bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Based on a review of the data, use of the term ‘cypridinid’ solves theCypridina/Varguladilemma for naming the constituents of the luminescent system of ostracods in the family Cypridinidae
Authors: Morin James G.
Published: October 2009

The luciferin of the ostracodVargula hilgendorfii(formerlyCypridina hilgendorfii) is often termedCypridinaluciferin in the scientific literature, but, to avoid ambiguity and based on a review of the literature, is best referred to by the more inclusive termcypridinid luciferin. This situation exemplifies how new knowledge in systematics and the resulting nomenclatural changes can result in evolutionary insights. Similar solutions can probably be applied to other taxonomic dilemmas. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Primacy effect or recency effect? A long‐term memory test of Super Bowl commercials
Authors: Li Cong
Published: October 2009

The serial position effects for television commercials were tested within a naturalistic setting in this study, at both the micro level and the macro level. Television viewers' brand memory (recall and recognition) for the 2006 Super Bowl commercials were analyzed. At the micro level, the serial position of each commercial in a same commercial pod was measured. When the length of a commercial pod was controlled for, an earlier position for a commercial generated better brand recall. When the number of preceding ads was held constant, a commercial in a pod with fewer ads generated better brand recognition. At the macro level, the serial position of each commercial pod within the whole Super Bowl game broadcast was measured. The commercial pods at earlier positions generated better brand memory. Both findings confirmed a strong primacy effect. Managerial implications of the findings were also discussed.

Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Enoxaparin 0.3 mg/kg IV supplement for patients transitioning to PCI after subcutaneous enoxaparin therapy for NSTE ACS: A subgroup analysis from the SYNERGY trial
Authors: Cohen Marc , Levine Glenn N. , Pieper Karen S. , Lan Lan , Antman Elliott M. , Aylward Philip E. , White Harvey D. , Kleiman Neal S. , Califf Robert M. , Mahaffey Kenneth W.
Published: October 2009

Objective: To explore clinical and bleeding outcomes in patients enrolled in the SYNERGY trial who had percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) based on adherence to the dosing regimens of enoxaparin mandated by the protocol. Background: In SYNERGY, 4,687 patients underwent PCI during index hospitalization. Patients in the subcutaneous (sc) enoxaparin group were to be given an 0.3 mg/kg IV bolus immediately before PCI if balloon inflation occurred ≥8 hr after their last sc dose of enoxaparin. Methods: The incidence of the 1° efficacy end point (death/myocardial infarction [MI] post PCI and through 30 days), and the rates of post‐PCI in‐hospital TIMI major and GUSTO severe bleeding were compared between patients randomized to unfractionated heparin (UFH) and those randomized to sc enoxaparin who did or did not receive a supplemental IV bolus of enoxaparin in accord with protocol‐mandates. Results: A total of 4,687 patients had PCI; 2,323 were assigned sc enoxaparin and 1,332 received protocol‐mandated IV enoxaparin bolus, while 215 enoxaparin patients received inappropriate IV therapy (either receiving IV enoxaparin before the 8‐hr protocol time or not receiving the IV enoxaparin as directed after 8 hr). Death or MI occurring post PCI through 30‐day follow‐up tended to be lower in the enoxaparin patients who were treated according to protocol than in those who were not (12.3% vs. 14.4%; adjusted P = 0.25), as was TIMI major bleeding (3.0% vs. 4.7%, adjusted P = 0.08). Conclusion: These exploratory analyses show that patients in SYNERGY who received the protocol‐mandated supplemental IV bolus of 0.3 mg/kg enoxaparin before PCI performed 8–12 hr after their last sc enoxaparin dose tended to have improved outcomes compared with those who did not. Strategies to ensure adherence to dosing guidelines of enoxaparin during PCI should be considered. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Treatment for LMCA ostial stenosis using a bifurcation technique with a retrograde approach
Authors: Shirai Shinichi , Doijiri Tatsuki , Iwabuchi Masashi
Published: October 2009

A 69‐year‐old man who underwent coronary artery bypass surgery in February 2008. The surgery included grafting of the left internal thoracic artery (LITA) to the diagonal branch (D1) and a saphenous vein graft (SVG) to the left circumflex artery (LCX) due to ostial stenosis of the left main coronary artery (LMCA). The patient presented with recurring effort chest pain 18 months later. Coronary CT revealed that the LITA‐D1 graft was patent, the SVG‐LCX graft was occluded, and there was severe ostial stenosis of the LMCA. Coronary angiography was performed in August 2009, but a 5‐Fr diagnostic catheter could not be engaged due to the severe ostial stenosis. Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) was performed 5 days later with an attempt to cross the lesion with a guidewire using a retrograde approach through the LITA‐D1 graft. However, the guidewire could not be crossed using a conventional technique due to the extreme angulation of the LITA‐D1 anastomosis. Therefore, we attempted to use a reversed guidewire technique. After crossing the LMCA ostial lesion the retrograde wire was snared through antegradely for insertion of the guiding catheter via the right brachial artery. We were able to engage the guiding catheter in the left coronary artery and implant the stent successfully using the antegrade approach. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Left atrial appendage exclusion: State‐of‐the‐art
Authors: Cruz‐Gonzalez Ignacio , Yan Bryan P. , Lam Yat‐Yin
Published: October 2009

It is postulated that the source of thromboembolism in 90% of patients with non‐valvular atrial fibrillation (AF) arises from the left atrial appendage (LAA). Anticoagulation with warfarin is the standard medical therapy for stroke prevention in patients with AF. However, chronic warfarin therapy is contraindicated in 14 to 44% of patients with AF who are at risk for stroke. Mechanical exclusion of the LAA may prevent thrombus formation in the appendage and hence reduce the risk of stroke. Recently, several studies of percutaneous transcatheter delivery of dedicated LAA exclusion devices such as the PLAATO device, Watchman device and the Amplatzer cardiac plug, have shown encouraging results as an alternative to warfarin therapy for selected patients. This article aims to review the current evidence for LAA exclusion in patients with AF. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Safety and efficacy of carotid stenting in the very elderly
Authors: Grant Arthur , White Christopher , Ansel Gary , Bacharach Michael , Metzger Christopher , Velez Carlos
Published: October 2009

Background: Carotid artery stenting (CAS) has emerged as an alternative to carotid endarterectomy (CEA) in patients at high risk for complications from surgery. The very elderly (≥80‐year‐old) are one subgroup of patients identified as being at increased risk for carotid surgery. However, there is concern that the very elderly are also at increased risk for complications of CAS. A stroke and death rate of 12% was reported in very elderly patients during the roll‐in phase of Carotid Revascularization Endarterectomy versus Stent Trial (CREST). We are reporting on a large clinical series of CAS with independent neurological assessment in the very elderly. Methods: Between 1994 and 2008, a consecutive series of 418 CAS patients (≥80‐year‐old) were treated at four high‐volume centers with extensive CAS experience. Independent neurologic assessment was performed after CAS procedures. Thirty‐day follow‐up information was available in 389 patients. Results: The average age was 83.2 ± 2.8 years. Most patients were male (63.2%), and the target lesion carotid stenosis was asymptomatic in two‐thirds (68.2%) of patients. The majority of patients treated with CAS had a history of coronary artery disease (74.4%), hypertension (87.8%), and dyslipidemia (71.1%). One third (30.1%) were diabetic and more than half (56.5%) were current or former smokers. Embolic protection devices (EPD) were used in 78.7% of cases with the CAS procedure being performed before EPD availability being the most common reason for not using them. The overall 30‐day incidence of stroke and death was 2.8% (11/389). The cumulative incidence of major cardiovascular events (stroke, death, or myocardial infarction) during that time period was 3.3% (13/389). Conclusions: This large series of CAS with independent neurologic assessment is convincing evidence that the very elderly (≥80 years) can safely undergo CAS with stroke and death rates comparable to younger patients. The key to obtaining these excellent results is that CAS be performed by high volume, experienced operators who exercise restraint regarding patient selection. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Preliminary characterization of oral lesions associated with inhibitors of mammalian target of rapamycin in cancer patients
Authors: Sonis Stephen , Treister Nathaniel , Chawla Sant , Demetri George , Haluska Frank
Published: October 2009

BACKGROUND:

Mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibitors may have efficacy as an intervention for advanced malignancies. Oral ulceration (OU), reported as mucositis, has been a dose‐limiting toxicity for this new class of agents. An analysis of the appearance, course, and toxicity associations of mTOR inhibitor‐associated stomatitis (mIAS) demonstrated that the condition is distinct from conventional mucositis (CM) and more closely resembles aphthous stomatitis.

METHODS:

Safety data from 78 solid tumor patients enrolled in 2 Phase 1, multicenter trials of the mTOR inhibitor deforolimus (AP23573, MK‐8669) were evaluated. Adverse events (AEs) based on National Cancer Institute Common Toxicity Criteria for National Cancer Institute Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (version 3.0) criteria were coded, consolidated, and stratified according to the presence or absence and duration of concordant OU. The relation between OU and other AEs was analyzed.

RESULTS:

Treatment‐emergent AEs were reported in 91% of 78 study participants. OUs were reported in 66%, appeared within 5 days of deforolimus administration, and were discrete, ovoid, superficial, well demarcated, and surrounded by an erythematous halo. Their clinical appearance and distribution were similar to that of aphthous stomatitis but inconsistent with CM. Patients with OU were more likely to have nonspecific rashes and acneiform dermatitis but not gastrointestinal AEs.

CONCLUSIONS:

OU associated with mTOR inhibitor therapy differed from CM. Lesions more closely resembled those of aphthous stomatitis. The lack of other gastrointestinal involvement but the presence of a higher incidence of concomitant cutaneous AEs provided additional evidence to suggest a distinction between mIAS and CM. Treatment strategies for aphthous stomatitis may be a rational approach for the prevention and control of mIAS. Cancer 2010. © 2010 American Cancer Society.
Amino Acid Based Phosphoramidite Ligands for the Rhodium‐Catalyzed Asymmetric Hydrogenation
Authors: Breuil Pierre‐Alain R. , Reek Joost N. H.
Published: October 2009

Two sets of amino acid based phosphoramidite ligands with either a BINOL backbone (Sb‐1a–e and Rb‐1a) or a flexible biphenol backbone (2a–c and 2f) were synthesized and evaluated in the rhodium‐catalyzed hydrogenation of different functionalized alkenes: dimethyl itaconate (3), methyl 2‐acetamidoacrylate (4), methyl α‐acetamidocinnamate (5) and N‐(3,4‐dihydro‐2‐naphthalenyl)acetamide (6). The amino acid fragment can be modified at three positions (R1–R3) giving rise to modular ligands. Initial experiments varying the R1 position of the amino acid fragment, showed that the valine‐based phosphoramidite ligand Sb‐1b forms the most selective rhodium catalyst for three of the four substrates of the current study. The modifications at the other positions (R2 and R3) tweaked the ligand structure such that enhanced selectivities were obtained; up to 97 % ee is obtained for the asymmetric hydrogenation of 4 with Sb‐1e. For ligands with two sources of chirality match/mismatch effects are observed, the diastereoisomer Sb‐1b giving higher selectivity than the diastereoisomer Rb‐1b for most of the substrates. The set of phosphoramidite ligands having the flexible and cheap biphenol backbone is developed to study the ability of the amino acid derivatives as the sole source of chirality in the ligand to steer enantioselectivity in rhodium‐catalyzed hydrogenation. This study shows their capacity to compete with their BINOL‐based analogues and even to outclass them depending on the substrate evaluated. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2009)
Modeling of 2‐D DNA display
Authors: Florescu Ana‐Maria , Joyeux Marc , Lafay Bénédicte
Published: October 2009

2‐D display is a fast and economical way of visualizing polymorphism and comparing genomes, which is based on the separation of DNA fragments in two steps, first according to their size and then to their sequence composition. In this article, we present an exhaustive study of the numerical issues associated with a model aimed at predicting the final absolute locations of DNA fragments in 2‐D display experiments. We show that simple expressions for the mobility of DNA fragments in both dimensions allow one to reproduce experimental final absolute locations better than experimental uncertainties. However, our simulations also point out that the results of 2‐D display experiments are not sufficient to determine the best set of parameters for the modeling of fragments separation in the second dimension and that additional detailed measurements of the mobility of a few sequences are necessary to achieve this goal. We hope that this work will help in establishing simulations as a powerful tool to optimize experimental conditions without having to perform a large number of preliminary experiments and to estimate whether 2‐D DNA display is suited to identify a mutation or a genetic difference that is expected to exist between the genomes of closely related organisms.
Measurement of electrophoretic mobility of cardiomyocytes
Authors: Zhou Ying , Liu Jun , Wang Jing , Wang Yan , Sun Pei
Published: October 2009

The electrophoretic mobility (EPM) of rat cardiomyocytes with or without the treatment of neuraminidase was studied by cell electrophoresis. The EPM was found to change over a range from 0 to 8.67 μm s−1/V cm−1, depending on ionic strength, transmembrane potential, pH value, and/or surface charges. It is interesting that zero EPM was observed but reverse of the mobility was not. These results suggested that the negative charges carried on the cardiomyocyte surface might comprehensively consist of surface sialic acid, plasmalemma proteins, phospholipids, and transmembrane potential. The aberrant electrical double layer formed between the carried negative charges and adions had a big adsorption layer and a diffusion layer whose sizes changed circularly, making only negative charges be carried on the surface of living cardiomyocytes. The special structures on the surface of cardiomyocytes probably play a considerable role in the process of cardiac electrical activity.
Hedging and value at risk: A semi‐parametric approach
Authors: Cao Zhiguang , Harris Richard D.F. , Shen Jian
Published: October 2009

The non‐normality of financial asset returns has important implications for hedging. In particular, in contrast with the unambiguous effect that minimum‐variance hedging has on the standard deviation, it can actually increase the negative skewness and kurtosis of hedge portfolio returns. Thus, the reduction in Value at Risk (VaR) and Conditional Value at Risk (CVaR) that minimum‐variance hedging generates can be significantly lower than the reduction in standard deviation. In this study, we provide a new, semi‐parametric method of estimating minimum‐VaR and minimum‐CVaR hedge ratios based on the Cornish‐Fisher expansion of the quantile of the hedged portfolio return distribution. Using spot and futures returns for the FTSE 100, FTSE 250, and FTSE Small Cap equity indices, the Euro/US Dollar exchange rate, and Brent crude oil, we find that the semiparametric approach is superior to the standard minimum‐variance approach, and to the nonparametric approach of Harris and Shen (2006). In particular, it provides a greater reduction in both negative skewness and excess kurtosis, and consequently generates hedge portfolios that in most cases have lower VaR and CVaR. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Jrl Fut Mark 30:780–794, 2010
Frequent deletion of CDKN2A and recurrent coamplification of KIT, PDGFRA, and KDR in fibrosarcoma of bone—An array comparative genomic hybridization study
Authors: Niini Tarja , López‐Guerrero José Antonio , Ninomiya Shinsuke , Guled Mohamed , Hattinger Claudia Maria , Michelacci Francesca , Böhling Tom , Llombart‐Bosch Antonio , Picci Piero , Serra Massimo , Knuutila Sakari
Published: October 2009

Very little is known about the genetics of fibrosarcoma (FS) of bone. We applied array comparative genomic hybridization (CGH) to identify genes and genomic regions with potential role in the pathogenesis of this tumor. Seventeen patients with FS of bone were included in the study. Array CGH analysis was carried out in 13 fresh frozen tissue specimens from 11 of these patients (nine primary tumors and four local recurrences). DNA was extracted and hybridizations were performed on Agilent 244K CGH oligoarrays. The data were analyzed using Agilent DNA Analytics Software. The number of changes per patient ranged from 0 to 132 (average = 43). Losses were most commonly detected at 6q, 8p, 9p, 10, 13q, and 20p. CDKN2A was homozygously deleted in 7/11 patients. Hypermethylation of both p16INK4a and p14ARF was found in 1/14 patients. An internal deletion of STARD13 was found in a region with common losses at 13q13.1. The most frequent gains were seen at 1q, 4q, 5p, 8q, 12p, 15q, 16q, 17q, 20q, 22q, and Xp. Single recurrent high level amplification was detected at 4q12, including KIT, PDGFRA, and KDR. No activating mutations were found in any of them. Immunohistochemistry revealed expression of PDGFRA and/or PDGFRB in 12/17 samples. Moreover, small regions of gains pinpointed genes of particular interest, such as IGF1R at 15q26.3 and CHD1L at 1q21.1. In conclusion, our analysis provided novel findings that can be exploited when searching for markers for diagnosis and prognosis, and targets of therapy in this tumor type. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Identifying functional impairment with scores from the repeatable battery for the assessment of neuropsychological status (RBANS)
Authors: Hobson Valerie L. , Hall James R. , Humphreys‐Clark Joy D. , Schrimsher Gregory W. , O'Bryant Sid E.
Published: October 2009

Objective

To examine the link between RBANS scores and functional impairment. Functional status was evaluated through informant report using the clinical dementia rating (CDR) scale.

Methods

Archival data were reviewed from records of 99 patients in a memory disorder clinic (MDC) research database. Consensus‐based diagnoses were Alzheimer's disease (AD; n = 48), mild cognitive impairment (MCI; n = 48), AD with vascular components; (n = 2) and dementia due to psychiatric conditions (n = 1).

Results

The RBANS language index score was significantly related to CDR domain scores of community affairs (p < .01), home and hobbies (p < .01), personal care (p < .05), memory (p < 0.01), and judgment (p < 0.01). RBANS immediate memory index scores were significantly related to (p < 0.05) the CDR Memory and judgment and problem solving domains. Based on these findings, follow‐up regressions were conducted. Semantic fluency was significantly related to CDR memory (p < 0.01), judgment (p < 0.05), community affairs (p < 0.05), home/hobbies (p < 0.05), and personal care (p < 0.05) functional domains. Picture naming was significantly related to the CDR personal care domain (p < 0.05). List learning was significantly related to CDR memory functional domain (p < 0.01) and judgment (p < 0.05). Lastly, story memory was significantly related to the CDR judgment domain (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

The RBANS may be an indicator of functional impairment as well as a neuropsychological testing tool. The use of the RBANS could reduce the amount of testing that is administered to the patient, or can provide a way to compare other measurements of functional impairment to assess accuracy of findings. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Health and well‐being in care staff and their relations to organizational and psychosocial factors, care staff and resident factors in nursing homes
Authors: Testad I. , Mikkelsen A. , Ballard C. , Aarsland D.
Published: October 2009

Objective

The aim of this study is to investigate the association of psychosocial factors and patient factors with stress in care staff in nursing homes.

Methods

In this cross‐sectional survey, 197 care staff from 13 dementia wards from four nursing homes in the Stavanger region, Norway, participated. Stress in care staff was measured by Perceived Stress Scale, Hopkins Symptom Check List, and subjective health complaints. Agitation in patients was measured with the Cohen‐Mansfield Agitation Inventory. Work‐related psychosocial factors were measured by General Nordic Questionnaire for Psychosocial and Social Factors at Work (QPSNordic). Data were analyzed using multivariate regression analyses.

Results

Psychosocial factors (QPS Nordic) were significantly associated with all the three outcome measures of stress in care staff, whereas agitation was associated with subjective health complaints only. QPS Nordic subscales significantly associated with stress in care staff were those associated with leadership.

Conclusions

Psychosocial factors were more important predictors of carer stress than patient‐related factors such as dementia severity and agitation. The findings provide key background information in the planning of interventions to improve conditions for care staff and ultimately for nursing home residents. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Comparison of biofilm formation on new Phonax and Provox 2 voice prostheses—A pilot study
Authors: Leonhard Matthias , Moser Doris , Reumueller Adrian , Mancusi Gudrun , Bigenzahn Wolfgang , Schneider‐Stickler Berit
Published: October 2009

Background.

In voice rehabilitation for laryngectomized patients, voice prosthetic biofilm formation is still an unsolved problem. Design and materials of voice prostheses have been altered by manufacturers to improve function and extend the lifetime of devices. The goal of the study was to investigate biofilm formation on Provox 2 and Phonax, recently introduced voice prostheses made of thermoplastic polyurethane.

Methods.

Five laryngectomized patients were equipped with both Phonax and Provox 2 voice prostheses. Microbial colonization was analyzed using standard microbiological methods. Biofilm formation and material infiltration were illustrated using scanning electron microscopy, fluorescence microscopy, and thin‐section light microscopy.

Results.

Although no differences in quality or quantity of microbial colonization were assessed, microscopic imaging revealed differences in material surfaces, biofilm composition, and infiltration morphologies; the polyurethane material seems to destabilize biofilm architecture by inhibition of hypheal Candida growth forms.

Conclusions.

Polyurethane material for voice prostheses seems to reduce biofilm stability and infiltrative processes. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2009
Huh-7: A Human “Hemochromatotic” Cell Line
Authors: Vecchi Chiara , Montosi Giuliana , Pietrangelo Antonello
Published: October 2009

Hereditary hemochromatosis (HC) is commonly associated with homozygosity for the cysteine-to-tyrosine substitution at position 282 (C282Y) of the HFE protein. This mutation prevents HFE from binding beta2-microglobulin (beta2M) and reaching the cell surface. We have discovered that a widely used hepatoma cell line, Huh-7, carries a HFE mutation similar to that associated with human HC. By

HFE

gene sequencing of Huh-7 genomic DNA, we found a TAC nucleotide deletion (c. 691_693del) responsible for loss of a tyrosine at position 231 (p. Y231del) of the HFE protein. This mutation affects a conserved hydrophobic region in a loop connecting two beta strands that make up the alpha3 domain of HFE, not far from the 282 site. HFE was detected by western blot in HepG2 but not in Huh-7 cell membrane fractions. In WRL-68 cells expressing wild-type HFE, the HFE protein was largely found at the plasma membrane where it colocalizes with beta2M. On the contrary, the HFE-Y231del mutant, similarly to an exogenously expressed HFE-C282Y mutant, failed to reach the plasma membrane and did not colocalize with membrane-expressed beta2M. C282Y mutant HFE in HC is associated with inadequate hepcidin expression. We found that Huh-7 cells display lower hepcidin messenger RNA levels as compared to HepG2 cells, which carry a wild-type HFE. Interestingly, hepcidin messenger RNA levels increased significantly in Huh-7 cells stably expressing exogenous wild-type HFE at the plasma membrane.

Conclusion:

Huh-7 cells may represent a novel and valuable tool to investigate the role of altered HFE traffic in iron metabolism and pathogenesis of human HFE HC. (Hepatology 2010.)
Simulating the Impact of climate change on streamflow in the Tarim River basin by using a modified semi‐distributed monthly water balance model
Authors: Peng D. Z. , Xu Z. X.
Published: October 2009

A modified semi‐distributed monthly water balance model is proposed to simulate the streamflow in the Tarim River. With the comparative study among TOPMODEL, Xinanjiang model and the modified semi‐distributed monthly water balance model in the headwater catchment of the Tarim River, it showed that the proposed model with simple structure and two parameters as well as TOPMODEL, Xinanjiang model perform well in the study area (the Nash‐Sutcliffe efficiencies R2 were between 0·60 and 0·69, and the relative errors of the volumetric fitness RE were between −19% and 19%). At Shaliguilank hydrological station in the Aksu River basin, R2 is around 0·60. Those values at other stations are generally between 0·60 and 0·66 in headwater catchment of the Tarim River. The high‐flow year, average year and dry year were determined by analysing the frequency of annual runoff in the Tarim River from 1957 to 2005 using Pearson type III (P‐III) distribution, and the L‐moment approach was applied to the parameter estimation for P‐III distribution. With the reference years (high‐flow year, average year and dry year) and the long‐term trend, different scenarios for the precipitation in 2010 and 2020 have been generated. The streamflow was simulated by using the proposed model with different scenarios, and the impact of climate change on streamflow was analysed. The results showed that the streamflow in 2010 and 2020 exhibited an increasing tendency in the Aksu, Yarkant, and Hotan River basins. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Amyloid precursor protein expression is induced by tumor necrosis factor α in 3T3‐L1 adipocytes
Authors: Sommer Grit , Kralisch Susan , Lipfert Jana , Weise Sebastian , Krause Kerstin , Jessnitzer Beate , Lössner Ulrike , Blüher Matthias , Stumvoll Michael , Fasshauer Mathias
Published: October 2009

Amyloid precursor protein (APP) has been characterized as an adipocyte‐secreted protein that might contribute to obesity‐related insulin resistance, inflammation, and dementia. In the current study, regulation of APP by the proinflammatory and insulin resistance‐inducing cytokine tumor necrosis factor (TNF) α was determined in 3T3‐L1 adipocytes. Interestingly, APP protein synthesis and mRNA expression were significantly increased by TNFα in a time‐dependent manner with maximal induction observed after 24 h of treatment. Furthermore, TNFα induced APP mRNA expression dose‐dependently with maximal 6.4‐fold upregulation seen at 100 ng/ml effector. Moreover, inhibitor experiments suggested that TNFα‐induced APP expression was mediated by nuclear factor κ B. Taken together, we show for the first time a potent upregulation of APP by TNFα suggesting a potential role of this adipocyte‐secreted protein in TNFα‐induced insulin resistance and inflammatory disease. J. Cell. Biochem. 108: 1418–1422, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Computational screening of biomolecular adsorption and self‐assembly on nanoscale surfaces
Authors: Heinz Hendrik
Published: October 2009

The quantification of binding properties of ions, surfactants, biopolymers, and other macromolecules to nanometer‐scale surfaces is often difficult experimentally and a recurring challenge in molecular simulation. A simple and computationally efficient method is introduced to compute quantitatively the energy of adsorption of solute molecules on a given surface. Highly accurate summation of Coulomb energies as well as precise control of temperature and pressure is required to extract the small energy differences in complex environments characterized by a large total energy. The method involves the simulation of four systems, the surface‐solute–solvent system, the solute–solvent system, the solvent system, and the surface‐solvent system under consideration of equal molecular volumes of each component under NVT conditions using standard molecular dynamics or Monte Carlo algorithms. Particularly in chemically detailed systems including thousands of explicit solvent molecules and specific concentrations of ions and organic solutes, the method takes into account the effect of complex nonbond interactions and rotational isomeric states on the adsorption behavior on surfaces. As a numerical example, the adsorption of a dodecapeptide on the Au {111} and mica {001} surfaces is described in aqueous solution. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comput Chem, 2010
Excited state properties, fluorescence energies, and lifetimes of a poly(fluorene‐phenylene), based on TD‐DFT investigation
Authors: Chidthong Rungtiwa , Hannongbua Supa
Published: October 2009

The structural and electronic properties of fluorene‐phenylene copolymer (FP)n, n = 1–4 were studied by means of quantum chemical calculations based on density functional theory (DFT) and time dependent density functional theory (TD‐DFT) using B3LYP functional. Geometry optimizations of these oligomers were performed for the ground state and the lowest singlet excited state. It was found that (FP)n is nonplanar in its ground state while the electronic excitations lead to planarity in its S1 state. Absorption and fluorescence energies were calculated using TD‐B3LYP/SVP and TD‐B3LYP/SVP+ methods. Vertical excitation energies and fluorescence energies were obtained by extrapolating these values to infinite chain length, resulting in extrapolated values for vertical excitation energy of 2.89 and 2.87 eV, respectively. The S1 ← S0 electronic excitation is characterized as a highest occupied molecular orbital to lowest unoccupied molecular orbital transition and is distinguishing in terms of oscillator strength. Fluorescence energies of (FP)n calculated from TD‐B3LYP/SVP and TD‐B3LYP/SVP+ methods are 2.27 and 2.26 eV, respectively. Radiative lifetimes are predicted to be 0.55 and 0.51 ns for TD‐B3LYP/SVP and TD‐B3LYP/SVP+ calculations, respectively. These fundamental information are valuable data in designing and making of promising materials for LED materials. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comput Chem, 2010
Generalized hybrid control synthesis for affine systems using sequential adaptive networks
Authors: Nayak Rajib , Gomes James
Published: October 2009

BACKGROUND: A generalized methodology for the synthesis of a hybrid controller for affine systems using sequential adaptive networks (SAN) is presented. SAN consists of an assembly of neural networks that are ordered in a chronological sequence, with one network assigned to each sampling interval. Using a suitable process model based on oxygen metabolism and an a priori objective function, a hybrid control law is derived that can use online measurements and the states predicted by SAN for computing the desired control action.

RESULTS: The performance of the SAN–hybrid controller is tested for simulated fed‐batch production of methionine for three different process conditions. Simulations assume that online measurements of dissolved oxygen (DO) concentration are available. The performance of the SAN–hybrid controller gave an NRMSE of ∼10−4 in the absence of noise, ∼10−3 and ∼10−2 for ± 5% and ± 10% noise in the DO measurement and ∼10−2 for parameter uncertainty when compared with the ideal model prediction.

CONCLUSIONS: The observed performance for unmeasured state prediction and control implementation shows that the proposed SAN–hybrid controller can efficiently compute the manipulated variable required to maintain methionine production along the optimized trajectory for different conditions. The test results show that the SAN–hybrid controller can be used for online real‐time implementation in fed‐batch bioprocesses. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry
Polarized micro‐Raman study of Al2O3‐based directionally solidified oxide eutectics containing GdAlO3 perovskite, Er3Al5O12 garnet and cubic ZrO2
Authors: Gouadec G. , Makaoui K. , Perrière L. , Colomban Ph. , Mazerolles L.
Published: October 2009

The paper reports on the Raman signature of GdAlO3 perovskite and Er3Al5O12 garnet in melt‐grown eutectic composites, which contain α‐alumina and cubic zirconia also. Different wavelengths were used to discriminate the Raman signal from fluorescence of the rare‐earth elements. Fourteen out of the 24 Raman active perovskite modes were identified. Mode symmetry is proposed for 12 of them, based on the polarization of the light backscattered by a rotated sample. Twenty‐one out of 25 Raman active modes of the garnet were listed and assigned by straight comparison with those of the parent compounds. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Vinylphosphonic Acid Homo‐ and Block Copolymers
Authors: Wagner Thomas , Manhart Angelika , Deniz Nesrin , Kaltbeitzel Anke , Wagner Manfred , Brunklaus Gunther , Meyer Wolfgang H.
Published: October 2009

Vinylphosphonic acid homo‐ and block copolymers with styrene have been prepared via anionic polymerization of dialkylvinylphosphonates (VPE) and subsequent hydrolysis of the precursor polyester with trimethylsilylbromide. Poly(vinylphosphonic acid) (PVPA) homopolymers with 4 200<$\overline M _{\rm w}$<814 000 have been obtained with vinyl‐diisopropyl‐phosphonate as monomer. With polystyryl anion as macroinitiator, AB block copolymers have been obtained with block compositions from approximately 9:2 to 3:7; however, the total molecular weights are limited to <10 000, due to solubility limitations. 1H DOSY NMR has been used to prove a real block‐type structure consisting of hydrophobic polystyrene and hydrophilic PVPA (PVPA‐b‐PS), which exhibits a phase‐separated morphology. It was found that the bulk proton conductivity does not change significantly with different molecular weights of the homopolymers, but is strongly dependant on the composition of the block copolymers. PVPA‐b‐PS with low PS content, behaves more or less like PVPA homopolymers, whereas PVPA‐b‐PS with a high PS content looses its conductivity when heated above the glass transition temperature of the PS phase. The swelling behaviour of the block copolymers differs significantly from that of PVPA homopolymers, when exposed to a humidified environment.

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Recent Progress on Nafion‐Based Nanocomposite Membranes for Fuel Cell Applications
Authors: Cele Nonhlanhla , Ray Suprakas Sinha
Published: October 2009

Proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) have attracted tremendous attention because of their high efficiency compared to other types of fuel cells. Nafion is the most commonly used polymer for membranes used in PEMFCs. A large variety of nanoparticles of different natures and sizes can be blended with a Nafion matrix, generating a new class of nanostructured electrolyte membrane with interesting physical properties. In this paper, we discuss the recent progress in the field of Nafion‐based nanocomposite membranes. They exhibit a significant improvement in thermo‐mechanical and thermal stability as well as proton conductivity at very low filler contents. The preparation, characterization, and properties of various types of Nafion‐based nanocomposite membranes are critically reviewed, and detailed examples are summarized.

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Poly(vinylidene fluoride) and Poly(ethyl 2‐cyanoacrylate) Blends through Controlled Polymerization of Ethyl 2‐Cyanoacrylates
Authors: Tiwari Manish K. , Bayer Ilker S. , Jursich Gregory M. , Schutzius Thomas M. , Megaridis Constantine M.
Published: October 2009

We demonstrate solution blending of PVDF with PECA obtained by controlled polymerization of ECA. This method circumvents the processing detriments posed by the instant cross‐linking of CAs when encountering aprotic solvents such as DMF, a common PVDF solvent. The slower polymerization of ECA was tracked using NMR spectroscopy. The polymer mixture solutions were spin‐coated to study the film morphology, wettability, and surface energy. The polymer films show strong contribution of basic polar surface energy that can be beneficial in biomedical applications. DSC and TGA were also performed on the blended polymers. The DSC thermograms show clear suppression of PVDF melting point, which provides evidence of two‐polymer miscibility.

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Oral administration of resveratrol in suppression of pulmonary metastasis of BALB/c mice challenged with CT26 colorectal adenocarcinoma cells
Authors: Weng Ya‐Ling , Liao Hui‐Fen , Li Anna Fen‐Yau , Chang Ju‐Chun , Chiou Robin Y.‐Y.
Published: October 2009

Anti‐cancer activities of resveratrol (3,4′,5‐trihydroxylstilbene) have attracted extensive research attention. Suppression of pulmonary metastasis of BALB/c mice challenged with CT26 colorectal adenocarcinoma cells achieved by oral administration of resveratrol was assessed in three separate experiments. Each mouse was challenged by tail vein injection with CT26 cells. Prior to challenge, 8‐wk‐old mice were fed with a basal diet and orally administered with resveratrol (30 mg/kg/2 days) eight or twelve times. After challenge, oral administration of resveratrol was continued until mice were sacrificed on day 20. As integrated from three experiments, 3.7% of the control mice (n=27) and 68.7% of the resveratrol‐treated mice (n=26) exhibited free of metastasis. In a second study, 8‐wk‐old BALB/c mice were orally administered with resveratrol 12 times and challenged with CT26 cells for 100 days. All control mice died but 50% of the resveratrol‐treated mice survived. The surviving mice were challenged with CT26 cells by hypodermic injection, fed with a basal diet for an additional 30 days, and sacrificed. Tumor lumps or nodules were not detected at the injection sites or in the lungs. This reveals that intrinsic vaccination‐like defense has resulted from administration of resveratrol and challenge of tumor cells.
High‐resolution 1H NMR spectroscopic investigation of a chick embryo model of neural tube development
Authors: Coen Muireann , Wevers Ron A. , Lindon John C. , Blom Henk J.
Published: October 2009

High‐field 1H nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy together with cryogenic probe capabilities have been applied to obtain metabolic profiles of chick embryos and to determine the suitability of the platform for profiling such mass‐limited samples. Metabolic profiles were generated for both pooled and single embryo samples at early stages of neural development, using both 600 and 800 MHz 1H NMR spectrometer platforms. High‐resolution metabolic profiles, representing metabolites from many chemical classes, including triglycerides, organic acids, carbohydrates, amino acids and nucleosides, were rapidly acquired. Neural tube defects (NTDs) are severe congenital malformations, and evidence exists for prevention of NTDs by periconceptional supplementation of the diet with folate. The molecular basis for the protective ability of folate in prevention of NTDs is not clear, although the involvement of methylation has been postulated. Thus, the metabolic profiles of chick embryos following inhibition of enzymes of the methylation cycle and the effect of their action on neural tube closure were investigated. The embryos were profiled at early stages of development, and closure of the neural tube was followed via digital imaging. Metabolic profiles of embryo samples representing both neural tube closure and the neural tube remaining open were discriminated; glucose levels were found to be significantly higher in methylation‐inhibited samples. The application of a non‐targeted metabolic profiling approach for the study of a chick embryo model of NTDs is novel and presents the exciting potential to provide metabolic insight necessary to elucidate the complex interplay of one‐carbon moiety metabolism and NTDs. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Wirkstoffsuche und Entwicklung von Vakzinierungsstrategien zur Behandlung und Prophylaxe der kutanen Leishmaniose
Authors: Schurigt Uta , Moll Heidrun
Published: October 2009

Leishmaniose ist eine Infektionserkrankung, die durch den wachsenden Tourismus und die Zunahme von Koinfektionen mit Leishmanien und HIV weltweit an Bedeutung gewinnt. Die Entstehung resistenter Leishmanien macht die Entwicklung neuer Therapiekonzepte zu einem wichtigen Forschungsthema. Zwei Strategien werden dabei verstärkt verfolgt: (i) die Synthese neuer niedermolekularer Wirkstoffe sowie (ii) die Entwicklung protektiver Immunisierungen. Diese Forschungsarbeiten werden es ermöglichen, die Leishmaniose in Zukunft besser zu bekämpfen.
Wirkstoffe zur Behandlung der Afrikanischen Schlafkrankheit. Im letzten Jahrhundert entwickelt
Authors: Schlitzer Martin
Published: October 2009

Insgesamt ist die Auswahl an Wirkstoffen zur Behandlung der Afrikanischen Schlafkrankheit begrenzt. Die meisten Substanzen wurden bereits in der ersten Hälfte des vorigen Jahrhunderts eingeführt. Unter Anwendung der heute gültigen Regeln, wäre wohl keine davon entwickelt, geschweige denn zugelassen worden. Nebenwirkungen und (im Fall des Melarsoprols) Resistenz sind die größten Probleme dieser Substanzen. Eine neuere Entwicklung ist die Kombination von Eflornithin mit Nifurtimox, die in ersten klinischen Tests im Spätstadium der Infektion mit T. brucei gambiense anderen Kombinationen überlegen war. Für die Therapie des Spätstadiums der Infektion mit T. brucei rhodesiense bleibt aber weiterhin nur das Melarsoprol mit all seinen Problemen.

Nur eine neue Substanz (Parfuramidin), die zumindest theoretisch eine Kreuzresistenz mit Melarsoprol aufweisen könnte, ist in der klinischen Entwicklung. Ihr weiteres Schicksal ist momentan ungewiss. Zahlreiche biologische Targets und entsprechende Hemmstoffe sind beschrieben, es steht allerdings nicht zu erwarten, dass diese Entwicklungen kurzfristig zu neuen Therapien führen werden.
Was ist das Besondere am neuen Schweinegrippe‐Virus?
Authors: Winckler Thomas
Published: October 2009

Seit April 2009 – seit Bekanntwerden der ersten Fälle der so genannten Mexikanischen Grippe – schürt ein von Mensch zu Mensch übertragbares “Schweinegrippe”‐Virus Angst vor einer Influenza‐Pandemie beim Menschen. Was ist das für ein Virus?
Chinese women's preferences for prenatal diagnostic procedure and their willingness to trade between procedures
Authors: Chan Yiu Man , Sahota Daljit Singh , Leung Tak Yeung , Choy Kwong Wai , Chan Oi Ka , Lau Tze Kin
Published: October 2009

Objective

To assess Chinese women's preference for the choice of a prenatal diagnosis test, karyotyping or rapid aneuploidy, and its relationship to maternal psychological state.

Study design

Three hundred consenting women completed a self administered structured questionnaire which documented their psychological state and their preferred choice of diagnostic test for chromosomal abnormality using a discrete choice experiment design. Diagnostic tests were categorised according to three attributes: completeness of chromosomal information, procedure‐to‐result time interval and cost.

Results

Participants indicated a preference towards the karyotype test irrespective of cost and procedure‐to‐result time interval. The value of obtaining the extra information provided by karyotyping above that of rapid aneuploidy was £267.82 (95% CI 226.71–323.31). Women would only accept the rapid aneuploidy test if results where available 18 days sooner than if they were undergoing a karyotyping test. Among women who traded between diagnostic tests, the value of extra chromosomal information was reduced to £153.83 (95% CI 125.81–192.19). Women with high trait anxiety scores (>40) did not preferentially select one test.

Conclusion

Chinese women showed a strong preference towards performing a full karyotype test and having a full chromosomal assessment performed for their pregnancy. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effect of different bases and neutralization steps on porosity and properties of collagen‐based hydrogels
Authors: Pourjavadi Ali , Kurdtabar Mehran
Published: October 2009

The aim of the work reported was to investigate the effect of bases and neutralization steps on hydrogel microstructures. A series of porous hydrogels with various pore sizes were prepared by neutralizing a conventional hydrogel after gel formation. Scanning electron microscopy was used to characterize the microstructure of the porous hydrogels. The morphology of the samples showed the pores were induced into the hydrogels by water evaporation and gas release resulting from the neutralization process. Experimental results indicated that the hydrogels had an absorbency of 200–220 and 48–50 g g−1 for distilled water and sodium chloride solutions, respectively. A simple method was used to prepare porous hydrogels. The prepared hydrogels are suitable for horticulture and tissue engineering applications due to their superior salt‐resisting properties. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry
Plasma treatment‐induced fluorine‐functionalized multi‐walled carbon nanotubes to modify poly(ethylene terephthalate) obtained via in situ polymerization
Authors: Luo Ping , Jiang Kun , Wang Ke , Yang Jinghui , Xu Tao , Chen Li , Fu Qiang
Published: October 2009

The introduction of carbon nanotubes in a polymer matrix can markedly improve its mechanical properties and electrical conductivity, and much effort has been devoted to achieve homogeneous dispersions of carbon nanotubes in various polymers. Our group previously performed successfully fluorine‐grafted modification on the sidewalls of multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs), using homemade equipment for CF4 plasma irradiation. As a continuation of our previous work, in the present study CF4 plasma‐treated MWCNTs (F‐MWCNTs) were used as a nanofiller with poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET), which is a practical example of the application of such F‐MWCNTs to prepare polyester/MWCNTs nanocomposites with ideal nanoscale structure and excellent properties. As confirmed from scanning electron microscopy observations, the F‐MWCNTs could easily be homogeneously dispersed in the PET matrix during the in situ polymerization preparation process. It was found that a very low content of F‐MWCNTs dramatically altered the crystallization behavior and mechanical properties of the nanocomposites. For example, a 15 °C increase in crystallization temperature was achieved by adding only 0.01 wt% F‐MWCNTs, implying that the well‐dispersed F‐MWCNTs act as highly effective nucleating agents to initiate PET crystallization at high temperature. Meanwhile, an abnormal phenomenon was found in that the melt point of the nanocomposites is lower than that of the pure PET. The mechanism of the tailoring of the properties of PET resin by incorporation of F‐MWCNTs is discussed, based on structure–property relationships. The good dispersion of the F‐MWCNTs and strong interfacial interaction between matrix and nanofiller are responsible for the improvement in mechanical properties and high nucleating efficiency. The abnormal melting behavior is attributed to the recrystallization transition of PET occurring at the early stage of crystal melting being retarded on incorporation of F‐MWCNTs. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry