bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Essential role of tau phosphorylation in adult hippocampal neurogenesis
Authors: Hong Xiao‐Ping , Peng Cai‐Xia , Wei Wei , Tian Qing , Liu Ying‐Hua , Yao Xiu‐Qing , Zhang Yao , Cao Fu‐Yuan , Wang Qun , Wang Jian‐Zhi
Published: October 2009

An increased hippocampal neurogenesis has been observed in Alzheimer disease (AD), the most common neurodegenerative disorder characterized with accumulation of β‐amyloid (Aβ) and hyperphosphorylated tau (p‐tau). Studies in transgenic mouse models suggest that the amyloidosis suppresses adult neurogenesis. Although emerging evidence links tau to neurodevelopment, the direct data regarding tau phosphorylation in adult neurogenesis is missing. Here, we found that the immature neurons, identified by doublecortin (DCX) and neurogenic differentiation factor (neuroD), were only immunoreactive to p‐tau but not to the non‐p‐tau in adult rat brain and human patients with AD, and the p‐tau was coexpressed temporally and spatially with DCX and neuroD in the hippocampal dentate gyrus (DG) of the rat brains during postnatal development. A correlative increase of immature neuron markers and tau phosphorylation was induced in rat hippocampal DG by upregulating glycogen synthase kinase‐3 (GSK‐3), a crucial tau kinase, and the increased neurogenesis was due to an enhanced proliferation but not survival or differentiation of the newborn neurons. The hippocampal neurogenesis was severely impaired in tau knockout mice and activation of GSK‐3 in these mice did not rescue the deficits. These results reveal an essential role of tau phosphorylation in adult hippocampal neurogenesis. It suggests that spatial/temporal manipulation of tau phosphorylation may be compensatory for the neuron loss in neurological disorders, including AD. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The Arf‐inducing transcription factor Dmp1 encodes a transcriptional activator of amphiregulin, thrombospondin‐1, JunB and Egr1
Authors: Mallakin Ali , Sugiyama Takayuki , Kai Fumitake , Taneja Pankaj , Kendig Robert D. , Frazier Donna P. , Maglic Dejan , Matise Lauren A. , Willingham Mark C. , Inoue Kazushi
Published: October 2009

Dmp1 (Dmtf1) encodes a Myb‐like transcription factor implicated in tumor suppression through direct activation of the Arf‐p53 pathway. The human DMP1 gene is frequently deleted in non‐small cell lung cancers, especially those that retain wild‐type INK4a/ARF and/or p53. To identify novel genes that are regulated by Dmp1, transcriptional profiles of lung tissue from Dmp1‐null and wild‐type mice were generated using the GeneChip Microarray. Comparative analysis of gene expression changes between the two groups resulted in identification of numerous genes that may be regulated by Dmp1. Notably, amphiregulin (Areg), thrombospondin‐1 (Tsp‐1), JunB, Egr1, adrenomedullin (Adm), Bcl‐3 and methyl‐CpG binding domain protein 1 (Mbd1) were downregulated in the lungs from Dmp1‐null mice while Gas1 and Ect2 genes were upregulated. These target genes were chosen for further analyses since they are involved in cell proliferation, transcription, angiogenesis/metastasis, apoptosis, or DNA methylation, and thus could account for the tumor suppressor phenotype of Dmp1. Dmp1 directly bound to the genomic loci of Areg, Tsp‐1, JunB and Egr1. Significant upregulation or downregulation of the novel Dmp1 target genes was observed upon transient expression of Dmp1 in alveolar epithelial cells, an effect which was nullified by the inhibition of de novo mRNA synthesis. Interestingly, these genes and their protein products were significantly downregulated or upregulated in the lungs from Dmp1‐heterozygous mice as well. Identification of novel Dmp1 target genes not only provides insights into the effects of Dmp1 on global gene expression, but also sheds light on the mechanism of haploid insufficiency of Dmp1 in tumor suppression.
Soluble glypican 3 inhibits the growth of hepatocellular carcinoma in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Zittermann Sandra I. , Capurro Mariana I. , Shi Wen , Filmus Jorge
Published: October 2009

The heterogeneity of the molecular pathology of HCC poses a formidable obstacle to the development of non‐cytotoxic therapies. Several pro‐tumorigenic signaling pathways can be aberrantly activated in HCC, including those triggered by Wnts. Glypican‐3 (GPC3), a membrane‐bound heparan sulfate proteoglycan that is overexpressed in most HCCs, promotes the growth of these tumors by stimulating Wnt signaling. Because GPC3 binds with high affinity to Wnts, and its growth‐promoting activity requires attachment to the cell membrane, we have hypothesized that a mutated GPC3 lacking the GPI anchoring domain (sGPC3) will block Wnt signaling and inhibit the growth of Wnt‐dependent tumors. In addition, because sGPC3 displays heparan sulfate chains, this secreted glypican could also inhibit HCC growth by blocking the activity of other heparin‐binding growth factors. To test this hypothesis, HCC cell lines were infected with an sGPC3‐expressing lentivirus or virus control, and the effect of sGPC3 on the in vitro and in vivo growth was investigated. In addition, the signaling pathways targeted by sGPC3 were identified. We observed that sGPC3‐expressing cells had lower proliferation rate. In addition, sGPC3 significantly inhibited the in vivo growth of the Huh6, HepG2 and Huh7 HCC cell lines. sGPC3 blocked Wnt signaling in Huh6‐ and Huh7‐derived tumors and Erk1/2 and Akt phosphorylation in tumors generated by Huh7 and HepG2 cells, respectively. An anti‐angiogenic effect in Huh7 and HepG2‐derived tumors was also observed. We conclude that sGPC3 can inhibit HCC tumorigenicity by blocking the activity of several pro‐tumorigenic growth factors.
Identification of G0S2 as a gene frequently methylated in squamous lung cancer by combination of in silico and experimental approaches
Authors: Kusakabe Masashi , Kutomi Tomoko , Watanabe Kousuke , Emoto Noriko , Aki Naomi , Kage Hidenori , Hamano Emi , Kitagawa Hiroshi , Nagase Takahide , Sano Atsushi , Yoshida Yukihiro , Fukami Takeshi , Murakawa Tomohiro , Nakajima Jun , Takamoto Shinichi , Ota Satoshi , Fukayama Masashi , Yatomi Yutaka , Ohishi Nobuya , Takai Daiya
Published: October 2009

Epigenetic changes can lead to abnormal expression of genes in cancer, and several genes have been reported to have aberrant promoter DNA methylation in non‐small‐cell lung cancer (NSCLC). We identified aberrantly methylated genes in NSCLC by combination of in silico and experimental approaches. We first applied bioinformatics, and from microarray datasets, we selected genes with low expression and having functions related to cancer. Next, combined bisulfite restriction analysis was carried out in 10 pooled resected lung cancer tissues to screen for genes that were aberrantly methylated, and the methylation ratio (the fraction of methylated DNA in extracted DNA from a cancer tissue sample) was quantified using quantitative analysis of methylated alleles. We identified 8 methylated genes (ARPC1B, DNAH9, FLRT2, G0S2, IRS2, PKP1, SPOCK1 and UCHL1) previously unreported in NSCLC. Analyses of methylation profiles of 101 resected lung cancer tissue samples revealed quantitatively low methylation in whole, methylation ratios were almost less than 30% even in the methylated samples, and no significant correlation to prognosis after 2 years of follow‐up using hierarchical clustering. DNA methylation of G0S2 gene was significantly more frequent in squamous lung cancer (n = 18, mean of methylation ratios: 15%) compared with nonsquamous lung cancer (n = 83, mean of methylation ratios: 2.6%) (Mann‐Whitney U test, p < 0.001). DNA methylation of G0S2 can be an important biomarker for squamous lung cancer.
RNAi‐mediated MEK1 knock‐down prevents ERK1/2 activation and abolishes human hepatocarcinoma growth in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Gailhouste Luc , Ezan Frédéric , Bessard Anne , Frémin Christophe , Rageul Julie , Langouët Sophie , Baffet Georges
Published: October 2009

The mitogen‐activated protein kinases MEK/ERK pathway regulates fundamental processes in malignant cells and represents an attractive target in the development of new cancer treatments especially for human hepatocarcinoma highly resistant to chemotherapy. Although gene extinction experiments have suggested distinct roles for these proteins, the MEK/ERK cascade remains widely considered as exhibiting an overlap of functions. To investigate the functionality of each kinase in tumorigenesis, we have generated stably knock‐down clones for MEK1/2 and ERK1/2 isoforms in the human hepatocellular carcinoma line HuH7. Our results have shown that RNAi strategy allows a specific disruption of the targeted kinases and argued for the critical function of MEK1 in liver tumor growth. Transient and stable extinction experiments demonstrated that MEK1 isoform acts as a major element in the signal transduction by phosphorylating ERK1 and ERK2 after growth factors stimulation, whereas oncogenic level of ERK1/2 phosphorylation appears to be MEK1 and MEK2 dependent in basal condition. In addition, silencing of MEK1 or ERK2 abolished cell proliferation and DNA replication in vitro as well as tumor growth in vivo after injection in rodent. In contrast, targeting MEK2 or ERK1 had no effect on hepatocarcinoma progression. These results strongly corroborate the relevance of targeting the MEK cascade as attested by pharmacologic drugs and support the potential application of RNAi in future development of more effective cancer therapies. Our study emphasizes the importance of the MEK/ERK pathway in human hepatocarcinoma cell growth and argues for a crucial role of MEK1 and ERK2 in this regulation.
The clinical significance of tumor cells in bone marrow or apheresis product and the efficacy of CD34+ selection and high‐dose chemotherapy in patients with Stage III breast cancer
Authors: Arpaci Fikret , Safali Mukerrem , Ozet Ahmet , Ural Ali U. , Cetin Turker , Ozturk Mustafa , Ataergin Selmin , Kuzhan Okan , Komurcu Seref , Ozturk Bekir , Acikel Cengizhan
Published: October 2009

The purpose of this study is to determine the presence of disseminated tumor cells in bone marrow or apheresis product, and also to evaluate the clinical significance of contaminated products and the efficacy of CD34+ selection and high‐dose chemotherapy in patients with Stage III breast cancer. Fifty‐five patients were enrolled in this prospective cohort study. Whereas CD34+ positive selection was not carried out in the first group (unselected group, n:31), CD34+ positive selection was performed in the second group (CD34 selected group, n:24). Tumor cells were detected with anticytokeratin monoclonal antibody in the bone marrow, apheresis product and positive fraction. Tumor cells were found in six (19.3%) patients in unselected group and four patients (16.6%) in CD34 selected group (P = 0.76). The percentages of distant metastases were found higher in unselected group (51.6% vs. 25%, P < 0.01). Although there were no differences between the two groups for disease free survival (DFS; 44% vs. 74%, P = 0.24) or overall survival (54% vs. 68%, P = 0.84), DFS was significantly lower in patients with tumor cells than in patients without tumor cells (21% vs. 62%, P = 0.02). In conclusion, the presence of tumor cells in bone marrow or apheresis product decreases DFS in patients with Stage III breast cancer who underwent high‐dose chemotherapy. CD34+ selection does not change survivals, but it may decrease the distant metastases. J. Clin. Apheresis 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Effects of testosterone on morphology, performance and muscle mass in a lizard
Authors: Huyghe Katleen , Husak Jerry F. , Moore Ignacio T. , Vanhooydonck Bieke , Van Damme Raoul , Molina‐Borja Miguel , Herrel Anthony
Published: October 2009

Because sexual selection pressures are high in sexually dimorphic organisms, morphological, physiological and performance traits are often studied in a sexual selection context. The proximate mechanisms underlying evolutionary change in these traits, however, remain largely unstudied. Here, we examined the role of steroids in shaping morphology and physiological performance in males of a sexually dimorphic lizard (Gallotia galloti). We compared morphology and physiological performance of males with experimentally elevated testosterone levels to sham‐operated males. Before surgery, inter‐individual variation in plasma testosterone levels correlated positively with bite force capacity. Administration of exogenous testosterone resulted in an increase of the mass of both jaw closing and locomotory muscles compared with sham‐operated individuals, but the responsiveness varied considerably among muscle groups. In contrast to our expectations, the dramatic testosterone‐induced changes in muscle masses did not result in concordant changes in bite force performance or sprint speed.J. Exp. Zool. 313A:9–16, 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Rethinking the role of corporate social responsibility in the Nigerian oil conflict: The limits of CSR
Authors: Idemudia Uwafiokun
Published: October 2009

The widespread adoption of corporate social responsibility (CSR) by oil multinational corporations (MNCs) in Nigeria supposedly marked a watershed in corporate–community relations in the Niger Delta. This is because, after decades of initially rejecting such responsibilities, oil MNCs reversal of attitude towards CSR was expected to at least tamper the scale and intensity of violence. However, despite such widespread claims of adherence to the ideals of CSR, corporate–community conflict has remained unabated and oil companies continue to be accused of familiar misdemeanour. This paper argued that structural and systemic deficiencies inherent in CSR practices limit the effectiveness of CSR as a vehicle for conflict prevention and reduction in the Niger Delta. The paper concludes by considering the implications for CSR‐conflict nexuses in the Nigerian oil industry. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
lipID—a software tool for automated assignment of lipids in mass spectra
Authors: Hübner Göran , Crone Catharina , Lindner Buko
Published: October 2009

A new software tool called lipID is reported, which supports the identification of glycerophospholipids, glycosphingolipids, fatty acids and small oligosaccharides in mass spectra. The user‐extendable software is a Microsoft (MS) Excel Add‐In developed using Visual Basic for Applications and is compatible with all Versions of MS Excel since MS Excel 97. It processes singly given mass‐to‐charge values as well as mass lists considering a number of user‐defined options. The software's mode of operation, usage and options are explained and the benefits and limitations of the tool are illustrated by means of three typical analytical examples of lipid analyses. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Thermal analysis of multi‐finger GaInP collector‐up heterojunction bipolar transistors with miniature heat‐dissipation packaging structures
Authors: Lee Pei‐Hsuan , Tseng Hsien‐Cheng , Chou Jung‐Hua
Published: October 2009

We build up a finite element modeling (FEM) approach to analyze the thermal performance of collector‐up (C‐up) heterojunction bipolar transistor (HBTs) with a heat‐dissipation via configuration. Highly compact heat‐dissipation packaging structures of GaInP/GaAs C‐up HBTs have been designed and evaluated systematically. In this work, we devise the 2‐D and 3‐D models to simulate the actual devices and to investigate the temperature distribution behavior. Results from 2‐D model indicate that the large heat‐dissipation via configuration can be further reduced by 29% to meet the requirement of HBT‐based small high‐power amplifiers (HPAs) for the cellular phones. Furthermore, the demonstrated results show that the maximum temperature within the collector calculated from 3‐D model is lower than that from 2‐D model. In the 3‐D analysis, it is revealed that the configuration can be reduced by 32%. Therefore, thinning the heat‐dissipation via constructed underneath the GaInP/GaAs C‐up HBT should be helpful for miniaturization of HBT‐based HPAs in future mobile communication systems. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Multiple criticality and staged ignition of methane in the counterflow
Authors: Liu Wei , Law Chung K. , Lu Tianfeng
Published: October 2009

The counterflow ignition of methane was investigated, with particular interest in the role of radical versus thermal runaway. Simulation with different kinetic mechanisms showed that the ignition response is qualitatively sensitive to the kinetic mechanism adopted, either exhibiting or not exhibiting two ignition turning points in the S‐curve response. For the former situation, ignition could take place in a staged manner with either increasing temperature or decreasing strain rate of the counterflow, characterized by the first ignition event being radical induced with negligible thermal effect and the second ignition event requiring thermal feedback. Sensitivity analysis and a recently developed chemical explosive mode analysis were performed to identify the dominant reactions in the radical runaway stage, revealing the importance of branching pathways involving the HO2 radical. Counterflow experiments were also conducted, yielding useful information on the ignition response. The study identifies items of further research to sharpen the comprehensiveness and accuracy of the methane oxidation mechanism. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Chem Kinet 41: 764–776, 2009
Solvent and substituent effects on the reaction of 2‐ and 4‐chloro‐3,5‐dinitrobenzotrifluorides with substituted anilines
Authors: Asghar Basim H. M. , Fathalla Magda F. , Hamed Ezzat A.
Published: October 2009

The solvent effect on a nucleophilic substitution reaction of 2‐ and 4‐chloro‐3,5‐dinitrobenzotrifluoride with substituted anilines was studied in methanol, acetonitrile, and toluene at 25°C. This reaction is of second order, except 2‐chloro‐3,5‐dinitrobenzotrifluoride in toluene shows third order. The kA values are found to be dependent on the substituent in aniline and give good Hammett correlations. The obtained ρ values are −4.07 and −4.62, for the reaction of anilines with 2‐chloro‐3,5‐dinitrobenzotrifluoride in methanol and acetonitrile, respectively. The ρ values for the reaction of the anilines with 4‐chloro‐3,5‐dinitrobenzotrifluoride are −3.38, −4.11, and −4.34 in methanol, acetonitrile, and toluene, respectively. The reaction of the former compound with anilines in toluene shows a second order in aniline. The dependence of the reaction on the external base such as DABCO suggests a proton transfer controlling step. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Chem Kinet 41: 777–786, 2009
Utilization of excimer laser debulking for critical lesions unsuitable for standard renal angioplasty
Authors: Topaz On , Polkampally Pritam R. , Topaz Allyne , Polkampally Chudamani R. , Jara Jessica , Rizk Majid , McDowell Kara , Feldman George
Published: October 2009

Background

The energy emitted by ultraviolet laser is avidly absorbed in atherosclerotic plaques. Conceptually, it could be applied for debulking of selected atherosclerotic renal artery stenoses. We describe early experience with revascularization of critical renal artery lesions deemed unsuitable for standard renal angioplasty. Institutional Review Board permission to conduct the data analysis was obtained.

Methods

Among 130 percutaneous renal artery interventions with balloon angioplasty and adjunct stenting, there were 12 (9%) patients who underwent laser debulking prior to stenting. These patients presented with critical (95±3.5% stenoses) lesions (11 de novo, 1 stent restenosis) deemed unsuitable for standard renal angioplasty because of marked eccentricity and presence of thrombus. Indications for intervention included preservation of kidney function, treatment of uncontrolled hypertension, management of congestive heart failure, and treatment of unstable angina. Blood pressure and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) were measured pre‐ and 3 weeks post‐intervention.

Results

A baseline angiographic stenosis of 95±3.5% was reduced to 50±13% with laser debulking. There were no laser‐induced complications. Post‐stenting the angiographic residual stenosis was 0%. The mean gradient across the lesions was reduced from baseline 85±40 to 0 mmHg. A normal post‐intervention antegrade renal flow was observed in all patients. Baseline mean systolic BP of 178±20 mmHg decreased to 132±12 mmHg (P<0.0001) and mean diastolic pressure of 85±16 mmHg reduced to 71±9 mmHg (P = 0.01). A pre‐intervention mean eGFR of 47.7±19 ml/min/1.73 m2 increased to 56±20.4 ml/min/1.73 m2 (P = 0.05) post‐procedure. The interventions were not associated with major renal or cardiac adverse events. During follow‐up one patient developed transient contrast‐induced nephropathy.

Conclusions

Debulking of select renal artery stenoses with laser angioplasty followed by adjunct stenting is feasible. Further prospective, randomized studies will be required to explore the role of debulking and laser angioplasty in renal artery revascularization. Lasers Surg. Med. 41:622–627, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Structural and Optical Properties of Polyhydrosilanes
Authors: Sacarescu Liviu , Bockholt Andreas , Siokou Angeliki , Simionescu Mihaela , Sacarescu Gabriela
Published: October 2009

This work presents a study of the optical properties of polyhydrosilanes in relation with their specific chemical structure. For this purpose, poly[methyl(H)silane‐co‐diphenylsilane] copolymers with a different content of methylhydrosilyl‐segments have been investigated. Steady‐state fluorescence analysis and X‐ray photoelectron spectrometry showed that polyhydrosilanes possess a specific emission profile due to the presence of both methylhydrosilyl segments and silicon nanoparticles within the polymeric matrix. Polyhydrosilanes are capable of generating singlet oxygen reactive species at room temperature. This unusual property was investigated by analyzing the morphological changes in biological systems during Hek293 cell cultures growth in the presence of polyhydrosilanes.

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Physiotherapy as an adjunct to prolapse surgery: An assessor‐blinded randomized controlled trial
Authors: Frawley Helena C. , Phillips Bev A. , Bø Kari , Galea Mary P.
Published: October 2009

Introduction

This assessor‐blinded randomized controlled trial investigated the effect of a pre‐ and post‐operative physiotherapy‐supervised pelvic floor muscle (PFM) training program in women undergoing surgery for prolapse or hysterectomy.

Methods

Participants were assessed pre‐operatively, and at 3, 6, and 12 months post‐operatively by a blinded physiotherapy assessor. Following randomization, participants were allocated to a control group (CG) which included “usual care” (as provided by the surgeon and the hospital staff), or a treatment group (TG) which included one pre‐operative and seven post‐operative treatment sessions over 12 months. Primary outcomes were bladder and prolapse symptoms, measured by the Urogenital Distress Inventory (UDI) and the Incontinence Impact Questionnaire (IIQ).

Results

Fifty‐one participants were randomized. The 12‐month post‐operative findings showed there was no difference in the prevalence of the primary outcomes (ORs 1.2, 1.3). There were no significant differences between groups on the change scores of the UDI (mean: 44.1 [5.1]; 54.0 [5.4], P = 0.20) nor the IIQ (median: 0.0 [9,14]; 10.0 [5,19], P = 0.09). The repeated measures analyses also demonstrated no significant changes.

Conclusion

The program tested did not improve bladder or prolapse symptoms in this trial. Reasons may include the effectiveness of surgery alone, wide variance in data, small sample size, insufficient training by the TG, and PFM training by the usual care group. Neurourol. Urodynam. 29:719–725, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Methods for prenatal assessment of fetal cardiac function
Authors: Van Mieghem Tim , DeKoninck Philip , Steenhaut Patricia , Deprest Jan
Published: October 2009

Fetal cardiac function is increasingly recognized as a marker of disease severity and prognosis in selected fetal conditions. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has been used in experimental (animal) fetal cardiology but the lack of a noninvasive fetal electrocardiogram (ECG) to trigger image acquisition remains a major limiting factor precluding its application in humans. Fetal medicine specialists are therefore limited to ultrasound to evaluate human fetal cardiac function. In this review, we aim to provide a complete overview of the different ultrasound techniques that can be used for fetal cardiac function assessment and we discuss their (theoretical) strengths and shortcomings. Conventional methods include M‐mode assessment of ventricular contractility and Doppler assessment of the precordial veins and cardiac output (CO). More recent techniques such as the measurement of the myocardial performance index (MPI), myocardial motion analysis with tissue Doppler, speckle tracking and three‐dimensional (3D) ultrasound techniques are also discussed. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Prevention strategies for severe hemoglobinopathies in endemic and nonendemic immigration countries: the Latium example
Authors: Amato A. , Grisanti P. , Lerone M. , Ponzini D. , Di Biagio P. , Cappabianca M. P. , Giordano P. C.
Published: October 2009

Objective

To review prevention data for hemoglobinopathies from Latium, a large Italian region with a considerable immigrant population and with a well‐established regional prevention program.

Method

All data pertaining to population screening for hemoglobinopathies in the Latium region were reviewed for the period 1994–2007. Screening was performed universally in secondary schools and to pregnant couples at the time of prenatal care. We have examined the trends in positive screening results as well as the type of hemoglobinopathies detected during the study period, and we have correlated them to the type of population (immigrant vs indigenous).

Results

From 1994 to 2007, 167 235 individuals were examined for carrier status for hemoglobinopathies, and 10 353 of them (6.2%) were immigrants. We have registered a threefold increase in rates of screen‐positive subjects who belonged to ethnic minorities during the study period (from 2.7% in 1994 to 9.8% in 2007). Over half of the screen‐positive subjects (5397/10 353) presented no hematological anomalies, 24% (n = 2472) had iron deficiency, and 24% (n = 2484) was classified as putative carriers. Among the last group, 22.6% were carriers of β‐thalassemia, 48% were suspected α‐thalassemia carriers, and the remainder had less common hemoglobinopathies. While the prevention program resulted in nearly zero births of autochthonous newborns affected by severe hemoglobinopathies, a rise in number of affected individuals was noted among immigrants. Screening of secondary school students was accepted by 67% of immigrant parents, resulting in 9737 pupils screened between 2002 and 2006.

Conclusion

Existing preventive programs for severe hemoglobinopathies should adapt to changes in population ethnicities. Screening for hemoglobinopathies at school age is an efficient strategy. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synthesis and characterization of an ionic conjugated polymer: Poly[2‐ethynyl‐N‐(2‐thiophenecarbonyl) pyridinium chloride]
Authors: Gal Yeong‐Soon , Jin Sung‐Ho , Park Jong‐Wook , Lim Kwon Taek
Published: October 2009

The activated polymerization of 2‐ethynylpyridine by using 2‐thiophenecarbonyl chloride yielded the corresponding conjugated ionic polymer, poly[2‐ethynyl‐N‐(2‐thiophenecarbonyl)pyridinium chloride] (PETCPC). The polymerization proceeded well to give high yield of polymer without any additional initiator or catalyst. The instrumental analysis data on polymer structure indicated that the present ionic polymer have a conjugated polymer backbone system having N‐(2‐thiophenecarbonyl)pyridinium chloride as substituents. The photoluminescence maximum peak of PETCPC was located at 573 nm, which corresponds to the photon energy of 2.16 eV. The aromatic functional substituents in the conjugated backbone system shift PL maximum values because it makes different molecule arrangement. The cyclovoltamograms of PETCPC exhibited the electrochemically stable window at −1.24 to 1.80 V region. It was found that the kinetics of the redox process of polymer might be controlled by the reactant diffusion process from the experiment of the oxidation current density of polymer versus the scan rate. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 47: 6153–6162, 2009
Synthesis and thermoresponsive behaviors of biodegradable Pluronic analogs
Authors: Wang Yu‐Cai , Xia Hai , Yang Xian‐Zhu , Wang Jun
Published: October 2009

Pluronic analogs based on block copolymers of poly(propylene oxide) and poly(ethyl ethylene phosphate) (PEEP‐PPO‐PEEP) were synthesized, and the thermoresponsive behavior, including aggregation at low concentration and gelation at high concentration were studied. At lower concentrations up to 10 wt %, thermo‐induced aggregation of PEEP‐PPO‐PEEP was demonstrated by UV‐vis absorbance measurements using 1,6‐diphenyl‐1,3,5‐hexatriene as a probe. Microthermal analyzes showed symmetrically endothermic and exothermic thermograms during the thermo‐induced aggregation and de‐association processes, which was also associated with the dehydration and rehydration of PPO blocks, as revealed by the variable temperature NMR measurements. Thermo‐induced aggregation with the increased temperatures was also observed by dynamic light scattering. At higher concentration from 20 to 40 wt %, the aqueous solution of PEEP‐PPO‐PEEP underwent thermo‐induced phase transitions from a clear solution to a turbid solution, then to opaque gel and syneresis phases, depending on the molecular weights of PEEP blocks. Such a thermoresponsive hydrogel was used for doxorubicin incorporation. Sustained release of drug was achieved from the gel, demonstrating the polyphosphoester‐based Pluronic analogs' potential for biomedical applications. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 47: 6168–6179, 2009
PIB‐based polyurethanes. IV. The morphology of polyurethanes containing soft co‐segments*
Authors: Kang Jungmee , Erdodi Gabor , Kennedy Joseph P. , Yilgor Emel , Yilgor Iskender
Published: October 2009

Novel polyurethanes consisting of polyisobutylene (PIB)/poly(tetramethylene oxide) (PTMO) or PIB/poly(hexamethylene carbonate) (PC) soft co‐segments in combination with 4,4′‐methylene‐bis(cyclohexyl isocyanate)/1,6‐hexanediol, 1,4‐butanediol, or 1,6‐hexamethylene diamine hard segments exhibit excellent mechanical properties (upto 31 MPa tensile strength with 700% elongation) together with unprecedented oxidative/hydrolytic stability. A structural model of the morphology of these polyurethanes was developed that reflects this combination of properties. The key new elements of our model are H bridges between the PTMO and PC type soft and urethane hard segments, which compatibilize the soft and hard domains, and the presence of large quantities of chemically resistant PIB soft segments that protect the other oxidatively/hydrolytically vulnerable constituents. A variety of FTIR, DSC, SAXS, AFM, and DMTA experiments strongly support the proposed morphological model. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 47: 6180–6190, 2009
Tri‐block copolymers of polyethylene glycol and hyperbranched poly‐3‐ethyl‐3‐(hydroxymethyl)oxetane through cationic ring opening polymerization
Authors: Rahm Martin , Westlund Robert , Eldsäter Carina , Malmström Eva
Published: October 2009

Tri‐block copolymers of linear poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) and hyperbranched poly‐3‐ethyl‐3‐(hydroxymethyl)oxetane (poly‐TMPO) are reported. The novel dumb‐bell shaped polyethers were synthesized in bulk with cationic ringopening polymerization utilizing BF3OEt2 as initiator, via drop‐wise addition of the oxetane monomer. The thermal properties of the materials were successfully tuned by varying the amount of poly‐TMPO attached to the PEG‐chains, ranging from a melting point of 54 °C and a degree of crystallinity of 76% for pure PEG, to a melting point of 35 °C and a degree of crystallinity of 12% for the polyether copolymer having an average of 14 TMPO units per PEG chain. The materials are of relatively low polydispersity, with Mn/Mw ranging from 1.2 to 1.4. The materials have been evaluated for usage with the energetic oxidizer ammonium dinitramide. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 47: 6191–6200, 2009
Ring opening insertion polymerization of ε‐caprolactone with hydrogen phosphonate initiators
Authors: Liu Li J. , Cai Shao J. , Tan Ye , Du Jiao J. , Dong Hai Q. , Wu Xiao J. , Wu Ming Y. , Liao Li Q.
Published: October 2009

In this work, ring opening insertion polymerization (ROIP) of ε‐caprolactone (ε‐CL) using a series of hydrogen phosphonates (H‐phosphonates) as initiators was investigated. The ROIP occurred by a coordination‐insertion mechanism containing two steps. First, the carbonyl carbon was attacked by the phosphorus atom of the H‐phosphonate tautomerization (a phosphine‐like structure) and the acyl‐oxygen bond was broken. An intermediate was formed by the coordination of the former carbonyl carbon and acyl‐oxygen of ε‐CL to phosphorus atom. Then the phosphorus‐alkoxide of H‐phosphonate was cleavaged to form acyl‐alkoxide bond. Poly(ε‐caprolactone) (PCL)‐inserted H‐phosphonates (PCL‐HPs), which was not only the product of the occurred ROIP but also the initiator for the next ROIP, were produced. After 60 min of microwave irradiation (510 W), PCL with a number‐average molar mass of 7800 g/mol and monomer conversion over 92% was obtained. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 47: 6214–6222, 2009
Assembly of a fluorescent cyclodextrin polyrotaxane and its detection by fluorescence microscopy
Authors: Wenz Gerhard , Kräuter Iris , Sackmann Erich
Published: October 2009

A straightforward method for the assembly of fluorescent polyrotaxanes is described here. The consecutive threading of N‐(6I‐desoxy‐β‐cyclodextrin‐6I‐yl)‐N′‐(5‐fluoresceinyl)‐thiourea, β‐CD‐F, and α‐CD onto poly(N,N‐dimethyliminium‐hexamethylen‐N′,N′‐dimethyliminium‐decamethylene chloride), I‐6,10, leads to a fluorescent polyrotaxane. Free β‐CD‐F could be distinguished from threaded β‐CD‐F by gel electrophoresis. Since the dissociation of threaded α‐CD rings is sterically hindered, the obtained polyrotaxanes are kinetically stable at 25 °C, and they did not require further stabilization by the attachment of stopper groups at the chain ends. Single polyrotaxane entities could be visualized with both fluorescence microscopy and atomic force microscopy. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 47: 6223–6230, 2009
Synthesis and electroluminescent properties of polyfluorene‐based conjugated polymers containing bipolar groups
Authors: Huang Sheng‐Tung , Liaw Der‐Jang , Hsieh Li‐Ga , Chang Chin‐Chuan , Leung Man‐Kit , Wang Kun‐Li , Chen Wen‐Tung , Lee Kueir‐Rarn , Lai Juin‐Yih , Chan Li‐Hsin , Chen Chin‐Ti
Published: October 2009

A bipolar dibromo monomer, bis‐(4‐bromophenyl)[4‐(3,5‐diphenyl‐1,2,4‐ triazole‐4‐yl)‐phenyl]amine (9), containing electro‐rich triphenylamine and electro‐deficient 1,2,4‐triazole moieties was newly synthesized and characterized. Two fluorescent fluorene‐based conjugated copolymers (TPAF, TPABTF) were prepared via facile Suzuki coupling from the dibromo bipolar monomer, 4,7‐dibromo‐2,1,3‐benzothiadiazole (BTDZ), and 9,9‐dioctylfluorene. They were characterized by molecular weight determination, IR, NMR, DSC, TGA, solubility, absorption and photoluminescence spectra, and cyclic voltammetry. The polymers showed good solubility in common organic solvents such as dichloromethane, chloroform, tetrahydrofuran, and dichlorobenzene at room temperature. They had glass transition temperatures (Tg) higher than 135 °C and 5% degradation temperatures in nitrogen atmosphere were higher than 428 °C. Single layer polymer light‐emitting diodes (PLED) of ITO/PEDOT:PSS/polymer/metal showed a blue emission at 444 nm and Commission Internationale de I'Eclairage (CIE) 1931 color coordinates of (0.16, 0.13) for TPAF. The device using TPABTF as emissive material showed electroluminescence at 542 nm with CIE1931 of (0.345, 0.625), low turn‐on voltage of 5 V, a maximum electroluminance of 696 cd/m2, and a peak efficiency of 2.02 cd/A. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 47: 6231–6245, 2009
Phase behavior of poly(4‐tert‐butylstyrene‐stat‐4‐tert‐ butoxystyrene)/polyisoprene blends with competitive interactions
Authors: Rahman Siti Sarah Abdul , Kawaguchi Daisuke , Ito Daisaku , Takano Atsushi , Matsushita Yushu
Published: October 2009

The phase behavior of statistical copolymers composed of (4‐tert‐butylstyrene) (B) and (4‐tert‐butoxystyrene) (O), abbreviated as s‐BO, with polyisoprene (I) was investigated by optical microscopic (OM) observation and small‐angle neutron scattering (SANS) measurements. It has been known that B/I blend shows lower critical solution temperature (LCST) type phase diagram, while O/I blend has upper critical solution temperature (UCST) type one. Several blends of s‐BOs having mol fraction of B, mB, comparable to 0.50, with I showed both UCST and LCST type phase diagram. Furthermore, UCST type phase behavior was observed for blends having small mB, while LCST type one was for that of large mB at all used temperatures. Hence, the phase behavior of s‐BO/I blend can be understood as a result of the competition of two interactions having opposite temperature dependence. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 47: 2272–2280, 2009
Design and fabrication of electrospun polyethersulfone nanofibrous scaffold for high‐flux nanofiltration membranes
Authors: Tang Zhaohui , Qiu Changquan , McCutcheon Jeffrey R. , Yoon Kyunghwan , Ma Hongyang , Fang Dufei , Lee Eric , Kopp Clint , Hsiao Benjamin S. , Chu Benjamin
Published: October 2009

A novel class of high‐flux and low‐fouling thin‐film nanofibrous composite (TFNC) membranes, containing a thin hydrophilic top‐layer coating, a nanofibrous mid‐layer scaffold and a non‐woven microfibrous support, has been demonstrated for nanofiltration (NF) applications. In this study, the issues related to the design and fabrication of a polyethersulfone (PES) electrospun nanofibrous scaffold for TFNC NF membranes were investigated. These issues included the influence of solvent mixture ratio, solute concentration, additives, relative humidity (RH), and solution flow rate on the morphology of an electrospun PES nanofibrous scaffold, the distribution of fiber diameter, the adhesion between the PES scaffold and a typical poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) non‐woven support, as well as the tensile properties of the nanofibrous PES/non‐woven PET composite substrates. Uniform and thin nanofibrous PES scaffolds with strong adhesion to the nanofiber‐PET non‐woven are several of the key parameters to optimize the NF performance of TFNC membranes. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 47: 2288–2300, 2009
Thermodynamics of protein‐cation interaction: Ca+2 and Mg+2 binding to the fifth binding module of the LDL receptor
Authors: Arias‐Moreno Xabier , Cuesta‐Lopez Santiago , Millet Oscar , Sancho Javier , Velazquez‐Campoy Adrian
Published: October 2009

The ligand binding domain of the LDL receptor (LDLR) contains seven structurally homologous repeats. The fifth repeat (LR5) is considered to be the main module responsible for the binding of lipoproteins LDL and β‐VLDL. LR5, like the other homologous repeats, is around 40‐residue long and contains three disulfide bonds and a conserved cluster of negatively charged residues surrounding a hexacoordinated calcium ion. The calcium coordinating cage is formed by the backbone oxygens of W193 and D198, and side‐chain atoms of D196, D200, D206, and E207. The functionality of LDLR is closely associated with the presence of calcium. Magnesium ions are to some extent similar to calcium ions. However, they appear to be involved in different physiological events and their concentrations in extracellular and intracellular compartments are regulated by different mechanisms. Whether magnesium ions can play a role in the complex cycle of LDLR internalization and recycling is not known. We report here a detailed study of the interaction between LR5 and these two cations combining ITC, emission fluorescence, high resolution NMR, and MD simulations, at extracellular and endosomal pHs. Our results indicate that the conformational stability and internal dynamics of LR5 are strongly modulated by the specific bound cation. It appears that the difference in binding affinity for these cations is somewhat compensated by their different concentrations in late LDL‐associated endosomes. While the mildly acidic and calcium‐depleted environment in late endosomes has been proposed to contribute significantly to LDL release, the presence of magnesium might assist in efficient LDLR recycling. Proteins 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The research‐policy nexus: the case of unauthorised Mexico–US migration and US policy responses
Authors: Martin Philip
Published: October 2009

Demographers have been more successful reaching agreement on the number of unauthorised foreigners in the United States, (estimated to number around 12 million) than economists have been in reaching consensus on the economic impacts of the mostly low‐skilled unauthorised workers in the US labour market, (who number perhaps 6 million). Some economists have found significant adverse effects of low‐skilled unauthorised workers on comparable US‐born workers, while others have found positive effects of low‐skilled immigrants on US workers.

Economic research has played only a limited role in the US policy debate over what to do about unauthorised migration. The research most commonly cited in the media and by policy makers is released by think tanks and advocacy groups that tend to have specific points of view, favouring either more or less migration. There is, however, agreement amongst economists that low‐skilled unauthorised migrants, mostly from Mexico and Latin America, have relatively modest effects in the huge US economy. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Semi‐compliance and illegality in migrant labour markets: an analysis of migrants, employers and the state in the UK
Authors: Ruhs Martin , Anderson Bridget
Published: October 2009

This paper explores the nature and determinants of illegality in migrant labour markets. It conceptualises the various legal ‘spaces of (il)legality’ in the employment of migrants, and explores the perceptions and functions of these spaces from the points of view of migrants, employers, and the state. Our theoretical approach goes beyond the notion that illegality is ‘produced’ by the state, and recognises the agency that some migrants and employers have vis‐à‐vis the state's migration frameworks. Drawing on quantitative and qualitative interviews with East European migrants and employers in the UK, and analysis of the UK government's policies, rhetoric, and enforcement, we find that migrants, employers, and the state all recognise the distinctions between different types of illegality, and their differentiated impacts. In particular, semi‐compliance – which we define as the employment of migrants who are legally resident but working in violation of the employment restrictions attached to their immigration status – is a distinct and contested space of (il)legality that serves important functions. It allows employers and migrants to maximize economic benefits from employment while minimizing the threat of state sanctions for violations of immigration law. Semi‐compliance exists, and is likely to persist, in part because it constitutes an equilibrium, which we show, serves the interests of migrants and employers and in practice is difficult for the state to control. We expect these findings for the UK to be of relevance to many other high‐income countries, which like the UK, consider migrants both as an important source of flexible labour and yet as subjects of immigration control whose employment needs to be closely monitored. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Application of fast‐digitizer card Acqiris DP‐240 in positron lifetime spectroscopy
Authors: Petriska Martin , Zeman Andrej , Slugeň Vladimír , Kršjak Vladimír , Sojak Stanislav , Debarberis Luigi
Published: October 2009

Based on the available knowledge base in positron annihilation measurements, new software for digital positron lifetime spectrometry has been designed within the frame of joint activity between STU Bratislava and JRC Petten. The tests of the new positron digital‐life time setup have been carried out. Detectors with BaF2 scintillators and fast‐dynode outputs were chosen for such studies. As the digitiser unit, the card Acqiris DP240 was fully tested. Originally, start and stop timing signals were sampled to digital waveforms separately at a rate of 1 GS/s in 8 bit resolution. However, due to limited quality of collected waveforms which significantly affected post‐processing of data, the joined delayed channel mode with 2 GS/s sampling rate was applied for further studies. The full setup was benchmarked by a series of calibration measurements of two high purity materials, specifically Si and Ni. The inter‐comparison of conventional analogue‐ and digital‐based processing are discussed in detail. Further, the optimisation of main parameters for waveform‐processing are analysed too. Such a new approach in the digital life‐time spectroscopy will help to improve the resolution of existing methodology which might enhance the capabilities of this technique for further applications, especially in materials science. (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Study of molecular motions in liquid crystal forming compounds using positron lifetime spectroscopy
Authors: Singh K. Chandramani , Yadav R. , Sharma M. , Jain P. C.
Published: October 2009

Positron lifetime spectroscopy (PLS) has been used to study molecular motions associated with n ‐p ‐cyano‐p ‐heptylbiphenyl (K21), n ‐p ‐cyano‐p ‐decylbiphenyl (K30), n ‐p ‐cyano‐p ‐hexyloxybiphenyl (M18), and n ‐p ‐ethoxybenzylidene‐p ‐butylaniline (EBBA). In each of these liquid crystal forming compounds, temperature dependent positron lifetime measurements have been performed during the heating cycle of samples prepared by either quenching or slow cooling from the respective liquid crystalline phase of the compounds. Unlike the slow‐cooled sample, the quenched sample shows various characteristic peaks in the ortho‐positronium (o‐Ps) pick‐off lifetime measured over a wide range of temperature, before the system undergoes a glass transition. These peaks have been attributed to various intra‐ and inter‐molecular motions associated with these compounds. A comparative study of the four compounds is presented in this paper. (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Positron annihilation studies on D9 steel – Effect of Ti concentration
Authors: Arunkumar J. , Abhaya S. , Rajaraman R. , Amarendra G. , Nair K. G. M. , Sundar C. S. , Raj Baldev
Published: October 2009

Effect of titanium concentration in the D9 composition on the defect recovery has been investigated using positron lifetime measurements. As‐received and creep‐tested samples of 20% cold‐worked D9 having different weight percent of titanium namely, 0.18, 0.23, 0.25 and 0.36 have been investigated.

As‐received Ti variants of D9 have also been isothermally annealed at 973 K and positron lifetime studies have been carried out to confirm the evolution of TiC precipitates during the initial annealing stages. These results are discussed in the light of TiC precipitation with our earlier work on isochronal annealing of cold‐worked D9. (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)