bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Preparation and Analysis of Glycoconjugates
Authors: Varki Ajit , Freeze Hudson H. , Manzi Adriana E.
Published: December 2009

Whereas DNA, RNA, and proteins are linear polymers that can usually be directly sequenced, glycans show substantially more complexity, having branching and anomeric configurations (α and β linkages). The biosynthesis of glycans, termed glycosylation, is extremely complex, is not template‐driven, varies among different cell types, and cannot be easily predicted from simple rules. This overview discusses the stereochemistry of mono‐ and oligosaccharides and provides diagrammatic representations of monosaccharides (Fisher projections and Haworth representations) and formulas for representation of glycan chains. A glossary of terms used in glycobiology is also provided. Curr. Protoc. Mol. Biol. 88:17.0.1‐17.0.12. © 2009 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Histochemical Methods for the Diagnosis of Mitochondrial Diseases
Authors: Paepe Boel De , Bleecker Jan L. De , Coster Rudy Van
Published: December 2009

Through the process of oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS), mitochondria provide cells with required energy in the form of ATP. The organelle possesses its own genome (mtDNA), which encodes for part of the components needed (37 genes encoding either OXPHOS structural subunits or tRNAs and rRNAs). Nonetheless, the majority of structural OXPHOS components (as well as accessory proteins and proteins required for maintenance, replication, and expression of the mtDNA) are encoded by nuclear genes. Due to the dual genetic control and the large number of proteins involved, biogenesis and assembly of the OXPHOS system is complicated, and identifying a specific gene defect can be a difficult and time consuming task. This unit describes procedures for obtaining tissue sections and cell material suitable for histological evaluation of OXPHOS activity and integrity and immunodetection of the complexes in tissue from patients suspected of mitochondrial disease. Emphasis lies on the diagnostic potential of these techniques to differentiate mtDNA from nuclear mutations. Curr. Protoc. Hum. Genet. 63:19.2.1‐19.2.19. © 2009 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Evaluation of the Mitochondrial Respiratory Chain and Oxidative Phosphorylation System Using Polarography and Spectrophotometric Enzyme Assays
Authors: Barrientos Antoni , Fontanesi Flavia , Díaz Francisca
Published: December 2009

The oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) system consists of five multimeric complexes embedded in the mitochondrial inner membrane. They work in concert to drive the aerobic synthesis of ATP. Mitochondrial and nuclear DNA mutations affecting the accumulation and function of these enzymes are the most common cause of mitochondrial diseases and have also been associated with neurodegeneration and aging. For this reason, several approaches for the assessment of the OXPHOS system enzymes have been developed. Based on the methods described elsewhere, the assays describe methods that form a biochemical characterization of the OXPHOS system in cells and mitochondria isolated from cultured cells or tissues. Curr. Protoc. Hum. Genet. 63:19.3.1‐19.3.14. © 2009 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Evaluation of the Mitochondrial Respiratory Chain and Oxidative Phosphorylation System Using Yeast Models of OXPHOS Deficiencies
Authors: Fontanesi Flavia , Diaz Francisca , Barrientos Antoni
Published: December 2009

The oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) system consists of five multimeric complexes embedded in the mitochondrial inner membrane. They work in concert to drive the aerobic synthesis of ATP. Mitochondrial and nuclear DNA mutations affecting the accumulation and function of these enzymes are the most common cause of mitochondrial diseases and have also been associated with neurodegeneration and aging. Several approaches for the assessment of the OXPHOS system enzymes have been developed. Based on the methods described elsewhere, this unit describes the creation and study of yeast models of mitochondrial OXPHOS deficiencies. Curr. Protoc. Hum. Genet. 63:19.5.1‐19.5.20. © 2009 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Pulse Width for Particle Sizing
Authors: Hoffman Robert A.
Published: December 2009

The widths of optical pulses in flow cytometry contain information about the size of particles. This size information is independent of many of the factors that affect light scatter as a measure of particle size, and any light scatter or fluorescence signal can be used to measure pulse width. For fluorescence signals, the pulse width can be predicted theoretically for many particle shapes, and quantitative size calibration is possible. To be a meaningful independent parameter, the pulse‐width measurement must be independent of the pulse amplitude. This unit provides protocols for determining the signal range over which amplitude independent pulse‐width measurements can be made and methods for calibrating the pulse‐width measurements to particle diameter. Calibration and application examples are provided and briefly discussed. Curr. Protoc. Cytom. 50:1.23.1‐1.23.17. © 2009 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
High‐Resolution Multiparameter DNA Flow Cytometry for the Detection and Sorting of Tumor and Stromal Subpopulations from Paraffin‐Embedded Tissues
Authors: Corver Willem E. , ter Haar Natalja T.
Published: December 2009

This unit contains a detailed protocol for the simultaneous flow cytometric measurement of tumor cells, stromal cells, and DNA content of formalin‐fixed, paraffin‐embedded (FFPE) tissues. The vimentin‐positive stromal cell fraction can be used as an internal reference for DNA content assessments. This allows clear detection of keratin‐positive tumor cells with a DNA index lower than 1.0 and of keratin‐positive tumor cells with a DNA close to 1.0 in overall DNA aneuploid samples, thus improved DNA ploidy assessment in FFPE carcinomas. Furthermore, the protocol is useful for studying molecular genetic alterations and intratumor heterogeneity in archival FFPE samples. Keratin‐positive tumor cell fractions can be flow‐sorted for further molecular genetic analysis, while DNA from the sorted vimentin‐positive stromal cells can serve as a reference when normal tissue of the patient is not available. Curr. Protoc. Cytom. 50:6.27.1‐6.27.21. © 2009 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Kinematical Regime—Members and Linkages
Authors: Sydenham Peter H.
Published: December 2009

The general nature of kinematic components is discussed in the context of fine mechanical instrument use. The collapse behavior of slender members is covered. Useful tables of formula for column collapse and second moment of section are presented. The design of linkages in general is discussed.
Nature and Properties of Measurement
Authors: Finkelstein Ludwik
Published: December 2009

The article considers measurement as a general case of a representation of entities by symbols. It outlines the properties that distinguish measurement from other forms of symbolization. A definition of the concept of information is proposed and it is shown how measurement and information are related. The relation of measurement to knowledge is discussed in the context of the definition of knowledge as justified true belief.
Extensions of the Representational Theory of Measurement
Authors: Finkelstein Ludwik
Published: December 2009

The article considers development points of the representational theory of measurement. It considers the measurement of an attribute that cannot be measured directly and shows how it can be measured through its relation to attributes for which there is a direct measurement process. Fundamentals of measurement in domains for which there is a well‐developed theory are outlined. Symbolic descriptions, which do not satisfy the conditions of measurement, are discussed.
Instrumentation Amplifiers
Authors: McGhee Joseph
Published: December 2009

The op‐amp forms the basis of many kinds of amplifiers used in early stages of sensing systems. In this article, the various kinds of op‐amps as models are developed. The differential‐input to single‐ and differential‐output types that led to the 2 and 3 op‐amp units are covered. How to specify instrumentation amplifiers is covered, before ending with ways to improve the common‐mode rejection ratio.
Dynamic Behavior of Closed‐Loop Systems
Authors: Sydenham Peter H.
Published: December 2009

Control systems used in measuring systems can be built and made to work using intuition alone, but to get the best out of them needs application of mathematical modeling. This article covers the application of Laplace transforms in solving analytical equations of a typical control loop in order to find out the responses to the commonly occurring inputs of impulse, step, ramp, and sinusoid.
Nonlinear Closed‐Loop Systems
Authors: Sydenham Peter H.
Published: December 2009

Analysis of feedback systems having nonlinearities in their behavior is not as straightforward as it is for those covered by linear descriptions. Phase plane and describing function methods are discussed along with the approach to take with such systems.
Relationship Between Systems in the Time and Frequency Domain
Authors: Woschni Eugen Georg
Published: December 2009

Systems can be described with the same values either in the time or in the frequency domain. Therefore, it is possible to convert one domain into the other. As treated in the article, the Laplace transform is the mathematical fundament of these conversions. More detail is provided than in the introduction given elsewhere. Typical signals and their Laplace transforms and the corresponding theorems of the Laplace transform are given. An application in solving an important example is demonstrated.
Chemotherapeutics, Anticancer
Authors: Doyle Terrence W. , Vyas Dolatrai M.
Published: December 2009

Toxicity

Toxicity Amelioration

Drug Resistance

Economics of Cancer Chemotherapy
Quaternary Ammonium Compounds
Authors: Dery Maurice
Published: December 2009

Nomenclature

Properties

Naturally Occurring Quaternaries

Analytical Test Methods

Toxicology and Environmental Fate

Synthesis and Manufacture of Quaternaries

Uses
Culture and Isolation of Brain Tumor Initiating Cells
Authors: Lenkiewicz Monika , Li Na , Singh Sheila K.
Published: December 2009

This unit describes protocols for the culture and isolation of brain tumor initiating cells (BTIC). The cancer stem cell (CSC) hypothesis suggests that tumors are maintained exclusively by a rare fraction of cells that have stem cell properties. We applied culture conditions and assays originally used for normal neural stem cells (NSCs) in vitro to a variety of brain tumors. The BTIC were isolated by fluorescence activated cell sorting for the neural precursor cell surface marker CD133. Only the CD133+ brain tumor fraction contains cells capable of sphere formation and sustained self‐renewal in vitro, and tumor initiation in NOD‐SCID mouse brains. Therefore, CD133+ BTICs satisfy the definition of cancer stem cells in that they are able to generate a replica of the patient's tumor and they exhibit self‐renewal ability through serial retransplantation. This established that only a rare subset of brain tumor cells with stem cell properties are tumor‐initiating, and, in this unit, we describe their culture and isolation. Curr. Protoc. Stem Cell Biol. 11:3.3.1‐3.3.10. © 2009 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Single‐Molecule Spectroscopy for Plastic Electronics: Materials Analysis from the Bottom‐Up
Authors: Lupton John M.
Published: December 2009

π‐conjugated polymers find a range of applications in electronic devices. These materials are generally highly disordered in terms of chain length and chain conformation, besides being influenced by a variety of chemical and physical defects. Although this characteristic can be of benefit in certain device applications, disorder severely complicates materials analysis. Accurate analytical techniques are, however, crucial to optimising synthetic procedures and assessing overall material purity. Fortunately, single‐molecule spectroscopic techniques have emerged as an unlikely but uniquely powerful approach to unraveling intrinsic material properties from the bottom up. Building on the success of such techniques in the life sciences, single‐molecule spectroscopy is finding increasing applicability in materials science, effectively enabling the dissection of the bulk down to the level of the individual molecular constituent. This article reviews recent progress in single molecule spectroscopy of conjugated polymers as used in organic electronics.
Brief communication: Dynamic plantar pressure distribution during locomotion in Japanese macaques (Macaca fuscata)
Authors: Hirasaki Eishi , Higurashi Yasuo , Kumakura Hiroo
Published: December 2009

To better place the form and motion of the human foot in an evolutionary context, understanding how foot motions change when quadrupeds walk bipedally can be informative. For this purpose, we compared the pressures beneath the foot during bipedal and quadrupedal walking in Japanese macaques (Macaca fuscata). The pressure at nine plantar regions was recorded using a pressure mat (120 Hz), while the animals walked on a level walkway at their preferred speeds. The results revealed substantial differences in foot use between the two modes of locomotion, and some features observed during bipedal walking resembled human gait, such as the medial transfer of the center of pressure (COP), abrupt declines in forefoot pressures, and the increased pressure beneath the hallux, all occurring during the late‐stance phase. In particular, the medial transfer of the COP, which is also observed in bonobos (Vereecke et al.: Am J Phys Anthropol 120 (2003) 373–383), was due to a biomechanical requirement for a hind limb dominant gait, such as bipedal walking. Features shared by bipedal and quadrupedal locomotion that were quite different from human locomotion were also observed: the heel never contacted the ground, a foot longitudinal arch was absent, the hallux was widely abducted, and the functional axis was on the third digit, not the second. Am J Phys Anthropol, 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Bone Density Distribution Patterns in the Rostrum of Delphinids and Beaked Whales: Evidence of Family‐Specific Evolutive Traits
Authors: Cozzi Bruno , Panin Mattia , Butti Camilla , Podestà Michela , Zotti Alessandro
Published: December 2009

Toothed whales have undergone a profound telescopic rearrangement of the skull, with elongation of facial bones and formation of a hollow rostrum, filled in vivo by the mesorostral cartilage. In most species of the family Ziphiidae, this latter cartilage becomes secondarily ossified, producing in some cases the densest bone existing in nature. Starting from this observation, we wanted to investigate the patterns of distribution of bone mineral density (BMD) in the rostrum of two families of toothed whales with different ecological and behavioral traits: Delphinidae and Ziphiidae. We analyzed BMD non invasively by means of the dual energy X‐ray absorptiometry technology, and found two different density distribution patterns that distinctly set the two families apart. Namely, BMD values decrease from the proximal to the distal region of the rostrum in delphinids, whereas the beaked whales show a BMD peak in the central region. Possible functions such as ballast or protection against clashes might be likely, although more data about the species of both families is needed to give better evidence. Anat Rec, 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Neonatal Gonocyte Differentiation in Mongolian GerbilMeriones unguiculatusInvolves Asynchronous Maturation of Seminiferous Cords and Rapid Formation of Transitional Cell Stage
Authors: Pinto Maria Etelvina , Botta Lívia Silva , Taboga Sebastião Roberto , Góes Rejane Maira
Published: December 2009

This study describes the neonatal differentiation of the Mongolian gerbil gonocytes, focusing on the relationship between its relocation to the basement membrane, apoptosis and postrelocation changes and also the distribution of androgen receptors (AR). Testes of gerbils from 1 to 35 days of age (d) were examined by high resolution light microscopy and immunocytochemistry for proteins PCNA, VASA, and AR as well as by the TUNEL method. Gonocytes were quantified according to degree of relocation into nonrelocated, relocating and relocated. Most of them were found in the center of seminiferous cords at 1 d but a small number of relocating and relocated gonocytes were already visible in the first postnatal day. After relocation, gonocytes change phenotypically to a transitional stage designated herein prospermatogonia. Both gonocyte relocation and transformation into spermatogonial lineage occur asynchronously in the seminiferous cords, mainly after 7 d. Gonocyte proliferation began before but peak after their relocation to basement membrane at the prospermatogonia stage. Higher levels of gonocyte apoptosis were found at 7 d and 21 d. From this time onward gonocytes were not found. Gonocytes and prospermatogonia showed high amounts of AR in their cytoplasm contrary to spermatogonial subtypes, indicating a possible AR inactivation in these cells. In conclusion, the process of gonocyte relocation in the gerbil extends until the second postnatal week, leads to their rapid differentiation into prospermatogonia and occurs simultaneously with the loss of androgen sensitivity. Differently from other laboratory rodents, the events regarding gonocyte maturation in the gerbil last longer and occur asynchronously in seminiferous cords. Anat Rec, 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A stochastic model for a general load‐sharing system under overload condition
Authors: Yun Won Young , Cha Ji Hwan
Published: December 2009

A load‐sharing parallel system functions if at least one unit in the system is functioning and the surviving units share the load. In most of research on load‐sharing system, the performance of the system has been studied only for the case when the lifetimes of components in the system follow exponential distributions. In this paper a load‐sharing parallel system is considered when the lifetimes of the units in the system are any continuous random variables. The reliability function of the system is derived and the problem of load allocation is also considered. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Signal processing interpolation educational workbench
Authors: Costa M. I. , Barroso J. , Soares S.
Published: December 2009

This article presents an educational tool to be used in signal processing interpolation‐related subjects. The aim is to contribute to the better consolidation of acquired theoretical knowledge, allowing students to test signal reconstruction algorithms and visualize the results obtained by the usage of such algorithms, and how several parameters affect their convergence and performance. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Comput Appl Eng Educ 20: 356–363, 2012
N‐terminal Prohormone Brain Natriuretic Peptide‐proBNP Levels in Ventricular Arrhythmias in Children
Authors: Mazurek Bogusław , Szydłowski Lesław , Giec‐Fuglewicz Grażyna , Markiewicz‐Łoskot Grażyna
Published: December 2009

Background

Ventricular arrhythmias are the most common consequences of structural and functional heart diseases, but cases with no evident pathology are also observed. A parameter indicating asymptomatic circulatory failure could support decisions related to possible treatment of ventricular arrhythmias.

Hypothesis

The study objective was the evaluation of N‐terminal prohormone brain natriuretic peptide (NT‐proBNP) levels in children with ventricular arrhythmias and an attempt to determine if this parameter may be used for diagnosis and prognosis of ventricular arrhythmias.

Material and methods

The study population was comprised of 36 children age 5 to 17.5 years old with idiopathic ventricular arrhythmias (Group B) graded mild or potentially malignant; 29 patients with mild ventricular arrhythmias were included into Group B1; and 7 patients with potentially malignant cases into Group B2. In all the patients, NT‐proBNP assays were performed.

Results

The NT‐proBNP levels in Groups B, B1, B2 and the control group (Group K) were as follows: 41.5 ± 15.1 pg/mL, 35.5 ± 18.5 pg/mL, 66.3 ± 24.9 pg/mL and 31.5 ± 15.1 pg/mL, respectively. Between the groups with and without arrhythmias (Group B vs Group K), no statistically significant differences in NT‐proBNP levels were found. However, markedly higher NT‐proBNP levels were shown in the children with potentially malignant arrhythmias (Group B2) compared to the patients with mild arrhythmias (B1) and the control group (Group K).

Conclusions

The level of NT‐proBNP increases with the severity of ventricular arrhythmia. NT‐proBNP assays can be helpful for diagnosing and grading the severity of ventricular arrhythmias. Copyright © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Conflict of Interest
Authors: Richard Conti C.
Published: December 2009

Conflicts of interest are mainly financial when it comes to physician/industry relationships. Financial relationships are those in which a person benefits by receiving money in any amount in the previous 12 months. The Accreditation Council of Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) defines conflict of interest as, “when an individual has an opportunity to affect CME content about products or services of a commercial interest with which he/she has a financial relationship.” Copyright © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Influence of clay suspensions on the precipitation of CaCO3 in seawater
Authors: Karoui H. , Tlili M. M. , Riffault B. , Ben Amor M. , Mosrati H. , Mosrati R. , Gil O.
Published: December 2009

The effect of montmorillonite and kaolinite, most common clay in marine water, on nucleation and growth of calcium carbonate in standard sea water was studied. Crystallization was induced by the degasification of the dissolved carbonic gas. It was shown by XRD and SEM analysis that CaCO3 crystallize under its aragonite polymorph some either the clay concentration or type. It was also found that tested clays inhibited significantly the crystallization of calcium carbonate, especially for concentrations higher than 25 mgL–1. From the fine analyses of the formed solid, it was suggested that the tested clays have an indirect effect on nucleation and growth of aragonite by increasing the Mg ions concentration, strong inhibitor of CaCO3 formation, in the neighbourhood of clay particles where supersaturation is the higher and than crystallization can occur. In addition to its indirect role, kaolinite can interact with aragonite by adsorbing on their faces and blocking growth sites (© 2010 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Polymorphism and solvates of 3,3'‐dihydroxy‐ß,ß‐carotene‐4,4'‐dione: Screening and their thermodynamics
Authors: Guo J. , Ulrich J.
Published: December 2009

3,3'‐dihydroxy‐ß,ß‐carotene‐4,4'‐dione (DCD) is a carotenoid used for the pink coloration in animal and fish foods. Two nonsolvated and two solvated forms of this compound have been discovered and characterized using different analytical techniques. The thermodynamic stability of the relevant polymorphs is revealed. The transformation rate depends strongly on the selection of solvent medium. Moreover, different chemical stability refers to the shelf life is studied correlating to the different polymorphs. The results show the possibilities to improve the pigmentation efficiency and chemical stability by a changing in the crystal polymorphs. (© 2010 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Preparation, structure, and photoluminescence properties of Ga2O3/SnO2 coaxial nanowires
Authors: Jin Changhyun , Kim Hyunsoo , Baek Kyungjoon , Kim Hyoun Woo , Lee Chongmu
Published: December 2009

Ga2O3/SnO2 coaxial nanowires were synthesized by thermal evaporation of GaN powders and then atomic layer deposition of SnO2. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and X‐ray diffraction (XRD) analysis results indicate that the Ga2O3 cores and the SnO2 shells of the coaxial nanowires after thermal annealing are single crystals with monoclinic and simple orthorhombic structures, respectively, although the SnO2 shells are amorphous before annealing. Our results also show that photoluminescence (PL) emission can be enhanced by thermal annealing in an H2/N2 atmosphere. EDX concentration profile suggests that the enhancement in the bluish green emission is due to the increase in the concentration of the Ga vacancies in the cores during the H2/N2 annealing. On the other hand, a red emission is newly formed while the bluish green emission is degraded by annealing in an oxygen or nitrogen atmosphere (© 2010 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Mothers' concentrations of oxytocin following close, physical interactions with biological and nonbiological children
Authors: Bick Johanna , Dozier Mary
Published: December 2009

The current study examined the concentration of mothers' peripherally produced oxytocin after close physical interactions with their biological and nonbiological children. Each of 35 mothers and children participated in a computer game that promoted physical contact. In one interaction context, mothers interacted with their own children, and in the other context, mothers interacted with unfamiliar children. After the activity, urine samples were collected from the mothers and were assayed for oxytocin. Data from 26 mothers were available for oxytocin analyses. Oxytocin levels were higher among mothers following interactions with unfamiliar children than following interactions with their own children. Possible explanations for the differences in oxytocin levels across contexts are discussed. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Dev Psychobiol 52: 100–107, 2010
Orthogonal Signal Correction for Voltammetry
Authors: Jakubowska Małgorzata
Published: December 2009

The paper presents orthogonal signal correction (OSC) as a useful algorithm to remove undesired signals distortions, connected with the application of solid electrodes in voltammetry which currently replace toxic mercury sensors due to metal toxicity. It was proven that the influence of additive, multiplicative and typical non‐linearity perturbations of the signal for a calibration model may be substantially limited. Additionally, a noticeable arrangement of the curves was observed which improves the exploration of the analytical system under consideration. The ability of OSC to remove undesirable background effects and improve the quality of results was demonstrated with simulated and experimental data sets.
A Cheap Amperometric and Optical Sensor for Glucose Determination
Authors: Scavetta E. , Ballarin B. , Tonelli D.
Published: December 2009

A cheap amperometric and optical sensor for glucose, based on an ITO electrode coated with electrodeposited Co/Al hydrotalcite (HT) is described. Cobalt based HT shows a reversible electrochromic behavior which can be exploited for the development of an optical sensor. Working in the optical mode, the linearity range of the sensor is between 0.008 and 0.13 mM with a sensitivity of 1.14 mM−1⋅cm−2, whereas when working in the amperometric mode, the linearity ranges from 0.002 to 1.5 mM with a sensitivity of 4.24×10−4 A⋅mM−1⋅cm−2. The sensor has been successfully employed for the determination of glucose in a serum sample.
Changes in pentachlorophenol (PCP) metabolism and physicochemical characteristics by granules responding to different oxygen availability
Authors: Chen Yuancai , Lin Che‐Jen , Lan Huaixia , Fu Shiyu , Zhan Huaiyu
Published: December 2009

The effects of oxygen availability on the degradation of pentachlorophenol (PCP) by coupled sludge granules and the granules' physicochemical characteristics were studied in batch experiments. Results indicated that the quantity of available oxygen in serum bottles had a significant effect on the metabolism of PCP. The mass balance analysis of various intermediates (chlorinated phenols and release of chloride ion) indicated that reductive dechlorination was the pathway for the PCP degradation under the studied conditions. The highest degree of mineralization of PCP (95%) was achieved at 40% initial headspace oxygen percentage (IHOP), producing trichlorophenol (TCP), dichlorophenol (DCP), and monochlorophenol (MCP) as the intermediates and chloride as one of the final products in a 3‐day incubation period. Under strictly anaerobic or slightly oxidative conditions (0 and 20 IHOP), the reductive dechlorination of PCP caused an accumulation of TCP. Under aerobic conditions (80 and 100 IHOP), PCP degradation was less significant due to the hindered reductive chlorination in the presence of excess oxygen. A positive correlation exists among hydrophobicity, settling velocity, and protein (PN) concentration. The hydrophobicity and PN decreased from 85%, 3.5 mg g−1 VSS to 70%, 1.3 mg g−1 VSS as IHOP increased from 0 to 60, and then increased to 82%, 2.8 mg g−1 VSS as IHOP increased to 100. Oxygen‐limited conditions caused an inferior settling characteristic of the granules. Because of a combination of reductive and oxidative degradation mechanisms, aerobic or facultative bacteria were found to oxidize the PCP degradation intermediates produced by methanogens during the metabolism. © 2009 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 2010
Shape of hexagonal hydrostatic menisci
Authors: Pozrikidis C.
Published: December 2009

A numerical method is implemented for computing the shape of an infinite, hexagonal, doubly periodic, hydrostatic meniscus originating from contact lines whose projections in the horizontal plane are circles. The contact lines themselves may lie on vertical cylinders or spherical objects. The Laplace–Young equation determining the meniscus shape is solved by a finite‐difference method in orthogonal curvilinear coordinates generated by conformal mapping. The elevation of the contact lines is either prescribed or computed as part of the solution to ensure a specified contact angle. The results illustrate that the contact line spacing has an important effect on the contact angle or contact line distribution. Meniscus shapes exist only for a limited range of pressure differences between the upper and lower fluid that depend on the capillary length. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Regulatory T cells control macrophage accumulation and activation in lymphoma
Authors: Galani Ioanna E. , Wendel Marco , Stojanovic Ana , Jesiak Maria , Müller Margareta M. , Schellack Carola , Suri‐Payer Elisabeth , Cerwenka Adelheid
Published: December 2009

Strategies of manipulating immunosuppressive regulatory T cells (Treg) in cancer patients are currently evaluated in clinical trials. Treg suppress immune responses of tumor‐specific T cells; yet, relatively little is known about the impact of Treg on innate immune cells in tumor models in vivo. Many tumors lose expression of MHC class I. Therefore, our study aimed at defining strategies to strengthen immune responses against a high tumor burden of the MHC class I‐deficient mouse lymphoma RMA‐S. We demonstrate that Treg depletion in mice led to tumor rejection that was dependent on T cells, NK cells and IFN‐γ. In the absence of Treg elevated levels of IFN‐γ were produced by tumor‐infiltrating T cells and NK cells. Tumor rejection observed in the absence of Treg correlated with a substantial IFN‐γ‐dependent increase in the numbers of tumor‐infiltrating leukocytes. The most abundant cell population in the tumors was macrophages. Tumor‐infiltrating macrophages from Treg‐depleted mice expressed increased amounts of MHC class II, produced highly enhanced levels of pro‐inflammatory cytokines and inhibited tumor cell proliferation. It was reported that tumor‐infiltrating macrophages have multi‐faceted functions promoting or counteracting tumor growth. In our study, high numbers of macrophages infiltrating RMA‐S tumors in the absence of Treg correlated with tumor rejection suggesting that macrophages are additional targets for Treg‐mediated immune suppression in cancer.
Granzyme B is expressed in urothelial carcinoma and promotes cancer cell invasion
Authors: D'Eliseo Donatella , Pisu Paola , Romano Chiara , Tubaro Andrea , De Nunzio Cosimo , Morrone Stefania , Santoni Angela , Stoppacciaro Antonella , Velotti Francesca
Published: December 2009

Granzyme B (GrB) is a serine proteinase known to be expressed by cytotoxic lymphocytes and to induce, in presence of perforin (Pf), apoptosis in target cells. Recently, GrB expression has been shown (often in absence of Pf) in nonlymphoid cells, but its function is not defined. In our study, we investigated GrB and Pf expression in bladder cancer cell lines and in urothelial carcinoma (UC) tissues by reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR), Western blot, ELISA, immunofluorescence and immunohistochemistry. We also assessed the function of GrB in UC cells; the in vitro function of GrB was examined by loss‐of‐function experiments. Our results revealed that GrB is expressed, in absence of Pf, in UC cells. Significant differences were found between GrB expression and both increasing pathological tumor spreading and high‐grade vs. low‐grade pTa tumors. Notably, GrB in UC tissues was concentrated at the cancer invasion front and was expressed in neoplastic cells undergoing epithelial‐mesenchymal transition, a key event in carcinoma invasion. Indeed, GrB‐positive cells also expressed Snail, N‐cadherin or were negative for E‐cadherin. GrB expressed in tumor cell lines was enzymatically active and capable of vitronectin cleavage, implying extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling by GrB. Inhibition of GrB activity or Stealth RNA interference‐mediated GrB gene silencing markedly suppressed bladder cancer cell invasion through matrigel. This data provides the first evidence for a role of GrB in promoting cancer cell invasion. Taken together, our findings suggest that GrB, via ECM degradation, contributes to the establishment of the UC invasive phenotype.
Domestic vs external sovereign debt servicing: an empirical analysis
Authors: Kohlscheen Emanuel
Published: December 2009

This paper analyzes the incidence of domestic and external debt crises for a sample of 53 emerging economies between 1980 and 2005. Even though there is substantial time variation in the default rates during the period, sovereign default rates for domestic debts are typically lower than those for external debts. The incidence of both types of defaults is explained by means of the estimation of independent and simultaneous limited‐dependent variable models. The results show that while there is considerable evidence that external defaults trigger domestic defaults, evidence for the reverse link disappears when default propensities are estimated in a simultaneous equation model. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Prevention of Rh sensitization in the context of trauma: Two case reports
Authors: Werch Jochewed B.
Published: December 2009

Background:

Transfusion of D+ red blood cells (RBCs) to D− recipients can be accidental or necessary due to D− RBC shortage. Alloimmunization can complicate future transfusions; implications for women of childbearing age are compounded by possible hemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn. Rh immunoprophylaxis is effective, and indicated, for preventing alloimmunization. Reports of massive D+ mismatch (e.g., in the case of fetal‐maternal bleed) are limited, and standard recommendations for managing these rare events are lacking. The cases discussed herein of women of childbearing age who suffered severe trauma requiring emergency surgery illustrate the dilemma of determining the ideal strategy for Rh immunoprophylaxis.

Case reports:

The first patient received two units of mismatched RBCs and was treated with intravenous Rh immune globulin (IV RHIG; Rhophylac®, CSL Behring, Kankakee, IL) monotherapy beginning 49 h postsurgery. For the second patient, who received three units of D+ RBCs, partial RBC exchange transfusion, followed 48 h later by IV RHIG, was deemed appropriate based on the large volume of RHIG needed and concerns of hemolytic transfusion reaction and hyperbilirubinemia. Both patients recovered in full without further intervention; the first patient delivered a healthy child ∼11 months posttreatment.

Conclusions:

Rh immunoprophylaxis is effective, and indicated, for preventing alloimmunization in women of childbearing age to protect the mother, fetus, and newborn. For the general population, a case‐by‐case approach is recommended. The availability of IV RHIG improves patient safety by facilitating the delivery of such treatment. RBC exchange should be considered for large volume mismatches. J. Clin. Apheresis, 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Detection of normal spinal veins by using susceptibility‐weighted imaging
Authors: Ishizaka Kinya , Kudo Kohsuke , Fujima Noriyuki , Zaitsu Yuri , Yazu Rie , Tha Khin Khin , Terae Satoshi , Haacke E. Mark , Sasaki Makoto , Shirato Hiroki
Published: December 2009

Purpose:

To evaluate the visualization of the spinal veins using susceptibility‐weighted imaging (SWI).

Materials and Methods:

A 1.5‐T magnet equipped with a spine matrix coil was used. Axial SWI scans of 20 healthy volunteers were obtained with a three‐dimensional fast low‐angle shot (3D‐FLASH) sequence. Maximum intensity projection (MIP) of the phase images were reconstructed and five MIP images (at the levels of T11, T11/12, T12, T12/L1, and L1) were selected for the evaluation. The anterior median vein (AMV), posterior median vein (PMV), anterior radiculomedullary vein (ARV), posterior radiculomedullary vein (PRV), and sulcal vein (SV) were evaluated using a 4‐grade scale (0, none; 1, weak; 2, moderate; and 3, prominent).

Results:

The AMV was detected in all the subjects (100%). The detection rates of the other veins were lower: PMV, 65%; right ARV, 45%; left ARV, 15%; right PRV, 10%; left PRV, 30%; and SV, 0%. The average scores for AMV, PMV, right ARV, left ARV, right PRV, left PRV, and SV were 0.98, 0.24, 0.20, 0.08, 0.08, 0.14, and 0, respectively.

Conclusion:

SWI of the spine is feasible. The extrinsic spinal veins can be visualized by SWI without using contrast materials. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2010;31:32–38. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Susceptibility weighted imaging with multiple echoes
Authors: Denk Christian , Rauscher Alexander
Published: December 2009

Purpose:

To extend susceptibility weighted imaging (SWI) to multiple echoes with an adapted homodyne filtering of phase images for the computation of venograms with improved signal to noise ratio (SNR) and contrast to noise ratio (CNR) and to produce high resolution maps of R2* relaxation.

Materials and Methods:

Three‐dimensional multi echo gradient echo data were acquired with five equidistant echoes ranging from 13 to 41 ms. The phase images of each echo were filtered with filter parameters adjusted to the echo time, converted into a phase mask, and combined with the corresponding magnitude images to obtain susceptibility weighted images. The individual images were then averaged. Conventional single echo data were acquired for comparison. Maps of R2* relaxation rates were computed from the magnitude data. Field maps derived from the phase data were used to correct R2* for the influences from background inhomogeneities of the static magnetic field.

Results:

Compared with the single echo images, the combined images had an increase in SNR by 46% and an improvement in CNR by 34 to 80%, improved visibility of small venous vessels and reduced blurring along the readout direction. The R2* values of different tissue types are in good agreement with values from the literature.

Conclusion:

Acquisition of SWI with multiple echoes leads to an increase in SNR and CNR and it allows the computation of high resolution maps of R2* relaxation. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2010;31:185–191. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Hybrid of opposite‐contrast MRA of the brain by combining time‐of‐flight and black‐blood sequences: Initial experience in major trunk stenoocclusive diseases
Authors: Tsuchiya Kazuhiro , Kobayashi Kuninori , Nitatori Toshiaki , Kimura Tokunori , Ikedo Masato , Takemoto Shuhei
Published: December 2009

Purpose:

To assess the feasibility of a new MR angiography (MRA) technique named hybrid of opposite‐contrast MRA (HOP MRA) that combined the time‐of‐flight (TOF) MRA with a flow‐sensitive black‐blood (FSBB) sequence in the diagnosis of major trunk stenoocclusive diseases.

Materials and Methods:

On a 1.5 Tesla imager using a dual‐echo three‐dimensional (3D)‐gradient‐echo sequence, we obtained the first echo for TOF MRA followed by the second echo for FSBB. We then subtracted the FSBB data set from that of TOF MRA followed by maximum intensity projection. In four normal volunteers and 19 patients with chronic stenoocclusive disease of the major trunk, we performed HOP MRA along with 3D‐TOF MRA and compared the findings.

Results:

In the volunteer group, the HOP MRA technique improved the demonstration of distal arterial branches. In 12 of the 19 patients, the HOP MRA better visualized branches distal to the lesion as well as distal branches of normal trunks than 3D‐TOF MRA, while both techniques provided equivalent depiction of branches distal to the lesion but better depiction of normal distal branches in three patients.

Conclusion:

The HOP‐MRA technique is promising in major trunk stenoocclusive diseases as it better demonstrates distal branches probably representing collaterals than 3D‐TOF MRA. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2010;31:56–60. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Adaptive non‐local means denoising of MR images with spatially varying noise levels
Authors: Manjón José V. , Coupé Pierrick , Martí‐Bonmatí Luis , Collins D. Louis , Robles Montserrat
Published: December 2009

Purpose:

To adapt the so‐called nonlocal means filter to deal with magnetic resonance (MR) images with spatially varying noise levels (for both Gaussian and Rician distributed noise).

Materials and Methods:

Most filtering techniques assume an equal noise distribution across the image. When this assumption is not met, the resulting filtering becomes suboptimal. This is the case of MR images with spatially varying noise levels, such as those obtained by parallel imaging (sensitivity‐encoded), intensity inhomogeneity‐corrected images, or surface coil‐based acquisitions. We propose a new method where information regarding the local image noise level is used to adjust the amount of denoising strength of the filter. Such information is automatically obtained from the images using a new local noise estimation method.

Results:

The proposed method was validated and compared with the standard nonlocal means filter on simulated and real MRI data showing an improved performance in all cases.

Conclusion:

The new noise‐adaptive method was demonstrated to outperform the standard filter when spatially varying noise is present in the images. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2010;31:192–203. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Computer‐aided detection of metastatic brain tumors using automated three‐dimensional template matching
Authors: Ambrosini Robert D. , Wang Peng , O'Dell Walter G.
Published: December 2009

Purpose:

To demonstrate the efficacy of an automated three‐dimensional (3D) template matching‐based algorithm in detecting brain metastases on conventional MR scans and the potential of our algorithm to be developed into a computer‐aided detection tool that will allow radiologists to maintain a high level of detection sensitivity while reducing image reading time.

Materials and Methods:

Spherical tumor appearance models were created to match the expected geometry of brain metastases while accounting for partial volume effects and offsets due to the cut of MRI sampling planes. A 3D normalized cross‐correlation coefficient was calculated between the brain volume and spherical templates of varying radii using a fast frequency domain algorithm to identify likely positions of brain metastases.

Results:

Algorithm parameters were optimized on training datasets, and then data were collected on 22 patient datasets containing 79 total brain metastases producing a sensitivity of 89.9% with a false positive rate of 0.22 per image slice when restricted to the brain mass.

Conclusion:

Study results demonstrate that the 3D template matching‐based method can be an effective, fast, and accurate approach that could serve as a useful tool for assisting radiologists in providing earlier and more definitive diagnoses of metastases within the brain. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2010;31:85–93. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Measuring the heart in pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH): Implications for trial study size
Authors: Bradlow William M. , Hughes Marina L. , Keenan Niall G. , Bucciarelli‐Ducci Chiara , Assomull Ravi , Gibbs J. Simon R. , Mohiaddin Raad H.
Published: December 2009

Purpose:

To calculate the sample size for a theoretical pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) randomized controlled trial (RCT) by using cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging to determine the repeatability of measures between two scans.

Materials and Methods:

Two same‐day examinations from 10 PAH patients were analyzed manually and semiautomatically. Study size was calculated from the standard deviation (SD) of repeatability. Different approaches to right‐ventricle (RV) mass were investigated, agreement between methods tested and interobserver reproducibility measured by Bland‐Altman analysis to explore how the PAH heart might be best measured.

Results:

Repeatability was good for almost all manually‐measured indices but poor for semiautomated measurement of RV mass and left‐ventricle (LV) end‐diastolic volume (EDV). Thus, for an RCT (power, 80%; significance level, 5%) analyzing “outcome” indices (RVEDV, LVEDV, RV ejection fraction, and RV mass; anticipated change: 10 mL, 10 mL, 3%, and 10 g, respectively) manually, 34 patients are required compared to 78 if analysis is semiautomated. RV mass was repeatable if the interventricular septum was divided between ventricles or if wholly apportioned to the LV. Limits of agreement between manual and semiautomated analyses were unsatisfactory for RV measures and interobserver reproducibility was worse for semiautomated than manual analysis.

Conclusion:

Manual is more robust than semiautomated analysis and at present should be favored in RCTs in PAH as it leads to lower sample size requirements. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2010;31:117–124. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A population‐specific symmetric phase model to automatically analyze susceptibility‐weighted imaging (SWI) phase shifts and phase symmetry in the human brain
Authors: Grabner Günther , Haubenberger Dietrich , Rath Jakob , Beisteiner Roland , Auff Eduard , Trattnig Siegfried , Barth Markus
Published: December 2009

Purpose:

To create a population‐specific symmetric phase model and to evaluate the susceptibility‐weighted imaging (SWI) phase in terms of phase shift using different segmentation methods (manual and automatic) and phase shift symmetry, which is expected as a marker for lateralized Parkinson's disease (PD) symptoms.

Materials and Methods:

SWI and T1‐weighted data from 25 PD patients and five healthy controls were acquired on a 3T MRI system. A population‐specific, symmetric phase model was developed. Regions of interest (ROIs) were defined manually on the phase model, manually on each individual data set, and automatically using model‐based segmentation (MBS). Manually‐ and MBS‐defined ROIs were compared using kappa values, and left‐right phase symmetry was evaluated using correlation analysis.

Results:

Independent of the analysis method, a phase increase from the anterior to the posterior putamen, and the average phase value relationship substantia nigra > globus pallidus > red nucleus was found. Phase symmetry analysis shows a difference between lateralized and symmetric PD.

Conclusion:

The symmetric phase model helps to analyze phase data with similar accuracy, but a greatly reduced tracing effort compared to individual tracing and also allows evaluating left‐right phase symmetries. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2010;31:215–220. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.