium
Authors: Ezemonye Lawrence Ikechukwu , Enuneku Alex Ajeh
Published: December 2011

Adult Bufo maculatus was exposed to sublethal cadmium concentrations of 0.25, 0.50, 1.00 and 2.00 mg/L. The toxicant from which the cadmium concentrations were prepared was cadmium chloride (CdCl2.H2O). There were three replicate tanks per treatment and three individuals per tank including control groups. The hematologic alterations based on the examination of blood indices during the 28 days of exposure showed that total erythrocyte count (TEC), hematocrit (Hct) and hemoglobin (Hb) concentration decreased (P<0.05) relative to controls. The decline was concentration- dependent as concentration of cadmium increased. The decline in hemoglobin and hematocrit in the experimental organism could be due to a decrease in the synthesis or release of erythrocytes into the circulation or an increase in the rate of erythrocyte destruction inflicted by cadmium toxicity. There was significant (P<0.05) elevation in total leuko- leukocyte count (TLC) with increase in the concen- cyte concentration of cadmium. The increase in total leukocyte count observed in this study could be attributed to a stimulation of the immune system in response to tissue damage caused by cadmium toxicity. The study has shown that the exposure of the Bufo maculatus toad to cadmium can inflict alterations in the hematologic indices, which could induce unfavorable physiological changes in the amphibian, which may lead to death. There is, therefore, the need to protect amphibians in order to sustain the biodiversity in the Nigerian Niger Delta ecological zone.
Monitoring Maternal Beta Carotene and Retinol Consumption May Decrease the Incidence of Neurodevelopmental Disorders in Offspring
Authors: Goldberg Joel S.
Published: December 2011

Retinoic acids (13-cis and 13-trans) are known teratogens, and their precursor is retinol, a form of vitamin A. In 1995, Rothman et al demonstrated an association between excessive vitamin A, > 10,000 IU/day, during the first trimester of pregnancy and teratogenic effects, particularly in the central nervous system. However, vitamin A deficiency has long been known to be deleterious to the mother and fetus. Therefore, there may be a narrow therapeutic ratio for vitamin A during pregnancy that has not previously been fully appreciated. Neurodevelopmental disorders may not be apparent by macroscopic brain examination or imaging, and proving the existence of a behavioral teratogen is not straightforward. However, an excess of retinoic acid and some neurodevelopmental disorders are both associated with abnormalities in cerebellar morphology. Physical and chemical evidence strongly supports the notion that beta carotene crosses the placenta and is metabolized to retinol. Only very limited amounts of beta carotene are stored in fetal fat cells as evidenced by the fact that maternal fat is yellow from beta carotene, whereas non-brown neonatal fat is white. Furthermore, newborns of carotenemic mothers do not share the yellow complexion of their mothers. The excess 13-trans retinoic acid derived from metabolized beta carotene in the fetus increases the concentration of the more teratogenic 13-cis retinoic acid since the isomerization equilibrium is shifted to the left. Therefore, this paper proposes that consideration be given to monitoring all potential sources of fetal 13-cis and 13-trans retinoic acid, including nutritional supplements, dietary retinol, and beta carotene, particularly in the first trimester of pregnancy.
Intensive and extensive nitrogen loss from intertidal permeable sediments of the Wadden Sea
Authors: Gao Hang , Matyka Maciej , Liu Bo , Khalili Arzhang , Kostka Joel E. , Collins Gavin , Jansen Stefan , Holtappels Moritz , Jensen Marlene M. , Badewien Thomas H. , Beck Melanie , Grunwald Maik , de Beer Dirk , Lavik Gaute , Kuypers Marcel M. M.
Published: December 2011

Nitrogen (N) loss rates were determined in permeable sediments of the Wadden Sea using a combination of stable N isotope incubation experiments and model simulation approaches during three seasons. Three different incubation methods that employed the isotope pairing technique were used: intact core incubations simulating either (1) diffusive or (2) advective transport conditions and (3) slurry incubations. N loss rates from core incubations under simulated advective transport conditions exceeded those rates measured under diffusive transport conditions by 1–2 orders of magnitude, but were comparable to those observed in slurry incubations. N loss rates generally showed little seasonal and spatial variation (207 ± 30 µmol m−2 h−1) in autumn 2006 and spring and summer 2007. Utilizing an extensive time series of nutrient concentrations and current velocities obtained from a continuous monitoring station, nitrate and nitrite (i.e., NO−x) flux into the sediment was modeled over a full annual cycle. Fluxes were sufficient to support the experimentally derived N loss rates. Combining the measured rates with the modeled results, an annual N removal rate of 745 ± 109 mmol N m−;2 yr−1 was estimated for permeable sediments of the Wadden Sea. This rate agrees well with previous N loss estimates for the Wadden Sea based on N budget calculations. Permeable sediments, accounting for 58–70% of the continental shelf area, are an important N sink and their contribution to the global N loss budget should be reevaluated.
Influence of Selected Personal Characteristics on Florida Master Gardener’s Instructional Efficacy
Authors: Strong Robert , Harder Amy
Published: December 2011

With increased budget cuts and a shortage of funding sources, Cooperative Extension must have a reliable group of proficient volunteers to carry–out organizational goals. Developing an understanding of volunteer abilities will assist extension agents in preparing and utilizing volunteers. Self–efficacy theory provided the theoretical framework of this study. The purpose of this study was to develop an understanding of the teaching self–efficacy of Florida Master Gardeners. The questionnaire included the instructional efficacy construct from the Teacher Sense of Efficacy Scale (TSES) and questions about participant demographics. The sampled population was 613 adult Master Gardeners with a total response rate of 86%. The majority of participants were women, white, earned some type of higher education degree, and 56 years old or older. Participants felt at least “some influence” in their effective teaching responsibility as a volunteer educator. Education was the sole demographic characteristic that had a significant effect on instructional efficacy. Proficiently training and retaining adults as volunteer educators in the Master Gardener program extends the reach of Cooperative Extension throughout Florida’s communities.
Purposes, Activities, and Documentation of Early Field Experience in Agricultural Teacher Education: A National Delphi Study
Authors: Smalley Scott W. , Retallick Michael S.
Published: December 2011

The purpose of this Delphi study was to identify the purpose, expected outcomes, and methods of documenting preservice teacher early field experience (EFE) activities in agricultural teacher education programs. A Delphi technique was used to electronically collect data via email and SurveyMonkey®. An expert panel was established and after three rounds of questioning, the panel identified 16 purpose statements, 14 activities and 9 methods of documenting EFE. The findings of this study, as established by a panel of experts who reached consensus, indicated that EFE should be documented via a combination of journaling and portfolio development. The verification of these documents should be completed by the cooperating teacher and through university assessments. Documentation of an EFE experience can be accomplished through journaling, cooperating teacher signature, reflective paper or a review of collective documents. The results of this study can be used to modify and improve EFE by clarifying the purpose, activities and ways of documented activities in agricultural teacher education programs. This study will aid the profession in providing a more congruent EFE experience for preservice teachers.
A Qualitative Study of Agricultural Literacy in Urban Youth: What Do Elementary Students Understand about the Agri–food System?
Authors: Hess Alexander J. , Trexler Cary J.
Published: December 2011

Agricultural literacy of K–12 students is a national priority for both scientific and agricultural education professional organizations. Development of curricula to address this priority has not been informed by research on what K–12 students understand about the agri–food system. While students’ knowledge of food and fiber system facts have been studied, in–depth research into broader student understandings of the system have largely been ignored. This study employed semi–structured interviews to compare urban elementary students' understandings with nationally developed benchmarks for agri–food system literacy. Findings indicate that no participant had ever grown their own food, raised a plant, or cared for an animal. Participation in school fieldtrips to farms or a visit to a relative’s garden were the most frequently mentioned agricultural experience. Participants could readily name common food items, but could not accurately elaborate on the origins of common foods. Post–production activities, like food processing, were not well understood. Students’ agriculturally related experiences did not appear to influence their understanding about where food comes from or what happens to food as it travels from farm to plate.
Effects of a Recruitment Workshop on Selected Urban High School Students’ Self–efficacy and Attitudes toward Agriculture as a Subject, College Major, and Career
Authors: Fraze Lacee Brianne , Wigenbach Gary , Rutherford Tracy , Wolfskill Lawrence A.
Published: December 2011

The purpose of this study was to determine if selected high school students’ participation in a summer agricultural communications workshop affected their self–efficacy and attitudes toward agriculture as a subject, college major, and/or as a career. Data were gathered from an accessible population (N = 145), from which a purposive sample (n = 94) was derived. Data were collected with researcher–developed questionnaires, adapted from Mitchell’s (1993) study of Ohio State University minority students’ knowledge, perceptions, and career aspirations related to agriculture. Results indicated that urban students’ pre–workshop attitudes were positive toward agriculture as a subject, college major, and as a career, and were significantly more positive after participation in the summer agricultural communications workshops. Students may be more likely to study agriculture, pursue college majors in agriculture, and choose agricultural careers if they favorably viewed teachers’ workshop participation and/or their friends successfully completing workshop tasks. Additional research should be conducted on the importance of teacher influence on a student’s self–efficacy in agricultural science subjects.
Soil-Air exchange controls on background atmospheric concentrations of organochlorine pesticides
Authors: Cabrerizo A. , Dachs J. , Jones K. C. , Barceló D.
Published: December 2011

Abstract. Soils are the major terrestrial reservoir of persistent organic pollutants, and thus net volatilization from soil, when it happens, may exert a control on the atmospheric occurrence and variability of organic pollutants. Here, we report and discuss the concentrations of legacy organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) such as hexachlorobenzene (HCB), hexaclorocyclohexanes (HCH) and dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) in the atmosphere and in soils, their measured fugacities in soil, the soil-air partition coefficients (KSA) and soil-air fugacity ratios (fs/fa) in rural background areas of N-NE Spain and N-NW England. Four sampling campaigns were carried out in Spain and UK to assess seasonal variability and differences between sampling sites. KSA values were significantly dependent on soil temperature and soil organic matter quantity, and to a minor extent on organic matter type. HCH isomers and DDT metabolites in soil are close to equilibrium with the overlying atmosphere at rural background areas of Spain with a tendency to volatilize and deposit during warm and cold periods, respectively. The mixture of HCH and DDT found in the atmosphere is clearly strongly influenced by the mixture of HCH and DDT which escapes from soil, with significant correlations between them (r2 ranging between 0.63–0.76 and p-level<0.001 for the Ebro sampling sites), thus suggesting a close coupling of air and soil concentrations, demonstrating that net volatilization from soil control the atmospheric levels of OCPs in the Northern Spain background atmosphere. Conversely, soils at rural UK sites were usually a sink for atmospheric DDT and HCH, but not for HCB. The negative statistically significant relationship found between log KSA and the log (fs/fa) ratio, suggests that high latitude regions, due to the high soil organic matter content and lower temperatures, will act as larger traps and accumulate more atmospheric OCPs. Thus, the extent to which soils are secondary sources to the atmosphere is currently dependent on the reservoir potential of soils for OCPs and shows a marked seasonality in their strength.
History of EISCAT – Part 1: On the early history of EISCAT with special reference to the Swedish part of it
Authors: Hultqvist B.
Published: December 2011

Abstract. The paper describes the early history of EISCAT, from the very first ideas and Nordic contacts in the late 1960s to the end of the main development phase, when the facility had become a very advanced and reliable research instrument and its users had developed full competence in the second half of the 1980s. The preparation of the ''Green Book'', the Beynon meeting in London in 1973 and the activities started there, the first EISCAT Council meeting, the ''technical period'' 1976–1981, the inauguration in 1981 and the decade of improvements in most of the 1980s are described as seen from the Swedish point of view.
Reduction of Turbidity of Water Using Locally Available Natural Coagulants
Authors: Asrafuzzaman Md. , Fakhruddin A. N. M. , Hossain Md. Alamgir
Published: December 2011

Turbidity imparts a great problem in water treatment. Moringa oleifera, Cicer arietinum, and Dolichos lablab were used as locally available natural coagulants in this study to reduce turbidity of synthetic water. The tests were carried out, using artificial turbid water with conventional jar test apparatus. Optimum mixing intensity and duration were determined. After dosing water-soluble extracts of Moringa oleifera, Cicer arietinum, and Dolichos lablab reduced turbidity to 5.9, 3.9, and 11.1 nephelometric turbidity unit (NTU), respectively, from 100 NTU and 5, 3.3, and 9.5, NTU, respectively, after dosing and filtration. Natural coagulants worked better with high, turbid, water compare to medium, or low, turbid, water. Highest turbidity reduction efficiency (95.89%) was found with Cicer arietinum. About 89 to 96% total coliform reduction were also found with natural coagulant treatment of turbid water. Using locally available natural coagulants, suitable, easier, and environment friendly options for water treatment were observed.
Development and evaluation of a novel ultrasound score for large joints in rheumatoid arthritis: One year of experience in daily clinical practice
Authors: Hartung Wolfgang , Kellner Herbert , Strunk Johannes , Sattler Horst , Schmidt Wolfgang A. , Ehrenstein Boris , Fleck Martin , Backhaus Marina
Published: December 2011

Objective

To introduce and evaluate a new standardized ultrasound (US) score developed for large joints in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Methods

A US score was designed to determine the degree of inflammation in the shoulder, the elbow, the hip, and the knee joint in patients with RA (Sonography of Large Joints in Rheumatology [SOLAR] score). Synovitis and synovial vascularity were scored semiquantitatively (grade 0–3) by gray‐scale US (GSUS) and power Doppler US (PDUS). Patients with RA were examined at baseline and 3, 6, and 12 months after initiation of local or systemic therapy (disease‐modifying antirheumatic drugs [DMARDs]/biologic agents). Erythrocyte sedimentation rate, anti–cyclic citrullinated peptide antibodies, and the clinical Disease Activity Score in 28 joints (DAS28) were determined.

Results

A cohort of 199 patients were analyzed and followed up over 12 months. At baseline, before modification of the therapy, patients received either DMARDs (n = 131), DMARDs plus biologic agents (n = 46), biologic monotherapy (n = 8), or no DMARD therapy (n = 14). At baseline, the mean DAS28 score was 4.6 and decreased to 3.2 after 1 year of therapy (P < 0.001). All US scores demonstrated a statistically significant improvement except for the PDUS scores for the shoulder and the hip. In detail, the mean synovitis GSUS score for the knee decreased from 5.2 at baseline to 2.2 after 12 months of followup. The mean GSUS score for the shoulder fell from 2.6 to 1.6, for the elbow fell from 5.2 to 2.6, and for the hip fell from 2.2 to 0.4 (P < 0.05 for each).

Conclusion

The SOLAR score is a feasible tool for the qualitative and quantitative evaluation of large joint involvement in patients with RA using US.
Initial Attatchment of rMSC and MG‐63 Cells on Patterned Bioglass® Substrates
Authors: Detsch Rainer , Guillon Olivier , Wondraczek Lothar , Boccaccini Aldo R.
Published: December 2011

A soft lithography technique was used to introduce surface patterns on the surface of sintered bioactive glass substrates. Osteoblast‐like MG‐63 cells and rat mesenchymal stem cells (rMSC) seeded on micropatterned bioactive glass surfaces showed different behavior with rMSC exhibiting a better initial attachment than MG‐63 cells. Both cytoskeleton formation and cell spreading of rMSC were supported by the bioactive surfaces. In addition, the structured surfaces seemed to guide MG‐63 cells to a larger extent than rMSC. The in vitro results are important considering the continuous development of bone tissue scaffolds based on silicate bioactive glasses.
Pipetting Nanowires: In Situ Visualization of Solid‐State Nanowire‐to‐Nanoparticle Transformation Driven by Surface Diffusion‐Mediated Capillarity
Authors: Toimil‐Molares Maria Eugenia , Röntzsch Lars , Sigle Wilfried , Heinig Karl‐Heinz , Trautmann Christina , Neumann Reinhard
Published: December 2011

The most interesting applications of nanotubes include their use as storage media for atoms and small molecules, as nanoscale capsules for chemical reactions, and as nanopipettes for material delivery. The geometrical transformation of metallic copper nanowires, confined in graphitic coating, into crystalline nanoparticles of up to tenfold increased diameter is reported. In situ transmission electron microscopy images at 500 °C, recorded as movies, provide an exceptional real‐time visualization of Cu draining out of the carbon coating. The solid content of the carbon tube is effectively evacuated over micrometer distances towards the open end, transforming each nanowire into a single monocrystalline, facetted Cu particle. Kinetic Monte Carlo simulations propose that this dramatic morphological transformation is driven by surface diffusion of Cu atoms along the wire/tube interface, thus minimizing the total free energy of the system.
Influence of various wood modifications on the properties of polyvinyl chloride/wood flour composites
Authors: Müller Marcus , Radovanovic Itana , Grüneberg Timo , Militz Holger , Krause Andreas
Published: December 2011

Aminosilane, melamine and acetic anhydride treated wood flour were added to polyvinyl chloride (PVC) in order to process improved PVC/wood flour composites. The influence of wood treatment on water absorption and mechanical properties were evaluated. Treatments with amino‐alkyl functional oligomeric siloxane and melamine in suitable concentration as well as acetylated wood flour composites showed decreased equilibrium moisture content and reduced speed of water absorption. Tensile strength, elongation at break and unnotched impact strength were considerably improved by the aminosilane treatments. The increase in strength and elongation was mainly influenced by the chemical structure and concentration of the used aminosilanes. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Synthesis and characterization of CdxZn1−xO nanoparticles‐doped aryl poly ether ether ketone for novel application potentials
Authors: Mahmoud Waleed E. , Shirbeeny W. , Al‐Ghamdi A. A. , Al‐Heniti S.
Published: December 2011

The influence of polymer on the structure, optical, electrical, and thermal properties of nanoscale fillers is a crucial clue to introduce these novel nanocomposites to service life applications. In the present work, different compositions of cadmium‐doped zinc oxide (CdxZn1−xO) nanopowders, x = 0.1, 0.3, and 0.5, with a uniform particle size of around 8 nm have been synthesized. A fixed amount, 1 wt %, of the prepared nanopowders was blended with aryl poly ether ether ketone (PEEK) by solution mixing to prepare PEEK/CdxZn1−xO nanocomposite films. The structure and morphology of CdxZn1−xO nanopowders and PEEK/CdxZn1−xO nanocomposite films have been characterized using transmission electron microscopy and X‐ray diffraction. The results showed that the particle size of nanoscale filler decreases from 10 nm to 5–7 nm when mixed with PEEK and these nanocomposites have amorphous structure. The thermogravitational analysis results show that a small amount of CdxZn1−xO nanopowders (1 wt %) without surface modification can greatly improve the thermal stability of PEEK. The UV–vis spectra showed that there is absorption peak at 284 nm due to interband π−π* electronic transition. This absorption peak gets shifted toward the longer wavelength region as the concentration of cadmium ions increase in the PEEK matrix. This red shift results in a decrease of the band energy gap. The electrical conductivity of PEEK/CdxZn1−xO nanocomposite films was increased as the cadmium ion increases. The results showed that PEEK/CdxZn1−xO nanocomposite films can be used in thermostat and/or fire alarm devices. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Preparation of acid‐cleavable branched polymers for argon fluoride photoresists via reversible addition–fragmentation chain‐transfer polymerization
Authors: Sohn Hae‐Sung , Kim Dong‐Gyun , Lee Aeri , Lee Jae‐Woo , Kim Jeong‐Sik , Kim Jae‐Hyun , Lee Jong‐Chan
Published: December 2011

A series of branched polymers for chemically amplified resists (CARs) were prepared through the reversible addition–fragmentation chain‐transfer (RAFT) copolymerization of three monomers with lithographic functionalities and an acid‐cleavable dimethacrylate monomer. The three monomers with lithographic functionalities were 2‐ethyl‐2‐adamantyl methacrylate, α‐γ‐butyrolactone methacrylate, and 3‐hydroxy‐1‐adamantyl methacrylate. The acid‐cleavable monomer was 2,5‐dimethyl‐2,5‐hexanediol dimethacrylate (DMHDMA), and 2‐cyanoprop‐2‐yl‐1‐dithionaphthalate was used as a chain‐transfer agent. Because DMHDMA contains two methacrylate groups, it induced the branched structures of the polymers. The degree of branching could be controlled by the molar fraction of DMHDMA in the monomer mixtures. The size and structure of the polymers obtained after hydrolysis were very close to those of linear polymers prepared by RAFT copolymerization with the same amount of reagents, only without the acid‐cleavable monomer. A preliminary lithography test using an argon fluoride source demonstrated that the acid‐cleavable branched polymers could be promising candidates for CAR materials. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Mechanical and tribological properties of epoxy modified by liquid carboxyl terminated poly(butadiene‐co‐acrylonitrile) rubber
Authors: Chonkaew Wunpen , Sombatsompop Narongrit
Published: December 2011

Diglycidyl ether of bisphenol A (DGEBA)‐based epoxy resin was modified using liquid carboxyl‐terminated poly(butadiene‐co‐acrylonitrile) (CTBN) rubber. The liquid CTBN contents used ranged from 2.5 to 20 parts per hundred parts of resin (phr). Mechanical properties of the modified resins were evaluated and the microstructures of the fracture surfaces were examined using SEM technique. The changes in storage modulus and the glass transition temperature were also evaluated using dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA). The tribological tests were performed using a ball‐on‐disc tribometer. The worn surfaces and the ball counter‐mates after tribological tests were investigated using optical microscope technique. The results revealed the influence of liquid CTBN content on mechanical and tribological properties, and also microstructure of the modified epoxy resins. Impact resistance increased whereas the storage modulus and the hardness decreased when the CTBN rubber was introduced to the epoxy network. The coefficient of friction of the CTBN‐modified epoxy was lower than that of the neat epoxy. The CTBN content of lower than 10 phr was recommended for improving the wear resistance of epoxy resin. Changes in tribological properties of the CTBN‐modified epoxy correspond well to those in mechanical changes, especially the toughness properties. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Rheological properties of PLGA‐PEG‐PLGA copolymers for ophthalmic injection
Authors: Wang Bochu , Cao Yang , Yang Lichun , Wang Yazhou
Published: December 2011

Polymer rheological property is one of intrinsic properties for the design and preparation of intravitreal injection systems. Rheological behaviors of thermosensitive poly(lactic acid‐co‐glycolic acid)‐poly(ethylene glycol)‐poly(lactic acid‐co‐glycolic acid) (PLGA‐PEG‐PLGA) triblock copolymers were investigated in this article. The rigidity phase angle (δ), elastic modulus (G′), viscous modulus (G″), and complex viscosity (η*) were determined. The injectability of polymers was evaluated as well. The results indicated both temperature and concentration were key parameters influencing elasticity of polymers. Owing to low complex viscosity (below 1 Pa s), PLGA‐PEG‐PLGA polymers can be successfully injected at room temperature. When the temperature was raised to 37°C, the complex viscosity increased (over 4 Pa s). Thus, suitable rheological properties (G′ > G″; tan δ < 1) were obtained for injection administration. Elastic modulus (G′), viscous modulus (G″), and complex viscosity (η*) were diminished when polymer solutions were ejected through syringe needles (25 gauge, G). Ejection force (from 4.21 to 19.42 N) was required in the process of injecting administration through syringe needles (24, 25, and 26 G) for polymer solutions at 20, 25, and 30% (w/v) concentration. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Methotrexate increases expression of cell cycle checkpoint genes via JNK activation
Authors: Spurlock Charles F. , Tossberg John T. , Fuchs Howard A. , Olsen Nancy J. , Aune Thomas M.
Published: December 2011

Objective

To assess defects in expression of critical cell cycle checkpoint genes and proteins in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) relative to presence or absence of methotrexate (MTX) treatment, and to investigate the role of JNK in induction of these genes by MTX.

Methods

Flow cytometric analysis was used to quantify changes in levels of intracellular proteins, measure reactive oxygen species (ROS), and determine apoptosis in different lymphoid populations. Quantitative reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction was used to identify changes in cell cycle checkpoint target genes.

Results

RA patients expressed reduced baseline levels of MAPK9, TP53, CDKN1A, CDKN1B, CHEK2, and RANGAP1 messenger RNA (mRNA) and JNK total protein. The reduction in expression of mRNA for MAPK9, TP53, CDKN1A, and CDKN1B was greater in patients not receiving MTX than in those receiving low‐dose MTX, with no difference in expression levels of CHEK2 and RANGAP1 mRNA between MTX‐treated and non–MTX‐treated patients. Further, JNK levels were inversely correlated with C‐reactive protein levels in RA patients. In tissue culture, MTX induced expression of both p53 and p21 by JNK‐2– and JNK‐1–dependent mechanisms, respectively, while CHEK2 and RANGAP1 were not induced by MTX. MTX also induced ROS production, JNK activation, and sensitivity to apoptosis in activated T cells. Supplementation with tetrahydrobiopterin blocked these MTX‐mediated effects.

Conclusion

Our findings support the notion that MTX restores some, but not all, of the proteins contributing to cell cycle checkpoint deficiencies in RA T cells, via a JNK‐dependent pathway.
Brief Report: Airways abnormalities and rheumatoid arthritis–related autoantibodies in subjects without arthritis: Early injury or initiating site of autoimmunity?
Authors: Demoruelle M. Kristen , Weisman Michael H. , Simonian Philip L. , Lynch David A. , Sachs Peter B. , Pedraza Isabel F. , Harrington Annie R. , Kolfenbach Jason R. , Striebich Christopher C. , Pham Quyen N. , Strickland Colin D. , Petersen Brian D. , Parish Mark C. , Derber Lezlie A. , Norris Jill M. , Holers V. Michael , Deane Kevin D.
Published: December 2011

Objective

To evaluate the presence of pulmonary abnormalities in rheumatoid arthritis (RA)–related autoantibody–positive subjects without inflammatory arthritis.

Methods

Forty‐two subjects who did not have inflammatory arthritis but were positive for anti–cyclic citrullinated peptide antibodies and/or ≥2 rheumatoid factor isotypes (a profile that is 96% specific for RA), 15 autoantibody‐negative controls, and 12 patients with established seropositive early RA (<1‐year duration) underwent spirometry and high‐resolution computed tomography (HRCT) lung imaging.

Results

The median age of autoantibody‐positive subjects was 54 years, 52% were female, and 38% were ever‐smokers; these characteristics were not significantly different from those of autoantibody‐negative control subjects. No autoantibody‐positive subject had inflammatory arthritis based on joint examination. HRCT revealed that 76% of autoantibody‐positive subjects had airways abnormalities including bronchial wall thickening, bronchiectasis, centrilobular opacities, and air trapping, compared with 33% of autoantibody‐negative controls (P = 0.005). The prevalence and type of lung abnormalities among autoantibody‐positive subjects were similar to those among patients with early RA. In 2 autoantibody‐positive subjects with airways disease, inflammatory arthritis classifiable as articular RA developed ∼13 months after the lung evaluation.

Conclusion

Airways abnormalities that are consistent with inflammation are common in autoantibody‐positive subjects without inflammatory arthritis and are similar to airways abnormalities seen in patients with early RA. These findings suggest that the lung may be an early site of autoimmune‐related injury and potentially a site of generation of RA‐related autoimmunity. Further studies are needed to define the mechanistic role of lung inflammation in the development of RA.
Polymorph‐Dependent Solid‐State Fluorescence and Selective Metal‐Ion‐Sensor Properties of 2‐(2‐Hydroxyphenyl)‐4(3H)‐quinazolinone
Authors: Anthony Savarimuthu Philip
Published: December 2011

2‐(2‐Hydroxy‐phenyl)‐4(3H)‐quinazolinone (HPQ), an organic fluorescent material that exhibits fluorescence by the excited‐state intramolecular proton‐transfer (ESIPT) mechanism, forms two different polymorphs in tetrahydrofuran. The conformational twist between the phenyl and quinazolinone rings ofHPQleads to different molecular packing in the solid state, giving structures that show solid‐state fluorescence at 497 and 511 nm.HPQalso shows intense fluorescence in dimethyl formamide (DMF) solution and selectively detects Zn2+ and Cd2+ ions at micromolar concentrations in DMF. Importantly,HPQnot only detects Zn2+ and Cd2+ ions selectively, but it also distinguishes between the metal ions with a fluorescence λmax that is blue‐shifted from 497 to 420 and 426 nm for Zn2+ and Cd2+ ions, respectively. Hence, tunable solid‐state fluorescence and selective metal‐ion‐sensor properties were demonstrated in a single organic material.
Minimum Variance Adaptive Control of A Servo Drive with Unknown Structure and Parameters
Authors: Horla Dariusz
Published: December 2011

This paper presents an adaptive controller with real‐time simultaneous estimation of coefficients and orders of the plant polynomials in the reference signal tracking task of a servo drive.
Direct chiral resolution of cloquintocet‐mexyl and its application to in vitro degradation combined with clodinafop‐propargyl
Authors: Shen Zhigang , Zhu Wentao , Xu Xinyuan , Zhou Zhiqiang , Liu Donghui
Published: December 2011

A simple chiral high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method with ultraviolet (UV) detection was developed and validated for measuring Cloquintocet‐mexyl (ClM) enantiomers and clodinafop‐propargyl (CP) using cellulose tris‐(3,5‐dimethylphenylcarbamate) (CDMPC) as chiral stationary phase (CSP). The effects of mobile phase composition and column temperature on the ClM enantiomer separation were investigated. Good separation was achieved by using a mixture of n‐hexane and n‐propanol as mobile phase. Based on the chiral HPLC method, enantioselective quantitative determination analysis methods for this herbicide combined with CP in diluted plasma were developed and validated. The assay method was linear over a range of concentrations (0.5–100 µg/mL) in diluted plasma and the mean recovery was greater than 80% for both enantiomers and CP. The limits of quantification and detection for both ClM enantiomers and CP were 0.5 and 0.2 µg/mL, respectively. Intra‐ and interday relative standard deviations did not exceed 10% for three tested concentrations. The result suggested that the degradation of ClM enantiomers was stereoselective in rabbit plasma, and both rac‐ClM and CP degraded quickly in plasma, showing that the main existing forms with biological effect in animals are their metabolites. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Community colleges in the spotlight and under the microscope
Authors: Boggs George R.
Published: December 2011

Never before have community colleges received so much attention and recognition. From modest beginnings at the start of the twentieth century, community colleges have become the largest, most affordable, and most responsive sector of American higher education. Policy makers, media, and the public in general seem to have only now discovered community colleges, which have been put in a spotlight by President Barack Obama and leading national foundations as important to the economic prosperity of the United States. With increased attention comes increased scrutiny, however. What will be expected of community colleges, and how can they best respond, especially given severe financial limitations? What are their most pressing challenges, and what opportunities are ahead for college leaders?
Creating effective board–CEO relationships and fundraising to achieve successful student outcomes
Authors: White Frances L.
Published: December 2011

As increased accountability is demanded of community colleges at the same time that state funding is being drastically cut, presidents must still maintain high standards of teaching and learning while looking for new means of fundraising. Strong support from boards of trustees is necessary for successful governance, which itself relies on effective identification and communication of educational and revenue challenges. This chapter examines some of the challenges as well as some of the avenues to success for effective governance and fundraising under these difficult circumstances.
The next community college movement?
Authors: Dassance Charles R.
Published: December 2011

The missionary zeal of community colleges in the 1960s is still needed to meet the challenges they still face today: helping underserved and underprepared students succeed, and offering a strong general education curriculum that provides the foundation and framework for later academic and professional success. Even as economic, social, and political conditions change, community colleges can and must still provide national leadership in helping more students achieve success, guiding unsuccessful students to alternatives that will allow them to be successful, and preparing students for meaningful citizenship.
Giving voice: Advocating for the community college
Authors: Duncan Mary Ellen , Ball Calvin
Published: December 2011

As fiscal, accountability, and enrollment pressures rise, community college presidents need to work more closely and effectively with elected officials at the local, state, and federal levels in order to advocate for their schools and students. Colleges will be expected to carry an even greater burden in meeting demands for both increased student enrollment and student success, and they must have demonstrable results and effectively persuasive data and stories to show legislators and other funders in order to keep them attentive to the needs and value of community colleges.
Preparation of Emodin‐Polyethylene Glycol Composite Microparticles Using a Supercritical Antisolvent Process
Authors: Lang Z. M. , Hong H. L. , Han L. M. , Zhu N. , Suo Q. L.
Published: December 2011

Emodin‐polyethylene glycol (PEG) composite microparticles were obtained from a dichloromethane‐methanol mixture via the solution‐enhanced dispersion by supercritical fluids through prefilming atomization (SEDS‐PA) process. Morphologies, particle sizes (PSs), and emodin contents of the composite microparticles were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy and UV‐visible spectrophotometry. The crystallinity change of emodin before and after the SEDS‐PA process was demonstrated by X‐ray powder diffraction (XRD). The composite microparticles present nubbly, rod‐like emodin dispersed in PEG or a nubbly, sheet emodin inlay on PEG, with PSs ranging between 3 and 12 μm. The PSs of the composite microparticles increase with the increase of temperature, decrease with the increase of pressure, and do not seem to depend on the emodin content of the initial solute and on the solution flow rate. The emodin contents of the composite microparticles increase with the increasing emodin content in the initial solute and temperature and decrease with increasing solution flow rate.
Chiral recognition of diastereomeric 6‐cedrols by vibrational circular dichroism
Authors: Gordillo‐román Bárbara , Camacho‐ruiz Jorge , Bucio María A. , Joseph‐Nathan Pedro
Published: December 2011

The use of vibrational circular dichroism spectroscopy for the chiral recognition of the two epimers of 6‐cedrol, tricyclic sesquiterpenes, which contains oxygen as the heaviest atom, is shown. Bands in the 1500–850 cm−1 region of the spectra were analyzed to calculate the anisotropy factors (g), which provided the regions of maximum circular dichroism effect for each epimer. Chirality, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Chiral ruthenium complexes induce apoptosis of tumor cell and interact with bovine serum albumin
Authors: Yuan Fang , Chen Xiaojia , Liu Yanan , Zhang Tingting , Sun Dongdong , Liu Jie
Published: December 2011

In this study, two isomeric ruthenium(II) complexes [Ru(bpy)2(p‐mopip)]2+ (1) and [Ru(bpy)2(o‐mopip)]2+ (2) (bpy = 2, 2‐bipyridine; L: p‐mopip = 2‐(4‐methoxylphenyl) imidazo [4,5‐f][1,10]phenanthroline, o‐mopip = 2‐(2‐methoxylphenyl) imidazo[4,5‐f][1,10] phenan‐throline) contained OCH3 at different positions on the phenyl ring and their enantiomers 1, ‐2 and 1, ‐2 displayed different properties. The cell viability of these ruthenium(II) complexes was evaluated by MTT, and complex 1 has shown significant higher anticancer potency than 1 against all the cell lines screened. Fluorescence microscopy and flow cytometric analyses demonstrated that complex 1 was able to induce apoptosis. The interactions of complexes 1, 1, and 1 with bovine serum albumin (BSA) were investigated by fluorescence and circular dichroism (CD) measurements. The fluorescence quenching mechanism of BSA by complexes 1, 1, and 1 was determined to be a static process, and the apparent binding constant Ka values is as follows: Λ‐1 >1 > Δ‐1. The number of binding sites n for all these complexes was 1. The result of CD showed that the secondary structure of BSA molecules was changed in the presence of the ruthenium(II) complex. Chirality, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Hydrogen transport in the primary coolant of pressurised heavy water reactors
Authors: Subramanian H. , Velmurugan S. , Narasimhan S. V.
Published: December 2011

Heavy water is used as coolant in primary heat transport systems of pressurised heavy water reactors. Hydrogen is added at regular intervals to the primary heat transport system to suppress the radiolysis of heavy water. However, the added hydrogen is not fully utilised in the system and finds its way to the heavy water storage tank after passing through the bleed condenser. Owing to the different temperatures and two phase regions present in these systems, hydrogen gets redistributed. It is important to know the concentration of dissolved hydrogen in these regions in order to ensure a dissolved hydrogen concentration as prescribed in the technical specification for the primary heat transport system. Different power stations report variations in the frequency and quantity of hydrogen added to achieve the concentration range prescribed. This paper makes an attempt to account for the inventory of hydrogen and model its transport in primary heat transport system. © 2011 Canadian Society for Chemical Engineering
Multivariate statistical monitoring of multiphase batch processes with between‐phase transitions and uneven operation durations
Authors: Yao Yuan , Dong Weiwei , Zhao Luping , Gao Furong
Published: December 2011

In order to achieve satisfactory monitoring, multivariate statistical process models should well reflect process nature. In manufacturing systems, many batch processes are inherently multiphase. Usually, different phases have different characteristics, while gradual transitions are often observed between phases. Another important feature of batch processes is the unevenness of operation durations. Especially, in multiphase batch processes, the situation becomes more complicated. In this study, a batch process modelling and monitoring strategy is proposed based on Gaussian mixture model (GMM), which can automatically extract phase and transition information for uneven‐duration batch processes. The application results verify the effectiveness of the proposed method. © 2011 Canadian Society for Chemical Engineering
Degradation of Bezafibrate with UV/H2O2 in Surface Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant Effluent
Authors: Yuan Hui , Zhang YaLei , Zhou XueFei
Published: December 2011

Bezafibrate (BZF), a widely used lipid regulator, is a potential threat to ecosystems and human health in water, and the recent research showed that advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) are much more effective for BZF degradation. In this study, we investigated the photochemical decomposition of BZF in surface water and effluent from waste water treatment plants (WWTP) by UV/H2O2 process. The results showed that the UV/H2O2 process was a promising method to remove BZF at low concentration, generally at µg L−1 level. When initial concentrations reach 100 µg L−1 in the deionized water, >99.8% of BZF could be removed in 16 min under UV intensity of 61.4 µm cm−2, at the H2O2 concentration of 0.1 mg L−1, and neutral pH condition. Moreover, BZF degradation was inhibited in this process when humic acid (HA) and inorganic solution anions were added to the deionized water solutions, including chloride, nitrate, bicarbonate, and sulfate, significantly. In the surface water and effluent of WWTP, however, the removal efficiency of BZF was lower than that in the deionized water because of the interference of complex constituents in the surface water and effluent. Some main intermediates at the m/z range of 100–400 were observed by high performance LC‐MS (HPLC/MS) and a simple pathway of BZF degradation by UV/H2O2 was proposed.
A Novel Method for Dye Removal: Ionic Liquid‐Based Dispersive Liquid–Liquid Extraction (IL‐DLLE)
Authors: Gharehbaghi Maysam , Shemirani Farzaneh
Published: December 2011

A novel, simple, fast, and efficient ionic liquid‐based dispersive liquid–liquid extraction (IL‐DLLE) has been applied to extract and remove Congo Red (CR; a carcinogenic textile dye) from aqueous solutions. In this methodology a binary solution, containing the extraction solvent (1‐hexyl‐3‐methylimmidazolium bis(trifluormethylsulfonyl) imid) and a suitable disperser solvent, was rapidly injected into the water sample containing CR dye. Therewith, a cloudy solution was formed, and most of the dye molecules were extracted into fine IL droplets and removed from aqueous phase. The effects of pH, type, and amount of IL, initial concentration of the dye, type and volume of the dispersant, and concentrations of salt on the extraction of the dye were studied. Experimental surveys were also accomplished for recovery of the IL by applying a reverse dispersive liquid–liquid extraction using acidic stripping solutions.