bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
TIM‐3 is expressed on activated human CD4+ T cells and regulates Th1 and Th17 cytokines
Authors: Hastings William D. , Anderson David E. , Kassam Nasim , Koguchi Ken , Greenfield Edward A. , Kent Sally C. , Zheng Xin Xiao , Strom Terry B. , Hafler David A. , Kuchroo Vijay K.
Published: August 2009

TIM‐3 is a molecule selectively expressed on a subset of murine IFN‐γ‐secreting T helper 1 (Th1) cells but not Th2 cells, and regulates Th1 immunity and tolerance in vivo. At this time little is known about the role of TIM‐3 on human T cells. To determine if TIM‐3 similarly identifies and regulates Th1 cells in humans, we generated a panel of mAb specific for human TIM‐3. We report that TIM‐3 is expressed by a subset of activated CD4+ cells, and that anti‐CD3/anti‐CD28 stimulation increases both the level of expression as well as the number of TIM‐3+ T cells. We also find that TIM‐3 is expressed at high levels on in vitro polarized Th1 cells, and is expressed at lower levels on Th17 cells. In addition, human CD4+ T cells secreted elevated levels of IFN‐γ, IL‐17, IL‐2, and IL‐6, but not IL‐10, IL‐4, or TNF‐α, when stimulated with anti‐CD3/anti‐CD28 in the presence of TIM‐3‐specific, putative antagonistic antibodies. This was not mediated by differences in proliferation or cell death, but rather by induction of cytokines at the transcriptional level. These results suggest that TIM‐3 is a negative regulator of human T cells and regulates Th1 and Th17 cytokine secretion.
Simple Solid‐State Chemical Synthesis of ZnSnO3 Nanocubes and Their Application as Gas Sensors
Authors: Cao Yali , Jia Dianzeng , Zhou Jie , Sun Ying
Published: August 2009

New ZnSnO3 nanocubes were synthesized by a simple PEG‐induced solid‐state chemical reaction between metal salts and NaOH; this process is cheap and proceeds in a relatively simple manner. The uniform cubic nanostructures were fully characterized. The gas‐sensing properties of ZnSnO3 were investigated in detail. The results indicated that ZnSnO3 nanocubes possess good gas‐sensing properties for ethanol and methanal; thus, these nanocubes show excellent potential for ethanol and methanal sensors. This strategy is expected to be extendable to other composite nanomaterials with special morphologies in solid‐state routes by selecting an appropriate reaction and its corresponding inducing reagent.(© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2009)
Nickel‐Assisted Oxidative C–C Coupling and Subsequent Cleavage to C=O of Active Methylene Group in a Tetradentate Ligand System: Di‐ and Mononuclear Complexes with Transformed Ligands
Authors: Mukhopadhyay Abhik , Pal Samudranil
Published: August 2009

Treatment of pyrazolines (isolated or prepared in situ from 4‐R‐benzoylhydrazines and acetylacetone in a 2:1 mol ratio) with Ni(O2CCH3)2·4H2O in boiling methanol results in the formation of nickel(II) complexes of formula [Ni(HRL)] [1 (R = H) and 2 (R = OMe)], where (HRL)2– represents the deprotonated Schiff base acetylacetone bis(4‐R‐benzoylhydrazone). Despite several attempts, the analogous nickel(II)complex with R = NMe2 could not be isolated. However, stirring the above described reaction mixtures in air at room temperature for approximately 5 h provides dinuclear paramagnetic species [Ni(RL–RL)Ni] [3 (R = H), 4 (R = OMe), and 5 (R = NMe2)]. Here (RL–RL)6– represents the dinucleating ligand formed by oxidative C–C coupling involving the central methylene group of the acetylacetone fragment of (HRL)2–. The room‐temperature (300 K) magnetic moments of 3–5 indicate an S = 1/2 spin state of each metal center in these dinuclear complexes. Cryomagnetic measurements with 3 reveal its weak antiferromagnetic nature. The EPR spectral features suggest that 3–5 are on the borderline between genuine nickel(III) species and nickel(II)‐stabilized ligand radical systems. In wet dichloromethane/hexane mixture under aerobic conditions, each of 3–5 forms mononuclear nickel(II) complexes of formula [Ni(RLO)] [6 (R = H), 7 (R = OMe), and 8 (R = NMe2)], where (RLO)2– represents the tetradentate ligand formed from (RL–RL)6– by C–C bond cleavage followed by oxidation to the keto group. The molecular structures of 1, 2, 5, 7, and 8, determined by X‐ray crystallography, are reported. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2009)
Comparison Between Potentiometric and Stripping Voltammetric Detection of Trace Metals: Measurements of Cadmium and Lead in the Presence of Thalium, Indium, and Tin
Authors: Chumbimuni‐Torres Karin Y. , Calvo‐Marzal Percy , Wang Joseph
Published: August 2009

Recent advances in ion‐selective electrodes have pushed the detection limits of direct potentiometry to the nanomolar concentration range. Here we present a direct comparison of the sensitivity and selectivity of potentiometric and stripping‐voltammetric measurements of cadmium and lead. While both techniques offer a similar sensitivity, the potentiometric method offers higher selectivity in the presence of excess of metal ions (e.g., thallium, tin) that commonly interfere in the stripping‐voltammetric operation. Because of the complementary nature of the potentiometric and stripping‐voltammetric methods, it is recommended that these techniques will be selected based on the specific analytical problem or used in parallel to provide additional analytical information.
To the Memory of Ernő Pungor: A Subjective View on the History of Ion‐Selective Electrodes
Authors: Lindner Ernő , Tóth Klára
Published: August 2009

In the Mátrafüred 08 Symposium on Electrochemical Sensors a session was dedicated to the memory of late Professor Ernő Pungor, the founder and long‐term organizer of the Mátrafüred conference series. We all remember him as an inventive scientist with an enthusiastic and witty personality, rich in ideas. Ernő Pungor left his mark in science and on many scientists worldwide. With this contribution, the authors would like to pay tribute to him and acknowledge his outstanding contributions to analytical chemistry, but especially his pioneering works in the field of ion‐selective electrodes.
An efficient method for the extraction of chloroplast proteins compatible for 2‐DE and MS analysis
Authors: Fan Pengxiang , Wang Xuchu , Kuang Tingyun , Li Yinxin
Published: August 2009

Comparative proteomic analysis of chloroplast by 2‐DE has received significant attention in recent years. However, the complication of membrane systems in chloroplast made it challenging to elucidate entire chloroplast proteome by 2‐DE. Here, we developed an efficient method for extracting chloroplast proteins, and produced excellent 2‐DE profiles from both Arabidopsis thaliana and Salicornia europaea. Comparison of this method with another two protocols for the extraction of A. thaliana chloroplast proteins showed that our method obtained higher protein yields and produced more protein spots on both pH 3–10 and 4–7 2‐DE gels. Moreover, this method recovered more proteins in the basic and high Mr regions, thereby offering the best extraction of chloroplast proteins. Identification of 15 specific chloroplast‐targeted proteins on our gels by MALDI‐TOF MS revealed that this method was compatible with MS, and recovered more chloroplast membrane proteins than the commonly used methods. This protocol is expected to have a wide application in future chloroplast proteomic analysis.
Proteomic analysis of date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) responses to endophytic colonization by entomopathogenic fungi
Authors: Gómez‐Vidal Sonia , Salinas Jesús , Tena Manuel , Lopez‐Llorca Luis Vicente
Published: August 2009

The entomopathogenic fungi Beauveria bassiana, Lecanicillium dimorphum and L. cf. psalliotae can survive and colonize living palm tissue as endophytes. The molecular interaction between these biocontrol agent fungi and the date palm Phoenix dactylifera L. was investigated using proteomic techniques. Field date palms inoculated with these fungi were analyzed 15 and 30 days after inoculation in two independent bioassays. In vitro date palms were also inoculated with B. bassiana or L. cf. psalliotae. Qualitative and quantitative differences in protein accumulation between controls (not inoculated) and inoculated palms were found using 2‐DE analysis, and some of these responsive proteins could be identified using MALDI/TOF‐TOF. Proteins involved in plant defence or stress response were induced in P. dactylifera leaves as a response to endophytic colonization by entomopathogenic fungi in field date palms. Proteins related with photosynthesis and energy metabolism were also affected by entomopathogenic fungi colonization. A myosin heavy chain‐like protein was accumulated in in vitro palms inoculated with these fungi. This suggests that endophytic colonization by these entomopathogenic fungi modulates plant defence responses and energy metabolism in field date palms and possibly modulates the expression of cell division‐related proteins in in vitro palms at proteomic level.
Establishing the mitochondrial DNA D‐loop structure of Columba livia
Authors: Tsai Li‐Chin , Lee James Chun‐I , Liao Shu‐Ping , Weng Lin‐Hsiang , Linacre Adrian , Hsieh Hsing‐Mei
Published: August 2009

The complete mitochondrial DNA D‐loop structure of pigeon (Columba livia) was established in this study. A strategy of amplifying three partial fragments of the D‐loop and then combing the three fragments to cover the full length of the D‐loop was adopted. Ten samples from pigeons were collected and were successfully amplified and sequenced. Repetitive sequences of a VNTR and an STR were both observed at the 3′‐end of D‐loop region. DNA sequence data revealed polymorphic sequences including indels, SNP, VNTR and STR within the D‐loop. The size of the D‐loop ranged from 1310 to 1327 bp from the initiation site of D‐loop to the site immediately upstream of the repeat sequences depending upon the number of insertions or deletions. Each sample could be distinguished based on four genotyping procedures; being indels, SNPs, VNTRs and STRs. The polymorphic nature of the D‐loop can be a valuable method for maternal identification and genetic linkage of pigeon in particular forensic science investigations.
Determination of DNA methylation by COBRA: A comparative study of CGE with LIF detection and conventional gel electrophoresis
Authors: Goedecke Simon , Schlosser Sabrina , Mühlisch Jörg , Hempel Georg , Frühwald Michael C. , Wünsch Bernhard
Published: August 2009

DNA methylation as an epigenetic modification of the human genome is under emphatic investigation. Several studies have demonstrated a role of DNA methylation in oncogenesis. In conjunction with histone modifications, DNA methylation may cause the formation of heterochromatin and thus mediate the inactivation of gene transcription. It is important to develop methods that allow for an accurate quantification of the amount of DNA methylation in particular DNA regions, to gain information concerning the threshold of methylation levels necessary for gene inactivation. In this article, a CGE method with on‐column LIF detection using SYBR Green is compared with a conventional slab‐gel electrophoresis. We thus investigate the validity to analyze DNA methylation in the samples of a combined bisulfite restriction analysis. It is demonstrated that CGE is superior to gel electrophoresis in means of linearity, precision, accuracy, automatization (high throughput), and sample consumption. However, gel electrophoresis is easier to perform (simple devices, no PC usage), and the running costs are comparatively low. A further advantage of CGE is the sparse use of toxic compounds (MeOH and SYBR Green), whereas gel electrophoresis is performed in polyacrylamide gels with ethidium bromide staining.
Estimation and assessment of shipping emissions in the region of Ambarlı Port, Turkey
Authors: Deniz Cengiz , Kilic Alper
Published: August 2009

Ships are significant air pollution sources as their high powered main engines often use heavy fuels. The major atmospheric components emitted are nitrogen oxides, particulate matter, sulfur oxides, carbon oxide, and toxic air pollutants. Shipping emissions cause serious effects on health and environment. These effects of emissions are seen especially in territorial waters, inland seas, canals, straits, bays, and port regions.

In this article, exhaust gas emissions from ships in Ambarlı Port, which is one of the main ports in Marmara Sea, are calculated by utilizing data acquired in 2005. Total emissions from ships in the port is estimated as 845 t y−1 for nitrogen oxides (NOx), 242 t y−1 for sulfur dioxide (SO2), 2127 t y−1 for carbon monoxide (CO), 78590 t y−1 for carbon dioxide (CO2), 504 t y−1 for volatile organic compound (VOC), and 36 t y−1 for particulate matter (PM). To simulate dispersions of emissions, a model program with the real topographic and meteorological conditions of the port region is used. Ships in Ambarlı Port contributed 100 μg m−3 NOx and 55 μg m−3 SO2 to ambient air concentrations in 2 km range from the port. It is estimated that 60,000 people live within this range and these people might be affected from the high level of NOx and SO2 due to combination of shipping emissions and other sources (traffic, industry, residential, etc). © 2009 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 2010
Pilot‐scale combustion of fast‐pyrolysis bio‐oil: Ash deposition and gaseous emissions
Authors: Khodier Ala , Kilgallon Paul , Legrave Nigel , Simms Nigel , Oakey John , Bridgwater Tony
Published: August 2009

Fast pyrolysis is a promising method to transform solid biomass into a liquid product called “bio‐oil” with an energy density of four to five times greater than the feedstock. The process involves rapidly heating biomass to 450–600°C in the absence of air and condensing the vapor produced to give bio‐oil. Typically, 50–75% (weight) of the feedstock is converted into bio‐oil that has a number of uses, for example energy production or bio‐refinery feedstock. This study investigated the gaseous emissions and ash deposition characteristics resulting from bio‐oil combustion in a pilot scale combustion test rig at Cranfield University. A feeding system with heated lines and heated/stirred reservoir was used to feed a spray nozzle in the combustion chamber.

Ash deposit samples were collected from the resulting flue gas using three air‐cooled probes that simulate heat exchanger tubes with surface temperatures of 500, 600, and 700°C. The deposits formed were analyzed using SEM/EDX and XRD techniques to assess the corrosion potential of the deposits. The results are compared to measured ash deposit compositions formed from biomass combustion. Thermodynamic modeling software was used to make predictions for the partitioning of a range of elements for bio‐oil combustion and the results compared to the measured data. © 2009 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 2009
Robust glass‐ceramics catalysts for biomass gasification
Authors: Felix Larry G. , Choi Chun W. , Rue David M. , Weast Logan E. , Seward Thomas P.
Published: August 2009

Glass‐ceramics offer high melting points (1200–1500°C), excellent attrition‐resistance, and very low coefficients of thermal expansion. We have found that these materials can be employed to create active supported catalysts, bulk catalysts, or a combination of the two. Supported catalysts are created by the process of thermal impregnation in which thermal energy is employed to graft oxides of catalytically active metals directly into the surfaces of glass‐ceramic and mineral‐based supports. Bulk catalysts are prepared by heat‐treating specially formulated Li and Mg‐aluminosilicate glasses containing up to 40 wt % NiO to create a fine‐grained (0.5–5 μm) multiphase, crystalline ceramic. When any of these materials are reduced with hydrogen, exposed surfaces reveal a metallic state. Laboratory testing with simulated syngas mixtures containing surrogate tars (naphthalene and toluene) shows that these new materials can exhibit strong catalytic activity for tar and methane decomposition as well as methanation at lower temperatures. This work is supported by US‐DOE Cooperative Agreement DE‐FG36‐04GO14314 and GTI internal research funding. © 2009 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 2009
Tar content and composition in producer gas of fluidized bed gasification of wood—Influence of temperature and pressure
Authors: Wolfesberger Ute , Aigner Isabella , Hofbauer Hermann
Published: August 2009

In thermochemical biomass conversion processes, especially gasification, the tar content, and composition is a major subject. Because of the various processes examined at VUT, this work picks up the opportunity to compare the different tar amounts and its composition at different temperatures and process parameters. Gasification of biomass was carried out at the 100‐kW steam‐blown dual fluidized bed gasifier pilot plant III (800–870°C) and the 70‐kW air‐blown pressurized research unit (800–900°C; 1–5 bar) at VUT. Olivine is a catalyst for tar conversion; hence it was used as bed material in steam gasification and also in pressurized air gasification. For better understanding of tar formation during thermochemical conversion of biomass, the tar content and composition in the producer gas were analyzed with a gas chromatograph coupled with a mass spectrometer.

Basic differences between the two thermochemical conversion processes occurred especially at higher temperatures or higher pressures. The tar composition was shifted to higher molecular tars such as polyaromatic hydrocarbons. Decreasing tar amounts were found at higher temperatures or higher pressures. Therefore, in future, an optimization of gasification processes should be easier to accomplish, which means lower tar content in the producer gas, which results in a better utilization of the biomass. © 2009 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 2009
Catalytic hydrotreatment of fast pyrolysis oil: Model studies on reaction pathways for the carbohydrate fraction
Authors: Wildschut J. , Arentz J. , Rasrendra C.B. , Venderbosch R.H. , Heeres H.J.
Published: August 2009

Fast pyrolysis oil can be upgraded by a catalytic hydrotreatment (250–400°C, 100–200 bar) using heterogeneous catalysts such as Ru/C to hydrocarbon‐like products that can serve as liquid transportation fuels. Insight into the complex reaction pathways of the various component fractions during hydrotreatment is desirable to reduce the formation of by‐products such as char and gaseous components. This paper deals with the catalytic hydrotreatment of representative model components for the carbohydrate fraction (viz., D‐glucose and D‐cellobiose) present in concentrations of 20–40% in fast pyrolysis oils. The hydrotreatment was conducted at a temperature of 250°C and 100 bar hydrogen using Ru and Pd on carbon catalysts in water. Two parallel reaction pathways are then observed, a thermal noncatalyzed pathway leading to insoluble humins (char) and a hydrogenation pathway leading to smaller polyols and gaseous hydrocarbons such as methane and ethane. The implications of these findings for the catalytic hydrotreatment of fast pyrolysis oil are discussed. © 2009 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 2009
Detection of parent‐of‐origin effects using general pedigree data
Authors: Zhou Ji‐Yuan , Ding Jie , Fung Wing K. , Lin Shili
Published: August 2009

Genomic imprinting is an important epigenetic factor in complex traits study, which has generally been examined by testing for parent‐of‐origin effects of alleles. For a diallelic marker locus, the parental‐asymmetry test (PAT) based on case‐parents trios and its extensions to incomplete nuclear families (1‐PAT and C‐PAT) are simple and powerful for detecting parent‐of‐origin effects. However, these methods are suitable only for nuclear families and thus are not amenable to general pedigree data. Use of data from extended pedigrees, if available, may lead to more powerful methods than randomly selecting one two‐generation nuclear family from each pedigree. In this study, we extend PAT to accommodate general pedigree data by proposing the pedigree PAT (PPAT) statistic, which uses all informative family trios from pedigrees. To fully utilize pedigrees with some missing genotypes, we further develop the Monte Carlo (MC) PPAT (MCPPAT) statistic based on MC sampling and estimation. Extensive simulations were carried out to evaluate the performance of the proposed methods. Under the assumption that the pedigrees and their associated affection patterns are randomly drawn from a population of pedigrees with at least one affected offspring, we demonstrated that MCPPAT is a valid test for parent‐of‐origin effects in the presence of association. Further, MCPPAT is much more powerful compared to PAT for trios or even PPAT for all informative family trios from the same pedigrees if there is missing data. Application of the proposed methods to a rheumatoid arthritis dataset further demonstrates the advantage of MCPPAT. Genet. Epidemiol. 34: 151–158, 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Assessing trade in health services in countries of the Eastern Mediterranean from a public health perspective
Authors: Siddiqi Sameen , Shennawy Azza , Mirza Zafer , Drager Nick , Sabri Belgacem
Published: August 2009

Assessing trade in health services (TiHS) in developing countries is challenging since the sources of information are diverse, information is not accessible and professionals lack grasp of issues. A multi‐country study was conducted in the Eastern Mediterranean Region (EMR) – Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Morocco, Oman, Pakistan, Sudan, Syrian Arab Republic, Tunisia, and Yemen. The objective was to estimate the direction, volume, and value of TiHS; analyze country commitments; and assess the challenges and opportunities for health services.

Trade liberalization favored an open trade regime and encouraged foreign direct investment. Consumption abroad and movement of natural persons were the two prevalent modes. Yemen and Sudan are net importers, while Jordan promotes health tourism. In 2002, Yemenis spent US$ 80 million out of pocket for treatment abroad, while Jordan generated US$ 620 million. Egypt, Pakistan, Sudan and Tunisia export health workers, while Oman relies on import and 40% of its workforce is non‐Omani. There is a general lack of coherence between Ministries of Trade and Health in formulating policies on TiHS.

This is the first organized attempt to look at TiHS in the EMR. The systematic approach has helped create greater awareness, and a move towards better policy coherence in the area of trade in health services. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Sensitization of ovarian carcinoma cells to the atypical retinoid ST1926 by the histone deacetylase inhibitor, RC307: enhanced DNA damage response
Authors: Zuco Valentina , Benedetti Valentina , De Cesare Michelandrea , Zunino Franco
Published: August 2009

The synthetic atypical retinoids containing an adamantyl group exhibit antiproliferative or proapoptotic activities. Apoptosis induction is a dose‐dependent effect independent of retinoid receptors. We have reported that induction of apoptosis by the atypical retinoid, ST1926, is associated with early manifestations of genotoxic stress. Indeed, in this study performed in ovarian carcinoma cells, we show that exposure to ST1926 resulted in an increase of early markers of DNA damage, including ATM and H2AX phosphorylation. In addition, we found that a novel histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitor (RC307) was able to enhance sensitivity of ovarian carcinoma cells to ST1926. Under conditions where single‐agent treatment caused only antiproliferative effects, the combination of the atypical retinoid and HDAC inhibitor resulted in marked apoptotic cell death with a more rapid onset in wild‐type p53 ovarian carcinoma cells. The sensitization to ST1926‐induced apoptosis was associated with an enhanced DNA damage response, because a prolonged expression of DNA damage markers (e.g., H2AX, p53 and RPA‐2 phosphorylation) and a marked activation of DNA damage checkpoint kinases (in particular, phosphorylation of Chk1) were observed indicating an accumulation of DNA damage by the ST1926/HDAC inhibitor combination. The study provides additional support to the role of DNA damage as a primary event leading to the activation of apoptosis in ovarian carcinoma cells by adamantyl retinoids and documents the potential therapeutic efficacy of the combination of ST1926 and HDAC inhibitors of the novel series.
Targeted knockdown of Bcl2 in tumor cells using a synthetic TRAIL 3′‐UTR microRNA
Authors: Zhang Jianjun , Huang Shenglin , Zhang He , Wang Haibo , Guo Haiyan , Qian Guanxiang , Fan Xianqun , Lu Jian , Hoffman Andrew R. , Hu Ji‐Fan , Ge Shengfang
Published: August 2009

Targeting tumor‐related overexpression of anti‐apoptotic Bcl2 protein by RNAi has been suggested as a potential treatment for cancer. However, the stability of RNAi and its delivery are still major obstacles to the clinical testing of Bcl2 RNAi. Here, we explore a novel strategy of expressing a synthetic Bcl2 microRNA (smRNA) in the 3′ untranslated region (UTR) of the tumor necrosis factor‐related apoptosis‐inducing ligand (TRAIL), an apoptosis‐inducing protein without apparent toxic effects in normal cells. TRAIL was specifically expressed from the human telomerase reverse transcriptase promoter (pTRT) that is active in many human tumors. Using this approach, we demonstrated that pTRT drove the tumor‐specific expression of Bcl2 smRNA, which was processed by the host RNAi machinery and silenced endogenous Bcl2 expression in tumor cells. Bcl2 smRNA induced tumor cell apoptosis by activating caspase‐3 and led to significant sensitization of tumor cells to TRAIL‐induced apoptosis, while normal cells were spared. We also showed that the combined therapy of TRAIL‐induced apoptosis and Bcl2 downregulation was superior to the mono‐therapy of TRAIL or Bcl2 smRNA alone. This study proves a general paradigm for cancer therapy by using 3′ UTR microRNA technology.
Prognostic significance of integrin‐linked kinase1 overexpression in astrocytoma
Authors: Li Jun , Zhang Heng , Wu Jueheng , Guan Hongyu , Yuan Jie , Huang Zhengsong , Li Mengfeng
Published: August 2009

Integrin‐linked kinase 1 (ILK1), a member of the serine/threonine kinases, has been demonstrated to be associated with numerous biological and pathological processes. However, the clinical and functional significance of ILK1 expression has not been characterized previously in human astrocytoma. In this study, we found that ILK1 was overexpressed, at both mRNA and protein levels, in astrocytoma cell lines as compared with normal human astrocytes. The ILK1 mRNA and protein were significantly increased up to 5.6‐fold and 10.1‐fold, respectively, in primary astrocytoma in comparison with the paired adjacent noncancerous brain tissues obtained from the same patient. Furthermore, immunohistochemical analysis revealed that ILK1 protein was positive in 208 of 228 (91.2%) paraffin‐embedded archival astrocytoma specimens. Statistical analysis suggested that the upregulation of ILK1 was significantly correlated with the histological grading of astrocytoma (p = 0.000), and that patients with high ILK1 level exhibited shorter survival time (p < 0.001). Multivariate analysis revealed that ILK1 upregulation might be an independent prognostic indicator for the survival of patients with astrocytoma. Taken together, our results suggest that ILK1 might represent a novel and useful prognostic marker for astrocytoma and play a role during the development and progression of the disease.
Loss of STARD10 expression identifies a group of poor prognosis breast cancers independent of HER2/Neu and triple negative status
Authors: Murphy Niamh C. , Biankin Andrew V. , Millar Ewan K.A. , McNeil Catriona M. , O'Toole Sandra A. , Segara Davendra , Crea Paul , Olayioye Monilola A. , Lee C. Soon , Fox Stephen B. , Morey Adrienne L. , Christie Michael , Musgrove Elizabeth A. , Daly Roger J. , Lindeman Geoffrey J. , Henshall Susan M. , Visvader Jane E. , Sutherland Robert L.
Published: August 2009

The phospholipid transfer protein STARD10 cooperates with c‐erbB signaling and is overexpressed in Neu/ErbB2 breast cancers. We investigated if STARD10 expression provides additional prognostic information to HER2/neu status in primary breast cancer. A published gene expression dataset was used to determine relationships between STARD10 and HER2 mRNA levels and patient outcome. The central findings were independently validated by immunohistochemistry in a retrospective cohort of 222 patients with breast cancer with a median follow‐up of 64 months. Kaplan–Meier and Cox proportional hazards analyses were used for univariate and multivariate analyses. Patients with low STARD10 or high HER2 tumor mRNA levels formed discrete groups each associated with a poor disease‐specific survival (p = 0.0001 and p = 0.0058, respectively). In the immunohistochemical study low/absent STARD10 expression i.e. ≤10% positive cells was observed in 24 of 222 (11%) tumors. In a univariate model, low/absent STARD10 expression was significantly associated with decreased patient survival (p = 0.0008). In multivariate analyses incorporating tumor size, tumor grade, lymph node status, ER, PR and HER2 status, low STARD10 expression was an independent predictor of death from breast cancer (HR: 2.56 (95% CI: 1.27–5.18), p = 0.0086). Furthermore, low/absent STARD10 expression, HER2 amplification and triple negative status were independent prognostic variables. Loss of STARD10 expression may provide an additional marker of poor outcome in breast cancer identifying a subgroup of patients with a particularly adverse prognosis, which is independent of HER2 amplification and the triple negative phenotype.
Anger, aggression, and self‐harm in PTSD and complex PTSD
Authors: Dyer Kevin F. W. , Dorahy Martin J. , Hamilton Geraldine , Corry Mary , Shannon Maria , MacSherry Anne , McRobert Geordie , Elder Rhonda , McElhill Bridie
Published: August 2009

This study examined the contribution of complex posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) diagnosis and symptomatology to the difficulties of anger, aggression, and self‐harm in a Northern Ireland clinical community sample. A “current complex PTSD” (CCPTSD) group (n=11) was compared with a “current PTSD” group (n=31) on self‐report measures of these variables. The CCPTSD group demonstrated significantly higher levels of physical aggression and self‐harm than the PTSD group. The complex PTSD symptom of ‘alterations in self‐perception’ was a significant predictor of aggression and history of self‐harm, suggesting the potential role of posttraumatic shame and self‐loathing in PTSD theoretical models of these destructive behaviors. Social desirability was a notable confounding influence in the assessment of anger, aggression, and self‐harm in traumatised individuals. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Psychol 65:1–16, 2009.
Evolution of viviparity and uterine angiogenesis: vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in oviparous and viviparous skinks
Authors: Murphy Bridget F. , Belov Katherine , Thompson Michael B.
Published: August 2009

During pregnancy, uterine vasculature of live‐bearing lizards proliferates to support embryonic growth and development. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is the most potent of a suite of growth factors responsible for uterine vascularization in mammals. We have sequenced VEGF mRNA transcripts expressed in the uterus of oviparous and viviparous Australian skinks, and compared uterine VEGF expression in nonreproductive and late‐reproductive Saiphos equalis, a fossorial viviparous skink. VEGF sequences differed between phylogenetic groups of skinks, rather than oviparous and viviparous skinks. Two transcripts were identified in the uterus of each species that had the same splice sites as human VEGF165 and VEGF189. A third transcript, found only in uterine and testis tissue from S. equalis, had the same splice sites as human VEGF111. This is the first natural expression of VEGF111, previously found only in human cultured cells subjected to environmental stress. All the three VEGF transcripts identified showed higher expression in uterus from late‐reproductive S. equalis than nonreproductive females. The different angiogenic properties of VEGF transcripts provide a mechanism that may produce the variety of placental complexities observed in viviparous skinks. The presence of VEGF111 in S. equalis may be an opportunity to investigate the function of this unique transcript in a whole animal system. J. Exp. Zool. (Mol. Dev. Evol.) 314B:148–156, 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Gas phase behavior of radical cations of perfluoroalkyl‐1,2,4‐triazines: an experimental and theoretical study
Authors: Giorgi Gianluca , Piccionello Antonio Palumbo , Pace Andrea , Buscemi Silvestre
Published: August 2009

Electron ionization mass spectrometry and low‐energy collision‐induced decomposition reactions occurring in a tridimensional ion trap, together with density functional theory (DFT) calculations on neutrals, even‐ and odd‐electron cations, have been used to study the gas‐phase ion chemistry of a series of perfluoroalkyl‐1,2,4‐triazines. Loss of oxygen, due to thermal degradation occurring before ionization, likely involving the hydroxylamino group, has been observed. Compounds having a carbonyl group at position 6 of the triazine ring fragment in the source by elimination of NO followed by HF or CO. The decomposition pathways occurring due to CID experiments have shown interesting features depending on the nature and structure of precursor ions. Most of them involve elimination of endocyclic atoms, thereby producing contraction of the original six‐membered ring or formation of acyclic structures. DFT (B3LYP/6‐31G(d,p)) calculations have been used for evaluating structure, stability and properties of neutral and ionic species involved in gas‐phase processes. In particular, it has been calculated that in the molecular ion the unpaired electron is mainly located on the exocyclic nitrogen, while the positive charge is on the C(6) carbon atom. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Tandem mass spectrometry of synthetic polymers
Authors: Crecelius Anna C. , Baumgaertel Anja , Schubert Ulrich S.
Published: August 2009

The detailed characterization of macromolecules plays an important role for synthetic chemists to define and specify the structure and properties of the successfully synthesized polymers. The search for new characterization techniques for polymers is essential for the continuation of the development of improved synthesis methods. The application of tandem mass spectrometry for the detailed characterization of synthetic polymers using the soft ionization techniques matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry (MALDI‐MS) and electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI‐MS), which became the basic tools in proteomics, has greatly been increased in recent years and is summarized in this perspective. Examples of a variety of homopolymers, such as poly(methyl methacrylate), poly(ethylene glycol), as well as copolymers, e.g. copolyesters, are given. The advanced mass spectrometric techniques described in this review will presumably become one of the basic tools in polymer chemistry in the near future. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Real‐time tracking of vocal fold injections with optical coherence tomography
Authors: Burns James A. , Kim Ki Hean , Kobler James B. , deBoer Johannes F. , Lopez‐Guerra Gerardo , Zeitels Steven M.
Published: August 2009

Objectives/Hypothesis:

Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is a promising new imaging modality that can help discern the layered microstructure of vocal folds. In the future, subepithelial injections of implants will improve vocal fold pliability where there is stiffness of phonatory mucosa. Using OCT both to delineate the depth of subepithelial injections real‐time and to serially image the implant over time would be valuable, and has not been demonstrated previously.

Study Design:

Ex vivo study using excised calf larynges and survival study using canines in vivo.

Methods:

An investigation was done employing real‐time OCT imaging of subepithelial injection pulses into phonatory mucosa of four calf larynges ex vivo to track the presence of subepithelial implants in phonatory mucosa in a survival study using an in vivo canine model.

Results:

OCT readily identified polyethylene glycol (PEG)‐based hydrogel in the subepithelial plane in both the ex vivo calf study and the in vivo canine study. Ex vivo calf images correlated with histological specimens obtained immediately postinjection. Images obtained in this study provide confirmation of the hydrogel injection depth in real time, and allow for the implant to be tracked during a canine survival study.

Conclusions:

OCT can confirm subepithelial placement of hydrogel implant in the vocal fold with sufficient resolution to provide instantaneous feedback of an injection pulse. Survival studies in an in vivo canine model indicate that OCT can potentially be helpful in monitoring rheologically appropriate implants within the superficial lamina propria. Laryngoscope, 2009
A modified least‐squares mixed finite element with improved momentum balance
Authors: Schwarz A. , Schröder J. , Starke G.
Published: August 2009

The main goal of this contribution is to provide an improved mixed finite element for quasi‐incompressible linear elasticity. Based on a classical least‐squares formulation, a modified weak form with displacements and stresses as process variables is derived. This weak form is the basis for a finite element with an advanced fulfillment of the momentum balance and therefore with a better performance. For the continuous approximation of stresses and displacements on the triangular and tetrahedral elements, lowest‐order Raviart–Thomas and linear standard Lagrange interpolations can be used. It is shown that coercivity and continuity of the resulting asymmetric bilinear form could be established with respect to appropriate norms. Further on, details about the implementation of the least‐squares mixed finite elements are given and some numerical examples are presented in order to demonstrate the performance of the proposed formulation. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
On the approximation in the smoothed finite element method (SFEM)
Authors: Bordas Stéphane P. A. , Natarajan Sundararajan
Published: August 2009

This letter aims at resolving the issues raised in the recent short communication (Int. J. Numer. Meth. Engng 2008; 76(8):1285–1295. DOI: 10.1002/nme.2460) and answered by (Int. J. Numer. Meth. Engng 2009; DOI: 10.1002/nme.2587) by proposing a systematic approximation scheme based on non‐mapped shape functions, which both allows to fully exploit the unique advantages of the smoothed finite element method (SFEM) (Comput. Mech. 2007; 39(6):859–877. DOI: 10.1007/s00466‐006‐0075‐4; Commun. Numer. Meth. Engng 2009; 25(1):19–34. DOI: 10.1002/cnm.1098; Int. J. Numer. Meth. Engng 2007; 71(8):902–930; Comput. Meth. Appl. Mech. Engng 2008; 198(2):165–177. DOI: 10.1016/j.cma.2008.05.029; Comput. Meth. Appl. Mech. Engng 2007; submitted; Int. J. Numer. Meth. Engng 2008; 74(2):175–208. DOI: 10.1002/nme.2146; Comput. Meth. Appl. Mech. Engng 2008; 197 (13–16):1184–1203. DOI: 10.1016/j.cma.2007.10.008) and resolve the existence, linearity and positivity deficiencies pointed out in (Int. J. Numer. Meth. Engng 2008; 76(8):1285–1295).

We show that Wachspress interpolants (A Rational Basis for Function Approximation. Academic Press, Inc.: New York, 1975) computed in the physical coordinate system are very well suited to the SFEM, especially when elements are heavily distorted (obtuse interior angles). The proposed approximation leads to results that are almost identical to those of the SFEM initially proposed in (Comput. Mech. 2007; 39(6):859–877. DOI: 10.1007/s00466‐006‐0075‐4).

These results suggest that the proposed approximation scheme forms a strong and rigorous basis for the construction of SFEMs. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The dynamics of a changing range genetic algorithm
Authors: Amirjanov Adil
Published: August 2009

The formalism is presented for modelling of a genetic algorithm (GA) with an adjustment of a search space size, which assumes that the environment and the population form a unique system; it establishes a dynamic balance and convergence towards an optimal solution. The paper describes the effect of an adjustment of a search space size of GA on the macroscopic statistical properties of population such as the average fitness and the variance fitness of population. The equations of motion were derived for the one‐max problem that expressed the macroscopic statistical properties of population after reproductive genetic operators and an adjustment of a search space size in terms of those prior to the operation. Predictions of the theory are compared with experiments and are shown to predict the average fitness and the variance fitness of the final population accurately. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Optimal guaranteed cost for singular linear systems with random abrupt changes
Authors: Boukas El‐Kébir
Published: August 2009

This paper considers the class of continuous‐time singular linear Markovian jump systems with totally and partially known transition jump rates. The guaranteed cost control problem of this class of systems is tackled. New sufficient conditions for optimal guaranteed cost are developed. A design procedure for the guaranteed cost controller, which guarantees that the closed‐loop dynamics will be piecewise regular, impulse‐free and stochastically stable is proposed. It is shown that the addressed problem can be solved if the corresponding developed linear matrix inequalities (LMIs) with some constraints are feasible. A numerical example is employed to show the usefulness of the proposed results. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synthesis and characterization of poly (indene‐co‐pyrrole) nanofibers
Authors: Goel Shubhra , Mazumdar Nasreen A. , Gupta Alka
Published: August 2009

Nanofibers of poly (indene‐co‐pyrrole) (CInPy) have been synthesized, using a facile chemical oxidative polymerization reaction. The effect of copolymerization was examined in view of the individually synthesized homopolymer nanostructures of polyindene (PIn) and polypyrrole (PPy). Morphological details of CInPy, studied using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy, (TEM) reveal the appearance of dense cottony mess, comprising of fine fibers with an average diameter of 5–10 nm. Chemical structural analysis of CInPy, conducted using ultraviolet‐visible (UV‐Vis), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopic techniques, reveals that both PIn and PPy are involved in the formation of copolymer organization. Fluorescence properties of nanosized copolymer are observed in the blue region, with emission λmax placed at 395 nm. Conductivity of copolymer nanofibers (2.4 × 10−3 S/cm) is consistent with the morphology and thermal stability properties of integral homo‐polymers. Improved thermal stability and processability along with the enhanced optical and electrical properties of copolymer nanostructures outfit it as a better promising material in optoelectronic and light emitting nanodevices, with reference to nanosized PIn and PPy. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synthesis of copolymers of poly(ether sulfone ether ketone ketone) and poly(ether ketone diphenyl ketone ether ketone ketone) by electrophilic Friedel–Crafts solution polycondensation
Authors: Cai Mingzhong , Zhu Meihua , Xiao Fen , Ding Nengwen , Song Caisheng
Published: August 2009

A new monomer, 4,4′‐bis(4‐phenoxybenzoyl)diphenyl(BPOBDP), was synthesized via a two‐step synthetic procedure. A series of novel poly(ether sulfone ether ketone ketone)/poly(ether ketone diphenyl ketone ether ketone ketone) copolymers were prepared by electrophilic Friedel–Crafts solution copolycondensation of isophthaloyl chloride (IPC) with a mixture of 4,4′‐diphenoxydiphenylsulfone (DPODPS) and 4,4′‐bis(4‐phenoxybenzoyl)diphenyl (BPOBDP), in the presence of anhydrous aluminum chloride and N‐methylpyrrolidone (NMP) in 1,2‐dichloroethane (DCE). The copolymers with 10–50 mol% DPODPS are semicrystalline and have remarkably increased Tgs over commercially available PEEK and PEKK. The copolymers with 40–50 mol% DPODPS had not only high Tgs of 170–172°C, but also moderate Tms of 326–333°C, which are extremely suitable for melt processing. These copolymers have tensile strengths of 96.5–108.1 MPa, Young's moduli of 1.98–3.05 GPa, and elongations at break of 13–26% and exhibit excellent thermal stability and good resistance to acidity, alkali, and common organic solvents. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Preparation and properties of cyanate ester/polyorganosiloxane blends with lower dielectric loss and improved toughness
Authors: Dai Shankai , Gu Aijuan , Liang Guozheng , Yuan Li
Published: August 2009

Novel modified cyanate ester resins (EPMPS‐n/BADCy), with significantly decreased dielectric loss and improved toughness, were developed by copolymerizing the cyanate ester resin, 2, 2′‐bis (4‐cyanatophenyl) isopropylidene resin) (BADCy), with an epoxidized methyl phenyl silicone resin (EPMPS). The curing behavior of EPMPS‐n/BADCy and the typical properties of the corresponding cured EPMPS‐n/BADCy were systematically investigated. The results show that the addition of EPMPS into BADCy can not only accelerate the curing reaction of BADCy, but also decrease dielectric loss and enhance the impact strength as well as water resistance. For example, in the case of the modified BADCy resin with 15 wt%EPMPS, its impact strength is 17.8 kJ/m2, about 3 times of that of pure BADCy resin and its water absorption is only 0.25%, about one‐half of that of pure BADCy resin. In addition, while the dielectric loss is only 79% of that of pure BADCy resin, while its dielectric constant remains constant over the frequency range of 1KHz‐1 MHz. The above results suggest that EPMPS‐n/BADCy have great potential to be used as the matrix or adhesive for advanced composites. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Optimisation of enzyme assisted extraction of silybin from the seeds of Silybum marianum by Box–Behnken experimental design
Authors: Liu Hong , Du Xueling , Yuan Qipeng , Zhu Lei
Published: August 2009

Introduction – Silybin, a standardised extract of flavanolignans from the seeds of Silybum marianum, has been used for centuries as a natural remedy in the treatment of hepatitis and cirrhosis. The higher yield of silybin by using more efficient extraction technique is of particular interest in the herbal products manufacture.

Objective – To systematically investigate the important factors of enzyme‐assisted extraction of flavanolignans from the seeds of Silybum marianum to enhance the extraction yield of silybin.

Methodology – The important factors of enzyme‐assisted extraction were optimised by employing Box–Behnken design with the aid of the orthogonal array design (OAD) OA8 (27). The effects of enzyme incubation temperature (EIT), the pH of enzyme solution (PES) and the size of seeds (SS) on the yield of silybin were visualised as three‐dimensional response surface and contour plots.

Results – The predictive yield was 24.6 mg/g defatted seeds under the optimum enzymolysis conditions (EIT 40°C, PES 4.5 and SS 7003 μm). The coefficient of the model was r2 > 0.97 (n = 15). The actual yield of silybin was 24.81 ± 1.93 mg/g defatted seeds, higher by 138 and 123.6% than that from ethanol extraction in this study and in the previous literature, respectively. IR spectra and HPLC of the extracts by EAE were in agreement with those from ethanol extraction. SEM and TEM pictures of defatted seeds by variant extractions demonstrate that the extraction of silybin depends on the destruction of cell walls.

Conclusion – The results suggest that EAE is a promising alternative for the extraction of silybin by the use of traditional ethanol extraction. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.