bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Spurious currents in finite element based level set methods for two‐phase flow
Authors: Zahedi Sara , Kronbichler Martin , Kreiss Gunilla
Published: July 2011

A study of spurious currents in continuous finite element based simulations of the incompressible Navier–Stokes equations for two‐phase flows is presented on the basis of computations on a circular drop in equilibrium. The conservative and the standard level set methods are used. It is shown that a sharp surface tension force, expressed as a line integral along the interface, can give rise to large spurious currents and oscillations in the pressure that do not decrease with mesh refinement. If instead a regularized surface tension representation is used, exact force balance at the interface is possible, both for a fully coupled discretization approach and for a fractional step projection method. However, the numerical curvature calculation introduces errors that cause spurious currents. Different ways to extend the curvature from the interface to the whole domain are discussed and investigated. The impact of using different finite element spaces and stabilization methods is also considered. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A three‐dimensional numerical internal tidal model involving adjoint method
Authors: Chen Haibo , Miao Chunbao , Lv Xianqing
Published: July 2011

A three‐dimensional internal tidal model involving the adjoint method is constructed based on the nonlinear, time‐dependent, free‐surface hydrodynamic equations in spherical coordinates horizontally, and isopycnic coordinates vertically, subject to the hydrostatic approximations. This model consists of two submodels: the forward model is used for the simulation of internal tides, while the adjoint model is used for optimization of modal parameters. Mode splitting technique is employed in both forward and adjoint models. In this model, the adjoint method is employed to estimate model parameters by assimilating the interior observations. As a preliminary feasibility study, a set of ideal experiments with the model‐generated pseudo‐observations of surface currents are performed to invert the open boundary conditions (OBCs). In the ideal experiments, 14 kinds of bottom topographies and six kinds of predetermined distributions of OBCs are considered to examine their influence on experiment results. The inversion obtained satisfying results and all the predetermined distributions were successfully inverted. Analysis of results suggests the following: in the case where the spatial variation of the OBC distribution is great or the open boundary is close to a rough topography, the results will be comparatively poor, but still satisfactory; both the tidal elevations and currents can be simulated very accurately with the surface currents at several observation points; the assimilation precision could be reliable and able to reflect both of the inversion and simulation results in the whole field. The performance and results of ideal experiments give a preliminary indication that the construction of this model is successful. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Age differences in symptom expression in patients with major depression
Authors: Hybels Celia F. , Landerman Lawrence R. , Blazer Dan G.
Published: July 2011

Objective

The aim of the study was to compare symptom expression in primarily middle‐aged (<60) and older (60+) patients who were depressed and determine if symptom profiles differed by age.

Methods

Patients diagnosed with major depression (N = 664) were screened using the Center for Epidemiologic Studies—Depression scale and sections of the Diagnostic Interview Schedule. Patients were separated into homogeneous clusters based on symptom endorsement using latent class analysis.

Results

Older patients were less likely to endorse crying spells, sadness, feeling fearful, being bothered, or feeling life a failure but were more likely to endorse poor appetite and loss of interest in sex. Older patients were also less likely to report enjoying life, feeling as good as others, feeling worthless, wanting to die, and thinking about suicide. In two latent class models with depressive symptoms as indicators, three‐class models best fit the data. Profiles supported heterogeneity in symptom expression. Clusters differed by age when other demographic, clinical, health, and social variables were controlled but did not support age‐specific symptom profiles. Overall, older patients had later age of onset, had fewer lifetime spells, were more likely to have ever received electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), and were less likely to have comorbid anxiety. Older patients also had more cognitive impairment, health conditions, and mobility limitations but had higher levels of subjective social support and had experienced fewer stressful life events.

Conclusions

There are age differences in symptom endorsement between younger/middle‐aged and older patients with major depression. The data, however, did not identify a symptom profile unique to late‐life depression. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Oxygen‐dependent delayed fluorescence measured in skin after topical application of 5‐aminolevulinic acid
Authors: Harms Floor A. , de Boon Wadim M. I. , Balestra Gianmarco M. , Bodmer Sander I. A. , Johannes Tanja , Stolker Robert J. , Mik Egbert G.
Published: July 2011

Mitochondrial oxygen tension can be measured in vivo by means of oxygen‐dependent quenching of delayed fluorescence of protoporphyrin IX (PpIX). Here we demonstrate that delayed fluorescence is readily observed from skin in rat and man after topical application of the PpIX precursor 5‐aminolevulinic acid (ALA). Delayed fluorescence lifetimes respond to changes in inspired oxygen fraction and blood supply. The signals contain lifetime distributions and the fitting of rectangular distributions to the data appears more adequate than mono‐exponential fitting. The use of topically applied ALA for delayed fluorescence lifetime measurements might pave the way for clinical use of this technique. (© 2011 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
A fluorescence lifetime spectroscopy study of matrix metalloproteinases‐2 and ‐9 in human atherosclerotic plaque
Authors: Phipps Jennifer E. , Hatami Nisa , Galis Zorina S. , Baker J. Dennis , Fishbein Michael C. , Marcu Laura
Published: July 2011

Matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)‐2 and ‐9 play important roles in the progression of atherosclerosis. This study aims to determine whether MMP‐2 and ‐9 content in the fibrotic caps of atherosclerotic plaque is correlated with plaque autofluorescence. A time‐resolved laser‐induced fluorescence spectroscopy (TR‐LIFS) system was used to measure the autofluorescence and assess the biochemical composition of human plaques obtained from carotid endarterectomy. Results presented here demonstrate for the first time the ability to characterize the biochemical composition as it relates to MMP‐2 and ‐9 content in the atherosclerotic plaque cap using a label‐free imaging technique implemented with a fiberoptic TR‐LIFS system. (© 2011 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
A new regulator of osteoclastogenesis: Estrogen response element–binding protein in bone
Authors: Chen Hong , Gilbert Linda C , Lu X , Liu Zhaofan , You Shaojin , Weitzmann M Neale , Nanes Mark S , Adams John
Published: July 2011

The heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein (hnRNP)–like estrogen response element–binding protein (ERE-BP) competes with estrogen receptor α (ERα) for occupancy of estrogen response elements (EREs). Here we report that ERE-BP potently stimulates osteoclastogenesis. ERE-BP mRNA and protein were found to be expressed ubiquitously in bone. Overexpression of ERE-BP in cultured osteoblasts stimulated expression of the receptor activator of NF-κB ligand (RANKL) and decreased osteoprotegerin (OPG). The effect of ERE-BP on RANKL was shown to be transcriptional in transient transfection assay and competed with via the ER. Constitutive expression of ERE-BP increased the sensitivity of cells toward 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 stimulation of RANKL expression. In contrast, knockdown of ERE-BP in stromal ST-2 cells decreased basal RANKL promoter activity. Cocultures of ERE-BP lentivirus–transduced ST-2 cells with spleen monocytes induced formation of multinucleated osteoclasts (OCs) characterized by tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase, calcitonin receptors, and functional calcium resorption from bone slices. Although ERα competed with ERE-BP for an ERE in a dose-dependent manner, ERE-BP was an independent and potent regulator of RANKL and osteoclastogenesis. In preosteoclastic RAW cells, overexpression of ERE-BP increased RANK, upregulated NF-κB signaling, and enhanced differentiation toward a mature OC phenotype independent of RANKL. These results identify ERE-BP as a potent modulator of osteoclastogenesis. We hypothesize that ERE-BP may play a critical role in the regulation of bone homeostasis as a modulator of estrogen sensitivity as well as by direct action on the transcription of critical osteoclastogenic genes. © 2011 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research
The timing of BMD and geometric adaptation at the proximal femur from childhood to early adulthood in males and females: A longitudinal study
Authors: Jackowski Stefan A , Kontulainen Saija A , Cooper David ML , Lanovaz Joel L , Baxter-Jones Adam DG
Published: July 2011

During adolescence, the peak velocity in bone mass accretion preceded the peak velocity of estimated geometry at the hip. Whether this pattern continues into adulthood when maximum values are achieved remains unknown. The purpose of this study was (1) to identify the ages at which peak values of areal BMD (aBMD), cross-sectional area (CSA), and section modulus (Z) occur, (2) to determine the percent of adult peak attained during adolescence, and (3) to determine the relationship between body composition and the timing of the adult peak values.

One-hundred and sixty-five (92 females) individuals' aBMD, CSA, and Z values were assessed serially at the narrow neck (NN), intertrochanter (IT), and shaft (S) using hip structural analysis (HSA). Peak bone values and the ages of attainment were assessed using factorial MANOVA.

In males, aBMDp (NN 19.4 ± 2.7 years, IT 20 ± 3.4 years, and S 21.8 ± 2.8 years) occurred significantly earlier than CSAp at all sites (NN 21.6 ± 3.2 years, IT 21.1 ± 3.4 years, and S 22.3 ± 3.1 years) and earlier than Zp at the NN (22 ± 3.2 years) and IT (21.3 ± 2.9 years). In females, aBMDp (NN 17.9 ± 2.7 years, IT 18.7 ± 3.5 years, and S 19.7 ± 3.3 years) occurred significantly earlier than CSAp at all sites (NN 20.6 ± 3.6 years, IT 19.4 ± 3.9 years, and S 21.0 ± 3.3 years) and earlier than Zp at the NN (20.7 ± 3.4 years) and S (20.6 ± 3.5 years). The changes in bone mass precede changes in geometric CSA, and this timing may be integral for the development and maintenance of bone strength. © 2011 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research
The effect of adding PTH(1–84) to conventional treatment of hypoparathyroidism: A randomized, placebo-controlled study
Authors: Sikjaer Tanja , Rejnmark Lars , Rolighed Lars , Heickendorff Lene , Mosekilde Leif ,   the Hypoparathyroid Study Group
Published: July 2011

In hypoparathyroidism, plasma parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels are inadequate to maintain plasma calcium concentration within the reference range. On conventional treatment with calcium supplements and active vitamin D analogues, bone turnover is abnormally low, and BMD is markedly increased. We aimed to study the effects of PTH-replacement therapy (PTH-RT) on calcium-phosphate homeostasis and BMD. In a double-blind design, we randomized 62 patients with hypoparathyroidism to daily treatment with PTH(1–84) 100 µg or similar placebo for 24 weeks as add-on therapy to conventional treatment. Compared with placebo, patients on PTH(1–84) reduced their daily dose of calcium and active vitamin D significantly by 75% and 73%, respectively, without developing hypocalcemia. However, hypercalcemia occurred frequently during the downtitration of calcium and active vitamin D. Plasma phosphate and renal calcium and phosphate excretion did not change. Compared with placebo, PTH(1–84) treatment significantly increased plasma levels of bone-specific alkaline phosphatase (+226% ± 36%), osteocalcin (+807% ± 186%), N-terminal propeptide of procollagen 1 (P1NP; +1315% ± 330%), cross-linked C-telopeptide of type 1 collagen (CTX; +1209% ± 459%), and urinary cross-linked N-telopeptide of type 1 collagen (NTX; (+830% ± 165%), whereas BMD decreased at the hip (−1.59% ± 0.57%), lumbar spine (−1.76% ± 1.03%), and whole body (−1.26% ± 0.49%) but not at the forearm. In conclusion, the need for calcium and active vitamin D is reduced significantly during PTH-RT, whereas plasma calcium and phosphate levels are maintained within the physiologic range. In contrast to the effect of PTH(1–84) treatment in patients with osteoporosis, PTH-RT in hypoparathyroidism causes a decrease in BMD. This is most likely due to the marked increased bone turnover. Accordingly, PTH-RT counteracts the state of overmineralized bone and, during long-term treatment, may cause a more physiologic bone metabolism. © 2011 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research
An integrative study ascertained SOD2 as a susceptibility gene for osteoporosis in Chinese
Authors: Deng Fei-Yan , Lei Shu-Feng , Chen Xiang-Ding , Tan Li-Jun , Zhu Xue-Zhen , Deng Hong-Wen
Published: July 2011

Osteoporosis is characterized by low BMD and has strong genetic determination. However, specific genetic variants influencing BMD and contributing to the pathogenesis of osteoporosis are largely uncharacterized. Current genetic studies in bone, which are aimed at identification of osteoporosis risk genes, are focused mostly on DNA, RNA, or the protein level individually, lacking integrative evidence from the three levels of genetic information flow to confidently ascertain the significance of genes for osteoporosis. Our previous proteomics study discovered that superoxide dismutase 2 (SOD2) in circulating monocytes (CMCs, ie, potential osteoclast precursors) was significantly upregulated at protein level in vivo in Chinese with low versus high hip BMD. Herein, at mRNA level, we found that SOD2 gene expression also was upregulated in CMCs (p < 0.05) in Chinese with low versus high hip BMD. At the DNA level, in 1627 unrelated Chinese subjects, we identified eight single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) at the SOD2 gene locus that were suggestively associated with hip BMD (peak signal at rs11968525, p = 0.048). Among the eight SNPs, three SNPs (rs7754103, rs7754295, and rs2053949) were associated with the SOD2 mRNA expression level (p < 0.05), suggesting that they are expression quantitative trait loci (eQTLs) regulating SOD2 gene expression. In conclusion, this integrative evidence from DNA, RNA, and protein levels support SOD2 as a susceptibility gene for osteoporosis. © 2011 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research
Dickkopf-1 regulates bone formation in young growing rodents and upon traumatic injury
Authors: Li Xiaodong , Grisanti Mario , Fan Wei , Asuncion Frank J , Tan Hong-Lin , Dwyer Denise , Han Chun-Ya , Yu Longchuan , Lee Jae , Lee Edward , Barrero Mauricio , Kurimoto Pam , Niu Qing-Tian , Geng Zhaopo , Winters Aaron , Horan Tom , Steavenson Shirley , Jacobsen Frederick , Chen Qing , Haldankar Raj , Lavallee Jennifer , Tipton Barbara , Daris Mark , Sheng Jackie , Lu Hsieng S , Daris Kristi , Deshpande Rohini , Valente Eliane G , Salimi-Moosavi Hossein , Kostenuik Paul J , Li Ji , Liu Min , Li Chaoyang , Lacey David L , Simonet W Scott , Ke Hua Zhu , Babij Philip , Stolina Marina , Ominsky Michael S , Richards William G
Published: July 2011

The physiological role of Dickkopf-1 (Dkk1) during postnatal bone growth in rodents and in adult rodents was examined utilizing an antibody to Dkk1 (Dkk1-Ab) that blocked Dkk1 binding to both low density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 6 (LRP6) and Kremen2, thereby preventing the Wnt inhibitory activity of Dkk1. Treatment of growing mice and rats with Dkk1-Ab resulted in a significant increase in bone mineral density because of increased bone formation. In contrast, treatment of adult ovariectomized rats did not appreciably impact bone, an effect that was associated with decreased Dkk1 expression in the serum and bone of older rats. Finally, we showed that Dkk1 plays a prominent role in adult bone by mediating fracture healing in adult rodents. These data suggest that, whereas Dkk1 significantly regulates bone formation in younger animals, its role in older animals is limited to pathologies that lead to the induction of Dkk1 expression in bone and/or serum, such as traumatic injury. © 2011 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research
Synthesis and preclinical pharmacological evaluation of 99mTc‐TEDP as a novel bone imaging agent
Authors: Motaleb M. A. , Sakr T. M.
Published: July 2011

The detection of bone metastasis in early stages requires the development of high‐affinity bone imaging radiopharmaceuticals for the improvement of the diagnostic accuracy of routine bone scanning and effective management of these medical cases. This study aimed to provide a convenient synthesis of 1‐thioethylidene‐l,l‐disodiumphosphonate (TEDP) and an improved preparation of its 99mTc‐TEDP complex. The results showed that the radiochemical purity of 99mTc‐TEDP was found to be 95 ± 2% and that its stability was up to 6 h. Biodistribution study showed high and long uptake of 99mTc‐TEDP in bone starting from 15 min (39 ± 4 ID/g) to 3 h (53 ± 2.4 ID/g) showing high affinity of 99mTc‐TEDP complex to bones. This research could introduce a novel radiopharmaceutical that could be used in scanning body bones starting from 15 min between injection of 99mTc‐TEDP and bone imaging, minimizing the burden on patients in terms of the total length of the examination and the dose of radiation absorbed and showing high specificity and efficacy in bone scintigraphy.
Synthesis of 13C‐labeled derivatives of cysteine for magnetic resonance imaging studies of drug uptake and conversion to glutathione in rat brain
Authors: Amoyaw Prince N. A. , Springer James B. , Gamcsik Michael P. , Mutesi Rebecca L. , D'Alessandro Michael A. , Dempsey Collin R. , Ludeman Susan M.
Published: July 2011

Effects of neurodegeneration have been linked to inefficient detoxification of free radicals due to lowered concentrations of antioxidants, especially glutathione, in the brain. In the biosynthesis of glutathione, cysteine concentration is generally the limiting factor. Glutathione and cysteine administrations are not effective treatments for neurodegeneration because glutathione inefficiently crosses cell membranes and cysteine is neurotoxic at high concentrations. Prodrugs of glutathione and cysteine may have more favorable uptake and/or toxicity profiles. Three such prodrugs were synthesized with a 13C‐label such that in vivo uptake of each and conversion to glutathione in the brain could be monitored by magnetic resonance imaging. L‐[3‐13C]‐Cysteine was treated with sodium acetate trihydrate and acetic anhydride to give 2(R)‐N‐acetyl‐[3‐13C]‐cysteine ([13C]‐NAC; 96%). Addition of triphosgene to L‐[3‐13C]‐cysteine provided 4(R)‐[5‐13C]‐2‐oxothiazolidine‐4‐carboxylic acid ([13C]‐OTZ; 65%). A four‐step pathway was used to synthesize ethyl γ‐L‐glutamyl‐[3‐13C]‐L‐cysteinate ([13C]‐GCEE). L‐[3‐13C]‐Cysteine was esterified (100% yield) and then cyclized with acetaldehyde to give ethyl 2(R,S)‐methyl‐[5‐13C]‐thiazolidine‐4(R)‐carboxylate (73%) as a mixture of two diastereomers (65:35). The thiazolidine was silylated (bis(trimethylsilyl)trifluoroacetamide) and reacted with N‐phthaloyl‐L‐glutamic anhydride. Treatment with hydrazine afforded ethyl N‐[γ‐4′(S)‐glutamyl]‐2(R,S)‐methyl‐[5‐13C]‐thiazolidine‐4(R)‐carboxylate (48%; 73:27 mixture of diastereomers). This was converted to the desired product, [13C]‐GCEE (49%), using mercury (II) acetate and hydrogen sulfide.
Synthesis of labeled curcumin derivatives as tools for in vitro blood brain barrier trafficking studies
Authors: Zona Cristiano , La Ferla Barbara
Published: July 2011

Successful drug delivery to the brain is crucial for the therapy of many neurological disorders, including Alzheimer's disease. A stable tritiated pyrazole curcumin derivative, exhibiting ability to interact with Aβ peptide, has been synthesized to allow tracking studies in an in vitro model of blood brain barrier.
Proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy in patients with symptomatic unilateral internal carotid artery / middle cerebral artery stenosis or occlusion
Authors: Zhang Miao , Lu Jie , Jiao Liqun , Ma Qingfeng , Li Kuncheng
Published: July 2011

Purpose:

To explore the value of proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy imaging (1H‐MRSI) in patients with stenosis or occlusion of the internal carotid artery (ICA) / middle cerebral artery (MCA).

Materials and Methods:

Fifty noninfarcted patients with stenosis or occlusion of unilateral ICA/MCA were included in our study. In the meantime, 25 patients with cerebral infarction and 25 healthy control subjects were enrolled. All patients and healthy control subjects underwent 1H‐MRSI. Cerebral metabolic changes were studied in the noninfarcted patients and compared with the infarcted patients as well as healthy control subjects.

Results:

In 50 noninfarcted patients N‐acetylaspartate (NAA) decreased and choline increased in the ischemic hemisphere compared with the contralateral side and control subjects. Lactate peaks were observed in 12 patients. The metabolic changes were relatively slight but were associated with metabolic disruption in infarcted patients. There were relationships between metabolic abnormalities and neurological status of the noninfarcted patients.

Conclusion:

1H‐MRSI can demonstrate abnormal metabolic changes in cerebral tissues with no infarction, while with ICA/MCA may show stenosis or occlusion at an early stage, which may help guide treatment decisions and preoperative evaluation. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2011;. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Gas‐phase basicities of polyfunctional molecules. Part 2: Saturated basic sites
Authors: Bouchoux Guy , Salpin Jean‐Yves
Published: July 2011

The present article is the second part of a general overview of the gas‐phase protonation thermochemistry of polyfunctional molecules. The first part of the review (Mass Spectrom. Rev., 2007, 26:775–835) was devoted to the description of the physico‐chemical concepts and of the methods of determination, both experimental and theoretical, of gas‐phase basicity. Several clues concerning the structural and energetic aspects of the protonation of isolated species have been emphasized. In the present article, specific examples are examined. The field of investigation is limited to molecules containing a “saturated” basic site, that is, nitrogen or oxygen atoms engaged in simple σ bonds with their neighboring. Aliphatic, cyclic and aromatic poly‐amines, aminoalcohols, alcohols, ethers, and hydroxyl‐ethers, are successively presented. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Mass Spec Rev 31:353–390, 2012
Quantifying the impact of adding gap filling radar data on forecaster wind assessments, warnings, and confidence
Authors: Rude Don J. , Bass Ellen J. , Philips Brenda
Published: July 2011

Experimental weather radars are being developed that could enhance the severe weather warning process by providing higher resolution data sensed closer to the ground and with faster update rates. Because wind speed is an important criterion in the issuance of severe thunderstorm warnings, this research investigates the impact of adding these new data to the forecaster decision‐making process. In a static case review setting, 30 National Weather Service (NWS) forecasters evaluated six convective weather cases under two conditions: (1) using (conventional) WSR‐88D weather radar data, and, (2) using both WSR‐88D and additional data from an experimental four‐radar network. Forecasters' predictions of ground level wind gusts, 2–5 min into the future, were compared to measurements from ground‐based wind sensors. When provided with the additional radar data participants significantly improved the accuracy of their wind speed assessments (absolute error reduced from 5.9 m s−1 to 4.0 m s−1; p < 0.001), increased their assessment confidence ratings (p < 0.001), forecasted significantly greater wind speeds (20.4 m s−1 as opposed to 17.1 m s−1; p < 0.001), and increased the number of affirmative decisions to warn from 15 to 35 (p = 0.001). While the addition of high resolution, low altitude, rapidly updating radar data is shown to have both qualitative and quantitative benefits, training and warning policy implications for the incorporation of new technology must also be carefully considered as increased accuracy, confidence and higher wind speed estimates may lead to more warnings. Copyright © 2011 Royal Meteorological Society
Responsiveness of the major birch allergen Bet v 1 scaffold to the gastric environment: Impact on structure and allergenic activity
Authors: Sancho Ana I. , Wangorsch Andrea , Jensen Bettina M. , Watson Andrew , Alexeev Yuri , Johnson Phil E. , Mackie Alan R. , Neubauer Angela , Reese Gerald , Ballmer‐Weber Barbara , Hoffmann‐Sommergruber Karin , Skov Per S. , Vieths Stefan , Mills Elisabeth N. Clare
Published: July 2011

Scope: Four Bet v 1 homologous food allergens from celeriac (rApi g 1), apple (rMal d 1), peach (rPru p 1) and hazelnut (rCor a 1), were used to probe the structural responsiveness of the Bet v 1 scaffold to gastric digestion conditions and its impact on allergenicity.

Methods and results: Low pH induced conformational changes of all homologues, which was reduced at physiological ionic strength for all except rPru p 1 as observed by circular dichroism (CD)‐spectroscopy. The homologues were rapidly digested by pepsin, losing their IgE binding activity, although the kinetics and patterns of digestion varied subtly between homologues, rApi g 1 being the most stable. We have demonstrated for the first time that gastric phosphatidyl‐choline (PC) induced conformational changes in all homologues but only rMal d 1 penetrated the PC vesicles as detected by fluorescence polarization, slowing its digestion and retaining more of its allergenic activity. PC enhanced basophil activation of all digested allergens except rApi g 1.

Conclusion: The Bet v 1 scaffold is generally susceptible to low pH and pepsinolysis and interacts with PC vesicles, properties which can explain effects of the gastric environment on their allergenicity. These data show the importance of including surfactants in model digestion systems.
Regular endurance exercise improves the diminished hepatic carnitine status in mice fed a high‐fat diet
Authors: Ringseis Robert , Mooren Frank‐Christoph , Keller Janine , Couturier Aline , Wen Gaiping , Hirche Frank , Stangl Gabriele I. , Eder Klaus , Krüger Karsten
Published: July 2011

Scope: Metabolic stress induced by chronic high‐fat (HF) diet feeding or genetically induced diabetes impairs carnitine status. Herein, we tested the hypothesis that regular endurance exercise (EE) improves the HF diet‐induced impairment of carnitine status through stimulating the expression of hepatic genes involved in carnitine synthesis and uptake.

Methods and results: Eighteen male C57BL/6 mice were assigned to three groups: group S received a standard diet, group HF received a HF diet, and group HF+EE received an HF diet and was regularly exercised on a treadmill. After 10 wk, mice of the HF and the HF+EE groups were highly obese and insulin resistant compared with mice of the S group (p<0.05), but mice of the HF+EE group were less insulin resistant than those of the HF group (p<0.05). The HF group had lower carnitine concentrations and mRNA and protein levels of genes involved in carnitine synthesis and uptake in the liver than the S group (p<0.05), whereas these parameters did not differ between the S group and the HF+EE group.

Conclusion: These findings indicate that regular EE reverses an HF diet‐induced impairment of hepatic carnitine content by stimulating hepatic carnitine synthesis and uptake.
The multiple hats of Vasa: Its functions in the germline and in cell cycle progression
Authors: Yajima Mamiko , Wessel Gary M.
Published: July 2011

Vasa, an ATP‐dependent RNA helicase, is broadly conserved among various organisms from cnidarians to mammals. It has a rich history of utility as a germline marker, and is believed to function as a positive translational regulator in the determination and maintenance of germline cells. Studies in non‐model organisms, however, revealed that Vasa is also present in somatic cells of many tissues. In many cases these cells are multipotent, are non‐germline associated, and give rise to a variety of different tissue types. Recent work now also demonstrates that Vasa functions in the regulation of the cell cycle. Here, we discuss this newly described function of Vasa in mitotic and meiotic cell cycles, and we address the conundrum created within these observations, that is, that most cells are mitotically independent of Vasa, yet when Vasa is present in a cell, it appears to be essential for cell cycle progression. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 78:861–867, 2011. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Combining resources to obtain a comprehensive survey of the bovine embryo transcriptome through deep sequencing and microarrays
Authors: Robert Claude , Nieminen Julie , Dufort Isabelle , Gagné Dominic , Grant Jason R. , Cagnone Gaël , Plourde Dany , Nivet Anne‐Laure , Fournier Éric , Paquet Éric , Blazejczyk Michal , Rigault Philippe , Juge Nicolas , Sirard Marc‐André
Published: July 2011

While most assisted reproductive technologies (ART) are considered routine for the reproduction of species of economical importance, such as the bovine, the impact of these manipulations on the developing embryo remains largely unknown. In an effort to obtain a comprehensive survey of the bovine embryo transcriptome and how it is modified by ART, resources were combined to design an embryo‐specific microarray. Close to one million high‐quality reads were produced from subtracted bovine embryo libraries using Roche 454 Titanium deep sequencing technology, which enabled the creation of an augmented bovine genome catalog. This catalog was enriched with bovine embryo transcripts, and included newly discovered indel type and 3′UTR variants. Using this augmented bovine genome catalog, the EmbryoGENE Bovine Microarray was designed and is composed of a total of 42,242 probes, including 21,139 known reference genes; 9,322 probes for novel transcribed regions (NTRs); 3,677 alternatively spliced exons; 3,353 3′‐tiling probes; and 3,723 controls. A suite of bioinformatics tools was also developed to facilitate microrarray data analysis and database creation; it includes a quality control module, a Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) and microarray analysis software. Results obtained during this study have already led to the identification of differentially expressed blastocyst targets, NTRs, splice variants of the indel type, and 3′UTR variants. We were able to confirm microarray results by real‐time PCR, indicating that the EmbryoGENE bovine microarray has the power to detect physiologically relevant changes in gene expression. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 78:651–664, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Caffeine alleviates the deterioration of Ca2+ release mechanisms and fragmentation of in vitro‐aged mouse eggs
Authors: Zhang Nan , Wakai Takuya , Fissore Rafael. A.
Published: July 2011

The developmental competence of mammalian eggs is compromised by postovulatory aging. We and others have found that in these eggs, the intracellular calcium ([Ca2+]i) responses required for egg activation and initiation of development are altered. Nevertheless, the mechanism(s) underlying this defective Ca2+ release is not well known. Here, we investigated if the function of IP3R1, the major Ca2+ release channel at fertilization, was undermined in in vitro‐aged mouse eggs. We found that in aged eggs, IP3R1 displayed reduced function as many of the changes acquired during maturation that enhance IP3R1 Ca2+ conductivity, such as phosphorylation, receptor reorganization and increased Ca2+ store content ([Ca2+]ER), were lost with increasing postovulatory time. IP3R1 fragmentation, possibly associated with the activation of caspase‐3, was also observed in these eggs. Many of these changes were prevented when the postovulatory aging of eggs was carried out in the presence of caffeine, which minimized the decline in IP3R1 function and maintained [Ca2+]ER content. Caffeine also maintained mitochondrial membrane potential, as measured by JC‐1 fluorescence. We therefore conclude that [Ca2+]i responses in aged eggs are undermined by reduced IP3R1 sensitivity, decreased [Ca2+]ER, and compromised mitochondrial function, and that addition of caffeine ameliorates most of these aging‐associated changes. Understanding the molecular basis of the protective effects of caffeine will be useful in elucidating, and possibly reversing, the signaling pathway(s) compromised by in vitro culture of eggs. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 78:684–701, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
7 Tesla (T) human cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging using FLASH and SSFP to assess cardiac function: validation against 1.5 T and 3 T.
Authors: Suttie J. J. , DelaBarre L. , Pitcher A. , van de Moortele P. F. , Dass S. , Snyder C. J. , Francis J. M. , Metzger G. J. , Weale P. , Ugurbil K. , Neubauer S. , Robson M. , Vaughan T.
Published: July 2011

We report the first comparison of cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging (CMR) at 1.5 T, 3 T and 7 T field strengths using steady state free precession (SSFP) and fast low angle shot (FLASH) cine sequences. Cardiac volumes and mass measurements were assessed for feasibility, reproducibility and validity at each given field strength using FLASH and SSFP sequences. Ten healthy volunteers underwent retrospectively electrocardiogram (ECG) gated CMR at 1.5 T, 3 T and 7 T using FLASH and SSFP sequences. B1 and B0 shimming and frequency scouts were used to optimise image quality. Cardiac volume and mass measurements were not significantly affected by field strength when using the same imaging sequence (P > 0.05 for all parameters at 1.5 T, 3 T and 7 T). SSFP imaging returned larger end diastolic and end systolic volumes and smaller left ventricular masses than FLASH imaging at 7 T, and at the lower field strengths (P < 0.05 for each parameter). However, univariate general linear model analysis with fixed effects for sequence and field strengths found an interaction between imaging sequence and field strength (P = 0.03), with a smaller difference in volumes and mass measurements between SSFP and FLASH imaging at 7 T than 1.5 T and 3 T. SSFP and FLASH cine imaging at 7 T is technically feasible and provides valid assessment of cardiac volumes and mass compared with CMR imaging at 1.5 T and 3 T field strengths. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
QoS‐aware and compromise‐resilient key management scheme for heterogeneous wireless Internet of Things
Authors: Ren Wei
Published: July 2011

The Internet of Things (IOT) is envisioned as a natural evolution of the Internet, promising to enable ubiquitous connections for pervasive objects. The evolutionary merging of heterogeneous wireless networks is inevitable for smooth migration to IOT; for example, in a typical application of IOT—smart homes—there exist sensor–radio frequency identification (RFID) hybrid networks. The communication security between sensor (or RFID tags) and home control center is critical, whereas an appropriate key management scheme is a prerequisite for communication security. In this paper, we propose a compromise resilient key management scheme including key agreement schemes and key evolution policies to tackle existing remarkable asymmetry with respect to computation resources of hybrid networks. In particular, a forward and backward secure key evolution policy with formal proof is proposed. We also propose a quality of service (QoS)‐aware enhancement method by measuring several metrics such as data assurance priority, attacking risk, and remaining power percentage. Security parameter negotiation and a tuning method are proposed, based on reactive measurement in real time. Our proposed scheme is built on abstract cryptographic primitives such as trapdoor permutation, pseudorandom function, pseudorandom number generator, one‐way function and hash function so as to retain flexibility for concrete options. Security and performance for proposed key agreement schemes and key evolution policies are compared in detail. Three QoS‐aware security strategies are proposed: performance first, security second (PFSS); security first, performance second (SFPS); and performance security made balanced (PSMB). Measurement‐based negotiation of security parameters is also proposed in terms of algorithm prototype. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
New methods for the estimation of Takagi–Sugeno model based extended Kalman filter and its applications to optimal control for nonlinear systems
Authors: Al‐Hadithi Basil M. , Jiménez Agustín , Matía Fernando
Published: July 2011

This paper describes new approaches to improve the local and global approximation (matching) and modeling capability of Takagi–Sugeno (T‐S) fuzzy model. The main aim is obtaining high function approximation accuracy and fast convergence. The main problem encountered is that T‐S identification method cannot be applied when the membership functions are overlapped by pairs. This restricts the application of the T‐S method because this type of membership function has been widely used during the last 2 decades in the stability, controller design of fuzzy systems and is popular in industrial control applications. The approach developed here can be considered as a generalized version of T‐S identification method with optimized performance in approximating nonlinear functions. We propose a noniterative method through weighting of parameters approach and an iterative algorithm by applying the extended Kalman filter, based on the same idea of parameters’ weighting. We show that the Kalman filter is an effective tool in the identification of T‐S fuzzy model. A fuzzy controller based linear quadratic regulator is proposed in order to show the effectiveness of the estimation method developed here in control applications. An illustrative example of an inverted pendulum is chosen to evaluate the robustness and remarkable performance of the proposed method locally and globally in comparison with the original T‐S model. Simulation results indicate the potential, simplicity, and generality of the algorithm. An illustrative example is chosen to evaluate the robustness. In this paper, we prove that these algorithms converge very fast, thereby making them very practical to use. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
High‐resolution resist for screen printing: application to direct fabrication of Ag circuit
Authors: Okamura Haruyuki , Kayanoki Minoru , Takada Kohei , Nakajiri Hideyuki , Muramatsu Keiko , Yamashita Munenori , Shirai Masamitsu
Published: July 2011

High‐resolution screen printing was devised. New resist formulation contains a base polymer, which consists of acid‐labile tetrahydropyranyl‐protected carboxylic acid, hydroxyl, and methacrylic functions. As crosslinkers, multifunctional acrylates were employed. Photoacid generators were used for pattern formation. A 10‐µm feature size of resist on a screen plate was obtained on irradiation at 365 nm and followed by development on a stainless steel screen. Post‐exposure curing improved the mechanical characteristics of the resist patterns. A 13‐µm feature size silver circuit was successfully printed on poly(ethylene terephthalate) film without defect. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Improvement in gas separation properties of a polymeric membrane through the incorporation of inorganic nano‐particles
Authors: Ghadimi Ali , Norouzbahari Somayeh , Sadrzadeh Mohtada , Mohammadi Toraj
Published: July 2011

The present work tries to introduce a high‐performance nano‐composite membrane by using polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) as its main polymer matrix to meet some specific requirements in industrial gas separations. Different nano‐composite membranes were synthesized by incorporating various amounts of nano‐sized silica particles into the PDMS matrix. A uniform dispersion of nano‐particles in the host membranes was obtained. The nano‐composite membranes were characterized morphologically by scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy. Separation properties, permeability, and ideal selectivity of C3H8, CH4, and H2 through the synthesized nano‐composite membranes with different nano‐particle contents (0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5, and 3 wt%) were investigated at different pressures (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7 atm) and constant temperature (35°C). It was found out that a 2 wt% loading of nano‐particles into the PDMS matrix is optimal to obtain the best separation performance. Afterwards, sorption experiments for the synthesized nano‐composite membranes were carried out, and diffusion coefficients of the gases were calculated based on solution‐diffusion mechanism. Gas permeation and sorption experiments showed an increase in sorption and a decrease in diffusion coefficients of the gases through the nano‐composite membranes by adding nano‐particles into the host polymer matrix. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Preparation of the thermosensitive metal ion imprinted polymer in supercritical carbon dioxide: application in the selective recognition of copper (II)
Authors: Zhang Li‐Juan , Cao Li‐Qin , Wang Xiao‐Hu , Wang Ji‐De
Published: July 2011

The temperature‐sensitive Cu(II) ion imprinted polymer (Cu(II)‐MIIP) materials were prepared via precipitation polymerization methods in supercritical carbon dioxide (scCO2) by using methanol as cosolvent. In the polymerization process, the polymerization mixture consists of copper ion, N‐isopropylacrylamide (functional monomer), ethylene glycol dimethacrylate (crosslinker), and 2,2′‐azobisisobutyronitrile (initiator). Non‐imprinted polymer particles were similarly prepared in the same way except for the presence of copper ion in the polymerization reaction. In this study, the characteristic of swelling/shrinking for Cu(II)‐MIIP in response to the change in temperature was investigated by scanning electron microscopy and photograph of swelling/shrinking for Cu(II)‐MIIP in deionized water. The above‐synthesized polymer particles were characterized by using Fourier transform infrared, thermo‐gravimetric analysis, and X‐ray diffraction techniques. Furthermore, the complete removal of the copper metal ion from the CuP was confirmed by atomic absorption spectroscopy. The selectivity adsorption of polymer materials was investigated from dilute aqueous solutions, and it was found to have an imprinting efficiency of 2.13 for Zn and Co ions. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effect of chemical structure of acrylic pressure‐sensitive adhesives for polarizing film on light leakage phenomenon in TFT‐LCDs
Authors: Nam Irina , Ha Kyoungjin , Lee Kilsung , Kim Lee June , Lee Changmin , Kim Mi Sun , Chang Tuwon
Published: July 2011

Increasing image quality in thin‐film transistor liquid crystal displays (TFT‐LCD) is a recognized challenge for electronic companies and specialists working in this area. One of the main problems in TFT‐LCDs is a phenomenon called “light leakage”, affecting black–white contrast and color brightness. It occurs because of a heat‐induced shrinkage and disorientation of the polarizing film of TFT‐LCD, which controls the intensity of the light from the backlight unit. Improvement of the light leakage can be achieved through using a pressure‐sensitive adhesive (PSA) used for assembling the polarizing film onto the TFT‐LCD panel. In this paper, eight acrylic/methacrylic monomers with high glass transition temperature (Tg) were employed for synthesis of the polymers for the adhesive. Effect of structure, Tg, and elasticity modulus of the synthesized polymers on the light leakage was investigated simultaneously for 2.5‐ and 7.0‐in. size samples. We demonstrated that the light leakage can be minimized through two different mechanisms—high stress relaxation of the polymers with low Tg and low modulus and high shrinkage resistance of the polymers with high Tg and high modulus. The results of this work indicate a possibility to develop a universal PSA for polarizing film in TFT‐LCDs of different sizes that will have a positive effect on manufacturing productivity and lowering prices of digital devices. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Nanosized nickel oxide particles and modification with poly(methyl methacrylate)
Authors: Rahman M. A. , Alam M. S. , Miah M. A. J. , Rahman M. M. , Dupin D. , Ahmad H.
Published: July 2011

In recent years, there is an increasing interest in the fabrication of inorganic–organic materials considering the remarkable change and improvement in properties. In this investigation, nanosized nickel oxide (NiO) particles were first prepared by calcination of nickel hydroxide precursor obtained by a simple liquid‐phase process. Mixed phases of NiO and nickel hydroxide were present as the calcination temperature was lower than 250°C. Non‐stoichiometric NiO was formed between 250°C and 350°C, and a pure NiO was obtained as the temperature reached 500°C. The surface characteristics of NiO particles were evaluated by measuring the adsorption behavior of anionic and cationic surfactants and some biomolecules. NiO/poly(methyl methacrylate) composite particles were then prepared using variable NiO/methyl methacrylate (MMA) ratio by seeded emulsion polymerization. The efficiency of NiO incorporation in the composite increased as the MMA content was increased in the recipe. The composite particles were colloidally stable, and the obtained particles were characterized by Fourier transform infrared, scanning electron microscopy, X‐ray diffraction, and X‐ray photoelectron spectra. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Investigation of correlation between microstructure and dielectric properties of cyanate ester/silicate tube hybrids by positron annihilation lifetime spectroscopy
Authors: Zhuo Dongxian , Gu Aijuan , Wang Yuanzhen , Liang Guozheng , Hu Jiang‐tao , Yuan Li , Yao Wei
Published: July 2011

The correlation between microstructure and dielectric properties of cyanate ester (CE)/hollow silicate tube (HST) hybrids was investigated by positron annihilation lifetime spectroscopy, coincidence Doppler‐broadening spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectra, and dynamic mechanical analyses. The addition of HST to CE resin brings a multi‐aspect influence (cross‐linked structure and density, free volume, and interfacial action) on the structure of the cross‐linked network and thus results in significantly varied dielectric properties. There is an optimum content of HST in hybrids to get the lowest dielectric constant and loss. When the content of HST is smaller than the percolation threshold, the hybrid has decreased dielectric constant and loss; this mainly results in the reduced size of free volume and orthopositronium intensity (I3), although when the content of HST is larger than the threshold, the increased I3 and the size of free volume as well as the interfacial polarization are responsible for the significantly enlarged dielectric constant and loss. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.