bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Damage Characterization of Thermal Barrier Coatings by Acoustic Emission and Thermography
Authors: Nies Daniel , Rehmer Birgit , Skrotzki Birgit , Vaßen Robert
Published: July 2012

Thermal barrier coatings allow increasing the operating temperature and efficiency of land‐, sea‐, or air‐based turbines. As failure of the coating may result in serious damage of the turbine, reliable estimation of its lifetime is essential. To assess the lifetime, cyclic tests are conceived to combine thermal loading by heating the surface of the coating with laser irradiation and nondestructive methods for damage determination. Using laser irradiation allows a high reproducibility of the thermal load. The temperature of the sample surface during thermal loading is determined by an infrared‐camera which also enables the possibility to detect damage in the coating via thermography. Additionally, four acoustic sensors, attached to the experimental setup, are used to detect damage in the sample and determine the source of acoustic events. Results of acoustic emission correlate well with thermographic images that visualize the formation and evolution of damage through delaminations in the samples.
Hybrid Templated Synthesis of Crack‐Free, Organized Mesoporous TiO2 Electrodes for High Efficiency Solid‐State Dye‐Sensitized Solar Cells
Authors: Park Jung Tae , Chi Won Seok , Roh Dong Kyu , Ahn Sung Hoon , Kim Jong Hak
Published: July 2012

Organic/inorganic hybrid templates, i.e., aluminium oxide (Al2O3) nanoparticles grafted with poly(oxyethylene) methacrylate, Al2O3‐POEM, are synthesized via surface‐initiated atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP), as confirmed by Fourier transform‐infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). Upon combining the Al2O3‐POEM with titanium(IV) isopropoxide (TTIP), hydrophilic TTIP is selectively confined in the hydrophilic POEM chains through hydrogen bonding interactions. Following the calcination at 450 °C and the selective etching of Al2O3 with NaOH, the OM‐TiO2 films with high surface areas, good interconnectivity, and anatase phase are obtained. The solid‐state dye‐sensitized solar cells (ssDSSCs) fabricated with OM‐TiO2 photoelectrodes and a polymerized ionic liquid (PIL) show a high energy conversion efficiency of 7.3% at 100 mW cm−2, which is one of the highest values for ssDSSCs. The high cell performance is due to the well‐organized structure, resulting in improved dye loading, excellent pore filling of electrolyte, enhanced light harvesting, and reduced charge recombination.
GSK3β reduces risk of sporadic Parkinson's disease in ethnic Chinese
Authors: Zhao Dong‐Mei , Li Nan‐Nan , Zhang Jin‐Hong , Chang Xue‐Li , Mao Xue‐Ye , Liao Qiao , Tan Eng‐King , Peng Rong
Published: July 2012

Genetic variability of glycogen synthase kinase‐3β (GSK3β) may be linked to Parkinson's disease (PD). Its role in ethnic Chinese population is still unclear. We examined the association between GSK3β variation and PD in a Han Chinese population from mainland China. Using a case–control methodology, we genotyped the single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in GSK3β (rs334558) to investigate the association with risk of PD. A total of 1,280 ethnic Han Chinese study subjects comprising 761 sporadic PD patients and 519 controls were recruited. The T allele of a promoter SNP rs334558 was found to reduce the risk of PD (OR = 0.82, 95% CI: 0.696–0.960, P = 0.014). Patients with CT + TT genotypes have a reduced risk of PD compared to those with CC genotype (OR = 0.61, 95% CI: 0.477–0.776, P = 6.09E−5). In addition, we demonstrated that CT + TT subjects cannot be distinguished from CC subjects based on their clinical features. Our data suggest that rs334558 variant in GSK3β reduces the risk of PD in a Han Chinese population from mainland China. Further studies of large series of subjects are necessary to fully elucidate the true role of GSK3β in PD. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Genetics of dementia: Update and guidelines for the clinician
Authors: Cohn‐Hokke Petra E. , Elting Mariet W. , Pijnenburg Yolande A.L. , van Swieten John C.
Published: July 2012

With increased frequency, clinical geneticists are asked for genetic advice on the heredity of dementia in families. Alzheimer's disease is in most cases a complex disease, but may be autosomal dominant inherited. Mutations in the PSEN1 gene are the most common genetic cause of early onset Alzheimer's disease, whereas APP and PSEN2 gene mutations are less frequent. Familial frontotemporal dementia may be associated with a mutation in the MAPT or GRN gene, or with a repeat expansion in the C9orf72 gene. All these genes show autosomal dominant inheritance with a high penetrance. Although Alzheimer's disease and frontotemporal dementia are clinically distinguishable entities, phenotypical overlap may occur. Rarely, dementia is caused by mutations in other autosomal dominant genes or by genetic defects with autosomal recessive, X‐linked dominant or mitochondrial inheritance. The inherited forms of frontotemporal dementia and Alzheimer's disease show a large phenotypic variability also within families, resulting in many remaining uncertainties for mutation carriers. Therefore, genetic counseling before performing genetic testing is essential in both symptomatic individuals and healthy at risk relatives. This review provides an overview of the genetic causes of dementia and discusses all aspects relevant for genetic counseling and testing. Furthermore, based on current knowledge, we provide algorithms for genetic testing in patients with early onset Alzheimer's disease or frontotemporal dementia. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A pressing matter—mediastinal fibrosis with near obliteration of the pulmonary arteries
Authors: Murphy John Conleth , Johnston Nicola , Spence Mark S.
Published: July 2012

Idiopathic mediastinal fibrosis is a rare, histologically benign condition which often presents with symptoms attributable to compression of vital mediastinal structures. Diagnosis can be difficult and individualized treatments are required for patients, with possible intervention including pharmacotherapy, surgery, and percutaneous stenting. We present a case of idiopathic mediastinal fibrosis present in a 50‐year‐old woman as compression and near obliteration of the pulmonary arteries. A percutaneous approach was utilized with bilateral balloon expandable kissing stents simultaneous deployed from the main pulmonary artery to the right and left pulmonary arteries. There was instantaneous improvement in the pulmonary and systemic hemodynamics. Her immediate postprocedure course was complicated by reperfusion injury to the right lung, requiring intubation and ventilation. The patient made a full recovery and remains well at 6 months. Our case highlights the procedural and postprocedural difficulties that exist in such cases, and reinforces the value of endovascular stenting strategies in the management of patients with this rare condition. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Multimodality intracoronary imaging in spontaneous coronary artery dissection: Impacts of intravascular ultrasound, optical coherence tomography, and coronary angioscopy
Authors: Hoshi Tomoya , Sato Akira , Hiraya Daigo , Kimura Taizo , Wang Zheng , Aonuma Kazutaka
Published: July 2012

Spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) is a rare cause of acute coronary syndrome and its etiology and pathogenesis have not been well understood. Intracoronary imaging modalities with intravascular ultrasound and optical coherence tomography would enable a precise diagnosis in this entity. Coronary angioscopy is also a unique tool for allowing direct visualization of the luminal surface of a vessel. We described an interesting case of SCAD documented with multimodality intracoronary imaging showing the presence of superficial lipid plaque nearby the coronary dissection entry point, which might have been associated with fragility of the arterial wall and the subsequent development of SCAD. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
How Can a Hydrophobic MOF be Water‐Unstable? Insight into the Hydration Mechanism of IRMOFs
Authors: De Toni Marta , Jonchiere Romain , Pullumbi Pluton , Coudert François‐Xavier , Fuchs Alain H.
Published: July 2012

We report an ab initio molecular dynamics study of the hydration process in a model IRMOF material. At low water content (one molecule per unit cell), water physisorption is observed on the zinc cation but the free⇄bound equilibrium strongly favors the free state. This is consistent with the hydrophobic nature of the host matrix and its type‐V isotherm observed in a classical Monte Carlo simulation. At higher loading, a water cluster can be formed at the Zn4O site and this is shown to stabilize the water‐bound state. This structure rapidly transforms into a linker‐displaced state, where water has fully displaced one arm of a linker and which corresponds to the loss of the material’s fully ordered structure. Thus an overall hydrophobic MOF material can also become water unstable, a feature that has not been fully understood until now.
Shape controllable growth of PbS polyhedral crystals
Authors: Song Caixia , Jiang Lihong , Zhang Yang , Pang Limei , Wang Debao
Published: July 2012

In this study, a series of PbS polyhedra were synthesized through hydrothermal decomposition of the as‐formed lead diethyldithiocarbamate (Pb‐DDTC) single‐source precursor in its precursor solution. Through extensive experiments, it was concluded that the amount of poly‐(vinylpyrrolidone) (PVP), DDTC and the reaction time had major effects on the shapes of the as‐synthesized PbS crystals. Sub‐micro sized cuboctahedrons and cubes were selectively obtained by manipulating the concentration of PVP and the reaction time. Possible growth mechanism for the shape controlled synthesis of PbS crystals was briefly discussed.
Implementation of a Soft Switching Converter with High Input Voltage
Authors: Lin Bor‐Ren , Liu Chien‐Hung
Published: July 2012

This paper presents an interleaved zero voltage switching (ZVS) DC/DC converter with high input voltage applications. In order to reduce the voltage stress of MOSFETs, two half‐bridge zeta converters are connected in series at high voltage side. Thus, the voltage stress of MOSFETs can be clamped at one‐half of input voltage. Asymmetric pulse‐width modulation (APWM) is adopted to control power switches. With the resonant behavior by the leakage inductance of transformer and the output capacitance of MOSFET at the transition interval, MOSFETs can be turned on at ZVS. For each half‐bridge zeta converter, two series transformers are connected in series at the primary side and in parallel at the secondary side in order to reduce the current stress of secondary windings for high load current applications. Interleaved PWM scheme is used to control two half‐bridge converters in order to reduce the size of output filter inductor and capacitor due to the partial ripple current cancellation. Experimental results, taken from a laboratory prototype rated at 1 kW, are presented to demonstrate the converter performance. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
High Yield Preparation of Carbon Nanotube Arrays of Good Quality by CVD
Authors: Shi Shuxiu , Wang Hui , Wang Xitao , Xue Tao , Hou Weixin , Cui Lan , Lin Kui , Jin Fengmin , Cheng Gang , Chen Xiaoping , Yao Pei , Cui Shen
Published: July 2012

Multi‐walled carbon nanotube arrays (CNTAs) of good quality are prepared in a high yield of ∼7 wt.% by CVD at 850 °C, using rectified cyclohexane as the carbon source. All the CNTAs forming on the inner wall of a quartz tube reactor are of good quality, but those forming in the zone 40–60 cm away from the entrance of the furnace show the best degrees of graphitization and alignment. The length of these CNTAs is ∼200 µm, their average growth rate during the CVD reaction (8 min) is 25 µm min−1, and the content of MWCNTs and iron are 93.7 wt.% and 3.9 wt.%, respectively. The effect of CVD reaction temperature on the yield and quality of the CNTAs is also investigated and explained by knowledge of the chemical kinetics of reaction; four main chemical reactions are suggested for the growth of CNTAs during the process of CVD reaction, and the ratios of the active carbon species (A) to the active Fe catalyst species (C) (A:C) and the other carbon species (B) (A:B). The reasons for the high yield of CNTAs of good quality are discussed briefly.
Low Temperature CVD of Thin, Amorphous Boron‐Carbon Films for Neutron Detectors
Authors: Pedersen Henrik , Höglund Carina , Birch Jens , Jensen Jens , Henry Anne
Published: July 2012

Thin, amorphous boron‐carbon films are deposited at low temperature (400–600 °C) by thermally activated CVD using the organoborane triethylboron (TEB) as a single precursor. Two different carrier gases are tested. At 600 °C, using argon as the carrier gas, the deposition rate is close to 1 µm h−1. The film has a density of 2.14 g cm−3 with a B/C ratio of 3.7. When hydrogen is used as the carrier gas, the film density is 2.42 g cm−3, the B/C ratio 4.6, and the deposition rate 0.35 µm h−1. The hydrogen content in the films is about 3–4 at.‐%, regardless of ambient conditions during deposition, and varies only with the deposition temperature. In addition, both the film composition and the film density are found to vary significantly with the deposition temperature and the atmospheric conditions. Based upon these results, a deposition mechanism for the growth of boron‐carbon films from TEB, where the TEB molecule is decomposed to BH3 and hydrocarbons, is suggested.
Time‐lapse microscopy of macrophages during embryonic vascular development
Authors: Al‐Roubaie Sarah , Hughes Jasmine H. , Filla Michael B. , Lansford Rusty , Lehoux Stephanie , Jones Elizabeth A.V.
Published: July 2012

Background: Macrophages are present before the onset of blood flow, but very little is known about their function in vascular development. We have developed a technique to concurrently label both endothelial cells and macrophages for time‐lapse microscopy using co‐injection of fluorescently conjugated acetylated low‐density lipoprotein (AcLDL) and phagocytic dye PKH26‐PCL. Results: We characterize double‐labeled cells to confirm specific labeling of macrophages. Double‐labeled cells circulate, roll along the endothelium, and extravasate from vessels. Most observed macrophages are integrated into the vessel wall, showing an endothelial‐like morphology. We used transgenic quail that express a fluorescent protein driven by the endothelial‐specific promoter Tie1 in conjugation with the phagocytic dye to analyze these cells. Circulating PKH26‐PCL‐labeled cells are mostly Tie1−, but those which have integrated into the vessel wall are largely Tie1+. The endothelial‐like phagocytic cells were generally stationary during normal vascular development. We, therefore, induced vascular remodeling and found that these cells could be recruited to sites of remodeling. Conclusions: The active interaction of endothelial cells and macrophages support the hypothesis that these cells are involved in vascular remodeling. The presence of phagocytic endothelial‐like cells suggests either a myeloid‐origin to certain endothelial cells or that circulating endothelial cells/hematopoietic stem cells have phagocytic capacity. Developmental Dynamics 241:1423–1431, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Numerical simulation of scale‐model smoke contamination of upper atrium levels by a channelled balcony spill plume
Authors: Ho Chee Leong , Li Kai Yuan , Spearpoint Michael John
Published: July 2012

Smoke contamination of balconies due to a channelled spill plume at a lower level in an atrium might occur during a fire and could affect occupant safety during an evacuation. Previous experimental work has investigated the extent of smoke contamination, and this work describes a numerical modelling comparison of the experiments using the Fire Dynamics Simulator (FDS) computational fluid dynamics programme. Temperature, severity and height of smoke contamination are selected as the key parameters for comparison. The predictions of severity and height of smoke contamination are generally similar to the experimental results using a ‘most severe point assessment of smoke contamination’ assessment method. Although predicted temperatures are slightly lower than experimental values, FDS temperature slice files can be used at the most severe smoke contaminated point using a 10 °C temperature rise. This 10 °C threshold matches the criterion proposed in the previous experimental research. On the basis of the comparisons for the height of smoke contamination, the simulation results generally match a previously proposed equation for the height of smoke contamination above a balcony spill plume. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Retracted: Depression as a risk factor for dementia and mild cognitive impairment: a meta‐analysis of longitudinal studies
Authors: Gao Yuan , Huang Changquan , Zhao Kexiang , Ma Louyan , Qiu Xuan , Zhang Lei , Xiu Yun , Chen Lin , Lu Wei , Huang Chunxia , Tang Yong , Xiao Qian
Published: July 2012

Background

This study examined whether depression was a risk factor for onset of dementia including Alzheimer's disease (AD), vascular dementia (VD) and any dementia, and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) by using a quantitative meta‐analysis of longitudinal studies.

Methods

EMBASE and MEDLINE were searched for articles published up to February 2011. All studies that examined the relationship between depression and the onset of dementia or MCI were included. Pooled relative risk was calculated using fixed‐effects models.

Results

Twelve studies met our inclusion criteria for this meta‐analysis. All subjects were without dementia or MCI at baseline. Four, two, five, and four studies compared the incidence of AD, VD, any dementia, and MCI between subjects with or without depression, respectively. After pooling all the studies, subjects with depression had higher incidence of AD (relative risk (RR):1.66, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.29–2.14), VD (RR: 1.89, 95% CI: 1.19–3.01), any dementia (RR: 1.55, 95% CI: 1.31–2.83), and MCI (RR: 1.97, 95% CI: 1.53–2.54) than those without depression.

Conclusions

The quantitative meta‐analysis showed that depression was a major risk factor for incidence of dementia (including AD, VD, and any dementia) and MCI. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Global and regional alterations of hippocampal anatomy in long‐term meditation practitioners
Authors: Luders Eileen , Thompson Paul M. , Kurth Florian , Hong Jui‐Yang , Phillips Owen R. , Wang Yalin , Gutman Boris A. , Chou Yi‐Yu , Narr Katherine L. , Toga Arthur W.
Published: July 2012

Studies linking meditation and brain structure are still relatively sparse, but the hippocampus is consistently implicated as one of the structures altered in meditation practitioners. To explore hippocampal features in the framework of meditation, we analyzed high‐resolution structural magnetic resonance imaging data from 30 long‐term meditators and 30 controls, closely matched for sex, age, and handedness. Hippocampal formations were manually traced following established protocols. In addition to calculating left and right hippocampal volumes (global measures), regional variations in surface morphology were determined by measuring radial distances from the hippocampal core to spatially matched surface points (local measures). Left and right hippocampal volumes were larger in meditators than in controls, significantly so for the left hippocampus. The presence and direction of this global effect was confirmed locally by mapping the exact spatial locations of the group differences. Altogether, radial distances were larger in meditators compared to controls, with up to 15% difference. These local effects were observed in several hippocampal regions in the left and right hemisphere though achieved significance primarily in the left hippocampal head. Larger hippocampal dimensions in long‐term meditators may constitute part of the underlying neurological substrate for cognitive skills, mental capacities, and/or personal traits associated with the practice of meditation. Alternatively, given that meditation positively affects autonomic regulation and immune activity, altered hippocampal dimensions may be one result of meditation‐induced stress reduction. However, given the cross‐sectional design, the lack of individual stress measures, and the limited resolution of brain data, the exact underlying neuronal mechanisms remain to be established. Hum Brain Mapp 34:3369–3375, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
PATIENT CLASSIFICATION SYSTEMS AND HOSPITAL COSTS OF CARE FOR KNEE REPLACEMENT IN 10 EUROPEAN COUNTRIES
Authors: Cots Francesc , Chiarello Pietro , Salvador Xavier , Castells Xavier ,   on behalf of the EuroDRG group
Published: July 2012

Knee replacement is a common surgical procedure performed to relieve pain and disability from degenerative osteoarthritis.

This study evaluates the ability of ten European diagnosis‐related group (DRG) systems to explain variations in costs or in length of stay for knee replacements. We assessed three different models in predicting variation of cost and length of stay. The first model, MD, included only DRG groups as explanatory variables; the second, MP, used a set of patient‐level variables; and the third, MF, included all variables from both MD and MP.

The total number of DRGs used to group knee replacement is low, ranging from two to six. All DRG systems except one differentiate between primary knee replacement and revision surgery. Considerable differences exist in the rate of revision surgery. There is also high variation in mean cost (from € 3809 to € 8158) and in mean length of stay (LoS) (from 4.2 to 13.6 days).

The explanatory power of DRGs varies from 21.5 to 72.5% with values of around 40% in most countries of the study. Findings suggest that DRG systems could be enhanced either by the inclusion of patient‐level variables, by the use of measures of clinical outcome or by improving cost and administrative information. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
PERFORMANCE OF 10 EUROPEAN DRG SYSTEMS IN EXPLAINING VARIATION IN RESOURCE UTILISATION IN INGUINAL HERNIA REPAIR
Authors: O'Reilly Jacqueline , Serdén Lisbeth , Talbäck Mats , McCarthy Brian , group on behalf of the EuroDRG
Published: July 2012

By classifying hospital output into groups of patients with similar clinical characteristics and resource requirements, diagnosis‐related groups (DRGs) are designed to be highly correlated with resource utilisation. Using a two‐stage approach to control for variation within and between hospitals, we examine the ability of the diverse DRG systems in 10 European countries to explain variability in resource utilisation (costs or length of stay, LoS) for hospital patients undergoing surgical repair of inguinal hernia. Our national regression results suggest that DRGs are statistically significant in explaining cost/LoS variation in the absence of any other regressors and generally remain so in most countries when patient‐level characteristics are added to the model. However patient‐level characteristics, including those used in DRG assignment, are usually also statistically significant. In nine countries, where the number of relevant DRGs ranges from two (Poland) to seven (France), the inclusion of patient‐level characteristics substantially improves model goodness‐of‐fit compared with that attained with DRGs alone. Only in Sweden is the converse true. If our analysis raises some concerns over the adequacy of DRGs to explain cost/LoS variation in inguinal hernia repair in nine of the 10 European countries, further research is required to consider whether future enhancements may be necessary. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
PATIENT CLASSIFICATION AND HOSPITAL COSTS OF CARE FOR ACUTE MYOCARDIAL INFARCTION IN NINE EUROPEAN COUNTRIES
Authors: Häkkinen Unto , Chiarello Pietro , Cots Francesc , Peltola Mikko , Rättö Hanna ,   ON BEHALF OF THE EURODRG GROUP
Published: July 2012

This study contributes to the literature on the performance of diagnosis‐related groups (DRGs) for acute myocardial infarction (AMI) patients by evaluating in nine countries the factors—in addition to DRGs—that affect costs or length of stay and comparing the variation that can be explained with or without DRGs. We evaluate whether the existing DRGs for AMI patients would benefit from additional patient‐related and treatment‐related factors that are found in administrative data across countries. In most countries, the set of patient and quality variables performed better than the DRG variables. Our results suggest that DRG systems in all countries could be improved by including additional explanatory factors or by refining the existing DRGs. Our results suggest that for AMI and possibly for other related episodes, a refinement of DRGs to include information on patient severity, procedures and levels of complications could improve the ability of DRGs to explain resource use. It seems possible to improve DRG‐like hospital payment systems through the inclusion of episode‐specific variables. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
WHY DO PATIENTS HAVING CORONARY ARTERY BYPASS GRAFTS HAVE DIFFERENT COSTS OR LENGTH OF STAY? AN ANALYSIS ACROSS 10 EUROPEAN COUNTRIES
Authors: Gaughan James , Kobel Conrad , Linhart Caroline , Mason Anne , Street Andrew , Ward Padraic ,   on behalf of the EuroDRG group
Published: July 2012

We analyse variations in cost or length of stay (LoS) for 66 587 patients from 10 European countries receiving a coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) procedure. In five of these countries, variations in cost are analysed using log‐linear models. In the other five countries, negative binomial regression models are used to explore variations in LoS. We compare how well each country's diagnosis‐related group (DRG) system and a set of patient‐level characteristics explain these variations. The most important explanatory factors are the total number of diagnoses and procedures, although no clear effects are evident for our CABG‐specific diagnostic and procedural variables. Wound infections significantly increase LoS and costs in most countries. There is no evidence that countries using larger numbers of DRGs to group CABG patients are better at explaining variations in cost or LoS. However, refinements to the construction of DRGs to group CABG patients might recognise first and subsequent CABGs or other specific surgical procedures, such as multiple valve repair. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
CD40 inhibits replication of hepatitis C virus in primary human hepatocytes by c-jun N terminal kinase activation independent from the interferon pathway
Authors: Rau Sibylle J. , Hildt Eberhard , Himmelsbach Kiyoshi , Thimme Robert , Wakita Takaji , Blum Hubert E. , Fischer Richard
Published: July 2012

CD40, a member of the tumor necrosis factor receptor family, and its ligand, CD40L (CD154), are important regulators of the antiviral immune response. CD40L is up-regulated on lymphocytes and CD40 on hepatocytes during infection with hepatitis C virus (HCV); we investigated the role of CD40 signaling during HCV replication in hepatocytes. Viral replication was studied in primary human hepatocytes (PHH) and Huh7.5 cells using the infectious HCV Japanese fulminate hepatitis 1 isolate (JFH1) culture system, and in coculture with HCV antigen-specific CD8+ T cells. CD40L rapidly and transiently inhibits expression of the HCV nonstructural proteins NS3 and NS5A as well as HCV structural proteins core and E2 in Huh7.5 cells. Similarly, CD40L prevented replication of HCV in PHH, in synergy with interferon (IFN)-alpha. In Huh7.5 cells with replicating HCV, CD40L prevented production of infectious viral particles. When HCV antigen-specific CD8+ T cells were cocultured with HLA-A2-expressing Huh7 cells that had replicating virus, the T cells became activated, up-regulated CD40L, and inhibited HCV replication. Inhibition of CD40L partially prevented the antiviral activity of the CD8+ T cells. The antiviral effect of CD40L required activation of c-Jun N terminal kinases (JNK)1/2, but not induction of apoptosis or the JAK/STAT pathway that is necessary for the antiviral effects of IFNs. Conclusion: CD40 inhibits HCV replication by a novel, innate immune mechanism. This pathway might mediate viral clearance, and disruptions might be involved in the pathogenesis of HCV infection. (Hepatology 2013;)
Involvement of p53 in the cytotoxic activity of the NAMPT inhibitor FK866 in myeloid leukemic cells
Authors: Thakur Basant Kumar , Dittrich Tino , Chandra Prakash , Becker Annette , Kuehnau Wolfgang , Klusmann Jan‐Henning , Reinhardt Dirk , Welte Karl
Published: July 2012

FK866 is a specific inhibitor of NAMPT and induces apoptosis of leukemic cells by depletion of intracellular NAD+. Since up‐regulation of NAMPT is associated with several cases of cancers, including leukemias, we asked whether in leukemic cells inhibition of NAMPT involves p53 pathway. We observed that FK866 induced apoptosis and reduced cell proliferation in NB‐4, OCI‐AML3 and MOLM‐13 cell lines. In contrast, the leukemia cell lines, K‐562 and Kasumi, containing nonfunctional p53 were relatively unaffected by FK866 treatment. Importantly, direct inhibition of sirtuins significantly reduced the viability of NB‐4, OCI‐AML3 and MOLM‐13 cell lines. Activation of p53 by FK866 involved increased acetylation of p53 at lysine 382 with subsequent increase in the expression of p21 and BAX. Further, knockdown of p53 attenuated the effects of FK866 on apoptosis and cell cycle arrest, which was partly associated with decreased expression of p21 and BAX. Our results suggest the role of p53 acetylation pathway in the anti‐leukemic effect of FK866.
Autophagy as a macrophage response to bacterial infection
Authors: Gong Lan , Devenish Rodney J. , Prescott Mark
Published: July 2012

The macrophage is a key component of host defense mechanisms against pathogens. In addition to the phagocytosis of bacteria and secretion of proinflammatory mediators by macrophages, autophagy, a process involved in turnover of cellular material, is a recently identified component of the immune response to bacterial infection. Despite the bactericidal effect of autophagy, some species of intracellular bacteria are able to survive by using one or more strategies to avoid host autophagic attack. Here, we review the latest findings on the interactions between bacteria and autophagy in macrophages. © 2012 IUBMB Life, 64(9): 740–747, 2012
Nanofluidic devices towards single DNA molecule sequence mapping
Authors: Marie Rodolphe , Kristensen Anders
Published: July 2012

Nanofluidics enables the imaging of stretched single molecules with potential applications for single molecule sequence mapping. Lab‐on‐a‐chip devices for single cell trapping and lyzing, genomic DNA extraction from single cells, and optical mapping of genomic length DNA has been demonstrated separately. Yet the pursuit for applying DNA optical mapping to solve real genomics challenges is still to come. We review lab‐on‐a‐chip devices from literature that could be part of a complete system for the sequence mapping of single DNA molecules. (© 2012 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Nanodiamond for intracellular imaging in the microorganisms in vivo
Authors: Lin Yu‐Chung , Perevedentseva Elena , Tsai Lin‐Wei , Wu Kuan‐Ting , Cheng Chia‐Liang
Published: July 2012

Nanodiamond (ND) has great potential for bio labeling and drug delivery. In this work, the biocompatibility and bio labeling of ND are demonstrated via the interaction with cells and microorganisms, protists microorganisms Paramecium caudatum and Tetrahymena thermophile, in vitro and in vivo. We found the microorganism's living functions are not significantly affected by ND. The NDs were found entering the food vacuoles and later excreted by the microorganisms. The 5 nm ND was found more toxic compared to 100 nm ND, presumably due to the surface disordered carbons. Our results demonstrated nanodiamond can be used in bio imaging and matter delivery. (© 2012 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Interpreting CARS images of tissue within the C–H‐stretching region
Authors: Meyer Tobias , Bergner Norbert , Medyukhina Anna , Dietzek Benjamin , Krafft Christoph , Romeike Bernd F. M. , Reichart Rupert , Kalff Rolf , Popp Jürgen
Published: July 2012

Single band coherent anti‐Stokes Raman scattering (CARS) microscopy is one of the fastest implementation of nonlinear vibrational imaging allowing for video‐rate image acquisition of tissue. This is due to the large Raman signal in the C—H‐stretching region. However, the chemical specificity of such images is conventionally assumed to be low. Nonetheless, CARS imaging within the C—H‐stretching region enables detection of single cells and nuclei, which allows for histopathologic grading of tissue. Relevant information such as nucleus to cytoplasm ratio, cell density, nucleus size and shape is extracted from CARS images by innovative image processing procedures. In this contribution CARS image contrast within the C—H‐stretching region is interpreted by direct comparison with Raman imaging and correlated to the tissue composition justifying the use of CARS imaging in this wavenumber region for biomedical applications. (© 2012 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
The effect of adherens junction components on keratinocyte adhesionin vitro: Potential implications for sealing the skin‐implant interface of intraosseous transcutaneous amputation prostheses
Authors: Pendegrass Catherine Jane , Tucker Bethan , Patel Shelain , Dowling Robert , Blunn Gordon William
Published: July 2012

Amputation places a significant burden on healthcare systems worldwide as patients suffer life‐long complications associated with the stump‐socket interface. Skin penetrating, osseointegrated implants like intraosseous transcutaneous amputation prostheses, could overcome this, however, they rely on the formation and maintenance of an infection‐free seal at the skin‐implant interface. Epithelial cell migration around transcutaneous implants creates downgrowth, which leads to infection and implant failure. Epithelial cells form cell–cell attachments via adherens junctions and desmosomes that prevent cell migration via contact inhibition. If epithelial cells formed cell–cell attachments with an implant surface, it could facilitate stronger cell attachment and prevent downgrowth. In adherens junctions, E‐cadherin is essential in homotypic cell attachment. In this study, we have demonstrated that cell–cell adherens junctions can be formed on substrates adsorbed with E‐cadherin. We have assessed the effects of two E‐cadherin peptides and determined an optimal concentration for increasing cell attachment via adherens junctions. We have demonstrated that adsorption of 15 μg/mL of the full extracellular domain of E‐cadherin to titanium alloy significantly increases metabolic activity, cell area, and attachment of murine keratinocytesin vitro, with a fourfold increase in attachment via adherens junctions at 24, 48, and 72 h. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 100A:3463–3471, 2012.
Polyurethane thermoplastic elastomers with inherent radiopacity for biomedical applications
Authors: Kiran S. , James Nirmala R. , Jayakrishnan A. , Joseph Roy
Published: July 2012

Synthesis and characterization of three different radiopaque thermoplastic polyurethane elastomers are reported. Radiopacity was introduced to the polyurethanes by incorporating an iodinated chain extender, namely, 4,4′‐isopropylidinedi‐(2,6‐diiodophenol) (IBPA), into the polymer chain during polyurethane synthesis. Radiopaque polyurethanes (RPUs) were synthesized by reacting 4,4′‐methylenebis(phenyl isocyanate) (MDI), IBPA, and three different diols. The polyols used for the synthesis were polypropylene glycol, polycaprolactone diol, and poly(hexamethylene carbonate) diol. RPUs were characterized by infrared spectroscopy, contact angle measurements, thermogravimetry, dynamic mechanical analysis, energy dispersive X‐ray analysis, gel permeation chromatography, X‐ray fluorescence spectroscopy, and X‐radiography. X‐ray images showed that all RPUs prepared using IBPA as the chain extender are highly radiopaque compared with an Aluminum wedge of equivalent thickness. Elemental analysis revealed that the polyurethanes contained 18–19% iodine in the polymer matrix. The RPUs developed have radiopacity equivalent to that of a polymer filled with 20 wt % barium sulfate. Results revealed that RPUs of wide range of properties may be produced by incorporating different diols as the soft chain segment. Cell culture cytotoxicity studies conducted using L929 cells by direct contact test and MTT assay proved that these RPUs are noncytotoxic in nature. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A:, 2012.
Temporal and spatial analyses of temperature in a French wine‐producing area: the Loire Valley
Authors: Bonnefoy C. , Quenol H. , Bonnardot V. , Barbeau G. , Madelin M. , Planchon O. , Neethling E.
Published: July 2012

Global warming is causing earlier phenological dates for vines and changes in the quality of wines all around the world. To understand how vines are liable to react to future climate evolution, the climate of viticultural areas needs to be known as accurately as possible. In this article, temporal evolution and spatial variability of temperature in the wine producing area of the Loire Valley were analysed with a multi‐scalar approach. First, the regional evolution of temperature and bioclimatic indices were studied over the past 60 years in the wine‐producing area of the Loire Valley and showed a general warming at all locations in the regional weather station network (Météo‐France). Secondly, temperature data from weather stations located within the vineyards between Angers and Saumur were studied for the year 2010 and underlined spatial variability of temperature between the different plots according to the different topoclimates. Finally, particular attention was paid to theCoteaux du Layonvineyards (sweet wine producing appellation) where 21 temperature data loggers were set up in the vine rows to study climate at local scale. The study showed, in particular, that the spatial variability of temperature and bioclimatic indices in these vineyards was greater than those observed at larger scales. Copyright © 2012 Royal Meteorological Society
Temperature changes in the mid‐ and high‐ latitudes of the Southern Hemisphere
Authors: Richard Y. , Rouault M. , Pohl B. , Crétat J. , Duclot I. , Taboulot S. , Reason C. J. C. , Macron C. , Buiron D.
Published: July 2012

A Hierarchical Ascending Classification is used to regionalize monthly temperature anomalies measured at 24 weather stations in Antarctica and the Sub‐Antarctic and mid‐latitude southern islands from 1973 to 2002. Three principal regions are identified that are geographically coherent: Eastern Antarctica, the Antarctic Peninsula and the Sub‐Antarctic and mid‐latitude islands. Within each region, consistent trends are observed: namely, stationary temperatures in ‘East‐Antarctica’; a robust warming in the ‘Sub‐Antarctic and mid‐latitude islands’, most pronounced in austral summer (nearly 0.5 °C per decade); and a strong but more recent warming in the ‘Antarctic Peninsula’. Austral summer temperature anomalies are related to (1) the Southern Annular Mode (SAM) indexes computed using two reanalysis products (20th Century Reanalyses and ERA40) over two periods (1958–2002 and 1973–2002), (2) the seasonal frequencies of four recurrent daily weather regimes identified with a k‐means algorithm applied on the 500hPa geopotential height (DJF 1958–2002) and (3) HadSST2 sea surface temperature (SST) anomalies (DJF 1958–2002). East‐Antarctica interannual temperature anomalies are associated with the SAM variability. In the Antarctic Peninsula, only the long‐term trend is common with the SAM. The SAM does impact significantly the temperature anomalies of the Sub‐Antarctic and mid‐latitude islands. Trend and interannual variability of the islands' temperatures are associated with the nearby SST. For the Indian Ocean stations, warming in the Agulhas Current system could also have led to these changes. Copyright © 2012 Royal Meteorological Society
Screening of radical scavengers in Scutellaria baicalensis using HPLC with diode array and chemiluminescence detection
Authors: Wang Rui , Luo Jianguang , Kong Lingyi
Published: July 2012

Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi is a well‐known medical plant widely used as a famous traditional Chinese medicine. It has been reported that S. baicalensis can protect against oxidative stress and possess anti‐inflammatory effect. In the present paper, an HPLC‐diode array‐chemiluminescence detection method for on‐line detection was successfully developed to screen antioxidants in complex S. baicalensis extracts. Using the proposed approach, eight compounds in the S. baicalensis extracts were found to possess a potential antioxidant activity. Furthermore, the effects of purified compounds on protecting RAW 264.7 cells from hydrogen peroxide injury were also investigated in vitro to confirm the established method, which were consistent with the results of HPLC‐diode array‐chemiluminescence detection method. These results demonstrated that this method was a useful technique for rapidly screening and identifying bioactive components from complex herbal medicines.
Liquid–liquid/solid three‐phase high‐speed counter‐current chromatography, a new technique for separation of polyphenols from Geranium wilfordiiMaxim
Authors: Liu Dan , Ma Yan , Gu Ming , Janson Jan‐Christer , Wang Changhai , Xiao Hongbin
Published: July 2012

High‐speed counter‐current chromatography using a new liquid–liquid/solid three‐phase system was used for the separation of the polyphenols corilagin and geraniin from a crude extract of Geranium wilfordii Maxim in one step. The optimized three‐phase system was composed of n‐hexane/ethyl acetate/methanol/acetic acid/water and to which was added 10‐μm average diameter microspheres of cross‐linked 12% agarose at the ratio of 0.2:10:2:1:5 and 0.1 g/mL, respectively. The purities of geraniin and corilagin were 82 and 90%, which were determined by HPLC at 280 nm. A 14.5 and 7 mg of geraniin and corilagin were purified from 160 mg crude extract with the yields of 70 and 78%, respectively.
The Domestic Camelids (Cetartiodactyla: Camelidae) from the Middle Formative Cemetery of Topater 1 (Atacama Desert, Northern Chile): Osteometric and Palaeopathological Evidence of Cargo Animals
Authors: Labarca R. , Gallardo F.
Published: July 2012

The Middle Formative Cemetery of Topater 1 (ca. 500 bc–100 ad), located in the oasis of Calama, Northern Chile, presents an unusually diverse array and quantity of funerary offerings, distributed among the graves of more than 200 individuals. Among the offerings are the remains of several mummified camelids and camelid skeletal elements, primarily distal extremities and artefacts made from the bones of these animals. Taking only the first skeletonised anterior and posterior phalanges of Topater 1 camelids, we conducted univariate and multivariate osteometric analyses in order to assign the sample to the appropriate taxonomic groups. At the same time, we described all osteopathologies registered for the extremities in the collection. Of the 45 phalanges measured, 30 were of similar or greater size than contemporary reference llamas. Fourteen of the 164 samples of bone extremities presented pathologies, most of them first phalanges. These abnormalities included different degrees of exostosis and, less commonly, eburnation and lipping. Considering both lines of evidence, we conclude that the llamas sacrificed at the Topater 1 cemetery correspond to, at least, two very large and robust cargo llama morphotypes. When living, these animals would have transported goods as part of the intense exchange activity that was taking place during this period in the region extending from the Pacific coast to Northwest Argentina and perhaps even beyond. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The deformation behavior of polypropylene film under high strain rates
Authors: Tokihisa Masayoshi , Kushizaki Yoshiyuki , Tomiyama Hideki , Umeda Yuki , Yamada Toshiro
Published: July 2012

The relationship between stress and strain for polypropylene film was studied under strain rates from 0.13 to 5.21 s−1 in order to study the deformation behavior of film under higher strain rates than previous studies. Uniform thickness was obtained in the strain rates from 2.08 to 5.21 s−1 at 435 K, or from 2.08 to 3.13 s−1 at 437 K. The temperature rise of film due to the generation of heat from plastic strain influenced the relationship between stress and strain, in particular, at high strain rates and low temperature. Material constants for the constitutive equation of film were determined using the measurements from 2.08 to 5.21 s−1 at 435 K and from 2.08 to 3.13 s−1 at 437 K. Film thicknesses during and after transverse direction stretching were successfully predicted by applying the material constants obtained. The authors concluded that the material constants should be determined by applying the stretching conditions, under which there is little or no effect from heat generation and under which film can be stretched uniformly in thickness. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2013. © 2012 Society of Plastics Engineers
Phthalonitrile‐containing poly(amide imide)s with nanoactuation properties
Authors: Hamciuc Elena , Hamciuc Corneliu , Carja Ionela‐Daniela , Vlad‐Bubulac Tachita , Ignat Mircea
Published: July 2012

A series of aromatic poly(amide imide)s containing pendant phthalonitrile groups was prepared by solution polycondensation reaction of 4,4′‐diamino‐4″‐(3,4‐dicyanophenoxy)triphenylmethane, 1, or of different amounts of 1 and 1,3‐bis(4‐aminophenoxy)benzene, with a fluorinated imide diacid chloride, 2,2‐bis[N‐(4‐chloroformylphenyl)phthalimidyl]hexafluoroisopropane. The polymers were easily soluble in polar organic solvents, such as N‐methyl‐2‐pyrrolidone, N,N‐dimethylacetamide, N,N‐dimethylformamide, and dimethylsulfoxide. They can be cast from solutions into thin flexible films showing nanoactuation properties in the range of 120–450 nm, depending on the nitrile group content, when an electric voltage is applied on their surface. Electrical insulating properties of the polymer films were evaluated on the basis of dielectric permittivity and dielectric loss and their variation with the frequency and temperature. The values of the dielectric permittivity at 10 kHz and 20°C were in the range of 3.01–3.43. All polymers exhibited high thermal stability, decomposition temperature being above 420°C. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2013. © 2012 Society of Plastics Engineers
Kinetic finite element model to optimize sulfur vulcanization: Application to extruded epdm weather‐strips
Authors: Milani G. , Milani F.
Published: July 2012

A numerical two‐phase approach based on experimental scorch curve data fitting, to predict the optimal exposure time and cure temperature of extruded thick items is applied for the study of a real weather‐strip. In the first phase, an existing single equation kinetic model is used to predict the crosslinking density under sulfur vulcanization at variable temperatures. The model requires the calibration of only three kinetic constants. The variation with respect to temperature of such parameters is then evaluated by means of two experimental cure curves performed at two different temperatures. In the second phase, kinetic reaction parameters are implemented in finite element software, to perform thermal analyses on an extruded weather‐strip. Once evaluated the final mechanical properties of the item point by point, a set of compression tests is numerically simulated, assuming that the rubber behaves as a Mooney–Rivlin material under the large deformations. Elastic properties of the item are evaluated as a function of the vulcanization degree evaluated in the second phase. It is found that suboptimal vulcanizations result into lower elastic moduli and hence great deformability, sometimes incompatible with real scale engineering applications. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2013. © 2012 Society of Plastics Engineers