bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Metal release and speciation of released chromium from a biomedical CoCrMo alloy into simulated physiologically relevant solutions
Authors: Hedberg Yolanda , Odnevall Wallinder Inger
Published: October 2013

The objective of this study was to investigate the extent of released Co, Cr(III), Cr(VI), and Mo from a biomedical high‐carbon CoCrMo alloy exposed in phosphate‐buffered saline (PBS), without and with the addition of 10 µMH2O2(PBS + H2O2), and 10 g L−1bovine serum albumin (PBS + BSA) for time periods up to 28 days. Comparative studies were made on AISI 316L for the longest time period. No Cr(VI) release was observed for any of the alloys in either PBS or PBS + H2O2at open‐circuit potential (no applied potential). However, at applied potentials (0.7 V vs. Ag/AgCl), Cr was primarily released as Cr(VI). Co was preferentially released from the CoCrMo alloy at no applied potential. As a consequence, Cr was enriched in the utmost surface oxide reducing the extent of metal release over time. This passivation effect was accelerated in PBS + H2O2. As previously reported for 316L, BSA may also enhance metal release from CoCrMo. However, this was not possible to verify due to the precipitation of metal–protein complexes with reduced metal concentrations in solution as a consequence. This was particularly important for Co–BSA complexes after sufficient time and resulted in an underestimation of metals in solution. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 102B: 693–699, 2014.
Development of a rotational cell‐seeding system for tubularized extracellular matrix (ECM) scaffolds in vascular surgery
Authors: Callanan A. , Davis N.F. , McGloughlin T. M. , Walsh M. T.
Published: October 2013

Tubularized porcine extracellular matrices (ECMs) are under investigation as adjuvant scaffolds for endovascular aneurismal repair (EVAR). Limitations with tubularized ECMs in this setting include difficulties in achieving a confluent endothelium on the scaffold's luminal surface prior to in vivo implantation. In this in vitro study a rotational “cell‐seeding rig” (RCR) was constructed to assess the potential for endothelialization of tubular ECM constructs. Human aortic endothelial cells (HAECs) were cultured onto the luminal surfaces of tubular porcine urinary bladder matrix (UBM) scaffolds and rotated in the RCR at experimental rotational speeds. Results showed that endothelial attachment occurred at a rotation speed of six revolutions per hour. HAECs continued to proliferate after the initial attachment period of 24 h and formed a confluent endothelial monolayer after 14 days of growth. Our results demonstrate that RCRs facilitate attachment of HAECs in vitro at a speed of six revolutions per hour. The endothelialization technique presented in the current study may be important for advancing tissue‐engineering approaches to address some of the current limitations in endovascular treatments of abdominal aortic aneurysms. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 102B: 781–788, 2014.
Compressive Force-Produced CCN2 Induces Osteocyte Apoptosis Through ERK1/2 Pathway
Authors: Hoshi Kenji , Kawaki Harumi , Takahashi Ichiro , Takeshita Nobuo , Seiryu Masahiro , Murshid Sakhr A , Masuda Taisuke , Anada Takahisa , Kato Ryushi , Kitaura Hideki , Suzuki Osamu , Takano-Yamamoto Teruko
Published: October 2013

Osteocytes produce various factors that mediate the onset of bone formation and resorption and play roles in maintaining bone homeostasis and remodeling in response to mechanical stimuli. One such factor, CCN2, is thought to play a significant role in osteocyte responses to mechanical stimuli, but its function in osteocytes is not well understood. Here, we showed that CCN2 induces apoptosis in osteocytes under compressive force loading. Compressive force increased CCN2 gene expression and production, and induced apoptosis in osteocytes. Application of exogenous CCN2 protein induced apoptosis, and a neutralizing CCN2 antibody blocked loading-induced apoptosis. We further examined how CCN2 induces loaded osteocyte apoptosis. In loaded osteocytes, extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) was activated, and an ERK1/2 inhibitor blocked loading-induced apoptosis. Furthermore, application of exogenous CCN2 protein caused ERK1/2 activation, and the neutralizing CCN2 antibody inhibited loading-induced ERK1/2 activation. Therefore, this study demonstrated for the first time to our knowledge that enhanced production of CCN2 in osteocytes under compressive force loading induces apoptosis through activation of ERK1/2 pathway. © 2014 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Toward force fields for atomistic simulations of iridium‐containing complexes
Authors: Hofmann Franziska D. , Devereux Michael , Pfaltz Andreas , Meuwly Markus
Published: October 2013

The structural and energetic characterization of metal complexes is important in catalysis and photochemical applications. Unraveling their modes‐of‐action can be greatly assisted by computation, which typically is restricted to computationally demanding methods including electronic structure calculations with density functional theory. Here, we present an empirical force field based on valence bond theory applicable to a range of octahedral Ir(III) complexes with different coordinating ligands, including iridium complexes with a chiral P,N ligand. Using an approach applicable to metal‐containing complexes in general, it is shown that with one common parametrization 85% of the 116 diastereomers—all within 21 kcal/mol of the lowest energy conformation of each series—can be correctly ranked. For neutral complexes, all diastereomers are ranked correctly. This helps to identify the most relevant diastereomers which, if necessary, can be further investigated by more demanding computational methods. Furthermore, if one specific complex is considered, the root mean square deviation between reference data from electronic structure calculations and the force field is
. This, together with the possibility to carry out explicit simulations in solution paves the way for an atomistic understanding of iridium‐containing complexes in catalysis. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Functionalization of Quinazolin‐4‐ones Part 1: Synthesis of Novel 7‐Substituted‐2‐thioxo Quinazolin‐4‐ones from 4‐Substituted‐2‐Aminobenzoic Acids and PPh3(SCN)2
Authors: Heppell Jacob , Al‐Rawi Jasim
Published: October 2013

4‐(Nitro, amino, acetylamino)‐2‐aminobenzoic acid were allowed to react with PPh3(SCN)2 and gave the crossholding 7‐nitro, 7‐acetylamino‐ and 7‐amino‐2‐thioxo quinazolin‐4‐ones respectively. The nature of the substituent at position 4 of the 2‐aminobenzoic acids has significant influence on the outcome of the cyclisation reaction with PPh3(SCN)2. Similarly, the nature of the substituent at position 7 of the 2‐substituted quinazolin‐4‐ones significantly affected the ease with which alkylation reactions could be performed. The alkylation selectivity of the 7‐ substiuted‐2‐thioxo quinazolin‐4‐ones was found to depend on the nature of the alkyl halide and the nature of the substituent at position 2.
Synthesis of [3α‐3H] 17α‐Hydroxy pregnenolone and [3α‐3H] Pregnenolone
Authors: Tian Yuan , Hong Yang , Bonacorsi Samuel J. , Balog Aaron , Gong Sharon
Published: October 2013

For the first time, [3α‐3H] 17α‐hydroxy pregnenolone (1) was synthesized through a multiple step sequence. The presence of [3β‐3H] isomer in RP‐HPLC purified product was identified by tritium NMR. The [3β‐3H] isomer was then separated from [3α‐3H] 17α‐hydroxy pregnenolone with chiralPAK AD‐H column. [3α‐3H] pregnenolone (2) was synthesized from commercial available 5‐pregnen‐3,20‐dione in one step with an improved procedure.
Genomic diversity of low‐risk human papillomavirus genotypes HPV 40, HPV 42, HPV 43, and HPV 44
Authors: Maver Polona J. , Kocjan Boštjan J. , Seme Katja , Poljak Mario
Published: October 2013

In order to investigate the genomic diversity of low‐risk human papillomavirus (HPV) genotypes, a total of 108 isolates of HPV 40, HPV 42, HPV 43, or HPV 44, obtained from anal swabs or tissue specimens of patients with anogenital warts, and cervical swabs of women with cervical intraepithelial neoplasia of different grades, were analyzed. The characterization of genomic variants was established by sequencing one third of the viral genome and analysis of three different genomic regions: L1, LCR, and E6. Maximum variant divergence accounted for 0.4–1.1% of the investigated genomic segments. Several novel, potentially important nucleotide substitutions, deletions, and insertions are described. Altogether, among 14 HPV 40 isolates, a total of nine different genomic variants were identified, composed of eight L1, five LCR, and four E6 genomic variants. Among 49 HPV 42 isolates, a total of 30 genomic variants were identified, composed of 20 L1, 18 LCR, and four E6 genomic variants. Among 10 HPV 43 isolates, distributed into two major genomic variant lineages with clearly defined nucleotide signatures, three genomic variants were identified, composed of three L1, two LCR, and two E6 genomic variants. Among 35 HPV 44 isolates, a total of eight HPV 44 and 11 subtype HPV 44 genomic variants were identified, composed of 13 L1, 14 LCR, and 6 E6 genomic variants. A similar level of genomic diversity of HPV 44 and its subtype was identified in our geographic region as has been reported previously on isolates collected worldwide. J. Med. Virol. 86:272–282, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A dynamical energy‐based hysteresis model for iron loss calculation in laminated cores
Authors: Steentjes S. , Henrotte F. , Geuzaine C. , Hameyer K.
Published: October 2013

This paper proposes a macroscopic model for ferromagnetic hysteresis that is well‐suited for finite element implementation. The model relies on a consistent thermodynamic formulation. The stored magnetic energy and the dissipated energy are known at all times and not solely after the completion of closed hysteresis loops as is usually the case. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Sea ice concentration variability over the Southern Ocean and its impact on precipitation in southeastern South America
Authors: Saurral Ramiro , Barros Vicente , Camilloni Inés
Published: October 2013

This article quantifies the relationship between sea ice cover (SIC) on the Southern Ocean and precipitation and river discharges over southeastern and eastern South America. The period of analysis covers from 1981 to 2008 and includes monthly mean data of SIC over the Ross, Amundsen–Bellingshausen and Weddell Seas, as well as atmospheric variables and discharges of selected rivers in eastern South America. To isolate the effect of known modes of climate variability on SIC, the signals of El Niño‐Southern Oscillation and the Southern Annual Mode are removed from all time series through regression analysis. Composites of precipitation differences over South America reveal a pattern of enhanced rainfall activity over the South Atlantic Convergence Zone (SACZ) in summer (JFM) when SIC is above average particularly over the Weddell Sea area, while winter (ASO) SIC anomalies show negative and significant correlations with rainfall over much of South America. Moisture fluxes patterns in summer reveal increased moisture transport towards the SACZ region and decreased low‐level jet activity (and precipitation) over northern Argentina. In particular a large dry bias over southeastern South America associated to positive SIC anomalies on the Weddell Sea in September is shown to impact the discharges of the Uruguay and Iguazú Rivers, with the largest effects found two months after the SIC anomaly (November). Although less robust, a relationship with the Paraná River is also found. These results suggest that increased SIC over the Weddell Sea during September can help to forecast drier conditions particularly on the Uruguay basin and somewhat wetter conditions in the SACZ region within the following season.
Metastasectomy for gastrointestinal stromal tumors
Authors: Bamboat Zubin M. , DeMatteo Ronald P.
Published: October 2013

Gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) is the most common sarcoma of the intestinal tract. Improvements in understanding the molecular pathogenesis of GIST have resulted in novel treatment strategies combining surgery with tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs). Metastasectomy in carefully selected patients who have stable or responsive disease on imatinib should be considered in the multidisciplinary setting. We review existing data on surgical cytoreduction in metastatic GIST while on targeted therapy and compare outcomes with either treatment alone. J. Surg. Oncol. 2014 109:23–27. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Management of recurrent retroperitoneal sarcoma
Authors: Gyorki David E. , Brennan Murray F.
Published: October 2013

Approximately 15% of soft tissue sarcomas are retroperitoneal. The occult location and anatomic complexity results in local recurrences in the majority of patients. Predictors of recurrence include histological subtype, completeness of resection, and the hospital case volume. The most significant predictor of outcome following local recurrence is the resectability of the recurrent disease. An understanding of the implication of tumor biology on outcomes is essential in determining optimal management for patients with recurrent retroperitoneal sarcoma. J. Surg. Oncol. 2014 109:53–59. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Prognostic information derived from RT‐PCR analysis of peritoneal fluid in gastric cancer patients: Results from a prospective multicenter clinical trial
Authors: Tamura Shigeyuki , Fujiwara Yoshiyuki , Kimura Yutaka , Fujita Junya , Imamura Hiroshi , Kinuta Masakatsu , Yano Masahiko , Hiratsuka Masahiro , Kobayashi Kenji , Okada Kaoru , Mori Masaki , Doki Yuichiro
Published: October 2013

Objective

The purpose of this study is to define the clinical significance of the molecular analysis of peritoneal lavage fluid in patients with gastric cancer in a multicenter prospective trial.

Methods

Quantitative RT‐PCR with CEA and CK‐20 mRNA as target markers was introduced for peritoneal lavage diagnosis in 141 patients with clinically advanced gastric cancer from 9 different institutes. We then evaluated the prognostic factors in patients and also evaluated predictive markers for peritoneal recurrence in 124 patients without peritoneal metastasis at surgery

Results

Out of the 141 cases, 140 patients were successfully analyzed by RT‐PCR of peritoneal lavage fluids. According to multivariate analysis, the combined results of RT‐PCR (CEA and CK‐20) and CK‐20 alone in addition to pathological N (pN)‐stage were significantly correlated with overall survival. Multivariate analysis showed that the RT‐PCR (CEA and CK‐20) and CEA alone in addition to pathological T‐stage, pN‐stage, and histological grade were significantly correlated with peritoneal recurrence after surgery.

Conclusion

This is the first multicenter prospective study to show that RT‐PCR analysis of peritoneal lavage fluid with the combination of CEA and CK‐20 markers was useful for predicting overall survival and peritoneal recurrence in patients with clinically advanced gastric cancer. J. Surg. Oncol. 2014 109:75–80. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Measurement of the Rate of Hydrogen Peroxide Thermal Decomposition in a Shock Tube Using Quantum Cascade Laser Absorption Near 7.7 μm
Authors: Sajid M. B. , Es‐sebbar Et. , Javed T. , Fittschen C. , Farooq A.
Published: October 2013

Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) is formed during hydrocarbon combustion and controls the system reactivity under intermediate temperature conditions. Here, we measured the rate of hydrogen peroxide decomposition behind reflected shock waves using midinfrared absorption of H2O2 near 7.7 µm. We performed the experiments in diluted H2O2/Ar mixtures between 930 and 1235 K and at three different pressures (1, 2, and 10 atm). Under these conditions, the decay of hydrogen peroxide is sensitive only to the decomposition reaction rate, H2O2 + M → 2OH + M (k1). The second‐order rate coefficient at low pressures (1 and 2 atm) did not exhibit any pressure dependence, suggesting that the reaction was in the low‐pressure limit. The rate data measured at 10 atm exhibited falloff behavior. The measured decomposition rates can be expressed in Arrhenius forms as follows:

urn:x-wiley:05388066:kin20827:equation:kin20827-math-0001
urn:x-wiley:05388066:kin20827:equation:kin20827-math-0002
Assessment of aspiration risk from dynamic modulation of endotracheal tube cuff pressure
Authors: Kanotra Sohit P. , Propst Evan J. , Luginbuehl Igor , Campisi Paolo , Fisher Joseph A. , Forte Vito
Published: October 2013

Objectives/Hypothesis

To assess the risk of aspiration using a novel valve circuit that dynamically modulates endotracheal tube cuff pressure during the ventilatory cycle using bench and live animal models.

Study Design

Animal model.

Methods

The bench model consisted of a cuffed endotracheal tube inserted into an artificial trachea. Leakage of liquid around the cuff was measured after 4 hours of constant or dynamic modulation of cuff pressure at variable peak end expiratory pressures. In the porcine model, eight animals were ventilated with the modulating valve circuit and compared to eight controls ventilated with a constant cuff pressure (25 cm of water). Aspiration was monitored quantitatively using a pH probe (measured as voltage) and visually using fluoroscopy.

Results

There was no difference in the amount of fluid leakage around the endotracheal tube cuff in the constant or dynamically modulated pressure‐cuff groups in the bench or animal models.

Conclusion

Dynamically modulating endotracheal tube‐cuff pressures to minimize tracheal mucosal damage does not increase the tendency to leak around the cuff compared to endotracheal tube cuffs inflated to a constant pressure.

Level of Evidence

N/A. Laryngoscope, 124:1415–1419, 2014
Incidence of underlying laryngeal pathology in patients initially diagnosed with laryngopharyngeal reflux
Authors: Rafii Benjamin , Taliercio Salvatore , Achlatis Stratos , Ruiz Ryan , Amin Milan R. , Branski Ryan C.
Published: October 2013

Objectives/Hypothesis

To characterize the videoendoscopic laryngeal findings in patients with a prior established diagnosis of laryngopharyngeal reflux disease (LPR) as the sole etiology for their chief complaint of hoarseness. We hypothesized that many, if not all, of these patients would present with discrete laryngeal pathology, divergent from LPR.

Study Design

Prospective, nonintervention.

Methods

Patients presenting to a tertiary laryngology practice with an established diagnosis of LPR as the sole etiology of their hoarseness were included. All subjects completed the Voice Handicap Index and Reflux Symptom Index, in addition to a questionnaire regarding their reflux diagnosis and prior treatment. Laryngoscopic examinations were reviewed by the laryngologist caring for the patients. Reliability of findings was assessed by interpretation of videoendoscopic findings by three outside laryngologists not involved in the care of the patients.

Results

Laryngeal pathology distinct from LPR was identified in all 21 patients felt to be causative of the chief complaint of dysphonia. Specifically, the most common findings were benign mucosal lesions and vocal fold paresis (29% each), followed by muscle tension dysphonia (14%). Two patients were found to have vocal fold leukoplakia, of which one was confirmed to be a microinvasive carcinoma upon removal.

Conclusion

LPR may be overdiagnosed; other etiologies must be considered for patients with hoarseness who fail empiric LPR treatment.

Level of Evidence

4. Laryngoscope, 124:1420–1424, 2014
A novel coumarin‐quinone derivative SV37 inhibits CDC25 phosphatases, impairs proliferation, and induces cell death
Authors: Bana Emilie , Sibille Estelle , Valente Sergio , Cerella Claudia , Chaimbault Patrick , Kirsch Gilbert , Dicato Mario , Diederich Marc , Bagrel Denyse
Published: October 2013

Cell division cycle (CDC) 25 proteins are key phosphatases regulating cell cycle transition and proliferation by regulating CDK/cyclin complexes. Overexpression of these enzymes is frequently observed in cancer and is related to aggressiveness, high‐grade tumors and poor prognosis. Thus, targeting CDC25 by compounds, able to inhibit their activity, appears a good therapeutic approach. Here, we describe the synthesis of a new inhibitor (SV37) whose structure is based on both coumarin and quinone moieties. An analytical in vitro approach shows that this compound efficiently inhibits all three purified human CDC25 isoforms (IC50 1–9 µM) in a mixed‐type mode. Moreover, SV37 inhibits growth of breast cancer cell lines. In MDA‐MB‐231 cells, reactive oxygen species generation is followed by pCDK accumulation, a mark of CDC25 dysfunction. Eventually, SV37 treatment leads to activation of apoptosis and DNA cleavage, underlining the potential of this new type of coumarin–quinone structure. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Application of EMBM to Structure‐Based Design of Warheads for Protease Inhibitors
Authors: Traube Tamar , Shokhen Michael , Albeck Amnon
Published: October 2013

Most CADD tools handle non‐covalent enzyme inhibitors, despite the growing interest of the pharma industry in covalent inhibitors. We have recently introduced an enzyme mechanism‐based method, EMBM, as a computational tool for binding trend analysis and prediction of chemical sites (CS) of reversible covalent enzyme inhibitors. In the current study we demonstrate the utility of EMBM to structure‐based applications. In this mode, the energy of the enzyme‐inhibitor covalent bond is accounted for by the W1 and W2 covalent descriptors we have developed, whereas the non‐covalent interactions between the inhibitor CS and the enzyme active site can be estimated directly on the 3D structure of the enzyme‐inhibitor complex.
Integrating Computational Modeling and Experimental Assay to Discover New Potent ACE‐Inhibitory Peptides
Authors: Ren Yanrong , Wang Qiang , Chen Shaocheng , Cao Haiyan
Published: October 2013

Human angiotensin‐I‐converting enzyme (ACE) is an important target of antihypertensive therapy, which possesses a bulky, hydrophobic pocket that is physicochemically compatible with a wide variety of peptide substrates and small‐molecule ligands. Rational design of potent ACE inhibitors has long been an attractive topic in the chemical, biological and medical communities. In the present study, an integrative protocol is described to optimize and modify peptides bound with ACE based on their complex three‐dimensional structures. The protocol combines a number of sophisticated computational methods including molecular dynamics (MD) simulation, quantitative structure‐activity relationship (QSAR), molecular mechanics/Poisson‐Boltzmann surface area (MM‐PB/SA) and quantum mechanics/molecular mechanics (QM/MM) to discover new potent ACE‐inhibitory peptides. With this strategy hundreds of potential peptides are generated virtually, from which several promising candidates are synthesized and assayed in vitro using a standard Fmoc‐protected amino acid solid phase synthesis and spectrophotometric method, respectively. Six peptides are found to have potency against ACE, four of which (LVY, VLKP, MLPVY and LKIPLY) show satisfactory inhibitory capability (pIC50=5.84, 5.27, 5.40 and 5.57, respectively). Subsequently, the complex structures of tripeptide LVY and hexapeptide LKIPLY with ACE are computationally modeled and their binding free energies are estimated as − 34.2 and − 57.8 kcal/mol, respectively, by using a rigorous QM/MM scheme. Intensive steric collisions are observed around the C‐terminus of peptide ligands in the bound state. Based upon the findings the C‐terminal residues of the two peptides are modified to small, hydrophobic amino acids Val and Ala, resulting in mutated peptides LVA and LKIPVA, respectively. Consequently, a significant improvement in ACE‐inhibitory activity is observed for the LKIPVA mutant (pIC50 increases from 5.57 to 6.07), whereas only a modest activity change was associated with the LVA mutant (pIC50 decreases from 5.84 to 5.80).
CRAFT (complete reduction to amplitude frequency table) – robust and time‐efficient Bayesian approach for quantitative mixture analysis by NMR
Authors: Krishnamurthy Krish
Published: October 2013

The intrinsic quantitative nature of NMR is increasingly exploited in areas ranging from complex mixture analysis (as in metabolomics and reaction monitoring) to quality assurance/control. Complex NMR spectra are more common than not, and therefore, extraction of quantitative information generally involves significant prior knowledge and/or operator interaction to characterize resonances of interest. Moreover, in most NMR‐based metabolomic experiments, the signals from metabolites are normally present as a mixture of overlapping resonances, making quantification difficult. Time‐domain Bayesian approaches have been reported to be better than conventional frequency‐domain analysis at identifying subtle changes in signal amplitude. We discuss an approach that exploits Bayesian analysis to achieve a complete reduction to amplitude frequency table (CRAFT) in an automated and time‐efficient fashion – thus converting the time‐domain FID to a frequency‐amplitude table. CRAFT uses a two‐step approach to FID analysis. First, the FID is digitally filtered and downsampled to several sub FIDs, and secondly, these sub FIDs are then modeled as sums of decaying sinusoids using the Bayesian approach. CRAFT tables can be used for further data mining of quantitative information using fingerprint chemical shifts of compounds of interest and/or statistical analysis of modulation of chemical quantity in a biological study (metabolomics) or process study (reaction monitoring) or quality assurance/control. The basic principles behind this approach as well as results to evaluate the effectiveness of this approach in mixture analysis are presented. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Microwave absorbing properties of Fe3O4–poly(3, 4‐ethylenedioxythiophene) hybrids in low‐frequency band
Authors: Zhou Wencai , Hu Xiujie , Sun Chenghua , Yan Jun , Zhou Shuyun , Chen Ping
Published: October 2013

A facile method is proposed to obtain microwave absorbing materials (MAMs), which possess strong microwave absorption properties in low‐frequency range. By simply mechanical mixing, the obtained Fe3O4–poly (3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) hybrids exhibit more excellent microwave absorbing properties than that of Fe3O4 or PEDOT individually. The analysis on the microwave absorbing properties of the Fe3O4–PEDOT hybrids indicates that the excellent microwave absorbing properties are ascribed to several factors, like the dielectric loss, the interface polarization, eddy current effect, natural ferromagnetic resonance, and the impedance as well as the thickness of the coating. The Fe3O4–PEDOT hybrids with appropriate mass ratios of PEDOT to Fe3O4 (represented by (PEDOT)/(Fe3O4)) show superior microwave absorbing property at low frequency. When the thickness is 4 mm, the reflection loss of the sample reached −15.8 dB at 3.2 GHz with (PEDOT)/(Fe3O4) of 3 and −31.4 dB at 4.5 GHz with (PEDOT)/(Fe3O4) of 2, respectively. The obtained Fe3O4–PEDOT MAMs will have a promising application in the practical industry and commerce affairs. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Swelling–shrinking behavior of hydrated noncross‐linked copolymer films in response to photoreversible isomerizaton and metal complexation of spiropyran units of the copolymers
Authors: Suzuki Takayuki , Kitsukawa Tomohiko , Hirata Yasushi , Tanaka Satomi , Iwasaki Naoya
Published: October 2013

The copolymer of hydroxypropyl methacrylate (HPMA) and photochromic spiropyran methacrylate (SPMA) has been synthesized. The films of the copolymer (P(HPMA‐SPMA)) in a hydrated state showed reversible swelling–shrinking behavior in response to photoreversible isomerization and metal complexation of SPMA units in spite of covalently noncross‐linked copolymers. In addition, the protonated open form of the SPMA units of the copolymer was possibly stabilized thermodynamically by the HPMA units from ultraviolet–visible absorption measurement of the hydrated P(HPMA‐SPMA) film. On the other hand, the difference in color of the hydrated films between P(HPMA‐AABMA) and P(NIPMA‐AABMA), which was a copolymer of N‐isopropyl methacryl amide (NIPMA) and azobenzene methacrylate (AABMA) as a pH indicator, was suggestive of the interference of the proximal hydroxyl groups of the immobilized HPMA units with protonation of the AABMA units. The HPMA units of the copolymers also contributed to improvement of thermodynamic stability of the metal complexes with the SPMA units. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Shear field in the mold cavity of multimelt multi‐injection molding revealed by the morphology distribution of a model polymer blend
Authors: Wu Jing‐Jing , Yang Wei , Zhang Kai , Zhang Rui‐Yan , Feng Jian , Liu Zheng‐Ying , Xie Bang‐Hu , Zhang Chao‐Liang , Yang Ming‐Bo
Published: October 2013

The morphology distribution of a model polymer blend, polystyrene (PS)/polyethylene (PE), molded by multimelt multi‐injection molding (MMMIM) process was studied by scanning electronic microscopy and polarizing light microscopy. An unusual double skin/core morphology was observed. The minor phase, PS, showed highly deformed morphology in both the skin layer near the mold wall and the core layer near the skin/core layer's interface. Meanwhile, in the regions that highly deformed PS phase showed, highly ordered cylindritic crystal structures of PE are also formed. As we all know the driving force and the basic prerequisite to deform the dispersed droplet and form the oriented crystal structure is the shear field. So an attempt was made to correlate the dispersed phase morphology, crystalline morphologies, and shear rate. The shear rate, estimated via the capillary number, across the thickness of the parts molded by MMMIM was bimodal. Even if the coalescence and relaxation of the dispersed phase during and after mold filling cannot be ignored, both the highly dispersed PS domains and the highly ordered crystal structure of PE showed in the regions with the maximum calculated shear rate, which is consistent with the generally accepted theories that strong shear flow is favorable to the formation of the oriented structures. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 54:2345–2353, 2014. © 2013 Society of Plastics Engineers
Evaluate the nonlinear viscoelasticity of polyolefin melts using the Larson model
Authors: Lin Gwo‐Geng , Song Yi‐Hu , Shiu Tai‐Yi
Published: October 2013

Nonlinear rheological properties of polyolefins have long been studied and predicted by using the Larson model with the damping function generally obtained from the stress relaxation measurements. In this study, we investigate the nonlinear rheological properties of high density polyethylene (HDPE) and polypropylene (PP) using the Larson model with damping functions obtained from either the dynamic frequency sweep or the stress relaxation test. Experimental measurements and their corresponding model predictions for the rheological parameters were then compared to evaluate the applicability of the Larson model to the nonlinear rheology, and the following conclusions could be achieved. The steady shear viscosity could be satisfactorily described by the Larson model with the damping functions obtained from the two different methods, except at shear rates higher than 103 s−1. The predicted first normal stresses also account for the measured data, except for those using the stress relaxation data showing a little deviation for the PP sample. In addition, the predictions for elongation viscosity are also in good agreement with the experimental results within the short range of elongation rate achieved in this work. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 54:2354–2361, 2014. © 2013 Society of Plastics Engineers
Stakeholder Views on Pharmacogenomic Testing
Authors: Patel Haridarshan N. , Ursan Iulia D. , Zueger Patrick M. , Cavallari Larisa H. , Pickard A. Simon
Published: October 2013

Pharmacogenomics has an important role in the evolution of personalized medicine, and its widespread uptake may ultimately depend on the interests and perspectives of key players in health care. Our aim was to summarize studies on stakeholder perspectives and attitudes toward pharmacogenomic testing. Thus, we conducted a review of original research studies that reported stakeholder views on pharmacogenomic testing using a structured approach in PubMed, International Pharmaceutical Abstracts, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, and EMBASE. A standardized data abstraction form was developed that included stakeholder group of interest—patients, general public, providers, and payers. Stakeholder views regarding barriers to pharmacogenetic implementation were organized into the following themes: ancillary information–related, clinical, economic, educational, ethical or legal, medical mistrust, and practicality. Of 34 studies that met our inclusion criteria, 37 perspectives were reported (15 on providers, 9 on the general public, 9 on patients, and 4 on payers). The most common topics that arose in studies of providers related to clinical usefulness of genetic data (n=11) and educational needs (n=11). Among the general public, the most common concerns were medical mistrust (n=5), insufficient education (n=5), and practicality (n=5). The most prevalent issues from the patient perspective were ethical or legal (n=6) and economic (n=5) issues. Among payers, leading issues were practicality (n=4) and clinical usefulness (n=3). There was overlap in the topics and concerns across stakeholder perspectives, including lack of knowledge about pharmacogenomic testing. Views on issues related to privacy, cost, and test result dissemination varied by stakeholder perspective. Limited research had been conducted in underrepresented groups. Efforts to address the issues raised by stakeholders may facilitate the implementation of pharmacogenomic testing into clinical practice.
Proteomic analysis reveals tanshinone IIA enhances apoptosis of advanced cervix carcinoma CaSki cells through mitochondria intrinsic and endoplasmic reticulum stress pathways
Authors: Pan Tai‐Long , Wang Pei‐Wen , Hung Yu‐Chiang , Huang Chun‐Hsun , Rau Kun‐Ming
Published: October 2013

Cervix cancer is the second most common cancer among women worldwide, whereas paclitaxel, the first line chemotherapeutic drug used to treat cervical cancer, shows low chemosensitivity on the advanced cervical cancer cell line. Tanshinone IIA (Tan IIA) exhibited strong growth inhibitory effect on CaSki cells (IC50 = 5.51 μM) through promoting caspase cascades with concomitant upregulating the phosphorylation of p38 and JNK signaling. Comprehensive proteomics revealed the global protein changes and the network analysis implied that Tan IIA treatment would activate ER stress pathways that finally lead to apoptotic cell death. Moreover, ER stress inhibitor could alleviate Tan IIA caused cell growth inhibition and ameliorate C/EBP‐homologous protein as well as apoptosis signal‐regulating kinase 1 mediated cell death. The therapeutic interventions targeting the mitochondrial‐related apoptosis and ER stress responses might be promising strategies to conquer paclitaxel resistance.
The impact of intranasal corticosteroids on lung function in children with allergic rhinitis
Authors: Kessel Aharon
Published: October 2013

Background

Subjects with allergic rhinitis (AR) suffer from impaired lung function, especially decreased FEF25–75%. The purpose of this study was to examine lung function and the long‐term response to INCS in AR patients with impaired lung function, and to characterize the phenotype of these children.

Methods

Two hundred two children with AR underwent an allergy evaluation including a skin prick test and spirometry. Children with impaired lung function were treated with daily nasal corticosteroids spray (INCS) and antihistamine as needed.

Results

Fifty‐three children out of 202 (26.3%) had impaired lung function: 34 of them (64.2%) had FEF25–75% values under 80% of predicted and normal FEV1 values, and 19 individuals (35.8%), had both FEF25–75% and FEV1 values below 80% of predicted. A positive correlation between FEV1 and FEF25–75% values (r = 0.369, P = 0.007) and a reverse correlation between duration of nasal symptoms and FEF25–75% values (r = −0.364, P = 0.012) were found. Post‐ronchodilation FEV1 levels increased from 81.9 ± 8.0 to 87.7 ± 10.4 (P < 0.0001). Thirty‐five of the 53 children complied with a continuous INCS treatment regimen over a period of 3–12 months, demonstrated increased FEF25–75% (84.4 ± 13.6 vs. 70.1 ± 7.1, P < 0.001) and FEV1 (92.3 ± 10.9 vs. 84.4 ± 7.8, P < 0.0001) after INCS treatment. However, FEF25–75% values were still significantly lower compared to the group of AR children with normal lung function (84.4 ± 13.6 vs. 95.7 ± 8.8, P < 0.0001).

Conclusions

INCS improve FEF25–75% above 80% of predicted values in 2/3 of children with abnormal lung function. However, this improvement does not reach levels of AR children with normal lung function. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2014; 49:932–937. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Post‐infection activities of fungicides againstCercospora arachidicolaof peanut (Arachis hypogaea)
Authors: Johnson Robert C. , Cantonwine Emily G.
Published: October 2013

BACKGROUND

Despite strong indirect evidence of post‐infection activity by a selection of systemic fungicides against Cercospora arachidicola, the causal organism of early leaf spot of peanut, direct post‐infection activities in this pathosystem have yet to be reported in detail. This study was conducted to describe the activities of pyraclostrobin, penthiopyrad and prothioconazole on early leaf spot when each fungicide was applied after pathogen penetration began and throughout the incubation period.

RESULTS

Most C. arachidicola penetration events occurred between 3 and 5 days after inoculation (dai), and the mean incubation period was 11.8 dai. Post‐infection activities of the systemic fungicides were similar for all dependent variables measured. Systemic fungicides reduced lesion density compared with the non‐treated control when applied at 3, 5 and 7 dai, and disease severity was >60% less for leaves treated with a systemic fungicide at all application dates (3, 5, 7, 9, 11 and 13 dai).

CONCLUSIONS

Pyraclostrobin, penthiopyrad and prothioconazole showed similar systemic mobility within peanut leaves and activities against C. arachidicola, and appear to completely arrest the development of the pathogen at least 2 days post penetration, and limit pathogen colonization even when applications occur after symptom onset. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry
Insecticidal activities of Cunninghamia konishii Hayata against Formosan subterranean termite, Coptotermes formosanus (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae)
Authors: Cheng Sen‐Sung , Lin Chun‐Ya , Chen Ying‐Ju , Chung Min‐Jay , Chang Shang‐Tzen
Published: October 2013

BACKGROUND

Formosan subterranean termite, Coptotermes formosanus Shiraki (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae), is a major urban pests in many countries throughout the world. In an attempt to find natural products that could be employed in the effective and environmentally friendly control of the termite, this study investigates, for the first time, the insecticidal activities of the wood and leaf essential oils and ethanolic extracts from Cunninghamia konishii Hayata against C. formosanus according to direct contact application.

RESULTS

Wood and leaf essential oils and wood ethanolic extract showed the excellent antitermitic activities. Among the four fractions of wood ethanolic extract, the hexane‐soluble fraction showed the strongest antitermitic activities. In addition, β‐elemol and α‐cadinol showed excellent inhibitory action against C. formosanus.

CONCLUSION

The results clearly reveal that the wood and leaf essential oils and ethanolic extract from C. konishii, and their effective constituents, served as potential, eco‐friendly termite‐control agents. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry
Influencing the conductance in biphenyl‐like molecular junctions with THz radiation
Authors: Hinreiner Matthias , Ryndyk Dmitry A. , Usvyat Denis , Merz Thomas , Schütz Martin , Richter Klaus
Published: October 2013

We investigate the torsional vibrations in biphenyl‐like molecular junctions and transport properties in the presence of an external THz field. Ab initio calculations including external electric fields show that the torsional angle of a thiolated biphenyl junction exhibits virtually no response. However, if functional groups are added to the molecule, creating a dipole moment in each of the rings, an external field becomes more effective for changing . A model based on the dependence of the current for low bias voltages has been proposed for the biphenyl‐like molecular junctions in presence of an external THz field including 2,2‐bipyridine, 3,3‐bipyridine, and 2,2,4,4‐tetramethyl‐3,3‐bipyridine. The current through these molecules is shown to change if the THz frequency gets in resonance to the torsional vibration mode.

Dithiolated bipyridine between gold leads in the presence of external THz radiation.
Improvement of operation temperature in GaAs/AlGaAs THz‐QCLs by utilizing high Al composition barrier
Authors: Lin Tsung‐Tse , Hirayama Hideki
Published: October 2013

Terahertz quantum cascade lasers (THz‐QCLs) are compact THz laser source with narrow emission linewidth and high output power. Currently, a maximum operation temperature (Tmax) of 199.5 K is reported by using a state‐of‐the‐art longitudinal optical (LO) phonon depopulation scheme AlGaAs/GaAs structure. We propose an effective method to obtain higher operating temperature for AlGaAs/GaAs THz‐QCL by increasing LO‐phonon scattering energy by utilizing high Al composition AlGaAs barrier. We have successfully fabricated an LO phonon depopulation scheme AlGaAs/GaAs THz‐QCL with double metal waveguide, and obtained 3.7 THz lasing. We obtained the Tmax of 150 K. We observed an increase of Tmax by about 7 K by increasing the Al composition of AlGaAs barrier from 15% to 30%. The characteristic temperature (T0) was also improved from 44.7 K to 69.9 K by changing the Al composition of AlGaAs barriers. The increase of Al composition in AlGaAs‐based THz‐QCL was shown to be promising way for obtaining higher operating temperature of THz‐QCL. (© 2013 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
XPS analysis of the terminated‐bonding states at GaN surface after chemical and plasma treatments
Authors: Tsuji Yukihiro , Watanabe Tadashi , Nakamura Kenichi , Makabe Isao , Nakata Ken , Katsuyama Tsukuru , Teramoto Akinobu , Shirai Yasuyuki , Sugawa Shigetoshi , Ohmi Tadahiro
Published: October 2013

In order to improve reliability and yield of gallium nitride (GaN) devices, we have developed the formation of an ultra‐clean GaN surface and an interface of a passivation layer. The residue or termination materials on the GaN surface were analyzed after wet‐chemical and plasma treatments. In detail, the terminated‐bonding state of the GaN surface has been characterized by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy. After conventional diluted HF treatment, the GaN surface is still terminated by oxygen. (NH4)2Sx and SiH4 plasma treatments are required for the efficient removing of oxygen‐termination of the GaN surface. However, contaminants, except for nitrogen and gallium, are not removed from the GaN surface completely. For example, silicon is deposited on the GaN surface after the SiH4 plasma treatment, and atoms of sulfur are terminated on the GaN surface after the (NH4)2Sx treatment. However, we consider that their materials should be removed before the passivation film deposition. Therefore, the ultra‐clean interface of the passivation layer and the GaN surface were reported in this paper. (© 2013 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
In‐situ annealing effect of zinc‐blende MnAs thin films grown on InP substrates
Authors: Oomae Hiroto , Shimazaki Tsuneyuki , Toyota Hideyuki , Nakamura Shin‐ichi , Uchitomi Naotaka
Published: October 2013

MnAs thin films were grown by molecular beam epitaxy on InP substrates. The samples were in‐situ annealed at different temperatures of 340 °C, 380 °C and 420 °C in an As4 atmosphere. High‐resolution X‐ray diffraction (XRD) measurements showed that zinc‐blende type (zb‐) and NiAs type (n‐) MnAs co‐exist. The XRD peak intensities of zb‐MnAs increased with annealing temperatures up to 380 °C. Also, the in‐plane XRD results showed that the intensities of zb‐MnAs (400) and (220) increased after annealing. On the other hand, the peak intensities of n‐MnAs decreased with temperature up to 380 °C. The possible transition between zinc‐blende and hexagonal MnAs is estimated to be a temperature of 380 °C. (© 2013 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Development of high‐quality titanium‐doped gallium ZnO transparent conductive films by RF magnetron sputtering techniques
Authors: Liu Wei‐Sheng , Wu Shen‐Yu , Tseng Ching‐Hsuan , Hung Chao‐Yu
Published: October 2013

In this paper, Ti‐doped GaZnO (GTZO) transparent conductive oxide (TCO) was deposited by radio‐frequency magnetron sputtering on glass substrates. X‐ray diffraction (XRD) of the crystalline quality of the resulting GTZO TCO showed a (002) peak with increased intensity for films deposited with annealing temperature from as‐grown to 450 °C. The low thin film resistivity of 1.57 × 10‐4 Ω‐cm, and average optical transmittance of 91% in the range between 350 and 800 nm, are also demonstrated to show the potential applications of this work. (© 2013 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Dislocation density dependence of stimulated emission characteristics in AlGaN/Al multiquantum wells
Authors: Matsubara Yuko , Yamada Tomoaki , Takeda Kenichiro , Iwaya Motoaki , Takeuchi Tetsuya , Kamiyama Satoshi , Akasaki Isamu , Amano Hiroshi
Published: October 2013

We investigated dislocation density dependence on stimulated emission characteristics of AlGaN/AlN multiquantum wells (MQWs: emission wavelength of approximately 285 nm) on AlN templates with various dislocation densities. We found that the stimulated emission characteristics of the deep UV MQWs were strongly dependent on the dislocation densities. A reduction of the dislocation densities is very important in order to realize good stimulated emission characteristics of deep UV MQWs. (© 2013 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
An Effective Double Sampling Scheme for the c Control Chart
Authors: Inghilleri Roberta , Lupo Toni , Passannanti Gianfranco
Published: October 2013

In the present paper is developed a statistical process control inspection procedure based on a new simple‐to‐implement and effective double sampling scheme for the c control chart, aimed at the minimization of the number of inspected observation units and warranting fixed levels for the type I and II error risks. In particular, the formulations of the false alarm risk α, the power P of the chart, and the expected number of inspected observation units for the developed inspection procedure are given, whereas a macro of Microsoft Excel is adopted to solve the tackled problem. In order to illustrate the application of the developed approach and to investigate on the influence of several operating parameters, numerical examples are carried out and the related considerations are given. Finally, by comparing the performance of the developed inspection procedure with that of the related classic c chart scheme, meaningful reduction of the number of the inspected observation units can be achieved by adopting the proposed approach. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.