bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Kinetics of the reactions of OH radicals with 2‐methoxy‐6‐(trifluoromethyl)pyridine, diethylamine, and 1,1,3,3,3‐pentamethyldisiloxan‐1‐ol at 298 ± 2 K
Authors: Tuazon Ernesto C. , Martin Pilar , Aschmann Sara M. , Arey Janet , Atkinson Roger
Published: September 2011

Rate constants for the reactions of 2‐methoxy‐6‐(trifluoromethyl)pyridine, diethylamine, and 1,1,3,3,3‐pentamethyldisiloxan‐1‐ol with OH radicals have been measured at 298 ± 2 K using a relative rate method. The measured rate constants (cm3 molecule−1 s−1) are (1.54 ± 0.21) × 10−12 for 2‐methoxy‐6‐(trifluoromethyl)pyridine, (1.19 ± 0.25) × 10−10 for diethylamine, and (1.76 ± 0.38) × 10−12 for 1,1,3,3,3‐pentamethyldisiloxan‐1‐ol, where the indicated errors are the estimated overall uncertainties including those in the rate constants for the reference compounds. No reaction of 2‐methoxy‐6‐(trifluoromethyl)pyridine with gaseous nitric acid was observed, and an upper limit to the rate constant for the reaction of 1,1,3,3,3‐pentamethyldisiloxan‐1‐ol with O3 of <7 × 10− 20 cm3 molecule−1 s−1 was determined. Using a 12‐h average daytime OH radical concentration of 2 × 106 molecule cm−3, the lifetimes of the volatile organic compounds studied here with respect to reaction with OH radicals are 7.5 days for 2‐methoxy‐6‐(trifluoromethyl)pyridine, 1.2 h for diethylamine, and 6.6 days for 1,1,3,3,3‐pentamethyldisiloxan‐1‐ol. Likely reaction mechanisms are discussed. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Chem Kinet 43: 631–638, 2011
Nano/Microstructural Effect of Hydroxyapatite Nanocrystals on Hepatocyte Cell Aggregation and Adhesion
Authors: Tagaya Motohiro , Yamazaki Tomohiko , Tsuya Daiji , Sugimoto Yoshimasa , Hanagata Nobutaka , Ikoma Toshiyuki
Published: September 2011

Hepatocyte cell aggregation and adhesion to HAp nanocrystals covered with SU‐8 polymer micropatterns by nano/microfabrication techniques is demonstrated. The surface roughness and wettability of the HAp nanocrystals are significantly different from those of the SU‐8 polymer. QCM‐D and microscopic observation clearly reveal that the cells realize the surface properties to form aggregation and preferentially adhere to the HAp nanocrystals at 2 h after seeding, indicating the importance of the microstructures as well as the interfacial phenomena at a nanometer scale.

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Template‐Assisted Fabrication of Highly Ordered Interpenetrating Polymeric Donor/Acceptor Nanostructures for Photovoltaic Applications
Authors: Haberkorn Niko , Kim Sehee , Kim Ki‐Se , Sommer Michael , Thelakkat Mukundun , Sohn Byeong‐Hyeok , Theato Patrick
Published: September 2011

The template‐assisted fabrication of well‐ordered interpenetrating donor/acceptor nanostruc‐tures based on polymeric semiconductors on conductive substrates is reported. Arrays of free‐standing crosslinked tetraphenylbenzidine based nanorods are fabricated utilizing sacriﬁcial AAO templates. TEM conﬁrms the obtained donor/acceptor nanostructure morphology. The embedded nanorods show no aggregation and collapse of the rods within the ﬁlm. Photoluminescence measurements reveal a more than three fold improvement in photoluminescence quenching relative to the planar bilayer architecture. The approach offers a versatile all‐solution‐based technique for the fabrication of well‐ordered bulk heterojunction ﬁlms with a large donor/acceptor interface for the application in polymer/polymer photovoltaic devices.

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Statistical Optimization of Ternary Blends of Poly(lactic acid)/Ethylene Acrylate Copolymer/Wood Flour Composites
Authors: Afrifah Kojo A. , Matuana Laurent M.
Published: September 2011

Factorial design analyses and numerical optimization are performed to establish material compositions (wood flour content, particle size, and impact modifier content) and mechanical property relationships for PLA/wood flour composites. Numerical optimization produces two scenarios based on materials compositions to manufacture composites with similar mechanical properties as unfilled PLA. High wood flour and impact modifier contents are required for composites made with fine wood flour particles, whereas the formulation requires low wood flour content and excludes impact modifiers for composites with coarse wood flour particles. These optimization solutions are validated experimentally.

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Thermal Conductivity of Rubber Compounds Versus the State of Cure
Authors: Cheheb Zied , Mousseau Pierre , Sarda Alain , Deterre Rémi
Published: September 2011

The thermal conductivity of a rubber compound is studied as a function of its state of curing. The device is presented and the calculations in order to obtain samples with controlled and homogeneous vulcanization rates are performed. The hot disk technique is used to measure the thermal conductivity of the rubber. This transient, plane‐source and non‐destructive method allows rapid and accurate measurement of the thermal conductivity based on the measurement of the electrical resistance of a plane sensor placed between two identical samples. The obtained results show that the thermal conductivity may vary significantly as a function of vulcanization rate. The effect of this variation on the prediction of the reaction progress is discussed.

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Rat eggs cannot wait: Spontaneous exit from meiotic metaphase‐II arrest
Authors: Chebotareva Tatiana , Taylor Jane , Mullins John J. , Wilmut Ian
Published: September 2011

Mammalian eggs await fertilisation while arrested at the second metaphase stage of meiotic division. A network of signalling pathways enables the establishment and maintenance of this metaphase‐II arrest. In the absence of fertilisation, mammalian eggs can spontaneously exit metaphase II when parthenogenetically stimulated, or sometimes without any obvious stimulation. Ovulated rat eggs abortively release from metaphase‐II arrest once removed from egg donors. Spontaneously activated rat eggs extrude the second polar body and proceed to the so‐called metaphase III‐‘like’ stage, with clumps of condensed chromatin scattered in the egg cytoplasm. It is still unclear what makes rat eggs susceptible to spontaneous activation; however, a vague picture of the signalling pathways involved in the process of spontaneous activation is beginning to emerge. Such cell cycle instability is one of the major reasons why it is more difficult to establish nuclear transfer in the rat. This review examines the known predisposing factors and biochemical mechanisms involved in spontaneous activation. The strategies used to prevent spontaneous metaphase‐II release in rat eggs will also be discussed. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 78:795–807, 2011. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Precipitation Copolymerization of Vinyl‐Imidazole and Vinyl‐Pyrrolidone, 1 – Experimental Analysis
Authors: Arosio Paolo , Mosconi Matteo , Storti Giuseppe , Morbidelli Massimo
Published: September 2011

The precipitation copolymerization of two water‐soluble monomers, vinyl‐imidazole and vinyl‐pyrrolidone, carried out in butylacetate is investigated for the first time. Compared to classical solution polymerization it is found that much larger molecular weights are obtained. Such large polymer chains are formed by a crosslinking reaction occurring in the precipitated polymer particles. The dependence of the reaction kinetics on operating parameters such as monomer mixture composition (from vinyl‐imidazole homopolymer to the 50/50 copolymer), monomer mixture holdup, initiator amount, and stirring rate has been elucidated. Notably, it is found that the polymerization kinetics is independent of the particle size distribution (PSD). Therefore, the polymerization mechanism and the morphology of the precipitating particles can be investigated separately. The final PSD is broad and bimodal, with a first mode at around 10 µm, corresponding to clusters of nucleated primary particles, and a second larger mode at around 100 µm, corresponding to aggregates of such clusters. The smaller clusters show fractal geometry, with a fractal dimension of ∼2.5, corresponding to quite compact aggregates. The size of the two peaks, the ratio between the two modes and the time evolution of the PSD are all depending on the aggregation/breakage processes in the reactor, which are affected by operational parameters like the copolymer composition and the shear rate.

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Absolute cerebral blood flow quantification with pulsed arterial spin labeling during hyperoxia corrected with the simultaneous measurement of the longitudinal relaxation time of arterial blood
Authors: Pilkinton David T. , Hiraki Teruyuki , Detre John A. , Greenberg Joel H. , Reddy Ravinder
Published: September 2011

Quantitative arterial spin labeling (ASL) estimates of cerebral blood flow (CBF) during oxygen inhalation are important in several contexts, including functional experiments calibrated with hyperoxia and studies investigating the effect of hyperoxia on regional CBF. However, ASL measurements of CBF during hyperoxia are confounded by the reduction in the longitudinal relaxation time of arterial blood (T1a) from paramagnetic molecular oxygen dissolved in blood plasma. The aim of this study is to accurately quantify the effect of arbitrary levels of hyperoxia on T1a and correct ASL measurements of CBF during hyperoxia on a per‐subject basis. To mitigate artifacts, including the inflow of fresh spins, partial voluming, pulsatility, and motion, a pulsed ASL approach was implemented for in vivo measurements of T1a in the rat brain at 3 Tesla. After accounting for the effect of deoxyhemoglobin dilution, the relaxivity of oxygen on blood was found to closely match phantom measurements. The results of this study suggest that the measured ASL signal changes are dominated by reductions in T1a for brief hyperoxic inhalation epochs, while the physiologic effects of oxygen on the vasculature account for most of the measured reduction in CBF for longer hyperoxic exposures. Magn Reson Med, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Assessment of right ventricle volumes and function by cardiac MRI: Quantification of the regional and global interobserver variability
Authors: Bonnemains Laurent , Mandry Damien , Marie Pierre‐Yves , Micard Emilien , Chen Bailiang , Vuissoz Pierre‐André
Published: September 2011

Reproducibility of the manual assessment of right ventricle volumes by short‐axis cine‐MRI remains low and is often attributed to the difficulty in separating the right atrium from the ventricle. This study was designed to evaluate the regional interobserver variability of the right ventricle volume assessment to identify segmentation zones with the highest interobserver variability. Short‐axis views of 90 right ventricles (30 hypertrophic, 30 dilated, and 30 normal) were acquired with 2D steady‐state free precession sequences at 1.5 T and were manually segmented by two observers. The two segmentations were compared and the variations were quantified with a variation score based on the Hausdorff distance between the two segmentations and the interobserver 95% limits of concordance of the global volumes. The right ventricles were semiautomatically split into four subregions: apex, mid‐ventricle, tricuspid zone, and infundibulum. These four subregions represented 11%, 34%, 36%, and 19% of the volume but, respectively, yielded variation scores of 8%, 16%, 42%, and 34%. The infundibulum yielded the highest interobserver regional variability although its variation score remained comparable to the tricuspid zone due to its lower volume. These results emphasize the importance of standardizing the segmentation of the infundibulum and the tricuspid zone to improve reproducibility. Magn Reson Med, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Measurement of liver iron overload: Noninvasive calibration of MRI‐R2* by magnetic iron detector susceptometer
Authors: Gianesin B. , Zefiro D. , Musso M. , Rosa A. , Bruzzone C. , Balocco M. , Carrara P. , Bacigalupo L. , Banderali S. , Rollandi G. A. , Gambaro M. , Marinelli M. , Forni G. L.
Published: September 2011

An accurate assessment of body iron accumulation is essential for the diagnosis and therapy of iron overload in diseases such as thalassemia or hemochromatosis. Magnetic iron detector susceptometry and MRI are noninvasive techniques capable of detecting iron overload in the liver. Although the transverse relaxation rate measured by MRI can be correlated with the presence of iron, a calibration step is needed to obtain the liver iron concentration. Magnetic iron detector provides an evaluation of the iron overload in the whole liver. In this article, we describe a retrospective observational study comparing magnetic iron detector and MRI examinations performed on the same group of 97 patients with transfusional or congenital iron overload. A biopsy‐free linear calibration to convert the average transverse relaxation rate in iron overload (R2 = 0.72), or in liver iron concentration evaluated in wet tissue (R2 = 0.68), is presented. This article also compares liver iron concentrations calculated in dry tissue using MRI and the existing biopsy calibration with liver iron concentrations evaluated in wet tissue by magnetic iron detector to obtain an estimate of the wet‐to‐dry conversion factor of 6.7 ± 0.8 (95% confidence level). Magn Reson Med, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Necrotizing myopathy: Clinicoserologic associations
Authors: Ellis Elizabeth , Ann Tan Ju , Lester Sue , Tucker Graeme , Blumbergs Peter , Roberts‐Thomson Peter , Limaye Vidya
Published: September 2011

Introduction: Necrotizing myopathy (NM) is distinguished from idiopathic inflammatory myositis (IIM) by dominance of myofiber necrosis, lack of mononuclear inflammatory infiltrates, and presence of antibodies to signal recognition particle (SRP). Methods: The clinical features of 64 cases of NM were determined. Measurement of autoantibodies was undertaken on stored sera from 23 patients with NM. The incidence of malignancy was determined from the South Australian Cancer Registry. Results: NM patients showed male predominance (61%), more frequent myalgias, and higher creatine kinase (CK) levels compared with IIM patients. Patients with NM had a high incidence of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) (21%), hypertension (11 of 17, 65%), and diabetes mellitus (3 of 13, 23%). No patient had antibodies to SRP. NM patients showed no altered risk for malignancy compared with the South Australian population (P = 0.86). Conclusions: NM is associated with SLE, hypertension, and diabetes mellitus. Comprehensive assessment of cardiovascular risk is indicated in NM, which raises the possibility of targeted interventions. Muscle Nerve, 2012
p38γ activity is required for maintenance of slow skeletal muscle size
Authors: Foster William H. , Tidball James G. , Wang Yibin
Published: September 2011

Introduction:

p38γ kinase is highly enriched in skeletal muscle and is implicated in myotube formation. However, the activation status of p38γ in muscle is unclear.

Methods:

p38γ activity in slow and fast adult mouse skeletal muscle tissue was examined, as was the impact of p38γ deficiency on muscle development and gene expression.

Results:

p38γ is preferentially activated in slow muscle, but it is inactive in fast muscle types. Furthermore, the loss of p38γ in mice led to decreased muscle mass associated with a smaller myofiber diameter in slow muscle, but there was no impact on fast muscle in either mass or myofiber diameter. Finally, p38γ‐deficient muscle showed selective changes in genes related to muscle growth in slow muscle fibers.

Conclusion:

This study provides evidence that p38γ is selectively activated in slow skeletal muscle and is involved in the normal growth and development of a subset of skeletal muscle. Muscle Nerve, 2012
A reconstruction algorithm for electrical impedance tomography based on sparsity regularization
Authors: Jin Bangti , Khan Taufiquar , Maass Peter
Published: September 2011

This paper develops a novel sparse reconstruction algorithm for the electrical impedance tomography problem of determining a conductivity parameter from boundary measurements. The sparsity of the ‘inhomogeneity’ with respect to a certain basis is a priori assumed. The proposed approach is motivated by a Tikhonov functional incorporating a sparsity‐promoting ℓ1‐penalty term, and it allows us to obtain quantitative results when the assumption is valid. A novel iterative algorithm of soft shrinkage type was proposed. Numerical results for several two‐dimensional problems with both single and multiple convex and nonconvex inclusions were presented to illustrate the features of the proposed algorithm and were compared with one conventional approach based on smoothness regularization. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Distinguishing Bearded Vulture Activities within Archaeological Contexts: Identification Guidelines
Authors: Marín‐Arroyo A. B. , Margalida A.
Published: September 2011

In Europe, the bearded vultureGypaetus barbatusis currently an endangered species limited now to high mountain areas, but had a broader geographical distribution in the past. It breeds on ledges in limestone cliffs, in habitats similar to those also selected by prehistoric human groups. This species feeds mainly on bones of medium‐sized ungulates that are processed before ingestion at bone‐breaking sites or ossuaries; bone remains subsequently accumulate at their nesting places leading to potential mixing with human‐derived or carnivore‐derived assemblages. This fact could lead to incorrect palaeoeconomic interpretations that can be avoided if the taphonomic contribution of this bird of prey is correctly identified. Here, we present some key features to distinguish its presence in archaeo/palaeontological contexts. Bone surface alterations, breakage patterns and skeletal profiles are recorded. Several prehistoric, historic and modern assemblages accumulated by bearded vultures are studied. In addition, a new utility index based on bearded vulture dietary preferences that can be compared with skeletal element abundance in terms of %MAU (Minimal Animal Units) has been defined. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Prediction of the risk for gastric cancer using candidate methylation markers in the non‐neoplastic gastric mucosae
Authors: Shin Cheol Min , Kim Nayoung , Park Ji Hyun , Kang Gyeong Hoon , Kim Joo Sung , Jung Hyun Chae , Song In Sung
Published: September 2011

Aberrant DNA methylation is frequently found during gastric carcinogenesis. Recently, we identified potential methylation markers important for Helicobacter pylori‐induced gastric carcinogenesis using an Illumina methylation chip assay. In this study, we evaluated the candidate genes as markers for gastric cancer (GC) in a large Korean population. DNA methylation of PTPN6, MOS, DCC, CRK, and VAV1 was evaluated in non‐neoplastic gastric specimens using quantitative methylation‐specific PCR in patients with GC (n = 207) and their age‐ and gender‐matched controls (n = 207). Methylation levels in 125 GC samples were also compared. H. pylori infection status was categorized as negative, active, or past infection according to the results of endoscopy‐based tests (CLOtest, histology, and culture), H. pylori serology, and serum pepsinogen test. In the controls, active H. pylori infection increased methylation levels in DCC, CRK, MOS, and VAV1 but decreased methylation levels in PTPN6 (all p < 0.05); the methylation levels in MOS remained increased in patients with past H. pylori infection compared to H. pylori‐negative subjects (p < 0.001). Methylation levels in MOS in non‐neoplastic gastric mucosae increased in the presence of GC, regardless of H. pylori infection status (p < 0.01). Methylation levels in all genes but DCC decreased significantly in GC specimens compared to neoplastic gastric mucosae (p < 0.01); however, methylation levels in GC tissues were not correlated with those in their background gastric mucosae. Hypomethylation of MOS in GC tissues was associated with tumour invasion, nodal metastasis, and undifferentiated histology (p < 0.05). To summarize, among the candidate genes, DNA methylation of MOS may reflect the duration of H. pylori exposure and may be a marker for the development of GC. Copyright © 2012 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
1H and 13C nuclear magnetic resonance assignments of polyneuridine, 19‐(Z)‐akuammidine and 16‐epi‐voacarpine
Authors: Lin Long‐Ze , Cordell Geoffrey A.
Published: September 2011

The proton and carbon‐13 nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectra of polyneuridine from Rhazya orientalis, 19‐(Z)‐akuammidine and 16‐epi‐voacarpine from Gelsemium elegans have been unambiguously assigned through COSY, nOe, AFT, HETCOR, CSCM 1D and selective INEPT spectroscopy.
HPLC Analysis of the main alkaloids from Eschscholtzia Californica cham
Authors: Guédon D. , Cappelaere N. , Simanek V.
Published: September 2011

A rapid prechromatographic sample preparation and a reversed phase high performance liquid chromatographic (RP‐HPLC) ion pair method have been developed for the qualitative and quantitative analysis of the main alkaloids of Eschscholtzia californica, namely allocryptopine, californidine, chelerythrine, eschscholtzine, N‐methyllaurotetanine, protopine and sanguinarine. The identity and purity of the component HPLC‐peaks were established by photodiode array detection and by comparison with standards. The distribution of alkaloids in the organs of the plant was examined: allocryptopine is the main constituent in roots, whilst californidine is the major alkaloid in all aerial organs except flowers where the main compound is eschscholtzine. HPLC fingerprint chromatograms of extracts of E. californica from different commercial sources were found to be similar.
Novel bioresorbable hydrogels prepared from chitosan‐graft‐polylactide copolymers
Authors: Hu Yanfei , Liu Yufei , Qi Xu , Liu Pei , Fan Zhongyong , Li Suming
Published: September 2011

A series of biodegradable chitosan‐graft‐polylactide (CS‐g‐PLA) copolymers were prepared by grafting of poly(L‐lactide) (PLLA) or poly(D‐lactide) (PDLA) precursor to the backbone of chitosan using N,N′‐carbonyldiimidazole as coupling agent. The composition of the copolymers was varied by adjusting the chain length of PLA as well as the ratio of chitosan to PLA. The copolymers synthesized via this ‘graft‐onto’ method present interesting properties as shown by NMR and infrared spectroscopy, gel permeation chromatography and solubility tests. Hydrogels were prepared by mixing water‐soluble CS‐g‐PLLA and CS‐g‐PDLA solutions. Gelation was assigned to stereocomplexation between PLLA and PDLA blocks as evidenced by differential scanning calorimetry and wide‐angle X‐ray diffraction measurements. Thymopentin (TP5) was taken as a model drug to evaluate the potential of these CS‐g‐PLA hydrogels as drug carriers. An initial burst and a final release up to 82% of TP5 were observed from high‐performance liquid chromatography analysis. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry
Proteomic analysis of brain proteins in APP/PS‐1 human double mutant knock‐in mice with increasing amyloid β‐peptide deposition: Insights into the effects of in vivo treatment with N‐acetylcysteine as a potential therapeutic intervention in mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Robinson Renã A. S. , Joshi Gururaj , Huang Quanzhen , Sultana Rukhsana , Baker Austin S. , Cai Jian , Pierce William , St. Clair Daret K. , Markesbery William R. , Butterfield D. Allan
Published: September 2011

Proteomics analyses were performed on the brains of wild‐type (WT) controls and an Alzheimer's disease (AD) mouse model, APP/PS‐1 human double mutant knock‐in mice. Mice were given either drinking water or water supplemented with N‐acetylcysteine (NAC) (2 mg/kg body weight) for a period of five months. The time periods of treatment correspond to ages prior to Aβ deposition (i.e. 4–9 months), resembling human mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and after Aβ deposition (i.e. 7–12 months), more closely resembling advancing stages of AD. Substantial differences exist between the proteomes of WT and APP/PS‐1 mice at 9 or 12 months, indicating that Aβ deposition and oxidative stress lead to downstream changes in protein expression. Altered proteins are involved in energy‐related pathways, excitotoxicity, cell cycle signaling, synaptic abnormalities, and cellular defense and structure. Overall, the proteomic results support the notion that NAC may be beneficial for increasing cellular stress responses in WT mice and for influencing the levels of energy‐ and mitochondria‐related proteins in APP/PS‐1 mice.
One‐pot nonreductive O‐glycan release and labeling with 1‐phenyl‐3‐methyl‐5‐pyrazolone followed by ESI‐MS analysis
Authors: Wang Chengjian , Fan Wancui , Zhang Ping , Wang Zhongfu , Huang Linjuan
Published: September 2011

A novel one‐pot procedure for the nonreductive release of O‐linked glycans from glycoproteins and the simultaneous derivatization of released glycans with 1‐phenyl‐3‐methyl‐5‐pyrazolone (PMP) is described. Unlike the traditional reductive β‐elimination, which produces alditols, this new method employs PMP/ammonia aqueous solution as the reaction medium. The O‐glycans are released from glycoproteins and derivatized with PMP nonreductively, specifically, and quantitatively. Samples can be easily purified from ammonia, excess PMP, and peptide residues by evaporation, chloroform extraction, and solid‐phase extraction (SPE) column fractionation for HPLC, CE, or MS analysis. The procedure has been elaborated with two purified glycoproteins, porcine stomach mucin and bovine fetuin, and successfully applied to O‐glycan profiling of a challenging biological specimen, healthy human plasma. This new procedure has shown methodological significance in O‐glycan analysis.
Cell response of Escherichia coli to cisplatin‐induced stress
Authors: Stefanopoulou Maria , Kokoschka Malte , Sheldrick William S. , Wolters Dirk A.
Published: September 2011

Cisplatin is undoubtedly one of the most common and successful anticancer drugs worldwide. Though its DNA‐based mechanism of action is well established, the contribution of the proteome to this process remains unclear. The possible impact of particular Escherichia coli proteins on the cytostatic activity of cisplatin was the subject of this study. Our main focus was not only the ”bottom‐up” identification of novel cisplatin protein targets through LC/LC‐MS/MS analysis, but also a label‐free quantification of their regulation profile by spectral‐counting. The regulation of two proteins, aconitate hydratase 2 and 60 kDa chaperonin 1, could be linked to a platinated amino acid in the protein sequence, whereas in the cases of 30S ribosomal protein S1 and enolase, it could be shown that cisplatin fragments are coordinated to an essential site for the functionality of the protein. Nucleoside triphosphate pyrophosphohydrolase (MazG) regulates the programmed cell death and was found to be platinated on the protein surface, which probably correlates with the established mode of action. A possible new chapter in the understanding of cisplatin's mechanism of action and its severe side effects is opened, since evidence is provided that platinated proteins are not only involved in cellular stress response but also in energy metabolism through glycolysis and catabolic processes, in gene regulatory mechanisms and protein synthesis.
Influence of polymer particle size on the percolation threshold of electrically conductive latex‐based composites
Authors: Moriarty Gregory P. , Whittemore James H. , Sun Katherine Ann , Rawlins James W. , Grunlan Jaime C.
Published: September 2011

Monodispersed copolymer emulsions, each with a different polymer particle size, were used to investigate the effect of particle size on the electrical and thermomechanical properties of carbon black (CB)‐filled segregated network composites. These emulsions were synthesized with equal moles of methyl methacrylate and butyl acrylate, with latex particle size ranging from 83 to 771 nm. The electrical percolation threshold was found to decrease from 2.7 to 1.1 vol % CB as the latex particle size was increased. Microstructural images reveal diminished latex coalescence, and improved CB segregation, with increasing latex particle size. In general, coalescence is shown to increase for all systems with increasing CB concentration. Furthermore, all systems exhibited a similar maximum electrical conductivity plateau of 0.7 S cm−1, albeit at lower concentration for larger latex particle size. This ability to tailor percolation threshold with latex particle size provides an important tool for manipulating electrical and mechanical properties of polymer nanocomposites. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 49: 1547–1554, 2011
Dispersion of multiwalled carbon nanotubes in a rubber matrix using an internal mixer: Effects on rheological and electrical properties
Authors: Charman Maxime , Léonardi Frédéric , Dominguez Sébastien , Bissuel Cédric , Derail Christophe
Published: September 2011

The dispersion of multiwalled carbon nanotubes (CNTs) in an ethylene propylene rubber matrix was investigated using an internal mixer. Poly(ethylene‐co‐polyvinyl acetate) (EVA) statistic copolymer was used as a dispersing agent. The effects of the concentration of the dispersing agent and the matrix viscosity on the quality of the dispersion of 1 wt % of CNTs were studied by using microscopy and rheology in the melt state. It was demonstrated that the dispersion is governed principally by the viscosity of the matrix. As expected, better dispersion was observed when the matrix exhibited a lower viscosity. The influence of the filler content on the rheological and electrical properties is presented. A Cross model with a yield stress is proposed to describe the rheological behavior of these materials, which exhibit a viscoelastic solid behavior from 1 wt % CNT content. Electrical measurement data indicate that the electrical percolation threshold was 2.9 wt %. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 49: 1597–1604, 2011
Differences in depressed oncologic patients' narratives after receiving two different therapeutic interventions for depression: a qualitative study
Authors: Rodríguez Vega Beatriz , Orgaz Barnier Pablo , Bayón Carmen , Palao Ángela , Torres Guadalupe , Hospital Ana , Benito Guillermo , Dieguez Maria , Fernández Liria Alberto
Published: September 2011

Background

This study aims to explore differences in personal narratives of the experience of illness and treatment in depressed oncologic patients who received either combined treatment for depression (psychotherapy plus antidepressants) or standard treatment (antidepressants alone).

Methods

We employed a qualitative research design based on grounded theory. Data were collected from eight videotaped focus groups and semi‐structured interviews with a total of 28 participants. The research team reviewed interview transcripts and categorized the participants' responses using the ATLAS.ti (ATLAS.ti Scientific Software Development GmbH Hardenbergstr. 7 D‐10623, Berlin) software package.

Results

Compared with patients in the standard treatment group, patients in the combined treatment group were better able to relate their experiences of physical and emotional discomfort and find meaning in the experience of illness by viewing cancer as a transformative experience. In addition, patients in the combined treatment group tended to use more active coping strategies based on acceptance of their situation and emphasized that psychotherapy had been helpful.

Conclusions

Qualitative analysis is an efficient method of examining the meaning of quantitative results in depth, particularly patients' perspectives on quality of life. Patients undergoing combined treatment consider psychotherapy to be a helpful tool and exhibit more personal growth than do patients undergoing standard treatment. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The influence of knowledge and perception of the risk of cervical cancer on screening behavior in mainland Chinese women
Authors: Gu Can , Chan Carmen W. H. , Twinn Sheila , Choi Kai Chow
Published: September 2011

Background

Theories of health behavior and empirical research highlight the risk perception as a significant factor for people adopting cancer screening. However, screening uptakes and risk perception of cervical cancer in mainland Chinese women remains unknown.

Objective

This paper adopted the protection motivation theory (PMT) to examine Chinese women's knowledge and perceptions of cervical cancer risk and factors influencing utilization of cervical screening.

Methods

A self‐administered questionnaire was completed by 167 participants in mainland China (79 nonscreened and 88 screened women) in 2007 which consisted of four sections: background information, women's attendance pattern for cervical screening, perceptions related to body health and knowledge about cervical cancer and screening, and PMT measures.

Results

All women considered themselves at low risk of cervical cancer. No significant association was observed between previous screening uptake and PMT variables. Using multivariate analysis, having children, a perception that visiting doctors regularly is important to health, average and high levels of knowledge about cervical screening were significantly associated with having been received screening.

Conclusion

Chinese women demonstrated an unrealistic optimism about their personal risk of cervical cancer. The findings do not support an association between risk perception and screening uptake. In spite of this, current findings revealed some possible factors influencing women's screening behavior. This study highlights the significance of knowledge and culturally‐relevant health behavior and beliefs about cervical screening for Chinese women in determining whether or not they receive screening. The promotion of cervical cancer prevention and early detection should be integrated into public education about women's health. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Factors accounting for a missed diagnosis of cystic fibrosis after newborn screening
Authors: Rock Michael J. , Levy Hara , Zaleski Christina , Farrell Philip M.
Published: September 2011

Newborn screening is a public health policy program involving the centralized testing laboratory, infant and their family, primary care provider, and subspecialist for confirmatory testing and follow‐up of abnormal results. Cystic fibrosis (CF) newborn screening has now been enacted in all 50 states and the District of Columbia and throughout many countries in the world. Although CF neonatal screening will identify the vast majority of infants with CF, there are many factors in the newborn screening system that can lead to a missed diagnosis of CF. To inform clinicians, this article summarizes the CF newborn screening system and highlights 14 factors that can account for a missed diagnosis of CF. Care providers should maintain a high suspicion for CF if there are compatible symptoms, regardless of the results of the newborn screening test. These factors in newborn screening programs leading to a missed diagnosis of CF present opportunities for quality improvement in specimen collection, laboratory analysis of immunoreactive tryspinogen (IRT) and CF mutation testing, communication, and sweat testing. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2011; 46: 1166–1174. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Recurrent pleural effusion without intrathoracic migration of ventriculoperitoneal shunt catheter: A case report
Authors: Chuen‐im Piyaporn , Smyth Matthew D. , Segura Bradley , Ferkol Thomas , Rivera‐Spoljaric Katherine
Published: September 2011

Pleural effusion is a rare complication of ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunting, usually due to the migration of the VP shunt catheter into the thorax. Herein we report a neurologically disadvantaged child with alobar holoprosencephaly and hydrocephalus, initially treated with a VP shunt, who years later developed recurrent right‐sided pleural effusion ultimately confirmed to be a cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) hydrothorax without intra‐thoracic migration of the distal shunt catheter. Thoracentesis was compatible with a transudative effusion. Given the presence of a persistent pleural effusion, beta‐2 transferrin concentrations were measured, which yielded a positive result. Plain radiographs and head computed tomography (CT) showed a normally positioned, functional VP shunt. A spine CT myelogram to look for a spinal dural‐thoracic CSF fistula was negative. A radionuclide CSF shunt study demonstrated normal functioning VP shunt with radiotracer accumulation within the peritoneum, with subsequent tracer rapidly accumulating in the right hemithorax. Video‐assisted thoracoscopic (VATS) exploration with drainage of the pleural effusion and pleurodesis was then performed. No diaphragmatic defect or shunt tubing within the thorax was found and the procedure failed to resolve the effusion. The patient's recurrent effusion was ultimately resolved with intracranial endoscopic choroid plexus coagulation to decrease CSF output. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2012; 47:91–95. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Acid and non‐acid reflux during physiotherapy in young children with cystic fibrosis
Authors: Doumit Michael , Krishnan Usha , Jaffé Adam , Belessis Yvonne
Published: September 2011

Background

Gastro‐esophageal reflux (GOR) may contribute to lung disease in children with cystic fibrosis (CF). There is conflicting evidence regarding the effect of chest physiotherapy (CPT) in the head‐down position on GOR. Furthermore, there is currently no evidence on the impact of physiotherapy on GOR as assessed by pH‐multichannel intraluminal impedance (pH‐MII).

Aims

(1) To characterize GOR in young children with CF. (2) To determine whether the head‐down position during physiotherapy exacerbates GOR.

Methods

Children were studied using pH‐MII monitoring over 24‐hr, during which they received two 20‐min sessions of CPT. One session was performed in “modified” drainage positions with no head‐down tilt and the alternate session in “gravity‐assisted” drainage positions, which included 20° head‐down tilt.

Results

Twenty children with CF (8 males), median age 12 months (range 8–34) were recruited. A total of 1,374 reflux episodes were detected in all children, of which 869 (63%) were acid and 505 (37%) were non‐acid. Seventy‐two percent of the episodes migrated proximally. During CPT, there was no significant difference between total number of reflux episodes in the modified or gravity‐assisted positions, median [inter‐quartile range (IQR)] 1 (0–2.5) compared to 1 (0.75–3) episode, respectively, P = 0.63. There was also no significant difference between the number of reflux episodes which migrated proximally, median (IQR) 1 (0–2) compared to 0 (0–2) episodes, respectively, P = 0.75.

Conclusion

In young children with CF, GOR is primarily acidic and proximal migration is common. Physiotherapy in the head‐down position does not appear to exacerbate GOR. The impact of GOR on lung disease remains to be elucidated. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2012; 47:119–124. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Infection control knowledge, attitudes, and practices among cystic fibrosis patients and their families
Authors: Miroballi Yolanda , Garber Elizabeth , Jia Haomiao , Zhou Juyan Julia , Alba Luis , Quittell Lynne M , Angst Denise , Cabana Michael , Saiman Lisa ,   and the CF Infection Control Study Consortium
Published: September 2011

Background

In 2003, the Cystic Fibrosis (CF) Foundation in the United States published evidence‐based infection control guidelines and distributed these to CF care centers. However, it is unclear how well the guidelines have been disseminated to patients and families, how well patients and families understand the principles of infection control, and what barriers they experience implementing the guidelines.

Methods

We assessed infection control knowledge, attitudes, and practices among CF patients and their families at 17 randomly selected CF centers. Anonymous surveys were completed by CF patients (≥16 years old) or their family members (patients <16 years old). To adjust for similarities of patients within each center, generalized estimating equations regression was used.

Results

From January 2007 to May 2009, 1,399 respondents completed surveys of whom 38% were patients and 62% were family members (overall mean age of patients = 14 years). Overall, 65% of respondents were aware of the CF infection control guidelines, but only 30% had discussed them more than once with their CF care team. More than one discussion was associated with increased knowledge of infection control, including routes of pathogen transmission; the importance of avoiding close contact with other CF patients; increased confidence in practicing infection control; and increased belief in the health benefits of infection control.

Conclusions

This study revealed that many CF patients and families are aware of the infection control guidelines, but that few had discussed them more than once with their CF teams. These findings underscore the importance of engaging patients and their families in regular discussions about infection control that address questions and concerns including the potential impact of infection control on health and well‐being. Further strategies are needed to overcome barriers to implementing these guidelines. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2012; 47:144–152. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Assessing asthma control: Symptom scores, GINA levels of asthma control, lung function, and exhaled nitric oxide
Authors: Waibel Vanessa , Ulmer Hanno , Horak Elisabeth
Published: September 2011

Background

The childhood asthma control test (C‐ACT) is a validated symptom score for assessing asthma control in children. We used a slightly modified version (C‐ACTM) of the German C‐ACT and compared our results with the literature, correlated the children's part of C‐ACT (C‐ACTchildren) with a visual analogue scale (VASchildren), explored the agreement between C‐ACTM and GINA levels of asthma control, as well as the relationship between C‐ACTM and lung function and exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO).

Methods

We investigated 107 children with a diagnosis of asthma. The study protocol consisted of a clinical examination, assessment of asthma control according to GINA guidelines, administration of C‐ACTM, VASchildren, lung function, and FeNO.

Results

Of our patients 66% had, according to GINA, partly controlled‐/uncontrolled asthma, 18% were uncontrolled according to C‐ACTM. Children with partly controlled‐/uncontrolled asthma according to GINA had lower C‐ACTM scores than did children with controlled asthma (16.1 ± 3.6 SD vs. 25.4 ± 1.8 SD; P < 0.000), and children with a C‐ACTM score ≤ 19 had poorer lung function (mean FEV1% predicted 81.5 ± 13.5 SD vs. 94.2 ± 12.1 SD; P = 0.002). Spearman's rank correlation coefficients revealed significant correlations between all symptom scores. Multiple linear regression adjusted for age, gender, FEV1 and FeNO demonstrated a significant relationship between C‐ACTM, VASchildren, and FEV1 (P = 0.003, resp. <0.000), but no significant correlation between C‐ACTM, VASchildren, and FeNO.

Conclusions

The German version of C‐ACTM is valid and useful for monitoring children with asthma along with tests aimed to follow up lung function and airway inflammation. Concordance between C‐ACTM and GINA is moderate, because asthma control assessed by C‐ACTM allows more symptoms and lung function is not included in the scoring. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2012; 47:113–118. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Refining the orthotopic dog prostate cancer (DPC)‐1 model to better bridge the gap between rodents and men
Authors: Anidjar Maurice , Scarlata Eleonora , Cury Fabio L. , Rocha Joice , Hamel Lucie , Luz Murilo , Chevalier Simone
Published: September 2011

BACKGROUND

Rodent models are often suboptimal for translational research on human prostate cancer (PCa). To better fill the gap with human, we refined the previously described orthotopic dog prostate cancer (DPC)‐1 model.

METHODS

Cyclosporine (Cy) A was used for immune suppression at varying doses and time‐periods prior and after orthotopic DPC‐1 cell implantation in the dog prostate (n = 12). Follow up included digital rectal examination, ultrasound prostate imaging and biopsies of hypoechoic areas. At necropsy, the prostate, iliosacral lymph nodes (LN), lung nodules, and suspicious bone segments were collected for histopathology.

RESULTS

15 mg CyA/kg daily for 10 days was optimal for tumor take. Maintaining these conditions post‐implantation resulted in a rapid tumor development within and beyond the prostate and in iliosacral LNs. To minimize tumor burden, 10 times less DPC‐1 cells were implanted. A series of dogs was next followed for 3–4 months, under continuous immune suppression (n = 3) or with CyA interruption at 8.5 weeks (n = 2). In all instances, multifocal tumors were found within the prostate. Predominant patterns were micropapillary and cribriform. Metastases were present in iliosacral LNs and lungs. Moreover, pelvic bone metastases producing a mixed osteoblastic/osteolytic reaction were confirmed in two dogs, one per group. Lastly, the release of CyA 1–2 weeks post‐implantation (n = 3) did not prevent tumor growth and spreading to LNs.

CONCLUSIONS

The continuing growth of DPC‐1 tumors despite the release of CyA and, for the first time, spreading to bones renders this refined model closer to the spontaneous canine and hormone‐refractory phase of human PCa. Prostate 72:752–761, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Diversity in Chinese Auckland: Hypothesising Multiple Ethnoburbs
Authors: Xue Jingjing , Friesen Wardlow , O'Sullivan David
Published: September 2011

In relation to its population, New Zealand has a high rate of immigration, and these immigrants are concentrated in the primate city of Auckland. This study considers the settlement of Chinese migrants in Auckland and considers their spatial distribution using the concept of ‘ethnoburb’. The location of Chinese residents and businesses is mapped and analysed to consider whether the concept of ethnoburb is useful in this context, which has similarities and differences from the Los Angeles context in which the concept was originally proposed. The areas where Chinese clustering is greatest are identified, and the characteristics of the residents of these clusters are compared. Distinctive differences in terms of age, ethnic diversity, migrant origin, education, occupation, and Chinese business concentration are apparent between different areas, and this has lead us to hypothesise that these areas can be described as distinctive ethnoburbs, rather than a single homogeneous ethnoburb. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Correlation between quenching temperature and internal friction behavior in Zr55Al10Ni5Cu30 bulk metallic glasses
Authors: Wang Zhi‐zhi , Zu Fang‐qiu , Zhang Zhang , Cui Xiao , Li Liang , Shui Jia‐peng
Published: September 2011

It is widely accepted that the structures and properties of solids are influenced greatly by its matrilineal liquid state. In the present paper, the correlation between the internal friction behavior of Zr55Al10Ni5Cu30 BMG samples and their quenching temperatures was investigated. The measured tan ϕ − T curves showed that the positions of internal friction peaks did not change with frequencies for all samples. But they were shifted to higher temperature with the quenching temperature elevated. In the supercooled liquid, the higher the melt temperature was, the lower the internal friction was. Based on the theory of Perez, the correlation parameter χ was deduced from tan ϕ − f curves in the vicinity of Tg. The change of the value of χ showed that the melt temperature had significantly influence on the mechanical relaxation of metallic glasses.