bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of Diabetes Mellitus on the Clinical Management of Global Cardiovascular Risk: Analysis of the Results of the Evaluation of Final Feasible Effect of Control Training and Ultra Sensitization (EFFECTUS) Educational Program
Authors: Tocci Giuliano , Ferrucci Andrea , Guida Pietro , Avogaro Angelo , Comaschi Marco , Corsini Alberto , Cortese Claudio , Giorda Carlo Bruno , Manzato Enzo , Medea Gerardo , Mureddu Gian Francesco , Riccardi Gabriele , Titta Giulio , Ventriglia Giuseppe , Zito Giovanni Battista , Volpe Massimo ,   on behalf of the EFFECTUS Steering Committee
Published: September 2011

Background:

The Evaluation of Final Feasible Effect of Ultra Control Training and Sensitization (EFFECTUS) study is aimed at implementing global cardiovascular (CV) risk management in Italy.

Hypothesis:

To evaluate the impact of diabetes mellitus (DM) on attitudes and preferences for clinical management of global CV risk among physicians treating diabetic or nondiabetic patients.

Methods:

Involved physicians were asked to submit data into a study‐designed case‐report form, covering the first 10 adult outpatients consecutively seen in May 2006. All available clinical data were centrally analyzed for global CV risk assessment and CV risk profile characterization. Patients were stratified according to the presence or absence of DM.

Results:

Overall, 1078 physicians (27% female, ages 50 ± 7 y) collected data of 9904 outpatients (46.5% female, ages 67 ± 9 y), among whom 3681 (37%) had a diagnosis of DM at baseline. Diabetic patients were older and had higher prevalence of obesity, hypertension, dyslipidemia, and associated CV diseases than nondiabetic individuals (P<0.001). They had higher systolic blood pressure, total cholesterol, triglycerides, and creatinine levels, but lower high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol levels than nondiabetic patients (P<0.001). Higher numbers of blood pressure and lipid‐lowering drugs and antiplatelet agents were used in diabetic than in nondiabetic patients (P<0.001).

Conclusions:

The EFFECTUS study confirmed higher CV risk and more CV drug prescriptions in diabetic than in nondiabetic patients. Presence of DM at baseline significantly improved clinical data collection. Such an approach, however, was not paralleled by a better control of global CV risk profile, which was significantly worse in the former than in the latter group. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

This work has been supported by an unconditioned educational grant by Merck Sharp & Dohme, Italy, for data collection and analysis. The authors have no other funding, financial relationships, or conflicts of interest to disclose.
Correlation Between Heart Rate Control During Exercise and Exercise Capacity in Patients With Chronic Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Jaber Jefferson , Cirenza Claudio , Amaral Alessandro , Jaber Jeffrey , Oliveira Filho Japy A. , de Paola Angelo A. V.
Published: September 2011

Background:

Rate control is an acceptable alternative to rhythm control in patients with chronic atrial fibrillation (AF).

Hypothesis:

The aim of this study of AF patients was to understand the correlation between their exercise capacity and both heart rate (HR) and HR variation index during exercise.

Methods:

The exercise capacity of 85 male patients with chronic AF was measured using a cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPX). Within this population, we compared the exercise tolerance of patients with a normal chronotropic response (maximal HR 85%–115% that of the maximal age‐predicted HR during CPX) to those whose HR response exceeded this range. Two similar comparisons were made by dividing the subject population according to (1) whether or not their HR variation index (HRVI) during CPX exceeded 10 bpm/min, and (2) whether their HR during the 6‐minute walk test exceeded 110 bpm.

Results:

Patients with an HRVI not over 10 bpm/min showed higher maximal oxygen uptake compared to patients with a higher HRVI (26.7 ± 6.1 vs 22.8 ± 4.8 mL O2/kg/min, P = 0.002) and a longer distance walked during CPX (705.6 ± 200.3 vs 520.9 ± 155.5 m, P<0.001). No other significant influence on exercise capacity was seen. Multivariate regression analysis revealed that both the body mass index and the HRVI during CPX were independent predictors of the maximal oxygen uptake.

Conclusions:

Better HRVI control on CPX was correlated with better exercise capacity in patients with chronic AF. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Jefferson Jaber, MD was supported by a fellowship grant from CNPq, Brazil. The authors have no other funding, financial relationships, or conflicts of interest to disclose.
Synthesis and Antimalarial Activities of a Diverse Set of Triazole‐Containing Furamidine Analogues
Authors: Berger Olivier , Kaniti Archana , van Ba Christophe Tran , Vial Henri , Ward Stephen A. , Biagini Giancarlo A. , Bray Patrick G. , O'Neill Paul M.
Published: September 2011

Four different series of triazole diamidines have been prepared by the Pinner method from the corresponding triazole dinitriles. Copper‐catalyzed “click chemistry” was used for the synthesis of 1,4‐ and 4,5‐substituted triazoles, aryl magnesium acetylide reagents for the 1,5‐substituted triazoles, with a thermal dipolar addition reaction employed for the 2,4‐substituted triazoles. In vitro antimalarial activity against two different PfCRT‐modified parasite lines (Science 2002, 298, 210–213) of Plasmodium falciparum and inhibition of hemozoin formation were determined for each compound. Several diamidines with potent nanomolar antimalarial activities were identified, and selected molecules were resynthesized as their diamidoxime triazole prodrugs. One of these prodrugs, OB216, proved to be highly potent in vivo with an ED50 value of 5 mg kg−1 (po) and an observed 100 % cure rate (CD100) of just 10 mg kg−1 by oral (po) administration in mice infected with P. vinckei.
In vivo plant flow cytometry: A first proof‐of‐concept
Authors: Nedosekin Dmitry A. , Khodakovskaya Mariya V. , Biris Alexandru S. , Wang Daoyuan , Xu Yang , Villagarcia Hector , Galanzha Ekaterina I. , Zharov Vladimir P.
Published: September 2011

In vivo flow cytometry has facilitated advances in the ultrasensitive detection of tumor cells, bacteria, nanoparticles, dyes, and other normal and abnormal objects directly in blood and lymph circulatory systems. Here, we propose in vivo plant flow cytometry for the real‐time noninvasive study of nanomaterial transport in xylem and phloem plant vascular systems. As a proof of this concept, we demonstrate in vivo real‐time photoacoustic monitoring of quantum dot‐carbon nanotube conjugates uptake by roots and spreading through stem to leaves in a tomato plant. In addition, in vivo scanning cytometry using multimodal photoacoustic, photothermal, and fluorescent detection schematics provided multiplex detection and identification of nanoparticles accumulated in plant leaves in the presence of intensive absorption, scattering, and autofluorescent backgrounds. The use of a portable fiber‐based photoacoustic flow cytometer for studies of plant vasculature was demonstrated. These integrated cytometry modalities using both endogenous and exogenous contrast agents have a potential to open new avenues of in vivo study of the nutrients, products of photosynthesis and metabolism, nanoparticles, infectious agents, and other objects transported through plant vasculature. © 2011 International Society for Advancement of Cytometry
Induction of DNA damage signaling by oxidative stress in relation to DNA replication as detected using “click chemistry”
Authors: Zhao Hong , Dobrucki Jurek , Rybak Paulina , Traganos Frank , Dorota Halicka H. , Darzynkiewicz Zbigniew
Published: September 2011

Induction of DNA damage by oxidants such as H2O2 activates the complex network of DNA damage response (DDR) pathways present in cells to initiate DNA repair, halt cell cycle progression, and prepare an apoptotic reaction. We have previously reported that activation of Ataxia Telangiectasia Mutated protein kinase (ATM) and induction of γH2AX are among the early events of the DDR induced by exposure of cells to H2O2, and in human pulmonary carcinoma A549 cells, both events were expressed predominantly during S‐phase. This study was designed to further explore a correlation between these events and DNA replication. Toward this end, we utilized 5‐ethynyl‐2′deoxyuridine (EdU) and the “click chemistry” approach to label DNA during replication, followed by exposure of A549 cells to H2O2. Multiparameter laser scanning cytometric analysis of these cells made it possible to identify DNA replicating cells and directly correlate H2O2‐induced ATM activation and induction of γH2AX with DNA replication on a cell by cell basis. After pulse‐labeling with EdU and exposure to H2O2, confocal microscopy was also used to examine the localization of DNA replication sites (“replication factories”) versus the H2AX phosphorylation sites (γH2AX foci) in nuclear chromatin in an attempt to observe the absence or presence of colocalization. The data indicate a close association between DNA replication and H2AX phosphorylation in A549 cells, suggesting that these DNA damage response events may be triggered by stalled replication forks and perhaps also by induction of DNA double‐strand breaks at the primary DNA lesions induced by H2O2. © 2011 International Society for Advancement of Cytometry.
QSRR using evolved artificial neural network for 52 common pharmaceuticals and drugs of abuse in hair from UPLC–TOF‐MS
Authors: Noorizadeh Hadi , Farmany Abbas , Narimani Hojat , Noorizadeh Mehrab
Published: September 2011

A quantitative structure–retention relationship (QSRR) study based on an artificial neural network (ANN) was carried out for the prediction of the ultra‐performance liquid chromatography‐Time‐of‐Flight mass spectrometry (UPLC‐TOF‐MS) retention time (RT) of a set of 52 pharmaceuticals and drugs of abuse in hair. The genetic algorithm was used as a variable selection tool. A partial least squares (PLS) method was used to select the best descriptors which were used as input neurons in neural network model. For choosing the best predictive model from among comparable models, square correlation coefficient R2 for the whole set calculated based on leave‐group‐out predicted values of the training set and model‐derived predicted values for the test set compounds is suggested to be a good criterion. Finally, to improve the results, structure–retention relationships were followed by a non‐linear approach using artificial neural networks and consequently better results were obtained. This also demonstrates the advantages of ANN. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Gal80 intersectional regulation of cell‐type specific expression in vertebrates
Authors: Fujimoto Esther , Gaynes Brooke , Brimley Cameron J. , Chien Chi‐Bin , Bonkowsky Joshua L.
Published: September 2011

Characterization and functional manipulation of specific groups of neurons in the vertebrate central nervous system (CNS) remains a major hurdle for understanding complex circuitry and functions. In zebrafish, the Gal4/UAS system has permitted expression of transgenes and enhancer trap screens, but is often limited by broad expression domains. We have developed a method for cell‐type specific expression using Gal80 inhibition of Gal4‐dependent expression. We show that native Gal4 is able to drive strong expression, that Gal80 can inhibit this expression, and that overlapping Gal4 and Gal80 expression can achieve “intersectional” expression in spatially and genetically defined subsets of neurons. We also optimize Gal80 for expression in vertebrates, track Gal80 expression with a co‐expressed fluorescent marker, and use a temperature‐sensitive allele of Gal80 to temporally regulate its function. These data demonstrate that Gal80 is a powerful addition to the genetic techniques available to map and manipulate neural circuits in zebrafish. Developmental Dynamics 240:2324–2334, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The tight junction scaffolding protein cingulin regulates neural crest cell migration
Authors: Wu Chyong‐Yi , Jhingory Sharon , Taneyhill Lisa A.
Published: September 2011

Neural crest cells give rise to a diverse range of structures during vertebrate development. These cells initially exist in the dorsal neuroepithelium and subsequently acquire the capacity to migrate. Although studies have documented the importance of adherens junctions in regulating neural crest cell migration, little attention has been paid to tight junctions during this process. We now identify the tight junction protein cingulin as a key regulator of neural crest migration. Cingulin knock‐down increases the migratory neural crest cell domain, which is correlated with a disruption of the neural tube basal lamina. Overexpression of cingulin also augments neural crest cell migration and is associated with similar basal lamina changes and an expansion of the premigratory neural crest population. Cingulin overexpression causes aberrant ventrolateral neuroepithelial cell delamination, which is linked to laminin loss and a decrease in RhoA. Together, our results highlight a novel function for cingulin in the neural crest. Developmental Dynamics 240:2309–2323, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Summary of ‘Systemic antifungal therapy for tinea capitis in children’
Authors: Editorial Office Evidence‐Based Child Health
Published: September 2011

This is a summary of Cochrane review, published in this issue of EBCH, first published as: González U, Seaton T, Bergus G, Jacobson J, Martínez‐Monzón C. Systemic antifungal therapy for tinea capitis in children. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2007, Issue 4. Art. No.: CD004685. DOI: 10.1002/14651858. CD004685.pub2 Copyright © 2011 The Cochrane Collaboration. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. The Cochrane Collaboration
Commentary on ‘Systemic antifungal therapy for tinea capitis in children’
Authors: Fuller L. Claire
Published: September 2011

This is a Commentary of a Cochrane Review, published in this issue of EBCH, first published as: González U, Seaton T, Bergus G, Jacobson J, Martínez‐Monzón C. Systemic antifungal therapy for tinea capitis in children. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2007, Issue 4. Art. No.: CD004685. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD004685.pub2.

Further information for this Cochrane review is available in this issue of EBCH in the accompanying Summary article. Copyright © 2011 The Cochrane Collaboration. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. The Cochrane Collaboration
Commentaries on ‘Minocycline for acne vulgaris: efficacy and safety’ with a response from the review authors
Authors: Del Rosso James Q. , Garner S.E.
Published: September 2011

These are commentaries of a Cochrane review, published in this issue of EBCH, first published as: Garner SE, Eady A, Popescu CM, Newton J, Li Wan Po A. Minocycline for acne vulgaris: efficacy and safety. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2003, Issue 1. Art. No.: CD002086. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD002086.

Further information for this Cochrane review is available in this issue of EBCH in the accompanying Summary article. Copyright © 2011 The Cochrane Collaboration. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. The Cochrane Collaboration
Dye‐Sensitised Solar Cells Based on Large‐Pore Mesoporous TiO2 with Controllable Pore Diameters
Authors: Pan Kai , Zhou Wei , Tian Guohui , Pan Qingjiang , Tian Chungui , Xie Tengfeng , Dong Youzhen , Wang Dejun , Fu Honggang
Published: September 2011

Mesoporous TiO2 (meso‐TiO2) is a promising photoelectrical nanomaterial for high dye‐sensitised solar cell (DSSC) performance, because its nanochannels offer a large internal surface area to allow for more dye adsorption. The interconnected grains facilitate rapid electron transport both within the meso‐TiO2 film and at the film electrode dye/redox shuttle electrolyte interfaces. In this work, a series of DSSCs has been fabricated on the basis of meso‐TiO2 with large controllable pore sizes (6.5, 8.2 and 11.0 nm). It was found that the DSSC with the 8.2 nm meso‐TiO2 photoelectrode has the highest photoelectrical conversion efficiency, which is higher than that of the conventional P25 nanoparticulate DSSC under the same conditions. The measurements of the N2 sorption isotherms and the photovoltage transient demonstrates that such improved efficiency can be ascribed to the larger surface area and the fastest interfacial charge transfer. Meanwhile, the effect of different pore sizes on the photoelectrical conversion efficiency has been systematically investigated, and a possible model for the efficient electrolyte percolation in the dye‐sensitised mesoporous photoelectrode has been proposed.
A New Metal Carboxylate Framework Based on Porphyrin with Extended π‐Conjugation
Authors: Matsunaga Satoshi , Endo Nanako , Mori Wasuke
Published: September 2011

We have designed a new tetracarboxylporphyrin building block, ZnTCPEP‐H4, and used it in the construction of a novel porphyrin‐based metal carboxylate framework, [Zn4(μ3‐OH)2(H2O)2(ZnTCPEP‐H)2(DABCO)]·2DMF·10.5H2O(Zn4·ZnTCPEP·DABCO). The framework forms a 3D network linked by tetranuclear Zn cluster nodes {Zn4(μ3‐OH)2(H2O)2}, ZnTCPEP‐H4, and DABCO. The ZnTCPEP‐H4 building block exhibits extended π‐conjugation from the porphyrin core to the terminal carboxyl groups via ethynyl linkers attached to the porphyrin core. The Zn4·ZnTCPEP·DABCO framework gives rise to a 3D porous structure containing open channels with cross sections of approximately 10 × 10 and 7 × 7 Å. It has a BET surface area of 461 m2/g and a Langmuir surface area of 581 m2/g. A hydrogen adsorption capacity of 0.86 wt.‐% was determined for Zn4·ZnTCPEP·DABCO at 77 K and 0.1 MPa.
Aqueous–Organic Biphasic Hydrogenation of trans‐Cinnamaldehyde Catalyzed by Rhodium and Ruthenium Phosphane‐Free Porphyrin Complexes
Authors: Stangel Christina , Charalambidis Georgios , Varda Varvara , Coutsolelos Athanassios G. , Kostas Ioannis D.
Published: September 2011

The synthesis and spectroscopic characterization of new rhodium and ruthenium complexes with a porphyrin, possessing carboxylic groups in the arms of the porphyrin ring, is described. The complexes are completely soluble in water in the presence of a base (KOH or triethylamine). These phosphane‐free and air‐stable complexes were evaluated as catalysts in the aqueous hydrogenation of trans‐cinnamaldehyde. Catalysis was more efficient with the ammonium salts of the complexes rather than the corresponding potassium carboxylate salts, preferably in water/toluene rather than in neat water. The effect of catalyst concentration, reaction temperature, hydrogen pressure and methanol addition on the catalytic activity of the complexes in the presence of triethylamine in an aqueous–organic biphasic system was investigated. The catalysts were presumably homogeneous, and could be recycled and reused without any significant difference in activity and selectivity. This is the first time that porphyrin–metal complexes have been used as catalysts for hydrogenation of α,β‐unsaturated aldehydes.
Chemical modification of proteins to improve the accuracy of their relative molecular mass determination by electrophoresis
Authors: Dolnik Vladislav , Gurske William A.
Published: September 2011

We studied the electrophoretic behavior of basic proteins (cytochrome c and histone III) and developed a carbamylation method that normalizes their electrophoretic size separation and improves the accuracy of their relative molecular mass determined electrophoretically. In capillary zone electrophoresis with cationic hitchhiking, native cytochrome c does not sufficiently bind cationic surfactants due to electrostatic repulsion between the basic protein and cationic surfactant. Carbamylation suppresses the strong positive charge of the basic proteins and results in more accurate relative molecular masses.
In vitroevaluation of an injectable chitosan gel for sustained local delivery of BMP‐2 for osteoblastic differentiation
Authors: Kim Sungwoo , Tsao Helen , Kang Yunqing , Young Daniel A. , Sen Milan , Wenke Joseph C. , Yang Yunzhi
Published: September 2011

We investigated the effect of sustained release of bone morphogenetic protein‐2 (BMP‐2) from an injectable chitosan gel on osteoblastic differentiationin vitro. We first characterized the release profile of BMP‐2 from the gels, and then examined the cellular responses of preosteoblast mouse stromal cells (W‐20‐17) and human embryonic palatal mesenchymal (HEPM) cells to BMP‐2. The release profiles of different concentrations of BMP‐2 exhibited sustained releases (41% for 2 ng/mL and 48% for 20 ng/mL, respectively) from the chitosan gels over a three‐week period. Both cell types cultured in the chitosan gels were viable and significantly proliferated for 3 days (p< 0.05). Chitosan gels loaded with BMP‐2 enhanced ALP activity of W‐20‐17 by 3.6‐fold, and increased calcium mineral deposition of HEPM by 2.8‐fold at 14 days of incubation, compared to control groups initially containing the same amount of BMP‐2. In addition, schitosan gels loaded with BMP‐2 exhibited significantly greater osteocalcin synthesis of W‐20‐17 at seven days, and of HEPM at both 7 and 14 days compared with the control groups (p<0.05). This study suggests that the enhanced effects of BMP‐2 released from chitosan gels on cell differentiation and mineralization are species and cell type dependent. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2011.
A simplified in vivo approach for evaluating the bioabsorbable behavior of candidate stent materials
Authors: Pierson Daniel , Edick Jacob , Tauscher Aaron , Pokorney Ellen , Bowen Patrick , Gelbaugh Jesse , Stinson Jon , Getty Heather , Lee Chee Huei , Drelich Jaroslaw , Goldman Jeremy
Published: September 2011

Metal stents are commonly used to revascularize occluded arteries. A bioabsorbable metal stent that harmlessly erodes away over time may minimize the normal chronic risks associated with permanent implants. However, there is no simple, low‐cost method of introducing candidate materials into the arterial environment. Here, we developed a novel experimental model where a biomaterial wire is implanted into a rat artery lumen (simulating bioabsorbable stent blood contact) or artery wall (simulating bioabsorbable stent matrix contact). We use this model to clarify the corrosion mechanism of iron (≥99.5 wt %), which is a candidate bioabsorbable stent material due to its biocompatibility and mechanical strength. We found that iron wire encapsulation within the arterial wall extracellular matrix resulted in substantial biocorrosion by 22 days, with a voluminous corrosion product retained within the vessel wall at 9 months. In contrast, the blood‐contacting luminal implant experienced minimal biocorrosion at 9 months. The importance of arterial blood versus arterial wall contact for regulating biocorrosion was confirmed with magnesium wires. We found that magnesium was highly corroded when placed in the arterial wall but was not corroded when exposed to blood in the arterial lumen for 3 weeks. The results demonstrate the capability of the vascular implantation model to conduct rapid in vivo assessments of vascular biomaterial corrosion behavior and to predict long‐term biocorrosion behavior from material analyses. The results also highlight the critical role of the arterial environment (blood vs. matrix contact) in directing the corrosion behavior of biodegradable metals. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2012.
Optimizing conditions for the extraction of catechins from green tea using hot water
Authors: Vuong Quan V. , Golding John B. , Stathopoulos Costas E. , Nguyen Minh H. , Roach Paul D.
Published: September 2011

Six different factors involved in the extraction of catechins from green tea using water were examined for their impact on the yield of catechins and on the efficiency of water use. The best temperature and time combination for catechin extraction was at 80°C for 30 min. The yield of catechins was also optimal with a tea particle size of 1 mm, a brewing solution pH <6 and a tea‐to‐water ratio at 50:1 (mL/g). In terms of efficient use of water in a single extraction, a water‐to‐tea ratio of 20:1 (mL/g) gave the best results; 2.5 times less water was used per gram of green tea. At the water‐to‐tea ratio of 20:1 mL/g, the highest yield of catechins per gram of green tea was achieved by extracting the same sample of green tea twice. However, for the most efficient use of water, the best extraction was found to be once at a water‐to‐tea ratio of 12:1 (mL/g) and once at a water‐to‐tea ratio of 8:1 (mL/g). Therefore, all six of the factors investigated had an impact on the yield of catechins extracted from green tea using water and two had an impact on the efficiency of water use.
Emulsion Electrospinning of a Collagen‐Like Protein/PLGA Fibrous Scaffold: Empirical Modeling and Preliminary Release Assessment of Encapsulated Protein
Authors: Wei Kai , Li Yuan , Lei Xiaowen , Yang Heejae , Teramoto Akira , Yao Juming , Abe Koji , Ko Frank K.
Published: September 2011

The effectiveness of a multifunctional scaffold produced by the electrospinning of emulsions composed of organic PLGA and aqueous collagen‐like protein (denoted as Fol‐8Col) solutions is demonstrated. The resultant Fol‐8Col/PLGA fibrous scaffolds with homogeneous morphology have mean fiber diameters from 600 to 2 000 nm. A uniform distribution of encapsulated Fol‐8Col in the fibers is observed by fluorescence microscopy. TEM is used to clarify the representative core/sheath structure of emulsion electrospun Fol‐8Col/PLGA fibers. Preliminary release assessment of encapsulated Fol‐8Col shows results of sustained release for more than one month from the Fol‐8Col/PLGA fibrous mats. The cytocompatibility of fibroblast cell line L929 with the fibrous composite seems promosing.

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Rectangular‐Shaped Polyaniline Tubes Covered with Nanorods and their Electrorheology
Authors: Lee Bo Mi , Kim Ji Eun , Fang Fei Fei , Choi Hyoung Jin , Feller Jean‐Francois
Published: September 2011

Nanorod covered polyaniline (PANI) tubes with rectangular cross section are synthesized via a chemical oxidation polymerization method and then utilized as an electrorheological (ER) material by dispersion in silicone oil, resulting in 10 vol% particle concentration. These PANI tubes are chosen based on the fact that the PANI is a promising suspension material for ER fluids due to its high polarizability and controllable conductivity. The ER performances are investigated as a function of electric field strength by using a rheometer, and the frequency dependences of permittivity and dielectric loss factor of ER fluids are also measured with a LCR meter. The sedimentation observation is further examined as a function of time, demonstrating improved dispersion stability compared to general particulate PANI‐based ER fluid.
Mimic of Protein: A Highly pH‐Sensitive and Thermoresponsive Polyampholyte
Authors: Xia Yuqiong , Gao Min , Chen Ye , Jia Xinru , Liang Dehai
Published: September 2011

As a mimic of protein, a polyampholyte‐based material should be able to duplicate the properties and functions of protein. A polyampholyte that is highly sensitive to both pH and temperature under physiological conditions is obtained when 80% butylamide‐terminated poly(amidoamine) dentron is grafted to the backbone of styrene and maleic anhydride. The phase separation occurs at 33.7 °C at pH = 6.20, while the transition point increases to 43.9 °C at pH = 6.30. The superior performance is the consequence of the cooperative interactions among basic, acidic, and thermoresponsive groups. The polyampholyte with a suitable isoelectric point provides a platform for the development of multifunctional materials for biomedical applications.
Impact experiments and finite element simulation of surface roughness reduction by machine hammer peening
Authors: Wied J. , Scheil J. , Klamser M. , Berger C.
Published: September 2011

Machine hammer peening (MHP) is a mechanical surface treatment that employs a tungsten carbide tool to hammer the surface of a work piece. It was the goal of this study to find relations between the process parameters and the surface smoothing effect of MHP by finite element simulations. Impact experiments have been conducted in order to find suitable load‐deformation‐relations for a selection of work piece materials and to validate the model. A finite element model has been established with good agreement to the experimental results. Simulations have been conducted to investigate the influence of main process parameters on the surface roughness reduction. Additional simulations were performed and a way of creating uniform smooth surfaces with respect to small duration of surface treatment is presented.
Highly loaded alumina inks for use in a piezoelectric print head
Authors: Polsakiewicz D. A. , Kollenberg W.
Published: September 2011

Ink jet printing techniques are used for an increasing number of materials and applications. Properties of the used inks have great influence on process stability and accuracy as well as the resulting part properties. Inks containing ceramic particles have been applied in various studies and applications. The criteria identifying suitable inks vary depending on the applied printing technology. In this study, inks for application in a piezoelectric print head were investigated. Alumina inks with solid loadings up to 21 vol.‐% were prepared and characterized. The Influence of different solid loadings, dispersant concentrations and binding agents was examined. The prepared inks show sufficient stability and fit literature recommendations for successful drop ejection. Considering rheological aspects, two inks with light shear‐thinning behaviour and viscosities of 18 mPas and 23 mPas at high shear rates were recommended for upcoming printing tests. The Re/We1/2 ratio can be used for predetermination of print ability but the influence of the surface tension is not sufficiently taken into account using the presented calculations. So further printing experiments are essential for clarification of the calculations and obtained print ability values.
Investigation concerning the applicability of raman spectroscopy for prospective inline monitoring of electrode processing for lithium ion batteries
Authors: Langklotz U. , Schneider M. , Seifert C. , Michaelis A.
Published: September 2011

Raman spectroscopy was used for investigation of tape‐cast LCO foils. The aim of the work was to test the suitability of a portable and cost‐effective Raman spectrometer as a tool for inline monitoring of electrode processing. The influence of device‐specific limitations, as well as intrinsic material properties, of LCO electrodes was investigated. It could be shown that the heat impact caused by laser excitation is negligible. Typical electrode properties as roughness or orientation do not significantly the Raman measurements. Based on this investigation, Raman spectroscopy is a promising tool for intended inline monitoring.
Influences of axial load on the lateral response of single pile with integral equation method
Authors: Liang Fayun , Chen Haibing , Chen Shengli
Published: September 2011

This article revisits the influences of axial load on the lateral response of single pile with integral equation method. The problem is formulated by decomposing the pile soil system into an extended elastic soil and a fictitious pile, the former of which is analyzed by making use of the fundamental Mindlin's solution for a concentrated horizontal load whereas the latter is modeled by the conventional beam bending theory. According to the rotation compatibility condition between the fictitious pile and the extended soil, a Fredholm integral equation of the second kind is established with the shear strain and rotation angle of the fictitious pile being the basic unknowns. The bending moment and displacement distribution along the pile are subsequently obtained. Comparison with existing solutions validates the accuracy and applicability of the present formulation. The results of parametric analysis indicate that the influences of axial load on the lateral response of single piles could be significant, and in general, the bending moment and horizontal displacement distributions along the pile increase considerably with the increase of axial load. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
What do Australian consumers think about current advertising standards?
Authors: Jones Sandra Carol , Eagleton Katherine
Published: September 2011

The concept of community standards is the cornerstone of advertising self‐regulation in Australia. However, there is a dearth of research on current attitudes towards advertising and a virtual absence of such data in an Australian context. A questionnaire was developed to assess consumer attitudes towards advertising; respondents were 872 adults residing in New South Wales. We found high levels of concern regarding advertising standards in general and a consistent perception that advertising should not, for example, use coarse language or violent images, portray women or men as sex objects or show nudity, stereotype or make fun of groups of people, or convey messages that undermine parental authority. In relation to specific appeals and executional elements, although we identified numerous statistically significant demographic differences, there was a clear majority view as to what elements are unacceptable. That is, rather than the posited vocal ‘moral minority’, there is a consistency of views across the community on key issues of advertising standards. The finding that only a very small proportion of community‐based respondents knew how to make a complaint to the correct organisation suggests that studies utilising complainant samples are unlikely to be representative of those who are concerned about advertising. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synthesis of diblock methylcellulose derivatives with regioselective functionalization patterns
Authors: Nakagawa Atsushi , Fenn Dominik , Koschella Andreas , Heinze Thomas , Kamitakahara Hiroshi
Published: September 2011

This article describes a new synthesis strategy to prepare diblock copolymers as model compounds for industrially produced cellulose ethers exemplified with methylcellulose (MC). To elucidate a key structure for thermoreversible gelation of MC, five regioselectively methylated celluloses 1–5 (236, 23, 26, 3, and 6 MC), five corresponding methyl‐β‐D‐glucopyranosyl‐(1→4)‐cellulosides 6–10, and five equiv methyl‐β‐D‐glucopyranosyl‐(1→4)‐β‐D‐glucopyranosyl‐(1→4)‐cellulosides 11–15 were synthesized for the first time via combination of the glycosyl trichloroacetimidate method and the acid‐catalyzed methanolysis method. The structure of compounds 1–15 was confirmed by means of NMR spectroscopy and MALDI‐TOF MS. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2011
Permeation of butane isomers through 6FDA‐DAM dense films
Authors: Esekhile Omoyemen , Qiu Wulin , Koros William J.
Published: September 2011

Permeation of mixtures of butane isomers through 6FDA‐DAM (2,2‐bis(3,4‐carboxyphenyl) hexafluoropropane dianhydride–diaminomesitylene) dense films is shown to deviate from the dual‐mode transport model, even if one accounts for nonideal bulk flow effects. Two hypotheses are proposed to explain the deviations observed. Both hypotheses relate to an apparently much slower exchange rate of the bulky i‐butane molecule versus n‐butane isomer between Henry's Law and Langmuir sorption sites in the rigid matrix. The first hypothesis suggests a change in the equilibrium isotherm for normal butane, due to the presence of i‐butane. A model is considered to account for the change in local equilibrium and to improve the description of experimental data compared to the dual‐mode transport model accounting for bulk flow. The second hypothesis considers an effect on the accessible unrelaxed volume associated with the Langmuir capacity of one penetrant due to the presence of the second penetrant. We introduce an empirical parameter representing this effect for each penetrant in the n/i‐butane system. Models based on either hypothesis show some improvement to the dual‐mode transport model accounting for bulk flow, in making mixed gas predictions; however, the second model gives a much better fit to experimental data. Further experimentation is required to provide a physical basis for the empirical factor in the second model, thereby allowing generalization of the observations reported here. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 49: 1605–1620, 2011
Beta‐adrenergic receptor polymorphisms associated with length of ICU stay in pediatric status asthmaticus
Authors: Carroll Christopher L. , Sala Kathleen A. , Zucker Aaron R. , Schramm Craig M.
Published: September 2011

Background

During severe exacerbations, asthmatic children vary significantly in their response to high‐dose continuous β2‐adrenergic receptor (ADRβ2) agonist therapy. Genetic polymorphisms have been identified within the ADRβ2 that may be functionally relevant, but few studies have been performed in this population. Our hypothesis was that genotypic differences are associated with magnitude of response to ADRβ2 agonist treatment during severe asthma exacerbations in children.

Methods

Children aged 2–18 years admitted to the ICU (intensive care unit) with a severe asthma exacerbation between 2006 and 2008 were eligible. Genotyping of the ADRβ2 was performed.

Results

Eighty‐nine children consented and were enrolled. Despite similar clinical asthma scores on admission, children with the Gly16Gly genotype at amino acid position 16 had significantly shorter ICU length of stay (LOS) and hospital LOS, compared to children with Arg16Arg and Arg16Gly genotypes. Children with either the Gln27Glu or Glu27Glu genotype at amino acid position 27 also had significantly shorter ICU LOS and hospital LOS compared to children with the Gln27Gln genotype. The Arg16Gly‐Gln27Gln haplotype was associated with the longest ICU LOS, but this was not statistically different from other haplotypes.

Conclusions

In this cohort of children with severe asthma exacerbations, ADRβ2 polymorphisms were associated with responses to therapy. Knowledge of the genetic profile of children with asthma may allow for targeted therapy during acute exacerbations. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2012; 47:233–239. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Exhaled breath temperature and exercise‐induced bronchoconstriction in asthmatic children
Authors: Peroni Diego G. , Chinellato Iolanda , Piazza Michele , Zardini Federica , Bodini Alessandro , Olivieri Francesca , Boner Attilio L. , Piacentini Giorgio L.
Published: September 2011

It has been hypothesized that exhaled breath temperature (EBT) is related to the degree of airway inflammation/remodeling in asthma. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relationship between the level of airway response to exercise and EBT in a group of controlled or partly controlled asthmatic children. Fifty asthmatic children underwent measurements of EBT before and after a standardized exercise test. EBT was 32.92 ± 1.13 and 33.35 ± 0.95°C before and after exercise, respectively (P < 0.001). The % decrease in FEV1 was significantly correlated with the increase in EBT (r = 0.44, P = 0.0013), being r = 0.49 (P < 0.005) in the children who were not receiving regular inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) and 0.37 (n.s.) in those who were. This study further supports the hypothesis that EBT can be considered a potential composite tool for monitoring asthma. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2012; 47:240–244. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Influence of soaking duration on the selective oxidation and galvanizability of a high‐strength dual phase steel
Authors: Li Yuanpeng , Jiang Sheming , Yuan Xunhua , Chen Binkai , Zhang Qifu
Published: September 2011

High‐strength dual phase steels readily exhibit bad galvanizability and coating defects because of selective oxides formed on steel surface during the annealing process prior to galvanizing. To investigate selective oxidation of alloying elements and their effects on glavanizability, a high‐strength dual phase steel was annealed with soaking duration for 45, 90, and 120 s, respectively, and then galvanized using a hot‐dip simulator. Field‐emission scanning electron microscopy characterization revealed that when dual phase steel was soaked for 45 s, selective oxides mainly precipitated along grain boundaries, while only a few of the oxides formed on grains. With soaking duration increased, oxides were so dense that nearly all steel surface was covered, leaving little bare area of the steel surface. Further XPS analysis showed that selective oxides mainly consisted of MnO and Cr2O3. In addition, the chemical nature of oxides did not change at all although soaking duration prolonged. Scanning Auger microprobe depth profiles presented that Mn had a much higher tendency to segregate than Cr and Mo. Oxygen penetration depth to subsurface was promoted as soaking duration increased. The formation of interfacial inhibition layer was founded to be greatly influenced by the density and size of surface oxides. The widely spaced small oxides had virtually no adverse effect on wettability because of aluminothermic reduction of oxides by the bath dissolved Al. As the oxides became dense and considerably big, the grains of the inhibition layer in some certain zones became coarse and the galvanizability tended to deteriorate. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Identifying influential observations in Bayesian models by using Markov chain Monte Carlo
Authors: Jackson Dan , White Ian R. , Carpenter James
Published: September 2011

In statistical modelling, it is often important to know how much parameter estimates are influenced by particular observations. An attractive approach is to re‐estimate the parameters with each observation deleted in turn, but this is computationally demanding when fitting models by using Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC), as obtaining complete sample estimates is often in itself a very time‐consuming task. Here we propose two efficient ways to approximate the case‐deleted estimates by using output from MCMC estimation. Our first proposal, which directly approximates the usual influence statistics in maximum likelihood analyses of generalised linear models (GLMs), is easy to implement and avoids any further evaluation of the likelihood. Hence, unlike the existing alternatives, it does not become more computationally intensive as the model complexity increases. Our second proposal, which utilises model perturbations, also has this advantage and does not require the form of the GLM to be specified. We show how our two proposed methods are related and evaluate them against the existing method of importance sampling and case deletion in a logistic regression analysis with missing covariates. We also provide practical advice for those implementing our procedures, so that they may be used in many situations where MCMC is used to fit statistical models. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Covalent Tethering of Protruding Arms for Addressable DNA Nanostructures
Authors: Saccà Barbara , Niemeyer Christof M.
Published: September 2011

Functionalization of self‐assembled DNA nanostructures is of fundamental importance for the realization of their application in nanotechnology and biosensing. Approaches reported so far suffer from lack of general applicability and usually require careful system design to avoid poor yields in the assembly of target structures. A novel approach well suited for fabrication of addressable DNA superstructures is reported here to generate DNA tile motifs. The method is based on the covalent linkage of a single‐stranded protruding arm (covPA) to one of the oligomers forming the tile. Subsequent to assembly of tile motifs and superlattices, the covPA can be addressed by hybridization with complementary oligonucleotides or DNA–protein conjugates. The covPA can be located at arbitrary positions in a given tile motif without changing the general design and without compromising the structural integrity of the tile. The covPA strategy can also be readily extended to different PA sequences and multiple covPA arms can be linked to a tile. Superlattices obtained by self‐assembly of covPA tiles reveal partial folding into double layers which possess an intrinsic order at the ultrastructural level. This phenomenon is likely associated with the increased flexibility of the covPA and might open up novel ways for DNA‐based functionalization of solid surfaces and other applications of structural DNA nanotechnology.
Reversible Pore‐Structure Evolution in Hollow Silica Nanocapsules: Large Pores for siRNA Delivery and Nanoparticle Collecting
Authors: Chen Yu , Chu Chen , Zhou Yuchuan , Ru Yanfei , Chen Hangrong , Chen Feng , He Qianjun , Zhang Yonglian , Zhang Linlin , Shi Jianlin
Published: September 2011

The effective modulation of pore sizes for nanoporous silica nanoparticles still remains a great challenge not satisfactorily solved. In this paper, the pore sizes in the shell of hollow silica nanocapsules are well‐tuned by a reversible Si–O bond breakage and reformation process under mildly alkaline conditions (e.g., Na2CO3 solution). The pores in nanosized hollow silica capsules can be modulated from 3.2 nm to larger than 10 nm by a novel, surfactant‐directing alkaline‐etching (SDAE) strategy. Interestingly, the pores can be fully filled through the regrowth of the dissoluted silicates by bonding to silanols (Si–OH) on the wall surface to generate the nonporous hollow silica nanocapsules. The large‐sized pore hollow silica nanocapsules exhibit excellent siRNA‐loading capabilities and intracellular transfection efficiencies in vitro. In addition, the large pores in the shell of hollow silica nanocapsules are explored as channels for collecting superparamagnetic, small‐sized Fe3O4 nanoparticles as contrast agents for magnetic resonance imaging, initiating a special approach towards pore‐size modulation and multifunctionalization of silica‐based nanostructural materials for nanobiomedical applications.
Self‐Assembled DNA‐Based Fluorescence Waveguide with Selectable Output
Authors: Hannestad Jonas K. , Gerrard Simon R. , Brown Tom , Albinsson Bo
Published: September 2011

Using the principle of self‐assembly, a fluorescence‐based photonic network is constructed with one input and two spatially and spectrally distinct outputs. A hexagonal DNA nanoassembly is used as a scaffold to host both the input and output dyes. The use of DNA to host functional groups enables spatial resolution on the level of single base pairs, well below the wavelength of light. Communication between the input and output dyes is achieved through excitation energy transfer. Output selection is achieved by the addition of a mediator dye intercalating between the DNA base pairs transferring the excitation energy from input to output through energy hopping. This creates a tool for selective excitation energy transfer on the nanometer scale with spectral and spatial control. The ability to direct excitation energy in a controlled way on the nanometer scale is important for the incorporation of photochemical processes in nanotechnology.