bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Interaction of endothelial cells with self‐assembled monolayers for potential use in drug‐eluting coronary stents
Authors: Mani Gopinath , Chandrasekar Bysani , Feldman Marc D. , Patel Devang , Agrawal C. Mauli
Published: March 2009

Drug‐eluting stents (DES) are implanted in patients to treat in‐stent restenosis. Commercially available DES use polymers for coating and releasing drugs. Several studies have showed that polymer coatings cause adverse reactions. Delayed endothelialization of polymer‐coated DES leads to late stent thrombosis. Recently, the potential for using self‐assembled monolayers (self‐assembled monolayers (SAMs)—organic constructs composed of (a) chemical groups which attach to metal surfaces, (b) long hydrocarbon chains, and (c) terminal functional groups) as an alternate drug delivery system for coronary stents has been demonstrated. In this study, the interaction of human aortic endothelial cells (HAECs) with SAMs and therapeutic SAMs (therapeutic self‐assembled monolayers (TSAMs)—SAMs derivatized with the drug, flufenamic acid) was investigated. HAECs were cultured on plain glass, control, SAMs‐, and TSAMs‐coated titanium (Ti) and gold (Au) specimens. The viability and proliferation of HAECs were investigated using MTT colorimetric assay. The adhesion of HAECs on SAMs and TSAMs was equivalent to that of control metal surfaces and superior to that of plain glass surfaces. The cells continued to proliferate on both SAMs and TSAMs even though the rate of proliferation was slower than plain glass or control‐Ti. The spreading of HAECs on TSAMs with typical polygonal shape indicated that these surfaces are conducive to endothelialization. The expression of surface adhesion protein, platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule‐1, on TSAMs indicated that the endothelial cells preserved their phenotype on these surfaces. Thus, this study demonstrated that SAMs and TSAMs do not elicit an adverse response from endothelial cells in in vitro conditions. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2009
MCCE2: Improving protein pKa calculations with extensive side chain rotamer sampling
Authors: Song Yifan , Mao Junjun , Gunner M. R.
Published: March 2009

Multiconformation continuum electrostatics (MCCE) explores different conformational degrees of freedom in Monte Carlo calculations of protein residue and ligand pKas. Explicit changes in side chain conformations throughout a titration create a position dependent, heterogeneous dielectric response giving a more accurate picture of coupled ionization and position changes. The MCCE2 methods for choosing a group of input heavy atom and proton positions are described. The pKas calculated with different isosteric conformers, heavy atom rotamers and proton positions, with different degrees of optimization are tested against a curated group of 305 experimental pKas in 33 proteins. QUICK calculations, with rotation around Asn and Gln termini, sampling His tautomers and torsion minimum hydroxyls yield an RMSD of 1.34 with 84% of the errors being <1.5 pH units. FULL calculations adding heavy atom rotamers and side chain optimization yield an RMSD of 0.90 with 90% of the errors <1.5 pH unit. Good results are also found for pKas in the membrane protein bacteriorhodopsin. The inclusion of extra side chain positions distorts the dielectric boundary and also biases the calculated pKas by creating more neutral than ionized conformers. Methods for correcting these errors are introduced. Calculations are compared with multiple X‐ray and NMR derived structures in 36 soluble proteins. Calculations with X‐ray structures give significantly better pKas. Results with the default protein dielectric constant of 4 are as good as those using a value of 8. The MCCE2 program can be downloaded from http://www.sci.ccny.cuny.edu/∼mcce. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comput Chem, 2009
Multiple classifier integration for the prediction of protein structural classes
Authors: Chen Lei , Lu Lin , Feng Kairui , Li Wenjin , Song Jie , Zheng Lulu , Yuan Youlang , Zeng Zhenbin , Feng Kaiyan , Lu Wencong , Cai Yudong
Published: March 2009

Supervised classifiers, such as artificial neural network, partition trees, and support vector machines, are often used for the prediction and analysis of biological data. However, choosing an appropriate classifier is not straightforward because each classifier has its own strengths and weaknesses, and each biological dataset has its own characteristics. By integrating many classifiers together, people can avoid the dilemma of choosing an individual classifier out of many to achieve an optimized classification results (Rahman et al., Multiple Classifier Combination for Character Recognition: Revisiting the Majority Voting System and Its Variation, Springer, Berlin, 2002, 167–178). The classification algorithms come from Weka (Witten and Frank, Data Mining: Practical Machine Learning Tools and Techniques, Morgan Kaufmann, San Francisco, 2005) (a collection of software tools for machine learning algorithms). By integrating many predictors (classifiers) together through simple voting, the correct prediction (classification) rates are 65.21% and 65.63% for a basic training dataset and an independent test set, respectively. These results are better than any single machine learning algorithm collected in Weka when exactly the same data are used. Furthermore, we introduce an integration strategy which takes care of both classifier weightings and classifier redundancy. A feature selection strategy, called minimum redundancy maximum relevance (mRMR), is transferred into algorithm selection to deal with classifier redundancy in this research, and the weightings are based on the performance of each classifier. The best classification results are obtained when 11 algorithms are selected by mRMR method, and integrated together through majority votes with weightings. As a result, the prediction correct rates are 68.56% and 69.29% for the basic training dataset and the independent test dataset, respectively. The web‐server is available at http://chemdata.shu.edu.cn/protein_st/. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comput Chem, 2009
Retroviral vector‐producing mesenchymal stem cells for targeted suicide cancer gene therapy
Authors: Uchibori Ryosuke , Okada Takashi , Ito Takayuki , Urabe Masashi , Mizukami Hiroaki , Kume Akihiro , Ozawa Keiya
Published: March 2009

Background

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are a promising vehicle for targeted cancer gene therapy because of their potential of tumor tropism. For efficient therapeutic application, we developed retroviral vector‐producing MSCs that enhance tumor transduction via progeny vector production.

Methods

Rat bone marrow‐derived MSCs were nucleofected with the proviral plasmids (vesicular stomatitis virus‐G protein‐pseudotyped retroviral vector components) (VP‐MSCs) or pLTR plasmid alone (non‐VP‐MSCs). The luciferase‐based in vivo imaging system was used to assess gene expression periodically. To evaluate the anticancer effects, we administered MSCs expressing herpes simplex virus‐thymidine kinase (HSV‐tk) into the left ventricular cavity of nude mice engrafted with 9L glioma cells subcutaneously.

Results

In vivo imaging revealed that administration of luciferase‐expressing non‐VP‐MSCs enhanced the bioluminescence signal at the inoculation sites of 9L cells, whereas no accumulation was observed in mice at the site of the control Rat‐1 fibroblasts. Compared to non‐VP‐MSCs, the administration of VP‐MSCs resulted in significant augmentation of the signal with an increase in transgene copy number. Immunohistochemical analysis showed marked luciferase expression at the tumor periphery in mice injected with VP‐MSCs, whereas little expression was detected in those injected with non‐VP‐MSCs. Under the continuous infusion of ganciclovir, systemic administration of VP‐MSCs expressing HSV‐tk suppressed tumor growth more effectively than non‐VP‐MSC administration, whereas no anticancer effect was observed without ganciclovir treatment. Furthermore, VP‐MSC administration caused no transgene transduction in the normal tissues and organs.

Conclusions

VP‐MSCs accumulated at the site of tumors after intravascular injection in tumor‐bearing mice, followed by in situ gene transfer to tumors without transduction of normal organs. When applied to the HSV‐tk/ganciclovir suicide gene therapy, more efficient tumor growth suppression was observed using VP‐MSCs compared to non‐VP‐MSCs. This VP‐MSC‐based system has great potential for improved cancer gene therapy. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Jaw lever analysis of Hawaiian gobioid stream fishes: A simulation study of morphological diversity and functional performance
Authors: Maie Takashi , Schoenfuss Heiko L. , Blob Richard W.
Published: March 2009

Differences in feeding behavior and performance among the five native Hawaiian gobioid stream fishes (Sicyopterus stimpsoni, Lentipes concolor, Awaous guamensis, Stenogobius hawaiiensis, and Eleotris sandwicensis) have been proposed based on the skeletal anatomy of their jaws and dietary specialization. However, performance of the feeding apparatus likely depends on the proportions and configurations of the jaw muscles and the arrangement of the jaw skeleton. We used a published mathematical model of muscle function to evaluate potential differences in jaw closing performance and their correlations with morphology among these species. For example, high output force calculated for the adductor mandibulae muscles (A2 and A3) of both A. guamensis and E. sandwicensis matched expectations based on the morphology of these species because these muscles are larger than in the other species. In contrast, Stenogobius hawaiiensis exhibited an alternative morphological strategy for achieving high relative output forces of both A2 and A3, in which the placement and configuration of the muscles conveyed high mechanical advantage despite only moderate cross‐sectional areas. These differing anatomical pathways to similar functional performance suggest a pattern of many‐to‐one mapping of morphology to performance. In addition, a functional differentiation between A2 and A3 was evident for all species, in which A2 was better suited for producing forceful jaw closing and A3 for rapid jaw closing. Thus, the diversity of feeding performance of Hawaiian stream gobies seems to reflect a maintenance of functional breadth through the retention of some primitive traits in combination with novel functional capacities in several species. J. Morphol. 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
High‐resolution computed tomography of lobster (Panulirus interruptus) stomach
Authors: Hobbs Kevin H. , Hooper Scott L.
Published: March 2009

We used micro computed tomography to produce a high‐resolution density image of the lobster (Panulirus interruptus) stomach and identified on this image the previously defined stomach ossicles. These data are the first coordinate‐based, three‐dimensional description of the stomach and are a necessary first step for developing biomechanical models of it. They are also interesting for several reasons in their own right. First, the ossicles showed large shape and density variations. These data suggest that different ossicles may serve different functions, with some acting as force‐delivering levers, some as spring‐like elements, and some as wall‐like elements that resist internal stomach pressure or function as two‐dimensional force‐delivering plates. Second, large intra‐ossicle density variations were present in individual ossicles, reminiscent of I‐beams, oval bicycle frames, and similar mass‐minimizing structural elements, suggesting that evolution has minimized ossicle mass and identifying which ossicle regions are most likely important in force delivery. Third, joints appeared to be either continuous density interconnections without distinct separations between the ossicles or ‘floating’ joints in which the ends of the two ossicles were separated by relatively large distances spanned by connective tissue. In these latter joints, although the distance between ossicle ends is likely maintained at a relatively constant value, a wide range of ossicle angles would thus be theoretically possible. Notably absent are close‐apposition, morphologically specialized joints such as hinge or ball‐and‐socket joints. J. Morphol. 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Modulation of osteogenesis in human mesenchymal stem cells by specific pulsed electromagnetic field stimulation
Authors: Tsai Ming‐Tzu , Li Wan‐Ju , Tuan Rocky S. , Chang Walter H.
Published: March 2009

Human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) are a promising candidate cell type for regenerative medicine and tissue engineering applications by virtue of their capacity for self‐renewal and multipotent differentiation. Our intent was to characterize the effect of pulsed electromagnetic fields (PEMFs) on the proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of hMSCs in vitro. hMSCs isolated from the bone marrow of adult patients were cultured with osteogenic medium for up to 28 days and exposed to daily PEMF stimulation with single, narrow 300 µs quasi‐rectangular pulses with a repetition rate of 7.5 Hz. Relatively greater cell numbers were observed at late stages of osteogenic culture with PEMF exposure. The production of alkaline phosphatase (ALP), an early marker of osteogenesis, was significantly enhanced at day 7 with PEMF treatment in both basal and osteogenic cultures as compared to untreated controls. Furthermore, the expressions of other early osteogenic genes, including Runx2/Cbfa1 and ALP, were also partially modulated by PEMF exposure, indicating that osteogenesis in hMSCs was associated with the specific PEMF stimulation. Based on ALP and alizarin red S staining, the accumulation of ALP protein produced by the hMSCs as well as calcium deposits reached their highest levels at day 28. Our results indicate that extremely low‐frequency PEMF stimulation may play a modulating role in hMSC osteogenesis. Taken together, these findings provide insights on the development of PEMF as an effective technology for regenerative medicine. © 2009 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res
In vivo remodeling of intervertebral discs in response to short‐ and long‐term dynamic compression
Authors: Wuertz Karin , Godburn Karolyn , MacLean Jeffrey J. , Barbir Ana , Stinnett Donnelly Justin , Roughley Peter J. , Alini Mauro , Iatridis James C.
Published: March 2009

This study evaluated how dynamic compression induced changes in gene expression, tissue composition, and structural properties of the intervertebral disc using a rat tail model. We hypothesized that daily exposure to dynamic compression for short durations would result in anabolic remodeling with increased matrix protein expression and proteoglycan content, and that increased daily load exposure time and experiment duration would retain these changes but also accumulate changes representative of mild degeneration. Sprague‐Dawley rats (n = 100) were instrumented with an Ilizarov‐type device and divided into three dynamic compression (2 week–1.5 h/day, 2 week–8 h/day, 8 week–8 h/day at 1 MPa and 1 Hz) and two sham (2 week, 8 week) groups. Dynamic compression resulted in anabolic remodeling with increased matrix mRNA expression, minimal changes in catabolic genes or disc structure and stiffness, and increased glysosaminoglycans (GAG) content in the nucleus pulposus. Some accumulation of mild degeneration with 8 week–8 h included loss of annulus fibrosus GAG and disc height although 8‐week shams also had loss of disc height, water content, and minor structural alterations. We conclude that dynamic compression is consistent with a notion of “healthy” loading that is able to maintain or promote matrix biosynthesis without substantially disrupting disc structural integrity. A slow accumulation of changes similar to human disc degeneration occurred when dynamic compression was applied for excessive durations, but this degenerative shift was mild when compared to static compression, bending, or other interventions that create greater structural disruption. © 2009 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res
Differential regulation of blood vessel formation between standard and delayed bone healing
Authors: Lienau Jasmin , Schmidt‐Bleek Katharina , Peters Anja , Haschke Franek , Duda Georg N. , Perka Carsten , Bail Hermann J. , Schütze Norbert , Jakob Franz , Schell Hanna
Published: March 2009

Blood vessel formation is a prerequisite for bone healing. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that a delay in bone healing is associated with an altered regulation of blood vessel formation. A tibial osteotomy was performed in two groups of sheep and stabilized with either a rigid external fixator leading to standard healing or with a highly rotationally unstable one leading to delayed healing. At days 4, 7, 9, 11, 14, 21, and 42 after surgery, total RNA was extracted from the callus. Gene expressions of vWF, an endothelial cell marker, and of several molecules related to blood vessel formation were studied by qPCR. Furthermore, histology was performed on fracture hematoma and callus sections. Histologically, the first blood vessels were detected at day 7 in both groups. mRNA expression levels of vWF, Ang1, Ang2, VEGF, CYR61, FGF2, MMP2, and TIMP1 were distinctly lower in the delayed compared to the standard healing group at several time points. Based on differential expression patterns, days 7 and 21 postoperatively were revealed to be essential time points for vascularization of the ovine fracture callus. This work demonstrates for the first time a differential regulation of blood vessel formation between standard and mechanically induced delayed healing in a sheep osteotomy model. © 2009 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res
Testing the precision of a weighable gravitation lysimeter
Authors: Xiao Huijie , Meissner Ralph , Seeger Juliane , Rupp Holger , Borg Heinz
Published: March 2009

Tests were carried out to determine the weighing precision of a 2 m deep lysimeter with a 1 m² cross‐sectional area and a total mass of 3500 to 3850 kg, depending on the soil water content. The weighing mechanism consists on three shear‐stress cells laid out for a load capacity of 1320 kg each. Mass changes as small as 20 g, which is equivalent here to a water gain or loss of 0.02 mm, can be measured with good accuracy and stability under favorable environmental conditions (low wind speed, relatively constant temperature). This precision does not depend on the position on the lysimeter where the mass change occurs and is as good as the best values reported in the literature for other lysimeters. To prevent water and debris from entering the cleavage between lysimeter vessel and pit casing, a rubber collar can be placed across the cleavage. It is attached to the casing and extends about 1–2 cm into the vessel. Although the collar is not supposed to touch the vessel, it does at a few points. This seriously lowers weighing precision, because this contact exerts forces on the vessel, which distort the true weight. Hence, one should refrain from using this type of collar and develop another one. Weighing precision decreases with increasing wind speed, because wind exerts forces on the lysimeter vessel and can thus alter its apparent weight. It is temperature‐dependent, too.
Mechanical behaviour and quality traits of highbush blueberry during postharvest storage
Authors: Chiabrando Valentina , Giacalone Giovanna , Rolle Luca
Published: March 2009

BACKGROUND: Berry firmness is one of the most important characteristics for fresh market consumption. Blueberry firmness is also an important attribute because it is considered to be a measure of its freshness. Berries lose their firmness by loss of water and by changes in their structure.

RESULTS: The postharvest life of two highbush blueberry cultivars (Bluecrop and Coville) was investigated. Several parameters related to blueberry quality were evaluated during the postharvest storage period. To assess berry texture characteristics (firmness, hardness, cohesiveness, gumminess, chewiness, springiness, resilience), a rapid non‐destructive penetrometer test by Durofel® and texture profile analysis (TPA) using a texture analyser were carried out. Low temperature inhibited the decrease of total soluble solids, total titratable acidity and increase of flesh pH value, thereby maintaining good taste quality. There was an increase in fruit firmness (Durofel index) and hardness and a decrease in chewiness and springiness during storage.

CONCLUSION: There was a significant correlation among the TPA parameters and Durofel index. The Durofel index could therefore be used as a suitable indicator of fruit quality and storability, and low‐temperature storage is beneficial to maintain the taste quality of blueberry fruit after harvest. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry
Vocal fold augmentation with calcium hydroxylapatite: Twelve‐month report
Authors: Rosen Clark A. , Gartner‐Schmidt Jackie , Casiano Roy , Anderson Timothy D. , Johnson Felicia , Remacle Marc , Sataloff Robert T. , Abitbol Jean , Shaw Gary , Archer Sanford , Zraick Richard I.
Published: March 2009

Objectives:

To evaluate the long‐term effectiveness of calcium hydroxylapatite (CaHA) vocal fold injection for patients with glottal insufficiency.

Study Design:

Multicenter, open‐label, prospective clinical study of CaHA vocal fold injection.

Methods:

Each patient served as his/her own control. Voice‐related outcome measures were collected for pre‐injection, 1, 3, 6, and 12 months.

Results:

Sixty‐three patients were available for evaluation. Fifty‐three percent of the injection procedures were done in the office. Fifty‐seven percent of patients were diagnosed with unilateral paralysis and 43% with glottal incompetence with mobile vocal folds. Patient satisfaction 12 months after injection showed 67% reporting a significant improvement in voice and 81% reporting at least a moderate improvement in voice. Utilizing the Voice Handicap Index–10, visual analog scale (vocal effort), Consensus Assessment Perceptual Evaluation V (judgments of voice severity), and objective voice measures of glottal closure (maximum phonation time and S:Z ratio), paired t tests showed significant improvements after treatment. A 22% further treatment rate was found at the 12‐month time point.

Conclusions:

One‐year results in this large cohort of patients with glottal incompetence treated with CaHA vocal fold injection demonstrate that excellent clinical results were achieved. Laryngoscope, 2009
Incidence of perioperative airway complications in patients with previous medialization thyroplasty
Authors: Lin Harrison W. , Bhattacharyya Neil
Published: March 2009

Objectives/Hypothesis:

Determine the incidence and characterize perioperative airway complications in patients who have undergone medialization thyroplasty (MT) and subsequently undergo procedures requiring anesthesia.

Study Design:

Retrospective review of post‐MT anesthesia encounters in a large academic hospital.

Methods:

A series of post‐MT patients was reviewed, identifying anesthesia encounters undergoing endotracheal intubation (ETI) or laryngeal mask airway (LMA) placement. Details on the perioperative course of each encounter were extracted and examined for evidence of airway complications. The incidence of airway obstruction and need for airway intervention were determined and compared to those of control patients matched for type of procedure. Relationships between complications and perioperative management were analyzed.

Results:

A total of 74 anesthesia encounters were identified among 219 post‐MT patients. Perioperative airway complications among post‐MT patients arose in five procedures (6.8%; 95% CI: 1.0–12.4%). Stridor in the operating or recovery room was exhibited three times, with all episodes requiring nebulized racemic epinephrine and intravenous steroids for resolution of symptoms. One patient underwent an urgent tracheotomy for severe stridor leading to airway compromise in the recovery room. Immediately after induction with an LMA, one patient failed to maintain oxygen saturations above 90% and consequently required conversion to ETI. Among 79 matched controls without prior MT, no perioperative complications (0%) occurred (P = .027).

Conclusions:

The incidence of perioperative airway complications in post‐MT patients is non‐neglible and may be serious. Surgical, anesthesia, and recovery room staff should be made aware of the significantly increased risk of airway complications in post‐MT patients. Laryngoscope, 2009
Effect of Comonomer‐Unit Compositional Distribution on Thermal and Crystallization Behavior of Bacterial Poly[(3‐hydroxybutyrate)‐co‐(3‐mercaptopropionate)]
Authors: Yu Fang , Zhu Bo , Dong Tungalag , Inoue Yoshio
Published: March 2009

The physical properties of novel sulfur‐containing biopolymers, poly[(3‐hydroxybutyrate)‐co‐(3‐mercaptopropionate)]s [P(3HB‐co‐3MP)s], have been investigated in detail by1H and 13C NMR spectroscopy, wide‐angle X‐ray diffraction (WAXD) analysis, DSC, and FT‐IR spectroscopy. Based on a solvent/non‐solvent (chloroform/heptane) fractionation method, an original P(3HB‐co‐3MP) sample with 3MP unit content of 16.3 mol‐% was fractionated into eight fractions with 3MP unit content ranging from 10.3 to 37.2 mol‐% and number‐average molecular weight from 0.4 × 105 to 2.9 × 105. The thermal and crystallization behavior were found to be greatly affected by the comonomer‐unit composition and its distribution. Furthermore, the 3MP comonomer unit was found to be included in the crystalline phase in some fractions.

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Enhanced Exfoliation of Organoclay in Partially End‐Functionalized Non‐Polar Polymer
Authors: Wang Xiaoliang , Tao Fangfang , Xue Gi , Zhu Jianjun , Chen Tiehong , Sun Pingchuan , Winter H. Henning , Shi An‐Chang
Published: March 2009

We found that enhanced exfoliation of clay up to 20 wt.‐% in non‐polar polybutadiene (PB) if the PB was blended with a relatively small fraction of hydroxyl‐terminated PB (HTPB). The choice of an intermediate polymer composition to enhance exfoliation was motivated by theoretical predictions of end‐functionalizing effects of Balazs, Farmer, and coworkers. A combination of X‐ray diffraction and rheological measurements were used to optimize HTPB content for enhanced exfoliation. We also observed the competition of the kinetic and thermodynamic processes during the ripening of the exfoliated clay structure.

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Macromol. Mater. Eng. 3/2009
Authors: Gladitz Michael , Reinemann Stefan , Radusch Hans‐Joachim
Published: March 2009

Cover: A new approach for the production of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using amphiphil‐modified hyperbranched polyethyleneimines as templates and carriers is described. Dispersions of core‐shell‐type hbPEI/AgNP hybrids are used to prepare thin coating films to study the performance of polymeric surfaces with antibacterial properties. Further details can be found in the article by M. Gladitz,* S. Reinemann,* and H.‐J. Radusch on page 178.
Copolymers of Intrinsic Microporosity Based on 2,2′,3,3′‐Tetrahydroxy‐1,1′‐dinaphthyl
Authors: Du Naiying , Robertson Gilles P. , Pinnau Ingo , Thomas Sylvie , Guiver Michael D.
Published: March 2009

A series of new copolymers with high molecular weight and low polydispersity, prepared from tetrahydroxydinaphthyl, tetrahydroxyspirobisindane, and tetrafluoroterephthalonitrile monomers, prevent efficient space packing of the stiff polymer chains and consequently show intrinsic microporosity. One copolymer, DNPIM‐33, has an excellent combination of properties with good film‐forming characteristics and gas transport performance, and exhibits higher selectivity than the corresponding spirobisindane‐based homopolymer PIM‐1 for gas pairs, such as O2/N2, with a corresponding small decrease in permeability. This work demonstrates that significant improvements in properties may be obtained through development of copolymers with intrinsic microporosity (CoPIMs) that extends the spectrum of high‐molecular‐weight ladder structures of poly(dibenzodioxane)s.

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Banking a hemi‐abdominal DIEP flap: A pilot report of indications, technique, and utility
Authors: Shridharani Sachin M. , Singh Navin K. , Taylor Jesse A. , Rosson Gedge D.
Published: March 2009

We present a pilot report of “banking” the contralateral hemi‐abdominal deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap under the abdominal closure in patients undergoing unilateral autologous breast reconstruction when a hemi‐abdominal flap suffices. Four patients undergoing unilateral autologous breast reconstruction with a hemi‐abdominal DIEP or superficial inferior epigastric artery flap had their contralateral hemi‐abdominal flap left in position, or “banked,” under their abdominal closure to be used in case of failure. This novel method may be of assistance when a free microvascular hemi‐abdominal flap is felt to be threatened or suspect. It provides a life‐boat for the younger and experienced surgeon alike, and most importantly, for the breast cancer survivor. Economic analysis of the technique reveals that the contralateral hemi‐abdominal flap should be banked more often than intuition alone would suggest. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc. Microsurgery 2009.
Sensory recovery after decompression of the distal pudendal nerve: Anatomical review and quantitative neurosensory data of a prospective clinical study
Authors: Hruby Stephan , Dellon Lee , Ebmer Johannes , Höltl Wolfgang , Aszmann Oskar C.
Published: March 2009

Objectives.

Decompression of peripheral nerves at different anatomic sites leads to long‐lasting improvement of nerve function. For the pudendal nerve such compression sites have also been described, however, indication for surgical decompression at the dorsal nerve canal, and outcome measures have not been presented. In the following work, we review the detailed anatomy of the pudendal nerve at its passage through the urogenital diaphragm into the base of the penis and present the results of our first five patients.

Methods.

Normative neurosensory data of the penis of 20 normal individuals and 10 diabetics were obtained. Both One‐ and Two‐Point Discrimination values were obtained. Five male patients were identified to have isolated distal pudendal nerve entrapment and a nerve release was performed. Both pre and postoperatively detailed neurosensory data was obtained, with a mean follow up of 18 months.

Results.

Neurosensory evaluation revealed that classic two‐point discrimination was an invalid parameter in penile sensation. However, one point pressure threshold testing was significantly higher in diabetics (25 ± 14 gm/mm2) than in normal subjects (1.1 ± 0.6 gm/mm2). Surgical exposure showed signs of nerve entrapment in two patients. All patients showed sensory improvement after decompression.

Conclusions.

The distal pudendal nerve is susceptible to compression at the passage from Alcocks canal to the dorsum of the penis. Diabetic patients with peripheral neuropathy can suffer from additional compression neuropathy with decreased penile sensibility and dysaesthesia. One‐point pressure threshold testing proved to be a sensitive parameter in the diagnosis and finally, patients would benefit from decompression of the pudendal nerve. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc. Microsurgery 2009.
Maxillary reconstruction using anterolateral thigh flap and bone grafts
Authors: Bianchi Bernardo , Ferri Andrea , Ferrari Silvano , Copelli Chiara , Sesenna Enrico
Published: March 2009

Background:

Loss of the maxilla and midfacial bone buttresses after tumor resections can lead to severe functional and esthetic consequences. The loss of palate function may lead to oro‐nasal communication, nasal speech, and oral intake difficulties. Several techniques have been proposed for maxillary defects reconstruction including prosthesis, locoregional flaps, or free flaps. The authors propose the use of anterolateral thigh free flap and iliac crest, or calvaria bone graft association for reconstruction of this kind of defects.

Methods:

Between November 2003 and June 2007, eight patients underwent maxillectomies, with preservation of the orbital contents and simultaneous reconstruction using this technique.

Results:

All the flaps were harvested and transplanted successfully. No major complication occurred and only one patient developed a palatal dehiscence with partial necrosis of the skin of the flap. There were no complications at the donor sites. Speech was assessed as normal in five patients, intelligible in two patients, and poor in one patient. Six patients returned to normal diets, while two patients were restricted to soft diets. The esthetic results were evaluated by the patients themselves as good (in five cases) and acceptable (in two cases). In the remaining case, the esthetic result was deemed to be poor, due to ectropion and poor color matching of the skin used for the external coverage.

Conclusion:

The good results obtained using this technique encourage the choice of the association of anterolateral thigh and bone grafts for reconstructing maxillary complex defects. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc. Microsurgery 2009.
Using hyperbolic secant pulses to assist characterization of chemical shift tensors for half‐integer spin quadrupolar nuclei in MAS powder samples
Authors: Nakashima Thomas T. , Teymoori Roshanak , Wasylishen Roderick E.
Published: March 2009

Determination of the NMR anisotropic magnetic shielding parameters from magic angle spinning, MAS, powder samples containing half‐integer spin quadrupolar nuclei is achieved by analysis of the difference spectrum obtained with and without application of a hyperbolic secant pulse. Application of a hyperbolic secant pulse to any spinning sideband associated with the central transition, mI = 1/2 to mI = − 1/2, results in ‘saturation’ of the entire central transition manifold. Similarly, if one spinning sideband associated with the mI = 3/2 to mI = 1/2 and mI = − 1/2 to mI = − 3/2 satellite transitions is perturbed, the entire satellite manifold associated with these transitions is ‘saturated’ while the central transition is enhanced by population transfer. Three ‘difference spectrum’ techniques are employed to selectively yield the spinning sidebands associated predominantly from the central transition. The success of these difference techniques is first demonstrated by examining 51V NMR spectra of three metavanadate salts and 59Co NMR spectra of Co(acac)3. The vanadium and cobalt chemical shift tensors in these compounds have spans between 400 and 1400 ppm. Because the hyperbolic secant techniques proposed here yielded results that are in good agreement with earlier reports, they have been applied to characterize the 51V chemical shift tensor of the dimer of bis(N, N‐dimethylhydroxamido)‐hydroxooxovanadate, {V(O)(ONMe2)2}2O, whose chemical shift tensor has not been previously reported. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Incontinent ileovesicostomy: Long‐term outcomes and complications
Authors: Hellenthal Nicholas J. , Short Scott S. , O'Connor R. Corey , Eandi Jonathan A. , Yap Stanley A. , Stone Anthony R.
Published: March 2009

Aims

Incontinent ileovesicostomy was popularized in the mid‐1990s as a surgical option for patients with neurogenic voiding dysfunction who lack the dexterity to perform clean catheterization. There are several case series in the literature, but few studies look at the long‐term outcomes and complications associated with this procedure.

Methods

We review the outcomes of 12 patients who underwent incontinent ileovesicostomy for management of neurogenic voiding dysfunction since its introduction at our institution in 1998. We discuss, specifically, the preoperative and postoperative problems encountered as well as complications pertaining to ileovesicostomy itself.

Results

At an average of $5{\raise0.5ex\hbox{$\scriptstyle 1$}\kern-0.1em/\kern-0.15em\lower0.25ex\hbox{$\scriptstyle 2$}}$ years follow‐up, all 12 patients who underwent incontinent ileovesicostomy have experienced some form of urinary tract problem either associated with the ileovesicostomy or with their underlying neurogenic voiding dysfunction. After ileovesicostomy, seven of 12 patients (58%) have been able to reduce antibiotic usage and/or hospital admission related to chronic upper tract infection. Two patients (17%) have subsequently been converted to ileal conduit.

Conclusions

Incontinent ileovesicostomy is a useful option for patients with lower urinary tract dysfunction who are unable to perform clean intermittent catheterization. It should be reserved for those patients who have exhausted less invasive therapy and in whom quality of life benefits cannot be achieved without diversion. Experience shows that there are no absolute indications for this procedure. The clinician and the patient must be aware of the importance of continued surveillance after this procedure for problems related to neurogenic voiding dysfunction and/or the ileovesicostomy itself. Neurourol. Urodyn. 28:483–486, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Urodynamical findings on women with voiding problems and earlier vesico‐ureteral reflux
Authors: Lahdes‐Vasama Tuija T. , Roihuvuo‐Leskinen Hanna‐Mari , Koskimäki Juha E. , Tammela Teuvo L. J.
Published: March 2009

Aims

Examine bladder function behind an abnormal urine flow curve pattern or lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) in women with earlier vesicoureteral reflux (VUR).

Methods

Seventeen earlier female VUR patients with weak, fractionated or tower‐shaped flow pattern, 10 patients with normal voiding and 2 patients with a big bladder were urodynamically studied.

Results

A third of the patients had a large (>800 ml) cystometric bladder capacity. Sensitivity of the bladder was decreased especially in weak urine flow group. Half of these patients felt the “first sensation” when at least 40% of the bladder capacity was filled. Neither the earlier treatment modality nor grade of childhood VUR had an influence on the bladder sensitivity. Urinary tract infections were reported significantly more often (P = 0.028) in patients with decreased bladder sensitivity than in the other patients. Overactive detrusor and decreased bladder compliance were uncommon findings. The detrusor pressure was good exceeding 15 cm H2O during the maximum flow rate in almost all patients. Abnormal sphincteric EMG activity during voiding was found in 70% of all patients and especially in fractionated flow group (89%). The EMG activity was seen twice as often in patients with earlier bilateral dilating VUR as in those who had suffered of non‐dilating VUR (P = 0.005).

Conclusions

Despite of high frequency of symptoms in female patients with earlier VUR, detrusor overactivity was a rarity, but decreased sensitivity and large capacity of the bladder were found frequently. The patients with weak or fractionated urine flow seemed to suffer from an overactive urethral sphincter. Neurourol. Urodynam. 28:1015–1021, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Physical image versus structure relation. Part 14—an attempt to rationalize some acidic region 13C NMR‐pH titration shifts for tetraaza macrocycles throughout the conformational GIAO DFT computational results: a pendant‐arm cyclam case
Authors: Nazarski Ryszard B.
Published: March 2009

The most probable time‐averaged conformations of three polyammonium cations Hn2n+ (n = 3–5) formed from the macrocyclic pentamine ligand (2, scorpiand) [derivative of 1,4,8,11‐tetraazacyclotetradecane (cyclam)] were analyzed in order to elucidate an origin of ‘wrong‐way’ amine‐protonation shifts found in some 13C NMR pH‐profiles determined for the acidic H2O/D2O solution. These NMR trends were reproduced quite well in δCs computed for multicomponent shapes of related cations, which were in turn elucidated by the best fitting experimental data to those predicted by the gauge‐independent atomic orbital (GIAO) B3LYP/6‐31G* method, including the IEF‐PCM approach. A consistent DFT methodology of the treatment of such equilibrated cationic mixtures is proposed. Moreover, a few novel ONIOM2‐GIAO B3LYP/6‐31G*:STO‐3G type supermolecular calculations were performed for a simulated presence of bulk water molecules surrounding H525+. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Theoretical study on the isomerization mechanisms of phenylazopyridine on S0 and S1 states
Authors: Wang Luoxin , Yi Changhai , Zou Hantao , Xu Jie , Xu Weilin
Published: March 2009

In this work, some important structures tied closely to the isomerization of 2‐(phenylazo)pyridine (2‐PAPy) and 4‐(phenylazo)pyridine (4‐PAPy) on the S0 and S1 states were characterized in detail by using the complete active space SCF (CASSCF) theory. The isomerization mechanism was discussed on the basis of the mapped potential energy surfaces (PESs) and conical intersections (CIs). A comparison of PAPy with azobenzene was carried out to stress the effect of molecular structure on the photoisomerization details. The results indicate that the thermal isomerization for both 2‐PAPy and 4‐PAPy are mainly attributed to the inversion of CNN angle on the side of the pyridine ring. In view of the energy, an optimized CIrot with a twisting structure supports the rotation mechanism in the photoisomerization of PAPy on the S1 state. However, it was found that another conical intersection (CIinv) with a planar structure is higher in energy than the corresponding trans‐FC structure, via which only the PAPy excited on S2 state or vibrationally hot S1 state can relax their excitation energy. Minimum energy paths (MEPs) showed that the relaxation process of cis‐PAPy being excited on the S1 state is characterized by a smoothly falling curve, which is very similar to that of azobenzene. Furthermore, a S1 minimum and a transition state (TS1) were found to exist on the MEP starting from the trans‐FC point to the CIrot for 4‐PAPy, but these two typical structures were not found on the MEP of 2‐PAPy. Compared with azobenzene, 4‐PAPy exhibits a very similar photoisomerization PES, but a subtly different one can be predicted in the case of 2‐PAPy. The present results are expected to provide useful information for the design of photoresponsive materials based on the PAPy units. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Meaning‐centered group psychotherapy for patients with advanced cancer: a pilot randomized controlled trial
Authors: Breitbart William , Rosenfeld Barry , Gibson Christopher , Pessin Hayley , Poppito Shannon , Nelson Christian , Tomarken Alexis , Timm Anne Kosinski , Berg Amy , Jacobson Colleen , Sorger Brooke , Abbey Jennifer , Olden Megan
Published: March 2009

Objectives: An increasingly important concern for clinicians who care for patients at the end of life is their spiritual well‐being and sense of meaning and purpose in life. In response to the need for short‐term interventions to address spiritual well‐being, we developed Meaning Centered Group Psychotherapy (MCGP) to help patients with advanced cancer sustain or enhance a sense of meaning, peace and purpose in their lives, even as they approach the end of life.

Methods: Patients with advanced (stage III or IV) solid tumor cancers (N=90) were randomly assigned to either MCGP or a supportive group psychotherapy (SGP). Patients were assessed before and after completing the 8‐week intervention, and again 2 months after completion. Outcome assessment included measures of spiritual well‐being, meaning, hopelessness, desire for death, optimism/pessimism, anxiety, depression and overall quality of life.

Results: MCGP resulted in significantly greater improvements in spiritual well‐being and a sense of meaning. Treatment gains were even more substantial (based on effect size estimates) at the second follow‐up assessment. Improvements in anxiety and desire for death were also significant (and increased over time). There was no significant improvement on any of these variables for patients participating in SGP.

Conclusions: MCGP appears to be a potentially beneficial intervention for patients' emotional and spiritual suffering at the end of life. Further research, with larger samples, is clearly needed to better understand the potential benefits of this novel intervention. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Proteomics identification of differentially expressed proteins in the muscle of dysferlin myopathy patients
Authors: De la Torre Carolina , Illa Isabel , Faulkner Georgine , Soria Laura , Robles‐Cedeño Rene , Dominguez‐Perles Raul , De Luna Noemí , Gallardo Eduard
Published: March 2009

The muscular dystrophies are a large and heterogeneous group of neuromuscular disorders that can be classified according to the mode of inheritance, the clinical phenotype and the molecular defect. To better understand the pathological mechanisms of dysferlin myopathy we compared the protein‐expression pattern in the muscle biopsies of six patients with this disease with six patients with limb girdle muscular dystrophy 2A, five with facioscapulohumeral dystrophy and six normal control subjects. To investigate differences in the expression levels of skeletal muscle proteins we used 2‐DE and MS. Western blot or immunohistochemistry confirmed relevant results. The study showed specific increase expression of proteins involved in fast‐to‐slow fiber type conversion (ankyrin repeat protein 2), type I predominance (phosphorylated forms of slow troponin T), sarcomere stabilization (actinin‐associated LIM protein), protein ubiquitination (TRIM 72) and skeletal muscle differentiation (Rho‐GDP‐dissociation inhibitor ly‐GDI) in dysferlin myopathy. As anticipated, we also found differential expression of proteins common to all the muscular dystrophies studied. This comparative proteomic analysis suggests that in dysferlin myopathy (i) the type I fiber predominance is an active process of fiber type conversion rather than a selective loss of type II fibers and (ii) the dysregulation of proteins involved in muscle differentiation further confirms the role of dysferlin in this process.
Identifying native‐like protein structures with scoring functions based on all‐atom ECEPP force fields, implicit solvent models and structure relaxation
Authors: Arnautova Yelena A. , Vorobjev Yury N. , Vila Jorge A. , Scheraga Harold A.
Published: March 2009

Availability of energy functions which can discriminate native‐like from non‐native protein conformations is crucial for theoretical protein structure prediction and refinement of low‐resolution protein models. This article reports the results of benchmark tests for scoring functions based on two all‐atom ECEPP force fields, that is, ECEPP/3 and ECEPP05, and two implicit solvent models for a large set of protein decoys. The following three scoring functions are considered: (i) ECEPP05 plus a solvent‐accessible surface area model with the parameters optimized with a set of protein decoys (ECEPP05/SA); (ii) ECEPP/3 plus the solvent‐accessible surface area model of Ooi et al. (Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 1987;84:3086–3090) (ECEPP3/OONS); and (iii) ECEPP05 plus an implicit solvent model based on a solution of the Poisson equation with an optimized Fast Adaptive Multigrid Boundary Element (FAMBEpH) method (ECEPP05/FAMBEpH). Short Monte Carlo‐with‐Minimization (MCM) simulations, following local energy minimization, are used as a scoring method with ECEPP05/SA and ECEPP3/OONS potentials, whereas energy calculation is used with ECEPP05/FAMBEpH. The performance of each scoring function is evaluated by examining its ability to distinguish between native‐like and non‐native protein structures. The results of the tests show that the new ECEPP05/SA scoring function represents a significant improvement over the earlier ECEPP3/OONS version of the force field. Thus, it is able to rank native‐like structures with Cα root‐mean‐square‐deviations below 3.5 Å as lowest‐energy conformations for 76% and within the top 10 for 87% of the proteins tested, compared with 69 and 80%, respectively, for ECEPP3/OONS. The use of the FAMBEpH solvation model, which provides a more accurate description of the protein‐solvent interactions, improves the discriminative ability of the scoring function to 89%. All failed tests in which the native‐like structures cannot be discriminated as those with low energy, are due to omission of protein–protein interactions. The results of this study represent a benchmark in force‐field development, and may be useful for evaluation of the performance of different force fields. Proteins 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.