bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Increasing outpatient treatment of mild community-acquired pneumonia: systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Chalmers J.D. , Akram A.R. , Hill A.T.
Published: August 2010

In order to identify, synthesise and interpret the evidence relating to strategies to increase the proportion of low-risk patients with community-acquired pneumonia treated in the community, we conducted a systematic review of intervention studies conducted between 1981–2010.

Articles were included if they compared strategies to increase outpatient care with usual care. Outcomes were: the proportion of patients treated as outpatients, mortality, hospital readmissions, health related quality of life, return to usual activities and patient satisfaction with care.

The main analysis included six studies. The interventions in these studies were generally complex, but all involved the use of a severity score to identify low-risk patients. Overall, a significantly larger numbers of patients were treated in the community with these interventions (OR 2.31, 95% CI 2.03–2.63). The interventions appear safe, with no significant differences in mortality (OR 0.83, 95% CI 0.59–1.17), hospital readmissions (OR 1.08, 95% CI 0.82–1.42) or patient satisfaction with care (OR 1.21, 95% CI 0.97–1.49) between the intervention and control groups. There was insufficient data regarding quality of life or return to usual activities. All studies had significant limitations.

The available evidence suggests that interventions to increase the proportion of patients treated in the community are safe, effective and acceptable to patients.
Increased expression of cysteine cathepsins in ovarian tissue from chickens with ovarian cancer
Authors: Ahn Suzie E , Choi Jin Won , Rengaraj Deivendran , Seo Hee Won , Lim Whasun , Han Jae Yong , Song Gwonhwa
Published: August 2010

Background

Cysteine cathepsins (CTSs) are involved in the degradation and remodeling of the extracellular matrix and are associated with cell transformation, differentiation, motility, and adhesion. These functions are also related to cancer cell invasion and metastasis. Chickens spontaneously develop epithelial ovarian cancer and are therefore a good animal model for human ovarian cancer. However, no studies have investigated the expression of CTSs in chickens with ovarian cancer.

Methods

Cancerous (n = 5) and normal (n = 3) ovaries were collected from 2-to 3-year-old hens, and ovarian tissue samples were collected for study. Ovarian cancers were evaluated with hematoxylin and eosin staining. Reverse transcriptase and quantitative PCR analyses, in situ hybridization analysis were performed to examine the mRNA expression pattern of three CTSs in detail, and protein expression of CTSB was evaluated.

Results

The CTSB, CTSC, and CTSS genes were highly expressed in cancerous chicken ovaries. Messenger RNAs for the three CTSs were localized to a nodule area, a major characteristic of cancerous ovaries, but the three CTSs showed no specific localization in normal ovaries. Immunoreactive CTSB protein was present in the nodule area of cancerous ovaries.

Conclusion

Our results suggest that CTSB, CTSC, and CTSS have important functions in the development of epithelial ovarian cancer.
A single dose of DNA vaccine based on conserved H5N1 subtype proteins provides protection against lethal H5N1 challenge in mice pre-exposed to H1N1 influenza virus
Authors: Chang Haiyan , Huang Chaoyang , Wu Jian , Fang Fang , Zhang Wenjie , Wang Fuyan , Chen Ze
Published: August 2010

Background

Highly pathogenic avian influenza virus subtype H5N1 infects humans with a high fatality rate and has pandemic potential. Vaccination is the preferred approach for prevention of H5N1 infection. Seasonal influenza virus infection has been reported to provide heterosubtypic immunity against influenza A virus infection to some extend. In this study, we used a mouse model pre-exposed to an H1N1 influenza virus and evaluated the protective ability provided by a single dose of DNA vaccines encoding conserved H5N1 proteins.

Results

SPF BALB/c mice were intranasally infected with A/PR8 (H1N1) virus beforehand. Six weeks later, the mice were immunized with plasmid DNA expressing H5N1 virus NP or M1, or with combination of the two plasmids. Both serum specific Ab titers and IFN-γ secretion by spleen cells in vitro were determined. Six weeks after the vaccination, the mice were challenged with a lethal dose of H5N1 influenza virus. The protective efficacy was judged by survival rate, body weight loss and residue virus titer in lungs after the challenge. The results showed that pre-exposure to H1N1 virus could offer mice partial protection against lethal H5N1 challenge and that single-dose injection with NP DNA or NP + M1 DNAs provided significantly improved protection against lethal H5N1 challenge in mice pre-exposed to H1N1 virus, as compared with those in unexposed mice.

Conclusions

Pre-existing immunity against seasonal influenza viruses is useful in offering protection against H5N1 infection. DNA vaccination may be a quick and effective strategy for persons innaive to influenza A virus during H5N1 pandemic.
Aortic dissection associated with cogans's syndrome: deleterious loss of vascular structural integrity is associated with GM-CSF overstimulation in macrophages and smooth muscle cells
Authors: Weissen-Plenz Gabriele , Sezer Ömer , Vahlhaus Christian , Robenek Horst , Hoffmeier Andreas , Tjan Tonny DT , Scheld Hans H , Sindermann Jürgen R
Published: August 2010

Background

Cogan's syndrome is a rare disorder of unknown origin characterized by inflammatory ocular disease and vestibuloauditory symptoms. Systemic vasculitis is found in about 10% of cases.

Case presentation

A 46-year-old female with Cogans's syndrome and a history of arterial hypertension presented with severe chest pain caused by an aneurysm of the ascending aorta with a dissection membrane located a few centimeters distal from the aortic root. After surgery, histopathological analysis revealed that vascular matrix integrity and expression of the major matrix molecules was characterized by elastolysis and collagenolysis and thus a dramatic loss of structural integrity. Remarkably, exceeding matrix deterioration was associated with massively increased levels of granulocyte macrophage colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF).

Conclusion

Our data suggest that the persistently increased secretion of the inflammatory mediator GM-CSF by resident inflammatory cells but also by SMC may be the trigger of aortic wall structural deterioration.
Respecting Patient Autonomy: Understanding the Impact on Nhs Hospital In-Patients of Legislation and Guidance Relating to Patient Capacity and Consent
Authors: Redley Marcus , Keeley Helen , Clare Isabel , Hinds Dianne , Luke Lydia , Holland Anthony
Published: August 2010

Objectives

To determine the extent and nature of the decisions individuals are asked to make as in-patients, and whether doctors, nurses, other health care practitioners, and housekeepers engaged in routine (non-emergency) medical assessments, investigations and treatments, or acts of personal care observe the Reference Guide to Consent for Examination or Treatment, the principles of the Mental Capacity Act (England and Wales) 2005, and the guidance from the Dignity in Care Campaign.

Methods

Hospital staff working on a general medical ward and a ward for older people in a large teaching hospital in England were observed for over 50 hours carrying out acts of medical and personal care. The observations were recorded using a semi-structured record sheet, complemented by unstructured field notes. Observations were subsequently categorized, coded and counted.

Results

A total of 206 acts were observed, 127 (62%) of which were acts of medical care and 79 (38%) were acts of personal care. Patients approached for acts of personal care were generally presented with choices and options (78%). In contrast, when approached for acts of medical care, they were rarely presented with a choice (6%); instead, health care practitioners either requested permission to perform a procedure (29%) or informed patients that they were about to perform a procedure (50%). Irrespective of the way in which health care practitioners approached patients about acts of medical care, in the overwhelming majority of instances, patients complied (80%, 99 cases), either by giving permission for the act to be performed, or by complying and/or cooperating with the health care practitioner. In only a minority of cases did patients either refuse or resist a proposed procedure (9%).

Conclusions

Patients were asked to make many varied decisions and the approaches taken by hospital staff differed depending on the nature of the decision and/or act in question. In contrast to personal care decisions, when health care practitioners approached patients in order to undertake routine acts of medical care, they generally did so in a manner that did not acknowledge that the patient had a right to exercise a choice. This is contrary to current law, policy and guidance. It seems to be rooted in the practical demands of running a hospital ward and uncertainties as to the purpose of securing patient consent before undertaking routine acts of medical care.
Health care blogs: Finding, creating, examples
Authors: Wright Kath , Harden Melissa , Light Kate , Stirk Lisa , Wright Kath
Published: August 2010

Blogs are one of the new Web 2 tools that allow people to contribute to the Internet either by creating their own web pages or by commenting on other people's, without needing access to sophisticated software and technology. Typical features of a blog (or web log) include regular updating, chronological presentation of entries, an archive of older material, the facility for adding comment and a list of links to other websites (blogroll). Some blogs act as online diaries with personal opinions while others comment on a specific topic. Blogs can offer an alternative, less formal source of information about recent news events and current affairs that could be useful to health services researchers. This edition of ‘What's on the web’ helps you identify relevant blogs, create your own blog and reviews two blogs that focus on health services.

If you would like to alert readers to useful web pages or suggest topics for this column, please send details to:
Nose pads
Authors: Raman R , Omar Rahmat
Published: August 2010

An idea to fix broken nose pads of spectacles has been suggested.
Chronic symptomatic hypocalcaemia – difficulties in diagnosis and treatment in rural Africa
Authors: Jackson Arthur , Namarika Dan
Published: August 2010

We describe a case of an African woman who had been misdiagnosed with peripheral neuropathy secondary to antiretroviral therapy. After clinical examination and laboratory investigation, an alternative diagnosis was made – chronic symptomatic hypocalcaemia secondary to hypoparathyroidism as a consequence of thyroid surgery approximately 30 years previously. We discuss the challenges faced by patients in areas with limited resources for the diagnosis and/or treatment of metabolic conditions such as this.
CEO Ability, Pay, and Firm Performance
Authors: Chang Yuk Ying , Dasgupta Sudipto , Hilary Gilles
Published: August 2010

Do chief executive officers (CEOs) really matter? Do cross-sectional differences in firm performance and CEO pay reflect differences in CEO ability? Examining CEO departures over 1992–2002, we first find that the stock price reaction upon departure is negatively related to the firm's prior performance and to the CEO's prior pay. Second, the CEO's subsequent labor market success is greater if the firm's predeparture performance is better, the prior pay is higher, and the stock market's reaction is more negative. Finally, better prior performance, higher prior pay, and a more negative stock market reaction are associated with worse postdeparture firm performance. Collectively, these results reject the view that differences in firm performance stem entirely from non-CEO factors such as the firms' assets, other employees, or “luck,” and that CEO pay is unrelated to the CEO's contribution to firm value.
CROSSROADS—Organizing for Fluidity? Dilemmas of New Organizational Forms
Authors: Schreyögg Georg , Sydow Jörg
Published: August 2010

An important new stream of thought stressing the importance of organizational fluidity has emerged in recent years. It represents a reaction to the increasing complexity and environmental turbulence that organizations have to master. The solutions proposed are highly flexible and fluid organizational forms, based on relentlessly changing templates, quick improvisation, and ad hoc responses. This approach is in sharp contrast to other recent organizational research that emphasizes identity, path dependence, economies of specialization, and recursive practices. We juxtapose the idea of organizational fluidity with this latter stream of research. If taken to its final conclusion, then the idea of promoting organizational fluidity would imply losing the very essence of organizing. Nevertheless, achieving organizational flexibility remains imperative in increasingly complex and volatile environments. To deal with this dilemma, an alternative approach is needed. We suggest a conceptualization of this dilemma that emphasizes the complementary dynamics between the two perspectives. We therefore provide an alternative conception that favors the idea of balancing countervailing processes in organizations with respect to the conflicting demands of organizational efficiency and fluidity.
Quantification of Fetal DNA by Use of Methylation-Based DNA Discrimination
Authors: Nygren Anders OH , Dean Jarrod , Jensen Taylor J , Kruse Selena , Kwong William , van den Boom Dirk , Ehrich Mathias
Published: August 2010

BACKGROUND

Detection of circulating cell-free fetal nucleic acids in maternal plasma has been used in noninvasive prenatal diagnostics. Most applications rely on the qualitative detection of fetal nucleic acids to determine the genetic makeup of the fetus. This method leads to an analytic dilemma, because test results from samples that do not contain fetal DNA or are contaminated with maternal cellular DNA can be misleading. We developed a multiplex approach to analyze regions that are hypermethylated in placenta relative to maternal blood to evaluate the fetal portion of circulating cell-free DNA isolated from maternal plasma.

METHODS

The assay used methylation-sensitive restriction enzymes to eliminate the maternal (unmethylated) fraction of the DNA sample. The undigested fetal DNA fraction was then coamplified in the presence of a synthetic oligonucleotide to permit competitive PCR. The amplification products were quantified by single-base extension and MALDI-TOF MS analysis.

RESULTS

Using 2 independent markers, (sex determining region Y)-box 14 (SOX14) and T-box 3 (TBX3), we measured a mean of 151 copies of fetal DNA/mL plasma and a mean fetal fraction of 0.13 in samples obtained from pregnant women. We investigated 242 DNA samples isolated from plasma from pregnant and nonpregnant women and observed an analytical sensitivity and specificity for the assay of 99% and 100%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

By investigating several regions in parallel, we reduced the measurement variance and enabled quantification of circulating cell-free DNA. Our results indicate that this multiplex methylation-based reaction detects and quantifies the amount of fetal DNA in a sample isolated from maternal plasma.
Evaluation of the Sysmex UF-1000i® urine flow cytometer in the diagnostic work-up of suspected urinary tract infection in a Dutch general hospital
Authors: van der Zwet Wil C. , Hessels Jan , Canbolat Fatih , Deckers Martine M.L.
Published: August 2010

Background: Automation and standardization of sediment analysis of urine samples by flow cytometry might serve as an alternative to labor-intensive laboratory methods, such as microscopic examination and culture. The Sysmex UF-1000i is a urine flow cytometer that uses two separate channels for counting blood cells and bacteria.

Methods: In this study, 358 urine samples were analyzed with the Sysmex UF-1000i in parallel with manual microscopy, Gram stain and bacterial culture, the latter considered the gold standard.

Results: Reproducibility for detection of white and red blood cells and bacteria was good, while detection of yeast proved unreliable. Depending on the definition of urinary tract in-fection (UTI) used, the negative predictive value and the per-centage of false-negative results were 100% and 0% [UTI ≥ 105 colony forming units (CFU)/mL] and 99% and 1.3%, (UTI ≥104 CFU/mL), respectively. Pre-screening with the Sysmex UF-1000i would have resulted in a reduction of bacterial culture by 42%. Carry over of bacteria between consecutive samples due to the use of fixed sample needle was observed, but did not result in false-positive interpretation of Sysmex UF-1000i results. Because of the occurrence of carry over, samples that have been analyzed with the Sysmex UF-1000i cannot be used for subsequent urine culture.

Conclusions: In conclusion, the Sysmex UF-1000i offers the possibility for screening high numbers of urine samples in a fast and standardized way, resulting in a reduction in workload and speeding the diagnostic process. It is not recommended for use in complicated patient populations, such as neutropenic patients and patients in whom yeast infection is suspected.

Clin Chem Lab Med 2010;48:1765–71.
Influence of tire fiber inclusions on shear strength of sand
Authors: Edinçliler A. , Ayhan V.
Published: August 2010

ABSTRACT: Reinforcement of soils with natural and synthetic fibers is a viable technique for increasing the soil strength. The objective of this study is to reinforce sand with tire waste inclusions. In this study, two different experimental programs were performed. In the first program, sand, tire crumb and tire crumb–sand mixtures were tested in the standard direct shear test equipment to observe the optimum content for modifying the shear strength properties of the sand. In the second program, large-scale direct shear tests were performed to observe the shear strength improvement imparted by tire waste inclusions. Two different processed tire wastes were used: tire crumb (TC) and fiber-shaped tire buffings (TB). The tire buffings were divided into two parts for representing different aspect ratios (TB1 and TB2). The following factors were studied to evaluate the influence of TC, TB1 and TB2 inclusions on the shear strength: normal stress, tire waste type, aspect ratio, and tire waste content. Three factors were found to significantly affect the shear strength values: normal stress, aspect ratio, and tire waste content. Also, it is seen that increasing the aspect ratio of the fibers increases the shear strength of the mixture.
Influence of unloading–reloading processes on the pullout resistance of geogrid
Authors: Giang N.H. , Kuwano J. , Izawa J. , Tachibana S.
Published: August 2010

ABSTRACT: This study presents an evaluation of soil–geogrid interaction mechanisms. Pullout tests were carried out on different types of geogrid to evaluate the effects of transverse ribs and dilatancy characteristics of sand around the geogrid during unload–reload processes. The interaction was observed using particle image velocimetry and analyzed using a spatial discretization scheme in the finite element method to understand the dilatancy mechanism and the shear strain distribution.
The Globalization of the U.S.-Style Regulatory State and Domestic Institutional Diversity: A Comparative Study of the Financial Services Sector and the Communications Sector in Britain and Japan
Authors: Wada Hironori
Published: August 2010

The adoption of U.S.-style independent regulatory agencies (IRAs) such as the FCC and the SEC has become increasingly pervasive in advanced nations. Much recent political analysis of public regulation tends to regard this worldwide spread of the American model, or regulatory state, as a typical example of a policy diffusion mechanism, such as emulation or regulatory competition. After critically examining that view, this article develops an alternative framework that combines international structural forces, such as techno-economic changes and ideational factors, and domestic institutional factors, in particular, path dependence of historical institutions. The cross-national and cross-sectoral case analysis (the financial services and communications sector in Britain and Japan) demonstrates that while apparent convergence on the American model is due to international structural forces, national and sectoral differences with respect to the extent of organizational changes depend largely on domestic institutions. This finding suggests that, facing complex dynamism between international structural forces and domestic institutions, each national government chooses the feature of regulatory organization independently from other nations decisions, rather than interdependently as assumed in the policy diffusion approach.
Human Lung Cancer Risks from Radon – Part I - Influence from Bystander Effects - A Microdose Analysis
Authors: Leonard Bobby E. , Thompson Richard E. , Beecher Georgia C.
Published: August 2010

Since the publication of the BEIR VI report in 1999 on health risks from radon, a significant amount of new data has been published showing various mechanisms that may affect the ultimate assessment of radon as a carcinogen, at low domestic and workplace radon levels, in particular the Bystander Effect (BE) and the Adaptive Response radio-protection (AR). We analyzed the microbeam and broadbeam alpha particle data of Miller et al. (1995 , 1999) , Zhou et al. (2001 , 2003 , 2004) , Nagasawa and Little (1999 , 2002) , Hei et al. (1999) , Sawant et al. (2001a) and found that the shape of the cellular response to alphas is relatively independent of cell species and LET of the alphas. The same alpha particle traversal dose response behavior should be true for human lung tissue exposure to radon progeny alpha particles. In the Bystander Damage Region of the alpha particle response, there is a variation of RBE from about 10 to 35. There is a transition region between the Bystander Damage Region and Direct Damage Region of between one and two microdose alpha particle traversals indicating that perhaps two alpha particle “hits” are necessary to produce the direct damage. Extrapolation of underground miners lung cancer risks to human risks at domestic and workplace levels may not be valid.
Cognitive Activation by Central Thalamic Stimulation: The Yerkes-Dodson Law Revisited
Authors: Mair Robert G. , Onos Kristen D. , Hembrook Jacqueline R.
Published: August 2010

Central thalamus regulates forebrain arousal, influencing activity in distributed neural networks that give rise to organized actions during alert, wakeful states. Central thalamus has been implicated in working memory by the effects of lesions and microinjected drugs in this part of the brain. Lesions and drugs that inhibit neural activity have been found to impair working memory. Drugs that increase activity have been found to enhance and impair memory depending on the dose tested. Electrical deep brain stimulation (DBS) similarly enhances working memory at low stimulating currents and impairs it at higher currents. These effects are time dependent. They were observed when DBS was applied during the memory delay (retention) or choice response (retrieval) but not earlier in trials during the sample (acquisition) phase. The effects of microinjected drugs and DBS are consistent with the Yerkes-Dodson law, which describes an inverted-U relationship between arousal and behavioral performance. Alternatively these results may reflect desensitization associated with higher levels of stimulation, spread of drugs or current to adjacent structures, or activation of less sensitive neurons or receptors at higher DBS currents or drug doses.
The Antecedents and Consequences of E-Service Quality for Online Banking
Authors: Zhu Jerome Dauw-Song , Lin Chih-Te
Published: August 2010

The purpose in this study was to explore the antecedents of e-service quality (e-SQ) based on a D&M information systems success model (DeLone & McLean, 1992) by considering e-SQ dimensions as a dependent variable. The consequences of dimensions influencing an individual's loyalty
intention based on e-SQ (Harris & Goode, 2004) toward e-business were also examined. Finally, a research framework to identify the antecedents and consequences of e-SQ for e-banking based on grounded theory analysis is proposed.
Individual Differences in Undergraduate Student Athletes: The Roles of Perfectionism and Trait Anxiety on Perception of Procrastination Behavior
Authors: Chabaud Pascal , Ferrand Claude , Maury Jean
Published: August 2010

The purpose in this study was to examine how undergraduate student athletes organized different explanations relating to behavioral procrastination into a hierarchy. Participants (N = 201) completed the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (Spielberger, Gorsuch, Lushene, Vagg, &
Jacobs, 1983) and the Multidimensional Perfectionism Scale (Hewitt & Flett, 1991) personality questionnaires. Two groups (low and high trait-anxious and perfectionist) were created from the lower and upper third responses. These participants read 6 vignettes describing different explanations
of athletes' behavioral procrastination and 2 control vignettes (nonprocrastinator and reveler drinker), and rated them. The 2 groups both placed the nonprocrastinator vignette in the first position, but rated differently the behavioral self-handicap of reveller drinker and perfectionism with
high standards vignettes. Maladaptive aspects of perfectionism associated with procrastination are discussed.
The Attitudes of Middle School Students Towards the Environment
Authors: Şahin Hande , Erkal Sibel
Published: August 2010

We examined the environmental attitudes of middle school students in this cross-sectional study. A questionnaire was administered to 6th, 7th, and 8th grade students at 5 middle schools in Ankara, Turkey. Average in analyses, standard deviation, t test, single-factor analysis,
and Tukey's tests were used to analyze data. The results showed that attitudes of 6th, 7th, and 8th grade students towards the environment were generally positive and statistically significantly related to school, class, education level of father, education level of mother, and monthly income
status.
Exploring Sun Avoidant Attitudes and Behaviors in the United Arab Emirates
Authors: Thomas Justin , Alanouti Fatme , Campbell Carol , Ameri Sumaya Al
Published: August 2010

The aim in this study was to develop a Sun Avoidance Inventory (SAI) and then test its factor structure and reliability. The SAI is a culturally grounded self-report measure of the attitudes and behaviors indicative of minimizing direct exposure to the sun. In our study 193 Emirati
females completed the SAI. The results of analysis of their responses support the validity of the instrument with 6 domains of avoidance being identified: recreational, occupational, head covering, body covering, and skin tone preference (light or tanned). The most strongly endorsed attitude
was that even brief exposure to sun is bad for health and the most strongly endorsed behavior was wearing a niqab (veil) outdoors. In previous studies carried out in the United Arab Emirates elevated levels of vitamin D (VTD) deficiency have been found, especially among females. High scores
on the SAI may predict VTD deficiency and in the future researchers could explore the validity of the SAI as a predictor of VTD deficiency and also investigate the potential use of the SAI in multiphase screening procedures for VTD deficiency.
Personality traits and life satisfaction: a chinese case study
Authors: Zhang Denghao , He Hailong
Published: August 2010

The relationship between the subjective well-being and personality of Chinese public servants employed by a local authority was examined. A total of 682 participants completed the Delighted-Terrible Faces Scale (Andrews & Withey, 1976) and the Chinese Personality Scale (Wang &
Cui, 2003). Regression analysis results indicated that extraversion was the strongest predictor of subjective well-being.
Student Satisfaction and Self-Efficacy in a Cooperative Robotics Course
Authors: Liu Eric Zhi Feng , Lin Chun Hung , Chang Chiung Sui
Published: August 2010

In this study, LEGO robotics and cooperative learning were integrated into the design of a course. In the course, preservice teachers had to complete their assignments by cooperating, solving problems, and conducting team discussions. After the course, questionnaires were used to understand
the advantages and disadvantages of the design of the robotics course, student satisfaction with the course, and changes of the preservice teachers' confidence in learning LEGO robotics. The satisfaction questionnaire covered three dimensions: teaching environment, teaching content, and teaching
method. Results showed that by the end of the semester, students' satisfaction with the cooperative robotics course had improved. Furthermore, the results showed positive effects on preservice teachers' perceived self-efficacy when learning LEGO robotics.
Route of Antigen Uptake Differentially Impacts Presentation by Dendritic Cells and Activated Monocytes
Authors: Kamphorst Alice O. , Guermonprez Pierre , Dudziak Diana , Nussenzweig Michel C.
Published: August 2010

Dendritic cells (DCs), which maintain tolerance and orchestrate T cell immune responses, comprise a heterogeneous group of cells. For example, in the steady state, murine spleen contains pre-DC–derived CD8+ and CD8− conventional DCs. During inflammation, monocytes become activated and acquire some DC-like features, such as expression of CD11c and MHC class II. Although each of these cell types can present Ag, the relative efficiency of processing and presentation after Ag capture by different routes has not yet been systematically compared. To this end, we administered OVA to various conventional DCs and activated monocytes by receptor-mediated endocytosis, pinocytosis, or phagocytosis and measured internalization and presentation to MHC class I- and MHC class II-restricted T cells. We find that CD8− DCs are more efficient than any other type of APC tested in terms of presenting Ag to MHC class II-restricted T cells, irrespective of the route of Ag capture. In contrast, both subsets of splenic DCs are highly effective in cross-presenting Ags to CD8+ T cells. DCs and activated monocytes cross-presented Ags delivered by DEC205-mediated endocytosis and pinocytosis. However, DCs differ from activated monocytes in that the latter are several orders of magnitude less efficient in presenting Ags captured by phagocytosis to CD8+ or CD4+ T cells. We conclude that DCs derived from pre-DCs differ from monocyte-derived cells in that DCs process and present Ags efficiently irrespective of the route of Ag capture. Our observations have significant implications for understanding initiation of immune responses and vaccination strategies targeting DCs and activated monocytes.
Effect of gamma ray irradiation on processability and properties of ultra high molecular weight polyethylene
Authors: Fan Ping , Cao Zheng , Zou Huawei , Luo Liqin , Liu Pengbo
Published: August 2010

Ultra high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) has been widely used in many fields due to its outstanding properties. However, it is virtually impossible to be processed by the conventional method due to its high molecular weight and very tight chain entanglement. To solve this problem, a new method was proposed in this article. Gamma ray irradiation was adopted to cause the oxidation degradation of UHMWPE. The degraded products which generated in situ and dispersed in UHMWPE evenly were utilized as self‐lubricant and heat transfer intermediary. These low molecular weight fractions thus could improve the processability of UHMWPE. The effects of irradiation dose on the structure and properties of UHMWPE were studied by fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, gel content measurement, wide angle x‐ray diffraction (WAXD), Haake torque rheometer, mechanical properties measurements and sliding wear tests. The experimental results showed that gamma ray irradiation caused oxidation degradation of UHMWPE. Under appropriate irradiation condition, the processability of UHMWPE could be improved substantially while most of its excellent properties could be kept. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
Synthesis in inverse emulsion and decolorization properties of hydrophobically modified cationic polyelectrolyte
Authors: Shang Hongzhou , Zheng Yubin , Liu Jianping
Published: August 2010

Poly(acrylamide‐diallyldimethyl ammonium chloride‐vinyl trimethoxy silane) [P (AM‐DADMAC‐VTMS)] was prepared by inverse free‐radical emulsion polymerization technique. VTMS segment was hydrolyzed and condensed to form three dimensional networks. The effects of different factors, such as hydrophobic monomer feed ratio, cationic monomer feed ratio, pH value, and NaCl concentration, on decolorization efficiency were studied. Moreover, the decolorization mechanism was also explained by analyzing FTIR spectra and UV‐vis spectra. The introduction of VTMS on flocculant enhanced removal efficiency of dye molecules. With the increasing VTMS, adsorption and net roofing‐sweeping action of hydrophobically modified cationic polyacrylamide played the dominant role in the decoloring process of anion dye. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
Polyolefin‐based nanocomposite: The effects of processing aids
Authors: Santos K. S. , Castel C. Dal , Liberman S. A. , Oviedo M. A. S. , Mauler R. S.
Published: August 2010

PP/organoclay nanocomposites were prepared using different processing aids (EMCA and PPG), and their effects on the thermal and mechanical properties were evaluated by WAXD, TEM, SEM, DSC, and mechanical tests. This study helps to clarify the effects of processing aids on the organoclay surface and on the intercalation and exfoliation processes. Nanocomposites with elongated intercalated and partially exfoliated structures were obtained, mainly when C‐15A was used. The results for the mechanical properties showed that the processing aids increased the impact strength significantly (up to three times that of neat PP) but reduced the flexural modulus of PP nanocomposites. PPG, which is polar promoted wetting MMT surface, thus increasing its interlayer distance, mainly for PP/C‐20A nanocomposites. However, it reduced the interfacial adhesion between the clay and the matrix. Nanocomposites impact strength was improved, especially when the C‐15A organoclay was used, while were achieved better results with the C‐20A organoclay when EMCA was used. The larger the amount of processing aid added, the higher the impact strength, but the lower the flexural modulus of the nanocomposites. PPG caused debonding of the clay particles and increased the number of microvoids, generating more mechanisms to aid in the energy dissipation of the systems. EMCA promoted debonding of clay particles with the formation of fibrils, indicating stronger interactions between the clay and matrix. A slight nucleation effect for PP crystallization was observed, mainly when EMCA was used. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
Compatibilization and toughening of immiscible ternary blends of polyamide 6, polypropylene (or a propylene—Ethylene copolymer), and polystyrene
Authors: Li Yan , Wang Dong , Zhang Jia‐Min , Xie Xu‐Ming
Published: August 2010

In this work, typical ternary blends of three versatile polymers—polyamide 6, a propylene–ethylene copolymer (co‐PP), and polystyrene—were studied. As a compatibilizer, co‐PP with randomly dispersed minor ethylene units was multimonomer‐melt‐grafted in the presence of maleic anhydride, styrene, and dicumyl peroxide. The influence of the ethylene content in co‐PP and the blend composition on the performance was investigated. Scanning electron microscopy images showed an obvious decrease in the droplet size of the dispersed phase with increases in the compatibilizer content and number of ethylene units in co‐PP. Peaks of tan δ/temperature curves approaching the glass‐transition temperatures of the components were observed with dynamic mechanical thermal analysis. The improved mechanical properties implied good compatibility of the components in the blends. Significant toughening was achieved when the concentration of co‐PP was increased from 15 to 25 wt %: the elongation at break of the compatibilized blends increased dozens of times in comparison with the elongation at break of the uncompatibilized blends. The introduction of the multimonomer‐melt‐grafted co‐PP was shown to be an effective approach for improving immiscible multipolymer blends and to have practical potential. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
Crystallization kinetics of polypropylene composites filled with nano calcium carbonate modified with maleic anhydride
Authors: Huang Hai , Han Bing , Wang Lei , Miao Ning , Mo Hong , Zhou Ning‐Lin , Ma Zhen‐Mao , Zhang Jun , Shen Jian
Published: August 2010

The subject of this study was the crystallization behavior and thermal properties of polypropylene (PP)/maleic anhydride (MAH) modified nano calcium carbonate (nano‐CaCO3) composites. In this study, 5 wt % nano‐CaCO3 modified with different contents of MAH was filled into a PP matrix. X‐ray diffraction and differential scanning calorimetry were used to characterize the crystal morphology and crystallization kinetics of a series of composites. The results demonstrate that the nano‐CaCO3 modified with MAH had an important effect on the thermal and morphological properties of the nanocomposites. The Avrami exponent of the pure PP was an integer, but those of the composites were not integers, but the crystallization rate constant decreased as the content of MAH in the nano‐CaCO3 filler increased in isothermal crystallization. In nonisothermal crystallization, the kinetic parameter F(T) and the degree of crystallinity of pure PP were compared with those of the PP composites filled with nano‐CaCO3. We suggest that heterogeneous nucleation existed in the PP composites and that the transformation and retention of the β‐form crystal into the α‐form crystal took place in the composite system and the β‐form crystal had a higher nucleation rate and growth process than the α‐form crystal in the PP composites. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
Separation of ethylene glycol–water mixtures with composite poly(vinyl alcohol)–polypropylene membranes
Authors: Shahverdi Mahnaz , Mohammadi Toraj , Pak Afshin
Published: August 2010

Composite membranes consisting of a crosslinked poly(vinyl alcohol)(PVA) active layer on top of a porous polypropylene (PP) support were prepared with glutaraldehyde as a crosslinking reagent. The degree of crosslinking and the thickness of the active layer were determined with attenuated total reflection–Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy, respectively. The membranes were used in the pervaporation dehydration of ethylene glycol (EG)–water mixtures. The effects of the crosslinker content and operational conditions, including feed EG concentration and operating temperature, on the permeation flux and selectivity of the PVA–PP composite membranes were investigated. We observed that the dehydration of a 80 wt % EG mixture at temperature of 60°C, a feed flow rate of 1.5 L/min, and a vacuum pressure of 10 mmHg could be effectively performed, and a moderate permeation flux and a high separation factor were obtained, that is, 0.91 kg m−2 h−1 and 1021, respectively. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
Study on general stability and stabilizability of linear discrete‐time stochastic systems
Authors: Hou Ting , Zhang Weihai , Chen Bor‐Sen
Published: August 2010

With the aid of spectrum technique, a new concept called “
𝒟(0, α)‐stabilizability” (0<α≤1) is introduced, for which a necessary and sufficient condition is also proposed via a linear matrix inequality (LMI)‐based approach. Especially, 𝒟(0, α)‐stabilizability is identical with asymptotic mean square stabilizability when α=1. A more general regional stability called “ 𝒟R‐stability” is discussed extensively and some concrete examples are given. As applications, the relationship among 𝒟(0, α;β)‐stability, the decay rate of the system state response and the second‐order moment Lyapunov exponent is revealed.

Copyright © 2010 John Wiley and Sons Asia Pte Ltd and Chinese Automatic Control Society
Multisensory processing in children with autism: high‐density electrical mapping of auditory–somatosensory integration
Authors: Russo Natalie , Foxe John J. , Brandwein Alice B. , Altschuler Ted , Gomes Hilary , Molholm Sophie
Published: August 2010

Successful integration of signals from the various sensory systems is crucial for normal sensory–perceptual functioning, allowing for the perception of coherent objects rather than a disconnected cluster of fragmented features. Several prominent theories of autism suggest that automatic integration is impaired in this population, but there have been few empirical tests of this thesis. A standard electrophysiological metric of multisensory integration (MSI) was used to test the integrity of auditory–somatosensory integration in children with autism (N=17, aged 6–16 years), compared to age‐ and IQ‐matched typically developing (TD) children. High‐density electrophysiology was recorded while participants were presented with either auditory or somatosensory stimuli alone (unisensory conditions), or as a combined auditory–somatosensory stimulus (multisensory condition), in randomized order. Participants watched a silent movie during testing, ignoring concurrent stimulation. Significant differences between neural responses to the multisensory auditory–somatosensory stimulus and the unisensory stimuli (the sum of the responses to the auditory and somatosensory stimuli when presented alone) served as the dependent measure. The data revealed group differences in the integration of auditory and somatosensory information that appeared at around 175 ms, and were characterized by the presence of MSI for the TD but not the autism spectrum disorder (ASD) children. Overall, MSI was less extensive in the ASD group. These findings are discussed within the framework of current knowledge of MSI in typical development as well as in relation to theories of ASD.
Catalysis by Dihydrofolate Reductase from the Psychropiezophile Moritella profunda
Authors: Evans Rhiannon M. , Behiry Enas M. , Tey Lai‐Hock , Guo Jiannan , Loveridge E. Joel , Allemann Rudolf K.
Published: August 2010

The influence of temperature and pH on the stability and catalytic activity of dihydrofolate reductase (MpDHFR) from the cold‐adapted deep‐sea bacterium Moritella profunda was studied. The thermal melting temperature was found to be ∼38 °C and was not affected by pH, while activity measurements demonstrated that its stability was maximal at pH 7 and was reduced dramatically below pH 6 or above pH 8. The steady‐state rate constant (kcat) was maximal at neutral pH and higher temperatures, while the Michaelis constants (KM) for both substrate and cofactor were optimal at lower temperatures and at elevated or reduced pH. For both temperature and pH, any change in kcat was therefore offset by a similar change in KM. Both the activation enthalpy and entropy of the MpDHFR‐catalysed reaction were lower than those of DHFR from E. coli leading overall to a very small difference in activation free energy and therefore similar steady‐state rate constants at the same temperature. The chemical step of the reaction is not rate limiting at pH 7, but becomes progressively more rate limiting as the pH increases. These results demonstrate adaptation of MpDHFR to its environment and show compromises between enthalpic and entropic contributions to the reaction, and between kcat and KM.
Synthesis of 2‐Isoxazolines: Enantioselective and Racemic Methods Based on Conjugate Additions of Oximes
Authors: Pohjakallio Antti , Pihko Petri M. , Laitinen Ulla M.
Published: August 2010

The formation of 3‐unsubstituted 2‐isoxazolines by means of condensation reactions between α,β‐unsaturated aldehydes and oximes proceeds readily in the presence of catalytic amounts of anilinium salts. Mechanistically, the process involves a fast conjugate addition of the oxime and a slower intramolecular oxime‐transfer reaction. The rate of oxime transfer was found to correlate with the acidity of the catalyst. This finding enabled us to discover an enantioselective process in which the fragile conjugate‐addition product generated in the first stage is rapidly cyclized into the stable isoxazoline under acidic conditions, with conservation of enantiomeric excess. In summary, herein we describe synthetically useful protocols for accessing 3‐unsubstituted 2‐isoxazolines in both the enantioselective and racemic manner. The mechanism of the condensation reaction catalyzed by the anilinium salt was also investigated by NMR spectroscopy experiments in which the effect of differently substituted aldehydes and oximes as well as water on the reaction rate was studied. The results point to the rate‐limiting elimination of water from the 3‐hydroxy‐2‐isoxazolidine intermediate.
Chemical Bonding in Compounds of the CuAl2 Family: MnSn2, FeSn2 and CoSn2
Authors: Armbrüster Marc , Schnelle Walter , Cardoso‐Gil Raul , Grin Yuri
Published: August 2010

A model for the chemical bonding in the isostructural intermetallic compounds MnSn2, FeSn2 and CoSn2, crystallising in the CuAl2‐type structure, is developed. The description is based on quantum‐chemical calculations applying the electron localisability approach as well as on experimental results obtained from Raman spectroscopy, Hall effect and electrical resistivity measurements on oriented single crystals. The analysis of the chemical bonding reveals four different covalent interactions leading to the formation of interpenetrating 63 nets of tin and chains of transition‐metal atoms T (T=Mn, Fe or Co) along [001], which are interconnected by three‐centre bonds. Polarised Raman measurements on oriented single crystals allowed the determination of the bond strengths, resulting in a bond order of 0.5 within the 63 nets, while the three‐centre interactions show bond orders of up to 1. Measurements show a metal‐like temperature dependence of the resistivity. A comparison of the results with the bonding models obtained for the isostructural compounds CuAl2, TiSb2 and VSb2 reveals the influence of the main‐group element on the connectivity pattern.
ChemInform Abstract: Preparation and Properties of CdO/CdTe Thin Film Solar Cells.
Authors: SRAVANI C. , REDDY K. T. R. , REDDY P. J.
Published: August 2010

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 100 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: Study on Reactions in the System Mn2O3‐P2O5‐H2O by the Tin Layer Method.
Authors: SELEVICH A. F. , LESNIKOVICH A. I.
Published: August 2010

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 100 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: Synthesis and Structure of a New Modification of Manganese Ultraphosphate.
Authors: MURASHOVA E. V. , CHUDINOVA N. N.
Published: August 2010

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 100 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.