bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Epigenetic targets of some toxicologically relevant metals: a review of the literature
Authors: Cheng Tsu‐Fan , Choudhuri Supratim , Muldoon‐Jacobs Kristi
Published: February 2012

The term epigenetics was coined in the context of developmental studies, but the meaning of the term has evolved over time. Epigenetic modulators of gene expression are now known to include DNA methylation, chromatin modifications and noncoding RNAs. The observation that epigenetic changes can be transmitted transgenerationally makes the science of epigenetics very relevant to the field of environmental and molecular toxicology. Heavy metals constitute an important class of environmental contaminants that have been known to influence gene expression directly by binding various metal response elements in the target gene promoters. Recent research suggests that metals can also influence gene expression through epigenetic mechanisms; this adds a new twist to the complexity of metal‐mediated gene expression. Here, we review recent studies that investigate the epigenetic, gene expression, and biological effects of various inorganic and organic forms of heavy metals, such as cadmium, arsenic, nickel, chromium, methylmercury, lead, copper and organotin compounds. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The genetic toxicity of methylphenidate: a review of the current literature
Authors: Morris Suzanne M. , Petibone Dayton M. , Lin Wei‐Jiun , Chen James J. , Vitiello Benedetto , Witt Kristine L. , Mattison Donald R.
Published: February 2012

Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), a common children's behavioral disorder, is characterized by inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity. The disorder is thought to stem from abnormalities in the catecholamine pathway and the symptoms of the disorder have been successfully treated with methylphenidate (MPH) since the FDA approved the drug in the 1950s. MPH underwent the appropriate safety testing as part of the FDA approval process; however, a publication in 2005 that reported significant increases in cytogenetic damage in the lymphocytes of MPH‐treated pediatric patients caused concern for patients and their families, the pharmaceutical industry and regulatory agencies. This communication will review the many studies that were subsequently initiated worldwide to address the genetic safety of MPH in both animal models and human subjects. Animal experiments broadened the study protocols used in the 2005 investigation to include a wider dose‐range, a longer treatment period and automated scoring of biological endpoints, where possible, to reduce observer bias. The human subject studies replicated the experimental design used in the 2005 study, but increased the treatment periods and the sizes of the study populations. Neither the laboratory animal nor human subject studies found an increase in any of the measures of genetic damage that were evaluated. Taken together, these new studies are consistent with the original safety evaluation of the FDA and do not support the hypothesis that MPH treatment increases the risk of genetic damage in ADHD patients. Published 2012. This article is a US Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.
Chromatographic determination of drugs of abuse in vitreous humor using solid‐phase extraction
Authors: Fernández Purificación , Seoane Santiago , Vázquez Cristina , Tabernero María Jesús , Carro Antonia M. , Lorenzo Rosa A.
Published: February 2012

A simple method is presented for the simultaneous determination of morphine, 6‐acetylmorphine, codeine, cocaine, benzoylecgonine, cocaethylene, methadone and 2‐ethylidene‐1,5‐dimethyl‐3,3‐diphenylpyrrolidine (EDDP) in vitreous humor by high‐performance liquid chromatography with photodiode array detector after solid‐phase extraction with Oasis® HLB cartridges and dichloromethane as eluent. The chromatographic process was carried out using an XTerra® RP8 column (250 × 4.6 mm i.d., 5 µm particle size) and a mobile phase composed of acetonitrile and pH 6.5 phosphate buffer in gradient mode. A linear response from the detector was obtained within the concentration range of 0.1–4 µg ml−1, with correlation coefficients higher than 0.99. The limits of detection were lower than 30 ng ml−1 for all the drugs studied, the coefficients of variation fluctuated between 0.1 and 12.4%, and the average recoveries were higher than 78% for all the drugs except for EDDP, with a value of 66.4%. Finally, the proposed method was applied to 15 vitreous humor samples coming from individuals who had died from opiate and/or cocaine overdose, showing consumption of cocaine in 14 cases, methadone in five cases and heroin in three cases. Average concentrations of 0.30 µg ml−1 for morphine, 0.24 µg ml−1 for 6‐acetylmorphine, 0.10 µg ml−1 for codeine, 0.81 µg ml−1 for cocaine, 1.26 µg ml−1 for benzoylecgonine, 0.15 µg ml−1 for cocaethylene, 0.11 µg ml−1 for methadone and 0.68 µg ml−1 for EDDP were obtained. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Induction of the early inflammatory‐mediated cellular responses of fracture healing in vitro using platelet releasate‐containing alginate/CaPO4 biomaterials for early osteoarthritis prevention
Authors: McCanless Jonathan D. , Jennings Lisa K. , Cole Judith A. , Bumgardner Joel D. , Haggard Warren O.
Published: February 2012

A significant gap exists in our understanding of subchondral and cancellous bone changes that may regulate osteoarthritis progression. Herein, we complement our prior osteochondrogenesis work with growth factor elution and monocyte and endothelial cell activation using two biomaterial formulations. The design of these biomaterials was inspired by the roles of a fracture hematoma, more specifically, the potential of significant cross‐talk among cells and cellular factors that affect bone remodeling. Biomaterials, referred to herein as F1+ and F2+, are human concentrated platelet releasate‐containing alginate/beta‐tricalcium phosphate composites. F1+ has a higher calcium phosphate volume percentage and lower alginate polymer weight percent hydrogel versus F2+. The majority of releasate‐derived platelet‐derived growth factor eluted over 24 h for F1+ and 48 h for F2+, suggesting sustained release with an increase in alginate weight percentage. Simple monocyte and endothelial cell migration studies demonstrated 650% and 900% increases with F1+ eluate over medium alone, respectively. Induction of endothelial cell invasion over supplemented medium positive control was also shown for F2+ eluate (p = 0.03) with F1+ eluate being similar to the control. Monocyte transendothelial migration was increased over 300% and 400% for F1+ and F2+ eluates compared with medium alone, respectively. In addition, F1+ and F2+ eluates induced spontaneous endothelial tube formations similar to supplemented medium, demonstrating a well‐formed network of capillary‐like structures. This work demonstrated our biomaterial formulations ability to induce characteristics in vitro that parallel the in vivo behavior of fracture hematomas and potential to induce bone remodeling for the early treatment of osteoarthritic joints. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A, 2012.
Rough endoplasmic reticulum trafficking errors by different classes of mutant dentin sialophosphoprotein (DSPP) cause dominant negative effects in both dentinogenesis imperfecta and dentin dysplasia by entrapping normal DSPP
Authors: von Marschall Zofia , Mok Seeun , Phillips Matthew D , McKnight Dianalee A , Fisher Larry W
Published: February 2012

Families with nonsyndromic dentinogenesis imperfecta (DGI) and the milder, dentin dysplasia (DD), have mutations in one allele of the dentin sialophosphoprotein (DSPP) gene. Because loss of a single Dspp allele in mice (and likely, humans) causes no dental phenotype, the mechanism(s) underling the dominant negative effects were investigated. DSPP mutations occur in three classes. (The first class, the mid-leader missense mutation, Y6D, was not investigated in this report.) All other 5′ mutations of DSPP result in changes/loss in the first three amino acids (isoleucine-proline-valine [IPV]) of mature DSPP or, for the A15V missense mutation, some retention of the hydrophobic leader sequence. All of this second class of mutations caused mutant DSPP to be retained in the rough endoplasmic reticulum (rER) of transfected HEK293 cells. Trafficking out of the rER by coexpressed normal DSPP was reduced in a dose-responsive manner, probably due to formation of Ca2+-dependent complexes with the retained mutant DSPP. IPV-like sequences begin many secreted Ca2+-binding proteins, and changing the third amino acid to the charged aspartate (D) in three other acidic proteins also caused increased rER accumulation. Both the leader-retaining A15V and the long string of hydrophobic amino acids resulting from all known frameshift mutations within the 3′-encoded Ca2+-binding repeat domain (third class of mutations) caused retention by association of the mutant proteins with rER membranes. More 5′ frameshift mutations result in longer mutant hydrophobic domains, but the milder phenotype, DD, probably due to lower effectiveness of the remaining, shorter Ca2+-binding domain in capturing normal DSPP protein within the rER. This study presents evidence of a shared underlying mechanism of capturing of normal DSPP by two different classes of DSPP mutations and offers an explanation for the mild (DD-II) versus severe (DGI-II and III) nonsyndromic dentin phenotypes. Evidence is also presented that many acidic, Ca2+-binding proteins may use the same IPV-like receptor/pathway for exiting the rER. © 2012 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
A novel hydrometallurgy of molybdenite concentrate and its kinetics
Authors: Cao Zhan‐fang , Zhong Hong , Jiang Tao , Wang Shuai , Liu Guang‐yi , Xia Liu‐yin
Published: February 2012

BACKGROUND: In recent years, there has been an increasing focus on the hydrometallurgical processing of molybdenite, with the decline of high‐grade and easily handled molybdenum minerals. In this work, the technology of molybdenum extraction from molybdenite concentrate using sodium chloride electrolyte and its kinetics have been investigated.

RESULTS: The results show that leaching temperature, sodium chlorate and sulfuric acid concentration significantly affected molybdenum extraction compared with other experimental parameters. With a NaClO3 concentration of 320.39 g L−1; sulfuric acid concentration of 73.3 g L−1, a liquid‐solid ratio of 5:1, temperature 70 °C, agitation speed 500 rpm, the molybdenum dissolution rate achieved was 99.67% in 240 min. The activation energy of the dissolution reaction was 104.57 kJ mol−1.

CONCLUSION: The synthesized sodium chlorate electrolyte, an effective leaching agent, was used directly for the treatment of molybdenite concentrate. Removal of the crystallization and purification of sodium chlorate significantly reduced production costs. The results indicated that the inner diffusion and external diffusion control models were not suitable for this leaching reaction and the dissolution process was controlled by chemical reaction. Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Electricity generation from seafood wastewater in a single‐ and dual‐chamber microbial fuel cell with CoTMPP oxygen‐reduction electrocatalyst
Authors: Sun Hong‐Liang
Published: February 2012

BACKGROUND: To make the treatment of seafood wastewater more economical and sustainable, this study aims to examine electricity generation and simultaneous degradation of organic substances from seafood wastewater in single‐chamber (SC) and dual‐chamber (DC) microbial fuel cell (MFC).

RESULTS: By supplying the MFCs with seafood wastewater, the maximum power density produced from the SCMFC was higher than that produced from the DCMFC, which is a consequence of the difference in internal resistance of the two systems. The electrochemical reduction of oxygen catalyzed by C/CoTMPP was comparable with that promoted by commercial C/Pt catalyst. The SCMFC achieved higher organic degradation than the DCMFC, which corresponded to less accumulation of volatile fatty acids being decomposed aerobically promoted by the oxygen diffused from the cathode in the absence of the membrane. Owing to electron losses via aerobic decomposition rather than the electricity‐producing pathway, the higher removal efficiency was in line with the low coulombic efficiency. In addition, the DCMFC having a membrane had a more severe pH polarization than the SCMFC without the membrane.

CONCLUSIONS: This study provides a conceptual demonstration of sustainable utilization of seafood wastewater while carrying out biological decomposition in an MFC system in an economical manner. Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Phylogenetic analysis of rubella viruses in vietnam during 2009–2010
Authors: Tran Dinh Nguyen , Pham Ngan Thi Kim , Tran Thi Thuy Trinh , Khamrin Pattara , Thongprachum Aksara , Komase Katsuhiro , Hayakawa Satoshi , Mizuguchi Masashi , Ushijima Hiroshi
Published: February 2012

Rubella virus (RV) usually causes a mild disease. However, infection during the first trimester of pregnancy often leads to severe birth defects known as congenital rubella syndrome (CRS). Although wild‐type RVs exist and circulate worldwide, their genotypes remain unknown in many countries. The aim of this study was to identify the molecular characteristics of RVs found in Vietnam during the years 2009–2010 and to provide the first data concerning RV genotypes in this country. Throat swab samples were collected between 2009 and 2010 from four CRS cases and nine rubella infection cases visiting one Children's Hospital and one outpatient clinic in Ho Chi Minh City. The 739‐nucleotide coding region of the RV E1 gene recommended by the World Health Organization was amplified by reverse transcriptase PCR, and the resulting DNA fragments were then sequenced. Sequences were assigned to genotypes by phylogenetic analysis with RV reference strains. RV RNA was detected in 11 clinical specimens. Phylogenetic analysis of the sequences showed that all 11 strains belonged to 2B genotype. Several variations in amino acids were found, among which five changes were involved in the B and T cell epitopes. These data indicate that viruses of genotype 2B were circulating in Vietnam. The increasing information about RV genotype in Vietnam should aid in the control of rubella infection and CRS in this country. J. Med. Virol. 84:705–710, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Crimean‐congo hemorrhagic fever virus–tick survey in endemic areas in Bulgaria
Authors: Gergova Ivanka , Kunchev Metodi , Kamarinchev Bozhin
Published: February 2012

The Balkan Peninsula and Bulgaria in particular, is a well‐known endemic region for Crimean‐Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF). This study describes the prevalence of Crimean‐Congo hemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV) among tick populations from areas, previously recognized with emerging cases of CCHF disease in humans. These include regions from the Southeastern (regions of Kardzhali and Haskovo) and Central (region of Stara Zagora) parts of the country. For the period 2006–2010 a total of 911 adult ticks, collected from livestock in endemic areas were studied for presence of CCHFV by an immunofluorescence‐hemocytes assay (IFHA) and a reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR). The detection rate of CCHFV in the tick population was 2.09%. The prevalence of the virus was determined between 2.01% and 4.83% in the regions of Kardzhali and Haskovo, respectively (Southeastern Bulgaria). In the Central part of the country CCHFV infestation of the ticks was observed in 1.46% (region of Stara Zagora). The results confirmed the mosaic dispersion of CCHFV in the investigated regions. The principal infection vector in the surveyed areas was confirmed to be Hyalomma marginatum marginatum. Rhipicephalus sanguineus and Ixodes ricinus were also detected and may play a role in the transmission of CCHFV. Species distribution of CCHFV‐positive ticks was as follows: H. m. marginatum—4.93%; R. sanguineus—2.33%; I. ricinus—1.02%. The combination of IFHA and RT‐PCR that are used in this study are useful tools in the algorithm for monitoring endemic areas in Bulgaria. J. Med. Virol. 84:608–614, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Molecular detection and epidemiology of astrovirus, bocavirus, and sapovirus in Italian children admitted to hospital with acute gastroenteritis, 2008–2009
Authors: Medici Maria Cristina , Tummolo Fabio , Albonetti Valeria , Abelli Laura Anna , Chezzi Carlo , Calderaro Adriana
Published: February 2012

Although a number of enteric viruses have been identified in children with acute gastroenteritis, the majority of cases of gastroenteritis remain undiagnosed. In order to provide more insights into the epidemiology of enteric viruses that are not included usually in routine diagnostic tests, cases of childhood sporadic gastroenteritis of unknown etiology requiring hospital admission in Parma, Italy, during 2008–2009, were screened for astrovirus (AstV), sapovirus (SaV), and bocavirus (BoV). The stools of 712 children, negative for rotavirus, norovirus, adenovirus, enterovirus, and reovirus, were examined by PCR or RT‐PCR for AstV, BoV, and SaV. The prevalence of AstV, BoV, and SaV in the patients examined was 2.1%, 3.2%, 2.4%, respectively, with the viruses being detected mostly in children <3 years of age. AstV strains were characterized by sequencing as types 1, 2, and 4, with a AstV‐1 peak occurring in the 2008 fall–winter season. BoV strains were characterized as types 1, 2, and 3, with BoV‐3 circulating more frequently in the 2008 autumn and winter season and BoV‐2 during March–April 2009. The most common SaVs were GI.2 and GII.1 while GIV and GV SaVs were detected sporadically. Overall, AstV, BoV, and SaV infections accounted for 7.7% of the sporadic cases of acute gastroenteritis with unknown etiology selected for the study. Different virus types and lineages were found to circulate and temporal peaks of virus activity were also demonstrated, suggesting either small clusters of infections or small outbreaks or epidemics in local population. J. Med. Virol. 84:643–650, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Multiple intra‐familial transmission patterns of hepatitis B virus genotype D in north‐eastern Egypt
Authors: Ragheb Mostafa , Elkady Abeer , Tanaka Yasuhito , Murakami Shuko , Attia Fadia M. , Hassan Adel A. , Hassan Mohamed F. , Shedid Mahmoud M. , Abdel Reheem Hassan B. , Khan Anis , Mizokami Masashi
Published: February 2012

The transmission rate of intra‐familial hepatitis B virus (HBV) and mode of transmission were investigated in north eastern Egypt. HBV infection was investigated serologically and confirmed by molecular evolutionary analysis in family members (N = 230) of 55 chronic hepatitis B carriers (index cases). Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and hepatitis B core antibody (anti‐HBc) prevalence was 12.2% and 23% among family members, respectively. HBsAg carriers were prevalent in the age groups; <10 (16.2%) and 21–30 years (23.3%). The prevalence of HBsAg was significantly higher in the family members of females (19.2%) than males (8.6%) index cases (P = 0.031). HBsAg and anti‐HBc seropositive rates were higher significantly in the offspring of females (23%, 29.8%) than those of the males index cases (4.3%, 9.8%) (P = 0.001, 0.003), as well as higher in the offspring of an infected mother (26.5, 31.8%) than those of an infected father (4.7%, 10.5%) (P = 0.0006, 0.009). No significant difference was found in HBsAg seropositive rates between vaccinated (10.6%) and unvaccinated family members (14.8%). Phylogenetic analysis of the preS2 and S regions of HBV genome showed that the HBV isolates were of subgenotype D1 in nine index cases and 14 family members. HBV familial transmission was confirmed in five of six families with three transmission patterns; maternal, paternal, and sexual. It is concluded that multiple intra‐familial transmission routes of HBV genotype D were determined; including maternal, paternal and horizontal. Universal HBV vaccination should be modified by including the first dose at birth with (HBIG) administration to the newborn of mothers infected with HBV. J. Med. Virol. 84:587–595, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Molecular epidemiology of hepatitis A virus in patients in the ahwaz region of Iran
Authors: Nejati Ahmad , Makvandi Manochehr , Samarbafzadeh Alireza , Neisi Niloofar , Moradzadegan Hamid
Published: February 2012

Hepatitis A virus (HAV) is one of the etiologic agents of acute viral hepatitis, an important public health problem worldwide. The aim of this study was to investigate the genetic diversity of HAV in Southwest Iran (Ahwaz). A total of 59 sera were collected from acutely ill patients with anti‐HAV IgM antibodies during 2009 and 2010 were tested also by RT‐PCR targeting the 5′ NCR for molecular diagnosis and examined in the VP1‐2A and VP3‐VP1 regions for genotyping. Twelve (20%) patients were detected VP1‐2A by RT‐PCR and 10 patients had VP3‐VP1. The resulting amplicons were sequenced for genotype identification. All HAV strains were identified as subgenotype IB. Phylogenetic analysis revealed an extensive genetic heterogeneity among the strains. Seven hundred sixty‐five S→F and 788 K→R amino acid substitutions in IRI49 isolate were found. It is concluded that subgenotype 1b is the sole genotype HAV in this region. J. Med. Virol. 84:582–586, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Exogenous human immunodeficiency virus‐1 protein, tat, enhances replication of JC virus efficiently in neuroblastoma cell lines
Authors: Nukuzuma Souichi , Kameoka Masanori , Sugiura Shigeki , Nakamichi Kazuo , Nukuzuma Chiyoko , Miyoshi Isao , Takegami Tsutomu
Published: February 2012

The high incidence of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) among individuals with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) is similar to the incidence of other immunocompromised diseases. The pathogenic JC virus (JCV) with rearranged regulatory regions (PML‐type) causes PML, a demyelinating disease in the brains of immunocompromised patients. In a previous study, Tat protein, encoded by human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV‐1), markedly enhanced the expression of a reporter gene under control of the JCV late promoter. In order to examine the enhancement of JCV replication by Tat protein, the neuroblastoma cell line IMR‐32 was used because it enables IMR‐32‐adapted JCV. The extent of JCV replication in IMR‐32 cells treated with Tat protein was significantly higher than that in untreated IMR‐32 cells. The enhancement of JCV propagation by Tat protein was also examined using IMR‐32‐derived JCV producing (JCI) cells which continuously produce JCV. Treatment of JCI cells with Tat protein led to a significant increase in the titers of progeny viruses. It has also been shown that Tat protein leads to a decrease in the expression of purine‐rich element binding protein α (Purα) as an important mediator of JCV replication in IMR‐32 cells. Thus, it is probable that Tat protein enhances JCV replication in IMR‐32 cells via the down‐regulation of Purα expression and cell proliferation. To our knowledge, this is the first report that exogenous Tat protein enhances the replication of JCV efficiently in neuroblastoma cell lines. J. Med. Virol. 84:555–561, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Detection of non‐polio enteroviruses from 17 years of virological surveillance of acute flaccid paralysis in the Philippines
Authors: Apostol Lea Necitas , Suzuki Akira , Bautista Analisa , Galang Hazel , Paladin Fem Julia , Fuji Naoko , Lupisan Socorro , Olveda Remigio , Oshitani Hitoshi
Published: February 2012

Acute flaccid paralysis (AFP) surveillance has been conducted as part of the World Health Organization (WHO) strategy on poliomyelitis eradication. Aside from poliovirus, which is the target pathogen, isolation, and identification of non‐polio enteroviruses (NPEVs) is also done by neutralization test using pools of antisera which can only identify limited number of NPEVs. In the Philippines, despite the significant number of isolated NPEVs, no information is available with regard to its occurrence, diversity, and pattern of circulation. In this study, a total of 790 NPEVs isolated from stool samples submitted to the National Reference Laboratory from 1992 to 2008 were analyzed; neutralization test was able to type 55% (442) of the isolates. Of the remaining 356 isolates, which were untyped by using neutralization test, 348 isolates were analyzed further by RT‐PCR targeting the VP1 gene. A total of 47 serotypes of NPEV strains were identified using neutralization test and molecular typing, including 28 serotypes of human enterovirus B (HEV‐B), 12 serotypes of HEV‐A, and 7 of HEV‐C. The HEV‐B group (625/790; 79%) constituted the largest proportion of isolates, followed by HEV‐C (108/790; 13.7%), HEV‐A (57/790; 7.2%), and no HEV‐D. Coxsackievirus (CV) B, echovirus (E)6, E11, and E13 were the most frequent isolates. E6, E11, E13, E14, E25, E30, E33, CVA20, and CVA24 were considered as endemic strains, some NPEVs recurred and few serotypes existed only for 1–3 years during the study period. Despite some limitations in this study, plural NPEVs with multiple patterns of circulation in the Philippines for 17 years were identified. J. Med. Virol. 84:624–631, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Fatty acid, tocopherol and carotenoid content in herbage and milk affected by sward composition and season of grazing
Authors: Larsen Mette K , Fretté Xavier C , Kristensen Troels , Eriksen Jørgen , Søegaard Karen , Nielsen Jacob H
Published: February 2012

BACKGROUND: The aim of the present work was to study to what extent grazing large amounts of white clover (WCL), red clover (RCL), lucerne (LUC) or chicory (CHI) was suitable for production of bovine milk with a high milk fat content of tocopherols, carotenoids, α‐linolenic acid and conjugated linoleic acid.

RESULTS: WCL, RCL, LUC and CHI swards were established to investigate the influence of herbage composition on the milk quality of grazing dairy cows at three periods. Average milk fat composition showed high concentrations of linolenic acid (12 mg g−1), conjugated linoleic acid (13 mg g−1), carotenoids (6 µg g−1) and α‐tocopherol (21 µg g−1 milk fat). There were minor differences between herbage types and periods, but multivariate analysis of these data showed no clear grouping. Chemical composition of herbage varied with species as well as period, but it was not possible to relate milk and feed contents of specific fatty acids, carotenoids or tocopherols.

CONCLUSION: All four herbages tested were suitable for production of milk with a high content of beneficial compounds. Thus any of these herbages could be used in production of such differentiated milk based on a large proportion of grazing in the ration. Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Use of health insurance claim patterns to identify patients using nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs for rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Bernard Marie‐Agnès , Bénichou Jacques , Blin Patrick , Weill Alain , Bégaud Bernard , Abouelfath Abdelilah , Moore Nicholas , Fourrier‐Réglat Annie ,   on behalf of the CADEUS team
Published: February 2012

Purpose

To determine healthcare claim patterns associated using nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Methods

The CADEUS study randomly identified NSAID users within the French health insurance database. One‐year claims data were extracted, and NSAID indication was obtained from prescribers. Logistic regression was used in a development sample to identify claim patterns predictive of RA and models applied to a validation sample. Analyses were stratified on the dispensation of immunosuppressive agents or specific antirheumatism treatment, and the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was used to estimate discriminant power.

Results

NSAID indication was provided for 26 259 of the 45 217 patients included in the CADEUS cohort; it was RA for 956 patients. Two models were constructed using the development sample (n = 13 143), stratifying on the dispensation of an immunosuppressive agent or specific antirheumatism treatment. Discriminant power was high for both models (AUC > 0.80) and was not statistically different from that found when applied to the validation sample (n = 13 116).

Conclusions

The models derived from this study may help to identify patients prescribed NSAIDs who are likely to have RA in claims databases without medical data such as treatment indication. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Design and optimization of an intumescent flame retardant coating using thermal degradation kinetics and Taguchi's experimental design
Authors: Derakhshesh Zahra , Khorasani Manouchehr , Akhlaghi Shahin , Keyvani Bahram , Alvani Ali Asghar Sabbagh
Published: February 2012

Two supplementary approaches in terms of thermal degradation kinetics and Taguchi's experimental design were employed toward developing a design effort for intumescent coatings. A model intumescent system including ammonium polyphosphate (APP), pentaerythritol (PER), melamine (MEL), thermoplastic acrylic resin and liquid hydrocarbon resin was chosen and then subjected to thermogravimetric analysis and heat insulation tests to provide experimental data. Kinetic analysis of the thermogravimetric data based on the Friedman and Kissinger methods revealed that activation energy (Ea) and reaction order (n) could be used as parameters to accurately judge whether the selected intumescent components represented coordinated thermal characteristics. Examination of the calculated Ea and n values showed that the decomposition of thermoplastic acrylic resin and liquid hydrocarbon resin occurred first and that the APP, PER and MEL components were degraded immediately after. Such a degradation sequence was quite consistent with the functional mechanism of intumescent systems. In addition, simultaneous implementation of analysis of variance and mean effect assessment on the Taguchi data demonstrated that the designed formulation, based on the optimized coupling of 10 g MEL into APP/PER 25 g/11 g, exhibited the highest fireproofing time among the prepared coating samples. The APP content had the most important contribution to the flame retardant behaviour, and APP versus PER interactions showed the highest severity index. Scanning electron microscopy showed that the higher flame retardancy of the optimized sample was related to the presence of a large number of micropores in the expanded charring layer structure. Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Quantum Chemical Studies on the Structure and Performance Properties of 1,3,4,5‐Tetranitropyrazole: A Stable New High Energy Density Molecule
Authors: Ravi Pasupala , Gore Girish M. , Tewari Surya P. , Sikder Arun K.
Published: February 2012

Molecular orbital calculations were performed for the geometric and electronic structures, band gap, thermodynamic properties, density, detonation velocity, detonation pressure, stability and sensitivity of 1,3,4,5‐tetranitropyrazole (R23). The calculated density (approx. 2060 kg m−3), detonation velocity (approx. 9.242 km s−1) and detonation pressure (approx. 41.30 GPa) of the model compound are appearing to be promising compared to hexahydro‐1,3,5‐trinito‐1,3,5‐triazine (RDX) and octahydro‐1,3,5,7‐tetranitro‐l,3,5,7‐tetrazocine (HMX). Bader’s atoms‐in‐molecules (AIM) analysis was also performed to understand the nature of the intramolecular N⋅⋅⋅O interactions and the strength of trigger XNO2 bonds (where XC, N) of the optimized structure computed from the B3LYP/aug‐cc‐pVDZ level.
Combustion of Ytterbium Metal
Authors: Koch Ernst‐Christian , Weiser Volker , Roth Evelin , Knapp Sebastian , Kelzenberg Stefan
Published: February 2012

Ytterbium metal powder burns with a luminous vapor phase diffusion flame in oxygen. Consolidated stoichiometric mixtures with both polytetrafluoroethylene and hexachloroethane upon ignition yield intense luminous flames. With UV/Vis spectroscopy of the combustion flames Yb, YbO, YbCl, and YbF species have been identified contributing to the selective emission in the green spectral range. The flame temperatures of ytterbium combustion in oxygen and with halocarbon based oxidizers are in the same range as for comparable magnesium based systems.
Initial Effect of an Elastic Chest Band during Inspiratory Exercise on Chest Function Improvement in People with Limited Rib Mobility: A Randomized Controlled Pilot Trial
Authors: Kim Ji‐Hee , Park Hyeon‐Kyu , Jeon Soon‐Young , Oh Duck‐Won , Park Hyun‐Ju , Park Woo‐Joo
Published: February 2012

Background and Purpose

While performing respiratory training, an elastic chest band has great benefits for clinical use due to its safety and easy application. However, to our knowledge, there is no published data on the clinical use of an elastic chest band into inspiratory training for people with limited rib mobility. This study aimed to investigate the effects of an elastic chest band integrated into inspiratory exercise for people with decreased chest function.

Method

Sixteen subjects with limited rib mobility were randomly assigned to either experimental group (EG) or control group (CG), with eight subjects in each group. All subjects received an inspiratory exercise using incentive spirometer for 30 minutes. For the subjects of the EG, an elastic chest band was incorporated into the inspiratory exercises to provide compressive resistance to the chest. The chest function was measured using an electronic spirometer to determine the vital capacity (VC), tidal volume (TV), inspiratory reserve volume (IRV), expiratory reserve volume, forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume (FEV), FEV in 1‐second (FEV1) and the ratio of FEV1 to FVC (FEV1%).

Results

Significant differences were found for the VC, TV, IRV, FVC and FEV1 between pre‐test and post‐test in the two groups (p < 0.05). Further, the changes in the values of VC (0.47 L vs. 0.22 L), FVC (0.55 L vs. 0.25 L) and FEV1 (0.65% vs. 0.21%) in the EG subjects were significantly greater than those in the CG subjects (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

These findings suggest that an elastic chest band combined with inspiratory exercise produces additional positive effect on improving chest function in people with limited rib mobility. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Comments on higher‐spin holography
Authors: Bekaert X. , Joung E. , Mourad J.
Published: February 2012

The conjectured holographic duality between vector models with quartic interaction and higher‐spin field theory in the bulk is reviewed, with emphasis on some versions and generalisations (higher dimensions, beyond the singlet sector, etc) which have not been much investigated yet. The strongest form of the conjecture assumes that it holds for any (not necessarily large) number of massless scalar fields and for any value of the coupling constant. Since the quartic interaction is of double‐trace type, the exact duality (for any value of the coupling constant) automatically follows from its validity at the Gaussian fixed point (for vanishing coupling constant). The validity of the latter also implies that unbroken higher spin symmetries should prevent quantum corrections in the bulk.
Western flower thrips resistance to insecticides: detection, mechanisms and management strategies
Authors: Gao Yulin , Lei Zhongren , Reitz Stuart R
Published: February 2012

Insecticide resistance continues to be one of the most important issues facing agricultural production. The challenges in insecticide resistance and its management are exemplified by the situation with the western flower thrips Frankliniella occidentalis (Pergande) (Thysanoptera: Thripidae). This highly invasive pest has a great propensity for developing insecticide resistance because of its biological attributes, and cases of resistance to most classes of insecticides used for its management have been detected. To combat insecticide resistance in the western flower thrips, several insecticide resistance management (IRM) programs have been developed around the world, and these are discussed. Successful programs rely on non‐insecticidal tactics, such as biological and cultural controls and host plant resistance, to reduce population pressures, rotations among insecticides of different mode of action classes to conserve insecticide efficacy, resistance monitoring, sampling to determine the need for insecticide applications and education to assure proper implementation. More judicious insecticide use is possible with the development of well‐founded economic thresholds for more cropping systems. While growers will continue to rely on insecticides as part of western‐flower‐thrips‐ and thrips‐transmitted virus management, more effective management of these pests will be achieved by considering their management in the context of overall integrated pest management, with IRM being a key component of those comprehensive programs. Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Enhancement of two‐dimensional electron gases in AlGaN‐channel high‐electron‐mobility transistors with AlN barrier layers
Authors: Hashimoto Shin , Akita Katsushi , Yamamoto Yoshiyuki , Ueno Masaki , Nakamura Takao , Takeda Kenichiro , Iwaya Motoaki , Honda Yoshio , Amano Hiroshi
Published: February 2012

We have demonstrated a high sheet carrier concentration in AlGaN‐channel high‐electron‐mobility transistors (HEMTs) with AlN barrier layer. We investigate the epitaxial structure of these HEMTs by X‐ray diffraction and reveal that the partial lattice relaxation occurs in the Al0.51GaN‐channel layers on the AlN buffer layers, and that the AlN barrier layer was coherently grown on the AlGaN channel layer. The sheet carrier concentration due to two‐dimensional electron gases of the AlN/Al0.51GaN HEMT is 2.8 × 1013 cm−2, which is enhanced owing to the use of AlN as the barrier layer. This value of the sheet carrier concentration agrees with the calculated value based on the model of partial lattice relaxation in AlGaN channel layer.
Effect of H2O2 in passivation of n‐ and p‐type 4H‐SiC surfaces
Authors: Palmieri Rodrigo , Radtke Cláudio , Boudinov Henri , da Silva Jr Eronides F.
Published: February 2012

Silicon carbide (SiC) presents many advantageous properties for electronic devices designed to work under extreme conditions such as high‐temperature (300–600 °C), high‐frequency, and high‐power. In addition, the formation of an insulating oxide layer (SiO2) by thermal oxidation is an attractive property for the microelectronics industry. Nevertheless, large densities of interface states (Dit) at the SiO2/SiC interface degrade electrical properties of the resulting structure. Such states are responsible for undesirable effects which hamper the development of SiC‐based devices. These electrically active defects are partially assigned to compounds named silicon oxycarbides (SiCxOy), that must be passivated. In this work, SiO2 was thermally grow on n‐ and p‐type 4H‐SiC using O2 flux bubbled on hot hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), which is a strong oxidizing agent, and acts in SiC surface converting SiCxOy in SiO2. Resulting structures were electrically characterized, and differences in Dit among n‐ and p‐type 4H‐SiC substrates were observed. To verify the H2O2 effects on SiC surface composition, oxidations of SiC using 18O as a marker were performed, followed by thermal treatment with H2O2. Samples underwent probing by nuclear reaction analysis and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Results shown a reduction in silicon oxycarbides induced by H2O2. Electrical and physico‐chemical data were related in order to explain differences among n‐ and p‐type samples.
An evaluation of methods for testing hypotheses relating to two endpoints in a single clinical trial
Authors: Su Ting‐Li , Glimm Ekkehard , Whitehead John , Branson Mike
Published: February 2012

The issues and dangers involved in testing multiple hypotheses are well recognised within the pharmaceutical industry. In reporting clinical trials, strenuous efforts are taken to avoid the inflation of type I error, with procedures such as the Bonferroni adjustment and its many elaborations and refinements being widely employed. Typically, such methods are conservative. They tend to be accurate if the multiple test statistics involved are mutually independent and achieve less than the type I error rate specified if these statistics are positively correlated. An alternative approach is to estimate the correlations between the test statistics and to perform a test that is conditional on those estimates being the true correlations.

In this paper, we begin by assuming that test statistics are normally distributed and that their correlations are known. Under these circumstances, we explore several approaches to multiple testing, adapt them so that type I error is preserved exactly and then compare their powers over a range of true parameter values. For simplicity, the explorations are confined to the bivariate case. Having described the relative strengths and weaknesses of the approaches under study, we use simulation to assess the accuracy of the approximate theory developed when the correlations are estimated from the study data rather than being known in advance and when data are binary so that test statistics are only approximately normally distributed. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A practical comparison of blinded methods for sample size reviews in survival data clinical trials
Authors: Todd Susan , Valdés‐Márquez Elsa , West Jodie
Published: February 2012

This paper presents practical approaches to the problem of sample size re‐estimation in the case of clinical trials with survival data when proportional hazards can be assumed. When data are readily available at the time of the review, on a full range of survival experiences across the recruited patients, it is shown that, as expected, performing a blinded re‐estimation procedure is straightforward and can help to maintain the trial's pre‐specified error rates. Two alternative methods for dealing with the situation where limited survival experiences are available at the time of the sample size review are then presented and compared. In this instance, extrapolation is required in order to undertake the sample size re‐estimation. Worked examples, together with results from a simulation study are described. It is concluded that, as in the standard case, use of either extrapolation approach successfully protects the trial error rates. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Self‐supervised learning to visually detect terrain surfaces for autonomous robots operating in forested terrain
Authors: Zhou Shengyan , Xi Junqiang , McDaniel Matthew W. , Nishihata Takayuki , Salesses Phil , Iagnemma Karl
Published: February 2012

Autonomous robotic navigation in forested environments is difficult because of the highly variable appearance and geometric properties of the terrain. In most navigation systems, researchers assume a priori knowledge of the terrain appearance properties, geometric properties, or both. In forest environments, vegetation such as trees, shrubs, and bushes has appearance and geometric properties that vary with change of seasons, vegetation age, and vegetation species. In addition, in forested environments the terrain surface is often rough, sloped, and/or covered with a surface layer of grass, vegetation, or snow. The complexity of the forest environment presents difficult challenges for autonomous navigation systems. In this paper, a self‐supervised sensing approach is introduced that attempts to robustly identify a drivable terrain surface for robots operating in forested terrain. The sensing system employs both LIDAR and vision sensor data. There are three main stages in the system: feature learning, feature training, and terrain prediction. In the feature learning stage, 3D range points from LIDAR are analyzed to obtain an estimate of the ground surface location. In the feature training stage, the ground surface estimate is used to train a visual classifier to discriminate between ground and nonground regions of the image. In the prediction stage, the ground surface location can be estimated at high frequency solely from vision sensor data. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Context‐aware usage control for web of things
Authors: Bai Guangdong , Yan Lin , Gu Liang , Guo Yao , Chen Xiangqun
Published: February 2012

The Web of Things (WoT), inherited from the Internet of Things (IoT), encapsulates functionalities into publishable services on the Web to enable the IoT a seamless integration with the Web. The openness of the Web, in turn, directly exposes WoT to existing attacks from the Web. In addition, WoT possesses characteristics of high security and privacy concerns, mobility, and limited capabilities, which require specific and additional security and privacy protection beyond existing mechanisms. More importantly, WoT is inherently connected to its context, so context information must be taken into account in its security and privacy measures.

To address these challenges, we propose a context‐aware usage control model (ConUCON), which leverages the context information to enhance data, resource, and service protection for WoT. On the basis of ConUCON, we also design and implement a context‐aware usage control framework on the middleware layer in our ongoing SmartHome project, to provide security and privacy protection. ConUCON is designed specifically to express the context‐aware usage policy specification, such that security and privacy requirements can be easily specified and enforced with the proposed model and framework. Finally, we apply ConUCON to a remote appliance management prototype, as a case study, to demonstrates its feasibility in a real environment. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Depth profiling of NbxO/W multilayers: effect of primary ion beam species (O2+, Ar+ and Cs+)
Authors: He A. , Xu S. , Foroughi‐Abari A. , Karpuzov D.
Published: February 2012

Depth profiling of NbxO/W multilayered samples was carried out using O2+, Cs+ or Ar+ beams of different energies (2 keV, 1 keV and 0.5 keV). The obtained depth profiles showed that sputtering with O2+ or Ar+ beams can reveal the distribution of light elements, while sputtering with Cs+ cannot show correctly their distribution if lower energy of 0.5 keV is applied. SRIM simulations show that changes in primary energy of sputter ions have much stronger effect on deposited energy incl. vacancy/ion and sputter yields than for oxygen and argon ion beam etching. It is suggested that O2+ or Ar+ sputter sources should be used when both light and heavy species are present in nano‐scale multilayered targets. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Quantitative grain boundary analysis of bulk samples by SIMS
Authors: Christien F. , Downing C. , Moore K. L. , Grovenor C. R. M.
Published: February 2012

Solute grain boundary (GB) segregation is an important metallurgical phenomenon that has been extensively studied over the last 40 years, especially by Auger spectroscopy of fractured surfaces. More recently, it has been demonstrated that high‐resolution SIMS (NanoSIMS) analysis can detect solute GB segregation on a simple polished cross‐section. The aim of the work presented here was to demonstrate the use of SIMS to achieve quantitative analysis of GB segregation, including taking into account the inclination of the individual boundaries to the bulk sample surface. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.