bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Highly hydrophobic microporous low‐density polyethylene hollow fiber membranes by melt‐extrusion coupled with salt‐leaching technique
Authors: Mosadegh‐Sedghi Sanaz , Rodrigue Denis , Brisson Josée , Iliuta Maria C.
Published: March 2013

Microporous and highly hydrophobic low‐density polyethylene (LDPE) hollow fiber membranes were successfully prepared via a solvent‐free method, combining melt‐extrusion, and salt‐leaching techniques. NaCl particles with particle size of 5–10 µm were mixed with LDPE pellets to produce a blend of 35, 40, 50, 60, 65 and 68 wt% of salt. A microporous structure was produced by leaching the salt particles from the hollow fiber matrix via immersion in water at 60°C. The fabricated membranes were then characterized in terms of morphology, porosity and pore size distribution, surface roughness, and hydrophobicity, as well as mechanical properties. The remarkable increase in the water contact angles from 98° for LDPE hollow fibers fabricated without the addition of salt (blank sample) to 130° for membranes fabricated with initial salt content of 68 wt% is mainly attributed to the rough surface structure, comprising a large number of micropapillas produced by removing the imbedded salt crystals. The increase in surface roughness and porosity of hollow fiber membranes with increasing initial salt content was confirmed by scanning electron microscope and atomic force microscopy. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Qualitative and Quantitative Analysis of Phenolic Compounds in the Leaves of Aquilaria sinensis Using Liquid Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Yu Qian , Qi Jin , Yu Hai‐Xiang , Chen Lin‐Lin , Kou Jun‐Ping , Liu Shou‐Jin , Yu Bo‐Yang
Published: March 2013

Introduction

The leaves of Aquilaria sinensis traditionally have been used in China for a century. Phenolic compounds were investigated to be the major active compounds in them.

Objective

To establish a method that will simultaneously determine the phenolic compounds in Aquilaria sinensis leaves and identify their characteristic fragmentation patterns, and to make a comparison of A. sinensis leaf samples from different areas of China.

Methods

High‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) coupled with mass spectrometry (MS) and photodiode array detection (DAD) were used for the qualitative and quantitative analysis.

Results

Twenty‐one compounds, including xanthones, benzophenones and flavones, were identified or tentatively characterised. The fragmentation patterns of xanthones and benzophenones were also described. Also, eight components in the herbal samples from different regions were determined by HPLC‐DAD.

Conclusion

The method developed is suitable for the qualitative and quantitative analysis of phenolic constituents in the leaves of A. sinensis. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Interval Multivariate Curve Resolution in the Dereplication of HPLC–DAD Data from Jatropha gossypifolia
Authors: Pilon Alan Cesar , Carneiro R. L. , Carnevale Neto F. , da S. Bolzani Vanderlan , Castro‐Gamboa I.
Published: March 2013

Introduction

Jatropha gossypifolia has been used quite extensively by traditional medicine for the treatment of several diseases in South America and Africa. This medicinal plant has therapeutic potential as a phytomedicine and therefore the establishment of innovative analytical methods to characterise their active components is crucial to the future development of a quality product.

Objective

To enhance the chromatographic resolution of HPLC–UV–diode‐array detector (DAD) experiments applying chemometric tools.

Methods

Crude leave extracts from J. gossypifolia were analysed by HPLC–DAD. A chromatographic band deconvolution method was designed and applied using interval multivariate curve resolution by alternating least squares (MCR–ALS).

Results

The MCR–ALS method allowed the deconvolution from up to 117% more bands, compared with the original HPLC–DAD experiments, even in regions where the UV spectra showed high similarity. The method assisted in the dereplication of three C‐glycosylflavones isomers: vitexin/isovitexin, orientin/homorientin and schaftoside/isoschaftoside.

Conclusion

The MCR–ALS method is shown to be a powerful tool to solve problems of chromatographic band overlapping from complex mixtures such as natural crude samples. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A Modern Approach to the Authentication and Quality Assessment of Thyme Using UV Spectroscopy and Chemometric Analysis
Authors: Gad Haidy A. , El‐Ahmady Sherweit H. , Abou‐Shoer Mohamed I. , Al‐Azizi Mohamed M.
Published: March 2013

Introduction

Recently, the fields of chemometrics and multivariate analysis have been widely implemented in the quality control of herbal drugs to produce precise results, which is crucial in the field of medicine. Thyme represents an essential medicinal herb that is constantly adulterated due to its resemblance to many other plants with similar organoleptic properties.

Objective

To establish a simple model for the quality assessment of Thymus species using UV spectroscopy together with known chemometric techniques. The success of this model may also serve as a technique for the quality control of other herbal drugs.

Materials and methods

The model was constructed using 30 samples of authenticated Thymus vulgaris and challenged with 20 samples of different botanical origins. The methanolic extracts of all samples were assessed using UV spectroscopy together with chemometric techniques: principal component analysis (PCA), soft independent modeling of class analogy (SIMCA) and hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA).

Results

The model was able to discriminate T. vulgaris from other Thymus, Satureja, Origanum, Plectranthus and Eriocephalus species, all traded in the Egyptian market as different types of thyme. The model was also able to classify closely related species in clusters using PCA and HCA. The model was finally used to classify 12 commercial thyme varieties into clusters of species incorporated in the model as thyme or non‐thyme.

Conclusion

The model constructed is highly recommended as a simple and efficient method for distinguishing T. vulgaris from other related species as well as the classification of marketed herbs as thyme or non‐thyme. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Psychosocial aspects of invasive fetal therapy as compared to prenatal diagnosis and risk assessment
Authors: Beck Veronika , Opdekamp Sandra , Enzlin Paul , Doné Elisa , Gucciardo Leonardo , El handouni Najima , van Mieghem Tim , Lewi Liesbeth , Deprest Jan
Published: March 2013

Objective

To explore the psychosocial impact of invasive fetal therapy (FT).

Methods

We studied 100 consecutive patients scheduled for invasive FT. Contemporary controls were women undergoing (1) invasive prenatal diagnosis (AC/CVS) and (2) first trimester risk assessment of aneuploidy (NT), and (3) women who declined the latter (CTR). Prior to the procedure, participants completed the Beck Depression Inventory II, the State‐Trait Anxiety Inventory, the Dyadic Adjustment Scale and a questionnaire specifically designed to evaluate the process preceding the intervention.

Results

Thirty‐five percent of women in the FT group had mild to severe depressive symptoms, and 30% showed high levels of state anxiety. Mean state anxiety was significantly higher in women facing invasive as compared to non‐invasive procedures. Trait anxiety levels and relationship scores were comparable across all groups. FT patients were more satisfied with the information and support given, whereas women in the NT group felt a greater degree of self‐determination and contentedness with the choices they made.

Conclusion

Pregnant women awaiting invasive prenatal diagnosis and FT face higher levels of state anxiety than women undergoing non‐invasive procedures. Traits of depression and high state anxiety are found in at least one third of women undergoing FT. © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cardiovascular safety and DPP‐4 inhibitors
Authors: Carty David M , Drummond Russell , Fisher Miles
Published: March 2013

Following the rosiglitazone controversy there is a requirement from the licensing agencies that new antidiabetic drugs must be shown not to increase cardiovascular risk during phase 3 development. This includes studying patients with high cardiovascular risk, who were previously excluded from phase 3 studies. All of the currently available dipeptidyl peptidase (DPP)‐4 inhibitors (sitagliptin, vildagliptin, saxagliptin, linagliptin) have satisfied these safety criteria, with the suggestion that there might be some cardiovascular benefit with this class. Large randomised‐controlled trials are ongoing to assess safety as well as potential benefit. The results of these randomised‐controlled trials will influence the long‐term use of DPP‐4 inhibitors and their place in treatment guidelines. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons.
Predictors of depression, anxiety and quality of life in patients with prostate cancer receiving androgen deprivation therapy
Authors: Chipperfield Kelly , Fletcher Jane , Millar Jeremy , Brooker Joanne , Smith Robin , Frydenberg Mark , Burney Sue
Published: March 2013

Objectives

To evaluate the effects of androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) on depression, anxiety and quality of life (QoL) in patients with prostate cancer (PCa) and to examine the relationship between meeting the National Physical Activity Guidelines of Australia (NPAGA) and the presence and severity of both psychological sequelae and physical side effects associated with ADT. A secondary purpose was to examine the predictors of depression, anxiety and QoL in patients with PCa.

Methods

A questionnaire was mailed to English‐speaking patients aged 40 to 80 years, who had received radiotherapy for PCa during 2010 and 2011, between 9 and 30 months prior to study initiation. Measures included the following: the International Physical Activity Questionnaire; the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale; the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy—Prostate; and sociodemographic items.

Results

Long‐term use of ADT was associated with poorer QoL and psychosocial well‐being. Those meeting NPAGA had significantly lower levels of depression and anxiety and improved QoL compared with those not meeting NPAGA. Logistic regression analyses showed the odds of clinically significant depression and anxiety scores, increased with younger age and comorbid conditions. Not meeting NPAGA increased the likelihood of caseness for depression. Multiple regression analyses revealed that comorbid conditions and treatment category predicted poorer QoL, whereas meeting NPAGA positively predicted QoL.

Conclusions

The use of ADT in the management of patients with PCa has a measurable effect on QoL. These findings support the utility of physical activity as an intervention for men undergoing ADT. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Disorder induced violet/blue luminescence in rf‐deposited ZnO films
Authors: Peres M. , Magalhães S. , Soares M. R. , Soares M. J. , Rino L. , Alves E. , Lorenz K. , Correia M. R. , Lourenço A. C. , Monteiro T.
Published: March 2013

In this work ZnO thin films were deposited on different substrates, glass, silicon (100), and MgO (100) using rf‐magnetron sputtering at low temperature in order to promote a large defect density, aiming to study a possible correlation with the observed violet/blue emission band. The peak position, width and low energy band shape asymmetry of the violet/blue band was found to be dependent on the deposition temperature and oxygen partial pressure. The structural analysis of deposited films reveals an epitaxial relationship for the a ‐oriented ZnO/MgO while for the c ‐oriented ZnO/Si no epitaxial relation was found with the substrate. The dependence of the violet/blue band on temperature displays always a shift of the peak position to lower energies, discarding the hypothesis of a free to bound transition. The sublinear dependence of the emission intensity with the excitation intensity suggests that the violet/blue bands on both samples could have a donor‐acceptor pair nature. However, the unusually strong shift of the peak position to lower energies for the ZnO/MgO films and the emphasised asymmetric band shape for the ZnO/Si samples suggest that potential fluctuations in the electronic bands, due to disorder induced charged defects, could also be considered as an alternative recombination model for the violet/blue band. (© 2013 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Anti‐biofilm Effects of Honey Against Wound Pathogens Proteus mirabilis and Enterobacter cloacae
Authors: Majtan Juraj , Bohova Jana , Horniackova Miroslava , Klaudiny Jaroslav , Majtan Viktor
Published: March 2013

Biofilm growth and its persistence within wounds have recently been suggested as contributing factors to impaired healing. The goal of this study was to investigate the anti‐biofilm effects of several honey samples of different botanical origin, including manuka honey against Proteus mirabilis and Enterobacter cloacae wound isolates.

Quantification of biofilm formation was carried out using a microtiter plate assay. All honeys at a sub‐inhibitory concentration of 10% (w/v) significantly reduced the biofilm development of both isolates. Similarly, at a concentration of 50% (w/v), each of the honeys caused significant partial detachment of Pr. mirabilis biofilm after 24 h. On the other hand, no honey was able to significantly detach Ent. cloacae biofilm. In addition, treatment of Ent. cloacae and Pr. mirabilis biofilms with all honeys resulted in a significant decrease in colony‐forming units per well values in a range of 0.35–1.16 and 1.2–7.5 log units, respectively.

Of the tested honeys, manuka honey possessed the most potent anti‐biofilm properties. Furthermore, methylglyoxal, an antibacterial compound of manuka honey, was shown to be responsible for killing biofilm‐embedded wound bacteria.

These findings suggest that manuka honey could be used as a potential therapy for the treatment of wounds containing Pr. mirabilis or Ent. cloacae. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Identification and quantification of poly(amidoamine) PAMAM dendrimers of generations 0 to 3 by liquid chromatography/hybrid quadrupole time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry in aqueous medium
Authors: Ulaszewska Maria Malgorzata , Hernando Maria Dolores , Moreno Ana Uclés , García Antonio Valverde , Calvo Eloy García , Fernández‐Alba Amadeo R.
Published: March 2013

RATIONALE

Poly(amidoamine) PAMAM dendrimers are highly water soluble and are used as flexible scaffolding or nanocontainers to conjugate, complex or encapsulate therapeutic drugs to overcome intrinsically weak characteristics such as solubilization in aqueous medium. To provide a reliable method for the quantitation of PAMAM dendrimers in aqueous medium, we report here a validation study which was developed in a complex wastewater matrix to evaluate the matrix effect in the electrospray ionization (ESI) source.

METHODS

PAMAM dendrimers (generations G0 to G3) were identified and quantitated in aqueous medium using liquid chromatography interfaced to a hybrid quadrupole/time‐of‐flight mass analyzer. This approach used the high resolving power of isotopic clusters and mass accuracy of the instrument, with especial attention to the tandem mass spectrometric (MS/MS) capabilities. The formation of multiply charged ions of PAMAM dendrimers in the ESI source and their later fragmentation allowed fragmentation paths to be determined and structural assignments to be made.

RESULTS

The analytical strategy allowed dendrimer identification with a high degree of confidence obtained by accurate mass and high resolution with mass errors below 5 ppm and 10 ppm in MS and MS/MS modes. The parameters of validation in spiked matrix were: limits of quantification in the range of 0.12 to 1.25 μM depending on the generation, linearity (R >0.996), repeatability (R.S.D. <6.7%) and reproducibility (R.S.D. <10.8%).

CONCLUSIONS

Accurate mass measurement, elemental composition, and charge state assignment through the resolution of isotopic clusters of product and precursor ions, confers enhanced confidence on PAMAM dendrimer characterization. This selectivity provided high discriminating capacity of PAMAM dendrimers against matrix interferences. Because of the reliable and reproducible quantitation by LC/ESI‐QTOF‐MS, analysis of PAMAM dendrimers in an aqueous matrix is feasible. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Electronic structure and gas‐phase chemistry of protonated α‐ and β‐quinonoid compounds: a mass spectrometry and computational study
Authors: Vessecchi Ricardo , Emery Flávio S. , Lopes Norberto P. , Galembeck Sérgio E.
Published: March 2013

RATIONALE

The use of quinonoid compounds against tropical diseases and as antitumor agents has prompted the search for new naturally occurring and synthetic derivatives. Among these quinonoid compounds, lapachol and its isomers (α‐ and β‐lapachone) serve as models for the synthesis of new compounds with biological activity, and the use of electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (ESI‐MS/MS) analysis as a tool to elucidate and characterize these products has furnished important information about these compounds.

METHODS

ESI‐MS/MS analysis under collision‐induced dissociation conditions was used to describe the fragmentation mechanisms for protonated 1,4‐naphthoquinone, 1,2‐naphthoquinone, α‐lapachone, and β‐lapachone. The B3LYP/6‐31+G(d,p) model was used to obtain proton affinities, gas‐phase basicities, and molecular electrostatic potential maps, thus indicating the probable protonation sites. Fragmentation pathways were suggested on the basis of the relative enthalpies of the product ions.

RESULTS

The ESI‐MS signals of the cationized molecules of ortho quinonoid compounds were more intense than those of the protonated molecule. Formation of the major product ions with m/z 187 from protonated α‐ and β‐lapachone has been attributed to a retro‐Diels‐Alder (RDA) reaction.

CONCLUSIONS

MS/MS studies on lapachol isomers (α‐ and β‐lapachone) will facilitate the interpretation of the liquid chromatography (LC)‐MS/MS analysis of new metabolites. MS/MS data on the 1,4‐naphthoquinone, 1,2‐naphthoquinone, α‐lapachone and β‐lapachone core will help characterize new derivatives from in vitro/in vivo metabolism studies in complex matrices. The product ions revealed the major fragmentation mechanisms and these ions will serve as diagnostic ions to identify each studied compound. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
In vitro strain measurements in cerebral aneurysm models for cyber‐physical diagnosis
Authors: Shi Chaoyang , Kojima Masahiro , Anzai Hitomi , Tercero Carlos , Ikeda Seiichi , Ohta Makoto , Fukuda Toshio , Arai Fumihito , Najdovski Zoran , Negoro Makoto , Irie Keiko
Published: March 2013

Background

The development of new diagnostic technologies for cerebrovascular diseases requires an understanding of the mechanism behind the growth and rupture of cerebral aneurysms. To provide a comprehensive diagnosis and prognosis of this disease, it is desirable to evaluate wall shear stress, pressure, deformation and strain in the aneurysm region, based on information provided by medical imaging technologies.

Methods

In this research, we propose a new cyber‐physical system composed of in vitro dynamic strain experimental measurements and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulation for the diagnosis of cerebral aneurysms. A CFD simulation and a scaled‐up membranous silicone model of a cerebral aneurysm were completed, based on patient‐specific data recorded in August 2008. In vitro blood flow simulation was realized with the use of a specialized pump. A vision system was also developed to measure the strain at different regions on the model by way of pulsating blood flow circulating inside the model.

Results

Experimental results show that distance and area strain maxima were larger near the aneurysm neck (0.042 and 0.052), followed by the aneurysm dome (0.023 and 0.04) and finally the main blood vessel section (0.01 and 0.014). These results were complemented by a CFD simulation for the addition of wall shear stress, oscillatory shear index and aneurysm formation index. Diagnosis results using imaging obtained in August 2008 are consistent with the monitored aneurysm growth in 2011.

Conclusion

The presented study demonstrates a new experimental platform for measuring dynamic strain within cerebral aneurysms. This platform is also complemented by a CFD simulation for advanced diagnosis and prediction of the growth tendency of an aneurysm in endovascular surgery. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Formation of superhydrophobic cerium oxide surfaces on aluminum substrate and its corrosion resistance properties
Authors: Liang Jin , Hu Yunchu , Fan Youhua , Chen Hong
Published: March 2013

Superhydrophobic cerium oxide film was introduced to aluminum substrate by an in‐situ growth process and surface modification. Different molar ratios between Ce(NO3)3 · 6H2O and C6H12N4 were involved in this research. The morphologies, chemical compositions and wetting properties of the films were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X‐ray detector, Fourier transfer infrared spectrometer and water contact angle (WCA) measurement, respectively. A great WCA of 158.8o with a low angle hysteresis of about 3o was obtained. Combination of uniform hierarchical micro‐nanostructure as revealed by SEM together with the hydrophobic alkyl groups from stearic acid was found to be responsible for the superior superhydrophobic property. The corrosion resistance performance of the superhydrophobic surface was evaluated by immersing in sodium chloride aqueous solution, the WCA kept as high as 152.1o after immersion for 21 days, indicating our superhydrophobic surfaces had high chemical stability and durability in corrosive medium. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Ultra‐low friction of fluorine‐doped hydrogenated carbon film with curved graphitic structure
Authors: Wei Li , Zhang Bin , Zhou Yan , Qiang Li , Zhang Junyan
Published: March 2013

Fluorine‐doped hydrogenated carbon film was grown by chemical vapor deposition technique using CH4 and CF4 as feedstock, with a pulse DC‐bias power supply. The structure of as‐deposited film was characterized by transmission electron microscopy and Raman spectra. The results suggested that the film could be considered as composite thin film with curved graphitic structures embedded in amorphous carbon matrix. The mechanical properties and friction coefficient were tested by TI 950 TriboIndenter and UMT‐2 at humidity of 30%, respectively. The results showed that the film exhibited high hardness (~11.04 GPa), good elasticity recovery(~83%) and ultra‐low coefficient of friction (~0.01). Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A case‐association cluster detection and visualisation tool with an application to Legionnaires’ disease
Authors: Sansom P. , Copley V. R. , Naik F. C. , Leach S. , Hall I. M.
Published: March 2013

Statistical methods used in spatio‐temporal surveillance of disease are able to identify abnormal clusters of cases but typically do not provide a measure of the degree of association between one case and another. Such a measure would facilitate the assignment of cases to common groups and be useful in outbreak investigations of diseases that potentially share the same source. This paper presents a model‐based approach, which on the basis of available location data, provides a measure of the strength of association between cases in space and time and which is used to designate and visualise the most likely groupings of cases. The method was developed as a prospective surveillance tool to signal potential outbreaks, but it may also be used to explore groupings of cases in outbreak investigations. We demonstrate the method by using a historical case series of Legionnaires’ disease amongst residents of England and Wales. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Are gestational age, birth weight, and birth length indicators of favorable fetal growth conditions? A structural equation analysis of Filipino infants
Authors: Bollen Kenneth A. , Noble Mark D. , Adair Linda S.
Published: March 2013

The fetal origins hypothesis emphasizes the life‐long health impacts of prenatal conditions. Birth weight, birth length, and gestational age are indicators of the fetal environment. However, these variables often have missing data and are subject to random and systematic errors caused by delays in measurement, differences in measurement instruments, and human error. With data from the Cebu (Philippines) Longitudinal Health and Nutrition Survey, we use structural equation models, to explore random and systematic errors in these birth outcome measures, to analyze how maternal characteristics relate to birth outcomes, and to take account of missing data. We assess whether birth weight, birth length, and gestational age are influenced by a single latent variable that we call favorable fetal growth conditions (FFGC) and if so, which variable is most closely related to FFGC. We find that a model with FFGC as a latent variable fits as well as a less parsimonious model that has birth weight, birth length, and gestational age as distinct individual variables. We also demonstrate that birth weight is more reliably measured than is gestational age. FFGCs were significantly influenced by taller maternal stature, better nutritional stores indexed by maternal arm fat and muscle area during pregnancy, higher birth order, avoidance of smoking, and maternal age 20–35 years. Effects of maternal characteristics on newborn weight, length, and gestational age were largely indirect, operating through FFGC. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Robust Bayesian inference for multivariate longitudinal data by using normal/independent distributions
Authors: Luo Sheng , Ma Junsheng , Kieburtz Karl D.
Published: March 2013

Many randomized clinical trials collect multivariate longitudinal measurements in different scales, for example, binary, ordinal, and continuous. Multilevel item response models are used to evaluate the global treatment effects across multiple outcomes while accounting for all sources of correlation. Continuous measurements are often assumed to be normally distributed. But the model inference is not robust when the normality assumption is violated because of heavy tails and outliers. In this article, we develop a Bayesian method for multilevel item response models replacing the normal distributions with symmetric heavy‐tailed normal/independent distributions. The inference is conducted using a Bayesian framework via Markov Chain Monte Carlo simulation implemented in BUGS language. Our proposed method is evaluated by simulation studies and is applied to Earlier versus Later Levodopa Therapy in Parkinson's Disease study, a motivating clinical trial assessing the effect of Levodopa therapy on the Parkinson's disease progression rate. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effect of Surface Tension on Gas Atomization of a CrMnNi Steel Alloy
Authors: Dubberstein Tobias , Heller Hans‐Peter
Published: March 2013

The aim of the current research is the experimental investigation of the mass median particle size d50 as a function of surface tension for liquid Cr–Mn–Ni steel alloy with 16% Cr, 7% Mn, and 9% Ni. To modify the liquid steel design sulfur was add to the Cr–Mn–Ni steel in five steps up to a 1000 mass ppm. The surface tension of the liquid steel alloy was measured using maximum bubble pressure method and yttria stabilized capillary in a temperature range from 1701 to 1881 K. In addition, the same steel charges were sprayed to steel powder using a vacuum inert gas atomization using pure argon gas. The increase of sulfur in Cr–Mn–Ni steel will decrease the surface tension to 0.91 N m−1. The temperature coefficient of surface tension is positive for all investigated Cr–Mn–Ni alloys due to a sulfur content ≥100 mass ppm. The final mass median particle size d50 decreases from 54.3 µm for AISI 304 reference steel alloy to 17.1 µm for Cr–Mn–Ni steel alloy (16‐7‐9 S10) with the highest sulfur content and the lowest surface tension of all investigated liquid steels. It is concluded from the present work that surface tension is the decisive factor in adjusting d50 at a constant spraying parameters.
Influence of Co and Al on Bainitic Transformation in Super Bainitic Steels
Authors: Hu Feng , Wu Kai‐Ming , Zheng Hua
Published: March 2013

The effect of cobalt and aluminum addition on the bainitic transformation of super bainitic steels was investigated. Nanostructured bainitic ferrite and retained austenite microstructures were obtained when the steels were transformed at low temperatures. The bainitic transformation was accelerated by the addition of Co and Al. The thickness of bainite plate was reduced and the volume fraction of bainite was increased in the Co and Al containing steel, compared with the parent steel.
Clinical features and treatment outcome of borderline resectable pancreatic head/body cancer: a multi‐institutional survey by the Japanese Society of Pancreatic Surgery
Authors: Kato Hiroyuki , Usui Masanobu , Isaji Shuji , Nagakawa Takukazu , Wada Keita , Unno Michiaki , Nakao Akimasa , Miyakawa Shuichi , Ohta Tetsuo
Published: March 2013

Background

Optimal treatment types and prognosis for patients with borderline resectable pancreatic cancer (BRPC) remain unclear because of the lack of studies involving large series of patients.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed various prognostic factors for 624 BRPC (pancreatic head/body) patients treated from June 2002 to May 2007, by distributing questionnaires to member institutions of the Japanese Society of Pancreatic Surgery in 2010. BRPC was defined according to the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) Clinical Practice Guidelines (2009).

Results

Among 624 patients, 539 (86.4 %) underwent curative‐intent resection, showing an R0 resection rate of 65.9 %. The 3‐ and 5‐year survival rates were 16.1 and 9.9 % in all patients, 22.8 and 12.5 % in the resected patients, and 4.4 and 0 % (P < 0.0001) in the unresected patients, respectively. The following factors influencing survival in all patients were selected as independent prognostic factors using multivariate analysis: major arterial involvement on imaging study; preoperative treatment; surgical resection; and postoperative chemotherapy. Among the resected cases, multivariate analysis revealed that major arterial involvement and remnant tumor status were independent prognostic factors.

Conclusion

BRPC included two distinct categories of tumors influencing survival: those with portal vein/superior mesenteric vein invasion alone and those with major arterial invasion, which was the most exacerbating factor in the analysis.
Gene expression profiling of a nisin-sensitive Listeria monocytogenes Scott A ctsR deletion mutant
Authors: Liu Yanhong , Morgan Shannon , Ream Amy , Huang Lihan
Published: March 2013

Listeria monocytogenes is a food-borne pathogen of significant threat to public health. Nisin is the only bacteriocin that can be used as a food preservative. Due to its antimicrobial activity, it can be used to control L. monocytogenes in food; however, the antimicrobial mechanism of nisin activity against L. monocytogenes is not fully understood. The CtsR (class III stress gene repressor) protein negatively regulates the expression of class III heat shock genes. A spontaneous pressure-tolerant ctsR deletion mutant that showed increased sensitivity to nisin has been identified. Microarray technology was used to monitor the gene expression profiles of the ctsR mutant under treatments with nisin. Compared to the nisin-treated wild type, 113 genes were up-regulated (>2-fold increase) in the ctsR deletion mutant whereas four genes were down-regulated (<−2-fold decrease). The up-regulated genes included genes that encode for ribosomal proteins, membrane proteins, cold-shock domain proteins, translation initiation and elongation factors, cell division, an ATP-dependent ClpC protease, a putative accessory gene regulator protein D, transport and binding proteins, a beta-glucoside-specific phosphotransferase system IIABC component, as well as hypothetical proteins. The down-regulated genes consisted of genes that encode for virulence, a transcriptional regulator, a stress protein, and a hypothetical protein. The gene expression changes determined by microarray assays were confirmed by quantitative real-time PCR analyses. Moreover, an in-frame deletion mutant for one of the induced genes (LMOf2365_1877) was constructed in the wild-type L. monocytogenes F2365 background. ΔLMOf2365_1877 had increased nisin sensitivity compared to the wild-type strain. This study enhances our understanding of how nisin interacts with the ctsR gene product in L. monocytogenes and may contribute to the understanding of the antibacterial mechanisms of nisin.
A multi-factors rational design strategy for enhancing the thermostability ofEscherichia coliAppA phytase
Authors: Fei Baojin , Xu Hui , Cao Yu , Ma Shuhan , Guo Hongxiu , Song Tao , Qiao Dairong , Cao Yi
Published: March 2013

Despite recent advances in our understanding of the importance of protein surface properties for protein thermostability,there are seldom studies on multi-factors rational design strategy, so a more scientific, simple and effective rational strategy is urgent for protein engineering. Here, we first attempted to use a three-factors rational design strategy combining three common structural features, protein flexibility, protein surface, and salt bridges. Escherichia coli AppA phytase was used as a model enzyme to improve its thermostability. Moreover, the structure and enzyme features of the thermostable mutants designed by our strategy were analyzed roundly. For the single mutants, two (Q206E and Y311K), in five exhibited thermostable property with a higher success rate of prediction (40 %). For the multiple mutants, the themostable sites were combined with another site, I427L, we obtained by directed evolution, Q206E/I427L, Y311K/I427L, and Q206E/Y311K/I427L, all exhibited thermostable property. The Y311K/I427L doubled thermostability (61.7 %, and was compared to 30.97 % after being heated at 80 °C for 10 min) and catalytic efficiency (4.46 was compared to 2.37) improved more than the wild-type AppA phytase almost without hampering catalytic activity. These multi-factors of rational design strategy can be applied practically as a thermostabilization strategy instead of the conventional single-factor approach.
Enzyme replacement therapy for alpha‐mannosidosis: 12 months follow‐up of a single centre, randomised, multiple dose study
Authors: Borgwardt L. , Dali C. I. , Fogh J. , Månsson J. E. , Olsen K. J. , Beck H. C. , Nielsen K. G. , Nielsen L. H. , Olsen S. O. E. , Riise Stensland H. M. F. , Nilssen O. , Wibrand F. , Thuesen A. M. , Pearl T. , Haugsted U. , Saftig P. , Blanz J. , Jones S. A. , Tylki‐Szymanska A. , Guffon‐Fouiloux N. , Beck M. , Lund A. M.
Published: March 2013

Background

Alpha‐mannosidosis (OMIM 248500) is a rare lysosomal storage disease (LSD) caused by alpha‐mannosidase deficiency. Manifestations include intellectual disabilities, facial characteristics and hearing impairment. A recombinant human alpha‐mannosidase (rhLAMAN) has been developed for weekly intravenous enzyme replacement therapy (ERT). We present the preliminary data after 12 months of treatment.

Methods

This is a phase I‐II study to evaluate safety and efficacy of rhLAMAN. Ten patients (7–17 y) were treated. We investigated efficacy by testing motor function (6‐minutes‐Walk‐Test (6‐MWT), 3‐min‐Stair‐Climb‐Test (3‐MSCT), The Bruininks‐Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency (BOT2), cognitive function (Leiter‐R), oligosaccharides in serum, urine and CSF and Tau‐ and GFA‐protein in CSF.

Results

Oligosaccharides: S‐, U‐ and CSF‐oligosaccharides decreased 88.6 % (CI −92.0 −85.2, p < 0.001), 54.1 % (CI −69.5‐ −38.7, p < 0,001), and 25.7 % (CI −44.3‐ −7.1, p < 0.05), respectively. Biomarkers: CSF‐Tau‐ and GFA‐protein decreased 15 %, p < 0.009) and 32.5, p < 0.001 respectively. Motor function: Improvements in 3MSCT (31 steps (CI 6.8‐40.5, p < 0.01) and in 6MWT (60.4 m (CI −8.9 −51.1, NS) were achieved. Cognitive function: Improvement in the total Equivalence Age of 4 months (0.34) was achieved in the Leiter R test (CI −0.2‐0.8, NS).

Conclusions

These data suggest that rhLAMAN may be an encouraging new treatment for patients with alpha‐mannosidosis.The study is designed to continue for a total of 18 months. Longer‐term follow‐up of patients in this study and the future placebo‐controlled phase 3 trial are needed to provide greater support for the findings in this study.
Variability in Associations of Phosphatidylcholine Molecular Species with Metabolic Syndrome in Mexican–American Families
Authors: Kulkarni Hemant , Meikle Peter J. , Mamtani Manju , Weir Jacquelyn M. , Barlow Christopher K. , Jowett Jeremy B. , Bellis Claire , Dyer Thomas D. , Johnson Matthew P. , Rainwater David L. , Almasy Laura , Mahaney Michael C. , Comuzzie Anthony G. , Blangero John , Curran Joanne E.
Published: March 2013

Plasma lipidomic studies using high performance liquid chromatography and mass spectroscopy offer detailed insights into metabolic processes. Taking the example of the most abundant plasma lipid class (phosphatidylcholines) we used the rich phenotypic and lipidomic data from the ongoing San Antonio Family Heart Study of large extended Mexican–American families to assess the variability of association of the plasma phosphatidylcholine species with metabolic syndrome. Using robust statistical analytical methods, our study made two important observations. First, there was a wide variability in the association of phosphatidylcholine species with risk measures of metabolic syndrome. Phosphatidylcholine 40:7 was associated with a low risk while phosphatidylcholines 32:1 and 38:3 were associated with a high risk of metabolic syndrome. Second, all the odd chain phosphatidylcholines were associated with a reduced risk of metabolic syndrome implying that phosphatidylcholines derived from dairy products might be beneficial against metabolic syndrome. Our results demonstrate the value of lipid species‐specific information provided by the upcoming array of lipidomic studies and open potential avenues for prevention and control of metabolic syndrome in high prevalence settings.
Glycodelin in reproduction
Authors: Uchida Hiroshi , Maruyama Tetsuo , Nishikawa‐Uchida Sayaka , Miyazaki Kaoru , Masuda Hirotaka , Yoshimura Yasunori
Published: March 2013

To achieve a successful pregnancy in humans, sperm is required for capacitation, followed by binding to and entry into an oocyte. Maternal endometrial epithelial cells (EECs) prepare the appropriate implantation environment through regulation of immune cells and endometrial cells. After acquiring endometrial receptivity, a successful pregnancy consists of complex and finely regulated steps involving apposition, adhesion, invasion, and penetration. Glycodelin is a secretory glycoprotein that affects cell proliferation, differentiation, adhesion, and motility. Glycodelin has four glycoforms (glycodelin‐A, ‐S, ‐F. and ‐C); differences in glycosylation affect each characteristic function. Glycodelin has a unique temporospatial pattern of expression, primarily in the reproductive tract where glycodelin is mid‐secretory phase‐dominant. Recent studies have demonstrated that glycodelin protein has the potential to regulate various processes, including immunosuppression, fertilization, and implantation. This review details the orchestrated regulation of successful pregnancy by glycodelin as well as a discussion of the basic characteristics of glycodelin.
ATP13A2 deficiency induces a decrease in cathepsin D activity, fingerprint‐like inclusion body formation, and selective degeneration of dopaminergic neurons
Authors: Matsui Hideaki , Sato Fumiaki , Sato Shigeto , Koike Masato , Taruno Yosuke , Saiki Shinji , Funayama Manabu , Ito Hidefumi , Taniguchi Yoshihito , Uemura Norihito , Toyoda Atsushi , Sakaki Yoshiyuki , Takeda Shunichi , Uchiyama Yasuo , Hattori Nobutaka , Takahashi Ryosuke
Published: March 2013

Here, we report that normal ATP13A2 localizes in the lysosome, whereas disease‐associated variants remain in the endoplasmic reticulum. Cathepsin D activity was decreased in ATP13A2‐knockdown cells that displayed lysosome‐like bodies characterized by fingerprint‐like structures. Furthermore, an atp13a2 mutation in medaka fish resulted in dopaminergic neuronal death, decreased cathepsin D activity, and fingerprint‐like structures in the brain. Based on these results, lysosome abnormality is very likely to be the primary cause of KRS/PARK9.
Reversible redox regulation of specificity of Arg‐gingipain B in Porphyromonas gingivalis
Authors: Chen Yu-Yen , Seers Christine A. , Slakeski Nada , Moore Caroline , Zhang Lianyi , Reynolds Eric C.
Published: March 2013

Arg‐gingipain B (RgpB), a major virulence factor secreted by the periodontal pathogen Porphyromonas gingivalis is an Arg‐specific cysteine proteinase. By monitoring proteolytic cleavage of a human salivary peptide histatin 5 using MALDI‐TOF MS, RgpB purified from P. gingivalis HG66 was found to shift from a dominant Arg‐X to dominant Lys‐X activity, both in vitro and in vivo, upon reversible cysteine oxidation. Native PAGE analysis revealed the association of novel Lys‐X activity with a reversible state change of the oxidized enzyme. The redox‐regulated Lys‐X activity of RgpB may provide a survival advantage to P. gingivalis against the oxidative host defence.
A survey of obstetricians' views on placental pathology reporting
Authors: Walsh Colin A. , McAuliffe Fionnuala M. , Turowski Gitta , Roald Borghild , Mooney Eoghan E.
Published: March 2013

Objective

To determine the opinion of clinical obstetricians regarding interpretation of placental reports, including a recently proposed Norwegian classification system.

Methods

Paper and online surveys were circulated to practicing obstetricians in Ireland. Data on clinician experience, clinical workload, and exposure to placental pathology reporting were collated. Additionally, clinicians' opinions regarding the Norwegian classification system were sought. Statistical analysis was performed using Statsdirect version 2.7.8.

Results

Sixty‐two practicing clinical obstetricians completed the survey. Overall, 47 (75.8%) respondents had at least 5 years of experience in clinical obstetrics. The population surveyed had a high level of clinicopathologic exposure, with 55 (88.7%) regularly attending a perinatal morbidity conference and 57 (91.9%) reading placental pathology reports. A significantly higher proportion of experienced clinicians read placental pathology reports (46/47 [97.9%]) compared with clinicians with less experience (11/15 [73.3%]; P = 0.01). Overall, 51 (82.3%) obstetricians believed that introduction of the Norwegian classification would improve interpretation of placental findings; this high acceptance rate was similar for both experienced and less experienced clinicians (P > 0.99).

Conclusion

The Norwegian classification system is a clinician‐friendly system for placental pathology reporting.
Estrogen receptor polymorphisms and incident dementia: The prospective 3C study
Authors: Ryan Joanne , Carrière Isabelle , Carcaillon Laure , Dartigues Jean‐Francois , Auriacombe Sophie , Rouaud Olivier , Berr Claudine , Ritchie Karen , Scarabin Pierre‐Yves , Ancelin Marie‐Laure
Published: March 2013

Background

Genetic variation in the estrogen receptor (ESR) may be associated with the incidence of Alzheimer's disease (AD), but this association could be modified by genetic and environmental factors.

Methods

The association between fiveESRα (ESR1) and β (ESR2) polymorphisms with 7‐year dementia incidence was examined among 6959 older men and women from the Three City Study using multivariate‐adjusted Cox regression models with delayed entry. Gender, the apolipoprotein E (APOE) ε4 allele, and hormone treatment were considered as potential effect modifiers of this association.

Results

Among women, the CC genotype ofESR1rs2234693was specifically associated with a small increased risk of AD (adjusted hazard ratio [HR]: 1.54, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.03–2.28,P= .03). However, women with this genotype had a substantially increased risk of AD associated with theAPOEε4 allele (adjusted HR: 3.24, 95% CI: 1.81–5.79 for womenrs2234693CC; compared with HR: 1.87, 95% CI: 1.37–2.56 for all women). There was also evidence of a nominally significant interaction between theESR1andESR2polymorphisms on the risk of all dementias (P= .04). Hormone treatment did not modify these associations, and there were no significant associations in men.

Conclusions

Although there was only weak support for a gender‐specific association between the commonESR1rs2234693polymorphism and AD, this polymorphism may act as an effect modifier, modifying the association between anESR2polymorphism and dementia, as well as the risk of AD associated with theAPOEε4 allele.
Factors Associated With the Ability to Estimate Actual Speeds in Recreational Alpine Skiers
Authors: Ruedl Gerhard , Brunner Friedrich , Woldrich Tomas , Faulhaber Martin , Kopp Martin , Nachbauer Werner , Burtscher Martin
Published: March 2013

Objective

To measure on-slope speeds of alpine skiers and to compare their ability to accurately estimate their actual speed with regard to measured speed, age, sex, skill level, helmet use, and risk-taking behavior.

Methods

Skiing speeds of 416 adult skiers (62% men, 38% women) were measured with a radar speed gun. Skiers were interviewed about their age, sex, skiing ability, helmet use, and risk-taking behavior. Additionally, skiers had to estimate their measured speed as accurately as possible. The difference between estimated and measured speed was described as error of estimation (EE).

Results

Mean measured speed (±SD) of all participants was 48.2 (±14.3) km/h. Pearson correlation coefficient between the actual speed and the estimated speed was 0.57 ( P < .001) for all participants. Skiers underestimated their measured speed on average by 5.8 km/h or 8.1%. A multiple hierarchical linear regression analysis revealed that when skiing speed is increased by 1 km/h the EE significantly decreases by 0.5 km/h. Male sex, higher skill level, risky skiing behavior, and younger age groups showed a significantly better ability to estimate skiing speed, whereas ski helmet use did not.

Conclusions

Skiing speed, age, sex, skill level, and risk-taking behavior seem to influence the ability to estimate actual speeds in recreational alpine skiers.
High Energy Astrophysics
Authors: Longair Malcolm S.
Published: March 2013

Providing students with an in-depth account of the astrophysics of high energy phenomena in the Universe, the third edition of this well-established textbook is ideal for advanced undergraduate and beginning graduate courses in high energy astrophysics. Building on the concepts and techniques taught in standard undergraduate courses, this textbook provides the astronomical and astrophysical background for students to explore more advanced topics. Special emphasis is given to the underlying physical principles of high energy astrophysics, helping students understand the essential physics. The third edition has been completely rewritten, consolidating the previous editions into one volume. It covers the most recent discoveries in areas such as gamma-ray bursts, ultra-high energy cosmic rays and ultra-high energy gamma rays. The topics have been rearranged and streamlined to make them more applicable to a wide range of different astrophysical problems.